bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Damage detection in steel structures with semi-rigid connections using unscented Kalman filter
Authors: Katkhuda Hasan , Shatarat Nasim , Hyari Khaled 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to detect damages in steel structures with actual connections, i.e. semi-rigid connections. The method will detect the damages by tracking the changes in the stiffness of structural members using only a limited number of dynamic responses and without knowing the type or time history of the dynamic force applied on the structure.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper proposes a technique that combines the iterative least-square and unscented Kalman filter (UKF) methods to identify the stiffness of beams and columns in typical two-dimensional steel-framed structures with semi-rigid connections. The detection of damages is by using nonlinear time-domain structural health monitoring method.

Findings
The technique is verified by using numerical examples using noise-free and noise-included dynamic responses from two different types of dynamic forces: harmonic and blast loads. The results showed that the UKF method with iterative least-square is a powerful approach to identify and detect damages in structures that have nonlinear behavior and the method was able to detect the damages in beams with a very high accuracy for noise-free and noise-included dynamic responses. In addition, the optimum number and locations of dynamic responses (accelerometer sensors) required for damage detection were determined.

Originality/value
This paper fulfills an identified need to detect damages in steel structures using only a limited number of accelerometer sensors.
High-rise building subjected to excessive settlement of its foundation: a case study
Authors: Lin Lan , Hanna Adel , Sinha Anup , Tirca Lucia 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
Differential settlement between foundations’ elements induces additional stresses in the structural elements. In general, the amount of settlement that a structure can undergo without distress is large, provided that the structure settles uniformly. However, based on the fact that the soil under the foundation may not be uniform in nature and the loads transferred from the superstructure to the foundation are variable, differential settlements between the foundation elements are expected. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the stresses induced in a typical ten-storey reinforced concrete building subjected to excessive differential settlement.

Design/methodology/approach
In this investigation, excessive differential settlement up to 75 mm is assigned to the center column on the ground floor that represents the most critical case. A three-dimensional finite element model is developed to perform structural analysis using the software SAP2000, and the nonlinear static pushover analysis is performed.

Findings
The results of this study show that the building behaves elastically up to 25 mm of differential settlement between its foundation elements, which agrees well with the recommendation given in design manuals. Beyond this value, significant inelastic response is observed in the lower floors and decreases gradually in the higher floors and accordingly, some members have consumed the factor of safety and are in the verge of failure.

Originality/value
Based on the results of this study, recommendations are made for better communication between the structure and the geotechnical engineers to either limit the differential settlements or incorporate these additional stresses during the design stage of the building. Furthermore, the results of the study can be used to recommend to building codes or design manuals to add a load component due to the anticipated differential settlements of the foundation.
Synthesis and characterization of a low-cost aerogel structure using classical drying methods for thermal insulation
Authors: Nachawaty Abir , Bassil Maria , Choueiry Antoine , Tahchi Mario , Habchi Roland 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
Lightweight insulators are of major importance for the industry, in particular for thermal insulation in buildings. The purpose of this paper is to present a low-cost method to obtain aerogels with high insulating properties.

Design/methodology/approach
Silica aerogel structures have been obtained by a low-cost sol-gel synthesis method. Surface modification, using dimethyldichlorosilane and trimethylchlorosilane, has been applied in order to get different thermal and optical properties.

Findings
The samples show very promising thermal properties as tested through an infrared camera observation. A 5-mm-thick piece of aerogel is able to withstand the temperature of a brazing flame and reduce the heat by at least 150 degrees on its opposite side. The samples have a vitreous like structure as observed by SEM, some surface cracking is observed but they stay within acceptable limits.

Originality/value
A very good thermal insulator is obtained with a very simple and low-cost method. The bulkiness of the supercritical drying is eliminated and the obtained structure has good properties.
On the effect of hydrostatic stress on fatigue crack propagation
Authors: Andrianopoulos Nikos P. , Pikrakis Aggelos 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study mutual interaction between von Mises equivalent and hydrostatic stresses at the crack tip area of an elastoplastic material in order to obtain critical conditions for crack propagation under fatigue loading.Design/methodology/approachA5083-H111 aluminum alloy is used to obtain a Chaboche-type constitutive equation, which is introduced in a commercial finite elements package to evaluate stress distribution at crack tip area. A simplified three-dimensional (generalized plane strain) grid is used, resulting in fast and accurate results. Numerical simulations are performed to connect crack propagation rate with various combinations of fatigue stress amplitude, initial crack length and number of loading cycles. Distance between characteristic points of stresses distribution in the crack tip area are compared to experimental fatigue crack growth rates in order to assess the validity of the present approach.FindingsIt is found that saturation of plastic strains, i.e. maximization of von Mises equivalent stress, is a prerequisite for hydrostatic stress to take a critical-maximum value, outside the plastically saturated zone. At the point of maximum hydrostatic stress brittle fracture is initiated, driving to separation of the ligament up to crack tip, without formation of new plastic strains. The length of this ligament is defined as crack propagation step, showing good agreement with experimental data.Originality/valueThe present approach seems to constitute a reasonable and adequate method for the description of fatigue crack propagation in terms of continuum mechanics, not necessitating microscopic considerations or empirical criteria lacking theoretical or physical basis. In addition, it liberates from the notion of stress intensity factors, strongly disputed beyond linear elasticity. Improved constitutive equations and numerical models are expected to drive in a complete fatigue failure criterion similar to those of static loading.
From technical to non-technical skills among information systems suppliers
Authors: Branchet Bénédicte , Sanseau Pierre-Yves 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
Existing research infers that in the information systems (IS) and information technology (IT) fields, a shift may occur between technical and non-technical skills. However, relatively little research has focused on going changes in terms of key skills in the IS suppliers sector. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap by investigating these skills evolution in the IS suppliers domain and discusses their impacts on IS and IT curricula.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses a qualitative method based on 15 semi-structured face-to-face interviews, with highly dedicated operational managers in senior positions in the field.

Findings
This study identifies, for the IS suppliers, the critical skills, which are basically non-technical, and peripheral skills, which are primarily technical. It then considers the consequences of this change and the necessary adaptations it requires for businesses and training for this field.

Practical implications
The findings suggest the need to redesign the educational curricula for future managers, and the adaptations required to the work organization, human resource management and business models of firms in the field.

Originality/value
The paper’s value is twofold. First, it focuses on IS service suppliers, an understudied area (most research examines IS outsourcing from the customer’s standpoint); second, it reveals the shift away from technical toward non-technical skills in a field that is intrinsically technical – a change that may occur more slowly than in other less technical sectors – and the consequences of this change for firms, education and society.
A meta-analysis of e-health applications acceptance
Authors: Chauhan Sumedha , Jaiswal Mahadeo 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The increasing importance of electronic health (e-health) has raised the significance of exploring the factors influencing the users’ acceptance of e-health applications. There has been an extensive usage of the technology acceptance model (TAM) in e-health applications acceptance research. However, not all TAM relationships are borne out in all the studies. There is a variation in predicted effects in several studies with different user type and application type. The purpose of this paper is to bridge a research gap by providing a holistic view of the e-health applications acceptance research by integrating the findings of existing relevant literature.

Design/methodology/approach
A statistical meta-analysis of the effect size of causal relationships between common TAM constructs was conducted on 111 peer-reviewed academic studies published in various journals.

Findings
The results confirm the validity and robustness of the TAM in e-health applications acceptance research. Further, a moderator analysis based on user type and e-health application type demonstrated that the effect size of causal relationships between TAM constructs majorly depends on the user type, but not on e-health application type.

Research limitations/implications
This research provides a ready reference of the existing studies on e-health applications acceptance to the researchers. Further, if researchers or practitioners want to learn more about the particular user or application type, they may find the results valuable.

Practical implications
This research suggests that the general public can be used as the surrogates for patients in e-health applications acceptance research. The implementation strategy found successful for medical staff may not work for general public and patients. This research also suggests ways to enhance acceptance of e-health applications among different user groups.

Originality/value
The research is original and is based on the existing literature and its interpretation.
Green IT/IS investments evaluation within the aviation industry
Authors: Jongsaguan Salakjit , Ghoneim Ahmad 
Published: February 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to utilize the existing theories and knowledge surrounding information systems (IS) evaluation and Green information technology (IT)/IS investments to develop a conceptual model for helping decision makers to overcome and reduce the impacts from Green IT/IS investment related to cost overruns or under-optimized budgets.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is discursive, based on the analysis and synthesis of literature pertaining to IS evaluation, Green IT/IS adoption and Sustainable/Green/CSR within an aviation context. Gaps in the preceding research have been identified, and a conceptual model is proposed. Additionally, further research and a methodology are suggested.FindingsThe paper proposes a conceptual model that can identify factors including external factors derived from institutional theory, internal organizational factors, and a list of indirect costs associated with Green IT/IS investments for an aviation organization.Research limitations/implicationsAs a conceptual paper, the study is limited to literature, identifying gaps, and proposing a model. The paper recommends further empirical validation of the proposed conceptual model.Practical implicationsThe conceptual model is helpful for decision makers within the aviation industry to enhance their understanding of the identification and management of indirect costs within the aviation context, which results in effective management of Green IT/IS indirect costs.Originality/valueThe paper fills gaps in the knowledge of IS evaluation, Green IT/IS adoption/evaluation within aviation context through helping decision makers to understand, identify, and manage the associated indirect costs.
What’s so funny about marketing? Twentieth-century cartoonist portrayals of US marketing
Authors: Jorgensen Brian K. 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
This purpose of this paper is to present an investigation into changes in portrayals of marketing by individuals outside of the industry during the important time frame between 1930 and 1999. The twentieth century was a period of significant development in how scholars and practitioners viewed the theory and activities of marketing.

Design/methodology/approach
The study consisted of a content analysis of 1,400 randomly selected marketing-related cartoons published in The New Yorker magazine from 1930 through 1999.

Findings
The aspects of marketing portrayed by individuals outside of the discipline, specifically cartoonists, shifted over the early/mid to later parts of the twentieth century. In particular, earlier portrayals focused primarily on retail store transactions, while later portrayals depicted an increased incidence of marketing communications taking place outside the store setting. Eventually, more portrayals also addressed the adoption of marketing ideas and vocabulary into non-marketers’ everyday lives. Overall, the proportion of portrayals that showed marketing in a negative light was low.

Originality/value
This study investigates changes in portrayals of marketing by non-marketers over a seven-decade period of significant development of marketing thought. Both the relatively long period and the outsiders’ perspective provide meaningful contributions. Also, findings do not support the perception that marketing and marketers are commonly viewed by those outside of marketing as unethical or likely to be in conflict with customers.
Immune priming specificity within and across generations reveals the range of pathogens affecting evolution of immunity in an insect
Authors: Dhinaut Julien , Chogne Manon , Moret Yannick 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Many organisms can improve their immune response as a function of their immunological experience or that of their parents. This phenomenon, called immune priming, has likely evolved from repetitive challenges by the same pathogens during the host lifetime or across generation.

All pathogens may not expose host to the same probability of re‐infection, and immune priming is expected to evolve from pathogens exposing the host to the greatest probability of re‐infection. Under this hypothesis, the priming response to these pathogens should be specifically more efficient and less costly than to others.

We examined the specificity of immune priming within and across generations in the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, by comparing survival of individuals to infection with bacteria according to their own immunological experience or that of their mother with these bacteria.

We found that insects primed with Gram‐positive bacteria became highly protected against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial infections, mainly due to an induced persistent antibacterial response, which did not exist in insects primed with Gram‐negative bacteria. Insects primed with Gram‐positive bacteria also exhibited enhanced concentration of haemocytes, but their implication in acquired resistance was not conclusive because of the persistent antibacterial activity in the haemolymph. Offspring maternally primed with Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria exhibited similarly improved immunity, whatever the bacteria used for the infection. Such maternal protection was costly in the larval development of offspring, but this cost was lower for offspring maternally primed with Gram‐positive bacteria.

While T. molitor can develop some levels of primed response to Gram‐negative bacteria, the priming response to Gram‐positive bacteria was more efficient and less costly. We concluded that Gram‐positive bacterial pathogens were of paramount importance in the evolution of immune priming in this insect species.
Depletion of heterogeneous source species pools predicts future invasion rates
Authors: Liebhold Andrew M. , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Kimberley Mark 
Published: February 2017

Summary

Predicting how increasing rates of global trade will result in new establishments of potentially damaging invasive species is a question of critical importance to the development of national and international policies aimed at minimizing future invasions. Centuries of historical movement and establishment of invading species may have depleted the supply of species available for future invasions, and it has been suggested that the problem of invasions will diminish as a result of this. However, the extent to which source pool depletion affects future invasions remains unclear.

Here we describe a mechanistic model that captures the simultaneous effects of depletion of source species pools along with increases in pathway rates (e.g. imports) to predict future numbers of new invasions. We assume that the distribution of species abundance within invasion pathways is positively skewed, which is modelled using a log‐normal distribution. Given their high propagule pressure, the most abundant species are likely to invade first, while the many rare species are likely to invade only under high pathway volumes. We apply this model to the case study of bark beetle, Scolytinae, invasions in the USA.

Source species pools in Europe and Asia (225 and 655 species of Scolytinae, respectively) are much larger than numbers that have historically established (16 and 32). Parameterization of the model indicates a highly skewed species abundance distribution in the pathway and this is confirmed by species frequencies in port inspection records, thus explaining why only a small fraction of species has historically invaded.

Forecasts from the model indicate that with increasing rates of imports, more species from these regions are likely to invade in the future despite the depletion of the most abundant species from source species pools. Previous statistical models tend to underestimate future establishments in the presence of increasing import rates due to their failure to account for key underlying mechanisms.

Policy implications. The mechanistic model developed here is widely applicable for predicting future invasions of all taxa and provides insights into how increases in rates of imports counteract the species pool depletion effect, resulting in the continued establishment of new species.
A New Input‐Oriented Plant Capacity Notion: Definition and Empirical Comparison
Authors: Cesaroni Giovanni , Kerstens Kristiaan , Van de Woestyne Ignace 
Published: February 2017

AbstractStarting from the existing output‐oriented plant capacity measure, this paper proposes a new input‐oriented plant capacity measure. Furthermore, we empirically illustrate both input‐oriented and output‐oriented decompositions of technical efficiency integrating these technical concepts of capacity utilization. In particular, we pay attention to the impact of convexity of the technology on both input‐oriented and output‐oriented plant capacity measures.
Preparation of Chitosan‐Coated Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (CH‐NLCs) to Control Iron Delivery and Their Potential Application to Food Beverage System
Authors: Lee Sun Ah , Joung Hee Joung , Park Hyun Jin , Shin Gye Hwa 
Published: February 2017

AbstractNanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and chitosan‐coated NLCs (CH‐NLCs) were prepared by a combined double emulsion and melt dispersion method. The physicochemical properties of them were investigated to determine the optimum conditions. At 3% emulsifier concentration, the NLCs showed about 191.0 ± 4.1 nm mean particle size and low polydispersity index value compared to those observed under other conditions. The encapsulation efficiency of CH‐NLCs was 83.9% which was about 10% higher than that of NLCs. In vitro release test showed that low release amount of iron from the NLCs (11%) and CH‐NLCs (5%) in simulated gastric condition within 3 h, whereas the iron release amounts of the NLCs and CH‐NLCs were high (over 77%) in simulated intestinal condition because both NLCs and CH‐NLCs were totally destructed in the intestinal condition after 3 h. In the thiobarbituric acid test, the absorbance of milk‐fortified NLC and CH‐NLCs was lower than that of original milk. Based on these results, CH‐NLCs showed great potential for iron fortification in milk.
Differential sex effects of systolic blood pressure and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol on type 2 diabetes: Life course data from the Bogalusa Heart Study
Authors: Pollock Benjamin D. , Chen Wei , Harville Emily W. , Shu Tian , Fonseca Vivian , Mauvais‐Jarvis Franck , Kelly Tanika N. , Bazzano Lydia A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere may be sex‐specific cardiometabolic mechanisms early in life that affect the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through mid‐adulthood. However, few studies have examined whether early life course interactions between cardiometabolic risk factors and sex are associated with incident T2DM.MethodsThis study followed 7725 children (3834 [49.6%] females, 3891 [50.4%] males) from the Bogalusa Heart Study through mid‐adulthood to examine whether low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), body mass index (BMI), or systolic blood pressure (SBP) differentially affect the risk of T2DM for females versus males. Potential sex interactions were tested after adjusting for age, race, triglycerides, smoking, follow‐up time, puberty stage, use of birth control, and enrollment year.ResultsMean (± SD) age at baseline was 9.4 ± 3.5 years. There were 176 cases of T2DM (cumulative incidence = 2.3%) during a median follow‐up of 9.1 years. In females versus males, LDL‐C and SBP were differentially associated with T2DM (P ≤ 0.001 and P = 0.017, respectively). The relationships of BMI and HDL‐C with T2DM were non‐differential between females and males (P = 0.79 and P = 0.27, respectively).ConclusionsThis study is the first to show evidence of sex‐specific differential effects of LDL‐C and SBP on the risk of T2DM from childhood to adulthood. Greater LDL‐C places girls at disproportionally higher risk of T2DM as women, whereas greater SBP differentially exposes boys to a greater risk of T2DM as men. Additional studies within existing child cohorts are needed to confirm and investigate the mechanisms underlying these differential effects.