bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridge over troubled waters
Authors: Torres Anália , Coelho Bernardo , Cabrita Miguel
Published: September 2013

How can we explain that same-sex marriages have been approved in countries like Portugal (2010) and Spain (2005), where the majority of the population identifies with the catholic religion, when they are not recognised in countries with more liberal traditions? Assessing social, economic and legal changes this paper aims to explain the transformations on family, gender and public policies in Portugal in the context of the welfarestate. Two main lines of analysis are pursued.

First, changes in practices, attitudes and laws, such as the approval of gay marriage in Portugal (2010), are discussed and related to social, economic and institutional processes. The remarkable fall of catholic marriage in Portugal and the huge growth of children born out of the wedlock, just in one decade (2000–2010), are only some of the examples of these transformations.

Secondly, the development of social, family, care and gender equality policies are analysed in order to put the welfare pathway of change in perspective: from a late start in the 1970s and 1980s to the expanding coverage, highlighting welfare-state insufficiencies and limitations as well as, more recently, with ideological and financial pressures for retrenchment.

Bridges and troubled relations between social practises, values and public policies are also debated. Our research results are based in data from several sources, namely, European Social Survey (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010), Eurostat and National Statistics.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying axon formation, growth, and branching
Authors: Lewis Tommy L. , Courchet Julien , Polleux Franck
Published: September 2013

Proper brain wiring during development is pivotal for adult brain function. Neurons display a high degree of polarization both morphologically and functionally, and this polarization requires the segregation of mRNA, proteins, and lipids into the axonal or somatodendritic domains. Recent discoveries have provided insight into many aspects of the cell biology of axonal development including axon specification during neuronal polarization, axon growth, and terminal axon branching during synaptogenesis.
pHocal adhesion kinase regulation is on a FERM foundation
Authors: Lawson Christine , Schlaepfer David D.
Published: September 2013

Increases in intracellular pH (pHi) occur upon integrin receptor binding to matrix proteins and in tumor cells. In this issue, Choi et al. (2013. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201308034) show that pHi increase activates FAK by causing deprotonation of histidine 58 in its FERM (band 4.1, ezrin, radixin, moesin) homology domain, which exposes a region important for FAK autophosphorylation. This model of FAK activation could contribute to motility of tumor cells by promoting focal adhesion turnover.
Undibacterium jejuense sp. nov. and Undibacterium seohonense sp. nov., isolated from soil and freshwater, respectively
Authors: Kim Soo-Jin , Moon Ji-Young , Weon Hang-Yeon , Hong Seung-Beom , Seok Soon-Ja , Kwon Soon-Wo
Published: September 2013

Two bacterial strains, designated JS4-4T and SHS5-24T, were isolated from forest soil of Jeju Island and fresh water of Seoho lake in Suwon city, respectively, South Korea. Both strains were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile rods. Strains JS4-4T and SHS5-24T showed high sequence similarities (97.6–95.8 %) and (96.5–95.6 %), respectively, to the members of the genus

Undibacterium

. The sequence similarity between strains JS4-4T and SHS5-24T was 97.0 %. A phylogenetic tree showed that these strains fell within the radius of the genus

Undibacterium

. The main fatty acids of strains JS4-4T and SHS5-24T were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) (50.1 and 58.7 %, respectively) and C16 : 0 (28.3 and 24.5 %, respectively). Both strains had ubiquinone 8 as the only respiratory quinone, and phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol as the major polar lipids. Strain JS4-4T showed <70 % DNA–DNA hybridization with members of the genus

Undibacterium

. Thus, based on the evidence of a polyphasic study, it is proposed that strains JS4-4T and SHS5-24T represent two novel species, for which the names Undibacterium jejuense sp. nov. (type strain JS4-4T = KACC 12607T = NBRC 108922T) and Undibacterium seohonense sp. nov. (type strain SHS5-24T = KACC 16656T = NBRC 108929T) are proposed.
Facilitating curriculum reforms through lesson study
Authors: Lewis Catherine , Takahashi Akihiko
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to briefly describe the role of lesson study in implementation of national curriculum reforms in Japan, identifying key features that may be of interest to policy-makers in other countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– Literature review, observation, and artefact collection were used to study the role of lesson study in educational reform in Japan.

Findings

– One key characteristic of implementation of national curricular reforms in Japan is that lesson study allows primary and secondary schools, universities, district and prefectural offices, and subject-matter associations to collaborate in implementation. Some key features of the lesson study-supported system of implementation of curricular reform in Japan includes: the ability of school-based lesson study groups to leverage regional and national subject-matter expertise; school learning routines that enable systematic study, refinement, and dissemination of practice (e.g. kyouzai kenkyuu, public research lessons, grade-level collaboration); and policy structures that support implementation (e.g. grants for designated research schools, a period to try out new standards before they are required by law).

Research limitations/implications

– While some features of lesson study transfer readily from Japan to other countries (such as the usefulness of curriculum study, live lessons, and interchange with more experienced teachers), comprehensive systems for using lesson study to support curricular reform are yet to develop outside Japan. This paper identifies the policy, cultural, and infrastructural elements of the Japanese system that allow lesson study to effectively support implementation of new curriculum.

Originality/value

– Successful implementation of curricular reform at the classroom level is a persistent difficulty in many countries. Japan's system illustrates how the strengths of teacher leadership and research-based content can be joined to support curriculum implementation, through interlocking systems of lesson study.
Chinese teachers’ reconstruction of the curriculum reform through lesson study
Authors: Chen Xiangming , Yang Fan
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reveal how the meanings of the current national curriculum reform in China changed in its transmission from the outside authoritative mandate to the local school practice through a case study of a lesson study on a reform practice called the “thematic teaching” in the Chinese language course.

Design/methodology/approach

– By a longitudinal study of the case for more than two months in a primary school in Beijing, China, the authors of this paper followed all the steps of the lesson study cycle conducted by all the Chinese language teachers in the school. Observations, interviews and document analysis were employed to capture the teachers’ thoughts, actions and especially group interactions in trying to understand and implement this new reform practice.

Findings

– The study found that due to the marked differences between the professional reform discourse and the teachers’ native discourse, the meanings of the reform tended to look alien to school teachers. In order to make meanings out of the reform, the teachers in this lesson study resorted to their own native discourse to understand the reform. Such strategies as “de-contextualization” and “re-contextualization” were found in the teachers’ joint efforts to reconstruct and reenact the reform.

Originality/value

– This research points to the importance of school teachers’ own belief system in teaching as revealed by their native discourse. Only by finding an adequate link between the outside reform discourse and the teachers’ native discourse, can the national curriculum reform truly take hold in the school.
Innovating the Singapore English Language curriculum through lesson study
Authors: Tan-Chia Lydia , Fang Yanping , Chew Ang Pow
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on an exploratory study, Project En-ELT (enhancing English language learning and teaching), which used lesson study to mediate curriculum innovation to enhance student learning by engaging teachers in learning and implementing effective English language teaching strategies and formative assessment practices in seven lower secondary schools in Singapore over two years. It aims to portray how lesson study can be adapted to build teacher pedagogical capacity in carrying out the language development goals formulated in the revised national English Language Syllabus 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

– Project evaluation is embedded systematically into the research design from the very beginning of the pilot to in between each step of lesson study process across three consecutive cycles in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program from the project advisors’, participating teachers’ and students’ perspectives. Both the quantitative and qualitative data were collected in and across the instructional steps and lesson study cycles to create immediate evidence-based feedback to inform continuous on-going adjustment and improvement.

Findings

– Findings indicate that across the three cycles the lesson study teams moved from isolated to collaborative planning; from poor understanding and mechanical execution of the retelling strategy to a more sophisticated and skilful use of reciprocal teaching. An increase was found in teacher confidence and positive attitude towards the value of the project in developing their language and teaching effectiveness. There was enhanced student engagement and collaborative participation in the lessons while assessment for learning was fostered in the classroom.

Originality/value

– Program evaluation provided feedback loops to ensure that each enactment stage and cycle learns from and builds on the limitations and strengths of the previous one(s) so internal consistency, continuity and coherence can be achieved for concrete implementation; different perspectives from the project officers/researchers, teachers and students were collected consistently and analyzed to gauge the accuracy of the findings; the collaboration between Ministry of Education curriculum officers, specialists and teachers, through lesson study, was able to create democratic relations rested upon interdependence, and mutual respect and trust; and it provides an illustrative case of how lesson study can be used effectively to help schools carry out national curriculum and pedagogical innovations. The project has important implications for addressing the issues of implementation and sustainability of innovative curriculum practices.
A US lesson study network to spread teaching through problem solving
Authors: Takahashi Akihiko , Lewis Catherine , Perry Rebecca
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and initial implementation of a lesson study network in the US intended to support implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

Design/methodology/approach

– Participant observation and artifact collection document the development of the teaching through problem solving (TTP) network over a 14-month period.

Findings

– The TTP network draws heavily on Japanese practices (e.g. lesson study) and Japanese materials (e.g. coherent, focussed mathematics curriculum) to support changes envisioned in the US CCSS related to students’ mathematical practices and dispositions. The reasons for choice of these key Japanese features are explicated, and teachers’ initial reactions described.

Research limitations/implications

– The design shows promise for combining teacher “ownership” with implementation of high-quality approaches designed by others; and allowing instructional innovations developed in Japan to flow into US practice. TTP in mathematics has persistently resisted implementation in the US, so the network is designed to target a central problem in implementing the CCSS.

Originality/value

– A method for instructional innovations to spread from classrooms in one country to another is suggested.
The role of lesson study in facilitating curriculum reforms
Authors: Kim-Eng Lee Christine , Mun Ling Lo
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– Much has been written about the failure of curriculum reforms to bring about pedagogical transformation in classrooms. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue about facilitating curriculum reforms through lesson study.

Design/methodology/approach

– The guest editors introduce the papers while also discussing key themes and concepts.

Findings

– The collection of papers shows that it would be naïve to assume that the intended, enacted and lived curriculum would be the same. Teachers play a very important role in bringing the intended curriculum to life in classrooms, and lesson study provides a process through which the intended, enacted and lived curriculum could be brought closer together.

Originality/value

– It is only through such collaborative discourse among teachers supported by “knowledgeable others” that reform ideas can take root in classrooms and bring about lasting change.
Shakespeare in Prison: affecting health and wellbeing
Authors: Marie Heard Emma , Mutch Allyson , Fitzgerald Lisa , Pensalfini Rob
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This research aimed to investigate the impacts of the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble Prison Project (QSEPP) on the health and wellbeing of participants, specifically with regard to social support.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews were conducted with prisoners participating in the project to gain insight into perceived sense of support within the QSEPP and across the prison context more broadly.

Findings

– The QSEPP encouraged participants to foster a range of support networks through the development of relationships built on trust, respect and shared experiences. Participants also developed communication skills which may assist with establishing and maintaining supportive relationships inside and outside of prison.

Research limitations/implications

– This research highlights the inevitable challenges for researchers working within the prison context, including: correctional services’ limitations, time and space restrictions and small sample sizes. This research offers some potentially innovative ways to combat such challenges.

Practical implications

– The study highlights the potential of theatre-based interventions in the prison context and their role in fostering social support and enhancing wellbeing.

Social implications

– The research explores the potential role theatre may play in improving the health and wellbeing of a disadvantaged and marginalised group, providing skills to enhance access to supportive networks inside and outside prison.

Originality/value

– To the best of our knowledge this is the first research of its kind and provides valuable insights into the role that theatre may play in fostering social support in the prison context.
Health promotion and young prisoners: a European perspective
Authors: MacDonald Morag , Rabiee Fatemeh , Weilandt Caren
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the health promotion needs of vulnerable young prisoners and the existing health promotion activities in custodial settings in seven European Union (EU) Member States.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research comprised two components: the first involved identifying existing health promotion practices. The second involved mapping out young offenders’ health promotion needs by carrying out a needs assessment. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted. The quantitative element comprised surveys among young prisoners and prison staff and focused on the availability and perceived importance of health promotion activities in prison. The qualitative element comprised focus groups with young offenders and individual interviews with prison staff, field experts and NGO members.

Findings

– The findings from the research have identified a number of similar, but also some diverse areas of unmet need for health promotion activities in prison settings across these diverse seven EU countries. There is no consistency of approach within and between countries regarding health promotion policy, guidance, resources and programmes for young prisoners. In order to improve the health of young prisoners and to establish and increase sustainability of existing health promotion programmes, there is a need for the establishment of National and EU standards.

Originality/value

– Providing health promotion activities for young prisoners while in custodial settings is key to addressing their unmet health and well-being needs and to facilitate their reintegration back into the community. Despite the barriers identified by this research, health promotion is to some extent being delivered in the partner countries and provides a foundation upon which further implementation of health promotion activities can be built especially when the benefits of health promotion activities, like dealing with the common problems of alcohol and drug addiction, mental health and communicable diseases are linked to successful reintegration.
Finite element simulation of road tanks for ADR and fatigue assessments
Authors: Savaidis Georgios , Malikoutsakis Michail , Savaidis Alexander
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The paper aims to illustrate the application of a state-of-the-art fatigue prediction concept (IIW recommendations) to the ADR calculation requirements, in order to include failure-critical weld details to the strength assessment of road tanks. The level of calculation accuracy and, therefore, safety of such structures transporting dangerous goods can be substantially increased.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study of a 2-compartment aluminum alloy LBGF tank used for the transportation of gasoline/petroleum products is conducted adopting the meshing directives of the structural hot spot stress concept (SHSSC) of the IIW recommendations for the weld details of the structure. The stresses on the prescribed Hot Spots are extracted from the solutions of each load case described in the ADR legislation and assessed both in terms of static strength according to EN 14286 and fatigue strength using the standardized IIW assessment curves (FAT curves).

Findings

– The detailed analysis of the road tank has successfully allocated the failure critical points of the structure. Additionally it has illustrated the ability of the embedded fatigue concept to accurately calculate the stresses which can later be used for the durability evaluation, providing that at least some operational load spectra become available.

Research limitations/implications

– The use of a global meshing and calculation concept offers a relatively limited accuracy level considering any individual weld detail. On the other hand, it offers a sufficient overview of the whole structure with minimum effort and costs.

Practical implications

– Time-consuming integrity inspections of road tanks can be minimized, as the failure critical locations are identified and therefore easily monitored. Furthermore, the transformation of the fatigue life prediction issued by the proposed calculation into actual operational time may be used to determine realistic time intervals between service pauses required for the safe operation of such structures.

Originality/value

– The present study constitutes the first approach of embedding the SHSSC into the calculation of large-scale structures such as road tanks and verifies the applicability of this concept beyond simple geometries and load cases.
Planning and heritage
Authors: Lusiani Maria , Zan Luca
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce the papers selected for the present special issue on planning and heritage. This paper aims at advancing knowledge about the variety of uses and meanings of planning tools and practices in the cultural heritage field, by bridging disciplines and by building on evidence from the studies composing the special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– After a review of the debate on planning in management studies, the paper briefly outlines the features of the five selected papers and it reconstructs a composite narrative on planning in cultural heritage, as it emerges from the collected papers taken together.

Findings

– In the fields of both management and urban studies a similar trajectory of “rise and fall” of rationalistic views of planning has taken place. Today's discourse of planning in urban studies is strongly dominated by the issue of inclusiveness and participation. When looking at “who” really participates in these processes, it is clear that a vast array of public and private actors is involved, at least formally. When looking at “how” they are involved, a variety of possible approaches to participative planning are in use, from more formal, to more informal and emergent ones. Whether these participative forms of planning in cultural heritage actually “work” remains in part an open question.

Originality/value

– Despite the increasing centrality of plans and planning in cultural heritage management, an investigation about the state-of-the-art of the debate on planning in this field and an exploration of how planning is done in practice are missing.
The roles of artists’ collective in the Gdansk Shipyard's heritage protection
Authors: Kosmala Katarzyna , Sebastyanski Roman
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The main objective of this paper is to analyse the roles of the artists’ collective in the creation of socially shared knowledge, concerning Gdansk Shipyard's heritage protection during the urban regeneration process over last ten years, since 2002.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical section of the paper is based on a single case study concerning the artists collective’ ability to build a complex network of social relations, to research cultural heritage of the Gdansk Shipyard, to translate this knowledge into symbolic languages through art-based work and to transmit knowledge to the wider public with an aim to engage in an open dialogic public communication.

Findings

– The case study draws on insights from participant observation carried out on the premises of the Gdansk Shipyard between years 2000 and 2008 and interviews with individual artists from the collective, conducted between years 2004 and 2006. Data was also drawn from archival research. The exposure in public media was also examined over last ten years, including Internet websites as well as newspapers and magazines’ content.

Research limitations/implications

– The case study research indicates that methods and techniques applied by the artists’ collective in researching the shipyard's historical heritage and communicating their findings to the wider public have been more effective than the official planning methods of expert-led post-industrial urban regeneration. Over the last ten years, the artists have succeeded to transform the negative perceptions about the values of the shipyard's cultural heritage and engaged local citizens in the preservation of the historical identities of the place. In 2012, the Mayor of Gdansk has invited representatives of the artists’ collective to the newly established Young City Stakeholders’ Board in order to utilize their knowledge of the shipyard's cultural heritage and their capacity to mediate between various groups involved in urban regeneration planning process as well as to communicate with the wider public.

Practical implications

– Despite persistent views in literature that equate public engagement in the planning process of urban regeneration with a kind of “modern utopia”, we argue that participatory process is not only possible in practice but also can be highly effective and democratically ethical.
Assessing attachment for family court decision making
Authors: McKinsey Crittenden Patricia , Farnfield Steve , Landini Andrea , Grey Ben
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– Attachment has long been considered relevant to child care proceedings. However, compared to other forms of evidence, it has been limited by the lack of consistent methods of assessment, training of experts, and empirical evidence. To reduce these limitations, The International Association for the Study of Attachment (IASA) has developed a Family Attachment Court Protocol for assessment and formulation of attachment issues. The purpose of the Protocol is to act as a guide to good practice and to begin a process of improving the application of attachment to family court proceedings.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Dynamic-Maturational Model of Attachment and Adaptation (DMM) and its associated assessments were adapted for forensic use. The resulting Family Attachment Court Protocol was trialed in cases before 15 judges in five countries and modified based on feedback.

Findings

– The judges and most of the professionals working for the court expressed approval of the new Protocol.

Research limitations/implications

– Implementation of the Protocol will require additional authorised experts.

Practical implications

– The primary practical implication is that the courts will receive verifiable evidence on attachment can be tested and, thus, validated or disproven.

Social implications

– If accepted, the IASA Protocol will reduce the idiosyncratic nature of child care proceedings and increase the rigour of professional qualification to address attachment.

Originality/value

– The IASA Protocol is new and valuable because its theoretical underpinnings in the DMM are based on both clinical and also neurological evidence about protection from danger, and it can replace untestable expert opinion about attachment with evidence-based assessment and transparent formulation of recommendations.
Substance use amongst mentally disordered offenders in medium security: prevalence and relationship to offending behaviour
Authors: De Burca Calem , Louise Miles Helen , Antonio Vasquez Eduardo
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– Substance use contributes to the development of criminogenic behaviour and mental health problems. However, the extent and severity of substance use and the relationship to offending in mentally disordered offenders (MDOs) admitted to regional medium secure units has received relatively limited research attention.

Design/methodology/approach

– Case note reviews (n=57) and semi-structured interviews (n=21) of past substance use levels, substance use problems and forensic history were conducted at a medium secure unit in South East England.

Findings

– Results highlighted the high prevalence of substance use among MDOs, especially when determined by self-report. At least one-third (case note review) or almost half (self-report) used alcohol at the time of their index offence, although many failed to recognise use as problematic. Significant correlations were found between heavy past use of alcohol and use of alcohol at time of offending. Past heavy use of alcohol significantly predicted whether or not the individual was convicted of a violent offence.

Research limitations/implications

– The small sample from one area limits the generalisability of findings as substance use demographics vary. Methodological shortcomings were noted when comparing data from self-report and case note information. Retrospective recall bias may influence past perceptions of substance use.

Practical implications

– These preliminary findings indicate the importance of assessing substance use in MDOs and considering its relationship to offending behaviour in treatment and risk management.

Originality/value

– Although anecdotally substance use is known to be high and likely to be related to offending behaviour amongst MDOs, there is little previous research highlighting this.
Management Horizons and the legacy of William R. Davidson
Authors: D. Tamilia Robert
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to give tribute to William R. Davidson and his pioneering work with Management Horizons, the retail consultancy he cofounded along with numerous contributions he and the firm made to marketing thought and retail knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

– The essay relies on the corporate history of Management Horizons as well as other publications.

Findings

– A more complete picture emerges of Davidson's role in bridging the world of academia with the world of practitioners involved in retailing and wholesaling.

Research limitations/implications

– The essay discusses Davidson's contributions to marketing as they relate to Management Horizons. But not all his contributions to marketing and retailing thought are presented.

Practical implications

– Real life examples related to marketing thought and retail practices are discussed.

Originality/value

– The essay offers a unique review of Davidson's role in the creation of one of the most important retail consultancies of the twentieth century.
Measurement as legitimacy versus legitimacy of measures
Authors: Luke Belinda , Barraket Jo , Eversole Robyn
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the growing emphasis on quantifiable performance measures such as social return on investment (SROI) in third sector organisations – specifically, social enterprise – through a legitimacy theory lens. It then examines what social enterprises value (i.e. consider important) in terms of performance evaluation, using a case study approach.

Design/methodology/approach

– Case studies involving interviews, documentary analysis, and observation, of three social enterprises at different life-cycle stages with different funding structures, were constructed to consider “what measures matter” from a practitioner's perspective.

Findings

– Findings highlight a priority on quality outcomes and impacts in primarily qualitative terms to evaluate performance. Further, there is a noticeable lack of emphasis on financial measures other than basic access to financial resources to continue pursuing social goals.

Social implications

– The practical challenges faced by social enterprises – many of which are small to medium sized – in evaluating performance and by implication organisational legitimacy are contrasted with measures such as SROI which are resource intensive and have inherent methodological limitations. Hence, findings suggest the limited and valuable resources of social enterprises would be better allocated towards documenting the actual outcomes and impacts as a first step, in order to evaluate social and financial performance in terms appropriate to each objective, in order to demonstrate organisational legitimacy.

Originality/value

– Findings distinguish between processes which may hold symbolic legitimacy for select stakeholder groups, and processes which hold substantive, cognitive legitimacy for stakeholders more broadly, in the under-researched context of social enterprise.
Performance on the right hand side
Authors: Tucker Basil , Thorne Helen
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide insights into how organizational performance in a prior period may influence the nature of control subsequently used by senior not-for-profit (NFP) managers.

Design/methodology/approach

– This investigation is based on data collected from semi-structured interviews of CEOs and senior executives in 32 Australian NFPs.

Findings

– Although performance has a considerable influence on the subsequent use of control, the findings point to a broad conceptualisation of performance as it is perceived to apply within a NFP context. Moreover, the roles of formal management control systems and informal control are quite distinct, with the latter predominating in responding to prior performance.

Originality/value

– Despite recognition in the management accounting literature of the likely influence of organizational performance in previous periods on control, empirical studies investigating organizational performance as an antecedent to the use of control have been surprisingly limited. The current study directly responds to this gap in our knowledge, and also, to prior calls for the need for more management control research into the NFP sector. This contribution is important in view of the considerable economic and social impact of this sector in most Western economies, coupled with the increasing recognition of the importance of both performance and control within this sector.
Association between maternal body mass index during pregnancy, short‐term morbidity, and increased health service costs: a population‐based study
Authors: Denison FC , Norwood P , Bhattacharya S , Duffy A , Mahmood T , Morris C , Raja EA , Norman JE , Lee AJ , Scotland G
Published: September 2013

Objective

To investigate the impact of maternal body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) on clinical complications, inpatient admissions, and additional short‐term costs to the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using an unselected population database.

Setting

Obstetric units in Scotland, 2003–2010.

Population

A total of 124 280 singleton deliveries in 109 592 women with a maternal BMI recorded prior to 16 weeks of gestation.

Methods

Population‐based retrospective cohort study of singleton deliveries, with multivariable analysis used to assess short‐term morbidity and health service costs.

Main outcome measures

Maternal and offspring outcomes, number and duration of hospital admissions, and healthcare costs.

Results

Using multivariable analysis, in comparison with women of normal weight, women who were overweight, obese, or severely obese had an increased risk of essential hypertension [1.87 (1.18–2.96), 11.90 (7.18–19.72), and 36.10 (18.33–71.10)], pregnancy‐induced hypertension [1.76 (1.60–1.95), 2.98 (2.65–3.36), and 4.48 (3.57–5.63)], gestational diabetes [3.39 (2.30–4.99), 11.90 (7.54–18.79), and 67.40 (37.84–120.03)], emergency caesarean section [1.94 (1.71–2.21), 3.40 (2.91–3.96), and 14.34 (9.38–21.94)], and elective caesarean section [2.06 (1.84–2.30), 4.61 (4.06–5.24), and 17.92 (13.20–24.34)]. Compared with women of normal weight, women who were underweight, overweight, obese, or severely obese were associated with an 8, 16, 45, and 88% increase in the number of admissions, respectively, and women who were overweight, obese, or severely obese were associated with a 4, 9, and 12% increase in the duration of stay (all P < 0.001). The additional maternity costs [mean (95% CI), adjusted analyses] for women who were underweight, overweight, obese, or severely obese were £102.27 (£48.49–156.06), £59.89 (£41.61–78.17), £202.46 (£178.61–226.31), and £350.75 (£284.82–416.69), respectively.

Conclusions

Maternal BMI influences maternal and neonatal morbidity, the number and duration of maternal and neonatal admissions, and health service costs.
Determination of Gimbal and Hinged Expansion Joints Reaction Moments
Authors: Veiga José Carlos , Kavanagh Nelson , Sousa Ana Maria F. , Medeiros Jorivaldo , Veiga Jordana Luiza
Published: September 2013

This paper proposes a method to estimate the actual reaction loads in gimbal and hinged metal bellows expansion joints. Friction and some media pressure forces, which are not considered in current Expansion Joint Manufactures Association (EJMA) standard calculations, are added to bellows spring rate to estimate the expansion joint movement reaction moment. The proposed calculation method is based upon pressure and movement tests of large size expansion joints.
Leak-Before-Break Under Beyond Design Basis Seismic Loading
Authors: Zhang Tao , Brust Frederick W. , Wilkowski Gery , Xu Heqin , Betervide Alfredo A. , Mazzantini Oscar
Published: September 2013

The Atucha II nuclear power plant is a unique pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) being constructed in Argentina. The original plant design was by Kraftwerk Union (KWU) in the 1970's using the German methodology of break preclusion. The plant construction was halted for several decades, but a recent need for power was the driver for restarting the construction. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC) developed leak-before-break (LBB) procedures in standard review plan (SRP) 3.6.3 Revision 1 for the purpose of eliminating the need to design for dynamic effects that allowed the elimination of pipe whip restraints and jet impingement shields. This SRP was originally written in 1987. The US NRC is currently developing a draft Regulatory Guide on what is called the transition break size (TBS). However, modeling crack pipe response in large complex primary piping systems under seismic loading is a difficult analysis challenge due to many factors. The initial published work (Wilkowski et al., “Robust LBB Analysis for Atucha II Nuclear Plant,” 2011 ASME PVP Conference, July 17–21, Baltimore, MD) on the seismic evaluations for the Atucha II plant showed that even with a seismic event with the amplitudes corresponding to the amplitudes for an event with a probability of 1 × 10−6 per year, that a double-ended guillotine break (DEGB) was pragmatically impossible due to the high leakage rates and total loss of make-up water inventory. The critical circumferential through-wall flaw size in that case was 94% of the circumference. This paper discusses further efforts to show how much higher the applied accelerations would have to be to cause a DEGB for an initial circumferential through-wall crack that was 33% around the circumference. This flaw length would also be easily detected by leakage and loss of make-up water inventory. These analyses showed that the applied seismic peak-ground accelerations had to exceed 25 g's for the case of this through-wall-crack to become a DEGB during a single seismic loading event. This is a factor of 80 times higher than the 1 × 10−6 seismic event accelerations, or 240 times higher than the safe shutdown earthquake (SSE) accelerations.
Safety Assessment of Cold Welding Defect in Electro-Fusion Joint of Polyethylene Pipe
Authors: Shi Jianfeng , Zheng Jinyang , Guo Weican , Xu Cheng
Published: September 2013

Cold welding defect is the most common defect in electro-fusion (EF) joint for connecting polyethylene (PE) pipe. In our previous study [1], the cold welding defect is successfully inspected by an eigen-line method based on phased array ultrasonic testing technology. However, limited research has been reported on the acceptance criterion of cold welding defect in EF joint. In this paper, the bonding strength of EF joint is measured using a peeling test. The bonding energy of welding interface is calculated both by phenomenological model and deformation energy analysis method. EF joints with different degrees of cold welding are made and used for peeling tests. The results show that the bonding energy of fused interface rises rapidly after bonding and then goes through a plateau region. The starting point of the plateau region in the bonding energy versus welding time curve is regarded as the minimum required welding time of EF joint. Based on bilinear fitting, the acceptance criterion of cold welding defect is proposed.
Assessment of Residual Stress Due to Overlay-Welded Cladding and Structural Integrity of a Reactor Pressure Vessel
Authors: Katsuyama Jinya , Nishikawa Hiroyuki , Udagawa Makoto , Nakamura Mitsuyuki , Onizawa Kunio
Published: September 2013

In this study, the residual stresses generated within the overlay-welded cladding and base material of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steel were measured for as-welded and postwelded heat-treated conditions using the sectioning and deep-hole-drilling (DHD) techniques. In addition, thermo–elastic–plastic creep analyses considering the phase transformation in the heat-affected zone using the finite element method (FEM) were performed to evaluate the weld residual stress produced by overlay-welding and postweld heat treatment (PWHT). By comparing the analytical results with the experimentally determined values, we found a good agreement for the residual stress distribution within the cladding and the base material. The tensile residual stress in the cladding is largely due to the difference in the thermal expansion of the cladding and the base material. It was also shown that considering phase transformation during welding was important for improving the accuracy of the weld residual stress analysis. Using the calculated residual stress distribution, we performed fracture mechanics analyses for a vessel model with a postulated flaw during pressurized thermal shock (PTS) events. The effect of the weld residual stress on the structural integrity of RPVs was evaluated through some case studies. The results indicated that consideration of the weld residual stress produced by overlay-welding and PWHT is important for assessing the structural integrity of RPVs.
A Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis of the Effect of Weld Nozzle Geometry Changes on Shielding Gas Coverage During Gas Metal Arc Welding
Authors: Campbell S. W. , Galloway A. M. , Ramsey G. M. , McPherson N. A.
Published: September 2013

Three geometry changes to the inner bore of a welding nozzle and their effects on weld quality during gas metal arc welding (GMAW) were investigated through the use of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models and experimental trials. It was shown that an increased shielding gas exit velocity increased the gas column's stability, and therefore its resistance to side draughts. Double helix geometry within the nozzle reduced the gas column's stability by generating a fast moving wall of gas around a slow moving center. A pierced internal plate initially increased the gas velocity, however, the nozzle was unable to maintain the velocity and the change produced gas columns of similar stability to a standard nozzle. A pierced end plate produced the best results, increasing the shielding gases exit velocity sufficiently to marginally outperform the standard 16 mm welding nozzle.
Automated Shape Optimization of Orienting Devices for Vibratory Bowl Feeders
Authors: Hofmann Daniel , Huang Hongrong , Reinhart Gunther
Published: September 2013

Orienting devices for vibratory bowl feeders are still the most widely used system for the automated sorting and feeding of small parts. The design process of these orienting devices has recently been supported by simulation methods. However, this merely shifts the well-known trial-and-error-based adaption of the orienting device's geometry into virtual world. Yet, this does not provide optimal design and, furthermore, requires strong involvement of the developer due to manual shape variation. This paper proposes an optimization algorithm for the automated simulation-based shape optimization of orienting devices for vibratory bowl feeders. First, general formalisms to state the multiobjective optimization problem for arbitrary types of orienting devices and feeding parts are provided. Then, the implementation of the algorithm is described based on Bullet Physics Engine and random search optimization technique. Finally, comparison of simulation results with experimental data point out good accuracy and, thus, great potential of the developed shape optimization software.
Reconstructing David Huffman's Origami Tessellations1
Authors: Davis Eli , Demaine Erik D. , Demaine Martin L. , Ramseyer Jennifer
Published: September 2013

David A. Huffman (1925–1999) is best known in computer science for his work in information theory, particularly Huffman codes, and best known in origami as a pioneer of curved-crease folding. But during his early paper folding in the 1970s, he also designed and folded over a 100 different straight-crease origami tessellations. Unlike most origami tessellations designed in the past 20 years, Huffman's straight-crease tessellations are mostly three-dimensional, rigidly foldable, and have no locking mechanism. In collaboration with Huffman's family, our goal is to document all of his designs by reverse-engineering his models into the corresponding crease patterns, or in some cases, matching his models with his sketches of crease patterns. Here, we describe several of Huffman's origami tessellations that are most interesting historically, mathematically, and artistically.
Experimental Study of Linear and Radial Two-Phase Heat Transport Devices Driven by Electrohydrodynamic Conduction Pumping
Authors: Pearson Matthew R. , Seyed-Yagoobi Jamal
Published: September 2013

Heat pipes are well known as simple and effective heat transport devices, utilizing two-phase flow and the capillary phenomenon to remove heat. However, the generation of capillary pressure requires a wicking structure and the overall heat transport capacity of the heat pipe is generally limited by the amount of capillary pressure generation that the wicking structure can achieve. Therefore, to increase the heat transport capacity, the capillary phenomenon must be either augmented or replaced by some other pumping technique. Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pumping can be readily used to pump a thin film of a dielectric liquid along a surface, using electrodes that are embedded into the surface. In this study, two two-phase heat transport devices are created. The first device transports the heat in a linear direction. The second device transports the heat in a radial direction from a central heat source. The radial pumping configuration provides several advantages. Most notably, the heat source is wetted with fresh liquid from all directions, thereby reducing the amount of distance that must be travelled by the working fluid. The power required to operate the EHD conduction pumps is a trivial amount relative to the heat that is transported.
Performance Augmentation and Optimization of Aluminum Oxide-Water Nanofluid Flow in a Two-Fluid Microchannel Heat Exchanger
Authors: Mohammadian Shahabeddin K. , Reza Seyf Hamid , Zhang Yuwen
Published: September 2013

In this paper, laminar forced convection and entropy generation in a counter flow microchannel heat exchanger (CFMCHE) with two different working fluids in hot and cold channels, i.e., pure water and Al2O3–water nanofluid are investigated numerically using a three-dimensional conjugate heat transfer model. The temperature distribution, effectiveness, pumping power and performance index for various volume fractions between 0.01–0.04, three nanoparticles diameters, i.e., 29, 38.4, and 47 nm and a range of Reynolds number from 120 to 480 are given and discussed. According to second law of thermodynamics and entropy generation rate in the CFMCHE, the analysis of optimal volume fraction, particles size, Reynolds number as well as optimal placement of using nanoparticles in hot/cold channels is carried out. It is found that decreasing particles size and increasing nanoparticles concentration lead to higher effectiveness and pumping power as well as lower temperature in the solid phase of CFMCHE. Furthermore, the frictional contribution of entropy increases with decreasing particles size and increasing volume fractions while the trends for heat transfer contribution of entropy are reverse. Total entropy decreases as particles size decreases and volume fraction increases hence the maximum performance occurred at lower particles sizes and higher volume fractions. The Reynolds number has significant effect on performance of system and with decreasing it the effectiveness increases and heat transfer contribution of entropy decreases while the pumping power and frictional contribution of entropy decrease. Finally, it is seen that the capability of heat transfer of Al2O3–water nanofluids is higher when they are under heating conditions because the effectiveness of CFMCHE is higher when nanoparticles are used in cold channels.