bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of paediatric surgery training on the attitudes and experience of frontline general surgeons in common paediatric surgical emergencies
Authors: Leung Michael Wai‐Yip , Liu Kelvin Kam‐Wing , Chao Nicholas Sih‐Yin , Wong Beatrice Pui‐Yiu , Chung Kwong‐Wai , Kwok Wing‐Kin
Published: July 2008

Aim:  The present study is a survey of the attitudes and experience of frontline general surgeons in common paediatric surgical emergencies, and their exposure to paediatric surgery (PS) during training.

Methods:  Questionnaires were sent to higher trainees and junior specialists in general surgery. Their experience in the management of common paediatric emergency conditions including acute scrotum, toddler appendicitis, infant incarcerated inguinal hernia and intussusception was asked.

Results:  Of the surgeons, 60.8% and 41.2% had no exposure to PS in their internship and basic surgical training, respectively. The majority of them managed less than five cases of intussusception (82.4%) and incarcerated inguinal hernia (66.7%); 19.6% and 37.3% indicated that they were competent in managing intussusception and incarcerated inguinal hernia, respectively. The majority believed that general surgeons should know how to manage these common paediatric emergency conditions. However, 56.9% and 78.4% opined that infants with incarcerated inguinal hernia and intussusception, respectively, should be managed in paediatric surgical centres.

Conclusions:  Although most frontline general surgeons opined that they should know how to manage common paediatric surgical emergencies, the majority of them did not feel competent to manage infantile intussusception and incarcerated inguinal hernia due to inadequate clinical exposure. They believed that intussusception and incarcerated inguinal hernia should be managed in a paediatric surgical centre.
Pediatric Hyperlipidemia: Child and Adolescent Disease Understandings and Perceptions About Dietary Adherence
Authors: Kools Susan , Kennedy Christine , Engler Marguerite , Engler Mary
Published: July 2008

PURPOSE.  Pediatric hyperlipidemia increases cardiovascular disease risk. The cornerstone of treatment is a restrictive, lipid‐lowering diet. Child disease understandings and perceptions of dietary adherence were explored, a secondary aim of the Endothelial Assessment of Risk from Lipids in Youth trial.

DESIGN AND METHODS.  Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with participants, ages 9–20 years (n = 50). Data were thematically analyzed.

FINDINGS.  Adherence is influenced by individual characteristics (developmental level, knowledge), in the context of social interactions (family modeling, peer relationships, school).

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS.  Dietary practices are developed within social interactions. Interventions promoting adherence must consider children within their social contexts.
Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions of the Factors Contributing to Infant Obesity in a Low‐Income Mexican American Community
Authors: Johnson Susan L. , Clark Lauren , Goree Kristen , O’Connor Mary , Zimmer Lorena Marquez
Published: July 2008

PURPOSE. To examine healthcare professionals’ perceptions of Mexican American infant feeding practices and obesity.

DESIGN AND METHODS. Five provider focus groups (n = 38 providers) were conducted in two agencies in the Denver area on the topic of contributors to childhood obesity in the Mexican American community.

RESULTS. Healthcare providers believe obesity in Mexican American infants is related to: (a) a chubby baby being a healthy baby, (b) introducing complementary foods early, (c) extended family members’ infant feeding practices, (d) offering infants high‐calorie foods, and (e) prolonged bottle feeding and sweet beverages. Providers reported ambivalence regarding their role in addressing infant obesity.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Healthcare providers working with Mexican American families should deliver consistent, culturally specified messages regarding infant feeding and activity practices.
Pilot Study of an Individually Tailored Educational Program by Mail to Promote Healthy Weight in Chinese American Children
Authors: Chen Jyu‐Lin , Weiss Sandra , Heyman Melvin B. , Vittinghoff Eric , Lustig Robert
Published: July 2008

PURPOSE.  To test the feasibility and impact of an individually tailored educational intervention to promote healthy weight in Chinese American children (ages 8–10).

DESIGN.  A pre‐ and post‐test study (N = 57) using standardized instruments to measure children's usual food choices, knowledge of nutrition and physical activity needs, and time spent engaging in physical and sedentary activities.

RESULTS.  We found improvement after the intervention in all three areas.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Healthcare providers need to provide parents and children with specific recommendations regarding children's weight statuses, dietary intake, and levels of activity.
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF FRACTIONS FROM ACID HYDROLYSATES OF ALMOND SHELLS
Authors: MOURE ANDRÉS , DOMÍNGUEZ HERMINIA , PARAJÓ JUAN CARLOS
Published: July 2008

Acid hydrolysis of almond shells was carried out with 2.5 and 5% sulfuric acid, and the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of hydrolysates (EASH) was fractionated on a Sephadex LH‐20 (Amersham Biosciences, Uppsala, Sweden) column. Three fractions were recovered from the crude extract produced by hydrolysis with 2.5% sulfuric acid (EASH‐2.5), and five from the one produced with 5% sulfuric acid (EASH‐5). The recovered fractions were assayed for phenolic content, radical‐scavenging activity (measured by the α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity [TEAC] methods) and reducing capacity (measured by the ferric‐reducing antioxidant power [FRAP] and the reducing power methods). The highest contents of phenolics corresponded to the third fraction (F3) from EASH‐2.5 and to the fourth fraction (F′4) from EASH‐5, whereas fraction 1 (F1) from EASH‐2.5 and fraction 4 from EASH‐5 showed the highest TEAC and FRAP values, and reducing power.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis for producing xylose is the most common technology for processing almond shells into chemicals, and allows fractionation of this residue into a solid fraction (cellulose and lignin) and a liquid stream containing monomeric sugars, sugar degradation products, extractives and lignin depolymerization compounds. To destine the monomeric sugars as a carbon source for bioconversion purposes, a detoxification step is required. Solvent extraction with ethyl acetate yields a by‐product fraction consisting of compounds with phenolic nature and antioxidant activity, and its utilization would favor the economics of the integral process. The crude ethyl acetate extracts from acid hydrolysates of almond shells showed radical‐scavenging capacity and ability for protecting fish oils and fish oil‐in‐water emulsions from oxidation as efficiently as synthetic antioxidants. Alternatively, the application of the fractions separated in Sephadex gels would be of interest.
Improving Sampling and Response Rates in Children’s Health Research Through Participatory Methods
Authors: Claudio Luz , Stingone Jeanette A
Published: July 2008

Background:  Children’s health is an important indicator of community health because children are especially vulnerable to disease. The school setting is ideal for assessing these vulnerabilities and prevalence of disease, yet the methods that produce high participation among students and their families are not usually described or evaluated. This is important because high participation rates increase reliability of data and interpretation of results.

Methods:  In order to determine which methods produce the highest response rates in a parent‐report school‐based survey, a child‐focused protocol, consisting of a brief classroom presentation and incentives for participation, was compared to a parent/teacher outreach method and a teacher‐only outreach protocol. Methods were implemented in schools matched on student demographics and neighborhood socioeconomic level. The child‐focused method was found to yield the highest response rate; thus, it was deployed in 26 schools to determine its effectiveness in schools of varying socioeconomic levels.

Results:  Response rates were highest using the child‐focused protocol when compared to those resulting from the parent/teacher outreach or the teacher‐only protocols (80.5% vs 74.7%, 83.4% vs 45.8%, respectively). After full deployment, the response rate of the child‐focused protocol was 76.9% (70.8‐82.8%), with 46.9% of classrooms achieving a response rate of 80% or greater. The sample obtained was highly representative in racial/ethnic distribution, as evidenced by its strong correlation with the individual school enrollment, the 5‐ to 12‐year‐old population of surrounding ZIP codes, and the New York City public school population.

Conclusion:  Participatory research methods that engage schoolchildren and school staff directly in the research process yield the highest response rates for school‐based studies and provide educational benefits for the school community.
GEOCHEMICAL AUREOLES AROUND OIL AND GAS ACCUMULATIONS IN THE ZECHSTEIN (UPPER PERMIAN) OF POLAND: ANALYSIS OF FLUID INCLUSIONS IN HALITE AND BITUMENS IN ROCK SALT
Authors: Kovalevych V. M. , Peryt T. M. , Shanina S. N. , Wieclaw D. , Lytvyniuk S. F.
Published: July 2008

Fluid inclusions in halite and bitumens in rock salt in Upper Permian Zechstein evaporites in West Poland were studied in locations where the evaporites lie above oil and gas reservoir rocks. The samples were taken from halite intercalated within the Basal Anhydrite; this unit lies above the Main Dolomite which serves as both source rock and reservoir. Samples came from a depth of 2.3–3.2 km. A characteristic feature of the fluid (gas‐brine) inclusions was their high methane content together with the occasional presence of bitumen globules of near‐spherical form. Geochemical analyses of the bitumen in bulk samples of rock salt (including content and distribution of n‐alkanes and isoprenoids, and carbon isotope ratios) suggest an algal origin, similar to that of the oil in the underlying source rocks. For comparison, we studied fluid inclusions in halite from Zechstein evaporites in northern Poland, where hydrocarbon accumulations do not occur in underlying strata and where mostly single‐phase (brine) inclusions with a low methane content have been recorded. However, published data indicate that similar inclusions to those occurring in the Zechstein of West Poland (comprising brine with a high methane content, bitumen films and/or oil droplets) are present in other salt‐bearing sequences, where their origin is related to the thermal degradation of organic material dispersed within the salt itself. Accordingly, such fluid inclusions in an evaporite succession can only be considered to form a geochemical aureole where the bitumens in the rock salt (including those in the fluid inclusions in halite) can be compositionally linked to those in the associated oil accumulation.
GEOCHEMISTRY OF CRUDE OIL SAMPLES FROM THE IRANIAN SECTOR OF THE PERSIAN GULF
Authors: Rabbani A. R.
Published: July 2008

High‐resolution (biomarker) geochemistry combined with other geochemical data has been used to investigate the genetic relationships of 14 crude oil samples from the Iranian sector of the Persian Gulf, and to provide information on the lithologies, palaeo‐depositional environments and probable ages of the respective source rocks. Oil samples from the Resalat, Salman, Sirri A, Sirri C, Sirri D and Sirri E fields in the SE of the Gulf, and the Foroozan, Bahregansar, Hendijan, Abouzar, Doroud and Nowrouz fields in the NW of the Gulf were investigated.

Results indicate that the studied oils belong to three genetic groups:

Group 1 oils (Resalat and Salman fields) were sourced from Jurassic or older, shaly source rocks deposited in a relatively oxic environment;

Group 2 oils (Nowrouz, Doroud and Foroozan oilfields) originated from Jurassic or older carbonate‐rich source rocks deposited in an anoxic environment;

Group 3 oils, which, according to biomarker parameters, were probably sourced from Middle Cretaceous calcareous shales. Two subgroups are recognised: subgroup 3A oils were sampled from oilfields located in the NW of the Gulf (Hendijan, Bahregansar and Abouzar), and subgroup 3B oils came from the south (Sirri A, Sirri C, Sirri D and Sirri E fields).
COMPOSITION AND PETROLEUM POTENTIAL OF LAKE FACIES IN THE FA‐MS‐48‐73 WELL, MAE SOON STRUCTURE, FANG OILFIELD, NORTHERN THAILAND
Authors: Foopatthanakamol A. , Ratanasthien B. , Petersen H. I. , Wongpornchai P. , Utamo W.
Published: July 2008

The Fang Basin is one of a series of Cenozoic rift‐related structures in northern Thailand. The Fang oilfield includes a number of structures including the Mae Soon anticline on which well FA‐MS‐48‐73 was drilled, encountering oil‐filled sandstone reservoirs at several levels. Cuttings samples were collected from the well between depths of 532 and 1146 m and were analysed for their content of total organic carbon (TOC, wt%), total carbon (TC, wt%) and total sulphur (TS, wt%); the petroleum generation potential was determined by Rock‐Eval pyrolysis. Organic petrography was performed in order to determine qualitatively the organic composition of selected samples, and the thermal maturity of the rocks was established by vitrinite reflectance (VR) measurements in oil immersion. The TOC content ranges from 0.75 to 2.22 wt% with an average of 1.43 wt%. The TS content is variable with values ranging from 0.12 to 0.63 wt%. Rock‐Eval derived S1 and S2 yields range from 0.01–0.20 mg HC/g rock and 1.41–9.51 mg HC/g rock, respectively. The HI values range from 140 to 428 mg HC/g TOC, but the majority of the samples have HI values >200 mg HC/g TOC and about one‐third of the samples have HI values above 300 mg HC/g TOC. The drilled section thus possesses a fair to good potential for mixed oil/gas and oil generation. On an HI/Tmax diagram, the organic matter is classified as Type II and III kerogen. The organic matter consists mainly of telalginite (Botryococcus‐type), lamalginite, fluorescing amorphous organic matter (AOM) and liptodetrinite which combined with various TS‐plots suggest deposition in a freshwater lacustrine environment with mild oxidising conditions. Tmax values range from 419 to 436°C, averaging 429°C, and VR values range from ∼0.38 to 0.66% R0, indicating that the drilled source rocks are thermally immature with respect to petroleum generation. The encountered oils were thus generated by more deeply buried source rocks.
Rural Trauma: Is Trauma Designation Associated With Better Hospital Outcomes?
Authors: Bowman Stephen M. , Zimmerman Frederick J. , Sharar Sam R. , Baker Margaret W. , Martin Diane P.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT: 
Context:

While trauma designation has been associated with lower risk of death in large urban settings, relatively little attention has been given to this issue in small rural hospitals.

Purpose:

To examine factors related to in‐hospital mortality and delayed transfer in small rural hospitals with and without trauma designation. Methods: Analysis of data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for discharges between 1998 and 2003 of patients hospitalized with moderate to major traumatic injury in nonfederal, short‐stay rural hospitals with annual discharges of 1,500 or fewer patients (N = 9,590). Logistic regression was used to control for patient and hospital characteristics, stratifying by hospital volume. Main outcome measures were in‐hospital death and transfer to another acute care facility after initial admission. Findings: A total of 333 patients (3.5%) died in‐hospital. After adjusting for patient, injury and hospital characteristics, in‐hospital death was more likely among patients treated at the non‐designated hospitals with fewer than 500 discharges per year (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.25‐4.41) than among patients treated at similar trauma‐designated hospitals. Patients admitted to non‐designated hospitals were more likely to be transferred after admission, although this finding was significant only in the larger‐volume hospitals with discharges of 500‐1,500 per year (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.08‐1.83). Conclusions: Associations between trauma designation and outcomes in rural hospitals warrant further study to determine whether expanding designation to more rural hospitals might lead to further improvement in trauma outcomes.
Innovative Peer Review Model for Rural Physicians: System Design and Implementation
Authors: Williams Josie R. , Mechler Kathy , Akins Ralitsa B.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT: 
Context:

The peer review process in small rural hospitals is complicated by limited numbers of physicians, conflict of interest, issues related to appropriate utilization of new technology, possibility for conflicting recommendations, and need for external expertise. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to design, test, and implement a virtual peer review system for small rural hospitals in Texas. We sought to define the characteristics of a virtual peer review system in the context of rural health care, and to explore the benefits from peer review administration within a rural network supported by a university. Methods: Physicians from small rural hospitals participated in pilot testing of the system. Policies and procedures reflecting the innovative character of the new peer review process were developed based on legal/regulatory requirements and desired educational focus of the process. An information technology system to support the virtual peer review was selected, tested, and deployed. Findings: The system tests suggested feasibility of the procedures, reliability of the communication lines, and functional anonymity of the hospitals and physicians participating in the virtual peer review. Participating institutions and individual physicians expressed satisfaction with the reliability and user friendliness of the system as demonstrated during the pilot tests. Conclusions: Hospital licensing and accreditation require a process to monitor and evaluate the care of patients. Utilizing means of virtual communication is a viable option for small rural hospitals. This process is dependable, user‐friendly and provides functional anonymity to participating hospitals and physicians. The peer review system has successfully functioned since 2004.
The Next Generation Road Weather Information System: A New Paradigm for Road and Rail Severe Weather Prediction in the UK
Authors: Thornes John , Chapman Lee
Published: July 2008

The use of road weather information systems for the winter maintenance of roads is now widespread around the world. However, road weather forecasts are normally only made available for a limited number of road sensor sites in a region. For example, in Birmingham, UK, there is one forecast site for 26 salting routes. XRWIS is the next generation road weather information system that forecasts for every 20 m along each salting route (typically 50 km long) using a geographical information system, sky‐view factor analysis and mesoscale weather forecasts. Treatment requirements for each salting route are then visualised in simple ‘traffic‐light’ style colours. In a recent winter‐long trial in Devon, UK, up to 78 salting runs on six salting routes could have been prevented saving up to £80,000 in labour and materials. Other potential applications of XRWIS include the prediction of low rail adhesion in winter, due to ice, frost and snow, and track buckling in summer.
Performance evaluation of the Sysmex XS‐1000i automated haematology analyser
Authors: GHYS T. , MALFAIT R. , VAN den BOSSCHE J.
Published: July 2008

The Sysmex® XS‐1000i is a compact new, fully automated haematology analyser, designed to generate complete blood counts with five‐part leucocyte differential. In our study, a Sysmex XS‐1000i instrument was evaluated according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) guidelines. Precision, carry‐over and linearity were determined. Using a total of 700 patient samples, results from the Sysmex XS‐1000i were compared with those from a Sysmex XE‐2100, an Abbott Cell Dyn 4000 and the manual reference leucocyte differential. Using quality control material, total and within‐run imprecision was less than 3% except for platelets. The system demonstrated good linearity over the entire reporting range and no carry‐over (<0.5%). The Sysmex XS‐1000i showed good correlation with XE‐2100, CD‐4000 and the manual reference leucocyte differential. Overall flagging sensitivity and specificity were 91% and 48%, respectively. In conclusion, the Sysmex XS‐1000i demonstrated good analytical performance, is able to generate a complete blood count with five‐part differential on low blood volumes and has considerable back‐up capacity.
Risk factors for oral postoperative infection in patients with diabetes
Authors: Barasch Andrei , Safford Monika M. , Litaker Mark S. , Gilbert Gregg H.
Published: July 2008

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the general population has been increasing sharply. Currently, much is feared but little is known about postoperative complications of oral surgery among persons with diabetes. Existing dental education and practice guidelines cite excess infectious risk among patients with diabetes; however, empiric evidence to support such concerns is lacking. In fact, dentists commonly prescribe antibiotics when dental surgical procedures involve bone. This practice may contribute to the rising problem of microbial resistance and may increase overall healthcare costs. The growing number of dental patients with diabetes warrants strengthening the evidence base to guide their dental care and prevent possible morbid complications.
clonality V.0.4: a randomization‐based program to test for heterozygosity‐genet size relationships in clonal organisms
Authors: PRUGNOLLE FRANCK , CHOISY MARC , DE MEEÛS THIERRY
Published: July 2008

clonality V.0.4 is a program for testing heterozygosity‐genet size relationships in clonal organisms using a randomization procedure. The software has been developed under the Borland Delphi developing environment and a Windows‐executable version is freely downloadable from http://gemi.mpl.ird.fr/SiteSGASS/Prugnolle/ClonalityPage.html. The program compares the observed FIS of the population with the FIS expected if genets (multilocus genotypes present in multiple copies within the population) were chosen randomly from the set of different multilocus genotypes. The randomization procedure is performed with the same number of genets and the same number of repetitions per genet as what is observed in the original data set.
Rickets and osteomalacia in northeast Iran: report of 797 cases
Authors: JOKAR Mohammadhassan , HATEF FARD Mohammadreza , MIRFEIZI Zahra
Published: July 2008

Aim:  To study the clinical, biochemical and radiographic features of rickets and osteomalacia in north‐east of Iran.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients with diagnosis of rickets and osteomalacia during the past 20 years (1986–2006) in the rheumatology outpatient clinic of Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran.

Results:  There were 797 patients (795 female, 2 male). Their ages were between 8–74 years. Most cases were in their second decade of life. The most common clinical findings were: bone pain 96.4%, muscle weakness 81%, abnormal gait 43%, and bone deformity 19.6%. The most common laboratory finding was high serum alkaline phosphatase (92%) followed by hypophosphatemia 54.6%, and hypocalcemia (21%). Radiographic findings were: epiphyseal growth plate alterations 74.4%, osteopenia 63%, ground glass appearance 28.6%, and Looser's zones 26.5%. All except four patients were cured with vitamin D and calcium.

Conclusion:  Rickets and osteomalacia are common disorders in our region. Females especially in the growing years are often involved. The most common cause of rickets and osteomalacia in our region is vitamin D deficiency probably due to inadequate sun exposure.
Infectious discitis in adults: 9 years experience from Al‐Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq
Authors: SAKENI Riyadh A. , AL‐NIMER Marwan S. M.
Published: July 2008

Aim:  The objective of this study was to analyse the presentation, aetiology, diagnosis, management, and outcome of infectious discitis.

Methods:  A screening prospective case‐finding study was carried out at Al‐Yarmouk teaching hospital in Baghdad, Iraq from 1997 to 2006. Fifty adult patients (12 men and 38 women) were diagnosed with infectious discitis from different referral sources. The diagnosis was based on laboratory biochemical tests, isolation of micro‐organisms from blood and needle aspiration tissue, and radiological investigations including magnetic resonance images (MRI).

Results:  Of the 50 cases, 32 (64%) patients presenting within 4 weeks, 94% had pelvic and abdominal surgical interventions, 70% presented with severe neck pain and 36% had neurological deficits. Marked elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and high serum C‐reactive protein levels were observed in all patients. Positive blood, percutaneous disc aspiration and surgical exploration samples for Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, E. coli, Pseudomonas aureginosa and Candida albicans were found. Radiological images showed that disc involvement did not exceed more than one intervertebrate disc with two adjacent vertebrae. The clinical outcome was full recovery (86%), residual neurological deficits (10%) and death (4%).

Conclusions:  Infectious discitis in adults should be suspected in every case presenting with severe neck or back pain, followed by pelvic or abdominal surgical interventions. Therefore, MRI techniques should be performed on every case and an early empirical antibiotic therapy is advised.
Hepatitis E Virus Infection among Domestic Animals in Eastern China
Authors: Zhang W. , Shen Q. , Mou J. , Gong G. , Yang Z. , Cui L. , Zhu J. , Ju G. , Hua X.
Published: July 2008

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen of which several species of animal were reported as reservoirs. Antibodies to HEV and HEV RNA have been detected in some Chinese population and swine groups but few other domestic animals. In this study, to investigate the HEV prevalence, we tested sera from 788 pigs, 100 cows, 50 goats, 49 horses, 101 pet dogs, 105 chickens, 47 duck and 45 pigeons in eastern China for anti‐HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG). We also tested 50% of the swine sera, all of sera from the other domestic animals and 13 Shanghai human sera which were positive for anti‐HEV immunoglobulin M (IgM) for HEV RNA using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Our results indicated that 82.5% (222/269) of the sows, 53.9% (104/193) of the 4‐ to 6‐month‐old swine, 63.4% (168/265) of the 1‐ to 3‐month‐old swine, 55.7% (34/61) of the slaughterhouse swine, 24% (12/50) of the goats, 16.3% (8/49) of the horses, 17.8% (21/101) of the pet dogs, 6% (6/100) of the cows, 12.8% (6/47) of the ducks, 4.4% (2/45) of the pigeons and 1.9% (2/105) of the chickens exhibited positive for anti‐HEV IgG. Inhibition assay confirmed the infection with HEV or HEV‐like viruses in these domestic animals except pigeons and chickens. From the sera, we isolated 18 swine HEV strains, one horse HEV strain and two human HEV strains. Sequence analysis showed that the horse HEV isolate and one swine isolate belonged to genotype 3. The other isolates belonged to genotype 4. The two human isolates were phylogenetically closely related to eight of the swine isolates. In short, the presence of anti‐HEV antibody had been confirmed in several species of domestic animals in eastern China and HEV RNA has been identified in swine, human and horse. This suggested that the authorities should pay more attention to the prevalence of HEV in eastern China.
A Functionalist Theory of Properties
Authors: WHITTLE ANN
Published: July 2008

I consider a grand, yet neglected proposal put forward by Shoemaker—a functionalist theory of all properties. I argue that two possible ways of developing this proposal meet with substantial objections. However, if we are prepared to endorse an ontology of tropes, one of these functionalist analyses can be developed into an original and informative theory of properties.
A Product Ontology for Automotive Seat Specification
Authors: Kerr Clive I. , Roy Rajkumar , Sackett Peter J.
Published: June 2008

A knowledge-based requirements management tool is being developed for the automotive industry to aid in the specification of modular systems whose development is contracted out to the supply chain. The aim of this tool is to allow the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and their system suppliers to have a shared conceptualization of the product requirements. This paper highlights some of the issues with the current paper-based specifications and the use of natural language to represent the requirements. The framework of the knowledge-based tool in order to address these issues through the application of ontology is described. A ‘product’ ontology for the specification of the seating assembly for a car is presented. The ontology encapsulates the required functionalities, design parameters, performance criteria, structure and geometry. This is the result of the consensual convergence in the vocabulary, definitions and attributes that describe the product requirements.
Resistance Based Modeling of Collaborative Design
Authors: Ostergaard Karen J. , Summers Joshua D. , Fadel Georges
Published: June 2008

The paper presents a new model for collaborative design. The model is analogous to electrical circuits with current (rate of design artifact synthesis and analysis), voltage (knowledge that drives the design process), and resistance (barriers to the exchange of design information). The resistances are identified from a collaborative design taxonomy. This model is illustrated through a simple example. Extensions and an assessment of the model are provided.
An Optimization Study of the Ultrasonic Welding of Thin Film Polymers
Authors: Espinoza Ori´as Alejandro A. , Renaud John E.
Published: June 2008

In manufacturing industries, ultrasonic welding has established itself as one of the most effective techniques for fusing plastic assemblies due to its rapid performance and the absence of filler material. In this report, a thermoplastic polyurethane prototype of an orthopedics device that requires a hermetic seal is joined using ultrasonic welding. A robust design approach is used to study the manufacturing control factors that influence the process. The welding process factors and their interactions are used to characterize the resulting seal. Burst testing is used to assess weld strength. Optical microscopy in addition to SEM images, are used for a qualitative evaluation of the welded joint. Optimum process parameter settings from the robust design study deliver a strong and leak-proof weld.
Optimization of a Semi-Active Shock Absorber Using a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Maemori Ken’ichi , Tanigawa Naoki , Shi Feng-Hui
Published: June 2008

We propose an optimization method for a semi-active shock absorber for use in aircraft landing gear using Carroll’s FORTRAN Genetic Algorithm (GA) Driver. This method is compared with Powell’s conjugate direction method, a nonlinear programming (NP) approach, which uses not gradients, but only function values. In these optimizations, we handle variations in the maximum vertical acceleration of an aircraft during landing caused by the variation of the aircraft mass due to variations in the number of passengers and the amounts of cargo and fuel. The maximum vertical acceleration of an aircraft is set as an objective function to be minimized. Design variables searched in the first step of this optimization are discrete orifice areas formed by the outer surface of a hollow metering pin and a hole in the semi-active shock absorber. The design variable searched in the second step is an orifice area which is controlled based on the mass variation. For the GA runs, the ratio of the total number of optimum and near-optimum solutions to the total number of runs was greater than that for the NP runs. In addition, for the total GA runs, the total number of function evaluations per total number of optimum and near-optimum solutions was greater than that for the total NP runs. The optimum semi-active shock absorber is compared to the optimum passive shock absorber with respect to the variation of the acceleration of the aircraft mass. The ratio of maximum acceleration in the semi-active shock absorber to that in the passive shock absorber is 0.79 when the mass ratio is 0.65 maximum mass and is 0.58 when the mass ratio is 0.31 maximum mass.
A System Approach to Simulation-Based Design Under Uncertainty, Through Best in Class Simulation Process Integration and Design Optimization
Authors: Tzannetakis Nick , Donders Stijn , Van de Peer Joost , Weal Paul
Published: June 2008

The importance of design robustness and reliability is a well-established notion and practice in today’s industry. Manufacturing companies strive to achieve Six-Sigma quality measures. While Virtual Prototyping is a key-factor in accelerating the product development process while reducing development costs, it has not contributed in the quest for improved product reliability and robustness performance since it is based on deterministic approaches. This paper provides a systematic approach to design for six-sigma simultaneously addressing variability and uncertainty present in real life on most design parameters. An example from the automotive industry illustrates the methodologies.
A Comparative Study of Constraint Programming Techniques Over Intervals in Preliminary Design
Authors: Yannou Bernard , Harmel Ghassen
Published: June 2008

Three families of methods coexist for managing uncertainty (i.e. representing and propagating) of the product data during the preliminary design stages, namely: fuzzy methods, probabilistic methods and Constraint Programming (CP) methods. CP methods over reals are, up to now, the least frequently used approaches but they are worth being studied further for a use in design engineering thanks to a number of satisfactory properties and to recent significant advances. They may be roughly considered as a collection of methods that are sophisticated evolutions of interval analysis. The objective of this paper is to assess four of these major methods (namely the {hull, box, weak-3B, 3B} filtering or consistency methods) in the context of the preliminary design of mechanical products where large variable domains are considered and a precise (consistent) representation of the remaining design space turns out to be of practical interest to support the designers’ understanding and decision making. A measure for comparing the degree of consistency of the methods is then proposed in the context of engineering design. It consists in pairwise comparing the overlapping part of the remaining design spaces, for a given splitting grain size. Numerical results are established in an example of the design of a combustion chamber (6 variables and 12 constraints). Next a sensitivity analysis of the consistency of the previous methods is performed with regards to a variable splitting grain size. Experiments have been performed on a research platform including up-to-date filtering methods. The paper concludes that the weak-3B filtering technique is a good trade off in design engineering since it provides a sufficiently consistent representation of the remaining design space for an acceptable computation time.
Dynamic Modeling and Simulation of Parallel Kinematic Machines
Authors: Du S. J. , Kalveram M. , Weinert K.
Published: June 2008

This paper presents an effective method for inverse dynamic modeling of a five-axis milling machine with parallel kinematic chains (PKM). For solving the inverse dynamics, the methodology of using the principle of virtual work is introduced, which corrects a theoretic error in formulating the dynamic equations of motions sound in previous literatures. A corresponding computational algorithm for solving the inverse dynamics of the parallel kinematic machine is given and two cases of motion trajectories are calculated to check the proposed method. The corrected dynamic modeling is robust and features higher computational efficiency than other dynamic modeling methods such as recursive Newton-Euler method or Lagrangian formulations. Using this dynamic modeling and simulation method, we can anticipate the dynamic behavior of the five-axis machine and develop a suitable algorithm for motion control and dynamic optimization.
Identifying and Tracking Features in Freeform Shape
Authors: Song Y. , Vergeest J. S. M. , Wang C.
Published: June 2008

Building a smooth and well structured surface to fit unstructured 3-D data is always an interesting topic in Computer-Aided Design (CAD). In this paper, a method of approximating complex freeform shapes with parameterized freeform feature templates is proposed. To achieve this, a portion of a digitized 3-Dimensional (3-D) shape should be matched, or fitted, to a deformable shape feature template, where the deformation is a function of intrinsic feature parameters. 3-D shape matching to, possibly sparse, inaccurate or otherwise degraded, freeform surface data is known to be hard. Using a variant of the directed Hausdorff distance measure of shapes, it is shown that convergence towards a shape match is feasible. Based on sensitivity analyses of the shape distance measures, it is determined that adjusting coefficients of the optimization function in different stages of optimizations can accelerate the optimization procedure. By the matching results, a standard deviation-like function is proposed to achieve automatic feature recognition. With the proposed extendable concept, complex freeform shapes are tracked and fitted automatically. Based on a defined interference ratio, interfered feature can also be identified. Numerical experiments were conducted in order to verify the proposed method and to find the maximal degree of feature interference for which matching is successful. It is also described how the presented technique can be applied in shape modeling applications.
Ant Colony Optimization Method for Product Platform Formation
Authors: Kumar Rupesh , Allada Venkat , Ramakrishnan Sreeram
Published: June 2008

Product platform concepts are often deployed to achieve product variety and hence effective product customization. One of the popular methods to achieve product variety is to scale one or more design variables called the scaling variable(s). This necessitates efficient methods for identifying the values for scaling variables. This paper presents a graph-based optimization method called Platform Ant Colony Optimization (PACO) for identifying the values of the scaling variable(s) for platform formation. In PACO, the overall decision is a function of the cumulative decisions of simple computing agents called the ‘ants.’ The method employs an autocatalytic mechanism using a probabilistic search to improve the solution iteratively. We use a universal electric motor example cited in the literature to test the efficiency of the proposed method. Simulation results on the example problem indicate that the PACO method produces promising results.
The Effects of Different Specifications on the Tolerance-Maps for an Angled Face
Authors: Ameta Gaurav , Davidson Joseph K. , Shah Jami J.
Published: June 2008

A new mathematical model for representing geometric tolerances is applied to a part with an angled face and is extended to show its sensitivity to different specifications for dimensioning and tolerancing the part. The model is compatible with the ASME/ISO Standards for geometric tolerances. Central to the new model is a Tolerance-Map®, a hypothetical volume of points that corresponds to all possible locations and variations of a segment of a plane which can arise from tolerances on size, position, form, and orientation. Every Tolerance-Map is a convex set. This model is one part of a bi-level model that we are developing for geometric tolerances. The new model makes stackup relations apparent in an assembly, and these can be used to allocate size and orientational tolerances; the same relations also can be used to identify sensitivities for these tolerances. All stackup relations can be met for 100% interchangeability or for a specified probability. This paper develops several Tolerance-Maps for a part with an angled end face for different tolerance specifications. These specifications are linear size, angularity, angular size, “linear size & angularity” and “linear & angular size” tolerance. Comparison of Tolerance-Maps for their content for these specifications led to the following conclusions: a) only angular size tolerance is not sufficient for tolerancing an angled face; b) if the value of tolerance remains the same, the allowable variation is more in a part having only an angularity tolerance than in one having only a size tolerance.
Development of Process Optimization for an Intelligent Knowledge-Based System for Spur Gear Precision Forging Die Design
Authors: Aziz El-Sayed , Chassapis C.
Published: June 2008

Forging sequence design is mainly carried out using empirical rules for the design of the intermediate die shapes, in addition to many trail-and-error runs resulting in prolonged development times and higher costs. An integrated optimal design of preform shapes and process conditions approach to minimize the energy required is essential. The research presented in this article aims at developing an optimization algorithm to determine the optimum intermediate die shape-designs that minimize the total energy required during the forging process sequence. It is based on the results obtained in the previous research with focus on knowledge base and database representation to design precision forging solid gears and provide detailed process specification. A three-step algorithm, which addresses gear construction design, manufacturability analysis of gear construction and die-design optimization, is used to generate the parametric gear model and automatically extract design information for manufacturing process planning based on the feature-based parametric design system. Utilization of the shape optimization method for preform stages avoids costly production problems. The optimized approach provides accurate description of all stages involved in the forging process. Forging load and energy required, along with metal flow and detailed geometry specification of die forms for every forging stage are obtained. The forging energy requirements based on this approach are as much as 25% lower than those arrived from die designs based on actual tooth profile geometry.
Global Stiffness Improvement for Tricept Machine Tools Family
Authors: Zhang Dan
Published: June 2008

In this paper, an alternate passive leg structure is proposed for Tricept machine tool to form a modified Tricept machine tool. The global stiffness of the modified Tricept is derived and compared with that of the Tricept machine tool. First, the configurations of the Tricept and modified Tricept are introduced respectively. Then, the global velocity equations are derived and the stiffness models of the two configurations are presented and analyzed. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of passive leg structure are analyzed and concluded and stiffness simulations are conducted.
Fully Free-Form Deformation Features (δ-F4) Incorporating Discontinuities
Authors: Cheutet Vincent , Pernot Jean-Philippe , Leon Jean-Claude , Falcidieno Bianca , Giannini Franca
Published: June 2008

To limit low-level manipulations of free-form surfaces, the concept of Fully Free Form Deformation Features (δ-F4) have been introduced. They correspond to shapes obtained by deformation of a surface area according to specified geometric constraints. In our work, we mainly focused on those features aimed at enforcing the visual effect of the so-called character lines, extensively used by designers to specify the shape of an object. Therefore, in the proposed approach, 3D lines are used to drive surface deformation over specified areas. Depending on the wished shape and reflection light effects, the insertion of character lines may generate surface tangency discontinuities. In CAD systems, such kind of discontinuities is generally created by a decomposition of the initial surface into several patches. This process can be tedious and very complex, depending on the shape of the deformation area and the desired surface continuity. Here, a method is proposed to create discontinuities on a surface, using the trimming properties of surfaces. The corresponding deformation features produce the resulting surface in a single modification step and handle simultaneously more constraints than current CAD systems. The principle of the proposed approach is based on arbitrary shaped discontinuities in the parameter domain of the surface to allow the surface exhibiting geometric discontinuities at user-prescribed points or along lines. The proposed approach is illustrated with examples obtained using our prototype software.
A Survey of the Study of Failure
Authors: Iino Kenji , Hatamura Yotaro
Published: June 2008

2003 was a year that a number of accidents broke out in Japan. The sudden increate in accidents and troubles had the people wonder if there is something fundamentally wrong with the way they are running the business. These series of accidents and failure brought much attention to the Study of Failure. The Study of Failure was first published in 1996 and gained national attention in 2000, however, its roots are found in the late 70s. This paper is intended to provide background information about the Study of Failure, where it came from what efforts are underway in Japan. Instead of making precise records of what happened, the Study of Failure concentrates on finding the root cause, which often times is organizational rather than individual, provides ways for effectively recording them and analyzing them so other people can receive the maximum benefit from learning about the events. It has no intention of accusing persons who may have caused the events. There are now publicly available databases and privately developed software based on the studies. The government is putting efforts into educating the people about these subjects.
Evaluation Method for the Topological Synthesis of Sheet Metal Components
Authors: Padhye Swapnil , Campbell Matthew I.
Published: June 2008

The popularity of sheet metal in modern engineering artifacts is due to the fact that it is both inexpensive as a raw material and inexpensive to form into components. In comparison to forging or machining components, sheet metal can produce lightweight and inexpensive design solutions. The main shortcomings of sheet metal are that resulting components have a limited rigidity and the feasibility of the parts is constrained by the inherent two-dimensionality of the initial sheet. Furthermore, design and manufacturing engineers are challenged by finding a shape that satisfies all spatial constraints and by deciding the optimal sequence of operations for making this product that minimizes both time and associated manufacturing costs. In the past two years, we have been working towards an automated tool that creates candidate sheet metal topologies and optimizes them for spatial constraints as well as time and cost objectives. While we have yet to complete this goal, we have to date developed a representation capable of creating a wide variety of sheet metal topologies (see DETC2002/DAC-34087) and have recently created a thorough evaluation method which is presented in this paper along with some preliminary results.