bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Surrogate Decision Makers on Clinical Decision Making for Critically Ill Adults
Authors: Shah Raj D. , Rasinski Kenneth A. , Alexander G. Caleb
Published: December 2013

Purpose:

Intensive care unit patients rarely have decisional capacity and often surrogates make clinical decisions on their behalf. Little is known about how surrogate characteristics may influence end-of-life decision making for these patients. This study sought to determine how surrogate characteristics impact physicians’ approach to end-of-life decision making.

Methods:

From March 2011 to August 2011, a survey was fielded to 1000 randomly sampled critical care physicians using a modified Dillman approach. The survey included a hypothetical vignette to examine how physicians’ approach varied based on patient age, patient–surrogate relationship, surrogate–staff relationship, basis for surrogate’s stated preferences, and surrogate’s understanding of patient’s condition. Outcomes included physicians’ beliefs regarding (1) appropriateness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); (2) appropriate locus of decision making for the patient; (3) degree to which a physician would try to influence a surrogate if disagreement was present; and (4) physician strategies to discussing end-of-life with surrogates.

Results:

Of 922 eligible physicians, 608 (66%) participated. Across all vignettes, CPR was felt to be less appropriate and surrogates less likely to be given priority with an older rather than younger patient (15% vs 63% and 50% vs 65%, both P values <.001). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was considered less appropriate when the surrogate–patient relationship was not close (34% vs 44%, P = .03) and the surrogate’s understanding was poor (34% vs 43%, P = .05). No other surrogate characteristics examined yielded statistically significant associations.

Conclusion:

Some surrogate characteristics may modify clinicians’ beliefs and practices regarding end-of-life care, suggesting the nuances of the surrogate–physician relationship and clinical decision making for critically ill patients.
The Potential of Simulated Environments in Teacher Education
Authors: Dieker Lisa A. , Rodriguez Jacqueline A. , Lignugaris/Kraft Benjamin , Hynes Michael C. , Hughes Charles E.
Published: December 2013

The future of virtual environments is evident in many fields but is just emerging in the field of teacher education. In this article, the authors provide a summary of the evolution of simulation in the field of teacher education and three factors that need to be considered as these environments further develop. The authors provide a specific example of the work at two universities that use a specific virtual environment, TLE TeachLivE™, in teacher education. This environment is already being used in teacher preparation at 32 universities to collaboratively find ways to enhance teacher practice while using a standardized tool often found in medicine, business and military training, and virtual simulation.
Exclusive Breastfeeding, Complementary Feeding, and Food Choices in UK Infants
Authors: Armstrong Julie , Abraham Elizheeba Christie , Squair Mhairi , Brogan Yvonne , Merewood Anne
Published: December 2013

Background:

Limited data exist that explore the association between exclusive breastfeeding and dietary behaviors related to key food choices in later infancy.

Objective:

This study aimed to examine the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months with age of starting complementary feeding and key complementary feeding data collected at 8 to 10 months.

Methods:

Secondary data analysis was performed on the UK Infant Feeding Survey 2005.

Results:

After adjusting for maternal characteristics, exclusive breastfeeding for 3 months, compared to mixed or formula feeding, was positively associated with giving homemade infant foods (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–1.66), vegetables (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.25–1.72), fruits (AOR = 1.73; 95% CI, 1.42–2.11), and fresh foods frequently (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI, 1.41–3.56) at 8 to 10 months of age. Conversely, exclusive breastfeeding for 3 months, compared to mixed or formula feeding, was negatively associated with very early complementary feeding (AOR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.30–0.42) and giving the following foods at 8 to 10 months of age: baby food from jar (AOR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66–0.92), powdered baby food (AOR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57–0.94), canned baby food (AOR = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.32–0.71), and ready-made bought meals (AOR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.57–0.78).

Conclusion:

Exclusively breastfeeding for 3 months compared to mixed or formula feeding was positively associated with the introduction of complementary feeding after 4 months and giving infants fruits, vegetables, and homemade infant foods frequently at 8 to 10 months.
Agent-Based Modeling of Information Transmission in Early Historic Trading
Authors: Frantz Christopher , Purvis Martin K. , Nowostawski Mariusz
Published: December 2013

This work introduces a multiagent model for informal communication about cheating merchants among investing Genoese traders in the 12th century. The model builds on previous, game theory focused work of Avner Greif and extends it by enabling communication between Genoese traders. A trust-based cooperation model is tested across different network topologies as well as two different communication modes: (a) a reactive one representing Genoese trader interrelations and (b) a more proactive one that is based on accounts on the relationships among a North African traders collective, known as the medieval Maghribi Traders. The simulation shows that even for high levels of initial trust among Genoese, their mode of communication would not have sufficed to collectively identify cheating merchants and prevent them from future transactions. The results obtained from the tested network topologies are further discussed in the light of literature accounts of both historical societies.
Hybrid fault-feature extraction of rolling element bearing via customized-lifting multi-wavelet packet transform
Authors: Liao Qiang , Li Xunbo , Huang Bo
Published: December 2013

The rolling element bearing is one of the most extensively used components in various rotating machinery, and it is therefore critical to develop a suitable online rolling element bearing fault-diagnostic framework to improve a rolling element bearing system’s failure protection during conditional operations. In this paper, a hybrid fault-feature extraction method by detecting localized defects and analyzing vibration signals of rolling element bearings via customized multi-wavelet packet transform is proposed, in which the swarm fish algorithm has been utilized for the minimization of signal residual to determine the adaptive prediction operator. With good properties of concurrent symmetry, orthogonality, short support and high-order vanishing moment, the multiple wavelet functions and scaling functions are defined for the hybrid fault-feature extraction, which match the diverse characteristics of hybrid fault and extract coupling features, and the proposed lifting scheme-based multi-wavelet packet transform is highly effective. Then, the proposed method is validated by rolling element bearing experimental results, which show that this approach can effectively extract the hybrid fault features of inner race and rolling element.
A genetic algorithm-based computed torque control for slider–crank mechanism in the ship’s propeller
Authors: Farzadpour Farsam , Faraji Hossein
Published: December 2013

A lot of endeavors regarding the development of slider–crank mechanism in the ship’s propeller have been made and continue to be investigated. This paper presents the position control of a slider–crank mechanism, which is driven by the piston cylinder actuator to adjust the blade pitch angle. An effective motion control strategy known as the computed torque control can ensure global asymptotic stability. However, it is essential for this control scheme to have a precise and accurate system model. Moreover, large amounts of changes in the output and even instability of process are caused by a small amount of measurement or process noise, when the derivative gain is sufficiently large. Accordingly, in order to compensate any parameter deviation and disturbances as well as minimizing errors, we have presented a genetic algorithm-based computed torque control system which adjusts the proportional-derivative gains. Computer simulations are performed which reveals that asymptotically stability is reached and it confirms the effectiveness and high tracking capability of the proposed control scheme.
Investigation of the tool-tip vibration and its influence upon surface generation in flycutting
Authors: Liang Yingchun , Chen Wanqun , An Chenhui , Luo Xichun , Chen Guoda , Zhang Qiang
Published: December 2013

Flycutting is a major machining process for flat-surface machining, which is a typical intermittent-machining process. This paper is dedicated to study the influence of the intermittent-machining force on the workpiece surface generation. In the present study, some defects are identified on the machined surface and found to be corresponded to the tool-tip vibration by the dynamic analysis and the surface-generation simulation. A theoretical model is proposed to capture the dominant factor based on the characteristic. It reveals that the defects are attributed to the changing period of the intermittent-machining force and the dynamic performance of the machine tool. Hence, a surface-generation model is proposed to take account of the tool-tip vibration and the changing of the cutting locus. The simulation results have been found to agree well with the experimental results.
Application of Dang Van criterion to rolling contact fatigue in wind turbine roller bearings under elastohydrodynamic lubrication conditions
Authors: Cerullo Michele
Published: December 2013

A 2D plane strain finite element program has been developed to investigate very high cycle fatigue in wind turbine roller bearings due to rolling contact. Focus is on fatigue in the inner ring, where the effect of residual stresses and hardness variation along the depth is accounted for. Both classic Hertzian and elastohydrodynamic lubrication theories have been used to model the pressure distribution acting on the inner raceway and results are compared according to the Dang Van multiaxial fatigue criterion. The contact on the bearing raceway is simulated by substituting the roller with the equivalent contact pressure distribution. The material used for the simulations is taken to be an AISI 52100 bearing steel and linear elastic behavior is here assumed. The effect of different residual stress distributions is also studied, as well as the effect of variable hardness along the depth, relating its values to the fatigue limit parameters for the material. It is found that both for Hertzian and elastohydrodynamic lubrication contacts, the Dang Van criterion predicts that fatigue failure will first occur in the subsurface region and that, regardless of the specific pressure distribution used, the hardness distribution can have a significant influence on the safety against failure for bearings subjected to very high cycle fatigue loading.
Averting a downward spiral: building resilience in informal urban settlements through adaptive governance
Authors: Seeliger Leanne , Turok Ivan
Published: December 2013

The growth of informal settlements can intensify the risks of social and ecological harm to their communities and to the wider urban area. The unplanned and poorly serviced character of these settlements raises the probability of disasters occurring. The public sector can increase these risks through indifference and poorly conceived actions or it can help to build resilience through a more constructive and integrated approach. This case study from Stellenbosch in South Africa illustrates how a resilience perspective can highlight the systemic challenges surrounding the growth and management of informal settlements. It emphasizes the interactions between such places and their urban context, and recognizes the negative feedback loops that can exacerbate poverty and vulnerability. It proposes adaptive governance as a framework for building resilience through strengthening local capabilities. This flexible and engaged approach goes beyond “just managing” informal settlements to integrating them in a more positive way into the wider city or town.
Alcohol-related player behavioral transgressions: Incidences, fan media responses, and a harm-reduction alternative
Authors: Smith Aaron CT , Stavros Constantino , Westberg Kate , Wilson Brad , Boyle Colleen
Published: December 2013

This article examines fan social media responses to media-reported, alcohol-related player behavioral transgressions that occurred in Australia’s two largest professional sporting leagues, the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Football League (AFL), over a 33-month period. Using netnography and content analysis, the study aimed to better understand the ways in which sport fans employed social media to voice their perceptions about alcohol-related player transgressions. The article reports on parochial fans’ commentaries about alcohol-related transgressions and uses these data to inform options for harm-reduction strategies associated with alcohol-related transgressions in sport. Sport fans expressed dissatisfaction when they observed disparity in policy responses from clubs and leagues. At the same time, the data show that fan responses reflect a desire for parity and protection more than punishment, with the former more relevant to game, club, and league reputation than the latter. We suggest that a harm-reduction policy offers one mechanism for managing reputation through a focus on parity and protection. We argue that the introduction of a harm-reduction approach would offer a more effective policy for managing player alcohol-related transgressions than the current ‘ad hoc’ approach.
Validating a Measure of Organizational Cultural Competence in Voluntary Child Welfare
Authors: Schudrich Wendy Zeitlin
Published: December 2013

Objective:

This research examines the psychometric properties of two subscales of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Multicultural Council’s Organizational Cultural Competence Assessment, which together have been used to assess organizational cultural competence in child welfare agencies.

Method:

Confirmatory factor analysis was utilized to analyze data on 478 child welfare workers.

Results:

Six models were generated based upon the theoretical literature. The best-fitting model was unidimensional (χ2 = 13.18, df = 9, p = .15; root mean square error of approximation = 0.03; comparative fit index = 0.99; Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.99).

Discussion and applications to social work:

Factors that are more proximal to client interaction were stronger indicators of organizational cultural competence than those that were more distal. Those wishing to examine organizational cultural competence in voluntary child welfare settings should consider using the validated form of the AUCD instrument.
The Enemy Is Among Us
Authors: Stewart Cindy
Published: December 2013

As the end of apartheid neared, the process of police reform was extremely important as the new South African Government was about to inherit an oppressive police force that was often seen as the enemy of democratic reform. Beginning in 1990, authorities and community members contemplated how police reform might work. During apartheid, police were seen as coercive, oppressive, and violent; an important part of police reform efforts was to establish a new image of police. Examining (1) how newspapers framed images of police in South Africa, (2) how the image of police changed over time, and (3) whether media images of police changed from one of conflict to one of consensus reflecting the political transition from apartheid to democracy, I argue that the media image of the South African police service during the transition from apartheid to democracy hindered the ability of community policing efforts to flourish.
A Cross-National Analysis of Principals’ Reports of School Violence
Authors: Agnich Laura E. , Miyazaki Yasuo
Published: December 2013

School violence is a growing problem throughout the world, although some nations exhibit higher rates of violence than others. This research examines the relationships between measures of strain and principals’ reports of school violence in schools across 39 nation-units derived from the 2007 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Studies survey. Using multilevel linear analysis, findings indicate that schools with larger eighth-grade sizes, fewer females, and greater resource shortages exhibit higher levels of violence across nations, in addition to higher national average school sizes and lower national levels of math achievement, lending support to strain theory. Interestingly, nations with higher gross domestic products (GDPs) and those that spend higher percentages of their GDP on education also exhibit higher levels of reported school violence, suggesting that potentially, the construct of school violence may be more socially acceptable to report and address in wealthier nations.
Personal and Contextual Variables Related to Work Hope Among Undergraduate Students From Underrepresented Backgrounds
Authors: Thompson Mindi N. , Her Pa , Nitzarim Rachel S.
Published: December 2013

This study investigated the relationships among personal and environmental variables (i.e., college student generation status, psychological distress, experiences with racism and classism, and perceived social status [PSS]) and work hope. One hundred and seventy-six undergraduate students attending a predominantly White institution who identified as members of an underrepresented racial/ethnic group completed the study. Consistent with the hypotheses, results demonstrated that increased psychological distress and more experiences with classism, experiences with racism related to lowered levels of work hope and that heightened PSS related positively to work hope. When examined in combination, all variables significantly predicted work hope, but only the βs for psychological distress and PSS were significant. Unexpectedly, first-generation college students did not significantly differ from continuing generation college students in levels of work hope. Limitations, directions for future research, and implications for career counseling are presented.
Getting Ahead Through Flattery
Authors: Sibunruang Hataya , Capezio Alessandra , Restubog Simon Lloyd D.
Published: December 2013

Research examining the career-related outcomes of ingratiation has produced fairly inconsistent findings. To move the literature forward, we draw on cognitive consistency theory and social influence theory to examine how the moderating roles of organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) and political skill may affect ingratiation as a strategy to enhance an employee’s promotability. In Study 1 involving 92 independent matched subordinate–supervisor dyads from Thailand, we found support for the moderating effect of OBSE such that there was a positive relationship between supervisor-reported ingratiation and self-reported promotability among individuals with high as opposed to low OBSE. These results were replicated in Study 2 using 150 independent matched subordinate–peer–supervisor triads. Results revealed that the relationship between peer-reported ingratiation and supervisor-reported promotability became positive for those employees with high as opposed to low political skill.
Minimally Invasive Repair of the Tibialis Anterior Tendon Using a Semitendinosus Autograft
Authors: Michels Frederick , Van Der Bauwhede Jan , Oosterlinck Dirk , Thomas Sam , Guillo Stéphane
Published: December 2013

Background:

Ruptures of the tibialis anterior tendon are rare but can cause substantial functional deficiencies. The literature regarding the treatment of such injuries is very limited. Atraumatic ruptures often occur in the presence of an abnormal tendon structure, and retraction often makes end-to-end repair impossible. With traumatic lesions, the risk of developing both adhesions and scar tissue is high.

Methods:

This study assesses the results of a surgical reconstruction using the interposition of a semitendinosus tendon autograft in 12 patients. Three patients had a traumatic rupture, and 9 patients had an atraumatic rupture. In 8 patients, the procedure was carried out using a minimally invasive technique.

Results:

The average postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score was 95.7 in the atraumatic group and 94.7 in the traumatic group. Active dorsiflexion was possible after 2 to 3 weeks. We believe that the interposition of a strong, healthy tendon facilitated healing and allowed early weight bearing. All patients had good recovery of dorsiflexion and gait.

Conclusions:

Repairing a ruptured tibialis anterior tendon using a semitendinosus autograft was a reliable technique and offered a good result. With the minimally invasive approach, there was no need to divide the extensor retinaculum, which we believe allowed faster recovery and reduced the risk of adhesions and wound healing problems.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Fractals in the Neurosciences, Part II
Authors: Di Ieva Antonio , Esteban Francisco J. , Grizzi Fabio , Klonowski Wlodzimierz , Martín-Landrove Miguel
Published: December 2013

It has been ascertained that the human brain is a complex system studied at multiple scales, from neurons and microcircuits to macronetworks. The brain is characterized by a hierarchical organization that gives rise to its highly topological and functional complexity. Over the last decades, fractal geometry has been shown as a universal tool for the analysis and quantification of the geometric complexity of natural objects, including the brain. The fractal dimension has been identified as a quantitative parameter for the evaluation of the roughness of neural structures, the estimation of time series, and the description of patterns, thus able to discriminate different states of the brain in its entire physiopathological spectrum. Fractal-based computational analyses have been applied to the neurosciences, particularly in the field of clinical neurosciences including neuroimaging and neuroradiology, neurology and neurosurgery, psychiatry and psychology, and neuro-oncology and neuropathology. After a review of the basic concepts of fractal analysis and its main applications to the basic neurosciences in part I of this series, here, we review the main applications of fractals to the clinical neurosciences for a holistic approach towards a fractal geometry model of the brain.
Bottom-Up and Top-Down Attention
Authors: Katsuki Fumi , Constantinidis Christos
Published: December 2013

The brain is limited in its capacity to process all sensory stimuli present in the physical world at any point in time and relies instead on the cognitive process of attention to focus neural resources according to the contingencies of the moment. Attention can be categorized into two distinct functions: bottom-up attention, referring to attentional guidance purely by externally driven factors to stimuli that are salient because of their inherent properties relative to the background; and top-down attention, referring to internal guidance of attention based on prior knowledge, willful plans, and current goals. Over the past few years, insights on the neural circuits and mechanisms of bottom-up and top-down attention have been gained through neurophysiological experiments. Attention affects the mean neuronal firing rate as well as its variability and correlation across neurons. Although distinct processes mediate the guidance of attention based on bottom-up and top-down factors, a common neural apparatus, the frontoparietal network, is essential in both types of attentional processes.
The Pathophysiology and Management of Acute Traumatic Coagulopathy
Authors: Duan Kaipeng , Yu Wenkui , Li Ning
Published: December 2013

Acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) is commonly seen among patients with severe injury and will lead to uncontrolled bleeding diathesis, which is an important contributor to trauma death. During the past 10 years, the understanding of the mechanism causing ATC has changed rapidly. The mechanisms for ATC are complicated. To date, the possible mechanisms include activation of protein C, shedding of endothelial glycocalyx, catecholamine release, platelet dysfunction, primary, and secondary fibrinolysis, with tissue injury and hypoperfusion as the triggers. Classic factors such as dilution, acidosis, and hypothermia can further aggravate the coagulopathy. Inflammation may have a potential effect on the onset and prognosis of ATC. With the aid of diagnostic device, the outcome can be improved through early and customized treatment. Antifibrinolytics such as tranexamic acid has some benefits in patients with bleeding trauma, especially in the early time. This review presents the current understanding of ATC mechanisms and management.
The response of a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) cantilever-paddle gas sensor to mechanical shock loads
Authors: Ouakad Hassen M
Published: December 2013

This work presents an investigation into the effect of nonlinearities on the response of a micro-electro-mechanical system gas sensor under mechanical shock and electrostatic loading. The gas sensor consists of a cantilever microbeam with a rigid microplate (micro-paddle) attached to its tip. A nonlinear Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is used to model the system, accounting for both geometric and inertia nonlinearities, in addition to the nonlinear electrostatic force used to actuate the system. The system of integro-partial-differential equations is discretized using a Galerkin procedure to extract a reduced-order model, which is then used for dynamic simulations of the system responses. The influences of the different components of nonlinearity such as geometric and inertia nonlinearities are examined. The results of the nonlinear model are compared to results obtained from linear beam theory and finite element simulations. For mechanical shock loading, both quasi-static and dynamic responses of a microbeam are considered. The effect of nonlinearity is found to be significant when the deflection of the microbeam exceeds around 30% of its length. The consequence of the large deflection is that the geometric nonlinearity has a much stronger influence on the response in comparison to the inertia nonlinearity. It is also apparent that the effect of the paddle is to enhance the dynamic, as opposed to the quasi-static, response of the microbeam to mechanical shock. For electrostatic actuation, it is found that using a nonlinear beam model to predict the pull-in and the deflection produces a slight improvement over using a linear beam model.
A two-variable first-order shear deformation theory coupled with surface and nonlocal effects for free vibration of nanoplates
Authors: Malekzadeh Parviz , Shojaee Mohammad
Published: December 2013

A two-variable first-order shear deformation theory in combination with surface free energy and small scale (size-effect) is employed to present a simple and computationally efficient formulation for the free vibration of nanoplates with arbitrary boundary conditions. The free surfaces are modeled as two-dimensional membranes adhering to the underlying bulk material without slipping. To take into account the small scale effect, the nonlocal constitutive relations of Eringen are used. The equations of motion and the related boundary conditions are derived by employing Hamilton’s principle. An analytical solution for the free vibration of simply supported nanoplates is obtained and comparison studies with the results of other two-dimensional theories available in the open literature are performed to validate the proposed formulation. Then, by using the differential quadrature method, an approximate solution for nanoplates surrounded by an elastic media and with arbitrary boundary conditions is developed. Consequently, the effects of surface free energy, the small scale parameter and elastic constant of surrounding media together with geometrical parameters on the natural frequencies of nanoplates are investigated.
Identify structural flaw location and type with an inverse algorithm of resonance inspection
Authors: Xu Wei , Lai Canhai , Sun Xin
Published: December 2013

To evaluate a structural component’s fitness for service and quantify its remaining useful life, aging and service-induced structural flaws must be quantitatively determined in service or during scheduled maintenance shutdowns. Resonance inspection (RI), a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique, distinguishes the anomalous parts from the good parts based on changes in natural frequency spectra. Known for its numerous advantages, e.g., low inspection cost, high testing speed, and broad applicability to complex structures, RI has been widely used in the automobile industry for quality inspection. However, compared to other contemporary direct visualization-based NDE methods, a more widespread application of RI faces a fundamental challenge because such technology is unable to quantify the flaw details, e.g., location, dimensions, and types. In this study, the effectiveness of a maximum correlation-based inverse RI algorithm on a variety of common structural flaws, e.g., stiffness degradation, voids, and cracks, either in monotype or the coexisting form, has been systematically investigated. The prediction results are found to be able to accurately locate the damages and quantitatively measure the physical characteristics of the defects, which can effectively help retrieve the actual state of health of the engineering structures in a computationally efficient way.
Validation of loop shaping force feedback controller for nonlinear effective force testing
Authors: Nakata Narutoshi , Krug Erin
Published: December 2013

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the loop shaping force feedback controller for the effective force test method with nonlinear test structures. Using loop shaping techniques a force feedback controller is designed to compensate for the control-structure interaction and suppress the oil-column resonance of the hydraulic actuator. A series of effective force tests using historical earthquake ground motions are conducted to assess the performance and robustness of the loop shaping force feedback controller at the Johns Hopkins University, USA. The effective force tests were successfully performed beyond the linear range of the test structures, developing nonlinear hysteresis loops and residual displacements. Experimental results proved that the loop shaping force feedback controller provides robustness despite the nonlinearities of the test structures. However, the investigation also revealed that the loop shaping force feedback controller has limited capabilities to produce accurate force tracking in nonlinear region of the test structure.
On the use of compatibility conditions for the strain in linear and non-linear theories of mechanics
Authors: Rajagopal Kumbakonam R , Srinivasa Arun R
Published: December 2013

This short note addresses a misconception that seems to be prevalent with regard to the use of compatibility conditions for the strains in both the linearized and non-linear theories of elasticity, when one uses a “stress-based” approach.
The configuration space and principle of virtual power for rough bodies
Authors: Falach Lior , Segev Reuven
Published: December 2013

In the setting of an n-dimensional Euclidean space, the duality between velocity fields on the class of admissible bodies and Cauchy fluxes is studied using tools from geometric measure theory. A generalized Cauchy flux theory is obtained for sets whose measure theoretic boundaries may be as irregular as flat ( n − 1)-chains. Initially, bodies are modeled as normal n -currents induced by sets of finite perimeter. A configuration space comprising Lipschitz embeddings induces virtual velocities given by locally Lipschitz mappings. A Cauchy flux is defined as a real valued function on the Cartesian product of ( n − 1)-currents and locally Lipschitz mappings. A version of Cauchy’s postulates implies that a Cauchy flux may be uniquely extended to an n-tuple of flat ( n − 1)-cochains. Thus, the class of admissible bodies is extended to include flat n-chains and a generalized form of the principle of virtual power is presented. Wolfe’s representation theorem for flat cochains enables the identification of stress as an n-tuple of flat ( n − 1)-forms representing the flat ( n − 1)-cochains associated with the Cauchy flux.
The Female Family Annihilator
Authors: Scott Hannah , Fleming Katie
Published: December 2013

This study explores patterns among female family annihilators using a non-random sample ( n = 7), where offenders killed four or more family members during a single homicidal event. Acts of maternal familicide are measured against the family annihilator profile. Overall, many variables remain consistent across gender, but there appear to be substantive differences in motivation, spousal murder attempt, and the role of alcohol. Findings suggest that research on the family annihilator needs to be more inclusive of women, including use of more gender-neutral language. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed, and a new definition of the family annihilator is offered.
Telling Organizational Tales
Authors: Wadham Helen , Warren Richard C.
Published: December 2013

The extended case method brings existing theory to bear on a particular ethnographic case, enabling complex macro-level questions to be examined through their everyday manifestations in micro-level social settings. Yet it remains comparatively underutilized among organizational researchers, many of whom may be deterred by an apparent lack of practical guidance. The article addresses this by outlining three main steps, illustrated by the authors’ own experience of implementing the extended case method in a recently published organizational study. In so doing, the article makes clear the distinctiveness of the method, particularly compared to the better-known grounded theory approach to ethnography. It concludes that by offering a bridge between interpretive and critical approaches, the extended case method represents a valuable addition to the toolkit of organizational researchers.
Sodium nitrite in patients with peripheral artery disease and diabetes mellitus: Safety, walking distance and endothelial function
Authors: Mohler Emile R , Hiatt William R , Gornik Heather L , Kevil Christopher G , Quyyumi Arshed , Haynes William G , Annex Brian H
Published: December 2013

Nitrite stores decrease after exercise in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetes represents decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability that may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and limit exercise duration. The primary objective of this placebo-controlled study was the safety and tolerability of multiple doses of oral sodium nitrite in patients with PAD, predominantly with diabetes, over a period of 10 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was endothelial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and secondary efficacy endpoints included a 6-minute walk test and quality of life assessment. Of the 55 subjects, the most common side effects attributed to sodium nitrite were a composite of headache and dizziness occurring in 21% with the 40 mg dose and 44% with the 80 mg dose. There was no clinically significant elevation of methemoglobin. FMD non-significantly worsened in the placebo and 40 mg groups, but was stable in the 80 mg group. Diabetic patients receiving 80 mg had significantly higher FMD compared with the placebo and 40 mg groups. There was no significant change in 6-minute walk test or quality of life parameters over time compared to placebo. In conclusion, sodium nitrite therapy is well tolerated in patients with PAD. The possible clinical benefit of sodium nitrite should be studied in a larger and fully powered trial.
The journalistic structure of feeling: An exploration of career life histories of Israeli journalists
Authors: Meyers Oren , Davidson Roei
Published: December 2013

The study explores 33 occupational life histories of current and former Israeli journalists. By doing so, it enables us to better understand how the fundamental changes that the journalistic profession underwent during recent decades shaped and influenced the occupational progression of Israeli journalists. Our interviews validate previous work on the partial professional standing of journalism showing that individuals enter journalism in a protracted and uneven manner. In addition, the analysis of modes of reasoning for entering journalism charts the informal boundaries of overt journalistic political identification. Finally, an exploration of self-narrated occupational highs and lows shows that career highs are always identified as personal achievements while career lows are mostly narrated as outcomes of larger organizational or institutional constraints. The current chaotic nature of journalism organizations, as reflected in our life history corpus, illustrates an environment in which there is a clear disconnect between actions and rewards.
On the future of urban design: Fabricating the future through Bloch’s utopians
Authors: Ganjavie Amir
Published: December 2013

This article introduces the concept of utopia as presented in the writings of Ernst Bloch in order to propose a definition of utopia that follows from a democratic, dynamic, and open-ended conception. It outlines how Bloch redefined utopia in its different forms and will discuss how his conception of utopia could be a useful methodological tool for evaluating utopia in urban design. It then discusses The Local Project as a case to evaluate the relevance of Bloch’s methodological framework. Through this analysis, the article suggests that The Local Project could be useful in the struggle against globalization through the power of imagination and everyday actions.
A financial evaluation of the design concept for a ‘clean energy producing vessel’
Authors: Cullinane Kevin , Cullinane Sharon
Published: December 2013

The design concept for a ‘clean energy producing vessel’ proposes the exploitation of remote offshore gas reserves, primarily from stranded fields, using a floating electrical power generation plant. In comparison to conventional approaches utilising liquefied natural gas and pipeline technologies, the clean energy producing vessel represents a highly innovative approach to the production and transportation logistics of natural gas for electricity generation. The main objective of this article is to undertake a financial evaluation of the clean energy producing vessel design concept. This is achieved by developing a financial model comprising cost and revenue modular elements that reflect the major technical components of the design concept: the floating production, storage and offloading unit; the electrical generation plant; cable transmission; carbon capture and electricity prices. The results for net present value and internal rate of return are derived for all combinations of either high- or low-revenue scenarios and for high- or low-cost scenarios. With a rather low internal rate of return of just 15.53%, the only scenario that yields a positive outcome is that of the high-revenue and low-cost combination. Accounting for savings in carbon dioxide emissions exerts only a negligible impact upon the results. Analysis of future research required concludes that following its deployment and implementation, the feasibility of the clean energy producing vessel design concept depends on the outcomes of economic and technological assessments, which are difficult to predict with any degree of certainty.
Risk management of cargo damage in export operations of ocean freight forwarders in Taiwan
Authors: Tseng Wen-Jui , Ding Ji-Feng , Li Min-Hua
Published: December 2013

The main purpose of this article is to study cargo damage risk management in the export operations of ocean freight forwarders in Taiwan. This study applies the five risk management procedures of the formal safety assessment method as a basis for risk management assessment. The fuzzy analytical hierarchy process method is first employed via a first questionnaire to evaluate key risk identification factors. Second, a risk matrix model is constructed to evaluate the risk levels via a second questionnaire. Third, cost and benefit analysis is implemented to evaluate the feasibility of risk control strategies through the use of a third questionnaire. The empirical results obtained in this study revealed that the most severe risk factor comes from the process of consolidation, and all risk factors fall into “as low as reasonably practicable” area via the risk matrix model method. Finally, the cost and benefit analysis shows that all risk management strategies are feasible. This study recommends that ocean freight forwarders strengthen communication with new cargo owners in order to gain a better understanding of the cargo owners’ backgrounds and their cargo characteristics. This will help the ocean freight forwarders to make better-informed decisions concerning the handling of cargo and allow them to form links in customers’ risk management chains.
Symptoms of visual discomfort from automobile lights and their correlation with headache in night-time taxi drivers
Authors: Salvaia J , Elias S , Shepherd AJ
Published: December 2013

This study examined how modern vehicle lights affect night-time taxi drivers and the relationships any effects have with headache. Sixty-eight drivers were asked about their perception of flicker, blurring, seeing double, smearing, glare, blinding, unease, discomfort, pain and headache/migraine from vehicle lights when driving at night. Participants were asked specifically about light emitting diodes, but responses may have included their experiences with other vehicle light types. Glare was the greatest problem, and red braking lights were worse than white lights around headlights. The headache group experienced greater problems, particularly for discomfort, pain, unease, flickering, seeing double and triggered headaches. Further research is needed as these effects pose potentially dangerous scenarios for all night-time road users, especially given the increased use of bright, directional light emitting diodes on vehicles and on roadsides.
Introduction to a study of preferred colour rendering of light sources
Authors: Schanda J , Csuti P , Szabó F , Bhusal P , Halonen L
Published: December 2013

The European Union has financed a 3-year research project to establish optimal spectral power distributions of LED light sources for use in offices, commerce and homes. This paper summarizes the general questions relevant to colour preference investigations and introduces the investigations performed in the three laboratories that participated in the research. Subsequent papers will deal with details of the investigations and provide recommendations for optimum spectra in different indoor applications.
Suppression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor via Inactivation of Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 by Alkaloids in Coptidis rhizome in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Tan Hor Yue , Wang Ning , Tsao Sai-Wah , Zhang Zhangjin , Feng Yibin
Published: December 2013

Aim of study: To investigate the inhibitory effect of Coptidis rhizome aqueous extract (CRAE) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and tumor angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Quality control of CRAE was determined. Secretion of VEGF protein and expression of its mRNA in MHCC97L and Hep G2 cells were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Synthesis of nascent protein was determined by AHA-protein-labeling technologies. The in vivo antiangiogenic effect of CRAE was evaluated with a xenograft model. Results: Absence of organochlorine pesticides in CRAE was found, and phytochemical analysis showed that its components were in proportion of magnoflorine 2.2%, jatrorrhizine 1.68%, palmatine 4.4%, and berberine 13.8%. CRAE exhibited significant inhibition on VEGF secretion from MHCC97L and HepG2 cells at nontoxic doses. The mRNA transcripts of VEGF could not be inhibited by CRAE; however, synthesis of VEGF nascent protein was potently blocked by CRAE. CRAE intervention increased the phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) in HCC cells, which blocked eEF2 activity for proceeding nascent protein synthesis. The activity of eEF2 was restored in CRAE-treated HCC cells in the presence of A484594, leading to the recovery of VEGF expression. Berberine was found to be the major active component in CRAE; however, CRAE is more effective in inhibiting eEF2 activity compared to berberine treatment alone, suggesting the additive effect of other components present. Reduction of tumor size and neovascularization were observed in mice xenograft model. Conclusion: Our study postulates the antiangiogenic effect of CRAE on hepatocellular carcinoma via an eEF2-driven pathway.
Intratumoral Mistletoe (Viscum album L) Therapy in Patients With Unresectable Pancreas Carcinoma
Authors: Schad Friedemann , Atxner Jan , Buchwald Dirk , Happe Antje , Popp Stephan , Kröz Matthias , Matthes Harald
Published: December 2013

Pancreatic carcinoma remains one of the main causes for cancer-related death. Intratumoral application of anticancer agents is discussed as a promising method for solid tumors such as pancreatic cancer. Endoscopic ultrasound provides a good tool to examine and treat the pancreas. European mistletoe ( Viscum album L) is a phytotherapeutic commonly used in integrative oncology in Central Europe. Its complementary use seeks to induce immunostimulation and antitumoral effects as well as alleviate chemotherapeutic side effects. Intratumoral mistletoe application has induced local tumor response in various cancer entities. This off-label use needs to be validated carefully in terms of safety and benefits. Here we report on 39 patients with advanced, inoperable pancreatic cancer, who received in total 223 intratumoral applications of mistletoe, endoscopic ultrasound guided or under transabdominal ultrasound control. No severe procedure-related events were reported. Adverse drug reactions were mainly increased body temperature or fever in 14% and 11% of the applications, respectively. Other adverse drug reactions, such as pain or nausea, occurred in less than 7% of the procedures. No severe adverse drug reaction was recorded. Patients received standard first- and second-line chemotherapy and underwent adequate palliative surgical interventions as well as additive subcutaneous and partly intravenous mistletoe application. A median survival of 11 months was observed for all patients, or 11.8 and 8.3 months for stages III and IV, respectively. Due to the multimodal therapeutic setting and the lack of a control group, the effect of intratumoral mistletoe administration alone remains unclear. This retrospective analysis suggests that intratumoral-applicated mistletoe might contribute to improve survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. In conclusion, the application is feasible and safe, and its efficacy should be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.