bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlating Regional Aeroallergen Effects on Internet Search Activity
Authors: Willson Thomas J. , Lospinoso Joshua , Weitzel Erik , McMains Kevin
Published: December 2014

Objective

To investigate the correlation between the change in regional aeroallergen levels and Internet search activity related to allergies.

Study Design

A retrospective time series analysis using a graphical analytical approach and statistical modeling was used.

Setting

Tertiary academic hospital setting.

Subjects and Methods

There were no specific enrolled subjects. Data from Google Trends were obtained (google.com/trends) for the following search terms: “allergy,” “allergies,” “pollen,” “runny nose,” “congestion,” and “post nasal drainage.” Daily pollen and mold spore count data were obtained for the same period from throughout Texas. Graphical analysis, correlation, and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) were employed to assess the relationship between aeroallergens on Google search activity.

Results

A strong positive correlation was observed between observed pollen counts and search activity for the terms “allergies” (r
pollen = 0.798), “allergy” (r
pollen = 0.781), and “pollen” (r
pollen = 0.849). Symptom term searches were weakly correlated with pollen and mold counts. Also, ARIMA modeling supported the relationships indicated by the correlations.

Conclusion

Search activities for surrogate terms such as “allergy,” “allergies,” and “pollen” correlate strongly with observed pollen counts but not mold counts. These data demonstrate the usefulness of Google Trends search data in assessing regional disease burdens and offer insight into how the public seeks information about their own illness.
Increased Expression of Toll‐Like Receptors 2 and 4 and Related Cytokines in Persistent Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Cui Xin‐Yan , Chen Xi , Yu Chen‐Jie , Yang Jun , Lin Zi‐Ping , Yin Min , Cheng Lei
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are the crucial components of host defenses and supposed to play a role in nasal inflammation such as chronic rhinosinusitis and seasonal allergic rhinitis. This study was performed to investigate the expression patterns of TLRs and related cytokines in persistent allergic rhinitis (PER).

Study Design

Experimental study of human nasal tissue.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Nasal biopsy specimens were obtained from 21 patients with PER and 21 controls from December 2012 to September 2013. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of TLR1‐9, interleukin (IL)–1, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐12, interferon (IFN)–α, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–α was determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The cellular localizations as well as protein expression of TLR2 and TLR4 were further detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, respectively.

Results

TLR1‐9 mRNA could be determined in nasal mucosa. Compared with the controls, mRNA expression of only TLR2 and TLR4 was significant higher in patients with PER (P <. 05). In addition, mRNA expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8, but not IL‐1, IL‐12, IFN‐α, and TNF‐α, was upregulated in patients with PER vs control subjects (P <. 05). However, these increased cytokines were not correlated with either TLR2 or TLR4 in patients with PER. Protein expression of TLR2 and TLR4 was consistent with mRNA levels (P <. 05). The cellular distributions of TLR2 and TLR4 were localized in nasal epithelium, subepithelial glands and capillary endothelial cells, and immune cells.

Conclusion

TLR2 and TLR4 are increased in patients with PER and may be one of the major contributors to the persistence and aggravation of allergic inflammation in PER.
Implementing character education program through music and integrated activities in early childhood settings in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Angela
Published: December 2014

This study explores the efficacy of using musical activities to enhance the character aspect of education of preschoolers in a Taiwanese school setting. The Taiwanese educational authority stipulates that character development activities should focus on the core values of caring, respect, courage, honesty, responsibility, and cooperation. Educational programs utilize musical activities to instill these understandings in children. This research used in-depth interviews with five qualified early childcare teachers who are responsible for caring for children aged 5 to 6 years old. Data derived from these interviews with teachers who participated in this study revealed six significant themes concerning the benefits of integrating musical activities into the curriculum to enhance children’s interest in character development. These themes are: “Caring for Others”; “Valuing Courage”; “Cooperation”; “Respect”; “Responsibility”; and “Honesty.” Overall, teachers reported that positive changes in students’ social interactions and behavior are fostered when the six core personal character values are incorporated into classroom instruction. Furthermore, when musical activities are combined with character development, children are better equipped to proactively address problems in their daily lives.
Mastery, enjoyment, tradition and innovation: A reflective practice model for instrumental and vocal teachers
Authors: Parkinson Tom
Published: December 2014

This article offers a model to assist music teachers in reflecting on their teaching practice in relation to their aims and values. Initially developed as a workshop aid for use on a music education MA program, the model is intended to provoke critical engagement with two prominent tensions in music education: that between mastery and enjoyment, and that between tradition and innovation. The experiential and theoretical bases of the model are discussed, and literature relating to the theoretical issues is reviewed. The design and application of the model are then outlined in detail, and explored through the perspectives of an international group of instrumental teachers. The model contributes to music education practice in three ways: as a workshop aid for music teacher trainers; as a versatile tool for instrumental teachers, assisting both critical reflection and teaching practice; and as an adaptable data collection instrument for future research in music education.
Parent emotion coaching buffers the psychological effects of poor peer relations in the classroom
Authors: Buckholdt Kelly E. , Kitzmann Katherine M. , Cohen Robert
Published: December 2014

Parent emotion coaching (i.e., child-reported parental responses to sadness and anger) was examined as a moderator of peer relations in the classroom (i.e., peer-rated sociability, number of mutual friends, and respect nominations) and self-perceptions of social competence (i.e., loneliness and optimism). Participants were 129 (44% boys; 66% Caucasian) fourth through sixth graders. If parents were perceived as low in emotion coaching, low sociability and low peer respect were associated with greater loneliness; low peer respect was also associated with low peer optimism when combined with low emotion coaching. Importantly, with high parent emotion coaching, there was no significant association between problematic peer relations and negative self-perceptions of social competence. Parent emotion coaching may buffer the effects of poor peer relations.
Self-disclosure and new communication technologies
Authors: Rains Stephen A. , Brunner Steven R. , Oman Kyle
Published: December 2014

The reported study examined the implications of receiving superficial self-disclosures from a friend. A total of 199 adults reported on communication episodes initiated by a friend during the previous 7 days via five communication technologies and completed measures of liking, relationship satisfaction, and willingness to provide social support to their friend. The results revealed significant interactions between the total volume of self-disclosures received and proportion of superficial disclosures for liking and relationship satisfaction. Among respondents who received a relatively greater volume of self-disclosures, the proportion of superficial disclosures received was inversely associated with relationship satisfaction and liking. Perceived costs mediated the preceding relationships.
The impact of a toolkit on use of standardised measurement tools in stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Tyson SF , Burton L , McGovern A
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of a toolkit of psychometrically robust measurement tools, the Greater Manchester Assessment for Stroke Rehabilitation (G-MASTER) toolkit, on the use of measurement tools during stroke rehabilitation

Design:

Mixed methods cohort design using non-participant observation of multi-disciplinary team meetings and semi-structured interviews with members of the team over three months before and three months after implementation of the assessment toolkit. Development and implementation of the toolkit are also described.

Setting:

Ten in-patient stroke services in a large UK city.

Subjects:

Members of the participating multi-disciplinary stroke teams.

Results:

Before implementation standardised measures were seldom used in team meetings. After implementation, use of all measurement tools significantly increased (36% to 81% of occasions, P<0.000). Staff were generally positive about the toolkit and felt it enabled more accurate problem identification, effective progress monitoring, timely decision-making, communication and promoted inter-team relationships.

Conclusions:

A toolkit of standardised measurement tools can be feasibly and acceptably implemented into stroke rehabilitation. It increases the use of measurement tools by the multi-disciplinary team and improves the processes and quality of care.
A mixed-methods qualitative research study to develop a complex intervention for weight loss and anorexia in advanced cancer: The Family Approach to Weight and Eating
Authors: Hopkinson Jane B , Richardson Alison
Published: December 2014

Background:

Worldwide, most people with incurable cancer experience weight loss and anorexia. These symptoms can distress patients and their family caregivers. Interventions that take account of the relationship between patient and family caregiver may improve outcomes for both members of this dyad.

Aim:

To report an example of process for the development of a complex intervention, the Family Approach to Weight and Eating.

Design:

A mixed-methods process informed by the Medical Research Council’s guidelines for developing a complex intervention was used to develop a psychosocial intervention for patients with incurable cancer and weight loss or poor appetite and their family caregivers and then to test for its feasibility, acceptability and perceived benefit.

Setting:

South of England in 2010/2011.

Participants:

A purposive sample of patient–family caregiver dyads under the care of a specialist community palliative care team. Patient participants had incurable cancer and were cachectic or at risk of cachexia.

Results:

The patient–family caregiver dyads comprised seven female and nine male patients (age range 41–84 years) and their carers. The emergent form of the Family Approach to Weight and Eating was found to aid family talk about food, feelings and reciprocity, without adverse consequences. Of the dyads, 15 reported benefits of the Family Approach to Weight and Eating. Three patient participants spoke of the approach evoking sadness and three carers of guilt.

Conclusion:

The Family Approach to Weight and Eating should now be tested in a pilot trial and the effect on emotional health outcomes in patients and their family caregivers evaluated.
Non-medical prescribing in palliative care: A regional survey
Authors: Ziegler Lucy , Bennett Mike , Blenkinsopp Alison , Coppock Sally
Published: December 2014

Background:

The United Kingdom is considered to be the world leader in nurse prescribing, no other country having the same extended non-medical prescribing rights. Arguably, this growth has outpaced research to evaluate the benefits, particularly in areas of clinical practice where patients have complex co-morbid conditions such as palliative care. This is the first study of non-medical prescribing in palliative care in almost a decade.

Aim:

To explore the current position of nurse prescribing in palliative care and establish the impact on practice of the 2012 legislative changes.

Design:

An online survey circulated during May and June 2013.

Participants:

Nurse members ( n = 37) of a regional cancer network palliative care group (61% response rate).

Results:

While this survey found non-medical prescribers have embraced the 2012 legislative changes and prescribe a wide range of drugs for cancer pain, we also identified scope to improve the transition from qualified to active non-medical prescriber by reducing the time interval between the two.

Conclusion:

To maximise the economic and clinical benefit of non-medical prescribing, the delay between qualifying as a prescriber and becoming an active prescriber needs to be reduced. Nurses who may be considering training to be a non-medical prescriber may be encouraged by the provision of adequate study leave and support to cover clinical work. Further research should explore the patients’ perspective of non-medical prescribing.
The value of ADC, T2 signal intensity, and a combination of both parameters to assess Gleason score and primary Gleason grades in patients with known prostate cancer
Authors: Nowak Johannes , Malzahn Uwe , Baur Alexander DJ , Reichelt Uta , Franiel Tobias , Hamm Bernd , Durmus Tahir
Published: December 2014

Background

The ability to non-invasively analyze tumor aggressiveness is an important predictor for individual treatment stratification and patient outcome in prostate cancer (PCA).

Purpose

To evaluate: (i) whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), the T2 signal intensity (SI), and a combination of both parameters allow for an improved discrimination of Gleason Score (GS) ≥7 (intermediate and high risk) and GS <7 (low risk) in PCA; and (ii) whether ADC may distinguish between 3 + 4 and 4 + 3 PCA (primary Gleason grades [pGG]).

Material and Methods

Prostatectomy specimens of 66 patients (mean age, 63 ± 5.6 years; 104 PCA foci) with a preceding multiparametric 1.5 T endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included. ADC ( b values = 0, 100, 400, 800 s/mm2), standardized T2 (T2s), and the ADC/T2s ratio were tested for correlation with GS applying multivariate analysis. ADC cutoff values were calculated for prediction of GS and pGG, and logarithm of the odds (LOGIT) was used to express the probability for GS and pGG. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by ROC analysis.

Results

We found an almost linear negative relationship of ADC for GS ≥7 ( P = 0.002). The effect of ADC for GS ≥7 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.995) was almost identical for peripheral and transition zone PCA ( P = 0.013 and P < 0.001, respectively). ADC showed an AUC of 78.9% for discrimination between GS <7 and GS ≥7. An ADC cutoff of <1.005 × 10−3 mm2/s indicated a GS ≥7 (90.5% sensitivity, 62.5% specificity). Within the group of GS = 7 PCA, an ADC > 0.762 × 10−3 mm2/s indicated a pGG of 3 (AUC = 69.6%).

Conclusion

T2s and the ADC/T2s ratio do not provide additional information regarding prediction of GS. ADC values have a good discriminatory power to distinguish tumors with GS ≥7 from GS <7 and to predict pGG in GS = 7 PCA.
Late-life migraine accompaniments: A narrative review
Authors: Vongvaivanich Kiratikorn , Lertakyamanee Paweena , Silberstein Stephen D , Dodick David W
Published: December 2014

Background

Migraine is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders. In 1980, C. Miller Fisher described late-life migraine accompaniments as transient neurological episodes in older individuals that mimic transient ischemic attacks. There has not been an update on the underlying nature and etiology of late-life migraine accompanimentsd since the original description.

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive and extensive review of the late-life migraine accompaniments including the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, differential diagnosis, and treatment.

Methods

Literature searches were performed in MEDLINE®, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases for publications from 1941 to July 2014. The search terms “Migraine accompaniments,” “Late life migraine,” “Migraine with aura,” “Typical aura without headache,” “Migraine equivalents,” “Acephalic migraine,” “Elderly migraine,” and “Transient neurological episodes” were used.

Conclusion

Late-life onset of migraine with aura is not rare in clinical practice and can occur without headache, especially in elderly individuals. Visual symptoms are the most common presentation, followed respectively by sensory, aphasic, and motor symptoms. Gradual evolution, the march of transient neurological deficits over several minutes and serial progression from one symptom to another in succession are typical clinical features for late-life migraine accompaniments. Transient neurological disturbances in migraine aura can mimic other serious conditions and can be easily misdiagnosed. Careful clinical correlation and appropriate investigations are essential to exclude secondary causes. Treatments are limited and still inconsistent.
Occipital nerve block for the short-term preventive treatment of migraine: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Dilli Esma , Halker Rashmi , Vargas Bert , Hentz Joseph , Radam Teresa , Rogers Robert , Dodick David
Published: December 2014

Background

Occipital nerve (ON) injections with corticosteroids and/or local anesthetics have been employed for the acute and preventive treatment of migraine for decades. However, to date there is no randomized, placebo-controlled evidence to support the use of occipital nerve block (ONB) for the prevention of migraine.

Objective

The objective of this article is to determine the efficacy of ONB with local anesthetic and corticosteroid for the preventive treatment of migraine.

Participants and methods

Patients between 18 and 75 years old with ICHD-II-defined episodic (> 1 attack per week) or chronic migraine (modified ICHD-II as patients with > 10 days with consumption of acute medications were permitted into the study) were randomized to receive either 2.5 ml 0.5% bupivacaine plus 0.5 ml (20 mg) methylprednisolone over the ipsilateral (unilateral headache) or bilateral (bilateral headache) ON or 2.75 ml normal saline plus 0.25 ml 1% lidocaine without epinephrine (placebo). Patients completed a one-month headache diary prior to and after the double-blind injection. The primary outcome measure was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in the frequency of days with moderate or severe migraine headache in the four-week post-injection compared to the four-week pre-injection baseline period.

Results

Thirty-four patients received active and 35 patients received placebo treatment. Because of missing data, the full analysis of 33 patients in the active and 30 patients in the placebo group was analyzed for efficacy. In the active and placebo groups respectively, the mean frequency of at least moderate (mean 9.8 versus 9.5) and severe (3.6 versus 4.3) migraine days and acute medication days (7.9 versus 10.0) were not substantially different at baseline. The percentage of patients with at least a 50% reduction in the frequency of moderate or severe headache days was 30% for both groups (10/30 vs nine of 30, Δ 0.00, 95% CI –0.22 to 0.23).

Conclusions

Greater ONB does not reduce the frequency of moderate to severe migraine days in patients with episodic or chronic migraine compared to placebo. The study was registered with ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT00915473).
Trends in Long Head Biceps Tenodesis
Authors: Werner Brian C. , Brockmeier Stephen F. , Gwathmey F. Winston
Published: December 2014

Background:

Tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon has become a popular surgical treatment option for patients with pain or instability attributed to a diseased or unstable biceps tendon. No previous studies have characterized the practice patterns of surgeons performing biceps tenodesis in the United States.

Purpose:

To investigate current trends in both arthroscopic and open biceps tenodesis across time, sex, age, and region of the United States as well as associated charges.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Patients who underwent biceps tenodesis (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] codes 23430 and 29828) for the years 2008 through 2011 were identified using the PearlDiver Patient Record Database, including both private-payer and Medicare data. These cohorts were then assessed for associated diagnoses using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, codes and concomitant procedures using CPT codes. These searches yielded procedural volumes, sex and age distribution, regional volumes, and average per-patient charges. A χ2 linear-by-linear association analysis, Student t test, and linear regression were used for comparisons, with P < .05 considered significant.

Results:

A total of 44,932 biceps tenodesis procedures were identified from 2008-2011. The incidence of biceps tenodesis procedures per 100,000 database patients increased 1.7-fold over the study period, from 8178 in 2008 to 14,014 in 2011 ( P < .0001). An increase in the overall percentage volume was noted in patients aged 60-69 years ( P = .039) and 20-29 years ( P = .016). The overall charges for arthroscopic tenodesis increased at a rate significantly greater than that of open tenodesis ( P < .0001). Rotator cuff tear or sprain, bicipital tenosynovitis, biceps tendon rupture, superior labral lesion, and osteoarthritis were the most common diagnoses associated with biceps tenodesis procedures. A significant increase in isolated biceps tenodesis was also observed over the study period, from 1967 patients in 2008 to 3565 patients in 2011, representing a 1.8-fold increase.

Conclusion:

The incidence of biceps tenodesis has increased yearly from 2008-2011. Arthroscopic tenodesis has emerged as a more popular technique. Charges associated with the procedure have increased significantly. Significant regional variations in procedural incidences exist.
Taking Time Seriously
Authors: Balaev Mikhail
Published: December 2014

The author analyzes the time component in the relationship between economic development and democracy. The review of the relevant literature shows that no systematic analysis of lags has been performed. Furthermore, the mainstream analysis shows a disconnect between the theory and empirical studies concerning the economy–democracy relationship. Four questions are formulated regarding the timing of the effects of economic development on political democracy. A series of models are estimated and several distributions of the lagged effects are constructed and analyzed. The author finds that not only do lagged effects have a better theoretical fit, but they also produce larger coefficients as compared with the instantaneous effects. In addition, measuring economic performance in moving averages as opposed to the conventional single-year measurement produces empirically superior models that have fewer nonsignificant results. The author calls for further systematic analyses of the lagged effects of economic development and suggests a theoretical reconceptualization of the economy–democracy relationship.
“Pushed Out on My Own”
Authors: Bosick Stacey J.
Published: December 2014

Drawing on life-history interviews, this study explores the impact of Hurricane Katrina in the lives of 57 low-income, African American mothers who were 20–31 years old at the time of the storm. Hurricane Katrina massively disrupted the social networks upon which these mothers relied to facilitate life transitions and make ends meet. The literature would predict that the loss of these important supports would hinder the respondents’ transition-to-adulthood experiences. To the contrary, those who relocated away from social ties were more likely than those who returned to report qualitative improvement across life domains. Relocators credited Hurricane Katrina with affording them structural opportunities that lead to a greater sense of independence, a fundamental component of adulthood. This work contributes to our theoretical understanding of the role of familial support during the transition to adulthood.
Topological disorder of microstructure in fiber-reinforced polymer composites: Diffusion response
Authors: Jain Deepak , Mukherjee Abhijit , Kwatra Naveen
Published: December 2014

Influence of microarchitectural fiber matrix arrangement in representative volume element is studied to assess the effect of mass diffusion in the fiber-reinforced polymer composites. A novel approach has been proposed to illustrate the quantitative definition of the representative volume element heterogeneity using topological descriptor of clustering. Average fiber center distance from the fixed representative volume element center is described to compute the clustering in different representative volume elements, followed by finite element method simulation to model and visualize two-dimensional microstructures of fiber-reinforced matrix composites with moisture boundary conditions. The suggested topology descriptor shows good correlation with diffusion response in relation to saturation time, whereas a fair degree of correlation was observed for mass accumulation and mass flux characteristics. The results indicate that microstructural heterogeneity has a strong influence on typical moisture diffusion characteristics and hence, an overall diffusion-induced damage. The observations should serve as a clue to design the fiber-reinforced polymer composites with the moisture barrier properties.
Norm Block Sample Sizes
Authors: Norfolk Philip A. , Farmer Ryan L. , Floyd Randy G. , Woods Isaac L. , Hawkins Haley K. , Irby Sarah M.
Published: December 2014

The representativeness, recency, and size of norm samples strongly influence the accuracy of inferences drawn from their scores. Inadequate norm samples may lead to inflated or deflated scores for individuals and poorer prediction of developmental and academic outcomes. The purpose of this study was to apply Kranzler and Floyd’s method for estimating norm block sample sizes via a review of the most prominent, individually administered intelligence tests. A rigorous, double-coding process was used to obtain these estimated sample sizes for 17 intelligence tests (10 full-length multidimensional tests, 4 nonverbal intelligence tests, and 3 brief intelligence tests). Overall, 47% of the tests failed to meet the minimum standard of at least 30 participants per norm block across age groups, and estimated norm block sizes were smallest for elementary school–age children. These results can inform intelligence test selection by practitioners and researchers, and they should be considered by test publishers when developing, revising, and reporting information about their tests.
Reflections on the Three Schools of Thought on Strategic Spatial Planning
Authors: Ziafati Bafarasat Abbas
Published: December 2014

Based on their approaches to stakeholder involvement, policy integration, and project promotion, this article identifies three schools of thought on strategic spatial planning: the performance school, the school of innovative action, and the school of transformative strategy formulation. In addition to providing a guide for a more informed design and analysis of spatial strategy practices, some conceptual flaws and empirical gaps are suggested for future studies to focus on.
Nonprofit Organizations Becoming Business-Like
Authors: Maier Florentine , Meyer Michael , Steinbereithner Martin
Published: December 2014

By now, the becoming business-like of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) is a well-established global phenomenon that has received ever-growing attention from management and organization studies. However, the field remains hard to grasp in its entirety, as researchers use a multitude of similar, yet distinct, key concepts. The considerable range and complexity of these overlapping notions create major challenges: Scholars struggle to position their work in a larger context; it is not easy to build on previous findings and methodological developments; and research gaps are difficult to identify. The present article presents the first systematic literature review to confront those challenges by reviewing 599 relevant sources. In a first step, various key concepts are clarified. Second, the field is mapped according to three research foci: causes of NPOs becoming business-like, organizational structures and processes of becoming business-like, and effects of becoming business-like. From this, we draw conclusions and make suggestions for further research.
Confronting the brain in the classroom
Authors: McGrath Larry
Published: December 2014

During the influx of neurological research into France from across Europe that took place rapidly in the late 19th century, the philosophy course in lycées (the French equivalent of high schools) was mobilized by education reformers as a means of promulgating the emergent brain sciences and simultaneously steering their cultural resonance. I contend that these linked prongs of philosophy’s public mission under the Third Republic reconciled contradictory pressures to advance the nation’s scientific prowess following its defeat in the Franco-Prussian war of 1870 without dropping France’s distinct tradition of 19th-century spiritualism, which extended from Maine de Biran’s philosophical psychology to Victor Cousin’s official eclectic spiritualism. Between 1874 and 1902, the French Ministry of Public Instruction transformed philosophy into a national project designed to guide the reception of experimental psychology generally and neurology in particular. This article features original archival research on philosophy textbooks and students’ course notes that illuminate the cultural and intellectual impact of these sciences in the fin de siècle from inside the classroom. I argue that the scientific turn in the psychology section of the lycée philosophy course reflected and brought about a distinct philosophical movement that I call ‘scientific spiritualism’. While historians have analysed philosophy instruction as a mechanism used by the Third Republic to secularize students, this article sheds new light on lycée philosophy professors’ campaign to promote scientific spiritualism as a means to advance incipient brain research and pare its reductionist implications.
Bearing degradation state recognition based on kernel PCA and wavelet kernel SVM
Authors: Dong Shaojiang , Sun Dihua , Tang Baoping , Gao Zhengyuan , Wang Yingrui , Yu Wentao , Xia Ming
Published: December 2014

In order to effectively recognize the bearing’s running state, a new method based on kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) and the Morlet wavelet kernel support vector machine (MWSVM) was proposed. First, the gathered vibration signals were decomposed by the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to obtain the corresponding intrinsic mode function (IMF). The EMD energy entropy that includes dominant fault information is defined as the characteristic features. However, the extracted features remained high-dimensional, and excessive redundant information still existed. Therefore, the nonlinear feature extraction method KPCA was introduced to extract the characteristic features and to reduce the dimension. The extracted characteristic features were inputted into the MWSVM to train and construct the running state identification model, and the bearing’s running state identification was thereby realized. Cases of test and actual were analyzed. The results validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Experimental study of thermodynamic and fatigue properties of submicrocrystalline titanium under high cyclic and gigacyclic fatigue regimes
Authors: Plekhov Oleg , Naimark Oleg , Semenova Irina , Polyakov Alexander , Valiev Ruslan
Published: December 2014

This paper presents an experimental study of the mechanical and thermal behavior of titanium samples (Grade 2 and Grade 4) with different grain sizes under cyclic loading. The self-heating test demonstrates that the structure of the material has a strong effect on the dissipation ability of titanium. The threshold of energy dissipation corresponding to the transition through the fatigue limit is shown for coarse-grained titanium. On contrary, submicrocrystalline samples exhibit the dependence of continuous energy dissipation on the applied stress amplitude. Analysis of the fatigue properties of titanium in a gigacyclic regime provides evidence that grain grinding improves substantially the fatigue properties of the material.
Refined hyperbolic shear deformation plate theory
Authors: Nareen K , Shimpi RP
Published: December 2014

The paper presents a novel shear deformation plate theory involving only two variables. Taking a cue from exact three-dimensional theory of elasticity solutions for a plate, hyperbolic functions are used for describing displacement variation across plate thickness. The theory involves only two governing equations, which are uncoupled for statics and are only inertially coupled for dynamics. The shear stress free surface conditions are satisfied. No shear correction factor is required. The theory is variationally consistent, has a strong similarity with classical plate theory, and is simple, yet accurate. Illustrative examples for free vibration and for static flexure demonstrate the effectiveness of the theory.
Nonlinear elastic/plastic buckling analysis of thick/thin skew plates under uniaxial and biaxial loading
Authors: Maarefdoust Mahdi , Kadkhodayan Mehran
Published: December 2014

In this study, elastic/plastic buckling analysis of thick skew plates subjected to uniaxial compression or biaxial compression/tension loading using the generalized differential quadrature method is presented for the first time. The governing differential equations are derived based on the incremental and deformation theories of plasticity and first-order shear deformation theory. The elastic/plastic behavior of the plates is described by the Ramberg–Osgood model. Generalized differential quadrature discretization rules in association with an exact coordinate transformation are simultaneously used to transform and discretize the equilibrium equations and the related boundary conditions. The results are compared with the previously published data to verify the established methodology and procedures. The effect of skew angle and thickness ratio on the convergence and accuracy of the method are studied. Moreover, the effects of aspect, loading and thickness ratios, skew angle, incremental, and deformation theories and different types of boundary conditions on the buckling coefficients are presented in detail. The results show that the difference between the incremental and deformation theories becomes greater with increasing thickness ratio and constraints at boundary conditions. Furthermore, the skew angle also has an important effect on differences between those theories.
Toward an integrated CAD assembly sequence planning solution
Authors: Ben Hadj Riadh , Trigui Moez , Aifaoui Nizar
Published: December 2014

Assembly sequence planning has drawn the attention of many researchers over the last years. Despite, the great development of CAD software in many aspects (simulation algorithms, interfaces, and ergonomics), automatic generation of assembly sequence planning from CAD assembly remains an issue to improve especially with the increasing complexity of industrial products. In this paper, an approach of assembly sequence planning generation from a CAD assembly model is presented. In order to generate feasible assembly sequence planning, the developed approach begins with the exploration of CAD assembly. Then, a collision analysis is performed to identify all possible obstacles during the components’ motion. An example of CAD assembly is presented in all sections of this paper in order to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Fault diagnosis of rolling bearing’s early weak fault based on minimum entropy de-convolution and fast Kurtogram algorithm
Authors: Wang Hongchao , Chen Jin , Dong Guangming
Published: December 2014

The rolling bearing’s early stage fault feature is very weak for reasons of the signal attenuation phenomenon between the fault source and the sensor collecting the fault signal and the interference of environment noise such as the rotor rotating frequency and its harmonics and so on. The feature extraction of rolling bearing’s early weak fault is not only very important but also very hard. The minimum entropy de-convolution and Fast Kurtogram algorithm are combined in the paper for rolling bearing’s early stage weak fault feature extraction. The effect of transmission path is de-convolved effectively, and the impulses are clarified using minimum entropy de-convolution technique firstly. Then the obtained signal by minimum entropy de-convolution is handled by the Fast Kurtogram algorithm and an optimal filter is established. At last the envelope de-modulation is applied on the filtered signal and better feature extraction result is obtained compared with the other methods such as wavelet transform, frequency slice wavelet transformation and ensemble empirical mode decomposition. The effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method are verified through simulation signal and experiment.
An independently controllable active steering system for maximizing the handling performance limits of road vehicles
Authors: Farazandeh Azadeh , Ahmed AKW , Rakheja Subhash
Published: December 2014

This study explores the effectiveness of an active independent front steering system capable of applying a corrective steering at each wheel selectively and in an independent manner. In doing this, it is possible to generate the required adhesion force for active steering control while ensuring that none of the tyres approaches saturation. A non-linear yaw-plane model of a two-axle truck with a limited number of roll degrees of freedom is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the active independent front steering under a range of steering manoeuvres. A simple proportional–integral controller is synthesized to track the reference response based on the neutral steering system as well as to limit the steering correction considering the saturation limit of the tyres, which is defined from the normalized cornering stiffness properties of the tyres. The directional responses obtained for the vehicle model integrating the active independent front steering controller are compared with those of the conventional active front steering system for each of the selected manoeuvres. The results show that, while both the control strategies can effectively track the target yaw rate of the vehicle, the proposed active independent front steering control can yield enhanced performance limits without any of the tyres approaching the saturation limit, irrespective of the road condition and the steering manoeuvre. Furthermore, the active independent front steering design permits some adhesion reserve for each wheel for generating additional traction and braking forces during a severe steering manoeuvre.
Performance prediction of a large-scale circulating fluidized bed boiler by heat exchangers block simulation
Authors: Kim Taehyun , Choi Sangmin , Kim Jae-Sung
Published: December 2014

A simplified mathematical model to predict the performance of a circulating fluidized bed boiler, which was previously developed along with a pilot-scale boiler, was extended to accommodate the configuration of a 300 MWe class boiler. The model is a combination of zero-dimensional energy and mass balance model of heat exchanger blocks, across which the streams of air and combustion gas, water and steam, and the circulating solids interact. The system model describes the boiler as a system of heat exchanger blocks through which the solid–gas flow interacts with the water–steam flow and heat transfer rates are determined by defining the heat transfer coefficients and representative temperature differences. The current paper discusses the validity of the approach which has been extended from the previous case. Albeit the significant difference in degree of complexity as well as physical size of the two boilers considered, boilers were represented as a system of a finite number of heat exchanger blocks, while configuration of heat exchangers is incorporated. Heat transfer relations were carefully evaluated by checking if the operating regimes of the flow and heat transfer were adequately represented. Special considerations were given to the significant heat transfer surfaces, which were installed as a form of wing walls, where water–steam inside the tubes could be either superheated steam or evaporating water. Results of the performance prediction of the boiler were cross checked against the measurement data from the operating plants. Calculated results of gas and steam temperatures of each heat exchanger block were compared with measurements over the wide range of operating conditions, whose major indicator was boiler load, which is related to fuel combustion rate and thereby the generated steam flow rate. The model prediction has also shown its additional advantages in providing the property data at the points where measurement probes were not installed or the properties which were difficult or inherently impossible to measure. The paper also discussed the validity of heat transfer relations and sensitivity of their parameters.
Late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus in Latin Americans: a distinct subgroup?
Authors: Catoggio L J , Soriano E R , Imamura P M , Wojdyla D , Jacobelli S , Massardo L , Chacón Díaz R , Guibert-Toledano M , Alvarellos A , Saurit V , Manni J A , Pascual-Ramos V , Silva de Sauza A W , Bonfa E , Tavares Brenol J C , Ramirez L A , Barile-Fabris L A , De La Torre I Garcia , Alarcón G S , Pons-Estel B A
Published: December 2014

Objective

To examine the characteristics of patients who developed late onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the GLADEL (Grupo Latino Americano de Estudio del Lupus) cohort of patients with SLE.

Methods

Patients with SLE of less than two years of disease duration, seen at 34 centers of nine Latin American countries, were included. Late-onset was defined as >50 years of age at time of first SLE-related symptom. Clinical and laboratory manifestations, activity index (SLEDAI), and damage index (SLICC/ACR- DI) were ascertained at time of entry and during the course (cumulative incidence). Features were compared between the two patient groups (<50 and ≥50) using descriptive statistics and hypothesis tests. Logistic regression was performed to examine the association of late-onset lupus, adjusting for other variables.

Results

Of the 1480 patients included, 102 patients (6.9 %) had late-onset SLE, 87% of which were female. Patients with late-onset SLE had a shorter follow-up (3.6 vs. 4.4 years, p < 0.002) and a longer time to diagnosis (10.1 vs. 5.8 months, p < 0.001) compared to the younger onset group. Malar rash, photosensitivity, and renal involvement were less prevalent while interstitial lung disease, pleural effusions, and sicca symptoms were more frequent in the older age group ( p > 0.05). In multivariable analysis, late onset was independently associated with higher odds of ocular (OR = 3.66, 95% CI = 2.15–6.23), pulmonary (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.01–4.11), and cardiovascular (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.04–2.98) involvement and lower odds of cutaneous involvement (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.21–0.80), number of cumulative SLE criteria (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.64–0.97), use of cyclophosphamide (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.24–0.95), and anti-RNP antibodies (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.20–0.91). A Cox regression model revealed a higher risk of dying in older onset than the younger-onset SLE (OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.2–5.6).

Conclusion

Late-onset SLE in Latin Americans had a distinct disease expression compared to the younger-onset group. The disease seems to be mild with lower cumulative SLE criteria, reduced renal/mucocutaneous involvements, and less use of cyclophosphamide. Nevertheless, these patients have a higher risk of death and of ocular, pulmonary, and cardiovascular involvements.
Noise Monitoring and Adverse Health Effects in Residents in Different Functional Areas of Luzhou, China
Authors: Han Zhi-Xia , Lei Zhang-Heng , Zhang Chun-Lian , Xiong Wei , Gan Zhong-Lin , Hu Ping , Zhang Qing-Bi
Published: December 2014

The purpose of the study was to investigate the noise pollution situation and the resulting adverse effect on residents’ health in Luzhou, China, to provide data for noise pollution prevention policies and interventions. Four different functional areas (commercial, construction, residential, and transportation hub areas) were chosen to monitor noise level for 3 months. The survey was performed by questionnaire on the spot on randomly selected individuals; it collected data on the impact of noise on residents’ health (quality of sleep, high blood pressure, subjective feeling of nervous system damage, and attention) as well as the knowledge of noise-induced health damage, the degree of adaptation to noise, and their solutions. The noise levels of residential, commercial, transportation, and construction areas exceeded the national standards ( P < .001). Sleep quality, prevalence of hypertension, and attention in transportation hub areas were significantly different from those in the other 3 areas ( P < .05); only 24.46% of people knew the health hazards associated with noise; 64.57% of residents have adapted to the current noise environment. Most of them have to close the doors and windows to reduce noise. The noise pollution situation in Luzhou, China, is serious, especially the traffic noise pollution. Residents pay less attention to it and adopt single measures to reduce the noise. We should work toward the prevention and control of traffic noise and improve the residents’ awareness to reduce the adverse health effects of noise.
Aligning the PRME
Authors: Sroufe Robert , Sivasubramaniam Nagaraj , Ramos Diane , Saiia David
Published: December 2014

Productive relationships between business schools and corporate organizations provide fertile ground for bringing business leaders, faculty, students, and community partners face-to-face with contemporaries abroad to foster development of responsible global leadership competencies. While well-orchestrated multicountry collaboration offers unique opportunities for many stakeholders to gain life-altering perspectives, embedding international field work and experiential pedagogy in a business curriculum is not without risk. Utilizing content analysis, this study provides evidence of the development of five specific responsible leadership competencies as a result of experiential learning through international study trips across three different academic years and student cohorts. These immersive study abroad experiences were designed to integrate cross-disciplinary course content through first-hand examination of global practices in social, financial, and environmental management in context while aligning MBA pedagogy with all six Principles for Responsible Management Education.