bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Second Spectral Peak of Front Vowels: a Perceptual Study of the Role of the Second and Third Formants
Authors: Fujimura Osamu
Published: July 2017

A set of vowel stimuli with different values of mean and separation of the second and third formant frequencies were synthesized by means of series-connected resonant circuits, and formal listening tests were conducted where Swedish subjects identified each stimulus as one of three syllables consisting of a long close front vowel, /i : /, /y : /, or /u :/. The commonly accepted notion of representing the vowel quality in a two-dimensional space is criticized in view of the experimental result. Some supplemental tests of the ABX-comparison type have been conducted, and results concerning the perceptual acuity in regard to slight shifts of the formant conditions are also reported.
Perception of Electronically Gated Speech
Authors: Ellis Leonard , Derbyshire Arthur J. , Joseph Maurice E.
Published: July 2017

Eight normally hearing adult subjects were asked to identify a word spoken in a phrase when part of the word was deleted using an electronic gating device. The four words cap, cat, cab and cash were used with the carrier phrase, " Point to .... " Each phrase was uttered 50 times by one male and one female adult speaker. The 50 utterances of each phrase were gated electronically at five different intervals through the /æ/ sound. Thus there were ten repetitions at each gating interval for each speaker for each phrase. All utterances were presented to the subjects in random order. The following results were found: (1) The subjects were able to identify the words cat, cap and cab correctly at a greater than chance level half way through the vowel. (2) The percentage of correct responses to these three words increased progressively with increase in the amount of the vowel presented. (3) The word cash differed from the other words in that it appeared that some of the final consonant had to be presented before the word was identified and also in that subjects seldom guessed at that word as an incorrect response.
Vocabularies of Oral and Graphic Language
Authors: Nerbonne G. Patrick , Hipskind Nicholas M.
Published: July 2017

Forty subjects constructed spontaneous stories using card two of the TAT as a reference. Half of the subjects verbalized their stories and recorded themselves on tape (spoken vocabulary) and half wrote their stories (written vocabulary). There were no time limits and all responses were made in private. The spoken and written vocabularies were similar in general word frequency characteristics and in their proportionate occurrence of personal pronouns. They differed in proportionate occurrence of nouns and relative simplicity. A comparison of these results to previous findings regarding the differences between conversational and printed vocabularies suggested that variations in noun usage and relative simplicity are a function of the oral and graphic language modes. Pronoun usage, however, did not appear to vary simply as a function of oral and written language forms. Rather, a relatively high occurrence of pronouns seems to be peculiar to conversation per se as a special form of oral language.
Identification of Consonants from Formant Transitions Presented Forward and Backward
Authors: Sharf Donald J. , Beiter Robert C.
Published: July 2017

The effect of coarticulation on perception was studied by asking 18 subjects to identify the place of articulation of stop and fricative consonants from CV and VC vowel transitions played forward and backward. The factors investigated were: (A) transition direction, forward and backward; (B) transition position, CV and VC; (C) manner of production; (D) mode of production; and (E) place of production. The results indicate that: (1) with the exception of voiceless stops identified from forward CV transitions, consonants were identified considerably better than chance from CV and VC vowel transitions, (2) more correct identifications of consonants were made from VC transitions than from CV transitions in both the forward and backward play conditions, (3) backward play CV transitions produced much higher identification scores than those played forward, and (4) backward play VC transitions produced slightly lower identification scores than those played forward. These findings support the conclusion that VC transitions are more sufficient cues than CV transitions and that listeners derive more information from transitions when they are pre-consonantal than when they are post-consonantal.
A Comparison of Oral and Written Code Elaboration
Authors: Poole Millicent E. , Field T.W.
Published: July 2017

Data obtained from 80 first year university students of middle-class and working-class origin were used to explore aspects of the relationships between oral and written language systems. Subjects participated in a group testing situation (written) and an individual interview (oral). The analysis, based on code elaboration theory, compared oral and written language protocols along the dimensions of structural complexity, language elaboration, verb complexity and personal reference. Results indicate that, in relation to oral systems, written systems were more complex in structure; revealed more adjectival but less adverbial elaboration; showed more complex verb structures; but contained fewer indices of personal reference.
An Initial "Search for Tonics"
Authors: Currie Karen L.
Published: July 2017

This pilot experiment was set up in order to test whether judges who were familiar with the notion "tonic" would identify tonics according to the criteria of maximum F o movement, maximum Fo height and maximum intensity. The hypothesis being tested was that the cumulation of physical maxima when present in an utterance would be identified by judges as the realization of the tonic element.

The results indicate that there are several main parameters that function as cues for the identification of the tonic element of an utterance. These are a) the cumulation of physical maxima, b) the rightmost lexical item, c) maximum Fo movement and d) maximum Fo height. These cues may contradict each other or they may conflict with other cues involving syntactic and semantic criteria. The background of hearers who are performing the task of identifying "tonic" must also be taken into consideration. The notion "tonic," therefore, is seen to be very complex and the present experiment was followed by further experiments that tried to restrict some of the semantic and syntactic criteria involved (cf. Currie 1979(c)).
Spelling and the Phonology of Tense Vowels
Authors: Michaels David
Published: July 2017

Vowel alternations in English governed by Laxing and Vowel Shift rules (e.g., divine, divinity; serene, serenity) are relatively transparent. The alternating vowels are nonreduced, and the alternations are regular. The vowel alternations governed by Tensing, on the other hand, are opaque. The reduced vowel (schwa), for example, alternates with [iy] , [ey], [uw], and [ow] in tensing enivronments (e.g., manager, managerial; Canada, Canadian; Malthus, Malthusian; Newton, Newtonian). Where the vowels in such pairs are both nonreduced, several lax vowels may alternate with a single tense vowel (e.g., [æ], [a], [ ], [e] alternate with [ey] in the tensing environment: Iran, Iranian; Panama, Panamanian; Shaw, Shavian; actuary, actuarial). Furthermore, the tense diphthongs [ay], [æw], [ y] never occur in the tensing environment. These facts plus a strict correlation between the spelling and the pronunciation of the tensed vowels in the output of the Tensing rule suggest a basis for a somewhat abstract analysis of the underlying representations of the vowels to which the rule applies. The alternations governed by Laxing, on the other hand, can be represented concretely underlyingly.
Perception of Temporal and Spectral Information in French Vowels
Authors: Gottfried Terry L. , Beddor Patrice Speeter
Published: July 2017

Perceptual effects of orthogonal variations in temporal and spectral information differentiating French /o/ and /o/ were examined. Although both parameters contribute to acoustic differentiation of /o/ and /o/, the phonetic and phonological structure of French suggests that duration might be a less important perceptual property in French than in languages like American English. Three 10-step /kot/-/kot/ continua were synthesized by systematically varying frequencies of the first two formants of the vowel nuclei. The three continua differed in vowel duration (140, 180, and 220 msec). Two perceptual tests, identification and 5-choice category rating, were presented to three listener groups: native French, native American English who had studied French, and native American English who did not know French. For both native American English groups, spectrally ambiguous vowels were identified and rated more often as /o/ when these vowels were long and as /o/ when short, thereby showing a trading relation between temporal and spectral information. In contrast, native French listeners showed little effect of duration in either perceptual task. Despite this perceptual insensitivity to duration, acoustic measurements showed that these French subjects' productions of /o/ and /o/ consistently maintained a duration difference. Results are interpreted to support the view that perceptual integration of the acoustic properties relevant to a phonemic contrast depends not only on covariation of the properties in the production of that contrast, but also on the prominence of this covariation in the language's phonological system.
Precision in Weighing: A Comparison of Scales Found in Physician Offices, Fitness Centers, and Weight Loss Centers
Authors: Stein Risa J. , Haddock C. Keith , Poston Walker S.C. , Catanese Dana , Spertus John A.
Published: July 2017

Objective.

Weight assessment is a critical aid in patient care. It is particularly important in monitoring progression of pregnancies, heart failure status, and when adjusting medications. Although weight is generally determined using a scale, few studies have evaluated the precision of non-household scales. The objective of this study was to assess scale precision across a variety of settings.

Methods.

An evaluation of scales from randomly selected primary care clinics ( n=30), diabetology/endocrinology clinics ( n=7), weight loss facilities ( n=25), and fitness centers ( n=30) was performed. Assessments were completed on a total of 223 scales: 94 from primary care clinics, 32 from diabetology/endocrinology clinics, 39 from weight loss centers, and 58 from fitness centers. Scales were assessed for condition, location in facility, resting surface, commercial designation, and calibration history. Scale precision was validated using 100 lb. (45.5 kg), 150 lb. (68.3 kg), 200 lb. (90.9 kg), and 250 lb. (113.6 kg) certified weights.

Results.

Overall, scales demonstrated decreased precision with increased weight. At higher weights, more than 15% of scales were off by more than 6 lbs. (2.3 kg), approximately 1 Body Mass Index (BMI) unit. While facility type was not significant, condition, location in facility, resting surface, commercial designation, and calibration history were significant.

Conclusions.

This study demonstrates that many scales used to measure body weight are imprecise and that scales in health care settings are no more precise than those in other facilities. Clinical decisions based on scales that are imprecise have the potential to cause iatrogenic complications in patient care.
Costs of a Smoking Cessation Counseling Intervention for Pregnant Women: Comparison of Three Settings
Authors: Ayadi M. Femi , Adams E. Kathleen , Melvin Cathy L. , Rivera Carole C. , Gaffney Cecelia A. , Pike Joanne , Rabius Vance , Ferguson Janice N.
Published: July 2017

Objective.

Although the rate of smoking among women giving birth in the United States has declined steadily from 19.5% in 1989 to 11.4% in 2002, it still far exceeds the Healthy People 2010 goal of 1%. The objective of this study was to estimate the costs of a recommended five-step smoking cessation counseling intervention for pregnant women.

Methods.

Costs were compared across three settings: a clinical trial, a quit line, and a rural managed care organization. Cost data were collected from August 2002 to September 2003. Intervention costs were compared with potential neonatal cost savings from averted adverse outcomes using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Maternal and Child Health Smoking-Attributable Mortality, Morbidity, and Economics Costs software.

Results.

The costs of implementing the intervention ranged from $24 to $34 per pregnant smoker counseled across the three settings. Potential neonatal cost savings that could be accrued from women who quit smoking during pregnancy were estimated at $881 per maternal smoker. Assuming a 30% to 70% increase over baseline quit rates, interventions could net savings up to $8 million within the range of costs per pregnant smoker.

Conclusions.

Costs may vary depending on the intensity and nature of the intervention; however, this analysis found a surprisingly narrow range across three disparate settings. Cost estimates presented here are shown to be low compared with potential cost savings that could be accrued across the quit rates that could be achieved through use of the 5A's smoking cessation counseling intervention.
Intervention Programs for Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence: Conclusions from a Clinical Research Perspective
Authors: Eckhardt Christopher I. , Murphy Christopher , Black Danielle , Suhr Laura
Published: July 2017

In this article, the authors consider the empirical status of batterer intervention programs (BIPs) for male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV). Recent reviews have reported only small average effect sizes for BIPs, with the small number of randomized trials showing little benefit of BIP attendance in preventing future abuse. The most widely adopted BIP intervention model has little empirical justification to support this dominance, yet states with standards governing the content of BIPs often mandate this approach as a contingency for state funding. Little data exist concerning the moderators and mediators of BIP effects on IPV recidivism, and a variety of factors threaten to impede future design advancements, including “turf” battles regarding the causes of IPV and limited funding outlets. Given this discouraging summary, the authors argue that research efforts concerning BIP effectiveness should borrow the design strategies and programmatic research efforts that have proven successful in psychotherapy research, in which significant advances have been made with regard to the evaluation and validation of empirically supported treatments for a wide variety of mental health problems. They conclude by calling for a new generation of IPV researchers to work across professional boundaries in a multidisciplinary manner to design the sophisticated evaluation studies that funding agencies would readily support, and that would provide the substantive answers to the many IPV-related public health questions that remain.
Epidemiology of Non-Canine Bite and Sting Injuries Treated in U.S. Emergency Departments, 2001–2004
Authors: O'Neil Mary Elizabeth , Mack Karin Ann , Gilchrist Julie
Published: July 2017

Objectives.

This study was conducted to estimate the burden of non-canine-related bite and sting injuries in the U.S.; describe the affected population, injury severity, and bite or sting source; and provide considerations for prevention strategies.

Methods.

Data were from the 2001 through 2004 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) (a stratified probability sample of U.S. hospitals). Records included information about age, body part affected, cause, diagnosis, disposition, and gender. Narrative descriptions were coded for the source of the bite or sting.

Results.

Between 2001 and 2004, an estimated 3.6 million people were treated in emergency departments for injuries related to non-canine bites and stings. Results detail the reported sources of the bite or sting, and examine sources by gender and age group. Common sources included bees (162,000 cases annually), spiders (123,000 cases annually), and cats (66,000 cases annually). Female adults were more likely than male adults to be treated for cat bites. Although rare, of the known venomous snakebites, more than half (58.4%) of the patients were hospitalized.

Conclusions.

Our results demonstrate the public health burden of non-canine-related bite and sting injuries. More than 900,000 people were treated in emergency departments annually for non-canine bite or sting injuries, or roughly 1.7 injuries per minute. Treatment consumes substantial health-care resources. While preventing these injuries should be the first line of defense, resources could be conserved by educating the public about immediate first aid and when warning signs and symptoms indicate the need for professional or emergency care.
Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Illnesses in the Pacific Northwest: A Five-Year Review
Authors: Walters Jaime K. , Boswell Laura E. , Green Mandy K. , Heumann Michael A. , Karam Lauren E. , Morrissey Barbara F. , Waltz Justin E.
Published: July 2017

Objective.

Pyrethrin and pyrethroid insecticides are commonly applied in homes and businesses and on some agricultural crops. This research used a two-state regional approach to analyze reports of acute pesticide poisonings due to pyrethrin and pyrethroid insecticides.

Methods.

The Washington State Department of Health and the Oregon Public Health Division collected pesticide poisoning surveillance data from 2001 through 2005. Cases were included if they involved exposure to at least one pyrethrin or pyrethroid insecticide. Descriptive statistics were calculated; differences between categories were assessed using Chi-square analysis.

Results.

A total of 407 cases fit our definition. Overall, the rate of poisoning in Oregon was significantly higher than in Washington (incidence rate ratio 1.70, 95% confidence interval 1.40, 2.07), and rates for both states generally increased during the time period. For both states, most exposures resulted in low severity illnesses (92%), and most were classified as possible cases (73%). Only about one-fourth of cases were related to a person's work. The most common category of clinical signs and symptoms of illness was respiratory (52% of cases), followed by neurological (40% of cases). Exposure route was predominantly inhalation; there was no association between route and case severity. There was a significant association between illness severity and losing time from work or regular activities ( p<0.0001).

Conclusions.

Although the majority of pyrethrin and pyrethroid poisoning cases were low in severity, adverse reactions have occurred, as transpired in Oregon in 2005. Regional analysis has the potential to improve the surveillance system and provide unique opportunities for targeting preventive interventions.
State-Based Surveillance to Determine Trends in Meningococcal Disease
Authors: Clarke Carmen , Mallonee Sue
Published: July 2017

Objectives.

Meningococcal disease (MD), is a leading cause of meningitis in the U.S. The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiology of MD in Oklahoma, including trends, high-risk populations, and outcomes.

Methods.

Cases from the statewide passive reporting system with disease onset between 1988 and 2004 were included; 2002–2004 cases were linked to hospital discharge data. We performed a multivariate logistic regression of variables predicting death.

Results.

There were 545 total cases (mean annual incidence rate 1.0/100,000); 13% died. Rates were highest for children younger than 2 years of age; black males had rates two times higher than the state rate and a different age distribution than other race-gender groups. Mean length of hospital stay was 12 days and mean charges were $37,724. For every 10 years of age, the risk of death increased 13% (adjusted odds ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05, 1.22). People younger than age 40 who developed MD between October and February were 68% more likely to die than those who developed it in other months (rate ratio [RR] 1.68, 95% CI 1.39, 2.05); an increased risk of death during these months was not statistically significant in people aged 40 and older (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.83, 1.69).

Conclusion.

Using statewide public health surveillance data to characterize the epidemiology of MD is important to understand local trends and risk factors.
Monitoring Progress toward CDC's Health Protection Goals: Health Outcome Measures by Life Stage
Authors: Roy Kakoli , Haddix Anne C. , Ikeda Robin M. , Curry Cecilia W. , Truman Benedict I. , Thacker Stephen B.
Published: July 2017

Objectives.

From 2004 through 2005, as part of a major strategic planning process called the Futures Initiative, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed a set of Health Protection Goals to make the best use of agency resources to achieve health impact. These goals were framed in terms of people, places, preparedness, and global health. This article presents a goals framework and a set of health outcome measures with historical trends and forecasts to track progress toward the Healthy People goals by life stage (Infants and Toddlers, Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Older Adults and Seniors).

Methods.

Measurable key health outcomes were chosen for each life stage to capture the multidimensional aspects of health, including mortality, morbidity, perceived health, and lifestyle factors. Analytic methods involved identifying nationally representative data sources, reviewing 20-year trends generally ranging from 1984 through 2005, and using time-series techniques to forecast measures by life stage until 2015.

Results.

Improvements in measures of mortality and morbidity were noted among all life stages during the study period except Adults, who reported continued declining trends in perceived health status. Although certain behavioral indicators (e.g., prevalence of nonsmokers) revealed steady improvements among Adolescents, Adults, and Older Adults and Seniors, prevalence of the healthy weight indicator was declining steadily among Children and Adolescents and dramatically among Adults and Older Adults and Seniors.

Conclusion.

The health indicators for the Healthy People goals established a baseline assessment of population health, which will be monitored on an ongoing basis to measure progress in maximizing health and achieving one component of CDC's Health Protection Goals.
A Pilot Intervention Utilizing Internet Chat Rooms to Prevent HIV Risk Behaviors among Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Rhodes Scott D. , Hergenrather Kenneth C. , Duncan Jesse , Vissman Aaron T. , Miller Cindy , Wilkin Aimee M. , Stowers Jason , Eng Eugenia
Published: July 2017

Objectives.

Chat room-based prevention interventions for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are being implemented to reduce the risk of HIV exposure, infection, and re-infection among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods.

Our community-based participatory research partnership implemented a chat room-based intervention known as Cyber-Based Education and Referral/Men for Men (CyBER/M4M). We collected both quantitative and qualitative data to describe the characteristics of chat-room participants (“chatters”) and their HIV risks and prevention needs, and to document intervention delivery.

Results.

Of the 1,851 chatters who participated in the 18-month intervention, 210 completed the online assessment. The mean age was 30 years. Although the majority self-identified as gay, 25.8% self-identified as bisexual. More than half self-identified as white and one-third as black or African American. A total of 8.6% reported being HIV-positive and 14.8% reported never having been tested for HIV. Grounded theory analysis of transcripts from chat-room instant-message discussions identified 13 thematic categories related to chatter characteristics, prevention needs, and intervention delivery. Chatters were looking for sexual partners, were not open about their orientation, lacked basic information about HIV, had questions about how to be tested, and perceived a lack of general community resources to meet their needs. Furthermore, CyBER educators had to understand and respect the online culture, build trust, and deliver well-crafted and focused messages.

Conclusions.

Chat room-based interventions hold promise to systematically reach Internet communities of MSM, a group that is particularly at risk for infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Exposure to Secondhand Smoke at Home and at Work in California
Authors: Max Wendy , Sung Hai-Yen , Shi Yanling
Published: July 2017

Objectives.

We estimated self-reported secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in California at home and at work.

Methods.

We used data from the 2005 and 2007 California Health Interview Surveys ( n = 109,809) for home exposure analysis, and we used data from the 2002 and 2005 California Tobacco Surveys ( n = 12,883) for workplace exposure analysis. Differences in exposure by age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic characteristics were assessed using Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results.

In the home, children had the lowest rates of SHS exposure (3.4%), followed by adolescents (4.7%) and adults (6.0%). For all age groups, Hispanic people had the lowest exposure to SHS at home, and black people of all ages had higher exposure rates than white people. In the workplace, 12.9% of Californians were exposed to SHS. Men had higher rates of exposure than women, and rates declined with age. Hispanic people had the highest rates of SHS exposure at work (19.5%), followed by Asian/Pacific Islanders (10.5%), black people (10.4%), and white people (9.7%). Workplace exposure rates were highest for people who worked in stores or warehouses, followed by plants or factories, restaurants or bars, and vehicles.

Conclusions.

Despite many years of tough tobacco-control policies in California, people continue to be exposed to SHS at home and in the workplace. The policies that are already in place, such as smoke-free workplace laws, need to be fully enforced. Interventions for reducing SHS exposure should be targeted to the groups with the greatest exposure rates, including Hispanic people, black people, young adults, and those who work in high-exposure settings.
Thymic Stimulatory Actions of Arginine
Authors: Barbul Adrian , Wasserkrug Hannah L. , Sisto Donato A. , Seifter Eli , Rettura Giuseppe , Levenson Stanley M. , Efron Gershon
Published: July 2017

Various arginine HC1 supplements (0.5–3%), half added to a basal commercial rodent chow (1.8% arginine) and half to the drinking water, were given to 8‐ to 9‐week‐old male CBA/J mice for 6 days. Control animals were fed the basal chow and drank tap water. All mice ate and drank ad libitum. Weight gain and food intake were similar in all groups. All arginine supplements increased significantly: thymic weight (average 22%), thymic lymphocyte content (average 45%), and the in vitro reactivity of thymic lymphocytes judged by the incorporation of 3H‐leucine into the TCA‐precipitable protein fraction in response to stimulation by phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A. All these thymic effects resulted from the 0.5% arginine hydrochloride supplement; further increases in arginine supplementation did not increase these effects. These data suggest that supplemental arginine may improve host defence mechanisms and thereby may play an important role in the care of severely injured or ill patients, since it is well established that their defense mechanisms are reduced.
An Enteral Elemental Diet for Infants and Children with Surgical Disorders
Authors: Hirai Yoshinori , SANADA YUTAKA , Nakagawa Toshiyuki
Published: July 2017

Sixty‐nine infants and children with surgical disorders were fed an enteral elemental diet consisting of synthetic L‐amino acids, dextroglucose, soybean oil, electrolytes and vitamins. Satisfactory clinical results were achieved in 55 patients, whose average positive nitrogen balance was approximately 578 mg/day in neonates, 1,518 mg/day in infants, and 2,452 mg/day in children; average weight gain was approximately 16 g/day in neonates, 23 g/day in infants, and 21 g/day in children during total enteral nutrition with the diet. Elevation of serum transaminase values was noted in 5 patients receiving total enteral nutrition with the diet. Liver toxicity may have been caused by the composition of amino acids of the diet, solely free amino acids as protein component. However, the diet provided a valuable therapeutic alternative to total parenteral nutrition in selected infants and children requiring surgery.
The Model-Guided Method for Monitoring Program Implementation
Authors: Brekke John S.
Published: July 2017

Advocating for the use of model-derived specifications in the monitoring of program implementation, this article presents the model-guided method. The method provides a test of the adequacy of a program's implementation, and its application to the evaluation of a community support program for the chronically mentally ill is presented. A procedure for field testing the reliability and validity of a monitoring instrument is outlined, and recommendations for using the model-guided method in other field applications are offered.
Teenage Parent Programs
Authors: Granger Robert C. , Cytron Rachel
Published: July 2017

This article synthesizes the long-term findings from three major evaluations of programs that began in the late 1980s and were designed to improve the self-sufficiency of teenage mothers on welfare. Although each of the programs emphasized a different approach, an important story emerges. Economic outcomes for the mothers improved over time, and the interventions had some positive effects, particularly for the women who began these programs while they were enrolled in school. However, the interventions did not affect fertility, and the data on outcomes for the mothers' children raise concern.
Tailored Fiber Placement-Mechanical Properties and Applications
Authors: Mattheij Paul , Gliesche Konrad , Feltin Dirk
Published: July 2017

Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) is a new automated textile process for the production of reinforcing structures. This process allows the consistent transfer of calculated locally optimum fiber quantities and orientations into fiber preforms. The mechanical properties achieved with TFP reinforced carbon fiber/epoxy and glass fiber/epoxy are compared with tape and fabric reinforced composites. Generally, static mechanical properties of TFP-laminates are better than fabric laminates and close to tapes. However, the ultimate compression strength of carbon/epoxy TFP is lower than comparable tape composites. Fatigue behaviour of a cross-ply carbon/epoxy TFP is compared with a fabric reinforced laminate. The advantages and possibilities of TFP are demonstrated by means of typical applications like bicycle components.
Verbal Learning and Memory Functions in Adolescents With Reading Disabilities
Authors: Oyler James D. , Obrzut John E. , Asbjornsen Arve E.
Published: July 2017

The authors of this current study compared the memory performance of adolescent students with specific reading disabilities (RD) with that of typical adolescent readers on a newly developed verbal learning test, the Bergen-Tucson Verbal Learning Test (BTVLT). This multiple trial test was designed to measure memory acquisition, retention, retrieval, and forgetting rates, as well as the ability to organize and retrieve the information from memory according to the phonological (surface) and semantic (lexical) features of words. A total of 20 participants with RD and 20 control participants (mean age = 15.2 years) were matched for age, gender, and ethnicity. Results indicated that the RD group learned significantly fewer list items and did so at a slower rate than the control group. Although the participants with RD were equally able to retain information once learned, they did demonstrate inefficient elaborative rehearsal strategies. They also recalled fewer words in both the semantic and phonetic cued-recall conditions, but the effect size was significantly greater in the latter. Taken together, the data suggest that students with RD have less efficient rehearsal and encoding mechanisms but typical retention. Retrieval also appears typical except under conditions that require information to be recalled based on phonetic codes.
Suicide Story Frames Contribute to Stigma
Authors: Boudry Valica
Published: July 2017

This study comparing stories about suicides from 1993 and 2003 finds that the language in the stories implies a sense of control on the victim's part, even when suicide is attributed to mental illness.
Newspapers Get High Marks on Environmental Report Card
Authors: Riffe Daniel , Reimold Daniel
Published: July 2017

National survey data compares newspapers with other media as sources of environmental information and assesses how well they cover causes, victims, responsibility, solutions and costs of environmental problems.
Color Preference Conflicts in Visual Compositions
Authors: Covert Douglas C.
Published: July 2017

Designer and viewer preferences for additive and subtractive primary colors in visual compositions were examined experimentally. There were more contrasts than agreements between viewers and makers of the compositions in acceptability of single dominant colors, codominant colors and eye-attractant colors. Differences appear to be based only on differences in expertness. Findings indicate some likes and dislikes of untrained viewers that should be considered by newspaper designers and artists.
The Press Corps of Spaceship Earth
Authors: de Mott John , Tom Emmanuel
Published: July 2017

After a burst of interest in environment news after the first Earth Day in 1970, the number of reporters assigned to cover environment news declined sharply. Today, there are fewer reporters on such beats than in 1970, raising questions about newspapers' commitment to such coverage.
The U.S. Press Corps Abroad Rebounds
Authors: Kliesch Ralph E.
Published: July 2017

A new census of American media correspondents abroad shows a sharp reversal of what had been steadily declining numbers, an easing of its historically heavy emphasis on Europe and an increasing reliance on female journalists in foreign news bureaus.
Partition of Linear and Cyclic Oligosaccharides in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems
Authors: Kang Eui-Chul , Akiyoshi Kazunari , Sunamoto Junzo
Published: July 2017

In aqueous two-phase systems, such as PEO/pullulan and PEO/dextran systems, partitioning of linear and cyclic oligosaccharides was investigated. The α 1-4 linked linear oligosaccharides, such as glucose, maltose, maltotriose, maltotetraose, maltopentaose, maltohexaose, and maltoheptaose were partitioned more to the bottom polysaccharide-rich phase than to the top PEO-rich phase. The partition coefficient, K (the ratio of the concentration of oligosaccharide in the polysaccharide-rich phase to that in the PEO-rich phase), increased with an increase in the glucose units in the oligosaccharide. The extent of the partition of the oligosaccharides was affected by the structure of polysaccharide employed in the two-phase system. Compared with the PEO/pullulan system, the PEO/dextran system showed a higher partition selectivity for the linear oligosaccharides. The structural characteristics of dextran with branched skeleton should be more suitable for multipoint interactions with the linear oligosaccharides, however, more cyclodextrin (CD) was always found in the PEO phase than in the polysaccharide phase. The partition coefficient sequence of the cyclodextrins to the PEO-rich top phase was β-CD > α-CD > γ-CD. The partitioning of more β-CD to the PEO phase may be due to better incorporation of the PEO chain into the β-CD cavity.
Moving Beyond a Deficit Model to Describe and Promote the Career Development of At-Risk Youth
Authors: Schnorr Donna , Ware Herbert W.
Published: July 2017

A theoretical framework for understanding the career maturity of diverse groups is needed since the career maturity construct has evolved using white, middle class samples (Cheatham, 1990). Krumboltz holds that career beliefs can be influenced by one's social environment (1991). If career beliefs were related to the career maturity of a diverse group, they could be used to provide a more coherent understanding of the unique social experiences that surround their career maturity. This study examined relationships between the career beliefs and the career maturity of academically at-risk students who were failing core academic courses. Several career beliefs were significantly related to the career maturity of the sample in this study such as the belief that obstacles can be overcome and college/occupation variation. The career beliefs construct appeared to clarify the role that social experiences played on the career maturity of the sample in this study.
The Relationship of Psychological Separation and Parental Attachment to the Career Maturity of College Freshmen from Intact Families
Authors: Lee Hee-Yeong , Hughey Kenneth F.
Published: July 2017

This study was designed to investigate how psychological separation and parental attachment are related to career maturity separately and simultaneously and to investigate the influence of gender on the relationships among these variables. Subjects were 82 single white college freshmen from intact families. Data analysis using a canonical correlation analysis revealed that although psychological separation is relevant, parental attachment plays a more important role in career maturity. The relationship among the variables did not differ for men and women. The implications of this study for theory and counseling practice are discussed and recommendations for future research are presented.
Campus-linked incubator centre developments
Authors: Watson J. A.
Published: July 2017

The paper looks at the role and success of the incubator centre in the USA and Europe. It is an effective way of using a university's academic expertise and resources to foster the growth of new, high tech industries locating nearby. New industries with such support have a lower failure rate than others; it is to be hoped that the concept will spread.
Graduates into enterprise
Authors: Barden Laing
Published: July 2017

The performance of industry in the UK has been criticized in a number of reports from the DTI; the underlying cause is a widespread weakness in management, particularly the lack of good quality graduates. Companies within the USA, Japan and FRGermany show that graduate-managed small firms are more innovative, grow faster and employ more people. Evidence suggests that work experience based on sandwich placement in small firms greatly increases graduate employment in small firms in both the manufacturing and service sector. In the particularly difficult area of technologically-based small manufacturing firms, there is need for a recruitment strategy equivalent to the large firms' ‘milkround’. These two components make up the proposed new Group Training Scheme to be based on HEI, particularly the polytechnics. Such an initiative requires major resources, which calls for joint funding from the MSC, DES and DTI and other local and professional bodies.
Knowledge Victoria: Trading on know-how
Authors: Murby Stephen P.
Published: July 2017

Knowledge Victoria is a not-for-profit independent company, wholly owned by the state government of Victoria, Australia. It is concerned with the commercialization and business development of education and knowledge transfer.
University Spin-off Corporations at the University of Colorado
Authors: Lefkoff Kyle
Published: July 2017

The author uses the case of Displaytech, Inc to illustrate the selection, formation and structure of successful university spin-off corporations at the University of Colorado Foundation. He highlights the key factors that have contributed to the success of University Research Corporation, a for-profit subsidiary set up by the Foundation to deal with equity and royalty income from spin-off ventures. Still using the case of Displaytech as an example, the author also explores the risks involved in university-sponsored new ventures. Advice is offered on corporate structure, reward systems, attainment of consensus, protection against liability, and equities and royalties.
University—Industry Collaboration and EC Research Funding
Authors: Cullen Janice
Published: July 2017

The author looks at how universities and industry are collaborating within the European Union. National governments have only restricted resources to support pure academic research and universities have learned to attract outside funds through working with industry and other partners on joint projects of mutual interest. Academic staff also apply to the European Commission (EC) for research funds. The aim of the EC's Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development has been to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of European industry, enabling it to become more competitive at an international level — this explains in part the thematic and transnational requirements of the Programme. Such constraints may deter or exclude some potential applicants. However, for others, EC funding has provided an additional source of financial support through which, as well as achieving their research and development objectives, they have expanded their working relationship with partners in other countries.
Routes of Technology Transfer to SMEs
Authors: Grant C.A. , van der Sijde P. , Henry C. , Koswenska I. , Scott T. , Chassagne G.
Published: July 2017

This article discusses the results of a European project funded under SPRINT, the European Commission's central programme for technology transfer. The authors describe and analyse ‘good practice’ technology transfer mechanisms which are being implemented in the Netherlands, Ireland, Northern Ireland, France and Sweden. It is the authors' view that there is no one best model of a technology transfer mechanism/route to small and medium-sized entreprises. Each route is unique, and plays a different role in the technology transfer process. Based on technology transfer experiences from five different European countries, the authors examine and highlight the critical elements required for an effective university–SME partnership. In conclusion, strategic recommendations are set out for creating more successful technology transfer routes to the SME sector.
SMEs and R&D in Turkey
Authors: Karahoca Dilek Yiğit , Karahoca Adem , Kaykayoğlu C. Ruhi
Published: July 2017

This paper analyses the nature of research and development activities in small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in the Istanbul metropolis, where many of the leading-edge industrial companies in the Turkish economy are located. The results of a survey of activities are presented and discussed. In this context, the possible roles of Turkish universities in promoting scientific awareness among SMEs are assessed.
Biotechnology in the USA: From Enablement to Infringement
Authors: Parker David L.
Published: July 2017

This paper provides a general introduction to key issues in recent US biotechnology cases, and in so doing highlights areas of major significance to the management of biotechnology research and transfer in general. Current trends discernible in US biotech case law are highlighted. Citing relevant judgments to illustrate these trends in Federal Circuit decisions, the author discusses issues ranging from ‘prior art’ considerations to enablement and utility as well as inequitable conduct, inventorship, infringement, and the impact of the perceived unpredictability of biotechnology inventions. He concludes that there is a general trend to apply a strict disclosure standard to biotechnology inventions, both for patenting and infringement purposes, with the courts stressing the need to frame patent claims more precisely. Patentability claims tend to be upheld over the prior art in cases where the scope of the claim is clearly defined and is a reasonable reflection of what has actually been accomplished by the inventor.
Technology Efficiency Education
Authors: Barojas Jorge
Published: July 2017

The concept of a culture of technology efficiency is considered in the context of a plan designed to prepare engineers who teach technicians. The conditions essential to the development of such a culture have been established and tested in terms of goals, cognitive tools and operational factors, and these are discussed and analysed in this paper. These factors were applied to a joint programme undertaken in Mexico by the Department of Education of the National Commission for Energy Efficiency and the General Direction of Technological and Industrial Education under the Ministry of Education. After describing this programme and assessing the results, the author concludes with more general remarks concerning the planning, development and evaluation of educational projects in the context of technology efficiency.
Development and Validation of a Computer Model for Assessing Energy Demand and Supply Patterns in the Urban Environment
Authors: Titheridge Helena , Boyle Godfrey , Fleming Paul
Published: July 2017

This paper describes a two year project, funded by the European Union, to develop a methodology for improving energy management in the urban environment, with the aid of a computer model. The methodology was applied to two urban regions: the city of Leicester in UK; and Cerdanyola, part of the Area Metropolitana de Barcelona, in Spain (Boyle, 1994b). The Energy and Environment Research Unit at the Open University carried out the initial model development and applied the model to Leicester, whilst the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona applied the model to Cerdanyola. The model that was developed as part of this project is discussed, with particular emphasis on the modelling process. The paper then goes on to discuss the application of the model to the city of Leicester, and the results obtained from the model describing the energy demand and supply patterns of Leicester for the years 1984 to 1994. A comparison is made between the energy demand and supply patterns of Leicester and the UK for 1990.
Dancing with Myths: The Misogynist Construction of Dancing Mania
Authors: Bartholomew Robert
Published: July 2017

The European ‘dancing manias’ represent the first recorded episodes of ‘epidemic hysteria’. These behaviours are typified within the psychiatric literature as spontaneous, stress-induced outbursts of psychological disturbance that primarily affected females. This depiction is typically founded on secondary sources or the selective use of period quotations by medical historians George Rosen and Henry Sigerist. However, based on a series of translations of medieval European chronicles describing these events, typically firsthand, it is evident that contemporary depictions of ‘dancing manias’ have been misrepresented by these misogynist scholars. Contrary to popular psychiatric portrayals, females were not overrepresented among participants, episodes were not spontaneous but highly structured, and involved unfamiliar religious sects engaging in strange or unfamiliar customs that were redefined as a behavioural abnormality.
Modelling method comparison data
Authors: Dunn Graham , Roberts Chris
Published: July 2017

We explore a range of linear regression models that might be useful for either: (a) the relative calibration of two or more methods or (b) to evaluate their precisions relative to each other. Ideally, one should be able to use a single data set to carry out the jobs (a) and (b) together. Throughout this review we consider the constraints (assumptions) needed to attain identifiability of the models and the possible pitfalls to the unwary in having to introduce them. We also pay particular attention to the possible problems arising from the presence of random matrix effects (reproducible random measurement `errors' that are characteristic of a given method when being used on a given specimen or sample, i.e. specimen specific biases or subject by method interactions). Finally, we stress the importance of a fully-informative design (using replicate measurements on each subject using at least three independent methods) and large sample sizes.