bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Putting Behavior Into Context
Authors: Cho Sungchul , Kang Hyeongsik
Published: March 2016

Although well-theorized causal explanations exist at the person level, scholars of environmental behavior have long neglected the social nature of environmental activism. Using a unique data set of individuals nested within local communities along the Han River, South Korea, we propose a novel empirical model for analyzing the contextual effect of social capital on different sets of self-reported environmental behaviors. Our findings, based on multilevel structural equation modeling, indicate that the community-level construct of social capital is a significant predictor of spatial variations in both private and public environmental behaviors, whereas the person-level construct of community ties has predictive power for private environmental behavior. Understanding these multilayered paths in which social capital relates to pro-environmental behaviors provides a crucial balance to previous single-level findings.
A healthier workplace? Implementation of fruit boxes in the workplace
Authors: Pescud Melanie , Waterworth Pippa , Shilton Trevor , Teal Renee , Slevin Terry , Ledger Melissa , Lester Leanne , Rosenberg Michael
Published: March 2016

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether making fruit boxes available in the workplace is a successful health promotion strategy.

Design:

A quasi-experimental study involving three conditions – free fruit, 50c per piece of fruit and $1 per piece of fruit – to investigate the effect of a contribution scheme on employees’ fruit purchase/consumption behaviours and willingness to contribute when in the paid conditions.

Setting:

Perth, Western Australia.

Methods:

In total, 36 workplaces participated and were randomly assigned to one of the three conditions. The results were analysed using generalised linear modelling. A qualitative follow-up was conducted with workplace representatives 6 weeks after the completion of the trial to investigate how many workplaces implemented the provision of fruit boxes after the trial and the factors influencing the decision to implement fruit boxes.

Results:

A significant difference in average fruit purchasing/consumption per person was found with respect to condition ( p < .001), with businesses in the free condition purchasing/consuming a significantly greater amount of fruit than businesses in the 50c contribution condition or $1 contribution condition. Following the trial, 13 workplaces continued providing their own fruit box, of which 7 were initially in the free condition. Qualitative findings revealed that management support, a receptive culture and sufficient resources were key to the implementation of fruit boxes.

Conclusion:

Having a fruit box may be a feasible health promotion strategy, and the financial burden of this strategy could be alleviated by asking employees to contribute to the cost of fruit.
Foreign Language Communication Anxiety Outside of a Classroom
Authors: Guntzviller Lisa M. , Yale Robert N. , Jensen Jakob D.
Published: March 2016

Three studies examined foreign language communication anxiety (FLCA) in adults who use a non-native language in non-classroom settings. Study 1 ( N = 102) validated the unidimensionality and the functionality of a proposed FLCA scale and a seven-item version. Study 2 included 224 participants living in the United States, and Study 3 included 216 participants living in India. The FLCA instrument was also psychometrically valid in Studies 2 and 3. The proposed two models (growing anxiety and growing confidence) that described the relationship between foreign language use and FLCA were both supported. Study 2 supported a concave curvilinear relationship (i.e., growing anxiety then growing confidence), and Study 3 supported a convex curvilinear relationship (i.e., growing confidence then growing anxiety). These results suggest that FLCA is an important construct to consider in intercultural communication, and that the function it plays in everyday life may differ based on cultural or linguistic setting.
Stuck in Unhealthy Places
Authors: Lippert Adam M.
Published: March 2016

Adolescents from poor versus nonpoor neighborhoods are more likely to become obese during the transition to adulthood. It is unclear whether this pertains to all adolescents from poor neighborhoods or only those who remain in disadvantaged settings. Further, it is unknown how neighborhood poverty entries and exits are associated with obesity. Using census and interview data from 12,164 National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health participants, I find that those who consistently live in poor neighborhoods are more likely to become or remain obese by adulthood than those who never live in poor neighborhoods. Exiting severe neighborhood poverty curtails this risk, while entering and remaining in neighborhood poverty in adulthood increases it. These patterns are more pronounced for young women and robust to adjustments for health behaviors and selection bias. Findings support accumulation of risks and social mobility perspectives and highlight how previous and current neighborhood contexts are relevant for health.
Monotonically convergent hybrid ILC for uncertain discrete-time switched systems with state delay
Authors: Wang Jiapeng , Luo Jiaxiang , Hu Yueming
Published: March 2016

This paper is mainly devoted to a monotonically convergent iterative learning control (ILC) design for a class of uncertain discrete-time switched systems with state delay (UDTSDSs). By taking advantage of output error and state information, a hybrid ILC law for a class of UDTSDSs is proposed. After the ILC process is transformed into a 2D system, sufficient conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) are derived by using a multiple Lyapunov–Krasovskii-like functional approach and a quadratic performance function. It is shown that if certain LMIs are met, the tracking error 2-norm converges monotonically to zero along the iteration direction, while the learning gains could be determined directly by solving the LMIs. The simulation results are provided to illustrate the theoretical analysis.
Metaphors of free labor: a typology of unpaid work in the media sector
Authors: Fast Karin , Örnebring Henrik , Karlsson Michael
Published: March 2016

Over the last decade, free labor has emerged as a key analytical tool for understanding new or semi-new forms of labor in the contemporary digital economy. This article critiques and develops this concept, with specific reference to work in the media industries, by presenting a historically grounded typology of free labor that also highlights some of the analytical problems with the current use of the concept. Our typology presents seven metaphors of free labor based on historical instances of roles people have taken on when performing unpaid labor: those of The Slave, The Carer, The Apprentice, The Prospector, The Hobbyist, The Volunteer, and The Patsy. A key conclusion is that free labor is performed by different actors at either end of increasingly complex and temporally stretched out value chains. This necessitates a more fine-grained and historicized use of the concept of free labor.
Depletion of Hepatic Macrophages Aggravates Liver Lesions Induced in Rats by Thioacetamide (TAA)
Authors: Golbar Hossain M. , Izawa Takeshi , Wijesundera Kavindra K. , Bondoc Alexandra , Tennakoon Anusha H. , Kuwamura Mitsuru , Yamate Jyoji
Published: March 2016

Hepatic macrophages play crucial roles in hepatotoxicity. We investigated immunophenotypes of macrophages in liver injury induced in rats by thioacetamide (TAA; 300 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) after hepatic macrophage depletion; hepatic macrophages were depleted by liposomal clodronate (CLD; 10 ml/kg, i.v.) one day before TAA injection. Samples were obtained on post-TAA injection days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. TAA injection induced coagulation necrosis of hepatocytes on days 1 through 3 and subsequent reparative fibrosis on days 5 and 7 in the centrilobular area, accompanied by increased numbers of M1 macrophages (expressing cluster of differentiation [CD]68 and major histocompatibility complex class II) and M2 macrophages (expressing CD163 and CD204) mainly on days 1 through 3. TAA + CLD treatment markedly decreased the numbers of M1 and M2 macrophages mainly on days 1 through 3; CD163+ Kupffer cells were most sensitive to CLD depletion. In TAA + CLD–treated rats, interestingly, coagulation necrosis of hepatocytes was prolonged with more increased levels of hepatic enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase) to TAA-treated rats; reparative fibrosis was incomplete and replaced by dystrophic calcification in the injured area, indicating the aggravated damage. Furthermore, in TAA + CLD–treated rats, inflammatory factors (monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-10) and fibrosis-related factors (transforming growth factor-β1, matrix metalloproteinase-2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1) were decreased at messenger RNA levels, indicating abnormal macrophage functions. It was clearly demonstrated that hepatic macrophages have important roles in tissue damage and remodeling in hepatotoxicity.
Wavelet transform and least square support vector machine for mechanical fault detection of an alternator using vibration signal
Authors: Abad Mohammad Reza Asadi Asad , Moosavian Ashkan , Khazaee Meghdad
Published: March 2016

This article deals with fault detection of an alternator based on vibration signals using wavelet transform and least square support vector machine. Firstly, the noise in the vibration signal is removed using wavelet denoising. The denoised signals are then analysed using discrete wavelet transform with Daubechies mother wavelet. Several statistical features are then extracted from discrete wavelet transform coefficients of the signals. Finally, least square support vector machine is employed to detect and classify the different alternator conditions. The results show that the detection accuracy reached 90.48%. Hence, the proposed procedure is capable of detecting the alternator faults, and thus can be used for practical applications.
Pilates exercise training vs. physical therapy for improving walking and balance in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kalron Alon , Rosenblum Uri , Frid Lior , Achiron Anat
Published: March 2016

Objective:

Evaluate the effects of a Pilates exercise programme on walking and balance in people with multiple sclerosis and compare this exercise approach to conventional physical therapy sessions.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Multiple Sclerosis Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.

Subjects:

Forty-five people with multiple sclerosis, 29 females, mean age (SD) was 43.2 (11.6) years; mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (S.D) was 4.3 (1.3).

Interventions:

Participants received 12 weekly training sessions of either Pilates ( n=22) or standardized physical therapy ( n=23) in an outpatient basis.

Main measures:

Spatio-temporal parameters of walking and posturography parameters during static stance. Functional tests included the Time Up and Go Test, 2 and 6-minute walk test, Functional Reach Test, Berg Balance Scale and the Four Square Step Test. In addition, the following self-report forms included the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale.

Results:

At the termination, both groups had significantly increased their walking speed ( P=0.021) and mean step length ( P=0.023). According to the 2-minute and 6-minute walking tests, both groups at the end of the intervention program had increased their walking speed. Mean (SD) increase in the Pilates and physical therapy groups were 39.1 (78.3) and 25.3 (67.2) meters, respectively. There was no effect of group X time in all instrumented and clinical balance and gait measures.

Conclusions:

Pilates is a possible treatment option for people with multiple sclerosis in order to improve their walking and balance capabilities. However, this approach does not have any significant advantage over standardized physical therapy.
Use of a knowledge-attitude-behaviour education programme for Chinese adults undergoing maintenance haemodialysis: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Li , Liu Yue-Ping , Wang Jing , An Li-Wei , Jiao Jian-Mei
Published: March 2016

Objective

To investigate the effects of a knowledge-attitude-behaviour health education model on acquisition of disease-related knowledge and self-management behaviour by patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis.

Methods

Patients recently prescribed MHD were randomly assigned to a control group or an intervention group. Control group patients were treated with usual care and general education models. A specialist knowledge-attitude-behaviour health education model was applied to patients in the intervention group.

Results

Eighty-six patients were included ( n = 43 per group). Before intervention, there were no significant between-group differences in disease knowledge and self-management behaviour. After 6 months’ intervention, a significant between-group difference in acquisition of disease knowledge was observed. Self-management behaviour scores (control of body mass, reasonable diet, correct drug intake, physical activity, correct fistula care, disease condition monitoring, psychological and social behaviours) for the intervention group were also higher than those for the control group.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings suggest that the knowledge-attitude-behaviour model appears to be a valuable tool for the health education of MHD patients.
A human trigeminovascular biomarker for antimigraine drugs: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with sumatriptan
Authors: Ibrahimi K , Danser AHJ , Terwindt GM , van den Meiracker AH , MaassenVanDenBrink A
Published: March 2016

Current antimigraine drugs are believed, besides their direct vasoconstrictive effect, to inhibit calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release from trigeminal nerve endings during migraine.

Objective

The objective of this report is to establish a biomarker for the CGRP-interfering effect of antimigraine drugs.

Methods

We quantified the effect of sumatriptan on the trigeminal nerve-mediated rise in forehead dermal blood flow (DBF), induced by capsaicin application (0.6 mg/ml) and electrical stimulation (0.2–1.0 mA), in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in healthy male ( n = 11, age ± SD: 29 ± 8 years) and female ( n = 11, 32 ± 7 years) individuals.

Results

DBF responses to capsaicin were attenuated by sumatriptan (ΔDBF, mean ± SEM: 82 ± 18 AU, p = 0.0002), but not by placebo (ΔDBF: 21 ± 12 AU, p = 0.1026).

Conclusion

We demonstrated that sumatriptan inhibits increases in DBF, induced by the release of, most likely, CGRP. Thus, our model may be used as a biomarker to establish the trigeminovascular effects of (potential) antimigraine drugs, such as CGRP receptor antagonists or antibodies directed against CGRP or its receptor.
Minimalist Running Shoes and Injury Risk Among United States Army Soldiers
Authors: Grier Tyson , Canham-Chervak Michelle , Bushman Timothy , Anderson Morgan , North William , Jones Bruce H.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Minimalist running shoes (MRS) are lightweight, are extremely flexible, and have little to no cushioning. It has been thought that MRS will enhance running performance and decrease injury risk.

Purpose:

To compare physical characteristics, fitness performance, and injury risks associated with soldiers wearing MRS and those wearing traditional running shoes (TRS).

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Participants were men in a United States Army brigade (N = 1332). Physical characteristics and Army Physical Fitness Test data were obtained by survey. Fitness performance testing was administered at the brigade, and the types of footwear worn were identified by visual inspection. Shoe types were categorized into 2 groups: TRS (stability, cushioning, and motion control) and MRS. Injuries from the previous 12 months were obtained from the Defense Medical Surveillance System. A t test was used to determine mean differences between personal characteristics, training, and fitness performance metrics by shoe type. Hazard ratios and 95% CIs were calculated to determine injury risk by shoe type, controlling for other risk factors.

Results:

A majority of soldiers wore cushioning shoes (57%), followed by stability shoes (24%), MRS (17%), and motion control shoes (2%). Soldiers wearing MRS were slightly younger than those wearing TRS ( P < .01); performed more push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups ( P < .01); and ran faster during the 2-mile run ( P = .01). When other risk factors were controlled, there was no difference in injury risk for running shoe type between soldiers wearing MRS compared with TRS.

Conclusions:

Soldiers who chose to wear MRS were younger and had higher physical performance scores compared with soldiers wearing TRS. When these differences are controlled, use of MRS does not appear to be associated with higher or lower injury risk in this population.
Implantation of Autologous Cartilage Chips Improves Cartilage Repair Tissue Quality in Osteochondral Defects
Authors: Christensen Bjørn Borsøe , Foldager Casper Bindzus , Olesen Morten Lykke , Hede Kris Chadwick , Lind Martin
Published: March 2016

Background:

Osteochondral injuries have poor endogenous healing potential, and no standard treatment has been established. The use of combined layered autologous bone and cartilage chips for treatment of osteochondral defects has shown promising short-term clinical results.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

This study aimed to investigate the role of cartilage chips by comparing combined layered autologous bone and cartilage chips with autologous bone implantation alone in a Göttingen minipig model. The hypothesis was that the presence of cartilage chips would improve the quality of the repair tissue.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twelve Göttingen minipigs received 2 osteochondral defects in each knee. The defects were randomized to autologous bone graft (ABG) combined with autologous cartilage chips (autologous dual-tissue transplantation [ADTT]) or ABG alone. Six animals were euthanized at 6 months and 6 animals were euthanized at 12 months. Follow-up evaluation consisted of histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry, semiquantitative scoring (International Cartilage Repair Society II), and computed tomography.

Results:

There was significantly more hyaline cartilage in the ADTT group (25.8%) compared with the ABG group (12.8%) at 6 months after treatment. At 12 months, the fraction of hyaline cartilage in the ABG group had significantly decreased to 4.8%, whereas the fraction of hyaline cartilage in the ADTT group was unchanged (20.1%). At 6 and 12 months, there was significantly more fibrocartilage in the ADTT group (44% and 60.8%) compared with the ABG group (24.5% and 41%). The fraction of fibrous tissue was significantly lower in the ADTT group compared with the ABG group at both 6 and 12 months. The implanted cartilage chips stained >75% positive for collagen type 4 and laminin at both 6 and 12 months. Significant differences were found in a number of International Cartilage Repair Society II subcategories. The volume of the remaining bone defect significantly decreased from 6 to 12 months in both treatment groups; however, no difference in volume was found between the groups at either 6 or 12 months.

Conclusion:

The presence of cartilage chips in an osteochondral defect facilitated the formation of fibrocartilage as opposed to fibrous tissue at both 6 and 12 months posttreatment. The implanted chips were present in the defect and viable after 12 months.

Clinical Relevance:

This study substantiates the chondrogenic role of cartilage chips in osteochondral defects.
GIS-based approach for optimised collection of household waste in Mostaganem city (Western Algeria)
Authors: Abdelli IS , Abdelmalek F , Djelloul A , Mesghouni K , Addou A
Published: March 2016

This work proposes an optimisation of municipal solid waste collection in terms of collection cost and polluting emissions (carbon oxides, carbon dioxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter). This method is based on a simultaneous optimisation of the vehicles routing (distance and time travelled) and the routing system for household wastes collection based on the existing network of containers, the capacity of vehicles and the quantities generated in every collecting point. The process of vehicle routing optimisation involves a geographical information system. This optimisation has enabled a reduction of travelled distances, collection time, fuel consumption and polluting emissions. Pertinent parameters affecting the fuel consumption have been utilised, such as the state of the road, the vehicles speed in the different paths, the vehicles load and collection frequencies. Several scenarios have been proposed. The results show the importance of the construction of a waste transfer station that can reduce the cost of household waste collection and emissions of waste transfer pollutants. Among the proposed five scenarios, we have noticed that the fourth scenario (by constructing a waste transfer centre) was the most performing. So, the routes of optimised travelled distance of the new circuits have been reduced by 71.81%. The fuel consumption has been reduced by 72.05% and the total cost of the collection has been reduced by 46.8%. For the polluting emissions, the reduction has been by 60.2% for carbon oxides, by 67.9% for carbon dioxides, by 74.2% for nitrogen oxides and by 65% for particulate matter.
Effects of thermal treatments on the characterisation and utilisation of red mud with sawdust additive
Authors: Liu Yanju , Naidu Ravi , Ming Hui , Dharmarajan Rajarathnam , Du Jianhua
Published: March 2016

Extremely large amounts of red mud (bauxite residue) are generated globally every year from alumina refining industries, which are being disposed of on engineered landfills. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of thermal treatments on red mud for development of utilisation strategies. Thermal treatments of red mud samples and their characterisations were investigated under inert (N2) and oxidative (air) conditions with and without sawdust addition at 200–600°C. After calcination, the resulting samples were analysed using thermogravimetric–infrared spectroscopy (TG-IR) for functional group transformations, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for thermal loss profiles and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for mineral transformations. The characterisation results showed that in N2 environment, boehmite in red mud was transferred to transition alumina at around 400°C while losing water from structural components. The addition of sawdust for incubation and calcination of red mud in air increased the surface area, whereas that in nitrogen atmosphere lead to reduction of hematite to magnetite at around 500°C. The incorporated carbon materials played a major role in increasing the surface area especially for pore size less than 2.5 nm. This treated red mud with altered mineral composition and improved properties for binding contaminants can be used for environmental remediation and in the process of metal recovery such as iron.
Value of Serum Cholinesterase Activity in the Diagnosis of Septic Shock Due to Bacterial Infections
Authors: Bahloul Mabrouk , Baccouch Najeh , Chtara Kamilia , Turki Mouna , Turki Olfa , Hamida Chokri Ben , Chelly Hedi , Ayedi Fatma , Chaari Anis , Bouaziz Mounir
Published: March 2016

Background:

We aimed to investigate whether serum cholinesterase (SChE) activity can be helpful for the diagnosis of septic shock and to evaluate its usefulness in comparison with procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Methods:

A prospective single-blinded study conducted in an intensive care unit of university hospital. Patients were classified as having cardiogenic shock, septic shock, or hemorrhagic shock. We also included a control group without neither hemodynamic instability nor sepsis. For all included patients, SChE, PCT, and CRP were simultaneously sampled.

Results:

The comparison of sepsis markers between all groups showed that the mean values of PCT and CRP were significantly higher in patients with septic shock. However, SChE activity was significantly lower in this group. The SChE activity was found to be more accurate than PCT and CRP for the diagnosis of septic shock. In fact, an SChE activity ≤ 4000 UI/L predicted the diagnosis of septic shock with a sensitivity of 78%, a specificity of 89%, a predictive negative value of 97%, and a predictive positive value of 65%. However, the prognostic value of SChE activity was poor in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion:

The SChE activity level was significantly decreased in patients with septic shock. However, its prognostic value is poor. Our results suggest that SChE activity is useful for the diagnosis of septic shock. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
Solo and Multi-Offenders Who Commit Stranger Kidnapping: An Assessment of Factors That Correlate With Violent Events
Authors: Cunningham Shannon N. , Vandiver Donna M.
Published: March 2016

Research has demonstrated that co-offending dyads and groups often use more violence than individual offenders. Despite the attention given to co-offending by the research community, kidnapping remains understudied. Stranger kidnappings are more likely than non-stranger kidnappings to involve the use of a weapon. Public fear of stranger kidnapping warrants further examination of this specific crime, including differences between those committed by solo and multi-offender groups. The current study uses National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data to assess differences in use of violence among 4,912 stranger kidnappings by solo offenders and multi-offender groups using cross-tabulations, ordinal regression, and logistic regression. The results indicate that violent factors are significantly more common in multi-offender incidents, and that multi-offender groups have fewer arrests than solo offenders. The implications of these findings are discussed.
In-process monitoring and analysis of bearing outer race way grinding based on the power signal
Authors: Chi Yulun , Li Haolin , Chen Xun
Published: March 2016

In production engineering, monitoring of the grinding process is critical for acquiring information on material removal, wheel performance and workpiece quality. Here, a general model of the power signal and material removal rate is proposed to monitor the internal plunge grinding of a bearing outer race way product. Three continuous grinding cycles after dressing were used to analyse the roughing, semi-finishing, finishing and spark-out process under the same parameters. Based on the actual grinding process, a practical analysis method is applied to improve the general model to more accurately predict the power curve. Finally, estimations of grinding wheel performance and grind quality using the grinding power signal model coefficients are also presented. The experimental results showed that the improved power signal model is capable of solving the industrial problem of multi-stage infeed grinding cycles and improving grind quality.
Effect of posterior decompression extent on biomechanical parameters of the spinal cord in cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Khuyagbaatar Batbayar , Kim Kyungsoo , Park Won Man , Kim Yoon Hyuk
Published: March 2016

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament is a common cause of the cervical myelopathy due to compression of the spinal cord. Patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament usually require the decompression surgery, and there is a need to better understand the optimal surgical extent with which sufficient decompression without excessive posterior shifting can be achieved. However, few quantitative studies have clarified this optimal extent for decompression of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. We used finite element modeling of the cervical spine and spinal cord to investigate the effect of posterior decompression extent for continuous-type cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament on changes in stress, strain, and posterior shifting that occur with three different surgical methods (laminectomy, laminoplasty, and hemilaminectomy). As posterior decompression extended, stress and strain in the spinal cord decreased and posterior shifting of the cord increased. The location of the decompression extent also influenced shifting. Laminectomy and laminoplasty were very similar in terms of decompression results, and both were superior to hemilaminectomy in all parameters tested. Decompression to the extents of C3–C6 and C3–C7 of laminectomy and laminoplasty could be considered sufficient with respect to decompression itself. Our findings provide fundamental information regarding the treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and can be applied to patient-specific surgical planning.
Numerical and experimental analysis of low-pressure steam turbine blades coupled with lacing wire
Authors: Drozdowski Roman , Völker Lutz , Häfele Markus , Vogt Damian M
Published: March 2016

Many industrial steam turbine applications require the capability for variable speed operation in combination with high mass flow rates and high back pressure levels. Especially the low-pressure blading has to be designed carefully with respect to the mechanical integrity. An effective way to reduce blade vibration is the introduction of a simple lacing wire to couple the moving blades. In this paper, the structural behavior of blades coupled by a wire is verified by means of linear and nonlinear finite element method. Different modeling techniques for the coupling effects are presented and discussed. Special focus is put on the nonlinear effects of the contact between blade and wire to investigate the frictional damping performance of the system. The obtained numerical results are validated by strain gauge measurements on a full-scale test turbine under real steam conditions in an industrial steam turbine test rig. The experimental data show low blade vibration amplitudes in the whole operational range indicating a high damping performance of the investigated wire design. The calculation results from the forced response analysis including the frictional effects are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Development of a duplex rapid assay for immunoglobulins M and G to evaluate the parvoviral immune status of clinically healthy dogs
Authors: Palma Marco , de la Roja Nuria , Montón Mercedes , Sastre Patricia , Ramírez Susana , Barreiro Belén , Venteo Angel , Rueda Paloma
Published: March 2016

A duplex rapid assay for detection of serum antibodies to canine parvovirus (CPV) was developed. Canine immunoglobulin (Ig)M or IgG were captured in immunotubes with anti-canine IgM or IgG and detected with parvovirus VP2 recombinant protein followed by an anti-VP2 monoclonal antibody. The assay was tested using a collection of sera from dogs that were vaccinated against CPV on arrival at an animal shelter in Madrid, Spain. Results were compared with those of 2 commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) considered as reference techniques. A high correlation was found between the duplex rapid assay and the ELISAs, presenting an accuracy of 98% and 100% for IgG and IgM, respectively. According to the IgG and IgM levels at days 0–3 postvaccination, the samples were divided into 2 groups. One group of dogs showed high IgG and low IgM values at the first sampling post-vaccination and during the following 14 days, indicating that they had previously been in contact with the virus, either by vaccination or infection before arrival at the animal shelter. A second group of dogs appeared to be unvaccinated or uninfected before arrival at the animal shelter because they had negative IgM and IgG values soon after vaccination. These animals responded to vaccination, as demonstrated by seroconversion of both isotypes of immunoglobulins. The developed assay appears to be useful in determining the unknown immune status of dogs to CPV, especially in kennels and shelters where the rate of infection by CPV is relatively high.
Characterization, modeling, and control of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy based on electrical resistance feedback
Authors: Lynch Brian , Jiang Xin-Xiang , Ellery Alex , Nitzsche Fred
Published: March 2016

The use of shape memory alloy actuators has steadily increased within the fields of aerospace, robotics, and biomedical engineering due to their superior properties compared to other actuation systems. Position control of shape memory alloy actuators is difficult due to the highly non-linear behavior but has been well studied using numerous approaches. Electrical resistance can be used to estimate strain in shape memory alloy actuator wire due to a correlation between the two parameters. Previous models of this correlation are subject to one or more drawbacks such as being limited to a single applied load, not accounting for hysteresis effects, or applying only to a specific actuator size. This article presents a stress–strain–resistance model that accounts for varying applied load, major and minor hysteresis effects and is normalized in terms of actuator geometry. Results of simulation and a simple position control experiment are demonstrated, validating the performance of the model. Furthermore, a correlation between the model and an augmented version of the Liang and Rogers model is also presented.
Identifying Research Topic Development in Business and Management Education Research Using Legitimation Code Theory
Authors: Arbaugh J. B. , Fornaciari Charles J. , Hwang Alvin
Published: March 2016

Although the volume of business and management education (BME) research has expanded substantially, concerns remain about the field’s legitimacy and its ability to attract new and dedicated scholars. An obstacle that may impede field development is lack of knowledge about influential works and authors to frame topical areas of inquiry and future research questions. We used citation analysis to track the development of BME research by uncovering 100 highly cited articles that revolve primarily around four research topical areas: (a) Entrepreneurship Education, (b) Distance Education/Online Teaching and Learning, (c) Business Student Ethics, and (d) Characteristics/Critiques of Business Schools. We then used legitimation code theory to categorize these articles on the basis of richness of knowledge ideas (Knowledge Code), the reputation of scholars (Knower Code), the combination of knowledge and reputation (Elite Code), or some other qualities (Relativist Code). Both Entrepreneurship Education and Online Teaching and Learning had articles in Relativist Code, Elite Code, and Knowledge Code categories, with other topical areas primarily populating the Knower Code and Relativist Code categories. We conclude by discussing potential implications for the development of BME research topics, BME scholars, and future applications of legitimation code theory.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers and Prices in Hospital Outpatient Departments
Authors: Carey Kathleen
Published: March 2016

Specialty providers claim to offer a new competitive benchmark for efficient delivery of health care. This article explores this view by examining evidence for price competition between ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs). I studied the impact of ASC market presence on actual prices paid to HOPDs during 2007-2010 for four common surgical procedures that were performed in both provider types. For the procedures examined, HOPDs received payments from commercial insurers in the range of 3.25% to 5.15% lower for each additional ASC per 100,000 persons in a market. HOPDs may have less negotiating leverage with commercial insurers on price in markets with high ASC market penetration, resulting in relatively lower prices.
Perceived Impact of a Land and Property Rights Program on Violence Against Women in Rural Kenya
Authors: Hilliard Starr , Bukusi Elizabeth , Grabe Shelly , Lu Tiffany , Hatcher Abigail M. , Kwena Zachary , Mwaura-Muiru Esther , Dworkin Shari L.
Published: March 2016

The current study focuses on a community-led land and property rights program in two rural provinces in western Kenya. The program was designed to respond to women’s property rights violations to reduce violence against women and HIV risks at the community level. Through in-depth interviews with 30 women, we examine the perceived impact that this community-level property rights program had on violence against women at the individual and community level. We also examine perceptions as to how reductions in violence were achieved. Finally, we consider how our findings may aid researchers in the design of structural violence-prevention strategies.
Teaching Stimulus Control via Class-Wide Multiple Schedules of Reinforcement in Public Elementary School Classrooms
Authors: Torelli Jessica N. , Lloyd Blair P. , Diekman Claire A. , Wehby Joseph H.
Published: March 2016

In elementary school classrooms, students commonly recruit teacher attention at inappropriately high rates or at inappropriate times. Multiple schedule interventions have been used to teach stimulus control by signaling to students when reinforcement is and is not available contingent on an appropriate response. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of a class-wide multiple schedule on differentiated rates of student recruitment of teacher attention in two public elementary classrooms. General education teachers implemented the multiple schedule intervention in the context of a common instructional routine (i.e., small group rotations among reading centers). Results indicated that the multiple schedule intervention was effective at decreasing disruptive bids for attention when teacher attention was not available. Additional research on teacher implementation of class-wide multiple schedules is needed to evaluate whether this intervention may be identified as an effective supplement to Tier 1 classroom management strategies within multi-tiered systems of support.
On the rate of injection modeling applied to direct injection compression ignition engines
Authors: Payri Raul , Gimeno Jaime , Novella Ricardo , Bracho Gabriela
Published: March 2016

Modern engine design has challenging requirements toward maximum power output, fuel consumption and emissions. For engine combustion development programs, the injection system has to be able to operate reliable under a variety of operating conditions. Today’s legislations for quieter and cleaner engines require multiple-injection strategies, where it is important to understand the behavior of the system and to measure the effect of one injection on subsequent injections. This study presents a methodology for zero-dimensional modeling of the mass flow rate and the rail pressure of a common rail system, constructed from a set of experimental measurements in engine-like operating conditions, for single- and multiple-injection strategies. The model is based on mathematical expressions and correlations that can simulate the mass flow rate obtained with the Bosch tube experiment, focusing on the shape and the injected mass, using few inputs: rail pressure, back pressure, energizing time and so on. The model target is to satisfy two conditions: lowest computational cost and to reproduce the realistic injected quantity. Also, the influence of the rail pressure level on the start of injection is determined, especially for multiple-injection strategies on the rate shape and injected mass. Good accuracy was obtained in the simulations. The results showed that the model error is within the 5%, which corresponds at the same time to the natural error of the injector and to the accuracy of the measures which had been done. The benefits of the model are that simulations can be performed quickly and easily for any operation points, and, on the other hand, that the model can be used in real-time on the engine test bench for mass estimations when doing additional experiments or calibration activities.
Numerical simulation of the flow around a subsea pipeline with different protection methods
Authors: Saber Mohamed , Saqr Khalid M , Hassan Amr A , Kotb Mohamed A
Published: March 2016

Hydrodynamic stress induced by marine currents subject subsea pipelines to failure vulnerability. Therefore, several methods have been established to protect such pipelines from hydrodynamic forces. The objective of this work is to investigate the performance of two different protection methods using computational fluid dynamics. A second-order accurate upwind finite volume computational fluid dynamics model was used to simulate isotropic turbulent flow around a subsea pipeline located on flat seabed. A comparison between four turbulence models revealed that both Menter’s shear stress transport k[Formula: see text] and the standard k[Formula: see text] models yield the best agreement with experimental measurements. Pipeline trenching and double-barrier protection methods were simulated with different geometrical characteristics. A comparison between those two methods was conducted and discussed. It is found that at small aspect ratios, the double-barrier method prevails over trenching in terms of its ability to isolate the pipe from the main current. While at large aspect ratio, trenching provides near-zero pressure coefficient along the pipe wall, which demonstrate its prevalence in protecting the pipeline.
An agent-based simulation on navigational capacity of multi-bridge waterways
Authors: Sang Ling-zhi , Tong Xiao-peng , Xu Wu-xiong , Mao Zhe , Yan Xin-ping
Published: March 2016

Multi-bridge waterways of river can cause the navigational bottleneck phenomenon because of the decreased passing efficiency and the increased ship risk. The navigational capacity calculation not only makes benefits to deck officers in operating safely and efficiently but also assists supervisors in the maritime traffic organizing. An agent-based simulation is proposed to evaluate the navigational capacity of multi-bridge waterways in Wuhan. Automatic Identification System data are collected to characterize the maritime traffic of multi-bridge waterways. The Monte Carlo methods are used to generate agents, while the needed random numbers in terms of ship type, length, width, speed over ground and arrival time are generated according to the estimated parameters. Seven behaviour strategies of the agent are made based on the real operation requirements of multi-bridge waterways. The proposed agent-based simulation is validated by the real sectional maritime traffic volume data. Simulation results show that, under the current navigational conditions, the navigational capacity of the investigated multi-bridge waterways in middle season is approximately 1512 ships (597 upstream ships and 915 downstream ships) per day. In addition, the increase in speed over ground can improve the navigational capacity and facilitate the capacity utilization.
The Spiral Staircase: A Narrative Approach to Pastoral Conversation
Authors: Miller Andrew J.
Published: March 2016

The following is a patient-centered pastoral conversation paradigm to be used by chaplains, pastors, or any other spiritual care provider, in engaging in healing conversation with patients, clients, or parishioners. It is based on the intimate, interpathic incarnation of oneself into another’s story.
Behavioral Outcomes of Supervisory Education in the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education: A Qualitative Research Study
Authors: Ragsdale Judith R. , Orme-Rogers Charles , Bush Johnny C. , Stowman Sheryl Lyndes , Seeger Rodney W.
Published: March 2016

This study advances the work of developing a theory for educating Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Supervisors by describing the behaviors which result from the successful completion of CPE supervisory education. Twenty-eight Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) Certification Commissioners were interviewed to identify the behaviors demonstrated by Supervisory Education Students (Candidates) which influenced the decision to certify them at the level of Associate Supervisor. Specific behavioral descriptors are listed for each ACPE supervisory competency
Promises, Promises
Authors: McLean Haydn
Published: March 2016

Presenting a pledge to another establishes expectation in the recipient for the commitment to be fulfilled, particularly when a promise is devoid of coercion. Defaulting on a commitment may damage relationships between people and may predispose the disenchanted recipient to distrust those who proffer succeeding commitments. God’s advocates who have been disappointed by God’s evident under-delivery may experience a crisis of faith, exemplified in attachment distress, when disappointment intimates God has over-promised his providence, which questions the nature and, ultimately, the relevance of God.
Predictors of Clergy’s Ability to Fulfill a Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Role
Authors: Mason Karen , Geist Monica , Kuo Richard , Marshall Day , Wines James D.
Published: March 2016

Catholic, Jewish and Protestant clergy (n = 801) completed a survey to identify predictors of clergy’s ability to fulfill a suicide gatekeeper role. Exploratory backward stepwise regression identified predictors of risk identification including suicide knowledge, religion, conducting suicide funerals, having an attitude that people have a right to die, age, and race. Predictors of ability to intervene include suicide knowledge, training, religion, right to die attitude, and ethnicity. Recommendations include more suicide training and clergy self-care.
Radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation using only a bipolar device
Authors: Kawasaki Hiromitsu , Suenaga Etsuro , Takaki Jun , Hayashi Nagi
Published: March 2016

Purpose:

Although the maze procedure using a radiofrequency ablation device is a prevalent treatment for atrial fibrillation, a bipolar radiofrequency device is generally not used on the mitral and tricuspid annulus owing to the risk of coronary artery injury. We report the performance of the maze procedure using only a bipolar radiofrequency ablation device in our institute since 2009.

Methods:

We performed the maze procedure using only a bipolar device in 35 patients (bipolar group) and compared their operative outcomes with 56 patients who underwent standard radiofrequency ablation using bipolar and unipolar devices (standard group) for atrial fibrillation.

Results:

Preoperative characteristics were similar in the two groups. Operative data were also similar in the two groups except for a higher number of concomitant tricuspid valve repairs in the bipolar group (p = 0.007). There were no significant differences in mortality and morbidity between the two groups. Sinus rhythm was restored in a significantly higher number of patients in the bipolar group (71.4%) than in the standard group (39.3%; p = 0.002) at the first postdischarge follow-up.

Conclusion:

The maze procedure using only a bipolar radiofrequency device can be safely performed and results in a satisfactory sinus rhythm restoration.