bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demonstrating Adequate Management of Risks: The Move from Quantitative to Qualitative Risk Assessments
Authors: Bower-White Graham
Published: September 2012

This paper will demonstrate that the use of quantitative risk analysis (QRA) has limitations and does not, in isolation, demonstrate adequate management of risks. The only way to demonstrate that risks are being appropriately managed is to identify all hazards; understand the level of risk; identify all prevention, control and mitigation barriers; and then demonstrate that those barriers are adequate and effective in managing that risk to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable.

This paper is applicable to all process industries and, in particular, those industries operating under the jurisdiction of NOPSEMA in Australia. Under the OPGGS Act we have a legal obligation to demonstrate that we are managing risk to levels that are demonstrably ALARP.

In summary this paper will show that QRA has its place in demonstrating adequate management of risks; however, it should not be used in isolation. Having a QRA conducted can sometimes provide a false sense of security that risk is being managed. The UKOOA Risk-based Decision Making Framework is a useful tool in demonstrating the small part that QRA plays in managing risk. The answer to managing risk effectively lies in demonstrating that adequate and effective controls are in place. Not only do we need to identify the controls that are required to manage risk effectively, we also need to demonstrate that those controls are actually in place, are performing as they should and that competent people have confirmed that this is the case.

In the process industry, post-Macondo & Montara, it is essential that operators move away from just demonstrating that they understand the level of risk that personnel and the environment are exposed to. We all need to move towards demonstrating that we have adequate and effective barriers and controls in place to manage that risk effectively.
HIV and Aging: An Evolving Challenge for the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Battalora Linda A. , Spear John R. , Young Benjamin
Published: September 2012

The prevention and management of infectious diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, has been an area of increasing focus of the oil and gas industry. HIV infection is highly prevalent in many of the regions where oil and gas production occurs. With the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV are living longer and able to participate in the work force. Recent epidemiological studies indicate that age-related illnesses are more common in HIVpositive (HIV+) individuals than in age-matched HIV-negative (HIV−) individuals. Together with the typical age-related illnesses of older people, challenging workplace issues are foreseeable.

Among long-term survivors of HIV infection, increased risk of bone, heart, cognitive diseases and certain malignancies have been described. Correlations exist between bone health in HIV-infected persons and increased risk of fragility fractures. Additionally, cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive deficits are recognized as occurring prematurely in HIV+ individuals. Further, it is suggested that long-term antiretroviral therapy may result in medication toxicity. Such degenerative illnesses have wide impact on health and the working environment during exploration and production operations including reduced productivity, reduction in labor pool experience, and increased safety risks in transporting, lifting, and equipment operation. Outcomes like these result in additional project and health costs that are ultimately paid by the operator, contractor, stakeholder and the community.

This paper highlights recent epidemiological findings based on cohort studies, translates their relevance to the oil and gas industry, discusses their direct impact on health and the working environment, personal safety, health safety and environment (HSE) management, and suggests timely industry preparation for workplace issues resulting from HIV and aging, both premature and chronological aging.
Marine Environment Guidance during Geophysical Operations
Authors: Tsoflias S. L. , Hedgeland D. , Gill G. C.
Published: September 2012

The International Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC) has several subcommittees and workgroups focusing on specific subject areas in order to achieve its overall mission, which includes promoting the conduct of the geophysical industry's business in a professional, safe, and environmentally responsible manner. In 2011, the Association's Sound & Marine Life Workgroup completed an updated version of its Recommended Mitigation Measures for Cetaceans during Geophysical Operations (IAGC 2011a). Several documents have been developed to complement these recommended measures. Among these are the IAGC Recommended Visual Observer Reporting Forms (IAGC 2011b).

Numerous countries require the use of visual observers who are responsible for monitoring the presence of marine mammals within defined zones during geophysical operations and implementing procedures to mitigate potential impacts. Various reporting forms have been developed for these observations. IAGC members identified a need to have a standard set of forms that could be used on a global basis to collect and report visual observer data, unless a country stipulates the use of different forms. In addition to streamlining the process for geophysical companies, the use of standardized forms encourages the collection of visual observation data in a consistent manner that facilitates meaningful analysis. A centralized database is being considered for collecting the data, further facilitating objective scientific research on the topic.

IAGC has also prepared and published the document Guidance for Marine Life Visual Observers (IAGC 2011c), intended for use by third party visual monitoring personnel such as marine mammal observers (MMOs) or marine wildlife observers (MWOs) operating onboard vessels conducting marine seismic surveys. The document explains the role and responsibilities of the MMO/MWO, the role and responsibilities of the permit-holder and seismic contractor company, lines of communication between all onboard and information on reporting, conflict management, health, safety and environment (HSE) aspects and standards of conduct.

These publications are examples of initiatives by IAGC, often working in partnership with other organizations, to minimize potential environmental impacts of geophysical operations and demonstrate the commitment of its members to working responsibly.
Making the Safety Case Work - Post Macondo and Montara
Authors: Fitzgerald Brendan , Breen Paul , Patrick Joe
Published: September 2012

The paper will consider the implementation of the Safety Case in the oil and gas industry in Australia, and internationally, post the Macondo and Montara incidents.

The National Commission Report into the Deepwater Horizon / Macondo blowout stated: "The immediate causes of the Macondo well blowout ……. that reveal such systematic failures in risk management that they place in doubt the safety culture of the entire industry. "

In their letter to Minister Ferguson on 22 March 2011, the NOPSA Board stated: "The Montara and Macondo incidents each demonstrate technical ignorance and a poor safety culture including complacency regarding low probability, high consequence risks. There is a clear need to improve industry safety culture, accountability and leadership. "

The paper will examine these criticisms and consider how the industry could improve its process safety and risk management. The implementation of a Safety Case in the USA may only occur "in the typical rule-making process that takes up to two years" (Michael Bromwich, Director of BOEMRE). Knowledge, understanding and application of key aspects of process safety management and the preparation and implementation of the Safety Case process are not uniform. The paper will suggest how, in this context, the Safety Case can be applied to achieve the improved outcomes.

The paper will draw from specific findings from the Macondo and Montara incidents. In particular, and of some concern, there are echoes and parallels of the Piper Alpha disaster in the performance of emergency systems on Deepwater Horizon. Inadequate application of hazardous area classification is a key issue which the paper will discuss in order to provide greater understanding. Whilst in Australia, issues of competency, consistency and quality arise with matters such as performance standards. The paper will discuss the need for an industry accepted standard for "performance standards" that goes beyond current regulatory guidelines.

Overall, the paper will seek to propose a way forward for the industry in several practical areas.
Conference Scene: Improving healthcare efficiency
Authors: DeKoven Mitch , Donga Prina , Powers Julia , Coyle Katharine , Divino Victoria
Published: September 2012

The International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research recently sponsored the 17th Annual International Meeting. The meeting represented researchers and practitioners including pharmacists, physicians, economists and other professionals involved in pharmacoeconomic analysis and health outcomes assessment, as well as users of this information in healthcare decisions such as in hospitals, managed care and pharmacy benefit design organizations personnel.
Interview: Improving the efficiency and outcomes of medical care
Authors: Mushlin Alvin I
Published: September 2012

Alvin I Mushlin
, MD, ScM, is Chair of the Department of Public Health at Weill Cornell Medical College and Public Health Physician-in-Chief of the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City, USA. Dr Mushlin’s interests focus on outcomes research to improve clinical decision-making and policy formulation. His studies have sought to quantify the value and accuracy of diagnostic tests and procedures, to understand the efficacy and cost–effectiveness of medical interventions, and to measure the quality of medical care. He is a leader in the development of comparative effectiveness research methods and the use of economics in medical research and was one of the first to systematically evaluate the accuracy of MRI. He also led a landmark study in the evolution and adoption of cardiac defibrillators. Dr Mushlin was recently the Principal Investigator of the Weill Cornell Centers for Education and Research Therapeutics (CERT) grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to evaluate medical and orthopedic devices. He is the Weill Cornell Clinical and Translational Science Center’s representative on the NIH Comparative Effectiveness Research Key Function Committee. He holds an MD degree from Vanderbilt University (TN, USA), a ScM in Epidemiology and Medical Care (completed as a Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar) from Johns Hopkins University (MD, USA) and completed his clinical training at The New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center. Dr Mushlin is board certified in internal medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.
A tall order on a tight timeframe: stakeholder perspectives on comparative effectiveness research using electronic clinical data
Authors: Holve Erin , Hamilton Lopez Marianne , Scott Lisa , Segal Courtney
Published: September 2012

Background & significance:
The AcademyHealth Electronic Data Methods Forum aims to advance the national dialogue on the use of electronic clinical data (ECD) for comparative effectiveness research (CER), patient-centered outcomes research, and quality improvement by facilitating exchange and collaboration among eleven research projects and external stakeholders. AcademyHealth conducted a mixed-method needs assessment with the Electronic Data Methods Forum’s key stakeholders to assess: stakeholder views on developing new infrastructure for CER using ECD; current gaps in knowledge with respect to CER; and expectations for a learning health system.
Methods:
AcademyHealth conducted 50 stakeholder interviews between August 2011 and November 2011 with participants from the following seven stakeholder groups: government, business/payer, industry, healthcare delivery, patient/consumer, nonprofit/policy and research. With input from key collaborators, AcademyHealth designed a semi-structured interview guide and a short survey. Reviewers used the qualitative data analysis software NVivo to code the transcripts and to identify and manage complex concepts. Quantitative data from the questionnaire has been integrated with the final analysis as relevant.
Results:
The analysis of recurring concepts in the interviews focus on five central themes: stakeholders have substantial expectations for CER using ECD, both with respect to addressing the limitations of traditional research studies, and generating meaningful evidence for decision-making and improving patient outcomes; stakeholders are aware of many challenges related to implementing CER with ECD, including the need to develop appropriate governance, assess and manage data quality, and develop methods to address confounding in observational data; stakeholders continue to struggle to define ‘patient-centeredness’ in CER using ECD, adding complexity to attaining this goal; stakeholders express that improving translation and dissemination of CER, and how research can be ‘useful’ at the point of care, can help mitigate negative perceptions of the CER ‘brand’; and stakeholders perceive a need for a substantial ‘culture shift’ to facilitate collaborative science and new ways of conducting biomedical and outcomes research. Many stakeholders proposed approaches or solutions they felt might address the challenges identified.
Part-products of S-restricted integer compositions
Authors: Schmutz Eric , Shapcott Caroline
Published: September 2012

If S is a cofinite set of positive integers, an "S-restricted composition of
n" is a sequence of elements of S, denoted ?? = (?1, ?2, ... ), whose sum is
n. For uniform random S-restricted compositions, the random variable B(??) =
?i ?i is asymptotically lognormal. (A precise statement of the theorem
includes an error term to bound the rate of convergence.) The proof is based
upon a combinatorial technique for decomposing a composition into a sequence
of smaller compositions.
An "Unconscious and Profitable Cerebration": Mark Twain and Literary Intentionality
Authors: Robinson Forrest G.
Published: September 2012

Scholars have been guilty of assuming that Mark Twain was fully self-conscious in his literary intentions. The liabilities entailed by this assumption are manifest in Henry B. Wonham's recent Mark Twain and the Art of the Tall Tale. A survey of the evidence bearing on this pivotal question reveals that Mark Twain was an artist of decidedly inchoate intentions, and that he was perfectly willing to admit it. Thus the burden of proof in this matter rests most heavily on those who want to characterize Mark Twain as a highly self-conscious writer.
Impossible Commands: Reading Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Authors: Derwin Susan
Published: September 2012

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn begins with a notice cautioning against readings that attempt to find motive, moral, or meaning in the narrative, in short, with a proscription that contest the grounds of reading itself. Such a command is only intelligible in light of the relation elaborated in the text between, on the one hand, conscience or mortality, and on the other hand, cognition, as embodied by the formal requirements of plot. The novel suggests that the strictures of morality are as necessary to human identity as plot structure is to narrative. Moreover, both morality and plot are indebted to a process of narcissistic projection that produces meaning by generating distorting images of self and other. Morality is an ambivalent force, both aggressive and constitutive in its effects, while plot, in its capacity to control the disclosure of information, is manipulative and strategically exclusionary. The structure of Huckleberry Finn observes the requirements of plot, but Twain's complex use of irony complicates the novel's formal linearity and affords a critical perspective on the process of narcissistic projection underwriting both plot and mortality.
Emotional Communication in Music Performance: A Functionalist Perspective and Some Data
Authors: Juslin Patrik N.
Published: September 2012

The first part of this paper presents a systematic application of a functionalist perspective to the study of emotional communication in music performance. This involves the integration of ideas and concepts from psychological research on emotion and nonverbal communication with Brunswik's (1956) probabilistic functionalism and a modified version of his lens model. It is argued that this approach may provide the necessary theoretical foundation by generating useful questions, hypotheses, and ways of evaluating data from performance analyses and listening experiments. The second part reports an experimental study in which professional guitar players were instructed to play a short piece of music so as to communicate four basic emotions to listeners. The resulting performances were analyzed regarding various cues, such as tempo, sound level, and articulation. It was found that (a) the expressive intentions of the performers affected all of the measured cues in the performances, (b) the cues had merely a probabilistic relation to the performers' intentions, and (c) the cues were intercorrelated. The performances were also validated in a listening experiment which showed that listeners were successful in decoding the intended emotional expression, and that there were no differences in decoding accuracy between musically trained and untrained listeners.
Key Induction in the Context of Interactive Performance
Authors: Rowe Robert
Published: September 2012

Several algorithms for finding the tonal center of a musical context are extant in the literature. For use in interactive music systems, we are interested in algorithms that are fast enough to run in real time and that need only make reference to the material as it appears in sequence. In this article, I examine a number of such algorithms and the ways in which their contribution to real-time algorithmic listening can be bolstered by reference to concurrent analyzers working on other tasks. Though as part of the discussion I review my own key finder, the focus here is on the coordination of published methods using control structures for multiprocess analysis and their application in performance.
The Core Cysteines, (C909) of Islet Antigen-2 and (C945) of Islet Antigen-2β, Are Crucial to Autoantibody Binding in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Elvers Karen T. , Geoghegan Ivey , Shoemark Debbie K. , Lampasona Vito , Bingley Polly J. , Williams Alistair J.K.
Published: September 2012

Cysteines are thought integral to conformational epitopes of islet antigen-2 (IA-2) autoantibodies (IA-2A), possibly through disulfide bond formation. We therefore investigated which cysteines are critical to IA-2A binding in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. All 10 cysteines in the intracellular domain of IA-2 were modified to serine by site-directed mutagenesis, and the effects of these changes on autoantibody binding in comparison with wild-type control were investigated by radiobinding assay. Mutation of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) core cysteine (C909) in IA-2 caused large reductions in autoantibody binding. In contrast, little or no reduction in binding was seen following substitution of the other cysteines. Modification of the core cysteine (C945) in IA-2β also greatly reduced autoantibody binding. Lysine substitution of glutamate-836 in IA-2 or glutamate-872 in IA-2β resulted in modest reductions in binding and identified a second epitope region. Binding to IA-2 PTP and IA-2β PTP was almost abolished by mutation of both the core cysteine and these glutamates. The core cysteine is key to the major PTP conformational epitope, but disulfide bonding contributes little to IA-2A epitope integrity. In most patients, at disease onset, >90% of antibodies binding to the PTP domain of IA-2 recognize just two epitope regions.
Sterol Regulatory Element–Binding Protein-1c Mediates Increase of Postprandial Stearic Acid, a Potential Target for Improving Insulin Resistance, in Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Chu Xia , Liu Liyan , Na Lixin , Lu Huimin , Li Songtao , Li Ying , Sun Changhao
Published: September 2012

Elevated serum free fatty acids (FFAs) levels play an important role in the development of insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes. We investigated the dynamic changes and the underlying regulatory mechanism of postprandial FFA profile in hyperlipidemia (HLP) and their relation with insulin sensitivity in both humans and mice. We found that serum stearic acid (SA) is the only fatty acid that is increased dramatically in the postprandial state. The elevation of SA is due to increased insulin-stimulated de novo synthesis mediated by sterol regulatory element–binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c)/acetyl-CoA carboxylase/fatty acid synthase/elongation of long-chain fatty acid family member 6 (ELOVL6) and the elongation of palmitic acid (PA) catalyzed by ELOVL6. Downregulation of SREBP-1c or ELOVL6 by small interfering RNA can reduce SA synthesis in liver and serum SA level, followed by amelioration of IR in HLP mice. However, inhibition of SREBP-1c is more effective in improving IR than suppression of ELOVL6, which resulted in accumulation of PA. In summary, increased postprandial SA is caused by the insulin-stimulated SREBP-1c pathway and elongation of PA in HLP. Reduction of postprandial SA is a good candidate for improving IR, and SREBP-1c is potentially a better target to prevent IR and diabetes by decreasing SA.
White Matter Structural Differences in Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study
Authors: Aye Tandy , Barnea-Goraly Naama , Ambler Christian , Hoang Sherry , Schleifer Kristin , Park Yaena , Drobny Jessica , Wilson Darrell M. , Reiss Allan L. , Buckingham Bruce A.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

To detect clinical correlates of cognitive abilities and white matter (WM) microstructural changes using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in young children with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Children, ages 3 to <10 years, with type 1 diabetes (n = 22) and age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (n = 14) completed neurocognitive testing and DTI scans.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, children with type 1 diabetes had lower axial diffusivity (AD) values (P = 0.046) in the temporal and parietal lobe regions. There were no significant differences between groups in fractional anisotropy and radial diffusivity (RD). Within the diabetes group, there was a significant, positive correlation between time-weighted HbA1c and RD (P = 0.028). A higher, time-weighted HbA1c value was significantly correlated with lower overall intellectual functioning measured by the full-scale intelligence quotient (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with type 1 diabetes had significantly different WM structure (as measured by AD) when compared with controls. In addition, WM structural differences (as measured by RD) were significantly correlated with their HbA1c values. Additional studies are needed to determine if WM microstructural differences in young children with type 1 diabetes predict future neurocognitive outcome.
Change in Visceral Adiposity Independently Predicts a Greater Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Over 10 Years in Japanese Americans
Authors: Wander Pandora L. , Boyko Edward J. , Leonetti Donna L. , McNeely Marguerite J. , Kahn Steven E. , Fujimoto Wilfred Y.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

—Visceral adiposity is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. We sought to determine whether change in intraabdominal fat area (IAF) over time predicts subsequent development of diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

—We followed up 436 nondiabetic Japanese-American subjects (mean age 51.9 years, mean BMI 24.2 kg/m2, 54% male) for development of diabetes. We fit a logistic regression model to examine the association over a 10-year follow-up between change in IAF at 5-year follow-up and other fat areas (measured by computed tomography) and development of incident diabetes, adjusted for age, sex, family history of diabetes in a first-degree relative, second-generation versus third-generation Japanese American (Nisei vs. Sansei), baseline IAF, BMI, weight change over time, smoking status, physical activity level, and subcutaneous fat (SCF) depot areas.

RESULTS

—Cumulative incidence of diabetes was 20.4% at 10 years. Mean change in IAF was 10.9 cm2. An increase of 1 SD in IAF was associated with a 1.65-fold increase in the odds of diabetes over 10 years (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.21–2.25) after adjusting for the above covariates. This association was also independent of changes in thoracic, thigh, and abdominal SCF, as well as change in weight.

CONCLUSIONS

—We conclude that baseline IAF and accumulation of fat in this area over time are independent predictors of the development of type 2 diabetes in Japanese Americans.
Does Insulin Glargine Increase the Risk of Cancer Compared With Other Basal Insulins?
Authors: Fagot Jean-Paul , Blotière Pierre-Olivier , Ricordeau Philippe , Weill Alain , Alla François , Allemand Hubert
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

To explore in France the relationship between insulin glargine use and overall and specific cancer risks in type 2 diabetic patients compared with other basal insulins.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were extracted from French health insurance information system (Système National d'Information Inter-Régimes de l'Assurance Maladie) linked with data from the French Hospital Discharge database (Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information). Included were 70,027 patients aged 40–79 years who started a basal insulin in 2007–2009. Cox proportional hazards models with age as time-scale were used to calculate multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for associations between type of basal insulin and risk of overall cancer, breast cancer, and seven other cancer sites.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 2.67 years in patients exposed to insulin glargine. Absolute event rates for all cancer in patients exposed to glargine versus other basal insulin users were 1,622 and 1,643 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. No significant association was observed between glargine exposure and overall cancer incidence after adjustment for sex, with a hazard ratio of 0.97 (95% CI 0.87–1.07), or after additional adjustment for any other hypoglycemic agent use and duration of diabetes. No increased risk of breast cancer was observed for glargine users compared with other basal insulins users, with a fully adjusted hazard ratio of 1.08 (0.72–1.62).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large cohort of patients newly treated by basal insulin, no increased risk of any cancer was observed in insulin glargine users compared with other basal insulin users. Because follow-up did not exceed 4 years, longer-term studies are needed.
Differential Effect of Glycemia on the Incidence of Hypertension by Sex
Authors: Costacou Tina , Orchard Trevor J.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Intervention and Complications analyses demonstrated that intensive insulin therapy was inversely associated with incident hypertension. We thus sought to confirm these observations and, given sex differences in other type 1 diabetes complications and risk factors, assessed whether any such associations differ by sex.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants of a prospective cohort of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes, free of hypertension at study entry (baseline mean age, 28 years; diabetes duration, 19 years), were selected for study (n = 510). Hypertension incidence was defined as blood pressure >140/90 mmHg or use of hypertension medications in two consecutive visits. Intensive insulin therapy was defined as three or more injections (or pump) and four or more glucose tests daily. Baseline predictors of hypertension were examined using Cox proportional hazards models. Models with time-dependent updated means of baseline significant variables were also constructed.

RESULTS

Hypertension incidence over 18 years of follow-up was marginally higher in men than in women (43.2 vs. 35.4%, P = 0.07). A significant interaction was noted between sex and HbA1c, and separate models were constructed by sex. Multivariably, elevated HbA1c was a significant predictor only in men (hazard ratio 1.48 [95% CI 1.28–1.71]). In time-dependent models, although a significant effect of HbA1c was also seen in women (1.21 [1.00–1.46]), the effect of glycemic control on hypertension development remained stronger in men (1.59 [1.29–1.97], P interaction <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although hyperglycemia is a risk factor for hypertension, its effect is stronger in men compared with women with type 1 diabetes.
Comparative Effectiveness of Lifestyle Intervention Efforts in the Community
Authors: Piatt Gretchen A. , Seidel Miriam C. , Powell Robert O. , Zgibor Janice C.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

To determine the comparative effectiveness of three lifestyle intervention modalities in decreasing risk for diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Five hundred and fifty-five individuals (86.1% female, 95.1% white, and 55.8% obese) from eight rural communities were screened for BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and waist circumference >40 inches in men and >35 inches in women. Communities with their eligible participants (n = 493; mean age 51 years, 87.6% female, 94.1% Caucasian) were assigned to four Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) intervention groups: face to face (FF) (n = 119), DVD (n = 113), internet (INT) (n = 101), and self-selection (SS) (n = 101). SS participants chose the GLB modality. GLB is a comprehensive lifestyle behavior–change program.

RESULTS

A marked decline was observed in weight after the intervention in all groups (FF −12.5 lbs, P = 0.01; DVD −12.2 lbs, P < 0.0001; INT −13.7 lbs, P < 0.0001; and SS −14 lbs, P < 0.0001). Participants in SS experienced the largest average weight loss. Weight loss was sustained in >90% of participants in each group at 6 months (FF 90.7%, DVD 90.9%, INT 92.1%, and SS 100%). All groups experienced improvements in the proportion of participants with CVD risk factors. The proportion of individuals with CVD risk factors remained steady between 3 and 6 months in all groups and never returned back to baseline. All associations remained after multivariate adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the modality, the GLB intervention was effective at decreasing weight and improving CVD risk factor control. SS and FF participants experienced greater improvements in outcomes compared with other groups, establishing the importance of patient-centered decision making and a support network for successful behavior change.
Maternal Physical Activity and Insulin Action in Pregnancy and Their Relationships With Infant Body Composition
Authors: Pomeroy Jeremy , Renström Frida , Gradmark Anna M. , Mogren Ingrid , Persson Margareta , Bluck Les , Wright Antony , Kahn Steven E. , Domellöf Magnus , Franks Paul W.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess the association between maternal gestational physical activity and insulin action and body composition in early infancy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

At 28–32 weeks' gestation, pregnant women participating in an observational study in Sweden underwent assessments of height, weight, and body composition, an oral glucose tolerance test, and 10 days of objective physical activity assessment. Thirty mothers and infants returned at 11–19 weeks postpartum. Infants underwent assessments of weight, length, and body composition.

RESULTS

Early insulin response was correlated with total physical activity (r = −0.47; P = 0.007). Early insulin response (r = −0.36; P = 0.045) and total physical activity (r = 0.52; P = 0.037) were also correlated with infant fat-free mass. No maternal variable was significantly correlated with infant adiposity.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationships between maternal physical activity, insulin response, and infant fat-free mass suggest that physical activity during pregnancy may affect metabolic outcomes in the mother and her offspring.
Sustainable Chemistry at the Universities of Applied Sciences
Authors: Sanglard Pauline , Rogano Frank , Naef Olivier , Riedl Wolfgang , Crelier Simon , Fischer Fabian , Morganti Franziska , Hinderling Christian
Published: September 2012

An overview of activities in the field of sustainable or 'green' chemistry at the Universities of Applied Sciences in Switzerland is presented.
A global analysis of xylem vessel length in woody plants
Authors: Jacobsen Anna L. , Pratt R. Brandon , Tobin Michael F. , Hacke Uwe G. , Ewers Frank W.
Published: September 2012

• Premise of the study: Vessels are the chief conduit for long‐distance water transport in the majority of flowering plants. Vessel length is a key trait that determines plant hydraulic efficiency and safety, yet relatively little is known about this xylem feature.

• Methods: We used previously published studies to generate a new global data set of vessel length in woody plants. These data were used to examine how evolutionary history, plant habit, environment, and growth ring porosity influenced vessel length. We also examined the relationship between mean vessel length and mean vessel diameter and maximum vessel length.

• Key results: Data on mean vessel length were available for stems of 130 species and on maximum vessel length for stems of 91 species. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that vessel length did not exhibit significant phylogenetic signal. Liana species had longer vessel lengths than in tree or shrub species. Vessel diameter was not predictive of mean vessel length, but maximum vessel length strongly predicted mean vessel length. Vessel length did not vary between species that differed in growth ring porosity.

• Conclusions: Many traits often assumed to be linked to vessel length, including growth ring porosity and vessel diameter, are not associated with vessel length when compared interspecifically. Sampling for vessel length has been nonrandom, e.g., there are virtually no data available for roots, and sampling for environment has been confounded with sampling for habit. Increased knowledge of vessel length is key to understanding the structure and function of the plant hydraulic pathway.
Synthesis and characterization of low-molecular-weight π-conjugated polymers covered by persilylated β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Farcas Aurica , Resmerita Ana-Maria , Stefanache Andreea , Balan Mihaela , Harabagiu Valeria
Published: September 2012

The paper reports the preparation of a poly[2,7-(9,9-dioctylfluorene)-alt-5,5'-bithiophene/PS-βCD] (PDOF-BTc) polyrotaxane copolymer, through a Suzuki coupling reaction between the 5,5'-dibromo-2,2'-bithiophene (BT) inclusion complex with persilylated β-cyclodextrin (PS-βCD), and 9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-bis(trimethylene borate) (DOF) as the blocking group. The chemical structure and the thermal and morphological properties of the resulting polyrotaxane were investigated by using NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy, TGA, DSC and AFM analysis. The encapsulation of BT inside the PS-βCD cavity results in improvements in the solubility, as well as in different surface morphology and thermal properties of the PDOF-BTc rotaxane copolymer compared to its noncomplexed PDOF-BT homologue. In contrast, the number-average molecular weight (Mn) of PDOF-BTc rotaxane copolymer indicated lower values suggesting that the condensation reaction is subjected to steric effects of the bulkier silylated groups, affecting the ability of the diborate groups from the DOF molecule to partially penetrate the PS-βCD cavity.
POST-DISASTER CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION DEBRIS MANAGEMENT: A SRI LANKA CASE STUDY
Authors: Karunasena Gayani , Amaratunga Dilanthi , Haigh Richard
Published: September 2012

The increasing nature of impacts from disasters has made post disaster management a key area of concern. The management of disaster waste is revealed as an area of least concern yet it presents momentous challenges for those with inadequate capacities due to the large volume and hazardous constituents created, specifically in developing countries. This paper aims to report the findings of post-disaster waste management strategies and challenges identified in Sri Lanka. Data was gathered through interviews with government and non-government organisations at national and local level. The lack of an established hierarchy and single point of responsibility, mandatory and enforceable rules and regulations; inadequate capacity and funds, and lack of communication and coordination were identified as gaps in post-disaster waste management. This enabled the identification of post-disaster waste management strategies, highlighting gaps that need to be addressed for effective C&D debris management for Sri Lanka's future resilience.
DATA PREPROCESSING FOR ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK APPLICATIONS IN PRIORITIZING RAILROAD PROJECTS – A PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IN TAIWAN
Authors: Cheng Min-Yuan , Su Cheng-Wei , Tsai Ming-Hsiu , Lin Kuo-Shian
Published: September 2012

Financial constraints necessitate the tradeoff among proposed railroad projects, so that the project priorities for implementation and budget allocation need to be determined by the ranking mechanisms in the government. At present, the Taiwan central government prioritizes funding allocations primarily using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a methodology that permits the synthesizing of subjective judgments systematically and logically into objective consensus. However, due to the coopetition and heterogeneity of railway projects, the proper priorities of railroad projects could not be always evaluated by the AHP. The decision makers prefer subjective judgments to referring to the AHP evaluation results. This circumstance not only decreased the AHP advantages, but also raised the risk of the policies. A method to consider both objective measures and subjective judgments of project attributes can help reduce this problem. Accordingly, combining the AHP with the artificial neural network (ANN) methodologies would theoretically be a proper solution to bring a ranking predication model by creating the obscure relations between objective measures by the AHP and subjective judgments. However, the inconsistency between the AHP evaluation and subjective judgments resulted in the inferior soundness of the AHP/ANN ranking forecast model. To overcome this problem, this study proposes the data preprocessing method (DPM) to calculate the correlation coefficient value using the subjective and objective ranking incidence matrixes; according to the correlation coefficient value, the consistency between the AHP rankings and subjective judgments of railroad projects can be evaluated and improved, so that the forecast accuracy of the AHP/ANN ranking forecast model can also be enhanced. Based on this concept, a practical railroad project ranking experience derived from the Institute of Transportation of Taiwan is illustrated in this paper to reveal the feasibility of applying the DPM to the AHP/ANN ranking prediction model.
IMPACT OF HEAT REFLECTIVE COATINGS ON HEAT FLOWS THROUGH THE VENTILATED ROOF WITH STEEL COATINGS
Authors: Banionis Karolis , Monstvilas Edmundas , Stankevičius Vytautas , Bliudžius Raimondas , Miškinis Kestutis
Published: September 2012

In many EU countries, the normative requirements for thermal characteristics of roofs are associated only with rating the heat losses through the roofs during the heating period. The problem of overheated premises under the light-weight ventilated roofs, covered with steel sheets, arises in the summer time. During this period of the year, because of the intensive solar radiation and high air temperature, the steel roof coatings heat up during the day and cause additional heat inflows to the premises. One of the most effective means to reduce the additional radiative heat flow from the interior surfaces of the roof coating into the attic is to install radiant barriers with low emissivity coefficient into the roof construction. The experimental research has shown that having heat reflective coatings with low emissivity coefficient (ε = 0.09) installed on the exterior surface of the thermal insulation layer of the ventilated roofs with steel coatings, the heat flow from the roof coating through the roof construction into the interior premises can be reduced on the daily average of 23–25% in the summer time.
LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY OF COMPRESSED CONCRETE ELEMENTS SUBJECTED TO REPEATED LOAD STRENGTHENED WITH CFRP MATERIALS
Authors: Trapko Wojciech , Trapko Tomasz
Published: September 2012

This paper presents the results of experimental investigations of compressed concrete elements behaviour subjected to monotonic and cyclic load strengthened with CFRP materials. Two types of CFRP strengthening were applied during the experiment – longitudinal strips and/or transverse sheets. The results obtained allowed to draw conclusions concerning the possibility of representing a stress-strain monotonic curve with a curve of cyclic strains. The influence of load history on strain parameters of the investigated elements was found. The influence of the strengthening pattern and the state of effort on Young modulus and residual strains was analyzed. Moreover, observations were made of the disadvantageous effect of cyclic loads on strengthening durability, which lead to deformation or partial delamination of external CFRP reinforcement.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT POZZOLANA ON HARDENING PROCESS AND PROPERTIES OF HYDRAULIC BINDER BASED ON NATURAL ANHYDRITE
Authors: Žvironaitė Jadvyga , Pundienė Ina , Gaidučis Sergejus , Kizinievič Viktor
Published: September 2012

The study deals with peculiarities of hydration and development of hardening structure as well as durability properties pertaining to composite anhydrite cement pozzolana binder (ACP) with different pozzolana (P). The properties of P have an effect on ACP hydration, structure development and durability properties. This effect is different than that in cement pastes. Investigations were performed with known P: natural opoka (O) and microsilica (MS), also with production waste of mineral wool – cupola dust (CD), which is famous for high fineness and amorphous structure of particles. It was established that the activity of P compounds contained in CD was very high making this waste suitable for ACP as a P component. In ACCD samples, one could observe the most intense hydration; and after a longer inductive period, the development of hardening microstructure was more rapid than in ACMS or ACO; furthermore, a remarkably higher strength was reached. The slowest hydration and structure compacting as well as the lowest strength were found in ACMS samples. It shows that the high pozzolanic activity of P is not the crucial index in evaluation of its effect on ACP properties. Chemical properties of P have a remarkably greater effect; and in case of CD, it is most likely due to reactive alkaline admixtures.
COMPARISON STUDY OF SPHERICAL AND MULTI-SPHERICAL PARTICLES UNDER CYCLIC UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION
Authors: Tumonis Liudas , Kačianauskas Rimantas , Norkus Arnoldas , Žilionienė Daiva
Published: September 2012

Numerical simulation of cyclic compression of granular material by performing oedometric test has been performed. Discrete Element Method (DEM) has been employed for simulation. A comparison study has aimed to examine the differences in macroscopic behaviour of material discretized by spherical (S) and non-spherical shape models of a particle. During the study, microscopic data of sand from Klaipėda were used for modelling the shape of particles. The nonspherical particles were described by multi-spherical (MS) models retaining distributions for size and aspect ratios. Two DE models of tested specimens were developed and the deformation behaviour under cyclic uniaxial compression was simulated numerically by applying the commercial EDEM code. The variation of the oedometric elasticity modulus was investigated and influence of particle shape on void ratio changes was demonstrated. It was clearly shown that application of S particles is much more sensitive to rearrangement of particles during densification DEM. Simulations illustrated that the elasticity modulus of material corresponding to MS particles is approximately 1.9 times larger comparing with material corresponding to S particles. Therefore, one must improve the magnitude of elasticity modulus by introducing a respective correction factor.
NONLINEAR DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF A CABLE UNDER FIRST AND SECOND ORDER PARAMETRIC EXCITATIONS
Authors: Ouni Mohamed Hechmi El , Kahla Nabil Ben
Published: September 2012

It is well known that small periodic vibrations of a cable support through its axial direction produce large spectacular oscillations of the cable. This may occur when the frequency of the anchorage motion is close to the first natural frequency or twice the fundamental frequency of the cable. In this paper, a nonlinear dynamic study of a cable under first and second order parametric excitations is presented. The cable model takes into account sag as well as quadratic and cubic nonlinear couplings between in-plane and out-of-plane motions. As a numerical example, a single-d.o.f. planar model of a horizontal cable is used to study the effect of frequency and amplitude of excitation as well as the natural damping of the cable on its transient and steady state responses with a particular focus on the time needed to trigger first and second order parametric resonance.
AN ANT COLONY SYSTEM BASED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR CONSTRUCTION TIME-COST OPTIMIZATION
Authors: Zhang Yanshuai , Ng S. Thomas
Published: September 2012

Time and cost are the two most important factors to be considered in every construction project. In order to maximize the profit, both the client and contractor would strive to minimize the project duration and cost concurrently. In the past, most of the research studies related to construction time and cost assumed time to be constant, leaving the analyses based purely on a single objective of cost. Acknowledging this limitation, an evolutionary-based optimization algorithm known as an ant colony system is applied in this study to solve the multi-objective time-cost optimization problems. In this paper, a model is developed using Visual Basic for Application™ which is integrated with Microsoft Project™. Through a test study, the performance of the proposed model is compared against other analytical methods previously used for time-cost modeling. The results show that the model based on the ant colony system techniques can generate better solutions without utilizing excessive computational resources. The model, therefore, provides an efficient means to support planners and managers in making better time-cost decisions efficiently.
Crise écologique et éducation
Authors: Monnier Claire
Published: September 2012

Résumé La crise écologique actuelle a des caractéristiques propres : elle est crise de la représentation que nous nous faisons de la nature, crise de l’humanité, voire crise ontologique. La psychanalyse peut nous aider à la comprendre, notamment par la pulsion de mort. P. Legendre permet d’affiner nos hypothèses. Mélanie Klein aide à pénétrer les énigmes de la toute première enfance. Nous traversons une crise de dévalorisation de la terre-mère, mais aussi des tentatives de réparation dans lesquelles s’enracine le comportement éthique face à l’environnement. Nous serions capables d’avoir endommagé cette mère nourricière : c’est ce qu’exprimeraient l’actuel « souci écologique » et l’urgence de « réparation » de ce qui a été détruit. Il va s’agir de « répondre de » en éduquant à la posture éthique. L’homme contemporain est invité à éprouver responsabilité et gratitude à l’égard du vivant. Notons, à ce sujet, que le concept de « développement durable » est ambigu : il est trop lié au souci de conciliation avec certaines logiques de production économique.