bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefit segmentation of potential wellbeing tourists
Authors: Pesonen Juho , Laukkanen Tommi , Komppula Raija
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this study is to segment tourists according to the benefits they seek from a tourism destination. These segments are examined in order to find attractive segments for local wellbeing products. Segmentation in the context of wellbeing and wellness provides companies information on what kind of tourists are most interested in buying wellbeing products and contributes to the existing segmentation theory by using data driven segmentation in a situation where traditionally common-sense segmentation is used. The literature surrounding benefit segmentation in tourism is reviewed in order to find the benefits tourists might think of as important. The results of K-means cluster analysis show that tourists in the Savonlinna region, Finland, can be divided into four segments. The segments differ from each other in the benefits they seek and in interest in wellbeing holidays, but are quite similar regarding to their socio-demographic factors. This study shows that data-driven segmentation can be used to find markets for a certain product instead of a priori segmentation. The results also show that benefits sought have a strong influence on customer behavior but little in common with socio-economic factors, which proves the usefulness of benefit segmentation in tourism. Based on the results, tourism companies can find the most suitable segments for their offerings.
Measuring the effectiveness of US official state tourism websites
Authors: Li Xu , Wang Youcheng
Published: October 2011

This study attempts to apply the ICTRT (information, communication, transaction, relationship and technical merit) model to assess the effectiveness of US official state tourism websites through content analysis by expert evaluators. The results demonstrated that US State Tourism Offices (STOs) were not able to effectively adopt and manage information technology to support more sophisticated business operations. Most STOs focused mainly on basic website functions, such as information and communication. Applications supporting more advanced functions, such as transaction and relationship building were not being widely deployed. In addition, an inverse, curvilinear relationship was found between website complexity and website performance. Suggestions and implications were provided and discussed based on the research findings.
Socio-demographic disparities of childhood asthma
Authors: Crespo Noe C , Ayala Guadalupe X , Vercammen-Grandjean Christopher D , Slymen Donald J , Elder John P
Published: October 2011

Childhood asthma is particularly prevalent among disadvantaged children and is associated with greater functional consequences. This study described factors associated with childhood asthma in a sample of Latino and non-Latino children. Data were from baseline measures of 791 parent and child dyads involved in a childhood obesity prevention study. Parents completed a self-administered survey assessing childhood factors, demographics, acculturation and child asthma diagnosis. Multivariate mixed effects logistic regression analyses tested for correlates of child asthma and ethnicity interactions. Children were 4–10 years old, half were female, 86.0 percent were US-born and 45.7 percent were overweight or obese. The prevalence of childhood asthma was 11.5 percent. In multivariate analyses, the odds of childhood asthma were greater among children of non-Latino descent (OR = 4.1, CI: 1.8, 9.2), who had health insurance (OR = 11.1, CI: 2.7, 46.4), were male (OR = 1.8; CI: 1.1, 3.1) and born pre-term (OR = 3.0, CI: 1.4, 6.3). This study supports socio-demographic disparities in childhood asthma and evidence of their independent effects.
Parents’ experience of giving consent for their child to undergo surgery
Authors: Pfeil Michael
Published: October 2011

This study considered the experiences of parents giving consent for their children to undergo surgery at a regional centre for paediatric surgery. Eighteen purposively selected parents whose children had undergone surgery were interviewed for this qualitative study. All parents wanted to receive understandable but comprehensive information, they expected opportunities to ask questions and wanted to be given sufficient time to make their decision. Their reactions to being given the information varied, with some parents’ anxiety levels increasing, while others felt re-assured. Most parents were willing to give their consent only once they had been convinced of the need for surgery. On the other hand, two parents wanted the surgeon to decide for them. Many parents also wanted to share the responsibility and give consent together. The main outcome of this study was that the parents’ decisions and decision-making was more individualised than previously thought.
How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective
Authors: Hölzel Britta K. , Lazar Sara W. , Gard Tim , Schuman-Olivier Zev , Vago David R. , Ott Ulrich
Published: October 2011

Cultivation of mindfulness, the nonjudgmental awareness of experiences in the present moment, produces beneficial effects on well-being and ameliorates psychiatric and stress-related symptoms. Mindfulness meditation has therefore increasingly been incorporated into psychotherapeutic interventions. Although the number of publications in the field has sharply increased over the last two decades, there is a paucity of theoretical reviews that integrate the existing literature into a comprehensive theoretical framework. In this article, we explore several components through which mindfulness meditation exerts its effects: (a) attention regulation, (b) body awareness, (c) emotion regulation (including reappraisal and exposure, extinction, and reconsolidation), and (d) change in perspective on the self. Recent empirical research, including practitioners’ self-reports and experimental data, provides evidence supporting these mechanisms. Functional and structural neuroimaging studies have begun to explore the neuroscientific processes underlying these components. Evidence suggests that mindfulness practice is associated with neuroplastic changes in the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, temporo-parietal junction, fronto-limbic network, and default mode network structures. The authors suggest that the mechanisms described here work synergistically, establishing a process of enhanced self-regulation. Differentiating between these components seems useful to guide future basic research and to specifically target areas of development in the treatment of psychological disorders.
Prior surgical intervention and tumor size impact clinical outcome after precision radiotherapy for the treatment of optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSM)
Authors: Adeberg Sebastian , Welzel Thomas , Rieken Stefan , Debus Jürgen , Combs Stephanie E
Published: October 2011

Purpose

We analyzed our long-term experience with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) in patients with meningioma of the optic nerve sheath (ONSM).

Patients and Methods

Between January 1991 and January 2010, 40 patients with ONSM were treated using FSRT. Of these, 19 patients received radiotherapy as primary treatment, and 21 patients were treated after surgical resection. The median target volume was 9.2 ml, median total dose was 54 Gy in median single fractions of 1,8 Gy.

Results

Local progression-free survival was 100%. Median survival after FSRT was 60 months (range 4-228 months). In all patients overall toleration of FSRT was very good. Acute toxicity was mild. Prior to RT, 29 patients complained about any kind of visual impairment including visual field deficits, diplopia or amaurosis. Prior surgical resection was identified as a negative prognostic factor for visual outcome, whereas patients with larger tumor volumes demonstrated a higher number of patients with improvement of pre-existing visual deficits.

Conclusion

Long-term outcome after FSRT for ONSM shows improved vision in patients not treated surgically prior to RT; moreover, the best improvement of visual deficits are observed in patients with larger target volumes. The absence of tumor recurrences supports that FSRT is a strong alternative to surgical resection especially in small tumors without extensive compression of normal tissue structures
Estimating Marginal Returns to Education
Authors: Carneiro Pedro , Heckman James J , Vytlacil Edward J
Published: October 2011

This paper estimates marginal returns to college for individuals induced to enroll in college by different marginal policy changes. The recent instrumental variables literature seeks to estimate this parameter, but in general it does so only under strong assumptions that are tested and found wanting. We show how to utilize economic theory and local instrumental variables estimators to estimate the effect of marginal policy changes. Our empirical analysis shows that returns are higher for individuals with values of unobservables that make them more likely to attend college. We contrast our estimates with IV estimates of the return to schooling. JEL: I23, J24, J31
Currency Misalignments and Optimal Monetary Policy: A Reexamination
Authors: Engel Charles
Published: October 2011

This paper examines optimal monetary policy in an open-economy two-country world with sticky prices under pricing to market. We show that currency misalignments are inefficient and lower world welfare. We find that optimal policy must target consumer price inflation, the output gap, and the currency misalignment. The paper derives the loss function of a cooperative monetary policymaker and the optimal targeting rules. The model is a modified version of Clarida, Galí, and Gertler (JME, 2002). The key change is that we allow pricing to market or local-currency pricing and consider the policy implications of currency misalignments. JEL: E52, F31, F41
History of Medicine student selected components at UK medical schools: a questionnaire-based study
Authors: Metcalfe Neil H , Brown Andrew K
Published: October 2011

Objectives

To determine the current status of History of Medicine student selected components (SSC) at UK medical schools. This includes the frequency, methods of delivery, assessment, and evaluation of such courses.

Design

An 18-item questionnaire was created, piloted, and then sent electronically in January 2010 to participants pertaining to their History of Medicine SSC provision as of 1 January 2010. Initial non-responders were re-sent the questionnaire in February 2010.

Setting

All UK medical schools.

Participants

The History of Medicine SSC lead or overall SSC lead at each UK medical school were contacted to ascertain their History of Medicine SSC provision.

Main outcome measures

Percentages of History of Medicine SSCs for each objective characteristic were obtained as well as general descriptive data.

Results

Fifteen of the 32 medical schools in the UK offer a History of Medicine SSC. Eleven medical schools (offering a total of 12 SSCs) completed the questionnaire (response rate 73.3%). Eight different teaching methods are used within the SSCs. Medical professionals most frequently deliver the teaching, which most frequently covers the 20th and 21st centuries. Four assessment methods are used among the SSCs, the most common being a group presentation. Questionnaires are the most frequent method of evaluation. There are several factors limiting the provision of some current SSCs, most commonly a lack of staff, teaching facilities, and available time within the curriculum.

Conclusion

History of Medicine is being delivered more frequently in UK medical schools than when previously researched 40 years ago. However, the subject is still offered in a minority of the medical schools. This study offers useful information to consider for the development of current and potential new History of Medicine SSCs.
Schwa elements in Tashlhiyt word-initial clusters
Authors: Ridouane Rachid , Fougeron Cécile
Published: October 2011

This paper deals with schwa elements that sometimes occur between consonants in Tashlhiyt Berber and seeks to determine where they come from. Based on acoustic data on word-initial C
In Situ Matric Suction and Moisture Content Measurements in Expansive Clay during Seasonal Fluctuations
Authors: Puppala Anand J. , Manosuthkij Thammanoon , Nazarian Soheil , Hoyos Laureano R. , Chittoori Bhaskar
Published: October 2011

In the design of flexible pavements using the mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG), water flow analyses are used to predict changes in the mechanical behavior of unsaturated subgrade soils. However, the water flow analyses in the MEPDG are not well validated using field measurements of moisture content and matric suction with time. A research study was initiated to measure the variation in matric suction and moisture content in an expansive soil during seasonal fluctuations. Specifically, a thermal conductivity-based suction sensor was fully evaluated and calibrated in the laboratory and was later installed with moisture sensors at different sites in Texas. This paper presents a summary of field measurements of matric suctions and moisture contents from a site in Houston. Comparisons of field measurements of matric suctions are compared with those interpreted from the soil water characteristic curve using field moisture content measurements, and a decent match was obtained up to matric suctions close to 800 kPa.
Semiclassical approaches for dielectric resonators
Authors: Bittner Stefan , Dietz Barbara , Richter Achim
Published: October 2011

Different aspects of dielectric cavities investigated experimentally
using dielectric microwave resonators are summarized. Measured frequency
spectra and near field distributions of circular and square resonators
are compared to different semiclassical approximations. These
include the calculation of the resonance frequencies and widths of a flat
three-dimensional disk using the so-called effective index of refraction
model, the modeling of resonance states localized on periodic orbits
in the dielectric square, and the investigation of a trace formula connecting
the density of states of a resonator with the periodic orbits of
the corresponding classical billiard. In conclusion, the comparisons between
the experimental results and the theoretical predictions demonstrate
the potency, but also the limitations of different semiclassical
models for dielectric cavities.
Microwave studies of dielectric resonators
Authors: Kuhl U. , Schafer R. , Stockmann H.-J.
Published: October 2011

A review of microwave studies of dielectric disks is presented, including
field distributions and emission patterns of quadrupolarly deformed
cavities, coupling and interactions between neighboring circular
disks, and a realization of graphene in terms of a honeycomb lattice
made of disks with an high index of refraction.
Index
Authors: Kwon O’Dae , Lee Byoungho , An Kyungwon
Published: October 2011

Full text available.
Performance of qpsk system in the presence of pulse interference and noisy carrier reference signal
Authors: Stefanovic Mihajlo , Milosevic Milan , Pavlovic Dragana
Published: October 2011

The aim of this paper is the determining the system performance in detecting the QPSK signal. The error probability is determined when the signal, Gaussian noise, pulse interference and imperfect carrier phase recovery are taken into consideration. Phase locked loop, as the constituent part of the receiver, is used in providing the synchronization reference signal extraction, which is assumed to be imperfect. The obtained results are based on the PLL non-linear model of the first order, with the emphasis on the degradation in the system performance produced by the imperfect carrier signal extraction. The system performance is determined when the signal corrupted by pulse interference and Gaussian noise is applied at the input of the receiver.
A contribution to shielding effectiveness analysis of shielded tents
Authors: Vranic Zoran
Published: October 2011

An analysis of shielding effectiveness (SE) of the shielded tents made of the metallised fabrics is given. First, two electromagnetic characteristic fundamental for coupling through electrically thin shield, the skin depth break frequency and the surface resistance or transfer impedance, is defined and analyzed. Then, the transfer function and the SE are analyzed regarding to the frequency range of interest to the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Community.
Pulse width control loop as a duty cycle corrector
Authors: Jovanovic Goran , Stojcev Mile
Published: October 2011

The clock distribution and generation circuitry forms a critical component of current synchronous digital systems. A digital system?s clocks must have not only low jitter, low skew, but also well-controlled duty cycle in order to facilitate versatile clocking techniques. In high-speed CMOS clock buffer design, the duty cycle of a clock is liable to be changed when the clock passes through a multistage buffer because the circuit is not pure digital [8]. In this paper, we propose a pulse width control loop referred as MPWCL (modified pulse width control loop) that adopts the same architecture as the conventional PWCL, but with a new pulse generator and new charge pump circuit as a constituent of the duty cycle detector. Thanks to using new building blocks the proposed pulse width control loop can control the duty cycle in a wide range, and what is more important it becomes operative in saturation region too, what provides conditional for fast locking time. For 1.2 ?m double-metal double-poly CMOS process with Vdd = 5 V and operating frequency of 133 MHz, results of SPICE simulation show that the duty cycle can be well controlled in the range from 20 % up to 80 % if the loop parameters are properly chosen.
E Actitrode: The new selective stimulation interface for functional movements in hemiplegics patients
Authors: Bijelic Goran , Popovic-Bijelic Ana , Jorgovanovic Nikola , Bojanic Dubravka , Popovic Dejan
Published: October 2011

We describe the new multi-contact electrode-array for surface electrical stimulation, and the corresponding interface device that allows on-line selection of the conductive fields during the application of the system. This new device has a specific value for therapeutic applications of electrical stimulation since it allows effective generation of desired functional movements. The user-friendly interface also allows patients at home to select the optimal electrode array; thereby, to receive therapies out of the clinical environment. The electrode was tested in three post-stroke hemiplegics patients. The pilot experiments showed that system works sufficiently good for control of fingers during grasp and release functions without the interference of the wrist movement. The use of electrode is also envisioned for many other applications (foot-drop fitness, shoulder subluxation, etc).
Self-consistent treatment of v-groove quantum wire band structure in no parabolic approximation
Authors: Crnjanski Jasna , Gvozdic Dejan
Published: October 2011

The self-consistent no parabolic calculation of a V-groove-quantum-wire (VQWR) band structure is presented. A comparison with the parabolic flat-band model of VQWR shows that both, the self-consistency and the nonparabolicity shift sub band edges, in some cases even in the opposite directions. These shifts indicate that for an accurate description of inter sub band absorption, both effects have to be taken into the account.
FPGA-based prototyping of IEEE 802.11a base band processor
Authors: Dramicanin Dejan , Rakic Dejan , Denic Slobodan , Vlahovic Veljko
Published: October 2011

In technical literature and especially in domestic, predominant way to examine performance of 802.11a-based systems are experiments in simulations. In this paper, we present FPGA based 802.11a prototype, which gave us a possibility to gain closer insight into the problems of OFDM system implementation. A specific design of base band modem physical layer is discussed, along with the presentation of the FPGA prototyping platform on which it was developed. Prototype is implemented on the latest generation of FPGA chips, using state-of-the-art tools for DSP development. Custom made development environment, and design flow optimized for rapid prototyping of software defined radios, are also presented in the paper.
The numeric evaluation of the magnetic field produced by a rotor with alternating poles
Authors: Greconici Marian , Blaj Constantin , Nicoară Barbu
Published: October 2011

The magnetic field produced by a rotor with alternating magnetic poles in a magnetic fluid hydrostatic bearing is numerically evaluated. There has been used a 3D program based on the finite element method (3D-FEM).
Analysis of high impedance transients and improved data compression using wavelet transform
Authors: Subramaniam N.P. , Bagan Bhoopathy
Published: October 2011

High impedance transients are difficult to detect and classify by using conventional methods due to low transient current [1]. This paper proposes an alternative technique to detect and classify the high impedance transient by obtaining the energy curve from the wavelet co-efficient at each level. The scheme recognizes the distortion of the voltage and current waveforms caused by the arcs usually associated with high impedance fault. From the results obtained it can be inferred, that the energy level of each transient disturbance has unique deviation from pure sinusoidal waveform in particular energy level, which is adopted to provide reliable classification of the type of transient. Also, this paper proposes a novel technique for disturbance data compression which is called as Improved Disturbance Compression Method (IDCM). In this method, only the disturbance data is compressed not the whole waveform using sparse representation property of Wavelet Transform.
Optical flow for large motion using gradient technique
Authors: Sarker Hossain , Bechkoum Kamal , Islam K.K.
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we present the gradient-based optical flow method that estimates the two-dimensional velocity of object motion. a multi-resolution smoothing operation proposes in this paper as a pre-processing step for overcoming the difficulty of large motion estimation by gradient-based optical flow techniques. the effectiveness of the proposed method has confirmed by applying image sequence of large motion experimental results with an image sequence show a qualitative improvement.
The greatest recognition to the scientist Nikola Tesla: Award of the unit for magnetic induction (T) in the international system of units (SI)
Authors: Spaic Gordana , Spiridonovic Srdjan
Published: October 2011

The paper describes the reasons and results that led to the greatest recognition that a scientist can achieve, his name Tesla given to a unit in the field of electricity and magnetism in the International System of Units (SI). The difficulties on the way from a proposal to its final adoption through different Technical and Experts Committees of the International Electro technical Commission (IEC) and of the International Committee on Weights and Measures are described. Some examples for the usage of the "tesla" unit are mentioned.
Adaptive neuro-fuzzy controller of switched reluctance motor
Authors: Tahour Ahmed , Abid Hamza , Aissaoui Ghani
Published: October 2011

This paper presents an application of adaptive neuro-fuzzy (ANFIS) control for switched reluctance motor (SRM) speed. The ANFIS has the advantages of expert knowledge of the fuzzy inference system and the learning capability of neural networks. An adaptive neuro-fuzzy controller of the motor speed is then designed and simulated. Digital simulation results show that the designed ANFIS speed controller realizes a good dynamic behaviour of the motor, a perfect speed tracking with no overshoot and a good rejection of impact loads disturbance. The results of applying the adaptive neuro-fuzzy controller to a SRM give better performance and high robustness than those obtained by the application of a conventional controller (PI).
Model based fault detection and diagnosis using structured residual approach in a multi-input multi-output system
Authors: Asokan A. , Sivakumar D.
Published: October 2011

Fault detection and isolation (FDI) is a task to deduce from observed variable of the system if any component is faulty, to locate the faulty components and also to estimate the fault magnitude present in the system. This paper provides a systematic method of fault diagnosis to detect leak in the three-tank process. The proposed scheme makes use of structured residual approach for detection, isolation and estimation of faults acting on the process [1]. This technique includes residual generation and residual evaluation. A literature review showed that the conventional fault diagnosis methods like the ordinary Chisquare (?2) test method, generalized likelihood ratio test have limitations such as the "false alarm" problem. From the results it is inferred that the proposed FDI scheme diagnoses better when compared to other conventional methods.
Industrial heating system creating given temperature distribution
Authors: Iatcheva Ilona , Lilianova Ilonka , Tahrilov Hristophor , Stancheva Rumena
Published: October 2011

The aim of the work is precise coupled electromagnetic-temperature field analysis using the finite element method of an induction heating system and creation of adequate field models at chosen control points. The obtained models have been applied in an optimization task, concerning special requirements for temperature distribution in the heated detail. The field analysis problem was solved as nonlinear, transient and axisymmetrical. The field models used in the optimization problem were based on the Response surface method and Design of experiment. The presented example refers to a real induction heating system. Heated details after plastic deformation and hardening are used for producing farm instruments.
Numerical simulations for investigating EMC problems in industrial life
Authors: Bernd Jaekel
Published: October 2011

The complexity of current EMC problems and the necessity to solve them in an accurate, reliable and efficient way require various analysis techniques. Numerical simulations can be considered as one of the most powerful tools for performing EMC analysis. Computational electromagnetics is used within basic research for example at universities as well as during nearly all phases of a product or system development process occurring in industrial life. Especially here, several challenges result from the application of numerical simulations. The most important ones are described and discussed in this paper. An exemplary interference problem is presented demonstrating the relevance and impact of those challenges.
3D numerical modeling of coupled phenomena in induced processes of heat treatment with malice
Authors: Triwong Peeteenut , Gagnoud Annie
Published: October 2011

This paper describes a multi-method Malice package for three dimension coupled phenomena in induced processes of heat treatment by an algorithm weakly coupled with the Migen package integral method defining the electromagnetic model and the Flux-Expert package finite element method defining the thermal model. The integral method is well suited to inductive systems undergoing sinusoidal excitation at midrange or high frequency. The unknowns of both models are current density, scalar potential and temperature. Joule power in the electromagnetic model is generated by Eddy currents. It becomes the heat source in the thermal model.
Influence of current reuse LNA circuit parameters on its noise figure
Authors: Radic Jelena , Djugova Alena , Videnovic-Misic Mirjana
Published: October 2011

A 2.4 GHz low noise amplifier (LNA) with a bias current reuse technique is proposed in this work. To obtain the optimum noise figure (NF) value, dependence of NF on its most influential LNA parameters has been analyzed. Taking into account the LNA design requirements for other figures of merit, values of the circuit parameters are given for the optimum noise figure.
Influence of strain on band structure of semiconductor nanostructures
Authors: Raicevic Nevena , Tadic Milan
Published: October 2011

The influence of the mechanical strain on the electronic structure of the asymmetric (In,Ga)As/GaAs quantum well is considered. Both the direct influence of strain on the orbital part of the electronic structure and an indirect influence through the strain dependent Rashba and Dresselhaus Hamiltonians are taken into account. The analyzed quantum well is taken to have a triangular shape, and is oriented along the <110> direction. For this direction, there exists both the intrinsic and strain-induced spin-orbit interaction. For all analyzed types of spin-orbit interaction, subband splittings depend linearly on the in-plane wave vector. On the other hand, the electronic structure for the Rashba type of the strain-induced spin-orbit interaction shows isotropic dependence in the k-space, while the electronic structure due to the Dresselhaus type shows anisotropy. Furthermore, the Rashba strain-induced spin-orbit interaction increases subband splitting, while the effect of the Dresselhaus Hamiltonian on the electronic structure is opposite to the intrinsic spin-orbit interaction for certain polar angles.
Real time implementation of adaptive sliding mode observer based speed sensor less vector control of induction motor
Authors: Negadi Karim , Mansouri Abdellah , Khtemi Belkheir
Published: October 2011

Sensor less induction motor drives are widely used in industry for their reliability and flexibility. However, rotor flux and speed sensors are required for vector control of induction motor. These sensors are sources of trouble, mainly in hostile environments, and their application reduces the drive robustness. The cost of the sensors is not also negligible. All the reasons lead to development of different sensor less methods for rotor flux and mechanical speed estimation in electrical drives. The paper deals with the speed estimators for applications in sensor less induction motor drive with vector control, which are based on application of model adaptive, based sliding mode observer methods. This paper presents the development and DSP implementation of the speed estimators for applications in sensor less drives with induction motor.
Microcontroller based PWM controlled four switch three phase inverter fed induction motor drive
Authors: Mohanty Kant , Muthu Ranganath
Published: October 2011

This paper presents PIC microcontroller based PWM inverter controlled four switch three phase inverter (FSTPI) fed Induction Motor drive. The advantage of this inverter that uses of 4 switches instead of conventional 6 switches is lesser switching losses, lower electromagnetic interference (EMI), less complexity of control algorithms and reduced interface circuits. Simulation and experimental work are carried out and results presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. Simulation is carried out using MATLAB SIMULINK and in the experimental work a prototype model is built to verify the simulation results. PIC microcontroller (PIC 16F877A) is used to generate the PWM pulses for FSTPI to drive the 0.5 hp 3-phase Induction Motor.
Some consequence relations on propositional formulas
Authors: Borovcanin Momcilo
Published: October 2011

Consequence relations on propositional formulas are binary relations on propositional formulas that represent certain types of entailment - formal or semi-formal derivation of conclusion from a certain set of premises. Some of well known examples are classical implication (standard logical entailment), preference relations (i.e. relations that satisfy Reflexivity, Left logical equivalence, Right weakening, And, Or and Cautious monotonicity) rational relations (i.e. preference relations that also satisfy rational monotonicity), consequence relations (prime examples are qualitative possibilities and necessities) etc. More than two decades various consequence relations are used in automated decision making, product control, risk assessment and so on. The aim of this paper is to give a short overview of the most prominent examples of consequence relations.
Energy tunneling through narrow waveguide channel and design of small antennas
Authors: Mitrovic Miranda , Jokanovic Branka
Published: October 2011

In this paper we investigate the conditions for energy tunneling through narrow channel obtained by reducing the height of rectangular waveguide. Tunneling of the energy occurs at the frequency for which the effective dielectric permittivity of the channel becomes equal to zero, so it can be treated as an ENZ (epsilon-near-zero) metamaterial. We investigated how geometry of the channel and dielectric permittivity affect the transmission coefficient and field density in the channel. Adding slots in the channel, which are placed orthogonally to the wave propagation, we designed a small antenna with directivity of 5.44 dBi at the frequency of 3 GHz.
EU Funding and Issues of ‘Marketisation’ of Higher Education in Greece
Authors: Gouvias Dionysios
Published: October 2011

In the last 10 years, tens of millions of euros from European Union (EU) funding have started to flow into Greece's state schools and universities. New departments of higher education have been established all over the country, and a new institutional framework for lifelong learning has been recently set up. Considering the above context, certain questions arise, such as what is the ‘agenda’ behind the EU-funding rhetoric, which has been officially linked to the ‘opening up’ of higher education and the ‘widening’ of opportunities. Initially, the author tries to assess the degree of ‘marketisation’ vis-à-vis EU involvement in the planning of higher education policy making, and to highlight the balance of power in educational policy making in Greece. To this end, special reference will be made to the Greek academics' response to the new legislation concerning the financing of higher education.
Impaired Expression of the Inducible cAMP Early Repressor Accounts for Sustained Adipose CREB Activity in Obesity
Authors: Favre Dimitri , Le Gouill Eric , Fahmi Denis , Verdumo Chantal , Chinetti-Gbaguidi Giulia , Staels Bart , Caiazzo Robert , Pattou François , Lê Kim-Anne , Tappy Luc , Regazzi Romano , Giusti Vittorio , Vollenweider Peter , Waeber Gérard , Abderrahmani Amar
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

Increase in adipose cAMP-responsive element\x{2013}binding protein (CREB) activity promotes adipocyte dysfunction and systemic insulin resistance in obese mice. This is achieved by increasing the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). In this study, we investigated whether impaired expression of the inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER), a transcriptional antagonist of CREB, is responsible for the increased CREB activity in adipocytes of obese mice and humans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Total RNA and nuclear proteins were prepared from visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of human nonobese or obese subjects and white adipose tissue (WAT) of C57Bl6-Rj mice that were fed with normal or high-fat diet for 16 weeks. The expression of genes was monitored by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and electromobility shift assays. RNA interference was used to silence the expression of Icer.

RESULTS

The expression of Icer/ICER was reduced in VAT and WAT of obese humans and mice, respectively. Diminution of Icer/ICER was restricted to adipocytes and was accompanied by a rise of Atf3/ATF3 and diminution of Adipoq/ADIPOQ and Glut4/GLUT4. Silencing the expression of Icer in 3T3-L1 adipocytes mimicked the results observed in human and mice cells and hampered glucose uptake, thus confirming the requirement of Icer for appropriate adipocyte function.

CONCLUSIONS

Impaired expression of ICER contributes to elevation in CREB target genes and, therefore, to the development of insulin resistance in obesity.
Low Water Intake and Risk for New-Onset Hyperglycemia
Authors: Roussel Ronan , Fezeu Léopold , Bouby Nadine , Balkau Beverley , Lantieri Olivier , Alhenc-Gelas François , Marre Michel , Bankir Lise ,   for the D.E.S.I.R. Study Group
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

Water intake alters vasopressin secretion. Recent findings reveal an independent association between plasma copeptin, a surrogate for vasopressin, and risk of diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants were 3,615 middle-aged men and women, with normal baseline fasting glycemia (FG), who were recruited in a 9-year follow-up study. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for the incidence of hyperglycemia (FG ≥6.1 mmol/L or treatment for diabetes) were calculated according to daily water intake classes based on a self-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS

During follow-up, there were 565 incident cases of hyperglycemia. After adjustment for confounding factors, ORs (95% CIs) for hyperglycemia associated with classes of water intake (<0.5 L, n = 677; 0.5 to <1.0 L, n = 1,754; and >1.0 L, n = 1,184) were 1.00, 0.68 (0.52–0.89), and 0.79 (0.59–1.05), respectively (P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported water intake was inversely and independently associated with the risk of developing hyperglycemia.
Quantum discord between two moving two-level atoms
Authors: Hu Yao-Hua , Fang Mao-Fa
Published: October 2011

Considering a double JC model, this paper investigates the quantum discord dynamics of two isolated moving two-level atoms each interacting with a single-mode thermal cavity field, and studies the effect of the atomic motion and the field-mode structure on quantumdiscord. The results show that, on the one hand the quantum discord evolves periodically with time and the periods are affected by the atomic motion and the field-mode structure; on the other hand, the quantum discord still can capture the quantum correlation between the two atoms when the entanglement is zero. It is interesting to note that the quantum discord can be effectively preserved by controlling the field-mode structure parameter
Perioperative surgical complications of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a single-center experience
Authors: Tormenti Matthew J. , Maserati Matthew B. , Bonfield Christopher M. , Gerszten Peter C. , Moossy John J. , Kanter Adam S. , Spiro Richard M. , Okonkwo David O.
Published: October 2011

Object

Since its original description in 1982, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) has grown in popularity as a means for achieving circumferential fusion. The authors sought to define the perioperative complication rates of the TLIF procedure at a large academic medical center.

Methods

For all eligible patients from a consecutive series of 531 TLIF procedures, the institution's complication database and the medical record were reviewed to identify complications. Medical, nonprocedure-related complications such as myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism were excluded due to inconsistency in the recording of these complications in the database. Rates were calculated for each type of complication, and subgroup analysis was performed to investigate the effect of previous lumbar surgery, and of multilevel versus single-level interbody fusion on complication rates. Odds ratios were calculated and evaluated using chi-square analysis.

Results

Five hundred thirty-one patients underwent a TLIF procedure during the study period. Two hundred forty-four patients (46%) had undergone a previous lumbar operation. Interbody fusion was performed at 1 level in 317 patients, at 2 levels in 188 patients, at 3 levels in 24 patients, and at 4 levels in 2 patients. One hundred thirty-five patients (25.4%) had at least one procedure-related complication. The most common complications were durotomy (14.3% of patients) and infection (3.8% of patients). Symptomatic screw misplacement (2.1% of patients) and interbody cage migration (1.8% of patients) were less common complications. The overall complication rate was greater in those patients who had undergone a previous operation (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.18–2.59; p < 0.01) and in those who had multilevel surgery (OR 1.54, 95 % CI 1.04–2.28; p = 0.03), and the incidence of durotomy was higher in patients who had a previous operation (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07–2.87; p = 0.03). These differences were statistically significant. Durotomy also occurred more frequently in patients who had multilevel interbody fusion (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.92–2.43; p = 0.13). A trend toward higher infection rates in those patients who underwent multilevel interbody fusion was observed (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.62–3.68; p = 0.49), but this was not statistically significant. Infection rates did not differ between revision and first-time surgeries.

Conclusions

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion has gained widespread popularity as a procedure for achieving arthrodesis in the lumbar spine. Complications occurred more often in patients undergoing revision surgery or multilevel interbody fusion. Durotomy and infection were the most common complications in this series.
Genetic and clinical assessment of 2009 pandemic influenza in southern China
Authors: Farooqui Amber , Lei Yanchang , Wang Pusheng , Huang Jianyun , Lin Jie , Li Guishuang , Leon Alberto J , Zhao Zhen , Kelvin David J
Published: October 2011

Introduction: South China has a proven role in the global epidemiology of previous influenza outbreaks due to its dual seasonal pattern. We present the virologic, genetic and clinical characterization of pandemic H1N1 influenza infection (pH1N1) in Shantou and Nanchang, cities in southern China, during the second wave of the 2009-2010 pandemic. Methodology: Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 165 individuals with influenza-like illness (ILI) who presented to the hospitals in Shantou and Nanchang. Laboratory diagnosis and characterization was performed by real-time PCR, virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs, and sequencing.    Results:  pH1N1 activity was sustained in three different temporal patterns throughout the study period. The overall positivity rate of pH1N1 was 50% with major distribution among young adults between the ages of 13 and 30 years. High fever, cough, expectoration, chest pain, myalgia, nasal discharge and efficient viral replication were observed as major clinical markers whereas a substantial number of afebrile cases (17%) was also observed. Rate of hospitalization and disease severity (39%) and recovery (100%) were also high within the region. Furthermore, severe complications were likely to develop in young adults upon pH1N1 infection. Genetic characterization of the HA and NA genes of pH1N1 strains exhibited homogenous spread of pH1N1 strains with 99% identity with prototypic strains; however, minor unique mutations were also observed in the HA gene. Conclusion: The study illustrates the detailed characteristics of 2009 influenza pandemic in southern parts of China that might help to strategize preparedness for future pandemics and subsequent influenza seasons.
Relations entre les pratiques de préservation de la biodiversité forestière et la productivité, la résistance et la résilience : Etat des connaissances en forêt tempérée européenne
Authors: Paillet Yoan , Gosselin Marion
Published: October 2011

À l’origine de cette recherche bibliographique, il y a la question de l’utilité de la biodiversité, souvent posée par les gestionnaires forestiers. Confrontés à des exigences sociétales et économiques, les forestiers doivent aujourd’hui mettre en œuvre des mesures de conservation de la biodiversité sans pour autant mettre en péril leur outil de production. Cet article est centré sur les forêts tempérées européennes. C’est un état des connaissances des bénéfices de la mise en œuvre de deux types de pratiques forestières en faveur de la biodiversité sur le fonctionnement de l’écosystème (productivité, résistance, résilience) : (i) le maintien de peuplements à composition diversifiée en essences et (ii) le maintien de bois mort. Même si les bases théoriques et empiriques des relations entre biodiversité et fonctionnement de l’écosystème sont bien documentées, les références concernant la forêt restent rares. Cela est dû principalement à la difficulté à travailler sur des écosystèmes pérennes et à longue durée de développement. Il n’en reste pas moins qu’une composition variée en essences forestières et que le maintien de bois mort ont certains effets bénéfiques sur le fonctionnement de l’écosystème. Ces bénéfices, difficilement quantifiables en termes économiques, pourraient cependant être intégrés dans des analyses du type coût-bénéfice afin d’évaluer de manière plus réaliste ces mesures. Pour le moment, les lacunes qui persistent ne permettent pas de telles évaluations.
A homiletic reflection on the theological aesthetics involved in picturing God in a fragmented South African society
Authors: De Klerk Ben J. , De Wet Friedrich W. , Letšosa Rantoa S.
Published: October 2011

This article investigates the problematic field of authentic speech in a fragile South African society where the imminence of shattering fragmentation is often addressed either by aggravating hate- speech or pacifying speech that seems to lack the will to come to terms with the full implications of the issues at hand. We attempt to reflect on the possibility of authentic speech in this context by picturing God and his purposeful presence in our fragmented world; speech that reflects and acts out the implications of what is observed in the revealing light of God`s living Word. In addressing the research problem the following aspects are researched: (1) we briefly reflect on the theological aesthetics involved in picturing God through the eyes and acts of faith, (2) explore the painful manifestation of fragmentation in the South African society (with poverty and HIV and AIDS as examples), and (3) attempt to homiletically speak the language of faith by picturing God in our fragmented world through the lens of the parable of the Good Samaritan. We come to the conclusion that authentic homiletic speech can only flow from a heart in which the hardened crust of perpetual attempts at self-righteousness and conservation of the own comfort-zone are shattered by the words and deeds of our Lord. It is through the words and deeds of our Lord that the preacher is enlightened to bear authentic witness to how God fuses a shattered reality and a shattered heart into a prismatic, multifaceted witness to the glory of his all-conquering healing power.
Assessment of the Pros and Cons of Stress Management among Adolescents: Development and Validation of a Decisional Balance Measure
Authors: Mauriello Leanne M. , Rossi Joseph S. , Fava Joseph L. , Redding Colleen A. , Robbins Mark , Prochaska James O. , Meier Kathryn S.
Published: October 2011

Purpose.

This article reports on the development of a decisional balance measure based on the transtheoretical model (TTM) for stress management among adolescents.

Design.

Measurement development was conducted with participants of a pilot survey.

Setting.

Surveys were completed in health and physical education classes.

Subjects.

Ninth and tenth graders (N = 317) completed an assessment of TTM constructs.

Measures.

The focus of this paper is the development of a decisional balance measure.

Analysis.

A split-half cross-validation procedure was implemented.

Results.

A brief, reliable eight-item instrument was developed measuring the pros and cons of practicing stress management. A theoretically consistent pattern of pros and cons across the stages of change was obtained and indicated construct validity. Girls were more likely to practice and acknowledge benefits of stress management.

Conclusion.

This instrument will aid future work on promoting stress management practices among adolescents, particularly when using the TTM to develop interventions.