bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Method of De-Noising By Spectral Subtraction Applied to the Detection of Rolling Bearings Defects
Authors: Estocq P. , Bolaers F. , Dron J. P. , Rasolofondraibe L.
Published: February 2006

In this paper we aim to show the significance of spectral subtraction for the improvement of the sensitivity of scalar indicators (crest factor, kurtosis) within the application of conditional maintenance by vibratory analysis on ball bearings. If we consider the case of a bearing in good condition of use, the distribution of the amplitudes in the signal is Gaussian. When the bearing is damaged, the appearance of spallings disturbs this signal, modifying this distribution. This modification goes through the presence of periodical impulses produced each time a rolling element meets a discontinuity on its way. Nevertheless, the presence of background noise induced by random impulse excitations can have an influence on the values of these temporal indicators. The de-noising of these signals by spectral subtraction in different frequency bands allows us to improve the sensitivity of these indicators and to increase the reliability of the diagnosis.
Adaptive Control for Linearizable Chaotic Systems
Authors: Bowong S. , Kagou A. Temgoua
Published: February 2006

In this paper we propose a new adaptive feedback controller for linearizable chaotic systems with uncertainties. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, the adaptation law is determined to tune the controller gains in order to track a predetermined linearizing feedback control. More importantly, this control method has a simple controller structure, high robustness against uncertainties and strong rejection of external disturbances. A remarkable feature of the proposed approach is that it can be used for chaos control as well as chaos synchronization. Numerical simulations of two well-known chaotic systems are illustrated to show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed adaptive control strategy.
End-effector Trajectory Control in a Two-Link Flexible Manipulator Through Reference Joint Angle Values Modification by Neural Networks
Authors: Öke Gülay , İstefanopulos Yorgo
Published: February 2006

The basic difficulty in the control of flexible link manipulators stems from the fact that the link deflections cannot be controlled directly. Since the number of control inputs, applied by the actuators, is less than the total number of variables to be controlled, control approaches aiming at the suppression of deflections and vibrations are generally insufficient. Another possible approach is to determine new joint trajectories to minimize the error of the end-effector in the operational space. In this paper, a neural network is designed to compute incremental changes for the reference values of the joint angles to achieve successful tip tracking in the operational space. Tip position errors in the x-and y-directions are utilized as inputs to the neural network. The cost function, which is minimized in training the neural network, is also chosen as the sum of squares of the tip position error in both directions. Joint angle control is provided by a PD controller. Simulations are carried out to evaluate the performance of the neural-network-based trajectory tracking method, and the results are depicted in both joint and operational spaces.
Semi-active Vibration Control Schemes for Suspension Systems Using Magnetorheological Dampers
Authors: Shen Y. , Golnaraghi M. F. , Heppler G. R.
Published: February 2006

Three semi-active control methods are investigated for use in a suspension system using a commercial magnetorheological damper. The three control methods are the limited relative displacement method, the modified skyhook method, and the modified Rakheja-Sankar method. The method of averaging has been adopted to provide an analytical platform for analyzing the performance of the different control methods. The analytical results are verified using numerical simulation, and further are used to assess the efficiency of different control methods. An experimental test bed has been developed to examine the three control methods under sinusoidal and random excitations. Both analytical and experimental results confirm that the Rakheja-Sankar control and modified skyhook control methods significantly reduce the root-mean-square response of both the acceleration and relative displacement of the sprung mass, while the limited relative displacement controller can only control the relative displacement of the suspension system.
Analysis of the Flexural Vibration of a Composite Drive Shaft with Partial Cylindrical Constrained Layer Damping Treatment
Authors: Ghoneim H. , Lawrie D. J.
Published: February 2006

A mathematical model, based on Timoshenko beam assumption, for a rotating cylindrical shaft with cylindrical constrained layer damping treatment is developed. The model is developed for a shaft made of composite materials, and treated with a cylindrical constrained layer damping partially covering the length span of the shaft. The discrete equations of motion are developed using two methods: the finite element method and the assumed mode method. The developed equations are applied to study the effect of some geometric and material parameters on the flexural stiffness and damping of the shaft, with emphasis on the coverage length of the cylindrical constrained layer treatment. The effect of the spinning speed is also considered. Initial results indicate that, for the special case covered in this paper, the finite element method renders accurate results, while the assumed mode method engenders erroneous results. The results, in general, conclude that the partial cylindrical constrained layer damping treatment, suggested in this paper, is not promising.
Nonlinear Dynamics of Microelectromechanical Systems
Authors: Liqin Liu , Gang Tang You , Zhiqiang Wu
Published: February 2006

We investigate the dynamic behavior of a micromachined switch including a thin metal membrane called the “bridge”. A nonlinear model is presented considering mechanical force, electrostatic force, and the squeeze-film damping force, and the dynamic equations of a double model for the micromachined system are derived. The numerical simulation of the double model equations indicates that due to nonlinearity in the electrostatic force and the squeeze-film damping force, the micromachined switch undergoes period-doubling and inverse period-doubling bifurcation motion in both the first and second models of the system when the electrostatic excitation is changed. The Poincaré sections show that the period-doubling bifurcation is the typical way to chaos in the system of the micromachined switch. The research shows that nonlinear factors have a very important effect on the dynamic behavior of microelectromechanical systems and even lead to an invalid system.
Experimental Study of Magnetorheological Dampers and Application to Cable Vibration Control
Authors: Wu W. J. , Cai C. S.
Published: February 2006

As primary members of cable-stayed bridges, cables are susceptible to vibrations because of their low intrinsic damping. Mechanical dampers have been used to improve cable damping. Magnetorheological (MR) dampers have been proven efficient for seismic applications because of their large output damping forces, stable performance, low power requirement, and quick response from both laboratory research and field practice. In this paper, experimental work was carried out to demonstrate that MR dampers are also suitable for cable vibration control. First, a MR damper was tested with various test parameters to obtain the performance curves of the MR damper under different loading conditions, including different electric currents, loading frequencies, loading wave types, and working temperatures. The MR damper was then installed on a cable to reduce the cable vibration. A 7.16 m long stay cable with a prototype-to-model scale factor of 8 was established for this study. The frequencies of the stay cable under different tension forces were measured and compared with those obtained through theoretical calculations. Then, a free vibration control test was carried out with the MR damper being installed at the 1/4 point of the cable. In the forced vibration test, a shaker was installed at 0.18 m from the lower end of the cable. The measured data show that the damper is efficient for cable vibration control within its working current range (zero to maximum) although there is a saturation effect. It was also observed that the damper could reduce cable vibration under a variety of excitation frequencies, especially for resonant vibrations.
Vibrations of a Rectangular Bridge as an Isotropic Plate under a Traveling Full Vehicle Model
Authors: Yagiz Nurkan , Sakman L. Emir
Published: February 2006

In this paper we analyze the vibrations of a bridge modeled as an isotropic plate with all sides simply supported under the effect of a moving load due to a full vehicle having seven degrees of freedom. A mathematical model of the bridge is obtained by applying Lagrange’s formulation to orthogonal mode shapes and the non-conservative moving forces. The modern materials used in the construction of the bridges satisfy isotropic conditions mostly, and they can be modeled as rectangular plates with four sides simply supported. The time responses of the mid-span and quarter-span of the bridge are obtained. The transverse vibration of the bridge and the body bounce, pitch, and roll of the vehicle are presented for different vehicle speeds. Finally, the bending moment at the mid-span is presented for different vehicle speeds to aid in the structural design of the bridge.
Mathematical Modeling and Simulation of Thermal Effects in Flexural Microcantilever Resonator Dynamics
Authors: Jazar G. Nakhaie
Published: February 2006

The thermal dependency of material characteristics is an important phenomenon affecting the motion of microresonator systems. Thermal phenomena introduce two main effects: damping due to internal friction, and softening due to the Young’s modulus-temperature relationship. Based on reported theoretical and experimental results, we qualitatively model the thermal phenomenon utilizing a Lorentzian function to describe its effect on restoring and damping forces. We present the mathematical modeling of microresonator dynamics and develop effective equations to study the electrically actuated microbeam resonators. In order to study the thermal effects, a linearized model of the microelectromechanical system is adapted. The response of the system at steady-state conditions is developed by employing the averaging perturbation method on the non-dimensionalized form of the equations. Frequency response, resonant frequency and peak amplitude are examined for variation of the dynamic parameters involved.
Detection of Induction Motor Faults: A Comparison of Stator Current, Vibration and Acoustic Methods
Authors: Li Weidong , Mechefske Chris K.
Published: February 2006

In this paper we present the comparison results of induction motor fault detection using stator current, vibration, and acoustic methods. A broken rotor bar fault and a combination of bearing faults (inner race, outer race, and rolling element faults) were induced into variable speed three-phase induction motors. Both healthy and faulty signatures were acquired under different speed and load conditions. To address the detection capabilities of the above methods, comparisons are made in both the time and joint time-frequency domains. In the frequency domain, spectral differences are compared and characterized under constant speed conditions. To evaluate the detection sensitivities under non-stationary conditions (e.g. startup), a joint time-frequency method called the smoothed pseudo Wigner-Ville distribution (SPWVD) is employed to analyze non-stationary signatures. The SPWVD is a powerful technique for revealing non-stationary characteristics of motor signatures. Experimental results show that the stator current method is sensitive to the broken rotor bar fault while the vibration method is sensitive to bearing faults. The acoustic method is very attractive in that it contains less noise and interference within the analyzing frequency band. With the proper selection of monitoring and analysis methods, induction motor faults can be detected accurately under both stationary and non-stationary states.
A Comparison of Occupied Seat Vibration Transmissibility from Two Independent Facilities
Authors: Kolich M. , Wan D. , Pielemeier W. J. , Meier R. C. , Szott M. L.
Published: February 2006

Ford Motor Company has developed a corporate engineering test procedure focused on the vibration transmissibility of the occupied automotive seat. The procedure allows Ford to assess, in a consistent manner, the performance of (1) prototype-level seats specific to new/future programs and (2) production-level competitive seats. As part of the procedure, a complete seat system is mounted to a human-rated platform using a dedicated fixture, engaged by persons matching specific anthropometric characteristics, and excited vertically, laterally, and fore-aft with external actuators under laboratory conditions. Johnson Controls is one of the few seat suppliers that have the equipment and expertise required to execute this procedure. Using Ford’s procedure, the objective of this paper is to compare and contrast the test results, expressed both statistically and graphically as transfer functions, produced by these two independent facilities. Because of the proximity of the two laboratories, it was possible to use the same production level seat and the same occupants at both facilities. The results showed good agreement in all excitation directions. Based on the strength of these results, discussions concerning specific noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and ride quality requirements, which Ford cascades to Johnson Controls on a program-by-program level, can begin from a common basis. The common understanding, while yielding a more efficient seat development process, should lead to more comfortable vehicles.
Separation and/or Divorce Sexual Assault in Rural Ohio
Authors: DeKeseredy Walter S. , Joseph Carolyn
Published: February 2006

A rapidly growing social scientific literature shows that many women are at great risk of being killed, beaten, or psychologically abused when they exit or try to leave their marital and/or cohabiting partners. However, less than a handful of studies have examined maleto-female sexual assaults during and after separation or divorce. Furthermore, the bulk of the limited empirical work on this problem was done in urban areas. Thus, the main objective of this article is to help fill two major research gaps by presenting the preliminary results of an ongoing exploratory study of separation and/or divorce sexual assault in rural Ohio.
An Examination of Sexual Violence Against College Women
Authors: Gross Alan M. , Winslett Andrea , Roberts Miguel , Gohm Carol L.
Published: February 2006

This investigation examined college women's experiences with unwanted sexual contact. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing the incidence of various types of forced sexual contact the women had experienced since enrolling in college. Demographic and situational variables associated with these incidents of sexual violence were also obtained. It was observed that since enrolling in college, 27% of the sample had experienced unwanted sexual contact ranging from kissing and petting to oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse. Type of sexual violence, perpetrator characteristics, and racial differences regarding types of unwanted sexual contact were examined. The implications of the data are discussed.
Intimate Partner Violence and Women's Depression Before and During Pregnancy
Authors: Martin Sandra L. , Li Yun , Casanueva Cecilia , Harris-Britt April , Kupper Lawrence L. , Cloutier Suzanne
Published: February 2006

Depressive symptoms of 95 prenatal care patients were examined relative to thewomen's experiences of intimate partner violence. Women who were victims of psychological aggression during the year before pregnancy were not at elevated risk for depression except when the psychological aggression was very frequent. However, during pregnancy, psychological aggression was more closely tied to women's depression levels, regardless of its frequency. In addition, women who experienced any level of physical assault or sexual coercion by their intimate partners (before or during pregnancy) had higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to nonvictims.
Punitive Action or Gentle Persuasion
Authors: Finn Mary A. , Bettis Pamela
Published: February 2006

Mandatory and preferred arrest policies may be resulting in a backlash for victims who are arrested along with their batterers. Little prior research has explored why officers engage in dual arrests. The current study examines the rationales employed by officers to justify dual arrests in a preferred arrest jurisdiction. Content analysis of thought protocols of police officers ( n=24) who reported they would arrest both parties was undertaken. Officers justified arrest of both parties, citing that suchwas required by lawand the desire to force both parties to obtain counseling for their relationship. Implications for policy development are examined.
Responding to the Needs of Older Women Experiencing Domestic Violence
Authors: Straka Silvia M. , Montminy Lyse
Published: February 2006

Olderwomen experiencing domestic violence are an invisible group who fall into the gap between two forms of family violence: elder abuse and domestic violence. This article reviews the literature in both fields, describing each paradigm, how it explains and responds to its specific form of violence, and why neither has been able to provide an adequate response to domestic violence against older women. A collaborative response is needed, accounting for both the age and gender dimensions of the problem.
The Importance of Spirituality in the Lives of Domestic Violence Survivors
Authors: Gillum Tameka L. , Sullivan Cris M. , Bybee Deborah I.
Published: February 2006

Women with abusive partners utilize a variety of coping strategies to deal with and heal from the violence and sense of betrayal they have experienced. For many women, their trust in a higher power and the support they receive from their faith community is integral to their healing. Of 151 women interviewed for this study, the majority (97%) noted that spirituality or God was a source of strength or comfort for them. Extent of religious involvement predicted increased psychological well-being and decreased depression. For women of color, greater religious involvement was also related to increased social support. Implications for research and direct services are discussed.
Complexity Results for Collective Communications on Heterogeneous Platforms
Authors: Beaumont O. , Marchal L. , Robert Y.
Published: February 2006

In this paper, we consider the communications involved in the execution of a complex application, deployed on a heterogeneous platform. Such applications extensively use macro-communication schemes, for example to broadcast data items, either to all resources (broadcast) or to a restricted set of targets (multicast). Rather than aiming at minimizing the execution time of a single collective communication, we focus on the steady-state operation. We assume that there is a large number of messages to be broadcast or multicast in pipelined fashion, and we aim at maximizing the throughput, i.e. the (rational) number of messages which can be broadcast or multicast every timestep. We target heterogeneous platforms, modeled by a graph where resources have different communication and computation speeds. Achieving the best throughput may well require that the target platform is used in totality: different messages may need to be transferred along different paths.

The main focus of the paper is on complexity results. We aim at presenting a unified framework for analyzing the complexity of collective communication schemes. We concentrate on the classification (whether maximizing the throughput is a polynomial or NP-hard problem), rather than actually providing efficient polynomial algorithms (when such algorithms are known, we refer to bibliographical pointers).
Scheduling Multiple Divisible Loads
Authors: Drozdowski M. , Lawenda M. , Guinand F.
Published: February 2006

In this paper we study the scheduling of multiple divisible loads on a star network of processors. We show that this problem is computationally hard. Special cases solvable in polynomial time are identified.
Data Redistribution Algorithms for Heterogeneous Processor Rings
Authors: Renard Hélène , Robert Yves , Vivien Frédéric
Published: February 2006

We consider the problem of redistributing data on homogeneous and heterogeneous rings of processors. The problem arises in several applications, after each invocation of a load-balancing mechanism (but we do not discuss the load-balancing mechanism itself). We provide algorithms that aim at optimizing the data redistribution, both for unidirectional and bidirectional rings. One major contribution of the paper is that we are able to prove the optimality of the proposed algorithms in all cases except that of a bidirectional heterogeneous ring, for which the problem remains open.
Interference-Aware Scheduling
Authors: Kreaseck Barbara , Carter Larry , Casanova Henri , Ferrante Jeanne , Nandy Sagnik
Published: February 2006

Overlapping communication with computation is a wellknown technique to increase application performance. While it is commonly assumed that communication and computation can be overlapped at no cost, in reality they interfere with each other. In this paper we empirically evaluate the interference rate of communication on computation via measurements on a single processor communicating on a heterogeneous collection of local and remote processors, in both Java and C. We then present a model of interference, which can be used for more effective application scheduling, as demonstrated by real-world experiments.
Multicriteria Scheduling Heuristics for Gridrpc Systems
Authors: Caniou Yves , Jeannot Emmanuel
Published: February 2006

In this paper, we address the problem of dynamically scheduling independent tasks and/or application task graphs on a GridRPC environment. Resources are assumed to compute submitted jobs within the time-share model. We present a non-intrusive predictive module, the historical trace manager (HTM), which is able to give the completion date of each task in the system. Four heuristics relying on its estimations are proposed and compared to the well-known minimum completion time (MCT) algorithm. We first analyze the accuracy of the HTM. Then we show with an extensive simulation study, and with numerous scenarios of execution performed on a real-world platform, that our heuristics outperform MCT on several metrics among which are the makespan and the response time.
A Resource Leasing Policy for on-Demand Computing
Authors: England Darin , Weissman Jon
Published: February 2006

Leasing computational resources for on-demand computing is now a viable option for providers of network services. Temporary spikes or lulls in demand for a service can be accommodated by flexible leasing arrangements. From the service provider's perspective, the problem is how many resources to lease and for how long. In this paper we formulate and solve the resource leasing problem for the case of a single service. The objective is to minimize the cost of leasing resources while still maintaining an adequate quality of service, which we measure by the average wait time of requests. Demand for the service and execution times of service requests are modeled as random variables. The problem is formulated as a continuous-time, infinite-horizon Markov decision problem. We use the dynamic programming method of value iteration for its solution and we characterize the resulting optimal cost function. We find that the cost of providing a service is convex-like in the number of resources leased and nondecreasing in the number of requests in the system. Close examination of the optimal cost function shows that the cost of providing a service is more sensitive to underdeployment than to overdeployment. Thus, when demand for the service is known to exist, but is unpredictable, it is better to lease more resources than fewer resources.
Recent Developments in Gridsolve
Authors: YarKhan Asim , Seymour Keith , Sagi Kiran , Shi Zhiao , Dongarra Jack
Published: February 2006

The purpose of GridSolve is to create the middleware necessary to provide a seamless bridge between the simple, standard programming interfaces and desktop systems that dominate the work of computational scientists and the rich supply of services supported by the emerging Grid architecture, so that the users of the former can easily access and reap the benefits (shared processing, storage, software, data resources, etc.) of using the latter. In addition to supporting a diverse set of hardware, such as desktop computers, clusters, and massively parallel computers, Grid middleware may need to interact with the software managing those systems, such as Condor, LAPACK for Clusters (LFC), and batch queues. Furthermore, user requests may be characterized in different ways (parameter sweep, task graph, etc.), each with different requirements. This diversity has led us to implement scheduling in different layers of GridSolve with the understanding that a strategy for scheduling and resource allocation is an essential part of realizing the vision of transparent Grid computing. In this paper we discuss some of these scheduling mechanisms and some of the possible interactions with external systems such as LFC and Condor.
Hybrid Preemptive Scheduling of Message Passing Interface Applications on Grids
Authors: Bouteiller Aurélien , Bouziane Hinde-Lilia , Herault Thomas , Lemarinier Pierre , Cappello Franck
Published: February 2006

Time sharing between cluster resources in a grid is a major issue in cluster and grid integration. Classical grid architecture involves a higher-level scheduler which submits non-overlapping jobs to the independent batch schedulers of each cluster of the grid. The sequentiality induced by this approach does not fit with the expected number of users and job heterogeneity of grids. Time sharing techniques address this issue by allowing simultaneous executions of many applications on the same resources.

Co-scheduling and gang scheduling are the two best known techniques for time sharing cluster resources. Coscheduling relies on the operating system of each node to schedule the processes of every application. Gang scheduling ensures that the same application is scheduled on all nodes simultaneously. Previous work has proven that coscheduling techniques outperform gang scheduling when physical memory is not exhausted.

In this paper, we introduce a new hybrid sharing technique providing checkpoint-based explicit memory management. It consists in co-scheduling parallel applications within a set, until the memory capacity of the node is reached, and using gang scheduling related techniques to switch from one set to another one. We compare experimentally the merits of the three solutions (co-scheduling, gang scheduling, and hybrid scheduling) in the context of out-of-core computing, which is likely to occur in the grid context, where many users share the same resources. Additionally, we address the problem of heterogeneous applications by comparing hybrid scheduling to an optimized version relying on paired scheduling. The experiments show that the hybrid solution is as efficient as the co-scheduling technique when the physical memory is not exhausted, can benefit from the paired scheduling optimization technique when applications are heterogeneous, and is more efficient than gang scheduling and coscheduling when physical memory is exhausted.
Fault-Tolerant Scheduling of Fine-Grained Tasks in Grid Environments
Authors: Wrzesińska Gosia , van Nieuwpoort Rob V. , Maassen Jason , Kielmann Thilo , Bal Henri E.
Published: February 2006

Divide-and-conquer is a well-suited programming paradigm for parallel Grid applications. Our Satin system efficiently schedules the fine-grained tasks of a divide-andconquer application across multiple clusters in a grid. To accommodate long-running applications, we present a fault-tolerance mechanism for Satin that has negligible overhead during normal execution, while minimizing the amount of redundant work done after a crash of one or more nodes. We study the impact of our fault-tolerance mechanism on application efficiency, both on the Dutch DAS-2 system and using the European testbed of the ECfunded project GridLab.
Children's Key Concerns: Piloting a Qualitative Approach to Understanding Their Experience of Mental Health Care
Authors: Day Crispin , Carey Martin , Surgenor Tammy
Published: February 2006

This article reports the piloting of an approach to apply the principles of child involvement to service experience research. The approach aimed to systematically explore the service concerns of children who had received mental health care. Eleven children who had previously attended mental health services took part in focus groups to discuss their experience. Thematic content analysis of transcribed interviews revealed 13 themes that potentially could help to identify children's key concerns and clarify the notion of child-centred care. The themes suggested the potential importance of children's expectations about therapy, and their concerns relating to the process, content and outcome may be important to their experience of care. The possible implications for child-centred clinical practice and service provision are discussed.
Power and Parenting Assessments: The Intersecting Levels of Culture, Race, Class and Gender
Authors: Singh Reenee , Clarke Grania
Published: February 2006

This article uses a case example to highlight some of the complexities of working with minority ethnic families. It addresses the dilemmas that exist for therapists and other professionals when carrying out cross-cultural assessments of parenting. In this article, we will examine how professionals’ constructions impacted on the assessment process with regard to family life, culture and mental health. We will draw out implications for clinical practice in this area.
Are Peer Support Groups for Adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome Helpful?
Authors: Weidle Bernhard , Bolme Britt , Hoeyland Anne Lise
Published: February 2006

There is very little documentation dealing with peer support groups for people with Asperger's syndrome, and especially about groups for adolescents. This article gives a description of three such groups that were run in parallel with support groups for parents. The great majority of the participants completed the course of the group. In a consumer satisfaction survey, the majority of the participants (76.5%) and nearly all of their parents (95%) rated satisfaction with the group meetings as good or very good. These responses indicate that adolescents with Asperger's syndrome and their parents perceive peer support groups as helpful.
Exploring ‘Clinical Judgement’: How Do Child and Adolescent Mental Health Professionals Decide Whether a Young Person Needs Individual Psychotherapy?
Authors: Kam Su-En , Midgley Nick
Published: February 2006

This article reports on a small-scale, qualitative study based in a single CAMHS team, exploring the decision-making process used by mental health professionals when deciding whether or not to refer a child for one particular modality of treatment – individual psychotherapy. Building on an initial audit of child psychotherapy referrals within the team, this study analyses a small number of in-depth interviews with members of the multidisciplinary CAMHS team. Three themes emerged from the analysis, suggesting that referral-making decisions depend on wider conceptions of the particular modality of therapy, particular features of the child and family referred (but not reducible to diagnostic categories), and the stage at which therapeutic work with the family has reached at the time of referral. The implications of these findings are discussed specifically in relation to child psychotherapy, and more generally in relation to evidence-based practice. The authors conclude by arguing for the use of more clinically relevant research methodologies within evidence-based research.
Associations Between Maternal Childrearing Cognitions and Conduct Problems in Young Children
Authors: Jefferis Paul G. , Oliver Chris
Published: February 2006

This study investigated maternal childrearing cognitions associated with ineffective parenting practices, using the Parental Childrearing Cognitions Questionnaire (PCCQ). Intergenerational transmission of parenting problems and cognitions was investigated using the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), which measures overprotectiveness and care experienced by parents in childhood. As a new measure, the PCCQ's psychometric properties were evaluated and found to be robust in terms of internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Seventy-four mothers of 3–5-year-old boys (23 clinical: boys referred with conduct problems; 51 control) completed the PCCQ, Revised Rutter Parent Scale for Preschool Children and PBI. PCCQ scores were significantly higher for clinical group mothers, and significantly correlated with both Parent and Teacher Rutter Child problem scores. There were significant correlations between PBI overprotection (positive) and PBI care (negative) scores and Rutter Parent and PCCQ scores. Clinical group mothers rated lower care and higher overprotection, from both parents, in their own childhoods. Results are consistent with a hypothesized model of intergenerational transmission of parenting problems, whereby experiences of low care and high overprotection in childhood predispose mothers to a dysfunctional ‘set’ of parenting cognitions, impairing maternal capacity to provide sensitive responses to challenging child behaviours.
‘Watching from the Stairs’: Towards an Evidence-based Practice in Work with Child Witnesses of Domestic Violence
Authors: Rivett Mark , Howarth Emma , Harold Gordon
Published: February 2006

This article describes the current practice of work with children who have witnessed domestic violence in the UK and North America. It examines this practice in the light of evidence of effectiveness and in the light of research that explains how witnessing domestic violence affects children. Finally it proposes guidelines for an evidenced-based practice which is built on this research.
A Follow-up Study of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Children and Adolescents: Symptom Persistence and School Absenteeism
Authors: Sankey Alison , Hill Catherine M. , Brown Josie , Quinn Louise , Fletcher Anna
Published: February 2006

This is a follow-up study of 28 young people aged between 7 and 17 meeting the Oxford criteria for the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome treated in a specialist paediatric/psychiatric service. Retrospective case note analysis revealed a wide range and duration of symptoms together with high levels of school absenteeism prior to the diagnosis. The mean follow-up interval after discharge from the specialist service was 3 years and although most of the young people regarded themselves as fully recovered by this time, improvement was variable and about one third were still experiencing disabling symptoms. The illness had impacted on the education or career plans of all the young people to some extent with 15 experiencing difficulty returning to school. This article highlights the need for early recognition and diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome in young people and the importance of continuing paediatric support to reduce symptom persistence in the sensitive recovery period. Maintaining school attendance by close liaison between health and education services both before and after diagnosis and treatment is also vital if long-term morbidity is to be reduced.
The Development of a New Day Treatment Program for Older Children (8–11 Years) with Behavioural Problems: The Go Zone
Authors: McCarthy Gerard , Baker Susanna , Betts Kathryn , Bernard Dave , Dove Jackie , Elliot Martin , Schneider Nicki , Woodhouse Wendy
Published: February 2006

The main aim of this article is to describe the development of a new day treatment program for older children (8–11 years) with behavioural problems. The article outlines the content of the program and it also sets out the rationale behind the development of the new day service. The day program involves therapeutic and educational input and children attend the program two days a week for one academic term (10–13 weeks). Therapeutic input focuses on improving functioning in relation to a number of developmental processes that are known to be linked to the development of problem behaviour. These include improving emotional competence, dealing with peer relationship problems and interpersonal difficulties, and changing negative patterns of thinking about the self and others. The GoZone team also attempt to work collaboratively with the children's families and schools. A preliminary investigation of the effectiveness of the program is also reported. Parents and teachers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) pre-and posttreatment. Findings showed that over the course of treatment parents reported a significant decrease in overall levels of emotional and behavioural problems and also reported a significant decrease in levels of emotional symptoms and peer problems. However, no significant changes in emotional and behavioural functioning were reported by teachers at school over the course of treatment. Potential ways of boosting the magnitude of positive change achieved by the new day treatment program are discussed.
Sexed Up: Theorizing the Sexualization of Culture
Authors: Attwood Feona
Published: February 2006

This article reviews and examines emerging academic approaches to the study of ‘sexualized culture’; an examination made necessary by contemporary preoccupations with sexual values, practices and identities, the emergence of new forms of sexual experience and the apparent breakdown of rules, categories and regulations designed to keep the obscene at bay. The article maps out some key themes and preoccupations in recent academic writing on sex and sexuality, especially those relating to the contemporary or emerging characteristics of sexual discourse. The key issues of pornographication and democratization, taste formations, postmodern sex and intimacy, and sexual citizenship are explored in detail.
Make Me Feel Mighty Real: Gay Female-to-Male Transgenderists Negotiating Sex, Gender, and Sexuality
Authors: Schleifer David
Published: February 2006

Gay female-to-male transgenderists (gay FTMs) are women who become men, and who then form erotic relationships with other men. Analysis of interviews with five gay FTMs depicts how they rely upon and reproduce distinctions between sex, gender, and sexuality in order to make sense of their bodies, their feelings and their interactions. Sex, gender and sexuality are produced as distinct and real through a range of interlocking material, discursive, and interactional practices. These categories of intelligibility function in relation to each other and serve to mutually constitute and reinforce each other. Although the distinctions drawn between sex, gender, and sexuality are real, the veracity of these distinctions is limited given their inextricability in the contiguous terrain of actual human lives.
Relationship Innovation in Male Couples
Authors: Adam Barry D.
Published: February 2006

Interviews with 70 men in coupled relationships in Toronto show the range and development of gay relationships in managing sexual inclusivity. Monogamy scripts appear most commonly among younger men and/or men new to gay relationships, and among men whose formative years have been in cultures with limited or absent autonomous gay worlds. But more common is allegiance to particularly masculine discourses of autonomy and adventurism, insisting on a right to sexual self-determination and attraction to the sense of affirmation and pleasure experienced with other men. Indigenous sexual cultures among gay men have taken their own autonomous path of development apart from (if still a part of) the courtship and family practices of the heterosexual hegemony, and have innovated new options and understandings in conducting relationships.
Gay Parenthood and the Decline of Paternity as We Knew It
Authors: Stacey Judith
Published: February 2006

Most analyses of postmodern transformations of intimacy feature adult unions, often placing gays and lesbians on the frontier. The contemporary pursuit of parenthood evinces a similar shift from obligation to desire and from an economic to an emotional calculus. Here too, gay men and lesbians serve as pioneers, with planned gay male parenthood occupying particularly avant-garde terrain and Los Angeles County. This article analyzes gay male narratives of parental desire and decision-making drawn from ethnographic research on gay male intimacy and kinship in Los Angeles, the unlikely global epicenter of gay paternity. It identifies a ‘passion for parenthood’ continuum in which most men occupy an intermediate zone which leads them to situational paternity or childlessness contingent upon intimate relationships. Heterosexual ‘situations’ lead most straight men to paternity, while homosexual ‘situations’ lead a majority of gay men to childlessness. Yet the very success gay men achieve pursuing parenthood against enormous odds exposes conditions governing contemporary family life that represent the decline of paternity as we knew it. This does not augur the demise of male parenthood, however, but its creative, if controversial, reconfiguration.
The social support networks of internet users
Authors: Hlebec Valentina , Manfreda Katja Lozar , Vehovar Vasja
Published: February 2006

The available research indicates mixed results regarding the internet’s role in social relations. The article contributes to this research by studying the provision of support in egocentred social networks. Data regarding size, structure and communication channels were assessed through two specially designed surveys. The results show that the internet has a relatively limited impact on social relationships. Internet users have slightly larger social networks only in certain socially de-privileged segments (e.g. divorced, less educated). However, they reveal some specifics with respect to the structure of networks (more friends and less kin, weaker ties) and communication channels (typically the internet is used as a complement). The article also illustrates certain serious problems when drawing a causal inference from non-experimental data.
Distributed communities and nodal subjects
Authors: Gochenour Phillip H.
Published: February 2006

Drawing upon cognitive science and systems theory, this article examines a number of issues commonly undertaken in theorizing ‘online communities.’ The thesis is that current approaches to online community that focus on specific online ‘places,’ such as LamdaMOO, may overlook the actual practices engaged in by current internet users, which focus on ad-hoc interactions with a distributed community. Systems theory, as developed by Vilem Flusser, Humberto Maturana and Francisco Varela, is used to examine the relationship between communication and community. Through this examination a definition of community as a distributed communications systems, in which individuals function as nodes in the overall system, is developed. The conclusion considers the significance of this definition for the evaluation of the internet as a tool for political action and self-realization.
Staying connected while on the move
Authors: Wei Ran , Lo Ven-Hwei
Published: February 2006

As people integrate use of the cell phone into their lives, do they view it as just an update of the fixed telephone or assign it special values? This study explores that question in the framework of gratifications sought and their relationship both to differential cell phone use and to social connectedness. Based on a survey of Taiwanese college students, we found that the cell phone supplements the fixed telephone as a means of strengthening users’ family bonds, expanding their psychological neighborhoods, and facilitating symbolic proximity to the people they call. Thus, the cell phone has evolved from a luxury for businesspeople into an important facilitator of many users’ social relationships. For the poorly connected socially, the cell phone offers a unique advantage: it confers instant membership in a community. Finally, gender was found to mediate how users exploit the cell phone to maintain social ties.
Coming of age with the internet
Authors: Mcmillan Sally J. , Morrison Margaret
Published: February 2006

Analyzing autobiographical essays written by 72 young adult college students, this study investigates how coming of age concurrently with the internet and related technologies has influenced these young people’s lives. An understanding of how the technology is influencing the various domains of their lives provides a window on what internet use may be like for future generations. Essays revealed insights into four primary domains: self, family, real communities, and virtual communities. Within each of these domains, participants’ responses tended to focus on key dualities. Additionally, these young people report a growing dependency on the internet for activities ranging from managing their daily lives to building and maintaining virtual communities.
Tapping into TiVo
Authors: Carlson Matt
Published: February 2006

This article explores the early stages of the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) market, with particular attention paid to brand leader TiVo. The television industry, which relies on schedules to organize the audience commodity, faces threats from DVR technology. Initially, broadcasters and advertisers reacted with fear, but also came to realize the potential of using the technology for data collection and target marketing. These firms employed a mix of investment and litigation to shape the developing industry. Simultaneously, TiVo characterized its relationship to broadcasters and advertisers as advantageous rather than contentious. As a result, the emerging DVR model offers users greater control through time-shifting and increased functionality with content playback, while presenting existing television firms with a platform for audience surveillance.
Console video games and global corporations
Authors: Consalvo Mia
Published: February 2006

This article argues that the contemporary console video game industry is a hybrid encompassing a mixture of Japanese and American businesses and (more importantly) cultures to a degree unseen in other media industries, especially in regard to US popular culture. The particularities of the video game industry and culture can be recognized in the transnational corporations that contribute to its formation and development; in the global audience for its products; and in the complex mixing of format, style and content within games. As an exemplar of this process, the Japanese game publisher Square Enix is the focus of this case study, as it has been successful in contributing to global culture as well as to the digital games industry through its glocal methods. That achievement by a non-Western corporation is indicative of the hybridization of the digital games industry, and it is examined here as one indicator of the complexities and challenges, as well as future potentials, of global media culture.
Audience inter/active
Authors: Cover Rob
Published: February 2006

This article examines the ways in which recent theorizations of interactivity work to reconceive the author-text-audience relationship. Suggesting that all media forms - historical and contemporary - can be reconceptualized in light of recent understandings of interactivity, it is argued that control over the text and its narrative as mythically ‘finished’ products is struggled over between an authorial desire for finality and an audience desire for control over the arrangement, (re)configuration and (re)distribution of the text. This struggle takes place across the sites of technological developments of textual control versus full interactivity, and in the realms of both media theory and media law.