bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence with advice and prescriptions in SLE is mostly good, but better follow up is needed: A study with a questionnaire
Authors: Nived O. , Andersson M. , Lindgren M. , Malcus-Johnsson P. , Nihlberg A. , Nived K. , Reimer-Rasmusson G. , Sturfelt G. , Stahl-Hallengren C. , Bengtsson A.A.
Published: August 2007

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the information policy given to all systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. One hundred consecutive SLE patients were asked to answer anonymously a questionnaire covering demographic issues including education, adherence with prescriptions and advice given and methods of sourcing information. Seventy-three females and ten males responded. The demographic data showed that 34 had a university education, 29 high school and 19 primary school education. An inability to work due to disease was increased compared with the matched population ( P < 0.001). Forty-two reported that they had received advice about physical training and forty of them followed this advice. Only 28 out of 46 smokers reported that they had got any advice about smoking, and out of these only 13 followed the advice. The patients with university background were less likely to smoke ( P < 0.05) and followed the advice more often ( P < 0.05). Most patients followed given advice about exposure to sunlight. Thirty-five percent of those prescribed glucocorticoids reported that they varied from the prescribed dosages without consultation with their specialist. This behaviour was more common in the university group ( P < 0.05), this grouping also had a higher median dosage. Seventy-three patients had read the booklet about SLE provided by the clinic. Accessing internet information was more common for those with university education ( P < 0.01). This study shows that on the whole SLE patients follow given advice, but adherence varies. Aside from the issue of glucocorticoid dosage adherence, educational level seems to be the most important predictor for adherence to advice. Thus, we conclude that a more individualized approach to delivery of information is required and better follow up is needed. Lupus (2007) 16, 701—706.
Hypertension and Afro-descendant ethnicity: a bad interaction for lupus nephritis treated with cyclophosphamide?
Authors: de Castro W.P. , Morales J.V. , Wagner M.B. , Graudenz M. , Edelweiss M.I. , Gonçalves L.F.
Published: August 2007

Hypertension and ethnicity are important prognostic factors in evolution of lupus nephritis. A cohort of 75 patients with lupus nephritis treated with cyclophosphamide was conducted to investigate the evolution of creatinine levels between Caucasians and Afro-descendants. A multiple linear model was used to evaluate the combined effects of ethnicity and hypertension over delta creatinine controlling confounders. Sample characteristics were: 85% females; mean (±SD) age of 33.6 ± 12.0 years; 77% Caucasians; 40% hypertensive at renal biopsy; 91% WHO class IV; mean basal creatinine: 1.5 ± 1.3 mg/dL; mean final creatinine: 2.1 ± 2.5 mg/dL; 40% anaemia; proteinuria: 5.4 ± 4.8 g/day. Comparing Caucasians and Afro-descendants, it was found: 28.1% versus 72.2% for hypertension ( P = 0.002); 31.6% versus 66.7% for anaemia ( P = 0.018); 5.9 ± 5.0 versus 3.8 ± 4.0. g/day ( P = 0.02) for proteinuria. Other comparisons including basal creatinine did not reach statistical significance. Comparing outcomes between Caucasians and Afro-descendants, it was found: 10.5% versus 22.2% for doubling of creatinine ( P = 0.24); 0.41 ± 2.03 versus 1.05 ± 2.41 for delta creatinine ( P = 0.29); 8.8% versus 22.2% for haemodialysis ( P = 0.21) and 3.5% versus 5.6% for death ( P = 0.99). Analysing delta creatinine with multiple linear regression showed that hypertension had a significant overall effect ( b = 0.80; SE = 0.32; P = 0.015), ethnicity alone was not significant ( b = 0.35; SE = 0.29; P = 0.228); however, the effect of hypertension on delta creatinine was more intense among Afro-descendants than among Caucasians (interaction term b = — 0.83; SE = 0.37; P = 0.027). Afro-descendants lupus patients experience worst prognosis of renal function probably due to the effect of hypertension and not ethnicity per se. Lupus (2007) 16, 724—730.
Induction therapies for class IV lupus nephritis with non-inflammatory necrotizing vasculopathy: mycophenolate mofetil or intravenous cyclophosphamide
Authors: Wang J. , Hu W. , Xie H. , Zhang H. , Chen H. , Zeng C. , Liu Z. , Li L.
Published: August 2007

The presence of renal noninflammatory necrotizing vasculopathy (NNV) is often associated with a severe form of lupus nephritis (LN), which is unresponsive to standard therapy. We conducted a 6-month randomized, prospective, open-label trial comparing mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (1.5—2.0 g/day) with monthly i.v. cyclophosphamide (CTX) (0.75—1.0 g/m2) as induction therapy for class IV LN with NNV. The primary and second end points were complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR), respectively. Of 20 patients recruited, nine were randomly assigned to MMF and 11 to CTX. The baseline characteristics between groups were not significant. CR was achieved in four patients (44.4%) receiving MMF and in none of the patients receiving CTX ( P = 0.026). PR was achieved in two patients (22.2%) in the MMF group and three patients (27.2%) in the CTX group. The total remission rate (CR + PR) in the MMF and CTX group was 66.6 and 27.2%, respectively ( P = 0.17). MMF was more effective than i.v. CTX in reducing proteinuria and haematuria. Adverse events were significantly less frequent with MMF than with CTX ( P = 0.028). MMF was superior to i.v. CTX in inducing CR of LN with NNV and had a more favourable safety profile. Lupus (2007) 16, 707—712.
Ethnic Cleansing and the Provision of In/Security
Authors: Mulaj Klejda
Published: August 2007

The phenomenon of ethnic cleansing has either been considered by analysts from the point of view of history, or (ethnic) nationalism, or interpreted as the dark side of democracy. Underemphasized in the literature has been the link between the expulsion of targeted communities and the policy and practice of security. Yet, at various times, ethnic cleansing has been used as a security-creation mechanism in the process of nation-state building. Prioritization of the state in security policy and practice has provided justification for drastic measures against targeted peoples. This article seeks to offer a critique of the official rationale for the expulsion of targeted communities in terms of security. It contends that ethnic cleansing is flawed as a means of securing national security. Indeed, not only has ethnic cleansing resulted in humanitarian catastrophe, but the attainment of its stated objective — namely, the provision of security — can be unfeasible. Although state security remains an important value, its acquisition may no longer be justified independently of the means employed in its pursuit.
Pathologies of Security Governance: Efforts Against Human Trafficking in Europe
Authors: Friesendorf Cornelius
Published: August 2007

The trafficking of women and girls for the purpose of sexual exploitation has reportedly been booming in Europe since the 1990s. Governments, international organizations, and private actors have addressed the causes and consequences of sex trafficking in various ways. This article shows that the concept of security governance helps to understand efforts against human trafficking and their shortcomings. The anti-trafficking security governance system consists of five approaches: legal measures, prosecution, protection, prevention in countries of origin, and prevention in countries of destination. Although progress has been made, the security governance system is marked by several pathologies, especially a lack of programs that prevent trafficking in countries of origin and destination, insufficient protection for trafficked persons, and deficient networks bringing together the various actors involved in anti-trafficking. To make governance against human trafficking more effective, efficient, and just, the security governance system must be better balanced and networked.
Social Behaviour in Academic Open Spaces
Authors: Ghazalah Samer Abu
Published: August 2007

Academic open spaces are important in universities. They guide students through their movement and shape the environment by their design and quality. Since the academic year 2002–2003, the University of Jordan's administration has started to double the accepted number of students pursing degrees at all levels, graduate and undergraduate, in all departments and faculties. The total number for the academic year 2004–2005 totalled just a little over 34,000 students. Therefore, the present scenario on the University of Jordan campus, in terms of its capacity, is one of saturation. As a result, there is increasing pressure on the University's public utilities and facilities. The open public space is among those utilities that have reached a saturation peak. This study examined the effect of spatial environment upon the behaviour of students at the University of Jordan, with respect to open spaces. To this end, the study concentrated on the design quality of the Science Square and the Main Square, the human behaviour in these two squares, the landmarks within these two squares, and way finding in them. A questionnaire to evaluate the open space of the University of Jordan through an understanding of students’ behavioural mapping was administered for a month in each square. A number of recommendations were made to improve the spatial environment and to accommodate more students and users.
Student Perception of Globalization
Authors: Das G.S.
Published: August 2007

In the entire globalization process multinational corporations occupy the central position. It is difficult to conceptualize globalization without multinational corporations, and people's reactions to the globalization process, as a consequence, is directed mostly towards them. Therefore, exploring the perceptions of people about globalization becomes a meaningful effort. The objective of this study is to assess how students perceive MNCs. This survey is based on a sample of 575 students from six post graduate level institutions from Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Indore. One of the institutions from Hyderabad was the economics department in a University and the remaining five institutions offer MBA programmes. Attitude towards MNCs was assessed with the help of two independent measures, viz, (1) an index of belief in the unethical business practices of MNCs and (2) the extent to which the respondents believe that the MNCs are opportunist about their business practices. The findings indicate that the MNCs are not perceived in positive terms by the students.
Declining Indian Agricultural Trade in an Unequal World
Authors: Khan Akram A. , Bano Nazli
Published: August 2007

The Uruguay Round established rules that were expected to improve market access for agricultural products and reduced export subsidies and domestic support payments as an opportunity to level the playing field. Major global economic benefits were predicted from the establishment of WTO and Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). But what has happened since the Uruguay Round? Industrialized countries systematically use sub-sidies to skew the benefits of agricultural trade in their favour. The overall level of support to agriculture in these countries has fallen very little. What does free trade mean in a context where the world's largest ex-porter of dairy produce, the EU, is providing subsidies in excess of US $300 billion a year? India is the num-ber one producer of milk and yet cannot compete. The European Union and the United States have invented a category of support—known as the Green Box and the Blue Box in WTO talks—deemed to be decoupled from production and therefore exempt from cuts in subsidies. The persistence of high trade barriers as well as regulatory controls related to food safety and environment make trade rules unfair. The overall feeling is that AoA is an ‘unequal treaty’ as high support continues in OECD countries. There is no level playing field. Agricultural surpluses in rich countries, generated through protection and subsidies and then dumped onto world markets, have hurt agricultural development in developing countries. Developing countries as a whole are projected to increase their net imports of cereals for all purposes to a total of more than 200 million tonnes of net annual imports from the developed countries by 2020. Developing countries like India will become net agricultural importers. It is argued that the Uruguay Round agreements did not go far enough in reducing trade barriers in developed countries, to have a significant impact. It did, however, establish a framework for negotiating further reductions in support. The Doha Round offers the opportunity to level a tilted playing field. Equally important is India improving its own agricultural policies. For years we have discriminated against agriculture.
Personal and Organizational Correlates Affecting Attitudes of Women Executives Towards Their Job
Authors: Sandhu H.S. , Mehta Ritu
Published: August 2007

The rapid economic growth and industrialization of the Indian economy has created considerable employment opportunities for people, including women, especially for those who possess marketable skills and talents. Historically speaking, women in Indian society have far from had equality with men. The traditional patriarchal attitudes towards women still prevail and restrict the intensity of their efforts towards realizing the benefits of the globalization process. An attempt has been made in this article to develop, refine and validate a scale for measuring attitudes of women executives towards their job. The relationship of personal and organizational characteristics to attitudes is also examined. The study is based on a sample of 271 respondents taken from selected organizations of the service sector in Punjab. Advocated procedures are used for developing and checking the reliability and validity of the scale. Pearson's Chi-Square test and Analysis of Variance are carried out for analysis. The findings reveal that women executives are quite positive in their approach and are reportedly accepted as executives in India. Women executives perceive that they do possess the competence, potential and willingness required of executives. However, our analysis shows that except for age and job level, no other personal and organizational characteristics like education, marital status and years of experience in the institution show any association with the attitudes score. Further, it is observed that the nature of organization and the type of ownership have a significant impact on attitudes.
Evolving a Neural Model of Insect Path Integration
Authors: Haferlach Thomas , Wessnitzer Jan , Mangan Michael , Webb Barbara
Published: August 2007

Path integration is an important navigation strategy in many animal species. We use a genetic algorithm to evolve a novel neural model of path integration, based on input from cells that encode the heading of the agent in a manner comparable to the polarization-sensitive interneurons found in insects. The home vector is encoded as a population code across a circular array of cells that integrate this input. This code can be used to control return to the home position. We demonstrate the capabilities of the network under noisy conditions in simulation and on a robot.
Staged Competence Learning in Developmental Robotics
Authors: Lee Mark H. , Meng Qinggang , Chao Fei
Published: August 2007

Developmental psychology has long recognized the presence of stages in human cognitive development, although the underlying causes and processes are still an open question and subject to much debate. This article draws inspiration from psychology and describes an approach towards developmental growth for robotics that utilizes natural constraints in a general learning mechanism. The method, summarized as Lift-Constraint, Act, Saturate (LCAS), is applicable to all levels of control and behavior, and can be implemented in any robotic configuration. An implementation based on sensory-motor learning in early infancy is described and the results from experiments are presented and discussed.
Whiskerbot: A Robotic Active Touch System Modeled on the Rat Whisker Sensory System
Authors: Pearson Martin J. , Pipe Anthony G. , Melhuish Chris , Mitchinson Ben , Prescott Tony J.
Published: August 2007

The Whiskerbot project is a collaborative project between robotics engineers, computational neuroscientists and ethologists, aiming to build a biologically inspired robotic implementation of the rodent whisker sensory system. The morphology and mechanics of the large whiskers (macro-vibrissae) have been modeled, as have the neural structures that constitute the rodent central nervous system responsible for macro-vibrissae sensory processing. There are two principal motivations for this project. First, by implementing an artificial whisker sensory system controlled using biologically plausible neural networks we hope to test existing models more thoroughly and develop new hypotheses for vibrissal sensory processing. Second, the sensory mode of tactile whiskers could be useful for general mobile robotic sensory deployment. In this article the robotic platform that has been built is detailed as well as some of the experiments that have been conducted to test the neural control algorithms and architectures inspired from neuroethological observations to mediate adaptive behaviors.
Impact and Damage Prediction of Sandwich Beams with Flexible Core Considering Arbitrary Boundary Effects
Authors: Yang Mijia , Qiao Pizhong
Published: August 2007

In this study, a higher-order impact sandwich beam model is presented to simulate the response of a soft-core sandwich beam subjected to a foreign object impact. The effects of asymmetric lay-up of the sandwich and arbitrary boundary conditions are accounted for in the analysis, and the solution is obtained by employing a finite difference method (FDM). A static and free vibration problem of sandwich beams is first solved, and the results are validated by comparing with the numerical finite element predictions of ABAQUS. The validity of the impact response is then examined using the LS-DYNA model. The contact force and deflection history as well as the propagation of axial, shear, and transverse normal stresses in the sandwich beams during the impact are analyzed. The local effect at the boundary and the loading location is captured by the present model, and the influences of boundary conditions (i.e., the top face sheet free and the bottom pin—pin supported versus both the top and bottom face sheets clamped) and the load spreading process on the impact behavior are discussed. The calculated stresses under the foreign object impact are further incorporated with the failure criteria to assess the failure location, time, and mode in the sandwich beams. The damage induced by the impact process is predicted and comprehensively compared with the experimental results. The higher-order impact model of sandwich beams with the FDM provides accurate predictions of the generated stresses and induced damage, and it can be used effectively in design analysis of anti-impact structures made of sandwiches.
Immersion Cinema: The Rationalization and Reenchantment of Cinematic Space
Authors: Recuber Tim
Published: August 2007

The psychoanalytic accounts of cinema that dominate so-called apparatus theory describe spectatorship as a primarily voyeuristic, scopophilic activity. But recent changes in projection technology and theater architecture suggest that the physical and kinesthetic experience of the spectator, immersed in high-fidelity audiovisual technologies, is of paramount importance. This article charts the development of “immersion cinema,” critiques existing theories of the cinematic apparatus, and uses a spatial analysis influenced by the work of Henri Lefebvre to suggest that recent developments in cinema may be harmful to its artistic quality and social relevance.
Assertions of identities through news production
Authors: Noor Habiba
Published: August 2007

British Muslim frustration with the media is well researched and documented; their main concern is how news discourses on Islam influence opinions of majority audiences. This article argues that production-based audience research methods give insight into how minority audiences see themselves in relation to the majority and how groups negotiate a sense of belonging through media discourses. The study used a technique whereby Muslim teenagers in London and New York were asked to produce a two-minute news story on the 'War on Terror' that combined images from a digital archive with an accompanying voiceover. The article analyses how the participants position themselves as representatives of a global Muslim community-in-suffering to imagined mainstream audiences in the UK and US.
Virtual jihadist media
Authors: Awan Akil N.
Published: August 2007

Within the last 10 years, the internet has become the principal platform for the dissemination and mediation of the culture and ideology of jihadism. The exponential growth of jihadist fora, with their increasingly 'high-end' production values, sophisticated critiques of prevailing narratives and ostensive attempts at impartiality, do not occur in a vacuum. To a great extent they are reactive, their raison d'être supplied by the mainstream media's perceived collusion with governmental (mis)information, or at least its uncritical acceptance. The jihadist media are far from alone in these critiques and there has been a growing convergence of interests with other non-mainstream media outlets, which are also challenging conventional modes of mediation. This article seeks to explore the functions of the new jihadist media, the ways in which it is granted legitimacy, and the compelling issue of radicalizing efficacy and recruitment.
Ships in the night
Authors: Christophers Brett
Published: August 2007

This article reflects on the fact that postcolonial studies and the critique of American cultural imperialism, despite addressing similar core themes, have developed largely in isolation from one another. It identifies four primary reasons for these separate evolutionary trajectories, relating in turn to when and where the respective critiques have taken shape, and to the different cultural geographies and cultural products that they have each examined. These explanations are important, I argue, to the degree that they help to suggest ways in which the two debates might begin to feed into and constructively inform one another. The second part of the essay maps out the potential contours of such a dialogue.
Imperialism and `medieval' natives
Authors: Goh Daniel P. S.
Published: August 2007

The location of Orientalist racial difference and Ornamental class familiarity in imperial discourse can be combined to understand the nuances of colonial representations. Revisiting the Malay image, I argue that the medievalist convention of portraying the native as situated in intermediate evolution between savagery and Western civilization was crucial for imperialism. The Malay image shifted from the representation of orientals exhibiting incommensurable difference in early European travelogues to civilizable medievals in early nineteenth-century British writings. British authors also vacillated between representing Malays as model and degenerate medievals with different racial and class symbolic valences. The vacillating representation influenced colonial state building in the late nineteenth century. I show this by looking at the travel writings of British and American colonial statesmen who supported contrastive colonial policies.
Strategic and Practical Implications in Decision Making and Planning for Sustainability
Authors: Plass N. , Kaltenegger I.
Published: August 2007

This paper describes how the competence of decision makers and those involved in the decision making process might profit by using supportive decision making tools for sustainability in practice. Based on the analysis of several case studies and a collection of tools, suggestions for different approaches in decision making have been analysed to describe both advantages and obstacles in planning and decision making. Following a holistic view on the subject of decision making, the EU financed project Practical Evaluation Tools for Urban Sustainability (PETUS) aimed to describe important necessities — the interaction between stakeholders, requirements for trying to understand each others situation, being prepared for new arrangements, being ready to collect and deal with new information and the usefulness of support through instruments. The development of the Decision Support System that includes a matrix and a checklist is presented.
Toward the Sustainable Management of Urban Storm-Water
Authors: Chocat B. , Ashley R. , Marsalek J. , Matos M.R. , Rauch W. , Schilling W. , Urbonas B.
Published: August 2007

Despite the development of urban drainage systems over the past 5000 years, there are still many challenges to their effective use. There are growing demands with respect to runoff quantity and quality, visual amenity (landscape aesthetics), protection of ecology and beneficial water uses and interaction with the operation of existing municipal wastewater systems. Current solutions that rely mainly on pipe networks may not be sustainable, especially in developing countries. By considering the driving forces in action during the first years of the 21st century, different scenarios for the future use and development of urban drainage systems can be proposed; all of them rather pessimistic. The implementation of the sustainable management of urban water will require an integrated approach to all the related problems, including the better delivery of urban drainage services.
Sustainability Tools Dedicated to Urban Infrastructure: The Existing and the Distinctiveness of PETUS
Authors: Cremasco V.
Published: August 2007

The concept of sustainability is becoming familiar and has already led to many initiatives of different types to put the concept into practice. There is a range of approaches, existing tools and methods that focus on the challenge of sustainability of European urban infrastructure. The actual problem is the transfer of knowledge to practice, the suggestion of ways of action and the integration of information. The Practical Evaluation Tool for Urban Sustainability (PETUS) research outcomes are presented here, on one side, as reflections upon these topics, and on the other side, as an operational framework developed with these objectives.
Who Do We Think We Are?
Authors: Butler Avril , Ford Deirdre , Tregaskis Claire
Published: August 2007

A counterbalance to evidence-based approaches in public services and professions such as social work is the assertion that professional expertise is more about process than outcome. Postmodern frameworks have prompted practitioners to challenge any notion of objective truth that excludes contradiction, paradox and subjectivity. Rather, workers should seek to engage with service users in a process of negotiating meaning through intersubjectivity and attention to individual experience. Informed by research with women marginalized by mental ill-health, this article examines feminist perspectives of narrative and validating experience in the construction of self. Helping women to `re-story' their lives requires reflexivity by workers, and sensitivity to the management of power in the relationship. Creative autobiography offers a process that enables women to negotiate conflicts between subjective experience and that which is socially constructed. We argue that the challenge for reflexive professional practice is a similar struggle for reconciliation between professional and personal identity.
Social Work Research
Authors: Hardwick Louise , Hardwick Chris
Published: August 2007

In the UK, the Department of Health's Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care (RGF) (DoH, 2001) requires that an independent ethical review is undertaken for all health and social work research. It is in the process of consulting and developing systems for appropriate social work ethical review that is comparable to those in existence within Britain's health sector. This article's purpose is to advance current debates by examining these ethical review initiatives and by so doing, facilitate a broader understanding of what is specific to social work research both within and beyond the UK. It is hoped this will strengthen and help legitimise understanding of its nature during the search for research excellence. It is suggested that situation ethics may provide a useful framework for approaching ethical review as it places an emphasis on the unique situation surrounding any given moral choice facing an individual at a particular time.
How to Develop a Research Culture in a Human Services Organization
Authors: Gardner Fiona , Nunan Cassy
Published: August 2007

A collaborative action research project, undertaken by St Luke's Anglicare and La Trobe University's Social Work Department, guided the development of a dynamic agency-wide research culture. The research project began in early 2003, with the aim of identifying key factors and barriers in the development of a research culture and exploring ways to maximize the agency's capacity to carry out research and enhance a `culture of inquiry'. The outcomes of the research project gave clear directions for the continued development of the research culture at St Luke's. The research facilitated an understanding of how a human services organization might define itself in relation to research, and helped clarify core research strengths and capabilities. The project demonstrates the use of action research as a methodology that clarifies and enhances the processes of planning, reflection,
Crossing Cultural Barriers in Research Interviewing
Authors: Sands Roberta G. , Bourjolly Joretha , Roer-Strier Dorit
Published: August 2007

This article critically examines a qualitative research interview in which cultural barriers between a white non-Muslim female interviewer and an African American Muslim interviewee, both from the USA, became evident and were overcome within the same interview. This interview and two follow-up interviews are presented as a `telling case' about crossing cultural barriers. The analysis focuses on seven phases of the interview (cultural barriers, warming up, crossing the racial barrier, connecting as social workers, connecting as women, connecting as students, and crossing the tape recorder barrier). The discussion outlines the pre-interview and during-interview barriers and facilitating conditions and related implications for cross-cultural qualitative research interviewing.
Strain and Temperature Monitoring of Asymmetric Composite Laminate using FBG Hybrid Sensors
Authors: Guo Zhan-Sheng
Published: August 2007

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) hybrid sensors and thermocouples measure strain and temperature simultaneously during and after cure of asymmetric cross-ply composite laminates. FBG strain sensor is used to measure strain; FBG temperature sensor and thermocouple are used to measure temperature. The characteristic matrix of the sensor is derived analytically and measurements can be done without sensor calibration experiments. A wavelength-swept fiber laser is used as the light source. Two FBG hybrid sensors and two K-type thermocouples are embedded in a carbon/epoxy asymmetric cross-ply composite laminate in different directions and different locations. The real-time measurement of fabrication strains and temperatures is performed at two points within the asymmetric composite laminate during the cure process in a hot press. Through these experiments, FBG hybrid sensors are proven to be an efficient choice for smart monitoring of composite structures.
A Comparison of Classifier Performance for Fault Diagnosis of Induction Motor using Multi-type Signals
Authors: Gang Niu  , Son Jong-Duk , Widodo Achmad , Yang Bo-Suk , Hwang Don-Ha , Kang Dong-Sik
Published: August 2007

Fault detection and diagnosis is the most important technology in condition-based maintenance (CBM) systems, which typically starts from collecting signatures of running machines by multiple sensors for subsequent accurate analysis. Recently, there has been an increasing requirement of selecting special sensors, which are cheap, robust, easily installed, and good classifiers that have accurate classification, stable performance, and short calculating time. This article carries out a comparative study of various classification algorithms for fault diagnosis of electric motors using different types of signals. The authors evaluate experimentally the relative performances of five classifiers using five types of steady-state signals based on three kinds of performance evaluation strategies: training-test, cross-validation, and similar measure. First, the raw signals are collected and features are extracted from the collected signals. Then, the extracted features are classified using the five classification algorithms. Next, an overall comparison of the five classifiers is described, and experiment results are discussed. Finally, conclusions are summarized and suggestions are offered.
Structural Corrosion Health Assessment using Computational Intelligence Methods
Authors: Pidaparti Ramana M.
Published: August 2007

Corrosion greatly affects the integrity of many engineering structures, such as bridges, pipelines, nuclear reactors, and aircraft. This study provides an overview of the computational intelligence methods developed for the corrosion damage assessment of aerospace materials and structures. Specifically, cellular automata modeling of corrosion pit initiation and growth, wavelet based image processing methods for corrosion damage assessment, and artificial neural networks (ANNs) for material loss and residual strength predictions. In addition, ANN based prediction of life due to corrosion-fatigue conditions are considered and presented. Results obtained from selected computational intelligence methods are compared to the existing alternate solutions and experimental data. The results presented illustrate the feasibility of computational intelligence methods for modeling and assessing the corrosion health of aging aircraft structures and materials.
Treatment of Pathological Gambling Using a Guided Self-Change Approach
Authors: Lipinski Damon , Whelan James P. , Meyers Andrew W.
Published: August 2007

Pathological gamblers are prone to leave treatment early and often display low levels of motivation within treatment. Use of brief treatments that emphasize reducing client ambivalence through motivational techniques may help increase the likelihood of treatment compliance. This case study describes a 5-session treatment of pathological gambling using a brief and motivationally focused cognitive—behavioral guided self-change (GSC) approach. The 36-year-old gambler in this study was treated for pathological gambling. At 1-month and 6-month follow-ups, the individual evidenced significant improvement in symptoms of pathological gambling. The client also showed considerable reductions in gambling behaviors including number of gambling episodes, length of time spent gambling, and amount of money wagered. These results support use of the GSC approach in treating pathological gamblers.
A Case Study of Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy With a Perpetrator of Domestic Abuse
Authors: Townend Michael , Smith Margaret E.
Published: August 2007

This is a case study of a male perpetrator of domestic abuse who voluntarily sought help for abusive behavior toward his partner. The case is described, highlighting a 20-week treatment plan underpinned by an interacting cognitive subsystem-based conceptualization. Evaluation of the therapy is by self-report measures of aggression, assertiveness, and dysfunctional attitude that were administered pre- and posttherapy and at 9-month follow-up. The results are a reduction in aggressive behavior and improved assertiveness, whereas dysfunctional attitudes changed to a profile of greater psychological strengths. Implications for therapeutic intervention and development are also discussed.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Cancer Pain
Authors: Ling Xu  , Li Xing Lao  , Ge Adeline , Shan Yu  , Jie Li  , Mansky Patrick J.
Published: August 2007

Aim: The purpose of this review is to summarize and evaluate the current status of clinical research on the use of Chinese herbal medicine in treating cancer pain, with emphasis on the efficacy and safety of the applications. Method: A search of the clinical research published between 1986 and 2006 on the effects and applications of Chinese herbal medicine in cancer pain management was conducted using databases of CBM, CMCC, Wanfang, and Weipu (available since 1989) in Chinese and PubMed and EMBASE in English. We included only reports of original publications on cancer-induced pain, resulting in a total of 115 articles. We evaluated the methodological quality of the articles following the guidelines set forth as “Levels of Evidence of Human Studies of Cancer in Complementary and Alternative Medicine” by the National Cancer Institute. Results: Various methods of traditional Chinese medicine herbal treatment for cancer pain management have been reported. These methods include external application, oral administration, intravenous infusion, and other applications such as inhalation and clysmata. Forty-one of the 115 studies reviewed were randomized controlled clinical trials, most comparing the effects of Chinese herbal medicine to conventional analgesics and the others using placebo controls. These trials suggest that (1) Chinese medicine may be effective for cancer pain, and its effects are similar to those of Western analgesics; (2) Chinese medicine may reduce the side effects of conventional analgesics, thus enhancing cancer patients' quality of life; and (3) the various methods of application—topical, oral, and intravenous—are suitable to treat a range of pain conditions found in cancer patients. However, trials were of varying quality with respect to control group selection, dosing and side effect information, and outcome measures. Conclusion: The studies reviewed in this article suggest that Chinese herbal medicine may be useful for managing cancer pain, at least for short-term application. The products evaluated appear relatively safe, with no serious adverse effects reported. However, the quality of the published reports is variable. More research using rigorously controlled clinical trial design is warranted.
State of the Art Review: Long-term Pharmacotherapy for Overweight and Obesity: A Review of Sibutramine, Orlistat, and Rimonabant
Authors: Dunican Kaelen C. , Desilets Alicia R. , DeBellis Ronald J.
Published: August 2007

The objective of this review is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pharmacotherapy for long-term maintenance of weight loss in overweight and obese patients. Literature was obtained through a MEDLINE (1966 to July 2006) search and a bibliographic review of published articles. Key terms used included overweight, obesity, sibutramine, orlistat, and rimonabant. The search was further limited to clinical trials in humans and in the English language. Obesity is a chronic condition requiring long-term therapy. Two agents, sibutramine and orlistat, are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the long-term treatment of obesity. Rimonabant, marketed in Europe as Accomplia, has demonstrated efficacy for long term weight loss, however an Food and Drug Administration advisory panel voted against its approval in June 2007 due to safety concerns (psychiatric effects). For clinically meaningful results, these agents must be used in conjunction with lifestyle therapy, including a hypocaloric diet, increased physical activity, and behavioral modification. This article reviews clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of sibutramine, orlistat, and rimonabant in reducing weight and examines other health benefits and risks associated with these agents.
State of the Art Review: Promoting Physical Activity in Primary Care Settings: A Review of Cognitive and Behavioral Strategies
Authors: Smitherman Todd A. , Kendzor Darla E. , Grothe Karen B. , Dubbert Patricia M.
Published: August 2007

Despite recognition that physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits, many Americans do not meet current guidelines for physical activity. Primary care providers are in a unique position to influence physical activity, though conflicting evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of primary care—based physical activity promotion. The present article provides a qualitative review of the literature on physical activity promotion within primary care settings, focusing specifically on types of cognitive and behavioral intervention strategies that can be implemented into routine practice by primary care providers. The authors searched MEDLINE and identified 16 studies that met relevant experimental, intervention, and outcome criteria. Intervention types were defined as those involving education, advice, self-monitoring, face-to-face counseling, and telephone follow-up. Most interventions included multiple components. Within the limitations of the review, results suggest that a variety of interventions are effective at increasing physical activity and/or fitness of middle-aged and older adults, among both men and women. More research is needed to determine which interventions are most effective in which doses and combinations, with ethnic minorities and younger adults, and regarding long-term outcomes.
Behavioral Medicine Review: Strategic Management of Diabetes Risk
Authors: Terre Lisa
Published: August 2007

There is widespread public health concern about the upsurge in diabetes and its cardiometabolic comorbidities. Unfortunately, too many patients still do not receive best practices care. This review discusses some key contributing dynamics as well as considerations for progress toward the more comprehensive, strategic management of diabetes and its associated risks.
Patient Education: Preventing Progression of Type 2 Diabetes: The Reflex to Use Pharmacological Therapy
Authors: Miner Martin
Published: August 2007

Primary care providers are often neglectful of lifestyle interventions in the management of the progression of glucose intolerance to type 2 diabetes. Several studies have examined the benefits of pharmacologic therapy in conjunction with lifestyle modification to delay or retard this progression. This article focuses on 3 of these studies: the DREAM trial, the ADOPT trial, and the Finnish Diabetes Study. All reinforce the use and effectiveness of thiazolidinediones in the prevention of progression, yet active lifestyle intervention complements and maintains a lower diabetes risk over time.
Physical Activity: The Role of Physical Activity and Fitness in the Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zoeller Robert F.
Published: August 2007

More than 18 million people in the United States are estimated to have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The prevalence of coronary heart disease has been estimated to be as high as 55% in adult diabetics, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for at least two thirds of deaths in persons with T2DM. The metabolic syndrome, a clustering of interrelated risk factors, is predictive of T2DM and CVD and prevalent in the T2DM population. Increased aerobic fitness and/or physical activity (3 hours per week moderate activity and/or 1 hour per week vigorous activity) have been demonstrated to be protective of metabolic syndrome. Regular moderate to vigorous physical activity (150 minutes per week moderate activity and/or 90 minutes per week vigorous activity) has been shown to reduce the risk of developing T2DM, even in high-risk individuals. Sedentary behaviors such as television watching are associated with increased risk for T2DM independent of diet and physical activity levels. Glycemic control is related more to exercise intensity than volume. Exercise should be performed at least 3 days per week, with no more than 2 days between exercise bouts. Long-term weight loss may require 7 hours per week of moderate to vigorous exercise. Strength training, alone or in combination with regular aerobic exercise, has been shown to improve glycemic control, hypertension, and other T2DM-related risk factors. Unless specifically contraindicated, strength training is safe for persons with T2DM. The American Diabetes Association now recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate activity and/or 90 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity and strength training 3 days per week as part of a program to prevent or manage T2DM. Guidelines for preparticipation screening and consideration for specific conditions are also presented.
Zebrafish as a model for defining the functional impact of mammalian ferroportin mutations
Authors: De Domenico Ivana , Vaughn Michael B. , Yoon Donghoon , Kushner James P. , Ward Diane M. , Kaplan Jerry
Published: August 2007

The term hemochromatosis represents a group of inherited disorders leading to iron overload. Mutations in HFE, HJV, and TfR2 cause autosomal-recessive forms of hemochromatosis. Mutations in ferroportin, however, result in dominantly inherited iron overload. Some mutations (H32R and N174I) in ferroportin lead to macrophage iron loading, while others (NI44H) lead to hepatocyte iron loading. Expression of H32R or N174I ferroportin cDNA in zebrafish leads to severe iron-limited erythropoiesis. Expression of wild-type ferroportin or hepcidin-resistant ferroportin (N144H) does not affect erythropoiesis. Zebrafish provides a facile way of identifying which ferroportin mutants may lead to macrophage iron loading.
Tissue factor activation: is disulfide bond switching a regulatory mechanism?
Authors: Pendurthi Usha R. , Ghosh Samit , Mandal Samir K. , Rao L. Vijaya Mohan
Published: August 2007

A majority of tissue factor (TF) on cell surfaces exists in a cryptic form (ie, coagulation function inactive) but retains its functionality in cell signaling. Recent studies have suggested that cryptic TF contains unpaired cysteine thiols and that activation involves the formation of the disulfide bond Cys186-Cys 209 and that protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) regulates TF coagulant and signaling activities by targeting this disulfide bond. This study was carried out to investigate the validity of this novel concept. Although treatment of MDA 231 tumor cells, fibroblasts, and stimulated endothelial cells with the oxidizing agent HgCl2 markedly increased the cell-surface TF coagulant activity, the increase is associated with increased anionic phospholipids at the cell surface. Annexin V, which binds to anionic phospholipids, attenuated the increased TF coagulant activity. It is noteworthy that treatment of cells with reducing agents also increased the cell surface TF activity. No evidence was found for either detectable expression of PDI at the cell surface or association of TF with PDI. Furthermore, reduction of PDI with the gene silencing had no effect on either TF coagulant or cell signaling functions. Overall, the present data undermine the recently proposed hypothesis that PDI-mediated disulfide exchange plays a role in regulating TF procoagulant and cell signaling functions.