bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contextual Bible Studies Resources on Place
Authors: Lawrence Louise J.
Published: October 2008

This brief guide offers resources for groups to consider their place and community in response to biblical stories. Contextual Bible Studies and various communal activities are presented. In the next issue (Expository Times 120/4), an example of a group using this method in Newlyn, Cornwall will be documented.
Settlements, Outcomes, and the Recurrence of Conflict
Authors: Quackenbush Stephen L. , Venteicher Jerome F.
Published: October 2008

Despite the hope that the resolution of one militarized dispute will bring peace to a dyad, these conflicts often recur. This recurrence of conflict is particularly important because subsequent disputes within a dyad tend to be more severe than previous ones. However, the factors leading to recurrent conflict remain a matter of debate. While some argue that the settlement of a dispute has a significant impact on post-conflict relations, others argue that the outcome of a dispute is the most important determinant of post-conflict stability. Although evidence has been found to support both views, the relative impact of dispute settlements and outcomes has not been satisfactorily determined. Accordingly, this article simultaneously examines the relationship between settlements, outcomes, and conflict recurrence through survival analyses of the periods of peace following 2,973 dyadic militarized interstate disputes between 1816 and 2001. The authors find that although settlement type is an important predictor of recurrent conflict, with imposed settlements being the most stable, outcome type has no significant effects on post-dispute peace duration. The article concludes with a preliminary analysis of the factors that lead to the varying forms of settlement.
Regime Type and International Conflict: Towards a General Model
Authors: Goldsmith Benjamin E. , Chalup Stephan K. , Quinlan Michael J.
Published: October 2008

The authors take a new look at the relationship between regime type and deadly militarized conflict among pairs of states (dyads) in the international system. With the goal of describing the general functional form, they evaluate three perspectives: democratic peace, regime similarity and regime rationality. They employ both standard logistic regression (logit) and a recently developed machine learning technique, a support vector machine (SVM). Logit is dependent on assumptions that limit flexibility and make it difficult to discern the appropriate functional form. SVM estimation, on the other hand, is highly flexible and appears capable of discovering a relationship that is contingent on other variables in the model. SVM results indicate that regime similarity and joint democracy are important in most dyadic interactions. However, for the special but important case of the most dangerous dyads, regime rationality plays a role and the democratic peace effect is dominant. The results suggest that models of international conflict excluding distinct indicators for political similarity, joint democracy and joint autocracy may be misspecified. SVMs are an especially useful complement to conventional statistical methods.
Identifying Formal Intergovernmental Organizations
Authors: Volgy Thomas J. , Fausett Elizabeth , Grant Keith A. , Rodgers Stuart
Published: October 2008

Scholarship on intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) has mushroomed, especially studies involving quantitative analyses of state involvement in IGOs and the effects of IGOs on the behavior of state members. Yet, little of that literature enumerates IGOs using conceptually based definitions of what are formal intergovernmental organizations. Here, the authors develop a new database on IGOs, based on a definition focusing on three dimensions: formal organizations that demonstrate ongoing decisionmaking and oversight by states; evidence bureaucratic organization; and demonstrate organizational autonomy. The authors conceptualize these organizations as FIGOs. Using these dimensions, they identify the population of FIGOs at three points in time: 1975, 1989, and 2004. In addition, they generate data on state membership in FIGOs, offering not only a simple frequency of number of organizations in which a state participates, but also another measure of state involvement through the creation of a denominator of `opportunity', allowing for an analysis of the number of organizations joined versus the number of organizations a state is capable of joining. Finally, the authors compare the results from their efforts with the IGO COW database and suggest some advantages to using their data for a number of theoretical questions.
Pragmatic Transfer in Thai EFL Refusals
Authors: Wannaruk Anchalee
Published: October 2008

Communication breakdowns can occur during cross-cultural communication due to different perceptions and interpretations of appropriateness and politeness. This study investigates similarities and differences between refusals in American English and Thai and incidences of pragmatic transfer by Thai EFL learners when making refusals. The participants of the study include Thai and American native speakers and EFL learners. All of them are graduate students. The data were collected by means of a discourse completion test (DCT) which was designed on the basis of interviews carried out with a view to possible situations for refusals. EFL data for refusals were compared with similar data elicited from native speakers of American English and Thai. Results indicate that overall all three groups share most of the refusal strategies and that pragmatic transfer exists in the choice and content of refusal strategies. Awareness of a person of a higher status and the characteristics of being modest in L1 culture motivate pragmatic transfer. Language proficiency is also an important factor in pragmatic transfer. In making refusals, EFL learners with lower English proficiency translate from L1 to L2 because of their lack of L2 pragmatic knowledge.
The Effectiveness of English Teaching in Japanese Elementary Schools
Authors: Katsuyama Hitomi , Nishigaki Chikako , Wang Jinfang
Published: October 2008

The effectiveness of early English education was investigated in this study to determine if English should be taught formally in Japanese public elementary schools. We administered English tests and questionnaires to 1466 elementary school students in 2004 and 2005. The results showed significant differences between the English-education-experienced and non-experienced students and indicated positive effects of early English education. Although we confirmed the effects, some researchers claim that the effects may diminish at the junior high school level. To examine the above claim, we conducted a proficiency test and gave questionnaires to the seventh-year students of two junior high schools in 2006. As most of the students of the two elementary schools, at which we had conducted our research for the previous two years, entered the two junior high schools, the results of our new research gave us follow-up data on how the English ability of these students changed. The results showed a significant difference between the English-education-experienced at elementary schools and non-experienced and also between the experienced outside of school and non-experienced. It was also found that early English education helps to enhance students' interest toward English and facilitates learning motivation toward English after entering junior high school.
Western EFL Teachers and East-West Classroom-Culture Conflicts
Authors: Simpson Steven T.
Published: October 2008

This article surveys some of the conflicts endemic to foreigners teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in China. Though learning English is very popular in China now and China is one of the most popular destinations for Western EFL teachers, neither the teaching nor learning of English comes without certain clashes in the classroom. These clashes result from divergent educational philosophies meeting in an environment that is both low in mutual awareness and high in expectations. However, with greater awareness and increased understanding, the effects of these clashes may be mediated. This article, after presenting and explaining relevant historical and cultural background, offers several culturally relevant reforms intended to help in the mediation process.
Out of our Minds? Appeals to Reason (Logos) in the Seven Oracle of Revelation 2—3
Authors: deSilva David A.
Published: October 2008

Although John relies on narrative and on `radical rhetoric' to effect persuasion, he also develops appeals to rational argumentation ( logos), particularly within the seven oracles, using basic strategies known from classical rhetorical handbooks and progymnastic exercises. He supports his conclusions and exhortations with arguments from analogy, from the consequences, from the contrary, from historical example and from the revelation of contradictions. He employs topics of courage, the just, the feasible, the (in)expedient and relative expediency in framing enthymemes. John's argumentation, however, requires previous acceptance of certain premises derived from Christian `cultural knowledge', for example, that Christ will come again in judgment, both in interim and ultimate interventions, that Christ makes his intentions known through prophetic speech, and that Christ's story provides a paradigm for the disciples to follow per aspera ad astra. Rational argumentation indeed tempers the authoritarian dimension, but these appeals to reason will largely only work within Christian culture and would likely be dismissed outside of early Christian congregations.
Efficacy of treatment with a kinaesthetic ability training device on balance and mobility after stroke: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Gok H. , Geler-Kulcu D. , Alptekin N. , Dincer G.
Published: October 2008

Objective: To investigate whether the addition of a kinaesthetic ability training device could enhance the effect of a conventional rehabilitation programme on balance and mobility in hemiparetic patients late after stroke.

Design: Randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded trial.

Setting: The rehabilitation ward of a university hospital. Thirty hemiparetic patients (mean age (SD) of 57.4 (8.1) years) late after stroke (mean time since stroke (SD) 545.2 (99.9) days) were assigned randomly to an experimental or a control group.

Interventions: The control group (n = 15) participated in a conventional rehabilitation programme. The experimental group (n = 15) participated in balance training with a kinaesthetic ability training device in addition to a conventional rehabilitation programme for four weeks, five days a week.

Outcome measures: Kinaesthetic ability training static and dynamic balance indices, balance and lower extremity subscores of the Fugl-Meyer Stroke Assessment Instrument (FMA), total motor and locomotor subitem scores of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) were evaluated at baseline and after treatment.

Results: The experimental group had greater improvement in measures of balance including static (P = 0.045) and dynamic balance index (P = 0.001) and FMA balance score (P = 0.001) than the control group. No between-group differences were detected in subscore of FMA, total motor and locomotor subscores of FIM. There were significant improvements in balance subscores of FMA, static and dynamic balance indexes in the experimental group and in sub-item scores of FIM and lower extremity scores of FMA in both groups.

Conclusion: Kinaesthetic ability training in addition to a conventional rehabilitation programme is effective in improving balance late after stroke. However, this improvement is not reflected in individual functional status.
Early activation or a more protective regime after arthroscopic subacromial decompression — a description of clinical changes with two different physiotherapy treatment protocols — a prospective, randomized pilot study with a two-year follow-up
Authors: Hultenheim Klintberg Ingrid , Gunnarsson Ann-Christine , Styf Jorma , Karlsson Jón
Published: October 2008

Objectives: To describe clinical changes with two protocols of physiotherapy following arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) over two years. Reliability of Functional Index of the Shoulder was performed.

Design: A prospective, randomized pilot study, within-subject design.

Subjects: Thirty-four shoulders (13 women), mean age 46 (SD 7) years with primary shoulder impingement, listed for arthroscopic subacromial decompression.

Interventions: The traditional group (n = 20) started with active assisted range of motion exercises on the day of surgery, dynamic exercises for the rotator cuff after six weeks and strengthening exercises after eight weeks. The progressive group (n = 14) started active assisted range of motion and dynamic exercises for the rotator cuff on the day of surgery. Strengthening exercises started after six weeks.

Main measures: A clinical evaluation was made preoperatively, six weeks, three, six, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Pain, patient satisfaction, active range of motion and muscular strength were evaluated. Shoulder function was evaluated using Constant score, Hand in neck, Pour out of a pot and Functional Index of the Shoulder.

Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in pain during activity and at rest, in range of motion in extension and abduction, in strength of external rotation and in function. There were no clinical differences in changes between groups. Most patients were pain-free from six months. After two years, the majority of patients achieved ≥160° in flexion, ≥175° in abduction and 80° in external rotation, the traditional achieved 67 and the progressive group 87 with Constant score.

Conclusions: Early activation using a comprehensive, well-defined and controlled physiotherapy protocol can be used safely after arthroscopic subacromial decompression.
Test—retest reliability of the StepWatch Activity Monitor outputs in individuals with chronic stroke
Authors: Mudge Suzie , Stott N. Susan
Published: October 2008

Objective: To examine the test—retest reliability of the StepWatch Activity Monitor outputs over two periods, a week apart, in participants with stroke.

Design: Test—retest reliability study over monitoring periods of one, two and three days.

Setting: Participant's usual environment.

Participants: Forty participants more than six months post stroke.

Main measures: StepWatch outputs: total step count, number of steps at high medium and low stepping rates, sustained activity indices, peak activity index.

Results: The intraclass correlation coefficients were high for all StepWatch outputs and all monitoring periods but were highest for the three-day monitoring period (0.930—0.989) and lowest for the one-day monitoring period (0.830—0.950). The coefficient of variation ranged from 6.7% to 48.7% over the monitoring periods, with higher variation shown for shorter monitoring periods. The most reliable four outputs had 95% limits of agreement between three-day periods that were less than 40%. These were total step count (±37.8%), highest step rate in 1 minute (±23.0%), highest step rate in 5 minutes (±38.6%) and peak activity index (±29.8%).

The highest step rate in 1 minute was the only StepWatch output that had 95% limits of agreement less than 40% for the two-day (±31.2%) and one-day (±36.7%) monitoring periods.

Conclusions: Total step count, highest step rate in 1 minute, highest step rate in 5 minutes and peak activity index have good test—retest reliability over a three-day monitoring period, with lower reliability shown by the other StepWatch outputs. In general, monitoring over one or two days is less reliable.
How much do the benefits cost? Effects of a home-based training programme on cardiovascular fitness, quality of life, programme cost and adherence for patients with coronary disease
Authors: Salvetti Xiomara Miranda , Oliveira Japy Angelini , Servantes Denise Maria , Vincenzo de Paola Angelo Amato
Published: October 2008

Objective: To evaluate cost, adherence and effects on cardiovascular function and quality of life of a home-based cardiac rehabilitation programme for patients with coronary disease.

Design: A randomized, prospective controlled trial.

Setting: Department of Rehabilitation, University Hospital, Brazil.

Subjects: Thirty-nine low-risk patients were assigned to a home exercise training group (n = 19) or a control group (n = 20).

Interventions: The home group performed home-based training for three months with biweekly telephone monitoring.

Main outcome measures: The aerobic capacity and the quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36)) of all patients were evaluated before and after the three-month period. Adherence was evaluated weekly. Programme cost was estimated using the Brazilian Classification of Medical Procedures.

Results: After training, the home group had higher peak Vo2 from 28.8 (6.4) to 31.7 (8.1) mL/kg per minute, peak heart rate from 135 (22) to 143 (20) bpm, work rate from 4780 (2021) to 7103 (3057) kpm/min and exercise time from 11.5 (1.9) to 13.6 (2.3) minutes (P ≤ 0.05). The control group showed reduction in peak Vo2 from 28.6 (6.6) to 26.8 (7.2) mL/kg per minute, peak Vo2 pulse from 15.5 (3.9) to 14.3 (3.8) mL/bpm and exercise time from 11.5 (2.3) to 11.4 (2.7) minutes (P ≤ 0.05). The home group reported improvements in all domains of SF-36. The control group showed improvement in only three domains of SF-36. In the home group the average cost per patient was US$502.71 and the adherence achieved 100%.

Conclusion: The programme seems to provide an efficient low-cost approach to cardiac rehabilitation in low-risk patients.
Threshold of lower body muscular strength necessary to perform ADL independently in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Hasegawa Ryuichi , Islam Mohammod M , Sung Chul Lee  , Koizumi Daisuke , Rogers Michael E , Takeshima Nobuo
Published: October 2008

Objective: To determine the thresholds of lower extremity muscle strength below which performing activities of daily living (ADL) is impaired in older adults.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Community.

Subjects: Forty-nine older adults (81—89 years) were divided into an independent group (n = 25) who needed no assistance and a dependent group (n = 24) who needed assistance to perform ADL.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main measures: Functional independence measures to determine level of disability and muscular strength of hip flexors, hip extensors, knee flexors, knee extensors and ankle dorsiflexors assessed by a hand-held dynamometer (HHD). Muscle groups were tested separately for each leg and values were averaged for the two legs. A ratio of maximal muscular strength to body weight was calculated by dividing the muscular strength (N) by body weight (kg).

Results: Muscular strength thresholds to perform ADL independently were 2.3 N/kg for hip flexors, 1.7 N/kg for hip extensors, 0.7 N/kg for knee flexors, 2.8 N/kg for knee extensors and 2.8 N/kg for ankle dorsiflexors.

Conclusion: The thresholds of lower extremity muscle strength below which assistance is required to perform ADL in community-dwelling older adults were identified. Furthermore, results indicate that the muscular strength of hip extensors is more important in performing ADL than other muscles of the lower extremities.
Effect of pre-operative physiotherapy in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis undergoing hip arthroplasty
Authors: Ferrara PE , Rabini A. , Maggi L. , Piazzini DB , Logroscino G. , Magliocchetti G. , Amabile E. , Tancredi G. , Aulisa AG , Padua L. , Gnocchi Don Carlo , Bertolini C.
Published: October 2008

Objective: To examine the effect of pre-operative physiotherapy before hip arthroplasty in patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis.

Design: A prospective randomized controlled study.

Setting: Physical medicine and rehabilitation and orthopaedic departments of Policlinico Gemelli of Rome.

Subjects: Twenty-three patients randomized in study and control groups.

Intervention: The study group took part in an educational and physiotherapy programme one month before surgery. Both groups took part in the same inpatient rehabilitation programme after surgery.

Main outcome measures: Both groups were evaluated one month (T0) and the day before arthroplasty (T1), after 15 days (T2), four weeks (T3) and three months (T4) post surgery, using the Barthel Index, the Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Hip Harris Score (HHS), visual analogue scale (VAS), the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) measures of hip abductor and quadriceps strength and range of hip abduction and external rotation.

Results: There were no significant differences between groups with regard to the Barthel Index, SF-36, WOMAC and HHS at T4. The study group presented significant improvements of the SF-36 physical composite score at T1. The hip external rotation was significantly higher in the study group at each evaluation and the visual analogue scale values were lower at T1, T3 and T4.

Conclusion: Pre-operative physiotherapy in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty does not improve impairment and health-related quality of life after intervention. Physiotherapy and educational therapy may be useful for end-stage osteoarthritis.
Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB) Reinforced in New Unsaturated Polyester Composites
Authors: Abdul Khalil H.P.S. , Noorshashillawati Azura M. , Issam A.M. , Said M.R. , Mohd Adawi T.O.
Published: October 2008

The mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact properties) and water absorption of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) reinforced in new unsaturated polyester composites were studied. New OPEFB reinforced polyester composite derived from new unsaturated polyester resin containing bis-(2-hydroxylethyl) fumarate (monomer I) which was synthesized from ethylene glycol with fumaric acid in the presence of P-toluene sulfonic acid as catalyst was prepared. The chemical structure was confirmed by CHN analysis, FT-IR, and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. New unsaturated polyester was carried out by the condensation reaction between terepthaloyl chloride and monomer I. The chemical structure of this polymer was confirmed by CHN analyses, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
Physical Properties of Novel Layered Composites of Wood Flour and PVC
Authors: Tajvidi Mehdi , Haghdan Shayesteh , Saeed Kazemi Najafi
Published: October 2008

Various formulations of wood flour and rigid Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) composites were prepared and the effects of layering and composite composition on their physical properties were studied. Beech wood flour, PVC, Maleic Anhydride Polyethylene (MAPE), and beech veneer were used to produce the composites in a two-step conventional hot press system. Physical property tests, including equilibrium moisture content (EMC), long term water absorption and thickness swelling were carried out. The results indicated that, by the increase in PVC content from 20% to 30%, EMC, maximum water absorption and maximum thickness swelling decreased. No significant relationship was observed between PVC content and water diffusion coefficient, whereas layered composites on average had higher water diffusion coefficients in comparison with unlayered composites. Results of laminating revealed that it caused a decrease in the EMC, and an increase in maximum water absorption and maximum thickness swelling.
Early Detection of Rolling Bearing Defect by Demodulation of Vibration Signal Using Adapted Wavelet
Authors: Chiementin X. , Bolaers F. , Cousinard O. , Rasolofondraibe L.
Published: October 2008

Vibratory analysis allows us to interpret the fundamental conditions of rotating machines. This interpretation is useful in the diagnosis of defects. Many studies implement advanced processing tools for mechanical detection of defects in individual components. Among these processes, wavelet demodulation is a powerful tool for signal processing. This technique requires the use of a traditional wavelet, such as a Morlet wavelet, which is defined by two parameters: Decrease and frequency. However, this determination is hard to do. Moreover, the processing required is very expensive in computing time, which prevents instantaneous follow-up. This paper suggests a new form of wavelet, which is adapted to shock response, and a methodology for its use in which the parameters are determined automatically.
Model Validation and Performance Prediction in the Design of Micro Systems
Authors: Anac Ozan , Basdogan Ipek
Published: October 2008

Micro Electro Mechanical Systems are among the new and emerging technologies of the future and have many applications in different disciplines. Predicting the performance of such systems early in the design process can significantly impact the design cost and also improve the quality of the design. This study presents the model validation techniques integrated with some design methodologies to predict the performance of the micro systems. A two-dimensional micro scanner mirror was chosen as the case study to demonstrate the developed methodologies. The model validation methodology includes the verification of the finite element model using an experimental modal analysis setup for measuring the out-of-plane vibrations of the micro devices. The setup includes a laser doppler vibrometer, a microscope, a camera, a laser positioning system, and a data acquisition system to acquire the data. An experimental procedure was developed to collect the vibration data and then modal analysis was performed to determine the modal frequencies, mode shapes, and modal damping coefficients. The finite element analysis and experimental results were compared to identify the inaccuracies in the modeling assumptions. A validated finite element model was used to obtain the state space representation of the micro scanner mirror to proceed further with additional design studies. The state space model was used for disturbance analysis that was performed using Lyapunov approach to obtain root mean square values of the mirror rotation angle under the effect of a disturbance torque. The disturbance analysis framework was combined with the sensitivity analysis to determine the critical design parameters for improving the system performance. In addition to the disturbance sensitivity analysis, modal sensitivities of the design parameters were also investigated. This analysis was performed by perturbing the design parameters and investigating the change in the modal frequencies.
A Nonlinear Programming Method for Time-Optimal Control of an Omni-Directional Mobile Robot
Authors: Fu Yu-Yi , Ko Chia-Nan , Lee Tsong-Li , Wu Chia-Ju
Published: October 2008

The time-optimal control problem of a three-wheeled omni-directional mobile robot is studied in this paper. In contrast to traditional methods, in which the Pontryagin's Minimum Principle is usually used, an iterative procedure is proposed to transform the time-optimal problem into a nonlinear programming (NLP) one. In the formulated NLP problem, the number of control steps is fixed initially and the sampling period is treated as a variable to be minimized in the optimization process. An upper limit on the sampling period is set in advance considering the accuracy of discretization. If the value of the sampling period is larger than the upper limit, then an update of the number of control steps is needed. To generate initial feasible solutions of the NLP problem, a genetic algorithm is adopted. Since different initial feasible solutions can be generated, the optimization process can be started from different points to find the optimal solution. In this manner, one can find a time-optimal movement of the omni-directional mobile robot between two configurations. To show the feasibility of the proposed method, simulation results are included for illustration.
Wavelet Transform-based Higher-order Statistics for Fault Diagnosis in Rolling Element Bearings
Authors: Fucai Li  , Guang Meng  , Lin Ye  , Peng Chen
Published: October 2008

Signal processing plays a pivotal role in fault diagnostics of mechanical systems. An approach, viz. wavelet transform-based higher-order statistics, was developed in this paper for fault diagnosis in rolling element bearings. In the approach, wavelet transform (discrete wavelet and wavelet packet transform) was introduced into a fourth-order statistic, kurtosis. Thereinto, discrete wavelet transform-based kurtosis (DWTK) was applied to signals to get a higher resolution in low-frequency bands1 on the other hand, wavelet packet transform-based kurtosis (WPTK) was applied to obtain a relatively high resolution in high-frequency bands in comparison with the DWTK. DWTK, WPTK and wavelet transform-based kurtosis (WTK) curves were introduced to calibrate the in-field signals in comparison with the benchmark signals, whereby the non-stationary transients and singularity in the vibration signals attributed to damage were detected. WTK curves of vibration signals collected from bearing with damage of different severities and locations were evaluated for damage detection and classification. The results demonstrated the excellent capability of the WTK in vibration signal processing and fault diagnosis.
Novel Eddy Current Damping Mechanism for Passive Magnetic Bearings
Authors: Sze Kwan Cheah  , Sodano Henry A.
Published: October 2008

It is often advantageous to add lateral damping in rotating systems to suppress excessive vibration in both the transverse and torsional directions. Magnetic dampers are advantageous to other damping mechanisms because they provide damping independent of temperature, and are non-contact in nature, which allows for maintenance and lubrication free operation. These damping mechanisms function through the eddy currents that are formed in a conductive material when it is subjected to a time changing magnetic flux. The currents circulate inside the conductor in such a way that a new magnetic field is generated with a polarity that varies with the change in the applied magnetic flux. The interaction between the applied magnetic field and the field due to the eddy currents causes the generation of a force that opposes the change in flux. However, due to the internal resistance of the conductor the eddy currents will dissipate into heat, causing a removal of energy from the system. This dissipation of energy allows a magnet and conductor to form a damper that may be used to suppress the vibration of a structure. However, when used in a rotating system this additional damping often comes at the cost of a drag force which reduces the system efficiency. The present study will develop a novel eddy current mechanism in which the rotational drag is negligible. The damper will be theoretically modeled and the damping energy will be determined, while finite element analysis will be used to predict the force exerted on the shaft as it vibrates. Experiments will be performed to validate both the theoretical and finite element model and demonstrate the high damping levels available when using this system.
Factors influencing the uptake of screening services for breast and cervical cancer in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Shin-Jong
Published: October 2008

Aims: Cervical cancer and breast cancer have had the first and second highest occurrence rates among women in Taiwan since 1981 and have also been two of the leading causes of cancer death. In order to more effectively promote preventive medical care programs, it is important to identify the key determinants of women's behavior regarding their decisions to engage in screenings. This study aims to identify the major factors that affect the utilization of breast and cervical cancer screening among women in Taiwan, who are covered by universal National Health Insurance.

Methods: Data were obtained from the 2001 National Health Interview Survey for the Taiwan area and targeted women between 30 and 75 years old. The sample size consisted of 5,611 individuals for Papanicolaou (Pap) tests and breast examinations by a doctor. For breast ultrasounds and mammograms, 3,875 individuals were included. The propensity among women in Taiwan to use the two types of screening services, i.e., Pap test and breast examinations, were estimated by maximum likelihood probit regressions.

Results: The findings in this study show that the likelihood of a woman receiving a Pap test or a clinical breast examination depends on a variety of factors such as age, marital status, income level, education, and health status. Women with lower socioeconomic status were found to be much less likely to undergo the freely available cancer screening services. In addition, healthy behavior, such as not smoking and engaging in exercise, had a positive effect on the uptake of screening.

Conclusions: The results of this study enable us to understand more thoroughly the characteristics of women who undergo a Pap test and breast examination, as well as the factors that influence them in Taiwan. The findings can help formulate related policies that are directed at removing the barriers to accessing medical care and targeting those at-risk groups. This analysis provides new evidence of the factors affecting the utilization of preventive care among women in a developing country, which are comparable to those of other countries, and may shed further light on the issue of promoting cancer screening and women's health.
Paracetamol and fever management
Authors: Warwick C.
Published: October 2008

Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used legal drugs in the western world. Its availability is good, cost is low, and its uses include `over-the-counter' (OTC) distribution, primary care prescribed therapy, secondary care `post-operative' application and emergency treatment. Stated benefits of paracetamol include: the drug's analgesic effects, preference to aspirin in avoidance of Reye's syndrome, good patient tolerance, and iatrogenic complications are infrequent and minor. Stated cautions include hepatotoxic effect following minor doses and short duration use and users may incur compromised immune integrity. This paper is concerned with paracetamol's role in fever management. Public concern regarding, in particular, childhood fever and febrile convulsions is largely unwarranted. Despite paracetamol's reputation as a popular fever-reducing agent the drug is poorly effective in the control of febrility and febrile convulsions showing no important advantage compared with placebo. Paracetamol is probably grossly over-prescribed for fever management and its value more perceived than real. Greater efforts are needed to inform patients of the natural benefits of the biological strategy of fever and of the highly limited and in some cases contraindicated use of paracetamol in fever management.
Fatal haemopericardium and gastrointestinal haemorrhage due to possible interaction of cranberry juice with warfarin
Authors: Griffiths A.P. , Beddall A. , Pegler S.
Published: October 2008

We report a case of fatal internal haemorrhage in an elderly man who consumed only cranberry juice for two weeks while maintaining his usual dosage of warfarin. We propose that naturally occurring compounds such as flavonoids, which are present in fruit juices, may increase the potency of warfarin by competing for the enzymes that normally inactivate warfarin. While traditionally regarded as foodstuffs, consumption of fruit juices should be considered when patients develop adverse drug reactions.
Regulation, measurements and incentives. The experience in the US and UK: does context matter?
Authors: Hamblin Richard
Published: October 2008

Since the 1990s the US and UK healthcare systems have increasingly sought to measure the quality of services in order to stimulate improvement and publish the results. Despite the very different healthcare systems, there are some striking similarities in the results of these schemes. In both countries information that creates the threat of reputational damage and the possibility of gaining kudos is particularly effective in stimulating a response. However, these responses may be perverse: gaming, falsifying of data and measurement fixation have all been uncovered. In the UK context, information is closely aligned to the regulatory and performance management framework, and there should be a role for the new Care Quality Commission in the emerging `information landscape' of the NHS in England.
Peoples-uni
Authors: Heller Richard
Published: October 2008

Working to improve public health in low-income countries by building skills using the internet: Richard Heller issues a call for volunteers
The role of organizational licensing in healthcare
Authors: Scrivens Ellie , Skelton Lindsay
Published: October 2008

Much has been written about organizational accreditation in healthcare, but little attention has been paid to licensing providers as a means to control quality in the provision of health and social care. Licensing has a variety of different applications but frequently involves a mandatory assessment against standards. This paper reports on a comparison of the various ways in which the basic requirements for quality are framed in a range of licensing systems and concludes that there are considerable similarities in the approach to quality used across both health and social care licensing systems in many countries.
A Behavioral Rehabilitation Intervention for Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Greenaway Melanie C. , Hanna Sherrie M. , Lepore Susan W. , Smith Glenn E.
Published: October 2008

Individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) currently have few treatment options for combating their memory loss. The Memory Support System (MSS) is a calendar and organization system with accompanying 6-week curriculum designed for individuals with progressive memory impairment. Ability to learn the MSS and its utility were assessed in 20 participants. Participants were significantly more likely to successfully use the calendar system after training. Ninety-five percent were compliant with the MSS at training completion, and 89% continued to be compliant at follow-up. Outcome measures revealed a medium effect size for improvement in functional ability. Subjects further reported improved independence, self-confidence, and mood. This initial examination of the MSS suggests that with appropriate training, individuals with amnestic MCI can and will use a memory notebook system to help compensate for memory loss. These results are encouraging that the MSS may help with the symptoms of memory decline in MCI.
Ethical and Practical Challenges Raised by an Adult Day Program's Caregiver Satisfaction Survey
Authors: Madeo Anica , Feld Sheila , Spencer Beth
Published: October 2008

A consumer satisfaction survey was completed by 21 caregivers to persons with dementia, who participated in Silver Club, a person-centered Adult Day Service program. Two themes emerged: caregivers expressed high program satisfaction based on joint benefits to members and caregivers, and they desired more information about the nature of the members' daily participation. These findings raised two important issues for program staff. First, Adult Day Service programs are often referred to and marketed as providing caregiver respite. This approach does not acknowledge caregivers' interest in programs that meet the needs of their loved ones, and may lead to reluctance to use programs that only stress the value of respite. Second, caregivers' desires for detailed feedback about members' program participation raise ethical and practical challenges within person-centered models of care. Collecting feedback from both participants and their caregivers can help monitor and improve services provided by person-centered Adult Day Service programs.
Social Compatibility as a Consideration in Caring for Nursing Home Residents With Dementia
Authors: Cherry Barbara , Carpenter Ken , Waters Cheryl , Hawkins W.W. , McGrew Pamela , Satterwhite Leah J. , Stepien Julie , Ruppelt Wanda , Herring Kent
Published: October 2008

A major challenge for caregivers in nursing homes is to provide high-quality, person-centered care to a large population of residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias who have extreme variations in behavioral manifestations, cognitive abilities, and social functioning. This article describes a model of dementia care in which individual care needs are addressed and the social environment is valued as an essential element in care considerations. This model, termed the Social Compatibility Model, suggests 4 groups for dementia care based on social skills and disease presentation. The model provides caregivers with care strategies for each group and serves as a guideline for making decisions about placing and/or relocating residents to the most appropriate social group as they progress from moderate to severe dementia. The goal of this model is to provide guidance to caregivers for creating a therapeutic social environment and an improved quality of life for nursing home residents.
The Classification of the Depressions
Authors: Farmer Anne , McGuffin Peter
Published: October 2008

It is 13 years since Kendell (1976) reviewed the ‘contemporary confusion’ surrounding the classification of depression. Reconsideration of this issue is now timely, especially in light of the development of the new classifications of affective disorder included in DSM–III (American Psychiatric Association, 1980), the revised version, DSM–III–R (American Psychiatric Association, 1987), and the forthcoming ICD–10 (World Health Organization, 1988). Recent activities in neurobiological, genetic and social research also bear importantly on our concepts of the aetiology of depression.
Computerised Tomography in Schizophrenia
Authors: Kaiya H. , Uematsu M. , Ofuji M. , Nishida A. , Morikiyo M. , Adachi S.
Published: October 2008

Findings on CT and demographical or clinical data in 80 patients with DSM–III schizophrenia and 45 medical controls were evaluated. Multiple-discriminant analysis showed that the enlargement of the third ventricle and frontal and parietal atrophy could significantly predict the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Widening of Sylvian fissures and parietal atrophy differentiated familial schizophrenics of both horizontal transmission (who had affected siblings) and vertical transmission (who had affected parents or/and offspring) from non-familial patients. Parietal atrophy and a history of birth complications differentiated horizontal from vertical transmission. The CT findings together with some clinical characteristics could differentiate the three subgroups classified by the hereditary form; thus each of these subgroup may belong to a different disease entity, of a different pathophysiology.
Disturbed Endocrine Function in the Psychoses
Authors: Whalley L. J. , Christie J. E. , Blackwood D. H. R. , Bennie J. , Dick H. , Blackburn I. M. , Fink G.
Published: October 2008

Plasma concentrations of prolactin, growth hormone, cortisol, TSH, and the neurophysins were measured over 17 hours in 98 newly admitted psychiatric patients and 35 control subjects. Seventy patients had been free of psychotropic medication for three months. Patients with schizoaffective mania (SAM) differed significantly from control subjects by increased plasma Cortisol concentrations and decreased night-time TSH concentrations. The latter were also significantly lower than in both schizophrenic and manic disorder patients. Plasma Cortisol was increased to a lesser extent in other psychotic subgroups, and increases in prolactin were most marked in the affective psychoses. There was little diagnostic specificity for psychoses other than SAM. Higher Cortisol and prolactin levels may be due to the stimulatory effect of serotonergic pathways, but the neural mechanisms underlying lower night-time TSH levels in SAM are not known. The findings are not consistent with the view (a) that the hormonal changes of the psychoses simply reflect a non-specific response to stress, or (b) that the biological abnormalities of the psychoses can be accounted for by a single continuum of disturbance.
Disturbed Endocrine Function in the Psychoses
Authors: Whalley L. J. , Christie J. E. , Blackwood D. H. R. , Bennie J. , Dick H. , Blackburn I. M. , Fink G.
Published: October 2008

Discriminant function analyses were performed on plasma concentrations of prolactin, growth hormone, Cortisol, TSH, and the neurophysins measured over 17 hours in 70 newly admitted drug-free psychiatric patients and 35 control subjects. The hormone data distinguished between patients with different classes of drug-free psychosis (26 schizophrenic, 12 with manic disorder, 10 with major depressive disorder, psychotic subtype, 9 with schizoaffective mania (SAM)). Higher plasma Cortisol and lower TSH concentrations separated eight of nine SAM patients from all others.
Consistent Reduction of ACTH responses to stimulation with CRH, Vasopressin and Hypoglycaemia in Patients with Major Depression
Authors: Kathol Roger G. , Jaeckle Richard S. , Lopez Juan F. , Meller William H.
Published: October 2008

Eleven patients with major depression and 12 control subjects were administered corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), aqueous arginine vasopressin (AVP), and insulin hypoglycaemia (IH) to test for differences in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function. Patients with major depression demonstrated lower ACTH responses to CRH when compared with controls, and a trend toward such after administration of AVP. Despite lower ACTH responses in patients with depression, there were no differences in Cortisol responses to these stimuli. In the CRH and AVP tests, there was no correlation between the basal Cortisol and ACTH responses in either controls or patients, but in the IH test there was a negative correlation between these responses for both groups. The ACTH responses to CRH and AVP were positively correlated in controls and patients. Cortisol responses to all three provocative stimuli were positively correlated in both subject groups. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that hypothalamic or supra-hypothalamic overactivity may be involved in the development of HPA-axis abnormalities in patients with depression.
Efficacy of Lithium Prophylaxis in Clinical Practice
Authors: Markar H. R. , Mander A. J.
Published: October 2008

The efficacy of lithium prophylaxis in bipolar affective disorder in clinical practice was investigated. Comparison was made between 41 patients who were prescribed prophylactic lithium after two admissions in two years or three admissions in five years and a group of patients who did not receive lithium. The benefits conferred by the prescription of this drug were modest compared with the results from clinical trials.
The Measurement of Transmembrane Cation Transportin vivoin Acute Manic Illness
Authors: Wood A. J. , Aronson J. K. , Cowen P. J. , Grahame-Smith D. G.
Published: October 2008

We have used a novel technique to assess the transport of cations across the erythrocyte membranein vivoin unmedicated patients suffering an acute manic illness. The results show that erythrocyte cation transport via the sodium-pump enzyme Na+,K+-ATPase is increased in manic patients compared with healthy controls.
The Effect of Lithium on Cation Transport Measuredin vivoin Patients Suffering from Bipolar Affective Illness
Authors: Wood A. J. , Elphick M. , Aronson J. K. , Grahame-Smith D. G.
Published: October 2008

We have investigated cation transportin vivoin patients being treated with lithium for bipolar affective illness by studying the disposition of rubidium after an oral load of rubidium chloride. The rate of erythrocyte cation transport was increased in the patients when compared with matched healthy volunteers. However, the rate ofin-vivoerythrocyte rubidium accumulation in the euthymic treated patients was significantly lower than in a matched group of unmedicated manic patients. The regulation of specific pathways for cation transport may be altered in individuals predisposed to affective illness.