bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Michigan Prandtl System: An Instrument for Accurate Pressure Measurements in Convective Vortices
Authors: Halleaux Douglas G. , Sussman Jeffery M. , Rennó Nilton O.
Published: July 2013

This article describes a Prandtl tube system developed at the University of Michigan to measure the static pressure, the total (or stagnation) pressure, and the velocity in flows whose direction and intensity change rapidly. The ever-changing wind vectors in convective vortices are a challenge for making accurate measurements on them. Accurate measurements of the static pressure are particularly problematic because they require the sensor air intake to be aligned perpendicular to the wind direction. This article describes calibrations and tests of the Michigan Prandtl System (MPS) and, in particular, the characterization of the errors in the static pressure measurements as a function of misalignments between the Prandtl tube and the wind vector. This article shows that the MPS measures the pressure with a relative error of 3.5% for wind flows whose direction is within about 10° of the MPS tube direction. It also shows that the MPS adjusts to changes in wind direction of 90° in about 1.5 s, the average rate of change expected in a typical dust devil of about 15 m of radius traveling at 10 m s−1 (Rennó et al.). Field tests indicate that misalignments between the MPS and the wind vector are usually smaller than ~30° during measurements in dust devils and that these misalignments always cause increases in the static pressure measured and decreases in the total pressure measured.
Comparing a Regional, Subcontinental, and Long-Range Lightning Location System over the Benelux and France
Authors: Poelman Dieter R. , Honoré Françoise , Anderson Graeme , Pedeboy Stéphane
Published: July 2013

Increasing possibilities for using lightning data—for instance, in monitoring and tracking applications—necessitate proper spatial and temporal mapping of lightning events. It is therefore of importance to assess the capabilities and limitations of a ground-based lightning network of interest to locate electromagnetic signals emitted by lightning discharges. In this paper, data covering two storm seasons, between May and September 2011 and 2012, are used to compare the spatial and temporal lightning observations of three different lightning location systems over an area covering the Benelux and France. The lightning datasets from a regional network employing Surveillance et Alerte Foudre par Interférométrie Radioélectrique (SAFIR) sensors operated by the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (RMIB), a subcontinental network operated by Météorage (MTRG), and the Met Office's long-range Arrival Time Difference network (ATDnet) are considered. It is found that the median location difference among corresponding strokes and flashes between ATDnet and MTRG is 1.9 and 2.8 km, respectively, and increases by a factor of ~3 when comparing ATDnet and/or MTRG to SAFIR. The absolute mean time difference between shared events fluctuates between approximately 25 and 100 μs. Furthermore, lightning data are correlated in terms of relative detection efficiency, quantifying the number of detections that coincide between two different networks. The highest relative values are found among ATDnet and MTRG. In addition, a lower limit of ~25% of ATDnet's flashes are of type inter/intracloud. Finally, it is demonstrated that all three networks are competent in mapping the electrical activity in thunderstorms.
Mainstream or Niche? Vote-Seeking Incentives and the Programmatic Strategies of Political Parties
Authors: Meyer Thomas M. , Wagner Markus
Published: July 2013

Parties can choose to concentrate on topics which other parties cover relatively little. In such cases, they have a programmatic niche profile compared with their mainstream rivals. We argue that parties should be more likely to switch between a niche and a mainstream profile in response to unsatisfactory electoral results. However, these vote-seeking incentives to change salience profiles should have greater influence on parties that are small, young, and/or in opposition. Such parties will find it easier and more attractive to change their salience profiles. We use a measure of niche profiles based on manifesto coding and test our hypotheses in 22 countries with a transition model. For niche-to-mainstream transitions in party profiles, the results confirm our expectations, but vote-seeking incentives do not lead mainstream parties to shift to a niche profile. The results of this article have implications for our understanding of the dynamics of party competition in multiparty systems.
Cherry-Picking or Lemon-Grabbing? Investigating FDI in Indian Manufacturing Firms
Authors: De Prabal K. , Nagaraj Priya
Published: July 2013

This article is a contribution to the literature that investigates the motives of foreign investors while investing in the domestic firms. We argue that in India, both positive and negative selection theories can be consistent in the backdrop of the asymmetry of information in foreign investment. Foreign investors seem to focus on observable variables like profit and stability over time to cherry pick their target firms. However, it appears that they invest in some firms that are lemons in other dimensions, such having low total factor productivity (TFP). These firms may also be attractive because they have the potential to be more productive. These findings are important to further investigate the role and nature of FDI in India.
Free Trade Zones and Outstanding Debt
Authors: Nath Smita
Published: July 2013

The existing literature on international debt has analyzed the effects of different policies on the debt servicing problems of developing countries and these policies range from depreciation of the nominal exchange rate to creation of an export oriented trade regime. In a dynamic setting, this article analyzes the effects of yet another policy measure, namely creation of Free Trade Zones (FTZ), on the level of outstanding debt of an economy. Our analysis shows that in the short run, if skilled labour is a substitute for the imported input and foreign capital in the FTZ, then production incentives to the FTZ through reduction in tariff rate on the imported input used by this zone (while maintaining the rate for the rest of the economy) reduce the level of outstanding debt. In the long run, however, the effect of giving additional incentives to the FTZ on the level of outstanding debt crucially depends upon one additional factor namely, the responsiveness of fiscal deficit to the level of outstanding debt. The welfare of the country may also improve due to creation of an FTZ.
Assessing Cross-Cultural Competence
Authors: Matsumoto David , Hwang Hyisung C.
Published: July 2013

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of a number of tests that measure cross-cultural competence; yet to date there is no review of their validity and reliability. This article addresses this gap in the literature. We discuss issues associated with evaluation of the content, construct, and ecological validity of such tests, and review the evidence for 10 tests. We evaluate that evidence, draw conclusions about the tests with the best evidence for ecological validity, and provide recommendations for future research in this area.
Armed Conflicts, 1946–2012
Authors: Themnér Lotta , Wallensteen Peter
Published: July 2013

In 2012, the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) recorded 32 armed conflicts with a minimum of 25 battle-related deaths. This is a significant decrease from the 37 recorded in 2011. Overall, the 2000s has been the least conflict-ridden decade since the 1970s. A worrying finding, however, is that the number of internationalized intrastate conflicts continued to be at a high level for the fourth consecutive year. At six, the number of wars – conflicts leading to 1,000 or more battle-related deaths – remained the same as in 2011. In total, UCDP estimates that the conflicts that were active in 2012 caused between 37,175 (low estimate) and 60,260 (high estimate) battle-related deaths, with a best estimate of 37,941. The conflict that caused the highest number of fatalities in 2012 is the Syrian conflict, which led to between 14,830 (low) and 30,805 (high) battle-related deaths, with the best estimate being 15,055. Eleven armed conflicts listed in 2011 were not active in 2012; however, three new conflicts erupted during the year – India (Garoland), Mali and South Sudan vs. Sudan (common border) – and three previously registered conflicts were resumed by new actors. Lastly, 2012 saw an increase in the number of signed peace agreements which had been at a very low level over the past three years; four accords were concluded during the year, compared with one in 2011.
Combining electronics on flexible plastic strips with textiles
Authors: Zysset Christoph , Kinkeldei Thomas , Münzenrieder Niko , Petti Luisa , Salvatore Giovanni , Tröster Gerhard
Published: July 2013

Electronic textiles are an enabling technology for a variety of applications in health care, rehabilitation or sports. In this paper, three methods to combine flexible plastic strips with textiles are discussed. Flexible plastic strips serve as carriers for electronic devices. The first approach uses a roving frame to wrap flexible plastic strips with cotton fibers. For the second method, flexible plastic strips are woven into textiles using a narrow fabric loom and a rapier loom. In the third approach, flexible plastic strips are embroidered on a shuttle embroidery machine. Due to the flexible plastic strips, electronic devices mounted on the strips are exposed to strain with the potential to damage the electronics. For the three presented methods, strain on the surface of a flexible plastic strip is investigated: roving causes strain >25%, embroidery approximately 6% and weaving 15%. Weaving flexible plastic strips is investigated in more detail because it offers possibilities to embed thin-film devices, surface mount devices and integrated circuits into textiles. Conductive yarns within the textile are used to contact the electronics. Weaving flexible plastic strips is first applied to fabricate a textile patch with woven flexible plastic strips carrying thin-film temperature sensors. In a second textile patch, a flexible plastic strip carrying an accelerometer is woven in the weft direction and connected with conductive yarns in the warp direction. The textile-integrated accelerometer can have an angular deviation of up to 10° from the textile surface. Nevertheless, applications in rehabilitation and health care can benefit from textile-integrated accelerometers.
H2 output feedback controller design for discrete-time 2D switched systems
Authors: Duan Zhaoxia , Xiang Zhengrong
Published: July 2013

This paper investigates the H2 control problem for a class of discrete-time two-dimensional (2D) switched systems represented by a model of Roesser type. By using a multiple Lyapunov function method, sufficient conditions for evaluation of the H2 performance for the 2D switched systems are presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Based on the obtained results, an H2 output feedback controller design scheme is developed for the discrete-time 2D switched systems. A numerical example is included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Estimation of serum neopterin in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Gurumurthy Prema , Borra Sai Krishna , Yeruva Rama Krishna Reddy , Babu Sai , Thomas Joy , Cherian Kotturathu Mammen
Published: July 2013

Background:

The aim of our study was to determine neopterin levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome, in which the release of various cytokines activates the cellular immune system. There is an increase in the number and activity of T-cells in unstable atherosclerotic plaques, and of type 1 helper T-cells that produce interferon γ, which in turn produces neopterin, a byproduct of the guanosine triphosphate-biopterin pathway and a marker for activated macrophages.

Methods:

We studied 600 subjects consisting of healthy volunteers and patients with noncardiac chest pain, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, or unstable angina. Neopterin levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results:

Mean serum neopterin levels in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (11.5 ± 3.2 nmol·L−1), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (9.8 ± 2.9 nmol·L−1), and unstable angina patients (9.4 ± 2.3 nmol·L−1) were significantly higher than those in noncardiac chest pain patients (7.4 ± 1.9 nmol·L−1) and healthy volunteers (7.2 ± 0.6 nmol·L−1; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that serum neopterin levels may be a useful marker of systemic inflammation, and measurement of serum neopterin may be helpful in assessing the risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Academic librarians and their social media presence
Authors: Zohoorian-Fooladi Niusha , Abrizah A.
Published: July 2013

Despite the widespread use of social media by students and their increased use in higher education, very little empirical evidence is available concerning the prevalence of use among academic librarians. The objectives of this study are: a) to identify the prevalence of social media used in Malaysian academic libraries; b) to examine the reasons for creating a social media presence among academic libraries; and c) to understand the obstacles to social media participation among academic librarians. Data were gathered via three focus study groups with 22 librarians from three research-intensive universities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The results indicated that at least four types of social media are deployed in libraries to reach out to the users: blogs, multimedia sharing sites, social bookmarking and social networking sites (SNS). Facebook, Blog, Delicious, YouTube and Twitter are the tools mainly adopted by these libraries. The motives for librarians to use social media were to promote library services, manage organizational knowledge and receiving instant feedback from users. Workflow obstacles, technology obstacles, organizational obstacles and personal obstacles deter librarians from participating in social media. This study provides experiential evidence that Malaysian academic librarians are not very serious in engaging themselves with social media. Library managements need to provide support to mobilize librarians into a more active and participatory role in creating social media presence.
Modified constraint-induced movement therapy versus intensive bimanual training for children with hemiplegia – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Deppe Wolfgang , Thuemmler Kerstin , Fleischer Judith , Berger Claudia , Meyer Susanne , Wiedemann Baerbel
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To clarify whether modified constraint-induced movement therapy provides greater improvement than intensive bimanual training both for motor functions and spontaneous use of the paretic arm and hand in everyday life activities.

Design:

Randomized controlled, single-blind trial.

Setting:

Inpatient paediatric rehabilitation clinic.

Subjects:

Forty-seven children with unilateral cerebral palsy or other non-progressive hemiplegia (aged 3.3–11.4 years) were randomly assigned to either a modified constraint-induced movement programme (kid-CIMT) or intensive bimanual training.

Interventions:

Patients in the kid-CIMT group received 60 hours of unilateral constraint-induced and 20 hours of bimanual training over four weeks. Patients in the bimanual treatment group received 80 hours of bimanual training over four weeks.

Main outcome measures:

Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function and Assisting Hand Assessment.

Results:

Modified constraint-induced therapy provided a significantly better outcome for isolated motor functions of the paretic arm than bimanual training (gain in Melbourne Assessment, percent score: 6.6 vs. 2.3, P= 0.033). Regarding spontaneous use both methods led to similar improvement (gain in Assisting Hand Assessment, percent score: 6.2 vs. 4.6, P= 0.579). More-disabled children showed greater improvement than less-disabled ones (correlation with Assisting Hand Assessment pretreatment score r = −0.40). Age did not affect treatment outcome.

Conclusions:

Modified constraint-induced movement therapy can improve isolated functions of the hemiplegic arm better than intensive bimanual training, but regarding spontaneous hand use in everyday life both methods lead to similar improvement. Improvements are generally greater in more impaired children. Age does not affect outcome.
Effects of a predefined mini-trampoline training programme on balance, mobility and activities of daily living after stroke: a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Miklitsch Claudia , Krewer Carmen , Freivogel Susanna , Steube Diethard
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To investigate the effects of a predefined mini-trampoline therapy programme for increasing postural control, mobility and the ability to perform activities of daily living after stroke.

Design:

Randomized non-blinded controlled pilot study.

Setting:

Neurological rehabilitation hospital.

Subjects:

First-time stroke; age 18–80 years; independent standing ability for a minimum of 2 minutes.

Intervention:

Patients were randomized into two groups: the mini-trampoline group ( n = 20) received 10 sessions of balance training using the mini-trampoline over three weeks. The patients of the control group ( n =20) participated 10 times in a group balance training also over three weeks.

Main measures:

Postural control (Berg Balance Scale, BBS), mobility and gait endurance (timed ‘up and go’ test, TUG; 6-minute walk test, 6MWT) and the ability to perform activities of daily living (Barthel Index, BI). Measurements were undertaken prior to and after the intervention period.

Results:

Both groups were comparable before the study. The mini-trampoline group improved significantly more in the BBS ( P = 0.003) compared to the control group. Mean or median differences of both groups showed improvements in the TUG 10.12 seconds/7.23 seconds, the 6MWT 135 m/75 m and the BI 20 points/13 points for the mini-trampoline and control group, respectively. These outcome measurements did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion:

A predefined mini-trampoline training programme resulted in significantly increased postural control in stroke patients compared to balance training in a group. Although not statistically significant, the mini-trampoline training group showed increased improvement in mobility and activities of daily living. These differences could have been statistically significant if we had investigated more patients (i.e. a total sample of 84 patients for the TUG, 98 patients for the 6MWT, and 186 patients for the BI).
Experienced stigmatization reduced quality of life of patients with a neuromuscular disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: van der Beek Kyra M , Bos Isäac , Middel Berrie , Wynia Klaske
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To examine the influence of stigma on the quality of life of patients with a neuromuscular disease.

Design:

Cross-sectional postal survey.

Setting:

Outpatient clinic of the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Groningen, the Netherlands.

Subjects:

Patients diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease.

Measures:

The Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness, the World Health Organization Quality of Life – abbreviated version questionnaires and some background and disease-related questions. The Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness was translated into Dutch according to international guidelines. The impact of stigma on quality of life was estimated using hierarchical multiple regression analysis after controlling for the extent of limitations and patient characteristics.

Results:

In total 235 patients (75% response rate) were diagnosed with neuromuscular disease and represented all four categories of the approximately 600 neuromuscular diseases. Most patients (86%) reported self stigma, while 64% reported to experience enacted stigma. Experienced quality of life was moderate to good. Stigma contributed to a unique and substantial extent to all domains of quality of life: explained variance for the impact of stigma on quality ranged from 0.13 (social relations) to 0.34 (physical functioning) for self stigma and from 0.09 (social relations) to 0.11 (physical and psychological health, and quality of the environment).

Conclusion:

Self stigma was a stronger predictor for poorer quality of life compared with enacted stigma. In other words: patients suffered more from shame and fear for discrimination (self stigma) than from the really experienced discrimination and exclusion (enacted stigma).
Applications of telecounselling in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: a systematic review with effect sizes
Authors: Dorstyn Diana , Mathias Jane , Denson Linley
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To investigate the short- and medium-term efficacy of counselling services provided remotely by telephone, video or internet, in managing mental health outcomes following spinal cord injury.

Data sources:

A search of electronic databases, critical reviews and published meta-analyses was conducted.

Review methods:

Seven independent studies ( N = 272 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The majority of these studies utilized telephone-based counselling, with limited research examining psychological interventions delivered by videoconferencing ( Nstudy = 1) or online ( Nstudy = 1).

Results:

There is some evidence that telecounselling can significantly improve an individual’s management of common comorbidities following spinal cord injury, including pain and sleep difficulties ( d = 0.45). Medium-term treatment effects were difficult to evaluate, with very few studies providing these data, although participants have reported gains in quality of life 12 months after treatment ( d = 0.88). The main clinical advantages are time efficiency and consumer satisfaction.

Conclusion:

The results highlight the need for further evidence, particularly randomized controlled trials, to establish the benefits and clinical viability of telecounselling.
Reduced-risk drinking as a viable treatment goal in problematic alcohol use and alcohol dependence
Authors: van Amsterdam Jan , van den Brink Wim
Published: July 2013

This review describes and discusses studies related to reduced-risk drinking as an additional treatment option for patients with problematic alcohol use and alcohol dependence. The review provides some empirical support for the following statements: (a) reduced-risk drinking is a viable option for at least some problem and dependent drinkers; (b) abstinence and non-abstinence-based treatments appear to be equally effective; (c) allowing patients to choose their treatment goal increases the success rate. The relatively short follow-up period (1–2 years) of the studies hampers a proper evaluation of the added value of the reduced-risk drinking approach.
Health Numeracy
Authors: Levy Helen , Ubel Peter A. , Dillard Amanda J. , Weir David R. , Fagerlin Angela
Published: July 2013

Background and Objective. Existing research concludes that measures of general numeracy can be used to predict individuals’ ability to assess health risks. We posit that the domain in which questions are posed affects the ability to perform mathematical tasks, raising the possibility of a separate construct of “health numeracy” that is distinct from general numeracy. The objective was to determine whether older adults’ ability to perform simple math depends on domain. Methods. Community-based participants completed 4 math questions posed in 3 different domains: a health domain, a financial domain, and a pure math domain. Participants were 962 individuals aged 55 and older, representative of the community-dwelling US population over age 54. Results. We found that respondents performed significantly worse when questions were posed in the health domain (54% correct) than in either the pure math domain (66% correct) or the financial domain (63% correct). Our experimental measure of numeracy consisted of only 4 questions, and it is possible that the apparent effect of domain is specific to the mathematical tasks that these questions require. Conclusions. These results suggest that health numeracy is strongly related to general numeracy but that the 2 constructs may not be the same. Further research is needed into how different aspects of general numeracy and health numeracy translate into actual medical decisions.
Caribbean labour politics in the age of Garvey, 1918–1938
Authors: Ewing Adam
Published: July 2013

This article examines the impact of Garveyism – the political brainchild of Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey – in the articulation of post first world war labour politics in the greater Caribbean region. Garveyism nurtured a platform of race-first, worker-oriented, anti-colonial politics that both gave encouragement to, and provided a language of grievance for, a series of strikes, riots and rebellions after the war. During the reactionary era that followed, Garveyites nimbly scaled back the stridency of their politics, replacing their emphasis on direct action and worker resistance with a labour politics that privileged organisation building and constitutional reform, but which continued to project the implications of the work in global terms, joined to Garveyites’ end goal of African liberation and racial redemption. By the mid-1930s, a new labour politics emerged that both surpassed Garveyist labour organising in its stridency and relied on Garveyist tropes of racial solidarity; one that distanced itself from Garveyist labour organisers while boasting a leadership that had been nurtured within the Garvey movement.
Towards the gentrification of Black Power(?)
Authors: Fenderson Jonathan
Published: July 2013

The recent explosion in US scholarship on the Black Power Movement provides the context for this close reading and textual analysis of Peniel Joseph’s latest book, Dark Days, Bright Nights: from Black Power to Barack Obama. Taking into account the context of the book’s appearance and the critical public debate surrounding it, this article unpacks Joseph’s discussion of Black Power, paying particular attention to his rendering of ‘self-determination’ and other key political ideologies. It asks what is at stake for Black radical memory when knowledge production on the Black Power Movement is governed by the dictates of the American marketplace and, more specifically, the publishing industry. In addition, it briefly reconnoitres the ways that Black radical (collective) memory can serve as a counterbalance to the erasures of marketplace history, and keep us attentive to the contemporary pertinence and unfinished business of the past. The article closes by highlighting some alternative routes taken by scholars concerned with the future of Black Power Studies.
A Multiaspect Program Integrity Assessment of the Cognitive-Behavioral Program EQUIP for Incarcerated Offenders
Authors: Helmond Petra , Overbeek Geertjan , Brugman Daniel
Published: July 2013

Studies on the effectiveness of correctional treatment have widely failed to assess program integrity. This study examined the program integrity of EQUIP in 34 treatment groups of incarcerated offenders, using a new multiaspect program integrity instrument (MIPIE). The first aim of our study was to assess the reliability and validity of the MIPIE. The second aim was to describe the practical application of the instrument as an integrity feedback tool. Results showed that a two-factor solution for the MIPIE appeared to be the most adequate and that the composite program integrity scale of the first factor had a good internal consistency. The interobserver agreement was high. Furthermore, moderate to high relationships were found between observers and trainers, but trainers reported significantly higher program integrity levels. EQUIP was implemented with diverse integrity levels, with higher levels for the United States and program developer sites. By using the MIPIE, detailed feedback can be provided to improve program implementation.
Correlation of MRI Grading of Bone Stress Injuries With Clinical Risk Factors and Return to Play
Authors: Nattiv Aurelia , Kennedy Gannon , Barrack Michelle T. , Abdelkerim Ashraf , Goolsby Marci A. , Arends Julie C. , Seeger Leanne L.
Published: July 2013

Background:

Bone stress injuries are common in track and field athletes. Knowledge of risk factors and correlation of these to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) grading could be helpful in determining recovery time.

Purpose:

To examine the relationships between MRI grading of bone stress injuries with clinical risk factors and time to return to sport in collegiate track and field athletes.

Study Design:

Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 211 male and female collegiate track and field and cross-country athletes were followed prospectively through their competitive seasons. All athletes had preparticipation history, physical examination, and anthropometric measurements obtained annually. An additional questionnaire was completed regarding nutritional behaviors, menstrual patterns, and prior injuries, as well as a 3-day diet record. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed at baseline and each year of participation in the study. Athletes with clinical evidence of bone stress injuries had plain radiographs. If radiograph findings were negative, MRI was performed. Bone stress injuries were evaluated by 2 independent radiologists utilizing an MRI grading system. The MRI grading and risk factors were evaluated to identify predictors of time to return to sport.

Results:

Thirty-four of the athletes (12 men, 22 women) sustained 61 bone stress injuries during the 5-year study period. The mean prospective assessment for participants was 2.7 years. In the multiple regression model, MRI grade and total-body bone mineral density (BMD) emerged as significant and independent predictors of time to return to sport. Specifically, the higher the MRI grade ( P = .004) and lower the BMD ( P = .030), the longer the recovery time. Location of the bone injury at predominantly trabecular sites of the femoral neck, pubic bone, and sacrum was also associated with a prolonged time to return to sport. Female athletes with oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea had bone stress injuries of higher MRI grades compared with eumenorrheic athletes ( P = .009).

Conclusion:

Higher MRI grade, lower BMD, and skeletal sites of predominant trabecular bone structures were associated with a delayed recovery of bone stress injuries in track and field athletes. Knowledge of these risk factors, as well as nutritional and menstrual factors, can be clinically useful in determining injury severity and time to return to sport.
An Examination of Social Validity Within Single-Case Research With Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Spear Caitlin F. , Strickland-Cohen M. Kathleen , Romer Natalie , Albin Richard W.
Published: July 2013

In this article, we reviewed social validity in single-case research studies that focused on interventions for students who have either been identified as having, or as at-risk for emotional and behavioral disorders. This review focused on studies from four peer-reviewed journals known to publish single-case research with this population: the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, and Behavioral Disorders. We reviewed 22 studies published from January 2008 to November 2011 that met inclusion criteria. The purposes of this review were (a) to evaluate how researchers are addressing social validity as defined by Horner and colleagues (2005) and (b) to explore how single-case researchers are measuring social validity. Overall, results indicated that the research studies included in this review addressed socially important questions within typical contexts, but that most did not address social validity explicitly.
Pilot Study of Normal Development of Nipples during Pregnancy
Authors: Thanaboonyawat Isarin , Chanprapaph Pharuhas , Lattalapkul Jinda , Rongluen Saruttya
Published: July 2013

Background:

Numerous factors, both in the mother and in the infant, are involved in achieving breastfeeding. One maternal factor is normality of the nipples. However, no definition of normal nipple length or width or normal range and changes in pregnant women exists.

Objective:

This study aimed to demonstrate the change of nipple length and width and areola width during pregnancy in Thai women.

Methods:

This descriptive study was conducted from March 2010 to July 2011. A total of 56 pregnant women with nipple length ≥ 7 mm on both sides were recruited for the study. All women were at 8 to 12 weeks of gestation. The patients were scheduled for nipple and areola measurements up to 9 times, depending on the routine antenatal care appointments and delivery date. Nipple length and width and areola width of all participants were consecutively evaluated in each prenatal visit.

Results:

The mean nipple length was 9.3 ± 1.5 mm at the first visit and significantly increased to 11.2 ± 1.8 mm by the time of the last visit ( P < .001). Similarly, the nipple width was 13.6 ± 1.8 mm in the first trimester and widened to 15.9 ± 2.3 mm at term ( P < .001). No differences of nipple length or width change were observed between both sides. The areola width of both sides considerably increased by 12.3 ± 6.1 mm during pregnancy ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

During pregnancy, nipple length and width as well as areola width increased significantly.
Equivalence of impact-phase models in two-vehicle planar collisions
Authors: Neades Jon
Published: July 2013

Determining the pre-impact velocities of vehicles is of prime importance when investigating road traffic collisions. Two types of impact-phase model are in common use to achieve this purpose: those based on the conservation of linear and angular momentum as exemplified by the models presented by Brach and Brach and by Ishikawa, and those based on the computer reconstruction of automobile speeds on the highway (CRASH) program which explicitly includes the conservation of energy. A summary of the various models is provided to show how the models are related to each other, together with a brief discussion of their strengths and weaknesses. Of particular significance is the fact that, although there are differences between these models, it is shown that they are equivalent provided that certain conditions are satisfied, namely that the crush or impact plane is oriented perpendicular to the impulse. In addition, it is shown that they produce identical results from consistent input data. Explicit conversion factors between the models are provided, together with a novel method to transform the coefficients of restitution between various orientations of the crush plane. This facilitates comparison and movement between the models and it is shown that the choice of model utilised for an individual collision depends largely on the availability of particular data.
A novel minimum–maximum data-clustering algorithm for vibration control of a semi-active vehicle suspension system
Authors: Nguyen Sy Dzung , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: July 2013

In this paper, a new control system for a semi-active vehicle suspension is presented by proposing a novel minimum–maximum (min–max) pure data-clustering algorithm. The min–max pure data-clustering algorithm is used to create pure data clusters which are the basic structure for building fuzzy sets and membership functions of an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system. Based on the data clusters created by the min–max pure data-clustering algorithm, an appropriate structure of the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system is established and used to identify the dynamic behaviour of a semi-active vehicle suspension system featuring a magnetorheological-fluid-based damper. In this control system, both the measured data and an inverse dynamic model of the damper are used. To calculate the desired damping force value corresponding to the road profile at a specific time, a fuzzy inference system is built on the basis of a genetic algorithm. In this work, the fitness function of the genetic algorithm is satisfactorily considered to create the optimal fuzzy inference system structure, which expresses the ride-comfort-oriented tendency. Based on the desired force value, the desired current value is obtained by the inverse dynamic model. This is the optimal current value to be applied to the magnetorheological-fluid-based damper to reduce the acceleration of the vehicle. The effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm is demonstrated by vibration control performances such as reducing the vertical acceleration of the vehicle body and increasing the road-holding ability of the vehicle tyre. In addition, a comparison between the proposed work and the previous work is undertaken in order to show the superior vibration control performance of the proposed control strategy.
A fractional order proportional integral controller for path following and trajectory tracking of miniature air vehicles
Authors: Mand Gagan Preet K , Ghosh Ratna , Ghose Debasish
Published: July 2013

In this paper, a fractional order proportional-integral controller is developed for a miniature air vehicle for rectilinear path following and trajectory tracking. The controller is implemented by constructing a vector field surrounding the path to be followed, which is then used to generate course commands for the miniature air vehicle. The fractional order proportional-integral controller is simulated using the fundamentals of fractional calculus, and the results for this controller are compared with those obtained for a proportional controller and a proportional integral controller. In order to analyze the performance of the controllers, four performance metrics, namely (maximum) overshoot, control effort, settling time and integral of the timed absolute error cost, have been selected. A comparison of the nominal as well as the robust performances of these controllers indicates that the fractional order proportional-integral controller exhibits the best performance in terms of ITAE while showing comparable performances in all other aspects.
The effects of gender difference on monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats
Authors: Bal E , Ilgin S , Atli O , Ergun B , Sirmagul B
Published: July 2013

The present study aimed to compare the effect of gender difference on hemodynamic consequences in the development of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension in rat. The effect of antioxidant enzyme systems on the development of pulmonary hypertension mediated by the phytotoxin MCT and the effect of gender on these antioxidant systems were also investigated. For this purpose, the right ventricular pressures (RVPs) and right ventricular/heart weight (HW) ratios were compared between groups and the glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione- S-transferase (GST) activities were determined in lung and liver tissue samples of rats. RVP and right ventricular/HW ratios significantly increased in the MCT group compared to the control group. In the MCT group, RVP was significantly higher in males than females. MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension resulted in decreased GSH level, decreased GST and SOD activities and increased CAT activity in lung and liver tissues of both male and female rats. In addition, the lung and liver GSH level and GST and SOD levels were higher in female control rats compared to male control rats. The results of the present study, that antioxidant enzyme activities were different between the groups, highlight the possible role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats. Moreover, the lower antioxidant defense capacity of male rats than female rats may be considered as a cause of more aggressive course of MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension in males compared to females.
Control and hysteresis reduction in prestressed curved unimorph actuators using model predictive control
Authors: Kim Byeongil , Washington Gregory N , Yoon Hwan-Sik
Published: July 2013

Curved piezoceramic unimorph actuators exhibit strong nonlinearities due to their special architecture that enables large motion amplification. Among these nonlinearities, hysteresis is the most problematic as it makes it difficult to predict the displacement of the actuator for a given input voltage. Therefore, it has been difficult to use these actuators in precision displacement control applications. In order to overcome this difficulty, this research is focused on the development of an effective reference-tracking displacement control algorithm for such actuators. For this purpose, two linear (proportional–integral and internal model) and two nonlinear (sliding mode and model predictive sliding mode) controllers are designed and implemented. These controllers are applied to the curved piezoceramic unimorph actuator to control the displacement of the actuator for multiple sinusoidal voltage inputs at various frequencies. Experimental results are obtained, and their performance is compared both qualitatively and quantitatively. As a part of the model-based controller design, a new actuator model is also developed based on the mechanical second-order equation with an additional phase lag term to describe the hysteretic effect.
Crises, Commissions, and Reform
Authors: Tama Jordan
Published: July 2013

Scholars have found that, even when a crisis creates demand for reform, a focal point is often necessary to overcome obstacles to change. I argue that, with surprising frequency, U.S. blue-ribbon commissions use their bipartisan political credibility to provide this focal point and thereby catalyze postcrisis government reform. Since commission-inspired reform is often designed to integrate or centralize policy making, I further explain that commissions can be useful presidential tools for asserting power over agencies. I test my argument on an original data set that includes new measures of commission influence.
Sound radiation in a half space with impedance surface
Authors: Sarıgül A Saide , Seçgin Abdullah , Ertunç Sinan
Published: July 2013

This study deals with sound radiation of a vibrating body in a half space. Half space may be formed by a rigid, anechoic or specifically by an impedance surface. The practical application of the impedance surface may be the sound field determination of a machine sitting on a floor, coated with an isolation material, for passive noise control. The study is based on the solution of Helmholtz integral equation by the boundary element method (BEM). A BEM code developed for general vibro-acoustic applications is used for numerical solutions. Examples include sound sources taken from theory and daily life. Some benchmark studies and real life applications are involved.
Experiments on vibration suppression for a piezoelectric flexible cantilever plate using nonlinear controllers
Authors: Qiu Zhi-cheng
Published: July 2013

This paper reports an investigation of the active vibration control of a piezoelectric flexible cantilever plate. The bending and torsional vibration of the flexible plate can be measured and actuated by distributed bonded piezoelectric sensors and actuators, after conducting optimal placement. To suppress the vibration, a kind of composite nonlinear controller is proposed and implemented. The control gain of the developed nonlinear control algorithm can be adjusted according to the measured vibration amplitude and the corresponding parameters. The advantage of the nonlinear controller is the ability to regulate the control value online to suppress both the larger and the smaller amplitude vibrations effectively, without allowing excessive saturation or insufficient phenomenon of the control effect. An experimental setup characterizing a thin, cantilever square plate bonded with piezoelectric patches was developed to verify the proposed controller. Experimental comparison studies were carried out for suppressing both the bending and torsional vibrations, and the control performance of the nonlinear controller is analyzed and discussed. The experimental results demonstrate that significant vibration suppression can be achieved by using the presented control schemes.
Identification of parameters of Maxwell and Kelvin–Voigt generalized models for fluid viscous dampers
Authors: Greco Rita , Marano Giuseppe C
Published: July 2013

Fluid viscous dampers have been widely applied to reduce the effects of vibrations in civil engineering structures. A good understanding of the dynamical behavior of these devices is required to analyze structures equipped with fluid viscous dampers. The simple Kelvin–Voigt and Maxwell rheological models do not have enough parameters to suitably capture the frequency dependence of device parameters, so other models representing some generalizations of the basic Kelvin–Voigt and Maxwell models have been developed. This paper deals with parameter identification for basic and generalized Kelvin–Voigt and Maxwell models for fluid viscous dampers. The identification procedure gives the best mechanical parameters by minimizing a suitable objective function that represents a measure of difference between analytical and experimental applied forces. For this purpose, the particle swarm optimization is adopted. Results are obtained under various test conditions, comparing the agreement of various models with experimental data. Finally, a numerical investigation is performed on a simple one degree of freedom structure, equipped with fluid viscous dampers and subject to a real seismic motion.
Vibrations of hemi-ellipsoidal shells of revolution with eccentricity from a three-dimensional theory
Authors: Kang Jae-Hoon
Published: July 2013

A three-dimensional (3-D) method of analysis is presented for determining the free vibration frequencies of hemi-ellipsoidal shells of revolution with eccentricity having uniform thickness. Unlike conventional shell theories, which are mathematically two-dimensional, the present method is based upon the 3-D dynamic equations of elasticity. Displacement components [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] in the radial, circumferential, and axial directions, respectively, are taken to be periodic in [Formula: see text] and in time, and algebraic polynomials in the r and z directions. Potential (strain) and kinetic energies of the hemi-ellipsoidal shells of revolution with eccentricity are formulated, and the Ritz method is used to solve the eigenvalue problem, thus yielding upper bound values of the frequencies by minimizing the frequencies. As the degree of the polynomials is increased, frequencies converge to the exact values. Convergence to three or four-digit exactitude is demonstrated for the first five frequencies of the shells of revolution. Numerical results are presented for a variety of hemi-ellipsoidal shells of revolution with eccentricity.
Psychosocial and Developmental Characteristics of Female Adolescents Who Have Committed Sexual Offenses
Authors: van der Put Claudia , van Vugt Eveline S. , Stams Geert Jan J. M. , Hendriks Jan
Published: July 2013

The present study aimed to examine differences in psychosocial and developmental characteristics between Adolescent Females who have committed Sexual Offenses (AFSOs; n = 40), Adolescent Females who have committed nonsexual Violent Offenses (AFVOs; n = 533), and Adolescent Males who have committed Sexual Offenses (AMSO, n = 743). Results showed that AFSOs and AMSOs were remarkably similar, whereas AFSOs and AFVOs were remarkably different on the measured variables. Compared to AFVOs, AFSOs less often had antisocial friends and problems in the domains of school (truancy, behavior problems, dropping out of school) and family (e.g., parental problems, poor authority and control, and run away from home). Victimization of sexual abuse outside the family and social isolation were found to be more common in AFSOs than in AFVOs. Victimization of sexual abuse outside the family was the only specific characteristic of female adolescent sexual offending, as this was more common in AFSOs than in both AMSOs and AFVOs.