bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whither Social Science?*
Authors: Bakshi Om
Published: May 2006

The development of new approaches in recent times has brought about major changes in the study of social and political life. They reject almost everything that has been traditionally accepted, for which they have been severely criticized. But focusing on academic issues alone won't help much. We can understand the new approaches, their concerns, their rejection of science as model, their disdain for objectivity, universality, truth, relevance and so on, more adequately by relating them to the social conditions that obtain in the West. There are, however, major differences between these conditions and those that obtain in countries like India. And the kind of problems facing these countries can be addressed meaningfully by the more traditional approach than by the approaches developed recently. This is why, while it does not seem to have much future in the West, where it originated and continued for long, it may survive, even flourish, in countries like India.
Investigation of Electromagnetic Characteristics of Polyaniline Composites
Authors: Yuping Duan , Shunhua Liu , Hongtao Guan
Published: May 2006

With the increase of electromagnetic pollution and the wide use of commercial and military products, there is an increasing interest in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. This article mainly aims at the effect of high magnetic field (HMF) on the grain shape and electrical conductivity of HCl-doped polyaniline (Pani-HCl), and the electrical conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of the conducting composites made from silicone rubber (SR) with different loading levels of Pani-HCl (without HMF) in the low frequency range from 3 to 1500 MHz. The result indicates that SE of the composites containing Pani-HCl (without HMF) increases and the volume resistivity decreases with increasing mass ratio loading of Pani-HCl in the SR. The measured SE of the composites are from 16 to 19.3 dB at 100 mass ratio loading of Pani-HCl and the volume resistivity decreases nine orders of magnitude compared with that of the emeraldine base form of Pani (Pani-EB) composites. The influence of HMF on electrical conductivity and grain shape of Pani-HCl is great. The grain shape of the in situ polymerization of PAN in 10T is an open-ramified rod-like pattern with a diameter of 50 nm and that of secondary doped PAN in 10T change to spherical structures of diameter of about 20-30 nm, which are obviously different from the irregular reef-like particle shape of doped PAN in 0T. It is thought that the reason for the different grain shape is anisotropic diamagnetic susceptibility of doped PAN and orientations of the HMF.
Trade Unionism in 2005
Authors: Barnes Alison
Published: May 2006

In 2005, the primary focus of union activity was on the WorkChoices legislation, the passage of which was made possible by the Coalition Government’s post-June 2005 Senate majority. Unions responded by concentrating media and community attention on the threat posed to working conditions and workplace fairness. Although it proved impossible to prevent the Bill’s passing, the unions’ ‘Your Rights at Work’ campaign succeeded in raising public awareness and generating widespread opposition to the Bill. This review explores key elements of the campaign and the implications for unions of the new industrial environment.
Detection and Classification of Defects in Knitted Fabric Structures
Authors: Shady Ebraheem , Gowayed Yasser , Abouiiana Mohamed , Youssef Safinaz , Pastore Christopher
Published: May 2006

A new method for knitted fabric defect detection and classification using image analysis and neural networks is presented. Images of six different induced defects were obtained and used in the analysis. Statistical procedures and Fourier Transforms were utilized as two different approaches in the feature extraction effort and neural networks were used to detect and classify the defects. The results showed success in detection and classification of most defects especially when the Fourier transforms technique was utilized.
Low Temperature Plasma Treatment for Wool Fabric
Authors: Kan C. W. , Yuen C. W. M.
Published: May 2006

Wool fabric was treated with low temperature plasma (LTP) with a non-polymerizing gas, namely oxygen. After the LTP treatment, the properties of the fabric, including low-stress mechanical properties, air permeability and thermal properties, were studied. The low-stress mechanical properties obtained by the means of Kawabata Evaluation System Fabric (KES-F) revealed that the tensile, shearing, bending, compression and surface properties were altered after the LTP treatment. The changes in these properties are believed to be related closely to the inter-fiber and inter-yarn frictional force induced by the LTP treatment. The decrease in the air permeability of the treated wool fabric was found to be probably due to the plasma action effect on increasing in the fabric thickness and a change in fabric surface morphology. The change in the thermal properties of the LTP-treated wool fabric was in good agreement with the above findings and can be attributed to the amount of air trapped between the yarns and fibers. This study suggested that the properties changed by the LTP treatment can influence the final properties of the wool fabric.
Structures and Properties of Wet Spun Thermo-Regulated Polyacrylonitrile-Vinylidene Chloride Fibers
Authors: Zhang Xing-Xiang , Wang Xue-Chen , Tao Xiao-Ming , Yick Kit-Lun
Published: May 2006

Thermo-regulated polyacrylonitrilevinylidene chloride (PAN/VDC) fibers containing 4-40 wt.% of micro phase-change materials (microPCMs) were wet-spun. In this study, fibers containing less than 30 wt.% of microencapsulated n-octadecane were spun smoothly. The structures and properties of the fibers were investigated by using Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis, etc. The microcapsules were intact and evenly distributed inside the polymer matrix. The tensile strengths of the fibers with titers in the range of 1.9 to 10.9 dtex were 0.7 to 2.0 cN/dtex. The elongation of the fibers was approximately 7%. The heat-absorbing and heat-evolving temperatures of the fibers increased slightly with the increase of the content of microPCMs. The enthalpy of melting or enthalpy of crystallization of the fiber containing 30 wt.% of microPCMs was approximately 30 J/g, and the enthalpy of melting or enthalpy of crystallization increased steadily as the content of microPCMs increased. The modulus of the fiber decreased with the increase in the amount of microPCMs in the fiber. The glass transition temperature of the fiber was 89-108°C which decreased with the increase of the content of microPCMs, and the melting and decomposing temperatures of the fiber were approximately 190 and 220°C, respectively. The fibers had a limited oxygen index value that was higher than 25% and were permanently in flame retardation.
Evaluation of Chenille Yarn Abrasion Behavior with Abrasion Tests and Image Analysis
Authors: Çeven Erhan Kenan , Özdemir Özcan
Published: May 2006

Chenille yarns are vulnerable to abrasion because of easy pile loss. In this study different chenille yarns were produced from sirospun and two-folded ring, 100% wool and 50% wool-50% polyester blend yarns of different fiber fineness. A yarn abrasion device was designed in order to measure the abrasion resistance of chenille yarns and the abrasion resistance of knitted fabrics made from these yarns was measured with a Martindale Abrasion tester. In addition, chenille yarns abraded for different numbers of abrasion cycles were analyzed using a computerized image analysis method to evaluate the abrasion behavior. The results were analyzed statistically. According to the results, the use of wool blends and sirospun yarns as pile materials led to an improvement in abrasion resistance. Correlation analyses confirmed strong linear relationships with high values of correlation coefficients (above 0.9) between the mass loss values obtained from abrasion tests and the abrasion coefficients of the chenille yarns obtained from image analysis.
Blast Pressure Amplification due to Textile Coverings
Authors: Skews Beric W. , Bugarin Sinisa
Published: May 2006

Experiments were conducted on the pressure experienced on a surface underlying a textile layer when exposed to a blast wave environment. Injury to humans subjected to blast loading affects the soft organs of the body, and the effects of clothing on these loads is of interest. It was shown that considerable amplification of the pressure load can occur depending on the textile properties. Shadow photographs of the wave interaction with muslin, cotton, and satin textiles are presented in order to identify the physical processes. As the textile becomes more permeable the transmitted wave increases in strength relative to the reflected wave, gas passage through the specimen is greater, and textile movement is less. The effect of a slab of gelatin under the textile was investigated with a view to simulating the effect of animal tissue covering a hard surface such as a rib. Both single and multiple layers of seven widely different cloth types were also tested for their amplification properties. It was found that pressure amplification of up to four times that of an uncovered surface can be generated. Further investigation is necessary to establish the effects of textile structure on the loads.
Compact Spinning Effect on Cotton Yarn Quality: Interactions with Fiber Characteristics
Authors: Krifa Mourad , Ethridge M. Dean
Published: May 2006

Compact or condensed spinning technology is widely considered as the new benchmark for staple yarn quality. The enhanced structure of compact yarn typically results in a lower hairiness and improved mechanical properties. The present study examines these two key benefits of compact technology when applied to short-to-medium staple cotton. The main focus is on interaction effects involving various raw fiber properties rather than on the overall effects. The results show that, with some combinations of fiber characteristics, using the compact technology does not lead to significant hairiness reduction. However, yarn tensile properties (strength and elongation values) do not appear to be directly affected by these interactions.
Multivariate Studies of Mechanical Properties for Wool and Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Lam Jimmy K. C. , Postle Ron
Published: May 2006

In this study, the mechanical properties of fifty-eight light-weight wool/wool-blend fabrics and twenty medium to heavy-weight cotton denim fabrics were analyzed by multi-dimensional techniques of principal component analysis. The technique reduced the dataset of wool/wool-blend fabrics into seven components and explained 86% of the population variance. For the cotton denim fabrics, the dataset was reduced into five components and explained 95% of the population variance. Fabric surface properties and fabric bending and shear properties were the most important properties to explain the fabric stiffness hardness and tailorability for these two fabric classes. The results show how multivariate statistical analysis techniques of fabric mechanical and surface property data for two very different groups of fabrics can provide a basis for the specification and control of fabric quality along the textile and apparel supply chain. These reduced datasets with the most important component extracted first and the least important component extracted last, allow the supply chain members to focus directly on the key factors for product design and development.
Habit Reversal as a Treatment for Chronic Skin Picking
Authors: Teng Ellen J. , Woods Douglas W. , Twohig Michael P.
Published: May 2006

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of habit reversal (HR) to a wait-list control as a treatment for chronic skin picking in adults. Twenty-five adults with a chronic skin-picking problem were randomly assigned to a wait-list control or HR group. At pretreatment, posttreatment, and a 3-month follow-up, self-reported skin picking was assessed, and photographs were taken of the damaged areas and later rated by independent observers. Treatment acceptability data were collected at posttreatment only. Results showed that HR produced a greater decrease in skin picking at posttreatment and follow-up when compared to the wait-list control group. Data from the independent raters confirmed these findings. HR was also viewed as an acceptable intervention by the participants.
Effect of Intense Lifestyle Modification and Cardiac Rehabilitation on Psychosocial Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Quality of Life
Authors: Aldana Steven G. , Whitmer William R. , Greenlaw Roger , Avins Andrew L. , Thomas Dean , Salberg Audrey , Greenwell Andrea , Lipsenthal Lee , Fellingham Gill W.
Published: May 2006

This study examined the effect of the Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease and cardiac rehabilitation(CR) on psychosocialrisk factors and qualityof life in patients with confirmedcoronary artery disease. Participants had previously undergone a revascularization procedure. The 84 patients self-selected to participate in the Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease (n = 507 28), CR (n = 28), or a control group (n = 28). Twelve psychosocial risk factors and quality of life variables were collected from all three groups at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. At 3 and 6 months, Ornish group participants demonstrated significant improvements in all 12 outcome measures. The rehabilitationgroupimproved in 7 of the 12, and the controlgroupshowed significant improvements in 6 of the variables. Intensive lifestyle modification programs significantly affect psychosocial risk factors and quality of life.
Enhancing Treatment Team Process Through Mindfulness-Based Mentoring in an Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Singh Nirbhay N. , Singh Subhashni D. , Sabaawi Mohamed , Myers Rachel E. , Wahler Robert G.
Published: May 2006

The authors investigated changes in treatment team functioning in an adult inpatient psychiatric hospital after the implementation of a mindfulness-based mentoring intervention. Using a multiple baseline across treatment teams design, the authors assessed levels of functioning of three treatment teams using a 50-item rating scale and then introduced mindfulness-based mentoring successively across the treatment teams. Following intervention, four follow-up assessments at 3-month intervals were undertaken to assess the durability of the enhanced treatment team functioning levels in the absence of mentoring. Results showed that with the introduction of mindfulness-based mentoring, treatment team performance was enhanced, patients'attendance at therapeutic groups and individual therapy sessions was maximized, and patient and staff satisfaction with treatment team functioning was substantially increased, with patient satisfaction showing greater gains than staff satisfaction. Mindfulness-based mentoring may be an efficient and effective intervention for enhancing and maintaining the performance of treatment teams in adult psychiatric hospitals.
Inclusion and exclusion in the re-housing of former prisoners
Authors: Harding Allison , Harding Jamie
Published: May 2006

A case study demonstrates some of the causes of widespread housing difficulties among former prisoners, such as a lack of appropriate advice in prisons and a failure to coordinate the work of the prison and probation services. While the government has taken action to tackle these problems, a more fundamental difficulty is that social landlords may be unwilling to meet housing needs because they perceive that offenders pose a threat to community safety. Changing this perception is essential to prevent conflict between the government’s housing and resettlement policies and to ensure that the needs of former prisoners are met.
Scholarly Communication in East and Southeast Asia: traditions and challenges
Authors: Xia Jingfeng
Published: May 2006

Outlines the tradition of scholarly communication in four East and Southeast Asian countries. Compares the similarities and differences in history and current conditions of research and publication practices in China, Japan, Korea, and Myanmar. Highlights challenges brought up by the advances of information and communication technologies. By analyzing existing imbalances in the development, the paper evaluates various solutions implemented or proposed by these countries. It discovers that each country has its own characteristics of scholarly communication, making the world diverse and colorful.
The ethics of reality and virtual reality: Latour, facts and values
Authors: Fraser Mariam
Published: May 2006

In the context of the question of the extent to which science studies is able to mount an adequate critique of contemporary developments in science and technology, and in view of the proliferating interest in ethics across the social sciences, this article has two aims. Firstly to address some of the implications for ethics of Bruno Latour's, and to a lesser extent Alfred North Whitehead’s, conceptions of reality, both of which have a bearing on the long-standing dichotomy between facts and values. Drawing on Whitehead's work, it also, secondly, seeks to make a positive argument for ethics and to ask again, in the light of this discussion, where the ethical dimensions of Latour's work might be located. Towards the end of the article, I suggest that Latour's concept of exteriority obliges him to pursue a politics of reality which is the special providence of ‘moralists’, rather than a politics of virtual reality in which all entities, human and non-human, are engaged.
Elias and the counter-ego: personal recollections
Authors: Mennell Stephen
Published: May 2006

Norbert Elias (1897–1990) achieved international recognition as a major sociologist only towards the end of his long life. As a German Jewish refugee in England, he did not even gain a secure academic post (at the University of Leicester) until he was 57. Apart from his magnum opus, Über den Prozess der Zivilisation [The Civilizing Process], which was published obscurely in 1939, all his other books and most of his essays were published after his formal retirement. These personal recollections date from that last highly productive part of his life, when he gradually attracted an extensive international following. They depict his foibles, some endearing, some that seemed perversely to stand in the way of his growing reputation.
Structural Health Monitoring using ARMarkov Observers
Authors: Dharap Prasad , Koh Bong-Hwan , Nagarajaiah Satish
Published: May 2006

A new method based on a bank of ARMarkov observers is proposed in this study for determination of the extent of damage. The objective of this article is to present a new formulation using a predesigned set of ARMarkov observers to determine the extent of damage and track further changes in the stiffness of the damaged member. The primary advantages of the proposed formulation over the existing methods are: (1) ARMarkov observers are designed based on interaction matrix formulation so that knowledge about exact initial conditions is not necessary, and (2) noise statistics are not required a priori to design a bank of ARMarkov observers when compared to a bank of Kalman filters. The simulation results of several examples including a planar truss structure with progressive damage in a member are presented to highlight the capability of the proposed method. The proposed method works well in the case of either a full set or a limited number of available measurements. It is shown that sensitivity enhancing control (SEC) can be easily incorporated into the proposed method to enhance the sensitivity of structural damage. In case of noisy output measurements, it is shown that it is possible to distinguish between the errors due to structural damage and due to noise in output measurements.
Background of Two Characteristic Features of Shape Memory Phenomena
Authors: Kafka V. , Vokoun D.
Published: May 2006

The changes of Young ’s moduli accompanying martensitic transformation of binary shape memory (SM) alloys are explained on the basis of potentials of interatomic forces, and their shifts due to temperature changes. It is shown that not only qualitative, but even approximate quantitative agreement between such an explanation and experimental findings can be received if working with 3D analysis. On the basis of this concept, a mathematical model with tensorial internal variables for the description of thermomechanical behavior of binary SM alloys has been formulated. It is now shown that our model has a very important property that is generally observed and recognized - the linear relation between temperature and threshold stress level necessary for stress-induced martensite.
Modeling of an IPMC Actuator-driven Zero-Net-Mass-Flux Pump for Flow Control
Authors: Lee Sangki , Kim Kwang J. , Park Hoon Cheol
Published: May 2006

In this article, a systematic design method on an ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC)-driven zero-net-mass-flux (ZNMF) pump is introduced for the flow control on a micro air vehicle ’s (MAV) wing. Since IPMC can generate a large deformation under a low input voltage along with its ability to operate in air, and its easier manufacture in a small size, it is considered to be an ideal material for the actuating diaphragm. Several parametric studies, using numerical methods, were performed to find an optimal shape of the diaphragm in order to maximize the stroke volume. Through these parametric studies, electrode shapes and pressure effects on the stroke volume were investigated. It was also found that the resonance of the normal mode analysis of the optimal circle-shaped diaphragm would not affect the stroke volume because the computed fundamental frequency is much higher than the considered driving frequency range (40 Hz). Based on the optimal circle-shaped diaphragm, a prototype ZNMF pump, with a slot, is designed for the flow control on an MAV wing. By using the flight speed of the MAV considered in this work and the flow velocity through the pump ’s slot, the calculated non-dimensional frequency and the momentum coefficient ensure the feasibility of the designed ZNMF pump as a flow control device.
Smart Rehabilitation Devices: Part I - Force Tracking Control
Authors: Dong Shufang , Lu Ke-Qian , Sun J. Q. , Rudolph Katherine
Published: May 2006

Resistance exercise has been widely reported to have positive rehabilitation effects for patients with neuromuscular and orthopaedic conditions. This article presents prototypes of smart variable resistance exercise devices using magneto-rheological fluid dampers. An intelligent supervisory control for regulating the resistive force or torque of the device is developed, and is validated both numerically and experimentally. The device provides both isometric and isokinetic strength training for the human joints including knee, elbow, hip, and ankle.
On the Boundedness of Damped Strings and Beams with Boundary and Distributed Inputs
Authors: Zhao Haiyu , Rahn Christopher D.
Published: May 2006

This paper proves the boundedness of boundary and distributed damped strings and Euler-Bernoulli beams under combined distributed and boundary inputs. Distributed viscous or Kelvin-Voigt damping or a translational boundary damper stabilize strings and beams. Pointwise bounded response is proven using the energy multiplier method. Without disturbances, the method proves strong exponential stability. With disturbances, the response is shown to be strongly bounded.
Note: Determination of Nattokinase Production Condition Using Taguchi Parameter Design
Authors: Wang Dja-Shin , Koo Tong-Yuan , Lin I-Ping , Liu Hui-Rong , Chou Chao-Yu
Published: May 2006

Natto has recently attracted attention throughout the world due to its healthy benefits. In 1987 a potent fibrinolytic enzyme in the extract of natto was discovered and named as ‘nattokinase’. Many biotechnology companies produce nattokinase via the fermentation of Bacillus subtilis natto. Various factors in the fermentation process may affect the production of nattokinase. This work reports the application of Taguchi parameter design to identifying the importance of those factors and then to obtain the optimal condition of fermentation to achieve the maximum yield of enzyme. Seven controllable factors and one noise factor were involved in the experiment. Based on the analysis of experimental data, both the volume of medium and the fermentation time were considered to have a significant effect on nattokinase activity value. Their nominal values should be set as 80mL and 36h, respectively, to maximise the yield of nattokinase.
Vane Yield Stress of Native and Cross-linked Starch Dispersions in Skimmed Milk: Effect of Starch Concentration and λ-carrageenan Addition.
Authors: Tárrega A. , Costell E. , Rao M. A.
Published: May 2006

The effects of starch concentration and -carrageenan addition on the yield stress values of native and cross-linked waxy maize starch-milk systems were studied. Static yield stress (0-S) and dynamic yield stress (0-D) of each dispersion were measured using the vane method before and after breaking down its structure by shearing, respectively. Increases in values of 0-S with concentration of starch and -carrageenan were higher for cross-linked starch than those of native starch. 0-D values of cross-linked starch also increased with the concentration of starch and -carrageenan. In contrast, for native starch samples, 0-D values were very low and did not vary much with concentration of either starch or -carrageenan indicating that the structures responsible for the yield stresses were highly sensitive to shearing.
Preservative Effect of an Antimicrobial Substance from Bacillus subtilis fmbJ on Pasteurised Milk During Storage
Authors: Bie Xiaomei , Lu Zhaoxin , Lu Fengxia
Published: May 2006

Bacillus subtilis fmbJ was found to produce an antimicrobial substance, which exhibited inhibitory activity against food spoilage microbes and pathogens. The inhibitory effect of the antimicrobial extracts on two Gram-positive bacteria, seven Gram-negative bacteria and five moulds had been identified. Pasteurised milk samples with different concentrations of the antimicrobial substance ranging from 0 to 2mg/mL were stored at 4°C and 20°C. The preservative effect of the antimicrobial substance on pasteurised milk was evaluated. The result indicated that 0.25-2.0mg antimicrobial substance per mL can reduce significantly mesophilic bacteria in milk by 1-4log units at 20°C, and 1-5log units at 4°C after 15 days storage compared with control milk. Under the same experimental conditions, sensory quality of pasteurised milk with added 0.25-2mg antimicrobial substance per mL could remain acceptable for 6-15 days at 20°C and 9-15 days at 4°C.
Sorption Isotherm, Glass Transitions and State Diagram for Freeze-dried Plum Skin and Pulp
Authors: Telis V. R. Nicoletti , Sobral P. J. do Amaral , Telis-Romero J.
Published: May 2006

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to determine phase transitions of freeze-dried plums. Samples at low and intermediate moisture contents, were conditioned by adsorption at various water activities (0.11≤aw≤0.90) at 25°C, whereas in the high moisture content region (aw>0.90) samples were obtained by direct water addition, with the resulting sorption isotherm being well described by the Guggenheim-Anderson-deBoer (GAB) model. Freeze-dried samples of separated plum skin and pulp were also analysed. At aw≤0.75, two glass transitions were visible, with the glass transition temperature (Tg) decreasing with increasing aw due to the water plasticising effect. The first Tg was attributed to the matrix formed by sugars and water. The second one, less visible and less plasticised by water, was probably due to macromolecules of the fruit pulp. The Gordon-Taylor model represented satisfactorily the matrix glass transition curve for aw≤0.90. In the higher moisture content range Tg remained practically constant around Tg′ (−57.5°C). Analysis of the glass transition curve and the sorption isotherm indicated that stability at a temperature of 25°C, would be attained by freeze dried plum at a water activity of 0.04, corresponding to a moisture content of 12.9% (dry basis).
Osmotic Dehydration/Impregnation Kinetics of Padrón Pepper (Capsicum annuum L. Longum) with Sodium Chloride Solutions: Process Modelling and Colour Analysis
Authors: Chenlo F. , Chaguri L. , Santos F. , Moreira R.
Published: May 2006

Experimental determinations were carried out to evaluate the dehydration/impregnation mass transfer rates that take place during osmotic processing of Padrón peppers ( Capsicum annuum L. var. Longum) with sodium chloride solutions. Several sodium chloride concentrations (from 17 to 26.5% w/w) and temperatures (from 25 to 45°C) and contact times (up to 8h) were selected as variables. Solids gain, weight reduction, water loss, normalised moisture content and normalised solids content were calculated at each experimental condition. These data allowed the calculation of water and salt mass transfer coefficients for modelling the corresponding kinetics. Additionally, pepper colour changes during osmotic contact at different experimental conditions were determined. In all cases, solids gain, weight reduction and water loss increased with temperature and salt concentration. Water loss values are low and water loss/salt gain ratio is also low (as it is usual when sodium chloride solutions are employed as osmotic media). In this way, osmotic process can be basically considered as an impregnation process. In all experimental conditions the colour changes were only significant at the highest temperature assayed and also depended on osmotic concentration.
Exploring the Dynamics of Knowledge Integration
Authors: Enberg Cecilia , Lindkvist Lars , Tell Fredrik
Published: May 2006

This article investigates knowledge integration in product development projects. While much previous literature draws attention to the need for clearly specified goals, extensive knowledge sharing and close face-to-face interaction for activity and knowledge integration, alternative explanations are offered. The findings highlight the integrative capacity of individuals’ experience and tacit foreknowledge of the stacker artefact, as well as the complementary role of meetings and ad hoc problem solving. The article proposes an iterative model of the individual/collective dynamics involved and calls attention to its economizing potential. More generally, it provides an example of how the issue of knowledge integration may be reformulated into a dynamic perspective, recognizing the intergenerational learning benefits that accrue. The conclusions extend the argument of Zollo and Winter by showing how different task-related learning mechanisms may be combined and obtain their integrative capacity within an iterative process.
Sharing Knowledge Across Projects
Authors: Newell Sue , Bresnen Mike , Edelman Linda , Scarbrough Harry , Swan Jacky
Published: May 2006

A common strategy to transfer knowledge from projects is for project teams to capture ‘lessons learned’ and store these on a database for others to access. This strategy is widely adopted but such databases are not widely used. This article explores why cross-project knowledge transfer fails, using data from 13 projects in six organizations. Following Cook and Brown, the analysis focuses on why knowledge captured from one project is typically not used as a ‘tool of knowing’ by others. The results suggest that the knowledge captured is not deemed useful and/or project teams lack awareness that there is knowledge that could be useful to help them improve their processes.
Network action research
Authors: Foth Marcus
Published: May 2006

Current literature stresses the significance of networks and network theory in both social as well as technical domains. Not only is the role of networked technologies (such as mobile phones and the internet) in everyday life being scrutinized, but network theory is re-shaping an understanding of how social change and community interaction occurs. In this article, I build on these developments to propose network action research as a methodological variant of the action research family. I propose that network action research is a timely and appropriate research methodology to guide studies that involve people, place and technology and to meet the challenges that stem from the changing nature of community interaction and social formations within a network society. I outline how technology can be used to operationalize and support network action research. Examples from two case studies are used to illustrate key aspects of the methodology.
Roots of action research and self-reliance thinking in Rabindranath Tagore
Authors: Rahman Anisur
Published: May 2006

The contribution of Rabindranath Tagore as a social action researcher to the origins of participatory action research are explored. The article explores his pioneering experiments to promote collective grassroots initiatives in rural West Bengal in the mid-20th century and outlines his philosophy of the Human Being, and of national independence and development that anticipated later-day thinking on self-reliant, participatory development.
Effects of FeCrC and FeSiCrC particles on wear behaviour of aluminium metal matrix composite
Authors: Buytoz S.
Published: May 2006

The tribological behaviour of Al–FeCrC(p) and Al–FeSiCrC(p) composites produced by the stir cast method was studied under dry sliding conditions against AISI 4340 steel, using a pin on ring aparatus. The effect of the composites on the wear behaviour of primary M7C3 carbides and secondary Al3Fe and α-AlFeSi phases in all composites was investigated. The hardness values were changed between 68 and 120 HB for composite materials. The peak hardness was measured to be 120 HB for Al–15FeSiCrC(p) (vol.-%) composite. The hardness values of other composites were also increased when the particle content was increased. Worn test specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy, and wear mechanisms were determined. The particulates are distributed uniformly within the aluminium alloy matrix as well as the improved wear characteristics when compared with the base alloy. Increasing applied load increased the wear rate. However, the wear rate was decreased as a function of the sliding distance.
Influence of thermal properties on microstructure and adhesive wear behaviour of Al/Al2O3 MMCs
Authors: Buytoz S. , Yilmaz O.
Published: May 2006

Al alloy and Al/Al2O3 metal matrix composites (MMCs) were fabricated by stir casting. Effect of the thermal properties on wear properties and stir casting parameters on the dry sliding wear resistance of this alloy and Al/Al2O3 MMCs were investigated under 50–350 N loads. The temperature was applied at ambient and elevated intervals (300–475 K), which was controlled by an external heat source. The dry sliding wear tests were performed to investigate the wear behaviour of Al alloy and Al/Al2O3 MMCs against a steel counterface (DIN 5401) in a block on ring apparatus. The Al/Al2O3 MMCs were prepared by the addition of 5, 10 and 15 vol.-%Al2O3 particulates, and the size of particulates was taken as 16 μm. The wear tests were carried out in an incremental manner, i.e.300 m per increment and 3000 m in total. The wear test results were used for investigation of the relation between weight loss, microstructure, surface hardness, friction coefficient, particulate percentage and thermal conductivity of Al/Al2O3 MMCs. Finally, it was observed that Al2O3(p) reinforcement is beneficial in increasing the wear resistance of Al/Al2O3 MMCs. Furthermore, Al2O3 particulates in MMCs tend to reduce the extent of plastic deformation in the subsurface region of the matrix, therefore delaying the nucleation and propagation of subsurface microcracks. On the other hand, it can be seen that the increase in Al2O3 particulates decreased both thermal conductivity and friction coefficient, hence increased the transition load and transition temperature for mild to severe wear during dry sliding wear test.
Elevated temperature compression behaviour of Mg–Al–Zn alloys
Authors: Guo Q. , Yan H. G. , Chen Z. H. , Zhang H.
Published: May 2006

Flow stress behaviour of Mg–Al–Zn alloys was studied by compression testing using a Gleeble 1500 machine at temperatures of 200–450°C and at strain rates ranging from 0·005 to 5 s−1. The experimental results show that initial grain size and a distinctive basal texture lead to the great difference between as extruded AZ31 alloy and other two groups of cast alloys AZ31 and AZ80, including the variation in the flow stress equations and dynamic recrystallisation behaviour. The increment of alloying element Al will decrease stacking fault energy and enhance the process of dislocation climb, and therefore reduce the tendency for dislocation pile-up to cross-slip. The presence of the second phase particles will hinder both the formation and migration of recrystallisation fronts. As a result, for cast AZ80 alloy, dynamic recrystallisation is delayed and the activation energy for the plastic deformation process sharply increases from 166·75 to 220 kJ mol−1 as compared with cast AZ31 alloy under the same deformation condition.
Continuous semisolid extending extrusion process for producing AA2017 aluminium alloy flat bar
Authors: Guan R.-G. , Wang S.-C. , Wen J.-L. , Liu X.-H.
Published: May 2006

A novel testing machine for a continuous semisolid extending extrusion process (CSEP) has been designed and used to produce AA2017 alloy flat bar. Fine and homogeneous grains of AA2017 slurries with rosette structures were obtained at suitable casting temperatures. During preparation of semisolid AA2017 alloy by the proposed process, rosette grain formation was observed during the application of the large force provided by the rough roll. By controlling casting temperature, AA2017 products were produced with fine surfaces and rectangular transections of 14 × 25 mm. A casting temperature range of 710–750°C was suggested. The microstructure of the product is fine and even with striped appearance and is composed mainly of θ and α phases. The fracture strength of AA2017 product produced by the semisolid extending extrusion process is improved by 100 MPa, and elongation by 29%.
Roughness of bainite
Authors: Kang Y. , Bhadeshia H. K. D. H.
Published: May 2006

A bainite sheaf does not have a simple geometry, making it difficult to characterise or calculate its fundamental properties, such as the total amount of interfacial area per unit volume. The sheaf is, in the language of fractals, a rough object in which the area is a function of how the measurements are made. Micrographs taken at a variety of resolutions have been analysed to reveal how the area scales with resolution. It is found that although the interface is rough, it is far less so when compared with what might be expected from a fractal object. In other words, the ideal fractal, where self-similarity propagates over an infinite range of observation does not apply to the bainite sheaf.
Somatic activation of a conditional KrasG12D allele causes ineffective erythropoiesis in vivo
Authors: Braun Benjamin S. , Archard Joehleen A. , Van Ziffle Jessica A. G. , Tuveson David A. , Jacks Tyler E. , Shannon Kevin
Published: May 2006

Somatic activation of a conditional targeted KrasG12D allele induces a fatal myeloproliferative disease in mice that closely models juvenile and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. These mice consistently develop severe and progressive anemia despite adequate numbers of clonogenic erythroid progenitors in the bone marrow and expanded splenic hematopoiesis. Ineffective erythropoiesis is characterized by impaired differentiation. These results demonstrate that endogenous levels of oncogenic Ras have cell lineage-specific effects and support efforts to modulate Ras signaling for therapy of anemia in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders.
The use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in Iceland: a retrospective population based study
Authors: Leosdottir Margret , Reimarsdottir Gudrun , Gottskalksson Gizur , Torfason Bjarni , Vigfusdottir Margret , Arnar David O
Published: May 2006

Background

Indications for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation have expanded considerably in recent years, resulting in steadily growing numbers of ICD recipients worldwide. The aim of this study was to review the overall experience with ICDs in Iceland.

Methods

This was a retrospective single centre study set at the University Hospital in Iceland. Data on all ICD implantations in Iceland from the first implantation in 1992 till the end of 2002 was reviewed.

Results

Sixty-two patients (71% male) received an ICD during this period. There was an increase in the number of implants by year and the number of new implants in 2001 and 2002 amounted to 56 and 38 per million, respectively. The mean age at implantation was 58 (+/-14) years. Forty patients (65%) had coronary artery disease. The most common indications for ICD implantation were cardiac arrest, 32 (52%) and another 26 (42%) had experienced ventricular tachycardia without cardiac arrest. The most common adverse event was inappropriate shocks. Twenty-eight patients (45%) received therapy from their ICDs, with the majority receiving appropriate therapy. Of the thirteen patients deceased before or during the study period, no case of sudden arrhythmic death was observed.

Conclusion

This study shows that the experience with ICDs in Iceland is in most respects similar to other Western countries.
The insecure airway: a comparison of knots and commercial devices for securing endotracheal tubes
Authors: Lovett Paris B , Flaxman Alexander , Stürmann Kai M , Bijur Polly
Published: May 2006

Background

Endotracheal Tubes (ETTs) are commonly secured using adhesive tape, cloth tape, or commercial devices. The objectives of the study were (1) To compare degrees of movement of ETTs secured with 6 different commercial devices and (2) To compare movement of ETTs secured with cloth tape tied with 3 different knots (hitches).

Methods

A 17 cm diameter PVC tube with 14 mm "mouth" hole in the side served as a mannequin. ETTs were subjected to repeated jerks, using a cable and pulley system. Measurements: (1) Total movement of ETTs relative to "mouth" (measure used for devices) (2) Slippage of ETT through securing knot (measure used for knots).

Results

Among commercial devices, the Dale®showed less movement than other devices, although some differences between devices did not reach significance. Among knots, Magnus and Clove Hitches produced less slippage than the Cow Hitch, but these differences did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Among devices tested, the Dale®was most secure. Within the scope offered by the small sample sizes, there were no statistically significant differences between the knots in this study.
Disordered semantic representation in schizophrenic temporal cortex revealed by neuromagnetic response patterns
Authors: Löw Andreas , Rockstroh Brigitte , Elbert Thomas , Silberman Yaron , Bentin Shlomo
Published: May 2006

Background

Loosening of associations and thought disruption are key features of schizophrenic psychopathology. Alterations in neural networks underlying this basic abnormality have not yet been sufficiently identified. Previously, we demonstrated that spatio-temporal clustering of magnetic brain responses to pictorial stimuli map categorical representations in temporal cortex. This result has opened the possibility to quantify associative strength within and across semantic categories in schizophrenic patients. We hypothesized that in contrast to controls, schizophrenic patients exhibit disordered representations of semantic categories.

Methods

The spatio-temporal clusters of brain magnetic activities elicited by object pictures related to super-ordinate (flowers, animals, furniture, clothes) and base-level (e.g. tulip, rose, orchid, sunflower) categories were analysed in the source space for the time epochs 170–210 and 210–450 ms following stimulus onset and were compared between 10 schizophrenic patients and 10 control subjects.

Results

Spatio-temporal correlations of responses elicited by base-level concepts and the difference of within vs. across super-ordinate categories were distinctly lower in patients than in controls. Additionally, in contrast to the well-defined categorical representation in control subjects, unsupervised clustering indicated poorly defined representation of semantic categories in patients. Within the patient group, distinctiveness of categorical representation in the temporal cortex was positively related to negative symptoms and tended to be inversely related to positive symptoms.

Conclusion

Schizophrenic patients show a less organized representation of semantic categories in clusters of magnetic brain responses than healthy adults. This atypical neural network architecture may be a correlate of loosening of associations, promoting positive symptoms.
Association between two distinct executive tasks in schizophrenia: a functional transcranial Doppler sonography study
Authors: Feldmann Deborah , Schuepbach Daniel , von Rickenbach Bettina , Theodoridou Anastasia , Hell Daniel
Published: May 2006

Background

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder involving impairments in executive functioning, which are important cognitive processes that can be assessed by planning tasks such as the Stockings of Cambridge (SOC), and tasks of rule learning/abstraction such as the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). We undertook this study to investigate the association between performance during separate phases of SOC and WCST, including mean cerebral blood flow velocity (MFV) measurements in chronic schizophrenia.

Methods

Functional transcranial Doppler sonography (fTCD) was used to assess bilateral MFV changes in the middle (MCA) and anterior (ACA) cerebral arteries. Twenty-two patients with chronic schizophrenia and 20 healthy subjects with similar sociodemographic characteristics performed SOC and WCST during fTCD measurements of the MCA and the ACA. The SOC was varied in terms of easy and difficult problems, and also in terms of separate phases, namely mental planning and movement execution. The WCST performance was assessed separately for maintaining set and set shifting. This allowed us to examine the impact of problem difficulty and the impact of separate phases of a planning task on distinct intervals of WCST. Simultaneous registration of MFV was carried out to investigate the linkage of brain perfusion during the tasks.

Results

In patients, slowing of movement execution during easy problems (SOC) was associated with slowing during maintaining set (WCST) (P < 0.01). In healthy subjects, faster planning and movement execution during predominantly difficult problems were associated with increased performance of WCST during set shifting (P < 0.01). In the MCA, patients showed a significant and positive correlation of MFV between movement execution and WCST (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate performance and brain perfusion abnormalities in the association pattern of two different tasks of executive functioning in schizophrenia, and they support the notion that executive functions have a pathological functional correlate predominantly in the lateral hemispheres of the brain. This study also underpins the scientific potential of fTCD in assessing brain perfusion in patients with schizophrenia.