bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applications of Ranked Set Sampling in Estimating Parameters of Morgenstern Type Bivariate Logistic Distribution
Authors: Lesitha G. , Thomas P. Yageen , Chacko Manoj
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

In this work we apply ranked set sampling and its modi-fied version called extreme ranked set sampling to estimate the parameters of Morgenstern type bivariate logistic distribution (MTBLD). The Fisher information derived in this paper about the parameters contained in the concomitants of order statistics arising from MTBLD justies the possible advantages of applying extreme ranked set sampling. We propose estimators for some unknown parameters of MTBLD based on observations available on both of these two methods of ranked set sampling and make comparison on the efficiency of one estimator over the other.
Estimation of the Mean Vector of a Multivariate Elliptically Contoured Distribution
Authors: Saleh A.K. Md. E. , Kibria B.M. Golam
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

This paper deals with the estimation of the mean vector θ of a p-variate elliptically contoured distribution, Ep(θ,Σ, f) based on the sample Y1 Y2,..., YN of size N of size N when it is suspected that for a p× r known matrix B, the hypothesis θ = Bη, η∈ Rr may hold. We consider the following estimators, (i) the unrestricted estimator (UE), (ii) the restricted estimator (RE), (iii) the preliminary test estimator (PTE), (iv) the James—Stein estimator (JSE), and (v) the positive-rule Stein estimator (PRSE). The bias and the risk expressions under the squared loss function are obtained for the five estimators and compared. It is noted that the dominance properties of these estimators remain the same as under normal theory. Further, it is shown that the shrinkage factor of the Stein-type estimators is robust with respect to the mean and unknown mixing distributions.
Future Supply Uncertainty Model for Deteriorating Items Under Permissible Delay in Payment for two Suppliers
Authors: Kandpal Deepa H. , Tinani Khimya S.
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

This paper develops a model to determine an optimal ordering policy for deteriorating items under permissible delay of payment and allowable shortage for future supply uncertainty by suppliers. Spectral theory is used to derive explicit expression for the transition probabilities of a four state continuous time markov chain representing the state of the system. These probabilities are used to compute the average cost. Optimal solution is obtained using Newton Raphson method in R programming.
Inference Principles for Multivariate Surveillance
Authors: Frisen Marianne
Published: August 2016

Multivariate surveillance is of interest in industrial production as it enables the monitoring of several components. Recently there has been an increased interest also in other areas such as detection of bioterrorism, spatial surveillance and transaction strategies in finance. Multivariate counterparts to the univariate Shewhart, EWMA and CUSUM methods have earlier been proposed. A review of general approaches to multivariate surveillance is given with respect to how suggested methods relate to general statistical inference principles. Multivariate on-line surveillance problems can be complex. The sufficiency principle can be of great use to find simplifications without loss of information. We will use this to clarify the structure of some problems. This will be of help to find relevant metrics for evaluations of multivariate surveillance and to find optimal methods. The sufficiency principle will be used to determine efficient methods to combine data from sources with different time lag. Surveillance of spatial data is one example. Illustrations will be given of surveillance of outbreaks of influenza.
Inequality and Majorization : Robin Hood in Unexpected Places
Authors: Arnold Barry C.
Published: August 2016

The Lorenz order and its mathematical cousin majorization, best understood as natural consequences of accepting as axiomatic the belief that Robin Hood's activities in robbing the rich to give to the poor reduce inequality in the distribution of wealth, have proved to be useful tools in identifying and extending inequalities in a broad spectrum of settings in mathematics, statistics, economics, etc. A review of these concepts and a sampling of perhaps unexpected situations in which Robin Hood has an identifiable role are presented.
On the Estimation of Mean Squared Prediction Error in Small Area Estimation
Authors: Chen Shijie , Lahiri P.
Published: August 2016

We critically examine the exact mean squared prediction error (MSPE) of an empirical best linear unbiased predictor (EBLUP) for certain special cases of the well-known Fay-Herriot model widely used in small area estimation. This study is useful in understanding the impact of the neglected higher order terms in standard second-order aymptotics in small area estimation problems. We argue that in certain cases the naive MSPE estimator, which is generally considered to have a serious underestimation problem as it ignores the uncertainty due to estimation of the variance component, may be adequate and may even overestimate the true MSPE. We propose a new weighted jackknife MSPE estimator as an alternative to the Taylor linearization method. Our proposed method is equivalent to other second-order unbiased MSPE estimators in terms of the standard second-order asymptotics. However, in our simulation study the proposed jackknife MSPE estimators appear to be better than the rival Taylor linearization method in terms of bias, especially when the regularity conditions that govern the second-order unbiasedness property are violated. We observe that for a special case of the Fay-Herriot model, our jackknife MSPE estimator is equivalent, in a higher order asymptotic sense, to a hierarchical Bayes solution under at priors on the hyperparameters.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Component Reliability Using Masked Series System Lifetime Data
Authors: Singh Ashok K. , Tomer Sanjeev K.
Published: August 2016

We consider the estimation of component reliability measures using incomplete series system life test data when the lifetime of each component follows a ‘family of lifetime distributions’ which covers several distributions as special cases. Using maximum likelihood approach, ML estimates and asymptotic confidence intervals for the parameters included in that family are obtained. The performance of estimators is illustrated by simulation study.
Modelling of the Development of the Selected Indicators of the Insurance Market
Authors: Bohdan Linda , Jana Kubanová
Published: August 2016

The main limitation of many statistical methods lies in the fact that they usually require fulfilments of many different assumptions that cannot often be verified. This problem arises frequently in analysis of time series, too. In this case it is helpful to use bootstrap methods. This paper deals with the application of the bootstrap method to the Box-Jenkins methodology for reduction of bias. Several methods of nonparametric boot-strap for a bias-reduced estimate of the autoregressive parameters of AR(1) and AR(2) are presented in this paper : covering model oriented bootstrap, overlapping moving blocks and not-overlapping moving blocks. A comparison of the results of the classical and resampling methods is performed for the premium written time series.
Discretization of Random Variables with Applications
Authors: Ghosh Tirthankar , Roy Dilip , Chandra Nimai Kumar
Published: August 2016

Mostly discrete distributions have been derived and studied independently of any continuos counter part. But sometimes we find that some properties of a continuous distribution, if applied in the discrete support, also characterises a discrete distribution. In these situations we call the discrete distribution as the discretized version of the continuous distribution. For example, Geometric distribution is the discrete version of the Exponential distribution. Many authors have discretized continuous random variables by using different properties of the continuous distributions viz. distribution function, moments, characterizing properties etc. They have also shown various applications of these discretized random variables. For example, in a complex system, the system response function is a random variable due to random nature of the component lives. But for the complexity of the system, generally analytical expressions for the response function are difficult to obtain. In such situations discretization of the continuous variables helps us to study the same. Here we have discretized the Weibull distribution by using its failure rate function. Application of the discretization has been demonstrated in approximating the reliability of Solid-shaft, a well-known engineering item. Numerical study shows that the proposed discretization gives a better approximation of the system reliability over the methods of discrete concentration, which is based on survival function, moment equalization and frequency curve equalization.
An M/M/2 Queueing System with Heterogeneous Servers Including One Vacationing Server
Authors: Krishnamoorthy A. , Sreenivasan C.
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

This paper analyzes an M/M/2 queueing system with het- erogeneous servers, one of which is always available but the other goes on vacation in the absence of customers waiting for service. The system is analyzed in the steady state using matrix geometric method. Busy period of the system is analyzed and mean waiting time in the stationary regime com- puted. Conditional stochastic decomposition of stationary queue length is obtained. An illustrative example is also provided.
Influence Diagnostics in Linear Regression Under Heteroscedasticity : A Different Approach
Authors: Emami Hadi , Rasekh Abdolrahman
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

Many procedures are available to identify a single outlier or an isolated influential point in linear regression model. But the detection of multiple outliers or subset of influential points is rarely considered under heteroscedasticity and not been studied from the point of direct procedure. In this paper, dedinition and properties of an influence statistic for one or a set of observations in linear regression under heteroscedasticity is generalized. We express this influence statistic in terms of the residuals and the leverages.We prove that this statistic has asymptotically normal distribution and is able to detect a subset of high weighted leverage-outliers that will be undetected by Cook's distance. For illustration, a simulation study has been carried out and also a real data set has been analyzed.
Statistical Analysis of Tandem Queues with Blocking
Authors: Savariappan Paul R. , Chandrasekar P. , Selvam S. , Vaidyanathan V.S.
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

A maximum likelihood estimator (MLE), a consistent asymp- totically normal (CAN) estimator and asymptotic condence limits for the expected number of entities in the system (LS) in a two service point tandem queue with at most one entity in between the service points and busy service point 1 are obtained. Further, for a three service point tandem queue with busy service points 1 and 2 and at most one entity in between the last two service points, the MLE, CAN estimator and asymptotic confidence limits for LS are obtained.
Bayesian Graphical Models for Epigenomic Heterogeneity
Authors: Müller Peter , Mitra Riten , Ji Yuan
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

Histone modifications (HMs) are an important post-translational feature. Different types of HMs are believed to co-regulate biological processes such as gene expression, and are therefore intrinsically dependent on each other. We develop inference for this complex biological network of HMs based on a graphical model for the dependence structure across HMs. We report inference on HM dependence in a case study with ChIP-Seq data from a next-generation sequencing experiment. A hierarchical model extension allow us comparison of multiple graphs corresponding to different genomic regions. The described inference is an important step towards cracking the histone code.
Non-Sufficiency Via Conditioning Arguments with Illustrations
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Vijay
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

We reiterate a conditioning approach to highlight that | X| may not be a sufficient statistic for θ when original data X follows certain specific well-known distributions. The approach requires one to show that the conditional distribution of X given | X| involves θ Our examples and commentaries are expected to lead to more appreciation of the notion of sufficiency (or non-sufficiency).
A Test for Generalized Behrens-Fisher Problem with an Adaptive Interim Analysis
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Uttam , Dutta Dhiman
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

The present paper considers a generalization of the Behrens-Fisher problem without assuming that the underlying distribution functions are continuous so that the proposed procedure is also applicable to count or ordered categorical data. The proposed test is based on a generalization of the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney statistic where the data correspond to sequentially observed responses from patients allocated at random to two treatments in two stages. At stage 1, patients are allocated completely at random between two treatments. At the end of stage 1, the accumulated responses corresponding to the treatments are compared. At stage 2, the patients are assigned to the treatments in such a way that the more promising treatment receives more patients. Simulation comparisons of the proposed procedure with some natural competitors show a considerably larger number of allocations to the better treatment and a smaller average sample number with a little loss in power.
Estimation of A Parameter of Morgenstern Type Bivariate Logistic Distribution with Equal Coefficients of Variation By Concomitants of Order Statistics
Authors: Sajeevkumar N.K. , Irshad M.R.
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

For a sample of n pairs of observations from Morgenstern Type Bivariate Logistic Distribution (MTBLD) in which the marginal distributions of random variables X and Y have the same coefficients of variation c, we derive the best linear unbiased estimator of the parameter associated with the Y variable using concomitants of order statistics.
Planning Education and Manpower in the Middle East, 1950s–60s
Authors: Huber Valeska
Published: August 2016

Education is largely absent in recent work on the history of development and modernization. Yet it was central to the political project of many leaders of decolonization and figured prominently in five-year plans and other development schemes. The article highlights the central role of education in concepts of development and social planning in the Middle East. This could take the form of central plans but also of statistical and computer-generated projections of future educational and manpower needs. After showing how different concepts of planning education were circulated at the level of international organizations, the article investigates the first Egyptian five-year plan. It looks at the Egyptian Institute of National Planning in Cairo, highlighting that Egyptian planners drew on a variety of different experts and institutions from the US and the Soviet Union to the GDR and India. While the late 1960s ushered in more scepticism toward formal planning and projection, the emphasis on expertise, knowledge and skills as central variables of modern societies has endured.
Molecular, serological and epidemiological observations after a suspected outbreak of plague in Nyimba, eastern Zambia
Authors: Nyirenda Stanley S , Hang’ombe Bernard M , Kilonzo Bukheti S , Kabeta Mathews N , Cornellius Mundia , Sinkala Yona
Published: August 2016

Plague is a re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The disease has caused periodic global devastation since the first outbreak in the 6th century. Two months after a suspected plague outbreak in Nyimba district, samples were collected from 94 livestock (goats and pigs), 25 rodents, 6 shrews and 33 fleas. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used to investigate the presence of Y. pestis, which showed that 16.0% (4/25) of rodents, 16.7% (1/6) of shrews ( Crocidura spp) and 6.0% (5/83) of goats were positive for IgG antibodies against Fraction 1 antigen of Y. pestis. Plasminogen activator (Pla) gene (DNA) of Y. pestis was detected in five pools containing 36.4% (12/33) fleas collected from pigs (n = 4), goats (n = 5) and rodents (n = 3). The detection of Pla gene in fleas and IgG antibodies against Fraction1 antigen in rodents, shrews and goats suggest that Y. pestis had been present in the study area in the recent past.
New characterization on the petrophysical characteristics of tight sandstone reservoirs in Yanchang Formation Ordos Basin China
Authors: Li He , Zhang Zhiqiang , Shi Yongmin
Published: August 2016

New characterization on petrophysical characteristics of tight sandstone reservoirs is of an important value to exploration and exploitation of oil and gas. In this paper, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, combined with casting thin sections, laser scanning confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and pressure-controlled porosimetry were applied to investigate the pore structure characteristics of nine tight sandstone samples of Yanchang Formation in the Upper Triassic Ordos Basin China. And then, based on the nuclear magnetic resonance T2 spectrum distribution and previous theoretical models, a new model is proposed to predict permeability of tight sandstone reservoirs. Petrophysical characteristics are qualitatively–quantificationally analyzed by a combination of various experiments, which is considered to be a new method that will be widely used in future research. Results indicate that nuclear magnetic resonance T2 spectrum distribution has a close relationship with characteristics of pore types and pore radius distribution. Three T2 spectrum peaks are identified by the relaxation time at 0.1–10 ms, 10–100 ms and >100 ms correspond to micropores (<0.2 µm), mesopores (0.2–4.9 µm) and macropores and fractures (>4.9 µm), respectively, which is well consistent with results from casting thin sections, laser scanning confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and pressure-controlled porosimetry. Compared with the existing several classical models, the new permeability model can better estimate the permeability of tight sandstone samples. The new characterization method and new model can accurately evaluate petrophysical characteristics of typical tight sandstone samples, which have a great value for nuclear magnetic well logging in the exploration and exploitation of tight sandstone reservoirs in the Ordos basin.
High-Efficiency Response Distribution–Based Item Selection Algorithms for Short-Length Cognitive Diagnostic Computerized Adaptive Testing
Authors: Zheng Chanjin , Chang Hua-Hua
Published: August 2016

Cognitive diagnostic computerized adaptive testing (CD-CAT) purports to obtain useful diagnostic information with great efficiency brought by CAT technology. Most of the existing CD-CAT item selection algorithms are evaluated when test length is fixed and relatively long, but some applications of CD-CAT, such as in interim assessment, require to obtain the cognitive pattern with a short test. The mutual information (MI) algorithm proposed by Wang is the first endeavor to accommodate this need. To reduce the computational burden, Wang provided a simplified scheme, but at the price of scale/sign change in the original index. As a result, it is very difficult to combine it with some popular constraint management methods. The current study proposes two high-efficiency algorithms, posterior-weighted cognitive diagnostic model (CDM) discrimination index (PWCDI) and posterior-weighted attribute-level CDM discrimination index (PWACDI), by modifying the CDM discrimination index. They can be considered as an extension of the Kullback–Leibler (KL) and posterior-weighted KL (PWKL) methods. A pre-calculation strategy has also been developed to address the computational issue. Simulation studies indicate that the newly developed methods can produce results comparable with or better than the MI and PWKL in both short and long tests. The other major advantage is that the computational issue has been addressed more elegantly than MI. PWCDI and PWACDI can run as fast as PWKL. More importantly, they do not suffer from the problem of scale/sign change as MI and, thus, can be used with constraint management methods together in a straightforward manner.
Olfactory Outcomes after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kohli Preeti , Naik Akash N. , Farhood Zachary , Ong Adrian A. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Soler Zachary M. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To use combined pre‐ and postsurgical olfactory outcomes to assess the impact of endoscopic sinus surgery on chronic rhinosinusitis−related olfactory impairment.

Data Sources

CINAHL, Cochrane, OVID, EMBASE, PubMed, and SCOPUS. Each database was searched from inception up to October 2015.

Review Methods

Studies were included that reported subjective or objective olfactory data in chronic rhinosinusitis patients before and after endoscopic sinus surgery.

Results

Thirty‐one studies were used in the meta‐analysis. Weighted mean differences of olfactory measures demonstrated significant improvement in mixed CRS patients (those with and without polyps) through visual analog scales (−0.83, P =. 001), altered taste/smell item on Sinonasal Outcome Test (−1.32, P <. 00001), 40‐item Smell Identification Test (3.49, P =. 0010), and Sniffin’ Sticks identification (0.34, P =. 03). Chronic rhinosinusitis mixed patients demonstrated nonsignificant improvements via Sniffin’ Sticks threshold (1.60, P =. 16) and Brief Smell Identification Test (0.20, P =. 32). When separated, polyp patients and dysosmic patients experienced the highest levels of olfactory improvement. Polyp patients improved by 7.87 (P =. 006) on the 40‐item Smell Identification test, 11.54 (P <. 0001) with the Sniffin’ Sticks total score, and 2.57 (P <. 00001) through Sniffin’ Sticks identification. Dysosmic patients improved by 5.75 via the 40‐item Smell Identification Test (P =. 0001).

Conclusion

Endoscopic sinus surgery improves nearly all subjective and objective measures of olfaction in chronic rhinosinusitis patients. Patients with nasal polyposis or preoperative olfactory dysfunction improve to a greater degree.
Feeding Tube Utilization in Patients with Salivary Gland Malignancies
Authors: Chen Diane Wenhua , Lewin Jan S. , Xu Li , Lai Stephen Y. , Gunn G. Brandon , Fuller Clifton David , Mohamed Abdallah S. R. , Kanwar Aasheesh , Sturgis Erich M. , Hutcheson Katherine A.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To evaluate feeding tube utilization in patients with salivary gland malignancies (SGMs).

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Setting

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.

Subjects and Methods

Patients (N = 287) were sampled from an epidemiologic SGM registry during a 12‐year period. Feeding tube history was retrospectively reviewed. Patients with outside locoregional therapy or palliative treatment were excluded. Enteral feeding and length of dependence were analyzed as a function treatment modality and site of SGM.

Results

Of 287 patients, 79 (28%) required temporary nasogastric tube feeding (median duration: 13 days, interquartile range: 6‐21). Among those 79, 30 (10% of total cohort) required conversion to percutaneous gastrostomy tube (G‐tube). Median G‐tube duration was 4.8 months (interquartile range: 3.7‐13.1). G‐tube placement was necessary only in patients receiving multimodality therapy (P <. 001), and among those, 50% with SGMs arising from pharyngeal/laryngeal sites required G‐tube, as compared with 8% to 19% of SGMs arising from all other sites (P <. 01). At a median follow‐up of 2.4 years, 9 (3%) of all SGM patients were G‐tube dependent, but 14% (3 of 22) with laryngeal/pharyngeal sites treated with multimodality therapy remained chronically G‐tube dependent.

Conclusion

While almost 30% of SGM survivors require a temporary nasogastric tube, G‐tube utilization is uncommon, in roughly 10% of SGM overall. G‐tube utilization appears exclusive to patients treated with multimodality therapy, and chronic gastrostomy remains high (14%) in patients with minor gland cancers arising in the pharynx/larynx, suggesting impetus for dysphagia prophylaxis in these higher‐risk subsets, similar to patients treated for squamous cancers.
Adult Attachment Predicts Advice, Exemplar Sharing, and Questions to Acquaintances Recently Diagnosed With Cancer
Authors: Ruscher Janet B.
Published: August 2016

This study examined how adult attachment patterns influence communication to acquaintances with cancer diagnoses. Adults completed Brennan et al.’s measures of attachment anxiety and avoidance, then reported their likelihood of expressing various comments to a recently diagnosed acquaintance. Anxiety predicted expressions of admiration, sharing cancer exemplars, and questions about the cancer (i.e., all potentially intimacy-enhancing), as well as advice (i.e., attempted caregiving). Avoidance predicted aversion to asking questions or offering help. These findings provide insight into nonintimates’ attempts at support.
Precocious Initiation into Smoking, Alcohol Use, and Gambling among Children with Conduct Problems
Authors: Temcheff Caroline E. , Déry Michèle , St-Pierre Renée A. , Laventure Myriam , Lemelin Jean-Pascal
Published: August 2016

Objective:

Adolescent participation in risky and addictive behaviours, such as smoking, substance use, and gambling has the potential to lead to many serious problems. The presence of conduct problems (CPs) and early initiation into risky and addictive behaviours have been independently shown to be associated with adolescent and young adult smoking, drinking, and gambling. Nevertheless, the relation between early initiation into risky and addictive behaviours and CPs remains to be explored among pre-adolescents. Our study aims to examine the prospective relation between CPs in early primary school and pre-adolescent initiation into smoking, alcohol use, and gambling.

Method:

Our study used data from participants in an ongoing prospective, longitudinal study at the Université de Sherbrooke to examine cigarette, alcohol, and gambling initiation among primary school-aged boys and girls with CPs. Children were recruited between the ages of 6 and 9 years from several low socioeconomic status public schools in diverse geographical regions of Quebec. Initiation into cigarettes, alcohol, and gambling was measured 1 year later.

Results:

Children with CPs were found to be at greater risk for early initiation into smoking, alcohol, and gambling. These effects remained even once other known risk factors, such as poor parental supervision and child effortful control, were controlled for.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that CPs present in early elementary school can predict early initiation in to potentially addictive behaviours among boys and girls. Implications for targeted preventive intervention are discussed.
Combining Antidepressants in Acute Treatment of Depression: A Meta-Analysis of 38 Studies Including 4511 Patients
Authors: Henssler Jonathan , Bschor Tom , Baethge Christopher
Published: August 2016

Objective:

Combining antidepressants (ADs) for therapy of acute depression is frequently employed, but randomized studies have yielded conflicting results. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at determining efficacy and tolerability of combination therapy.

Methods:

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched through March 2014 for controlled studies comparing combinations of ADs with AD monotherapy in adult patients suffering from acute depression. The prespecified primary outcome was standardized mean difference (SMD), secondary outcomes were response, remission, and dropouts.

Results:

Among 8688 articles screened, 38 studies were eligible, including 4511 patients. Combination treatment was statistically, significantly superior to monotherapy (SMD 0.29; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.42). During monotherapy, slightly fewer patients dropped out due to adverse events (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.53 to 1.53). Studies were heterogeneous (I2 = 63%), and there was indication of moderate publication bias (fail-safe N for an effect of 0.1:44), but results remained robust across prespecified secondary outcomes and subgroups, including analyses restricted to randomized controlled trials and low risk of bias studies. Meta-regression revealed an association of SMD with difference in imipramine-equivalent dose. Combining a reuptake inhibitor with an antagonist of presynaptic α2-autoreceptors was superior to other combinations.

Conclusion:

Combining ADs seems to be superior to monotherapy with only slightly more patients dropping out. Combining a reuptake inhibitor with an antagonist of presynaptic α2-autoreceptors seems to be significantly more effective than other combinations. Overall, our search revealed a dearth of well-designed studies.
Exploitation, Offense, or Private Issue? Guardians’ Perceptions and Self-Efficacy in Handling Girl Compensated Dating in Hong Kong
Authors: Li Jessica C. M. , Cheung Chau-kiu , Jia Cindy X. S. , Mlyakado Budeba P.
Published: August 2016

Compensated dating (CD) has emerged as a global concern since the 1990s. Although considerable empirical research has been conducted to assess the patterns of and factors influencing CD, limited information is currently available on the attitudes of guardians (e.g., social workers, police officers, parents of students, and community representatives) in a Chinese community toward this issue. Using survey data collected from 962 guardians, the current study analyzes the guardians’ perceptions of CD and their self-efficacy in handling this issue. Results show that these guardians perceive CD to be exploitative or harmful and that their self-efficacy in handling this issue was low. In particular, social workers appeared to be considerably tolerant for this phenomenon. Perceptions of CD were partly predictable by age, gender, and educational attainment, whereas self-efficacy was partly predictable by experience working with cases involving CD. This study represents the first attempt to analyze the guardians’ views on a new form of child abuse. Moreover, this research has implications for social intervention, policy, and future research.
Influence of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane- graphite oxide composite on thermal stability and mechanical property of polyethersulfone
Authors: Yan Shicheng , Yang Yulin , Song Laizhou , Qi Xiaowen , Xue Yahong , Fan Bingli
Published: August 2016

Graphite oxide (GO) was modified using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) for the fabrication of sheet type APTES–GO composite. Then, this composite was incorporated into the polyethersulfone (PES) matrix to enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of this polymer. The influence of APTES–GO composite on the thermal stability and mechanical property of PES was evaluated. The surface modification of GO by interacting with APTES could be an effective method to improve the compatibility and dispersion of GO sheets within the PES matrix. In comparison with those of virgin PES and GO/PES composites, the thermal decomposition temperature of PES composites containing well-dispersed APTES–GO sheets increased by 18.7°C. The tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of PES composite reinforced with 1.0 wt% APTES–GO sheets were enhanced by 21.1%, 15.2%, 15.4%, and 12.8%, respectively. The enhancement in thermal stability and mechanical property of APTES–GO/PES composite can be attributed to the uniform dispersion of APTES–GO sheets in the PES matrix as well as the strong interfacial interaction between them.
Effects of different cutting methods for electrical steel sheets on performance of induction motors
Authors: Bayraktar Şenol , Turgut Yakup
Published: August 2016

In this study, by cutting electrical steel stator laminations, one of the most important components of electrical machines by different cutting methods, the effects of these cutting methods on motor efficiency are investigated. As cutting methods, wire electrical discharge machining, punching, laser and abrasive water jet methods are used. Burr formation at the cutting edge leads to short circuits during the steel packaging and causes magnetic losses in steel packages to increase. In addition, depending on the cutting methods, electrical steel lamination insulation layer is damaged as a result of residual and thermal stress formations. These negative conditions cause iron, friction and windage, stator, rotor and additional load losses occurred in the engine to decrease. In order to minimize these cases, electrical steel stator laminations are cut with the cutting parameters determined as a result of pre-cut tests and 5.5-kW induction motors are manufactured. These manufactured motors, according to IEC 60034-2-1-1B method, are subjected to no-load performance tests in addition to six different loading ratios of 25%–50%–75%–100%–115%–125% and constant 50 Hz frequency. As a result of the test measurements, losses occurred in electrical steels cut with abrasive water jet are found to be higher than the other cutting methods. In addition, in terms of the motor performance, the best results are obtained with wire electrical discharge machining cutting method.
Experimental investigation of the water–injected process-gas screw compressor
Authors: Yang Qichao , Liu Changfeng , Zhang Quanming , Liu Guangbin , Zhao Yuanyang , Li Liansheng
Published: August 2016

The test rig for water-injected process-gas screw compressor is designed and established. The dry gas seal technology was adopted for the shaft seal of screw compressor and the test rig has the function of regulating and controlling the mass flow of injected water. The performance characteristics of process-gas screw compressor under different working conditions are investigated by experimental research. The effect of rotational speed, the injected water mass flow, and the discharge pressure on the performance of screw compressor including discharge temperature and power consumption were obtained. The experimental results show that the water injection could reduce the discharge temperature of compressor significantly and increase the capacity of screw compressor at the same time. There exists an optimum mass flow of injected water that could effectively reduce the discharge temperature and seal the clearance between the female and male rotor simultaneously. For the tested screw compressor prototype, the proper injected water-to-air mass ratio is about 2–3 L/m3. The additional power consumption caused by the injected water is small compared with the total shaft power. The established compressor test rig and the experimental results are helpful for the development and improvement on the performance of water-injected process-gas screw compressor.
Atmospheric pollution from point and diffuse sources in a National Interest Priority Site located in Italy
Authors: Iodice Paolo , Senatore Adolfo
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this paper is the assessment of the environmental air pollution in a very densely inhabited area in the southern Italy, which is characterised by serious general contamination. Because the air pollution may have an impact on human health, this area was identified in 1998 as a National Interest Priority Site and comprises a large part of agricultural lands belonging to over 60 municipalities between Naples and Caserta provinces. This study characterises the air pollution affecting this area by estimating the total annual emissions of the major pollutants (CO, NOX, VOC, PM and heavy metals) and showing their municipal spatial disaggregation. In this study a bottom-up methodology was employed, then focusing at regional level instead of national and comprising local and specific parameters. The pollutants emitted from several sources in the area under investigation were obtained by direct measurements of the principal industrial point sources, whereas the emissions from diffuse sources were calculated on the basis of local activity indicators and specific emission factors concerning the relevant activities in this area. The results obtained in this research have identified local critical factors.
The role of the Kenya National Library Service in the provision of information for youth empowerment in Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Kalugho Betty A.
Published: August 2016

This paper is developed from a study that investigated the role of the Kenya National Library Service in provision of information to empower the youth with the view of identifying gaps that may be addressed in order to enhance effectiveness of service provision. The study was informed by the uses and gratification theory which focuses on what people do with the media and also Wilson’s general model of information-seeking behaviour. Case study research method was used. The study population was the library users of Buruburu Knls library in Nairobi County aged between 15 and 30 years. Non-probability sampling method through quota sampling was used to get the required sample. The study population was categorized into three and the samples picked purposively. The main data collection method was face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. Data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis and presented in descriptive and narrative forms. The study established that the public library played a significant role in empowering the youth through the information it made available to them. Young people, however, face various challenges in accessing information in the library which showed that there were gaps that public libraries needed to fill to enhance their information services to youth. This study recommends that public libraries aim for youth-friendly programmes/services, provide information literacy, strengthen online information service provision, non-book materials and provide space for group discussions. It proposes a framework that can be followed to enhance the effectiveness of service provision.
Potential of mHealth to Transform Healthcare in India
Authors: Shukla Surendra Nath , Sharma J.K.
Published: August 2016

Lack of hospitals and skilled healthcare providers across India is a challenge. Almost 70 per cent of the Indian population has very little access to healthcare and villagers often travel long distances even for primary healthcare. As a result, many of them go unattended because they cannot afford to reach to a healthcare centre on time on account of the cost of travel and also due to fear of losing the day’s wages. This eventually contributes to higher morbidity and mortality rates.

Government may take a long time to provide traditional healthcare infrastructure to 70 per cent of the population living in rural India, but mobile health may bridge this gap. Mobile phones, Internet and SMS facilities provide people a tremendous opportunity to connect with healthcare providers for consultation, counselling, diagnosis and other information at anytime and anywhere. This study aims to find out the potential of mHealth to improve the health conditions and spending on healthcare.
Nontraditional Security: Redefining State-centric Outlook
Authors: Singh Ningthoujam Koiremba , Nunes William
Published: August 2016

The end of the Cold War witnessed a paradigm shift not only in the international setting but also in the field of studies relating to security issues. During the Cold War international relations, both in terms of theory and practice, were dominated by the realist paradigm that emphasized on the notion of preservation of the state from threats emanating from external sources. Such a conception was myopic and it narrowed the analysis of international and security issues. During the past decade, particularly during the post-Cold War era, attempts were being made to broaden the security agenda in order to include issues of other sectors, namely, political, economic, societal, and ecological, besides the military ones. This article is an attempt to deal with a broader understanding of the term security as drawn from various theoretical schools not only to lend clarity to the term but also to enable a researcher to place the concept in a proper frame of reference, that is, to examine the concept of security with focus on the changing international security agenda that not only calls for a rethinking but also a reexamination of the perennial security issues.
Singular path-independent energy integrals for elastic bodies with Euler–Bernoulli inclusions
Authors: Khludnev Alexander M , Shcherbakov Viktor V
Published: August 2016

This paper is devoted to a rigorous analysis of an equilibrium problem for a two-dimensional homogeneous anisotropic elastic body containing a thin isotropic elastic inclusion. The thin inclusion is modelled within the framework of Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. Partial delamination of the inclusion from the elastic body results in the appearance of an interfacial crack. We deal with nonlinear conditions that do not allow the opposing crack faces to penetrate each other. We derive a formula for the first derivative of the energy functional with respect to the regular crack perturbation along the interface, which is related to energy release rates. It is proved that the energy release rates associated with crack translation and self-similar expansion are represented as path-independent integrals along smooth curves surrounding one or both crack tips. The path-independent integrals consist of regular and singular terms and are analogues of the well-known Eshelby–Cherepanov–Rice J-integral and Knowles–Sternberg M-integral.
Evaluation of insulin-like growth factor-1, total thyroxine, feline pancreas-specific lipase and urinary corticoid-to-creatinine ratio in cats with diabetes mellitus in Switzerland and the Netherlands
Authors: Schaefer Sandra , Kooistra Hans S , Riond Barbara , Suchodolski Jan S , Steiner Jörg M , Prins Marrit , Zini Eric , Reusch Claudia E
Published: August 2016

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), feline pancreas-specific lipase (fPLI) and total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations and urinary corticoid-to-creatinine ratio (UCCR) as indicators for the prevalence of acromegaly, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism and hypercortisolism in cats with diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Blood and urine samples were collected from diabetic cats treated in primary care clinics in Switzerland and the Netherlands. Standardised questionnaires and physical examination forms provided clinical information from owners and veterinarians. Laboratory testing included serum biochemistry profile analysis and measurement of circulating fructosamine, IGF-1, fPLI, and TT4 concentrations and UCCR. CT of the pituitary gland was performed using a multidetector computed tomography scanner.

Results

Blood samples were available from 215 cats and urine samples were collected at home from 117 cats. Age ranged from 2–18 years (median 12 years) and body weight from 2.7–12.3 kg (median 5.5 kg). Sixty-five percent of the cats were castrated male and 35% were female (33% spayed); 82% were domestic shorthair cats. Eighty percent of cats received a porcine insulin zinc suspension, 19.5% insulin glargine and 0.5% a human neutral protamine hagedorn insulin. Thirty-six of 202 (17.8%) cats had IGF-1 concentrations >1000 ng/ml. Serum fPLI, and TT4 concentrations and UCCR were increased in 86/196 (43.9%), 9/201 (4.5%) and 18/117 cats (15.3%), respectively. Prevalence did not differ between countries.

Conclusions

Hyperthyroidism is rare, whereas increased fPLI concentration, possibly reflecting pancreatitis, is common in diabetic cats. The high UCCR may reflect activation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, which also occurs in diabetic humans. The percentage of cats with increased IGF-1 was high but lower than reported in recent studies.
Outing the Pakistani queer: Pride, paranoia and politics in US visual culture
Authors: Charania Moon
Published: August 2016

This article draws on the 26 June 2011 US embassy-sponsored Gay Pride parade in Islamabad, Pakistan alongside popular US visual cultural moments (2008–2012). I use visual culture to reread US intrigue in Pakistani queer subjects through specific images of terrorist/feminized masculinities – images that elucidate the conspicuous shifts in the technologies of power and sexuality in the context of contemporary Pakistani LGBT visibility. I move through popular US representations of Pakistan, Muslim masculinity and US LGBT visibility – all of which attempt to capture homoerotic desire (and dread) in the transnational landscape of sexuality-racial-gender politics and all of which, I argue, are embroiled in US national identity (and ‘security’). My analysis is two-pronged. First, I look closely and critically at the narrative and visual character of the knowledge the US has created around defining Pakistan and Pakistani (sexual) subjects. Second, I demonstrate that in Pakistan queer resistance is often produced and animated from below the state and articulated against US hegemonic practices of visibility and representation.
Supporting LGBT Lives? Complicating the suicide consensus in LGBT mental health research
Authors: Bryan Audrey , Mayock Paula
Published: August 2016

This article locates itself within an emergent, counter-discursive body of scholarship that is critical of universalizing depictions portraying queer-identified or LGBT youth as vulnerable and ‘at-risk’ of a range of negative mental health outcomes, including self-harm and suicidality. Drawing on key findings from a large-scale, mixed-methods study exploring the mental health and well-being of LGBT people, we seek to contribute to the development of a more expansive understanding of LGBT lives by demonstrating the diverse ways people engage with their sexuality and gender identity and illuminating the complex meanings that those LGBT people who have experienced psychological and suicidal distress ascribe to their feelings, thoughts and actions.
Experience of companionship among family caregivers of persons with dementia: A qualitative study
Authors: Bjørge Heidi , Sæteren Berit , Ulstein Ingun Dina
Published: August 2016

We examined how caregivers experienced the influence of dementia on their relationships with afflicted family members. Family caregivers (n = 15; 11 women and four men; age 39–92 years) of people with dementia participated in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed according to Kvale and Brinkman. The analysis identified one overarching theme, experiences of companionship, and four subthemes, namely experiences of loss and loneliness; role change; communication alteration; and caring considerations and coping resources. The caregivers described their companionship with the family member, including warm feelings of reciprocity, as well as contradictory feelings, such as feelings of being burdened. They expressed a desire to continue caring for their relative and emphasized the positive aspects of their relationship. Knowledge about dementia, together with a good relationship with their ill family member, facilitated the caring role. These results highlight the importance of receiving information about dementia-related challenges and the implications of being a caregiver.
Political realism and moral corruption
Authors: McQueen Alison
Published: August 2016

Political realism is frequently criticised as a theoretical tradition that amounts to little more than a rationalisation of the status quo and an apology for power. This paper responds to this criticism by defending three connected claims. First, it acknowledges the moral seriousness of rationalisation, but argues that the problem is hardly particular to political realists. Second, it argues that classical International Relations realists like EH Carr and Hans Morgenthau have a profound awareness of the corrupting effects of rationalisation and see realism as an antidote to this problem. Third, it proposes that Carr and Morgenthau can help us to recognise the particular ways in which realist arguments may nonetheless rationalise existing power relations and affirm the status quo by default, if not by design.