bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical note: Thermal insulations for hot water cylinders: a review and a conceptual evaluation
Authors: Omer S.A. , Riffat S.B. , Qiu G.
Published: September 2007

This paper presents a review and evaluation of thermal insulation materials for application in hot water storage cylinders. A range of thermal insulation materials including organic foams, inorganic insulations, composite insulations and vacuum insulation panels have been evaluated. The evaluation addressed parameters such as effects of insulation thickness on the energy saving and system cost. Vacuum insulation panels offered the best results in terms of energy saving and annualised system cost, given that the vacuum could be maintained at a desirable level throughout system lifetime. The overall evaluation indicates that polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam is the best overall single insulation material that could be applied for hot water storage cylinders when all the parameters including cost, thermophysical properties and environmental impact are taken into account. Microporous silica aerogel is more expensive than any other single insulation material that could be applied for hot water storage cylinders, but offers excellent performance in terms of reduced thickness and weight. When used in conjunction with PIR in a composite form, the combination offers a competitive performance in comparison with some of the conventional insulation materials, e.g. EPS, PU and glass fibre.

Practical applications: The paper provides a comprehensive and compact summary and information on a range of thermal insulation materials for application in hot water storage cylinders. Although, the discussion is confined to hot water storage, the information is useful for a wide range of industries including construction industry, domestic appliance industry, technicians working in the above two industries and more importantly to R&D institutions.

R&D institutions could directly benefit from the information provided in this paper, where the basic information and data are required to short list materials that should be given attention for further investigation for a given research area.

Trade names normally dominate the industry with regards to material use; the paper provides basic scientific background on the origin of the thermal insulation materials, which are commonly known only by trade names within the industry, manufacturing processes, relative cost, their properties and related environmental impact. The paper provides awareness of other alternative insulation materials; that could be considered for a given application.
Numerical studies of displacement natural ventilation in multi-storey buildings connected to an atrium
Authors: Ji Y. , Cook M.J.
Published: September 2007

This paper describes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations used to investigate displacement natural ventilation in simple multi-storey spaces connected to an atrium. The purpose of the work is to demonstrate the potential of CFD for modelling these airflows using solutions from simple mathematical models and salt bath experiments to provide an indication of the accuracy that can be attained. The storeys are connected to an atrium and air flows into them via top-down-chimneys. The driving force is provided by localised point heat sources on each floor which generate buoyant plumes that entrain the surrounding air and transport warm air upwards forming a warm, stratified layer in each storey. The mathematical models are used to describe the main flow features, such as stratification height, temperature gradient and ventilation flow rate. Results showed that, using the RNG k — ε turbulence model, the predicted airflow patterns, temperature profiles and ventilation flow rates agreed favourably with the mathematical models, demonstrating the potential of using CFD for modelling buoyancy-driven displacement ventilation in multi-storey spaces connected to an atrium.

Practical applications: Computer simulation programs have become valuable tools in the building design process, particularly of innovative buildings. This paper looks at the ability of CFD techniques to model buoyancy-driven natural ventilation in simple multi-storey spaces. The methods used in this paper provide a basis for others to use CFD for predicting natural ventilation in more complex, realistic building structures and are useful for both building designers and CFD practitioners.
Ownership Traits and Downsizing Behaviour: Evidence for the Largest Spanish Firms, 1990—1998
Authors: Vicente-Lorente José D. , Suárez-González Isabel
Published: September 2007

This paper explores and tests the differences in downsizing behaviour depending upon three ownership-based traits of the largest Spanish companies: stock versus privately held corporations, foreign versus domestic firms and state-owned versus private companies. From a theoretical standpoint, we develop an explanatory model of downsizing that accounts for techno-economic, institutional, and socio-cognitive explanations which serves as a conceptual basis for generating hypotheses on the role of ownership in downsizing decisions. Probit estimates using a sample of large Spanish firms (1990—1998) confirm that stock corporations and state-owned firms engaged in a privatization process are more likely to downsize than privately held domestic companies. We found less conclusive results about the downsizing behaviour of foreign firms. Finally, our findings corroborate the relevance of organizational decline and institutional factors for predicting the downsizing event.
Reform without a Theory: Why Does it Work in China?
Authors: Zhu Zhichang
Published: September 2007

The gradualism—radicalism debate on China's reform is misleading. The reform can alternatively be seen as one without a theory. The question is why a no-theory `strategy' was `selected' by the Chinese elite, `accepted' by the Chinese people and `worked' in the Chinese context. An investigation based on a Confucian conceptual framework suggests that reform-without-a-theory was facilitated by a set of historically specific structural factors, factors full of complementarities and tensions that skilled actors were able to exploit to pursue sectional interests. The implications of China's reform for organization studies are explored along three interrelated lines: structural plurality and strategic change, structural transformation and differential agency, and situated entrepreneurship and unintended consequences.
Through the Looking Glass of Organizational Theatre: Analogically Mediated Inquiry in Organizations
Authors: Meisiek Stefan , Barry Daved
Published: September 2007

Organizational theatre is now widely used as a platform for analogically mediated inquiry and change. Using an alternate template research strategy, we combined interview, visual, and survey methods to study the processes underlying an organizational theatre effort over a year, clarifying how theatre performances analogically affect employees' understanding of their workplace. We identified a `looking glass' effect, where analogies create shifting reflections over time that lead to unpredictably emergent changes in the way employees perceive their organization. Our study not only informs the organizational theatre literature, but addresses broader debates on analogical thinking in organization studies, suggesting that current explanations of analogical processes may be overly restricted both in their scope and their conclusions. Specifically, we propose that compound analogues such as organizational theatre, sculpture and film will not only work differently from more abstract and singular analogues, but create very different effects as well.
New Organizational Forms: Towards a Generative Dialogue
Authors: Palmer Ian , Benveniste Jodie , Dunford Richard
Published: September 2007

The concept of `new organizational forms' has been with us for over 20 years, but little attention has been given to the diverse assumptions underlying various researchers' use of this term. We identify five areas where different assumptions are in use, underpinned by a variety of theoretical perspectives. We urge scholars to engage in a generative dialogue about new organizational forms across theoretical perspectives. The aim of a generative dialogue is to identify where areas of agreement about new organizational forms can be achieved and where differences can be accepted and respected.
Symptoms in patients receiving palliative care: a study on patient-physician encounters in general practice
Authors: Borgsteede Sander D. , Deliens Luc , Beentjes Barry , Schellevis François , Stalman Wim A.B. , Van Eijk Jacques Th.M. , Van der Wal Gerrit
Published: September 2007

Most people with an incurable disease prefer to stay and die at home, cared for by their general practitioner (GP). This paper aims at describing the prevalence of symptoms in patients receiving palliative care at home. Within the framework of a nation wide survey of general practice in the Netherlands, GPs received a questionnaire for all patients who died within the 1-year survey period to determine whether patients received palliative care ( n = 2194). The response rate was 73% ( n = 1608), and 38% of these patients received palliative care until death. Information regarding encounters during the last 3 months of life was derived from the records kept by the GPs. Digestive symptoms (59%) and pain (56%) were the most prevalent. The total number of symptoms per patient was higher in cancer patients (11.99) than in non-cancer patients (7.62). Not reported in previous studies were musculoskeletal symptoms (20%) and chronic ulcer (18%). Concluding, this showed that Dutch GPs encounter a diversity and wide range of symptoms in palliative care. To face these complex challenges in patients receiving palliative care at home, GPs have to be trained as well as supported by specialized palliative care consultants. Pallative Medicine 2007; 21: 417—423
The impact of palliative care on cancer deaths in Hong Kong: a retrospective study of 494 cancer deaths
Authors: Tse D.M.W. , Chan K.S. , Lam W.M. , Leu KS , Lam P.T.
Published: September 2007

Objectives: To study the utilization of public health care by advanced cancer patients in their last 6 months of life and their end-of-life process within the last 2 weeks of life.

Methods: This was a retrospective study on 494 cancer deaths from four public hospitals in 2005. This sample was selected from all in-patient cancer deaths by the ratio of one in four. Data were collected by review of charts and an electronic data base.

Results: A total of 494 cancer deaths were analysed. The mean age of all cancer patients (n = 494) was 72.6 years. Two-thirds of cancer patients received palliative care and half died in palliative care setting. Patients were categorized into three groups according to palliative care coverage and the place of death. The first group comprised of patients who received palliative care service and died in palliative care units (PCS-PCD group, n = 247); the second group of patients who received palliative care service within the last 6 months of life but died in non-palliative care wards (n = 86); and the third group of patients who never received palliative care and who died in non-palliative care wards (NPCS-NPCD group, n = 161). Differences among groups were tested by one way ANOVA. During the last 6 months of life, patients in the PCS-PCD group had less admission to acute care wards (P = 0.012), shorter duration of stay in acute care wards (P = 0.003), and less admission to an intensive care unit setting (P < 0.001). Within the last 2 weeks of life, the PCS-PCD group had fewer interventions initiated (P < 0.001); had higher number of symptoms documented in patient's record (P < 0.001); and were more likely to receive analgesics (P < 0.001), adjuvant analgesics (P < 0.001) and sedatives (P < 0.001). Patients in PCS-PCD group were more physically dependent in the last 2 weeks of life (P < 0.001), but mentally more alert at 72 hours before death (P < 0.001). Patients in the NPCS-NPCD group had fewer patients with a do not resuscitate order present (P < 0.001), and more patients with cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that palliative care service has played a role in improving end-of-life cancer care in Hong Kong. Palliative Medicine 2007; 21 : 425—433
How should we measure emesis in palliative care?
Authors: Saxby Carina , Ackroyd Rajeena , Callin Sarah , Mayland Catriona , Kite Suzanne
Published: September 2007

There are many assessment tools available to measure emesis. This Association for Palliative Medicine Science Committee Task Group undertook a review of the validity and suitability of the assessment tools available to measure nausea, vomiting and retching within a palliative care population. Electronic databases were searched from 1970 to 2004. Both specific and global tools were identified and reviewed for their validity, reliability and suitability for our patient population where coexisting cognitive impairment and significant co-morbidities may make accurate assessment of symptoms difficult. Within specific palliative care scenarios namely daily clinical assessment, prevalence surveys and randomized controlled trial settings, the team reached a consensus on which tools had the greatest evidence to recommend them, either for immediate use or for further validation studies. An ideal measurement tool for the assessment of nausea, vomiting and retching has not yet been developed. Palliative Medicine 2007; 21 : 369—383
Effectiveness of a Computerized Decision Aid in Primary Care on Decision Making and Quality of Life in Menorrhagia: Results of the MENTIP Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Protheroe Joanne , Bower Peter , Chew-Graham Carolyn , Peters Tim J. , Fahey Tom
Published: September 2007

Background. Computerized decision aids have the potential to increase patient involvement in the decision-making process. However, most published evidence concerning the effectiveness of decision aids is from secondary care. Aim. To evaluate whether the addition of a computerized decision aid to written information improves decision making in women consulting their general practitioner with menorrhagia comparedwithwritten informationalone. Design of study. Randomized controlled trial. Setting. Nineteen general practices in the North of England. Method. One hundred forty-nine women presenting with menorrhagia were randomized to receive written information and access to a computerized decision aid or written information alone. Outcomes were assessed using postal questionnaires. These were scores on the Decisional Conflict Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory anxiety scale at 2 weeks and the Menorrhagia Specific Utility quality-of-life scale, knowledge about menorrhagia, and anxiety and process measures at 6 months. Results. Two weeks after the intervention, there was significantly less decisional conflict in the intervention group (adjusted difference = −16.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −21.5 to −11.7; P < 0.001). At 6 months, the intervention group showed better knowledge about menorrhagia (adjusted difference = 9.3 ; 95% CI = 1.9 to 16.6; P = 0.014) and menorrhagia quality of life (adjusted difference = 10.9; 95% CI = 0.9 to 21.0; P = 0.033). There was no difference in anxiety scores at either 2 weeks or 6 months. Conclusions. A computerized decision aid, used outside of the primary care consultation, is effective in increasing patient involvement in decision making in primary care.
Developing a geographers' agenda for online research ethics
Authors: Madge Clare
Published: September 2007

This paper explores and advances the debate surrounding online research ethics. The use of internet-mediated research using online research methods has increased significantly in recent years raising the issue of online research ethics. Obviously, many ethical issues of onsite research are directly translatable to the online context, but there is also a need for existing ethical principles to be examined in the light of these new virtual research strategies. Five key issues of ethical conduct are commonly identified in the literature pertaining to online research ethics: informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, debriefing and netiquette. These are the issues that are most commonly discussed in procedural ethical guidelines for online research. However, this paper proposes that given the recent increased formal regulation and research governance over research ethics in many countries, it is important that discussion of such issues continues as an embedded part of professional self-regulation and procedural ethical guidelines are used as creative forums for reflexive debate rather than simply being routinely applied by bureaucratic ethics committees. Finally, in problematizing the role of procedural online ethical guidelines, the conclusions explore how geographers can contribute to the future debate about online research ethics.
Investigating public science interest and understanding: evidence for the importance of free-choice learning
Authors: Falk John H. , Storksdieck Martin , Dierking Lynn D.
Published: September 2007

Historically, most of the focus of science education has been on pre-college and college level schooling. Although some of the public's interest and knowledge about science is unquestionably shaped by compulsory schooling, given that the average adult spends only a fraction of their life participating in some kind of formal schooling, we argue that the contribution of school-based science learning to the long-term public understanding of science is limited, particularly for the majority of Americans who do not go on to post-secondary schooling. This article shows that the majority of the public constructs much of its understanding of science over the course of their lives, gathering information from many places and contexts, and for a diversity of reasons. A random telephone survey of Los Angeles, California residents found that nearly half (43 percent) of the public's self-reported science understanding derives from leisure time, free-choice learning; science understanding was primarily acquired for reasons related to personal interest, need and/or curiosity. The conclusion drawn from this preliminary investigation is that future efforts to understand and support the public's understanding of science will require approaches that take into account individual differences and the unique personal and context-specific nature of knowledge; findings also support the value of asset-based approaches to education which build from strengths rather than dwelling upon deficits.
Respecting the Wishes of Patients in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Kinoshita Satomi
Published: September 2007

This study examined why intensive care unit (ICU) nurses experience difficulties in respecting the wishes of patients in end-of-life care in Japan. A questionnaire survey was conducted with ICU nurses working in Japanese university hospitals. The content of their narratives was analyzed concerning the reasons why the nurses believed that patients' wishes were not respected. The most commonly stated reason was that patients' wishes were impossible to realize, followed by the fact that decision making was performed by others, regardless of whether the patients' wishes were known, if the death was sudden, and time constraints. Many nurses wanted to respect the wishes of dying patients, but they questioned how patients die in ICUs and were therefore faced with ethical dilemmas. However, at the same time, many of the nurses realized that respecting patients' wishes about end-of-life care in an ICU would be difficult and that being unable to respect these wishes would often be unavoidable. The results thus suggest that there has been insufficient discussion about respecting the wishes of patients undergoing intensive care.
Ideology of Nursing Care in Child Psychiatric Inpatient Treatment
Authors: Ellilä Heikki , Välimäki Maritta , Warne Tony , Sourander Andre
Published: September 2007

Research on nursing ideology and the ethics of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing care is limited. The aim of this study was to describe and explore the ideological approaches guiding psychiatric nursing in child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient wards in Finland, and discuss the ethical, theoretical and practical concerns related to nursing ideologies. Data were collected by means of a national questionnaire survey, which included one open-ended question seeking managers' opinions on the nursing ideology used in their area of practice. Questionnaires were sent to all child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient wards (n = 69) in Finland; 61 ward mangers responded. Data were analysed by qualitative and quantitative content analysis. Six categories - family centred care, individual care, milieu centred care, integrated care, educational care and psychodynamic care - were formed to specify ideological approaches used in inpatient nursing. The majority of the wards were guided by two or more approaches. Nursing models, theories and codes of ethics were almost totally ignored in the ward managers' ideological descriptions.
Privacy and Dual Loyalties in Occupational Health Practice
Authors: Heikkinen Anne M. , Wickström Gustav J. , Leino-Kilpi Helena , Katajisto Jouko
Published: September 2007

This survey set out to explore occupational health professionals' courses of action with respect to privacy in a situation of dual loyalty between employees and employers. A postal questionnaire was sent to randomly selected potential respondents. The overall response rate was 64%: 140 nurses and 94 physicians returned the questionnaire. Eight imaginary cases involving an ethical dilemma of privacy were presented to the respondents. Six different courses of action were constructed within the set alternatives proposed. The study indicated that privacy as an absolute value is not in the interest of either employees or employers. It also showed that, where dual loyalty is concerned, the most valid course of action in dealing with sensitive subjects such as drug and work community problems, sexual harassment and sick leave is to rely on tripartite co-operation. If they maintain their professional independence and impartiality, health professionals are well placed to succeed in this challenging task; if not, there are bound to be severe violations of privacy.
Neural Substrates of Blindsight After Hemispherectomy
Authors: Ptito Alain , Leh Sandra E.
Published: September 2007

Blindsight is a visual phenomenon whereby hemianopic patients are able to process visual information in their blind visual field without awareness. Previous research demonstrating the existence of blindsight in hemianopic patients has been criticized for the nature of the paradigms used, for the presence of methodological artifacts, and for the possibility that spared islands of visual cortex may have sustained the phenomenon because the patients generally had small circumscribed lesions. To respond to these criticisms, the authors have been investigating for several years now residual visual abilities in the blind field of hemispherectomized patients in whom a whole cerebral hemisphere has been removed or disconnected from the rest of the brain. These patients have offered a unique opportunity to establish the existence of blindsight and to investigate its underlying neuronal mechanisms because in these cases, spared islands of visual cortex cannot be evoked to explain the presence of visual abilities in the blind field. In addition, the authors have been using precise behavioral paradigms, strict control for potential methodological artifacts such as light scatter, fixation, criterion effects, and macular sparing, and they have utilized new neuroimaging techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging tractography to enhance their understanding of the phenomenon. The following article is a review of their research on the involvement of the superior colliculi in blindsight in hemispherectomized patients. NEUROSCIENTIST 13(5):506—518, 2007.
Brain Plasticity Mechanisms and Memory: A Party of Four
Authors: Bruel-Jungerman Elodie , Davis Sabrina , Laroche Serge
Published: September 2007

A defining characteristic of the brain is its remarkable capacity to undergo activity-dependent functional and morphological remodeling via mechanisms of plasticity that form the basis of our capacity to encode and retain memories. Today, it is generally accepted that the neurobiological substrate of memories resides in activity-driven modifications of synaptic strength and structural remodeling of neural networks activated during learning. Since the discovery of long-term potentiation, the role of synaptic strengthening in learning and memory has been the subject of considerable investigation, and numerous studies have provided new insights into how this form of plasticity can subserve memory function. At the same time, other studies have explored the contribution of synaptic elimination or weakening; synaptogenesis, the growth of new synaptic connections and synapse remodeling; and more recently, neurogenesis, the birth and growth of new neurons in the adult brain. In this review, based on work in the hippocampus, the authors briefly outline recent advances in their understanding of the mechanisms and functional role of these four types of brain plasticity in the context of learning and memory. While they have long been considered as alternative mechanisms of plasticity underlying the storage of long-term memories, recent evidence suggests that they are functionally linked, suggesting the mechanisms underlying plasticity in the brain required for the formation and retention of memories are multifaceted. NEUROSCIENTIST 13(5):492—505, 2007. DOI: 10.1177/1073858407302725
Generic Cell Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Role of Surfaces in Early Protein Misfolding, Aggregation, and Aggregate Cytotoxicity
Authors: Stefani Massimo
Published: September 2007

Recent knowledge supports the idea that early protein aggregates share basic structural features and are responsible for cytotoxicity underlying neurodegeneration; in most cases, early aggregate cytotoxicity apparently proceeds through similar molecular mechanisms and results in similar biochemical modifications. Data suggest that aggregate cytotoxicity may be considered a generic property of the oligomers preceding fibril appearance. Oligomers can interact with cell membranes, impairing their structural organization and destroying their selective ion permeability, eventually culminating with cell death. This process can be influenced by the physicochemical features and aggregation state of amyloids as well as by the physical and biochemical features of cell surfaces. The roles of synthetic and biological surfaces in affecting protein folding and misfolding, in speeding up aggregate nucleation, and as targets of aggregate toxicity is gaining consideration. Recent research has highlighted the involvement of surfaces as protein-misfolding chaperones and aggregation catalysts and their effects in these phenomena. NEUROSCIENTIST 13(5):519—531, 2007.
ROCK and Rho: Biochemistry and Neuronal Functions of Rho-Associated Protein Kinases
Authors: Schmandke André , Schmandke Antonio , Strittmatter Stephen M.
Published: September 2007

Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCKs) play key roles in mediating the control of the actin cytoskeleton by Rho family GTPases in response to extracellular signals. Such signaling pathways contribute to diverse neuronal functions from cell migration to axonal guidance to dendritic spine morphology to axonal regeneration to cell survival. In this review, the authors summarize biochemical knowledge of ROCK function and categorize neuronal ROCK-dependent signaling pathways. Further study of ROCK signal transduction mechanisms and specificities will enhance our understanding of brain development, plasticity, and repair. The ROCK pathway also provides a potential site for therapeutic intervention to promote neuronal regeneration and to limit degeneration. NEUROSCIENTIST 13(5):454—469, 2007.
Reappraising the Functional Implications of the Primate Visual Anatomical Hierarchy
Authors: Hegdé Jay , Felleman Daniel J.
Published: September 2007

The primate visual system has been shown to be organized into an anatomical hierarchy by the application of a few principled criteria. It has been widely assumed that cortical visual processing is also hierarchical, with the anatomical hierarchy providing a defined substrate for clear levels of hierarchical function. A large body of empirical evidence seemed to support this assumption, including the general observations that functional properties of visual neurons grow progressively more complex at progressively higher levels of the anatomical hierarchy. However, a growing body of evidence, including recent direct experimental comparisons of functional properties at two or more levels of the anatomical hierarchy, indicates that visual processing neither is hierarchical nor parallels the anatomical hierarchy. Recent results also indicate that some of the pathways of visual information flow are not hierarchical, so that the anatomical hierarchy cannot be taken as a strict flowchart of visual information either. Thus, while the sustaining strength of the notion of hierarchical processing may be that it is rather simple, its fatal flaw is that it is overly simplistic. NEUROSCIENTIST 13(5):416—421, 2007. DOI: 10.1177/1073858407305201
A Kidney Segmentation Framework for Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Yuksel Seniha E. , El-Baz Ayman , Farag Aly A. , El-Ghar Mohamed , Eldiasty Tarek , Ghoneim Mohamed A.
Published: September 2007

In the United States, more than 12000 renal transplantations are performed annually; but the transplanted kidneys face a number of surgical and medical complications that cause a decrease in their functionality. In an effort to understand the reasons for this functionality decrease, considerable attention has recently been focused on Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) due to its superior functional and anatomical information. The biggest challenge in the analysis of DCE-MRI is the segmentation of kidneys from abdomen images because of the high noise and partial volume effects introduced during the rapid and repeated scanning process. In this paper, a general framework is introduced for the segmentation of kidneys from DCE-MR images of the abdomen. The proposed segmentation algorithm consists of three main steps. In the first step, an average kidney shape is constructed from a dataset of previously segmented kidneys, and an average signed distance map density is obtained describing the shape of the kidneys. In the second step, the gray level density is calculated for a given new kidney image using a modified expectation maximization (EM) algorithm. In the third step, a deformable model is evolved based on the two density functions obtained from the previous two steps: the first one describes the prior shape of the kidney, and the second one describes the distribution of the gray level inside and outside the kidney region. The new deformable model is able to handle intricate shapes without getting stuck in edge points; and gives very promising results that are comparable to radiologists' segmentation.
Effects of Non-ideal Boundary Conditions on Vibrations of Microbeams
Authors: Onur Ekici H. , Boyaci Hakan
Published: September 2007

Effects of non-ideal boundary conditions on the vibrations of microbeams are investigated. Stretching effect as well as axial force is included along with the non-ideal boundary conditions. The Method of Multiple Time Scales (a perturbation technique) is employed to solve the non-dimensional equation of motion for subharmonic and superharmonic resonance cases. The frequencies and mode shapes obtained are compared with the ideal boundary conditions case and the differences between them are contrasted on frequency response curves.
Pattern Formation in the Rotating Cylindrical Annulus with an Azimuthal Magnetic Field at low Prandtl Numbers
Authors: Kurt Erol , Pesch Werner , Busse Friedrich H.
Published: September 2007

Patterns are theoretically formed in the frame of a hydromagnetic convection induced by radial buoyancy in an electrically conducting fluid contained by a rotating cylindrical annulus with a homogeneous magnetic field ( B) in the azimuthal direction. The annulus is assumed to rotate with an angular frequency, Ω under the small gap approximation with rigid cylindrical boundaries. The onset of convection is found in the form of axial, axisymmetric or oblique rolls with a broken symmetry. The roll angle Ψ depends on the ratio between the Chandrasekhar number, Q ~ B2, and the Coriolis number, τ ~ Ω. In addition to fully three-dimensional (3 D) numerical simulations, weakly nonlinear and Galerkin analyses for roll patterns are performed for Prandtl number P = 0 .1. At finite amplitudes, secondary instabilities are encountered in the form of longwave and shortwave.
Transitional Dynamics in Thermal Convection Between Rigid Plates
Authors: Yildirim Cihan , Yarimpabuç Durmuş , Tarman Hakan I.
Published: September 2007

The Rayleigh—Benard thermal convection problem is an instability of a Boussinesq fluid layer on an infinite horizontal plane heated from below and cooled from above in the presence of gravity in the vertical, pointing downward. The dynamics of this phenomena is governed by Boussinesq equations. In this work, Boussinesq equations are integrated numerically using a spectral element technique. The resulting numerical database is then used to generate the Karhunen—Loeve (K-L) basis. The K-L basis is an empirical basis in nature that can be computed from an experimentally or numerically generated database representative of the underlying physical phenomena. The K-L basis is, in turn, used to study the dynamics in the transitional regimes of thermal convection as a preliminary effort prior to extracting a low-dimensional description of the phenomena.
Fusion of Continuous-valued Sensor Measurements using Confidence-weighted Averaging
Authors: Elmenreich Wilfried
Published: September 2007

This paper presents a method for fusing measurement samples from multiple sensors into a dependable robust estimation of a variable in the control environment. Each sensor measurement is represented by a measurement value and a confidence marker that corresponds to the respective variance of the measurement. We propose the Confidence-weighted Averaging (CWA) algorithm for fusing measurements with respect to the estimated variance of the measurement error. For calibrated sensors with uncorrelated error functions this algorithm is optimal for producing a result with minimum mean squared error.
Fractional Wavelet Analysis of the Composite Signals of Two-component Mixture by Multivariate Spectral Calibration
Authors: Dinç Erdal , Baleanu Dumitru , Taş Kenan
Published: September 2007

The fractional wavelet transform is a new mathematical tool for signal and image analysis. In this study, fractional wavelet analysis of the composite signals of the components in a binary mixture was investigated. In the quantitative evaluation of hydrochlorothiazide and cilazapril, partial least squares calibration was applied to the fractional wavelet coefficients after optimization of the experimental conditions. The validation of the partial least squares approach was tested by analyzing various synthetic mixtures consisting of active compounds of interest. Hydrochlorothiazide and cilazapril in real samples were analyzed using partial least squares calibration based on the fractional wavelet coefficients without a prior chemical separation procedure. This combined method is a potential new chemometric approach and is suitable for quantitative analysis of the components in samples.
Heisenberg's Equations of Motion with Fractional Derivatives
Authors: Rabei Eqab M. , Tarawneh Derar M. , Muslih Sami I. , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: September 2007

Fractional variational principles is a new topic in the field of fractional calculus and it has been subject to intense debate during the last few years. One of the important applications of fractional variational principles is fractional quantization. In this present study, fractional calculus is applied to obtain the Hamiltonian formalism of non-conservative systems. The definition of Poisson bracket is used to obtain the equations of motion in terms of these brackets. The commutation relations and the Heisenberg equations of motion are also obtained. The proposed approach was tested on two examples and good agreements with the classical fractional are reported.
Generalized Euler—Lagrange Equations and Transversality Conditions for FVPs in terms of the Caputo Derivative
Authors: Agrawal Om P.
Published: September 2007

This paper presents extensions to the traditional calculus of variations for systems containing Fractional Derivatives (FDs) defined in the Caputo sense. Specifically, two problems are considered, the simplest Fractional Variational Problem (FVP) and the FVP of Lagrange. Both specified and unspecified end conditions and end points are considered. Results of the first problem are extended to problems containing multiple FDs. For the second problem, we present a Lagrange type multiplier rule. For both problems, we develop generalized Euler—Lagrange type necessary conditions and the transversality conditions, which must be satisfied for the given functional to be extremum. The formulations show that one may require fractional boundary conditions even when the FVP has been formulated in terms of Caputo Fractional Derivatives (CFDs) only, and that the Riemann—Liouville Fractional Derivatives (RLFDs) automatically appear in the resulting equations. The relationships between the RLFDs and the CFDs are used to write the resulting differential equations purely in terms of the CFDs. Several examples are considered to demonstrate the application of the formulations. The formulations presented and the resulting equations are very similar to the formulations given for FVPs defined in terms of the RLFDs and to those that appear in the field of classical calculus of variations. The formulations presented are simple and can be extended to other problems in the field of fractional calculus of variations.
A Historical Perspective of Legged Robots
Authors: Silva Manuel F. , Tenreiro Machado J.A.
Published: September 2007

The objective of this paper is to present the evolution and the state-of-the-art in the area of legged locomotion systems. In a first phase different possibilities for implementing mobile robots are discussed, namely the case of artificial legged locomotion systems, while emphasizing their advantages and limitations. In a second phase a historical overview of the evolution of these systems is presented, bearing in mind several particular cases often considered as milestones of technological and scientific progress. After this historical timeline, some of the present-day systems are examined and their performance is analyzed. In a third phase the major areas of research and development that are presently being followed in the construction of legged robots are pointed out. Finally, some still unsolved problems that remain defying robotics research, are also addressed.
Early Home Cinema
Authors: Chalke Sheila
Published: September 2007

Current developments in high-definition technological systems for home viewing link definitively with early Home Cinema, as practised from the late 1890s, as an alternative to public spectatorship. The traditions of Home Cinema, in encompassing degrees of informality, interaction and control within domestic exhibition, served to lay foundations for a televisual experience which, today, having come full-circle, is defining itself once more as `Home Cinema'.
The Mobile Phone and the Public Sphere
Authors: Gordon Janey
Published: September 2007

This article seeks to explore the influence of the mobile phone on the public sphere, in particular with regard to its effect on news agendas, gatekeepers and primary definers. Using the examples of the Chinese SARS outbreak (2003), the south-east Asian tsunami (December 2004) and the London bombings (July 2005), the author questions the extent to which the mobile phone is challenging conventional and official sources of information. At times of national and personal calamity, the mobile phone is used to document and report events from eyewitnesses and those closely involved. Using multimedia messages (MMS) or text messages (SMS) to communities of friends and families, as well as audio phone calls, mobile phone users may precede and scoop official sources and thwart censorship and news blackouts. They can also provide valuable evidence of what actually occurred. Users are able to take pictures and short films and transmit these rapidly to others along with reports of what is happening where they are; they are also able to access other media broadcasts and the internet. They are what have become known as `citizen journalists'. The evidence suggests that mobile phone usage is contributing to the public sphere and in some instances is circumventing official repression or inadequate information. There is also an indication that the `mobcam' is capturing images that would otherwise be lost. However, the mainstream media has been quick to take advantage of this citizen journalism and mediate it within its own parameters.
Achievement goals in physical education: Examining the predictive ability of five different dimensions of motivational climate
Authors: Barkoukis Vassilis , Thøgersen-Ntoumani Cecilie , Ntoumanis Nikos , Nikitaras Nikitas
Published: September 2007

The aim of the present study was to investigate the differential relationships between five dimensions of motivational climate and achievement goals, as the latter have been conceptualized by the revised achievement goal theory. Adolescents ( N = 336, M age = 13.45 years, SD = 1.04) participating in a summer camp in southern Greece took part in the study. The participants completed the Approach Avoidance Achievement Goal Questionnaire (AAAGQ; measuring mastery, performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals, as conceptualized by Elliot, 1997), and the Learning and Performance Orientations in Physical Education Classes Questionnaire (LAPOPECQ; measuring five dimensions of task- and ego-involving motivational climate). Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that, after controlling for age and gender, the dimensions of motivational climate predicted achievement goals differently. Specifically, the students' learning orientation dimension was the strongest predictor of mastery goals, the students' competitive orientation dimension was the strongest predictor of performance-approach goals, while the worries about mistakes dimension was the largest predictor of performance-avoidance goals. The findings of the present study indicate that there might be differential relationships between the dimensions of motivational climate and achievement goals in a physical education context.
Identification of Appropriate CFD Models for Simulating Aerosol Particle and Droplet Indoor Transport
Authors: Liu Xiang , Zhai Zhiqiang
Published: September 2007

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been widely used to predict indoor particle and droplet transport and dispersion. CFD solves simplified conservative equations that describe the major characteristics of particle and droplet indoor movement, along with the flow governing equations. This paper reviews the principles of three prevalent CFD models for indoor particle and droplet simulation: the lazy particle model, isothermal particle model and vaporizing droplet model, with a focus on the disparities between these models. The study verifies that different particle and droplet models provide distinct simulation results in which size of particle and droplet is a critical factor. To justify proper application of these models for particles and droplets with different sizes, the paper theoretically analyzes the Lagrangian transport equations for particle and droplet and identifies two crucial time numbers — particle momentum response time and evaporation lifetime. Upon these numbers, two new indices have been introduced — Stokes number and evaporation effectiveness number, which can be used as simple criteria to guide the model selection. The case studies confirm the value of the indices and provide the rules of thumb for determining appropriate CFD models for particle and droplet indoor transport under typical room conditions.
Calculation of Natural Ventilation in Large Enclosures
Authors: Gao Jun , Gao Fu-Sheng , Zhao Jia-Ning , Liu Jing
Published: September 2007

There is a need for a good analytical model of natural ventilation of large enclosures. This study describes a multi-layer pattern of thermal stratification in high and large spaces driven by natural ventilation. The pattern is then used to construct an analytical model for natural ventilation of large enclosures. A thermal plume developed in the multi-layer environment is investigated based on its development across each density interface. This kind of plume and the airflows along vertical wall surfaces are combined to establish the heat and mass balances in each thermally stratified layer. Two different mathematical models that model the airflows along vertical wall surfaces are presented. These two models are compared for their predictions of the ventilation flow rate and vertical temperature profiles. Results of both present models are also compared with those calculated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). It is shown from the comparisons that both models predict reasonably the thermal stratification in the large enclosure but only the one that considers continuous airflow along the whole wallsurface gives reliable predictions which agree well with results from the CFD study.
Prevalence of Symptoms Associated with Elevated Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) Levels in Workers at a Printing Facility
Authors: Gioda Adriana , de Aquino Neto Francisco Radler
Published: September 2007

In April 2000 and March 2001 an environmental chemical survey was carried out in a printing facility in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In this investigation about 250 volatile organic compounds were identified and quantified. The maximum concentration of any compound measured was toluene at 7.8 mg · m-3. The high levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) detected overall ranged from 1.9 to 46.1 mg · m-3 exceeding national (500 μg · m-3) and international (300 μg · m-3) recommendations. The Royal Society of Health Advisory Group questionnaire about sick building syndrome was used to evaluate if there was a relationship between this high TVOCs concentration and the health of the workers. Several characteristic symptoms regarding irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract could be deduced from the responses. The results suggest that the poor air quality may be correlated to these symptoms but more detailed studies are necessary to establish a sound cause—effect relationship.
About prayer Abjection and urgency in an American Holiness Church
Authors: Ghassem-Fachandi Parvis
Published: September 2007

This article explicates how, among members of the Nazarene church in upstate New York, forms of social abjection become a religious good through the pastor's sermons and the symbolic labor of prayer. It examines what it means to circulate issues, weaknesses, and bodily ailments in prayer, and to transform them into power, chosenness, and the promise of the wrath of God. More specifically, the appeal and efficacy of sermon and prayer is largely dependent on the experience of social abjection of the parishioners. The expectation of relief that the community so intensely desires enables the pastor to create the hallucinatory reality he is summoning. Reflecting on a series of religious experiences of one particular member of that community, this article demonstrates how Nazarene religiosity is nurtured by mundane experiences of loneliness and social neglect, which find their most acute expression in the identification of malevolent intent and evil.