bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The commercial sector demand for energy in Kuwait
Authors: Eltony Mohamed Nagy , Al‐Awadhi Mohammad A.
Published: March 2007

This paper models and estimates the energy demand by the commercial sector, using an error correction model. It also simulates the estimated model under three pricing scenarios and presents an analysis of the results.

The empirical results indicate that short and long term energy consumption and the level of economic activity are entwined. The forecasts show that electricity consumption varies directly with economic growth. It also suggests that an increase of 100 per cent in nominal electricity prices will lead to a reduction in commercial sector electricity demand by about 27 per cent by the year 2015. The simulation of the model under the different pricing scenarios demonstrates that there is a great potential for energy conservation by the commercial sector.
Fuel demand and car ownership modelling in India
Authors: Bouachera Taoufik , Mazraati Mohammad
Published: March 2007

Motorisation in Asia is soaring with rapid growth in incomes non‐lin‐early. Even though car ownership per 1,000 population is still low in countries like China, India or Indonesia, escalating number of cars is affected by GDP growth among other infrastructural factors in a non‐linear manner. This quick growth in car ownership may represent a significant implication on road transport fuel demand. This paper forecasts the demand for road transport fuel in India. For this purpose, econometric models, based on time series data, are constructed as for a major factor affecting fuel demand in road transportation i.e. car ownership.

Firstly the econometric car ownership model was attempted in this study, for projecting future car stock in India based on cross section time series technique. The car stock is modelled by using three functional forms, which are the logistic, quasi‐logistic and Gompertz curves. However, to take into consideration countries with different income levels in that part of the world, these models were estimated by using pooled data of seven Asian countries (Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and India). Then, a set of fuel consumption scenarios were developed in order to make forecast until 2030. These scenarios were generated by taking into consideration car stock, fuel efficiency and the average distance travelled in India.
The Determinants of Foreign Currency Hedging: Does Foreign Currency Debt Induce a Bias?
Authors: Clark Ephraim , Judge Amrit
Published: March 2007

In this paper we use UK data to present strong empirical evidence that explains the mixed results in previous studies with respect to the effect of financial distress on the demand for corporate hedging. We build on recent studies that have identified a strong link between foreign currency (FC) debt use and leverage. Given this relationship, we show that using leverage variables as proxies for financial distress and the failure to distinguish between FC debt users and non‐users causes misleading inference. More specifically, when we partition our sample of FC hedgers into firms that use and do not use foreign debt, we show that leverage variables are significantly related to the FC hedging decision for firms that use FC debt either in isolation or in combination with FC derivatives but not for firms that only use FC derivatives. This suggests that FC debt users are influencing these results. However, we also find that other financial distress cost proxies with no obvious link to FC debt use are significant determinants in the corporate demand for FC hedging, including derivatives use.
Regime Change and the Role of International Markets on the Stock Returns of Small Open Economies
Authors: Bredin Don , Hyde Stuart
Published: March 2007

We examine the influence of US, UK and German macroeconomic and financial variables on the stock returns of two relatively small, open European economies, Ireland and Denmark. Within a nonlinear framework, we allow for time variation via regime switching using a smooth transition regression (STR) model. We find that US (global) and UK and German (regional) stock returns are significant determinants of returns in both markets. Further, global information represented by oil and US asset price movements drive changes between states in each market. Significantly, the role of country‐specific domestic variables is typically confined to a single state while global and regional variables pervade all states.
Reported Barriers to the Implementation of Person‐Centred Planning for People with Intellectual Disabilities in the UK
Authors: Robertson Janet , Hatton Chris , Emerson Eric , Elliott Johan , McIntosh Barbara , Swift Paul , Krinjen‐Kemp Emma , Towers Christine , Romeo Renee , Knapp Martin , Sanderson Helen , Routledge Martin , Oakes Peter , Joyce Theresa
Published: March 2007

Background Research in the US and UK has demonstrated the effectiveness of person‐centred planning (PCP) for people with intellectual disabilities. However, it is important to acknowledge problems that arise when implementing PCP. This paper considers barriers to PCP reported during a longitudinal study of the impact of PCP.

Methods Person‐centred planning was introduced over a 2‐year period for 93 people of whom 65 had a plan developed. Information was collected regarding barriers to PCP every 3 months from key informants using self‐completion questionnaires.

Results Barriers to PCP were widespread particularly in relation to: availability of trained facilitators; availability of services; lack of time and reluctance of people other than paid support staff to engage in the PCP process.

Conclusions Services need to be aware of potential barriers to PCP so that strategies can be developed to overcome them, the first of which should be the ongoing training and support of facilitators.
Accessible Information for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Do Symbols Really Help?
Authors: Poncelas Angela , Murphy Glynis
Published: March 2007

Background  Recently, symbols have been used to increase understanding of written information for people with intellectual disabilities, yet the effectiveness of this remains largely untested. This study was undertaken around the time of an election and it aimed to test whether a symbol‐based manifesto increased the understanding of this material for people with intellectual disabilities.

Method  Two versions of a simplified manifesto were produced: one text‐based and the other symbol‐based (with text). Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one received the text‐based information, and the other the symbol‐based information (with text). Participants were asked a series of questions about the material, both immediately (time 1) and a short time afterwards (time 2), to assess understanding (the material was in front of them throughout).

Results  Both versions produced relatively low levels of understanding. The group with symbols (and text) showed no better understanding than the group with text only. However, those with better language comprehension scores and those with better reading skills tended to show a higher understanding of the manifesto, in both groups. In the symbols group, those who said they had seen symbols before also showed significantly better understanding of the material at time 2.

Conclusions  This study suggests that the addition of symbols to simple texts does not necessarily improve people's understanding of it. It is proposed that a closer examination of people's understanding of symbols should be made and ways of improving this understanding investigated.
The Impact of Physical, Intellectual and Social Impairments on Survival in Adults with Intellectual Disability: A Population‐Based Register Study
Authors: Tyrer Freya , Smith Lucy K. , McGrother Catherine W. , Taub Nicholas A.
Published: March 2007

Background Research into factors associated with survival in adults with intellectual disability is limited and no studies have controlled for changes in these factors over time.

Material and Methods All adults aged ≥20 years with moderate to profound intellectual disability (approximate IQ < 50) using specialist services in Leicestershire and Rutland, UK, were identified. The relationship between survival and physical, intellectual and social impairments was investigated, also adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity and exact year of birth.

Results Of 2453 adults studied, 402 (16%) died over a maximum follow‐up period of 19 years. While physical, intellectual and social impairments were all associated with survival individually, physical impairment was the only impairment to significantly predict survival in the multi‐variable analysis. Being non‐mobile was associated with a sevenfold increased risk of death and being partially mobile with a twofold increased risk of death compared with being fully mobile [adjusted hazards ratios (HR) = 7.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.99–10.21 and HR = 2.33; 95% CI 1.84–2.95]. Being male and earlier year of birth were also associated with shorter survival.

Conclusions The implications of these findings are discussed.
Evaluating a Survivors Group Pilot for Women with Significant Intellectual Disabilities who have been Sexually Abused
Authors: Peckham Nicholas Guy , Howlett Susan , Corbett Alan
Published: March 2007

Background  Sexual abuse has been associated with trauma, low self‐esteem, anger, depression and challenging behaviours. This pilot study builds on a small published literature by evaluating a survivors group (SG) for women with an intellectual disability and an educational support group (ESG) for their carers.

Method  The SG was delivered weekly over 5 months for 20 sessions and the ESG ran concurrently for their seven carers in a separate room within the same community‐based building. Participants were helped to build trust and rapport, provided with education about sexual abuse designed for their level of ability, and helped to reprocess the trauma of their sexual abuse.

Results  Both the SG and the ESG were evaluated using a repeated‐measures design (double baseline, mid‐treatment, post‐treatment and follow up), to see whether there was any improvement in relevant clinical dependent variables associated with the consequences of sexual abuse (i.e. trauma, self‐esteem, anger, depression and challenging behaviour). Improvements occurred in sexual knowledge, trauma and depression. Neither self‐esteem nor anger improved for most of the SG and challenging behaviour worsened at first before improving.

Conclusions  The SG seemed to be successful in improving sexual knowledge and in reducing trauma and depression, although challenging behaviours worsened at first before improving. There is a need for more sexual abuse/sexual education groups for men and women with intellectual disabilities.
Apply with Caution: Introducing UK‐Style In‐Work Support in Germany*
Authors: Haan Peter , Myck Michał
Published: March 2007

Estimates of the labour supply effects of recent UK reforms in the area of direct taxes and benefits show that policy can have significant influence on the level of employment. We confirm this in a simulation of an in‐work support system introduced into the German tax and benefit system. Our simulation results suggest that introducing in‐work tax credits in Germany would increase the employment of single individuals by over 105,000 but would result in a reduction of labour supply among individuals living in couples by about 70,000, among both women and men. The result found for men is especially important as it is markedly different from all results for the UK, where the net response among men has always been found to be positive. Our estimation results call for a high degree of caution as far as ‘importing’ UK‐style tax credits to Germany is concerned. In‐work support based on family income would reinforce the existing work disincentives for secondary earners, reducing the employment levels of both men and women living in couples.
Long‐ and Short‐Term Cost Efficiency Frontier Evaluation: Evidence from Spanish Local Governments*
Authors: Giménez Victor M. , Prior Diego
Published: March 2007

This paper analyses the efficiency of Spanish local governments using non‐convex frontier methods. More specifically, it analyses the total cost inefficiency and proposes its decomposition into three additive components: short‐term variable cost inefficiency; capacity utilisation of fixed inputs; and scale inefficiency. The second and third components correspond to the long‐term cost efficiency notion. The proposition is applied to a sample of Spanish municipal councils (municipalities with over 2,000 inhabitants located in Catalonia, the Spanish north‐eastern region). The results confirm the existence of significant cost inefficiency coefficients related to both the long and short term.
Fixed or Variable Needs? Public Support and Welfare State Reform
Authors: Jensen Carsten
Published: March 2007

The study of welfare state reform has in the last decade been strongly influenced by the ‘new politics’ literature. A fundamental assumption of this literature is that the public has fixed attitudes concerning welfare benefits; however, this may be hard to sustain empirically. Instead, this article argues that public support differs depending on whether a welfare programme aims at relieving fixed or variable needs. By analysing reforms of old-age pension schemes and the introduction of workfare strategies in the United States, France and Denmark, the fruitfulness of this approach is indicated.
European Trade Diplomacy and the Politics of Global Development: Reflections on the EU–China ‘Bra Wars’ Dispute
Authors: Heron Tony
Published: March 2007

The article analyses the so-called ‘bra wars’ trade dispute that took place between the EU and China in 2005. This dispute raised a number of important questions linked, not only to the textiles and clothing (T&C) trade regime, but to the broader conduct of the EU in relation to the developing world. Over the years, the EU has attempted to construct a discourse towards developing countries that has sought to articulate a distinctively ‘European’ approach to issues like preferential trade, equitable growth, poverty reduction and so on. This article thus centres on the broader analytical question raised by ‘bra wars’: namely, the mounting incongruity between the theory and practice of the development policies of the EU.
Does Concern‐Driven Risk Management Provide a Viable Alternative to QRA?
Authors: Anthony (Tony) Cox Louis
Published: March 2007

This article discusses a concept of concern‐driven risk management, in which qualitative expert judgments about whether concerns warrant specified risk management interventions are used in preference to quantitative risk assessment (QRA) to guide risk management decisions. Where QRA emphasizes formal quantitative assessment of the probable consequences caused by the recommended actions, and comparison to the probable consequences of alternatives, including the status quo, concern‐driven risk management instead emphasizes perceived urgency or severity of the situation motivating recommended interventions. In many instances, especially those involving applications of the precautionary principle, no formal quantification or comparison of probable consequences for alternative decisions is seen as being necessary (or, perhaps, possible or desirable) prior to implementation of risk management measures. Such concern‐driven risk management has been recommended by critics of QRA in several areas of applied risk management. Based on case studies and psychological literature on the empirical performance of judgment‐based approaches to decision making under risk and uncertainty, we conclude that, although concern‐driven risk management has several important potential political and psychological advantages over QRA, it is not clear that it performs better than (or as well as) QRA in identifying risk management interventions that successfully protect human health or achieve other desired consequences. Therefore, those who advocate replacing QRA with concern‐driven alternatives, such as expert judgment and consensus decision processes, should assess whether their recommended alternatives truly outperform QRA, by the criterion of producing preferred consequences, before rejecting the QRA paradigm for practical applications.
Application of a Regional Hurricane Wind Risk Forecasting Model for Wood‐Frame Houses
Authors: Jain Vineet Kumar , Davidson Rachel Ann
Published: March 2007

Hurricane wind risk in a region changes over time due to changes in the number, type, locations, vulnerability, and value of buildings. A model was developed to quantitatively estimate changes over time in hurricane wind risk to wood‐frame houses (defined in terms of potential for direct economic loss), and to estimate how different factors, such as building code changes and population growth, contribute to that change. The model, which is implemented in a simulation, produces a probability distribution of direct economic losses for each census tract in the study region at each time step in the specified time horizon. By changing parameter values and rerunning the analysis, the effects of different changes in the built environment on the hurricane risk trends can be estimated and the relative effectiveness of hypothetical mitigation strategies can be evaluated. Using a case study application for wood‐frame houses in selected counties in North Carolina from 2000 to 2020, this article demonstrates how the hurricane wind risk forecasting model can be used: (1) to provide insight into the dynamics of regional hurricane wind risk—the total change in risk over time and the relative contribution of different factors to that change, and (2) to support mitigation planning. Insights from the case study include, for example, that the many factors contributing to hurricane wind risk for wood‐frame houses interact in a way that is difficult to predict a priori, and that in the case study, the reduction in hurricane losses due to vulnerability changes (e.g., building code changes) is approximately equal to the increase in losses due to building inventory growth. The potential for the model to support risk communication is also discussed.
Model Averaging Using Fractional Polynomials to Estimate a Safe Level of Exposure
Authors: Faes Christel , Aerts Marc , Geys Helena , Molenberghs Geert
Published: March 2007

Quantitative risk assessment involves the determination of a safe level of exposure. Recent techniques use the estimated dose‐response curve to estimate such a safe dose level. Although such methods have attractive features, a low‐dose extrapolation is highly dependent on the model choice. Fractional polynomials,(1) basically being a set of (generalized) linear models, are a nice extension of classical polynomials, providing the necessary flexibility to estimate the dose‐response curve. Typically, one selects the best‐fitting model in this set of polynomials and proceeds as if no model selection were carried out. We show that model averaging using a set of fractional polynomials reduces bias and has better precision in estimating a safe level of exposure (say, the benchmark dose), as compared to an estimator from the selected best model. To estimate a lower limit of this benchmark dose, an approximation of the variance of the model‐averaged estimator, as proposed by Burnham and Anderson,(2) can be used. However, this is a conservative method, often resulting in unrealistically low safe doses. Therefore, a bootstrap‐based method to more accurately estimate the variance of the model averaged parameter is proposed.
Human Reliability Analysis by Fuzzy “CREAM”
Authors: Marseguerra Marzio , Zio Enrico , Librizzi Massimo
Published: March 2007

This article proposes a systematic procedure for computing probabilities of operator action failure in the cognitive reliability and error analysis method (CREAM). The starting point for the quantification is a previously introduced fuzzy version of the CREAM paradigm that is here further extended to account for: (1) the ambiguity in the qualification of the conditions under which the action is performed (common performance conditions, CPCs) and (2) the fact that the effects of such conditions on human performance reliability may not all be equal.
Flash Flood Awareness in Southwest Virginia
Authors: Knocke Ethan T. , Kolivras Korine N.
Published: March 2007

Flash floods are one of the most dangerous weather‐related natural disasters in the world. These events develop less than six hours after a rainfall event and create hazardous situations for people and extensive damage to property. It is critical for flash flood conditions to be warned of in a timely manner to minimize impacts. There is currently a knowledge gap between flood experts and the general public about the level of perceived risk that the latter has toward the powerful flood waters and how events should be warned of, which affects the communication capabilities and efficiency of the warning process. Prior research has addressed risk perception of natural disasters, but there is little emphasis on flash floods within flood‐prone regions of the United States. This research utilizes an online survey of 300 respondents to determine the current state of flash flood awareness and preparation in southwest Virginia. Analysis of trends involved the use of chi‐squared tests (χ2) and simple frequency and percentage calculations. Results reveal that a knowledge base of flash floods does exist, but is not advanced enough for proper awareness. Young adults have a lower understanding and are not as concerned about flood impacts. Increased exposure and perceived risk play a key role in shaping the way a person approaches flash floods. People do monitor flood events, but they are unaware of essential guidance and communication mechanisms. Finally, results suggest that the current method of warning about flash floods is not provided at an appropriate level of detail for effective communication.
What Do We Learn from Emissions Reporting? Analytical Considerations and Comparison of Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers in the United States, Canada, England, and Australia
Authors: Kerret Dorit , Gray George M.
Published: March 2007

Pollutant release and transfer registers (PRTRs) are becoming a popular measure for addressing industrial pollution in many countries. PRTRs require reporting of emissions from specific industrial sectors and making the information publicly available. This article suggests a framework for comparing PRTRs in order to determine whether they attain their declared goals and which factors, if any, influence their effectiveness. The challenges to such a comparison can be divided into three groups. The first refers to changes that are directly linked to the characteristics of PRTRs: both the changes within a specific system over time and variations among different systems. The second refers to parameters that affect the outcomes of the systems without being directly a part of them. The third involves the relations between the emissions reported to the PRTRs and the associated environmental risk. We suggest an approach that relies onrelative comparison,commensurate with the unique characteristics of each PRTR, that compares their actual outcomes. Such an approach is necessary both due to significant variations among current PRTRs as well as for following the unique policy objectives that are manifested in different PRTRs. Application of thiscomparative approachin the United States, England, Canada, and Australia demonstrates significant differences in PRTR systems across countries and suggests that the mere presence of a PRTR may not lead to reduced industrial emissions. The analysis also demonstrates that emission reductions do not correlate with reductions in risk‐related measures. The article proposes several simple modifications to the composition of current PRTR databases that may facilitate more accurate analysis of results and effective oversight of implementation.
Categorizing Mistaken False Positives in Regulation of Human and Environmental Health
Authors: Hansen Steffen Foss , Krayer von Krauss Martin P. , Tickner Joel A.
Published: March 2007

One of the concerns often voiced by critics of the precautionary principle is that a widespread regulatory application of the principle will lead to a large number of false positives (i.e., over‐regulation of minor risks and regulation of nonexisting risks). The present article proposes a general definition of a regulatory false positive, and seeks to identify case studies that can be considered authentic regulatory false positives. Through a comprehensive review of the science policy literature for proclaimed false positives and interviews with authorities on regulation and the precautionary principle we identified 88 cases. Following a detailed analysis of these cases, we found that few of the cases mentioned in the literature can be considered to be authentic false positives. As a result, we have developed a number of different categories for these cases of “mistaken false positives,” including: real risks, “The jury is still out,” nonregulated proclaimed risks, “Too narrow a definition of risk,” and risk‐risk tradeoffs. These categories are defined and examples are presented in order to illustrate their key characteristics. On the basis of our analysis, we were able to identify only four cases that could be defined as regulatory false positives in the light of today's knowledge and recognized uncertainty: the Southern Corn Leaf Blight, the Swine Flu, Saccharin, and Food Irradiation in relation to consumer health. We conclude that concerns about false positives do not represent a reasonable argument against future application of the precautionary principle.
Risk‐Based Approaches to Deal with Uncertainty in a Data‐Poor System: Stakeholder Involvement in Hazard Identification for Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Carey Janet M. , Beilin Ruth , Boxshall Anthony , Burgman Mark A. , Flander Louisa
Published: March 2007

Management responsibilities for the system of marine national parks and sanctuaries declared in Victoria, Australia in 2002 have created imperatives for robust, scientifically defendable approaches to identifying threats to valued ecological attributes of the parks, setting management priorities, and developing monitoring systems. We are developing a protocol for ecological risk assessment in the parks that has due regard for the perception of risks by individuals, and ensures that stakeholder values are an intrinsic part of decision making. The inclusive and transparent protocol provides an opportunity for stakeholder involvement in the identification of valued attributes, as well as in the assessment of associated risks. Our approach brings together ideas about how science enters the community engagement domain in ways that promote collaboration and transparency in decision making. A series of stakeholder workshops across the state drew on the expertise of agency staff, community groups, fishers, industry representatives, academics, and knowledgeable park neighbors to identify hazards of major concern in the parks. Many hazards involved predictable, tangible threats like pollution and exotic species, but the approach also identified a number of less obvious threats related to governance issues and the knowledge‐base for the parks. Importantly, the workshops with their broad range of stakeholders identified threats not previously considered by the management agency in its internal assessments, and several of these “new” threats are already the subject of action by the agency. The deliberate incorporation of local knowledge and local networks in the risk assessment process also provided opportunities for greater engagement of stakeholders with the management agency.
Tramadol HCL has Promise in On-Demand Use to Treat Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Salem Emad A. , Wilson Steven K. , Bissada Nabil K. , Delk John R. , Hellstrom Wayne J. , Cleves Mario A.
Published: March 2007

Introduction

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a worldwide problem without an approved treatment. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used “off label” as pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of PE.

Aim

This study investigates Tramadol efficacy for on-demand treatment of PE.

Main Outcomes Measures

Intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) was used as an objective tool to assess the efficacy of the investigated treatments.

Materials and Methods

Single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, stopwatch monitored two-period study was conducted, on 60 patients with lifelong PE. PE was defined as IELT of <2 minutes in 80% of intercourse episodes. A total of 25 mg of Tramadol hydrochloride was given to one group (30) prior to intercourse and placebo was supplied for the other group (30) for 8 weeks. Drugs were taken 1–2 hours before sexual activity and sexual intercourse was required at least once per week. After the initial treatment period, the two groups took the alternate medication for another 2 months. The two 8-week treatment periods were separated by 1 week washout period. IELT was timed by a stopwatch at each intercourse and was reported by patients or partners.

Results

The baseline (mean ± SD) IELT for patients before treatment was 1.17 ± 0.39 minutes. At the end of the treatment period utilizing the active drug, the mean IELT was increased significantly in patients on Tramadol treatment to 7.37 ± 2.53 minutes. The same patients on placebo medication had mean IELT of only 2.01 ± 0.71 minutes. Patients uniformly reported satisfaction with their resulting control over ejaculation.

Conclusions

Tramadol, a drug with a proven safety record as an anti-inflammatory agent, shows promise as a drug for treating rapid ejaculation.
Leakage evaluation of three different root canal obturation techniques using electrochemical evaluation and dye penetration evaluation methods
Authors: İnan Ugur , Aydemir Hikmet , Taşdemir Tamer
Published: March 2007

The aim of this study was to compare the apical sealing ability of three different obturation techniques using an electrochemical evaluation and evaluating dye penetration. One hundred and thirty‐two maxillary anterior teeth were randomly divided into six groups. There were 20 teeth in each group. The teeth were obturated as follows: Groups 1 and 4 with Thermafil, Groups 2 and 5 with System B, and Groups 3 and 6 with cold lateral condensation (CLC). The apical leakage in these groups was evaluated using an electrochemical method for Groups 1, 2, 3 and a dye penetration method for Groups 4, 5 and 6. In both methods, the lowest mean leakage values were observed for Thermafil and the highest were observed for the CLC groups. The difference between Thermafil and CLC was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In both groups, System B fillings showed moderate leakage and the difference was not significant with Thermafil and CLC groups.
Spreading of root canal irrigants on root dentine
Authors: Iwanami Makiko , Yoshioka Takatomo , Sunakawa Mitsuhiro , Kobayashi Chihiro , Suda Hideaki
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the spreading of root canal irrigants on human root dentine. The spreading of various solutions on dentine surfaces was measured after pre‐treatment with various conditional solutions. Seven experimental groups were set based on the combination of conditioning solution‐test solution: none‐distilled water; none‐6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); none‐14.3% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid containing surfactant 0.084% cetrimide (Morhonine®); NaOCl‐NaOCl; NaOCl‐Morhonine®; Morhonine®‐Morhonine® and Morhonine®‐NaOCl. After application of 0.1 mL of conditioning solution for 60 s, 0.5 µL of test solution was placed on dentine surfaces. Spreading of test solution was measured for 480 s to examine the size of the contact area ratio. Those at 300 s were compared among groups using Fisher’s Protected Least Significant Difference (P < 0.05). It was concluded that the contact area ratio of Morhonine®‐NaOCl increased the most significantly among all the experimental groups.
Regression of a lesion resembling pyogenic granuloma after endodontic treatment
Authors: Jafarzadeh Hamid , Sanatkhani Majid
Published: March 2007

A rare case of regression of a lesion resembling pyogenic granuloma after endodontic treatment of a maxillary lateral incisor in a 16‐year‐old female patient is reported. After clinical and radiographic examination, the maxillary right lateral incisor was endodontically treated in two visits. At the second visit, clinical regression of the exophytic lesion was evident and the size of this lesion had been greatly decreased, so was not biopsied. After 3 weeks, the exophytic lesion had totally disappeared. This case report indicates that surgical excision of exophytic lesions resembling pyogenic granuloma is not necessary in all situations.
Canal configuration in the mesio‐buccal root of maxillary first molar teeth of a Jordanian population
Authors: Khraisat Ameen , Smadi Leena
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the canal configuration in the mesio‐buccal root of maxillary first molar teeth of a Jordanian population using a clearing technique. One hundred extracted maxillary first molars were collected from Jordanian patients. After a standard access preparation, canals were stained, decalcified, dehydrated, and then rendered clear. The prevalence of a second canal in the mesio‐buccal root was 77.32%. Types IV and II canal systems were the most common types with prevalence of 35.05% and 27.83%, respectively. Additionally, 28.86% showed lateral canals mostly located in the apical third and 37.11% had intercanal communications, mainly in the middle third of the root. It was concluded that the prevalence of mesio‐palatal canals was high and Types IV and II canal systems were the most prevalent.
Treatment of a second maxillary molar with six canals
Authors: Júnior Braulio Pasternak , Teixeira Cleonice da Silveira , Silva Ricardo Gariba , Vansan Luíz Pascoal , Neto Manoel D. Sousa
Published: March 2007

Variations in the dental anatomy are found in all teeth. Knowledge of these variations, particularly concerning the location and treatment of all canals, is very important for the success of the endodontic therapy. The purpose of this study is to present a clinical case of a maxillary second molar with three palatal canals, two mesio‐buccal and one disto‐buccal canal. This report serves to remind clinicians that such anatomical variations should be taken into account during endodontic treatment of the maxillary molars.
Evaluation of the thermoplasticity of different gutta‐percha cones and Resilon®
Authors: Tanomaru‐Filho Mário , Silveira Geraldine Faccio , Tanomaru Juliane Maria Guerreiro , Bier Carlos Alexandre Souza
Published: March 2007

The goal of this study was to evaluate the thermoplasticity of conventional and thermoplastic gutta‐percha and Resilon®, a polyester polymer‐based material. Specimens with standardised dimensions were made from the following materials: conventional and thermoplastic gutta‐percha (Dentsply), conventional and thermoplastic gutta‐percha (Endopoints) and Resilon®. After 24 h, the specimens were placed in water at 70°C for 60 s, and thereafter positioned between two glass slabs. Each set was compressed by a 5‐kg weight. Digital images of the specimens before and after compression were obtained and analysed. The thermoplasticity of each material was confirmed by the difference between final and initial areas of each sample. The data were analysed statistically by anova and Tukey’s test at a 5% significance level. Resilon® had the highest thermoplasticity means (P < 0.05). Among the gutta‐percha cones, Endopoints TP (thermoplastic) presented the highest thermoplasticity means and differed significantly from the other commercial brands (P < 0.05). Resilon® had good thermoplasticity, endorsing its use as a thermoplastic root canal filling material.
Cortical and spinal adaptations induced by balance training: correlation between stance stability and corticospinal activation
Authors: Taube W. , Gruber M. , Beck S. , Faist M. , Gollhofer A. , Schubert M.
Published: March 2007

Aim:  To determine the sites of adaptation responsible for improved stance stability after balance (=sensorimotor) training, changes in corticospinal and spinal excitability were investigated in 23 healthy subjects.

Methods:  Neural adaptations were assessed by means of H‐reflex stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and conditioning of the H‐reflex by TMS (Hcond) before and after 4 weeks of balance training. All measurements were performed during stance perturbation on a treadmill. Fast posterior translations induced short‐ (SLR), medium‐ and long‐latency responses (LLR) in the soleus muscle. Motor‐evoked potential‐ (MEP) and Hcond‐amplitudes as well as Hmax/Mmax ratios were determined at SLR and LLR. Postural stability was measured during perturbation on the treadmill.

Results:  Balance training improved postural stability. Hmax/Mmax ratios were significantly decreased at LLR. MEPs and Hcond revealed significantly reduced facilitation at LLR following training. A negative correlation between adaptations of Hcond and changes in stance stability was observed (r = −0.87; P < 0.01) while no correlation was found between stance stability and changes in Hmax/Mmax ratio. No changes in any parameter occurred at the spinally organized SLR and in the control group.

Conclusion:  The decrease in MEP‐ and Hcond‐facilitation implies reduced corticospinal and cortical excitability at the transcortically mediated LLR. Changes in cortical excitability were directly related to improvements in stance stability as shown by correlation of these parameters. The absence of such a correlation between Hmax/Mmax ratios and stance stability suggests that mainly supraspinal adaptations contributed to improved balance performance following training.
Regulatory regimes and accountability
Authors: May Peter J.
Published: March 2007

This research considers accountability issues for new forms of regulation that shift the emphasis from prescribing actions to regulating systems or regulating for results. Shortfalls at various levels of accountability are identified from experiences with these regimes in the regulation of building and fire safety, food safety and nuclear power plant safety. These experiences illustrate how accountability shortfalls can undermine regulatory performance and introduce a potential for subtle forms of regulatory capture. These concerns underscore the importance of finding the right fit between regulatory circumstances and the design of regulatory regimes.
Nonisomorphic Solutions of pseudo‐(3.5,2) and pseudo‐(3,6,3) graphs
Authors: Shrikhande S.S. , Bhat Vasanti N.
Published: March 2007

In this paper we indicate the existence of 7 mutually nonisomorphic pseudo‐(3,6,3) graphs and that of 9 mutually nonisomorphic pseudo‐(3,5,2) graphs. Further the graphs obtained have been classified according to their mutual relationships.
A NEW FAMILY OF NONLINEAR CODES OBTAINED FROM CONFERENCE MATRICES
Authors: Sloane N.J.A. , Seidel J.J.
Published: March 2007

Conference matrices are used to construct a new infinite family of nonlinear error correcting codes with high minimum distance.
Prevalence of hepatitis E virus among wild boar in the Ehime area of western Japan
Authors: Michitaka Kojiro , Takahashi Kazuaki , Furukawa Shinya , Inoue Gaku , Hiasa Yoichi , Horiike Norio , Onji Morikazu , Abe Natsumi , Mishiro Shunji
Published: March 2007

Aims:  Transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV) from wild boar to humans has been reported, particularly from Japan. We attempted to clarify this issue.

Methods:  We assessed the IgG class antibodies against HEV (anti‐HEV) in serum samples taken from 406 boar living in the Ehime area of western Japan from 2001 to 2004, of which 392 were captured in the wild (wild‐caught boar) and 14 had been kept in a breeding farm (bred boar).

Results:  Anti‐HEV positive rate in the bred boar (10/14, 71.4%) was significantly higher than in the wild‐caught boar (100/392, 25.5%) (P < 0.001). Of the 392 wild‐caught boar, 12 (3.1%) were positive for HEV‐RNA, 10 of which were then subjected to phylogenetic analyses by sequencing an 821‐nt fragment within ORF1. All the 10 isolates segregated to genotype 3, and eight of them were mutually related to form a cluster. All the eight HEV isolates in this cluster were from the wild‐caught boar living in one and the same habitat within the studied area, while the other two independent isolates were from different regions.

Conclusion:  HEV infection is endemic in wild boar in the Ehime area, and we should regard the wild boar as an important reservoir of HEV.
Accidental exposure to HCV antibody‐positive blood in hospital and pre‐emptive one‐shot interferon alpha‐2b treatment
Authors: Nukaya Haruhiko , Ohno Tomoyoshi , Sakakibara Kenji , Kato Atunaga , Hasegawa Izumi , Matunaga Seijiro , Endo Masayuki , Tanaka Yoshito , Hirashima Noboru , Tanaka Yasuhito , Orito Etsuro , Joh Takashi , Mizokami Masashi
Published: March 2007

Aims:  Infection with hepatitis viruses following blood exposure accidents, such as needle stick injuries, is a serious issue for medical staff. In particular, although accidental exposure to hepatitis C virus (HCV) occurs frequently, postexposure prophylactic measures have not been established yet. In this study we investigate the efficacy of recombinant α‐2b interferon (IFN) as a single, 10 MU intramuscular injection for preventing transmission.

Methods:  264 incidents of accidental blood to HCV antibody‐positive blood, occurring between 1993 and 2003 in the Social Insurance Chukyo Hospital, were surveyed. Accident reports, which described in detail the circumstances and the presence or absence of infectious disease in the blood, and accidental exposure to HCV antibody‐positive blood was investigated.

Results:  Pre‐emptive IFN treatment was given in 115 out of 157 cases occurring between 1993 and 1998. One case developed acute HCV. Phylogenetic analysis provided evidence that the accident caused the infection and the patient was cured by immediate IFN therapy. Between 1999 and 2003, the exposed were in principle followed‐up without IFN treatment; IFN treatment was only given when requested. As a result, IFN was given in 14 of 107 cases. During this period, no transmission was observed.

Conclusion:  Taken together, the benefits of pre‐emptive IFN treatment were considered unremarkable and a follow‐up without treatment, or immediate IFN therapy after confirmation of the onset, was recommended.
Analysis of a Pressure-Compensated Flow Control Valve
Authors: Wu D. , Burton R. , Schoenau G. , Bitner D.
Published: March 2007

A pressure-compensated valve (PC valve) is a type of flow control device that is a combination of a control orifice and a compensator (often called a hydrostat). The compensator orifice modulates its opening to maintain a constant pressure drop across the control orifice. In other words, the PC valve is so designed that the flow rate through the valve is governed only by the opening of the control orifice and is independent of the total pressure drop across the valve. Because of the high nonlinearities associated with this type of valve, it is impossible, in practice, to design such a valve where the flow rate is completely unaffected by the pressure drop across the valve. In this paper, the effect of the nonlinearities on the performance of the PC valve is investigated. First, a generic nonlinear model of a PC valve is developed. Using this model, all possible operating conditions can be determined. Then a linearized model is developed and used to analyze the dynamic behavior of the PC valve. The model can then be used to evaluate and improve the design and operation of the valve for specific applications.
Design of Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Region Controller Based on Rule Reduction, Robust Control, and Switching Concept
Authors: Sun Chein-Chung , Wu Sheng-Ming , Chung Hung-Yuan , Chang Wen-Jer
Published: March 2007

This paper presents a new structure of Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy controllers, which is called T-S fuzzy region controller or TSFRC for short. The fuzzy region concept is used to partition the plant rules into several fuzzy regions so that only one region is fired at the instant of each input vector being coming. Because each fuzzy region contains several plant rules, the fuzzy region can be regarded as a polytopic uncertain model. Therefore, robust control techniques would be essential for designing the feedback gains of each fuzzy region. To improve the speed of response, the decay rate constraint is imposed when deriving the stability conditions with Lyapunov stability criterion. To design TSFRC with the linear matrix inequality (LMI) solver, all stability conditions are represented in terms of LMIs. Finally, a two-link robot system is used to prove the feasibility and validity of the proposed method.
A Stability Space of a Magnetomechanical Bearing
Authors: Bassani Roberto
Published: March 2007

Permanent magnet pairs have negligible friction; however, the levitating member is unstable. In this paper, it is demonstrated that if the other member vibrates in a suitable way, the levitating one may be stable.
Blind Deconvolution for Two-Thermocouple Sensor Characterization
Authors: Hung Peter C. , Kee Robert J. , Irwin George W. , McLoone Seán F.
Published: March 2007

Thermocouples are one of the most popular devices for temperature measurement due to their robustness, ease of manufacture and installation, and low cost. However, when used in the harsh environment found in combustion systems and automotive engine exhausts, large wire diameters are required and consequently the measurement bandwidth is reduced. This paper describes two new algorithmic compensation techniques based on blind deconvolution to address this loss of high-frequency signal components using the measurements from two thermocouples. In particular, a continuous-time approach is proposed, combined with a cross-relation blind deconvolution for parameter estimation. A feature of this approach is that no a priori assumption is made about the time constant ratio of the two thermocouples. The advantages, including small estimation variance and limitations of the method, are highlighted using results from simulation and test rig studies.
Comparison of EKBF-based and Classical Friction Compensation
Authors: Ramasubramanian Ashok , Ray Laura R.
Published: March 2007

In servo control, traditionally, models that attempt to capture the friction-velocity curve and interactions at contacting surfaces have been used to compensate for friction-introduced tracking errors. Recently, however, extended Kalman-Bucy filter (EKBF)-based approaches that do not use a phenomenological or structured model for friction have been proposed. In addition to being cast as a friction estimator, the EKBF can also be used to provide parameter adaptation for simple friction models. In this paper, a traditional motor-driven inertia experiment is used to demonstrate the usefulness of EKBF in friction compensation. In addition, a numerical simulation is used to test the robustness of the new methods to normal force variations. Using root mean square position tracking error as the performance metric, comparisons to traditional model-based approaches are provided.
Stability of a Time-Delayed System With Parametric Excitation
Authors: Garg Nitin K. , Mann Brian P. , Kim Nam H. , Kurdi Mohammad H.
Published: March 2007

This paper investigates two different temporal finite element techniques, a multiple element (h-version) and single element (p-version) method, to analyze the stability of a system with a time-periodic coefficient and a time delay. The representative problem, known as the delayed damped Mathieu equation, is chosen to illustrate the combined effect of a time delay and parametric excitation on stability. A discrete linear map is obtained by approximating the exact solution with a series expansion of orthogonal polynomials constrained at intermittent nodes. Characteristic multipliers of the map are used to determine the unstable parameter domains. Additionally, the described analysis provides a new approach to extract the Floquet transition matrix of time periodic systems without a delay.