bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity of the AM-PAC “6-Clicks” Inpatient Daily Activity and Basic Mobility Short Forms
Authors: Jette Diane U. , Stilphen Mary , Ranganathan Vinoth K. , Passek Sandra D. , Frost Frederick S. , Jette Alan M.
Published: November 2013

Background

Standardized assessment of patients' activity limitations in acute care settings can provide valuable information. Existing measures have not been widely implemented.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to provide evidence for validity of scores on Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) “6-Clicks” measures of basic mobility and daily activity in acute care.

Design

A retrospective measurement study was conducted.

Methods

The study used a database from one health system containing “6-Clicks” scores from first and last physical therapist and occupational therapist visits for 84,446 patients. Validity was analyzed by examining differences in “6-Clicks” scores across categories of patient characteristics; the ability of “6-Clicks” scores to predict patients' having more than one therapy visit; correlation of “6-Clicks” scores with Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores; and internal responsiveness over the episode of care. Internal consistency reliability also was determined.

Results

The “6-Clicks” scores differed across patients' age, preadmission living situation, and number of therapy visits. The areas under receiver operating characteristic curves derived using “6-Clicks” scores at the first visit to predict patients receiving more than one visit were 0.703 and 0.652 using basic mobility and daily activity scores, respectively. The “6-Clicks” scores at the final visit were correlated with scores on subscales of the FIM completed on admission to inpatient rehabilitation facilities (r=.65 and .69). Standardized response means were 1.06 and 0.95 and minimal detectable changes with 90% confidence level (MDC90) were 4.72 and 5.49 for basic mobility and daily activity scores, respectively. Internal consistency reliability of basic mobility and daily activity scores was .96 and .91, respectively.

Limitations

Using clinical databases for research purposes has limitations, including missing data, misclassifications, and selection bias. Rater reliability is not known.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for the validity of “6-Clicks” scores for assessing patients' activity limitations in acute care settings.
Isolation of NDM-1-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa sequence type ST235 from a stem cell transplant patient in Italy, May 2013
Authors: Carattoli A , Fortini D , Galetti R , Garcia-Fernandez A , Nardi G , Orazi D , Capone A , Majolino I , Proia A , Mariani B , Parisi G , Morrone A , Petrosillo N
Published: November 2013

We describe the first isolation of an NDM-1-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Italy. In May 2013, a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and history of prior hospitalisation in Belgrad, Serbia, underwent stem cell transplantation at a tertiary care hospital in Rome, Italy. After transplantion, sepsis by NDM-1-producing P. aeruginosa occurred, leading to septic shock and fatal outcome.
Molecular genetics of paragangliomas of the skull base and head and neck region: implications for medical and surgical management
Authors: Hussain Ibrahim , Husain Qasim , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson , Jyung Robert W. , Liu James K.
Published: November 2013

Paragangliomas are rare, slow-growing tumors that frequently arise in the head and neck, with the carotid bodies and temporal bone of the skull base being the most common sites. These neoplasms are histologically similar to pheochromocytomas that form in the adrenal medulla and are divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic subtypes based on functionality. Skull base and head and neck region paragangliomas (SHN-PGs) are almost always derived from parasympathetic tissue and rarely secrete catecholamines. However, they can cause significant morbidity by mass effect on various cranial nerves and major blood vessels. While surgery for SHN-PG can be curative, postoperative deficits and recurrences make these lesions challenging to manage. Multiple familial syndromes predisposing individuals to development of paragangliomas have been identified, all involving mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase complex of mitochondria. Mutations in this enzyme lead to a state of “pseudohypoxia” that upregulates various angiogenic, survival, and proliferation factors. Moreover, familial paraganglioma syndromes are among the rare inherited diseases in which genomic imprinting occurs. Recent advances in gene arrays and transcriptome/exome sequencing have identified an alternate mutation in sporadic SHN-PG, which regulates proto-oncogenic pathways independent of pseudohypoxia-induced factors. Collectively these findings demonstrate that paragangliomas of the skull base and head and neck region have a distinct genetic signature from sympathetic-based paragangliomas occurring below the neck, such as pheochromocytomas. Paragangliomas serve as a unique model of primarily surgically treated neoplasms whose future will be altered by the elucidation of their genomic complexities. In this review, the authors present an analysis of the molecular genetics of SHN-PG and provide future directions in patient care and the development of novel therapies.
Surgery for insular low-grade glioma: predictors of postoperative seizure outcome
Authors: Ius Tamara , Pauletto Giada , Isola Miriam , Gregoraci Giorgia , Budai Riccardo , Lettieri Christian , Eleopra Roberto , Fadiga Luciano , Skrap Miran
Published: November 2013

Object

Although a number of recent studies on the surgical treatment of insular low-grade glioma (LGG) have demonstrated that aggressive resection leads to increased overall patient survival and decreased malignant progression, less attention has been given to the results with respect to tumor-related epilepsy. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of volumetric, histological, and intraoperative neurophysiological factors on seizure outcome in patients with insular LGG.

Methods

The authors evaluated predictors of seizure outcome with special emphasis on both the extent of tumor resection (EOR) and the tumor's infiltrative pattern quantified by computing the difference between the preoperative T2- and T1-weighted MR images (ΔVT2T1) in 52 patients with preoperative drug-resistant epilepsy.

Results

The 12-month postoperative seizure outcome (Engel class) was as follows: seizure free (Class I), 67.31%; rare seizures (Class II), 7.69%; meaningful seizure improvement (Class III), 15.38%; and no improvement or worsening (Class IV), 9.62%. Poor seizure control was more common in patients with a longer preoperative seizure history (p < 0.002) and higher frequency of seizures (p = 0.008). Better seizure control was achieved in cases with EOR ≥ 90% (p < 0.001) and ΔVT2T1 < 30 cm3 (p < 0.001). In the final model, ΔVT2T1 proved to be the strongest independent predictor of seizure outcome in insular LGG patients (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

No or little postoperative seizure improvement occurs mainly in cases with a prevalent infiltrative tumor growth pattern, expressed by high ΔVT2T1 values, which consequently reflects a smaller EOR.
Representations of the ‘State of Popery’ in Scotland in the 1720s and 1730s
Authors: Prunier Clotilde
Published: November 2013

This collection of documents mainly consists of manuscripts held in the National Records of Scotland and the National Library of Scotland. The records all relate to Catholics in Scotland in the 1720s and 1730s and to the state of the Scottish Mission in that period. All but one were penned by Church of Scotland ministers and Royal Bounty catechists. The remaining item is a memorial to Propaganda Fide written by a Scottish Catholic. These riveting accounts shed valuable light on the Scottish Mission and on the contrasting perceptions Protestants and Catholics had of the ‘State of Popery’ in the early eighteenth century.
Neuroprotective Effects of Psychotropic Drugs in Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Lauterbach Edward
Published: November 2013

Psychotropics (antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, anxiolytics, etc.) are commonly prescribed to treat Huntington’s disease (HD). In HD preclinical models, while no psychotropic has convincingly affected huntingtin gene, HD modifying gene, or huntingtin protein expression, psychotropic neuroprotective effects include upregulated huntingtin autophagy (lithium), histone acetylation (lithium, valproate, lamotrigine), miR-222 (lithium-plus-valproate), mitochondrial protection (haloperidol, trifluoperazine, imipramine, desipramine, nortriptyline, maprotiline, trazodone, sertraline, venlafaxine, melatonin), neurogenesis (lithium, valproate, fluoxetine, sertraline), and BDNF (lithium, valproate, sertraline) and downregulated AP-1 DNA binding (lithium), p53 (lithium), huntingtin aggregation (antipsychotics, lithium), and apoptosis (trifluoperazine, loxapine, lithium, desipramine, nortriptyline, maprotiline, cyproheptadine, melatonin). In HD live mouse models, delayed disease onset (nortriptyline, melatonin), striatal preservation (haloperidol, tetrabenazine, lithium, sertraline), memory preservation (imipramine, trazodone, fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine), motor improvement (tetrabenazine, lithium, valproate, imipramine, nortriptyline, trazodone, sertraline, venlafaxine), and extended survival (lithium, valproate, sertraline, melatonin) have been documented. Upregulated CREB binding protein (CBP; valproate, dextromethorphan) and downregulated histone deacetylase (HDAC; valproate) await demonstration in HD models. Most preclinical findings await replication and their limitations are reviewed. The most promising findings involve replicated striatal neuroprotection and phenotypic disease modification in transgenic mice for tetrabenazine and for sertraline. Clinical data consist of an uncontrolled lithium case series (n = 3) suggesting non-progression and a primarily negative double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of lamotrigine.
An Empirical Approach to Correlating Thermo-Mechanical Fatigue Behaviour of a Polycrystalline Ni-Base Superalloy
Authors: Whittaker Mark , Lancaster Robert , Harrison William , Pretty Christopher , Williams Stephen
Published: November 2013

Assessment of thermo-mechanical fatigue behaviour of the polycrystalline nickel alloy RR1000 reveals a significant effect of phase angle on fatigue life. The current paper explores two scenarios: the first where the mechanical strain range is held constant and comparisons of the fatigue life are made for different phase angle tests; and secondly, the difference between the behaviour of In-phase (IP) and −180° Out-Of-Phase (OOP) tests over a variety of applied strain ranges. It is shown that different lifing approaches are currently required for the two scenarios, with a mean stress based approach being more applicable in the first case, whereas a Basquin-type model proves more applicable in the second. However, it is also demonstrated that the crack propagation phase should also be considered in these types of tests for high strain ranges and projects that future modelling approaches should attempt to unify mean stress, stress range and a crack propagation phase.
Topography of Photochemical Initiation in Molecular Materials
Authors: Aluker Edward , Krechetov Alexander , Mitrofanov Anatoly , Zverev Anton , Kuklja Maija
Published: November 2013

We propose a fluctuation model of the photochemical initiation of an explosive chain reaction in energetic materials. In accordance with the developed model, density fluctuations of photo-excited molecules serve as reaction nucleation sites due to the stochastic character of interactions between photons and energetic molecules. A further development of the reaction is determined by a competition of two processes. The first process is growth in size of the isolated reaction cell, leading to a micro-explosion and release of the material from the cell towards the sample surface. The second process is the overlap of reaction cells due to an increase in their size, leading to the formation of a continuous reaction zone and culminating in a macro-explosion, i.e., explosion of the entire area, covering a large part of the volume of the sample. Within the proposed analytical model, we derived expressions of the explosion probability and the duration of the induction period as a function of the initiation energy (exposure). An experimental verification of the model was performed by exploring the initiation of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) with the first harmonic of YAG: Nd laser excitation (1,064 nm, 10 ns), which has confirmed the adequacy of the model. This validation allowed us to make a few quantitative assessments and predictions. For example, there must be a few dozen optically excited molecules produced by the initial fluctuations for the explosive decomposition reaction to occur and the life-time of an isolated cell before the micro-explosion must be of the order of microseconds.
Secondary Metabolites in Durian Seeds: Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins
Authors: Liu Yuancai , Feng Shengbao , Song Lixia , He Guangyuan , Chen Mingjie , Huang Dejian
Published: November 2013

Ethanolic extract of durian seeds was fractionated by reverse phase flash column chromatography and the fractions characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. Among a few unknown compounds collected, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) were found to be one of the main compounds. Based on this result, the OPCs were purified the first time from the durian seeds using standard procedures and gave a yield of 1.8 mg/g dry matter after fractionation by Sephadex LH-20 column. Structural analysis by 13C{1H} NMR and ESI-MS spectra showed the presence of primarily B-type procyanidins with mainly epicatechin as the extension units, which was further verified by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight mass spectra (MALDI-TOF MS), which shows a distribution of dimers to decamers. In addition, hydroxylated peaks with molecular weight 16 units more than the poly-epicatechins represented significant peaks. We suggest this might be due to hydroxylation occurring under the MALDI-TOF MS conditions. Consistently, depolymerization with α-toluenethiol resulted in epicatechin thioether as the major product, but undetectable amount of gallocatechin or its α-toluenethiol derivatives. The oligomershave a mean degree of polymerization of 7.30.
Temperature Measurement in WTE Boilers Using Suction Pyrometers
Authors: Rinaldi Fabio , Najafi Behzad
Published: November 2013

The temperature of the flue-gas in the post combustion zone of a waste to energy (WTE) plant has to be maintained within a fairly narrow range of values, the minimum of which is prescribed by the European Waste Directive 2000/76/CE, whereas the maximum value must be such as to ensure the preservation of the materials and the energy efficiency of the plant. A high degree of accuracy in measuring and controlling the aforementioned temperature is therefore required. In almost the totality of WTE plants this measurement process is carried out by using practical industrial thermometers, such as bare thermocouples and infrared radiation (IR) pyrometers, even if affected by different physical contributions which can make the gas temperature measurements incorrect. The objective of this paper is to analyze errors and uncertainties that can arise when using a bare thermocouple or an IR pyrometer in a WTE plant and to provide a method for the in situ calibration of these industrial sensors through the use of suction pyrometers. The paper describes principle of operation, design, and uncertainty contributions of suction pyrometers, it also provides the best estimation of the flue-gas temperature in the post combustion zone of a WTE plant and the estimation of its expanded uncertainty.
Unscented Particle Filtering for Estimation of Shipboard Deformation Based on Inertial Measurement Units
Authors: Wang Bo , Xiao Xuan , Xia Yuanqing , Fu Mengyin
Published: November 2013

Shipboard is not an absolute rigid body. Many factors could cause deformations which lead to large errors of mounted devices, especially for the navigation systems. Such errors should be estimated and compensated effectively, or they will severely reduce the navigation accuracy of the ship. In order to estimate the deformation, an unscented particle filter method for estimation of shipboard deformation based on an inertial measurement unit is presented. In this method, a nonlinear shipboard deformation model is built. Simulations demonstrated the accuracy reduction due to deformation. Then an attitude plus angular rate match mode is proposed as a frame to estimate the shipboard deformation using inertial measurement units. In this frame, for the nonlinearity of the system model, an unscented particle filter method is proposed to estimate and compensate the deformation angles. Simulations show that the proposed method gives accurate and rapid deformation estimations, which can increase navigation accuracy after compensation of deformation.
La participation des pères aux soins et à l’éducation des enfants [L’influence des rapports sociaux de sexe entre les parents et entre les générations]
Authors: Brugeilles Carole , Sebille Pascal
Published: November 2013

The participation of fathers in caring for and raising children. The influence of the social relations of gender between parents and between generations.

Demographic and legislative developments, along with changes in attitude and behaviour, since the 1970’ s have helped bring about a new image of the father who is more involved in his relation with his children and in assuming parental activities. However, the ideal of an equal division is not substantiated in reality. After highlighting the division of parental tasks in couples, the research attempts to explain paternal under-investment by focusing both on social relations of gender in effect in the parents’ generation and on those defining relations between parent-child generations. The analysis based on the Gender and generation survey (GGS) by the Institut d’études démographiques (INED France) demonstrates the inequality in paternal investment by type of task (dressing, putting to bed, accompanying journeys, leisure and homework) and the underlying factors at stake in social relations of gender.
La réforme du congé parental en Allemagne : vers le modèle nordique ?
Authors: Erler Daniel
Published: November 2013

Depuis des décennies, les politiques familiales allemandes ont été basées sur le modèle de « l’homme gagne-pain » et ont renforcé le rôle des femmes comme mères et gardiennes du foyer. Ainsi, l’introduction récemment d’une nouvelle allocation parentale sous condition de revenus représente un changement fondamental, parce qu’elle a pour objectif de permettre, d’une part, un investissement plus important des pères dans l’éducation des enfants et, d’autre part, la réduction du temps d’éloignement du marché du travail après la naissance. Cet article retrace l’évolution de la législation du congé parental allemand au sein du contexte plus large de la politique familiale, en portant une attention particulière sur le processus politique qui a permis le changement de paradigme de ces dernières années. Il montre dans quelle mesure la réunification de l’Allemagne et l’alternance politique en faveur d’un gouvernement de coalition social-démocrate ont été d’importants catalyseurs pour les réformes actuelles des politiques.
Une offre de service pour la garde des jeunes enfants : attentes et pratiques des parents
Authors: Chauffaut Delphine
Published: November 2013

FRE: Modes d’accueil, Évaluation politiques publiques, Enquête familiale.
Les perceptions de la participation masculine pour les mères lesbiennes lors du passage à la parentalité
Authors: Goldberg Abbie E. , Allen Katherine R.
Published: November 2013

De nombreux ouvrages grand public et spécialisés sont consacrés aux effets de l’absence du père, en particulier dans les ménages constitués de mères lesbiennes. Cependant, peu d’attention est accordée aux préférences des mères lesbiennes et à leurs intentions à propos de la présence masculine. Cette étude qualitative, qui porte sur soixante femmes lesbiennes au moment de leur passage à la parentalité, étudie cette question. La plupart des femmes souhaitaient que les hommes soient présents, à un degré plus ou moins important, même avant la naissance de leur enfant. Loin d’exprimer un désir de « figure paternelle » , elles conceptualisaient néanmoins la place des hommes de manières inédites, diverses, et parfois ambivalentes. Le fait d’attendre un garçon motive certaines femmes à rechercher plus activement des modèles masculins pour leur enfant. Les constats de cette enquête sont abordés sous l’angle de leurs conséquences pour la compréhension de la structure de parenté de la famille lesbienne, et de la famille en général.
L’orientation sexuelle dans le droit sur l’adoption
Authors: Coudoing Nadège
Published: November 2013

Sexual orientation in adoption rights.

Although not dictated by sexual orientation, French statutes do in effect limit adoption access for same sex couples or homosexual individuals. Practical considerations accentuate the phenomenon such as the low number of children available for adoption in France, the reticence in other countries in light of requests from homosexuals, the authorities’ preference for heterosexual applicants. However, positive developments can be considered over the more-or-less long term thanks to the case law influence of the European Court of Human Rights which considers any difference in treatment between homosexuals and heterosexuals in terms of adoption as discriminatory.
Les couples non mariés en 2005 : quelles différences avec les couples mariés ?
Authors: Prioux France
Published: November 2013

FRE: Conjugalité, Cohabitation, Mariage.
Mapping Spatial Tourism and Hospitality Employment Clusters: An Application of Spatial Autocorrelation
Authors: Chhetri A. , Arrowsmith C. , Chhetri P. , Corcoran J.
Published: November 2013

This article analyzes the characteristics and spatial clustering of tourism and hospitality employment clusters in Victoria, Australia. Using cluster theory as the theoretical base, three interrelated research questions are specifically addressed: What industries constitute the tourism
and hospitality sector? What broader “groupings” does the sector exhibit? Are these tourism and hospitality industries clustered around strategic areas of economic and resource advantage? Using the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (at the four-digit
level), industries explicitly related to tourism and hospitality were first identified and total numbers of individuals working within these industries were aggregated at a level of Statistical Local Area (similar to a suburb or a neighborhood). Results show that in 2006 employment in tourism
and hospitality equate to 7.74% of total employment in Australia. “Cafés and restaurants” (22%) is the single largest tourism and hospitality-related employer, followed by “takeaway food services” (20%) and “accommodation” (16%). Using factor analysis,
four broader functions were extracted to characterize the underlying structure and functional interdependency among tourism and hospitality industries. These functions include: tourism operational services, hospitality services, entertainment services, and infrastructure operational facilities
services. Spatial autocorrelation measures have identified five established tourism and hospitality spatial clusters in Victoria, which we argue hold the potential to act as tourism growth foci to create business synergy and generate spill-over effects through regional collaboration, competition,
and sharing of pooled resources between firms.
Political Violence and Volatility in International Tourist Arrivals: The Case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Fernando Sriyantha , Bandara Jayatilleke S. , Liyanaarachch Susantha , Jayathilaka Ruwan , Smith Christine
Published: November 2013

In recent years, a growing body of literature has emerged exploring the link between dramatic fluctuations in tourist arrivals to particular destinations and events such as political violence and financial shocks. Sri Lanka is one such destination that provides a fascinating case study
of this link. That is, international tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka have experienced notable fluctuations during the nearly three decades of civil war, particularly between 1983 and 2009. For the first time, an attempt is made in this study to model the conditional mean and conditional variance
of the logarithm of monthly tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka. The results reveal a significant seasonal effect in tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka. First, the study demonstrates the existence of a large volatility in monthly tourist arrivals into Sri Lanka from 1978, stemming from the negative publicity
in the print and electronic media and the travel warnings issued by Western countries relating to in-country conflict. Furthermore, the results suggest that major war-related incidents are strong enough to reduce the tourist arrival numbers by 5.2% per month compared to a period when peace
is restored in the country.
Do Political Instability, Terrorism, and Corruption Have Deterring Effects on Tourism Development Even in the Presence of Unesco Heritage? A Cross-Country Panel Estimate
Authors: Yap Ghialy , Saha Shrabani
Published: November 2013

This article evaluates the effects of political instability, terrorism, and corruption on tourism development, particularly UNESCO-listed heritage destinations. Using a fixed-effects panel data analysis for 139 countries over the period 1999–2009, the result reveals that a one-unit
increase in political instability decreases tourist arrivals and tourism revenue between 24% and 31% and 30% and 36%, respectively. Furthermore, in the presence of heritage, terrorism has negative effects on tourism demand even though its effect is lower than that of political instability.
However, the study shows that an increase in corruption index would not have an adverse influence on tourist arrival numbers, particularly for those countries that have historical and natural heritage. Perhaps, many experienced travelers have expectations that they would require paying bribes
to corrupt authorities for travel visa or permits to some tourist destinations in order to make things accessible. Moderation effect results indicate that political instability reduces tourism demand even in UNESCO-listed heritage destinations.
Lithium peroxide crystal clusters as a natural growth feature of discharge products in Li–O2 cells
Authors: Zakharchenko Tatiana K , Kozmenkova Anna Ya , Itkis Daniil M , Goodilin Eugene A
Published: November 2013

The often observed and still unexplained phenomenon of the growth of lithium peroxide crystal clusters during the discharge of Li–O2 cells is likely to happen because of self-assembling Li2O2 platelets that nucleate homogeneously right after the intermediate formation of superoxide ions by a single-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This feature limits the rechargeability of Li–O2 cells, but at the same time it can be beneficial for both capacity improvement and gain in recharge rate if a proper liquid phase mediator can be found.
“Dear Sophia, I’m Going to Another World”
Authors: Stribling Stacia M. , DeMulder Elizabeth K.
Published: November 2013

This chapter shares anecdotes from two early childhood classrooms where issues of diversity helped shape and drive literacy instruction. The stories of change and challenge in these two classroom settings highlight the potential for literacy learning when it is grounded in critical, culturally relevant pedagogy, and when it takes seriously the knowledge and experiences students bring to the classroom community. The chapter has four main purposes: (a) to emphasize the need to reframe/redefine what it means to be literate, (b) to explore the ways that innovative critical literacy practices can be used in early childhood settings as effective methods for engaging young children and supporting their literacy development, (c) to share some of the tensions that emerge when incorporating critical literacy practices in diverse early childhood settings, and (d) to propose ways to better prepare and support teachers to do this work.
A Critical Queer Literacy Approach to Teaching Children’s Literature about Same-Sex Parenting
Authors: Threlkeld Aubry
Published: November 2013

Too often, critical literacy and critical pedagogy are complicit in maintaining silence around issues of sexuality. Similarly, queer pedagogues often focus on generalized descriptions of homophobia, heterosexism, or heteronormativity without addressing white, gender, and middle-class normativities. This chapter blends two approaches—critical literacy and queer pedagogy—to focus on what Kevin Kumashiro (2002) refers to as “participation in” normative practices when teaching children’s literature about same-sex parenting. Queer studies terminology like heteronormativity and homonormativity are used to describe children’s literature taught in elementary schools. Particularly children’s literature on same-sex parenting is reviewed from a critical perspective. The cases discussed illustrate how teaching children’s literature about same-sex parents in elementary school classrooms can disrupt heteronormative goals while resisting homonormative ones. In the end, the author issues a call for additional examples of critical queer literacy that can be instantiated in practice and support critical engagement for students, teachers, and communities.
Data Association Based Tracking Traffic Objects
Authors: Gao Tao
Published: November 2013

For the widely demanding of adaptive multiple moving objects tracking in intelligent transportation field, a new type of traffic video based multi-object tracking method is presented. Background is modeled by difference of Gaussians (DOG) probability kernel and background subtraction is used to detect multiple moving objects. After obtaining the foreground, shadow is eliminated by an edge detection method. A type of particle filtering combined with SIFT method is used for motion tracking. A queue chain method is used to record data association among different objects, which could improve the detection accuracy and reduce the complexity. By actual road tests, the system tracks multi-object with a better performance of real time and mutual occlusion robustness, indicating that it is effective for intelligent transportation system.
Sustainability in E-Commerce Adoption in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Mohapatra Sanjay
Published: November 2013

The objective of this study is to identify the factors that will make e-commerce adoption a sustainable one in a developing country like India. Using secondary research, variables that influence decision for e-commerce adoption were determined. Then using primary research, these variables were tested in different small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Odisha, India. Data from 50 organizations were collected using a structured interview process. The results of data analysis using discriminant analysis indicate that organizational readiness, managerial productivity, external pressure, decision aids, compatibility, and perceived usefulness were factors found are important determinants of adoption.
Smartphone Technology, Consumer Attachment and Mass Customisation
Authors: Page Tom
Published: November 2013

This research examines the way in which consumers interact with mobile technologies such as smartphones in order to ascertain the effect of these technologies on product markets and consumer lifestyle. Despite challenges present in the current tablet style of smartphones users felt they were able to overcome this by personalisation of the interface. Research through surveys and interviews concludes that both positive and negative aspects have been shown to exist within a new smartphone culture, these are largely reported as positive due to easier availability of information when a smartphone is accessible.
Improved Methods for Estimating Areas under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves
Authors: Vardhan R. Vishnu , Balaswamy S.
Published: November 2013

ROC Curve is the most widely used statistical technique for classifying an individual into one of the two pre-determined groups basing on test result. Area under the curve (AUC) is a measure of accuracy which exhibits the discriminating power of the test with respect to a threshold or cutoff value. In medical diagnosis, this technique has its relevance to study and compare different diagnostic tests. In this paper, a method is proposed to estimate the AUC of Binormal ROC model by taking into account the confidence interval of mean and corresponding variances.
Design and Simulation of a Polarization-Independent Active Metamaterial Terahertz Modulator
Authors: Feng Li Shuang , Yin Bo Hao , Zhou Zhen , Sui Jia Wei , Li Chen Long
Published: November 2013

The design and simulation of a polarization-independent active metamaterial terahertz modulator is presented in this work. The device incorporates an array of gold triple SRRs on an n-doped gallium arsenide layer to create an active metamaterial terahertz modulator with a high modulation depth, a high modulation speed and an especial polarization-independent performance for use in terahertz communication, imaging and sense.We established the theoretical model and simulatedthe key performances of the device with Ansoft HFSS.The results showed that the device exhibits a polarization-insensitivebehavior with a maximum amplitude modulation depth of 71% and a modulation rate of3.2Mbps at the resonance frequency of0.86 THz.
A New Shear Deformation Theory for Free Vibration of Functionally Graded Beams
Authors: Xiang Song
Published: November 2013

A n-order shear deformation theory is used to study the free vibration of functionally graded beams. Present theory satisfies the zero transverse shear stress boundary conditions on the top and the bottom surface of the beam. The natural frequencies computed by present theory are compared with previous published results which demonstrate the accuracy of present theory.
Finite Element Analysis on Drilling of Unidirectional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP)
Authors: He Yan Li , Zhang Guo Peng , Xue Jun Peng
Published: November 2013

Various kinds of damage may occur during the drilling of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite (CFRP). To review the mechanism of CFRP drilling, a three-dimensional macro-mechanical finite element (FE) model was constructed for CFRP drilling based on FE software tool Abaqus. The workpiece was modeled as equivalent homogenous anisotropic material (EHAM) with elastic-failure behavior. Three-dimensional Hashin criterion was used to predict the material failure. The material was implemented in user subroutine VUMAT. The drilling process was analyzed and the thrust force with respect to cutting conditions was evaluated. The simulation shows that thrust force increase with feed rates while decrease with spindle speed, as agrees with experiment.
Influence of Radionuclides on Farmland Soil and Creek Sediment around a Uranium Mine in the Southwest of China
Authors: Lv Jun Wen , Deng Qin Wen , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2013

The farmland soil and creek sediments in different depth in the mining area were sampled, and their content of 238U,226Ra and 232Th were determined by gamma spectrometric method to assess the impact of the soil environment by single index method. The result shows 232Th was not influenced on soil in survey area. 226Ra influenced more seriously than 238U on farmland soil, meanwhile, the farmland soil at downstream of tailings dam was contaminated seriously by radionuclides than at other places. For creak sediments ,adit water resulted in more serious pollution by 238U than 226Ra, however, tailings erosion resulted in more serious pollution by 226Ra than 238U.
The Non-Probabilistic Reliability Analysis of Stayed-Cable Based on the Interval Algorithm
Authors: Cao Shan Shan , Lei Jun Qing , Zhang Kun
Published: November 2013

Based on the existing cable failure problems, two features of cable failure problems areput forward. The cablescannot be measured precisely and their characteristics cannot be predicted certainly. In order toanalyze the reliability of cables more reasonably, non-probabilistic reliability theory and its development status are introducedin this article. And the theory of modified one dimensional optimization algorithm is appliedto thereliability analysis of stayed-cable. Its results are comparedwith the results of the probabilistic reliability analysis of stayed-cable. Then the parameters analyses of cableare taken, as a result, the main factors that haveobviouslyinfluence on the reliability of the cable are presented in the article.
In Modulating Ferroelectric Uncooled Infrared Focal Plane Detector
Authors: Deng Fang Yi , Wu Xin She , Li Yuan Fang
Published: November 2013

Aiming at detecting rate and frame rate problems restricting the development of ferroelectric detector technology, puts forward a new design method of ferroelectric ferroelectric detectors -- detector modulation. Improvement principle and structure of the original ferroelectric detectors, and summarizes the technical features of this device.
An Improved Production Scheduling Algorithm Based on Resource Constraints
Authors: Gao Yan , Zhang Xin , Xu Jian Zhong
Published: November 2013

For resource-constrained project scheduling problems, with aircraft assembly as its background, we established its mathematics model as constraint satisfaction problem. An improved critical path scheduling algorithm is proposed, considering the constraints of precedence relations, resource constraints and space constraints, through the two stages of planning, reaching for aircraft assembly task scheduling optimization objectives. Through the given numerical example results show that, when the objective consists in minimizing the project duration, the algorithm has better performance.
Congestion Control in Data Center Networks: A Survey and New Perspectives
Authors: Wu Hang Xing , Yang Xiao Long , Zhang Min
Published: November 2013

Nowadays data centers have been becoming increasingly important for various web applications, huge amount of cost is invested to maintain good performance of data center. Whereas some studies indicated that TCP Incast phenomenon was widely observed in most of data centers, which results in congestion in data centers and damages the performance of data center greatly. Thus some congestion control mechanisms for data center have been proposed to solve the problems. These mechanisms are categorized and described in this paper, and the advantages and disadvantages of these mechanisms are analyzed. Subsequently, some new interesting topics which may be worthy of further study in congestion control mechanism on data center are presented.
Optimal Dispatching Methods for Unit Commitment Based on Hybrid Genetic-Simulated Annealing Algorithm
Authors: Zheng Xiao Jing
Published: November 2013

Genetic algorithms often cause premature convergence and can not give out global optimality in solving UC problems,while the simulated annealing algorithm shows better performance in accepting new solutions.By introducing annealing algorithm to the evaluation functions and the selection manipulation,the selection manipulation and the global convergency can be improved.Using decimal coding with no decoding,both the calculation error and time for calculation can be reduced.The example shows that this hybrid algorithm can improve the economic performance of UC scheme while various restrictions for security and reliability are still satisfied.
An Improved Artificial Fish-School Algorithm Based on Group Behaviors and Self-Adaptive Mutation
Authors: Tao Yang , Han Wei
Published: November 2013

According to the shortages of the standard Artificial Fish-school Algorithm (AFSA), this paper improves the behaviors of the fish-school by considering the group behaviors of neighborhood sensing effects, leader mode and Glowworm Swarm Optimization Algorithm (GSOA). Combining the self-adaptive step and vision, Gaussian mutation, Genetic Algorithm (GA), a new AFSA based on self-adaptive mutation operation is raised. By using the validation functions to test, the results show that the rate of convergence, optimization precision and the ability to avoid precocious phenomenon of the new algorithm are much better than the standard one.
The Algorithm of Quadratic Junction Neural Network
Authors: Gu Ming
Published: November 2013

Neural network with quadratic junction was described. Structure, properties and unsupervised learning rules of the neural network were discussed. An ART-based hierarchical clustering algorithm using this kind of neural networks was suggested. The algorithm can determine the number of clusters and clustering data. A 2-D artificial data set is used to illustrate and compare the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and K-means algorithm.
Development of a Temperature Control System Based on DSP for a Real-Time PCR Instrument
Authors: He Hao , Feng Ji Hong , Li Kai Xiang
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we develop a temperature control system based on DSP chip TMS320F28335 for a small real-time PCR instrument. In the system, PWM waves generated by the DSP passes through power amplifier circuit to drive the peltier, and a pt100 is used as a temperature sensor to build a Wheatstone bridge sensing circuit. The temperature signal from the pt100 is converted into voltage signal. Then the voltage signal goes through the A/D converted module and the Position PID algorithm to adjust the duty cycle of the PWM waves. Experimental results show that the system's rising and cooling rate can reach 4°C/s with an accuracy of 0.2°C.
A DDS-Based Interoperation Framework of Large-Scale Simulation System
Authors: An Ru Kui , Xing Chang Feng , Wu Ling , Gong Li
Published: November 2013

To integrating of combat simulation system in existence, the barrier of differences of runtime framework, connection protocols and integration framework among the simulation systems must be solved. HLA bridge is necessary when the different RTI implements, which decline the system performance. The Data Distribution Service (DDS), which is implemented with P/S mode, with the advantage of low coupled, strong scalability real-time and huge amount, seems an ideal solution to the problem. An integration framework based on DDS is approached, which inherits the real-time communication ability of DDS and the time-management and federation management ability of HLA, the prototype system proved the ability of the framework, and the semantics communication module of the system would be the next research topic.
Research on the Choice of Quality Signal of B2C Enterprise under Asymmetric Information
Authors: Xie Shu Xia , Wang Qing Guo , Huang Fa Xing
Published: November 2013

Firstly, this paper analyzed the characteristics of the quality signal of the products in B2C e-commerce enterprise based on a large number of documents. And then, according to the game theory, it proposed a risky avoidance model of the quality signal selection of the products of e-commerce enterprises under asymmetry information. Lastly, it summarized several strategies about the quality of the products of signal selection in B2C e-commerce enterprises based on this model.
Effect of Annealing Heat Treatment on the Microstructural Refinement of Pure Copper by Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Mostafapour Amir , Rezazadeh Vahid , Salahi Salar
Published: November 2013

Recently, friction stir processing (FSP) was developed as an effective method to modify microstructural and mechanical properties of materials. During process, a rotating tool is inserted in a plate, providing frictional heating and mechanical mixing. In this investigation, the effect of annealing heat treatment on the microstructure characteristics of the nugget zone was investigated during friction stirs processing (FSP) of the pure copper. Plate with 4 mm thickness was friction stir processed at constant traverse speed of 45 mm/min and tool rotation speed of 700 rpm. Samples were processed in various annealing conditions. Results showed that by increasing the annealing duration from 45 to 180 minutes at annealing temperatures of 600°C and 800°C, the grain size and the hardness value of samples significantly decreased. At annealing temperature of 1000°C samples were exposed to extra heat, grains started to coarsen and hardness decreased. Ultrafine-grained microstructure in FSP samples was achieved using annealing heat treatment at annealing temperature of 600°C.
Modeling of Nanostructured Palladium Anode in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Bozorgmehri Shahriar , Hamedi Mohsen , Babaei Alireza
Published: November 2013

In this paper, a mode of nanostructured Pd anode of SOFCs is presented to calculate the effects of nanoparticles on the SOFCs' electrodes performance. Nanostructured electrodes of the SOFCs prepared by wet impregnation have attracted increasing attention as the most effective way to make highly active and advanced structures in the electrodes. The effects of infiltrated Pd-nanoparticles on the performance of Nickel/ Gadolinium doped Ceria (Ni/GDC) anode of SOFC are investigated. It is observed that a small amount of Pd catalyst has a significant decreasing effect on overpotential of anodes. One-dimensional analysis is carried out using a simplified geometry to calculate the effective polarization resistance by assuming the ionic conductor phase (GDC) as columns and the Pd phase mounted on these columns. The results of modeling are presented and compared with the experimental data as a function of temperature.
Metal Organic Framework [Zn2(1,4-bdc)2(dabco)]n as Drug Delivery System
Authors: Motakef-Kazemi Negar , Shojaosadati Seyed Abbas , Morsali Ali
Published: November 2013

Porous metal organic framework (MOF) {Zn2(1,4-bdc)2(dabco)}n synthesized under solvothermal conditions. The MOF was used as the carrier matrices for drug delivery system. The ibuprofen as analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug with 0.6 nm molecule size as a model was entrapped into this new carrier with pores distribution of 1.85 nm. The ibuprofen loading efficiency was obtained by thermogravimetric analysis. The ibuprofen loading efficiency of 22% (w/w) was obtained for this MOF. The entrapped ibuprofen was released over several days by soaking the sample in the simulated body fluid (pH 7.4) at 37 °C. The ibuprofen concentrations were analyzed using UV-vis Spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 260 nm. The result of release reveals that this {Zn2(1,4-bdc)2(dabco)}n is suitable as drug delivery system.
Preparation of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Insulin Drug Delivery
Authors: Siavashani Abdollah Zakeri , Nazarpak Masoume Haghbin , Bakhsh Fateme Fayyaz , Toliyat Tayebeh , Solati-Hashjin Mehran
Published: November 2013

This study has focused on mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a drug delivery system of insulin, which was synthesized via a hydrothermal process. The morphology and composition of the silica nanoparticles were characterized by different analytical techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and BrunauerEmmettTeller (BET). The percentage of drug loading and the in vitro drug release properties of the mesoporous silica nanoparticles in gastrointestinal tract were investigated in simulated gastrointestinal conditions by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The results showed the amorphous structure of SBA-15 in mesoporous silica particles has a narrow pore size distribution. Also, particles shape was nearly wheat-like with almost homogeneous size distribution. Furthermore, it was revealed that the mesoporous silica nanoparticles have a high insulin loading and release capacity. These prominent behaviors make mesoporous silica nanoparticles promising material as a drug carrier for insulin delivery.