bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alliance treaty obligations and war intervention
Authors: Johnson Jesse C.
Published: May 2015

Theories of alliance formation and war suggest that alliances influence the probability that a potential challenger will initiate a militarized interstate dispute. This is because alliances are expected to influence their members’ likelihood of intervening in a potential war. More specifically, defense pacts are expected to increase the likelihood of members joining the target of a war and offense pacts are expected to increase the likelihood of members joining the initiator of a war. However, there is no empirical evidence that demonstrates that these different alliance treaty obligations have these effects on states’ war intervention decisions. Therefore, in an analysis of all states’ war intervention behavior in 95 wars, I provide the first estimates of these different effects of alliance agreements. After controlling for a number of measured and unmeasured factors, I find that alliances have the hypothesized effects on states’ war intervention decisions. These findings provide a more comprehensive account of the effects of alliances on war intervention and offer additional support for arguments linking alliances to the onset of militarized interstate disputes.
Ultrasonography for Screening and Follow-Up of Diaphragmatic Dysfunction in the ICU
Authors: Mariani Lucie Fenet , Bedel Jêrome , Gros Antoine , Lerolle Nicolas , Milojevic Kolia , Laurent Virgine , Hilly Julia , Troché Gilles , Bedos Jean Pierre , Planquette Benjamin
Published: May 2015

Purpose:

Reversibility and impact of diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD) are unknown. The principal aim was to describe diaphragmatic function as assessed by ultrasonography during weaning trials.

Materials and Methods:

The present study is a 6-month single-center prospective study. All patients under mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days and eligible for a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) were enrolled prospectively.

Intervention:

Two blinded ultrasonographers evaluated each hemidiaphragm during SBT. Prevalence of DD among weaning failure and death and interobserver reproducibility have been evaluated.

Results:

The 34 included patients had a mean Simplified Acute Physiology Score version II of 55.7 ± 14 and a median intensive care unit (ICU) stay length of 17 days (13-30). Diaphragmatic dysfunction was found in 13 (38%) patients, on both sides in 8. Bilateral DD resolved before ICU discharge in 5 of the 7 reevaluated patients. No weaning failures were recorded. The ICU mortality was higher in patients with DD (37% vs 5%, P = .048). Mean interobserver agreement rate was 91%. Reproducibility was better with M-mode.

Conclusion:

The ICU-acquired DD usually improves before ICU discharge but might constitute a marker for greater disease severity. The present preliminary results require confirmation in a larger prospective multicenter study.
Women’s Perceptions and Experiences of Domestic Violence
Authors: Madhani Farhana I. , Karmaliani Rozina , Patel Cyra , Bann Carla M. , McClure Elizabeth M. , Pasha Omrana , Goldenberg Robert L.
Published: May 2015

This community-based observational study of 1,325 women seen for antenatal care examined how women in Pakistan define violence against women (VAW), with an emphasis on domestic violence, what an acceptable response to violence is, reasons for remaining silent, and whether participants are willing to disclose incidents of domestic violence to others. Nearly half of the study participants believed that physical violence was VAW. Verbal abuse, controlling behavior by the husband, conflict with in-laws, overburdening domestic work, and threatening to leave or remarry were also considered VAW. However, only five respondents (0.4%) considered sexual abuse to be VAW. Most women who screened positive for domestic violence responded by remaining silent or verbal fighting back. None sought professional help. Women who decided to remain silent feared that the abuse would escalate or that responding would not help them. Women cited social stigma and concerns about the impact of the violence on children as reasons for not disclosing violent incidents to others or seeking professional help. Women’s lack of autonomy further reduced their ability to take steps against violence. Although societal norms, particularly patriarchal beliefs and women’s subordination to men, likely explain women’s tolerance of abuse, their recognition of physical abuse as violence indicates that they do not necessarily believe it is always justified. Educational interventions to drive changes in the social norms around gender violence along with effective and enforceable legal measures are likely required to ensure women’s safety.
Athletic Participation and Intimate Partner Violence Victimization
Authors: Milner Adrienne N. , Baker Elizabeth H.
Published: May 2015

This study used representative, quantitative data from The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) and explored the relationship between young adults’ sport participation and experiences of intimate partner violence victimization (IPVV) for both women and men. Past research has suggested that sports participation, especially among women, results in increased self-esteem, a prominent protective factor against experiencing IPVV. We found that sports participation was associated with a lower prevalence of experiencing IPVV, but only for women. In addition, this pattern held after controls for race, mother’s education, age, number of relationships, and the hypothesized pathways of self-esteem and alcohol consumption. However, controls for the young adult’s own education completely mediated the association between sports participation and IPVV. Additional analyses indicated that higher education reduced the risk of experiencing IPVV and increased the likelihood of sports participation. Nonetheless, even among women with the highest educational attainment, sports participation was associated with lower prevalence of experiencing IPVV.
An approach to mapping machining feature to manufacturing feature volume based on geometric reasoning for process planning
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , Liu Xiaojun , Cheng Yalong , Ni Zhonghua
Published: May 2015

Efficient construction in three-dimensional working procedure model has an important effect on the efficiency and quality of machining process planning. This article proposes an algorithm to mapping machining features to manufacturing feature volumes from B-rep of mechanical part, and then, the working procedure models are generated. The mapping strategy is performed in three steps. In the first step, three types of machining features, such as depression feature, protrusion feature and transition feature, are introduced. In the second step, the edges of the chosen seed face and its neighboring faces are searched in order to generate the machining feature faces. The last step applies a closure to the machining feature faces to generate a compact solid by applying additional neighboring faces and their extensions. Then, the working procedure models are formed by combining the mapped manufacturing feature volumes with the final parts model. Compared with the existing working procedure model’s generation methods, this approach can avoid the unnecessary conversions from the engineering drawing to three-dimensional process models and from the machining knowledge to the modeling knowledge, which can greatly reduce the planning time on modeling. To validate the feasibility and validity of this approach, two machined parts with complex machining features are tested in the developed prototype computer-aided process planning system.
Interpolation using non-uniform rational B-spline for the smooth milling of ruled-surface impeller blades
Authors: Li Maoyue , Liu Xianli , Jia Dongkai , Liang Quan
Published: May 2015

The integral impeller is a complex part characterized by highly curved surfaces. Modeling and interpolation methods for manufacturing integral impellers are currently the subject of intensive research. In this study, to represent the shape of the ruled-surface blades, third-order non-uniform rational B-splines are constructed from data points for the hub and shoulder on the pressure and suction sides of the blade. Various methods for determining the tool axis vector offset and the location of the tool center for a cylindrical ball cutter are developed and verified with simulations of machining operations. To obtain a smooth interpolation and high accuracy in machining, a third-order non-uniform rational B-spline interpolation algorithm for ruled-surface blades is developed. This method can create a smooth transition between the hub and the blade shoulders. The method is implemented in an open-architecture computer numerical control controller. Simulations and experimental tests of machining tasks are performed to verify the non-uniform rational B-spline interpolation method. The test results show that this interpolation technique can produce a smooth and continuous path along the axes of motion. The new technique has the advantages of requiring fewer lines of numerical control code and producing higher machining accuracy.
Mechanical power losses of full-complement needle bearings of planetary gear sets: Model and experiments
Authors: Talbot D , Kahraman A , Stilwell AW , Singh A , Napau I
Published: May 2015

Full-complement (loose) needle bearings are used widely in automatic transmissions as planetary gear set planet bearings due to their cost advantages and high load-carrying capacity. This study provides theoretical and experimental investigations of the efficiency performance of full-complement needle bearings in a planetary gear set. An experimental setup is introduced to measure planetary gear set power losses. A number of full-complement needle bearing variations as well as a baseline caged needle bearing arrangement are tested within ranges of speed, torque, and oil temperature as well as key bearing parameters such as needle diameter and number of needle rows. A mechanical power loss model of full-complement needle bearings is proposed next. The model employs an elastohydrodynamic lubrication formulation for rolling power losses and includes the effects of needle skewing and needle-to-needle sliding. Predicted mechanical power losses are compared to measurements to assess the accuracy of the model. Results indicate that (i) full-complement needle bearings are consistently less efficient than the corresponding caged-needle baseline design, and (ii) double-row bearings have higher efficiency than their single-row counterparts, while the influence of the needle diameter on power loss is somewhat secondary.
A review on the mechanical design elements of ankle rehabilitation robot
Authors: Khalid Yusuf M , Gouwanda Darwin , Parasuraman Subramanian
Published: May 2015

Ankle rehabilitation robots are developed to enhance ankle strength, flexibility and proprioception after injury and to promote motor learning and ankle plasticity in patients with drop foot. This article reviews the design elements that have been incorporated into the existing robots, for example, backdrivability, safety measures and type of actuation. It also discusses numerous challenges faced by engineers in designing this robot, including robot stability and its dynamic characteristics, universal evaluation criteria to assess end-user comfort, safety and training performance and the scientific basis on the optimal rehabilitation strategies to improve ankle condition. This article can serve as a reference to design robot with better stability and dynamic characteristics and good safety measures against internal and external events. It can also serve as a guideline for the engineers to report their designs and findings.
Combined magnetic resonance imaging approach for the assessment of in vivo knee joint kinematics under full weight-bearing conditions
Authors: Al Hares Ghaith , Eschweiler Jörg , Radermacher Klaus
Published: May 2015

The development of detailed and specific knowledge on the biomechanical behavior of loaded knee structures has received increased attention in recent years. Stress magnetic resonance imaging techniques have been introduced in previous work to study knee kinematics under load conditions. Previous studies captured the knee movement either in atypical loading supine positions, or in upright positions with help of inclined supporting backrests being insufficient for movement capture under full-body weight-bearing conditions. In this work, we used a combined magnetic resonance imaging approach for measurement and assessment in knee kinematics under full-body weight-bearing in single legged stance. The proposed method is based on registration of high-resolution static magnetic resonance imaging data acquired in supine position with low-resolution data, quasi-static upright-magnetic resonance imaging data acquired in loaded positions for different degrees of knee flexion. The proposed method was applied for the measurement of tibiofemoral kinematics in 10 healthy volunteers. The combined magnetic resonance imaging approach allows the non-invasive measurement of knee kinematics in single legged stance and under physiological loading conditions. We believe that this method can provide enhanced understanding of the loaded knee kinematics.
Dynamic analysis of a closed-circuit hydrostatic summation drive using bent axis motors
Authors: Kumar N , Dasgupta K , Ghoshal SK
Published: May 2015

This article investigates the dynamic performance of a closed-circuit hydrostatic summation drive that has been carried out through system modeling and simulation. The proposed drive consists of a variable displacement piston pump and bent axis motors. The performances of the hydrostatic drive have been studied for its two different modes of operations, using single motor and two motors. The changing over of the drive mode is accomplished by on-/off-controlled direction control valve. Bondgraph simulation technique is used to model the hydrostatic drives. The characteristics of the loss coefficients of the drive are obtained from the steady-state model and they are identified through experimental investigation. Using them, the overall dynamic model of the hydrostatic drive has been validated experimentally. With respect to some critical parameters, the performances of the hydrostatic drive have also been studied.
Generalized controlled switched bond graph junctions
Authors: Nacusse Matías A , Junco Sergio J
Published: May 2015

This article presents two dual-controlled switched bond graph structures called generalized switched junction structures. These structures can represent all the interconnections enforced by commutations involving bond graph elements around standard 0- and 1-junctions. Moreover, pre-existing multiport switched bond graph formalisms like controlled junctions and switched power junctions can be represented as particular configurations of generalized switched junction structures. The generalized switched junction structures incorporate some algebraic constraints into their equation sets, which in the bond graph domain can be represented with residual sinks, in order to make them able to keep fixed the causality assignment even under ideal switching (zero transition time switching), as a convenient tool for simulation purposes. However, just performing some minor modifications on their internal implementation using basic bond graph components, the generalized switched junction structure can also be used to model commutations relaxing the ideal switching hypothesis in favor of the approximate one which introduces some parasitic components, which is frequently used as a means to avoid possibly appearing causality changes. The generalized switched junction structure can be implemented in a compact way at high level using the equation sets defining their behavior, or in detailed way using elements out of the standard set of bond graph components.
Early Lupus Project – A multicentre Italian study on systemic lupus erythematosus of recent onset
Authors: Sebastiani G D , Prevete I , Piga M , Iuliano A , Bettio S , Bortoluzzi A , Coladonato L , Tani C , Spinelli F R , Fineschi I , Mathieu A
Published: May 2015

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a high degree of variability at onset that is problematic for a correct and prompt diagnosis. We undertook this project with the purpose of collecting an inception cohort of Italian patients with recent-onset SLE, in order to obtain information on the main clinical and serological characteristics at the beginning of the disease. In this first report we describe the characteristics of this cohort at study entry.

Methods

All patients with a diagnosis of SLE (1997 ACR criteria) and a disease duration less than 12 months were consecutively enrolled between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2013 in a multicentre prospective study. Information on clinical and serological characteristics at study entry and then every six months was collected into a specific electronic database. Statistical analysis was performed by means of the Openstat program.

Results

Among 122 patients enrolled (103 F) 94.3% were Caucasians. Mean age (SD) of patients at study entry was 37.3 (14.3) years, mean age at disease onset was 34.8 (14.3) years, mean age at diagnosis was 36.9 (14.3) years, and mean disease duration was 2.9 (3.9) months. The frequency of the manifestations included in the 1997 ACR criteria was as follows: ANA 97.5%, immunologic disorders (anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, antiphospholipid antibodies) 85.2%, arthritis 61.8%, haematologic disorders 55.7%, malar rash 31.1%, photosensitivity 29.5%, serositis 27%, renal disorders 27%, oral/nasal ulcers 11.5%, neurologic disorders 8.2%, and discoid rash 5.7%. The cumulative frequency of mucocutaneous symptoms was 77.8%. At enrolment, autoantibody frequency was: ANA 100%, anti-dsDNA 83.6%, anti-SSA 28%, anticardiolipin 24.5%, anti-nRNP 20.4%, anti-beta2GPI 17.2%, lupus anticoagulant 16.3%, anti-Sm 16%, and anti-SSB 13.1%.

Conclusions

In this paper we describe the main clinical and serological characteristics of an Italian inception cohort of patients with recent-onset SLE. At disease onset, mucocutaneous manifestations, arthritis and haematologic manifestations were the most frequent symptoms; ANA, anti-dsDNA and complement reduction were the most frequent laboratory findings. Our data confirm that the diagnosis of SLE is a challenging one, and that SLE is a severe disease even at onset, since the majority of patients require at least a hospitalization before the diagnosis.
Multitrait–Multimethod Analysis of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in Young Asian American Children
Authors: Yu Jing , Sun Shuyan , Cheah Charissa S. L.
Published: May 2015

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a widely used psychopathology screening tool that measures children’s emotional symptoms, peer problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and prosocial behavior. Previous psychometric studies of the SDQ focused primarily on older children in Western cultures and suffered from several methodological limitations. This study examined the reliability, factor structure, convergent, and discriminant validity of the SDQ by focusing on young Asian American children and using more rigorous methods. The five-factor structure of the SDQ was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. The ω coefficients indicated adequate reliability for all subscales except parent-rated peer problems and conduct problems. The correlated trait–correlated method minus one multitrait–multimethod model provided evidence for convergent validity and discriminant validity of all subscales except for conduct problems relative to hyperactivity/inattention. This study provided new evidence for the psychometric properties of the SDQ in young children and cultural suitability of the SDQ for Asian Americans.
(Q)SAR: A Tool for the Toxicologist
Authors: Steinbach Thomas , Gad-McDonald Samantha , Kruhlak Naomi , Powley Mark , Greene Nigel
Published: May 2015

A continuing education (CE) course at the 2014 American College of Toxicology annual meeting covered the topic of (Quantitative) Structure–Activity Relationships [(Q)SAR]. The (Q)SAR methodologies use predictive computer modeling based on predefined rules to describe the relationship between chemical structure and a chemical’s associated biological activity or statistical tools to find correlations between biologic activity and the molecular structure or properties of a compound. The (Q)SAR has applications in risk assessment, drug discovery, and regulatory decision making. Pressure within industry to reduce the cost of drug development and societal pressure for government regulatory agencies to produce more accurate and timely risk assessment of drugs and chemicals have necessitated the use of (Q)SAR. Producing a high-quality (Q)SAR model depends on many factors including the choice of statistical methods and descriptors, but first and foremost the quality of the data input into the model. Understanding how a (Q)SAR model is developed and applied is critical to the successful use of such a tool. The CE session covered the basic principles of (Q)SAR, practical applications of these computational models in toxicology, how regulatory agencies use and interpret (Q)SAR models, and potential pitfalls of using them.
The Transformative Value of a Service Experience
Authors: Blocker Christopher P. , Barrios Andrés
Published: May 2015

The pursuit of upward social transformation through service design and practice demands rigorous thinking about what this kind of change looks like and how it comes about. To advance these two goals, this study conceptualizes transformative value, defined as a social dimension of value creation which illuminates uplifting changes among individuals and collectives in the marketplace. Conceptual development draws on structuration theory and the service-dominant logic to articulate the spheres of transformative value as well as four distinctions between habitual and transformative value. Ethnographic analysis with a nonprofit service, which focuses on mitigating the inequalities of poverty, explores how service providers can facilitate transformative value. Findings highlight the roles of holistic value propositions, an anti-structural servicescape, and communal service practices. Beyond micro-level social impact, findings also reveal the macro-level reach of transformative value by demonstrating how services can contest and transform dominant social structures and stimulate social action. Discussion highlights the implications of transformative value for human agency and ways to design services that promote well-being among vulnerable populations.
Corporate Image
Authors: Mostafa Rania B. , Lages Cristiana R. , Shabbir Haseeb A. , Thwaites Des
Published: May 2015

This article explores direct and indirect antecedents that contribute to corporate image formation in a service recovery context. Two studies were carried out in Egypt. Study 1 comprises 29 semistructured interviews with complainants of mobile phone network service providers in Egypt. Study 2 encompasses a mail survey of another 437 complainants. Findings reveal the importance of perceived justice, namely, interactional justice, in corporate image formation, as well as the mediating role of satisfaction with service recovery in the perceived justice-corporate image relationship. Results also reveal two empirical relationships: problem solving as a determinant of distributive justice and follow-up as a driver of procedural justice. Accordingly, this study contributes to the service field by providing the first empirical evaluation of new direct and indirect antecedents of corporate image formation in a service recovery context. Managerial recommendations are provided that encourage service practitioners to emphasize perceived justice and satisfaction with a service recovery process to enhance the company’s image. Additionally, companies should invest in implementing problem solving and follow-up as service recovery strategies since both significantly enhance perceived justice.
The Value of Using a Psychodynamic Theory in Researching Black Masculinities of Adolescent Boys in Alexandra Township, South Africa
Authors: Langa Malose
Published: May 2015

In this article, the author discusses the benefits of using psychodynamic theory in researching black masculinities of adolescent boys in Alexandra Township, South Africa. Both individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with thirty-two adolescent boys, aged thirteen to eighteen years. These boys were provided with disposable cameras to take twenty-seven photos under the theme “my life as a boy” in the new South Africa. Arrangements were made for photos to be collected and processed. In the individual interviews, the participants were asked to give a description of each photo and why and how they had decided to take that photo to represent aspects of their masculine identities. Group interviews were also conducted in which the participants were asked to select five photos that best described their masculinities. Follow-up interviews were also conducted with four boys who were conforming and another four boys who were rejecting traditional notions of masculinity. In analyzing the data, the researcher used Frosh and Emerson’s ( 2005 ) psychodynamic-informed discursive interpretive framework to analyze feelings of ambivalence, hesitations, and contradictions revealed in the spoken texts about hegemonic and non-hegemonic masculinities. In addition, the attention in the analysis was paid to the researcher’s countertransference reactions to understand emotional concerns and tensions of being an adolescent black boy living in a township context. In conclusion, it is recommended that safe spaces should be created for adolescent boys to reflect on the subjective meanings, feelings, and emotions of what it means to be a boy in the new South Africa. It is argued in this article that psychodynamic theory has an important value in informing such community-based interventions.
How much does it cost to rear children in Poland?
Authors: Cukrowska-Torzewska Ewa
Published: May 2015

This article analyses the cost of motherhood borne by Polish women. The cost of motherhood is defined as a drop in earnings caused by the presence of children. The findings show that motherhood in Poland is associated with a drop in women’s net monthly earnings of around 13–19%. The results also show that the cost of motherhood varies with the number of children and the drop in wages is particularly high for mothers of three or more children. The investigation of mother’s self-selection into employment suggests that the estimated cost would be higher if the choice could be accounted for.
Emotions and the communication of intentions in face-to-face diplomacy
Authors: Wong Seanon S.
Published: May 2015

Countries often seek to resolve their disputes through negotiations. However, diplomats meeting face to face are under the incentives both to cooperate by revealing one’s preferences and to compete by misrepresenting them. How, then, do they express and assess each other’s intentions? Theories of International Relations that have studied communication in diplomacy — structural realism, rationalism, and the theory of communicative action — offer insufficient answers. To break through, I highlight the communicative function of emotions, leveraging insights from the latest research on negotiations in social and experimental psychology. I argue that when diplomats negotiate, they pay attention not only to what others say, but also to their emotional cues. One’s choice of words, tone of speech, and hand and body gestures carry emotive information that reflects how one appraises a situation. Diplomacy is therefore unique as a conduit between states because it enables practitioners to exchange individual-level expressions of intentions — and, by extension, the intentions of the government they represent — that are otherwise lost, attenuated, or distorted if communications were to occur through other impersonal and irregular channels. To illustrate my argument, I discuss episodes of face-to-face diplomacy during the Fashoda Crisis (1898), July Crisis (1914), Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), and US–Syria negotiations on the Middle East (1991).
The critical cosmopolitanism of Watsuji Tetsurō
Authors: Murphy Michael
Published: May 2015

This article outlines an approach to a critical cosmopolitan social theory derived from the thought of the Japanese philosopher, Watsuji Tetsurō. In order to develop this, his thought is positioned against the works of the British sociologist, Gerard Delanty, and the Argentinian semiotician, Walter Mignolo. This will be done through the concepts of space, time and the imagination. From their respective intellectual positions these other two have attempted to develop an approach to social theory that cannot be reduced to the optic of conceptual Eurocentrism. However, while they have made significant and important contributions to the development of critical approaches to cosmopolitan social theory, of providing tools to re-imagine the world, they have done so through maintaining old ways of seeing the world. What emerges from Watsuji’s work is an account of a critical cosmopolitanism that moves beyond conceptual Eurocentrism through an approach to social theory grounded in a relational social ontology. His focus on the ontology of social relationships also provides a cosmopolitanism that makes room for the ‘non-social’ and identifies a cosmopolitan view of the world as plural and as ‘hetero-spatial-temporal’. The social ontology developed by Watsuji also forces us to reconsider our understanding of the imagination, and its potential, beyond the dichotomy of an individual faculty or the product of social context. By expanding the notion of the Imaginal of Chiara Bottici, the article introduces a new understanding of the imagination into the debate.
Police responses to, and attitudes towards, male rape
Authors: Javaid Aliraza
Published: May 2015

This article critically examines how the police respond to, and deal with, male rape victims. It also explores male rape victims’ experiences of the police. This is an issue that has been hugely overlooked in the growing literature on the treatment of sexual offences in the criminal justice system; that is, the treatment of adult male sexual assault and male rape complainants by police officers. To fill this gap in the literature, this article will explore findings from empirical studies of police attitudes alongside an increasing amount of research that has examined the experiences of male rape victims. This article also explores social attitudes to male rape victims and the different ways wherein such attitudes influence the police responses to male rape victims. Moreover, this article recognises three barriers to the recognition of male rape: police statistics; the under-reporting of male rape; and the masculine police subculture and policing homosexuality. Finally, the article concludes by considering potential strategies for improving the treatment of male rape victims in England and Wales.
Effect of process parameters on toughness and metallurgical behaviour during uniaxial automatic gas metal arc welding of austenitic stainless steel AISI 316
Authors: Bhattacharya Anirban , Bera Tarun Kumar , Suri Vinod Kumar
Published: May 2015

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is extensively used for joining of different graded steels as well as aluminium and other nonferrous materials. GMAW offers clean welding with low defects without using flux and suitable for different positional welding. In the present work, a fabricated automatic movement setup is used for GMAW to study the influences of four different process parameters during joining of austenitic stainless steel AISI 316 using AISI 304 (ER304) filler wire. With this setup, welding is carried out maintaining a constant contact tube-to-workpiece (CTW) distance and uniform heat input. Experimental results and subsequent analysis show that the toughness is most significantly influenced by voltage followed by welding speed, gas flow rate, and current. Toughness reduces with the increase in shielding gas flow rate and welding speed as austenite and traces of retained delta ferrite may be present due to high solidification rate. Metallurgical observations by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy indicate that solidification mode is mainly characterized by formation of fully austenite or austenite and ferrite at cell and dendritic boundaries. XRD results revealed that higher toughness is observed due to minimum formation of carbides.
Barriers to Help Seeking for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Calton Jenna M. , Cattaneo Lauren Bennett , Gebhard Kris T.
Published: May 2015

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive and devastating social problem that is estimated to occur in one of every four opposite-sex relationships and at least one of every five same-sex romantic relationships. These estimates may not represent violence against those who identify as transgender or genderqueer, and very little comprehensive research has been conducted on IPV within these populations. One statewide study on IPV found rates of IPV were as high as one of every two transgender individuals. In order to cope with the effects of abuse or leave an abusive partner, many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and genderqueer (LGBTQ) IPV survivors seek support from others. However, LGBTQ IPV survivors may experience unique difficulties related to their sexual orientation and gender identity when seeking assistance. This article reviews the literature on LGBTQ IPV and suggests three major barriers to help-seeking exist for LGBTQ IPV survivors: a limited understanding of the problem of LGBTQ IPV, stigma, and systemic inequities. The significance and consequences of each barrier are discussed, and suggestions for future research, policy, and practice are provided.
Sensitization of Radiation or Gemcitabine-Based Chemoradiation Therapeutic Effect by Nimotuzumab in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Gao Chunzi , Wu Xianzhen , Yan Ying , Meng Lingnan , Shan Dan , Li Ying , Han Bo
Published: May 2015

This study was performed to observe the effect of the combination of nimotuzumab with radiation or gemcitabine-based chemoradiation on antipancreatic cancer cell therapy. Pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1) were treated with nimotuzumab alone or combined with radiation (2, 4, or 8 Gy), which was either with or without gemcitabine chemotherapy. Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were observed. The inhibition rate, the percentage of G2/M phase arrest, and the apoptosis rate of the combined nimotuzumab with radiation group was significantly higher than the group without nimotuzumab ( P < .001). The inhibition rate, the percentage of G2/M phase, and the apoptosis rate of the nimotuzumab therapy combined with gemcitabine-based chemoradiation group were obviously higher than that in gemcitabine-based chemoradiation group ( P < .001). In conclusion, nimotuzumab could enhance the anticancer effect of radiation and gemcitabine-based chemoradiation in PANC-1 cancer cells because of the enhancement of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
Ethical Considerations of Integrating Spiritual Direction into Psychotherapy
Authors: Riggs Billy J.
Published: May 2015

Integrating spirituality and religion into clinical practice or psychotherapy has become a significant area of interest in the mental health field today. This article focuses more specifically on integrating spiritual direction into psychotherapy, discusses ethical issues involved, and suggests ethical guidelines for the appropriate and helpful use of spiritual direction in the context of psychotherapy and counseling.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Traumatic Brain Injury–Related Mortality
Authors: Failla Michelle D. , Conley Yvette P. , Wagner Amy K.
Published: May 2015

Background. Older adults have higher mortality rates after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to younger adults. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling is altered in aging and is important to TBI given its role in neuronal survival/plasticity and autonomic function. Following experimental TBI, acute BDNF administration has not been efficacious. Clinically, genetic variation in BDNF (reduced signaling alleles: rs6265, Met-carriers; rs7124442, C-carriers) can be protective against acute mortality. Postacutely, these genotypes carry lower mortality risk in older adults and greater mortality risk among younger adults. Objective. Investigate BDNF levels in mortality/outcome following severe TBI in the context of age and genetic risk. Methods. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum BDNF were assessed prospectively during the first week following severe TBI (n = 203) and in controls (n = 10). Age, BDNF genotype, and BDNF levels were assessed as mortality/outcome predictors. Results. CSF BDNF levels tended to be higher post-TBI ( P = .061) versus controls and were associated with time until death ( P = .042). In contrast, serum BDNF levels were reduced post-TBI versus controls ( P < .0001). Both gene * BDNF serum and gene * age interactions were mortality predictors post-TBI in the same multivariate model. CSF and serum BDNF tended to be negatively correlated post-TBI ( P = .07). Conclusions. BDNF levels predicted mortality, in addition to gene * age interactions, suggesting levels capture additional mortality risk. Higher CSF BDNF post-TBI may be detrimental due to injury and age-related increases in pro-apoptotic BDNF target receptors. Negative CSF and serum BDNF correlations post-TBI suggest blood–brain barrier transit alterations. Understanding BDNF signaling in neuronal survival, plasticity, and autonomic function may inform treatment.
Research on the sound absorption characteristics of porous metal materials at high sound pressure levels
Authors: Wang Xiaopeng , Li Yinggang , Chen Tianning , Ying Zhiping
Published: May 2015

Porous metal materials are widely used in noise control with high sound pressure applications such as aircraft engine liners and combustion chambers for rocket engines due to their excellent performance of sound absorption characteristics and distinguished advantages in heat resistance, lightness, and stiffness. Understanding the effect of sound pressure on the acoustic properties of these materials is crucial when attempting to predict silencer performance. In this article, we experimentally investigate the sound absorption characteristics of porous metal materials at high sound pressure level. The effects of material parameters on the sound absorption characteristics of porous metal materials under high sound pressure level are further explored experimentally. Measurements are carried out by using a standard impedance tube that has been modified to accommodate sound pressure level of up to 150 dB. The experimental results show that with the increase in sound pressure level, the effect of sound pressure level on the sound absorption characteristics yields different variation regularities in different frequencies. The sound absorption performance of porous metal materials increases with the increase in sound pressure level in low frequency, which is reasonably consistent with the theoretical results. Under high sound pressure level, the sound absorption characteristics are significantly dependent upon the material parameters such as the metal fiber diameter, the material porosity, and the material thickness. It could provide a reliable experimental validation for the applications of porous metal materials in the area of vibration and noise control at high sound pressure levels.
A simplified mechanical model with fluid–structure interaction for rectangular tank sloshing under horizontal excitation
Authors: Zou Changfang , Wang Deyu
Published: May 2015

Based on the spring–mass model, a novel mechanical model of sloshing with fluid–structure interaction under a horizontal excitation is proposed, and the coupled dynamic equation of sloshing system is established. Considering the flexibility of bulkhead, the effects of certain factors, such as bulkhead bending stiffness and filling ratios, on the mode of coupled sloshing system are investigated. It is found that these factors have significant influence on the mode. By comparing the present results with the results of ADINA based on the linear potential flow theory and published literatures, the proposed coupled sloshing model is verified. The results show that the simplified rigid mass, [Formula: see text], dominates the contributions to bending moment near the bottom of a bulkhead and the spring–mass, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], to bending moment near the liquid-free surface of a bulkhead. Furthermore, the computational cost is greatly reduced by using the proposed mechanical model with fluid–structure interaction for a rectangular tank sloshing.
A multibody dynamics model of contact between the drillstring and the wellbore and the rock penetration process
Authors: Wang Ningyu , Cheng Zaibin , Lu Yingjie , Jiang Wei , Zhou Jianliang , He Baosheng , Ren Gexue
Published: May 2015

This article models the contact between the drillstring with large slenderness ratio and the extending rigid wellbore based on the multibody dynamics method. The drillstring is modeled as absolute nodal coordinate formulation beams with contact detection points. An algorithm is developed to locate the contact points and calculate the contact forces when the drillstring is sliding and rotating in the wellbore. This provides support force and friction for the moving drillstring and effectively confines it inside the wellbore. A rock penetration model is established based on the rock-breaking velocity equation. The governing equation for the full-hole drilling system including the drillstring and the contact model is established and solved. A rock penetration correction method is proposed to stabilize the computation and to model and simulate the slide drilling process. A field drilling process is modeled and simulated. The simulation result fits the experimental result well.
Dynamic optimization of a biped model: Energetic walking gaits with different mechanical and gait parameters
Authors: An Kang , Chen Qijun
Published: May 2015

Energy consumption is one of the problems for bipedal robots walking. For the purpose of studying the parameter effects on the design of energetic walking bipeds with strong adaptability, we use a dynamic optimization method on our new walking model to first investigate the effects of the mechanical parameters, including mass and length distribution, on the walking efficiency. Then, we study the energetic walking gait features with the combinations of walking speed and step length. Our walking model is designed upon Srinivasan’s model. Dynamic optimization is used for a free search with minimal constraints. The results show that the cost of transport of a certain gait increases with the increase in the mass and length distribution parameters, except for that the cost of transport decreases with big length distribution parameter and long step length. We can also find a corresponding range of walking speed and step length, in which the variation in one of the two parameters has no obvious effect on the cost of transport. With fixed mechanical parameters, the cost of transport increases with the increase in the walking speed. There is a speed–step length relationship for walking with minimal cost of transport. The hip torque output strategy is adjusted in two situations to meet the walking requirements.
Mechatronic thermostatic water mixer for building automation
Authors: Mauro Stefano , Mohtar Tharek
Published: May 2015

The use of sanitary water is a main aspect of comfort and healthiness within a house or a public environment as gyms or beauty farms. At the same time, water waste should be limited to a minimum in order to preserve both water and the energy required to warm it. To obtain these results, it is necessary to rule quickly and in a precise way the temperature. It is also necessary to check the presence of possible contemporary flow requested by different users in order to optimize distribution in the house network. This work describes a mechatronic water mixer that was developed to ensure fast and precise control of flow and temperature of delivered water. The flow control is based on modulating digital valves driven in pulse code modulation and on a microcontroller board. The electronic unit is designed to interface with a domotic network for remote control and total consumption monitoring and optimization.
Effect of the blade arc angle on the performance of a Savonius wind turbine
Authors: Mao Zhaoyong , Tian Wenlong
Published: May 2015

Savonius wind turbine is a common vertical axis wind turbine which simply comprises two or three arc-type blades and can generate power under poor wind conditions. With the aim of increasing the turbine’s power efficiency, the effect of the blade arc angle on the performance of a typical two-bladed Savonius wind turbine is investigated with a transient computational fluid dynamics method. Simulations were based on the Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes equations, and the renormalization group [Formula: see text] turbulent model was utilized. The numerical method was validated with existing experimental data. The results indicate that the turbine with a blade arc angle of [Formula: see text] generates the maximum power coefficient, 0.2836, which is 8.37% higher than that from a conventional Savonius turbine.
Measuring mechanical stresses on inserts during injection molding
Authors: Heinle Martina , Drummer Dietmar
Published: May 2015

Assembly molding presents an interesting approach to innovative product solutions. Here, individual components can be simultaneously positioned, affixed, and provided with a casing. However, while overmolding elements in the mold cavity with hot polymer melt, high mechanical loads occur on, in some cases, very sensitive components such as electronic devices. For the design of such systems, it is important to know these stresses, the influences on their quantities, and mathematical options for their prediction. In this article, a new measurement method for determining the forces acting on a small element in the cavity during the injection molding process in three dimensions is presented. Therefore, a new installation method for a force sensor was developed. The results in this article concentrate on force changes during one molding cycle. Our research shows that there are different mechanical load spectra in the different phases of the molding process. For example, the force component in flow direction on an element in the cavity is positive in the direction of the flow during filling. However, after the filling step, the force becomes negative due to the contraction of the injected material and results in a continuously increasing permanent force.
Design of a linear macro–micro actuation stage considering vibration isolation
Authors: Zhang Lufan , Long Zhili , Cai Jiandong , Fang Jiwen
Published: May 2015

In microelectronics manufacturing, macro–micro actuation stages are typically applied to obtain a high-precision positioning at a high acceleration. Macro–micro actuation stage comprises a voice coil motor that achieves a high-acceleration motion and a piezoelectric stack actuator which realizes nano-positioning motion. However, high acceleration and nano-positioning are a pair of interacted contradictions. Especially, vibration generated from the high-acceleration motion is the dominating obstacle for enhancement of the nano-positioning implementation. The concentration of the article is a design of a linear macro–micro actuation stage considering vibration isolation. In particular, a floating stator system is proposed to suppress the stage’s vibration and further guarantee a higher precision positioning. Additionally, a flexure hinge mechanism connected to the voice coil motor serially is proposed to achieve a linear motion guide and preload to the piezoelectric stack actuator. The results show that the isolate vibration of the floating stator system is effective in both the time and frequency domain analysis of test. And precision positioning is also further validated experimentally through the flexure hinge mechanism and other components.