bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thoughts on Iraqi Kurdistan: Present Realities, Future Hope
Authors: Logan Darren
Published: August 2009

The collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime in April 2003 ushered Iraq into an era of unprecedented opportunity. The Kurds of Northern Iraq were given an opportunity to control their destiny in such a way not before encountered in their turbulent history. However, this moment has not been free of significant concern. Against the witness of history one can reasonably inquire as to whether or not the dominant Kurdish majority in Northern Iraq is able to seize this opportunity and make the most of it. Will they be able to break the historic cycle of internal dissension and unite to ensure the stability, prosperity, and security of their territory in Northern Iraq? Additionally, does Iraqi Kurdistan have the ability to adequately balance the often mutually exclusive demands it faces from powerful external actors? Clearly, the people of Iraqi Kurdistan must make their own choice in the matter. Nonetheless, outside forces must also help in the process by engaging with Kurdistan in Iraq in a positive and constructive manner. This will also go a long way toward securing and sustaining stability in this strategic area of the Near East. The article includes some thoughts about the current reality facing Iraqi Kurdistan, primarily as they relate to the KRG, together with some observations concerning the future hope for the region and its people. Some markers of Iraqi Kurdistan's progress are discussed not least of which is the status of its political development and freedom; economic health and growth; its fight against corruption; security within the KRG; its relations with Baghdad; and its external security situation, especially as it relates to Turkey, Syria, and Iran. These suggestions are based upon several recent trips by the author to Iraqi Kurdistan and from openly available source materials. However, these contemporary issues should be considered within their historical context. Therefore, the author gives also a summary review of some major historical events in the modern era leading up to the current situation in Northern Iraq.
Iranian Georgians: Prerequisites for a Research
Authors: Rezvani Babak
Published: August 2009

Iranian Georgians are the descendants of Georgians, who were moved to different parts of Iran from the Safavid until the early Qajar period, either voluntarily or by force. The main wave of these migrations occurred in 17th century Safavid Iran. The paper discusses some preliminary issues to the study of the Iranian Georgians, particularly as to conducting fieldworks among them.
“Deterrability” Among Gang and Nongang Juvenile Offenders: Are Gang Members More (or Less) Deterrable Than Other Juvenile Offenders?
Authors: Maxson Cheryl L. , Matsuda Kristy N. , Hennigan Karen
Published: August 2009

This study investigates the effect of the threat of legal sanctions on intentions to commit three types of offenses with a representative sample of 744 officially adjudicated youth with varying histories of offenses and gang involvement. In a departure from previous research, the authors find small severity effects for property crimes that are not negated by past offending experience, morality, or anticipated loss of respect from adults or peers. Gang members appear to be vulnerable to the effects of certainty of punishment for vehicle theft. These results challenge the current crime policy of increased reliance on punishment to deter gang crime but suggest that increasing gang members’ certainty of apprehension might hold some promise for reduction of some gang crime.
Self-Concept in Adult Children of Schizophrenic Parents: an Exploratory Study
Authors: Manjula M. , Raguram A.
Published: August 2009

Background: Much of the work on children of schizophrenic parents has primarily focused on the risk of developing various kinds of psychiatric disorders, behavioural problems and cognitive vulnerability factors. There has been inadequate attention given to children without a clinical diagnosis and particularly the adult offspring of schizophrenic parents. It would be worthwhile to study the wellness or otherwise of these children, especially in terms of the self-concept of these individuals.

Aim: To study the impact of parental mental illness on the self-concept of adult children.

Method: Thirty subjects who had one parent diagnosed as suffering from schizophrenia formed the study group, and 30 subjects, matched on age and gender with the study group, formed the control group. Subjects were assessed using a socio-demographic and clinical data sheet and a self-concept scale.

Results: The results showed that the study group had significantly poorer self-concept compared to the control group. The current clinical status of the parents had an impact on the family self-esteem of the children. Subjects who were above 10 years of age at the onset of the parental mental illness had a poorer self-concept, as compared to those who were below 10 years at the onset of illness in their parents.

Conclusions: The results provide evidence for poor self-concept in adult children of schizophrenic parents compared to children of normal parents.
Development and Validation of a Self-Reported Questionnaire On Users’ Opinions About Schizophrenia: a Participatory Research
Authors: Magliano Lorenza , Fiorillo Andrea , Del Vecchio Heidegret , Malangone Claudio , De Rosa Corrado , Bachelet Carla , Cesari Giampiero , D'Ambrogio Rosa , Fulgosi Cigala Francesca , Veltro Franco , Zanus Paola , Pioli Rosaria , Maj Mario
Published: August 2009

Background: Although users’ involvement in mental health research has repeatedly been acknowledged as having a positive influence on research quality, this rarely happens.

Aims: To develop and validate a Questionnaire on Users’ Opinions (QOU) about schizophrenia, in close collaboration with 279 persons affected by this disorder.

Methods: A preliminary list of items concerning the opinions of users with schizophrenia regarding causes, treatments and psychosocial consequences of the disorder was developed by 38 users with schizophrenia and 40 professionals who attended a workshop. Psychometric properties of the QOU were tested on 241 users with schizophrenia, 149 of whom were randomly assigned to a test—retest study and 92 to a face-validity study. Content and construct validity were explored in the whole sample.

Results: The final version of the QOU contains: (1) 24 items on the psychosocial consequences of schizophrenia, grouped into six subscales, whose Cronbach’s alpha ranged between 0.55 and 0.74; (2) five multiple choice items on the Italian psychiatric law; (3) 12 open questions; and (4) four yes/no skipping items. Items’ reliability, measured by Cohen’s kappa coefficient, ranged between 0.55 and 0.92.

Conclusion: This questionnaire may be useful to assess patients’ beliefs about schizophrenia and to target psychosocial interventions for this mental disorder.
Validation of the Armenian Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (Ces-D) Among Ethnic Armenians in Lebanon
Authors: Kazarian Shahe S.
Published: August 2009

Background: The aim of this paper is to report on the Armenian version of the 20-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (Armenian CES-D) and its validity and reliability when administered to a community sample of ethnic Armenians in Lebanon.

Method: A total of 172 participants completed the Armenian CES-D Scale, the Mood Rating Scale, the Armenian Psychological Well-Being Scale and the General Family Functioning Scale. The factor structure and internal consistency of the Armenian CES-D and its correlation with the remaining measures were evaluated.

Results: Two factors correlating r = 0.34 with each other were obtained. The depression factor comprised 16 psychological, somatic and interpersonal expressions of depressive symptoms and correlated r = 0.97 with Armenian CES-D scores. The well-being factor comprised four positive expressions of affect and correlated r = 0.34 with Armenian CES-D scores. Depression scores correlated r = —0.39 with psychological well-being scores, r = —0.34 with mood ratings and r = —0.23 with family functioning scores; the comparable correlations for well-being scores were r = —0.46, r = —0.41, and r = —0.33, respectively.

Conclusions: The Armenian CES-D is likely measuring two distinct aspects of mental health, depression and well-being, and the depression factor may be as adequate in measuring the Armenian depressed mind as the 20-item Armenian CES-D Scale.
International adoption and child protection in Guatemala
Authors: McCreery Bunkers Kelley , Groza Victor , Lauer Daniel P.
Published: August 2009

English

Guatemala’s culture and history as well as its role as a major sending country for intercountry adoption are used as a context for discussing how intercountry adoption has influenced and affected the child protection system. A model for child protection development is offered.

French

La culture et l’histoire du Guatemala, aussi bien que son rôle en tant qu’important pays pourvoyeur d’enfants destinés à l’adoption internationale, sont utilisés comme contexte pour discuter la question de savoir en quoi ces données ont influencé et ont affecté le système de protection de l’enfance. Un modèle pour le développement de la protection de l’enfance est proposé.

Spanish

La cultura de Guatemala y su historia, así como su papel como el país de mayores envíos para la adopción entre países, es utilizada como contexto para discutir cómo es que ha influido y afectado el sistema de protección infantil. Se propone un modelo para el desarrollo de la protección infantil.
Drawing Sustenance at the Source: African American Students’ Participation in the Black Campus Community as an Act of Resistance
Authors: Lewis Kristine S. , McKissic Stephanie C.
Published: August 2009

The Black campus community, often viewed as a marginal location on the college campus, is by no means marginal to the college experiences of African American students at predominantly White colleges. Through the close examination of two representative narratives, we demonstrate the role of the Black campus community in the process of college retention for African American students. Participation in the Black campus community enables African American students to develop and execute resistance practices— oppositional behaviors and critical resistant navigational skills (Solorzano & Villalpando, 1998). The resistance practices of African American students at this college perform two functions: (a) a conservative function, in terms of preserving their cultural integrity and extending the Black campus community’s legacy of struggle as well as (b) a transformative function, in terms of challenging and altering the space of the predominantly White campus.
A Medical Nutrition Therapy Program Improves Perinatal Outcomes in Mexican Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Perichart-Perera Otilia , Balas-Nakash Margie , Parra-Covarrubias Adalberto , Rodriguez-Cano Ameyalli , Ramirez-Torres Aurora , Ortega-González Carlos , Vadillo-Ortega Felipe
Published: August 2009

Diabetes in pregnancy is a major public health problem in Mexico. Nutrition therapy is an important component of treatment. Intensive nutrition intervention has not been implemented for Mexican pregnant women with diabetes. Its effect on different types of diabetes mellitus has not been studied.

Purpose

The authors assessed the effect of a medical nutrition therapy (MNT) program on perinatal complications in Mexico City.

Methods

Quasi-experimental design with a historical control. Women were assigned to a MNT program (n = 88) and were followed up with every 2 weeks until delivery (2004-2007). The control group (n = 86) was selected from medical charts (2001-2003) and the same inclusion criteria were used. In each group, 55% of women had type 2 diabetes mellitus and 45% had gestational diabetes. The MNT program included a moderate intake of carbohydrate (40%-45% of total energy) and reduction in energy intake, capillary glucose self-monitoring, and education. The control group received usual hospital routine care. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square, and multivariate logistic regression (OR, 95% CI) as indicated.

Results

Women in the MNT program had a lower risk of preeclampsia, fewer maternal hospitalization, and neonatal deaths in both types of diabetes. Low birth weight was less frequent only in women with gestational diabetes receiving MNT, while neonatal intensive care unit admissions were lower only in women with type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions

An intensive MNT program, including counseling, education, and capillary glucose self-monitoring, has a positive effect over preeclampsia, maternal hospitalization, and neonatal death in women with diabetes in pregnancy. MNT guidelines should be implemented in Mexican health care facilities treating diabetes in pregnancy.
The Relationship of Fennell Phases to Symptoms Among Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Reynolds Nadia L. , Brown Molly M. , Jason Leonard A.
Published: August 2009

The Fennell Phase Inventory (FPI) is an instrument designed to measure phases of the illnesses known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The current study explored how the FPI was related to physical and psychological functioning as well as coping style. Based on FPI scores, 111 adults with ME/CFS were placed in one of three groups: crisis, stabilization, or resolution. Results showed that the crisis group demonstrated significantly worse functioning than at least one other group for depression, quality of life, mental functioning, anxiety, and self-efficacy; and utilized less adaptive coping styles. These results indicate that patients with ME/CFS who are in the crisis phase tend to experience more severe psychological and physical symptoms and utilize poorer coping strategies. Those in the resolution phase maintain the most adaptive coping strategies. Implications for these findings are discussed.
Ethnocultural Empathy Among Students in Health Care Education
Authors: Rasoal Chato , Jungert Tomas , Hau Stephan , Edvardsson Stiwne Elinor , Andersson Gerhard
Published: August 2009

In a multicultural society, ethnocultural empathy has become an important element in most health settings and development of this capacity has become a central component for health care professionals in their interactions with patients and clients. In this study, differences in basic empathy and ethnocultural empathy were explored in a sample of 365 undergraduate students at the beginning and end of four master’s programs in health care (medicine, psychology, nursing, and social work). Results showed that it was mainly psychology students in the first semester who had significantly higher general empathic skills and ethnocultural empathic skills compared to students in the other study programs. Few signs of differences between students in their first and in later semesters were obtained. The observed differences may be explained by (a) levels of admission grades and applications requirements or (b) different cultures and expectations from the surrounding milieus in the investigated study programs.
Bridging the Gap: Knowledge Seeking and Sharing in a Virtual Community of Emergency Practice
Authors: Curran Janet A. , Murphy Andrea L. , Abidi Syed Sibte Raza , Sinclair Douglas , McGrath Patrick J.
Published: August 2009

Disparities exist between rural and urban emergency departments with respect to knowledge resources such as online journals and clinical specialists. As knowledge is a critical element in the delivery of quality care, a web-based learning project was proposed to address the knowledge needs of emergency clinicians. One objective of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of the online environment for knowledge exchange among rural and urban emergency clinicians. Descriptive and content analysis of the online discussion board revealed 202 postings with rural participants contributing the largest number of postings (75%; 152/202). Postings were used to establish a clinical presence (87/202), seek clinical information (52/202), and share clinical information (63/202). Postintervention survey results indicate that this modality introduced participants to new clinical experts and resources. The results provide direction for design of a virtual community of practice, which may reduce current knowledge resource disparities.
The Educational Character of Public Service Broadcasting
Authors: Grummell Bernie
Published: August 2009

■ A gradual erosion of the general principles of public service broadcasting has left a system increasingly susceptible to economic and political interests in the neoliberal marketplace. Education has a vital, but often overlooked role to play in the maintenance of public communication, as this case study of Irish broadcasting reveals. Education is located on the cusp of tensions between the social and political objectives of public service broadcasting and the economic reality in which it finds itself operating. Documentary and qualitative interviews reveal how education seeks to resolve these tensions, and the ambivalent consequences for public service broadcasting. ■
Everyone Needs Idols
Authors: Kjus Yngvar
Published: August 2009

■ The rise of digital media has generally been accompanied by audience fragmentation, but the trend of reality-TV has helped television enterprises around the world retain their audience’s attention. One obvious reason for this is reality-TV’s increased social interaction with the audience. Also important, however, are the rapidly evolving interactions between media sectors, companies and departments on the production side of reality-TV. This article studies these interactions, demonstrating that the reality TV phenomenon in fact does not promote the status quo in commercial television but gradually reinvents its value chains in digital environments. Spectacular events and live content are more essential than ever for extending audience reach and developing new revenues. The article relates their production to developments in television tabloidization and commodification through a case analysis of the production of Idols in Norway. ■
Establishing a Multi-ethnic Imagined Community?
Authors: Dhoest Alexander
Published: August 2009

■ Television is often conceived as a unifying force, creating a national ‘imagined community’. This article tries to apply this concept to the audience of domestic fiction in Flanders, in particular ethnic minority viewers. Based on in-depth interviews with 80 young adults of both Flemish and ethnic minority backgrounds, it focuses on the viewing of domestic soaps. The findings show very similar patterns of reception, both groups preferring American fiction and criticizing Flemish fiction. An important difference is that ethnic minority viewers do not consider the soap world as a representation of their own reality. A related difference concerns their dissatisfaction with the portrayal of ethnic minorities, in spite of the attempts of programme makers to provide positive role models. While confirming the importance of ethnic identity in television viewing and demonstrating the variety within the assumed homogeneous national viewing community, the similarities found caution against a binary opposition between native Flemish and ethnic minority viewpoints. ■
Four Voices, One Canon?
Authors: Krämer Benjamin
Published: August 2009

■ In different countries, radio stations broadcast what is regularly categorized as classical music. The question arises, however, whether the various stations rely on the same concept of the genre and whether they apply the same programming strategies. In an analysis focusing on the composers of the works broadcast, programmes of four radio stations — two in Germany, one in France and one in the US — were compared. The results are interpreted with regard to the concept of a ‘canon’ of classical composers, changes in ‘legitimate culture’ and debates on the function and performance of classical music stations. Findings are also compared to the composers’ importance in the educational and scientific system. The study shows that the stations essentially rely on an internationally common repertoire of classical composers, but that programming strategies rely on different understandings of legitimate culture and different functions of the canonical works. ■
Requirements for Safe Robots: Measurements, Analysis and New Insights
Authors: Haddadin Sami , Albu-Schäffer Alin , Hirzinger Gerd
Published: August 2009

Physical human—robot interaction and cooperation has become a topic of increasing importance and of major focus in robotics research. An essential requirement of a robot designed for high mobility and direct interaction with human users or uncertain environments is that it must in no case pose a threat to the human. Until recently, quite a few attempts were made to investigate real-world threats via collision tests and use the outcome to considerably improve safety during physical human—robot interaction. In this paper, we give an overview of our systematic evaluation of safety in human—robot interaction, covering various aspects of the most significant injury mechanisms. In order to quantify the potential injury risk emanating from such a manipulator, impact tests with the DLR-Lightweight Robot III were carried out using standard automobile crash test facilities at the German Automobile Club (ADAC). Based on these tests, several industrial robots of different weight have been evaluated and the influence of the robot mass and velocity have been investigated. The evaluated non-constrained impacts would only partially capture the nature of human—robot safety. A possibly constrained environment and its effect on the resulting human injuries are discussed and evaluated from different perspectives. As well as such impact tests and simulations, we have analyzed the problem of the quasi-static constrained impact, which could pose a serious threat to the human even for low-inertia robots under certain circumstances. Finally, possible injuries relevant in robotics are summarized and systematically classified.
Parallel Elastic Actuators as a Control Tool for Preplanned Trajectories of Underactuated Mechanical Systems
Authors: Mettin Uwe , La Hera Pedro X. , Freidovich Leonid B. , Shiriaev Anton S.
Published: August 2009

A lack of sufficient actuation power as well as the presence of passive degrees of freedom are often serious constraints for feasible motions of a robot. Installing passive elastic mechanisms in parallel with the original actuators is one of a few alternatives that allows for large modifications of the range of external forces or torques that can be applied to the mechanical system. If some motions are planned that require a nominal control input above the actuator limitations, then we can search for auxiliary spring-like mechanisms complementing the control scheme in order to overcome the constraints. The intuitive idea of parallel elastic actuation is that spring-like elements generate most of the nominal torque required along a desired trajectory, so the control efforts of the original actuators can be mainly spent in stabilizing the motion. Such attractive arguments are, however, challenging for robots with non-feedback linearizable non-minimum phase dynamics that have one or several passive degrees of freedom. We suggest an approach to resolve the apparent difficulties and illustrate the method with an example of an underactuated planar double pendulum. The results are tested both in simulations and through experimental studies.
Taking affective explanations to heart
Authors: Deonna Julien A. , Teroni Fabrice
Published: August 2009

In this article, the authors examine and debate the categories of emotions, moods, temperaments, character traits and sentiments. They define them and offer an account of the relations that exist among the phenomena they cover. They argue that, whereas ascribing character traits and sentiments (dispositions) is to ascribe a specific coherence and stability to the emotions (episodes) the subject is likely to feel, ascribing temperaments (dispositions) is to ascribe a certain stability to the subject’s moods (episodes). The rationale for this distinction, the authors claim, lies in the fact that, whereas appeal to character traits or sentiments in explanation is tantamount to making sense of a given behaviour in terms of an individual’s specific evaluative perspective — as embodied in this individual’s emotional profile — appeal to temperaments makes sense of it independently of any such evaluative perspective.
Emotion and colour across languages: implicit associations in Spanish colour terms
Authors: Soriano Cristina , Valenzuela Javier
Published: August 2009

This study explores the reasons why colour words and emotion words are frequently associated in the different languages of the world. One of them is connotative overlap between the colour term and the emotion term. A new experimental methodology, the Implicit Association Test (IAT), is used to investigate the implicit connotative structure of the Peninsular Spanish colour terms rojo (red), azul (blue), verde (green) and amarillo (yellow) in terms of Osgood’s universal semantic dimensions: Evaluation (good—bad), Activity (excited—relaxed) and Potency (strong—weak). The results show a connotative profile compatible with the previous literature, except for the valence (good—bad) of some of the colour terms, which is reversed. We suggest reasons for both these similarities and differences with previous studies and propose further research to test these implicit connotations and their effect on the association of colour with emotion words.
Pragmatics, propositional and non-propositional effects: can a theory of utterance interpretation account for emotions in verbal communication?
Authors: Moeschler Jacques
Published: August 2009

This article is about pragmatics and emotion. The main purpose of pragmatics is to account for utterance-interpretation processes in verbal communication. In recent years much of pragmatics research has been devoted to the understanding of propositional effects; that is, to cognitive effects on mental representations with propositional forms such as implicatures and explicatures. Little energy has been devoted to non-propositional effects; that is, to pragmatic effects that have no propositional formats and are mainly associated with emotional reactions such as fear, pleasure, joy, anguish, etc. Utterances are, however, often the causes of such non-propositional effects. This paper presents a general framework, Relevance Theory, which could account for non-propositional effects. The limits of these theoretical approaches are also exposed.
Translating the emotions: some uses of animus in Vergil’s Aeneid
Authors: Nelis Damien P.
Published: August 2009

In recent years, considerable scholarly attention has been devoted to investigating the influence of Lucretius’ De rerum natura on Vergil. At the same time, the Aeneid has become a central text for the study of the presentation of the emotions in Latin poetry. The author attempts to bring together these two trends in Vergilian scholarship by trying to see if the depiction of emotions in Vergilian epic owes anything to Lucretian precedent. He focuses on the term animus and its use in the opening scenes of the Aeneid . It is an important word in both epics, but it is also notoriously hard to translate accurately.
Quelques réflexions sur la représentation des émotions en Chine et en chinois
Authors: Zufferey Nicolas
Published: August 2009

L’article traite de la façon chinoise de dire et de se représenter les émotions dans la tradition chinoise. Dans une première partie sont abordés certains des fondements conceptuels des émotions dans la philosophie chinoise. Puis nous nous intéressons à la dimension sociale des émotions dans la Chine d’aujourd’hui, en examinant quelques mots et énoncés qui sont révélateurs de traits essentiels des représentations chinoises quant aux émotions; l’un de ces traits est la dimension sociale des émotions. Une troisième partie évoque le problème de la sincérité des émotions, problème qui en Chine ancienne a une grande importance philosophique. En conclusion sont proposées quelques réflexions sur l’intérêt du vocabulaire lié aux émotions, mais aussi les pièges de celui-ci, pour les chercheurs en sciences sociales engagés dans le comparatisme culturel.
Rethinking the Applied: Public Gerontology, Global Responsibility
Authors: Andrews Gavin J. , Muzumdar Tara
Published: August 2009

The idea of “public social science” has emerged in recent academic literature. Advocates describe it as a renewed scholar activism aimed at reigniting academia’s social consciousness and direct engagement with pressing social issues and causes. While the authors acknowledge that gerontology already possesses an applied focus that includes concerted and practical efforts for welfare and justice, they add that any “public gerontology” would have to go one step further by engaging with issues on the international stage, and that impact significantly on the world’s least advantaged peoples and places. As an illustration, they focus on the crisis of African grandmothers raising AIDS orphans. They describe the severity of the situation, the work of agencies, and some possible approaches for gerontologists in supportive activism and research. These, they contend, might also be used in other geographical and social contexts.
Racial Differences in Perceived Burden of Rural Dementia Caregivers
Authors: Fei Sun  , Kosberg Jordan I. , Leeper James , Kaufman Allan V. , Burgio Louis
Published: August 2009

This study explores whether religiosity explains racial differences in caregiving burden for a rural sample of dementia family caregivers. Data are from a probability sample of 74 non-Hispanic White and 67 African American dementia caregivers in rural Alabama. SPSS macros for estimating indirect effects in multiple mediator models are used to test the mediation effects of religiosity. White caregivers report higher burden, are less likely to use religious coping, and less likely to engage in organized religion than do African American caregivers. Church attendance is found to significantly ( B = —.57, p < .05) mediate the racial differences on caregiving burden ( R2 = .07). Religious involvement in general, and church attendance in particular, seem to provide both spiritual and social psychological benefits to dementia caregivers. Thus, supplementing formal services with the services provided by religious organizations may be important in rural areas where formal resources are scarce.
Conflict and the Duration of Peace in Enduring Internal Rivalries
Authors: Morey Daniel S.
Published: August 2009

The question of how conflicts affect the nature of the peace forms a puzzle for students of civil conflict.Theoretical arguments and empirical evidence exist supporting the conclusion that increased violence leads to longer or shorter peace durations. Applying a model of rivalry that includes public support of conflict, this paper hypothesizes that the greater the concentration in fighting, the longer the subsequent peace between internal rivals lasts.This hypothesis receives support from tests on the duration of peace between Enduring Internal Rivalries.The implications from this finding provide new advice for policy makers seeking to invest scarce resources into civil conflict management.
Use of Classical Plate Finite Elements for the Analysis of Electroactive Composite Plates: Theoretical Aspects
Authors: Osmont D. , Pablo F.
Published: August 2009

Smart structures including piezoelectric materials have been under interest for many years. As a consequence many piezoelectric finite elements have been developed to simulate the behavior of such structures. The present article is focused on the development of an original plate theory based upon a priori assumptions for active vibration control applications. The main result of this theory lies in the removal of electrical variables from the problem unknowns, according to the electric boundary conditions. The electromechanical effects are then taken into account via elastic coefficient modifications and external electric loads.
Exercise-Induced Hemostatic Alterations Are Detectable by Rotation Thrombelastography (ROTEM): A Marathon Study
Authors: Sucker Christoph , Zotz Rainer B. , Senft Beate , Scharf Rudiger E. , Kröger Knut , Erbel Raimund , Möhlenkamp Stefan
Published: August 2009

Rotation thrombelastography (ROTEM) provides a whole blood assay that allows the assessment of plasmic- and platelet-related hemostasis in a single-step procedure. In our current study, we focused on the capability of the method to detect hemostatic alterations induced by physical exercise, enrolling 33 healthy participants of the Dusseldorf Marathon 2006. Venous blood drawn immediately before and after finishing the marathon was analyzed by a rotational thrombelastograph (Pentapharm, Munich, Germany). On initiation of blood coagulation by recalcification, standard ROTEM parameters were determined. Comparison of the results obtained before and after the physical exercise was performed using the Student t test for paired samples. As a result, the mean clotting time (CT) determined from blood samples obtained immediately after the marathon was significantly shorter (662.9 ± 67.8 seconds vs 505.6 ± 97.3 seconds, P = .002) and the mean maximal clot firmness was significantly broader (48.4 ± 6.6 mm vs 51.5 ± 4.5 mm, P = .0004) when compared to results obtained before the physical exercise. Differences between mean clot formation times (CFTs; 280.6 + 96 seconds vs 270.4 ± 73.8 seconds) and mean α angles (45.9° ± 8° vs 47.8° ± 5.8°) before and after the marathon were not statistically significant. Remarkably, some participants showed opposed results, particularly prolongation of CT and narrowing of maximum clot firmness (MCF). Our study demonstrates that ROTEM is sensitive to exercise-induced hemostatic alterations. The method appears to be capable of detecting even distinct changes in hemostasis in a single-step procedure. Further analyses are needed to clarify which hemostasis parameters influence ROTEM results and which ROTEM results are independent predictors of exercise-induced alterations of plasmic and platelet function. This might help to explain interindividual differences in exercise-induced alterations of hemostasis.
Dabigatran Etexilate for the Prophylaxis of Venous Thromboembolism After Hip or Knee Replacement Rationale for Dose Regimen
Authors: Dahl Ola E.
Published: August 2009

Dabigatran etexilate is an oral reversible direct thrombin inhibitor that offers potential practical advantages over existing anticoagulants for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after major joint replacement surgery. These include oral administration, rapid onset of action, and a predictable anticoagulant effect that obviates the need for laboratory monitoring. Evidence from 3 phase II dose-finding trials showed that dabigatran etexilate, 100 to 300 mg daily, had similar efficacy, risk of bleeding, and tolerability compared with enoxaparin. Using pharmacokinetic modeling and taking into account efficacy/safety considerations, dabigatran etexilate 150 mg and 220 mg once daily, with a half-dose on the day of surgery, were selected for further evaluation in phase III trials. These doses were selected to ensure that the risk of bleeding did not exceed that of enoxaparin. This review discusses the rationale for selection of these dose regimens based on results from phase II trials.
Is Gas6 Protein Associated With Sticky Platelet Syndrome?
Authors: Kubisz Peter , Bartošová Lenka , Ivanková Jela , Holly Pavol , Staško Ján , Skereňová Mária , Pullmann Rudolf
Published: August 2009

The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of the polymorphisms of growth arrest—specific gene 6 (Gas6; Gas6 c. 834 + 7G > A) in patients with sticky platelet syndrome (SPS). Sticky platelet syndrome is a hereditary, autosomal dominant thrombophilia characterized by platelet hyperaggregation after low concentrations of platelet inducers—adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and epinephrine (EPI). The cause of SPS still remains unknown, but in recent years it was suggested that Gas6 protein may have a potential role in the pathogenesis of SPS. To assess the Gas6 polymorphisms (Gas6 c. 834 + 7G > A), 128 patients with SPS were included in the study and examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. GG genotype was detected in 63 (49.2%) patients, GA genotype in 53 (41.4%) patients, and AA genotype in 12 (9.4%) patients. The results in controls did not differ significantly compared to patients with SPS. Our findings did not prove allele A to be less associated with thrombosis and that ‘‘prothrombotic’’ allele G may be associated with higher risk of thrombosis. We cannot support the idea that Gas6 protein and Gas6 polymorphisms may be associated with thrombosis in SPS.
Darwin’s Worms and the Skin of the Earth: An Introduction to Charles Darwin’s The Formation of Vegetable Mould,Through the Action of Worms, With Observations on Their Habits (Selections)
Authors: Clark Brett , York Richard , Bellamy Foster John
Published: August 2009

Charles Darwin’s discovery of the theory of evolution by natural selection is unquestionably one of the most profound scientific achievements in history. Darwin was heavily influenced by the great geologist Charles Lyell, who developed uniformitarianism, the methodological and substantive doctrine that sought to explain all geological formations as the result of the accumulation of small events happening continually over long periods of time. In The Formation of Vegetable Mould, Through the Action of Worms, with Observations on Their Habits, Darwin—inspired by Lyell’s grand conception—focused on how worms transform the surface of the earth through their constant, everyday activities.They contribute to the formation of soil, turning it over and over, which enhances the circulation of nutrients within ecosystems. All studies of nature are indebted to Darwin for his devotion to illustrating the power of the materialist approach and for illuminating how the world works through its natural processes, including the invisible labor of worms.
Characterization of Network Topology to Support Infrastructure Asset Management
Authors: Garland Andrea , Flintsch Gerardo , Garvin Michael J. , Sotelino Elisa
Published: August 2009

Recent advances in network theory hold promise for improving how infrastructure managers make decisions about their portfolio of assets. A framework that incorporates contemporary perspectives of networks is presented, which permits modeling the topology of an infrastructure network. The framework is capable of characterizing the components of the overall system and subnetworks and the direct and indirect interactions among these components. This framework is applied to a transportation system, which allows the authors to investigate the importance of the various components as elements of a complex network and use this data to support transportation asset management. The study shows that the links determine how the infrastructure network grows and that problems like congestion can be addressed by analyzing other factors related to topology, such as speed, unit size, and lane width. The proposed methodology appears promising as an asset management tool.
Public Collaboration in Transportation
Authors: Majumdar Sarmistha R. , Moynihan Colleen , Pierce Jason
Published: August 2009

Rapid population growth, traffic congestion and air pollution from automobiles have made Environmental Protection Agency to designate Denton County as part of the Dallas - Fort Worth 8-hour non-attainment area. In 2001, county residents and elected officials petitioned the Texas Legislature to create the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA). In 2002, DCTA was created through a countywide election to provide environment friendly public transportation services. Soon DCTA embarked on a plan for collaboration with the public and various stakeholders. In this case study, efforts have been made to understand the reasons behind DCTA's plan for collaboration, the initiatives it undertook and the public's perception of such collaborative efforts. Based on evidences, it has been concluded that even a well designed plan of interaction can have structural flaws. Such flaws coupled with lack of understanding of local history can impede the establishment of a meaningful partnership with the local community.
Rethinking Flood Protection
Authors: Gordon Peter , Little Richard G.
Published: August 2009

Flood protection is often presumed to be a public good and hence a government responsibility. Unfortunately, the full costs of publicly-funded flood control efforts are often obscured. Moreover, reliance on government protection can create false impressions that individual risks have been minimized, thus encouraging more personal and business investment in disaster-prone regions. Reimbursing these losses after a disaster perpetuates a cycle in which resources spent to protect communities from flood damage can instead increase vulnerability and create a climate of “moral hazard” where people fail to take appropriate actions to reduce risk. As New Orleans continues to rebuild from the damage of Hurricane Katrina, there is a need to consider comprehensive approaches that will provide decision makers at all levels with incentives to manage flood risk more effectively. This paper offers guidance for developing more rational, risk-based government policies for flood protection, approaches that could be less costly and place fewer people and their livelihoods at risk.
Using Experience Sampling Methodology to Advance Entrepreneurship Theory and Research
Authors: Uy Marilyn A. , Foo Maw-Der , Aguinis Herman
Published: August 2009

The authors propose the use of experience sampling methodology (ESM) as an innovative methodological approach to address critical questions in entrepreneurship research. ESM requires participants to provide reports of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors at multiple times across situations as they happen in the natural environment. Thus, ESM allows researchers to capture dynamic person-by-situation interactions as well as between- and within-person processes, improve the ecological validity of results, and minimize retrospective biases. The authors provide a step-by-step description of how to design and implement ESM studies beginning with research design and ending with data analysis, and including issues of implementation such as time and resources needed, participant recruitment and orientation, signaling procedures, and the use of computerized devices and wireless technologies. The authors also describe a cell phone ESM protocol that enables researchers to monitor and interact with participants in real time, reduces costs, expedites data entry, and increases convenience. Finally, the authors discuss implications of ESMbased research for entrepreneurs, business incubators, and entrepreneurship educators.
On Mode I Fatigue Crack Growth in Foam Core Materials for Sandwich Structures
Authors: Shipsha Andrey , Burman Magnus , Zenkert Dan
Published: August 2009

This paper addresses the experimental study of mode-I fatigue crack propagation in polymeric cellular foam cores for sandwich structures. Measurements of fatigue crack growth (FCG) rates dald N are experimentally conducted under constant load amplitude tests, K-increasing technique and under manual shedding of load amplitude tests, K-de-creasing technique. The results are found to be reasonably repeatable and FCG rates are consistent with each other. The influence of various stress ratios R and mean stresses on the FCG rates is examined. The FCG rates dald N appear to be related to the numerically derived stress intensity factors AKby the conventional Paris' law, when plotted on a double logarithmic scale. Constants C and m are derived from a power function curve fit and the applicability of Paris' law to the investigated type of material is discussed. Near-threshold stress intensity factors AKth are derived from the dald N vs. AK curves by extrapolating curve fits down to the FCG rates of 10-8 mm/cycle assuming the continuous slope of dald N vs. AK curve.
Behavior of Unidirectional Sandwich Panels with a Multi-Skin Construction or a Multi-Layered Core Layout-High-Order Approach
Authors: Frostig Y. , Rabinovitch O.
Published: August 2009

The behavior of a unidirectional sandwich panel that consists of a multi-skin construction and a "soft" core is presented. In addition, a unidirectional sandwich panel with a core made of various layers, a multi-layered core, is discussed. The formulation is comprehensive, rigorous, and uses a variational approach that yields the field equations along with the appropriate boundary conditions for beams and unidirectional panels (wide beams). The governing equations for the two cases are presented for skins made of laminated composites with a general stacking sequence, and for a multi-layered core made of layers of isotropic or orthotropic materials. Typical panels that consist of a multi-skin construction are numerically studied. A unidirectional sandwich panel that has an edge with a cut-off is investigated and the involved stress concentration is examined as well. The effect of additional skin layers at mid height of the panel is presented and compared with an ordinary panel that consists of two skins. The multi-layered core layout is used to numerically study the effect of delamination between the layers of the core on the general behavior of the unidirectional sandwich panel and the stress concentration involved.
Response of Orthotropic Sandwich Plates to Concentrated Loading
Authors: Swanson Stephen R.
Published: August 2009

Sandwich plates are often analyzed with either classical or first order shear deformation theory. However experiments have shown that for lower stiffness cores and with concentrated loadings, these theories omit important features of the response. Recently a higher order theory for sandwich beams and plates has appeared in the literature that appears to better predict the response of sandwich structures. This theory treats the faces of the sandwich as independent orthotropic plates, coupled together by means of a simplified elasticity solution for the core that includes shear deformation and through-the-thickness strains. Analytical solutions for transverse static loading of plates can be obtained for simply-supported boundary conditions, analogous to the Navier solution. However the accuracy of this theory has not been sufficiently examined. In this paper the exact elasticity solution available for this problem is used to compare with the higher order sandwich theory. The results show that classical and first order shear deformation theory under-predict stresses and strains in the sandwich faces by more than an order of magnitude, while the higher order shear deformation theory is much more accurate. Although the higher order theory gives reasonable agreement with the elasticity solution, and is believed to be useful in practical application, it still gives errors on the order of 10 to 25% in face strains and interface shear stresses. The elasticity solution shows that the shear stress varies through the core thickness in the vicinity of localized loads, contrary to the assumptions of the higher order sandwich theory.
Experimental Evaluation of Interactive Buckle Localization in Compression Sandwich Panels
Authors: Wadee M. Ahmer
Published: August 2009

Experimental observations on an axially-loaded sandwich panel compare well with the recent developments in the theoretical modelling of interactive localized buckling. Comparisons of experimental collapse loads. buckle wavelengths and equilibrium paths With the theoretical model show good correlation.