bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vulnerable Diseases Affecting Child Mortality in Sierra Leone: Emerging Health Issue
Authors: Davids Saarah F , Susuman A Sathiya , Abduraghiem Latief
Published: October 2012

Child mortality in Sierra Leone is the highest ranked in the world. The main causes for child mortality are maternal factors, environmental factors and health factors. Minimal research has been carried out on health factors in Sierra Leone. The objective of this study is to see how maternal and environmental factors have an effect on health factors, which in turn cause child mortality. The data used were from the 2008 Sierra Leone Demographic and Household Survey (SLDHS). The study showed that child mortality had statistically significant factors associated with it: place of residence, birth number, religion and type of toilet facility. Furthermore, the SLDHS had not given much information regarding the cause of diseases affecting children, so we looked only at the effects they had on children. Acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea and measles each had one variable that was statistically significant. As for pneumonia, there were no variables associated with children contracting the disease.
A study on sintered TiO2 and TiO2/SiC composites synthesized through chemical reaction based solution method
Authors: Mohapatra Sankar , Mishra Dilip Kumar , Mishra Gopa , Roy GS , Behera Debadhyan , Mantry S , Singh SK
Published: October 2012

TiO2 and TiO2/SiC composites are synthesized through chemical route followed by solid-state sintering at 1450℃. The X-ray diffraction pattern shows the peaks of TiO2 and SiC for the compositional ratio up to 60:40 whereas no peak corresponding to TiO2 has been observed for the SiC percentage of 50 and 60. It is confirmed from the micro-Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectra that TiO2 has got diffused into the SiC surfaces and interfaces in the composites having higher percentages of SiC. Maximum hardness has been observed for the TiO2 and SiC composition of 50:50. No optical transition has been observed for the composites with TiO2: SiC ratio equal to or below 1.5. The increase in absorption percentages with increasing concentration of SiC indicates that these composites can be utilized as photo-catalytic active material in visible light. The electrical resistivity measurements clearly show the increase in conductivity with increase in SiC percentage up to 50% in TiO2/SiC composites. All these TiO2/SiC composites are found to have carrier concentration in the order of 1016–1018/cm3 at room temperature and hence can be proven as good ceramic semiconductors. It is observed that the insulating nature of TiO2 gets transformed to the semiconducting nature by the addition of SiC. The electrical, mechanical and optical properties are also found to be strongly dependent on the SiC percentages.
Fluorescent electrospun polyvinyl alcohol/CdSe@ZnS nanocomposite fibers
Authors: Atabey Emre , Wei Suying , Zhang Xi , Gu Hongbo , Yan Xingru , Huang Yudong , Shao Lu , He Qingliang , Zhu Jiahua , Sun Luyi , Kucknoor Ashwini S , Wang Andrew , Guo Zhanhu
Published: October 2012

Uniform and bead-free polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and its nanocomposite fibers filled with different loadings of CdSe@ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were prepared by the electrospinning process. The incorporation of QDs into PVA solution lowered the viscosity of the system. The electrospinning parameters, including applied voltage, feed rate, and working distance were optimized to prepare high quality nanocomposite fibers. Increasing the voltage from 20 to 25 kV, the average diameter of PVA fibers reduced from ca. 284 to 164 nm (42.5% decrease) and the average diameter of PVA/QDs nanocomposite fibers decreased from ca. 365 to 240 nm (34.2% decrease). The PVA/QDs (5.0 wt%) nanocomposite fibers were examined under a fluorescent microscopy. The thermal stability was investigated by both thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was utilized to characterize the functionality of the ﬁbers and to investigate the interaction between PVA and inorganic additions. Unique fluorescent phenomenon was observed in the PVA fibers after incorporation of small amount of QDs.
Dependence of the dynamic properties of Voigt and Reuss composites on the Poisson's ratios and bulk loss factors of the constituent materials
Authors: Meaud Julien , Hulbert Gregory M
Published: October 2012

Materials possessing both high stiffness and high damping would be beneficial in many structural applications. Composites that combine a stiff material, which usually has low damping, with a soft and lossy material have been proposed to engender both high dynamic modulus and high loss factor. In this article, we investigate the effective dynamic moduli and loss factors of Reuss and Voigt composites in response to a uniaxial harmonic load. The constituent materials are characterized by multiaxial viscoelastic models in the frequency domain. Using the viscoelastic correspondence principle, we derive formulae for Reuss and Voigt composites of infinite dimensions taking into account Poisson effects. We show that the effective loss factor of a Reuss composite is sensitive to the values of the Poisson's ratio and bulk loss factors of the constituent materials. Finally we simulate, using finite element analysis, the response of cylindrical Reuss composite rods of finite radius to an axial load. We demonstrate that the effective dynamic properties of these rods is highly sensitive to the ratio of the radius to the layer thickness of the composite.
Properties of 5-layer angle-interlock Kevlar-based composite structure manufactured from vacuum bagging
Authors: Zahid Bilal , Chen Xiaogang
Published: October 2012

The proposed research aims to manufacture, fabricate and evaluate the 5-layer ‘through-the-thickness’ angle-interlock composite structure from Kevlar. Results show that composites developed from angle-interlock fabric, exhibit different and far better tensile properties in the weft direction as compared to the warp direction. It is much harder to break the fibres in the weft direction than in the warp direction for this particular construction of Kevlar-based composite. This behaviour of composites can lead to better products while developing advanced textile-based composite structures.
Teachers’ Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Authors: Kleickmann Thilo , Richter Dirk , Kunter Mareike , Elsner Jürgen , Besser Michael , Krauss Stefan , Baumert Jürgen
Published: October 2012

Pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and content knowledge (CK) are key components of teacher competence that affect student progress. However, little is known about how teacher education affects the development of CK and PCK. To address this question, our research group constructed tests to directly assess mathematics teachers’ CK and PCK. Based on these tests, we compared the PCK and CK of four groups of mathematics teachers at different points in their teaching careers in Germany. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that PCK and CK measurement was satisfactorily invariant across the teacher populations considered. As expected, the largest differences in CK and PCK were found between the beginning and the end of initial teacher education. Differences in the structures of teacher education were reasonably well reflected in participants’ CK and PCK.
Refounding of the activity concept? Towards a federative paradigm for modeling and simulation
Authors: Muzy Alexandre , Varenne Franck , Zeigler Bernard P , Caux Jonathan , Coquillard Patrick , Touraille Luc , Prunetti Dominique , Caillou Philippe , Michel Olivier , Hill David RC
Published: October 2012

Currently, the widely used notion of activity is increasingly present in computer science. However, because this notion is used in specific contexts, it becomes vague. Here, the notion of activity is scrutinized in various contexts and, accordingly, put in perspective. It is discussed through four scientific disciplines: computer science, biology, economics, and epistemology. The definition of activity usually used in simulation is extended to new qualitative and quantitative definitions. In computer science, biology and economics disciplines, the new simulation activity definition is first applied critically. Then, activity is discussed generally. In epistemology, activity is discussed, in a prospective way, as a possible framework in models of human beliefs and knowledge.
Experience as College Student Activists
Authors: Philip Thomas M.
Published: October 2012

Understanding teaching as a political act is often assumed to be a strength for teachers; however, this assumption conceals important aspects of their processes of becoming politicized. I argue that seeing teaching as a political act can be a liability for prospective teachers of color who engaged with college student activism if these assumed qualities are not productively addressed in teacher education programs. I examine trajectories of change in a prospective teacher’s sense-making about activism over the course of her first year in a master’s and credential program and explore the implications of these findings for programs of teacher education.
Interpersonal Esteem Enhancement
Authors: Holmstrom Amanda J.
Published: October 2012

The relationship between attachment, situational factors (type of esteem threat, target responsibility, and problem severity), and ratings of the helpfulness of esteem support messages was examined in two studies (Study 1, N = 196; Study 2, N = 506). Esteem support is a particular form of emotional support intended to improve how the recipient feels about him or herself. In both studies, participants rated the helpfulness of esteem support messages for three types of esteem threat and completed measures of (a) attachment dimensions, (b) perceived situational severity, and (c) perceived target responsibility. Results indicate that attachment avoidance is related to ratings of message helpfulness and that situational features moderate the relationship between the attachment dimensions and esteem support message ratings.
Normative Influences on Network Structure in the Evolution of the Children’s Rights NGO Network, 1977-2004
Authors: Margolin Drew B. , Shen Cuihua , Lee Seungyoon , Weber Matthew S. , Fulk Janet , Monge Peter
Published: October 2012

This study examines the impact of legitimacy on the dynamics of interorganizational networks within the nongovernmental organizations’ children’s rights community. The 27-year period of analysis included a critical community event: the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Building on theories of organizational evolution, hypotheses proposed that (1) ratification of the UNCRC served to codify and more broadly communicate the legitimate norms of the community, and (2) dissemination of normative information made it easier (a) for less experienced organizations to form and maintain partnerships, and (b) for organizations to form partnerships without reference to shared third-party contacts or dominant organizations. Data analysis via a longitudinal network model supported the hypotheses. Further investigation via an event history analysis suggested that these effects were largely confined to links among organizations in the children’s rights community and not to links made by these organizations to more general others.
Responding to Lexical Stimuli With Gender Associations
Authors: Bojarska Katarzyna
Published: October 2012

This article presents a cognitive–cultural model (CC model) of situational, dispositional, and motivational factors affecting gender-associational responses to lexical expressions concerning people. It is argued that the mind is trained to perceive gender as an indispensable human feature. When decoding the meaning of a message, it will search for cues of gender, usually prioritizing the semantic content. When gender is not clearly specified, the mind attempts to plausibly reconstruct missing data by referring to indirect extrasemantic cues. This often occurs beyond conscious recognition. Lexical cues are strongly influential owing to their direct association with semantic gender-specific meaning. Gender-associational dispositions resulting from cognitive training also affect the response. This article discusses cognitive training’s cultural, gender-related, and individual components, along with dispositional and incidental factors, affecting motivation to consciously authorize and/or alter the initial automatic response.
Barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism in advanced cancer patients: A qualitative study
Authors: Sheard Laura , Prout Hayley , Dowding Dawn , Noble Simon , Watt Ian , Maraveyas Anthony , Johnson Miriam
Published: October 2012

Background:

Venous thromboembolism is common in patients with cancer and the risk increases with advanced disease. Evidence-based treatment is administration of low-molecular-weight heparin daily by subcutaneous injection. Clinical uncertainty exists as to whether treating venous thromboembolism in advanced disease is in the patient’s best interests.

Aim:

To explore the barriers faced by doctors when diagnosing and treating patients with cancer-associated thrombosis.

Design:

Qualitative, in-depth interview study using framework analysis.

Participants:

Forty-five UK doctors across urban and rural settings, from three specialties, oncology, palliative medicine and general practice, with a mixture of senior and junior staff.

Results:

Organisational constraints served to act as barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of this patient group. Issues were identified around access to diagnostic testing. A cancer-associated thrombosis patient having to wait for a scan as an inpatient was sometimes deemed unnecessary. Patient ambulance transport (especially transportation of hospice patients) was often viewed as inflexible and bureaucratic. Low-molecular-weight heparin prescribing had sometimes led to tension between the acute, community and hospice sectors about whose prescribing responsibility this was, with different areas having divergent ‘rules’ and practices. Finally, the doctors interviewed discussed the role of nurses.

Conclusions:

Multiple logistical barriers are hindering best patient care for people with cancer-associated thrombosis. There is scope for some of these barriers to be reduced to improve service delivery and ultimately patient care. The research team proposes practical recommendations, which could yield direct benefit for patients and the health services.
Cooperative multi-agent mapping of three-dimensional structures for pipeline inspection applications
Authors: Tavakoli Mahmoud , Cabrita Gonçlo , Faria Ricardo , Marques Lino , de Almeida Anibal T.
Published: October 2012

This article proposes two methods based on cooperation between climbing and ground robots in order to address the mapping problem for autonomous inspection of three-dimensional (3D) structures. A pole climbing robot was developed to autonomously inspect a 3D human-made structure. The robot is able to climb over 3D human-made structures with bends and T-junctions. In the previous version of the system, the robot operator had to provide a set of data, resembling the map of the 3D structure, to the path planning algorithm of the climbing robot. However, the necessity of a priori knowledge of the structure’s geometry reduces the autonomy of the system. In this article we propose two solutions in which the structure in front of the robot is mapped autonomously. In the first proposed method, ground robots act as a mobile observer with a wide coverage for a climbing robot, to detect and estimate the size of the structure being climbed. We will present a case study in which multiple terrain robots provide the model of a structure which should be explored by a pole climbing robot. Each terrain robot is equipped with a low-cost wide angle Visual Graphics Array (VGA) camera, and some markers are fixed on the climbing robot. At each navigation step, the climbing robot and terrain robots cooperate to model a part of the structure which should be explored by the climbing robot. We also present a second approach in which a depth image from a Microsoft Kinect (a motion sensing input device by Microsoft) is fused with the information from the camera in order to eliminate the dependency of the system on color and light conditions.
Hygrothermal effects in composites: Influence of geometry and determination of transverse coefficient of thermal expansion
Authors: Cantera MA , Romera JM , Adarraga I , Mujika F
Published: October 2012

This work evaluates the influence of geometric properties, the length-to-width ratio, named Aspect Ratio, on curvatures in [θ − 90/θ]T carbon/epoxy composite laminates at room temperature due to thermal residual stresses. A new method to determine experimentally thermal residual curvatures in composites laminates by defining small-length increments on the surface of deformed plate has been exposed. [–454/454]T was considered to obtain a simple analytical expression of twisting curvature. A new way to determine transverse coefficient of thermal expansion α2 is proposed in squared laminates based on experimental values of twisting curvatures of [–454/454]T laminates.
Optimization of the cycle time in resin transfer molding process by numerical simulation
Authors: Saad Aouatif , Echchelh Adil , Hattabi Mohamed , El Ganaoui Mohammed
Published: October 2012

Resin transfer molding is a popular manufacturing process for composite materials because of its ability to manufacture complex-shaped parts with high efficiency and low pollution. Despite the intense interest in the modeling and simulation of this process, minimization of mold filling time without losing the part quality remains an important issue in the resin transfer molding process. Various methods in the literature are suggested to achieve this. However, inappropriate injection methods lead to numerous air entrapments, and fiber mat deformation. In this study, we are interested in developing and improving new methods to optimize the cycle time. The effects of several parameters on the filling process are deeply investigated. A computer code based on the control volume finite element method is developed to study the mold filling process in all cases. The validity of the computer code used is checked by analytical results and close agreement is found.
Vibration-assisted melt compounding of polypropylene/carbon black composites: Processability, filler dispersion and mechanical properties
Authors: Kotzev Georgi , Djoumaliisky Strashimir , Natova Margarita , Benavente Rosario
Published: October 2012

Composites of polypropylene and carbon black were melt compounded by a vibration-assisted process. For comparison, conventional extrusion was also used for preparation of the same composites. A throughput of the vibration-assisted process was established to be higher than that of conventional extrusion. Microscopic images of the extrudates demonstrated better dispersion of the fillers when the vibration force field was applied. The mechanical properties and viscoelastic behavior of the composites were studied and the results were discussed in the context of the reinforcing action of the fillers and the higher level of polypropylene chain scission accompanying the vibration-assisted process.
Rheological and mechanical properties of cycloolefin copolymer/organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Kasgoz Alper , Akın Dincer , Durmus Ali
Published: October 2012

In this study, structural, rheological and mechanical properties of cycloolefin copolymer/organoclay nanocomposite films were investigated in detail. A maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene was used as conventional compatibilizer. In a series of samples, poly(ethylene- co-1-octene) copolymer was also used as a secondary component in the sample formulations. Microstructural features of the samples and clay dispersion into the polymer phase were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy studies. Physical properties of the samples were examined with the melt rheology and dynamic mechanical analysis tests. Highly transparent films with the intercalated nanocomposite structure were successfully obtained. It was found that the poly(ethylene- co-1-octene) enhances the organoclay dispersion into polymer phase and the related physical properties of the samples. Some structural properties of the samples such as the critical volume fraction of organoclay ( ϕp) and aspect ratio ( Af) were quantified with the experimental data obtained from the rheological and mechanical measurements. Critical volume fraction of organoclay at the percolation threshold was determined as 0.018 based on the rheological measurements. The Halpin–Tsai micro-mechanical model for composite materials was employed to determine dispersion of organoclay layers. The aspect ratio of organoclay tactoids was found to be about 12–15 based on the both rheological and micro-mechanical modeling.
Medical Management of Hunger Strikers
Authors: Chalela Julio A. , Lopez J. Ivan
Published: October 2012

Hunger strikes are not infrequent occurrences in military and civilian prisons. Although practicing clinicians are familiar with the management of patients who have limited oral intake, managing hunger strikers is unfamiliar to most. The psychological, physiological, and social events that surround hunger strikes are very complex and need to be understood by those caring for hunger strike patients. To provide adequate medical care to hunger strike patients, clinicians most understand the physiological events that ensue after prolonged starvation. Careful vigilance for development of refeeding syndrome is of key importance. A multidisciplinary approach to hunger strikes is of utmost importance, and involvement of a multidisciplinary clinical team as well as prison officials is essential.
Comparison of Garment Sizing Systems
Authors: Petrova Adriana , Ashdown Susan P.
Published: October 2012

Reflecting two ways of impacting a garment sizing system-by modifying the body sizing table, and by modifying the ease amounts added (at bust and hip only), 4 garment sizing systems presenting the combinations of a standard (ASTM D5585-95R01) or a modified body sizing table, each with constant or size-dependent ease amounts across sizes, were compared by testing their relative (as opposed to absolute) performance in fit tests with 81 study participants. Test garments (princess style jackets), sizes 2-16, were manufactured for each system (32 garments). Each participant was photographed in the best-fitting size garment from each system. Three fit experts ranked the 4 garments by fit for each study participant. Statistical analysis indicated better overall performance of systems based on size-dependent ease (but not within each size group) and of the modified table (significantly better for participants with small hip-bust drop and not significantly for participants with large drop).
Towards a creative synthesis of participant observation and participatory research: Reflections on doing research with and on young Bhutanese refugees in Nepal
Authors: Evans Rosalind
Published: October 2012

This article responds to Wright and Nelson’s (1995) call for a ‘creative synthesis’ of participant observation and participatory research, which may allow the limitations of both methods to be addressed. It does so by reflecting on the experience of doing long-term research both with and on young Bhutanese refugees in Nepal. Although participant observation and participatory research may be seen as incompatible approaches, the article explores the impact of employing traditional ethnographic research methods, and facilitating young refugees’ own research on issues of their choice.
Exploring ‘lost childhood’: A study of the narratives of Palestinians who grew up during the First Intifada
Authors: Netland Marit
Published: October 2012

Analysis of life narratives of 20 West Bank Palestinians who grew up during First Intifada revealed an experience of having ‘lost childhood’. This experience included various aspects categorized into ‘lost child-friendliness’ and ‘lost childlikeness’. Participants attributed their sense of lost childhood to having grown up in the context of large-scale, unavoidable, inescapable, harsh and instrumental political violence. The author suggests that the Palestinian participants’ understanding that they lost their childhood when still children biologically and legally might best be accounted for within a theoretical framework seeing childhood as subjective in the ontological sense, but objective in the epistemic sense.
Strategic party placement with a dynamic electorate
Authors: Monogan James E
Published: October 2012

This article expands upon formal research on elections by considering competition in a dynamic environment of multiple elections. The key assumptions are that the ideology of the electorate is changing in a known way, parties cannot change their position from one election to the next, and one party has a non-ideological advantage in the first election. A deterministic version of this game shows that with a large valence advantage for one party, both parties will converge to the median for a future election. With a small valence advantage, there is no pure-strategy equilibrium, so a stochastic version of the game is considered. With probabilistic voting, parties place themselves closer to the present median, but move towards the future median the more highly they value winning in the future and the less uncertain they are about election outcomes.
System performance tests and start transient analysis of a liquid rocket engine turbopump
Authors: Hong Soon-Sam , Kim Dae-Jin , Kim Jin-Sun , Kim Jinhan
Published: October 2012

This article describes a series of development tests of a turbopump, which can be applied to a gas generator cycle rocket engine with liquid oxygen and kerosene propellants. A turbine drives both an oxidizer pump and a fuel pump in the turbopump assembly. In the tests, liquid oxygen and kerosene are supplied to the oxidizer pump and the fuel pump, respectively, while either cold hydrogen gas or hot gas from the gas generator is supplied to the turbine. The turbopump is operated reliably at both on-design and off-design conditions, meeting all the performance requirements. The test results are compared with those of the turbopump component tests, where model fluids are used, that is, water for the oxidizer pump and the fuel pump, and cold air for the turbine. The turbopump tests results agree well with the turbopump component test results. The speed buildup of the turbopump at start period is calculated when pressurized gas is used to initially spin the turbine. A differential equation which represents the torque balance between the turbine and the pumps is solved. The calculation shows a good agreement with the test result. When the mechanical loss of the turbopump is considered, a better estimation is obtained.
Theoretical investigation of a variable displacement vane-type oil pump
Authors: Truong Dinh Quang , Ahn Kyoung Kwan , Trung Nguyen Thanh , Lee Jae Shin
Published: October 2012

Variable displacement vane-type oil pumps represent one of the most innovative pump types for industrial applications, especially for engine lubrication systems. This article deals with a mathematical modeling method for theoretical performance investigation of a typical variable displacement vane-type oil pump. This theoretical model is based on the pump geometric design and dynamic analyses. It can be considered as a generation step for a deeper understanding of the pump operation as well as for effectively implementing the pump control mechanisms to satisfy the urgent demands of engine lubrication systems. The developed theoretical pump model is finally illustrated by numerical simulations.
Vibration analysis of multiple degrees of freedom mechanical system with dry friction
Authors: Yu SD , Wen BC
Published: October 2012

This article presents a simple procedure for predicting time-domain vibrational behaviors of a multiple degrees of freedom mechanical system with dry friction. The system equations of motion are discretized by means of the implicit Bozzak–Newmark integration scheme. At each time step, the discontinuous frictional force problem involving both the equality and inequality constraints is successfully reduced to a quadratic mathematical problem or the linear complementary problem with the introduction of non-negative and complementary variable pairs (supremum velocities and slack forces). The so-obtained complementary equations in the complementary pairs can be solved efficiently using the Lemke algorithm. Results for several single degree of freedom and multiple degrees of freedom problems with one-dimensional frictional constraints and the classical Coulomb frictional model are obtained using the proposed procedure and compared with those obtained using other approaches. The proposed procedure is found to be accurate, efficient, and robust in solving non-smooth vibration problems of multiple degrees of freedom systems with dry friction. The proposed procedure can also be applied to systems with two-dimensional frictional constraints and more sophisticated frictional models.
Trade union responses to migrant workers from the ‘new Europe’: A three sector comparison in the UK, Norway and Germany
Authors: Hardy Jane , Eldring Line , Schulten Thorsten
Published: October 2012

This article compares trade union strategies towards migrant workers from the ‘new Europe’. The analysis focuses on three sectors in the UK, Norway and Germany. We conclude that trade union responses to these migrant workers are shaped by the complex interplay of national industrial relations systems, sectoral dynamics, EU regulation and the agency of individual trade unions.
Factors Influencing Prenatal Screening for Down’s Syndrome
Authors: Huang Jiayan , Chen Yingyao , Pong Raymond W.
Published: October 2012

This article attempts to identify the factors that influence prenatal screening uptake. About 1400 postdelivery, still-hospitalized women in 15 hospitals in Zhejiang Province were surveyed from November to December 2007. Univariate analysis was used to describe screening uptake and compare respondents with different characteristics. Stepwise logistic regression (forward) was then used to assess the relative strength of those influencing factors. It was found that 49.7% of the respondents received maternal serum prenatal screening. The factors that influenced prenatal screening service utilization included place of residence (urban vs countryside), migrant versus nonmigrant status, attitudes toward screening, frequency of routine prenatal checkups, and doctor’s advice. Migrants had a lower probability of getting screened than permanent residents (odds ratio = 0.456; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31, 0.68). The screening uptake probability of women with doctor’s advice was 12 times as great as that of women without doctor’s advice (95% CI = 7.91, 18.69).
Characterization of the elastic moduli in composite plates via dispersive guided waves data and genetic algorithms
Authors: Marzani Alessandro , De Marchi Luca
Published: October 2012

In this study, an inverse procedure based on stress guided waves is proposed for the characterization of the elastic moduli of composite plates. The characterization is carried out via genetic algorithms by minimizing the discrepancy between experimental and numerical group delay curves for different directions of propagation along the plate. Experimentally, for a given distance source–receiver, the group delay curves are obtained by processing the guided waves time–transient signals via a time–frequency transform. For the same distance, a fast and reliable semi-analytical finite element formulation is used for the forward computation of the group delay curves. Here, pseudo-experimental data, generated by means of the semi-analytical finite element model for an assumed known set of elastic coefficients, are used to test the reliability of the proposed procedure. The results obtained for three different plates are promising. Since semi-analytical finite element formulations can also handle plates with uniform curvature, this identification procedure could be extended to composite shells. The authors believe that this procedure could support the on-field nondestructive evaluation and structural health monitoring of composite plates and shells.
A Virtual Community
Authors: Matura Lea Ann , McDonough Annette , Aglietti Lianne M. , Herzog Jessica L. , Gallant Kelly A.
Published: October 2012

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a complex disorder characterized by elevated pressures in the pulmonary artery that cause right heart failure and eventually leads to death. Treatment regimens can be complex and mortality is high. The purpose of this study was to determine how people with PH are using an online Discussion Board. Qualitative descriptive methodology was used to analyze a convenience sample of self-identified patients with PH. Internet posts to an online Discussion Board from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 were analyzed for common themes. Five hundred forty-nine individuals with PH posted to the Discussion Board. Four themes emerged: Uncertainty and Concern, Guidance and Validation, Support, and Refocusing Life. People with PH are using the Internet to answer questions about PH and seeking support. Future research needs to be conducted to further explore the needs and concerns of people with PH to provide tailored interventions.
Project SEARCH for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Wehman Paul , Schall Carol , McDonough Jennifer , Molinelli Alissa , Riehle Erin , Ham Whitney , Thiss Weston R.
Published: October 2012

Supporting youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the transition to adulthood is challenging. This article provides a description of how Project SEARCH, a model transition program for youth with disabilities, was used to help youth with ASD gain competitive employment. This article includes two case studies and a thorough description of the additional supports provided to increase successful employment on graduation from high school. Key Project SEARCH program components include setting a goal for employment, providing successive intensive internships in a community business, and assuring collaboration between school and adult services staff. Supports specific to students with ASD include providing intensive instruction in social, communication, and job skills; visual supports; and work routine and structure. These supports are described in the provided case studies.
Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Authors: Peterson Mark
Published: October 2012

Practical relevance:

Since first being reported in the late 1970s, there has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of hyperthyroidism in cats. It is now recognized worldwide as the most common feline endocrine disorder.

Patient group:

Hyperthyroidism is an important cause of morbidity in cats older than 10 years of age. It is estimated that over 10% of all senior cats will develop the disorder.

Clinical challenges:

Despite its frequency, the underlying cause(s) of this common disease is/are not known, and no one has suggested a means to prevent the disorder. Because of the multiple risk factors that have been described for feline hyperthyroidism, it is likely that more than one factor is involved in its pathogenesis. Continuous, lifelong exposure to environmental thyroid disruptor chemicals or goitrogens in food or water, acting together in an additive or synergistic manner, may first lead to euthyroid goiter and then to autonomous adenomatous hyperplasia, thyroid adenoma and hyperthyroidism.

Evidence base:

This review draws on published research studies to summarize the available evidence about the risk factors for feline hyperthyroidism. Based on the known goitrogens that may be present in the cat’s food, drinking water or environment, it proposes measures that cat owners can implement that might prevent, or reduce the prevalence of, thyroid tumors and hyperthyroidism in their cats.
Surface damage prediction during an FZG gear micropitting test
Authors: Brandão José A , Martins Ramiro , Seabra Jorge HO , Castro Manuel JD
Published: October 2012

A numerical simulation of an actual FZG spur gear micropitting test was performed. The simulation was based on a model that takes into account: overpressure effects due to mixed or boundary film lubrication, in turn caused by the interaction of roughness features of the contacting gear teeth, represented in the simulation by actual roughness profiles measured on the teeth; residual stresses in the gear teeth; a high-cycle, multi-axial fatigue criterion to evaluate the fatigue damage on the surface. The simulation was applied to the four load stages that constitute an FZG gear micropitting test and actual gear meshing was simulated. It was additionally possible to ascertain the adequacy of the model to shorter load durations because the load stages of the original micropitting test had been periodically interrupted for intermediate monitoring.
Cerebrospinal fluid parameters of B cell-related activity in patients with active disease during natalizumab therapy
Authors: Harrer A , Tumani H , Niendorf S , Lauda F , Geis C , Weishaupt A , Kleinschnitz C , Rauer S , Kuhle J , Stangel M , Weber F , Uhr M , Linnebank M , Wildemann B , Jarius S , Guger M , Ayzenberg I , Chan A , Zettl U , Wiendl H , Pilz G , Hitzl W , Weber JR , Kraus J
Published: October 2012

Recently, the disappearance of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a few natalizumab-treated patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been reported. This is interesting since CSF-restricted OCB are believed to persist in MS. We pooled CSF data from 14 MS centers to obtain an adequate sample size for investigating the suspected changes in central nervous system (CNS)-restricted humoral immune activities in the context of natalizumab therapy. In a retrospective chart analysis, CSF parameters of blood–CSF barrier integrity and intrathecal IgG production from 73 natalizumab-treated MS patients requiring a diagnostic puncture for exclusion of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy were compared with CSF data obtained earlier in the course of disease before natalizumab therapy. At the time of repeat lumbar puncture, local IgG production (according to Reibergram) was significantly reduced ( p < 0.0001) and OCB had disappeared in 16% of the patients. We therefore conclude that natalizumab therapy interferes with intrathecal antibody production at least in a significant number of patients.
The distinctive politics of campaign finance reform
Authors: Nwokora Zim
Published: October 2012

This article presents a unified theory explaining several conflicting empirical observations in the politics of campaign finance. It identifies those circumstances that foster or frustrate the enactment of financing laws that increase the competitiveness of elections. I argue that the competitiveness of financing laws is a result of three strong incentives when they operate in differently structured party systems. First, lawmakers have an incentive to make laws to protect their incumbency from competitors. This incentive generally overwhelms the (weaker) incentive to enact popular, competition-enhancing reforms. Secondly, lawmakers, when they act through political parties, have an incentive to cooperate with rivals to reduce the costs of political defeats. Thirdly, lawmakers seek to enact reforms that are consistent with their normative goals. These incentives combine with several party system variables to determine when campaign finance reform is likely to occur and how it will impact on the competitiveness of elections.
Comparison of natural and hybrid ventilation strategies used in classrooms in terms of indoor environmental quality, comfort and energy savings
Authors: Dhalluin Adrien , Limam Karim
Published: October 2012

Numerous studies have shown that ventilation in classrooms is often insufficient or inadequate, leading to health risks, discomfort and a decrease in student learning performances. The aim of this study was to compare the performances of four ventilation modes used in identical and adjacent classrooms at the University of La Rochelle in terms of indoor environmental quality, overall comfort perception by the occupants and energy consumption. The different ventilation strategies included the use of balanced mechanical ventilation and natural ventilation by manual or automated window opening. Parameters related to air quality as well as thermal, visual and acoustic comfort were measured, and questionnaires were filled out by the occupants during the courses. The monitoring approach was conducted during summer and winter 2010 in order to classify the tested strategies during both seasons with reference to the requirements of standards and French regulations. The results showed that the automated window opening system controlled by air temperature and lighting level was really efficient in summer. In winter, none of the ventilation modes was clearly more adaptable for classrooms than the other. Thus, a good use of natural ventilation, controlled by well chosen parameters can provide a satisfactory solution for the academic environment.
Representation in the European Parliament: Factors affecting the attitude congruence of voters and candidates in the EP elections
Authors: Walczak Agnieszka , van der Brug Wouter
Published: October 2012

This article examines the extent to which individual-, party- and system-level characteristics affect the attitude congruence of voters and candidates for elections to the European Parliament. It examines attitudes towards basic policy packages in the socioeconomic and libertarian/authoritarian issue domains and on immigration and European Union integration. The analysis is based on the 2009 European Election Study and European Election Candidate Survey, which covered 27 countries of the European Union (EU), 162 parties and over 11,500 respondents. It shows that the European Parliament suffers from inequalities in representation for different groups of citizens, representing much better the attitudes of educated, middle-class and politically knowledgeable voters. Furthermore, the analysis uncovers significant differences across political parties in how well they match up to voters. We provide tentative evidence suggesting that voters are better represented in open and ordered ballot systems.
Full disclosure? The Open Method of Coordination, parliamentary debates and media coverage
Authors: de Ruiter Rik
Published: October 2012

This article answers the question of which EU-level characteristics of the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) are most likely to result in pressure on national governments to reconsider their policies as a result of OMC-related parliamentary activities and media coverage. On the basis of interviews with European Commission officials and an analysis of parliamentary debates in committee meetings and newspaper coverage on six OMCs in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in the period 1996–2009, three characteristics are selected and their empirical relevance assessed. The findings indicate that, when an OMC is adopted in a policy field without any other type of EU-level activity already present, or does not include indicators/benchmarks or peer learning activities, the OMC will not increase the pressure on a national government.
Economic theories of democratic legitimacy and the normative role of an ideal consensus
Authors: King Christopher S.
Published: October 2012

Economic theories of democratic legitimacy (discussed here as minimalist theories) have criticized deliberative accounts of democratic legitimacy on the grounds that they do not represent a practical possibility and that they create conditions that make actual democracies worse. It is not simply that they represent the wrong ideal. Rather, they are too idealistic – failing to show proper regard for the cognitive and moral limitations of persons and the depth of disagreement in democratic society. This article aims to show (1) that the minimalist criterion of democratic legitimacy is self-defeating and (2) that even if there are minimal cognitive, moral, and social requirements for the possibility of practicable deliberative democracy, these limitations do not necessarily impose insuperable barriers for democratic deliberation as the normative basis of democratic legitimacy. Thus, the limiting facts do not dictate the structure of appropriate normative models of democracy in the way minimalists have supposed.
Membership-set identification method for structural damage based on measured natural frequencies and static displacements
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Yang Chen , Wang Lei , Yang Haifeng , Qiu Zhiping
Published: October 2012

Based on measured natural frequencies and static displacements, an improved interval analysis technique is proposed for structural damage detection by adopting membership-set identification and two-step model updating procedures. Due to the scarcity of uncertain information, the uncertainties are considered as interval numbers in this article. Via the first-order Taylor series expansion, the interval bounds of the elemental stiffness parameters of undamaged and damaged structures are obtained. The structural damage is detected by the quantitative measure of the possibility of damage existence in elements, which is more reasonable than the probability of damage existence in the condition of less measurement data. In this study, the conversation of the interval analysis method is remarkably reduced by the membership-set identification technique. The present method is applied to a truss structure and a steel cantilever plate for damage identification, and the damage identification results obtained by the interval analysis method and probabilistic method are compared. This article also discusses the effects of damage level and uncertainty level on detection results. The numerical examples show that the wide intervals resulting from the interval operation can be narrowed by the proposed non-probabilistic approach, and the feasibility and applicability of the present method are validated.
Pentosidine as a biomarker for microvascular complications in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Kerkeni Mohsen , Saïdi Amel , Bouzidi Hassan , Letaief Ahmed , Ben Yahia Salim , Hammami Mohamed
Published: October 2012

Serum soluble receptor for advanced glycation end product (sRAGE) may reflect the activity of the advanced glycation end product (AGE)–receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE) axis, which has been proposed as a potential mechanism linking hyperglycaemia to vascular complications in diabetes. We have investigated whether serum AGEs, sRAGE and pentosidine levels were increased and correlated with microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We included 30 healthy control subjects, and 200 diabetic patients were divided into two subgroups: 100 patients with diabetic retinopathy and 100 patients with diabetic nephropathy. AGEs, sRAGE and pentosidine were measured in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum AGEs, sRAGE and pentosidine levels were significantly increased in diabetic patients with retinopathy and in diabetic patients with nephropathy compared to control subjects ( p < 0.001). Serum AGEs, sRAGE and pentosidine levels are positively associated with microvascular complications in type 2 DM. Multiple regression analysis reveals serum pentosidine as an independent determinant of the presence of diabetic retinopathy ( p = 0.004) and the presence of hypertension ( p = 0.018) and hyperlipidaemia ( p = 0.036). Pentosidine levels may be a biomarker for microvascular complications in type 2 diabetic patients.
Mega Sport Events
Authors: de Nooij Michiel
Published: October 2012

The debates on whether to bid for organizing a mega sports event like the World Cup Soccer or the Olympic Games ignore either the bidding costs or the probability not to win the bid or both. In this short article, I discuss why the bidding costs and probabilities should be taken into account and I show for the Netherlands, which is currently discussing bidding for the Olympic Games of 2028, that the Net Present Value of organizing should be €557 million to €2.8 billion positive to compensate for the bidding costs and the probability of an unsuccessful bid.