bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical modelling of percussion water jets driven by multiple collisions
Authors: Lu Zhaohui , Qin Zongyi , Hood Michael , Lu Yiyu , Tadic Dihon
Published: July 2014

A numerical model is proposed in this research to analyse the behaviour of the pulse jet driven by percussion hammer. The mass of the hammer is usually larger than that of the piston and the resistance of compressed water can low down the piston, thus multiple collisions occur each time when the hammer strikes the piston. The proposed model has the merit to consider various striking possibilities to simulate the process of pulse water jet generated by multiple hammer collisions. In addition, a hammer-driven percussion pulse jet is developed and the corresponding experiments are carried out for verifying the reliability of the numerical model. Comparison results show that the predicted pressure and velocity values match well with the experimental data. The simulation of the generation of pulsed jet reveals the collisions and motions of the hammer and the piston and provides understanding of the mechanism of the pulse jet generation. The design of the hammer-driven pulse water jet device can be optimised through modelling different combinations of the parameters of the chamber, hammer, piston and nozzle for a specific purpose of rock fragmentation.
Metrological interpretation of a six-sigma process for improving the online optical measurement of automotive turbocharger dimensions
Authors: D’Emilia Giulio , Di Rosso Giuseppe , Gaspari Antonella , Massimo Alessandra
Published: July 2014

In this paper, a synergy between metrological concepts and six-sigma methodology was developed, in order to increase and consolidate improvements in the define, measure, analyse, improve and control intervention with reference to the online control procedure of the critical geometrical dimensions of a high-performance turbocharger for automotive applications. The metrological support is intended to be applied in terms of not only rigorously quantifying but also validating the improvement effects. The concepts and approaches typical of measurements are used with the aim of justifying and physically explaining the problems and the motivations for the obtained improvements. The consistency of the measured parameters with the production process steps is used to demonstrate the peculiarity and the newness of this approach. An analysis of the sensitivity to the interfering inputs, the uncertainty budget and the modelling of the measurement process are used by a bottom-up approach to set coherent actions which are able to improve strongly and consciously the six-sigma performance indicators.
Deliberate Practice and Performance in Music, Games, Sports, Education, and Professions: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Macnamara Brooke N. , Hambrick David Z. , Oswald Frederick L.
Published: July 2014

More than 20 years ago, researchers proposed that individual differences in performance in such domains as music, sports, and games largely reflect individual differences in amount of deliberate practice, which was defined as engagement in structured activities created specifically to improve performance in a domain. This view is a frequent topic of popular-science writing—but is it supported by empirical evidence? To answer this question, we conducted a meta-analysis covering all major domains in which deliberate practice has been investigated. We found that deliberate practice explained 26% of the variance in performance for games, 21% for music, 18% for sports, 4% for education, and less than 1% for professions. We conclude that deliberate practice is important, but not as important as has been argued.
Protein Expression of MMP-2 and MT1-MMP in Actinic Keratosis, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin, and Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: de Oliveira Poswar Fabiano , de Carvalho Fraga Carlos Alberto , Gomes Emisael Stênio Batista , Farias Lucyana Conceição , Souza Linton Wallis Figueiredo , Santos Sérgio Henrique Souza , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , de-Paula Alfredo Maurício Batista , Guimarães André Luiz Sena
Published: July 2014

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are 2 skin neoplasms with distinct potentials to invasion and metastasis. Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precursor lesion of SCC. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of MMP-2 and MT1-MMP in samples of BCC (n = 29), SCC (n = 12), and AK (n = 13). The ratio of positive cells to total cells was used to quantify the staining. Statistical significance was considered under the level P < .05. We found a higher expression of MMP-2 in tumor stroma and parenchyma of SCC as compared to BCC. The expression of this protein was also similar between SCC and its precursor actinic keratosis, and it was higher in the stroma of high-risk BCC when compared to low-risk BCC. MT1-MMP, which is an activator of MMP-2, was similarly expressed in all groups. Our results suggest that MMP-2 expression may contribute to the distinct invasive patterns seen in SCC and BCC.
Busulfan dosing (Q6 or Q24) with adjusted or actual body weight, does it matter?
Authors: Clemmons Amber Bradley , Evans Sarah , DeRemer David L , Awan Farrukh T
Published: July 2014

Background

In hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), patients receive individualized treatment planning in conditioning regimens to prevent unwarranted toxicities while maximizing desired outcomes. The dose of a widely studied agent in this setting, busulfan, can be adjusted based on area under the curve (AUC); however, choice of actual body weight (ABW) versus adjusted body weight (DBW) weight to calculate the initial dose may be critical in attaining goal AUC.

Objective

To determine which weight best correlates with achievement of goal AUC for patients receiving busulfan conditioning for HSCT. Secondary objectives include evaluation of AUC results with clinical outcomes such as toxicity and survival.

Methods

An institutional review board-approved retrospective analysis was performed on 31 allogeneic HSCT recipients who received intravenous busulfan (Q6H with cyclophosphamide [Bu/Cy] or once daily with fludarabine [Flu/Bu]).

Results

Eighteen patients received Flu/Bu (50% ABW, 50% DBW) and 13 received Bu/Cy (23% ABW, 77% DBW). Overall, patients dosed by DBW were more likely to undershoot goal AUC (−12.8% vs. +19.5%, p = 0.018) and require dose increases (+20% vs. −19.9%, p = 0.012) versus those dosed by ABW. Subgroup analysis confirmed these results for Bu/Cy (−23.6% vs. +2.2%, p < 0.001 for goal AUC; +36.2% vs. −4.5%, p = 0.008 for busulfan dose increase), but not Flu/Bu (−0.8% vs. +25.3%, p = 0.123 for goal AUC; +3.4% vs. −25.1%, p = 0.174 for busulfan dose increase). Time to engraftment, progression-free survival, and overall survival were not different between dosing groups ( p > 0.05). No patient experienced busulfan-related toxicity.

Conclusions

Further prospective studies are warranted to elucidate which weight is most likely to achieve goal AUC and subsequent optimal patient outcomes.
A case of pathology-proven neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with Sjögren syndrome manifesting aphasia and apraxia due to a localized cerebral white matter lesion
Authors: Sawada Jun , Orimoto Ryosuke , Misu Tatsuro , Katayama Takayuki , Aizawa Hitoshi , Asanome Asuka , Takahashi Kae , Saito Tsukasa , Anei Ryogo , Kamada Kyousuke , Miyokawa Naoyuki , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Fujihara Kazuo , Hasebe Naoyuki
Published: July 2014

A woman with Sjögren syndrome manifesting as aphasia with a left deep cerebral white matter lesion tested positive for anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibody. Open biopsy of the lesion revealed active demyelination with edematous changes and the preservation of most axons, indicating a non-necrotic demyelinating lesion. Immunostaining for AQP4 was diffusely lost, whereas the loss of glial fibrillary acidic protein immunostaining was limited but with highly degenerated astrocytic foot processes in perivascular areas. These results suggested neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) pathology rather than Sjögren-related vasculitis. Only cerebral cortical symptoms with a cerebral white matter lesion could be observed in NMOSDs.
Haven’t I seen you before? Straight men who are insecure of their masculinity remember gender-atypical faces
Authors: Lick David J. , Johnson Kerri L. , Riskind Rachel G.
Published: July 2014

To navigate a busy interpersonal landscape, people direct perceptual resources in a motivated fashion that maximizes goals and minimizes threats. While adaptive, these heuristics can also lead to noteworthy biases, including a well-documented memory advantage for ingroup members. Recent research has extended these findings to reveal other motivational biases that emerge early in social perception. When perceivers feel threatened, for example, they are vigilant to outgroup members. Although compelling, evidence for this vigilance-threat hypothesis is currently limited to feelings of physical threat and memory for racial outgroups. Here, we extended these findings to a different form of threat—gender identity threat. Four studies documented that straight men who feel insecure about their masculinity have heightened recognition of gender-atypical faces. We therefore argue that gender identity concerns play an important role in social vision, arousing perceptual biases that have implications for how men attend to and remember others in their social environments.
Technology assessment for a complex aircraft system using technology scenarios
Authors: Soban Danielle S , Zeune Cale
Published: July 2014

Military decision makers need to understand and assess the benefits and consequences of their decisions in order to make cost efficient, timely, and successful choices. Technology selection is one such critical decision, especially when considering the design or retrofit of a complex system, such as an aircraft. An integrated and systematic methodology that will support decision making between technology alternatives and options while assessing the consequences of such decisions is a key enabler. This paper demonstrates, through application to a notional medium-range short takeoff and landing aircraft, one such enabler: the Technology Impact Forecasting (TIF) method. The goal of the TIF process is to explore both generic, undefined areas of technology, as well as specific technologies, and assess their potential impacts. This is actualized through the development and use of technology scenarios, and allows the designer to determine where to allocate resources for further technology definition and refinement, as well as provide useful design information. The paper particularly discusses the use of technology scenarios and demonstrates their use in the exploration of seven technologies of varying Technology Readiness Levels.
Effect of air temperature on passive containment cooling system reliability in AP1000
Authors: Yu Yu , Ma Nan , Wang Shengfei , Niu Fenglei
Published: July 2014

Passive containment cooling system is innovatively used in AP1000 reactor design to enhance the safety. Since the system operation is based on natural circulation, physical process failure induced by uncertainties of physical parameters becomes one of the important failure modes (e.g. natural circulation cannot establish or keep and system design function cannot be accomplished because some parameters such as air temperature deviate from their design values), which should be considered in system reliability evaluation. As the heat sink, air temperature with high uncertainty has important effect on system reliability. In this article, we analyze the pressure variation in the containment along with the air temperature based on system thermal–hydraulic model, and the effect of air temperature on system operation is closely related to the thermal–hydraulic performance of the system. Moreover, the system thermal–hydraulic capacity is influenced by the system component configuration, so we evaluate the system physical process failure probability by Monte Carlo simulation and analyze the effect of air temperature distribution under different system component configurations. Finally, we evaluate the whole system reliability considering the logical relationship between physical process failure and equipment fault by fault tree method. The results illustrate that air temperature distribution has important influence on the system reliability, the system failure probability may be difference by several orders and the main contributors may be different at different plant locations, so climate should be considered in system design and reliability analysis.
The emergence of international food safety standards and guidelines: understanding the current landscape through a historical approach
Authors: Ramsingh Brigit
Published: July 2014

Following the Second World War, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) teamed up to construct an International Codex Alimentarius (or ‘food code’) which emerged in 1963. The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) was charged with the task of developing microbial hygiene standards, although it found itself embroiled in debate with the WHO over the nature these standards should take. The WHO was increasingly relying upon the input of biometricians and especially the International Commission on Microbial Specifications for Foods (ICMSF) which had developed statistical sampling plans for determining the microbial counts in the final end products. The CCFH, however, was initially more focused on a qualitative approach which looked at the entire food production system and developed codes of practice as well as more descriptive end-product specifications which the WHO argued were ‘not scientifically correct’. Drawing upon historical archival material (correspondence and reports) from the WHO and FAO, this article examines this debate over microbial hygiene standards and suggests that there are many lessons from history which could shed light upon current debates and efforts in international food safety management systems and approaches.
An analysis of microbiota-targeted therapies in patients with avian influenza virus subtype H7N9 infection
Authors: Lu Haifeng , Zhang Chunxia , Qian Guirong , Hu Xinjun , Zhang Hua , Chen Chunlei , Liang Weifeng , Gao Hainv , Yang Yunmei , Li Lanjuan
Published: July 2014

Background

Selective prophylactic decontamination of the digestive tract is a strategy for the prevention of secondary nosocomial infection in patients with avian influenza virus subtype H7N9 infection. Our aim was to summarize the effectiveness of these therapies in re-establishing a stable and diverse microbial community, and reducing secondary infections.

Methods

Comprehensive therapies were dependent on the individual clinical situation of subjects, and were divided into antiviral treatment, microbiota-targeted therapies, including pro- or pre-biotics and antibiotic usage, and immunotherapy. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) were used for real-time monitoring of the predominant intestinal microbiome during treatment. Clinical information about secondary infection was confirmed by analyzing pathogens isolated from clinical specimens.

Results

Different antibiotics had similar effects on the gut microbiome, with a marked decrease and slow recovery of the Bifidobacterium population. Interestingly, most fecal microbial DGGE profiles showed the relative stability of communities under the continual suppression of the same antibiotics, and significant changes when new antibiotics were introduced. Moreover, we found no marked increase in C-reactive protein, and no cases of bacteremia or pneumonia, caused by probiotic use in the patients, which confirmed that the probiotics used in this study were safe for use in patients with H7N9 infection. Approximately 72% of those who subsequently suffered exogenous respiratory infection by Candida species or multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae were older than 60 years. The combination of probiotics and prebiotics with antibiotics seemed to fail in these patients.

Conclusions

Elderly patients infected with the influenza A (H7N9) virus are considered a high-risk group for developing secondary bacterial infection. Microbiota restoration treatment reduced the incidence of enterogenous secondary infection, but not exogenous respiratory infection. The prophylactic effects of microbiota restoration strategies for secondary infection were unsatisfactory in elderly and critically ill patients.
Cost Analysis of In-Centre Nocturnal Compared with Conventional Hemodialysis
Authors: Wong Ben , Courtney Mark , Pauly Robert P , Jindal Kailash , Klarenbach Scott
Published: July 2014

Background:

Provision of in-centre nocturnal hemodialysis (ICNHD; 6–8 hours thrice weekly) is associated with health benefits, but the economic implications of providing this treatment are unclear.

Objective:

We conducted a health care costing study comparing ICNHD to in-centre thrice-weekly conventional hemodialysis (CvHD).

Design:

Micro-costing of both ICNHD and CvHD as practiced at our centre.

Setting:

Hemodialysis unit at a tertiary-care hospital in Edmonton.

Participants:

An informal survey of 2 other Canadian ICNHD programs was conducted to inform practices that may deviate from ours to guide sensitivity analysis.

Measurements:

Resources consumed for each strategy were determined, and the cost of each unit (CAN $2012) was used to calculate incremental costs of ICNHD and CvHD.

Methods:

We focused on resources that differ between strategies (staffing, dialysis materials, and utilities). The reference case considered 1:3 staff to patient ratio; alternate scenarios explored nursing pay grade and ratio, full care vs. self-care dialysis (including training costs), and medication costs.

Results:

In the reference case, ICNHD was $61 more costly per dialysis treatment compared with CvHD ($9,538 per patient per year). Incremental annual costs for staffing, dialysis materials, and utilities were $8,201, $1,193, and $144, respectively. If ICNHD reduces medication use (anti-hypertensives, bone mineral metabolism medications), the incremental cost of ICNHD decreases to $8,620 per patient per year. In a scenario of self-care ICNHD utilizing a staff-to-patient ratio of 1:10, ICNHD is more costly in year 1 ($15,196), but results in cost savings of $2,625 in subsequent years compared with CvHD.

Limitations:

The findings of this cost analysis may not be generalizable to other health care systems, including other parts of Canada.

Conclusions:

Compared to CvHD, provision of ICNHD is more expensive, largely driven by increased staffing costs as patients dialyze longer. Alternate staffing models, including self-care ICNHD with minimal staff, may lead to net cost savings. The incremental cost of treatment should be considered in the context of impact on patient health outcomes, staffing model, and pragmatic factors, such as current capacity for daytime CvHD and the capital costs of new dialysis stations.
Opportunity costs of carbon sequestration in a forest concession in central Africa
Authors: Ndjondo Michel , Gourlet-Fleury Sylvie , Manlay Raphaël J , Engone Obiang Nestor Laurier , Ngomanda Alfred , Romero Claudia , Claeys Florian , Picard Nicolas
Published: July 2014

Background

A large proportion of the tropical rain forests of central Africa undergo periodic selective logging for timber harvesting. The REDD+ mechanism could promote less intensive logging if revenue from the additional carbon stored in the forest compensates financially for the reduced timber yield.

Results

Carbon stocks, and timber yields, and their associated values, were predicted at the scale of a forest concession in Gabon over a project scenario of 40 yr with reduced logging intensity. Considering that the timber contribution margin (i.e. the selling price of timber minus its production costs) varies between 10 and US$40 m −3, the minimum price of carbon that enables carbon revenues to compensate forgone timber benefits ranges between US$4.4 and US$25.9/tCO 2 depending on the management scenario implemented.

Conclusions

Where multiple suppliers of emission reductions compete in a REDD+ carbon market, tropical timber companies are likely to change their management practices only if very favourable conditions are met, namely if the timber contribution margin remains low enough and if alternative management practices and associated incentives are appropriately chosen.
Could thermal sensitivity of mitochondria determine species distribution in a changing climate?
Authors: Iftikar Fathima I. , MacDonald Julia R. , Baker Daniel W. , Renshaw Gillian M. C. , Hickey Anthony J. R.
Published: July 2014

For many aquatic species, the upper thermal limit (Tmax) and the heart failure temperature (THF) are only a few degrees away from the species' current environmental temperatures. While the mechanisms mediating temperature-induced heart failure (HF) remain unresolved, energy flow and/or oxygen supply disruptions to cardiac mitochondria may be impacted by heat stress. Recent work using a New Zealand wrasse (Notolabrus celidotus) found that ATP synthesis capacity of cardiac mitochondria collapses prior to THF. However, whether this effect is limited to one species from one thermal habitat remains unknown. The present study confirmed that cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to heat stress-induced HF in two additional wrasses that occupy cold temperate (Notolabrus fucicola) and tropical (Thalassoma lunare) habitats. With exposure to heat stress, T. lunare had the least scope to maintain heart function with increasing temperature. Heat-exposed fish of all species showed elevated plasma succinate, and the heart mitochondria from the cold temperate N. fucicola showed decreased phosphorylation efficiencies (depressed respiratory control ratio, RCR), cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) flux and electron transport system (ETS) flux. In situ assays conducted across a range of temperatures using naive tissues showed depressed complex II (CII) and CCO capacity, limited ETS reserve capacities and lowered efficiencies of pyruvate uptake in T. lunare and N. celidotus. Notably, alterations of mitochondrial function were detectable at saturating oxygen levels, indicating that cardiac mitochondrial insufficiency can occur prior to HF without oxygen limitation. Our data support the view that species distribution may be related to the thermal limits of mitochondrial stability and function, which will be important as oceans continue to warm.
Total Internal Reflection Magneto-optical Detection of Dysprosium(III) Ions Adsorbed at Liquid–Liquid Interface
Authors: Watarai Hitoshi , Gangopadhyay Palash , Norwood Robert A , Peyghambarian Nasser
Published: July 2014

A highly sensitive magneto-optical (MO) measurement technique was evaluated for the detection of interfacial species adsorbed at a flat liquid–liquid interface by using total internal reflection. The interfacial adsorption of the paramagnetic Dy(III) ion, which forms a complex with laurate at the dodecane–water interface, was detected with an extraordinarily large MO rotation angle.
Selective Deprotection of Me3Si-/Ph2P(O)-protected Arylalkynes: Methyl Grignard Reagent-promoted Dephosphorylation of Ph2P(O)-protected Alkynes
Authors: Peng Lifen , Xu Feng , Shinohara Kenta , Orita Akihiro , Otera Junzo
Published: July 2014

A Ph2P(O)-protected alkyne underwent dephosphorylation by treatment with MeMgBr in THF with Me3Si-protection untouched. The dephosphorylation followed by a transition-metal-catalyzed coupling of the resulting terminal alkyne with aryl halides was carried out in a one-pot manner to afford the desired coupling product. Selective deprotection of Me3Si-/Ph2P(O)-protected alkynes enabled facile syntheses of expanded π-systems such as cyclic phenyleneethynylenes and unsymmetrically substituted ditriazol.
Child-Adoption Matching: Preferences for Gender and Race
Authors: Baccara Mariagiovanna , Collard-Wexler Allan , Felli Leonardo , Yariv Leeat
Published: July 2014

This paper uses a new dataset on child-adoption matching to estimate the preferences of potential adoptive parents over US-born and unborn children relinquished for adoption. We identify significant preferences favoring girls and against African American children put up for adoption. These attitudes vary in magnitudes across different adoptive parents—heterosexual, same-sex couples, and single women. We consider the effects of excluding single women and same-sex couples from the process, and find that this would substantially reduce the overall number of adopted children. (JEL C78, J13, J15, J16)
Persistence of Population Shocks: Evidence from the Occupation of West Germany after World War II
Authors: Schumann Abel
Published: July 2014

In the immediate aftermath of World War II, millions of German expellees were resettled into the new borders of Germany, but not into the parts of Germany that were occupied by France. Using a spatial regression discontinuity framework, I estimate the persistence of the population shock over a 20-year-period. Between 1945 and 1950, the inflow of people increased the population in municipalities where expellees could settle by 21.6 percent. The difference in population levels is highly persistent and remained 17.8 percent in 1970. The results suggest that population patterns in the region that I study were not determined by locational fundamentals. (JEL J11, N34, R12, R23)
Peculiarities of the Adsorption of Heavy-Metal Ions from Aqueous Media by Modified Cellulose
Authors: Nikiforova Tatiana E. , Kozlov Vladimir A. , Loginova Vera A.
Published: July 2014

Chemical modification of cotton cellulose with the formation of hydroxamic and aldehyde–bisulphite derivatives has been carried out. Sorption properties of initial and modified sorbents are investigated. It is established that a-hydroxycarboxyl groups, which are present in all three kinds of sorbents, form colourless chelate complexes due to the replacement of their protons with an equivalent amount of metal ions. Because of the charge transfer during metal–ligand interactions, coloured chelate complexes are formed. In the aldehyde–bisulphite groups, two singly charged ions (Na+ and H+) are consequently replaced with two equivalents of metal ion resulting in the formation of colourless chelate complexes. Sorption isotherms of metal ions by the samples of native and modified cellulose are well described by the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption values and Henry's constants are in good agreement with the quantity and nature of cellulose acidic groups.
Nitrogen-Modified Titanium Dioxide as an Adsorbent for Gaseous SO2
Authors: Wanag Agnieszka , Kusiak-Nejman Ewelina , Kapica Joanna , Kowalczyk Łukasz , Morawski Antoni W.
Published: July 2014

In this study, sorption of gaseous SO2 on nitrogen-modified titanium dioxide (TiO2/N) materials was investigated. The TiO2/N materials were prepared by thermal modification of commercial TiO2 in gaseous ammonia flow. First, TiO2 was calcined at 100–700 °C (Δt = 200 °C). The obtained samples were then rinsed with water to remove the residual ammonium groups adsorbed on the TiO2 surface. The influence of modification temperature, BET surface area, pore volume and nitrogen content on the efficiency of SO2 sorption on TiO2 surface was discussed. The best result was obtained for nitrogen-modified material that is heat treated at 100 °C. The total sorption capacity calculated for this sample was 20.96 mg SO2/1 g TiO2. It was shown that TiO2 modified with nitrogen at low temperature can be a very effective sorbent in capturing SO2 particles.
Enhanced Model for Describing Total Fatigue Rate Curve considering Stress Ratio Effects
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Murthy A. Ramachandra , Iyer Nagesh R.
Published: July 2014

An enhanced fatigue crack growth model is proposed to approximate fatigue crack growth rate in all three regions of fatigue rate curve. The model uses Collipriest's crack driving force for accounting stress ratio effect on fatigue crack growth. Seven fatigue crack growth models, namely Priddle, Mcevily, Weertman, Collipriest, Broek, Walker and Forman are examined. Performance of the crack driving force of these models in depicting stress ratio effects in fatigue crack growth rate is evaluated by fitting a lowess curve in transformed FCG data. Non-uniform B-spline is used to describe fatigue rate curve which allows local movements of the fatigue crack growth data that can be matched well in the vicinity without extending their effects to distant parts of the curve. Experimental FCG data of Al 2024 T351 from literature are used for validation of the model.
A Hybrid Probability-Convex Model for the Seismic Demand Analysis of Bearing Displacement in the Benchmark Base-Isolated Structure
Authors: Fan Jian , Zhang Yanping
Published: July 2014

An analysis was performed on the Benchmark base-isolated structure using both a convex model to simulate the uncertainties of the isolated structural parameters and a random model to simulate the uncertainties of the seismic input. A new method for calculating the fragility curves of bearing failure in the isolated structure when considering the above two uncertainties is proposed within the framework of the performance-based seismic evaluation of structures proposed by the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Centre (PEER), based on a full probability theory. A comparison of the calculations showed that the seismic fragility of Benchmark base-isolated structure would be underestimated if the uncertainties of the structural parameters were not considered. The sensitivity analysis of the maximum bearing displacement in the Benchmark base-isolated structure demonstrated that the mechanical parameters of the isolation bearing imparted the most significant impact on the maximum base displacement, with less significant impacts on the mass of the super structure and insignificant impacts on the stiffness of the superstructure. Based on these results, two new methods were proposed for analysis of the seismic demand of the bearing displacement, i.e., the robust seismic demand analysis and the hybrid seismic demand analysis.
Longitudinal Partial Interaction in Bolted Side-Plated Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Su R.K.L. , Li L.Z. , Lo S.H.
Published: July 2014

Reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with bolted steel plates on their side faces are known as bolted side-plated (BSP) beams. The performance of BSP beams is closely related to the longitudinal partial interaction caused by the longitudinal slip on the plate-RC interface. In this study, an analytical model for the longitudinal slip and partial interaction was developed, and formulas for the BSP beams under several simple loading conditions were developed. The superposition principle was also proven applicable to the analysis of longitudinal slip, thus can be used to analyse the BSP beams under complicated loading conditions. The results of a previous numerical study were extracted to validate the analytical model, and an example was then presented to illustrate the applicability of the theoretical approach. This study enhances the understanding of the behaviour of BSP beams, and provides an approach to consider the influence of longitudinal partial interaction in the BSP strengthening design.
Enhanced Vortex Shedding in a 183 m Industrial Chimney
Authors: Belver A.V. , Koo K. , Ibán A.L. , Brownjohn J.M.W. , Goddard C.
Published: July 2014

This paper shows how numerical simulation can be used to explain the dynamic behaviour of two chimneys in close proximity. For similar wind speeds, the dynamic response of the leeward chimney depends on alignment of wind directions with a vector from the new to the old chimney. Evidence is presented that Enhanced Vortex Shedding (EVS) caused significant vibrations on the old 183 m high reinforced concrete chimney at Rugeley Power Station during several years of coexistence with its replacement. Strong vibrations were observed under certain conditions of wind speed and direction during construction of the new chimney, consistent with predictions of a performance study. To avoid excessive response of the old chimney during its final years of coexistence with the new one, a tuned mass damper (TMD) was installed together with a monitoring system to verify the effectiveness of the TMD. The monitoring system allowed confirming that vibration levels for winds from the south-west direction of the new chimney were higher than for similar wind speeds from other directions, a finding validated by numerical simulation using advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and fluid-structure interaction (FSI) techniques.
Analysis of Rain-Wind Induced Cable Vibration Using Spatially Measured Aerodynamic Coefficients
Authors: Li Yongle , Xu Y.L. , Xiang Huoyue , Chen Bo , Shum K.M. , Liao Haili
Published: July 2014

In most currently-used analytical models for studying rain-wind induced cable vibration, wind velocity relative to cable motion was determined by trigonometric decomposition and the aerodynamic coefficients of a cable were measured through wind tunnel tests using a horizontal cable model with two-dimensional flow field. In this paper, the aerodynamic coefficients of a cable were measured using a spatial cable model with a three-dimensional flow and an analytical model was developed to predict rain-wind induced cable vibration. The feasibility of the proposed analytical model was examined through the comparison with wind tunnel test results. The mechanism of rain-wind induced cable vibration was also investigated from viewpoints of rivulet motion and system energy. Further, an extensive parametric study was carried out in this study to investigate the properties of rain-wind induced vibration of a stay cable. The observation indicates that rain-wind induced cable vibration is essentially similar to cable galloping with limited amplitude, which is mainly induced by negative slope of lift coefficient curve and rivulet oscillation. The results from the parametric study indicate that the aerodynamic and motion parameters of cables may affect the maximum amplitude and the wind speed range for the occurrence of rain-wind induced vibration.
A Lagrangian-Lagrangian Model for Two-Phase Bubbly Flow around Circular Cylinder
Authors: Shademan M. , Nouri M.
Published: July 2014

A Lagrangian-Lagrangian model is developed using an in-house code to simulate bubble trajectory in two-phase bubbly flow around circular cylinder. Random Vortex Method (RVM) which is a Lagrangian approach is used for solving the liquid phase. The significance of RVM relative to other RANS/LES methods is its capability in directly modelling the turbulence. In RVM, turbulence is modeled by solving the vorticity transport equation and there is no need to use turbulence closure models. Another advantage of RVM relative to other CFD approaches is its independence from mesh generation. For the bubbles trajectory, equation of motion of bubbles which takes into account effect of different forces are coupled with the RVM. Comparison of the results obtained from current model with the experimental data confirms the validity of the model. Effect of different parameters including flow Reynolds number, bubble diameter and injection point on the bubbles' trajectory are investigated. Results show that increase in the Reynolds number reduces the rising velocity of the bubbles. Similar behavior is observed for the bubbles when their diameter was decreased. According to the analysis carried out, present Lagrangian-Lagrangian model solves the issues of mesh generation and turbulence modelling which exist in common two phase flow modelling schemes.
Multiscale Modeling of Macroparticle Stretching in Nanofluidic Flows
Authors: Yang Z. , Chen C.P. , Chen Z.J. , Chieng C.C.
Published: July 2014

The deformation of biological macroparticles such as DNA and proteins in a flow has been a subject of great important in the last decade due to the interest in single molecule analysis. In this paper, a multiscale flow-macroparticle interaction numerical method was developed to analyze deformation of biological macroparticles in uniform flows. To bridge the gap between huge scale differences between the protein dynamics (in Pico scales) and the underlying hydrodynamics (from nano to micro scales), a hybrid coarse-grained model is coupled with the continuum Navier-Stokes solver. Based on the Gō-type modeling, biological dynamics is governed by the Langevin equation for which the biological macroparticles are represented by a collection of micro-sized spherical beads that are tethered by harmonic potentials. The velocity vector is coupled through the friction factors, which are amino acid dependent, in the stochastic Langevin equation. With this model, simulation results show that flow may stretch biological macroparticles to partially unravel stationary conformations that depend on the flow rate and on the terminus which is anchored. These features potentially offer richer diagnostic results to investigate biological macroparticles configuration process, as compared to force clamp results using Atomic Force Microscopy.
A Novel Algorithm for Detecting Conjugate Archaeological Fragments
Authors: Filippas D. , Georgopoulos A.
Published: July 2014

Matching fragmented archaeological parts has always puzzled archaeologists. Very few attempts have been made so far for the automation of this procedure and thus assisting scholars to this effect. In this paper an innovative method for the detection of conjugate fragments is proposed, which is based mainly on their geometry. The Fragmatch algorithm developed for that purpose is presented, together with an extensive analysis of both of its parts; the global and the partial matching of surfaces. The method proposed is based on the comparison of vectors and surfaces, performed linearly, for simplicity and speed. It addresses mainly fragments of relatively big architectural pieces. A series of simulations have been performed in order to test the limits of the algorithm for the noise and the accuracy of scanning, for the number of scan points, as well as for the wear of the surfaces and the diversity of shapes. Problems that have been encountered during the application of these examples are interpreted and ways of dealing with them are being proposed. In addition a practical application is presented to test the algorithm in real conditions. Finally, the key points of this effort are being mentioned, followed by an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed Fragmatch algorithm along with proposals for future work.
MUBIL: Creating a 3D Experience of “Reading Books” in a Virtual Library Laboratory
Authors: Angeletaki Alexandra , Carrozzino Marcello , Johansen Stein
Published: July 2014

Mubil, is a 3D laboratory established in 2012 by the University Library of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim (NTNU UB) in collaboration with the Percro lab of the University of Santa Anna in Pisa. The project focused first at the development of a consistent methodology for the use of Virtual Environments as a metaphor to present manuscripts and books. Then the project team developed a 3D game with context from the particular books and invited school classes to test it. Two school classes participated in our workshops and interacted with the 3D products in our 3D lab. The activity was organized as a field trip in collaboration with the subject teachers. The students worked in groups and they were observed, filmed and answered survey questions. A focus group was selected and interviewed. The present study has been using qualitative analysis to examine the user behavior and performance in such an environment. We present here the applications and some preliminary results of user performance analysis. Survey data and content analysis has shown that while the students participate in a group activity solving a task they tend to use their tacit knowledge of gaming in a 3D metaphor of the real world and thus share knowledge with each other. This creates a paradigm shift on how libraries and archives can communicate knowledge from their historical collections to young users through the use of technology. Our study can have a universal value added to the dissemination strategy discourse on designing solutions to attract younger audiences to archives and libraries.
Hospital admission avoidance through the introduction of a virtual ward
Authors: Jones Joanne , Carroll Andrea
Published: July 2014

The ageing British population is placing increased demands on the delivery of care in mainstream health-care institutions. While people are living longer, a significant percentage is also living with one or more long-term conditions. These issues, alongside continuing financial austerity measures, require a radical improvement in the care of patients away from hospitals. The Wyre Forest Clinical Commissioning Group introduced a virtual ward model for two main purposes: to save on spiralling costs of hospital admissions, and, secondly, to ensure the preferred wishes of most patients to be cared for and even die at home were achieved. This commentary describes how the virtual ward model was implemented and the impact of preventing unplanned emergency admissions to hospitals. The setting up of enhanced care services and virtual wards in one county is discussed, aiming to highlight success points and potential pitfalls to avoid. The results from the implementation of the virtual ward model show a significant reduction in emergency and avoidable patient admissions to hospital. The success of virtual wards is dependent on integrated working between different health-care disciplines.
Enabling the health and wellbeing of carers through district nursing support
Authors: Laing Michelle , Sprung Sally
Published: July 2014

Carers provide care because they want to help the people they care about, and because their care recipient could not manage without them. For many carers, looking after their own health, combining caring with work, getting access to training or having time off can be a major challenge. Patients' and carers' experiences of home-based care are a key factor in the appraisal of the quality of the professional care services they receive. This article presents the evidence from a literature review that builds a substantial body of knowledge to inform district nursing teams and community nurses to develop a supportive approach towards carers' needs. The aim of the study was to appraise the published evidence base relating to carers' needs and how professionals can support carers' needs when providing care to patients in the community. The studies consistently reported carers' requirements of practical support and information as a theme across studies, suggesting that effective ways of delivering information and support to caregivers need to be developed and implemented as a matter of priority. It also highlighted the needs of the professionals providing support to carers, to ensure the health and wellbeing needs of carers, to include signposting and referral to avoid reaching crisis point and resultant burnout.
Helping community-based students on a final consolidation placement make the transition to registered practice
Authors: Phillips Jill
Published: July 2014

The pressure of role transition on new nurse registrants has affected recruitment and retention, which, along with an ageing workforce, has resulted in a global shortage of nurses that is now reaching crisis point. This article examines and discusses what can be done to attract and prepare the future workforce in the community, focusing on helping students to make the transition to registered practice that begins during their final consolidation of practice placement. There is currently limited evidence on the effectiveness of how community placement teams prepare finalist students for registered practice and this could be seen as an opportunity lost given the urgent need to recruit more registered nurses to work in primary care. Recommendations for enhancing this crucial stage of the student journey are made, and a case for the need to know more from students about how they experience their final practice placement when allocated to a community setting is presented.
Folic acid campaign by the Health Education Authority
Authors: Long Louise
Published: July 2014

The Health Education Authority is launching a major public education campaign to increase awareness of the benefits of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects. The aim of the campaign is to increase the average intake of folic acid and folates in women who may become pregnant. This article gives a preview of the campaign's message.
Postnatal care in hospital
Authors: Jackson Kate
Published: July 2014

It used to be that if a woman wanted to return home quickly after having her baby in hospital she needed to request an early transfer while she was pregnant. If she failed to do so it would often mean that the doctors and mid-wives caring for her would be reluctant to let her go home before 5 days. Her stay would often end acrimoniously with the woman having to sign a form saying she had discharged herself against medical advice.
Nutrition and hydration in labour
Authors: Baker Christine
Published: July 2014

The policy of restricting oral intake during labour is well established in many maternity units. However, researchers are now questioning the wisdom of this practice. Midwives who are based within labour suites are becoming increasingly aware of the implications of restricting intake during the intrapartum period.
Debriefing after childbirth: a tool for effective risk management
Authors: Smith Julie A , Mitchell Salli
Published: July 2014

The caring function of the traditional extended family is increasingly being passed on to the maternity services. The midwife needs to re-examine the provision and nature of the care she/he delivers. The experience of the Oxford group in extending the parameters of postnatal care has shown that debriefing after childbirth not only enhances the quality of postnatal care to women and their families, but provides an avenue for effective risk management.
Manual handling risks in midwifery: identification of risk factors
Authors: Hignett Sue
Published: July 2014

Midwifery has not been generally recognized as a highrisk area for work-related back pain. This article reviews some of the published work relating to manual handling operations in midwifery and uses an ergonomic approach, with qualitative data analysis to investigate identified risks.
Midwifery client vs public prisoner
Authors: Hindley Carol
Published: July 2014

Midwives have welcomed the recent announcement by the Home Secretary that the handcuffing of women prisoners during labour will cease. A previous editorial in this journal addressed this undignified practice and quite properly urged midwives to question their role when delivering care in such circumstances (Todd, 1995).
Materials and methods for perineal repair following childbirth
Authors: Warmels Monique
Published: July 2014

This article reviews research into suture materials and techniques for perineal repair, suggests a strategy for change and argues that midwives should take their own action to change practice.
Effects of the birth of a first baby on a couple's sexual relationship
Authors: Corkill Anna
Published: July 2014

Becoming parents poses a major challenge to a couple's ability to adapt socially, psychologically and sexually. Midwives are in a position to help couples avoid sexual problems by providing sensitive care, information and practical suggestions during the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal periods.
Beliefs about the midwife's role in home and hospital deliveries
Authors: Smith Lindsay FP
Published: July 2014

A survey has indicated that while nearly all women want continuity of care from a known midwife, a significant minority do not consider this important. Several differences in beliefs were noted between women booking for home delivery and those booking for hospital delivery. These need to be considered when implementing and monitoring the changes in maternity care recommended in Changing Childbirth.