bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A specific performances comparative study of two spherical robots for tele-echography application
Authors: Essomba T , Laribi MA , Nouaille L , Zeghloul S , Poisson G , Vieyres P
Published: April 2014

In this paper, two kinematic structures with optimized spherical wrist modules are proposed for the practice of tele-echography through a new slave holder robot for a remote ultrasound diagnostic application. The medical gestures, performed during an ultrasound examination, are analyzed using two different techniques. The results are used in the definition of the robot kinematic structure specifications. The proposed medical robot is formed by two modules, a spherical displacement orientation module and a translation module, to control the interaction force between the probe and the patient. Multicriteria optimization is proposed and is applied to two spherical structures: one serial and one parallel. Workspace size and kinematic performance, in addition to the index of compactness of the manipulator, are considered in the optimization. The efficiency of the optimized kinematic structures across their workspace is studied and compared to determine which one is more adapted to the tele-echography application.
Improving micro-hardness of stainless steel through powder-mixed electrical discharge machining
Authors: Zain Zakaria Mohd , Ndaliman Mohammed Baba , Khan Ahsan Ali , Ali Mohammad Yeakub
Published: April 2014

Powder-mixed electrical discharge machining (PMEDM) is the technique of using dielectric fluid mixed with various types of powders to improve the machined surface output. This process is fast gaining prominence in electrical discharge machining (EDM) industry. The objective of this investigation is to determine the ability of tantalum carbide (TaC) powder-mixed dielectric fluid to enhance the surface properties of stainless steel material during EDM. The properties investigated are the micro-hardness and corrosion characteristics of the EDMed surface. Machining was conducted with 25.0 g/L concentration of TaC powder in kerosene dielectric fluid. The machining variables used were the peak current, pulse on time and the pulse off time. The effects of these variables on the micro-hardness of the EDMed surface were determined. Corrosion tests were also conducted on the samples that exhibited higher hardness. Results showed that the EDMed surface was alloyed with elements from the TaC powder. The highest micro-hardness obtained with PMEDM is about 1,200 Hv. This is about 1.5 times that obtained without TaC powder in the dielectric fluid. The loss in weight during corrosion test was found to be 0.056 µg/min for the PMEDM which was much lower than the lowest value of 10.56 µg/min obtained for the EDM without powder dielectric fluid.
Method for measuring a driver’s steering efficiency using electromyography
Authors: Liu Yahui , Ji Xuewu , Hayama Ryouhei , Mizuno Takahiro , Nakano Shirou
Published: April 2014

This paper is concerned with developing a new method for measuring a driver’s steering efficiency during a steering manoeuvre, for investigating the driver’s steering performance and for evaluating the steering comfort. Electromyography was successfully used to measure the driver’s muscle activity and to reveal the function of the driver’s key muscles in the steering manoeuvre. A measurement of the driver’s steering efficiency during a dynamic steering manoeuvre with two hands is presented on the basis of a regression analysis of the electromyography and steering-force data. The proposed measurement procedure consists of two parts. First, a multiple-regression analysis of the steering-force and electromyography data is conducted, and the steering forces in the steering wheel plane are predicted using the electromyography data of the key muscles producing the steering torque. Second, by predicting the steering force, the force capacity of the driver in the steering manoeuvre is estimated, and then the steering efficiency of the driver is measured. The steering efficiency of the driver, which characterizes the inefficiency, is thought to be a significant movement control strategy employed by driver, and its application in investigating the driver’s steering strategy is the subject of further study.
Experiments and finite element simulations of a tyre blow-out process
Authors: Cai Yongzhou , Zang Mengyan , Chen Yujian , Liu Wei
Published: April 2014

The methodology for studying a tyre blow-out process using both experiments and simulations is presented in this paper. To achieve this, a tyre blow-out generator and an experimental device for tyre blow-out are developed. Moreover, tyre blow-out experiments in the static state are implemented. Then, the finite element tyre model corresponding to the experiments is established. The experimental results show that the tyre blow-out generator developed can effectively replicate the sudden inflation pressure loss without inflicting permanent damage on the tyre structure. The comparison between the simulations and the experiments shows that the finite element tyre model developed can simulate the tyre blow-out phenomenon and that the simulation analysis method is correct and effective. The tyre blow-out generator developed and the finite element tyre model established therefore provide the basis for further simulations and investigations of tyre blow-out during the normal motion of a vehicle and its effect on the handling stability.
Brookfield powder flow tester – Results of round robin tests with CRM-116 limestone powder
Authors: Berry RJ , Bradley MSA , McGregor RG
Published: April 2014

A low cost powder flowability tester for industry has been developed at The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology, University of Greenwich in collaboration with Brookfield Engineering and four food manufacturers: Cadbury, Kerry Ingredients, GSK and United Biscuits. Anticipated uses of the tester are primarily for quality control and new product development, but it can also be used for storage vessel design.

This paper presents the preliminary results from ‘round robin’ trials undertaken with the powder flow tester using the BCR limestone (CRM-116) standard test material. The mean flow properties have been compared to published data found in the literature for the other shear testers.
An experimental investigation of transition point over a quasi-2D swept wing by using hot film
Authors: Khakmardani Maryam Hassanzadeh , Soltani Mohammad Reza , Masdari Mehran , Davari Alireza
Published: April 2014

In this study, we performed experiments to investigate the effect of sweep angle on the transition location of laminar flow to turbulent flow. Three half wing models were used, each having a different sweep angle but with the same aspect ratio in various angles of attack. Two flat plates were used at the ends of the swept wing models to prevent the flow from rolling up over the wing. By simulating flow over infinity swept wing by eliminating tip vertices, the effect of sweep angle on flow transition phenomenon was investigated. The experiments included the study of transition flow via hot-film sensors, which were glued on the wing surface. We found that the small leading-edge radius and low Reynolds number used in the experiments showed the effect of cross-flow mode is dominant over flow transition, rather than other flow instability modes on the leading edge of the wing. Increasing the swept angle therefore leads to enforcement of cross-flow mode and, in return, causes rapidity of flow transition. The increasing angle of attack makes the location of transition nearer to the leading edge.
Home delivery of medication – the role of a patient information leaflet on maximising service uptake
Authors: Watson L , Ahmed N , Mccall H , Minton J , Benn P , Edwards S , Waters L
Published: April 2014

There are currently over 30,000 HIV-positive individuals in London and over 25,000 on anti-retroviral therapy. In 2009/2010, this equated to £170m spent by London’s NHS on anti-retroviral drugs. Ways employed to reduce this cost include standardising the drugs patients are on and delivering medication to patients at home. Home delivery (HD) medication is exempt from value-added tax. The savings made from 10 patients using the home delivery service would free up resources to provide anti-retroviral therapy to one further patient. Studies have shown that concerns surrounding potential breaches of confidentiality are a potential barrier to some people using the home delivery service. In order to challenge these concerns, a leaflet was devised highlighting the major benefits to both the patient and the NHS of home delivery and addressing concerns over confidentiality. The leaflet was handed out to patients at the Mortimer Market Centre who were currently on anti-retroviral medication but not on home delivery. They were asked to complete a survey on their views of the service before and after reading the leaflet, whether they had been previously aware of the service and whether their concerns had been addressed. Some 79% felt that the patient information leaflet addressed all of their concerns, and it helped 11% decide whether to consider using home delivery. However, as more patients were opposed to the service after reading the patient information leaflet than those considering it, more work needs to be done to explore patients’ concerns and other factors influencing home delivery service uptake.
Book Review: Parthasarathi Shome (ed.) Indian Tax Administration: A Dialogue
Authors: Sen Dr Tapas
Published: April 2014

Parthasarathi Shome (ed.), Indian Tax Administration: A Dialogue. ₹ 1025, Orient Blackswan, Chennai.
Financial Intermediation and Growth: Bank-Based versus Market-Based Systems
Authors: Sahoo Satyananda
Published: April 2014

The article empirically evaluates the role of financial intermediation in India’s economic development. An assessment of various indicators of financial development reveals that both the bank-based and market-based intermediation processes have undergone remarkable improvements in the last six decades. While credit disbursement by Indian banks has increased sharply in the past decades, it is still below the world average level and even below the level of its emerging market and developing economies (EDEs) peers. However, in recent years, the market capitalisation of the Indian stock market has increased indicating greater reliance on market-based sources of funding. One-way Granger causality from private sector credit to real GDP confirms the supply-leading process of bank intermediation, while no causality was found between stock market capitalisation and real GDP. The ARDL co-integration test suggests that both the bank-based and market-based financial deepening have positive roles in driving India’s economic development, while the former has a stronger role in driving India’s economic growth. The findings indicate that in a relatively bank-centric financial sector, Indian banks have the potential of further channelisation of credit to productive sectors of the economy.

JEL Classification: G2, O16, C32
A Partial Equilibrium Model for Future Outlooks on Major Cereals in India
Authors: Parappurathu Shinoj , Kumar Anjani , Kumar Shiv , Jain Rajni
Published: April 2014

A far-sighted food policy is essential to facilitate efficient functioning of food production and management systems, especially for a country like India where household level food security still remains elusive. In this context, reliable mechanisms for generating outlooks on key variables such as demand, supply, trade, prices, etc., of important food commodities forms an essential basis for planning. This paper explores the theoretical underpinnings as well as practical applications of the Cereal Outlook Model, a dynamic, partial-equilibrium model, developed by the authors with the specific purpose of generating future outlooks on major cereals in India. Based on this, projections as well as policy simulations on main demand and supply side variables of rice, wheat and maize were carried out for the period spanning 2011–2025. The model results indicate fast-growing trends in demand and supply of the three cereals considered. Though growth in demand would be sufficiently high due to growing per capita income, population and urbanisation; supply would keep pace owing to the emergence of new areas contributing towards incremental production. Consequently, the net trade of all three commodities would remain positive, though some signs of tapering off in net trade are expected in case of wheat and maize.

JEL Classification: Q18, Q11, C5
Metaphor or ‘better-for’? An appraisal of Sallie McFague’s ‘metaphorical theology’
Authors: Abetz Katherine
Published: April 2014

Sallie McFague claims to base her ‘metaphorical theology’ on an amalgam of theories about metaphor. For this purpose she links C. S. Lewis’s understanding of the metaphorical origin of cognitive language with Colin Turbayne’s claim about the illusory propensity of metaphor. She also enlists Max Black’s illustration of metaphor as ‘screen’ and Paul Ricoeur’s position on the ‘is’ and ‘is not’ character of ‘metaphorical truth’. McFague’s discussion, however, omits Ricoeur’s critique of Turbayne. This article contends that McFague tends to misrepresent key theory about metaphor. It questions whether her position on metaphor is, as she asserts, similar to Ricoeur’s in terms of ontological reference and suggests a possible parallel between the position of Ricoeur and Lewis. McFague’s ‘hermeneutic of suspicion’ towards the metaphor ‘God as Father’ is argued to have a demythologizing effect on her notion of metaphor. Regarding her contention that some metaphors are better for our day, the article draws attention to a possible deconstructionist epistemology for the notion of ‘better’.
The Relationship Between Organizational Characteristics and Advance Care Planning Practices
Authors: Baughman Kristin R. , Ludwick Ruth , Palmisano Barbara , Hazelett Susan , Sanders Margaret
Published: April 2014

Organizational characteristics may impede the uniform adoption of advance care planning (ACP) best practices. We conducted telephone interviews with site directors of a Midwestern state’s Medicaid waiver program administered by the Area Agencies on Aging and surveyed the 433 care managers (registered nurses and social workers) employed within these 9 agencies. Care managers at 2 agencies reported more frequent ACP discussions and higher levels of confidence. Both sites had ACP training programs, follow-up protocols, and informational packets available for consumers that were not consistently available at the other agencies. The findings point to the need for consistent educational programs and policies on ACP and more in depth examination of the values, beliefs, and resources that account for organizational differences in ACP.
Maximum tangential strain energy density criterion for general mixed mode I/II/III brittle fracture
Authors: Ayatollahi MR , Saboori B
Published: April 2014

The maximum tangential strain energy density criterion presented in the past for damage analysis of brittle materials under mixed mode I/II loading is extended to general mixed mode I/II/III in order to estimate the in-plane and out-of-plane fracture angles as well as the fracture load. The extended criterion is validated in all mixed modes I/II, I/III, II/III and I/II/III for both fracture angles and fracture loads using the experimental results reported in the literature. Good agreement is found between the results predicted by the extended maximum tangential strain energy density criterion and the experimental results. The theoretical results are also compared with those of the maximum principal stress criterion.
Limits of Stability and Adaptation to Wearing Rocker Bottom Shoes
Authors: Vieira Edgar Ramos , Guerrero Gerardo , Holt Daniel , Arreaza Monica , Veroes Valentina , Brunt Denis
Published: April 2014

Background:

Stability and balance are fundamental during static and dynamic activities. The effects of wearing rocker bottom sole (RBS) shoes on the limits of stability (LOS) and adaptation to wearing RBS shoes need to be investigated. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the LOS when wearing RBS shoes, and to evaluate if people improve their stability while wearing RBS shoes over time.

Methods:

Eleven female subjects with no lower extremity impairments participated in the study. The LOS were tested at baseline and weeks 3 and 6 using a Neurocom SMART EquiTest equipment. Center of pressure (CoP) was determined using force plates, and the center of gravity (CoG) position was estimated from the CoP measures and subjects’ anthropometry. Subjects performed a series of tasks that involved leaning in different directions so as to move the vertical projection of their CoG. End-point excursions of the CoG floor projection were calculated as a percentage of the distance between the starting position and the target. Considering the body as an inverted pendulum, we recorded the average angular velocity of the inverted pendulum during the movements and quantified directional control as a percentage of movement toward versus away from the target. Shoe types were compared using paired t tests, and sessions were compared using repeated measures ANOVA.

Results:

The angular velocities of the inverted pendulum (ie, CoG velocity) were not significantly different between shoe conditions in the front and back directions at baseline (4 ± 3 with RBS vs 5 ± 2 deg/sec with regular shoes, and 4 ± 1 vs 6 ± 4 deg/sec). Front directional control of the CoG was significantly worse with RBS shoes at weeks 3 and 6 ( P < .015). Front end-point excursions were also lower with RBS shoes both at baseline and week 6 ( P < .014). There were no significant changes over time.

Conclusion:

The findings indicate that the LOS were negatively affected by wearing RBS shoes and that people do not improve their stability while wearing these shoes even after a 6-week period of use.

Clinical Relevance:

This study shows that wearing RBS shoes increase instability and the instability remains even after wearing these shoes for six weeks.
Tibial Stress Fracture Secondary to Half-Pins in Circular Ring External Fixation for Charcot Foot
Authors: Jones Carroll P. , Youngblood CDR Scot A. , Waldrop Norman , Davis W. Hodges , Pinzur Michael S.
Published: April 2014

Background:

There is an increasing trend for surgical correction of the deformity associated with Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle (Charcot foot) in order to allow ambulation with commercially available therapeutic footwear. The significant rate of surgical and medical morbidity associated with extensive conventional operative correction has led many surgeons to use limited surgical dissection and stabilization with circular ring external fixation.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed on 254 patients at 2 academic medical centers who underwent surgical correction for diabetes-associated Charcot foot deformity with limited soft tissue dissection and stabilization accomplished with a statically applied circular external fixator. Tibial stress fractures developed in 10 of the patients.

Results:

Seven of the fractures developed in the 42 patients in whom tibial block fixation was accomplished with half-pins (16.7%), and 3 fractures developed in the 202 patients in whom tibial block fixation was accomplished with tensioned fine wires (1.5%). Three of the tibial stress fractures were successfully treated with extension of the circular frame above the level of the stress fracture. Four fractures were successfully treated with closed intramedullary nailing and 3 with weight-bearing total contact casts. Two tibial fractures occurred through pin sites (all half-pins) in 120 nonneuropathic patients who underwent application of circular ring external fixators during the same 6-year period.

Conclusion:

Tibial stress fracture is an unusual complication associated with the use of circular ring external fixation. This investigation highlights the significantly greater risk for the development of this complication in diabetic patients undergoing surgical correction for Charcot foot deformity when half-pins are used for tibial block stabilization, compared with tensioned fine wires. We now recommend the universal use of tensioned fine wires for tibial block fixation when circular ring fixation is performed in patients with Charcot foot arthropathy.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Osteochondral Lesions in Surgically Treated Hallux Valgus
Authors: Jastifer James R. , Coughlin Michael J. , Doty Jesse F. , Stevens Faustin R. , Hirose Christopher , Kemp Travis J.
Published: April 2014

Background:

Patient dissatisfaction following surgical correction of hallux valgus remains a clinical problem. The aim of this study was to investigate articular erosion patterns of the first metatarsal head in patients with hallux valgus, to evaluate if the cartilage damage was associated with the degree of hallux valgus deformity, and to prospectively evaluate the effect on patient outcomes.

Methods:

Fifty-six consecutive feet undergoing surgical correction for hallux valgus were prospectively enrolled and followed for 24 months postoperatively. In addition to clinical and radiographic examinations, intraoperative measurements were obtained to quantify osteochondral lesion location, size, and grade of the first metatarsal head cartilage.

Results:

Fifty-one of 56 feet (91%) had osteochondral lesions. The mean number of zones affected was 2.9, and the mean maximum International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scale lesion grade was 2.9 out of 4. A total of 44/56 (79%) completed a minimum of 24 months of follow-up. The grade of the lesion and the extent of the lesion did not have a strong correlation with the radiographic measures or clinical outcome scores.

Conclusions:

This study showed a high prevalence of osteochondral lesions in patients undergoing operative correction of hallux valgus. Since the grade and the extent of the lesions did not have a strong correlation with the severity of the deformity or the clinical outcome, the significance of these lesions remains unknown.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative series.
Adaptive neural stabilization control for unified chaotic systems with full state constraints
Authors: Li Dong-Juan
Published: April 2014

This paper presents an adaptive control strategy for a unified chaotic system with unknown functions and full state constraints. The unknown functions in the unified chaotic system are approximated by using the radial basis function neural networks. At present, a great many of the results for chaotic system neglect the situation of full state constraints. In the proposed scheme, we successfully utilize the barrier Lyapunov function approach to prevent the full state from violating constraint condition. In addition, when the full state constraints are considered, the computation online burden is very large in the previous works. In contrast with the existing results for unified chaotic system, the number of the adaptation laws has only two. The state feedback controllers and the adaptive laws for estimating the uncertainties were derived based on the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, it is proved that all the signals in the unified chaotic system are bounded and the constraints are not violated. The performance of the proposed scheme was validated by using a simulation example.
Doing Without Data
Authors: Brinkmann Svend
Published: April 2014

Coding and data are conceptual twins. This article focuses on the latter concept in particular and opens with a dilemma: We can either follow the root meaning of “data” and say that they are the “givens” that we “collect” and code. In this case, however, data turn out to be mythological, for they are always produced, constructed, or “taken” as the pragmatists said. Or we can say, like some qualitative researchers, that “everything is data,” which rests on a more sophisticated philosophical position but which easily renders the concept empty. The article describes a way out of this dilemma by presenting a way to think about (and teach) qualitative analysis that is neither data-driven (induction) nor hypothesis-driven (deduction) but driven by astonishment, mystery, and breakdowns in one’s understanding (abduction). Materials are “taken” and produced to describe or resolve a mystery, which, to me, is “analysis after coding.”
Can’t Code What the Community Can’t See
Authors: Rosiek Jerry Lee , Heffernan Julia
Published: April 2014

This essay examines the limits of allegedly atheoretical approaches to qualitative research that rely on the coding of qualitative data. The authors focus specifically on the challenge of analyzing socially produced silences. The use of coding techniques for analyzing data is found to be inadequate for documenting the social erasure of a middle school student who does not conform to local gender norms. The article argues that the interpretation of socially produced silences requires the use of theories that explain the source and effects of these silences. This utility is illustrated through the application of feminist and queer poststructuralist theory to the analysis of the experience of the aforementioned student.
The Hermeneutical Aesthetics of Thick Description
Authors: Freeman Melissa
Published: April 2014

Thick description is often invoked by qualitative researchers as a form of representation after analysis such as coding has been completed. I argue that thick description can be more productively considered as an aesthetic encounter guiding the research process from beginning to end. Drawing on the philosophical hermeneutics of Hans-Georg Gadamer, I demonstrate that thick description is more than an analytical consideration of context but is rather an articulation of how we see and understand. According to Gadamer, there is an aesthetic quality to our experiencing that is never completely rendered visible in our accounts. This is because we do not draw on context to make sense of the evidence presented; we see and understand in contexts—physical, historical, cultural, linguistic, moral, experiential, affective—that we venture in, as Clifford Geertz put it, as we conjure our interpretations of what is going on. It is only by allowing ourselves to be guided by the entity of study and critically questioning the complexity of our contextualized responses that we can gain a better grasp of this complex architecture that is analysis.
White blood cell growth factor use in an outpatient oncology clinic: Lessons and opportunities learned
Authors: Le Anna T , Trovato James A
Published: April 2014

The increased use and high cost associated with white blood cell growth factors at our outpatient oncology clinic has prompted this evaluation. The objectives of this study were to categorize the indication for use of pegfilgrastim and filgrastim; evaluate the administration of these white blood cell growth factors; identify opportunities for cost savings; and identify ways to increase prescriber adherence to evidence-based practice guidelines. This medication use evaluation study involved retrospective data collection from patient medical records. Adult oncology patients treated in the outpatient oncology clinic who received filgrastim or pegfilgrastim were identified and included in this study. Computerized patient records were used to collect data on patient demographics, risk factors for febrile neutropenia, prescribing patterns for filgrastim and pegfilgrastim, and chemotherapy regimens. The number of pegfilgrastim and filgrastim doses were predominately used for primary prophylaxis following chemotherapy treatment. Of the 234 total doses of pegfilgrastim used in the setting of primary prophylaxis, 28 (12%), 134 (57%), and 72 (31%) doses were given to patients receiving chemotherapy regimens associated with a high risk (>20%), intermediate risk (10–20%), and low risk (<10%) of febrile neutropenia, respectively. The total number of pegfilgrastim doses used in secondary prophylaxis was 78; 20 (26%) and 58 (74%) of these doses were given to patients receiving chemotherapy regimens associated with an intermediate risk and low risk of febrile neutropenia, respectively. This study revealed a significant portion of prescribed growth factor use that was not in accordance with clinical practice guidelines.
Dynamic nonsmooth frictional contact problems with damage in thermoviscoelasticity
Authors: Szafraniec Paweł
Published: April 2014

In this paper we prove the existence and uniqueness of the weak solution for a dynamic thermoviscoelastic problem describing contact problem between the body and foundation. The process is dynamic, the material behaviour is described by nonlinear viscoelastic law, strongly coupled with the thermal effects. The contact is modelled by nonmonotone subdifferential boundary conditions. The mechanical damage of the material is described by a parabolic equation. We use recent results from the theory of hemivariational inequailities and fixed point theorems.
Numerical simulations for the phase velocities and the electromechanical coupling factor of the Bleustein–Gulyaev waves in some piezoelectric smart materials
Authors: Abd-alla Abo-el-nour , Asker Nadia
Published: April 2014

In this paper, the propagation behavior of the surface Bleustein–Gulyaev (B-G) waves in a piezoelectric layered half-space is investigated. The governing equations of the coupled waves are obtained. The boundary conditions are assumed in such a way that the displacements, shear stress, electric potential, and electric displacements are continuous across the interface between the layer and the substrate together with the traction-free boundary at the surface of the layer. The electrically open and short conditions at the surface are adopted to solve the problem. The phase velocity is numerically calculated for the electric open and short cases for different thicknesses of the layer and wave number. The phase velocity equation of the B-G wave is obtained by an analytical technique when a layered half-space with an identical piezoelectric layer and substrate but with opposite polarization is utilized. The electromechanical coupling factor in the layered piezoelectric structures is discussed. The results obtained in this paper will be very useful for the engineering application of B-G waves.
Surface roughness and contact connectivity
Authors: Kudish Ilya I , Cohen Donald K , Vyletel Brenda
Published: April 2014

Solution of a plane frictionless contact problem for two rough elastic solids is considered. An exact solution of the problem resulting in a singly connected contact region is considered, and it is conveniently expressed in the form of a series in Chebyshev polynomials. A sufficient (not necessary) condition for a contact of the solids to be singly connected is derived. The singly connected contact condition depends on the surface micro-topography, material effective elastic modulus, solid shapes, and applied load. It is determined that under certain conditions, a normal contact of three times differentiable rough surfaces with sufficiently small asperity amplitude and/or sufficiently large applied load is singly connected.
Do patient and proxy agree? Long-term changes in multiple sclerosis physical impact and walking ability on patient-reported outcome scales
Authors: Sonder Judith M , Balk Lisanne J , Bosma Libertje VAE , Polman Chris H , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ
Published: April 2014

Background:

Patient-reported outcome scales (PROs) are useful in monitoring changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) over time. Although these scales are reliable and valid measures in longitudinal studies in MS patients, it is unknown what the impact is when obtaining longitudinal data from proxies.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to compare longitudinal changes in patient and proxy responses on PROs assessing physical impact of MS and walking ability.

Methods:

In a prospective observational study, data on the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29 physical) and Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) were obtained from 137 patient-proxy couples at baseline and at two-year follow-up. Demographic and disease-related variables explaining agreement or disagreement between patients and proxies were investigated using linear regression analyses.

Results:

Full agreement was found in 56% (MSIS) and 62% (MSWS) of the patient-proxy couples. Complete disagreement was very rare for both scales (2% MSIS, 5% MSWS). When patients were more positive than proxies, a higher age, longer disease duration, longer patient-proxy relationship and increased levels of depression, anxiety and caregiver burden in proxies were observed.

Conclusion:

In the majority of the patient-proxy couples there was agreement. Proxies can serve as a valuable source of information, but caution remains essential when using scores from proxies.
Transition to adult services for young people with mental health needs: A systematic review
Authors: Paul Moli , Street Cathy , Wheeler Nicola , Singh Swaran P
Published: April 2014

Background:

Young people’s transition from child and adolescent (CAMHS) to adult mental health services (AMHS).

Objectives:

To systematically review evidence on the effectiveness of different models of CAMHS–AMHS transitional care, service user and staff perspectives, and facilitators of/barriers to effective CAMHS–AMHS transition.

Data sources:

A systematic search in May 2012 of Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, AMED, Health Business Elite, HMIC, Cochrane Database, Web of Science and ASSIA; ancestral searches; and consultation with experts in the field.

Study selection:

Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods primary research on the CAMHS–AMHS health-care transition of young people (aged 16–21 years) with mental health problems.

Data extraction:

Two reviewers independently completed a standardised data extraction form and critically evaluated identified documents using a validated appraisal tool for empirical studies with varied methodologies.

Results:

A total of 19 studies of variable quality were identified. None were randomised or case-controlled trials. Studies incorporating service user/carer perspectives highlighted the need to tackle stigma and provide accessible, age-appropriate services. Parents/carers wanted more involvement with AMHS. Transitional care provision was considered patchy and often not prioritised within mental health services. There was no clear evidence of superior effectiveness of any particular model.

Conclusions:

High-quality evidence of transitional care models is lacking. Data broadly support the development of programmes that address the broader transitional care needs of ‘emerging adults’ and their mental health needs but further evaluation is necessary. Developing robust transitional mental health care will require the policy–practice gap to be addressed and development of accessible, acceptable, responsive, age-appropriate provision.
Psychological consultation in a paediatric setting: A qualitative analysis of staff experiences of a psychosocial forum
Authors: Douglas Jessica L , Benson Sally
Published: April 2014

The use of psychosocial forums in paediatric settings has been recommended as a means of providing psychological consultancy. However, no research has explored staff perceptions of these meetings or whether they have a positive impact on patient care. In this study, six members of a paediatric gastroenterology multidisciplinary team were interviewed about their experience of a weekly psychosocial forum using a qualitative approach. The data revealed that staff regarded the forum as an essential and useful part of the service. Staff reported a number of benefits to their clinical work as a result of attending the forum, in addition to the general benefits of having a clinical psychologist available to see patients. However, staff also made recommendations for improving the forum. The results suggest that psychosocial forums may provide an efficient means of delivering specialist psychological consultation for patients with psychological difficulties, in line with Department of Health recommendations for paediatric services. Future research should aim to investigate the effectiveness of psychosocial forums in different settings and to establish the cost-effectiveness of these meetings.
The walking dead and killing state: Zombification and the normalization of police violence
Authors: Linnemann Travis , Wall Tyler , Green Edward
Published: April 2014

In May 2012, police shot Rudy Eugene, a black man of Haitian decent, dead as he ‘ate the face’ of a homeless man on a deserted Miami causeway. Because of the strange gruesomeness of the attack and other similar violent acts, some in the media declared that a terrifying pandemic—the ‘zombie apocalypse’—had arrived. While this particular case may be yet another instance of mediated panic, we suggest cries of ‘zombies’ and ‘cannibals’ should not be dismissed as simply sensationalistic, irresponsible journalism. Rather, we see this case as a powerful example of the cultural production of a spectral sort of monstrosity that obscures and justifies police violence and state killing. As such, we argue that all of the contemporary ‘zombie talk’, usefully reveals how the logics of security, state violence and punitive disposability are imagined and reproduced as livable parts of late-capitalism.
Communication among young people in the #spanishrevolution: Uses of online–offline tools to obtain information about the #acampadabcn
Authors: Fernandez-Planells Ariadna , Figueras-Maz Mònica , Pàmpols Carles Feixa
Published: April 2014

Recently, social movements worldwide have introduced innovations in their communication methods. The #spanishrevolution that started on 15 May 2011 shows this new-style communication in action. Amidst regional election campaigning, thousands of people, mainly young, took to the streets and occupied Spain’s main squares, becoming known as the Outraged ( los Indignados) or 15M Movement. This article evaluates how the Outraged involved with the #acampadabcn, the camp in Barcelona’s central square, used online–offline tools to get information about the Movement. This research combines participant observation, surveys, in-depth interviews, and web analytics. The results show that social media were vital for getting information during 15M. While the majority of those surveyed became aware of the camps via word of mouth, a posteriori it was social media that were the main tools for informing and mobilizing. 15M Movement, together with networked social movements, has updated the communication methods of social movements.
All platforms considered: Contemporary radio and transmedia engagement
Authors: Edmond Maura
Published: April 2014

Over the last 10 years, radio listeners have increasingly begun to tune in online – via podcasts, radio-on-demand and other digital distribution platforms. In the last couple of years, they have begun to interact with radio in theatres, cinemas and assorted make-shift gig venues, via mobile apps and social media platforms, and in the form of live performances, online videos, maps, tweets, blogs, forums, essays, photographs and interactive websites. Radio, like every other medium, is experimenting with ever more complex cross-media practices. These kinds of activities have been analysed at length with regard to commercial film, television and gaming, but much less is understood about radio-born approaches to transmedia content. This article considers how existing transmedia theories can contribute to our understanding of these new radio practices and also how radio-originated cross-media productions might challenge some of the ingrained assumptions we have about transmedia engagement.
Transient dynamics of an excavator tyre rolling over speed bump
Authors: Li Hao , Schindler Christian
Published: April 2014

Analysis of tyre transient dynamics is an important aspect in the study of vehicle ride comfort and handling performance. A three-dimensional finite element excavator tyre model considering intricate tread patterns and reinforced inner layers was developed in this paper. For the validation of the finite element tyre model, simulation and experimental results of tyre stiffness and contact pressure on the tyre–road interaction interface were studied and compared. The validated tyre model was further applied to simulate the tyre–speed bump impact, and transient dynamic responses of the excavator tyre such as tyre acceleration were analysed in the time and frequency domain. The influences of the inflation pressure, the translational velocity and the axle load on the tyre transient dynamics were studied and analysed based on the simulation results.
Migrants as agents of development: Diaspora engagement discourse and practice in Europe
Authors: Sinatti Giulia , Horst Cindy
Published: April 2014

This article analyses how European governments and civil society actors engage diasporas in Europe as agents for the development of their countries of origin. Through a critical examination of diaspora engagement discourse and practice in various European countries, we identify three implicit understandings. First, development is conceived of as the planned activities of Western professional development actors; second, diasporas are seen as actual communities rooted in a national ‘home’ and sharing a group identity; and third, migration is regarded as binary mobility. We argue that these interpretations are informed by notions of ethnic or national rootedness in given places and that they lead to further assumptions about why, and in pursuit of what goals, diasporas engage. We conclude that such essentialized understandings limit the potential of diaspora engagement as a means of innovating the development industry by broadening understandings of what development entails and how it can be done.
Literacy events in toddler groups: Preschool educators' talk about their work with literacy among toddlers
Authors: Hvit Sara
Published: April 2014

The present study originates in an interest in toddlers' spontaneous literacy activities and Swedish preschool practice. The curriculum for Swedish preschool ( National Agency for Education, 2011b ) clearly states that preschools should work on the basis of a holistic view of the child and that activities should be both enjoyable and based on toddlers' experiences, play and desire to learn. Because the curriculum can be interpreted in a number of different ways, it is important to highlight how tasks in preschool, specifically those directed at written language, are realized in practice. Hence, the aim of this article is to explore educators' talk about their work with written language within an early childhood literacy frame. The study is seen from a social constructionist perspective, and the analysis is based on focus group interviews with ten preschool educator teams on two separate occasions for each. Two themes are identified as being clearly displayed in the educators’ talk about toddlers' literacy: The first theme is doing literacy: toddlers' bodily and material manifestations. The second theme covers the educators' educational manner and the educators' construction of literacy: a playful and material approach based on values and traditions. Finally, these themes are discussed in relation to the educators' professional language, concrete and contextual literacy events, material aspects and a view of toddlers as literate persons in their own right. Hence, the study contributes to a wider discussion about toddlers' everyday activities and interest in written language. In addition, the study makes the suggestion that, in order for work with literacy among toddlers to be based on the child, professional language which highlights toddlers' ways of expression from a broad perspective of what it is to be literate, is needed.
The Indeterminacy of the Risk Factor Prevention Paradigm: A Case Study of Community Partnerships Implementing Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Policy
Authors: Goddard Tim
Published: April 2014

In addition to methodological criticisms of the Risk Factor Prevention Paradigm (RFPP), numerous scholars have revealed that youth justice that is based on it reinforces the criminalization and exclusion of the most vulnerable and poorest youth in society. This article provides insight into the interpretation of the RFPP in local youth and gang violence prevention policy and practice. It uncovers that the RFPP is differentially conceptualized and articulated, such that some risk factors may be erased, others may be reinterpreted, and yet others may be raised to positions of prominence. I conclude that the RFPP is malleable and, thus, indeterminate.
An Investigation of the Factors Contributing to Successful Completion of Undergraduate Degrees by the Students Enrolled in the College Assistance Migrant Program
Authors: Escamilla Anna , Trevino Nicole Guerrero
Published: April 2014

Students from farmworker families are often cited as having deficits that prohibit completion of undergraduate degree program. Statistics regarding graduates of the College Assistance Migrant Program in a southwestern university have shown graduation rates that are similar to the general population of graduates at that university. This qualitative pilot study reveals some possible implications for how alleged deficits for completing college can be converted into assets.
QEEG Theta Cordance in the Prediction of Treatment Outcome to Prefrontal Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or Venlafaxine ER in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Bares Martin , Brunovsky Martin , Novak Tomas , Kopecek Miloslav , Stopkova Pavla , Sos Peter , Höschl Cyril
Published: April 2014

The aims of this double-blind study were to assess and compare the efficacy of quantitative electroencephalographic (QEEG) prefrontal theta band cordance in the prediction of response to 4-week, right, prefrontal, 1-Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or venlafaxine ER in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Prefrontal QEEG cordance values of 50 inpatients (25 subjects in each group) completing 4 weeks of the study were obtained at baseline and after 1 week of treatment. Depressive symptoms were assessed using Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at baseline and at week 1 and 4. Treatment response was defined as a ≥50% reduction in baseline MADRS total score. All responders (n = 9) and 6 of 16 nonresponders in the rTMS group had reduced cordance at week 1 ( P < .01). Reduction of theta cordance value at week 1 was detected in all responders (n = 10) to venlafaxine ER, but only in 4 of 15 nonresponders ( P = .005). The comparison of the areas under the curve of cordance change for prediction of response between rTMS (0.75) and venlafaxine ER (0.89) treated groups yielded no significant difference ( P = .27). Our study indicates that prefrontal QEEG cordance is a promising tool not only for predicting the response to certain antidepressants but also to rTMS treatment, with comparable predictive efficacy for both therapeutic interventions.