bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the Margin of Appreciation: Therapeutic Abortion, Reproductive 'Rights' and the Intriguing Case of Tysiąc v. Poland
Authors: Priaulx Nicolette
Published: November 2008

In Tysiąc v. Poland (2007) the Strasbourg Court ruled in favour of the applicant (who had been denied access to a lawful therapeutic abortion), finding that Poland had failed to comply with its positive obligations to safeguard the applicant's right to effective respect for her private life under Article 8. Exploring this controversial judgment, the author assesses the claim that Tysiąc marks a 'radical shift' on the part of the Court in creating a 'right to abortion'. The author argues that while Tysiąc makes an important addition to abortion jurisprudence, the notion it founds such a 'right' greatly overstates the legal significance of this case.
Can I Decide Please? The State of Children's Consent in the UK
Authors: Perera Anthony
Published: November 2008

The right to self-determination for those with adequate competence underpins a democratic society. The European Convention on Human Rights does not draw a distinction between adults and children in this respect, and in fact advances the concept of children's rights. However in the UK a combination of statute and case law places some constraints on a child's right to autonomy. Prior to the Gillick principle there was little guidance on managing children under the age of sixteen. Whilst this is much clearer now there are some anomalies, for instance is the right to refuse the same as the right to agree to surgery? The increasing 'rights culture' for children is bringing this issue before the Courts more and more and the status of children continues to evolve in the UK.
Self-Determination of Colonial Peoples – The Case of Greenland Revisited
Authors: Rytter Jens Elo
Published: November 2008

In 1953 Greenland, having been a Danish colony for centuries, became an integral part of the Danish realm. The General Assembly in resolution 849 recognised this change of status as an exercise by the people of Greenland of their right of self-determination. Subsequently, however, some scholars have questioned the validity under international law of Greenland's change of status, referring to non-fulfilment of certain substantive and procedural requirements of the exercise of colonial self-determination. Addressing this criticism the article concludes that, based on the norms and standards applicable at the relevant time, there is not a sufficient basis for challenging the validity of Greenland's integration with Denmark in 1953 and the General Assembly's endorsement thereof. Consequently, in legal terms, Greenland cannot today claim a continued right of external self-determination, including independence from Denmark.
Emerging Informal Network Structures in Global Governance Inside the Anti-Money Laundering Regime
Authors: Wilke Marie
Published: November 2008

During the last decades a global governance system consisting of various decision-making arenas, shifting regulatory decisions from the domestic to the global level, has emerged. It includes informal but institutionalised transgovernmental networks, private actors such as financial institutions, hybrid private-public networks and enforcement cooperations. This essay argues that the system exhibits a democratic deficit. By analysing this claim based on the 'Anti Money Laundering Regime' (AML regime), in section two it will become clear that the deficit does not just derive from loose procedural problems such as insufficient transparency but in general from the apolitical and rather technical nature of the system itself. Section three will then proceed to analyse proposed reactions, mainly the idea of a global administrative law. However, it will not only consider the immanent critiques, but also address the problem of a functionalised world and raise and discuss the question whether the approach of 'instrumentalising' international law is the right reaction and first and foremost the future role of international law.
Parental Religious Rights vs. Compulsory Religious Education in Turkey
Authors: Akbulut Olgun , Usal Zeynep Oya
Published: November 2008

Despite parents having primary responsibility, it remains the State's duty to ensure its citizens' education. The orientation of the State's education can be secular can religious; however, the State – having the discretion on curriculum – should comply with human rights principles by promoting pluralism and refraining from indoctrination. In this respect, discussions around religious education have been, and are, highly controversial. This has especially been the case for countries such as Turkey, which have pronounced religious minority groups in their territories. In this regard, the Alevis of Turkey, as the largest religious minority in the country, have been the main actors of a long lasting legal struggle to strive for respect for their freedom of religion as well as parental religious convictions. This article aims to answer to what extent Alevis in Turkey can assert their parental right to religious education through invoking international human rights law, particularly under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Religious Pluralism and Human Rights in Europe: Where to Draw the Line? Religion, Secular Beliefs and Human Rights, 25 Years After the 1981 Declaration
Authors: Ghanea Nazila
Published: November 2008

These two books address the vexing question of human rights and freedom of religion or belief essentially in two different contexts and from two different perspectives: the European and the international. They do so in a broad manner, addressing the social, political, legal and policy implications of religion at large as well as freedom of religion or belief itself. From an overview of both, it can be seen that neither minority rights, cultural rights, freedom of expression nor freedom of association compensate the absence of freedom of religion or belief in human rights terms.
Fast Microwave-Assisted Purification, Functionalization and Dispersion of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Chen Yuhong , Mitra Somenath
Published: November 2008

Microwave-assisted purification, chemical functionalization and dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are reported. To prevent sidewall functionalization, removal of residual catalyst was carried out using weak, dilute acids and complexing agents. Further covalent derivatization
by attachinghydrophilic groups to the sidewall improved aqueous dispersibility to reach 1 mg/mL in deionized water and 0.5 mg/mL in ethanol. Oxidized MWNTs containing –COOH could be used for further functionalization, such as, amidation. The MWNTs were found to be less reactive and had
lower solubility than the single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Electron microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analyses and Atomic Absorption spectrometry studies were used to characterize the aimed-MWNTs.
Silica Encapsulated CdS Tabular Nanocomposites via a Template Directed Agglomeration Mechanism
Authors: Wang Jun , Sollenberger Stephen J. , Yuan Ying , Yosenick Timothy J. , Adair James H.
Published: November 2008

Silica coated CdS tabular nanocomposites were synthesized through precipitation of CdS nanoparticles in octylamine/water bilayer system followed by in situ hydrolysis of tetraethoxylsilicate (TEOS) precursor. Face diameter of the nanoplatelets was in the range of 50∼250 nm
with a variable thickness (3 to 25 nm) dictated by octylamine content or R ratio ([water]/[octylamine]). A uniform SiO2 outer shell of about 15 nm was observed regardless of the size of the high aspect ratio CdS nanoplatelets, which appeared to be agglomerated primarily owing
to the confined bilayer template. Morphology and microstructure of the CdS/SiO2 tabular nanocomposites were characterized using atomic force microscope (AFM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). A noticeable enhancement in absorbance for the UV-vis spectra
was observed due to the SiO2 coating layer. Growth mechanism of nanocomposite platelets and potential applications associated with this anisotropic nanocomposite are discussed.
Generalized Fabrication of Surfactant-Stabilized Anisotropic Metal Nanoparticles to Amino-Functionalized Surfaces: Application to Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Chungang , Chen Ying , Ma Zhanfang , Wang Tingting , Su Zhongmin
Published: November 2008

A universal and facile approach for the self-assembly of surfactant-coated anisotropic metal nanoparticles on the amino-functionalized planar and spherical surfaces based on electrostatic attraction has been explored. Large-scale and different surface coverage of monolayer film and
metallodielectric core–shell nanostructures of anisotropic metal nanoparticles, including Au nanorods, AucoreAgshell nanorods and Ag nanoprisms, have been fabricated. The optical response in the visible and the near infrared (NIR) of resulting nanostructures can
be easily controlled by varying the concentration of the anisotropic nanoparticle, the amount of silica particles, and the immersion time of the substrates. Large-scale anisotropic metal nanoparticle monolayer films with subtle control over the surface coverage and tunable plasmon resonance
as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates for probing 4-aminothiophenol were investigated, which exhibited high SERS activity, stability and reproducibility.
First Order Reversal Curves (FORC) Diagrams of Co Nanowire Arrays
Authors: Ciureanu M. , Béron F. , Ciureanu P. , Cochrane R. W. , Ménard D. , Sklyuyev A. , Yelon A.
Published: November 2008

Nanowire arrays of Co and Ni have been obtained by current pulse electrodeposition into nanoporous alumina templates. By adjusting the pH of the bath, the microstructure of the Co wires was tailored, resulting in two types of arrays of crystalline Co—hcp, with c-axis
nominally parallel (Co (c∥)), or nominally perpendicular (Co (c⊥)) to the wire. First-order reversal curve (FORC) diagrams provide information on average coercivity of the individual nanowire and the factors influencing the field created in the saturated array by the magnetostatic
interactions. The dependences of this field on array geometry (wire length and diameter) and saturation magnetization were found to be in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions from a micromagnetic model. For arrays with lower wire diameter, the average coercivity of the individual
wires is systematically higher than the coercivity of the array. The most important difference between the two Co series is in the dependence of the FORC diagrams on the wire diameter, with the Co (c⊥) showing significant pattern changes at large diameters. Two possible sources of those
changes are discussed.
Fabrication of Versatile 3-D Ternary Nanostructures via Gas-Mediated Metal Evaporation
Authors: Worsfold O. , Wright J. P. , Himmelhaus M.
Published: November 2008

By combining nanosphere lithography (NSL) with metal evaporation at two different chamber pressures, ternary metallic nanostructures with 3D topography were fabricated and characterized by field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The
nanostructures consist of 340 nm silicon patches surrounded by a chromium mesh of varying height and gold triangular pillars with a height of 40 nm and a diameter of about 200 nm. While NSL was applied due to its ease of use, evaporation at different chamber pressures can be combined with
any kind of template mask comprising convex shape to yield novel kinds of ternary nanostructures analogous to the ones presented here. The method shows to be more versatile than plasma-based deposition techniques due to avoidance of substrate charging effects and a freely adjustable chamber
pressure.
Ta2O5 Nanobars and Their Composites: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: George P. P. , Gedanken A.
Published: November 2008

Novel Ta2O5 nanobars anchored on micron-sized carbon spheres were synthesized by the thermal decomposition of pentaethoxy tantalate, Ta(OEt)5. This one-step reaction was carried out using the RAPET (Reaction Under Autogenic Pressure at Elevated Temperature)
method by dissociating Ta(OEt)5 at 800 °C for 3 h. The as-prepared Ta2O5/C nanobar-composite was annealed under air at 500 °C for 3 h (eliminating the carbon spheres), resulting in neat Ta2O5 nanobars. The products, Ta2O5/C
and Ta2O5 nanobars, were characterized using methods such as electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, HRTEM, SAEDS, EA, EDX) and Powder-XRD. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images indicated the particle size of the Ta2O5 nanobars coated on 40–60
nm carbon spheres. The optical properties of the Ta2O5/C nanobar-composite and the neat Ta2O5 nanobars were determined by UV-vis absorption spectrometry and their band gaps were found at 265 (4.7 eV) and 260 nm (4.8 eV), respectively. A PL band was
also observed for a Ta2O5/C nanobar-composite and Ta2O5 nanobars. The above results indicate that Ta2O5 nanobars have a promising application in optical devices.
Chiral Molecular Cavities of Calix[4]Crown on Au(111)
Authors: Pan Ge-Bo , Luo Jun , Zheng Qi-Yu , Wan Li-Jun
Published: November 2008

Well-ordered arrays of chiral molecular cavities have been constructed by self-assembly of inherently chiral calix[4]crown on Au(111) in 0.1 M HClO4 solution and investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The chiral features are clearly observed in high resolution
STM images. It is found that the adsorption of the two enantiomers results in the same ordered structures with upright orientation on Au(111). Moreover, only phase separation has been observed for the racemic mixture of the two enantiomers in the experiment. This is mainly due to the weak
molecule-substrate interaction as well as asymmetric geometrical structures of the two enantiomers. The present study provides a simple method for construction of ordered arrays of chiral molecular cavities, which are of potential in chemical sensors, chiral recognition, and nonlinear optics.
NiO Nanostructured Honeycomb Realized by Annealing Ni Film Deposited on Silicon
Authors: Zhang Kaili , Rossi Carole , Alphonse Pierre , Tenailleau Christophe
Published: November 2008

Two-dimensional nanostructures have various interesting applications due to their large surface areas. In this study, we propose a simple approach to synthesize two-dimensional NiO nano honeycomb by thermal annealing of Ni thin film deposited onto silicon substrate by thermal evaporation.
The effects on the nano honeycomb morphology of the annealing temperature and time are investigated. Because the NiO nano honeycomb is realized onto silicon substrate, a basic material for microelectronics and micro-system, this will probably open the door to integrate the nano honeycomb into
micro-system, thus leading to nano based functional devices. The as-synthesized NiO nano honeycomb is characterized by SEM, XRD, and surface area measurement.
Stamping-Based Planarization of Flexible Substrate for Low-Pressure UV Nanoimprint Lithography
Authors: Altun Ali Ozhan , Jeong Jun-Ho , Jung Sung-Un , Kim Ki-Don , Choi Dae-Geun , Choi Jun-Hyuk , Shim Jong-Youp , Lee Dong-II , Lee Eung-Sug
Published: November 2008

Patterning flexible substrates in nano scale is an important and challenging issue in the fabrication of next-generation devices based on a non-silicon substrate. Step and Flash imprint lithography (S-FIL®) which is a room temperature and low pressure process offers several
important advantages, such as the use of a smaller and therefore cheaper stamp or the possibility of the overlay imprinting, as a transparent stamp is utilized. However, it is very difficult to perform S-FIL on a flexible substrate successfully due to the high waviness. The waviness of a flexible
substrate is not a constant value in contrast to a rigid substrate. It depends on the imprint pressure applied onto the substrate. In this paper, in section two, the effect of the imprint pressure on the waviness of the surface of the flexible substrate is examined. It is proved that the waviness
of the surface of the flexible substrate could not be reduced sufficiently to assure a successful imprint at low imprint pressures. In the third section, a method of patterning polymer substrates using ultra-violet nanoimprint lithography (UV-NIL) is presented. The method consists of two stages,
stamping-based planarization and S-FIL. In stamping-based planarization, a planarization layer of transparent polymer is formed onto the flexible substrate. Waviness of the blank stamp (in this study, glass wafer) is transferred to the planarization layer. S-FIL is performed with the nanoimprint
tool IMPRIO100 directly onto the planarization layer employing a 1 × 1 in.2 quartz stamp. Optical microscope and SEM images of the successfully imprinted patterns were also presented.
Tuning the Characteristics of Electrochemically Fabricated Gold Nanowires
Authors: Karim S. , Ensinger W. , Cornelius T. W. , Khan E. U. , Neumann R.
Published: November 2008

We have developed different electrochemical procedures for the production of gold nanowires with variable and controllable crystallographic and morphological properties using etched ion track templates. The texture of the nanowires is tuned by the variation of the electrodeposition
parameters. Potentiostatic plating at low overvoltage provides strongly 〈110〉 textured wires for diameters below 100 nm. With the increase in diameter above 100 nm, this texture decreases and the signal from {111} planes becomes more pronounced. Under reverse pulse deposition conditions,
〈100〉 textured wires are generated. The growth mechanism is discussed in detail in terms of the surface energy minimum principle. In addition, wires are shaped in a reliable way from cylindrical to conical geometry by engineering the pore structure in the template.
Comparison Between the Electrical Properties of ZnO Nanowires Based Field Effect Transistors Fabricated by Back- and Top-Gate Approaches
Authors: Park Y. K. , Umar Ahmad , Kim S. H. , Kim J.-H. , Lee E. W. , Vaseem M. , Hahn Y. B.
Published: November 2008

Large-quality, well-crystallized growth of ZnO nanowires was done via non-catalytic thermal evaporation process on silicon substrate only by using metallic zinc powder and oxygen as source materials for zinc and oxygen, respectively. The electrical properties of the as-grown ZnO nanowires
were examined by fabricating a single nanowire based FETs which were fabricated via two approaches, i.e., back- and top-gate approaches by using electron beam lithography (EBL) and photolithography processes. ZnO FETs electrical properties were characterized by IDS–VDS
and IDS–VGS measurement. The fabricated single ZnO nanowire based FETs by back- and top-gate approaches exhibited field effect mobilities of ∼4.25 and ∼12.76 cm2/Vs, respectively. Moreover, the carrier concentrations for the fabricated
back- and top-gate FETs were ∼1.6 × 1017 and ∼1.37 × 1018 cm−3, respectively. From our studies it was observed that the fabricated top-gate FETs exhibited higher and good electrical properties as compared to ZnO nanowire FETs fabricated
using back-gate approaches.
DNA-Directed Self-Assembly of Fluorescent Dye-Labeled Streptavidin Arrays for Protein Detection
Authors: Zhang Junping , Narayan Roger J.
Published: November 2008

In this work, a DNA lattice was utilized to direct protein self-assembly. A model biosensor system was fabricated by self-assembly of rhodamine dye-labeled streptavidin molecules on a two-tile DNA system. This self-assembly nanofabrication technique has numerous possible biotechnology
applications, including use in multiplex biosensing systems that have binding of several biological molecules encoded in a multiple-tile DNA lattice.
Mechanisms for Catalytic CVD Growth of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Bajwa Navdeep , Li Xuesong , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Vajtai Robert
Published: November 2008

Carbon nanotubes possess unique properties that make them potentially ideal materials for various technological applications. However, a basic growth mechanism explaining the way metallic atoms interact with carbon to nucleate, grow and heal CNTs still needs to be understood. In this
review paper we describe the mechanisms of catalytic chemical vapor deposition growth of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers, the role of various parameters that govern their growth kinetics and the knowledge added to singlewalled nanotube growth. We also examine future strategies
needed to reveal complete knowledge of the growth mechanisms of carbon nanotubes.
Large Scale Combustion Synthesis of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Their Characterization
Authors: Richter Henning , Treska Meri , Howard Jack B. , Wen John Z. , Thomasson Sebastien B. , Reading Arthur A. , Jardim Paula M. , Vander Sande John B.
Published: November 2008

Since its invention in 1991, premixed combustion synthesis of fullerenic materials has been established as the major industrial process for manufacturing of these materials. Large-scale production of fullerenes such as C60, C70 and C84 has been implemented.
More recently, combustion technology has been extended to the targeted synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). Addition of catalyst precursor and operation at well-controlled fuel-rich but non-sooting conditions are required. Extensive parametric studies have allowed for the optimization
of the formation of high-quality SWCNT. Purification techniques previously reported in the literature have been adjusted and used successfully for the nearly complete removal of metal and metal oxide. Material has been characterized using Raman spectroscopy, scanning (SEM) and transmission
electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Correlations between process conditions and nanotube properties such as length have been established. Product reproducibility
and process scalability of the combustion process have been demonstrated. Sample preparation was found to affect significantly the apparent characteristics of nanotubes as seen in electron microscopy images.
Application of the Hansen Solubility Parameters Theory to Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Detriche S. , Zorzini G. , Colomer J.-F. , Fonseca A. , Nagy J. B.
Published: November 2008

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are very promising nano-objects due to their exceptional properties. However, their tendency to form bundles as well as their insolubility in common solvents makes them difficult to handle. The main way to solve the problem is chemical or physical CNTs functionalisations,
with all the problems inherent to the methods. In this contribution, we present a new approach that allows predicting the solubility of carbon nanotubes in many solvents but also predicting the most appropriate solvents to use for given samples of CNTs. Solubilisation and dispersion being
directly connected, the present approach of solubilisation proves also to be efficient in dispersing the CNTs bundles. This contribution is a first step toward the control of carbon nanotube's dispersion in polymers and their homogenous functionalisation. Moreover, we also report here a new
method, based on solvents, to separate carbon nanotubes by size, the use of mixture of non-solvents in order to obtain good solvents and the use of mixture of good solvents to obtain higher solubility. The use of mixture of good solvents allowed us to obtain high solubility, up to three times
higher then that reported in literature. We have also measured and analysed the solubility of some functionalised carbon nanotubes.
Kinetic Modeling of the SWNT Growth by CO Disproportionation on CoMo Catalysts
Authors: Monzon A. , Lolli G. , Cosma S. , Mohamed S. B. , Resasco D. E.
Published: November 2008

A kinetic model has been developed to describe the growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) in the CoMoCAT™ method, which is based on the disproportionation of CO on supported CoMo catalysts. The model attempts to capture mathematically the different stages involved
in this method: (i) catalyst activation or in-situ creation of active sites, i.e., reduced Co clusters by transformation of CoMoOx precursor species, or oxidized sites; (ii) CO decomposition over active sites, which increases the surface fugacity of carbon until
reaching a certain threshold; (iii) nucleation of ordered forms of carbon; (iv) C diffusion (both across the surface and into the metal particle); (v) SWNT growth; (vi) termination, by either deactivation of the catalyst active sites or by increase in the carbon concentration
at the metal/SWNT interface, approaching that of the metal/gas interface and eliminating the driving force for diffusion. Previous investigations have only explained the growth termination by the former. Here, we emphasize the possible contribution of the later and propose a novel "hindrance
factor" to quantify the effect of nanotube interaction with its surroundings on the growth termination. To test the kinetic model and obtain typical values of the physical parameters, experiments have been conducted on a CoMo/SiO2 catalyst in a laboratory flow reactor, in which
the rate of carbon deposition was continuously evaluated by the direct measurement of the CO2 evolution as a function of time. The experimental data are fitted very well with model.
Ground-Based Temperature and Humidity Profiling Using Spectral Infrared and Microwave Observations. Part I: Simulated Retrieval Performance in Clear-Sky Conditions
Authors: Löhnert Ulrich , Turner D. D. , Crewell S.
Published: November 2008

Two independent ground-based passive remote sensing methods are used to retrieve lower-tropospheric temperature and humidity profiles in clear-sky cases. A simulation study for two distinctly different climatic zones is performed to evaluate the accuracies of a standard microwave profiler [humidity and temperature profiler (HATPRO)] and an infrared spectrometer [Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI)] by applying a unified optimal estimation scheme to each instrument. Different measurement modes for each instrument are also evaluated in which the retrieval uses different spectral channels and observational view angles. In addition, both instruments have been combined into the same physically consistent retrieval scheme to evaluate the differences between a combined retrieval relative to the single-instrument retrievals. In general, retrievals derived from only infrared measurements yield superior RMS error and bias to retrievals derived only from microwave measurements. The AERI retrievals show high potential, especially for retrieving humidity in the boundary layer, where accuracies are on the order of 0.25–0.5 g m−3 for a central European climate. In the lowest 500 m the retrieval accuracies for temperature from elevation-scanning microwave measurements and spectral infrared measurements are very similar (0.2–0.6 K). Above this level the accuracies of the AERI retrieval are significantly more accurate (<1 K RMSE below 4 km). The inclusion of microwave measurements to the spectral infrared measurements within a unified physical retrieval scheme only results in improvements in the high-humidity tropical climate. However, relative to the HATPRO retrieval, the accuracy of the AERI retrieval is more sensitive to changes in the measurement uncertainty. The discussed results are drawn from a subset of “pristine” clear-sky cases: in the general case in which clouds and aerosols are present, the combined HATPRO–AERI retrieval algorithm is expected to yield much more beneficial results.
Opposition and Integration in Norwegian Youth Networks
Authors: Ødegård Guro , Berglund Frode
Published: November 2008

In this article, we address how the social networks of Norwegian teenagers influence their formation of social and political resources. We distinguish between youth networks that are adult-managed and networks managed by the youth involved. The analysis is based on two representative surveys, Young in Norway 1992 and 2002. Based on a theoretical framework related to Putnam's theory of social capital, we discuss how young people's declining trust in the authority of adult society and their increased willingness to vote in general elections during the past decade might be understood. The findings imply that the adult-managed networks (generation-bridging) generate trust among the young participators. However, they are no more willing to vote than youth existing outside such networks. On the contrary, youth-managed networks (youth-bonding) in which adults do not have any natural positions or access seem to mobilize young people into participating through elections, even though they show a lower level of trust than their peers outside such networks. The findings imply that the generation gap produces mistrust and an oppositional attitude to the adult world, which has a positive influence on young people's political participation and integration.
Access to Resources in Networks
Authors: Finsveen Ellen , van Oorschot Wim
Published: November 2008

In cross-national comparative studies of people's social capital, there is a standard practice of measuring social capital using the size and intensity of people's networks. In this article, we discuss the validity of this practice, from both a theoretical and an empirical perspective. Theoretically, the practice is problematic, because it disregards that, according to original authors on the subject, social capital is about people's access to resources in their networks. This means that having network relationships is a necessary, but by no means sufficient, condition for possessing social capital. Empirically, using pooled data from the 2001 ISSP comparative survey, we found some positive relationships between network characteristics and people's potential access to resources in their networks. The relationships are weak, however, which means that the assumption that network characteristics are adequate proxies for social capital is equally weak.
Who is Politically Active: The Athlete, the Scout Member or the Environmental Activist?
Authors: Quintelier Ellen
Published: November 2008

Most research finds that voluntary engagement leads to more political participation. However, it is not entirely clear which type of organization encourages political participation and what skills are required. There is also some discussion about whether multiple memberships promote political participation. In this article, I use the Belgian Youth Survey ( n = 6,330) in investigating the effect that type of organization, the time spent in organizations, the number of memberships and skills-related activities has on political participation. My findings suggest that voluntary organizations are powerful political socialization agents leading to young people engaging in politics. Young people who are members of several organizations are more active in politics, while spending a greater amount of time in one organization does not increase level of political participation. Cultural, deliberative and help organizations are more successful than expressive, religious—ethnic and youth groups in fostering political engagement. Finally, organizations that allow young people to take up a leadership role, or to organize activities, encourage participation in political activities.
Comparison of Atherosclerotic Indicators between Cardio Ankle Vascular Index and Brachial Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity
Authors: Horinaka Shigeo , Yabe Akihisa , Yagi Hiroshi , Ishimura Kimihiko , Hara Hitoshi , Iemua Tomoyuki , Matsuoka Hiroaki
Published: November 2008

Background

Aortic pulse wave velocity has been used for evaluating atherosclerosis. Recently, the development of the volume plethysmographic method has made it possible to easily measure the index of the pulse wave velocity. The brachial ankle pulse wave velocity and cardio ankle vascular index are used for estimating the extent of atherosclerosis. The diagnostic usefulness of these indexes in predicting coronary artery disease was examined.

Methods

The brachial ankle pulse wave velocity, the cardio ankle vascular index, and the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured in 696 patients who had chest pain and underwent coronary angiography. Measurement values of brachial ankle pulse wave velocity were compared with those of cardio ankle vascular index in terms of the baseline covariates and the number of major coronary vessels involved (vessel disease).

Results

The brachial ankle pulse wave velocity was significantly correlated with age, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure but not with the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. The cardio ankle vascular index was correlated only with age and the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. The average of both brachial ankle pulse wave velocity and cardio ankle vascular index values was greater in 3 vessel disease group than in 0 vessel disease group. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the diagnostic accuracy of coronary artery disease was significantly higher in the cardio ankle vascular index than in the brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (area under the curve ± standard error: 0.691 ± 0.025 vs. 0.584 ± 0.026; P < .05).

Conclusions

As a means of estimating the extent of atherosclerosis in large arteries, our results show that both brachial ankle pulse wave velocity and cardio ankle vascular index are useful and that cardio ankle vascular index may have some advantages in its application to patients taking blood pressure—lowering medication because of the minimum effect of blood pressure on its measurement values. The cardio ankle vascular index has increased performance over brachial ankle pulse wave velocity in predicting the coronary artery disease.
Hypercoagulability Markers in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease: Association to Ankle-brachial Index
Authors: Ana Paula Lucas Mota , Santos Maria Elizabeth Rennó de Castro , Silva Francisco das Chagas Limae , Schachnik Natalia Castro de Carvalho , Marinez de Oliveira Sousa , Maria das Gracas Carvalho
Published: November 2008

Peripheral arterial disease is diagnosed by measuring the ankle-brachial index. Values lower than 0.90 define the disease being usually related to its severity. Patients with peripheral arterial disease may show a hypercoagulability state. The aim of this study was to assess hemostatic variables and to correlate them with the presence of peripheral arterial disease and its severity as assessed by ankle-brachial index values. Plasma levels of D dimer, plasminogen, prothrombin fragment 1+2, plasminogen activator inhibitor and thrombomodulin were measured in 36 patients with peripheral arterial disease (group 1) and 30 without disease (group 2). Significant differences for D dimer, plasminogen, prothrombin fragment 1+2 and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 between the 2 groups were found ( P<0.05). Significant and inverse correlations were also observed (Pearson correlation, P<0.05) between ankle-brachial index values and levels of both plasminogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1. Although there was no significant correlation between ankle-brachial index and levels of D dimer, higher D dimer values were observed in patients with lower ankle-brachial index values. The results confirm a trend to hypercoagulability and hypofibrinolysis in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Increased levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 seem to be associated with the severity of the disease, considering the inverse correlation between this inhibitor and ankle-brachial index.
Selective Screening for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Disease Prior to Isolated Heart Valve Surgery
Authors: Zayed Hany , Ali Ahmad , Wendler Olaf , Rashid Hisham
Published: November 2008

Objective

To assess the yield of screening for asymptomatic carotid artery disease prior to isolated heart valve surgery (IHVS).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the preoperative carotid duplex scans performed in neurologically asymptomatic patients who underwent IHVS between 2003 and 2006 was performed. Internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis of 70% was considered significant. Patients with concomitant coronary artery disease were excluded.

Results

A total of 177 patients underwent IHVS (one valve in 165 and 2 valves in 12 patients). No or minor ICA disease detected in 172 patients. Four patients (2.25%) had significant unilateral ICA stenosis and 1 patient (0.56%) had unilateral ICA occlusion. Three patients (1.69%) suffered postoperative stroke, while 2 patients (1.1%) suffered transient ischemic attacks. All neurologically affected patients had normal preoperative carotid duplex. The in-hospital mortality was 4.5%.

Conclusion

Prevalence of significant ICA disease is low in patients undergoing IHVS. This population does not benefit from preoperative carotid screening.
The Effect of Age and Other Atherosclerotic Risk Factors on Carotid Artery Blood Velocity in Individuals Ranging from Young Adults to Centenarians
Authors: Homma Satoki , Sloop Gregory D. , Zieske Arthur W.
Published: November 2008

To evaluate the effect of age and other risk factors for atherosclerosis on arterial blood velocity, carotid arteries in 179 healthy individuals ranging from 21 to 102 years old were examined using color Doppler ultrasonography. Velocity in common and internal carotid arteries decreased consecutively from young adults to very elderly people except for peak internal carotid artery velocity. Peak common carotid artery velocity in the elderly (≥ 65 years old) people was inversely associated with age and diastolic blood pressure and directly associated with pulse pressure. Minimum velocity of common carotid artery was inversely correlated with age and diastolic blood pressure in the elderly people. In elderly group, peak internal carotid artery velocity correlated only with serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Minimum internal carotid artery velocity correlated inversely with systolic blood pressure in adults and diastolic blood pressure in elderly people. Blood velocity in the very elderly population approaches the critical level for thrombogenesis.
Temporal Artery Thermometry Utilization in Pediatric Emergency Care
Authors: Titus M. Olivia , Hulsey Thomas , Heckman Julie , Losek Joseph D.
Published: November 2008

Objective To determine the effectiveness of temporal artery thermometry (TAT) as an alternative for temperature assessment of children 1 to 4 years of age in the pediatric emergency department.

Methods Prospective cross-sectional study conducted at an urban children's hospital emergency department. TAT and rectal temperatures are compared in a convenience sample of children 1 to 4 years of age. Comparison of the temperatures is performed using Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis.

Results TAT and rectal temperatures are measured in 42 children 1 to 4 years of age. TAT predicts 83% of rectal temperatures. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis shows that a cutoff of 37.7°C or greater for fever in TAT is equivalent to rectal temperature greater than or equal to 38.3°C with 100% sensitivity and 93.5% specificity.

Conclusion TAT is an effective screening tool in identifying fever in children 1 to 4 years of age.
Invariance of the Measurement Model Underlying the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—III in the United States and Canada
Authors: Bowden Stephen C. , Lange Rael T. , Weiss Lawrence G. , Saklofske Donald H.
Published: November 2008

A measurement model is invoked whenever a psychological interpretation is placed on test scores. When stated in detail, a measurement model provides a description of the numerical and theoretical relationship between observed scores and the corresponding latent variables or constructs. In this way, the hypothesis that similar meaning can be derived from a set of test scores can be tested by examination of a measurement model across groups. This study examines the invariance of a measurement model underlying Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Third Edition scores in the U.S. and the Canadian standardization samples. The measurement model, involving four latent variables, satisfies the assumption of invariance across samples. Subtest scores also show similar reliability in both samples. However, slightly higher latent variable means are found in the Canadian normative sample.
Self-Control and Deviant Peer Network Structure
Authors: McGloin Jean Marie , O'Neill Shermer Lauren
Published: November 2008

From learning and opportunity perspectives, peer group structural dimensions shed light on social processes that can amplify or ameliorate the risk of having delinquent friends. Previous research has not accounted for a primary criminological variable, self-control, limiting theoretical clarity. The authors developed three hypotheses about self-control's potential role in deviant peer structure: it may underlie and explain the (spurious) relationship between deviant peers or peer structure and delinquency, be partially exogenous to deviant peers and deviant peer structure, and moderate the effects of deviant peers and deviant peer structure. To test these hypotheses, the authors used data from a longitudinal sample of adolescents containing peer self-reports of delinquency. The results suggest that self-control and deviant peers are complementary. This is the first study demonstrating this relationship with self-reports of deviance rather than perceptions. Less support was found for the conditioning impact of deviant network structure than in previous work. Some differential patterns also emerged by gender and race. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Towards Fault-tolerant HLA-based Distributed Simulations
Authors: Dan Chen  , Turner Stephen J. , Wentong Cai
Published: November 2008

Large scale High Level Architecture (HLA)-based simulations are built to study complex problems, and they often involve a large number of federates and vast computing resources. Simulation federates running at different locations are subject to failure. The failure of one federate can lead to the crash of the overall simulation execution. Such risk increases with the scale of a distributed simulation. Hence, fault tolerance is required to support runtime robustness. This paper introduces a framework for robust HLA-based distributed simulations using a 'Decoupled Federate Architecture'. The framework provides a generic fault-tolerant model, which deals with failure with a dynamic substitution approach. A sender-based method is designed to ensure reliable in-transit message delivery, which is coupled with a novel algorithm to perform effective fossil collection. The fault-tolerant model also avoids any unnecessary repeated computation when handling failure. Using a middleware approach, the framework supports reusability of legacy federate code and it is platform-neutral and independent of federate modeling approaches. Experiments have been carried out to validate and benchmark the fault-tolerant federates using an example of a supply-chain simulation. The experimental results show that the framework provides correct failure recovery. The results also indicate that the framework only incurs minimal overhead for facilitating fault tolerance and has a promising scalability.
An Efficient Routing Mechanism in Network Simulation
Authors: Zhiyu Hao  , Xiaochun Yun  , Hongli Zhang
Published: November 2008

Simulation is widely recognized as an essential tool for analyzing large-scale networks. Routing is a key factor which impacts the simulation scale and efficiency. This paper presents a new approach to routing calculation, storage and lookup, named MTree_Nix routing. It maintains a variable number of spanning trees as the base routing table, and uses Nix-Vector routing to compute on demand the routing states that cannot be covered by any of the spanning trees. Theoretically, we obtain the constraint condition on the optimized trade-off between space and time in MTree_Nix routing. Integrated with the advantages of the current routing mechanisms, MTree_Nix comes to a better trade-off between the storage space for the routing tables and the CPU time for routing lookup. Experimental results show that, with a storage space of only about 1% more than Nix-Vector, MTree_Nix can reduce the simulation time to about 85% of that using Nix-Vector.
Greedy Algorithms for Client Assignment in Large-Scale Distributed Virtual Environments
Authors: Ta Duong Nguyen Binh , Suiping Zhou  , Haifeng Shen
Published: November 2008

Distributed Virtual Environments (DVEs) such as online games, military simulations or collaborative design are currently very popular. To support large-scale DVEs, an architecture with multiple, geographically distributed servers is usually employed, and the virtual world is partitioned into multiple zones for load distribution. The client assignment problem arises when assigning the participating clients to the servers. Current approaches usually assign clients to servers based on a resource-driven approach, i.e. the only concern is not to overload the servers. This approach may degrade the interactivity of DVEs if the network delay from a client to its assigned server is large. In this paper, we formulate the client assignment problem, and propose three new algorithms to assign clients to servers in a more efficient way. The proposed algorithms are based on the greedy heuristics developed for the well-known Terminal Assignment problem. From extensive simulation studies with realistic settings, we find that even under heterogeneous environments such as the Internet where accurate input data for the assignment algorithms are usually impractical to obtain, some of the proposed algorithms are still beneficial to the performances of DVEs.
Empirical Models of End-User Network Behavior from NETI@home Data Analysis
Authors: Simpson Charles R , Reddy Dheeraj , Riley George F
Published: November 2008

The simulation of computer networks requires accurate models of user behavior. To this end, we present empirical models of end-user network traffic derived from the analysis of NETI@home (NETwork Intelligence at home) data. There are two forms of models presented. The first models traffic for a specific Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP) port. The second models all TCP or UDP traffic for an end-user. These models are meant to be network-independent and contain aspects such as bytes sent, bytes received, and user think time. The empirical models derived in this study can then be used to enable more realistic simulations of computer networks and are implemented in the Georgia Tech Network Simulator (GTNetS).
Dream-hole
Authors: Wood Sarah
Published: November 2008

I draw on Derrida's limitless extension of the concept of writing to read Freud on dreams, and to explore relations between words, phenomenal or sensory experience, and life itself. I agree with Wordsworth, Freud, Derrida and Cixous that words are also things and argue that what linguistics recognizes as the sign can be marked, as a sculpted piece of stone might be, by the shaping violence of a force other than language. That opening remains traceable in the text. Dream writing names a lived experience of force: magical in its power, unlocatable in psychic terms, moving between languages, dependent on belief.