bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer-Aided VSS Control Validation for a Rotating Flexible Link Manipulator Using ANSYS
Authors: Mahmood Niaz , Walcott Bruce L.
Published: March 2008

This paper presents a design methodology for controllers of flexible structures based on uncertain modeling techniques. The particular problem which is addressed is the control of a single flexible link planar manipulator. An extremely simple control strategy is derived by treating the effects of compliance as an uncertain torque about which no a priori knowledge is assumed other than a bound. However, because the torque is modeled as an uncertainty, we must perform computer-aided validation of our design using a finite-element model for our manipulator. Hitherto, the finite- element package ANSYS has been widely used as a modeling/analysis tool for flexible structures. However, developments in the ANSYS (version 4.3 and later) allow the interfacing of external programs with the analysis package, thereby enabling closed- loop control strategies to be tested.
Concurrent Hierarchical and Multilevel Simulation of VLSI Circuits
Authors: Mueller-Thuns Robert B. , Rahmeh Joseph T. , Abraham Jacob A. , Wehbeh Jalal A. , Saab Daniel G.
Published: March 2008

Advances in VLSI technologies have led to the implementation of very large and complex systems on a single chip. Current Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools are being pushed to their limits in order to keep up with increasing chip complexity. One of the main problems facing current CAD tools is the large amount of memory required when dealing with large systems. Most tools represent the circuit as a collection of primitives and shared information is duplicated. This paper discusses an approach for hierarchical switch-level simulation of digital circuits. The approach exploits the hierarchy to reduce the memory require ments of the simulation, allowing the simulation of circuits that are too large to simulate at the flat level. In addition, parts of the circuit can be replaced with automati cally generated software models, thus increasing the simulation speed without sacrificing accuracy. The approach has been implemented in a hierarchical switch-level simulator, CHAMP. The program allows for user-supplied behavioral models, assignable delays, and bidirectional signal flow inside circuit blocks that are repre sented as transistor networks as well as across the boundaries of higher level blocks.
Integrated Global Models That Run On Personal Computers
Authors: Brecke Peter
Published: March 2008

This article presents work the author has done to port several of the integrated global models developed in the 1970's and 1980's to widely available personal computers. The goal has been to give teachers and researchers access to these models for educational purposes. The article briefly describes each model to. help a potential user decide which one(s) he or she may wish to obtain from the author.
Optimal Process Control Through Computer Simulation
Authors: Bui R.T. , Ouellet R.
Published: March 2008

Process engineers are often confronted with optimal control problems, in which one or more control variables are to be found to minimize a given cost function. Since to begin with, the mathematical models of industrial processes are often very complex, solution of these continuous dynamic optimal control problems involves a prohibitively long mathematical develop ment, followed by huge and tedious pro gramming work. A program called COMMIN was recently developed to handle this situation. Its content has been published earlier. This article deals with its application to the solution of practical control problems, using a computer model of the industrial process to be optimized. Examples are presented giving the fuel optimization for an aluminum sheet continuous annealing furnace and an aluminum casting furnace. It is shown that COMMIN, while requiring from the user no special skills in program ming or in optimization, can be a practical tool that opens the way to new applications in optimal process control.
Simulation Modelling to Assist Operational Management and Planning in Clinical Laboratories
Authors: Bodtker Karin , Wilson Lynda , Godolphin William
Published: March 2008

Clinical laboratories must balance staff and equipment utilization with specimen through put and turnaround time while reducing errors, costs and employee health hazards. Simulation can help to anticipate the effect of new technol ogy, alternative operating procedures and lab capacity changes.

GPSS/H-386 was used to simulate the analyzer area of a hospital clinical chemistry lab and the time-consuming pre-analytic processes of both a large hospital lab and a commercial laboratory outpatient facility. The processes modelled were the arrival of patients and receipt of specimens into the lab, data entry, blood-drawing, centrifugation and aliquotting. Thegreatest challenge was accurate modelling of a system driven by human decision making with flexible task priorities.

Experiments in the outpatient facility indicated that staff resources could be pooled instead of having specific job assignments without a significant effect on performance measures, and that an amalgamation of two outpatient labs could reduce staffing. These conclusions were not intuitively obvious to the lab managers.
Use of Computer Graphics in Fitting Statistical Distribution Functions To Data Representing Random Events
Authors: Gottfried Byron S.
Published: March 2008

This paper describes the manner in which a windows-oriented, graphical user interface can facilitate the fitting of statistical distribution functions to data representing random events. A multi featured program that can display data in the form of histo grams, fit specified distribution functions to the data and determine a distribution function that best fits the data is described and illustrated with graphical examples. The results are displayed both graphically and in tabular form. Additional features are also described. The program has been written to be compatible with the SIMAN graphical user interface, though the results are general and can be applied within any particular graphical environment.
Loran-C Receiver Performance in the Presence of Carrier-Wave Interference
Authors: Bian Yi , Last David
Published: March 2008

Carrier Wave Interference (CWI) has been shown to be a serious problem which affects the operation of all Loran-C receivers in Europe, and aviation and land mobile receivers in the US and Canada. The designers of Loran-C systems for use in Europe have been obliged to pay considerable attention to CWI in predicting their coverage. This paper contains a unified analysis of the effects of the phase-coding of the signals and integration in receivers on CWI ,and it provides a quantitative assessment of receiver performance under CWI conditions. The analysis includes synchronous, near- synchronous and asynchronous interference. It shows that synchronous and near-synchronous CWI, in contrast to asynchronous, are attenuated by phase-decoding and integration within periods of 2GRI and that longer periods of integration do not improve performance. Front-end filtering is incorporated into the analysis by considering not only the attenuation of interference which it provides. but also the delay and distortion it causes to Loran-C signals. Both the phase- tracking and the cycle-selection functions of receivers are examined and their relative sensitivities to interference are compared. The results of the analysis, which have also been confirmed by computer simulation, are presented in a form that will be of direct use to the designers of both receivers and systems.
An Advanced LORAN-C Receiver Structure
Authors: van Nee D.J.
Published: March 2008

In this paper, a new LORAN-C receiver structure is proposed that is capable of reducing the influence of multipath and interference. In addition, it has the advantage of fast acquisition, since all the estimation processes are performed simultaneously instead of sequentially. A brief explanation is given of the theory behind the new structure, followed by a discussion how to implement it. Finally, some simulation results demonstrate the considerable improvements that can be obtained.
Real-Time Simulation of VLF Atmospheric Noise for Use in the Calibration and Characterization of LORAN-C Receivers for Aircraft Navigation
Authors: Weitzen J.A. , Carroll J.V. , Dao B.T.
Published: March 2008

This paper describes a real-time simulation technique for generating realistic VLF band atmospheric noise. Noise in this band consists of a background Gaussian component plus a non-stationary impulsive component. The simulator implements as a real time simulation the theoretical model described in Feldman[1]. Stored channel simulation using a high performance personal computer (PC ) drives an off the shelf multi-channel signal generator, providing a high degree of sophistication at low cost. The simulator developed at the Volpe National Transportation Center has been used to characterize Loran-C receivers for use in aircraft navigation. Examples of use of the new simulator in the characteriza tion of Loran-C receivers are presented.
A Three-phase Discrete Event Simulation with EPNSim Graphs
Authors: Lin James T. , Lee Chia-Chu
Published: March 2008

In the simulation world view, there are three methods of constructing a simulation in common use: event scheduling, process orientation, and activity scanning (or three- phase approach). Because the three-phase approach has advantages of both modeling flexibility and modularity, we propose a simulation modeling tool, EPNSim, extended from the ordinary Petri Nets (PNs) to generate a language-independent pseudo code for the three-phase discrete simulation. Using the proposed method, the modeling processes of the three-phase discrete simulation can be concisely represented. In addition, it preserves the relative analytic properties of the original Petri net models (e.g. boundedness, liveliness, etc.), which are important for designing a system.
The distributed earth model orbiter simulation (DEMOS) three dimensional system at Johnson Space Center
Authors: Smith Gary R. , LeBlanc Marvin , Geisler Erik , McClanahan Scott
Published: March 2008

Flight controllers at the NASA Mission Control Center in Houston have a new visualization tool to help them support the nation's space program. The Distributed Earth Model Orbiter Simulation (DEMOS) system provides three dimensional realistic images of the shuttle as it orbits the Earth. The system displays the correct position and attitude of the spacecraft over the Earth's surface. DEMOS also models the locations of the sun, the moon, the planets and the stars. Telemetry supplies the joint angles for the robot ann. Mission Flight controllers can monitor deployment of payloads when there is no live video. DEMOS provides a flexible mission analysis and real time support tool. It unifies the disciplines of celestial mechanics, three dimensional graphics and user interfaces. This paper describes the coordinate systems, the state vector propagation methods and the Attitude Maneuver Predictor (AMP) capabilities. The Attitude Maneuver Predictor simulates eigen-axis maneuvers. Flight controllers use this mode often for analysis of thermal constraints on payloads and on the orbiter.
A new method for modeling large flexible structures
Authors: Fritchman B.M. , Hammond R.A.
Published: March 2008

The emergence of electronic flight-control systems into commercial aircraft designs has precipitated an immediate need for nonlinear, discrete-time analyses in both frequency and time-domains, for both the aircraft Structural Dynamic Loads and the Flight Controls communities.

This paper presents and demonstrates a methodology by which the large-scale, linear aircraft structural models produced by the Structural Dynamic Loads community can be easily reformulated using EASY5x*. EASY5x then provides an environment for incorporating nonlinearities and discretization; and moreover, it provides an intuitive and tractable environment for engineers who are not well versed in linear analysis techniques to manipulate and analyze both the plant and its interactions with a nonlinear, discrete-time control system. The paper then goes on to present a method for transforming the large- scale linear plant into the z-domain using EASY5x. The resulting state-transition matrices propagate the exact solution to structural model equations of motion so simulation accuracy is greatly increased while run-time for statistically significant simulated time intervals is dramatically reduced. Furthermore, the analysis is brought into the efficient, graphically driven environment of the engineering workstation.
Pointwise Performance of Finite Element Method in the Case of Boundary Layer Problems
Authors: Basu Prodyot K. , Hsiao George C. , Akhtar Mohammed N.
Published: March 2008

The convergence characteristics of h- and p- extensions of the finite element method in the case of singularly perturbed boundary value problems are presented. For this purpose, two model problems are considered: i) a reaction-diffusion problem with large Thiele modulus; and ii) a convection-diffusion problem with large Peclet number. Based on a large number of numerical studies, it is concluded that p-extension leads to superior performance due to significantly faster convergence rates coupled with convenience in modeling.
A Computer Simulation System for the Evaluation of Man Assignments on Car Assembly Tracks
Authors: Bhattacharyya S.K. , Roy R. , Low M.J.
Published: March 2008

Line balancing and manpower assign ment is a particularly complicated task in a mixed model assembly line and especially in the final assembly tracks of the automobile industry because of factors peculiar to such tracks. The major problem is the very large difference in work content between the different derivatives flowing through the track. This paper describes a computer simulation system developed to evaluate a man assignment against the criteria of maximising operator utilisation, cateringfor flexibility in derivative mix/sequence and keeping operator drift to permitted levels. A discussion on development of computerised line balancing techniques for the industry is also included.
Automatic Generation of Real-Time Ada Simulations for Space Station Freedom
Authors: Ellenberger Richard , Ling Robert , Buscher Deborah , Uhde-Lacovara Jo , Shuler Robert
Published: March 2008

This paper describes a method to automatically generate real-time simulations in Ada for use in the Space Station Freedom (SSF) Integration, Test, and Verification Environment (ITVE). The interface requirements of the ITVE could not be fully met by commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) tools; therefore, modificatians to the COTS tool were necessary and a tool was developed in-house to meet the required interface. This process is illustrated by generating a Space Station Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) simulation from an engineering block diagram. Moreover, this method can be readily applied to other environments with different types of schedulers or real-time databases.
Characteristics and the Role of the Place Graphics System in Simulation of a Flexible Manufacturing System
Authors: Kamisetty Krishnaprasad V. , McDermott Kevin J.
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this paper is to present the advantages of using computer simulation for designing an FMS workcell. Simulation of the FMS at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has demonstrated that it is easier to achieve effective coordination among the various components of the FMS by first simulating the FMS workcell. In addition, simulation of the FMS at NJIT has consistently increased the success of the design providing insights into the workcell at various stages of the process.

McAuto's PLACE [1] software has been used to simulate the NJIT FMS. Simulation helps in the design of the FMS cell by leading the user to the most appropriate workable solution to various cell design problems such as collision, exceeding joint reach etc., by utilizing detailed and graphical workcell layouts and the cell performance data. In addition, design changes can be made using the simulation software while the production of parts is taking place on the FMS cell. Other commercial FMS and robot simulation tools are described in this paper while comparing and contrasting them with the PLACE system.
ACSL as a Research and Creativity Stimulus
Authors: Cutchins Malcolm A.
Published: March 2008

ACSL is an excellent tool for stimulating creativity and research-related characteris tics. Evidence for such a claim includes the results of assignments in an ACSL learning environment which allow for choice of the individuals in order to complete the assignment. Illustrations of varied choices are given and described. The roles played by the interactive run-time mode of ACSL, on SUN SPARCstations and PC's, and by the use of in-class projection of ACSL running on the PC screen are described. Various illustrations of a research and creative nature are shown.
Real-Time Simulation and Animation of Suspension Control System Using TI TMS320C30 Digital Signal Processor
Authors: Ningjian Huang  , Cheok Ka C. , Horner Thomas G. , Settle Timothy
Published: March 2008

Real-Time Simulation and Animation (RTSA) of dynamic control systems has been shown to significantly enhance the interpretation, understanding and evaluation of system response performance. Texas Instruments' TMS320C30 Digital Signal Processor is demonstrated to play a key role in accelerating the simulation speed and, in turn, increasing the graphics quality. The main feature of the approach we used to evaluate an active suspension system includes a multi-processor hardware structure (a PC and a DSP), software controlled interprocessor communication and shared memory, and the RTSA technique. These are discussed in the paper. In fact, the configuration outlined in this paper provides a platform for a high speed computing system. It is suitable for real-time applications such as signal processing, dynamic control and estimation, as well as graphical simulation.
Dynamic Terrain
Authors: Moshell J. Michael , Blau Brian , Li Xin , Lisle Curtis
Published: March 2008

While many are familiar with flight simulators, there is also a growing body of ground-based simulation training systems. The Army/DARPA sponsored SIMNET project (Nelms 1988) involved over 200 armor and aircraft simulators in a complex network, designed to teach combined arms combat skills. The follow-on Close Combat Tactical Trainer (CCTT) project will be the largest training simulator acquisition in history.

In addition, realtime interactive simula tion is moving beyond military training into the potentially much larger market of commercial, entertainment and educational applications currently being called "Virtual Reality" (Furness 1988). However, no existing realtime simulation supports a truly interactive world. In particular, the terrain (soil, water and vegetation) is nearly or completely immutable in today's simula tors. In a word, the terrain is not dynamic.

This Project explores the hypothesis that it is economically feasible to construct networked realtime simulators which incorporate useful simulations of dynamic terrain phenomena. The authors have evaticated the computational requirements of realtime graphical dynamic terrain simula tion with both theoretical models and prototypes, and conclude that useful levels of terrain dynamics can be incorporated in the next generation of low-cost, high-volume training simulators and virtual environ ments.
A Discrete-Event Object-Oriented Modeling Environment For Sawmill Simulation
Authors: Randhawa Sabah U. , Brunner Charles C. , Funck James W. , Zhang Guangchao
Published: March 2008

The paper presents a simulation modeling environment developed for sawmill design and analysis in the forest products industry. The design facilitates flexibility in modeling different sawmill configurations and production scenarios. The system represents a library of objects developed in an object-oriented framework. These include structures required to develop simulation models, to execute discrete event simulation, and for system-user interface.
Constrained Optimization Via Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Homaifar Abdollah , Qi Charlene X. , Lai Steven H.
Published: March 2008

This paper presents an application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to nonlinear constrained optimization. GAs are general purpose optimization algorithms which apply the rules of natural genetics to explore a given search space. When GAs are applied to nonlinear constrained problems, constraint handling becomes an important issue. The proposed search algorithm is realized by GAs which utilize a penalty function in the objective function to account for violation. This extension is based on systematic multi-stage assignments of weights in the penalty method as opposed to single-stage assignments in sequential unconstrained minimization. The experimental results are satisfactory and agree well with those of the gradient type methods.
Simulation of Pinus Radiata Root System Structure for Ecosystem Management Applications
Authors: Brown T.N. , Kulasiri D.
Published: March 2008

Pinus radiata forestry is an important industry in New Zealand, and armillaria, a root rot fungus, is a major source of lost timber production. Chemical treatments are largely ineffective and physically removing contaminated material is prohibitively expensive. Biological control techniques give promising indications of effective and ecologically sound management, but the long timescales and concealed systems involved hamper field research. Here the role of simulation in the manipulation and understanding of the ecosystem is examined. The model developed defines a three-dimensional representation of root architecture, which is used as a temporal envelope for simulating root growth. The system then traces the spread of fungal populations along root surfaces. The resulting direct, structural simulation model provides a flexible tool for examining the effects of several factors whose importance is difficult to assess in the field. While there is enormous scope for further development of the system, the current implementation suggests that the model is a useful new approach to understanding the complex soil/root ecosystem. The validation of models of complex but largely random systems is also addressed.
UMAST: A Web-Based Architecture for Modeling Future Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Narayanan S. , Edala Narasimha Rao , Geist Jonathan , Kiran Kumar Patchigolla , Ruff Heath A. , Draper Mark , Haas Michael W.
Published: March 2008

The area of uninhabited aerial vehicles is receiving increasing attention with the associated technologi cal advances in communication, computing and elec tronic infrastructure. Uninhabited aerial vehicles are defined as aircraft without the on-board presence of pilot or aircrew. The role of humans is primarily one of supervisory control from remote locations. Issues such as systematic approaches to allocating functions between humans and automation, and coordination between remote operators and intelligent controls in the uninhabited vehicles under realistic scenarios are important problems. There is a need for an interactive modeling and simulator environment to support analy sis of human/system issues in uninhabited air vehicles. This article describes Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles Modeling and Analysis Simulator Testbed (UMAST), a Web-based modeling and simulation architecture, useful to emulate characteristics of uninhabited aerial vehicles for studying human/system interaction. The architecture, implemented in Java, is extensible and facilitates concurrent, multi-user interactive simula tions through a Web browser with high-fidelity user interfaces. This paper outlines the architectural de sign, implementation, and application of UMAST in the context of a prototypical military mission.
G.E.S.A.S. Methodology: A Methodology for the Generation, Evaluation and Selection of Alternatives via Simulation
Authors: Fernández de la Puebla Javier Otamendi
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a methodology that will help analyze the results of simulation models in terms of multiple, non-normal responses. The methodology deals with the decision making process required to determine the setting of the decision variables included in the study of the system in order to satisfy several criteria re quirements. The degree of satisfaction of those requirements is measured with a characteristic called capability. The proposed methodology uses Process Capability Analysis theory and its MCpk index to generate, evaluate and select (G.E.S.) among the alternative possibilities of operating the given system in terms of the en tire output criteria distributions and not just their means. The methodology performs very well in the analysis of multiobjective, non-nor mal systems and always gives a very satisfying solution in terms of the multiple criteria.
A Configurable ACSL-Based Interface Generator for Simulated Systems
Authors: Garcia Miguel A. , Llanos Diego R. , de Prada César
Published: March 2008

This paper presents a software tool for generat ing graphical interfaces for general-purpose ACSL simulation models. The tool is aimed to construct simulators for education and training in fields such as process control. Final users can manipulate the simulation from an upper level, avoiding the details of simulation, names of variables and experiments, etc., and focusing attention on the work with each particular simu lated system. The tool is based on graphical op eration and transparent communication with the supporting simulation. The steps that must be followed by the programmer to prepare the graphical interface for users of the simulation are outlined. An application example, including the interface configuration as well as its use with the simulation, is provided.
Appraisals and Distancing Responses to Hurtful Messages
Authors: McLaren Rachel M. , Solomon Denise Haunani
Published: March 2008

The goal of this article is to clarify the conditions under which intensity of hurt influences how much people distance themselves from hurtful friends or dating partners. This article draws on appraisal theories of emotion, which explain both the causes and consequences of emotions, to derive predictions about the role of variables relevant to hurtful episodes. The authors replicate previous research designs for the study of hurtful messages to test the hypotheses and research questions. Results reveal significant main effects for intensity of hurt, perceived intentionality, relational quality, and frequency of hurt on relational distancing. Additionally, perceived intentionality and frequency of hurt moderated the association between intensity of hurt and relational distancing, contingent on the respondent's sex and the type of relationship. The discussion highlights the utility of appraisal theories of emotion as a framework for the study of hurtful experiences.
Notes On Feudalism and Capitalism in Chile and Latin America
Authors: Steenland Kyle
Published: March 2008

Our review of Chilean history has shown that it was capitalism, with its internal contradictions itself which generated the underdevelopment of Chile and deter mined its forms; that this remains as true today as it was in the past; that Chile's underdevelopment cannot be attributed to the supposed partial survival of a feu dal structure, which never existed there in whole or in part (Frank, 1967:115).
The Mobilization of Women During the Popular Unity Government
Authors: Garrett-Schesch Pat
Published: March 2008

Women in Chile were politicized and mobilized during the 1970-1973 period in unprecedented numbers. A full understanding of the character of that political activity and the women who carried it out must await one of several studies of Chilean women that are now being written. In the meantime, we offer Pat Gar rett-Schesch's answer to David Belnap's article that appeared in the Los Angeles Times and left the impression among some readers that women in Chile were in deed political but only on the side of the right-wing perpetrators of the coup.
IV Hacienda-Village Relations in Andean Society To 1830
Authors: Spalding Karen
Published: March 2008

The general section focuses upon U.S. economic dominance of Brazil, the Peruvian military regime, and the Andean highland economy. Karen Spalding, who teaches history at Columbia University, analyzes the relationship between Indian village, hacienda, and state in the Andean Highlands. Aníbal Quijano, editor of Sociedad y Politica (Lima, Peru), in an article suppressed by the Peruvian military government, assesses the con tradictions within the military and offers "strategy for proletarian struggle." Lastly, Syl via Hewlett, who teaches economics at Columbia University, contributes a study of for eign investment and dependency in contemporary Brazil.
Imperialism and the Working Class in Latin America
Authors: Quijano Aníbal
Published: March 2008

The following selection is excerpted from "Imperialism and the Working Class in Latin America." 1 In the first part of the original article, Quijano points to the urgency of analyzing the world-wide crisis of capitalism in order to develop revolutionary strategies adequate to the historical moment. Reviewing Marx's analysis in Capital that the development of technology would set technical limits on the survival of capitalism, Quijano sees this process as having already substantially taken place in the most advanced automated sections of industry in the world centers of capitalist accumulation, placing an even-greater pressure to maximize surplus value in the more backward sectors. The extreme concentration of ownership of resources and production in the transnational corporation clashes ever-more openly with the extreme international socialization of production developed by these same corporations. The political and military requirements of maintaining capitalism internationally has brought intensified inflation and increasing impoverishment of the masses in underdeveloped areas. The reduction of direct labor input in automized industry has led to an intensification of the class struggle both in the labor intensive areas incorporated by imperialism as well as in the advanced areas. Capitalism is seen as increasingly absurd and irrational by ever-larger groups in the advanced capitalist countries. Latin America has polarized into three levels of development. The more advanced countries like Mexico and Brazil have their modern sectors tightly integrated with the developed countries' economies. Eradication of semi-feudal land holdings and semi-colonial extractive enclaves in the middle-level developed countries such as Colombia and Peru cannot be accomplished without undermining the stability of bourgeois power there. Following Lenin, Quijano refers to the imperialist chain which ties together the most backward sectors of the underdeveloped areas with the most technologically advanced centers. The technological transformation of production in Latin America make the experiences of workers there more like those of workers in developed countries. Conditions such as inflation and unemployment at the developed end of the chain increasingly mirror those within the backward areas, forging a clearer basis for international working-class unity.
Historical Stages
Authors: Dupuy Alex
Published: March 2008

The contributors to this section are Alex Dupuy, a Haitian graduate student in sociology at Brandeis University; Peter Evans, who teaches sociology at Brown University; Elizabeth Dore, a graduate student in history at Columbia University; and John Weeks, an economist whose previous work dealt largely with Africa and who is currently at the Department of Economics, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
The Early Development of the Organized Labor Movement In Puerto Rico
Authors: Galvin Miles
Published: March 2008

In this section, two important tendencies that have helped to shape the current situation in Puerto Rico are examined. Miles Galvin examines the role of the American Federation of Labor in the early development of the Puerto Rican labor movement. He analyzes the changing thrust and militancy of labor unions in Puerto Rico and offers an interpretation for the early conservativism of organized labor. Galvin, on leave from the Labor Relations Institute at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, is currently at the Graduate School of Education, Rutgers University. Manuel Maldonado-Denis's contribution looks at Puerto Rican nationalism and considers its particular nature in contrast to Latin American nationalism in general. The article also briefly examines the impact of nationalism on political parties in Puerto Rico, especially the independ ence parties. Maldonado-Denis, author of the well-known Puerto Rico: A Socio-Historic Interpre tation,is a member of the Department of Political Science, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. His paper was presented at a seminar, The Crisis of the World Economic System and the Pros pects for Latin American Nationalism, in Venezuela, May 10-14, 1976. It has been translated by the editors of Latin American Perspectives.
Radical in Spite of Itself
Authors: Droucopoulos Vassilis
Published: March 2008

During the 19th century, we expanded on behalf of God and, incidentally, for a few bucks. In the 20th, the original Trinity having been Darwinized, we do it for peace, progress and prosperity — and, again incidentally, for a few bucks (Oglesby, 1968:30).
Reply to Samir Amin
Authors: Weeks John , Dore Elizabeth
Published: March 2008

This reply to Samir Amin is a response to Amin's critique of the Weeks and Dore article, "International Exchange and the Causes of Backwardness. Both the article and the critique appeared in Latin American Perspectives, Volume VI, Number 2 (Spring 1979).
Workers' Participation in the Management of the Agro-Enterprises of the APP
Authors: Ortega Marvin
Published: March 2008

The participation of Nicaraguan workers in the management of pub licly owned enterprises, known as the Area de Propriedad del Pueblo (APP), is one important aspect of the democratization of social life that began with the triumph of the revolution and is transforming the relations of production. This democratization has allowed the organized participa tion of the public in the government and in production, which in turn has changed the distribution of national income, transfering to the popular classes goods and resources that were previously consumed exclusively by a few capitalists. Workers' experiences in management began during the liberation war, when the Somoza family, the military, and owners who supported the regime abandoned their properties in those zones where the National Guard had lost military control.
The "Modern" Military Dictatorship in Latin America
Authors: Munck Ronaldo
Published: March 2008

Argentina is the anchor of the continent, and more specifically of the Inter-American system. This country is necessarily important for any one who studies the strategy of the Free World. Argentina is the battlefront of the hemisphere [General Gordon Summer, President of the Inter-American Defence Council, October 1977] .
Armed Wing of the People‡
Authors: Groth Terrie R.
Published: March 2008

The Information Bulletin of the FPMR in an edition published in 1984, weeks after its founding, explains in the following why the political- military organization "Armed Wing of the Chilean People in Rebellion" came about.
Strategies for Implementing a Promotores-Led Diabetes Self-management Program Into a Clinic Structure
Authors: Sixta Constance S. , Ostwald Sharon
Published: March 2008

Purpose The purpose of this article is to describe a process for integrating promotores who teach diabetes self-management into a community clinic structure.

Methods The Donbedian structure, process, and outcome method- ology was used to integrate promotores into a community clinic.

Results The model described here resulted in (1) employment of promotores (community health workers) to teach diabetes self-management courses, (2) integration of provider and nurse oversight of course design and implementation, (3) management of promotora training and the development of teaching competencies and skills, (4) coordination of care through communication and documentation policies and procedures, (5) use of quality control mechanisms to maintain patient safety, and (6) promotion of a culturally competent approach to the educational process.

Conclusions The model presented here provides a systematic approach to safely address the educational needs of large numbers of patients with type 2 diabetes who live in communities that suffer from a lack of health care professionals.
Looking to the Future Focus on DPP-4 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes and Emerging Therapies
Authors: Neumiller Joshua J. , Odegard Peggy Soule , White John R. , Setter Stephen M. , Campbell R. Keith
Published: March 2008

Strong evidence exists demonstrating the benefits of tight glycemic control in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, but glycemic goals are not adequately achieved for many patients. Advancement in the knowledge surrounding the physiology of endogenous glucoregula- tory peptide hormones, such as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1, has led to new therapeutic targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors provide practitioners with a novel mechanism of action to use for combination therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This article, part 3 of a 3-part series, reviews the new class of medications known as DPP-4 inhibitors as well as discusses a future buccal insulin formulation, Oral-Lyn™, on the horizon for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Fitting a Mixture Item Response Theory Model to Personality Questionnaire Data: Characterizing Latent Classes and Investigating Possibilities for Improving Prediction
Authors: Maij-de Meij Annette M. , Kelderman Henk , van der Flier Henk
Published: March 2008

Mixture item response theory (IRT) models aid the interpretation of response behavior on personality tests and may provide possibilities for improving prediction. Heterogeneity in the population is modeled by identifying homogeneous subgroups that conform to different measurement models. In this study, mixture IRT models were applied to the Extroversion and Neuroticism scales of the Amsterdam Biographical Questionnaire, and a three-class mixture version of the nominal response model was identified as the best fitting model. The latent classes differed with respect to social desirability and ethnic background. Within latent classes, response tendencies demonstrated a differential use of the ``?'' category. An important issue is whether applying mixture IRT models results in a better prediction of relevant external criteria compared to a one-class model. For the Neuroticism scale the prediction improved, but not for the Extraversion scale. The results demonstrate the possible advantage of applying mixture IRT models to personality questionnaires.
The International Implementation of Multisystemic Therapy
Authors: Schoenwald Sonja K. , Heiblum Naamith , Saldana Lisa , Henggeler Scott W.
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this article is to consider, through the lenses of theory and research on technology transfer and the adoption and implementation of innovation, the international transport of evidence-based psychosocial treatments for youth, using Multisystemic Therapy (MST) as an example. MST is a well-validated family and community-based approach originally developed in the United States to treat serious juvenile offenders. This article describes challenges to MST transport internationally by virtue of the political, legal, economic, and cultural contexts in different nations. Modifications used to address these challenges and facilitate the international implementation of MST are described and pertain to pre-implementation processes, clinical staff, training materials and procedures, and clinical service delivery.
Hemorrhagic Cardiomyopathy in Male Mice Treated with an NNRTI: The Role of Vitamin K
Authors: De Jonghe Sandra , Verbeeck Johan , Vinken Petra , Lammens Lieve , Starckx Sofie , Lachau-Durand Sophie , Bouche Marie-Paule , Willems Bart , Coussement Werner
Published: March 2008

Dietary dosing of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) TMC125, under development for treatment of HIV-1, resulted in a syndrome in male mice in a previous experiment that was termed hemorrhagic cardiomyopathy. In literature, this syndrome, which was described in rodent species only, was linked to vitamin K deficiency. Two mechanistic studies were conducted, one with dietary administration and a second with gavage. The syndrome was reproduced in only 1 male mouse after continuous dietary dosing, and TMC125 was demonstrated to affect coagulation parameters (prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT], clotting factors II, VII and XI), particularly in males. This was counteracted by vitamin K supplementation, supporting the hypothesis that the effects were mediated via a vitamin K deficiency. It is therefore concluded that the observed cardiac changes were not caused by a direct cardiotoxic effect but occurred after a state of disabled clotting ability with subsequent effects on mouse cardiac muscle. Therefore, clotting times can be used as adequate safety biomarkers in clinical trials. To date, no changes have been observed at therapeutic doses of TMC125, following human monitoring of PT and APTT. One other NNRTI, Efavirenz (Sustiva), has been reported to cause prolongation of coagulation times in rats and monkeys.
Opioid withdrawal syndrome on switching from hydromorphone to alfentanil
Authors: McMunnigall F , Welsh J
Published: March 2008

Opioid switching is increasingly practiced. This patient did not tolerate morphine, oxycodone or hydromorphone due to opioid toxicity. Finally switch to alfentanil was performed. The patient developed classical opioid withdrawal symptoms and signs from discontinuation of the hydromorphone. Administration of small aliqouts of this drug reversed the symptoms. The existance of incomplete cross tolerance between  hydromorphone and alfentanil is demonstrated.
Death rattle: its impact on staff and volunteers in palliative care
Authors: Wee BL , Coleman PG , Hillier R , Holgate ST
Published: March 2008

Background: Hospice staff and volunteers frequently hear the sound of death rattle and offer explanations and reassurance to relatives and other patients. This paper describes our study into the impact of hearing the sound of death rattle on hospice staff and volunteers, part of our wider investigation into death rattle. Methods: Seven focus group meetings were held, involving a total of 41 participants from medical, nursing, chaplaincy, housekeeping and volunteer backgrounds. Meetings were audio-taped and the transcripts analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Most participants expressed negative feelings about hearing the sound of death rattle and felt that relatives were also distressed by it. Medical and nursing participants reported diverse views on why they intervene. Some acknowledged the influence of their own emotional response to the sound. Others felt that intervention was part of their professional role or that the existence of a therapeutic option made it necessary to intervene. Conclusion: Death rattle has a negative impact on staff and volunteers who work with dying patients. This effect may influence their decision to intervene when death rattle occurs. Doctors and nurses need to consider why, when and how they intervene and the consequences of that intervention.
The effect of the Liverpool Care Pathway for the dying: a multi-centre study
Authors: Veerbeek Laetitia , van Zuylen Lia , Swart Siebe J , van der Maas Paul J , de Vogel-Voogt Elsbeth , van der Rijt Carin CD , van der Heide Agnes
Published: March 2008

We studied the effect of the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) on the documentation of care, symptom burden and communication in three health care settings. Between November 2003 and February 2005 (baseline period), the care was provided as usual. Between February 2005 and February 2006 (intervention period), the LCP was used for all patients for whom the dying phase had started. After death of the patient, a nurse and a relative filled in a questionnaire. In the baseline period, 219 nurses and 130 relatives filled in a questionnaire for 220 deceased patients. In the intervention period, 253 nurses and 139 relatives filled in a questionnaire for 255 deceased patients. The LCP was used for 197 of them. In the intervention period, the documentation of care was significantly more comprehensive compared with the baseline period, whereas the average total symptom burden was significantly lower in the intervention period. LCP use contributes to the quality of documentation and symptom control.
The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System: a 15-year retrospective review of validation studies (1991–2006)
Authors: Nekolaichuk Cheryl , Watanabe Sharon , Beaumont Crystal
Published: March 2008

Introduction: The purpose of this review was to identify and critique validation studies focusing on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), a commonly used symptom assessment tool for advanced cancer and palliative patients. Methods: Using a comprehensive literature search, the authors identified and screened 87 publications. Thirteen articles were selected for in-depth review, based on the following inclusion criteria: psychometric studies with a primary focus on the ESAS, 1991–2006 publication dates and peer-reviewed English language publications. Results: Most studies involved cancer patients ( n = 11). The ESAS format varied across studies, in terms of scale format, item number, item selection and language. Studies focused on gathering reliability estimates ( n = 8), content validity evidence ( n = 1), concurrent validity evidence ( n = 5), predictive validity evidence ( n = 1), and sensitivity and/or specificity ( n = 3). None of these studies involved patients’ perspectives as a source of validity evidence. Discussion: The use of varying instrument formats and limited psychometric evidence support the need for further ESAS validation studies, including the involvement of patients.
The Irony of NPM
Authors: Bumgarner John , Newswander Chad B.
Published: March 2008

Government delivery mechanisms and services are increasingly being shifted to the private sector where executive values of efficiency and effectiveness reign supreme whereas legislative and judicial institutional values are confined to traditional government agencies. New Public Management (NPM) has ironically initiated a process of diffusing legislative and judicial institutional values into the contract state through reactive legislative enactments and judicial opinions that attempt to reinforce the constitutional character of public action. An integration of NPM and legislative and judicial constitutional values is sought to reach a balancing point in the American state. Last, prescriptions are provided for Congress, the judiciary, and public administrators to reach a balancing point that will ensure the protection of constitutional values while valuing effectiveness and efficiency. Thus, NPM may create a potential paradox—rather than the state becoming minimalist in nature, NPM will increase the influence of the state through the diffusion of constitutional values.
From Good Friday to Good Relations: sectarianism, racism and the Northern Ireland state
Authors: McVeigh Robbie , Rolston Bill
Published: March 2008

This article addresses the nature of contemporary racism and sectarianism in Northern Ireland in the context of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) and its outworking. It responds to the increasing dominance of the ‘good relations’ model for understanding and addressing race and sectarian division in Northern Ireland. It debunks the gathering support for the notion that Northern Ireland is somehow ‘post-sectarian’ – finding instead a state formation that hides its incapacity to address rising racism and sectarianism under the fig leaf of ‘good relations’. It locates these key developments in the specific new formation of the statelet which has emerged from the GFA.