bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tsallis Entropy Properties of Record Values
Authors: Paul Jerin , Thomas P. YAGEEN
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT:

This paper provides Tsallis entropy of record values. Its important properties are analysed and a characterization theorem is established. Further we derived expressions for Tsallis entropy of concomitants of record values arising from the Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern family of distributions and for residual Tsallis entropy of record values are also derived.
On An Extended Past Entropy Measure and Its Properties
Authors: Mini Mol S
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT:

In the present paper a new generalized entropy measure in the past lifetime known as extended past entropy measure is introduced and some properties of this measure is discussed. Further some characterization results using this measure is also proposed.
An Ordering Policy for Deteriorating Items with Hybrid Demand Under Permissible Delay in Payment and Price Inflation
Authors: Maity Hare KRISHNA , Pal Manisha
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT:

The paper studies an in ventory model for deteriorating items under price inflation and permissible delay in payment. The demand rate is assumed to be hybrid, which is observed for commodities like coffee, cotton, tin, copper, wristwatch, automobile, etc. The model is studied over a finite planning horizon with unequal cycle lengths. A solution procedure is indicated to determine the optimal number of replenishments, cycle times and optimal order quantities.
Making Ripples of Hope
Authors: Lopez Shane J.
Published: July 2017

Helping students become more hopeful can improve their ability to learn, as well as make them more resilient for future challenges. Learn how you can spread hope in your school.
Taking the Reins: Preservice Teachers Practicing Leadership
Authors: Dunlap Karen , Hansen-Thomas Holly
Published: July 2017

Preservice teachers can take steps to become teacher leaders even before they land their first job.
Brain-Based Education in Action
Authors: Jensen Eric
Published: July 2017

Do you wonder why some students pay attention to everything but you? Learn how brain-based teaching strategies can enhance your effectiveness and lower your stress.
How to Reach — And Teach — Black Males
Authors: Emdin Christopher
Published: July 2017

Learn how to use five tools to engage the black male students in your classroom and start to close the achievement gap.
Pop Quiz: Classroom Management Strategies
Authors: Clement Mary C.
Published: July 2017

While many new teachers say that classroom management and discipline are their biggest issues, there are many positive ways to organize and manage a productive classroom. Take the quiz to get some ideas!
Using Social Media to Engage Students and Families
Authors: Nielsen Lisa
Published: July 2017

Facebook isn't just for sharing status updates with your friends and family, and cellphones have more power than you may have realized. Find out how you can use today's digital tools to hook your students and build relationships with their families.
Six for Summer: Professional Learning Opportunities
Authors: Curran Ben
Published: July 2017

Do you want to improve your practice but can't find time during the school year? Check out these summer professional development opportunities to explore topics that interest you.
Jessica's Journey: Transforming School Culture
Authors: Grover Kenneth O.
Published: July 2017

This principal knew his students deserved a chance to succeed, so he created a new high school with a culture that puts them first.
Reading Scripture for Good News that Crosses Barriers of Race/Ethnicity, Class, and Culture
Authors: Ekblad Bob
Published: July 2017

Reading Scripture in multicultural settings requires an awareness of racial/ethnic, cultural, social class, and theological assumptions. This essay identifies common pitfalls to individual and group discovery of good news in Scripture, and presents effective pedagogies and communication strategies to facilitate transformational encounters with God in diverse settings. The essay concludes with a tried and tested step-by-step dramatic reenactment of John 8:1–11.
“Where Is the Home for the Man of Luz?”
Authors: Kim Uriah Y.
Published: July 2017

The man of Luz in Judg 1:22–26 is rejected by the Israelites with whom he cooperated, and is forced to leave his homeland. In moving from old Luz (Bethel) to new Luz, he finds himself attached to two homes and caught in the politics of identity and home in Israel. His story resonates with Asian Americans who also find themselves in the middle of the politics of identity and home in the United States.
Ecology and Theology: Ecojustice at the Center of the Church's Mission
Authors: Ruether Rosemary Radford
Published: July 2017

This essay examines two major biblical and theological traditions for ecological commitment: the covenantal tradition, biblical and modern, and the sacramental tradition, biblical and modern. It also asks how we need to reclaim these traditions in the practice of the churches today.
Influence of Acids on the Delayed-Action Characteristics of Amine Catalysts
Authors: Diblitz K. , Diblitz C.
Published: July 2017

This paper reports the way different combinations of organic acids and tertiary amines work as catalysts in various polyurethane systems. The term "delayed action" is defined with examples of model reactions and commercially available polyurethane formulations. The effects on the reaction parameters in several foam systems and one elastomeric formulation will be presented. From amongst the broad range of amine catalysts we chose the following for our study:

* 33.3% solution of triethylene diamine in dipropylene glycol THANCAT TD 33 A

##

* methylazanorbornane as pure substance THANCAT AN 10 or a 33.3% solution in dipropylene glycol

##
Zero-ODP Rigid Insulation Foams Prepared with HFAs
Authors: Yu-Hallada L. C. , Reichel C. J.
Published: July 2017

The industry is continuously being challenged by regulatory agencies to find alternatives to CFCs (chlorofluoro-carbons) for use in all applications. Two solutions investigated were to replace CFCs with HCFCs (hydrochloro-fluorocar-bons or PFAs (perfluoroalkanes). However, the contribution of HCFCs to the depletion of the ozone layer has been determined to be too high for them to be viewed as anything but an intermediate solution. PFAs have been getting attention for their high halogen global warming potential (HGWP) due to their long atmospheric lifetime and, thus, seem unlikely even as additives. At this time, it appears that both HCFCs and PFAs have a finite usage period in our industry.

In our search for alternatives, we have discovered that HFAs (hydrofluoroal-kanes or partially fluorinated alkanes) make fine, closed cell foams. As a result of this, HFA-blown rigid foams at 2.0 pcf density or lower have low initial k-factors (0.13 Btu in./hr ft20F). Aged k-factors are excellent because of the relatively slow cell gas diffusion of HFAs. These insulation values are similar to or better than those of foams made with HCFCs and PFAs! The advantage to this technology is that HFAs have zero-ozone depletion potential (ODP) and relatively low HGWP, making HFAs viable long-term alternatives.

Processing of the alternatives evaluated is similar to HCFC-22 technology, because the HFAs used in this investigation are gases at room temperature and pressure. The HFAs examined in this study were HFA-32, 134a, 125, and 227. These HFAs all show the same characteristics of low solubility, low blowing efficiency, and higher working vapor pressures; therefore, emulsion technology was used (as with PFAs). Good quality foams were produced without utilizing special compatibilizers.
A Photoelastic Analysis of Fiber Discontinuities in Composite Materials
Authors: Maclaughlin Thomas F.
Published: July 2017

A two-dimensional photoelastic stress analysis of various dis continuous fiber-reinforced composite material configurations is described. Models were constructed from two different photoelastic materials, representing a fiber/matrix modulus of elasticity ratio of 40, and making possible maximum shear stress measurements in both matrix and fibers. Each fiber discontinuity which was investi gated was flanked by continuous fibers, with lateral spacings repre senting 16 and 45 volume percent fiber. Matrix stress concentrations (defined as the maximum shear stress near a fiber end divided by the maximum shear stress remote from the discontinuity) are re ported as a function of longitudinal spacing, eccentricity and overlap of fiber ends. Values as high as 13 were obtained. The effects of lateral fiber spacing on matrix stress concentration and on critical fiber aspect ratio were observed. The presence of extremely high stress gradients in the matrix near fiber ends suggested the im portance of having good matrix ductility in discontinuous fiber- reinforced composites.
Some Fundamental Fracture Mechanisms Applicable to Advanced Filament Reinforced Composites
Authors: Mullin J. , Berry J.M. , Gatti A.
Published: July 2017

The object of this study is to establish experimentally the critical fracture modes of an epoxy matrix in the vicinity of a break in a high modulus, high strength filament simulating the effect of tensile loading on unidirectional composites. Three distinct failure modes were observed to occur and the nature of these three modes is explained through an analysis of the stress state in the matrix. A single filament embedded in an epoxy novolac was used to examine the fracture process. The advantage of using this type of resin arises from its ability to be modified to varying degrees of crack sensitivity.

The effects of varying gross strain rate were evaluated and the study was then extended to specimen configurations containing more than one filament. This approach permits the examination of the interaction of nearby filaments with localized fracture processes. Filaments of boron on tungsten (B/W) boron on Silica (B/SiO 2), boron carbide on B/W and tungsten wire were used with epoxy novolac (DEN 438).
The Dynamic Properties of Unidirectional Carbon and Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics in Torsion and Flexure
Authors: Adams R.D. , Fox M.A.O. , Flood R.J.L. , Friend R.J. , Hewitt R.L.
Published: July 2017

Specimens of polyester resin reinforced with unidirectional R. A. E. Type 1 (high modulus) carbon fibers or E-glass were subjected to torsional and flexural vibration. For both types of fibers the damping was independent of, or only weakly dependent on, the cyclic stress amplitude in the range covered. E11 and G12 were measured and neither was affected by stress amplitude. The longitudinal flexural modulus for both CFRP and GFRP was slightly lower than as predicted by the law of mixtures. This may be attributed to lower compressive modulus than tensile modulus of these composites. The longitudinal shear modulus was very close to the theoretically predicted value if the anisotropy of the carbon fibers is assumed. The damping decreased as the volume fraction was increased and specimens made from both fibers gave very similar results.
Properties of Graphite Fiber Nonmetallic Matrix Composites
Authors: Dauksys R.J. , Ray J.D.
Published: July 2017

Recent results of development and characterization of high perform ance graphite reinforced plastic composites are reviewed. Fabrication and characterization of epoxy matrix composites utilizing a variety of types and forms of high modulus graphite fibers as the reinforcement are discussed. Data relating interlaminar shear strength of composites to fiber surface condition and the effectiveness of fiber treatments to increase interlaminar shear strengths are reported.

Graphite fibers in an increasing number of forms have been in vestigated as composite reinforcements. These forms include: con tinuous yarns of varying twist, short lengths of 10,000 filament tows, very long lengths (ca. 1000 feet) of tows, and continuous staple yarns of long (ca. 7 inch) fibers. A considerable range of average fiber proper ties is involved, such as moduli of 25 to 65x106 psi, tensile strengths of 150 to 450x103 psi, and densities of 1.4 to 2.0 g/cc.
The Effects of Crushing Speed on the Energy-Absorption Capability of Composite Tubes
Authors: Farley Gary L.
Published: July 2017

The energy-absorption capability as a function of crushing speed was determined for Thornel 300-Fiberite 934 (Gr-E) and Kevlar-49-Fiberite 934 (K-E) composite material. Circular cross section tube specimens were crushed at speeds ranging from 0.01 m/sec to 12 m/sec. Ply orientations of the tube specimens were [0/± θ]2 and [± θ]2 where θ = 15, 45, and 75 degrees. Based upon the results of these tests the energy-absorption capability of Gr-E and K-E was determined to be a function of crushing speed. The magnitude of the effects of crushing speed on energy-absorption capability was determined to be a function of the mechanisms that control the crushing process. The effects of crushing speed on the energy-absorption capability is related to whether the mechanical response of the crushing mechanism that controls the crushing process is a function of strain rate. Energy-absorption capability of Gr-E and K-E tubes ranged between 0 and 35 percent and 20 and 45 percent, respectively depending upon ply orientation. The crushing modes based upon exterior appearance of the crushed tubes were unchanged as a result of changing crushing speed for either material. However, the interlaminar crushing behavior of the Gr-E specimens changed with crushing speed.
A Semi-Empirical Methold to Characterize Effective Elastic Moduli of Components in Binary Composite Materials
Authors: Lee Y. S. , Batt T. J. , Liaw P. K.
Published: July 2017

The paper describes a semi-empirical method to obtain average elastic energy densities of components in a composite environment with any particulate geometry. The average elastic bulk and shear energy densities of components in two phase composite materials are expressed in terms of effective bulk and shear moduli, average strains squared of the composite material, and the volume fractions of the components. These energy densities are obtained by assuming that the effective elastic, bulk, and shear moduli of the composite materials are known. Therefore, the present analysis is semi-empirical. Numerical calculations of an aluminum matrix, reinforced by silicon-carbide (SiC) randomly oriented in the metallic composite material, are performed by using the effective bulk (K) and shear (μ) moduli of the composite material, measured by the ultrasonic technique. Measured K and μ and component energy densities at various volume fractions of SiC are compared with results obtained for spherical inclusions, using expressions derived by previous investigators. The comparisons of K and μ with those of the spherical inclusions are reasonable. At various volume fractions, comparisons of the average energy densities of components obtained by the present method with those of spherical inclusions using analytically obtained K and μ agree reasonably within 50% of SiC. The deviations are increased in the region of high concentration of SiC. The analysis in the paper could be applied to an investigation of the effect of particle geometries on the strengthening of components in the composite. Another application is numerical stress analysis to find local effects in the composite environment, since the properties of the components are required as input data.
Reliability Analysis of Composite Laminates with Load Sharing
Authors: Thomas David J. , Wetherhold Robert C.
Published: July 2017

By viewing a composite lamina as a homogeneous solid whose directional strengths are random variables, lamina reliability under multiaxial stresses may be determined using either an interactive or a noninteractive criterion. From the reliability values for the individual laminae comprising a given laminate, the authors have previously proposed a method for determining bounds for the overall laminate reliability. In this paper, simple physically plausible phenomenological rules arc proposed for redistribution of load after a lamina has failed within the confines of a laminate. These rules arc illustrated by application to [0/±15], and [90/±45/0], graphite/epoxy (GR/EP) laminates and the results are compared to the previously proposed bounds.
Analytical Characterization of Two-Step Braided Composites
Authors: Byun Joon-Hyung , Whitney Thomas J. , Du Guang-Wu , Chou Tsu-Wei
Published: July 2017

The fabric geometric models based on lamination analogy and stiffness averaging method are utilized to numerically characterize a 2-step braided composite. The model predictions were found to be in good agreement with results of mechanical tests performed in this study. The architecture of this material is investigated by identifying the geometric and braiding process parameters which include the linear density ratio between axial and braider yarns, the pitch length of braider yarn, the aspect ratio of axial yarn, and the aspect ratio of braider yarn. Parametric study showed a wide range of variability in the elastic constants of the composites. Results of the elastic properties are presented in the form of performance maps.
Resin Flow, Cure and Heat Transfer Analysis for Pultrusion Process
Authors: Gorthala R. , Roux J. A. , Vaughan J. G.
Published: July 2017

This work presents temperature and degree of cure profiles within a pultruded composite and focuses on the development of different models used for predicting the velocity profile including a slip velocity model. This study uses a variable viscosity model and highlights the results for the velocity profile, viscosity of resin within a pultrusion die, gelation lengths, iso-gelation lines, and axial pressure profile. Gelation was predicted to occur at about one-third the distance down the die length and the degree of cure at gelation was computed to be about 0.34. The composite systems considered in this study are graphite/epoxy and fiberglass/epoxy. A comprehensive two-dimensional mathematical model in cylindrical coordinates was developed for resin flow, cure and heat transfer associated with the pultrusion process. A control-volume-based finite difference method (Patankar method) was used for solving the governing equations. The model can be utilized for ascertaining the effects of pultrusion process variables on the characteristics of the cured composite; this primarily reduces to a large extent the trial and error experimentation often required. Moreover, insight for characterization and optimization of the pultrusion process is a direct result of this modeling.
Measurement of the Out-of-Plane Shear Response of Thick Section Composite Materials Using the V-Notched Beam Specimen
Authors: Gipple K. L. , Hoyns D.
Published: July 2017

The out-of-plane shear response of thick, unidirectional and crossply, AS4/3501-6 and S2 glass/3501-6 laminates was investigated theoretically and experimentally using V-notched beam (Iosipescu) specimens. Strains were monitored in the specimen test sections using conventional strain gages, moiré interferometry and full section strain gages. Crossply laminates exhibited a fairly uniform strain distribution away from the notches, while the unidirectional specimens were characterized by a nonuniform distribution. Measured strains correlated very well with predicted strains from specimen finite element analyses using nonlinear elastic material properties.
Quantification of Unidirectional Fiber Bed Permeability
Authors: Westhuizen Josiasvd , Plessis J. Prieur Du
Published: July 2017

A new approach to the closed form quantification of the permeability of a bed of unidirectional fibers is proposed. The methodology is founded on the phase average form of the Navier-Stokes equation and is applied here to low Reynolds number laminar flow of an isotropic non-homogeneous Newtonian fluid through a bed of randomly packed unidirectional fibers. Permeability in both the longitudinal and transverse directions is shown to be a function of fiber volume fraction and fiber diameter only. The results are combined in a flow resistance tensor through which the phase-average Navier-Stokes equation is transformed into a practical tool for the numerical analysis of macroscopic flow in geometrically complex composite moldings. Encouraging agreement between the presented analytical solutions and published experimental results is demonstrated.
The Influence of the Organic Matrix on Demineralization of Bovine Root Dentin in vitro
Authors: Kleter G.A. , Damen J.J.M. , Everts V. , Niehof J. , Ten Cate J.M.
Published: July 2017

The effect of matrix degradation on the rate of demineralization of dentin lesions was investigated. It was hypothesized that the demineralized matrix would inhibit the demineralization of the underlying mineralized dentin. Bovine root dentin specimens were alternately demineralized and incubated with either a bacterial collagenase or buffer (control). The demineralization was carried out under various conditions: Acetic acid solutions were used to form incipient and advanced erosive lesions, and lactic acid solutions containing a bisphosphonate were used to form incipient subsurface lesions. Under all conditions, the demineralization was found to be accelerated when the matrix was degraded by collagenase. This increase was more pronounced in advanced erosive lesions than in incipient lesions. Microscopic examination of collagenase-treated specimens revealed that the matrix of erosive lesions contained several layers of differently affected matrices, whereas the matrix of subsurface lesions appeared to be equally affected throughout the lesion. In conclusion, the matrix degradation was different in erosive and subsurface lesions but promoted the demineralization in both types of lesions.
Influence of Incorporation of Antibacterial Monomer on Curing Behavior of a Dental Composite
Authors: Imazato S. , McCabe J.F.
Published: July 2017

A newly developed monomer, methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB), has an antibacterial activity against oral streptococci, and this monomer can be active even after being immobilized as one component of a cured composite. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of incorporation of MDPB on the curing behavior of Bis-GMA-based composites. Depth of cure, degree of cure, light-attenuating effect, and surface hardness of composites incorporating 0.4 or 0.5% MDPB were measured and compared with those of a control material without MDPB. Depth of cure of composites with MDPB, measured by means of a penetrometer, was greater than for the control (p < 0.05). Differential thermal analysis showed that composites with MDPB had a significantly greater degree of cure than the control (p < 0.05). The light-attenuating effect of MDPB composites was less than for the control (p < 0.05). No significant difference between experimental and control was obtained with respect to Vickers hardness after both one day's and seven days' storage in water. These results indicate that the incorporation of small quantities of MDPB into Bis-GMA-based composites did not adversely affect the cure performance. On the contrary, a significant, though small, improvement was observed.
Prevalence of Incisor Trauma in Persons 6 to 50 Years of Age: United States, 1988–1991
Authors: Kaste L.M. , Gift H.C. , Bhat M. , Swango P.A.
Published: July 2017

Traumatic injuries to the teeth are among the most serious of dental conditions, yet little is known about the prevalence of tooth or dental trauma at the national level. The National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR) modified existing indices for specific use in national epidemiologic studies of tooth trauma among both children and adults. The NIDR index was developed not only to track the status of the tooth from sound (no evidence of trauma) through missing due to trauma, but also to reflect selected sequelae of trauma. The index is based on clinical, non-radiographic evidence of tooth injury and treatment received in the eight permanent incisors, including a positive history of injury obtained from the subject. The trauma assessment index was applied immediately following the caries examination for dentate participants ages 6–50 years old (n = 7,707) in Phase 1 of the NHANES III oral examination. This article reports the first national overall and age-specific population-based prevalence (24.9%) of injury to incisor teeth among individuals ages 6–50 and examines differences in the prevalence of dental trauma among gender, racial, and ethnic groups. There is a higher prevalence of incisal trauma, of both maxillary and mandibular incisors, in males than females, in both the younger and older age groups. The prevalence of incisal trauma of both maxillary and mandibular incisors in whites and blacks in both younger and older age categories is similar. The study found that half of the individuals with trauma had only one incisor tooth classified as having trauma. Males and older age groups showed larger numbers of traumatized teeth. Further study and examination of methodological issues are desirable for additional understanding of incisal trauma in the general population.
Fatal Ingestions in Edinburgh 1974–78
Authors: Campbell Sandra , Mason J. K.
Published: July 2017

A retrospective survey of 275 fatal ingestions in Edinburgh is reported. There was only one accidental death in a child; the remainder comprised 113 men and 161 women. There were significant differences as to sex and age relationship. Single men and divorced or separated persons of both sexes were most strongly represented. Barbiturates comprised the group of drugs most often responsible for death, but common analgesics caused as many deaths as did tricyclic antidepressants and tranquillizers combined. The significance of alcohol was less than was anticipated, as was the association of significant organic disease. At least half of those who died were under treatment for psychiatric disease, and the evidence is that toxic ingestion is the commonest mode of suicide in the area. The limitations of a retrospective study are stressed and it is suggested that a central review of potential suicidal deaths as they occur would be useful.
Fire Deaths in the Glasgow Area: I General Considerations and Pathology
Authors: Anderson R.A. , Watson A. A. , Harland W. A.
Published: July 2017

A study of fire deaths, in operation in the Glasgow area since 1976, has been aimed at elucidating the role of smoke and toxic gases in fire fatalities, especially where these occurred in buildings. During the first 3 years of the project, 199 cases were examined of which 182 were eligible for inclusion in the study. This paper reports the major pathological features of these cases and gives details of the epidemiological and demographic statistics. Most of the fatalities (79 per cent) occurred in dwellings. While the old and young members of the community were shown to be particularly vulnerable, male and female casualties were approximately equal in number. The peak periods for fire deaths were at weekends and in the winter months. Burn injuries were present in 83 per cent of cases included in the study, and in 66 per cent these would have been sufficient to cause death, although it was difficult to distinguish between premortem and postmortem burns. Fatal levels of carbon monoxide were present in 52 per cent of the fatalities, and in these cases death was attributed to the inhalation of fire gases. Soot deposition in the respiratory tract as a result of smoke inhalation was observed in 91 per cent of the cases and further injury to the respiratory tract was present in 84 per cent of the cases. Evidence of significant haemolysis was present in 48 per cent of the fatalities. Chronic disease processes were also observed in many fatalities, including lung disease (16 per cent), cardiovascular disease (29 per cent) and liver disease (32 per cent). These rates reflect the high levels of incidence of these diseases in the Glasgow area.
Medical Hazards of Flying
Authors: Balfour A. J. C.
Published: July 2017

Flyers are subject to nearly all the normal risks of life on earth, and also to others due to isolation within the aircraft and to the height and speed at which they fly. Altitude leads to damage from the low pressure, the lack of oxygen, and the enhanced effect of toxic substances; and also from cold and radiations. Velocity causes no practical problems of itself save lack of time for urgent decisions, and confusion due to jet-lag but too rapid change of velocity can be hazardous in impacts or in milder cases lead to disorientation or escape difficulties; and extreme velocities may lead to heating due to atmospheric friction. In practice, the resourcefulness of aviators keeps pace with the risks they run.
A Self-Contained Method for Determining Time since Death from Temperature Measurements
Authors: Nokes L. D. M. , Brown A. , Knight B.
Published: July 2017

An equation suggested by Brown and Marshall that represented the cooling curve of the human corpse is modified in order to estimate the time of death without resource to lengthy mathematical techniques. A comparison with two other predictive procedures for estimating the time of death is given.
Transient Ground Glass Hepatocellular Change following a Period of Glue Sniffing in a Patient with Underlying Benign Recurrent Cholestatic Jaundice
Authors: Conroy B. , Pennington C. R.
Published: July 2017

This report describes the liver biopsy findings in an obese adolescent male suffering from benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice who developed transient focal feathery swelling and ground glass hepatocellular change within several weeks of indulging in glue sniffing. Clinically the situation provided a rare opportunity to observe the nature and progress of morphological features by means of sequential liver biopsies taken for the investigation of the patient's underlying jaundice. The temporal relationship between the confessed period of glue sniffing and appearance of the hepatocellular abnormality provides, in our opinion, strong supportive evidence of a definite link between the two.
The Medical Negligence Crisis
Authors: Harland W. A. , Jandoo R. S.
Published: July 2017

This paper considers the reasons behind the ever-increasing subscription rates of the medical defence societies. The present fault-based system of compensation is discussed and alternative compensation schemes are considered. It is concluded that the present fault-based system is likely to be maintained and the need is identified for continuing education in this field.
Referrals for Psychiatric Reports: A Study on Solicitor to Psychiatrist Communication
Authors: Grant William
Published: July 2017

Much of the communication between solicitors and psychiatrists is by letter. To determine what are the most important items (‘key items’) that should be included in a request for a psychiatric court report, questionnaires were sent to 20 psychiatrists, all of whom had experience in preparing psychiatric court reports. Then 150 requests for psychiatric court reports were studied and rated for the inclusion of key items.

The referral letters rarely fulfilled the psychiatrists' requirements and in only 42 per cent was it clearly stated why a report had been requested. The study suggests that psychiatrists should explain more clearly to solicitors what information they require and solicitors need to be more aware of psychiatrists' requirements.
Hunger Strikers
Authors: O'connor Art , Johnson-Sabine Eric
Published: July 2017

Hunger striking has been recognized as a form of political protest for many years but surprisingly little published work on hunger strikers (H.S.) exists in medical literature. We present twelve cases of H.S. They were identified from a female remand prison (7), a Special Hospital (4) and a psychiatric hospital (1). Seven of the twelve were psychotic and these were more likely to refuse drink as well as food. In four cases the motivation was concerned with protest against personal injustice. These were the four longest H.S. The possible associations between H.S. and anorexia nervosa is discussed.
Criminality in the Elderly and Psychiatric Disorder: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Lynch S. P. J.
Published: July 2017

Criminality in the elderly, and its relation to psychiatric disorder is reviewed. Crime in Western countries is rare in the elderly, considering their numbers. Few studies involve elderly offenders and most are in selected groups, so prevalence of mental illness in this group, and criminal outcome, are poorly understood. With a growing elderly population in major Western countries in the next two decades this is surprising.
Violent Incidents on Special Care Wards in a Special Hospital
Authors: Coldwell Jon B. , Naismith Laurence J.
Published: July 2017

Records of 116 violent incidents perpetrated by special care patients over a twelve-month period were retrospectively examined. There was a marked seasonal variation in the number of incidents. Incidents took place predominantly in the seclusion rooms and in communal areas having relatively high patient density. Patients admitted from the National Health Service following unmanageable violent behaviour were over-represented. A small number of patients were responsible for a high proportion of incidents. Implications for prevention are discussed.
Antilibidinal Drugs and Mental Retardation: A Review
Authors: Clarke David J.
Published: July 2017

A minority of people with mental retardation have sexual behaviour which is socially unacceptable or which brings them into conflict with the law. Such behaviour may be the result of ignorance about sexual matters, often best managed by counselling or by a behavioural approach. There are a small number of men with mental retardation and aberrant sexual behaviour who benefit from the prescription of an antilibidinal drug. Treatment with an antilibidinal drug alone reduces the intensity of sexual drive but does not alter its direction; concurrent sexual counselling or psychotherapy is often indicated. The various antilibidinal medications available are reviewed, with particular attention to reports which have described the treatment of people with mental retardation. Of the antilibidinals currently used, medroxyprogesterone acetate and cyproterone acetate are those for which there is most evidence of efficacy. Cyproterone acetate is preferable because it has a specific antiandrogenic action and fewer adverse effects.

There is a need for controlled studies of antilibidinal drugs, with clearly defined inclusion criteria and adequate measures of both behavioural and attitudinal change.
Traffic Fatalities among the Elderly Population: The Metro Dade County Experience from 1981 to 1983
Authors: Copeland Arthur R.
Published: July 2017

Traffic fatalities among victims aged 65 years or older were studied in Metro Dade County between the years 1981 and 1983. The cases were then analysed as to the age, race, sex, cause of death and blood alcohol content of the victim. Furthermore, the nature of the accident, the fault, the role of the victim along with seat belt usage, and reason for accident were noted. A discussion ensues as to what advice should be given to the elderly to avoid being a highway statistic.
Assessment of Osteopenia at Autopsy
Authors: Harris S C , Cotton D W K , Stephenson T J , Howat A J
Published: July 2017

Osteoporosis is a common problem for the pathologist in the elderly female population where pathological fractures particularly of the neck of femur are frequent. Yet how should we assess osteoporosis at autopsy? This study reports on autopsy assessment of osteopenia, comparing our subjective findings of rib fracturability and vertebral compressibility with histological and histomorphometric assessment on a bone biopsy. We have shown a poor correlation between gross autopsy and histological techniques. There is good correlation between two gross autopsy techniques and these methods have been shown to be reproducible between observers. We believe that the most useful test of whether a patient's bones are likely to break is to assess the fracturability of the ribs (and possibly the vertebral bodies) at autopsy. This should be supplemented with undecalcified histology sections from the iliac crest where possible. Further studies are clearly warranted in this area.
Food Refusal in Prison
Authors: Larkin E. P.
Published: July 2017

The prevalence of mental disorder amongst prisoners refusing food was studied by examining the prison records of a remand prison and a dispersal prison. Food refusal occurred predominantly in the remand prison. Less than one per cent of the annual remand population engaged in this behaviour.

The results indicate that prisoners refusing food do so as a form of protest and that the prevalence of mental disorder among such prisoners is high. The majority respond to observation and counselling. Important indicators of psychosis are: (i) the inability of the prisoner to divulge reasons for his behaviour; and (ii) the refusal by the prisoner of both food and fluids. In such cases transfer to hospital for treatment may be urgently required.
Application of the Powers of Compulsory Admission to Psychiatric Hospital by General Practitioners, Social Workers and Psychiatrists
Authors: Morgan J.F. , Schlich T. , Falkowski W.
Published: July 2017

Ways of extending or consolidating the powers of compulsory admission under the Mental Health Act 1983 have been discussed by the government and other organizations, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists. However there is little data on how existing legislation is applied. The authors examined the differential application of the Act between GPs, psychiatrists and social workers by means of an anonymous, confidential questionnaire. Fourteen case vignettes were interpreted by 20 social workers, 19 GPs and 28 Section 12 approved psychiatrists, who were asked to decide if they would detain the patient under the Act. Responses were analysed between and within the three groups. There was general agreement between groups on situations involving ‘danger to self’ and ‘danger to others’, but social workers were less likely to detain on health grounds and GPs tended to use the Act unpredictably, in areas not covered by the Act. The authors conclude that the Act may not be used to its fullest extent due to differences in interpretation or in knowledge, which may arise from differential constructs of mental illness and training. A national study of knowledge of mental health law is suggested.
Extraction of Chloroform and Methylene Chloride in Human Whole Blood and Urine by Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME)
Authors: Seno H , Ishii A , Watanabe K , Suzuki O , Kumazawa T
Published: July 2017

Chloroform and methylene chloride were extracted from human whole blood and urine by headspace solid phase microextraction (SPME) using a Carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (Carboxen/PDMS) fibre before capillary gas chromatography (GC)/flame ionization detection (FID). Whole blood or urine was placed in a vial and mixed with distilled water. The vial was heated at 30°C, and the solvents were extracted from the headspace by SPME. The extraction efficiencies of chloroform and methylene chloride from whole blood were 40.3% and 35.8%, respectively; those for urine were 57.0% and 43.6%, respectively. The calibration curves for chloroform were linear in the range of 1–8 μg/ml for blood and urine samples, and those for methylene chloride in the range of 0.5–8 μg/ml. The detection limits for both compounds were 0.3 μg/ml for whole blood, and 0.2 μg/ml for urine. The headspace SPME with Carboxen/PDMS fibre coupled with GC/FID seems useful for analyses of chloroform and methylene chloride in forensic toxicology and environmental chemistry.
Season of Birth and Handedness Revisited,
Authors: Cosenza Ramon M. , Mingoti Sueli A.
Published: July 2017

In a sample of 15,390 students, no significant difference in the season of birth could be found between right- and left-handers, classified according to their responses to the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. A separate analysis for each sex also yielded nonsignificant differences.
Game Inhabiting Level Effects on Children
Authors: Heston Melissa L.
Published: July 2017

This study was a preliminary exploration of the effects of inhabiting level on children's responses to their participation in a series of physical games. Inhabiting level, the ratio of tasks within a setting to the number of participants available to perform those tasks, influences the behavior and psychological experiences of participants. Children ( N=35) played three games designed to reflect different inhabiting levels: overinhabiting (1 task for 3 players requiring turntaking), adequate inhabiting (1 ongoing task for each player), and underinhabiting (2 ongoing tasks for each player). During play, children's involvement and affective expression were rated on separate 5-point scales. Children completed a questionnaire regarding their relative satisfaction with the games after play. Analysis indicated that children experienced significantly greater satisfaction and displayed significantly higher involvement and positive affect in the underinhabited game condition than in the overinhabited game condition.
Ambulatory Status of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Barnhart Robert C. , Liemohn Wendell P.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between (a) nonambulatory status of 19 children with spastic quadriplegia at age 4 years with current ambulatory status and (b) nonambulatory status among these children at age 7 years and ultimate development of independent ambulation, using the physical therapy records. All continued to be nonambulatory at 7 years and are currently. The results suggest (a) a relationship between nonambulatory status at age 4 years and ultimate ambulatory status for children with spastic quadriplegia and (b) remote prospects for the development of independent ambulation in such children who are nonambulatory at age 7 years.
Comment on the Coefficient of Ordinal Variation
Authors: Kvålseth Tarald O.
Published: July 2017

An index of dispersion and a related standardized coefficient of variation for ordinal categorical data were recently introduced in this journal. These two measures were based on the use of category scores. In this paper, we show these measures can alternatively be expressed in terms of cumulative proportions (probabilities).
Effects of Pronounceability and Articulatory Suppression on Phonological Learning
Authors: Saito Satoru
Published: July 2017

The effects of pronounceability and articulatory suppression on learning for the phonology of new vocabulary were studied, The 10 subjects remembered lists of either Japanese words or nonwords. All lists had 20 items; 10 of these were easy to pronounce and the rest were difficult to pronounce. The lists had to be remembered under two conditions, a silent control condition in which only the memory task was required and an articulatory suppression condition in which subjects were required to articulate continuously “1, 2, 3.” Analysis showed the advantage of recall performance for the easy items over that for the difficult ones in the control condition with the nonword lists. This effect of pronounceability disappeared under the condition of the articulatory suppression. These results were discussed in terms of phonological working memory and long-term phonological representation.
Perceived Exertion and Metabolic Responses of Women during Aerobic Dance Exercise
Authors: Schaefeer Sarah A. , Darby Lynn A. , Browder Kathy D. , Reeves Brenda D.
Published: July 2017

The relationship between ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and metabolic responses was examined during aerobic dance exercise with combined arm and leg movements. 16 women with previous aerobic dance instructional experience performed three consecutive trials of 8 min. each of aerobic dance exercise at a cadence of 124 and 138 beats • min.-1 Estimates of RPE reported at the end of each trial were significantly different across the trials while heart rate and % maximum heart rate were significantly different between Trials 1 and 3. Correlations and partial correlations between RPE and all metabolic variables were not significant across trials and with trials combined except for ventilation. Results indicated that RPE should not be used singularly as an indicator of exercise intensity during aerobic dance exercise.
Sound Control with High Density Coated Substrates
Authors: Meteer Charles L.
Published: July 2017

Lead vinyl coated fabrics, new composite vinyl films, and molding compounds have been developed that have application as flexible sound barriers in transportation and recreational equipment. The material consisting of fine lead particles disbursed in PVC compounds for coating, casting films, extrusion, injection molding, thermal form sheets, and rotational casting combines the high mass of lead and the properties and formability of vinyl. These composites provide a limp high mass sound barrier material.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Gallbladder Function in Patients with Schistosoma Mansoni Infection
Authors: Ali Qurashi M , Abdel-Rahim I M , Doehring-Schwertfegar E , Franke D , Kardorff R , El Sheikh M , Ehrich J H H
Published: July 2017

Gallbladder function was studied in 22 patients with portal hypertension due to advanced Schistosoma mansoni infection and in 17 healthy adults. The fasting volume of the gallbladder was significantly less in patients than in controls. The gallbladder wall was grossly thickened in the study group. There was a significant difference between the patients and controls in the reduction of gallbladder volume following a fatty meal. Although the portal vein diameter and the splenic volume were significantly larger in study patients, no significant correlation could be detected between the reduction in volume or wall thickness of the gallbladder and any of the relevant sonographic features of schistosomiasisinduced portal hypertension.
Experience with an Active Labour Management Protocol and Reduction of Caesarean Section Rate in Nicaragua
Authors: Bood Timothy
Published: July 2017

Prospective data are presented on the outcome of labour in 67 women with uncomplicated pregnancy, who attended a rural Nicaraguan hospital and were managed actively in labour. No dystocia occurred and the caesarean section rate was 0%. Active management of labour is safe and feasible in a rural hospital setting. It results in a low caesarean section rate and reduced maternal mortality and morbidity, without compromising perinatal outcome.
Pancreatic Calcification in Diabetes Mellitus at Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Nzeh D A , Erasmus R T
Published: July 2017

Plain abdominal radiograph showed pancreatic calcification in four cases (5.2%) in a total of 77 cases of diabetes mellitus. All patients with calcified pancreas were insulin-dependent male diabetics. No direct relationship was observed between duration of illness and presence of calcification in the pancreas. Low incidence of pancreatic calcification among diabetics in recent reports from Nigeria probably suggests a changing pattern of the disease in the tropics.