bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On love as an (im)properly political concept
Authors: Wilkinson Eleanor
Published: August 2016

Love has been theorized as a way to rebuild fractured communities, and a potential way to overcome differences on the political Left. However, might it be dangerous to invest so much potential in the power of love? In this paper, I reflect upon Michael Hardt’s work on the necessity of love for politics. Hardt emphasizes the radical and transformative potential of love, seeing it as a collective and generative force. Yet, I argue that Hardt’s reading of love, tied to a Spinozist theorization of joy, provides a limited understanding of the affective dimensions of love. Instead, I propose that we need to think about the ambivalence and incoherence of love: how love can be both joyful and painful, enduring and transient, expansive and territorial, revolutionary and conservative. That is, to consider how love, even in its seemingly most benevolent and unconditional form, can still be a source of exclusion, violence, and domination. Ultimately, I seek to challenge this fantasy of coherence and togetherness, asking if there is still space for aspects of politics that are not joyful, that do not feel like love, that anger us, disappoint us, and that make us desire distance rather than togetherness.
Exile in the homeland? Anti-colonialism, subaltern geographies and the politics of friendship in early twentieth century Pondicherry, India
Authors: Davies Andrew
Published: August 2016

The concept of exile remains overwhelmingly influenced by the writings of Edward Said, particularly in his development of the ‘contrapuntal’ as a key method in understanding how exile life is lived between the ‘homeland’ and the space of ‘exile’. However, by drawing on feminist work which has critiqued the notion of ‘home’ in Said’s work, together with work on subaltern geographies and the politics of friendship, this article argues for a conception of exile that works in between dichotomies of ‘exile’ and ‘home’. In order to make this case, the article draws empirically on the example of the ‘exile’ of a number of Indian anti-colonial revolutionaries in the French-Indian enclave of Pondicherry, India between c.1908 and c.1918, focussing particularly on Subramania Bharati, a Tamil poet and anti-colonial nationalist. Whilst in exile, in his own ‘homeland’ Bharati drew upon, translated and reshaped existing discourses from both ‘Western modernity’ and South Asian culture to create his own particular arguments for a future independent India. This subaltern geography opens up ground for alternative spaces of exile to emerge that challenge dichotomies of home/exile.
Critical geosophies: A pyschotopological reading of Rice’s vampires and Romero’s zombies
Authors: Schlosser Kolson
Published: August 2016

Anne Rice and George Romero are two of the foremost transformative authors of vampire and zombie fiction in the United States. This reading of their work applies a psychotopological lens to the first two novels of Rice’s Vampire Chronicles and the first three films of Romero’s Living Dead series. It differs from numerous preceding analyses of monster fiction mostly in the theoretical apparatus it articulates to link the psychic fear vampires and zombies evoke with the topologies of space and power they evince. This intervention invokes a negative understanding of dialectical materialism to analyze human-monster thresholds as political sites. It builds this theorization primarily from the works of Slavoj Žižek, Sara Ahmed, Julia Kristeva, Kojin Karatani, and to a lesser extent Joan Copjec. The result is a psychotopological analysis that challenges understandings of the monster as either timeless allegories for the systemic order or as endlessly interpretive contingencies. It also reads the topological forms of Rice’s vampires and Romero’s zombies in relation to each other. Understanding psychic space and topologies of power as integral to each other helps read the vampire and the zombie as myths which endure because of the fears of class exploitation and social collectivism they stoke.
Re-reading worldliness: Hannah Arendt and the question of matter
Authors: Last Angela
Published: August 2016

Both new and historical materialisms have attracted a reputation for leading to ‘bad politics’. Historical materialisms have been accused of reducing too much to material relations and their production, whereas new materialisms have been accused of avoiding politics completely. This article reads the critique directed at materialisms against Hannah Arendt’s exceptional distrust of matter. Focusing on her concept of ‘worldliness’, it grapples with the question ‘why do we need an attention to matter in the first place?’ The attempted re-reading takes place through a feminist and postcolonial lens that draws out the contributions and failures of Arendt’s (anti)materialist framework in its banishing of matter from politics. Arendt’s focus on the prevention of dehumanisation further serves as a means to discuss materialism’s risk in negotiating the tension between deindividuation and dehumanisation.
Graphic statics using discontinuous Airy stress functions
Authors: Williams Chris , McRobie Allan
Published: August 2016

It is known that the equilibrium of two-dimensional trusses can be represented using Maxwell reciprocal diagrams and polyhedral Airy stress functions, with the change in slope of the stress function corresponding to a tension force. This article generalises the analysis to include two-dimensional frames, showing how a discontinuity in the value of the Airy stress function corresponds to a bending moment.
Cerebral blood flow in small vessel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Yulu , Thrippleton Michael J , Makin Stephen D , Marshall Ian , Geerlings Mirjam I , de Craen Anton JM , van Buchem Mark A , Wardlaw Joanna M
Published: August 2016

White matter hyperintensities are frequent on neuroimaging of older people and are a key feature of cerebral small vessel disease. They are commonly attributed to chronic hypoperfusion, although whether low cerebral blood flow is cause or effect is unclear. We systematically reviewed studies that assessed cerebral blood flow in small vessel disease patients, performed meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis of potential confounders. Thirty-eight studies ( n = 4006) met the inclusion criteria, including four longitudinal and 34 cross-sectional studies. Most cerebral blood flow data were from grey matter. Twenty-four cross-sectional studies ( n = 1161) were meta-analysed, showing that cerebral blood flow was lower in subjects with more white matter hyperintensity, globally and in most grey and white matter regions (e.g. mean global cerebral blood flow: standardised mean difference−0.71, 95% CI −1.12, −0.30). These cerebral blood flow differences were attenuated by excluding studies in dementia or that lacked age-matching. Four longitudinal studies ( n = 1079) gave differing results, e.g., more baseline white matter hyperintensity predated falling cerebral blood flow (3.9 years, n = 575); cerebral blood flow was low in regions that developed white matter hyperintensity (1.5 years, n = 40). Cerebral blood flow is lower in subjects with more white matter hyperintensity cross-sectionally, but evidence for falling cerebral blood flow predating increasing white matter hyperintensity is conflicting. Future studies should be longitudinal, obtain more white matter data, use better age-correction and stratify by clinical diagnosis.
Action Video Games Improve Direction Discrimination of Parafoveal Translational Global Motion but Not Reaction Times
Authors: Pavan Andrea , Boyce Matthew , Ghin Filippo
Published: August 2016

Playing action video games enhances visual motion perception. However, there is psychophysical evidence that action video games do not improve motion sensitivity for translational global moving patterns presented in fovea. This study investigates global motion perception in action video game players and compares their performance to that of non-action video game players and non-video game players. Stimuli were random dot kinematograms presented in the parafovea. Observers discriminated the motion direction of a target random dot kinematogram presented in one of the four visual quadrants. Action video game players showed lower motion coherence thresholds than the other groups. However, when the task was performed at threshold, we did not find differences between groups in terms of distributions of reaction times. These results suggest that action video games improve visual motion sensitivity in the near periphery of the visual field, rather than speed response.
Identifying the enablers and barriers to community participation amongst older adults
Authors: Papageorgiou Nicole , Marquis Ruth , Dare Julie
Published: August 2016

Introduction

The proportion of older adults throughout the world has increased significantly over the last decade and continues to rise. Such substantial growth highlights the importance of facilitating older people’s wellbeing. This research aimed to identify enablers and barriers to participation in community-based activities experienced by active older adults.

Method

This qualitative study employed the evidence-based paradigm of occupation and Model of Human Occupation to underpin protocol and discussion. Ten participants (females = 9, males = 1) who were aged 64–83 years and actively engaged in their community took part in semi-structured interviews. Participants reported mixed health levels including chronic/terminal illnesses and normal degenerative changes. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Analysis identified four themes of enablers and barriers to community participation. These were: relationships; interests; personal knowledge and awareness towards health and wellbeing; and resources and the environment.

Conclusion

Intrinsic factors such as developing or maintaining strong relationships and developing interests were identified as enabling community participation. Barriers identified within this study included unappealing group cultures or structures, such as having limited opportunity to develop friendships or explicitly targeting ‘seniors aged 60+ years’ and accessibility limitations. Recommendations were established to inform the development of programmes to increase community participation among this group.
Diagnosis of Engaging Bipolar Bone Defects in the Shoulder Using 2-Dimensional Computed Tomography
Authors: Burns David M. , Chahal Jaskarndip , Shahrokhi Shahram , Henry Patrick , Wasserstein David , Whyne Cari , Theodoropoulos John , Ogilvie-Harris Darrell , Dwyer Tim
Published: August 2016

Background:

Anatomic studies have demonstrated that bipolar glenoid and humeral bone loss have a cumulative effect on shoulder instability and that these defects may engage in functional positions depending on their size and location, potentially resulting in failure of stabilization procedures. Determining which lesions pose a risk for engagement remains challenging, with arthroscopic assessments and a 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT)–based glenoid track method being accepted approaches at this time.

Purpose:

The purpose was to investigate the interaction of humeral and glenoid bone defects on shoulder engagement in a cadaveric model. Two alternative approaches to predicting engagement were evaluated: (1) CT of the shoulder in abduction and external rotation (ABER) and (2) measurement of the glenoid lesion width and measurement of a novel parameter, the intact anterior articular angle (IAAA), on conventional 2-dimensional multiplane reformats.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Hill-Sachs and glenoid defects of varying sizes were created in 12 cadaveric upper limbs, producing 45 bipolar defect combinations. The defect characteristics were assessed using CT with the shoulder in a neutral position. ABER CT was performed with the shoulder positioned in 60° of glenohumeral abduction (corresponding to 90° of abduction relative to the trunk) and 90° of external rotation. The IAAA was measured as the cartilage arc angle anterior to the Hill-Sachs defect on the axial slice bisecting the humeral head. The performance of the ABER CT and IAAA approaches to predicting engagement were compared with the glenoid track method.

Results:

Of the 45 defect combinations, 24 (53%) were classified as engaging using the glenoid track method. ABER CT predicted engagement accurately in 43 of 45 (96%), with a sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 100%, respectively. A logistic model based on the glenoid defect width and IAAA provided a prediction accuracy of 87%, with a sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 81%, respectively.

Conclusion/Clinical Relevance:

Bipolar lesions at risk for engagement can be identified accurately using an ABER CT scan or by performing 2-dimensional measurements of the glenoid defect width and IAAA on conventional CT multiplane reformats. This information will be useful for surgical planning in the setting of bipolar bone defects before shoulder stabilization.
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation in Patients With Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee
Authors: Sadr Kamran N. , Pulido Pamela A. , McCauley Julie C. , Bugbee William D.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee can be difficult to treat. Cartilage restoration techniques are often indicated when the lesion or fragment cannot be salvaged and the patient remains symptomatic. Fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation can restore both bone and cartilage defects characteristic of OCD.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized that osteochondral allografting is a successful method for treating OCD of the knee.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This study comprised 135 patients (149 knees) who underwent OCA for OCD of the knee (type III or IV) between 1997 and 2013 and had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The median age was 21 years (range, 12-55 years) and 75.8% of the patients were male. The mean allograft size was 7.3 cm2 (range, 2.2-25 cm2). Evaluation included the following: frequency and type of reoperations; modified Merle d’Aubigné and Postel (18-point) scale; International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) pain, function, and total scores; and Knee Society function (KS-F) and knee (KS-K) scores. Clinical failure was defined as revision OCA or conversion to arthroplasty. Graft survivorship was determined.

Results:

The median follow-up time was 6.3 years (range, 1.9-16.8 years) and 62% of participants had more than 5-year follow-up. Thirty-four of 149 knees (23%) had reoperations, of which 12 (8%) were classified as allograft failures (7 OCA revisions, 3 unicompartmental knee arthroplasties, and 2 total knee arthroplasties). OCA survivorship was 95% at 5 years and 93% at 10 years. Of the 137 knees whose grafts were still in situ at the latest follow-up, the mean modified Merle d’Aubigné and Postel (18-point) score was 16.8; IKDC pain, function, and total scores were 2.1, 8.1, and 82.3; and KS-F and KS-K scores were 95.7 and 94.3, respectively. The majority of patients (95%) reported being satisfied with the outcome of their procedure.

Conclusion:

OCA transplantation was an effective treatment for OCD of the knee, with a low rate of graft failure, significant improvement in pain and function scores, and high patient satisfaction.
Modified Broström Procedure for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability in Patients With Generalized Joint Laxity
Authors: Xu He-Xing , Lee Keun-Bae
Published: August 2016

Background:

Generalized joint laxity (GJL) has been considered a risk factor for late failure of ligament reconstruction in the knee; however, it is not known whether GJL is the cause of recurrent instability after the modified Broström procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical results of the modified Broström procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability in patients with or without GJL.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 100 patients (100 ankles) who underwent the modified Broström procedure were divided into 2 groups, with or without GJL, according to the Beighton criteria. Age and body mass index were matched between the 2 groups. The mean follow-up duration was 43.3 months in the laxity group (44 ankles; Beighton score ≥5) and 42.9 months in the nonlaxity group (56 ankles).

Results:

The mean preoperative Karlsson and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were a respective 53.2 and 60.9 in the laxity group and 53.9 and 62.6 in the nonlaxity group, and these scores improved to 87.4 and 89.5, respectively, in the laxity group and to 94.1 and 94.8, respectively, in the nonlaxity group at final follow-up. The mean preoperative talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation were a respective 12.5° and 8.8 mm in the laxity group and 10.8° and 8.5 mm in the nonlaxity group, and these values improved to 7.3° and 6.0 mm, respectively, in the laxity group and to 5.2° and 5.0 mm, respectively, in the nonlaxity group at final follow-up. Failure rates were 11.4% (5 patients) in the laxity group and 1.8% (1 patient) in the nonlaxity group. Significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of the Karlsson score, AOFAS score, talar tilt angle, anterior talar translation, and failure rate at final follow-up ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Patients with GJL showed inferior outcomes and a higher failure rate compared with patients without GJL. Therefore, GJL appears to be a risk factor associated with recurrent instability after the modified Broström procedure.
Comparison of Lateral Closing-Wedge Versus Medial Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy on Knee Joint Alignment and Kinematics in the ACL-Deficient Knee
Authors: Ranawat Anil S. , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Pearle Andrew D. , Zuiderbaan Hendrik A. , Weeks Kenneth D. , Khamaisy Saker
Published: August 2016

Background:

Lateral closing-wedge (LCW) and medial opening-wedge (MOW) high tibial osteotomies (HTOs) correct varus knee alignment and stabilize the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–deficient knee. Tibiofemoral and patellofemoral alignment and kinematics after HTO are not well quantified.

Purpose:

To compare the effect of LCW and MOW HTO on tibiofemoral and patellofemoral alignment in the ACL-deficient knee.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Anterior drawer, Lachman, and pivot-shift tests were performed on cadaveric specimens (N = 16), and anterior tibial translation and tibial rotation were measured for the native and ACL-sectioned knee. The right and left knee of each cadaveric specimen underwent an LCW and MOW HTO, respectively, and stability testing was repeated. All cadavers underwent pre- and postosteotomy computerized tomography with 3-dimensional computer modeling to determine the effect of HTO on posterior tibial slope, as well as tibial and patellofemoral axial plane alignment (tibial axial rotation and patellar axial tilt).

Results:

Correction to neutral coronal alignment was obtained with both osteotomy techniques; however, larger posterior tibial slope neutralization was achieved with LCW compared with MOW (mean ± SD, 11° ± 3.8° vs 5° ± 5°). LCW demonstrated a greater decrease in anterior tibial translation ( P < .05) during Lachman testing, with translation values approximating those of the native knee, especially for the lateral compartment. A similar decrease in anterior tibial translation with LCW was not found during anterior drawer testing. Anterior tibial translation did not improve for either the Lachman or the anterior drawer test after MOW. Osteotomy type did not affect tibial rotation with pivot shift. Relative to MOW, LCW resulted in greater tibial axial rotation and patellar axial tilt (7.7° ± 4° and 5.6° ± 3.9° [LCW], 2.8° ± 2.3° and 2.4° ± 0.9° [MOW], respectively; P < .05).

Conclusion/Clinical Relevance:

LCW shows more reproducible posterior tibial slope neutralization and decreased anterior tibial translation in ACL deficiency compared with MOW; however, LCW is associated with increased external tibial axial rotation and lateral patellar tilt, which may adversely affect the patellofemoral joint. More work is needed to understand the clinical and functional outcome of these biomechanical findings in the ACL-deficient knee.
Involving Caregivers of People With Dementia to Validate Booklets on Food-Related Activities: A Qualitative Think-Aloud Study
Authors: Papachristou Iliatha , Hickeys Gary , Iliffe Steve
Published: August 2016

This study is the first to explore informal dementia caregivers’ perceptions and outlook on written materials about all food-related processes: shopping, food preparation, and eating. The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate the content, format, and usefulness of two separate booklets (one newly developed and one existing) on food-related processes. Twenty dementia caregivers were provided with one of the two booklets, and a Think-Aloud method was used to gather information about their views on the booklets. The findings indicated that incorporating all three food processes in a new booklet could be beneficial for the participant. Shopping, purchasing food, driving, and dangers in the kitchen were addressed only in the developed booklet, and participants regarded them as important and useful areas to address. Therefore, this study has shown that tailored information may enhance caregivers’ confidence and support them in making decisions to help them adapt to food-related changes.
Practical achievements on biomass steam gasification in a rotary tubular coiled-downdraft reactor
Authors: Andrew Renny , Gokak DT , Sharma Pankaj , Gupta Shalini
Published: August 2016

Today, the impending stringent environmental norms and concerns about the depletion of fossil fuel reserves have added impetus on development of cutting edge technologies for production of alternative fuels from renewable sources, like biomass. The concept of biomass pyro-gasification offers a platform for production of (a) hydrogen, (b) hydrocarbons and (c) value added chemicals, etc. In this context, there exists potential for hydrogen production from biomass by superheated steam gasification. Apart from H2, gaseous products of biomass steam gasification contain CO, CH4 and other hydrocarbons that can be converted to hydrogen through cracking, steam reforming and water gas shift reactions. In the present work, the characteristics of biomass steam gasification in an indigenously designed rotary tubular coiled-downdraft reactor for high value gaseous fuel production from rice husk was studied through a series of experiments. The robust reactor system enhances biomass conversion to gaseous products by improved mass and heat transfer within the system induced by a coiled flow pattern with increased heat transfer area. Also, the system has improved upon the reliability of operation and offered greater continuity of the process and easier control in comparison with a conventional process by making use of an innovative gas cooler assembly and efficient venturi-mixing system for biomass and steam. Subsequently, the effects of reactor temperature, steam-to-biomass ratio and residence time on overall product gas yield and hydrogen yield were investigated. From the experimental results, it can be deduced that an optimum reactor temperature of 750 °C, steam-to-biomass ratio of 2.0 and a residence time of 3.0 min contributed highest gas yield (1.252 Nm3 kg-1 moisture-free biomass). Based on the obtained experimental results, a projected potential hydrogen yield of 8.6 wt% of the moisture-free biomass could be achieved, and is also practical for production of pure hydrogen.
Ethical considerations in the de-adoption of ineffective or harmful aspects of healthcare
Authors: Niven Daniel J. , Leigh Jeanna Parsons , Stelfox Henry T.
Published: August 2016

De-adoption refers to the discontinuance of a medical practice or health service found to be ineffective or harmful following a previous period of adoption. As growing healthcare budgets threaten to cripple the societies that fund them, facilitating de-adoption may be integral to sustainable healthcare systems that provide high-quality care. This article explores ethical issues pertinent to de-adoption including the underpinnings of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy.
In vitro proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells in injectable thermo-sensitive chitosan/β-glycerophosphate/hydroxyapatite hydrogel
Authors: Chen Yantian , Zhang Fengli , Fu Qiang , Liu Yong , Wang Zejian , Qi Nianmin
Published: August 2016

Injectable thermo-sensitive hydrogels have a potential application in bone tissue engineering for their sensitivities and minimal invasive properties. Human dental pulp stem cells have been considered a promising tool for tissue reconstruction. The objective of this study was to investigate the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells in injectable thermo-sensitive chitosan/β-glycerophosphate/hydroxyapatite hydrogel in vitro. The chitosan /β-glycerophosphate hydrogel and chitosan/β-glycerophosphate/hydroxyapatite hydrogel were prepared using the sol-gel method. The injectability of chitosan /β-glycerophosphate hydrogel and chitosan/β-glycerophosphate/hydroxyapatite hydrogel was measured using a commercial disposable syringe. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the inner structure of hydrogels. Then dental pulp stem cells were seeded in chitosan /β-glycerophosphate hydrogel and chitosan/β-glycerophosphate/hydroxyapatite hydrogel, respectively. The growth of dental pulp stem cells was periodically observed under an inverted microscope. The proliferation of dental pulp stem cells was detected by using an Alamar Blue kit, while cell apoptosis was determined by using a Live/Dead Viability/Cytotoxicity kit. The osteogenic differentiations of dental pulp stem cells in chitosan /β-glycerophosphate hydrogel and chitosan/β-glycerophosphate/hydroxyapatite hydrogel were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity assay and mRNA expression of osteogenesis gene for 21 days in osteogenic medium. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between chitosan /β-glycerophosphate hydrogel and chitosan/β-glycerophosphate/hydroxyapatite hydrogel in injectability. Cells within the chitosan/β-glycerophosphate/hydroxyapatite hydrogel displayed a typical adherent cell morphology and rapid proliferation with high cellular viability after 14 days of culture. Dental pulp stem cells seeded in chitosan/β-glycerophosphate/hydroxyapatite hydrogels had a higher alkaline phosphatase activity and better up-regulation of gene expression levels of Runx-2, Collagen I, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin than in chitosan /β-glycerophosphate hydrogels after osteogenic differentiation. These results demonstrated that the chitosan/β-glycerophosphate/hydroxyapatite hydrogel had excellent cellular compatibility and the superiority in promoting dental pulp stem cells osteogenic differentiation in vitro, showing that the combination of dental pulp stem cells and chitosan/β-glycerophosphate/hydroxyapatite hydrogel has the potential to be used for bone tissue engineering.
Making Judgments: How Blame Mediates the Influence of Rape Myth Acceptance in Police Response to Sexual Assault
Authors: Venema Rachel M.
Published: August 2016

As research continues to describe negative experiences and high case attrition within sexual assault cases reported to the police, it is important to better understand the role of first-responding police officers. This study surveyed a sample of sworn police officers ( N = 174) from one department in a midsized city in the Great Lakes region to examine the effect of individual police officer characteristics, rape myth acceptance (RMA), attributions of blame, and case characteristics from a hypothetical vignette, on officer perceptions of a “good” case and behavioral intentions. Results found that although RMA predicts both perceptions of the case and behavioral intentions to respond in ways indicative of perceived seriousness, RMA is mediated by attributions of suspect blame. Victim alcohol use was found to decrease an officer’s likelihood of responding more vigorously, showing less likelihood of calling a detective or arresting the suspect, if identified. Future research should begin to connect not only case characteristics but also individual police officer characteristics, attitudes, and attributions of blame, with real case outcomes, in addition to hypothetical scenarios.
Optimised multi-camera systems for dimensional control in factory environments
Authors: Robson Stuart , MacDonald Lindsay , Kyle Stephen , Boehm Jan , Shortis Mark
Published: August 2016

As part of the United Kingdom’s Light Controlled Factory project, University College London aims to develop a large-scale multi-camera system for dimensional control tasks in manufacturing, such as part assembly and tracking. Accuracy requirements in manufacturing are demanding, and improvements in the modelling and analysis of both camera imaging and the measurement environment are essential. A major aspect to improved camera modelling is the use of monochromatic imaging of retro-reflective target points, together with a camera model designed for a particular illumination wavelength. A small-scale system for laboratory testing has been constructed using eight low-cost monochrome cameras with C-mount lenses on a rigid metal framework. Red, green and blue monochromatic light-emitting diode ring illumination has been tested, with a broadband white illumination for comparison. Potentially, accuracy may be further enhanced by the reduction in refraction errors caused by a non-homogeneous factory environment, typically manifest in varying temperatures in the workspace. A refraction modelling tool under development in the parallel European Union LUMINAR project is being used to simulate refraction in order to test methods which may be able to reduce or eliminate this effect in practice.
Multi-objective energy-saving scheduling for a permutation flow line
Authors: Li Shunjiang , Liu Fei , Zhou Xiaona
Published: August 2016

Nowadays, manufacturing enterprises, as larger energy consumers, face the severe environmental challenge and the mission of reducing energy consumption. Therefore, how to reduce energy consumption becomes a burning issue for manufacturing. Production scheduling provides a feasible scheme for energy saving on the system level. However, the existing researches of energy-saving scheduling rarely focus on the permutation flow line scheduling problem. This article proposes an energy-saving method for permutation flow line scheduling problem. First, a mathematical model for the permutation flow line scheduling problem is developed based on the principle of multiple energy source system of the computer numerical control machine tool. The optimization objective of this model is to simultaneously minimize the total flowtime and the fixed energy consumption. Since permutation flow line scheduling problem is a well-known NP-hard problem, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II is adopted to solve the multi-objective permutation flow line scheduling problem. Finally, the effectiveness of this method is verified by numerical illustration. The computation results show that a significant trade-off between total flowtime and fixed energy consumption for the permutation flow line scheduling problem, and there would be potential for saving energy consumption by using the proposed method.
Accurate modeling of logarithmic spiral bevel gear based on the tooth flank formation and Boolean addition operation
Authors: Xiang Tieming , Gu Lizhi , Xiao Leilei
Published: August 2016

The logarithmic spiral bevel gear is a new type of spiral bevel gear and has received great attention in the industry for its excellent engineering characteristics. The objective of this study is to develop an accurate geometric model for the logarithmic spiral bevel gear. Based on the gear tooth flank formation mechanism, a conical logarithmic spiral curve with a constant spiral angle was constructed as the tooth trace curve. The profiles for the exterior and interior transverse of the tooth were built with an accurate involutes curve, with transition being circular arcs and straight lines. The first tooth model was established by sweeping the tooth profile accurately along the tooth trace curve, and the rest of the teeth were created by an array operation. The accurate three-dimensional model of logarithmic spiral bevel gear was finally obtained by means of a Boolean addition operation among all of the gear teeth and the root cone. An experimental study was carried out for such a gear whose number of teeth was 37, with modules being 4.5 mm, normal pressure angle being 20° and spiral angle being 35°. A DMU 40 monoBLOCK five-axis computer numerical control milling machine tool was used to produce the prototype, and a Zeiss CONTURA G3 three-dimensional coordinate instrument was employed to measure the exterior transverse addendum diameter. The linear error between the theoretical model value and the measured average value was 0.0027 mm, indicating the effectiveness and practicability of this modeling method, which provides an accurate geometric model for design and for subsequent tasks like computer-aided engineering analysis and manufacturing.
A hormone regulation–based approach for distributed and on-line scheduling of machines and automated guided vehicles
Authors: Zheng Kun , Tang Dunbing , Giret Adriana , Salido Miguel A , Sang Zelei
Published: August 2016

With the continuous innovation of technology, automated guided vehicles are playing an increasingly important role on manufacturing systems. Both the scheduling of operations on machines as well as the scheduling of automated guided vehicles are essential factors contributing to the efficiency of the overall manufacturing systems. In this article, a hormone regulation–based approach for on-line scheduling of machines and automated guided vehicles within a distributed system is proposed. In a real-time environment, the proposed approach assigns emergent tasks and generates feasible schedules implementing a task allocation approach based on hormonal regulation mechanism. This approach is tested on two scheduling problems in literatures. The results from the evaluation show that the proposed approach improves the scheduling quality compared with state-of-the-art on-line and off-line approaches.
Core enterprise–suppliers stackelberg game for outsourcing orders in service-oriented manufacturing
Authors: Zhou Guanghui , Lu Qi , Xiao Zhongdong , Zhu Jiakai
Published: August 2016

This article is aiming at solving an allocation-decision problem of lot-sizing outsourcing orders between core enterprises and multiple cooperative suppliers in service-oriented manufacturing. A one-to-many cooperative stackelberg-game model which is a double-layer framework is proposed in order to obtain an optimal price and delivery time. The upper level dynamic stackelberg sub-game is designed for decision optimization problems of lot-sizing outsourcing orders between an upper level core enterprise and a lower level suppliers’ alliance. The lower level static sub-game is designed for obtaining maximum benefit of the suppliers’ alliance from lot-sizing outsourcing orders. In the game model, the leader is the core enterprise, and the follower is the suppliers’ alliance. Moreover, cost and profit are, respectively, mapping to their revenue functions. A two-level nested solution algorithm using genetic algorithm is proposed to solve the game model. Then, an equilibrium solution of this one-to-many stackelberg-game model is acquired. The analytic hierarchy process method based on contribution degree of each supplier is used for allocating profit reasonably. Finally, an example of lot-sizing outsourcing orders of gear parts validates the feasibility of the game model and its resolving algorithm. The results prove rationality of the proposed game model and correctness of the algorithm.
Effects of cutting parameters on drilling performance of carbon black–reinforced polymer composite
Authors: Uysal Alper
Published: August 2016

Polymer composite materials can be produced by reinforcing carbon black, carbon fiber, graphite, graphene, metals and metal oxides, nanotubes, and so on. These types of composite materials can be employed in applications demanding electrical conductivity besides high specific strength and stiffness properties of polymer materials. In the literature, there is a lack of knowledge on the examination of drilling of particle-reinforced composite materials. In this study, drilling of pure polypropylene and carbon black–reinforced polypropylene composite material was investigated at different drill point angles, cutting speeds, and feeds. The cutting temperature of drill point and surface roughness of holes were examined. The experimental studies were designed by L27 full-factorial design, and analysis of variance statistical method was performed. According to the results, cutting temperature increased and surface roughness decreased with the increase in the cutting speed and feed and decrease in the drill point angle.
An investigation of optimum cutting conditions in turning nodular cast iron using carbide inserts with different nose radius
Authors: Al Bahkali Essam Ali , Ragab Adham Ezzat , El Danaf Ehab Adel , Abbas Adel Taha
Published: August 2016

Ductile iron can be produced to have different properties through proper control of heat treatments and additives that is directly related to the microstructure. The nodular form of the graphite imparts beneficial characteristics for this alloy. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of main process parameters, namely, feed rate, depth of cut, cutting speed and tool node radius on the surface roughness in nodular cast iron during turning operation. The concerned cutting tools used are turning tools with carbide inserts with tool nose radius of 0.4 and 0.8 mm. Three levels of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut are investigated. Surface roughness Ra was measured for each combination of machining conditions. Design of experiment tools were implemented to develop a model that relates the process variables to the resulting surface roughness. The model revealed the individual contribution of each parameter as well as the interaction among parameters to impart a change on the surface quality. The results showed that the feed rate and tool nose radius had the major contribution and to a lesser extent comes the role of cutting speed and depth of cut for controlling surface roughness. Minimum roughness was achieved at higher cutting speed, lower feed rate and lower depth of cut for the higher nose radius. Metal removal rate, as a measure for productivity, was also calculated and multi-objective optimization was conducted to minimize Ra and maximize metal removal rate simultaneously. Optical microscopy, on the effect of nose radius for the optimum process parameters for minimum Ra, revealed that for lower nose radius there are more occasions of graphite pullouts that affected the surface quality adversely.
A study of a target identification method for an active debris removal system
Authors: Seong Jae-Dong , Kim Hae-Dong , Choi Ha-Yeon
Published: August 2016

In a preparatory study conducted prior to the development of an active space debris removal system, a method for selecting target debris based on information such as the cumulative collision probability, the operational condition of objects, and their sizes and launch dates was developed for use in the protection of four Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite constellation satellites. This method can be used to select candidate removal targets. Two-line element data are used to identify threatening objects with high cumulative collision probability. Using information in the Satellite Catalog database, objects smaller than a certain size or objects that are currently operational were excluded from the selection range. The results of an analysis of the cumulative collision probability, object size, object type, and primary mission information showed that the COSMOS 1328, COSMOS 1862, COSMOS 375, and COSMOS 1606 satellites were suitable targets for an active debris removal mission.
Esquirol’s change of view towards Pinel’s mania without delusion
Authors: Trichet Yohan , Lacroix Agnès
Published: August 2016

We recount how Jean-Étienne Dominique Esquirol (1772–1840) gradually changed his position towards what Philipe Pinel (1745–1826) referred to as mania without delusion. Between 1805 and 1838, Esquirol moved from outright rejection, questioning the very idea of insane persons committing motiveless acts of violence without delusion, to relative acceptance. He eventually incorporated the clinical characteristics of mania without delusion in his description of homicidal monomania, dividing them between reasoning monomania and instinctive monomania. We examine this change by detailing each of Esquirol’s points of disagreement, which decreased sharply between the completion of his thesis in 1805 and the publication of his chapter on homicidal monomania in 1838.
Why targeted therapies are necessary for systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Durcan L , Petri M
Published: August 2016

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) continues to have important morbidity and accelerated mortality despite therapeutic advances. Targeted therapies offer the possibility of improved efficacy with fewer side effects. Current management strategies rely heavily on nonspecific immunosuppressive agents. Prednisone, in particular, is responsible for a considerable burden of later organ damage. There are a multitude of diverse mechanisms of disease activity, immunogenic abnormalities and clinical manifestations to take into consideration in SLE. Many targeted agents with robust mechanistic preclinical data and promising early phase studies have ultimately been disappointing in phase III, randomized, controlled studies. Recent efforts have focused on B-cell therapies, in particular given the success of belimumab in clinical trials, with limited success. We remain optimistic regarding other specific therapies being evaluated, including interferon-alpha blockade. It is likely that in SLE, given the heterogeneity of the population involved, precision medicine is needed, rather than expecting that any single biologic will be universally effective.
Targeted B cell therapies in the treatment of adult and pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hui-Yuen J S , Nguyen S C , Askanase A D
Published: August 2016

Belimumab (Benlysta) is a fully-humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits B-lymphocyte stimulator (also known as B cell activating factor) and was approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration and European Medicines Evaluation Agency for treatment in adults with autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Rituximab (Rituxan) is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody targeting B lymphocytes. This review discusses the key findings of the phase III trials in adults with SLE and of real-world use of belimumab and rituximab in the care of both adult and pediatric SLE patients. It highlights the safety profile of belimumab and rituximab and gives insight into the consideration of these therapies for specific SLE disease states. It concludes with a discussion of the current clinical trials investigating B cell therapies in specific SLE disease states and a look to the future, with ongoing clinical trials.
U.S. Food System Working Conditions as an Issue of Food Safety
Authors: Clayton Megan L. , Smith Katherine C. , Pollack Keshia M. , Neff Roni A. , Rutkow Lainie
Published: August 2016

Food workers’ health and hygiene are common pathways to foodborne disease outbreaks. Improving food system jobs is important to food safety because working conditions impact workers’ health, hygiene, and safe food handling. Stakeholders from key industries have advanced working conditions as an issue of public safety in the United States. Yet, for the food industry, stakeholder engagement with this topic is seemingly limited. To understand this lack of action, we interviewed key informants from organizations recognized for their agenda-setting role on food-worker issues. Findings suggest that participants recognize the work standards/food safety connection, yet perceived barriers limit adoption of a food safety frame, including more pressing priorities (e.g., occupational safety); poor fit with organizational strategies and mission; and questionable utility, including potential negative consequences. Using these findings, we consider how public health advocates may connect food working conditions to food and public safety and elevate it to the public policy agenda.
Effect of Clinical Pharmacist Intervention on Hemoglobin A1C Reduction in Veteran Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in a Rural Setting
Authors: Sullivan Joshua , Jett Bryan Paul , Cradick Mary , Zuber Jeffrey
Published: August 2016

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), if left uncontrolled, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Patients in rural areas may not have access to adequate resources to successfully treat diabetes. Clinical pharmacists may be utilized to bridge this gap. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a clinical pharmacist on glycemic control in veterans with T2DM enrolled in a rural, outpatient clinic. Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed on veterans with T2DM referred to the pharmacist-managed therapeutic monitoring clinic at a community-based outpatient clinic located in rural Jackson, TN. Patients served as their own controls. Patients with hemoglobin A1C (A1C) ≥8% were included. The primary outcome was A1C change from baseline in patients managed by the clinical pharmacist. Secondary end points included blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. Results: Of 111 veterans identified as having a A1C ≥8% in the pharmacist-managed clinic, 86 met inclusion criteria. At baseline, mean ± SD A1C was 10.5% ± 2.0% (range = 8.7%-16.2%). By the end of the intervention period, mean A1C had decreased by 2.8 percentage points to 7.7% ± 1.4% ( P < 0.001). At the end of the intervention, 34% (n = 29) had a A1C of <7%, 40% (n = 34) between 7% and 7.9%, and only 6% (n = 5) >10% ( P < 0.001). Improvements in diastolic blood pressure ( P = 0.001), total cholesterol ( P = 0.001), and triglyceride levels ( P = 0.036) were also statistically significant when baseline and intervention period values were compared. Conclusion: Pharmacist interventions at a rural, outpatient clinic had a statistically significant impact on A1C reduction in veterans with T2DM.
The WiseGuyz Program: Sexual Health Education as a Pathway to Supporting Changes in Endorsement of Traditional Masculinity Ideologies
Authors: Claussen Caroline
Published: August 2016

Given the growing interest in the impacts of gender ideology on adolescent boys’ well-being, there is a call for programs to support the development of healthy and positive constructs of masculinity. The WiseGuyz program at the Calgary Sexual Health Centre is a sexual health and healthy relationship program addressing the need for interventions that promote positive and healthy constructs of masculinity identified in the literature. Using the Male Role Norms Inventory Scale–Adolescent–revised (MRNI-A-r) standardized scale and focus groups, data were gathered from 52 adolescent boys enrolled in the WiseGuyz program. Results suggest that participation in the WiseGuyz program lessens boys’ endorsement of traditional masculinity ideologies, as indicated by changes in the MRNI-A-r and focus group data.