bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid heroes and graphic posthumanity: Comics as a media technology for critical posthumanism
Authors: Kelp-Stebbins Katherine
Published: February 2013

Critical posthumanism analyses tensions within traditional accounts of human ontology and epistemology. The modes by which we recognize humanity are often founded on hierarchical binaries of self and other. These binaries concomitantly inflect disciplinary boundaries of humanities scholarship.
While recent advances in biotechnology have destabilized the boundaries of the human subject, the humanities appear ossified in their categories of human forms. How can work in the humanities reflect ‘the crisis in humanism’, while offering different optics for engaging the posthuman
world? Comics provide an ideal media technology for posthuman knowledge production. The knowledge that each panel of a comic produces is contingent upon non-linear navigation between text and image and panel presentation. Panels and gutters operate as an assemblage, in networks of patterns,
resonances and repetitions. Jeff Lemire’s Sweet Tooth (2009–present) mobilizes hybrid modes of knowledge production around an additional hybridity: the hybrid human/non-human protagonist. In compelling the reader to identify with an inhuman subject, this work exploits the dynamic
tension of the form and renders tensions within humanity itself graphically explicit.
CONFERENCES/EXHIBITIONS REVIEWS
Authors: Dawe Ian , Round Julia
Published: February 2013

Comics Rock: A review of The Third International Comics Conference, Bournemouth, 28–29 June 2012

Comic Arts Conference, Comic-Con International, San Diego, CA, 13–17 July 2012
Zum Verkauf der Stralsunder Gymnasialbibliothek
Authors: Schlechter Armin
Published: February 2013

Der von der Stadt Stralsund im Juni 2012 beschlossene Verkauf der bis dahin im Archiv aufbewahrten, historischen Gymnasialbibliothek an einen Antiquar hat zu großen Protesten geführt. Die Stadt hat nach der Einschaltung von Gutachtern den Verkauf rückabgewickelt, so dass der größte Teil der Sammlung, die aufgrund mangelnder moderner Erschließung nicht benutzt werden konnte, gerettet wurde. Im gleichen Zusammenhang wurde die Stadt auf den katastrophalen
Erhaltungszustand der Bestände des Stadtarchivs aufmerksam.
Assessing Psychological Violence and Harassment at Work: Reliability and Validity of the Japanese Version of the Inventory of Violence and Psychological Harassment (IVAPT) Comparing NAQ‐R and LIPT
Authors: Moreno Manuel Pando , Beltrán Carolina Aranda , Tsuno Kanami , Inoue Akiomi , Kawakami Norito
Published: February 2013

Assessing Psychological Violence and Harassment at Work: Reliability and Validity of the Japanese Version of the Inventory of Violence and Psychological Harassment (IVAPT) Comparing NAQ‐R and LIPT: Manuel PANDO MORENO, et al. Institute of Research on Occupational Health, University of Guadalajara, Mexico—

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Inventory of Violence and Psychological Harassment (IVAPT) (Pando, 2006), a 22‐item measure of psychological harassment at work and presence and intensity of psychological violence widely used in Latin American countries.

Methods

The IVAPT was translated into Japanese, and the translation was amended through a small pretest and a back‐translation and finalized. A total of 1,810 out of 4,072 civil servants completed a questionnaire including the IVAPT.

Results

Cronbach's alpha of the scale was 0.97 for psychological violence and 0.94 for psychological harassment at work. An exploratory factor analysis showed that the first factor explained 64.5% of the total variance. Data did not well fit to previously reported one‐or three‐factor structures. Psychological violence and harassment at work were more frequent among older respondents. Intensity of psychological violence was well concordant with other scales of workplace bullying, i.e., Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terrorization (LIPT) and Negative Acts Questionnaire‐Revised (NAQ‐R), and psychological harassment at work was well concordant with the NAQ‐R.

Conclusions

The Japanese version of the IVAPT showed high internal consistency reliability. While the first factor explained a large proportion of the variance, the IVAPT seems to have a unique factor structure in the Japanese sample. Concurrent validity of the IVAPT was supported by the comparison with the other scales.
A Growth Model of Stress Voids in Integrated Circuit Metallization
Authors: Kordic S. , Collart E.J.H.
Published: February 2013

Stress voiding is caused by the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients of the metallization lines and the surrounding passivation. Volumes of individual stress voids are measured as a function of stress time at 200°C, 180°C, and 150°C in 1-μm-wide AlCu(1%wt) integrated circuit metallization lines. The time needed for void growth to saturate, and the total void volume depend on the stress temperature. If the void growth is regarded as an isothermal phase transformation in which voids are formed as precipitates at the void nucleation sites, the void volume growth is accurately described by the Avrami equation. Depending on the temperature, the time power n ranges between 0.5 and 1.5. First principle calculations are in excellent agreement with the measurements. The impact of the above results on electromigration testing is discussed.
Influence of Voed Geometry on Electromigration Failure in Via-Line Structures
Authors: Miner B. , Sriram T. S. , Pelillo A. , Bill S. A.
Published: February 2013

We present in this work a series of detailed failure analyses of via-line structures to correlate void geometry and resistance behavior during accelerated electromigration testing. We find that while the void volume is dependent only on the time under stress, the resistance change is affected very strongly by void geometry and location. The primary effect of void location and geometry is to determine the availability of alternate current paths and how soon during the test these come into effect. The microstructure and crystallography of the connecting Al lines appears to play a secondary role in determining which samples fail early. The processing of small geometry vias can lead to high resistance interfaces between the via and underlying metal which can lead to large variations in electromigration lifetime depending on void geometry and location.
Relationship Between Structure and Electromigration Characteristics of Pure Aluminum Films
Authors: Field David P. , Kononenko Oleg V. , Matveev Victor N.
Published: February 2013

Aluminum films were deposited from a high purity aluminum source by the self-ion assisted technique onto oxidized silicon wafers with TiN sub-layers. The ions were accelerated toward the substrate by potentials of 0, 3 and 6 kV. The films were patterned into strips 670 μm long and 8 μm wide using photo-lithographic procedures and wet etching. Average drift velocities were measured in the films tested under electromigration conditions. Electromigration activation energy was obtained for the films. It was found that electromigration activation energy increased with the acceleration potential. The strength of the (111) fiber texture, however, decreased with the acceleration potential. Therefore, the weaker textures resulted in higher electromigration activation energies. These results can be explained in terms of grain boundary structure, which controls electromigration behavior. By using orientation imaging microscopy to characterize the structures, it was shown that the weaker textured specimens contained a high fraction of low angle and low diffusivity grain boundaries.
In-Situ Tem-Investigation of Stress- and Electromigration- Induced Void Formation and Growth in Passivated Al-Interconnects
Authors: Heinen Dirk , Schroeder Herbert
Published: February 2013

In-situ TEM observations on void formation and growth have been performed in passivated Al-lines in order to collect detailed microstructural data such as void number density, void size distribution, and growth rates as a basis for modelling stress relaxation and electromigration (EM) effects.

The samples were 0.5mm long lines of 200nm thick Al with different widths (0.8, 1.6 and 2.4μm) passivated with 200μm thick SiNx. Additional experimental parameters were average grain size (0.5μm to more than 3μm, i.e. nearly perfect bamboo structure in the lines), relaxation time (0.1 to 20h) and temperature (20 – 300°C) and electromigration current density (without current up to ∼2MA/cm2).

Measurements without current reveal that stress induced voids

– develop after a temperature step of 50°C during cooling from 450°C and above. Upon heating from RT they start shrinking at 150°C and disappear completely at 350°C.

– decrease in number and total relative volume but have constant mean void size with increasing number n of temperature cycles (n < 4)

– show a strong dependence of their total relative volume on the microstructure (grain size, bamboo structure) which is strongly dependent on the anealing temperature for T ≥450° C.

– show growth rates during isothermal annealing which are very dependent on relaxation time and temperature.

Additional measurement with an applied electrical current, i.e. during an EM-test, show that nearly all the preexisting stress-induced voids

– change their shapes and positions. This is dependent on electrical current density and time. Their frequently observed motion along the line (against the electron wind) was not neccessarily stopped by so-called blocking grains, i.e. grains without boundaries parallel to the line.

– slightly change their total number but nearly maintain their total relative volume which is independent of current density or time.

The collected statistical microstructural data are in good agreement with macroscopic stress relaxation results by wafer curvature and X-ray diffraction and recent in-situ stress measurement during an EM-test.
The Effect of Cu Concentration and Distribution on the Lifetimes of Submicron, Bamboo Al(Cu) Runners
Authors: Theiss Silva K. , Prybyla J. A. , Marcus M. A.
Published: February 2013

We have studied the effect of Cu concentration and initial distribution on the electromigration lifetimes of 0.3 – 0.8 μm wide, ≥ 99% bamboo Al interconnects. The mechanism by which Cu reduces electromigration in polygranular interconnects may not be important in bamboo interconnects, so it is not possible to predict whether Cu will have a positive or negative effect in this case. Samples containing 0.0, 0.5, and 0.9 wt. % Cu were tested at 225° and 2×106 A/cm2. For the Cu-containing samples, two different initial Cu distributions were tested: one in which the Cu was quenched into supersaturated solution within the Al grains (no precipitates) and another with many small, closely-spaced Al2Cu precipitates. We find that Cu still improves the mean time to fail of bamboo lines, although not as dramatically as in polygranular lines. More importantly, it significantly decreases the standard deviation in failure time, thus increasing the time to the first failure. Unlike in polygranular lines, increasing the Cu concentration from 0.5 to 0.9 wt. % has little effect on lifetime, and deliberately forming Cu precipitates prior to electromigration stressing reduces lifetimes. The best performance for submicron, highly bamboo runners was obtained from Al(0.5 wt. % Cu) with no precipitates prior to electromigration stressing.
Dependence of Strain and Plasticity During Thermal Cycling of Different Aluminum Metallization on Alloy Composition, Passivation Material and Passivation Geometry
Authors: Nielen Heiko , Göbel Herbert , Eppler Ingo , Schroeder Herbert , Schilling Werner
Published: February 2013

Stress-induced voiding and shear plasticity of passivated metal lines during thermal cycling should be dependent on various properties of both, metallization and passivation, such as geometry and elastic constants and on the flow stress of the metal lines. Therefore we performed strain measurements on passivated lines of various aluminum-alloys with different passivation materials by x-ray diffraction during thermal cycling between RT and 420°C.

As samples we used an array of 1μm wide and 0.8μm thick parallel lines, 1μm apart. As metallization sputter deposited Al, AlCu(0.5wt%), AlCu(1.0wt%), and AlSi(1.0wt%)Cu(0.5wt%) on a Ti/TiN diffusion barrier were used and passivated with different combinations of silicon-oxide/silicon-nitride and different geometries. To account for the interaction metal-passivation FEM calculations have been performed and the formalism of “eigenstrains” has been used to evaluate the voiding and shear plasticity separately.

First results show a significant dependence of the strain on the passivating temperature (higher passivating temperature induces higher strain at RT) as well as on the passivation material and geometry. Plastic shear deformation is mostly influenced by the passivation geometry. Passivation composition shows smaller but also visible effects for plasticity whereas alloy composition seems to have no influence on any measured elastic and calculated plastic behavior of the metal lines within the errors.
Influence of initial curing temperature on the long-term strength of concrete
Authors: Zhang Runxiao , Shi Nannan , Huang Dahai
Published: February 2013

The growth of concrete strength is markedly influenced by curing temperature and age. In this paper, the reason why final strength difference occurs between concrete cured under various isothermal temperatures is analysed from a microreaction mechanism angle. Based on an available long-term strength predicting model, a modified model is proposed that could quantify the initial temperature's impact on the long-term and limiting strength. Moreover, experimental data available in the literature are collected and utilised to regress and confirm the parameter value in this new model. The results of analysis for the model indicate that the initial 4 h temperature determines concrete's final strength if neglecting other non-temperature factors.
Modeling spatial decisions with graph theory: logging roads and forest fragmentation in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Walker Robert , Arima Eugenio , Messina Joe , Soares-Filho Britaldo , Perz Stephen , Vergara Dante , Sales Marcio , Pereira Ritaumaria , Castro Williams
Published: February 2013

This article addresses the spatial decision‐making of loggers and implications for forest fragmentation in the Amazon basin. It provides a behavioral explanation for fragmentation by modeling how loggers build road networks, typically abandoned upon removal of hardwoods. Logging road networks provide access to land, and the settlers who take advantage of them clear fields and pastures that accentuate their spatial signatures. In shaping agricultural activities, these networks organize emergent patterns of forest fragmentation, even though the loggers move elsewhere. The goal of the article is to explicate how loggers shape their road networks, in order to theoretically explain an important type of forest fragmentation found in the Amazon basin, particularly in Brazil. This is accomplished by adapting graph theory to represent the spatial decision‐making of loggers, and by implementing computational algorithms that build graphs interpretable as logging road networks. The economic behavior of loggers is conceptualized as a profit maximization problem, and translated into spatial decision‐making by establishing a formal correspondence between mathematical graphs and road networks. New computational approaches, adapted from operations research, are used to construct graphs and simulate spatial decision‐making as a function of discount rates, land tenure, and topographic constraints. The algorithms employed bracket a range of behavioral settings appropriate for areas ofterras devolutas, public lands that have not been set aside for environmental protection, indigenous peoples, or colonization. The simulation target sites are located in or near so‐calledTerra do Meio, once a major logging frontier in the lower Amazon Basin. Simulation networks are compared to empirical ones identified by remote sensing and then used to draw inferences about factors influencing the spatial behavior of loggers. Results overall suggest that Amazonia's logging road networks induce more fragmentation than necessary to access fixed quantities of wood. The paper concludes by considering implications of the approach and findings for Brazil's move to a system of concession logging.
The Geography of Violence, Alcohol Outlets, and Drug Arrests in Boston
Authors: Lipton Robert , Yang Xiaowen , A. Braga Anthony , Goldstick Jason , Newton Manya , Rura Melissa
Published: February 2013

Objectives. We examined the relationship between alcohol outlets, drug markets (approximated by arrests for possession and trafficking), and violence in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2006. We analyzed geographic and environmental versus individual factors related to violence and identified areas high in violent crime.

Methods. We used data from the Boston Police Department, US Census, and Massachusetts State Alcohol Beverage Control Commission. Spatial modeling was employed at the block group level, and violent crime, alcohol outlets, and drug markets were mapped.

Results. Relative to other block groups, block groups in the highest decile of violent crime (n = 55) were found to be poorer (e.g., lower incomes, higher percentages of vacant homes), and they had greater numbers of alcohol outlets and higher drug arrest rates. Alcohol outlets and drug possession and trafficking arrests were predictive of violent crime. Also, spatial effects resulting from neighboring block groups were related to violent crime. Both alcohol outlet density and type were associated with violent crime in a differentiated and complex way.

Conclusions. With drug possession and trafficking arrests as a proxy for drug markets, spatial relationships between alcohol outlets and violence were found in addition to typical sociodemographic predictors.
Indoor Air Pollution in Developing Countries: Research and Implementation Needs for Improvements in Global Public Health
Authors: Gall Elliott T. , Carter Ellison M. , Matt Earnest C. , Stephens Brent
Published: February 2013

Exposure to indoor air pollution (IAP) from the burning of solid fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting accounts for a significant portion of the global burden of death and disease, and disproportionately affects women and children in developing regions. Clean cookstove campaigns recently received more attention and investment, but their successes might hinge on greater integration of the public health community with a variety of other disciplines. To help guide public health research in alleviating this important global environmental health burden, we synthesized previous research on IAP in developing countries, summarized successes and challenges of previous cookstove implementation programs, and provided key research and implementation needs from structured discussions at a recent symposium.
The Neighborhood Context of Homelessness
Authors: Alexander-Eitzman Ben , Pollio David E. , North Carol S.
Published: February 2013

Objectives. We examined and compared the changing neighborhood characteristics of a group of homeless adults over time.

Methods. We collected the addresses of previous housing and sleep locations from a longitudinal study of 400 homeless adults in the St. Louis, Missouri, region and compared census measures of housing and economic opportunities at different points along individual pathways from housing to homelessness and at 1- and 2-year follow-up interviews.

Results. Sleep locations of homeless adults were much more concentrated in the urban core at baseline than were their previous housed and follow-up locations. These core areas had higher poverty, unemployment, and rent-to-income ratios and lower median incomes.

Conclusions. The spatial concentration of homeless adults in areas with fewer opportunities and more economic and housing distress may present additional barriers to regaining stable housing and employment. A big-picture spatial and time-course viewpoint is critical for both policymakers and future homelessness researchers.
Improving the Environmental Quality Component of the County Health Rankings Model
Authors: Hendryx Michael , Ahern Melissa M. , Zullig Keith J.
Published: February 2013

Objectives. We examined the association between environmental quality measures and health outcomes by using the County Health Rankings data, and tested whether a revised environmental quality measure for 1 state could improve the models.

Methods. We conducted state-by-state, county-level linear regression analyses to determine how often the model’s 4 health determinants (social and economic factors, health behaviors, clinical care, and physical environment) were associated with mortality and morbidity outcomes. We then developed a revised measure of environmental quality for West Virginia, and tested whether the revised measure was superior to the original measure.

Results. Measures of social and economic conditions, and health behaviors, were related to health outcomes in 58% to 88% of state models; measures of environmental quality were related to outcomes in 0% to 8% of models. In West Virginia, the original measure of environmental quality was unrelated to any of the 8 health outcome measures, but the revised measure was significantly related to all 8.

Conclusions. The County Health Rankings model underestimates the impact of the physical environment on public health outcomes. Suggestions for other data sources that may contribute to improved measurement of the physical environment are provided.
The Mass Campaign to Eradicate Ringworm Among the Jewish Community in Eastern Europe, 1921–1938
Authors: Shvarts Shifra , Romem Pnina , Romem Yitzhak , Shani Mordechai
Published: February 2013

Between the years 1921 and 1938, 27 600 children were irradiated during a mass campaign to eradicate ringworm among the Jewish community in East Europe. The ringworm campaign was the initiative of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee together with the Jewish health maintenance organization OZE (The Society for the Protection of Jewish Health). We describe this campaign that used x-rays to eradicate ringworm and its mission to enhance public health among Jewish communities in Eastern Europe during the period between the world wars. We discuss the concepts behind the campaign, the primary health agents that participated in it, and the latent medical ramifications that were found among children treated for ringworm, many years after treatment—pathologies that can be linked to the irradiation they received as children. Our research is based on historical archival materials in the United States, Europe, and Israel.
Association of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality and Hospitalization Among Hurricane Katrina Survivors With End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Edmondson Donald , Gamboa Christopher , Cohen Andrew , Anderson Amanda H. , Kutner Nancy , Kronish Ian , Mills Mary A. , Muntner Paul
Published: February 2013

Objectives. We determined the association of psychiatric symptoms in the year after Hurricane Katrina with subsequent hospitalization and mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.

Methods. A prospective cohort of ESRD patients (n = 391) treated at 9 hemodialysis centers in the New Orleans, Louisiana, area in the weeks before Hurricane Katrina were assessed for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms via telephone interview 9 to 15 months later. Two combined outcomes through August 2009 (maximum 3.5-year follow-up) were analyzed: (1) all-cause and (2) cardiovascular-related hospitalization and mortality.

Results. Twenty-four percent of participants screened positive for PTSD and 46% for depression; 158 participants died (79 cardiovascular deaths), and 280 participants were hospitalized (167 for cardiovascular-related causes). Positive depression screening was associated with 33% higher risk of all-cause (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06, 1.66) and cardiovascular-related hospitalization and mortality (HR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.76). PTSD was not significantly associated with either outcome.

Conclusions. Depression in the year after Hurricane Katrina was associated with increased risk of hospitalization and mortality in ESRD patients, underscoring the long-term consequences of natural disasters for vulnerable populations.
The Statin–Iron Nexus: Anti-Inflammatory Intervention for Arterial Disease Prevention
Authors: Zacharski Leo R. , DePalma Ralph G. , Shamayeva Galina , Chow Bruce K.
Published: February 2013

Objectives. We postulated the existence of a statin–iron nexus by which statins improve cardiovascular disease outcomes at least partially by countering proinflammatory effects of excess iron stores.

Methods. Using data from a clinical trial of iron (ferritin) reduction in advanced peripheral arterial disease, the Iron and Atherosclerosis Study, we compared effects of ferritin levels versus high-density lipoprotein to low-density lipoprotein ratios (both were randomization variables) on clinical outcomes in participants receiving and not receiving statins.

Results. Statins increased high-density lipoprotein to low-density lipoprotein ratios and reduced ferritin levels by noninteracting mechanisms. Improved clinical outcomes were associated with lower ferritin levels but not with improved lipid status.

Conclusions. There are commonalities between the clinical benefits of statins and the maintenance of physiologic iron levels. Iron reduction may be a safe and low-cost alternative to statins.
Neighborhood Social Capital, Neighborhood Attachment, and Dental Care Use for Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey Adults
Authors: Chi Donald L. , Carpiano Richard M.
Published: February 2013

Objectives. We tested the hypothesis that neighborhood-level social capital and individual-level neighborhood attachment are positively associated with adult dental care use.

Methods. We analyzed data from the 2000–2001 Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey that were linked to US Census Bureau data from 2000 (n = 1800 adults aged 18–64 years across 65 neighborhoods). We used 2-level hierarchical logistic regression models to estimate the odds of dental use associated with each of 4 forms of social capital and neighborhood attachment.

Results. After adjusting for confounders, the odds of dental use were significantly associated with only 1 form of social capital: social support (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.72, 0.99). Individual-level neighborhood attachment was positively associated with dental care use (AOR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.10).

Conclusions. Contrary to our hypothesis, adults in neighborhoods with higher levels of social capital, particularly social support, were significantly less likely to use dental care. Future research should identify the oral health–related attitudes, beliefs, norms, and practices in neighborhoods and other behavioral and cultural factors that moderate and mediate the relationship between social capital and dental care use.
Ethnicity and Postmigration Health Trajectory in New Immigrants to Canada
Authors: Kim Il-Ho , Carrasco Christine , Muntaner Carles , McKenzie Kwame , Noh Samuel
Published: February 2013

Objectives. In this prospective cohort study, we examined the trajectory of general health during the first 4 years after new immigrants’ arrival in Canada. We focused on the change in self-rated health trajectories and their gender and ethnic disparities.

Methods. Data were derived from the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada and were collected between April 2001 and November 2005 by Statistics Canada. We used weighted samples of 3309 men and 3351 women aged between 20 and 59 years.

Results. At arrival, only 3.5% of new immigrants rated their general health as poor. Significant and steady increases in poor health were revealed during the following 4 years, especially among ethnic minorities and women. Specifically, we found a higher risk of poor health among West Asian and Chinese men and among South Asian and Chinese women than among their European counterparts.

Conclusions. Newly arrived immigrants are extremely healthy, but the health advantage dissipates rapidly during the initial years of settlement in Canada. Women and minority ethnic groups may be more vulnerable to social changes and postmigration settlement.
The Provision of Comprehensive Reproductive Health Services in Los Angeles: A Physician’s Perspective
Authors: Natavio Melissa F.
Published: February 2013

There are very few legal restrictions to obtaining an abortion in the state of California.

However, women who reside in the highly populated and diverse county of Los Angeles may face barriers to obtaining comprehensive reproductive health services. In particular, women may face linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic barriers, among others, that contribute to disparities in reproductive health and to access to safe abortion.

In the era of health care reform, opportunities to address these health disparities exist, but access to abortion remains a challenge.
Longitudinal Effects of Universal Preventive Intervention on Prescription Drug Misuse: Three Randomized Controlled Trials With Late Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Spoth Richard , Trudeau Linda , Shin Chungyeol , Ralston Ekaterina , Redmond Cleve , Greenberg Mark , Feinberg Mark
Published: February 2013

Objectives. We examined long-term prescription drug misuse outcomes in 3 randomized controlled trials evaluating brief universal preventive interventions conducted during middle school.

Methods. In 3 studies, we tested the Iowa Strengthening Families Program (ISFP); evaluated a revised ISFP, the Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10–14 plus the school-based Life Skills Training (SFP 10–14 + LST); and examined the SFP 10–14 plus 1 of 3 school-based interventions. Self-reported outcomes were prescription opioid misuse (POM) and lifetime prescription drug misuse overall (PDMO).

Results. In study 1, ISFP showed significant effects on POM and PDMO, relative reduction rates (RRRs; age 25 years) of 65%, and comparable benefits for higher- and lower-risk subgroups. In study 2, SFP 10–14 + LST showed significant or marginally significant effects on POM and PDMO across all ages (21, 22, and 25 years); higher-risk participants showed stronger effects (RRRs = 32%–79%). In study 3, we found significant results for POM and PDMO (12th grade RRRs = 20%–21%); higher-risk and lower-risk participants showed comparable outcomes.

Conclusions. Brief universal interventions have potential for public health impact by reducing prescription drug misuse among adolescents and young adults.
Comparative Efficacy and Safety Study of Two Chondroitin Sulfate Preparations from Different Origin (Avian and Bovine) in Symptomatic Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Authors: Fardellone Patrice , Zaim Mohammed , Saurel Anne-Sophie , Maheu Emmanuel
Published: February 2013

Introduction:

Some argued that clinical efficacy of Chondroitin Sulfate (CS) could vary upon the product origin. The objective of this trial is to compare the effect of 2 CS medicinal products from different origin: Structum® (avian, 1000mg/day) and Chondrosulf® (bovine, 1200mg/day).

Methods:

This was a randomized, double-blind, double placebo, active-controlled, parallel-group study using a non-inferiority design. Symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee patients, according to American College of Rheumatology criteria, aged 50-80 years received either Structum® (500mg BID) or Chondrosulf® (400mg TID) during 24 weeks. Inclusion criteria were: global pain in the target knee ≥ 40mm on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS 0-100), a Lequesne’s Algofunctional Index (LFI) score ≥ 7 (range: 0-24) and a radiological Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3. Primary outcome was the mean change over 24 weeks of pain VAS and LFI score. Secondary outcomes were patient’s and physician’s global assessments, Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials and Osteoarthritis Research Society International responders rate, analgesics intake and Medical Outcomes Survey Short-Form 12 (SF-12). Safety was assessed by recording adverse events. A non-inferiority test was performed on the Structum®-Chondrosulf® difference for VAS and LFI score changes. Predefined non inferiority limit was settled as the lower limit of the 95% CI above -5mm and -1pt for pain VAS and LFI score respectively.

Results:

837 patients were randomized: 817 available for the full analysis dataset (FAS), 692 for the per protocol (PP) analysis. No statistical and clinical differences were observed for demographics and disease characteristics between the 2 groups. PP analysis showed no difference between groups on mean variations of pain VAS or LFI scores over 24 weeks. Mean Pain VAS decreased by 23.9mm (17.5) in Structum® group and 23.8mm (17.2) in Chondrosulf® group (difference: 0.012 [CI95%: -2.6 ; 2.6]). Mean LFI score decreased by 3.2 (2.4) and 3.1 (2.4) respectively (difference: 0.139 [CI95%: -0.2 ; 0.5]). The lower limits of the 2 CI were above predefined non inferiority margin, which demonstrated the non inferiority of Structum® in comparison with Chondrosulf®. FAS analysis gave similar results. Secondary efficacy outcomes analysis showed the same trends. Responders rate were 76.3% and 73.8% respectively (PP, W24). Treatments were well tolerated: 2.4% in Structum® group and 4.5% in Chondrosulf® group withdrew from the study for safety reasons.

Conclusion:

Structum® and Chondrosulf® were equally effective in reducing functional impairment and relieving pain over 6 months in knee osteoarthritis patients, without any safety concerns.

Trial Registration:

http://www.controlled-trials.com Number: ISRCTN04305346.
The Benefits of Conservative Accounting to Shareholders: Evidence from the Financial Crisis
Authors: Francis Bill , Hasan Iftekhar , Wu Qiang
Published: February 2013

SYNOPSIS

Using the recent financial crisis as a natural quasi-experiment we test whether, and to what extent, conservative accounting affects shareholder value. We find that there is a significantly positive and economically meaningful relation between conservatism and firm stock performance during the current crisis. The result holds for alternative measures of conservatism and is validated in a series of robustness checks. We further find that the relation between conservatism and firm value is more pronounced for firms with weaker corporate governance or higher information asymmetry. Overall, our paper complements LaFond and Watts (2008) by providing empirical evidence to their argument that conservatism is an efficient governance mechanism to mitigate information risk and control for agency problems, and that shareholders benefit from it.

JEL Classifications: M41; M48; G01.
Connections between connected topological spaces on the set of positive integers
Authors: Szczuka Paulina
Published: February 2013

In this paper we introduce a connected topology T on the set ℕ of positive integers whose base consists of all arithmetic progressions connected in Golomb’s topology. It turns out that all arithmetic progressions which are connected in the topology T form a basis for Golomb’s topology. Further we examine connectedness of arithmetic progressions in the division topology T′ on ℕ which was defined by Rizza in 1993. Immediate consequences of these studies are results concerning local connectedness of the topological spaces (ℕ, T) and (ℕ, T′).
Analysis of the retention capacity of green roofs
Authors: Burszta-Adamiak Ewa
Published: February 2013

Green roofs are one of the modern solutions used to achieve sustainable stormwater management in urban areas. These structures are still more often designed for newly constructed buildings in Poland, based on the observations of changes in urban areas that result in the increased sealing of soil surface and thus in the limitation of natural stormwater infiltration and retention sites. In spite of a growing interest in green roofs, the data related to their retention capacity in Polish conditions is still insufficient.

This study presents the results of the author’s tests, conducted in the years 2009-2010 on experimental sites located on the roof of the Science and Education Centre building of the University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wrocław. The aim of these tests was to determine the retention capabilities of green roofs and the runoff delay and peak runoff reduction during rainfall events recorded in local conditions.

The results show that green roofs can play a significant role in the reduction of total outflow volume of stormwater falling on their surface. Multi-layered structure of green roofs contribute also to a slowdown in the outflow of stormwater and to reduction in the peak runoff volume in comparison to the maximum recorded intensity of rainfall. Mean retention for 153 analysed rainfall events amounted from 82.5% to 85.7% for green roofs. In the case of rain events up to 1 mm a day, the retention for green roofs reached nearly 100%.
Assessment of water physico-chemical characteristics and statistical evaluation of Narmada Estuarine Region, Gujarat, India
Authors: Nirmal Kumar Isaiah J. , Basil George , Nirmal Kumar Rita , Sajish Poliyaparambil Ravi , Shailendra Viyol
Published: February 2013

Investigations on physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen), including dissolved nutrients (PO4-P, NO3-N, SiO4-Si) and chlorophyll-a were carried out in the water off the mouth of the Narmada estuary from July 2008 to June 2009. The multivariate statistics and principal component analysis applied to the datasets, indicated two factors during the whole study period influencing variability in the water to the extent of 72%. Principal axis factoring and alpha factoring have been used to observe the mode of association of parameters and their interrelationships, for evaluating water quality. The results indicated the addition of phosphates and silicates to the coastal water by the Narmada estuary from natural sources during study period. The study indicated that the Narmada estuary adds sufficiently well-oxygenated, nutrient-rich water to the coastal region.
Reliability and risk analysis of trainer/Analiza niezawodności i ryzyka samolotu szkoleniowego
Authors: Woch Marta , Matyjewski Marek
Published: February 2013

Exploitation of aircraft can be associated with risk of sustaining air accidents.
The risk reduction is possible as a result of an analysis, portraying the most dangerous
incidents and undesired events. In this paper the reliability based on events that occurred
during the current exploitation of trainers variant PZL-130 Orlik TC-I and PZL-130 Orlik
TC-II was determined. From among all the events, ones characterized by the greatest
likelihood of occurrence were selected. The probability of occurrence and the average time
to undesired event were calculated. Then, a graph showing the most likely categories of
results of undesired events that may occur during one fly was developed. The graph
allowed for determining events associated with the highest risk of accident occurrence.
Lower incidence of these events, or limitation of their consequences decrease the risk
associated with the Exploitation of trainers PZL-130 Orlik TC-I and PZL-130 Orlik TC-II.
The vast, heterogeneous distributed network simulation program - testing and training environment for the command and control systems/Program rzległej, heterogenicznej rozproszonej sieci symulacyjnej – środowisko testowe i treningowe dla zautomatyzowanych systemów dowodzenia
Authors: Bryła Grzegorz , Sulkowski Jarosław
Published: February 2013

The article describes proposal to create a vast, heterogeneous,
distributed simulation network dedicated to the needs for the Polish Armed Forces,
the Research & Development Institutes and companies carrying out research and
development projects for defense and security. The authors described possibility to
utilize proposed network to implement computer-aided exercise at all levels of
command: from tactical to strategic level. In addition, it is described the possibility
of using the network for research development projects for the defense and
security, through the implementation of tests to verify the integration of new
solutions with existing systems and experimenting with innovative products.
Improvement the systems of exploitation machine/Doskonalenie strategii utrzymania zdatności maszyn
Authors: Żółtowski Bogdan , Żółtowski Mariusz
Published: February 2013

It this work was talked over chosen and the new problems of exploitation
of folded machine engines, helped with methods of technical diagnostics and
monitoring the state. This concerns more and more often: the questions perfecting
the effectiveness of methods of diagnosing, systems of preventive exchanges, new
solutions of software on stage co-ordinating the decision (one - and the multi -
dimension), as and the dedicated systems of diagnosing in engineering of
diagnostics. Introduced problems of this study finds in processes of destruction of
machine engines his reason, concurrent every machine engine near at hand after
her producing, until to liquidation. The be shaping the costs of exploitation of
machine engines and the possibilities of applying of well-known strategies of
exploitation differentiate in this area the variety of organizational workings. The
developing technical diagnostics gives to rational exploitation of machine engines
the basis in newly created or the perfected diagnostic systems of exploitation.
An economic aspect of shaping reliability and safety of the ‘pilot-aircraft’ system/Ekonomiczny aspekt kształtowania niezawodności i bezpieczeństwa systemu „pilot – statek powietrzny”
Authors: Zieja Mariusz , Zieja Mirosław
Published: February 2013

An economic factor is what should be given careful consideration throughout the
aircraft service process. This is what significantly adds to the question of aircraft utility
value. Any aircraft of even exceptionally good engineering properties may show rather
poor utility value if it proves extremely expensive while in operation. If significance of
economic issues throughout the process of operating military aircraft remains
underestimated, it may straightforward lead to false if not disastrous solutions. Rational
decisions on increasing expenditures on improvement in the operational use of military
aircraft are expected to result in: substantial increase in operational readiness of aircraft,
significant increase in aircraft reliability, increase in the ratio of effectiveness for the
operational use of aircraft. Any increase in the above-mentioned fundamental rates of
aircraft operation will provide some rise in the level of safety for the aircrew.
Swimming and Aquatic Activities: State of the Art
Authors: Escalante Yolanda , Saavedra Jose
Published: February 2013

Swimming and Aquatic Activities: State of the Art
Analysis on the Time and Frequency Domains of the Acceleration in Front Crawl Stroke
Authors: Gil Joaquín , Moreno Luis-Millán , Mahiques Juan , Muñoz Víctor
Published: February 2013

Analysis on the Time and Frequency Domains of the Acceleration in Front Crawl Stroke

The swimming involves accelerations and decelerations in the swimmer's body. Thus, the main objective of this study is to make a temporal and frequency analysis of the acceleration in front crawl swimming, regarding the gender and the performance. The sample was composed by 31 male swimmers (15 of high-level and 16 of low-level) and 20 female swimmers (11 of high-level and 9 of low-level). The acceleration was registered from the third complete cycle during eight seconds in a 25 meters maximum velocity test. A position transducer (200Hz) was used to collect the data, and it was synchronized to an aquatic camera (25Hz). The acceleration in the temporal (root mean square, minimum and maximum of the acceleration) and frequency (power peak, power peak frequency and spectral area) domains was calculated with Fourier analysis, as well as the velocity and the spectrums distribution in function to present one or more main peaks (type 1 and type 2). A one-way ANOVA was used to establish differences between gender and performance. Results show differences between genders in all the temporal domain variables (p<0.05) and only the Spectral Area (SA) in the frequency domain (p<0.05). Between gender and performance, only the Root Mean Square (RMS) showed differences in the performance of the male swimmers (p<0.05) and in the higher level swimmers, the Maximum (Max) and the Power Peak (PP) of the acceleration showed differences between both genders (p<0.05). These results confirms the importance of knowing the RMS to determine the efficiency of the swimmers regarding gender and performance level
General Anthropometric and Specific Physical Fitness Profile of High-Level Junior Water Polo Players
Authors: Kondrič Miran , Uljević Ognjen , Gabrilo Goran , Kontić Dean , Sekulić Damir
Published: February 2013

General Anthropometric and Specific Physical Fitness Profile of High-Level Junior Water Polo Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the status and playing position differences in anthropometric measures and specific physical fitness in high-level junior water polo players.

The sample of subjects comprised 110 water polo players (17 to 18 years of age), including one of the world's best national junior teams for 2010. The subjects were divided according to their playing positions into: Centers (N = 16), Wings (N = 28), perimeter players (Drivers; N = 25), Points (N = 19), and Goalkeepers (N = 18). The variables included body height, body weight, body mass index, arm span, triceps- and subscapular-skinfold. Specific physical fitness tests comprised: four swimming tests, namely: 25m, 100m, 400m and a specific anaerobic 4×50m test (average result achieved in four 50m sprints with a 30 sec pause), vertical body jump (JUMP; maximal vertical jump from the water starting from a water polo defensive position) and a dynamometric power achieved in front crawl swimming (DYN).

ANOVA with post-hoc comparison revealed significant differences between positions for most of the anthropometrics, noting that the Centers were the heaviest and had the highest BMI and subscapular skinfold. The Points achieved the best results in most of the swimming capacities and JUMP test. No significant group differences were found for the 100m and 4×50m tests. The Goalkeepers achieved the lowest results for DYN.

Given the representativeness of the sample of subjects, the results of this study allow specific insights into the physical fitness and anthropometric features of high-level junior water polo players and allow coaches to design a specific training program aimed at achieving the physical fitness results presented for each playing position.