bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More Frequent, Longer, and Hotter Heat Waves for Australia in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Cowan Tim , Purich Ariaan , Perkins Sarah , Pezza Alexandre , Boschat Ghyslaine , Sadler Katherine
Published: May 2014

Extremes such as summer heat waves and winter warm spells have a significant impact on the climate of Australia, with many regions experiencing an increase in the frequency and duration of these events since the mid-twentieth century. With the availability of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) climate models, projected changes in heat waves and warm spells are investigated across Australia for two future emission scenarios. For the historical period encompassing the late twentieth century (1950–2005) an ensemble mean of 15 models is able to broadly capture the observed spatial distribution in the frequency and duration of summer heat waves, despite overestimating these metrics along coastal regions. The models achieve a better comparison to observations in their simulation of the temperature anomaly of the hottest heat waves. By the end of the twenty-first century, the model ensemble mean projects the largest increase in summer heat wave frequency and duration to occur across northern tropical regions, while projecting an increase of ~3°C in the maximum temperature of the hottest southern Australian heat waves. Model consensus suggests that future winter warm spells will increase in frequency and duration at a greater rate than summer heat waves, and that the hottest events will become increasingly hotter for both seasons by century’s end. Even when referenced to a warming mean state, increases in the temperature of the hottest events are projected for southern Australia. Results also suggest that following a strong mitigation pathway in the future is more effective in reducing the frequency and duration of heat waves and warm spells in the southern regions compared to the northern tropical regions.
Global Patterns of Diapycnal Mixing from Measurements of the Turbulent Dissipation Rate
Authors: Waterhouse Amy F. , MacKinnon Jennifer A. , Nash Jonathan D. , Alford Matthew H. , Kunze Eric , Simmons Harper L. , Polzin Kurt L. , St. Laurent Louis C. , Sun Oliver M. , Pinkel Robert , Talley Lynne D. , Whalen Caitlin B. , Huussen Tycho N. , Carter Glenn S. , Fer Ilker , Waterman Stephanie , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Sanford Thomas B. , Lee Craig M.
Published: May 2014

The authors present inferences of diapycnal diffusivity from a compilation of over 5200 microstructure profiles. As microstructure observations are sparse, these are supplemented with indirect measurements of mixing obtained from (i) Thorpe-scale overturns from moored profilers, a finescale parameterization applied to (ii) shipboard observations of upper-ocean shear, (iii) strain as measured by profiling floats, and (iv) shear and strain from full-depth lowered acoustic Doppler current profilers (LADCP) and CTD profiles. Vertical profiles of the turbulent dissipation rate are bottom enhanced over rough topography and abrupt, isolated ridges. The geography of depth-integrated dissipation rate shows spatial variability related to internal wave generation, suggesting one direct energy pathway to turbulence. The global-averaged diapycnal diffusivity below 1000-m depth is O(10−4) m2 s−1 and above 1000-m depth is O(10−5) m2 s−1. The compiled microstructure observations sample a wide range of internal wave power inputs and topographic roughness, providing a dataset with which to estimate a representative global-averaged dissipation rate and diffusivity. However, there is strong regional variability in the ratio between local internal wave generation and local dissipation. In some regions, the depth-integrated dissipation rate is comparable to the estimated power input into the local internal wave field. In a few cases, more internal wave power is dissipated than locally generated, suggesting remote internal wave sources. However, at most locations the total power lost through turbulent dissipation is less than the input into the local internal wave field. This suggests dissipation elsewhere, such as continental margins.
Stereophotogrammetry of Oceanic Clouds
Authors: Öktem Rusen , Prabhat  , Lee James , Thomas Aaron , Zuidema Paquita , Romps David M.
Published: May 2014

This study extends ground-based stereophotogrammetry of clouds to oceanic settings, where there are often none of the landmarks used in traditional camera calibration. This paper introduces a zero-landmark calibration technique and tests it with two off-the-shelf digital cameras situated about 1 km apart facing Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida. The precision of the stereo reconstruction is studied theoretically, and the accuracy of the reconstructions is validated against lidar and radiosondes. The stereo cameras are able to accurately reconstruct a histogram of cloud-base heights from a single-image pair, a task that requires tens of minutes of observation from a cloud lidar. The stereo cameras are also able to accurately reconstruct horizontal winds in cloud layers with a temporal resolution in the range of 30 s to 5 min, compared to once every 12 h for a typical radiosonde launch site.
Mesoscale Convective Systems in Relation to African and Tropical Easterly Jets
Authors: Besson L. , Lemaître Y.
Published: May 2014

This paper documents the interaction processes between mesoscale convective systems (MCS), the tropical easterly jet (TEJ), and the African easterly jet (AEJ) over West Africa during the monsoon peak of 2006 observed during the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (AMMA) project. The results highlight the importance of the cloud system localization relative to the jets in order to explain their duration and life cycle. A systematical study reveals that intense and long-lived MCSs correspond to a particular pattern where clouds associated with deep convection are located in entrance regions of TEJ and in exit regions of AEJ. A case study on a particularly well-documented convective event characterizes this link and infers the importance of jet streaks in promoting areas of divergence, favoring the persistence of MCSs.
Eye and Eyewall Traits as Determined with the NOAA WP-3D Lower-Fuselage Radar
Authors: Barnes Carl E. , Barnes Gary M.
Published: May 2014

Eye and eyewall traits were ascertained for 209 images from 37 tropical cyclones (TCs) using the lower-fuselage 5.6-cm radar, aboard the two National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration WP-3Ds. These TCs were almost entirely from the Atlantic basin and were sampled from 1997 to 2012. For the eye these traits included area, maximum diameter, and roundness; for the eyewall the traits included area, completeness, maximum width, maximum reflectivity value and location, number of local reflectivity maxima, and mean rain rate. These variables were compared to TC intensity and motion characteristics from the best-track dataset, and environmental characteristics from the Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme.

Interrelationships between eyewall features revealed that eyewall reflectivity features became more homogeneous as eye and eyewall areas shrank, and maximum reflectivity and rain rate increased as the eyewall became wider and more complete. As the TC intensified, the eye area decreased, while the eyewall area increased due to increasing completeness and width. Rain rate was also found to be higher for faster-moving TCs. Stronger vertical shear of the horizontal wind was found to be associated with more asymmetric eyewall reflectivity. The maximum reflectivity value occurred most often on the downshear side of the eyewall, and to the right of the storm motion, verifying prior research. There were no relationships found between the reflectivity and sea surface temperature or environmental relative humidity. A schematic incorporating typical eye and eyewall traits is presented.
A Parameter for Forecasting Tornadoes Associated with Landfalling Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Onderlinde Matthew J. , Fuelberg Henry E.
Published: May 2014

The authors develop a statistical guidance product, the tropical cyclone tornado parameter (TCTP), for forecasting the probability of one or more tornadoes during a 6-h period that are associated with landfalling tropical cyclones affecting the coastal Gulf of Mexico and the southern Atlantic coast. TCTP is designed to aid forecasters in a time-limited environment. TCTP provides a “quick look” at regions where forecasters can then conduct detailed analyses. The pool of potential predictors included tornado reports and tropical cyclone data between 2000 and 2008, as well as storm environmental parameters. The original pool of 28 potential predictors is reduced to six using stepwise regression and logistic regression. These six predictors are 0–3-km wind shear, 0–3-km storm relative helicity, azimuth angle of the tornado report from the tropical cyclone, distance from the cyclone’s center, time of day, and 950–1000-hPa convective available potential energy. Mean Brier scores and Brier skill scores are computed for the entire TCTP-dependent dataset and for corresponding forecasts produced by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC). TCTP then is applied to four individual cyclone cases to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the parameter and compare its performance with SPC forecasts. Results show that TCTP has skill at identifying regions of tornado potential. However, tornadoes in some tropical systems are overpredicted, but underpredicted in others. TCTP 6-h forecast periods provide slightly poorer statistical performance than the 1-day tornado probability forecasts from SPC, probably because the SPC product includes forecaster guidance and because their forecasts are valid for longer periods (24 h).
Neuroprogression in schizophrenia: Pathways underpinning clinical staging and therapeutic corollaries
Authors: Davis Justin , Moylan Steven , Harvey Brian H , Maes Michael , Berk Michael
Published: May 2014

Objective:

Whilst dopaminergic dysfunction remains a necessary component involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, our current pharmacological armoury of dopamine antagonists does little to control the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. This suggests other pathological processes must be implicated. This paper aims to elaborate on such theories.

Methods:

Data for this review were sourced from the electronic database PUBMED, and was not limited by language or date of publication.

Results:

It has been suggested that multiple ‘hits’ may be required to unveil the clinical syndrome in susceptible individuals. Such hits potentially first occur in utero, leading to neuronal disruption, epigenetic changes and the establishment of an abnormal inflammatory response. The development of schizophrenia may therefore potentially be viewed as a neuroprogressive response to these early stressors, driven on by changes in tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) metabolism, reactive oxygen species handling and N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) circuitry. Given the potential for such progression over time, it is prudent to explore the new treatment strategies which may be implemented before such changes become established.

Conclusions:

Outside of the dopaminergic model, the potential pathogenesis of schizophrenia has yet to be fully elucidated, but common themes include neuropil shrinkage, the development of abnormal neuronal circuitry, and a chronic inflammatory state which further disrupts neuronal function. Whilst some early non-dopaminergic treatments show promise, none have yet to be fully studied in appropriately structured randomized controlled trials and they remain little more than potential attractive targets.
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis With Ophthalmic Manifestations in 18-Year-Olds on Oral Contraceptives
Authors: Tan Jeffrey J. , Hassoun Ameer , Elmalem Valerie I.
Published: May 2014

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare and potentially life-threatening cause of stroke. In the past few decades, the incidence and patient demographics have changed because of many factors, including the widespread use of oral contraceptives, improved detection of prothrombotic conditions, and advancement of imaging technology. The presentation of CVST is varied and can include ocular signs and symptoms. We present 2 cases of oral contraceptive–induced CVST in 18-year-old women, whose main presenting findings were ophthalmologic.
The Contextual Difference
Authors: Thomas Kendra E. , Mucherah Winnie M.
Published: May 2014

This study’s purpose was to examine the self-efficacy of preservice teachers throughout an immersive learning semester and compare it with a control group. The study suggests that a community-based immersive program supports preservice teacher efficacy development within the dynamic cultural context of families and schools. The immersive learning participants’ ( n = 32) teacher efficacy was assessed thrice and compared with a traditional on-campus program ( n = 64). Using the Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale, results revealed significant improvement in the Immersive group across time in all three areas (Engagement, Management, and Instruction). Comparison of net gains between groups suggests that an immersive and supportive environment promotes preservice teacher efficacy development even in the midst of a socio-cultural gap between preservice teachers and students.
Predicting oral health-related behaviour in the parents of preschool children: An application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour
Authors: Van den Branden Sigrid , Van den Broucke Stephan , Leroy Roos , Declerck Dominique , Hoppenbrouwers Karel
Published: May 2014

Objective:

This study aimed to test the predictive validity of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) when applied to the oral health-related behaviours of parents towards their preschool children in a cross-sectional and prospective design over a 5-year interval.

Methods:

Data for this study were obtained from parents of 1,057 children born between October 2003 and July 2004 in two regions in Flanders, Belgium. Three behaviours related to oral health (dietary habits, oral hygiene habits, dental attendance) as well as their psychological determinants based on the TPB (attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC), intention) were measured using validated self-report questionnaires when the children were 0 (2003–2004), 3 (February–June 2007) and 5 years old (March–June 2009).

Results:

Multiple linear regression analyses indicated cross-sectionally that the contribution of attitudes, subjective norms and PBC towards intention, and of intention and PBC towards the frequency of consumption of sugared snacks and drinks, tooth brushing and dental attendance was significant ( p < .001). The combined determinants explained 27%–37% of the variance in intentions and 7%–39% of the variance in the behaviours. Across time, only parental PBC as measured at birth could significantly predict dietary and oral hygiene behaviours at children’s ages 3 and 5 years.

Conclusion:

This study supports the validity of the TPB to predict intentions and oral health-related behaviours of parents of preschool children. Interventions should aim to improve parental attitudes towards diet and dental attendance, and their PBC towards tooth brushing.
Optical Correction Reduces Simulator Sickness in a Driving Environment
Authors: Bridgeman Bruce , Blaesi Sabine , Campusano Richard
Published: May 2014

Objective:

We propose and test a method to reduce simulator sickness.

Background:

Prolonged work in driving simulators often leads to nausea and other symptoms summarized as simulator sickness. Visual/vestibular mismatches are a frequently addressed cause; we investigate another possibility, mismatch between actual distance to a screen and depicted distances in the simulator’s graphics.

Method:

Drivers negotiated a figure-8 course in a photorealistic simulator. They reported discomfort and vection every 10 minutes up to 40 min. A correction group wore optometric test frames with +1.75 diopter lenses and prisms to converge parallel lines of sight on a screen 56 cm from the driver’s eyes, preserving the normal accommodative convergence–to–accommodation (AC/A) ratio. A control group wore neutral lenses in the same test frames. In other experiments head tilt simulated vestibular experience on curves.

Results:

The optical correction significantly reduced simulator sickness measured on a 10-point discomfort scale, where 1 is no problem and 10 is about to vomit. Vection ratings were similar for correction and control groups. Some drivers failed to complete the course because of high discomfort ratings, crashes, or other causes. Head tilt in the direction opposite each curve while wearing the correction did not affect discomfort, while tilt in the same direction as each curve made simulator sickness worse.

Conclusion:

Optical corrections can significantly reduce simulator sickness, though they do not eliminate it. Head tilt while driving is not recommended.

Application:

Simple optical corrections in spectacle frames, easily purchased at any optical facility, should be used in screen-based driving simulators. Strength of the correction depends on distance from the driver to the screen.
Innovations in water governance: the importance of time
Authors: Eshuis Jasper , van Buuren Arwin
Published: May 2014

Time is often considered to be an inert background against which governance processes evolve. Instead, this article approaches time as a factor that influences the development of innovation processes in water governance. Drawing on two Dutch cases, we analyse perceptions of time and the management of time. Public managers manage time by trying to fix deadlines, by synchronizing different timelines or by imposing their time horizon on the process. Different actors' timeframes may interfere with one another, and this may hinder governance processes. The analysis of time helps to explain the dynamics of governance processes, and this article shows that the alignment of timeframes is a crucial activity in realizing innovations in governance.

Points for practitioners

Time is a crucial factor in innovation processes. Actors often have different perceptions of time, including different time horizons and deadlines. Classic time management mainly aims at budgeting time. This article argues for time sensitive governance. An elementary step is to explicate actors' various time-horizons, time cycles and time-budget. Managers need to align short-term time horizons needed in competitive markets, with medium-term views required to carefully develop innovations and embed them in the policy environment. Adaptivity in dealing with time is important to synchronize the development of innovations with developments in the market and governmental organizations.
Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients Associated With the Use of Complex vs Weight‐Only Predictive Energy Equations
Authors: Compher Charlene , Nicolo Michele , Chittams Jesse , Kang Youjeong , Day Andrew G. , Heyland Daren K.
Published: May 2014

Background: The energy intake goal is important to achieving energy intake in critically ill patients, yet clinical outcomes associated with energy goals have not been reported. Methods: This secondary analysis used the Improving Nutrition Practices in the Critically III International Nutrition Surveys database from 2007–2009 to evaluate whether mortality or time to discharge alive is related to use of complex energy prediction equations vs weight only. The sample size was 5672 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) ≥4 days and a subset of 3356 in the ICU ≥12 days. Mortality and time to discharge alive were compared between groups by regression, controlling for age, sex, admission type, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, ICU geographic region, actual energy intake, and obesity. Results: There was no difference in mortality between the use of complex and weight‐only equations (odds ratio [OR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–1.15), but obesity (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71–0.96) and higher energy intake (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.56–0.76) had lower odds of mortality. Time to discharge alive was shorter in patients fed using weight‐only equations (hazard ratio [HR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01–1.23) in patients staying ≥4 days and with greater energy intake (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06–1.34) in patients in the ICU ≥12 days. Conclusion: These data suggest that higher energy intake is important to survival and time to discharge alive. However, the analysis was limited by actual energy intake <70% of goal. Delivery of full goal intake will be needed to determine the relationship between the method of determining energy goal and clinical outcomes.
A study on the impact of fatigue on human raters when scoring speaking responses
Authors: Ling Guangming , Mollaun Pamela , Xi Xiaoming
Published: May 2014

The scoring of constructed responses may introduce construct-irrelevant factors to a test score and affect its validity and fairness. Fatigue is one of the factors that could negatively affect human performance in general, yet little is known about its effects on a human rater’s scoring quality on constructed responses. In this study, we compared the scoring quality of 72 raters under four shift conditions differing on the shift length (total scoring time in a day) and session length (time continuously spent on a task). About 14,000 audio responses to four TOEFL iBT speaking tasks were scored, including 5446 validity responses that have pre-assigned “true” scores used to measure scoring accuracy. Our results suggest that the overall scoring accuracy is high for the TOEFL iBT Speaking Test, but varying levels of rating accuracy and consistency exist across shift conditions. The raters working the shorter shifts or shorter sessions on average maintain greater rating productivity, accuracy, and consistency than those working longer shifts or sessions do. The raters working the 6-hour shift with three 2-hour sessions outperform those under other shift conditions in both rating accuracy and consistency.
Estimating quench residual stresses in cylindrical steels bars: Excluding the effects of phase transformation
Authors: Yuen Wai T , Smith David J
Published: May 2014

Uncoupled thermo-mechanical finite element analyses, using ABAQUS, are conducted to determine residual stresses created by quenching of 316 stainless steel and AISI 1020 low-carbon steel cylindrical bars. It is found that the magnitude of the residual stresses can be determined from an estimate of the thermal strain difference created in the bars during quenching. It is shown that the strain difference is a function of the Biot and Fourier numbers and the initial and final quench temperatures. The results of the analyses are used to create a diagram with non-dimensional axes with residual stress as a function of maximum thermal strain. The residual stresses are normalised with respect to the room temperature yield strength and the thermal strain normalised with respect to the room temperature yield strain. It is proposed that quench residual stresses can be estimated using this diagram irrespective of the quench conditions and bar diameter for steels. This is provided if there is no phase transformation during quenching. It is shown that if the normalised thermal strain is greater than about 3.6, the surface residual hoop and axial stresses are equal to the compressive room temperature yield strength, while the interior tensile stresses linearly increase (approximately) with thermal strain.
Modulation of trigeminovascular processing: Novel insights into primary headache disorders
Authors: Holland PR
Published: May 2014

Dysfunction of the descending circuitry that modulates nociceptive processing is thought to facilitate primary headache disorders such as migraine and cluster headache, either by reducing inhibition or increasing facilitation of neural signals. The identification of novel neurotransmitter systems (orexinergic, cannabinoid and dopaminergic) within this descending pathway and their interaction with 5-HT1B/1D (triptan) receptors provides important clues about several of the risk factors and comorbidities associated with primary headache disorders and indicates that triptans exert central as well as peripheral activity. Current research supports the early treatment of primary headache disorders in order to prevent structural changes in the brain and to minimize dysfunction in the descending modulation of pain control.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Early Reconstruction Versus Rehabilitation and Delayed Reconstruction for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears
Authors: Mather Richard C. , Hettrich Carolyn M. , Dunn Warren R. , Cole Brian J. , Bach Bernard R. , Huston Laura J. , Reinke Emily K. , Spindler Kurt P. , Koenig Lane , Amendola Annunziato , Andrish Jack T. , Kaeding Christopher K. , Marx Robert G. , McCarty Eric C. , Parker Richard D. , Wright Rick W.
Published: May 2014

Background:

An initial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear can be treated with surgical reconstruction or focused rehabilitation. The KANON (Knee Anterior cruciate ligament, NON-surgical versus surgical treatment) randomized controlled trial compared rehabilitation plus early ACL reconstruction (ACLR) to rehabilitation plus optional delayed ACLR and found no difference at 2 years by an intention-to-treat analysis of total Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) results.

Purpose:

To compare the cost-effectiveness of early versus delayed ACLR.

Study Design:

Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A Markov decision model was constructed for a cost-utility analysis of early reconstruction (ER) versus rehabilitation plus optional delayed reconstruction (DR). Outcome probabilities and effectiveness were derived from 2 sources: the KANON study and the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) database. Collectively, these 2 sources provided data from 928 ACL-injured patients. Utilities were measured by the Short Form–6 dimensions (SF-6D). Costs were estimated from a societal perspective in 2012 US dollars. Costs and utilities were discounted in accordance with the United States Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine. Effectiveness was expressed in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. Principal outcome measures were average incremental costs, incremental effectiveness (as measured by QALYs), and net health benefits. Willingness to pay was set at $50,000, which is the currently accepted standard in the United States.

Results:

In the base case, the ER group resulted in an incremental gain of 0.28 QALYs over the DR group, with a corresponding lower overall cost to society of $1572. Effectiveness gains were driven by the low utility of an unstable knee and the lower utility for the DR group. The cost of rehabilitation and the rate of additional surgery drove the increased cost of the DR group. The most sensitive variable was the rate of knee instability after initial rehabilitation. When the rate of instability falls to 51.5%, DR is less costly, and when the rate of instability falls below 18.0%, DR becomes the preferred cost-effective strategy.

Conclusion:

An economic analysis of the timing of ACLR using data exclusively from the KANON trial, MOON cohort, and national average reimbursement revealed that early ACLR was more effective (improved QALYs) at a lower cost than rehabilitation plus optional delayed ACLR. Therefore, early ACLR should be the preferred treatment strategy from a societal health system perspective.
Translating Evidence‐Based Practice Guidelines Into a Summary of Recommendations for the Nutrition Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Lu Yangyang , Carey Sharon
Published: May 2014

Background: Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer has a profound effect on the function of major digestive organs with resulting deterioration in nutrition status. There are currently no known evidence‐based guidelines specific to the nutrition management of people with UGI cancer. This article aimed to review the current guidelines related to the nutrition management of surgical and nonsurgical cancer patients with the aim to collate similar findings to produce a summary of recommendations for clinicians. Gaps in current evidence were also identified. Methods: Guidelines with evidence grading systems were identified from CINAHL, Medline, Web of Science, and a manual search. The quality of guidelines was assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) tool. Results: Twenty‐six guidelines were retrieved. Most guidelines showed strong rigor, but only 23% were considered current, having been developed or reviewed in the past 3 years. A summary of recommendations was extrapolated from retrieved guidelines, based on a standardized evidence grading system and the quality score for each guideline. Conclusion: This review of current guidelines shows that many areas of nutrition management still require more evidence to support high‐level recommendations. These include immunonutrition, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, and postdischarge complication management. More research is needed before evidence‐based guidelines can be developed.
A self-tuning brain emotional learning–based intelligent controller for trajectory tracking of electrohydraulic actuator
Authors: Nahian S A , Truong D Q , Ahn K K
Published: May 2014

Realization of biologically motivated algorithms in industrial applications is becoming a new research, especially in the field of electrohydraulic systems. One of the recent innovations named brain emotional learning–based intelligent controller has been catching eyes of the researcher as a model-free adaptive controller, which has effective capabilities to handle nonlinearities and uncertainties of controlled systems. The aim of this article is to develop a so-called self-tuning brain emotional learning–based intelligent controller for tracking control of electrohydraulic actuators. Here, the main control unit brain emotional learning–based intelligent controller is used to drive the system to desired targets. Meanwhile, a fuzzy inference is designed to tune online the reward function (RF) parameter of the brain emotional learning–based intelligent controller, which enables the system robustness and stability. A test rig employing an electrohydraulic actuator is then setup to investigate the system control performance. The experimental results implied that proposed controller has strong ability to drive the system to follow different reference trajectories with minimal errors.
Exploring design of universal propeller simulator for airship propulsion system’s driving motor
Authors: Chen Shengqi , Song Bifeng , Wang Haifeng
Published: May 2014

Rare earth permanent magnet brushless direct current motor is the energy conversion device between power system and propeller of high-altitude airship. Its performance has a profound effect on the overall performance of the high-altitude airship. Limited by the output torque of the permanent magnet brushless direct current motor, propeller on the ground cannot reach the rated angular speed when propeller works at high altitude, so it is difficult to carry on rotation test on the ground. In addition, performances of the permanent magnet brushless direct current motor system such as control accuracy, reliability and efficiency cannot be tested. The functional level of the motor load simulator is proposed considering the dynamic properties of the propeller and the basic functions of the propulsion system. Different loading actuators are evaluated and the conceptual design of the load simulator is accomplished. Inertia is realized by relatively small flywheel and inertia electrical emulation method. Torque is simulated by servo motor that can work at braking state and thrust is exerted on the motor by hydraulic servo valve control system. Finally, depending on the proposed scheme and design parameters, co-simulation model of the load simulator is established utilizing software MATLAB/Simulink and AMESim. After comparing co-simulation results with real propeller properties, the feasibility of the conceptual design of permanent magnet brushless direct current motor load simulator is proved, and what is more, the effectiveness of control strategies and the rationality of parameters settings for co-simulation are testified.
Do women who intermittently attend breast screening differ from those who attend every invitation and those who never attend?
Authors: Coyle C , Kinnear H , Rosato M , Mairs A , Hall C , O’Reilly D
Published: May 2014

Objectives

Analysis of screening uptake usually dichotomizes women into attenders and non-attenders, though many women respond positively to some but not all invitations. This paper studies these intermittent attenders.

Methods

A cohort of 8,571 women invited for consecutive breast screens in the Northern Ireland Breast Screening Programme were followed in a study linking screening and census records. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to analyze the characteristics of those who attended both times (consistent), once (intermittent or ‘one-time only’), or not at all (non-attenders).

Results

Overall, 15.5% of women attended once and 13.4% were non-attenders. Non-attenders were characteristically disadvantaged (as measured by social renting, car access, and employment status), less likely to be married, and more likely to be healthy. One-time attenders were younger, and suffering poor health, though there was no association with either social renting or employment status. Privately rented accommodation and city living was associated with both one-time attendance and non-attendance.

Conclusions

One-time attenders are an important and distinct subgroup of screening invitees in this analysis. Their distinct characteristics suggest that transitory factors, such as change in marital status, ill-health, or addressing difficulties through change of residence are important. These distinct characteristics suggest the need for different approaches to increase attendance, among both intermittent attenders and those not attending at all.
Clinicopathological differences between interval and screen-detected breast cancers diagnosed within a screening programme in Northern Portugal
Authors: José Bento Maria , Gonçalves Guilherme , Aguiar Ana , Antunes Luis , Veloso Vitor , Rodrigues Vítor
Published: May 2014

Objective

To evaluate clinicopathological differences between screen-detected (SD) and interval (IC) breast cancers diagnosed in women enrolled in an organized breast screening programme in 2000--2007.

Setting

Breast Cancer Screening Programme of the north region of Portugal.

Methods

Using data from the screening programme and from the population-based North Region Cancer Registry, SD and IC were identified. Information on screening history, age, date of diagnosis, tumour size, histological type and grade, lymph node status, tumour stage, biomarkers, and treatment was obtained from the cancer registry and from clinical and pathological reports. Association between mode of detection and these clinicopathological characteristics was estimated by unconditional logistic regression.

Results

A total of 442 SD and 112 IC were identified in women aged 50--69. Compared with SD, IC were diagnosed in younger women (60.0 ± 5.8 years and 58.4 ± 6.0 years, respectively), were larger (tumour size >20 mm: 60.2% versus 25.1%), lobular (6.3% versus 16.1%), with a higher differentiation grade (grade 3: 17.7% versus 38.9%), had more lymph node metastases, more advanced stage, and oestrogen receptor (ER) negative (12.9% versus 29.0%) and progesterone negative, and HER2 positive. After multivariable analysis, compared with SD, IC were more likely to be larger than 20 mm, lobular, of grade 3 and negative for ER.

Conclusion

Our results are consistent with other studies. IC’s have a more aggressive biology than SDs. Our findings did not show any unexpected pattern requiring changes to our screening procedures, but continuous identification and characterization of IC is advisable.
Deprivation and faecal haemoglobin: implications for bowel cancer screening
Authors: Digby Jayne , McDonald Paula J , Strachan Judith A , Libby Gillian , Steele Robert JC , Fraser Callum G
Published: May 2014

Objective

To investigate the relationship between deprivation and faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb).

Setting

Scottish Bowel Screening Programme.

Methods

A total of 66725 men and women, aged 50 to 74, were invited to provide a single sample for a faecal immunochemical test. Deprivation was estimated using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation quintiles: f-Hb was measured (OC-Sensor, Eiken, Japan) on 38439 participants. The relationship between deprivation quintiles and f-Hb was examined.

Results

Median age was 60 years, 53.6% women, with 14.1%, 19.7%, 17.7%, 25.9% and 22.6% in the lowest to the highest deprivation quintiles respectively. No detectable f-Hb was found in 51.9%, ranging from 45.5% in the most deprived up to 56.5% in the least deprived. As deprivation increased, f-Hb increased (p < 0.0001). This trend remained controlling for sex and age (p < 0.001). Participants in the most deprived quintile were more likely to have a f-Hb above a cut-off of 80 µg Hb/g faeces compared with the least deprived, independent of sex and age (adjusted odds ratio 1.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.37 to 2.11).

Conclusions

Deprivation and f-Hb are related. This has important implications for selection of cut-off f-Hb for screening programmes, and supports the inclusion of deprivation in risk-scoring systems.
Urban American Indian Adolescent Girls
Authors: Saftner Melissa A. , Martyn Kristy K. , Momper Sandra L. , Loveland-Cherry Carol J. , Low Lisa Kane
Published: May 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore factors that influence urban adolescent American Indian (AI) girls’ sexual risk behavior. Design: A qualitative study was conducted with grounded theory methodology to reveal factors and processes that influence sexual risk behavior. Method: Talking circles, individual interviews, and event history calendars were used with 20 urban AI 15- to 19-year-old girls to explore influences on sexual risk behavior. Results: The generated theory—framing sexual risk behavior—describes social and structural factors and processes that influenced the girls’ sexual risk behavior. The theory extends Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model by identifying microsystem, mesosystem, and macrosystem influences on sexual risk behavior. Discussion: Urban AI girls reported similar social and structural influences on sexual risk behavior as urban adolescents from other racial and ethnic groups. However, differences were noted in the family structure, cultural heritage, and unique history of AIs. Implications: This theory can be used in culturally responsive practice with urban AI girls.
Supporting Family Caregivers With Palliative Symptom Management
Authors: Rosenberg John P. , Bullen Tracey , Maher Kate
Published: May 2014

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualitative analysis was to examine the experiences of family caregivers supporting a dying person in the home setting. In particular, it explores caregivers’ perceptions of receiving palliative care at home when supplied with an emergency medication kit (EMK).

Results:

Most family caregivers described preexisting medication management strategies that were unable to provide timely intervention in symptoms. The EMK was largely viewed as an effective strategy in providing timely symptom control and preventing readmission to inpatient care. Caregivers reported varying levels of confidence in the administration of medication.

Conclusion:

The provision of an EMK is an effective strategy for improving symptom control and preventing inpatient admissions of home-dwelling palliative care patients.
A critical review of camping research and direction for future studies
Authors: Brooker Ed , Joppe Marion
Published: May 2014

Camping is a popular form of accommodation and outdoor recreation, providing liminal opportunities to escape, rejuvenate, and socialize with family, friends, and fellow campers. Surprisingly, limited academic research has been conducted on the business and market segments of campgrounds. In order to, at least partly, address this identified gap, a literature review was undertaken of the articles published on campgrounds and caravan parks in the past 50 years, the majority of which have originated in either the United States or Australia. This article presents the results of this investigation, the aim of which was to (1) identify and classify research on US campgrounds and Australian caravan parks, (2) describe the main trends revealed, and (3) present a future research agenda.
Mothering in transition: The experiences of Sudanese refugee women raising teenagers in Australia
Authors: Levi Meredith
Published: May 2014

Of the approximately 13,750 humanitarian refugees who have fled from war and other human rights abuses to resettle in Australia every year, the majority are families arriving with adolescent children. This study used a qualitative methodology to explore Sudanese refugee womens’ narratives around parenting teenagers in the resettlement environment. The data from 17 in-depth interviews was analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes captured the womens’ main concerns: the transition from parenting in an interdependent society as part of a network of family and community relations to parenting alone in the resettlement context; mothers’ fears and experiences of losing their children, both literally and symbolically; loss of parental authority; and finally, the ways in which mothers adapted to the post-migration setting and found new ways of parenting.
New media, elections and the political knowledge gap in Australia
Authors: Gibson Rachel K. , McAllister Ian
Published: May 2014

This article tests the hypothesis that the internet is exacerbating an existing knowledge gap in Australia. The data come from the Australian Election Study, which has measured voters’ political knowledge and internet use since 2001. The results support the knowledge gap hypothesis: while internet access is expanding, consumption of political information online is narrowing among a younger, better educated and politically interested group, and is increasingly associated with higher levels of political knowledge. The internet is therefore reinforcing the advantages of the most knowledgeable while increasingly failing to draw in the most politically uninterested. Despite hopes that the internet would lead to a more informed demos, these findings suggest that it is exacerbating current participatory biases.
Substantive-rational authority: The missing fourth pure type in Weber’s typology of legitimate domination
Authors: Guzmán Sebastián G
Published: May 2014

Many scholars have questioned the thoroughness of Max Weber’s typology of authority. The key problem has been that some empirical cases, such as doctors and Soviet leaders, cannot be accounted for by combining Weber’s three pure types of authority. I propose a new solution to this problem by reconstructing Weber’s conceptualization of authority – stressing the doxic (Bourdieu) backup of authority – and modifying his typology – adding a “substantive-rational” type. Unlike previous attempts, this solution meets three important criteria: (1) thoroughly accounting for a variety of anomalous cases; (2) overcoming the limitations of the theory of action by acknowledging the developments of contemporary social theory; and (3) still serving Weber’s ambitious purposes, such as understanding broad rationalization processes and the stabilization of charisma. The usefulness of the typology is illustrated with various empirical cases that represent transformations of charisma in a substantive-rational direction or combinations of formal-rational and substantive-rational grounds for legitimacy.
Rarely pure and never simple: Assessing cumulative evidence in strategic management
Authors: Newbert Scott L , David Robert J , Han Shin-Kap
Published: May 2014

As empirical evidence in strategy has accumulated, scholars have shown increasing interest in assessing the empirical record of leading theories. Two methods of assessment have figured prominently: vote counting and meta-analysis. Recently, critics have denounced the former in favor of the latter. While meta-analysis is certainly a powerful assessment tool, we argue that both vote counting and meta-analysis are characterized by certain strengths and weaknesses and that these methods should be seen as complementary means of understanding bodies of empirical evidence. We provide guidance regarding when to employ each method and how to improve the process of cumulative assessment.
The Role of Swift Trust in Virtual Teams and Implications for Human Resource Development
Authors: Germain Marie-Line , McGuire David
Published: May 2014

The Problem

The combination of flatter organizational structures, globalization, cost-saving initiatives, and the increased emphasis on knowledge sharing has been a contributor to the use of virtual teams in U.S. organizations.

The Solution

To perform efficiently in a virtual environment, team members must develop swift trust, which does not come inherently with team membership. Understanding the individual, team, organizational, and technological barriers affecting the development of swift trust is critical to an appreciation of how such barriers can be overcome.

The Stakeholders

In this article, we indicate how virtual human resource development (VHRD) can assist virtual teams, managers, and HR professionals overcome swift trust development barriers. The intended audience for this article includes HRD scholars, scholar-practitioners, practitioners, and students interested in understanding how trust is fostered in virtual teams and how HRD practitioners can make a valuable contribution to the effectiveness of virtual teams.
Enforcement of Hospital Nurse Staffing Regulations Across the United States: Progress or Stalemate?
Authors: Serratt Teresa , Meyer Suzanne , Chapman Susan A.
Published: May 2014

Enactment of hospital nurse staffing regulations was brought about by changes in the U.S. health care system that resulted in large-scale reductions in nurse staffing. These reductions came at a time when studies were highlighting inadequacies in care that caused negative patient outcomes and raised questions about the safety of hospitalized patients. Nurse staffing regulations were enacted to ensure that adequate numbers of nurses were available to provide high-quality and safe care. Although these regulations represent progress toward addressing staffing inadequacies, enforcement language is absent or weak and compliance data are either not collected or difficult to access. Explicit and funded enforcement measures need to be included in staffing regulations. Additionally, compliance monitoring and reporting are necessary to evaluate these types of staffing regulations and to determine if they actually achieve the goal of appropriate nurse staffing.