bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legitimizing amateur status using financial reports: Victorian Football League clubs, 1909–1912
Authors: Halabi Abdel K. , Lightbody Margaret , Frost Lionel , Carter Amanda J.
Published: December 2015

It is generally accepted by historians that in the early twentieth century clubs in Australian Football’s Victorian Football League (VFL) made payments to “amateur” players prior to the legalization of professionalism and that such payments were not disclosed in club financial reports. Previously, financial reports have not been used to support or refute such claims. This article presents findings from a detailed examination of the financial reports and other records of six of the 10 VFL clubs for the years surrounding the legalization of professional football in 1911 (1909–1912). Prior to 1911, most clubs engaged in fraudulent financial reporting practices by misrepresenting player payments as other forms of permitted expenditures, thus concealing prohibited remunerative payments to players within their financial reports. Using isomorphic influences to explain the reasons for this misrepresentation, we conclude that the financial reports were used to legitimate the majority of clubs as amateur organizations. Competing isomorphic pressures, particularly conflicting coercive factors related to the VFL’s prohibition on player payments and normative pressures associated with increasing professionalism amongst players, contributed to clubs engaging in fraudulent financial reporting.
Mechanical and psychophysical performance evaluation of a haptic actuator based on magnetorheological fluids
Authors: Ryu Semin , Koo Jeong-Hoi , Yang Tae-Heon , Pyo Dongbum , Kyung Ki-Uk , Kwon Dong-Soo
Published: December 2015

This study presents a miniature haptic actuator (10 mm (L) × 10 mm (W) × 6.5 mm (H)) based on magnetorheological fluids, which is designed to provide realistic touch sensations to users. Its primary goals are to evaluate mechanical or actuation performances of the prototype magnetorheological actuator and to assess its effectiveness in conveying haptic sensations to users by conducting the psychophysical experiments. The mechanical performance study evaluated the prototype’s output forces from haptic perspectives using a dynamic test frame. The psychophysical experiments studied human subjects’ perceptions on haptic sensations produced by the prototype. The mechanical test results show that the magnetorheological actuator is capable of generating a wide range of frequency-dependent output forces (from 1.5 N to nearly 9 N). The psychophysical experiments show that the actuator offers various kinesthetic and vibrotactile sensations to human operators. Overall, the results suggest a feasibility of using the magnetorheological haptic actuator in real-world applications, such as a haptic keypad and functional buttons in small consumer electronics and hand-held devices.
Extension of the Crawley’s adhesive model to dynamically actuated piezoelectric transducers
Authors: Dugnani Roberto
Published: December 2015

“Use of piezoelectric actuators as elements of intelligent structures” is a classic article authored by Crawley and De Luis originally published in the AIAA Journal in 1987. The article provides an elegant one-dimensional model describing the behavior of piezoelectric transducers bonded to a structure, including the effect of the adhesive film. The use of the Crawley’s solution is widespread and up-to-date the model accounts for thousands of citations. This article discusses some of the limitations of the Crawley model and offers a simple, yet more generic solution to the problem by considering the inertia term in the piezoelectric transducer. Although omitted in the original work, this article shows that near the transducer’s resonance, the shear stress distribution at the interface between the adhesive and the substrate might be substantially dissimilar from the one described by Crawley and De Luis. In particular, for either relatively high frequencies or for soft adhesive films, the Crawley equation does not provide an accurate model to the transducer/substrate coupling. Finally, in this work we present an analytical solution for the dynamic electro-mechanical admittance of the transducer bonded to the substrate. A simple finite element method validation study is also offered to support the findings of the proposed model.
Student Participation and Achievement in a Large Lecture Course With Game-Based Learning
Authors: Nadolny Larysa , Halabi Andrea
Published: December 2015

Background The use of game-based learning strategies in higher education has shown promise to increase student motivation and achievement. Although studies have begun to explore the structuring of courses as a game, little is known on who benefits the most from this type of instructional environment.

Aim This research study explored the impact of a large lecture course designed with game-based learning on participation and achievement. Game elements included narrative, quests, points, feedback, and badges.

Method 71 undergraduate students participated in a case study utilizing a mixed methods approach. Measures included course achievement, course participation, and a survey on beliefs and practices.

Results Findings indicated students in a large course structured with game-based learning maintained high participation and persistence in meeting course requirements. In addition, overall achievement was not significantly correlated with age, gender, learning style, or game use, contradicting the research literature on game-based learning.

Conclusions The use of game-based learning is beneficial for engaging all students in large lecture courses, but more work is needed in determining which strategies are most effective for learning.
Possibilities and Limitations of Transferring an Educational Simulation Game to a Digital Platform
Authors: Erb Ulrike
Published: December 2015

Background. Simulation games have proven to be useful in environmental education. In particular, the board game KEEP COOL has already successfully been used in multiple educational settings. In 2014, the new digital version of this game, KEEP COOL ONLINE 2 was developed. A special challenge was how to support interaction between players.

Aim. This article investigates the potential of digital media for supporting interaction and educational experiences in multiplayer simulation games.

Method. For this purpose the analog and digital versions of KEEP COOL have been compared, tested and evaluated in school classes.

Results. This evaluation shows that interactivity and multimedia can be used in simulation games to provide an engaging game experience. However, compared to a face-to-face multiplayer game, drawbacks occur regarding ease of communication and traceability of interactions.

Future Prospects. As the digital version is still in its prototype form, the full potential of digital media has not yet been put into practice. However, I will give some recommendations on how to make further use of interactivity and multimedia effects in order to enhance immersive player experience, as well as the achievement of relevant educational objectives.
Let’s Stop Playing Monopoly With the Child Welfare Workforce
Authors: Perry Robin Ernest
Published: December 2015

Although the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI) is a specific focus of Stoesz’s article, a more expansive and thought-provoking critique is made of the NCWWI within the context of a purported overreliance and dependency on the Children’s Bureau, concerns regarding the quality of social work education, and the development of a “professional cartel in child welfare …” in the social work profession. Stoesz’s assertions are examined and some of his observations are reinforced within a broader exploration and discussion of how the events he describes (which are paralleled by events in Florida) may be a by-product of sociological influences shaping social work’s efforts to receive social sanction as a profession. It is argued that the profession need not attempt to monopolize or engage in behaviors meant to gain legislative or social sanction at the expense of advancing knowledge and better informing practice trends and policy actions. Toward this end, professional cartels should be confronted and multi- and interdisciplinary professional practice can and should take place within child welfare systems.
Preventing Schizophrenia and Severe Mental Illness
Authors: DeVylder Jordan E.
Published: December 2015

Schizophrenia is a leading cause of disability and health expenditure worldwide and is associated with homelessness, substance use, familial and social isolation, unemployment, involvement with the criminal justice system, stigma, and excess mortality. Prevention may be feasible through intervention with help-seeking “clinical high-risk” youth with early symptoms of psychosis. A social work approach to psychosis prevention would build upon initial evidence that prevention is effective for this population and would add cross-disciplinary coordination of services, mobilization of community resources, and expertise in psychosocial interventions. Recent governmental funding priorities and policies have increasingly focused on early intervention for psychosis, making rapid change feasible. This substantial potential for change, the massive savings in the quality of lives that would accrue, and the broad impact across social work domains are consistent with the goals of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare’s Grand Challenges Initiative.
Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Intraoperative Application of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma on Surgical Site Infection or Delayed Wound Healing
Authors: SanGiovanni Thomas P. , Kiebzak Gary M.
Published: December 2015

Background:

Prevention of surgical site infections and the reduction of wound-related complication rates have become increasingly emphasized by hospital task groups and government agencies given the degree of economic burden it places on the health care system. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors and other biomolecules that promote endogenous microbicidal activity. We hypothesized that PRP would help prevent postoperative infection and delayed wound healing (DWH).

Methods:

We randomized patients having foot or ankle surgery to the treatment group receiving intraoperative PRP (applied to operative field) and platelet-poor plasma at closing (PPP, on the sutured skin) or the control group (no PRP/PPP). The incidence of deep surgical site infection and DWH (collectively called endpoints) was compared between groups (n = 250/group). PRP had a mean 5.3-fold platelet concentration compared to whole blood, with concentrated white blood cells. Mean age (±SD) of patients was 52 years (±15), 65% were women. Minor and major operative procedures were included. Patients were followed for 60 days. Seventy controls had PRP prepared for assay of growth factors. Procedure mix, ASA scores, mean operative times, and comorbidity mix were similar between groups.

Results:

The primary result was no difference in number of endpoints between groups: 19 patients in the PRP group (7.6%) versus 18 controls (7.2%). Endpoints were deep surgical site infections in 2 PRP/PPP patients and 1 control, and DWH in 17 PRP/PPP patients and 17 controls. Analysis of PRP samples revealed a large variation in growth factor concentrations between patients.

Conclusions:

Intraoperative application of PRP/PPP did not reduce the incidence of postoperative infection or DWH. Growth factor profiles varied greatly between patients, suggesting that the potentially therapeutic treatment delivered was not consistent from patient-to-patient.

Level of Evidence:

Level I, prospective randomized trial.
Inflammation and Hemostatic Activation may Contribute to Postsurgical Thrombosis in Patients With Bladder Cancer
Authors: Abro Schuharazad , Clark Melanie , Barkan Guliz , Hoppensteadt Debra , Fareed Jawed , Wojick Eva , Quek Marcus
Published: December 2015

The alterations of the inflammatory and thrombotic components in patients with cancer are not clearly understood. The purpose of this study was to profile markers of inflammation and thrombotic activation specifically in the patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy. For this study, 134 samples were collected from patients undergoing radical cystectomy. Antiphospholipid antibodies (immunoglobulin G subtype), microparticles, and antiglycosaminoglycan antibodies were measured with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. These biomarkers were compared in patients with bladder cancer and normal individuals (n = 20). Patients had an average value of 6.7 ± 11.9 ng/mL (median: 2.8, confidence interval: 4.69-8.75, and P value: .0038) of antiphospholipid antibodies versus normal individuals 1.96 ± 0.9 ng/mL (median: 1.8 and confidence interval: 1.5-2.35). Microparticles level in patients was 8.31 ± 6.14 ng/mL, (median: 6.1, confidence interval: 7.26-9.37, and P value: <.0001) versus normal individuals 3.57 ± 2.34 ng/mL (median: 2.85 and confidence interval: 2.476-4.664). The antiglycosaminoglycan antibodies in patients had an average value of 0.22 ± 0.1 optical density (OD; median: 0.2, confidence interval: 0.21-0.24, and P value: .0213) compared to normal individuals 0.25 ± 0.08 OD (median: 0.25 and confidence interval: 0.22-0.23). The correlation of antiglycosaminoglycan antibodies with antiphospholipid antibodies showed Spearman r value = .2364 (95% confidence interval: 0.05-0.4 and P value .009). The correlation of antiglycosaminoglycan antibodies versus microparticles showed Spearman r = −.195 (95% confidence interval: 0.37-0.01 and P value .0321). These data suggest that patients with bladder cancer have subclinical activation of thrombotic and inflammatory processes that may be further exacerbated by surgical procedures and lead to venous thromboembolism-related complications.
Dynamics modeling and characteristics analysis of scissor seat suspension
Authors: Zhang Xinjie , Wang Chunlei , Guo Konghui , Sun Ming , Yao Qilin
Published: December 2015

Scissor seat suspension is used widely for attenuating the cab vibration of commercial vehicles, and obtaining its dynamics characteristics accurately is the basis of scissor seat suspension optimization, control and development. As a result, this paper focuses on the scissor seat suspension dynamics modeling and characteristics analysis. Firstly, the scissor seat suspension constraint dynamics equations are derived according to the detailed physical structure. Then, a numerical algorithm with the Baumgarte is proposed to solve the derived multi-body dynamics model which considers the correlation between generalized velocity [Formula: see text] and acceleration [Formula: see text] in the numerical iteration procedure. Finally, a simplified scissor seat suspension vertical dynamics model is formulated. The “spring equivalent leverage ratio” defined as the ratio of the spring vertical deformation to the relative displacement between the upper base and the lower base, as well as the “damper equivalent leverage ratio” defined as the ratio of the damper vertical velocity to the relative velocity between the upper and lower base, are proposed to study the scissor seat suspension vertical dynamics characteristics. This paper demonstrates that the proposed scissor seat suspension multi-body dynamics model provides a precise dynamics characteristics description, which can be used for the scissor seat suspension structure optimization and virtual product development. Additionally, the proposed simplified scissor seat suspension vertical dynamics model shows benefits for its control strategies development.
Icing oral mucositis: Oral cryotherapy in multiple myeloma patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Chen Joey , Seabrook Jamie , Fulford Adrienne , Rajakumar Irina
Published: December 2015

Background

Up to 70% of patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplant develop oral mucositis as a side effect of high-dose melphalan conditioning chemotherapy. Oral cryotherapy has been documented to be potentially effective in reducing oral mucositis. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the cryotherapy protocol implemented within the hematopoietic stem cell transplant program.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of adult multiple myeloma patients who received high-dose melphalan conditioning therapy for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Primary endpoints were incidence and severity of oral mucositis. Secondary endpoints included duration of oral mucositis, duration of hospital stay, parenteral narcotics use and total parenteral nutrition use.

Results

One hundred and forty patients were included in the study, 70 patients in both no cryotherapy and cryotherapy groups. Both oral mucositis incidence and severity were found to be significantly lower in the cryotherapy group. Fifty (71.4%) experienced mucositis post cryotherapy compared to 67 (95.7%) in the no cryotherapy group (p < 0.001). The median oral mucositis severity, assessed using the WHO oral toxicity scale from grade 0–4, experienced in the no group was 2.5 vs. 2 in the cryotherapy group (p = 0.03). Oral mucositis duration and use of parenteral narcotics were also significantly reduced. Duration of hospital stay and use of parenteral nutrition were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

The cryotherapy protocol resulted in a significantly lower incidence and severity of oral mucositis. These results provide evidence for the continued use of oral cryotherapy, an inexpensive and generally well-tolerated practice.
On the use of the multiple scale method in solving ‘difficult’ bifurcation problems
Authors: Luongo Angelo
Published: December 2015

Several algorithms consisting in ‘non-standard’ versions of the Multiple Scale Method are illustrated for ‘difficult’ bifurcation problems. Preliminary, the ‘easy’ case of bifurcation from a cluster of distinct eigenvalues is addressed, which requires using integer power expansions, and it leads to bifurcation equations all of the same order. Then, more complex problems are studied. The first class concerns bifurcation from a defective eigenvalue, which calls for using fractional power expansions and fractional time-scales, as well as Jordan or Keldysh chains. The second class regards the interaction between defective and non-defective eigenvalues. This problem also requires fractional powers, but it leads to differential equations which are of a different order for the involved amplitudes. Both autonomous and parametrically excited non-autonomous systems are studied. Moreover, the transition from a codimension-3 to a codimension-2 bifurcation is explained. As a third class of problems, singular systems possessing an evanescent mass, as Nonlinear Energy Sinks, are considered, and both autonomous systems undergoing Hopf bifurcation and non-autonomous systems under external resonant excitation, are studied. The algorithm calls for a suitable combination of the Multiple Scale Method and the Harmonic Balance Method, the latter is applied exclusively to the singular equations. Several applications are shown, to test the effectiveness of the proposed methods. They include discrete and continuous systems, autonomous, parametrically and externally excited systems.
Stability of lipid membranes
Authors: Walani Nikhil , Agrawal Ashutosh
Published: December 2015

Lipid membranes are versatile biological structures that undergo significant structural remodelling, often triggered by instabilities. Since they invariably possess heterogeneous properties, owing to the presence of multiple lipid species and their interactions with proteins, heterogeneity can have a significant impact on their equilibrium state and stability. In this work, we use curvature elasticity to derive the generalized stability criterion for heterogeneous lipid membranes. Our formulation entertains strain energies that go beyond the Helfrich energy and exhibit higher-order dependence on curvature invariants or spatially varying properties.
Predicting bacterial growth in raw, salted, and cooked chicken breast fillets during storage
Authors: Galarz Liane Aldrighi , Fonseca Gustavo Graciano , Prentice Carlos
Published: December 2015

Growth curves were evaluated for aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. and Staphylococcus spp., grown in raw, salted, and cooked chicken breast at 2, 4, 7, 10, 15, and 20 ℃, respectively, using the modified Gompertz and modified logistic models. Shelf life was determined based on microbiological counts and sensory analysis. Temperature increase reduced the shelf life, which varied from 10 to 26 days at 2 ℃, from nine to 21 days at 4 ℃, from six to 12 days at 7 ℃, from four to eight days at 10 ℃, from two to four days at 15 ℃, and from one to two days at 20 ℃. In most cases, cooked chicken breast showed the highest microbial count, followed by raw breast and lastly salted breast. The data obtained here were useful for the generation of mathematical models and parameters. The models presented high correlation and can be used for predictive purposes in the poultry meat supply chain.
Natural additives to preserve quality and improve nutritional value of fresh-cut nectarine
Authors: Falagán Natalia , Artés Francisco , Aguayo Encarna
Published: December 2015

There is currently a high demand for natural and fresh-cut fruits. In this study, natural additives were applied to fresh-cut nectarines: (1) control, nontreated; (2) wedges were dipped in an antibrowning solution containing calcium ascorbate (AB); (3) and (4) wedges were dipped in an AB plus natural antimicrobial agents (vanillin or cinnamic acid, respectively). After these treatments, fresh-cut nectarines were packed and stored at 5 ℃ for eight days. The treatments AB+Vanillin and AB+Cinnamic inhibited microbial counts when compared with control and AB-only samples. The application of these solutions did not impart any aromas or off-flavors to nectarines and maintained firmness during the shelf-life period. AB solutions inhibited polyophenol oxidase action and reduced browning while stabilizing the soluble phenolic content, increasing consumer’s acceptance. Nectarine wedges assimilated the ascorbic acid from the AB solution and retained it during the shelf-life period. The combination of an antibrowning agent and natural antimicrobials helped to control microbiological growth while maintaining high-quality parameters. They can be an attractive “green” alternative for organic fresh-cut products to other chemical sanitizers such as chlorine.
The Emergence of New Markets for Environmental Services
Authors: Prokopovych Bogdan
Published: December 2015

Does membership in industry associations affect whether firms extend beyond their traditional markets? I use a data set from a survey of U.S. shellfishermen and empirically examine the relationship between membership in associations and participation in new markets. Traditionally, shellfishermen have been growing and harvesting shellfish for human consumption. However, some shellfishermen also engage in alternative revenue-generating environmental projects such as coastal restoration, clean-up, and research. Drawing on the organizational literature on associations and economic sociology literature, I test hypotheses about whether associations contribute to generating value and promoting cooperation among their members thus fulfilling requirements for a new market to emerge. I find that shellfishermen who are members of industry associations are more likely to participate in alternative revenue-generating activities and derive revenues from environmental projects. I argue that industry associations play an important role in firms’ decisions to pursue new markets by contributing to creating value and promoting cooperation.
Organising for Ecological Repair
Authors: Perey Robert , Benn Suzanne
Published: December 2015

In this article, we explore organising narratives that underpin the generation of effective ecological solutions. We examine the processes of meaning construction in relation to the development of sustainable land management practices in the Landcare organisation in Australia. Meaning construction is situated in a variety of contexts that are themselves strongly influenced by a meta-narrative, which Taylor has labelled the “modern social imaginary”: A shared system of meanings that captures the imaginations of individuals and shapes their social groupings and society. The shift in meaning construction is reflected in the emergence of a narrative of “ecological repair” that involved a process of learning and knowledge development we have labelled protracted sense-making. Our research findings have led us to conclude that the development of successful ecological solutions require an active rewriting of the social imaginary.
Trends in the Management of Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices Presenting for Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Stone Marc , Hinchey Joseph , Sattler Christopher , Evans Adam
Published: December 2015

In our institution, the vast majority of patients presenting for noncardiac surgery (NCS) while supported by a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are now cared for by noncardiac-trained anesthesiologists as the result of a decade of educational intervention to effect this transition. This represents a significant departure from the published experiences of other institutions. With institutional review board approval, we queried the database of our anesthesia record keeping system (CompuRecord) to determine various aspects of the perioperative management of these patients from July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2013, during which time 271 NCS procedures were performed on adult patients supported by LVADs. Over the entire study period (2003-2013), anesthetic care was provided by a cardiac anesthesiologist 47% of the time and by a noncardiac anesthesiologist 53% of the time. However, by the time period 2012-2013, 88% of the NCS procedures were staffed by a noncardiac anesthesiologist. Despite the prevalence of continuous flow devices in this series, the use of invasive blood pressure monitoring decreased dramatically by the later years of the study. Vasoactive and inotropic medications were rarely required intraoperatively. No intraoperative cardiac arrests, thromboembolic complications, or device malfunctions occurred. Our conclusion is that NCS procedures on LVAD-supported patients can be safely managed by educated noncardiac anesthesiologists.
Introducing Evidence-Based Principles to Guide Collaborative Approaches to Evaluation
Authors: Shulha Lyn M. , Whitmore Elizabeth , Cousins J. Bradley , Gilbert Nathalie , al Hudib Hind
Published: December 2015

This article introduces a set of evidence-based principles to guide evaluation practice in contexts where evaluation knowledge is collaboratively produced by evaluators and stakeholders. The data from this study evolved in four phases: two pilot phases exploring the desirability of developing a set of principles; an online questionnaire survey that drew on the expertise of 320 practicing evaluators to identify dimensions, factors or characteristics that enhance or impede success in collaborative approaches in evaluation (CAE); and finally a validation phase involving a subsample of 58 evaluators who participated in the main phase. The principles introduced here stem from the experiences of evaluators who have engaged in CAE in a wide variety of evaluation settings and contexts and the lessons they have learned. They are understood to be interconnected and loosely temporally ordered. We expect the principles to evolve over time, as evaluators learn more about collaborative approaches in context. With this in mind, we pose questions for consideration to stimulate further inquiry.
Safety of administering the canine melanoma DNA vaccine (Oncept) to cats with malignant melanoma – a retrospective study
Authors: Sarbu Luminita , Kitchell Barbara E , Bergman Philip J
Published: December 2015

Objectives

A xenogeneic human tyrosinase DNA vaccine was developed for treatment of dogs with oral malignant melanoma (Oncept; Merial). No studies have evaluated the safety or efficacy of this vaccine in cats. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of the canine melanoma vaccine in cats diagnosed with melanoma.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed from cats diagnosed with malignant melanoma and treated with the canine melanoma DNA vaccine (Oncept). Data regarding signalment, melanoma location, treatments received, vaccine adverse effects and cause of death were collected.

Results

A total of 114 melanoma vaccines were administered to 24 cats. Seven cats (11.4%) had clinical adverse effects from a total of 13 vaccines classified as grade 1 or 2 based on the Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group’s common terminology criteria for adverse events v1.1. These included pain on vaccine administration, brief muscle fasciculation, transient inappetence, depression, nausea and mild increase in pigmentation at the injection site. Nineteen cats were deceased at study close. The most common cause of death was melanoma (14 cats). Hematological and biochemical changes were observed in six cats, five of which had concurrent disease or treatments that likely caused or greatly contributed to the laboratory abnormalities found. Therefore, these adverse events were considered unlikely to be caused by the melanoma vaccine. One cat had transient grade 1 hypoalbuminemia, which was possibly caused by the vaccination but not thoroughly evaluated.

Conclusions and relevance

The canine melanoma DNA vaccine can be safely administered to cats, with minimal risk of adverse effects.
Thermal and efficiency characterization of a low-backlash planetary gearbox: An integrated numerical-analytical prediction model and its experimental validation
Authors: Concli Franco
Published: December 2015

In the automation filed, low-backlash gearboxes are required to guarantee precise positioning. For such kind of applications, planetary speed reducers represent one of the most attractive solutions. This type of gearing ensures at the same time high power density and reduction ratios. On the other side, the compactness of the solutions leads to high operating temperatures. For this reason, it is important to be able to quantify the power dissipation and the operating temperatures already in the design stage, therefore to be able to find the best compromise between the load carrying capacity and the maximum transmittable power due to thermal limitations. For this reason, an innovative calculation method capable to quantify the efficiency under different operating conditions and the related operating temperatures was developed. Experimental tests were performed under different operating conditions to validate the predictions. The comparison shows good agreement.
Analysis on design parameters of water-lubricated journal bearings under hydrodynamic lubrication
Authors: Gao Gengyuan , Yin Zhongwei , Jiang Dan , Zhang Xiuli , Wang Yanzhen
Published: December 2015

The article aims to investigate the relationship between eccentricity ratio and the Sommerfeld number based on hydrodynamic water-lubricated journal bearings. Considering the differences between water and oil, especially the difference in vapor pressure, the effect of cavitation on pressure distribution of water film is analyzed based on three boundary conditions and a cavitation model by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The result shows that the three boundary conditions are all not suitable to replace cavitation model in numerical analysis of water-lubricated journal bearings. Then numerical analysis of journal bearings with different dimensions is undertaken with the cavitation model under different working conditions. Based on the analysis, a reference is produced for designing water-lubricated journal bearings under hydrodynamic lubrication. At last, the reference is verified by experiments.
Impact of superficial surface texture anisotropy in helical slide and plateau honing on ring-pack performance
Authors: Demirci Ibrahim , Mezghani S , Yousfi M , El Mansori M
Published: December 2015

The improvement of environment efficiency of automotive internal combustion engine becomes a fundamental objective. The cylinder engine surface texture considerably influences the functional performances of the ring-pack tribo-system. These surfaces are obtained by honing process that was pioneered in the last decade. Several innovative honing techniques were developed resulting in new surface textures with different cross-hatch angle obtained after several stages: the rough and finish honing and final stage. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of variable cross-hatch angle generated at a final stage. These measured obtained surfaces are measured by a 3D white light interferometer and used as input data of the numerical model to estimate the friction. The results show the importance of this ‘residual’ angle.
Children of chronically ill parents: Relationship between parental multiple sclerosis and childhood developmental health
Authors: Razaz Neda , Joseph K.S. , Boyce W Thomas , Guhn Martin , Forer Barry , Carruthers Robert , Marrie Ruth Ann , Tremlett Helen
Published: December 2015

Background:

Exposure to parental chronic illness is associated with adverse developmental outcomes.

Objective:

We examined the association between parental multiple sclerosis (MS) and parental MS-related clinical factors on developmental health.

Methods:

We conducted a population-based cohort study in British Columbia, Canada, using linked health databases. The outcome was childhood development at 5 years of age, expressed as vulnerability on the Early Development Instrument (EDI). Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression.

Results:

MS-affected parents ( n = 783) were older, more likely to be English speakers, and had higher rates of mental health morbidity (39.6% vs 22.2%, p < 0.001) than unaffected parents ( n = 2988). In the adjusted models, children of mothers with MS (aOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.44–0.87), but not children of the fathers with MS, had a lower risk of vulnerability on the social development domain of the EDI. However, mental health comorbidity (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.05–2.50) and physical comorbidity (aOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.05–2.64) among mothers with MS were associated with increased vulnerability on the EDI.

Conclusion:

Maternal MS, but not paternal MS, was associated with lower rates of developmental vulnerability on the social development domain. However, mental and physical comorbidity among MS-affected mothers were associated with increased developmental vulnerability in children.
Using institutional theory to analyse hospital responses to external demands for finance and quality in five European countries
Authors: Burnett Susan , Mendel Peter , Nunes Francisco , Wiig Siri , van den Bovenkamp Hester , Karltun Anette , Robert Glenn , Anderson Janet , Vincent Charles , Fulop Naomi
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Given the impact of the global economic crisis, delivering better health care with limited finance grows more challenging. Through the lens of institutional theory, this paper explores pressures experienced by hospital leaders to improve quality and constrain spending, focusing on how they respond to these often competing demands.

Methods

An in-depth, multilevel analysis of health care quality policies and practices in five European countries including longitudinal case studies in a purposive sample of ten hospitals.

Results

How hospitals responded to the financial and quality challenges was dependent upon three factors: the coherence of demands from external institutions; managerial competence to align external demands with an overall quality improvement strategy, and managerial stability. Hospital leaders used diverse strategies and practices to manage conflicting external pressures.

Conclusions

The development of hospital leaders’ skills in translating external requirements into implementation plans with internal support is a complex, but crucial, task, if quality is to remain a priority during times of austerity. Increasing quality improvement skills within a hospital, developing a culture where quality improvement becomes embedded and linking cost reduction measures to improving care are all required.
Illness trajectories in patients suffering from leg ulcers: A qualitative study
Authors: Cipolletta Sabrina , Amicucci Linda
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to identify illness trajectories in leg ulcers by analysing personal, social and relational dimensions related to leg ulcer onset and to the care process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 patients, one physician and four nurses. Patients’ medical records were also examined. Data were analysed using the grounded theory approach. Four illness trajectories were identified: possibility, denial, focus on illness and tragedy. The findings highlighted that leg ulcers can be experienced in different ways depending on the personal characteristics of the people suffering from them and the kind of relationship that exists between patients and healthcare professionals.
Self-regulated compliance in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder: The role of temperament and parental disciplinary style
Authors: Ostfeld-Etzion Sharon , Feldman Ruth , Hirschler-Guttenberg Yael , Laor Nathaniel , Golan Ofer
Published: December 2015

Regulatory difficulties are common in children with autism spectrum disorder. This study focused on an important aspect of self-regulation—the ability to willingly comply with frustrating demands of socialization agents, termed “self-regulated compliance.” We studied compliance to parental demands in 40 preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder and 40 matched typically developing preschoolers, during separate interactions with mother and father, while engaging in two paradigms: toy pick-up and delayed gratification, which tap the “do” and “don’t” aspects of self-regulated socialization at this age. Parents’ disciplinary style was micro-coded from the two paradigms and child temperament was parent reported. Compared to their typically developing peers, children with autism spectrum disorder showed more noncompliance and less self-regulated compliance to parental demands and prohibitions and greater temperamental difficulties across several domains. No group differences were found in parental disciplinary style. Child self-regulated compliance was associated with parental supportive disciplinary style and with child attention focusing. Findings highlight the importance of parental supportive presence in structuring the development of socialization in children with autism spectrum disorder. Implications for parent–child emotion regulation interventions are discussed.
Four years of pre-hospital simple thoracostomy performed by a physician-paramedic helicopter emergency medical service team: A description and review of practice
Authors: Chesters Adam , Davies Gareth , Wilson Alastair
Published: December 2015

Background

Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust operate doctor-paramedic pre-hospital care teams. Simple thoracostomy is performed if an intubated patient requires pleural decompression. Reports of the use of this technique are uncommon in the literature. This study describes the use of pre-hospital thoracostomy over four years. Pre-hospital complications and effect on oxygen saturations were also noted.

Methods

A retrospective database review of all missions that occurred between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2014. All patients undergoing this procedure were included.

Results

A total of 126 patients were identified. In 110 (87%) of the total number of patients, the procedure was bilateral making the total number of thoracostomies performed 236. The mechanism of injury was blunt trauma in 115 (91%) and penetrating trauma in 11 patients (9%). The primary indication was traumatic cardiac arrest or peri-arrest in 51 patients (40%), high risk of pneumothorax in a ventilated patient in 45 patients (36%), pneumothorax diagnosed prior to delivery of anaesthesia in 17 patients (13%), and unexplained hypoxia in a ventilated patient in 13 patients (10%). The mean pulse oximetry measurement at the time of arrival was 91.8% and 97.2% at the time of handover ( p=0.003). No immediate complications were recorded on the database.

Conclusion

We have described the regular use of the technique of simple thoracostomy in trauma patients attended by our air ambulance service. It is the largest case series to date of simple thoracostomy being used in the context of pre-hospital chest trauma.
Understanding the occurrence of the surface turbulence in a nonpressurized bottom gating system: Numerical simulation of the melt flow pattern
Authors: Kheirabi Ali , Baghani Amir , Bahmani Ahmad , Tamizifar Morteza , Davami Parviz , Ostad Shabani Mohsen , Mazahery Ali
Published: December 2015

Surface turbulence during the filling of the mold triggers the entrainment of oxide films, which appears to be detrimental to the soundness of the final casting. Nonpressurized and bottom-gating systems have been employed in order to avoid such casting defects by reducing the surface velocity of the liquid metal. However, recent studies have shown that the melt front velocity in the mold entrance may exceed the critical value in the nonpressurized and bottom-gating systems. Therefore, a study was conducted on numerical simulation melt flow pattern in nonpressurized and bottom-gating systems. It was noted that the liquid metal enters the gate and then mold cavity with a higher velocity by formation of dead zones and vortex flows in runner's end. Therefore, the current designs based on conventional gating system ratio seem to be not optimized and unable to avoid the surface turbulence. Numerical results were in complete agreement with experimental observations. Understanding the reasons for occurrence of the surface turbulence in nonpressurized and bottom-gating systems provides information on the required steps to improve the design of the gating systems and minimize the entrainment of oxide films during the filling of the mold.
The zone of parental discretion: An ethical tool for dealing with disagreement between parents and doctors about medical treatment for a child
Authors: Gillam Lynn
Published: December 2015

Dealing with situations where parents’ views about treatment for their child are strongly opposed to doctors’ views is one major area of ethical challenge in paediatric health care. The traditional approach focuses on the child’s best interests, but this is problematic for a number of reasons. The Harm Principle test is regarded by many ethicists as more appropriate than the best interests test. Despite this, use of the best interests test for intervening in parental decisions is still very common in clinical settings and can lead to confusion. In this paper, I propose the Zone of Parental Discretion as a means of putting into practice the key ideas of the Harm Principle, in a clear, step-by-step process. The Zone of Parental Discretion provides a tool for ethical deliberation by clinicians and ethicists about all situations in which parents and doctors disagree about treatment of a child, whether parents are refusing medically recommended treatment, or requesting non-recommended treatment.
Nanofiber-enhanced lightweight composite textiles for acoustic applications
Authors: Kucukali-Ozturk Merve , Ozden-Yenigun Elif , Nergis Banu , Candan Cevza
Published: December 2015

This paper proposes lightweight textile acoustic structure, wherein electrospun polyacrylonitrile-based nanofibers enhance sound absorption properties with no weight and thickness penalty. Polyacrylonitrile nanofibers with diameter of 110 ± 7 nm were electrospun on spacer-knitted fabrics by varying deposition amount and surface coating arrangement. Proposed novel approach eliminated additional processing steps such as handling and post-lamination and provided easy scalability of nanofibers at macro-scale. The results showed that the sound absorption of nano-enhanced specimens was improved drastically when deposited amount of nanofibers or its effective surface area increased. Sound propagation paths in different configurations were interpreted from sound absorption and air permeability measurements. The sound absorption coefficient values up to 0.7 are achieved in the low and medium frequency ranges with no weight and thickness penalty by tuning deposition amount and surface coating arrangement.
Dosimetric Performance of Newly Developed Farmer-Type Ionization Chamber in Radiotherapy Practice
Authors: Saminathan Sathiyan , Godson Henry Finlay , Ponmalar Retna , Manickam Ravikumar , Mazarello James , Fernandes Rahul
Published: December 2015

Dose measurement with ionization chamber is essential to deliver accurate dose to the tumor in radiotherapy. The cylindrical Farmer-type ionization chamber is recommended by various dosimetry protocols for dose measurement of radiotherapy beams. The air-equivalent graphite wall Farmer-type ionization chamber (FAR 65 GB) of active volume 0.65 cm3 with aluminum as the central electrode material was fabricated. Various dosimetric parameters were studied for the newly developed ionization chamber in cobalt-60, 6 and 18 MV photon beams. The preirradiation and postirradiation leakage of the chamber was within 0.08%. The long-term stability and the stem effect of the chamber were within 0.07% and 0.3%, respectively. The sensitivity of the ionization chamber was found to be 22.15 nC/Gy. The chamber shows linear response with dose for cobalt-60, 6 and 18 MV photon beams. The ion recombination correction factor increases with increase in bias voltage. For all energies and field sizes, the polarity correction factor is almost closer to unity. The ion recombination and polarity correction measurements show that the polarizing potential and polarity recommended during the calibration of ionization chamber should be used for routine measurement to avoid the uncertainty. The chamber response is independent of dose rate and energy. The chamber is cost-effective and shows precise and reproducible response. The study carried out confirms that the newly fabricated ion chamber can be used in the measurement of absolute dose for high-energy photon beams.
Who Overrates, Who Underrates? Personality and Its Link to Self–Other Agreement of Leadership Effectiveness
Authors: Bergner Sabine , Davda Alex , Culpin Vicki , Rybnicek Robert
Published: December 2015

The study investigated if personality can explain why certain managers are prone to overrate or underrate their own effectiveness. Thus, the relationship between self–other agreement of effectiveness and personality was studied. In total, 214 managers completed a multisource feedback and provided personality data on the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator. Results show that more extraverted leaders overrated their effectiveness in relation to their supervisors but had more accurate perceptions when self–peer and self–subordinate ratings were compared. Leaders with an intuition preference had more accurate perceptions when comparing self and supervisor or subordinate ratings while leaders with judging preferences received lower subordinate than self-ratings. Findings show that personality partly explains why leaders overrate or underrate their effectiveness and thus can be used for understanding leaders’ careers.