bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced mechanical properties of multifunctional multiscale glass/carbon/epoxy composite reinforced with carbon nanotubes and simultaneous carbon nanotubes/nanoclays
Authors: Nazem Salimi Masoumeh , Torabi Merajin Mehdi , Besharati Givi Mohammad Kazem
Published: August 2016

Hybrid composites are being used in a wide variety of applications especially in the aircraft industry. Therefore, it would be of great use to develop a hybrid composite with a high mechanical performance. With this premise, this studyaimed to imbed secondary nanoscale reinforcement into the matrix of glass/carbon/epoxy composite where amino multi-walled carbon nanotubes and hybridization of amino multi-walled carbon nanotube and Nanoclay (Cloisite 30B) were utilized. The tensile, flexural and impact properties of hybrid composites were evaluated and a comparative study between hybrid composite reinforced with amino-MWCNTs and simultaneous amino-MWCNTs and Nanoclay was conducted. The fractured surfaces of tensile testing and bending testing specimens were characterized with a high precise field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results of the tensile test revealed that incorporation of amino-MWCNTs reduced the ultimate strength of hybrid composite, while the elastic modulus of composite with combination of amino-MWCNTs and Nanoclay increased. It was demonstrated that incorporation of nanotubes and simultaneous presence of both amino MWCNTs and Nanoclay could enhance exclusively the flexural strength of conventional hybrid composite by up to 10.5% and 22% respectively. Also, simultaneous presence of nano-fillers resulted in 12.2% enhancement of impact strength of hybrid composite where amino-MWCNTs exclusively increased it by up to 49.9%. Morphological characterization of composites indicated to strengthen interfacial interaction of fabrics to epoxy when matrix reinforced with nano-fillers, especially in combination of both nanotubes and nanoclays.
Characteristic progressive damage modes in a plain weave textile composite under multiaxial loads
Authors: McLendon W Ross , Whitcomb John D
Published: August 2016

A finite element-based model was developed to predict progressive damage evolution within a plain weave textile composite subjected to various combinations of in-plane tension and shear. Cracking in the tows, matrix, and interfaces was accounted for through cohesive zone modeling. Shear damage in the tows was accounted for through a continuum damage model. The damage behavior in the tows was stochastic in nature with properties determined from prior investigations of composite microstructures that included randomness in fiber positions. The predicted progressive damage evolution was found to qualitatively match well with experimental observations performed on similar material systems. The effect of temperature change, which modifies the thermally induced stresses in the tows as well as the apparent strength of the tows (due to changes in thermally induced microstresses at the fiber–matrix scale) was examined. Finally, the progressive failure responses under different loadings were compared to identify common characteristic behaviors. The effect of these characteristic behaviors on the textile’s effective response was investigated along with approaches to incorporate the behaviors into a structural scale progressive failure model.
Association of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior With Psychological Well-Being Among Japanese Children
Authors: Ishii Kaori , Shibata Ai , Adachi Minoru , Oka Koichiro
Published: August 2016

Data on the effect of increased or decreased physical activity on children’s psychological status are scarce, and effect sizes are small. This study conducted two-year longitudinal research to identify associations between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and psychological well-being in Japanese school children through a mail survey completed by 292 children aged 6–12 years. Data on sociodemographics, physical activity, sedentary behavior on weekdays and the weekend, and psychometrics (self-efficacy, anxiety, and behavioral/emotional problems) were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. A logistic regression analysis was performed, calculating odds ratios for physical activity, psychometrics, and baseline age and physical activity and sedentary behavior changes. For boys, a negative association was found between increased physical activity outside school and maintained or improved self-efficacy as opposed to a positive association in girls. Increased sedentary behavior on weekdays and long periods of sedentary behavior on weekends were associated with maintained or improved behavioral/emotional problems in girls only. This two-year longitudinal study is the first of its kind conducted in Japan. Although effect sizes were small, these results may nevertheless assist in intervention development to promote psychological well-being.
The Effect of Observational Practice by a Point-Light Model on Learning a Novel Motor Skill
Authors: Farsi A. , Bahmanbegloo Zeinab H. , Abdoli B. , Ghorbani S.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of observing point-light and video models and physical practice on learning a crouch start.

Method

Thirty-two female students were randomly assigned into point-light, video, physical practice, and control groups. They performed 10 trials in pretest, 160 trials in acquisition phase, and 10 trials in 24-hour retention test. Kinematic features and reaction time were measured as dependent variables.

Results

Results showed that physical practice group performed better than other groups in reaction time and range of motion of trunk and observational groups performed better than control groups in reaction time and range of motion of knee.

Conclusion

The results confirm the positive effects of observational practice on motor learning.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Primary Somatosensory Cortex Modulates Perception of the Tendon Vibration Illusion
Authors: Huh D. C. , Lee J. M. , Oh S. M. , Lee J-H. , Van Donkelaar P. , Lee D. H.
Published: August 2016

The effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on kinesthetic perception, when applied to the somatosensory cortex, was examined. Further, the facilitatory and inhibitory effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation using different stimulation frequencies were tested. Six female ( M age = 32.0 years, SD = 6.7) and nine male ( M age = 32.9 years, SD = 6.6) participants were asked to perceive the tendon vibration illusion of the left wrist joint and to replicate the illusion with their right hand. When comparing changes in the corresponding movement amplitude and velocity after three different repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation protocols (sham, 1 Hz inhibitory, and 5 Hz facilitatory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation), the movement amplitude was found to decrease with the inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, while the movement velocity respectively increased and decreased with the facilitatory and inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. These results confirmed the modulating effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on kinesthetic perception in a single experimental paradigm.
Ultradrawing and ultimate tensile properties of novel ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composite fibers filled with nanoalumina fillers
Authors: Yeh Jen-taut , Wang Chuen kai , Tsai Chih-Chen , Ren Dao-Huan , Chiu Shih-Hsuan
Published: August 2016

Novel ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/nanoalumina (F100Ay), UHMWPE/acid-treated nanoalumina (F100Aox%-8-y) and UHMWPE/functionalized nanoalumina (F100Aox%-81PEg-MAHxy) as-prepared nanocomposite fibers were prepared by gel-spinning processes. The rod-like features of the original nanoalumina fillers were significantly etched into broken/shorter nanorods and/or shreds by oxalic acid solutions as their concentrations and/or treating time increased. As evidenced by Fourier transform infrared and transmission electron microscopy analysis, PEg-MAH molecules were successfully grafted onto acid-treated nanoalumina fillers through the reaction of the hydroxyl groups of nanoalumina fillers with the maleic anhydride groups of PEg-MAH molecules during their modification processes. The specific surface areas of each Aox%-81PEg-MAHxy functionalized nanoalumina filler reached a maximum value (≧470 m2/g), as the weight ratios of PEg-MAH to acid-treated nanoalumina approached the optimal value at 8. The achievable draw ratio ( Dra) values of F100Ay, F100Aox%-8-y and/or F100Aox%-81PEg-MAHxy as-prepared fibers approach a maximal value as the original, acid-treated and/or functionalized nanoalumina contents reach the optimal values at 0.1, 0.1 and 0.075 phr, respectively, in which, the maximal Dra values obtained for F100Aox%-81PEg-MAHx0.075 as-prepared fiber specimens are significantly higher than those of the F100A0.1 and F100Aox%-8-0.1 drawn fiber specimens prepared at the same draw ratios. Moreover, the maximal Dra values obtained for F100Aox%-81PEg-MAHx0.075 as-prepared fibers reached another maximal value as the functionalized nanoalumina fillers were modified using the optimal weight ratio of PEg-MAH to acid-treated nanoalumina at 8. Further investigation revealed that excellent orientation and tensile properties of the UHMWPE nanocomposite fibers can be obtained by ultradrawing the F100Aox%-81PEg-MAHxy as-prepared fibers with proper amounts of well-dispersed functionalized nanoalumina fillers.
Design and characterization of PLLA stents with Z-structure
Authors: Wang Cong-er , Zhang Pei-hua , Jiang Xiao-tong
Published: August 2016

Biodegradable intravascular stents could become totally degraded after supporting the stenosis diseased vascular without risks of thrombus and restenosis. As the earliest used biodegradable material on stents, poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) has favorable mechanical and degradable performance. In this paper, poly-lactic acid was used as a stent material for the imitation of the S7 stent (Medtronic AVE, Minnesota, USA). The Z-structure stent was designed and constructed with textile methods by wounding and bonding the strut with a cylindrical mold. Poly-lactic acid Z-structure stents were made into different forms with two different bonding methods for the comparison of stent mechanical properties. In the meantime, polydiaxanon monofilament was used for the preparation of the Z-structure stent and WallStent to compare with poly-lactic acid stents. The stent radial force was tested by the platform compression method. Experimental results showed that the polydiaxanon Z-structure stent had a higher radial force than the poly-lactic acid ones because of better mechanical properties of the strut. Small-diameter stents expressed higher radial force, whereas stents with more crown rows had lower radial forces. Stents bonded with medical glue had higher radial force but lower fastness and inefficient self-expanded performance. The WallStent and Z-structure stent both had favorable elastic resilience performance, whereas the Z-structure stent performed better in compression resistance under large deformation
Estimation of the performance stability of the newly developed topical haemostatic agents based on the chitosan/alginate fibrids
Authors: Struszczyk Marcin H , Wilbik-Hałgas Bożena , Miklas Michał , Cichecka Magdalena , Kucharska Magdalena , Wiśniewska-Wrona Maria , Brzoza-Malczewska Kinga
Published: August 2016

Designing medical devices requires a wide range of verification steps for estimation of the performance and safety. Designing the research program needs a rational selection of appropriate testing methods (in preclinical and clinical studies) for determination of the risk of potential incompatibilities resulting in adverse events. The significance of the appropriate selection of the testing method is increased in advanced medical devices. The presented research considers the verification of the functional properties of recently developed topical haemostatic agents with the use of the chitosan/alginate fibrids, based on the previously elaborated risk analysis made according to the guidelines of the PN-EN-ISO 14971:2012 and PN-EN ISO 22442-1:2008 standards.

The aim of this research was to verify the stability of the performance of the newly developed haemostatic agents during storage. The defined aim of the study arose from the thesis that the appropriate selection of raw materials and a new manner of reprocessing them enabled keeping the usability of the final product for at least two years.
Study on the processing of stretch-broken ramie yarns in a cotton spinning system
Authors: Guan Saipeng , Zhong Hai , Yang Jianping , Yu Chongwen
Published: August 2016

In this study, conventional long ramie fiber was stretch-broken into short fibers with lengths of 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, and 50 mm. Then, these stretch-broken fibers were processed in a cotton spinning system. The results show that, compared to long ramie fibers processed in a conventional ramie spinning system, the stretch-broken fibers, with reasonable fiber length and high length uniformity, can be processed in a cotton spinning system with high efficiency and generally have better resultant yarn quality. For all of the stretch-broken yarns, the yarn processed from fiber with 40 mm length shows the best comprehensive performance.
Preparing for Graduate-Level Training in Professional Psychology
Authors: Karazsia Bryan T. , Smith Lena
Published: August 2016

In the present study, faculty who teach in clinical and counseling doctor of philosophy (PhD) or doctor of psychology (PsyD) programs completed surveys regarding preferences for prospective student preparations to graduate programs. Faculty expectations of minimum and ideal undergraduate training were highest for scientific methods, though expectations systematically varied among clinical PhD, counseling PhD, and clinical PsyD programs. Faculty preferences for applicants’ research and clinical “fit” within the program in which they are applying, as well as general interpersonal skills and intellect, also emerged as important admissions factors. These results describe the desirable undergraduate preparations and qualities of applicants for advanced study in clinical and counseling psychology. The findings have implications for prospective graduate students, faculty who train and mentor undergraduates, and faculty who serve on admissions committees.
Similarity-based link prediction in social networks: A path and node combined approach
Authors: Yu Chuanming , Zhao Xiaoli , An Lu , Lin Xia
Published: August 2016

With the rapid development of the Internet, the computational analysis of social networks has grown to be a salient issue. Various research analyses social network topics, and a considerable amount of attention has been devoted to the issue of link prediction. Link prediction aims to predict the interactions that might occur between two entities in the network. To this aim, this study proposed a novel path and node combined approach and constructed a methodology for measuring node similarities. The method was illustrated with five real datasets obtained from different types of social networks. An extensive comparison of the proposed method against existing link prediction algorithms was performed to demonstrate that the path and node combined approach achieved much higher mean average precision (MAP) and area under the curve (AUC) values than those that only consider common nodes (e.g. Common Neighbours and Adamic/Adar) or paths (e.g. Random Walk with Restart and FriendLink). The results imply that two nodes are more likely to establish a link if they have more common neighbours of lower degrees. The weight of the path connecting two nodes is inversely proportional to the product of degrees of nodes on the pathway. The combination of node and topological features can substantially improve the performance of similarity-based link prediction, compared with node-dependent and path-dependent approaches. The experiments also demonstrate that the path-dependent approaches outperform the node-dependent appraoches. This indicates that topological features of networks may contribute more to improving performance than node features.
From the windows to the walls
Authors: McKeel Justin D
Published: August 2016

The use of window glass fragments as time diagnostic artifacts is an atypical, but well-established technique in historical archaeology—founded on the universal increase in window glass thickness through the 18th and 19th centuries. For sites with an abundance of architectural artifacts and a paucity of other time diagnostics or historic documentation, it may be the only means of ascertaining a construction date for a structure. However, when construction dates are known, window glass fragments may provide another benefit. For this analysis, window glass thickness is used as a key variable in a spatial analysis to test for the presence of multiple church construction events at the Unity Presbyterian Red Brick Church Site. This historic site is of crucial significance in recounting the history of the Unity (Latrobe) Presbyterians in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Discord in the Communication of Forensic Science
Authors: Howes Loene M. , Kemp Nenagh
Published: August 2016

The criminal justice system is one arena in which nonscientists use scientific findings and expert opinions to aid decision making. Forensic science is a standard feature of criminal investigations, out-of-court settlements, and trials. Yet forensic science may be poorly understood by those who use it as a decision aid, with a consequent risk of contributing to miscarriages of justice. In this article, we discuss some of the contentious aspects of communicating expert opinion, and consider how research suggests that scientists might balance the competing concerns of scientific correctness and comprehensibility for nonscientists. Highlighting both research and theory, we argue that modifying language is a necessary component of ensuring understanding. However, the aim of transferring knowledge from a forensic scientist to a nonscientist is a complex task. Language modification alone is not sufficient; the practices and processes of communication require consideration. We argue that the dialogue and participation models of communication have much to offer to foster understanding of forensic science and enhance its value in the criminal justice system. We acknowledge some practical challenges to dialogue and participation approaches, and provide an example of how innovative organisational practices can help to facilitate effective interprofessional communication.
Clinical evaluation of the air-handling properties of contemporary oxygenators with integrated arterial filter
Authors: Stehouwer Marco C. , Legg Kristina R. , de Vroege Roel , Kelder Johannes C. , Hofman Erik , de Mol Bastian A. , Bruins Peter
Published: August 2016

Gaseous microemboli (GME) may originate from the extracorporeal circuit and enter the arterial circulation of the patient. GME are thought to contribute to cerebral deficit and to adverse outcome after cardiac surgery. The arterial filter is a specially designed component for removing both gaseous and solid microemboli. Integration of an arterial filter with an oxygenator is a contemporary concept, reducing both prime volume and foreign surface area. This study aims to determine the air-handling properties of four contemporary oxygenator devices with an integrated arterial filter. Two oxygenator devices, the Capiox FX25 and the Fusion, showed significant increased volume of GME reduction rates (95.03 ± 3.13% and 95.74 ± 2.69%, respectively) compared with both the Quadrox-IF (85.23 ± 5.84%) and the Inspire 6F M (84.41 ± 12.93%). Notably, both the Quadrox-IF and the Inspire 6F M as well as the Capiox FX 25 and the Fusion showed very similar characteristics in volume and number reduction rates and in detailed distribution properties. The Capiox FX25 and the Fusion devices showed significantly increased number and volume reduction rates compared with the Quadrox-IF and the Inspire 6F M devices. Despite the large differences in design of all four devices, our study results suggest that the oxygenator devices can be subdivided into two groups based on their fibre design, which results in screen filter (Quadrox-IF and Inspire 6F M) and depth filter (Capiox FX25 and Fusion) properties. Depth filter properties, as present in the Capiox FX25 and Fusion devices, reduced fractionation of air and may ameliorate GME removal.
Experiences and perspectives of older people regarding advance care planning: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Ke Li-Shan , Huang Xiaoyan , Hu Wen-Yu , O’Connor Margaret , Lee Susan
Published: August 2016

Background:

Studies have indicated that family members or health professionals may not know or predict their older relatives’ or patients’ health preferences. Although advance care planning is encouraged for older people to prepare end-of-life care, it is still challenging.

Aim:

To understand the experiences and perspectives of older people regarding advance care planning.

Design:

A systematic review of qualitative studies and meta-synthesis was conducted.

Data sources:

CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases were searched.

Results:

A total of 50 articles were critically appraised and a thematic synthesis was undertaken. Four themes were identified: life versus death, internal versus external, benefits versus burdens, and controlling versus being controlled. The view of life and death influenced older people’s willingness to discuss their future. The characteristics, experiences, health status, family relationship, and available resources also affected their plans of advance care planning. Older people needed to balance the benefits and burdens of advance care planning, and then judge their own ability to make decisions about end-of-life care.

Conclusion:

Older people’s perspectives and experiences of advance care planning were varied and often conflicted; cultural differences amplified variances among older people. Truthful information, available resources, and family support are needed to enable older people to maintain dignity at the end of life. The views of life and death for older people from different cultures should be compared to assist health professionals to understand older people’s attitudes toward advance care planning, and thus to develop appropriate strategies to promote advance care planning in different cultures.
Cognitive stimulation therapy for people with dementia in practice: A service evaluation
Authors: Streater Amy , Aguirre Elisa , Spector Aimee , Orrell Martin
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Cognitive stimulation therapy is a well-recognised evidence-based cognitive psychosocial intervention for people with mild to moderate dementia. Despite increased use of the programme, little is known about its implementation in practice.

Method

A service evaluation of care home staff that received cognitive stimulation therapy training was conducted, and on-going support to deliver the programme in practice was provided. Outcome measures collected at baseline and 6 month follow up included sense of competence, learning transfer, dementia knowledge, and approaches to dementia. Attendance records were also collected.

Results

Ten out of 12 care homes attempted to deliver the cognitive stimulation therapy programme after receiving training and support. Overall, a high number of sessions were delivered. In addition, the staff members demonstrated significant improvements in positive approaches to dementia care and sense of competence.

Conclusions

This article reports encouraging findings of training and outreach support with demonstrated improvements in staff outcomes and successful implementation of the cognitive stimulation therapy programme. These results support the current evidence base supporting the use of cognitive stimulation therapy in routine care. This is relevant to occupational therapy as the profession plays a crucial part in the implementation of psychosocial interventions for dementia in practice.
Geographies of Transition: Narrating environmental activism in an age of climate change and ‘Peak Oil’
Authors: Barr Stewart , Pollard Justin
Published: August 2016

The growth of community-based Transition Town initiatives in countries like the UK, USA and Canada is popularly perceived to represent a broad, socially inclusive and grounded approach to tackling environmental problems in place-based communities. In focusing on resilience as a core theme, so-called re-localisation initiatives attempt to adopt consensus based approaches to decision making and to highlight the need for an ‘inner transition’ of the self that encourages closer connections between individuals and nature. In this way, Transition has been framed as a new form of social and environmental movement that is re-casting community and political relations for a low carbon and post ‘Peak oil’ future. Yet despite these emergent philosophies of Transition and the considerable scholarship being generated on the role and success of such initiatives, there is an urgent need to situate and analyse Transition within broader understandings of environmental activism. Using data from a two year research project on ‘Values in Transition’, this paper argues that the praxis and spatial complexity of Transition can be understood more deeply through a narrative lens. In mobilising critical scholarship on environmental activism, the paper calls for a ‘Transition Geographies’ that views re-localisation as a dynamic and complex coalescence of competing narratives that sit between traditional forms of environmental activism and directive initiatives for individual behaviour change. As such, the paper highlights the ways in which this new form of environmental activism is shaping praxis across space, and the implications this has for those advocating re-localisation as a strategy for tackling climate change and resource scarcity.
From post-game to play-by-play
Authors: Andrews Gavin J.
Published: August 2016

As a field of research or possible sub-discipline, sports geography has not realized its full potential. This paper summarizes some of the main subjects investigated and approaches taken to date, then using this as a launching point, describes a particular way forward for research. It is argued that a better engagement with, and showing of, the physicality, energy and feeling of sport might be achieved through employing non-representational theory, itself involving an emphasis on exposing the immediate and moving in life, including the less-than-fully conscious practices, performances and sensations involved. In particular, these arguments are framed by discussions of some of the fundamental qualities of ‘movement-space’ that might be more clearly animated in future scholarship – specifically rhythm, momentum, vitality, infectiousness, imminence and encounter – and are supported by highlighting some pathbreaking sports geographies that have already begun to convey them. It is argued that, whilst these qualities are critical to sport in their own right, importantly they interplay with social, political and economic processes in sport that geographers already have a modest record of engaging with.
A comparison of the use of critically refracted longitudinal waves and magnetic Barkhausen noise for stress measurement in API 5L X70 steel
Authors: Pereira Paulo , Grijalba Freddy Armando Franco , Santos Auteliano Antunes
Published: August 2016

According to acoustoelastic theory, ultrasonic wave velocity varies as a function of the state of stress in a body. In ferromagnetic materials, stress alters magnetic domain walls created by cyclic magnetic excitation and affects the amplitude of magnetic Barkhausen noise signals. In this work, both these properties are used to measure different levels of stress in specimens of API 5L X70 steel. Time of flight of ultrasonic critically refracted longitudinal (Lcr) waves and magnetic Barkhausen noise are measured and compared using three parameters: sensitivity, linearity, and dispersion. The results show that while magnetic Barkhausen noise is much more sensitive to variations in stress, the time of flight values fit a linear curve better. Also, for the ultrasonic technique, dispersion between the curves for the different specimens is lower. For both techniques, measurement dispersion in the specimens when no stress is applied is high. The findings of this study can be used to indicate the limits within which each technique can be used and to help decide when it is more appropriate to use one technique rather than the other.
Influence of fibre stretching on the microstructure of self-reinforced poly(ethylene terephthalate) composite
Authors: Jerpdal Lars , Ståhlberg Daniel , Åkermo Malin
Published: August 2016

Self-reinforced poly(ethylene terephthalate) laminates were prepared from woven fabric by compression moulding. The fabric was stretched to different degrees during heating before hot consolidation to simulate a manufacturing process where the material is stretched through forming. High tenacity poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibres with different degrees of stretching were prepared for a comparison to laminates. Tensile tests were made to characterize mechanical properties, while dynamical mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis were employed to study microstructural changes caused by the stretching. Tensile tests show that 13% stretching of the fabric increases the laminate tensile stiffness by 34%. However, same degree of stretching for pure fibres increases the fibre tensile stiffness by 111%. Crystallinity and molecular conformations are not influenced by stretching while shrinkage upon heating increases with degree of stretching. Shrinkage is known to be related to disorientation of non-crystalline regions whereof the conclusion from this study is that the increased tensile properties are due to orientation of the non-crystalline regions of the fibre.
Women’s sports coverage remains largely marginalized
Authors: Schmidt Hans C.
Published: August 2016

This analysis of 30 years of sports reporting in The New York Times finds 86.7 percent of all articles focus on men’s sports and male athletes, while just 5.2 percent focus on women’s sports and female athletes. Additionally, the articles about women are more likely to be shorter and have a smaller word count than articles about men.
Lithium Poisoning
Authors: Baird-Gunning Jonathan , Lea-Henry Tom , Hoegberg Lotte C. G. , Gosselin Sophie , Roberts Darren M.
Published: August 2016

Lithium is a commonly prescribed treatment for bipolar affective disorder. However, treatment is complicated by lithium’s narrow therapeutic index and the influence of kidney function, both of which increase the risk of toxicity. Therefore, careful attention to dosing, monitoring, and titration is required. The cause of lithium poisoning influences treatment and 3 patterns are described: acute, acute-on-chronic, and chronic. Chronic poisoning is the most common etiology, is usually unintentional, and results from lithium intake exceeding elimination. This is most commonly due to impaired kidney function caused by volume depletion from lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus or intercurrent illnesses and is also drug-induced. Lithium poisoning can affect multiple organs; however, the primary site of toxicity is the central nervous system and clinical manifestations vary from asymptomatic supratherapeutic drug concentrations to clinical toxicity such as confusion, ataxia, or seizures. Lithium poisoning has a low mortality rate; however, chronic lithium poisoning can require a prolonged hospital length of stay from impaired mobility and cognition and associated nosocomial complications. Persistent neurological deficits, in particular cerebellar, are described and the incidence and risk factors for its development are poorly understood, but it appears to be uncommon in uncomplicated acute poisoning. Lithium is readily dialyzable, and rationale support extracorporeal treatments to reduce the risk or the duration of toxicity in high-risk exposures. There is disagreement in the literature regarding factors that define patients most likely to benefit from treatments that enhance lithium elimination, including specific plasma lithium concentration thresholds. In the case of extracorporeal treatments, there are observational data in its favor, without evidence from randomized controlled trials (none have been performed), which may lead to conservative practices and potentially unnecessary interventions in some circumstances. More data are required to define the risk–benefit of extracorporeal treatments and their use (modality, duration) in the management of lithium poisoning.
Sites That Haunt
Authors: Sendyka Roma
Published: August 2016

In this article, the author seeks to establish whether specific sites from Eastern Europe can be viewed as loci critiquing Pierre Nora’s seminal notion of lieux de mémoire. The sites in question are abandoned, clandestine locations of past violence and genocide, witnesses to wanton killings, today left with no memorial markers or inadequate ones. Without monuments, plaques, or fences, they might be understood as “completely forgotten,” as Claude Lanzmann once claimed. In opposition to that view, in the article the locations in question are interpreted as still potent agents in local processes of working with a traumatic past. Sites of mass violence and genocide are described as unheimlich and trigger strong affective reactions of fear, disgust, and shame whose actual causes remain unclear. This article analyzes possible catalysts of these powerful affective responses. The first hypothesis is grounded in the abundance of ghost stories in literary or artistic representations of the sites in question. The second hypothesis addresses the issue of the presence of dead bodies: human remains have never been properly neutralized by rituals. And finally, the third hypothesis explores the “effect of the affects” of non-sites of memory as the capacity of bodies to be moved by other bodies, the bodies affected in this case being those of the visitors to the uncanny sites.
Communist Legacies and Democratic Survival in a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Carter Jeff , Bernhard Michael H. , Nordstrom Timothy
Published: August 2016

The literature on the legacies of communism for democratization has focused almost exclusively on explaining variation in the democratic experiences within the postcommunist space. While this is useful in many ways, it says little about a communist legacy in comparison to other types of antecedent regimes. We take a different approach, looking at the question by comparing postcommunist legacies to those of other states through the prism of democratic survival. One key implication of this shift in perspective is that the literature on democratic survival highlights a range of social and economic factors that are likely to help postcommunist democracies survive, which stands in stark contrast to the postcommunist democratic performance literature that emphasizes potential disadvantages. We assess these competing and contradictory implications by analyzing the relative likelihood of democratic survival using a sample of all third-wave democracies from 1970 to 2010. We find that postcommunist democracies are neither systematically more nor less likely to fail than other democracies. Further, we find no evidence that the prospects of failure are significantly affected by past membership in the Soviet Union or the Eastern Bloc, the type of communist regime, or the number of years under communist rule. These findings provide little evidence that the problems of postcommunist democratization pose a more difficult set of conditions for democratic survival.
Accounting of the thread embedment in timber structures dowel-type joints. Load–slip relationship
Authors: Domínguez Manuel , Fueyo Jose G , Cabezas Jose A
Published: August 2016

This work is devoted to the development of a calculation proposal for dowel-type joints in timber structures that takes into account the increase in load capacity due to the use of threaded dowels. While the method is based on acknowledged criteria of structural standards, it also considers the crushed areas that appear in the timber near the zone of contact with the dowel’s thread. Thereby, it comes closer to the actual mechanical behaviour of the whole joint when it suffers a relative displacement between its different parts under an external load. The equations proposed in this study to define the load capacity of the joint take into account the rope effect produced by the axial forces arising on the dowel due to the combined effect of bending of the dowel and compression of the timber fibres embedded in its thread. A comparison of the results of the new analytical method proposed with those of a battery of experimental tests is shown.
Dynamic load applied to shear pin and motion prediction of flexible hose
Authors: Kim Kun-Woo , Lee Jae-Wook , Jang Jin-Seok , Oh Joo-Young , Kang Ji-Heon , Kim Hyung-Ryul , Yoo Wan-Suk
Published: August 2016

A flexible hose that is unwound along with fiber-optic cables from a mother ship helps prevent interference with the mother ship during the unwinding of the fiber-optic cable. Because the density of fiber-optic cables is close to the fluid density, if there is no flexible hose, the fiber-optic cable is more likely to interfere with the mother ship because of the motion of underwater vehicles or mother ships. Hence, it is necessary to prevent the interference of fiber-optic cables by using flexible hoses made of stainless steel. Flexible hoses unwound as an underwater vehicle moves are coupled to the vehicle by shear pins, and once all flexible hoses are unwound, the underwater vehicle continues to move forward as the pins fracture. Here, a dynamic load applied on the shear pin for connection in the early stages of the unwinding of the flexible hose is an important factor that controls the position, which should be accurately predicted, prior to the motion of the underwater vehicle. Further, it is essential that the shear pin of the connection part be designed to fracture under the selected load so that underwater vehicle can continue to move forward as the pin breaks. In this study, analysis results based on loading information measured in real experiments were compared and verified, and based on the findings, an analytical model that can predict loads applied on the shear pin was developed.
Boom energy recovery system with auxiliary throttle based on hybrid excavator
Authors: Tianliang Lin , qiang Chen , Haoling Ren , Weiping Huang , qihuai Chen , Shengjie Fu
Published: August 2016

To obtain good performance in the conventional energy regeneration system which has worse dynamic actuator performance than traditional orifice control systems, an energy regeneration system that employs a proportional throttle valve and a proportional directional valve to avail a hydraulic motor controlling the boom is proposed. The control model is constructed and the control properties are analyzed. Based on the proposed energy regeneration system, the new operation mode of the boom system with an energy regeneration system is characterized by the status of the joystick and the pressure of the boom cylinder. Considering the performance under the bad control in the low rotational speed, the total power loss of the hydraulic motor and the generator, a dynamic-working-points control strategy of the generator is discussed. Then, as the displacement and velocity sensors cannot be easily assembled in a hydraulic excavator, a compound control that consists of throttle control and volume control is presented. Finally, a test rig is constructed, the recovery efficiency of the proposed energy regeneration system is approximately 35% and it is also shown that the proposed energy regeneration system had better control performance than the conventional energy regeneration system.
Multifractal characterization of mechanical vibration signals through improved empirical mode decomposition-based detrended fluctuation analysis
Authors: Wenliao Du , Zhiqiang Guo , Xiaoyun Gong , Guizhong Xie , Liangwen Wang , Zhiyang Wang , Jianfeng Tao , Chengliang Liu
Published: August 2016

A novel multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis based on improved empirical mode decomposition for the non-linear and non-stationary vibration signal of machinery is proposed. As the intrinsic mode functions selection and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test are utilized in the detrending procedure, the present approach is quite available for contaminated data sets. The intrinsic mode functions selection is employed to deal with the undesired intrinsic mode functions named pseudocomponents, and the two-sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov test works on each intrinsic mode function and Gaussian noise to detect the noise-like intrinsic mode functions. The proposed method is adaptive to the signal and weakens the effect of noise, which makes this approach work well for vibration signals collected from poor working conditions. We assess the performance of the proposed procedure through the classic multiplicative cascading process. For the pure simulation signal, our results agree with the theoretical results, and for the contaminated time series, the proposed method outperforms the traditional multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis methods. In addition, we analyze the vibration signals of rolling bearing with different fault types, and the presence of multifractality is confirmed.
Design, modeling, and simulation of an INS system using an asymmetric structure of six accelerometers and its error analysis in the ECEF frame
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Vahid , Arefi Mohammad M
Published: August 2016

The inertial navigation system is one of the most important and common methods of navigation. In this system, accelerometers and gyroscopes are used to measure linear accelerations and angular velocities, respectively. Accelerometers have simpler manufacture techniques, lower cost, and smaller volume and weight in comparison with gyroscopes. Therefore, in some application of navigation systems, non-gyro inertial navigation systems based on accelerometers are used. In this paper, an asymmetric structure of six accelerometers is proposed. Then dynamic relations of this structure are extracted. This structure and its relations can determine linear accelerations and angular velocities, completely. Moreover, the algorithm of inertial navigation in earth centered earth fixed (ECEF) frame is suggested. Error analysis as of the most important issues in inertial navigation is discussed. Thus, bias, misalignment, sensitivity, and noise of accelerometers are modeled appropriately. In addition, a symmetric structure of accelerometers is proposed and its equations are derived. Finally, the designed system, error model of accelerometers, and algorithm of inertial navigation in ECEF frame are simulated. The results of simulation show that the designed system has suitable accuracy and applications for short time navigation. Furthermore, results confirm that the proposed asymmetric structure requires less accelerometer in comparison with symmetric structure.
Missed opportunities in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection: experience from a national programme in Nigeria
Authors: Adeyinka Daniel A , Agogo Emmanuel A , Ozigbu Chamberline E , Aboje Sunday , Anyaike Chukwuma , Asadu Emeka C , Odoh Deborah , Ganiyu Jamiu
Published: August 2016

An analysis of validated National Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) data from 2008 to 2014 showed that Nigeria has recorded steady progress. However, to achieve elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, service scale-up and active testing of pregnant women are required, as a large number of HIV-infected women in Nigeria are not aware of their HIV status. Focusing on efforts that will improve access and uptake of antenatal care/PMTCT services will significantly reduce new infant HIV infection.
Validation of the Lupus Impact Tracker in an Australian patient cohort
Authors: Antony A , Kandane-Rathnayake R K , Ko T , Boulos D , Hoi A Y , Jolly M , Morand E F
Published: August 2016

Objectives

The objective of this article is to validate the Lupus Impact Tracker (LIT), a disease-specific patient-reported outcome (PRO) tool, in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in a multi-ethnic Australian cohort.

Methods

Patients attending the Monash Lupus Clinic were asked to complete the LIT, a 10-item PRO. Psychometric testing assessing criterion validity, construct validity, test-retest reliability (TRT) and internal consistency reliability (ICR) were performed. We compared the LIT scores across patient characteristics, and correlations between LIT scores and SLEDAI-2k, PGA, and SLICC-SDI were examined.

Results

LIT data were obtained from 73 patients. Patients were 84% female with a median age of 41 years, and 34% were Asian. The cohort had mild-moderate disease activity with a median (IQR) Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2k) of 4 (IQR 2–6). The median LIT score was 32.5 (IQR 17.5–50). LIT demonstrated criterion validity against SLEDAI-2k and SDI. Construct validity assessed by confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated an excellent fit (Goodness of fit index 0.95, Comparative Fit Index 1, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation <0.0001). The LIT demonstrated TRT with an overall intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.986 (95% CI 0.968–0.995). ICR was demonstrated with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.838. Patients with disability, low socioeconomic status, or higher disease activity had significantly worse LIT scores.

Conclusion

The LIT demonstrated properties consistent with its being valid in this population. Lower socioeconomic status appears to have a significant impact on patient-reported health-related quality of life in SLE.
Warm antibody hemolytic anemia—a rare presentation of neonatal lupus
Authors: Halder Rohan , Malik Richa , Kashyap Rajesh
Published: August 2016

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) affects 1%–2% pregnant females with autoimmunity. An infant presented with steroid refractory hemolytic anemia as a manifestation of NLE. A trial of withholding breastfeeding had a transient response, but infant was eventually put on cyclosporin therapy to control the hemolysis. Now he is thriving well and transfusion free.
Adolescents’ health choices related rights, duties and responsibilities: An integrative review
Authors: Moilanen Tanja , Pietilä Anna-Maija , Coffey Margaret , Kangasniemi Mari
Published: August 2016

Background:

Although the link between adolescents’ health choices in relation to rights, duties and responsibilities is acknowledged, little is studied in this subject.

Aim:

To identify, describe and synthesize previous studies on adolescents’ health choices in relation to rights, duties and responsibilities.

Ethical considerations:

Ethical approval is not needed as it is an integrative review of published literature.

Method:

The integrative review was used to review and synthesize current knowledge. Electronic and manual searches from 2009 to March 2014 were used to systematically identify earlier studies.

Results:

The review identified 13 studies. Adolescents’ health choices were linked to unsuccessfully exercised rights, arising from questioned autonomy and freedom, and their duties were hardly mentioned.

Conclusion:

Research into adolescents’ health choices in relation to their rights, duties and responsibilities is still methodologically fragmented. In future, more research is needed to support adolescents’ health promotion initiatives and increase their involvement opportunities.