bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extrinsic motivation, PSM and labour market characteristics: a multilevel model of public sector employment preference in 26 countries
Authors: Van de Walle Steven , Steijn Bram , Jilke Sebastian
Published: March 2015

Research findings have been contradictory with respect to the determinants of why people choose a public sector job. In this article we use an internationally comparative design with data from 26 countries to explain public sector employment preference. The study shows that on the individual level, public service motivation and extrinsic motivation are both important drivers for this preference. Intrinsic motivation, in turn, is negatively related to people’s inclination to work for the public sector. Moreover, having a lower income and lower education is associated with a greater preference for public sector employment. This suggests that working for the public sector is seen as a good and safe career option. Our results furthermore show that variation in this preference can only partly be explained by country differences. Nevertheless, in countries with a career- rather than position-based system of public employment, people are more likely to prefer public employment.

Points for practitioners

Attracting the best and brightest to work for the public sector requires an insight into why people prefer public over private sector employment. This article looks at what makes people prefer public sector employment in 26 countries. Findings reveal that public service motivation (helping other people, being useful to society) and extrinsic motives (job security, a high income, opportunities for advancement) play an important role in this preference. Still, there are considerable differences between countries. In countries with a career-based system of public employment, working in the public sector is seen as more attractive.
MicroRNA-200a Regulates the Development of Mandibular Condylar Cartilage
Authors: Umeda M. , Terao F. , Miyazaki K. , Yoshizaki K. , Takahashi I.
Published: March 2015

Mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) is classified as secondary cartilage, the histologic structure of which is unique from that of primary cartilage. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a small noncoding RNA that binds to the messenger RNA (mRNA) target to repress its translation and plays an important role in cell differentiation, proliferation, and death. Microarray analysis revealed that miR-200a was characteristically expressed during embryonic development. We hypothesized that miR-200a may be involved in regulating the formation of cartilage during MCC growth. We investigated the function of miR-200a by transfecting an inhibitor or mimic into MCC organ and cell cultures. A histologic examination revealed the localized inhibitory effects of the miR-200a mimic and widespread enhancing effects of the inhibitor on chondrocytic differentiation in the MCC organ culture system. An immunohistochemical examination and gene expression analysis demonstrated that the miR-200a inhibitor enhanced chondrogenesis, while the mimic had the opposite effect by enhancing cell proliferation. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that miR-200a downregulated the gene expression of chondrocyte markers. Moreover, transfection of the miR-200a mimic into ATDC5 cells repressed the formation of the cartilaginous matrix. These results indicate that miR-200a contributed to chondrogenesis in developing MCC by controlling proliferation and differentiation in MCC cells.
Lactoferrin
Authors: Fine D.H.
Published: March 2015

Lactoferrin is one of a number of multifunctional proteins that are present in or on all mucosal surfaces throughout the body. Levels of lactoferrin are consistently elevated in inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, corneal disease, and periodontitis. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in lactoferrin have been shown to be present in individuals susceptible to Escherichia coli–induced travelers’ diarrhea and in tear fluid derived from virally associated corneal disease. Here, we review data showing a lactoferrin SNP in amino acid position 29 in the antimicrobial region of lactoferrin that acts against caries associated bacteria. This SNP was initially discovered in African American subjects with localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP) who had proximal bone loss but minimal proximal caries. Results were confirmed in a genetic association study of children from Brazil with this same SNP who showed a reduced level of caries. In vitro data indicate that lactoferrin from whole saliva derived from subjects with this SNP, recombinant human lactoferrin containing this SNP, or an 11-mer peptide designed for this SNP kills mutans streptococci associated with caries by >1 log. In contrast, the SNP has minimal effect on Gram-negative species associated with periodontitis. Moreover, periodontally healthy subjects homozygous for this lysine (K) SNP have lactoferrin in their saliva that kills mutans streptococci and have reduced proximal decay. The review summarizes data supporting the ecologic plaque hypothesis and suggests that a genetic variant in lactoferrin with K in position 29 when found in saliva and crevice fluid can influence community biofilm composition. We propose that, for caries, this SNP is ethnicity independent and protective by directly killing caries-provoking bacteria (reducing proximal decay). However, the clinical effect of this SNP in LAP is ethnicity dependent, destructive (increases LAP incidence), and complex with mechanisms still to be determined.
The genetic truth of surrogate parentage
Authors: Goswami Gajendra K
Published: March 2015

Old family laws presume that the husband is the father of any child born to a married couple; a socio-legal fiction. A social and biological father is presumed to be one and the same. The cocoon of legitimacy protects marriage but the child born outside valid marriage is recognised as ‘illegitimate’. Assisted reproduction technologies strengthened reproductive rights but confuse purity of lineage and genetically divorce socio-legal parentage from biological parentage. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender reproductive rights, surrogacy, gamete donation, delayed pregnancies using cryopreserved embryos, single parentage, virgin mothers (virgin birth), live-in relationship are increasingly recognised under the cover of human dignity but obscure parentage. In contrast to parental rights of reproductive autonomy, equity demands the child’s right to know its biological parentage, recognised under Article 7 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989. DNA profiling may clarify the genetic parentage with virtual certainty but with multiple limitations. DNA forensics ascertains the genetic makeup of a child linking putative parents irrespective of any social relationship between them. The right to know biological linkages gained paramount significance in cases like displacement, adoption, child trafficking and variants of cross-genetic in vitro fertilization including complete surrogacy. The ‘reproductive tourism’ promotes crossing borders and bodies, enabling conception in the countries with extreme religious and legal barriers.
Visioning Hope: Embracing Higher Education’s Role With Urban Public Charter Schools
Authors: Bergeron Bette S.
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study is to reflect on the evolution of a partnership between a university and urban charter high school serving a predominately African American population. Because of the author’s embeddedness both as the researcher and participant member, this research assumes the paradigm of autoethnography. Reflections on key components of this evolution provide implications for teacher education, particularly in regard to a call for engagement between urban charter schools and educator preparation programs, and a challenge to higher education to analyze existing perceptions of public charter schools within a wider institutional mission to prepare educators for all children.
The Kitty Genovese Story in Introductory Psychology Textbooks
Authors: Griggs Richard A.
Published: March 2015

Given the many inaccuracies in the original New York Times 38-witnesses version of the Kitty Genovese story, this study examined the accuracy of this story in current introductory psychology textbooks, 50 years later. Recent studies have shown that there is no evidence for the following three key features of the original story: (1) that 38 witnesses were present, (2) that these witnesses watched the attack for its duration from their apartment windows, and (3) that the witnesses remained inactive, not intervening until it was too late. Twenty-one introductory textbooks were analyzed for the accuracy of their coverage of the Kitty Genovese story. Although a few texts still tell the inaccurate 38-witnesses story, most of the texts provide more accurate, updated coverage.
Using Facebook to Supplement Participant Pools for Class Research Projects
Authors: Sciutto Mark J.
Published: March 2015

In-class research projects are a valuable way of providing research experience for undergraduate students in psychology. This article evaluates the use of online social networks to supplement sample recruitment for in-class research projects. Specifically, this article presents a systematic analysis of seven student research projects that recruited through social networks and a traditional participant pool. Data from these studies suggest that the social network and participant pool samples were very similar in participant characteristics and overall levels of the dependent measures. Similarly, the magnitude and direction of the effect sizes were very similar across the studies. Results suggest that online recruiting may be a viable way of supplementing sample sizes while also providing additional opportunities to address learning goals related to statistical analyses. However, the pedagogical benefits of increasing sample size through online recruiting must be considered in conjunction with the potential ethical and methodological limitations of recruiting through online social networks.
Threshold doses and circulatory disease risks
Authors: Hendry J.H.
Published: March 2015

Tissue reactions (deterministic effects) become manifest either early or late after doses above a threshold dose, which is the basis for recommended dose limits for avoiding such effects. Threshold doses have been defined for comparative purposes at 1% incidence of an effect, although the choice of incidence level may be scenario-dependent in practice. Latency time before manifestation is related to cell turnover rates and tissue complexity. In general, threshold doses become lower for longer follow-up times because of the slow progression of injury before manifestation, particularly after lower doses. Radiosensitive individuals may contribute to low threshold doses, which would provide a safety margin for the majority of a population. A threshold dose of 0.5 Gy was proposed for radiation-induced circulatory disease, after acute or chronic exposures, in the International Commission on Radiological Protection Publication 118. However, more recent meta-analyses of low-dose population studies suggest that, if a linear dose-incidence is assumed, the risk of some types of circulatory disease after doses <0.5 Gy or <10 mGy day−1 may be positive and similar to that for induced cancer. Animal studies show that doses >2 Gy induce the expression of inflammatory and thrombotic molecules in endothelial cells. This causes progressive loss of capillaries in the heart and leads to reduced perfusion, myocardial cell death, and fibrosis. However, doses <1 Gy inhibit both inflammatory cell adhesion to endothelial cells and the development of atherosclerosis in mice. Different mechanisms of injury at low and high doses preclude the simple extrapolation of risk on a linear-quadratic basis from acute to chronic exposures.
Promoting Snack Time Interactions of Children With Autism in a Malaysian Preschool
Authors: Lee Soo Hoon , Lee Lay Wah
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a comprehensive social skills intervention package combining peer-mediated strategies and environmental arrangements on the peer interactions of three children with autism in a Malaysian preschool. Following baseline, nine typically developing children participated in social initiation training and correspondence training for engaging with their classmates with autism at snack time. Environmental arrangements involving modification of snack time activities along with provision of materials for social interaction were incorporated. Intervention effects were evaluated using a single-subject multiple-baseline design across participants. Results indicated significant gains in reciprocal social interactions and verbal interactions for the children with autism. In the maintenance phase, the children sustained high levels of performance with continuation of environmental arrangements after termination of peer-mediated procedures. Teachers’ interview data indicated positive perceptions of the effects and acceptability of the intervention package but modest ratings on feasibility.
Use of Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo Methods to Estimate EQ-5D Utility Scores from EORTC QLQ Data in Myeloma for Use in Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Kharroubi Samer A. , Edlin Richard , Meads David , Browne Chantelle , Brown Julia , McCabe Christopher
Published: March 2015

Background. Patient-reported outcome measures are an important component of the evidence for health technology appraisal. Their incorporation into cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) requires conversion of descriptive information into utilities. This can be done by using bespoke utility algorithms. Otherwise, investigators will often estimate indirect utility models for the patient-reported outcome measures using off-the-shelf utility data such as the EQ-5D or SF-6D. Numerous modeling strategies are reported; however, to date, there has been limited utilization of Bayesian methods in this context. In this article, we examine the relative advantage of the Bayesian methods in relation to dealing with missing data, relaxing the assumption of equal variances and characterizing the uncertainty in the model predictions. Methods. Data from a large myeloma trial were used to examine the relationship between scores in each of the 19 domains of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30/QLQ-MY20 and the EQ-5D utility. Data from 1839 patients were divided 75%/25% between derivation and validation sets. A conventional ordinary least squares model assuming equal variance and a Bayesian model allowing unequal variance were estimated on complete cases. Two further models were estimated using conventional and Bayesian multiple imputation, respectively, using the full data set. Models were compared in terms of data fit, accuracy in model prediction, and characterization of uncertainty in model predictions. Conclusions. Mean EQ-5D utility weights can be estimated from the EORTC QLQ-C30/QLQ-MY20 for use in CEAs. Frequentist and Bayesian methods produced effectively identical models. However, the Bayesian models provide distributions describing the uncertainty surrounding the estimated utility values and are thus more suited informing analyses for probabilistic CEAs.
Variable stiffness actuators: The user’s point of view
Authors: Grioli Giorgio , Wolf Sebastian , Garabini Manolo , Catalano Manuel , Burdet Etienne , Caldwell Darwin , Carloni Raffaella , Friedl Werner , Grebenstein Markus , Laffranchi Matteo , Lefeber Dirk , Stramigioli Stefano , Tsagarakis Nikos , van Damme Michael , Vanderborght Bram , Albu-Schaeffer Alin , Bicchi Antonio
Published: March 2015

Since their introduction in the early years of this century, variable stiffness actuators (VSA) witnessed a sustained growth of interest in the research community, as shown by the growing number of publications. While many consider VSA very interesting for applications, one of the factors hindering their further diffusion is the relatively new conceptual structure of this technology. When choosing a VSA for their application, educated practitioners, who are used to choosing robot actuators based on standardized procedures and uniformly presented data, would be confronted with an inhomogeneous and rather disorganized mass of information coming mostly from scientific publications. In this paper, the authors consider how the design procedures and data presentation of a generic VSA could be organized so as to minimize the engineer’s effort in choosing the actuator type and size that would best fit the application needs. The reader is led through the list of the most important parameters that will determine the ultimate performance of their VSA robot, and influence both the mechanical design and the controller shape. This set of parameters extends the description of a traditional electric actuator with quantities describing the capability of the VSA to change its output stiffness. As an instrument for the end-user, the VSA datasheet is intended to be a compact, self-contained description of an actuator that summarizes all of the salient characteristics that the user must be aware of when choosing a device for their application. At the end some examples of compiled VSA datasheets are reported, as well as a few examples of actuator selection procedures.
Bone Marrow Edema in the Knee and Its Influence on Clinical Outcome After Matrix-Based Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Authors: Niethammer Thomas R. , Valentin Siegfried , Gülecyüz Mehmet F. , Roßbach Björn P. , Ficklscherer Andreas , Pietschmann Matthias F. , Müller Peter E.
Published: March 2015

Background:

Third-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is an established method for treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects in the knee joint. Subchondral bone marrow edema (BME) is frequently observed after ACI, with unknown pathogenesis and clinical relevance.

Purpose:

To investigate the occurrence and clinical relevance of BME after third-generation ACI in the knee joint during the postoperative course of 36 months.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 38 circumscribed full-thickness cartilage defects in 30 patients were included in this study. All defects were treated with third-generation ACI (Novocart 3D). A standardized MRI examination was carried out after 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Bone marrow edema was observed in 78.9% of defects over the postoperative course, with initial occurrence in the first 12 months. The size of the BMEs were determined according to their maximum diameter and were classified as small (<1 cm), medium (<2 cm), large (<4 cm), and very large (diffuse; >4 cm). Clinical outcomes in patients were analyzed by use of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scoring system and a visual analog scale for pain.

Results:

There were 5.3% (n = 2) small, 28.9% (n = 11) medium, 34.2% (n = 13) large, and 10.5% (n = 4) very large BMEs. In a subgroup analysis, cartilage defects of the medial femoral condyle showed significantly higher frequency of BME than did patellar defects. Clinical scores showed significant improvements throughout the entire study course ( P < .05). Clinical patient outcome did not correlate with presence of BME at any time period ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

Midterm clinical results of the matrix-based third-generation ACI showed a substantial amount of BME over a 36-month follow-up, but this did not correlate with worse clinical outcome. Patients with femoral cartilage defects were more often affected than were those with patellar cartilage defects.
Prospective Clinical and Radiologic Evaluation of Patellofemoral Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Authors: Ebert Jay R. , Fallon Michael , Smith Anne , Janes Gregory C. , Wood David J.
Published: March 2015

Background:

While matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in the treatment of knee chondral defects, there remains little available research specifically investigating its use in the patellofemoral joint.

Purpose:

To prospectively evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcome of MACI in the patellofemoral joint.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

In 47 consecutive patients undergoing patellofemoral MACI, clinical (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, visual analog scale for pain, 6-minute walk test, knee range of motion, and strength assessment) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessments were undertaken before and 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery. The MRI was performed to assess graft infill and determine an overall MRI composite score. Results were analyzed according to (1) the patient sample overall and (2) after stratification into 4 subgroups per implant location (patella or trochlea) as well as whether or not adjunct tibial tubercle transfer for patellofemoral malalignment was required.

Results:

The overall patient sample, as well as each of the 4 procedural subgroups, demonstrated clinically and statistically significant ( P < .05) improvements over time for all clinical scores. Graft infill and the MRI composite score also demonstrated statistically significant ( P < .05) improvements over time, with no evidence of a main effect for procedure group or interaction between procedure group and time. At 24 months after surgery, 40.4% (n = 19) of patients exhibited complete graft infill comparable with the adjacent native cartilage, with a further 6.4% (n = 3) demonstrating a hypertrophic graft. A further 31.9% (n = 15) of patients exhibited 50% to 100% tissue infill, and 17% (n = 8) demonstrated <50% tissue infill. Two patients (4.3%) demonstrated graft failure. At 24 months after surgery, 85% (n = 40) of patients were satisfied with the results of their MACI surgery.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate that MACI provides improved clinical and radiologic outcomes to 24 months in patients undergoing treatment specifically for articular cartilage defects on the patella or trochlea, with and without concurrent realignment of the extensor mechanism if required.
Co-composting of rose oil processing waste with caged layer manure and straw or sawdust: Effects of carbon source and C/N ratio on decomposition
Authors: Onursal Emrah , Ekinci Kamil
Published: March 2015

Rose oil is a specific essential oil that is produced mainly for the cosmetics industry in a few selected locations around the world. Rose oil production is a water distillation process from petals of Rosa damascena Mill. Since the oil content of the rose petals of this variety is between 0.3–0.4% (w/w), almost 4000 to 3000 kg of rose petals are needed to produce 1 kg of rose oil. Rose oil production is a seasonal activity and takes place during the relatively short period where the roses are blooming. As a result, large quantities of solid waste are produced over a limited time interval. This research aims: (i) to determine the possibilities of aerobic co-composting as a waste management option for rose oil processing waste with caged layer manure; (ii) to identify effects of different carbon sources – straw or sawdust on co-composting of rose oil processing waste and caged layer manure, which are both readily available in Isparta, where significant rose oil production also takes place; (iii) to determine the effects of different C/N ratios on co-composting by the means of organic matter decomposition and dry matter loss. Composting experiments were carried out by 12 identical laboratory-scale composting reactors (60 L) simultaneously. The results of the study showed that the best results were obtained with a mixture consisting of 50% rose oil processing waste, 64% caged layer manure and 15% straw wet weight in terms of organic matter loss (66%) and dry matter loss (38%).
Controlling chromium slag pollution utilising scavengers: A case of Shandong Province, China
Authors: Liu Changhao , Côté Raymond P
Published: March 2015

The problem of chromium slag pollution is a great challenge for China. It is now an urgent task for China to take effective measures to eliminate chromium slag pollution. This article examines the case of the treatment of chromium slag in Shandong Province and explores how chromium slag pollution can be eliminated in Shandong Province. It shows that the chromium slag stockpiled by the chemical plants was successfully utilised by local steel companies, who act as ‘scavenger companies’. The driving mechanism, seeking a potential ‘scavenger company’ within the local region and the role of the local government on the case of Shandong Province are discussed. This article concludes that local steel companies can be utilised to effectively and efficiently treat the chromium slag while benefiting the steel companies. The local governments need to play multiple roles in solving the problem of chromium slag pollution. Seeking and identifying ‘scavenger companies’ within a region could be an important approach to reducing pollution within the region.
Kinetic analysis on the non-isothermal degradation of plum stone waste by thermogravimetric analysis and integral Master-Plots method
Authors: Ceylan Selim
Published: March 2015

In this study, pyrolysis of plum stone was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis in a nitrogen atmosphere at heating rates of 5, 10, 20 and 40 °C min−1. Pyrolysis characteristics and the thermal-decomposition rate were significantly affected by variation in the heating rate. However, the heating rate slightly affected the total yield of the volatile matters. Activation energy of the pyrolysis reaction was evaluated by model-free methods, Friedman and Kissingere–Akahirae–Sunose. Results of the Master-Plots method indicated that the most probable reaction model function was the nth order reaction model function as f( x) = (1- x) 3.11, A = 8.02 x1012 under a mean activation energy of 150.61 kJ mol−1. Proximate and ultimate analysis showed that plum stone can be considered as a favourable source for energy production owing to its low moisture and ash content, and high volatile matter ratio and moderate heating value.
Optimal replacement times for machining tool during turning titanium metal matrix composites under variable machining conditions
Authors: Shaban Yasser , Aramesh Maryam , Yacout Soumaya , Balazinski Marek , Attia Helmi , Kishawy Hossam
Published: March 2015

Little practical results are known about the cutting tool optimal replacement time, specifically for machining of composite materials. Due to the fact that tool failure represents about 20% of machine down-time, and due to the high cost of machining, in particular when the work piece’s material is very expensive, optimization of tool replacement time is thus fundamental. Finding the optimal replacement time has also positive impact on product quality in terms of dimensions and surface finish. In this article, two new contributions to research on tool replacement are introduced. First, tool replacement mathematical models are proposed. These models are used in order to find the optimal time to tool replacement when the tool is used under variable machining conditions, namely, the cutting speed and the feed rate. Proportional hazards models are used to find an optimal replacement function. Second, this model is obtained during turning titanium metal matrix composites. These composites are a new generation of materials which have proven to be viable in various industrial fields such as biomedical and aerospace, and they are very expensive. Experimental data are obtained and used in order to develop and to validate the proportional hazards models, which are then used to find the optimal replacement conditions.
Nonlinear modelling and dynamic analysis of cracked Timoshenko functionally graded beams based on neutral surface approach
Authors: Panigrahi Brajesh , Pohit Goutam
Published: March 2015

The present work accounts Timoshenko beam theory followed by Ritz approximation and an iterative technique to deal nonlinear free vibration problems of cracked Functionally Graded Material (FGM) beams based on neutral surface location. Using neutral surface as a reference rather than the midsurface reduces the complexity of nonlinear problems. It is assumed that crack always remains open. Analysis is carried out for clamped-clamped and clamped-free boundary conditions. Nonlinear frequencies and mode shapes corresponding to first three mode of vibration are obtained for the first time for different crack parameters, amplitudes of vibration and material indexes. The accuracy of the present solution is verified by comparing some of the obtained results with existing solutions. It can be concluded that present results are not only accurate but the methodology is very simple and easy to perform.
Twin-disc tests of iron oxides in dry and wet wheel−rail contacts
Authors: Zhu Yi , Yang Huayong , Wang Wenjian
Published: March 2015

The wheel−rail contact system is open to the environment; as a result there are various kinds of contaminants present between railway wheels and rails. In addition to water, oil and sand, which are applied intentionally or unintentionally, iron oxides are constantly present on surfaces. A twin-disc rolling-sliding tribometer has been used to study the influence of iron oxides on the adhesion coefficient and wear rates of wheel and rail materials. Iron oxides were created in a climate chamber and tests were performed under both dry and wet conditions. The adhesion coefficient, wear rates and surface roughness were investigated. Results indicate that an increase in slip ratio increases the adhesion coefficient, and the wear rate also increases in the dry condition. In wet conditions, the effect of iron oxides lasts for a long time and greatly influences adhesion and wear. The adhesion curve peaks at a much larger creep with the presence of thin oxides than for thick oxides.
Recognition of a drowned delta in the northern Adriatic Sea, Italy: Stratigraphic characteristics and its significance in the frame of the early Holocene sea-level rise
Authors: Zecchin Massimo , Gordini Emiliano , Ramella Riccardo
Published: March 2015

Seismic and core data off the Tagliamento river delta, northern Adriatic Sea, Italy, have allowed the recognition of a partially eroded sand ridge at 12 to 18 m water depth, which has been interpreted as a submerged wave-dominated delta with associated beach-ridge complexes. The ridge shows local channel fill features, interpreted as the result of the filling of tidal channels connecting the open sea with bays and lagoons placed adjacent to the ancient delta. This interpretation resembles the present day setting of the Tagliamento delta, located landwards. It is inferred that the recognized delta was drowned during the latest stage of the post-glacial sea-level rise, when the shoreline shifted near the present day position. New studies are needed to recognize other submerged deltas and barrier islands, which may allow the reconstruction of the post-glacial sea-level rise in the Mediterranean and of the position of ancient paleoshorelines.
The Effect of Open Innovation on Technology Intelligence in Aviation Industry of Iran
Authors: Khosropour Hossein , Feizi Kamran , Tabaeean Kamal , Taheri Zohreh
Published: March 2015

Nowadays, innovation management paradigm has been changed from internal development to networking and cooperation between Science & Technology network. Open innovation approach is also one of the new approaches of new innovation management that has modified internal research and development suppositions to research and development through cooperation. Accessing an appropriate technological environment and continuous awareness require various tools and methods. One of these tools is monitoring of this technological environment by the use of technology intelligence system. The purpose of this study is surveying the effect of open innovation approach on technology intelligence application in Iran’s aviation industry. The sampling method in this article is the stratified sampling of experts from the aviation industry, which includes 81 experts, managers of industrial and researching institutions, designers and superior designers, managers of repairing and maintenance, and a Private company (Aviation Union members). The tool for data gathering is a questionnaire that has been used according to validation of the content validity by experts of industry and academic. In the present research, two standard models, Savioz ( 2004 ) for measuring technology intelligence and Hafkesbrink ( 2010 ) for measuring open innovation approach, have been used. Results show that these two elements can be applied exclusively in organisation for technology trend analysis and technology or idea acquisition approach. Finally, the relationship between the concepts of open innovation and intelligence was investigated.
Analysing Anti-competitive Behaviour: The Case for Indian Telecom Industry
Authors: Mishra Aswini Kumar , Rao Ganesh
Published: March 2015

Anti-competitive behaviour, despite helping its practitioners reap rich benefits, is generally believed to have adverse effects on the consumers and the economy as a whole. This paper studies anti-competitive behaviour with specific focus on the Indian Telecom Industry. With an extensive coverage of tacit collusion, predatory pricing and competition structures, this paper attempts to provide a strong economic explanation for why big telecom operators are inclined to involve in anti-competitive behaviour. Using concentration ratios, Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) and a unique measure of excess profits of individual firms, the paper tries to identify which firms have the potential to exhibit anti-competitive behaviour. Real cases of anti-competitive behaviour by firms are also documented. It is hoped that telecom regulatory and competition authorities will be more vigilant and use concrete information to act decisively and impartially.
The Potential of a Mobile Group Blog to Support Cultural Learning Among Overseas Students
Authors: Shao Yinjuan , Crook Charles
Published: March 2015

We explored the use of mobile social software, in the form of a mobile group blog, to assist cultural learning. The potential of using this technology for cultural adaptation among overseas students was examined as those students adapted to the everyday life of studying abroad. Two pilot studies and a successful field study of a mobile group blog as used by U.K. overseas students are reported. A further study with prospective overseas students witnessing this “moblogging” in China revealed the advantages of communicating through this technology as a form of peer-supported preparation for cultural adaptation. Potential advantages for learning a second language, via this system, were highlighted as communication was interwoven with cultural adaptation and exercised in the blog entries. Given mobile Internet, the language experience together with cultural observation impressively supported these students’ growing confidence with time, space, and imagination.
Psychiatrists’ awareness of partial- and non-adherence to antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia: results from the Australian ADHES survey
Authors: Kulkarni Jayashri , Reeve-Parker Kate
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

The Adherence in Schizophrenia (ADHES) initiative aimed to assess physicians’ perspectives about treatment adherence in people with schizophrenia, and assess strategies to improve adherence.

Methods:

Between March and April 2012, a 20-question survey was delivered to Australian psychiatrists ( n = 3400). These anonymous surveys were returned by mail. The survey asked about the demographics of participating psychiatrists and the respondents’ perceptions of different factors that affect the adherence of people with schizophrenia to their treatment with antipsychotic medications. Adherence was defined by the proportion of prescribed doses taken: non-adherence, if < 30%; partial-adherence, 30%–90%; and adherent, > 90%. Data were reported descriptively and were not weighted.

Results:

Respondent psychiatrists ( n = 406; response rate 12%) reported that one-half (51%) of people with schizophrenia were either non-adherent (20%) or only partially adherent (31%). This was despite most (72%) psychiatrists’ reporting that they assessed adherence to medication at every visit. The main reported reasons for medication discontinuation were: lack of insight (45%), drug or alcohol abuse (3%), or side effects (29%). The preferred strategies for improving adherence were switching to or adding a long-acting antipsychotic (40%), or simplifying the medication regimen (30%).

Conclusions:

Lack of adherence to antipsychotic medication remains a problem. More proactive management is required, to improve adherence and long-term outcomes.
Stopping the run-around? A study of services for people with comorbid mental health and substance use disorders in northern Adelaide
Authors: Cairney Imelda , Galletly Cherrie , de Crespigny Charlotte , Liu Dennis , Moss John , Procter Nicholas
Published: March 2015

Objective:

Comorbidity between mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) disorders is common. This study aimed to identify and describe all of the local government and non-government (NGO) mental health and AOD services in a socially disadvantaged urban region in Adelaide, South Australia.

Method:

Services were identified using telephone directories and the internet, and via information from workers employed by a wide range of mental health and AOD services.

Results:

Local mental health and AOD services were difficult to locate, but eventually we identified a total of 70 services. Soon after this, reorganisation of the mental health services and a new NGO funding round changed the service configuration, with a decrease in the number of services. The available services were fragmented, and rarely addressed comorbidity specifically.

Conclusion:

Our real-world study demonstrates the lack of a clear pathway for people to access existing services. Further, changes occur frequently as government funded services generally reorganise every couple of years, and NGO services come and go according to funding. There is a need for a central, widely available database for mental health and AOD services. More services addressing comorbid mental health and AOD disorders are required.
Modeling on piezoelectric energy harvesting from pavements under traffic loads
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Xiang Hongjun , Shi Zhifei
Published: March 2015

Piezoelectric energy harvesting from deformation in pavements caused by moving vehicles is investigated in this work. The behavior of pavement is described by a plate resting on a Winkler foundation. Two types of moving distributed loads are considered: single-wheel load and four-wheel load. The loads and the displacement of the pavement are expanded with trigonometric series. Two explicit solutions for the dynamic response of the pavement are then obtained using the Fourier transform and Cauchy’s residue theorem. The voltage and power outputs of a piezoceramic transducer embedded in the pavement are then obtained by the direct piezoelectric effect. Finally, a comprehensive numerical study is conducted to show the effect of the Winkler modulus, the velocity of moving load, the position of moving load, and the position of transducer on the voltage and power outputs. Numerical results show that, compared with a previously studied beam model, the plate model is more suitable for predicting the harvested energy from pavements over soft subgrade.
A novel probabilistic approach for damage localization and prognosis including temperature compensation
Authors: Neerukatti Rajesh Kumar , Hensberry Kevin , Kovvali Narayan , Chattopadhyay Aditi
Published: March 2015

The development of a reliable structural damage prognostics framework, which can accurately predict the fatigue life of critical metallic components subjected to a variety of in-service loading conditions, is important for many engineering applications. In this article, a novel integrated structural damage localization method is developed for prediction of cracks in aluminum components. The proposed methodology combines a physics-based prognosis model with a data-driven localization approach to estimate the crack growth. Specifically, particle filtering is used to iteratively combine the predicted crack location from prognostic model with the estimated crack location from localization algorithm to probabilistically estimate the crack location at each time instant. At each time step, the crack location predicted by the prognosis model is used as a priori knowledge (dynamic prior) and combined with the likelihood function of the localization algorithm for accurate crack location estimation. For improving the robustness of the localization framework, online temperature estimation is carried out. The model is validated using experimental data obtained from fatigue tests preformed on an Al2024-T351 lug joint. The results indicate that the proposed method is capable of tracking the crack length with an error of less than 1 mm for the majority of the presented cases.
A three-dimensional phenomenological constitutive model for porous shape memory alloys including plasticity effects
Authors: Ashrafi MJ , Arghavani J , Naghdabadi R , Auricchio F
Published: March 2015

Porous shape memory alloys are a class of very interesting materials exhibiting features typical of porous metals and of shape memory alloys. In contrast to dense shape memory alloys, considerable plastic strain accumulates in porous shape memory alloys even during phase transformation. Moreover, due to the microstructure of porous materials, phase transformation and plasticity phenomena are significantly pressure-dependent.

In this article, we propose a three-dimensional phenomenological constitutive model for the thermomechanical behavior of porous shape memory alloys able to predict shape memory effect, pseudo-elastic behavior and plastic behavior under proportional as well as non-proportional multiaxial loadings. To this end, proper internal variables together with free energy and limit functions are introduced. The material parameters are determined for several available porous shape memory alloys with a wide range of porosity (from 16% to 51%), and a good agreement between numerical predictions of the proposed model and experimental results is observed. Moreover, plastic and transformation strain evolution during increasing and decreasing cyclic loadings are demonstrated through several examples. Finally, to show model capabilities, shape memory effect and pressure-dependent behavior as well as model response under non-proportional loadings are also presented.
Experimental study on obtaining hydraulic concrete strength by use of concrete piezoelectric ceramic smart module pairs
Authors: Su Huaizhi , Zhang Nan , Wen Zhiping , Li Hao
Published: March 2015

The concrete strength has the strong influence on service safety of mass hydraulic concrete structures. The real-time identification of concrete strength is very important to ensure the pouring quality during the construction and find timely the hidden troubles in service. Based on the analysis for the mapping relationship between concrete strength and stress wave amplitude, the method is proposed to obtain indirectly the concrete strength with self-made concrete piezoelectric ceramic smart module pairs. First, according to the service condition of hydraulic concrete structure, the concrete piezoelectric ceramic smart module is designed and the process manufacturing concrete piezoelectric ceramic smart module is presented. The protecting measures of piezoelectric ceramic piece, the peripheral material constituent, and the pouring links are introduced. Second, an integrated system, which is composed of self-made concrete piezoelectric ceramic smart modules in pair as sensor and actuator, fuzzy inference system, and other auxiliary equipments, is developed to monitor indirectly concrete strength. Its working principle is studied. Finally, an experiment of hydraulic concrete strength is implemented to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed method and developed system. The concrete piezoelectric ceramic smart modules in pair are taken as sensor and actuator embedded in hydraulic concrete specimens. The wave-based analysis method is adopted to collect the stress wave amplitude data during the pouring process of concrete specimens. The fuzzy inference approach is utilized to build the mathematical model describing the relationship between concrete strength and stress wave amplitude. Based on the above mathematical model, the concrete strength can be identified indirectly.
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Krajíčková Dagmar , Klzo Ludovít , Krajina Antonín , Vyšata Oldřich , Herzig Roman , Vališ Martin
Published: March 2015

The frequency of patients diagnosed with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) has increased due to the expanded use of noninvasive brain imaging methods. The aim of this study was to assess the correlations between the location and extent of venous sinus impairment, clinical presentation during the acute phase, recanalization, the presence of parenchymal lesions, and clinical outcome after 3 to 4 months in patients with CVST. In a retrospective study, clinical and magnetic resonance imaging data from a cohort of 51 consecutive patients with CVST (mean age 33.1 ± 15.4 years) were collected and analyzed. Good clinical outcome after 3 to 4 months, which was assessed using the modified Rankin scale, significantly negatively correlated with a thrombosis location in the left transverse, left sigmoid, or superior sagittal sinus ( P = .022, P = .045, and P = .046, respectively) and positively correlated with recanalization ( P = .048). The clinical outcome was significantly more favorable in the females with gender-specific risk factors than in the males ( P = .029). In conclusion, successful recanalization substantially helps to achieve good clinical outcome in patients with CVST.
A novel excitation method for pyroshock simulation
Authors: Houshmand Behnam , Lacher Alexander , Juengel Nikolas , Prasol Lukas , von Wagner Utz , Uhlmann Eckart
Published: March 2015

Pyroshocks are structural responses to transient excitation caused by the essential use of pyrotechnic devices in aerospace applications. In order to avoid damage in aerospace structures due to pyroshocks, tests are performed on earth prior to launching space modules. In these tests, explosive loads are often replaced by alternative excitation methods such as hammer pendulums or shakers simulating on earth the impact taking place in space. However, there does not yet exist an adequate excitation method satisfying all requirements of a fast, reliable, predictable and repeatable test setup. Whereas hammers are poorely controllable in terms of generating desired shock spectra, shakers show limitations in terms of the bandwidths of up to 10 kHz which are prescribed in the test specifications.

The authors present a novel contactless and non-destructive excitation method for pyroshock test devices based on a mechatronic coupling by applying Lorentz forces to the carrying structure. For generating the corresponding magnetic field, the capacitor of a Resistor-Inductor-Capacitor RLC resonator circuit is initially charged and then discharged leading to high currents in the coil which is placed close to the carrying structure. Latter is then inducing a counter current in the aluminum structure which reacts with high multidirectional Lorentz forces. Any adjustments are done by tuning the properties of the circuit such as initial charge, capacitance and inductance. By connecting several different coils, frequency modulation and by splitting the currents more complex signals can be generated matching the natural frequencies of the structure. Almost all disadvantages of common excitation methods are eliminated by the proposed mechanism.