bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation and experiment on active vibration isolation with an adaptive method
Authors: Zhang Z-Y , Hu F , Hua H-X
Published: May 2010

An adaptive controller for active vibration isolation is proposed on the basis of the filtered- x least-mean-squares method and enhanced with an anti-saturation scheme. In this method, vibration responses induced by a multi-tonal disturbance are decomposed into harmonic components with in-parallel tracking filters and attenuated independently. The centre frequencies of the tracking filters are adjusted by the recursively estimated frequencies of signal components. The anti-saturation scheme is derived on the basis of the normalized least-mean-squares algorithm, which is adopted to prevent excessive adaptation of weights in the presence of strong disturbances. Simulation and experiment on an active vibration isolation system consisting of a cylindrical shell and four actuators are conducted to examine the performance of the given adaptive control algorithm. Results have demonstrated that the adaptive method is effective in vibration isolation as well as saturation suppression, and the performance of active vibration isolation is related closely to structural vibration modes when control channels in multi-channel active isolation are strongly coupled.
Developing a tool for environmental impact assessment and eco-design for ships
Authors: Prinĉaud M , Cornier A , Froélich D
Published: May 2010

Eco-design is a key trend in industry today. DCNS, a major French shipbuilder, has taken a position in this market thanks to a consortium of several concerned specialists: Arts et Métiers ParisTech, Ifremer, SITA Suez, and Bureau Veritas. The purpose is to create a tool to assess the impacts on the aquatic environment, but also an eco-design tool making it possible to improve design. Based on life cycle analysis (LCA) principles, it is improved by a specific eco-indicator for the maritime environment and the possibility of a return to design at the design stage. This tool is currently being developed by a computer engineer. The functionalities proposed and expected in the tool requirements are being tested by this development.
Guided construction of testing scenarios for autonomous underwater vehicles using the augmented-reality framework and JavaBeans
Authors: Davis B C , Lane D M
Published: May 2010

System evaluation and testing of unmanned underwater vehicles in their destined environment can be tedious, error prone, time consuming, and consequently expensive. However, pre-real-world testing facilities, such as hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, are not always available. This is due to the time and expense required to create a specific test environment for the vehicle. Thus the system is not as fault tolerant as it could be since problems can remain undetected until the real-world testing phase. Debugging and fixing errors in the real-world testing phase are much more time consuming and expensive owing to the nature of the harsh underwater environment. This paper introduces a novel framework, the augmented-reality framework (ARF), for the rapid construction of virtual-environment testing scenarios for testing remote platforms with embedded systems such as autonomous underwater vehicles. The ARF provides testing facilities across all stages of the reality continuum, providing capabilities for pure simulation, HIL, hybrid simulation, and real-world testing. The framework architecture is both very generic and flexible and allows mixing of real and simulated components. The ARF is supported by a distributed communications protocol which provides location transparency of systems since this is key to providing mixed-reality testing facilities.
Assistive tools for system integration, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance of ocean energy devices
Authors: Omerdic E , Toal D , Leahy M
Published: May 2010

This paper describes a set of assistive tools and technologies for system integration, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance of ocean energy devices. The flexible design of these tools enables their use as separate standalone modules, as well as their integration into a unique integrated system. A major component of the system is a smart remotely operated vehicle ROVLATIS — a novel, multi-mode of operation marine robotics vehicle designed for flexibility in near seabed operations from shallow inshore waters out to the continental shelf edge. Ocean energy technologies play an important part in meeting the Irish government's energy strategy, which targets 33 per cent of Irish electricity to be generated from renewable sources by 2020. The assistive tools, proposed in this paper, will help developers of ocean energy devices in meeting this target during different stages of design, deployment, and operation.
Effect of friction on tennis ball impacts
Authors: Allen T , Haake S , Goodwill S
Published: May 2010

There are currently no restrictions on the coefficient of friction of tennis courts or strings. The aim of this paper was to determine the effect of friction on tennis ball impacts. Finite element models were used to determine the effect of friction for oblique spinning impacts both between a tennis ball and a rigid surface and between a tennis ball and the string bed of a freely suspended racket. The results showed that during an oblique impact a tennis ball can behave in any of the following ways: first, it can slide, second, it can slide and then ‘overspin’, or, third, it can slide, overspin, and then converge towards rolling. The ball will slide throughout the majority of impacts on the court during play. Therefore, the rebound topspin of the ball will increase with increasing court friction and the horizontal rebound velocity will decrease. The ball will roll off the string bed for the majority of groundstrokes, and the rebound properties will effectively be independent of string bed friction.
Influence of midsole metatarsophalangeal stiffness on jumping and cutting movement abilities
Authors: Tinoco N , Bourgit D , Morin J-B
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to determine whether increasing the stiffness of the shoe midsole supporting the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint could induce a better jumping and lateral cutting movement performance. Twelve young team-sports players used two different shoe models (commercialized), with different sole bending stiffnesses. Two tests were performed: a multi-directional (Multi-D) sprint test including rapid lateral braking and cutting movements, and a fatigue test including drop jumps (DJs) and countermovement jumps (CMJs) in pre- and post-fatigue conditions. A significant ( p< 0.05) improvement was observed in the Multi-D test times with the stiffer midsole. Further, in fatigued conditions, the group with the stiffer midsole shoe showed a non-significant 9 per cent performance decrease in CMJs, while this decrease was higher and significant (16.1 per cent; p<0.05) for the compliant midsole group. Compared with the stiffer midsole, the compliant midsole yielded a significant decrease in the jump performance, highlighting the fact that a higher MTP midsole stiffness helped subjects to limit the effects of fatigue on jumping performance. Therefore, a higher midsole MTP stiffness is associated with better performance in indoor-sport-specific movements including fatigued conditions, which could be explained by a preserved dynamic interaction with the ground in these specific sport situations.
‘You need that loving tender care’: maternity care experiences and expectations of ethnic minority women born in the United Kingdom
Authors: Puthussery Shuby , Twamley Katherine , Macfarlane Alison , Harding Seeromanie , Baron Maurina
Published: May 2010

Objective:

To explore the maternity care experiences and expectations of United Kingdom (UK)-born ethnic minority women.

Methods:

Qualitative in-depth interviews with 34 UK-born mothers of Black Caribbean, Black African, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Irish descent, recruited mainly from nine National Health Service (NHS) maternity units in England.

Results:

Overall, women felt that their ethnic background did not matter at all with respect to the care they received. UK-born women's familiarity with the system and the absence of language barriers were felt to be influential in getting treated the same as White women. Women stressed the need for professionals to be ‘sensitive’ and ‘delicate’ in their interactions and wanted ‘continuity of care’. In general, they were positive about the adequacy of the information given during their antenatal appointments, but some women found it difficult to get access to antenatal classes. Women valued good communication and consistent information, with their views acknowledged and their questions answered consistently. They also expressed the need for better physical environments in maternity units.

Conclusions:

Our findings contribute to the growing evidence about the need to improve maternity and postnatal care, and to develop more sensitive and women-centred care for all women irrespective of ethnic background.
Is there an association between the quality of hospitals’ research and their quality of care?
Authors: Pons Joan , Sais Carolina , Illa Carles , Méndez Raül , Suñen Eduard , Casas Mercé , Camí Jordi
Published: May 2010

Objective:

It is often claimed that hospitals that are leaders in biomedical research provide higher health care quality, or vice versa. Although several studies have shown a relationship between teaching status and quality of care, none has analysed the association between research output and hospital outcomes. Our aim was to determine whether there is a relationship between bibliometric measures of research output in acute hospitals and hospital mortality for two common cardiac conditions.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analysis of secondary data of in-hospital risk-adjusted mortality for congestive heart failure and acute myocardial infarction (2002-2004) and several bibliometric measures of publications (1996- 2004) in cardiovascular disease. The setting was 50 acute Spanish public hospitals, voluntarily participating in an external quality initiative, with more than 30 medical cases of congestive heart failure and acute myocardial infarction per year, and more than five citable papers in the field of heart disease. Spearman's rho non-parametric correlation coefficient was used to assess association.

Results:

There was a low-to-moderate negative correlation between the risk-adjusted mortality ratio and the weighted citations ratio: 20.43 (95% CI 20.17 to 20.63) for congestive heart failure and 20.37 (20.10 to 20.59) for acute myocardial infarction. Teaching status and the technological level of the hospital had a stronger correlation with hospital mortality.

Conclusions:

Measures of research output could be considered for incorporation into comparisons of the quality of hospitals. A weighted citations ratio is the most suitable measure of research output, but more research is needed on the interplay between research and practice as complementary ways of developing medical knowledge.
Echocardiographic methods for quantification of left ventricular ejection fraction: are they interchangeable?
Authors: Self Stuart , Allen Jane , Oxborough David
Published: May 2010

This study examined the relationships between left ventricular ejection fraction data derived from four commonly used cardiac ultrasound measurement methods (visual estimation, wall motion scoring, biplane Simpson's method and three-dimensional [3D] echocardiography) to assess whether they can be used interchangeably in the assessment of left ventricular systolic function. Two-dimensional (2D) and 3D data obtained from ultrasound studies for 190 patients (109 men, mean age 56 ± 20 standard deviation [SD] years [range 20–87] and 81 women, mean age 61 ± 18 SD [range 23–96]) with routine cardiac referrals were analysed. Ejection fractions were estimated for each patient offline using standard 2D echocardiography for visual estimation, wall motion scoring and biplane Simpson's methods, while 3D data were analysed using Phillips 3DQ Advanced software. Bland–Altman analysis was performed to test the agreement between the different measurement techniques allowing determination of significance, bias and 95% limits of agreement. Bland–Altman plots were also used to further investigate whether agreement between methods varied with different levels of left ventricular function. Only two method comparisons (visual estimation versus wall motion scoring and biplane Simpson's method versus 3D echocardiography) showed no statistically significant differences ( P = 0.09 and 0.99) or bias (–0.7 and 0). However, the 95% limits of agreement were wide (–11.1% to 9.8% and –14.3% to 14.3%, respectively). Visual estimation, wall motion scoring, biplane Simpson's method and 3D echocardiography should not be used interchangeably for serial assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction.
A rare case of bilateral multiple renal abscesses
Authors: Bhalla Manav , Bhalla Namrata , Bhatt Birwa
Published: May 2010

Bilateral multiple renal abscesses have been found in individuals with predisposing factors, but are rare in people who are otherwise healthy. This case report shows that ultrasound plays a key role in management of renal abscesses with a key advantage over CT when combined with ultrasound-guided aspiration of the abscess. Early diagnosis using ultrasound gives a higher probability that antibiotic treatment will be all that is required, thus reducing the risk of rupture and surgery.
Medical management of interstitial pregnancy with high serum beta-selective human chorionic gonadotrophin
Authors: Bolaji Ibrahim , Gupta Sweta
Published: May 2010

Medical management of interstitial ectopic pregnancy with high baseline beta-selective human chorionic gonadotrophin ( β-hCG) is controversial and there is no consensus on the best treatment option. Here we review the use of methotrexate (MTX) therapy for interstitial ectopic pregnancy, illustrated by three cases in which baseline serum β-hCG levels above 8000 IU/L were successfully managed by systemic MTX therapy. Primary MTX therapy appears to be a promising approach to managing interstitial pregnancy. It offers a safe and effective non-surgical method of treating selected patients even with a high concentration of baseline serum β-hCG. A randomized controlled trial comparing this regimen in interstitial pregnancy with high β-hCG with surgical management is required to substantiate the success and safety of this modality of treatment.
Prenatal diagnosis of 4p deletion with aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Witters Ingrid , Gyselaers Wilfried , Van Holsbeke Caroline , Mesens Tinne , Theyskens Claire , Duvivier Patricia , Fryns Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2010

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is caused by variable sized terminal deletions of the short arm of chromosome 4 (chromosomal region 4p16.3) and usually presents as severe intrauterine growth retardation with characteristic dysmorphic features (hypertelorism, a short philtrum with downturned corners of the mouth and a ‘Greek warrior helmet appearance’ of the face), developmental delay and epilepsy.

Often WHS is only diagnosed postnatally but prenatal diagnosis has been reported in the presence of intrauterine growth retardation with facial dysmorphism, cardiac malformations (ventricular septal defect, arrhythmia) or other associated malformations (oesophageal atresia, renal hypoplasia, diaphragmatic hernia, foot deformity, choroid plexus cysts, corpus callosumagenesis, hypospadias), or in the present of a parental balanced translocation.

Here we present the prenatal diagnosis of WHS based on the prenatal onset of growth delay and characteristic facial features and aortic valve stenosis.
CD163 Expression Is Present in Cutaneous Histiocytomas but Not in Atypical Fibroxanthomas
Authors: Sachdev Reena , Robbins Jason , Kohler Sabine , Vanchinathan Vijay , Schwartz Erich J. , Sundram Uma N.
Published: May 2010

CD163, a hemoglobin scavenger receptor, is expressed in monocytes and macrophages. Recent work has shown that this marker is specific for neoplasms of histiocytic differentiation. Our aim was to test the ability of CD163 to separate cutaneous histiocytomas from their morphologic mimics. We tested the expression of CD163 in 78 cases, including 19 xanthogranulomas, 16 atypical fibroxanthomas, 6 reticulohistiocytomas, 8 epithelioid cell histiocytomas, 9 cases of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, 10 xanthomas, and 10 intradermal Spitz nevi. CD163 expression was seen in all xanthogranulomas and reticulohistiocytomas, 4 epithelioid cell histiocytomas, 2 cases of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and 8 xanthomas but was absent in atypical fibroxanthomas and Spitz nevi. CD163 is an excellent marker for confirming histiocytic differentiation and is useful in eliminating morphologic mimics such as Spitz nevi from the differential diagnosis. The lack of CD163 in atypical fibroxanthomas argues against a histiocytic origin for this tumor.
Naproxen Metabolites Interfere With Certain Bilirubin Assays
Authors: Dasgupta Amitava , Langman Loralie J. , Johnson Myrtle , Chow Loretta
Published: May 2010

A recent report indicated significant interference of naproxen with total bilirubin measurement when using the Jendrassik and Grof method. We explored the possibility of avoiding this interference by using a different method. We observed that naproxen has no effect on total bilirubin measurement by any method, but O-desmethylnaproxen (the naproxen metabolite) interfered significantly with total bilirubin assays using the Jendrassik and Grof method (Beckman Coulter [Brea, CA] and Siemens [Tarrytown, NY] bilirubin method). The Roche (Indianapolis, IN) bilirubin assay based on a different method was not affected. When serum samples of 9 patients receiving naproxen were analyzed for total bilirubin level, we observed good correlation in total bilirubin values measured by all 3 methods in 7 of 9 patients with therapeutic naproxen concentrations. In contrast, in 2 patients with elevated naproxen levels, the total bilirubin values observed by using the Beckman and Siemens methods were significantly higher than the value obtained by the Roche assay. The naproxen metabolite interferes with assays based on the Jendrassik and Grof method but not with the Roche bilirubin assay.
On the relationship between children's perspective taking in complex scenes and their spatial drawing ability
Authors: Ebersbach Mirjam , Stiehler Sophie , Asmus Paula
Published: May 2010

Depicting space and volume in drawings is challenging for young children in particular. It has been assumed that several cognitive skills may contribute to children's drawing. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between perspective‐taking skills in complex scenes and the spatial characteristics in drawings of 5‐ to 9‐year‐olds (N= 121). Perspective taking was assessed by two tasks: (a) a visual task similar to the three‐mountains task, in which the children had to select a three‐dimensional model that showed the view on a scene from particular perspective and (b) a spatial construction task, in which children had to plastically reconstruct a three‐dimensional scene as it would appear from a new point of view. In the drawing task, the children were asked to depict a three‐dimensional scene exactly as it looked like from their own point of view. Several spatial features in the drawings were coded. The results suggested that children's spatial drawing and their perspective‐taking skills were related. The axes system and the spatial relations between objects in the drawings in particular were predicted, beyond age, by certain measures of the two perspective‐taking tasks. The results are discussed in the light of particular demands that might underlay both perspective taking and spatial drawing.
Semiconductor nanostructures via electrodeposition from ionic liquids
Authors: Al-Salman Rihab , Meng Xiangdong , Zhao Jiupeng , Li Yao , Kynast Ulrich , Lezhnina Marina M. , Endres Frank
Published: May 2010

The fascinating properties of ionic liquids make it possible to synthesize semiconductor nanostructures via a simple and low-cost electrochemical pathway. The present paper summarizes our recent work on the synthesis of Si, Ge, and SixGe1–x nanostructures from ionic liquids: thin films, nanowires and photonic crystals. We also introduce our first results on the template-assisted electrodeposition of SixGe1–x photonic crystals from 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([EMIm]Tf2N) ionic liquid, and some optical measurements on the previously prepared Ge photonic crystals. Our results confirm that electrochemistry in ionic liquids is excellently suited to the synthesis of high-quality semiconductor nanostructures.
Biological and Analytical Variability of a Novel High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Assay
Authors: Vasile Vlad C , Saenger Amy K , Kroning Jean M , Jaffe Allan S
Published: May 2010

Background: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays will augment the frequency of increased results, making important the determination of reference change values to distinguish acute from chronic increases. We assessed short- and long-term biological variability of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in healthy subjects with a novel high-sensitivity (hs) assay.

Methods: We collected blood from 20 healthy volunteers at 5 time points for short-term study and biweekly at 4 times from the same volunteers for long-term study. We analyzed serum samples in duplicate with a hscTnT assay on the Roche Modular E170 and computed reference change values (RCVs) for analytical, intraindividual, interindividual, and total change values (CVA, CVI, CVG, and CVT, respectively) and the index of individuality (II). We calculated RCVs by using a log-normal approach, owing to the skewed results of the data.

Results: Short- and long-term CVA values were 53.5% and 98%. CVI and CVG were 48.2% and 85.9%, respectively, for short-term studies and 94% and 94% for long-term studies. Mean δ values for the within-day study were 58% and −57.5%, and between-day mean δ values were 103.4% and −87%. Within- and between-day IIs were 0.8 and 0.14, respectively.

Conclusions: The biological variation demonstrated with the hscTnT assay is higher than prior data for cardiac troponin I. This may be attributed to differences in biology or assay imprecision at low concentrations. A short-term change (RCV log normal) of 85% and a long-term change of 315% is necessary to define a changing pattern.
Quantitative 1-Step DNA Methylation Analysis with Native Genomic DNA as Template
Authors: von Kanel Thomas , Gerber Dominik , Schaller André , Baumer Alessandra , Wey Eva , Jackson Christopher B , Gisler Franziska M , Heinimann Karl , Gallati Sabina
Published: May 2010

Background: DNA methylation analysis currently requires complex multistep procedures based on bisulfite conversion of unmethylated cytosines or on methylation-sensitive endonucleases. To facilitate DNA methylation analysis, we have developed a quantitative 1-step assay for DNA methylation analysis.

Methods: The assay is based on combining methylation-sensitive FastDigest® endonuclease digestion and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in a single reaction. The first step consists of DNA digestion, followed by endonuclease inactivation and qPCR. The degree of DNA methylation is evaluated by comparing the quantification cycles of a reaction containing a methylation-sensitive endonuclease with the reaction of a sham mixture containing no endonuclease. Control reactions interrogating an unmethylated locus allow the detection and correction of artifacts caused by endonuclease inhibitors, while simultaneously permitting copy number assessment of the locus of interest.

Results: With our novel approach, we correctly diagnosed the imprinting disorders Prader–Willi syndrome and Angelman syndrome in 35 individuals by measuring methylation levels and copy numbers for the SNRPN (small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N) promoter. We also demonstrated that the proposed correction model significantly (P < 0.05) increases the assay’s accuracy with low-quality DNA, allowing analysis of DNA samples with decreased digestibility, as is often the case in retrospective studies.

Conclusions: Our novel DNA methylation assay reduces both the hands-on time and errors caused by handling and pipetting and allows methylation analyses to be completed within 90 min after DNA extraction. Combined with its precision and reliability, these features make the assay well suited for diagnostic procedures as well as high-throughput analyses.
Online High-Flow Peptide Immunoaffinity Enrichment and Nanoflow LC-MS/MS: Assay Development for Total Salivary Pepsin/Pepsinogen
Authors: Neubert Hendrik , Gale Jeremy , Muirhead David
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND

Detection limit challenges associated with measuring low-abundance protein biomarkers can be addressed with hybrid immunoaffinity–mass spectrometric assays, such as antipeptide antibody capture followed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Popular assay formats use magnetic bead–based immunoaffinity enrichment and nanoflow LC-MS/MS or high-flow immunoaffinity chromatography coupled online to conventional LC-MS/MS. As a proof of principle, we describe a novel online immunoaffinity LC-MS/MS configuration that combines high-flow peptide immunoaffinity enrichment and nanoflow LC-MS/MS.

METHODS

We configured and validated an assay for the measurement of total pepsin/pepsinogen from human saliva that uses a pepsinogen standard. Saliva was heat-inactivated to quench residual enzymatic activity and then digested with endoproteinase AspN. Online immunoaffinity enrichment using an antipeptide antibody directed against the pepsin C-terminal sequence, DRANNQVGLAPVA, was linked to nanoflow liquid chromatography and selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry. We used the assay to measure pepsin/pepsinogen concentrations in human saliva from presumed healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

Heat inactivation at 100 °C for 25 min stabilized the target peptide. The final assay had <15% interassay relative error and <15% interassay CV across a range of 4.08–2980 pmol/L human pepsinogen (0.165–120 μg/L). Low but quantifiable signals were observed in some samples from presumed normal healthy volunteers ranging from 4.3 to 16.6 pmol/L (0.17–0.67 μg/L) total salivary pepsin/pepsinogen.

CONCLUSIONS

This assay approach provides a high-sensitivity platform for protein bioanalysis in the low picomolar range. It bears the potential to deliver additional data on the salivary occurrence of pepsin/pepsinogen with greater confidence than previously.
The Strategic Effects of Multimarket Contact: Mutual Forbearance and Competitive Response in the Personal Computer Industry
Authors: Kang Wooseong , Bayus Barry L. , Balasubramanian Sridhar
Published: May 2010

Firms frequently compete across multiple segments. Such multimarket contact has been shown to deter aggressive competition, leading to “mutual forbearance.” Empirical support for this phenomenon derives mainly from studies on the direct effects of multimarket contact on a firm's decision variables. The analysis in this article extends the existing literature by empirically considering both the direct effects of multimarket contact (i.e., how it affects a firm's decision variables) and its strategic effects (i.e., how it affects a firm's reactions to its competitors' decision variables). The authors study the pricing and new product introduction decisions of firms in the personal computer industry. Consistent with prior research, the authors find that firms mutually forbear in price and new product introductions. More important, the authors find strong strategic effects that are asymmetric; namely, firms respond to competitive attacks by introducing new products but do not use price as a retaliatory weapon. Thus, firms isolate any competitive retaliation to only a single marketing variable. The results offer a deeper understanding of the influence of multimarket contact on firm behavior.
Forecasting Marketing-Mix Responsiveness for New Products
Authors: Luan Y. Jackie , Sudhir K.
Published: May 2010

Before a new product launch, marketers need to infer how demand will respond to various levels of marketing-mix variables to set an appropriate marketing plan. A critical challenge in estimating marketing-mix responsiveness from historical data is that the observed decisions were affected by private information possessed by managers about the heterogeneous effects of marketing-mix variables on sales. The authors refer to this as the “slope endogeneity” problem. Such endogeneity differs from the “intercept endogeneity” problem, which has been widely acknowledged in the literature. To correct for the slope endogeneity bias, the authors develop a conceptually simple control function approach that is amenable to multiple endogenous variables and marketing-mix carryover effects. The method is applied to forecasting advertising responsiveness in the U.S. DVD market. The results suggest that advertising responsiveness varies substantially across DVD titles and that estimated marketing-mix elasticities would be biased if the slope endogeneity problem were ignored. This analysis also yields findings of substantive interest to researchers and managers involved in entertainment marketing.
Modeling the Intrahousehold Behavioral Interaction
Authors: Yang Sha , Zhao Yi , Erdem Tülin , Zhao Ying
Published: May 2010

Quantitative models in marketing typically focus on the household as the unit of analysis while ignoring the individual family members' behavior and the behavioral interactions among household members. However, knowledge of such intrahousehold behavioral interaction enables marketers to target their communications more effectively. In this article, the authors propose a modeling framework to capture the intrahousehold behavioral interaction based on family members' actual consumption behavior over time. The authors develop a model to capture multiple agents' (more than two individuals') simultaneous choice decisions over more than two choice alternatives. This is extremely difficult with other previously developed modeling approaches. The authors apply the proposed model to a context of family members' television viewing and simultaneously model whether the television is on, which type of program is playing, and which family members are watching. The proposed model makes it possible to estimate the individual's intrinsic preference and the extrinsic preference from a joint consumption with other members. In turn, these estimates enable the authors to test several alternative group decision-making heuristics that may operate in those joint consumption occasions and to conduct managerially useful counterfactual simulations.
Disjunctions of Conjunctions, Cognitive Simplicity, and Consideration Sets
Authors: Hauser John R. , Toubia Olivier , Evgeniou Theodoros , Befurt Rene , Dzyabura Daria
Published: May 2010

The authors test methods, based on cognitively simple decision rules, that predict which products consumers select for their consideration sets. Drawing on qualitative research, the authors propose disjunctions-of-conjunctions (DOC) decision rules that generalize well-studied decision models, such as disjunctive, conjunctive, lexicographic, and subset conjunctive rules. They propose two machine-learning methods to estimate cognitively simple DOC rules. They observe consumers' consideration sets for global positioning systems for both calibration and validation data. They compare the proposed methods with both machine-learning and hierarchical Bayes methods, each based on five extant compensatory and noncompensatory rules. For the validation data, the cognitively simple DOC-based methods predict better than the ten benchmark methods on an information theoretic measure and on hit rates. The results are robust with respect to format by which consideration is measured, sample, and presentation of profiles. The article closes with an illustration of how DOC-based rules can affect managerial decisions.
How the Order of Sampled Experiential Products Affects Choice
Authors: Biswas Dipayan , Grewal Dhruv , Roggeveen Anne
Published: May 2010

The results of five experiments reveal that when sampling a series of experiential products (e.g., beverages, music), consumers prefer the product sampled second in a series of two desirable products but relatively prefer the product sampled first in a series of two undesirable products. The underlying process for both outcomes is a recency effect, such that there is better recall for the most recently sampled experiential product. The recency effect observed for experiential products reverses to a primacy effect when sampling nonexperiential products (e.g., scissors). The authors also demonstrate that the placement of an undesirable experiential product in conjunction with two desirable experiential products can exaggerate preference for the later-sampled desirable product (when the undesirable product is sampled first) or result in preference for the earlier-sampled desirable product (when the undesirable product is sampled between the two desirable products). However, the preference for the earlier-sampled desirable product holds only if there is no time delay between the sampling of the products or between the sampling and the choice evaluations.
Looming Losses in Future Time Perception
Authors: Bilgin Baler , Leboeuf Robyn A.
Published: May 2010

It is proposed that a future time interval's perceived length will be affected by whether the interval ends with a gain or loss. Confirming this, several experiments indicate that consumers perceive intervals ending with losses as shorter than equivalent intervals ending with gains. The authors explore the mechanisms underlying these effects, and they identify several parallels between the current effects and loss aversion. The authors further show that these changes in time perception influence consumption decisions, and they consider the implications of the findings for theories of time perception and intertemporal choice.
The Effect of Sales Promotions on the Size and Composition of the Shopping Basket: Regulatory Compatibility from Framing and Temporal Restrictions
Authors: Ramanathan Suresh , Dhar Sanjay K.
Published: May 2010

Most literature on sales promotions focuses on responses to the promoted brand. Across two experimental studies and one field study, the authors examine how sales promotions may affect the size and composition of the overall shopping basket. The authors show that the framing of the savings message on sales promotions (e.g., “Save $x” versus “Get $x Off”), the expiration date restriction cue (immediate versus future expiration), and the familiarity of brands (well-known versus less familiar) are independent primes of regulatory focus. Furthermore, such cues, when compatible with one another or with a prior regulatory focus, lead to more unrelated purchases in the store. The authors discuss the findings in the context of theory on regulatory relevance and mind-sets, and they posit managerial implications for the design of sales promotions and store positioning.
Further Results on Attenuation of Neutron Embrittlement Effects in a Simulated RPV Wall
Authors: Server William , Brumovský Milan , Kytka Milos , Soneda Naoki , Spanner Jack
Published: May 2010

A carefully designed irradiation experiment was conducted in which a 190 mm thick reactor pressure vessel (RPV) wall has been simulated using nineteen 10 mm thick slices, 18 of which are made from key RPV steels, and irradiated under test reactor conditions to investigate the through-wall attenuation of neutron embrittlement. Preliminary results for two of the irradiated materials (a low copper content plate and a high copper content Linde 80 flux weld) were reported earlier. The third irradiated RPV steel was the international reference steel designated JRQ, and this paper describes the results for this steel along with updated analyses for the other two steels. Comparisons of predicted attenuation changes in toughness properties with measured fracture toughness and Charpy V-notch results are presented for all three RPV steels. The predictions of through-wall attenuation follow the practice defined in ASTM E900-02 and Regulatory Guide 1.99, Revision 2, in which the attenuation of high energy neutron fluence (E>1 MeV) is projected based upon an approximate displacements per atom (dpa) change through the wall thickness. The resultant degree of material damage using this dpa-based fluence change is estimated using current embrittlement correlation models.
Test Method for Determining the Efflorescence Potential of Masonry Materials Based on Soluble Salt Content
Authors: Sanders John P. , Brosnan Denis A.
Published: May 2010

A single test method that is capable of determining the efflorescence potential for all materials in a masonry system is needed. The need for preconstruction testing is referenced in ASTM C1400-1—“Standard Guide for Reduction of Efflorescence Potential in New Masonry Walls”—but the standard acknowledges that there is not a suitable test method for all masonry materials. In the past, soluble salt measurements have been used to quantitatively access the efflorescence potential of masonry materials. To determine the water-soluble salt content of masonry materials, a simple leaching procedure was developed to remove the salts followed by quantification of the water-soluble salt content by ion chromatography. A series of modified efflorescence tests using salt solutions and real masonry materials has been used to determine the significance of water-soluble salt measurements. A clear threshold for soluble sulfate content that indicates a high potential for the development of visible efflorescence has been identified. Sulfate salts are the most common water-soluble compounds associated with efflorescence complaints.
Resistance of protective gloves materials to puncture by medical needles
Authors: Nguyen C. Thang , Dolez Patricia I. , Vu-Khanh Toan , Gauvin Chantal , Lara Jaime
Published: May 2010

The accidental injury by medical needles, even when wearing personal protective clothing, is a growing concern for an increasing number of workers. Therefore, an effort has been undertaken to study the interaction of medical needles with materials relevant to protective gloves. A first phase of the project had investigated the influence of needle characteristics on the resistance to puncture by medical needles of selected materials relevant to protective gloves. A step-by-step analysis of the mechanism of puncture by medical needles was proposed. This second paper studies the effect of sample thickness and test conditions on the resistance to needle puncture of various types of materials relevant to protective gloves. For elastomers and fabric-reinforced elastomers, the influence of the sample thickness and needle penetration angle can be described using the principles of fracture mechanics; the non-linear relationship between puncture force and sample thickness is attributed to the elliptical shape of the fracture surface, and the effect of the needle penetration angle on puncture force is reduced to a master curve when expressed in terms of the effective sample penetration thickness. On the other hand, more textile-based materials behave as discrete media. The study of the effect of probe displacement rate and temperature seems to indicate that the needle puncture process in all studied materials is of viscoelastic nature. It was also observed that the time-temperature superposition principle applies to neoprene resistance to medical needles. These results set the basis for the design of a test method relative to the resistance of materials to medical needles. It also provides information for the development of protective gloves with improved resistance to needlesticks.
Comparative Study on Recovered Binder Properties Using Three Asphalt Emulsion Recovery Methods
Authors: Prapaitrakul Nikornpon , Han Rongbin , Jin Xin , Martin Amy Epps , Glover Charles J.
Published: May 2010

Determining the properties of residual binders is important to the effective use of asphalt emulsion chip seals. Yet, the effect of laboratory methods on recovered binder properties used to simulate residual binders in the field is not well understood. In this research, the residues of five asphalt emulsions were compared after recovery by three methods, a Hot Oven procedure (similar to ASTM D244-04), a Stirred-Can procedure (as reported in TXDOT 0-1710), and a Warm Oven method (ASTM D7497-09). The recovered binders were tested with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) to assess the presence of residual moisture. Properties of the original base binders and the corresponding recovered binders were compared using dynamic shear rheometry and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The SEC results showed no residual water in any of the recovered samples, except the samples from Warm Oven recovery, which showed a small detectable amount of residual moisture. The results from statistical analysis of binder properties using ANOVA plus Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference test suggest that recovered binders from the Warm Oven method are statistically different from their base binders. Nevertheless, considering each of the residues recovered from the three methods in paired comparisons with the other residues, none is statistically different from the others.
Development of a Retrospective Job Exposure Matrix for PCB‐exposed Workers in Capacitor Manufacturing
Authors: Hopf Nancy B. , Waters Martha A. , Ruder Avima M. , Prince Mary M.
Published: May 2010

Development of a Retrospective Job Exposure Matrix for PCB‐exposed Workers in Capacitor Manufacturing: Nancy B. Hopf, et al. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluation and Field Studies, Industry‐wide Studies Branch, USA

Objectives

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are considered probable human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and one congener, PCB126, has been rated as a known human carcinogen. A period‐specific job exposure matrix (JEM) was developed for former PCB‐exposed capacitor manufacturing workers (n=12,605) (1938–1977).

Methods

A detailed exposure assessment for this plant was based on a number of exposure determinants (proximity, degree of contact with PCBs, temperature, ventilation, process control, job mobility). The intensity and frequency of PCB exposures by job for both inhalation and dermal exposures, and additional chemical exposures were reviewed. The JEM was developed in nine steps: (1) all unique jobs (n=1,684) were assessed using (2) defined PCB exposure determinants; (3) the exposure determinants were used to develop exposure profiles; (4) similar exposure profiles were combined into categories having similar PCB exposures; (5) qualitative intensity (high‐medium‐low‐baseline) and frequency (continuous‐intermittent) ratings were developed, and (6) used to qualitatively rate inhalation and dermal exposure separately for each category; (7) quantitative intensity ratings based on available air concentrations were developed for inhalation and dermal exposures based on equal importance of both routes of exposure; (8) adjustments were made for overall exposure, and (9) for each category the product of intensity and frequency was calculated, and exposure in the earlier era was weighted.

Results

A period‐specific JEM modified for two eras of stable PCB exposure conditions.

Conclusions

These exposure estimates, derived from a systematic and rigorous use of the exposure determinant data, lead to cumulative PCB exposure‐response relationships in the epidemiological cancer mortality and incidence studies of this cohort.
The US Air Force Suicide Prevention Program: Implications for Public Health Policy
Authors: Knox Kerry L. , Pflanz Steven , Talcott Gerald W. , Campise Rick L. , Lavigne Jill E. , Bajorska Alina , Tu Xin , Caine Eric D.
Published: May 2010

Objectives. We evaluated the effectiveness of the US Air Force Suicide Prevention Program (AFSPP) in reducing suicide, and we measured the extent to which air force installations implemented the program.

Methods. We determined the AFSPP's impact on suicide rates in the air force by applying an intervention regression model to data from 1981 through 2008, providing 16 years of data before the program's 1997 launch and 11 years of data after launch. Also, we measured implementation of program components at 2 points in time: during a 2004 increase in suicide rates, and 2 years afterward.

Results. Suicide rates in the air force were significantly lower after the AFSPP was launched than before, except during 2004. We also determined that the program was being implemented less rigorously in 2004.

Conclusions. The AFSPP effectively prevented suicides in the US Air Force. The long-term effectiveness of this program depends upon extensive implementation and effective monitoring of implementation. Suicides can be reduced through a multilayered, overlapping approach that encompasses key prevention domains and tracks implementation of program activities.
Sensitivity to Cigarette Prices Among Individuals With Alcohol, Drug, or Mental Disorders
Authors: Ong Michael K. , Zhou Qiong , Sung Hai-Yen
Published: May 2010

Over 40% of all US smokers have comorbid alcohol, drug, or mental disorders. Using data from the 2000–2001 Healthcare for Communities survey, we conducted multivariate logistic regressions to examine these individuals' sensitivity to cigarette prices. We found that a 10% increase in cigarette prices was associated with 18.2% less smoking participation among individuals with alcohol, drug, or mental disorders, except those with alcohol dependence. Increasing cigarette taxes could be effective in reducing smoking among individuals with alcohol, drug, or mental disorders.
Social Network Structure of a Large Online Community for Smoking Cessation
Authors: Cobb Nathan K. , Graham Amanda L. , Abrams David B.
Published: May 2010

Objectives. We evaluated the social network structure of QuitNet, one of the largest online communities for behavior change, and compared its characteristics to other known social networks.

Methods. Using modern network analysis methods, we identified QuitNet members who were active during a 60-day period, along with their ties. We then derived multiple subgroups, such as key players and integrators, from connections and communication patterns.

Results. Among 7569 participants, we identified 103 592 connections to other members. Metrics of social network integration were associated with increased likelihood of being female, being older, having been in the system longer, and not smoking.

Conclusions. The QuitNet community is a large-scale social network with the characteristics required for sustainability of social support and social influence to promote smoking cessation and abstinence. These characteristics include persistence of members over time, heterogeneity of smoking status, and evidence of rich, bidirectional communications. Some of the influential subgroups we identified may provide targets for future network-level interventions.
The Tobacco Use Management System: Analyzing Tobacco Control From a Systems Perspective
Authors: Borland Ron , Young David , Coghill Ken , Zhang Jian Ying
Published: May 2010

We use systems thinking to develop a strategic framework for analyzing the tobacco problem and we suggest solutions. Humans are vulnerable to nicotine addiction, and the most marketable form of nicotine delivery is the most harmful. A tobacco use management system has evolved out of governments’ attempts to regulate tobacco marketing and use and to support services that provide information about tobacco's harms and discourage its use. Our analysis identified 5 systemic problems that constrain progress toward the elimination of tobacco-related harm. We argue that this goal would be more readily achieved if the regulatory subsystem had dynamic power to regulate tobacco products and the tobacco industry as well as a responsive process for resourcing tobacco use control activities.