bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microemboli detection on extracorporeal bypass circuitsa
Authors: Lynch JE , Riley JB
Published: August 2008

Numerous authors have associated gaseous microembolization with adverse cerebral outcomes during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The introduction to this review provides background on the connection between microemboli and adverse cerebral outcomes. This connection is often difficult to quantify, as outcomes depend on a number of factors, including the size of the bubble, where it passes through the patient, patient co-morbidities and other factors. Nonetheless, numerous studies have shown statistically significant differences in the mean number of cerebral emboli detected in patients that stroked and those that did not, as well as for patients with major cardiac complications and patients with a longer length of hospital stay. Our introduction is followed by case reports and laboratory studies showing how monitoring for gaseous microemboli (GME) can be used to reduce the embolic load delivered to the patient through the bypass circuit. These methods include improved qualification of bypass circuit design prior to surgery, modification of priming procedures to reduce air in the circuit at the start of surgery, new methods for injecting drugs into the circuit during surgery, and better detection of removal of sources of air during surgery. The review concludes with background on the ultrasonic detection of GME, comparing through-transmission gross air detectors and Doppler ultrasound technology with fixed-beam ultrasonic imaging of emboli, a new ultrasonic technique that images moving emboli in the blood using a single ultrasound transducer element in a fixed position. This overview is meant to shed light on why different ultrasonic detection technologies report widely varying counts and emboli loads, and why fixed-beam ultrasonic imaging represents an improvement in the ability to monitor, measure and quantitate embolic load during CPB.
Direct effects of volatile anesthetics on cardiac functiona
Authors: Gentry-Smetana S , Redford D , Moore D , Larson DF
Published: August 2008

The volatile anesthetics are a class of general anesthetic drugs used by the perfusionist during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). These agents are used in low doses in combination with other anesthetics to produce complete anesthesia. During CPB, these agents are capable of safely anesthetizing the paitent. It is well understood that these anesthetics act at the level of the central nervous system. However the intent of this study was to define the effects of isoflurane and sevoflurane on left ventricular function. C57BL/6 female mice were anesthetized with either isoflurane or sevoflurane at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 5%. The cardiac function was assessed with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Sevoflurane caused a reduction of left ventricular function at lower concentrations compared with isoflurane. At concentrations of 2% and greater, sevoflurane significantly reduced cardiac output, ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and increased end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes. Isoflurane-induced reduction of left ventricular function was much less in magnitude when compared with sevoflurane. These data underscore the importance of using lower concentrations of volatile anesthetics during CPB especially during periods of cardiac recovery after aortic cross-clamp removal.
Cultural adaptation and validation of the Persian version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure
Authors: Mousavi Sayed Javad , Parnianpour Mohamad , Abedi Mohsen , Askary-Ashtiani Ahmadreza , Karimi Abdolkarim , Khorsandi Aliakbar , Mehdian Hossein
Published: August 2008

Objective: To translate and validate the Persian version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure (Persian DASH).

Design: Cultural translation and psychometric testing.

Setting: Outpatient departments of orthopaedics surgery, primary care settings, rehabilitation medicine and physical therapy.

Subjects: Two hundred and seventy-one consecutive Persian-speaking patients with upper extremity disorders including subacromial impingement syndrome, rotator cuff disease, epicondylitis, ulnar nerve entrapment, bursitis, instability, carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis and adhesive capsulitis.

Methods: The translation and cultural adaptation of the original questionnaire was carried out in accordance with published guidelines. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire booklet including the Persian DASH, the Short Form General Health Survey (SF-36) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain. In addition, 31 randomly selected patients were asked to complete the questionnaire 48 hours later for the second time.

Results: Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the Persian DASH was 0.96. The Persian DASH showed excellent test—retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient equal to 0.82 (P<0.01). The correlation between the Persian DASH and the functional scales of the Iranian SF-36 showed desirable results indicating a good convergent validity (Pearson's coefficients ranged from -0.25 to -0.72; P<0.001). The correlation between the Persian DASH and the visual analogue scale was 0.52 (P<0.01).

Conclusions: The Persian DASH is a reliable and valid instrument to measure functional status in Persian-speaking patients with upper extremity disorders in Iran. It is simple and easy to use and now can be applied in clinical settings and future outcome studies in Iran and other Persian-speaking communities.
Electrical stimulation of the upper extremity in stroke: cyclic versus EMG-triggered stimulation
Authors: de Kroon Joke R , IJzerman Maarten J
Published: August 2008

Objective: To compare the effect of cyclic and electromyography (EMG)-triggered electrical stimulation on motor impairment and function of the affected upper extremity in chronic stroke.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Outpatient clinic of a rehabilitation centre.

Subjects and intervention: Twenty-two subjects in the chronic stage after stroke were randomly assigned to receive either cyclic (n = 11) or EMG-triggered electrical stimulation (n = 11) of the wrist and finger extensor muscles for a six-week period.

Outcome measures: The primary outcome measure was the Action Research Arm test (0—57 points) to assess arm function. Grip strength, Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment and Motricity Index were secondary outcome measures. Assessments were made at the start of the treatment and after 4, 6 and 12 weeks.

Results: Both groups improved on the Action Research Arm test. The group receiving cyclic stimulation improved by 2.3 points, and the group receiving EMG-triggered stimulation improved by 4.2 points. The difference in functional gain was not statistically significant. Differences in gain on the secondary outcome measures were not significant either.

Conclusion: The present study did not detect a significant difference between EMG-triggered and cyclic electrical stimulation with respect to improvement of motor function of the affected arm in chronic stroke.
Influence of spontaneous pursed lips breathing on walking endurance and oxygen saturation in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Faager G. , Stâhle A. , Larsen FF
Published: August 2008

Objective: To evaluate how spontaneously used pursed lips breathing influences walking endurance, oxygen saturation and dyspnoea in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Design: A randomized open-label, cross-over study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients participating in a rehabilitation programme.

Setting: Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation centre at a university hospital.

Subjects: Thirty-two patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Intervention: All patients performed two endurance shuttle walking tests in random order. During endurance shuttle walking test I a mouthpiece was used in order to prevent spontaneous pursed lips breathing. During endurance shuttle walking test II spontaneous pursed lips breathing was used freely. Heart rate, oxygen saturation and the patients' estimated dyspnoea and leg fatigue on a Borg Category Ratio 10 scale were recorded before, directly after, and 5 and 10 minutes after the tests.

Results: When spontaneous pursed lips breathing was used the patients walked on an average for 37 seconds (16%) longer (P<0.01) than when pursed lips breathing was prevented. The patients desaturated considerably during both walking tests but the average drop in oxygen saturation was 1.2% less when spontaneous pursed lips breathing was employed. There were no significant differences in rated degree of dyspnoea or leg fatigue with or without pursed lips breathing.

Conclusion: Spontaneous pursed lips breathing can be a useful technique to increase walking endurance and reduce oxygen desaturation during walking in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Functional thumb orthosis for type I and II boutonniere deformity on the dominant hand in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Silva Paula Gabriel , Lombardi Império , Breitschwerdt Cristina , Poli Araújo Pola Maria , Natour Jamil
Published: August 2008

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a functional thumb orthosis on the dominant hand of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and boutonniere thumb.

Methods: Forty patients with rheumatoid arthritis and boutonniere deformity of the thumb were randomly distributed into two groups. The intervention group used the orthosis daily and the control group used the orthosis only during the evaluation. Participants were evaluated at baseline as well as after 45 and 90 days. Assessments were preformed using the O'Connor Dexterity Test, Jamar dynamometer, pinch gauge, goniometry and the Health Assessment Questionnaire. A visual analogue scale was used to assess thumb pain in the metacarpophalangeal joint.

Results: Patients in the intervention group experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain. The thumb orthosis did not disrupt grip and pinch strength, function, Health Assessment Questionnaire score or dexterity in either group.

Conclusion: The use of thumb orthosis for type I and type II boutonniere deformities was effective in relieving pain.
A phase II exploratory cluster randomized controlled trial of a group mobility training and staff education intervention to promote urinary continence in UK care homes
Authors: Sackley Catherine M , Rodriguez Natalie A , van den Berg Maayken , Badger Frances , Wright Christine , Besemer Jelske , van Reeuwijk Katarina TV , van Wely Leontine
Published: August 2008

Objectives: To assess feasibility, acceptability and potential efficacy of group exercise and staff education intervention to promote continence in older people residing in care homes. To establish measures and information to inform a larger trial.

Design: Phase II pilot exploratory cluster randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Six purposively selected care homes in the West Midlands, UK.

Subjects: Thirty-four care home residents (mean age 86, 29 female), 23 with cognitive impairments.

Intervention: Physiotherapy-led group exercise and staff continence and mobility facilitation training.

Main outcome measures: Reported continence status, Rivermead Mobility Index. Feasibility was assessed by uptake and compliance, and acceptability by verbal feedback. A staff knowledge questionnaire was used.

Results: Thirty-three residents, cluster sizes from 3 to 7. The number of residents agreeing with the statement `Do you ever leak any urine when you don't mean to?' in the intervention group decreased from 12/17 at baseline to 7/17 at six weeks in the intervention group and increased from 9/16 at baseline to 9/15 at six weeks. The Rivermead Mobility Index scores were better in the intervention group (n = 17; baseline: 6.1, six weeks: 6.2) compared with controls (n = 16; baseline: 5.9, six weeks: 4.75). The intervention was feasible, well received and had good compliance.

Conclusions: Group mobility training and staff education to promote continence is feasible and acceptable for use with care home residents, including those with cognitive impairment.
The effect of early customized vestibular rehabilitation on balance after acoustic neuroma resection
Authors: Vereeck Luc , Wuyts Floris L , Truijen Steven , De Valck Claudia , Van de Heyning Paul H
Published: August 2008

Objective: To compare the effect of early customized vestibular rehabilitation with general instructions in patients after acoustic neuroma surgery.

Setting: Tertiary referral centre.

Subjects: Fifty-three patients after surgery.

Design: A prospective assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Interventions: After stratification for age (<50 years; ≥50 years), patients were randomly allocated into groups receiving general instructions or customized vestibular rehabilitation protocols for 12 weeks.

Outcome measures: Standing Balance Sum, Timed Up and Go test, Tandem Gait and Dynamic Gait Index. Balance performance was assessed preoperatively, at discharge (one week after surgery), three, six, nine, 12, 26 and 52 weeks after surgery.

Results and discussion: All subjects clearly improved within the first six weeks after surgery. However, older subjects receiving vestibular rehabilitation performed significantly (P<0.05) better on standing balance, Timed Up and Go test and Tandem Gait, when compared with the older group that received only general instructions. This effect persisted up to 12 weeks and also became apparent on the Dynamic Gait Index. In addition, the older vestibular rehabilitation group had better balance scores at 12 weeks when compared with their original preoperative scores (P<0.05). This pattern remained even up to one year after surgery (P<0.05).

Conclusion: In patients over 50, early vestibular rehabilitation facilitates recovery of postural control after acoustic neuroma surgery. Customized vestibular rehabilitation should be given in addition to general instructions that stress the need of exposure to movement. Retention of the early beneficial effects even one year after surgery stresses the importance of customized vestibular rehabilitation.
A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of a support and education programme for spouses of people affected by stroke
Authors: Franzén-Dahlin Å. , Larson J. , Murray V. , Wredling R. , Billing E.
Published: August 2008

Objective: To determine whether a nurse-led support and education programme for spouses of patients affected by stroke improved the psychological health of the spouses.

Design: A longitudinal, open, randomized controlled trial.

Sample: One hundred spouses of stroke patients were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group.

Setting: The study was conducted in a hospital setting.

Intervention: The intervention consisted of six group meetings during six months, with a follow-up after further six months. Comparison between the intervention and the control groups was made at baseline, after six and 12 months using analysis with repeated measures.

Main measures: The Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale — Self-Affective for psychological health.

Results: No significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups concerning overall psychological health. However, a subanalysis revealed that those who participated more frequently in the group meetings (five or six times) had significantly stronger psychological health (P<0.05). Knowledge about stroke increased over time in both groups, but participants in the intervention group learned more (P = 0.041).

Conclusion: Encouraging participation in the group meetings of a support programme might have a positive effect on psychological health.
Somatosensory impairment after stroke: frequency of different deficits and their recovery
Authors: Connell LA , Lincoln NB , Radford KA
Published: August 2008

Objective: To investigate the frequency of somatosensory impairment in stroke patients within different somatosensory modalities and different body areas, and their recovery.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Two stroke rehabilitation units.

Subjects: Seventy patients with a first stroke (36 men, 34 women; average age, 71, SD 10.00 years; average time since stroke onset, 15 days) were assessed on admission and two, four and six months after stroke.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main measure: Nottingham Sensory Assessment.

Results: Somatosensory impairment was common after stroke; 7—53% had impaired tactile sensations, 31—89% impaired stereognosis, and 34—64% impaired proprioception. When comparing somatosensory modalities within body areas the kappa values were low (kappa values <0.54). Recovery occurred over time, though not significantly in lower limb tactile sensations. Stroke severity was the main factor influencing initial somatosensory impairment, but accounted for a small amount of the variance (21—41%). Initial somatosensory impairment was significantly related to somatosensory ability at six months, accounting for 46—71% of the variance.

Conclusions: Proprioception and stereognosis were more frequently impaired than tactile sensations. The different somatosensory modalities showed only slight agreement between impairment within the same body areas, suggesting that the modalities are independent of each other and all should be assessed. High agreements were found between different body areas for each somatosensory modality. Somatosensory impairment was associated with stroke severity, however low variance indicated other factors were involved.
Comparison study of chest physiotherapy home training programmes on respiratory functions in patients with muscular dystrophy
Authors: Yeldan Ipek , Gurses H Nilgun , Yuksel Husniye
Published: August 2008

Objective: To compare the effects of home training programmes, threshold inspiratory muscle training and breathing exercise on spirometry and maximal pressures in patients with muscular dystrophy.

Design: Prospective blinded 12-week study.

Settings: Cardiopulmonary department of university hospital.

Subjects: Twenty-three patients with muscular dystrophy (17 patients with limb girdle muscular dystrophy and 6 patients with Becker muscular dystrophy) assigned to the threshold inspiratory muscle training and breathing exercise groups with alternate allocation.

Methods: Spirometry, maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) and maximal expiratory pressure (PE max) were measured before and after training. In the threshold inspiratory muscle training group threshold pressure load was determined as equal to 30% of weekly PImax measurement. In the breathing exercise group, patients performed deep and forceful diaphragmatic and segmental exercises. All patients performed exercises at home and once a week at hospital under supervision.

Results: The improvement of PImax in the threshold inspiratory muscle training group was more significant than the improvement observed in the breathing exercise group (P= 0.05). PEmax increased significantly only in the breathing exercise group (P= 0.01). Spirometry results did not change significantly in both groups after the training.

Conclusions: We conclude that respiratory muscle strength is enhanced by training in the patients with muscular dystrophy who are ambulatory, but inspiratory and/or expiratory training effect is specific to the trained muscles. The techniques that improve the strength of respiratory muscles should be included in the physiotherapy management of patients with muscular dystrophy.
Optimal Force Generation in Parallel Manipulators for Passing through the Singular Positions
Authors: Briot Sébastien , Arakelian Vigen
Published: August 2008

It is known that a parallel manipulator at a singular configuration can gain one or more degrees of freedom and become uncontrollable, that is, it might not reproduce a stable motion along a prescribed trajectory. However, it is proved experimentally that there is possible passing through the singular zones. This was simulated and shown through numerical examples and illustrated on several parallel structures. In this paper, we determine the optimal dynamic conditions generating a stable motion inside the singular zones. The obtained results show that the general condition for passing through a singularity can be defined as follows: the end-effector of the parallel manipulator can pass through the singular positions without perturbation of motion if the wrench applied on the end-effector by the legs and external efforts of the manipulator are orthogonal to the twist along the direction of the uncontrollable motion. This condition is obtained from the tion of the uncontrollable motion. This condition is obtained from the inverse dynamics and analytically demonstrated by the study of the Lagrangian of a general parallel manipulator. Numerical simulations are carried out using the software ADAMS and validated through experimental tests.
Robot Odor Localization: A Taxonomy and Survey
Authors: Kowadlo Gideon , Russell R. Andrew
Published: August 2008

Robotic odor localization has become a prominent research area in recent years. It promises many valuable practical applications, and contributes to the knowledge of biological odor localization, which has in many cases been the source of inspiration. There have been a diversity of approaches, implemented in both simulated and practical experiments, with a wide variety of platforms, and in a number of environments. This article presents a survey of the existing methods, which have been organized into taxonomic classifications. This provides a framework in which to evaluate the methods, view how they relate to each other, and make qualitative comparisons. The methods are grouped at the highest level by environmental conditions, and then by the localization method which in most cases is closely associated with the type of sensors used.
Stable Running with Segmented Legs
Authors: Rummel Juergen , Seyfarth Andre
Published: August 2008

Spring-like leg behavior is found in both humans and animals when running. In a spring-mass model, running proves to be self-stable in terms of external perturbations or variations in leg properties (for example, landing angle). However, biological limbs are not made of springs, rather, they consist of segments where spring-like behavior can be localized at the joint level. Here, we use a two-segment leg model to investigate the effects of leg compliance originating from the joint level on running stability. Owing to leg geometry a non-linear relationship between leg force and leg compression is found. In contrast to the linear leg spring, the segmented leg is capable of reducing the minimum speed for self-stable running from 3.5 m s-1 in the spring- mass model to 1.5 m s-1 for almost straight joint configurations, which is below the preferred transition speed from human walking to running (≈2 m s-1). At moderate speeds the tolerated range of landing angle is largely increased (17° at 5 m s-1) compare with the linear leg spring model (2°). However, for fast running an increase in joint stiffness is required to compensate for the mechanical disadvantage of larger leg compression. This could be achieved through the use of non-linear springs to enhance joint stiffness in fast running.
Utilization of kaolin processing waste for the production of porous ceramic bodies
Authors: Menezes Romualdo R. , Brasileiro Maria I. , Santana Lisiane N. L. , Neves Gelmires A. , Lira Helio L. , Ferreira Heber C.
Published: August 2008

The kaolin processing industry generates large amounts of waste in producing countries such as Brazil. The aim of this study was to characterize kaolin processing waste and evaluate its suitability as an alternative ceramic raw material for the production of porous technical ceramic bodies. The waste material was physically and chemically characterized and its thermal behaviour is described. Several formulations were prepared and sintered at different temperatures. The sintered samples were characterized to determine their porosity, water absorption, firing shrinkage and mechanical strength. Fired samples were microstructurally analysed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that the waste consisted of quartz, kaolinite, and mica, and that ceramic formulations containing up to 66% of waste can be used for the production of ceramics with porosities higher than 40% and strength of about 70 MPa.
Chemical sequential extraction of heavy metals and sulphur in bottom ash and in fly ash from a pulp and paper mill complex
Authors: Nurmesniemi Hannu , Pöykiö Risto , Kuokkanen Toivo , Rämö Jaakko
Published: August 2008

A five-stage sequential extraction procedure was used to determine the distribution of 11 metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Pb, Zn, As, Co, V, Ni, Ba), and sulphur (S) in bottom ash and in fly ash from a fluidized bed co-combustion (i.e. wood and peat) boiler of Stora Enso Oyj Oulu Mill at Oulu, Northern Finland, into the following fractions: (1) water-soluble fraction (H2O); (2) exchangeable fraction (CH3COOH); (3) easily reduced fraction (NH2OH—HCl); (4) oxidizable fraction (H2O2 + CH3COONH 4); and (5) residual fraction (HF + HNO3 + HCl). Although metals were extractable in all fractions, the highest concentrations of most of the metals occurred in the residual fraction. From the environmental point of view, this fraction is the non-mobile fraction and is potentially the least harmful. The Ca concentrations of 29.3 g kg—1 (dry weight) in bottom ash and of 68.5 g kg— 1 (dry weight) in fly ash were correspondingly approximately 18 and 43 times higher than the average value of 1.6 g kg— 1 (dry weight) in arable land in Central Finland. The ashes were strongly alkaline pH (∼ 12) and had a liming effects of 9.3% (bottom ash) and 13% (fly ash) expressed as Ca equivalents (dry weight). The elevated Ca concentrations indicate that the ashes are potential agents for soil remediation and for improving soil fertility. The pH and liming effect values indicate that the ashes also have a pH buffering capacity. From the environmental point of view, it is notable that the heavy metal concentrations in both types of ash were lower than the Finnish criteria for ash utilization.
Modelling waste generation by the telecom sector in Nigeria: the grey side of the impressive outing
Authors: Osibanjo O. , Nnorom I.C. , Ogbonna K.C.
Published: August 2008

Since the introduction of digital mobile technology into Nigeria in 2001, there has been a phenomenal improvement in mobile subscription, service delivery and in the overall penetration of mobile telecommunication into rural areas in the country. For instance, the country's teledensity increased from less than 1% in 2001 to about 25% in 2006 — an increase of more than 3000%. The aim of this paper is to predict improvements in telephone penetration and waste generation by the Nigerian telecommunications sector. This was achieved by regression analysis of available data on telephone subscription in the country. Our estimations indicate that an average of 3 million phones will be retired annually in the country. Considering an economic phone life of 4 years, the over 32 million phones, (weight estimated at about 3200 tons) in use in 2006 would be at their end-of-life (EoL) by 2010. This volume of waste may contain up to 1800 tons of waste plastics, 15 tons of lead and 124 tons of copper. Our derived regression equation also indicates that mobile phone penetration in the country would be about 40% by 2010. This implies that over 55 million mobile phones would be in use by 2010. The grey side of this impressive statistics is that waste generation by the telecommunications sector will also follow this trend. This paper also highlights the need to introduce a framework for the effective management of waste from this sector considering the toxicity of some of the components of mobile phones and accessories and the prevailing inappropriate disposal practices for such potentially `toxic' materials.
Describing variability of MSW composition data with the log-logistic distribution
Authors: Milke Mark W. , Wong Vincent , McBean Edward A.
Published: August 2008

Variations in solid waste composition data are necessary as inputs to solid waste planning, yet uncertainty exists regarding which probability distributions might be generally valuable to describe the variability. Twenty-two detailed analyses of solid waste from British Columbia, Canada, were fitted to distributions using the BestFit software. Alternative distributions were ranked based on three goodness-of-fit parameters and twelve waste fractions. The log-logistic distribution was found to be the most able to fit over the wide range of composition types considered. The results were demonstrated to be insensitive to the number of waste components or to the choice of a two- or three-parameter distribution. Although other distributions were able to better match the waste composition for individual waste types, the log-logistic distribution was demonstrated to fit, overall, a wide variety of waste composition types.
Volatility of heavy metals during incineration of tannery sludge in the presence of chlorides and phosphoric acid
Authors: Tang P. , Zhao Y.C. , Chen D.Z. , Xia F.Y.
Published: August 2008

Knowledge of the behaviour of heavy metals in the combustion process is a most important factor in selecting disposal alternatives for waste materials. Accordingly, in this work, the vaporization behaviour of highly concentrated heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu and Cr) in tannery sludge were investigated experimentally. The sludge was spiked with various chlorine compounds (i.e. PVC, FeCl3, CaCl2 and NaCl) and pre-treated with phosphoric acid in order to evaluate the capacity of enhancement and weakening of the volatility of the heavy metals contained in tannery sludge. The experimental results show that the vaporization percentages increased with increasing ratio of Cl/sludge and temperature, and the accelerating and increasing effect of the addition of chlorides on the vaporization percentage of heavy metals was dependent on the release capacity of chlorine radicals. The vaporization percentages of lead and zinc increased by 15—20%, whereas those of copper and chromium increased by only about 3 and 10% at 800 °C. However, heavy metals were not expected to be completely released in the combustion process in spite of the high ratio of Cl/sludge. Alternately, heavy metals contained in tannery sludge can be immobilized effectively by pre-treatment with phosphoric acid. When the 85% phosphoric acid accounted for 10% of dry basis of tannery sludge, the phosphate-treated sludge showed the lowest vaporization percentage of about 3—15% with formation of Ca18Cu3(PO4)14, Ca9Cr(PO 4)7, Ca19Zn2(PO4) 14 and PbMgP2O7 in the bottom ash.
The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Followers' Duty Orientation and Spirituality
Authors: Krishnan Venkat R.
Published: August 2008

The relationships between transformational leadership and followers’ karma yoga (duty orientation), spirituality (oneness with all beings), organizational identification and normative organizational commitment were studied using a sample of 144 teachers of a prominent high school in western India. Spirituality is the goal of all existence according to the Upanishads, and karma yoga is a simple means to enhance spirituality. It was hypothesized that karma yoga enhances spirituality, transformational leadership enhances karma yoga and spirituality, and all the three in turn enhance organizational identification and normative organizational commitment. Results of structural equations analysis shows that transformational leadership enhances followers’ karma yoga; both transformational leadership and karma yoga enhance followers’ oneness with all beings: both transformational leadership and oneness enhance organizational identification; and both karma yoga and organizational identification enhance normative commitment. The implications of transformational leadership addressing both followers’ real needs (karma yoga and oneness) and organizational interests (identification and commitment) are discussed.
Art, ‘Knowing’ and Management Education
Authors: Pavlovich Kathryn , Krahnke Keiko
Published: August 2008

This article explores the concept of knowledge as an internal process of inner knowing. In the educational context, we describe our experiences in using art in the classroom to assist our students in accessing this inner knowing. We describe the design and use of such creative expressions. Our findings indicate that students have to integrate both right- and left-brain thinking to access their inner tuition. This slows down linear thinking in order to access the more affective-based learning process. Further, it encourages students to experiment with non-linear methods of learning. We argue that these findings assist students in accessing more choices in their decision making, which in turn will build managers who energize, revitalize and facilitate the growth of humanity through organizational compassion and understanding.
Using the Complete Authority of Multiple Active Trailing-edge Flaps for Helicopter Vibration Control
Authors: Viswamurthy S.R. , Ganguli Ranjan
Published: August 2008

In the current work, the application and advantages of multiple active trailing-edge flaps for helicopter vibration control in forward flight are investigated. Small active flaps of this type can be actuated using smart materials. A comprehensive aeroelastic analysis is used to model a helicopter with multiple trailing-edge flaps. The objective function containing the hub vibratory loads and flap control effort is minimized by an optimal controller. The control effort is differentially weighted for different flaps, such that all trailing-edge flaps are exploited to their full authority and limited to ±2 degrees peak deflection. Numerical results are obtained for one, two and three flaps and their optimal locations identified. A reduction of 76% in the hub vibration level is achieved at an advance ratio (nondimensional forward speed) of 0.3 using three flaps. For the four-bladed, soft-inplane, hingeless rotor considered in this work, it is observed that the extent of hub vibration reduction is directly related to the effect of trailing-edge flap motion on the contribution of the second flapwise bending mode to blade motion. It is also shown that multiple flaps can effectively modify the participation of second flapwise bending mode at a much lower control power than is needed with single and dual flap configurations. Furthermore, multiple flaps are shown to allow redundancy in operation and are considerably more effective than single flaps in low speed transition flight regimes because of their capability in distributing the airloads.
Isolation of Bending Vibration in a Beam Structure with a Translational Vibration Absorber and a Rotational Vibration Absorber
Authors: Cheung Y.L. , Wong W.O.
Published: August 2008

One drawback of the traditional dynamic vibration absorber is that it can only absorb the vibration of a continuous structure such as a beam at the point to which it is attached. In this article, it is proved that if damping in a vibrating beam structure is negligible, a translational dynamic absorber used in combination with a rotational dynamic absorber can absorb both translational and rotational motions for part of a vibrating beam subjected to harmonic excitation. An analytical model based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is constructed for a beam under partially distributed loading, and it is proved theoretically that the two absorbers can not only absorb vibration in the unforced portion of the beam, but can also isolate vibration in the portion under direct excitation. Two numerical examples are given for illustration, and some useful applications of the absorbers are discussed.
Emergence and Robustness of a Community Discussion Network on Mercury Contamination and Health in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Mertens Frédéric , Saint-Charles Johanne , Lucotte Marc , Mergler Donna
Published: August 2008

Information exchanges, debates, and negotiations through community social networks are essential to ensure the sustainability of the development process initiated in participatory research. The authors analyze the structural properties and robustness of a discussion network about mercury issues in a community in the Brazilian Amazon involved in a participatory research aimed at reducing exposure to the pollutant. Most of the villagers are connected in a large network and are separated from other individuals by few intermediaries. The structure of the discussion network displays resilience to the random elimination of villagers but shows vulnerability to the removal of one villager who has been a long-term collaborator of the project. Although the network exhibits a structure likely to favor an efficient flow of information, results show that specific actions should be taken to stimulate the emergence of a pool of opinion leaders and increase the redundancy of discussion channels.
Factors Affecting the Diffusion of Solar Water Disinfection: A Field Study in Bolivia
Authors: Heri Simone , Mosler Hans-Joachim
Published: August 2008

This study examines a broad array of theory-based factors derived from diffusion research that affect the current and intended use of solar water disinfection (SODIS), a simple, low-cost technology for treating drinking water at the household level. The perceived attributes of an innovation, the nature of the social system in which it is diffused, the extent of change agents' promotional efforts in diffusing it, and the nature of the communication channels used were operationalized by 16 variables. The aim of the study is to determine the influence of each factor and its predictive power. Eight areas in Bolivia were visited, and 644 families were interviewed on the basis of a structured questionnaire. Simultaneous multiple regression analysis showed that 9 of the 16 factors derived from diffusion research contributed significantly to predicting the current use of SODIS. The implications of the findings for customizing future SODIS diffusion activities are outlined.
Cardiovascular disease risk in adolescent smokers: evidence of a `smoker lifestyle'
Authors: Flouris Andreas D. , Faught Brent E. , Klentrou Panagiota
Published: August 2008

This study assessed the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors in 119 adolescent smokers, compared to an age-matched sample of non-smokers. Participants were assessed for body mass index (BMI), relative body fat, systolic/diastolic/mean arterial blood pressure, total serum cholesterol, aerobic fitness, family (parents or siblings) smoking habits and history of cardiovascular disease. The results showed that BMI and relative body fat were significantly increased, while aerobic fitness was significantly decreased in smokers. Male smokers further demonstrated increased diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure. Smokers also showed increased prevalence for family smoking habits and cardiovascular disease history. Prevalence rates for all other cardiovascular disease risk factors were increased in smokers, but the differences between groups did not reach statistical significance. It is concluded that the studied adolescent smokers demonstrated a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life, compared to their non-smoking counterparts.
Non-puerperal induced lactation: an infant feeding option in paediatric HIV/AIDS in tropical Africa
Authors: Ogunlesi Tinuade A. , Adekanmbi Folasade A. , Fetuga Bolanle M. , Ogundeyi Mojisola M.
Published: August 2008

A major problem in the management of infants exposed to HIV is the issue of feeding, which stems from the need to avoid transmission of the virus via breast milk. Other important issues in the nutrition of infants exposed to the virus include severe maternal illness, which makes suckling extremely difficult, and feeding orphans. Wet nursing is one of the recommended steps in addressing the feeding problems of such infants but for reasons of sociocultural disapproval, it appears not to be popular in traditional African settings. Non-puerperal induced lactation or re-lactation of a close relation, usually a grandmother, which hitherto has been used to rehabilitate severely malnourished motherless infants, may be equally useful. The procedure of re-lactation and the limitations of the method are highlighted. Also, the need to employ information, education and communication in improving the sociocultural acceptability of this veritable infant feeding method in tropical Africa is discussed.
Consistency of information from persons with dementia
Authors: Clark Patricia A. , Tucke Shandra S. , Whitlatch Carol J.
Published: August 2008

This analysis examines the ability of persons with mild to moderate dementia (MMSE scores 13—30 and/or a dementia diagnosis) to provide consistent and accurate information. Data come from interviews with 213 persons with dementia (PWDs) and their family caregivers (CG). Consistency was assessed by determining agreement between responses provided by PWDs during two in-person interviews. Accuracy was assessed by determining agreement between PWD responses and CG responses. Overall, PWDs provided consistent and accurate responses to fact-based questions and were consistent in their responses to state-dependent items. Less impaired respondents were more consistent in their responses to fact-based items. Among respondents with more severe impairment, there were no significant differences in consistency by question type. This work responds to the need to gain a better understanding of the opinions and experiences of dementia and offers further evidence that many PWDs can provide consistent and accurate information. Findings support increased involvement of individuals with dementia in research and care planning.
Behavioral and psychological symptoms, neurocognitive performance, and functional independence in mild dementia
Authors: Gallo Jennifer L. , Schmidt Kara S. , Libon David J.
Published: August 2008

This research investigated the interrelationships between behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD; i.e. disturbance of perception, thought content, mood, or behavior), cognition, and functional independence among mildly demented outpatients (MMSE = 23). A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation was administered to 48 outpatients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease ( n = 32) and vascular dementia ( n = 16) in order to assess cognitive function. A neuropsychiatric symptom inventory assessed BPSD and an instrumental activities of daily living questionnaire assessed functional independence. Pearson correlational analyses found that BPSD were associated with dementia severity, but not with performance on tests of specific neurocognitive domains. In addition, functional independence was associated with BPSD, dementia severity, and executive control, but not with language or memory. Multiple regression analyses revealed that dementia severity alone best predicted BPSD, and that BPSD more so than dementia severity best predicted functional independence. None of the specific neurocognitive domains predicted either BPSD or functional independence.
Information loss, knowledge transfer cost and the value of social relations
Authors: Bae Jonghoon , Jun Koo
Published: August 2008

The literature on knowledge transfer has long recognized the importance of social relations as a conduit of knowledge transfer. Two distinct features of social relations have been examined extensively: their strength and structure. Their effects on knowledge transfer remain unclear, however, and researchers have attended to one or the other of two constraints — information loss and transfer cost — in efforts to elucidate them. Yet, few studies analyse the joint effects of these constraints on knowledge transfer in a network directly. To examine their interaction, this article develops an agent-based simulation and experiment with four different kinds of relations: a sparse network with weak ties, a sparse network with strong ties, a dense network with weak ties and a dense network with strong ties. At the individual level, the study finds that dense networks comprised of weak ties afford more valuable knowledge if information loss is trivial and the cost of initiating ties is larger than the cost of transfer, but that the value of density declines rapidly as information loss increases. At the organizational level, in contrast, sparse networks with strong ties appear optimal for knowledge transfer via social relations.
Controlling for endogeneity with instrumental variables in strategic management research
Authors: Bascle Guilhem
Published: August 2008

This article offers a framework to understand how endogeneity arises and how to control for it with instrumental variables to estimate causal relations with observational data. It builds on the state-of-the-art research in applied and theoretical econometrics to highlight the importance of endogeneity and review the methods that can be used to address it with instrumental variables.The article also discusses when the Heckman two-step procedure can be used, as well as the tests, methods and assumptions that researchers should check when using instrumental variables.To ease implementation of the instrumental variables techniques, the author offers the STATA commands of the exposed tests and methods. Further, an empirical example is provided along with the utilized STATA codes. In the end, this article serves as a`toolkit' allowing scholars not only to understand whether endogeneity is present in their empirical setting, but also to assess the empirical validity of their work when using instrumental variables.
Traversing a wormhole to combat Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Caldwell Guy A. , Caldwell Kim A.
Published: August 2008

Human movement disorders represent a significant and unresolved societal burden. Among these, the most prevalent is Parkinson’s disease (PD), a disorder afflicting millions worldwide. Despite major advances, stemming primarily from human genetics, there remains a significant gap in our understanding of what factors underlie disease susceptibility, onset, and progression. Innovative strategies to discern specific intracellular targets for subsequent drug development are needed to more rapidly translate basic findings to the clinic. Here we briefly review the recent contributions of research using the nematode roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system for identifying and characterizing gene products associated with PD. As a microscopic but multicellular and genetically tractable animal with a well-defined nervous system and an experimentally tenable lifespan, C. elegans affords significant advantages to researchers attempting to determine causative and therapeutic factors that influence neuronal dysfunction and age-associated neurodegeneration. The rapidity with which traditional genetic, large-scale genomic, and pharmacological screening can be applied to C. elegans epitomizes the utility of this animal for disease research. Moreover, with mature bioinformatic and functional genomic data readily available, the nematode is well positioned to play an increasingly important role in PD-associated discoveries.