bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biweekly and 21–30-Day Variations of the Subtropical Summer Monsoon Rainfall over the Lower Reach of the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Yang Jing , Wang Bin , Wang Bin , Bao Qing
Published: October 2009

The lower reach of the Yangtze River basin (LYRB) is located at the central region of the mei-yu and baiu front, which represents the subtropical East Asian (EA) summer monsoon. Based on the newly released daily rainfall data, two dominant intraseasonal variation (ISV) modes are identified over the LYRB during boreal summer (May–August), with spectral peaks occurring on day 15 (the biweekly mode) and day 24 (the 21–30-day mode). These two modes have comparable intensities, and together they account for above about 57% of the total intraseasonal variance. Both ISV modes exhibit baroclinic structures over the LYRB at their extreme phases.

However, the genesis and evolutions associated with the two modes are different. Considering the genesis of their extreme wet phases over the LYRB, the biweekly mode is initiated by a midlatitude jet stream vorticity anomaly moving southeastward, while the 21–30-day mode is primarily associated with a low-level westward propagation of an anticyclonic anomaly from 145° to 120°E, which reflects the westward extension of the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH). The development of the biweekly mode at LYRB is enhanced by the northwestward movement of a low-level anticyclonic anomaly from the Philippine Sea to the south of Taiwan, which is a result of the enhancement of the WNPSH resulting from its merger with a transient midlatitude high. In contrast, the development of the 21–30-day mode is enhanced by an upper-level trough anomaly moving from Lake Baikal to far east Russia. These two ISV periodicities are also found to be embedded in their corresponding source regions.

The new knowledge on the sources and evolutions of the two major LYRB ISV modes provides empirical predictors for the intraseasonal variation in the subtropical EA summer monsoon.
Contribution of Tropical Cyclones to the Global Precipitation from Eight Seasons of TRMM Data: Regional, Seasonal, and Interannual Variations
Authors: Jiang Haiyan , Zipser Edward J.
Published: October 2009

Based on the University of Utah Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation feature (PF) database, tropical cyclone PFs (TCPFs) are identified for over 600 storms that reached tropical storm intensity level or above around the globe during eight TC seasons from the period of 1998–2006. Each TC season includes 6 months yr−1. Six basins are considered: Atlantic (ATL), east-central Pacific (EPA), northwest Pacific (NWP), north Indian Ocean (NIO), south Indian Ocean (SIO), and South Pacific (SPA). TRMM 2A25- (precipitation radar) and 3B42- (multisatellite) derived rainfall amounts are used to assess the impact of tropical cyclone (TC) rainfall in altering the regional, seasonal, and interannual distribution of the global total rainfall during the TC seasons in the six basins. The global, seasonal, and interannual variations of the monthly rainfall inside TCPFs are presented. The fractional rainfall contributions by TCPFs are compared in different basins. The TRMM 2A25 and 3B42 retrievals are compared in terms of the rainfall contribution by TCs. After constraining TC rainfall for being within 500 km from the TC center, 2A25 and 3B42 show similar results: 1) TCs contribute, respectively, 8%–9%, 7%, 11%, 5%, 7%–8%, and 3%–4% of the seasonal rainfall to the entire domain of the ATL, EPA, NWP, NIO, SIO, and SPA basins; 2) both algorithms show that, regionally, the maximum percentage of TC rainfall contribution is located in EPA basin near the Mexico Baja California coast (about 55%), SIO close to the Australia coast (about 55%), and NWP near Taiwan (about 35%–40%); 3) the maximum monthly percentage of TC rainfall contribution is in September for the ATL basin, August and September for EPA, August for NWP, May for NIO, March for SIO, and January and February for SPA; 4) the percentage of rainfall contributed by TCs is higher during El Niño years than La Niña years for EPA and NWP basins. The trend is the reverse for ATL and NIO, and nearly neutral for SIO and SPA. However, this study does not include enough years of data to expect the findings to be representative of long-term statistics of the interannual variations.
An Indicator of the Multiple Equilibria Regime of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Huisman Selma E. , den Toom Matthijs , Dijkstra Henk A. , Drijfhout Sybren
Published: October 2009

Recent model results have suggested that there may be a scalar indicator Σ monitoring whether the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC) is in a multiple equilibrium regime. The quantity Σ is based on the net freshwater transport by the MOC into the Atlantic basin. It changes sign as soon as the steady Atlantic MOC enters the multiple equilibrium regime because of an increased freshwater input in the northern North Atlantic. This paper addresses the issue of why the sign of Σ is such a good indicator for the multiple equilibrium regime. Changes in the Atlantic freshwater budget over a complete bifurcation diagram and in finite amplitude perturbation experiments are analyzed in a global ocean circulation model. The authors show that the net anomalous freshwater transport into or out of the Atlantic, resulting from the interactions of the velocity perturbations and salinity background field, is coupled to the background (steady state) state freshwater budget and hence to Σ. The sign of Σ precisely shows whether this net anomalous freshwater transport is stabilizing or destabilizing the MOC. Therefore, it can indicate whether the MOC is in a single or multiple equilibrium regime.
Application of Scale-Selective Data Assimilation to Regional Climate Modeling and Prediction
Authors: Peng Shiqiu , Xie Lian , Liu Bin , Semazzi Fredrick
Published: October 2009

A method referred to as scale-selective data assimilation (SSDA) is designed to inject the large-scale components of the atmospheric circulation from a global model into a regional model to improve regional climate simulations and predictions. The SSDA is implemented through the following procedure: 1) using a low-pass filter to extract the large-scale components of the atmospheric circulation from global analysis or model forecasts; 2) applying the filter to extract the regional-scale and the large-scale components of the atmospheric circulation from the regional model simulations or forecasts; 3) assimilating the large-scale circulation obtained from the global model into the corresponding component simulated by the regional model using the method of three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) while maintaining the small-scale components from the regional model during the assimilation cycle; 4) combining the small-scale and the assimilated large-scale components as the adjusted forecasts by the regional climate model and allowing the two components to mutually adjust outside the data assimilation cycle. A case study of summer 2005 seasonal climate hindcasting for the regions of the Atlantic and the eastern United States indicates that the large-scale components from the Global Forecast System (GFS) analysis can be effectively assimilated into the regional model using the scale-selective data assimilation method devised in this study, resulting in an improvement in the overall results from the regional climate model.
Interannual Biases Induced by Freshwater Flux and Coupled Feedback in the Tropical Pacific
Authors: Zhang Rong-Hua , Wang Guihua , Chen Dake , Busalacchi A. J. , Hackert E. C.
Published: October 2009

Freshwater flux (FWF) forcing–induced feedback has not been represented adequately in many coupled ocean–atmosphere models of the tropical Pacific. Previously, various approximations have been made in representing the FWF forcing in climate modeling. In this article, using a hybrid coupled model (HCM), sensitivity experiments are performed to examine the extent to which this forcing and related feedback effects can contribute to tropical biases in interannual simulations of the tropical Pacific. The total FWF into the ocean, represented by precipitation (P) minus evaporation (E), (P − E), is separated into its climatological part and interannual anomaly part: FWFTotal = (P − E)clim + FWFinter. The former can be prescribed (seasonally varying); the latter can be captured using an empirical model linking with large-scale sea surface temperature (SST) variability. Four cases are considered with different FWFinter specifications: interannual (P − E) forcing [FWFinter = (P − E)inter], interannual P forcing (FWFinter = Pinter), interannual E forcing (FWFinter = −Einter), and climatological (P − E) forcing (FWFinter = 0.0), respectively. The HCM-based experiments indicate that different FWFinter approximations can modulate interannual variability in a substantial way. The HCM with the interannual (P − E) forcing, in which a positive SST − (P − E)inter feedback is included explicitly, has a reasonably realistic simulation of interannual variability. When FWFinter is approximated in some ways, the simulated interannual variability can be modulated significantly: it is weakened with the climatological (P − E) forcing and is even more damped with the interannual E forcing, but is exaggerated with the interannual P forcing. Quantitatively, taking the interannual (P − E) forcing run as a reference, the Niño-3 SST variance can be reduced by about 12% and 26% in the climatological (P − E) forcing run and interannual E forcing run, respectively, but overestimated by 11% in the Pinter forcing run. It is demonstrated that FWF can be a clear bias source for coupled model simulations in the tropical Pacific.
Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 2008
Authors: Blake Eric S. , Pasch Richard J.
Published: October 2009

The hurricane season of 2008 in the eastern North Pacific basin is summarized, and the individual tropical cyclones are described. Official track and intensity forecasts of these cyclones are also evaluated. The 2008 eastern North Pacific season was relatively quiet, with overall activity at about 75% of the long-term median. A total of 16 tropical storms formed, of which 7 became hurricanes and 2 became major hurricanes. One hurricane, one tropical storm, and two tropical depressions made landfall in Mexico, causing eight direct deaths in that country along with significant property damage. In addition, Tropical Storm Alma was the first tropical cyclone on record to make landfall along the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. On average, the official track forecasts in the eastern Pacific for 2008 were quite skillful and set records for accuracy from 1 to 3 days. However, no appreciable improvement in mean intensity forecast skill was noted.
Utilizing Normalized Anomalies to Assess Synoptic-Scale Weather Events in the Western United States
Authors: Graham Randall A. , Grumm Richard H.
Published: October 2009

Synoptic-scale weather events over the western United States are objectively ranked based on their associated tropospheric anomalies. Data from the NCEP 6-h reanalysis fields from 1948 to 2006 are compared to a 30-yr (1971–2000) reanalysis climatology. The relative rarity of an event is measured by the number of standard deviations that the 1000–200-hPa height, temperature, wind, and moisture fields depart from climatology. The top 20 synoptic-scale events were identified over the western United States, adjacent eastern Pacific Ocean, Mexico, and Canada. Events that composed the top 20 tended to be very anomalous in several, if not all four, of the atmospheric variables. The events included the northern Intermountain West region heavy rainfall and Yellowstone tornado of mid-July 1987 (ranked 5th), the Montana floods of September 1986 (ranked 4th), and the historic 1962 “Columbus Day” windstorm in the Pacific Northwest (ranked 10th). In addition, the top 10 most anomalous events were identified for each month and for each of the variables investigated revealing additional significant weather events.

Finally, anomaly return periods were computed for each variable at a variety of levels. To place a given anomaly in perspective for a specific level or element, forecasters need information on the frequency with which that anomaly is observed. These return periods can be utilized by forecasters to compare forecast anomalies to the actual occurrence of similar anomalies for the element and level of interest to gauge the potential significance of the event. It is believed that this approach may allow forecasters to better understand the historical significance of an event and provide additional information to the user community.
Improvements to an Operational Clear-Air Turbulence Diagnostic Index by Addition of a Divergence Trend Term
Authors: Ellrod Gary P. , Knox John A.
Published: October 2009

An operational clear-air turbulence (CAT) diagnostic index has been modified to improve its performance. The Ellrod–Knapp turbulence index (TI) was developed in the early 1990s and is in use at many aviation forecasting facilities worldwide. It has been recognized, however, that TI often does not sufficiently account for situations where anticyclonic shear or curvature is present. The proposed modification to TI is based on the addition of a proxy term for divergence tendency, appropriate for both anticyclonic flow and gravity wave generation in cyclonic regions. Examples show how the modified index [referred to as the divergence-modified turbulence index (DTI)] leads to better anticipation of significant CAT for two scenarios where rapid divergence changes were occurring. Preliminary objective evaluation of the 6-h forecast DTI derived from the Rapid Update Cycle-2 (RUC-2) was completed for 2 months in 2007 (using more than 1100 pilot reports). Results showed significant improvements over TI, based on verification metrics such as the probability of detection of turbulence (PODy) and the true skill statistic (TSS). Further evaluation is planned using a larger database of pilot reports, as well as forecast data from additional state-of-the-art prediction models, altitude ranges, and forecast times.
Synoptic Typing of Extreme Cool-Season Precipitation Events at St. John’s, Newfoundland, 1979–2005
Authors: Milrad Shawn M. , Atallah Eyad H. , Gyakum John R.
Published: October 2009

Quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF) continues to be a significant challenge in operational forecasting, particularly in regions susceptible to extreme precipitation events. St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada (CYYT), is affected frequently by such events, particularly in the cool season (October–April).

The 50 median events in the extreme (>33.78 mm during a 48-h period) precipitation event category are selected for further analysis. A manual synoptic typing is performed on these 50 events, using two separate methodologies to partition events. The first method utilizes a Lagrangian backward air parcel trajectory analysis and the second method utilizes the evolution of dynamically relevant variables, including 1000–700-hPa horizontal temperature advection, 1000–700-hPa (vector) geostrophic frontogenesis, and 700–400-hPa absolute vorticity advection.

Utilizing the first partitioning method, it is found that south cases are characterized by a strong anticyclone downstream of St. John’s, southwest events are synoptically similar to the overall extreme composite and are marked by a strong cyclone that develops in the Gulf of Mexico, while west events are characterized by a weak Alberta clipper system that intensifies rapidly upon reaching the Atlantic Ocean. The second partitioning method suggests that while cyclone events are dominated by the presence of a rapidly developing cyclone moving northeastward toward St. John’s, frontal events are characterized by the presence of a strong downstream anticyclone and deformation zone at St. John’s.

It is the hope of the authors that the unique methodology and results of the synoptic typing in this paper will aid forecasters in identifying certain characteristics of future precipitation events at St. John’s and similar stations.
Volition and Will in Psychoanalysis
Authors: Meissner W.W.
Published: October 2009

To clarify the role and function of the will in psychoanalytic theory and praxis, the use and meaning of the concept of will are traced in the philosophical tradition influencing Freud, in Freud’s own view of will, and in the subsequent history of psychoanalysis. Functions of the will relevant to psychoanalysis are described in terms of intellective preference and executive functioning. Operations of will as an executive function of the ego-self are analyzed, emphasizing will as efficient cause of motivated actions. The will functions to decide, choose, and initiate action directed to motivationally determined goals. The conclusion is drawn that will action is determined and directed by motivational influences, and that will decision and choice, while predominantly secondary process in organization, can operate consciously or unconsciously. Expressions of will action in psychopathology and in the analytic process are briefly discussed.
Perception of Mental Illness: Preliminary Exploratory Research At a Cross-Cultural Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic
Authors: Ganesan Soma , Mok Hiram , McKenna Mario
Published: October 2009

This descriptive study presented an overview of culturally sensitive mental health services and potential barriers for immigrant Canadians. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and administered to 173 patients who attended a large cross-cultural psychiatry outpatient clinic in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Results indicated that only 21% of patients were able to state their diagnosis or were able to describe the symptoms of their diagnosis that met the DSM-IV criteria given by a psychiatrist. Examination of patient ethnicity showed that more South Asian (25%) or Southeast Asian (24%) patients had more diagnoses of anxiety disorder in comparison to other ethnic groups. Refugees characterized mental illness in terms of stress or stress-related factors (30%) in comparison to non-refugees (13%). There was a greater preference in women, when compared to men, to prefer the term ‘client’ versus ‘patient’. These results elucidate the importance of cultural and systemic barriers for immigrant Canadians. The need for appropriate service delivery is discussed.
Not Just an Individual Journey: Social Aspects of Recovery
Authors: Topor A. , Borg M. , Di Girolamo S. , Davidson L.
Published: October 2009

Background: Recent literature on recovery describes the process as deeply personal and unique to each individual. While there are aspects of recovery that are unique to each individual, this article argues that focusing solely on these overlooks the fact that recovery unfolds within a social and interpersonal context.

Materials: Drawing from qualitative data, this article describes aspects of recovery that involve the contributions of others, the social environment and society.

Discussion: These aspects of recovery include relationships, adequate material conditions and responsive services and supports.

Conclusion: The authors consider the implications of these social factors for transforming psychiatric research and theory as well as for recovery-orientated practice.
Psychosocial Impact of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder on Patients and Their Caregivers: a Comparative Study With Depressive Disorder
Authors: Vikas Ashis , Avasthi Ajit , Sharan Pratap
Published: October 2009

Background: Little empirical research has been done to assess the impact of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) on patients and their caregivers.

Objective: To assess the psychosocial impact of OCD on patients and their caregivers and compare it with depressed controls.

Method: Thirty two patients with OCD and their caregivers and 30 patients of depression and their caregivers were assessed on sociodemographic and clinical variables and the following scales: World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-BREF version (WHOQOL-BREF); Schedule for Assessment of Psychiatric Disability; Family Burden Interview Schedule; and Family Accommodation Scale. Yale Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Scale (YBOCS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were applied to rate the severity of obsessive-compulsive and depressive symptoms.

Results: Patients with OCD had the lowest scores in the psychological health domain of the WHOQOL-BREF. They were also disabled due to their illness with maximum disability being experienced in the overall behaviour domain. Caregivers of OCD patients experienced burden in several areas and had to accommodate to the patient’s behaviour. Patients with OCD had a better quality of life (QOL) and were less disabled compared with depressed patients, but their caregivers were more burdened and had to accommodate to a greater degree in comparison to caregivers of depressed patients. The OCD patients’ QOL and disability scores and their caregivers’ burden and accommodation scores correlated significantly with several sociodemographic, clinical and psychological variables.

Conclusion: OCD patients, when compared with depressed subjects, have a better QOL and are less disabled, but their caregivers are more burdened and have to accommodate more.
Determinants of Psychological Distress Among Migrants From Ecuador and Romania in a Spanish City
Authors: González-Castro José Luis , Ubillos Silvia
Published: October 2009

Background: Migration may have consequences on the mental health of those who enter a new cultural environment. In Spain, migration has increased tenfold in 20 years. It is important to study how these migrants are interacting within this new context and which variables hinder their personal and social development.

Aims: To analyze acculturation differences in Spain between first-generation immigrants from two different countries; to analyze the self-reported mental health of these participants; and to evaluate which variables best predict mental health disorders.

Method: One hundred and thirty five (135) respondents from Romania and Ecuador responded to a questionnaire analyzing mental health by means of the GHQ-12, coupled with other personal, social and psychosocial acculturation variables.

Results: Both cultural groups differed significantly regarding the impact of personal and social variables on their well-being. Nevertheless, mental health distress was not explained by their cultural differences but by gender, gross income and perceived discrimination. Social support offered by those still living at home acted as a buffer.

Conclusion: It is important to analyze female migration patterns in order to reduce mental health problems, stress the importance of economic income, and examine how social support offered by those living in one’s home culture is an effective buffer against mental distress.
Factors Associated With Care Burden and Quality of Life Among Caregivers of the Mentally Ill in Chinese Society
Authors: Chun Chieh Fan  , Chen Ying-Yeh
Published: October 2009

Objectives: Few studies in Taiwan have looked into the burden of caregivers for the mentally ill and the influence of the burden on the quality of life among caregivers. The aim of this study is to explore the risk factors that may aggravate care burden and to assess the relationship between the caregivers’ burden and their quality of life.

Method: Ninety caregivers of patients with mental illness, who were attending outpatient clinic services in Taipei City Psychiatric Centre, were assessed using a burden questionnaire and the brief questionnaire of the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF).

Results: Burden scores were significantly correlated with the number of care hours the caregivers spent daily with the patient, irrespective of their age, gender, kinship and educational level. Caregivers of patients with different psychiatric illnesses had similar levels of burden. Higher burden scores were correlated with a lower quality of life and retained unique predictive variance in multiple regressions in all four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that care burden has a significant impact on caregivers’ quality of life. Daily care hours with the patient are the unique determinant of caregivers’ burden in Taiwan. Measures to reduce daily care hours should be considered.
Stressors and Reactions to Stressors Among University Students
Authors: Hamaideh Shaher H.
Published: October 2009

Background: University students are prone to stressors due to the transitional nature of university life. High levels of stress are believed to affect students’ health as well as their academic performance.

Aims: The aims of this study were to identify stressors and reactions to stressors among university students, and to examine the correlations between student stressors and study variables.

Methods: A correlational descriptive design was used. Student-life Stress Inventory (SSI) was used to measure the stressors and reactions to stressors. Stratified random sampling was employed to recruit participants. The final sample consisted of 877 participants (students).

Results: Results indicated that the highest group of stressors experienced by students were ‘self-imposed’ stressors followed by ‘pressures’. Cognitive responses were found to be the highest responses to stressors experienced by students. Negative correlations were found with student’s perception of health, and father’s and mother’s level of education.

Conclusions: This study revealed that stressors among university students come from ‘self-imposed’ stressors and ‘pressures’. Stress management, assertiveness skills, time management and counselling sessions will be effective in reducing stress experienced by students.
A Sensemaking Model of Employee Evaluation of Psychological Contract Fulfillment
Authors: Chaudhry Anjali , Wayne Sandy J. , Schalk René
Published: October 2009

There is growing attention in the academic literature and popular press regarding workplace transitions. Change is frequently mentioned as a defining quality of the new workplace and, in turn, employment relationships. A framework is presented that describes employee evaluation of the employment relationship in the context of change. Specifically, the authors apply psychological contract and sensemaking theories to address two questions: What contextual factors shape employee perceptions of change in psychological contract fulfillment? and What cognitive factors shape employee responses to perceptions of deficiency in psychological contract fulfillment? The authors’ aim is to enhance understanding of employment relationships in the context of organizational change and stimulate empirical research that treats change context as a substantive variable. The authors discuss theoretical and practical implications of the framework. Recommendations for practitioners engaged in organizational change are offered.
Perceptions of Psychological Adjustment, Achievement Outcomes, and Self-Esteem in Japan and America
Authors: Brown R.A.
Published: October 2009

Evidence reported in the present article suggests that the widely used Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) does not as unequivocally assess positive self-regard in Japan as it does in America. American ( n = 98) and Japanese ( n = 120) participants assessed high self-esteem (HSE) and low self-esteem (LSE) targets who were depicted endorsing or rejecting RSES items. Results indicate that although both groups of participants had more positive impressions of the HSE relative to the LSE target, the difference was greater for the Japanese. In addition, although the Americans had more positive impressions of the HSE target than the Japanese did, the Japanese had more positive impressions of the LSE target.
Historical Prevalence of Infectious Diseases Within 230 Geopolitical Regions: A Tool for Investigating Origins of Culture
Authors: Murray Damian R. , Schaller Mark
Published: October 2009

Regional differences in disease prevalence are associated with a wide array of cross-cultural differences. However, the complex relationships among culture, disease, and other ecological variables remain underinvestigated. Future research into the origins of cultural differences will benefit from the availability of a numerical index identifying the extent to which infectious diseases have been historically prevalent within regions defined by geopolitical borders. This article introduces such an index. This index is based on disease prevalence data obtained from old epidemiological atlases and is calculated for 230 geopolitical regions (mostly nations) around the world.
Geometrical Models for Cardigan Structures Part II: Half Cardigan
Authors: Kurbak Arif , Alpyildiz Tuba
Published: October 2009

A geometrical model for the half cardigan structure is presented based on the model of full cardigan structure given in Part I of this series of papers. In the model, loop and tuck stitch heads are taken as ellipses in two dimensions. The rest of the loops and tucks are taken as parabolic helices wrapped on elliptical cylinders in general. The parameters of the model were obtained by using a wash-relaxed wool fabric at medium tightness. Computer drawings of the model were created by the 3DS MAX graphical program, which gave similar loop shapes to those observed in real fabrics.
Pattern Recognition of Fabric Defects Using Case-Based Reasoning
Authors: Lin Jeng-Jong
Published: October 2009

In this paper, we evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of a method of detecting fabric defects that have been classified into different categories by case-based reasoning (CBR). It shows significant promise for improving the effectiveness of complex and unstructured decision making. Four kinds of fabric defects most likely to be found during weaving were learned by CBR, which is both a paradigm for computer-based problem-solvers and a model of human cognition. The method used for processing image feature extraction is a co-occurrence-based method, by means of which six feature parameters are obtained. However, the design of appropriate case-retrieval mechanisms is still challenging. This paper presents a genetic algorithm (GA)-based approach to enhance the case-matching process. The results show that fabric defects inspected by means of image recognition in accordance with the CBR agree approximately with initial expectation.
Shaped Fiber Identification Using a Distance-Based Skeletonization Algorithm
Authors: Yan Wan  , Li Yao  , Peifeng Zeng  , Bugao Xu
Published: October 2009

Fiber cross-sectional shapes can influence many physical properties of fibers. Automated identification of shaped fibers is critically important for fiber quality inspection. This paper presents a distance-based skeletonization algorithm used for reliable identification of shaped fibers. The skeleton of a fiber cross section, which is generated from fiber distance maps and maximal disks, is ensured to be continuous and insensitive to edge noise, and therefore can be used as abstract representations of fiber topology for shape analysis. A set of shape descriptors are defined from fiber skeletons and a support vector machine method is used to classify fibers based on the shape measurements. The experimental results show that the presented approach can be used to recognize shaped fibers based on the analysis of skeleton structures.
Light Protection Performance of Textile Phototherapy Eye-patch Protectors for Jaundiced Infants
Authors: Deng Yong-mei , Yick Kit-lun , Kwok Yi-lin , Wong Siu-chun , Long Wu
Published: October 2009

In this paper we report on an experimental investigation into the performance of textile eye-patch protectors for jaundiced infants nursed in neonatal units which are routinely used to protect their eyes from strong light during phototherapy. With the view of practical application, the main factors affecting the light protection performance of an eye-patch protector, including the light transmission level of the fabric, the irradiance level, location of the light unit, the head directions of the infant, and the design components of eye-patch protectors, were examined in a simulated clinical environment of phototherapy light treatment. It was found that textile eye-patch protectors are able to shield the strong phototherapy light effectively. However, the light protection performance of the eye-patch protector is greatly affected by its fabrication and the level of the eye-patch displacement. Results from the current work confirmed that fabric constructional parameters and structure both had a significant impact on phototherapy light protection. Fabric that was black in color could give effective protection from different light sources. Results also revealed that the selection of light units, the positions and the head directions of the infant, and the infant’s distance from the light unit are major factors affecting the irradiance level and the efficacy of the treatment. Uniquely, non-linear regression models have been applied and demonstrated to predict the safety performance of eye-patch protectors.
Simulation of Fabric Poisson Effect in Semi-implicit Particle-based Method
Authors: In Hwan Sul  , Kim Hyeong-Seok , Chang Kyu Park
Published: October 2009

A semi-implicit particle-based method is widely used for fabric simulation because of its calculation speed and realistic wrinkle expression. However, it is mechanically less accurate than a finite element method because basic mechanical terms such as Poisson’s ratio are not included in the formulation. We propose a new force term to emulate the Poisson effect in a particle-based cloth simulation. The new model was verified via the simulation of a uni-axial tension test and compared with the results of finite element analysis.
Re-interpreting Regulations: Architects as Intermediaries for Low-carbon Buildings
Authors: Fischer Jan , Guy Simon
Published: October 2009

Regulations are highly influential in shaping urban places and architectural form. This paper investigates the impact of changing regulation on the working practices of architects. First, it outlines how the building regulations have grown in scope and complexity, especially with regard to energy regulations. Secondly, the relationship of regulation and design is explored, showing a shift from a dialectic of constraint and autonomy to one of interpretation of pathways. This is partly linked to performance-based regulation and weak state enforcement. Thirdly, the response of architects to this emerging mode of design is identified. The division of labour in the design process changes, with the architect focusing increasingly on intermediation. Finally, opportunities and threats to architects and their role are examined.
A Test of Character: Regulating Place-identity in Inner-city Melbourne
Authors: Dovey Kim , Woodcock Ian , Wood Stephen
Published: October 2009

During the 1990s, urban planning in Melbourne changed from prescriptive regulation to a place-based performance framework with a focus on existing or desired ‘urban character’. This paper is a case study of a contentious urban project in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy: a highly valued place characterised as an irregular and transgressive mix of differences: between building types, functions, forms, heights and people. Contrasting conceptions, experiences and constructions of ‘character’ are explored from the viewpoints of residents, architect/developer and the state. To what degree does the regulation of ‘character’ open or close the city to creative innovation? Can it become camouflage for creative destruction? How to regulate for irregularity? The paper concludes with a discussion of theories of place (Massey vs Heidegger) and the prospects of concepts such as habitus (Bourdieu) and assemblage (Deleuze) for the interpretation of a progressive sense of place.
Risk, Regulation and the Practices of Architects
Authors: Imrie Rob , Street Emma
Published: October 2009

There is a plethora of regulation relating to building form and performance and, seemingly, much more emphasis on risk identification and its management, particularly in relation to the processes underpinning the development and delivery of building projects. It appears that the practices of architects, like other urban design professionals, are implicated in the construction of risky objects and their mitigation by recourse to systems of managerial governance. Drawing on survey and interview data, it is suggested that a new focus for the understanding of architecture, and urban design more generally, ought to be consideration of the interrelationships between creativity, risk and regulation. The paper describes and evaluates architects’ understanding of, and responses to, what they perceive to be increased exposure to risk (and its regulation) in the design process. The paper is built around the proposition that risk and its regulation are entwined with organisational changes in the nature of project development and delivery, and linked with the emergence of what might be regarded as diffused or dispersed organisational forms that in and of themselves become harbingers of risk while also being one of the means to create new forms of risk governance. In turn, many of architects’ responses to risk revolve around procedures to secure reputation in contexts where loss of standing and repute is perceived to be a significant threat.
Contested Construction of Green Building Codes in North America: The Case of the Alley Flat Initiative
Authors: Moore Steven A. , Wilson Barbara B.
Published: October 2009

Building codes are both an index of social values and a strategy to enforce those values. On these grounds an examination is made of the emergence of green building codes in North America as a category of building codes that is particularly important for sustainable development. The classical definition of sustainability proposes that multiple, competing frames of interpretation—economic development, environmental protection and social equity—can, in theory, be balanced. It is found, however, that in practice equity is generally ignored. Through historical and theoretical investigation, it is hypothesised that codes which are successful in incorporating equity as a criterion emerge from public talk and social learning, not abstract speculation. The paper concludes by articulating a change-oriented research design for an ongoing project to test this hypothesis.
Children’s Home Environments in Great Britain and the United States
Authors: Campbell Lori Ann , Parcel Toby L.
Published: October 2009

This study analyzes the effects of human, social, and financial capital on children’s home environments in the United States and Great Britain by comparing a sample of 5- to 13-year-old children from the United States with a similar sample from Britain. In both countries, the authors find weaker home environments for boys, minority children, and those with more siblings. Parental education and maternal cognitive ability are linked to stronger home environments. The effects of family structure, maternal school track, grandparents’ education, and paternal work vary by society. The authors conclude that parents are important in both societies and that evidence for the notion that the more developed welfare state in Britain may substitute for capital at home in promoting children’s home environments is weak.
Phospholipidosis in Neurons Caused by Posaconazole, without Evidence for Functional Neurologic Effects
Authors: Cartwright Mark E. , Petruska Janet , Arezzo Joseph , Frank Doyle , Litwak Mona , Morrissey Richard E. , MacDonald James , Davis Thomas E.
Published: October 2009

The azole antifungal drug posaconazole caused phospholipidosis in neurons of the central nervous system, dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord, and myenteric plexus in chronic toxicity studies in dogs. The time of onset, light and electron microscopic features, neurologic and electrophysiologic effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems, and potential for regression were investigated in a series of studies with a duration of up to one year. Nuclei of the medulla oblongata were the prominently affected areas of the brain. Neurons contained cytoplasmic vacuoles with concentrically whorled plasma membrane-like material (i.e., multilamellar bodies) morphologically identical to that commonly caused in other tissues by cationic amphiphilic drugs. Some axons in the brain and spinal cord were swollen and contained granular eosinophilic, electron-dense lysosomes. There were no features suggesting degeneration or necrosis of neurons or any associated elements of nervous tissue. The earliest and most consistent onset was in neurons of dorsal root ganglia. The observed neural phospholipidosis did not result in any alteration in the amplitude or latency of the auditory, visual, or somatosensory evoked potentials. The histopathologic changes did not progress or regress within the three-month postdose period. The results indicate that phospholipidosis can be induced in central and peripheral neurons of dogs by administration of posaconazole, but this change is not associated with functional effects in the systems evaluated.
A Suggested Approach to the Etiologic Evaluation of Status Epilepticus in Children: What to Seek After the Usual Causes Have Been Ruled Out
Authors: Watemberg Nathan , Segal Gil
Published: October 2009

Status epilepticus represents a true neurologic emergency that requires immediate treatment to stop seizure activity and prompt diagnostic evaluation to recognize potentially treatable causes. Although an etiology may be detected in many cases, in a significant number of patients the cause is not established by the usual laboratory or neuroimaging studies. We performed an extensive literature review of all unusual and often overlooked causes of status epilepticus in children, in an attempt to provide physicians with practical information on the diagnostic approach to patients, particularly those with refractory status epilepticus, for whom an etiology can not be detected by routine diagnostic protocols.
Dandy-Walker Malformation: Analysis of 19 Cases
Authors: Alexiou George A. , Sfakianos George , Prodromou Neofytos
Published: October 2009

Dandy-Walker malformation is a congenital disorder that involves the cerebellum and fourth ventricle. Regarding treatment, there is still controversy over the optimum surgical management. In the current study, we present 19 consecutive cases of Dandy-Walker malformation diagnosed between January 1992 and January 2008 that were treated in our institute. All patients presented with hydrocephalus at the time of diagnosis and were treated surgically. Combined drainage of the ventricular system and posterior fossa cyst, using a 3-way connector was performed in 5 patients. Posterior fossa cyst drainage alone was performed in 10 patients and the remaining 4 patients were treated by ventricular drainage alone. All patients improved after treatment. Dandy-Walker malformation is a developmental abnormality of the central nervous system associated with various brain and extracranial abnormalities. Surgical treatment remains controversial, whereas prognosis varies greatly according to the severity of syndrome and associated comorbidities.
The Effect of Serum Protein Concentration on Wear Rates in a Hip Simulator
Authors: John Kenneth St.
Published: October 2009

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene cups, 22 mm in diameter, were aged for 5 years in the normal laboratory environment. Half of the samples had been processed by the standard radiation sterilization techniques, while the remainder had been cross-linked by a technique involving higher radiation doses and controlled temperature at the time of irradiation. The samples had been tested in a hip simulator for 5,000,000 cycles using a lubricant that had been diluted 1:1 with deionized water. Once that testing was completed, further testing was conducted using lubricant with greater and lesser serum protein concentrations, and the results compared with those that had already been recorded. Comparison of the wear rates within the study as well as to published data concerning the effect of serum concentration showed results that were consistent with assumed differences in lubrication ability at different concentrations. The results of other published studies were found to be inconsistent with each other and different from some of the results of this study. There is shown to be a need for carefully controlled and conducted studies to agree, if possible, on the importance of the serum concentration and the appropriate parameters to be used in testing, as well as variations that may be necessary with different bearing material characteristics.
A National Survey of Pre-Service Preparation for Collaboration
Authors: McKenzie Robert G.
Published: October 2009

The degree to which special educators serve in a meaningful collaborative capacity in inclusive classrooms has come under scrutiny, and hence, the quality of collaboration training afforded requires examination.This article describes the results of a survey conducted with 53 undergraduate pre-service special education training programs representing 25 states. The survey examined (a) the manner in which collaboration training for special education majors is structured according to content and field experience requirements, (b) the degree to which general education students at each institution are incorporated, (c) faculty perceptions related to the quality of collaboration in public schools, and (d) perceived differences between special and general education faculty in terms of the importance of collaboration training. Results suggest that many of the concerns related to collaboration in public schools are paralleled by, and perhaps attributable to, those between special and general education in college and university training programs.
The Role of Coping Resources on Change in Well-Being During Persistent Health Decline
Authors: Jonker Angèle A. G. C. , Comijs Hannie C. , Knipscheer Kees C. P. M. , Deeg Dorly J. H.
Published: October 2009

Objectives: Research in older persons with deteriorative health shows a decrease in well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the role of psychological coping resources in the association between health decline and well-being, in a longitudinal design. Method: Data were used from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). Health decline was defined as persistent deterioration of functioning (PDF), persistent decline in cognitive functioning and/or physical functioning, and/or increase of chronic diseases. Measurements of well-being included life satisfaction and positive affect. Measurements of coping resources included self-esteem, mastery, and self-efficacy. Results: Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that self-efficacy, mastery, and self-esteem mediated the association between PDF and change in well-being. Mastery also was a moderator of the association between PDF and life satisfaction. In older persons with a decreasing mastery, PDF was associated with a significant decrease on life satisfaction; this effect was not observed in older persons with stable or increasing mastery. Discussion: This study suggests that coping resources are of importance in explaining associations between persistent health decline and decreasing well-being. Stable or improving mastery even proves to protect older persons with PDF from decreasing well-being.Therefore, it may be of importance to develop interventions for older persons aimed at maintaining or improving psychological coping resources when health declines.