bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Validation and Other Strategies for Data Entry
Authors: Kupzyk Kevin A. , Cohen Marlene Z.
Published: April 2014

Data entry can result in errors that cause analytic problems and delays in disseminating research. Invalid responses can lead to incorrect statistics and statistical conclusions. The purpose of this article is to provide researchers some basic strategies for avoiding out-of-range data entry errors and streamlining data collection. This article identifies some basic strategies using Microsoft® Excel, which is an inexpensive method of data entry that can be used when research budgets are constrained. Data files can be structured so that out-of-range values cannot be entered. When string variables are entered, researchers may be inconsistent in the way they code responses. Data validation can be accomplished through the use of restricting response options and skipping items can be avoided by using count functions to tabulate the number of valid responses. We also discuss advantages and disadvantages of several methods of data entry, including using web-based data entry and relational databases.
Communication inequalities and health disparities
Authors: Bekalu Mesfin Awoke
Published: April 2014

A growing body of evidence suggests the link between communication inequalities and health disparities. This sets important agendas for researchers and practitioners in the arena of information and communication. Specifically, for those of us engaged in designing and mounting mass media information campaigns to counteract different health problems, this would entail a re-examination of our tacit assumptions that communication interventions based on the use of mass media can be used to address the ‘masses’ across the board.
Adaptive synergies for the design and control of the Pisa/IIT SoftHand
Authors: Catalano M.G. , Grioli G. , Farnioli E. , Serio A. , Piazza C. , Bicchi A.
Published: April 2014

In this paper we introduce the Pisa/IIT SoftHand, a novel robot hand prototype designed with the purpose of being robust and easy to control as an industrial gripper, while exhibiting high grasping versatility and an aspect similar to that of the human hand. In the paper we briefly review the main theoretical tools used to enable such simplification, i.e. the neuroscience-based notion of soft synergies. A discussion of several possible actuation schemes shows that a straightforward implementation of the soft synergy idea in an effective design is not trivial. The approach proposed in this paper, called adaptive synergy, rests on ideas coming from underactuated hand design. A synthesis method to realize a desired set of soft synergies through the principled design of adaptive synergy is discussed. This approach leads to the design of hands accommodating in principle an arbitrary number of soft synergies, as demonstrated in grasping and manipulation simulations and experiments with a prototype. As a particular instance of application of the synthesis method of adaptive synergies, the Pisa/IIT SoftHand is described in detail. The hand has 19 joints, but only uses 1 actuator to activate its adaptive synergy. Of particular relevance in its design is the very soft and safe, yet powerful and extremely robust structure, obtained through the use of innovative articulations and ligaments replacing conventional joint design. The design and implementation of the prototype hand are shown and its effectiveness demonstrated through grasping experiments, reported also in multimedia extension.
pASL versus DSC perfusion MRI in lateralizing temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Oner A Yusuf , Eryurt Bulent , Ucar Murat , Capraz Irem , Kurt Gokhan , Bilir Erhan , Tali Turgut
Published: April 2014

Background

Accurate lateralization of the epileptogenic focus in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is crucial. Pulsed arterial spin labeling (pASL) has the capability of quantifying local relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) by measuring the inflow of electromagnetically labeled arterial blood into the target area, and can be used in the presurgical workup of refractory TLE.

Purpose

To evaluate pASL in detecting mesial temporal lobe (mTL) perfusion asymmetry for the lateralization of the epileptogenic focus in patients with refractory TLE and to compare it with dynamic susceptibility contrast enhanced (DSC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique.

Material and Methods

This study was approved by the local ethical committee, and written informed consent was obtained in each patient. Thirty-six patients with medically refractory TLE and 11 healthy volunteer was enrolled in this study. Following brain MRI, pASL and DSC perfusion were performed in all subjects at 3T. rCBF measurements with two different perfusion MRI technique were compared between the patient and healthy volunteers. Lateralization based on perfusion asymmetry index (AI) were also evaluated and compared with clinical lateralization.

Results

rCBF ratios measured in healthy volunteers by two different perfusion technique did not show any statistically significant difference. In TLE patients rCBF ratio of the ipsilateral (affected) side was found to be significantly lower than the contralateral (unaffected) side with both technique. The AI in the patient group was 8.86 ± 3.88 with pASL and 8.39 ± 4.06 with DSC. Correlation coefficient between clinical laterality and perfusion AI were 0.86 for pASL and 0.83 for DSC.

Conclusion

pASL can successfully detect interictal asymmetry in patients with TLE and can readily be combined with routine structural assessment for lateralization, providing an alternative to DSC perfusion.
Changes in regional brain glucose metabolism measured with F-18-FDG-PET in essential tremor
Authors: Ha Sang-Won , Yang Young Soon , Song In-Uk , Chung Yong-An , Oh Jin-Kyoung , Chung Sung-Woo
Published: April 2014

Background

There is growing evidence that essential tremor (ET) is a multiple-system disorder. Previous PET studies in ET typically have measured brain oxygen consumption and cerebral blood flow.

Purpose

To compare ET patients with control subjects to investigate any regional change in cerebral glucose metabolism through statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (F-18-FDG-PET).

Material and Methods

We studied 17 patients with ET (17 men; mean age, 67.3 ± 4.8 years) and age-sex matched normal subjects. All subjects underwent FDG-PET imaging, and evaluated severity of tremor symptoms was measured as score on the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin rating scale (FTM). We also evaluated detailed the medical history and neurological examinations in all patients.

Results

The mean age of tremor onset was 57.6 ± 12.9 years and the mean FTM score was 15.1 ± 4.9. Brain FDG-PET analysis demonstrated hypometabolism in the medial frontal lobe, medial temporal lobe, and the precuneus of parietal lobe. However, there was no significant difference of glucose metabolism in the cerebellum.

Conclusion

We propose that motor symptom of ET are caused by electrophysiological disturbances within cortical–cerebellar networks, rather than degenerative process of cerebellum, because the metabolism of the cerebellum was normal at rest. Furthermore, the abnormal glucose metabolism in the cerebral regions that do not mainly participate in motor function suggest that these regions may play a role as early markers of non-motor manifestations.
Effectiveness of a silicone device for foot MRI in order to obtain homogeneous fat suppression images
Authors: Seo Dae Keon , Na Sara , Park Jung-Hoon , Choi Kwan Woo , Lee Ho Beom , Han Dong-Kyoon
Published: April 2014

Background

Incomplete fat suppression induced by magnetic field inhomogeneity is difficult to compensate for with hardware magnetic-field shimming.

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of a silicone device used to obtain homogeneous fat suppression during 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the foot.

Material and Methods

Thirty-eight healthy volunteers were enrolled and examined twice, before (group A) and after (group B) the application of a silicone device. Fat-saturated, T2-weighted, fast spin-echo images were acquired using the same scanning protocol at both examinations. Signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios (SNR and CNR) were calculated and compared in the four regions of interest (ROIs). ROI 1 and 2 were selected from toe-side bone and soft tissue, while ROI 3 and 4 were selected from proximal bone and soft tissue. Qualitative analysis using a four-point scale was performed for three categories. The categories are as follows: the overall image quality, homogeneity of the first phalange and metatarsal bone, respectively.

Results

The SNR and CNR in ROI 1 and 2 were significantly higher in group A than in group B (SNR; P < 0.001, CNR; P < 0.001), and there were no significant difference in ROI 3 and 4. The qualitative score of the overall fat suppression in group B was significantly higher than that in group A ( P < 0.001). Homogeneity of the first phalange in group B was also significantly higher than that in group A ( P < 0.001). On the other hand, the homogeneity of the metatarsal bone was not significantly different in the two groups.

Conclusion

The use of a silicone device provides homogeneous fat suppression in 3T MRI of the foot and can significantly improve image quality.
The Modified Mayo Clinic technique: Emphasis on plausible significant reduction of colon cancer
Authors: Lui Yuk-Ming Mark
Published: April 2014

Objective

To compare the ability to detect colonic polyps using a modified Mayo Clinic (MMC) barium enema technique with that of the usual gold standard optical colonoscopy (OC).

Methods

Patients considered at an average or increased risk of colorectal cancer were initially screened using the MMC technique. Patients who refused OC, those who had isolated rectal lesions and those with incomplete OC were excluded. Patients with mass lesions in the right colon or left colon were further assessed using OC.

Results

A total of 142 consecutive patients were examined using the MMC technique. Of these, 18 patients were found to have mass lesions in the right or left colon and were further evaluated using OC. Sensitivity and specificity of the MMC technique for detecting colonic polyps/cancers of ≥0.3 cm were 87.5% and 80.0%, respectively. Most significantly, for detecting polyps of ≥1.0 cm, the false-negative rate was 0%.

Conclusions

The MMC technique may provide an alternative screening method to OC for the detection of colorectal polyps, particularly in countries where resources are scarce.
Thrombotic risk factors in patients undergoing chemotherapy via peripherally inserted central catheter
Authors: Shi Yulan , Wen Li , Zhou Yanyan , Tao Sifeng
Published: April 2014

Objective

To evaluate risk factors for venous thrombosis in patients undergoing chemotherapy via peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).

Methods

Data regarding age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, diagnosis, medical history, family history of thrombosis, haemoglobin level, and white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts were prospectively collected from consecutively recruited patients. Patients were evaluated using six thrombotic risk-assessment scales prior to PICC. Assessments of the general venous system and the catheterized vein and limb were made. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was diagnosed by colour Doppler ultrasonography. Thrombosis risk factors were identified by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Thrombosis occurred in 12/188 patients (6.38%). Age >60 years, BMI >25 kg/m2 and WBC >11.4 × 109/l were identified as independent risk factors for thrombosis. The incidence of thrombosis was 16.6% (12/72) in patients with one or more risk factors, and 55.5% (five of nine) in those with two or more risk factors.

Conclusions

Age >60 years, BMI >25 kg/m2 and WBC >1.4 × 109/l are major risk factors for thrombosis in Chinese patients undergoing PICC chemotherapy.
What’s Gendered about Gender-Based Violence?
Authors: Jakobsen Hilde
Published: April 2014

Violence is often considered gendered on the basis that it is violence against women. This assumption is evident both in “gender-based violence” interventions in Africa and in the argument that gender is irrelevant if violence is also perpetrated against men. This article examines the relation of partner violence not to biological sex, but to gender as conceptualized in feminist theory. It theorizes the role of gender as an analytical category in dominant social meanings of “wifebeating” in Tanzania by analyzing arguments for and against wife-beating expressed in 27 focus group discussions in the Arumeru and Kigoma-Vijijini districts. The normative ideal of a “good beating” emerges from these data as one that is supported by dominant social norms and cyclically intertwined with “doing gender.” The author shows how the good beating supports, and is in turn supported by, norms that hold people accountable to their sex category. These hegemonic gender norms prescribe the performance of masculinity and femininity, power relations of inequality, and concrete material exploitation of women’s agricultural and domestic labor. The study has implications for policy and practice in interventions against violence, and suggests untapped potential in theoretically informed feminist research for understanding local power relations in the Global South.
The Racialization of Muslim Converts in Britain and Their Experiences of Islamophobia
Authors: Moosavi Leon
Published: April 2014

This article contributes towards understanding how Islamophobia manifests in the lives of Muslim converts in Britain. The significant relationship between Islamophobia and racialization is highlighted by arguing that before experiencing Islamophobia, ‘white’ converts to Islam are re-racialized as ‘not-quite-white’, or even ‘non-white’, because of a persistent conflation of Islam as a ‘non-white’ religion. The article also seeks to comprehend why Muslims may be so anxious about Islamophobia when they may rarely have experienced Islamophobia themselves. Rather than suggest this is because Muslims are paranoid and because Islamophobia is just a myth, as some have suggested, this article suggests that Islamophobia can be difficult to detect because it often manifests in a discreet manner. It is shown that converts are well placed to expose this ‘subtle Islamophobia’ because their intimate and regular contact with non-Muslims makes them particularly susceptible to frank remarks about their Muslim identity.
Analysis of pulsed laser bending of sheet metal using neural networks and neuro-fuzzy system
Authors: Maji Kuntal , Pratihar Dilip K , Nath Ashish K
Published: April 2014

Laser bending is a nontraditional forming process, where sheet metal gets plastically deformed by laser-induced thermal stresses. The objective of this study is to establish the relationships between bending angles and process parameters in a pulsed laser bending process using soft computing–based methods, that is, neural networks and neuro-fuzzy system. Laser power, scan speed, spot diameter and pulse duration were considered as inputs, and bending angle was taken as output for modeling the bending angle (called forward analysis). In the case of inverse analysis or process synthesis (i.e. to determine the process parameters in order to achieve the desired outputs), bending angle and pulse duration were considered as inputs, and laser power, scan speed and spot diameter were treated as outputs. For both forward and inverse analyses, neural networks and neuro-fuzzy systems were trained in a batch mode with experimental data using two different algorithms, that is, genetic algorithm and back-propagation algorithm. The optimized networks were used for the predictions of bending angles and process parameters for some test cases. All the developed models were found to be satisfactory for both the analyses. Genetic algorithm was found to perform better than the back-propagation algorithm for both the networks in terms of prediction accuracy but at the cost of computational time. Neural networks trained with genetic algorithm were seen to perform better than the other models in predicting bending angles and process parameters. The developed models might be helpful in automating the pulsed laser forming process.
Optimal pricing and lot-sizing policies for an economic production quantity model with non-instantaneous deteriorating items, permissible delay in payments, customer returns, and inflation
Authors: Ghoreishi Maryam , Mirzazadeh Abolfazl , Kamalabadi Isa N
Published: April 2014

This article deals with an economic production quantity inventory model for non-instantaneous deteriorating items under inflationary conditions, permissible delay in payments, customer returns, and price- and time-dependent demand. The customer returns are assumed as a function of demand and price. The effects of time value of money are studied using the Discounted Cash Flow approach. The main objective is to determine the optimal selling price, the optimal length of the production period, and the optimal length of inventory cycle simultaneously such that the present value of total profit is maximized. An efficient algorithm is presented to find the optimal solution of the developed model. Finally, a numerical example is extracted to solve the presented inventory model using our proposed algorithm, and the effects of the customer returns, inflation, and delay in payments are also discussed.
Investigation into grindability of a superalloy and effects of grinding parameters on its surface integrity
Authors: Zeng Quanren , Liu Geng , Liu Lan , Qin Yi
Published: April 2014

GH4169 is comparatively a new superalloy mainly used as turbine components because of its outstanding combination properties such as high-temperature strength, thermal stability and wear resistance. But these also make it hard to cut, and its machined surface quality and integrity are particularly sensitive to the manufacturing process employed. The existing researches on machining-induced surface integrity and machinability of hard-to-cut materials are briefly reviewed; the effects of processing parameters on surface integrity for GH4169 components are studied in detail via orthogonal-designed external grinding experiment. The single-factorial plain grinding experiment was designed to further investigate the influence of depth of cut on the surface integrity characteristics. The surface roughness, residual stress distribution, microhardness profile and microstructural alteration within the subsurface were obtained and analyzed. It was shown that the surface integrity is susceptible to the magnitude of depth of cut, and the components ground with low depth of cut are of more acceptable surface quality with less variation in residual stress and microhardness within the machining-affected layer than those obtained with high depth of cut. No severe microstructural alteration or adverse surface cracking was discerned when the depth of cut is reasonably set.
Functional cause analysis of complex manufacturing systems using structure
Authors: Loganathan MK , Gandhi Minu Shikha , Gandhi OP
Published: April 2014

A complex system, be it a manufacturing system or otherwise, is prone to abnormal functioning, as its units or elements experience unpredictable functional variation. Determining the likely root causes of its undesirable functional events is required to carry out cause analysis of the system from functional point of view. Although the manufacturers provide some information in the manual in this regard, yet these are not conclusive and fall much short in guiding the users in functional cause analysis. Structure plays an important role in this objective. In this article, a procedure for functional cause analysis of a complex manufacturing system through structure is presented using digraph models. ‘Function event digraph’ is defined for a complex manufacturing system at its various hierarchical levels by considering its input and output functions and their interrelations. A top or undesired functional event for the system is identified from its digraph model, and its root causes are obtained by developing ‘functional cause analysis tree’. The suggested approach helps designers and practicing engineers in functional cause analysis of manufacturing systems and thus leading to reliability enhancement and sustenance. An example of a complex CNC (computer numerical control) grinding machine is illustrated to demonstrate the methodology.
On the use of cyclic shear, bending and uniaxial tension–compression tests to reproduce the cyclic response of sheet metals
Authors: Ghaei Abbas , Green Daniel E , Thuillier Sandrine , Morestin Fabrice
Published: April 2014

Simple shear, uniaxial tension–compression and bending tests were used to determine the cyclic behaviour of two sheet metals: DP600 and AKDQ. The Yoshida–Uemori two-surface model along with Hill’s quadratic yield function was used to simulate the behaviour of these two materials in each test. For each test, a set of material constants was identified such that the error between the simulated and experimental responses is minimized. Using the material constants obtained from one test, the other tests were simulated to see whether the set of constants obtained from this test is able to describe the material response in the other tests. The results show that depending on the material, the set of constants obtained from one test may or may not be able to reproduce the material response in the other tests. Finally, each set of constants was used to simulate the springback of a U-shaped part formed in a channel draw process. The predicted springback profiles obtained from each set of constants were compared with the experimental profile. It was found that all three tests are suitable to characterize the behaviour of DP600 sheets in view of predicting the springback of channel sections. For AKDQ, however, the error between the predicted and experimental springback profiles was significant regardless of the type of characterization test performed. But for this channel draw process, simulations based on material data obtained from the reverse bending test provided the best prediction of springback.
A statistical analysis applied for optimal cooling system selection and for a superior surface quality of machined magnesium alloy parts
Authors: Chirita Bogdan , Mustea Gheorghe , Brabie Gheorghe
Published: April 2014

When using magnesium for industrial-scale production, a series of aspects must be taken into consideration, such as the ignition risk (due to magnesium reaction with water resulting hydrogen), the cooling fluids representing up to 16%–20% of the manufacturing costs as well as being environmentally harmful and the costs of waste disposal. Therefore, the selection of an adequate cooling system is a very important factor, which may eliminate all the above-mentioned disadvantages. This research investigates the influences that cooling systems have on surface quality of magnesium alloy parts. An experimental analysis for milling operations was carried out using three cooling methods: dry cutting, minimum quantity lubrication and compressed air. Surface quality was assessed according to three aspects: surface roughness, material microhardness and residual stress variation. A statistical analysis of the results was performed in order to emphasize the effects of the machining parameters and cooling methods on surface quality. Furthermore, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, capable to predict surface roughness based on machining conditions, was developed. A very good agreement was found between the experimental values and the estimated ones. The results have shown that in general, the minimum quantity lubrication cooling system generates a superior surface quality compared to other systems.
Design of an innovative smart turning tool with application to real-time cutting force measurement
Authors: Xiao Caiwei , Ding Hui , Cheng Kai , Chen Shijin
Published: April 2014

This article presents a novel smart turning tool using the embedded piezoelectric sensors for real-time measurement of cutting forces in precision turning operations. The innovation is built with piezoelectric sensor array in the tool shank so as to obtain a smart turning tool, which is robust, industrial feasible and refittable and integrated with adequate measurement accuracy and in-process sensing capability. In the design, four pieces of piezoelectric sensors as an array are integrated into the specially designed tool shank, which directly generate charges under cutting forces. The four charge output signals can be amplified, acquired and processed through decoupling to deduce out the cutting forces with measurement decoupling algorithms. The tool calibration and performance testing are carried out using well-designed cutting trials to further evaluate and validate the tool design in an industrial feasible manner.
Chord line force versus displacement for thin shallow arc pre-curved bimetallic strip
Authors: Angel GD , Haritos G , Chrysanthou A , Voloshin V
Published: April 2014

A pre-curved bimetallic strip that is applied with a force in an axial orientation, i.e. along its chord line, exhibits nonlinear force–displacement characteristics. For thin bimetallic strips, whereby the radius of curvature is large compared to the thickness of the strip, the non-linearity tends to be tangent related. The new theoretical formula introduced here was correlated to the results of a set of force–displacement tests, and a good overall fit of the theory to the test data was achieved. The formula put forward in this work enables the evaluation of large chord line displacements but is limited to the permissible stress limits of the material. This work can also be directly applied to thin shallow arc beams of a single material. The application of this work is in the field of bimetallic force–displacement actuators.
Condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of diesel engines using instantaneous angular speed analysis
Authors: Lin Tian R , Tan Andy CC , Ma Lin , Mathew Joseph
Published: April 2014

Continuous monitoring of diesel engine performance is critical for early detection of fault developments in an engine before they materialize into a functional failure. Instantaneous crank angular speed (IAS) analysis is one of a few non-intrusive condition monitoring techniques that can be utilized for such a task. Furthermore, the technique is more suitable for mass industry deployments than other non-intrusive methods such as vibration and acoustic emission techniques due to the low instrumentation cost, smaller data size and robust signal clarity since IAS is not affected by the engine operation noise and noise from the surrounding environment. A combination of IAS and order analysis was employed in this experimental study and the major order component of the IAS spectrum was used for engine loading estimation and fault diagnosis of a four-stroke four-cylinder diesel engine. It was shown that IAS analysis can provide useful information about engine speed variation caused by changing piston momentum and crankshaft acceleration during the engine combustion process. It was also found that the major order component of the IAS spectra directly associated with the engine firing frequency (at twice the mean shaft rotating speed) can be utilized to estimate engine loading condition regardless of whether the engine is operating at healthy condition or with faults. The amplitude of this order component follows a distinctive exponential curve as the loading condition changes. A mathematical relationship was then established in the paper to estimate the engine power output based on the amplitude of this order component of the IAS spectrum. It was further illustrated that IAS technique can be employed for the detection of a simulated exhaust valve fault in this study.
Holocene bison diminution on the Snake River Plain, Idaho, USA
Authors: Breslawski Ryan P , Byers David A
Published: April 2014

Researchers have established a Holocene pattern of Bison spp. diminution on the Great Plains of North America. This pattern, however, is less clear west of the Rocky Mountains. This lack of clarity stems from a relative paucity of paleontological and archaeological bison assemblages sufficiently large enough to understand local bison diminution. To begin filling this important gap in knowledge, we analyze a large bison assemblage from Baker Cave, a Late-Holocene archaeological site located on Idaho’s Snake River Plain. Measurements of humeri, radii, tibiae, metatarsals, and calcanei demonstrate that these animals were significantly smaller than Early-Holocene bison from both the Great Plains and Snake River Plain. Middle-Holocene bison from the Great Plains are generally larger than those from Baker Cave, but this size difference varies by skeletal element. The Baker Cave bison do fall within the range of Late-Holocene morphological variation present in both Snake River Plain and Great Plains bison populations. These results provide a necessary first step for understanding bison morphology in the region, but establishing a pattern of diminution west of the Rocky Mountains will require follow-up studies with other faunas.
Changes in Ethnic Identity and Competence in Middle Adolescents
Authors: Rew Lynn , Arheart Kristopher L. , Johnson Karen , Spoden Micajah
Published: April 2014

Purpose: Evidence suggests that the construct of ethnic identity (EI) in adolescents changes over time and is related to factors including social connectedness, social competence, coping, and self-worth. Transitional changes of EI in middle adolescence have not been studied. Method: This analysis, part of a longitudinal study of health behaviors, explored how EI changes from the first year of high school to the last, and it examined relationships among EI, social connectedness, indicators of social competence, coping, and self-worth in 602 youth (49% Hispanic, 59% female). Results: EI was significantly related to social connectedness, social competence, coping, and self-worth as adolescents entered and prepared to exit high school. EI increased significantly over time for both genders and for Hispanics more so than for non-Hispanics. Discussion: Findings support and extend the conceptual framework and previous research. Socialization with one’s ethnic group is associated with developing competence and self-worth. EI development continues throughout high school. Conclusion: Findings extend our understanding of the salience of EI in adolescents in transition throughout high school. Implications: Strengthening EI may contribute to adolescents’ feelings of self-worth, skills in coping, and competence within an ethnically diverse society. Nurses might plan interventions to strengthen EI throughout adolescence.
Self-excitation system for control of wind turbine driven induction generator using direct torque control
Authors: Premalatha K , Vasantharathna S , Dhivyaah T
Published: April 2014

This paper describes the direct torque and flux control (DTC) of a self-excited induction generator (SEIG) for wind energy conversion systems (WECS). The DTC-based WECS is more suitable for low power applications, owing to several advantages such as good torque control in steady-state and transient operating conditions, not requiring an accurate generator model, the absence of coordinate transforms and current controllers. The SEIG is excited by a voltage source converter (VSC) with a capacitor and start-up battery on the direct current (DC) side. The required reactive power for the SEIG is provided by the capacitor. The terminal voltage of the SEIG varies with wind speed and load conditions. The proposed DTC strategy is used to control the terminal voltage of the SEIG and DC voltage at a constant value when the load and wind speed are varied. The gate signals for the VSC are derived from an inverter switching table. The torque and stator flux of the induction generator are controlled through the voltage space vector selection. The proposed system gives good dynamic and steady-state performance. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified through simulations. Experimental results are presented to validate the simulation results.
A comparison of strain and classic experimental modal analysis
Authors: Kranjc Tadej , Slavič Janko , Boltežar Miha
Published: April 2014

This research is focused on a comparison of classic and strain experimental modal analysis (EMA). The modal parameters (the natural frequencies, the displacement mode shapes (DMSs) and the damping) of real structures are usually identified with classic EMA, where the responses are measured with motion sensors (e.g. accelerometers). Strain EMA is a special approach in the field of EMA, where the responses are measured with strain sensors. Classic EMA is the preferred method, but strain EMA offers advantages that are important for particular applications: for example, the direct identification of strain mode shapes (SMSs), which is important in the vibration-fatigue and damage-identification models. The next advantage is that strain EMA can sometimes be used, for experimental/geometrical reasons, where classic EMA cannot. There are also drawbacks: for example with strain EMA only, the mass-normalization of the DMSs and SMSs cannot be performed. This study researches the theoretical similarities and differences of both EMA approaches. Furthermore, the accuracy of both approaches for the case of a free–free supported beam and a free–free supported plate is investigated. Classic and strain EMA were performed with a piezoelectric accelerometer and the piezoelectric strain gauges, respectively. The results show that the accuracy of strain EMA results (the natural frequencies, DMSs and the damping) is comparable to the accuracy of classic EMA.
Tolerability of Velcade (Bortezomib) subcutaneous administration using a maximum volume of 3 mL per injection site
Authors: Ng Pamela , Incekol Diana , Lee Roy , Paisley Emma , Dara Celina , Brandle Ian , Kaufman Marina , Chen Christine , Trudel Suzanne , Tiedemann Rodger , Reece Donna , Kukreti Vishal
Published: April 2014

Subcutaneous injection is now commonly used as a standard for bortezomib administration. The bortezomib (Velcade®) product monograph recommends that intravenous injections be prepared at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, while subcutaneous injections may be prepared at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL. Many institutions and subcutaneous administration guidelines use 2 mL as the maximum volume for subcutaneous injection. Using 2 mL as the maximum volume for injection would mean that many patients receiving bortezomib will receive two injections during each visit with common dosing parameters. In this prospective study evaluating a change to subcutaneous administration, bortezomib 1 mg/mL was administered subcutaneously at a higher maximum of 3 mL per injection site. For 57 individual patients, 339 doses were administered. Skin reactions were noted in 42% with all reactions being Grade 1 or 2. Patients tolerated subcutaneous injections well and only four patients were switched back to intravenous route. This is the first time that subcutaneous bortezomib of a volume up to a maximum of 3 mL (bortezomib 3 mg) per injection site has been reported. This higher single dose is well tolerated with limited skin reactions, no significant hypotension and facilitates ease of administration with only 5 patients needing two injections per visit. If the maximum volume for injection was kept at 2 mL, a total of 46 patients would have received two injections per visit.
Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of hydrocortisone therapy in cancer patients with septic shock
Authors: Nazer Lama , AlNajjar Taghreed , Al-Shaer Mohammad , Rimawi Dalia , Hawari Feras
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of hydrocortisone (HC) in cancer patients with septic shock.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of adult cancer patients with septic shock who received low-dose HC therapy (200 mg/day). The effectiveness of HC was assessed by determining the proportion of patients with reversal of septic shock, time to reversal, and mortality. The safety was assessed by determining the incidences of hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, and secondary infections, using a case-control approach.

Results

During the study period, 96 patients were enrolled. Reversal of septic shock was reported in 46 (47.9%) patients, median time to reversal was 1.9 days (range 0.2–7.6), ICU mortality was reported in 62 (65.26%) patients, and 28-day mortality in 64 (66.7%) patients. The incidence of secondary infections was higher in patients who received HC therapy, compared to patients who did not receive HC during septic shock: 44.8% vs 27.4%, P = 0.028.

Conclusions

HC therapy was associated with resolution of septic shock in about half of the patients and a high incidence of secondary infections. Prospective studies are needed to fully assess the efficacy and safety of HC in cancer patients with septic shock.
Thymoma associated with exfoliative dermatitis in a cat
Authors: Cavalcanti Jacqueline Vallim Jacobina , Moura Mariana Pereira , Monteiro Fabio Oliveira
Published: April 2014

A 7-year-old, castrated male, domestic shorthair cat presented with generalized exfoliative dermatitis, lethargy, anorexia and weight loss. Multiple skin scrapings taken at the time did not reveal any abnormalities. Skin histopathological examination was consistent with sebaceous adenitis or exfoliative dermatitis caused by an underlying thymoma (thymoma-associated feline exfoliative dermatitis). Thoracic radiographs revealed a cranial mediastinal mass, which was removed surgically. Histopathological examinations indicated that it was a thymoma. Within 90 days of surgery, the cutaneous signs had resolved, suggesting a causal relationship between the thymoma and the skin disease. Recurrence of thymoma was detected 24 months after surgery.
Influence of the observer’s level of experience on systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure measurements using Doppler ultrasonography in healthy conscious cats
Authors: Gouni Vassiliki , Tissier Renaud , Misbach Charlotte , Balouka David , Bueno Hanna , Pouchelon Jean-Louis , Lefebvre Hervé P , Chetboul Valérie
Published: April 2014

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of the observer’s level of experience on within- and between-day variability, and the percentage of successful systolic (SAP) and diastolic arterial blood pressure (DAP) measurements obtained by Doppler ultrasonography (DU) in awake cats. For this purpose, six healthy conscious cats were used and four observers with different levels of training performed 144 SAP and DAP measurements on 4 days using DU. Measurements were recorded five consecutive times, and mean values were used for statistical analysis. Only the two most skilled observers – a PhD student in cardiology and a Dipl ECVIM-CA (cardiology) – had within- and between-day coefficients of variation (CVs) for SAP ⩽16% (13–16%). Conversely, the two less experienced observers – a fifth-year student and an assistant – had high between-day CVs (61% and 73%). For DAP, only the most experienced observer (Dipl ECVIM-CA) succeeded in 100% of the attempts, with within- and between-day CVs of 11% and 4%, respectively. Conversely, DAP could not be measured by the other three observers in 8%, 19% and 56% of attempts (from the highest to the lowest level of experience); therefore, the corresponding CV values could not be calculated. In conclusion, SAP may be assessed using DU in healthy awake cats with good repeatability and reproducibility by a well-trained observer. Measurement of DAP is more difficult than of SAP, and needs a longer training period, which represents one of the limitations of DU in cats.
Early pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring in the queen using ultrasonography with a 12.5 MHz probe
Authors: Topie Emmanuel , Bencharif Djemil , Briand Lamia , Tainturier Daniel
Published: April 2014

Eleven pregnancies in six queens were monitored daily from day 7 to day 28, corresponding to the end of the embryonic period, using ultrasonography with a 12.5 MHz probe. The first mating was considered as the presumed start of gestation, as has been described to be the case in 92.3% of pregnancies. The embryonic vesicles were identified on day 11, while the embryo appeared on day 15 or 16. The stage of pregnancy could be evaluated approximately by measuring the length of the embryonic vesicle or the crown–rump length of the embryo from days 11 and 17, respectively, up until the end of the embryonic phase of gestation. The visualisation of certain organs could also be used to date gestation; for example, the limbs, neural tube and stomach were visible from days 19, 20 and 26, respectively. The 12.5 MHz probe did not enable the diagnosis of gestation to be performed any earlier than with 7.5 and 10 MHz probes. However, there was a significant difference in comparison with a 5 MHz probe.
The coordination hub: Toward patient-centered and collaborative care processes
Authors: Winge Monica , Johannesson Paul , Perjons Erik , Wangler Benkt
Published: April 2014

The organization and processes of today’s health and social care are becoming ever more complex as a consequence of societal trends, including an aging population and an increased reliance on care at home. One aspect of the increased complexity is that a single patient may receive care from several care providers, which easily results in situations with potentially incoherent, uncoordinated, and interfering care processes. In order to describe and analyze such situations, the article introduces the notion of a process conglomeration. This is defined as a set of patient-care processes that all concern the same patient, that are overlapping in time, and that all are sharing the overall goal of improving or maintaining the health and social well-being of the patient. Problems and challenges of process conglomerations are investigated using coordination theory and models for continuous process improvement. In order to address the challenges, a solution is proposed in the form of a Coordination Hub, being an integrated software service that offers a number of information services for coordinating the activities of the processes in a process conglomeration.
Effects of electronic emergency-department whiteboards on clinicians’ time distribution and mental workload
Authors: Hertzum Morten , Simonsen Jesper
Published: April 2014

Whiteboards are a central tool at emergency departments. We investigate how the substitution of electronic for dry-erase whiteboards affects emergency department clinicians’ mental workload and distribution of their time. With the electronic whiteboard, physicians and nurses spend more of their time in the work areas where other clinicians are present and whiteboard information is permanently displayed, and less in the patient rooms. Main reasons for these changes appear to be that the electronic whiteboard facilitates better timeouts and handovers. Physicians and nurses are, however, in the patient rooms for longer periods at a time, suggesting a more focused patient contact. The physicians’ mental workload has increased during timeouts, whereas the nurses’ mental workload has decreased at the start of shifts when they form an overview of the emergency department. Finally, the secretaries, but neither physicians nor nurses, access whiteboard information on computers other than the permanent displays.
Recording signs of deterioration in acute patients: The documentation of vital signs within electronic health records in patients who suffered in-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Stevenson Jean E , Israelsson Johan , Nilsson Gunilla C , Petersson Göran I , Bath Peter A
Published: April 2014

Vital sign documentation is crucial to detecting patient deterioration. Little is known about the documentation of vital signs in electronic health records. This study aimed to examine documentation of vital signs in electronic health records. We examined the vital signs documented in the electronic health records of patients who had suffered an in-hospital cardiac arrest and on whom cardiopulmonary resuscitation was attempted between 2007 and 2011 ( n = 228), in a 372-bed district general hospital. We assessed the completeness of vital sign data compared to VitalPAC™ Early Warning Score and the location of vital signs within the electronic health records. There was a noticeable lack of completeness of vital signs. Vital signs were fragmented through various sections of the electronic health records. The study identified serious shortfalls in the representation of vital signs in the electronic health records, with consequential threats to patient safety.
Use of mobile devices in the emergency department: A scoping review
Authors: Dexheimer Judith W , Borycki Elizabeth M
Published: April 2014

Electronic health records are increasingly used in regional health authorities, healthcare systems, hospitals, and clinics throughout North America. The emergency department provides care for urgent and critically ill patients. Over the past several years, emergency departments have become more computerized. Tablet computers and Smartphones are increasingly common in daily use. As part of the computerization trend, we have seen the introduction of handheld computers, tablets, and Smartphones into practice as a way of providing health professionals (e.g. physicians, nurses) with access to patient information and decision support in the emergency department. In this article, we present a scoping review and outline the current state of the research using mobile devices in the emergency departments. Our findings suggest that there is very little research evidence that supports the use of these mobile devices, and more research is needed to better understand and optimize the use of mobile devices. Given the prevalence of handheld devices, it is inevitable that more decision support, charting, and other activities will be performed on these devices. These developments have the potential to improve the quality and timeliness of care but should be thoroughly evaluated.
Liminal experience of East Asian backpackers
Authors: Bui Huong T , Wilkins Hugh , Lee Young-Sook
Published: April 2014

Acknowledging the increasing popularity of independent travel from East Asia, this article explores the backpacking experience of young travellers of the region, from a socio-anthropological angle. Using liminality theory as a guideline and adopting a qualitative investigative approach, 31 interviews with East Asian backpackers were conducted. The findings suggest there are dual facets of the liminal experiences of the backpackers. On one hand, young travellers were motivated to escape from temporal, spatial and social pressures at home. On the other, their narratives reflected a strong commitment to home through a sense of filial piety, an awareness of their identity and positive evaluation of home. These findings advance our understanding of the liminal experiences in an Asian backpacking context.
Pre-sentence reports and punishment: A quasi-experiment assessing the effects of risk-based pre-sentence reports on sentencing
Authors: van Wingerden Sigrid , van Wilsem Johan , Moerings Martin
Published: April 2014

The current study investigates the effects of structured risk-based pre-sentence reports on sentencing outcomes in the Netherlands by means of a quasi-natural experiment. Defendants with such a report are compared with similar defendants without such a report, based on propensity score matching and synchronization on nine additional criteria relevant to penal decision-making ( N = 6118). Although structured risk-based pre-sentence reports are a textbook example of ‘new penological’ accounts, high-risk defendants with such a report are not sentenced to more ‘controlling’ and less ‘diverting’ sentencing outcomes than are high-risk defendants without such a report. Instead, these reports overall relate to less ‘controlling’ and more ‘diverting’ sentencing outcomes, indicating that the penal welfarism account is still prevalent in penal decision-making in the Netherlands.