bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying risk factors and patterns for unplanned readmission to a general medical service
Authors: Li Jordan Y. Z. , Yong Tuck Y. , Hakendorf Paul , Ben-Tovim David I. , Thompson Campbell H.
Published: November 2014

Objective
To identify factors and patterns associated with 7- and 28-day readmission for general medicine patients at a tertiary public hospital.

Methods
A retrospective observational study was conducted using an administrative database at a general medicine service in a tertiary public hospital between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2011. Demographic and clinical factors, as well as readmission patterns, were evaluated for the association with 7- and 28-day readmission.

Results
The study cohort included 13 802 patients and the 28-day readmission rate was 10.9%. In multivariate analysis, longer hospital stay of the index admission (adjusted relative risk (ARR) 1.34), Charlson index ≥3 (ARR 1.28), discharge against medical advice (ARR 1.87), active malignancy (ARR 1.83), cardiac failure (ARR 1.48) and incomplete discharge summaries (ARR 1.61) were independently associated with increased risk of 28-day readmission. Patients with diseases of the respiratory system, neurological or genitourinary disease, injury and unclassifiable conditions were likely to be readmitted within 7 days. Patients with circulatory and respiratory disease were likely to be readmitted with the same system diagnosis.

Conclusion
Readmission of general medicine patients within 28 days is relatively common and is associated with clinical factors and patterns. Identification of these risk factors and patterns will enable the interventions to reduce potentially preventable readmissions.

What is known about the topic?
Readmission rates following hospitalization are increasing, especially among older patients and those with multiple underlying medical comorbidities. This presents a challenging and costly problem.

What does this paper add?
Factors associated with increased risk of early readmission include higher comorbidity score, longer length of stay during the index admission and those who discharge against medical advice. Patients with respiratory, neurological or genitourinary disease, trauma and unclassifiable diagnosis were most at risk of early readmission. A large proportion of readmissions had principal diagnoses in a different diagnostic category to that of the index hospitalization.

What are the implications for practitioners?
A breadth of system review is required before discharging any general medical patient. Intervention should be directed at a breadth of diagnoses and not just the principal diagnosis made during the index admission. Timing of implementation of the interventions is important and more urgent for some diagnoses than others.
‘Green' Synthesis of 2-Substituted 6-Hydroxy-[3H]-pyrimidin-4-ones and 4,6-Dichloropyrimidines: Improved Strategies and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Opitz Andreas , Sulger Werner , Daltrozzo Ewald , Koch Rainer
Published: November 2014

An improved route to 2-substituted 6-hydroxy-[3H]-pyrimidin-4-ones 4 and to 2-substituted 4,6-dichloropyrimidines 5 is reported. Without using highly toxic reactants, compounds 4 can be prepared conveniently in a one pot synthesis on a one mol scale with average yields up to 80 %. 4,6-Dichloropyrimidines 5, which are usually prepared in small quantities, are synthesized with average yields of 80 %, using up to 80 g of starting material. The mechanism of the chlorination of 4 is investigated computationally for the first time. The results suggest that the chlorination with phosphoryl chloride occurs in an alternating phosphorylation–chlorination manner (pathway 1) which is preferred over a sequence which starts with two phosphorylations. The investigated 4,6-dichloropyrimidines described herein form strong complexes with dichlorophosphoric acid but weak complexes with hydrochloric acid (generated during workup). These latter complexes explain the necessity of using aqueous sodium carbonate during the working up. In order to prevent possible formation of pyrimidinium salts between intermediates or the final dichloropyrimidines and unreacted hydroxypyrimidone, the latter could be deactivated with a strong acid such as dichlorophosphoric acid, thus allowing chlorination but prohibiting salt formation. Because of its general applicability to all nitrogen heterocycle chlorinations with phosphoryl chloride, the proposed route to dichloropyrimidines without solvent or side products, using less toxic reactants, is of general synthetic interest.
Monophyly and phylogenetic origin of the gall crab family Cryptochiridae (Decapoda : Brachyura)
Authors: van der Meij Sancia E. T. , Schubart Christoph D.
Published: November 2014

The enigmatic gall crab family Cryptochiridae has been proposed to be phylogenetically derived from within the Grapsidae (subsection Thoracotremata), based on the analysis of 16S mtDNA of one cryptochirid, Hapalocarcinus marsupialis, among a wide array of thoracotremes, including 12 species of the family Grapsidae. Here, we test the monophyly and phylogenetic position of Cryptochiridae using the same gene, but with an extended representation of cryptochirids spanning nine species in eight of 21 genera, in addition to further thoracotreme representatives. The results show that gall crabs form a highly supported monophyletic clade within the Thoracotremata, which evolved independently of grapsid crabs. Therefore, the Cryptochiridae should not be considered as highly modified Grapsidae, but as an independent lineage of Thoracotremata, deserving its current family rank. Further molecular and morphological studies are needed to elucidate the precise placement of the cryptochirids within the Eubrachyura.
Global strong solution to the density-dependent incompressible flow of liquid crystals
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Wang Dehua
Published: November 2014

The initial-boundary value problem for the density-dependent incompressible flow of liquid crystals is studied in a three-dimensional bounded smooth domain. For the initial density away from vacuum, the existence and uniqueness are established for both the local strong solution with large initial data and the global strong solution with ‘small’ data. It is also proved that when the strong solution exists, a weak solution with the same data must be equal to the unique strong solution.
Inherent enumerability of strong jump-traceability
Authors: Diamondstone David , Greenberg Noam , Turetsky Daniel
Published: November 2014

We show that every strongly jump-traceable set obeys every benign cost function. Moreover, we show that every strongly jump-traceable set is computable from a computably enumerable strongly jump-traceable set. This allows us to generalise properties of c.e. strongly jump-traceable sets to all such sets. For example, the strongly jump-traceable sets induce an ideal in the Turing degrees; the strongly jump-traceable sets are precisely those that are computable from all superlow Martin-Löf random sets; the strongly jump-traceable sets are precisely those that are a base for

D
e
m
u
t
h

B
L
R

\mathrm {Demuth}_{\mathrm {BLR}}

randomness; and strong jump-traceability is equivalent to strong superlowness.
Exploring the Role of Incentives in Agricultural Extension Programs
Authors: Läpple Doris , Hennessy Thia
Published: November 2014

While many governments subsidize extension programs, financial incentives for participation in extension programs are rare and little is known about such initiatives. This article assesses whether a financial incentive for an agricultural extension program for dairy farmers in Ireland has an impact on the type of farmer that participates in extension services. The findings reveal that financial incentives encourage participation, especially with cohorts of farmers that previously eschewed such programs. Several aspects of the overall economic effectiveness of the extension program are discussed and policy recommendations are outlined.
MeRP: a high-throughput pipeline for Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Yin Peter , Voight Benjamin F.
Published: November 2014

Summary: We present a Mendelian randomization (MR) pipeline (MeRP) to facilitate rapid, causal inference analysis through automating key steps in developing and analyzing genetic instruments obtained from publicly available data. Our tool uses the National Human Genome Research Institute catalog of associations to generate instrumental variable trait files and provides methods for filtering of potential confounding associations as well as linkage disequilibrium. MeRP generates estimated causal effect scores via a MR-score analysis using summary data for disease endpoints typically found in the public domain. We utilize our pipeline to develop genetic instruments for seven traits and evaluate potential causal relationships with two disease endpoints, observing two putatively causal associations between blood pressure and bone-mineral density with type 2 diabetes. Our tool emphasizes the importance of careful but systematic screening of large datasets for discovery and systematic follow-up.

Availability and implementation: MeRP is a free, open-source project and can be downloaded at http://github.com/py-merp/py-merp. Complete documentation can be found at http://py-merp.github.io. Requires Python 2.7, along with NumPy, SciPy.

Contact:  bvoight@upenn.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
GASS: identifying enzyme active sites with genetic algorithms
Authors: Izidoro Sandro C. , de Melo-Minardi Raquel C. , Pappa Gisele L.
Published: November 2014

Motivation: Currently, 25% of proteins annotated in Pfam have their function unknown. One way of predicting proteins function is by looking at their active site, which has two main parts: the catalytic site and the substrate binding site. The active site is more conserved than the other residues of the protein and can be a rich source of information for protein function prediction. This article presents a new heuristic method, named genetic active site search (GASS), which searches for given active site 3D templates in unknown proteins. The method can perform non-exact amino acid matches (conservative mutations), is able to find amino acids in different chains and does not impose any restrictions on the active site size.

Results: GASS results were compared with those catalogued in the catalytic site atlas (CSA) in four different datasets and compared with two other methods: amino acid pattern search for substructures and motif and catalytic site identification. The results show GASS can correctly identify >90% of the templates searched. Experiments were also run using data from the substrate binding sites prediction competition CASP 10, and GASS is ranked fourth among the 18 methods considered.

Availability and implementation: Source code and datasets (dcc.ufmg.br/ ∼glpappa/gass).

Contact:  sandroizidoro@unifei.edu.br

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Identification of the Infection Route of a Fusarium Seed Pathogen into Nondormant Bromus tectorum Seeds
Authors: Franke JanaLynn , Geary Brad , Meyer Susan E.
Published: November 2014

The genus Fusarium has a wide host range and causes many different forms of plant disease. These include seed rot and seedling blight diseases of cultivated plants. The diseases caused by Fusarium on wild plants are less well-known. In this study, we examined disease development caused by Fusarium sp. n on nondormant seeds of the important rangeland weed Bromus tectorum as part of broader studies of the phenomenon of stand failure or “die-off” in this annual grass. We previously isolated an undescribed species in the F. tricinctum species complex from die-off soils and showed that it is pathogenic on seeds. It can cause high mortality of nondormant B. tectorum seeds, especially under conditions of water stress, but rarely attacks dormant seeds. In this study, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the mode of attack used by this pathogen. Nondormant B. tectorum seeds (i.e., florets containing caryopses) were inoculated with isolate Skull C1 macroconidia. Seeds were then exposed to water stress conditions (−1.5 MPa) for 7 days and then transferred to free water. Time lapse SEM photographs of healthy versus infected seeds revealed that hyphae under water stress conditions grew toward and culminated their attack at the abscission layer of the floret attachment scar. A prominent infection cushion, apparent macroscopically as a white tuft of mycelium at the radicle end of the seed, developed within 48 h after inoculation. Seeds that lacked an infection cushion completed germination upon transfer to free water, whereas seeds with an infection cushion were almost always killed. In addition, hyphae on seeds that did not initiate germination lacked directional growth and did not develop the infection cushion. This strongly suggests that the fungal attack is triggered by seed exudates released through the floret attachment scar at the initiation of germination. Images of cross sections of infected seeds showed that the fungal hyphae first penetrated the caryposis wall, then entered the embryo, and later ramified throughout the endosperm, completely destroying the seed.
Rapid intra-adrenal feedback regulation of glucocorticoid synthesis
Authors: Walker J. J. , Spiga F. , Gupta R. , Zhao Z. , Lightman S. L. , Terry J. R.
Published: November 2014

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis is a vital neuroendocrine system that regulates the secretion of glucocorticoid hormones from the adrenal glands. This system is characterized by a dynamic ultradian hormonal oscillation, and in addition is highly responsive to stressful stimuli. We have recently shown that a primary mechanism generating this ultradian rhythm is a systems-level interaction where adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH) released from the pituitary stimulates the secretion of adrenal glucocorticoids, which in turn feedback at the level of the pituitary to rapidly inhibit ACTH secretion. In this study, we combine experimental physiology and mathematical modelling to investigate intra-adrenal mechanisms regulating glucocorticoid synthesis. Our modelling results suggest that glucocorticoids can inhibit their own synthesis through a very rapid (within minutes), presumably non-genomic, intra-adrenal pathway. We present further evidence for the existence of a short time delay in this intra-adrenal inhibition, and also that at the initiation of each ACTH stimulus, this local feedback mechanism is rapidly antagonized, presumably via activation of the specific ACTH receptor (MC2R) signalling pathway. This mechanism of intra-adrenal inhibition enables the gland to rapidly release glucocorticoids while at the same time preventing uncontrolled release of glucocorticoids in response to large surges in ACTH associated with stress.
Predicting power-optimal kinematics of avian wings
Authors: Parslew Ben
Published: November 2014

A theoretical model of avian flight is developed which simulates wing motion through a class of methods known as predictive simulation. This approach uses numerical optimization to predict power-optimal kinematics of avian wings in hover, cruise, climb and descent. The wing dynamics capture both aerodynamic and inertial loads. The model is used to simulate the flight of the pigeon,Columba livia, and the results are compared with previous experimental measurements. In cruise, the model unearths a vast range of kinematic modes that are capable of generating the required forces for flight. The most efficient mode uses a near-vertical stroke–plane and a flexed-wing upstroke, similar to kinematics recorded experimentally. In hover, the model predicts that the power-optimal mode uses an extended-wing upstroke, similar to hummingbirds. In flexing their wings, pigeons are predicted to consume 20% more power than if they kept their wings full extended, implying that the typical kinematics used by pigeons in hover are suboptimal. Predictions of climbing flight suggest that the most energy-efficient way to reach a given altitude is to climb as steeply as possible, subjected to the availability of power.
Electrical spiking in bacterial biofilms
Authors: Masi Elisa , Ciszak Marzena , Santopolo Luisa , Frascella Arcangela , Giovannetti Luciana , Marchi Emmanuela , Viti Carlo , Mancuso Stefano
Published: November 2014

In nature, biofilms are the most common form of bacterial growth. In biofilms, bacteria display coordinated behaviour to perform specific functions. Here, we investigated electrical signalling as a possible driver in biofilm sociobiology. Using a multi-electrode array system that enables high spatio-temporal resolution, we studied the electrical activity in two biofilm-forming strains and one non-biofilm-forming strain. The action potential rates monitored during biofilm-forming bacterial growth exhibited a one-peak maximum with a long tail, corresponding to the highest biofilm development. This peak was not observed for the non-biofilm-forming strain, demonstrating that the intensity of the electrical activity was not linearly related to the bacterial density, but was instead correlated with biofilm formation. Results obtained indicate that the analysis of the spatio-temporal electrical activity of bacteria during biofilm formation can open a new frontier in the study of the emergence of collective microbial behaviour.
Serial infection of diverse host (
Mus
) genotypes rapidly impedes pathogen fitness and virulence
Authors: Kubinak Jason L. , Cornwall Douglas H. , Hasenkrug Kim J. , Adler Frederick R. , Potts Wayne K.
Published: November 2014

Reduced genetic variation among hosts may favour the emergence of virulent infectious diseases by enhancing pathogen replication and its associated virulence due to adaptation to a limited set of host genotypes. Here, we test this hypothesis using experimental evolution of a mouse-specific retroviral pathogen, Friend virus (FV) complex. We demonstrate rapid fitness (i.e. viral titre) and virulence increases when FV complex serially infects a series of inbred mice representing the same genotype, but not when infecting a diverse array of inbred mouse strains modelling the diversity in natural host populations. Additionally, a single infection of a different host genotype was sufficient to constrain the emergence of a high fitness/high virulence FV complex phenotype in these experiments. The potent inhibition of viral fitness and virulence was associated with an observed loss of the defective retroviral genome (spleen focus-forming virus), whose presence exacerbates infection and drives disease in susceptible mice. Results from our experiments provide an important first step in understanding how genetic variation among vertebrate hosts influences pathogen evolution and suggests that serial exposure to different genotypes within a single host species may act as a constraint on pathogen adaptation that prohibits the emergence of more virulent infections. From a practical perspective, these results have implications for low-diversity host populations such as endangered species and domestic animals.
Active foraging for toxic prey during gestation in a snake with maternal provisioning of sequestered chemical defences
Authors: Kojima Yosuke , Mori Akira
Published: November 2014

Many animals sequester dietary defensive compounds and incorporate them into the offspring, which protects the young against predation. One possible but poorly investigated question is whether females of such species actively prey upon toxic diets. The snake
Rhabdophis tigrinus
sequesters defensive steroids from toads consumed as prey; it also feeds on other amphibians. Females produce chemically armed offspring in direct proportion to their own level of toad-derived toxins by provisioning the toxins to their eggs. Our field observations of movements and stomach contents of radio-tracked
R. tigrinus
showed that gravid snakes preyed upon toads by actively foraging in the habitat of toads, even though toads were a scarce resource and toad-searching may incur potential costs. Our Y-maze experiments demonstrated that gravid females were more likely to trail the chemical cues of toads than were males or non-gravid females. These results showed behavioural switching in females and active foraging for scarce, toxic prey during gestation. Because exploitation of toads by gravid females results in their offspring being more richly endowed with prey-derived toxins, active foraging for toxic prey is expected to be an adaptive antipredator trait, which may enhance chemical defence in offspring.
The contribution of additive genetic variation to personality variation: heritability of personality
Authors: Dochtermann Ned A. , Schwab Tori , Sih Andrew
Published: November 2014

Individual animals frequently exhibit repeatable differences from other members of their population, differences now commonly referred to as ‘animal personality’. Personality differences can arise, for example, from differences in permanent environmental effects―including parental and epigenetic contributors―and the effect of additive genetic variation. Although several studies have evaluated the heritability of behaviour, less is known about general patterns of heritability and additive genetic variation in
animal personality
. As overall variation in behaviour includes both the among-individual differences that reflect different personalities and temporary environmental effects, it is possible for personality to be largely genetically influenced even when heritability of behaviour
per se
is quite low. The relative contribution of additive genetic variation to personality variation can be estimated whenever both repeatability and heritability are estimated for the same data. Using published estimates to address this issue, we found that approximately 52% of animal personality variation was attributable to additive genetic variation. Thus, while the heritability of behaviour is often moderate or low, the heritability of personality is much higher. Our results therefore (i) demonstrate that genetic differences are likely to be a major contributor to variation in animal personality and (ii) support the phenotypic gambit: that evolutionary inferences drawn from repeatability estimates may often be justified.
Higher frequency of social learning in China than in the West shows cultural variation in the dynamics of cultural evolution
Authors: Mesoudi Alex , Chang Lei , Murray Keelin , Lu Hui Jing
Published: November 2014

Cultural evolutionary models have identified a range of conditions under which social learning (copying others) is predicted to be adaptive relative to asocial learning (learning on one's own), particularly in humans where socially learned information can accumulate over successive generations. However, cultural evolution and behavioural economics experiments have consistently shown apparently maladaptive under-utilization of social information in Western populations. Here we provide experimental evidence of cultural variation in people's use of social learning, potentially explaining this mismatch. People in mainland China showed significantly more social learning than British people in an artefact-design task designed to assess the adaptiveness of social information use. People in Hong Kong, and Chinese immigrants in the UK, resembled British people in their social information use, suggesting a recent shift in these groups from social to asocial learning due to exposure to Western culture. Finally, Chinese mainland participants responded less than other participants to increased environmental change within the task. Our results suggest that learning strategies in humans are culturally variable and not genetically fixed, necessitating the study of the ‘social learning of social learning strategies' whereby the dynamics of cultural evolution are responsive to social processes, such as migration, education and globalization.
State space identification and implementation of H∞ control design for small‐scale helicopter
Authors: Reza Dharmayanda Hardian , Budiyono Agus , Kang Taesam
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a model‐based robust controller for autonomous hovering of a small‐scale helicopter.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is developed using prediction error minimization (PEM) system identification method implemented to flight data. Based on the extracted linear model, an H∞ controller is synthesized for robustness against parametric uncertainties and disturbances.

Findings

The proposed techniques for modelling provide a linear state‐space model which correlates well with the recorded flight data. The synthesized H∞ controller demonstrates an effective performance which rejects both sinusoidal and step input disturbances. The controller enables the attitude angle follow the reference target while keeping the attitude rate constant about zero for hover flight condition.

Research limitations/implications

The synthesized controller is effective for hovering and low‐speed flight condition.

Practical implications

This work provides an efficient hovering/low‐speed autonomous helicopter flight control required in many civilian UAV applications such as aerial surveillance and photography.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the challenges of controlling a small‐scale helicopter during hover with inherent modelling uncertainties and disturbances.
Use of a piezo‐composite generating element for harvesting wind energy in an urban region
Authors: Minh Tri Tien Cam , Seo Goo Nam
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Current technology uses large windmills that operate in remote regions and have complex generating mechanisms such as towers, blades gears, speed controls, magnets, and coils. In a city, wind energy that would otherwise be wasted can be claimed and stored for later use. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a small‐scale windmill that can work in urban areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The device uses a piezo‐composite generating element (PCGE) to generate the electric power. The PCGE is composed of layers of carbon/epoxy, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic, and glass/epoxy cured at an elevated temperature. Previous work by the authors had proved that the PCGE can produce high performance energy harvesting.

Findings

In the prototype, the PCGE performed as a secondary beam element. One end of the PCGE is attached to the frame of the device. Additionally, the fan blade rotates in the direction of the wind and hits the other end of the PCGE. When the PCGE is excited, the effects of the beam's deformation enable it to generate electric power. The power generation and battery charging capabilities of the proposed device were tested, and the results show that the prototype can harvest energy in urban regions using minor wind movement.

Originality/value

The paper presents a prototype that uses a PCGE for harvesting wind energy in urban areas. The PCGE has the potential of being used as a generator for harvesting energy from sources such as machine vibration, body motion, wind, and ocean waves. The PCGE design is flexible: the ply orientation and the size of the prepreg layers can be changed. Generating elements with a specific stacking sequence can be used for scavenging energy in a wide range of applications such as network sensors, portable electronics, and microelectromechanical systems.
My day at the First Step Trust project in Broadmoor
Authors: James
Published: November 2014

For the past two years the First Step Trust (FST) has been running a work experience project in Broadmoor. This has been evaluated and has been shown to be successful in raising the confidence and skills of the participants and in managing the difficult balance between security and the need for patients to take increasing responsibility for their lives and actions. It has also been highly popular. The article below shows some of the reasons why, through an account of one patient's experience of the contrasts between a day at the FST project and other days at Broadmoor.
Just the job
Authors: Mark
Published: November 2014

Mark works full—time in a council finance department dealing with public enquiries, and enjoys his job. However, it wasn't always so. A period of depression had led to four year of unemployment, but the right kind of support has enabled him to find not just a job he likes but, hopefully, a career.
Frequent use of the emergency department by a man with learning disability: an analysis of clinical and systemic contributors
Authors: Lunsky Yona
Published: November 2014

This is a case study of a Canadian man with a learning disability who visited emergency departments more than 50 times in a 10‐year period, in times of stress. During these visits he gave false reports of his current symptoms and psychiatric history, sometimes gaining hospital admission. The case illustrates how such behaviour can develop over time, and how a general health services model (rather than a specialised learning disability service) can fail to meet the needs of independent clients with learning disabilities. It offers some suggestions for how better to meet the needs of such clients in the future.
Making care programme approach meetings more accessible and person‐centred for people with learning disabilities
Authors: Hall Ian , Burns Edward , Martin Sue , Carter Edd , Macreath Samantha , Pearson Magda , Hassiotis Angela
Published: November 2014

The care programme approach (CPA) is an important part of supporting people with mental health problems in the community and has been applied with variable success in services for people with learning disabilities. Investigation into service users' understanding of the CPA has been limited. We employed multiple methodologies to explore what service users with learning disabilities and additional mental health problems thought about the CPA process, and what their understanding of it was. We used the findings to work with other professionals to adapt the meetings in a way that was accessible and inclusive. We included this work in the service communication plan and produced guidance for care co‐ordinators and materials to be used at the meetings. The guidance and materials can be used by any service and will be available online.
The therapeutic relationship in psychological therapy for individuals with learning disabilities: a review of existing literature
Authors: Jones Rachel , Donati Mark
Published: November 2014

It has been suggested that over the last decade interest in and delivery of psychological therapy for people with learning disabilities have increased (Beail et al, 2005). While the literature continues to highlight the need for further evidence of its effectiveness (Willner, 2005) there is a general ‘swell of opinion’ that psychological therapy for individuals with learning disabilities is helpful (Mason, 2007). A component of psychological therapy that is generally considered to be universally important is the quality of the relationship between therapist and client (Clarkson, 2003). However, in the relatively new field of psychological therapies for people with learning disabilities, there remains a poor empirical and theoretical understanding of the role and potential complexities of the therapeutic relationship. The paper explores some of the existing literature in this field. It highlights the limited empirical evidence before exploring some of the common themes outlined so far in the clinical literature. The paper concludes with some suggestions for future research in this area.
Staff training in the mental health needs of people with learning disabilities in the UK
Authors: Woodward Peter , Halls Sarah
Published: November 2014

The general knowledge and skills of staff working with people with learning disabilities have been of interest for a number of years, and Valuing People (DH, 2001) highlighted them as a significant issue. Research has shown that there are further deficits in the knowledge and skills of staff concerning the mental health of people with learning disabilities. This paper gives a general overview of some of the factors involved in the training and knowledge of learning disabilities staff relating to mental health. Early indications from research have shown that training may be effective as a way of addressing these problems, but further research and clear guidance on best practice in implementing staff training are needed in this important area.
Blue sky thinking? I don't think so
Authors: Attfield Elizabeth
Published: November 2014

This is a personal account of the issues faced by carers of a young adult with autism and a learning disability in making the transition from children's services to an adult residential setting, and the ongoing difficulties in maintaining his well‐being and ensuring his future quality of life.
Outdoor experiential training as a catalyst for success
Authors: Goel Alok Kumar , Rana Geeta , Krishnan Chitra
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Human resource management, Training and development, Competency development and team spirit.

Study level/applicability

The case is intended for MBA/PGDM level students as part of a human resource management curriculum. The case is more diagnostic in nature and should be discussed in the same spirit. The case is suitable for developing conceptual thinking and community orientation of professionals aspiring or pursuing a career in the area of human resource management.

Case overview

The case examines the imperatives behind Sterling Tools Limited (STL), a leading fasteners manufacturing Indian company's decision and strategy adopted to inculcate team spirit through outdoor experiential training (OET). The case explores in detail the process undertaken to execute the OET at STL. The case also briefly mentions the tangible benefits of OEL. The case is structured to enable readers to: understand the basic objectives of OET; understand the innovative approach adopted by STL; and understand how an organization responds to changes and challenges in the external environment.

Expected learning outcomes

This case is structured to enable students to: understand the meaning and significance of outdoor experiential training (OET); analyze the challenges faced by HR managers in modern day organizations; learn the conceptual framework and understand the principles of OET; examine the measures that can be taken by management to ensure a smooth induction and socialization process of employees; and understand the need of inculcating team spirit among employees.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available.
The fastener problem (part1)
Authors: Maritimer
Published: November 2014

In the February issue of this Journal a leading article commented on the problem of ‘fasteners’ and the unsightly corrosion which can occur on some structures and equipment due to poor selection of material. This article prompted a look into the literature (if any) on the corrosion of fasteners. With the possible exception of fasteners for use with aluminium it would appear that, at the moment, the most active workers in the fastener field are Dr. D. N. Layton and Mr. P. E. Wright of the GKN Fasteners Corrosion Laboratory, Birmingham, who have written several papers specifically related to this subject. These papers have been used in the preparation of this article.
The fastener problem (part 2)
Authors: Maritimer
Published: November 2014

Factors affecting selection Freedom from corrosion is usually obtained in three basic ways: (1) by isolation of the environment from the metal with, for example, plastic or nickel coatings, (2) by using zinc on steel which is essentially cathodic protection and (3) by the use of materials which are intrinsically corrosion resistant. Many classes of metallic coating, paint, enamel, anodizing and other methods of producing a resistant oxide film, are all relevant to fastener technology providing the coat is mechanically able to do the job required and is of sufficient thickness and continuity to resist the environment under consideration.
The noble metals
Authors: Maritimer
Published: November 2014

The true noble metals are those which have an inherent resistance to corrosion which does not primarily stem from the formation of an inert protective oxide film, though such films may be present in some environments. Not many years ago the noble metals received little attention from corrosion engineers and were dismissed as expensive, of poor mechanical properties, and only in exceptional cases were they seriously considered as tools against the ravages of corrosion.
Condenser tube alloys
Authors: Maritimer
Published: November 2014

Practical experience of the use of materials and their performance under various conditions
Inhibition of the corrosion of brass in nitric acid
Authors: Padma Mrs. D.K. , Rama Char T.L.
Published: November 2014

Thiourea and nicotinic acid are good inhibitors for the corrosion of brass in nitric acid solutions. Polarisation studies indicate that the anode polarisation with nicotinic acid is less than that on the cathode side. Both the inhibitors increase the cathode and anode polarisation considerably.
Watch those topsides!
Authors: de Vlieger J.H.
Published: November 2014

The subject of cathodic protection continues to attract a good deal of attention, particularly in so far as the immersed part of the ship's hull is concerned. It seems, however, that a number of phenomena which occur just outside the immersed area have not been studied hitherto.
The pre‐coating of metal I — Coil coating
Authors: ‘Americus’
Published: November 2014

The growing use of pre‐coated substrates, wood, metal, or plastic, for the fabrication of components, has been one of the noteworthy developments of the last decade. The growth of ‘pre‐coating’ has led to many changes in finishing materials and processes, which will be reviewed in a series of articles in the forthcoming year.
Early protection techniques: Part 8
Authors: Smith C.A.
Published: November 2014

The interesting feature of this first device (Fig. 1) by Uyeno is that it had a combined aluminium coating and burnishing action. The wire to be coated with aluminium was first tinned or galvanized and then immersed in a vessel or successively in two or more vessels containing molten aluminium, the articles while so immersed were swept or rubbed by steel brushes or their equivalent, so that the coating of zinc or tin was removed and replaced by aluminium. The articles could then be pressed, rolled, and polished or burnished.
Sherardizing: Part I
Authors: Smith C.A.
Published: November 2014

A review of probably the least known and under‐rated of the zinc protective processes. In part 1 the process and properties of the sherardized coat are considered.
Craft Apprentice Courses at Fords
Authors: Attwood C.
Published: November 2014

This article is largely based on Mr Attwood's report in the current issue of ‘The Vocational Aspect of Secondary and Further Education’, to which has been added some information on practical work and training arrangements
Play‐Making
Authors: West J.T.
Published: November 2014

DURING THE last two years nothing has appealed to the imagination of the students of the Day Continuation Department of the Walker Technical College more than improvised Drama — the creation of a play from a given situation, introduced as an experiment with the object of showing the students something of the recent developments in the Theatre inspired by Joan Littlewood and the Theatre Workshop, it provided a stimulating and satisfying educational experience for both students and lecturers. As an activity it proved to have considerable educational value and established a claim to be included in all courses of General Education.
THE MACHINE TOOL LABORATORY
Authors: Walker W.F.
Published: November 2014

This is the fourth in a series giving suggestions for laboratory work and exercises on the various types of machine tool. Single‐spindle automatic lathes will be dealt with next month
Aero Engine Piston Ring Design
Authors: Oubridge W.A.
Published: November 2014

THE fundamental requirements of a piston ring which must be fulfilled, if it is efficiently to perform its main function of acting as a seal against the passage of compressed gas between the cylinder and piston, are numerous and exacting.
Servicing the Aircraft Engineer
Authors: Hardy A.C.
Published: November 2014

EARLY aircraft relied for propulsion and for speed upon small, low‐powered internal‐combustion engines. During the course of the last fifteen years the technique of aircraft production and of transport aviation has advanced so rapidly that to‐day we are beginning to think in terms of aircraft with total horse‐powers in some cases not far short of 3,000 and 3,500. There is every indication too, that higher powers may be anticipated within the next few years.
A Course for Ground Engineers
Authors: Rudorf G.
Published: November 2014

THE non‐metallic materials used in aircraft construction consist of a large number of different substances, to enter into any detailed discussions of which would occupy a volume of many pages. They are, however, conveniently classifiable into groups, and the reader will find, in what follows, some notes upon each group.
Technical Progress in 1929
Authors: Farren W.S.
Published: November 2014

TO the originator of the policy of advancing aviation by making the country “air‐minded” 1929 must seem, as he looks back on it, an outstanding year. And of all the items that call for record in the review probably the most significant is the start from Croydon on March 30 of the first Imperial Air Mail to India, later developed into a passenger‐carrying service. Like all new enterprises it has met with criticism. The mail takes eight days to reach Karachi by air, three days more by land to Bombay, and longer to other parts of India. It must be met by an internal Indian Air Mail.
Illuminated Wind Indicators
Authors: Wraith Major H.O.
Published: November 2014

ON landing on an aerodrome by day, a pilot must be flying into the wind in order to reduce velocity when he actually first touches ground, and therefore he requires to know in which direction the wind is blowing.
The New U.S. Wind Tunnels
Authors: McKinnon Wood R.
Published: November 2014

MUCH has been learnt, in many branches of science and engineering, from the use of small‐scale models. The earliest successful experiments in humanly contrived flight with heavier‐than‐air craft were made with small‐scale prototypes of the man‐carrying machine of a later day; experiments with man‐carrying craft, kite, glider and power‐driven, followed.
A Course for Ground Engineers
Authors: Sloley R.W.
Published: November 2014

AIRCRAFT INSTRUMENTS THE instruments used in aircraft are of a highly specialised nature. They have to stand up to very severe conditions in service. They are subjected to continual vibration during the whole time the engine is running, and to severe shocks in landing and when taxying on the ground. They are expected to function no matter what the position of the aircraft, and to stand reduced air pressures due to altitude, as well as a range of temperature altogether unusual in the case of instruments used for any other purpose. It is well to emphasise these peculiar conditions as they are not always fully appreciated.
Aeronautical Progress, 1914 to 1930
Authors: Southwell R.V.
Published: November 2014

THERE have been two previous James Forrest Lectures dealing with aeronautics. In 1912, Mr. Mallock addressed this Institution on “Aerial Flight,” and in 1914, Dr. Lanchcster took as his subject “The Flying‐Machine from an Engineering Standpoint.”
The First British Salmson Radial
Authors: Fairbrother E.
Published: November 2014

IT was not until about the year 1918 that any serious development of the fixed radial engine began in this country. In 1913, however, The Société des Moteurs Salmson was formed in France to manufacture a stationary or fixed radial engine following experiments which were begun in 1908.
Progress in Aircraft Engines
Authors: Ricardo H.R.
Published: November 2014

THE possibility of sustained flight by heavier‐than‐air machines was fully recognised during the last century by those who had studied the aerodynamic problems involved, and it was realised that its accomplishment awaited only the development of a prime mover of sufficiently light weight.
Seaplane Hulls and Floats
Authors: Garner H.M. , Coombes L.P.
Published: November 2014

PROGRESS in most branches of engineering has been dependent upon model tests, and in no branch has the testing of models been of greater importance than in that of aeronautics. The earliest flights were made on models; and after the first successful flight of the full‐sized aeroplane, the development of aircraft to their present state of efficiency has been bound up, at every step, with the information obtained from model tests.
Aerodynamics for Engineers
Authors: Piercy N.A.V.
Published: November 2014

IN these articles an attempt will be made to provide an introduction to a large subject specially serviceable to engineers. Restrictions on space make themselves felt in various ways. Proper acknowledgments cannot be given for the sources of information beyond mention of the books of Bairstow, Lamb, Cowley and Levy, and Glauert, to which frequent reference has been made. No account can be included of the fascinating and often instructive historical development of the science; it must be assumed that proofs of various essential theorems will be sought in text‐books of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics; lastly, there can occur little opportunity for the working of illustrative examples upon which a proper grip of the subject greatly depends. The engineer of experience will detect much that, with slight generalisation, could be made capable of important use in other branches of his profession, but in this treatment we shall keep closely in view the scientific aspect of aircraft design, structural strength apart.
A Review of the Helium Question
Authors: Teed Major P.L.
Published: November 2014

WHILE owing to helium's absence of chemical affinities it might at first sight be imagined that its separation from a mixture of other gases could best be carried out by effecting chemical changes in the latter, in only a very few cases is this a practical procedure. Indeed, at the present time all helium, which is being recovered from natural gas, is obtained by physical means.
Aerodynamics for Engineers
Authors: Piercy N.A.V.
Published: November 2014

Examination in Article I of the nature of the force arising on a body in steady motion through the atmosphere, showed it to depend upon the shape and size of the body, the density and viscosity of the air, and the relative velocity. No other factor enters which cannot be traced to these variables until, at velocities approaching that of sound, compressibility makes itself felt. Mathematical difficulties compel us to leave the question of shape to the laboratory, where smallscale models may be suspended in an artificial wind, and aerodynamical details determined by practical means. The design of aircraft from experimental data, with regard to shape, may involve, however, large changes in the other variables, and it is essential to investigate at the outset what means and justification exist for the transition.