bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
False Positives in Multiple Regression
Authors: Shear Benjamin R. , Zumbo Bruno D.
Published: May 2013

Type I error rates in multiple regression, and hence the chance for false positive research findings, can be drastically inflated when multiple regression models are used to analyze data that contain random measurement error. This article shows the potential for inflated Type I error rates in commonly encountered scenarios and provides new insights into the causes of this problem. Computer simulations and an illustrative example are used to demonstrate that when the predictor variables in a multiple regression model are correlated and one or more of them contains random measurement error, Type I error rates can approach 1.00, even for a nominal level of 0.05. The most important factors causing the problem are summarized and the implications are discussed. The authors use Zumbo’s Draper–Lindley–de Finetti framework to show that the inflation in Type I error rates results from a mismatch between the data researchers have, the assumptions of the statistical model, and the inferences they hope to make.
A study on the failure mode and load of the composite key joint
Authors: Jeong Kang-Woo , Park Yong-Bin , Choi Jin-Ho , Kweon Jin-Hwe
Published: May 2013

The joining of composite materials has traditionally been achieved by adhesive bonding or mechanical fastening. Mechanical fastenings require little or no surface preparation, and are easy to inspect for joint quality. However, they require machining of holes that interrupt the fiber continuity and may reduce the strength of the adherend. We proposed the new composite key joint to minimize the fiber discontinuity and strength degradation of adherend. Mechanical key joints with three different d/ t (slot depth to thickness) ratios and two different e/ w (edge length to width) ratios were manufactured and tested. Carbon-epoxy unidirectional prepreg (USN125) and plain weave prepreg (HPW193) were used for the composite key joints. Tensile tests were performed on the composite key joints and their failure modes were evaluated. Finite element analyses for the mechanical key joints were performed and the stresses around the key slot were calculated. From the tests, it could be concluded that the failure load of the key joints was about two times larger than those of a mechanical joint for the investigated composite joints.
Bayesian Tree Substitution Grammars as a Usage-based Approach
Authors: Post Matt , Gildea Daniel
Published: May 2013

Tree substitution grammar (TSG) is a generalization of context-free grammar (CFG) that permits non-terminals to rewrite as fragments of arbitrary size, instead of just depth-one productions. We discuss connections between the TSG framework and the larger family of usage-based approaches to language, showing how TSG allows us to make some of the claims of these approaches sufficiently concrete for computational modeling.

A fundamental difficulty in defining a TSG is to determine the set of fragments for the grammar, because the set of possible fragments is exponential in the size of the parse trees from which TSGs are typically learned. We describe a model-based approach that learns a TSG using Gibbs sampling with a non-parametric prior to control fragment size, yielding grammars that contain mostly small fragments but that include larger ones as the data permits. We evaluate these grammars on two tasks (parsing accuracy and grammaticality classification), and find that these Bayesian TSGs achieve excellent performance on two tasks relative to a set of heuristically extracted TSGs spanning the spectrum of representations, from a standard depth-one context-free Treebank grammar to explicit approximations of the Data-Oriented Parsing model.
Development of multilayered woven panels with integrated stiffeners in the transverse and longitudinal directions for thermoplastic lightweight applications
Authors: Mountasir Adil , Hoffmann Gerald , Cherif Chokri
Published: May 2013

Weaving technique offers a large potential for the highly productive manufacture of woven 3D-preform structures in lightweight applications. This research work reports on the technological modification to the construction of a double-rapier weaving machine for the low damage production of double-walled shell structures made from glass/polypropylene hybrid yarn multilayered woven fabrics. On this basis, 3D-woven preform structures with integrated stiffeners in the longitudinal and transverse directions for high composite strength and rigidity within a single weaving process were developed and implemented.

Furthermore, textile engineering solutions were acquired for the required reinforcement of the gusset area between the stiffener and the skin. This broadens the range of uses for large-scale fiber-reinforced plastics with integrated stiffeners made from 3D-woven preform structures.
Psychology Students’ Knowledge and Use of Mnemonics
Authors: McCabe Jennifer A. , Osha Kelsey L. , Roche Jennifer A. , Susser Jonathan A.
Published: May 2013

Mnemonics are strategies that can enhance learning and memory of course material. An online survey examined psychology students’ metacognitive awareness and self-reported behaviors regarding mnemonics. Results showed that most participants could define mnemonics, but only a minority could describe the cognitive mechanisms involved. Participants were more familiar with some mnemonics ( acronyms and acrostics) compared to others ( pegword); further, the most common sources of mnemonics were those created by the students themselves and those provided by the instructors. Usefulness of mnemonics was rated at a moderate level compared to other common study strategies. Finally, the ratings for mnemonics were positive and correlated with independent measures of metacognition as well as psychology course experience. Findings are discussed in the context of increasing mnemonics in psychology education.
Cyberbullying among youth: A comprehensive review of current international research and its implications and application to policy and practice
Authors: Cassidy Wanda , Faucher Chantal , Jackson Margaret
Published: May 2013

Cyberbullying research is rapidly expanding with many studies being published from around the world in the past five or six years. In this article we review the current international literature published in English, with particular attention to the following themes: The relationship of cyberbullying to the more traditional face-to-face bullying, including differences and similarities; the impacts of cyberbullying on victims, bullies, schools, families, and communities; coping strategies for victims, schools, and parents; and solutions, both effective and ineffective. A focus of this article is evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies, which may be employed by educators, psychological service providers, and by parents to counter the problem of cyberbullying. Here we address the importance of school and home culture, modelling, curriculum development in information and communication technology (ICT) and social media, peer and bystander education, and other non-punitive approaches. We conclude with a discussion of implications on policy and practice and future research directions.
Do cyberbullies suffer too? Cyberbullies’ perceptions of the harm they cause to others and to their own mental health
Authors: Campbell Marilyn A. , Slee Phillip T. , Spears Barbara , Butler Des , Kift Sally
Published: May 2013

While it is recognized that there are serious sequelae for students who are victims of cyberbullying including depression, anxiety, lower self-esteem and social difficulties, there has been little research attention paid to the mental health of students who cyberbully. It is known that students who traditionally bully report they feel indifferent to their victims, showing a lack of empathy and that they themselves are at increased risk for psychosocial adjustment. However, there is scant research on the mental health associations for students who cyberbully or their awareness of their impact on others. The current study sought to ascertain from Australian students who reported cyberbullying others in school years 6 to 12 (10–19 years of age), their perceptions of their mental health and the harm they caused to and the impact their actions had, on their victims. Most students who cyberbullied did not think that their bullying was harsh or that they had an impact on their victims. They reported more social difficulties and higher scores on stress, depression and anxiety scales than those students who were not involved in any bullying. The implications of these findings for the mental health of the cyberbullies and for psychologists in schools who assist them, are discussed.
Radiologic–pathologic correlation of renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation
Authors: Koo Hyun Jung , Choi Hyuck Jae , Kim Mi-hyun , Cho Kyoung-Sik
Published: May 2013

Background

The prognosis of translocation RCCs in adult patients is relatively poor compared to that of other subtypes of RCCs. Although there have been several reports regarding radiologic findings of translocation RCC, studies with histologic correlation could help to understand the imaging features.

Purpose

To explore the correlation between radiologic and pathologic findings in Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and provide clues for translocation RCC diagnosis.

Material and Methods

CT scans of six patients (one man and five women; age range, 8–71 years; mean age, 34 years) with histologically-proven Xp11.2 translocation RCCs were retrospectively evaluated in consensus by two radiologists. Tumor size, presence of necrosis, hemorrhage, fat or calcification, enhancement patterns of the tumor, presence of lymphadenopathy, and distant metastases were evaluated.

Results

The average size of the tumors was 6 cm (range, 2.7–12 cm). All six tumors appeared as well-defined masses with areas of low attenuation representing hemorrhage or necrosis. Four tumors contained high attenuating solid portions, compared to the surrounding renal cortex seen on unenhanced images, where representing dense cellular component on microscopic examination. Peripheral rim enhancement pattern that correlated with histologic finding of a fibrous capsule was seen in five cases. In two patients who underwent kidney MR, the masses showed low signal intensity on T2-weighted images. One patient had lymphadenopathy. No distant metastasis was noted in any patient.

Conclusion

Translocation RCC appeared as a well-defined mass that contain high attenuating solid portions on unenhanced images and low attenuating necrotic or hemorrhagic foci; the tumor also showed gradual peripheral rim enhancement due to a fibrous capsule surrounding the tumor.
Septic liver: clinical relevance of early inhomogeneous enhancement of the liver in patients with acute pyelonephritis
Authors: Han Ga Jin , Lee Nam Kyung , Kim Suk , Kim Tae Un , Song Sang Heon , Kim Hyun Sung , Jo Hong Jae
Published: May 2013

Background

CT scans of patients with febrile illness occasionally show hepatobiliary changes, although infection does not originate in the hepatobiliary system. These findings may cause radiologists and clinicians to misrecognize hepatobiliary diseases and initiate an inappropriate treatment. Thus, it is important to recognize hepatobiliary CT findings in cases of extrahepatobiliary infectious disease.

Purpose

To evaluate extrarenal CT manifestations in patients with acute pyelonephritis and to determine the correlation between these extrarenal CT findings and septic liver based on laboratory parameters of sepsis.

Material and Methods

This study included 157 retrospectively identified patients with confirmed acute pyelonephritis based on CT imaging and urine test, and who had also undergone multi-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced CT scan. Two radiologists reviewed CT findings including early inhomogeneous enhancement of the liver, periportal low density and gallbladder edema, which were correlated with laboratory data including liver function enzymes, albumin, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and results of a blood culture by using the Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Forty-six patients (29.3%) showed early inhomogeneous enhancement of the liver, which was associated with increased C-reactive protein ( P < 0.001), a positive blood culture ( P < 0.005), and decreased albumin level ( P < 0.002). The periportal low density and gallbladder wall edema were noted in 15 patients (9.6%) and six patients (3.8%), respectively. These two CT findings were significantly associated with only decreased albumin level ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.040).

Conclusion

Early inhomogeneous enhancement of the liver in patients with acute pyelonephritis was significantly associated with increased CRP level, a positive blood culture and decreased albumin level, reflecting sepsis and sepsis-associated liver dysfunction, requiring rapid and appropriate intensive treatment.
Computed tomography for pulmonary embolism: assessment of a 1-year cohort and estimated cancer risk associated with diagnostic irradiation
Authors: Niemann T , Zbinden I , Roser HW , Bremerich J , Remy-Jardin M , Bongartz G
Published: May 2013

Background

The principal concern of any radiation exposure in computed tomography (CT) is the induction of stochastic risks of developing a radiation-induced cancer. The results given in this manuscript will allow to (re-)calculate yield of chest CT.

Purpose

To demonstrate a method to evaluate the lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of cancer incidence/mortality due to a single diagnostic investigation in a 1-year cohort of consecutive chest CT for suspected pulmonary embolism (PE).

Material and Methods

A 1-year cohort of consecutive chest CT for suspected PE using a standard scan protocol was analyzed retrospectively (691 patients, 352 men, 339 women). Normalized patient-specific estimations of the radiation doses received by individual organs were correlated with age- and sex-specific mean predicted cancer incidence and age- and sex-specific predicted cancer mortality based on the BEIR VII results. Additional correlation was provided for natural occurring risks.

Results

LAR of cancer incidence/mortality following one chest CT was calculated for cancer of the stomach, colon, liver, lung, breast, uterus, ovaries, bladder, thyroid, and for leukemia. LAR remains very low for all age and sex categories, being highest for cancer of the lungs and breasts in 20-year-old women (0.61% and 0.4%, respectively). Summation of all cancer sites analyzed raised the cumulative relative LAR up to 2.76% in 20-year-old women.

Conclusion

Using the method presented in this work, LAR of cancer incidence and cancer mortality for a single chest CT for PE seems very low for all age groups and both sexes, but being highest for young patients. Hence the risk for radiation-induced organ cancers must be outweighed with the potential benefit or a treatment and the potential risks of a missed and therefore untreated PE.
Delayed, life-threatening hemorrhage after self-expandable metallic biliary stent placement: clinical manifestations and endovascular treatment
Authors: Hyun Dongho , Park Kwang Bo , Hwang Jae Cheol , Shin Byung Seok
Published: May 2013

Background

Life-threatening, delayed hemorrhage after self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) insertion for malignant biliary obstruction is very rare. Clinical manifestations, radiologic characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of this complication are not well-known.

Purpose

To present the clinical manifestations, radiologic findings, and endovascular treatment of life-threatening, delayed hemorrhage secondary to SEMS placement.

Material and Methods

A total of six patients (five men and one woman; mean age, 65.5 years) with life-threatening, delayed arterial bleeding after SEMS placement for malignant bile duct obstruction were recruited between 2000 and 2011 from three different hospitals in Korea. The original SEMS placement in all patients utilized either percutaneous ( n = 3) or endoscopic approaches ( n = 3). We retrospectively reviewed the clinical presentations, computed tomography (CT) and angiographic findings, endovascular treatments, and prognoses of these patients.

Results

All patients presented with life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding such as melena ( n = 4), hematochezia ( n = 1), and hematemesis ( n = 1). Mean time period between biliary metallic stent insertion and presentation with bleeding was 75 days (range, 15–152 days). All stents were encased by primary or metastatic cancer along with nearby arteries on CT images. Digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) revealed pseudoaneurysm close to the stent ( n = 2), in-stent pseudoaneurysm ( n = 2), arteriobiliary fistula ( n = 1), or pseudoaneurysm with arteriobiliary fistula ( n = 1). The origins of hemorrhage were the gastroduodenal artery ( n = 3), the aberrant right posterior hepatic artery from the gastroduodenal artery ( n = 2), and the right hepatic artery ( n = 1). Hemorrhages were successfully controlled after intra-arterial coil embolization in five patients followed by placement of a stent graft and direct puncture N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) embolization in one patient.

Conclusion

Life-threatening, delayed hemorrhage within a metallic biliary stent may occur if a stent is placed across the bulky bile duct tumor or tumor encases the stent. Bleeding can be successfully treated with endovascular treatment. However, the overall prognosis was poor.
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): a pilot study on the assessment of treatment response in comparison with 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Schmidt Sabine , Dunet Vincent , Koehli Melanie , Montemurro Michael , Meuli Reto , Prior John O
Published: May 2013

Background

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly being used for assessing the treatment succes in oncology, but the real clinical value needs to evaluated by comparison with other, already established, metabolic imaging techniques.

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate the clinical potential of diffusion-weighted MRI with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) response to targeted therapy compared with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT).

Material and Methods

Eight patients (mean age, 56 ± 11 years) known to have metastatic GIST underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI (T1Gd, DWI [b = 50,300,600], ADC mapping) simultaneously, before and after change in targeted therapy. MR and PET/CT examinations were first analyzed blindly. Second, PET/CT images were co-registered with T1Gd-MR images for lesion detection. Only 18F-FDG avid lesions were considered. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and the corresponding minimum ADCmin were measured for the six largest lesions per patient, if any, on baseline and follow-up examinations. The relationship between changes in SUVmax and ADCmin was analyzed (Spearman's correlation).

Results

Twenty-four metastases (12 hepatic, 12 extra-hepatic) were compared on PET/CT and MR images. SUVmax decreased from 7.7 ± 8.1 g/mL to 5.5 ± 5.4 g/mL ( P = 0.20), while ADCmin increased from 1.2 ± 0.3 × 10−3mm2/s to 1.5 ± 0.3 × 10−3mm2/s ( P = 0.0002). There was a significant association between changes in SUVmax and ADCmin (rho = − 0.62, P = 0.0014), but not between changes in lesions size ( P = 0.40).

Conclusion

Changes in ADCmin correlated with the response of 18F-FDG avid GIST to targeted therapy. Thus, diffusion-weighted MRI may represent a radiation-free alternative for follow-up treatment for metastatic GIST patients.
Comparison of ramosetron with combined ramosetron and midazolam for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients at high risk following laparoscopic gynaecological surgery
Authors: Park Eun Young , Lee Soo Kyung , Kang Mae Hwa , Lim Kyung Jee , Kim Yi Seul , Choi Eunjoo , Park Young-Han
Published: May 2013

Objectives

This randomized, double-blind study compared the antiemetic efficacy of ramosetron with that of ramosetron combined with midazolam, and investigated whether the timing of midazolam administration affected the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Methods

Nonsmoking female patients undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgery were randomized to three groups: group R received intravenous (i.v.) normal saline at induction of anaesthesia and 30 min before the end of surgery; group RM1 received midazolam i.v. at induction of anaesthesia and normal saline i.v. 30 min before the end of surgery; group RM2 received normal saline i.v. at induction of anaesthesia and midazolam i.v. 30 min before the end of the surgery. All patients received 0.3 mg ramosetron i.v. at the end of surgery. Incidence of PONV and need for rescue antiemetics were assessed during the 48-h postoperative period.

Results

A total of 126 patients were included in the analyses. There was no significant difference in the incidence of severe nausea, emetic episodes or use of antiemetics among the three groups. The incidence of complete response (no PONV and no rescue antiemetics) was significantly higher in the RM1 (30/41; 73%) and RM2 (30/42; 71%) groups compared with group R (19/43; 44%).

Conclusions

Midazolam given at induction of anaesthesia or at the end of the surgery, combined with ramosetron, was more effective than ramosetron alone in reducing the incidence of PONV.
A chronic animal model of migraine, induced by repeated meningeal nociception, characterized by a behavioral and pharmacological approach
Authors: Melo-Carrillo Agustin , Lopez-Avila Alberto
Published: May 2013

Background

Migraine is a chronic neurovascular disease characterized by recurrent unilateral headache, which induces incapacity. Despite all the progress that migraine research has provided, the neural mechanisms underlying the onset and maintenance of migraine attacks are poorly understood. Due to the complex characteristics of the disorder, it is difficult to develop a proper animal model that mimics all the clinical manifestations in humans.

Objective

Taking into account the principal characteristics of the disease, the aim of this study is to develop a chronic animal model of migraine in which we can reproduce behavioral and pharmacological phenomena similar to those displayed by migraineurs.

Results

Our animal model displayed behavioral and pharmacological results similar to those experienced by migraineurs. Specifically, there was a decrease in routine physical activity and an increase in resting behavior. Also, the animals exhibited a novel behavior that we called ipsilateral facial grooming behavior provoked by the meningeal nociception. Moreover, one of the drugs used as treatment for migraine reduced the manifestations previously described. Our results determine that the model mimics many of the clinical features that patients exhibit during migraine attacks. This model can contribute to further understanding of the pathophysiology and the study of novel therapeutic approaches.
The Original Ancestor
Authors: Kistler S. Ashley
Published: May 2013

In San Juan Chamelco, Guatemala, the Q’eqchi’ redefine history through narratives of Aj Pop B’atz’, the sixteenth-century Q’eqchi’ leader. Chamelqueños trace their strength of character and the perseverance of indigenous practice to his legacy. This article examines Aj Pop B’atz’ as a model of Q’eqchi’ kinship. In Chamelco, Q’eqchi’ junkab’als, “families,” consist of individuals connected through biological or social ties. Stories of Aj Pop B’atz’ are part of the shared substance that binds them as kin. By grounding the contemporary family in Q’eqchi’ history, Chamelqueños define their indigenous identity in a time of global challenges and political unrest (Maya, kinship, ethnohistory, shared substance).
Treatment of Partial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tears in the Elbow With Platelet-Rich Plasma
Authors: Podesta Luga , Crow Scott A. , Volkmer Dustin , Bert Timothy , Yocum Lewis A.
Published: May 2013

Background:

Studies have demonstrated the potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to heal damaged tissue. To date, there are no published reports of clinical outcomes of partial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears of the elbow treated with PRP.

Hypothesis:

Platelet-rich plasma will promote the healing of partial UCL tears and allow a return to play.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Thirty-four athletes with a partial-thickness UCL tear confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging were prospectively followed. All patients had failed at least 2 months of nonoperative treatment and an attempt to return to play. Baseline questionnaires, including the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow (KJOC) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) measures, were completed by each patient before injection. Baseline ultrasound measurement of the humeral-ulnar joint space was assessed with 10 lb of valgus stress on the elbow. Each patient received a single type 1A PRP injection at the UCL under ultrasound guidance. The same treating physician at a single institution performed all injections with the same PRP preparation used. Patients completed a course of guided physical therapy and were allowed to return to play based on their symptoms and physical examination findings. Outcome scores, including KJOC and DASH scores, were collected after return to play and were compared with baseline scores. Ultrasound measurements were collected at final follow-up and compared with preinjection values.

Results:

At an average follow-up of 70 weeks (range, 11-117 weeks), 30 of 34 athletes (88%) had returned to the same level of play without any complaints. The average time to return to play was 12 weeks (range, 10-15 weeks). The average KJOC score improved from 46 to 93 ( P < .0001). The average DASH score improved from 21 to 1 ( P < .0001). The sports module of the DASH questionnaire improved from 69 to 3 ( P < .0001). Medial elbow joint space opening with valgus stress decreased from 28 to 20 mm at final follow-up ( P < .0001). The difference in medial elbow joint space opening (stressed vs nonstressed) decreased from 7 to 2.5 mm at final follow-up ( P < .0001). One player had persistent UCL insufficiency and underwent ligament reconstruction at 31 weeks after injection.

Conclusion:

The results of this study indicate that PRP is an effective option to successfully treat partial UCL tears of the elbow in athletes.
Edgewise compressive performance of repaired composite sandwich panels – Experiment and finite element analysis
Authors: Liu Sui , Guan Zhidong , Guo Xia , Sun Kai , Kong Jiaoyue
Published: May 2013

Bonded repair was conducted to composite sandwich panels with one side skin and full-depth core penetrated damage. Experiments on edgewise compressive behavior of repaired panel were carried out and influences of various repair parameters including different repair materials (high or medium temperature cured pre-preg), different taper ratios for scarf repair (1/30 or 1/10) and different repair techniques (scarf or step repair) were compared. Based on continuum damage mechanics, a three-dimensional finite element model was developed and a good agreement of experimental results with numerical predictions was obtained. With the analysis model, ultimate loads, damage evolution processes and adhesive stress distributions of repaired sandwich panels were investigated. The results of this study have provided an insight into the mechanical performance of repaired sandwich panels under edgewise compressive load, which could lead to improved design and analysis methodologies on the bonded repair of composite sandwich structures.
Effect of Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles on thermal, mechanical and morphological properties of millable polyurethane elastomer
Authors: Shimpi Navinchandra G , Sonawane Harishchandra A , Mali Ananda D , Mishra Satyendra
Published: May 2013

Millable polyurethane (MPU) rubber nanocomposites were prepared on a two-roll mill and molded on a compression molding machine. The amount of loading of Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles ( nMg(OH)2) was from 0.5 to 2.5 wt% followed by the addition of dicumyl peroxide (as a curing agent). The compounded matter was subjected to compression molding so as to get a cure sheet (130 × 130 × 3 mm). Mechanical (tensile strength, elongation at break (%) and abrasion resistance index), physical (hardness and swelling index), and thermal properties (flammability retardency and degradation stability) were studied. The extent of dispersion of nMg(OH)2 particles was studied using scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. nMg(OH)2 was synthesized using continuous ultrasonic cavitation technique. The size and shape of nMg(OH)2 was confirmed using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, which was found to be ∼20–60 nm with quasi shape. MPU:nMg(OH)2 nanocomposites show improved mechanical, physical, and thermal properties compared to pristine MPU. This improvement was due to very fine grain size of nMg(OH)2, which facilitates uniform dispersion of nMg(OH)2 within MPU rubber matrix. However, higher loading of nMg(OH)2 shows marginal decrement in properties due to agglomeration, especially at 2.5 wt%.
Landfill monitoring using remote sensing: a case study of Glina, Romania
Authors: Iacoboaea Cristina , Petrescu Florian
Published: May 2013

Landfill monitoring is one of the most important components of waste management. This article presents a case study on landfill monitoring using remote sensing technology. The study area was the Glina landfill, one of the largest municipal waste disposal sites in Romania. The methodology consisted of monitoring the differences of temperature computed for several distinct waste disposal zones with respect to a ground reference area, all of them located within the landfill site. The remote sensing data used were Landsat satellite multi-temporal data. The differences of temperature were computed using Landsat thermal infrared data. The study confirmed the use of multi-temporal Landsat imagery as a complementary data source.
Clinicians’ Views on Antiepileptic Medication Management in Nonepileptic Seizures
Authors: Plioplys Sigita , Siddarth Prabha , Asato Miya R. , Caplan Rochelle
Published: May 2013

Discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs should be a first step in treatment of nonepileptic seizures without comorbid epilepsy. However, clinical practices vary and standardized guidelines are not available. The aim of this study was to survey members of the American Epilepsy and Child Neurology Societies about factors that influence their decision about antiepileptic drug management in patients with nonepileptic seizures. A total of 236 respondents completed this survey, of whom 84% were academic pediatric neurologists and 96.2% were very willing to discontinue antiepileptic drugs in these patients. Clinicians with sufficient knowledge about nonepileptic seizures had fewer concerns about the potential for medical errors, were less influenced by requests made by patients or parents to continue antiepileptic drugs, and were comfortable making this decision if patients receive ongoing psychiatric care. Results of this survey highlight the need to examine if the same factors are involved in a large sample of community clinicians.
Student Reactions to Public Safety Reports of Hate Crimes
Authors: Kahl Jessica E. , Koenig Anne , Smith Ramon
Published: May 2013

This study investigated participant’s reactions to hate crime versus nonbiased crime incident reports that included more or less detail about the crime using a 2 (victim race: African American, unstated) × 2 (amount of information: vague, detailed) between-subjects factorial design. We hypothesized that participants would be more sympathetic, more distressed, and blame the victim less if the victim was African American (designating a hate crime) and if more detail was included in the incident report. The results generally showed greater psychological impact for a hate crime versus nonbiased crime and when more information was presented than with vague information, and these two manipulations did not interact in influencing participants’ reactions. These results indicate that amount of detail provided about a crime should be considered when publishing incident reports.
Why Are Retirement Benefits in the United States So Complicated?
Authors: Kilgour John G.
Published: May 2013

Most of us focus on one or a few retirement income programs and a single retiree health benefit plan at a time, as benefit professionals, policy makers, current or future recipients of these benefits or scholars. We seldom step back and view the larger picture. We often see the trees and miss the forest. And in doing so, we also miss the extraordinary complexity and interrelatedness of the numerous laws and programs that comprise the U.S. retirement benefit structure. This article is an overview of retirement benefit laws and programs. It examines their origins, evolution and, to some extent, their current requirements. It portrays the collage of retirement benefits that now exists in an effort to provide perspective.
Performance-Related Pay in Government
Authors: van der Vyver Deon , Bussin Mark
Published: May 2013

It is widely recognized that in the management of employee pay, there is a definite divide between government and the private sector. The immediate question comes to mind: “How is performance-related pay working in government?” A closer look provides insight on the kind of challenges governments are facing in getting this process working. It is obvious that they need to, as this pay philosophy is not working as it should or could. A proper analysis of the current scenario would pave the way to a much improved performance-related pay structure in government as a whole. It is clear that the link to performance management is of critical importance. Should governments and the private sector alike not start to learn from each other, instead of adopting the “we are better and different than you philosophy?” It is all one economy in each country with two major role players, of which government is a significant stakeholder. It is hoped that this article will assist senior government officials in establishing that closer link between performance and pay.
Movement without movement: ‘RAD kids’ as circulatory problems in United States adoption pipelines
Authors: Stryker Rachael
Published: May 2013

This article explores Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) diagnosis and early popular forms of the Evergreen model of attachment therapy popular in the 1990s. It argues that the Evergreen model operated as part of a biomedical knowledge regime designed to mediate and remediate flows of adoptable children in the United States. The article juxtaposes attachment therapists’ understandings of child circulation via adoption with adoptees’ experiences of their own circulation to illuminate the ways in which early attachment therapists pathologized children’s attempts to exert agency within the limited scope of their own circulation and during treatment. The article elaborates on the adult-centric notion of linear flows of circulation via adoption vs. some children’s ‘ambi-valent’ experience of their own circulation. Ethnographic attention to such paradoxes within child circulation is important for illuminating how knowledge regimes attempt to smooth child circulation routes when children present as ‘circulatory problems’; it also asks by what processes children’s assertion of agency is constructed as a problem more broadly in the United States.
How to determine the influence of geometric deviations on elastic deformations and the structural performance?
Authors: Schleich Benjamin , Wartzack Sandro
Published: May 2013

Geometric deviations are observable on every manufactured part since manufacturing processes are inherently imprecise and measuring processes always involve uncertainties. These geometric deviations have influences on the function and the quality of the product. Therefore, allowable limits for these geometric deviations, depicted as geometric tolerances, have to be set. They define the allowable geometric deviations of a part for which the product function is guaranteed. In this context, elastic deformations and the structural performance are key aspects. However, the manufacturing-caused geometric deviations have an influence on the elastic deformations during use and the structural performance of the parts. In other words, there are interdependencies between geometric deviations and elastic deformations which affect the dimensional accuracy of a loaded part in an assembly. Therefore, this article proposes an approach for determining the impact of geometric deviations on the structural performance. This approach employs techniques such as sensitivity analysis, analysis of robustness and evaluation of reliability, and aims at providing information about the expectable elastic deformations and structural performance to geometric tolerancing. It can be concluded that geometric deviations can have a big impact on the structural performance, and thus, not only parametric deviations but also geometric deviations regarding the form and shape of a part itself should be taken into account within the structural performance analysis and tolerance simulations.
Computed tomography in quality control: chances and challenges
Authors: Weckenmann Albert , Krämer Philipp
Published: May 2013

Since the first applications of computed tomography for medical diagnostics in the 1970s, the technology has been rapidly adopted for non-destructive testing of casted workpieces or complex assemblies. In 2005, the first coordinate measuring machine with computed tomography sensor has been presented for manufacturing metrology and quality control. Today, there exist numerous different manufacturers as the benefits for metrology are convincing. Computed tomography offers the possibility to acquire a measurement object holistically, that is, the whole volume of the object, not only the surface, with a very high point density of typically several millions of points. Current research and development activities are focused on several different aspects of computed tomography. First, the machine components are analysed and improved with respect to application in metrology. Larger detectors with better resolution or X-ray tubes with smaller focal spots may help in improving the machine’s accuracy. Second, algorithms for reconstruction and artefact reduction are developed, especially for metrological purpose. As technical measurement objects feature a greater variety of material properties than in medical diagnostics, different strategies have to be investigated. The most crucial point is that not only the image quality of the radiographies or the reconstructed data is important but also the measurement accuracy plays the decisive role. Finding the interrelation between image quality and measurement accuracy is an important research topic. Third, from a metrological point view, the determination of measurement accuracy and measurement uncertainty for computed tomography measurements is an important task. Methods for experimental and simulation-based uncertainty determination are developed at the time being.
Analytical model of bolted disk–drum joints and its application to dynamic analysis of jointed rotor
Authors: Qin ZY , Han QK , Chu FL
Published: May 2013

Bolted joints are widely used in aero-engines. One of the common applications is to connect the rotor disks and drums. An analytical model for the bending stiffness of the bolted disk–drum joints is developed. The joint stiffness calculated using the analytical model shows sound agreement with the calculation obtained based on finite element analyses. The joint stiffness model is then implemented into the dynamic model of a simple rotor connected through the bolted disk–drum joint. Finally, the whirling characteristics and steady-state response of the jointed rotor are investigated to evaluate the influence of the joint on the rotor dynamics, where the harmonic balance method is employed to calculate the steady-state response to unbalance force. The simulation results show that the joint influence on the whirling characteristics of the rotor system can be neglected; whereas, the presence of the bolted disk–drum joint may lead to a decrease in the rotor critical speeds due to the softening of the joint stiffness. The proposed analytical model for the bolted disk–drum joints can be adopted conveniently for different types of rotor systems connected by bolted disk–drum joints.
Numerical and experimental investigation of a compressor with active self-recirculation casing treatment for a wide operation range
Authors: Hu Liangjun , Sun Harold , Yi James , Curtis Eric , Zhang Jizhong , Yang Ce , Krivitziky Eric
Published: May 2013

A turbocharger compressor with a wide flow range and a high efficiency is important to the application of advanced clean combustion technologies, such as homogeneous charge compression ignition and low-temperature combustion, in diesel engines. Self-recirculation casing treatment is one of the techniques that can extend the compressor surge margin without much efficiency penalty. The underlying physics of the self-recirculation casing treatment technology were investigated with computational fluid dyamics modeling and bench testing in this study. It is identified that, if the bleed slot of the self-recirculation casing treatment is located upstream of the impeller passage’s throat area, self-recirculation casing treatment improves the surge margin but the throat still limits the maximum flow capacity of the compressor. On the other hand, if the bleed slot of the self-recirculation casing treatment is located at the impeller passage’s throat area, the self-recirculation casing treatment improves the maximum flow capacity but results in a significant compressor efficiency penalty in the low-flow range. An active self-recirculation casing treatment design was proposed. The active self-recirculation casing treatment design extends the compressor flow capacity and improves the surge margin without an efficiency penalty through dual bleed slots with one upstream and the other downstream of the leading edge of the splitter blades. In the choke condition, the upstream bleed slot will be closed; near the surge condition, the downstream bleed slot will be closed. In the middle flow range, both bleed slots are closed. Both the numerical data and the bench testing results show that the maximum flow rate could be extended by about 15% and the surge margin by about 20% without an efficiency penalty. The mechanism of the performance improvement is also numerically studied.
Influence of Feeding Practices and Associated Factors on the Nutritional Status of Infants in Rural Areas of Madhya Pradesh State, India
Authors: Meshram Indrapal Ishwarji , Kodavanti Mallikharjun Rao , Chitty Gal Reddy , Manchala Ravindranath , Kumar Sharad , Kakani Sreerama Krishna , Kodavalla Venkaiah , Avula Laxmaiah , Ginnela Narsimhachary Veera Brahmam
Published: May 2013

A community based cross-sectional study was undertaken in rural Madhya Pradesh (MP). The nutritional status of infants was assessed using WHO Child Growth Standards. Only 26% of infants received breast-feeding within 1 hour of birth. About 57% of children 6 to 11 months old received complementary feeding (CF). The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was 41%, 29%, and 33%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk of underweight and stunting was 1.4 times higher among children belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes compared with others, 1.4 to 1.6 times among children from households with the lowest wealth index, and 1.5 times among children of illiterate mothers. Hygienic practices, birth weight, home delivery, and CF practices were also significantly ( P < .01) associated with undernutrition in multivariate analysis. Undernutrition is an important health problem in MP, and urgent steps are required to formulate policies and strategies to improve infant and young child feeding practices, socioeconomic conditions, and literacy and encouraging institutional delivery and personal hygiene.
Determinants of Institutional Delivery Among Women in Bangladesh
Authors: Kamal S. M. Mostafa , Hassan Che Hashim , Alam Gazi Mahabubul
Published: May 2013

This study examines the factors that influence institutional delivery among women in Bangladesh extracting data from 2007 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. We employed both bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses in this study. Findings revealed that, only 14.7% of the women went for institutional delivery and 28.8% births were delivered by trained birth attendance. The multivariate logistic regression analysis yielded quantitatively important and reliable estimates of facility delivery. The likelihood of institutional delivery was significantly higher for first-order pregnancy, couples’ higher education, the richest, higher autonomy, TV ownership, non-Muslims, who received antenatal care services, pregnancy complications, and urban residents. Government should ensure quality of care, easy accessibility, and availability of all facilities free of cost in the public medical institutions. Women should be informed regarding the long-term benefit of institutional delivery through information, education, and communication program.
Regional Differences of Maternal Health Care Utilization in China
Authors: Tang Mengsha , Wang Debin , Hu Hong , Wang Guoping , Li Rongjie
Published: May 2013

Objective. To describe regional differences in maternal health care (MHC) utilization in China. Study Design. Cross-sectional comparisons of 4 MHC utilization indicators, namely, early (13 weeks within pregnancy) examinations rate (EER), prenatal examination (>4 times) rate (PER), hospital delivery rate (HDR), and postnatal visit (>1 time) rate (PVR), using index of dissimilarity (ID), linear correlation analysis, and geographical mapping. Results. Significant differences existed across regions in all the indicators ( P < .01). All the IDs for rural areas were higher than that for urban areas. The IDs for major regions ranged from 0.01 to 0.27. Linear correlation coefficients between MHC utilization indicators by regions varied from 0.007 to 0.889 (in absolute value, P < .05). Characteristic formats of geographical distribution were found with PER, EER, HDR, and PVR being in “high-plateau,” “low-plateau,” and “shifting” patterns, respectively. Conclusions. There exist substantial regional discrepancies in MHC utilization in China and future MHC-related policies should take account regional context.
The Association Between Hospital-Treated Injuries and ADHD Symptoms in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Hurtig Tuula , Ebeling Hanna , Jokelainen Jari , Koivumaa-Honkanen Heli , Taanila Anja
Published: May 2013

Objective: We examined the risk of hospital-treated injuries related to the symptoms/diagnosis of ADHD. Method: The study population ( N = 6,111) was composed from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. At the age of 8, symptoms of hyperactivity and at the age of 15, symptoms of ADHD were assessed by the parents while the clinical diagnoses of ADHD were set in adolescence. Information on injuries was obtained from national register. Results: The risk for hospital-treated injuries during ages 0 to 7 was 1.7-fold increased among those with symptoms of hyperactivity assessed at age 8. Also, injuries during ages 7 to 15 years were more common among those with symptoms of ADHD at age 15 with respect to any injury, fractures, and intracranial injuries, and among those with the diagnosis of ADHD with respect to any injury. Conclusion: The present study shows an association between hospital-treated injuries and symptoms of ADHD in a large epidemiological sample of 0- to 15-year-old children.