bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Returning to Work After the Onset of Illness
Authors: Koch Lynn , Egbert Nichole , Coeling Harriet , Ayers Denise
Published: December 2007

Experiences of right hemisphere stroke survivors in their attempts to return to work after the onset of stroke were explored through an interdisciplinary qualitative investigation. Key findings indicate that (a) participants experienced an array of functional limitations that precipitated employment changes; (b) employment changes had a substantial psychosocial impact on both the stroke survivor and the primary caregiver; and (c) successful integration into employment was associated with both internal resources (e.g., patience, determination, sense of humor) and external resources (e.g., emotional support and encouragement from caregivers, family, and friends; emotional and instrumental support from healthcare professionals; employer willingness to provide reasonable accommodations). The findings support the use of an ecological approach to facilitate successful return to work for this population.
Quality of Life and Psychosocial Adaptation to Chronic Illness and Disability
Authors: Bishop Malachy
Published: December 2007

This article describes and presents an initial analysis of a quality-of-life—based model of psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability. This model, termed disability centrality, represents a conceptual and theoretical synthesis of several existing theories and models, drawn from the quality-of-life, rehabilitation counseling, and rehabilitation psychology literature. The model was analyzed in a cross-sectional analysis using survey-based research among 72 college students with disabilities. The results supported the relationships hypothesized in the proposed model. The implications for clinical practice and further research concerning the psychosocial adaptation process are presented.
The Relationship Between Vocational Rehabilitation Client Outcomes and Rehabilitation Counselor Multicultural Counseling Competencies
Authors: Matrone Kathe F. , Leahy Michael J.
Published: December 2007

Multicultural issues in rehabilitation counseling continue to be a focus of practice and research because of the rapidly changing racial and ethnic profiles of persons with disabilities seeking services in the United States. This study investigated the relationship between vocational rehabilitation client outcomes and the rehabilitation counselor multicultural counseling competencies of 118 rehabilitation counselors working in a large midwestern vocational rehabilitation agency. The results of this study, which used hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), suggest that the characteristics the client brings to the counseling relationship are the primary variables in explaining differences in client outcomes. Counselor multicultural competencies were not found to be significant in explaining differences in client outcomes. The findings of this study are discussed in relation to previous studies and implications for future research.
Competitive Employment for People With Autism
Authors: Schaller James , Yang Nancy K.
Published: December 2007

Differences in rates of case closure, case service cost, hours worked per week, and weekly wage between customers with autism closed successfully in competitive employment and supported employment were found using the Rehabilitation Service Administration national database of 2001. Using logistic regression, customer demographic variables related to successful competitive employment included age, years of education, and presence of a secondary disability. Case service variables related to successful competitive employment included job finding, job placement, and maintenance. Of customer demographic variables related to successful supported employment, White customers were more likely to be closed successfully. Job placement was the case service variable related to successful supported employment. Implications for rehabilitation professionals and for future research on vocational rehabilitation outcomes with customers with autism are provided.
Relationship of Personality and Locus of Control With Employment Outcomes Among Participants With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Krause James S. , Broderick Lynne
Published: December 2007

We investigated relationships among personality, locus of control, and current post-injury employment status for 1,391 participants with spinal cord injury. Participants with higher internality locus-of-control scores and activity scores (personality) reported more favorable employment outcomes. Higher scores on chance and powerful others (locus of control), neuroticism, and aggression/hostility (personality) were associated with diminished employment outcomes.
Construction and Field Testing of the Job Seeking Self-Efficacy Scale
Authors: Strauser David R. , Berven Norman L.
Published: December 2007

The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument, the Job Seeking Self-Efficacy Scale, to measure perceived self-efficacy in job-seeking activities . The construction of the instrument, which incorporated tasks that have been determined to be important in job seeking for individuals with disabilities, was based on Bandura's theory of self-efficacy. Items and subscales were empirically identified, and the reliability and validity of the subscales were examined. Recommendations for future research and applications to rehabilitation counseling practice and program evaluation are discussed.
Analysis and Interpretation of Findings Using Multiple Regression Techniques
Authors: Hoyt William T. , Leierer Stephen , Millington Michael J.
Published: December 2007

Multiple regression and correlation (MRC) methods form a flexible family of statistical techniques that can address a wide variety of different types of research questions of interest to rehabilitation professionals. In this article, we review basic concepts and terms, with an emphasis on interpretation of findings relevant to research questions of interest to rehabilitation researchers. To assist readers in using MRC effectively, we review common analytical models (e.g., mediator and moderator tests) and recent thinking on topics such as interpretation of effect sizes and power analysis.
The Delphi Method in Rehabilitation Counseling Research
Authors: Vázquez-Ramos Robinson , Leahy Michael , Estrada Hernández Noel
Published: December 2007

Rehabilitation researchers have found in the application of the Delphi method a more sophisticated way of obtaining consensus from experts in the field on certain matters. The application of this research methodology has affected and certainly advanced the body of knowledge of the rehabilitation counseling practice. However, the rehabilitation literature has not yet described conceptually the Delphi methodology. The purpose of this article is to present a description of the Delphi method and to discuss some advantages and disadvantages of using this research technique. In addition, the authors present the results of four studies, identified in the rehabilitation literature, that used the Delphi method.
A Survey of Current Disability Management Practice
Authors: Rosenthal David A. , Hursh Norman , Lui John , Isom Rodney , Sasson Joy
Published: December 2007

This article summarizes the results of a recent role and function study completed in 2004 to determine the prevailing domains of disability management practice. The study also sought to establish an empirical basis for a certification exam for disability management specialists consistent with evolving standards of practice. Based on the expert panel's input, we developed a survey instrument and distributed it to a stratified, random sample of 1,500 disability management specialists. The results supported the subject matter experts' process of analysis and identification of three knowledge domains: (a) disability case management, (b) disability prevention and workplace intervention, and (c) program development, management, and evaluation. Survey results are provided, as well as implications for disability management practice.
Urban Youth With Disabilities
Authors: Fabian Ellen S.
Published: December 2007

Although postsecondary employment outcomes for transition-age youth with disabilities have improved over the past decade, minority youth with disabilities continue to lag behind their peers in achieving a job. This study of predominantly minority youth participating in the Marriott Foundation's Bridges From School to Work Program from 2000 to 2005 analyzed data for 4,571 urban youth to determine what factors are associated with securing employment, and the nature of the jobs that are secured. Findings indicated that 68% of the youth in the program secured a job, a rate considerably higher than the national average. Results of the study also indicate that gender, previous vocational experience, and receipt of Social Security benefits were among the significant factors predicting employment.
Workplace Discrimination Outcomes and Their Predictive Factors for Adults With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Roessler Richard T. , Neath Jeanne , McMahon Brian T. , Rumrill Phillip D.
Published: December 2007

Because employment is a significant predictor of the quality of life of people with disabilities (Rumrill, Roessler, & Fitzgerald, 2004; Viermo & Krause, 1998), discrimination in the workplace that interferes with successful job acquisition or retention is a serious matter. Unfortunately, this type of discrimination is all too prevalent. In a survey conducted by the National Organization on Disability (National Organization on Disability, 2004), one in five employed individuals with disabilities reported that they experienced discrimination in their efforts to work. This finding of one in five workers with disabilities translates into substantial numbers of Americans who do not have fair access to employment opportunities. For example, estimates based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau (Head & Baker, 2005) indicate that approximately 50 million Americans of workforce age have disabilities.
The Multidimensional Attitudes Scale Toward Persons With Disabilities (MAS)
Authors: Findler Liora , Vilchinsky Noa , Werner Shirli
Published: December 2007

This study presents the development of a new instrument, the Multidimensional Attitudes Scale Toward Persons With Disabilities (MAS). Based on the multidimensional approach, it posits that attitudes are composed of three dimensions: affect, cognition, and behavior. The scale was distributed to a sample of 132 people along with a self-esteem measure and a frequently employed attitude scale, the Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons Scale (ATDP). The construct and concurrent validity of the questionnaire was demonstrated by reliability and factor analyses, as well as by comparison with the ATDP scale. Principal component factor analysis revealed three correlated but distinct factors. Results show that women hold more positive behavioral attitudes than men. Interestingly, men with high self-esteem were found to hold more positive cognitions than men with low self-esteem. Results indicate the importance of a multidimensional approach both for the construction of sound instruments and for professional interventions aimed at modifying attitudes toward persons with disabilities.
Modern Psychometric Methodology
Authors: Reid Christine A. , Kolakowsky-Hayner Stephanie A. , Lewis Allen N. , Armstrong Amy J.
Published: December 2007

Item response theory (IRT) methodology is introduced as a tool for improving assessment instruments used with people who have disabilities. Need for this approach in rehabilitation is emphasized; differences between IRT and classical test theory are clarified. Concepts essential to understanding IRT are defined, necessary data assumptions are identified, and specific data analysis techniques, using software such as TESTFACT and BILOG, are described. An example of IRT analysis applied to a subtest of the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) administered to people who have diverse disabilities is provided. Future potential uses of this approach in rehabilitation are outlined.
Developing Relationships With Employers Means Considering the Competitive Business Environment and the Risks It Produces
Authors: Stensrud Robert
Published: December 2007

This study describes a series of focus groups conducted with employers. A series of 10 focus groups was conducted in 10 different communities in a midwestern state, with small, medium, and large communities represented. A total of 67 participants, representing human resources offices and direct supervisors, responded to questions regarding problems they faced in recruiting, selecting, training, accommodating, and promoting workers. Follow-up questions asked how the diversity and disability of job seekers affected these problems. Responses yielded several themes regarding their view of these problems, offering a frame from within which rehabilitation providers can better understand the issues facing employers. Fundamental to employers' concerns were the risks they took and the nature of the labor market that contributed to those risks.
Ethical Complaints and Violations in Rehabilitation Counseling
Authors: Saunders Jodi L. , Barros-Bailey Mary , Rudman Rebecca , Dew Donald W. , Garcia Jorge
Published: December 2007

This is a descriptive study of Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification data related to ethical complaints and violations from 1993 to 2006. The authors reviewed complaints filed against certified rehabilitation counselors involving rules from the pre-2001 Code of Ethics and standards in the current code and analyzed the ensuing actions or sanctions. Of the 113 complaints received during this period, 71 were accepted by the commission's Ethics Committee for further review. Of these, violations were found in 36 cases—that is, only 31.9% of cases in which complaints were filed ultimately resulted in actions or sanctions being imposed. Beyond researching the complaints and violations, this study also considers the demographics of the counselors against whom complaints were filed and of the counselors who were found to be in violation of the code.
Rehabilitation Agency Leadership Style
Authors: Packard Susan H. , Kauppi Dwight R.
Published: December 2007

One hundred five rehabilitation employees were surveyed on the effect of leadership style on subordinates' perceptions of their work environment and on their job satisfaction. Findings suggest that leadership style affects service delivery.
Readiness for Change Among People with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness in a Rehabilitation Program
Authors: Hilburger John , Lam Chow S.
Published: December 2007

The Change Assessment Questionnaire for People with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (CAQ-SPMI), based on Prochaska's (1992) Stages of Change model, was field tested in order to establish its utility in psychiatric rehabilitation. The CAQ-SPMI was given to a sample of 223 participants from a multifaceted psychiatric rehabilitation program with branches throughout northeastern Illinois. Results support the CAQ-SPMI as a valid measure of readiness for change among people with severe and persistent mental illness in rehabilitation programs. The CAQ-SPMI's component structure is reviewed, and possible clinical, program, and future research implications are discussed.
Expanding Access
Authors: Whitney-Thomas Jean , Timmons Jaimie Ciulla , Gilmore Dana Scott , Thomas Dawna M.
Published: December 2007

This study investigated implementation of the 1992 Rehabilitation Act Amendments and examined perceived changes in practices that expanded access to state vocational rehabilitation (VR) services as of 1996. Through the use of a national survey, data were collected from 251 VR administrators and 254 counselors. A secondary analysis of the Rehabilitation Service Administration's database (RSA-911 from fiscal years 1988,1993, and 1995) was also conducted to examine changes on key data elements. Findings related to the mandate to expand access included the reduction in eligibility timeline, use of existing information, presumption of benefit, and efforts to serve those previously underserved. Perceived changes in daily VR practices since the implementation of the law in 1992 are discussed.
Ethical Dilemmas Related to Counseling Clients Living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Garcia Jorge G. , Froehlich Robert J. , Cartwright Brenda , Letiecq David , Forrester Linda E. , Mueller Ralph O.
Published: December 2007

This study tested an eight-factor model of client actions/decisions in terms of the extent to which professionals counseling persons with HIV/AIDS believed that those actions/decisions presented ethical dilemmas, and the frequency with which they encountered such actions. A confirmatory factor analysis lent initial support for the hypothetical eight-factor ethical-dilemma model for the ratings regarding the extent to which the participants believed those items constituted ethical dilemmas. Similar results were obtained for the frequency ratings, but in this case a second, competing model was equally plausible. Several significant predictors of participant ratings were found and are discussed.
Guardians to Counter Adolescent Drug Use? Limitations of a Routine Activities Approach
Authors: Bratt Christopher
Published: December 2007

Based on suggestions made by routine activities theory and data from two surveys, the present study discusses the use of adult guardians as a means to counter drug use among adolescents who seek out unsupervised routine activities with peers. Two surveys with 13- to 15-year-olds were conducted 4 years apart in a Norwegian town ( Ns = 1,455 and 1,552). Prior to the second survey, adult guardians (social workers and voluntary guardians) were introduced at places where teenagers tended to gather. The town experienced a remarkable reduction in adolescents' use of alcohol and illegal drugs, in contrast to the general development in Norway. Routine activities theory would suggest that the introduction of guardians contributed to this development. Data did not support this suggestion. However, data indicated that guardians might result in a marginalization of users of illegal drugs. This article uses the example of drug use to point at limitations in a situational approach to counter youth delinquency.
The Military as a Distinct Ethnic or Quasi-Ethnic Identity in Developing Countries
Authors: Zirker Daniel , Danopoulos Constantine P. , Simpson Alan
Published: December 2007

Culture, identity, and ethnicity are central to understanding political behavior and the complex questions of military behavior in developing countries. Drawing on distinctive military periods in Fiji, Pakistan, and Uganda, each of which exemplifies, respectively, the main elements of the three schools of thought regarding ethnicity—primordialist, instrumentalist, and constructivist—this study argues that the fundamental behavior patterns associated with ethnicity relate directly to the problems and promises of military establishments in developing countries. By recognizing and understanding the dynamics of the culture of identity, military establishments in new political systems may better understand their own ethnic or “quasi-ethnic” politics. As developing military establishments build a quasi-ethnic identity, this will reinforce the growth of nationalism, which, in an age of ethnicity, would seem to posit a direct threat to democracy.
Centralized Minimalism
Authors: Huang Philip C. C.
Published: December 2007

Existing theories of governance generally focus on formal institutions, conceptualized in an either—or binary of state versus society. Recent archival research, however, has demonstrated that local Chinese administrative practice drew widely on semiformal governance through the use of quasi officials nominated by communities. They were not salaried and generated little or no paperwork. Once confirmed by the magistrate, they were largely left to function on their own; the county yamen intervened only after complaints or in disputes. That mode of administrative practice was born of adaptations, by a highly centralized government that aimed to be as minimalist as possible, to the demands for expanded governance that came with a growing population. Substantial aspects of that legacy from imperial China have persisted through the Republic, the Mao Zedong period, and the present reform era. They may be considered particularly persistent characteristics of the Chinese political “tradition,” “premodern” and “modern,” and they may yet play a role in shaping a distinctive Chinese political modernity.
Rule as Repertory and the Compound Essence of Authority
Authors: Shue Vivienne
Published: December 2007

These brief comments reflect on several of the interrelated themes that are raised in the various articles featured in this issue, including (1) their acknowledgement of the synthetic, always-plural techniques of rule that, both historically and today, are available for deployment within the Chinese political system at any one time; (2) that powerfully informing and often-recurring ideal of governance in China that privileges a seamless blending and mixing of state with society and of formal institutions with informal practices; and (3) that consequently still-frustrating difficulty, so often experienced by serious contemporary scholars and writers in the China field who understand they must seek to, but may never quite manage fully to, transcend such quintessentially “modern” and now, therefore, equally profoundly informing conceptual binaries as state versus society, formal versus informal, thought versus practice, and representative democracy versus authoritarianism.
A Theory of Transitions
Authors: Szelenyi Ivan
Published: December 2007

This note offers three complementary comments on Sun Liping's essay, which appears in this issue. (1) The transition process China followed was indeed a unique path, but it is equally useful to distinguish among the divergent trajectories Eastern and Central European countries entered after the fall of communism. There are therefore three, rather than just two, trajectories leading out of socialism. (2) Nevertheless, there is evidence of some convergence among these trajectories during the past ten or so years. (3) Sun Liping concludes his article with a call for a sociology of practice. He recommends a focus on strategies of common people rather than elites. This is especially useful for the study of early stages of transitions, but with privatization of the publicly owned corporate sector, inter-elite struggle plays an increasing role in all former socialist societies.
Graduated Controls
Authors: Kang Xiaoguang  , Han Heng
Published: December 2007

On the basis of a large number of empirical observations, this article explores the state-society relationship in contemporary China. Through an examination of the actual state controls over a great many organizations, this article proposes the concept of a “system of graduated controls.” In this system, the state, in its own interests, exerts various control strategies over different types of social organizations according to the capacities of the social organizations to challenge the state and the value of the public goods they provide. After comparing this system with other types of state-society relationships, this article concludes that the system of graduated controls is an ideal type that best characterizes the state-society relationship of contemporary China.
History and Globalization in China's Long Twentieth Century
Authors: Duara Prasenjit
Published: December 2007

This commentary reflects on the contributions of the five principal essayists in this volume of Modern China. It seeks to grasp the role and weight of historical and distinctively Chinese factors in relation to global forces operating in China since the early twentieth century in these macroscopic essays. Building on their contributions, I develop a “globalization paradigm” in which the embeddedness of nations in global discourses and practices are often misrecognized as national and domestic. But while many national practices represent globally familiar reactions to recognized global tendencies, several of these essays help us to identify often unarticulated historical tendencies and emergent practices, including those from the Chinese socialist experience. They suggest ways in which Chinese and global practices become intertwined, as for instance adaptations of the Qing imperial idea to the current day. These practices not only make China different from other nations, but also have the potential to make a difference in the world.
Parents' science talk to their children in Mexican-descent families residing in the USA
Authors: Tenenbaum Harriet R. , Callanan Maureen A.
Published: December 2007

Everyday parent—child conversations may support children's scientific understanding. The types and frequency of parent—child science talk may vary with the cultural and schooling background of the participants, and yet most research in the USA focuses on highly schooled European-American families. This study investigated 40 Mexican-descent parents' science talk with their children (mean age = 5 years 7 months, range = 2 years 10 months to 8 years 6 months). Parents were divided between a higher schooling group who had completed secondary school, and a basic schooling group who had fewer than 12 years of formal schooling. Parents and children were videotaped engaging with science exhibits at a children's museum and at home. Conversations were coded in terms of parents' explanatory talk. In both contexts, Mexican-descent parents engaged children in explanatory science talk. At the museum, parents in the higher schooling group used more causal explanations, scientific principles explanations, and encouraging predictions types of explanations than did parents in the basic schooling group. By contrast, the only difference at home was that parents in the higher schooling group used more encouraging predictions talk than parents in the basic schooling group. Parents who had been to museums used more explanations than parents who had never visited a museum. The results suggest that while explanatory speech differed somewhat in two groups of Mexican-descent parents varying in formal schooling, all of these children from Mexican-descent families experienced some conversations that were relevant for their developing science literacy.
In search of a motivating multicultural music experience: lessons learned from the Sounds of Silk project
Authors: Chen-Hafteck Lily
Published: December 2007

The aim of the Sounds of Silk project was to develop an interdisciplinary educational program that combines the study of Chinese music and culture with the goal of motivating students' learning. It involved three schools, six teachers and 250 fifth- and sixth-grade students in New York City. Participants explored three topics in Chinese music and culture through live demonstrations by Chinese musicians, classroom lessons and student creative projects over a 10-week period. The daily life, philosophies and festivals of people in China were studied in relation to Chinese music. Results revealed that multicultural music can motivate learning when it (a) provides novelty and interest in class, (b) is relevant and meaningful, and (c) is based on a student-centered curriculum with practical creative activities. An interdisciplinary approach to multicultural music education and a broad perspective on music education with a focus on the enrichment of students' life experiences are recommended.
From Empire to filmi: a fusion of western and Indian cultural practices in Australian music education
Authors: Southcott Jane , Joseph Dawn
Published: December 2007

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Indian culture was represented in Australia as part of celebrations of the British Empire. Children were presented with stereotypic representations of Indian culture, which provide a snapshot of contemporary perceptions. Such representations were rarely authentic. By removing music from one culture and presenting it in the symbolic gestures of another we strip away much of its meaning. Encouragingly, contemporary popular culture can incorporate a fusion of western and Indian cultural practices, such as filmi (Hindi: `film song' or `Indian film music'). This article describes early imperialist understandings of Indian culture in Australian school music to contextualize recent attempts to engage with more authentic intercultural understandings. To assist teachers in the presentation of `other' musics, guidelines for the inclusion of authentic materials are offered. By selecting music that is already a fusion of cultures and musical styles, it becomes easier for western music educators to engage with the other.
Evolution and resolution: Birthmothers' experience of grief and loss at different levels of adoption openness
Authors: Henney Susan M. , Ayers-Lopez Susan , McRoy Ruth G. , Grotevant Harold D.
Published: December 2007

This article explores birthmothers' experiences of grief and loss over time across the continuum of openness in adoption. Data were collected by structured interview at two points in time: 4—12 years postplacement (169 birthmothers) and 12—20 years postplacement (127 birthmothers). At Wave 1 a majority of the birthmothers were experiencing moderate to high degrees of grief. However, by Wave 2 a similar majority reported feeling some or no feelings of grief. Birthmothers in fully disclosed adoptions tended to have lower levels of grief than those in confidential adoptions at Wave 2. Overall, the results suggest that the “right amount” of openness for a birthmother may change over the life course. Implications for practice are discussed.
Homogamy over the net: Using internet advertisements to discover who interracially dates
Authors: Yancey George
Published: December 2007

There is relatively scant research on who interracially dates. The propensity to interracially date may be linked to symbolic racism. It is possible that political conservatives and the highly religious have symbolically racist notions inhibiting their willingness to interracially date. The primary purpose of this research is to discover who is willing to interracially date with an emphasis upon possible religious and political factors. A national sample of internet personal advertisements indicate that political conservatism is inversely related to willingness to date regardless of race or to date Blacks while religiosity, after proper controls, is inversely related to willingness to interracially date at all. There is evidence that political ideology and religiosity both effect interracial dating but in different ways.
How late-adolescent friends share stories about relationships: The importance of mitigating the seriousness of romantic problems
Authors: Korobov Neill , Thorne Avril
Published: December 2007

This narrative study explored how late adolescents (N = 64 dyads) jointly told stories about romantic relationships during casual conversations with same-sex friends. Stories about romantic problems were four times more prevalent than stories about romantic nonproblems, and relationship instability was the most frequent type of romantic problem. Furthermore, discussions of romantic problems (versus nonproblems) were particularly likely to be softened or mitigated by projecting a detached, relaxed, or unknowing stance. Case studies of such conversational mitigation vividly illustrate how these primarily White, heterosexual, late adolescents conavigated the vagaries of developing serious and intimate bonds without appearing too invested or troubled by their romantic problems. The findings have implications for understanding the co-construction of social and personal identities.
The Application of Peach Palm Fibers as an Alternative to Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites
Authors: Santos Adriane S. , Farina Marina Z. , Pezzin Paula T. , Silva Denise A.K.
Published: December 2007

The present work shows the behavior of non-treated and chemical pre-treated peach palm fibers, as reinforcement polymer composites. Chemical treatments with H2O2, NaOH, and C3H3N and their effects on adhesion performance of the fiber with unsaturated polyester resin are carried out. SEM is used to determine a time exposition of the fibers to chemical reagent and thermal characterization of these fibers after set time is performed. A hand lay-up method is applied to develop the composites and they are tested for tensile strength and Izod impact strength. The TGA of the fibers pre-treated with H2O2 20 V for 144 h show better thermal stability when compared with non-treated fiber. Other treatments do not improve their thermal properties.
Finite Element Simulation of Cure of Thick Composite: Formulations and Validation Verification
Authors: Xiangqiao Yan
Published: December 2007

This article is concerned with the two-dimensional cure simulation of thick thermosetting composites. The heat conduction equation for two-dimensional, transient anisotropic heat transfer is coupled to the cure kinetics of the thermosetting composite materials. A heat generation term, expressed as a function of cure rate and the total heat of reaction, is introduced to account for the heat liberated during the curing process. By using a weighted residual method, this investigation presents two-dimensional finite element formulation for the two-dimensional cure simulation of thick thermosetting composites and develops the corresponding finite element code. A few numerical examples, including comparison of the present numerical results with one-dimensional and two-dimensional analytical solutions, are given to indicate that the heat transfer anisotropy has an important effect on temperature field and to prove the accuracy and effectiveness of the finite element formulation. Moreover, the temperature history during the cure process of the thick glass/polyester plate is predicted and compared with experimental results. It is found that the present numerical results are in very good agreement with experimental ones.
Thermal Stability and Properties of Flame Retarded Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyamide 66 Composite
Authors: Liping Li  , Bin Li  , Feitang
Published: December 2007

A new flame retardant (FR) was synthesized by using melamine, phosphoric acid and zinc oxide as raw materials. The obtained zinc-ion modified melamine polyphosphate (Zn-MPP) was used as an intumescent flame retardant in glass fiber reinforced polyamide 66 (PA66/GF). The effect of Zn-MPP on flame retardancy, thermal degradation and mechanical properties of intumescent flame retardant reinforced polyamide 66 system (PA66/GF/Zn-MPP) has been investigated. The results demonstrated that Zn-MPP is very effective in flame retardancy of PA66/GF. The limited oxygen index (LOI) value of PA66/GF/Zn-MPP reaches 39.2% when the Zn-MPP loading is 25 wt% in PA66/GF. It was also found that when the Zn-MPP loading is only 22wt% in PA66/GF, the flame retardancy of PA66/GF/FR can still pass V-0 rating, and its LOI value also reaches 37.8%. TGA data obtained in pure nitrogen demonstrated that Zn-MPP has a good ability of char formation itself, and Zn-MPP shows a high initial temperature of the thermal degradation. It was found that Zn-MPP is comparatively stable in the range of processing temperatures of PA66 and is suitable for flame retarding glass fiber reinforced PA66. The PA66/GF/Zn-MPP (22%) has good properties with flame retardancy UL 94V-0 rating (1.6mm), tensile strength 129.4MPa, flexural strength 185.0 MPa, and notched impact strength 7.0 kJ m-2.
DFX Analysis Applied to Composite Products
Authors: Babu B.J.C. , Durai Prabhakaran R.T. , Agrawal V.P.
Published: December 2007

The concept of concurrent engineering (CE) has changed the traditional process of design to an integrated process, comprising all aspects of design, manufacturing, costing, process control etc. In composite product development, CE is adopted to enhance quality, to reduce time of production, and to reduce cost. There have been several models that consider design for minimal weight, design for cost, design for quality, design for manufacture, design for reliability, design for metal inserts, design for environment etc., separately for composite product development. In the present paper, we apply the graph theoretic approach to DFX analysis methodology for design of composite products. The DFX methodology is new to composite design, and is applied to study the various DFX components, like design for cost (DFC), design for manufacture (DFM), and design for minimal weight (DFMW), simultaneously. In this study, an example for development of fiber reinforced polymer composite (FRP) drive shafts is taken up. Several material combinations like E-glass/epoxy, E-glass/polyester, and HM-carbon/epoxy composite materials are compared in light of their performance with conventional steel material. The concurrent graph theoretic approach with a permanent function is used to account for the interdependencies existing among the design parameters in studying DFMW, DFM, and DFC.
The Influence of Perceptions of Task Similarity/Difference on Learning Transfer in Second Language Writing
Authors: James Mark Andrew
Published: December 2007

This study investigates the influence of students' perceptions of task similarity/ difference on the transfer of writing skills. A total of 42 students from a freshman ESL writing course completed an out-of-class writing task. For half of the students, the subject matter of the writing task was designed to be similar to the writing course; for the other half, it was designed to be different. All students were also interviewed about the writing task. Reports of learning transfer were identified in the interview transcripts, and students' performances on the task and on a recent assignment from the course were assessed. Results indicate that the intended task similarity/difference (i.e., in subject matter) did not have the expected impact on learning transfer; however, students' perceptions of task similarity/difference did influence learning transfer. Implications of these findings for theory, practice, and future research are discussed.
Role of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on the Pathogenesis of Sleep-Related Frontal Lobe Epilepsy in a Child With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Miano Silvia , Pelliccia Andrea , Evangelisti Melania , Pagani Jacopo , Villa Maria Pia
Published: December 2007

We describe an obese child with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in whom nocturnal frontal lobe seizures developed within a week after therapy was started with continuous positive airway pressure. The video polysomnographic study after the onset of nocturnal episodes showed 3 seizures: 2 starting from slow-wave sleep when he was sleeping with continuous positive airway pressure, and 1 from stage 2 non—rapid eye movement sleep when he was sleeping without continuous positive airway pressure. Cyclic alternating pattern analysis during the video polysomnography recorded after the onset of nocturnal seizures disclosed a high cyclic alternating pattern rate during slow-wave sleep, and the recording obtained after antiepileptic therapy began showed a low cyclic pattern analysis rate. In this child, we describe the non—rapid eye movement sleep instability induced by continuous positive airway pressure therapy might have had a role in triggering the nocturnal seizures.
Clinical and Genetic Study in Chinese Patients With Alexander Disease
Authors: Ye Wu  , Qiang Gu  , Jingmin Wang  , Yanling Yang  , Xiru Wu  , Yuwu Jiang
Published: December 2007

Alexander disease is a rare progressive leukoencephalopathy inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. The infantile form is the most common, with onset before 2 years of age. The typical clinical signs include psychomotor retardation and regression, seizures, and megalencephaly. Juvenile and adult forms are also recognized. The neuropathology of Alexander disease is characterized by abundant presence of Rosenthal fibers in astrocytes in the brain. GFAP has been identified to be the only gene associated with Alexander disease since 2001. Only 1 patient with Alexander disease confirmed by genetic testing has been reported in mainland China. To get further information of the clinical and genetic characteristics of Chinese patients, we analyzed an additional 3 cases with the infantile or juvenile form. A novel mutation, Y83H, and a previously reported mutation, R88C, were identified in these patients. Both mutations were heterozygous and de novo. The results of this research expand the number of patients with Alexander disease found to have GFAP coding mutations in mainland China. A novel missense mutation, Y83H, is identified.
A Picture Worth Remembering: Posttraumatic Purtscher's Retinopathy in a Child
Authors: Joshi Charuta , Shuckett Paul , Stockl Frank
Published: December 2007

Purtscher's retinopathy is frequently described and reviewed in the ophthalmology literature but is rarely described in the neurology literature, although neurologists are routinely involved in the care of head and chest trauma patients with abnormal neurologic and funduscopic findings. The case of a 6-year-old girl with Purtscher's retinopathy is described, and the relevant literature is reviewed.
Holoprosencephaly and Diabetes Insipidus in a 3-Month-Old Infant
Authors: Kourti Maria , Pavlou Evaggelos , Rousso Israel , Economou Ippolyti , Athanassiadou Fani
Published: December 2007

Holoprosencephaly is a developmental defect caused by incomplete cleavage of the embryonic forebrain structures during early embryogenesis. We describe a 3-month-old boy with median cleft palate, surgically reconstructed cleft lip, hypotelorism with a flat nose, cryptorchidism, clubfoot, and microcephaly. During the laboratory investigation, his blood sodium level was 154 mmol/L and urine specific gravity was 1.007. Serum osmolarity was 317 mOsm/kg and urine osmolarity was 268 mOsm/kg. Given these findings and the clinical response to vasopressin, diagnosis of central diabetes insipidus was made. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed semilobar holoprosencephaly. The patient responded very well to vasopressin treatment with restoration of serum electrolytes, which remained within normal limits on follow-up. In case of midline facial defects accompanied by hypotelorism with or without developmental delay, the brain should be imaged to confirm its morphology and investigations should be directed by a high index of suspicion of associated endocrinologic dysfunctions.
Effects of Postnatal Dexamethasone Exposure on the Developmental Outcome of Premature Infants
Authors: Needelman Howard , Evans Martha , Roberts Holly , Sweney Matthew , Bodensteiner J.B.
Published: December 2007

Extremely low birth weight premature infants are at risk for poor neurodevelopmental outcome. Postnatal dexamethasone has often been used in premature infants to prevent or treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and this drug is thought by some to affect neurodevelopmental outcome. We retrospectively examined the effect of this steroid on early neurodevelopment. Dexamethasone exposure was associated with an adverse outcome and was a stronger predictor of outcome than other accepted risk factors. If used, dexamethasone should be used in these high-risk infants for as short a period as possible.
Neurologic Complications of Liver Transplantation in Pediatric Patients With the Hepatic Form of Wilson's Disease
Authors: Erol Ilknur , Alehan Füsun , Ozcay Figen , Canan Oguz , Haberal Mehmet
Published: December 2007

The literature contains very little documentation on neurologic complications in liver transplant recipients for Wilson's disease. We retrospectively reviewed 17 consecutive cases of pediatric liver transplantation for the hepatic form of Wilson's disease to assess the types of neurologic complications that occurred, the incidence of those problems, and associated factors in this patient group. The patients were 12 boys and 5 girls; indications for liver transplantation were fulminant hepatic failure in 3 patients and chronic hepatic failure in 14 patients. Neurologic complications were observed in 10 of the 17 patients as 16 episodes. The most common neurologic complications were seizure (7 episodes in 6 patients) and sudden-onset headache (5 episodes in 4 patients). Tacrolimus was identified as the only possible cause of headache in 3 episodes. Encephalitis was the cause in 1 and intracranial hemorrhage was the cause in the other headache episode. We also noted 1 episode of tremor, 1 episode of acute dystonic reaction, 1 episode of diffuse encephalopathy, and 1 episode of common peroneal nerve palsy. Immunosuppressive agents were the primary cause of 12 of the 16 episodes of neurologic complications. Uremia with hypertension, compression of the right common peroneal nerve, encephalitis, and intracranial hemorrhages attributable to coagulopathy caused 1 neurologic episode each. Neurologic complications in patients with the hepatic form of Wilson's disease were frequent during the first 30 days after pediatric liver transplantation but did not affect survival. Transplantation teams should be aware of the high incidence of neurologic complications in pediatric patients with the hepatic form of Wilson's disease.
Childhood Absence Epilepsy With Clinically Apparent Genetic and Acquired Burdens: A Diagnostic Consideration
Authors: Wakamoto Hiroyuki
Published: December 2007

Both genetic and acquired factors play important roles in the development of childhood absence epilepsy. This article describes a girl with mental retardation, probably due to a perinatal complication, who had typical absence seizures with characteristic electroencephalographic findings of childhood absence epilepsy, including normal background activity. This patient was subsequently found to have a strong genetic predisposition, which was suggested by the fact that childhood absence epilepsy also developed in her younger brother. Except for the mental subnormality, the electroclinical features of this patient satisfied the diagnostic criteria for childhood absence epilepsy. This case raises the question about diagnostic consideration of childhood absence epilepsy in association with cerebral pathology for genetically predisposed individuals.
Serving Workers in the Human Services: The Roles of Organizational Ownership, Chain Affiliation, and Professional Leadership in Frontline Job Benefits
Authors: Haley-Lock Anna , Kruzich Jean
Published: December 2007

A growing body of research has sought to understand forces shaping firms' approaches to employee compensation and the impacts of job benefits on both organizational performance and worker well-being. One such line of work has documented advantages from employers adopting generous compensation practices, as evidenced by more successful worker recruitment and retention. Little of this work, however, has attended to benefits provided within nonprofit and public human service settings or to low-level workers. Drawing on a sample of Wisconsin nursing homes, this study addresses this gap by examining the roles of ownership, chain affiliation, and professional leadership in compensation provided to nursing assistants. Results indicate that public and nonprofit ownership and chain membership are positively related to benefit levels. Workers fare unexpectedly less well with professional directors in for-profit and public settings but better within professionally led nonprofits.