bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identity, Nations and the Requirements of Global Justice: Limits of the Debate in Democratic Politics
Authors: Chaudhuri Basudeb
Published: June 2015

How do we, as individuals, communities and nations, arbitrate between the requirements of justice or our sense of justice, at the local or national level, as compared to our idea of justice in the world at large? Is the demand for global justice a demand for greater equality among nations, for systems of just global governance to manage an increasingly interconnected world of increasing complexity, or just another utopian ideal?

This article seeks to bring together two separate debates in contemporary social sciences and social philosophy to discuss these questions. The first part of this article examines questions of identity, individual and collective, and the expressions and practice of nationalism that forms the basis of international exchanges based on the debates between communitarian and universalist social philosophers. The second part of the article analyzes how the idea of global justice, and in particular, international distributive justice, is limited or constrained by the questions of identity and nationalism under the democratic and institutional compulsions of nation states, even when they accept the necessity of institutions of global governance. The later work of Rawls and their extensions are a common thread in these two debates.

JEL: F6, F52, F54, D63
The Dynamics of Intergenerational Family Abuse: A Focus on Child Maltreatment and Violence and Abuse in Intimate Relationships
Authors: Abramovaite Juste , Bandyopadhyay Siddhartha , Dixon Louise
Published: June 2015

The intergenerational cycle of violence hypothesis (often summarily described as ‘violence begets violence’) refers to assumptions or hypotheses about the consequences of child abuse and neglect in relation to a number of different outcomes, including its perpetuation across generations. This article reviews some of the channels by which this cycle of abuse can be perpetuated and suggests that this may occur without any genetic link. A mechanism for such transmission is suggested. It also critically analyzes the empirical literature and the implications of incorrectly identifying an intergenerational transmission mechanism. While the majority of the empirical papers find evidence of the intergenerational cycle, a large number of them do not control for endogeneity or have other methodological flaws. It discusses evidence on effectiveness of policies and concludes by pointing out the need for careful design to correctly capture the underlying relationship between experiencing childhood abuse and neglect and perpetrating child abuse in adulthood.

JEL: Z13, I18
Sexual Violence: A Model of Occupational Choice and Gender Wage Gap
Authors: Gangopadhyay Kausik
Published: June 2015

Surge in sexual violence in India is a public concern in the recent times. I present the stylized facts regarding rapes in India over time and contrast them to the global data. Incidence of rape is positively associated with per capita income of a country and to female participation in the labour force. The documented empirical facts may not be representative of the reality because of many unreported incidences. Even though, we accept the empirical facts on their face value, these facts may not represent general rise in crime levels but a shift in occupational choice for women who are increasingly into non-traditional roles. I build a theoretical model where a woman has the choice to work in non-traditional sector as opposed to a traditional one. The model predicts that the gender gap in wages will reduce with technological progress but the sexual assault will register a rise. This will result in intensification in public demand for infrastructure that makes woman safe in their non-traditional role.

JEL: J16, J62, O33
Regional dGEMRIC analysis in patients at risk of osteoarthritis provides additional information about activity related changes in cartilage structure
Authors: Hawezi ZK , Lammentausta E , Svensson J , Roos EM , Dahlberg LE , Tiderius CJ
Published: June 2015

Background

Previously, a positive effect of exercise on cartilage structure was indicated with delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cartilage (dGEMRIC). However, in that study only one full-thickness region of interest (ROI) in the medial femoral condyle was analyzed.

Purpose

To improve the knowledge about exercise effects on cartilage structure by re-analyzing previous images with regional dGEMRIC analysis.

Material and Methods

Thirty patients (age range, 38–50 years) with a previous medial meniscus resection were divided into three groups according to self-reported change in physical activity (PA) level in a 4-month exercise intervention study: Group I ( n = 11), increased PA level; Group II ( n = 13), no change in PA level; and Group III ( n = 6), reduced PA level. dGEMRIC index was analyzed at inclusion and after 4 months. Anterior (less load) and posterior (more load) ROIs of medial and lateral femoral condyles were analyzed, as well as superficial and deep cartilage regions.

Results

Group I increased the dGEMRIC index in the posterior cartilage ( P = 0.004). The increase was larger in the lateral ( P = 0.005) than the medial compartment in both superficial and deep cartilage regions. The dGEMRIC index did not change in Group II. In Group III, the dGEMRIC index decreased in the medial posterior cartilage ( P = 0.03).

Conclusion

In patients with a previous medial meniscectomy, the beneficial effect of exercise varies between different locations within the joint, the largest improvement being observed in lateral posterior cartilage, i.e. the load-bearing cartilage in the compartment without a meniscus lesion. The effects of exercise do not seem to vary with cartilage depth.
Magnetic resonance arthrography of the hip: prevalence of diagnoses not suspected by the referring physician and correlation with clinical examination and pain score
Authors: Neiman Maor , Halshtok Neiman Osnat , Aharoni Dvora , Liberman Boaz , Adar Eliyahu , Eshed Iris
Published: June 2015

Background

Magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) of the hip is the most sensitive imaging modality for intra-articular pathologies such as labral tears.

Purpose

To evaluate the prevalence of non-suspected pathologies revealed by hip MRA and correlate them to physical examination/pain level.

Material and Methods

All hip MRAs (2011–2013) were retrospectively evaluated for intra- and extra-articular pathologies in consensus by two readers. A clinical score (0–7)/pain score (0–10) was calculated for each patient based on orthopedic test results extracted from referral forms/a telephone questionnaire. Patients were divided into four groups according to MRA findings: intra-articular expected (targeted) pathology only; intra-articular targeted and additional non-targeted (unexpected) pathology; non-targeted pathology; and no pathology. Pathologies prevalence/clinical score/pain score were compared between the groups.

Results

A total of 229 MRAs were included (127 men, 102 women; mean age, 36.5 ± 14.17 years): 111(48.4%) patients had solely intra-articular targeted pathology. Significant non-targeted pathologies were detected in 76 (33%) patients (targeted and non-targeted, 51; non-targeted only 25). No significant pathology was detected in 42 patients (18%). Mean physical examination score was 2.77 ± 1.77, range 0–7. There was no significant difference or correlation (r = 0.017, P = 0.804) between the clinical scores of the different MRA pathology groups. Pain score (143 patients) was significantly higher in the non-targeted pathology group compared to the targeted and non-targeted group ( P = 0.04) and to the no pathology group ( P = 0.04). There was no correlation between the physical examination score and the pain score (r = 0.017, P = 0.804).

Conclusion

Unsuspected non-targeted pathologies were detected in 33% of hip MRA. Physical examination/pain level could not differentiate between patients.
Validation of circulating BNP level >1000 pg/ml in all-cause mortality: A retrospective study
Authors: Sakamoto Daisuke , Sakamoto Shigeru , Kanda Tsugiyasu
Published: June 2015

Aim

To determine the primary diseases and prognoses of patients with highly elevated levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP; >1000 pg/ml), with or without heart failure.

Methods

Medical records and echocardiograms of patients with BNP levels that fell within one of three predetermined categories (>1000 pg/ml, 200–1000 pg/ml and <200 pg/ml) were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

There were no significant between-group differences in duration of hospitalization. Patients with BNP levels >1000 pg/ml ( n = 103) or 200–1000 pg/ml ( n = 100) had significantly worse 3-year survival than those with BNP levels <200 pg/ml ( n = 100). The majority of patients (64/103) in the BNP >1000 pg/ml group had heart failure. The main cause of death in patients with other causes of BNP levels >1000 pg/ml (39/103) was community acquired pneumonia.

Conclusion

A BNP level >1000 pg/ml has clinical importance in primary care medicine and hospital settings.
Characterization of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Isolate US/Iowa/18984/2013 Infection in 1-Day-Old Cesarean-Derived Colostrum-Deprived Piglets
Authors: Madson D. M. , Arruda P. H. E. , Magstadt D. R. , Burrough E. R. , Hoang H. , Sun D. , Bower L. P. , Bhandari M. , Gauger P. C. , Stevenson G. W. , Wilberts B. L. , Wang C. , Zhang J. , Yoon K. J.
Published: June 2015

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) was first recognized in North America in April 2013 and has since caused devastating disease. The objective of this study was to characterize disease and viral detection associated with an original North American PEDV isolate inoculated in neonatal piglets. Thirty-six 1-day-old cesarean-derived and colostrum-deprived piglets were randomly assigned to the control ( n = 16) or challenged group ( n = 20); the latter were orogastrically inoculated with 1 ml of US/Iowa/18984/2013 PEDV isolate titered at 1 × 103 plaque-forming units per milliliter. Rectal swabs were collected from all piglets prior to inoculation and every 12 hours postinoculation (hpi) thereafter, with 4 control and 5 challenged piglets euthanized at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hpi. One piglet had a positive real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction test on rectal swab at 12 hpi, and all remaining piglets were positive thereafter, with highest viral quantities detected at 24 and 36 hpi. Diarrhea was evident in 30% and 100% of challenged piglets at 18 and 24 hpi, respectively. Viral antigen was detected in enterocytes by immunohistochemistry in the duodenum and ileum of piglets euthanized at 12 hpi and was apparent throughout the small intestine of all piglets thereafter, with villus height:crypt depth ratios consistently below 4:1. Viremia was confirmed in 18 of 20 pigs at euthanasia. Clinical disease was severe and developed rapidly following infection with an original North American PEDV isolate, with lesions, viremia, and antigen detection possible by 12 hpi.
Self-care of children with arthrogryposis in Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Joubert Frances , Franzsen Denise
Published: June 2015

Introduction

This study investigated the functional ability of children with arthrogryposis, aged 6 months to 7.5 years, in South Africa, with the focus on the execution of age-appropriate self-care tasks. The level of independence, amount of caregiver assistance and modifications used during each task were ascertained, to assist in guiding occupational therapy intervention.

Method

This study was based on a quantitative cross-sectional design, with 19 participants divided into age groups assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI).

Results

The infant and toddler group performed above expected levels in the self-care domain, whereas the preschool and school-aged group performed below the expected level. A significant correlation between the amount of caregiver assistance needed and the participants’ level of independence was found especially in the preschool and school-aged group. There was little use of modifications even with occupational therapy intervention and participants relied on compensatory methods and assistance to execute self-care tasks.

Conclusion

This study indicated that children with arthrogryposis need intervention to promote the independent execution of self-care tasks, and reduce the need for caregiver assistance. Therapists are encouraged to make use of modifications in furthering the age-appropriate independence of this population.
Names matter
Authors: Barron Elizabeth S. , Sthultz Chris , Hurley Dale , Pringle Anne
Published: June 2015

Local ecological knowledge (LEK) is increasingly used to provide insights into ecosystem dynamics and to promote stakeholder inclusion. However, research on how to incorporate LEK into ecosystem management rarely discusses taxonomy and nomenclature despite the fact that processes of naming are deeply implicated in what types of knowledge are validated and used. Too often, local names are vetted against and then subsumed under ‘true’ scientific names, producing an oversimplified understanding of local names and perpetuating stereotypes about communities that use them. Ongoing revisions in mycological taxonomy and widespread interest in wild edible fungi make mushrooms an excellent case study for addressing nomenclature as an important part of multi-stakeholder research. We use morel mushrooms collected from the Mid-Atlantic United States to demonstrate a methodological approach to nomenclature – performative method – that focuses both on maintaining culturally meaningful aspects of local names and on recognizing culture and meaning behind scientific names. While recognizing the utility of the Linnaean nomenclatural system, we argue that acknowledging the contextual meanings of names avoids the unequal power relations inherent in integrating local knowledge into scientific discourse, and instead reframes knowledge production around shared interests in environmental questions and challenges.
Prevalence of cranial autonomic parasympathetic symptoms in chronic migraine: Usefulness of a new scale
Authors: Riesco Nuria , Pérez-Alvarez Angel I , Verano Laura , García-Cabo Carmen , Martínez-Ramos Juana , Sánchez-Lozano Pablo , Cernuda-Morollón Eva , Pascual Julio
Published: June 2015

Background

Cranial autonomic symptoms (CAS) seem to appear in around half of migraine patients.

Objective

Our aim was to analyse the prevalence and profile of CAS, mainly of cranial autonomic parasympathetic symptoms (CAPS), in a series of patients with chronic migraine (CM) according the new criteria for autonomic symptoms in the current IHS classification.

Patients and methods

We recruited consecutive CM patients attending our headache clinic. Five CPAS were surveyed: lacrimation, conjunctival injection, eyelid oedema, ear fullness and nasal congestion. They were graded as 0 (absent), 1 (present and mild) and 2 (present and conspicuous); therefore the score in this CAPS scale ranges from 0 to 10 points. As a cranial autonomic sympathetic symptom (CSAS), we also asked about the presence of ptosis.

Results

We interviewed 100 CM patients. Their mean age was 45 years (18–63 years); 93 were females. Eighteen had no CAPS, while 82 reported at least one CAPS. There were only six patients with scores higher than 5, the mean and median CAPS being 2.1 and 2, respectively. Prevalence of CAPS was lacrimation (49%), conjunctival injection (44%), eyelid oedema (39%), ear fullness (30%) and nasal congestion (20%). Ptosis was reported by 42.

Conclusion

These results, by using for the first time an easy quantitative scale, confirm that (mild) CAPS are not the exception but the rule in CM patients. The score in this CAPS scale could be of help as a further endpoint in clinical trials or to be correlated with potential biomarkers of parasympathetic activation in primary headaches.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Implantation in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kim Yong Sang , Choi Yun Jin , Koh Yong Gon
Published: June 2015

Background:

Several clinical studies have reported on cell-based treatment using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cartilage regeneration in knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, little is known about the factors that influence the clinical outcomes after surgery.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of MSC implantation in patients with knee OA and assess the factors that are associated with clinical outcomes. The hypothesis was that factors may exist that could influence clinical outcomes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 49 patients (55 knees) were retrospectively evaluated after MSC implantation for knee OA. The inclusion criteria were patients who had an isolated full-thickness cartilage lesion and Kellgren-Lawrence OA grade 1 or 2. Clinical outcomes were measured with the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner activity score, and patients’ overall satisfaction with the surgery. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the effect of different factors on the clinical outcome.

Results:

The mean pre- and postoperative IKDC and Tegner activity scores significantly improved from 37.7 ± 6.3 to 67.3 ± 9.5 (IKDC) and from 2.2 ± 0.7 to 3.8 ± 0.7 (Tegner) ( P < .001 for both). Twenty-four patients reported their overall satisfaction with the surgery as excellent (43.6%), 17 as good (30.9%), 11 as fair (20.0%), and 3 as poor (5.5%). There were significant differences in clinical outcomes at the final follow-up among the age and lesion size groups ( P < .05 for all). Multivariate analyses showed high prognostic significance related to patient age and lesion size, and scatter plots suggested a cutoff age of 60 years and a cutoff lesion size of 6.0 cm2 for the optimum identification of poor clinical outcomes ( P < .05 for both).

Conclusion:

The clinical outcomes of MSC implantation for knee OA are encouraging. Patient age and lesion size are important factors that affect clinical outcomes; thus, these may serve as a basis for preoperative surgical decisions. Cutoff points exist for the risk of clinical failure in patients older than 60 years and those with a lesion size larger than 6.0 cm2.
Toward a Dynamic Theory of Action at the Micro Level of Genocide
Authors: Luft Aliza
Published: June 2015

This article is about behavioral variation in genocide. Research frequently suggests that violent behaviors can be explained by or treated as synonymous with ethnic categories. This literature also tends to pre-group actors as perpetrators, victims, or bystanders for research purposes. However, evidence that individuals cross boundaries from killing to desistance and saving throughout genocide indicates that the relationship between behaviors and categories is often in flux. I thus introduce the concept of behavioral boundary crossing to examine when and how Hutu in 1994 Rwanda aligned with the killing behaviors expected of them and when and how they did not. I analyze interviews with 31 Hutu, revealing that transactional, relational, social-psychological, and cognitive mechanisms informed individuals’ behaviors during the genocide. The result is a dynamic theory of action that explains participation without homogenizing individual experience due to presumptions about behavioral and categorical alignment.
Evaluation of Serum Lactate, Central Venous Saturation, and Venous-Arterial Carbon Dioxide Difference in the Prediction of Mortality in Postcardiac Arrest Syndrome
Authors: Riveiro Diego Fontoura Mendes , Oliveira Vanessa Martins de , Braunner Janete Salles , Vieira Silvia Regina Rios
Published: June 2015

Introduction:

Tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia markers predict mortality in critically ill patients. This study evaluates the ability of serum lactate, central venous oxygen saturation (Scvo2), and venous-arterial carbon dioxide difference (GapCo2) to predict mortality in patients with postcardiac arrest (post-CA) syndrome.

Methods:

A prospective observational study of patients with post-CA in a tertiary teaching hospital. Serial assessments of lactate, lactate clearance (Clac), GapCo2, and Scvo2 in the first 72 hours post-CA were analyzed. Adults (≥18 years) patients resuscitated from CA were included. The primary end point was 28-day mortality and secondary end points were 24- and 72-hour mortality.

Results:

A total of 54 patients were recruited, 33 (61,1%) of 54 were men, with a 28-day mortality of 75.9%. Cardiac arrest occurred in-hospital in 84.6% of survivors and 97.5% of nonsurvivors. Lactate and Clac were significantly associated with mortality at 28 days, yielding an area under the receiver–operating characteristic curve of 0.797 (lactate 6 hours) and 0.717 (Clac 6 hours) with a positive predictive value of 96% for lactate 6 hours (> 2.5 mmol/L) and 89.5% for Clac 6 hours (<50%). Survival analysis confirmed the difference between the groups from the 24th hour post-CA. Considering mortality at 24 hours, lactate, Clac, and Scvo2 (immediately post-CA, 6 and 18 hours) were different between the groups. In mortality at 72 hours, lactate, Clac, Scvo2 (48 hours), and GapCo2 (36 and 48 hours) were associated with mortality.

Conclusion:

In post-CA syndrome, serum lactate and Clac were consistently able to predict mortality.
Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Immigrants to the United States
Authors: Vaughn Michael G. , Salas-Wright Christopher P. , Huang Jin , Qian Zhengmin , Terzis Lauren D. , Helton Jesse J.
Published: June 2015

A growing number of studies have examined the “immigrant paradox” with respect to health behaviors in the United States. However, little research attention has been afforded to the study of adverse childhood experiences (ACE; neglect, physical and sexual abuse, and witnessing violence) among immigrants in the United States. The present study, using Waves I and II data from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), aims to address these gaps by comparing forms of ACE of first- and second-generation immigrants with native-born American adults in the United States. We also examined the latent structure of ACE among immigrants and conducted analyses to assess the psychiatric correlates of identified latent classes. With the exception of neglect, the prevalence of ACE was markedly higher among native-born Americans and second-generation immigrants compared with first-generation immigrants. Four latent classes were identified—limited adverse experience ( n = 3,497), emotional and physical abuse ( n = 1,262), family violence ( n = 358), and global adversity ( n = 246). The latter three classes evinced greater likelihood of being diagnosed with a mood, anxiety, personality, and substance use disorder, and to report violent and non-violent antisocial behavior. Consistent with prior research examining the associations between the immigrant paradox and health outcomes, results suggest that first-generation immigrants to the United States are less likely to have experienced physical and sexual abuse and witness domestic violence. However, likely due to cultural circumstances, first-generation immigrants were more likely to report experiences that are deemed neglectful by Western standards.
The Reactive–Proactive Aggression Questionnaire: Validation Among a Portuguese Sample of Incarcerated Juvenile Delinquents
Authors: Pechorro Pedro , Ray James V. , Raine Adrian , Maroco João , Gonçalves Rui Abrunhosa
Published: June 2015

The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Reactive–Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ) among a forensic sample of incarcerated male juvenile offenders ( N = 221). The Portuguese version of the RPQ demonstrated promising psychometric properties, namely, in terms of factor structure, internal consistency, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and concurrent validity that generally justifies its use among this population. Statistically significant associations were found with conduct disorder, age of criminal onset, age of first problem with the law, crime seriousness, physical violence use in committing crimes, alcohol use, cannabis use, cocaine/heroin use, and having unprotected sex. The findings provide additional support for the extension of the RPQ across different cultures, ethnic groups, and samples.
“That’s My Job”
Authors: Urbach Jennifer , Moore Brooke A. , Klingner Janette K. , Galman Sally , Haager Diane , Brownell Mary T. , Dingle Mary
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study is to understand special education teachers’ beliefs regarding their roles and responsibilities and to determine how these beliefs differ among more and less accomplished teachers. In this study, the authors examine the interviews of special education teachers identified as either more or less accomplished based on the Reading in Special Education (RISE) observation instrument. Through qualitative coding of the data, several themes about beliefs revealed differences between the teachers. The more accomplished teachers discussed a need for instructional intensity and linked their roles and responsibilities to academic needs. Furthermore, a sense of high efficacy was seen in more accomplished teachers’ discussion of teaching regardless of outside influences. Less accomplished teachers focused on building relationships and protecting their students. Findings point to the importance of looking closely at beliefs and their impact on teacher practice.
The Relationship between Prenatal Antidepressant Use and the Decision to Breastfeed among Women Enrolled in a Randomized Exercise Intervention Trial
Authors: Lewis Beth A. , Schuver Katie , Gjerdingen Dwenda , Avery Melissa , Sirard John , Marcus Bess H.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Despite the numerous health benefits associated with breastfeeding, only 49% of postpartum women in the United States breastfeed at 6 months. Therefore, it is important to understand factors that may influence a woman’s decision to breastfeed.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between prenatal antidepressant use and the decision to breastfeed among postpartum women.

Methods:

Participants were postpartum women (N = 87) who had participated in a randomized trial examining the efficacy of a 6-month exercise intervention for the prevention of postpartum depression (2009-2012). Participants were recruited from the upper Midwest and were at risk for postpartum depression. Participants completed telephone-based questionnaires assessing their prenatal antidepressant use and breastfeeding behavior.

Results:

Seventeen percent of the participants took an antidepressant medication during pregnancy and 91% breastfed at birth. After controlling for baseline depressive symptoms, body mass index, and condition assignment, participants who were taking an antidepressant during pregnancy were less likely to initiate breastfeeding than participants who were not taking an antidepressant during pregnancy, β = −2.042, P < .05 (odds ratio = 0.130; 95% confidence interval, 0.024-0.696).

Conclusion:

Our study indicates that prenatal antidepressant medication use may be a potential barrier to breastfeeding initiation. Additional research is needed to better understand the factors that play a role in the relationship between prenatal antidepressant use and breastfeeding initiation.
Age Differences in the Association Between Body Mass Index Class and Annualized Medicare Expenditures
Authors: Clark Daniel O. , Lane Kathleen A. , Ambuehl Roberta , Tu Wanzhu , Liu Chiung-Ju , Unroe Kathleen , Callahan Christopher M.
Published: June 2015

Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) class and Medicare claims among young-old (65-69), old (70-74), and old-old (75+) adults over a 10-year period. Method: We assessed costs by BMI class and age group among 9,300 respondents to the 1998 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) with linked 1998-2008 Medicare claims data. BMI was classified as normal (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), mild obesity (30-34.9), or severe obesity (35 or above). Results: Annualized total Medicare claims adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, education, and smoking history were 109% greater for severely obese young-old adults in comparison with normal weight young-old adults (US$9,751 vs. US$4,663). Total annualized claim differences between the normal weight and severely obese in the old and old-old groups were not statistically significant. Discussion: Excess Medicare expenditures related to obesity may be concentrated among severely obese young-old adults. Preventing severe obesity among middle and older aged adults may have large cost implications for society.
Racial Differences in Minnesota Nursing Home Residents’ Quality of Life
Authors: Shippee Tetyana P. , Henning-Smith Carrie , Rhee Taeho Greg , Held Robert N. , Kane Robert L.
Published: June 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate racial differences in nursing home (NH) residents’ quality of life (QOL) at the resident and facility levels. Method: We used hierarchical linear modeling to identify significant resident- and facility-level predictors for racial differences in six resident-reported QOL domains. Data came from the following: (a) resident-reported QOL ( n = 10,929), (b) the Minimum Data Set, and (c) facility-level characteristics from the Minnesota Department of Human Services ( n = 376). Results: White residents reported higher QOL in five of six domains, but in full models, individual-level racial differences remained only for food enjoyment. On the facility level, higher percentage of White residents was associated with better scores in three domains, even after adjusting for all characteristics. Discussion: Racial differences in QOL exist on individual and aggregate levels. Individual differences are mainly explained by health status. The finding that facility racial composition predicts QOL more than individual race underscores the importance of examining NH structural characteristics and practices.
Urbanized interfaces: Visual arts in Chinese cities
Authors: Wang Meiqin , Valjakka Minna
Published: June 2015

In the past two decades, unparalleled urbanization in cities across mainland China has deeply affected and transformed Chinese visual arts. Critical artistic and creative examinations of the interfaces between urbanization, society, culture, arts and people in Chinese cities have produced a great variety of new visual forms and agencies. In this introductory essay, we argue that the complexities of reciprocal relationship between urbanization and the visual arts deserve greater scholarly attention than they have been given so far, and we call for continuous and multiple-perspective research into the subject. The visual arts not only mirror the city but they actively participate in city-making processes. The investigation of artists, filmmakers and urbanites into the changing urban space in which they live has given birth to a post-socialist urban aesthetics, which, as Robin Visser proposes, functions as a new realm to envision, experience and assess the city. In doing so, it enables new forms of civic agencies to emerge. Visual art, as indicated by Yomi Braester in his study of Chinese films, interacts with political decisions and architectural plans, creating both material and ideological constructs of the cities. We maintain that the varied forms of visual arts and agencies discussed in this special issue not only reveal and interpret how the processes of globalization and urbanization are interrelated, but also participate in the reconstruction of sociospatial relationships and the reconceptualization of the city at local, national, and even global levels.
Social sanctions and informal accountability: Evidence from a laboratory experiment
Authors: Lierl Malte
Published: June 2015

When public goods are co-produced by citizens and public authorities, problems of free riding and problems of provider accountability frequently coincide. How are voluntary contributions to a public good sustained when they are vulnerable to rent extraction by a third party? In a laboratory experiment, I test whether contributions in a public goods dilemma can be decentrally enforced through costly, mutual sanctioning capacity, even if the contributions can be misappropriated by a third party. I find that costly sanctioning capacity among the beneficiaries of a public good can substantially reduce free riding, without increasing the rate at which contributions are misappropriated by the provider. However, this effect can be undermined if mutual sanctioning capacity exists between the third-party provider and the beneficiaries. Contrary to existing predictions, social sanctioning relationships which both embed the provider and encompass the beneficiaries of a public good are not associated with greater, but partly with lower public goods provision than sanctioning relationships which are only embedding or encompassing.
Shape-memory behaviors of epoxy-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane/epoxy organic–inorganic hybrid resin systems
Authors: Wei Kun , Ma Biao , Wang Hainian , Liu Yu , Zhang Wenjing
Published: June 2015

A series of organic–inorganic hybrid resin systems are prepared using hydroepoxy, 1,3-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane, and epoxy-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS-Ep). The thermomechanical properties and shape-memory behaviors of the hybrid materials are systematically investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis, bend test, and shape recovery test. Results indicate that the glass transition temperature ( Tg) and rubber modulus gradually increase as the POSS-Ep content increases. The thermal stabilities of the hybrid materials gradually increase with increasing POSS-Ep content. The bend strength of the hybrid materials increases firstly and then decreases as POSS-Ep content increases, showing an extreme value for the hybrid materials with 3.17 mol% POSS-Ep content. Finally, investigation of the shape-memory behavior of the hybrid materials reveals that full recovery can be observed after only several minutes when the temperature is equal to or above Tg. The shape recovery time decreases at first and then increases as POSS-Ep content increases at Tg, Tg + 10°C, and Tg + 20°C. These results are attributed to the increase in POSS-Ep content.
Parametric study of different fins for a rocket at supersonic flow
Authors: Zhang GQ , Ji LC , Xu Y , Schlüter J
Published: June 2015

Various parameters including the fins with variable span to chord ratio, curvature radius, and setting angle have been investigated between the flat fin and wrap around fin (WAF) rocket configurations at supersonic flow. The results show that under the same flight condition, the flat fins can provide a higher lift and pitching moments than the WAFs. Due to the symmetric effect, any extra side forces, moments as well as the self-induced rolling characteristics will be not generated as compared to the WAF configurations. The WAFs can greatly improve the longitudinal stability and enhance the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics for the whole rocket. The static pressure distributions at different chordwise positions together with the force variations around the fins have been obtained computationally and analyzed in detail.
Experimental investigation of the fault diagnosis of typical faults in reciprocating compressor valves
Authors: Wang Yuefei , Gao Ang , Zheng Sulu , Peng Xueyuan
Published: June 2015

The failure of suction/discharge valves is the most common cause of unscheduled compressor shutdowns; therefore, the in-time fault diagnosis of valves is crucial to the reliable operation of reciprocating compressors. Major valve faults include leakage, valve flutter, delayed closing, and improper lift. To determine the features for diagnosing these typical valve faults, this paper presents an experimental study of the fault diagnosis of reciprocating compressor valves with acoustic emission technology and simulated valve motion. The measured AE signals and simulated valve motions of normal and failed valves are studied. The results of the fault diagnosis indicate that an earlier occurrence of the suction process can diagnose suction valve leakage and that an earlier occurrence of the discharge process can be used for detecting discharge valve leakage. The leakage also causes an increase in the amplitude of the continuous acoustic emission signal. Valve faults resulting from improper valve lift can be diagnosed by the amplitude of the burst acoustic emission signal. The number of burst acoustic emission signals and the shape of the simulated valve motion can be used to monitor the valve flutter conditions. The location where the valve closes can diagnose a valve-delayed closing fault.
Tooth flank reconstruction and optimizations after simulation process modeling for the spiral bevel gear
Authors: Han Ding , Jin-yuan Tang , Zhen-yu Zhou , Wei Cui
Published: June 2015

Tooth flank reconstruction and optimization methodologies after simulation process modeling are presented, in order to provide accurate model and tooth data for digitized design and manufacture of the spiral bevel gear. Firstly, a simulation process modeling utilizing universal machine settings is developed for an initial solid model. Then, due to its poor accuracy, tooth flank reconstruction exploiting the Non-Uniform B-Spline fitting method is carried out. Finally, some tooth flank optimizations are introduced for higher tooth flank precision and accurate tooth data: (1) Overall tooth flank interpolations based on the Energy method; (2) Tooth flank approximation based on the least square (LSQ); (3) Tooth flank parameterization based on the Newton Iteration method. Results obtained from some numerical examples indicate that validation of the proposed approaches and tooth flank form error is significantly reduced.
Profile design for the cylinder of a double-acting rotary vane compressor
Authors: Song Liquan , Zeng Liping , Zhou Jiandong , Luo Xiao
Published: June 2015

Inner wall profile of the cylinder in a rotary vane compressor (RVC), which influences the motion characteristics of vanes, suction volume, friction characteristic, etc., plays an important role in the performance of the compressor. This work mainly aims at the profile design of a new cylinder for a double-acting RVC with harmonic profile cylinder on the basis of not changing integrate size. According to the relation between cylinder profile and vane motion characteristics, a method for the cylinder profile design is proposed in this paper. With an assumed vane motion, equations of the cylinder profile, cell volume of the compressor as well as pressure angles between vanes and cylinder inner wall are constructed preliminarily. And then through adjusting parameters and optimization with an independently developed procedure, a new cylinder with the so-called combined profile is obtained. Theoretical analysis of the cell volume variations and the pressure angles between vanes and cylinder are conducted. The results show that there is neither rigid impulse nor soft impulse between vanes and cylinder due to the vane continuous motion including displacement, velocity and acceleration. And the pressure angles between vane and cylinder and working volume of the compressor with the new profile cylinder are superior to harmonic profile cylinder, which is useful for the reduction of friction power in the operation of compressor. Experiments show that the cooling capacity and COP of the test refrigeration cycle with the proposed combined profile cylinder is higher than the compressor with harmonic profile cylinder. And the volumetric efficiency and isentropic efficiency of the compressor with combined profile cylinder have better performance. This method can be applied to the design of the cylinder for multiple-acting rotary vane compressors, rotary vane expanders and vane pumps.
An intelligent dynamic control of continuously variable transmission system using modified particle swarm optimization
Authors: Lin Chih-Hong
Published: June 2015

In order to capture nonlinear and dynamic behaviors of the V-belt continuously variable transmission system with lots of unknown nonlinear and time-varying characteristics, an intelligent dynamic control system using modified particle swarm optimization is proposed for controlling a permanent magnet synchronous motor servo-drive V-belt continuously variable transmission system to raise robustness. The intelligent dynamic control system comprised an inspector control system, a recurrent Laguerre-orthogonal-polynomials neural network controller with adaptive law and a recouped controller with estimation law. The adaptive law of parameters in the recurrent Laguerre-orthogonal-polynomials neural network is derived according to Lyapunov stability theorem. To achieve better learning performance and faster convergence, the modified particle swarm optimization is employed to regulate two varied learning rates of the parameters in the recurrent Laguerre-orthogonal-polynomials neural network. At last, comparative studies shown by experimental results are illustrated to demonstrate the control performance of the proposed control scheme.
Adaptive nonsingular terminal sliding mode cooperative guidance law in active defense scenario
Authors: Zou Xinguang , Zhou Di , Du Runle , Liu Jiaqi
Published: June 2015

An active defense scheme in which a ballistic missile launches a defending missile to intercept the incoming intercepting missile is considered. Compared with traditional passive evasion strategies, the active defense scheme can greatly increase the ballistic missile’s survival rate. Different from many terminal guidance laws using the line-of-sight nullifying strategy, a triangle-based guidance strategy by which the defender tries to keep itself on the line-of-sight connecting the target and the incoming intercepting missile is used to design a guidance law. With such a strategy, it is proved that the interceptor’s composite acceleration can be very small due to the acceleration cancellation in the target–interceptor line-of-sight frame and the defender–interceptor line-of-sight frame, meaning that the defender can catch the interceptor with small maneuverability. Based on this strategy, an adaptive nonsingular terminal sliding mode based cooperative guidance law is proposed treating the interceptor’s acceleration as an unknown bounded external disturbance. Simulation results show the high performance of the proposed guidance law.
Layout and configuration design for a satellite with variable mass using hybrid optimization method
Authors: Fakoor M , Taghinezhad M
Published: June 2015

This article deals with configuration design and layout optimization of a GEO communication satellite. Layout design optimization of satellite objects are performed based on two-stage algorithm. Finite Circle Method (FCM) is used to express geometric constraints mathematically, and provide a smooth design space. For mathematical expression of performance constraints such as electromagnetic and thermal requirements, the distance constraints between objects have been developed. Then a hybrid method is proposed to optimize layout design which is a combination of simulated annealing optimization and quasi-Newton methods. This approach provides global and deterministic optimal solutions. Developed hybrid method validation is performed on a sample test problem. Finally, the proposed algorithm has been implemented for configuration and optimal layout design of a communication satellite. The results show that considered constraints of communication satellite are satisfied.
Full-field in vitro measurements and in silico predictions of strain shielding in the implanted femur after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Chanda Souptick , Dickinson Alexander , Gupta Sanjay , Browne Martin
Published: June 2015

Alterations in bone strain as a result of implantation may contribute towards periprosthetic bone density changes after total hip arthroplasty. Computational models provide full-field strain predictions in implant–bone constructs; however, these predictions should be verified using experimental models wherever it is possible. In this work, finite element predictions of surface strains in intact and implanted composite femurs were verified using digital image correlation. Relationships were sought between post-implantation strain states across seven defined Gruen zones and clinically observed longer-term bone density changes. Computational predictions of strain distributions in intact and implanted femurs were compared to digital image correlation measurements in two regions of interest. Regression analyses indicated a strong linear correlation between measurements and predictions (R = 0.927 intact, 0.926 implanted) with low standard error (standard error = 38 µε intact, 26 µε implanted). Pre- to post-operative changes in measured and predicted surface strains were found to relate qualitatively to clinically observed volumetric bone density changes across seven Gruen zones: marked proximal bone density loss corresponded with a 50%−64% drop in surface strain, and slight distal density changes corresponded with 4%−14% strain increase. These results support the use of digital image correlation as a pre-clinical tool for predicting post-implantation strain shielding, indicative of long-term bone adaptations.
Influence of the thermal boundary conditions on the heat transfer of a rib-roughened cooling channel using LES
Authors: Scholl S , Verstraete T , Torres-Garcia J , Duchaine F , Gicquel LYM
Published: June 2015

Internal cooling channels of turbine blades are rib-roughened to increase the heat transfer between the wall and the coolant. A large effort has been made in simulating these flows with large eddy simulations to have a better understanding of the flow physics. This contribution focuses on the thermal prediction capabilities of large eddy simulations for such cooling channels. Of particular interest to this study is the influence of the thermal boundary condition on the heat transfer coefficient. If important, this strongly indicates that conjugate effects exist that would need to be modeled resulting in significant additional computational cost. Studies were carried out for Reynolds numbers of 40,000 at different thermal uniform heat flux boundary conditions. The results are compared with experimental aerodynamic and thermal data obtained at the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics. The main outcomes are: first, the results show the dependence of the heat transfer coefficient on the imposed thermal boundary condition, even though it is usually assumed in experimental and numerical studies to depend only on the aerodynamics; this assumption may not be valid. Second, the dependence of the heat transfer coefficient on the thermal boundary condition implies that conjugate heat transfer is important for the current configuration and can be captured numerically, although research on fully coupled, efficient large eddy simulations based conjugate heat transfer algorithms is still needed.
Prediction of the unsteady turbine trailing edge wake flow characteristics and comparison with experimental data
Authors: Vagnoli S , Verstraete T , Mateos B , Sieverding CH
Published: June 2015

The trailing edge base pressure is known to play a significant role in the profile losses of turbine blades in particular at transonic outlet Mach numbers. Recent tests have shown that the assumption of an isobaric near wake region is wrong because of the highly unsteady character of the near wake flow which affects directly the trailing edge base pressure. New experimental data show the evolution of the trailing edge base pressure in function of the downstream Mach number from a uniform base pressure at moderate subsonic Mach numbers to an increasingly strong non-uniform distribution up into the transonic range followed by a sudden return to an isobaric base trailing edge pressure. To get more insight into the unsteady flow features, numerical simulations are carried out. A LES approach is validated and employed in this work to analyze three different operating conditions for the profile, representing three configurations of the flow and the trailing edge shock system.