bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common Fixed Point Theorems of Multivalued Maps in Fuzzy Ultrametric Spaces
Authors: Sayed A. F.
Published: November 2013

In the setting of fuzzy ultrametric spaces, we study common fixed point theorems of multivalued maps. Our results unify, extend, and generalize some related common fixed point theorems of the literature for both ultrametric spaces (Wang and Song (2013), Gajić (2002) and (2001)) and fuzzy metric spaces (Vijayaraju and Sajath (2011)).
Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis: Current Concepts and Consensus Definitions
Authors: Pena Joaquin A. , Lotze Timothy E.
Published: November 2013

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) commonly diagnosed in adults, is being recognized increasingly in children. An estimated 1.7%–5.6% of all patients with MS have clinical symptoms before reaching the age of 18 years. In comparison with adults, the diagnosis of MS in children can be more difficult, being dismissed or misdiagnosed as other clinical disorders. Although adults and children share basic aspects of the disorder, children have distinctive clinical features, neuroimaging, laboratory, and courses of the disease. The 2010 McDonald criteria have simplified the requirements for establishing the diagnosis of MS and have been proposed to be applicable for the diagnosis of pediatric MS, mainly in children 12 years and older. This paper describes the distinctive features of common pediatric demyelinating disorders, including MS, and summarizes the most recent advances based on the available literature.
Analysis of Risk Factors for First Seizure after Stroke in Chinese Patients
Authors: Wang Guoqing , Jia Haiyan , Chen Chunfu , Lang Senyang , Liu Xinfeng , Xia Cheng , Sun Yan , Zhang Jun
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study is to assess related risk factors and predict early- and late-onset seizure after first-ever stroke. A total of 2474 consecutive patients with initial stroke in China from 1997 to 2007 were retrospectively investigated, in which, 24 clinical and radiological indexes were used for evaluation. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by logistic regression. A total of 232 (11.1%) of patients developed seizures during a mean follow-up period of 18 months, with 123 experiencing early-onset and 109 late-onset seizure. The independent risk factors for early-onset seizure were large lesion (OR=9.36), subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR=5.28), initial hyponatremia (OR=2.10), and cortical involvement (OR=1.33). The independent risk factors for late-onset seizure were cortical involvement (OR=11.84) and large lesion (OR=1.87). These results demonstrated that the risk factors for early seizure after stroke are large lesion, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and cortical involvement. Surprisingly, hyponatremia also predicts seizure in stroke patients. Cortical involvement is a major risk factor for late-onset seizure after stroke.
MHD Thin Film Flows of a Third Grade Fluid on a Vertical Belt with Slip Boundary Conditions
Authors: Gul Taza , Shah Rehan Ali , Islam Saeed , Arif Muhammad
Published: November 2013

The problem of heat transfer analysis is considered in electrically conducting thin film flows with slip boundary conditions. The flow is assumed to be obeying the nonlinear rheological constitutive equation of a third grade fluid. We have solved the governing nonlinear equations of present problems using the traditional Adomian decomposition method (ADM). Particular attention is given to the combined effect of heat and MHD on the velocity field. The results include the profile of velocity, volume flux, skin friction, average velocity, and the temperature distribution across the film. The effects of model parameters on velocity, skin friction and temperature variation have been studied. Optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM) is also used for comparison. The numerical results and absolute errors are derived in tables.
Evaluation of the Thermal Effects in Tilting Pad Bearing
Authors: Daniel G. B. , Cavalca K. L.
Published: November 2013

The analysis of thermal effects is of expressive importance in the context of rotordynamics to evaluate the behavior of hydrodynamic bearings because these effects can influence their dynamic characteristics under specific operational conditions. For this reason, a thermohydrodynamic model is developed in this work, in which the pressure distribution in the oil film and the temperature distribution are calculated together. From the pressure distribution, the velocity distribution field is determined, as well as the viscous dissipation, and consequently, the temperature distribution. The finite volume method is applied to solve the Reynolds equation and the energy equation in the thermohydrodynamic model (THD). The results show that the temperature is higher as the rotational speed increases due to the shear rate of the oil film. The maximum temperature in the bearing occurs in the overloaded pad, near the outlet boundary. The experimental tests were performed in a tilting pad journal bearing operating in a steam turbine to validate the model. The comparison between the experimental and numerical results provides a good correlation. The thermohydrodynamic lubrication developed in this assignment is promising to consistently evaluate the behavior of the tilting pad journal bearing operating in relatively high rotational speeds.
Terminal-Dependent Statistical Inference for the Integral Form of FBSDE
Authors: Zhang Qi
Published: November 2013

Backward Stochastic Differential Equation (BSDE) has been well studied and widely applied. The main difference from the Original Stochastic Differential Equation (OSDE) is that the BSDE is designed to depend on a terminal condition, which is a key factor in some financial and ecological circumstances. However, to the best of knowledge, the terminal-dependent statistical inference for such a model has not been explored in the existing literature. This paper is concerned with the statistical inference for the integral form of Forward-Backward Stochastic Differential Equation (FBSDE). The reason why I use its integral form rather than the differential form is that the newly proposed inference procedure inherits the terminal-dependent characteristic. In this paper the FBSDE is first rewritten as a regression version, and then a semiparametric estimation procedure is proposed. Because of the integral form, the newly proposed regression version is more complex than the classical one, and thus the inference methods are somewhat different from those designed for the OSDE. Even so, the statistical properties of the new method are similar to the classical ones. Simulations are conducted to demonstrate finite sample behaviors of the proposed estimators.
Analytical Analysis and Field Test Investigation of Consolidation for CCSG Pile Composite Foundation in Soft Clay
Authors: Yu Jin , Cai Yanyan , Qi Zhibo , Guan Yunfei , Liu Shiyu , Tu Bingxiong
Published: November 2013

Low-grade concrete-cored sand-gravel (CCSG) pile composite foundation is a new kind of composite foundation for thick and soft clay ground treatment. An analytical solution was derived for calculating the consolidation process of this composite foundation by considering coefficients of horizontal permeability in smear zone, the radial flow within the sand-gravel shell, and the impervious property of concrete-cored pile. The results show that Terzaghi’s one-dimensional consolidation solution and the consolidation analytical solution of ordinary composite foundation were special cases of this solution. Curves of the average consolidation degree of the composite foundation under various nondimensional parameters were observed using the program based on the theoretical formula. Meanwhile, a series of in situ measurements including the settlement of pile and soil, the pore water pressure, and the total stress under embankment load were obtained on the CCSG pile composite foundation on a section of Zhenjiang-Liyang highway. The analyzed results show that the new style composite foundation patent technology has many advantages such as small differential postconstruction settlement (differential is not good, small is), reliable quality, high bearing capacity, and stability. And the consolidation of composite foundation is largely affected by the nondimensional parameters. The analytical solution is finally verified with the actual measurement data.
Self-Adaptive Step Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Yu Shuhao , Yang Shanlin , Su Shoubao
Published: November 2013

In the standard firefly algorithm, each firefly has the same step settings and its values decrease from iteration to iteration. Therefore, it may fall into the local optimum. Furthermore, the decreasing of step is restrained by the maximum of iteration, which has an influence on the convergence speed and precision. In order to avoid falling into the local optimum and reduce the impact of the maximum of iteration, a self-adaptive step firefly algorithm is proposed in the paper. Its core idea is setting the step of each firefly varying with the iteration, according to each firefly’s historical information and current situation. Experiments are made to show the performance of our approach compared with the standard FA, based on sixteen standard testing benchmark functions. The results reveal that our method can prevent the premature convergence and improve the convergence speed and accurateness.
Gastric Adenocarcinoma with Yolk Sac Tumor Differentiation and Liver Metastasis of Yolk Sac Tumor Component
Authors: Bihari Chhagan , Rastogi Archana , Chandan K. N. , Yadav Vikas , Panda Dipanjan
Published: November 2013

Gastric adenocarcinoma with yolk sac tumor (YST) differentiation has rarely been reported. We report a case of primary gastric adenocarcinoma with yolk sac tumor differentiation and liver metastases of the YST component in a 50-years-old patient. This was suspected due to high serum level of alpha fetoprotein in the presence of a gastric fundal tumor. Gastric carcinoma with yolk sac tumor component is a rare entity with a poor prognostic outcome.
Peculiar Evolutionary History of miR390‐Guided TAS3‐Like Genes in Land Plants
Authors: Krasnikova Maria S. , Goryunov Denis V. , Troitsky Alexey V. , Solovyev Andrey G. , Ozerova Lydmila V. , Morozov Sergey Y.
Published: November 2013

PCR‐based approach was used as a phylogenetic profiling tool to probe genomic DNA samples from representatives of evolutionary distant moss taxa, namely, classes Bryopsida, Tetraphidopsida, Polytrichopsida, Andreaeopsida, and Sphagnopsida. We found relatives of all Physcomitrella patens miR390 and TAS3‐like loci in these plant taxa excluding Sphagnopsida. Importantly, cloning and sequencing of Marchantia polymorpha genomic DNA showed miR390 and TAS3‐like sequences which were also found among genomic reads of M. polymorpha at NCBI database. Our data suggest that the ancient plant miR390‐dependent TAS molecular machinery firstly evolved to target AP2‐like mRNAs in Marchantiophyta and only then both ARF‐ and AP2‐specific mRNAs in mosses. The presented analysis shows that moss TAS3 families may undergone losses of tasiAP2 sites during evolution toward ferns and seed plants. These data confirm that miR390‐guided genes coding for ARF‐ and AP2‐specific ta‐siRNAs have been gradually changed during land plant evolution.
Evaluation of Metabolite Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Stratified Analysis by Gender, Race, and Alcoholic Cirrhosis
Authors: Xiao Junfeng , Zhao Yi , Varghese Rency S. , Zhou Bin , Di Poto Cristina , Zhang Lihua , Tadesse Mahlet G. , Ziada Dina Hazem , Shetty Kirti , Ressom Habtom W.
Published: November 2013

Background: The effects of hepatocellular carcinoma on liver metabolism and circulating metabolites have been subjected to continuing investigation. This study compares the levels of selected metabolites in sera of hepatocellular carcinoma cases versus patients with liver cirrhosis and evaluates the influence of gender, race, and alcoholic cirrhosis on the performance of the metabolites as candidate biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: Targeted quantitation of 15 metabolites is performed by selected research monitoring in sera from 89 Egyptian subjects (40 hepatocellular carcinoma cases and 49 cirrhotic controls) and 110 U.S. subjects (56 hepatocellular carcinoma cases and 54 cirrhotic controls). Logistic regression models are used to evaluate the ability of these metabolites in distinguishing hepatocellular carcinoma cases from cirrhotic controls. The influences of gender, race, and alcoholic cirrhosis on the performance of the metabolites are analyzed by stratified logistic regression.

Results: Two metabolites are selected on the basis of their significance to both cohorts. Although both metabolites discriminate hepatocellular carcinoma cases from cirrhotic controls in males and Caucasians, they are insignificant in females and African Americans. One metabolite is significant in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and the other in nonalcoholic cirrhosis.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates the potential of two metabolites as candidate biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma by combining them with α-fetoprotein (AFP) and gender. Stratified statistical analyses reveal that gender, race, and alcoholic cirrhosis affect the relative levels of small molecules in serum.

Impact: The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the influence of gender, race, and alcoholic cirrhosis in investigating small molecules as biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(1); 64–72. ©2013 AACR.
The Metalloprotease ADAMTS8 Displays Antitumor Properties through Antagonizing EGFR–MEK–ERK Signaling and Is Silenced in Carcinomas by CpG Methylation
Authors: Choi Gigi C.G. , Li Jisheng , Wang Yajun , Li Lili , Zhong Lan , Ma Brigette , Su Xianwei , Ying Jianming , Xiang Tingxiu , Rha Sun Young , Yu Jun , Sung Joseph J.Y. , Tsao Sai Wah , Chan Anthony T.C. , Tao Qian
Published: November 2013

A disintegrins and metalloproteinases with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family members have been reported dysregulated in various cancers. Through refining a loss of heterozygosity locus at 11q25 by array-CGH, we identified ADAMTS8 as a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene. Although ADAMTS8 downregulation has been reported in several tumors, its biologic function and underlying mechanism remain largely unknown. Here, we found that ADAMTS8 is broadly expressed in normal tissues but frequently downregulated or silenced by promoter methylation in common carcinoma cell lines, including nasopharyngeal, esophageal squamous cell, gastric, and colorectal carcinomas. Pharmacologic or genetic demethylation restored ADAMTS8 expression, indicating that promoter methylation mediates its silencing. Aberrant methylation of ADAMTS8 was also detected in several types of primary tumors but rarely in normal tissues. Further functional studies showed that restoring ADAMTS8 expression suppressed tumor cell clonogenicity through inducing apoptosis. ADAMTS8 as a secreted protease inhibited epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling along with decreased levels of phosphorylated MEK and ERK. We further found that ADAMTS8 disrupted actin stress fiber organization and inhibited tumor cell motility. Thus, our data demonstrate that ADAMTS8 metalloprotease acts as a functional tumor suppressor through antagonizing EGFR–MEK–ERK signaling, in addition to its previously reported anti-angiogenesis function, and is frequently methylated in common tumors.

Implications: This study uncovers the tumor suppressive function of ADAMTS8, one of the ADAMTS family members, and its frequent methylation in certain tumors could be developed as a potential biomarker. Mol Cancer Res; 12(2); 228–38. ©2013 AACR.
Association Between Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain and Adverse Left Ventricular Dilatation After ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Joyce Emer , Hoogslag Georgette E. , Leong Darryl P. , Debonnaire Philippe , Katsanos Spyridon , Boden Helèn , Schalij Martin J. , Marsan Nina Ajmone , Bax Jeroen J. , Delgado Victoria
Published: November 2013

Background—

Myocardial infarct size is a major determinant of left ventricular (LV) remodeling after ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. We evaluated whether LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), proposed as a novel marker of infarct size, is associated with 3- and 6-month LV dilatation after ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

In the first ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, baseline LVGLS was measured with 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Patients were dichotomized according to median value. The independent relationship between GLS groups and LV end-diastolic volume at 3 and 6 months (adjusted for clinical and echocardiographic variables) was assessed. The final study population comprised 1041 patients (60±12 years; 76% men). Median LVGLS was −15.0%. Patients with baseline LVGLS >−15.0% exhibited greater LV dilatation at 3 and 6 months compared with patients with GLS ≤−15.0% (LV end-diastolic volume 123±44 versus 106±36 mL and 121±43 versus 102±34 mL, respectively; global group–time interaction
P
<0.001). This association retained the same statistical significance after adjustment for various relevant demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic characteristics. Further, net reclassification improvement index demonstrated significant incremental value of LVGLS for prediction of LV end-diastolic volume increase (0.14 [95% confidence interval, 0.00034–0.29];
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

LVGLS before discharge after ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction is independently associated with LV dilatation at follow-up.
Remodeling of the Mononuclear Phagocyte Network Underlies Chronic Inflammation and Disease Progression in Heart Failure
Authors: Ismahil Mohamed Ameen , Hamid Tariq , Bansal Shyam S. , Patel Bindiya , Kingery Justin R. , Prabhu Sumanth D.
Published: November 2013

Rationale:

The role of mononuclear phagocytes in chronic heart failure (HF) is unknown.

Objective:

Our aim was to delineate monocyte, macrophage, and dendritic cell trafficking in HF and define the contribution of the spleen to cardiac remodeling.

Methods and Results:

We evaluated C57Bl/6 mice with chronic HF 8 weeks after coronary ligation. As compared with sham-operated controls, HF mice exhibited: (1) increased proinflammatory CD11b
+
F4/80
+
CD206
−
macrophages and CD11b
+
F4/80
+
Gr-1
hi
monocytes in the heart and peripheral blood, respectively, and reduced CD11b
+
F4/80
+
Gr-1
hi
monocytes in the spleen; (2) significantly increased CD11c
+
B220
−
classical dendritic cells and CD11c
+/low
B220
+
plasmacytoid dendritic cells in both the heart and spleen, and increased classic dendritic cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow, respectively; (3) increased CD4
+
helper and CD8
+
cytotoxic T-cells in the spleen; and (4) profound splenic remodeling with abundant white pulp follicles, markedly increased size of the marginal zone and germinal centers, and increased expression of alarmins. Splenectomy in mice with established HF reversed pathological cardiac remodeling and inflammation. Splenocytes adoptively transferred from mice with HF, but not from sham-operated mice, homed to the heart and induced long-term left ventricular dilatation, dysfunction, and fibrosis in naive recipients. Recipient mice also exhibited monocyte activation and splenic remodeling similar to HF mice.

Conclusions:

Activation of mononuclear phagocytes is central to the progression of cardiac remodeling in HF, and heightened antigen processing in the spleen plays a critical role in this process. Splenocytes (presumably splenic monocytes and dendritic cells) promote immune-mediated injurious responses in the failing heart and retain this memory on adoptive transfer.
Cardiac Myocyte Z-Line Calmodulin Is Mainly RyR2-Bound, and Reduction Is Arrhythmogenic and Occurs in Heart Failure
Authors: Yang Yi , Guo Tao , Oda Tetsuro , Chakraborty Asima , Chen Le , Uchinoumi Hitoshi , Knowlton Anne A. , Fruen Bradley R. , Cornea Razvan L. , Meissner Gerhard , Bers Donald M.
Published: November 2013

Rationale:

Calmodulin (CaM) associates with cardiac ryanodine receptor type-2 (RyR2) as an important regulator. Defective CaM–RyR2 interaction may occur in heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. However, the in situ binding properties for CaM–RyR2 are unknown.

Objective:

We sought to measure the in situ binding affinity and kinetics for CaM–RyR2 in normal and heart failure ventricular myocytes, estimate the percentage of Z-line–localized CaM that is RyR2-bound, and test cellular function of defective CaM–RyR2 interaction.

Methods and Results:

Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer in permeabilized myocytes, we specifically resolved RyR2-bound CaM from other potential binding targets and measured CaM–RyR2 binding affinity in situ (K
d
=10–20 nmol/L). Using RyR2
ADA/+
knock-in mice, in which half of the CaM–RyR2 binding is suppressed, we estimated that >90% of Z-line CaM is RyR2-bound. Functional tests indicated a higher propensity for Ca
2+
wave production and stress-induced ventricular arrhythmia in RyR2
ADA/+
mice. In a post–myocardial infarction rat heart failure model, we detected a decrease in the CaM–RyR2 binding affinity (K
d
≈51 nmol/L; ≈3-fold increase) and unaltered RyR2 affinity for the FK506-binding protein FKBP12.6 (Kd~0.8 nmol/L).

Conclusions:

CaM binds to RyR2 with high affinity in cardiac myocytes. Physiologically, CaM is bound to >70% of RyR2 monomers and inhibits sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
release. RyR2 is the major binding site for CaM along the Z-line in cardiomyocytes, and dissociating CaM from RyR2 can cause severe ventricular arrhythmia. In heart failure, RyR2 shows decreased CaM affinity, but unaltered FKBP 12.6 affinity.
Review of Place Attachment: Advances in Theory, Methods and Applications (Edited by Lynne Manzo and Patrick Devine-Wright)
Authors: Raymond Christopher
Published: November 2013

“Place Attachment: Advances in Theory, Methods and Applications” provides an eloquent overview of contemporary advancement in place attachment theory, methods and applications and is a very useful resource for graduate students and senior scholars of ‘sense of place’ research. One of the main strengths of the book is that it draws together different, and sometimes conflicting, understandings of place attachment, and also moves beyond simplistic qualitative vs. quantitative discussions. However, it does not provide a coherent framework for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches to understanding people-place connections which may challenge those academics or practitioners new to the place attachment literature. Further, little guidance is provided in the applications section about the key question of “how does one manage for place attachment?”.
Impact of place attachment on risk perception: Exploring the multidimensionality of risk and its magnitude
Authors: Bernardo Fátima
Published: November 2013

The literature is inconclusive regarding the relationship between place attachment and risk perception. Place attachment relates to reduced risk perception in some contexts and higher levels in others. Furthermore, longitudinal studies have shown that this relationship can change over time. In order to elucidate this relationship, we explored the multidimensionality of risk perception using the Slovic et al. paradigm with three types of risks: environmental, social and economic. A sample of 157 residents reported both place attachment and perceived risk. The results show that place attachment contributes to amplifying high probability risks and attenuates the perception of low probability ones. The results further show that place attachment is associated with the “control of risk” dimension including “voluntariness” and “controllability”.
Apego al lugar, restauración percibida y calidad de vida: un modelo de relación
Authors: Ruiz Cristina , Pérez Cristina , Hernández Bernardo
Published: November 2013

Algunas investigaciones señalan que el apego al lugar afecta a la percepción del entorno, mientras que otras indican que es la percepción del lugar, especialmente la restauración percibida, la que produce niveles de apego diferentes. Asimismo, se ha observado que tanto la percepción del entorno como el apego al lugar influyen sobre la calidad de vida. Sin embargo, pocos trabajos analizan el peso conjunto del apego al lugar y la capacidad restauradora percibida sobre la calidad de vida. En este trabajo se pone a prueba la relación entre el apego al lugar, la capacidad restauradora que se le otorga al lugar y la calidad de vida en un pueblo rural de Tenerife. El modelo de vías obtenido indica que la calidad de vida recibe influencia tanto del apego al lugar como de la restauración percibida, y que el apego influye sobre la percepción de restauración del lugar.
Varieties of people-place relations and place change: UK electricity transmission grid development
Authors: Bailey Etienne , Devine-Wright Patrick
Published: November 2013

With a projected increase in electricity demand and low-carbon energy generation in the UK, the increased deployment of the existing electricity network is foreseeable (DECC, 2011). Public controversy over the proposed sitting of overhead transmission lines (often termed NIMBYism) has, in some cases, led to active opposition and resulted in planning delays and financial cost for developers. In going beyond the NIMBY concept, Devine-Wright (2009) posits a place-based approach to understanding responses to energy infrastructure proposals, highlighting the importance of people's subjective emotional and symbolic associations to particular places. This paper critically reviews existing literature on varieties of people-place relations, pointing to limitations of cross-sectional studies and outlining the value of narrative interviews for establishing the dynamic nature of place orientations over time. Furthermore, the case is made for novel research that explores relationships between forms of non-attachment to place (Lewicka, 2011) and responses to a power line proposal.
Influence of environmental perception of the neighbourhood on place attachment: The impact of the physical care of the neighbourhood
Authors: Tabernero Carmen , Martín Ana , Valera Sergi , Vidal Tomeu
Published: November 2013

The present study examines the influence of perception of neighbourhood crowding, noise, danger, and physical care on neighbourhood attachment. To this end, a total of496 Spanish students from Barcelona and La Laguna participate in this study. In order to control for the variable time of residence, only natives of the neighbourhood were selected as participants, completing an anonymous self-reporting questionnaire. A Path Analysis was applied using perception of environmental factors of the neighbourhood as predictive variables and neighbourhood attachment as criteria variable. The results show that the perceptions of physical care and of danger in the neighbourhood are the variables that directly influence attachment. The implications of the results are discussed in terms of intervention for enhancing care behaviours in the neighbourhood.
Catastrophe Models for Cognitive Workload and Fatigue in a Vigilance Dual Task
Authors: Guastello Stephen J. , Malon Matthew , Timm Paul , Weinberger Kelsey , Gorin Hillary , Fabisch Megan , Poston Kirsten
Published: November 2013

Objective:

This study investigated two cusp catastrophe models for cognitive workload and fatigue for a vigilance dual task, the role of emotional intelligence and frustration in the performance dynamics, and the dynamics for individuals and teams of two participants.

Background:

The effects of workload, fatigue, practice, and time on a specific task can be separated with the two models and an appropriate experimental design. Group dynamics add further complications to the understanding of workload and fatigue effects for teams.

Method:

In this experiment, 141 undergraduates responded to target stimuli that appeared on a simulated security camera display at three rates of speed while completing a jigsaw puzzle. Participants worked alone or in pairs and completed additional measurements prior to or after the main tasks.

Results:

The workload cusp verified the expected effects of speed and frustration on change in performance. The fatigue cusp showed that positive and negative changes in performance were greater if more work on the secondary task was completed and whether the participants who started with the fast vigilance condition demonstrated less fatigue.

Conclusion:

The results supported the efficacy of the cusp models and suggested, furthermore, that training modules that varied speed of presentation could buffer the effects of fatigue.

Application:

The cusp models can be used to analyze virtually any cognitively demanding task set. The particular results generalize to vigilance tasks, although a wider range of conditions within vigilance tasks needs to be investigated further.
Musculoskeletal Pain and Reported Workplace Assault
Authors: Miranda Helena , Punnett Laura , Gore Rebecca J. ,   the ProCare Research Team
Published: November 2013

Objective:

This study examined prospectively the effect of workplace violence on musculoskeletal symptoms among nursing home workers.

Background:

Previously we reported a cross-sectional relationship between physical assaults at work and musculoskeletal pain. This follow-up provides stronger evidence of the effect of workplace violence on musculoskeletal outcomes within the same workforce over two years.

Method:

Nursing home workers who responded to three consecutive annual surveys formed the study cohort ( n = 344). The outcomes were any musculoskeletal pain, widespread pain, pain intensity, pain interference with work and sleep, and co-occurring pain with depression. The main predictor was self-reported physical assault at work during the 3 months preceding each survey. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were assessed with log-binomial regression, adjusting for other workplace and individual factors.

Results:

Every fourth nursing home worker, and 34% of nursing aides, reported persistent workplace assault over the 2 years. Among respondents assaulted frequently, two thirds experienced moderate to extreme musculoskeletal pain, and more than 50% had pain interfering with work and/or sleep. Baseline exposure to assault predicted pain outcomes 1 year later. Repeated exposure was associated with a linear increase over 2 years in the risks of pain intensity, interference with work, and interference with sleep; co-occurring pain and depression had an adjusted PR of 3.6 (95% CI = 1.7–7.9).

Conclusion:

Workplace assault, especially when repeated over time, increases the risk of pain that may jeopardize workers’ ability to remain employed.

Application:

More effective assault prevention would protect and support the workforce needed to care for our increasing elderly and disabled population.
A Physical Workload Index to Evaluate a Safe Resident Handling Program for Nursing Home Personnel
Authors: Kurowski Alicia , Buchholz Bryan ,   ProCare Research Team, Punnett Laura
Published: November 2013

Objective:

The aim of this study was to obtain a comprehensive analysis of the physical workload of clinical staff in long-term care facilities, before and after a safe resident handling program (SRHP).

Background:

Ergonomic exposures of health care workers include manual handling of patients and many non-neutral postures. A comprehensive assessment requires the integration of loads from these varied exposures into a single metric.

Method:

The Postures, Activities, Tools, and Handling observational protocol, customized for health care, was used for direct observations of ergonomic exposures in clinical jobs at 12 nursing homes before the SRHP and 3, 12, 24, and 36 months afterward. Average compressive forces on the spine were estimated for observed combinations of body postures and manual handling and then weighted by frequencies of observed time for the combination. These values were summed to obtain a biomechanical index for nursing assistants and nurses across observation periods.

Results:

The physical workload index (PWI) was much higher for nursing assistants than for nurses and decreased more after 3 years (−24% versus −2.5%). Specifically during resident handling, the PWI for nursing assistants decreased by 41% of baseline value.

Conclusion:

Spinal loading was higher for nursing assistants than for nurses in long-term care centers. Both job groups experienced reductions in physical loading from the SRHP, especially the nursing assistants and especially while resident handling.

Application:

The PWI facilitates a comprehensive investigation of physical loading from both manual handling and non-neutral postures. It can be used in any work setting to identify high-risk tasks and determine whether reductions in one exposure are offset by increases in another.
High-temperature-pressure Polymerized Resin-infiltrated Ceramic Networks
Authors: Nguyen J.F. , Ruse D. , Phan A.C. , Sadoun M.J.
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study was to produce composite blocks (CB) for CAD/CAM applications by high-temperature-pressure (HT/HP) polymerization of resin-infiltrated glass-ceramic networks. The effect of network sintering and the absence/presence of initiator was investigated. Mechanical properties were determined and compared with those of Paradigm MZ100 (3M ESPE) blocks and HT/HP polymerized experimental “classic” CB, in which the filler had been incorporated by conventional mixing. The networks were made   from glass-ceramic powder (VITA Zahnfabrik) formed by slip casting and were either sintered or not. They were silanized, infiltrated by urethane dimethacrylate, with or without initiator, and polymerized under HT/HP (300 MPa, 180°C) to obtain resin-infiltrated glass-ceramic network (RIGCN) CB. HT/HP polymerized CB were also made from an experimental “classic” composite. Flexural strength (σf), fracture toughness (KIC), and Vickers hardness were determined and analyzed by one- or two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Scheffé multiple-means comparisons (α = 0.05), and Weibull statistics (for σf). Fractured surfaces were characterized with scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of RIGCN CB were significantly higher. Sintering induced significant increases in σf and hardness, while the initiator significantly decreased hardness. The results suggested that RIGCN and HT/HP polymerization could be used to obtain CB with superior mechanical properties, suitable for CAD/CAM applications.
The inequality–conflict nexus re-examined
Authors: Bartusevičius Henrikas
Published: November 2013

The impact of inequality on the outbreak of intrastate armed conflicts or civil wars has recently attracted considerable interest in conflict research. In contrast to previous studies that have focused on inequality in the total population (vertical inequality), recent studies have analysed inequality between certain groups of people (horizontal inequality), and found that inequality significantly increases the likelihood of conflict onset. However, most of the recent studies on the inequality–conflict nexus have focused on conflicts fought between ethnic groups. The relation between inequality and other (non-ethnic) categories of conflicts has attracted less attention. The present study aims to address this gap: it implements a theoretical and empirical analysis of the relation between inequality and popular rebellions, a subset of conflicts where mobilization transcends ethnic boundaries and hostilities involve popular participation. Based on a sample of 77 popular rebellions and new global data on vertical inequality in income and education, this study shows that inequality significantly increases the likelihood of popular rebellion onset. In addition, the study reveals that inequality proxies (income and education Gini indices) outperform proxies of the absolute level of income (GDP per capita) in the model of popular rebellion onset, suggesting that it is relative, not absolute, well-being that ultimately motivates people to rise up in arms.
Arthroscopic Labral Reconstruction Is Superior to Segmental Resection for Irreparable Labral Tears in the Hip
Authors: Domb Benjamin G. , El Bitar Youssef F. , Stake Christine E. , Trenga Anthony P. , Jackson Timothy J. , Lindner Dror
Published: November 2013

Background:

The acetabular labrum is an important structure that plays a significant role in proper biomechanical function of the hip joint. When the labrum is significantly deficient, arthroscopic reconstruction could provide a potential solution for the nonfunctional labrum.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic labral reconstruction (RECON) with those of arthroscopic segmental labral resection (RESEC) in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) of the hip.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Between April 2010 and March 2011, all prospectively gathered data for patients with FAI who underwent arthroscopic acetabular labral reconstruction or segmental resection with a minimum 2-year follow-up were reviewed. Eleven cases in the RECON group were matched to 22 cases in the RESEC group according to the preoperative Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS) and sex. The patient-reported outcome scores (PROs) used included the NAHS, the Hip Outcome Score (HOS), and the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). Statistical analyses were performed to compare the change in PROs in both groups.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding the preoperative NAHS ( P = .697), any of the other preoperative PROs, or demographic and radiographic data. The mean change in the NAHS was 24.8 ± 16.0 in the RECON group and 12.5 ± 16.0 in the RESEC group. The mean change in the HOS–activities of daily living (HOS-ADL) was 21.7 ± 16.5 in the RECON group and 9.5 ± 15.5 in the RESEC group. Comparison of the amount of change between groups showed greater improvement in the NAHS and HOS-ADL for the RECON group ( P = .046 and .045, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean changes in the rest of the PROs, although there were trends in all in favor of the RECON group. All PROs in both groups showed a statistically significant improvement at follow-up compared with preoperative levels.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic labral reconstruction is an effective and safe procedure that provides good short-term clinical outcomes in hips with insufficient and nonfunctional labra in the setting of FAI.
Evaluation of jute/glass hybrid composite sandwich: Water resistance, impact properties and life cycle assessment
Authors: Pandita Surya D , Yuan Xiaowen , Manan Munirah A , Lau Chun H , Subramanian Alamelu S , Wei Jun
Published: November 2013

The mechanical properties and the life cycle assessment (LCA) of jute woven fabric composites and their hybrids are investigated. Jute woven fabric composites were sandwiched with glass woven composites with the epoxy matrix. The sandwiched composites were prepared using the resin infusion under flexible tooling method. The water absorption test was performed on jute woven composites and composite sandwiches. It shows that thin layers of glass woven composites in the composites sandwich decelerate water penetration to jute woven composites, which are the core materials. The water absorption process applied to jute woven composites and their sandwich was modeled using Fick’s second law. The glass woven composites at the outer surface of the sandwich can act as strong skins. The bending and impact (drop weight) properties of jute–glass woven composites are higher than those of jute woven composites. A commercial LCA software product was employed to evaluate the environmental impacts of manufacturing the jute woven composites and their hybrids. The manufacturing of jute–glass woven composites had more negative environmental impacts (global warming, ozone depletion, etc.) than that of jute fabric composites, because glass fibres are less environmental friendly than natural fibres.
A Qualitative Study to Understand Cultural Factors Affecting a Mother’s Decision to Breast or Formula Feed
Authors: Fischer Tara P. , Olson Beth H.
Published: November 2013

Background:

The presence of barriers is not sufficient to explain breastfeeding rate disparities. A relatively unexplored area in coping with breastfeeding barriers is culture.

Objective:

This research aims to better understand the role of culture in a woman’s infant feeding decision by using race and socioeconomic status as indicators of culture.

Methods:

Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with 42 pregnant women or mothers of infants younger than 12 months. Focus group composition was determined by self-identified African American or white race and self-reported eligibility for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) or ineligibility (non-WIC).

Results:

Most participants acknowledged that breastfeeding was best, yet differences arose between groups in the perception of, and reaction to, breastfeeding barriers. WIC and non-WIC participants of both races indicated that some circumstances necessitated formula use. WIC participants felt that this was personally and socially acceptable due to need, whereas non-WIC participants felt that this was personally and socially unacceptable. When a barrier arose, WIC participants of both races felt that the infant feeding choice was not theirs and formula use might be inevitable. In contrast, non-WIC participants of both races expressed that they persevered to continue breastfeeding and did so by establishing small, achievable goals and seeking mentors.

Conclusion:

Educational and public health efforts to reduce breastfeeding disparities may be enhanced if support is tailored to acknowledge cultural differences among women and address factors that make either breastfeeding or formula feeding acceptable, or even preferable, within their communities.
Influence of anisotropy parameter on deep drawing of tailor welded blanks of low-carbon steels
Authors: Vasudevan Vysakh , Bandyopadhyay Kaushik , Panda Sushanta K
Published: November 2013

The influence of difference in thickness, material properties and the weld zone on deep drawing and stretch forming behavior of tailor welded blanks is a critical laboratory scale study before implementation in car body design. Mostly, various low-carbon steel sheets are used for fabrication of tailor welded blanks due to their excellent weldability and formability, and these steel sheets have high normal and planar anisotropy from preprocessing stage due to large deformation cold rolling. In this study, two different tailor welded blanks and one laser welded blank of similar material combination were fabricated by laser welding of interstitial-free, interstitial-free high-strength and high-strength low-alloy steels. Transverse tensile testing of the laser welded blanks of similar material combination (interstitial free–interstitial free) and two tailor welded blank specimens (interstitial free–interstitial free high strength and interstitial free–high strength low alloy) were conducted to evaluate the weld quality in terms of strength and failure location. The effect of anisotropy on formability of tailor welded blanks was investigated in terms of cup depth and fracture location in cylindrical deep drawing process. Finite element simulations of the deep drawing process were conducted using the commercial available nonlinear solver, RADIOSS. It was observed that the Lankford anisotropy parameter, R-value, influences the thickness distribution, weldline movement and failure location in tailor welded blanks.
Capability performance analysis for processes with multiple characteristics using accuracy and precision
Authors: Chang Tsang-Chuan , Wang Kung-Jeng , Chen Kuen-Suan
Published: November 2013

Process capability indices have been widely used in the manufacturing industry to provide numerical measures for process potential and process performance. However, from the perspective of improving process quality, there is a significant amount of process information that cannot be conveyed with a single index. Therefore, a single index does not have the ability to represent distinct problems in process performance or to provide the production department with sufficient information to make improvements. Thus, we applied an accuracy index [Formula: see text] and a precision index [Formula: see text] capable of reflecting the degree of deviation from target values and the degree of variance and incorporated the quality-level concept of the six-sigma model to develop a process quality-level analysis chart capable of analyzing the process capabilities of multiple quality characteristics. In addition to being able to directly identify the quality levels for various quality characteristics, the process quality-level analysis chart also provides recommendations for improvement of all quality-level regions to serve as a reference for production departments. Mathematical programming was used to develop a statistical hypothesis testing model to assist production departments in confirming the effectiveness of implemented improvements. This was achieved through derivation of a joint confidence interval for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] from Boole’s inequality. From this, we obtained the upper and lower limits of the [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Finally, we also applied the proposed approach to a case study of a five-way pipe process.
Thermochemical simulation of flash smelting furnace
Authors: Solghar Alireza Arab , Abdolzadeh Morteza
Published: November 2013

A thermochemical model of the flash smelting furnace has been developed to predict fuel and oxygen consumption. The principal assumption of the model was that all matte, slag, dust and gaseous phases in the furnace were in thermal and chemical equilibriums. The present model was validated through measured data of Shahr-e Babak copper complex. Good agreement between predicted and measured data was achieved. In this study, the effect of air enrichment grade and air preheat temperature on the fuel consumption and required air for the oxidation and combustion reactions were examined for both heavy oil and methane. The results of parametric studies show that the rate of fuel consumption changes remarkably with the variation of working parameters of flash furnace. It was also found that the concentration of SO2 increases with oxygen content in the air. The results of the present investigation can be used for process automation and optimization.
Theoretical and experimental research on scroll expander used in small-scale organic Rankine cycle system
Authors: Guangbin Liu , Yuanyang Zhao , Qichao Yang , Le Wang , Bin Tang , Liansheng Li
Published: November 2013

Scroll expander is suitable for small-scale organic Rankine cycle system. In this article, a detailed mathematical model describing the stable and dynamic process of scroll expander is built, an experiment system is set up, and the performance of scroll expander is tested. The results show that the p−V diagram of simulation and experiment show good agreement. The volumetric efficiency of scroll expander increases with rotating speed, and the maximum value is 63% under the tested condition. The isentropic efficiency increases at low rotating speed but then decreases, and the maximum value is 36.4%. Both the stable rotating speed and stable time of scroll expander increase with the electric resistance; here the stable time is defined as the elapsed time when the scroll expander varies from one stable condition to another. Although the transient rotating speed varies periodically with running time when the scroll expander runs stably, the variable quantity can be ignored. The total efficiency of expander and system efficiency first increase with the rotating speed and then decrease, and the maximum values are 41% and 2.9%, respectively, when the Carnot efficiency is 21.2% and the maximum theoretical efficiency is 8%.