bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accounting for the speed shear in wind turbine power performance measurement
Authors: Wagner R. , Courtney M. , Gottschall J. , Lindelöw‐Marsden P.
Published: October 2011

The current IEC standard for wind turbine power performance measurement only requires measurement of the wind speed at hub height assuming this wind speed to be representative for the whole rotor swept area. However, the power output of a wind turbine depends on the kinetic energy flux, which itself depends on the wind speed profile, especially for large turbines. Therefore, it is important to characterize the wind profile in front of the turbine, and this should be preferably achieved by measuring the wind speed over the vertical range between lower and higher rotor tips.

In this paper, we describe an experiment in which wind speed profiles were measured in front of a multimegawatt turbine using a ground–based pulsed lidar. Ignoring the vertical shear was shown to overestimate the kinetic energy flux of these profiles, in particular for those deviating significantly from a power law profile. As a consequence, the power curve obtained for these deviant profiles was different from that obtained for the ‘near power law’ profiles. An equivalent wind speed based on the kinetic energy derived from the measured wind speed profile was then used to plot the performance curves. The curves obtained for the two kinds of profiles were very similar, corresponding to a significant reduction of the scatter for an undivided data set. This new method for power curve measurement results in a power curve less sensitive to shear. It is therefore expected to eventually reduce the power curve measurement uncertainty and improve the annual energy production estimation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Actuator line/Navier–Stokes computations for the MEXICO rotor: comparison with detailed measurements
Authors: Shen Wen Zhong , Zhu Wei Jun , Sørensen Jens Nørkær
Published: October 2011

In the European collaborative MEXICO (Model Experiments in Controlled Conditions) project, a series of experiments was carried out on a 4.5 m diameter wind turbine rotor to validate numerical diagnostics tools. Here, some of the measured data are compared with computations of the combined actuator line/Navier–Stokes (AL/NS) model developed at the Technical University of Denmark. The AL/NS model was combined with a large eddy simulation technique and used to compute the flow past the MEXICO rotor in free air and in the DNW German‐Dutch wind tunnel for three commonly defined test cases at wind speeds of 10, 15 and 24 m s −1. Two sets of airfoil data were used. Comparisons of blade loadings showed that the AL/NS technique with the modified airfoil data is in better agreement with the measurements than with the original 2D airfoil data. Comparisons of detailed near‐wake velocities showed good agreement with the measurements. Computations including the influence of the geometry of the wind tunnel showed that tunnel effects are not significant and the effect of the geometry of the wind tunnel only results in a speedup of 3% at a thrust coefficient of CT  =  1.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial study of the wake meandering using modelled wind turbines in a wind tunnel
Authors: España G. , Aubrun S. , Loyer S. , Devinant P.
Published: October 2011

The present paper presents a study of the wake meandering phenomenon with the help of physical modelling in atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) wind tunnel.

The wind turbine is modelled at a geometric scale of 1:400 with a static porous disk (actuator disk concept). The main objective of the present work was to supply quantitative information on the meandering process. The instantaneous wake width and its horizontal and vertical swerves from the mean wake axis are quantified using specific image processing of instantaneous velocity fields obtained by particle image velocimetry downstream of the modelled wind turbine. We observe that the wind turbine wake displacements from the mean streamwise axis are very important when the turbulence length scales are larger than the wake width. We also observe that, in ABL conditions, horizontal displacements are higher than the vertical ones with a proportion in agreement with the ratio between the transverse and vertical turbulence intensities σv∕σw  ≈ 3∕2.

It is finally concluded that the instantaneous wake width remained nearly constant downstream of the wind turbine model whatever the flow conditions and that the extent of the mean wind turbine wake is dominantly due to the meandering process.

This confirms that it is necessary to include the meandering process in the wake analysis in order to estimate the fatigue loading on wind turbines within wind farms properly. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A modification of Jacobson et al.'s (1997) individual branch‐antlered male method for censusing white‐tailed deer
Authors: Weckel Mark , Rockwell Robert F. , Secret Frank
Published: October 2011

Jacobson et al.'s (1997) individual branch‐antlered male (IBAM) method is a popular camera technique for estimating white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) abundance. Demographic ratios are estimated from raw photographic occurrences (RPO) of males, females, and fawns. Point abundance estimates of each group are estimated by using said ratios to extrapolate from a count of uniquely identifiable males. In 2009, using camera‐trap data from the Mianus River Gorge Preserve (NY), we modified the IBAM technique to 1) generate measures of uncertainty for parameter estimates via bootstrapping camera stations, and 2) address the concern that RPO ratios may be biased if groups of animals differ in their probability of being photographed (e.g., trap success [TS]). For each sex–age group, we evaluated RPO as a function of TS using linear regression to generate photographic counts standardized by TS (standardized photographic occurrences [SPO]). We generated estimates of sex–age ratios and abundances using both RPO and SPO. To evaluate the accuracy of using SPO in conjunction with the IBAM method, we independently estimated the abundance of a marked group of female deer using a Poisson log normal (PNE) mark–resight estimator. Abundance estimates across sex–age classes were most similar between PNE and IBAM when SPO demographic ratios were used. Owing to the greater TS of females, using SPO discounted the relative abundance of females and, thus, lowered the female:male ratios and raised the fawn:female ratio. Uncertainty was broad across all approaches, yet accounting for TS reduced the confounding variability owing to differences in detection probability and generated more accurate parameter estimates. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Will an artificial scent boundary prevent coyote intrusion?
Authors: Shivik John A. , Wilson Ryan. R. , Gilbert‐Norton Lynne
Published: October 2011

Highly territorial species such as coyotes (Canis latrans) use scent‐marks to delineate boundaries, and it has been suggested that canids may be repelled from areas by using human‐placed scent‐marks. To evaluate the potential of artificial scent‐marks as an area repellent, we first established treatment and control plots within the Welder Wildlife Refuge in southern Texas, USA. There, we used Global Positioning System collars with 15‐min acquisition rates on 3 coyotes to evaluate differential coyote response to artificial scent‐marks and control areas within coyote territories. Second, to directly evaluate behaviors, we observed the responses of 8 coyotes to control and treatment plots within 1‐ha pens at the Predator Research Facility in Logan, Utah, USA. In treatment conditions, a technician walked the boundary of the simulated territory and sprayed coyote urine. In control conditions, a technician walked along the boundary but did not distribute artificial scent‐marks. In the field, coyotes visited treatment plots more than control plots (P = 0.09) and traveled within treatment plots more than control plots (P = 0.05). In direct observations, coyotes investigated treated boundaries and spent more time at them (P = 0.001). Coyotes also visited the interiors of treatment areas nearly twice as often as control areas (P = 0.013). Sample sizes were limited, but based on these results, we cannot recommend using artificial territories (delineated with human‐placed coyote urine) to repel coyotes from areas where resource protection is needed. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Work-Related Psychological Health among Clergy Serving in the Presbyterian Church (USA): Testing the Idea of Balanced Affect
Authors: Francis Leslie J. , Village Andrew , Robbins Mandy , Wulff Keith
Published: October 2011

Drawing on the classic model of balanced affect, the Francis Burnout Inventory (FBI) conceptualises good work-related psychological health among clergy in terms of negative affect being balanced by positive affect. In a random sample of 744 clergy (539 clergymen and 205 clergywomen) serving in The Presbyterian Church (USA), negative affect was assessed by the Scale of Emotional Exhaustion in Ministry (SEEM) and positive affect was assessed by the Satisfaction in Ministry Scale (SIMS). At the same time, burnout was independently assessed using self-report measures of overall health and burnout, and by the extraversion and neuroticism scales of Eysenck's dimensional model of personality. These independent measures of burnout indicated higher burnout among those who were emotionally exhausted and lower burnout among those who had high levels of satisfaction with their ministry. Crucially for proving the idea of balanced affect, there was a significant interaction between the effects of SEEM and SIMS scores on these independent measures of burnout, showing that the mitigating effects of positive affect on burnout increased with increasing levels of negative affect.
Religiousness, Spirituality, and Psychological Distress in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Eric Y. , Schieman Scott , Jang Sung Joon
Published: October 2011

Most of the previous research on religion and mental health has focused solely on Western, predominantly Christian societies. Using a 2004 national survey of 1,881 adults in Taiwan, this study investigates the relationships between multidimensional measures of religiousness/spirituality and psychological distress in an Eastern context. Our findings differ from previous studies in the West, showing that: (1) religious-based supernatural beliefs are associated with more distress; (2) daily prayer is associated with less distress; (3) engaging in secular-based supernatural activities like fortune-telling is related to more distress; and (4) the frequency of religious attendance is unrelated to levels of distress. Broader theoretical and empirical implications of these findings are discussed.
Contextual Inequalities in Religious Youth Programming
Authors: Snell Herzog Patricia
Published: October 2011

Religious congregations are hypothesized to be a community organization affected by contextual inequalities. Survey and interview data are analyzed to investigate the type and prevalence of youth programming in a geographic area. Rather than drawing a sample of religious congregations in the area, the telephone survey was conducted with every congregation located in the three contiguous cities. Coupled with the high response rate (98.9%), this allows for a unique analysis of a total population of congregations in the specified area. In-person interviews were also conducted with religious youth ministers sampled from the broader population of congregations. U.S. Census (American Factfinder, 2000 ) data on the areas in which the congregations were located was linked to survey and interview data. Results demonstrate contextual effects in religious youth programming, net of denomination, congregation size, and budget. The availability and type of youth programming in different locations relates to the inequalities embedded in these contexts. This study indicates that social disorganization theories apply to religious organizations not in inequalities of the number of congregations located in any particular area but in inequalities in the level of youth programming density available within those congregations.
Religion, Political Discourse, and Activism among Varying Racial/Ethnic Groups in America
Authors: Brown R. Khari
Published: October 2011

The current study assesses the roles that political encouragement from clergy and lay involvement in political discussions play in the political and civic activism of varying racial/ethnic groups. Congregants are likely to participate in varying forms of activism when asked by clergy because of the high levels of trust that Americans have in their clergy and because political appeals are often communicated in a culturally relevant manner. In addition, participation in political discussions within houses of worship is likely to increase a sense of political agency and efficacy. For almost all groups, lay political deliberation is associated with activism. However, while political encouragement from clergy is associated with Black and Hispanic activism, it plays a negligible role in motivating Whites and Caribbean Blacks to action. Ideological symmetry between clergy and congregants may explain the degree to which political appeals from clergy motivate varying racial/ethnic groups to action.
Is the Market Moral? Protestant Assessments of Market Society
Authors: Steensland Brian , Schrank Zachary
Published: October 2011

Is the market moral? Do different Protestant traditions have competing views of “market society”? Despite the increasing diffusion of market logics in American society, scholars of religion have little empirical data on these questions. Employing discourse analysis of market-related topics in two prominent Christian periodicals over a twenty-year period, this paper compares evangelical and mainline Protestant evaluations of markets. We find that neither group views markets as redeeming, self-regulating, or value neutral, and both groups argue that markets require constraints. Evangelicals prioritize moral constraints on markets, while mainline Protestants prioritize governmental and democratic constraints. The degree of difference between the groups varies considerably by topic, however, depending on the degree of potential state intervention. We close by discussing our findings in light of recent debates over the relationship between religious conservatism and economic conservatism. We find that economic conservatism among evangelicals is driven at least as much by a commitment to collective voluntarism as by atomized individualism or free market ideology.
Explaining Differences in Philanthropic Behavior between Christians, Muslims, and Hindus in the Netherlands
Authors: Carabain Christine L. , Bekkers René
Published: October 2011

Using survey data from the Netherlands, we find that Muslims have relatively high levels of religious philanthropic behavior and relatively low levels of secular philanthropic behavior, whereas Hindus have relatively low levels of religious philanthropic behavior and higher levels of secular philanthropic behavior. Results indicate that the community explanation and the conviction explanation of the relationship between religion and philanthropic behavior are both valid to some extent when it comes to differences in philanthropic behavior between Christians, Muslims, and Hindus. In addition, we find a relationship between group orientation in worship rituals on the relation between religion and philanthropic behavior. The more group-oriented the worship rituals, the stronger the relation between religion and philanthropic behavior. The results suggest that Durkheim's theory (La Suicide: Etude de Sociologie. Presses Universitaires de France, Paris, 1897 ) may only be valid in a Christian context.
Diversity, Donations, and Disadvantage: The Implications of Personal Fundraising for Racial Diversity in Evangelical Outreach Ministries
Authors: Perry Samuel L.
Published: October 2011

Employing insights from critical whiteness theory, I analyze the fundraising experiences of racial minorities within predominantly white evangelical outreach ministries (EOMs) in order to assess the ways in which the funding structure of EOMs contributes to the reproduction of white structural and cultural dominance and, ultimately, racial homogeneity within these organizations. Quantitative and qualitative data from a mixed-race sample of EOM workers ( N = 716) reveal that white dominance is reproduced within the funding structure of EOMs through two primary means: (1) the individualistic fundraising model of EOMs naturally advantages whites over economically disadvantaged minorities, thereby reproducing whites’ structural dominance. And (2) the fundraising strategies of EOMs embody white cultural preferences that become normalized, requiring minorities to sacrifice their own preferences and relationships to adapt. The EOM funding structure thus becomes a mechanism for reproducing white dominance and ultimately fortifying racial divisions and perpetuating racial homogeneity within EOMs.
Electrical low‐frequency stimulation induces central neuroplastic changes of pain processing in man
Authors: Jung K. , Lelic D. , Rottmann S. , Drewes A.M. , Petrini L. , Ellrich J.
Published: October 2011

Electrical low‐frequency stimulation (LFS) inhibits pain perception and nociceptive processing as shown by psychophysical and electrophysiological means (long‐term depression, LTD). Information regarding central mechanisms involved in LTD induction and maintenance are still missing. This study hypothesizes that electrical LFS induces changes in activation pattern of pain‐related brain areas.

Thirty‐two electrophysiological and psychophysical experiments were performed in 16 healthy volunteers. Painful electrical test stimulation (0.125 Hz, 60 pulses) and conditioning LFS (1 Hz, 1200 pulses) were applied by a concentric electrode to the right hand. Test stimulation series were performed before (Pre) and after LFS (Post) or no stimulation period (Control). Volunteers rated pain perception according to a verbal rating scale (0–100). Somatosensory evoked cortical potentials were recorded with 64‐channel electroencephalography. Individual dipole source modeling using CURRY software (Compumedics, Hamburg, Germany) yielded information about dipole location and strength.

The strongest decrease in LFS‐induced pain perception was shown after LFS (p < 0.01). Topographic distribution of cortical potentials revealed reproducible negative (N1, N2) and positive (P2) components. Dipole magnitude analysis showed a significant difference between Post LFS and Post Control for P2 (p < 0.01). P2 dipole location analysis yielded a significant posterior (p < 0.05) shift following LTD induction.

Thus, data reveal central changes of pain processing after LTD induction. These experiments may help judging the potency of LTD as model for electrostimulation in future analgesic therapy.
Screening for bipolar disorder among outpatients with substance use disorders
Authors: Nallet A. , Weber B. , Favre S. , Gex-Fabry M. , Voide R. , Ferrero F. , Zullino D. , Khazaal Y. , Aubry J.M.
Published: October 2011

Background

Comorbidity of bipolar disorder and alcohol or substance abuse/dependence is frequent and has marked negative consequences on the course of the illness and treatment compliance. The objective of this study was to compare the validity of two short instruments aimed at screening bipolar disorders among patients treated for substance use disorders.

Methods

The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and the Hypomania Checklist-32 (HCL-32) were tested with reference to the mood section of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV axis I disorders (SCID) in 152 patients, recruited in two outpatient clinics providing specialized treatment for alcohol and opiate dependence.

Results

According to the SCID, 33 patients (21.7%) had a diagnosis within the bipolar spectrum (two bipolar I, 21 bipolar II and 10 bipolar not otherwise specified). The HCL-32 was more sensitive (90.9% vs. 66.7%) and the MDQ more specific (38.7% vs. 77.3%) for the whole sample. The MDQ displayed higher sensitivity and specificity in patients treated for alcohol than for opiate dependence, whereas the HCL-32 was highly sensitive but poorly specific in both samples. Both instruments had a positive predictive value under 50%.

Conclusions

Caution is needed when using the MDQ and HCL-32 in patients treated for substance use disorders.
Statistical properties of particle segregation in homogeneous isotropic turbulence
Authors: Meneguz Elena , Reeks Michael W.
Published: October 2011

A full Lagrangian method (FLM) is used in direct numerical simulations (DNS) of incompressible homogeneous isotropic and statistically stationary turbulent flow to measure the statistical properties of the segregation of small inertial particles advected with Stokes drag by the flow. Qualitative good agreement is observed with previous kinematic simulations (KS) (IJzermans, Meneguz & Reeks, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 653, 2010, pp. 99–136): in particular, the existence of singularities in the particle concentration field and a threshold value for the particle Stokes number $\mathit{St}$ above which the net compressibility of the particle concentration changes sign (from compression to dilation). A further KS analysis is carried out by examining the distribution in time of the compression of an elemental volume of particles, which shows that it is close to Gaussian as far as the third and fourth moments but non-Gaussian (within the uncertainties of the measurements) for higher-order moments when the contribution of singularities in the tails of the distribution increasingly dominates the statistics. Measurements of the rate of occurrence of singularities show that it reaches a maximum at $\mathit{St}\ensuremath{\sim} 1$, with the distribution of times between singularities following a Poisson process. Following the approach used by Fevrier, Simonin & Squires (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 553, 2005, pp. 1–46), we also measured the random uncorrelated motion (RUM) and mesoscopic components of the compression for $\mathit{St}= 1$ and show that the non-Gaussian highly intermittent part of the distribution of the compression is associated with the RUM component and ultimately with the occurrence of singularities. This result is consistent with the formation of caustics (Wilkinson et al. Phys. Fluids, vol. 19, 2007, p. 113303), where the activation of singularities precedes the crossing of trajectories (RUM).
Late Ordovician to Silurian ensialic magmatism in Liverpool Land, East Greenland: new evidence extending the northeastern branch of the continental Laurentian magmatic arc
Authors: AUGLAND LARS EIVIND , ANDRESEN ARILD , CORFU FERNANDO , DAVIKNES HANS KRISTIAN
Published: October 2011

New U–Pb ID-TIMS geochronological and whole-rock geochemical data from the Hurry Inlet Plutonic Terrane in Liverpool Land provide evidence of a Late Ordovician to Silurian magmatic arc in the East Greenland Caledonides. These voluminous granitoid rocks range from meladiorite to monzonite and granite, they are alkali-calcic to calc-alkaline and magnesian, and have characteristic arc granitoid trace element signatures. Zircon data give ages of 446 ± 2 and 438 ± 4 Ma for two phases of the Hurry Inlet Composite Pluton, 426 ± 1 Ma for a meladioritic xenolith in the anatectic Triaselv granite, and 424 ± 1 Ma for the Hodal-Storefjord Pluton. The Late Ordovician plutons can be correlated with similar plutons in the uppermost nappes of the Scandinavian Caledonides, likely representing the northern branch of magmatic arcs formed on the Laurentian margin. Magmatism appears to have continued sporadically until about 425 Ma when a major, short-lived, magmatic event formed the bulk of the batholith on Liverpool Land. This activity was likely mantle-driven and can be correlated with the Newer Granites in Scotland, for which a slab break-off mechanism has been proposed. The increased heat flow from this process can also explain the generation of the crustally derived, syntectonic, two-mica granites, which are the areally most important Caledonian suite in East Greenland.
Multinodular goitre arising in the tracheal lumen: implantation or ectopic?
Authors: Love R L , Ahsan F , Allison R , Keast A , Lambie N
Published: October 2011

Objectives:

We report a case of multinodular goitre arising in thyroid tissue within the trachea. This tissue appears to have been implanted at the time of an earlier subtotal thyroidectomy.

Case report:

A 79-year-old woman presented with a 12-month history of dyspnoea. Forty years earlier, she had been treated for a follicular adenoma with subtotal thyroidectomy. Investigation revealed tumour in the region of the right lobe of the thyroid, extending into and narrowing the trachea. A biopsy was performed, and the patient underwent excision of the right thyroid lobe tumour and cricotracheal resection with anastomosis. Histopathological findings were consistent with a multinodular goitre arising in thyroid tissue within the tracheal lumen.

Conclusion:

Intra-operative thyroid tissue implantation in the trachea and subsequent goitre development has not previously been described. This case illustrates the need for careful resection of the thyroid in order to maintain the integrity of normal anatomical structures.
Life history as an integrative theoretical framework advancing the understanding of the attachment system
Authors: Kruger Daniel J.
Published: October 2011

Evolutionary Life History Theory (LHT) is a powerful framework that can be used for understanding behavioral strategies as contingent adaptations to environmental conditions. Del Giudice uses LHT as a foundation for describing the attachment process as an evolved psychological system which evaluates life conditions and chooses reproductive strategies appropriate in the developmental environment, integrating findings across several literatures.
Performance analysis of a human–robot collaborative target recognition system
Authors: Oren Y. , Bechar A. , Edan Y.
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of time and action operational costs on an objective function developed by Becharet al. (A. Bechar, J. Meyer and Y. Edan, “An objective function to evaluate performance of human–robot collaboration in target recognition tasks,”IEEE Trans. Syst. Man Cybern. Part C39(6), 611–620 (2009)) for collaborative target recognition systems. Different task types, system reaction types, and environments were evaluated. Results reveal two types of task and system reactions – one focused on minimizing false alarms, and the second on detecting a target when one is presented. In addition, the analysis reveals a new property of the objective function based on a specific ratio between the weight differences that generalizes the model's objective function and facilitates its analysis. Results indicate that human decision time strongly influences system performance.
Catadioptric panoramic stereovision for humanoid robots
Authors: Salinas C. , Montes H. , Fernandez G. , Gonzalez de Santos P. , Armada M.
Published: October 2011

This paper proposes a novel design of a reconfigurable humanoid robot head, based on biological likeness of human being so that the humanoid robot could agreeably interact with people in various everyday tasks. The proposed humanoid head has a modular and adaptive structural design and is equipped with three main components: frame, neck motion system and omnidirectional stereovision system modules. The omnidirectional stereovision system module being the last module, a motivating contribution with regard to other computer vision systems implemented in former humanoids, it opens new research possibilities for achieving human-like behaviour. A proposal for a real-time catadioptric stereovision system is presented, including stereo geometry for rectifying the system configuration and depth estimation. The methodology for an initial approach for visual servoing tasks is divided into two phases, first related to the robust detection of moving objects, their depth estimation and position calculation, and second the development of attention-based control strategies. Perception capabilities provided allow the extraction of 3D information from a wide range of visions from uncontrolled dynamic environments, and work results are illustrated through a number of experiments.
Frailty Markers Predicting Emergency Department Visits in a Community-Dwelling Sample of Vulnerable Seniors in Montreal
Authors: Au Anita , Puts Martine T.E. , Fletcher John D. , Sourial Nadia , Bergman Howard
Published: October 2011

La fragilité met les individus à un risque accru de mauvaise santé. Les personnes âgées consomment une quantité disproportionnée des ressources du service des urgence [SU]. Afin d’étudier la relation entre les marqueurs de fragilité et l’effet sur l’utilisation des services des urgence par les personnes âgées vivant dans les communautés, nous avons mené une analyse secondaire d’un essai prospectif randomisé contrôlé de 22 mois à Montreal, au Canada, en utilisant la base de données du Système de services intégrés pour personnes âgées en perte d’autonomie (SIPA). Nous avons evalué un échantillon de 565 individus, avec cinq marqueurs de fragilité : l’activité physique, la force, la cognition, l’énérgie et la mobilité. Une régression logistique univariée et multivariée a été réalisée afin d’évaluer la relation potentielle entre les marqueurs de fragilité et les visites aux urgences. Les résultats ont révelé que 70 pour cent des participants avaient au moins trois marqueurs de fragilité. Cependant, aucune relation n’a été trouvée entre les marqueurs de fragilité et les visites aux urgences. Ces résultats suggèrent, donc, que parmi les personnes âgées fonctionellement sévèrement handicapés au sein des communautés, la présence de marqueurs de fragilité ne semble pas prévoir les visites aux urgences.
Integration of Motivational Interviewing into Practice in the National Exercise Referral Scheme in Wales: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Moore Graham F. , Moore Laurence , Murphy Simon
Published: October 2011

Background: Though motivational interviewing (MI) has demonstrated efficacy in a range of behaviour change settings, effectiveness will require successful integration into everyday practice. This study examines implementers’ views on delivering MI within an exercise referral scheme and consistency of consultations with MI before and after a 2-day workshop. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 exercise professionals and 10 area coordinators delivering the Welsh National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS), and the MI trainer. Eleven professionals provided consultation recordings before and 6-months after training, coded for fidelity using the Behaviour Change Counselling Index. Results: The workshop was well received by most, triggering increased recognition of potential motivational roles of consultations. However, some cited difficulties combining MI with structured data gathering activities, whilst a minority rejected MI, seeing current practice as effective, or MI as unnecessary because patients were ready to change. Although limited aggregate improvement in practice was observed, substantial improvements were observed in some individuals. Comments on the need for further practice or training were widespread. Conclusions: Efforts to implement MI should ensure that training and structures to provide monitoring and feedback are in place and that activities incorporated within consultations are compatible with MI delivery.
Brain Cortical Thickness and Surface Area Correlates of Neurocognitive Performance in Patients with Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and Healthy Adults
Authors: Hartberg C.B. , Sundet K. , Rimol L.M. , Haukvik U.K. , Lange E.H. , Nesvåg R. , Dale A.M. , Melle I. , Andreassen O.A. , Agartz I.
Published: October 2011

Relationships between cortical brain structure and neurocognitive functioning have been reported in schizophrenia, but findings are inconclusive, and only a few studies in bipolar disorder have addressed this issue. This is the first study to directly compare relationships between cortical thickness and surface area with neurocognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia (n = 117) and bipolar disorder (n = 121) and healthy controls (n = 192). MRI scans were obtained, and regional cortical thickness and surface area measurements were analyzed for relationships with test scores from 6 neurocognitive domains. In the combined sample, cortical thickness in the right rostral anterior cingulate was inversely related to working memory, and cortical surface area in four frontal and temporal regions were positively related to neurocognitive functioning. A positive relationship between left transverse temporal thickness and processing speed was specific to schizophrenia. A negative relationship between right temporal pole thickness and working memory was specific to bipolar disorder. In conclusion, significant cortical structure/function relationships were found in a large sample of healthy controls and patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The differences that were found between schizophrenia and bipolar may indicate differential relationship patterns in the two disorders, which may be of relevance for understanding the underlying pathophysiology. (JINS, 2011, 17, 1080–1093)
Mathematical Modeling of Large-Amplitude Dynamic-Plastic Behavior of Circular Plates Subjected to Impulsive Loads
Authors: Zajkani Asghar , Shirkoohi Hamidreza Sefidi , Darvizeh Abolfazl , Darvizeh Mansour , Babaei Hashem Ghareh
Published: October 2011

In this paper, an analysis of the large-amplitude dynamic-plastic behavior of the circular plates with a rigid perfectly plastic material is presented. The plate is subjected to a short-time high-intensity impulsive load uniformly distributed over the surface. Modeling is complemented by using specific convex yield criteria. Corresponding to boundary conditions of the plate, it can be deformed through more than one mechanism, so, the mathematical formulation is based on the principle of calculus of variations in which the transverse displacement fields are assumed as a combination of appropriate paths. Based on the upper bound approach, the different terms of kinetic and consumed plastic energies likewise the applied impulse energy derived to produce an energy functional with unknown coefficients which is minimized through the displacement path. Finally, calculating the constants maximum residual deflection and strain distribution are obtained. Results of present model show satisfactory correlation with the empirical data for the different levels of the pulsed loads.
Using Distributed Brillouin Fiber Sensor to Detect the Strain and Cracks of Steel Structures
Authors: Chen C.-H. , Shen Y.-L. , Shin C.-S.
Published: October 2011

A distributed Brillouin fiber sensor was used to monitor the health of steel structures. We used this method on two steel beam specimens and longitudinal strain and cracks were detected well under different loads. The difference between the longitudinal strain measured by the distributed fiber sensor and that measured by strain gages is less than 4%. Traditional sensors or transducers that measure the average strain over a small region always miss cracks. The method proposed in this study gives very good results for the detection of cracks and the surrounding strain on a square pipe.
Rape in militarised conflicts: variations in international outrage and responsiveness
Authors: Pufong Marc G. , Swain Randall D.
Published: October 2011

World War II genocide in Germany, the Rwanda genocide in the early 1990s and the Darfur genocide today are visceral reminders of the devastation and senselessness in the breakdown of human order, a poignant but sad insight into the nature of man and politics. Yet the international community, and by extension the United Nations (UN), have shown a remarkable reluctance to address rape and other forms of gender violence perpetrated during militarised conflicts. Given the psychological toll and devastating effect of rape and the growing number of conflicts, this effort does not speak well to the UN’s commitment to problems that destabilise international peace. It does however raise concerns in the minds of those who see the UN as cherrypicking which conflicts to address while sidestepping others until it is too late. With a view to the Allies’ response to genocide during World War II, this article argues that therealistanalytical framework of world politics provides the most plausible basis for explaining variations in international response in militarised conflicts such as Rwanda and Darfur. We present testable hypotheses to conclude that while rape in itself may not be the sole trigger for interventions, states with unstable regimes or sovereign capacity whose government has been deposed are more likely to be the object for interventions or held accountable than those with otherwise stable governments who benefit from the support of a hegemonic power. To victims of crimes of rape caught in militarised conflicts, and to whom justice may come only after a perpetrator regime has been deposed, the conclusion that the decision to intervene is predicated more on political might than justice is disquieting.
NASA satellite data assist in tornado damage assessments
Authors: Molthan Andrew , Jedlovec Gary , Carcione Brian
Published: October 2011

During the period of 25–28 April 2011, the southeastern United States was raked by several episodes of severe weather. Numerous tornadoes caused extensive damage and, tragically, the deaths of more than 300 people. Meteorologists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) performed extensive surveys to assess the intensity, duration, and ground track of tornadoes reported during the event. Survey activities included visits to the affected locations, analysis of radar data, aerial surveys, and interviews with eyewitnesses.
New bipartisan Senate Oceans Caucus announced
Authors: Uhlenbrock Kristan
Published: October 2011

The U.S. Senate has a new Oceans Caucus, which held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, 13 September 2011, when it announced its focus: to “increase awareness and find common ground in responding to issues facing the oceans and coasts, which support millions of jobs in America.” The House of Representatives has had an Oceans Caucus for almost 10 years. Caucus members are listed below. The caucus is looking for additional senators to join, especially those representing the Great Lakes region. If your senators are not members of the caucus and you would like them to be, contact their office and let them know. AGU public affairs can provide you with more information on how to connect with your senators; check us out at http://www.agu.org/sci_pol/
Carbonate reefs may have triggered a bout of global cooling
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: October 2011

Earth's history shows a steady stream of extreme climatic change, spanning everything from planet‐engulfing glaciers to tropical conditions near high latitudes. These large climate shifts are often attributed to permanent changes: the opening of a new waterway, the evolution of photosynthesizing plants, or massive bouts of erosion. Punctuating each long stretch of roughly steady climate are smaller transient shifts in environmental conditions commonly associated with changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. Yet the initial change in the climate system that led to the shift in carbon dioxide concentration for each period often remains unknown.
Magnetic field data: Thin atmosphere on Saturn's moon Dione
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: October 2011

A new study indicates that Dione, one of Saturn's moons, probably has a tenuous atmosphere. NASA's Cassini spacecraft has conducted only two close flybys of Dione. Magnetic field observations from one of those flybys, described by Simon et al., show evidence of an atmospheric interaction with magnetospheric plasma. The authors used a model to demonstrate that a low‐density atmosphere would explain the magnetic field data. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL048454, 2011)
Exploring the effects of climate change on northern soil carbon
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: October 2011

Over recent millennia, northern ecosystems have been an important sink for the global carbon cycle, with vast quantities of carbon slowly accumulating and becoming trapped within thick layers of permafrost or peat. Some scientists have raised the prospect that global warming will free this carbon from its icy prison, with devastating effects on the global climate. However, researchers have identified a number of dynamic feedback systems that drive boreal and tundra ecosystems, suggesting that the fate of the 1400–1850 petagrams of stored carbon—enough to raise atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations by 660–870 parts per million if ever fully released—is much less certain.
The Use of Sound-Field Amplification Devices in Different Types of Classrooms
Authors: Wilson Wayne J. , Marinac Julie , Pitty Kathryn , Burrows Carolyn
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine if sound-field amplification (SFA) devices affected student performance in 3 different types of classrooms.

Method

The classroom performance of 147 children (77 males, 70 females, ages 8;2 [years;months] ± 5 months) was measured at the beginning and end of the second semester of their third year in 1 of 4 primary schools in Brisbane, Australia. Each school contained 2 participating classrooms, 1 with and 1 without an SFA device.

Results

The SFA devices contributed to small but significant improvements in student listening (
p
< .01) and auditory analysis (
p
< .05) skills, but only in the school where the participating classrooms were in a brick building (vs. a demountable building) with neighboring classrooms separated by solid walls (vs. open spaces). The classrooms in this school showed the lowest background noise measures (47–50 dB 1 hr, A weighted) and the second lowest reverberation times (0.87–0.91 s) overall, although these values still exceeded the maximums recommended by American National Standards Institute S12.60-2002 (2002).

Conclusion

These results suggest that any potential benefits of SFA devices are more likely to be realized in classrooms with better acoustics.
Educational Audiologists: Their Access, Benefit, and Collaborative Assistance to Speech-Language Pathologists in Schools
Authors: Richburg Cynthia McCormick , Knickelbein Becky A.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The main goals of this study were to determine if school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have access to the services of an audiologist and if those SLPs felt they obtained benefit from the audiologist’s services. Additional goals included gathering information about SLPs' (a) understanding of basic audiological concepts typical for a school setting, (b) added job responsibilities brought about by lack of access to an audiologist, and (c) collaboration with audiologists.

Method

A 36-item survey was e-mailed to 1,000 SLPs listed with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as being employed in schools. Two-hundred and nine respondents from 42 states returned the survey.

Results

Seventy-six percent of the responding SLPs had access at some time to an audiologist, with 88% of them believing they received benefit from the services provided by that audiologist, primarily in the areas of hearing screenings and in-services. Thirty-eight SLPs (58%) who did not have access to an audiologist reported having additional job responsibilities.

Conclusion

Many school-based SLPs believed they received benefit from an audiologist when they had access to one. Collaboration between these professionals was strong, yet findings indicate that audiologists could improve their collaborative efforts with SLPs and assist them in working within their scope of practice and maintaining their ethical standards.
Narrative Ability of Children With Speech Sound Disorders and the Prediction of Later Literacy Skills
Authors: Wellman Rachel L. , Lewis Barbara A. , Freebairn Lisa A. , Avrich Allison A. , Hansen Amy J. , Stein Catherine M.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The main purpose of this study was to examine how children with isolated speech sound disorders (SSDs;
n
= 20), children with combined SSDs and language impairment (LI;
n
= 20), and typically developing children (
n
= 20), ages 3;3 (years;months) to 6;6, differ in narrative ability. The second purpose was to determine if early narrative ability predicts school-age (8–12 years) literacy skills.

Method

This study employed a longitudinal cohort design. The children completed a narrative retelling task before their formal literacy instruction began. The narratives were analyzed and compared for group differences. Performance on these early narratives was then used to predict the children’s reading decoding, reading comprehension, and written language ability at school age.

Results

Significant group differences were found in children’s (a) ability to answer questions about the story, (b) use of story grammars, and (c) number of correct and irrelevant utterances. Regression analysis demonstrated that measures of story structure and accuracy were the best predictors of the decoding of real words, reading comprehension, and written language. Measures of syntax and lexical diversity were the best predictors of the decoding of nonsense words.

Conclusion

Combined SSDs and LI, and not isolated SSDs, impact a child’s narrative abilities. Narrative retelling is a useful task for predicting which children may be at risk for later literacy problems.
Computational mechanics of molecular systems: Quantifying high-dimensional dynamics by distribution of Poincaré recurrence times
Authors: Ryabov Vladimir , Nerukh Dmitry
Published: October 2011

A framework that connects computational mechanics and molecular dynamics has been developed and described. As the key parts of the framework, the problem of symbolising molecular trajectory and the associated interrelation between microscopic phase space variables and macroscopic observables of the molecular system are considered. Following Shalizi and Moore, it is shown that causal states, the constituent parts of the main construct of computational mechanics, the ε-machine, define areas of the phase space that are optimal in the sense of transferring information from the micro-variables to the macro-observables. We have demonstrated that, based on the decay of their Poincaré return times, these areas can be divided into two classes that characterise the separation of the phase space into resonant and chaotic areas. The first class is characterised by predominantly short time returns, typical to quasi-periodic or periodic trajectories. This class includes a countable number of areas corresponding to resonances. The second class includes trajectories with chaotic behaviour characterised by the exponential decay of return times in accordance with the Poincaré theorem.