bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Politics is Not Just a Man’s Game: Women in Democratic Local Governance of Odisha
Authors: Patnaik Pratyusna
Published: February 2014

The central question examined in this article is whether women’s representation through quotas and subsequent participation in the local governance makes a difference in politics. Based on an empirical study of eight Gram Panchayats in the state of Odisha, the article explores whether the women elected members in decentralised government institutions considerably pronounce and document women’s issues and interests. Further, it outlines the overall political attitude and behaviour towards women’s entry and leadership in local politics. Taking insights from a theoretical review of the concept of representation and the issue of quota for women in government, the article narrates the empirical experiences of the attempts towards feminisation of rural politics and public sphere and engages with the larger debate of the implication of such feminisation to bring out transformation in women’s personal life as well as political life. Contrary to the commonly held belief that seat reservation would bring elitists women to politics, the study observed that three-fourth of the women representatives coming through quotas belong to middle and lower castes of society. Further, the findings highlight that association with political families is a trend as common among women as men, and therefore, it would be wrong to have a simplistic understanding that quotas would result in politically influential families putting their women members of the family as proxies in politics.
Book Review: Beyond Gandhian Economics: Towards a Creative Deconstruction
Authors: Rai Dhananjay
Published: February 2014

B. N. Ghosh, Beyond Gandhian Economics: Towards a Creative Deconstruction, New Delhi: SAGE, pp. xvii+224, ₹ 650, Hardbound.
Book Review: Rebel Cities: From the Right to the City to Urban Revolution
Authors: Singh Paramjit
Published: February 2014

David Harvey, Rebel Cities: From the Right to the City to Urban Revolution, Verso Books: London and New York, 2012, pp. xviii + 187, $ 19.95.
A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines
Authors: Boullata Joseph I. , Gilbert Karen , Sacks Gordon , Labossiere Reginald J. , Crill Cathy , Goday Praveen , Kumpf Vanessa J. , Mattox Todd W. , Plogsted Steve , Holcombe Beverly ,   American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Published: February 2014

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a high‐alert medication available for patient care within a complex clinical process. Beyond application of best practice recommendations to guide safe use and optimize clinical outcome, several issues are better addressed through evidence‐based policies, procedures, and practices. This document provides evidence‐based guidance for clinical practices involving PN prescribing, order review, and preparation. Method: A systematic review of the best available evidence was used by an expert work group to answer a series of questions about PN prescribing, order review, compounding, labeling, and dispensing. Concepts from the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) format were applied as appropriate. The specific clinical guideline recommendations were developed using consensus prior to review and approval by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) Board of Directors. The following questions were addressed: (1) Does education of prescribers improve PN ordering? (2) What is the maximum safe osmolarity of PN admixtures intended for peripheral vein administration? (3) What are the appropriate calcium intake and calcium‐phosphate ratios in PN for optimal neonatal bone mineralization? (4) What are the clinical advantages or disadvantages of commercially available premade (“premixed”) multichambered PN formulations compared with traditional/customized PN formulations? (5) What are the clinical (infection, catheter occlusion) advantages or disadvantages of 2‐in‐1 compared with 3‐in‐1 PN admixtures? (6) What macronutrient dosing limits are expected to provide for the most stable 3‐in‐1 admixtures? (7) What are the most appropriate recommendations for optimizing calcium (gluconate) and (Na‐ or K‐) phosphate compatibility in PN admixtures? (8) What micronutrient contamination is present in parenteral stock solutions currently used to compound PN admixtures? (9) Is it safe to use the PN admixture as a vehicle for non‐nutrient medication delivery? (10) Should heparin be included in the PN admixture to reduce the risk of central vein thrombosis? (11) What methods of repackaging intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE) into smaller patient‐specific volumes are safe? (12) What beyond‐use date should be used for (a) IVFE dispensed for separate infusion in the original container and (b) repackaged IVFE?
Enteral Energy and Macronutrients in End‐Stage Liver Disease
Authors: Mouzaki Marialena , Ng Vicky , Kamath Binita M. , Selzner Nazia , Pencharz Paul , Ling Simon C.
Published: February 2014

Protein‐energy malnutrition is the most common comorbidity affecting adults and children with end‐stage liver disease. Despite clear evidence linking malnutrition to poor outcomes before and after liver transplantation, nutrition rehabilitation is often inadequately emphasized in the clinical management of these patients. The primary aim of this review is to synthesize the available evidence supporting the current clinical guidelines on enteral nutrition support and, more important, to highlight the lack of evidence behind much of what is considered “standard of care” for the nutrition management of patients with cirrhosis. In addition, the mechanisms of malnutrition are reviewed, the limitations of tools used to assess body composition in this setting are discussed, and the differences in macronutrient metabolism between healthy subjects and patients with end‐stage liver disease are explained. A summary of recommendations is provided.
SQL-based semantics for path expressions over hierarchical data in relational databases
Authors: Vainio Johanna , Junkkari Marko
Published: February 2014

Hierarchical part-of relationships/aggregation structures and related queries are essential parts of information systems. However, relational database query languages do not explicitly support hierarchical relationships and queries. A hierarchical query may require a great number of join operations, which increases the effort in query formulation. Therefore, we propose path expressions in formulating hierarchical views over relational data because path expressions are a conventional and compact way to represent hierarchical relationships. We embed path expressions within SQL queries and compile them to standard SQL. This ensures that the path expressions can straightforwardly be implemented on the top of standard relational database systems. The compilation of a path expression is given by an attribute grammar, a conventional formalism to define the semantics of a language.
Turkish secularism and Islam
Authors: Borovalı Murat , Boyraz Cemil
Published: February 2014

In this article, recent attempts by the Justice and Development Party (AKP) to address the problems of Alevi citizens in Turkey are analysed. After briefly outlining the sources of Alevi revitalization in the 1990s, the article critically discusses different aspects of the Alevi Opening process. It concludes by arguing that the Alevi question reveals many aspects of the problematic nature of secularism in Turkey.
Gender Equality in Sweden
Authors: Goldscheider Frances , Goldscheider Calvin , Rico-Gonzalez Antonio
Published: February 2014

We focus in this article on contexts within which religiosity (the intensity of religious commitment) reinforces more patriarchal family values and those in which it does not, and perhaps even strengthens egalitarian family values. Using data for 1999 and 2003 from the Swedish longitudinal study, Young Adult Panel Survey, we examine the relationship between religiosity and several measures of attitudes and behaviors related to gender equality in the public and private spheres. We find for most religious denominations, greater religiosity is linked with more patriarchal views about the balance of men’s and women’s roles in the home. Among members of the Church of Sweden (formerly the Swedish State Church), however, this is not the case. No differences by religiosity were found in attitudes for gender equality in the public sphere of work.
Primary cardiac synovial sarcoma
Authors: Khan Imran , Gul Saira , Tufail Zafar , Khan Kamran , Sharma Praman , Waheed Abdul
Published: February 2014

Approximately 10% of soft tissue sarcomas are synovial sarcomas, and 90% of these occur in the extremities. Among the primary tumors in the heart, 25% are malignant. Primary synovial sarcoma of the heart is an extremely rare entity. A myriad of investigations such as histopathology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and molecular genetic techniques are required for confirmation of the diagnosis. The tumor is nearly always lethal, but surgical resection with chemotherapy may prolong the life of the patient. We describe the case of a young patient with a primary synovial sarcoma arising from the right ventricle.
Differences in limb, age and sex of Chinese deep vein thrombosis patients
Authors: Chen Feng , Xiong Ji Xin , Zhou Wei Min
Published: February 2014

Objective

Recently, the differences in age or sex of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) patients have been widely debated. However, close analyses of the differences in limb, age and sex of Chinese DVT patients have been scarcely reported. The purpose of this research is to study the differences in limb, age and sex of DVT patients.

Methods

A total of 783 consecutive DVT patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with an acute presentation of DVT were diagnosed by means of compression ultrasonography or venography. Clinical characteristics and provoked risk factors were analyzed.

Results

There were three frequency peaks including two smaller peaks at age 20–24 and 70–74 years, and the largest peak at age 45–59 years. The most significant risk factors affecting different age groups were as follows: pregnancy/puerperium for age ≤39; fracture and hysterectomy for age 40–64; fracture and malignancy for age ≥65. DVT frequency rate provoked by malignancy was higher in right DVT than left DVT (15.8% vs. 4.6%; p < 0.001). Left DVT was more common than right DVT (582 vs. 158). Left DVT tended to occur in females (male:female, 40.5%:59.5%), and right DVT in males (male:female, 74.7%:25.3%). DVT provoked by pregnancy/puerperium (56/63, 88.9%) or hysterectomy (27/30, 90.0%) was mostly located in left limb.

Conclusion

It is necessary to pay more attention to thromboprophylaxis for patients with the risk factors of pregnancy/puerperium, hysterectomy, fracture and malignancy, especially those over the age of 65. And further research into the cause of limb, age and sex differences in DVT occurrence is needed.
Adolescent Substance Use Initiation
Authors: Paiva Andrea L. , Amoyal Nicole R. , Johnson Janet L. , Prochaska James O.
Published: February 2014

Using cluster analysis, 717 students who reported that they had never smoked and the nondrinking 292 students who reported that they had never drank alcohol were classified into four profile groups based on their Pros and Cons of not using and temptation to use. Profiles were labeled Most Protected, Least Positive, Most Negative, and Most Tempted. Profile groups differed significantly on peer pressure, family communication, and use of 11 Transtheoretical Model (TTM) processes of prevention, and applied experiential and behavioral strategies to prevent the onset of smoking and alcohol use. The largest and most consistent differences were on the processes with the Most Protected using more than the Least Positive and Most Tempted groups. Being more actively engaged with the processes of prevention helps to explain why the Most Protected group has had the least amount of substance use over time while the Most Tempted and Least Positive groups had the highest rates of substance use. The consistency and size of differences on the processes support the hypothesis that Most Protected youth may be those who proactively protect themselves from substance use initiation.
Curing of natural fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites using microwave energy
Authors: Ali Sabir , Bajpai Pramendra Kumar , Singh Inderdeep , Sharma Apurbba Kumar
Published: February 2014

Natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites are seen as a possible substitute to synthetic fibre-based composites to face the environmental issues related to non-biodegradable nature of synthetic fibres. Due to their high specific strength and modulus, natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites are receiving widespread attention. In the present research initiative, natural fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites have been developed with microwave curing technique. Two types of natural fibres namely sisal and grewia optiva, and two types of thermoplastic polymers (polypropylene and ethylene vinyl acetate) were used for fabrication of composites. Microwave wattage and exposure time were optimized for successful curing of thermoplastic composites. Results of tensile, flexural and impact strength of developed composites showed improvement in the properties as compared to neat polymers. The results suggest that microwave energy provides a feasible, environmental friendly option for curing of natural fibre-based thermoplastic composites.
Viscoelastic behavior and crystallization property of poly(lactic acid)/silica nanocomposite
Authors: Zhang Yue , Deng Bingyao , Liu Qingsheng
Published: February 2014

The rheological properties of poly(lactic acid)/silica nanocomposite are important to practical industry application, but little research is available regarding this field. In this study, SiO2 nanoparticles were first surface-modified by silane coupling agent KH570 and then melt blending with poly(lactic acid) in a twin-screw extruder to prepare poly(lactic acid)/SiO2 nanocomposites. The effect of the SiO2 content on the viscoelasticity of the nanocomposites was studied. The results showed that the complex viscosity of the nanocomposites decreased with the addition of the SiO2 nanoparticles. The storage modulus was enhanced and the loss modulus was weakened at low frequencies. Both the critical strain and modulus depended on the content of the nanoparticles. The good dispersion of the SiO2 nanoparticles in poly(lactic acid) matrix was identified from field emission scanning electron microscopy. The dispersibility was improved after surface modified by KH570, in comparison to the original nanoparticles. The crystallization property analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the presence of the SiO2 nanoparticles had effect on the crystallization behavior and the crystallinity ( Xc) of poly(lactic acid)/SiO2 nanocomposites. The Xc of the nanocomposites was bigger than those of pure poly(lactic acid), since the SiO2 nanoparticles dispersed in poly(lactic acid) matrix served as a nucleating agent.
Translating Into Understanding
Authors: Guan Shu-Sha A. , Greenfield Patricia M. , Orellana Marjorie F.
Published: February 2014

This mixed-method study assessed the nature of language brokering and the relationship between language brokering and prosocial capacities in a sample of 139 college students from ethnically diverse immigrant families. The prosocial capacities of interest were empathic concern and two forms of perspective-taking: general perspective-taking (understanding the perspectives of others) and transcultural perspective-taking (understanding of divergent cultural values). As predicted, structural equation modeling identified a significant pathway from language brokering for parents to skill in transcultural perspective-taking. We illustrated this pathway with a qualitative case study. We also identified a significant bidirectional relationship between language brokering for others (e.g., other relatives, friends) and empathic concern. The experience of language brokering for others develops empathic concern; at the same time, those with higher levels of empathic concern broker more for people outside their immediate families.
Low Level Prenatal Blood Lead Adversely Affects Early Childhood Mental Development
Authors: Vigeh Mohsen , Yokoyama Kazuhito , Matsukawa Takehisa , Shinohara Atsuko , Ohtani Katsumi
Published: February 2014

The effect of prenatal lead exposure on child development has been a topic of public health concern for decades. To estimate prenatal lead exposure effects on early childhood development, maternal blood (n = 364) and umbilical cord blood (n = 224) samples were collected during pregnancy and at delivery. Mental development was assessed using the Harold Ireton Early Child Development Inventory from 174 children. Maternal whole blood lead levels in the first trimester were significantly higher in children with developmental scores <20% than in those with normal scores (mean ± standard deviation: 6.3 ± 1.9 vs 4.0 ± 2.4 µg/dL, respectively, P = .01). Maternal blood lead levels in the first trimester were also inversely associated with the development scores ( r = –0.155, P = .041). Logistic regression analysis showed a significant relationship between increasing maternal blood lead levels in the first trimester with low development scores (odds ratio = 1.74, 95% confidence interval = 1.18-2.57, P = .005). The findings of the present study showed a relatively low level of prenatal lead exposure (mean < 6.5 µg/dL) associated with lower developmental scores in early childhood.
Sarcopenia in Solid Organ Transplantation
Authors: Carey Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2014

Sarcopenia is a relatively new concept in the medical literature, initially intended to describe the loss of lean body mass that occurs with aging. More recently, sarcopenia has been described in various forms of chronic disease, including patients with end‐stage organ disease awaiting transplantation. The presence of sarcopenia is an important marker in transplant patients, since it has been linked to poorer pre‐ and posttransplant outcomes compared with patients with preserved muscle mass. The mechanisms and natural history of sarcopenia in transplant patients are incompletely understood, and there are currently no therapies proven to mitigate or reverse the process. This article reviews the current understanding of the prevalence and clinical significance of sarcopenia in transplant patients and highlights important areas of future research.
Neonatal Therapeutic Hypothermia‐Associated Hypomagnesemia During Parenteral Nutrition Therapy
Authors: Tocco Nicole M. , Hodge Amanda E. , Jones Amy A. , Wispe Jonathan R. , Valentine Christina J.
Published: February 2014

Background:Hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal population. Total body cooling in term infants who meet the criteria for moderate to severe HIE has been shown to be neuroprotective. A decreased core body temperature is known to affect kinetic properties of many enzyme systems in which magnesium is a cofactor. Maintenance of magnesium during therapeutic hypothermia appears to play an important role in neuroprotection. Currently, there are no studies evaluating the effects that therapeutic hypothermia in neonates has on serum magnesium levels and implications for parenteral nutrition (PN) management. Our hypothesis was that neonatal hypothermia would result in hypomagnesemia and require magnesium therapy.Methods: Laboratory measurement of serum magnesium was obtained in all infants during the cooling process.Results: Serum magnesium was depressed (<1.6 mg/dL) in 80% of the infants cooled despite administration of standard PN and required additional magnesium supplementation.Conclusion: Further studies are needed to determine the target magnesium required for PN in hypothermic therapy.
The Power of the Crowdsourced Performance Review
Authors: Mosley Eric
Published: February 2014

Employee engagement and satisfaction are critical for any business. However, traditional performance reviews often decrease employee satisfaction rather than improve it. Fortunately, new advances in technology have made it possible to collect and review performance data from all of a given employee’s coworkers, effectively crowdsourcing the performance review and giving managers a more detailed picture of their employees’ productivity. Using a social recognition system, managers can increase the effectiveness of their periodic performance reviews with employees and generate new compensation structures that increase collaboration and employee satisfaction.
The Weed and Seed Program
Authors: Lilley David
Published: February 2014

The Weed and Seed program was created to target high-crime neighborhoods with sustained and intensive enforcement and community restoration resources. At present, however, no nationwide assessment of crime outcomes has yet been conducted comparing all jurisdictions that implemented this program with those that did not. This study conducted a series of panel data analyses to compare every Weed and Seed jurisdiction with 250 randomly selected, matched comparison locations nationwide from 1990 through 2004 to assess the impact of this program on Uniform Crime Report Part I felony offenses. In this first evaluation of crime outcomes among all Weed and Seed jurisdictions nationwide, results from five different quasi-experimental and panel data analyses indicated that the program was associated with reductions in robbery, burglary, and vehicle theft. In addition, the level of impact of the Weed and Seed program was similar to more expensive Department of Justice programs from the Office of Community-Oriented Policing, and Local Law Enforcement Block Grants.
Examining Public Preferences for the Allocation of Resources to Rehabilitative Versus Punitive Crime Policies
Authors: Baker Thomas , Falco Metcalfe Christi , Berenblum Tamar , Aviv Gali , Gertz Marc
Published: February 2014

Fear of crime has been recognized as one of the driving forces underlying the punitive turn in the criminal justice system. Despite this, evidence suggests that rehabilitative efforts are still supported by the general public. The current study uses a national random sample to examine the impact of fear on public preference for allocating resources to rehabilitative versus punitive criminal justice system policies. Contrary to prior studies, respondents are forced to make a choice between punitive and rehabilitative options, and both the emotional and cognitive aspects of crime salience—fear of crime and victimization risk—are evaluated to determine their independent and combined impact on crime policy preference. The findings suggest that the majority of the public prefers putting resources toward rehabilitative crime polices, but fear of crime and risk of victimization both reduce this tendency. The implications of our results for current criminal justice system policies are discussed.
Impact of Platelet Functional Assays on the Cost of Treating Suspected Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Sadik Ziad G. , Jennings Douglas L. , Nemerovski Carrie W. , Kuriakose Philip , Kalus James S.
Published: February 2014

Objectives:

To investigate the potential cost savings of using functional platelet assays to confirm the diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

Methods:

This was a single-center study conducted in the United States. We performed a retrospective cost of illness analysis of suspected HIT, comparing patients with the serotonin release assay (SRA) ordered as part of their diagnostic evaluation to those who did not. The primary clinical end point was a composite of mortality and major bleed.

Results:

A total of 147 patients met the study’s inclusion criteria. An SRA was ordered in 53 patients of whom 17% were positive. Overall, SRA use did not reduce the composite primary clinical end point (32.1% vs 33%, P = .911). Also, there was no difference in the total cost of hospital stay (US $84781.1 vs US $78534.4, P = .409) nor in the direct medical costs related to HIT management (US $7473.5 vs US $8402.4, P = .393). Early ordering of the SRA (within 48 hours) was associated with shorter length of stay (20 vs 27 days, P = .029) but without a difference in cost of treatment.

Conclusion:

The use of SRA did not reduce the costs or improve clinical outcomes in patients with suspected HIT.
The Effect of Networks on Organizational Missions
Authors: Koch Bradley J. , Galaskiewicz Joseph , Pierson Alisha
Published: February 2014

We examine the effects of nonprofit organizations’ resource streams and network ties on changes to the services provided and clientele served as specified in the mission statements. The organizations’ network ties are used to develop a measure of the services and beneficiaries mentioned in their inter-organizational (IO) peers’ mission statements. These measures of the content of peers’ mission statements were significant in predicting future changes in organizations’ mission statements. We argue that although mission statements are consistent with the rational systems approach by directing action toward some goal, future mission activities and clientele are greatly influenced by nonprofits’ IO ties, which is consistent with a hybrid open-natural systems approach.
Preparation of phosphorus-containing epoxy emulsion and flame retardancy of its thermoset
Authors: Qin Yongsheng , Xu Guilong , Wang Yi , Hu Jian
Published: February 2014

In this study, the effects of the opening ratio and neutralization degree of diethanolamine to the formation of epoxy emulsion were examined. o-Cresol formaldehyde epoxy resin was modified with 9,10-dihydro-9-xa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide and diethanolamine and was then neutralized by acetic acid to obtain a phosphorus-containing epoxy emulsion by the phase inversion method. The microstructure and size distribution of the epoxy latex were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and the Malvern particle sizer, respectively. The glass transition temperatures of epoxy resins and their thermosets were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry. The flame retardancy of the phosphorus-containing epoxy thermosets was tested by the UL-94 test method, limiting oxygen index (LOI), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The result shows that when the diethanolamine opening ratio was 22.5% and neutralization degree was 100.0%, a stable epoxy emulsion was obtained. When the phosphorus content of the epoxy resin was 2.5 wt%, the LOI value of the epoxy thermoset can reach 36.8 and pass the V-0 rating of the UL-94 test. TGA and scanning electron microscopy images of char residue of epoxy thermosets show that the flame-retardant mechanism of the phosphorus-containing epoxy thermoset was mainly attributed to a condensed-phase mechanism.
Sharpness simulation and optimization of a direct injection diesel engine noise
Authors: Mao J , Wang X , Hao ZY , Zheng X , Jing GX
Published: February 2014

A new sharpness algorithm has been proposed for improved integrity and human auditory perception, considering the complete sound transfer functions of the concha, middle ear, and inner ear. A new algorithm-based design procedure has been employed to evaluate the sharpness of a direct injection diesel engine noise. Normal components of the vibration velocities of the engine block surface were calculated using flexible multi-body dynamic analysis, verified by the engine bench tests and then extracted to simulate the structural radiated noise via standard boundary element codes. The acoustic response results revealed that considerable sound power levels existed in the main frequency ranges of 1550–1900 Hz and 2350–2800 Hz. After the engine block was modified and bench-tested, it was found that the sharpness of the measured engine noise was reduced by 6.47%. This has validated the new algorithm and the new algorithm-based design procedure which made the engine sound lower-pitched.
Optimal control of a parallel hybrid vehicle with a traffic preview
Authors: Kim Tae Soo , Manzie Chris , Sharma Rahul
Published: February 2014

In this work, a short preview of traffic provided by on-board sensors is used to minimize fuel consumption in a parallel hybrid vehicle capable of controlling both the vehicle velocity and the torque-split ratio. A two-stage version of Pontryagin’s minimum principle was used, but some of the standard simplifying assumptions in reduced-order modelling of hybrid vehicles were avoided to ensure that the fuel economy is not unduly compromised. The proposed controller is implemented in a receding-horizon fashion to incorporate updated telemetry information at each sampling instant. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by simulations on two hybrid vehicle models containing higher-order dynamics and non-linearities. It is shown that the controller maintains the engine operation within the high-engine-efficiency region, and successive improvements in the fuel economy are achieved as the traffic preview length is increased.
Reducing the motor power losses of a four-wheel drive, fully electric vehicle via wheel torque allocation
Authors: Pennycott Andrew , De Novellis Leonardo , Sabbatini Alessio , Gruber Patrick , Sorniotti Aldo
Published: February 2014

Individually controlled electric motors provide opportunities for enhancing the handling characteristics and the energy efficiency of fully electric vehicles. Online power loss minimisation schemes based on the electric motor efficiency data may, however, be impractical for real-time implementation owing to the heavy computational demand. In this paper, the optimal wheel torque distribution for minimal power losses from the electric motor drives is evaluated in an offline optimisation procedure and then approximated using a simple function for online control allocation. The wheel torque allocation scheme is evaluated via a simulation approach incorporating straight-ahead driving at a constant speed, a ramp manoeuvre and a sequence of step steer manoeuvres. The energy-efficient wheel torque allocation scheme provides motor power loss reductions and yields savings in the total power utilisation compared with a simpler method in which the torques are evenly distributed across the four wheels. The method does not rely on complex online optimisation and can be applied on real electric vehicles in order to improve the efficiency and thus to reduce power consumption during different manoeuvres.
Mode shift control for a dual-mode power-split-type hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Hong Sungwha , Choi Woulsun , Ahn Sunghyun , Kim Yongjoo , Kim Hyunsoo
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a mode shift control algorithm for reducing the variation in the driveshaft torque for a dual-mode power-split-type hybrid electric vehicle. To evaluate the shift characteristics of this hybrid electric vehicle, dynamic models for the hybrid electric vehicle powertrain were developed. Using the dynamic models, a mode shift performance simulator was developed, and simulations were performed. To analyse the shift characteristics during the mode shift, bond-graph models for the transient state were constructed, and state equations were derived. From the bond-graph models and state equations, it was found that the transient torque occurs because of the inertia torques of the first motor–generator and the second motor–generator. Based on the transient torque, a mode shift control algorithm was proposed, which compensates for the transient torque. To evaluate the performance of the proposed control algorithm, a test bench for the dual-mode power-split-type hybrid electric vehicle was developed. From the simulations and test results, it was found that the variation in the driveshaft torque was reduced by the proposed control algorithm, which provides improved shift quality.
A physical-analytical model for a real-time local grip estimation of tyre rubber in sliding contact with road asperities
Authors: Farroni Flavio , Russo Michele , Russo Riccardo , Timpone Francesco
Published: February 2014

This paper deals with the frictional behaviour of a tyre tread elementary volume in sliding contact with road asperities. Friction is assumed to be composed of two main components: adhesion and deforming hysteresis. The target, which was fixed in collaboration with a motorsport racing team and with a tyre-manufacturing company, is to provide an estimation of local grip for online analyses and real-time simulations and to evaluate and predict adhesive and hysteretic frictional contributions arising at the interface between the tyre tread and the road. A way to approximate the asperities, based on rugosimetric analyses on a macroscale and a microscale, was introduced. The adhesive component of friction was estimated by means of a new approach based on two different models found in the literature, whose parameters were identified thanks to a wide experimental investigation previously carried out. The hysteretic component of friction was estimated by means of an energy balance taking into account the viscoelastic behaviour of rubber (which was characterized by means of appropriate dynamic mechanical analysis tests) and the internal stress–strain distribution (which was due to indentations of the road). The model results are finally shown and discussed, and the validation experimental procedure is described. The correct reproduction of the friction phenomenology and the model prediction capabilities are highlighted, making particular reference to the grip variability due to changes in the working conditions.
Positioning control for an unmanned airship using sliding mode control based on fuzzy approximation
Authors: Yang Yueneng , Yan Ye , Zhu Zhenglong , Zheng Wei
Published: February 2014

This paper addresses the positioning problem of an unmanned airship in the presence of parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. A sliding mode controller (SMC) based on fuzzy approximation is proposed that steers an airship to remain fixed over a desired position. First, the dynamic model of an airship is derived and formulated. Second, a SMC is designed to actualize positioning control under the assumption that the airship model is accurately known. However, the airship model is partially or totally unknown in practice. In order to solve this problem, a fuzzy logic system is used to approximate the unknown model of the airship, and an adaptive law is adopted to update the optimal parameters. The stability and convergence of the closed-loop controller is proven by using the Lyapunov stability theorem. Finally, the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controller are demonstrated via simulation results. Contrasting simulation results indicate that the proposed controller promotes the control precise and has better performance against the SMC.
Accuracy of methods for calculating volumetric wear from coordinate measuring machine data of retrieved metal-on-metal hip joint implants
Authors: Lu Zhen , McKellop Harry A
Published: February 2014

This study compared the accuracy and sensitivity of several numerical methods employing spherical or plane triangles for calculating the volumetric wear of retrieved metal-on-metal hip joint implants from coordinate measuring machine measurements. Five methods, one using spherical triangles and four using plane triangles to represent the bearing and the best-fit surfaces, were assessed and compared on a perfect hemisphere model and a hemi-ellipsoid model (i.e. unworn models), computer-generated wear models and wear-tested femoral balls, with point spacings of 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 mm. The results showed that the algorithm (Method 1) employing spherical triangles to represent the bearing surface and to scale the mesh to the best-fit surfaces produced adequate accuracy for the wear volume with point spacings of 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 mm. The algorithms (Methods 2–4) using plane triangles to represent the bearing surface and to scale the mesh to the best-fit surface also produced accuracies that were comparable to that with spherical triangles. In contrast, if the bearing surface was represented with a mesh of plane triangles and the best-fit surface was taken as a smooth surface without discretization (Method 5), the algorithm produced much lower accuracy with a point spacing of 0.5 mm than Methods 1–4 with a point spacing of 3 mm.
Chemopreventive effect of sinapic acid on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced experimental rat colon carcinogenesis
Authors: Balaji C , Muthukumaran J , Nalini N
Published: February 2014

Sinapic acid (SA) is a naturally occurring phenolic acid found in various herbal plants which is attributed with numerous pharmacological properties. This study was aimed to investigate the chemopreventive effect of SA on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced rat colon carcinogenesis. Rats were treated with DMH injections (20 mg kg−1 bodyweight (b.w.) subcutaneously once a week for the first 4 consecutive weeks and SA (20, 40 and 80 mg kg−1 b.w.) post orally for 16 weeks. At the end of the 16-week experimental period, all the rats were killed, and the tissues were evaluated biochemically. Our results reveal that DMH alone treatment decreased the levels/activities of lipid peroxidation by-products such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, conjugated dienes and antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione in the intestine and colonic tissues which were reversed on supplementation with SA. Moreover, the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes of phase I (cytochrome P450 and P4502E1) were enhanced and those of phase II (glutathione- S-transferase, DT-diaphorase and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase) were diminished in the liver and colonic mucosa of DMH alone-treated rats and were reversed on supplementation with SA. All the above changes were supported by the histopathological observations of the rat liver and colon. These findings suggest that SA at the dose of 40 mg kg−1 b.w. was the most effective dose against DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis, and thus, SA could be used as a potential chemopreventive agent.
Cytokines in relation to autoantibodies before onset of symptoms for systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Eriksson C , Rantapää-Dahlqvist S
Published: February 2014

Objectives

A number of cytokines and chemokines were analysed and related to autoantibodies in blood samples pre-dating the onset of symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

Thirty-five patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (American College of Rheumatology criteria) were identified as having donated blood samples, prior to symptom onset, to the Biobank of northern Sweden. Altogether, 140 age- and sex-matched controls were also identified. The concentrations of interferon-α, interleukin-4, interleukin-9, interleukin-10, interferon inducible protein-10 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 were analysed using multiplex technology and related to autoantibodies (ANA, ENA, anti-dsDNA and anti-histone antibodies) analysed from the same blood sample.

Results

The interferon-γ inducible protein-10 levels were higher in the pre-symptomatic individuals than in controls ( p < 0.05) and correlated with interferon-α ( p < 0.01). The interferon-γ inducible protein-10 and interferon-α concentrations were significantly increased in individuals positive for autoantibodies: interferon-γ inducible protein-10 for ANA; anti-SSA/Ro and anti-Jo-1 antibodies; interferon-α with anti-SSB/La antibodies. The levels of interleukin-10, interferon-γ inducible protein-10 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 increased significantly from the pre-symptomatic individuals to after onset of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Conclusions

An increased concentration of interferon-γ inducible protein-10 pre-dated the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus and was related to autoantibodies before the onset of disease. The levels of interferon-γ inducible protein-10 and interferon-α were correlated. These findings support the proposal that the interferon system is important early in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus and autoantibody formation.
Short-Term Stability of Amino acids and Acylcarnitines in the Dried Blood Spots Used to Screen Newborns for Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Golbahar J , Altayab DD , Carreon E
Published: February 2014

Objective

Tandem mass spectrometry is increasingly used in the Middle East in newborn screening for inborn errors of metabolism using dried blood spots. The sensitivity and specificity of this system for analyzing fatty and amino acids, screening for more than 40 metabolic conditions, is known. However, the short term stability of acylcarnitines and amino acids in dried blood spots in extreme heat and humid conditions is not well documented. We examined the short term effect of heat and humidity on the levels of 7 amino acids and 10 acylcarnitines used in newborn screening for inherited metabolic disorders.

Methods

Dried blood spots were exposed with humidity <30% to temperatures of 4℃, room temperature, 37° C, and 45℃, and also with humidity >70% at 37° C and 45℃. Amino acids and acylcarnitines in the dried blood spots were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

During the eight days of the study in high temperature and high humidity storage, most acylcarnitines and amino acids lost almost 50% of initial concentration. After eight days’ exposure at 37℃ and 45℃ with humidity >70%, methionine was determined to be the most sensitive, and phenylalanine and leucine were the least sensitive amino acids. At 37℃ with humidity >70% C6 was the most sensitive and free carnitine (C0) was the least sensitive acylcarnitine; at 45℃ with humidity >70% C16 was the most sensitive and C0 was the least sensitive.

Conclusion

Low humidity and low temperature conditions are required for transportation and storage of dried blood spots.
A Study on Youth Online Impulsive Purchase
Authors: Lin Julian , Chuan Chan Hock
Published: February 2014

This article examines how variables including individual difference, shopping environment and emotional response affect impulsive purchase and subsequently actual purchase. We operationalized impulse buying tendency to measure individual difference, pleasure to measure emotional response, three constructs—including information quality, perceived trust and usage of interactive features—to measure shopping environment, urge to buy impulsively to measure impulsive purchase, and intention to purchase to measure actual purchase. To examine the proposed hypotheses, a survey of 115 undergraduate students was conducted. The results show that website’s information quality and customer’s usage of interactive features can affect their impulsive purchase behaviour. This finding contributes towards the understanding of impulsive e-shopping and also suggests useful implications for practice and research.
Co-Creating Korean Wave in Southeast Asia
Authors: Peichi Chung
Published: February 2014

This article examines the spread of South Korean popular culture throughout the digital economy of Asia, and discusses the complexity of Asia’s regionalization. The article argues that Korean Wave is a regional response to the growing complicate media globalization in Asia. The article discusses the gradual shift away from the North to the South in Asian popular culture. It identifies a cultural approach to examine regional integration between East Asian producers and Southeast Asian consumers. It suggests that the production and the consumption of Korean Wave indicate a pan-Asian response to the shifting political-economic focus of popular cultural text from Japan to Korea. The influence of Korean wave varies between the media industries in East and Southeast Asia. Particular in the South, Southeast Asian media producers adopt Korean Wave content to produce popular local music, television programme and film. Local media institutions play an important role in contributing to the market success of Korean Wave. The popularity of Korean Wave in Southeast Asia represents a pan-Asian regional formula in content standardization and media adaptation, which plays a significant role in determining the elements that a local popular culture will absorb, resulting in changes to various media industries in Southeast Asia.
Identity socialization and construction within the French national rugby union women’s team
Authors: Joncheray Helene , Level Marie , Richard Remi
Published: February 2014

The goal of this article is to present the output of a study on women who play rugby union at international level. This article aims to uncover the steps in their sport socialization – in rugby among others – and to understand how these women construct their identities. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 players from the French national rugby union women’s team. First, the results show that the players have varied sport and rugby socializations. Sport socialization happened at an early age for most of the players, but two different subgroups seem to emerge vis-à-vis rugby socialization: members of the second underwent socialization through their family for many years, while members of the other were not as exposed to rugby. As far as the identity question is concerned, the players present different constructions vis-à-vis social norms. The results show that a majority of women say they do not feel the need to meet social norms said to be feminine, while others want to in order to free themselves from the masculine identity caused by the fact that they play rugby. Lastly, some of the players set limits on this double identity, which is sometimes identified as a constraint.
Living With Semantic Dementia
Authors: Kindell Jacqueline , Sage Karen , Wilkinson Ray , Keady John
Published: February 2014

Semantic dementia is a variant of frontotemporal dementia and is a recently recognized diagnostic condition. There has been some research quantitatively examining care partner stress and burden in frontotemporal dementia. There are, however, few studies exploring the subjective experiences of family members caring for those with frontotemporal dementia. Increased knowledge of such experiences would allow service providers to tailor intervention, support, and information better. We used a case study design, with thematic narrative analysis applied to interview data, to describe the experiences of a wife and son caring for a husband/father with semantic dementia. Using this approach, we identified four themes: (a) living with routines, (b) policing and protecting, (c) making connections, and (d) being adaptive and flexible. Each of these themes were shared and extended, with the importance of routines in everyday life highlighted. The implications for policy, practice, and research are discussed.
Are Institutional Health Policies Exclusionary?
Authors: Hughes Naomi Rebecca
Published: February 2014

I examined the experiences of 27 individuals who frequented a homeless shelter in Toronto, Canada. Participants’ personal accounts led to cumulative understandings of the exclusionary practices that are often perpetuated by institutional organizations. Many individuals perceived themselves as “pushed out” or excluded by the structures of health care services that purported to support and serve them. However, individuals were also perceived as active agents in a complex, mutual form of exclusion, referred to as “mutually established exclusion,” in which they chose to drop out or remove themselves from institutional mainstream services. Individuals who had chosen not to seek reissuance of their health cards either implicitly or explicitly self-excluded from participation in services that might be seen to regulate, control, and thereby subordinate their interests to those of the dominant institution. I ask, How are institutional health policies evidenced in the everyday, material lives of people? Are such policies exclusionary?