bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal control of SUNRISE, a balloon-borne solar telescope
Authors: Pérez-Grande I , Sanz-Andrés A , Bezdenejnykh N , Farrahi A , Barthol P , Meller R
Published: July 2011

SUNRISE is a balloon-borne solar telescope flown with a long-duration balloon by NASA's Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility team from Esrange (Swedish Space Corporation), on 8 June 2009. SUNRISE has been a challenging mission from the thermal point of view because of its size and power dissipation. Thus, a dedicated thermal analysis has been carried out to find a solution that allows all the devices to be kept within their appropriate temperature ranges, without exceeding the allowable temperature gradients, critical for optical devices. In this article, the thermal design of SUNRISE is described. A geometrical mathematical model and a thermal mathematical model of the whole system have been set up for the different load cases in order to obtain the temperature distribution and gradients in the system. Some trade-offs have been necessary to fulfil all the thermal requirements. The thermal hardware used to achieve it is described. Finally, the temperatures obtained with the models have been compared with flight data.
Double-shock control bump design optimization using hybridized evolutionary algorithms
Authors: Lee D S , Gonzalez L F , Periaux J , Bugeda G
Published: July 2011

This study investigates the application of two advanced optimization methods for solving active flow control (AFC) device shape design problem and compares their optimization efficiency in terms of computational cost and design quality. The first optimization method uses hierarchical asynchronous parallel multi-objective evolutionary algorithm and the second uses hybridized evolutionary algorithm with Nash-Game strategies (Hybrid-Game). Both optimization methods are based on a canonical evolution strategy and incorporate the concepts of parallel computing and asynchronous evaluation. One type of AFC device named shock control bump (SCB) is considered and applied to a natural laminar flow (NLF) aerofoil. The concept of SCB is used to decelerate supersonic flow on suction/pressure side of transonic aerofoil that leads to a delay of shock occurrence. Such active flow technique reduces total drag at transonic speeds which is of special interest to commercial aircraft.

Numerical results show that the Hybrid-Game helps an EA to accelerate optimization process. From the practical point of view, applying a SCB on the suction and pressure sides significantly reduces transonic total drag and improves lift-to-drag ( L/ D) value when compared to the baseline design.
Challenges associated with using bovine serum in wear testing orthopaedic biopolymers
Authors: Harsha A P , Joyce T J
Published: July 2011

For appropriate in vitro wear testing of prostheses and their biomaterials, the choice of lubricant is critical. Bovine serum is the lubricant recommended by several international standards for wear testing artificial joints and their biomaterials because the wear rate and wear mechanisms closely match clinical results of polyethylene bearings. The main problem with the use of bovine serum as a lubricant is protein degradation and precipitation formation, effects that are recognized as having a direct impact on wear processes. Hence, some researchers have questioned the validity of using bovine serum in simulator testing. This paper reviews the various lubricants used in laboratory wear studies and also the properties of the synovial fluid that the lubricant is trying to replicate. It is clear from the literature survey that the composition of bovine-serum-based lubricants does not match that of synovial fluid. In view of this conclusion, it is suggested that there is a need to develop an alternative lubricant that can replace bovine serum.
The influence of the additional steam flows on thermal loads in components of supercritical steam turbines
Authors: Kosman W
Published: July 2011

This article discusses the problem of thermal loads in main components of supercritical steam turbines. The main source of these loads is the temperature of the expanding steam that the components are exposed to. However, in case of a turbine component of a tubular form,the convection on the opposite surface, the unheated one, is also important. Additional steam flow past the unheated surface may lower thermal loads and provide better operating conditions. The research described in this article analyses the possibilities, range, and limitations of such an adjustment in order to obtain better thermal state in the components of the turbines.
Engine performance and emission analysis of LPG-SI engine with the aid of artificial neural network
Authors: Yusaf T , Saleh K H , Said M A
Published: July 2011

Artificial neural network (ANN) technique is used in this analysis to estimate the performance and emission concentration of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) spark-ignition (SI) engine. The performance indicators include fuel consumption and brake thermal efficiency while the emission components are NO x, CO, CO2, O2, and unburned hydrocarbon (UHC). Data of engine body temperature and exhaust gas temperature are also simulated. The first part of this study involves experimental works where a single-cylinder four-stroke SI engine was modified to allow the intake of LPG and operated at variable loadings with constant speed. The experimental results show that LPG produces comparable performance at high loads while significant reduction takes place in NO x, CO, CO2, O2, and UHC concentrations. The second part of this study involves the use of back-propagation algorithm for the training of the ANN model. The result of the simulation reveals that ANN model is appropriate to estimate the engine performance and gas exhaust emissions with correlation coefficient ranging from 0.9 to 0.99 with low root mean-squared error and low mean relative error.
Electricity demand with electric cars in 2030: comparing Great Britain and Spain
Authors: Papadopoulos P , Akizu O , Cipcigan L M , Jenkins N , Zabala E
Published: July 2011

The effect of domestic charging of electric vehicles (EVs) on electricity demand at a national level was addressed. A study case was created to investigate how different charging regimes (i.e. control policies) and EV-uptake levels will affect the electricity demand of Great Britain (GB) and Spain in 2030. Charging rates, battery capacities, and battery and charger efficiencies were drawn from literature. Traffic patterns were acquired from the British Department for Transport and the Spanish Ministry of Public Works. Uncontrolled, dual tariff (time-based control), dynamic price (price-based control) domestic charging regimes were defined and applied to both power systems for different EV utilization levels. The results show that for low EV utilization, the GB system would be able to cope with the increased demand that EV domestic charging would create. The Spanish system would need additional generation to cover the EV charging needs. The anticipated high EV utilization would almost double peak the demand in both countries.
Accelerated predictive norm-optimal iterative learning control
Authors: Chu B , Owens D H
Published: July 2011

This paper proposes a novel technique for accelerating the convergence of the previously published predictive norm-optimal iterative learning control (NOILC) methodology. The basis of the results is a formal proof that the predictive NOILC algorithm is equivalent to a successive projection algorithm between linear varieties in a suitable product Hilbert space. This leads to two proposed accelerated algorithms together with well-defined convergence properties. The results show that the proposed accelerated algorithms are capable of ensuring monotonic error norm reductions and can outperform predictive NOILC by more rapid reductions in error norm from iteration to iteration. In particular, examples indicate that the approach can improve the performance of predictive NOILC for the problematic case of non-minimum phase systems. Realization of the algorithms is discussed and numerical simulations are provided for comparative purposes and to demonstrate the numerical performance and effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Phase-lead iterative learning control algorithms for functional electrical stimulation-based stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Freeman C T , Tong D , Meadmore K , Cai Z , Rogers E , Hughes A M , Burridge J H
Published: July 2011

A control system for stroke rehabilitation is developed which combines electrical stimulation with a robotic support system to provide assistance to stroke patients performing three-dimensional upper-limb reaching tasks in a virtual reality environment. The electrical stimulation is applied to two muscles in the subject’s arm using an iterative learning control scheme which learns from data collected over previous trials of the task in order to achieve accurate movement. The principal components of the system are described and experimental results confirm its feasibility for application to upper-limb stroke rehabilitation.
Climate change and human disturbance of fynbos vegetation during the late Holocene at Princess Vlei, Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Neumann F.H. , Scott L. , Bamford M.K.
Published: July 2011

Pollen analysis of a core in Princess Vlei in the Fynbos Biome near Cape Town gives a 4150 year record of vegetation and climate changes followed by disturbance by colonial settlers since c. 300 years ago. Their impact replaced climate as a major factor in changing the vegetation. The chronology is based on eight radiocarbon dates. Pollen types such as Restionaceae, Ericaceae, and Proteaceae reflect changes in fynbos. Pollen indicators at the bottom of the core suggest drier conditions followed by an increase in Morella, Cyperaceae and Carpacoce pollen, which might indicate moist conditions c. 3400–2600 cal. yr BP. Drier conditions prevail c. 2600–1900 cal. yr BP. Apparent light disturbance after c. 2000 cal. yr BP might be attributed to Khoi herders. Deeper water and damp surroundings are indicated c. 1900–1000 cal. yr BP. The top of the core shows an increase of Poaceae while Restionaceae decrease with anthropogenic disturbance, including the introduction of neophytes such as Pinus ( c. 300 years ago) and Zea mays. Charcoal percentages point to intense fires after the arrival of the Europeans. Water between 105 and 75 cm indicates the development of a floating mat resulting from changes in the hydrological system possibly connected to disturbances by settlers.
New evidence of agricultural activity and environmental change associated with the ancient Loulan kingdom, China, around 1500 years ago
Authors: Qin Xiaoguang , Liu Jiaqi , Jia Hongjuan , Lu Houyuan , Xia Xuncheng , Zhou Liping , Mu Guijin , Xu Qinghai , Jiao Yinxin
Published: July 2011

The ancient kingdom of Loulan on China’s Silk Road has disappeared for about 1500 years. Historical records have documented widespread cultivation in Loulan which supported the kingdom’s prosperity for hundreds of years. However, no farmland ruins have been found although the ancient Loulan city was discovered more than 100 years ago. In this study, remotely sensed, geomorphic and geological observations of possible farmlands in Loulan were analyzed. A wide distribution of partly preserved plots with recognizable regular and straight boundaries, the existence of crossed canals, the occurrence of a gypseous incrustation layer (GIL) overlying on the surface of farmland-like blocks, and extracted large-sized pollen grains of cultivated grass from GIL samples provide new evidence for the ancient farmlands. Field observations revealed that the upper cultivated soil layer overlaid on GIL, i.e. soil horizon A, had been wind-eroded and GIL is the ruined soil horizon B. These new findings point to a well-developed agriculture of the ancient Loulan kingdom. The size and distribution of the farmlands and the thickness of the GIL suggests that irrigation for cultivation in this currently exceedingly arid area had lasted for a long time. Fluvial and lacustrine sediments in Loulan area deposited during the about 4 to ~ 8 ka BP period, revealing that the wet Holocene optimum and two arid events of about 4 and 8 ka BP occurred in the westerlies-dominated northwest China. The Loulan kingdom period was another wet stage when the ecological environment was the typical cultivated grass of oasis near wetland. The insufficiency of water during the late period of the Loulan kingdom led the decline of irrigation agriculture and finally the renunciation of the kingdom.
Mid-Holocene (4200 kyr BP) mass mortalities in Mauritius (Mascarenes): Insular vertebrates resilient to climatic extremes but vulnerable to human impact
Authors: Rijsdijk Kenneth F. , Zinke Jens , de Louw Perry G.B. , Hume Julian P. , van der Plicht Hans (J.) , Hooghiemstra Henry , Meijer Hanneke J.M. , Vonhof Hubert B. , Porch Nick , Florens F.B. Vincent , Baider Claudia , van Geel Bas , Brinkkemper Joost , Vernimmen Tamara , Janoo Anwar
Published: July 2011

In the light of the currently increasing drought frequency and water scarcity on oceanic islands, it is crucial for the conservation of threatened insular vertebrates to assess how they will be affected. A 4000 yr old fossil assemblage in the Mare Aux Songes (MAS), southwest Mauritius, Mascarene Islands, contains bones of 100 000+ individual vertebrates, dominated by two species of giant tortoises Cylindraspis triserrata and C. inepta, the dodo Raphus cucullatus, and 20 other vertebrate species ( Rijsdijk, Hume, Bunnik, Florens, Baider, Shapiro et al. (2009) Mid-Holocene vertebrate bone Concentration-Lagerstätte on oceanic island Mauritius provides a window into the ecosystem of the dodo ( Raphus cucullatus). Quaternary Science Reviews 28: 14–24). Nine radiocarbon dates of bones statistically overlap and suggest mass mortality occurred between 4235 and 4100 cal. yr BP. The mortality period coincides with a widely recognized megadrought event. Our multidisciplinary investigations combining geological, paleontological and hydrological evidence suggests the lake was located in a dry coastal setting and had desiccated during this period. Oxygen isotope data from a Uranium-series dated stalagmite from Rodrigues, an island 560 km east of Mauritius, supports this scenario by showing frequently alternating dry and wet periods lasting for decades between 4122 and 2260 cal. yr BP. An extreme drought resulted in falling water-tables at MAS and elsewhere on the island, perhaps deprived these insular vertebrates of fresh water, which led to natural mass mortalities and possibly to extirpations. In spite of these events, all insular species survived until at least the seventeenth century, confirming their resistance to climatic extremes. Despite this, the generally exponential increase of combined human impacts on islands including loss of geodiversity, habitats, and stocks of fresh water, there will be less environmental safe-haven options for insular endemic and native vertebrates during future megadrought conditions; and therefore will be more prone to extinction.
Benthic foraminiferal assemblages of the imperial harbor of Claudius (Rome): Further paleoenvironmental and geoarcheological evidences
Authors: Di Bella Letizia , Bellotti Piero , Frezza Virgilio , Bergamin Luisa , Carboni Maria Gabriella
Published: July 2011

This paper presents a paleoenvironmental reconstruction of historical development in the area of the ancient harbor of Claudius based on micropaleontological and sedimentological data. Benthic foraminifera are reliable tools for this kind of research because they are sensitive to short-time environmental changes induced by both natural and anthropogenic events. By studying eight sediment cores collected from different sections of the harbor, it was possible to reconstruct a comprehensive picture of the harbor complex. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of foraminiferal associations and sedimentological data, along with radiocarbon dating, were useful to identify three key intervals in the history of the coastal area where the harbor developed. The first interval, located at the bottom of all cores, is characterized by a brackish water environment, corresponding to the formation of the first deltaic cusp of the Tiber River. The second interval is characterized by the harbor activities that developed after a general increase in water depth due to a diversion of the Tiber River mouth. The third interval marks the final phase of harbor activities and the subsequent filling of Claudius’ basin. However, a link with the inner Trajanus’ basin was maintained via the central part of the basin, which remained submerged longer, until the early Middle Ages.
ENSO/SAM interactions during the middle and late Holocene
Authors: Gomez Basil , Carter Lionel , Orpin Alan R. , Cobb Kim M. , Page Michael J. , Trustrum Noel A. , Palmer Alan S.
Published: July 2011

A new chronology of large magnitude rainfall events derived from the continuous high-resolution Lake Tutira storm sediment record covers the last 6800 years and provides the first insight into changes in El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnections to the higher southern latitudes to be obtained from New Zealand. Synthesis with independent paleoclimate records from the tropical Pacific and Antarctica also reveals a millennial-scale waxing and waning of the teleconnections that were not visible in the narrow historical window previously used to view interactions between ENSO and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). Consistent with modern ENSO behaviour, we find teleconnections to the Southwest Pacific varied throughout the middle and late Holocene, depending on the strength and phase of ENSO and the phase of the SAM. We suggest that precession-driven changes in the seasonal cycle of solar radiation exert a first-order control on the interaction between the two climate modes. Consequently, their present status may neither be indicative of conditions that prevailed earlier in the Holocene, nor of those that might be associated with future climate changes in the Southern Hemisphere extratropics.
Holocene carbon accumulation rates from three ombrotrophic peatlands in boreal Quebec, Canada: Impact of climate-driven ecohydrological change
Authors: van Bellen Simon , Garneau Michelle , Booth Robert K.
Published: July 2011

Understanding the processes controlling peatland carbon (C) sequestration is critical to anticipate potential changes in the global C cycle in response to climate change. Although identification of these factors may be relatively straightforward on seasonal timescales, at centennial to millennial timescales complexities arise because of interactions between climate, vegetation, hydrology and long-term ecological processes. To better understand the factors controlling long-term C accumulation, Holocene rates of C sequestration were quantified from three pristine ombrotrophic peatlands in boreal Quebec, northeastern Canada (52°N, 75–76°W). Bulk density and loss-on-ignition analyses, combined with radiocarbon dating and age–depth modelling, were used to estimate long-term apparent rates of carbon accumulation. Past changes in vegetation and water-table depth were obtained from plant macrofossil and testate amoeba analysis. Earliest regional peat accumulation started ~7520 cal. BP, with long-term rates of C sequestration varying between 14.9 and 22.6 g/m2 per yr. High C sequestration rates occurred during the mid Holocene when relatively stable Sphagnum section Acutifolia communities were present, while low rates were found during the cooler late Holocene when Cyperaceae and ligneous vegetation were more dominant. However, C sequestration was highly variable among cores, implying that local topography, geomorphology and hydrology, or disturbance factors such as fire, mediate the influence of climate on C accumulation. Reconstructed water-table depths reveal several dry shifts since 3000 cal. BP, suggesting that episodic cold and dry conditions during the late Holocene may have contributed to lower C sequestration rates. Given the intensity of the water-table shifts at these times, we hypothesize that recurrent episodes of frozen subsurface peat might have intensified surface drying. As projected by climate scenarios, anticipated warmer and wetter conditions may lead to greater stability of hummock Sphagna cover and increased C sequestration potential in boreal peatlands.
Mapping the journey: Developing an information literacy strategy as part of curriculum reform
Authors: Salisbury Fiona , Sheridan Linda
Published: July 2011

This article will outline the development of an Information Literacy Strategy in 2009 as part of an overall program of curriculum review and renewal at La Trobe University, Australia. Current information literacy programs at La Trobe University Library employ a diverse range of approaches and delivery methods. However, they are limited in scope and scale while they are optional additions to the curriculum. Through participation in a university-wide process of curriculum review and renewal, the library has developed a systemic, coherent and sustainable approach to the design of undergraduate information literacy programs. The resulting strategy employs a combination of online and individual instruction and support embedded into the curricula structure and reflected in assessment tasks. It provides a model of research skills education that gives all La Trobe University students the opportunity to develop foundation information literacy in first year and to graduate with the necessary information literacy skills for study, work and lifelong learning.
Primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome presenting with encephalopathy, psychosis and seizures
Authors: Taipa R , Santos E
Published: July 2011

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent thrombotic events, miscarriages and thrombocytopenia with persistently positive antiphospholipid antibodies. 1 , 2 APS may be isolated (primary APS) or associated to a connective tissue disease, most often systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). 1 , 2 APS usually affects young patients before the fifth decade 3 with stroke being the commonest neurological manifestation. 4 Various other neurological manifestations are being recognized in patients with APS including migraine, epilepsy, multi-infarct dementia and chorea. 2 The pathological process underlying the neurological manifestations remains obscure. 1 , 2 Herein we report a case of primary APSpresenting with a group of unusual neurological manifestations in a 68-year-old woman.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in the context of positive anticardiolipin antibodies and clinically undiagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Nisar MK , Mya T
Published: July 2011

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an extremely uncommon condition that can lead to fatal acute myocardial infarction. There have been very few case reports of SCAD in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and even fewer in association with antiphospholipid antibodies – mainly postpartum. This is the first reported case of SCAD in a patient who was confirmed to have SLE and tested positive for anticardiolipin antibody and lupus anticoagulant. This case demonstrates the importance of carefully considering the differential diagnoses of SCAD at presentation. It also highlights the need for further research to explore the link between SLE, antiphospholipid antibodies and SCAD.
Stevens–Johnson syndrome in a juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus patient
Authors: Cavalcante EG , Guissa VR , Jesus AA , Campos LMA , Sallum AM , Aikawa NE , Silva CA
Published: July 2011

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe and rare immune-mediated cutaneous reaction usually induced by drugs or infections. Few case reports have demonstrated SJS associated with adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rarely in juvenile SLE (JSLE) patients. However, to the best of our knowledge the prevalence of this life-threatening cutaneous disease in the pediatric lupus population has not been studied. Therefore, from January 1983 to December 2010, 5508 patients were followed-up at the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit of our University Hospital and 279 (5%) of them met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for SLE. Only one (0.4%) of our JSLE patients had SJS and was described. This female patient was diagnosed with JSLE at 14 years old. After four years of follow-up, she was hospitalized due to congestive heart failure and renal insufficiency. During hospitalization, the patient developed sepsis with positive blood culture for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and was treated with vancomycin and meropenem. One week later, she developed septic shock and chest x-ray showed acute widespread pulmonary infiltrate. Antimicrobials were changed to linezolid and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. After four days, the blood culture isolated Staphylococcus aureus resistant to vancomycin, and she presented with erythematous cutaneous lesions involving her face, trunk, and limbs, with evolution in a few hours to diffuse hemorrhagic vesicles and blisters. Epidermal detachment was observed on 5% of the body surface area. Concomitantly, she had conjunctivitis, cheilitis, oral erosions, and hemorrhagic crust on the nasal mucosa. Vulva, vagina, and perianal erosions were also evidenced. The diagnosis of SJS was established and intravenous immunoglobulin was promptly administered. Three days later, she died of pulmonary hemorrhage. The autopsy findings demonstrated generalized infection and widespread subepidermal detachment with necrotic keratinocytes. In conclusion, SJS is a rare and severe vesiculobullous disease in a pediatric lupus population and is probably associated with infections and drug therapy.
Worldwide incidence and prevalence of pediatric onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Pineles D , Valente A , Warren B , Peterson MGE , Lehman TJA , Moorthy LN
Published: July 2011

Compilation of worldwide data regarding the incidence and prevalence of pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is needed in order to evaluate the scope of the disease in the pediatric population. A literature review was performed to unify the current data available on the global incidence and prevalence of pediatric-onset SLE. We examined 13 available epidemiological studies concentrated on the incidence and prevalence of pediatric-onset SLE. The available reports were predominantly from North America, Europe and Asia. The limited amount of studies available highlights the need for more epidemiological research in order to better comprehend the global scope of this disease.
Amended Safety Assessment of Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Sesame Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Oil Unsaponifiables, and Sodium Sesameseedate
Authors: Johnson Wilbur , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: July 2011

Sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil and related cosmetic ingredients are derived from Sesamum indicum. Sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil, sesamum indicum (sesame) oil unsaponifiables, and hydrogenated sesame seed oil function as conditioning agents. Sodium sesameseedate functions as a cleansing agent, emulsifying agent, and a nonaqueous viscosity increasing agent. These ingredients are neither skin irritants, sensitizers, teratogens, nor carcinogens at exposures that would result from cosmetic use. Both animal and human data relevant to the cosmetic use of these ingredients were reviewed. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration as described in this safety assessment.
Using Dissatisfied Customers as a Source for Innovative Service Ideas
Authors: Duverger Philippe
Published: July 2011

When service firms are challenged by their aging brands to become “innovation oriented,” they depend in part on key organizational competencies, such as employee competency and market orientation. These competencies are at the core of innovation in a service firm such as a hotel or a restaurant franchise. An innovation-oriented service franchise knows how to listen to its employees and customers; however, choosing which customer or employee to listen to might be paramount to finding radical innovative ideas. Learning from the past, this article investigates sources of innovation in the hospitality industry and tests the lead-user method borrowed from the manufacturing industry to extract innovative service ideas from the market before they materialize as competing market offerings. Using a downtown hotel as an empirical example, this study shows that not only are innovative service ideas present in the marketplace, but also that the best ideas most likely exist within the minds of current and past dissatisfied clients, the latter of which is often referred to as “service defectors.”
A Case Study of a Culinary Tourism Campaign in Germany
Authors: Ottenbacher Michael C. , Harrington Robert J.
Published: July 2011

Tourism organizations are recognizing the potential of culinary tourism as a powerful tool to promote destinations. Despite this recognition, the knowledge about how to successfully develop and implement a culinary tourism strategy is limited. The objective of this case study is to explore the key issues in the strategic process of a culinary tourism campaign based on a recently introduced initiative in South Germany. Specifically, this study assesses implications drawn from this campaign using a multiple lens from strategic management applied to culinary tourism initiatives. Six key areas emerged that were associated with culinary tourism success: (a) the strategy itself, (b) cooperation among stakeholders, (c) leadership issues, (d) culinary profile promotion, (e) communication of quality, and (f) enhancing tourist perceptions. The implications of this study highlight some of the differences in “what is” and “what should be” for regional initiatives.
Caught in Their Own Speed Trap
Authors: Ward Jeffrey T. , Nobles Matt R. , Lanza-Kaduce Lonn , Levett Lora M. , Tillyer Rob
Published: July 2011

Empirical work examining the effects of police legitimacy has primarily focused on traffic stop procedures with less attention given to traffic enforcement policies. The current study takes advantage of a natural experiment in which a rural town with a strict speed enforcement policy was labeled a “speed trap” through the introduction of a billboard advertisement funded by the American Automobile Association. Drawing on theories of police legitimacy, we hypothesize the label will result in an abrupt-permanent increase in speeding citation contestation rates, despite the fact that the billboard actually increases predictability of citation issuance. Results of an interrupted time-series analysis indicate statistically significant abrupt-permanent increases in the speeding citation contestation rates for the intervention city. Further analyses reveal that significant intervention effects are confined to drivers with higher opportunity to contest tickets (in-state drivers) and to majority subgroups (Whites and men). The implications of these findings for policy and police–citizen relationships are discussed.
Advancing a Police Science
Authors: Wilson Jeremy M. , Heinonen Justin A.
Published: July 2011

Data analysis can lead to innovative ways to address some of the most pressing criminal justice problems. Data collection and measurement, for example, supported the implementation of several successful crime-reduction strategies in recent decades. Ideally, data collection, measurement, and analysis could help police agencies develop evidence-based tenets of personnel management and planning as well as address problems of recruitment and retention. Police administrative data on these topics, however, have many problems, including incompleteness and inaccuracies. This article examines the extent of these as evident in a recent survey of large police agencies regarding personnel experiences and practices. It summarizes the issues that must be addressed for data analysis to yield insights on personnel issues.
Localization as subpolitics: The Transition Movement and cultural citizenship
Authors: Stevenson Nick
Published: July 2011

This article seeks to critically debate the subpolitical potential of the Transition Movement. As a relatively new social movement the Transition Movement seeks to promote a genuinely engaged form of citizenship from below. This is a radical social movement that is at odds with the current neoliberal consensus. Here I look at the key aims and intellectuals associated with the movement and seek to review the idea of localization in the context of the critical literature on globalization. However by engaging in ideas of cultural citizenship and, most crucially, critical pedagogy I seek to draw attention to both the positive and negative features of the movement. In particular I review the effectiveness of the Transition Movement through notions of cultural democracy and consider the extent to which it is able to promote critical border crossing.
Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms – A Review of Experimental Studies
Authors: Hyttinen Marko , Rautio Anna , Pasanen Pertti , Reponen Tiina , Earnest G. Scott , Streifel Andrew , Kalliokoski Pentti
Published: July 2011

Ventilation guidelines for airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) are highly variable in different countries indicating lack of actual knowledge about the guidance needed. However, US guidelines for AIIRs are extensive and have been widely adopted outside the US. AIIR performance has also been evaluated in numerous studies. For a long time, the aim has mainly been to evaluate how well the existing AIIRs meet US guidelines. For historical reasons, mixing-type ventilation has been emphasised and attention has been paid to air exchange rates, although the use of auxiliary devices, such as portable room-air cleaners and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation systems, has also been examined. Recently, the scope of the investigations has been widened. The most crucial issue is to minimise the potential for disease transmission and prevent the escape of contaminated air from the AIIR. Airflow direction inside the AIIR is also important and AIIRs minimise air leakage to save energy. On the other hand, it has been observed that efficient containment can be achieved even by using simple and inexpensive construction by considering pressure differential and air flow patterns. Nevertheless, additional research is needed to assist hospitals with improving their preparedness to cope with the threat of pandemics by building and using effective AIIRs.
Ventilation Systems to Prevent Food Odour Spread in High-rise Residential Buildings
Authors: Kim Taeyeon , Park Beung-Yong , Cheong Chang Heon
Published: July 2011

In the recent years, the spread of food odour in high-rise residential buildings has become a serious factor in indoor air quality problems in Korea. This study examined the use of ventilation systems to reduce the transmission of odour in the high rise buildings. The spread of food odour in an existing residential building was analysed by measurement and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. Although the kitchen exhaust system was used during cooking, the food odour level was “strong” in the kitchen and in the living room, and its spread caused the most serious problems at mealtimes. The existing system needed modification to reduce the food odour spread. The ventilation system in the kitchen was improved by increasing the volume of air exhausted through the ceiling, by changing the supply inlet's angle of incidence, and by fitting a stronger exhaust system with the ability to decrease the food odour level in a shorter time. During development, system performances were analysed using a CFD simulation method. The food odour level was shown to have decreased greatly by the use of the modified kitchen exhaust system, which reduced the food odour to below the “weak” level in 30 min.
Ignition, soot formation, and end-of-combustion transients in diesel combustion under high-EGR conditions
Authors: Idicheria C A , Pickett L M
Published: July 2011

The ignition, soot formation, and end of combustion transients of n-heptane and #2 diesel jets were investigated in an optically accessible constant-volume combustion vessel under high exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) environments. A wide range of EGR levels were simulated by systematically decreasing the ambient oxygen concentration from 21 to 8 per cent, while holding other experimental conditions constant. Characteristics of the effect of EGR on the ignition transient include: development of a cool flame early after injection for all EGR levels, an increase in the premixed-burn (high-temperature combustion) ignition delay inversely proportional to ambient oxygen concentration, ([O2]−1), and lower apparent heat-release rates during the premixed-burn with increasing EGR. The timing of soot formation is strongly dependent upon EGR, and the time between ignition and the first soot formation increases with decreasing ambient oxygen concentration. Soot-forming fuel jets are shown to become soot-free at high-EGR conditions by reducing the injection duration to be less than the soot formation time, but longer than the ignition delay time (negative ignition dwell). While past studies show success in reducing soot formation when the injection duration is less than the ignition delay (positive ignition dwell), this result shows that high EGR can suppress soot formation even with negative ignition dwell, thereby permitting higher-load operation by using longer injection durations. At the end of injection, increasing EGR presents difficulties in completing combustion because of the lower ambient oxygen concentration. Despite eventually reaching the same pressure rise (i.e., combustion efficiency) more time is required for the higher EGR conditions to mix fuel with sufficient oxygen to complete combustion.
Transient or permanent fisheye views: A comparative evaluation of source code interfaces
Authors: Jakobsen Mikkel Rønne , Hornbæk Kasper
Published: July 2011

Transient use of information visualization may support specific tasks without permanently changing the user interface. Transient visualizations provide immediate and transient use of information visualization close to and in the context of the user’s focus of attention. Little is known, however, about the benefits and limitations of transient visualizations. We describe an experiment that compares the usability of a fisheye view that participants could call up temporarily, a permanent fisheye view, and a linear view: all interfaces gave access to source code in the editor of a widespread programming environment. Fourteen participants performed varied tasks involving navigation and understanding of source code. Participants used the three interfaces for between four and six hours in all. Time and accuracy measures were inconclusive, but subjective data showed a preference for the permanent fisheye view. We analyse interaction data to compare how participants used the interfaces and to understand why the transient interface was not preferred. We conclude by discussing seamless integration of fisheye views in existing user interfaces and future work on transient visualizations.
Eye tracking for visualization evaluation: Reading values on linear versus radial graphs
Authors: Goldberg Joseph , Helfman Jonathan
Published: July 2011

An eye tracking methodology can help uncover subtle cognitive processing stages that are otherwise difficult to observe in visualization evaluation studies. Pros and cons of eye tracking methods are discussed here, including common analysis metrics. One example metric is the initial time at which all elements of a visualization that are required to complete a task have been viewed. An illustrative eye tracking study was conducted to compare how radial and linear graphs support value lookup tasks for both one and two data-dimensions. Linear and radial versions of bar, line, area, and scatter graphs were presented to 32 participants, who each completed a counterbalanced series of tasks. Tasks were completed more quickly on linear graphs than on those with a radial layout. Scanpath analysis revealed that a three-stage processing model was supported: (1) find desired data dimension, (2) find its datapoint, and (3) map the datapoint to its value. Mapping a datapoint to its value was slower on radial than linear graphs, probably because eyes need to follow a circular, as opposed to a linear path. Finding a datapoint within a dimension was harder using line and area graphs than bar and scatter graphs, possibly due to visual confusion of the line representing a data series. Although few errors were made, eye tracking was also used here to classify error strategies. As a result of these analyses, guidelines are proposed for the design of radial and linear graphs.
J’accuse
Authors: Johnson John M.
Published: July 2011

The current economic and political crises are reviewed, and the prospects for a violent cataclysm within the American context are explored. Suggestions for a constructive response are made.
Psychometric Evaluation of a Receptive Vocabulary Test for Greek Elementary Students
Authors: Simos Panagiotis G. , Sideridis Georgios D. , Protopapas Athanassios , Mouzaki Angeliki
Published: July 2011

Assessment of lexical/semantic knowledge is performed with a variety of tests varying in response requirements. The present study exemplifies the application of modern statistical approaches in the adaptation and assessment of the psychometric properties of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test–Revised (PPVT-R) Greek. Confirmatory factor analyses applied to data from a large sample of elementary school students ( N = 585) indicated the existence of a single vocabulary dimension and differential item functioning procedures pointed to minimal bias due to gender or ethnic group. Rasch model–derived indices of item difficulty and discrimination were used to develop a short form of the test, which was administered to a second sample of 900 students. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed through comparisons with the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children–III Vocabulary and Block design subtests. Short- and long-term stability of individual scores over a 6-month period were very high, and the utility of the test as part of routine educational assessment is attested by its strong longitudinal predictive value with reading comprehension measures. It is concluded that the Greek version of the PPVT-R constitutes a reliable and valid assessment of vocabulary for Greek students and immigrants who speak Greek.
Innovations and Future Directions for Early Numeracy Curriculum-Based Measurement
Authors: Methe Scott A. , Hojnoski Robin , Clarke Ben , Owens Brittany B. , Lilley Patricia K. , Politylo Bethany C. , White Kara M. , Marcotte Amanda M.
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this extended commentary article is to frame the set of studies in the first of two issues and recommend areas of inquiry for future research. This special series issue features studies examining the technical qualities of formative assessment procedures that were developed to inform intervention. This article intends to emphasize issues in the current set of studies that do not appear central to early numeracy curriculum-based measurement (EN-CBM) research. To the extent possible, we expect that this two-volume series will result in scientific and practical advances. Despite this lofty intention, this series can neither represent all issues important to stakeholders nor characterize the full body of applied and basic research in early numeracy assessment. As such, we focus on a set of theoretical frameworks to guide the current and future development of EN-CBM.
Nanomechanics of biologically inspired helical silica nanostructures
Authors: Mohedas I , Garcia A P , Buehler M J
Published: July 2011

Diatoms are unicellular algae that exhibit highly intricate, silicified cell walls called frustules. Frustules consist of hierarchical nanostructures composed of amorphous silica and organic protein. Earlier work has suggested diatoms as inspiration for novel molecular sieves, resins, and optical coatings because of their unique mechanical, structural, and optical properties. Here the present authors report studies of the mechanics of helical silica structures inspired by the geometry found in diatom frustules consisting of both crystalline and amorphous silica. Molecular dynamics simulations are reported with the reactive force field ReaxFF, which is a powerful model to describe interatomic interactions derived directly from first principles quantum mechanics. It is found that introducing a helical nanostructural geometry gives the typically brittle silica a highly ductile, yet softer, mechanical behaviour: extensions of 100 per cent to roughly 300 per cent are observed for varying helical geometries. The present authors show that hydroxide termination markedly affects the mechanical properties of the silica, lowering both the Young’s modulus and the ultimate strength of the structures. The results reported here demonstrate the potential to drastically alter, and possibly improve, the properties of an inherently brittle material by confining structural features to the nanoscale and by altering its hierarchical geometry without introducing any additional material components, solely relying on geometrical changes.
Successful School Leadership in Rural Contexts: The Case of Cyprus
Authors: Pashiardis Petros , Savvides Vassos , Lytra Eleni , Angelidou Kakia
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this article is twofold as it aims to compliment the effort of identifying the personal qualities and professional competencies generic to effective school leaders and to contribute to the comparison of effective leadership in diverse cultural contexts. Five examples of successful school principals in rural primary schools in Cyprus are described as part of the International Successful School Principals Project (ISSPP). Purposive sampling was used in a multi-perspective research methodology employing a semi-structured interview protocol. The findings of the case studies formed the basis of a framework of successful leadership according to which people-centered leadership, clearly communicated values and visions, a strong emphasis on the promotion of learning, the use of networked leadership as well as the creative management of competing values are all vital constituents of a successful leadership. The implications are significant both for practitioners and for policymakers since the framework demonstrates that successful leadership is effectuated through the realization of multiple intertwined leadership domains especially with regards to the specific context of rural primary schools in Cyprus.
Baccalaureate nursing students’ anxiety related computer literacy: a sample from Jordan
Authors: Akhu-Zaheya Laila M. , Khater Wejdan , Nasar Mohammed , Khraisat Omer
Published: July 2011

The learning environment extends beyond the classroom, in a way, necessitating integration of computer literacy with education, establishing e-learning culture within future nursing education and facilitating life-long learning, which goes hand in hand with reshaping the future of the nursing practice. Despite the rapid integration between computers and different health care issues, studies indicated that nursing students have extremely low levels of computer literacy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the anxiety-related computer literacy rates of a few nursing students in Jordan. A convenient sample of 441 undergraduate nursing students was selected. A descriptive study utilised a self-administered questionnaire of the Arabic version of the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale and Computer Literacy Scale Data between 20 May and 30 July 2009. Study results indicated that there was a significantly negative relationship between computer anxieties and computer literacy rates. This implies the need for frequent use of computers in various educational and training activities. Frequent use of the computer would reduce computer anxiety and thus enhance computer literacy rates.