bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Augmenting design patterns with design rationale
Authors: Peña-Mora Feniosky , Vadhavkar Sanjeev
Published: March 2010

Present-day software applications are increasingly required to be “reuse-conscious” in terms of the operating platforms, topology, and evolutionary requirements. Traditionally, there has been much difficulty in communicating specialized knowledge like design intents, design recommendations, and design justifications in the discipline of software engineering. This paper presents a methodology based on the combination of design rationale and design patterns to design reusable software systems. Design rationale is the representation of the reasoning behind the design of an artifact. Design patterns are descriptions of communicating objects and classes that are customized to solve a general design problem in a particular context. The paper details the use of an explicit software development process to capture and disseminate the specialized knowledge (i.e., intents, recommendations, and justifications) that augments the description of the cases in a library (i.e., design patterns) during the development of software applications by heterogeneous groups. The importance of preserving and using this specialized knowledge has become apparent with the growing trend of combining the software development process with the product (i.e., software code). The importance of codifying corporate memory in this regard is also important considering the changing nature of the workplace, where more people are on contract. The information on how and why a software code was developed becomes essential for efficient and smooth continuity of the present software project as well as for reusing the code in future projects. It has become essential to capture the design rationale to develop and design software systems efficiently and reliably. The software prototype developed using the combined methodology will be used as a part of an integrated design environment for reusable software design. This environment supports collaborative development of software applications by a group of software specialists from a library of building block cases represented by design patterns.
GENCRIT: A tool for knowledge-based critiquing in engineering design
Authors: Shiva Kumar H. , Suresh S. , Krishnamoorthy C. S. , Fenves Steven J. , Rajeev S.
Published: March 2010

This article poses the notion that it is possible and desirable to formalize and apply design critiques in a specialized framework. It describes GENCRIT, (GENeric CRItiquing Tool), one such framework for design critiquing. The article starts by highlighting the role of critics in the design process. It then goes on to bring out the need for a critic building tool, viz. that of aiding in the rapid development of multiple critics. GENCRIT combines knowledge-based techniques and a multifactor decision making model to develop an integrated approach to evaluation that encompasses a wide range of designs. Critics developed using GENCRIT evaluate candidate designs based on the critiquing knowledge provided by experts, give justifications for the evaluation, and suggest improvements. The working of GENCRIT is illustrated with two examples: a constructibility critic for reinforced concrete buildings and a bridge design critic.
A constraint-based approach for qualitative matrix structural analysis
Authors: Schwartz David I. , Chen Stuart S.
Published: March 2010

Qualitative physics, a subfield of artificial intelligence, adapts intuitive and non-numerical reasoning for descriptive analysis of physical systems. The application of a set-based qualitative algebra to matrix analysis (QMA) allows for the development of a qualitative matrix stiffness methodology for linear elastic structural analysis. The unavoidable introduction of arithmetic ambiguity requires the reinforcement of physical constraints complementary to standard matrix operations. The overall analysis technique incorporates such constraints within the set-based framework with logic programming. Truss, beam, and frame structures demonstrate constraint relationships, which prune spurious solutions resulting from qualitative arithmetic relations. Though QMA is not a panacea for all structural applications, it provides greater insight into new notions of physical analysis.
A Japanese view on concurrent engineering
Authors: Tomiyama Tetsuo
Published: March 2010

Sometime in the mid-1980s, in an urban restaurant some-where in the United States, I was sitting next to a Japanese engineer who was talking to a U.S. engineer. The following is the record of their conversation that I made with my Sony Walkman.
Concurrent design happens at the interfaces
Authors: Finger Susan , Konda Suresh , Subrahmanian Eswaran
Published: March 2010

Concurrent engineering is often viewed either from a technical point of view—that is, as a problem that can be solved by creating and integrating computer-based tools—or from an organizational point of view—that is, as a problem that can be solved by creating and reorganizing teams of designers. In this paper we argue that concurrent engineering requires both technical and organizational solutions, and we call the result concurrent design. We believe that the essence of concurrent design is the myriad of interactions that occur at the interfaces among all of the members of a design team and all their tools. Solving either the technical or organizational problems by assuming away the interactions will not solve the problems of concurrent design.

In this paper we present two case studies of concurrent design in practice that have changed our assumptions about design and which have changed our research agenda. We also present the evolution of concurrent design research at the Carnegie Mellon Engineering Design Research Center. In our research, we have designed, manufactured, and used our own tools as well as observed their use by others—where the tools include mobile computers, design analysis programs, and information organization tools. Through this process, we have learned about design education and design practice, and we have uncovered new issues for design research. We see the interactions among design research, practice, and education as essential to understanding concurrent design.
Conflict mitigation system for collaborative engineering
Authors: Peña-Mora Feniosky , Sriram Ram D. , Logcher Robert
Published: March 2010

Large-scale engineering projects typically involve many different types of professionals who must interact and communicate with one another. This interaction produces conflicts that need to be resolved. A framework is presented in which the rationale used in a collaborative design environment for designing an artifact is also used for conflict mitigation. The framework contains mechanisms for checking interactions and prompting hypotheses about the reasons for the interactions. These hypotheses, once verified by the designers, improve conflict resolution by assisting them in coordinating and negotiating conflicts. This, in turn, enhances communication during the design process and consequently increases productivity in the engineering industry.
A computational market model for distributed configuration design
Authors: Wellman Michael P.
Published: March 2010

A precise market model for a well-defined class of distributed configuration design problems is presented. Given a design problem, the model defines a computational economy to allocate basic resources to agents participating in the design. The result of running these “design economies” constitutes the market solution to the original problem. After defining the configuration design framework, the mapping to computational economies and the results to date are described. For some simple examples, the system can produce good designs relatively quickly. However, analysis shows that the design economies are not guaranteed to find optimal designs, and some of the major pitfalls are identified and discussed. Despite known shortcomings and limited explorations thus far, the market model offers a useful conceptual viewpoint for analyzing distributed design problems.
Expert system for multidisciplinary analysis and optimization using ASTROS
Authors: Sarma Hari K. , Grandhi Ramana V. , Taylor Ronald F.
Published: March 2010

This paper discusses the framework of a knowledge-based expert system environment to design aerospace structures under structural and aerodynamic constraints using ASTROS (Automated Structural Optimization program). ASTROS is a synthesis tool built around the NASTRAN finite element program. The knowledge base capabilities are discussed for synthesizing in statics, normal mode, steady and unsteady aerodynamic disciplines. A description of the two ASTROS advisor modules, the Editor/Bulk Data generator and Post-processor, is included. Experiences and issues involved in hierarchical representation of knowledge as menu options at different levels of abstraction are presented. Illustrative examples of the advisor in designing airframe structures are also included.
Human–computer co-operative risk management systems
Authors: Niwa Kiyoshi
Published: March 2010

This paper presents a new concept, a ‘human-computer co-operative system’, as the next-generation knowledge-based system for application to project risk management. It first discusses the characteristics of project risks followed by the development of a common expert system for managing such risks. Then, system limitations are identified in terms of knowledge association, and a ‘human–computer co-operative system’ is proposed to overcome these limitations by explicitly incorporating human intuitive ability into the computer system. Finally, evaluations of the human–computer co-operative system are also described.
Formal graph languages of shape
Authors: Fitzhorn Patrick A.
Published: March 2010

The study of languages of shape is rich and interesting. One can develop formal grammars whose languages are non-realizable shape (nonsense objects), as well as grammars whose languages are classes of realizable shape. This paper develops several graph-based multi-dimensional languages that are complete in the physical solids. Thus, realizable shape is a language.
A logic-based approach for processing design standards
Authors: Rasdorf William J. , Lakmazaheri Sivand
Published: March 2010

A logic-based approach for automating the processing of design standards is illustrated. This approach is composed of three steps: conceptualization, formalization and implementation. Conceptualization is referred to as the representation of the knowledge necessary for solving the problem of interest in terms of objects and relations. Formalization is referred to as the representation of the objects and relations of interest as axioms using the language of predicate calculus. And, Implementation is referred to as the representation of the axioms of interest and the strategy for manipulating axioms using the constructs of a programming language.

The paper illustrates the logic-based approach to engineering problem-solving automation by considering the portion of the AISC Specification that governs the design of axially loaded members. First, the relations of interest are identified (Conceptualization). Then, predicate calculus is used to formally represent the relations (Formalization) as axioms and to mechanically manipulate them. The checking and designing of structural components via mechanical manipulation of the axioms are illustrated in the paper. Finally, a constraint logic programming language is used to develop a computer program for automatic processing of the specification (Implementation). This program is composed of a set of rules that closely resemble the formulated axioms.
The DOMAIN family of propagation operations for intervals on simultaneous linear equations
Authors: Chen R. , Ward A.C.
Published: March 2010

This paper defines, develops algorithms for, and illustrates the utility in design of a class of mathematical operations. These accept as inputs a system of linear constraint equations, Ax = b, an interval matrix of values for the coefficients, A, and an interval vector of values for either x or b. They return a set of values for the “domain” of the other vector, in the sense that all combinations of the output vector values set and values for A, when inserted into the constraint equation, correspond to values for the input vector that lie within the input interval. These operations have been mostly overlooked by the interval matrix arithmetic community, but are mathematically interesting and useful in the design, for example, of structures.
The SUFFICIENT-POINTS family of propagation operations for intervals on simultaneous linear equations
Authors: Chen R. , Ward A.C.
Published: March 2010

This paper defines, develops algorithms for, and illustrates the design use of a class of mathematical operations. These operations accept as inputs a system of linear constraint equations, Ax = b, an interval matrix of values for the coefficients A, and an interval vector of values for either x or b. They return a set of values for the other variable that is “sufficient” in this sense. Suppose that ◯ is an interval of input vectors, and Â an interval matrix. Then, one Sufficient-Points operation returns a set of vectors ~ such that for each b in ~, the set of x values that can be produced by inserting all the values of Â into Ax = b is a superset of the input vector x. These operations have been partly overlooked by the interval matrix mathematics community, but are mathematically interesting and useful in the design, for example, of circuits.
Mechanization of spatial reasoning for automatic pipe layout design
Authors: Zhu David , Latombe Jean-Claude
Published: March 2010

Artificial Intelligence has been very active in developing high-level symbolic reasoning paradigms that have resulted in practical expert systems. However, with a few exceptions, it has paid little attention to the automation of spatial reasoning. On the other hand, spatial reasoning has attracted the interest of several researchers in Robotics. One of the important problems that have been investigated is motion planning, and very significant results have been obtained. This paper describes an implemented system for designing pipe layouts automatically using motion planning techniques. It introduces a new approach to pipe layout design automation in which pipe routes are treated as trajectories left behind by rigid objects (‘robots’). We have implemented this approach in a basic Pipe Router that is described in detail in this paper. We have extended this router in order to make it capable of treating a variety of other constraints which are typical of practical pipe layout design problems. These constraints relate to the process carried out in the pipes, to the design of their mechanical support, and to the constructability and the ease of operation and maintenance of the designed pipe systems.
A transformational approach to case-based synthesis
Authors: Navinchandra D. , Sycara Katia P. , Narasimhan S.
Published: March 2010

Design is not done in a vacuum. Engineers often rely on prior designs to make new design decisions instead of solving every new problem from scratch. Prior designs that represent good solutions to the tightly coupled nature of mechanical devices are used as guides. Moreover, prior failures are used to avoid repeating old mistakes. In this paper we present a computer-based approach to exploiting the knowledge embodied in prior designs. Reasoning from design cases requires the ability to use cases, or pieces of cases that realize subfunctions of the device being designed. It is, however, difficult to recognize and retrieve relevant cases or case pieces using a given design specification. Because there is no one-to-one correspondence between the desired behavior of a device and the individual component behaviors, it is often not possible to find relevant design cases by using the given overall behavioral specification as an index into case memory. We approach this problem by elaborating the given behavior specification into a description that gives rise to indices with which relevant components can be retrieved. The elaborations are carried out in a behavior-preserving manner using two transformation operators that (a) rely on physical laws if it is known which ones are relevant, or (b) hypothesize behaviors and then search the case memory for ways in which the required behaviors may be achieved. These two approaches are used opportunistically in CADET, a case-based mechanical design system.
Knowledge-based CAD system for protective packaging design
Authors: Lye Sun-Woh , Ho Hiang-Kwee
Published: March 2010

Protective packaging buffer design is a complex process which involves manipulating both analytical and graphical data, and expert knowledge. The design activities of this process can be represented as a series of procedural tasks, and it is therefore suitable for design automation efforts. Currently, the design activities of the protective packaging buffers are predominantly manual and done on a trial and error basis. In this paper, PROPACK, a knowledge-based CAD system which has been developed to automate this design process will be discussed. A description of how the knowledge and information in PROPACK are structured and stored in the database will also be made. Preliminary tests have found that PROPACK is able to generate possible design solutions that either require external or simple internal cushioning features used for protection. These results have found to compare quite favourably with the BASF worked examples.
Searching time-table networks
Authors: Tulp Eduard , Siklóssy Laurent
Published: March 2010

In this paper we present an application of AI search techniques to a class of problems that arise in transportation systems analysis. Rather than adapting the time-space network formulation typically used in Operations Research, we propose a discrete dynamic network to represent a scheduled service network. In a discrete dynamic network, there are finite, discrete, predetermined possibilities for moving from one vertex to another. Visiting a vertex has a cost (possibly zero), which may depend both on how the vertex was reached and how it will be left.

We describe the DYNET search algorithm for finding optimal paths in discrete dynamic networks. DYNET has been implemented in a working system (TRAINS) which searches the entire Dutch railway services network. An optimal path in a discrete dynamic network makes us arrive at our destination as early as possible (given our planned earliest departure time), and given this earliest arrival time (eat), will allow us to leave as late as possible, thereby guaranteeing a shortest path relative to the eat. DYNET first conducts a forward search to find the earliest possible arrival time, then a backward search which uses results of the forward search, to find the latest departure to arrive at that eat. Various AI techniques (symmetries, abstraction spaces, distance estimates, etc.) improve the performance of DYNET.
Conflict management in an interdisciplinary design environment
Authors: Oh Vincent , Sharpe John
Published: March 2010

It is now becoming increasingly common for products to be designed via an interdisciplinary approach, particularly when an engineering enterprise adopts the concurrent engineering approach. Essentially, this implies that several heterogeneous sources of knowledge are simultaneously involved during the design phase of the product. The benefits often cited as a result of such an approach are increased quality and innovation, decreased time-to-market, and lower manufacturing costs. However, the approach also accentuates the problem of how to handle and manage conflicts, which frequently arise due to several factors as discussed in this paper. This paper also describes a system called Schemebuilder, which is an integrated design workbench aimed at supporting the conceptual and embodiment phases of interdisciplinary systems design, and its mechanisms for handling and resolving conflicts.
Using Pareto optimality to coordinate distributed agents
Authors: Petrie Charles J. , Webster Teresa A. , Cutkosky Mark R.
Published: March 2010

Pareto optimality is a domain-independent property that can be used to coordinate distributed engineering agents. Within a model of design called Redux, some aspects of dependency-directed backtracking can be interpreted as tracking Pareto optimality. These concepts are implemented in a framework, called Next-Link, that coordinates legacy engineering systems. This framework allows existing software tools to communicate with each other and a Redux agent over the Internet. The functionality is illustrated with examples from the domain of electrical cable harness design.
Communication infrastructure for concurrent engineering
Authors: Kuokka Daniel R. , Harada Larry T.
Published: March 2010

Integrating multiple engineering perspectives is critical to designing ever more complex products, but this introduces great potential for miscommunication leading to design conflicts. The SHADE (SHAred Dependency Engineering) project is defining agent infrastructure technology that supports dynamic, knowledge-based communication among heterogeneous engineering tools, collaboration systems, and conflict management systems. Building on technologies for defining a shared formal vocabulary and protocols for exchanging information, SHADE is developing facilitators that assist in locating and disseminating information. The result is a flexible infrastructure that helps existing engineering tools work together more effectively, and that supports a variety of new conflict management approaches. This article outlines the facilitation and application agents created by SHADE, and provides an in-depth example of their application to an engineering task.
Using Single Function Agents to investigate conflict
Authors: Dunskus B.V. , Grecu D.L. , Brown D.C. , Berker I.
Published: March 2010

Design Expert Systems can be built using many small, cooperating, limited function expert systems called Single Function Agents (SiFAs). Using this approach we will be able to investigate and discover primitive problem-solving and interaction patterns, specific for multiagent design systems, and should gain a deeper understanding of the types of knowledge involved. This paper presents some categories of conflicts that have been studied using the SiFA approach, and makes a brief presentation of the SINE implementation of SiFAs.
Mixed quantitative/qualitative method for evaluating compromise solutions to conflicts in collaborative design
Authors: Bahler Dennis , Dupont Catherine , Bowen James
Published: March 2010

Conflicts are likely to arise among participants in a collaborative design process as the inevitable outgrowth of the differing perspectives and viewpoints involved. The opportunities for conflict are magnified if many perspectives are brought to bear on a common artifact early in the design process, as in concurrent engineering or integrated engineering. Design advice tools can assist in the process of resolving these conflicts by making critiques and suggestions conveniently available to design participants, and by offering a fair means of evaluating and comparing suggested alternatives for compromise solution. In previous work we introduced a protocol based on notions of economic utility by which design advice systems can recognize conflict and mediate negotiation fairly. This protocol allowed design teams to express the desire to maximize or minimize the values of design parameters over totally ordered bounded domains of values, such as real numeric intervals. In this paper we extend this approach by allowing expressed preferences of design teams to be qualitative as well as quantitative, by allowing teams to express interest in parameters before they actually come into existence, and by relaxing many other of the earlier restrictions on the ways teams may express their preferences.
Model-based diagnosis of the space shuttle main engine
Authors: Hofmann Martin O. , Cost Thomas L. , Whitley Michael
Published: March 2010

The process of reviewing test data for anomalies after a firing of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) is a complex, time-consuming task. A project is under way to provide the team of SSME experts with a knowledge-based system to assist in the review and diagnosis task. A model-based approach was chosen because it can be adapted to changes in engine design, is easier to maintain, and can be explained more easily. A complex thermodynamic fluid system like the SSME introduces problems during modeling, analysis, and diagnosis which have as yet been insufficiently studied. We developed a qualitative constraint-based diagnostic system inspired by existing qualitative modeling and constraint-based reasoning methods which addresses these difficulties explicitly. Our approach combines various diagnostic paradigms seamlessly, such as the model-based and heuristic association-based paradigms, in order to better approximate the reasoning process of the domain experts. The end-user interface allows expert users to actively participate in the reasoning process, both by adding their own expertise and by guiding the diagnostic search performed by the system.
Episodal associative memory approach for sequencing interactive features in process planning
Authors: Westhoven Tim E. , Chen C. L. Philip , Pao Yoh-Han , LeClair Steven R.
Published: March 2010

Process planning is the function that converts an engineering design into a manufacturing plan. One of the problems in feature-based process planning is the sequencing of features. Features must be given an order for removal. This order, or sequence, is partially dependent on the geometric relationships between the features. If the geometric relationships between features are such that they dictate a particular sequence, the features are said to have an interaction. Identifying these interactions is an important first step in creating the process plan. An approach to solve this problem using constructive solid geometry operations and the Episodal Associative Memory (EAM) is demonstrated. The EAM is an associative memory that integrates dynamic memory organization and neural computing techniques. The geometric feature relationships can be represented by a pattern. This pattern captures very qualitative information about the geometric positions fo the features. The EAM can organize these patterns into groups of similar geometric relationships. A method for dealing with exceptions, and for retrieving and storing general machining problems associated with interacting features will be described. The system implemented is shown to correctly sequence several types of feature interactions.
Potential of artificial neural networks for resource scheduling
Authors: Kartam Nabil , Tongthong Tanit
Published: March 2010

In a construction project, resource leveling techniques are necessary as a primary schedule-improvement tool to reduce overall project cost by decreasing day-to-day fluctuation in resource usage and resource idleness. There are, however, some limitations in traditional resource leveling techniques. Conventional heuristic approaches cannot guarantee a near-optimum solution for every construction project; a given heuristic may perform well on one project and poorly on another. The existing optimization approaches, such as linear programming and enumeration methods, are best applicable only to small size problems. Recently, there has been success in the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for solving some optimization problems. The paper discusses how state-of-the-art ANNs can be a functional alternative to traditional resource leveling techniques. It then investigates the application of different ANN models (such as backpropagation networks, Hopfield networks, Boltzmann machines, and competition ANNs) to resource leveling problems. Because the development of ANNs involves not only science but also experience, the paper presents various intuitive yet effective ways of mapping resource leveling problems on different applicable ANN architectures. To demonstrate the application of ANNs to resource leveling, a simple ANN model is developed using a Hopfield network. The conclusion highlights the usefulness and the limitations of ANNs when applied to resource leveling problems.
Solving regional constraints in components layout design based on geometric gadgets
Authors: Suzuki H. , Ito T. , Ando H. , Kikkawa K. , Kimura F.
Published: March 2010

This paper proposes a new method for dealing with geometrical layout constraints. Geometrical layout constraints are classified into three classes of dimensional, regional, and interference constraints. Dimensional constraints are handled by using an existing methodology. A method is proposed to translate the other two classes of constraints into dimensional constraints. Thus, it is possible to uniformly deal with all of those geometrical layout constraints. The method is twofold. First, it converts regional, interference constraints into a set of simple inequalities. Then each inequality is solved by a geometric gadget, which is a structured set of dimensional constraints. A prototype system is developed and applied to some layout design examples.
Multilevel modelling for engineering design optimization
Authors: Ellman Thomas , Keane John , Schwabacher Mark , Yao Ke-Thia
Published: March 2010

Physical systems can be modelled at many levels of approximation. The right model depends on the problem to be solved. In many cases, a combination of models will be more effective than a single model. Our research investigates this idea in the context of engineering design optimization. We present a family of strategies that use multiple models for unconstrained optimization of engineering designs. The strategies are useful when multiple approximations of an objective function can be implemented by compositional modelling techniques. We show how a compositional modelling library can be used to construct a variety of locally calibratable approximation schemes that can be incorporated into the optimization strategies. We analyze the optimization strategies and approximation schemes to formulate and prove sufficient conditions for correctness and convergence. We also report experimental tests of our methods in the domain of sailing yacht design. Our results demonstrate dramatic reductions in the CPU time required for optimization, on the problems we tested, with no significant loss in design quality.
Innovative dome design: Applying geodesic patterns with shape annealing
Authors: Shea Kristina , Cagan Jonathan
Published: March 2010

Shape annealing, a computational design method applied to structural design, has been extended to the design of traditional and innovative three-dimensional domes that incorporate the design goals of efficiency, economy, utility, and elegance. In contrast to deterministic structural optimization methods, shape annealing, a stochastic method, uses lateral exploration to generate multiple designs of similar quality that form a structural language of solutions. Structural languages can serve to enhance designer creativity by presenting multiple, spatially innovative, yet functional design solutions while also providing insight into the interaction between structural form and the trade-offs involved in multi-objective design. The style of the structures within a language is a product of the shape grammar that defines the allowable structural forms and the optimization model that provides a functional measure of the generated forms to determine the desirable designs. This paper presents an application of geodesic dome patterns that have been embodied in a shape grammar to define a structural language of domes. Within this language of domes, different dome styles are generated by changing the optimization model for dome design to include the design goals of maximum enclosure space, minimum surface area, minimum number of distinct cross-sectional areas, and visual uniformity. The strengths of the method that will be shown are 1) the generation of both conventional domes similar to shape optimization results and spatially innovative domes, 2) the generation of design alternatives within a defined design style, and 3) the generation of different design styles by modifying the language semantics provided by the optimization model.
Generalized set propagation operations for concurrent engineering
Authors: Habib Walid E. , Ward Allen C.
Published: March 2010

This paper defines a number of general operations that accept arbitrary sets of values for two variables and general relations among three variables and generate a variety of third sets that are useful in design. Although the operations are defined without respect to mathematical or engineering domain, computing these operations depends on the specific mathematical domain, and algorithms are available for only a few domains. Appropriate software could make this complexity transparent to the designer, allowing the same conceptual operations to be used in many contexts. The paper proves a number of useful characteristics of the operations and offers examples of their potential use in design.
A Randomized Clinical Trial to Examine Enhancing Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with Motivational Interviewing and Thought Mapping
Authors: Meyer Elisabeth , Souza Fernanda , Heldt Elizeth , Knapp Paulo , Cordioli Aristides , Shavitt Roseli G. , Leukefeld Carl
Published: March 2010

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by repeated and persistent attempts to control thoughts and actions with rituals. These rituals are used in order to prevent feared or personally distressing outcomes. Cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) has been reported to be effective for treating OCD patients. However, about one-third (30%) of patients do not benefit from CBGT. Some of these patients do not show significant improvement and continue to use rituals following CBGT, partially because they fail to complete the exposure and ritual prevention (ERP) exercises. Consequently, it is important to motivate patients to fully engage in CBGT treatment and complete the ERP exercises. Aims: A randomized behavioral trial examined 12 weeks of manual directed CBGT, with the addition of individual sessions of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Thought Mapping (TM), and compared treatment outcome to the effectiveness of CBGT group alone. Method: Subjects were randomized (n = 93) into a CBGT group or a CBGT group with MI+TM. Results: When the two groups were compared, both groups reduced OCD symptoms. However, symptom reduction and remission were significantly higher in the MI+TM CBGT group. Positive outcomes were also maintained, with additional symptom reduction at the 3-month follow-up for the MI+TM CBGT group. Conclusions: Adding two individual sessions of MI and TM before CBGT successfully reduced OCD symptoms and was more effective than using CBGT group alone.
Underweight and overweight among children in Zahedan, south-east Iran
Authors: Maddah Mohsen , Shahraki Touran , Shahraki Mansour
Published: March 2010

Objective

The present study examined the prevalence of underweight and overweight in a group of primary-school children in Zahedan, south-east Iran.

Design

A cross-sectional study in a randomly selected population of schoolchildren.

Setting

Primary-school children in Zahedan city.

Subjects

A random sample of 1079 students (boys = 500 and girls = 579). Data on child’s age, parental educational levels, body weight and height were collected.

Results

The rate of overweight/obesity among boys and girls was 8·9 % and 10·3 %, respectively; and of underweight among boys and girls was 22·8 % and 19·9 %, respectively. Prevalence of overweight increased as the boys and girls approached adolescence and it was more prevalent among girls than boys. Prevalence of overweight was directly related to maternal education in this population.

Conclusions

High prevalence of underweight in young children as well as increase in the prevalence of overweight in girls and boys near adolescence are of concern. Early poor growth and subsequent rapid weight gain near to adolescent stage is related to adulthood obesity.
Socio-economic status, place of residence and dietary habits among the elderly: the Mediterranean islands study
Authors: Katsarou Alexia , Tyrovolas Stefanos , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Zeimbekis Akis , Tsakountakis Nikos , Bountziouka Vassiliki , Gotsis Efthimios , Metallinos George , Polychronopoulos Evangelos , Lionis Christos , Panagiotakos Demosthenes
Published: March 2010

Objective

To investigate whether the socio-economic status (SES) of elderly eastern Mediterranean islanders is associated with their dietary habits, particularly with adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was measured by the MedDietScore (range: 0–55), whereas SES was estimated using education and financial status.

Subjects

During 2005–2007, 300 men and women from Cyprus, 100 from Samothraki, 142 from Mitilini, 114 from Kefalonia, 131 from Crete, 150 from Lemnos, 150 from Corfu and 103 from Zakynthos (aged 65–100 years), free of known chronic diseases, participated in the survey.

Results

Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that belonging to the highest SES was associated with a higher MedDietScore (P< 0·01), after adjusting for potential sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary and clinical confounders. A significant positive association was also found between MedDietScore and years of school (P= 0·004), as well as financial status (P= 0·001).

Conclusions

Older Greek people of higher SES seem to follow a relatively healthier diet. Both education and income seem to play a role in this issue. Thus, public health policy makers should focus on people with low SES in order to improve their quality of diet and, consequently, their health status.
Soft drinks: time trends and correlates in twenty-four European countries. A cross-national study using the DAFNE (Data Food Networking) databank
Authors: Naska Androniki , Bountziouka Vasiliki , Trichopoulou Antonia ,   the DAFNE Participants
Published: March 2010

Objective

To evaluate time trends in the availability of soft drinks, to identify food choices associated with their consumption and to assess the relationship between socio-economic status and daily soft drink availability in a wide range of European countries.

Design

Data on food and beverage availability collected through the national household budget surveys and harmonized in the DAFNE (Data Food Networking) project were used. Averages and variability of soft drink availability were estimated and tests for time trends were performed. The daily availability of food groups which appear to be correlated with that of soft drinks was further estimated. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were applied to evaluate the association between socio-economic status and the acquisition of soft drinks.

Setting

Twenty-four European countries.

Subjects

Nationally representative samples of households.

Results

The availability of soft drinks is steadily and significantly increasing. Households in West and North Europe reported higher daily availability of soft drinks in comparison to other European regions. Soft drinks were also found to be correlated with lower availability of plant foods and milk and higher availability of meat and sugar products. Lower socio-economic status was associated with more frequent and higher availability of soft drinks in the household.

Conclusions

Data collected in national samples of twenty-four European countries showed disparities in soft drink availability among socio-economic strata and European regions. The correlation of soft drinks with unfavourable dietary choices has public health implications, particularly among children and adolescents.
The Solar Wind Power Satellite as an alternative to a traditional Dyson Sphere and its implications for remote detection
Authors: Harrop Brooks L. , Schulze-Makuch Dirk
Published: March 2010

The search for Dyson Spheres has been propelled not only by the hope of discovering intelligent alien life, but by humanity's ever-increasing need for energy. However, the Dyson Sphere is not a practical design, requiring too much matter to build and too much energy to stabilize. Here we discuss the various designs of a Dyson Sphere and propose the Solar Wind Power (SWP) Satellite, a simplistic, self-sustaining system that draws power from the solar wind and uses a laser to fire energy to collectors (on space stations, bases, etc.) positioned anywhere in the Solar System. While a small SWP Satellite can provide an estimated 2 MW of power, larger (or networks of) satellites could provide terawatts of power or more. The cost of the SWP Satellite would be relatively cheap – it primarily consists of shaped copper, with only a few complex systems onboard. Detection of such a satellite would be difficult using current technology, because at this time we can only detect solar wind deviations of up to 10−13 MS yr−1, while a 2 MW satellite would only divert 10−34 MS yr−1. Thus, only very large SWP Satellites could possibly be detected.
Mammakarzinom: Screening, Behandlung und Nachsorge
Authors: Moos von
Published: March 2010

Die Behandlung des Mammakarzinoms ist komplex und bedarf der Interdisziplinarität, am besten im Rahmen eines organisierten Brustzentrums. Die Therapie wird primär am Target ausgerichtet (Hormonrezeptoren, HER2 etc). Es gilt, die Situation bzgl. krebsbedingtem Sterberisiko den potentiellen Nebenwirkungen und den internistischen Grunderkrankungen gegenüberzustellen, abzuschätzen und zu berücksichtigen. Das Rezidivrisiko muss in die Überlegungen einbezogen werden. Wünsche der Patientinnen müssen berücksichtigt werden (Haarverlust, Neuropathie, Kardiotoxizität etc.). Die Behandlung soll interdisziplinär durch den jeweilig qualifiziertesten Arzt durchgeführt werden.
Traumazentrierte Bewegungspsychotherapie und Recovery
Authors: Moore Claire
Published: March 2010

Zusammenfassung. Auf dem Hintergrund der Recovery-orientierten Theorie der traumazentrierten Bewegungspsychotherapie wird an Hand einer Einzelfallstudie die noch andauernde Behandlung einer jahrelang psychiatrisierten Frau dargestellt. Dies geschieht an Hand der Reflektierten Kasuistik, mit der die Geschichte dieser Psychiatrisierung, die Patientenbiografie sowie die Geschichte der bewegungs-psychotherapeutischen Behandlung zusammenhängend deutlich gemacht werden kann. In dieser Therapie werden der recovery-orientierte Prozess sowie die funktionale und emotionale Bedeutung des Körpers betont, die wegen den Folgen multipler Traumatisierungen auf unterschiedliche Weise einbezogen werden. Das bisherige Behandlungsergebnis ist ermutigend und betont die Chancen der unmittelbaren Integration des Körpers in die Traumabehandlung.
Künstlerisch-tanztherapeutische Intervention bei Narzisstischer Persönlichkeitsstörung
Authors: Yolanda Bertolaso
Published: March 2010

Zusammenfassung. Im Gegensatz zur landläufigen Meinung schauen Personen mit narzisstischer Persönlichkeitsstörung eben nicht in den Spiegel, oder nur in einen verzerrenden Spiegel. Aus Angst vor seelischem Schmerz, vor Ablehnung etc. errichten sie ein Pseudo-Selbst, das an Stelle ihres authentischen Wesens die Regie über ihr Leben übernimmt. In der künstlerischen, handlungsaktivierenden Tanztherapie wird durch tänzerischen, variierenden und konfrontierenden Umgang mit Rhythmus ein Bewusstsein für den Parameter Zeit geschaffen, der u.a. in der Konfrontation zu Strukturbildung, Bewusstwerden der eigenen Ressourcen und somit zur Reintegration des eigentlichen Selbst führt. Authentizität des Wesens ist einer der Grundpfeiler von wahrer Lebendigkeit.
Subantarctic Mode Water variability influenced by mesoscale eddies south of Tasmania
Authors: Herraiz‐Borreguero Laura , Rintoul Stephen R.
Published: March 2010

Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW) is formed by deep mixing on the equatorward side of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The subduction and export of SAMW from the Southern Ocean play an important role in global heat, freshwater, carbon, and nutrient budgets. However, the formation process and variability of SAMW remain poorly understood, largely because of a lack of observations. To determine the temporal variability of SAMW in the Australian sector of the Southern Ocean, we used a 15 year time series of repeat expendable bathythermograph sections from 1993 to 2007, seven repeat conductivity‐temperature‐depth sections from 1991 to 2001, and sea surface height maps. The mean temperature of the SAMW lies between 8.5°C and 9.5°C (mean of 8.8°C, standard deviation of 0.3°C), and there is no evidence of a trend over the 18 year record. However, the temperature, salinity, and pycnostad strength of the SAMW can change abruptly from section to section. In addition, the SAMW pool on a single section often consists of two or more modes with distinct temperature, salinity, and vertical homogeneity characteristics but similar density. We show that the multiple types of mode water can be explained by the advection of anomalous water from eddies and meanders of the fronts bounding the Subantarctic Zone and by recirculation of SAMW of different ages. Our results suggest that infrequently repeated sections can potentially produce misleading results because of aliasing of high interannual variability.
Temperature‐calibrated imaging of seasonal changes in permafrost rock walls by quantitative electrical resistivity tomography (Zugspitze, German/Austrian Alps)
Authors: Krautblatter Michael , Verleysdonk Sarah , Flores‐Orozco Adrián , Kemna Andreas
Published: March 2010

Changes of rock and ice temperature inside permafrost rock walls crucially affect their stability. Permafrost rocks at the Zugspitze were involved in a 0.3–0.4 km3 rockfall at 3.7 ka B.P. whose deposits are now inhabited by several thousands of people. A 107 year climate record at the summit (2962 m asl) shows a sharp temperature increase in 1991–2007. This article applies electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to gain insight into spatial thaw and refreezing behavior of permafrost rocks and presents the first approach to calibrating ERT with frozen rock temperature. High‐resolution ERT was conducted in the north face adjacent to the Zugspitze rockfall scarp in February and monthly from May to October 2007. A smoothness‐constrained inversion is employed with an incorporated data error model, calibrated on the basis of normal reciprocal measurement discrepancy. Laboratory analysis of Zugspitze limestone indicates a bilinear temperature‐resistivity relationship divided by a 0.5 ± 0.1°C and 30 ± 3 kΩm equilibrium freezing point and a twentyfold increase of the frozen temperature‐resistivity gradient (19.3 ± 2.1 kΩm/°C). Temperature dominates resistivity changes in rock below −0.5°C, while in this case geological parameters are less important. ERT shows recession and readvance of frozen conditions in rock correspondingly to temperature data. Maximum resistivity changes in depths up to 27 m coincide with maximum measured water flow in fractures in May. Here we show that laboratory‐calibrated ERT does not only identify frozen and unfrozen rock but provides quantitative information on frozen rock temperature relevant for stability considerations.