bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic materials policy: A system study
Authors: Clark Thomas D. , Emmelhainz Larry W.
Published: February 2011

The research reported in this paper deals with the current structure of United States policy concerning strategic minerals and materials systems. An extensive systems analysis is reported and a system dynamics model is presented which allows experimentation with various policy alternatives available to develop strategic reserves. The model was developed using interview data from key officials and from an extensive review of current literature pertaining to the topic. It centers on the system for producing processed materials and developing mineral sources. An application example using chromium and focusing on stockpiling alternatives is discussed.
Bifurcations and structural stability in the dynamical systems modeling process
Authors: Aracil Javier
Published: February 2011

The dynamical systems modeling process of complex systems (particularly in the ‘soft’ systems context) involves a sequence of theoretical frameworks which supply the ‘mechanisms’ that regulate the interactions between the elements that form the system. Changes are made along the modeling process in those theoretical frameworks that could lead to new behavior modes. Using tools taken from qualitative theory of dynamical systems the relationship between the appearance of new behavior modes and the occurrence of bifurcations in the models is analyzed in this paper. An application to a family of models that is representative of the modeling process of an urban area is included.
Restoring order: Relating entropy to energy and information
Authors: Bailey Kenneth D.
Published: February 2011

‘Order’ is a central concept in many disciplines. As such it is an important tool in our effort to build a general systems theory which integrates interdisciplinary research. Unfortunately, it has been suggested that the concept be abandoned, as it is said to have contradictory meanings in relation to entropy. This situation is seen as symptomatic of the existence of paradigm anomalies. Anomalies are of two types: Exclusionary, resulting from paradigms which exclude certain key principles; and inclusionary, resulting from paradigms which include contradictory concepts or principles. This paper analyzes and resolves three key inclusionary anomalies. These are: The relationship between entropy and energy; the relationship between entropy and complexity; and the relationship between entropy and information. Once these anomalies are resolved, the apparent contradictions in the concept of ‘order’ disappear.
Dimensionality
Authors: Warfield J. N. , Christakis A. N.
Published: February 2011

New definitions of ‘dimensionality’ and ‘dimension’ are set forth that dominate older definitions. Dominance means not that older interpretations are violated, but that the sense of the new interpretation extends substantially the sense of older interpretations, thereby opening up the use of the term in a much broader class of situations.

Among the benefits of the new interpretation of dimensionality are: Greater understanding of situations, greater effectiveness in describing situations, more lucid descriptions, better system designs, substantive cross‐discipline problem‐solving activities that cannot now be carried out in a common framework, and the potential for a more coherent community of scholars.
A philosophical inquiry into the geometry of knowledge
Authors: Stuart Franklin J.
Published: February 2011

Using an interdisciplinary systems approach, this paper presents a comprehensive overview of our scientific knowledge of the Cosmos within a conceptual four dimensional tetrahedral geometry where relationships are primary. Vital to the development of this model is a proposed innovative pattern, using the 48 basic measure formulas and their associated 24 relationships from within the area of physics. It is from these patterns, developed at the most basic level of our scientific understanding, geometry and physics, that the proposal is made that these patterns might be carried over into other areas and meaningful conclusions drawn. Since this is a philosophical inquiry, only patterns and relationships within and between fields of scientific knowledge have been demonstrated. Detailed development of the tetrahedral geometric patterning and the placement of knowledge within five transcendent classifications has been demonstrated. Challenging tentative conclusions in many areas, including human relations involving conflict resolution and avoidance of war, have also been presented.
Correspondence: Speculations on the use of shannon's entropy formula to characterize an organizational structure (university of cincinnati)
Authors: Hershey Daniel , Patel Valabhai , Hahn John
Published: February 2011

From Shannon's informational entropy formula, a power index for each organizational unit and an organizational efficiency were developed for the structure of a corporation. Of the four models tested, it was shown that a horizontal configuration is most efficient, a chaos model least. Chaos occurs when each unit is completely independent and has the same budget. These concepts were applied to the University of Cincinnati to show that the efficiency diminished from 81 to 74% during its 1962–1963 through 1979–1980 period of rapid expansion when the budget increased four‐fold (corrected for inflation). At the same time, students enrolled, per dollar (corrected for inflation), declined by about 50%.
The phenomenon of science, by Valentin F. Turchin, Columbia University Press, New York, 1977, 348 pp.
Authors: Joslyn Cliff
Published: February 2011

The Inertia of Fear and the Scientific Worldview, by Valentin F. Turchin, Columbia University Press, New York, 1981, 300 pp.
A methodology for methodology choice
Authors: Keys Paul
Published: February 2011

There are currently available a variety of methodologies which aid the improvement of problematic situations which can legitimately claim to be grounded in systems approaches. These have emerged over many years and each methodology has unique features which enable it to be used successfully in particular types of situation. Recently several attempts have been made to structure this set of methodologies. In these contingency theories the nature of the problem and the characteristics of the methodologies are matched in such a way that the strengths and weaknesses of the methodologies are brought out.

In this paper this theoretical work is extended by developing a methodology for methodology choice. In this methodology the insights provided by the contingency theories are used to support a set of procedures which enable an informed choice of systems‐based problem‐solving methodology to be made. Two examples of the use of the methodology are given to illustrate its potential as a means of improving the ability of systems theorists to intervene successfully in real‐world issues.
Implicit aspects of much systems thinking
Authors: Warfield John N.
Published: February 2011

Much systems thinking involves implicit aspects upon which the validity, credibility, and even the meaning of the products of the thought depend. The consequences of following misguided, implicit presuppositions vary in intensity according to the milieu in which such presuppositions govern. Two important areas in which the consequences can be very severe to society today are (a) large system design and operation and (b) management of organizations that produce or manage such systems.

Division of a Concept

Several key notions can play a role in converting many of the implicit aspects into explicit features. Among these are the notions of:

Integration of Component Concepts

Definition by Relationship

Gradation of Belief

all of which benefit by taking the mathematical Theory of Relations as an underlying language for expression.

Much of the implicitness in science and in systems thinking derives from the failure to recognize explicitly three Universal Priors to all science: The human being, language, and reasoning through relationships. Recognition of a body of knowledge as a science ought to be conditional on the studied, relevant, and explicit incorporation of these three features in the science.

Referential transparency, a key criterion for any science, is potentially greatly enhanced by replacing implicit or superficial recognition of the Universal Priors with explicit, detailed incorporation of them in the science.

Through the combined impact of application of the key notions mentioned above; together with explicit recognition of the Universal Priors in the Foundations of a science or of systems thinking; along with the discipline, steering, and organization provided by measuring the science against the Domain of Science Model; it becomes feasible to upgrade substantially the quality of systems thinking, of science, and of applications of science.
Systemic, not just systematic
Authors: Smith Richard L.
Published: February 2011

Inquiry toward object systems too often has the support of only a limited disciplinary perspective. The practice of system science offers an opportunity to frame a design of inquiry. A systemic design of inquiry toward object systems evolves into a Meta inquiry of inquiry. Three levels of Meta awareness are indicated and organized from the trace of Systems Research publications. An ethic toward building the systemic premise by the awareness of an epistemic design is both recognized and urged for developmental evolution.
Entropy analysis of an aging, evolving corporate system
Authors: Hershey Daniel
Published: February 2011

From Shannon's informational entropy concepts, equations for entropy, excess entropy, excess entropy production and efficiency were used to analyze the performance of a hypothetical corporation.
Towards constructing a typology of corporate leadership
Authors: Katsenelinboigen A.
Published: February 2011

The intricate typology of Western business leaders is presented in the economic literature of today in a rather sporadic and atomized way. In the present work I attempt to deduce from a single model the various types of business leaders. I put together a matrix of the possible types of a firm's leadership. One axis represents the degree of subjectivity of the decisions made by the leader. The other dimension reflects the extent of the limitations imposed upon the leader by the internal rules of the organization in elaborating and implementing decisions.

The degree of subjectivity is denoted by the following three methods: Belief, aesthetic, and scientific. The extent of the leader's limitations is expressed as either strong, moderate, or weak. Variety of leadership types reflects the relative degree of subjectivity in the evaluation of his decisions as well as the severity of the limitations imposed upon him.

The above matrix shows both the existing types of leaders (such as administrators, managers, etc.) as well as the new ones (for instance, navigators). This approach may help reveal the deficit in the types of leaders needed to overcome the increasingly complicated tasks of developing and implementing innovative ideas.
Seven distinctive paths of decision and action
Authors: Kinston Warren , Algie Jimmy
Published: February 2011

A set of distinct approaches to decision and action is offered as developed from collaborative inquiry with practising managers. The approaches so elicited align frequently, but not invariably or precisely, with accounts in the literature. They are named: Rationalist, empiricist, pragmatist, dialectic, systemic, structuralist and intuitionist. Each approach tends to be advocated over‐enthusiastically by its proponents as a full and appropriate response for all contingencies. The characteristic advantages and difficulties of each are examined, and issues in the selection of a preferred approach are explored.
The high frontier of global competitiveness: Systems research into strategies of knowledge and co‐operation
Authors: Smothers Norman P.
Published: February 2011

With the continuing rise of Japan's economic fortunes it remains important that we understand what is taking place, that is, the evolving patterns of world‐class strategy. Japan has established itself as a world economic leader with a constitutional ban on building war‐making capabilities, that is, without a strategic defense capability to back up its conquests. This unique feature makes Japan in the later half of the 20th century especially important to understand.

Several lessons can be learned from Japan's recent economic ‘miracle’: (a) that tremendous economic potential lies in seeking ever higher value‐added in productivity, processes, goods and services; (b) that natural resource limitations can be overcome without resort to coercively taking resources from other countries; (c) that military buildups of coercive force may divert resources needed for economic competitiveness and are not necessary to becoming a world economic power. This paper explores, in the context of Japan's successes, the increasing importance of: (1) creating value through knowledge, and (2) managing relationships and competition in terms of cooperative ‘win‐win’ scenarios as opposed to a ‘win‐lose’ battles of coercion. From Japan's example, it is argued, strategies of creating new value through knowledge and co‐operation represent the high frontier of global competitiveness today—that economic competitiveness resulting from gaining control of the world's sources of new value creation, as opposed to amassing control of coercive force, is how world position is now being won or lost.
A case study in options choice
Authors: Al‐Khayat Faleh H. M. , Edwards John S.
Published: February 2011

This paper considers the feasibility of applying an options‐choice methodology to a key decision in a large technological project, on the basis of interviews with the decision‐makers involved. The actual process by which the decision was made is described, and contrasted with that suggested by the methodology. Potential improvements which could have been achieved are identified, and the reaction of the decision‐makers suggests that it would have been feasible to use the methodology in this decision situation.
Design of the Modern Inquiring System—V. Etienne Bonnot de Condillac (1715‐1780)
Authors: Pavesi Pablo E. , Pavesi Pedro F. J.
Published: February 2011

This paper is the fifth instalment of a series of articles ‘which traces the development of the modern Inquiring System, a system dedicated to the acquisition, production and dissemination of knowledge’. It attempts to underline Condillac's thought only with respect to aspects which bear relevance to IS and System Theory.
The ethics of human systems
Authors: Smothers Norman P.
Published: February 2011

C. West Churchman in ‘Churchman's Conversations’ in Systems Research journal defines systems research as ‘research into the ethics of human systems’ [2]. The methodological research problem with ethical or human systems questions is that there is no commonly agreed criterion of ultimate validity. Systems researchers who wish to abide by C. West Churchman's exhortations to investigate the ethics of our human systems will undoubtedly meet with resistance to their ideas from the scientific community on methodological grounds. To those researchers, this discussion of Michael Polanyi's arguments and observations may be relevant in putting such criticisms in a larger perspective. As an example, the dialectical tension between two ethical principles (tolerance and doubt) is argued to be a historical and philosophical foundation of the system of science. The case study of science is used to illustrate that unprovable ethics permeate even our most rationalized human systems. Paradoxically the study of ethics is somewhat beyond the range of science. Hence, a model for systems research into the ethics of human systems is proposed based on work by Joseph Campbell.
The prolog language: Artificial intelligence applications, relevance to the systems community, and a review of seven texts, by James L. Snell, Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science, SUNY College at Brockport, Brockport, NY 14420, U.S.A.
Authors: Snell James L.
Published: February 2011

Prolog is a relatively new computer programming language, developed for Artificial Intelligence, that provides automatic inference from given facts and rules. Prolog is of interest to the Systems community, since it is suited to modeling complex qualitative relationships involving uncertainty, continual change, and self‐modification. This article includes a description of Prolog, some of its present applications, its relevance to Systems research, a brief tutorial, and comparative reviews of seven books on the language.
A systems approach to culture
Authors: Cohen Bernice
Published: February 2011

This paper presents a short overview of my research project on systems thinking in culture studies. The paper objective is to discuss the findings in terms of established systems concepts to illustrate the pivotal role of systems concepts in the notion of ‘culture as system’. A global systems philosophy was the overriding criterion adopted for the research. This involved a complementary recourse to systems analysis and cybernetic ideas set within a holistic framework. The invariant features that are known to characterize complex open systems were also considered as contributory to a fuller understanding of culture as a system.
The self‐referential conceptual system: Towards an operational definition of subjectivity
Authors: Katakis Charis
Published: February 2011

The operational definition of the proposed concept which was called the Self‐Referential Conceptual System (SRCS) aims at contributing to the search for unifying key concepts on the basis of which the functioning and malfunctioning of purposeful, self‐regulated biopsychosocial living systems can be described.

The concept is based on the notion of self‐reference, a central idea in the context of cognitive science. It describes the way a particular individual, family or any other social group perceives itself in relation to its environment and its total life situation. It is argued that these subjective and emotionally loaded conceptions determine, to a large degree, choices, actions and interactions and are therefore directly connected to the degree of functioning and malfunctioning of particular living systems (individuals, families and other social groups).

A particular entity's SRCS is viewed as a constellation of symbolic representations which are hierarchically‐ordered conceptual categories and metacategories expressing the subjective evaluation of its self‐defined identity and purpose (who am I, where am I going and why). The model described consists of two hierarchies. One which is formed by the hierarchically‐ordered conceptual categories and metacategories and the other of the corresponding hierarchically‐ordered concrete living systems.
System gradients and a reassessment of ‘system’
Authors: Cohen Bernice
Published: February 2011

This paper presents a brief account of my research on systems that followed from my research findings on a systems‐based framework for human culture. By applying systems thinking to culture I had to reassess my perception of ‘system’, a topic that is discussed here as it may interest readers of Systems Research. The paper objective is to consider the unifying potential of systems science for the unity of the fragmented human sciences and as a unifying principle that spans a broad range of natural, human and chaotic phenomena. It is well known that the term ‘system’ spans a vast range of unrelated entities; the concept of two systems gradients, which arises from the meta‐classificatory nature of systems, forms a theoretical framework to explore the possible links between various classes of systems. The gradients move away from rigid divisions of systems along static lines to form one theoretical construct that reflects the dynamics of continuous process change and evolution according to the Big Bang origin of the Universe.
Expectation and strategy in a nonlinear world
Authors: Dyke C.
Published: February 2011

The ‘new sciences of complexity’, as they approach maturity, afford promising resources for policy and decision making. They also demand changes in the way we approach prediction and control. I spell out some of the consequences through a contrast of potential new conceptualizations with well entrenched ‘classical’ conceptions from Popper and Sociocybernetics.
The defense acquisition system: A meta‐organizational analysis
Authors: Burgess Gregg M. , Clark Thomas D.
Published: February 2011

A meta‐organizational system is one made up of several independent organizations working toward a common set of objectives. The independent organizations may have competing interests in the pursuit of the common goals. Such systems are becoming more evident as industry and government become closer, organizations enter into cooperative agreements and in the internationalization of business. The research presented in this paper illustrates a method for the study of such systems using a recursive causal modeling approach. The example system is the one employed by the United States to acquire its weapons. Conclusions about the nature and behavior of that system are employed to develop propositions about the characteristics of such structures and research into them.
Correspondence: Speculation on the relationship between organizational structure, entropy, and organizational function
Authors: Hershey Daniel , Breiner Jonathan , Darcy Troy , Mcfarland Michael , Oates Michael
Published: February 2011

Measures of entropy and efficiency were calculated for four simple organizational structures. Based on these results, it was speculated that organizational configuration can play a role in organizational function since information flow and the concomitant order and disorder are affected.
The missing dimension of specialization
Authors: Hildum Donald C.
Published: February 2011

This paper suggests that the contrast between specialization and socialization may oversimplify the operation of social systems. It proposes instead a three‐factor developmental model in which socialization remains as the second stage (identity), and specialization is split into two, status (the first stage) and diversity (the third stage). One feature of such a model is that the diversity relation implies greater system‐consciousness than does the status relation.
Language and the intuition of meaning
Authors: Badalamenti Anthony F.
Published: February 2011

Proposed concepts on the nature language and the intuition of meaning are presented here using existential and mathematical primitives. Topologically exact results are given for the structure of human memory, for the inner nature of a meaning, and for some of the psychic principles which give rise to language. These results follow from a linguistic model which so defines a verb that all other linguistic elements become special cases of it. Both the topological and clinical results on the emergence of language and the perception of meaning support this position. Some results are also given on the structure and formation of non‐verbal meaning.
Fundamental Mathematical Model for AOD Process. Part I: Derivation of the Model
Authors: Järvinen Mika P. , Pisilä Sauli , Kärnä Aki , Ikäheimonen Topi , Kupari Pentti , Fabritius Timo
Published: February 2011

This paper presents a new simulation model for the AOD process that takes the local variations into account but is still computationally efficient. The new idea here was to model AOD reactor as a combination of a plug flow reactor for the plume zone and a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) for the bath and surface slag. This approach adopted has many advantages compared with the previous models. At first, it offers an effective method for considering the locally varying conditions as the gas bubbles rise in the plume. The model can be built computationally very effective compared to CFD due to significantly smaller amount of variables. The validation of the model is also easier as it has features that can be experimentally determined. The model is based on the simultaneous solution of conservation equations of mass, species and energy in all the vertical cells of the plug flow reactor, and a single volume in bath and surface slag. A novel method was developed and used for solving the rates in a mass transfer controlled multi‐component reaction system. In this Part I of this paper, the model is presented and its features discussed by few illustrative examples. In the following Part II, the model is broadly validated with new full scale industrial AOD process measurements for carbon release rate, melt composition, slag composition and bath temperature rise during final stages of carbon removal.
Resistance of Trip 800 Steels in a Sour Environment Containing H2S
Authors: Sojka J. , Vodárek V. , Váňová P. , Schindler I. , Kander L. , Wenglorzová A. , Filuš F.
Published: February 2011

We have evaluated the resistance of two samples of TRIP 800 steel prepared under laboratory conditions at the Faculty of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering (FMME) VŠB (Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Republic) in a sour environment containing H2S. The first steel investigated had a C–Mn–Si composition, and the second steel had a C–Mn–Si–Al composition. Both TRIP steels were characterized using the yield strength in the range 420 to 450 MPa and tensile strength in the range 880 to 900 MPa. The TRIP steel samples were in the form of sheets with a thickness of 1.5 mm. The residual austenite content was 11% and 13%, respectively, in the two steels studied. The resistance to hydrogen embrittlement was evaluated in a sour environment that contained hydrogen sulphide using hydrogen‐induced cracking (HIC) and sulphide stress cracking (SSC) tests performed in accordance with NACE standards. Both TRIP 800 steels showed a high resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, and no SSC cracks were observed. Some cracking arising from HIC was observed in both steels. The measured parameters showed some variation; in some cases they were lower than recommended limits, but in other cases the measured parameters were higher (e.g., the crack length ratio was up to 70%). The cracks initiated preferentially at non‐metallic inclusions, either at elongated manganese sulphide particles, or at oxide stringers that were rich in Al.
“Die Raupe” – eine bewegliche Brückenkonstruktion
Authors: Kleiser Michael , Foller Gerald , Pommer Herbert
Published: January 2011

Für einen Brückenwettbewerb in Wien wurde ein Konzept einer beweglichen Brücke in Form eines Fischbauchträgers entwickelt, das neben seiner strengen Funktionalität und der materiellen Effizienz über einen innovativen Hebemechanismus verfügt. Die Idee des Hebevorgangs basiert auf einer Verkürzung des Trägeruntergurts durch Seile und zwei zwischengeschalteten hydraulischen Zylindern. Die Anhebung der Brücke zur Freihaltung des geforderten Lichtraumprofils erfolgt asymmetrisch, was ein raupenähnliches Verkrümmen zur Folge hat. Des Weiteren wurde die Deckplatte dahingehend optimiert, dass unter Verwendung hochfester Stähle die große Verformung über das elastische Werkstoffverhalten aufgenommen und so auf wartungsintensive Gelenke verzichtet werden kann. Durch das gewählte statische System mit dem applizierten Hebemechanismus kann die Einleitung großer Horizontalkräfte in den Boden vermieden und dadurch die Kosten deutlich gesenkt werden. Das Konzept wurde für eine Spannweite von ca. 60 m entwickelt, kann jedoch auch für andere Spannweiten adaptiert und so vielerorts eingesetzt werden.

“The Caterpillar” – A moving bridge structure. For a design competition for a bridge in Vienna, a concept for a moving bridge in the form of a lenticular girder was developed which, in addition to its strict functionality and material efficiency, features an innovative lifting mechanism. The lifting principle is based on shortening the lower chord of the girder with the help of cables and two intermediate hydraulic cylinders. In order to create the required clearance profile, the bridge is lifted asymmetrically, which results in a deformation of the shape which is reminiscent of a caterpillar. In addition, the upper deck was designed using hightensile steel so that the considerable deformation could be absorbed by the elasticity of the material, which means that maintenance‐intensive hinges could be omitted. This structural system with its lifting mechanism makes it possible to significantly lower costs as there are no large horizontal forces to be transferred to the ground. The concept was developed for a span of approx. 60 m but can also be adapted to spans of different sizes and is therefore suitable for many situations.
Ertüchtigung der genieteten Stahlbrücken am Beispiel von zwei Straßenbrücken über den Fluss Marosch in Rumänien
Authors: Petzek Edward , Băncilă Radu
Published: January 2011

Genietete Stahlbrücken sind heute beinahe nur noch als Eisenbahnbrücken im Einsatz. Es gibt eine relativ geringe Anzahl an genieteten Straßenbrücken, die auf Nebenstraßen in Betrieb sind. Sie sind i. A. in schlechtem technischem Zustand. Dieser Aufsatz ist ein Plädoyer für die Ertüchtigung und Erhaltung dieser Bauwerke als Zeugen einer vergangenen technischen Kultur und Beispiel für eine ansehnliche Stahlkonstruktion. Es werden zwei Fallstudien präsentiert: eine Fachwerkbrücke mit vier Spannweiten von 40 m und ein Fachwerkgerberträger mit einer Gesamtlänge von L = 185,4 m.

Maintenance of riveted steel bridges exemplary shown with two highway bridges across the river Marosch in Romania. Riveted steel structures are in present mainly railway bridges. There is a small number of existing highway bridges, generally in bad technical condition. The paper is a speech for the maintenance of these structures as technical monuments and witnesses of the past. Two case studies are presented: a truss girder bridge with fore spans of 40 m and a cantilever truss girder bridge with a total length of 185.4 m.
Neubau der Langen Brücke in Potsdam
Authors: Klähne Thomas , Einhäuser Oliver , Ripke Henry , Löser‐Fimmel Ramona
Published: January 2011

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird über den Entwurf und die Bauausführung des Neubaus der Langen Brücke in Potsdam berichtet. Im Zuge der verkehrlichen Neugestaltung der Potsdamer Mitte im Zusammenhang mit dem Wiederaufbau des Stadtschlosses wurde dieser Brückenzug in Form zweier sprengwerkartiger Rahmentragwerke als Siegerentwurf eines Wettbewerbes entworfen. Im Ergebnis einer sehr konstruktiven und sympathischen Zusammenarbeit zwischen Ingenieur und Architekt weist der Entwurf ein symbiotisches Gleichgewicht auf zwischen einer technisch innovativen Lösung als integrales Bauwerk mit großer Schlankheit und seiner formalen Ausdrucksweise, die modern ist und zugleich den historischen Bezug herstellt.

New building of the Lange Brücke in Potsdam, Germany. The following article describes the construction and conceptual design of the newly built Lange Brücke in Potsdam. The design, which consists of two strutted frame bridges, won first prize in the architecture competition attached to the remodelling of the traffic routing in central Potsdam together with the reconstruction of the Potsdam City Palace. A happy outcome of a constructive and congenial collaboration between engineer and architect, the design succeeds in establishing a symbiotic balance between a technically innovative solution, marked by an exceedingly slender, integral‐type bridge, with a formal mode of expression that, although modern, retains a historical sensitivity.
Die neue Ruhrbrücke in Wetter – Eine Stahlverbundbrücke mit luftdicht verschweißten Kästen
Authors: Hagedorn Stefan , Neumann Winfried , Schmitz Christoph , Siebers Karl‐Josef , Weyer Ulrich
Published: January 2011

Von Mai 2008 bis Dezember 2010 wurde in Wetter eine neue Ruhrbrücke gebaut. Die exponierte Lage des Bauwerkes im Ruhrtal mit der Nähe zur Stadt Wetter begründete entsprechende Ansprüche an eine ausgewogene Gestaltung. Im Rahmen der Vorplanung wurden unter Beteiligung eines Architekturbüros zunächst umfangreiche Studien zur Auswahl eines geeigneten Brückensystems entwickelt. Der weiteren Planung und der Bauausführung zugrunde gelegt wurde eine etwa 361 m lange Deckbrücke in Stahlverbundbauweise mit luftdicht verschweißten Stahlkästen, mit einer maximalen Stützweite von fast 84 m und einer etwa 9 m hohen Voute über dem Pfeiler am Ruhrufer. Die Voute wurde durch Druckstreben aufgelöst und die Konstruktion dadurch gegliedert. Im Bereich der durch eine senkrechte Strukturschalung gestalteten Pfeiler wurde der Brückenüberbau parallelgurtig ausgebildet.

The new Ruhr Bridge in Wetter, Germany – An air‐proof welded steel box girders. From May 2008 to December 2010 a new bridge over the Ruhr River was built in Wetter in Germany. The exposed location of the bridge over the Ruhr valley close to the city of Wetter requires a deliberate designed structure. Within the preliminary plannings, comprehensive studies about reasonable bridge construction systems were carried out, supported by an architecture office. Planned and realised has been a 361 m long bridge with air‐proof welded steel box girders and a concrete deck. The maximum span is nearly 84 m and the inclined haunch above the pier is about 9 m high. The inclined haunch has been formed with two diagonal struts to dissolve the construction. In the area of the vertical structured piers outside the Ruhr the bridge superstructure has been constructed with parallel chords.
Persönliches: Stahlbau 2/2011
Authors: Hanswille Gerhard
Published: January 2011

Brit Colditz neue Leiterin des Referates “Brücken, Tunnel und sonstige Ingenieurbauwerke”

Ingbert Mangerig 60 Jahre
Using a computerized concept mapping program to assess preservice teachers' thinking about effective teaching
Authors: Beyerbach Barbara A. , Smith Joyce M.
Published: February 2011

Concept mapping with Learning Tool, a computerized mapping program, was used to assess changes in the content and organization of 17 preservice teachers' concept maps for the topic of effective teaching. Preservice teachers in their senior year of an early childhood teacher education program constructed and revised concept maps with a partner. They entered reflections on each mapping experience into their reflective journals, developing implications for teaching. Analysis of the concept maps revealed that these students had a primary concern with classroom management throughout the year, linking diverse information to that concept. They evidenced detailed and diverse understandings under the labels of knowledge and organization. Professionalism was a common item, though it was less well developed. Their reflective journals indicated that these students moved from describing emotional reactions to using the computer program as a basis for reflection on the teaching/learning process. This study illustrates how concept mapping can be useful in describing students' evolving constructions of knowledge in a particular subject area, and in promoting reflection.
The concept map as a research tool: Exploring conceptual change in biology
Authors: Wallace Josephine D. , Mintzes Joel J.
Published: February 2011

This study examined the concurrent validity of concept maps as vehicles for documenting and exploring conceptual change in biology. Students (N = 91) who enrolled in an elementary science methods course were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Subjects in both groups were administered a multiple‐choice/free‐response inventory which assayed their knowledge of “Life Zones in the Ocean,” and then were asked to construct a concept map on the same topic. Those in the experimental group subsequently received 45 minutes of computer‐assisted instruction on marine life zones, while those in the control (“placebo”) group received an equivalent exposure to an unrelated topic (“Body Defenses”). Upon completing the instructional sequence, subjects were again administered the “Life Zones” inventory and asked to develop a postinstruction concept map on marine life zones. The data analysis employed a split plot factorial design with repeated measures. Differences among treatment groups were documented by analysis of variance and chi‐square procedures. Subjects in the experimental group showed evidence of significant and substantial changes in the complexity and prepositional structure of the knowledge base, as revealed in concept maps. No such changes were found in the control group. Results suggest that concept mapping offers a valid and potentially useful technique for documenting and exploring conceptual change in biology.
Prenatal evaluation of the position of the fetal conus medullaris
Authors: Hoopmann M. , Abele H. , Yazdi B. , Schuhmann M. U. , Kagan K. O.
Published: January 2011

Objectives

To determine the position of the fetal conus medullaris during pregnancy in relation to the last vertebral body and to examine its use in detecting skin‐covered spinal dysraphism.

Methods

This was a retrospective study involving 300 consecutive ultrasound examinations between 15 weeks of gestation and term. Two operators independently assessed images of the spine to determine whether the conus medullaris and the last vertebral body could be visualized in a single image in a midsagittal plane. The distance between these two landmarks (the conus distance) was measured twice by both operators who were not aware of any previous measurements. Intra‐ and interobserver variability was assessed by 95% limits of agreement. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the relevant contributors to the conus distance and a normal range was computed based on the best‐fit model. The normal results were compared with five cases of prenatally detected skin‐covered spinal dysraphism.

Results

In 84.7% of the 300 cases, both operators were able to visualize the conus medullaris and the last vertebral body. Ninety‐five percent limits of agreement for the intraobserver variability in measurement of conus distance were ± 1.9 mm. For the interobserver variability, they were − 3.7 and 2.5 mm. We found a linear relationship between conus distance and gestational age, biparietal diameter and abdominal circumference. The strongest relationship was observed for femur length (conusdistance = − 8.2 + femur length (mm)). In the five abnormal cases, conus distance was well below the 5th percentile.

Conclusions

Determination of conus distance allows for an objective and feasible assessment of the conus medullaris position. This parameter promises to be useful in the prenatal detection of skin‐covered spinal dysraphism. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Appearance of the fetal posterior fossa at 11 + 3 to 13 + 6 gestational weeks on transabdominal ultrasound examination
Authors: Egle D. , Strobl I. , Weiskopf‐Schwendinger V. , Grubinger E. , Kraxner F. , Mutz‐Dehbalaie I. S. , Strasak A. , Scheier M.
Published: January 2011

Objectives

To describe the sonographic appearance of the structures of the posterior cranial fossa in fetuses at 11 + 3 to 13 + 6 weeks of pregnancy and to determine whether abnormal findings of the brain and spine can be detected by sonography at this time.

Methods

This was a prospective study including 692 fetuses whose mothers attended Innsbruck Medical University Hospital for first‐trimester sonography. In 3% (n = 21) of cases, measurement was prevented by fetal position. Of the remaining 671 cases, in 604 there was either a normal anomaly scan at 20 weeks or delivery of a healthy child and in these cases the transcerebellar diameter (TCD) and the anteroposterior diameter of the cisterna magna (CM), measured at 11 + 3 to 13 + 6 weeks, were analyzed. In 502 fetuses, the anteroposterior diameter of the fourth ventricle (4V) was also measured. In 25 fetuses, intra‐ and interobserver repeatability was calculated.

Results

We observed a linear correlation between crown–rump length (CRL) and CM (CM = 0.0536 × CRL − 1.4701; R2 = 0.688), TCD (TCD = 0.1482 × CRL − 1.2083; R2 = 0.701) and 4V (4V = 0.0181 × CRL + 0.9186; R2 = 0.118). In three patients with posterior fossa cysts, measurements significantly exceeded the reference values. One fetus with spina bifida had an obliterated CM and the posterior border of the 4V could not be visualized.

Conclusions

Transabdominal sonographic assessment of the posterior fossa is feasible in the first trimester. Measurements of the 4V, the CM and the TCD performed at this time are reliable. The established reference values assist in detecting fetal anomalies. However, findings must be interpreted carefully, as some supposed malformations might be merely delayed development of brain structures. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differing conceptual models in psychiatry and law
Authors: Gutheil Thomas G. , Rachlin Stephen , Mills Mark J.
Published: February 2011

Psychiatry and law often use different models of decision making to arrive at their respective conclusions. Sometimes, these divergent models indicate a controversy over fundamental values.
Competence and informed consent
Authors: Sadoff Robert L.
Published: February 2011

Informed consent to medical treatment involves many factors, including the patient's competence. What is competence? Who decides? And, what information must the patient have in order to give proper consent to medical treatment?
Psychiatric malpractice issues
Authors: Perr Irwin N.
Published: February 2011

Psychiatrists are increasingly vulnerable to lawsuits for reasons unique to psychiatry, and for the peculiar irrationality of many legal principles and procedures.
The evolution of the training in community living model
Authors: Stein Leonard I. , Test Mary Ann
Published: February 2011

This chapter traces the beginnings, growth, dissemination, and replications of the Training in Community Living model from the early 1970s to the present.
The dissemination and impact of a model program in process, 1972–1984
Authors: Allness Deborah J. , Knoedler William H. , Test Mary Ann
Published: February 2011

The Training in Community Living project has been a model program in the state of Wisconsin. It set in motion the development of a statewide community support initiative.
Treating the whole elephant: Delivering comprehensive services to the chronic mentally ill
Authors: Zellmer Davey , Maurer Carolyn L. , Kanter Joel S.
Published: February 2011

Delivering comprehensive services to the chronic mentally ill requires an array of treatment modalities that address all limbs of this unwieldy “elephant,” including clients of varying ages and levels of functioning.
Recent advances in suicidology
Authors: Krugley Richard A.
Published: February 2011

The assessment and management of suicidal behavior requires a multidimensional perspective involving demographic, dynamic, and social variables.
Medical aspects of emergency psychiatry
Authors: Flomenbaum Neal , Altman Meredith
Published: February 2011

The recognition and treatment of acute medical illness masquerading as acute psychiatric behavior, on the one hand, and medical illness causing or contributing to psychiatric illness, on the other, are two critically important aspects of emergency psychiatry.
Some ethical dilemmas in emergency psychiatry
Authors: Tancredi Laurence R.
Published: February 2011

Ethical dilemmas seem prominent in the emergency situation, partly because of changing laws relevant to psychiatrists' duty concerning third parties, to the expanding rights of patients who refuse medications, and to problems in the handling of police cases.
Defining the Cancer Master Switch
Authors: Balentine Courtney J. , Berger David H. , Liu Shi‐He , Chen Changyi , Nemunaitis John , Brunicardi F. Charles
Published: January 2011

Background

Recent research has focused on signaling cascades and their interactions yielding considerable insight into which genetic pathways are targeted and how they tend to be altered in tumors. Therapeutic interventions now can be designed based on the knowledge of pathways vital to tumor growth and survival. These critical targets for intervention, master switches for cancer, are termed so because the tumor attempts to “flip the switch” in a way that promotes its survival, whereas molecular therapy aims to “switch off” signals important for tumor‐related processes.

Methods

Literature review.

Conclusions

Defining useful targets for therapy depends on identifying pathways that are crucial for tumor growth, survival, and metastasis. Because not all signaling cascades are created equal, selecting master switches or targets for intervention needs to be done in a systematic fashion. This discussion proposes a set of criteria to define what it means to be a cancer master switch and provides examples to illustrate their application.
Sub‐pleural bullous changes in two adults with Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (Hurler‐Scheie)
Authors: Tchan Michel C. , Graf Nicole , Sillence David O.
Published: January 2011

Two unrelated adult patients with MPS I (Hurler‐Scheie) demonstrated sub‐pleural bullous emphysema. This complication of MPS I should be looked for due to the risk of spontaneous pneumothorax.
Evidence for Success with Locking Plates for Fragility Fractures
Authors: Cornell Charles N. , Ayalon Omri
Published: January 2011

Fixation of fragility fractures with plates and screws often results in loss of fixation and need for revision surgery. Locking plates and screw were introduced to improve fixation of fragility fractures and have been in use for a decade. This review was conducted to compile evidence that locking plates and screws improve fixation of fragility fractures. A search of PubMed was performed to identify biomechanical studies as well as clinical series of fragility fractures treated with locking plates. Biomechanics papers had to use models of osteoporotic bone and had to directly compare locking plates with traditional plates. Clinical studies included case series in which locking plates were applied to elderly patients with fractures of the proximal humerus and periprosthetic distal femur fractures. Most studies are retrospective case series. Locking plates lead to greater stability and higher loads to failure than traditional plates. When applied to proximal humerus fractures, uncomplicated healing occurs in 85% of patients. Constant and Dash scores approach normal values. For distal femoral periprosthetic fractures, union rates of 75% are reported with a malunion rate of 10%. Early evidence suggests that locking plates improve results of treatment of proximal humerus fractures and distal femoral periprosthetic fractures in the elderly. Loss of fixation is associated with failure to achieve stability at the fracture site. Principles of fracture fixation in osteoporotic bone defined prior to the introduction of locking plates should still be applied.