bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Survival Analysis of Adolescent Friendships
Authors: Hartl Amy C. , Laursen Brett , Cillessen Antonius H. N.
Published: July 2015

The present study examined whether adolescent friendships dissolve because of characteristics of friends, differences between friends, or both. Participants were 410 adolescents (201 boys, 209 girls; mean age = 13.20 years) who reported a total of 573 reciprocated friendships that originated in the seventh grade. We conducted discrete-time survival analyses, in which peer nominations and teacher ratings collected in Grade 7 predicted the occurrence and timing of friendship dissolution across Grades 8 to 12. Grade 7 individual characteristics were unrelated to friendship stability, but Grade 7 differences in sex, peer acceptance, physical aggression, and school competence predicted subsequent friendship dissolution. The findings suggest that compatibility is a function of similarity between friends rather than the presence or absence of a particular trait.
Regina v John Terry: The discursive construction of an alleged racist event
Authors: Gavins Joanna , Simpson Paul
Published: July 2015

This article explores the conformation in discourse of a verbal exchange and its subsequent mediatised and legal ramifications. The event concerns an allegedly racist insult directed by high-profile English professional footballer John Terry towards another player, Anton Ferdinand, during a televised match in October 2011. The substance of Terry’s utterance, which included the noun phrase ‘fucking black cunt’, was found by a Chief Magistrate not to be a racist insult, although the fact that these actual words were framed within the utterance was not in dispute. The upshot of this ruling was that Terry was acquitted of a racially aggravated public order offence. A subsequent investigation by the regulatory commission of the English Football Association (FA) ruled, almost a year after the event, that Terry was guilty of racially abusing Ferdinand. Terry was banned for four matches and fined £220,000. It is our contention that this event, played out in legal rulings, social media and print and broadcast media, constitutes a complex web of linguistic structures and strategies in discourse, and as such lends itself well to analysis with a broad range of tools from pragmatics, discourse analysis and cognitive linguistics. Among other things, such an analysis can help explain the seemingly anomalous – even contradictory – position adopted in the legal ruling with regard to the speech act status of ‘fucking black cunt’; namely, that the racist content of the utterance was not contested but that the speaker was found not to have issued a racist insult. Over its course, the article addresses this broader issue by making reference to the systemic-functional interpersonal function of language, particularly to the concepts of modality, polarity and modalisation. It also draws on models of verbal irony from linguistic pragmatics, notably from the theory of irony as echoic mention. Furthermore, the article makes use of the cognitive-linguistic framework Text World Theory to examine the discourse positions occupied by key actors and adapts, from cognitive poetics, the theory of mind-modelling to explore the conceptual means through which these actors discursively negotiate the event. It is argued that the pragmatic and cognitive strategies that frame the entire incident go a long way towards mitigating the impact of so ostensibly stark an act of racial abuse. Moreover, it is suggested here that the reconciliation of Terry’s action was a result of the confluence of strategies of discourse with relations of power as embodied by the media, the law and perceptions of nationhood embraced by contemporary football culture. It is further proposed that the outcome of this episode, where the FA was put in the spotlight, and where both the conflict and its key antagonists were ‘intranational’, was strongly impelled by the institution of English football and its governing body both to reproduce and maintain social, cultural and ethnic cohesion and to avoid any sense that the event featured a discernible ‘out-group’.
Ecosystem resilience to late-Holocene climate change in the Upper Zambezi Valley
Authors: Burrough Sallie L , Willis Kathy J
Published: July 2015

Peat deposits from wetlands in the Upper Zambezi Valley provide an important long-term window on ecosystem dynamics in the Kalahari basin during the late Holocene. We use fossil pollen and macro-charcoal extracted from peat cores contained in three wetland sites to examine the response of vegetation to regional climate change. We find that during the last 6 ka, internal ecosystem dynamics are more important than climate, as observed by independent records, in determining vegetation assemblage change. Fire was found to be a persistent and important component of this savanna landscape for the duration of the ecological record, but biomass burning has increased markedly over the last 1000 years. The vegetation of the Upper Zambezi Valley appears to have a larger grassland component in the last few hundred years suggesting a more open landscape today than at any other time in the last 6000 years.
A view from the past to the future: Concluding remarks on the ‘The Anthropocene in the Longue Durée’
Authors: Crumley Carole , Laparidou Sofia , Ramsey Monica , Rosen Arlene M
Published: July 2015

The Special Issue provides a deep-time interdisciplinary perspective on the Anthropocene and signals the importance of the Anthropocene concept in past, present, and future human–environmental relationships. This concluding article recognizes that various approaches – scientific, postmodern, catastrophist, and ecomarxist – can contribute to understanding the Anthropocene as a process and that contributions have been made by several disciplines, including Anthropology, Archaeology, Geography, History, and Politics. The critical importance of weaving together social science perspectives with those of the natural sciences is emphasized.
Cellular mechanisms for trazodone-induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Lee S , Lee H-A , Kim SJ , Kim K-S
Published: July 2015

The second-generation selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs) class antidepressants are known to have fewer cardiovascular side effects than the older ones. However, several case reports showed that trazodone, one of the second-generation SARIs, induces QT prolongation, cardiac arrhythmia, and ventricular tachycardia. Although these clinical cases suggested trazodone-induced cardiotoxicity, the toxicological actions of trazodone on cardiac action potentials (APs) beyond the human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) remain unclear. To elucidate the cellular mechanism for the adverse cardiac effects of trazodone, we investigated its effects on cardiac APs and ion channels using whole-cell patch clamp techniques in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and transiently transfected human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) with cardiac ion channel complementary DNA. Trazodone dose-dependently decreased the maximum upstroke velocity ( Vmax) and prolonged the AP duration, inducing early after depolarizations at 3 and 10 μM that triggered ventricular arrhythmias in hiPSC-CMs. Trazodone also inhibited all of the major ion channels ( IKr, IKs, INa, and ICa), with an especially high inhibitory potency on hERG. These data indicate that the prolonged AP duration and decreased Vmax due to trazodone are mainly the result of hERG and sodium ion inhibition, and its inhibitory effects on cardiac ion channels can be exhibited in hiPSC-CMs.
A Bayesian sequential design using alpha spending function to control type I error
Authors: Zhu Han , Yu Qingzhao
Published: July 2015

We propose in this article a Bayesian sequential design using alpha spending functions to control the overall type I error in phase III clinical trials. We provide algorithms to calculate critical values, power, and sample sizes for the proposed design. Sensitivity analysis is implemented to check the effects from different prior distributions, and conservative priors are recommended. We compare the power and actual sample sizes of the proposed Bayesian sequential design with different alpha spending functions through simulations. We also compare the power of the proposed method with frequentist sequential design using the same alpha spending function. Simulations show that, at the same sample size, the proposed method provides larger power than the corresponding frequentist sequential design. It also has larger power than traditional Bayesian sequential design which sets equal critical values for all interim analyses. When compared with other alpha spending functions, O’Brien-Fleming alpha spending function has the largest power and is the most conservative in terms that at the same sample size, the null hypothesis is the least likely to be rejected at early stage of clinical trials. And finally, we show that adding a step of stop for futility in the Bayesian sequential design can reduce the overall type I error and reduce the actual sample sizes.
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Chung T. , Pham Ngoc Minh , Lee Andy H. , Binns Colin W.
Published: July 2015

This systematic review examined trends in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and identified its risk factors among adults in Vietnam. PubMed, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, and Scopus databases were searched to identify relevant literature. The search yielded 10 studies, including 2 national surveys and 8 regional investigations. National prevalence estimates of T2DM were 2.7% in 2002 and 5.4% in 2012. The estimates for the northern region were 1.4% in 1994 and 3.7% in 2012 and those for the southern region were 3.8% in 2004, 7.0% in 2008, and 12.4% in 2010. The major determinants of T2DM included older age, urban residence, high levels of body and abdominal fat, physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors, and hypertension. The prevalence rate by gender was variable in both national and regional studies. There was insufficient information available on some potentially important risk factors such as smoking, dietary intake, income, and educational level. Our review signifies a rapidly growing prevalence of T2DM in Vietnam and suggests that extra effort is required to prevent and control this disease.
The malpractice of “rationality” in international relations
Authors: Abulof Uriel
Published: July 2015

This article investigates the misuse of “rationality” in academic and political discourses, focusing on the Iranian nuclear project. The concept of rationality is ubiquitous; scholars, pundits, and practitioners turn to it, sometimes unwittingly, to describe, explain, and predict. When concerning concrete security and foreign policies, however, this praxis borders on malpractice: rationality-based descriptions are largely either false or unfalsifiable; many observers fail to explicate the meaning of “rationality” they employ; and the concept is frequently used politically to distinguish between “us and them.” Empirically, I show that rationality has played an opaque and excessive role in the Western accounts of Iranian nuclear policy. Both “optimists” and “pessimists” have frequently, but faultily, turned to rationality/irrationality to explain Iran’s moderate/belligerent nuclear policy and its susceptibility/resistance to nuclear deterrence. The malpractice of “rationality” in discussing such matters has become a bad habit, which is best uprooted.
Beliefs about health and illness and health-related behavior among urban women with gestational diabetes mellitus in the south east of China
Authors: Ge Li , Albin Björn , Hadziabdic Emina , Hjelm Katarina , Rask Mikael
Published: July 2015

Purpose: The incidence of gestational diabetes among Chinese women is 4.3%. No study has previously been conducted about beliefs and health-related behavior among urban Chinese women with this disease. This article aims to explore beliefs about health and illness and health-related behavior among women in this group in a Chinese sociocultural context. Design: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted and semistructured individual interviews ( n = 15) were processed by content analysis. Results: Beliefs about health and illness among these women were foremost attributed to the individual, social, and natural worlds. They feared the negative influence of gestational diabetes, but some of them believed in “letting nature take its course” and “living in the present.” Their care-seeking behavior varied between the professional, popular, and folk sectors. They sought a balance between following professionals’ advice and avoiding practical difficulties. Conclusion: The beliefs and health-related behavior among them were influenced by Chinese culture, which can sometimes but not always reduce the effect of the disease.
Efficacy of a Universal Parent Training Program (HOPE-20)
Authors: Leung Cynthia , Tsang Sandra , Kwan H. W.
Published: July 2015

Objective:

This study examined the efficacy of Hands-On Parent Empowerment-20 (HOPE-20) program.

Methods:

Eligible participants were parents residing in Hong Kong with target children aged 2 years attending nursery schools. Cluster randomized control trial was adopted, with 10 schools (110 participants) assigned to intervention group and 8 schools (63 participants) to control group using random number table, without blinding of participants. Intervention group attended 20 parent training sessions based on social learning theory. Children were individually assessed on preschool concepts and language skills. Parents completed child behavior and parental stress questionnaires.

Results:

Intention-to-treat analysis (173 participants and 18 schools) indicated improvement in primary outcomes: child preschool concepts ( d = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.38, 1.01]) and child behavior problems ( d = 0.67, 95% CI: [0.35, 0.99]), together with language skills ( d = 0.98, 95% CI: [0.65, 1.30]), and parental stress ( d = 0.71, 95% CI: [0.39, 1.02]).

Conclusions:

The results suggested that HOPE-20 program was beneficial to Chinese families.
Impact of Study Skills and Parent Education on First-Year GPA Among College Students With and Without ADHD: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Gormley Matthew J. , Pinho Trevor , Pollack Brittany , Puzino Kristina , Franklin Melanie K. , Busch Chelsea , DuPaul George J. , Weyandt Lisa L. , Anastopoulos Arthur D.
Published: July 2015

Objective: To test if the relationship between ADHD and academic achievement is mediated by service utilization and/or study skills, and if these mediation effects are moderated by parental education level. Method: A bootstrapping method within structural equation modeling was used with data from 355 first year college students meeting strict criteria for ADHD or clearly without ADHD to test the mediation and moderation effects. Results: Study skills, but not service utilization, significantly mediated the relationship between ADHD status and GPA; however, this relationship was not significant among students with at least one parent holding a master’s degree or higher. Conclusion: Among first year college students study skills may be a more salient predictor of educational outcomes relative to ADHD status. Additional research into support services for college students with ADHD is needed, however, results suggest interventions targeting study skills may hold particular promise for these students.
Effect of permeability and different slip velocities at both the porous interface using couple stress fluids on the slider bearing load carrying mechanism
Authors: Rao PS , Agarwal S
Published: July 2015

In this paper, a theoretical analysis for the inclined slider bearing with porous layer attached to slider as well as stator including effects of slip parameter in the x-direction for the upper and lower porous regions with different permeability parameters and couple stresses has been studied. The modified Reynolds equation governing fluid film pressure is derived on the basis of Stokes microcontinuum theory of couple stress fluids by using slip boundary conditions at the fluid–porous interface. The modified Reynolds equation is solved analytically and closed form expressions are obtained for the fluid film pressure, load capacity, friction on the slider, and coefficient of friction to examine possible effects on the system. Computed values of load capacity, friction on the slider and coefficient of friction are displayed in graphical form.
Mahogany intertwined: Enviromateriality between Mexico, Fiji, and the Gibson Les Paul
Authors: Martinez-Reyes Jose
Published: July 2015

This article builds a theory of enviromateriality through a global ethnography that engages both the material culture and materiality of a tree species, Honduran mahogany ( Swietenia macrophylla), and the global political ecology of forest conservation. The author seeks to understand what Adorno calls the ‘constellation’ between people and mahogany by tracing human–nature relations through the global commodity chain focusing on one particular artefact, the Gibson Les Paul, an iconic solid wood electric guitar made primarily of mahogany grown in Mexico and Fiji. Enviromateriality considers three phases in which to examine the material and materiality in a variety of processes that are interconnected. These phases allow for an examination of local community relations with mahogany as trees and products, and whether certified mahogany helps create sustainability and social justice. The author also examines guitar players’ relations with their mahogany guitars, particularly focusing on the aesthetics that make the Les Paul desired, as well as the sonic and tonal agentic force that they consider mahogany to have.
Factor structure and psychometric properties of the revised Home Situations Questionnaire for autism spectrum disorder: The Home Situations Questionnaire-Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Chowdhury Monali , Aman Michael G , Lecavalier Luc , Smith Tristram , Johnson Cynthia , Swiezy Naomi , McCracken James T , King Bryan , McDougle Christopher J , Bearss Karen , Deng Yanhong , Scahill Lawrence
Published: July 2015

Previously, we adapted the Home Situations Questionnaire to measure behavioral non-compliance in everyday settings in children with pervasive developmental disorders. In this study, we further revised this instrument for use in autism spectrum disorder and examined its psychometric properties (referred to as the Home Situations Questionnaire-Autism Spectrum Disorder). To cover a broader range of situations and improve reliability, we prepared seven new items describing situations in which children with autism spectrum disorder might display non-compliance. Parents completed ratings of 242 children with autism spectrum disorder with accompanying disruptive behaviors (ages 4–14 years) participating in one of two randomized clinical trials. Results from an exploratory factor analysis indicated that the Home Situations Questionnaire-Autism Spectrum Disorder consists of two 12-item factors: Socially Inflexible ( α = 0.84) and Demand Specific ( α = 0.89). One-to-two-week test–retest reliability was statistically significant for all scored items and also for subscale totals. The pattern of correspondence between the Home Situations Questionnaire-Autism Spectrum Disorder and parent-rated problem behavior, clinician-rated repetitive behavior, adaptive behavior, and IQ provided evidence for concurrent and divergent validity of the Home Situations Questionnaire-Autism Spectrum Disorder. Overall, the results suggest that the Home Situations Questionnaire-Autism Spectrum Disorder is an adequate measure for assessing non-compliance in a variety of situations in this population, and use of its two subscales will likely provide a more refined interpretation of ratings.
Use of a smartphone application to screen for bipolar spectrum disorder in a community sample
Authors: Woo Young Sup , Bahk Won-Myong , Hong Jeongwan , Yoon Bo-Hyun , Hwang Tae-Yeon , Kim Moon-Doo , Jon Duk-In
Published: July 2015

This study describes the use of a smartphone application based on the Korean version of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire in screening for bipolar spectrum disorders in a large general population. All data were collected between May 2011 and July 2011. A total of 27,159 individuals participated in the survey, using a smartphone application. The prevalence of positive screening results for bipolar spectrum disorders among 27,159 participants using the smartphone Korean Mood Disorder Questionnaire application was 8.2 percent. These results are similar to traditional paper-based results. The Korean Mood Disorder Questionnaire positive group exhibited more frequent occurrences of previous psychiatric treatment than the group with negative results. In a logistic regression analysis involving subjects with past psychiatric history, age group significantly predicted Korean Mood Disorder Questionnaire results. The smartphone application may be a useful screening tool for bipolar spectrum disorders. This study included only individuals who actively participated, and thus, the possibility of a selection bias should be considered.
A method for optimal fit of patient-specific fracture fixation plates
Authors: Harith Hazreen , Malekani Javad , Schmutz Beat , Schuetz Michael , Yarlagadda Prasad KDV
Published: July 2015

Anatomically pre-contoured fracture fixation plates are a treatment option for bone fractures. A well-fitting plate can be used as a tool for anatomical reduction of the fractured bone. However, recent studies showed that some plates fit poorly for many patients due to considerable shape variations between bones of the same anatomical site. Therefore, the plates have to be manually fitted and deformed by surgeons to fit each patient optimally. The process is time-intensive and labor-intensive, and could lead to adverse clinical implications such as wound infection or plate failure.

This paper proposes a new iterative method to simulate the patient-specific deformation of an optimally fitting plate for pre-operative planning purposes. We further demonstrate the validation of the method through a case study. The proposed method involves the integration of four commercially available software tools, Matlab, Rapidform2006, SolidWorks, and ANSYS, each performing specific tasks to obtain a plate shape that fits optimally for an individual tibia and is mechanically safe. A typical challenge when crossing multiple platforms is to ensure correct data transfer. We present an example of the implementation of the proposed method to demonstrate successful data transfer between the four platforms and the feasibility of the method.
Effect of carburizing process in enhancing nickel interlayer adhesion to WC-6% Co-substrate and promoting diamond nucleation and growth
Authors: Hassan AW , Mohd Yusof Noordin , Izman S , Zakiah K , Engku MN , Kurniawan D
Published: July 2015

Nickel enables nucleation and growth of well-oriented diamond crystals from the small lattice mismatch with diamond. However, its high solubility for carbon results in carbon loss during diamond deposition and, consequently, results in poor nucleation density. In this study, Ni/WC-6%Co specimens were carburized in a high-temperature furnace with inert gas atmosphere in order to provide nickel with sufficient carbon prior to diamond deposition. Two carburizing temperatures (750 ℃ and 850 ℃) were set for 20 min and 60 min durations. The effect of this process in altering the nickel layer composition was characterized by microscopy, element analysis, and phase identification techniques. Scratch test was performed to evaluate the interface adhesion between the nickel layer and the substrate. The results show that the carburizing process led to the formation of different metallic phases, such as nickel carbide and cobalt nickel, which prevented carbon loss during diamond deposition as well as cobalt diffusion into diamond, and thus enhanced diamond nucleation and growth on the nickel surface.
Direct rapid prototyping evaluation on multijet and fused deposition modeling patterns for investment casting
Authors: Marwah OMF , Sharif S , Ibrahim M , Mohamad EJ , Idris MH
Published: July 2015

The continuation from rapid prototyping into rapid tooling technologies allows speedy fabrication of sacrificial patterns for investment casting process. Direct expendable pattern fabrication with intricate features using rapid prototyping techniques significantly reduces the fabrication cost when associated with single- or low-volume production. During investment casting process, rapid prototyping patterns are subjected to high melting temperatures, high viscosities, and high thermal stress such as dewaxing and shell mold cracking. Furthermore, ceramic shell may cause crack during melting and burning out of the patterns and also incomplete collapsibility. Although rapid prototyping process can build parts with high stiffness rapidly, the part surface suffered a staircase effect and shrinkage during investment casting process solidification. This paper presents a direct approach of multijet modeling and fused deposition modeling on acrylate- and acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene-based materials to be used as expendable patterns for the investment casting process. Thermal analyses were conducted on the rapid prototyping materials that exhibit mass loss and expansion. Quality assessment and benchmarking were performed between the rapid prototyping and the metal part on accuracy, surface roughness, and part built time. It was found that both the materials have dimensional deviation when employed in investment casting process and acrylate patterns have better surface roughness as compared to acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene patterns. Additionally, multijet modeling recorded a significantly shorter lead time when more than a single part can be produced during the rapid prototyping process. It was observed that the shell mold after burnout experiences cracking. Results also showed that acrylate-based materials decomposed above 500℃, meanwhile acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene was above 600℃. Acrylate material had a coefficient of thermal expansion and linear dimensional deviation as compared with acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene. No ash was observed in the ceramic molds when the part burnout temperatures are above 500℃ acrylate material and 600℃ for acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene.
The weldability of dissimilar three-steel sheet using constant power control method for resistance spot welding
Authors: Shim Junghyun , Faridh Mohd , Yu Jiyoung , Rhee Sehun
Published: July 2015

Resistance spot welding is one of the most commonly used processes for joining-metal the automotive, and electronics industry. When joining a car body, the method of welding dissimilar three sheets, including high strength steel is frequently used. Studies on the dissimilar welding of high strength steel and low carbon steel are being conducted in an attempt to improve the weldability. However, the dissimilar welding of TWIP steel with other steel grades is extremely challenging due to the high resistivity of the base metal. Therefore, further studies are required to improve the weldability of three sheets including the low carbon steel. In general, the resistance spot welding process is conducted in the field by the constant current control method. In this study, the constant power control method was applied in order to reduce the occurrence of expulsion and to improve the weldability of three dissimilar steel sheets consisting of SGACEN, DP steel, and TWIP steel. The constant current control was compared with constant power control, through the evaluation of weldability by using the suitable welding range lobe curve, which takes into account the tensile shear strength, and nugget diameter. Additionally, the current, voltage, resistance, and power signal were also analyzed. The constant power control prevented the occurrence of expulsion as a result of high heat not being generated at the early stage, compared to the constant current control method. Regarding the welding time being long, an increase in heat was applied so that there was a considerable improvement of weldability, compared to the constant current control.
Evaluation of eddy current signatures for predicting different heat treatment effects in chromium–vanadium (CrV) spring steel
Authors: Hashmi Javeria , Khan Mahmood , Khan Mushtaq , Jaffery Syed Husain Imran , Ali Liaqat , Anwar Muhammad Nabeel , Subhani Tayyab
Published: July 2015

The nondestructive test method (eddy current) was employed to study the effect of different heat treatment cycles (normalizing, annealing, quenching, and tempering) on chromium–vanadium (CrV) spring steel. The calibration of eddy current setup was carried out as per ASTM E566 and frequency optimization for the evaluation of heat treatment was carried out in absolute mode using shielded eddy current testing core probe. The eddy current signatures successfully distinguished the effect of different heat treatments cycles and variation in hardness for CrV samples. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the different microstructures as predicted by the eddy current testing.
Design and optimization of defense hole system for biaxial-loaded composite laminates
Authors: Akour Salih N , Al-Husban Mohammad
Published: July 2015

Design optimization of defense hole systems placed near the main circular cutout of composite laminated plates subject to biaxial loading is performed in this study. For that purpose, a numerical framework based on finite element models validated experimentally via RGB-photoelasticity and by reproducing selected cases available in literature is developed. Redesign optimization technique is utilized to reach the optimum geometric design parameters of the defense hole system, i.e., size and location. Parametric study for fiber orientation, biaxial loading ratio, stiffness ratio and stacking sequence is conducted as well. Stress concentration near circular cutouts can be reduced by 24.5%, 25.5%, 29.1%, 31.7% and 20.6% for values of the loading ratio equal to, respectively, 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1. Such significant reductions are obtained by introducing four elliptical defense holes along the principal stress direction lined up with fibers.
Development and validation of a leak before break criterion for cylindrical pressure vessels
Authors: Kannan P , Amirthagadeswaran KS , Christopher T
Published: July 2015

Leak before break is a fail–safe design concept for application in pressure vessels and piping of power and process plants. A quantitative maximum allowable flaw size is required to establish to set acceptance/rejection limit to predict whether the specific cracked pipe will leak or break. A new modification and its boundary based on Modified Two Parameter Fracture Criterion is capable of separating the leak and break cases distinctly in order to predict the behavior of cracked cylinders, pipelines and pressure vessels in advance for taking necessary precautions by the plant operator and also very much handy for the designers. For the given operating pressure under the observed crack dimensions, whether the crack will leak or break can be assessed from the boundary generated for the material concerned using Modified Two Parameter fracture assessment procedure.
Effects of core sand type and heat treatment on solid particle erosion of core box AISI H13 tool steel
Authors: Shabgard Mohammadreza , Ghasemzadeh Hossein , Khosrozadeh Behnam , Momber Andreas W
Published: July 2015

The paper reports on investigations into the erosion, microstructural features, and material removal mechanisms of AISI H13 core boxes eroded by two types of core sand (silica and chromite). Different heat treatment operations are carried out, namely martempering, carbonitriding, quenching, and tempering, in order to vary hardness, microstructure, and surface morphology. Scanning electron microscopy inspections show that erosion is not only a function of surface hardness of the target material but also of its microstructure. Erosion of martensitic microstructure, consisting of very fine carbides with a uniform martensitic substructure, is much less severe than erosion of a material characterized by dispersed coarse carbide. Hardness effects on the erosion process are discussed in terms of material removal modes.
Optimization of A-GTAW welding parameters for naval steel (DMR 249 A) by design of experiments approach
Authors: Pamnani Rishi , Vasudevan M , Vasantharaja P , Jayakumar T
Published: July 2015

DMR249A steel is indigenously developed high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel. The steel is being used for construction of Indian Aircraft Carrier and other new ships under construction at various ship yards in India. In order to enhance the depth of penetration (DOP) achievable in a single pass for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process, activated fluxes were developed for the steel. The process is called activated flux gas tungsten arc welding (A-GTAW). Design of experiments (DOE) approach was employed using response surface methodology (RSM) and Taguchi technique to optimize the welding parameters for achieving maximum DOP in a single pass. Design matrix was generated using DOE techniques and bead on plate experiments were carried out to generate data for influence of welding process variables on DOP. The input variables considered were current, torch speed, and arc gap. The DOP was considered as response variable. The equations correlating DOP with the process parameters were developed for both the optimization techniques. The identified optimum process parameters were validated by carrying out bead on plate experiments. The RMS error of the predicted and measured DOP values for the validation experiments of the RSM (D-optimal) and Taguchi optimization technique was found to be 0.575 and 0.860, respectively. Thus, RSM (D-optimal) was observed to predict optimized welding process parameters for achieving maximum DOP with better accuracy during A-GTAW process.
Optimization and surface modification in electrical discharge machining of AA 6061/SiCp composite using Cu–W electrode
Authors: Singh Balbir , Kumar Jatinder , Kumar Sudhir
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the experimental investigation on the electro-discharge machining of aluminum alloy 6061 reinforced with SiC particles using sintered Cu–W electrode. Experiments have been designed as per central composite rotatable design, using response surface methodology. Machining characteristics such as material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear ratio (EWR), and surface roughness (SR) have been investigated under the influence of four electrical process parameters; namely peak current, pulse on time, pulse off time, and gap voltage. The process parameters have been optimized to obtain optimal combination of MRR, EWR, and SR. Further, the influence of sintered Cu–W electrode on surface characteristics has been analyzed with scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Vicker microhardness tests. The results revealed that all the process parameters significantly affect MRR, EWR, and SR. The machined surface properties are modified as a result of material transfer from the electrode. The recast layer thickness is increased at higher setting of electrical parameters. The hardness across the machined surface is also increased by the use of sintered Cu–W electrode.
The ideology of the ethical consumption gap
Authors: Carrington Michal Jemma , Zwick Detlev , Neville Benjamin
Published: July 2015

The growth of contemporary capitalism is producing a broad sweep of environmental and social ills, such as environmental degradation, exploitative labor conditions, social and economic inequity, and mental and physical illness. A growing awareness of these significant consequences by an “ethical” consumer segment has catalyzed a field of research dedicated to investigating ethical consumerism. Of particular academic and practitioner focus is the general failure of this ethical consumer segment to “walk their talk”—the ethical consumption attitude–behavior ‘gap’. In this article, we draw on Althusser and Žižek to critically analyze the ideological functioning of the ethical consumption gap. We argue that this focus inadvertently promotes erroneous notions of consumer sovereignty and responsibilization. We conclude with a call to reimagine the gap as a construct that paradoxically preserves—rather than undermines—dominant and destructive consumerist capitalism. We redirect research toward the underlying capitalist structures that predicate and benefit from the gap.
Application of Social Marketing in Social Entrepreneurship
Authors: Singh Archana , Saini Gordhan K. , Majumdar Satyajit
Published: July 2015

Recognizing the importance of social marketing strategies for the success of social entrepreneurial ventures (SEVs), the present article examines nine SEVs with different profit orientation to understand the role of social marketing in social entrepreneurship (SE). Using grounded theory approach and case study method, the present article cross-examines cases and develops propositions thereof, providing a holistic understanding of current and potential application of social marketing strategies in SE. The outcome of this study may help social entrepreneurs to choose appropriate strategies from a pool of social marketing strategies available. However, there is a need to test these propositions with a larger set of data in future research. Also, it is equally important to study social marketing strategies adopted by failed cases of SEVs so that the existing and potential social entrepreneurs can learn from their mistakes.
Limb Heaviness
Authors: Kuppuswamy Annapoorna , Clark Ella , Rothwell John , Ward Nick S.
Published: July 2015

Poststroke fatigue and limb heaviness are 2 perceptual problems that commonly occur after stroke. Previous work suggests that poststroke fatigue may be related to altered sensorimotor processing whereas limb heaviness is often considered an association of muscle weakness. To address the hypothesis that the perception of limb heaviness may also be a problem of altered sensorimotor control, we investigated whether it was more closely related to poststroke fatigue or muscle weakness. In 69 chronic stroke survivors, we found that those with high perceived limb heaviness (31 individuals) also reported significantly higher levels of fatigue (4.8/7) than those with no perceived limb heaviness (38 individuals, fatigue score = 2.68/7), but there was no difference in weakness between the 2 groups. This intriguing finding is discussed in relation to effort perception and sensory processing. The association between limb heaviness and poststroke fatigue and a dissociation from muscle weakness gives rise to the hypothesis that limb heaviness maybe a centrally arising sensorimotor disorder.
The Role of Choledochoscopy
Authors: Phillips E. , Berci G. , Barber K. , Williams J.
Published: July 2015

Background. Identifying and surgically removing bile duct calculi is challenging and critical in order to provide good patient outcomes. The history of this surgical pursuit since the introduction of anesthesia is both enlightening and fascinating. Methods. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify the techniques and technology used to remove bile duct calculi. Results. All bile duct surgical exploration advances have involved creation of tools to look within the bile duct and extract stones. The Hopkin’s rod lens system was a major breakthrough in light and image transmission. However, flexible endoscope technology added the ability to maneuver better within the bile duct as well as apply the technology via laparoscopy enabling laparoscopic bile duct exploration. Conclusion. Digital, image enhanced, distal tipped chip flexible endoscopes have significantly improved the surgeons’ ability to see within the bile duct, improving the efficiency and ease of stone visualization and removal from both the most proximal and distal ends of the bile duct.
Effectiveness of Solifenacin and Trospium for Managing of Severe Symptoms of Overactive Bladder in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Kosilov Kirill Vladimirovich , Loparev Sergay A. , Ivanovskaya Marina A. , Kosilova Liliya V.
Published: July 2015

This research is aimed to study the possibility of management of severe symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) with solifenacin and trospium in patients who receive treatment with tamsulosin due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The 338 men more than 50 years old (average age 58.4 years) diagnosed with BPH and severe symptoms of OAB were enrolled in the study. Over three episodes of urinary incontinence per day (registration according to bladder diaries), International Prostate Symptom Score over 19, OAB-V8 questionnaire score over 32, and urodynamic disorders diagnosed using cystometry and uroflowmetry were taken as a criterion of severe symptoms of OAB. Patients of the main group during 2 months received treatment with daily combination of solifenacin 5 mg and trospium 5 mg simultaneously with tamsulosin 0.4 mg. Patients of the control group were treated only with tamsulosin. First endpoint is a quantitative assessment of patients with BPH having severe symptoms of OAB. Second endpoint is a state of the patients’ lower urinary tract after the treatment. In the main group, most of urodynamic indices normalized significantly. Number of episodes of incontinence reduced from middle level 3.4 (0.8) per day to 0.9 (0.7) per day. In the control group changes of urodynamic indices were not significant. Quantity of side effects did not exceed the level which is common for antimuscarinic monotherapy. Therefore, percentage of patients with severe symptoms of OAB is not less than 44% of all cases of prostatic hyperplasia accompanied by OAB symptoms. Combination of trospium and solifenacin in standard doses is an efficient and safe method of management of severe symptoms of OAB in the course of the treatment of with tamsulosin in patients more than 50 years of age.
Precision Medicine and Men’s Health
Authors: Mata Douglas A. , Katchi Farhan M. , Ramasamy Ranjith
Published: July 2015

Precision medicine can greatly benefit men’s health by helping to prevent, diagnose, and treat prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, infertility, hypogonadism, and erectile dysfunction. For example, precision medicine can facilitate the selection of men at high risk for prostate cancer for targeted prostate-specific antigen screening and chemoprevention administration, as well as assist in identifying men who are resistant to medical therapy for prostatic hyperplasia, who may instead require surgery. Precision medicine-trained clinicians can also let couples know whether their specific cause of infertility should be bypassed by sperm extraction and in vitro fertilization to prevent abnormalities in their offspring. Though precision medicine’s role in the management of hypogonadism has yet to be defined, it could be used to identify biomarkers associated with individual patients’ responses to treatment so that appropriate therapy can be prescribed. Last, precision medicine can improve erectile dysfunction treatment by identifying genetic polymorphisms that regulate response to medical therapies and by aiding in the selection of patients for further cardiovascular disease screening.
U.S. Men’s Perceptions and Experiences of Emergency Contraceptives
Authors: Wright Rachel L. , Fawson Peter R. , Frost Caren J. , Turok David K.
Published: July 2015

Research suggests that men should be included in reproductive health decision making to help enhance positive health outcomes for their partners. Men affect the use of contraception and what method is used. Men’s decisions may be affected by different factors such as gender, education, and the nature of their sexual relationship. A qualitative study was conducted to explore males’ experiences and perceptions about emergency contraception (EC), and the meanings males assign to EC. Semistructured in-depth focus groups were held with 15 men who engage in heterosexual activity recruited from a university setting in the United States. Participants expressed egalitarian views of the contraception decision-making processes, a sense of responsibility regarding reproductive decision making, and that society has a negative stigma toward those who use EC. However, there was a lack of knowledge regarding the copper intrauterine device, which was not viewed as a method of EC. Exploring the role and needs of men in reproductive health care discussions and research is an important and growing area. Recommendations are provided for health care practitioners, policy, and future research around men and EC.
Death Anxiety and Pain Catastrophizing Among Male Inmates With Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Behavior: A Comparative Study
Authors: Enea Violeta , Dafinoiu Ion , Bogdan Georgiana , Matei Carmen
Published: July 2015

Most of the studies concerning nonsuicidal self-injury behaviors of persons deprived of liberty were on female participants. This cross-sectional comparative study compared the levels of death anxiety, pain catastrophizing, dissociative experiences, and state-trait anger among male inmates with nonsuicidal self-injury behaviors and noninjuring controls. The results indicated high levels of death anxiety, dissociation, and pain catastrophizing in both groups of participants and the absence of significant differences between the groups. The implications of the results suggest the need of taking into consideration these variables in the behavior management plans used with inmates who engage in self-injurious behavior.
Perceptions and Definitions of Power Within the Context of HIV-Negative Male Couples’ Relationships
Authors: Mitchell Jason W. , Sophus Amber I.
Published: July 2015

Examining dynamics within relationships is critical for development of effective HIV prevention interventions for male couples. The dynamic of power has received little attention in research with male couples, though power has been reported to affect HIV risk among heterosexual couples. To help address this knowledge gap, the present cross-sectional analysis used mixed methods with dyadic data from 142 HIV-negative male couples to (1) assess partnered men’s perception of who has the most power in their relationship and why, (2) examine whether partners concur about who has the most power and their reasoning for this selection, and (3) assess whether male couples’ concurrence about who has the most power is associated with their engagement of condomless anal sex within and/or outside the relationship, type of relationship, and aspects of their sexual agreement. Individual- and couple-level responses about who has the most power were quantitatively assessed, whereas for why, their responses were coded qualitatively. Fifty-six percent of couples concurred about who has the most power in their relationship and of these, many said it was equal. Regarding why, themes of responses ranged from “compromise” and “shared responsibility” for those who concurred about who has the most power versus “dominant/compliant personality” and “money” among the couples who disagreed about who has the most power in their relationship. Concordance about who has the most power was only associated with condomless anal sex within the relationship. Further research is warranted to examine how power may affect other dynamics of male couples’ relationships and risk-related behaviors.