bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance analysis of process parameters on machining α–β titanium alloy in electrochemical micromachining process
Authors: Geethapriyan T , Kalaichelvan K , Muthuramalingam T , Rajadurai A
Published: October 2016

Due to inherent properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, it is being used in the application of fuel injector nozzle for diesel engine, aerospace and marine industries. Since the electrochemical micromachining process involves the no heat-affected zone, no tool wear, stress- and burr-free process compared to other micromachining processes, it is widely used in the manufacturing field to fabricate complex shape and die. Hence, it is highly important to compute the optimum input parameters for enhancing the machining characteristics in such machining process. In this study, an attempt has been made to find the influence of the process parameters and optimize the parameters on machining α–β titanium alloy using Taguchi-grey relational analysis. Since applied voltage, micro-tool feed rate, electrolyte concentration and duty cycle have vital role in the process, these parameters have been chosen as the input parameters to evaluate the performance measures such as material removal rate, surface roughness and overcut in this study. From the experimental results, it has been found that micro-tool feed rate has more influence due to its importance in maintaining inter electrode gap to avoid micro-spark generation. It has also been found that lower electrolyte concentration with lower duty cycle produces lower surface roughness with better circularity on machining α–β titanium alloy. The optimum combination has been found using Taguchi-grey relational analysis and verified from confirmation test. It has also been inferred that the multi-response characteristics such as material removal rate, surface roughness and overcut can be effectively improved through the grey relational analysis.
A balance approach for the one-dimensional multiple stock size cutting stock problem with setup cost
Authors: Wu Dianjian , Yan Chunping
Published: October 2016

A balance approach is presented to solve one-dimensional multiple stock size cutting stock problem with setup cost. The approach first utilizes a sequential pattern generation algorithm to generate a series of cutting plans based on each stock size, respectively. Then, a measure standard of cost balance utilization is used to select a current optimized cutting pattern from a cutting plan corresponding to each stock size. All item demands are dealt by the previous two steps to obtain many optimized cutting plans, and an ideal cutting plan is extracted according to the minimum sum of stock and setup costs at last. The approach is applied to two tests, and the computational results demonstrate that it possesses good cost adaptability and optimization performance.
An investigation on measurement accuracy of digitizing methods in turbine blade reverse engineering
Authors: Mahboubkhah Mehran , Aliakbari Mohammad , Burvill Colin
Published: October 2016

Measurement and quality control of turbine blades is critical to the successful operation of power plants. It has a key role in manufacturing and reverse engineering. Novel technologies continue to be developed to measure parts with complex geometries, such as turbine blades. Digitizing techniques, using both contact and noncontact methods, are used. Selecting the most appropriate digitizing method for a turbine blade requires consideration of the measuring performance of the alternative methods, including criteria such as accuracy, speed and cost. This study seeks to evaluate the practical accuracy and efficiency of various contact and noncontact digitizing methods through measurement and associated quality control of a complex part, that is, a turbine blade airfoil. Four popular technologies, using distinct underlying measurement methods, were chosen to measure a Frame 5 gas turbine blade, namely, a touch trigger probe mounted on a Zeiss coordinate measuring machine, a touch scanning probe and a spot laser probe separately mounted on Renishaw coordinate measuring machine and a linear laser system from ZScanner. The measured point cloud resulting from each method was then used to reconstruct three-dimensional computer-aided design models of the blade. The accuracy of each measuring system was evaluated against the original blade. The evaluation incorporated a comparative study of design parameters derived from the point cloud and reconstructed surfaces associated with each measurement method. The maximum error of point clouds were −123, 2530 and 2173 µm for the ZScanner linear laser, Renishaw spot laser and Renishaw touch scan, respectively. These measured errors indicated higher accuracy from linear laser method than spot laser scanning and touch scanning methods. Furthermore, the achieved standard deviations of 42, 170 and 269 µm for point clouds of ZScanner linear laser, Renishaw spot laser and Renishaw touch scan, respectively, showed that the manufacturer reported that information cannot be always reliable.
Driving strategy optimization for trains in subway systems
Authors: Su Shuai , Tang Tao , Li Xiang
Published: October 2016

Energy-efficient operation of trains in subway systems is regarded as one of the most effective strategies to cut down the operational cost. Most of the studies about the energy-efficient operation of trains aim to minimize the consumption of mechanical energy of trains. In this paper, an energy-efficient train control model is proposed under the practical billing system by introducing the traction efficiency. In addition, a numerical solution approach is presented to solve the energy-efficient driving strategy, which consists of the control sequences and the corresponding switching points. First, the authors analyze the energy-efficient control problem by applying the maximum principle, from which the energy-efficient control regime is proved to include the maximum acceleration, coasting, cruising with partial braking, and maximum braking. Second, the control sequences for one section are fully analyzed and an algorithm is presented to calculate the switching points with the energy consumption constraint. To obtain the solution to an interval with variable speed limits and gradients, the interval is divided into several sections, where the gradient and speed limit of each section are constants. A primary energy-efficient solution, which costs a longer trip time, is given. Then, energy units are assigned into multiple sections to shorten the trip time of the primary solution. Specifically, each energy unit is added into the selected section to achieve the maximum time reduction. Finally, the energy-efficient driving strategy at all sections will be obtained when the scheduled trip time of the interval is delivered. Some examples based on the practical data are conducted to illustrate that the proposed approach has a good potential on saving energy of trains.
The potential toxicological insights about the anti-HIV drug azidothymidine-derived monoselenides in human leukocytes: Toxicological insights of new selenium-azidothymidine analogs
Authors: Mariano DOC , de Souza D , Meinerz DF , Allebrandt J , de Bem AF , Hassan W , Rodrigues OED , da Rocha JBT
Published: October 2016

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a worldwide disease characterized by impairments of immune function. AIDS can be associated with oxidative stress (OS) that can be linked to selenium (Se) deficiency. Se is fundamental for the synthesis of selenoproteins, such as glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase. These enzymes catalyze the decomposition of reactive oxygen species and contribute to maintain equilibrium in cell redox status. Literature data indicate that organoselenium compounds, such as ebselen and diphenyl diselenide, have antioxidant properties in vitro and in vivo models associated with OS. Nevertheless, selenocompounds can also react and oxidize thiols groups, inducing toxicity in mammals. Here, we tested the potential cytotoxic and genotoxic properties of six analogs of the prototypal anti-HIV drug azidothymidine (AZT) containing Se (5′-Se-(phenyl)zidovudine; 5′-Se-(1,3,5-trimethylphenyl)zidovudine; 5′-Se-(1-naphtyl)zidovudine; 5′-Se-(4-chlorophenyl)zidovudine) (C4); 5′-Se-(4-methylphenyl)zidovudine (C5); and 5′-(4-methylbenzoselenoate)zidovudine). C5 increased the rate of dithiothreitol oxidation (thiol oxidase activity) and C2-C4 and C6 (at 100 µM) increased DNA damage index (DI) in human leukocytes. Moreover, C5 (200 µM) decreased human leukocyte viability to about 50%. Taken together, these results indicated the low in vitro toxicity in human leukocytes of some Se-containing analogs of AZT.
Agents without agency: Assessing the role of the audience in securitization theory
Authors: Côté Adam
Published: October 2016

This article assesses the role of the audience in securitization theory. The main argument is that in order to accurately capture the role of the securitization audience, it must be theorized as an active agent, capable of having a meaningful effect on the intersubjective construction of security values. Through a meta-synthesis of 32 empirical studies of securitization, this article focuses on two central questions: (1) Who is the audience? (2) How does the audience engage in the construction of security? When assessed against the theoretical works on securitization, this analysis reveals that the manner in which the audience is defined and characterized within securitization theory differs with the empirical literature that investigates securitization processes. Where the empirical literature suggests securitization is a highly intersubjective process involving active audiences, securitization theory characterizes audiences as agents without agency, thereby marginalizing the theory’s intersubjective nature. This article sketches a new characterization of the securitization audience and outlines a framework for securitizing actor–audience interaction that better accounts for securitization theory’s linguistic and intersubjective character, addresses this theoretical/empirical conflict, and improves our understanding of how groups select and justify security priorities and costly security policies.
From the Ordinary to Corruption in Higher Education
Authors: Schwartz Mildred A.
Published: October 2016

Major environmental changes and recurring pressures have made universities in the United States that educate health care professionals vulnerable to corruption. Based on the experiences of one large, state-supported university, this essay argues that, in adapting to pressures, universities rely on the ordinary structures and processes characteristic of large formal organizations. Hierarchy becomes an opening to corruption when it is associated with low levels of transparency, a culture of deference that discourages questioning, and the absence of countervailing centers of authority. Where the need for resources is great and access is uncertain, these can become incentives to ensure access through corrupt means. Embeddedness opens opportunities for misconduct by fostering relations based on narrow loyalties. The ordinariness of the pathways to corruption in higher education can obscure timely recognition of misconduct even by members working in affected organizations. But, once recognized, it is also possible to find equally ordinary solutions.
Improving Health Care Quality and Patient Safety Through Peer-to-Peer Assessment: Demonstration Project in Two Academic Medical Centers
Authors: Mort Elizabeth , Bruckel Jeffrey , Donelan Karen , Paine Lori , Rosen Michael , Thompson David , Weaver Sallie , Yagoda Daniel , Pronovost Peter ,   for the Peer-to-Peer Study Team
Published: October 2016

Despite decades of investment in patient safety, unintentional patient harm remains a major challenge in the health care industry. Peer-to-peer assessment in the nuclear industry has been shown to reduce harm. The study team’s goal was to pilot and assess the feasibility of this approach in health care. The team developed tools and piloted a peer-to-peer assessment at 2 academic hospitals: Massachusetts General Hospital and Johns Hopkins Hospital. The assessment evaluated both the institutions’ organizational approach to quality and safety as well as their approach to reducing 2 specific areas of patient harm. Site visits were completed and consisted of semistructured interviews with institutional leaders and clinical staff as well as direct patient observations using audit tools. Reports with recommendations were well received and each institution has developed improvement plans. The study team believes that peer-to-peer assessment in health care has promise and warrants consideration for wider adoption.
Pseudolipomatosis in Endometrial Specimens Does Not Represent Uterine Perforation
Authors: Heller Alexis
Published: October 2016

Background: Specimens of endometrial biopsies can sometimes present with an artifact within blood, composed of optically clear vacuoles mimicking adipose tissue, pseudolipomatosis. This artifact can be mistaken for adipose tissue and lead to an overdiagnosis of uterine perforation. Case: We describe the case of pseudolipomatosis seen within the evacuated products of conception from a missed abortion. Results: Areas of vacuolization in the blood clot mimicked adipose tissue. However, the vacuoles varied in size and did not contain adipocytes. Conclusion: Familiarity with this artifact will lead to avoidance of overdiagnosis of adipose tissue and uterine perforation in curettage specimens.
Comparison of Diabetic Charcot Patients With and Without Foot Wounds
Authors: Wukich Dane K. , Sadoskas David , Vaudreuil Nicholas J. , Fourman Mitchell
Published: October 2016

Background:

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a series of patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) who were evaluated in a tertiary care setting. We hypothesized that those patients with CN who presented with a Charcot-related foot wound would have lower rates of successful limb salvage than patients who presented without a wound.

Methods:

Two hundred forty-five patients (280 feet) were identified with diabetic CN during the time period from January 1, 2005, to June 1, 2015. This consecutive cohort of patients was treated by a single surgeon and had a mean age of 57.9 ± 10.0 years. Our CN patients were divided into 2 groups for the purpose of our analysis. Our study group included those patients who presented to our clinic with a Charcot-related foot wound. Our control group was composed of CN patients who presented without a Charcot-related foot wound.

Results:

Overall, 78 feet (27.9%) were successfully treated nonoperatively and 202 feet (72.1%) required some type of surgery. Of the 202 feet that received surgery, 22 (10.9%) were not felt to be suitable for reconstruction and underwent a definitive transtibial amputation without an attempt at reconstruction. An additional 18 patients underwent soft tissue surgery, which included drainage of infection, posterior muscle group lengthening, or soft tissue reconstructive flap surgery. The remaining 162 feet underwent osseous surgery, which included ostectomies for osteomyelitis, exostectomies, osteotomies, and arthrodesis. Eighteen of the 180 limbs (10.0%) that underwent soft tissue or osseous reconstruction ultimately required a transtibial amputation, resulting in a successful limb salvage rate of 90.0%. Thirty-five amputations were performed in 164 feet (21.3%) with Charcot-related foot wounds compared with 5 amputations in 116 feet (4.5%) without Charcot-related foot wounds (OR 6.02, 95% CI 2.28-15.91, P < .0001).

Conclusion:

The presence of a Charcot-related foot wound at presentation increased the likelihood of a major lower extremity amputation by a factor of 6. Other risk factors that were associated with major amputation in patients included active infection at presentation, nonunion/instability after reconstruction, and a postoperative wound problem. The overall rate of successful limb salvage in patients deemed reconstructive candidates was 90%.

Level of Clinical Evidence:

Level III, retrospective, case-control study.
Proximity of the Lateral Calcaneal Artery With a Modified Extensile Lateral Approach Compared to Standard Extensile Approach
Authors: Kwon John Y. , Gonzalez Tyler , Riedel Matthew D. , Nazarian Ara , Ghorbanhoseini Mohammad
Published: October 2016

Background:

The extensile lateral approach (EL) has been associated with increased wound complications such as apical necrosis which may be due partially from violation of the lateral calcaneal artery (LCA). Traditionally, the vertical limb has been placed half-way between the fibula and Achilles tendon, which may be suboptimal given the proximity to the LCA. We hypothesized that placing the vertical limb further posterior (ie, modified EL [MEL]) would increase the distance from the LCA. The purposes of this study were to quantify the location of the LCA in relation to the vertical limb of the traditional EL approach and to determine if utilizing the MEL approach endangered the LCA to a lesser extent.

Methods:

20 cadavers were used. For the EL approach, the fibula and Achilles tendon were palpated and a line parallel to the plantar foot was drawn between the two. A vertical line (VL), representing the vertical limb of the approach, was drawn at the midway point as a perpendicular extending proximally from the junction of the glabrous/non-glabrous skin (JGNG). For the MEL approach, the anterior border of the Achilles tendon was palpated and a similar vertical line (MVL) was drawn 0.75 cm anterior. Dissection was performed and if the LCA was identified crossing the line VL/MVL, the distance from the JGNG was documented.

Results:

For the EL approach, the LCA was identified in 17/20 (85%) cadavers at an average distance of 5.0 cm (range 3-7 cm, SD = 1.3 cm) from JGNG. For the ML approach, the LCA was identified in 4/20 (20%) cadavers at an average distance of 5.9 cm (range 3-6.5 cm, SD = 1.7 cm) from the JGNG ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

The LCA was encountered 4 times more often during the EL approach as compared to the MEL approach.

Clinical Relevance:

A modification of the EL approach may decrease iatrogenic injury to the LCA and may decrease wound complications.
Timing of Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Preventing Surgical Site Infections in Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Tantigate Direk , Jang Eugene , Seetharaman Mani , Noback Peter C. , Heijne A. M. , Greisberg Justin K. , Vosseller J. Turner
Published: October 2016

Background:

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are one of the most troublesome complications after foot and ankle surgery. Previous literature has emphasized the significance of appropriate timing of antibiotic prophylaxis. However, the optimal timing of antibiotic prophylaxis for SSI prevention is still inconclusive. Our study aimed to investigate the optimal timing of antibiotic administration and to elucidate the risk factors for SSIs in foot and ankle surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 1933 foot and ankle procedures in 1632 patients from January 1, 2011, through August 31, 2015, was performed. Demographic data; type, amount, and timing of antibiotic administration; incision; and closure time were recorded. Subsequent wound infection and incision and drainage procedure (I&D) within 30 days and 90 days were documented. Outcomes and demographic variables were compared between procedures in which antibiotics were administered less than 15 minutes and between 15 to 60 minutes prior to incision. A total of 1569 procedures met inclusion criteria.

Results:

There were 17 cases (1.1%) of subsequent wound infection, of which 6 required a subsequent I&D within 30 days. There were 63 additional cases (4%) of wound complications, which did not meet SSI criteria. When comparing SSI and non-SSI groups, the only significant independent predictors were longer surgeries and nonambulatory surgeries (both P < .05). Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that 91.8% of the risk of an SSI could be predicted by ASA score and length of surgery alone.

Conclusion:

In foot and ankle surgeries, the timing of intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis did not appear to play a significant role in the risk of SSI. Host factors and duration of surgery appear to have played a much larger role in SSI than the timing of antibiotic prophylaxis.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Efficacy of a Cellular Bone Allograft for Foot and Ankle Arthrodesis and Revision Nonunion Procedures
Authors: Dekker Travis J. , White Peter , Adams Samuel B.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Bone graft substitutes are often required in patients at risk for nonunion, and therefore, an allograft that most closely mimics an autograft is highly sought after. This study explored the utility and efficacy of a cellular bone allograft used for foot and ankle arthrodesis and revision nonunion procedures in a patient population at risk for nonunion.

Methods:

An institutional review board–approved retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent arthrodesis and revision nonunion procedures with a cellular bone allograft was performed at a single academic institution. No external sources of funding were provided for this study. Inclusion criteria included patients who were more than 1 year after surgery or less than 1 year after surgery if they had undergone a second operative procedure for nonunion or if they had computed tomography–documented union. Forty operative procedures in 36 patients with a mean follow-up of 13 months (range, 6-25 months) were included for data analysis. All patients had at least one of the following risk factors associated with nonunion: current smoker, diabetes, avascular necrosis (AVN) of the involved bone, active same-site operative infection, history of nonunion, previous same-site surgery, or gap of 5 mm or greater after joint preparation. The primary outcome was radiographic union.

Results:

The union rate in this high-risk population was 83% (33/40). Univariate analysis demonstrated that the use of a cellular bone allograft helped mitigate the presence of risk factors known to cause nonunion. There was no significant difference in fusion rates among groups with current smoking, AVN of the involved bone, active same-site operative infections, history of nonunion, rheumatoid arthritis on medication, previous same-site operative procedures or infections, or a gap of 5 mm or greater after joint preparation. However, in this population, diabetic and female patients remained at a high risk of recurrent nonunion ( P = .0015), despite the use of a cellular bone allograft. Chi-square analysis of patients with increasing numbers of risk factors directly correlated with an increased risk of nonunion ( P = .025). Four wound complications were reported in this cohort that required irrigation and debridement (10%).

Conclusion:

These data demonstrated a union rate of 83% in patients with risk factors known to cause nonunion. The benefits of the use of a cellular bone allograft allowed for the avoidance of morbidity associated with autograft harvesting while still improving the local biology to facilitate fusion in a difficult patient population to attain a successful fusion mass.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Blindsight and Unconscious Vision: What They Teach Us about the Human Visual System
Authors: Ajina Sara , Bridge Holly
Published: October 2016

Damage to the primary visual cortex removes the major input from the eyes to the brain, causing significant visual loss as patients are unable to perceive the side of the world contralateral to the damage. Some patients, however, retain the ability to detect visual information within this blind region; this is known as blindsight. By studying the visual pathways that underlie this residual vision in patients, we can uncover additional aspects of the human visual system that likely contribute to normal visual function but cannot be revealed under physiological conditions. In this review, we discuss the residual abilities and neural activity that have been described in blindsight and the implications of these findings for understanding the intact system.
Information Insufficiency and Information Seeking
Authors: Hwang Yoori , Jeong Se-Hoon
Published: October 2016

The risk information seeking and processing model predicts information-seeking behavior based on a number of factors, including information insufficiency. Using the risk information seeking and processing model, the present study experimentally manipulated the two components of information insufficiency (i.e., sufficiency threshold and current knowledge). Sufficiency threshold was manipulated using information about radon risk with varying levels of social distance, whereas current knowledge was manipulated using information about radon coping strategies. Results showed that the high sufficiency threshold condition resulted in greater information seeking intention. On the other hand, the current knowledge manipulation did not affect information seeking intention.
Child Maltreatment and Risky Sexual Behavior
Authors: Thompson Richard , Lewis Terri , Neilson Elizabeth C. , English Diana J. , Litrownik Alan J. , Margolis Benyamin , Proctor Laura , Dubowitz Howard
Published: October 2016

Risky sexual behavior is a serious public health problem. Child sexual abuse is an established risk factor, but other forms of maltreatment appear to elevate risky behavior. The mechanisms by which child maltreatment influence risk are not well understood. This study used data from 859 high-risk youth, followed through age 18. Official reports of each form of maltreatment were coded. At age 16, potential mediators (trauma symptoms and substance use) were assessed. At age 18, risky sexual behavior (more than four partners, unprotected sex, unassertiveness in sexual refusal) was assessed. Neglect significantly predicted unprotected sex. Substance use predicted unprotected sex and four or more partners but did not mediate the effects of maltreatment. Trauma symptoms predicted unprotected sex and mediated effects of emotional maltreatment on unprotected sex and on assertiveness in sexual refusal and the effects of sexual abuse on unprotected sex. Both neglect and emotional maltreatment emerged as important factors in risky sexual behavior. Trauma symptoms appear to be an important pathway by which maltreatment confers risk for risky sexual behavior. Interventions to reduce risky sexual behavior should include assessment and treatment for trauma symptoms and for history of child maltreatment in all its forms.
Concordance Between Self-Reported Childhood Maltreatment Versus Case Record Reviews for Child Welfare–Affiliated Adolescents
Authors: Negriff Sonya , Schneiderman Janet U. , Trickett Penelope K.
Published: October 2016

The present study used data from an ongoing longitudinal study of the effects of maltreatment on adolescent development to (1) describe rates of maltreatment experiences obtained from retrospective self-report versus case record review for adolescents with child welfare–documented maltreatment histories, (2) examine self-reported versus child welfare–identified maltreatment in relation to mental health and risk behavior outcomes by maltreatment type, and (3) examine the association between the number of different types of maltreatment and mental health and risk behavior outcomes. Maltreatment was coded from case records using the Maltreatment Case Record Abstraction Instrument (MCRAI) and participants were asked at mean age = 18.49 about childhood maltreatment experiences using the Comprehensive Trauma Interview (CTI). Results showed that an average of 48% of maltreatment found by the MCRAI for each type of maltreatment were unique cases not captured by the CTI, whereas an average of 40% self-reported maltreatment (CTI) was not indicated by the MCRAI. Analyses with outcomes showed generally, self-reported maltreatment, regardless of concordance with MCRAI, was related to the poorest outcomes. The difference in associations with the outcomes indicates both self-report and case record review data may have utility depending on the outcomes being assessed.
Evaluation of the dosing strategies of biologic agents and the theoretical impact of dose rounding
Authors: Lindsey Savannah , Parsons Laura Beth , Figg Lindsay Rosenbeck , Rhodes Jill
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Monoclonal antibodies possess unique pharmacokinetic properties that permit flexible dosing. Increased use and high costs of these medications have led to the development of cost-containing strategies. This study aims to quantify the cost savings and clinical impact associated with dose rounding monoclonal antibodies to the nearest vial size.

Methods

This study was a single-arm, retrospective chart review assessing all monoclonal antibody doses dispensed at an outpatient community infusion center associated with an academic medical center between August 2014 and August 2015. All monoclonal antibody doses were reviewed to determine the cost of drug wasted using two methods. The waste-cost analysis described the amount of drug disposed of due to the use of partial vials. The theoretical dose savings described potential cost avoidance based on rounding the ordered dose to the nearest vial size. The theoretical rounded dose was compared to the actual ordered dose to explore clinical implications.

Results

A total of 436 doses were included. Of these, 237 were not rounded to the nearest vial size and included in the analysis. The cost of waste associated with these doses was $108,013.64 using actual wholesale price. The potential cost avoidance associated with the theoretical dose calculation was $83,595.53. Rounding these doses to the nearest vial size resulted in a median 6.7% (range, 1.4–20%) deviation from ordered dose.

Conclusions

Rounding monoclonal antibodies to the nearest vial size could lead to significant cost and waste savings with minimal deviation from the actual ordered dose.
Midwifery perspectives: The consent process in the context of patient safety and medico-legal issues
Authors: Cook Angela M
Published: October 2016

Obtaining consent is a legal and ethical necessity prior to midwifery care provision. Furthermore, midwives must act in the best interests of women at all times and make sure that properly informed consent is obtained and documented prior to carrying out any action.

Although the judgment made at the Supreme Court, in Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board, involved an obstetrician, the recommendations of this case will have far reaching implications for midwives within the consent process. Midwives will be required to consider informing women of any material risks involved in any recommended care and treatment, including how likely women are to attach significance to such risk. The risk discourse that pervades maternity care is well cited and midwives need to strive to achieve a safe, holistic, woman-centred approach to care whilst implementing the recommendations of Montgomery.

Challenges exist for midwives in obtaining informed consent particularly resulting from sub-standard communication issues. This clearly impacts negatively upon patient safety issues. Ultimately, NICE advocate that pregnant women should be offered evidence based information and support to enable them to make informed decisions about their care and treatment. Montgomery provides the highest level of legal support for this position.
Ground zero: Ontology, recognition, and the elusiveness of care in American eating disorders treatment
Authors: Lester Rebecca J.
Published: October 2016

This paper reflects upon questions of ontological contingency when the stark, visceral reality of a person’s relentless self-destruction unfolds within institutional mechanisms that systematically withhold certain kinds of care. I consider these issues through the lens of “manipulation” as it is elaborated within an American eating disorders treatment center, where the notion of manipulation does particular kinds of affective and pragmatic work. Specifically, it serves to render clients as, paradoxically, both hyper-agentic and “agentically challenged” in ways that legitimate the withholding of their recognition as full subjects and therefore deserving of care. I propose that the ontological perspectives of the treatment center are ill-equipped for accounting for such dynamics and, in fact, carry certain risks when employed in the consideration of psychiatric conditions where they can even become coopted in unintended ways. This carries special importance when working with people whose ontological status is, in a very real (and not just theoretical) sense, teetering on the brink of the void.
Advanced numerical investigation into structural behaviour of high-strength cold-formed steel lapped Z-sections with different overlapping lengths
Authors: Ho Ho Cheung , Chung Kwok-Fai
Published: October 2016

In order to improve buildability of cold-formed steel structures, a series of research and development projects have been undertaken by the authors to examine structural behaviour of bolted moment connections between cold-formed steel sections. In this article, a systematic numerical investigation with advanced finite element modelling technique into the structural behaviour of high-strength cold-formed steel lapped Z-sections under gravity loads is presented, and details of the modelling techniques are presented thoroughly. It aims to examine deformation characteristics of these lapped Z-sections with different overlapping lengths. After careful calibration of advanced finite element models of lapped Z-sections against test data, it is demonstrated that the predicted moment rotation curves of these models follow closely the measured data not only up to the maximum applied moments but also at large deformations. In general, all of these lapped Z-sections are unable to resist sustained loadings after section failure under combined bending and shear, and they exhibit sudden unloadings once the maximum applied loads are attained. Hence, the proposed finite element models are able to simulate highly non-ductile deformation characteristics of these Z-sections. While long overlapping lengths over internal supports in multi-span cold-formed steel purlin systems are often advantageous in terms of both ‘stiffness and strength’, more steel materials are used at the same time. Hence, it is very desirable to establish an efficient use of the lapped Z-sections with optimal overlapping lengths. A total of six models with different overlapping lengths are then extended to simulate the structural behaviour of lapped double-span beams, and extensive material and geometrical non-linear analyses have been carried out. It is found that lapped double-span beams with practical overlapping lengths tend to behave superior to continuous double-span beams in terms of both load resistances and deformations. Depending on the overlapping lengths of the lapped Z-sections, different system failure mechanisms have been clearly identified after significant moment redistribution within the beams, and their structural behaviour has been compared in a rational manner. Consequently, these models will be readily employed to investigate the structural behaviour of high-strength cold-formed steel lapped Z-sections under a wide range of practical loading and boundary loading conditions for possible development of effective design rules.
An approach for making optimal decisions in building energy efficiency retrofit projects
Authors: Senel Solmaz Aslihan , Halicioglu Fahriye H , Gunhan Suat
Published: October 2016

The study presents an optimization-based decision support approach to determine the optimal energy efficiency retrofit options in existing buildings. The main challenge encountered in the decision-making process of building retrofit projects is the selection of an optimal set of solutions within a wide range of solution space according to multiple criteria. In order to overcome this problem, this study uses an integrated optimization approach by combining both the variance-based sensitivity analysis and optimization methods to maximize energy savings and optimize financial returns in building energy efficiency retrofit projects. The proposed approach was applied to an existing public school building in Izmir, Turkey that represents hot-humid climate to test its validity and performance. The optimizations were performed and results were obtained for three different scenarios whose content was determined based on project objectives and constraints fulfilled by a survey conducted by building users. The case study results indicate that the proposed approach is effective in defining the application order of retrofit options by identifying the most influential parameters for building energy efficiency and finding out the optimal retrofit solutions per multiple criteria.
A numerical procedure for the calibration of a turbocharged spark-ignition variable valve actuation engine at part load
Authors: Bozza Fabio , De Bellis Vincenzo , Teodosio Luigi
Published: October 2016

Referring to spark-ignition engines, the downsizing, coupled to turbocharging and variable valve actuation systems are very common solutions to reduce the brake-specific fuel consumption at low-medium brake mean effective pressure. However, the adoption of such solutions increases the complexity of engine control and management because of the additional degrees of freedom, and hence results in a longer calibration time and higher experimental efforts. In this work, a twin-cylinder turbocharged variable valve actuation spark-ignition engine is numerically investigated by a one-dimensional model (GT-Power™). The considered engine is equipped with a fully flexible variable valve actuation system, realizing both a common full-lift strategy and a more advanced early intake valve closure strategy. Refined sub-models are used to describe turbulence and combustion processes. In the first stage, one-dimensional engine model is validated against the experimental data at full and part load. The validated model is then integrated in a multipurpose commercial optimizer (modeFRONTIER™) with the aim to identify the engine calibration that minimizes brake-specific fuel consumption at part load. In particular, the decision parameters of the optimization process are the early intake valve closure angle, the throttle valve opening, the turbocharger setting and the spark timing. Proper constraints are posed for intake pressure in order to limit the gas-dynamic noise radiated at the intake mouth. The adopted optimization approach shows the capability to reproduce with good accuracy the experimentally identified calibration. The latter corresponds to the numerically derived Pareto frontier in brake mean effective pressure–brake specific fuel consumption plane. The optimization also underlines the advantages of an engine calibration based on a combination of early intake valve closure strategy and intake throttling rather than a purely throttle-based calibration. The developed automatic procedure allows for a ‘virtual’ calibration of the considered engine on completely theoretical basis and proves to be very helpful in reducing the experimental costs and the engine time-to-market.
Halbwachs’ studies in collective memory: A founding text for contemporary ‘memory studies’?
Authors: Gensburger Sarah
Published: October 2016

In the past few years, an increasing number of scholars have begun working to develop an integrated field introduced as a new discipline. From now on, these ‘memory studies’ have their own scientific journals, academic departments and international conferences. Now the scholars involved in this institutionalization situate themselves in an intellectual genealogy headed by the French sociologist, Maurice Halbwachs. Going back to Halbwachs’s original writing, this article argues that this genealogy rests upon a misreading. For the author of Collective memory, ‘memory’ was not a specific topic of research, but rather should be studied within and with the help of the ordinary tools and methods of general sociology. This article pleads the cause of this alternate route and, in doing so, hopes to introduce the reader to Halbwachs’s original theory and to its promising developments for contemporary studies in collective memory.
Examining young children’s envisionment building responses to postmodern picturebooks
Authors: Zapata Angie , Sánchez Lenny , Robinson Ariel
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine how young children and their teacher constructed literary meaning through engagement with postmodern picturebooks. We framed our enquiry around Langer’s Envisionment Building theory and specifically examined how young children formed meaning as they moved through Langer’s five stances during and after text encounters. We draw special attention to the dialogic nature of transactions around texts, children’s understandings and appropriation of postmodern picturebook metafictive devices, and the ways in which they hybridize personal experiences with intertextual storyworlds. Our enquiry illuminates how young children and their teacher, having engaged with postmodern picturebooks, readily took up the work of envisionment building to construct novel and complex understandings and ‘go beyond’. Our research further exemplifies how the multifaceted nature of postmodern picturebooks provides rich opportunities for young children to negotiate diverse textual features and respond in unique and meaningful ways as they engage in literary meaning making.
“It ain’t ‘nah’ it’s ‘no’”: Preparing preschoolers for the language of school
Authors: Whittingham Colleen E , Hoffman Emily Brown , Rumenapp Joseph C
Published: October 2016

This research presents reflections from focus group discussions with childcare providers and parents of preschoolers in one African American community situated within a large Midwestern city in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine parents’ and childcare providers’ conceptions of literacy and language related to school readiness. During these conversations it became clear that both parents and providers engage in a number of practices to prepare children to use the standard variety of English privileged by mainstream schooling. Participants verbalize the dual importance of encouraging all language development for young children while explicitly teaching the uses of language as situated in a larger social context. Both parents and providers discuss the need to build a bridge for children between the English varieties used at home and the standard English valued by schools. In light of these findings, the authors problematize common conceptions of ‘school readiness’ as unidirectional and discuss implications for children entering school settings where language varieties are undervalued.
Effects of Eye Images and Norm Cues on Charitable Donation
Authors: Oda Ryo , Ichihashi Ryota
Published: October 2016

Laboratory and field experiments have shown that people are more likely to be prosocial in the presence of watching eyes images. This “watching eyes effect” may be explained by the reputation-based partner choice model or a norm-compliance model suggesting that eye images elicit conformity to locally specific behavioral norms. A previous laboratory study that investigated the effects of local norms on charitable donations by using watching eye images and manipulating money visible in a collection box found that the presence of eye images significantly increased overall donations; however, the images did not make people more likely to conform to the apparent local norm. Here, we report the results of a field study examining the effects of watching eyes and the amount of money in transparent collection boxes on charitable giving in an izakaya (a Japanese-style tavern) setting. Contrary to the previous study, we found that the amount donated increased more under the large- than the small-norm treatment. The presence of eye images increased the overall amount donated but was more salient under the small-norm treatment. We found that participants were more likely to increase the amount of money in the box than to conform to the local norm of a small donation when the eye images were present. The results of this study suggest that an appropriate combination of eye images and normative information can alter people’s behavior without changing their economic incentives.
Higher harmonic generation of guided waves at delaminations in laminated composite beams
Authors: Soleimanpour Reza , Ng Ching-Tai , Wang Chun H.
Published: October 2016

Detection and characterization of delamination damage are of great importance to the assurance of structural safety. This work investigates the potential of a baseline-free structural health monitoring technique based on higher harmonics resulting from the nonlinear interaction of guided wave and a delamination. The nonlinearity considered in this study arises from the clapping of the sub-laminates in the delaminated region, which generates contact acoustic nonlinearity. Both explicit finite element simulations and experimental tests are conducted on composite laminates containing a delamination of different sizes and at different through-thickness locations. The results show that the interaction between the fundamental asymmetric mode ( A0) of guided wave and a delamination generates contact acoustic nonlinearity in the form of higher harmonics, which provides a good measure for identifying the existence of delaminations and determining their sizes in laminated composite beams. This new insight into the generation mechanisms of nonlinear higher order harmonics in composite laminates will enhance the detection and monitoring of damage in composite structures.
Decolonizing Indigenous teaching: Renewing actions through a Critical Utopian Action Research framework
Authors: Nutti Ylva Jannok
Published: October 2016

This article describes experiences formed in connection with a case study in Sámi schools. The Sámi people live in the northern part of the North Calotte region and among the world’s Indigenous peoples. The development of culture-based education aims to diminish the dominance of the national curricula. The aim of this article is to understand factors that influence teachers’ views and how teachers experience culture-based education in terms of a decolonizing process. The case study was conducted in a Critical Utopian Action Research framework with future workshops. The future workshops began as collaborative self-criticism and dreaming of education and then moved to the implementation of Indigenous culture-based teaching activities in local teaching practices. The teachers expressed that they felt trapped between demands made by the national curricula and their desire to implement culture-based teaching, but they nevertheless had many ideas for themes via which culture could be linked to teaching. Through knowledge exchange between the participants in the case study, the teachers ‘rediscovered’ knowledge and reinterpreted that knowledge in a teaching setting. The teachers’ autonomy was strengthened and the teachers’ active efforts empowered them.
Knowing their place: Feminist understandings and perceptions of women adult educators in museums
Authors: Clover Darlene E. , Sanford K
Published: October 2016

Arguing gender inequity remains one of the biggest challenges of our time, and framed within the concept of ‘pedagogic contact zones’, our article shares findings from a five-year feminist, cross-national study of women adult educators and community practitioners in public museums and art galleries in Canada and the United Kingdom. Findings show a general lack of feminist consciousness and pedagogical skills amongst these women, problematic essentialist depictions of women educators that contrast portrayals of curators, and an equation of feminism with ‘bias’. Yet there is a growing number of women who identify as feminists and take up women’s issues in a variety of ways. Museums have the ability to be sites of feminist adult education and make contributions to gender struggle.