bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel feedback error-correcting algorithm for automatic recognition of the color and weave pattern of yarn-dyed fabrics
Authors: Di Zhou , Luoqing Zhou , Jun Sun
Published: May 2013

In this paper we propose a highly efficient novel algorithm named Automatic Feedback Error-Correcting Color-Weave Pattern Recognition algorithm (AFEC algorithm). This algorithm is capable of simultaneously recognizing the color and weave pattern of yarn dyed fabric. The AFEC algorithm consists of three main components: 1. Color pattern recognition, 2. Weave pattern recognition, and 3. Feedback error correction. The last two each include one additional sub-algorithm, namely, the Infill algorithm and the Rectification algorithm. The first component focuses mainly on using the simplest method to reduce the time demand of color pattern recognition. With this objective we have adopted an X-means clustering algorithm which has less time complexity than other common algorithms used in this field. Furthermore, since the detection of the yarn edge and color classification in this component are designed to be independent of one another, to save time they can be run in parallel. In the second component weave pattern is detected, based on the color pattern obtained in the first component. In the second component the Infill algorithm can identify the logic embedded in the incomplete weave pattern, and hence fill in the gaps to form a complete pattern. By contrasting the color and weave patterns of the fabric, the third and final component uses a Rectification algorithm to correct errors in the recognition of color and weave pattern that may have occurred in the earlier components. Theoretical analysis, and experiments conducted during the present study, indicate that without prior knowledge the AFEC algorithm can improve the accuracy and runtime required for recognizing the color and weave pattern of yarn-dyed fabrics.
Improving the photocatalytic properties of rayon fibers containing a titanium dioxide photocatalyst through enzymatic treatment
Authors: Takahashi Tetsuya , Tokuda Ko , Miyamoto Yasuyuki , Sanbayashi Masayuki
Published: May 2013

When titanium dioxide is irradiated with light, electrons and electron holes are generated. These exert strong reductive and oxidative forces, which induce reaction with atmospheric water and oxygen, generating reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions. These substances not only kill miscellaneous bacteria, but also effectively aid in the decomposition of odorous substances. In rayon fibers containing titanium dioxide photocatalyst, weight reduction occurring by enzymatic treatment was applied to effectively activate the photocatalyst, even though the catalyst was added in limited amounts. Enzymatic treatment using cellulase effectively roughened the surface of the rayon fibers and largely improved the antibacterial activity. When the amount of TiO2 added was 2.5 wt% and the weight reduction ratio of the fibers reached 4.2% or 7.1%, the antibacterial activity was enhanced so strongly that viable bacteria were not detected at all. However, when the weight reduction ratio of the fibers increased to 10.5%, the antibacterial activity decreased. Further, the deodorizing ability of the fibers against gaseous ammonia improved significantly by the enzymatic treatment. In the case of fibers containing 2.5 wt% of TiO2, samples before enzymatic treatment showed an odor residual percentage of 28.4%, while after treatment, a much lower figure of 0.25% was obtained. However, although the tensile strength of the fiber decreased because of the weight reduction treatment, the fibers exhibited a tensile strength of 1.63 cN/dtex even after a weight reduction of 7.1 wt% (the tensile strength before weight reduction treatment was 2.49 cN/dtex). Thus, the application of an appropriate weight reduction finish to rayon fibers containing titanium dioxide was very effective in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the material. Presumably, the action of the enzyme during the treatment dissolved the cellulose present on the fiber surface, which exposed the titanium dioxide particles embedded within the fibers that were proximal to the surface.
Evidence and potential explanation of the influence of fiber length on the High Volume Instrument measurement of cotton fiber strength
Authors: Naylor Geoffrey RS
Published: May 2013

This study explores the influence of cotton fiber length characteristics on the High Volume Instrument (HVI) strength measurement. A set of cotton samples cut at different lengths from a common parent sliver was used. HVI strength data exhibited a consistent trend as a function of the fiber length properties. This data was analyzed using the working hypothesis that the HVI estimates the total mass of fiber at a position between the jaws, rather than the true mass, which contributes to the breaking force. A quantitative model was developed to correct for this overestimation based on the shape of the Fibrogram. It was demonstrated that the Fibrogram can be adequately modeled as a straight line in the region of the HVI strength measurement. Based on this, it was found that the required correction factor is a function of the mean fiber length and various geometrical parameters of the HVI instrument (i.e. (a) the distance from the base of the beard to the inside edge of the clamp nearest the base of the jaws, and (b) the actual position of the beard's fiber length determination relative to the clamping jaws). Importantly this correction factor is independent of the shape of the fiber length distribution. Application of this correction factor approach was able to remove the effect of fiber length on the corrected strength values. The same model was also applied to other published data and, again, a simple correction factor based on mean fiber length adequately ‘removed’ the observed bias.
Polydioxanone weft-knitted intestinal stents: fabrication and mechanics optimization
Authors: Li Gang , Li Yi , Lan Ping , He Xiaowen , Hu Hong
Published: May 2013

This paper presents the fabrication of polydioxanone weft-knitted stents and the mechanical properties optimization on process parameters. The stents can be used for treatment of intestinal obstruction and stenosis. Patients diagnosed with different phases require different mechanical stents. So, the mechanical properties of stents, radial force and circumferential strength are important for the safety and efficiency of stents. The aim of this paper was to identify the effect of process parameters on the mechanical properties of stents using the statistical modeling method, then propose optimum parameter settings. The intra-abdominal and intra-intestinal pressures of the human intestine were investigated through an intestine physical model; a full factorial experiment was employed to identify the most suitable factors and find the optimum processing parameters according to the two pressures identified. The results showed that optimum stents with radial force in the range of 1.3–2.5 cN/mm and circumferential strength in the range of 20–50 cN/mm could be obtained at a stitch cam setting ranging from 3.2 to 3.4 mm, with fabric tension in the range of 140–160 cN if the yarn tension and yarn linear density were held at 1.2 cN and 150 tex, respectively. The model validation results showed that stents with different mechanical properties could be tailored through the statistical method and proposed model. In conclusion, such stents, and optimization method, may find broad applications clinically.
Extracting fabric hand information from visual representations of flared skirts
Authors: Xue Zhebin , Zeng Xianyi , Koehl Ludovic , Chen Yan
Published: May 2013

In online transactions of textile products, fabric hand was thought to be inaccessible to consumers. Recently, much effort has been made to study the feasibility of providing consumers with a real sense of fabric through a virtual experience. The current paper proposes to extract fabric hand information from the perspective of visual perception. Two sensory experiments are conducted according to the standardized sensory evaluation procedures on a set of representative textile fabrics by two trained panels. The first experiment is aimed to measure how much fabric hand can be perceived through fabrics’ visual displays. On the basis of the positive results obtained, the second experiment is carried out to further investigate the interactive mechanism between samples’ visual features and their tactile properties. A novel algorithm based on rough set theory and fuzzy set theory is proposed in order to quantitatively measure relations between different sensory information.
Effects of surface structure and substrate color on color differences in textile coatings containing effect pigments
Authors: Malm Veronica , Strååt Martin , Walkenström Pernilla
Published: May 2013

Textiles with dynamically color-changing effects depending on the observation angle were achieved by applying a coating paste containing multicolor effect pigments using a knife-over-table coating method. Black and white textile substrates with different structure characteristics depending on yarn type (multifilament and spun) and thread count (high and low) were studied and compared to a paper test chart as a smooth reference. The influence of surface structures on effect pigment coatings were investigated and compared with TiO2 coatings. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the substrate surface roughness increased when constructed of multifilament yarns with high thread count, spun yarns with higher thread counts and spun yarns with lower thread counts. Multi-angle spectrophotometer measurements of effect pigment-coated samples showed that the color differences in form of the CIE L* a* b*-coordinates varied to great extents, depending on detection angles, surface roughness and color of the substrates, compared to TiO2-pigment coatings with insignificant color-changing effects. The parallel alignment of effect pigment platelets was more easily achieved on the test chart. As a result, the color-changing effect was less intense on coated textiles. The effect were approximately reduced by half when coated on a substrate constructed of spun yarns compared to one made of multifilament yarns.
Impact of calendering process on nonwoven geotextiles hydraulic properties
Authors: Kopitar Dragana , Skenderi Zenun , Rukavina Tatjana
Published: May 2013

The influence of the calendaring process of nonwoven geotextiles on the water permeability normal to their planes, including influence of different loads, as well as pore characteristics investigated by two different methods has been studied. Methods of pore characteristics differ in obtaining different pore parameters. Two groups of samples were produced whereas first group is bonded by needle punching, while second group is needle punched samples taken from first group and additionally bonded by calendaring. Mass per unit area for both groups is in range of 150 to 500 g/m2, with increasing by 50 g/m2 for the next sample within groups. Calendaring process decrease water permeability of geotextile, but also decreases interval of geotextile water permeability change due to the applied pressure. Calendared geotextiles have controlled and predictable compressibility, respectively structure which will not significantly change in the practical application.
Evaluation of surface roughness development of polyamide 6/poly(ethylene terephthalate) blend fibers through fiber diameter measurement using three types of optical equipment
Authors: Xu Xiaoshi , Shirakashi Yutaka , Ishibashi Junya , Takarada Wataru
Published: May 2013

We have reported recently that fibers with surface roughness can be produced through the melt spinning of polyamide 6 (PA6) blended with 20 wt% of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) if the extrusion temperature is lower than the melting temperature of PET. This technology is applicable for the production of fibers for artificial hair. Three kinds of optical equipment, including an optical microscope, were applied for the quantitative evaluation of the surface roughness of PA6/PET blend fibers. There was a good correlation between the roughness values evaluated using the edge-detection type diameter monitor (EDDM) and the back-illumination type diameter monitor (BIDM), even though resolution of the BIDM is lower than that of the EDDM. Through the on-line measurement of spin-line diameter performed at various positions along the spin-line using the BIDM, it was revealed that roughness developed with the increase of distance from the spinneret.
Black Youth Beyond the Digital Divide
Authors: Tynes Brendesha M. , Mitchell Kimberly J.
Published: May 2013

Using a nationally representative diverse sample of 10- to 17-year-old youth, this study explores Black youths’ Internet use, communication patterns, behavior, and victimization experiences via Internet and cell phone. Findings yielded a number of differences between Black and non-Black youth, with Black youth using the Internet with more intensity and being more likely to gain access via cell phone. Notable within-group differences emerged, including the increased rates of sexual victimization and being sent sexual images via text for girls. With age, participants tend to communicate with more people they met online. In addition, the adolescent developmental task of exploring sexuality becomes more pronounced in the 13 to 15 and 16 to 17 age groups.
Application Exercises Improve Transfer of Statistical Knowledge in Real-World Situations
Authors: Daniel Frances , Braasch Jason L. G.
Published: May 2013

The present research investigated whether real-world application exercises promoted students’ abilities to spontaneously transfer statistical knowledge and to recognize the use of statistics in real-world contexts. Over the course of a semester of psychological statistics, two classes completed multiple application exercises designed to mimic real-world contexts; three control classes did not complete the exercises. At the end of the semester, all classes completed questions to assess transfer of statistical knowledge and answered a question that addressed how statistics apply to their everyday lives. Results indicated that students who previously participated in the application exercise activities displayed a greater usage of statistical knowledge when answering far-transfer questions and mentioned real-world applications of statistics more often compared to control students. We discuss the implications of transfer-promoting interventions in equipping students with statistical knowledge that they can flexibly apply in more real-world situations.
Capital Budgeting in the States After the Great Recession
Authors: Ermasova Natalia
Published: May 2013

The Great Recession has placed fiscal pressure on the states’ ability to finance capital projects. This research focuses on state capital budgeting practices as an important set of practices especially after the Great Recession. This analysis is based on the author’s survey of forty states in 2011–2012. By focusing on a state government’s policies and capital budgeting practices, this analysis is an evaluation of tendencies in capital budgeting processes across all states during the recent period of economic decline. This study expands knowledge of capital budgeting for practicing planners, developers, budget analytics, debt managers, and policy makers in the areas of regional collaborations, capital planning, and capital budgeting.
Battlegrounds and Budgets
Authors: Franklin Daniel , Richey Sean , Yonk Ryan M.
Published: May 2013

Based on prior research on political business cycles, we investigate the manipulation of state budgets in battleground states. The state-based winner-take-all Electoral College system in the United States makes certain states extremely politicized during presidential elections. We hypothesize that budgets will target specific groups of swing voters in these battleground states. We test the impact of competitive state status in presidential elections on state budgets from 1982 to 2005 by creating a cross-sectional time-series regression model of state budget priorities from Jacoby and Schneider. While controlling for known determinants of budgets, we find strong support for our hypothesis.
Optimizing creativity
Authors: Sisk Dorothy A
Published: May 2013

Transforming education or business starts with transforming one’s mind, and that inner transformation starts with opening up to—indeed welcoming—the inevitable bursts of creativity available to everyone. Sidney J Parnes, one of the world’s leading experts on creative problem-solving (CPSI), innovation and creativity, said, “I dream a dream, a vision great…my world will appreciate” (Parnes, 2004). Parnes’s life is the theme for this issue of Gifted International: Creativity Through Life. He is a lifelong researcher, author, and world-class educator who has presented thousands of seminars and courses on creativity and CPS for leaders in business, education, and government on five continents. For over 50 years, Parnes has worked in the “living laboratory” of the Creative Problem-solving Institutes sponsored by the Creative Education Foundation (CEF), which was established in Buffalo, New York.
Thought and creation in contemporary education
Authors: Cupertino Christina , Arantes Denise RB , Melcher Mariangela F
Published: May 2013

This article discusses the role of creation and thought in contemporary life, education and, in particular, gifted education. Beginning with traditional approaches to creativity, some implications of diverse ways of understanding these two human activities in education are discussed, and reflections upon ways in which the particular concepts of educators could favor (or not) the thinking and creating patterns of students. Based on Marion Milner’s theory and highlights from the philosophy of Heidegger, ideas around activities offered to students enrolled in special programs for the gifted, which possibly foster thinking and creation for life are provided.
Simultaneous effects of coupling agent and flame retardant on empty fruit bunch fiber/polypropylene composites
Authors: Beg Mohammad Dalour Hossen , Samahani Siti , Mina Md Forhad , Yunus Rosli Mohammad
Published: May 2013

Oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers were treated in sodium hydroxide solution, and then composites were produced by 0–50 wt% untreated and treated empty fruit bunch fibers with polypropylene using a twin-screw extruder followed by an injection molding machine. To improve the interfacial adhesion in and flame retardancy of the composites, malic anhydride grafted polypropylene and magnesium hydroxide were also used in the formulation as a coupling agent and a flame retardant, respectively. Composites were characterized by tensile, flexural, impact and burning tests as well as by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses. Tensile strength and flexural modulus of treated empty fruit bunch fibers–composite with malic anhydride grafted polypropylene and flame retardant are observed to increase by 23 and 133% more than the corresponding composite without these additives. Addition of malic anhydride grafted polypropylene considerably improves the mechanical strengths and thermal stability of the treated empty fruit bunch fibers- and untreated empty fruit bunch fibers-based composites from their respective uncoupled composites. Inclusion of flame retardant decreases the burning rate of the composites by about 60%. All these findings are attributed to the improved fibers-matrix interfacial adhesion by incorporation of malic anhydride grafted polypropylene and flame retardant, as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Due to high burning resistance, the resulting composites can be proposed to apply in structural components and electrical appliances.
Experimental research on mechanical behaviors of GFRP bridge decks under alkaline solution
Authors: Xue WC , Fu K
Published: May 2013

Glass fiber-reinforced plastic composites are particularly attractive as bridge deck systems due to their high strength, low density, and excellent corrosion resistance, which are of importance to the bridge industry. According to ACI 440.3R–04, the tests consisting of 100 glass fiber-reinforced plastic bridge deck samples were conducted to evaluate the mechanical behaviors of glass fiber-reinforced plastic bridge decks (including tensile property and flexural property) in terms of temperature of the alkaline solution and time period. The parameters of temperature included 40℃ and 60℃, and the investigated corrosion time included 3.65 days, 18 days, 36.5 days and 92 days, respectively. The micro-formation of the glass fiber-reinforced plastic bridge deck samples surface were surveyed under scanning electron microscopy, which indicated that corrosion pits on the surface of glass fiber-reinforced plastic bridge decks became obvious and the interface between fibers and resins was severely damaged with the aging time and temperature increased. After being exposed to alkaline solution for 92 days at 40℃ and 60℃, the tensile strength of glass fiber-reinforced plastic bridge decks decreased by 35.43% and 40.58%, respectively, while the flexural strength decreased by 21.36% and 42.10%, respectively. In addition, the degradation model of tensile strength and flexural strength of glass fiber-reinforced plastic bridge deck under alkaline solution were proposed based on Arrhenius equation.
Adoptees’ Contact With Birth Relatives in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Farr Rachel H. , Grant-Marsney Holly A. , Musante Danila S. , Grotevant Harold D. , Wrobel Gretchen Miller
Published: May 2013

While openness in adoption has become more common in the United States, little research has examined contact between birth and adoptive families as adoptees become adults. Using quantitative and qualitative data from 167 emerging adult adoptees, factors characterizing contact (e.g., type, frequency, with whom), satisfaction with contact, and the influences of transitional events and significant relationships were explored. Among these variables, satisfaction with contact with birth parents in emerging adulthood was significantly associated with greater openness levels. Four qualitative case studies, representing increasing openness levels with increasing satisfaction, provided illustrations of variability in emerging adult adoptees’ experiences of contact with birth parents. Overall, with regard to openness in adoption, emerging adulthood represents a transitional period marked by substantial individual variation.
High-Fat and Ketogenic Diets in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Paganoni Sabrina , Wills Anne-Marie
Published: May 2013

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. Epidemiologic data suggest that malnutrition is a common feature in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and being overweight or obese confers a survival advantage in this patient population. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse models, a high-fat diet has been shown to lead to weight gain and prolonged survival. However, little research has been conducted to test whether nutritional interventions might ameliorate the disease course in humans. Here we review the currently available evidence supporting the potential role of dietary interventions as a therapeutic tool for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ultimately, determining whether a high-fat or ketogenic diet could be beneficial in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis will require large randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials.
Pallidal Stimulation in Children
Authors: Marks Warren , Bailey Laurie , Reed MaryAnn , Pomykal Angela , Mercer Mary , Macomber David , Acosta Fernando , Honeycutt John
Published: May 2013

The authors compared the outcomes of 17 children aged 7 to 15 years with DYT1 dystonia or cerebral palsy following deep brain stimulation. While patients with cerebral palsy presented with significantly greater motor disability than the DYT1 cohort at baseline, both groups demonstrated improvement at 1 year (cerebral palsy = 24%; DYT1 = 6%). The group as a whole demonstrated significant improvement on the Barry-Albright Dystonia Scale across time. Gains in motor function were apparent in both axial and appendicular distributions involving both upper and lower extremities. Gains achieved by 6 months were sustained in the cerebral palsy group, whereas the DYT1 group demonstrated continued improvement with ongoing pallidal stimulation beyond 18 months. Young patients with dystonia due to cerebral palsy responded comparably to patients with DYT1 dystonia. The severity of motor impairment in patients with cerebral palsy at baseline and follow-up raises the issue of even earlier intervention with neuromodulation in this population to limit long-term motor impairments due to dystonia.
Implications of Dietary Therapy Into the 21st Century
Authors: Thiele Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2013

The concept of dietary therapy for epilepsy has played an important role in the approach to the treatment of seizures for centuries—particularly with the development and utilization of the classic ketogenic diet over the past 90 years. Recently, there has been developing interest in the utilization of diet in other medical disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injury, degenerative neurologic disorders, and cancer. As the utilization of dietary therapy expands, there are several issues that need to be addressed and better characterized to better understand the role of diet in the treatment of epilepsy and other disease.
Pursuit of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments in Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Majnemer Annette , Shikako-Thomas Keiko , Shevell Michael I. , Poulin Chantal , Lach Lucy , Schmitz Norbert , Law Mary ,   Group the QUALA
Published: May 2013

This study determined the extent to which parents of adolescents with cerebral palsy seek out complementary and alternative medicine services. A regional sample of 166 adolescents (15.5 ± 2.4 years) with cerebral palsy were recruited. Parents completed a questionnaire identifying the complementary and alternative medicine services received over the past year. Most (73.2%) did not currently utilize any of the listed services; 7.3% used 2 or more services. The most commonly used services were massage (15.4%), hyperbaric oxygen (9.6%), and osteopathy (5.7%). Youth with limited hand function were more likely ( P = .01) to undergo hyperbaric oxygen. Massage therapy services were more frequent in youth with greater activity limitations ( P < .005). Sociodemographic factors were not predictive of use. Approximately one quarter of families sought out these services for their adolescents with cerebral palsy. Many are expensive privately funded treatments. Physicians should openly discuss these options with families, highlighting the current state of knowledge on their efficacy.
Influence of leakage flow variation on delivery pressure ripple in a vane pump
Authors: Inaguma Yoshiharu , Nakamura Keiichi
Published: May 2013

This article describes the theoretical analysis and experimental verification of the influence of variations of leakage flow as well as ideal flow on delivery pressure ripple in a balanced vane pump. The analytical model for simulating the delivery pressure ripple of the pump is simplified. It is composed of only the ripple of the ideal flow based on the theoretical pump displacement determined from geometrical pump dimensions, the leakage flow variation dependent on the pump dimensions including clearances and pump-operating conditions, an oil chamber volume in the pump and the impedance of a hydraulic circuit with a throttle valve set close to a pump outlet. The purpose of this study is to predict the pump delivery pressure ripple at the design stage of the vane pump. This article reveals that the delivery pressure ripple can be theoretically predicted through the calculations of the leakage flow as well as the ideal flow. The waveform of the delivery pressure ripple calculated agrees well with the measured one. The leakage flow variation significantly affects the delivery pressure ripple and it can be also calculated accurately from the pump dimensions including the clearances and pump-operating conditions. In addition, the components of the leakage flow are clarified and their effects on the delivery pressure ripple are investigated.
Design and analysis of a pneumatic muscle driven parallel mechanism for imitating human pelvis
Authors: Zhao Xingwei , Zi Bin
Published: May 2013

Dynamic modeling and mechanics analysis of a novel pneumatic muscle driven parallel mechanism for imitating human pelvis (PMPMHP) is investigated. The PMPMHP has some advantages for both parallel structure and pneumatic muscle actuator. To begin with, the kinematic model of the PMPMHP is introduced and the dimensions of the PMPMHP are optimized by using genetic algorithm. Then, the dynamic model is developed on the basis of Newton–Euler method and ideal gas law. After that the workspace, singularity and stiffness of the PMPMHP are analyzed. At the end, simulation results indicate the feasible operation performances of the PMPMHP. This mechanism can be further utilized either for rehabilitation therapy of human pelvises or for humanoid robot design of the pelvis part.
Dynamic modeling of flexible multibody system using a meshing method
Authors: Yu Hua-Nan , Zhao Jing-Shan , Chu Fu-Lei
Published: May 2013

Multi-rigid-body system dynamics can be used to investigate the dynamics of a mechanical system of rigid bodies while the finite element method is often utilized to model the quasi-static elastic deformations of an elastic structure. However, neither of these two methods can resolve the real dynamics of a mechanical system when both rigid displacements and elastic deformations coexist. Therefore, this article proposes a meshing method to simulate the mechanical system with uniform mass point movements. To split the specified solid structure into a set of regularly distributed dynamic units, one can assume that the mass density of the structure is evenly distributed within the whole concrete volume and the elasticity and damping of the material are isotropic. Then the whole solid structure of each component can be divided into a number of tetrahedrons the vertexes of which are the points with the mass parameters. The original distances between every pair of adjacent points are supposed to be identical, and the stiffness and the damping coefficients are introduced to formulate the internal and external dynamics of the adjacent mass points. To illustrate the correction and effectiveness of the method, the dynamics problems of a number of regular elastic bodies are investigated with large rigid displacements accompanying elastic deformations. Computer simulations demonstrate that this method is especially useful for real mechanical systems where the rigid displacements and elastic deformations coexist.
Material removal monitoring in precision cylindrical plunge grinding using acoustic emission signal
Authors: Jiang Chen , Li Haolin , Mai Yunfei , Guo Debao
Published: May 2013

A mathematical model of the acoustic emission signal during a grinding cycle is proposed for the monitoring of material removal in precision cylindrical grinding. Acoustic emission signals generated during precision grinding are sensitive to forces in grinding and present opportunities in accurate and reliable process monitoring. The proposed model is developed on the basis of a traditional grinding force model. Using the developed model, a series of experiments were performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the acoustic emission-sensing approach in estimating the time constant and material removal in grinding. Results indicate that acoustic emission measurements can be used in the prediction of material removal in precision grinding with excellent sensitivity.
Real-time yaw rate prediction based on a non-linear model and feedback compensation for vehicle dynamics control
Authors: Zhu Hongjun , Li Liang , Jin Maojing , Li Hongzhi , Song Jian
Published: May 2013

The yaw rate is a key state for vehicle dynamics stability control. However, the time delay from the steering input to the yaw rate measured by the yaw rate sensor changes with the frequency of the steering input and can also be affected by the road friction and the vehicle speed. In order to reduce the time delay effect on the vehicle dynamics stability controller, a new comprehensive yaw rate prediction method is proposed. A seven-degree-of-freedom non-linear vehicle model is adopted as the prediction model. A quadratic polynomial extrapolation method is used to compute the future steering-wheel input in the prediction horizon. A model-based yaw rate prediction algorithm is combined with a feedback compensator to guarantee the robustness of the algorithm. Meanwhile, a linear extrapolation method is utilized to minimize the defects of model-based prediction since the simplified vehicle model cannot fully model the hysteresis or other non-linearities of the vehicle systems. Experimental tests on the vehicle show that the combined algorithm is able to predict the yaw rate about 100 ms earlier than the sensor measurement is. Simulations show that the vehicle stability control strategy based on the proposed comprehensive prediction method has a better performance than the traditional control strategy does.
Research on gear-change control technology for the clutchless automatic–manual transmission of an electric vehicle
Authors: Yu Chih-Hsien , Tseng Chyuan-Yow
Published: May 2013

A lightweight electric vehicle equipped with an automatic–manual transmission offers many advantages in terms of the transmission efficiency, the improvement in driveability, and the shift quality. A conventional automatic–manual transmission for a vehicle powered by an internal-combustion engine requires an electronically controlled clutch to isolate and engage the engine power for smooth gear changes, because of the high inertia of the internal-combustion engine. This makes the system complicated and, therefore, more expensive. Hence, a clutchless automatic–manual transmission with the advantages of a high efficiency, a low cost and a simple structure was adopted and developed in this paper. This study is focused on exploring the feasibility of a clutchless automatic–manual transmission adopted in an electric vehicle and proposes a gear-change control technique for a clutchless automatic–manual transmission, which includes identification of the model parameters, control of the synchronization speed during gear engagement, and motion control of the gear-change actuator mechanism. Theoretical analysis, simulation and experiment confirm that the designed control technique is able to achieve smooth gear shifting. Therefore, the feasibility of a clutchless automatic–manual transmission is verified.
Incidence of Tobacco Use Among Adults (15-64 Years) in Rural Kerala
Authors: Sathish Thirunavukkarasu , Kannan Srinivasan , Sarma P. Sankara , Thankappan Kavumpurathu Raman
Published: May 2013

We analyzed data from a cohort study in rural Kerala, India, to study the incidence of current smoking and current smokeless tobacco use. At baseline, of 452 individuals aged 15 to 64 years, 385 were current nonsmokers and 402 were current nonusers of smokeless tobacco. Over a mean follow-up of 7.1 ± 0.2 years, 5.5% became current smokers and 9.0% became current smokeless tobacco users. Among men, 21.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.1-36.4) of younger individuals (15-24 years) became current smokers and 22.2% (CI = 10.6-40.8) of older individuals (55-64 years) became current smokeless tobacco users. No women smoked both at baseline and at follow-up, but 9.7% (CI = 3.4-24.9) of older women (55-64 years) became current smokeless tobacco users. These findings call for effective implementation of India’s Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids From Fish, Other Nutrient Intake, and Lifestyle Factors
Authors: Chung Hai V. , Iversen Cara S. , Lai Morris , Saka Susan , Anwar Md Mahabub-ul , Nigg Claudio R.
Published: May 2013

The omega-3 fatty acids found mostly in seafood are essential nutrients that may help prevent or control a number of diseases; however, the evidence for this is not conclusive. The positive effects may be because of other dietary and lifestyle factors. Therefore, we investigated the association between fish intake and other nutrition indicators and lifestyle and demographic factors among children. The study employed grade-4 student data of the 2000-2004 Hawaii Nutrition Education Needs Assessment Survey. In a sample 666 children (mean age = 9.57 ± 0.06 years, 55.6% female, 62.4% Asian/Pacific Islander), analysis indicated that fish consumption is positively associated with healthy lifestyle indicators, such as physical activity and a healthy body mass index. Fish consumption is also positively associated with protein and kilocalories intake but not with fruits and vegetables consumption. Findings suggest that the positive health behaviors linked to fish consumption may lie more in physical activity than in diet behaviors. Given that fish consumption is important for children, interventions promoting fish consumption in a balanced diet with fruit and vegetable, as well as other positive lifestyle behaviors are warranted.
Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Temporary Settlement Residents 1 Year After the Sichuan Earthquake
Authors: Cheng Zhang , Ma Ning , Yang Lei , Agho Kingsley , Stevens Garry , Raphael Beverley , Cui Lijun , Liu Yongqiao , Yan Baoping , Ma Hong , Yu Xin
Published: May 2013

The authors sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors for major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among survivors living in temporary accommodation in the Yongxing settlement in Mianyang city 1 year after the Sichuan earthquake for further interventions. They interviewed 182 residents, using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders and a self-report questionnaire. The 12-month prevalence of depressive disorder and PTSD were 48.9% and 39.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that bereaved survivors were 5.51 times (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] =2.14-14.22) more likely to report PTSD and 2.42 times (AOR = 2.42; 95%CI =1.00-5.48) more likely to report depressive disorder than nonbereaved survivors. Older age and receipt of government financial support were significantly associated with 12-month PTSD. Depressive disorder 12 months after the earthquake was associated with receipt of government financial support, pre-earthquake physical illness, single marital status, being currently employed, and Han ethnicity
A Community-Based Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of “Directly Observed Home-Based Daily Iron Therapy” in Lowering Prevalence of Anemia in Rural Women and Adolescent Girls
Authors: Bharti Sahul , Bharti Bhavneet , Naseem Shano , Attri Savita Verma
Published: May 2013

In a community-based cluster randomized controlled trial, we randomly assigned clusters of anemic women and adolescent girls to either “directly observed home-based daily iron therapy” (DOHBIT; n = 524 in 16 villages) or unsupervised self-treatment at home (n = 535 in 16 villages) for a period of 90 days. Those in the DOHBIT group, when compared with those in the unsupervised self-treatment group, had significantly lower relative risk (RR) of anemia (16.8% vs 35.3%, RR = 0.47 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33-0.65]; P < .0001), higher hemoglobin (Hb) rise of ≥2 g/dL (70.2% vs 42.2%, RR = 1.56 [95% CI = 1.31-1.87]; P <.0001), and nonsignificant trend for lower side effects (3.5% vs 6.7%, RR = 0.49 [95% CI = 0.22-1.08; P < .08) on intention-to-treat analyses. On linear mixed model analysis, the subjects in the intervention group demonstrated higher mean Hb levels (13.01 vs 12.32 g/dL; P < .0001) and higher adherence to iron therapy (93% vs 60%; P < .0001). DOHBIT is effective in lowering the prevalence of anemia in rural women and adolescent girls.
Poverty Does Not Limit Tobacco Consumption in Cambodia
Authors: Singh Pramil N. , Washburn Dawn , Yel Daravuth , Kheam They , Job Jayakaran S.
Published: May 2013

Current data indicate that under conditions of poverty, tobacco is consumed at the expense of basic needs. In a large national sample from Cambodia, we sought to determine whether tobacco consumption declines under extreme conditions of no income and malnutrition. Our major findings are as follows: (1) Among men, there was no significant difference in the number of cigarettes smoked for no income (425, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 395-456) versus >US$2 per day (442, 95% CI = 407-477); (2) among women, there was no significant difference in the amount of loose tobacco (ie, betel quid) consumed for no income (539 g, 95% CI = 441-637) versus >US$2 per day (558 g, 95% CI = 143-973); (3) for the contrast of no income + malnutrition versus >US$2 per day + no malnutrition in a linear model, there was no significant difference for men who smoked (462 vs 517 cigarettes/month, P = .82) or women who chewed (316 vs 404 g tobacco/month, P = .34), adjusting for confounders. Among the poorest and malnourished Cambodian adults, lack of resources did not appear to prevent them from obtaining smoked or smokeless tobacco.
Effect of Life Skills Training on Dietary Behavior of School Adolescents in Delhi
Authors: Anand Tanu , Ingle G. K. , Meena Gajendra Singh , Kishore Jugal , Yadav Sangita
Published: May 2013

Skill-based education has been shown to reduce high-risk behavior among adolescents, but in India, life skills have often been looked at only from the reproductive health perspective. Therefore, the current study was undertaken to assess the effect of life skills training on dietary behavior of adolescents studying in grades 9 and 11 of 2 schools in Delhi. This was a nonrandomized interventional study with a control group. A self-administered questionnaire was used for assessment of dietary behavior at baseline, 15 days, and 3 months after the life skills training. Two life skills training sessions were imparted to the intervention group, focusing on the use of life skills in making healthy choices. Participants in the intervention group (n = 180) showed significant improvement in knowledge ( P < .001), attitude ( P = .007), and practices ( P < .001) following the life skills training. To conclude, a skills-based approach does help improve the dietary behavior in adolescents.
Investigation of Residents’ Health Literacy Status and Its Risk Factors in Jiangsu Province of China
Authors: Wang Xiangsu , Guo Haijian , Wang Liang , Li Xiaoning , Huang Minghao , Liu Zhihao , Liu Xuefeng , Wang Kesheng , Alamian Arsham , Anderson James L.
Published: May 2013

Health literacy has become an important public health concern. Multistage cluster random sampling was used to select 12 450 individuals. Using the 2009 Chinese Health Literacy questionnaire, participants were divided into groups with poor or not poor health literacy status. The knowledge rates for 6 areas of health literacy were determined with the following results: science concept of health (60.0%), literacy for preventing acute infectious disease (66.8%), literacy for preventing noncommunicable chronic disease (51.9%), safety and first aid (66.8%), obtaining and making use of basic medical care (55.3%), and comprehensive health literacy (52.5%). Multiple logistic regression showed that living in a rural area, fewer individuals in a household, younger age, low education, agricultural or rural migrant occupation workers, and low family income were associated with a poor health literacy status. Our results support the use of health education and promotion interventions to improve health literacy in this high-risk population in China.
Patterns of Maternal Tobacco Use Among Cambodian Women
Authors: Singh Pramil N. , Kheam They , Lopez Jaime , Job Jayakaran S. , Yel Daravuth
Published: May 2013

Although current trends indicate that the rate of cigarette smoking tends to be low among women in the Western Pacific Region (<10%), recent epidemiologic data from South Asia (India, Bangladesh) and Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia) identify that a large proportion of women of reproductive age and older chew tobacco—often as part of a betel quid mixture that includes other potentially harmful ingredients (eg, areca nut). Our findings from currently pregnant women identified during a nationwide survey of adult tobacco use in Cambodia indicate that 13.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8% to 17%) were current users of smoked or smokeless (in the form of a betel quid) tobacco. Most pregnant women who used tobacco indicated that their habit was either initiated (29.1%; 95% CI = 16.3-46.3) or increased (33.7%; 95% CI = 18.3-53.5) during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related symptoms such as morning sickness were reported as the reason for more than half (54.9%; 95% CI = 34.8-73.4) of the currently pregnant users to have started a tobacco habit during their lifetime. Among those pregnant women who did not use tobacco, we found strong associations (odds ratios from 2 to 14) with beliefs about the harmful effects of tobacco on adult health, faith-based beliefs in addictive substances, and beliefs that influential members of the community, health professionals, and children should not use tobacco. Our findings indicate that tobacco cessation and prevention programs in Cambodia should specifically target pregnant and reproductive-age women.
Risk Factors of Future Smoking Among Thai Youth
Authors: Lee Gyeongsil , Lee Joann , Lee Sungkyu
Published: May 2013

The study aimed to identify the risk factors for future smoking among Thai youth aged 13 to 15 years (seventh to ninth grade). Data from the nationally representative 2005 Thai Global Youth Tobacco Survey (n = 15 774) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Among nonsmoking Thai youth, boys were much more likely to have intention of future smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.37-0.84). Younger youth were more likely to be cigarette smokers in the future (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.56-0.88). Youth having the intention of smoking from a friend’s cigarette offer were 5.29 times more likely to have intention of future smoking, compared with those who did not (95% CI = 3.75-7.46). Understanding and targeting youth at higher risk for future smoking can provide for a lowering of the youth smoking rate in Thailand and contribute to the country’s continued efforts in effective youth tobacco control.
An efficient hybrid plate model for accurate analysis of smart composite laminates
Authors: Khandelwal Ravi P , Chakrabarti Anupam , Bhargava Pradeep
Published: May 2013

An efficient C0 continuous two-dimensional finite element model for the accurate analysis of laminated composite plates embedded and/or surface bonded with piezoelectric layers and subjected to mechanical loading and/or electrical potential has been presented in this article. The problem of smart laminates involves the coupling between mechanical and electrical fields. The mechanical/structural component is modeled by an efficient equivalent single-layer plate theory, which ensures interlaminar shear stress continuity and zero transverse shear stress conditions at the top and bottom of the plate surfaces. Moreover, this theory contains unknowns at the reference plane (i.e. the mid-plane) only. The electrical field is modeled using layer-wise theory, which contains the unknowns at each layer interfaces. In order to calculate the accurate through-the-thickness transverse shear stress variations, a simple approach based on least square error method is applied to the three-dimensional equilibrium equations of the plate problem at the postprocessing stage, after in-plane stresses are calculated using the finite element model based on the above-mentioned refined plate theory and layer-wise theory. The proposed combine model, which may be called as a refined hybrid plate model, is implemented to analyze the coupled problem of piezoelectricity in laminated composites and sandwich plate bending.