bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System in Two Sites in Kuwait
Authors: Hajiah Ali , Khatib Tamer , Sopian K. , Sebzali M.
Published: November 2012

This paper presents an assessment of the electricity generated by photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected systems in Kuwait. Three years of meteorological data are provided for two main sites in Kuwait, namely, Al-Wafra and Mutla. These data and a PV grid-connected system mathematical model are used to assist a 100 kWp grid-connected PV system proposed for both sites. The proposed systems show high energy productivity whereas the annual capacity factors for Mutla and Al-Wafra are 22.25% and 21.6%, respectively. Meanwhile the annual yield factors for Mutla and Al-Wafra are 1861 kWh/kWp/year and 1922.7 kWh/kWp/year, respectively. On the other hand the cost of the energy generated by both systems is about 0.1 USD/kWh which is very close to the price of the energy sold by the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW). Furthermore the invested money is recovered during the assumed life cycle time whereas the payback period for both sites is about 15 years. This work contains worthwhile technical information for those who are interested in PV technology investment in Kuwait.
Hypothesis Testing in a Fractional Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Model
Authors: Moers Michael
Published: November 2012

Consider an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process driven by a fractional Brownian motion. It is an interesting problem to find criteria for whether the process is stable or has a unit root, given a finite sample of observations. Recently, various asymptotic distributions for estimators of the drift parameter have been developed. We illustrate through computer simulations and through a Stein's bound that these asymptotic distributions are inadequate approximations of the finite-sample distribution for moderate values of the drift and the sample size. We propose a new model to obtain asymptotic distributions near zero and compute the limiting distribution. We show applications to regression analysis and obtain hypothesis tests and their asymptotic power.
Role of Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor and Ligand Matching in Donor Selection
Authors: Beksaç Meral , Dalva Klara
Published: November 2012

Despite all efforts to improve HLA typing and immunosuppression, it is still impossible to prevent severe graft versus host disease (GVHD) which can be fatal. GVHD is not always associated with graft versus malignancy and can prevent stem cell transplantation from reaching its goals. Overall T-cell alloreactivity is not the sole mechanism modulating the immune defense. Innate immune system has its own antigens, ligands, and mediators. The bridge between HLA and natural killer (NK) cell-mediated reactions is becoming better understood in the context of stem cell transplantation. Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) constitute a wide range of alleles/antigens segregated independently from the HLA alleles and classified into two major haplotypes which imprints the person's ability to suppress or to amplify T-cell alloreactivity. This paper will summarize the impact of both activating and inhibitory KIRs and their ligands on stem cell transplantation outcome. The ultimate goal is to develop algorithms based on KIR profiles to select donors with maximum antileukemic and minimum antihost effects.
Using Self-Guided Treatment Software (ePST) to Teach Clinicians How to Deliver Problem-Solving Treatment for Depression
Authors: Cartreine James A. , Chang Trina E. , Seville Janette L. , Sandoval Luis , Moore John B. , Xu Shuai , Hegel Mark T.
Published: November 2012

Problem-solving treatment (PST) offers a promising approach to the depression care; however, few PST training opportunities exist. A computer-guided, interactive media program has been developed to deliver PST electronically (ePST), directly to patients. The program is a six-session, weekly intervention modeled on an evidence-based PST protocol. Users are guided through each session by a clinician who is presented via hundreds of branching audio and video clips. Because expert clinician behaviors are modeled in the program, not only does theePSTprogram have the potential to deliver PST to patients but it may also serve as a training tool to teach clinicians how to deliver PST. Thirteen social workers and trainees usedePSTself-instructionally and subsequently attended a day-long workshop on PST. Participants’ PST knowledge level increased significantly from baseline to post-ePST(P=.001) and did not increase significantly further after attending the subsequent workshop. Additionally, attending the workshop did not significantly increase the participants' skill at performing PST beyond the use of theePSTprogram. Using theePSTprogram appears to train novices to a sufficient level of competence to begin practicing PST under supervision. This self-instructional training method could enable PST for depression to be widely disseminated, although follow-up supervision is still required.
Application of Collagen-Model Triple-Helical Peptide-Amphiphiles for CD44-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Ndinguri Margaret W. , Zheleznyak Alexander , Lauer Janelle L. , Anderson Carolyn J. , Fields Gregg B.
Published: November 2012

Cancer treatment by chemotherapy is typically accompanied by deleterious side effects, attributed to the toxic action of chemotherapeutics on proliferating cells from nontumor tissues. The cell surface proteoglycan CD44 has been recognized as a cancer stem cell marker. The present study has examined CD44 targeting as a way to selectively deliver therapeutic agents encapsulated inside colloidal delivery systems. CD44/chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan binds to a triple-helical sequence derived from type IV collagen,α1(IV)1263–1277. We have assembled a peptide-amphiphile (PA) in whichα1(IV)1263–1277 was sandwiched between 4 repeats of Gly-Pro-4-hydroxyproline and conjugated to palmitic acid. The PA was incorporated into liposomes composed of DSPG, DSPC, cholesterol, and DSPE-PEG-2000 (1 : 4 : 5 : 0.5). Doxorubicin-(DOX-)loaded liposomes with and without 10% α1(IV)1263–1277 PA were found to exhibit similar stability profiles. Incubation of DOX-loaded targeted liposomes with metastatic melanoma M14#5 and M15#11 cells and BJ fibroblasts resulted in IC50values of 9.8, 9.3, and >100 μM, respectively. Nontargeted liposomes were considerably less efficacious for M14#5 cells. In the CD44+B16F10 mouse melanoma model, CD44-targeted liposomes reduced the tumor size to 60% of that of the untreated control, whereas nontargeted liposomes were ineffective. These results suggest that PA targeted liposomes may represent a new class of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems.
Development of a Novel Solid-State Sensor Electrode Based on Titanium Thin Film as an Indicator Electrode in Potentiometric and Conductometric Acid-Base Titration in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Abu Ghalwa Nasser
Published: November 2012

A modified Ti/(SnO2+ Sb2O3) electrode was prepared by thermal deposition on titanium substrate and its use as indicator electrode to potentiometric and conductometric acid-base titration in aqueous solution at 298 K was developed. The E-pH curve is linear with slope of 0.0512 V/dec at 298 K. The standard potential of this electrode,E0, was determined with respect to the SCE as reference electrode. The recovery percentages for potentiometric and conductometric acid-base titration for acetic acid against NaOH were calculated. The cell constant, specific conductance, and the molar conductance with dilution for some common electrolytes were measured.
On a New Method for Computing the Numerical Solution of Systems of Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Montazeri H. , Soleymani F. , Shateyi S. , Motsa S. S.
Published: November 2012

We consider a system of nonlinear equations F(x) = 0. A new iterative method for solving this problem numerically is suggested. The analytical discussions of the method are provided to reveal its sixth order of convergence. A discussion on the efficiency index of the contribution with comparison to the other iterative methods is also given. Finally, numerical tests illustrate the theoretical aspects using the programming package Mathematica.
Random N‐Policy Geo/G/1 Queue with Startup and Closedown Times
Authors: Wang Tsung-Yin
Published: November 2012

This study investigates a random N‐policy Geo/G/1 queue with startup and closedown times. N is newly determined every time a new cycle begins. When random N customers are accumulated, the server is immediately turned on but is temporarily unavailable to the waiting customers. It needs a startup time before starting providing service. After all customers in the system are served exhaustively, the server is shut down by a closedown time. Using the generating function and supplementary variable technique, analytic solutions of system size, lengths of state periods, and sojourn time are derived.
Neural Stem Cells in the Diabetic Brain
Authors: Bachor Tomás P. , Suburo Angela M.
Published: November 2012

Experimental diabetes in rodents rapidly affects the neurogenic niches of the adult brain. Moreover, behavioral disorders suggest that a similar dysfunction of the neurogenic niches most likely affects diabetic and prediabetic patients. Here, we review our present knowledge about adult neural stem cells, the methods used for their study in diabetic models, and the effects of experimental diabetes. Variations in diet and even a short hyperglycemia profoundly change the structure and the proliferative dynamics of the neurogenic niches. Moreover, alterations of diabetic neurogenic niches appear to be associated with diabetic cognitive disorders. Available evidence supports the hypothesis that, in the adult, early changes of the neurogenic niches might enhance development of the diabetic disease.
Phase Behavior of Pseudo-Ternary Gemini Surfactant + 1-Hexanol/Oil/Water Systems
Authors: Rozaini Mohd Zul Helmi
Published: November 2012

Temperature dependent phase behavior of pseudo-ternary Gemini surfactant + 1-hexanol (1 : 5 molar ratios)/oil/water systems is reported from 0°C to 65°C. The influence of nature of hydrocarbon oil and type of electrolytes (weak as well as strong) has been investigated on the temperature induced phase behavior of the ternary system. At surfactant concentration,Φs=40%, a “nose-shaped” microemulsion region is observed. Below one-phase microemulsion region,Lαphase appears. The presence of NaCl decreases the domain size of1Φmicellar region whereas oxalic acid first decreases the domain belowΦw<18and then increases aboveΦw>18in the lower boundary of the phase diagram. The critical weight fraction of waterΦwcridecreases in presence of both electrolytes. However,Φwmaxincreases in presence of oxalic acid and remains constant in presence of NaCl as compared to salt-free system. Furthermore, when cyclohexane was replaced by a longer straight chain hydrocarbon, dodecane, the domain of the one-phase microemulsion region is tremendously increased.
Cardiac Responses during Picture Viewing in Young Male Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Hempel Roelie J. , Thayer Julian F. , Röder Christian H. , van Steenis Hugo G. , van Beveren Nico J. M. , Tulen Joke H. M.
Published: November 2012

Previous research investigating the emotion recognition ability in patients with schizophrenia has mainly focused on the recognition of facial expressions. To broaden our understanding of emotional processes in patients with schizophrenia, this study aimed to investigate whether these patients experience and process other emotionally evocative stimuli differently from healthy participants. To investigate this, we measured the cardiac and subjective responses of 33 male patients (9 with and 24 without antipsychotic medication) and 40 male control subjects to emotion-eliciting pictures. Cardiac responses were chosen as an outcome measure because previous research has indicated that these are linked with attentional and emotional processes and provide a more objective measure than self-report measures alone. The differences in cardiac responses between patients and controls were limited to medicated patients: only the medicated patients showed significantly decreased cardiac orienting responses compared with control subjects, regardless of picture contents. These results indicate that medicated patients directed less attention towards emotion-eliciting pictures than controls. Decreased attentional resources while processing emotional evocative stimuli could lead to incorrect appraisals of the environment and may have detrimental emotional and social consequences, contributing to chronic stress levels and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
Effective Stochastic Modeling of Energy-Constrained Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Shareef Ali , Zhu Yifeng
Published: November 2012

Energy consumption of energy-constrained nodes in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is a fatal weakness of these networks. Since these nodes usually operate on batteries, the maximum utility of the network is dependent upon the optimal energy usage of these nodes. However, new emerging optimal energy consumption algorithms, protocols, and system designs require an evaluation platform. This necessitates modeling techniques that can quickly and accurately evaluate their behavior and identify strengths and weakness. We propose Petri nets as this ideal platform. We demonstrate Petri net models of wireless sensor nodes that incorporate the complex interactions between the processing and communication components of an WSN. These models include the use of both an open and closed workload generators. Experimental results and analysis show that the use of Petri nets is more accurate than the use of Markov models and programmed simulations. Furthermore, Petri net models are extremely easier to construct and test than either. This paper demonstrates that Petri net models provide an effective platform for studying emerging energy-saving strategies in WSNs.
The Nexus between Bovine Tuberculosis and Fasciolosis Infections in Cattle of the Kafue Basin Ecosystem in Zambia: Implications on Abattoir Surveillance
Authors: Munyeme Musso , Munang’andu Hetron Mweemba , Nambota Andrew , Muma John Bwalya , Phiri Andrew Malata , Nalubamba King Shimumbo
Published: November 2012

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) and fasciolosis are important but neglected diseases that result in chronic infections in cattle. However, in Zambia, these diseases are mainly diagnosed at abattoirs during routine meat inspection. Albeit the coinfection status, these diseases have been reported as nothing more than normal separate findings without an explanatory phenomena. Forthwith, we formulated this study to assess the possible association of the two diseases in a known high prevalence area on the Kafue basin ecosystem. Of the 1,680 animals screened, 600 (35.7%; 95% CI 33.4%–38%) and 124 (7.4%; 95% CI 6.1%–8.6%) had fasciolosis and tuberculous lesions; respectively, whilst 72 had both fasciola and tuberculous lesions representing 12% (95% CI 9.4%–14.6%) and 58.1% (95% CI; 49.3%–66.7%) of the total positives for fasciola and tuberculosis, respectively. Jaundice was seen in 304 animals, 18.1% (95% CI; 16.3%–19.9%) and was significantly correlated to fasciolosis (r=0.59,P<0.0001). A significant association (χ2=76.2,df=1, andP<0.0001) was found between fasciolosis and tuberculous lesions. Simple logistic regression intimated fasciolosis as a strong predictor for tuberculous lesions with animals that had fasciola being five times more likely to have tuberculous lesions (odds ratio = 4.8, 95% CI: 3.3–7.0). This study indicates that transmission and spatial risk factors of communicable and noncommunicable diseases such as bTB and fasciolosis can be correlated in an ecosystem such as the Kafue flats.
Rings in the Extreme: PCNA Interactions and Adaptations in the Archaea
Authors: Winter Jody A. , Bunting Karen A.
Published: November 2012

Biochemical and structural analysis of archaeal proteins has enabled us to gain great insight into many eukaryotic processes, simultaneously offering fascinating glimpses into the adaptation and evolution of proteins at the extremes of life. The archaeal PCNAs, central to DNA replication and repair, are no exception. Characterisation of the proteins alone, and in complex with both peptides and protein binding partners, has demonstrated the diversity and subtlety in the regulatory role of these sliding clamps. Equally, studies have provided valuable detailed insight into the adaptation of protein interactions and mechanisms that are necessary for life in extreme environments.
MIG-7 Controls COX-2/PGE2-Mediated Lung Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Ho Ming-Yi , Liang Shu-Mei , Hung Shao-Wen , Liang Chi-Ming
Published: November 2012

More effective treatments for metastatic lung cancer remain a pressing clinical need. In this study, we identified migration inducting gene-7 (MIG-7) protein as critical for COX-2/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)- and Akt/GSK-3β-dependent tumor invasion/metastasis. COX-2/PGE2 activated EP4 to enhance Akt and GSK-3β phosphorylation and β-catenin/T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor signaling leading to MIG-7 upregulation. RNAi-mediated attenuation of MIG-7 blocked COX-2/PGE2- and Akt/GSK-3β-mediated migration/invasion effects. Furthermore, MIG-7 protein inhibited protein phosphatase 2A to sustain Akt/GSK-3β phosphorylation and cancer-cell migration/invasion. Cancer cells overexpressing MIG-7 exhibited increased expression of ZEB-1 and Twist in parallel with epithelial–mesenchymal transition, metastasis and cancer lethality. MIG-7 protein level positively correlated with advanced stages of human lung cancers. MIG-7 thus offers a theranostic target for cancer metastases arising from aberrant activation of the cellular COX-2/PGE2 and Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathways. Cancer Res; 73(1); 439–49. ©2012 AACR.
Why Does Primary Angioplasty Not Work in Registries? Quantifying the Susceptibility of Real-World Comparative Effectiveness Data to Allocation Bias
Authors: Sen Sayan , Davies Justin E. , Malik Iqbal S. , Foale Rodney A. , Mikhail Ghada W. , Hadjiloizou Nearchos , Hughes Alun , Mayet Jamil , Francis Darrel P.
Published: November 2012

Background—

Meta-analysis of registries (comparative effectiveness research) shows that primary angioplasty and fibrinolysis have equivalent real-world survival. Yet, randomized, controlled trials consistently find primary angioplasty superior. Can unequal allocation of higher-risk patients in registries have masked primary angioplasty benefit?

Methods and Results—

First, we constructed a model to demonstrate the potential effect of allocation bias. We then analyzed published registries (55022 patients) for allocation of higher-risk patients (Killip class ≥1) to determine whether the choice of reperfusion therapy was affected by the risk level of the patient. Meta-regression was used to examine the relationship between differences in allocation of high-risk patient to primary angioplasty or fibrinolysis and mortality. Initial modeling suggested that registry outcomes are sensitive to allocation bias of high-risk patients. Across the registries, the therapy receiving excess high-risk patients had worse mortality. Unequal distribution of high-risk status accounted for most of the between-registry variance (adjusted
R
2
meta
=83.1%). Accounting for differential allocation of higher-risk patients, primary angioplasty gave 22% lower mortality (odds ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.64–0.97;
P
=0.029). We derive a formula, called the number needed to abolish, highlighting situations in which comparative effectiveness studies are particularly vulnerable to this bias.

Conclusions—

In ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, clinicians’ preference for management of a few high-risk patients can shift mortality substantially. Comparative effectiveness research in any disease is vulnerable to this, especially diseases with an immediately identifiable high-risk subgroup that clinicians prefer to allocate to 1 therapy. For this reason, preliminary indications from registry-based comparative effectiveness research should be definitively tested by randomized, controlled trials.
Statement Regarding the Pre and Post Market Assessment of Durable, Implantable Ventricular Assist Devices in the United States: Executive Summary
Authors: Acker Michael A. , Pagani Francis D. , Stough Wendy Gattis , Mann Douglas L. , Jessup Mariell , Kormos Robert , Slaughter Mark S. , Baldwin Timothy , Stevenson Lynne , Aaronson Keith D. , Miller Leslie , Naftel David , Yancy Clyde , Rogers Joseph , Teuteberg Jeffrey , Starling Randall C. , Griffith Bartley , Boyce Steven , Westaby Stephen , Blume Elizabeth , Wearden Peter , Higgins Robert , Mack Michael
Published: November 2012

The incorporation of complex medical device technologies into clinical practice is governed by critical oversight of the US Food and Drug Administration. This regulatory process requires a judicious balance between assuring safety and efficacy, while providing efficient review to facilitate access to innovative therapies. Recent contrasting views of the regulatory process have emphasized the difficulties in obtaining an optimal balance. Mechanical circulatory support has evolved to become an important therapy for patients with advanced heart failure with the advent of more durable, implantable ventricular assist devices. The regulatory oversight of these new technologies has been difficult owing to the complexities of these devices, associated adverse event profile, and severity of illness of the intended patient population. Maintaining a regulatory environment to foster efficient introduction of safe and effective technologies is critical to the success of ventricular assist device therapy and the health of patients with advanced heart failure. Physicians representing key surgical and cardiology societies, and representatives from the Food and Drug Administration, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Interagency Registry of Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support, and industry partners gathered to discuss relevant issues regarding the current regulatory environment assessing ventricular assist devices. The goal of the meeting was to explore innovative ways to foster the introduction of technologically advanced, safe, and effective ventricular assist devices. The following summary reflects opinions and conclusions endorsed by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American Heart Association, Heart Failure Society of America, International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, and the Interagency Registry of Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support.
Trends in the utilisation of psychotropic medications in Australia from 2000 to 2011
Authors: Stephenson Chris P , Karanges Emily , McGregor Iain S
Published: November 2012

Objective:

This study examined longitudinal trends in the dispensing of psychotropic medications in Australia from January 2000 to December 2011.

Method:

Dispensing data for the major classes of psychotropic medications (antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications) were obtained from the Drug Utilisation Sub-Committee of the Australian Department of Health and Ageing. Results were expressed in terms of defined daily doses/1000 population/day (DDDs/1000/day).

Results:

There was a 58.2% increase in the dispensing of psychotropic drugs in Australia from 2000 to 2011, driven by major increases in antidepressants (95.3% increase in DDDs/1000/day), atypical antipsychotics (217.7% increase) and ADHD medications (72.9% increase). Dispensing of anxiolytics remained largely unchanged, while sedatives and typical antipsychotics decreased by 26.4% and 61.2%, respectively. Lithium dispensing remained static while valproate and lamotrigine increased markedly. In 2011, antidepressants accounted for 66.9% of total psychotropic DDDs/1000/day totals, far greater than anxiolytics (11.4%), antipsychotics (7.3%), mood stabilisers (5.8%), sedatives (5.5%), or ADHD medications (3.0%). Sertraline, olanzapine, valproate and methylphenidate were the most frequently dispensed antidepressant, antipsychotic, mood stabiliser and ADHD medication, respectively, while diazepam and temazepam were the most commonly dispensed anxiolytic and sedative.

Conclusions:

Psychotropic utilisation markedly increased in Australia between 2000 and 2011. Some potential concerns include: (1) the continuing high use of benzodiazepines, particularly alprazolam, despite their problematic effects; (2) the rapid increase in serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) use, given their more complex side-effect profile relative to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); and (3) the dramatic increase in antidepressant prescriptions despite questions about the efficacy of these drugs in mild to moderate depression. Finally, some limitations are identified regarding use of the DDDs/1000/day metric, which can distort estimates of utilisation of specific drugs when the defined daily dose is higher or lower than the formulation most commonly dispensed by pharmacies.
An Exploratory Study Among HRM Professionals of Moral Recognition in Off-Shoring Decisions
Authors: Mencl Jennifer , May Douglas R.
Published: November 2012

Off-shoring is a business decision increasingly being considered as a strategic option to effect expected cost savings. This exploratory study focuses on the moral recognition of off-shoring using ethical decision making (EDM) embedded within affective events theory (AET). Perceived magnitude of consequences and time pressure are hypothesized as affective event characteristics that lead to decision makers’ empathy responses. Subsequently, cognitive and affective empathy influence the decision makers’ moral recognition. Decision makers’ prior knowledge of off-shoring was also predicted to interact with perceptions of the affective event characteristics to influence cognitive and affective empathy. Findings from a limited sample of human resource management (HRM) professionals suggest that perceptions of magnitude of consequences and cognitive empathy directly relate to moral recognition and that affective empathy partially mediates the relationship between perceptions of the magnitude of consequences and moral recognition. The three-way interaction of the perceptions of magnitude of consequences, time pressure, and prior knowledge of off-shoring was marginally related to cognitive empathy. Interpretations of the findings, validity issues, limitations, future research directions, and management implications are provided.
I Trust It, but I Don’t Know Why
Authors: Merritt Stephanie M. , Heimbaugh Heather , LaChapell Jennifer , Lee Deborah
Published: November 2012

Objective:

This study is the first to examine the influence of implicit attitudes toward automation on users’ trust in automation.

Background:

Past empirical work has examined explicit (conscious) influences on user level of trust in automation but has not yet measured implicit influences. We examine concurrent effects of explicit propensity to trust machines and implicit attitudes toward automation on trust in an automated system. We examine differential impacts of each under varying automation performance conditions (clearly good, ambiguous, clearly poor).

Method:

Participants completed both a self-report measure of propensity to trust and an Implicit Association Test measuring implicit attitude toward automation, then performed an X-ray screening task. Automation performance was manipulated within-subjects by varying the number and obviousness of errors.

Results:

Explicit propensity to trust and implicit attitude toward automation did not significantly correlate. When the automation’s performance was ambiguous, implicit attitude significantly affected automation trust, and its relationship with propensity to trust was additive: Increments in either were related to increases in trust. When errors were obvious, a significant interaction between the implicit and explicit measures was found, with those high in both having higher trust.

Conclusion:

Implicit attitudes have important implications for automation trust.

Application:

Users may not be able to accurately report why they experience a given level of trust. To understand why users trust or fail to trust automation, measurements of implicit and explicit predictors may be necessary. Furthermore, implicit attitude toward automation might be used as a lever to effectively calibrate trust.
Low temperature and tightening torque effects on the failure response of bolted glass fiber/epoxy composite joints
Authors: Soykok Ibrahim F , Sayman Onur , Ozen Mustafa
Published: November 2012

This article reports an experimental investigation on failure responses of single lap double serial fastener joints in glass fiber/epoxy composite laminates when subjected to low-temperature environment. The results of experiments, implemented at five different low-temperature levels ranging from 0℃ to −40℃, were evaluated in comparison with room temperature tests. Joints exhibited relatively higher load-carrying capacities with increased stiffness by decreasing temperature. In order to examine tightening torque effects at each temperature condition, bolts were fastened under M = 6 Nm and M = 0 Nm (finger tightened) torques. As expected, a greater amount of bearing load could be carried by the joints with pre-tightened fasteners. Furthermore, any reduction in temperature is observed to lift the effectiveness of tightening torque on the joint strength. Regardless of the temperature exposed, bearing mode, the most desirable failure type in mechanically fastened joints was monitored as the main failure mode.
An Easy Coalition
Authors: Kellen David , Bekerman Zvi , Maoz Ifat
Published: November 2012

This study presents a systematic transcript-based analysis of the dialogue occurring in a track two workshop attended by Jewish–Israelis and Palestinians. We hypothesized that participants from conflicting groups would form a shared superordinate identity in the course of the workshop. Our findings confirmed this hypothesis. Consistent with self-categorization theory, we demonstrate that the observed Jewish–Israelis and Palestinians mutually identified with the peacecamp, a collection of people and organizations that promote dialogue and conflict resolution efforts. In line with our expectations, and in contradiction to previous findings concerning communication between groups in conflict, participants demonstrated patterns of cooperative, counter-ethnocentric interaction. Through the paradigm of social identity theory, we explain these phenomena as the result of the participants' salient superordinate peacecamp identity. The study's findings offer an innovative theoretical contribution to the common ingroup identity model, showing that the reduction of intergroup bias can actually hinder the effectiveness of conflict resolution efforts. Specifically, by forming a superordinate identity, the observed participants are left less able to represents the needs, demands, and claims of their respective national groups and, hence, less able to produce ideas acceptable to their respective publics. The study also offers a practical contribution to the field of track two diplomacy, empirically verifying Hebert Kelman's assertion that when facilitators allow participants to form a cohesive group, they risk damaging both the quality of the workshop's ideas and the participants' ability to influence their leaderships (Rouhana and Kelman 1994; Kelman 1999, 2002).
Aid
Authors: de Mesquita Bruce Bueno , Smith Alastair
Published: November 2012

Temporary membership on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has pernicious effects on the political and economic development of nations, particularly in nondemocracies. The leaders of rich democratic states often trade resources for the salient policy favors that UNSC members can deliver. This provides the leaders of temporary UNSC members with access to “easy money” resources. Such resources have deleterious consequences, particularly in nondemocracies, because they provide leaders with the means to pay off their coalition of supporters without reliance on tax revenues. While foreign aid is an important form of easy money bribe, it is but one of many. Empirical tests show loans are a substitute means for bribing UNSC members.
Welfare Provision as Political Containment
Authors: Yörük Erdem
Published: November 2012

Can we argue that pressures generated from grassroots politics are responsible for the rapid expansion and ethnically/racially uneven distribution of social assistance programs in emerging economies? This article analyzes the Turkish case and shows that social assistance programs in Turkey are directed disproportionately to the Kurdish minority and to the Kurdish region of Turkey, especially to the internally displaced Kurds in urban and metropolitan areas. The article analyzes a cross-sectional dataset generated by a 10,386-informant stratified random sampling survey and controls for possibly intervening socioeconomic factors and neighborhood-level fixed-effects. The results show that high ethnic disparity in social assistance is not due to higher poverty among Kurds. Rather, Kurdish ethnic identity is the main determinant of the access to social assistance. This result yields substantive support to argue that the Turkish government uses social assistance to contain the Kurdish unrest in Turkey. The Turkish government seems to give social assistance not simply where the people become poor, but where the poor become politicized. This provides support for Fox Piven and Cloward’s thesis that relief for the poor is driven by social unrest, rather than social need. The article concludes that similar hypotheses may hold true for other emerging economies, where similar types of social assistance programs have recently expanded significantly and have been directed to ethnic/racial groups.
On the Problem of Over-researched Communities: The Case of the Shatila Palestinian Refugee Camp in Lebanon
Authors: Sukarieh Mayssoun , Tannock Stuart
Published: November 2012

Concerns about the problem of over-research have been reported in communities around the world, and across a wide range of fields of social science research practice for decades. Yet, despite this, over-research remains under-addressed by social scientists as a significant research concern. In this article, we discuss the problem of over-research as articulated by the residents of the Shatila Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon – a camp which is probably one of the most heavily researched neighbourhoods anywhere, and certainly within the Palestinian diaspora. Concerns voiced by Shatila residents focus on three issues, in particular: the relationship of research to expectations and promises of social change; alienation from researcher practices and questions and misgivings about researcher identities and agendas; and the impact of research on social relationships and identities within the Shatila camp itself.
The ‘Beauty’ of Male Circumcision in Japan: Gender, Sexuality and the Male Body in a Medical Practice
Authors: Castro-Vázquez Genaro
Published: November 2012

This article introduces the construct of ‘the beauty of male circumcision’ to analyse male circumcision in Japan. Japanese men are largely circumcised at beauty and aesthetic clinics, neonatal circumcision has never been mandatory and no official records are provided, therefore the manuscript offers an iconographic and textual analysis of the information that Japanese men can access to decide whether they want to be circumcised. The analysis is grounded on four axes: medical knowledge, embodiment, gender and sexuality. Although male circumcision has been largely a preventative method against disease, in Japanese settings the surgery is sold as a means to regain control of the body and enhance self-confidence. The male body is seen as a commodity and male circumcision becomes a placebo that works on the psyche of men grappling with gender and sexual matters.
Surface modification of Twaron aramid fiber by the atmospheric air plasma technique
Authors: Biswas MA Karim , Shayed MA , Hund RD , Cherif Ch
Published: November 2012

Twaron aramid fibers (AFs) were modified by atmospheric air dielectric barrier discharge plasma with various parameters. The wettability of plasma-treated AF was observed by means of contact angle and surface free energy measurement. Surface roughness was investigated with the help of scanning electron microscopy. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis was used to measure the chemical composition of AF in volume with one micrometer dimension. The tensile test of AF roving was carried out to determine the effect of plasma surface treatments on the mechanical properties of the fibers. A pull-out force test was carried out to observe the adhesion effect with matrix material. Lower contact angles, increase of oxygen concentration at the fiber surface, surface roughness and increase of pull-out force with the rubber matrix were observed after the air plasma treatment.
Physical properties of Kevlar and Nomex plied and covered yarns
Authors: Ozgen Banu
Published: November 2012

This article experimentally investigates various physical properties of Kevlar and Nomex plied yarns. The tensile properties of a yarn decide the performance of post spinning operations – warping, weaving and knitting – hence its accurate technical evaluation carries much importance in industrial applications. For this purpose, Nm 50 Kevlar and Nomex yarns were twisted in various combinations with a DirecTwist machine. Multi-yarn twisting and cross-yarn covering methods were used to produce plied yarns. Surface roughness (both pin friction coefficient and yarn-to-yarn friction coefficient), lint generation, hairiness, breaking force and breaking elongation properties of the yarns were tested. Furthermore, the effect of twisting technique, twist amount and yarn type on these physical properties of yarns were statistically investigated.
Crossing borders: Claudio Magris and the aesthetic of the other side
Authors: Ciccarelli Andrea
Published: November 2012

Claudio Magris is a writer of the frontier and of liminal places. This article explores the various dimensions that the border acquires in his work at a cultural, linguistic, philosophical and existential level. It focuses in particular on the image of the border as a barrier and a bridge, and on the poetics of ‘the other side’. Through an analysis of Magris’s major works of fiction and literary criticism, it individuates the relevance of geographical time, placed in dialogue and often in contrast to historical time, and investigates Magris’s geo-cultural, geo-literary, geo-historical and geo-linguistic approaches to his idea of culture. The last section of the article is devoted to the novel Un altro mare (1991; A Different Sea, 1993) and to the discussion of how the cultural heritage of the Hapsburg Empire reaches deeply, as a liminal cultural space, into the contemporary world.
Utopia and disenchantment in Claudio Magris’s Alla cieca
Authors: Coda Elena
Published: November 2012

This essay analyses Claudio Magris’s novel Alla cieca (2005; Blindly, 2010) vis-à-vis the crisis of the postmodern novel in the new millennium. It begins by emphasizing the sense of discontent with postmodern narrative practices as articulated by Franco Rella, Claudio Magris and Romano Luperini in various texts. The rest of the essay is a discussion of Magris’s complex novel in which, through the shattered voice of the protagonist, the author unveils the ideals, the compromises and the tragedies that have informed the last two hundred years of European history. Although the novel depicts the crisis and collapse of political ideals and strong ideologies, it does not yield to a weak nihilism, nor does it argue in favour of a levelling of every belief.
Gender and Ethnicity in Juvenile Risk Assessment
Authors: Shepherd Stephane M. , Luebbers Stefan , Dolan Mairead
Published: November 2012

Systematized risk assessment and management in juveniles is still in its infancy, and the bulk of the validation literature focuses on males as they account for a significant proportion of crime. In recent years there has been growing recognition that female arrest rates and convictions are steadily increasing and that there is a need to ensure that risk assessment tools that have been validated with males are appropriate for females, who may have different criminal trajectories. The applicability of violence risk assessment tools for ethnically diverse populations has not been extensively examined, but the limited literature suggests that there may be differences in scores for risk and protective factors across ethnic groups. To address this subject, a review of the literature on the predictive validity of current juvenile risk assessment tools was performed. This summary produced equivocal findings and a requirement for further investigation comprising cohorts with greater diversity.
Assessing energy performance benchmarks for performing arts buildings using a new dataset
Authors: Heathfield Helen , Bottrill Catherine
Published: November 2012

A building energy use dataset from over 100 performing arts buildings was created by Julie’s Bicycle and Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute. The dataset was used to test the robustness of CIBSE’s TM46 entertainment hall benchmark, the closest building type category for performing arts buildings. Based on the analysis it is found that 110 kWh/m2/yr electricity and 140 kWh/m2/yr gas are more robust benchmarks than TM46 180 kWh/m2/yr electricity and 420 kWh/m2/yr gas and that seating capacity is a more useful relative measure than floor area. Therefore, after consultation with CIBSE, Julie’s Bicycle and Theatres Trust will adopt the new benchmarks for co-display with Display Energy Certificates and voluntary energy reporting. The energy analysis will be extended to other arts buildings.

Practical application: Performing arts venues provide a challenge to the modern professional in the building industry. Running on the tightest budget and rarely employing staff with formal building management training, these buildings face significant technical and financial trials in order to operate in a cost- and carbon-efficient manner. Energy benchmarks can be applied in new and existing buildings, to test designs, motivate owner and occupant action and unlock funds for building energy performance improvement.
Immediate and Subsequent Effects of Matched and Unmatched Stimuli on Targeted Vocal Stereotypy and Untargeted Motor Stereotypy
Authors: Rapp John T. , Swanson Greg , Sheridan Stephanie M. , Enloe Kimberly A. , Maltese Diana , Sennott Lisa A. , Shrader Lauren , Carroll Regina A. , Richling Sarah M. , Long Ethan S. , Lanovaz Marc J.
Published: November 2012

The authors evaluated the effects of matched and unmatched stimuli on immediate and subsequent engagement in targeted vocal stereotypy (Experiment 1) and untargeted motor stereotypy (Experiment 2). Results of Experiment 1 showed that (a) matched stimulation decreased immediate engagement in vocal stereotypy for 8 of 11 participants and increased subsequent engagement in vocal stereotypy for only 1 of the 8 participants and (b) unmatched stimulation decreased immediate engagement in vocal stereotypy for only 1 of 10 participants and did not increase subsequent engagement in vocal stereotypy for this participant. Results of Experiment 2 showed that for 8 of 14 participants, untargeted stereotypy increased when the matched or unmatched stimulus was present, after it was removed, or both. The authors briefly discuss the potential clinical implications of using matched stimulation to decrease vocal stereotypy and limitations of the findings.
The Effect of Varying Teacher Presentation Rates on Responding During Discrete Trial Training for Two Children With Autism
Authors: Roxburgh Carole A. , Carbone Vincent J.
Published: November 2012

Recent research has emphasized the importance of manipulating antecedent variables to reduce interfering behaviors when teaching persons with autism. Few studies have focused on the effects of the rate of teacher-presented instructional demands as an independent variable. In this study, an alternating treatment design was used to evaluate the effects of varied rates of teacher-presented demands (1 s, 5 s, 10 s) on the occurrence of problem behavior, opportunities to respond, responses emitted, accuracy of responding, and magnitude and rate of reinforcement for two children with autism. Results indicated that fast presentation rate (1 s) resulted in lower rates of problem behavior, higher frequencies of instructional demands, higher frequencies of participant responding, and greater magnitudes and rates of reinforcement. Differential effects on accuracy of responding across conditions were not observed. Implications for manipulating the rate of teacher-presented instructional demands as an antecedent variable to reduce problem behavior are discussed.
Components and Strategies of Nurse Residency Programs Effective in New Graduate Socialization
Authors: Kramer Marlene , Maguire Pat , Schmalenberg Claudia , Halfer Diana , Budin Wendy C. , Hall Debra S. , Goodloe Lauren , Klaristenfeld Jessica , Teasley Susan , Forsey Lynn , Lemke Johanna
Published: November 2012

Patient needs and practice conditions demand that clinical nurses in acute care hospitals engage in a unique professional practice role—care and management of clinical situations for multiple patients, simultaneously. Nurse Residency Programs (NRPs) facilitate the integration of Newly Licensed Registered Nurses (NLRNs) into this professional practice role through competency development in seven management areas. Purpose of this study was to identify effective components and strategies of NRPs in each area. A sample of 907 nurses in 20 Magnet hospitals with NRPs operative for at least 3 years participated in individual or small group interviews and 82 participant observations. All interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Effective strategies were identified for all but one of the seven management areas. Suggestions for improvement in NRPs to better meet NLRN professional socialization needs, patient outcomes, and challenges of the health care system today are offered.