bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite element modeling of compressive properties of three-dimensional woven composites under various strain rates
Authors: Pan Lijian , Liu Kun , Zhang Fa , Gu Bohong , Sun Baozhong
Published: September 2014

The compression properties of three-dimensional angle-interlock woven E-glass fabric/vinyl ester composite material along thickness direction under quasi-static (0.001 s−1) and high strain rates (800, 1600, and 2700 s−1) were investigated with finite element method and compared with those in experimental. The finite element method model was based on the three-dimensional woven composite microstructure. It was found that the compressive properties are sensitive to strain rate both in finite element method and experimental. The finite element method results showed good agreements with that of experimental in stress–strain curves and fracture morphologies. The obvious strain rate sensitivity of the compression properties and failure modes of three-dimensional angle interlock composites was both verified with the finite element method model and results in experimental. The compressive stiffness and maximum compressive stress increased with the strain rate while the failure strain showed an opposite trend. The failure mode is mainly in shear failure. The compressive failure mechanisms have been analyzed from the different components of the three-dimensional woven composites.
Observing the capitalist peace
Authors: Dafoe Allan , Kelsey Nina
Published: September 2014

Countries with open capital markets tend to have fewer militarized disputes and wars. Gartzke, Li & Boehmer propose that this association arises from the enhanced ability of states with open capital markets to credibly signal resolve through the bearing of economic costs ex ante to militarized escalation. We test this causal mechanism by qualitatively examining six crucial cases in which the mechanism is most likely to be operative and observable. We employ a formal case selection strategy designed to yield cases with high inferential leverage for our confirmatory test and to select cases for an exploratory analysis of scope conditions. Through analysis of media reports, government documents, and other sources, we evaluate the extent to which relevant individuals drew the appropriate inferences about market-mediated costs and resolve. We conclude that while market-mediated signaling may operate in major conflicts, it is unlikely to account for much of the association between capital openness and peace. Exploratory analysis of our cases identifies potential scope conditions, clarifies the role of different signaling mechanisms, and suggests other explanations for the peaceful behavior of countries with open capital markets.
Freedom of foreign movement, economic opportunities abroad, and protest in non-democratic regimes
Authors: Barry Colin M , Clay K Chad , Flynn Michael E , Robinson Gregory
Published: September 2014

Allowing or restricting foreign movement is a crucial policy choice for leaders. We argue that freedom of foreign movement reduces the level of civil unrest under non-democratic regimes, but only in some circumstances. Our argument relies on the trade-offs inherent in exit and voice as distinct strategies for dealing with a corrupt and oppressive state. By permitting exit and thereby lowering its relative costs, authoritarians can make protest and other modes of expressing dissatisfaction less attractive for potential troublemakers. Liberalizing foreign movement can thus function as a safety valve for releasing domestic pressure. But the degree to which allowing emigration is an effective regime strategy is shaped by the economic opportunities offered by countries receiving immigrants. We find that freedom of foreign movement and the existence of economic opportunities abroad reduce civil unrest in non-democratic states. However, at high levels of unemployment in the developed world, greater freedom of foreign movement actually increases protest.
Temperature seasonality and violent conflict
Authors: Landis Steven T
Published: September 2014

Current climate change research suggests that certain seasonal weather patterns will be extended and others attenuated as global temperature increases. This is important because seasonal temperature change affects both the scarcity of resources during certain times of the year and the overall mobility of people living in countries that have seasonality. Consequently, these seasonal changes have implications for the onset of violent conflict, particularly as it relates to distinguishing when, where, and how it is most likely to occur. This article evaluates the relationship between monthly temperature changes, civil war onset, and various, less-organized conflict events, offering theoretical expectations for how seasonal changes and climate aberrations are related to an increased risk of violence. The results show that prolonged periods of stable, warm weather are consistently associated with an increased risk of civil war onset and non-state conflict. These findings are best explained through the strategic viability mechanism of temperature change, which allows actors to resolve their collective action problems that are often associated with poor weather conditions, while simultaneously increasing their strategic and behavioral incentives for engaging in violent conflict. Warm weather generates more resources for rebel looting and permits predictability for coordinating troop movements and strategy development. These findings are particularly salient in areas of the world affected by strong seasonality, where prolonged extensions of warm weather conditions would be regarded as both peculiar and attractive for participating in violent action. Although these findings are notable, even under the most extreme climate change scenarios, the substantive effects for these relationships are comparatively minor relative to other well-known intrastate conflict covariates.
One HACCP, Two Approaches
Authors: Hyde Richard , Hoflund A. Bryce , Pautz Michelle
Published: September 2014

This article explores the differences in the use of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system to manage food safety risks in the food chain from farm to fork in the EU and the United States. In particular, this article investigates the current uses and potential expansion of HACCP as a mechanism for the delivery of safe agricultural products, particularly safe produce. Using data derived from semi-structured interviews with regulatory actors in the EU and the United States, this article argues that the different approach to HACCP is a result of differing ideas about the role that it plays in the governance of food safety and the different concepts of the role of regulation in securing safe food. Finally, the article explores the difficulties of utilizing HACCP to manage produce safety risks and raises further challenges that must be met to ensure that HACCP can successfully fulfill its potential as a governance mechanism.
Design of a multiple-model switching controller for ABS braking dynamics
Authors: Dousti Morteza , Baslamısli S Caglar , Onder E Teoman , Solmaz Selim
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study is to design high-performance active braking control and observer algorithms for passenger vehicles equipped with electromechanical brake systems. These algorithms are designed to be adaptive with changing driving and road conditions in a switched multiple-model manner to ensure high performance and robustness. The effectiveness of a set of multiple-model switching lead-lag controllers is evaluated during transitions between different road friction coefficients. Meanwhile, a multiple-model switching observer algorithm is developed to estimate the shape of the tyre braking force curve with respect to the longitudinal slip. Each switched observer predicts signals according to its preset tyre model. The observers are designed based on different Burckhardt tyre models that are parameterized for different road conditions. In our simulations, the value of the friction coefficient is assumed to be unknown and our switching algorithms are observed to estimate successfully the varying friction coefficients by comparing a quadratic cost function of measured signals from the vehicle with signals generated by observers. We demonstrate that our algorithms provide high reliability and fast response, thus ensuring a stopping distance close to the theoretical minimum.
A study on the arrangement of air inlets in a Class 7 clean room
Authors: Ding LC , Yau YH
Published: September 2014

In this paper, a room with four inlets located at the ceiling in the centre of the room with an exhaust installed at the bottom sidewall was modelled and investigated. The air is supplied through the individual room air inlets filtered by a high-efficiency particulate air filter, and the air is removed from the room via the exhaust located at the bottom sidewall. It leads to two possible inlet arrangements with four inlets: 1 × 4 array and 2 × 2 array. In the modelling, an obstacle is built to represent a workbench located underneath the inlets. Both the array designs are compared on their air flow and ability to remove gaseous contaminants. This study also suggests that the behaviour of the air jet impingement on the surface of the obstacle must also be considered in determining the design of the inlet array in a clean room.

Practical application: This paper is intended to provide a practical guide to building service engineers on the design arrangement of inlets for a Class 7 clean room. By using the same concept, the design arrangement concept can be extended to the sizing of a workbench (i.e. the obstacle) when there is a fixed inlet design.
Spinal cord injury following thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic repairs
Authors: Panthee Nirmal , Ono Minoru
Published: September 2014

Objective

To discuss the currently available approaches to prevent spinal cord injury during thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic repairs.

Methods

We carried out a PubMed search up to 2013 using the Medical Subject Headings: “aortic aneurysm/surgery” and “spinal cord ischemia”; “aortic aneurysm, thoracic/surgery” and “spinal cord ischemia”; “aneurysm/surgery” and “spinal cord ischemia/cerebrospinal fluid”; “aortic aneurysm/surgery” and “paraplegia”. All 190 original articles satisfying our inclusion criteria were analyzed for incidence, predictors, and other pertinent variables related to spinal cord injury, and we compared the results in recent publications with those in earlier reports.

Results

The mean age of the 38,491 patients was 65.3 ± 4.9 years. The overall incidence of paraplegia and/or paraparesis was 7.1% ± 6.1% (range 0%–32%). The incidence of spinal cord injury before 2000, from 2001 to 2007, and 2008–2013 was 9.0% ± 6.7%, 7.0% ± 6.1%, and 5.9% ± 5.2%, respectively ( p = 0.019). Various predictors of spinal cord injury were identified, extent of disease being the most common. Modification of surgical techniques, use of adjuncts, and better understanding of spinal cord perfusion physiology were attributed to the decrease in postoperative spinal cord injury in recent years.

Conclusions

Spinal cord injury after thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic repair poses a real challenge to cardiovascular surgeons. However, with evolving surgical strategies, identification of predictors, and use of various adjuncts over the years, the incidence of spinal cord injury after thoracic/thoracoabdominal aortic repair has declined. Embracing a multimodality approach offers a good insight into combating this grave complication.
Aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva dissecting into the intraventricular septum
Authors: Kato Takayoshi , Tomita Shinji , Tamaki Mototsugu , Okawa Yasuhide
Published: September 2014

Aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva is an uncommon entity and especially rare when it dissects into the intraventricular septum. This uncommon clinical manifestation often takes a drastic clinical course with life-threatening arrhythmia, coronary ischemia, rupture, and heart failure. We present the case of a 36-year-old man with an aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva dissecting into the intraventricular septum, which induced severe aortic insufficiency and heart block.
Epigenetics in adaptive evolution and development
Authors: House Simon H
Published: September 2014

By comparing epigenetics of current species with fossil records across evolutionary transitions, we can gauge the moment of emergence of some novel mechanisms in evolution, and recognize that epigenetic mechanisms have a bearing on mutation. Understanding the complexity and changeability of these mechanisms, as well as the changes they can effect, is both fascinating and of vital practical benefit. Our most serious pandemics of so-called ‘non-communicable’ diseases – mental and cardiovascular disorders, obesity and diabetes, rooted in the ‘metabolic syndrome’ – are evidently related to effects on our evolutionary mechanisms of agricultural and food industrialization, modern lifestyle and diet. Pollution affects us directly as well as indirectly by its destruction of ecologically essential biosystems. Evidently such powerful conditions of existence have epigenetic effects on both our health and our continuing evolution. Such effects are most profound during reproductive and developmental processes, when levels of hormones, as affected by stress particularly, may be due to modern cultures in childbearing such as excessive intervention, separation, maternal distress and disruption of bonding. Mechanisms of genomic imprinting seem likely to throw light on problems in assisted reproductive technology, among other transgenerational effects.
Placing Holistic Mission at the Centre of Theological Studies: Curricular Options at a Brazilian Theological Seminary
Authors: Lopes Cesar Marques
Published: September 2014

This article describes the curriculum review process at Faculdade Teológica Sul Americana (Brazil), the aim of which was to bring a holistic mission perspective to the Centre’s theological studies program. Three options that involved the school’s curricular ideology, epistemological/methodological perspective and classroom practice are analysed in dialogue with curriculum and educational theories.
Christ Must Increase: New Horizons in Mission and the Influence of the Spirit
Authors: Asamoah-Gyadu J. Kwabena
Published: September 2014

Much is now being made of the fact that the numerical strength of the church is in the global south. This development raises important questions and critical issues for institutions like the Oxford Center for Mission Studies that are dedicated to serving world Christianity but in particular to resource that of the global south with quality theological education. Formal theological education developed early in the West but with time many institutions have come to pursue it as a mere academic discipline rather than a means for resourcing churches. New horizons must emerge and be pursued. The missing link in such education is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. He is the only Person who can fill the church with life so that Christ will increase as the church seeks to become his aroma in the world. This address extends a call to those benefitting from formal theological education to remain aware that without the experiential aspects of it mediated by the Spirit, it may be impossible for the church to live in the world as the Church of Christ.
The development of online cross-group relationships among university students
Authors: MacInnis Cara C. , Hodson Gordon
Published: September 2014

With our social lives increasingly experienced online, it is critical to understand online relationship development. The current study examined the outcomes of disclosing stigmatized group membership (i.e., being gay or lesbian) earlier (vs. later) in a developing online relationship. Heterosexuals ( n = 214) engaged in an experimentally controlled closeness-inducing online interaction with an ostensible partner, learning that he/she was gay/lesbian either before (i.e., earlier) or after (i.e., later) the interaction. Earlier (vs. later) discovery led to a subjectively more positive contact experience, which predicted heightened bond with the partner, itself predicting more positive attitudes toward the partner. Outcomes were uninfluenced by pretest biases and authoritarianism, suggesting the general benefits of disclosing gay/lesbian identity earlier (vs. later) in online relationships.
Diverse politics, diverse news coverage? A longitudinal study of diversity in Dutch political news during two decades of election campaigns
Authors: van Hoof Anita MJ , Jacobi Carina , Ruigrok Nel , van Atteveldt Wouter
Published: September 2014

Although diverse political news has been recognized as a requirement for a well-functioning democracy, longitudinal research into this topic is sparse. In this article, we analyse the development of diversity in election coverage in the Netherlands between 1994 and 2012. We distinguish between diversity for party and issue coverage, and look at differences between diversity in newspapers and television news. Results show that news diversity varies over time. Diversity for party types increased over time. We found no clear trend for diversity of issue dimensions. Compared to newspapers, television news is more diverse for party types but less diverse on issue dimensions. The question concerning whether these findings are an indicator of structural bias is discussed.
On the role of experience and age-related effects: Evidence from the Spanish CP
Authors: Cuza Alejandro , Frank Joshua
Published: September 2014

The present study examines and compares the extent to which advanced L2 learners of Spanish and Spanish heritage speakers acquire the syntactic and semantic properties that regulate the grammatical representation of double complementizer questions in Spanish, a CP-related structure not present in English. Results from an aural sentence completion task, an acceptability judgment task, and a preference task indicate significant differences between the two experimental groups and the monolingual controls. However, the heritage speakers outperformed the L2 learners in their target use and interpretation, which suggests a linguistic benefit for earlier exposure and use of Spanish during childhood. We propose that the differences observed among the L2 learners and the heritage speakers can be accounted for in terms of cross-linguistic influence from the dominant language as well as language experience and age of onset of bilingualism as an interrelated dimension in L2 and heritage language development.
Migraine with aura is associated with impaired colour vision: Results from the cross-sectional German DMKG headache study
Authors: Jürgens TP , Berger K , Straube A , Khil L
Published: September 2014

Background

Hypersensitivity to light, noise and odour are pivotal clinical characteristics of migraine associated with enhanced cortical excitability and dysfunctional habituation. However, little is known about the integrity of basic sensory functioning in migraine on a population-based level.

Methods

A total of 129 participants with migraine (105 without aura, MwoA, 24 with aura, MA) and 522 healthy controls without headache 12 months prior to baseline were included from a sample of the DMKG study and underwent standardised clinical sensory testing of smell, taste, hearing and vision.

Results

After adjustment for age, sex, smoking status and history of head injuries, the chance of impaired colour perception was significantly higher in MA compared to controls (odds ratio, OR = 3.20; 95% CI = 1.20–8.53) and MwoA (OR = 3.62; 95% CI = 1.31–9.97). Compared to MwoA, MA also had an increased chance of smell (OR = 3.20; 95% CI = 0.98–10.42) and taste (OR = 2.58; 95% CI = 0.90–7.40) impairment.

Conclusions

In this cross-sectional, population-based study on sensory functioning in migraine participants, colour vision was impaired interictally in MA compared to MwoA and controls.
Concordance of genetic risk across migraine subgroups: Impact on current and future genetic association studies
Authors: Nyholt Dale R ,   for the International Headache Genetics Consortium, Anttila Verneri , Winsvold Bendik S , Kurth Tobias , Stefansson Hreinn , Kallela Mikko , Malik Rainer , Vries Boukje de , Terwindt Gisela M , Ikram M Arfan , Stam Anine H , Ligthart Lannie , Freilinger Tobias , Alexander Michael , Muller-Myhsok Bertram , Schreiber Stefan , Meitinger Thomas , Aromaa Arpo , Eriksson Johan G , Kaprio Jaakko , Boomsma Dorret I , Duijn Cornelia van , Raitakari Olli , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Zwart John-Anker , Quaye Lydia , Strachan David P , Kubisch Christian , Ferrari Michel D , van den Maagdenberg Arn M J M , Dichgans Martin , Wessman Maija , Smith George Davey , Stefansson Kari , Chasman Daniel I , Palotie Aarno
Published: September 2014

Background

There has been intensive debate whether migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO) should be considered distinct subtypes or part of the same disease spectrum. There is also discussion to what extent migraine cases collected in specialised headache clinics differ from cases from population cohorts, and how female cases differ from male cases with respect to their migraine. To assess the genetic overlap between these migraine subgroups, we examined genome-wide association (GWA) results from analysis of 23,285 migraine cases and 95,425 population-matched controls.

Methods

Detailed heterogeneity analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects (odds ratios) between migraine subgroups was performed for the 12 independent SNP loci significantly associated ( p < 5 × 10−8; thus surpassing the threshold for genome-wide significance) with migraine susceptibility. Overall genetic overlap was assessed using SNP effect concordance analysis (SECA) at over 23,000 independent SNPs.

Results

Significant heterogeneity of SNP effects ( phet < 1.4 × 10−3) was observed between the MA and MO subgroups (for SNP rs9349379), and between the clinic- and population-based subgroups (for SNPs rs10915437, rs6790925 and rs6478241). However, for all 12 SNPs the risk-increasing allele was the same, and SECA found the majority of genome-wide SNP effects to be in the same direction across the subgroups.

Conclusions

Any differences in common genetic risk across these subgroups are outweighed by the similarities. Meta-analysis of additional migraine GWA datasets, regardless of their major subgroup composition, will identify new susceptibility loci for migraine.
Interpreting Secondary Students’ Performance on a Timed, Multiple-Choice Reading Comprehension Assessment
Authors: Clemens Nathan H. , Davis John L. , Simmons Leslie E. , Oslund Eric L. , Simmons Deborah C.
Published: September 2014

Standardized measures are often used as an index of students’ reading comprehension and scores have important implications, particularly for students who perform below expectations. This study examined secondary-level students’ patterns of responding and the prevalence and impact of non-attempted items on a timed, group-administered, multiple-choice test of reading comprehension. The Reading Comprehension subtest from the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test was administered to 694 students in Grades 7 to 9. Students were categorized according to their test performance (low-, middle-, and high-achieving). Scores of the lowest achieving subgroup were affected significantly by high rates of non-attempted items, particularly on the later third of the test. Furthermore, the percentage of students who completed the assessment was far below that reported by the test authors. The results send a cautionary message to researchers and educators that, when text comprehension is the primary assessment target, to consider rates of non-attempted items and their impact on interpreting students’ text processing skills. Practical considerations are presented.
Microstructural modifications induced by accelerated aging and lipid absorption in remelted and annealed UHMWPEs for total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Puppulin Leonardo , Zhu Wenliang , Sugano Nobuhiko , Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: September 2014

Three types of commercially available ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular cups currently used in total hip arthroplasty have been studied by means of Raman micro-spectroscopy to unfold the microstructural modification induced by the oxidative degradation after accelerated aging with and without lipid absorption. The three investigated materials were produced by three different manufacturing procedures, as follows: irradiation followed by remelting, one-step irradiation followed by annealing, 3-step irradiation and annealing. Clear microstructural differences were observed in terms of phase contents (i.e. amorphous, crystalline and intermediate phase fraction). The three-step annealed material showed the highest crystallinity fraction in the bulk, while the remelted polyethylene is clearly characterized by the lowest content of crystalline phase and the highest content of amorphous phase. After accelerated aging either with or without lipids, the amount of amorphous phase decreased in all the samples as a consequence of the oxidation-induced recrystallization. The most remarkable variations of phase contents were detected in the remelted and in the single-step annealed materials. The presence of lipids triggered oxidative degradation especially in the remelted polyethylene. Such experimental evidence might be explained by the highest amount of amorphous phase in which lipids can be absorbed prior to accelerated aging. The results of these spectroscopic characterizations help to rationalize the complex effect of different irradiation and post-irradiation treatments on the UHMWPE microstructure and gives useful information on how significantly any single step of the manufacturing procedures might affect the oxidative degradation of the polymer.
Parameter analysis and identification of the multiple-advanced manufacturing mode diffusion model
Authors: Xue Chaogai , Cao Haiwang , Sheng Yu
Published: September 2014

To better understand the development of advanced manufacturing modes in the competitive diffusion, this article analyzes and identifies the parameters of the multiple-advanced manufacturing modes diffusion model. First, considering the diffusion characteristics, the competitive multiple-advanced manufacturing modes diffusion model is described. Second, various parameters of the diffusion model are analyzed to reveal their influence on the diffusion process. Third, a parameter identification model and a further parameter identification algorithm based on an improved genetic algorithm are proposed. Finally, based on a practical application of the diffusion model, the parameter identification model is constructed, and optimized parameters are obtained for the multiple-advanced manufacturing mode diffusion model. And the resulting model output is compared and contrasted with real data. The proposed model and algorithm provide a new approach to the identification of parameters in the diffusion model, which allows us to better understand the diffusion rules, help enterprises to predict the diffusion status of advanced manufacturing modes, and provide a decision-making basis for enterprises and governments.
Experimental and numerical investigation of electromagnetic bulging of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V at room temperature
Authors: Li Fen-qiang , Mo Jian-hua , Li Jian-jun , Huang Liang , Zhou Hai-yang , Qiu Li
Published: September 2014

In this article, electromagnetic bulging of high-strength, low-conductivity Ti-6Al-4V using a T3 copper driver plate at room temperature was described. The investigation was conducted employing numerical simulation method. Numerical prediction of the deformation contour and thickness distribution were closely correlated with the experimental results. The distribution of electromagnetic force on the driver plate and impact force between the driver plate and the workpiece varying with time was obtained. Besides, deformation velocity distribution and strain rate on the workpiece were determined by analyzing the deformation process. Energy efficiency of the process was determined to be 1.34%. Distribution of total electromagnetic force over time is characteristic of a sine-squared attenuation function. Velocity of the second impact near the center zone is 229.36 m/s with a corresponding impact pressure of 3.42 GPa. The results of this investigation are significant in the design of an improved process of electromagnetic forming of Ti-6Al-4V and other low-conductivity metals.
The effect of minimum quantity lubrication and cryogenic pre-cooling on cutting performance in the micro milling of Inconel 718
Authors: Ucun İrfan , Aslantaş Kubilay , Bedir Fevzi
Published: September 2014

In this study, the effects of different cutting conditions on the cutting performance were investigated in the micro milling of Inconel 718. In this context, dry cutting, minimum quantity lubrication and cryogenic pre-cooling were considered as the cutting conditions. Tool wear, surface roughness and burr formation were determined as performance criteria in the cutting processes carried out using an AlCrN-coated tool. At the end of the study, cryogenic pre-cooling led to increased tool wear. In contrast, a significant reduction in surface roughness as well as burr formation was observed in the cutting process with cryogenic pre-cooling. However, the minimum quantity lubrication process increased tool life, but it was not seen as the clear effect for decreasing surface roughness and burr formation.
Prediction of low bone mass using a combinational approach of cortical and trabecular bone measures from dental panoramic radiographs
Authors: Kathirvelu D , Anburajan M
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study is to extract cortical and trabecular features of the mandible and to develop a novel combinational model of mandibular cortical thickness, trabecular bone area and age in order to predict low bone mineral density or osteoporosis from a dental panoramic radiograph. The study involved 64 south Indian women (age = 52.5 ± 12.7 years) categorised into two groups (normal and low bone mineral density) based on total femur bone mineral density. The dental panoramic radiographs were obtained by a digital scanner, and measurement of total bone mineral density at the right femur was performed by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner. The mandibular cortical thickness and panoramic mandibular index were measured bilaterally, and the mean values were considered. The region of interest of 128 × 128 pixels around the mental foramen region was manually cropped and subjected to pre-processing, normalisation and average threshold-based segmentation to determine trabecular bone area. Multiple linear regression analyses of cortical and trabecular measures along with age were performed to develop a combinational model to classify subjects as normal and low bone mineral density. The proposed approach demonstrated strong correlation (r = 0.76; p < 0.01) against the total bone mineral density and resulted in accuracy, sensitivity and positive predictive values of 0.84, 0.92 and 0.85, respectively; the receiver operating characteristic outcomes disclosed that the area under the curve was 0.89.Our results suggest that the proposed combinational model could be useful to diagnose subjects with low bone mineral density.
Gender equality in sport leadership: From the Brighton Declaration to the Sydney Scoreboard
Authors: Adriaanse Johanna A , Claringbould Inge
Published: September 2014

This study investigated the development of the legacies of the five World Conferences on Women and Sport that have been convened by the International Working Group on Women and Sport from 1994 to 2010. In particular, it examined the ways in which gender is constructed in these legacies in relation to gender equality in sport leadership. The theoretical framework was drawn from Connell’s four-dimensional gender model, which suggests that gender relations can be characterized in terms of four interwoven dimensions of social life: production, power, emotion and symbolism. The method used was a comparative case study of five legacies. We conducted a content analysis of documents relevant to the five legacies. Findings show that, in all five legacies, gender in relation to sport leadership was mainly constructed on the dimension of production and power relations (more women in leadership positions) and symbolic relations (creating a sporting culture that values women’s participation at all levels). By contrast, the gendered dimension of emotional relations – collaboration between men and women – received limited attention. The implications of these findings for the acceleration of gender equality in sport leadership are discussed.
A wideband integrated piezoelectric bistable generator: Experimental performance evaluation and potential for real environmental vibrations
Authors: Liu Weiqun , Badel Adrien , Formosa Fabien , Wu Yipeng , Bencheikh Nabil , Agbossou Amen
Published: September 2014

Bistable generators have been proposed as potential solutions to the challenge of variable vibration frequencies. This article presents a novel mono-block design of bistable generator based on mechanical buckling effect. A bistable structure composed of four thin beams as flexible hinges, two amplified piezoelectric stacks as electromechanical springs, and a dynamic mass is fabricated. Its volume is 5.46 cm3, and it reaches a power density of 0.48 mW/cm3. The wideband and high-power energy harvesting properties are first validated using chirp excitations with an obtained bandwidth of 11 Hz (812% improvement compared with the linear equivalent case). The generator’s good performance is then further confirmed for bandlimited noise excitations and a real vibration signal from a driving car wheel.
A Mathematical Law for Assessing Outcome Values of Games
Authors: Dickinson John R.
Published: September 2014

Background

The predominate outcomes of many computerized simulation games, particularly business games, are numeric values, for example, financial statements, as determined by the game algorithm. Numerous types of algorithms have been put forth. Attending these algorithms are issues of their validity; numerous approaches to validation also having been put forth.

Aim

This research presents a type of digital analysis, Benford’s Law, as a basis for assessing the validity of simulation game numeric outcome values, that is, algorithmic validity.

Method

To illustrate the application of Benford’s Law, it was applied to income statement items from a business game competition. The first digits and second digits, respectively, of numeric outcome values were analyzed.

Results

Both the first digits and the second digits conform closely to Benford’s Law. Less conforming outcomes were those of assigned values to which Benford’s Law does not apply.

Conclusion

Benford’s Law is conceptually and practically appropriate for assessing simulation game numeric outcome values. An example of its application demonstrates this appropriateness.
Collaboration Through Simulation
Authors: Scullion Jim , Livingstone Daniel , Stansfield Mark
Published: September 2014

Background

It has been suggested in the literature that virtual worlds can be an environment in which informal learning by participants can succeed through communication and collaboration, and that it would be valuable to investigate the extent to which the processes and principles underpinning this informal learning can be transferred to a formal learning context. The literature shows, however, a wide evidence gap.

Aim

This article reports on the initial findings from empirical research currently in progress using a specific immersive online 3D environment, UNITE, to enhance collaboration and communication among tertiary students and which is guided by constructivist learning principles.

Method

UNITE was constructed using Open Wonderland, an open source toolkit for creating 3D virtual worlds. Within the context of a particular set of constructivist principles, discussed in this article, which guided the development of UNITE, a more active approach to learning was adopted by the students, as compared with more passive traditional teaching methods. Following their use of UNITE, focus group discussion with participants was analyzed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) framework.

Results

Thematic analysis using IPA resulted in the identification of 11 themes: Technical Limitations and Problems, Importance of Avatar Representation, Use of Virtual Worlds in Formal Education, Communication and Collaboration, Building Confidence, Importance of Voice Communication, Participant Interest, Previous Exposure to Virtual Worlds, Participant Apprehension, Desired Improvements, and Absence of Non-Verbal Communication. All participants regarded their experience of using UNITE as a positive one. Focus group participants expressed a unanimous view that the use of virtual worlds within tertiary education is of educational benefit and should be more widely used to complement traditional teaching methods.

Conclusion

In using UNITE, students were cognitively engaged, learning was hands-on, and the social component of learners interacting and supporting each other was emphasized in undertaking the learning activities. Results from this pilot study have provided an interesting insight into the potential of using 3D learning spaces for enhancing communication, collaboration, and teamwork. A more substantial and detailed implementation is now being planned across the tertiary education sector. This will involve students from a number of institutions, educational levels, and cognate areas.
Improving Learners’ Understanding of Environmental Accumulations through Simulation
Authors: Stave Krystyna A. , Beck Abby , Galvan Chris
Published: September 2014

Background. Poor public understanding of accumulation principles obstructs public engagement in environmental decision-making. Simulation-based learning environments (SBLEs) show promise for improving understanding.

Purpose. This study tested the hypothesis that use of stand-alone, self-contained, online SBLEs can improve user understanding of and ability to apply basic principles of accumulation.

Method. We used pretest/posttest measures to examine (a) whether user understanding of accumulations principles increased after exposure to a set of two SBLEs in an undergraduate Environmental Science course ( n =126), and (b) how the extent of simulation use affected depth of user understanding.

Results.Understanding improved significantly after simulation use. Further, extent of simulation use affected performance although it is not a simple linear relationship. Those who ran the simulation a moderate amount of times (total of 14-24 runs) scored better than the low-range group (0-13 runs, p < .05) and better than the high-range users (25+ runs, p < .10). These results hold when controlled for prior systems understanding, graphing ability, motivation, and science background.

Conclusion. The results support the value of simulations for building operational understanding of accumulations and suggest design considerations that may further increase the effectiveness of such SBLEs.
Diagnostic Utility of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for Identifying Full and Partial PTSD in Active-Duty Military
Authors: Dickstein Benjamin D. , Weathers Frank W. , Angkaw Abigail C. , Nievergelt Caroline M. , Yurgil Kate , Nash William P. , Baker Dewleen G. , Litz Brett T. ,   the Marine Resiliency Study Team
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to determine optimally efficient cutoff scores on the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL) for identifying full posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and partial PTSD (P-PTSD) in active-duty Marines and Sailors. Participants were 1,016 Marines and Sailors who were administered the PCL and Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) 3 months after returning from Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. PCL cutoffs were tested against three CAPS-based classifications: full PTSD, stringent P-PTSD, and lenient P-PTSD. A PCL score of 39 was found to be optimally efficient for identifying full PTSD. Scores of 38 and 33 were found to be optimally efficient for identifying stringent and lenient P-PTSD, respectively. Findings suggest that the PCL cutoff that is optimally efficient for detecting PTSD in active-duty Marines and Sailors is substantially lower than the score of 50 commonly used by researchers. In addition, findings provide scores useful for identifying P-PTSD in returning service members.
Evaluation of the stability profile of anticancer drugs: A review of Ifosfamide and Mesna regimen for the treatment of metastatic soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Salman Dahlia , Swinden Julian , Barton Stephen , Peron Jean-Marie R , Nabhani-Gebara Shereen
Published: September 2014

Purpose

This paper aims to summarise and critically review the existing published literature with regard to clinical considerations as well as stability testing studies of Ifosfamide and Mesna. It also aims to highlight the factors that should be considered when designing and conducting stability testing experiments.

Ifosfamide and Mesna are currently given to patients for 14 days continuous home-based infusion for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma. No previous work has evaluated their stability for more than 7 days under real-life conditions so the current regimen involves patients visiting hospital twice during the 14-day treatment. This may create extra disruption to patients’ life style as well as increasing the workload for cancer services.

Conclusion

There is a need to conduct stability testing experiments for Ifosfamide and Mesna taking into consideration all of the highlighted factors to mimic standard clinical practice.
Dose-independent confusion induced by voriconazole in a patient with Asian ancestry after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Hui John
Published: September 2014

This is the case of a 71-year-old man with Asian ancestry who had myelodysplastic syndrome admitted for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. This case suggests that voriconazole-induced confusion is probably dose-independent and reversible with no residual symptoms after discontinuation of voriconazole. Patient can experience confusion even voriconazole is ordered according to package insert and serum voriconazole level is within therapeutic range (1–6 µg/mL). The onset of confusion can be delayed and sudden after seven days of voriconazole therapy. Genotyping of CYP2C19 can be tested for Asian populations since 15–20% of them could be poor metabolizers of voriconazole.
Measuring the cost of cognitive-motor dual tasking during walking in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Leone Carmela , Patti Francesco , Feys Peter
Published: September 2014

Purposeful, safe locomotion requires higher-level cortical processes, to meet the real-life demands of walking while performing concurrent cognitive tasks (e.g. recalling a shopping list or attending to a conversation). The assessment of walking and a secondary cognitive task under these ‘dual tasking’ conditions may represent a more valid outcome measure in multiple sclerosis (MS), by examining the occurrence and magnitude of the cognitive-motor interference of walking. This topical review provides a state-of-the-art overview of research into dual-tasking during walking in persons with MS, based on 14 recent papers. Studies consistently demonstrate a slowing of ambulation under dual tasking, regardless of the cognitive task demand, the stage of the disease and the disability level. The reciprocal effect of walking on the cognitive tasks was rarely assessed. We present our main findings, highlight the different factors contributing to dual-task deficits, identify methodological shortcomings and offer recommendations for constructing dual-tasking paradigms useful in clinical practice and research.
Accreditation status and geographic location of outpatient vascular testing facilities among Medicare beneficiaries: The VALUE (Vascular Accreditation, Location & Utilization Evaluation) Study
Authors: Rundek Tatjana , Brown Scott C , Wang Kefeng , Dong Chuanhui , Farrell Mary Beth , Heller Gary V , Gornik Heather L , Hutchisson Marge , Needleman Laurence , Benenati James F , Jaff Michael R , Meier George H , Perese Susana , Bendick Phillip , Hamburg Naomi M , Lohr Joann M , LaPerna Lucy , Leers Steven A , Lilly Michael P , Tegeler Charles , Alexandrov Andrei V , Katanick Sandra L
Published: September 2014

Objective:

There is limited information on the accreditation status and geographic distribution of vascular testing facilities in the US. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provide reimbursement to facilities regardless of accreditation status. The aims were to: (1) identify the proportion of Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) accredited vascular testing facilities in a 5% random national sample of Medicare beneficiaries receiving outpatient vascular testing services; (2) describe the geographic distribution of these facilities.

Methods:

The VALUE (Vascular Accreditation, Location & Utilization Evaluation) Study examines the proportion of IAC accredited facilities providing vascular testing procedures nationally, and the geographic distribution and utilization of these facilities. The data set containing all facilities that billed Medicare for outpatient vascular testing services in 2011 (5% CMS Outpatient Limited Data Set (LDS) file) was examined, and locations of outpatient vascular testing facilities were obtained from the 2011 CMS/Medicare Provider of Services (POS) file.

Results:

Of 13,462 total vascular testing facilities billing Medicare for vascular testing procedures in a 5% random Outpatient LDS for the US in 2011, 13% ( n=1730) of facilities were IAC accredited. The percentage of IAC accredited vascular testing facilities in the LDS file varied significantly by US region, p<0.0001: 26%, 12%, 11%, and 7% for the Northeast, South, Midwest, and Western regions, respectively.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that the proportion of outpatient vascular testing facilities that are IAC accredited is low and varies by region. Increasing the number of accredited vascular testing facilities to improve test quality is a hypothesis that should be tested in future research.
Predictors of unwanted exposure to online pornography and online sexual solicitation of youth
Authors: Chang Fong-Ching , Chiu Chiung-Hui , Miao Nae-Fang , Chen Ping-Hung , Lee Ching-Mei , Chiang Jeng-Tung
Published: September 2014

This study examined factors associated with the unwanted exposure to online pornography and unwanted online sexual solicitation victimization and perpetration of youth in Taiwan. A total of 2315 students from 26 high schools were assessed in the 10th grade, with follow-up performed in the 11th grade. Self-administered questionnaires were collected. Multivariate analysis results indicated that higher levels of online game use, pornography media exposure, Internet risk behaviors, depression, and cyberbullying experiences predicted online sexual solicitation victimization, while higher levels of Internet chat room use, pornography media exposure, Internet risk behaviors, cyberbullying experiences, and offline sexual harassment predicted online sexual solicitation perpetration.