bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sorptivity Ratio and Compressive Strength of Alkali-Activated Blast Furnace Slag Paste
Authors: Qureshi Mohd. Nadeem , Ghosh Somnath 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The initial/secondary absorption and compressive strength of alkali-activated slag (AAS) paste has been investigated. Emphasis has been given to secondary absorption of AAS paste based on the method described in ASTM C1585-04 [Standard Test Method for Measurement of Rate of Absorption of Water by Hydraulic Cement Concretes, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2004, pp. 1–4]. The paste was produced by activating blast furnace slag with sodium hydroxide/potassium hydroxide and sodium silicate solution. The major parameters studied were alkali content, silicate content, and the type of activator. Experimental investigation revealed that initial rate of absorption (Si) and secondary rate of absorption (Ss) decreases with increase in alkali and silicate content up to a certain limit with an increase in compressive strength. The maximum compressive strength was found to be 50.40 MPa for the specimens having lowest sorptivity. It was also found that the sorptivity ratio (Si/Ss) plays a significant role on compressive strength in turn on the durability of AAS composites. This paper is an attempt to introduce the simple method of measuring initial and secondary sorptivity described in ASTM C1585-04 to study the strength and durability of AAS. The microstructure study was carried out using SEM/EDAX.
Shear Testing of Butt Joints
Authors: Maalek Shahrokh 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
A procedure for shear testing of butt welds has been developed to enable a realistic observation of the response of actual-size groove-welded joints to in-plane pure shear loading. It has been found by means of experimental stress analysis and finite element analysis that with this method, a situation very close to the condition of pure shear can be created along the shear section. The applicability of the method in the presence of an unfavorable crack lying in the shear section has been verified numerically. The actual effectiveness, applicability, and suitability of the method have been demonstrated experimentally. Satisfactory performance has been observed during testing of actual butt joints with their inherent defects. The method can be used for destructive testing and evaluation of groove-welded joints—fabricated in factory or on site, or taken from existing structures—and for assessing a proposed welding detail and procedure with the use of purpose-made specimens. The idea can be extended to fatigue testing of butt joints and flat metals under mode II fatigue loading.
Effect of Ohmic Drop on Accuracy of Reinforcement Corrosion Rate Measured Using Different Setups
Authors: Ahmad Shamsad 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
High resistance offered by concrete to the current applied to polarize reinforcing bars embedded in concrete during measurement of reinforcement corrosion rate results in Ohmic drop, which causes inaccuracy in the measured value of the reinforcement corrosion rate. A study on accuracies of a simple developed setup and two other commercially available setups in measuring reinforcement corrosion rate using the linear polarization resistance method with and without Ohmic drop compensation is reported in this paper. The good correlation between electrochemically measured corrosion current density and gravimetrically measured percentage weight loss was taken as an indicator of accuracy of each setup. The developed setup was found to be most accurate in measuring corrosion rate without, as well as with, Ohmic drop compensation. Both commercial setups were found to have reasonably acceptable accuracy without Ohmic drop compensation; however, both were found with unacceptable accuracy with Ohmic drop compensation.
Measurement and Characterization of Asphalt Pavement Surface Macrotexture Using Three Dimensional Laser Scanning Technology
Authors: Hong Feng , Huang Yaxiong (Robin) 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Pavement macrotexture plays a critical role in highway users' safety. It is also closely related to tire-pavement interaction noise. In recent years, continuous effort has been made toward three-dimensional macrotexture measurement in the field to accommodate pavement management. This study presents a newly developed macrotexture measuring system with 3D laser scanning technology. The underlying system demonstrates a series of desirable properties including: (1) 3D surface feature, (2) high speed data collection, (3) large sampling capacity, (4) high resolution and accuracy, and (5) ease of operation. Based on data collected on a real-world asphalt pavement by the system, it is demonstrated that the existing pavement macrotexture evaluation indexes are extended from 2D to 3D. By comparison, it is shown that the 3D indexes are able to characterize pavement macrotexture in a more comprehensive and realistic manner. The correlation among the 3D indexes is also evaluated, which provides pavement researchers and engineers more flexibility in selecting relevant indexes in macrotexture property evaluation.
Community Water Fluoridation and Intelligence: Prospective Study in New Zealand
Authors: Broadbent Jonathan M. , Thomson W. Murray , Ramrakha Sandhya , Moffitt Terrie E. , Zeng Jiaxu , Foster Page Lyndie A. , Poulton Richie 
Published: May 2014

Objectives. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between community water fluoridation (CWF) and IQ. Methods. We conducted a prospective study of a general population sample of those born in Dunedin, New Zealand, between April 1, 1972, and March 30, 1973 (95.4% retention of cohort after 38 years of prospective follow-up). Residence in a CWF area, use of fluoride dentifrice and intake of 0.5-milligram fluoride tablets were assessed in early life (prior to age 5 years); we assessed IQ repeatedly between ages 7 to 13 years and at age 38 years. Results. No clear differences in IQ because of fluoride exposure were noted. These findings held after adjusting for potential confounding variables, including sex, socioeconomic status, breastfeeding, and birth weight (as well as educational attainment for adult IQ outcomes). Conclusions. These findings do not support the assertion that fluoride in the context of CWF programs is neurotoxic. Associations between very high fluoride exposure and low IQ reported in previous studies may have been affected by confounding, particularly by urban or rural status.
Age, Period and Cohort Trends in Caries of Permanent Teeth in Four Developed Countries
Authors: Bernabé Eduardo , Sheiham Aubrey 
Published: May 2014

Objectives. We assessed the relative influences of age, period, and cohort effects on trends in caries experience of permanent teeth in 4 different populations. Methods. We used data from England and Wales, United States, Japan, and Sweden in which numerous cross-sectional, nationally representative surveys have been conducted periodically since the early 1960s. For each country, trends in caries experience (measured by DMFT index—the number of decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth) were analyzed in an age, period, and cohort (APC) analysis using partial least square regression. Results. A strong effect of age manifested in caries experience, period and cohort effects aside. Caries levels increased through to adolescence; thereafter, there was a larger increase in DMFT in adulthood. Compared with the aging effect, period and cohort effects on caries experience were small. Population DMFT scores decreased over time in all countries except Japan. Cohort effects on caries experience displayed a nonlinear pattern in all 4 countries, with slightly lower caries levels among the oldest and most recent generations. Conclusions. Despite marked recent declines in caries among children, caries levels increase with age and remain problematic in adults.
Effects of a Brief Case Management Intervention Linking People With HIV to Oral Health Care: Project SMILE
Authors: Metsch Lisa R. , Pereyra Margaret , Messinger Shari , Jeanty Yves , Parish Carrigan , Valverde Eduardo , Cardenas Gabriel , Boza Henry , Tomar Scott 
Published: May 2014

Objectives. Although people with HIV experience significant oral health problems, many consistently identify oral health as an unmet health care need. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of a dental case management intervention on dental care use.Methods. We evaluated the intervention according to self-reported dental care use at 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-ups. Multivariable logistic models with generalized estimating equations were used to assess the effects of the intervention over time.Results. The odds of having a dental care visit were about twice as high in the intervention group as in the standard care group at 6 months (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.58, 4.08) and 12 months (adjusted OR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.17, 3.35), but the odds were comparable in the 2 groups by 18 months (adjusted OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 0.62, 1.86). Factors significantly associated with having a dental care visit included frequent physician visits and dental care referrals.Conclusions. We demonstrated that a dental case management intervention targeting people with HIV was efficacious but not sustainable over time. Barriers not addressed in the intervention must be considered to sustain its use over time.
Systems Science and Obesity Policy: A Novel Framework for Analyzing and Rethinking Population-Level Planning
Authors: Johnston Lee M. , Matteson Carrie L. , Finegood Diane T. 
Published: May 2014

Objectives. We demonstrate the use of a systems-based framework to assess solutions to complex health problems such as obesity. Methods. We coded 12 documents published between 2004 and 2013 aimed at influencing obesity planning for complex systems design (9 reports from US and Canadian governmental or health authorities, 1 Cochrane review, and 2 Institute of Medicine reports). We sorted data using the intervention-level framework (ILF), a novel solutions-oriented approach to complex problems. An in-depth comparison of 3 documents provides further insight into complexity and systems design in obesity policy. Results. The majority of strategies focused mainly on changing the determinants of energy imbalance (food intake and physical activity). ILF analysis brings to the surface actions aimed at higher levels of system function and points to a need for more innovative policy design. Conclusions. Although many policymakers acknowledge obesity as a complex problem, many strategies stem from the paradigm of individual choice and are limited in scope. The ILF provides a template to encourage natural systems thinking and more strategic policy design grounded in complexity science.
Use and Taxonomy of Social Media in Cancer-Related Research: A Systematic Review
Authors: Koskan Alexis , Klasko Lynne , Davis Stacy N. , Gwede Clement K. , Wells Kristen J. , Kumar Ambuj , Lopez Natalia , Meade Cathy D. 
Published: May 2014

Little is known about how social media are used in cancer care. We conducted a systematic review of the use and taxonomy of social media in cancer-related studies, in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. We located 1350 articles published through October 2013; 69 met study inclusion criteria. Early research (1996–2007) was predominantly descriptive studies of online forums. Later, researchers began analyzing blogs, videos shared on YouTube, and social networking sites. Most studies (n = 62) were descriptive, and only 7 reported intervention studies published since 2010. Future research should include more intervention studies to determine how social media can influence behavior, and more empirical research is needed on how social media may be used to reduce health disparities.
Short-Term Medical Service Trips: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: Sykes Kevin J. 
Published: May 2014

Short-term medical service trips (MSTs) aim to address unmet health care needs of low- and middle-income countries. The lack of critically reviewed empirical evidence of activities and outcomes is a concern. Developing evidence-based recommendations for health care delivery requires systematic research review. I focused on MST publications with empirical results. Searches in May 2013 identified 67 studies published since 1993, only 6% of the published articles on the topic in the past 20 years. Nearly 80% reported on surgical trips. Although the MST field is growing, its medical literature lags behind, with nearly all of the scholarly publications lacking significant data collection. By incorporating data collection into service trips, groups can validate practices and provide information about areas needing improvement.
Using Medicare Data to Identify Individuals Who Are Electricity Dependent to Improve Disaster Preparedness and Response
Authors: DeSalvo Karen , Lurie Nicole , Finne Kristen , Worrall Chris , Bogdanov Alina , Dinkler Ayame , Babcock Sarah , Kelman Jeffrey 
Published: May 2014

During a disaster or prolonged power outage, individuals who use electricity-dependent medical equipment are often unable to operate it and seek care in acute care settings or local shelters. Public health officials often report that they do not have proactive and systematic ways to rapidly identify and assist these individuals. In June 2013, we piloted a first-in-the-nation emergency preparedness drill in which we used Medicare claims data to identify individuals with electricity-dependent durable medical equipment during a disaster and securely disclosed it to a local health department. We found that Medicare claims data were 93% accurate in identifying individuals using a home oxygen concentrator or ventilator. The drill findings suggest that claims data can be useful in improving preparedness and response for electricity-dependent populations.
Prevalence of body shape concerns and associated factors among brazilian early adolescents
Authors: Martins Cilene Rebolho , Carraça Eliana , Teixeira Pedro Jorge , Silva Analiza M. , Petroski Edio Luiz 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of body shape concerns and associated factors among Brazilian early adolescents.MethodsThis was a school-based cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted with 526 girls between 11 and 14 years enrolled in thirteen public schools in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The Body Shape Questionnaire and Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) was administered. Sociodemographic variables (age group, household head education, and socioeconomic status), sexual maturation (pubic hair growth, breast development, and menarche) and percentage of body fat (%BF) were collected. Analyses were conducted using Poisson regression and a confidence level of 95%.ResultsThe prevalence of body shape concerns was 24.1% (95% confidence interval – CI: 17.5–30.7). Adolescent girls aged 13–14 years (prevalence ratio – PR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03–1.11; <i>p</i> = 0.02), with very high (PR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.21–1.90; <i>p</i> = 0.004) and high %BF (PR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.18–1.32;<i> p</i> = 0.004), and those girls showing risk behaviors for anorexia and bulimia (PR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.19–1.59; <i>p</i> = 0.01) were more concerned with their body image.ConclusionsThe prevalence of body shape concerns among Brazilian girls was considerable and was associated with age, %BF, and risk behaviors for anorexia and bulimia. This study highlights the importance of screening for body image concerns in schools, preventing the adoption of unhealthy body weight ideals, and the development of excessive body shape concerns in this population.
Age and sex variation in the results of the 2hand test in an adult population
Authors: Sebastjan Anna , Siwek Katarzyna , Kozieł Sławomir , Ignasiak Zofia , Skrzek Anna 
Published: May 2014

PurposeThe aim of the present pilot study was to assess sex and age differences in sensory-motor coordination by examining eye–hand coordination in an elderly population.MethodsThe sample consisted of 529 participants (158 men and 371 women) aged over 50 years from Poland. Participants performed the 2HAND test, with the results analyzed by two-way ANOVA. The three test parameters (total mean duration, total mean error duration, and coordination difficulty) of the test were treated as dependent variables while sex and age (separated into 5-year age groups) were the independent variables.ResultsIn each 5-year age group, differences between the analyzed parameters were higher in females. Significant age differences were found in the means of total mean duration and total mean error duration. Neither of the above parameters showed significant differences for sex.ConclusionsThe values of all the parameters measuring eye–hand coordination showed a gradual deterioration with age. The pilot study warrants additional data collection, where large-scale quantitative research may help in the development of suitable prevention strategies to slow the impact of aging on eye–hand coordination abilities in the elderly.
Freestyle versus butterfly swimming performance – effects of age and sex
Authors: Zingg Matthias Alexander , Wolfrum Mathias , Rüst Christoph Alexander , Rosemann Thomas , Lepers Romuald , Knechtle Beat 
Published: May 2014

PurposeRecent studies have suggested that the age of peak freestyle swimming speed is reached earlier in life in women than in men. However, no study has investigated the age of peak swimming speed in other swimming styles such as butterfly. The aims of the present study were to investigate the age of peak swimming speed in elite male and female butterfly and freestyle swimmers at the national level (Switzerland) and the sex differences in both the age of peak swimming speed and swimming speed for both swimming styles.MethodsResults of the elite Swiss swimmers between 2006 and 2010 were analysed using one-way analysis of variance.ResultsIn butterfly, women achieved peak swimming speed at 20–21 years in the 50 m, 100 m and 200 m, whereas men reached their fastest swimming speed in the 50 m at 20–21 years and in both the 100 m and 200 m at 18–19 years. In freestyle, women achieved peak swimming speed at 20–21 years for all distances. Men were the fastest at 22–23 years for both the 100 m and 200 m and at 26–27 years for the 50 m. In the butterfly, the sex difference in swimming speed was highest in the 50 m and lowest in the 200 m (14.1% ± 0.2 in the 50 m, 12.6% ± 1.0 in the 100 m and 8.7% ± 1.8 in the 200 m). Additionally, the sex difference in freestyle swimming speed was highest in the 50 m and lowest in the 200 m (16.2% ± 0.5 in the 50 m, 15.9% ± 0.4 in 100 m and 14.9% ± 1.0 in 200 m).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that peak swimming speed was achieved earlier in life in men compared with women for the 100 m and 200 m butterfly distances but not in the 50 m butterfly. In freestyle, peak swimming speed was achieved at younger ages in women compared with men. The sex difference in peak swimming speed was lower in the butterfly than in freestyle.
Minimum Important Differences for the Patient-Specific Functional Scale, 4 Region-Specific Outcome Measures, and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Authors: Abbott J. Haxby , Schmitt John 
Published: May 2014

Study Design Multicenter, prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Objectives To investigate the minimum important difference (MID) of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), 4 region-specific outcome measures, and the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) across 3 levels of patient-perceived global rating of change in a clinical setting. Background The MID varies depending on the external anchor defining patient-perceived “importance.” The MID for the PSFS has not been established across all body regions. Methods One thousand seven hundred eight consecutive patients with musculoskeletal disorders were recruited from 5 physical therapy clinics. The PSFS, NPRS, and 4 region-specific outcome measures-the Oswestry Disability Index, Neck Disability Index, Upper Extremity Functional Index, and Lower Extremity Functional Scale-were assessed at the initial and final physical therapy visits. Global rating of change was assessed at the final visit. MID was calculated for the PSFS and NPRS (overall and for each body region), and for each region-specific outcome measure, across 3 levels of change defined by the global rating of change (small, medium, large change) using receiver operating characteristic curve methodology. Results The MID for the PSFS (on a scale from 0 to 10) ranged from 1.3 (small change) to 2.3 (medium change) to 2.7 (large change), and was relatively stable across body regions. MIDs for the NPRS (−1.5 to −3.5), Oswestry Disability Index (−12), Neck Disability Index (−14), Upper Extremity Functional Index (6 to 11), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (9 to 16) are also reported. Conclusion We reported the MID for small, medium, and large patient-perceived change on the PSFS, NPRS, Oswestry Disability Index, Neck Disability Index, Upper Extremity Functional Index, and Lower Extremity Functional Scale for use in clinical practice and research. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(8):560–564. Epub 14 May 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.5248
Effect of Grafting Height on Success and Subsequent Growth of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) Saplings
Authors: Chalise B , Paudyal KP , Srivastava SP 
Published: May 2014

A field experiment was conducted at National Citrus Research Program (NCRP), Paripatle, Dhankuta to determine the best grafting height for the highest success of grafting and the maximum growth of saplings during 1st January to 30th December, 2010. Scions were collected from the mother plant ‘NCRP-49’ grown under screen house and grafted onto one-year-old trifoliate orange seedling rootstocks by shoot-tip method at 4 cm, 8 cm, 12 cm, 16 cm and 20 cm height from the collar region as the treatment. The grafts were planted inside the closed tunnel made from bamboo splits, jute and plastic sheet at 10×8 cm spacing in 64×100 cm experimental plots laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications containing 80 grafts per plot. Treatments were allotted on the experimental plots randomly. The success of grafting was not affected by the height of grafting, however, growth of sapling was found significantly affected by the height of grafting. Observation taken on saplings after one year of grafting revealed that the maximum scion height (42.13 cm), the highest number of leaves per sapling (47.50), the highest growth of scion diameter (55.61%), maximum length of primary branches (31.19 cm), maximum number of secondary branches per sapling ((3.24), the highest length of secondary branches (11.59 cm), the highest canopy volume (15440 cm3) and the highest graft spread (24.35 cm) were found on the sapling grafted at 16 cm height of the trifoliate orange rootstock. Hence, from the study it is concluded that the most suitable height of grafting acid lime on trifoliate orange rootstock was 16 cm. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i2.10412 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 2 (2013) 25-32