This article examines the relationship between different aspects of family life and acculturation attitudes among adults of the four main immigrant groups in the Netherlands. The focus is on the importance of early parental practices and current (national and transnational) family relationships for the attitude, first, towards socio-cultural maintenance and, second, towards socio-cultural adaptation. The results show that family life matters for both attitudes, but more strongly for the endorsement of socio-cultural maintenance. Family contacts and support are positively related to the endorsement of socio-cultural maintenance but not to the attitude towards socio-cultural adaptation. Growing up with loving and supporting parents is associated with a more positive attitude towards socio-cu...

The present study examined the relationship between adult attachment styles and psychological and sociocultural adjustment of Polish, Russian, and Hungarian immigrants (N = 631) to Dutch society. In addition, it also examined the relationship between demographic factors and adjustment and compared the predictive value of attachment styles and demographic factors for immigrants' adjustment. The Attachment Style Questionnaire was used to assess respondents' attachment. Psychological adjustment was measured with the Psychological Health Scale and the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Sociocultural adjustment was measured with the Social Support List - Interactions scale. Two scales for measuring identification and contact with the native and with the Dutch culture were developed and use...

The book is an anthology of articles investigating – from within four different theoretical and methodological perspectives – the kinds of linguistic and sociocultural contacts brought about by internationalization and transnational migrations in the contemporary world. It includes topics such as the following, related to this general interdisciplinary objective: • Language use in social networks, with special reference to language contact in interpersonal relations and interactions, including codeswitching and other manifestations of the construction of sociocultural identities in face-to-face interaction • Language contact in society and in the world, and social hierarchies between languages: consequences of (mobility driven) language spread, and the ensuing processes of redefining linguistic differences and identities: language competition, language promotion and language discrimination • The complex relationship between language and culture: how can we envisage mobility and language spread across cultural areas without conceptualizing language as culturally neutral? (cp. the frequent conceptualization of English as culturally neutral) • Language contact in the individual: multiple language competencies and the idea of plurilingualism - in Europe and in the world • The concept of linguaculture/languaculture, and studies related to this concept. • Language and sociocultural identity: how can we address this issue thinking both of first languages and of languages functioning as second and foreign languages? • The concepts of first language (mother tongue), second language, foreign language, and lingua franca: how can we develop and refine these analytical concepts taking into consideration the complexities of language contacts and plurilingual competencies?

A climate change assessment framework that integrates physical change with societal vulnerability is proposed. The purpose of the assessment would be to focus research on the physical science uncertainties with the most potential to adversely affect key economic, political, and cultural activities. The framework centers on the concept of virtual climate, which is defined as the large-scale, protracted, and routinized augmentation/offset of natural climatic conditions. The assessment process would focus on the superimposition of climate change on those socio-cultural factors that determine the degree to which specific societal groups (regions) have already offset climate conditions to support preferred patterns of life.

This paper presents our research which is part of a larger project that explores how to track and understand the linguistic, discursive and sociocultural contact zones or networks brought about by intercountry adoption. Using mediated discourse analysis, critical discourse analysis, membership categorisation analysis and interaction analysis, the project attempts to trace a host of discourses and contingent practices of care and kinship that are heterogeneously assembled to ‘translate’ a child (legally and/or willingly) from one familial ‘place’ or network in the world to another, crossing linguistic, sociocultural, racial, class and national boundaries in the process. We introduce in this paper our first observations of the discursive construction of the ‘child-to-be-adopted’ in the pre-adoption stage. We focus on the crucial role of the ‘intimate public sphere’ of the Internet from the parents’ point-of-view, specifically their personal web pages and online diaries that anticipate the ‘transnational’ mobility of the ‘waiting’ or abandoned child in a faraway place.

Transnational (or intercountry) adoption is a global phenomenon with a diverse range of practices which are increasingly under scrutiny. Notable differences are found in practices across both ‘sending’ countries (such as China, Columbia, India, South Africa and South Korea, and ‘receiving’ countries (such as Denmark, Finland, the USA, the UK, Canada and Australia) (Selman, 2000). In this paper, we focus on transnational adoption in Denmark and English-speaking countries, primarily the USA. The Scandinavian countries have signed the Hague Convention (1993), an international agreement on transnational adoption, and in those countries the adoption process is thoroughly regulated at all stages by the state. A few private agencies exist but they must be fully accredited -- for example, by the Danish Ministry of Justice in Denmark. Countries such as the USA have a much more liberalized ‘market’ with less state regulation, so private sector agencies and lawyers flourish to facilitate parent-initiated adoptions (Dorow, 2002; Williams, 1994). The result is that quite different discourses are mobilized that are often more legalistic, individualistic and parent-centered. In both cases though, the prospective adopter(s) is/are an intense site of inspection, an intersection of a broad range of medical, judicial, educational, psychological and linguistic practices. Increasingly, adopters have been using the Internet to prepare for and monitor the adoption process and to publish accounts of their experiences. Our goal in this paper is to document some of the ways in which mediational means are appropriated or contested in virtual spaces and the social consequences of these appropriations. Our case study focuses particularly on the discourses of adoption and the mediated actions of adoptive parents prior to their first contact with the adopted child. Research studies of transnational adoption are increasingly common, but come predominantly from psychological, psycho-social or social welfare perspectives. In contrast, we take a discourse studies approach that develops a theoretical and methodological bridge between mediated discourse analysis (MDA) and other approaches to mediation, agency and action. With this approach we trace a host of discourses and contingent practices that are heterogeneously assembled to ‘translate’ a child from one familial ‘place’ or nexus of practice in the world to another, crossing linguistic, socio-cultural, racial, class and national boundaries. Transnational adoption is a case in which nature and culture, child and actor, as well as kinship and belonging, are clearly problematized in nexus of practice (Howell, 1999). In particular, we focus on the crucial role of the Internet and the set of mediational means it makes available to prospective parents, specifically their personal web pages and online diaries that anticipate the ‘transnational’ mobility of the ‘waiting’ child.

Despite the importance of sliding contact in diarthrodial joints, the contact analysis algorithms presented over the past decade have been limited to cases of infinitesimal deformation and thus cannot reflect the real mechanical behavior of articular cartilage in daily life. In this study, a new finite element contact analysis approach allowing a large amount of sliding between articular cartilages is presented based on the biphasic theory, which is an effective model for articular cartilage. The geometric constraint condition and the continuity condition of the fluid phase on the contact surfaces are introduced by applying Lagrange multipliers. The formulation is carried out by transmitting the contact traction of the tissue and the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid phase equivalently between the contact surfaces by means of integrating virtual work due to contact over the contact area. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by two numerical examples.   

This study investigates EFL learners' dialogues in synchronous task-based computer-mediated communication (CMC). The focus is on whether learners engage each other in text-based dialogues regarding the language use in pursuit of the task goal in the CMC context and how their mutual engagement impacts their language learning. Sixteen Chinese tertiary-level learners voluntarily participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to eight virtual pairs, and completed four collaborative tasks via Moodle, a course management system. The study was conducted within a sociocultural framework, especially Swain's concept of collaborative dialogue. Language-related episode (LRE) was employed as a research tool to analyze the learners' dialogue concerning their language use during the completion o...

This exploratory research investigates how students and professionals use social network sites (SNSs) in the setting of developing and emerging countries. Data collection included focus groups consisting of medical students and faculty as well as the analysis of a Facebook site centred on medical and clinical topics. The findings show how users, both students and professionals, appropriate SNSs from their mobile phones as rich educational tools in informal learning contexts. First, unlike in previous studies, the analysis revealed explicit forms of educational content embedded in informal learning contexts in Facebook. Quizzes, case presentations and associated deliberate (e-)learning practices which are typically found in (more) formal educational settings were identified. Second, from a sociocultural learning perspective, it is shown how the participation in such virtual professional communities across national boundaries permits the announcement and negotiation of "occupational" status and "professional" identities. (Contains 3 figures.)

In the present paper, we introduce a new control architecture aimed at driving virtual humans in interaction with virtual environments, by motion capture. It brings decoupling of functionalities, and also of stability thanks to passivity. We show projections can break passivity, and thus must be used carefully. Our control scheme enables task space and internal control, contact, and joint limits management. Thanks to passivity, it can be easily extended. Besides, we introduce a new tool as for manikin's control, which makes it able to build passive projections, so as to guide the virtual manikin when sharp movements are needed.

The development of ITC has increased focus onto distance learning programs worldwide. Most universities today offer distance learning programs that are based on the Internet. This development represents a fundamental change in the very logic of being a university. It is no longer enough to rely on professor authority. How can one create a learning situation that enables the university to remain viable? In most western countries, the professors have dominated the learning processes at universities. Since the 50s, learning has been about learning-in, memorizing, and cram (Illeris, 2000) where professors most often decide what and when one could learn by providing the context and substance. In this perspective, the student has a role which is close to the one of a passive receiver, and s/he is mainly preoccupied with the problem of generating substance in memory most efficiently. Today, technology challenges our pedagogical reasoning in many ways. However, old pedagogical models often prevail. We see practices where lectures, notes and course information are published on the Internet, where ICT helps professor-student communication, and online based student tests. These attempts are based on old-time educational logic. There are fewer attempts to use ICT according to a different pedagogical perspective than the old professor authoritarian model. The purpose of this paper is to illuminate some challenges virtual students experience when facing a new ICT-based learning situation. We will try to explore and develop understandings of what it might mean to be a student when learning occurs within a virtual problem based learning landscape. When students are used to the traditional classroom, challenges appear in the twilight zone between two pedagogical practices. How do the students cope with challenges that a new virtual program demands, and what paradoxes and ambiguities appear when old learning processes do not work anymore? The present focus reflects an existential-phenomenological point of departure. This perspective is based on the philosophical writings of Søren Kierkegaard and Martin Heidegger (1927/1996; "Being and Time"), and the successors Hans-Georg Gadamer and Paul Ricoeur. The work is also inspired of the father of culturalism - Jerome Bruner (1996) and Wenger's (1998) community of practice. Thompson (1997) is an inspiration through his initiator of hermeneutical endeavor within consumer research. The consequences of this perspective are that the student and his/her experiences and learning cannot be separated from the student's existence. As for the subject matter, we cannot separate the student from his/her studying. Learning becomes a profoundly socio-cultural process which has to be studied according to the situation and context in which it appears. It is the heart of this project that the twilight zone between cultural roles might reveal some interesting knowledge about the introduction of ICT and its consequences. The socio-cultural conditions of present society set the context for the hermeneutic analysis of meanings and salient life concerns that learning experiences hold for time-pressured virtual students with high degree of responsibilities. An existential-phenomenological assumption is that individuals would tend to interpret their experiences within present socio-cultural framework. Due to its novel characteristics of the program, however, it is particularly interesting to investigate the role that virtual studying serves in the construction of reality and meaning. Furthermore, as it is assumed that experiences cannot be separated from who one is (being-in-the world), the process of human change during virtual studying is also expected to influence salient types of learning, the student's work practice, and his/her private practice.

The ageing population highlights the need to provide effective optical solutions for presbyopic contact lens wearers. However, data gathered from annual contact lens fitting surveys demonstrate that fewer than 40% of contact lens wearers over 45 years of age (virtually all of whom can be presumed to suffer a partial or complete loss of accommodation) are prescribed a presbyopic correction. Furthermore, monovision is prescribed as frequently as multifocal lenses. These observations suggest that an optimal solution to the contact lens correction of presbyopia remains elusive. PMID:19535284

A new computer haptics algorithm to be used in general interactive manipulations of deformable virtual objects is presented. In multimodal interactive simulations, haptic feedback computation often comes from contact forces. Subsequently, the fidelity of haptic rendering depends significantly on contact space modeling. Contact and friction laws between deformable models are often simplified in up to date methods. They do not allow a "realistic" rendering of the subtleties of contact space physical phenomena (such as slip and stick effects due to friction or mechanical coupling between contacts). In this paper, we use Signorini's contact law and Coulomb's friction law as a computer haptics basis. Real-time performance is made possible thanks to a linearization of the behavior in the contact space, formulated as the so-called Delassus operator, and iteratively solved by a Gauss-Seidel type algorithm. Dynamic deformation uses corotational global formulation to obtain the Delassus operator in which the mass and s...

The contact laser applications for the removal of the enlarged prostate are distinctly different than the majority of non-contact Nd:YAG lasers that rely on coagulation necrosis and delayed sloughing. Contact Nd:YAG laser allows cutting, coagulation and vaporization of tissue with minimal penetration beyond the contact surface. Using the contact laser prostatectomy technique, the contact laser probe directly touches and immediately vaporizes the prostatic tissue under the probe. The net result is the immediate removal of the obstructing tissue, in a manner similar to the standard electrosurgical TURP. This immediate removal of tissue offers the patient treated with the contact laser the potential for decreased catheter time and a more rapid resolution of symptoms. Our initial experience suggests that the contact technique may be better suited for the smaller prostate gland (i.e. less than 30 gm). The contact laser may also be used for a procedure termed the `laser assisted TURP': a standard electrosurgical TURP is performed and the contact laser is used for hemostasis. Several investigators have reported non-randomized results of the contact technique with good outcomes. A prospective randomized trial of the contact laser prostatectomy vrs the electrosurgical TURP is underway. The contact laser vaporization of the prostate holds great promise for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy: it is virtually bloodless and allows immediate visualization of the TUR defect.

The future of dental practice is closely linked to the utilization of computer-based technology, specifically virtual reality, which allows the dental surgeon to simulate true life situations in patients. The virtual articulator has been designed for the exhaustive analysis of static and dynamic occlusion, with the purpose of substituting mechanical articulators and avoiding their errors. These tools will help both odontologists and dental prosthetists to provide the best individualized treatment for each patient. The present review analyzes the studies published in the literature on the design, functioning and applications of virtual articulators. A Medline-PubMed search was made of dental journals, with the identification of 137 articles, of which 16 were finally selected. The virtual articulator can simulate the specific masticatory movement of the patient. During mandibular animation, the program calculates the sites where the opposing teeth come into contact. The studies made to assess the reliability of the virtual articulator show good correspondence in visualization of the number and position of the dynamic contacts. The virtual articulator is a precise tool for the full analysis of occlusion in a real patient. PMID:22157663

Virtual Reality technology offers great possibilities for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy of fear of public speaking: Clients can be exposed to virtual fear-triggering stimuli (exposure) and are able to role-play in virtual environments, training social skills to overcome their fear. Usually, prototypical audience behavior (neutral, social and anti-social) serves as stimulus in virtual training sessions, although there is significant lack of theoretical basis on typical audience behavior. The study presented deals with the design of a realistic virtual presentation scenario. An audience (consisting of n=18 men and women) in an undergraduate seminar was observed during three frontal lecture sessions. Behavior frequency of four nonverbal dimensions (eye contact, facial expression, gesture, and posture) was rated by means of a quantitative content analysis. Results show audience behavior patterns which seem to be typical in frontal lecture contexts, like friendly and neutral face expressions. Additionally, combined and even synchronized behavioral patterns between participants who sit next to each other (like turning to the neighbor and start talking) were registered. The gathered data serve as empirical design basis for a virtual audience to be used in virtual training applications that stimulate the experiences of the participants in a realistic manner, thereby improving the experienced presence in the training application. PMID:22954859

Articles in this issue focus on language evolution, variation, and heterogeneity. The following are English translations of the French article titles appearing in the issue: "Irregular Phonetic Development Due to Frequency; Regional Traits in Proto-Romance"; "Linguistic Evolution and Evolution of Perspective in the Comparative Grammar of Indo-European Languages: The Case of the "Endingless Locative"; "Evolutionary Phonetics and Analogic Reconstructions (The Case of Greek)"; Genetic Kinship and Phonetic Correspondences: About Proto-Global"; "Causes and Rhythms of Language Change in the Latin Occident (3rd-8th Centuries)"; "Prototypical Conceptions and Articulation of Diachronic Change"; On Some Types of Heterogeneousness of the Grammatical Structures in French"; "Language Contact and the Poetic Function of Linguistic Change"; "Metadiscursive Particles and Other Language Modes: Cases of Linguistic Change"; "Metonymies in the Press: Between Discourse and Language"; "The Use of Denominal Adjectives--Sign of an Anomaly?"; "Two Patterns of Dialect Accommodation of Valais German Speakers in Berne" (written in English); "Linguistic Change in the City: The Example of Bale"; "'Gheada': A Phenomenon of Phonetic, Geolinguistic, and Sociocultural Variation in Galician"; "A Statistical Method for the Control of Vocalic Changes Affected by Speaking Style. Applications to Spanish"; "Syntactic Maturation in the Young Child (9-36 Months): Continuity or Rupture?"; "Genesis and Grammatical Changes: Some Modest Lessons Drawn from the Emergence of Creoles and the Acquisition of Foreign Languages"; "Synchronic and Diachronic Variation in the Syntax of French Negation in Adults in a Guided Environment"; "Variation and Heterogeneity of the French Narrative Productions of Young Tunisian Students"; "Linguistic Change and Language Contact in Brussels and Strasbourg;""What Linguistic Changes in the Attrition of the L1 in Late Bilinguals?"; "Homogeneity and Heterogeneity in the Latin Language According to Varron and Aulu-Gelle: Historic, Social, and Functional Aspects"; "French Unilingualism versus Sociolinguistic Change"; "Images of Variation in French: Dominant and Harmonic, Changes"; and "Tensions, Contaminations, and Progressive Appropriation of Other Languages in the Linguistic and Sociocultural Universe of Daniel Pennac." (Individual articles contain references.) (JR)

As museum professionals conceptualize community building, they must now consider the virtual realm. Websites in and of themselves will not generate a community, as it takes sustained communication and interaction by staff to encourage growth. Online communities are complex forces that bring about systematic dualities that in turn stimulate contact, collaboration, and learning. "Cooking: The Exhibition Chefs" at the Liberty Science Center models six conceptual dualities that resulted in a thriving Community of Practice. This article analyzes "Cooking's" online process using social learning theories to reflect on how people interact with one another in both physical and virtual settings. (Contains 18 notes.)

We have developed a tactile display that is attached to a user's fingertip. The display presents the touch status between the user's finger and a virtual spatial object by means of a vibratory stimulus. The display is equipped with ten vibratory pins, that are in contact with the surface of an index fingertip or of a thumb. By changing the pattern of vibration, the display presents the geometrical features of an object's surface such as a vertex, an edge, and a plane. An experiment was performed to confirm the user's ability to discriminate among the patterns. A pick-and-place model task in a virtual space was also performed to reveal the effectiveness of the tactile presentation during virtual object manipulation. The results showed that the tactile presentation improved the task completion time and the positional accuracy of the manipulated object.   

Abstract in spanish Sobre la base del modelo de Berry se diseñó un estudio que tenía como objetivo analizar las estrategias aculturativas empleadas por un grupo de estudiantes extranjeros que habían migrado para realizar estudios universitarios en la Argentina. Se analizó el grado de éxito alcanzado en la implementación de dichas estrategias analizando la adaptación psicológica, la sociocultural, la académica, la satisfacción vital y la discriminación percibida. Se tomó en cuent (more) a la perspectiva del migrante y la de los miembros de la cultura huésped. Participaron del estudio dos muestras de estudiantes universitarios (125 estudiantes extranjeros de diferentes carreras universitarias y 121estudiantes universitarios argentinos). Los instrumentos utilizados fueron los siguientes: las formas real e ideal de la Encuesta de Estrategias Aculturativas de Berry (1997), una escala de discriminación percibida y para examinar las medidas de adaptación, se administraron escalas de adaptación sociocultural y de adaptación académica diseñadas ad-hoc y la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffin, 1985). Los resultados señalan que la estrategia preferida es la integración y la menos utilizada, la de marginalización. Tanto la percepción del migrante como la del estudiante huésped coinciden con respecto al uso de la estrategia aculturativa preferida, coincidiendo las percepciones tanto del propio sujeto en proceso de aculturación como la de los miembros de la cultura receptora. La integración es la estrategia que trae mejores resultados adaptativos. Aquellos que optaron por el estilo integrativo, eran los migrantes que percibían mayor satisfacción con la vida y un mejor ajuste a la vida académica en general. Abstract in english At present the number of foreign university student is one of the largest in modern history. It has been characterized as those who reside voluntarily and temporarily abroad in order to participate in educational exchange with the intention of returning to their country once they have achieved the purpose of their trip. These kinds of student have been classified as sojourners (temporary residents) and they are people who migrate from one cultural context for a relatively (more) long time (6 months to 5 years). In the last decade Argentina start hosting a large amount of foreign university students, attracted by the language, the favorable economic conditions and the prestige of universities in Latin America. University students have to deal with a psychological phenomenon called acculturation and it is the process of psychological and cultural change resulting from intercultural contact. Adaptation to this event can be either psychological or cultural. The psychological is related to the well-being experienced as a result of cultural contact. Cultural adaptation involves the implementation of social skills needed to function effectively within a complex cultural environment. Based on acculturation Berry´s model a study was designed to test the acculturative strategies applied by a group of foreign students who had migrated to carry on university studies in Argentina. Berry propose two separate dimensions: (1) immigrants feel their cultural identity and customs as valuable enough to keep them in the host society (maintenance) and (2) relationships with other people or groups in society are truly valuable to identified and encouraged (participation). These dimensions lead to four acculturation strategies. (a) Integration: the migrant try to maintain their cultural heritage and also maintains contact with the dominant cultural group. (b) Assimilation: the individual does not retain their native culture and attempts to maintain contact only with dominant culture members. (c) Marginalization: occurs when the migrant has no interest or ability to pursue their native culture and it is unlikely to come into contact with the host culture. (d) Separation: this occurs when the migrant is able to maintain their original culture but avoid or cannot have interaction with the dominant group. We analyzed the degree of success achieved in implementing these strategies, assessing the psychological and sociocultural adjustment, academic achievement, life satisfaction, and perceived discrimination. It also was taken into account the perspective of the members of the host culture. This study involved two samples of university students (125 students of different nationalities and 121 Argentine university students). The instruments used were: Acculturative Strategies Survey (real and ideal forms - Berry, 1997), a scale of perceived discrimination, a psychological adjustment scale, a scale of adaptation sociocultural adaptation designed ad-hoc academic, and The Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985). The results indicate that the most preferred strategy is the integration and the least used was marginalization. The acculturation process is carried out taking into account aspects of both cultures. Perceptions of university students and members of the host culture are congruent. Integration is the strategy that brings better adaptive results. Migrants who opted for the integrative strategy perceived more life satisfaction and a better adjustment to academic life. By contrast, students who chose to retain only aspects relating to their cultural identity and avoid contact with the host culture (separation) are those with less sociocultural adaptation and also feel discriminated as a cultural group. Findings presented are important because the research using Berry´s model in Latin American population is scarce. There are also few investigations analyzing differential perceptions taking into account not only the point of view of the minority group (migrant population) but also the majority group (host culture).

The ``Which Path?'' interferometer consists of an Aharonov-Bohm ring with a quantum dot (QD) built in one of its arms, and an additional quantum point contact (QPC) located close to the QD. The transmission coefficient of the QPC depends on the charge state of the QD. Hence the point contact causes controllable dephasing of transport through the QD, and acts as a measurement device for which path an electron takes through the ring. We calculate the suppression of the Aharonov-Bohm oscillations which is caused both by dephasing and by the orthogonality catastrophe, i.e., respectively, by real and virtual electron-hole pair creation at the QPC.

Recent advances in industrial non-contact scanners offer unprecedented opportunities for quality assessment of dental restorations. The majority of investigations published to date are limited to local two-dimensional results. A triple-scan protocol for virtual fit assessment of multi-unit screw-retained implant restorations is presented in this technical report. The advantages for application in biomechanical research include detailed three-dimensional information on internal component congruence in implant superstructures to be used in mathematical models. PMID:16553003

Ligand virtual screening is a widely used tool to assist in new pharmaceutical discovery. In practice, virtual screening approaches have a number of limitations, and the development of new methodologies is required. Previously, we showed that remotely related proteins identified by threading often share a common binding site occupied by chemically similar ligands. Here, we demonstrate that across an evolutionarily related, but distant family of proteins, the ligands that bind to the common binding site contain a set of strongly conserved anchor functional groups as well as a variable region that accounts for their binding specificity. Furthermore, the sequence and structure conservation of residues contacting the anchor functional groups is significantly higher than those contacting ligand variable regions. Exploiting these insights, we developed FINDSITE(LHM) that employs structural information extracted from weakly related proteins to perform rapid ligand docking by homology modeling. In large scale benchmarking, using the predicted anchor-binding mode and the crystal structure of the receptor, FINDSITE(LHM) outperforms classical docking approaches with an average ligand RMSD from native of approximately 2.5 A. For weakly homologous receptor protein models, using FINDSITE(LHM), the fraction of recovered binding residues and specific contacts is 0.66 (0.55) and 0.49 (0.38) for highly confident (all) targets, respectively. Finally, in virtual screening for HIV-1 protease inhibitors, using similarity to the ligand anchor region yields significantly improved enrichment factors. Thus, the rather accurate, computationally inexpensive FINDSITE(LHM) algorithm should be a useful approach to assist in the discovery of novel biopharmaceuticals. PMID:19503616

This study investigates EFL learners' dialogues in synchronous task-based computer-mediated communication (CMC). The focus is on whether learners engage each other in text-based dialogues regarding the language use in pursuit of the task goal in the CMC context and how their mutual engagement impacts their language learning. Sixteen Chinese tertiary-level learners voluntarily participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to eight virtual pairs, and completed four collaborative tasks via Moodle, a course management system. The study was conducted within a sociocultural framework, especially Swain's concept of collaborative dialogue. Language-related episode (LRE) was employed as a research tool to analyze the learners' dialogue concerning their language use during the completion of the tasks. The data set includes recorded online chat logs, a post-task survey that elicited the learners' perspectives on the online collaborative learning and two individualized posttests (immediate and delayed). The findings revealed that learners did assist each other in attending to language forms through collaborative dialogue, which consequently enhanced their language learning. (Contains 3 tables.)

This study provides concrete evidence of ecological, dialogical views of languaging within the dynamics of coordination and cooperation in a virtual world. Beginning level second language learners of Chinese engaged in cooperative activities designed to provide them opportunities to refine linguistic actions by way of caring for others, for the world, and for themselves. Increased target language use in highly-aligned co-ordinations was traced in the non-linear design of problem-solving spaces by looking at how meaning making and values-realizing trajectories were co-developed with semiotic resources and sociocultural material artifacts in goal-directed activities. More significantly, the non-linear design gives rise to two new problem spaces: coordinating problems and emergent problems, both of which promoted caring and individualized values-realization. Consequently, learners' diverse identity development occurs in connection with localized values-realization and through sociohistorical experiences. Reciprocally, this development allows language learners to discover and create new affordances in coordinating their thoughts, feelings, actions, and values with others in an ongoing cycle of problem solving. (Contains 7 figures.)

Abstract in portuguese O trabalho apresenta resultados parciais de uma pesquisa com estudo de casos, na qual identifica-se e analisa-se, a partir do construtivismo sociocultural e lingüístico, processos de interatividade em ciclos de indagação realizados por estudantes e docentes da educação básica, nas ciências sociais. Um caso é desenvolvido em um cenário educativo convencional, com comunicação cara a cara, e o outro em um híbrido ou bimodal, com interação cara a cara e apoio d (more) e foros virtuais. nos resultados identifica-se, nos dois cenários, sete tipos de segmentos de interatividade, sobressaindo-se os de Conversação (entre professores, entre estudantes e entre professores e estudantes), que correspondem a "tipos de intercâmbios comunicativos". No cenário presencial predominam os intercâmbios de diálogo triádico, que correspondem a práticas guiadas pelos docentes com participação dos estudantes. Os intercâmbios comunicativos de Construção conjunta, que aumentam paulatinamente durante ambos os ciclos, principalmente nos foros virtuais assíncronos, relacionam-se com práticas cooperadas entre professores e estudantes, que facilitam ajustes individualizados das ajudas educativas e processos interativos que favorecem o desenvolvimento do pensamento reflexivo. no caso híbrido, o uso de ferramentas tecnológicas digitais (foros virtuais assíncronos) é periférico, possivelmente por falta de formação docente para cenverter as tecnologias em ajudas amplificadoras nos processos de construção conjunta do conhecimento. Abstract in spanish El trabajo presenta resultados parciales de una investigación con estudio de casos, en el que se identifican y analizan, desde el constructivismo sociocultural y lingüístico, procesos de interactividad en ciclos de indagación realizados por estudiantes y docentes de la educación básica en las ciencias sociales. Un caso es desarrollado en un escenario educativo convencional, con comunicación cara a cara, y el otro, en uno híbrido o bimodal, con interacción cara a (more) cara y apoyo de foros virtuales. en los resultados, se identifica en los dos escenarios siete tipos de segmentos de interactividad, sobresaliendo los de conversación (entre profesores, entre estudiantes y entre profesores y estudiantes), que corresponden a "tipos de intercambios comunicativos". En el escenario presencial predominan los intercambios de diálogo triádico, que corresponden a prácticas guiadas por los docentes con participación de los estudiantes. Los intercambios comunicativos de construcción conjunta, que aumentan paulatinamente durante ambos ciclos principalmente en los foros virtuales asíncronos, se relacionan con prácticas cooperadas entre profesores y estudiantes, que facilitan ajustes individualizados de las ayudas educativas y procesos interactivos que favorecen el desarrollo del pensamiento reflexivo. En el caso híbrido, el uso de herramientas tecnológicas digitales (foros virtuales asíncronos) es periférico, posiblemente por falta de formación docente para convertir las tecnologías en ayudas amplificadoras en los procesos de construcción conjunta del conocimiento. Abstract in english This work presents partial results from research based on case studies, in which processes of interactivity in research cycles carried out by students and teachers in basic education in the social sciences are identified and analyzed from the point of view of socio-cultural and linguistic constructivism. One case is developed in a conventional educational scenario, with face-to-face communication, while a second case is developed in a hybrid or bimodal scenario, with face (more) -to-face interaction as well as support from virtual fora. In the results, seven types of interactivity segments were found, the most outstanding being those of conversation (between teachers, between students and between teachers and students), which correspond to "types of communicative exchanges". In the classroom scenario, triadic dialogue exchanges predominate, which corresponded to practices guided by the teachers with student participation. The communicative exchanges of joint construction, which gradually increase during both cycles, mainly in the asynchronous virtual fora, are associated with cooperative practices between teachers and students, which facilitate individualized adjustments of the educative aids and interactive processes that favor the development of reflexive thought. In the hybrid case, the use of digital technological tools (asynchronous virtual fora) is peripheral, possibly due to a lack of teacher training to convert such technologies into amplifying aids in processes of joint construction of knowledge.

Incident investigation reports do not usually contain enough information to aid in studying boom arm vertical speed for roof bolting machines to determine the impact that appendage speed had on an operator's risk of experiencing a contact. Laboratory experiments with human subjects are also not feasible because of safety and ethical issues. Researchers successfully developed a three-dimensional computer model that uses virtual human simulation software as the primary means to gather contact data when the boom arm touches the operator's hand, arm, head, or leg. Data analysis of roof bolter simulations shows that the speed of the boom arm is the most important factor in determining the risk of an operator making contact. Regardless of other variables, contact incidents were always greater when the bolter arm was moving up, greater on the hand, and greater for the boom arm part of the machine. The reason why the subject experiences more contacts when the boom arm is moving up rather than down is that more risky behaviors occur during drilling and bolting when the boom arm is ascending. Based on the data collected, boom speeds greater than 13 in/sec result in a substantial increase in risk to the roof bolter operator of making contact. Speeds less than or equal to 13 in/sec are associated with a more modest relative risk of making contact, which represents a decrease in potential hazard.

Abstract in portuguese Este artigo apresenta uma introdução à aproximação sociocultural à mente, de James V. Wertsch. Um primeiro pressuposto da aproximação sociocultural é a noção de que a "ação mediada" é a unidade de análise. A partir dessa perspectiva, a ação humana tipicamente emprega ferramentas culturais, ou meios mediacionais, que são fornecidos por um cenário sociocultural particular. O uso concreto dessas ferramentas culturais envolve uma "tensão irredutível" entr (more) e agentes ativos e itens como computadores, livros, linguagem, entre outros. O objetivo do presente trabalho é apresentar a aproximação sociocultural de Wertsch como possível referencial teórico para o ensino de ciências e para as pesquisas nessa área. Abstract in english This paper presents an introduction to the sociocultural approach to mind, as outlined by James V. Wertsch. A starting point for the sociocultural approach is the claim that it takes "mediated action" as unit of analysis. From this perspective, human action typically employs cultural tools, or mediational means, that are provided by a particular sociocultural setting. The concrete use of these cultural tools involves an "irreducible tension" between active agents and item (more) s such as computers, books, language, and others. The aim of this paper is to present Wertsch's sociocultural approach as a possible theoretical framework for science teaching and for research in this area.

Body image literature suggests that the sociocultural environment contributes to the development and maintenance of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders by conveying thin standards of thinness. Three main sources of sociocultural influences were highlighted: family, peers and media. These three sources of pressure can lead to the internalization of messages about the importance of thinness and beauty. Among the various sources of sociocultural influences, media appear to be the most powerful communicator of these standards. Thompson et al. [Intern J Eat Disord 35 (2004) 293-304] developed a multidimensional questionnaire to assess the sociocultural influence of media on appearance: The Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Scale-3 (SATAQ-3). The SATAQ-3 is a 30-item scale compose...

In a multi-dipole chamber with a thin layer of dielectric coating the wall, the plasma potential is observed to be negative with respect to the grounded wall in the tens of volts. The dielectric affects the plasma potential in two ways: by charging negative on the surface in contact with the plasma and by emitting significant numbers of secondary electrons. The secondary electron emission coefficient due to electrons (the ratio of secondary electron current to incident electron current) is larger than 1 and at low enough densities a virtual cathode can be observed near the wall. The potential structure of the virtual cathode is affected primarily by the electron temperature and the energy of the ionizing electrons (tens of eV). The secondary electrons enter the bulk plasma and enhance the high energy tail of the electron energy distribution function.

Abstract Guidewire insertion is an imperative task of minimally invasive medical procedures. During the procedure, surgeons need to steer long flexible thin wires through patient's blood vessels to reach a clinical target. In this paper, we present a novel approach to model haptics of guidewire insertion process for training simulation. The algorithm also allows for the analysis of the insertion process through subtle physical behaviours of guidewires via force feedbacks. The method includes a 6-DoF dynamic coupling between a rigid body, i.e. the virtual tool and the deformation of the wire simulated as an elastic rod. Instead of using the frictional contact force or the acceleration of the guidewire tip for haptic feedbacks, we compute constrained forces by directly connecting the virtual...

The reaction e+p --> e+X is studied with the H1 detector at Hera. The datacover momentum transfers Q^2 between 200 GeV^2 and 30,000 GeV^2 and correspondto an integrated luminosity of 35.6 pb^(-1). The differential cross sectiondsigma/dQ^2 is compared to the Standard Model expectation for neutral currentscattering and analysed to search for bar(e)e bar(q)q contact interactions. Noevidence for new phenomena is observed. The results are used to set limits onscales within models of electron--quark compositeness, quark form factors andthe exchange of virtual heavy leptoquarks. A search for gravitational effectsmediated through the exchange of virtual gravitons which propagate into largeextra dimensions is presented.

Cultural inheritance can be considered as a mechanism of adaptation made possible by communication, which has reached its greatest development in humans and can allow long-term conservation or rapid change of culturally transmissible traits depending on circumstances and needs. Conservativeness/flexibility is largely modulated by mechanisms of sociocultural transmission. An analysis was carried out by testing the fit of three models to 47 cultural traits (classified in six groups) in 277 African societies. Model A (demic diffusion) is conservation over generations, as shown by correlations of cultural traits with language, used as a measure of historical connection. Model B (environmental adaptation) is measured by correlation to the natural environment. Model C (cultural diffusion) is the spread to neighbors by social contact in an epidemic-like fashion and was tested by measuring the tightness of geographic clustering of the traits. Most traits examined, in particular those affecting family structure and kinship, showed great conservation over generations, as shown by the fit of model A. They are most probably transmitted by family members. This is in agreement with the theoretical demonstration that cultural transmission in the family (vertical) is the most conservative one. Some traits show environmental effects, indicating the importance of adaptation to physical environment. Only a few of the 47 traits showed tight geographic clustering indicating that their spread to nearest neighbors follows model C, as is usually the case for transmission among unrelated people (called horizontal transmission). PMID:11607569

The prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infection, and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection overall, has dramatically increased in the past 10 years. Children and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) are disproportionately affected by CA-MRSA infection. The purpose of this case-control study was to identify risk factors for CA-S. aureus skin infections in children of Maui, Hawai‘i, as a foundation for reducing the transmission of these infections. Survey data were obtained from patients in pediatric clinician offices over an 8-month period. NHPI participants were well-represented as 58% of cases and 54% of controls. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression were used to identify risk factors. Significant risk factors predictive of infection among all participants were (a) skin abrasions or wounds, (b) household contact, and (c) overweight or obesity. Risk factors predictive of infection among NHPI were (a) skin abrasions or wounds, (b) antibiotic use within 6 months, (c) overweight or obesity, and (d) a history of eczema or other skin disorder. The role of overweight or obesity in S. aureus skin infections among NHPI has not been identified in previous research and indicates a focus for additional education. Further research is needed to better understand the role of eczema, antibiotic use, overweight and obesity, and socio-cultural factors in these infections. PMID:18947320

Studies on fertility in Africa have known a major paradigm shift when demographic concerns about 'overpopulation' came to be replaced by new ideas about reproductive health, rights, and choices during the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). Whereas this shift has allowed for more recognition of losses during pregnancy which had been virtually absent in previous demographic accounts of high fertility rates, the new discourse on rights and choices turns most of its attention to induced loss. Losses that spontaneously occur remain merely bound to the medical realm. Yet this paper shows that for many women in Africa and elsewhere, spontaneous pregnancy loss is a daily life reality which is inherently related to many social affairs, i.e. life and death, illness and suffering, marriage and kinship, the body and personhood. The rather reductionist biomedical discourse prevalent in the global health arena largely ignores these themes and social complexities--thus causing a gap between health policies and daily life realities for women. Drawing on eleven months of anthropological fieldwork in Cameroon in 2004 and 2008, this article explores the way in which socio-cultural insights could contribute to a better understanding of the experiences of women coping with pregnancy loss. The notions of 'vital conjunctures' and 'social bodies' will form an alternative approach to decision-making in case of reproductive mishaps. By applying these concepts to the personal story of an informant, their relevance and contribution to an interdisciplinary discussion on the topic become clear. The author argues for an integration of anthropological expertise in international reproductive health debates and explores how interdisciplinary work could make health policies on reproductive loss less marginal than is the case at present. PMID:20627499

Background Animal-based remedies constitute an integral part of Brazilian Traditional Medicine. Due to its long history, zootherapy has in fact become an integral part of folk medicine both in rural and urban areas of the country. In this paper we summarize current knowledge on zootherapeutic practices in Northeast of Brazil, based on information compiled from ethnobiological scientific literature. Methods In order to examine the diversity of animals used in traditional medicine in Northeast of Brazil, all available references or reports of folk remedies based on animals sources were examined. 34 sources were analyzed. Only taxa that could be identified to species level were included in assessment of medicinal animal species. Scientific names provided in publications were updated. Results The review revealed that at least 250 animal species (178 vertebrates and 72 invertebrates) are used for medicinal purposes in Northeast of Brazil. The inventoried species comprise 10 taxonomic categories and belong to 141 Families. The groups with the greatest number of species were fishes (n = 58), mammals (n = 47) and reptiles (n = 37). The zootherapeutical products are used for the treatment of different illnesses. The most widely treated condition were asthma, rheumatism and sore throat, conditions, which had a wide variety of animals to treat them with. Many animals were used for the treatment of multiple ailments. Beyond the use for treating human diseases, zootherapeutical resources are also used in ethnoveterinary medicine Conclusion The number of medicinal species catalogued was quite expressive and demonstrate the importance of zootherapy as alternative therapeutic in Northeast of Brazil. Although widely diffused throughout Brazil, zootherapeutic practices remain virtually unstudied. There is an urgent need to examine the ecological, cultural, social, and public health implications associated with fauna usage, including a full inventory of the animal species used for medicinal purposes and the socio-cultural context associated with their consumption. PMID:14665427

Background Self-management is rarely studied 'in the wild'. We sought to produce a richer understanding of how people live with diabetes and why self-management is challenging for some. Method Ethnographic study supplemented with background documents on social context. We studied a socio-economically and ethnically diverse UK population. We sampled 30 people with diabetes (15 type 1, 15 type 2) by snowballing from patient groups, community contacts and NHS clinics. Participants (aged 5-88, from a range of ethnic and socio-economic groups) were shadowed at home and in the community for 2-4 periods of several hours (total 88 visits, 230 hours); interviewed (sometimes with a family member or carer) about their self-management efforts and support needs; and taken out for a meal. Detailed field notes were made and annotated. Data analysis was informed by structuration theory, which assumes that individuals' actions and choices depend on their dispositions and capabilities, which in turn are shaped and constrained (though not entirely determined) by wider social structures. Results Self-management comprised both practical and cognitive tasks (e.g. self-monitoring, menu planning, medication adjustment) and socio-emotional ones (e.g. coping with illness, managing relatives' input, negotiating access to services or resources). Self-management was hard work, and was enabled or constrained by economic, material and socio-cultural conditions within the family, workplace and community. Some people managed their diabetes skilfully and flexibly, drawing on personal capabilities, family and social networks and the healthcare system. For others, capacity to self-manage (including overcoming economic and socio-cultural constraints) was limited by co-morbidity, cognitive ability, psychological factors (e.g. under-confidence, denial) and social capital. The consequences of self-management efforts strongly influenced people's capacity and motivation to continue them. Conclusion Self-management of diabetes is physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially demanding. Non-engagement with self-management may make sense in the context of low personal resources (e.g. health literacy, resilience) and overwhelming personal, family and social circumstances. Success of self-management as a policy solution will be affected by interacting influences at three levels: [a] at micro level by individuals' dispositions and capabilities; [b] at meso level by roles, relationships and material conditions within the family and in the workplace, school and healthcare organisation; and [c] at macro level by prevailing economic conditions, cultural norms and expectations, and the underpinning logic of the healthcare system. We propose that the research agenda on living with diabetes be extended and the political economy of self-management systematically studied. PMID:15643791

The focus from most Virtual Reality (VR) systems lies mainly on the visual immersion of the user. But the emphasis only on the visual perception is insufficient for some applications as the user is limited in his interactions within the VR. Therefore this textbook presents the principles and theoretical background to develop a VR system that is able to create a link between physical simulations and haptic rendering which requires update rates of 1\\kHz for the force feedback. Special attention is given to the modeling and computation of contact forces in a two-finger grasp of textiles. Addressi

Molecular redox dopants are tested concerning their application to organic thin-film transistors (OTFT). Here we report on the feasibility of solution processing of molecular-doped transport layers, showing high air-stability of solutions and layers. We apply capacitance spectroscopy to investigate the interface of intrinsic and electrically doped layers. We also show that there is virtually no dopant migration in real devices, even when high electric fields up to 300 kV/cm2 are applied for 1000 h. We report on p- and n-type on OTFTs with silver contacts. The application of injection layers based on redox dopants improves the measured field-effect mobility by about 2 orders of magnitude.

The virtual prototypes of gear transmission system built in most multi-body dynamic software have difficulties in describing the gear mesh characteristics. The gear mesh contact is modelled as rigid contact and this is not accurate for the gear mesh contact, which is elastic or flexible. The gear contact formula used in the multi-body dynamic software does not reveal the gear contact nonlinear stiffness characteristic. The model built with gear meshing contact is difficult to solve because of its time-consuming algorithm. In the paper a new method is put forward to build the virtual prototype of planetary gearbox system according to the nonlinear mesh stiffness and mesh phase obtained through FEM models. This new FEM method of gear mesh stiffness calculation is much more accurate than the common formulas. The gear mesh nonlinear stiffness of sun gear- pinion and pinion-ring gear of all the planetary gear sets in gearbox are obtained through MATALB code, which is used to read and plot the analyzing result data. The gear mesh phase differences between different pinions with suns or rings of different planetary gear set can be also obtained. With all these data modelled in simulink (or other software) and integrated with the multi-body dynamic planetary gearbox model and the gear meshing contact problem in multi-body gear models is solved easily and accurately. The interfaces for gear mesh stiffness and mesh phases are designed for multi-body dynamic model and simulink. The nonlinear planetary gear set prototyping models are integrated to become the whole planetary gear box model and the whole vehicle system model built in multi-body dynamic software can be integrated to simulate different duty conditions. At last high speed input is put into the nonlinear planetary transmission model and the different duty cases are simulated. The dynamic characteristics of different parts are obtained. The dynamic characteristic comparison between nonlinear and linear models is made. It solves the difficulty of gear contact simulation in multi-body dynamic model and provides a new method in gear mesh stiffness calculation, which exports simulationX (or other software) model of nonlinear gear stiffness to replace that in multi-body dynamic model and succeeds in integrating planetary gear transmission with other parts of the vehicle. According to the simulation results, the conclusion can be made that the nonlinear modelling method for planetary gearbox is reliable and practical. It can be used to evaluate vibration characteristic of planetary gear transmission with high speed input

Abstract in portuguese Este estudo teve como finalidade contribuir para o entendimento de uma nova modalidade de relacionamento - o virtual. Dele participaram 50 usuários brasileiros da Internet, que responderam a um questionário contendo 31 questões sobre opiniões e comportamentos relacionados a afetividade e relacionamento virtual. A amostra foi composta, em sua maior parte, por homens, adultos jovens, solteiros, sem filhos, dos níveis socioeconômicos médio e alto. Verificou-se que os (more) sujeitos acreditam na possibilidade de relacionamentos virtuais em uma fase inicial, no entanto relataram necessidade do contato face a face para sua continuidade. Observou-se também alta freqüência de usuários de chats de conversação considerados viciados na Internet. A partir dos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que não houve mudanças comportamentais e afetivas radicais com essa nova forma de relacionamento, mas os dados sugerem a importância de mais pesquisas para esclarecer as conseqüências do relacionamento virtual e do uso exagerado da Internet como forma de comunicação social. Abstract in spanish Este estudio tenía el objetivo de contribuir para el entendimiento de una nueva forma de relaciones - el virtual. Cincuenta usuarios de Internet brasileños contestaron un cuestionario que contiene 31 preguntas sobre opiniones y comportamientos relacionados con la relación afectiva y virtual. La muestra fue formada por una mayoría de hombres, adultos jóvenes, solos, sin niños, y perteneciendo al nivel socioeconómico medio o alto. Fue verificado que los sujetos creen (more) que podrían haber relaciones virtuales como una fase inicial. Sin embargo, ellos relataron la necesidad de un contato cara a cara, de modo que la relación pudiera durar. También ha sido encontrado una frecuencia alta de sujetos identificados como adictos de Internet. A partir de estos resultados, se puede concluir que no hay cambios comportamentales y afectivos significativos con aquella nueva clase de relación. Por lo tanto, los datos sugieren la importancia de planear más investigaciones para elucidar las consecuencias de relaciones virtuales y el abuso del Internet como una forma de la comunicación social. Abstract in english Current analysis contributes towards a new way of relationships, or rather, virtual relationship. Fifty Brazilian Internet users answered a questionnaire containing 31 questions about opinions and behaviors related to affective and virtual relationship. Sample comprised males, or rather, young adults, single, with no children, middle or high socioeconomic level. Subjects believed that there might be virtual relationships at an initial phase. However, they reported the nee (more) d of face-to-face contact so that the relationship could last. Further, a relatively high number of subjects considered themselves to be Internet-addicted. Results show that there were no significant behavioral and affectionate changes in this new type of relationship. Data suggest the importance of planning more researches to elucidate the consequences of virtual relationships and the abuse of Internet as a way of social communication.

In early diagnosis of glancoma, intraocular pressure measurement is one of an important method. Non-contact method has measured eye pressure through the deformation of cornea during the increase of the force due to air puff. The deformation is influenced by the cornea stiffness as well as the eye internal pressure. Since the cornea stiffness is unknown in general, it is difficult to evaluate the ture eye pressure. The dynamic behavior of cornea under air puff may provide us with a good hint for evaluating the cornea stiffness appropriately. For this purpose, we develop the sensing system composed of a high speed camera, a mirror for producing a virtual camera, a non-contact tonometer and a slit light source. This system enables us to measure the cornea deformation under concave shape. We show the experimental data for human eyes as well as an artificial eye made by transparent material.   

For many applications, direct measurement of forces in mechanical systems is difficult or even impossible, and indirect measurement involving inverse analysis must be adopted. One such application of major industrial relevance is the accurate measurement of contact forces acting on rolling bodies. In this paper, a newly proposed strategy for load identification is applied to an example problem of a rolling disc. Based on strain gauge measurements, the contact force is estimated using finite element analysis. A virtual calibration procedure is introduced in order to reduce the dependency of the results on the spatial discretization. In particular, the sensitivity of the results with respect to finite element discretization, sensor placement and noise is discussed. Numerical results based on synthetic data illustrate the behavior and accuracy of the proposed strategy.

Abstract in portuguese Um estudo seccional foi realizado nas Vilas Waimiri e Atroari em Balbina, entre julho e outubro de 2006, com o objetivo de estimar a freqüência de anticorpo antiToxocara canis da classe IgG e avaliar as variáveis epidemiológicas e socioculturais. Foram estudadas 34 famílias e incluídos 100 indivíduos, o que correspondeu a 5% (100/2.000) da população das vilas. A idade variou de zero a 76 anos (M=22,9 Dp=18). Quanto ao gênero, 53% eram femininos e 47% masculino; (more) 52% das amostras foram positivas para Toxocara canis, 44,5% negativas e 3,2% inconclusivas. Observou-se menor número de indivíduos com sorologia negativa na Vila Atroari 29,5% (13/44) em comparação com a Waimiri 46,4% (26/56). Com relação ao contato com cães, dos 55 indivíduos com contato domiciliar 60% (33/55) foram positivos para anticorpo antiToxocara canis Apresentaram sorologia positiva 66,6% (10/15) dos indivíduos que tinham contato domiciliar com filhotes de cão (chi²22,149 p=0,008). A existência de contato domiciliar com cães e filhotes mostrou associação com a presença de anticorpo anti-Toxocara canis na população estudada. Abstract in english A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Waimiri and Atroari settlements in Balbina, between July and October 2006, with the aims of estimating the frequency of the antibody anti-Toxocara canis of the IgG class and studying the epidemiological and sociocultural variables. Thirty-four families were studied and 100 individuals were included, corresponding to 5% (100/2000) of the population of the settlements. The age range was 0-76 years (mean = 22.9; standard deviati (more) on = 18). The gender distribution was 53% female and 47% male. The samples were 52% positive for Toxocara canis, 44.5% negative and 3.2% inconclusive. The number of individuals who tested serologically negative in Atroari (29.5%; 13/44) was lower than in Waimiri (46.4%; 26/56). In relation to contact with dogs, among the 55 individuals with contact in their homes, 60% (33/55) were positive for Ac anti-Toxocara canis and 40% (22/55) were negative (chi2= 14.317; p = 0.026). Among the individuals who had contact in their homes with puppies, 66.6% (10/15) were serologically positive (chi2= 22.149; p=0.008). The existence of home contact with dogs and puppies showed an association with the presence of Ac anti-Toxocara canis in the study population.

Background:?EnSite array (EA) provides virtual activation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and premature ventricular contraction (PVC) on a beat-to-beat basis. Methods and Results:?Fifty-five consecutive patients (age 52±16 years) with 79 VTs/PVCs undergoing EA-guided radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) were studied, of whom 7 patients had organic heart diseases. A virtual activation map showed that 66 VTs/PVCs originated from the right ventricle (RV), including the RV outflow tract in 57, lateral wall of RV in 4, His bundle region in 3 and tricuspid annulus in 2. Ten VTs/PVCs originated from the left ventricle (LV), including the LV endocardium in 7 and aortic sinus cusp in 3. The origins of 3 PVCs, one each in 3 patients, were not identified. Six of 38 VTs were sustained and the remaining 32 VTs were non-sustained. RFA eliminated all but 3 focal PVCs, and all macroreentrant VTs at a critical conducting pathway, which was identified by the combined use of contact voltage and virtual activation maps. There were 11±9 applications, and the radiofrequency energy and fluoroscopy time were 11,354±13,360 J and 30±21?min, respectively. All patients with acute success were free of any symptoms during a follow up of 21±11 months. Conclusions:?EA-guided RFA is safe and effective for VT/PVC, irrespective of its origin, mechanism, sustainability, hemodynamic condition, and underlying heart disease.   

This paper describes the design and calibration of a thimble that measures the forces applied by a user during manipulation of virtual and real objects. Haptic devices benefit from force measurement capabilities at their end-point. However, the heavy weight and cost of force sensors prevent their widespread incorporation in these applications. The design of a lightweight, user-adaptable, and cost-effective thimble with four contact force sensors is described in this paper. The sensors are calibrated before being placed in the thimble to provide normal and tangential forces. Normal forces are exerted directly by the fingertip and thus can be properly measured. Tangential forces are estimated by sensors strategically placed in the thimble sides. Two applications are provided in order to facilitate an evaluation of sensorized thimble performance. These applications focus on: (i) force signal edge detection, which determines task segmentation of virtual object manipulation, and (ii) the development of complex object manipulation models, wherein the mechanical features of a real object are obtained and these features are then reproduced for training by means of virtual object manipulation. PMID:22247677

Experimental measurement of the load-bearing patterns of the facet joints in the lumbar spine remains a challenge, thereby limiting the assessment of facet joint function under various surgical conditions and the validation of computational models. The extra-articular strain (EAS) technique, a non-invasive measurement of the contact load, has been used for unilateral facet joints but does not incorporate strain coupling, i.e. ipsilateral EASs due to forces on the contralateral facet joint. The objectives of the present study were to establish a bilateral model for facet contact force measurement using the EAS technique and to determine its effectiveness in measuring these facet joint contact forces during three-dimensional flexibility tests in the lumbar spine. Specific goals were to assess the accuracy and repeatability of the technique and to assess the effect of soft-tissue artefacts. In the accuracy and repeatability tests, ten uniaxial strain gauges were bonded to the external surface of the inferior facets of L3 of ten fresh lumbar spine specimens. Two pressure-sensitive sensors (Tekscan) were inserted into the joints after the capsules were cut. Facet contact forces were measured with the EAS and Tekscan techniques for each specimen in flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending under a +/- 7.5 N m pure moment. Four of the ten specimens were tested five times in axial rotation and extension for repeatability. These same specimens were disarticulated and known forces were applied across the facet joint using a manual probe (direct accuracy) and a materials-testing system (disarticulated accuracy). In soft-tissue artefact tests, a separate set of six lumbar spine specimens was used to document the virtual facet joint contact forces during a flexibility test following removal of the superior facet processes. Linear strain coupling was observed in all specimens. The average peak facet joint contact forces during flexibility testing was greatest in axial rotation (71 +/- 25 N), followed by extension (27 +/- 35 N) and lateral bending (25 +/- 28 N), and they were most repeatable in axial rotation (coefficient of variation, 5 per cent). The EAS accuracy was about 20 per cent in the direct accuracy assessment and about 30 per cent in the disarticulated accuracy test. The latter was very similar to the Tekscan accuracy in the same test. Virtual facet loads (r.m.s.) were small in axial rotation (12 N) and lateral bending (20 N), but relatively large in flexion (34 N) and extension (35 N). The results suggested that the bilateral EAS model could be used to determine the facet joint contact forces in axial rotation but may result in considerable error in flexion, extension, and lateral bending. PMID:18441753

This study aimed to explore the role of depression as a moderator of sociocultural influences on eating disorder symptoms. A sample of 509 adolescents (56% female) completed self-report questionnaires assessing depression, body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, bulimic symptoms and sociocultural influences on appearance from family, peers and the media. Both girls and boys displaying high levels of depressive symptoms perceived stronger media and peer influences on appearance. Among girls, eating disorder symptoms were directly affected by sociocultural influences, in particular media influences, as well as by depression. However, depression played only a limited role as a moderator of these relationships. Among boys, sociocultural influences and depression revealed fewer direct effects on eating disorder symptoms. However, depression had a greater moderating effect on these relationships. Future research into the role of depression may increase the understanding of gender differences in body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness and bulimic symptoms.

To describe and analyse oral health of children and adolescents under two types of dental health care schemes under the Public Dental Health Service in Denmark, and to analyse possible influence of socio-economic and socio-cultural factors.

Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in north-eastern Portugal reported plant knowledge and uses of several wild species in folk medicine based on field studies using ethnographic methodologies. Taking advantage of a multidisciplinary team, besides botanical inventories and sociocultural and anthropolo...

This is the first report describing a new technology where hydrophobic nanoparticles adsorb onto much larger, hydrophilic mineral particle surfaces to facilitate attachment to air bubbles in flotation. The adsorption of 46 nm cationic polystyrene nanoparticles onto 43 ?m diameter glass beads, a mineral model, facilitates virtually complete removal of the beads by flotation. As little as 5% coverage of the bead surfaces with nanoparticles promotes high flotation efficiencies. The maximum force required to pull a glass bead from an air bubble interface into the aqueous phase was measured by micromechanics. The pull-off force was 1.9 ?N for glass beads coated with nanoparticles, compared to 0.0086 ?N for clean beads. The pull-off forces were modeled using Scheludko's classical expression. We propose that the bubble/bead contact area may not be dry (completely dewetted). Instead, for hydrophobic nanoparticles sitting on a hydrophilic surface, it is possible that only the nanoparticles penetrate the air/water interface to form a three-phase contact line. We present a new model for pull-off forces for such a wet contact patch between the bead and the air bubble. Contact angle measurements of both nanoparticle coated glass and smooth films from dissolved nanoparticles were performed to support the modeling. PMID:21790133

The aim of this report is to make an inventory of earlier studies of energy consumption in buildings where consideration has been taken to behaviour related and among all socio-cultural aspects. The literature study is focused on publications from 1980s and 1990s, and mainly concentrated to socio-cultural analyses. The report catches the national and international scientific discussion that have been conducted, and the debate of today within this field.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Human cutaneous anthrax results from skin exposure to B. anthracis, primarily due to occupational exposure. Bangladesh has experienced a number of outbreaks of cutaneous anthrax in recent years. The last episode occurred from April to August, 2011 and created mass havoc due to its dreadful clinical outcome and socio-cultural consequences. We report here the clinico-demographic profile and treatment outcome of 15 cutaneous anthrax cases attended at the Dermatology Outpatient Department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh between April and August, 2011 with an aim to create awareness for early case detection and management. FINDINGS: Anthrax was suspected primarily based on cutaneous manifestations of typical non-tender ulcer with black eschar, with or without oedema, and a history of butchering, or dressing/washing of cattle/goat or their meat. Diagnosis was established by demonstration of large gram-positive rods, typically resembling B. anthracis under light microscope where possible and also by ascertaining therapeutic success. The mean age of cases was 21.4 years (ranging from 3 to 46 years), 7 (46.7%) being males and 8 (53.3%) females. The majority of cases were from lower middle socioeconomic status. Types of exposures included butchering (20%), contact with raw meat (46.7%), and live animals (33.3%). Malignant pustule was present in upper extremity, both extremities, face, and trunk at frequencies of 11 (73.3%), 2 (13.3%), 1 (6.7%) and 1 (6.7%) respectively. Eight (53.3%) patients presented with fever, 7 (46.7%) had localized oedema and 5 (33.3%) had regional lymphadenopathy. Anthrax was confirmed in 13 (86.7%) cases by demonstration of gram-positive rods. All cases were cured with 2 months oral ciprofloxacin combined with flucoxacillin for 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: We present the findings from this series of cases to reinforce the criteria for clinical diagnosis and to urge prompt therapeutic measures to treat cutaneous anthrax successfully to eliminate the unnecessary panic of anthrax. PMID:22929128

Many sustainability studies of animal production consider three pillars: the economic, environmental and socio-cultural. Farmers and animal scientists tend to put most emphasis on the economic and environmental pillar and largely ignore the socio-cultural pillar. Socio-cultural sustainability refers to social perceptions of animal farming, including social appreciations and concerns of animal production systems. Integration of social demands and values in the production sector is a prerequisite to justify animal production within a society. The objective of the present study was therefore to gain further insights into socio-cultural sustainability of pig production. Many citizens may not know what contemporary pig production actually entails. To give people a real life experience with pig production, we conducted farm visits with citizen panels with 18 respondents in the Netherlands and 8 respondents in Denmark. In both countries, respondents were divided over two panels and each panel visited a conventional and an organic pig farm. During the farm visits respondents noted their sensory experiences — what do you smell, hear, see and feel? In addition, each respondent made pictures of six positive and six negative aspects on the farms for which they had to write a motivation. The qualitative analysis resulted in seven socio-cultural themes (SCT) of pig production namely: 1) meat production, 2) farm activities, 3) farm income, 4) animals, 5) housing system, 6) environment and nature, and 7) culture and landscape. Each SCT included several socio-cultural aspects (appreciations, SCA) and socio-cultural issues (concerns, SCI). We identified 31 SCAs in the Netherlands and 33 SCAs in Denmark, of which 29 were SCIs in both countries. Although many issues were associated with animal welfare, the results also showed that social concerns of pig production extended beyond animal welfare. In general it can be stated that citizens are strongly concerned about overexploitation of animals in contemporary pig production systems, but at the same time they appreciate the dynamism in a pig farm including certain modern developments.

Understanding how to prepare transformative learning sessions and courses and design an environment for prospective online learners is a critical, as it facilitates the transfer of information, knowledge and learning from theoretical forms to real life experiences. This book provides an understanding and comprehension of aesthetics and its importance in transformative online learning. Using frameworks and cases, this reference attempts to construct a more complete understanding of how the art of learning is considered and knowledge is transferred from the cyber to the real world. Contents include: (1) Understanding Transformative Learning in Online Education (T. Yuzer and Gulsun Kurubacak); (2) Cross-Cultural Transformative Learning (Charles Townley, Dana Christman, Barbara Coppola, Qian Geng and Jiayong Li); (3) Constructing Transformative Learning Communities in 3D Immersive Learning Environments (Barbara Howard, Robert Sanders and Terry McClannon); (4) A Tale of Two Courses (Melanie Shaw, John Bracke, Kelley Walters and David Long); (5) Meta Communication Concept and Knowledge Building Process in Distance Education (Ugur Demiray); (6) Learning Outcomes in Online Graduate Education Courses (Greg Kearsley); (7) Acting and Interacting (Jane Spiro); (8) E-Learning and Teaching (Amani Hamdan); (9) Change or Transformation? (Liz Browne); (10) Breakthroughs, Breakdowns, and Some Productive Pedagogical Paradoxes of Virtual Learning (Vachel Miller and Kelly Clark-Keefe); (11) Socio-Cultural Dimensions of E-Learning Systems (Blessing Adeoye and Adesoji Oni); (12) Turbulence and Transformation (Frederick Buskey); (13) Visual Literacy and Its Impact on Teaching and Learning (Kim Song and Gwendolyn Turner); (14) Aesthetic Decisions of Instructors and Instructional Designers (Patrick Parrish); (15) How Online Tasks Promote Teachers' Expertise within the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) (Aviva Klieger and Anat Oster-Levinz); (16) Promoting High-Order Thinking in Online Discussions (Anne Scott); (17) Contemplative Interaction (David Sable); (18) Transformative Learning and Online Education (Suresh Garg and Ramesh Sharma); (19) Teaching Transformative Learning and Digital/Online Education (Jason Goulah); (20) Identity Awareness (O.F) Adebowale); (21) Identity (Radha Parikh); (22) An Elusive Formula (Shalin Hai-Jew); and (23) Applicability of Transformative Learning Theory in E-Health Teaching (Sisira Edirippulige and Rohana Marasinghe).

Abstract in portuguese A partir da análise dos episódios de AIDS que acometeram os Índios Xokléng em 1988, o presente artigo visa referir fenômenos de doença a rupturas e transformações socioculturais ocorridas nesse universo com base na história de contato com a sociedade abrangente. A interpretação e a análise da relação estabelecida são feitas à luz de teorias antropológicas acerca da centralidade que corpo, corporalidade e processos corporais degenerativos ocupam nas socied (more) ades indígenas brasileiras. Propõe-se que corpo, sociedade e agentes macroconjunturais são articulados pela práxis; por isso, devem ser relacionados nos estudos socio-antropológicos concernentes aos fenômenos de doença. O artigo traz a descrição sucinta das epidemias advindas com o contato, tentando vinculá-las aos contextos históricos específicos que o marcaram. Categorias da etnomedicina, cosmologia e corporalidade Xokléng são associadas à organização social e aos casos de AIDS. Estes são apresentados tendo, como enfoque principal, a ligação estabelecida entre seu advento e as transformações no universo Xokléng em função da construção da Barragem Norte junto a sua Terra. Abstract in english Based on an analysis of AIDS cases among the Xokléng Indians in 1988, this article relates the illness phenomenon to socio-cultural disruptions and transformations in this indigenous group's universe, focusing on the history of their contact with Brazilian national society. The analysis and interpretation of this relationship are based on anthropological theories about the centrality of the body, corporeality, and degenerative bodily processes in Brazilian indigenous soc (more) ieties, according to which the body, society, and macro-situational elements are articulated by social praxis, and should thus be related in socio-anthropological studies of health-illness phenomena. The article briefly describes the history of epidemics emerging from contact and attempts to relate them to specific historical contexts. Ethnomedical categories, cosmology, and Xokléng concepts of corporeality are related to their social organization, which are thus connected to the AIDS cases. The latter are presented with a special focus on the relationship between their emergence and the changes occurring in the Xokléng world with the construction of a dam bordering on their land.

The major focus in the field of modeling & simulation for network centric environments has been on the physical layer while making simplifications for the human-in-the-loop. However, the human element has a big impact on the capabilities of network centric systems. Taking into account the socio-behavioral aspects of processes such as team building, group decision-making, etc. are critical to realistically modeling and analyzing system performance. Modeling socio-cultural processes is a challenge because of the complexity of the networks, dynamism in the physical and social layers, feedback loops and uncertainty in the modeling data. We propose an overarching framework to represent, model and analyze various socio-cultural processes within network centric environments. The key innovation in our methodology is to simultaneously model the dynamism in both the physical and social layers while providing functional mappings between them. We represent socio-cultural information such as friendships, professional relationships and temperament by leveraging the Culturally Infused Social Network (CISN) framework. The notion of intent is used to relate the underlying socio-cultural factors to observed behavior. We will model intent using Bayesian Knowledge Bases (BKBs), a probabilistic reasoning network, which can represent incomplete and uncertain socio-cultural information. We will leverage previous work on a network performance modeling framework called Network-Centric Operations Performance and Prediction (N-COPP) to incorporate dynamism in various aspects of the physical layer such as node mobility, transmission parameters, etc. We validate our framework by simulating a suitable scenario, incorporating relevant factors and providing analyses of the results.

Aim To evaluate online elective courses at Croatian medical schools with respect to the virtual mobility of national teachers and students and virtual team collaboration. Methods A student-centered virtual learning environment developed within the framework of the European Union Tempus Programme allowed national educational services to design and deliver online undergraduate elective courses. Three online elective courses were created for second-year medical students of four Croatian medical schools by using Moodle, an open-source learning management system. The courses supported problem-, project-, and decision-based learning and required students to work in small collaborative teams using problem-solving and decision-making activities. The purpose was to foster teamwork and produce better outcomes than those potentially achieved through individual work. We evaluated the results of these online courses on the basis of the course test results and students’ evaluation questionnaires. Results Of 68 students enrolled in all e-courses, 97% (n?=?66) successfully passed the final exam. An anonymous online questionnaire was filled out by 83% (n?=?50) of the students. The majority expressed their satisfaction with the online electives, mostly because they had more contact with tutors and peers (n?=?47), better possibilities of self-assessment (n?=?38), more flexible learning (n?=?33), better access to learning materials (n?=?32), faster and easier information retrieval (n?=?31), and better quality of communication with tutors and peers (n?=?28). Although 38 of 50 students claimed that participating in e-courses was more demanding than participating in traditional electives, more than half (n?=?27) would enroll in an e-course again. Conclusion Elective e-courses may be a successful model of how faculty and students at higher education institutions can collaborate and integrate e-learning into their current curricula. PMID:8418405

While some members of the ubiquitous DExD/H box family of proteins have RNA helicase activity in vitro, their roles in vivo remain virtually unknown. Here, we show that the function of an otherwise essential DEAD box protein, Prp28p, can be bypassed by mutations that alter either the protein U1-C or the U1 small nuclear RNA. Further analysis suggests that the conserved L13 residue in the U1-C protein makes specific contact to stabilize the U1 snRNA/5' splice site duplex in the prespliceosome, and that Prp28p functions to counteract the stabilizing effect of the U1-C protein, thereby promoting the dissociation of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle from the 5' splice site. Thus, in addition to unwinding RNA, the DExD/H box proteins may affect RNA-RNA rearrangements by antagonizing specific RNA-stabilizing proteins. PMID:11172727

Abstract BACKGROUND: An assessment was made of the toxicity of imperatorin and osthole identified in Cnidium monnieri fruit, 11 related compounds and five insecticides to larvae from insecticide-susceptible Culex pipiens pallens (KS-CP strain) and Aedes aegypti and wild C.p. pallens (YS-CP colony) using a direct-contact mortality bioassay. Results were compared with those of the conventional larvicide temephos. RESULTS: Imperatorin (LC50 = 3.14 and 2.88 mg L-1) was 1.9-, 3.7- and 4.2-fold and 2.4-, 4.5- and 4.6-fold more toxic than isopimpinellin, isoimperatorin and osthole against susceptible C. p. pallens and A. aegypti larvae respectively. Overall, all of the compounds were less toxic than temephos (0.011 and 0.019 mg L-1). The toxicity of these compounds was virtually identical against...

Abstract In this paper we present a novel image based algorithm to render visually plausible anti-aliased soft shadows in a robust and efficient manner. To achieve both high visual quality and high performance, it employs an accurate shadow map filtering method which guarantees smooth penumbrae and high quality anisotropic anti-aliasing of the sharp transitions. Unlike approaches based on pre-filtering approximations, our approach does not suffer from light bleeding or losing contact shadows. Discretization artefacts are avoided by creating virtual shadow maps on the fly according to a novel shadow map resolution prediction model. This model takes into account the screen space frequency of the penumbrae via a perceptual metric which has been directly established from an appropriate user st...

Abstract Purpose: One of the current limitations of computer software programs for the virtual articulation of the opposing teeth is the static nature of the intercuspal position. Currently, software programs cannot identify eccentric occlusal contacts during masticatory cyclic movements of the mandible. Materials and Methods: Chewing trajectories with six degrees of freedom (DOF) were recorded and imposed on a computer model of one subject's maxillary and mandibular teeth. The computer model was generated from a set of high-resolution m-CT images. To obtain natural chewing trajectories with six DOF, an optoelectronic motion-capturing system (VICON MX) was used. For this purpose, a special mandibular motion-tracking appliance was developed for this subject. Results: Mandibular movements wh...

The BCR-ABL inhibitor imatinib has revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. However, drug resistance caused by kinase domain mutations has necessitated the development of new mutation-resistant inhibitors, most recently against the T315I gatekeeper residue mutation. Ponatinib (AP24534) inhibits both native and mutant BCR-ABL, including T315I, acting as a pan-BCR-ABL inhibitor. Here, we undertook a combined crystallographic and structure-activity relationship analysis on ponatinib to understand this unique profile. While the ethynyl linker is a key inhibitor functionality that interacts with the gatekeeper, virtually all other components of ponatinib play an essential role in its T315I inhibitory activity. The extensive network of optimized molecular contacts found in the DFG-out binding mode leads to high potency and renders binding less susceptible to disruption by single point mutations. The inhibitory mechanism exemplified by ponatinib may have broad relevance to designing inhibitors against other kinases with mutated gatekeeper residues.

Virtual Reality (VR) simulation can be used to study, improve and verify ITER maintenance operations during preparation. VR can also improve the situational awareness of human operators during actual Remote Handling (RH) operations. Until now, VR systems use geometric models of the environment and the objects being handled and kinematic models of the manipulation systems. The addition of dynamic effects into the VR simulation was investigated. Important dynamic effects are forces due to contact transitions and the bending of beams under heavy loads. A novel dynamics simulation module was developed and introduced as an add-on to the VR4Robots VR software. Tests were performed under simplified test conditions and in the context of realistic ITER maintenance tasks on a benchmark product and o...

In the light of newspapers' struggle to maintain readers and viability in the digital era, this study aims to understand better how newspapers in Latin America are responding to this shift toward user-generated and multimedia content. Using a content analysis of 19 newspapers from throughout Latin America, this study found that newspaper websites are bringing citizens into the virtual newsroom on a limited basis, allowing them to interact with each other and with the newspaper but only to a modest degree. Thus, while all newspaper websites have some multimedia content and most have Facebook and Twitter accounts, few allow readers to report errors, submit their own content, or even contact reporters directly. Further, most online newspaper articles include photos, but video, audio and hyper...

Proteins are dynamic molecules whose function in virtually all biological processes requires conformational motion. Direct experimental probes of protein structure in solution are needed to characterize these motions. Anomalous scattering from proteins in solution has the potential to act as a precise molecular ruler to determine the positions of specific chemical groups or atoms within proteins under conditions in which structural changes can take place free from the constraints of crystal contacts. In solution, anomalous diffraction has two components: a set of cross-terms that depend on the relative location of the anomalous centers and the rest of the protein, and a set of pure anomalous terms that depend on the distances between the anomalous centers. The cross-terms are demonstrated ...

Model-independent search for the Abelian $Z'$ gauge boson virtual state based on the new observable in the processes $e^+ e^- \\to l^+ l^-$ is analyzed for the LEP data. The observable is introduced by using following from renormalizability of an underlying theory the correlations between the parameters of the low energy effective Lagrangian and kinematics of the scattering processes. The central values of the observable are in accordance with the $Z'$ existence, although no real signal is found at the $1\\sigma$ level. Lower limits at the 95% confidence level on the corresponding contact interaction scale are derived in the range of 15.6 - 18.6 TeV. Comparisons with other fits are done.

In industry, functional tolerancing of mechanisms is today more and more based on ISO GPS (Geometrical Product Specification) and ASME standards. In this context, the CLIC method (French acronym for ''Cotation en Localisation avec Influence des Contacts'') has been developed in our laboratory since 1998. The method describes the complete process involved in functional tolerancing. The three dimensional calculation of the result of tolerance chain is formulated functions of tolerances and offsets of surfaces, based on transfer by tolerance zone or by virtual boundary. However, the current standards are incomplete to specify complex junctions, for example to respect a minimum clearance. The paper outlines that the independence principle does not permit to limit the orientation inside locatio...

We describe a laser-based, non-contact sealing technique for thin, polyester-based lidding films, used in PET containers for food packaging. The method uses a beam-steered laser to seal the container, thereby enabling virtually instant changeover from one product line to another. Unlike conventional sealing PET film processes, no bespoke tooling is required to hold the package components in close proximity and under pressure whilst the seal is formed. This greatly reduces sealing machine tooling costs and potential downtime at product changeovers. Results are presented that show that the process is able to produce seals of higher strength using thin (26@mm) polyester film than those from the conventional thermal/mechanical process. This provides a potential for increased production flexibi...

This paper deals with the development of a virtual reality interface (VRI) for a magnetic-haptic micromanipulation platform (MHMP) (Mehrtash et?al. in IEEE/ASME Trans Mechatron 16(3):459?469, 2011). Our previously developed MHMP has shown a great deal of promise in non-contact micromanipulations. This micromanipulation platform concerns the integration of magnetic actuation technology and a bilateral macro?micro teleoperation. The MHMP has two separate stations: one magnetic microrobotic station and one haptic. The magnetic microrobotic station manipulates micro-sized objects based on the commands from the haptic station. The haptic station uses bilateral communication with the magnetic microrobotic station to allow a human operator the feeling of a micro-domain environment. In this paper,...

The tolerancing process links the virtual and the real worlds. From the former, tolerances define a variational geometrical language (geometric parameters). From the latter, there are values limiting those parameters. The beginning of a tolerancing process is in this duality. As high precision assemblies cannot be analyzed with the assumption that form errors are negligible, we propose to apply this process to assemblies with form errors through a new way of allowing to parameterize forms and solve their assemblies. The assembly process is calculated through a method of allowing to solve the 3D assemblies of pairs of surfaces having form errors using a static equilibrium. We have built a geometrical model based on the modal shapes of the ideal surface. We compute for the completely deterministic contact points between this pair of shapes according to a given assembly process. The solution gives an accurate evaluation of the assembly performance. Then we compare the results with or without taking into account ...

Task 1 - Optimize Emitter/Base Dopants - In Phase I, P/N InP control cells on InP wafers had substantially less photocurrent than N/P InP counterparts. The suspected culprit was diffusion of the zinc dopant, creating a thicker emitter than intended. Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) data taken during this report period confirmed this hypothesis. The primary findings are: P/N InP cells were grown with both 200 and 400 A thick emitters; however, the SIMS profiles showed both cells have virtually the same junction depth, or approx. 2000 A thick emitters, about 5 to 10X larger than expected. The excess Zn is diffusing in from the 3000 A thick P(++) In(0.53)Ga(0.47)As contact layer on top of the cell. P/N InP cells on InP wafers or Si wafers had virtually the same diffusion profiles, with only a barely noticeable enhancement of the Zn diffusion in higher defect density InP/Si wafer, which is good news.

Abstract in portuguese O Second Life® constitui uma excelente plataforma para aplicações de divulgação de informação ou publicidade e reúne uma vasta comunidade de utilizadores, o que o torna num interessante canal de marketing. Neste artigo apresentamos um sistema que possibilita disponibilizar informação ou publicidade a utilizadores do mundo virtual Second Life®, de um modo directo e personalizado, utilizando uma plataforma única para selecção da informação/publicidade dirigi (more) da a cada utilizador: o v-Inform. Este sistema permite detectar a presença de avatares perto dos locais de apresentação de informação/publicidade e interage com blocos decisores para determinar qual a informação/publicidade a lhes apresentar. Permite ainda a integração de sistemas decisores variados, que recorram a dados históricos ou outros para decidir qual a informação a apresentar. Abstract in english Second Life® is an excellent platform for presenting information and marketing applications, with a large user community, rendering it an enticing marketing channel. In this article, we present a system that allows information/advertising to be displayed to users of the Second Life® virtual world, in a direct and customized way, using a single platform to select the information/advertisement for each person: v-Inform. The system detects the presence of avatars nearby lo (more) cations where information/advertisements are being displayed, and contacts decision blocks to determine which information/advertisement should be displayed. It allows integration of various decision systems, which may use historical data or some other method to decide which information should be displayed to users.

The results obtained to date indicate that toluene is a useful ``probe solute`` for measuring the relative affinities of various fly ash fractions for aromatic solutes. In general, the adsorption isotherms obtained for toluene on fly ash fractions can be fit to a Freundlich adsorption isotherm equation, which implies that the adsorbent surface in question is heterogeneous. For most fly ash fractions studied thus far, the measured heat of adsorption decreases as the quantity of toluene injected onto the column increases. This observation also indicates that the fly ash surfaces are heterogeneous. For a homogeneous (or nearly homogeneous) surface, virtually all adsorption ``sites`` for a particular solute exhibit approximately the same affinity for the solute; hence, the measured heat of adsorption is virtually independent of the amount of solute that is brought into contact with the surface. However, when the surface is heterogeneous, the measured heat of adsorption decreases as the amount of solute is increased; this variation can be used to make inferences regarding surface site energy distributions if certain assumptions and approximations are made. Data obtained to date are summarized.

In order to produce composite airframe structures cost-effectively and time-efficiently, quantitative and qualitative tools for composite virtual manufacturing (CVM) are being applied to analyze assembly problems based on a concurrent engineering approach. This approach to product development stresses the importance of bringing together integrated product and process development teams (IPPDT) to rapidly design, manufacture and ship cost-competitive transportation systems. Virtual manufacturing tools are being used to employ an integrated set of process models and product data information to simulate the processes required to fabricate composite aircraft structures. By coupling both product and process development, different members of the IPPDT can be provided with information important to assessing potential assembly problems prior to actual product manufacture. Quantitative measures of component deformations and contact conditions are computed to analyze the forces and alignments required for airframe assembly. By minimizing problems prior to actual physical assembly and designing composite aircraft structures that can be easily manufactured and assembled, different aircraft design variations are evaluated and produced to meet specific cost and time constraints.

Our study of a random series of more than 300 spoiled soft contact lenses reveals that virtually all lenses currently in use for daily or extended wear are subject to deterioration due to extraneous deposits, physical and chemical changes in the lens material, and microbial invasion. Common causes include ocular secretions, finger dirt and cosmetics, disinfecting and cleansing techniques, environmental factors, manufacturing defects and polymer impurities, mechanical stress and breakage, as well as aging and decay of the lens material. Mucoprotein-lipid deposits, with or without calcium, and calcareous deposits constitute the major forms of lens spoilage. Removal of encrusted deposits leaves surface irregularities and matrix defects which facilitate secondary spoilage including microbial invasion, and such lenses should be discarded. As virtually no soft lens material currently in use is "safe" for extended wear, the practitioner must carefully evaluated and follow his patients to identify those at risk of lens failure and spoilage complications. To eliminate spoilage, new lens materials and improved manufacturing techniques are needed. In the interim, for many patients, an inexpensive disposable soft lens which can be easily replaced, perhaps weekly or bi-weekly, may be the answer. PMID:7402583

The purpose of this article is to explore Korean English learners' identity and pedagogical implications of the findings. After a brief explanation about why the manners of examining English learners' identity can be diverse according to their sociocultural context, as an agency of Korean English learners' identity representation, their interactive behavior is investigated through "the theory of three levels of self." Despite Korean learners' pursuit for native English, regulations governing social and power relationships between Koreans play an influential role in their interaction. However, trade-offs between learners' individual and relational selves in some contexts indicate that their identity options are affected by the power struggle between learners' own sociocultural norms and roles English language and culture play in their community. This study concludes by emphasizing the need to look into ELF learners through social practices in their sociocultural context to maximize learning. (Contains 10 footnotes and 5 tables.)

The present study explores the life history of a South Korean adolescent girl who attempted suicide. The study focuses on how sociocultural values affected her suicide attempt and how she made meaning out of the experience. The results revealed that her life history was a process of seeking independence and autonomy, and freeing herself from social stigmatization. The study highlights the need for professionals to examine the sociocultural context of adolescents, along with a consideration of their developmental characteristics and family relationships in order to understand adolescent suicidal behaviors.

Abstract While environmental argumentation has recently received much attention from science educators, little consideration has been given to how personal identities and social relationships can either support or constrain student argumentation. This study attends to this issue by examining environmental argumentation as a sociocultural activity (how students implicitly create identities and relationships through environmental warrants and claims). By integrating rhetorical and sociocultural analysis of oral discourse, we examine argumentation about environmental dilemmas (problematic scenarios involving animals and the environment). Although students set forth a variety of warrants (social, economic, contextual, biocentric, and expertise-based), the dilemmas led to distinct forms of argu...

The goal of this paper is to integrate culture as a computational term in embodied conversational agents by employing an empirical data-driven approach as well as a theoretical model-driven approach. We propose a parameter-based model that predicts nonverbal expressions appropriate for specific cultures. First, we introduce the Hofstede theory to describe socio-cultural characteristics of each country. Then, based on the previous studies in cultural differences of nonverbal behaviors, we propose expressive parameters to characterize nonverbal behaviors. Finally, by integrating socio-cultural characteristics and nonverbal expressive characteristics, we establish a Bayesian network model that predicts posture expressiveness from a country name, and vice versa

Abstract in spanish El propósito de este trabajo es mostrar las principales identidades presentes en los textos de Gabriela Mistral considerados canónicos por la crítica, desde la perspectiva en que su obra se desarrolla como un proceso ambivalente de construcción identitaria de carácter sociocultural. Abstract in english The purpose of this paper is to show the main identities in the texts by Gabriela Mistral considered canonical by the critics, from the perspective of his work unfolds as an ambivalent process of socio-cultural identity construction.

Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 consistently proves to be worth its weight in gold, with new implementations thought up every day. With this product now a free download from Microsoft, scores of new users are able to experience what the power of virtualization can do for their networks. This guide is aimed at network administrators who are interested in ways that Virtual Server 2005 can be implemented in their organizations in order to save money and increase network productivity. It contains information on setting up a virtual network, virtual consolidation, virtual security, virtual honeypo

Virtual screening and QSAR analysis were carried out to investigate the binding features of (2R, 3R, 4S)-2-aminomethylpyrrolidine 3,4-diol and the functionalized pyrrolidine derivatives to the ?-mannosidase I and II enzymes. The QSAR models (possessed considerable R(2), Q(2) values, etc.) suggested that the presence of polar property on the vdW surface (vsurf_W, vsurf_Wp, etc.) of the molecules is important along with the presence of aromatic rings (opr_violation) in the molecules (which also provide hydrophobicity to the molecules). The docking study performed on ?-mannosidase I and II enzymes pointed that the main interactions occur by hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic ?-? stacking contacts and salt bridges with the cation calcium (for ?-mannosidase I) and close interaction with zinc ion (?-mannosidase II), respectively. The bond flexibility orientates the aromatic ring in the molecules toward the hydrophobic cavity for ?-? stacking contacts with the aromatic amino acids (Phe528, Phe329 and Phe659 for ?-mannosidase I and Trp95, Tyr269, Phe312, Tyr102 for ?-mannosidase II). The pharmacophore analysis also supports the results derived from the docking and QSAR studies. Our results suggest that the best compound to inhibit both classes of ?-mannosidase is the compound 30, which may be used to design similar and better inhibitors to next generation drugs. PMID:23151473

Building on the work of Fisher et al. [Phys. Rev. B 40, 546 (1989)], we develop the perturbation theory for the Bose-Hubbard model and apply it to calculate the effects of a degenerate gas of spin-polarized fermions interacting by contact interactions with the constituent bosons. For the single-band Bose-Hubbard model, we find that the net effect of the screening of the boson on-site interaction by the fermions is to suppress the Mott-insulating lobes in the Bose-Hubbard phase diagram. For the more general multiband model, we find that, in addition to the fermion screening effects, the virtual excitations of the bosons to the higher Bloch bands, coupled with the contact interactions with the fermions, result in an effective increase (decrease) of the boson on-site repulsion (hopping parameter). If the higher-band renormalization of the boson parameters is dominant over the fermion screening of the interaction, the Mott-insulating lobes in the Bose-Hubbard phase diagram are enhanced for either sign of the Bose-Fermi interactions, consistent with the recent experiments.

The decade of the 1960's saw a marked expansion of cooperation between the United States and the Soviet Union for the peaceful uses of atomic energy. In my opinion, this development constituted one of the most encouraging elements in the international scene. Until 1955 contacts between American and Soviet nuclear scientists were virtually nonexistent, as indeed (after World War II) were US-USSR contacts in other fields except as required in formal intergovernmental relations. Then, in July 1955, the discussions of the Heads of Government meeting in Geneva led to the declaration of a policy with the following aims: to lower the barriers which now impede the interchange of information and ideas between our peoples; to lower the barriers which now impede the opportunities of people to travel anywhere in the world for peaceful, friendly purposes, so that all will have a chance to know each other face to face; and to create conditions which will encourage nations to increase the exchange of peaceful goods throughout the world. 8 figs.

The analytical model developed in the previous paper is applied to excitation of an axisymmetric fundamental wave on a fluid-fluid interface enclosed by a vertical cylinder. The excitation is caused by a forced vertical motion of the fluids relative to the stationary solid wall. Model analyses reproduced experimental results on the interface wave amplitude and phase relationship to the forced excitation. It is found that the deformation of the interface, that is primary mechanism exciting the wave, takes place only in a part of each cycle. In this time period the interface is hinged directly to the fluid-fluid-wall contact line of low mobility and hence the near-wall interface profile is subjected to deformation as a result of the forced fluid motion relative to the wall. For the rest of the cycle the interface is virtually untied from the wall due to the presence of a liquid film between the moving interface and the contact line, which can stretch or shrink without imposing additional forces on the moving interface. The fraction of the time period when the interface is hinged on the wall without intervention by the liquid film decreases as the excitation amplitude is increased, or the wave amplitude increases. The effective, cycle-averaged mobility of the interface, dependent on this time fraction, affects the natural frequency of the interface as well as the efficiency of wave excitation.   

What exactly is virtualization? As this concise book explains, virtualization is a smorgasbord of technologies that offer organizations many advantages, whether you're managing extremely large stores of rapidly changing data, scaling out an application, or harnessing huge amounts of computational power. With this guide, you get an overview of the five main types of virtualization technology, along with information on security, management, and modern use cases. Topics include: Access virtualization-Allows access to any application from any deviceApplication virtualization-Enables applications

Abstract in portuguese Esse estudo analisa autópsias psicológicas e contextualiza problemas e fatores que levaram algumas pessoas idosas a acabar com a própria vida na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, entre 2004 e 2007. O estudo parte de 26 laudos periciais de homens e mulheres que cometeram suicídios no centro, na zona norte e na zona sul da cidade. As famílias desses idosos foram contatadas por carta e telefone e depois, pessoalmente. Foram oito autópsias psicológicas, por meio das quais fora (more) m coletados dados de identificação, genograma da família e uma entrevista que reconstituiu o modo de vida e as razões da violência autoinfligida. Os entrevistados foram familiares, amigos e conhecidos das vítimas. Os suicídios estão associados a depressão, a enfermidades físicas e mentais graves e a fatores socioculturais como decadência profissional e socioeconômica. Esses eventos ocorreram com e sem apoio familiar, com e sem acompanhamento médico. A fragilização cumulativa de recursos pessoais e sociais no ciclo vital revela que o risco do suicídio em idosos exige cuidados permanentes de saúde pública. Abstract in english This study analyses psychological autopsies and contextualizes problems and issues that led to elderly people taking their own lives in the city of Rio de Janeiro between 2004 and 2007. The study began with an analysis of 26 expert findings of elderly men and women who committed suicide in the central, northern and southern areas of Rio de Janeiro. The sample was contacted by letter and telephone and after that, by a one-on-one conversation. Eight psychological autopsies (more) were conducted, in which identification data and family genograms were collected followed by an interview to profile the life style and the reasons for the self-inflicted violence. The interviewees were family members, friends and acquaintances of the victims. The suicides are associated with depression, serious physical and mental illness, as well as socio-cultural factors related to professional and socio-economic decline. The suicides occurred with and without family support, with and without medical care. The cumulative fragility of personal and social resources within the life cycle reveals that the risk of suicide among the elderly demands permanent care from the public health authorities.

There is a need to better understand communities' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of neglected tropical diseases to improve prevention and control efforts. We studied the socio-cultural aspects of parasitic worm infections in two villages (Mélapleu and Zouatta II) of western Côte d'Ivoire,...

In a recent ground-breaking case the South African courts were for the first time requested to use their discretion to interfere in the parent-child relationship due to the traditional socio-cultural beliefs of the parents. In what has been described as "every parent's nightmare; the fancy of many t...

The part the university plays in the building of a nation in the post-independence period is described and illustrated by means of a detailed study of Malaysia. The impact of economic, socio-cultural, and political factors are analyzed and the objectives of higher education in contemporary Malaysia are articulated. (Author/MLW)

Veileder: Tore Gulden , Bi-veileder: Astrid Skjerven , This research project focused on developing a seat inspired by a traditional symbol from Ghana. A number of traditional symbols in Ghana were identified out of which three symbols were selected upon interest. The meanings and socio-cultural contexts o...

Abstract in spanish Este trabajo utiliza un enfoque del riesgo concebido, no como una acción individual, sino tomando su dimensión social. Busca analizar las diferentes formas en que el contexto sociocultural, relacionado a la homofobia internalizada y a las normas de género hegemónicas, permite la construcción de barreras en la percepción del riesgo. Estas barreras impiden la negociación de protección entre hombres homosexuales que han asumido una identidad de género femenina y hab (more) itan en barrios pobres de Lima y Trujillo, Peru. El análisis de la percepción del riesgo desde el plano sociocultural, nos va a permitir explicar las razones por las cuales la capacidad de negociación en esta población se ve restringida, no obstante, posee, más que otras, un mayor conocimiento del VIH/SIDA y sus consecuencias. Abstract in english This paper focuses on risk, conceived not as an individual action, but considering its social dimension, analyzing the various forms in the socio-cultural context related to internalized homophobia and hegemonic gender norms that allow barriers to be constructed in risk perception. Such barriers hinder negotiation and protection among homosexual men that have adopted a female gender identity, living in low-income barrios of Lima and Trujillo, Peru. Risk perception is anal (more) yzed on the socio-cultural plane, allowing one to explain the limited negotiating capacity of this population, even though they have extensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its consequences.

Sociocultural patterning of the postnatal period in non-Western settings has been hypothesised to protect against postnatal depression. In 2004, in a predominantly rural area of Ethiopia, we conducted 25 in-depth interviews and five focus group discussions with purposively selected participants incl...

This paper aims to provide an introductory overview over the socio-cultural context of Northern Vietnam to agricultural researchers. The paper focuses on the interplay between Vietnam?s lowlands and the uplands to specify what makes the Northern uplands a distinct region; as an object of empirical a...

Like many other critical Third World films, Khyentse Norbu’s "Travellers and Magicians" (2003) is orientated less around meeting Hollywood entertainment standards, and more around a neorealist reflection upon the socio-cultural and politico-economic changes that have occurred, within traditional soc...

The study addresses the biological and the socio-cultural dimensions of the artisanal fisheries along a 50 km long stretch of the South coast of Kenya. Nine fish landing sites were monitored over two years. Lines, gill nets, traps, and spears were common to all the sites. Beach seine, set nets, cha-...

This paper provides a case study of a transplanted religious tradition and the tradition's endeavours to reconstruct organisational patterns in a socio-culturally different environment. The author looks at Hindu traditions from Sri Lanka which in cause of the flight of Tamil people came during the l...

OBJECTIVE: This paper examines the crisis of conscience as portrayed in the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac. CONCLUSION: The perspective of allegory allows intense emotion to be contained, and placed in a socio-cultural context, which may work against bloodshed. PMID:22452901

The identification of geological sources of obsidians collected in archaeological sites provides important information about circulation routes and sociocultural relationships during prehistoric periods. This paper presents the preliminary results obtained by MS and EPR on geological obsidians from Ayacucho and Arequipa, in Peru and on archaeological obsidian artifacts from Cerrillos, an early Paracas site of the upper Ica valley, south of Lima (Peru).

This paper focuses on the The Importance of Being Earnest and Lady Windermere's Fan, works by Oscar Wilde, and criticism of Victorian hypocrisy. The introductory part is dedicated to Victorian society, its issues, specificities, and values above all. Both plays are set into the socio-cultural contex...

Abstract in spanish Este trabajo consiste en un estudio de caso desarrollado bajo el marco del enfoque sociocultural. La meta era conocer una experiencia educacional en la asignatura de Química, a través de la cual generar un conjunto de criterios para el análisis de los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje. La elección de una asignatura en especial implicó el intento por contemplar la especificidad del contenido y su didáctica, elementos que en la investigación sociocultural generalmen (more) te no son contemplados como parte integral del análisis. Los resultados muestran una suerte de "radiografía" de la experiencia observada y aportan criterios para la observación, el análisis y la reflexión acerca de las prácticas pedagógicas Abstract in english A case study research was carried out following a sociocultural approach. The aim was to analyze an aducational experience in Chemistry in order to generate a set of criteria the teaching learning process. The choice of a specific subject matter was based on the intention to integrate instructional contents in the analysis, which is seldom considered in sociocultural research. Results show a an "X-ray" of the observed teaching learning experience and provide criteria for observation, analysis and reflection about teaching practices

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - CIEC – FCT Research Unit 317. , Teachers’ conceptions about human evolution have been a matter of intense research by Quessada and Clément (2010) in the context of the European BIOHEAD-CITIZEN project. Having in mind the socio-cultural links between Portug...

Initial applications of the GriPhyN Chimera Virtual Data System have been performed within the context of CMS Production of Monte Carlo Simulated Data. The GriPhyN Chimera system consists of four primary components: 1) a Virtual Data Language, which is used to describe virtual data products, 2) a Virtual Data Catalog, which is used to store virtual data entries, 3) an Abstract Planner, which resolves all dependencies of a particular virtual data product and forms a location and existence independent plan, 4) a Concrete Planner, which maps an abstract, logical plan onto concrete, physical grid resources accounting for staging in/out files and publishing results to a replica location service. A CMS Workflow Planner, MCRunJob, is used to generate virtual data products using the Virtual Data Language. Subsequently, a prototype workflow manager, known as WorkRunner, is used to schedule the instantiation of virtual data products across a grid.

Virtual Institutions (VIs) have proven to be adequate to engineer applications where participants can be humans and software agents. VIs combine Electronic Institutions (EIs) and 3D Virtual Worlds (VWs). In this context, Electronic Institutions are used to establish the regulations that structure interactions and support software agent participation while Virtual Worlds facilitate human participation. In this paper we propose Virtual Institution eXEcution Environment (VIXEE) as an innovative communication infrastructure for VIs. Using VIXEE to connect Virtual Worlds and EI opens EI to humans, providing a fully operational and comprehensive environment. The main features of the infrastructure are (i) the causal connection between Virtual Worlds and Electronic Institutions, (ii) the automati...

These analyses were undertaken to aid in the understanding of flow phenomena in the Alternate Turbopump Development (ATD) High-pressure Oxidizer Turbopump (HPOTP) Pump-end ball bearing (PEBB) cavities and their roles in turbopump vibration initiation and bearing distress. This effort was being performed to provide timely support to the program in a decision as to whether or not the program should be continued. In the first case, it was determined that a change in bearing through flow had no significant effect on axial preload. This was a follow-on to a previous study which had resulted in a redesign of the bearing exit cavity which virtually eliminated bearing axial loading. In the second case, a three-dimensional analysis of the inner-race-guided cage configuration was performed so as to determine the pressure distribution on the outer race when the shaft is 0.0002 inches off-center. The results indicate that there is virtually no circumferential pressure difference caused by the offset to contribute to bearing tilt. In the third case, axisymmetric analyses were performed on an outer-race guided cage configuration to determine the magnitude of tangential flow entering the bearing. The removed-shoulder case was analyzed as was the static diverter case. A third analysis where the preload spring was shielded by a sheet of metal for the baseline case was also performed. It was determined that the swirl entering the bearing was acceptable and the project decided to use the outer-race-guided cage configuration. In the fourth case, more bearing configurations were analyzed. These analyses included thermal modeling so as to determine the added benefit of injecting colder fluid directly onto the bearing inner-race contact area. The results of these analyses contributed to a programmatic decision to include coolant injection in the design.

Abstract in spanish Objetivo: Conocer los primeros datos de actividad de la Unidad de Atención Crohn-Colitis (UACC) y su línea virtual, la http://www.ua-cc.org Material y método: La UACC es un servicio de educación y promoción de la salud que se dirige a los enfermos con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y a su entorno. Dispone de un centro de coordinación desde donde se gestionan todas las consultas y las resoluciones gestionadas por un equipo multidisciplinario. El acceso telefónic (more) o y la web son las principales vías de contacto. Resultados: A los 3 años de funcionamiento, la UACC cuenta con 956 usuarios, el 87% de los cuales son pacientes, que han generado más de 4.500 consultas multitemáticas. Destaca la vía de atención telefónica con un 67% y los más de 500 usuarios registrados en el portal. Conclusiones: Los primeros datos descriptivos expresan un impacto significativo del proyecto, en el que destacan la atención integral y el acceso virtual como las variables más significativas. Abstract in english Objective: To assess the activity of the Crohn-Colitis Care Unit (CCCU) and of its web site: http://www.ua-cc.org Material and method: The CCCU is a unit for the education and health promotion of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their immediate circle. It includes a coordination center with a multidisciplinary team that manages patients' requests. The main means of contact is through telephone and the Web. Results: After 3 years, there are 956 users registered (more) in the CCCU, of which 87% are patients who generated more than 4,500 consultations on multiple topics. Telephone consultations account for 67% of all consultations and there are 500 users registered in the Web. Conclusions: The preliminary results suggest that the integral approach of the CCCU and its web site have had a significant impact on patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

The technology to reliably transmit high-resolution visual imagery over short to medium distances in real time has led to the serious considerations of the use of telemedicine, telepresence, and telerobotics in the delivery of health care. These concepts may involve, and evolve toward: consultation from remote expert teaching centers; diagnosis; triage; real-time remote advice to the surgeon; and real-time remote surgical instrument manipulation (telerobotics with virtual reality). Further extrapolation leads to teledesign and telereplication of spare surgical parts through quantitative teleimaging of 3-D surfaces tied to CAD/CAM devices and an artificially intelligent archival data base of 'normal' shapes. The ability to generate 'topogrames' or 3-D surface numerical tables of coordinate values capable of creating computer-generated virtual holographic-like displays, machine part replication, and statistical diagnostic shape assessment is critical to the progression of telemedicine. Any virtual reality simulation will remain in 'video-game' realm until realistic dimensional and spatial relational inputs from real measurements in vivo during surgeries are added to an ever-growing statistical data archive. The challenges of managing and interpreting this 3-D data base, which would include radiographic and surface quantitative data, are considerable. As technology drives toward dynamic and continuous 3-D surface measurements, presenting millions of X, Y, Z data points per second of flexing, stretching, moving human organs, the knowledge base and interpretive capabilities of 'brilliant robots' to work as a surgeon's tireless assistants becomes imaginable. The brilliant robot would 'see' what the surgeon sees--and more, for the robot could quantify its 3-D sensing and would 'see' in a wider spectral range than humans, and could zoom its 'eyes' from the macro world to long-distance microscopy. Unerring robot hands could rapidly perform machine-aided suturing with precision micro-sewing machines, splice neural connections with laser welds, micro-bore through constricted vessels, and computer combine ultrasound, microradiography, and 3-D mini-borescopes to quickly assess and trace vascular problems in situ. The spatial relationships between organs, robotic arms, and end-effector diagnostic, manipulative, and surgical instruments would be constantly monitored by the robot 'brain' using inputs from its multiple 3-D quantitative 'eyes' remote sensing, as well as by contact and proximity force measuring devices. Methods to create accurate and quantitative 3-D topograms at continuous video data rates are described.

Abstract in spanish FUNDAMENTO: El uso de métodos anticonceptivos está en relación, entre otros, con factores demográficos, sociales, económicos, educativos e ideológicos. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer qué métodos anticonceptivos conocen las mujeres en edad fértil, así como la prevalencia de su uso. MÉTODOS: A partir del listado de tarjeta sanitaria se seleccionaron mediante muestreo sistemático 389 de las 5800 mujeres en edad fértil (15-45 años) asignadas a un centro (more) de salud. Previo envío de una carta, comunicando el motivo del estudio, se contactó telefónicamente con ellas para la realización de una encuesta, la cual incluía preguntas acerca del conocimiento y uso de métodos anticonceptivos, características socioculturales y actividad sexual. Las mujeres que no tenían teléfono fueron citadas en el centro de salud. RESULTADOS: Se contactó con 178 mujeres, de las que participaron 166 (tasa de respuesta de 42,7%). De ellas utilizaban algún método anticonceptivo 86 (51,8%; IC:44,2-59,4%). Sin embargo, entre mujeres con riesgo de embarazo no deseado, la prevalencia de uso era del 70,5% (IC: 62,4-78,6%), destacando el hecho de que en el grupo de mujeres de 40 a 45 años sólo utilizaran anticonceptivos el 45,4%, con una frecuencia significativamente inferior a los otros grupos de edad. Los métodos más conocidos eran el preservativo (90,4%), los contraceptivos orales (89,2%) y el dispositivo intrauterino (78,3%), siendo escaso el conocimiento de otros métodos. CONCLUSIONES: La tasa de utilización de métodos anticonceptivos en mujeres con riesgo de embarazo no deseado es aceptable, si bien entre 40 y 45 años es llamativamente baja. Los métodos más conocidos son el preservativo, los contraceptivos orales y el dispositivo intrauterino. Abstract in english BACKGROUND: The use of contraceptives is related to factors including those of a demographic, social, economic, educational and ideological nature. The purpose of our study is that of ascertaining with what contraceptive methods the women of child-bearing age assigned to a given health care center are familiar, in addition to prevalence of the use thereof. METHODS: Based on the health care card listing, 389 of the 5800 women of child-bearing age (15-45 years old) assigned (more) to the health care center in question were selected by means of a systematic sampling. After sending them a letter notifying them of the reason for this study, they were contacted by telephone to fill out the survey, which included questions regarding their knowledge and use of contraceptive methods, their sociocultural characteristics and sexual activity. Appointments at the health center were made with those women who did not have telephones. RESULTS: 178 women were contacted, 166 of whom took part in the survey (42.7% response rate). 86 of these women (51.8%; CI: 44.2-59.4%) were using some means of contraception. Nevertheless, among women at risk of unwanted pregnancies, the prevalence of use was 70.5% (CI: 62.4-78.6%), being worthy of special mention the fact that solely 45.4% of the women within the 40-45 age group were using contraceptives, revealing a frequency significantly lower than the other age groups. The methods known to the greatest degree were the condom (90.4%), oral contraceptives (89.2%) and the IUD (78.3%), the knowledge of other means being scant. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of use of contraceptive methods among women at risk of unwanted pregnancy is acceptable, although strikingly low among the women in the 40-45 age group. The methods known most were the condom, oral contraceptives and the intrauterine device.

Aug 21, 1996 ... Will PF machines have new interfaces for users? Voice and video? Virtual Environments and Virtual Reality? 3D scanner and computer based sensors? Will PF ... VR MUDS and MOOS; Gesture recognition and gesture based ...

I summarize emerging ethical issues and challenges evoked by rapidly developing and diffusing technologies for creating virtual experiences, especially as these developments increasingly blur the ethically foundational distinction between real and virtual.

A laser device includes a virtual source configured to aim laser energy that originates from a true source. The virtual source has a vertical rotational axis during vertical motion of the virtual source and the vertical axis passes through an exit point from which the laser energy emanates independent of virtual source position. The emanating laser energy is collinear with an orientation line. The laser device includes a virtual source manipulation mechanism that positions the virtual source. The manipulation mechanism has a center of lateral pivot approximately coincident with a lateral index and a center of vertical pivot approximately coincident with a vertical index. The vertical index and lateral index intersect at an index origin. The virtual source and manipulation mechanism auto align the orientation line through the index origin during virtual source motion.

Jun 19, 2012... a virtual environment, Proceedings IEEE Virtual Reality 2006 Click to read more .... amplitude three-dimensional tracking in augmented environments: a .... Computing in Health Care, Los Angeles, CA, September 1984, pp.

The project investigates neogeography and tries to understand how community creates and maintains virtual environment. Therefore it introduces collaborative virtual environment and digital photography as a supporting and mediating communicative element. This is explored through image sharing service...

IVS is an extensible software platform that provides an intelligent 3D virtual ... and visualize planned and unplanned (science, repair) procedures in real-time. ... a virtual rover, using CAD data designers and engineers used to design the parts.

Paediatric rehabilitation using virtual reality systems pose unique usability challenges distinct from those in adult rehabilitation. These challenges relate to the different epidemiology and aetiology of children?s disorders requiring rehabilitation and the physical design of interactive virtual re...

While it is possible that multi-settlement markets can exist without virtual trading, it is equally clear that virtual trading can provide many market benefits. The main one: In the absence of explicit virtual bidding (EVB), the price arbitrage trades that are benign in other commodity markets affect the reliability of the underlying electricity markets, resulting in a situation where EVB is most useful when it neutralizes the deleterious reliability effects of implicit virtual bidding and physical arbitrage. (author)

Problem statement: Although, literature proves the importance of the technology role in the effectiveness of virtual Research and Development (R&D) teams for new product development. However, the factors that make technology construct in a virtual R&D team are still ambiguous. The manager of virtual...

Abstract The thesis presents a model that, through an autonomous virtual pedagogical agent, can support interaction in the frame of Collaborative Virtual Environments for learning. With the advantage of the visual aspect available in Virtual Environments, specifically the user embodiment, his/her av...

This paper introduces the concept and the advantages of using virtual laboratories through mobile devices. It will also be introduced some concepts related to learning objects and m-learning. We also present the virtual experience used for the virtual mobile laboratory. In the end, we indicate the i...

Affinity selection of peptides displayed on phage particles was used as the basis for mapping molecular contacts between small molecule ligands and their protein targets. Analysis of the crystal structures of complexes between proteins and small molecule ligands revealed that virtually all ligands of molecular weight 300 Da or greater have a continuous binding epitope of 5 residues or more. This observation led to the development of a technique for binding site identification which involves statistical analysis of an affinity-selected set of peptides obtained by screening of libraries of random, phage-displayed peptides against small molecules attached to solid surfaces. A random sample of the selected peptides is sequenced and used as input for a similarity scanning program which calculates cumulative similarity scores along the length of the putative receptor. Regions of the protein sequence exhibiting the highest similarity with the selected peptides proved to have a high probability of being involved in ligand binding. This technique has been employed successfully to map the contact residues in multiple known targets of the anticancer drugs paclitaxel (Taxol), docetaxel (Taxotere) and 2-methoxyestradiol and the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan, and to identify a novel paclitaxel receptor [1]. These data corroborate the observation that the binding properties of peptides displayed on the surface of phage particles can mimic the binding properties of peptides in naturally occurring proteins. It follows directly that structural context is relatively unimportant for determining the binding properties of these disordered peptides. This technique represents a novel, rapid, high resolution method for identifying potential ligand binding sites in the absence of three-dimensional information and has the potential to greatly enhance the speed of development of novel small molecule pharmaceuticals.

The barley alpha-amylase/subtilisin inhibitor (BASI) inhibits alpha-amylase 2 (AMY2) with subnanomolar affinity. The contribution of selected side chains of BASI to this high affinity is discerned in this study, and binding to other targets is investigated. Seven BASI residues along the AMY2-BASI interface and four residues in the putative protease-binding loop on the opposite side of the inhibitor were mutated. A total of 15 variants were compared with the wild type by monitoring the alpha-amylase and protease inhibitory activities using Blue Starch and azoalbumin, respectively, and the kinetics of binding to target enzymes by surface plasmon resonance. Generally, the mutations had little effect on k(on), whereas the k(off) values were increased up to 67-fold. The effects on the inhibitory activity, however, were far more pronounced, and the K(i) values of some mutants on the AMY2-binding side increased 2-3 orders of magnitude, whereas mutations on the other side of the inhibitor had virtually no effect. Themutants K140L, D150N, and E168T lost inhibitory activity, revealing the pivotal role of charge interactions for BASI activity on AMY2. A fully hydrated Ca(2+) at the AMY2-BASI interface mediates contacts to the catalytic residues of AMY2. Mutations involving residues contacting the solvent ligands of this Ca(2+) had weaker affinity for AMY2 and reduced sensitivity to the Ca(2+) modulation of the affinity. These results suggest that the Ca(2+) and its solvation sphere are integral components of the AMY2-BASI complex, thus illuminating a novel mode of inhibition and a novel role for calcium in relation to glycoside hydrolases.

Implantation of a coronary stent results in a mechanical enlargement of the coronary lumen with stretching of the surrounding atherosclerotic plaque. Using intravascular ultrasound virtual-histology (IVUS-VH) we examined the temporal changes in composition of the plaque behind the struts (PBS) following the implantation of the everolimus eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS). Using IVUS-VH and dedicated software, the composition of plaque was analyzed in all patients from the ABSORB B trial who were imaged with a commercially available IVUS-VH console (s5i system, Volcano Corporation, Rancho Cordova, CA, USA) post-treatment and at 6-month follow-up. This dedicated software enabled analysis of the PBS after subtraction of the VH signal generated by the struts. The presence of necrotic core (NC) in contact with the lumen was also evaluated at baseline and follow-up. IVUS-VH data, recorded with s5i system, were available at baseline and 6-month follow-up in 15 patients and demonstrated an increase in both the area of PBS (2.45 ± 1.93 mm(2) vs. 3.19 ± 2.48 mm(2), P = 0.005) and the external elastic membrane area (13.76 ± 4.07 mm(2) vs. 14.76 ± 4.56 mm(2), P = 0.006). Compared to baseline there was a significant progression in the NC (0.85 ± 0.70 mm(2) vs. 1.21 ± 0.92 mm(2), P = 0.010) and fibrous tissue area (0.88 ± 0.79 mm(2) vs. 1.15 ± 1.05 mm(2), P = 0.027) of the PBS. The NC in contact with the lumen in the treated segment did not increase with follow-up (7.33 vs. 6.36%, P = 0.2). Serial IVUS-VH analysis of BVS-treated lesions at 6-month demonstrated a progression in the NC and fibrous tissue content of PBS.

Discontinuous horizons of sapphirine-bearing gneiss, characterized by various combinations of Sap-Opx-Ged-Hbl-Spn-Co-Bio-Plag-Hog, occur near the upper contact of the anorthositic Fiskenaesset Complex with supra-crustal amphibolite. At Fiskenaesset Harbour, the Sap rocks occur in a approx. 10m wide zone containing thin concordant lenses of ultramafic rock (Hbl+Spn+/-Cpx+/-Opx). The Sap rocks have high Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ (26-56 wt%) and MgO (15-30), modest SiO/sub 2/ (21-43), and low FeO (1.7-7.1), K/sub 2/O (.1-4.5), CaO (.1-7.4) and Na/sub 2/O (.1-1.7). Unexpectedly, the assemblage Sap-Ged-Hbl is most common, whereas bimineralic, granular Sap-Bio and bladed Sap-Opx or Sap-Ged types are visually spectacular. The affinity of Sap for such high variance assemblages, which are arranged in dm-sized layers parallel to the contact with anorthosite, suggests control by metasomatic processes. The fact that Sap rocks have negative Eu-anomalies (Eu/Eu*=.3-.9), and may have enriched and strongly fractionated light REE ((La/Sm)/sub N/ approx. 5), suggests involvement of a crustal sedimentary component. Thus, incorporation of supracrustal sillimanitic gneisses (source of Al, K) into the Fiskenaesset Complex, and subsequent metasomatic interaction with anorthosite (source of Ca) and periodotite (source of Mg) is preferred as a mechanism which can reconcile field, petrographic and geochemical features. Sap compositions span virtually the entire range reported previously for natural samples, which raises concern regarding proposed use of Sap as a single mineral P-T indicator. Nevertheless, Mg-Fe partitioning among phases is highly regular, suggesting preservation of equilibration at high-grade conditions .

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For the prediction of the material flow behavior of wide strips in hot and cold rolling, highly sophisticated procedures are essential, which are able to couple the deformation of the strip and the elastic response of the rolls. Especially for thin, wide strips, where the aspect ratio width over thickness is extremely unfavorable for standard FEM-calculations, the determination of profile transfer and flatness obviously leads to extremely high calculation times with commercial FEM-programs. Therefore, a tailor-made FEM-code for the efficient simulation of the elasto-plastic material flow inside the roll gap has been developed. The underlying formalism for the strip-routines is based on pseudo-steady-state streamline-update techniques for the stress-field, coupled iteratively with the principle of virtual power for the determination of the velocity field and the contact stress distribution between strip and work roll. Coupling of the strip models with the routines for elastic roll stack deflection is a precondition to get reliable results concerning profile transfer and residual stresses inside the strip, which allows the prediction of flatness defects, such as buckling. Of particular interest is the dependence of the longitudinal stress distributions and of the corresponding specific rolling force-distribution across the strip width on the underlying constitutive elasto-viscoplastic laws including rate-dependence, work hardening, softening and creep effects.

The extraction and stripping of a strontium feed solution at 1000ppm and pH 7 has been investigated using a recirculating liquid membrane system. Feed solution was circulated through the tube-side of a hollow fibre unit, contacting an extractant solution of 20% v/v di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate in odourless kerosine at the inner wall. The partition coefficient for this extraction was 56000. The extractant was then pumped to the shell-side of a second hollow fibre unit, containing the strip solution of nitric acid in the tube-side of the fibres. Strontium removal from the feed solution was virtually complete after one hour, but the stripping time scale was at least an order or magnitude longer. Flowrates of each phase did not appear to affect the overall mass transfer coefficients for extraction or stripping operations. The extraction coefficient based on the feed phase was estimated to be 3.9 x 10{sup -6}m s{sup -1}. Stripping coefficients based on the strip phase were measured at 1.6 x 10{sup -9} and 2.2 x 10{sup -9}m s{sup -1} for strip solutions of 0.1M and 1.0M nitric acid. These values compare reasonably well with published correlations. (author).

In dentistry, mechanical articulators with which mandibular movements can be reproduced in dentals casts play a major role. Commonly used semiadjustable articulators, however, have major limitations: On the one hand, the movement of the mandible is not reproduced exactly, on the other, they do not provide time-related information on jaw movement. Both problems can be solved by replacing the mechanical articulator by a digital simulation ("virtual articulator") based on digitized plaster casts and electronically recorded masticatory movements. We present a system for the 3D measurement of plaster casts in a skull-related, anatomical coordinate system using the fringe projection technique, and electronically recorded condylar movements. Using numerical algorithms, the contacts between upper and low jaw, and the angle of rotation of the temporomandibular joint can be computed for each movement in dynamic occlusion. Taking the data recorded from a patient as an example, the influence of the accuracy of the digitization of plaster casts on the computation of the rotation of the temporomandibular joint is discussed in relation to the anatomy of the masticatory apparatus. PMID:15212195

In this paper the author proposes a hypothesis to explain a wavelength-fixing mechanism for rail corrugation. Corrugation growth was predicted using a theoretical model that took into account multiple-wheel interaction and the Doppler effect of rail vibration caused by wheel movement. The wheel-rail contact forces due to virtual sinusoidal irregularities on the rail head were calculated, and the corrugation growth at an arbitrary wavelength was predicted. To verify the hypothesis, the author conducted a precise investigation into the corrugation wavelengths on various track sections using vertical acceleration of the axle box. Even on a specific section of track, large-amplitude corrugation was not generally found at a specific wavelength but rather in a few wide-band ranges. Moreover, in each range where significant corrugation occurred, several sharp peaks were observed at constant frequency intervals. These peaks were found to appear at regular intervals approximately equal to fractions of a wheelbase length, and the theoretical prediction showed good agreement with measured corrugation characteristics. It was concluded that various kinds of corrugation are the result of rail vibration interference excited by multiple wheels.   

We have analyzed one specific NOVA double-shell target design and have determined the x-ray energies required for probing the performance of the implosion. It is virtually impossible to study the compression of the fuel or the motion of the inner pusher. An x-ray energy of about 9 keV appears to be ideal for measuring the behavior of the outer TaCOH shell for the majority of its travel. However, it would be advantageous to have an x-ray source of about 25 keV to measure the contact between the two shells. Development of narrowband x-ray line sources are more desirable than broadband continuum sources since the intensity per keV is many times greater in the line. Intensities of the probes are determined by the self-emission levels of the target capsule. For the 9 keV line source, an intensity of upwards to 10/sup 15/ keV/keV/sh/cm/sup 2//sr is required with a source area of about 0.01 cm/sup 2/.

Malaria is endemic in Assam, northeast India, with low-to-moderate transmission of the causative parasites, mostly by Anopheles minimus. Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant parasite (>60%), with remaining cases being due to P. vivax. As an alternative intervention for malaria control, long-lasting insecticidal nets [Interceptor coated with alpha-cypermethrin 10% suspension concentrate (SC), 0.667% w/w, 0.2g/m(2)] underwent field evaluation for laboratory wash resistance and residual efficacy in field conditions against malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. Based on entomological observations, the Interceptor net intervention was the most effective, corresponding to the lowest mosquito vector density in experimental villages. There was virtual disappearance of A. minimus in Interceptor net villages in contrast to the untreated net intervention and the no-net control. Contact cone bioassay tests revealed 100% mortality in the A.minimus group of mosquito species in the community using the Interceptor net, which was consistent during the follow-up monitoring period (October 2006 to April 2007) in field conditions. Similar levels of mortality were observed in laboratory-washed nets compared with unwashed nets, and wash resistance was consistent even after the 20th serial wash at fortnightly intervals. Community compliance and acceptance of the Interceptor net was high, with decreased nuisance due to biting mosquitoes and other household insect pests being reported. PMID:19762058

The field generated by the electric organ of weakly electric fish varies with the electrical properties of nearby objects. Correspondingly, current fluxes in this field differentially stimulate the electroreceptors in the fish's skin. Thus, resistors are to conductors and insulators as gray is to black and white in optics. Additionally, the capacitances of plants and insect larvae contrast with those of water or stones, giving effects comparable to "coloration". Receptors arrayed over a large area of the skin act like a retina upon which the discharge projects "electric images". By further central processing, the fish also discriminate between objects according to their composition, size, or distance, a procedure termed "electrolocation", analogous to echolocation in bats. Here we demonstrate that G. petersii and S. macrurus can also recognize 3D orientations and configurations and extract and generalize spatial features solely with their electrical sense. We presented fish with virtual electrical "objects" formed from electrodes set flush in the inner surface of a Y maze with various patterns of external connectivity. With reward and aversion training, the fish could recognize similar electrode configurations and extract a feature, e.g., a vertical connectivity, present in various novel configurations. Previously, shape recognition has only been shown in electrolocating fish when they are in full mechanical contact with solid objects. PMID:15120076

A viable process for multilevel interconnects was developed. Silicon dioxide sputtered at a substrate temperature of 200 C controlled by gallium heat sinking to a heater block, at argon pressure of 5 millitorr, and at a power density of 14 watts/sq. in. was demonstrated to have appropriate etching characteristics and to be virtually free of pinholes. Pure aluminum and 4% copper in aluminum were shown to be compatible with the silicon dioxide process and to give good level-to-level electrical contact at feedthroughs sputter cleaned just prior to the metal deposition. Beryllium oxide was deposited by rf sputtering from a beryllium oxide target and by reactive rf sputtering from a beryllium target using oxygen-argon mixtures. In both cases stress levels in the films deposited were very high, producing pronounced bowing of substrates. Layers on the order of 2 micrometers thick shattered silicon substrates 5 centimeters in diameter and 325 micrometers thick. Reactively sputtered films deposited at about 3000 A/h, while films rf sputtered from a beryllium oxide target deposited at a rate of about 6500 A/h for 500 watts into a 3.5 inch diameter target.

When rock is subjected to a stress cycle during which cracks open and close, hysteresis is observed in the stress-strain curves, which has usually been attributed to friction. Scanning electron microscope studies, however, have shown that shear cracks are scarce in rock that has been deformed in the dilatant region. Stevens and Holcomb (1980) and Holcomb and Stevens (1980) have argued further that crack friction models are incompatible with the rheology of dilatant rock and are virtually untenable. They asserted instead that cracks are reversible in the sense of the Griffith energy balance. Here we demonstrate that two nominally flat rock surfaces in contact subject to a cycle of applied normal stress exhibit all the properties of crack opening, closing, and hysteresis exhibited by a dilatant rock and that in this case the mechanism must be friction. It is concluded that an axial crack in dilatant rock will exhibit frictional interactions on opening or closing if the crack walls are not in perfect registration, and that there is no justification for accepting the reversible Griffith crack concept.

Virtual Private Networks (VPN) is an important technology allowing for secure communications through insecure transmission media (i.e., Internet) by adding authentication and encryption to the existing protocols. This paper describes some VPN performance indicators measured over international communication links. An ISDN based VPN link was established between the Joint Research Centre, Ispra site, Italy, and EURATOM Safeguards in Luxembourg. This link connected two EURATOM Safeguards FAST surveillance stations, and used different vendor solutions hardware (Cisco router 1720 and Nokia CC-500 Gateway). To authenticate and secure this international link, we have used several methods at the different levels of the seven-layered ISO network protocol stack (i.e., Callback feature, CHAP - Challenge Handshake Protocol - authentication protocol). The tests made involved the use of different encryption algorithms and the way session secret keys are periodically renewed, considering these elements influence significantly the transmission throughput. Future tests will include the use of a wide variety of wireless media transmission and terminal equipment technologies, in particular PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) and Notebook PCs. These tests aim at characterising the functionality of VPNs whenever field inspectors wish to contact headquarters to access information from a central archive database or transmit local measurements or documents. These technologies cover wireless transmission needs at different geographical scales: roombased level Bluetooth, floor or building level Wi-Fi and region or country level GPRS.

The concept of an effective porosity is widely used in solute transport modeling to account for the presence of a fraction of the medium that effectively does not influence solute migration, apart from taking up space. This non-participating volume or ineffective porosity plays the same role as the gas phase in single-phase liquid unsaturated transport: it increases pore velocity, which is useful towards reproducing observed solute travel times. The prevalent use of the effective porosity concept is reflected by its prominent inclusion in popular texts, e.g., de Marsily (1986), Fetter (1988, 1993) and Zheng and Bennett (2002). The purpose of this commentary is to point out that proper application of the concept for sorbing solutes requires more than simply reducing porosity while leaving other material properties unchanged. More specifically, effective porosity implies the corresponding need for an effective bulk density in a conventional single-porosity model. The reason is that the designated non-participating volume is composed of both solid and fluid phases, both of which must be neglected for consistency. Said another way, if solute does not enter the ineffective porosity then it also cannot contact the adjoining solid. Conceptually neglecting the fluid portion of the non-participating volume leads to a lower (effective) porosity. Likewise, discarding the solid portion of the non-participating volume inherently leads to a lower or effective bulk density. In the author's experience, practitioners virtually never adjust bulk density when adopting the effective porosity approach.

Spatio-temporal variability in western Baltic cod early life stage survival mediated by egg buoyancy, hydrography and hydrodynamics. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 1744–1752.To disentangle the effects of different drivers on recruitment variability of marine fish, a spatially and temporally explicit understanding of both the spawning stock size and the early life stage dynamics is required. The objectives of this study are to assess the transport of western Baltic cod early life stages as well as the variability in environmentally-mediated survival along drift routes in relation to both spatial (within and between different spawning areas) and temporal (interannual and seasonal) dynamics. A spatially and temporally highly-resolved biophysical model of the Baltic Sea was used to describe mortalities and survival success of eggs and yolk-sac larvae—represented by individual, virtual drifters—as predicted proportions of drifters that either died due to bottom contact or lethal temperatures, or that survived up to the end of the yolk-sac larval stage. The environmental conditions allowing survival of cod and yolk-sac larvae indicate that favourable conditions predominately occurred during the late spawning season, while minimum survival rates could be expected from January to March. The spatial analysis of different spawning areas revealed highest survival chances in the Kattegat, intermediate survival in the Great Belt, and only low survival in the Sound, Kiel Bay and Mecklenburg Bay

Erythrocytes possess a spectrin-based cytoskeleton that provides elasticity and mechanical stability necessary to survive the shear forces within the microvasculature. The architecture of this membrane skeleton and the nature of its intermolecular contacts determine the mechanical properties of the skeleton and confer the characteristic biconcave shape of red cells. We have used cryo-electron tomography to evaluate the three-dimensional topology in intact, unexpanded membrane skeletons from mouse erythrocytes frozen in physiological buffer. The tomograms reveal a complex network of spectrin filaments converging at actin-based nodes and a gradual decrease in both the density and the thickness of the network from the center to the edge of the cell. The average contour length of spectrin filaments connecting junctional complexes is 46 ± 15 nm, indicating that the spectrin heterotetramer in the native membrane skeleton is a fraction of its fully extended length (?190 nm). Higher-order oligomers of spectrin were prevalent, with hexamers and octamers seen between virtually every junctional complex in the network. Based on comparisons with expanded skeletons, we propose that the oligomeric state of spectrin is in a dynamic equilibrium that facilitates remodeling of the network as the cell changes shape in response to shear stress. PMID:22098732

Reliability of a cryogenic temperature sensor is important for any experimental application, but even more so for aerospace applications where there is virtually no opportunity to replace a failed sensor. Many factors affect the stability and longevity of a cryogenic temperature sensor, but one of the most detrimental factors is thermal cycling over an extended temperature range. Strains and stresses caused by thermal contraction can affect both the sensing material and its interface with electrical contacts leading to either calibration shift and/or catastrophic failure of the sensor. Depending upon the aerospace application, a temperature sensor may cycle from cryogenic temperature to near room temperature hundreds of times or more during the lifetime of the mission. Sample groups of three sensors types, the Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc. models CX-1050-SD (23 samples), DT-670-SD (12 samples), and DT-470-SD (11 samples), were subjected to accelerated thermal shocking from room temperature to 77 K one thousand times. Recalibrations of each group were performed from 1.2 K to 325 K after 20, 40, 60, 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 thermal shocks. The resulting reliability and stability data are presented.

This article explores the transition in course delivery from a paper-based format to blended learning, and highlights the role of the virtual learning environment (VLE) in this process. Professional practice in postgraduate programmes in particular is investigated during this transition stage at the University of Dundee (UoD) in Scotland, and the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien (UASTW) in Austria. In this transition, UoD is developing and implementing a "Master's Framework" supported by the VLE, "MyDundee", which is built on the Blackboard e-learning platform. Similarly, UASTW is exploiting the Campus Information System (CIS) based on the open-source e-learning platform Moodle. Although the methods used to promote and practise e-learning differ at the two universities, their common aim is to support students' and professionals' learning when face-to-face contact time between students and tutors is significantly reduced. The use of collaborative and peer-assessed tools like e-portfolios, newsletters, discussion forums, Wikis and group puzzles are used as means of satisfying a delivery model which reflects socially constructivist principles of learning. (Contains 7 figures.)

Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) is a method to detect the surface potential of micro- and nanostructured samples using a common atomic force microscope (AFM). The electrostatic force has a very long range compared to other surface forces. By using AFM systems under ambient conditions, KPFM measurements are performed using a non-contact regime at surface distances greater than 10 nm. This paper deals with a method to deconvolve the measured KPFM data with the objective to increase the lateral resolution. The KPFM signal is a convolution of an effective surface potential and a microscopic intrinsic point spread function, which allows the restoration of the measured data by linear deconvolution. In contrast to other papers [4], we have developed a new method to use the measured AFM tip shape as a basis to construct the point spread function. The linear shift-invariant channel is introduced as a signal formation model and a Wiener-supported deconvolution algorithm is applied to the measured data. The new method was demonstrated on a nanoscale test stripe pattern for lateral resolution and calibration of length scales (BAM-L200) manufactured by the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Germany. For the first time, a two-dimensional deconvolution of the KPFM data was able to be demonstrated. An increase in the lateral resolution compared to Strassburg et al (2005 Rev. Sci. Instrum. 76 083705) was accomplished. The results demonstrate the necessity of deconvolving the virtually topography-free probe data under ambient conditions.

A numerical technique for solving the equations of fluid dynamics with arbitrary mesh motion is presented. The three phases of the Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) methodology are outlined: the Lagrangian phase, grid relaxation phase and remap phase. The Lagrangian phase follows a well known approach from the HEMP code; in addition the strain rate andflow divergence are calculated in a consistent manner according to Margolin. A donor cell method from the SALE code forms the basis of the remap step, but unlike SALE a higher order correction based on monotone gradients is also added to the remap. Four test problems were explored to evaluate the fidelity of these numerical techniques, as implemented in a simple test code, written in the C programming language, called Cercion. Novel cell-centered data structures are used in Cercion to reduce the complexity of the programming and maximize the efficiency of memory usage. The locations of the shock and contact discontinuity in the Riemann shock tube problem are well captured. Cercion demonstrates a high degree of symmetry when calculating the Sedov blast wave solution, with a peak density at the shock front that is similar to the value determined by the RAGE code. For a flyer plate test problem both Cercion and FLAG give virtually the same velocity temporal profile at the target-vacuum interface. When calculating a cylindrical implosion of a steel shell, Cercion and FLAG agree well and the Cercion results are insensitive to the use of ALE.

Bioterrorism is seen as a clear and present danger, although historically, acts of bioterrorism have been relatively unpredictable, rare and, thus far, small-scale events. The risk of an event is elevated by increasing contact among species and a global connectivity that provides rapid dissemination of infectious diseases regardless of origin. Virtually any pathogenic microbe could be used by bioterrorists. An attack may be difficult to distinguish from a naturally occurring infectious disease outbreak; however, consequences are likely to be similar. The U.S. agricultural sector is extremely vulnerable to bioterrorist attacks because our animals and plants have little or no innate resistance to foreign pathogens and are not vaccinated or otherwise protected against these diseases. It is also important to note that weapons or delivery systems are not an issue because the animals and plants themselves are the primary vector for transferring agents. Most bioterrorism agents are zoonotic in origin, thus an attack on animal populations could pose a health risk to humans. Additionally, disease outbreaks resulting from bioterrorism could jump to wildlife species, persist in the environment, replace locally adapted enzootic strains, expand their range, or emerge as a new zoonotic disease in naïve human and animal populations.

We have developed a tactile display that produces vibratory stimulus to a fingertip in contact with a vibrating tactor matrix. The display depicts tactile surface textures while the user is exploring a virtual object surface. A piezoelectric actuator drives the individual tactor in accordance with both the finger movement and the surface texture being traced. Spatiotemporal display control schemes were examined for presenting the fundamental surface texture elements. The temporal duration of vibratory stimulus was experimentally optimized to simulate the adaptation process of cutaneous sensation. The selected duration time for presenting a single line edge agreed with the time threshold of tactile sensation. Then spatial stimulus disposition schemes were discussed for representation of other edge shapes. As an alternative means not relying on amplitude control, a method of augmented duration at the edge was investigated. Spatial resolution of the display was measured for the lines presented both in perpendicular and parallel to a finger axis. Discrimination of texture density was also measured on random dot textures.

Portugal, albeit with its own cultural distinctiveness, was not immune to the ideologies permeating nineteenth-century European society, in particular those concerning the social advantages of science and science popularisation. The country's high illiteracy rate hampered but did not prevent several popularisation efforts, which were usually led by professors and armed forces officers. In 1886 Astronomia Photographica (Astronomical Photography), a book popularising astrophotography, was published in Lisbon as part of a collection entitled People and Schools Library. The book seems an odd editorial choice given that, at the time, Portugal's major astronomical institutions pursued astrometric research and there was a virtual absence in the country of amateur astronomers. International astronomical developments, the author's interest in the scientific applications of photography and even the editorial timing are likely explanations for the publication of Astronomia Photographica, but we believe a definitive answer is still not available. The style of Astronomia Photographica is historical and informative, without being technical; clearly it is not a ‘hands-on guide’. The contents of the book show that the author, Ernesto Júlio de Carvalho e Vasconcellos, a naval officer, contacted several experts and was aware of the latest developments in astronomical photography. What makes this a unique book is its content, and its inclusion in a popularisation collection with an exceptionally high circulation at such an early time.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of gamebased robotic training of the ankle in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Design: Case study, 12 weeks intervention, with no follow-up. Setting: University research laboratory. Participants: A referred sample of 3 children with cerebral palsy, age 7 to 12, all male, were enrolled. All completed the intervention. Interventions: Participants trained on the Rutgers Ankle CP system for 36 rehabilitation sessions (12 weeks, 3 times/week), playing two custom virtual reality games. The games were played while participants were seated, and trained one ankle at-a-time for strength, motor control, and coordination. Main Outcome Measures: The primary study outcome measures were for impairment (DF/PF torques, DF initial contact angle and gait speed), function (GMFM) and quality of life (Peds QL). Secondary outcome measures relate to game performance (game scores as reflective of ankle motor control and endurance). Results: Gait function improved substantially in ankle kinematics, speed and endurance. Overall function (GMFM) indicated improvements that were typical of other ankle strength training programs. Quality of life increased beyond what would be considered a minimal clinical important difference. Game performance improved in both games during the intervention. Conclusions: This feasibility study supports the assumption that game-based robotic training of the ankle benefits gait in children with CP. Game technology is appropriate for the age group and was well accepted by the participants. Additional studies are needed however, to quantify the level of benefit and compare the approach presented here to traditional methods of therapy. PMID:22773059

The aim of this study was to identify agronomic, ecological and sociocultural factors that could be modified to reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination of peanuts from western Kenya. Presence of fungi within section Flavi of the genus Aspergillus and levels of total aflatoxin were determined for 436 peanut samples from the Busia and Homa bay districts. A total of 1458 cultures of Aspergillus flavus or A.parasiticus isolated from the samples were assayed for production of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2. Associations among the incidences of fungal species, incidences of samples with -10-g-kg-1 aflatoxin, production of specific aflatoxin types and various agronomic, ecological and sociocultural factors were modelled with chi-squared and logistic regression methods. The predominant species wer...

Abstract in spanish Este artículo analiza -desde una perspectiva sociocultural-, la relación entre música y culturas juveniles a partir de la mediación de las redes sociales digitales y la tecnología. Fundamentado en una investigación exploratoria en línea, el artículo es más un ensayo en torno a posibles líneas de indagación y la generación de nuevas preguntas, que un reporte. Se exploran algunas de las transformaciones en las culturas musicales juveniles en sus vínculos con la tecnología. Abstract in english Using a sociocultural perspective this article looks at the relationship between music and youth cultures in digital social networks. It poses questions and suggests possible lines of inquiry regarding the evolving link between technology and youth musical cultures.

Social smiling is universally regarded as being an infant's first facial expression of pleasure. Underlying co-constructivist emotion theories are the assumptions that the emergence of social smiling is bound to experiences of face-to-face interactions with caregivers and the impact of two developmental mechanisms - maternal and infant imitation. We analyzed mother-infant interactions from two different socio-cultural contexts and hypothesized that cross-cultural differences in face-to-face interactions determine the occurrence of both of these mechanisms and of the frequency of social smiling by 12-week-old infants. Twenty mother-infant dyads from a socio-cultural community with many face-to-face interactions (German families, Munster) were compared with 24 mother-infant dyads from a soci...

Abstract in spanish Objetivo: describir algunas de las definiciones de causalidad, explicaciones posibles, modelos de comprensión y elementos para determinarla. Resultados: se realiza una breve descripción del término ?causalidad? y de los modelos que se han empleado para entenderla. Se resumen los errores frecuentes al determinarla y se describen los parámetros que deben existir al momento de hacerlo. En este punto se postulan la plausibilidad psicológica y la sociocultural. Abstract in english Objective: to describe some definitions of causality, some explanations and understanding models, as well as some key elements used to identify it. Results: the paper reports a succinct description for causality and the models that have been used to explain the concept and understand it. The errors more frequently found when causality is explored and their key elements to determine causality, including the psychological and sociocultural plausibility, are discussed. Conclusion: the multicausal models may better explain the psychological phenomena.

Was the spread of agropastoralism from the Fertile Crescent throughout Europe influenced by rapid climatic shifts? We here generate idealized climate events using palaeoclimate records. In a mathematical model of regional sociocultural development, these events disturb the subsistence base of simulated forager and farmer societies. We evaluate the regional simulated transition timings and durations against a published large set of radiocarbon dates for western Eurasia; the model is able to realistically hindcast much of the inhomogeneous space-time evolution of regional Neolithic transitions. Our study shows that the inclusion of climate events improves the simulation of typical lags between cultural complexes, but that the overall difference to a model without climate events is not significant. Climate events may not have been as important for early sociocultural dynamics as endogenous factors.

Abstract in portuguese A Psicologia Educacional é uma das disciplinas da formação acadêmica dos professores, mas é também uma área de pesquisa com implicações para a aprendizagem e o ensino. Ela apresenta um meio para compreensão da complexa tarefa educacional no contexto da sala de aula e sociocultural. Os professores precisam ter uma perspectiva psicológica útil para poderem fazer o melhor em seu trabalho. Abstract in english Educational Psychology is one of the disciplines in the academic formation of teachers, but it is also one research area with implication to learning and teaching. It presents a way to understant the complex education task in classroom and in the socio-cultural contexts. The teacher must to have one use fui psychological perspective in order to do the best in their work.

Cultural sustainability is the concept for the recovery and protection of cultural identities. It is linked to previous traditional practices through celebrating local and regional histories and passing down cultural values to future generations. Nowaday, geoparks as an innovation for the protection of natural and geological heritage play an important role in cultural sustainability in rural areas. Moreover, a geopark stimulates local socio-economic and socio-cultural development by attracting an increasing numbers of visitors. The aim of this paper is to assess innovative strategies of geoparks for socio-cultural sustainability. To this end, electronic questionnaires were sent to all geoparks around the world (64) registered by UNESCO and just 25 questionnaire responses were received (20 ...

There are no easy solutions to the abject poverty and hunger of the world's people. Rather than give answers, the authors provide a background for understanding the nature of the barriers to economic development in the poorer regions of Asia, Africa, and Latin America as a first step for approaching the problem. Believing that previous theories about Third World development are too general or too broad in scope, they begin with an overview of the problem before moving on to discuss economic and demographic aspects. They describe socio-cultural traits of Third World countries to illustrate their theory that many noneconomic traits, such as religious tradition and social structure, frequently tie into the forces that inhibit a country's economic development. The same socio-cultural traits that set Third World countries apart from developed nations may prevent underdeveloped countries from achieving higher economic status. 207 references, 9 figures, 18 tables.

This study examines the prevalence of obesity and overweight as well as associations between obesity and overweight and demographic, sociocultural, and lifestyle factors among Asian immigrant women in Korea. Data were collected from physical measurements and standardized questionnaires from 287 adult women from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and other Asian countries. The mean BMI (body mass index) was 22.0 kg/m(2); 15.0% of the sample were obese (BMI ? 25.0), and 17.1% were overweight (23.0 ? BMI women (7.8%). Adjusted for demographic, sociocultural, and lifestyle variables, individuals with greater length of residence (5+ years; odds ratio = 3.22, P = .010) were more likely to be obese or overweight. For prevention of excess body weight, public health efforts need to be targeted to immigrants starting at arrival in Korea. PMID:21807629

Drawn from Merleau-Ponty's embodiment theory and Vygotsky's sociocultural learning theory as conceptual framework, this research investigated how Singapore adolescent students accrued and embodied meaning with school art. Combining the methods of microethnographic observations and phenomenological interviews to document the process of artistic schooling in situ, the author uncovered playful mindfulness among students while they completed the required skill acquisition in Singapore secondary schools. The seemingly paradoxical nature of playfulness and mindfulness merged to demonstrate students' mindset as well as the characteristics of their learning. For the purpose of expansive sociocultural interpretation, three metaphorical themes emerged: a stretch of adolescent artistry, a leap in advancing artful disposition, and a bow to schooling and enculturation. (Contains 5 figures and 5 endnotes.)

Weld-Ed, the National Center for Welding Education and Training have provided this Power Point presentation entitled âÂÂVirtual Welding Trainersâ that covers the pros and cons of implementing a virtual welding program in education. Virtual welding programs have gained attention in the past years because of a decrease in the welding workforce and increasing workforce performance. This slide show provides a history and examples of virtual reality simulation. There are lists of benefits, like instant feedback and reduced environmental concerns. Also provided are virtual welding development barriers, such as high start-up costs. Last but not least, there is a list of other institutions that are using virtual welding programs.

A step-by-step guide to identifying and defending against attacks on the virtual environment As more and more data is moved into virtual environments the need to secure them becomes increasingly important. Useful for service providers as well as enterprise and small business IT professionals the book offers a broad look across virtualization used in various industries as well as a narrow view of vulnerabilities unique to virtual environments. A companion DVD is included with recipes and testing scripts. Examines the difference in a virtual model versus traditional computing models an

This article reports on the use of a virtual world ("Second Life") in computing education, and identifies the precursors of current virtual world systems. The article reviews the potential for virtual worlds as tools in computing education. It describes two areas where "Second Life" has been used in computing education: as a development environment; as a collaboration tool and to provide an environment for simulation. The benefits of virtual worlds for computing education (with a particular emphasis on "Second Life") are discussed. Qualitative feedback from students is reported which, although not definitive, illustrates many of the benefits and disadvantages of using virtual worlds in computing education. (Contains 1 table and 4 figures.)

This report presents a precursory examination of a number of issues pertaining to socket contacts in hermetic connectors. The principal issues addressed are high-contact resistance and contact chatter (circuit discontinuities). Efforts examining the characteristics of the existing socket contact design, the possibility of connector/contact rework, quick-fix solutions, and contact redesigns are summarized.

Abstract in portuguese O presente artigo tem como objetivo principal apresentar reflexão teórica sobre a integração entre aspectos da história filogenética do ser humano e a história de desenvolvimento ontogenético, considerando o contexto sociocultural onde o indivíduo está inserido. Pressupostos da Psicologia do Desenvolvimento Evolucionista, da Psicologia Transcultural e da Psicologia da Cultura são utilizados como referenciais teóricos. Conceitos como epigênese são apresentado (more) s para indicar a relação entre genética e fatores ambientais. Diferentes conceitos de cultura também são expostos e discutidos criticamente. Por fim, relações entre modelos culturais de independência e interdependência com as trajetórias de desenvolvimento são apresentadas e discutidas. Através da análise crítica apresentada, conclui-se que o estudo do desenvolvimento (em suas dimensões em termos de filogênese e ontogênese) mediado pelo contexto sociocultural é consistente e representa um modelo promissor para gerar programas de pesquisas inovadores e originais. Abstract in english The present study aimed to present a theoretical reflection on the integration of aspects of the phylogenetic history of human beings and history of ontogenetic development, considering the socio-cultural context where the individual is inserted. Assumptions of Evolutionary Psychology, Cross-Cultural Psychology and the Psychology of Culture are used as theoretical background. Concepts such as epigenesis are presented to indicate the relationship between genetics and envir (more) onmental factors. Different concepts of culture are shown and discussed critically. Finally, relations between cultural models of independence and interdependence with the trajectories of development are presented and discussed. Through the critical analysis presented, it is concluded that the study of development (in its dimensions in terms of phylogeny and ontogeny) mediated by the socio-cultural context is consistent and represents a promising model to generate innovative and original research programs.

There is little attention devoted to studying eating disorder symptoms in racially and ethnically diverse groups despite the fact that the prevalence rates among women of color for eating disorder symptoms are similar to those of European American women. This article reviews research related to eating disorders in women of color, including a discussion of sociocultural factors that could influence the manifestation of eating disorders in women of color. Considerations for counseling practice and research are provided.

When nurses from other regions, hospitals, or nations gather together, they often experience the exhilaration of sharing ideas and finding common ground. Despite the sociocultural, political, and economic variations between the United States and South Africa, psychiatric/mental health nurses in both countries share similar practice issues and concerns. The article describes how a program that brought a South African chief professional nurse to a psychiatric hospital in Massachusetts promoted kinship, scholarship, and improved client care cross-culturally. PMID:1542555

Lev Vygotsky's revolutionary ideas have extended knowledge on the process of education—in particular, on mediating learning through language—for over 40 years. The zone of proximal development strengthened a new paradigm for learning and instruction, one which others, such as Bruner, formulated into the concept of scaffolding. Action research conducted in a reading methods course led to systematic restructuring based on Vygotsky's sociocultural perspective by means of an instructional sequence titled the Scaffolded Model.

The function and operation of solar cookers, their applications and limits, and their further development are reviewed. Practical experience is discussed in consideration of the technical, economic, and sociocultural context. The potential contribution of solar cookers to managing the wood crisis is analyzed, acceptance problems are pointed out, and the current educational concepts for solar cookers promotion are discussed. The results are summarized in the form of statements. (orig./ORU).

Images in Time offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of photography and dress and emerges in response to research undertaken under the umbrella term 'Wardrobe'. The book draws together international critical writings from scholars in anthropology, history, social sciences, the humanities and fashion studies, as well as photographic practitioners and museum curators and archivists, in an attempt to critique and valorise photography as a significant medium in the creation of wider socio-cultural discourse.

This paper presents methods for increasing the efficiency of operating systems in plural virtual machines to a near-native performance level. The proposed direct execution methods support direct I/O execution for plural virtual machines, that is, the V = R virtual machine, and the V = Resi virtual machines, including both I/O instruction issuances and I/O interrupts. All V = Resi virtual machines have an entirely resident memory and their real addresses are translated into those of the host simply by adding a constant, ..cap alpha.. (not equal to 0), which constitutes a starting address given to each V = Resi virtual machine. The V = R virtual machine has almost the same memory attribute as the V = Resi VM except for ..cap alpha.. = 0. Only one V = R virtual machine can be present in all virtual machines. The experimental results obtained confirm that a near-native performance level, that is, a level exceeding 90 percent of native performance, can be realized for the V = R virtual machine as well as for the V = Resi virtual machines.

Virtual human simulation integrated into virtual reality applications is mainly used for virtual representation of the user in virtual environment or for interactions between the user and the virtual avatar for cognitive tasks. In this paper, in order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders, the integration of virtual human simulation and VR application is presented to facilitate physical ergonomic evaluation, especially for physical fatigue evaluation of a given population. Immersive working environments are created to avoid expensive physical mock-up in conventional evaluation methods. Peripheral motion capture systems are used to capture natural movements and then to simulate the physical operations in virtual human simulation. Physical aspects of human's movement are then analyzed to determine the effort level of each key joint using inverse kinematics. The physical fatigue level of each joint is further analyzed by integrating a fatigue and recovery model on the basis of physical task parameters. All the pr...

Virtual Reality (VR) is a rapidly emerging technology which allows participants to experience a virtual environment through stimulation of the participant`s senses. Intuitive and natural interactions with the virtual world help to create a realistic experience. Typically, a participant is immersed in a virtual environment through the use of a 3-D viewer. Realistic, computer-generated environment models and accurate tracking of a participant`s view are important factors for adding realism to a virtual experience. Stimulating a participant`s sense of sound and providing a natural form of communication for interacting with the virtual world are equally important. This paper discusses the advantages and importance of incorporating voice recognition and audio feedback capabilities into a virtual world experience. Various approaches and levels of complexity are discussed. Examples of the use of voice and sound are presented through the description of a research application developed in the VR laboratory at Sandia National Laboratories.

This paper presents the findings of a study on the current knowledge and attitudes of pre-service teachers on the use of scenario-based multi-user virtual environments in science education. The 28 participants involved in the study were introduced to "Virtual Singapura," a multi-user virtual environment, and completed an open-ended questionnaire. Data from the questionnaire indicated that gender and current computer game use were likely to affect the perceived benefits of using virtual worlds in a classroom setting. Behavior management was seen as being a constraining factor on a pre-service teacher's willingness to use a virtual world in the future. Overall, the results of the study indicate that pre-service teachers as a result of their use of "Virtual Singapura" are both aware of virtual worlds and have a reasonable understanding of both their potential advantages and disadvantages within a classroom setting. (Contains 3 figures and 5 tables.)

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is undertaking a project that will produce a state-of-the-art paper on sociocultural factors affecting demographic behavior. Particular emphasis will be placed on reproductive behavior in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Arab states region. The extent to which this information is incorporated in current population policies and programs will also be examined, and recommendations will be made. The factors to be studied include family and kinship structure; gender status and role; patterns of sexual relations and procreation in general and adolescent sexual behavior and fertility; religion, beliefs, customs, and traditions concerned with sexual relations and procreation; child rearing, socialization, and education; status and role of women; and sociocultural change, change agents, and influentials. The literature search will provide an inventory of methodologies. Guidelines on the use of the methodologies will be drafted for use by project personnel. These will later be tested in pilot studies in rural and urban communities in selected developing countries. The goal is to design programs that will accelerate contraceptive acceptance and sustain contraceptive practice by being sensitive to the sociocultural influences on the reproductive behavior of different subpopulations. PMID:12318974

In this paper I pay a closer look at the use of the CENTRE-PERIPHERY schema in context. I address two specific issues: first, I show how the CENTRE-PERIPHERY schema, encoded in the DDAs, enters into discourses that conceptualize and characterize a local community as both CENTRE and PERIPHERY, i.e. the schema enters into apparently contradictory constructions of the informants’ local home-base and, possibly, of their identity (cf. Hovmark, 2010). Second, I discuss the status and role of the specific linguistic category in question, i.e. the directional adverbs. On the one hand we claim that the DDAs in question contribute to the socio-cultural construction of identity, i.e. that they play a rather specific role in discursive communication and socio-cultural meaning construction. On the other hand it is clear that the semantics of the DDAs in question, seen in isolation, is very abstract or general; furthermore, the DDAs are backgrounded in discourse. Is it reasonable to claim, rather boldly, that “the informants express their identity in the use of the directional adverb ud ‘out’ etc.”? In the course of this article, however, I suggest that the DDAs in question do contribute to the socio-cultural construction of identity, and, as a matter of fact, that their role might be quite important. I argue that the DDAs are backgrounded but not peripheral, i.e. marginal or insignificant. And I introduce the notion of “contextualization cue” in this argument (Levinson, 2003a, Gumperz, 1992).

The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between language proficiency and socio-cultural factors among the Iranian MA students registered and entered at Shiraz University in 2008. The second objective was to explore whether or not one or a combination of socio-cultural factors are predictors of language proficiency. Finally, the study aims at investigating the effects of gender, age and major on language proficiency. To fulfill the objective, a 100-item language proficiency test (30 items for grammar, 40 items for vocabulary and 30 items for reading comprehension) and a questionnaire including socio-cultural factors were distributed among 510 male and female Iranians taking part in the MA Placement Test at Shiraz University. The data gathered were analyzed descriptively utilizing central tendency measures (mean and standard deviation). Moreover, the collected data were analyzed inferentially using correlation, regression analysis, ANOVA and independent t-test. As such, the following results were obtained: a) although the descriptive statistics showed that females outperformed males in language proficiency, the independent sample t-test revealed that the difference is not significant; b) a significant difference was found between the participants' language proficiency in terms of their majors and their social classes; c) a moderate significant relationship was observed between the participants' language proficiency and their age; d) among various cultural factors, mother's literacy and using films/CDs predict language proficiency to a great extent. (Contains 7 tables and 1 figure.)

Despite the well-documented health effects of physical activity, few studies focus on the correlates of leisure-time sports and exercise participation. The present study examined correlations between adolescent sports participation and demographic factors, socioeconomic status (SES) and sociocultural factors. A school-based cross-sectional cluster sample including 6356 Danish fifth- and ninth-grade adolescents from four municipalities were included. Age (younger) and gender (boy) were associated with adolescents' sports participation. Girls were half as likely [odds ratio (OR) 0.49 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.44-0.55] to participate in sports than boys. Adolescents were more likely to participate in sports if they perceived their parents as active in exercise or sports. Adolescents with one or two unemployed parents were 0.75 (95% CI: 0.62-0.89) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.56-1.00), respectively, less likely to participate in sports than adolescents with two employed parents. In a gender-stratified analysis, parents' occupational status was only a predictor of sports participation in girls. Differences between municipalities in adolescents' sports participation remained significant when controlled for individual factors such as gender, age, parents' background or parents' physical activity. The association between sociocultural and SES was stronger for girls than boys. In conclusion, demographics, SES and sociocultural factors were the best determinants of adolescent sport participation.

In Canada, STI rates are high and rising, especially amongst young men. Meanwhile, the needs of young men regarding STI testing services are poorly understood, as are the socio-cultural and structural factors that influence young men's sexual health-seeking behaviours. To better understand this phenomenon, we draw on interviews with 45 men (ages 15-25) from British Columbia, Canada. Our research reveals how structural forces (e.g. STI testing procedures) interact with socio-cultural factors (e.g. perceptions of masculinities and feminities) to shape young men's experiences with STI testing. STI testing was characterised as both a potentially sexualised experience (e.g. fears of getting an erection during genital examinations), and as a process where young men experience multiple vulnerabilities associated with exposing the male body in clinical service sites. In response, participants drew on dominant ideals of masculinity to reaffirm their predominately hetero-normative gender identities. Despite growing up in an era where sexual health promotion efforts have been undertaken, participants did not feel they had permission to engage in discussions with other men about sexual health issues. Attending to young men's perspectives on STI testing represents a starting point in reforming our approaches to addressing how socio-cultural and structural factors shape these experiences. PMID:20415807

The mechanism of cobalt(II) porphyrin-catalyzed benzylic C-H bond amination of ethylbenzene, toluene, and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (tetralin) using a series of different organic azides [N(3)C(O)OMe, N(3)SO(2)Ph, N(3)C(O)Ph, and N(3)P(O)(OMe)(2)] as nitrene sources was studied by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The DFT computational study revealed a stepwise radical process involving coordination of the azide to the metal center followed by elimination of dinitrogen to produce unusual "nitrene radical" intermediates (por)Co(III)-N(•)Y (4) [Y = -C(O)OMe, -SO(2)Ph, -C(O)Ph, -P(O)(OMe)(2)]. Formation of these nitrene radical ligand complexes is exothermic, predicting that the nitrene radical ligand complexes should be detectable species in the absence of other reacting substrates. In good agreement with the DFT calculations, isotropic solution EPR signals with g values characteristic of ligand-based radicals were detected experimentally from (por)Co complexes in the presence of excess organic azide in benzene. They are best described as nitrene radical anion ligand complexes (por)Co(III)-N(•)Y, which have their unpaired spin density located almost entirely on the nitrogen atom of the nitrene moiety. These key cobalt(III)-nitrene radical intermediates readily abstract a hydrogen atom from a benzylic position of the organic substrate to form the intermediate species 5, which are close-contact pairs of the thus-formed organic radicals R'(•) and the cobalt(III)-amido complexes (por)Co(III)-NHY ({R'(•)···(por)Co(III)-NHY}). These close-contact pairs readily collapse in a virtually barrierless fashion (via transition state TS3) to produce the cobalt(II)-amine complexes (por)Co(II)-NHYR', which dissociate to afford the desired amine products NHYR' (6) with regeneration of the (por)Co catalyst. Alternatively, the close-contact pairs {R'(•)···(por)Co(III)-NHY} 5 may undergo ?-hydrogen-atom abstraction from the benzylic radical R'(•) by (por)Co(III)-NHY (via TS4) to form the corresponding olefin and (por)Co(III)-NH(2)Y, which dissociates to give Y-NH(2). This process for the formation of olefin and Y-NH(2) byproducts is also essentially barrierless and should compete with the collapse of 5 via TS3 to form the desired amine product. Alternative processes leading to the formation of side products and the influence of different porphyrin ligands with varying electronic properties on the catalytic activity of the cobalt(II) complexes have also been investigated. PMID:21711027

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceived challenges of attempting to integrate topics related to social and cultural issues into the coursework in graduate programs in Instructional Design and Technology (IDT). Design/methodology/approach: An open-ended online survey instrument was developed for this study for three reasons. First, the study aimed at investigating what is actually happening in IDT programs in terms of integration of social and cultural issues into coursework. Using an online questionnaire, data were collected from IDT instructors and instructional designers. Findings: Findings of the study indicated that while there is a general agreement and interest in infusing content that addresses socio-cultural perspectives challenges into courses, the challenges include the existence of a common framework for defining and prioritizing socio-cultural issues, and difficulties in identifying the most important issues to address, and appropriate instructional approaches to address sensitive topics. Research limitations/implications: There were some limitations to this study. First, the data were collected primarily through a survey instrument as indicated above. Nonetheless, the qualitative data collected were rich and informative. Second, as noted earlier, a majority of the participants indicated they are based in the USA. Thus, study findings may be more specific to IDT programs in this context. Third, participation in the study was voluntary, hence demographics were not controlled for. However, this opened up opportunities for attaining multiple perspectives from the participants. Practical implications: A recommendation that this study brings out is that while it is impossible practically to address all potential topics, a starting point may be to identify and address the most pertinent topics, such as those which may cause misunderstanding or reinforce the wrong ideas. Social implications: While instructional designers and instructors cannot be expected to be cultural experts in every single context or topic, there are certain content issues, such as authentic activities and design strategies that would warrant further attention. Of course this will vary by content and context and instructors and instructional designers should at least be prepared to recognize these unique issues. Originality/value: The paper highlights some issues worth discussing: the complexity of directly incorporating socio-cultural issues into IDT curricula; the broad elusive nature of the knowledge of socio-cultural issues; and the difficulty in defining socio-cultural content, including what to teach and how to teach it. These three issues address the role of coursework in professional preparation, and the structure of instructional design courses and curricula.

Freshwater that is consumed in the process of producing a commodity is called virtual water - it represents all water use contained in that commodity. In social systems, water resources can flow when commodities are traded from one region to another. Quantitative monitoring and assessing virtual water flow related to international trade products is an important issue to comprehensively understand the balance of global water resources. In this study we tested the potential of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program's Operational Linescan System (DMSP-OLS) nighttime images in conjunction with the LandScan population dataset for estimation of virtual water contained in international trade products. Lit area (areal extent of night lights) and urban population were selected as proxies to estimate export virtual water (EVW), import virtual water (IVW), and traded virtual water (TVW) (summed EVW and IVW), respectively, on the national level. The results showed that IVW can be more accurately estimated than EVW regardless of lit area or urban population. Lit area is normally more appropriate for estimation of the virtual water of developed countries than those of developing countries, but urban population is more appropriate for estimation of the virtual water of developing countries than those of developed countries. Urban population is a better proxy than total population for estimations of virtual water. This study makes a negative finding in that there are relatively large underestimations for developed countries. Another negative finding is that neither lit area nor urban population can be used to estimate net import virtual water (NIVW).