The impact of social comparison information on motivation in patients with diabetes as a function of regulatory focus and self-efficacy.

Objective: Our aim was to determine whether the impact of upward and downward social comparison information on individuals' motivation to manage their diabetes is dependent on their regulatory focus (promotion or prevention focus) and self-efficacy. Design: The hypotheses were examined in a cross-sectional study. Patients with diabetes (N = 234) read a fictitious interview with a fellow patient, either an upward or a downward target, and they filled out questionnaires. Main Outcome Measures: Motivation to work on diabetes regulation. Results: High promotion-focused patients reported more motivation than low promotion-focused patients when confronted with the upward target (positive role model). High prevention-focused patients reported more motivation than low prevention-focused patients when confronted with the downward target (negative role model). This latter finding was qualified by patients' self-efficacy, as it applied only to patients with relatively high levels of self-efficacy. Conclusion: The current study highlights the importance of considering individual differences when using role models to encourage self-care activities in persons with diabetes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A Distributed Energy-Aware Routing Protocol for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks

The design of routing protocols for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs) poses many challenges due to the intrinsic properties of underwater environments. In this paper we present DUCS (Distributed Underwater Clustering Scheme), a new GPS-free routing protocol that does not use flooding techniques, minimizes the proactive routing message exchange and uses data aggregation to eliminate redundant information. Besides, DUCS assumes random node mobility and compensates the high propagation delays of the underwater medium using a continually adjusted timing advance combined with guard time values to minimize data loss. The theoretical and simulation studies carried out demonstrate its effectiveness.     

Pathways to a hydrogen fuel infrastructure in Norway

Hydrogen is expected to become an integral part of the Norwegian energy system in the future, primarily as transportation fuel. The NorWays project aims at providing decision support for introduction of hydrogen in the Norwegian energy system by modelling of energy system and hydrogen infrastructure at various spatial levels. GIS-based regional hydrogen demand scenarios and fuelling station networks have been generated, considering organic growth of regional hydrogen coverage and increasing density of hydrogen users over time. A regional model optimised supply scenarios for these fuelling station networks, including choice of production technology (biomass gasification, NG SMR, electrolysis, by-product hydrogen) and delivery (pipeline, truck, and onsite schemes), including integrated hydrogen delivery networks by truck and pipeline. The impact of energy price and GHG emission constraint scenarios on hydrogen production and delivery mix and average hydrogen costs is analysed, and conclusions on the effectiveness of policy measures are drawn.     

A network of ontology networks for building e-employment advanced systems

This paper presents the development of a network of ontology networks that enables data mediation between the Employment Services (ESs) participating in a semantic interoperability platform for the exchange of Curricula Vitae (CVs) and job offers in different languages. Such network is formed by (1) a set of local ontology networks that are language dependent, in which each network represents the local and particular view that each ES has of the employment market; and (2) a reference ontology network developed in English that represents a standardized and agreed upon terminology of the European employment market. In this network each local ontology network is aligned with the reference ontology network so that search queries, CVs, and job offers can be mediated through these alignments from any ES. The development of the ontologies has followed the methodological guidelines issued by the NeOn Methodology and is focused mainly on scenarios that involve reusing and re-engineering knowledge resources already agreed upon by employment experts and standardization bodies. This paper explains how these methodological guidelines have been applied for building e-employment ontologies. In addition, it shows that the approach to building ontologies by reusing and re-engineering agreed upon non-ontological resources speeds the ontology development, reduces development costs, and retrieves knowledge already agreed upon by a community of people in a more formal representation.     

Study of the mechanical properties of TiCN–WC–CO hardmetals by the interpretation of internal friction spectra

TiCN–WC–Mo–Co mixed carbide hardmetals have an interesting application potential for cutting tool fabrication combining the high toughness of WC–Co with the resistance to plastic deformation of TiCN–Co cermets. Mechanical spectroscopy (MS) is used in order to separate the effects of the constituents on the mechanical properties. Internal friction (IF) spectra are measured in a torsion pendulum on WC–TiCN–Mo–Co samples where TiCN/WC ratio is varied as well as the Co content. Six components of the characteristic IF spectrum of WC–TiCN–Mo–Co have been identified and interpreted. Two peaks are located in the cobalt, two peaks in the TiCN phase and two peaks in the ceramic grain boundaries. Four temperature domains are defined depending on the mechanical behaviour: brittle (I), anelastic (IIa), limited plasticity (IIb) and extended plasticity (III). The anelastic domain is characterized by the bulk deformation of cobalt. In the limited plasticity domain, both cobalt and TiCN are deformed by dislocation movement. The high temperature extended plasticity should be attributed to grain boundary sliding in the ceramic phase (mainly WC) enhanced by cobalt diffusion in the grain boundaries.     

Influence of heating and laser irradiation on the Raman D band in single-wall carbon nanotubes

Fine structure of the Raman D band in single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) was investigated by heating and laser irradiation. It is shown that the D band is composed of three components at ～ 1313, 1340, and 1355 cm^? 1, denoted by D₁, D₂, and D₃, respectively. The D₁ and D₂ intensities significantly increase with laser irradiation in air and vacuum, respectively. The D₃ intensity drastically increases with heating in air. From these results, it is suggested that the fine structure of the D band is attributed to different kinds of defects introduced in SWNTs.     

Direct Ni Electroless Metallization of Poly(etherimide) without Using Palladium as a Catalyst

ELECTROLESS METALLIZATION of insulatingmaterials is currently used in industry since severaldecades.In its most common applications it consists ina redox reaction between Ni(+2)or Cu(+2)ions and astrong reducer(respectively hypophosphite,H2PO2,forNi(+2)and formaldehyde,HCHO,for Cu(+2))bothcontained in the same solution.The reaction initiationis generally catalyzed by palladium,then the redoxreaction goes on thanks to the remarkable property ofNi and Cu in their metallic state to …     

Prognostic value of determination of the presence and histologic grade of the intraductal component in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast after conservative treatment

In recent years, breast-conserving therapy and radiation therapy have become an important treatment option for patients with stage I and II invasive breast cancer. The results of long-term retrospective studies have demonstrated that this treatment can provide a high level of local tumor control with satisfactory cosmetic results. Numerous studies have shown that the presence of extensive intraductal component (prominent intraductal carcinoma) is highly associated with subsequent local recurrence. In this article we have stressed the value of the determination of the presence and the histologic grade of prominent intraductal component of invasive ductal breast carcinoma in the determination of the extent of surgery. We also point out the possibility of determination of prominent DCIS on frozen sections.     

NiTi and NiTi-TiC composites: Part 1. transformation and thermal cycling behavior

The transformation behavior of titanium-rich NiTi containing 0 vol pet, 10 vol pct, and 20 vol pct equiaxed TiC particles was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The thermoelastic phase transformation of the unreinforced matrix exhibits multiple steps. Upon multiple transformation cycles, the rhombohedral phase (R phase) appears and all transformation temperatures decrease. The TiC particles inhibit the R phase and also lower some of the transformation temperatures. These effects can be explained by the internal misfit stresses resulting from both thermal expansion and transformation mismatch between matrix and reinforcement. The measured transformation enthalpy of bulk and reinforced NiTi is discussed in light of a thermodynamical model, taking into account the elastic energy stored upon cycling. The model indicates that a significant fraction of the matrix is stabilized and thus does not contribute to the transformation enthalpy. Formerly Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.     

Work-parenting linkages among dual-earner couples at the transition to parenthood.

This study evaluates the impact of work experiences on parenting quality during the transition to parenthood. Dual-earner parents (n = 83) completed measures of work experiences (autonomy and interpersonal atmosphere). Parenting was observed twice, 3 months apart. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that mothers who reported a more negative interpersonal atmosphere at work showed decreases in positive parenting and increases in negative personal parenting over time, after controlling for their occupational status and general well-being. Mothers' work experiences also predicted changes in fathers' observed parenting. In contrast, fathers' work experiences were largely unrelated to fathers' or mothers' parenting. With one exception, parents' occupational status did not moderate work-parenting relationships, and feelings of role overload did not mediate these relationships. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)