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Article
Publication date: 28 September 2012

M. Grujicic, A. Arakere, B. Pandurangan, A. Grujicic, A. Littlestone and R. Barsoum

Polyurea falls into a category of elastomeric co‐polymers in which, due to the presence of strong hydrogen bonding, the microstructure is of a heterogeneous nature and consists of…

Abstract

Purpose

Polyurea falls into a category of elastomeric co‐polymers in which, due to the presence of strong hydrogen bonding, the microstructure is of a heterogeneous nature and consists of a compliant/soft matrix and stiff/hard nanometer size hard domains. Recent investigations have shown that the use of polyurea as an external or internal coating/lining had substantially improved ballistic‐penetration resistance of metallic structures. The present work aims to use computational methods and tools in order to assess the shock‐mitigation ability of polyurea when used in the construction of different components (suspension‐pads, internal lining and external coating) of a combat helmet.

Design/methodology/approach

Shock‐mitigation capability of combat helmets has become an important functional requirement as shock‐ingress into the intra‐cranial cavity is known to be one of the main causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI). To assess the shock mitigation capability of polyurea, a combined Eulerian/Lagrangian fluid/solid transient non‐linear dynamics computational analysis of an air/helmet/head core sample is carried out and the temporal evolution of the axial stress and particle velocities (for different polyurea augmented helmet designs) are monitored.

Findings

The results obtained show that improvements in the shock‐mitigation performance of the helmet are obtained only in the case when polyurea is used as a helmet internal lining and that these improvements are relatively small. In addition, polyurea is found to slightly outperform conventional helmet foam, but only under relatively strong (greater than five atm) blastwave peak overpressures.

Originality/value

The present approach studies the effect of internal linings and external coatings on combat helmet blast mitigation performance.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1999

Uri Fidelman

Suggests that the arousability theory of intelligence and personality of Robinson (1996) lacks two important factors: the influence of neural transmission errors and of…

Abstract

Suggests that the arousability theory of intelligence and personality of Robinson (1996) lacks two important factors: the influence of neural transmission errors and of hemisphericity on intelligence and personality. It is considered that at least two factors contribute to intelligence. The first factor is the potential energetic level of Hebb’s engrams, which may be related to arousability. The second factor is the probability of neural transmission errors. It is suggested that the theory of H.J. Eysenck, that a neural message is sent repeatedly until it is accepted identically a certain number of times, which is smaller for more intelligent subjects, is correct.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 28 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 July 2011

Jill Hoddell, Jo Moss, Kate Woodcock and Chris Oliver

Research into the communication skills of individuals with Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is extremely limited. This paper aims to evaluate the nature of these skills and…

266

Abstract

Purpose

Research into the communication skills of individuals with Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is extremely limited. This paper aims to evaluate the nature of these skills and impairments in CdLS using a detailed informant assessment of pre-verbal communication skills.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the Pre-verbal Communication Schedule to evaluate communication skills in individuals with CdLS (n=14), aged five to14 years. The group was compared with a contrast group of individuals with Cri du Chat syndrome (CdCS; n=14) who were matched for age and intellectual ability.

Findings

A significant difference was identified in understanding non-vocal communication (p<0.005), with the CdLS group showing a greater deficit. These findings indicate the presence of a syndrome-specific deficit in understanding non-verbal communication in individuals with CdLS and suggest that there may be a dissociation between the processing of verbal and non-verbal communication.

Originality/value

The findings indicate that, in many ways, these two syndrome groups are not dissimilar in terms of their communication skills. However, individuals with CdLS show a syndrome-specific deficit in understanding non-vocal communication relative to the CdCS group.

Details

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 October 2010

Ann Edworthy and Hannah Donne

This paper explores the information available for carers of children with a brain injury. It is based on research for an MPhil degree and involved a questionnaire survey of 120…

Abstract

This paper explores the information available for carers of children with a brain injury. It is based on research for an MPhil degree and involved a questionnaire survey of 120 people followed up by structured interviews with 102 of these.The paper looks in‐depth at existing literature and essentially finds that, although a little progress has been made, much remains to be done in terms of both the availability of the information and its intelligibility. Eight key areas are identified by the carers and only one of these (education) is found to be satisfactory by the participants. A further conclusion is reached that local support groups are the best method of providing appropriate and relevant information that is delivered in an empathetic and, therefore, very acceptable form.

Details

Social Care and Neurodisability, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-0919

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2001

Uri Fidelman

Robinson (1998) found that women have a larger cerebral arousal than men, and men have a larger Gsar factor of intelligence than women. It is suggested that this finding had been…

Abstract

Robinson (1998) found that women have a larger cerebral arousal than men, and men have a larger Gsar factor of intelligence than women. It is suggested that this finding had been predicted by a previously published theory of this author. This is a continuation of a discussion, most of it in cybernetical journals, between Robinson and the present author about the biological origin of intelligence. Robinson relates intelligence to arousability, which he defined as the maximal level of activity which the cortex can obtain without activation by the brain‐stem. The author’s theory also takes into account the probability of transmission errors in the synapses and individual differences due to hemisphericity. The development of the ideas of this theory is surveyed; in each stage this theory encompassed more biological theories of intelligence. An appendix provides empirical evidence of sex‐related and hemispheric differences.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2017

Clara Maria Schutte, Sunayna Sasikumar, Keorapetse Nchoe, Mandisa Kakaza, Veronica Ueckermann and Cornelius H. Van der Meyden

In South Africa, many illicit drugs have only recently been introduced and drug-related complications are often new to treating physicians. Heroin-induced leukoencephalopathy has…

Abstract

Purpose

In South Africa, many illicit drugs have only recently been introduced and drug-related complications are often new to treating physicians. Heroin-induced leukoencephalopathy has been reported elsewhere in patients who inhale heated heroin vapors, a method known as “chasing the dragon.” The purpose of this paper is to present two patients, known to have inhaled heroin a few weeks prior to presenting with progressive neurological deficits.

Design/methodology/approach

Case presentations: two young males presented independently within eight weeks of one another with progressive slurring of speech, incoordination and weakness of the limbs over a period of two to three weeks. Both were known heroin addicts, and were known to one another, and both had inhaled heroin prior to the onset of symptoms.

Findings

The patients presented with a pancerebellar syndrome with marked bilateral upper motor neuron signs. CT scans showed diffuse symmetrical hypodense lesions involving the cerebral and cerebellar white matter with normal CSF. Both patients deteriorated neurologically, became cardiovascularly unstable and demised. Postmortem in one of the patients showed a prominent spongiform leukoencephalopathy consistent with reports of heroin-inhalation injury to the brain.

Research limitations/implications

Toxic leukoencephalopathy due to heroin vapor inhalation was first described in the Netherlands in 1982. It has not been reported to occur with other modes of heroin use; an unknown toxin contained in heroin pyrolysate which forms when heroin is heated, may be causative. Brain MRI typically shows diffuse, symmetrical white matter hyperintensities on T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences in the cerebellum, posterior cerebrum and posterior limbs of the internal capsule with a posterior-anterior gradient. Pathologically, spongiform degeneration with relative sparing of subcortical U-fibers is seen. No treatment has been proven effective, but antioxidants and Vitamin E may be beneficial. Mortality is high at 23-48 percent.

Practical implications

This report emphasizes that spongiform leukoencephalopathy as a rare consequence of inhaling heroin vapors does occur in South Africa and clinicians should consider this disorder in their differential diagnosis of acutely developing leukoencephalopathy.

Social implications

An awareness program regarding this grave condition is planned.

Originality/value

The cardiovascular complications of patients inhaling heroin vapor has not been highlighted previously. These are the first patients from Africa described with this condition. A toxic component appears likely.

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1998

Uri Fidelman

Robinson and Behbehani (1997) contended against Fidelman (1996) and argued that neural transmission errors influence neither EEG nor intelligence. They also contended the…

Abstract

Robinson and Behbehani (1997) contended against Fidelman (1996) and argued that neural transmission errors influence neither EEG nor intelligence. They also contended the suggestion of Fidelman (1996) that the mean hemisphericity of a sample may determine the sign of the correlation between IQ and the averaged evoked potentials (AEP) measures of string length and amplitude. These contentions are answered.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2010

Ann Edworthy and Catherine Hylton

The involvement of people with learning disabilities with the police has long been a source of difficulty. This article first sets the scene by exploring the particular…

205

Abstract

The involvement of people with learning disabilities with the police has long been a source of difficulty. This article first sets the scene by exploring the particular difficulties that different groups may have in their potential dealings with the police, including people with: autism spectrum disorders; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); cerebral palsy; Tourette's syndrome; and those with brain injury. The article then goes on to explore the particular experiences of brain‐injured children1 and their parents when the former are taken into police custody, based upon research conducted for an MPhil degree. This research sheds light onto a highly under‐researched area and aims to bring about change in the training of police officers with specific regard to disabilities resulting from brain injury. A total of 13 parents and eight police forces were interviewed and the research findings highlight the need for better education and training to address the multiplicity of problems that the police are called upon to deal with.

Details

Journal of Learning Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-0927

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2021

K.M. Baalamurugan, Priyamvada Singh and Vijay Ramalingam

One of the foremost research disciplines in medical image processing is to identify tumors, which is a challenging task practicing traditional methods. To overcome this, various…

Abstract

Purpose

One of the foremost research disciplines in medical image processing is to identify tumors, which is a challenging task practicing traditional methods. To overcome this, various research studies have been done effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

Medical image processing is evolving swiftly with modern technologies being developed every day. The advanced technologies improve medical fields in diagnosing diseases at the more advanced stages and serve to provide proper treatment.

Findings

Either the mass growth or abnormal growth concerning the cells in the brain is called a brain tumor.

Originality/value

The brain tumor can be categorized into two significant varieties, non-cancerous and cancerous. The carcinogenic tumors or cancerous is termed as malignant and non-carcinogenic tumors are termed benign tumors. If the cells in the tumor are healthy then it is a benign tumor, whereas, the abnormal growth or the uncontrollable growth of the cell is indicated as malignant. To find the tumor the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is carried out which is a tiresome and monotonous task done by a radiologist. In-order to diagnosis the brain tumor at the initial stage effectively with improved accuracy, the computer-aided robotic research technology is incorporated. There are numerous segmentation procedures, which help in identifying tumor cells from MRI images. It is necessary to select a proper segmentation mechanism to detect brain tumors effectively that can be aided with robotic systems. This research paper focuses on self-organizing map (SOM) by applying the adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The execution measures are determined to employ the confusion matrix, accuracy, sensitivity, and furthermore, specificity. The results achieved conclusively explicate that the proposed model presents more reliable outcomes when compared to existing techniques.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-6427

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 9 June 2022

Shah Saquib

Social organisations and their entrepreneurial approaches are quite challenging to avail a robust and sustainable platform. Yet it is more difficult when the venture is aimed to…

Abstract

Social organisations and their entrepreneurial approaches are quite challenging to avail a robust and sustainable platform. Yet it is more difficult when the venture is aimed to serve an uncommon service that the target group are not aware of. Leveraging morale boosts and power of the mind through yoga and transcendental meditation practices could be an approach of a social enterprise that are outlined in this chapter. How tranquility and mental peace in the midst a huge number of people can be achieved by some innovative steps, that is also conferred here.

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