bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing Online Laddering Studies
Authors: Gruber Thorsten , Reppel Alexander E. , Szmigin Isabelle , Voss Rödiger
Published: January 2012

Laddering is a well-established research technique in the social sciences which provides rich data to help understand means-end considerations otherwise hidden from quantitative research. It does this through revealing relationships between the attributes of individuals, objects or services (i.e., means), the consequences these attributes represent for the respondent, and the values or beliefs that are strengthened or satisfied by the consequences (i.e., ends). This chapter describes how qualitative researchers can successfully apply laddering in an online environment. Through an explanation of the different stages of the online laddering process, the authors hope to encourage researchers to use this technique in their urban planning research projects. To illustrate the benefits of the technique, the authors describe a research study that successfully used the laddering technique in an online environment. The chapter concludes with the discussion of the limitations of using laddering online and suggests avenues for future research.
Netnography
Authors: Lang Guido , Mamonov Stanislav , Lang Karl R.
Published: January 2012

The advent of the Internet has facilitated many new forms of communication and thus has laid the foundation for new forms of interaction and social organization. The challenges of gaining insight into the social processes that occur in these newly emerging digital spaces require the development of new research approaches and methodologies. Netnography, or Internet ethnography, is one such example. It focuses on gaining cultural insights from virtual community environments and was originally developed for consumer research in the field of marketing, but has since been used in a number of other fields, including urban planning. This chapter examines the philosophical assumptions and specific methods of netnography as a newly emerging research approach. Findings from a qualitative analysis of ten cases of published netnography studies reveal differences in both philosophical assumptions and uses as a research methodology, including the subject of research – community – and the role of the researcher. The chapter closes with some recommendations and a call for future research.
Using Digital Tools in Qualitative Research
Authors: Crichton Susan
Published: January 2012

Digital tools can help simplify qualitative researchers’ work. They can also add depth and richness by capturing data in a way that can be viewed and reviewed without preliminary transcription. This chapter shares an approach to working with digital data that honors participant voice and the lived experiences of those under study. The chapter also suggests new tools and common software applications. Further, it suggests a workflow to guide researchers as he or she begins to work to incorporate digital data into their studies.
Addressing Legal Issues in Online Research, Publication and Archiving
Authors: Charlesworth Andrew
Published: January 2012

This chapter provides background to, and a broad understanding of, the legal (and ethical) risks that researchers face in their utilisation of online mechanisms, in terms of the collection and analysis of research data, the communication of research results, and the retention and archiving of data generated by researchers and third parties. While researchers may understand the legal rules in the off-line research environment, research, dissemination and archiving on the Internet can pose more complex, and sometimes entirely novel, issues. The highly visible and accessible nature of the medium also means that existing legal risks may be significantly magnified in comparison to the off-line environment. Researchers should always seek advice specific to those jurisdictions they are targeting with their research, and particularly the jurisdiction in which they are located. Practical advice may be obtained from fellow researchers, institutional research support officers, or legal professionals. This chapter identifies activities that are likely to raise legal issues, or which are likely to require consideration of appropriate means of review, oversight and audit by researchers and ethical committees. Reference is thus primarily made to the law in the author’s home jurisdiction, with some comparative references to other jurisdictions.
View and Share
Authors: Greaves Andrew , Rukzio Enrico
Published: January 2012

Co-present viewing and sharing of images on mobile devices is a popular but very cumbersome activity. Firstly, it is difficult to show a picture to a group of friends due to the small mobile phone screen and secondly it is difficult to share media between multiple friends, e.g., when considering Bluetooth usage and technical limitations, limited input and repeated user interactions. This paper introduces the View & Share system which allows mobile phone users to spontaneously form a group and engage in the viewing and sharing of images. A member of the group has a personal projector (e.g., projector phone) which is used to view pictures collaboratively. View & Share supports sharing with a single user, multiple users or all users, allows members to borrow the projected display and provides a private viewing mode between co-located users. This paper reports on the View & Share system, its implementation and an explorative user study with 12 participants showing the advantages of our system and user feedback.
Visual Demand Evaluation Methods for In-Vehicle Interfaces
Authors: Pettitt Michael , Burnett Gary
Published: January 2012

The primary aim of the research presented in this paper is developing a method for assessing the visual demand (distraction) afforded by in-vehicle information systems (IVIS). In this respect, two alternative methods are considered within the research. The occlusion technique evaluates IVIS tasks in interrupted vision conditions, predicting likely visual demand. However, the technique necessitates performance-focused user trials utilising robust prototypes, and consequently has limitations as an economic evaluation method. In contrast, the Keystroke Level Model (KLM) has long been viewed as a reliable and valid means of modelling human performance and making task time predictions, therefore not requiring empirical trials or a working prototype. The research includes four empirical studies in which an extended KLM was developed and subsequently validated as a means of predicting measures relevant to the occlusion protocol. Future work will develop the method further to widen its scope, introduce new measures, and link the technique to existing design practices.
PHY/MAC Layer Design in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Campolo Claudia , Cozzetti Hector Agustin , Molinaro Antonella , Scopigno Riccardo Maria
Published: January 2012

Peculiarities of the vehicular environment make the design of the Physical (PHY) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers for Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) very challenging. Technical solutions should carefully cope with (i) quickly changing network topologies caused by vehicles mobility, (ii) short connection lifetimes, (iii) multi-hop vehicle-to-vehicle communications, (iv) hostile environments for radio signal propagation, and (v) heterogeneous nature and quality requirements of various types of applications. The main aim of this chapter is to serve as an introduction for readers interested in vehicular network design, with a special focus on the MAC layer. It includes a detailed description of the major features and operating principles provided by PHY and MAC layers of the IEEE 802.11p and IEEE 1609 standard suites to support Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments (WAVE). The last part of the chapter contains a brief survey of some relevant MAC proposals in the scientific literature that try to cope with the challenges of vehicular networks. Most of them follow the contention-based channel access idea of the standard and propose extensions to the 802.11p MAC layer in order to achieve higher throughput and fairness; others capitalize on a centralized access to achieve deterministic service quality.
Cooperative Positioning in Vehicular Networks
Authors: Efatmaneshnik Mahmoud , Alam Nima , Balaei Asghar T. , Kealy Allison , Dempster Andrew G.
Published: January 2012

This chapter introduces the concept of Cooperative Positioning (CP) for vehicular networks, or more precisely, VANETs (Vehicular Adhoc NETworks), as an application of DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication). It includes a comprehensive review of available and hypothetical vehicular positioning technologies. Amongst these, the importance of CP for Location Based Services using DSRC is emphasized, and some important issues are addressed that need to be resolved in order to implement CP successfully with standard DSRC infrastructure. The performance bounds of CP are derived. Ranging between vehicles is identified as the main hurdle to be overcome. Time-based techniques of ranging are introduced, and the bandwidth requirements are investigated. The robustness of CP to inter-node connection failure as well as GPS (Global Positioning System) dropout is demonstrated via simulation. Kalman Filter performance for CP is evaluated, and proven to be efficient under conditions such as the consistency of GPS signal availability ranging between vehicles. CP has, however, shown to increase the positioning accuracy to 1-meter level, even in the deep urban valleys where vehicles frequently become invisible to navigation. Overall, CP is proven to be a viable concept and worthy of development as a DSRC application.
Unpredicted Trajectories of an Automated Guided Vehicle with Chaos
Authors: Tavera Magda Judith Morales , Lengerke Omar , Dutra Max Suell
Published: January 2012

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are the future of transportation. As a result of emerging standards, vehicles will soon be able to talk to one another as well as their environment. A number of applications will be made available for vehicular networks that improve the overall safety of the transportation infrastructure. This chapter develops a method to impart chaotic motions to an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV). The chaotic AGV implies a mobile robot with a controller that ensures chaotic motions. This kind of motion is characterized by the topological transitivity and the sensitive dependence on initial conditions. Due the topological transitivity, the mobile robot is guaranteed to scan the whole connected workspace. For scanning motion, the chaotic robot neither requires a map of the workspace nor plans global motions. It only requires the measurement of the workspace boundary when it comes close to it.
Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Cañizares Sandra M. Sánchez , García Fernando J. Fuentes
Published: January 2012

People are an essential source on the competitiveness of organizations. Numerous authors have recognized the importance of organizational commitment and job satisfaction as key attitudes related with work and influencing aspects like rotation, absenteeism or productivity. However, a clearly delimited posture on the relationship between both constructs does not exist. It is because of this that the present work theoretically analyses several models regarding this matter. Subsequently a proposed model is estimated and validated using the methodology of Structural Equations Modeling (SEM). This model confirms the influence of job satisfaction over organizational commitment and its moderating effect on the influence on the latter of various perceptual factors of the employee related to his/her work.
Staff Restructuring in the New Economy
Authors: Sánchez José Antonio Fernández , Marhuenda Encarnación Manresa
Published: January 2012

In times of recession, survival for most businesses means to do more with fewer resources. It is necessary to encourage policies that will help a company to become more efficient, like staff restructuring. This policy encompasses many decisions, from laying people off to relocating employees to other positions as a consequence of the deployment of a more rational structure, which in turn answers to a change in strategy caused by the turn in the environment. This chapter explains the concept of staff restructuring in detail and offers several methods to carry it out. Afterwards, the potential problems that may arise from implementing this strategy are discussed, and, finally, some clues on how to avoid such problems, or, at least, mitigate their consequences, are presented. It is also made clear that a short-term approach in this regard will lead to a future lack of competitiveness, and therefore, endanger long-term survival.
Cross-Cultural Competences in the New Economy
Authors: Martin-Rubio Irene , Rodgers Drew , Døving Erik
Published: January 2012

Cross-cultural knowledge management in the e-environment results from interactions with others from different cultures that require new understanding and interpretations. The authors find that few studies have been conducted to address the objective of identifying the competences that are needed to promote learning and information processing in the 21st century. The authors’ primary goal is to identify competences that will promote learning and information processing in global organizations. The chapter outlines a taxonomy of competences necessary for cross-cultural learning in the global e-environment based on Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory.
Management and Leadership of Innovative Work Teams
Authors: Gutiérrez Santiago
Published: January 2012

This chapter focuses on the analysis of two factors; the characteristics of new work teams and the management and leadership tools required for these innovative teams, in order to generate greater effectiveness. Firstly, the authors present the differences between a work team and a group and the basic characteristics of innovative work teams (multifunctional teams, self-managing teams, virtual teams and open-innovation teams). Then, the authors focus on the management systems of these teams with the aim of generating greater effectiveness. High-performance practices and management skills are presented as tools for increasing motivation and commitment to the company and its business culture. Finally, the authors analyzed the leadership and the effect of leadership has an impact on the team’s results as well as on the company’s innovativeness, making it an essential part of creating effective innovative teams.
Neighborhood Resource Center
Authors: Hirsch Sol M.
Published: January 2012

The Library Partnership is a jointly operated facility that offers area residents full public library services and access to approximately thirty (30) social service agencies. The collaboration provides a unique environment for clients to receive counseling and advice from social service agencies and the resources, assistance, and services to address their needs from the public library all in one location . Clients are often referred to the library for a variety of eGovernment and other services. The presence of a public library allows potential and scheduled clients to come to the facility without the stigma often attached to entering a social service assistance center.
Lights, Camera, Library
Authors: Brattin Barbara
Published: January 2012

Providing public library services to a resort community whose members range from service industry workers to Hollywood moguls positions Wilkinson Public Library in Telluride, CO, as an institution bridging economic disparities. Community partnerships form the foundation for free library-based film series hosted by international festivals, including the acclaimed Telluride Film Festival and eclectic Mountainfilm. Both festivals enjoy a long history in this remote western ski town, and as a result of their national success, risk being disconnected from the average local. Through year-long partnerships with the public library, both festivals are strengthening ties with their home base. In turn, the library is fulfilling its role as the great equalizer and enhancing its facility through the benevolence of the festival organizations.
Bridging the Divide
Authors: Dodge Hillary , Rose Erica
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an example of a productive working relationship between a public library and a public school district. For years the Clearview Library District (CLD) struggled with an estranged relationship with the Weld Re-4 School District. Various contributing factors made it difficult for staff to proactively connect with educators and school administration. In 2008, CLD made a commitment to reassessing its role in the community and began exploring ways to better serve more members of the community. CLD selected schools as a priority because they presented a tremendous opportunity to touch a large percentage of the population. This new relationship became a major focus for the Youth Services and Outreach Departments of the Clearview Library District, who worked together to develop a plan to bridge the divide.
An Analytical Survey of Free/Open Source ERP Systems and their Potential Marketplace in Brazil
Authors: Monsores Marcelo , Tanaka Asterio
Published: January 2012

With the growing complexity and dynamics of modern organizations, ERP systems contribute to the management of business processes and allow strategic decisions to be taken more quickly and more safely, through a systemic, integrated view of the corporation. Free/Open Source software has consolidated as an increasingly viable alternative for this kind of systems, through the flexibility provided by its business and development model and the consequent possibility of total cost reduction. The objective of this chapter is to present a comparative survey of the main free/open source ERP systems currently available in the marketplace, their features focused in Brazilian companies and a general overview on its potential market.
Open Source as a Strategic Asset
Authors: Heredero Carmen D.P. , Berzosa David López , Seco Andres
Published: January 2012

The size of the company, the absence of organizational conflicts, the clearness of objectives on information and communication technology possibilities, the training and knowledge in private and open source possibilities, the belief and motivation towards open source solutions and the trust of the top management on the technical areas have become relevant factors for achieving success in this project.
Free and Open Source ERP
Authors: Tambo Torben , Koch Christian
Published: January 2012

With the proliferation of commercial Packaged ERP (P-ERP) systems in today’s enterprises, many reasons exist to look for alternatives in the quest for innovation, business development, cost, agility and dependency. P-ERP provides a solid and proven business support, an ecosystem of consultancies and integrators, senior management having gained confidence over the last 20 years, and commercially based support and development. This leaves companies with still more expensive P-ERP costs, still less flexibility, a still harder push to lose possibilities for differentiation, still more homogenised business processes, and absence of flexibility to change suppliers and systems. FOS-ERP offers an answer to most of these questions, but is facing issues in market penetration. In this chapter, barriers of FOS-ERP are reviewed; proposals are made on how to manage barriers. An approach managing co-existence of P-ERP and FOS-ERP is suggested. Concluding, FOS-ERP is seen as a strong option for enterprises in the future, but a clear understanding and distinction must be the offset, barriers needs to be managed, and optimal co-existence will in most cases be the realistic scenario.
Legal Issues with FOS-ERP
Authors: De Silva Sam
Published: January 2012

Whilst there are numerous benefits for a business from procuring a ERP on the basis of FOS licensing terms, there are a number of legal risks which need to be considered. These legal risks include: (a) assuming all FOS licences are the same; (b) uncertainty as to the enforceability of FOS licences; (c) lack of clarity in relation to the legal characterisation of FOS licences; (d) risk of poor performance; (e) risk of IPR infringement claim; (f) issues arsing from reciprocity; (g) legal challenges to FOS licences; and (h) the issues arising from the missing contractual provisions. The chapter outlines these legal risks and provides recommendations as to how to mange such risks.
Characters and ambivalence in Luke: An emic reading of Luke’s gospel, focusing on the Jewish peasantry
Authors: Nyiawung Mbengu D. , Van Eck Ernest
Published: January 2012

The Jewish peasantry as a character group in the Gospel of Luke has, thus far, not really attracted much attention in Lukan scholarship. In cases where it has been studied, scholars have often treated ὄχλος [crowd] and λαὸς [people] as synonymous characters. But the question of Jesus’ identity, as depicted in the New Testament, was crucial to the early church and it is this exact question that animates the relationship between Jesus and the various ‘systems’ functioning as part of Luke’s Gospel. From an etic viewpoint, the context of Luke’s Gospel indicates that Jesus’ leadership was characterised by conflict, opposition and rejection. Therefore, this article attempted, through an emic reading of Luke, to differentiate between (and describe) the role played by each of these character groups in Luke’s narrative, focusing on the relationship between Jesus and the Jewish peasantry – with special reference to the ambivalent attitude of the latter. It was argued that each Lukan character group has to be read and understood in terms of their attitude, as well as in the broader context of Luke’s intention with their inclusion and specific description. Therefore the various terminologies used when referring to the Jewish peasantry were also discussed; for any analysis of a biblical character group should begin with a reading of the Greek text, because working only with translations can lead to a misappropriation of the text. In order to attain the goals as set out above, this study used a character group which seemed ambivalent and hypocritical in their attitude to analyse Jesus’ leadership approach.
The strength of the biotic compartment in retaining nitrogen additions prevents nitrogen losses from a Mediterranean maquis
Authors: Dias T. , Martins-Loução M. A. , Sheppard L. , Cruz C.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Nitrogen (N) is one of the nutrients most limiting to ecosystem productivity. However, N availability is increasing globally, which may affect ecosystem functions and stability. To understand the role of each ecosystem compartment in the cycling of increased N, we studied the initial response of a nutrient-poor ecosystem, a Mediterranean maquis, to increased N deposition. N availability (dose and form) was modified by three N additions over the year (middle autumn/winter, spring and summer). Soil inorganic N pools (nitrate in particular) strongly reflected the N additions in autumn, almost matching the total N added over the three additions. Cistus ladanifer, the dominant plant species, responded to the increased N (cover and N concentration in leaves and litter). Given that leaf shedding occurs in the summer, the importance of this N pool returning to the soil through litter decomposition on the total soil inorganic N in autumn was investigated. Data suggest that living plants and litter have a crucial role in preventing N losses from Mediterranean maquis. This is the first integrated field study on how European Mediterranean ecosystems retain increased N of different forms and doses, however longer-term studies are needed to explore the generality of this study's observations.
Analysing inter-relationships among water, governance, human development variables in developing countries: WatSan4Dev database coherency analysis
Authors: Dondeynaz C. , Carmona Moreno C. , Céspedes Lorente J. J.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. The "Integrated Water Resources Management" principle was formally laid down at the International Conference on Water and Sustainable development in Dublin 1992. One of the main results of this conference is that improving Water and Sanitation Services (WSS), being a complex and interdisciplinary issue, passes through collaboration and coordination of different sectors (environment, health, economic activities, governance, and international cooperation). These sectors influence or are influenced by the access to WSS. The understanding of these interrelations appears as crucial for decision makers in the water sector. In this framework, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission (EC) has developed a new database (WatSan4Dev database) containing 45 indicators (called variables in this paper) from environmental, socio-economic, governance and financial aid flows data in developing countries. This paper describes the development of the WatSan4Dev dataset, the statistical processes needed to improve the data quality; and, finally, the analysis to verify the database coherence is presented. At the light of the first analysis, WatSan4Dev Dataset shows the coherency among the different variables that are confirmed by the direct field experience and/or the scientific literature in the domain. Preliminary analysis of the relationships indicates that the informal urbanisation development is an important factor influencing negatively the percentage of the population having access to WSS. Health, and in particular children health, benefits from the improvement of WSS. Efficient environmental governance is also an important factor for providing improved water supply services. The database would be at the base of posterior analyses to better understand the interrelationships between the different indicators associated in the water sector in developing countries. A data model using the different indicators will be realised on the next phase of this research work.
Identification of elements at risk for a credible tsunami event for Istanbul
Authors: Hancilar U.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Physical and social elements at risk are identified for a credible tsunami event for Istanbul. For this purpose, inundation maps resulting from probabilistic tsunami hazard analysis for a 10% probability of exceedance in 50 yr are utilised in combination with the geo-coded inventories of building stock, lifeline systems and demographic data. The built environment on Istanbul's shorelines that is exposed to tsunami inundation comprises residential, commercial, industrial, public (governmental/municipal, schools, hospitals, sports and religious), infrastructure (car parks, garages, fuel stations, electricity transformer buildings) and military buildings, as well as piers and ports, gas tanks and stations and other urban elements (e.g., recreational facilities). Along the Marmara Sea shore, Tuzla shipyards and important port and petrochemical facilities at Ambarlı are expected to be exposed to tsunami hazard. Significant lifeline systems of the city of Istanbul such as natural gas, electricity, telecommunication and sanitary and waste-water transmission, are also under the threat of tsunamis. In terms of social risk, it is estimated that there are about 32 000 inhabitants exposed to tsunami hazard.
Multiplicative cascade processes and information integration for predictive mapping
Authors: Cheng Q.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. This paper presents a new model proposed on the basis of multiplicative cascade process (MCP) theory for integrating spatial information to be used for mineral resources prediction and environmental impact assessment. Probability of a spatial point event is defined as the probability that a small map calculating unit (map unit) randomly selected from a study area contains one or more points. The probability that such unit randomly selected from a subarea with known spatial binary map patterns (evidential layers) contains one or more points is defined as the posterior point event probability. In this paper, processes of integrating multiple binary map patterns that divide the study area into smaller areas with updated posterior probabilities are viewed as multiplicative cascade processes resulting in a new log-linear model for calculating conditional probabilities from the multiple evidential input layers. The coefficients (weights) involved in this model measuring degree of spatial correlation between point event and the evidential layers are found to be associated with singularity indices involved in multifractal modeling. It is demonstrated that the model is simple and easy to be implemented in comparison with the existing weights of evidence model which is commonly applied in spatial decision modeling. In addition, the posterior probability as the end product of a multiplicative cascade process can be used to describe multifractality and singularity which are useful properties for characterizing spatial distribution of predicted point events. A case study of tin mineral potential mapping in the Gejiu mineral district in China is used to illustrate principles and use of the modeling process. Four binary layers: formation of limestone, buffer distance for intersections of three groups of faults, local and regional geochemical anomalies of elements As, Sn, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd, were combined for mapping potential areas for occurrence of tin mineral deposits.
Impact of ocular hypotensive lipids on clinically significant diabetic macular edema
Authors: Patel Anu S. , Patel Chirag C. , Goyal Anju , Anchala Anupama , Adrean Sean , Hughes Bret , Mahmoud Tamer H.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

To study the impact of ocular hypotensive lipids (OHL) on the incidence, progression, and response to treatment of clinically significant diabetic macular edema (CSDME).

Methods

A total of 379 patients (232 female, 147 male) with a history of diabetes mellitus (DM) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) were identified and included in the study. Patients were stratified into groups based on CSDME development and OHL exposure. Main outcome measures included time to development of CSDME, total duration of OHL exposure, and duration of DM and POAG.

Results

Seven patients (1.8%) developed CSDME after OHL exposure (group 1A), 15 (4.0%) developed CSDME prior to OHL exposure (group 1B), and 197 (52.0%) were treated with OHL but never developed CSDME (group 2). Of patients not exposed to OHL, 22 (5.8%) developed CSDME (group 3) and 138 (36.4%) did not (group 4). Mean duration of DM was longer (p<0.0001) in patients who developed CSDME (20.2 years) compared to patients who did not (12.4 years). There was no difference (p=0.67) in the amount of OHL exposure between patients who developed CSDME (4.1 years) and patients who did not (4.6 years). Once developed, there was no difference in the interval until CSDME resolution between OHL treated (17.8 mo) and untreated (12.7 mo) patients (p=0.36).

Conclusions

The CSDME development correlated most strongly with the duration of diabetes, irrespective of OHL use. Ocular hypotensive lipids treatment of POAG seems not to affect the incidence, progression, or response to treatment of CSDME in diabetes.
Assessment of Long-Term Vasoplegia Induced by Brachial Plexus Block: A Favorable Effect for Hemodialysis Angioaccess Surgery?
Authors: Pirozzi Nicola , Pettorini Laura , Scrivano Jacopo , Giuliani Anna , Baldinelli Matteo , Punzo Giorgio , Pirozzi Vincenzo , Menè Paolo
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Loco-regional anesthesia, along with the neurosensitive inhibition causes arterial and venous vasodilatation, that could be of interest for vascular access surgery. We evaluated the long term vasoplegia persistence after brachial plexic block.

Methods

Five patients submitted to brachial plexus block for an orthopedic procedure have been observed. Both radial arteries, that of the blocked arm and the opposite as a control, were analyzed by ultrasound examination, at time 0 and 360 minutes after anesthesia induction. All patients were treated with the same anesthesiologic protocol: axillary approach, use of an electroneurostimulator, injection 10 ml of ropivacain 7.5% + 10 ml of mepivacain 2%. The parameters evaluated from the arterial ultrasound flowmetry were: peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance index (RI).

Results.

No modification of the arterial flow were observed in the control arm at 0 and 360'after block induction. The blocked arm instead showed a significant decrease of the resistive index, stable at 360minutes.

Conclusions

The vasoplegia accompaning plexic block lasted 6 hours after anesthesia induction. Whereas this longstanding haemodynamic effect is beneficial for early patency of vascular access for hemodialysis, needs to be ascertained by further investigations.
Professional Caregiver's View on Mental Health in Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Nationwide Study of Institutions and Consultation Centers in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Tomoka , Inagaki Masumi , Kaga Makiko
Published: January 2012

Parents of children with intellectual disabilities and/or physical disabilities are supposed to have an increased risk for parenting stress and psychological distress. We as professional caregivers sometimes experience difficulties in keeping good relations or communicating with the parents. Professional workers in 460 institutions and consultation centers throughout Japan answered a questionnaire on their clinical experiences. About 90% of the facilities experienced “distressed parents,” and the parents' condition such as mental health seemed to influence this. Signs of a depressive state were the most common psychiatric disturbances detected, and it was notable in the pervasive developmental disorder group. More welfare support, presence of support groups, support from other family members, and medical treatment of the parents' problems were considered to be helpful and thus requested to be improved. Training more professionals who can properly deal with the parents' mental health needs is an urgent matter that must be tackled.
Extreme Points of the Unit Ball in the Dual Space of Some Real Subspaces of Banach Spaces of Lipschitz Functions
Authors: Alimohammadi Davood , Pazandeh Hadis
Published: January 2012

Let be a compact Hausdorff space, be a continuous involution on and denote the uniformly closed real subalgebra of consisting of all for which . Let be a compact metric space and let denote the complex Banach space of complex-valued Lipschitz functions of order on under the norm , where . For , the closed subalgebra of consisting of all for which as , denotes by . Let be a Lipschitz involution on and define for and for . In this paper, we give a characterization of extreme points of , where is a real linear subspace of or which contains 1, in particular, or .
The Vitiligo in Senegal
Authors: Niang S. O. , Ndiaye Maodo , Ly Fatimata , Diallo Moussa , Bouksani Sonia , Diop Assane , Diatta Boubacar Ahy , Dieng Mame Thierno , Kane Assane
Published: January 2012

The aim of our study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical aspects of vitiligo in the largest dermatology department of Senegal. A cross-sectional and descriptive study in a period of 5 months was performed covering all the vitiligo cases. Fifty patients were identified (26 women and 24 men). The mean age was 26.5 years. A family history of vitiligo was found in 11 cases and a psychoaffective disturbance in 6 cases. The clinical forms distinguished were generalized vitiligo (), localized vitiligo (), vitiligo universalis (), and segmental vitiligo (). The Koebner phenomenon was found in 7 cases. Associated diseases were atopic dermatitis (), contact dermatitis (), diabetes (), and Graves' disease (). The disgraceful character of Vitiligo was the predominance of generalized forms and the elective localization in sun-exposed areas. The family character, the psychoaffective disturbances, the Koebner phenomenon increased by the lifestyle and the itching dermatosis were the aggravating factors.
Primary Sjögren's syndrome as a systemic disease: A study of participants enrolled in an International Sjögren's syndrome registry
Authors: Malladi Arundathi S. , Sack Kenneth E. , Shiboski Stephen C. , Shiboski Caroline H. , Baer Alan N. , Banushree Ratukondla , Dong Yi , Helin Pekka , Kirkham Bruce W. , Li Mengtao , Sugai Susumu , Umehara Hisanori , Vivino Frederick B. , Vollenweider Cristina F. , Zhang Wen , Zhao Yan , Greenspan John S. , Daniels Troy E. , Criswell Lindsey A.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To study the prevalence of extraglandular manifestations in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) among participants enrolled in the Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance (SICCA) Registry.

Methods

A total of 1,927 participants in the SICCA registry were studied, including 886 participants who met the 2002 American–European Consensus Group (AECG) criteria for primary SS, 830 “intermediate” cases who had some objective findings of primary SS but did not meet AECG criteria, and 211 control individuals. We studied the prevalence of immunologic and hematologic laboratory abnormalities, specific rheumatologic examination findings, and physician‐confirmed thyroid, liver, and kidney disease, as well as lymphoma among SICCA participants.

Results

Laboratory abnormalities, including hematologic abnormalities, hypergammaglobulinemia, and hypocomplementemia, frequently occurred among primary SS cases and were more common among the intermediate cases than among control participants. Cutaneous vasculitis and lymphadenopathy were also more common among primary SS cases. In contrast, the frequency of physician‐confirmed diagnoses of thyroid, liver, and kidney disease and lymphoma was low and only primary biliary cirrhosis was associated with primary SS case status. Rheumatologic and neurologic symptoms were common among all SICCA participants, regardless of case status.

Conclusion

Data from the international SICCA registry support the systemic nature of primary SS, manifested primarily in terms of specific immunologic and hematologic abnormalities. The occurrence of other systemic disorders among this cohort is relatively uncommon. Previously reported associations may be more specific to select patient subgroups, such as those referred for evaluation of certain neurologic, rheumatologic, or other systemic manifestations.
Choice of rating method for assessing occupational asbestos exposure: Study for compensation purposes in France
Authors: Gramond Celine , Rolland Patrick , Lacourt Aude , Ducamp Stephane , Chamming's Soizick , Creau Yvon , Hery Michel , Laureillard Jacques , Mohammed‐Brahim Brahim , Orlowski Ewa , Paris Christophe , Pairon Jean‐Claude , Goldberg Marcel , Brochard Patrick ,   for the PNSM Study Group
Published: January 2012

Background

In the course of setting up the National Mesothelioma Surveillance Program (PNSM), established in France in 1998, the question arose as to the most suitable method of assessing occupational exposure. The aim of this study was to define the most suitable rating method for assessing occupational asbestos exposure in order to assess medico‐social care.

Method

The study included 100 subjects—50 cases of mesothelioma and 50 controls—randomly selected and representing 457 jobs held. Job asbestos exposure was assessed by a six‐expert panel using two methods: “by job” rating, where all the jobs in were assessed regardless of the subjects; and “by subject” rating, where all the jobs of a subject were assessed at the same time. Consensus was obtained and subjects' exposure was calculated for each rating. Then, two internal experts assessed job asbestos exposure with the “by subject” rating. Kappa coefficients were used to measure agreement between the ratings.

Results

Agreement between “by job” and “by subject” ratings was very good for subject probability of exposure (kappa = 0.84) and cumulative exposure index (kappa = 0.80). Agreement between the six‐expert panel and the two internal experts was good for subject exposure (kappa for probability = 0.71; kappa for cumulative exposure index= 0.68).

Conclusion

This study shows that the two rating systems have good or very good agreement. These results validate the routine use in the PNSM of the “by subject” rating, with the advantage of being convenient and quick to provide feedback on occupational asbestos exposure to mesothelioma cases for compensation. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:440–449, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of antinuclear antibodies in the United States
Authors: Satoh Minoru , Chan Edward K. L. , Ho Lindsey A. , Rose Kathryn M. , Parks Christine G. , Cohn Richard D. , Jusko Todd A. , Walker Nigel J. , Germolec Dori R. , Whitt Irene Z. , Crockett Patrick W. , Pauley Brad A. , Chan Jason Y. F. , Ross Steven J. , Birnbaum Linda S. , Zeldin Darryl C. , Miller Frederick W.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To estimate the prevalence, types, and sociodemographic and biobehavioral correlates of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in the US.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of 4,754 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004. ANAs were assessed by indirect immunofluorescence. In ANA‐positive individuals, cellular staining patterns were determined, and specific autoantibody reactivities were assessed by immunoprecipitation.

Results

The ANA prevalence in the US population of individuals ages 12 years and older was 13.8% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 12.2–15.5%). ANA prevalence increased with age (P = 0.01), and ANAs were more prevalent among females than males (17.8% versus 9.6%; P < 0.001), with the female‐to‐male ratio peaking at 40–49 years of age. ANA prevalence was modestly higher in African Americans compared with whites (age‐adjusted prevalence odds ratio [POR] 1.30, 95% CI 1.00–1.70). Remarkably, ANAs were less common in overweight and obese individuals (age‐adjusted POR 0.74) than in persons of normal weight. No significant associations of ANA with education, family income, alcohol use, smoking history, serum levels of cotinine, or C‐reactive protein were observed. In ANA‐positive individuals, nuclear patterns were seen in 84.6%, cytoplasmic patterns were seen in 21.8%, and nucleolar patterns were seen in 6.1%; the most common specific autoantibodies were anti‐Ro (3.9%) and anti‐Su (2.4%).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that more than 32 million persons in the US have ANAs, and that the prevalence is higher among females, older individuals, African Americans, and those with a normal body weight. These data will serve as a useful baseline for future investigations of predictors and changes in ANA prevalence over time.
Functionalization and Dispersion of Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h‐BN) Nanosheets Treated with Inorganic Reagents
Authors: Nazarov Albert S. , Demin Viktor N. , Grayfer Ekaterina D. , Bulavchenko Alexander I. , Arymbaeva Aida T. , Shin Hyeon‐Jin , Choi Jae‐Young , Fedorov Vladimir E.
Published: January 2012

A mixture of bulk hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) with hydrazine, 30 % H2O2, HNO3/H2SO4, or oleum was heated in an autoclave at 100 °C to produce functionalized h‐BN. The product formed stable colloid solutions in water (0.26–0.32 g L−1) and N,N‐dimethylformamide (0.34–0.52 g L−1) upon mild ultrasonication. The yield of “soluble” h‐BN reached about 70 wt %. The dispersions contained few‐layered h‐BN nanosheets with lateral dimensions in the order of several hundred nanometers. The functionalized dispersible h‐BN was characterized by IR spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It is shown that h‐BN preserves its hexagonal structure throughout the functionalization procedure. Its exfoliation into thin platelets upon contact with solvents is probably owing to the attachment of hydrophilic functionalities.
Randomized clinical trial of omega-3 fatty acid-supplemented enteral nutrition versus standard enteral nutrition in patients undergoing oesophagogastric cancer surgery
Authors: Sultan J , Griffin S M , Di Franco F , Kirby J A , Shenton B K , Seal C J , Davis P , Viswanath Y K S , Preston S R , Hayes N
Published: January 2012

Background

Oesophagogastric cancer surgery is immunosuppressive. This may be modulated by omega-3 fatty acids (O-3FAs). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of perioperative O-3FAs on clinical outcome and immune function after oesophagogastric cancer surgery.

Methods

Patients undergoing subtotal oesophagectomy and total gastrectomy were recruited and allocated randomly to an O-3FA enteral immunoenhancing diet (IED) or standard enteral nutrition (SEN) for 7 days before and after surgery, or to postoperative supplementation alone (control group). Clinical outcome, fatty acid concentrations, and HLA-DR expression on monocytes and activated T lymphocytes were determined before and after operation.

Results

Of 221 patients recruited, 26 were excluded. Groups (IED, 66; SEN, 63; control, 66) were matched for age, malnutrition and co-morbidity. There were no differences in morbidity (P = 0·646), mortality (P = 1·000) or hospital stay (P = 0·701) between the groups. O-3FA concentrations were higher in the IED group after supplementation (P < 0·001). The ratio of omega-6 fatty acid to O-3FA was 1·9:1, 4·1:1 and 4·8:1 on the day before surgery in the IED, SEN and control groups (P < 0·001). There were no differences between the groups in HLA-DR expression in either monocytes (P = 0·538) or activated T lymphocytes (P = 0·204).

Conclusion

Despite a significant increase in plasma concentrations of O-3FA, immunonutrition with O-3FA did not affect overall HLA-DR expression on leucocytes or clinical outcome following oesophagogastric cancer surgery. Registration number: ISRCTN43730758 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
Comprehensive national analysis of emergency and essential surgical capacity in Rwanda
Authors: Petroze R T , Nzayisenga A , Rusanganwa V , Ntakiyiruta G , Calland J F
Published: January 2012

Background

Disparities in the global availability of operating theatres, essential surgical equipment and surgically trained providers are profound. Although efforts are ongoing to increase surgical care and training, little is known about the surgical capacity in developing countries. The aim of this study was to create a baseline for surgical development planning at a national level.

Methods

A locally adapted World Health Organization survey was conducted in November 2010 to assess emergency and essential surgical capacity and volumes, with on-site interviews at 44 district and referral hospitals in Rwanda. Results were compiled for education and capacity development discussions with the Rwandan Ministry of Health and the Rwanda Surgical Society.

Results

Among 10·1 million people, there were 44 hospitals and 124 operating rooms (1·2 operating rooms per 100 000 persons). There was a total of 50 surgeons practising full- or part-time in Rwanda (0·49 total surgeons per 100 000 persons). The majority of consultant surgeons worked in the capital (covering 10 per cent of the population). Anaesthesia was performed primarily by anaesthesia technicians, and six of 44 hospitals had no trained anaesthesia provider. Continuous availability of electricity, running water and generators was lacking in eight hospitals, and 19 reported an absence or shortage in the availability of pulse oximetry. Equipment for life-saving surgical airway procedures, particularly in children, was lacking. A dedicated emergency area was available in only 19 hospitals. In 2009 and 2010 over 80 000 surgical procedures (major and minor) were recorded annually in Rwanda.

Conclusion

A comprehensive countrywide assessment of surgical capacity in resource-limited settings found severe shortages in available resources. Immediate local feedback is a useful tool for creating a baseline of surgical capacity to inform country-specific surgical development.