bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Description of the Culture/Climate Assessment Scale
Authors: Clark Cynthia M. , Belcheir Marcia , Strohfus Pamela , Springer Pamela J.
Published: December 2011

This article describes the development, implementation, and preliminary psychometric testing of the Culture/Climate Assessment Scale (CCAS), designed and used by a school of nursing. The CCAS comprises 37 items arranged into five scales of communication, decision support, level of conflict, teamwork, and general work satisfaction, as well as three additional items that measure personal level of stress, perceived level of change, and overall level of morale. Faculty and staff completed the CCAS in three progressive administrations over a 5-year period to provide empirical data to chart the progress to improve the organizational culture and climate of one school of nursing. Preliminary testing of the CCAS supports its continued use in nursing education and other academic environments.
Simulation Stimulates Learning in a Childbearing Clinical Course
Authors: Simonelli Mary Colleen , Paskausky Anna L.
Published: December 2011

Preparing nursing students to become integral members of today’s health care team presents educators with unique challenges in both classroom and clinical settings. This study examined the effectiveness of adding high-fidelity simulation to a childbearing clinical course. Our systematic research addressed the importance of evaluating the outcomes of using simulation on both knowledge acquisition and clinical competency. We found simulation to have a positive effect on not only student clinical performance, but also knowledge development in the undergraduate child-bearing clinical course. These outcome data will inform the curriculum changes needed as we strive to facilitate student proficiency in clinical concepts and skills and prepare the next generation of nurses entering our increasingly complex health care system.
Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, Contralateral Eye Comparison of Myopic LASIK With Optimized Aspheric or Prolate Ablations
Authors: Chayet Arturo , Bains Harkaran S.
Published: December 2011

PURPOSE:

To compare the postoperative outcomes of aspheric or prolate LASIK for myopia and myopic astigmatism.

METHODS:

In this double-blind, bilateral, randomized trial, 40 patients (80 eyes) with −0.75 to −7.00 diopters (D) of manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) underwent optimized aspheric treatment zone ablation (OATz group) in 1 eye and optimized prolate ablation (OPA group) in the fellow eye. Six-month postoperative outcomes were compared for MRSE and visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, patient satisfaction, ocular higher order aberrations (HOAs), and spherical aberration. The Wilcoxon signed rank test, Mann-Whitney U test, and paired
t
test were used for testing differences between groups.
P
<.05 was statistically significant. Main outcome measures included HOAs, spherical aberration, visual and refractive outcomes, and contrast sensitivity.

RESULTS:

Postoperatively, 36 patients (72 eyes) were evaluated. The MRSE was −0.07±0.23 D for the OPA group and +0.02±0.24 D for the OATz group (
P
>.05). Two (5%) eyes in the OPA group and 1 (3%) eye in the OATz group (
P
=.114) lost 1 line of corrected distance visual acuity. Postoperative visual acuity was not statistically different between groups (
P
>.05). Statistically lower change was noted in spherical aberration (0.011 μm) in the OPA group versus the OATz group (0.099 μm) (
P
<.001). Statistically higher induction of coma was noted in the OPA group (
P
=.035). No statistically significant differences were noted in photopic, mesopic, or glare contrast sensitivity and patient satisfaction between groups (
P
>.05, for all comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS:

The refractive and visual outcomes of OPA and OATz were equivalent. However, the postoperative optical quality of OPA-treated eyes was better.
Fuego festivo, humo sagrado: Las luminarias de San Antón en Tierra de Pinares (Ávila)
Authors: Tausiet María
Published: December 2011

La festividad de San Antonio Abad, más conocido como San Antón, continúa celebrándose en muchas localidades españolas cada 17 de enero. En pleno período invernal, tradicionalmente caracterizado por el reposo de los trabajos agrícolas, se lleva a cabo un ritual de purificación y renovación de la naturaleza a través del fuego (hogueras), cuyos antecedentes se remontan a la religión romana arcaica. La localidad de San Bartolomé de Pinares (Ávila) constituye un buen ejemplo de la pervivencia de esta fiesta que no sólo se ha conservado, sino que se ha revitalizado en los últimos años. Gracias a los testimonios de varios informantes entrevistados en 2008 puede entenderse mejor tanto el sentido primitivo de la fiesta (“librar al pueblo de las fuerzas del mal”) como su progresiva secularización.
Using Facebook for Professional Networking: A Modern-Day Essential
Authors: Bodell Sarah , Hook Angela
Published: December 2011

Networking is a fundamental aspect in developing a strong professional identity and furthering professional development. This opinion piece asserts that networking is an essential activity for occupational therapists, and that many of the challenges involved in creating an effective network can be ameliorated by harnessing the power of the online environment. By sharing the experience of using Facebook, an online social networking platform, with the specific aim of furthering professional development, clear and tangible outcomes of this being achieved are shown in order to inspire more occupational therapists to connect online for the benefit of the profession.
Corporate governance and efficiency in the Electricity Sector using Data Envelopment Analysis: a study in the brazilian stock market
Authors: Peixoto Fernanda Maciel , Ferreira Roberto do Nascimento , Lopes Ana Lúcia Miranda , Fagundes André Francisco Alcântara
Published: December 2011

Different Corporate Governance mechanisms have been suggested to minimize agency problems between managers and shareholders, and between controlling and minority shareholders. The aim of this study is to analyze the corporate governance mechanisms result in greater efficiency for Brazilian stock companies in the electricity sector, in 2007-2009. The hypothesis to be verified is that the lower the voting concentration   and the dependence of the council, and the greater the cash flow concentration, the greater the performance of the company will be. The analyzed sample involved thirty-three companies, fourteen being classified into one of the levels of CG (Level 1, Level 2 or New Market) and the remainder being members of the traditional market. To measure the efficiency of the companies, the non-parametric DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) method was used, and to relate the efficiency with the governance variables, we adopted regression analysis of panel data. The results demonstrated that the use of CG mechanisms positively influences business efficiency, but not in the expected magnitude. It was found that the cash flow concentration is positively related to the efficiency of firms, supporting the governance literature. For future work, the use of other input and output variables is suggested.
A Model of Entrepreneurial Capability Based on a Holistic Review of the Literature from Three Academic Domains
Authors: Lewis Hilary
Published: December 2011

While there has been a noted variation in the ‘species’ of entrepreneur so that no single list of traits, characteristics or attributes is definitive, it is posited that to be an entrepreneur a certain amount of entrepreneurial capability is required. ‘Entrepreneurial capability’ is a concept developed to place some form of identity on the attributes that are needed to pursue an entrepreneurial career. The concept of entrepreneurial capability is linked to that of entrepreneurial capital, previously discussed by Erikson (2002) and Firkin (2003), but it provides greater depth and offers wider applicability. After reviewing the literature from the fields of economics, politics and the social sciences, the author proposes an ‘equation’ and a model for the factors that act as building blocks for an individual's entrepreneurial capability, which can be applied to nascent as well as experienced and serial entrepreneurs.
A Solution Approach for Lower Hessenberg Linear Systems
Authors: Ruffa Anthony A.
Published: December 2011

An approach is developed to obtain solutions to lower Hessenberg linear systems with general entries. The approach involves developing solution vectors for an extended lower Hessenberg linear system (having an extra column and an extra introduced unknown) for each nonzero term on the right hand side. The overall solution is then found through superposition and determination of the extra introduced unknown. The approach supports parallel solution algorithms without communication between processors, since each solution vector is computed independently of the others. The number of parallel processors needed will be equal to the number of nonzero right hand side terms.
Evaluation of Drug Utilization Patterns during Initial Treatment in the Emergency Room: A Retroprospective Pharmacoepidemiological Study
Authors: Cheekavolu Chakrapani , Pathapati Rama Mohan , Babasaheb Laxmansingh Kudagi , Saginela Satish Kumar , Makineedi Veera Prasad , Siddalingappa  , Kumar Amitabh
Published: December 2011

Background. We assessed the prescribing trends, average number of drugs per prescription, and cost per prescription during the initial contact of the patient with the physician in emergency room. Methods. This retro-prospective study was conducted over a period of six months. Medical records of two hundred patients were reviewed for prescribing patterns. Results. 52 different types of drugs (996 drugs) were prescribed in total 200 prescriptions during the mean time spent in emergency room of 2.8 ± 1.4 hours. The average number of drugs per prescription was 4.2 ± 1.2. 95% of drugs were prescribed by trade name. Average drugs cost per prescription was 784 ± 134 rupees (17USD). Conclusion. Polypharmacy remains the main form of irrational prescribing. Prescribing patterns of drugs were knowledge based rather than WHO criteria for rational use of drugs.
Influence of Different Cultural Conditions on Photoproduction of Hydrogen by Rhodopseudomonas palustris KU003
Authors: Merugu Ramchander , Rudra M. P. Pratap , Rao A. Sridhar , Ramesh D. , Nageshwari B. , Rajyalaxmi K. , Girisham S. , Reddy S. M.
Published: December 2011

Photoproduction of hydrogen by Rhodopseudomonas palustris KU003 under different cultural conditions with various carbon and nitrogen sources was investigated. Hydrogen production was measured using a Gas chromatograph. Malate promoted more amounts of hydrogen production under anaerobic light conditions than anaerobic dark conditions. Cumulative hydrogen production by the organism was recorded at various time intervals. Incubation period of 120 hrs was optimum for production of hydrogen. pH 7.0±0.4 was optimum for production of hydrogen. L-glutamic acid was a good nitrogen source for production of hydrogen. Growing cells produced more amount of hydrogen than resting cells. Significance of the above results in presence of existing literature is discussed.
Neoplastic and Nonneoplastic Cutaneous Tumors of Dogs in Grenada, West Indies
Authors: Chikweto A. , McNeil P. , Bhaiyat M. I. , Stone D. , Sharma R. N.
Published: December 2011

This retrospective survey was undertaken between 2002 and 2007 on samples from dogs residing in Grenada. The objectives of the study were to identify the most common histologic types of canine cutaneous tumors, determine the relative frequency of each tumor type, and compare results to reports from other regions. In a series of 225 skin masses examined, the proportion of neoplasms was 72% whereas nonneoplastic tumors accounted for 15.6%, and inflammatory conditions constituted 12.4%. There were 10 types of nonneoplastic tumors with hamartomas being the most common (28.5%), followed by sebaceous hyperplasia (25.7%) and fibroepithelial polyps (22.8%). The 10 most common cutaneous neoplasms were hemangiosarcomas (19.1%), histiocytomas (8.6%), melanocytomas (8%), mast cell tumors (6.8%), lipomas (6.8%), hemangiopericytomas (6.2%), papillomas (5.6%), fibrosarcomas (5.6%), hemangiomas (4.9%), and squamous cell carcinomas (4.3%). Tumors of vascular origin and transmissible venereal tumors were more common in dogs in our study than reported from other regions.
Abnormal Glucose Metabolism in Hispanic Parents of Children with Acanthosis Nigricans
Authors: Urrutia-Rojas Ximena , McConathy Walter , Willis Benjamin , Menchaca John , Luna-Hollen Mary , Marshall Khiya , Lacko Andras , Spellman Craig
Published: December 2011

Objective. Assess the prevalence of abnormal glucose metabolism among Hispanic parents of children with acanthosis nigricans (AN). Methods. Hispanic families (n=258) were evaluated for metabolic and anthropometric parameters including fasting glucose levels and AN status. Results. Mothers with AN+ children had IFG (17.3%) and 4% had glucose levels ≥126 mg/dL (P=0.028) compared to 7.1% and 1.8% of mothers with AN− children, respectively. Mothers of AN+ children also had greater odds of having impaired fasting glucose levels (OR: 3.917, 95% CI: 1.475–10.404; P<0.004) but this was not the case for fathers (OR: 1.125, 95% CI: 0.489–2.586; P=0.781). Mothers of AN+ children were also more likely to be AN+ (OR: 5.76, 95% CI: 2.98–11.13, P<0.001). Screening discovered glucose levels >126 mg/dL in 9% of fathers with AN+ children. Conclusions. Hispanic mothers of AN+ children are at higher risk of carbohydrate metabolism abnormalities. AN in children can be a marker for prevention and delay programs aimed at identifying adults at risk for diabetes.
On Almost φ-Lagrange Spaces
Authors: Pandey P. N. , Shukla Suresh K.
Published: December 2011

We initiate a study on the geometry of an almost φ-Lagrange space (APL-space in short). We obtain the expressions for the symmetric metric tensor, its inverse, semispray coefficients, solution curves of Euler-Lagrange equations, nonlinear connection, differential equation of autoparallel curves, coefficients of canonical metrical d-connection, and h- and v-deflection tensors in an APL-space. Corresponding expressions in a φ-Lagrange space and an almost Finsler Lagrange space (AFL-space in short) have also been deduced.
Xenon Upregulates Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha in Neonatal Rat Brain under Normoxic Conditions
Authors: Valleggi Simona , Patel Chirag B. , Cavazzana Andrea O. , Ma Daqing , Giunta Francesco , Cattano Davide
Published: December 2011

Xenon can induce cell and organ protection through different molecular mechanisms related to oxygen level. We explored the effect of xenon on oxygen-related signalling in the central nervous system via hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Methods. Postnatal day 7 (P7) Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to 25% oxygen/75% nitrogen (air group) or 25% oxygen/75% xenon (treatment group) for 120 min. Brains were collected immediately (transcript analysis—relative real-time polymerase chain reaction) or 24 hours (protein analysis—immunohistochemistry) after the 120-minute exposure period; peak anesthetic preconditioning has been previously identified at 24 hours post-exposure. Results. HIF-1α transcript and protein levels were found to be increased in xenon-exposed compared to air-exposed brains. Sustained nuclear translocation of the protein, accounting for an increased activity of HIF-1α, was also noted. mTOR transcript analysis revealed no significant difference between xenon-exposed and air-exposed brains immediately after the 120-minute exposure. Conclusion. Our data suggest that xenon induces the upregulation of HIF-1α transcription and translation, which may contribute to xenon's neuroprotective preconditioning effect. However, given that xenon exposure did not affect mTOR transcription, further investigation into other signalling cascades mediating xenon’s effects on HIF-1α in developing brain is warranted.
Our Experience with Left-Sided Abomasal Displacement Correction via the Roll-and-Toggle-Pin Suture Procedure according to Grymer/Sterner Model
Authors: Zadnik T. , Lombar R.
Published: December 2011

All over the world, and also in Slovenia, left-sided displacement of the abomasum (LDA) occurs most commonly in large-sized, high-producing adult dairy cows immediately after parturition. Yearly retrospective analyses of our ambulatory records showed significantly increased prevalence of LDA (%, %), especially in cows after first parturition. Surgical replacement is now commonly practiced, and many techniques have been devised with emphasis on avoidance of recurrence of the displacement. Because of good results as recorded in the literature and encouragement of Keith E. Sterner, the author of this method, we want to try the right paramedian abomasopexy—Grymer/Sterner model. Since May 2009 till October 2011 109 cows from 46 farms were operated on because of LDA. As many as 44 (40.3%) were affected with LDA after first parturition. The analysis of successful procedure that was carried out 2 months after suture showed that 104 (95.4%) cows were cured. Only 5 (4.5%) cows died within 24 hours after surgery (4 cases of severe toxemia with hypokalemia and one case of acute abomasal hemorrhage were established). Our experience with Grymer/Sterner LDA transfixation sutures proved favorable. Because roll-and-toggle-pin suture technique is rapid and inexpensive we recommend it.
Economic and Managerial Analysis of Effective Managerial Strategies on Prevention from Ketosis in Transition Period in Shahroud Commercial Dairy Farms
Authors: Kashfi H. , Yazdani A. R. , Latifi M. , Shirani Bidabadi F.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this research is to study any effects of managerial strategies on prevention of ketosis metabolic disorder in transition period in Shahroud commercial dairy farms. For this purpose, a questionnaire was prepared in order to obtain required information about the performance of these managerial strategies, performance costs, involvement situation with disorders relying upon clinical signs and treatment and health records, producing and economic situation, and fertility rate and its costs. The considered managerial guidelines include body condition score management or type evaluation in transition period, increase in dry matter intake close to parturition, using propylene glycol, using niacin, and high-quality feeding (the importance of feed quality) in transition period. Finally and upon arrangement of data, it was possible to study any effects of mentioned managerial strategies on related variants through multiple linear regressions. Furthermore, in order to study any relation among variables, we considered Pearson correlation coefficients as well. Finally, it was revealed that any application of managerial strategies for prevention from Ketosis in transition period has a significant effect in betterment of managerial and economic parameters.
Impact of Fungicides Chlorothalonil and Propiconazole on Microbial Activities in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) Soils
Authors: Ramudu A. C. , Mohiddin G. Jaffer , Srinivasulu M. , Madakka M. , Rangaswamy V.
Published: December 2011

Introduction of agrochemicals (fungicides) into soil may have lasting effects on soil microbial activities and thus affect soil health. In order to determine the changes in microbial activity in a black clay and red sandy loam soils of groundnut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) cultivated fields, a case study was conducted with propiconazole and chlorothalonil to evaluate its effects on soil enzymes (cellulase and invertase) throughout 40 days of incubation under laboratory conditions with different concentrations (1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kg ha−1). Individual application of the two fungicides at 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 kg ha−1to the soil distinctly enhanced the activities of cellulase and invertase but at higher concentrations of 7.5 and 10 kg ha−1was toxic or innocuous to both cellulase and invertase activities. In soil samples receiving 2.5–5.0 kg ha−1of the fungicides, the accumulation of reducing sugar was pronounced more at 20 days, and the activity of the cellulase and invertase was drastically decreased with increasing period of incubation up to 30 and 40 days.
On Some Properties of SEP Effective CMEs
Authors: Mittal Nishant , Gupta Anshu , Negi P. S. , Narain Udit
Published: December 2011

Solar energetic particles (SEP) are believed to originate from two different sources, solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The large SEP events constitute a serious radiation hazard. The high-energy solar proton data obtained from NOAA Space Environment Services Center are used to investigate some statistical properties such as speed, apparent width, acceleration, latitude, mass, kinetic energy, and occurrence rate of SEP effective CMEs observed during the period 1997–2006 covering the solar cycle 23. It is found that SEP effective CMEs are nearly halo in nature, and they follow solar cycle variation. Such CMEs have higher speeds than those of non-SEP effective CMEs.
On Inverse Sturm-Liouville Problems with Spectral Parameter Linearly Contained in the Boundary Conditions
Authors: Dehghani Tazehkand I. , Jodayree Akbarfam A.
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we study Sturm-Liouville problems with spectral parameter linearly contained in one of the boundary conditions. We prove uniqueness theorems for the solution of the inverse problems according to the Weyl function, spectral data, and two spectra. Then, we recover the potential function and coefficients of boundary conditions from the spectral data by the method of spectral mappings.
Effect of Tannin-Binding Agents (Polyethylene Glycol and Polyvinylpyrrolidone) Supplementation on In Vitro Gas Production Kinetics of Some Grape Yield Byproducts
Authors: Besharati Maghsoud , Taghizadeh Akbar
Published: December 2011

The effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on in vitro gas production characteristics, organic matter digestibility (OMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) contents of some grape yield byproducts were investigated. The gas production was recorded after 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, and 48 h of incubation. The gas production profiles in triplicate fitted with equation Y = A (1 – ). The data was analyzed using completely randomized design. Total phenol (TP) and total tannin (TT) contents were highest for raisin waste (RW). The TP content (g/kg DM) ranged from 30.1 in grape pomace (GP) to 96.3 in RW, which also had the higher TT (72.1 g/kg DM). The potential gas production (a + b) of DGB, GP, and RW were 239.43, 263.49, and 208.22 mL/g DM, respectively. In the absence of PEG and PVP, rate constant of gas production (c) for GP was highest among the feedstuffs (0.1073 mL/h), but in presence of PEG or PVP, RW had highest fraction (c) among the feedstuffs. Addition of PEG and PVP inactivated effects of tannins and increased gas production, ME, NE1, OMD, and VFA in grape yield byproducts. Addition of PEG and PVP could overcome adverse effects of tannins on nutrient availability as indicated by gas production parameters.
Experimental Validation of Upward Electrospinning Process
Authors: Abdel-Hady Faissal , Alzahrany Abdulrahim , Hamed Mostafa
Published: December 2011

An experimental investigation has been carried out to validate the concept of a new upward electrospinning process in producing polymer nanofibres. The role of gravitational force in this concept is reversed from the conventional downward electrospinning. This inversion results in more stretching of the fibre, less bead formation, and jet stability. An experimental setup is built inside a vacuum chamber in order to eliminate the ambient effects. The effect of various parameters such as applied voltage, needle-collector distance, solution concentration, flow rate, and needle size, on average fibre diameter and beads formation, was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Ultrasonographic Imaging for Structural Characterization of Renal Affections and Diagnosis of Associated Chronic Renal Failure in 10 Dogs
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Kumar Adarsh , Varshney A. C.
Published: December 2011

The present study comprises of 10 dogs of either sex with primary indication of azotaemia. All the dogs were subjected to detailed clinical, haematobiochemical, urinalysis, and microbiological examination along with radiographical and ultrasonographical examination. Based on the ultrasonographic structural abnormalities, the different renal affections associated with CRF in majority of dogs were diagnosed. The different affections included “end-stage” kidneys (n=4), hydronephrosis (n=1), renomegaly (n=1), nephritis (n=1), nephrolithiasis (n=1), nephrocalcinosis (n=1), and renal cyst (n=1). The significant ultrasonographic features in these affections included small kidneys with loss of corticomedullary demarcation (“end-stage” kidneys); increased cortical echogenicity (nephritis); dilation of the renal pelvis, separation of the central renal sinus with anechoic space, atrophy of renal medulla, (hydronephrosis); enlarged kidneys with increased overall echogenicity of renal cortex (renomegaly and associated nephritis); hyperechoic-mineralized structure with shadowing (nephrolithiasis); diffuse, small, multiple hyperechoic structures in the renal parenchyma with distal acoustic shadowing (nephrocalcinosis); small spherical intercortical anechoic structures fluid (renal cysts). In the present study, ultrasound proved to be a quick, convenient, and sensitive modality in detecting alterations in renal size and parenchymal architecture. All the dogs so diagnosed with CRF were rendered conservative medical treatment to control clinical signs of uraemia; maintain adequate fluid, electrolyte, and acid/base balance; provide adequate nutrition; minimize progression of renal failure.
Postoperative Endophthalmitis following Cataract Surgery in Asia
Authors: Choi Jin A , Chung Sung Kun
Published: December 2011

Postoperative endophthalmitis is a rare clinical occurrence. However, it remains one of the most serious complications following cataract surgery because of its poor prognosis. We investigated the epidemiologic trends in postoperative endophthalmitis following cataract surgery, particularly in Asian populations. The incidence of postcataract endophthalmitis was generally consistent with epidemiologic data reported from Caucasian populations. The most frequently occurring causative organism was coagulase-negative Staphylococci in most studies of Asian populations. However, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Nocardia were found to be the most common microorganisms in several studies. The rates of culture positivity were slightly lower than in Caucasian studies. In the evaluation of risk factors of poor visual outcomes, initial visual acuity and virulence of the causative microorganisms were generally found to be the most important risk factors. A history of pars plana vitrectomy was found to be the major risk factors for developing endophthalmitis in several studies.
Some Generalizations of Fixed Point Results for Multivalued Contraction Mappings
Authors: Azizi A. , Masiha H. P.
Published: December 2011

We establish some fixed point results for multivalued contraction type mappings in terms of a w-distance in a complete metric space. Our results generalize very recent results of some authors (Ćirić, 2008, 2009; Feng and Liu 2006; Klim and Wardowski 2007; and Latif and Abdou 2011).
Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Toxicological Investigation ofMorinda citrifoliaL. Blossoms
Authors: Deng Shixin , West Brett J. , Palu 'Afa K. , Jensen C. Jarakae
Published: December 2011

Noni blossoms have a long history of medicinal uses in tropical areas. This study was conducted to investigate the major phytochemical components, toxicological properties, and antioxidant activity of noni blossoms. An HPLC-PDA method was developed and validated for the identification and quantification of major components. The major phytochemicals were iridoid glycosides, deacetylasperulosidic acid and asperulosidic acid, and flavonoids, quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside and kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside, each present at 3.764, 3.576, 1.513, and 3.096 mg/g, respectively. The aqueous extract of noni blossoms, at 500 μg/mL, exhibited greater antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay than green tea (88.11 ± 0.01% versus 76.60 ± 0.05%). A primary DNA damage test inE. coliPQ37 (SOS-chromotest) and a twenty-four hour brine shrimp toxicity test did not reveal any genotoxic or cytotoxic activity. These results provide a useful reference for the identification of noni blossoms as well as preliminary evaluation of safety and efficacy. Further evaluation of the potential applications of noni blossoms is warranted.
Literature-Based Appraisal of Racial/Ethnic Cardiovascular Health Care Disparities
Authors: Savitz Samuel T.
Published: December 2011

While racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease care have been recognized for some time, this growing literature has not integrated heterogeneities within populations and sufficient research on certain populations. This paper consists of a literature review of disparities for cardiovascular disease care in the United States using the Academic SearchComplete, a function of EBSCOhost. The purpose of the review is to evaluate the current state of the literature and determine the implications for eliminating these disparities. The search revealed an extensive literature on cardiovascular health disparities, although, the identified articles neglected certain population groups and certain sub-populations within well-researched groups. The causal pathways documented in the literature suggest that improvements are feasible in the near future, but the elimination of them would require concerted effort over a longer period.
In VitroEffects of Brassinosteroids on the Growth and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Groundnut
Authors: Verma Aman , Malik C. P. , Gupta V. K.
Published: December 2011

This paper deals with thein vitroeffects of brassinosteroids (BRs) on growth in the form of multiple shoots, chlorophyll content, Hill reaction activity (HRA), activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), polyphenol oxidase (PPX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) inArachis hypogaeaL. genotypes (M-13 and PBS24030).In vitroimpact of BR on shoot multiplication potential was found to be the best at 1 mL L−1with BA (3 mg L−1) in both the cultivars. Flowering was observed in PBS24030 on the medium containing 2.0 mL L−1BR with 3 mg L−1BA. Rhizogenesis was noticed in the presence of BR alone. Total chlorophyll content and HRA were highest at 2.0 mL L−1with BA in M-13 and 1.0 mL L−1with BA in PBS24030. Antioxidant enzyme activities were increased in the presence of BR whether alone or in combination with BA in both the cultivars. However, progressive decline was observed in case of MDA content. The results obtained in the study clearly indicated not only thein vitroestablishment of groundnut cultivars in the presence of BR alone and in combination with BA but also its effect on various growth promotory physiological parameters.
The Impact of Unemployment on Mental and Physical Health, Access to Health Care and Health Risk Behaviors
Authors: Pharr Jennifer R. , Moonie Sheniz , Bungum Timothy J.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of employment status and unemployment duration on perceived health, access to health care, and health risk behaviors. Data from Nevada's 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were analyzed. We compared participants who were unemployed (greater than and less than one year) to those who were employed and those who were voluntarily out of the labor force (OLF). Unemployed participants had significantly worse perceived mental health profiles, were more likely to delay health care services due to cost, and were less likely to have access to health care than employed participants and OLF participants. OLF participants were not significantly different from employed participants. Contrary to previous findings, unemployed participants in this study were not more likely to binge drink, smoke, or be physically inactive. Findings from this study suggest that the impetus for unemployment, be it voluntary or involuntary, may significantly impact a person's mental health.
La Calidad del Servicio y la Satisfacción del Consumidor
Authors: Mora Contreras Cesar Enrique
Published: December 2011

La complejidad de factores que definen y relacionan la calidad del servicio y la satisfaccin del consumidor ha servido de base para el desarrollo de modelos multidimensionales que permiten evaluar esta relacin. Este artculo muestra los fundamentos bsicos de los dos principales modelos de medicin de la calidad del servicio, as mismo se plantea una discusin crtica en torno a los mismos, lo que sirve de marco para la futura propuesta de constructos tericos que sirvan base para desarrollar y fortalecer el conocimiento en el tema. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v10i2.2212
A Influência do Marketing Verde nos Hábitos de Consumo dos Jovens Universitários dos Cursos de Administração: Estudo em Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES)
Authors: Pereira Prado Rejane Alexandrina Domingues , Da Silva Marli Auxiliadora , Junqueira Maíra Cinquini , Almeida Lia Noronha Nunes
Published: December 2011

Impactos negativos decorrentes de atividades mercadolgicas e industriais sustentadoras das sociedades capitalistas esto explcitos no meio ambiente trazendo conseqncias como a poluio, acmulo de resduos e destruio da fauna e flora, entre outras. Decorrente dessa constatao, um nmero cada vez maior de indivduos percebe que so parte ativa do processo de destruio do meio ambiente, e que seus atos tanto podem contribuir para agravar como para melhorar tal situao. Considerando essa nova realidade, o objetivo deste estudo consiste na anlise da influncia do marketing verde nos hbitos de consumo dos estudantes de duas IES, no interior de Minas Gerais, para investigar se eles reconhecem a importncia dessa prtica e, se, enquanto futuros administradores buscariam incentiv-las em suas empresas. Foi feita uma pesquisa bibliogrfica, para conceituar os temas: marketing verde, comportamento do consumidor e consumo consciente. O instrumento de pesquisa foi o questionrio. Os dados coletados foram analisados usando-se o software estatstico SPSS. O estudo possibilitou inferir que h uma enorme distncia entre o que os jovens pensam e suas verdadeiras aes em relao s questes ambientais. Apesar dos entrevistados reconhecerem a importncia do marketing verde nas empresas, a maioria afirma no serem influenciados por esta prtica, de forma que no possuem hbitos de consumo consciente. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v10i2.2217
Comportamento do Consumidor e os Atributos que Sinalizam as Preferências dos Formatos de Varejo no Setor de Higiene Pessoal, Perfumaria e Cosméticos
Authors: Tamashiro Helenita R. da Silva , Merlo Edgard Monforte , Da Silveira José Augusto Giesbrecht
Published: December 2011

Diante do aumento da competitividade, que se intensificou com o processo de abertura econmica dos anos 90, o setor varejista brasileiro vem passando por um processo de transformao conduzido de um lado, pela crescente concentrao de renda de uma pequena parcela da populao no pas e, por outro, pelo baixo poder aquisitivo de milhares de consumidores, mas que por sua vez, representa um potencial de compra significativo. Este cenrio por sua vez tem colocado em xeque as estratgias at ento adotadas por grande parte do setor varejista. Partindo dessa premissa, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi identificar quais so os formatos de varejo preferidos pelos consumidores de produtos de higiene pessoal, perfumaria e cosmticos. Partindo da hiptese de que os supermercados de bairro constituem o formato de varejo preferido por esses consumidores, realizou-se uma pesquisa do tipo servey, a partir de uma amostragem no-probabilstica intencional, com 400 respondentes do estado de So Paulo. Os resultados obtidos por meio de questionrios estruturados mostram que os principais formatos preferidos so respectivamente, as farmcias e drogarias, as lojas especializadas e venda direta (catlogo), refutando, portanto, a hiptese de investigao proposta no estudo. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v10i2.2229
Práticas Ilegais dos Consumidores. Uma Análise do “gato” na Rede de Energia Elétrica
Authors: Santos Marcos Ferreira , Dias Cid Gonçalves , Ramos Eduardo Anderson , Ferreira José Adalberto
Published: December 2011

Este artigo investiga o consumo e aspectos ticos na prtica de fraude e furto de energia eltrica. O estudo realizado indica que o campo das prticas ilegais dos consumidores de grande relevncia para a comunidade acadmica, mas ainda pouco explorado. O objetivo principal compreender a percepo dos consumidores no que se refere a prticas ilegais no consumo de energia eltrica e inadimplncia no pagamento das faturas da concessionria. Caracterizada como qualitativa e exploratria, a pesquisa se deu atravs da realizao de 96 entrevistas e 8 grupo focais com consumidores selecionados a partir da base de dados da concessionria e classificados como adimplentes, inadimplentes e os que fazem prticas ilegais, ou o referido gato. Os resultados indicam que embora muitos tenham relatado a prtica da fraude como comportamento incorreto, no a censuraram com veemncia e afirmaram que isso seria atualmente uma ao comum e verificada tanto em bairros perifricos como nas reas mais ricas da cidade. H fatores que estimulam estas prticas e que podem ser agrupados como sociais; pessoais e relacionados condio econmica do consumidor e relacionados tica do consumidor, que no percebe como ilegal a prtica que comete. H o aspecto de retaliao do consumidor, que tenta justificar sua prtica ilegal devido aos impostos, ao monoplio da concessionria de energia e mesmo oferta de terceiros. A principal contribuio deste estudo ampliar o conhecimento relacionado aos aspectos de tica e prticas ilegais do consumidor. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v10i2.2249
Características do Temperamento e suas Influências no Comportamento do Consumidor
Authors: Luiz Gilberto Venâncio
Published: December 2011

O presente artigo tem como objetivo verificar a existncia de diferenas entre agrupamentos de pessoas com temperamentos semelhantes em relao ao seu comportamento de consumo, que sejam significativas para elucidar que as caractersticas do temperamento influenciam o comportamento de consumo das pessoas. Para chegar a esse objetivo foram aplicados, a uma amostra 167 pessoas, o questionrio Keirsey Temperament Sorter II a fim de identificar as caracteristicas do temperamento dos indivduos e um questionrio contendo 30 perguntas relacionadas aos construtos racionalidade, materialismo, compulsividade, simbolismo e emoo. Aps esse levantamento foi aplicada a tcnica de anlise fatorial para reduo do nmero de variveis e confirmao dos construtos. Por meio dos fatores criados, a partir dessa anlise, foram definidos quatro agrupamentos de individuos com temperamentos semelhantes. A partir desses agrupamentos, foi calculada as mdias para cada grupo de acordo com os construtos e analisadas as diferenas entre eles em relao s caracteristicas do temperamento e o comportamento de consumo. Verificou-se que grupos com caracteristicas racionais de temperamento so menos emocionais em suas decises e menos compulsivos no processo de compra; o grupo com caractersticas mais emocionais no temperamento eram mais compulsivos no processo de compra. Dessa forma, pode-se concluir que o temperamento exerce influncia significativa no comportamento de compra dos individuos. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v10i2.2256
Impact of weather on dynamics of plant functional groups in an abandoned limestone grassland
Authors: Dzwonko Zbigniew , Loster Stefania
Published: December 2011

We examined to what extend the rate and direction of changes in unmanaged grassland depend on fluctuations in climatic conditions. Vegetation data from permanent plots in a semi-natural grassland in southern Poland collected over 12 years were used. Relations between weather variables, time, and the cover of 41 more frequent species and 14 plant functional groups were analysed. The greatest effect on the dynamics of species and functional groups had precipitation in spring and/or early summer, particularly in the current year. The majority of plant groups were significantly affected also by the temperature in spring and early summer in one of the three previous years. During 12 years, the cover of annuals and biennials, short plants, and plants with small leaves decreased, while the cover of taller plants, plants with larger leaves, and with vegetative spread increased. The analyses suggest that these successional changes were not directly associated with climatic conditions but were affected by them indirectly through interspecific competition. The fluctuations in climatic conditions, chiefly precipitation, had a significant effect on both the composition and the rate of changes in abandoned grassland. The increase in the cover of tall perennial species with broad leaves hindered succession towards woodland despite of the presence of woods in the closed vicinity. It can be expected that during drier periods colonisation of grassland by later successional species could be easier.
The pattern of seed banks during secondary succession on poor soils
Authors: Kwiatkowska-Falińska Anna J. , Jankowska-Błaszczuk Małgorzata , Wódkiewicz Maciej
Published: December 2011

Studies on the soil seed banks of fallow lands of different ages were carried out on poor soil abandoned fields and in a fresh coniferous forest in north-eastern Poland. The size and diversity of seed banks was studied with the seedling emergence method. Species abundance (i), density (ii), number of species from different biological groups (iii) and distribution and mean LI value (iv) were analysed as the function of fallow land age. It was found that: (i) species diversity, number of species and ln of density are linear declining function of the fallow land age; (ii) for approx. 25 years the share of diaspores of identified species groups has been relatively similar. Seed banks of 40-50-year-old fallow lands are dominated by Calluna vulgaris, while the seed bank of the old fresh coniferous forest is dominated by dicotyledonous perennials and grasses; (iii) within the first 50 years of succession the persistence of seed banks measured by the Longevity Index increases gradually.
Associations between frontal plane joint stiffness and proprioceptive acuity in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Cammarata Martha L. , Dhaher Yasin Y.
Published: December 2011

Objective

It has been proposed that proprioceptive impairments observed in knee osteoarthritis (OA) may be associated with disease‐related changes in joint mechanics. The aim of this study was to quantify joint proprioception and stiffness in the frontal plane of the knee in persons with and without knee OA and to report the associations between these 2 metrics.

Methods

Participants were 13 patients with knee OA and 14 healthy age‐matched subjects. Proprioceptive acuity was assessed in varus and valgus using the threshold to detection of passive movement (TDPM) test. Passive joint stiffness was estimated as the slope of the normalized torque‐angle relationship at 0° joint rotation (neutral) and several rotations in varus and valgus. Analyses of variance were performed to determine the effect of OA and sex on each metric. Linear regression was used to assess the correlation between the TDPM and joint stiffness.

Results

The TDPM was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the OA group compared to the control group for both varus and valgus, but significant sex differences were observed. Passive joint stiffness was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in OA participants compared to the control group in neutral and valgus, but not varus, and significantly reduced in women compared to men. A weak negative correlation was observed between the TDPM and stiffness estimates, suggesting that poorer proprioception was associated with less joint stiffness.

Conclusion

While both joint stiffness and proprioception were reduced in the OA population, they were only weakly correlated. This suggests that other neurophysiologic factors play a larger role in the proprioceptive deficits in knee OA.
Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly Through Weak Interactions and Their Biomedical Applications
Authors: Matsusaki Michiya , Ajiro Hiroharu , Kida Toshiyuki , Serizawa Takeshi , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: December 2011

The surface design and control of substrates with nanometer‐ or micrometer‐sized polymer films are of considerable interest for both fundamental and applied studies in the biomedical field because of the required surface properties. The layer‐by‐layer (LbL) technique was discovered in 1991 by Decher and co‐workers for the fabrication of polymer multilayers constructed mainly through electrostatic interaction. The scope and applicability of this LbL assembly has been extended by introducing molecularly regular conformations of polymers or proteins by employing, for the first time, weak interactions such as van der Waals interactions and biological recognition. Since these weak interactions are the sum of the attractive or repulsive forces between parts of the same molecule, they allow macromolecules to be easily arranged into the most stable conformation in a LbL film. By applying this characteristic feature, the template polymerization of stereoregular polymers, stereoregular control of surface biological properties, drastic morphological control of biodegradable nano materials, and the development of three‐dimensional cellular multilayers as a tissue model were successfully achieved. It is expected that LbL assembly using weak interactions will promote further interest into fundamental and applied studies on the design of surface chemistry in the biomedical field.
Bending the prescription opioid dosing and mortality curves: Impact of the Washington State opioid dosing guideline
Authors: Franklin Gary M. , Mai Jaymie , Turner Judith , Sullivan Mark , Wickizer Thomas , Fulton‐Kehoe Deborah
Published: December 2011

Background

Opioid use and dosing for patients with chronic non‐cancer pain have dramatically increased over the past decade, resulting in a national epidemic of mortality associated with unintentional overdose, and increased risk of disability among injured workers. We assessed changes in opioid dosing patterns and opioid‐related mortality in the Washington State (WA) workers' compensation system following implementation of a specific WA opioid dosing guideline in April, 2007.

Methods

Using detailed computerized billing data from WA workers' compensation, we report overall prevalence of opioid prescriptions, average morphine‐equivalent dose (MED)/day, and proportion of workers on disability compensation receiving opioids and high‐dose (≥120 mg/day MED) opioids over the past decade. We also report the trend of unintentional opioid deaths during the same time period.

Results

Compared to before 2007, there has been a substantial decline in both the MED/day of long‐acting DEA Schedule II opioids (by 27%) and the proportion of workers on doses ≥120 md/day MED (by 35%). There was a 50% decrease from 2009 to 2010 in the number of deaths.

Conclusions

The introduction in WA of an opioid dosing guideline appears to be associated temporally with a decline in the mean dose for long‐acting opioids, percent of claimants receiving opioid doses ≥120 mg MED per day, and number of opioid‐related deaths among injured workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:325–331, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.