bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eratosthenes, Icaria and the Origins of Tragedy
Authors: Broggiato Maria
Published: November 2014

This paper discusses the text of one of the fragments of Eratosthenes’ Erigone (fr. 22 Powell). Modern scholars have linked this one-line fragment with a Hellenistic theory that placed the origin of drama in the village of Icaria, in the Attic countryside. It is likely that the fragment did mention the word ‘billy-goat’ (τράγος), but there are no definite elements in favour of the hypothesis that Eratosthenes devised a theory on the origin of tragedy in Icaria.
On the Imperial Discourse of the Delhi Sultanate and Early Mughal India
Authors: Anooshahr Ali
Published: November 2014

Studies of the political culture of early Mughal India generally follow a genealogical method, positing two mutually exclusive traditions (Medieval Indo-Islamic or Turco-Mongol) as the source of Mughal Imperial discourse. The present articles will compare early Mughal texts with those of the Delhi Sultanate as well as Shibanid Central Asia in order to show that all three shared a common pattern that had to be modified based on particular historical exigencies.
Mufti ‘Iwāz and the 1816 “Disturbances at Bareilli”:Inter-Communal Moral Economy and Religious Authority in Rohilkhand
Authors: Ziad Waleed
Published: November 2014

In the Spring of 1816, the North Indian town of Bareilli witnessed a series of protests following the imposition of a House Tax by the East India Company government. Under the leadership of Mufti ‘Iwāz, a local ‘ālemassociated with reformist Sufi traditions, various Muslim and Hindu communities of Bareilli engaged in collective action which culminated in a violent confrontation. Reading court records against the grain, this paper argues that the protests represented a complex form of negotiation framed within Islamo-Persianate paradigms—including symbols, language, and authority ­structures—which continued to define modes of popular political expression in the early colonial period. By focusing on Mufti ‘Iwāz, the incident provides rare insights into the practical relationship between Muslim orthodoxy, communal dynamics, and political authority. I argue that with the collapse of Mughal rule, themuftiassumed a role as an intermediary between the people of Bareilli and Company officials derived from precolonial conceptions of moral, popular, and spiritual authority shared by Hindu and Muslim communities.
Gravediggers of the Modern State: Highway Robbers on the Trabzon-Bayezid Road, 1850s-1910s
Authors: Ozkan Fulya
Published: November 2014

This article will explore the phenomenon of highway-robbery in the context of the Trabzon-Bayezid road during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Ottoman Empire initiated a broad-scale road reform in the 19th century. One of the major goals of this reform was to make provinces accessible to the imperial center and increase the state’s authority by unifying the imperial geography. This article will argue that the existence of better roads not only increased the Ottoman state’s ability to control its territories, but also that of the highway-robbers to challenge the state’s authority. In response, the central government experimented with a variety of ways in order to fight against highway-robbery: introducing an insurance policy for postal services, increasing the sedentary population in the region, building more khans and police stations along the road, extending the right to carry guns to the general populace, and employing watchmen and gendarmeries along the road. Ironically, these policies in particular, and a better road network in general, did not lead to increased levels of security in the region but to its further militarization.
Simplifying eu Environmental Legislation – Reviewing the eia Directive?
Authors: Anker Helle Tegner
Published: November 2014

The recent review of the eia Directive was launched as part of the ‘better regulation’ agenda with the purpose to simplify procedures and reduce administrative burdens. This was combined with an attempt to further harmonise procedures in order address shortcomings in the Directive and to overcome implementation gaps in the Member States. Yet, the result illustrates the difficulties of reconciling simplification and harmonisation considering also the need for flexibility at Member State level. Despite some elements of harmonisation and potential simplification the revised Directive leaves room for different interpretations on core issues. This is likely to result in diverging practices in the Member States as well as in further litigation on eia matters. It is argued that at least from the outset the review of the eia Directive missed out on a more thorough discussion of fundamental issues linked to the character and scope of eia such as the important distinction between the procedural functions of information gathering and participation as opposed to the substantive outcomes in terms of reducing or avoiding adverse effects. A careful discussion of the basics of eia might have provided a better option for reconciling the objectives of simplification, harmonisation and flexibility rather than lumping everything together as simplification under the ‘better regulation’ label.
What Is Judeo-Median—and How Does it Differ from Judeo-Persian?
Authors: Borjian Habib
Published: November 2014

The Iranian languages spoken by the Jews are often lumped under the term “Judeo-Persian.” Yet properly construed, the latter term refers to forms of Persian written with the Hebrew script. The corpus of Judeo-Persian texts is significant for both linguistic and literary reasons, because it includes some of the earliest documents of New Persian, and because it constitutes a sizable literature written by Persian Jews. However, there are also several spoken languages, different from Judeo-Persian, that also belong to the Iranian stock and are associated with Jewish populations in Iran. What we refer to here as “Judeo-Median” are a number of languages that have their core in central Iran and are/were spoken by the Jewry of Isfahan, Kashan, Yazd, and outlying western towns. All of these varieties are on the verge of extinction, both in their original homeland and in diaspora. Belonging to the Northwest group of Iranian languages, Judeo-Median differs from Persian (a Southwest language) not only in pedigree but also in its vocabulary and grammar—rendering it unintelligible to Persian monolinguals. This article studies the Judeo-Median dialects collectively, exhibiting their major similarities and differences, and attempting to enumerate and arrive at a tentative classification.
The Skin as a Medium for Sensory Substitution
Authors: Spence Charles
Published: November 2014

The last 50 years or so has seen great optimism concerning the potential of sensory substitution and augmentation devices to enhance the lives of those with (or even those without) some form of sensory loss (in practice, this has typically meant those who are blind or suffering from low vision). One commonly discussed solution for those individuals who are blind has been to use one of a range of tactile–visual sensory substitution systems that represent objects captured by a camera as outline images on the skin surface in real-time (what Loomis, Klatzky and Giudice, 2012, term general-purpose sensory substitution devices). However, despite the fact that touch, like vision, initially codes information spatiotopically, I would like to argue that a number of fundamental perceptual, attentional, and cognitive limitations constraining the processing of tactile information mean that the skin surface is unlikely ever to provide such general-purpose sensory substitution capabilities. At present, there is little evidence to suggest that the extensive cortical plasticity that has been demonstrated in those who have lost (or never had) a sense can do much to overcome the limitations associated with trying to perceive high rates of spatiotemporally varying information presented via the skin surface (no matter whether that surface be the back, stomach, forehead, or tongue). Instead, the use of the skin will likely be restricted to various special-purpose devices that enable specific activities such as navigation, the control of locomotion, pattern perception, etc.
Is There a Future for Sensory Substitution Outside Academic Laboratories?
Authors: Elli Giulia V. , Benetti Stefania , Collignon Olivier
Published: November 2014

Sensory substitution devices (SSDs) have been developed with the ultimate purpose of supporting sensory deprived individuals in their daily activities. However, more than forty years after their first appearance in the scientific literature, SSDs still remain more common in research laboratories than in the daily life of people with sensory deprivation. Here, we seek to identify the reasons behind the limited diffusion of SSDs among the blind community by discussing the ergonomic, neurocognitive and psychosocial issues potentially associated with the use of these systems. We stress that these issues should be considered together when developing future devices or improving existing ones. We provide some examples of how to achieve this by adopting a multidisciplinary and participatory approach. These efforts would contribute not solely to address fundamental theoretical research questions, but also to better understand the everyday needs of blind people and eventually promote the use of SSDs outside laboratories.
Making Sense of the Chemical Senses
Authors: Gagnon Léa , Kupers Ron , Ptito Maurice
Published: November 2014

We review our recent behavioural and imaging studies testing the consequences of congenital blindness on the chemical senses in comparison with the condition of anosmia. We found that congenitally blind (CB) subjects have increased sensitivity for orthonasal odorants and recruit their visually deprived occipital cortex to process orthonasal olfactory stimuli. In sharp contrast, CB perform less well than sighted controls in taste and retronasal olfaction, i.e. when processing chemicals inside the mouth. Interestingly, CB do not recruit their occipital cortex to process taste stimuli. In contrast to these findings in blindness, congenital anosmia is associated with lower taste and trigeminal sensitivity, accompanied by weaker activations within the ‘flavour network’ upon exposure to such stimuli. We conclude that functional adaptations to congenital anosmia or blindness are quite distinct, such that CB can train their exteroceptive chemical senses and recruit normally visual cortical areas to process chemical information from the surrounding environment.
A Comparison of Two Approaches for Generating Spatial Models of Growing-Season Variables for Canada
Authors: Pedlar John H. , McKenney Daniel W. , Lawrence Kevin , Papadopol Pia , Hutchinson Michael F. , Price David
Published: November 2014

This study produced annual spatial models (or grids) of 27 growing-season variables for Canada that span two centuries (1901–2100). Temporal gaps in the availability of daily climate data—the typical and preferred source for calculating growing-season variables—necessitated the use of two approaches for generating these growing-season grids. The first approach, used only for the 1950–2010 period, employed a computer script to directly calculate the suite of growing-season variables from existing daily climate grids. Since daily grids were not available for the remaining years, a second approach, which employed a machine-learning method called boosted regression trees (BRT), was used to generate statistical models that related each growing-season variable to a suite of climate and water-related predictors. These BRT models were used to generate grids of growing-season variables for each year of the study period, including the 1950–2010 period to allow comparison between the two approaches. Mean absolute errors associated with the BRT-based grids were approximately 30% higher than those associated with the daily-based grids. The two approaches were also compared by calculating trends in growing-season length over the 1950–2010 period. Significant increases in growing-season length were obtained for nearly all ecozones across Canada, and there were no significant differences in the trends obtained from the two approaches. Although the daily-based approach tended to have lower errors, the BRT approach produced comparable map products that should be valuable for periods and regions for which daily data are not available.
Variability of Zonal Mean Tropical Temperatures Derived from a Decade of GPS Radio Occultation Data
Authors: Randel William J. , Wu Fei
Published: November 2014

Variability in tropical zonal mean temperatures over 10–30 km is analyzed based on high-quality, high-vertical-resolution GPS temperature measurements covering 2001–13. The observations are used to quantify variability spanning time scales of weeks to over a decade, with focus on behavior of the tropopause region and coupling with the upper troposphere and stratosphere. Large variations associated with the seasonal cycle, quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are isolated and removed, and residual time series are analyzed using principal components and spectrum analysis. The residual temperature exhibits maximum variance in the lower stratosphere, with a vertical structure similar to the seasonal cycle. Residual temperatures exhibit two dominant modes of variability: a “deep stratosphere mode” tied to high-latitude planetary wave forcing and a shallow “near-tropopause mode” linked to dynamically forced upwelling near the tropopause. Variations in the cold point tropopause (and by inference in global stratospheric water vapor) are closely tied to the near-tropopause mode. These coherent temperature patterns provide further evidence of distinct upper and lower branches of the tropical Brewer–Dobson circulation. Zonal mean temperatures in the lower stratosphere and near the cold point are most strongly coupled to the upper troposphere on time scales of ~(30–60) days, probably linked to the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). Enhanced temperature variance near the tropopause is consistent with the long radiative relaxation time scales in the lower stratosphere, which makes this region especially sensitive to low-frequency dynamical forcing.
Identification of Critical Congenital Heart Disease in Vermont
Authors: Good Ryan J. , Canale Sarah K. , Goodman Rebecca L. , Yeager Scott B.
Published: November 2014

Objective. Pulse oximetry screening (POS) is becoming the standard of care in screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). Our objective was to characterize the historical diagnostic pattern in a rural tertiary care children’s hospital and explore how universal POS might affect morbidity, mortality, and care delivery. Patients and Methods. We identified patients <6 months of age in the Vermont Children’s Hospital echocardiogram database with CCHD diagnosed between 2002 and 2011. Charts were reviewed to characterize timing of diagnosis, course, and outcome. The medical examiner was consulted to identify deaths due to undetected CCHD during the study period. Results. Of 60 329 live births, 73 (0.12 %) were diagnosed with CCHD. Of these, 31 (42%) were diagnosed prenatally, 34 (47%) were diagnosed by clinical examination in the nursery, 7 (9.6%) were diagnosed after nursery discharge, and 1 (1.4%) was born at home. The 8 patients not diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound or in the nursery were considered cases of undetected CCHD. Three had normal oxygen saturation (>95%) at diagnosis. Three presented with cardiovascular compromise. None died and all were well at the most recent follow-up. Review of autopsy reports from patients <6 months found no deaths from undetected CCHD during the study period. Conclusions. Over a 10-year period at our institution, universal POS could have identified 5 patients with undetected CCHD, possibly avoiding the need for resuscitation in 3. Examination of local diagnostic data may affect the cost/benefit considerations of universal POS initiatives in a setting of limited healthcare resources.
Systematic Review on Noninvasive Treatment of Root Caries Lesions
Authors: Wierichs R.J. , Meyer-Lueckel H.
Published: November 2014

The present systematic review critically summarizes results of clinical studies investigating chemical agents to reduce initiation or inactivation of root caries lesions (RCLs). Outcomes were DMFRS/DFRS (decayed, missing, filled root surfaces), surface texture (hard/soft), and/or RCI (root caries index). Three electronic databases were screened for studies from 1947 to 2014. Cross-referencing was used to further identify articles. Article selection and data abstraction were done in duplicate. Languages were restricted to English and German. Mean differences (MD) were calculated for changes in DMFRS/DFRS. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated for changes in surface texture and RCI in a random effects model. Thirty-four articles with 1 or more agents were included; they reported 30 studies with 10,136 patients who were 20 to 101 y old; and they analyzed 28 chemical agents (alone or in combination). Eleven studies investigated dentifrices, 10 rinses, 8 varnishes, 3 solutions, 3 gels, and 2 ozone applications. Meta-analyses revealed that dentifrices containing 5,000 ppm F- (RR = 0.49; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.42, 0.57; high level of evidence) or 1.5% arginine plus 1,450 ppm F- (RR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.64, 0.98; very low level) are more effective in inactivating RCLs than dentifrices containing 1,100 to 1,450 ppm F-. Self-applied AmF/SnF2-containing dentifrice and rinse decreased the initiation of RCLs when compared with NaF products (standardized MD = 0.15; 95% CI = −0.22, 0.52; low level). Patients rinsing with a mouth rinse containing 225 to 900 ppm F- revealed a significantly reduced DMFRS/DFRS (MD = −0.18; 95% CI = −0.35, −0.01; low level) when compared with a placebo rinse. Significantly reduced RCI was found for CHX (MD = −0.67; 95% CI = −1.01, −0.32; very low level) as well as SDF (MD = −0.33; 95% CI = −0.39, −0.28; very low level) when compared with placebo varnish. Regular use of dentifrices containing 5,000 ppm F- and quarterly professionally applied CHX or SDF varnishes seem to be efficacious to decrease progression and initiation of root caries, respectively. However, this conclusion is based on only very few well-conducted randomized controlled trials.
A self-adaptive trust management scheme for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Wu Xu , Zheng Qinghua
Published: November 2014

Trust management is fundamental to identify malicious, selfish, and compromised nodes which have been authenticated. Many trust management mechanisms are proposed to provide effective security solution for wire and wireless networks, even some of them have become one of the most known in this field. But in fact, trust management in wireless sensor networks still remains a challenging field. Traditional trust models developed for wireless sensor networks are not well suited for sensor networks because the trust evaluation process isn’t related to certain application. In this paper, we propose a self-adaptive trust management scheme, which can adaptively adjust the trust evaluation process to cope with application requirement changes of trust management. The simulation results show that our scheme has less rate of inauthentic downloads of nodes, energy consumption and message overheads as compared to the current state-of-the-art trust management schemes, and it is more suitable for large-scale sensor networks.
New Item Selection Methods for Cognitive Diagnosis Computerized Adaptive Testing
Authors: Kaplan Mehmet , de la Torre Jimmy , Barrada Juan Ramón
Published: November 2014

This article introduces two new item selection methods, the modified posterior-weighted Kullback–Leibler index (MPWKL) and the generalized deterministic inputs, noisy “and” gate (G-DINA) model discrimination index (GDI), that can be used in cognitive diagnosis computerized adaptive testing. The efficiency of the new methods is compared with the posterior-weighted Kullback–Leibler (PWKL) item selection index using a simulation study in the context of the G-DINA model. The impact of item quality, generating models, and test termination rules on attribute classification accuracy or test length is also investigated. The results of the study show that the MPWKL and GDI perform very similarly, and have higher correct attribute classification rates or shorter mean test lengths compared with the PWKL. In addition, the GDI has the shortest implementation time among the three indices. The proportion of item usage with respect to the required attributes across the different conditions is also tracked and discussed.
Prediction of stress relaxation from creep data in terms of average creep rate
Authors: Guo Jinquan , Meng Wuzhou , Zheng Xiaotao , Tian Long , Shi Huichao
Published: November 2014

A new prediction model of stress relaxation from creep data in terms of average creep rate was established. An incremental calculation procedure has been further established to obtain stress relaxation data from creep data. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed conversion models, the predicted results were compared with those obtained by the previous continuum damage mechanics model as well as the stress relaxation experimental data using 1Cr10NiMoW2VNbN steel. Results showed that the creep–stress relaxation conversion model based on the average creep rate is better than that based on the continuum damage mechanics model because the former avoids the dispersion effect of fracture strain data, although the predicted results from the two models are both well in agreement with the experiment data.
Cluster headache and the hypocretin receptor 2 reconsidered: A genetic association study and meta-analysis
Authors: Weller Claudia M , Wilbrink Leopoldine A , Houwing-Duistermaat Jeanine J , Koelewijn Stephany C , Vijfhuizen Lisanne S , Haan Joost , Ferrari Michel D , Terwindt Gisela M , van den Maagdenberg Arn MJM , de Vries Boukje
Published: November 2014

Background

Cluster headache is a severe neurological disorder with a complex genetic background. A missense single nucleotide polymorphism (rs2653349; p.Ile308Val) in the HCRTR2 gene that encodes the hypocretin receptor 2 is the only genetic factor that is reported to be associated with cluster headache in different studies. However, as there are conflicting results between studies, we re-evaluated its role in cluster headache.

Methods

We performed a genetic association analysis for rs2653349 in our large Leiden University Cluster headache Analysis (LUCA) program study population. Systematic selection of the literature yielded three additional studies comprising five study populations, which were included in our meta-analysis. Data were extracted according to predefined criteria.

Results

A total of 575 cluster headache patients from our LUCA study and 874 controls were genotyped for HCRTR2 SNP rs2653349 but no significant association with cluster headache was found (odds ratio 0.91 (95% confidence intervals 0.75–1.10), p = 0.319). In contrast, the meta-analysis that included in total 1167 cluster headache cases and 1618 controls from the six study populations, which were part of four different studies, showed association of the single nucleotide polymorphism with cluster headache (random effect odds ratio 0.69 (95% confidence intervals 0.53–0.90), p = 0.006). The association became weaker, as the odds ratio increased to 0.80, when the meta-analysis was repeated without the initial single South European study with the largest effect size.

Conclusions

Although we did not find evidence for association of rs2653349 in our LUCA study, which is the largest investigated study population thus far, our meta-analysis provides genetic evidence for a role of HCRTR2 in cluster headache. Regardless, we feel that the association should be interpreted with caution as meta-analyses with individual populations that have limited power have diminished validity.
Working Mothers of the World Health Organization Western Pacific Offices
Authors: Iellamo Alessandro , Sobel Howard , Engelhardt Katrin
Published: November 2014

Optimal breastfeeding saves lives. However, suboptimal breastfeeding is prevalent, primarily resulting from inappropriate promotion of infant formula and challenges of working mothers to continue breastfeeding. The article aims to determine the extent to which World Health Organization (WHO) policies protect, promote, and support breastfeeding women working at the WHO, Western Pacific Region. An online survey targeted all female WHO and contractual staff in all country and regional offices, who delivered a baby between July 24, 2008 and July 24, 2013. Respondents advised on how the worksite could better support breastfeeding. Thirty-two female staff from 11 of the 12 WHO offices within the Western Pacific Region responded. “Returning to work” (44%) and “not having enough milk” (17%) were the most commonly reported reasons for not breastfeeding. Eighteen (56%) reported using infant formula and 8 (44%) reported that the product was prescribed. Among the suggestions given to better support breastfeeding, 10 (32%) recommended having a private room with a chair, table, electric outlet, and refrigerator. The findings show that women working at the WHO face similar challenges to mothers outside the WHO. Based on the findings, we recommend the following: (1) provide prenatal/postpartum breastfeeding counseling services for employees; (2) establish breastfeeding rooms in country offices and regularly orient staff on agency policies to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding; (3) annually celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with employees; (4) encourage other public and private institutions to conduct online surveys and elicit recommendations from mothers on how their workplace can support breastfeeding; and (5) conduct a larger survey among UN agencies on how to better protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.
Detecting the combustion phase and the biodiesel blend using a knock sensor
Authors: Chen Xuefei , Haskara Ibrahim , Wang Yueyun , Zhu Guoming
Published: November 2014

Existing methods of detecting the combustion phase of a diesel engine are mainly based upon high-cost in-cylinder pressure sensors. This paper presents a method of estimating the location of 75% of the mass fraction burned by using the traditional knock sensor signal. It is observed through experimental data that the knock signal has a close correlation to the location of 75% of the mass fraction burned. In this study, the knock integration is used to represent the knock intensity, while the piecewise knock integration (integration over a crank angle of 1°) is used to detect the location of 75% of the mass fraction burned. The proposed estimation method was validated using the experimental data and provided an accurate estimation of the location of 75% of the mass fraction burned. In addition, the feasibility of using the knock sensor signal to detect the biodiesel content is demonstrated using experimental data.
Practice Research Collaboration in Social Work
Authors: Jones Martyn
Published: November 2014

This article explores a particular approach to developing practice research collaboration between universities and field agencies. The significance of metaphor in framing knowledge relationships is examined and in particular the contribution of reflexive knowledge exchange as a generative metaphor for collaboration. In positing practice research as a social practice, social, cultural, and political dimensions of knowledge exchange are emphasized. Illustrated through a specific site in Australia, the analysis highlights the importance of reflexive knowledge work within universities as a foundation for productive and innovative engagement with field agencies, suited to conditions of uncertainty and complexity.
Criticality and Collegiality
Authors: Bissett Ngaire , Saunders Sharon
Published: November 2014

The growing crisis of confidence in the integrity of managerial decision making is partly attributed to the prescriptive character of educational programs favored by Western business schools. This character includes an overly instrumental preoccupation, preventing practitioner students from developing skill sets to address the varied issues that organizations face. We argue for more challenging pedagogical programs to help managers increase their understanding of contemporary managerial requirements. We document a teaching scenario that drew on critical management studies research material (coined as “troublesome knowledge”) designed to engage students. The “situated learning” focus adopted enabled students to collectively interrogate managerialist and troublesome knowledge perspectives. The integration of theory and practice that emerged through the combination of analytical sources, classroom dialogue, and novel assignments developed the students’ “relational” understandings and skills of “reflexivity,” a combination we characterize as advancing “practical wisdom.” The R&R (relational and reflexive) “threshold concepts” were used as a learning framework to chart student progress. We modeled a parallel facilitative mode of critical reflection- and relationship-centered management style. Feedback from the students indicates that the coupling of critically oriented conceptual material with the applied principles proffered empowering options for them regarding their own managerial practice.
External and Internal Reasons for Career Plateauing
Authors: Godshalk Veronica M. , Fender C. Melissa
Published: November 2014

Career plateauing has received little attention in the literature of late, even when employees are retaining their positions longer with little likelihood for advancement or increased job responsibilities. Relationships between reasons for structural and content plateauing and work outcomes are investigated among professional accounting association members. Contributing to the literature, our findings confirm existence of external and internal plateauing reasons and various relationships with outcomes. External reasons for structural plateauing were negatively related to job and career satisfaction, while content plateauing for external reasons was negatively related to job involvement and work motivation. Structural plateauing for internal reasons lowered job involvement, but increased job and career satisfaction, as well as intention to stay. Job involvement and work motivation mediated relationships between several reasons and job satisfaction, career satisfaction, and intention to stay. Managerial implications and future research opportunities are noted.
The Development of Family Nursing in Denmark
Authors: Østergaard Birte , Wagner Lis
Published: November 2014

Over the past 12 years, a strong foundation for family nursing has been built in Denmark, with rapid growth in the past 3 years. A review of nursing research conducted in Denmark and published between 2002 and 2013 found 15 studies that examined family phenomena. The majority of the studies used descriptive methods with data collected from surveys and interviews involving family members either together or individually. Only five of the studies examined interventions that included families’ perspectives about the intervention being evaluated. Several current research projects lead by Danish nurses examine the implementation of family nursing knowledge to clinical settings. Integration of family nursing theory has begun in Denmark in undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula and in May 2013, the Danish Family Nursing Association was officially established. Infrastructure and financial conference support has made it possible to invite Nordic and international colleagues to meet in Denmark, which, reciprocally, expands understanding and support for family nursing within the country. Further collaboration between Danish nurse researchers, educators, and administrators will help sustain the growth of family nursing science and its application in family-focused nursing practice.
Resisting Religious Coercive Control
Authors: Sharp Shane
Published: November 2014

Religious coercive control refers to the use of religious beliefs and doctrine as means to coercively control intimate partners. Scholars have shown that some abusive partners use the Christian doctrine of submission as a means of religious coercive control. I explore how victims who experience the doctrine of submission qua religious coercive control actively resist it. I argue that victims’ successful resistance of the doctrine is contingent on their religious capital—that is, the knowledge and mastery that people have of a particular religious culture—and interpretive confidence—that is, people’s subjective confidence in their interpretations of religious culture—related to the doctrine.
A survey of manufacturing and handling practices for monoclonal antibodies by pharmacy, nursing and medical personnel
Authors: Alexander M , King J , Lingaratnam S , Byrne J , MacMillan K , Mollo A , Kirsa S , Green M
Published: November 2014

Introduction

There is a paucity of data available to assess the occupational health and safety risk associated with exposure to monoclonal antibodies. Industry standards and published guidelines are conflicting or outdated. Guidelines offer contrary recommendations based on an array of methodological approaches. This survey aimed to describe current practices, beliefs and attitudes relating to the handling of monoclonal antibodies by Australian medical, nursing and pharmacy clinicians.

Methods

An electronic survey was distributed between June and September 2013. Respondents were surveyed on three focus areas: institutional guideline availability and content, current practices and attitudes. Demographic data relating to respondent and primary place of practice were also collected.

Results

A total of 222 clinicians completed the survey, with representation from all targeted professional groups and from a variety of geographic locations. 92% of respondents reported that their institution prepared or administered monoclonal antibodies, with 87% specifically handling anti-cancer monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies were mostly prepared onsite (84–90%) and mostly within pharmacy clean-rooms (75%) and using cytotoxic cabinets (61%). 43% of respondents reported access to institutional monoclonal antibody handling guidelines with risk reduction strategies including training and education (71%), spill and waste management (71%), procedures for transportation (57%) and restricted handling (50%). Nurses had a stronger preference towards pharmacy manufacturing than both doctors and pharmacists for a range of clinical scenarios. 95% of all respondents identified that professional or regulatory body guidelines are an important resource when considering handling practices.

Conclusion

Monoclonal antibodies are most commonly handled according to cytotoxic drug standards and often in the absence of formal guidelines.
Masculinity as a problem: An investigation into social work projects in Sweden targeting young men
Authors: Hammarén Nils , Lunneblad Johannes , Johansson Thomas
Published: November 2014

In this article, we report on a study that investigated the motives, interests, and positions of a number of participants in the field of social work and projects for men and equality in contemporary Swedish society. The material used was collected from an evaluation of a number of social projects in Swedish civil society that focused on men and boys. The common goal in these projects is to develop methods and tools that are usable in social work with men and boys. In the article, we will highlight eight of the projects included in the evaluation. The points of departure for these projects are often an agenda putting forward a problematic masculinity and focusing on men at risk of either harming themselves or others. The various social work projects use two different approaches to social work with men and boys. A number of projects tend to lean on “traditional” images of gender, using a compensatory approach to gender and society. Other projects are clearly inspired by a feminist movement among men and lean on a norm critical tradition with influences from, for instance, Judith Butler’s work. The results of the study call for a discussion of how social and economic conditions affect the understanding of masculinity. If the goal is to deconstruct homogenous gender categories, we have to emphasize the variety of gender constructions, identities, and power relations.
Like climbing Jacob’s ladder: An art-based exploration of the comprehensive exam process
Authors: Shields Sara Scott
Published: November 2014

The comprehensive exam process is a rite of passage in the scholarly world, and as such the movements of this process often feel like a guarded secret to graduate students. As a PhD candidate, I left the comprehensive exam process feeling both initiated and inundated. This article is an attempt to uncover the secret that is the comprehensive exam process, but more importantly this article is an artful documentation of my journey through the process. Through arts-based engagement with artifacts from my comprehensive exam process I hope to explore and uncover the power this academic journey holds so other graduate students can enter their journey with open eyes.
Dosimetric Comparison of Craniospinal Irradiation Using Different Tomotherapy Techniques
Authors: Zhang X. , Penagaricano J. , Han E. Y. , Morrill S. , Hardee M. , Liang X. , Gupta S. K. , Corry P. M. , Ratanatharathom V.
Published: November 2014

The objective of this study is to compare the new and conventional tomotherapy treatment techniques and to evaluate dosimetric differences between them. A dosimetric analysis was performed by comparing planning target volume (PTV) median dose, 95% of PTV dose coverage, Paddick conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), whole-body integral dose, and OAR median doses. The beam on time (BOT) and the effect of different jaw sizes and pitch values was studied. The study results indicated that the PTV dose coverage for all the techniques was comparable. Treatment plans using dynamic jaw reduced OAR doses to structures located at the treatment field edge compared to fixed jaw plans. The HT-3DCRT plans resulted in higher OAR doses to kidney, liver, and lung compared to the other techniques, and TD-IMRT provided the best dose sparing to liver compared to other techniques. Whole-body integral dose differences were found to be insignificant among the techniques. BOT was found to be higher for fixed jaw treatment plan compared to dynamic jaw plan and comparable between all treatment techniques with 5-cm dynamic jaw. In studying effect of jaw size, better OAR sparing and HI were found for 2.5-cm jaw but at the expense of doubling of BOT as compared to 5-cm jaw. There was no significant improvement found in OAR sparing when the pitch value was increased. Increasing the pitch from 0.2 to 0.43, the CI was improved, HI improved only for 5-cm jaw size, and BOT decreased to approximately half of its original time.
A Low-Cost Cognitive Rehabilitation With a Commercial Video Game Improves Sustained Attention and Executive Functions in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: De Giglio Laura , De Luca Francesca , Prosperini Luca , Borriello Giovanna , Bianchi Valentina , Pantano Patrizia , Pozzilli Carlo
Published: November 2014

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based cognitive rehabilitation (CR) program based on the video game Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training (DKBT; Nintendo, Japan), in improving attention, processing speed, and working memory of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods. This was a randomized, wait-list control study. Patients with MS and failure in at least one between Stroop Test (ST), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) were submitted to an 8-week home-based CR program playing DKBT. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after DKBT by the aforementioned tests, by the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and by the MS Quality of Life-54 questionnaire (MSQoL-54). Results. Fifty-two 52 patients were screened for eligibility; 35 (mean [standard deviation] age of 43.9 [8.4] years, median Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 2.0 (range = 2.0-6.0) were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 18) or wait-list control group (n = 17). ANCOVA analysis showed a significant effect of DKBT on ST ( F = 5.027; P = .034; F2 = 0.210), SDMT ( F = 4.240; P = .049; F2 = 0.177), and on some subscales of MSQoL-54. The PASAT and cognitive subscale of MFIS also showed an improvement, but this was just not significant ( F = 4.104, P = .054, F2 = 0.171, and F = 4.226, P = .054, F2 = 0.237, respectively). Conclusion. We suggest that a home-based DKBT program may improve cognitive functions, some aspects of QoL, and cognitive fatigue in patients with MS.
Interventions to Reduce Spasticity and Improve Function in People With Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Duffell Lynsey D. , Brown Geoffrey L. , Mirbagheri Mehdi M.
Published: November 2014

Background. Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in impaired function, and ankle joint spasticity is a common secondary complication. Different interventions have been trialed with variable results. Objective. We investigated the effects of pharmacological and physical (locomotor training) interventions on function in people living with incomplete motor function loss caused by SCI and used different analytical techniques to understand whether functional levels affect recovery with different interventions. Methods. Participants with an incomplete SCI were assigned to 3 groups: no intervention, Lokomat, or tizanidine. Outcome measures were the 10-m walk test, 6-minute walk test, and the Timed Up and Go. Participants were classified in 2 ways: (1) based on achieving an improvement above the minimally important difference (MID) and (2) using growth mixture modeling (GMM). Functional levels of participants who achieved the MID were compared and random coefficient regression (RCR) was used to assess recovery in GMM classes. Results. Overall, walking speed and endurance improved, with no difference between interventions. Only a small number of participants achieved the MID. Both MID and GMM-RCR analyses revealed that tizanidine improved endurance in high-functioning participants. GMM-RCR classification also showed that speed and mobility improved after locomotor training. Conclusions. Improvements in function were achieved in a limited number of people with SCI. Using the MID and GMM techniques, differences in responses to interventions between high-and low-functioning participants could be identified. These techniques may, therefore, have potential to be used for characterizing therapeutic effects resulting from different interventions.
Incidence and clinical significance of iliac vein compression
Authors: Nazzal M , El-Fedaly M , Kazan V , Qu W , Renno AW , Al-Natour M , Abbas J
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To determine the frequency of left common iliac vein (CIV) compression by the right common iliac artery (CIA) based on CT scan images.

Methods

CT scan images were reviewed and the diameter of CIV was measured at the area of minimal diameter and compared to the distal adjacent segment and the contralateral CIV at the same level. Medical records were reviewed for symptoms, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and risk factors that might be associated with DVT. Data were analyzed with SPSS program using both Chi square and t test. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Linear regression (R2) was used to evaluate correlation.

Results

A total of 300 complete records were reviewed. The mean age was 51.89 years, with 126 (42%) males. Comparison between the two groups (>70% vs <70%) showed similar clinical factors such as history of DVT, surgery, immobilization, malignancy, limb trauma, pregnancy, obesity, CHF, and smoking. There were more females with CIV compression of 70% or more than males (19.5% vs 11.1% P < .049).

Conclusion

Diameter stenosis more than 70% was present in 30.6% of cases with higher incidence in females. The presence of stenosis was not associated with the presence of clinical symptoms.
Precision of computed tomography urography in diagnosing transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Horsburgh BA , Belfield J , Lynch C
Published: November 2014

Introduction:

Computed tomography urography (CTU) has largely replaced excretion urography. Indications for CTU include patients with haematuria and for upper tract surveillance in those with known transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Reporting of a possible TCC can lead to complex clinical decisions regarding further investigation and management. The aim of this study is to ascertain the positive predictive value (PPV) of such reports in a large tertiary centre.

Methods:

Examinations performed from January 2010 to August 2012 were retrospectively identified. Subsequent diagnosis of TCC was confirmed by histology, cytology or accepted by uro-oncology MDT with absence of histological proof. The PPV of reported TCCs was calculated overall, by tumour site and presentation.

Results:

A total of 1199 CTU investigations were performed. Analysis revealed the PPV of a reported TCC was 67% for kidney, 44% for ureteric and 85% for bladder lesions. Overall PPV was 68% and 51% for the upper tracts. In patients who attended the haematuria clinic, the PPV was 82% and 88% when positive cytology was included.

Conclusion:

CTU is an appropriate replacement for excretion urography. However, prompt invasive assessment of the entire urinary tract still remains necessary to confirm a suspected TCC.
Anhedonic depression, history of depression, and anxiety as gender-specific risk factors of myocardial infarction in healthy men and women: The HUNT study
Authors: Langvik Eva , Nordahl Hans M.
Published: November 2014

This prospective study examines gender-specific psychological risk factors of myocardial infarction. Out of 41,248 participants free of coronary heart disease at baseline, 822 cases of myocardial infarction were identified in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study or the mortality register. The participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist–hip ratio were measured by medical staff. Smoking, diabetes, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and history of depressive episode were self-reported. Anhedonic depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-D ≥8) was a significant predictor of myocardial infarction in women but not in men. Gender difference in risk estimate based on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-D was significant ( p < .01). History of depressive episode was a significant predictor of myocardial infarction in men. Symptoms of anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-A ≥8) reduced the risk of having a myocardial infarction.
iPad Use in Iowa Research Network Family Physician Offices
Authors: Daly Jeanette M. , Xu Yinghui , Levy Barcey T.
Published: November 2014

Background: Through a cancer research infrastructure building grant, iPads were given to health care providers in family physician offices. The purpose of this study was to determine the use and application of iPads in the Iowa Research Network. Methods: A Qualtrics survey was sent to 81 iPad recipients after institutional review board approval. Results: Fifty-nine percent responded and 85% reported they have used the iPad. The main reason for use of the iPad was browsing the World Wide Web for health care information. Open-ended comments supported use of the iPad for photographic documentation of wound and other skin lesions for insertion into the medical record and it helped improve clinic flow by making it easier to put orders in the system through the iPad. Conclusions: Tablet uses are variable in physician offices with provider’s gathering health care information from the Internet and securing education material for patients as the frequent usages.