bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Familial Distal Monosomy 5p15.3-pter With Trisomy 12q24.2-qter Resulting in Neurodevelopmental Delay and Dysmorphic Features
Authors: Čiuladaitė Živilė , Matulevičienė Aušra , Bandanskytė Aušra , Brazaitis Andrius , Kasnauskienė Jūratė , Kučinskas Vaidutis
Published: January 2013

Developmental delay and brain anomalies leading to significant morbidity and mortality are frequently caused by chromosomal rearrangements. We report on a familial unbalanced translocation resulting in distal monosomy 5p15.3-pter with trisomy 12q24.2-qter in 2 half siblings with cerebral dysgenesis, severe intellectual disability, dysmorphic features, progressive weakness, and atrophy of muscles.
Vitamin D Deficiency Among Children With Epilepsy in South Queensland
Authors: Fong Choong Yi , Riney Catherine J.
Published: January 2013

This study evaluated prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency among children with epilepsy on long-term antiepileptic drugs treated in South Queensland, Australia. Children with epilepsy seen in a tertiary neurology clinic were contacted requesting bone health blood tests during winter of 2011. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL, and insufficiency between 21 and 29 ng/mL. One hundred thirty letters were sent, with 111 (85%) subsequently having blood tests performed. Vitamin D deficiency was identified in 24 (22%) of 111 and an additional 45 (41%) of 111 had vitamin D insufficiency. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified children on >2 antiepileptic drugs or with underlying genetic etiologies were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency. High proportion of children on long-term antiepileptic drugs in Queensland risk vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency despite living in the subtropics. Vitamin D monitoring and supplementation is important in the management of children on long-term antiepileptic drugs requiring tertiary care in Queensland.
Persistent Hypoglycemia of Unknown Etiology in a Patient Without Diabetes
Authors: White Bryan P. , Southwood Robin
Published: January 2013

Purpose: This case report reviews the presentation, evaluation, and treatment of persistent hypoglycemia in a patient without a history of diabetes. The use of laboratory tests to differentiate between drug-induced and disease-induced hypoglycemia is reviewed. Summary: A 51-year-old female with multiple medical conditions including bipolar disorder and no history of diabetes was admitted for evaluation and treatment of hypoglycemia. Pharmacotherapy included intravenous dextrose infusions and bolus doses. A battery of tests was ordered to evaluate intrinsic and extrinsic causes. Endocrine Society guidelines for hypoglycemia exist and have recommendations for testing and strategies to rule out drug-related causes. Her insulin level was 57 IU/mL (normal range < 17). Her proinsulin level was 356.8 pmol/L (normal range <8.8). Conclusion: The guidelines recommend a battery of laboratory tests; however, the results are not rapidly available necessitating a structured follow-up process. In our patient, exposure to hypoglycemic agents and exogenous insulin can be ruled out. Autoimmune hypoglycemia or a hypoglycemic reaction to one of her home medications is very unlikely, but cannot be ruled out. An insulinoma is the most likely etiology of her hypoglycemia, but that cannot be confirmed.
Structured Pharmaceutical Representative Interactions and Counterdetailing Sessions as Components of Medical Resident Education
Authors: Wall Geoffrey C. , Smith Hayden L. , Craig Steven R. , Yost W. John
Published: January 2013

Introduction: Educational activities should be developed to teach residents how to constructively interact with pharmaceutical representatives and how to critically assess the provided information. Methods: An educational study was implemented during the 2010-2011 academic year in an internal medicine residency program. The study included an initial educational session on physician–industry relations and then 4 interactive sessions with the pharmaceutical representatives, each followed by a counterdetailing session provided by a clinical pharmacist. Study surveys were conducted to evaluate resident attitudes concerning pharmaceutical representative presented information before and after the counterdetailing sessions. Results: A total of 27 residents (n = 27) participated in the study. The study results revealed that residents learned new relevant product information from the representatives ( P = .002) and strongly agreed that counterdetailing was beneficial ( P = .009). Residents further agreed that they would recommend counterdetailing presentations to peers, suggested minimal changes to session formatting, and recommended its continued inclusion in their curriculum. Conclusions: This study demonstrated benefits of a comprehensive program to teach residents how to constructively interact with the pharmaceutical representatives and critically assess the information provided by the representatives. Best practices for incorporating interaction and counterdetailing sessions into medical resident curriculum should be further studied.
Flexural creep behavior of continuous fiber-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide laminates
Authors: Fang Li , Lin Qunfang , Zhou Xiaodong , Zhang Ting , Wang Limin
Published: January 2013

In this article, continuous glass fiber and basalt fiber-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide prepreg tapes were prepared through powder impregnation and then woven into fabrics for laminate molding to manufacture laminates. After that short-term flexural creep behaviors at various temperatures and stresses were investigated using a dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA). The result showed that creep strain increased with increasing temperature and applied stress. When fiber weight content reached 50%, the creep resistance was significantly improved in comparison with 30% and 40%, especially at high temperature. Then the DMTA data were used to predict long-term creep behavior by time–temperature superposition (TTS) and Findley’s power law model. It was found that there was a discrepancy between the two predictions. By comparison, TTS prediction based on all test temperatures was more accurate. Simultaneously, experiments of long-term creep behavior were also carried out to assess TTS prediction. The result showed that long-term creep behavior predicted from TTS could be accepted.
Machinability study of α/β and β titanium alloys in different heat treatment conditions
Authors: Khanna Navneet , Sangwan Kuldip S
Published: January 2013

In this research, the effect of heat treatment on the machinability of α/ β (Ti54M) and β (Ti10-2-3) titanium alloys was investigated experimentally for the as-received, annealed and solution-treated plus aged conditions. Forces and temperature, that is, life of the cutting tool, are mainly influenced by variation in cutting speed and feed rate; therefore, the depth of cut was maintained constant, while cutting speed and feed were varied. In solution-treated plus aged heat treatment condition, both the titanium alloys showed poor machinability in terms of specific forces, coefficient of friction and temperature. The poor machinability can be attributed to the strengthening effect, which is a result of interference with the motion of dislocation, due to the formation of secondary α precipitates. Ti10-2-3 alloy showed poorer machinability than Ti54M alloy in both the heat treatment conditions due to the presence of higher content of β stabilizer elements (V and Fe).
Effect of cooling liquids on cutting process using diamond segmented disc of natural stones
Authors: Ucun İ , Aslantaş K , Büyüksağiş İS , Taşgetiren S
Published: January 2013

In this study, various cooling liquids considered as alternatives to water were investigated for cutting performance of diamond sawing disc utilized in cutting process of natural stones. In experiments, four various cooling liquids such as water, Ace-Cool, boron oil and liquid soap and two different natural stones (Blue Pearl and Nero Zimbabwe) were used. Down-cutting mode was selected for cutting experiments. In experiments, power consumption, cutting forces, specific energy, diamond segment wear and diamond crystal failures were determined. Power consumption of diamond sawing disc was measured through an energy analyzer and cutting forces through a three-directional dynamometer (ESIT). Specific energy values were calculated through an analytical method on the basis of the resulting power consumption and cutting forces. Besides, diamond segment wear was measured through a laser device (KEYENCE) and diamond crystal failure in cutting process was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy on the basis of cooling liquids. Results of the study show that various cooling liquids proposed as alternatives to water increase significantly cutting performance of the diamond sawing disc. While maximum cutting performance was achieved with a mixture of water and boron oil, minimum performance was achieved through use of water.
Social service decline and convergence: How does healthcare fare?
Authors: Montanari Ingalill , Nelson Kenneth
Published: January 2013

In this paper the hypotheses on differences among welfare state sectors with regard to decline and convergence are subject to comparative empirical tests focusing on healthcare. A diachronical cross-national analysis of healthcare services is performed, comparing developments with that of cash benefits. Contrary to previous claims we find that European healthcare systems are not particularly hit by retrenchment and that convergence is absent in key healthcare dimensions, namely coverage and provision. Convergence appears mainly in terms of the increased reliance on private healthcare financing. Our examination is based on Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Health Data and institutional data on entitlement levels of major cash benefit programmes, providing both a descriptive analysis and multi-level regressions.
Mixing apples with oranges? Partisanship and active labour market policies in Europe
Authors: Vlandas Tim
Published: January 2013

There are competing theoretical expectations and conflicting empirical results concerning the impact of partisanship on spending on active labour market policies (ALMPs). This paper argues that one should distinguish between different ALMPs. Employment incentives and rehabilitation programmes incentivize the unemployed to accept jobs. Direct job creation reduces the supply of labour by creating non-commercial jobs. Training schemes raise the human capital of the unemployed. Using regression analysis this paper shows that the positions of political parties towards these three types of ALMPs are different. Party preferences also depend on the welfare regime in which parties are located. In Scandinavia, left-wing parties support neither employment incentives nor direct job creation schemes. In continental and Liberal welfare regimes, left-wing parties oppose employment incentives and rehabilitation programmes to a lesser extent and they support direct job creation. There is no impact of partisanship on training. These results reconcile the previously contradictory findings concerning the impact of the Left on ALMPs.
Cross-cultural validation of a disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure for lupus in Philippines
Authors: Navarra SV , Tanangunan RMDV , Mikolaitis-Preuss RA , Kosinski M , Block JA , Jolly M
Published: January 2013

Objective

LupusPRO is a disease-targeted patient-reported outcome measure that was developed and validated among US patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We report the cross-cultural validation results of the LupusPRO English-language version among Filipino SLE patients.

Method

The 43-item LupusPRO was pretested in 15 SLE individuals, then administered to 106 SLE patients, along with short-form SF36 and the EQ5D visual analogue scale. A mail/drop-back LupusPRO and change in health status item survey were returned within two to three days. Demographics, clinical and serological characteristics, disease activity and damage measured by PGA, SELENA-SLEDAI, LFA Flare, and SLICC-ACR SLE damage index (SDI) were collected. Internal consistency reliability (ICR), test-retest reliability (TRT), convergent validity (corresponding SF36 domains) and criterion validity (against general health and disease activity measures) were tested. Reported p values are two tailed.

Results

A total of 121 Filipino SLE subjects (95% women, median age 31.0 ± 16 years) with at least a high school level of English instruction participated. Median (IQR) PGA, SLEDAI and SDI were 0.0 (1.0), 2.0 (10) and 0 (1), respectively. ICR exceeded 0.7 for all domains except the lupus symptoms domain. TRT was greater than 0.85 for all LupusPRO domains. Convergent and criterion validity were observed against corresponding SF36 domains and disease activity measures. The tool was well received by patients. Confirmatory factor analysis showed good fit.

Conclusion

English LupusPRO has fair psychometric properties among SLE patients in the Philippines, and is now available for inclusion in clinical trials and longitudinal studies to test responsiveness to change.
Governance and Public Health Care in Nigeria
Authors: Umukoro Nathaniel
Published: January 2013

The article examines how the management of Nigeria’s public health care system reinforces poverty in the Niger Delta region. In recent times medical doctors have frequently embarked on strike as a strategy for compelling the government to improve the health care system. During periods of strikes patients are left without medical attention. Since a majority of the people are poor, they find it difficult to afford medical care in private hospitals. The inability to get proper health care adversely affects the poor. This sometimes results in children becoming victims of child labour and involvement in anti-social activities. The inefficiency in Nigeria’s health care system can be attributed to inadequate attention given to health care services delivery by the government. This has adverse consequences on the people, especially the poor. This makes it necessary that we investigate the extent to which this present situation serves as a reinforcing mechanism which causes poverty to persist. The Niger Delta is chosen as the study area because of the existing level of poverty and underdevelopment. The study relied on both primary and secondary data. The interview method was used to collect primary data. Secondary data were collected from hospital records in selected public hospitals in the Niger Delta. The study shows that inefficiency in public hospitals serves as a reinforcing mechanism which causes poverty to persist. In order to reverse this situation the study recommends among other things that the government should declare a state of emergency in the public health sector and allocate adequate resources for improving the quality of equipments and manpower in public hospitals.
Logistics Data Collection and Reporting for Essential Medicines in Developing Countries: A Review
Authors: Chindove Stanley , Mdege Noreen D.
Published: January 2013

The aim of this review was to analyze the impact of interventions designed to standardize collection and reporting of logistics data for managing essential medicines in developing countries. Literature was identified from searches of Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science until March 2011. Other relevant publications were identified from websites of organizations working in the study area and contacts working in the field. The search identified a total of 358 articles out of which 11 were selected for inclusion. All articles were before and after analysis without control areas. Standardizing the collection and reporting of logistics data through automation (full or partial) and manual tools resulted in improvements on the availability of quality logistics data for supply chain decision-making, and continual availability of essential medicines. Use of mobile technologies resulted in low error rates in forecasting and demand planning, and significantly reduced decision lead time. The findings from this review suggest that standardization of collection and reporting of logistics data to support decision-making on essential medicine supply can lead to improvements on availability and quality of logistics data and availability of essential medicines. However there is need for more robust experimental and quasi-experimental studies on the topic.
The Changing Face of Malnutrition in India
Authors: Sengupta Angan , Syamala T.S.
Published: January 2013

This article analyzes the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data in order to assess the levels and trends of malnutrition (both underweight as well as overweight) in India and its states. It not only examines the determinants of malnutrition through a binary logistic regression analysis but also addresses the possibility of simultaneous existence of underweight and overweight women in the Indian context. The results show that underweight in India seems to be a problem which cuts across all social and economic categories, whereas, the overweight or obesity seems to be more of a problem of the wealthier, urban women. The article also throws light on the changing face of malnutrition in India including the likely shift from the customary problems of choric energy deficiency to the emerging problems of overweight/obesity in Indian society. The likelihood of the simultaneous existence of underweight and overweight especially in urban India is also observed. Therefore, along with the attempts in alleviating undernutrition, the nutrition policies in India have to focus its attention on the issues of being overweight as well.
Economic Impact of HIV/AIDS on Women
Authors: Falleiro Savio P. , Noronha Silvia M.
Published: January 2013

Ever since its detection, HIV has wreaked much havoc, particularly in the developing world. In recent times, on account of increasing numbers of infected women and their heightened vulnerability to HIV, it has often been stated that there is a feminization of the epidemic. The aim of the present article was to find if there were significant gender-biases to the economic impact of HIV/AIDS; with the same being done through an intra-household (female-male) and inter-household (HH) (female-female) comparative analyses. By making use of chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-tests, the article concludes that: 1) female-headed HIV/AIDS households (HHs) are at a significant disadvantage over the control group of female-headed non-HIV/AIDS HHs; 2) though on most counts the economic impact was biased against women in the control group; unlike generally expected perception, the same were often gender-neutral in HIV/AIDS HHs; 3) gender-neutrality of impact in HIV/AIDS HHs was due to substantial, often significant, adoption of coping mechanisms by female-headed HHs; and 4) whenever gender biases occurred in HIV/AIDS HHs, they were usually to the disadvantage of women.
Personal and Team Morale in Health Services: Distinct and Measurable Concepts
Authors: Wood Stephen , Stride Chris , Johnson Sonia
Published: January 2013

This article has two aims: to assess whether personal and team morale are distinctive concepts and to develop valid single-item measures of both on the assumption that they are ordinary language, singular concepts. It thus examines the interrelationship and validity of measures of personal and of team morale, using data from a survey of a sample of 1,886 mental health staff across England. A single-item measure of personal morale is shown to be distinct from a single-item measure of team morale. Initially their correlation is examined, and the relative proportions of variance at the individual and team levels are shown to differ. Second, the measure of personal morale is found to correlate strongly with a selection of scales conventionally used to measure individual staff well-being. Third, the core components of the Karasek model of strain, job demands, control and support are related to this single-item personal morale rating. Fourth, personal morale is shown to mediate a relationship between these job characteristics and self-reported absences. Team morale is shown to be more closely associated with measures of team characteristics than is the personal morale measure, and less with the individual job characteristics. Such validated single-item measures have considerable potential usefulness in health services (and beyond), especially if we are to monitor the impact of the ever-increasing changes associated with increased competition and restructuring.
Visual Representations of the Water Cycle in Science Textbooks
Authors: Vinisha K. , Ramadas J.
Published: January 2013

Visual representations, including photographs, sketches and schematic diagrams, are a valuable yet often neglected aspect of textbooks. Visual means of communication are particularly helpful in introducing abstract concepts in science. For effective communication, visuals and text need to be appropriately integrated within the textbook.

This study is based on an analysis of the science textbooks of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the Maharashtra State Board (MSB) for Classes 3–10. We first assess these textbooks for the use of visual representations generally. Then we focus on the water cycle, looking at how this topic is treated in the school science curriculum, at the types of visual representations used, and how effectively text and visuals are integrated to teach the water cycle over the course of the school years. We conclude with some observations on the visual treatment of the water cycle in two exemplar textbooks, and examine the implications for the use of visualisation to understand the concept of the water cycle.
More than ABC: Instructional Practices and Children’s Understanding of Literacy through English
Authors: Gupta Renu
Published: January 2013

Although schoolchildren in India perform poorly in reading/writing tests, little attention is paid to early literacy instruction. This article describes literacy instruction in an English-medium school; through classroom observations and children’s artifacts, it documents what four children in Lower KG understand about literacy in English, a language they do not know. The data point to the need for curricular guidance and teacher training for the early years of formal school instruction in English.
Counterterrorism Cooperation in the Context of the Indo-US Strategic Partnership: An Appraisal
Authors: Sharma Ashok
Published: January 2013

In the post-9/11 world, the current US counterterrorism efforts in the Af-Pak region and the terror attacks on Indian cities have prompted India and the US to cooperate more closely on counterterrorism concerns. However, this counterterrorism cooperation is not commensurate with the comprehensive Indo-US strategic partnership. This apparent lack of cooperation plays out in their approach toward terrorism and bureaucratic impasse. India and the US need to make use of the trust and confidence that they have built in their bilateral relationship, readjust their perspectives on the threat of terrorism, understand each other’s core national security interests that shape their respective anti-terrorism goals, and make counterterrorism an important module in their ‘strategic partnership’ to tackle terrorism at the domestic, regional and global levels.
BRICS: Advancing Cooperation and Strengthening Regionalism
Authors: Jayan P.A.
Published: January 2013

In the era of regional international relations and more interdependence, organisations like the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) can play a meaningful role in international level as well as regional in years to come. The recent summit of the BRICS reiterates that more cooperation is needed at various levels. In Delhi declaration, it is called for a more representative international financial architecture, with an increase in the voice and representation of developing countries and the establishment and improvement of a just international monetary system that can serve the interests of all countries and support the development of emerging and developing economies. Moreover, these economies having experienced broad-based growth are now significant contributors to global recovery. This is true. One must acknowledge the fact that the roles of the BRICS countries are composed of various political systems, various subcontinent, but in the changed context, all these countries are coming under the purview of the ‘developing countries’ in broader terms. That makes the BRICS beyond the regional boundaries to set a benchmark in the regional cooperation. China’s permanent status in the United Nations makes the BRICS more strategically oriented and pragmatic aspects of foreign policy engagement in the twenty-first century. The political leadership and vision is equally important with economic engagement. The four major theories of the international relations (IR) are striking in this respect which includes liberalism, realism, constructivism and Marxism. Theoretical framework relevant to regionalism in focusing on IR theories is also analysed in this article. The main argument of the article is that there is no prescribed regional model and BRICS has to tune to the member countries’ regional and political frameworks to engage with. Therefore, the framework of analysis is more or less critical about the Western engagement and it is region focused.
Russia–Japan Relations: Politico-strategic Importance of the Disputed Southern Kurile Islands/Northern Territories
Authors: Kapur K.D.
Published: January 2013

The dispute over the sovereignty of the Southern Kuriles as known to the Russians and Northern Territories as termed by the Japanese has been the main hurdle in the full blown development of relations between the two countries. The settlement of the territorial dispute is linked to the signing of the peace treaty between the two. The geo-strategic/political developments in the Asia Pacific region in the recent years have impacted the negotiations on the disputed territories. The Russian President Medvedev’s visit to the Kunashiri Island on 1 November 2010 and the following military build-up by Russia on these territories have changed the security scenario of North-east Asia. The Russian stance on the issue has hardened which is attributed to its resurgence and assertiveness in Asia and elsewhere consequent to the flush of revenue from oil and natural gas exports. Russians do not seem to be in a mood to even negotiate on the two small islands of Shikotan and Habomai, while the Japanese position has been changing over the years and now they are insisting on the return of all the four islands. However, the trade and investment relations between the two are steadily growing as the Japanese need Russian oil and natural gas and the Russians are keen for Japanese investment and technology. The Russians in the meantime have developed strong economic ties with China and South Korea which indirectly has a bearing on the state of relations between Russia and Japan. A compromise between the two can be of immense benefit to both the countries. The development of the relations to its full potential would be possible only after the resolution of the territorial dispute.
The Effects of Geography and Infrastructure on Economic Development and International Business Involvement
Authors: Hill John S. , Chae Myung-Su , Park Jinseo
Published: January 2013

The objective of this article is to bring together geographic, marketing and economic perspectives to examine how far infrastructure development can offset adverse national geographies in aiding economic development and involvement in the global economy. We use LISREL structural equation modelling to investigate relationships between geography, infrastructure, economic development and country’s involvement in trade and foreign direct investment. Results identify key geographic factors affecting global market involvement and key infrastructures (electricity production, telephone lines and container facilities at ports) facilitating economic development and international participation.
Infrastructure Investment and Growth in Developing Countries: Does the Type of Contract Matter?
Authors: Percoco Marco
Published: January 2013

The aim of this article is to verify whether public investment in infrastructure is effective in terms of growth. While there is extensive literature analysing the effect of public capital stock on development and growth, comparatively less attention has been devoted to the contractual mechanisms characterising this investment. In this article, we focus on private participation in infrastructure projects through forms of public–private partnerships and verify whether the use of such contracts promotes economic growth. By analysing the performance of 81 developing countries over the period 1991–2008, we found that public–private partnerships are particularly relevant in terms of growth for high-income countries, whereas we could not find significant effect for low-income countries. We interpret this result as evidence of the relevance of better institutions, especially in terms of quality of regulation and rule of law, for attracting private investment in infrastructure projects and then for promoting growth.
Pollution of Ganga River Due to Urbanization of Varanasi
Authors: Kumar Shikhar , Jha Pallavi , Baier Klaus , Jha Ramakar , Azzam Rafig
Published: January 2013

One of the most important and holiest rivers in the world, the Ganga has now become highly polluted because of the pollution from many cities present along its banks. Nearly all kinds of wastes coming out of Varanasi, viz. sewage inflow, industrial waste, animal carcasses, unclaimed human dead bodies, and nearly all other kind of biodegradable as well as non-biodegradable wastes is being dumped in the Ganga river. Faecal Coliform Counts of more than 4 million/100 ml have been recorded at downstream end of the city near the Varuna Confluence. Many studies have shown that there is a significant relativity between water-borne diseases and the use of the river water for potable uses like bathing, laundry, washing of utensils etc. The present study aims to bring the increasingly worsening situation into limelight and to present few possible solutions to bring the River Ganga to its former glory.
Urbanization and Air Environment in Jaipur
Authors: Gupta Rita , Joshi Renu , Gupta Nidhi
Published: January 2013

Planners aim to understand, analyze and influence the variety of forces—social, economic, cultural, legal, political, ecological, technological, aesthetic and so forth shaping the built environment. The present study focuses on the impact of urbanization on air quality in Jaipur city, ‘Pink City’. It is noted that the concentration of respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) in residential, commercial and industrial areas of the city are more than the prescribed air quality norms. In fact, the concentration of RSPM in residential and commercial areas of the city is more than the industrial area. With increasing population and growing pollution, we cannot ignore the ill effects of planning on the environment.
Temporal and Spatial Variations of Urban Heat Island Effect in Jaipur City Using Satellite Data
Authors: Gupta Rupesh
Published: January 2013

Indian cities are growing rapidly and that results in a wide variety of environmental stresses. In this article, an integrated approach that incorporates Satellite Data and GIS techniques in conjunction with socio-economic data has been used to assess urban environmental issues in Jaipur, the capital city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. The issues addressed in this paper include: changes in land use/land cover changes in surface temperatures based on data collected between 2001 and 2009, and the assessment of surface Urban Heat Island (UHI) both in temperature and vegetation. Least clouded day and night scenes of TERRA/MODIS acquired between 2001 and 2008 have been selected to generate Land Surface Temperature (LST) maps. UHI patterns are analyzed in association with urban vegetation cover, built up land, population density, and surface temperature derived from high-resolution satellite data. The results show that the city has been expanding very rapidly towards the South and South-West due to the presence of Aravalli hills in the Northern direction. The study shows that out of the total area, only 13.12 per cent under moderate potential zone and 0.97 per cent under high UHI potential zone, is located close to the walled city in core region.
Tourism and Economic Growth in Sri Lanka
Authors: Srinivasan P. , Kumar P.K. Santhosh , Ganesh L.
Published: January 2013

The purpose of the study is to examine the impact of tourism on economic growth in Sri Lanka through the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach. The analysis was carried out for the period from 1969 to 2009. By and large, our analysis reveals that tourism has a positive impact on economic growth in Sri Lanka both in the short-run and long-run.
Impact of the mining industry on the mental health of landholders and rural communities in southwest Queensland
Authors: Hossain Delwar , Gorman Don , Chapelle Betti , Mann Wayne , Saal Rod , Penton Geoff
Published: January 2013

Objective:

We aimed to ascertain the extent of mental health problems in rural communities of southwest Queensland.

Methods:

Twelve workshops were conducted within this region, asking community members about the issues which were affecting their mental health, the gaps in services and facilities, and suggestions as to how to strengthen their capacity to deal with mental health problems.

Results:

The participants highlighted the higher cost of living through increased rental and goods and services costs. Non-resident workforces, putting a strain on housing availability and succession planning, were among key concerns. The rapid increase in population has also put strains on health services within these communities, highlighting the need for mental health resources and a greater clarification and coordination of available health services.

Conclusions:

The rural communities in this region are under sustained stress resulting from the incursion of the mining and coal seam gas industries. This has an impact on community mental health and wellbeing.
Malariotherapy at Mont Park: the earliest surviving movie of psychiatric treatment in Australia
Authors: Kaplan Robert M
Published: January 2013

Objective:

A movie on malariotherapy for neurosyphilis made at Mont Park and filmed by Reg Ellery in 1926 is believed to be the oldest surviving movie of psychiatric treatment in Australia. The objective is to review the movie and discuss the background and context of the film, which shows the conditions of patients in a psychiatric hospital in the 1920s.

Conclusion:

Movie film is a guide to a psychiatric past that is rapidly being forgotten. The Ellery movie is an incentive to collect surviving footage before it is too late.
Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Murray Valley encephalitis virus and West Nile virus (Kunjin subtype) from an arbovirus disease outbreak in horses in Victoria, Australia, in 2011
Authors: Mann Rachel A. , Fegan Mark , O’Riley Kim , Motha Julian , Warner Simone
Published: January 2013

Virus was detected in the central nervous system (CNS) tissue of 11 horses from Victoria that died displaying neurological symptoms during an outbreak of disease in Australia in 2011. Five horses were identified as being infected with Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) and 6 as being infected with West Nile virus subtype Kunjin (WNVKUN). Analysis of partial sequence information from the NS5 and E genes indicated that the MVEVs within the samples were highly homogenous and all belonged to lineage I, which is enzootic to the tropical regions of northern Australia. Likewise, analysis of partial NS5 and E gene and full genome sequences indicated that the WNVKUN within the samples were also highly homogenous and clustered with WNV lineage 1, clade b, which is consistent with other WNVKUN isolates. Full genomes of 1 MVEV isolate and 2 WNVKUN isolates were sequenced and characterized. The genome sequences of Victorian WNVKUN are almost identical (3 amino acid differences) to that of the recently sequenced WNV isolate WNVNSW2011. Metagenome sequencing directly from CNS tissue identified the presence of WNVKUN and MVEV within infected CNS tissue.
Serological evidence and risk factors associated with Caprine herpesvirus 1 in dairy goat flocks in a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil
Authors: Silva Maria L. C. R. , Pituco Edviges M. , Nogueira Adriana H. C. , Martins Maira S. N. , Lima Michele S. , de Azevedo Sérgio S.
Published: January 2013

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the flock-level seroprevalence of Caprine herpesvirus 1 (CpHV-1) and Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) and 2 (BoHV-2) and risk factors associated with CpHV-1 in dairy goat flocks from a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. A total of 1,034 serum samples from 110 flocks were collected from March 2009 through March 2010. A structured questionnaire focusing on variables related to risk factors for CpHV-1 infection was given to each farmer at the time of blood collection. Antibodies against CpHV-1, BoHV-1, and BoHV-2 were detected by neutralization tests. The flock-level prevalences of CpHV-1, BoHV-1, and BoHV-2 were 89.1% (98/110; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 81.7–94.2), 80% (88/110; 95% CI: 71.3–87), and 4.5% (5/110; 95% CI: 1.5–10.3), respectively. Frequencies of seropositive animals were 36.6% (379/1,034), 25.8% (267/1,034), and 0.6% (6/1,034) for CpHV-1, BoHV-1, and BoHV-2, respectively. The use of natural mating was identified as a risk factor associated with CpHV-1 flock-level prevalence ( P = 0.001). It is suggested that adoption of veterinary services and active surveillance of the at-risk flocks in the study region should be initiated to reduce the prevalence of herpesvirus infections.
HoBi-like viruses
Authors: Bauermann Fernando V. , Ridpath Julia F. , Weiblen Rudi , Flores Eduardo F.
Published: January 2013

The genus Pestivirus is composed of 4 important pathogens of livestock: Bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 and 2 (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2), Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), and Border disease virus of sheep (BDV). BVDV are major pathogens of cattle, and infection results in significant economic loss worldwide. A new putative pestivirus species, tentatively called “HoBi-like,” “BVDV-3,” or “atypical pestiviruses,” was first identified in Europe in fetal bovine serum (FBS) imported from Brazil. HoBi-like viruses are related to BVDV at the genetic and antigenic levels. Further, the disease caused by these new viruses resembles clinical presentations historically associated with BVDV infection, including growth retardation, reduced milk production, respiratory disease, reduced reproductive performance, and increased mortality among young stock. Current BVDV diagnostic tests may fail to detect HoBi-like viruses or to differentiate between BVDV and HoBi-like viruses. Further, commercial tests for BVDV exposure, based on serological response, do not reliably detect HoBi-like virus exposure, and cross protection against HoBi-like viruses conferred by current BVDV vaccines is likely limited. As many HoBi-like viruses, characterized to date, were isolated from FBS originating from Brazil, it is assumed that the agent is probably widespread in Brazilian herds. Nevertheless, reports of natural infection in Southeast Asia and Europe demonstrate that these viruses are not restricted to South America. Increased demand for FBS has led to widespread distribution of FBS originating in HoBi-like virus endemic regions. The contamination of such FBS with HoBi-like viruses may lead to spread of this virus to other regions.
Culture and Postpartum Mood Problems
Authors: Mamisachvili Lana , Ardiles Paola , Mancewicz Grazyna , Thompson Sherry , Rabin Kapri , Ross Lori E.
Published: January 2013

Purpose: Few studies have examined the role of culture in a woman’s experience of postpartum mood problems (PPMP). This study explored differences and similarities in experiences of PPMP between first- and second-generation Canadian women. Design: In this exploratory qualitative study, we interviewed nine first-generation and eight second-generation women who were clients of the Women’s Health Centre at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto, Canada. Using semistructured interviews, we explored how women perceived and experienced PPMP. Findings: Four themes reflected cultural issues: PPMP stigma, relationship with parents/in-laws, internalization of society’s expectations of motherhood, and identity issues/relationship with self. Discussion and Conclusion: The results of this study contribute to a limited literature on possible contributing factors to PPMP and can inform development of resources for delivering culturally appropriate mental health care for women dealing with PPMP.
Correlates of Depressive Symptoms in Married Immigrant Women in Korea
Authors: Kim Gwang Suk , Kim Bongjeong , Moon Sun Sook , Park Chang Gi , Cho Yoon Hee
Published: January 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the correlates of depressive symptoms among women who have immigrated to Korea for marriage. Design and Sample: Cross-sectional data reflecting Korean language fluency, acculturation, acculturative stress, general stress, and marital satisfaction were collected from 223 married immigrant women. Findings: There was a significant negative correlation between depressive symptoms and Korean language fluency as well as between depressive symptoms and Korean acculturation. Multiple linear regression revealed that depressive symptoms among married immigrant women were predicted by levels of acculturative stress, general stress, marital satisfaction, and type of household. The model including each of these variables accounted for 41.9% of the variance in depressive symptoms in these women. Conclusions: Prevention programs for the management of depression in immigrant women should include an evaluation of acculturative conflict and stress and should consider marital and family conditions.
Differential Response
Authors: Drake Brett
Published: January 2013

This article is a response to “Issues in Differential Response”, a review of the current evidence pertaining to differential response (DR) programs in child protective services (CPS). In my view, the Hughes, Rycus, Saunders-Adams, Hughes, and Hughes article suffers from several weaknesses. First, DR programs are critiqued as if they were a manualized intervention rather than a policy orientation, resulting in unhelpful conclusions. Second, the strength of existing evidence pertaining to child safety in DR is framed in an overly negative way. Finally, I attempt to place our understanding of DR in a broader perspective reflecting the continuing evolution of CPS and policies.
Existence of minimizers in the geometrically non-linear 6-parameter resultant shell theory with drilling rotations
Authors: Bîrsan Mircea , Neff Patrizio
Published: January 2013

This paper is concerned with the geometrically non-linear theory of 6-parametric elastic shells with drilling degrees of freedom. This theory establishes a general model for shells, which is characterized by two independent kinematic fields: the translation vector and the rotation tensor. Thus, the kinematical structure of 6-parameter shells is identical to that of Cosserat shells. We show the existence of global minimizers for the geometrically non-linear 2D equations of elastic shells. The proof of the existence theorem is based on the direct methods of the calculus of variations essentially using the convexity of the energy in the strain and curvature measures. Since our result is valid for general anisotropic shells, we analyze the particular cases of isotropic shells, orthotropic shells and composite shells separately.
Interactive visualization for curatorial analysis of large digital collection
Authors: Xu Weijia , Esteva Maria , Jain Suyog D , Jain Varun
Published: January 2013

To make decisions about the long-term preservation of and access to large digital collections, digital curators use information such as the collections’ digital object types, their contents and preservation risks, and how they are organized. To date, the process of analyzing a collection—from data gathering to exploratory analysis and final conclusions—has largely been conducted using linear review and pen and paper methods. To help curators analyze large-scale digital collections, we developed an interactive visual analytics application. We have put methods in place to summarize large and diverse information about the collection and to present it as integrated views. Multiple views can be linked or unlinked on demand to enable curators to identify trends and particularities at different levels of detail and to compare and contrast views. We describe two analysis workflows to illustrate how the application can be used to triage digital collections and facilitate collection management decision making and to provide access. After conducting a focus group study with domain specialists, we introduced features to address their concerns and needs.
Small-sample behavior of novel phase I cancer trial designs
Authors: Oron Assaf P , Hoff Peter D
Published: January 2013

Background

Novel dose-finding designs for Phase I cancer clinical trials, using estimation to assign the best estimated Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) at each point in the experiment, most prominently via Bayesian techniques, have been widely discussed and promoted since 1990.

Purpose

To examine the small-sample behavior of these ‘Bayesian Phase I’ designs, and also of non-Bayesian designs sharing the same main ‘Long-Memory’ traits of using likelihood estimation and assigning the estimated MTD to the next patient.

Methods

Data from several recently published experiments are presented and discussed, and Long-Memory designs’ operating principles are explained. Simulation studies compare the small-sample behavior of Long-Memory designs with short-memory ‘Up-and-Down’ designs.

Results

In simulation, Long-Memory and Up-and-Down designs achieved similar success rates in finding the MTD. However, for all Long-Memory designs examined, the number n* of cohorts treated at the true MTD was highly variable between simulated experiments drawn from the same toxicity-threshold distribution. Further investigation using the same set of thresholds in permuted order indicates that this Long-Memory behavior is driven by sensitivity to the order in which participants enter the experiment. This sensitivity is related to Long-Memory designs’ ‘winner-takes-all’ dose-assignment rule, which grants the early cohorts a disproportionately large influence, and causes many experiments to settle early on a specific dose. Additionally for the Bayesian Long-Memory designs, the prior-predictive distribution over the dose levels has a substantial impact upon MTD-finding performance, long into the experiment.

Limitations

While the numerical evidence for Long-Memory designs’ order sensitivity is broad, and plausible explanations for it are provided, we do not present a theoretical proof of the phenomenon.

Conclusions

Method developers, analysts, and practitioners should be aware of Long-Memory designs’ order sensitivity and related phenomena. In particular, they should be informed that settling on a single dose does not guarantee that this dose is the MTD. Presently, Up-and-Down designs offer a simpler and more robust alternative for the sample sizes of 10–40 patients used in most Phase I trials. Future designs might benefit from combining the two approaches. We also suggest that the field’s paradigm change from dose-selection to dose-estimation.