bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preservice Special and General Educators’ Knowledge of Inclusion
Authors: Gehrke Rebecca Swanson , Cocchiarella Martha
Published: July 2013

In this article, the authors report findings from a self-report survey completed by 125 preservice elementary, secondary, and special education teachers. The purpose of the study was to identify aspects of university coursework and assigned field experiences that contribute to their ability to define, identify, and implement inclusion. Results indicated a lack of consistency across teacher preparation programs within one college and a disconnectness between knowledge of inclusion as presented through university coursework and students’ real-world field experience observations of inclusion. Preservice special educators’ perceived lack of confidence in their ability to implement inclusion in practice was also noted in the analysis of results. The article also addresses implications of the findings for teacher education programs.
Untangling Protégé Self-Reports of Mentoring Functions
Authors: Dickson Jubilee , Kirkpatrick-Husk Katie , Kendall Dana , Longabaugh James , Patel Ajal , Scielzo Shannon
Published: July 2013

In the current study, we sought to further our understanding of the relations between various types of protégé-reported mentoring functions (psychosocial and career support and role modeling [RM]) by conducting a meta-analysis. We examined the relationships among these functions and investigated their relationships with expected mentorship outcomes. There is still a great deal left for us to understand regarding how these functions relate to outcomes and what these relationships mean. We expanded upon previous meta-analyses in the following ways: We included RM functions in addition to psychosocial and career support functions, corrected for unreliability of the function scales in addition to sampling error, and examined the relations of these functions with one another. Results show that all the mentoring functions were related to outcomes, with RM being the strongest predictor. Finally, we identified and conceptually analyzed numerous moderators of these relations.
Existential and Chaos Theory
Authors: Bland Andrew M. , Roberts-Pittman Bridget J.
Published: July 2013

Although the skills promoted by career decision-making models based on information processing, social cognition, and person–environment fit are necessary for general career success, they insufficiently meet the demands of a global society and the current economy. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness of two holistic approaches to career decision making: existential and the chaos theory of careers. We propose that these models are more suitable for today’s working world insofar as they promote career adaptability, vocation/calling (beyond job), and moral responsibility in work in the postmodern era. However, because their utility has not yet been extensively researched (despite ample theoretical exposure in the career literature), these models remain relatively unfamiliar to most career counselors. For each model, we provide a theoretical overview, review existing research, and propose areas for further study to identify contexts for which each model may be best suited.
Re-conceptualizing member participation: informal activist careers in unions
Authors: Yu Kyoung-Hee
Published: July 2013

Extant theories of member participation in unions have sought mainly to explain spot decisions to participate in collective action and therefore are limited in explaining how members can have an impact on union governance. This article conceptualizes life-long activism as informal careers that begin with politicizing life experiences, are nurtured through the fulfilment of organizational roles and develop by gaining status and skills both within the union and in the members’ community. Data are reported from the Los Angeles Justice for Janitors campaign two decades after initial mobilization occurred there. Existing literature has depicted activism as a response to calculus and stimulus rather than as a search for meaningful work. An alternative perspective is advanced where the force of a calling acts as the main driver of activism in which the union is seen as a vehicle for the pursuit of social justice.
The quality of healthcare jobs: can intrinsic rewards compensate for low extrinsic rewards?
Authors: Morgan Jennifer Craft , Dill Janette , Kalleberg Arne L
Published: July 2013

Frontline healthcare worker jobs are among the fastest growing occupations in the USA. While many of these are ‘bad jobs’ with low pay and few benefits, the intrinsic nature of frontline work can also be very rewarding. This article examines the influence of extrinsic job characteristics (e.g. wages and benefits) versus intrinsic characteristics (e.g. meaningful tasks) on job satisfaction and intent to stay with one’s current employer. This article uses a mixed-methods approach, drawing on survey data collected from frontline workers and organizations in a variety of healthcare settings, as well as interview and focus group data from frontline workers to contextualize and interpret the findings in the multi-level models. The results indicate that both intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics are significant predictors of job satisfaction, but only extrinsic characteristics help explain intent to stay with the employer.
Development of a new sound quality metric for evaluation of the interior noise in a passenger car using the logarithmic Mahalanobis distance
Authors: Jeong Jae-Eun , Yang In-Hyung , bin Abu Aminuddin , Cha Kyung-Joon , Oh Jae-Eung
Published: July 2013

Previous methods for the evaluation of the sound quality in vehicle interiors focused on the linear regression analysis of subjective sound quality metrics using statistics and estimations of subjective sound quality values by neural networks. Recently, sound quality evaluation using subjective measures has focused on identifying sound quality metrics which can predict subjective responses. It has been used to study a variety of subjective measures such as the four parameters used by Zwicker, but it is difficult to identify highly correlated sound quality metrics with the jury test. The Mahalanobis distance is a useful method to reduce the number of dimensions and to develop measures based on the correlation between the various variables. In particular, the Mahalanobis distance can be used as a new sound quality metric because it can convert the sound quality that is represented by several measures to a single value. In this study, a new sound quality metric is suggested which employs the four parameters used by Zwicker and is based on the Mahalanobis distance in order to predict subjective responses in sound quality evaluation. In addition, in order to calculate the Mahalanobis distance more accurately, after using data from a number of vehicles, sound quality metrics were reselected to remove those that do not require correlation analyses between each metric. Finally, we verified that the logarithmic Mahalanobis distance can be used not only as a new sound quality metric through correlation analysis with a jury test but also as a criterion to determine the vehicle quality. In order to verify the reliability of the regression equation, arbitrary vehicle data are applied to the regression equation. The regression equation using the logarithmic Mahalanobis distance is validated by the listening results, and the regression results after applying arbitrary data are similar.
Experimental studies on the performance of rail joints with modified wheel/railhead contact
Authors: Zong Nannan , Dhanasekar Manicka
Published: July 2013

Rail joints are provided with a gap to account for thermal movement and to maintain electrical insulation for the control of signals and/or broken rail detection circuits. The gap in the rail joint is regarded as a source of significant problems for the rail industry since it leads to a very short rail service life compared with other track components due to the various, and difficult to predict, failure modes – thus increasing the risk for train operations. Many attempts to improve the life of rail joints have led to a large number of patents around the world; notable attempts include strengthening through larger-sized joint bars, an increased number of bolts and the use of high yield materials. Unfortunately, no design to date has shown the ability to prolong the life of the rail joints to values close to those for continuously welded rail (CWR). This paper reports the results of a fundamental study that has revealed that the wheel contact at the free edge of the railhead is a major problem since it generates a singularity in the contact pressure and railhead stresses. A design was therefore developed using an optimisation framework that prevents wheel contact at the railhead edge. Finite element modelling of the design has shown that the contact pressure and railhead stress singularities are eliminated, thus increasing the potential to work as effectively as a CWR that does not have a geometric gap. An experimental validation of the finite element results is presented through an innovative non-contact measurement of strains. Some practical issues related to grinding rails to the optimal design are also discussed.
Challenging established rules for train control through a fault tolerance approach: applications at a classic railway junction
Authors: Liu Ronghui , Whiteing Anthony , Koh Andrew
Published: July 2013

Current rules of railway operations employed in the UK can be regarded as conservative. While the safety of passengers is a clearly an overriding paramount consideration, such rules may represent a drawback in that they reduce capacity. At present, with high and growing demand there is a clear need to increase railway capacity. While construction of new lines or significant augmentation of existing ones offer ways of providing increased capacity, there is a long gestation period and it is extremely expensive at a time of tight governmental budgetary constraints. A viable alternative is to investigate methods of increasing the productivity of the current infrastructure by understanding how the established rules of railway operation can be challenged without compromising the safety of the passengers. To accomplish this stated goal, a fault-tolerance-based approach to train controls at nodes (junctions and stations) is proposed. This paper introduces the concept of fault tolerance in the context of train operations at a classic railway junction, presents a dynamic, mesoscopic simulation model developed to represent the new control rules and discusses initial results from the application of this approach on capacity gains.
Frequency and risk factors for distal sensory polyneuropathy in HIV infection in a developing country
Authors: Ekenze Oluchi S , Nwosu Cosmas M , Ogunniyi Adesola
Published: July 2013

Distal sensory polyneuropathy is a source of morbidity in HIV infection. This study aims to determine the frequency and effect of demographic and clinical variables on distal sensory polyneuropathy, among HIV-positive participants in south-east Nigeria. The study involved highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-naive, patients on HAART and HIV-negative matched controls conducted at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu south-east Nigeria. Distal sensory polyneuropathy was diagnosed with clinical evaluation and the use of Bio Thesiometer, 10 g monofilament and ankle reflex. There were 100 participants in each of the groups, comprising 109 (36.3%) men and 191 (63.7%) women, with median age of 35 years. About 42.5% (85/200) of the HIV-positive participants (37 drug naive and 48 on HAART) had distal sensory polyneuropathy. None in the control group had distal sensory polyneuropathy. Age ( p = 0.02), height ( p = 0.002), low haemoglobin ( p = 0.03) and mean duration on HAART ( p = 0.006) were significantly associated with distal sensory polyneuropathy, while gender ( p = 0.497), body mass index ( p = 0.657) and CD4 count ( p = 0.482) did not affect distal sensory polyneuropathy. Low haemoglobin, height, and duration on HAART were independent risk factors for distal sensory polyneuropathy. Addressing correctable causes of anaemia, and alternatives to neurotoxic HAART may minimize the risk of distal sensory polyneuropathy.
A palynological contribution to the environmental archaeology of a Mediterranean mountain wetland (North West Apennines, Italy)
Authors: Guido Maria A , Menozzi Bruna I , Bellini Cristina , Placereani Sandra , Montanari Carlo
Published: July 2013

Within the framework of a regional research project on wetlands as cultural heritage sites, an attempt was made to examine the natural and anthropogenic causes driving the vegetation dynamics and exploitation of a small mountain wetland. To assess its potential use as an archive of the landscape history, an environmental archaeology approach was used: palaeoenvironmental data from traditional pollen sampling by coring were matched with stratigraphic information from an excavation area of several square metres, and plant micro- and macroremain analyses (e.g. pollen assemblages, micro- and macrocharcoal, morphological and dendrochronological features of waterlogged tree trunks) were compared in order to evaluate them as effects of different environmental factors and to pinpoint these factors. In this paper, the focus is set mainly on the results originating from pollen analyses of a core drilled in the peat-bog, a few metres from the stratigraphic excavation. The start of peat deposition, sometimes coinciding with human activity, was dated around 10,000 cal. BP. The impact on the vegetation surrounding the site is clearly recorded in the pollen assemblages only from the Roman period (2010–1820 cal. BP) even though a long history of human presence is archaeologically documented in the area since the Palaeolithic. Since that time, the abrupt decline of fir favoured the final spread of beech which, in turn, in the Middle Ages (1180–790 cal. BP) leaves space to grassland exploitable for pasture and for agro-silvi-pastoral activities. This site has proven to be of great importance for the Holocene history of the silver fir.
The effect of calibration data set selection on quantitative palaeoclimatic reconstructions
Authors: Salonen J Sakari , Seppä Heikki , Birks H John B
Published: July 2013

Quantitative palaeoclimatic reconstructions based on biological fossils are a major source of information on long-term climatic variability. Such reconstructions typically use some kind of a modern calibration data set describing the variation of the studied biological group in present-day climate space. Here, we explore the effect of calibration data set selection on palaeoclimatic reconstructions, by creating alternate calibration data sets via stratified random sampling to reconstruct mean July temperature ( Tjul) for four fossil pollen sequences from northern Europe. We show that palaeoclimatic reconstructions using methods based on taxon-response models can be highly sensitive to the calibration data set used. In particular, the absolute reconstructed temperatures show great sensitivity to calibration data selection, which suggests that the absolute values of palaeoclimatic reconstructions may not be robust. By contrast, we find the relative shapes of the reconstructed curves to be more robust to calibration data selection because taxa tend to occupy similar relative locations along the sampled gradient regardless of calibration data set location. Based on this robustness of relative palaeoclimate curves, we suggest a debiasing procedure in which palaeoclimate values are estimated by fixing the relative curve with the modern observed value, thus correcting biases resulting from calibration data selection.
Can a multi-disciplinary assessment approach improve outcomes for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
Authors: Bor William , Heath Fiona , Heussler Honey , Reuter Rebecca , Perrett Carmel , Lee Erica
Published: July 2013

Objective:

Public, consumer and professional views about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, its assessment and treatment – especially with medication – remain a highly contested domain. Parents in particular express disquiet with services. One response to this tension is a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parental and education perceptions of this process have not been evaluated previously. A community multidisciplinary approach was assessed in terms of diagnostic outcomes and client satisfaction.

Method:

A comprehensive multidisciplinary structured assessment of the first 50 referred children with severe attentional problems was documented. Demographic and symptom/behavioural profiles, developmental history and indicated multi-disciplinary evaluation were recorded. A team consensus process arrived at diagnostic classification. Post-assessment satisfaction of parents and school staff was surveyed.

Results:

Thirteen children (26%) were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and three commenced stimulants. The majority of parents and educators were satisfied with the service.

Conclusions:

A multidisciplinary assessment clinic for children presenting with attention problems resulted in minimal prescribing. Overall, education staff and parents were satisfied with the service. The model may be a suitable response to the multiple concerns in the community.
Demonstrating the impact and model of care of a Statewide psychiatric intensive care service
Authors: Lee Stuart , Hollander Yitzchak , Scarff Lisa , Dube Ryan , Keppich-Arnold Sandra , Stafrace Simon
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To characterise patients and their outcomes following referral to a Statewide psychiatric intensive care service.

Method:

This study conducted a medical audit for patients referred to the Statewide service during the first four years of operation (2007−2011). Demographics and the presence of alcohol and other drug and forensic comorbidities were documented along with the treatment received prior to and during admission.

Results:

In the first four years of operation, 58 referrals were received, 41 resulting in admission and seven in secondary consultation delivered to the referring inpatient psychiatry service. Admitted patients were most commonly experiencing a psychotic illness, had high levels of substance comorbidities and antisocial personality traits, required lengthy admissions (mean days = 41.5), and were in most cases successfully discharged back to the referring inpatient psychiatry service or the community. Significant reductions in clinician-rated difficulties measured via the Health of the Nations Outcome Scale were found at discharge, and despite the significant presenting aggression risk, few attempted or actual assaults occurred.

Conclusion:

Improved outcomes were achieved with patients deemed unsafe for psychiatric care in high dependency units in other Victorian acute mental health services through management by an acute service that has developed special expertise in this area.
National trends in the community prescribing of second-generation antipsychotic medications in Australian children and youth: the incomplete story
Authors: Hollingworth Samantha , Duhig Michael , Hall Wayne , Scott James
Published: July 2013

Objective:

The objective of this article is to examine national trends in prescribing second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) medications to Australian children and youth (0–24 years) and to report deficiencies in available data.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of government data on all dispensed SGA prescriptions between 2002 and 2007. Scripts were converted to defined daily dose (DDD)/1000 population/day using census data. Trends in utilisation of dispensed SGAs were analysed by gender and age.

Results:

The total amount of SGAs dispensed to children (0–14 years) remained stable over the five-year study period. In 2007, according to available data, total SGA medication dispensed to Australian children equated to fewer than three in 10,000 children receiving the equivalent of a standard adult dose of medication each day.

Conclusions:

In contrast to many other countries, the dispensed use of SGA medication in Australian children and youth has remained relatively stable. In our opinion, this is almost certainly because of limitations in data collection and accessibility. Given the safety concerns associated with SGAs prescribed to children and young people and the need to improve the quality use of medicines, it is essential that methods are developed in Australia to accurately capture prescribing of SGAs to Australian children and youth.
Gender dysphoria in Asperger’s syndrome: a caution
Authors: Parkinson John
Published: July 2013

Objective:

The incidence of Asperger’s syndrome is reported as above average in young people presenting with gender dysphoria. Patients with Asperger’s syndrome, however, are prone to obsessive preoccupations. This paper points out that the apparent dysphoria may in some cases prove to be a transient obsession.

Method:

Cases from the author’s clinical practice were reviewed.

Results:

Two young men with histories suggesting Asperger’s syndrome presented with strong convictions of gender dysphoria, asking for hormonal and surgical treatment. Treatment was withheld and after several years both came to repudiate their ’transgender phase’.

Conclusions:

Patients asking for sex reassignment should be assessed for indications of Asperger’s syndrome. Irreversible treatments should be withheld until it is clear there is a genuine issue of transsexualism.
The psychological impact of losing a friend to suicide
Authors: Bartik Warren , Maple Myfanwy , Edwards Helen , Kiernan Michael
Published: July 2013

Objective:

Suicide bereavement research can help facilitate greater understanding of the impact of suicide and potential risks for others. As there is limited research on the experience of young people who lose a friend to suicide, the aim of this exploratory study was to consider specific psychological factors for such bereaved young people.

Methods:

Ten young people who had experienced the suicide death of a friend completed self-report measures to assess levels of depression, anxiety, coping and prolonged grief.

Results:

Participants reported increased levels of stress, depression, reduced coping capacity and prolonged grief symptoms that have continued considerably beyond the death of their friend.

Conclusions:

Psychological distress for young people bereaved by a friend’s suicide is of concern given the developmental changes and life transitions associated with this age group. Implications include the significant health and wellbeing challenges associated with suicide bereavement for young people. The outcomes support a more proactive response from mental health and support services.
Demonstrating the effectiveness of less restrictive care pathways for the management of patients treated with clozapine
Authors: Filia Sacha , Lee Stuart , Sinclair Kelly , Wheelhouse Alyson , Wilkins Sally , de Castella Anthony , Kulkarni Jayashri
Published: July 2013

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to measure the effectiveness of two alternative care pathways for managing patients treated with clozapine.

Method:

Medical records for 90 clozapine patients managed via three care pathways were audited for a 24 month period (30 per group). The three care pathways established to manage patients prescribed clozapine include: (1) remaining in public mental health service case management; (2) transitioning to general practitioner–mental health service shared care; or (3) transitioning to private psychiatry sole care. Demographic, illness, medication compliance, service utilisation and performance on clinical outcome measures were collected in the 12 months prior to and following transition.

Results:

Across both the private psychiatry and general practitioner (GP) shared care transitioned groups, only one patient had a psychiatric hospital admission in the 12 months following transition, and transitioned patients also had fewer mental health service clinician contacts. Good medication compliance, better skills of daily living, lower levels of illicit substance abuse and a lower intensity of case management history were seen in transitioned patients.

Conclusions:

Transitioning appropriate patients taking clozapine to less intensive care pathways like private psychiatrists and GP shared care can be effectively achieved if appropriate supports are in place for both the clinicians and their patients.
Application of a real-time fluorescence resonance energy transfer polymerase chain reaction assay with melting curve analysis for the detection of Paragonimus heterotremus eggs in the feces of experimentally infected cats
Authors: Tantrawatpan Chairat , Intapan Pewpan M. , Thanchomnang Tongjit , Sanpool Oranuch , Janwan Penchom , Lulitanond Viraphong , Anamnart Witthaya , Maleewong Wanchai
Published: July 2013

Paragonimus heterotremus is a medically important lung fluke that causes human and animal paragonimiasis in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. In the current study, a real-time fluorescence resonance energy transfer polymerase chain reaction (real-time FRET PCR) with melting curve analysis was developed and evaluated to detect P. heterotremus eggs in the feces of experimentally infected cats. The detection limit of this method for the P. heterotremus DNA sequence was 3 × 102 copies of the positive control plasmid and 10−3 ng of P. heterotremus genomic DNA. The assay system could detect 10 eggs of P. heterotremus per gram of cat feces. No fluorescence signal was observed when DNA purified from 16 other organisms or genomic DNA from cats and human beings were tested. Real-time FRET PCR yielded positive results for all fecal samples from 17 P. heterotremus–infected cats and showed a negative relationship ( r = −0.852, P < 0.001) between the number of parasite eggs in feces and the number of PCR cycles. The assay could detect genomic DNA from P. heterotremus, P. westermani, P. macrorchis, P. siamensis, P. harinasutai, and P. bangkokensis and can differentiate P. heterotremus from the other 5 species. The 6 Paragonimus species examined were divided into 4 groups by melting peak analysis. This assay can be useful for the detection of, and epidemiological studies on, P. heterotremus infection in endemic areas.
Selective attention enables action selection: evidence from evolutionary robotics experiments
Authors: Petrosino Giancarlo , Parisi Domenico , Nolfi Stefano
Published: July 2013

In this paper we investigate whether selective attention enables the development of action selection (i.e. the ability to select among conflicting actions afforded by the current agent/environmental context). By carrying out a series of experiments in which neuro-robots have been evolved for the ability to forage so to maximize the energy that can be extracted from ingested substances we observed that effective action and action selection capacities can be developed even in the absence of internal mechanisms specialized for action selection. However, the comparison of the results obtained in different experimental conditions in which the robots were or were not provided with internal modulatory connections demonstrate how selective attention enables the development of a more effective action selection capacity and of more effective and integrated action capacities.
Social contracts and human–computer interaction with simulated adapting agents
Authors: Craig Alexis B , Asher Derrik E , Oros Nicolas , Brewer Alyssa A , Krichmar Jeffrey L
Published: July 2013

Game theory is commonly used to study social behavior in cooperative or competitive situations. One socioeconomic game, Stag Hunt, involves the trade-off between social and individual benefit by offering the option to hunt a low-payoff hare alone or a high-payoff stag cooperatively. Stag Hunt encourages the creation of social contracts as a result of the payoff matrix, which favors cooperation. By playing Stag Hunt with set-strategy computer agents, the social component is degraded because of the inability of subjects to dynamically affect the outcomes of iterated games, as would be the case when playing against another subject. However, playing with an adapting agent has the potential to evoke unique and complex reactions in subjects because of its ability to change its own strategy based on its experience over time, both within and between games. In the present study, 40 subjects played the iterated Stag Hunt with five agents differing in strategy: exclusive hare hunting, exclusive stag hunting, random, Win-Stay-Lose-Shift, and adapting. The results indicated that the adapting agent caused subjects to spend more time and effort in each game, exhibiting a more complicated path to their destination. This suggests that adapting agents exhibit behavior similar to human opponents, evoking more natural social responses in subjects.
A computational approach on the co-development of artificial visual sensorimotor
Authors: Ruesch Jonas , Ferreira Ricardo , Bernardino Alexandre
Published: July 2013

To follow a goal-directed behavior, an autonomous agent must be able to acquire knowledge about the causality between its motor actions and corresponding sensory feedback. Since the complexity of such sensorimotor relationships directly influences required cognitive resources, this work proposes that it is of importance to keep the agent’s sensorimotor relationships simple. This implies that the agent should be designed in a way such that sensory consequences can be described and predicted in a simplified manner. Living organisms implement this paradigm by adapting sensory and motor systems specifically to their behavior and environment. As a result, they are able to predict sensorimotor consequences with a strongly limited amount of (expensive) nervous tissue. In this context, the present work proposes that advantageous artificial sensory and motor layouts can be evolved by rewarding the ability to predict self-induced stimuli through simple sensorimotor relationships. Experiments consider a simulated agent recording realistic visual stimuli from natural images. The obtained results demonstrate the ability of the proposed method to (i) synthesize visual sensorimotor structures adapted to an agent’s environment and behavior, and (ii) serve as a computational model for testing hypotheses regarding the development of biological visual sensorimotor systems.
Rayleigh coefficients for series infrastructure systems with multiple damping properties
Authors: Wang Judith
Published: July 2013

The Rayleigh damping matrix formulation is a commonly implemented means for the representation of intrinsic damping in many finite element programs. However, methods for specifying the Rayleigh mass and stiffness-proportional coefficients based upon individual components’ unique dissipative properties are ambiguous and rely heavily upon engineering judgment. An alternative linear hysteretic constitutive modeling methodology is used to represent multiple dissipative properties in example base-isolated series frame structures; the resulting displacement data are verified against a second alternative method involving weighted modal time history analysis. A methodology for the determination of Rayleigh coefficients for series systems dominated by low-frequency behavior is then developed based upon a hybrid of the two independent alternative methods. The displacement data from the proposed Rayleigh damping methodology are calibrated against the linear hysteretic constitutive modeling methodology, with the results showing close agreement.
Washing of cut persimmon with thyme or lemon essential oils
Authors: Almela Celia , Castelló María L , Tarrazó José , Ortolá María D
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to develop a minimally processed persimmon product by applying different concentrations of thyme essential oil or lemon essential oil on the product in order to increase its shelf life. Essential oils were applied on cut persimmon in a preliminary stage of immersion, and the samples were then stored at 4 ℃ for seven days. Moisture content, soluble solids content, antioxidant capacity, total phenols, pH, optical and mechanical properties and microbiology counts were periodically analysed. Noteworthy was that the application of thyme essential oil in the washing stage improved the preservation of the fruits’ colour. All samples would be considered safe according to microbiology requirements and based on the period of study, regardless of the type of essential oil applied.
Pervaporation investigation of recovery of volatile compounds from brown crab boiling juice
Authors: Martínez Rodrigo , Sanz M Teresa , Beltrán Sagrario
Published: July 2013

Pervaporation has been used to obtain aroma concentrates from brown crab boiling juice. The boiling juice and the obtained permeate have been analysed by Headspace Solid Phase Dynamic Extraction Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. The effect of feed temperature on the pervaporation performance of the membrane has been analysed. The permeate aroma profile, at 25 ℃ and 40 ℃, was different from that of the boiling juice. Enrichment factors for some of the volatile compounds were much lower than those obtained in model aqueous dilute solutions. Pervaporation performance can be significantly improved by modifying the permeant circuit to include two condensation stages.
Common genetic variants in the plasminogen activation pathway are not associated with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cox Mathew B , Bowden Nikola A , Scott Rodney J , Lechner-Scott Jeannette
Published: July 2013

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) aetiology. Previously, we identified differential gene expression of plasminogen activation cascade genes in MS patients. Based on our gene expression results, we wanted to identify whether polymorphisms in the genes associated with the plasminogen pathway could predict MS risk. We genotyped 1153 trio families, 727 MS cases and 604 healthy controls for 17 polymorphisms in MMP9, plasminogen activator urokinase (PLAU), PLAU receptor (PLAUR) and serpin peptidase inhibitor/clade 2/member B2 (SERPINB2) genes. No associations were found between the 17 polymorphisms and MS. Also, gene expression levels were analysed according to genotype: no associations were observed. In conclusion despite the consistent evidence for the role of MMP9 and the plasminogen activation cascade in MS, we found no associations between genotype nor gene expression. This suggested there are other potentially modifiable factors influencing gene expression in MS.
Effect of physicians’ gender on communication and consultation length: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jefferson Laura , Bloor Karen , Birks Yvonne , Hewitt Catherine , Bland Martin
Published: July 2013

Objective

Physician gender may be a source of differences in communication between physicians and their patients, which may in turn contribute to patient satisfaction and other outcomes. Our aim was to review systematically research on gender differences in the length, style and content of communication with patients.

Methods

Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to September 2010 with no language restrictions (included MEDLINE; PsychINFO; EMBASE; CINAHL; Health Management Information Consortium; Web of Science; and ASSIA). ‘Grey’ literature was also searched. Data extraction and quality assessment was carried out in accordance with Cochrane Collaboration guidelines by at least two reviewers. The review uses mainly narrative synthesis due to the heterogeneous nature of the studies, with only data on consultation length being pooled in a random effects generic inverse variance meta-analysis.

Results

Searches yielded 6412 articles, of which 33 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Studies were heterogenous and of mixed quality. Conflicting results are reported for many communication variables. There is some evidence that female physicians adopt a more partnership building style and spend on average 2.24 min longer with patients per consultation (95% CI 0.62–3.86) than their male colleagues.

Conclusions

Greater patient engagement by female doctors may reflect a more patient-centred approach, but their longer consultation times will limit the number of consultations they can provide. This has implications for planning and managing services.
Using Theory to Inform Practice
Authors: Hull Shawnika J. , Gasiorowicz Mari , Hollander Gary , Short Kofi
Published: July 2013

We describe the use of formative research in the construction and dissemination of the Acceptance Journeys campaign. This campaign aims to increase acceptance of gay men of color as a means to combat the broad disparities in HIV/AIDS experienced by this group in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin (United States). A situation analysis and systematic formative research in the form of a readiness assessment, in-depth interviews, preproduction focus groups, and postproduction concept testing were used to inform our conceptualizations of the problem (homophobia), product (acceptance), promotion (Acceptance Journeys branding), and channel selection. Implications for the application of social marketing techniques to social determinants of health are discussed.
Improving Gait and Balance in Patients With Leukoaraiosis Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Physical Training
Authors: Kaski Diego , Dominguez Raul Omar , Allum John H. , Bronstein Adolfo M.
Published: July 2013

Background. Leukoaraiosis describes ischemic white matter lesions, a leading cause of gait disturbance in the elderly. Objective. Our aim was to improve gait and balance in patients with leukoaraiosis by combining a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and physical training (PT). Methods. We delivered anodal tDCS over midline motor and premotor areas in 9 patients with leukoaraiosis. Patients underwent gait and balance training during tDCS stimulation (real/sham). This was repeated 1 week later with the stimulation crossed-over (sham/real) in a double-blind design. Assessments included gait velocity, stride length, stride length variability (primary gait outcomes), and a quantitative retropulsion test (primary balance outcome). Results. Combining tDCS and PT improved gait velocity, stride length, stride length variability, and balance (all at P ≤ .05). Overall, training without tDCS showed no significant effects. Conclusions. Combined anodal tDCS and PT improves gait and balance in this patient group, suggesting that tDCS could be an effective adjunct to PT in patients with leukoaraiosis, for whom no treatment is currently available.
Energy Expenditure and Exercise Intensity of Interactive Video Gaming in Individuals Poststroke
Authors: Kafri Michal , Myslinski Mary Jane , Gade Venkata K. , Deutsch Judith E.
Published: July 2013

Background. Off-the-shelf activity-promoting video games (AVGs) are proposed as a tool for promoting regular physical activity among individuals poststroke. Objective. To characterize the energy expenditure (EE), exercise intensity, and energy metabolism of individuals poststroke, while playing AVGs in different positions, from different consoles, and to compare the performance with comfortable walking and with able-bodied individuals. Methods. Eleven poststroke and 8 able-bodied participants played in standing Wii-Boxing Xbox-Boxing, Wii-Run and Penguin, and also Wii-Boxing in sitting. EE (expressed as metabolic equivalents [METs]); exercise intensity (expressed as %predicted maximal heart rate [HR]), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were used to characterize the games. Results. Participants’ poststroke EE ranged from 1.81 ± 0.74 to 3.46 ± 1.3 METs and was lower compared with able-bodied participants for Xbox-Boxing ( P = .001), Wii-Boxing in standing ( P = .01), Run ( P < .001), and Penguin ( P = .001). Participants’ poststroke exercise intensity ranged from 49.8 ± 9.3 to 64.7 ± 9.3 %predicted maximal HR and was lower compared with able-bodied participants for Xbox-Boxing ( P = .007) and Run ( P = .005). For participants poststroke, EE of walking at a comfortable did not differ from boxing games in standing or Run. For able-bodied participants only, the EE for Xbox-Boxing was higher than Wii-Boxing (6.5 ± 2.6 vs 4.4 ± 1.1, P = .02). EE was higher in standing versus sitting for poststroke ( P = .04) and able-bodied ( P = .03) participants. There were no significant group differences for RPEs. RER of playing in sitting approached anaerobic metabolism. Conclusions. Playing upper extremity (ie, Boxing) or mobility (ie, Run) AVGs in standing resulted in moderate EE and intensity for participants poststroke. EE was lower for poststroke than for able-bodied participants.
Effect of Rehabilitation Setting on Dependence Following Stroke
Authors: Schnitzler Alexis , Woimant France , Nicolau Javier , Tuppin Philippe , de Peretti Christine
Published: July 2013

Background. In France in 2009, patients admitted to Multidisciplinary Inpatient Rehabilitation for stroke were sent to a neurological rehabilitation center (NRC) or a general or geriatric rehabilitation (GRC) service. Objective. To describe the functional outcome of stroke patients admitted for rehabilitation in France in 2009, both globally and as a function of the rehabilitation setting (GRC or NRC). Methods. Data from the French Hospital Discharge Diagnosis databases for 2009 were included. Two logistic regression models were used to analyze factors related to improvement in dependence score and discharge home. Odds ratios (ORs) were also calculated. Results. Among the 83 505 survivors of acute stroke in 2009, 28 201 were admitted for rehabilitation (33.8%). Of these, 19 553 went to GRC (69%) and 8648 to NRC (31%). On average, patients admitted to GRC were older (78.6 years vs 66.4 years), P < .001). At the start of rehabilitation, 50% of NRC patients and 56% of GRC patients were heavily dependent, but level of dependence was similar within each age-group. Rehabilitation in NRC lead to a greater probability of functional improvement (OR = 1.75, P < .001) and home discharge (OR = 1.61, P < .001) after adjustment for gender, age, Charlson’s comorbidity index, initial level of dependence, type of stroke, and total length of stay. Conclusion. This study confirms, on a national level, the functional benefit of specialized rehabilitation in NRC. These results should be useful in the improvement of care pathways, organization of rehabilitation, and discharge planning.
Teacher Evaluation and Collective Bargaining
Authors: Paige Mark
Published: July 2013

This case study analyzes controversial teacher evaluation policies in the context of collective bargaining. Dr. Jill Abrams, a new superintendent in a struggling school district, is at the center of the case. Her school board demands a form of teacher evaluation she finds problematic because it includes value-added modeling. Moreover, the board insists on excluding the union in the process of developing the new evaluation system. This case explores the potential consequences of implementing specific teacher evaluation policies and competing demands of relevant stakeholders in the process. The case weaves rich policy issues that frequently present to school leaders at the local level. Other policy and ethical dilemmas emerge as the case develops.
How Far Is Leadership Distributed in Extended Services Provision?
Authors: Fuller Kay , Parsons Sarah , MacNab Natasha , Thomas Hywel
Published: July 2013

This study focuses on the leadership engagement of children, young people (CYP) and their families in six school-based extended services (ES) clusters in a single, large, urban local authority in England. Empirical research was carried out in two strands of activity that focused on outcomes and experiences for CYP and leaders and leadership. Document analysis of annual reports and action plans, observations of activities for CYP, a survey of CYP views, interviews and/or focus groups with parents and interviews with local authority leaders, cluster coordinators, school leaders and agency representatives was undertaken. Analysis of the data was carried out using the components of activity theory. Findings show four distinct roles for ES clusters as: (1) coordinator of resources; (2) conduit for communication; (3) hub for socially inclusive activity; and (4) mechanism of school/ES leadership accountability. The extent of CYP and parental engagement was dependent on the commitment of professionals to socially inclusive leadership and the meso- and macro-level organizational context where ES clusters could or could not access already existing partnerships. This research has implications for the implementation of the Coalition government’s ‘Big Society’ approach to service provision.
Maximum group sizes for simultaneous testing in high potential risk scenarios
Authors: Coolen Frank PA
Published: July 2013

When tests are performed in scenarios such as reliability demonstration, two extreme possibilities are to perform all required tests simultaneously or to test all units sequentially. From the perspective of time for testing, the former is typically preferred, but in high potential risk scenarios, for example in the case of possibly disastrous results if a tested unit fails, it is better to have the opportunity to stop testing after a failure occurs. An analogon appears in medical testing, with patients being the ‘units’, if new medication is to be tested to confirm its functionality while possibly severe (side) effects are not yet known. There is a wide range of test scenarios in between these two extremes, with groups of units being tested simultaneously. This article discusses such scenarios in a basic setting, assuming that the total number of required tests has been set, for example based on other criteria or legislation. A new criterion for guidance on suitable test group sizes is presented. Throughout, the aim is for high reliability, with testing stopped in case any unit fails, following which the units will not be approved. Any consecutive actions, such as improvement of the units or dismissing them, are not part of the main considerations in this article. While in practice the development of complex models and decision approaches may appear to be required, a straightforward argument is presented, which leads to results that can be widely applied and easily communicated.
Network vulnerability assessment via bi-objective optimization with a fragmentation approach as proxy
Authors: Yajure César , Montilla Darihelen , Ramirez-Marquez Jose Emmanuel , Rocco S Claudio M
Published: July 2013

The fragmentation of a network is used to understand the effects of element removals on its cohesion. Minimum information is required to fragment a network, namely: the topology of the network. Continuous fragmentation of a network can be used to uncover important/critical elements in the network. This article proposes a bi-objective optimization model that, when solved, provides the most economical network fragmentation strategies for increasing element fragmentation cost. After description and solution of the model, the manuscript describes, via experimentation, how the results of the model can be used as a surrogate metric for understanding element importance performance in real service networks. The experimentation is complemented with a classical example of social network analysis. The results show that the proposed fragmentation models can be used as a guide to identify sets of elements that contribute to the successful performance of a system.