bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reforming the staffing process in the European Union institutions: moving the sacred cow out of the road
Authors: Ban Carolyn
Published: April 2010

Since the 1960s, the EU institutions have relied on a system of open competitions (or concours ) for hiring staff, with only incremental changes. That system is now undergoing a major reform that is currently in the implementation phase. A policy analysis approach explains how the leadership of the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) overcame resistance to change. Analysis from a public management and political sociology perspective sheds light on the challenges EPSO faces in the implementation and evaluation of the reform.

Points for practitioners

One strength of the EU staffing model is the active role of EU staff in selecting their peers through the use of Selection Boards. The new system maintains staff involvement while professionalizing the Selection Boards. The reform was responsive to complaints by managers and heads of EU institutions with a slow, complex, and antiquated system, and it is they, as key clients, who will ultimately evaluate the effectiveness of the reform in enabling them to hire top-quality staff more quickly.
Welcome to the Court
Authors: Morin Danielle
Published: April 2010

The French Cour des comptes is one of the numerous Supreme Audit Institutions which oversee proper use of public funds. This research project on the Cour des comptes is intended notably to establish how the Court has integrated the broad principles governing the function of supreme audit institutions (SAI) as established in the Lima Declaration adopted in 1977 by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), which France signed, together with nearly 190 other countries. We conclude with an examination of the risks inherent in the Court’s necessary passage from tradition to modernity at the dawn of the twenty-first century, and of its capacity to change its world vision. The analysis of the way in which the Court has integrated the broad principles governing the operation of supreme audit institutions has brought to light serious flaws in the Court’s invariant structures, flaws which necessitate a recomposition, in the sense put forward by Jean-François Kahn (2006). The recomposition of the Court’s invariant structure heralds a revolution at its core. Tradition, prestige, ritual and symbolism can no longer serve as ramparts against modernity and its imperatives of accelerating change. The Court’s very survival as a credible and effective supreme audit institution is therefore at stake.

Points for practitioners

The equidistant position that the Court claims to maintain between Parliament and the Government is a theoretical concept whose applicability remains to be proven. The Court’s status of financial jurisdiction contradicts the flux of its activities: the proportion of jurisdictional activities is giving way to non-jurisdictional activities from year to year. The apparent neutrality of the magistrates of the Court can be questioned in light of the successive appointments of the First Presidents of the Court in the last two decades. The professionalization of the mission of the Court will inevitably prompt a reexamination of the status of the magistrate and the skills newly required to successfully carry out the unprecedented mandates conferred on the Court.
Are we being served? A critical perspective on Canada’s Citizens First satisfaction surveys
Authors: Howard Cosmo
Published: April 2010

Background: Citizen satisfaction surveys are used in many jurisdictions to measure attitudes towards public services and inform service delivery improvement strategies. Canada is regarded as a world leader in the field due to its internationally influential Citizens First surveys. Aim: This study aims to determine the soundness of the design, execution and reporting of Canada’s Citizens First surveys. Method: It presents a critical methodological review drawing on several social scientific paradigms including survey research, interpretivism and post-structuralism. Results: The Citizens First surveys contain significant problems in terms of sample representativeness, validity of causal claims and treatment of subjective opinions. These surveys can also be criticized for the influence they have had on the direction of public service reforms. Survey findings have been invoked to support the shift to private sector models of delivery and encourage a narrow and passive view of the role of the citizen in official decision-making. These developments conflict with other realities and values in contemporary administration and governance. Conclusion: Canada’s citizen satisfaction surveys contain important methodological weaknesses which must be acknowledged and rectified if reformers wish to extend the scope and effectiveness of current service delivery innovations.

Points for practitioners

Canada’s citizen satisfaction surveys are widely regarded as models for other jurisdictions to follow, yet they have significant limitations, including very low response rates, which mean the findings are not representative of the population’s views on government service delivery. Although the surveys claim to identify the specific elements of service delivery that cause increases in general citizen satisfaction with the performance of governments, the existing methodology does not permit such assertions. These surveys present a private-sector-inspired view of the service user as a customer, and suggest that all users of government services value the same things. This view fails to capture the diversity of government service delivery and is particularly inappropriate in complex policy areas such as human and social services.
The new Charter System in Ghana: the ‘holy grail’ of public service delivery?
Authors: Ohemeng Frank Louis Kwaku
Published: April 2010

Public services delivery has been at the forefront of public sector reforms in many countries throughout the past three decades. Invariably, the desire is to do more with less, empower citizens, enhance transparency, and hold public servants accountable. Many countries have therefore developed a number of service delivery mechanisms over the years to achieve this objective. A good example is the Citizen’s Charter System. First developed in the United Kingdom, the idea quickly spread to other developed countries and, more recently, to some developing countries as well. Ghana has followed the lead taken by these countries by developing its own Citizen’s Charter, which is believed to be the ‘holy grail’ of service delivery in the public sector. The article attempts to examine the Citizen’s Charter, evaluate its rationale, and any challenges that may be faced in its implementation. It argues that there are a number of constraints, which the government should have addressed before establishing the Charter. The government’s failure to address these challenges, it is argued, will significantly affect the success of the program.

Points for practitioners

In the last few decades, governments in both developed and developing countries have been searching for better delivery mechanisms for public services. One such mechanism is the Citizen’s Charter, which has become popular in the developed world as a means of achieving efficient, effective, and accountable service delivery. More recently, it has also become popular in some developing countries. The implementation of a Citizen’s Charter requires a solid understanding of the capacity of a state’s public sector; however, in many developing countries, this sector is characteristically weak. It is important, therefore, for practitioners to understand the limits of the public sector in any given state, and the barrier it may pose to the successful implementation of service delivery mechanisms.
An Early Look at Building a Social Learning for Sustainability Community of Practice
Authors: Glasser Harold
Published: April 2010

Grand Rapids is the first United Nations University (UNU) Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) on education for sustainable development (ESD) in the United States. It builds on the region’s long history and deep foundation in research, planning and problem solving to build a sustainable future. This article explores the concept of RCEs as social learning for sustainability communities of practice in the context of experiences with creating our first flagship project, the City High/Middle Centre for Economicology. This model is used to broach the question of evaluation, indirectly, by suggesting the importance of identifying early indicators of likely success. It closes with six ‘meditations’ that were used to guide the flagship project and which may have wider relevance to the global RCE community.
The Makana Regional Centre of Expertise
Authors: Lotz-Sisitka Heila , O’Donoghue Rob , Wilmot Di
Published: April 2010

This article deliberates the possibilities for Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) to become ‘experiments’ in social learning. The purpose of the article is to advance the broader research agenda of RCEs through reflection on the empirical research agenda of one RCE, Makana RCE in South Africa. As such it opens questions on how we might see RCE’s as morphogenic social learning processes (i.e., processes of social change). It provides an oversight of the key issues, educational foci and developing areas of engagement in the Makana RCE. These provide an overview of the ‘starting points’ for social learning in the Makana RCE. A model of social learning is also provided which seeks to engage the ecocultural nature of sustainability practices in the Makana RCE.
Is Punitive Juvenile Justice Policy Declining in the United States? A Critique of Emergent Initiatives
Authors: Merlo Alida V. , Benekos Peter J.
Published: April 2010

The authors examine emergent policies in juvenile justice that suggest a softening of the get-tough legislation of the 1990s that targeted youthful offenders. In the context of Bernard’s thesis on the cycle of juvenile justice (Bernard, 1992) this article critiques the extreme policy reactions to juvenile violence and considers the impact they had on demonization of youth and expressive justice. The discussion contrasts punitive rhetoric such as zero tolerance with programmes that incorporate restorative principles. The authors propose that a decrease in juvenile crime, dissemination of evidence-based intervention strategies, and fiscal constraints have provided opportunities to de-escalate the punitive response to youthful offenders.
Young People’s Relations to Crime: Pathways across Ecologies
Authors: Bottrell Dorothy , Armstrong Derrick , France Alan
Published: April 2010

This article analyses young people’s accounts of their relations to crime, elucidating microecological factors emphasized in developmental criminological explanations of offending and how macroecological forces emphasized in critical criminology enter their lives. Interrelated victimization, witnessing crime, cultural and societal access routes and institutional interventions including criminalization constitute their relations to crime and are formative of life pathways that include offending. Young people’s accounts suggest the need to consider the effects of distal systems both in the construction of crime as a social problem and their constitutive effects in local ecologies and individual lives.
‘If You Don’t Let Us In, We’ll Get Arrested’: Class-cultural Dynamics in the Provision of, and Resistance to, Youth Justice Work
Authors: Ilan Jonathan
Published: April 2010

Based on an ethnographic account of a youth justice project and its attendees, this article explores the tensions between culturally mediated constructions of appropriateness, both in terms of youth behaviour and state responses thereto. It argues that, through youth justice work, the state attempts to inculcate idealized behavioural expectations ‘downwards’ on those constructed as normatively imperilled. By contrast, client youth construct their conduct in light of their classed and gendered experiences of marginality, which prompt them towards resistance. Differential understandings amongst stakeholders complicate youth justice work; contested meanings between its agents and clients may, however, be fatal to its objectives.
Leadership Development via Action Learning
Authors: Skipton Leonard H. , Lang Fred
Published: April 2010

Action learning is being used increasingly as a primary method for building leadership skills and improving leadership behavior. This article discusses the emergence of action learning as a methodology for developing leaders and how action learning is effective in developing and sustaining leadership skills and behavior. A comparison of the effectiveness of action learning to other methodologies currently used to develop leadership competencies is presented. Furthermore, the article illustrates how action learning can be tailored to develop specific leadership competencies identified by individual action learning team members while, at the same time, developing other leadership skills needed in contemporary organizations. Four case examples illustrate how action learning built leadership competencies at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Boeing, the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Optimizing the Action in Action Learning: Urgent Problems, Diversified Group Membership, and Commitment to Action
Authors: Yeo Roland K. , Nation Ursula E.
Published: April 2010

When certain norms and structures are present as part of the action learning process, not only is learning enhanced but more powerful actions are taken as a result of the working session. This article provides a conceptual framework for considering the appropriate balance between action and learning, and shows through practical examples how this balance can be achieved while ensuring that the session leads to real business results. It focuses on three specific elements: (a) ensuring that the business problem is urgent, (b) encouraging appropriate diversity in the group membership, and (c) taking steps to ensure there is commitment to action. Finally, the authors share best practices drawn from practical organizational experience. These include pilot testing the process and sharing results with corporate sponsors and top leadership.
Beyond a Generic Complementary and Alternative Medicine: The Holistic Health Care- Conventional Medicine Continuum
Authors: Robinson Anske , Chesters Janice , Cooper Simon
Published: April 2010

This article explores whether complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) users view CAM as a unified concept or individualize the modalities. A survey about the beliefs and concerns surrounding the use of 22 CAM modalities was posted to a random sample of 1,308 people in five rural and two metropolitan localities in Victoria, Australia. The response rate was 40% (n = 459). Overall, 91% of respondents were found to either have used one CAM modality (85%, n = 386) or be open to future use (6%, n = 33). Respondents did not view CAM as a unified concept. Each modality was used by people with different characteristics and beliefs about health care. However, it was practical to divide the 22 CAM modalities into four categories that we have named natural remedy, wellness, accepted, and established modalities. The four categories lie along a set of continua extending from natural remedy modalities and ‘‘holistic health care’’ beliefs at one end to established modalities and a belief in the tenets of conventional medicine at the other. We were able to develop a model to show this diagrammatically.
Folk Health Wisdoms as an Alternative Health Care Modality in the Community
Authors: Tanvatanakul Vasuton , Vicente Corália , Saowakontha Sastri
Published: April 2010

This study aimed to investigate perceptions and practices of folk health wisdoms among various age groups in Thailand. The study used an exploratory design involving a survey and focus group discussions. Between March 2003 and April 2005, 422 respondents from 5 communities of different districts of Chonburi Province, Thailand were interviewed, and then followed up for clarification of responses by focus groups in each community. Most respondents (93.8%), especially in the older age groups, were familiar with and interested in folk health wisdoms, with 62.8% using one or more kinds of folk health wisdoms. Herbal medicines and massage were most often used as health care, with significant differences in use (p < .05) between younger and older age groups. Younger people (<35 years) used almost every type of folk health wisdom in lesser percentages, with the exception of mind control therapies. Greater use of folk health wisdoms could contribute to improving the health care of the people of Thailand. However, to appropriately use and integrate these practices, the people need to increase their confidence in these modalities and be encouraged by the official health system.
Sclerotherapy of Peripheral Venous Malformations: A New Technique to Prevent Serious Complications
Authors: Ierardi Anna Maria , Mangini Monica , Vaghi Massimo , Cazzulani Alberto , Carrafiello Gianpaolo , Mattassi Raul
Published: April 2010

Because of its extremely powerful sclerosing effect, in our experience, ethanol can be considered the most efficacious agent in the percutaneous treatment of peripheral venous malformations. To reduce the risk of ethanol reflux into the superficial veins or the central venous system, we developed a simple but very efficacious technique. After the time necessary to obtain the sclerosing effect, we drain the ethanol with the same needle used to inject. The purpose of this article is to describe the technique of sclerotherapy with 96% ethanol for peripheral venous malformations and its effectiveness in reducing the serious complications of alcohol.
Functional Limb Salvage Following Muscle Rigor in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Dickinson Brian P. , Jimenez Juan Carlos , Lawrence Peter F. , Derubertis Brian G.
Published: April 2010

Acute limb-threatening ischemia is a vascular surgical emergency. Traditionally, 4 to 6 hours are usually available from the onset of acute ischemia to successfully revascularize before irreversible damage occurs. The presence of ischemic rigor traditionally represents irreparable local damage to muscle in the adult population and is an indication for limb amputation. Although the literature is scarce on this topic, few authors have reported superior limb salvage rates in pediatric patients despite the presence of severely impaired arterial perfusion. We present a case of a 10-year-old girl with rigor of the left lower extremity, who underwent surgical reperfusion for acute ischemia approximately 14 hours after the initiation of symptoms. The patient presented with an insensate and paralyzed limb. Pulsatile flow was restored to her lower extremity. She regained protective sensation and suffered no significant sequelae of systemic reperfusion syndrome.
Influence of Coil Geometry on Intra-Aneurysmal Packing Density: Evaluation of a New Primary Wind Technology
Authors: Quasar Grunwald Iris , Molyneux Andrew , Kühn Anna Luisa , Watson Dave , Byrne James V.
Published: April 2010

Introduction: This prospective randomized double-blinded in-vitro study was conducted to determine the relative Packing Density (PD) of the new Deltapaq coil (Micrus Endovascular) as compared to Micrus’s conventional filling CHE (Helipaq) and finishing CFS (Ultipaq) coils. Methods: Two physicians independently deployed the coils under fluoroscopy into a 4mm berry shaped glass aneurysm. Each coil tested was a 4mm × 35cm coil specially made for this study. Physicians and observer were blinded as to the type of coil. Five samples per group, per operator, were deployed. Results: mean PD were 36.6% (Helipaq), 37.9% (Ultipaq) and 40.4% (Deltapaq). Two-sample T-test showed a significantly higher PD of Deltapaq versus Helipaq (p < 0.022). Discussion: Higher coil PD and better neck coverage may provide an increased biomechanical stability and may potentially reduce the recanalization rate of aneurysms. Conclusion: The new Deltapaq coil may have the potential to achieve higher packing densities in the treatment of aneurysms.
‘When blood becomes cheaper than a bottle of water’: how viewers of Al-Jazeera’s English-language website judge graphic images of conflict
Authors: Johnson Thomas J. , Fahmy Shahira
Published: April 2010

This study examined the degree to which visitors to Al-Jazeera’s English-language website support broadcasters presenting graphic and war-related imagery in comparison to users of Al-Jazeera’s Arabic-language website. The authors found that users of the Al-Jazeera English-language website overwhelmingly supported the network’s decision to run graphic images and claimed the network contained valuable information missing from Western competitors, such as CNN, and national Arab media. Those who relied on the English-language website and who were strong supporters of press freedom were more likely to support Al-Jazeera’s decision to run graphic images, but these correlations disappeared after controlling for demographic variables.
Synthesis of Liquid Crystal Molecules Based on Bis(biphenyl)diacetylene and Their Liquid Crystallinity
Authors: Uchimura Makoto , Kang Sungmin , Ishige Rohei , Watanabe Junji , Konishi Gen-ichi
Published: April 2010

We synthesized novel liquid crystalline molecules that contain a bis(biphenyl)diacetylene mesogen and confirmed their structures by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FT-IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. These compounds formed thermotropic liquid crystals in a wide temperature region that was well characterized by optical microscopic and X-ray measurements.
Theoretical Investigation on the Origin of the CD Signal Reversal for the Closed-ring Isomer of Diarylethene with Peripherical π-Conjugated Substituents
Authors: Hirose Takashi , Hasegawa Jun-ya , Matsuda Kenji
Published: April 2010

Theoretical investigation was performed on the CD signal of the closed-ring isomer of diarylethene with an extended π-conjugated substituent. The result showed that the different contribution of the substituent to the transition electronic and magnetic dipole moments induces CD signal reversal. The obtained finding can be applied to general dyes with a chiral core and extended π-conjugated substituents.
Synthesis of Linked Symmetric [3]Rotaxane Having an Oligomeric Phenylene–Ethynylene Unit as a π Guest via Double Sonogashira Cross-coupling
Authors: Terao Jun , Wadahama Akihisa , Fujihara Tetsuaki , Tsuji Yasushi
Published: April 2010

Linked symmetric [3]rotaxanes consisting of an oligomeric phenylene–ethynylene (OPE) unit as a π-conjugated guest and two molecules of organic soluble permethylated α-cyclodextrins (PM α-CDs) as macrocyclic hosts have been synthesized by intramolecular self-inclusion of an OPE guest moiety carrying PM α-CDs followed by double cross-coupling reaction with 1,4-diiodobenzene under the Sonogashira coupling conditions. The structure of thus formed rotaxane was determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrum and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy.
Synthesis and Characterization of 1,8-Carbazole-based π-Conjugated Copolymer with Zigzagged Conformation for Stable Deep-blue Emission
Authors: Liu Ran-Ran , Lin Zong-Qiong , Shi Nai-En , Zhao Jian-Feng , Hou Xiao-Ya , Qian Yan , Xie Ling-Hai , Huang Wei
Published: April 2010

1,8-Dibromocarbazole was employed to construct zigzagged conformation via the Suzuki-type cross-coupling polycondensation. Model copolymer, poly(Cz1,8-co-F), showed deep-blue 420 nm emission in thin film. Air-annealing experiments for 18 h at 200 °C with a low green index (IGreen/IBlue) of 0.38 indicated the introduction of nonlinear zigzag-shaped 1,8-dibromocarbazole building blocks into polyfluorene (PF) clearly improved spectral stabilities.
Assignment of the Absolute Configurations of 1-Aryl-2-propanols with the Use of Phosphoroselenoyl Chlorides as Chiral Derivatizing Agents
Authors: Murai Toshiaki , Tsuji Hiromi , Imaizumi Satoko , Maruyama Toshifumi
Published: April 2010

Phosphoroselenoyl chloride bearing a 1,1′-bi-2-naphthyl group was reacted with racemic 2-alkanols to give the corresponding esters. Based on the multiple combination of their NMR spectra, a method for the assignment of the absolute configuration of 1-aryl-2-propanols was established. The solid-state conformations of the esters were confirmed by X-ray structure analyses.
Popular Punitivism — The Role of the Courts in the Development of Criminal Justice Policies
Authors: Martin Wayne
Published: April 2010

This paper was presented as a keynote address to the Annual Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology in 2009. It contends that it is of the utmost importance that the community have the benefit of empirical research and analysis undertaken in the field of criminal justice by impartial experts. Its central proposition is that the development of policy and sentencing practices in this important area appears to be influenced more by the perception of populist views, than the scientific evaluation of empirical data.
The Integration of Rational Choice and Self-Efficacy Theories: A Situational Analysis of Student Misconduct
Authors: Ogilvie James , Stewart Anna
Published: April 2010

Research on the causes of student misconduct in higher education has largely overlooked the values of integrating individual and situational perspectives to structure empirical examinations. Such research has important implications for the prevention and management of academic misconduct by higher education institutions. In this study, perceptual deterrence (Piquero & Pogarsky, 2002; Stafford & Warr, 1993) and self-efficacy (Bandura, 1997) theories were adopted to model the impact of situational factors and individual differences on students' intentions to engage in plagiarism. A questionnaire using a scenario method and manipulating the situational deterrence variables of the certainty and severity of sanctions was administered to 536 undergraduate university students. Analysis of covariance results indicated that the objective manipulations of the certainty and severity of sanctions had no effect on intentions to engage in plagiarism. However, Tobit regression results indicated that both situational perceptions of costs and benefits, and academic self-efficacy were significant predictors of intentions to engage in plagiarism. Furthermore, academic self-efficacy was found to moderate the effects of deterrence perceptions on intentions to engage in plagiarism. The results highlight the significance of the interaction between situational and individual characteristics on decisions to engage in deviant behaviour. Implications for the management of misconduct in higher education institutions are discussed.
Recidivism Among a White-Collar Sample: Does Personality Matter?
Authors: Listwan Shelley Johnson , Piquero Nicole Leeper , Van Voorhis Patricia
Published: April 2010

With the exception of correctional research, the role of personality has been understudied in criminology in general and in the study of white-collar crime in particular. The usefulness of personality has typically been restricted to use as a diagnostic tool in differentiating among offenders for correctional classification purposes. The current research focuses on a sample of white-collar offenders who were convicted in federal courts to explain what role personality plays in explaining their rates of recidivism. Using the Jesness Inventory as a measure of personality, findings reveal that personality type is a significant predictor of offender recidivism with neurotic personality type significantly predicting probability of rearrest.
The Comparative Method in Globalised Criminology
Authors: Pakes Francis
Published: April 2010

Traditional comparative criminology has predominantly focused on the comparison of isolated and self-contained cultures and arrangements. However, globalisation has altered states of isolation and self-containment to produce spheres of interrelation. That provides a challenge to the comparative method. This article will argue that comparative criminology needs to come to terms with novel objects in new conceptual and organisational layers, both above the state and below the city. Such enquiry requires agility. Rather than identifying and crossing new frontiers, globalised comparative criminology should concern itself with the complex interplay between global, national, city and subcity levels. This approach is illustrated by an examination of contrasts in community safety between the rival Dutch cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Presumptive Arrest in Partner Assault: Use of Discretion and Problems of Compliance in the New Zealand Police
Authors: Cross Jenny , Newbold Greg
Published: April 2010

Since pro-arrest policies in domestic violence became popular in the United States in the 1980s, numerous western countries have followed suit. In most cases, research has shown that implementation of the policies has fallen short of expectations, with arrest rates that are surprisingly low. In New Zealand, pro–arrest strategies have been employed since 1987 and results have been similar. This article argues that one of the reasons for noncompliance in New Zealand (and probably elsewhere), is that the complexities of domestic violence situations make pro–arrest difficult to apply in practice. Moreover, in order to protect themselves from official criticism for deviating from policy, in this study frontline police sometimes filed incomplete or inaccurate incident reports. This made it hard to determine exactly how well the policy was being implemented and whether or not it was working.
Configuring Consent: Emerging Technologies, Unauthorized Sexual Images and Sexual Assault
Authors: Powell Anastasia
Published: April 2010

Contemporary teens and young adults, often collectively referred to as the .NET generation or the ‘digital generation’, represent the largest proportion of end-users in the information and communication technologies market (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2007; Australian Communications and Media Authority [ACMA], 2007, 2008). While there is much written concerning the rise in pornographic and other sexual material via the internet and mobile phones there is comparatively little published work regarding the use of information and communication technologies for the distribution of unauthorised sexual images, more particularly, where a sexual assault has occurred. This article considers the issues raised by the use of information and communication technologies in sexual violence and the distribution of unauthorised sexual images. The implications of this emerging issue are considered in light of existing and potential legislative frameworks.
Kiwis, Clubs and Drugs: Club Cultures in Wellington, New Zealand
Authors: Hutton Fiona
Published: April 2010

Illicit drug use within club cultures has been well documented internationally, but research and scholarship about New Zealand club cultures is scarce. This article explores recreational drug use among a sample of 18–48-year-old clubbers in Wellington clubs, New Zealand in 2004–5. The normalisation thesis is used as a basis for analysis with a focus on the issues raised by this thesis. The problematic issues raised by the normalisation thesis and developed in this article were that the processes of normalisation, including current regular drug use and drug-wiseness, varies between locales and between casual, formal or reformed drug users. This reflects both variation in ‘cultural accommodation of the illicit’ and the nature of the diverse population represented.
Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Boron Carbide Ceramics by Methanol Washed Powder
Authors: Ahn Jong Pil , Kim Kyoung Hun , Park Joo Seok , Chae Jae Hong , So Sung Min , Kim Hyung Sun
Published: April 2010

Boron carbide (B4C) is currently used in lightweight armors and high temperature materials, because it has high meting point, good hardness, low specific gravity and good mechanical properties. The sintering of boron carbide, however, is restricted by its high covalent bonding and B2O3coatings on B4C particles surface which can cause a microstructural coarsening during sintering. Therefore, it is necessary to remove B2O3film of By4C particles surface to restrict microstructural coarsening and densification of B4C. B4C ceramics were fabricated by a hot-press sintering and its sintering behavior, microstructure and mechanical properties were evaluated. The relative density of B4C ceramics were obtained by a hot-press sintering reached as high as 99% without any sintering additives. The mechanical properties of B4C ceramics was improved by a methanol washing which can remove B2O3phase from a B4C powder surface. This improvement is resulted from the formation of homogeneous microstructure because the grain coarsening was suppressed by the elimination of B2O3phase. Particularly, the mechanical properties of the sintered samples using a methanol washed powder improved compared with the samples using an as-received commercial powder.
Long-Range Structural Regularities and Collectivity of Folded Proteins
Authors: Atilgan Canan , Inanc Ibrahim , Atilgan Ali Rana
Published: April 2010

Coarse-grained network models of proteins successfully predict equilibrium properties related to collective modes of motion. In this study, the network construction strategies and their systematic application to proteins are used to explain the role of network models in defining the collective properties of the system. The analysis is based on the radial distribution function, a newly defined angular distribution function and the spectral dimensions of a large set of globular proteins. Our analysis shows that after reaching a certain threshold for cut-off distance, network construction has negligible effect on the collective motions and the fluctuation patterns of the residues.
Contaminantes ambientais e os interferentes endócrinos
Authors: Fontenele Eveline Gadelha Pereira , Martins Manoel Ricardo Alves , Quidute Ana Rosa Pinto , Montenegro Júnior Renan Magalhães
Published: April 2010

A toxicidade de diversos poluentes ambientais em seres humanos e demais espécies tem sido habitualmente investigada quanto aos seus efeitos teratogênicos e cancerígenos. Nas últimas décadas, muitos contaminantes têm demonstrado efeitos adversos sobre o sistema endócrino. Atualmente, cerca de onze milhões de substâncias químicas são conhecidas em todo mundo, sendo três mil delas produzidas em larga escala. Numerosos compostos químicos de uso doméstico, industrial e agrícola possuem comprovada atividade hormonal. Entre os produtos químicos com atividade estrogênica, destacam-se hormônios presentes em cosméticos, anabolizantes utilizados em rações animais, fitoestrógenos e poluentes orgânicos persistentes (POPs). Esses agentes que estão presentes nos efluentes industriais, residenciais e das estações de tratamento de água e esgoto representam uma importante fonte de contaminação ambiental. O Programa Internacional de Segurança Química (International Programme on Chemical Safety - IPCS) define como interferente endócrino substâncias ou misturas presentes no ambiente capazes de interferir nas funções do sistema endócrino, causando efeitos adversos em um organismo intacto ou na sua prole. No presente artigo, os autores apresentam uma revisão da literatura atual sobre o papel desses elementos nas doenças endócrinas e metabólicas, os prováveis mecanismos de ação envolvidos, discutindo-se perspectivas futuras em termos de investigação e estratégias para prevenção e redução dos seus possíveis danos.
Validação das equações que estimam a taxa metabólica de repouso em adolescentes meninas
Authors: Fonseca Paulo Henrique Santos da , Duarte Maria de Fátima da Silva , Barbetta Pedro Alberto
Published: April 2010

OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a validade das equações de predição da taxa metabólica de repouso (TMR) propostas por Harris e Benedicti (1919), Schofield (1985), WHO/FAO/UNU (1985), Henry e Rees (1991), Molnár e cols. (1995), Tverskaya e cols. (1998) e Müller e cols. (2004) em adolescentes meninas. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Para tanto, avaliaram-se 51 meninas entre 10 e 17 anos, sendo mensuradas as seguintes variáveis: massa corporal, estatura, massa gorda (absoluta e percentual) e massa magra (absoluta e percentual), bem como os valores do consumo de VO2 e produção de VCO2 que foram substituídos na equação de Weir (1949) considerada, neste estudo, como método padrão da TMR. Realizaram-se os seguintes procedimentos estatísticos: teste "t" pareado (p < 0,05); erro constante (EC) com diferença menor que 5% e análise gráfica de Bland e Altman (1986). RESULTADOS: As equações propostas por Tverskaya e cols. (1998) e Müller e cols. (2004) foram as únicas que apresentaram diferenças significativas entre as médias. No entanto, somente as equações propostas por Henry e Rees (1991) e Molnár e cols. (1995) obtiveram erro constante inferior a 5%. Porém, as análises gráficas de Bland e Altman (1986) revelaram que, independentemente da equação, não há concordância entre as equações e o método padrão. CONCLUSÕES: O estudo indicou que as equações não aprovaram nos critérios estipulados e que, portanto, não possuem validade no cálculo da TMR.
A suplementação de L-carnitina não promove alterações na taxa metabólica de repouso e na utilização dos substratos energéticos em indivíduos ativos
Authors: Coelho Christianne de Faria , Mota João Felipe , Ravagnani Fabrício César de Paula , Burini Roberto Carlos
Published: April 2010

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da suplementação de L-carnitina, por 30 dias, sobre a taxa metabólica de repouso (TMR) e oxidação de ácidos graxos livres (AGL), em repouso e exercício. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Vinte e um voluntários ativos (40 a 58 anos) com sobrepeso foram randomizados em dois grupos: suplementado (GS; N = 11; 1,8 g/dia de L-carnitina) e placebo (GP; N = 10; maltodextrina). Foi feita avaliação da ingestão calórica, antropometria, determinação da TMR, VO2máx, quociente respiratório e AGL plasmáticos. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa na ingestão (-244,66 vs. -126,00 kcal/dia), composição corporal (-0,07 vs. -0,17 kg/m²), TMR (0,06 vs. -0,02 kcal/ dia), quociente respiratório em repouso (3,69 vs. -1,01) e exercício (0,01 vs. -0,01) e VO2máx (0,50 vs. 1,25 mL/kg/min) para o grupo GS em relação ao GP. Houve aumento dos AGL em repouso no GP (0,27), porém sem diferenças no exercício para os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve efeito da L-carnitina em nenhuma das variáveis analisadas no estudo.
Contribution of scintigraphy and ultrasonography to the prediction of malignancy in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology
Authors: Rosário Pedro Weslley , Salles Daniela Santos , Bessa Breno , Purisch Saulo
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contribution of 131I scintigraphy and ultrasonography to the prediction of malignancy in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology in euthyroid patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 102 patients with thyroid nodules, submitted to FNAC and presenting an indeterminate cytological diagnosis (follicular neoplasm). RESULTS: Malignancy was observed in 19/25 (76%) nodules with suspicious ultrasonographic characteristics versus 5/77 (6.5%) without suspicious findings. When 131I scintigraphy showed a cold or hot nodule, the chance of malignancy was 38.5% and 2.5%, respectively. This exam was inconclusive in 10% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is indicated when a thyroid nodule with indeterminate cytology exhibits suspicious ultrasonographic characteristics. Otherwise, 131I scintigraphy can exclude thyroidectomy when reveals uptake in the nodule, which is observed in half the cases.
Butyrylcholinesterase and diabetes mellitus in the CHE2 C5- and CHE2 C5+ phenotypes
Authors: Cwiertnia Mauro M. , Alcântara Vânia M. , Réa Rosângela R. , Faria Ana Cristina R. A. , Picheth Geraldo , Scartezini Marileia , Graef Lorena E. , Welter Marciane
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship between butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities (total and band specific) and diabetes mellitus. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: BChE activities (BChEA, AC 4/5, AC OF and RC5) were analyzed in 101 type 1 (DM1) and in 145 type 2 (DM2) diabetic patients, in relation to phenotype, weight and incidence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in these patients. The C4/5 and C5 complex were separated from other molecular forms (C OF) using an acid agar gel. RESULTS: The BChE activity (BChEA) and the absolute activities of C4/5 (AC4/5) and C OF (AC OF) showed a high positive correlation coefficient to weight in the CHE2 C5- group, while the relative activity of C5 complex (RC5) showed a negative correlation to weight. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that the positive correlation of the BChE activities to diabetes mellitus and to insulin resistance may depend on the CHE2 locus variability. High values of BChE activities were associated with insulin resistance only in CHE2 C5- diabetic patients, while in CHE2 C5+ diabetic patients, the presence of C5 complex, especially in a relatively high proportion, leads to less fat storage and better protection against metabolic syndrome.
Análise renal de ultramaratonista em prova de 75 km
Authors: Lopes Thiago Ribeiro , Kirsztajn Gianna Mastroianni
Published: April 2010

OBJETIVO: Identificar alterações urinárias compatíveis com comprometimento renal em ultramaratonista e "pacer" (ciclista de apoio) ao longo de uma prova de 75 quilômetros. MÉTODOS: Para tal, utilizou-se teste de urina com fita reagente em quatro tempos diferentes, além de avaliação antropométrica. RESULTADOS: As medidas concernentes a ultramaratonista a classificaram como eutrófica, assim como o "pacer". Observou-se, assim, associação entre os momentos de esforço físico máximo e a detecção de alterações urinárias, definidas pela presença de hematúria e, por vezes, positivação da proteinúria. CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível ilustrar alteração transitória em dois indivíduos saudáveis submetidos a exercício intenso.
Proteção funcional da enzima heme-oxigenase-1 na lesão renal aguda isquêmica e tóxica
Authors: Dezoti Cassiane , Watanabe Mirian , Pinto Carolina Ferreira , Neiva Luciana Barros de Moura , Vattimo Maria de Fátima Fernandes
Published: April 2010

OBJETIVOS: Verificar a proteção funcional da heme-oxigenase (HO-1), por meio do uso do seu indutor (Hemin) e seu inibidor químico (protoporfirina de zinco-ZnPP) na lesão renal aguda isquêmica e tóxica pela Polimixina B (PmxB) em ratos. MATERIAL: Foram utilizados ratos Wistar, adultos e machos divididos em 8 grupos: SHAM (controle), Isquemia (Isq), Isq+Hemin (indutor de HO-1), Isq+ZnPP (inibidor de HO-1), SALINA (controle), Polimixina B (PmxB), PmxB+Hemin, PmxB+ZnPP. MÉTODOS: Jaffé (clearance de creatinina, Clcr) e FOX-2 (peróxidos urinários). RESULTADOS: A isquemia (30´) dos pedículos reais e a administração de PmxB reduziu o Clcr com manutenção do fluxo urinário. Os peróxidos urinários se elevaram em ambas as lesões. A administração do Indutor de HO-1 determinou melhora da função renal e redução dos níveis de peróxidos urinários. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que a isquemia e a PmxB induzem LRA oxidativa. O indutor de HO-1 atenuou a lesão em ambos os modelos por atenuação do mecanismo redox.
Correlação entre métodos de avaliação da qualidade da dose de diálise
Authors: Inoue Kelly Cristina , Kuroda Cristina Negumi , Nakayama Kazumi Gélia , Dell'Agnolo Cátia Milene , Matsuda Laura Mitsue
Published: April 2010

OBJETIVO: Verificar a correlação entre o Kt/V calculado e o Kt/V-OCM. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, com 14 pacientes submetidos a 106 hemodiálises com a máquina Fresenius 4008S, realizado numa Unidade de Terapia Intensiva para adultos, de um Hospital de Ensino do noroeste do Paraná, no período de novembro/2007 a abril/2008. RESULTADOS: Através do teste de Shapiro-Wilk, (p>0,05), foi constatado que não houve distribuição normal entre o "Kt/V calculado" e o "Kt/V da máquina". CONCLUSÃO: Pelo teste de Wilcoxon concluiu-se que houve diferença significativa (p< 0,0001) entre as duas medições. Sugere-se a realização de novos estudos que levem em consideração todos os fatores envolvidos no cálculo on-line da depuração de uréia para que o Kt/V-OCM possa ser utilizado.
Necessidades de aprendizagem de profissionais de enfermagem na assistência aos pacientes com fístula arteriovenosa
Authors: Ribeiro Rita de Cássia Helú Mendonça , Miranda Ana Luiza Leite de , Cesarino Claudia Bernardi , Bertolin Daniela Comelis , Ribeiro Daniele Fávaro , Kusumota Luciana
Published: April 2010

OBJETIVO: Identificar as necessidades de aprendizagem de profissionais de enfermagem na prestação de assistência aos pacientes portadores de fístula arteriovenosa (FAV) em hemodiálise, a fim de melhorar os cuidados prestados a estes pacientes. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com coleta de dados realizada por meio de questionário semi-estruturado entregue aos profissionais de enfermagem que atuavam na unidade de hemodiálise de um Hospital Base do interior do Estado de São Paulo. Do total de 43 profissionais, 36 (83,7%) responderam a esse questionário. RESULTADOS: Dentre os 36 participantes do estudo, 44,9% apresentaram dificuldades na assistência prestada ao paciente portador de FAV, sendo 47,2% em puncionar a FAV; 19,4% na hemostasia após a retirada das agulhas; 19,4% informaram ter dúvidas na orientação dos pacientes e 13,9% relataram falta de habilidade quando a FAV apresenta hematoma. CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível conhecer as necessidades de aprendizagem na assistência de enfermagem ao paciente portador de FAV e elaborar um protocolo para a assistência de enfermagem, a fim de melhor os cuidados prestados a estes pacientes.
Hemodiálise: estilo de vida e a adaptação do paciente
Authors: Barbosa Genesis de Souza , Valadares Glaucia Valente
Published: April 2010

OBJETIVO: Identificar como o paciente dependente de hemodiálise enfrenta no dia-a-dia o processo saúde-doença, considerando atitudes, comportamentos e práticas. MÉTODOS: Estudo de abordagem qualitativa baseado nos princípios da Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados e realizado na Associação de Doentes Renais e Transplantados do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Participaram do estudo dez sujeitos dependentes de hemodiálise. RESULTADOS: A análise apontou para a adaptação, a negação, o ajuste social e a luta contra maus sentimentos que desvelaram a categoria (Re)Construindo um novo estilo de vida: a adaptação. CONCLUSÃO: As ações do enfermeiro devem seguir para além das necessidades físicas e biológicas atingindo os campos social e psicológico, onde estratégias para a melhoria da qualidade de vida destes indivíduos devem ser consideradas, orientadas e estimuladas.
Cuidar e o ser cuidado na hemodiálise
Authors: Rodrigues Tatiana Aparecida , Botti Nadja Cristiane Lappann
Published: April 2010

OBJETIVO: Identificar a representação do cuidar na hemodiálise para a equipe de enfermagem e para o cliente em tratamento dialítico. MÉTODOS: Pesquisa qualitativa realizada no Centro Nefrológico de Minas Gerais, em Belo Horizonte, com seis técnicos de enfermagem e 12 clientes em tratamento hemodialítico. Os dados foram obtidos através de entrevista com questão norteadora e analisados sob o referencial metodológico do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. RESULTADOS: Encontramos a idéia do cuidar para equipe de enfermagem como estabelecimento de relação terapêutica, de confiança e técnica. Para o cliente, ser cuidado significa estabelecer relacionamento interpessoal, aderir ao tratamento e ter sua vida prolongada. CONCLUSÃO: As representações encontradas para o cuidar e o cuidado revelaram conceitos da relação terapêutica/interpessoal que transcendem a dimensão técnica.
Metassíntese qualitativa: desenvolvimento e contribuições para a prática baseada em evidências
Authors: Matheus Maria Clara Cassuli
Published: April 2010

A metassíntese qualitativa é um campo de pesquisa emergente com potencial contribuição para a prática baseada em evidências, apesar das controvérsias de caráter conceitual e metodológico. Na última década, inúmeras publicações têm apontado a relevância deste tipo de estudo e os diferentes métodos para conduzir a síntese de pesquisas qualitativas. O presente artigo é uma sinopse destes aspectos, incluindo as etapas da metassíntese.