bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Liberal Economist and Economic Policy Reform in Nineteenth-Century Greece: The Case of Ioannes Soutsos
Authors: Psalidopoulos Michalis M. , Stassinopoulos Yorgos
Published: September 2009

This paper analyses the critique of Ioannes Soutsos (1804–1890), the first academic economist of modern Greece, toward priorities, weaknesses and shortcomings of Greek economic policy of the 19th century. Emphasis is laid in his interventions in 1843 (when the first constitution was introduced), in 1863 (when a new king was appointed as head of the country) and in 1876-9 (when foreign lending was resumed after a long financial embargo against Greece). These interventions reveal a liberal economist who was a precursor in what is today known as constitutional economics, who stressed the role of efficient institutions for the promotion of economic development and favored sound public finance as a basis for a strong currency and a prerequisite of growth.

The paper puts Soutsos' economic policy recommendations against his theoretical formation as an economist, and examines his views on methodology and the influences Pellegino Rossi and Jean-Baptiste Say exerted in his thought and writings. In this context European economic liberalism of the 19th century is revisited and the question about its relevance for the new-born states of South-Eastern Europe, where nationalism was a major ideological current, requiring a financially strong state, is examined.
On the Other (Invisible) Hand...
Authors: Brewer Anthony
Published: September 2009

The invisible hand as it appears in the Theory of Moral Sentiments is commonly treated as an afterthought in discussions of the version in the Wealth of Nations, but it deserves attention in its own right. I will argue that there is an entirely coherent (if not entirely plausible) economic argument underpinning the invisible hand of the Theory of Moral Sentiments. It is quite different from the invisible hand argument of the Wealth of Nations, not because of any conflict but because they address different questions. The argument in the Theory of Moral Sentiments allowed Smith to maintain an ironic distance from the inequality and greed that he saw around him while arguing that it did no harm, and allowed him to resolve, at least to his own satisfaction, an age-old debate about the ethical and political consequences of luxury consumption. Some of these themes were further developed in the Wealth of Nations, but without the phrase 'invisible hand', which was switched to a different part of the argument.
Primitive Accumulation
Authors: Holton Woody
Published: September 2009

Nearly every free American who lived through the recession of the 1780s blamed it, in part, on the thirteen state governments. However, two main camps staked out diametrically-opposed positions on what precisely the states had done wrong. James Madison, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and many of the other men who went on to write the United States Constitution believed the states had damaged the economy by caving in to farmers' demands for tax-reduction and debt-mitigation measures that brought temporary relief while wreaking long-term havoc. They believed the excessively-democratic state assemblies had bungled their way into a vivid demonstration of the perils of popular rule. On the other hand, thousands of other Americans contended that the assemblies had undercut farmers' productive capacity with stringent monetary policies and predatory taxes. They blamed the recession on elite, not popular, misrule. This debate is important if only because the elitist analysis associated with men like Hamilton and Madison became the basis for the adoption of the Constitution.
Compliance and technical feasibility of long-term health monitoring with wearable and ambient technologies
Authors: Merilahti Juho , Pärkkä Juha , Antila Kari , Paavilainen Paula , Mattila Elina , Malm Esko-Juhani , Saarinen Ari , Korhonen Ilkka
Published: August 2009

We developed a system consisting of both wearable and ambient technologies designed to monitor personal wellbeing for several months during daily life. The variables monitored included bodyweight, blood pressure, heart-rate variability and air temperature. Two different user groups were studied: there were 17 working-age subjects participating in a vocational rehabilitation programme and 19 elderly people living in an assisted living facility. The working-age subjects collected data for a total of 1406 days; the average participation period was 83 days (range 43–99). The elderly subjects collected data for a total of 1593 days; the average participation period was 84 days (range 19–107). Usage, technical feasibility and usability of the system were also studied. Some technical and practical problems appeared which we had not expected such as thunder storm damage to equipment in homes and scheduling differences between staff and the subjects. The users gave positive feedback in almost all their responses in a questionnaire. The study suggests that the data-collection rate is likely be 70–90% for typical health monitoring data.
Implementation of a broadband video consultation service for children with posture and movement disorders
Authors: Visser Jacqueline JW , Bloo Johan KC , Grobbe Frans A , Vollenbroek-Hutten Miriam MR
Published: August 2009

We evaluated the implementation of a video consultation service in a regional community of paediatric physiotherapists. Twenty-two paediatric therapists in primary care settings and a rehabilitation centre participated in this study. The implementation comprised three phases: introduction, learning and consultation. Evaluation of the implementation focused on the participants' satisfaction with regard to the implementation procedure, the education received, the technical helpdesk support and the usage of the application once put into practice. The introduction phase was very short (only two sessions) but the learning phase took much longer; it took 12 months for 21 therapists to complete the learning phase. Only 14 of the 21 therapists entered the actual consultation phase. Participants were generally satisfied with the education received and judged the helpdesk to be sufficient. The helpdesk was contacted 36 times by 14 participants. Within the 12-month study period, the therapists performed 24 video consultations. The average time to compose a question was 115 min and the average time to answer it was 43 min. Implementation of a video consultation service is possible but takes more time than initially foreseen and only about two-thirds of the professionals actually adopted it into routine practice.
Telehealth applications in speech-language pathology: a modified narrative review
Authors: Reynolds Andrea Leigh , Vick Jessica Lindsay , Haak Nancy Jeanne
Published: August 2009

We conducted a modified narrative review of the literature on telehealth applications used in speech-language pathology assessment and treatment. The following databases and information resources were used: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PSYCInfo, ERIC, Digital Dissertations, CSA Social Services Abstracts, CSA Sociological Abstracts, On-line ASHA publications and personal contacts. Sixty-two full-text documents were located. Twenty-eight provided sufficient detail to be reviewed using a checklist adapted from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) recommendations for level of evidence rankings and quality assessment ratings. Five of the 28 studies received a ranking indicating a high level of evidence (larger sample sizes, assessed outcomes with valid and reliable measures, performed statistical analysis of study results, measured reliability of study results, ensured internal and external validity, and ensured randomization of participants to groups). These five studies concluded that the service delivery results from telehealth were equivalent to traditional face-to-face results. However, telehealth was not a complete replacement for face-to-face service delivery and further research is required.
The attitudes of multiprofessional teams to telehealth adoption in northern Finland health centres
Authors: Vuononvirta Tiina , Timonen Markku , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka , Timonen Olavi , Ylitalo Kirsti , Kanste Outi , Taanila Anja
Published: August 2009

A telehealth network was established between seven health centres, the local university and the university hospital in the Oulu Arc Subregion in a rural area of northern Finland. During the period 2004–2007, the videophone network was used for different types of teleconsultation (orthopaedics, psychiatry, diabetes, rehabilitation), continuing education and various patient care and administrative meetings. Qualitative research with observation and interviews with 30 professionals (physicians, nurses, psychiatric nurses, physiotherapists) was carried out in early 2007 to find out health-care professionals' attitudes toward telehealth and to see how the attitudes were connected to telehealth usage. Overall, the attitudes were more positive than negative, ranging from negative to enthusiastically positive. Diversity of attitudes occurred in relation to time, situation, profession, health centre and telehealth application. Ten different types of telehealth adopters were recognized: enthusiastic user, positive user, critical user, hesitant user, positive participant, hesitant participant, critical participant, neutral participant, negative participant and positive non-participant. Telehealth was especially well accepted in continuing education and in diabetes teleconsultations. The study showed that a negative attitude was not a definite barrier to telehealth adoption, but it did require additional attention from project workers and managers. Project staff and managers need to take into account the diverse attitudes of health professionals, because different people require different actions to adopt telehealth in their work.
Feasibility of blood pressure telemonitoring in patients with poor blood pressure control
Authors: McCant Felicia , McKoy Gwendolyn , Grubber Janet , Olsen Maren K , Oddone Eugene , Powers Benjamin , Bosworth Hayden B
Published: August 2009

We examined the feasibility of using home blood pressure (BP) telemonitoring devices for managing patients with poor BP control. We enrolled 591 subjects with a diagnosis of hypertension. Patients were randomized to usual care ( n = 147) or to the intervention arm ( n = 441). Those in the intervention arm were issued with a home BP telemonitoring device. The device transmitted BP readings automatically via the home telephone line. Technical alerts were generated if patients did not transmit their BP readings according to the protocol. During the first six months, 693 technical alerts were generated by 267 patients. About half of these patients (112) generated more than two technical alerts. Resolution of the alerts showed that 61% were caused by patient non-adherence. Patients who generated >2 technical alerts were younger (61 vs. 64 years; P = 0.001) and were more likely to be non-Caucasian (64% vs. 47%, P = 0.002) than those generating 2 or fewer alerts. Despite the potential for improving health care using home BP telemonitoring, certain patients will require more support to use the equipment successfully.
Research Note—Does Technological Progress Alter the Nature of Information Technology as a Production Input? New Evidence and New Results
Authors: Chwelos Paul , Ramirez Ronald , Kraemer Kenneth L. , Melville Nigel P.
Published: September 2009

Prior research at the firm level finds information technology (IT) to be a net substitute for both labor and non-IT capital inputs. However, it is unclear whether these results hold, given recent IT innovations and continued price declines. In this study we extend prior research to examine whether these input relationships have evolved over time. First, we introduce new price indexes to account for varying technological progress across different types of IT hardware. Second, we use the rental price methodology to measure capital in terms of the flow of services provided. Finally, we use hedonic methods to extend our IT measures to 1998, enabling analysis spanning the emergence of the Internet. Analyzing approximately 9,800 observations from over 800 Fortune 1,000 firms for the years 1987–1998, we find firm demand for IT to be elastic for decentralized IT and inelastic for centralized IT. Moreover, Allen Elasticity of Substitution estimates confirm that through labor substitution, the increasing factor share of IT comes at the expense of labor. Last, we identify a complementary relationship between IT and ordinary capital, suggesting an evolution in this relationship as firms have shifted to more decentralized organizational forms. We discuss these results in terms of prior research, suggest areas of future research, and discuss managerial implications.

*This paper is dedicated to the memory of Paul Chwelos, respected colleague and dear friend.
Electronic Markets, Search Costs, and Firm Boundaries
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Ramesh , Sundararajan Arun
Published: September 2009

We study how interorganizational systems (IOS) such as electronic markets and other enabling information technologies that facilitate broader interfirm transactions affect the extent of outsourcing in firms. We do so by modeling firms in a three-tier value chain consisting of buyers, intermediaries, and suppliers, who can interact using IOS that lower the procurement search costs associated with finding appropriate trading partners. In the context of complex business-to-business (B2B) search, we study how decreasing search costs affect a firm's decision to insource or outsource the procurement function, depending on whether the search process is information intensive or communication intensive. Variation in search costs changes the transaction costs of interaction between firms, as well as the contracting costs associated with outsourcing, owing to changes in the costs of moral hazard for delegated search. We study these effects in a new model that integrates search theory into the principal-agent framework, and establish that the optimal outsourcing contract has a simple “all or nothing” performance-based structure under fairly general assumptions. Our model predicts that when B2B search is information intensive, IOS will facilitate an increase in outsourcing, market-based transactions, and a reduction in the vertical scope of extended enterprises. In contrast, when B2B search is primarily communication intensive, IOS will lead to tighter integration and an increase in the vertical scope of the extended enterprise. Our research suggests that the nature of the information technologies and of the business activities supported by IOS are crucial determinants of the organizational and industry changes they induce, and our results have important implications for a variety of industries in which both technological and agency issues will influence the eventual success of global IT-facilitated extended enterprise initiatives.
Cementless total hip replacement with subtrochanteric femoral shortening for severe developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Nagoya S. , Kaya M. , Sasaki M. , Tateda K. , Kosukegawa I. , Yamashita T.
Published: August 2009

Total hip replacement for high dislocation of the hip joint remains technically difficult in terms of preparation of the true acetabulum and restoration of leg length. We describe our experience of cementless total hip replacement combined with a subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy in 20 hips with Crowe grade IV dislocation with a mean follow-up of 8.1 years (4 to 11.5). There was one man and 17 women with a mean age of 55 years (44 to 69) at the time of the operation.

After placment of the acetabular component at the site of the natural acetabulum, a cementless porous-coated cylindrical femoral component was implanted following a subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy.

The mean Japanese Orthopedic Association hip score improved from a mean of 38 (22 to 62) to a mean of 83 points (55 to 98) at the final follow-up. The mean lengthening of the leg was 14.8 mm (−9 to 34) in patients with iliofemoral osteoarthritis and 35.3 mm (15 to 51) in patients with no arthritic changes. No nerve palsy was observed.

Total hip replacement combined with subtrochanteric shortening femoral osteotomy in this situation is beneficial in avoiding nerve injury and still permits valuable improvement in inequality of leg length.
Acetabular revision with impacted morsellised cancellous bone grafting and a cemented acetabular component
Authors: Schreurs B. W. , Keurentjes J. C. , Gardeniers J. W. M. , Verdonschot N. , Slooff T. J. J. H. , Veth R. P. H.
Published: August 2009

We present an update of the clinical and radiological results of 62 consecutive acetabular revisions using impacted morsellised cancellous bone grafts and a cemented acetabular component in 58 patients, at a mean follow-up of 22.2 years (20 to 25). The Kaplan-Meier survivorship for the acetabular component with revision for any reason as the endpoint was 75% at 20 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 62 to 88) when 16 hips were at risk. Excluding two revisions for septic loosening at three and six years, the survivorship at 20 years was 79% (95% CI 67 to 93). With further exclusions of one revision of a well-fixed acetabular component after 12 years during a femoral revision and two after 17 years for wear of the acetabular component, the survivorship for aseptic loosening was 87% at 20 years (95% CI 76 to 97). At the final review 14 of the 16 surviving hips had radiographs available. There was one additional case of radiological loosening and four acetabular reconstructions showed progressive radiolucent lines in one or two zones.

Acetabular revision using impacted large morsellised bone chips (0.5 cm to 1 cm in diameter) and a cemented acetabular component remains a reliable technique for reconstruction, even when assessed at more than 20 years after surgery.
Total shoulder replacement in rheumatoid disease
Authors: Betts H. M. , Abu-Rajab R. , Nunn T. , Brooksbank A. J.
Published: August 2009

We describe the longer term clinical and radiological findings in a prospectively followed series of 49 rheumatoid patients (58 shoulders) who had undergone Neer II total shoulder replacement. The early and intermediate results have been published previously.

At a mean follow-up of 19.8 years (16.5 to 23.8) 14 shoulders survived. Proximal migration of the humeral component was associated with progressive loosening of the glenoid and humeral components, but was independent of the state of the rotator cuff at the time of operation. Despite these changes the range of movement was preserved. Most patients had little or no pain in the shoulder, could sleep undisturbed and could attend to personal hygiene and grooming.
Navigational predictors in determining the necessity for collateral ligament release in total knee replacement
Authors: Hakki S. , Coleman S. , Saleh K. , Bilotta V. J. , Hakki A.
Published: August 2009

The requirement for release of collateral ligaments to achieve a stable, balanced total knee replacement has been reported to arise in about 50% to 100% of procedures. This wide range reflects a lack of standardised quantitative indicators to determine the necessity for a release. Using recent advances in computerised navigation, we describe two navigational predictors which provide quantitative measures that can be used to identify the need for release. The first was the ability to restore the mechanical axis before any bone resection was performed and the second was the discrepancy in the measured medial and lateral joint spaces after the tibial osteotomy, but before any femoral resection.

These predictors showed a significant association with the need for collateral ligament release (p < 0.001). The first predictor using the knee stress test in extension showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98% and the second, the difference between medial and lateral gaps in millimetres, a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 95%. The use of the two navigational predictors meant that only ten of the 93 patients required collateral ligament release to achieve a stable, neutral knee.
Closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy using computer-assisted surgery compared to the conventional technique
Authors: Bae D. K. , Song S. J. , Yoon K. H.
Published: August 2009

We assessed the reliability, accuracy and variability of closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) using computer-assisted surgery compared to the conventional technique. A total of 50 closed-wedge HTO procedures were performed using the navigation system, and compared with 50 HTOs that had been performed with the conventional technique. In the navigation group, the mean mechanical axis prior to osteotomy was varus 8.2°, and the mean mechanical axis following fixation was valgus 3.6°. On the radiographs the mean pre-operative mechanical axis was varus 7.3°, and the mean post-operative mechanical axis was valgus 2.1°. There was a positive correlation between the measured data taken under navigation and by radiographs (r > 0.3, p < 0.05). The mean correction angle was significantly more accurate in the navigation group (p < 0.002). The variability of the correction was significantly lower in the navigation group (2.3° vs 3.7°, p = 0,012). We conclude that navigation provides reliable real-time intra-operative information, may increase accuracy, and improves the precision of a closed-wedge HTO.
Early experience with reduction of displaced disruption of the pelvic ring using a pelvic reduction frame
Authors: Lefaivre K. A. , Starr A. J. , Barker B. P. , Overturf S. , Reinert C. M.
Published: August 2009

We describe our early operative experience with a new pelvic reduction frame and the standard of reduction of fractures of the pelvic ring which we achieved in the first 35 consecutive patients, with 34 acute fractures and one nonunion. The pre-operative and immediate post-operative radiographs were measured, using two methods, to find the maximum radiological displacement of the fracture and the quality of the reduction according to the criteria of Tornetta and Matta.

There were 19 vertical shear fractures and 16 compression injuries. The mean age of the patients was 33.5 years (10 to 59) and mean delay to surgery was 4.6 days (0 to 16) in the 34 acute injuries. The mean operative time in isolated procedures was 103.4 minutes (sd 6.5). All but one patient had iliosacral screws implanted, 18 had screws in the anterior column, six had plates at the symphysis pubis and 12 had anterior external fixators. The mean maximum horizontal or vertical displacement was improved from 30.8 mm (sd 2.7) to a mean of 7.1 mm (sd 0.7). The reduction was assessed as excellent in ten patients, good in 18, and fair in the remainder. There was no significant influence on the quality of the reduction caused by obesity (p = 0.34), the type of fracture (p = 0.41) or delay to surgery (p = 0.83).

The frame was shown to be effective, allowing the surgeon to obtain a satisfactory reduction and fixation of acute displaced disruptions of the pelvic ring.
Translaminar screw fixation of a kyphosis of the cervical and thoracic spine in neurofibromatosis
Authors: Gardner A. , Millner P. , Liddington M. , Towns G.
Published: August 2009

The spinal manifestations of neurofibromatosis include cervicothoracic kyphosis, in which scalloping of the vertebral body and erosion of the pedicles may render conventional techniques of fixation impossible. We describe a case of cervicothoracic kyphosis managed operatively with a vascularised fibular graft anteriorly across the apex of the kyphus, followed by a long posterior construct using translaminar screws, which allow segmental fixation in vertebral bodies where placement of the pedicle screws was impracticable.
Lateral compression fractures of the superior pubic ramus with intra-articular extension
Authors: Laflamme G. Y. , Delisle J. , Rouleau D. , Uzel A.-P. , Leduc S.
Published: August 2009

A total of 30 patients with lateral compression fractures of the pelvis with intra-articular extension into the anterior column were followed for a mean of 4.2 years (2 to 6), using the validated functional outcome tools of the musculoskeletal function assessment and the short-form health survey (SF-36). The functional outcome was compared with that of a series of patients who had sustained type-B1 and type-C pelvic fractures. The lateral-compression group included 20 men and ten women with a mean age of 42.7 years (13 to 84) at the time of injury.

Functional deficits were noted for the mental component summary score (p = 0.008) and in the social function domain (p < 0.05) of the SF-36. There was no evidence of degenerative arthritis in the lateral-compression group. However, they had high functional morbidity including greater emotional and psychological distress.
Simultaneous osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis in a patient with cancer of the breast
Authors: Huang K.-Y. , Yang R.-S. , Hsieh C.-C.
Published: August 2009

Breast cancer is generally managed surgically with adjuvant agents which include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and bisphosphonate therapy. However, some of these adjuvant therapies may cause adverse events, including wound infection, neutropenia, bone marrow suppression and fever. The simultaneous presentation of osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis has not previously been described in patients with breast cancer undergoing hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

We report a patient with breast cancer who developed bone infarcts in both legs as well as osteomyelitis in the right distal tibia after treatment which included a modified radical mastectomy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. Simultaneous osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis should be considered in patients with breast cancer who are receiving chemotherapy and hormone therapy who present with severe bone pain, especially if there have been infective episodes during treatment.
Bone sarcomas arising in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Chowdhry M. , Hughes C. , Grimer R. J. , Sumathi V. , Wilson S. , Jeys L.
Published: August 2009

We identified eight patients of 2900 with a primary malignant bone tumour who had coexisting neurofibromatosis type 1. This was a much higher incidence than would be expected by chance. The patients had a mean age of 22.4 years (9 to 54): five were male. Two patients subsequently developed a second bone sarcoma, one of which was radiation induced. Four of the primary tumours were osteosarcomas, four were spindle-cell sarcomas and one a Ewing’s sarcoma. All the patients were treated with chemotherapy and surgery: six of the eight appear to be cured.

This study suggests a possible relationship between neurofibromatosis type 1 and the development of a bone sarcoma, the increased risk being estimated at eight times that of the normal population. We recommend that further research into this possible link should be considered.
Ceramic-on-metal bearings in total hip replacement
Authors: Isaac G. H. , Brockett C. , Breckon A. , van der Jagt D. , Williams S. , Hardaker C. , Fisher J. , Schepers A.
Published: August 2009

This study reports on ceramic-on-metal (CoM) bearings in total hip replacement. Whole blood metal ion levels were measured. The median increase in chromium and cobalt at 12 months was 0.08 μg/1 and 0.22 μg/1, respectively, in CoM bearings. Comparable values for metal-on-metal (MoM) were 0.48 μg/1 and 0.32 μg/1. The chromium levels were significantly lower in CoM than in MoM bearings (p = 0.02). The cobalt levels were lower, but the difference was not significant. Examination of two explanted ceramic heads revealed areas of thin metal transfer. CoM bearings (one explanted head and acetabular component, one explanted head and new acetabular component, and three new heads and acetabular components) were tested in a hip joint simulator. The explanted head and acetabular component had higher bedding-in. However, after one million cycles all the wear rates were the same and an order of magnitude less than that reported for MoM bearings. There were four outliers in each clinical group, primarily related to component malposition.
Subperiosteal resection of aneurysmal bone cysts of the distal fibula
Authors: Abuhassan F. O. , Shannak A. O.
Published: August 2009

We describe the treatment by subperiosteal resection of an aneurysmal bone cyst in the distal fibula in eight patients and highlight the role of the periosteum in the regeneration of bone defects. The mean age of the patients was 13.5 years (12 to 17). Seven had an open growth plate. The mean size of the resected specimen was 5.12 cm (3.5 to 8.0). None of the patients received instillation of bone marrow, autogenous bone graft, allograft or any synthetic bone substitutes.

All had complete regeneration of the bone defect within three to nine months, with no joint instability or recurrence.

The mean length of follow-up was 11.5 years (2 to 18). At the final follow-up there was no difference in the range of movement, alignment or stability of the ankle when compared with the opposite side. The periosteum played a major role in the complete filling of the bone defects and avoided the morbidity of other techniques.
The management of septic arthritis in children
Authors: Kang S.-N. , Sanghera T. , Mangwani J. , Paterson J. M. H. , Ramachandran M.
Published: August 2009

We performed a systematic review of the optimal management of septic arthritis in children as recommended in the current English literature using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and reference lists of retrieved articles without date restrictions up to 31 January 2009. From 2236 citations, 227 relevant full-text articles were screened in detail; 154 papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria, from which conclusions were drawn on the management of infected joints in children.

Our review showed that no single investigation, including joint aspiration, is sufficiently reliable to diagnose conclusively joint infection. The roles of aspiration, arthrotomy and arthroscopy in treatment are not clear cut, and the ideal duration of antibiotic therapy is not yet fully defined. These issues are discussed. Further large-scale, multi-centre studies are needed to delineate the optimal management of paediatric septic arthritis.
The ad coefficient as a descriptive measure of the within‐group agreement of ratings
Authors: Kreuzpointner Ludwig , Simon Patricia , Theis Fabian J.
Published: August 2009

The ad coefficient was developed to measure the within‐group agreement of ratings. The underlying theory as well as the construction of the coefficient are explained. The ad coefficient ranges from 0 to 1, regardless of the number of scale points, raters, or items. With some limitations the measure of the within‐group agreement of different groups and groups from different studies is directly comparable. For statistical significance testing, the binomial distribution is introduced as a model of the ratings' random distribution given the true score of a group construct. This method enables a decision about essential agreement and not only about a significant difference from 0 or a chosen critical value. The ad coefficient identifies a single true score within a group. It is not provided for multiple true score settings. The comparison of the ad coefficient with other agreement indices shows that the new coefficient is in line with their outcomes, but does not result in infinite or inappropriate values.
Bayesian analysis for finite mixture in non‐recursive non‐linear structural equation models
Authors: Li Yong , Wang Hai‐Zhong
Published: August 2009

This paper considers finite mixtures of structural equation models with non‐linear effects of exogenous latent variables and non‐recursive relations among endogenous latent variables. A Bayesian approach is developed to analyse this kind of model. In order to cope with the label switching problem, the permutation sampler is used to choose an appropriate identification constraint. Furthermore, a hybrid Markov chain Monte Carlo method that combines the Gibbs sampler, Metropolis–Hastings algorithm, and Langevin–Hastings algorithm is implemented to produce the Bayesian outputs. Finally, the proposed approach is illustrated by a simulation study and a real example.
A qualitative study of the acceptability of an intensive format for the delivery of cognitive‐behavioural therapy for obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Bevan Anna , Oldfield Victoria B. , Salkovskis Paul M.
Published: August 2009

Objectives. An intensive format may be both useful and effective for the delivery of cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) for obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). However, the acceptability of an intensive treatment format from the perspective of service users is unknown. This study examines service user perspectives on the acceptability of an intensive versus a standard weekly treatment format.

Design. The study comprises a detailed comparative qualitative analysis of the perspectives of service users who have completed either intensive or weekly CBT for OCD.

Methods. Six treatment completers in each format (matched for age, gender, and symptom changeover the course of treatment) were asked to reflect on helpful and problematic aspects of their treatment format, and to consider the differences between treatment formats. The interviews were transcribed and analysed in detail using thematic analysis.

Results. Individual differences were apparent in preference for treatment format. Weekly treatment completers were concerned that intensive treatment could be overwhelming or too brief for real change to take place. However, intensive treatment completers valued the high pressure and pace and felt that it improved motivation, engagement, and eventual outcome.

Conclusion. An intensive treatment format for the delivery of CBT for OCD can be highly motivating and acceptable to service users who have chosen to undertake it. Good quality follow‐up and crisis support may be particularly important following intensive treatment.
Overgeneral autobiographical memory in women: Association with childhood abuse and history of depression in a community sample
Authors: Aglan Azza , Williams J. Mark G. , Pickles Andrew , Hill Jonathan
Published: August 2009

Objective. Numerous studies have reported elevated levels of overgeneral autobiographical memory among depressed patients and also among those previously exposed to a traumatic event. No previous study has examined their joint association with overgeneral memory in a community sample, nor examined whether the associations are with both juvenile‐ and adult‐onset depression.

Methods. The current study examined the relative importance of exposure to childhood abuse and neglect in overgeneral memory of women with and without a history of major depressive disorder (MDD). Autobiographical memory test together with standardized interviews of childhood experiences and MDD were assessed in a risk‐stratified community sample of 103 women aged 25–37.

Results. Overgenerality in memory was associated with recalled childhood sexual abuse (CSA) but not other adversities. A history of CSA was predictive of overgeneral memory bias even in the absence of MDD. Our analyses indicated no significant association between a history of MDD and overgeneral memory in women who reported no CSA. However, overgeneral memory was increased in women who reported CSA and MDD with a significant difference found in relation to positive cues, the highest scores being seen among those with adult rather than juvenile‐onset depression.

Conclusions. The findings highlight the significance of CSA in predicting overgeneral memory, differential response in relation to positive and negative cue memories, and point to a specific role in the development of depression for overgeneral memory following CSA.
Losing on all fronts: The effects of negative versus positive person‐based campaigns on implicit and explicit evaluations of political candidates
Authors: Carraro Luciana , Gawronski Bertram , Castelli Luigi
Published: August 2009

The current research investigated the effects of negative as compared to positive person‐based political campaigns on explicit and implicit evaluations of the involved candidates. Participants were presented with two political candidates and statements that one of them ostensibly said during the last political campaign. For half of the participants, the campaign included positive remarks about the source of the statement (positive campaign); for the remaining half, the campaign included negative remarks about the opponent (negative campaign). Afterwards, participants completed measures of explicit and implicit evaluations of both candidates. Results indicate that explicit evaluations of the source, but not the opponent, were less favourable after negative as compared to positive campaigns. In contrast, implicit evaluations were less favourable for both candidates after negative campaigns. The results are discussed in terms of associative and propositional processes, highlighting the importance of associative processes in political decision making.
Dependency of illness evaluation on the social comparison context: Findings with implicit measures of affective evaluation of asthma
Authors: Petersen Sibylle , Ritz Thomas
Published: August 2009

Objectives. The affective dimension of illness representation plays an important role in asthma self‐management. However, little is known about the stability of this affective representation across contexts. We explored the role of social comparison in this affective evaluation.

Design and methods. Participants included 20 individuals reporting an asthma diagnosis and 33 healthy controls. To measure asthma attitudes, we used three different versions of the Implicit Association Test (IAT), a single target IAT (ST‐IAT) and two IATs with different social comparison standards for asthma evaluation (1) HIV and (2) diabetes. Reaction times to pair asthma with positive or negative word stimuli in the three IATs were compared in a repeated measure ANOVA. Furthermore, the relationship between affective evaluation, self‐reported asthma‐specific coping, and negative affect was explored.

Results. Individuals reporting an asthma diagnosis showed a stronger negative evaluation of asthma than healthy individuals in the ST‐IAT. This negative evaluation was positively related to the self‐report of dysfunctional coping strategies. However, in the IAT introducing a downward social comparison with HIV, evaluation of asthma was less negative and no longer positively related to the report of dysfunctional coping.

Conclusion. Downward social comparison can buffer against negative affective evaluation of asthma. The context dependency of illness‐related attitudes requires attention in future research and asthma management practice.
Cognitive vulnerability in the development of concomitant pain and sleep disturbances
Authors: MacDonald Shane , Linton Steven J. , Jansson‐Fröjmark Markus
Published: August 2009

Objectives. The present study uses a cognitive behavioural framework to explore the idea that people with pain and sleep disturbances share a common cognitive vulnerability.

Design. A longitudinal classification of people (N =592) in a community sample reporting on symptoms of pain and sleep at baseline, 3 and 12 months after the initial survey.

Method. Cluster analysis was used to classify people reporting different degrees of symptoms, and their endorsement of cognitive behavioural processes, and consequences at each time point. Groups in similar clusters were linked at adjacent time points to document patterns of stability and change. The clusters are described at baseline on a range of indices not used to form them (problem duration, problem frequency, anxiety, and depression). Reliable change in reports of symptom‐related interference was cross tabulated with reliable change in cognitive behavioural processes and consequences.

Results. Cluster analyses resulted in six homogenous and distinct profiles at each time point. Linking the clusters over time showed partial individual stability in cluster membership at adjacent time points. Reliable change in symptom‐related interference was associated with reliable change in endorsement of cognitive behavioural processes and consequences on the short term.

Conclusion. The character and partial individual stability of symptom cluster membership suggests that problems with pain and sleep may share mutually maintaining cognitive behavioural processes and consequences. Future research should examine the utility of identifying mutually maintaining factors in the treatment of concomitant pain and sleep disturbances.
Say there was: The serious humor of Mark Halliday
Authors: Webb Charles Harper
Published: August 2009

More than 2000 years after Aristotle declared tragedy superior to comedy, humor in poetry still gets, if not exactly no respect, not very much. Mainstream verse has partially absorbed the influence of stand up poetry; but it does so apologetically: “So-and-So is funny sometimes, true. But he can really write.” Yet comedy may be better-suited than tragedy to capture the absurdities, enormities, and pathos of 21st century life. Humor also deals effectively with the philosophical and political concerns addressed by the often obscure and difficult avant-garde; and it does so without sacrificing readability. Mark Halliday's poems are a case in point, their humor and entertainment value inseparable from a seriousness which sheds considerable light on the problems of being human in the post-modern world.
Stevie Smith's serious comedy
Authors: Halliday Mark
Published: August 2009

Stevie Smith was a deeply original and serious poet who masqueraded as a poet of eccentric light verse, as if tempting her less perceptive readers to expose their own conventionality by dismissing her as an entertainer. Her poetic voice often imitates the voice of an impatient bright child, or the voice of an impetuous or irritable person amateurishly imitating classic poetry; but these imitations turn out to be strategies employed by Stevie Smith to achieve startling effects as what seems at first to be naïve then comes to seem strangely ironic and penetrating. As in all great comic writers, Smith's humor can be felt as an unsettling possibility always vibrating in her voice. Some of her most comic poems arise from her drastic skepticism about romantic love and marriage. She finds many ways to expose and satirize the arrogance of men, while also pointing out ways in which women cooperate with that arrogance. She implies that romantic passion is an illusion from which people need to escape so as to find another, less melodramatic center of value.
Truth be told: Humor in postconfessional poetry
Authors: Groom Kelle
Published: August 2009

Denise Duhamel and Michael Burkard continue the work of postconfessional poets like Robert Lowell, Sylvia Plath, and Anne Sexton using humor to explore culturally taboo topics and expand the traditional range of poetic subjects. The works of Duhamel and Burkard often explore subjects that are secret, shameful or unspoken made approachable through tender and satirical humor to turn these issues into something beautiful. Duhamel uses humor to critique American culture and the domestic arena with the clarity of an outsider while Burkard uses humor to write about loss and recovery, discovering the fantastic in the familiar. Through humor in first-person confessional poems these poets create a more open environment where the poet and their audiences may confront the truth of themselves and the world in which they live.
Humor and poetry: Snapping out of it
Authors: Hecht Jennifer Michael
Published: August 2009

The article argues that humor and poetry are “arts of sudden knowledge,” along with art, meditation, and psychology. In arts of sudden knowledge one paradigm suddenly gives way to another. They are based on the embarrassment of narrative inventions. Sonnets are particularly associated with turns, usually in the final couplet. Jokes too have a pivot, at the punchline. We live in a moral world that exists within a world in which animals eat each other to live. The parrot is in so many jokes because it highlights the line between who talks and who gets eaten. Two parrot jokes are told in the essay, one in prose, one in poetry. Poetry and humor, like the other arts of sudden knowledge, affect people physically, and we judge poetry and humor by feel. In a discussion of taking an idea from humor to philosophy, the example of today's gym culture is discussed. Kant and Schopenhauer are both cited describing humor as a sudden realization of a mistranslation. A poem by Sarah Manguso is included, from her book
Funny poetry gets slammed: Humor as strategy in the poetry slam movement
Authors: Aptowicz Cristin O'Keefe
Published: August 2009

Over two decades ago, the Poetry Slam—a raucous poetry competition where random audience members serve as judges—was invented by a Chicago construction worker who felt driven to bring poetry back to the people. It worked, and the popularity of the poetry slam and its poets has created a passionate new generation of writers and audience members, particularly among those demographics traditionally underrepresented in poetry (youth poets, queer poets, poets of color, among others). But how has all this attention and pressure a¤ected the poetry created within the Poetry Slam? By breaking down the Poetry Slam movement into three defined waves, Aptowicz explores how the use of humor as a strategy within the Poetry Slam has evolved over these years. By focusing on specific humorous poets who have succeeded within the Poetry Slam, she shows how these poets have had an ever-changing idea of what it meant to be a slam poet, both in terms of the type of poetry and performance expected of them, as well as the type of rewards they themselves expected if they did prove successful within the Poetry Slam.
φ(Fn ) = Fm
Authors: Luca Florian , Nicolae Florin
Published: August 2009

We show that 1, 2 and 3 are the only Fibonacci numbers whose Euler functions are also Fibonacci numbers.
Twelfth Power Qualified Residue Difference Sets
Authors: Byard Kevin
Published: August 2009

Qualified residue difference sets of power
Conjugacy Classes and Class Number
Authors: Burungale Ashay
Published: August 2009

It is shown that the conjugacy classes of integral matrices with a given irreducible characteristic polynomial is in bijection with the class group of a corresponding order in an algebraic number field.
Infinite Families of Divisibility Properties Modulo 4 for Non-Squashing Partitions into Distinct Parts
Authors: Hirschhorn Michael D. , Rødseth Øystein J. , Sellers James A.
Published: August 2009

In 2005, Sloane and Sellers defined a function
Waring's Number in a Finite Field
Authors: Cipra James Arthur
Published: August 2009

Let
Electrical Arc Ignition Testing for Common Handheld Electrical Devices in Oxygen-Enriched Atmosphere
Authors: Sparks Kyle , Gallus Timothy , Smith Sarah
Published: August 2009

Electrical arc ignition is a concern for materials used in low pressure oxygen-enriched environments such as inside spacecraft. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center requested that the NASA White Sands Test Facility conduct arc ignition tests to evaluate the hazard of electrical arc ignition of materials that could be in close proximity to batteries for the Constellation Program. Wire-break electrical arc tests were performed to determine the current threshold for ignition of generic cotton with a fixed voltage of 3.7 V, a common voltage for handheld electrical devices. These tests were performed in 34 % oxygen at varying pressures.