bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Conceptions of Fundamentality
Authors: Thalos Mariam
Published: May 2010

This article aims to show that fundamentality is construed differently in the two most prominent strategies of analysis we find in physical science and engineering today: (1) atomistic, reductive analysis and (2) Systems analysis. Correspondingly, atomism is the conception according to which the simplest (smallest) indivisible entity of a certain kind is most fundamental; while systemism, as will be articulated here, is the conception according to which the bonds that structure wholes are most fundamental, and scale and/or constituting entities are of no significance whatsoever for fundamentality. Accordingly, atomists maintain that the basic entities—the atoms—are fundamental, and together with the “external” interactions among them, are sufficient for illuminating all the features and behaviors of the wholes they constitute; whereas systemists proclaim that it is instead structural qualities of systems, that flow from internal relations among their constituents and translate directly into behaviors, that are fundamental, and by themselves largely (if not entirely) sufficient for illuminating the features and behaviors of the wholes thereby structured.

Systemism, as will be argued, is consistent with the nonexistence of a fundamental “level” of nondecomposable entities, just as it is consistent with the existence of such a level. Still, systemism is a conception of the fundamental in quite different, but still ontological terms. Systemism can serve the special sciences—the social sciences especially—better than the conception of fundamentality in terms of atoms. Systemism is, in fact, a conception of fundamentality that has rather different uses—and importantly, different resonances. This conception of fundamentality makes contact with questions pertaining to natural kinds and their situation in the metaphysics of the special sciences—their situation within an order of autonomous sciences.

The controversy over fundamentality is evident in the social sciences too, albeit somewhat imperfectly, in the terms of debate between methodological individualists and functionalists/holists .This article will thus clarify the difference between systemism and holism.
Linnæus’s Questions to the Sami Herdsman: The ID-versus-Science Issue in a Nutshell
Authors: Täljedal Inge-Bert
Published: May 2010

According to a U.S. court ruling, intelligent design (ID) theory is religious in nature, not scientific, and must not be taught in schools. In opposition, Fuller argues for a closer rapport between science and religion. Here it is emphasized that any allegedly scientific conclusion from design in nature to the existence of God is a hypothesis subject to the same quality norms as empirical hypotheses in general. By quotations from his Iter Lapponicum, Linnæus is summoned in support of a strictly immanent conception of science, against Fuller’s suggestion that Linnæus’ personal piety could be a reason for considering ID scientific.
Dissent about Descent: Evolution, Design, and Education
Authors: Jarvie Ian
Published: May 2010

Pace Fuller, religion is neither necessary nor sufficient a condition for the development of evolutionary biology. Their historical connection notwithstanding, they are better considered as separate systems of ideas, in parallel to the manner in which they separated themselves as systems of institutions. As to schooling, enriched teaching of the real history of biology should be sufficient.
Cultural Differences in the Representativeness Heuristic: Expecting a Correspondence in Magnitude Between Cause and Effect
Authors: Spina Roy R. , Ji Li-Jun , Tieyuan Guo  , Zhiyong Zhang  , Ye Li  , Fabrigar Leandre
Published: May 2010

Based on previous research on cultural differences in analytic and holistic reasoning, it was hypothesized in these studies that when explaining events, North Americans would be more likely than East Asians to expect causes to correspond in magnitude with those events (i.e., big events stem from big causes and small events stem from small causes). In a series of studies, Canadian and Chinese participants judged the likelihood that high- or low-magnitude events were caused by high- or low-magnitude causes. Overall, Canadians expected events and their causes to correspond in magnitude to a greater degree than did Chinese. Also, Canadians primed to reason holistically expected less cause—effect magnitude correspondence than did those primed to reason analytically.
Stability of MCT/LCT‐Based Total Nutrient Admixtures for Neonatal Use Over 30 Hours at Room Temperature
Authors: Driscoll David F. , Silvestri Anthony P. , Bistrian Bruce R.
Published: May 2010

Background: United States Pharmacopeial Chapter <729> places a limit on the percentage of large fat globules >5 µm, expressed as a PFAT5 of <0.05% for all native lipid emulsions. Some adult total nutrient admixtures (TNAs) have also remained below this limit for up to 48 hours. In 2003, medium‐chain/long‐chain triglyceride (MCT/LCT)–based neonatal TNAs with between 2% and 3% amino acid (AA) concentrations were shown to be similarly stable by the PFAT5 parameter. Stability assessment of neonatal TNAs with AA <2% or ≥3% were tested. Methods: Eight neonatal TNAs with various combinations of AA (1%, 1.5%, 3%, and 4%), glucose (G; 5% and 10%), and MCT/LCT (ML; 2% and 4%) and standard concentrations of additives were tested in triplicate (n = 24) over 30 hours (immediately after mixing, then at 6, 24, and 30 hours) at 25°C ± 2°C. PFAT5 determinations for all 24 formulations were made in duplicate, immediately after mixing, and then at 6, 24, and 30 hours later. Mean droplet size (MDS) and pH were assessed at the outset and end of the study. Results: The differences in the PFAT5 levels were significant (P < .001) by a 2‐way analysis of variance based on formula and time as the independent variables. The TNAs with 1% and 1.5% AA with all Gs and MLs (group 1, n = 12) had PFAT5 levels >0.05% (up to 0.50%) in most samples (68 of 96 samples, or 71% of cases) in the study, whereas in the same TNAs, but made with 3% and 4% AA (group 2, n = 12), 100% of samples (all 96 cases) had PFAT5 levels <0.05% (up to 0.04%), and this difference was significant (P < .001). Pairwise comparisons between groups based on overall values of PFAT5, MDS, and pH showed significant differences between groups for all variables. Conclusions: For neonatal TNAs, AA level is the most sensitive determinant of stability, and the PFAT5 parameter is the most sensitive indicator of stability.
Near‐Target Caloric Intake in Critically Ill Medical‐Surgical Patients Is Associated With Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Arabi Yaseen M. , Haddad Samir H. , Tamim Hani M. , Rishu Asgar H. , Sakkijha Maram H. , Kahoul Salim H. , Britts Riette J.
Published: May 2010

Background: The objective of this study was to determine whether caloric intake independently influences mortality and morbidity of critically ill patients. Methods: The study was conducted as a nested cohort study within a randomized controlled trial in a tertiary care intensive care unit (ICU). The main exposure in the study was average caloric intake/target for the first 7 ICU days. The primary outcomes were ICU and hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included ICU‐acquired infections, ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP), duration of mechanical ventilation days, and ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS). The authors divided patients (n = 523) into 3 tertiles according to the percentage of caloric intake/target: tertile I <33.4%, tertile II 33.4%–64.6%, and tertile III >64.6%. To adjust for potentially confounding variables, the authors assessed the association between caloric intake/target and the different outcomes using multivariate logistic regression for categorical outcomes (tertile I was used as reference) and multiple linear regression for continuous outcomes. Results: Tertile III was associated with higher adjusted hospital mortality, higher risk of ICU‐acquired infections, and a trend toward higher VAP rate. Increasing caloric intake was independently associated with a significant increase in duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU LOS, and hospital LOS. Conclusions: The data demonstrate that near‐target caloric intake is associated with significantly increased hospital mortality, ICU‐acquired infections, mechanical ventilation duration, and ICU and hospital LOS. Further studies are needed to explore whether reducing caloric intake would improve the outcomes in critically ill patients.
Caloric Restriction and L‐Carnitine Administration Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Patients With Impaired Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Molfino Alessio , Cascino Antonia , Conte Caterina , Ramaccini Cesarina , Fanelli Filippo Rossi , Laviano Alessandro
Published: May 2010

Background: Reduced circulating and tissue carnitine levels, possibly leading to impaired mitochondrial function, have been postulated to be involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. However, whether L‐carnitine administration may improve insulin sensitivity in patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM‐2) is still controversial. The aim of the study was to explore the role of L‐carnitine supplementation in influencing insulin sensitivity. Methods: A randomized controlled study involving adult outpatients was designed. Adult patients referred to the outpatient clinic and within 10 days of the diagnosis of IFG or DM‐2 were consecutively enrolled. Exclusion criteria were concomitant antidiabetic therapy and modifications of lifestyle during the previous 4 weeks. Patients were randomly assigned to receive a hypocaloric diet for 10 days (group C; n = 8) or the same dietetic regimen in addition to oral L‐carnitine (2 g twice daily) supplementation (group LC; n = 8). Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting plasma insulin levels, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) were assessed at the beginning and end of the study. Data were statistically analyzed using the Student t test for paired and unpaired data. Results: OGTT at 2 hours improved in both groups. Only in the L‐carnitine–supplemented group did plasma insulin levels and HOMA‐IR significantly decrease when compared to baseline values. Conclusions: Considering the role of caloric restriction in increasing the intestinal uptake of carnitine, the results suggest that oral L‐carnitine administration, when associated with a hypocaloric feeding regimen, improves insulin resistance and may represent an adjunctive treatment for IFG and DM‐2.
Aluminum Content in Intravenous Solutions for Administration to Neonates
Authors: de Oliveira Sandra R. , Bohrer Denise , Garcia Solange C. , do Nascimento Paulo Cícero , Noremberg Simone
Published: May 2010

Background: Aluminum loading can reach toxic levels depending on the amount of aluminum intake in intravenous solutions (IV). Premature infants are at a higher risk of aluminum toxicity because of their reduced urinary aluminum elimination. All steps involved in the preparation of intravenous solutions for premature neonates in intensive care units were evaluated to determine to what degree, if any, they increased the aluminum load and should be considered when assessing the daily aluminum intake (<5 mcg/kg) established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methods: Products and medical devices used for the IV administration of solutions to preterm neonates were analyzed for their aluminum content. Commercial formulations, bags after compounding, and medications before and after their preparation, as well as infusion sets (including burettes) and syringes, were evaluated for their contribution to the aluminum levels in the final solution. The determination was carried out by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: Currently available products used to prepare parenteral nutrition solutions as well as injectable medications usually administered to premature neonates present aluminum contamination. Bags, burettes, and syringes were also contaminated by aluminum to some degree, which may be leached during use. Conclusions: Commercial products are the main source of aluminum in parenteral nutrition; nevertheless, manipulation, containers, and administration sets increased aluminum levels by about 40%. Because this is a significant rate, these sources should be taken into account when calculating the amount of aluminum delivered to the patient in order to comply with FDA standards.
Treating Delayed Gastric Emptying in Critical Illness
Authors: Taylor Stephen J. , Manara Alexander R. , Brown Jules
Published: May 2010

Background: We describe experience using the Cortrak nasointestinal feeding tube and prokinetics in critically ill patients with delayed gastric emptying. Methods: Patient cohorts fed via a Cortrak electromagnetically guided nasointestinal tube (EGNT) or 14 French‐gauge nasogastric tube plus prokinetics were retrospectively compared. Results: Of 69 EGNT placements in 62 patients, 87% reached the small intestine. The median percentage of the enteral nutrition goal increased from 19% pre‐EGNT to 80%–100% between days 1 and 10 post‐insertion and was greater than in 58 patients prescribed metoclopramide (40%–87%: days 1–2, 5–7, P ≤ .018) or 38 patients prescribed erythromycin (48%–98%; days 1 and 5, P < .0084). Up to day 10, the cumulative feeding days lost were lower for EGNT (1.06) than for metoclopramide (2.6, P < .02) or erythromycin (3.1, P < .02). The EGNT group had a lower use of prokinetics and lower treatment cost. Conclusion: Most bedside EGNT placements succeed and, compared to nasogastric feeding plus prokinetics, increase enteral nutrition delivery and reduce both cumulative feeding days lost and prokinetic use.
Multimodal Optimization of Surgical Care Shows Beneficial Outcome in Gastrectomy Surgery
Authors: Liu Xin‐Xin , Jiang Zhi‐Wei , Wang Zhi‐Ming , Li Jie‐Shou
Published: May 2010

Background: The aim of this trial was to compare multimodal optimization with conventional perioperative management in a consecutive series of patients undergoing gastrectomy procedures. Methods: According to randomized controlled studies and conclusions made by meta‐analyses in colorectal surgery, optimized perioperative measures were designed and applied in gastrectomy surgery. Thirty‐three patients were randomized to the optimized group and 30 patients to a control group. Two groups were treated in 1 center by a single surgical team in different wards. Both groups used patient‐controlled intravenous analgesia for postoperative analgesia. The primary end point was length of postoperative hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included bowel function recovery after surgery, perioperative changes of inflammatory factors, glucocorticoid, insulin resistance, and body composition. Perioperative complications and adverse events were also recorded. Results: The groups were similar in terms of age, sex ratio, and Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM score). The optimized group was associated with a significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay compared with the conventional care group (P < .001). Durations of urinary catheterization and abdominal drainage were also less (P < .001). The diet program in the optimization group was well tolerated and was associated with an earlier recovery of gut function (P < .001). Proinflammatory factors were less elevated and body composition was more stable in the optimized group than in controls. There were no differences in morbidity or mortality between the groups. Conclusions: Optimization of care in gastrectomy can shorten postoperative hospital stay and provides multiple beneficial outcomes, including hastening the return of gut function, without increasing morbidity.
Central Venous Catheter Infections and Antibiotic Therapy During Long‐Term Home Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Santarpia Lidia , Alfonsi Lucia , Tiseo Domenico , Creti Roberta , Baldassarri Lucilla , Pasanisi Fabrizio , Contaldo Franco
Published: May 2010

Background: Catheter‐related bloodstream infections are a serious and common complication in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Methods: Prevalence of infections, type of agents, and effectiveness of antibiotic therapy were evaluated in 296 patients (133 males, 163 females; mean age 58.2 ± 13.5 years) receiving HPN for at least 3 months, from January 1995 to December 2006. Patients underwent 99,969 (331 ± 552; minimum 91, maximum 4353) days of catheterization, corresponding to 93,236 (311 ± 489; minimum 52, maximum 4353) days of HPN. Results: Fifty‐two patients (24 males and 28 females; 35 oncological and 17 nononcological) were diagnosed with 169 infections. The overall corresponding infection rate was 2.0 per 1000 days of catheterization, with a progressive, regular decrease with time. In 30 cases, immediate central venous catheter removal was necessary. Infections were eradicated in 103 of 139 (74%) cases. As to the most common causative agent, 86 (51%) infections were due to Staphylococcus epidermidis. Of these, 64 were treated from 1995 to 2004, 57 of them (89%) successfully; 22 were treated from 2005 onward, only 7 of them (32%) successfully. Conclusions: Although the global infection rate has progressively decreased over the years, S epidermidis has shown an alarming increase in resistance to antibiotic treatment in the last 2 years, suggesting the need for strategies to prevent central venous catheter infection.
Public Values, Public Official Associations, and Professionalism: A Cross-National Analysis
Authors: Plant Jeremy F. , Stalebrink Odd J. , Vasavada Triparna
Published: May 2010

This article explores the role of public official associations (POAs) in the articulation of public values, the development of policy, and the dissemination of knowledge pertinent to the effective management of the public interest. The research is comparative and includes examinations of POAs in the United States, Sweden, and India. The examination of these cases suggests that POAs play a significant role in governance, albeit one defined by the structure and history of any particular system. As organizations that are “of the state, but not in the state,” they serve important roles in mediating between center and periphery, between political and administrative perspectives on policy, and help integrate professional and public service values. The exploration also indicates that POAs are important in forming elements of networks on important policy issues and that they are frequent sources of innovation, such as general revenue sharing in the United States and fiscal reform in Sweden.
Mimetic Communication Model with Compliant Physical Contact in Human—Humanoid Interaction
Authors: Lee Dongheui , Ott Christian , Nakamura Yoshihiko
Published: May 2010

In this paper we aim at extending imitation learning to physical human—robot interaction (pHRI) including contact transitions (from non-contact to contact and vice versa). For interactive learning of pHRI, the paper raises four key issues: (1) motion imitation, (2) understanding motion primitives, (3) understanding interaction primitives, and (4) physical contact establishment. These issues are solved by (1) marker control, (2) mimesis model, (3) mimetic communication model, and (4) real-time motion reshaping and impedance control, respectively. The simple human motion imitation is realized by a direct marker control method in which the robot is virtually connected to the markers attached to the human via virtual springs. Learning procedures are based on ‘‘imitation of a human’’ and ‘‘active involvement’’ of the robot during the learning. The ‘‘imitation of a human’’ scheme provides efficient learning. The ‘‘active involvement’’ scheme supports incremental learning and it also enables to acquire sensory information for physical contacts. By modifying the mimetic communication model proposed by Nakamura et al., we achieve communication in physical domain as well as the symbolic domain. The communication in the symbolic domain is realized through the concept of motion primitives and interaction primitives. In the physical domain, the trajectory of the motion primitive is reshaped in accordance with the human’s motions in real-time. Moreover, for performing compliant contact motion, an appropriate impedance controller is integrated into the setting. All of the presented concepts are applied to ‘‘high five’’-like interaction tasks and evaluated in experiments with a human-size humanoid robot.
On the Passive Force Closure Set of Planar Grasps and Fixtures
Authors: Shapiro Amir , Rimon Elon , Shoval Shraga
Published: May 2010

In this paper we consider grasps and fixtures whose contacts react according to force—displacement laws consistent with friction constraints at the contacts. The passive force closure set of such grasps and fixtures is the set of external wrenches (forces and torques) that can act on the grasped object and be stably balanced by the contacts. An external wrench belongs to this set if it induces a feasible equilibrium whose basin of attraction contains the initial unperturbed grasp configuration. The paper focuses on planar grasps and fixtures having sharp-tipped fingers or fixels that satisfy linear force displacement laws. Using Morse theory, we characterize the number and stability type of k-contact equilibria induced by a given external wrench. Based on this analysis, we provide closed-form expressions for the passive force closure set of k-contact grasps and fixtures. Computation of the allowed external wrenches is illustrated with examples. Finally, the paper describes experiments verifying the passive force closure set on a spring-loaded grasping system.
Personality Traits as Predictors of Inpatient Aggression in a High-Security Forensic Psychiatric Setting: Prospective Evaluation of the PCL-R and IPDE Dimension Ratings
Authors: Langton Calvin M. , Hogue Todd E. , Daffern Michael , Mannion Aisling , Howells Kevin
Published: May 2010

The Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder (DSPD) initiative in England and Wales provides specialized care to high-risk offenders with mental disorders. This study investigated the predictive utility of personality traits, assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist—Revised (PCL-R) and the International Personality Disorder Examination, with 44 consecutive admissions to the DSPD unit at a high-security forensic psychiatric hospital. Incidents of interpersonal physical aggression (IPA) were observed for 39% of the sample over an average 1.5-year period following admission. Histrionic personality disorder (PD) predicted IPA, and Histrionic, Borderline, and Antisocial PDs all predicted repetitive (2+ incidents of) IPA. PCL-R Factor 1 and Facets 1 and 2 were also significant predictors of IPA. PCL-R Factor 1 and Histrionic PD scores were significantly associated with imminence of IPA. Results were discussed in terms of the utility of personality traits in risk assessment and treatment of specially selected high-risk forensic psychiatric patients in secure settings.
Lack of efficacy of the selective iNOS inhibitor GW274150 in prophylaxis of migraine headache
Authors: Høivik Hans Olav , Laurijssens Bart E , Harnisch Lutz O , Twomey Colleen K , Dixon Ruth M , Kirkham Andrew JT , Williams Pauline M , Wentz Alison L , Lunnon Martin W
Published: May 2010

Introduction: This study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of the highly selective iNOS inhibitor GW274150 in prophylaxis of migraine headache.

Subjects and methods: The study was conducted in two parts, each comprising a 4-week baseline period, a 12-week, double-blind, parallel-group treatment period, and a 4-week follow-up period. The study had an adaptive design in that findings of Part 1 of the study were used to inform the conduct of Part 2. Following an interim analysis at the end of Part 1, the trial could be stopped for futility or continued in Part 2 to study the full-dose response or to increase sample size in case initial assumptions had been violated. The primary end-point in both parts of the study was the probability of the occurrence of a migraine headache day during the baseline period and the treatment period.

Results: In Part 1, adult male and female patients with migraine received GW274150 60 mg ( n = 37), 120 mg ( n = 37), or placebo ( n = 38) once daily for 12 weeks. In Part 2, female patients with migraine received GW274150 60 mg ( n = 160) or placebo ( n = 154) once daily for 12 weeks. GW274150 was no more effective than placebo for the primary efficacy end-point or any secondary efficacy end-point in Part 1 or Part 2. GW274150 was generally well tolerated.

Conclusions: GW274150 at doses predicted to inhibit iNOS >80% did not differ from placebo in the prophylaxis of migraine. The results do not support a role of iNOS inhibition in migraine prevention.
Abnormal pressure waves in headache sufferers with bilateral transverse sinus stenosis
Authors: Bono F , Salvino D , Tallarico T , Cristiano D , Condino F , Fera F , Lanza PL , Lavano A , Quattrone A
Published: May 2010

Introduction: Bilateral transverse sinus stenosis (BTSS) has been reported to be associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilloedema in headache sufferers.

Subjects and methods: To test the accuracy of short-term cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure monitoring through a lumbar needle for detection of elevated intracranial pressure in headache sufferers with BTSS, we prospectively performed lumbar puncture in order to measure lumbar CSF opening pressures and to monitor, for 1 h, the CSF pressure in 48 consecutive headache sufferers with BTSS and in 50 consecutive headache sufferers with normal appearance of transverse sinuses or stenosis of one transverse sinus.

Results: Of the 48 headache sufferers with BTSS, 18 (37.5%) had elevated CSF opening pressure and abnormal pressure waveforms, but short-term CSF pressure monitoring revealed abnormal pressure waves associated with elevated mean CSF pressure also in 26 (86.6%) out of 30 patients who had normal opening pressures. None of the 50 headache sufferers with normal appearance of transverse sinuses or stenosis of one transverse sinus had abnormal pressure waves and elevated CSF pressures.

Conclusions: In this study, short-term CSF pressure monitoring through a lumbar needle revealed abnormal pressure waves and elevated mean CSF pressures in the majority of headache sufferers with BTSS who had normal CSF opening pressures. These findings demonstrate the accuracy of short-term CSF pressure monitoring through a lumbar needle in estimating CSF pressure; they also highlight that a single-spot opening pressure measurement has a low accuracy for recognition of increased intracranial pressure in headache sufferers with BTSS.
Gender Diversification in the U.S. Forest Service: Does It Still Matter?
Authors: Brown Greg , Harris Chuck , Squirrell Trevor
Published: May 2010

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has historically provided a useful model for understanding administrative behavior and organizational change. In 1990 and 1996, nationwide studies of USFS employees were conducted to evaluate the emergence of a new resource management paradigm and to examine the role of workforce diversification, especially gender, in contributing to organizational change. In 2008, a new survey of Forest Service employees was conducted to measure what changes have occurred over the last decade. More than a decade later, workforce diversification continues to evoke powerful negative and positive attitudinal responses among USFS employees. Larger organizational issues, especially reduced program budgets and a reduction in workforce, have stalled agency diversification efforts, reducing opportunities for women to enter leadership roles. The authors’ analysis suggests that the USFS is operating from a “discrimination-and-fairness” organizational diversity paradigm rather than a “valuing-and-integrating” paradigm, which will ultimately limit the benefits purported to accrue from workforce diversification.
Alternative Work Schedules in Local Government: Cui Bono?
Authors: Wadsworth Lori L. , Facer Rex L. , Arbon Chyleen A.
Published: May 2010

Recently there has been an increase in the number of cities contemplating and implementing alternative work schedules, particularly compressed workweeks, often to decrease energy costs for the organization or to decrease transportation and fuel costs for employees. Although many organizations offer alternative work schedules, there is little research on the benefits and drawbacks of these schedules. This research endeavors to fill that gap in our understanding by providing the results of a recent survey of human resources directors in 151 U.S. cities with populations more than 25,000 about their experience with the benefits and drawbacks of alternative work schedules. More than half (56.3%) of the cities surveyed reported offering some form of alternative work schedule, with compressed workweeks being the most commonly offered. Although drawbacks were noted, the human resources directors were more likely to report benefits for employees and the organization in offering alternative work schedules.
Public Service Reform and Motivation: Evidence From an Employment At-Will Environment
Authors: Battaglio R. Paul
Published: May 2010

For nearly three decades, traditional public sector management practices have been challenged by proponents of the new public management (NPM). Public human resource management (PHRM) is frequently a target of such reform efforts given the crucial role it plays in the public management function. Traditional civil service systems, based on merit and neutral competence, have frequently been criticized for their intractability, inefficiency, and ineffectiveness. The recent trend of eliminating tenure for public employees through employment at-will (EAW) policies has received considerable attention as a mechanism for improving public sector efficiency. However, recent scholarship suggests that EAW policies have a number of obstacles to overcome. Using a 2005 survey of human resource professionals in the state of Georgia, this article assesses the impact of the EAW environment on public employee motivation. The analysis suggests that EAW policies have a significant negative impact on motivation in the workplace, particularly for minorities. The findings illustrate additional hurdles that decision makers should consider when implementing EAW systems in the public sector.
“God Had Something Else in Mind”: Family, Religion, and Infertility
Authors: Jennings Patricia K.
Published: May 2010

Feminist scholarship has generated a large body of work that reveals that medical discourse encourages infertile women to embrace assisted reproductive technologies (ART) as a path to “normative” family formation. The role that religion plays in the decision-making process is absent from this body of scholarship. This study is part of a larger study on infertility. In this article, I explore how infertile women who profess some religious affinity utilize medicine and religion to achieve their reproductive goals. Findings, which are drawn from participant observation of RESOLVE meetings and face-to-face interviews with infertile women, suggest that religion intersects with gender in complex ways. For many of the women in this study, growing up in traditional “church-going” families coupled with their continued connection to mainstream religion reaffirmed their desire for a child-centered family. Most of the women in this study pursued some form of ART. This held even for those who affiliated with religions that opposed ART (e.g., the Catholic Church). When ART failed, some women drew on religious discourse to renegotiate their views on adoption. For a small number of women, religious experience moved them to adopt “hard to adopt” children. I draw on these findings to suggest strategies for future research on religion and infertility.
State Regulatory Spending: Boon or Brake for New Enterprise Creation and Income?
Authors: Campbell Noel D. , Heriot Kirk C. , Jauregui Andres
Published: May 2010

This article addresses a public policy question: Does state government regulation foster or deter economic development? The authors estimate a system of simultaneous equations for income growth, regulation growth, and growth in the number of new enterprises. It is found that regulation does not provide efficient solutions to conflicts and, therefore, does not foster economic development. It is also found that new enterprise formation does not necessarily indicate income growth and economic development.
Maggot Therapy in Wound Management in Modern Era and a Review of Published Literature
Authors: Davydov Liya
Published: May 2010

Maggot therapy is an old remedy, which is being looked into with renewed interest. The use of medicinal maggots was approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medical device in 2004. Maggot therapy appears to be efficacious, well tolerated, and cost-effective. Because American Medical Association (AMA) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) released reimbursement coding guidelines with regards to maggot therapy, there is a potential for a wider use of maggot therapy in United States in the near future. Several mechanisms of action suggested for maggots in debriding wounds are discussed. While maggot therapy demonstrated effectiveness in necrotic wounds, not all wound types respond well to maggot therapy. Future large, randomized, well-designed studies would help better delineate the place of maggot therapy among other options for wound care, and determine whether maggot therapy should be initiated earlier in the course of treatment, or continued to be used as a last resort.
Florence Nightingale
Authors: Dossey Barbara M.
Published: May 2010

Florence Nightingale’s Crimean fever and chronic illness have intrigued historians for more than a century and a half. The purpose of this article is threefold: (a) to discuss the facts that point to the cause of Nightingale’s Crimean fever as brucellosis, (b) to show that her debilitating illness for 32 years (1855-1887) was compatible with the specific form of chronic brucellosis, and (c) to present new evidence that she was still having severe symptoms in December 1887, when it was previously felt that she had no severe symptoms after 1870.
Florence Nightingale’s Relevance to Nurses
Authors: Attewell Alex
Published: May 2010

Nurses are actively finding Florence Nightingale to be relevant to nursing knowledge, nursing organization, and nursing education. A study of her life is also seen to be relevant and there is a need to look at Nightingale’s writings for a deeper understanding of her relevance.
The Power of Environmental Adaptation
Authors: Selanders Louise C.
Published: May 2010

Florence Nightingale was a prolific writer. Her diaries, letters, monographs, and books remain as a part of her legacy. From these documents, her ideas, values, and beliefs in a wide range of topics can be identified. The philosophical basis of modern nursing is generally seen as Nightingale’s most recognized contribution to societal change. In fact, her documents contain her philosophical assumptions and beliefs regarding all elements found in the metaparadigm of nursing. These can be formed into a conceptual model that has great utility in the practice setting and offers a framework for research conceptualization.
Being in the Patient Position: Experiences of Health Care Among People With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Håkanson Cecilia , Sahlberg-Blom Eva , Ternestedt Britt-Marie
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this study was to gain in-depth understanding of what it is like for a person with irritable bowel syndrome to be in the patient position in encounters with health care providers. We conducted qualitative interviews with nine individuals. Our analysis, guided by interpretive description, revealed experiences of unsupportive and supportive encounters. Unsupportive encounters were shaped by humiliation, insignificance, and abandonment. Not feeling believed and acknowledged as persons made the participants lose trust in their own experience, which enhanced their unfamiliar mood of being in the world. Supportive encounters were less prominent. These were characterized by openness and acknowledgment of the patient’s lifeworld. Feeling significant and being listened to promoted feelings of being in a partnered, cocreating relationship. It is reasonable to assume that care originating in the patient’s lifeworld would support the patients to use their strength to manage illness and regain familiarity in everyday life.
A Socially Excluded Space: Restrictions on Access to Health Care for Older Women in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Hossen Abul , Westhues Anne
Published: May 2010

This study was an exploration of the experiences of 17 women, age 60 or more years, from Bangladesh. The women were asked about decision-making processes with respect to their access to health care and whether they perceived that there were differences based on age and sex in the way a household responds to an illness episode. The overall theme that characterized their experiences was “being in a socially excluded space.” The themes that explained this perception of social exclusion included gender- and age-based social practices, gender- and class-based economic practices, religious beliefs that restricted the mobility of women, and social constructions of health and illness that led the women to avoid seeking health care. We conclude that the Bangladesh constitutional guarantee that disparities will be eliminated in access to health care between rich and poor, men and women, rural and urban residents, and younger and older citizens has not yet been realized.
Support Efforts for Caregivers of Chronically Ill Persons
Authors: Glasdam Stinne , Timm Helle , Vittrup Rikke
Published: May 2010

An increasing number of people today live with chronic diseases that affect their quality of life and that of their families. Health professionals confirm this finding based on their clinical interventions targeting families of chronically ill patients. The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate these interventions. A systematic literature review was conducted, including previous reviews and controlled studies from 1997 to 2007 of interventions targeting caregivers of adults with stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.Ten out of the 32 studies included found the interventions to have no effect, whereas effects were found in the other 22 studies in one or more areas, including burden, knowledge level, mastering skills, and satisfaction. The literature review concludes that the impact of these interventions is neither unique nor significant. The defined concepts of the randomized clinical studies appear problematic when implemented and underscore the importance of strict requirements on future randomized, controlled designs.
Design Decomposition for Cross-organizational Assignment of Design Tasks
Authors: Meng Xiang-Hui , Xie You-Bai
Published: May 2010

Along with the products becoming more and more complex, the manufacturing enterprises have to assign part of their design tasks to external organizations. Two principles that minimize the total coordination cost and isolate the design tasks not good at are presented in this study to support the cross-organizational assignment. Then a quantitative formulation of the two principles is given. And a method of design decomposition based on the genetic algorithm is discussed. A case study of a gasoline engine is used to illustrate the method.
Does Business Writing Require Information Literacy?
Authors: Katz Irvin R. , Haras Catherine , Blaszczynski Carol
Published: May 2010

Although the business community increasingly recognizes information literacy as central to its work, there remains the critical problem of measurement: How should employers assess the information literacy of their current or potential workers? In this article, we use a commercially available assessment to investigate the relationship between information literacy and the key business communication skill of business writing. Information literacy scores obtained prior to instruction predicted performance in an undergraduate, upper-division business writing course. Similar results emerged regardless of whether participants considered English their best language.
A Framework for Measuring Fidelity of Implementation: A Foundation for Shared Language and Accumulation of Knowledge
Authors: Century Jeanne , Rudnick Mollie , Freeman Cassie
Published: May 2010

There is a growing recognition of the value of measuring fidelity of implementation (FOI) as a necessary part of evaluating interventions. However, evaluators do not have a shared conceptual understanding of what FOI is and how to measure it. Thus, the creation of FOI measures is typically a secondary focus and based on specific contexts and programs. This article describes a project that holds the development of FOI measures as its primary goal and has developed a suite of data collection tools designed to be used across multiple programs. It describes the foundation of the suite—a conceptual framework for clearly and specifically describing FOI and the need for the framework. It also describes where the framework resides in existing literature and how it can be used to support measurement of interventions in education and other fields.
Evaluation Training to Build Capability in the Community and Public Health Workforce
Authors: Adams Jeffery , Dickinson Pauline
Published: May 2010

Increasingly, staff members in community and public health programs and projects are required to undertake evaluation activities. There is, however, limited capacity for, and understanding of, evaluation within this workforce. Building the capability of individual workers and thereby contributing to the overall capacity among the community and public health workforce has been advocated as one solution. In this article, the Easy Evaluation initiative, which seeks to increase the evaluation capability of individual workers and the capacity of the community and public health workforce in New Zealand, is discussed. The theoretical foundations of the evaluation approach (theory-driven evaluation) taught and of the teaching philosophy (adult learning and experiential learning) used are described, along with course content, teaching activities, and participant activities. Although our observations and experiences are that the workshop model is successful in increasing knowledge and skills of participants (building capability), additional support is required for organizations to build evaluation capacity.
Confronting Evaluation Blindness: Evidence of Impact of Action Science-Based Feedback
Authors: Piggot-Irvine Eileen
Published: May 2010

This article outlines an attempt at realizing mutuality between evaluation and action science in feedback within an aspiring principal leadership development programme in New Zealand. The evaluation was specifically designed to overcome the formative—summative divide through ongoing, often immediate, dialogue using an action science approach. The approach initially focused on detecting and correcting any errors or gaps between ‘‘espoused theory’’ (intentions, goals) and ‘‘theory-in-use’’ (programme implementation) to enable continuous improvements. There is some evidence that the approach may have strengthened the programme. Specifically, in a case study region that had the most intensive feedback, outcomes included lowering of defensiveness and increasing demand for feedback with some facilitators; increased aspirant ratings for the programme; enhanced aspirant confidence in applying for principalships; a greater number of aspirants gaining principalships; and higher response rates to questionnaires. Despite the traditional limitations of time and threat linked to the feedback approach, the multiple positive outcomes noted that might be attributable to the feedback signal that the causal links between such an approach and improved programme outcomes is, at the very least, worthy of further investigation.
Multiple sclerosis and solar exposure before the age of 15 years: case—control study in Cuba, Martinique and Sicily
Authors: Dalmay F. , Bhalla D. , Nicoletti A. , Cabrera-Gomez JA , Cabre P. , Ruiz F. , Druet-Cabanac M. , Dumas M. , Preux PM
Published: May 2010

Few studies report a protective role of childhood solar exposure to multiple sclerosis. Our objective was to confirm the protective role of childhood solar exposure in multiple sclerosis in Cuba, Martinique and Sicily. This was a matched case— control study, and cases met Poser criteria for clinically, laboratory (definite, probable) multiple sclerosis. Controls were resident population, without neurological disorder, living close to cases (within 100 km), matched for sex, age (±5 years), residence before age 15. We recruited 551 subjects during a 1-year period (193 cases, Cuba n = 95, Sicily n = 50, Martinique n = 48; 358 controls). Some (89%) met definite clinical multiple sclerosis criteria (relapsing remitting form (with and without sequel) (74%), secondary progressive (21%), primary progressive (5%)). Odds ratios in a uni-variate analysis were: family history of multiple sclerosis (5.1) and autoimmune disorder (4.0); wearing shirt (3.5), hat (2.7), pants (2.4); sun exposure causing sunburn (1.8); sun exposure duration (1 h more/day; weekends 0.91, weekdays 0.86); bare-chested (0.6); water sports (0.2). Independent factors in the multivariate analysis were family history of multiple sclerosis (4.8 (1.50—15.10)), wearing pants under sunlight (1.9 (1.10—3.20)), sun exposure duration (1 h more/ day, weekdays 0.90 (0.85—0.98), weekends 0.93 (0.87—0.99)), water sports (0.23 (0.13—0.40)). We conclude that outdoor leisure activities in addition to sun exposure reports are associated with a reduced multiple sclerosis risk, with evidence of dose response.
Autoimmune diseases prior to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: a population-based case-control study
Authors: Langer-Gould A. , Albers KB , Van Den Eeden SK , Nelson LM
Published: May 2010

The objective of this study was to determine whether patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to have other autoimmune disorders particularly prior to the diagnosis of MS. We conducted a population-based case—control study of patients enrolled in the Northern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program. Electronic clinical records through 2005 were used to ascertain incident and prevalent MS cases and identify the presence and timing of 44 other diagnoses. Controls were matched 5:1 for gender, age, and Kaiser membership characteristics. We identified 5296 MS cases (including 924 diagnosed between 2001 and 2004) and 26,478 matched controls. Prior to MS diagnosis, cases were more likely than controls to have uveitis (OR = 3.2, 95%; CI 1.7—5.7), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, OR = 1.7; 95%CI 1.2—2.5), and Bell’s palsy (OR = 3.2; 95%CI 1.2—8.3). Cases were also more likely to develop Guillain— Barré syndrome (GBS, OR = 5.0; 95%CI 1.6—15.4) and bullous pemphigoid (OR = 6.7; 95%CI 1.5—29.9). Cases were not more likely than controls to have or to develop rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or thyroiditis. MS may share environmental triggers, genetic susceptibilities and/or alterations in immune homeostasis with IBD and uveitis, but not with other autoimmune disorders.