bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Stratification of Stage IIIA-N2 Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer After Induction Chemotherapy: A Model Based on the Combination of Morphometric-Pathologic Response in Mediastinal Nodes and Primary Tumor Response on Serial 18-Fluoro-2-Deoxy-Glucose Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Dooms Christophe , Verbeken Eric , Stroobants Sigrid , Nackaerts Kris , De Leyn Paul , Vansteenkiste Johan
Published: February 2008

Purpose

Surgical resection in patients with stage IIIA-N2 non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is usually reserved for patients with mediastinal downstaging after induction chemotherapy (IC). However, clinical restaging is often inaccurate, and there are insufficient data to conclude that all patients with persistent mediastinal disease will not benefit from surgery, or that all patients with mediastinal clearance benefit from surgery. We created a data-based restaging strategy combining morphometric tissue analysis of mediastinal lymph nodes (LNs) and 18-fluoro-2-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) response monitoring in the primary tumor.

Patients and Methods

Baseline and repeat FDG-PET after IC, as well as complete resection specimens of both mediastinal LNs and primary tumor, were available in 30 patients. Histologic response grading was performed by means of conventional morphometric procedures. Mediastinal response grading combined with the percentage decrease of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on the primary tumor was correlated with survival.

Results

Patients with persistent major mediastinal LN involvement have a 5-year overall survival rate of 0%. The 5-year overall survival rate for patients with cleared or persistent minor mediastinal LN involvement was significantly higher in patients with a more than 60% decrease in SUVmax on the primary tumor as compared with patients with a less than 60% decrease in SUVmax (62% v 13%; log-rank P = .002).

Conclusion

These data may suggest that (1) persistent mediastinal disease after IC does not always exclude favorable outcome after surgery; (2) serial FDG-PET may select surgical candidates among patients with mediastinal downstaging or persistent minor disease; (3) persistent major mediastinal disease has a poor prognosis and such patients should not be considered for surgery.
Cardiac troponin I measurement using the ACS:180 to predict four-year cardiac event rate
Authors: Collinson Paul O , Gaynor Gloria H , Gaze David C
Published: March 2008

Background

This study aimed at evaluating the ability of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) measurement on the ACS:180 for prognostic risk stratification. Sequential admissions to the coronary care unit of a busy district general hospital were studied. All patients were followed up for a maximum of 4.3 years and cardiac events, either cardiac death, readmission with acute myocardial infarction or admission with acute unstable angina were documented.

Methods

Blood samples were taken on admission and at 4 and 12 h. A serum aliquot was taken and stored frozen at −70oC. The frozen aliquots were subsequently analysed for cTnI by chemiluminescent immunoassay using an ACS:180. Patients were categorized into those with or without ST segment elevation on the presenting electrocardiogram. The optimized decision threshold for mortality and event prediction was then determined by log-rank analysis and by construction of Kaplan-Meier survival plots.

Results

A total of 289 patients (196 men) median age 65.3 years, range 27.4–87.9 years were studied. Out of this, 139 had ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 150 had suspected non-STEMI (NSTEMI). Full data were available from 278 patients. Admission cTnI did not predict any of the endpoints in the STEMI group. In patients admitted with suspected NSTEMI, admission and peak cTnI predicted increased risk of death or readmission with acute myocardial infarction. In addition, peak cTnI predicted increased risk of death.

Conclusion

A cTnI exceeding 0.16 μg/L on admission or during hospital stay predicted an increased cardiac event rate at four years in patients admitted with suspected NSTEMI.
Production and certification of four frozen human serum certified reference materials containing creatinine and electrolytes
Authors: Barbagallo Romina P , Boley Nick , Holcombe Gill , Merson Sheila , Mussell Chris , Pritchard Caroline , Stokes Peter , Wood Steve , Ducroq David , Thomas Annette
Published: March 2008

Background

This paper describes the preparation, analysis and certification of four frozen human serum certified reference materials (CRMs) containing creatinine and the electrolytes calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. These materials have been prepared to give concentrations of these analytes that cover the currently accepted analytical range.

Methods

The analysis of the materials for certification purposes has been carried out using methodology traceable to primary standards, and which is acceptable as a reference method. The certification methods include liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with exact-matching isotope dilution calibration (EM-IDMS) for creatinine, inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), ICP-MS and isotope-dilution inductively-coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ID-ICP-MS) for the electrolytes.

Results

The uncertainties estimated for these certified values include a component from the characterization measurements, as well as contributions from possible inhomogeneity and long-term instability. The certified values have been corroborated by measurements obtained in a major UK External Quality Assessment scheme, which have, with the exception of the determination of creatinine at a particularly low concentration, given excellent agreement.

Conclusions

The materials are intended for use by pathology laboratories and manufacturers of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) kits for validation of existing routine methodology to a traceable standard, which will promote harmonization between the different methods, instruments and IVD kits used in these laboratories.
A retrospective clinical study of the treatment of high-grade anal dysplasia by infrared coagulation in a population of HIV-positive men who have sex with men
Authors: Cranston R D , Hirschowitz S L , Cortina G , Moe A A
Published: March 2008

Summary

HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of developing human papillomavirus-associated anal squamous cell cancer. Similar to the management of cervical dysplasia, clinicians are treating high-grade anal dysplasia to prevent progression to cancer. Initial treatments such as cold scalpel excision and electrofulguration have shown limited efficacy in a HIV-positive population. Infrared coagulation (IRC) is an outpatient treatment for high-grade anal dysplasia. This retrospective clinical study reports on 68 HIV-positive MSM with 78 biopsy proven high-grade anal lesions. Each lesion was treated with the IRC with re-biopsy of the treatment site a mean of 140 days later. Of the 74 evaluable lesions; 39 had anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) 1, 20 had AIN 2, seven had AIN 3, and eight had normal epithelium. The IRC showed 64% efficacy per treated lesion and shows promise as a treatment modality for high-grade anal dysplasia in this population.
Sexual risk behaviour and HAART: a comparative study of HIV-infected persons on HAART and on preventive therapy in Kenya
Authors: Sarna A , Luchters S M F , Geibel S , Kaai S , Munyao P , Shikely K S , Mandaliya K , van Dam J , Temmerman M
Published: March 2008

Summary

Unprotected sex (UPS) among persons receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) remains a concern because of the risk of HIV-transmission. A cross-sectional study comparing the sexual risk behaviour of 179 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) receiving HAART with that of 143 PLHA receiving preventive therapy (PT) with cotrimoxazole/isoniazid was conducted in Mombasa, Kenya. Forty-five percent of all participants were sexually active in the last six months. Participants receiving PT were more likely to report ≥2 partners (13% vs.1%; P = 0.006). Participants receiving PT reported more UPS with regular partners (odds ratio [OR]: 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8–8.4) and also more sexually transmitted infections (STI) symptoms (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.0–2.8; P = 0.059). More than 40% of all participants did not know the HIV-status of regular partners. Therefore, HAART was not associated with increased sexual risk behaviours though considerable risk of HIV-transmission remains. HIV-care services need to emphasize partner testing and consistent condom use with all partners.
Psychosocial determinants of HIV-related quality of life among HIV-positive military in Nigeria
Authors: Olley B O , Bolajoko A J
Published: March 2008

Summary

There is a paucity of research regarding the role played by psychosocial and HIV-related factors on quality of life (QoL) among military in developing countries. On presentation to a military hospital-based HIV clinic, 125 air-force personnel, 56 seropositive (none of whom had AIDS) and 69 seronegative were interviewed. At the interview, participants were assessed using the Medical Outcome QoL and other psychosocial measures. The overall QoL was less among seropositive compared with seronegative air-force personnel. Seropositive personnel also reported a greater number of negative life events and trauma symptoms (post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD). Seronegative military personnel reported more sexual risk behaviours compared with seropositive personnel. Multivariate analysis showed that trauma symptoms (PTSD) were a significant contributor to QoL and explained of the variance in physical, mental, role and social functioning among HIV-infected air-force personnel. Other variables that predicted QoL, but to a lesser extent, included age, number of negative life events and increased symptomatology. These findings highlight the importance of evaluation of QoL in HIV-infected military personnel.
An audit of the interval to treatment of anogenital Chlamydia trachomatis at Scottish genitourinary medicine clinics
Authors: Steedman N , Oroz C , Fernando I , Baguley S
Published: March 2008

Summary

Timely treatment of sexually transmitted infections can reduce complications and prevent onward transmission. Several audit standards exist in this area. We audited the timeliness of treatment of 538 episodes of chlamydia at 12 Scottish genitourinary medicine clinics against a national standard and against a local best practice target. Three clinics treated 95% of patients within two weeks and 10 clinics treated 95% of patients within four weeks. All clinics treated 60% of patients within four weeks. Overall, all clinics performed well against published standards, but less well against the best practice target.
Do all patients attending genitourinary medicine services want to be seen within 48 hours?
Authors: Rooney G , Smith Y , Montgomery J
Published: March 2008

Summary

At a time of high capacity almost 40% of patients declined an appointment within 48 hours. Data were collected prospectively on the reasons why, and the impact of demand exceeding capacity.
Individuals with first‐ever clinical presentation of a lacunar infarction syndrome: Is there an increased likelihood of developing mild cognitive impairment in the first 12 months after stroke?
Authors: Anderson Jacqueline F. I. , Saling Michael M. , Srikanth Velandai K. , Thrift Amanda G. , Donnan Geoffrey A.
Published: February 2008

Patients who have suffered a single clinical lacunar syndrome, in the absence of any previous clinical stroke, have a varying neuroradiological profile. We examined general cognition in 30 nonaphasic first‐ever lacunar syndrome participants, using a battery of standard clinical neuropsychological measures. At a group level, stroke participants did not demonstrate any cognitive impairment relative to well‐matched community‐based controls up to 12 months after stroke. There was also no evidence of increased frequencies of mild cognitive impairment after a single clinical lacunar syndrome relative to matched control participants within the first year post‐stroke. The current findings represent the first investigation of the cognitive outcome of nonaphasic individuals who have a first‐ever clinical lacunar syndrome. It was concluded that a clinically diagnosed first ever stroke event, presenting as a lacunar syndrome, was not associated with an elevated risk of developing mild cognitive impairment 12 months post‐stroke.
The Missing Child in A Midsummer Night's Dream
Authors: Frosch Thomas R.
Published: February 2008

The Indian boy over whom the king and queen of fairies quarrel is the most important of several characters in A Midsummer Night's Dream who do not appear on stage: his parents, who form with him a missing nuclear family; a child god, Cupid; and a female authority figure, the dowager to whose property the lovers Lysander and Hermia flee. In its narrative structure the play presents a healing regression to the early mother and the primary process. However, the regressive movement has disturbing, as well as adaptive, elements; in addition, while the characters are still in the forest, the play's troubled engagement with fathers has not yet been resolved. The burlesque performance of "Pyramus and Thisbe" disarms the attachment to childhood, presenting regressive modes of thought and behavior in absurd form, and thus helps complete a return to the world of the mature ego; the final act also reconstitutes the image of the father. But adult demystification and even a benign fatherly authority also appear limited, and the fairies return, bringing elements of childhood needed for a happy ending. Puck's epilogue suggests what Winnicott calls the infant's transitional experience, with its healing realm of play between dreams and objective reality, between enchantment and demystification. In the fairies' blessing, the missing child appears, still in absent form, as a child to come, a symbol of potentiality. Looming over that symbolic child is the Indian boy of Greek myth, the child god Bacchus. The play ends with a comic vision of a positive future and of amity with the often disturbing regressive elements still alive within adult psyches. Overriding the ironic and dark notes that recent critics have stressed in the play, that comic vision recreates for us a new beginning, including the new beginning of love, in the promise of a wished-for child.
Rycroft and the Romantic Imagination
Authors: Groarke Steven
Published: February 2008

This paper addresses a gap in the critical literature regarding the psychoanalytic writings of Charles Rycroft. It argues that Rycroft's theoretical work is underpinned by Romantic ideas, most notably primal sympathy, the fusion of contraries, and creative agency. Based on an appraisal of key texts, the author reconstructs these ideas as principles of creativity, each of which is discussed in light of the object the infant needed to find. From the genetic principle of reciprocity, the synthetic principle of unity, and the productive principle of self-expression, Rycroft derives a coherent theoretical framework for psychoanalysis that in many respects contradicts Freud's hypotheses. The paper locates this alternative framework within the Romantic tradition and offers a detailed discussion of Wordsworth and Coleridge in support of this reading of Rycroft.
The Unconscious as an Ultrametric Set
Authors: Lauro-Grotto Rosapia
Published: February 2008

This paper illustrates the recontextualization of a formal theory from the domain of cognitive science to psychoanalysis. Starting from an approach driven by information theory, a description of mental space in terms of a peculiar topographical structure is derived. This "ultrametric" structure can be seen to fit the constraints of primary process thinking, as presented by Matte Blanco in his essays on bi-logic. The author's reformulation of the distinction between primary and secondary processes in topological terms leads to a speculative proposal of "quasi-symbols" as possible objects of mental life. The paper also seeks to capture some aspects of the crucial interplay between the phenomenological experience of personal change and the proposed conceptual advance in theorization.
"With These Repulsive Things Indissolubly Bound": Kafka as Primal Scene
Authors: Librett Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2008

Kafka everywhere writes about, and evinces in his life, the impossibility of connecting with other people and the impossibility of separating from them. This essay shows how Kafka repeatedly formulates this double impossibility in terms of the fantasy of the primal scene, always in conjunction with the other primal fantasies, those of seduction and castration. It explores the inscription of the primal scene in three well-known short fictions ("The Metamorphosis," "A Country Doctor," and "The Judgment") and in two important letters. Before tracing their vicissitudes in these texts, the essay proposes a new way of conceptualizing the primal fantasies by way of identity (seduction), difference (castration), and the synthesis of identity and difference (primal scene). Finally, the essay proposes a new approach to the much-discussed marriage problem in Kafka's life, showing how marriage explicitly raises the specter of the primal scene in Kafka's letters to Felice Bauer, which develop the significance of this scene for Kafka's biography even to the point of presenting his fatal disease as one of its manifestations.
Reciprocal Comparison and African History: Tackling Conceptual Eurocentrism in the Study of Africa's Economic Past
Authors: Austin Gareth
Published: February 2008

This article argues for constructive responses to the dominance, in the analysis of African economic history, of concepts derived from Western experience. It reviews the existing responses of this kind, highlighting the fact that some of the most influential ideas applied to African economies, past and present, have been coined in the context not of Europe or North America but rather of other relatively poor regions formerly under European colonial rule. These “Third World” contributions have been enriching for African studies, though they have been duly criticized in African contexts, in accordance with the usual scholarly pattern. It is argued here that the main requirement for overcoming conceptual Eurocentrism in African history, in the interests of a more genuinely “general” social science and “global” history, is reciprocal comparison of Africa and other continents—or, more precisely, of specific areas within Africa with counterparts elsewhere. Pioneering examples of such comparisons are reviewed and, to illustrate the possibilities, a set of propositions is put forward from African history that may be useful for specialists on other parts of the world. The article concludes with suggestions for ways in which Africanists can best pursue the project of reciprocal comparison, and with a plea for us to be more intellectually ambitious.
Friends and Interests: China's Distinctive Links with Africa
Authors: Sautman Barry , Hairong Yan
Published: February 2008

China's expanded links to Africa have created a discourse of how to characterize those ties. Western political forces and media have criticized every aspect of China's activities in Africa, while Chinese, with significant support from Africans, have mounted a spirited defense. This article examines several factors that make China's links with Africa distinctive, including China's aid and migration policies, the distinctive “Chinese model” of foreign investment and infrastructure loans, and the development model known as the “Beijing Consensus.” It argues that particular aspects of China's links with Africa make the People's Republic of China (PRC) seem a lesser evil than the West in terms of support for Africa's development and respect for African nations.
Implications of HIV/AIDS for Rural Livelihoods in Tanzania: The Example of Rungwe District
Authors: Mwakalobo Adam B. S.
Published: February 2008

HIV/AIDS is disrupting household livelihood security in Tanzania's rural communities and contributing to rural impoverishment by claiming the lives of the most productive young adults who make up the bulk of the labor force in those areas. This article presents results of a case study based on a survey of 119 households conducted in three villages of Rungwe district in Tanzania. The results reveal that households with HIV/AIDS deaths spend less on food than those without AIDS deaths, and that households with HIV and AIDS-related deaths are more likely to fall below the poverty line.
Constituting the Unsafe: Nigerian Sex Workers' Notions of Unsafe Sexual Conduct
Authors: Izugbara Chimaraoke O.
Published: February 2008

This article reports findings of a qualitative inquiry on representations of unsafe sexual conduct among female sex workers in Aba, Nigeria. Participating sex workers viewed their work as a form of business, a survival imperative in the face of poverty, and they generally considered it both risky and disgraceful. However, they frequently framed unsafe sexual behavior in terms of poorly remunerated unprotected sex with clients. Sex workers in the study were not only generally willing to grant, but also confirmed regularly granting, unprotected sex to clients offering to pay a premium for it. Receiving “good money” for unprotected sex made higher degrees of risk acceptable to these women and was considered an effective way to avoid clients assumed to be carriers of infections. In their struggle for sexual health, sex workers in Nigeria are hindered by poverty, powerlessness, and marginality. Future programs must aim, inter alia, at supporting sex workers' willingness to insist on condoms no matter what clients offer them to do otherwise.
Modern Agricultural History in Malawi: Perspectives on Policy-Choice Explanations
Authors: Green Erik
Published: February 2008

Development research is often associated with issues of policy. Researchers aim to increase our contextual and theoretical knowledge to enhance the creation of “good” development policies. One way of doing this is to identify and learn from harmful policies of the past. The objective of this article is to examine such policy-choice explanations by looking at the dominant understandings of the modern history of agriculture in Malawi. These perspectives share the view that the high level of rural poverty is, to a great extent, an outcome of the agricultural policies implemented by the colonial and postcolonial governments. Of crucial importance are the mechanisms whereby the state actively tried to transfer resources from the smallholder sector to the state or to the estate sector. This had a negative impact on the production capacity of the smallholder sector. This article notes that the focus on policies alone is not a sufficient approach to understand the dynamics and limitations of the smallholder sector. The article also points to some methodological weaknesses with policy-choice explanations that are relevant for development research in general.
Community-Based Participatory Action: Impact on a Neighborhood LevelCommunity Health Improvement Process
Authors: Sanders James , Baisch Mary Jo
Published: February 2008

Background: The Riverwest Health Initiative (RHI) is a community-based participatory action (CBPA)–driven coalition. The group used several action models to create a community health improvement process (CHIP) uniquely suited for the neighborhood. The issues the coalition addressed and the processes used to inform community health improvement are described at the level of an urban neighborhood, including almost 7,000 households in six census tracts. Objectives: Describe the influence of conceptual models of CBPA on the development of a neighborhood CHIP. Demonstrate the effect of integrating CBPA and CHIP in acquiring locally relevant health information. Methods: RHI incorporated resident input in developing a health assessment survey to augment epidemiologic data. The survey allowed neighborhood residents to describe their health status, behaviors, and health care utilization. It included perceptions about neighborhood support and safety, mental and emotional health, and other issues not usually captured in available epidemiologic data. Results: Based on survey results and an iterative process of community input, residents identified health priorities that were more specific to their community than would have otherwise been available from traditional public health data sources. This information was used to inform the strategic planning process. Conclusions: The CHIP provided local data that helped practitioners to better target scarce resources to the specific health concerns of the community. Linking the processes of CHIP and CBPA allowed the RHI to be informed in an ongoing manner about the neighborhood's strengths and challenges.
Knowledge Profiling as Emergent Theory in Community-Based Participatory Research
Authors: Edwards Karen E. , Gibson Nancy L.
Published: February 2008

Background: Many sources of valid knowledge may be relevant to a research question. Communities need a mechanism to explore the full range of knowledge that could enrich community-based research. A knowledge profile (KP) is an integrated description of the knowledge and expertise that, once assembled, can help to explore a research issue. Objective: This article describes the establishment of a KP as a purposive process whereby the initial research team identifies the kinds of knowledge that can help to articulate and refine a research question, and assemble the right research team and resources. Method: The KP process is conducted by a core team, which may expand to include additional expertise. The four phases of a KP are (1) creating the research space, (2) articulating and negotiating, (3) identifying the research question, and (4) creating the resource inventory. The process is illustrated by a case study. The outcomes of a successful KP include an inventory of existing and required resources, a strong research team operating in an ethical and safe research space, and clear articulation of the research question. The KP can be revisited regularly throughout a project to evaluate the effectiveness of the research team. Conclusion: KP provides a road map for community-based research teams to navigate through the early phase of research development.
A Community-Based Participatory Approach to Personalized, Computer-Generated Nutrition Feedback Reports: The Healthy Environments Partnership
Authors: Kannan Srimathi , Ayra Indira , Rowe Zachary , Miller Patricia , Benjamin Alison , Schulz Amy , Israel Barbara , Weir Sheryl , Dvonch Timothy J.
Published: February 2008

Background: Computer tailoring and personalizing recommendations for dietary health-promoting behaviors are in accordance with community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles, which emphasizes research that benefits the participants and community involved. Objective: To describe the CBPR process utilized to computer generate and disseminate personalized nutrition feed-back reports (NFRs) for Detroit Healthy Environments Partnership (HEP) study participants. Methods: The CBPR process included discussion and feedback from HEP partners on several draft personalized reports. The nutrition feedback process included defining the feedback objectives; prioritizing the nutrients; customizing the report design; reviewing and revising the NFR template and readability; producing and disseminating the report; and participant follow-up. Lessons Learned: Application of CBPR principles in designing the NFR resulted in a reader-friendly product with useful recommendations to promote heart health. Conclusions: A CBPR process can enhance computer tailoring of personalized NFRs to address racial and socioeconomic disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The Role of Community–Academic Partnerships: Implications for Medical Education, Research, and Patient Care
Authors: Boutin-Foster Carla , Phillips Erica , Palermo Ann-Gel , Boyer Ann , Fortin Princess , Rashid Tahirah , Vlahov David , Mintz Janet , Love Gail
Published: February 2008

Problem: Despite several studies demonstrating the benefits of community–academic partnerships, their value to academic health centers (AHCs) is often viewed with skepticism by some in the academic community. Purpose: This paper examines the roles of community organizations and the mechanisms by which they can enhance the AHC missions of education, research, and patient care. Key Points: As lay educators, community organizations can contribute to medical education by exposing students to diverse cultural perspectives. As community advocates, they can facilitate the research process by helping to frame culturally relevant research questions, by ensuring that research survey instruments are culturally and linguistically appropriate, and that research findings are disseminated to community stakeholders. As lay health workers, they can facilitate health care delivery by providing a link to hard-to-reach populations through their outreach and referral initiatives. Conclusion: Forming partnerships between community organizations and AHCs can support the missions of AHCs and simultaneously develop and strengthen community capacity.
Geospatial Approaches for Disease Risk Communication in Marginalized Communities
Authors: Mills Jacqueline W. , Curtis Andrew
Published: February 2008

Background: After Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana State University (LSU) collaborated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create the LSU GIS Clearinghouse Cooperative (LGCC) to disseminate geospatial data. From this experience of serving community geospatial data needs for risk communication, particularly in marginalized areas, and through working with the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Remote Sensing and GIS for Public Health (WHOCC), we identified several useful geospatial technologies (GT) and methods for their implementation in risk communication strategies. Objectives: This article provides an assessment of the benefits and limitations of these technologies for risk communication in marginalized communities. Methods: Several GT have been employed for risk communication and general data dissemination in communities throughout rural coastal Louisiana. From experimentation with these technologies for risk communication, they can be classed into three groups: lightweight GIS, map dissemination tools, and interactive GT. Results: Lightweight GIS and map dissemination tools will, at some point in their application, require the assistance of a GIS expert or GIS data provider to develop and customize the tool for its intended uses. Interactive GT, however, has rapidly developed options that allow user-friendly operation without reliance on expert assistance. Google Maps, however, is showing the greatest potential for community-based health participation. Conclusions: Classifying the available GT based on functionality is critical to help specialists provide the most effective method for spatial risk communication and to assist community users in creating accessible data for their local health needs.
Community/Campus Partnership: Tailoring Geographic Information Systems for Perinatal Health Planning
Authors: Caley Linda M. , Shiode Narushige , Shelton James A.
Published: February 2008

Background: Geographic information systems (GIS) are seen as potentially important additions to traditional methods of studying risk factors in maternal and child health, but little is written on actual GIS use by communities. This article describes how one community–university collaboration used GIS for perinatal planning. Objective: The objective was to determine whether utilizing GIS could help a community to identify risk and develop potential interventions to address perinatal health problems. Methods: We tested the use of GIS over a 9-month period, using community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods. Diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory guided this work. Results: This collaboration resulted in the development of a perinatal GIS model that helped community members to decide where to focus interventions and in continued use of GIS for planning. Conclusion: Close collaboration early in the planning process, coupled with the incorporation of DOI theory, is necessary for communities to use GIS to plan perinatal interventions
The Role of Community Resource Assessments in the Development of 15 Adolescent Health Community-Researcher Partnerships
Authors: Deeds Bethany Griffin , Peralta Ligia , Willard Nancy , Ellen Jonathan , Straub Diane M. , Castor Judith
Published: February 2008

Background: Connect to Protect (C2P): Partnerships for Youth Prevention Interventions is an initiative that alters the community's structural elements to reduce youth HIV rates. Objectives: This study details a community resource assessment and describes how resources were evaluated in the context of local needs. Methods: Fifteen sites developed a community resource list, conducted a brief survey, created a youth service directory, and mapped where disease prevalence and community resources intersected. Sites also completed a survey to review and verify local site findings. Results: On average, sites identified 267 potential community resources. Sites narrowed their resource list to conduct a brief survey with 1,162 agencies; the site average was 78. Final products of this process included maps comparing resources with risk data. Conclusions: The evaluation of local resources is an important initial step in partnership development and is essential for the success of health promotion and disease prevention interventions that target adolescents.
Legible Reticence: Unspoken Dialogues in Henry James
Authors: Leibowitz Karen
Published: February 2008

This essay focuses on scenes of silent confrontation in The Spoils of Poynton and The Golden Bowl , arguing that James presents reticence as a communicative gesture, through which characters "read" one another's unspoken thoughts in a form of legible reticence that recalls the novel reader's relation to James himself. While much criticism has been devoted to detecting the fissures in James's prudery, this article emphasize his purposive deployment of reticence as an emblem of his own discursive mastery. Vacillating between improbable faith in implicit communication and entrenched cynicism regarding social surfaces, James revels in secrecy but requires recognition of his restraint.
Discreetly Depicting "an outrage": Graphic Illustration and "Daisy Miller"'s Reputation
Authors: Sonstegard Adam
Published: February 2008

Rendering the first illustrated edition of "Daisy Miller" in 1892, Harry Whitney McVickar had to reconcile the novella's scandalous reputation with the polite medium of graphic illustration. McVickar highlights insignificant scenery, shows solitary figures instead of social interaction or playful flirtation, and nearly omits the heroine. His depictions and omissions contain the characters' indiscretions, and ensure that aspiring flirts and would-be Winterbournes who view his images do not "get the wrong idea." Cinematic adaptations amplify Daisy's public displays and encourage Winterbourne's voyeurism, but "Daisy Miller"'s first graphic illustrations strove instead to redeem the reputation of James's "outrage on American girlhood."
Is James's Hawthorne Really James's Hawthorne?
Authors: Anesko Michael
Published: February 2008

Henry James's critical biography Hawthorne (1879) has long has since achieved canonical status among students of American literature. Precisely because James's biography has secured that stature, however, it seems surprising that scholars have failed to subject the author's methods and sources to more careful scrutiny. Closer analysis will suggest that James was, if not an outright plagiarist, then at the least a transparently deceptive appropriator of another distinguished critic's work. Allegedly attempting to correct the mistaken views of Émile Montégut (whose critical essays on Hawthorne appeared in leading French periodicals from 1852-64), James silently incorporates many of his insights into the 1879 volume.
" treat me your subject": Henry James's "The Jolly Corner" and I
Authors: Zwinger Lynda
Published: February 2008

This article argues that first-, third-, and second-person pronouns are central to the perverse, queer story of "The Jolly Corner," with its looping and loopy disavowal of person, tense, and syntax (identity, time, and chronology). Numbers condense the narrative elements of identity, time, and chronology and function as markers of priority in the naming of pronouns, of placement in time, and of chronology. "The Jolly Corner" is the story of a "morbid obsession" with a disembodied other, an other who is not other.
Illustrating the Invisible: "The Beast in the Jungle" as Edition de luxe
Authors: Bazargan Susan
Published: February 2008

This article examines the unique features of the 1963 edition de luxe of "The Beast in the Jungle," published by Lewis and Dorothy Allen, with illustrations by Blair Hughes-Stanton. The ingenious use of color, type face and design highlights the visual appeal of the book; less innovative are the printers' prosaic verbal emendations. Hughes-Stanton's semi-abstract, fluid illustrations are shown to be more in line with the paradox inherent in James's story: that the invisible can be more illuminating than the visible. The edition offers new possibilities for discussing the tension between verbal and visual representations and the complexities of the word-image aesthetics.
The Size and Sustainability of the Nigerian Current Account Deficits
Authors: Adedeji Olumuyiwa S , Handa Jagdish
Published: February 2008

This paper uses two different criteria -- a set of macroeconomic indicators and the intertemporal model of the current account -- to examine the excessiveness and sustainability of Nigerian current account deficits over the period 1960-2003. Our analysis shows excessive reliance on oil revenues, misperception of temporary increases in oil prices as permanent ones and structural weaknesses of the economy resulting in unsustainable current account deficits and external crisis, necessitating the adoption of the Structural Adjustment Program in 1986. However, both the macroeconomic indicators and the intertemporal model point to an improved current account position over the past decade. The paper also presents empirical results from the application of the Present Value Model of the Current Account (PYMCA) to Nigeria. Comparison of the estimated optimal and actual current account balances shows several years with excessive current account deficits. Further, these excessive current account deficits were driven by consumption tilting.
The Pula-dollar Exchange Rate and the Purchasing Power Parity in Botswana
Authors: Paul M. Thamas , Motlaleng G. R
Published: February 2008

For the small open economy of Botswana the PPP theory is validated in both the absolute and relative version for the Pula-Dollar exchange rate during the sample period 1992 third quarter to 2002 fourth quarter. The Pula-Dollar exchange rate is determined by the long-term trends in Botswana's Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the USA's CPI. The influence of the USA CPI is considerable. In the long-run there is no trade off between export competitiveness through devaluation and inflation. But as the speed of adjustment in the short-term towards long-term is slow, there is some flexibility for the exchange rate policy. The monetary policy can be used in the short-run to counter the inflation. There is no real appreciation of the Pula in the long run. This contradicts the portfolio balance theory which advocates that for a trade account surplus economy like Botswana the real exchange rate will appreciate through the limited demand for foreign assets. The lesson for the exchange rate policy for Botswana may be that it is better to keep more flexible the Pula-Dollar exchange rate than keeping it totally fixed.
A Dynamic Analysis of Education and Economic Growth in Nigeria
Authors: Ndiyo Ndem Ayara
Published: February 2008

The paper focuses on Nigeria, which has over the years invested substantially to improve the educational attainment of the labor force and to raise productivity but yet still faces declining real output and slow economic growth. The study observes that this puzzle is attributable to labor market distortions, redundancy of the workforce, benefit captured syndrome, industrial dispute and job discontinuities as well as leakages in the Nigerian society such as brain drain, among others. The paper further suggests the improvement of the education system, appropriate pricing of teachers labor and prevention of industrial disputes in order to upgrade and internalize the contributions of educational capital to economic growth in Nigeria.
Disaggregated Spending and the Productivity Bias Hypothesis
Authors: Goswami Gour Gobinda , Rahman A.K.M. Atiqur
Published: February 2008

According to the productivity bias hypothesis countries have a tendency for real appreciation in their domestic currency as a result of a productivity shock and the tendency is more pronounced in the non-tradable sectors. Balassa (1964) examines this thesis for 12 OECD countries in a cross section framework. This paper reexamines this empirically using a disaggregate data of consumption, investment, and government expenditures in a panel regression set-up. Using five different panel specifications and controlling for country specific heterogeneity, time specific heterogeneity, and openness this paper explores that the bias is more prominent in government sector compared to other component of aggregate spending.
Labor Supply in Response to Remittance Income: The Case of Mexico
Authors: Airola Jim
Published: February 2008

The growth in the flow of international remittance income in many developing countries has increased attention towards remittances as a development mechanism. This study attempts to understand to what degree labor patterns are affected by the receipt of remittances. Using nationally representative household income and expenditure data for Mexico, I analyze the effect of remittance income on labor supply decisions. I find that household labor supply in response to remittance income is consistent with findings which measure labor supply behavior in the presence of other forms of unearned income in different settings. That is, remittance receipts are associated with fewer hours of work and income elasticities are estimated in the range of -.006 to -.03. This finding attenuates to some degree the measure of the impact of remittances in the receiving country's aggregate output.
An La-aids Analysis of Cassava Food Products Demand in Lagos
Authors: Jumah Adusei , Dipeolu Adewale O , Ayinde Idris A , Adebayo Kolawole
Published: February 2008

The study uses the linear AIDS technique to analyse how consumers of cassava food products in the Lagos metropolitan area react to economic and demographic factors and how consumer reactions can be captured to bring about effective policy formulation for food security and poverty alleviation through value added agricultural production. The results establish that demographic factors such as religion and residential area help to explain perceived variations in the consumption of cassava food products. Given that demand is price-inelastic for all cassava food products examined in the study, declining prices stemming from a bumper cassava crop harvest would lead to corresponding declines in producer revenues. In view of the high expenditure elasticities, therefore, a policy option that would boost productivity and incomes of consumers is considered desirable. Such a policy could be one that saps off excess farm labour through maintaining and promoting investment in the food-processing sector.
Household Determinants of Fuelwood Choice in Urban Ethiopia: a Case Study of Iimma Town
Authors: Ejigie Degnet Abebaw
Published: February 2008

Fuelwood remains the primary energy to a majority of the population in Africa. However, little is known about the factors influencing its use particularly in urban centers where alternative energy sources are available. Using cross-sectional survey data from 200 households in the Jimma town of Ethiopia, this study investigates why some urban households use more fuelwood than others. Empirical results of the Tobit model reveal that the association between per capita income and per capita fuelwood consumption is non-linear and that per capita fuelwood consumption is inversely associated with family size and education of the household head. Additionally, refrigerator ownership has a significant positive effect on per capita charcoal consumption. Therefore, energy policy and development projects aimed at reducing fuelwood dependency in urban areas of Ethiopia should work not only to increase the supply of modern energy but also reduce poverty to the poor households.
Efficiency of Food Production Under Old and New Technology: The Case of Farmers Within and Outside the Extension Package Program in Ethiopia
Authors: Alene Arega D , Hassan Rashid M
Published: February 2008

This paper measures the technical, allocative, and economic efficiencies of farmers within and outside the Extension Package Program (EPP) in high and low potential agro-ecological zones in eastern Ethiopia. Within-group farmer efficiencies are analyzed relative to respective technologies to examine performance variation under traditional and improved technology. The results showed considerable efficiency variation not only among farmers outside EPP who mainly used traditional technologies, but also among farmers within the EPP who used improved technological packages. The results further showed that, in the high potential zone, farmers within the EPP used a superior technology, whereas both groups in the low potential zone used a homogenous technology, confirming the lack of appropriate technologies for less-favored agricultural areas. Education, credit, and the share of the leading cropping system are significantly related to production efficiency. The results suggest that an integrated credit, extension, and input supply system with appropriate technologies would raise food production efficiency.
Potential Impact of Financial Reforms on Savings in Botswana: an Empirical Analysis Using a VECM Approach
Authors: Ahmed Abdullahi Dahir
Published: February 2008

This paper attempts to briefly review the financial impact of the recent economic reforms in Botswana. In particular, it investigates the influence of these reforms on savings, and tests the financial repression hypothesis. The paper examines such effects through empirical examination using the Johansen VECM approach and annual data running from 1971 to 2003. While private savings have shown a remarkably increasing trend in recent years, our preliminary empirical results show that savings are positively related to real interest rates in Botswana. Additionally, while using a carefully constructed composite index and a considerable list of controlling variables, we observe a positive and significant link between private savings and the financial liberalization index. Finally, unlike other studies where cross-country time series data is utilized, of which the predicted results may fail to capture country-specific developments and institutional differences, this study aims to provide a reasonable country-level investigation.
Regional Productivity and Convergence in Bangladesh Agriculture
Authors: Rahman Sanzidur
Published: February 2008

This paper applies the sequential Malmquist index to calculate multi-lateral, multi-factor productivity (MFP) indices for agriculture in 16 regions of Bangladesh from 1964 to 1992 and examines convergence amongst regions. Productivity grew at an average rate of 0.9% per annum, led by regions with high level of Green Revolution technology diffusion. The growth mainly occurred due to technological progress estimated at 1.9% per year. Overall technical efficiency declined steadily at 1.0% per year due to falling efficiency in most of the regions in later years. Both cross-section and time-series tests confirm that divergence among regions disappeared and agricultural productivity reached convergence in the long-run. Policy options to reverse declining efficiency are considered. These include: strengthening of extension services, improvements in rural infrastructure, widening of R&D activities to non-cereals, and promotion of new technologies.