bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-stage analysis of antecedents and consequences of knowledge management evolution
Authors: Lin Hsiu-Fen
Published: March 2014

Purpose

–Drawing from knowledge-based view and balanced scorecard approach, this study seeks to develop an integrative model to examine the influence of two knowledge management (KM) strategies, codification KM strategy and personalization KM strategy, on the multi-stage KM evolution (KM adoption, implementation and institutionalization stages), which in turn affects balanced scorecard outcomes (financial performance, internal process performance, customer performance, and growth and learning performance).

Design/methodology/approach

–Survey data from 244 managers (currently and directly in charge of KM activities) in large Taiwanese firms were collected and used to test the research model using the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach.

Findings

–The results have revealed that both the codification KM strategy and personalization KM strategy are positive factors for stage-based KM evolution, but their relative importance differs across the three subsamples. Additionally, the results showed that the internal process and customer perspectives play a critical role in measuring performance during the earlier stages of KM evolution, while the financial and learning and growth perspectives emphasize the performance achievements from the latter stages.

Practical implications

–Since KM implementation is an evolutionary process, using both financial and non-financial measures to assess organizational performance through KM efforts, such as the four balanced scorecard perspectives, can take full advantage of stage-based KM evolution. The results indicate that the time-lag effect is critical to distinguishing different forms of organizational performance.

Originality/value

–Theoretically, this study aims to provide a research model that is capable of understanding the antecedents and consequences of staged-based KM evolution. From a managerial perspective, the findings of this study provide valuable guidelines to policy-makers and practitioners in accelerating KM evolution and achieving organizational performance.
Technology perceptions in employees' use of self-directed learning
Authors: E. Fleming David , B. Artis Andrew , M. Hawes Jon
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Service firms can improve their adaptability in turbulent environments with knowledgeable employees. Self-directed learning (SDL) is one way that employees can improve knowledge, but this research area has not examined the role of technology in employee learning. This paper aims to discuss these points.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses nested regression to test hypotheses about the relationships between employee affinity for technology (AFT) and perceived corporate affinity for technology (PCAFT) on SDL project use in financial services employees, and extends Artis and Harris' conceptual SDL model.

Findings

– The relationship between the antecedents and SDL project use depends on the type of project: induced, synergistic, voluntary or scanning. The main effect of AFT impacts all except induced projects. The main effect of PCAFT only influences synergistic projects. The interaction term influences induced and scanning projects.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper provides the first empirical test of antecedents of SDL project use in the marketing literature. Limitations include that only employees from financial services were used; future research is needed to determine generalizability.

Practical implications

– These findings show that what motivates employees to engage in SDL project can be a selection or an internal communication issue depending on project type. This should help managers to determine what steps can be taken to encourage employee use of SDL projects.

Originality/value

– Academically, this is the first paper in marketing to empirically test antecedents of SDL projects use and provides empirical support of Clardy's SDLP typology. Managerially, this is the first empirical guidance on how firms can increase employee SDL project use to enhance knowledge.
Entry points for government information: a comparative look at four sources
Authors: E. Malone Charles
Published: March 2014

Purpose

- The aim of this article is to promote the use of free government resources to librarians and library users by focusing on four starting points for finding government information that is freely available.

Design/methodology/approach

- This article uses the No Child Left Behind act to compare the types of information that can be found in US Dept. of Education web pages, Congressional Research Service reports, General Accountability Office reports, and Congressional committee hearings.

Findings

- Each of the four government resources described in the article provides a wealth of information on the example topic. However, the information found from each resource is influenced by the mission of the organization, creating disparity in the depth of information offered and the manner in which it is presented.

Practical implications

- One can use the federal government agency that works in a subject area to find an overview, legal background, reports, and statistics on that subject, as well as information on how the agency is administering policies related to that topic. The Congressional Research Service can provide a broad outside overview of the subject along with pro and con issues related to the subject. The Government Accountability Office can add detailed analysis and criticism on the subject. Congressional committee hearings can provide testimony and reports from stakeholders and experts on the subject, offering a variety of viewpoints.

Originality/value

- This paper fills an identified need for comparison of these four sources as primary starting points for finding and using government information.
What Can Health Communication Science Offer for ACA Implementation? Five Evidence‐Informed Strategies for Expanding Medicaid Enrollment
Authors: KREUTER MATTHEW W. , McBRIDE TIMOTHY D. , CABURNAY CHARLENE A. , POOR TIMOTHY , THOMPSON VETTA L. SANDERS , ALCARAZ KASSANDRA I. , EDDENS KATHERINE S. , RATH SUCHITRA , PERKINS HANNAH , CASEY CHRISTOPHER
Published: March 2014

Context

Implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014 will require effective enrollment and outreach efforts to previously uninsured individuals now eligible for coverage.

Methods

From 1996 to 2013, the Health Communication Research Laboratory conducted more than 40 original studies with more than 30,000 participants to learn how to improve the reach to and effectiveness of health information for low‐income and racial/ethnic minority populations. We synthesized the findings from this body of research and used them to inform current challenges in implementing the ACA.

Findings

We found empirical support for 5 recommendations regarding partnerships, outreach, messages and messengers, life priorities of low‐income individuals and families, and the information environment. We translated these into 12 action steps.

Conclusions

Health communication science can inform the development and execution of strategies to increase the public's understanding of the ACA and to support the enrollment of eligible individuals into Medicaid or the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Meckel's diverticulum as a leading point of early onset‐type hernia through a 5‐mm trocar‐site incision
Authors: Yildirim Mehmet , Yagli Erdal
Published: March 2014

A herniated Meckel's diverticulum is very rare, although its signature protrusion of the bowel and/or omentum as a trocar‐site hernia is well‐known. We report a case of small‐bowel obstruction caused by early‐onset site hernia diagnosed on the fifth day following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our report is the first to describe a protrusion of Meckel's diverticulum resulting from herniation at the 5‐mm trocar site after such an early postoperative period.
Three‐decade‐delayed post‐traumatic small‐bowel stenosis
Authors: DeMuro Jonas Paul
Published: March 2014

Injury to the small bowel is uncommon after trauma. There are rare reported cases of delayed post‐traumatic stenosis of the small bowel occurring weeks, months or even years later. In this study, we present a case of a delayed stenosis that caused a small‐bowel obstruction three decades after the trauma.
Coexistence of isolated peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenitis with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Su An‐Ping , Cao Shuang‐Shuang , Zhang Zhao‐Da , Hu Wei‐Ming , Tian Bo‐Le
Published: March 2014

Isolated peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenitis (IPTL) is rare and difficult to diagnose because it has an insidious course without any specific clinical, laboratorial or radiological findings. In some cases, it is similar to a pancreatic tumour; however, the coexistence of both pathologies is rare. In the present study, we report on a case with synchronism of IPTL and pancreatic cancer presenting with intractable watery diarrhoea and weight loss.
Primary paraganglioma of urinary bladder: Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Wong Edmond Ming‐Ho , Lai Terence Chun‐Ting , Tsu James Hok‐Leung , Yee Chi‐Hang , Fan Chi‐Wai , Cheung Fu‐Keung , Ng Chi‐Fai , Yiu Ming‐Kwong
Published: March 2014

Paragangliomas of the urinary bladder (PUB) are uncommon and represent less than 1 per cent of all bladder tumours. They can manifest with classic symptoms and signs similar to those of adrenal pheochromocytoma, but the clinical presentation could be nonspecific. Preoperative diagnosis of this uncommon condition is difficult but important, owing to the potential for catecholamine crisis during surgery. In the present study, we review our experience of four cases of PUB and review the literature on this condition.
Association of HLA‐DRB1 alleles and anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in Han and Uyghur patients with ulcerative colitis in China
Authors: Gao Feng , Aheman Ayinuer , Lu Jia Jie , Abuduhadeer Mireayi , Li Yue Xian , Kuerbanjiang Aihemaijiang
Published: March 2014

Objective

We aimed to study the association between HLA‐DRB1 alleles and anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) among Uyghur and Han patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in China.

Methods

Altogether 160 UC patients and 466 healthy controls of Uyghur and Han groups residing in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China were included. HLA‐DRB1 variants were identified from genomic DNA using polymerase chain reaction and gene sequencing. Serum ANCA were determined by indirect immunofluorescence assay.

Results

Among the Uyghur populations, the HLA‐DRB1*08 gene frequency was lower in the UC patients than in the control group (P = 0.012, OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02–0.91); however, that of HLA‐DRB1*13 was much higher in the UC patients than in the controls (P = 0.001, OR 4.32, 95% CI 1.92–9.74). In Han patients with UC, there was no significant difference in HLA‐DRB1 frequency between UC patients and healthy controls. The positive rate of ANCA in Uyghur patients with UC was significantly higher than in Han UC patients (P = 0.026), and ANCA positivity was associated with an increased frequency of HLA‐DRB1*13 in Uyghur UC patients, but no such difference was observed in the Han patients.

Conclusions

Genetic polymorphisms of the HLA‐DRB1*08 and *13 may contribute to the clinical heterogeneity of UC between Uyghur and Han UC patients in China. In Uyghur UC patients, HLA‐DRB1*13 may be correlated with ANCA positivity.
Clinical and laboratory profile of childhood polyarteritis nodosa in a Bangladeshi tertiary hospital
Authors: Talukder Manik K. , Islam Mohammad I. , Rahman Shahana A.
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Polyarteritis nodosa in children is a rare necrotizing vasculitis affecting mainly small and medium‐size arteries.

Objective

To describe the different clinical patterns and laboratory profiles of polyarteritis nodosa patients in a tertiary care hospital.

Methodology

This was a retrospective cohort study carried out in the Department of Paediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period January 2007 to December 2012. A total of 13 patients fulfilling the European League Against Rheumatism/Paediatric Rheumatology International Trial Organization/Paediatric Rheumatology European Society (EULAR/PRINTO/PRES) classification criteria were enrolled in this study. Data was collected via a predesigned questionnaire.

Results

Age range was 3–12 years, male : female ratio was 9 : 4. The duration of symptoms was 2–16 weeks. All the children had fever, anorexia and generalized weakness. Subcutaneous nodules were present in 77% of cases followed by arthritis and rash (69%), muscle pain (54%) and abdominal pain (38%). Impaired peripheral pulses were present in 54%, ulceration and gangrene was present in 31% and auto‐amputation was present in 15% of cases. All the patients had high erythrocyte sedimentation rates followed by neutrophilic leukocytosis and thrombocytosis (85% and 62%). Skin biopsy was positive in 77% of cases and angiographic abnormalities were present in 23% of cases.

Conclusion

Most clinical and laboratory profiles of polyarteritis nodosa in our center, such as age, sex, fever, rash, arthritis and abdominal pain, were mostly similar to other reports; however some late cases were found in this series with complications such as gangrene and auto‐amputation.
Has the incidence of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy in Queensland been reduced with improved education in fetal surveillance monitoring?
Authors: Byford Sally , Weaver Edward , Anstey Chris
Published: March 2014

Background

Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is secondary to intrapartum asphyxia and the fifth largest cause of death of children under five. Incorrect use and interpretation of intrapartum cardiotocographs has been identified as a contributing factor to the development of HIE. Therefore, RANZCOG introduced the Fetal Surveillance Education Program (FSEP) to improve education and practice of intrapartum care.

Aim

To investigate the incidence of HIE throughout Queensland between 2003 and 2011 during the introduction and implementation of RANZCOG FSEP.

Methods

The incidence of HIE admissions at each hospital in Queensland (2003–2011) was collated from Queensland Health Statistics Centre. RANZCOG FSEP provided data regarding course attendees throughout Queensland (2006–2011). Hospitals were grouped into four regions. Statistical analysis was conducted using StataTM (version 12.0) — data appeared to follow a damped harmonic model.

Results

The posteducation (2006–2011) HIE rate was significantly lower (P = 0.02) than the pre‐education (2003–2005) rate. The final model predicted a stabilisation of HIE occurrence rate at approximately 160 events/100 000 live births by 2012. This rate was stable if the level of education was maintained but rose back to the initial rate of 250 events/100 000 live births if the education participation was discontinued.

Conclusions

This study identified a significant reduction in the incidence of HIE – a potentially life‐threatening newborn condition – between 2003 and 2011, during and following FSEP implementation. Notwithstanding the inevitable limitations of state‐based data collection, these results are encouraging. For such improvements to be sustained, education must reach all staff engaged in intrapartum care and be regularly repeated.
Influence of Atrioventricular Optimization on Hemodynamic Parameters and Quality of Life in Patients with Dual Chamber Pacemaker with Ventricular Lead in Right Ventricular Outflow Tract
Authors: Klimczak Artur , Budzikowski Adam S. , Rosiak Marcin , Zielińska Marzenna , Urbanek Bożena , Bartczak Karol , Chudzik Michał , Wranicz Jerzy K.
Published: March 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether individual atrioventricular delay (AVD) optimization using impedance cardiography (ICG) offers beneficial hemodynamic effects as well as improved exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with requiring constant right ventricular pacing.

Methods

There were 37 patients with advanced AV block included in the study. Several examinations were performed at the beginning. Next, the optimization of AVD by ICG was done. The next step of the study patients have been randomized into optimal AVD group (AVDopt) or factory setting group (AVDfab). After 3 months, the follow‐up all data were collected again and crossover was performed. After another 3 months, during the final follow‐up all these measures were repeated.

Results

In 87.5% patients, AVDopt were different than factory value. Cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), and stroke volume (SV) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in AVDopt group than in AVDfab group (CO: 6.0 ± 1.4 L/minute vs. 5.3 ± 1.2 L/minute; SV: 85.8 ± 25.7 mL vs.76.9 ± 22.5 mL; CI: 3.2 ± 0.7 L/minute/m2 vs. 2.7 ± 0.6 L/minute/m2). There was a statistical significant (P < 0.05) reduction of proBNP and NYHA class in patients with AVDopt compared to AVDfab (proBNP: 196.4 ± 144.7pg/mL vs. 269.4 ± 235.8 pg/mL; NYHA class: 1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 2.3 ± 0.6). Six‐minute walking test was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in AVDopt group (409 ± 90 m) than in AVDfab group (362 ± 93 m). There were no statistically significant differences in echocardiographic parameters between AVDopt and AVDfab settings.

Conclusion

Our study results suggest that AVD optimization in patients with DDD pacemaker with ICG improves hemodynamic when compared to the default factory settings. Furthermore, optimally programmed AVD reduces BNP and improves exercise tolerance and functional class.
Involvement of hypothalamic PI3K–STAT3 signalling in regulating appetite suppression mediated by amphetamine
Authors: Chu Shu‐Chen , Chen Pei‐Ni , Hsieh Yih‐Shou , Yu Ching‐Han , Lin Meng‐Hsuan , Lin Yan‐Han , Kuo Dong‐Yih
Published: March 2014

Background and Purpose

Appetite suppression induced by amphetamine has been attributed to its inhibition of neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons and activation of pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus. This study examined whether STAT3 was involved in these actions of amphetamine.

Experimental Approach

Rats were given amphetamine daily for 4 days. Changes in the expression of NPY, POMC, melanocortin MC3 receptors, PI3K and STAT3 in the hypothalamus were assessed by RT‐PCR and Western blotting. Antisense oligonucleotides to STAT3 were also used.

Key Results

Expression of NPY decreased with a maximum effect day 2 of amphetamine treatment. Expression of POMC, MC3 receptors, PI3K and STAT3 increased with a maximum response on day 2. Moreover, phosphorylation of STAT3 and its DNA binding activity increased and was expressed in a similar pattern. Infusion (i.c.v.) of STAT3 antisense at 60 min before amphetamine treatment, partly blocked amphetamine‐induced anorexia and modulated expression of NPY, POMC, MC3 receptors and PI3K, indicating the involvement of STAT3 in amphetamine‐treated rats.

Conclusions and Implications

Hypothalamic PI3K–STAT3 signalling participated in the regulation of NPY‐ and POMC‐mediated appetite suppression. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of anorectic drugs.
Beneficial effects of diminished production of hydrogen sulfide or carbon monoxide on hypertension and renal injury induced by NO withdrawal
Authors: Wesseling Sebastiaan , Fledderus Joost O , Verhaar Marianne C , Joles Jaap A
Published: March 2014

Background and Purpose

Whether NO, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) compensate for each other when one or more is depleted is unclear. Inhibiting NOS causes hypertension and kidney injury. Both global depletion of H2S by cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE) gene deletion and low levels of exogenous H2S cause hypertension. Inhibiting CO‐producing enzyme haeme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) makes rodents hypersensitive to hypertensive stimuli. We hypothesized that combined inhibition of NOS and HO‐1 exacerbates hypertension and renal injury, but how combined inhibition of NOS and CSE affect hypertension and renal injury was unclear.

Experimental Approach

Rats were treated with inhibitors of NOS (L‐nitroarginine; LNNA), CSE (DL‐propargylglycine; PAG), or HO‐1 (tin protoporphyrin; SnPP) singly for 1 or 4 weeks or in combinations for 4 weeks.

Key Results

LNNA always reduced NO, decreased H2S and increased CO after 4 weeks. PAG abolished H2S, always enhanced CO and reduced NO, but not when used in combination with other inhibitors. SnPP always increased NO, enhanced H2S and inhibited CO after 1 week. Rats treated with LNNA, but not PAG and SnPP, rapidly developed hypertension followed by renal dysfunction. LNNA‐induced hypertension was ameliorated and renal dysfunction prevented by all additional treatments. Renal HO‐1 expression was increased by LNNA in injured tubules and increased in all tubules by all other treatments.

Conclusions and Implications

The amelioration of LNNA‐induced hypertension and renal injury by additional inhibition of H2S and/or CO‐producing enzymes appeared to be associated with secondary increases in renal CO or NO production.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Pharmacology of the Gasotransmitters. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-6
Direct observation of weight counselling in primary care: alignment with clinical guidelines
Authors: Antognoli E. L. , Smith K. J. , Mason M. J. , Milliner B. R. , Davis E. M. , Harris‐Haywood S. , Seeholzer E. , Smith S. , Flocke S. A.
Published: March 2014

Primary care physicians provide care to a disproportionate number of overweight and obese patients and are uniquely positioned to help patients manage their weight in the context of a continuity relationship. The US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) developed evidence‐based guidelines for the effective and efficient care of overweight/obese patients, but little is known about the use of these guidelines in practice. To determine the content of weight discussions and assess the elements of the NHLBI guidelines that were accomplished, office visits of 544 adult, overweight/obese patients to 28 primary care physicians were observed and audio recorded. Associations between type of weight management discussion and patient, physician and visit characteristics were examined. Fifty per cent (n = 270) of visits included weight discussions; 47% and 38% included use of at least one NHLBI assessment or treatment element during discussions about weight, respectively. Only 35% (n = 193) of discussions included an assessment and treatment strategy; none included all NHLBI‐recommended elements. Overall, adherence to guidelines was poor, particularly with regard to reporting body mass index to the patient, measuring waist circumference and setting realistic weight loss goals. Weight discussions did not clearly vary by the patient, physician or visit characteristics examined. These findings suggest opportunities to develop and further tailor resources for improved physician training in patient weight management communication and treatment techniques that are both consistent with current standards for effective, evidence‐based care and efficient enough for routine use during busy primary care visits.
Mouthguard: a new technique for the partially edentulous patient
Authors: Gialain Ivan Onone , e Dias Reinaldo Brito , Costa Bruno , Coto Neide Pena
Published: March 2014

Over the last decades, several articles have corroborated the need of using mouthguards in sports activities, manufactured with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) as their main material. There are different mouthguards techniques used by dentists worldwide to prevent injuries. A technique has been developed to help athletes, especially the partially edentulous patients, who were not getting the proper protection. The mouthguard technique consists in making EVA fillings to improve the adjustment and esthetics of mouthguard used by athletes. It is the authors′ conviction that the technique may prevent injuries in sports activities without impairing the athletes′ safety and esthetics.
Board Ties and the Cost of Corporate Debt
Authors: Chuluun Tuugi , Prevost Andrew , Puthenpurackal John
Published: March 2014

We examine the impact of firms’ board ties on bond yield spreads. Prior literature associates board connectedness with improved access to resources due to visibility and reputation arising from greater board capital. Consistent with the board capital hypothesis, we find that better connected firms are associated with greater media coverage and more ties to financial firms. Additionally, greater connectedness is linked with statistically and economically significant lower bond yield spreads, especially for firms with high information asymmetry. Our main result appears robust and includes significant negative (positive) changes in yield spreads to announcements of additions (departures) of highly connected directors.
Not all water mazes are created equal: cyclin D2 knockout mice with constitutively suppressed adult hippocampal neurogenesis do show specific spatial learning deficits
Authors: Garthe A. , Huang Z. , Kaczmarek L. , Filipkowski R. K. , Kempermann G.
Published: March 2014

Studies using the Morris water maze to assess hippocampal function in animals, in which adult hippocampal neurogenesis had been suppressed, have yielded seemingly contradictory results. Cyclin D2 knockout (Ccnd2−/−) mice, for example, have constitutively suppressed adult hippocampal neurogenesis but had no overt phenotype in the water maze. In other paradigms, however, ablation of adult neurogenesis was associated with specific deficits in the water maze. Therefore, we hypothesized that the neurogenesis‐related phenotype might also become detectable in Ccnd2−/− mice, if we used the exact setup and protocol that in our previous study had revealed deficits in mice with suppressed adult neurogenesis. Ccnd2−/− mice indeed learned the task and developed a normal preference for the goal quadrant, but were significantly less precise for the exact goal position and were slower in acquiring efficient and spatially more precise search strategies. Upon goal reversal (when the hidden platform was moved to a new position) Ccnd2−/− mice showed increased perseverance at the former platform location, implying that they were less flexible in updating the previously learned information. Both with respect to adult neurogenesis and behavioral performance, Ccnd2+/− mice ranged between wild types and knockouts. Importantly, hippocampus‐dependent learning was not generally impaired by the mutation, but specifically functional aspects relying on precise and flexible encoding were affected. Whether ablation of adult neurogenesis causes a specific behavioral phenotype thus also depends on the actual task demands. The test parameters appear to be important variables influencing whether a task can pick up a contribution of adult neurogenesis to test performance.
The changing geography of global trade in electronic discards: time to rethink the e‐waste problem
Authors: Lepawsky Josh
Published: March 2014

This paper provides a synopsis of the changing geography of global trade in electronic waste over time using data available from the United Nations COMTRADE database. It quantifies the magnitude and direction of this trade between 206 territories in over 9400 reported trade transactions between 1996 and 2012. The results demonstrate two key findings. First, at its peak in 1996, trade from territories designated as Annex VII under the Basel Convention (‘developed’ countries) to non‐Annex VII territories (‘developing’ countries) accounted for just over 35% of total trade. By 2012 trade from Annex VII to non‐Annex VII territories accounted for less than 1% of total trade. Second, between 1996 and 2012 the two groups of territories evolved different regional trade orientations: Annex VII territories are predominantly trading intra‐regionally, with 73–82% of total trade moving between Annex VII territories. In contrast, non‐Annex VII territories are mostly trading inter‐regionally: by 2012 less than one‐quarter of non‐Annex VII trade moved to other non‐Annex VII territories with the rest moving to Annex VII territories. The results are congruent with an emerging body of research that profoundly troubles the dominant conceptual and policy framings of the global e‐waste problem. Solving that problem will not happen if it is imagined as one predominantly characterised by dumping of e‐waste from rich, ‘developed’ countries of the ‘global North’ in poor, ‘developing’ countries of the ‘global South’. A reframing of the issue of e‐waste is necessary to productively enrich the conceptualisation and policy discussion of e‐waste as an issue of environmental and economic politics and justice.
A Ternary Age‐Mixing Model to Explain Contaminant Occurrence in a Deep Supply Well
Authors: Jurgens Bryant C. , Bexfield Laura M. , Eberts Sandra M.
Published: March 2014

The age distribution of water from a public‐supply well in a deep alluvial aquifer was estimated and used to help explain arsenic variability in the water. The age distribution was computed using a ternary mixing model that combines three lumped parameter models of advection‐dispersion transport of environmental tracers, which represent relatively recent recharge (post‐1950s) containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), old intermediate depth groundwater (about 6500 years) that was free of drinking‐water contaminants, and very old, deep groundwater (more than 21,000 years) containing arsenic above the USEPA maximum contaminant level of 10 µg/L. The ternary mixing model was calibrated to tritium, chloroflorocarbon‐113, and carbon‐14 (14C) concentrations that were measured in water samples collected on multiple occasions. Variability in atmospheric 14C over the past 50,000 years was accounted for in the interpretation of 14C as a tracer. Calibrated ternary models indicate the fraction of deep, very old groundwater entering the well varies substantially throughout the year and was highest following long periods of nonoperation or infrequent operation, which occured during the winter season when water demand was low. The fraction of young water entering the well was about 11% during the summer when pumping peaked to meet water demand and about 3% to 6% during the winter months. This paper demonstrates how collection of multiple tracers can be used in combination with simplified models of fluid flow to estimate the age distribution and thus fraction of contaminated groundwater reaching a supply well under different pumping conditions.
Diagnostic Analysis of Pumping Tests Using Derivative of dlgs/dlgt with Case Study
Authors: Xiao Liang , Xu Yongxin
Published: March 2014

Diagnostic derivative interpretation of drawdown data from pumping tests is discussed in this paper. An emphasis is placed on the conceptualization of derivative term of dlgs/dlgt. Use of a combined plot of dlgs/dlgt and ds/dlgt is made to identify various flow patterns from variable discharge tests with infinite conditions, constant rate tests in bounded aquifers, and tests involving double porosity, which can be used to further characterize the aquifer. Compared with the standard derivative method (ds/dlgt), the combined derivative analysis of dlgs/dlgt and ds/dlgt of drawdown behaviours possesses certain advantages identified as follows: (1) the plot of dlgs/dlgt is strikingly sensitive for use in unveiling differences between pumping and recovery periods in a variable discharge test; (2) storativity (S) of pumped aquifers can be accurately evaluated by the combined plot; and (3) a quantitative assessment of double porosity behaviour can also be achieved. Based on applied case studies, Lagrange Interpolation Regression (LIR) is recommended for numerical derivative calculation. Advantages and disadvantages of LIR and traditional methods are demonstrated via a selected case study. The result of the case study confirms that LIR is a preferred method for numerical derivative calculation as it can be used to effectively minimise noisy effect during derivative processes. The proposed derivative approach provides the hydrologists with an additional tool for characterizing pumped aquifers.
Oxidation Resistance of AlPO4 Bonded Ceramic Coating Formed on Titanium Alloy for High‐Temperature Applications
Authors: Tian Hong , Wang Ya‐Ming , Zhang Yu‐Feng , Guo Li‐Xin , Ouyang Jia‐Hu , Zhou Yu , Jia Dechang
Published: March 2014

AlPO4 based coatings were prepared on Ti‐6Al‐2Zr‐1Mo‐1V titanium alloy using aluminum phosphate as a binder and Al2O3/Cr2O3 based mixing particles as the fillers. The microstructure, phase and chemical composition of the coatings were analyzed by SEM, XRD and EDS techniques. The high temperature infrared emissivity values of coated and uncoated titanium samples were tested. The results show that the coating had a higher infrared emissivity value (>0.8) than titanium substrate (0.15–0.3) in the wide wavelength range of 5–20 mm, which is attributed to the uniform dispersion of high emissivity Al2O3 and Cr2O3 particles in the AlPO4 binder matrix. The coated titanium samples exhibited excellent oxidation resistance performance with significantly decreased oxidation rates at 600 and 800°C. The mass gain of the coated sample kept at a low and stable constant of 0.15 mg/cm2, significantly lower than that of titanium substrate (0.54 mg/cm2) when oxidized at 600°C up to 100 h.
Unknowing: A potential common factor in successful engagement and psychotherapy with people who have complex psychosocial needs
Authors: Lakeman Richard
Published: March 2014

Mental health nurses have a demonstrated capacity to work with people who have complex mental health and social problems in a respectful and non‐coercive way for lengthy periods of time. Despite contributing to positive outcomes, nurses are rarely described as possessing psychotherapeutic skills or having advanced knowledge. More often, they are described as being instrumental to medicine, and nurses are socialized into not overstepping their subordinate position relative to medicine by claiming to know too much. Paradoxically, this position of unknowing, when employed mindfully, could be a critical ingredient in fostering therapeutic relationships with otherwise difficult‐to‐engage people. The concept of unknowing is explored with reference to different schools of psychotherapy. Adopting an unknowing stance, that is, not prematurely assuming to know what the person's problem is, nor the best way to help, might enable a deeper and more authentic understanding of the person's experience to emerge over time.
A transcultural study of psychopharmacotherapy for schizophrenia of neuroleptic treatment between Tokyo and Bali
Authors: KURIHARA TOSHIYUKI , GOHEIYAGI  , REVERGER ROBERT , KAWAI NORIE , INADA TOSHIYA
Published: March 2014

We made a comparison of drug treatment for the patients with schizophrenia between two psychiatric hospitals in Tokyo, Japan, and Bali, Indonesia. An initial preliminary, cross‐sectional study revealed that the mean daily dose of neuroleptics was significantly higher in Tokyo than it was in Bali. A second, longitudinal, study showed that the mean neuroleptic dose for newly admitted patients in the acute phase was higher, and the number of patients receiving maintenance treatment after discharge larger in Tokyo, while the mean duration of hospitalization was shorter, and the re‐admission rate 1 year after discharge lower in Bali. These findings suggest that the course of schizophrenia is more favorable in Bali. As a result of lower dose of neuroleptics, the prevalence of tardic dyskinesia was much lower in Bali than it was in Tokyo.
Combining pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy in the treatment of anxiety disorder
Authors: PASNAU ROBERT O.
Published: March 2014

Anxiety disorders are more prevalent than any other mental health problem in the USA, but afflicted patients are often untreated or treated only by a primary care physician. Anxiety disorders can be understood in the context of the interplay of biological, psychosocial, and behavioral factors. Psychiatry has defined effective treatment that integrates education, psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. A combination of treatment approaches may be beneficial. Anxiety related symptoms, other than a true anxiety disorder, may be precipitated by normal stresses of daily life. These patients may also benefit from treatments used in anxiety disorders. Anxiety can also occur secondary to medical disorders and medications, as well as being present as part of other psychiatric syndromes. Diagnosis requires a history, physical examination and laboratory tests. Anxiety disorders, although common, are easily overlooked because patients may present with somatic complaints rather than admit to having emotional problems. Anxiety disorders are divided into seven categories in DSM IV, with each allowing for a differential treatment approach. Non‐pharmacological treatments are the first line of treatment, and may include behavior therapy and cognitive therapy. The physician‐patient relationship is itself a powerful treatment tool. Key areas in which the psychiatrist can help the patient cope are outlined. Benefits and risks of drug treatment for anxiety disorders are discussed.
Functional and structural brain imagings in dementia
Authors: ICHIMIYA ATSUSHI
Published: March 2014

Dementia is a major psychiatric problem in elderly people. Recent developments in brain imaging have made practical contributions to the diagnosis of dementia, which is caused by spread of various kinds of lesions in the brain. It is important to make accurate diagnoses of dementia in living patients, in order to decide upon treatment and to predict life expectancy. Magnetic resonance imaging can reveal vascular lesions more sensitively than can X‐ray computed tomography. Imaging methods of brain structures, however, can show only atrophies in dementing disorders caused by degeneration, like Alzheimer's disease. In contrast, functional imaging methods like single‐photon emission tomography and positron emission tomography, measuring regional cerebral blood flow and/or metabolism, have capabilities to detect hypofunctional brain areas, before structural changes appear in the degenerative dementias. A specific finding for Alzheimer's disease in emission tomographic examinations is relative hypo‐function of the posterior cerebral association cortices on both or one side in dementia without evidence of any cause for the dementia. This finding is expected to be positive evidence for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
Taoistic cognitive psychotherapy for neurotic patients: A preliminary clinical trial
Authors: XIAO SHUIYUAN , YOUNG DERSON , ZHANG HONGGEN
Published: March 2014

Taoistic cognitive psychotherapy is a cognitive therapy based on Taostic philosophy of life and health. The present preliminary study aims to test clinical significance of the Taoistic cognitive psychotherapy, indicates that type A behavior patterns distorted values and psychopathologies can be improved after a short period (4 weeks) of Taoistic cognitive psychotherapy. The theoretical basis of this psychotherapy is also briefly introduced.
Mental Health Law and development of mental health program in Taiwan
Authors: ENG‐KUNGYEH MD
Published: March 2014

The legislation of the Mental Health Law which came into effect on 7 December 1990 was the most important event among a series of innovatory measures and actions taken by the government during the 1980s and the years that followed to improve the nation's mental health program. The law consists of 52 articles classified into seven chapters. The impact of the law on the development of mental health program has been significant in many aspects. There are, however, issues and controversies in this new law which need continuous monitoring as the mental health program progresses.
Postgraduate education in child and adolescent psychiatry
Authors: NURCOMBE BARRY
Published: March 2014

The content of an ideal training program in child and adolescent psychiatry is summarized under the following headings: educational mission; general instructional foci, learning experiences; and evaluation. External and internal obstacles to the establishment and implementation of innovative training programs are discussed. A survey of past trainees was undertaken, and the topics which they considered should be emphasized more are listed. Finally, the paper predicts the issues which will emerge or gain in importance by 2000 AD.
Adolescent depression in Japan: As studied from Shimoda's theory and Harter's theory
Authors: MURATA TOYOHISA , NAKANIWA Y. , SARADA ANDY.
Published: March 2014

Through the daily treatment of depressive adolescents we have come to feel that such cases present with a common specific state at onset that includes hypersensitivity and a tendency to neuroticism. This state is reminiscent of the introverted character of children reported by Shimoda in 1929 and of immodithymic character that he later proposed as the pre‐pathological character of bipolar disorders. In contrast, we supposed that it might be important to evaluate these adolescents from the low self‐worth theory and to compare adolescent psychopathology between the USA and Japan. In order to ascertain these issues, we performed a clinical survey of the junior and high school students who came to outpatient clinics, and thereby demonstrated the necessity of understanding the depressive adolescents from the standpoint of character theory and self‐worth theory. We then attempted some field work with ordinary junior high school children as object using Harter's self‐perception profile and Kovac's CDI. The results showed that depressive tendencies and self‐worth differed greatly among Japanese junior high school children and American counterparts. We have used these findings to discuss the psychopathology of depressive tendencies in Japanese adolescents.
Group psychoeducation of relatives of schizophrenic patients: Two‐year experiences
Authors: ZHANG MINGYUAN , HE YANGLING , GITTELMAN MARTIN , WONG ZHEN , YAN HEQIN
Published: March 2014

In order to assess the feasibility and acceptability of group psychosocial education for the relatives of schizophrenics in the community, a 2‐year project was carried out in two cities: Jinan and Shanghai, China. The completed sample included 682 cases in the experimental group and 366 cases in the control group. The experimental group received group psychotherapy including 14 lectures and five group discussions with conventional services, and the control group had conventional services only. The annual relapse rate in the experimental group was much lower than that in the control group (17.6 and 23.2%, P < 0.01) and the rate of regular work in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (37.5 and 30.0%, P < 0.05). At the end of the second year, the relatives in the experimental group had less care burden, better mental and physical health status and more knowledge of caring for schizophrenics than those in the control group. This approach was well accepted by both mental health workers and relatives of schizophrenics and the rate of drop‐out was 18.4% only during the 2‐year period.
Community care systems for the mentally ill in Japan: Can we switch hospital‐based care to community based one?
Authors: INOUE SHIMPEI
Published: March 2014

Many Western countries have tried to reduce the number of psychiatric beds by providing effective rehabilitation and care in the community. Many Far East countries have had many fewer psychiatric beds than they have in Japan. Community care in these countries seems to complement the shortage of beds. Compared with other countries, Japan is unique in that they try to develop community care for the mentally ill without a deinstitutionalization policy.
Atrial Arrhythmias Following Surgical AF Ablation: Electrophysiological Findings, Ablation Strategies, and Clinical Outcome
Authors: HUO YAN , SCHOENBAUER ROBERT , RICHTER SERGIO , ROLF SASCHA , SOMMER PHILIPP , ARYA ARASH , RASTAN ARDAWAN , DOLL NICOLAS , MOHR FRIEDRICH‐WILHELM , HINDRICKS GERHARD , PIORKOWSKI CHRISTOPHER , GASPAR THOMAS
Published: March 2014

Surgical Ablation Related Reentrant Tachycardia

Background

Intraoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation during cardiac surgery is a well‐established treatment. However, tachycardia mechanisms, ablation strategies, and long‐term follow‐up of atrial arrhythmias (AA) following intraoperative AF ablation (AFA) have not been previously studied in a large cohort of patients.

Objective

Eighty‐two patients (48 male, median age of 65 years) with symptomatic recurrence of AA following intraoperative AFA underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Methods

Regular atrial tachycardias (AT) were mapped using 3‐dimensional (3D) color‐coded entrainment/activation mapping and eliminated by linear ablation. Pulmonary vein (PV)‐isolation (PVI) was achieved in patients with left atrium‐PV (LAPV) conduction after AT elimination.

Results

In 85 (83%) out of a total of 103 regular ATs, the entire reentrant circuits were localized perimitrally (n = 27), around PVs (left PV [LPV] or right PV [RPV]; n = 9), around left atrial appendage (LAA; n = 1), on left‐sided atrial septum (n = 8), on atrioventricular nodal area (n = 1), on the posterior wall of LA (n = 1), along roof‐septum‐inferoposterior wall (n = 8), at coronary sinus ostium (n = 2), upper loop in RA (n = 1), and as cavotricuspid isthmus‐dependent reentrant ATs (n = 27). Sixty‐five (79%) patients received PVI. Noninducibility of any AT was reached at the end of all procedures. During a median follow‐up time of 18 months, 69 patients (87%) were free of AA.

Conclusion

Reentrant AT appears in the majority of patients with recurrence of AA following intraoperative AFA. Detailed 3D color‐coded entrainment mapping was successfully obtained in the majority of patients suffering from reentrant AT after intraoperative AFA, facilitated the accurate identification of the entire reentrant circuit and selection of optimal ablation lines.
Cancer biology in diabetes
Authors: Sen Shi , He Yanzheng , Koya Daisuke , Kanasaki Keizo
Published: March 2014

Diabetes is a serious metabolic disease that causes multiple organ dysfunctions. Recent evidence suggests that diabetes could contribute to the initiation and progression of certain cancers in addition to the classic diabetic complications. Furthermore, some of the drugs used clinically to treat patients with diabetes might affect cancer initiation, progression and mortality. The recent discovery of the possible anticancer effects of metformin, a classic antidiabetic drug, has led physicians and scientists to reconsider the interaction between diabetes and cancer. In the present review, we analyze recent reports in this field, and explore possible mechanistic links between diabetes and cancer biology.
Classification of Boiled Shrimp's Shape Using Image Analysis and Artificial Neural Network Model
Authors: Poonnoy Poonpat , Yodkeaw Panupong , Sriwai Akkarin , Umongkol Pongpol , Intamoon Saowanit
Published: March 2014

The image analysis technique and artificial neural networks (ANNs) for boiled shrimp's shape classification were developed in this research. A color image of boiled shrimp in red‐green‐blue format was processed and analyzed to determine the shape feature as a relative internal distance (RID). The RID was the ratio between the shortest distance measured perpendicularly between the center line and the shrimp's contour. The RID values from different 62 locations were calculated. The multilayer ANN models were trained to classify shapes of the boiled shrimp using the RID values as the network input. The analysis showed that the 15‐node ANN model was highly effective for boiled shrimp's shape classification with 99.80% overall accuracy (regular‐shaped shrimps [100.00%], shrimps with no tails [100.00%], with one tail [97.78%] and with broken body [100.00%]). The RID values were considered as an appropriate shape representation for boiled shrimps. The ANN model recognized most boiled shrimp's shape through the RID profiles.

Practical Application

The developed image analysis technique and artificial neural network model effectively classified the boiled shrimp's shape using the relative internal distance values. This technique can be used in the development of an automatic sorting system for boiled shrimp based on real‐time image processing.