bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Media work, career management, and professional identity: Living labour precarity
Authors: Elefante Phoebe Harris , Deuze Mark
Published: October 2012

Understanding creative industries in general and media work in particular poses a fascinating paradox: as people worldwide engage with media in an increasingly immersive, always-on, almost instantaneous and interconnected way, the very people whose livelihoods and sense of professional
identity depend on delivering content and experiences across such media seem to be at a loss on how to come up with survival strategies – in terms of business models, effective regulatory practices (e.g. copyrights and universal access provisions), and perhaps most significantly the
organization of entrepreneurial working conditions that support and sustain the creative process needed to meet the demands of a global market saturated with media. This article proposes a model for professional identity in media work that engages with these questions, based on past, present
and ongoing personal experiences of one of the authors as a self-employed media worker in multiple creative industries.
Generators of sociological production in Portugal: An empirically illustrated interpretation
Authors: Machado Fernando Luís
Published: October 2012

After a half century of history, sociological investigation in Portugal has entered a phase of advanced institutionalisation that is complete and with all the characteristics of an increasingly internationalised scientific field. The generators of sociological production – 'socio-cultural
generator' and 'socio-political generator' – which consist of specific combinations of protagonists, themes and styles of sociology – have contributed to this process of institutionalisation that has been consolidated during the past two decades. These two generators are not responsible
for all sociological output in Portugal, but they are responsible for the greater and more influential part. This article, then, provides a characterisation and comparative analysis of these generators, including the reciprocal citation patterns employed by their researchers.
Economics: A social science under pressure
Authors: Reis José
Published: October 2012

This article is a contribution towards an assessment of economic idea in Portugal during the past 30 years. Following its renewal in the post-war period, it was with democracy that a significant academic community was created. It is possible to establish at least two phases that distinguish
epistemological orientations and analytical interests. During the first phase a social science was constructed, the object of which was the economic system and its problems and dynamics. The interdisciplinary nature and substantive vocation of this were notable. In the second phase we witnessed
what could be described as a disciplinary regression, with the domination of formalistic analyses. Empirically, through the analysis of three peer-reviewed journals (two economic and one interdisciplinary) and of the projects approved by Portugal's Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT
– Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia), we conclude there are several ways forward from the crossroads at which we now find ourselves. One of these is the insistence that economics is a 'science of the markets', which is legitimising and normative. Another values
it as an open science that is based on pluralism and which has a critical relationship with reality.
Dynamics and dilemmas in social psychology: Social relations, identities and cognition
Authors: Vala Jorge , Costa-Lopes Rui
Published: October 2012

This paper aims to provide a systematised overview of the paradigmatic orientations in social psychology in Portugal by identifying the most cited publications. Results show that the eight most cited thematic are: (1) deviance and reactions to deviance, (2) methodology, (3) prejudice
and discrimination, (4) gender studies, (5) risk, environment and safety, (6) information processing, social judgment, familiarity and mood, (7) social representations and (8) social justice and belief in a just world. These eight most salient thematics can be sorted into three current paradigmatic
orientations in contemporary social psychology: (a) social cognition; (b) the study of collective beliefs, ideologies and social representations; and (c) the study of identity and its impact on intra- and intergroup processes. The paper finishes with a reflection on the future developments
of the discipline and the dilemmas that social psychology in Portugal could face.
History, what history? The struggle for history as a 'science'
Authors: Torgal Luís Reis
Published: October 2012

Is history important in our day? Truthfully, following the nationalist conceptions that give a particular importance to history, and after it having become a weapon at the service of political conceptions of democratic openness and of opposition to lines of interpretation, or of ideology
and memory, defended by authoritarian regimes, and even after it had been confirmed as a greatly important science, as an interpretation of the past and of the present, in an interdisciplinary space, history has involved itself in the vast and poorly defined field that is the social sciences.
Consequently, it has at times lost its identity, more so to the extent to which it has become a narrative discourse of divulgation. This is the reflection that we seek to make, discovering whether – perhaps despite and because of the interdisciplinary nature of historiographical discourse
– history is a science that pursues complex and objective analysis and interpretation that is not wrapped up in concerns for ideology and 'opinion' that is characteristic of a period of cultural crisis.
One language, one history? On the uncertain future of social sciences in Europe
Authors: Bruhns Hinnerk
Published: October 2012

The question of the future of European social sciences is taken up by examining two examples of 'futures past' that represent significant moments of two different 'histories' of the social sciences. The first one is that of Max Weber in the years about 1910 when he engaged himself in
the foundation of the German Sociological Association and in other initiatives. The second example is that of the efforts of Fernand Braudel, during the 1950s and 1960s, to reorganize social sciences and humanities in the frame of new institutions as the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences
sociales and the Foundation Maison des Sciences de l'Homme. Both initiatives, the German and the French, combined an intellectual with an institutional project, the first being a story of failure, the second a story of success.

The actual situation is then examined under the viewpoint of
the tensions between Eurocentrism and de-Europeanisation on the one side, monolingualism and pluri-lingualism on the other. Going back directly (and not via second hand lectures) to important intellectual projects as those of Weber and Braudel (or others) could be helpful for the design of
the future of European social sciences.
The challenge of implementing social science research
Authors: Saks Mike
Published: October 2012

This paper assesses a central challenge facing the social sciences – namely, implementing the outcomes of research, especially in the broader area of policy and practice. It notes the potential benefits of social sciences research, observing that a key reason for its limited application
has been the search for a 'value free' social science. The role of values in social science is explored and it is argued that a more appropriate balance needs to be struck with the political underpinnings of the research enterprise. The importance of applying relevant research in the social
sciences is underlined and the factors which inhibit and encourage this are considered. These include the way results are communicated – not least through the dissemination of research and the existence of institutionalised structures. The paper concludes by observing that the challenge
is not just implementing social science research, but doing so in a manner resonant with the public interest.
Adjustment of valence state of Pu and Np in nitric solution containing N,N-dimethylhydroxylamine and monomethylhydrazine by electrolysis
Authors: Zhang Hu , Ye Guo-an , Cong Hai-feng , Li L. , Yang He , Li Gao-liang , Zheng Wei-fang , Jiang De-xiang , Liu Xie-chun , Xiao Song-tao , Lan Tian
Published: October 2012

A study of the electrochemical behaviors of N,N-dimethylhydroxylamine (DMHAN) and monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) in nitric acid solution on Pt electrodes were carried out by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) methods. The diffusion coefficients of DMHAN and MMH were obtained by CV. The values are found to be 0.53 × 106 cm2/s D(DMHAN) and 0.88 × 105 cm2/s D(MMH). The equilibrium potentials (+0.47 V vs. SCE for DMHAN and +0.31 V vs. SCE for MMH) were also measured using Tafel curves. Various valence states of Pu and Np in HNO3 solution containing DMHAN and MMH in the electrolytic process were investigated by an electrolytic cell using a platinum as the anode and a titanium plate as the cathode. In this procedure, MMH was first electro-oxidized on the Pt anode and Np(V) was reduced to Np(IV) on the Ti cathode. After MMH was entirely consumed, the accumulation of HNO2 (due to the electrochemical reduction of nitric acid on the Ti cathode) caused a significantly fast catalytic reaction of DMHAN with HNO3 to form HNO2. HNO2 can oxidize Pu(III) to Pu(IV) quickly. As a result, both oxidation states of Pu and Np were found to be tetravalent in the post-electrolysis solution. A convenient method to keep the post-electrolysis solution at 70 ºC was used to adjust the oxidation state of Np in it's pentavalent state while retaining the tetravalent state of Pu. This study developed an electrolytic process for the preparation of 2AF feed (the feed of Pu purification cycle) in APOR (Advanced Purex Process Based on Organic Reductants) process by electrochemically oxidizing Pu(III) and selectively adjusting the valence state of neptunium to either Np(IV) or Np(V).
Radiochemical studies relevant to cyclotron production of the therapeutic radionuclide 167Tm
Authors: Zandi Nadia , Sadeghi Mahdi , Afarideh Hossein , Yarmohamadi M.
Published: October 2012

Thulium-167, having a half-life of 9.25 d, is an important therapeutic radionuclide. It was produced via the natEr(p,xn)167Tm nuclear reaction by irradiation of a sedimented target with 15 MeV protons at a beam current of 20 μA. Radiochemical separation of 167Tm from a solution of the irradiated erbium target in hydrochloric acid was performed using di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP) in n-hexane and in chloroform separately. The effect of different molarities of HDEHP on extraction efficiency was investigated. The radiochemical yield of 167Tm amounted to about 80 ± 5% while using n-hexane/HDEHP (1 M). The experimentally obtained production yield was about 3.2 MBq/μA h. It was comparable with the theoretical value of 4.1 MBq/μA h obtained from nuclear model calculations using the TALYS and EMPIRE codes.
Diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis: role of family history and class II HLA genotypes
Authors: Marigliano Marco , Morandi Anita , Maschio Maddalena , Costantini Silvia , Contreas Giovanna , D'Annunzio Giuseppe , Calcaterra Valeria , Maffeis Claudio
Published: October 2012

Objective

To explore the relationship between family history of diabetes and frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis and to analyze the possible association between HLA genotypes and DKA.

Design and methods

We recruited 510 children and adolescents aged <17 years with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and collected information on first-degree relative (FDR) history of T1D. DKA and severe DKA were defined as blood pH <7.30 and <7.10 at diabetes onset respectively. Risk categories for developing T1D were determined according to various HLA DQA1-DQB1 haplotype combination genotypes.

Results

The frequency of DKA and severe DKA at diagnosis was 34.7 and 7.2% respectively. DKA was more frequent in younger patients (<2 years (60.0%; P<0.001)) and occurred less in children with at least one FDR affected by T1D (13.0 vs 37.4%, P<0.001). The logistic regression showed that age at diagnosis (<2 years) and increased HLA-associated risk genotypes were independent predictors of DKA (P<0.01, odds ratio (OR)=1.068 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.021–1.117); P<0.05, OR=1.606 (95% CI 1.034–2.475)). Introducing the presence of T1D in at least one FDR in the logistic model, a significant association between DKA and age at diagnosis (<2 years; P<0.01, OR=1.072 (95% CI 1.024–1.123)) and absence of FDRs with T1D (P=0.001, OR=4.287 (95% CI 1.770–10.383)) was found, but no more with increased HLA-associated risk genotype (P=0.06, OR=1.550 (95% CI 0.992–2.423)).

Conclusions

HLA-associated high-risk genotypes are associated with a high chance of presenting DKA at diabetes onset. However, having at least one FDR with T1D reduced the risk of DKA regardless of HLA genotype.
Treatment with GH receptor antagonist in acromegaly: effect on cardiac arrhythmias
Authors: Auriemma Renata S , Pivonello Rosario , De Martino Maria Cristina , Cudemo Giuseppe , Grasso Ludovica F S , Galdiero Mariano , Perone Ylenia , Colao Annamaria
Published: October 2012

Objective

To evaluate the effects of short- and long-term treatment with pegvisomant (PEG) on arrhythmias in acromegalic patients resistant to long-term, high-dose therapy with somatostatin analogs (SA).

Materials and methods

Thirteen patients entered the study. All patients started PEG at initial dose of 10 mg daily and then titrated to 5 mg every 6 weeks on the basis of IGF1. A standard 24-h electrocardiography registration was performed in all patients at baseline and after 6 and 18 months of PEG to evaluate: mean (HR), maximum (MHR), and minimum (mHR) heart rate; pauses number (P) and duration (PD); supraventricular episodes (SEs) number and duration (SED); and ventricular ectopic beats (EB) number and duration (EBD). Left ventricular mass (LVM) was also evaluated by standard echocardiography.

Results

A slight but not significant decrease in HR, MHR, and mHR was observed after 6-month PEG, whereas a significant decrease in HR (P=0.03), MHR (P=0.05), and mHR (P=0.05) was found after 18-month PEG compared with baseline. LVM significantly (P=0.05) correlated with MRH (r=−0.50) after short-term treatment, and with HR (r=−0.54) and mHR (r=−0.55) after long-term treatment. Long-term PEG induced the complete recovery of arrhythmias recorded at baseline in one patient and the improvement of rhythm disorders developed after 6-month therapy in another patient. The prevalence of conduction disturbances passed from 15 to 7.7% after long-term PEG.

Conclusions

Long-term treatment with PEG reduces HR, MHR, and mHR and improves rhythm abnormalities in acromegaly.
Renal Failure in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Patel Ami M. , Adeseun Gbemisola A. , Ahmed Irfan , Mitter Nanhi , Rame J. Eduardo , Rudnick Michael R.
Published: October 2012

Implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly being used as a bridge to transplantation or as destination therapy in patients with end stage heart failure refractory to conventional medical therapy. A significant number of these patients have associated renal dysfunction before LVAD implantation, which may improve after LVAD placement due to enhanced perfusion. Other patients develop AKI after implantation. LVAD recipients who develop AKI requiring renal replacement therapy in the hospital or who ultimately require long-term outpatient hemodialysis therapy present management challenges with respect to hemodynamics, volume, and dialysis access. This review discusses the mechanics of a continuous-flow LVAD (the HeartMate II), the effects of continuous blood flow on the kidney, renal outcomes of patients after LVAD implantation, dialysis modality selection, vascular access, hemodynamic monitoring during the dialytic procedure, and other issues relevant to caring for these patients.
Dose distribution verification for GZP6 sources: A comparison of Monte Carlo, radiochromic film, and GZP6 treatment planning system
Authors: Toossi Bahreyni , Ghorbani Mahdi , Mowlavi Asghar , Hashemian Abdolreza , Meigooni Soleimani
Published: October 2012

Background: Treatment planning systems (TPSs) are used for dose calculations
in dose delivery by after loading brachytherapy machines. Such planning
systems usually use simplified algorithms in their dose calculations.
Verification of dose distributions produced by TPS is of clinical importance
and is part of a quality assurance program. In this study, the dose
distributions generated by GZP6 TPS for two GZP6 sources were verified.
Methods: The evaluation was based on the inter comparisons between the
isodose curves obtained through Monte Carlo simulations, radiochromic film
measurements, and GZP6 treatment planning system. MCNPX Monte Carlo code was
used to simulate the sources. Dose measurements were performed in a perspex
phantom using Gafchromic? EBT radiochromic films. Comparisons between the
results obtained from MC, RCF, and TPS were performed by gamma function
calculations with 5% dose/2 mm distance criterion. Results: Based on gamma
calculations our results showed that there was good agreement between the
dose distributions obtained by the three aforementioned methods in both
transverse and longitudinal planes for the GZP6 source No.2. However, for
source No. 5, the agreement was good in the transverse plane but it was low
in the longitudinal plane. Conclusion: The results showed that dose
distributions certified by the GZP6 TPS for the GZP6 source No. 2 were
validated. However, for source No. 5 some discrepancies were observed.
Accurate knowledge of the activity of each active pellet in the source No. 5
can clarify the cause of the discrepancies.
Positron emission tomography in lymphoma: Fine tuning of international harmonization project
Authors: Balenovic Antonija , Ostojic-Kolonic Slobodanka , Mihailovic Jasna
Published: October 2012

Lymphoproliferative diseases include a wide range of malignant diseases with
various histological characteristics, clinical presentation and therapeutic
possibilities. Reliable assessment of the spread of the disease and the
knowledge of the biological characteristics of the tumor are the
prerequisites of a successful patient treatment. In most patients with
lymphoma, positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18
F-FDG) proved to be a useful imaging method which contributes to the
assessment of the spread of the disease by identifying increased glycolysis
in tumor cells. In the initial phases of the clinical implementation of FDG
PET, the method was mostly used to determine the stage of the disease. At
present, FDG PET is being increasingly used to assess the effects of therapy
and to determine prognostic factor. Today, the treatment of lymphoma patients
implies an individualized approach aiming at maximum disease control with the
smallest possible risk of late side effects. Numerous prospective studies in
patients with lymphoma have contributed to a better understanding of the
metabolic changes. FDG PET performed after only 1 or 2 cycles of chemotherapy
can assess tumor sensitivity to the therapy. Thus, the long-term response to
therapy can be predicted at the very early stage of treatment. Many studies
are being conducted in order to assess the potential usefulness of this
prognostic information so that the therapy protocols can be altered and the
long term administration of drugs that will not result in a sustained
response be stopped. It is expected that this approach might result in
avoiding late side effects and toxicity. The degree of metabolic activity
assessed by interim FDG PET at the very beginning of chemotherapy
administration serves as a biomarker of tumor responsiveness to chemotherapy.
Because of that, more precise criteria are needed to answer the question
?what is a positive interim FDG PET finding?. Our understanding of
lymphoproliferative diseases and the effects which some therapeutic
procedures have on the metabolism of tissue contribute significantly to the
accurate interpretation of FDG-PET/CT findings. For successful utilization of
FDG PET/CT, a multidisciplinary team which includes hematology, radiation
oncology, diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine specialists is necessary.
Primary stromal sarcoma of the breast
Authors: Radovanovic Aleksandra , Gligorijevic Jasmina , Zivkovic Nikola , Andjelkovic-Matic Marija
Published: October 2012

Primary sarcomas of the breast are rare and there are only a few hundred
cases reported in the literature; hence, their significance is primarily
educational. We report a case of a 57-year old patient who developed breast
sarcoma without previous history on any breast diseases.
Globalisation as an unavoidable process?
Authors: Dujic Ivan
Published: October 2012

People?s tendency to conquer space has not just been a reflection of their
intention to impose their rule over it, but also to utilize it for the
establishment of multiple relationships. Since the 17th century the
conquered space has served for development of many forms of capital that
produced current forms of globalisation. The period of colonial conquests
was an attempt to link the huge area into a whole. The outcome of this
attempt is an on-going process of globalisation. After the Second World War
the process of globalisation was marked by creation of global society in
which Serbia should play a constructive role. Space-time compression and the
post-modern era require capital management distance control. Global economic
crisis supports the process of globalisation towards mutual solidarity.
Aid for development of international trade
Authors: Bjelic Predrag , Popovic-Petrovic Ivana
Published: October 2012

The development of international trade was very impressive in the second half
of 20th century. But even with these great development opportunities that
growth of international trade can bring the small number of developed
economies had succeeded to ripe benefits from it in order to develop their
economies and reduce poverty. Even with the establishment of the World Trade
Organization it was apparent that developing countries need assistance in
order to integrate fully in international trade system. The Aid for Trade,
which is a part of Official Development Assistance focusing on trade, has an
aim to help developing countries build their trade capacity and the transport
infrastructure so they can use trade as a powerful engine for economic
growth. This paper set out to describe this new programme of trade aid
developed under the auspices of WTO, as a multilateral project, to point out
the readiness of donor countries and aims of beneficiary countries. But we
will explore the linkages of Aid for Trade programme with bilateral and
regional aid initiatives in the area of trade.
Position of aggressiveness in common latent space of PEN model and model Big Five Plus Two
Authors: Dinic Bojana , Smederevac Snezana
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this research was to examine the relations between different
aspects of aggressiveness and personality traits. Buss-Perry Aggression
Questionnaire (AQ), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), which represent
psychobiological model, and inventory Big Five Plus Two Inventory (BF+2),
which represent psycholexical model of personality in Serbian language, were
administered to 478 participants. The results revealed that affective
impulsive aggressiveness and predatory or instrumental aggressiveness could
be identified in the aggressiveness - personality traits relationships. Those
aspects of aggressiveness could take manifest or latent character. As
expected, Psychoticism from EPQ, Aggressiveness, and Negative Valence from
BF+2 showed a significant contribution to all identified forms, except for
Aggressiveness in relations with ?acting out? physical aggression. Although
these personality traits carry out significant loadings, these loadings were
not always the highest. Affective-impulsive aggressiveness, which was mainly
determined by the components of latent domain AQ, was related to Neuroticism
from both models. The remaining forms of manifest aggressiveness were related
to low Consciousness, whereas Physical aggression is connected to
Extraversion and Oppennes. This connection represents possible ?acting out?
reaction or more frequent tendency of impulsive physical aggression. The
results showed that aggressiveness represents a multidimensional construct
which could be explained by specific constellation of personality traits,
depending which aspects of aggressivenes are of interest.
Children’s understanding of emotion causes: Question of future
Authors: Miric Jovan , Jevtic Ana
Published: October 2012

Question of development of children?s understanding of emotions causes has
attracted a significant research attention. Child?s understanding of present
wishes and beliefs, as well as understanding of past events as being the
cause of emotions, has been researched. Research reported in this paper
expands upon the issues of child?s understanding of emotions in relation to
the future. It starts with the question of determining the age at which a
child begins to understand that emotions might be caused by mental states
related to the future - through imagining or expecting the future events.
Three basic emotions (fear, happiness, and sadness) has been selected and for
each of them two simple stories have been created: one for immediate and
other for the more distant future. Stories were illustrated and given to the
group of 24 participants (12 boys and 12 girls) ages of 5, 8 and 11 (total N
= 72). Overall findings are in accord with previous research in the fild.
It?s been determined that even preschool children can understand mental
states related to the future. Such mental states more often occur as
explanation of fear than of happiness or sadness, while the transitional age
from situational to mental states explanations is between ages of five to
eight.
Why are the developmental disturbances an issue in psychology? The question of IQ stability in children with specific learning disorders
Authors: Krstic Nadezda , Obradovic Svetlana
Published: October 2012

A small group of elementary school students (age 10.4 to 13.10 yrs) with
specific developmental disability of scholastic skills (app. F81.0/81.3
according to ICD-10) was retested by REVISK (locally standardized approximate
of WISC-III) within, in average, 3 yrs post diagnosis, for detecting possible
changes in their general ability performance. REVSIK measures were adjoined
by 3 and 4-factor schemes proposed by Kaufman and Bannatyne. The results have
indicated significant decline of the total IQ score (average difference=-3.0,
t=2.434, df=24, t<0.05), intra-subtest variability on the verbal subscale
(-1.3, t=2.397, df=24, p<0.05) and Bannatyne?s factors of Acquired Knowledge
(-1.5, t=4.375, df=24, p<0.01) and Spatial factor (-0.6, t=2.701, df=24,
p<0.05). No homogenous subtest profiles were detected in original either
repeated testing. The results and implications for the future studies are
discussed against the background of contemporary theory and research in this
field, as well as of empirically-based constraints in recognizing this
population in a local setting.
Prevalence of renal dysfunction and its influence on functional capacity in elderly patients with stable chronic heart failure
Authors: Stanojevic Dragana , Apostolovic Svetlana , Jankovic-Tomasevic Ruzica , Salinger-Martinovic Sonja , Pavlovic Milan , Zivkovic Milan , Bozinovic Nenad , Kutlesic-Kurtovic Dusanka
Published: October 2012

Bacground/Aim. Chronic heart failure (CHF) is highly prevalent and
constitutes an important public health problem around the world. In spite of
a large number of pharmacological agents that successfully decrease
mortality in CHF, the effects on exercise tolerance and quality of life are
modest. Renal dysfunction is extremely common in patients with CHF and it is
strongly related not only to increased mortality and morbidity but to a
significant decrease in exercise tolerance, as well. The aim of our study
was to investigate the prevalence and influence of the renal dysfunction on
functional capacity in the elderly CHF patients. Methods. We included 127
patients aged over 65 years in a stable phase of CHF. The diagnosis of heart
failure was based on the latest diagnostic principles of the European
Society of Cardiology. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGRF) was
determined by the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD2)
formula, and patients were categorized using the Kidney Disease Outcomes
Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) classification system. Functional capacity was
determined by the 6 minute walking test (6MWT). Results. Among 127 patients,
90 were men. The average age was 72.5 ? 4.99 years and left ventricular
ejection fraction (LVEF) was 40.22 ? 9.89%. The average duration of CHF was
3.79 ? 4.84 years. Ninty three (73.2%) patients were in New York Heart
Association (NYHA) class II and 34 (26.8%) in NYHA class III. Normal renal
function (eGFR ? 90 mL/min) had 8.9% of participants, 57.8% had eGFR
between 60-89 mL/min (stage 2 or mild reduction in GFR according to K/DOQI
classification), 32.2% had eGFR between 30-59 mL/min (stage 3 or moderate
reduction in GFR) and 1.1% had eGFR between 15-29 mL/min (stage 4 or severe
reduction in GFR). We found statistically significant correlation between
eGFR and 6 minute walking distance (6MWD) (r = 0.390, p < 0.001), LVEF (r =
0.268, p < 0.05), NYHA class (? = -0.269, p < 0.05) and age (r = - 0.214, p
< 0.05). In multiple regression analysis only patients? age was a predictor
of decreased 6MWD < 300 m (OR = 0.8736, CI = 0.7804 - 0.9781, p < 0.05).
Conclusion. Renal dysfunction is highly prevalent in the elderly CHF
patients. It is associated with decreased functional capacity and therefore
with poor prognosis. This study corroborates the use of eGFR not only as a
powerful predictor of mortality in CHF, but also as an indicator of the
functional capacity of cardiopulmonary system. However, clinicians
underestimate a serial measurement of eGFR while it should be the part of a
routine evaluation performed in every patient with CHF, particularly in the
elderly population.
Reading characteristics of deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils
Authors: Karic Jasmina , Ristic Sinisa , Medenica Snezana , Tadic Vaska , Slavnic Svetlana
Published: October 2012

Background/Aim. Speech motor mechanisms play a crucial role in the process of
demutization, due to the fact that they cover all the elements of the
successive development of spech production movements leading to speech
formation (socalled kinesthesia in speach). The aim of this study was to
estimate the impact of perceptual motor actions on the cognitive process of
reading in 130 students in regular schools and schools for the deaf and
hard-of-hearing children in the Republic of Serbia. Methods. Kostic and
Vladisavljevic test consisted of the ten levels weight was used for the
assessment of reading speed. To assess understanding of text read by verbal
responses, we used three-dimensional adapted reading test of Helene Sax.
Results. The triage-articulation test for assessing reading speed (Kostic and
Vladisavljevic?s test according to the weight of ten levels, revealed that
students in regular schools statistically significantly faster read texts as
compared to the deaf students. The results of the threedimensional adapted
reading test of Helena Sax, show that the words learned by deaf children
exist in isolation in their mind, ie, if there is no standard of acoustic
performance for graphic image, in deaf child every word, printed or written,
is just the sum of letters without meaning. Conclusion. There is a
significant difference in text reading speed and its understanding among the
children who hear and the deaf and hard of-hearing children. It is essential
that in deaf and heard-of hearing children education, apart from the
development of speech, parallelly use the concept of semantic processing in
order to get each word by the fullness of its content and the possibility of
expanding its meaning in a variety of assets.
Neoliberalizing Higher Education in Greece: New Laws, Old Free-Market Tricks
Authors: Gounari Panayota
Published: October 2012

Amid a financial crisis that has shifted politics in Greece to conservative market-driven ideologies and policies, specific major changes are proposed by the Greek Ministry of Education for primary, secondary and higher education. With the gradual disappearance of public space and of the welfare state, under the pressure and the auspices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), education becomes one more space quickly geared up towards privatization, marketization of learning and educational goals while the character of free public education is radically redefined. This article addresses the changes in higher education legislation and policy in Greece and analyzes the discursive constructions that legitimize such a change.
The Effect of Managers' Enabling Perceptions on Costing System Use, Psychological Empowerment, and Task Performance
Authors: Mahama Habib , Cheng Mandy M.
Published: October 2012

This study investigates whether and how managers' enabling perceptions of their costing systems affect task performance. We propose that managers who perceive their costing system as more enabling will have higher levels of task performance, and that this relationship occurs through the intensity with which the costing system is used and the level of psychological empowerment experienced by the managers. To test these propositions, we conduct a survey of middle-level managers and analyze the responses using a PLS model. Our results generally support our propositions. Specifically, we find a positive relationship between managers' enabling perceptions and the intensity with which the costing system is used. The intensity of use is further associated with all four dimensions of psychological empowerment (meaning, competence, self-determination, and impact). Finally, the intensity of use also has an indirect impact on task performance via the competence dimension of psychological empowerment. The present study extends prior research on costing systems, and adds to our understanding of the role managers' perceptions play in improving costing system effectiveness.

Data Availability: Data available upon request.
Perioral age-related changes in smile dynamics along the vertical plane
Authors: Singh Bhavna , Ahluwalia Rajiv , Verma Deepa , Grewal Stutee B. , Goel Rupender , Kumar Priyanka S.
Published: October 2012

Objective:

To evaluate the changes in characteristics of perioral musculature at rest and when smiling, with respect to age and gender, measured along the vertical plane in a randomly selected sample of a North Indian population.

Materials and Methods:

Perioral musculature of 195 subjects (divided into three age groups) was recorded using standardized videographic methods. Two frames of each subject—at rest and widest posed smile—were analyzed for a comprehensive list of parameters. Data was evaluated using SPSS version 16 software. Two-way analysis of variance and post hoc least significant difference tests were conducted.

Results:

Significant observations were increased resting upper lip length for females; decreased upper lip thickness, maxillary incisor exposure, and lip elevation for males; and increased smiling upper lip length for both sexes.

Conclusions:

With age, the smile gets narrower vertically, especially for the male population. The pattern of change observed in the present study must be considered and incorporated during treatment planning to deliver healthier and long-lasting results to patients of all age groups.
Ultrasound Imaging Evaluation of Abdominal Muscles After Breast Reconstruction With a Unilateral Pedicled Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap
Authors: Liaw Lih-Jiun , Lin Sin-Daw , Guo Lan-Yuen , Hou Yi-You , Hou Ming-Feng , Hsu Ar-Tyan
Published: October 2012

Background

A muscle-sparing (MS) procedure using a full-width pedicled transverse rectus abdominis (RA) myocutaneous (TRAM) flap was developed to reduce abdominal morbidities after breast reconstruction. However, the effects of this procedure on the morphology of the remnant RA muscle and other abdominal muscles remain unclear.

Objective

Ultrasound imaging was used to evaluate the morphology of the remnant RA muscle and other abdominal muscles in women with the MS pedicled TRAM flap procedure.

Design

A case-control, cross-sectional design was used.

Methods

Thirty-four women with an MS unilateral pedicled TRAM flap procedure after mastectomy (TRAM group) and 25 women who were healthy and matched for age (control group) participated. The curl-up test measured trunk flexor muscle strength. Ultrasound imaging measured the thickness of all abdominal muscles in all participants and the cross-sectional area of the RA muscle at rest and in an isometric position with the head raised in women in the TRAM group. Acoustic echogenicity and border visibility assessed the tissue composition of the remnant RA muscle.

Results

Trunk flexor muscle strength was weaker in the TRAM group than in the control group. Compared with the remnant RA muscle in the contracted state, the remnant RA muscle in the relaxed state was thinner and had a smaller cross-sectional area. The remnant RA muscle in the relaxed state also was thinner, more echoic, and less visible than its contralateral counterpart. No differences in the thickness of the other abdominal muscles were found between the sides. The abdominal muscles in the TRAM group were smaller than those in the control group.

Limitation

Because a prospective, longitudinal design was not used, a definite cause-effect relationship could not be determined.

Conclusions

In women with an MS unilateral pedicled TRAM flap procedure, the remnant RA muscle retains its ability to change in size during contraction, albeit at reduced levels. Muscular atrophy occurs in other ipsilateral and contralateral abdominal muscles as well as the remnant RA muscle. Postoperative immobilization is the most likely cause of generalized weakness of the abdominal musculature.
Effect of Two Different Exercise Regimens on Trunk Muscle Morphometry and Endurance in Soldiers in Training
Authors: Teyhen Deydre S. , Childs John D. , Dugan Jessica L. , Wright Alison C. , Sorge Joshua A. , Mello Jeremy L. , Marmolejo Michael G. , Taylor Adam Y. , Wu Samuel S. , George Steven Z.
Published: October 2012

Background

Limited evidence exists on how strength and endurance exercises commonly used to prevent low back pain affect muscle morphometry and endurance.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of 2 exercise regimens on the morphometry and endurance of key trunk musculature in a healthy population.

Design

The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial.

Setting

The study was conducted in a military training setting.

Participants

A random subsample (n=340; 72% men, 28% women; mean [±SD] age=21.9±4.2 years; mean [±SD] body mass index=24.8±2.8 kg/m2) from the larger Prevention of Low Back Pain in the Military trial (N=4,325) was included.

Intervention

The core stabilization exercise program (CSEP) included low-load/low-repetition motor control exercises, whereas the traditional exercise program (TEP) included exercises conducted at a fast pace, with the use of high-load, high-repetition trunk strengthening exercises.

Measurements

Baseline and follow-up examinations included ultrasound imaging of the trunk muscles and endurance tests. Linear mixed models were fitted to study the group and time effect and their interactions, accounting for the clustering effect.

Results

Symmetry generally improved in the rest and contracted states, but there were no differences suggestive of muscle hypertrophy or improved ability to contract the trunk muscles between soldiers receiving the CSEP or the TEP. Total trunk endurance time decreased over the 12-week period, but endurance performance favored soldiers in the CSEP group. Endurance time was not associated with future episodes of low back pain.

Limitations

The lack of morphological changes may not be detectable in an already-active cohort, or a more intensive dose was needed.

Conclusions

Although improved symmetry was noted, neither the CSEP nor the TEP resulted in muscle hypertrophy. Longer endurance times were noted in individuals who completed the CSEP but were not strongly predictive of future low back pain episodes.
Efficacy of the Addition of Modified Pilates Exercises to a Minimal Intervention in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Miyamoto Gisela C. , Costa Leonardo Oliveira Pena , Galvanin Thalissa , Cabral Cristina Maria Nunes
Published: October 2012

Background

The Pilates method has been used to improve function and reduce pain in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain, although there is little scientific evidence that describes its efficacy.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the addition of modified Pilates exercises to minimal intervention in patients with chronic low back pain.

Design

A randomized controlled trial was conducted.

Setting

The study was done in an outpatient physical therapy department in Brazil.

Patients

Eighty-six patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain participated in the study.

Intervention

All participants received an education booklet containing information about low back pain and were randomly allocated to receive 12 sessions, over 6 weeks, of exercises based upon Pilates principles (n=43) or of education alone (n=43).

Measurements

Primary outcomes were pain intensity and disability measured at 6 weeks and 6 months. Secondary outcomes were patient-specific functional disability, global impression of recovery, and kinesiophobia measured at 6 weeks and 6 months. All outcomes were measured by a blinded assessor in all time points.

Results

There was no loss to follow-up at any of the time points. Improvements were observed in pain (mean difference=2.2 points, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.1 to 3.2), disability (mean difference=2.7 points, 95% CI=1.0 to 4.4), and global impression of recovery (mean difference=−1.5 points, 95% CI=−2.6 to −0.4) in favor of the Pilates group after intervention, but these differences were no longer statistically significant at 6 months.

Limitations

Treatment provider and participants could not be blinded to the interventions.

Conclusions

The addition of modified Pilates exercises to an educational booklet provides small benefits compared with education alone in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain; however, these effects were not sustained over time.
People With Stroke Who Fail an Obstacle Crossing Task Have a Higher Incidence of Falls and Utilize Different Gait Patterns Compared With People Who Pass the Task
Authors: Said Catherine M. , Galea Mary P. , Lythgo Noel
Published: October 2012

Background

Obstacle crossing is impaired in people following stroke. It is not known whether people with stroke who fail an obstacle crossing task have more falls or whether the gait adjustments used to cross an obstacle differ from those used by people who pass the task.

Objective

The purposes of this study were (1) to identify whether a group of people with stroke who failed an obstacle crossing task had a greater incidence of falling and (2) to determine whether people who fail an obstacle crossing task utilize different gait adjustments.

Design

This was a prospective, observational study.

Methods

Thirty-two participants with a recent stroke were recruited. Participants walked at self-selected speed and stepped over a 4-cm-high obstacle. Performance was rated as pass or fail, and spatiotemporal, center of mass (COM), and center of pressure (COP) data were collected. Prospective falls data were recorded for 20 participants over a 6-month period.

Results

The incidence of fallers was significantly higher (incidence rate=0.833) in the group that failed the obstacle crossing task than in the group that passed the task (incidence rate=0.143). The group that failed the task had a slower walking speed and greater normalized separation between the trail heel (unaffected support limb) and COM as the affected lead toe cleared the obstacle. This group exhibited greater normalized times from affected lead toe clearance to landing, unaffected trail toe clearance to landing, and affected trail toe-off to toe clearance.

Limitations

The sample size was small, and falls data were available for only 20 participants.

Conclusions

Obstacle crossing is an important task to consider in people following stroke and may be useful in identifying those at risk of falls.
The First Two Years of Practice: A Longitudinal Perspective on the Learning and Professional Development of Promising Novice Physical Therapists
Authors: Hayward Lorna M. , Black Lisa L. , Mostrom Elizabeth , Jensen Gail M. , Ritzline Pamela D. , Perkins Jan
Published: October 2012

Background

Physical therapists work in complex health care systems requiring professional competence in clinical reasoning and confidence in decision-making skills. For novice physical therapists, the initial practice years are a time for developing professional identity and practical knowledge.

Objectives

The study purpose was to extend previous research describing the experiences, learning, and professional development of 11 promising novice therapists during their first year of practice. The present study examined the continued development of the same therapists during their second year of clinical practice.

Design

Seven researchers from 4 physical therapist educational programs in the eastern and midwestern United States used a longitudinal, qualitative, multiple case study approach.

Methods

Eleven physical therapist graduates identified as “promising novices” were recruited using purposive sampling. Participants ranged in age from 24 to 29 years and entered varied practice settings. Data were collected for 2 years using semistructured interviews, reflective journals, and participant observation.

Results

A conceptual model describing the participants' ongoing development during the second year of practice emerged. The 3 themes were formal and informal learning, increasing confidence and expansion of skills, and engagement in an environment characterized by collaborative exchange and opportunities for teaching. The second year represented consolidation and elaboration of practice-based learning and skills. The expansion of confidence, skills, and responsibilities and the externalization of learning the participants experienced promoted professional role formation. Learning previously directed inward and self-focused turned outward, fueled by growing self-confidence.

Conclusions

Research illuminating the professional role formation experienced during early clinical practice is not widely available. The current study and further research into the learning and development of novice practitioners may assist educators in the design of pedagogical strategies and learning environments that enhance the professional development of physical therapists.