bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DYNAMICAL BEHAVIOR IN A HARVESTED DIFFERENTIAL-ALGEBRAIC PREY-PREDATOR MODEL
Authors: LIU CHAO , ZHANG QINGLING , ZHANG XUE , DUAN XIAODONG
Published: January 2010

A differential-algebraic model which considers a prey-predator system with harvest effort on predator is proposed. By using the differential-algebraic system theory and bifurcation theory, local stability of the proposed model around the interior equilibrium is investigated. Furthermore, the instability mechanism of the proposed model due to the variation of economic interest of harvesting is studied. With the purpose of stabilizing the proposed model around the interior equilibrium and maintaining the economic interest of harvesting at an ideal level, a state feedback controller is designed. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to show the consistency with theoretical analysis.
DYNAMICAL MODEL OF VIVAX MALARIA INTERMITTENCE ATTACK IN VIVO
Authors: DONG ZHIJUN , CUI JING-AN
Published: January 2010

Dynamical behavior of a vivax malaria model is provided and regular recurrences of the symptoms of the tertian fever are described in the human body. We calculate the basic reproduction number R0 and explain the connection between the basic reproduction number and the parasite-threshold. If R0 < 1, then plasmodium vivax will be eliminated. If R0 > 1, then malarial parasites are survivable and there is a so called parasite-threshold. When the value of the parasites is larger than this parasite-threshold the symptoms of the tertian fever appear; otherwise, if the value of the parasites is less than this parasite-threshold the tertian fever cannot give signs of the symptoms suddenly in vivo. We illustrate that the gravity of infected baby is worse than that of infected grownup and also explain that the advancing of the vivax malaria can be arrested by eliminating malarial parasites in erythrocyte stage with clinical treatment by numerical simulations.
EXISTENCE AND GLOBAL ATTRACTIVITY OF A POSITIVE PERIODIC SOLUTION FOR A NON-AUTONOMOUS PREDATOR-PREY MODEL UNDER VIRAL INFECTION
Authors: ZHOU FENGYAN
Published: January 2010

A new non-autonomous predator-prey system with the effect of viruses on the prey is investigated. By using the method of coincidence degree, some sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of a positive periodic solution. Moreover, with the help of an appropriately chosen Lyapunov function, the global attractivity of the positive periodic solution is discussed. In the end, a numerical simulation is used to illustrate the feasibility of our results.
STABILITY AND BIFURCATION ANALYSIS IN A DELAYED PREDATOR-PREY SYSTEM
Authors: JIANG ZHICHAO , ZHANG WENZHI , HUO DONGSHENG
Published: January 2010

A delayed ratio-dependent one-predator and two-prey system with Michaelis–Menten type functional response is investigated. We show the existence of nonnegative equilibria under some appropriated conditions. Criteria for local stability, instability of nonnegative equilibria are obtained. The existence of Hopf bifurcations at the endemic equilibrium is established by analyzing the distribution of the characteristic values. An explicit algorithm for determining the direction of the Hopf bifurcation and the stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions is derived by using the normal form and the center manifold theory. At last, some numerical simulations to support the analytical conclusions are carried out.
PERMANENCE OF SOME DISCRETE EPIDEMIC MODELS
Authors: SEKIGUCHI MASAKI
Published: January 2010

In this paper, we discuss some discrete epidemic models, that is, discrete SIR epidemic model with no delay, discrete SIR epidemic model with one delay and discrete SEIRS epidemic model with two delays. By applying the method given in Wang, Appl. Math. Lett. 15(2002) 423–428, we prove the permanence of these discrete epidemic models. These sufficient conditions are similar to the continuous epidemic models, that is, the basic reproduction number of each model is larger than one.
Investigation of a Coolant Mixing Phenomena within the Reactor Pressure Vessel of a VVER-1000 Reactor with Different Simulation Tools
Authors: Sánchez V. , Jaeger W. , Boettcher M. , Truong B.
Published: January 2010

The Institute of Neutron Physics and Reactor Technology (INR) is involved in the qualification of coupled codes for reactor safety evaluations, aiming to improve their prediction capability and acceptability. In the frame of the VVER-1000 Coolant Transient Benchmark Phase 1, RELAP5/PARCS has been extensively assessed. Phase 2 of this benchmark was focused on both multidimensional thermal hydraulic phenomena and core physics. Plant data will be used to qualify the 3D models of TRACE and RELAP5/CFX, which were coupled for this purpose. The developed multidimensional models of the VVER-1000 reactor pressure vessel (RPV) as well as the performed calculations will be described in detail. The predicted results are in good agreement with experimental data. It was demonstrated that the chosen 3D nodalization of the RPV is adequate for the description of the coolant mixing phenomena in a VVER-1000 reactor. Even though only a 3D coarse nodalization is used in TRACE, the integral results are comparable to those obtained by RELAP5/CFX.
Halpern's Iteration in CAT(0) Spaces
Authors: Saejung Satit
Published: January 2010

Motivated by Halpern's result, we prove strong convergence theorem of an iterative sequence in CAT(0) spaces. We apply our result to find a common fixed point of a family of nonexpansive mappings. A convergence theorem for nonself mappings is also discussed.
Childhood Autism and Eosinophilic Colitis
Authors: Chen Breanna , Girgis Safwat , El-Matary Wael
Published: January 2010

Background/Aims: The significance of the association between many gastrointestinal pathologies and autism is yet to be discovered. The aim of this report is to highlight an association between autism and microscopic eosinophilic colitis in 2 children. The possible mechanisms that may connect these two conditions are discussed. Methods and Results: A rare association between autism and microscopic eosinophilic colitis in 2 children is reported through retrospective chart review. Common causes of secondary eosinophilic colitis were excluded. Conclusion: This report suggests the possibility of either impaired intestinal barrier function or an aberrant immune system that predisposes autistic children to sensitization to environmental antigens. Large controlled studies are needed to examine this hypothesis.
Is Autofluorescence Imaging Endoscopy Useful for Determining the Depth of Invasion in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Otani Aya , Amano Yuji , Koshino Kenji , Takahashi Yoshiko , Mishima Yuko , Imaoka Hiroshi , Moriyama Ichiro , Ishimura Norihisa , Ishihara Shunji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: January 2010

Background/Aims: Newly developed autofluorescence (AF) imaging (AFI) endoscopy can detect AF emitted by the gastrointestinal wall and may reliably detect tumors or inflammation that block AF. However, the efficacy of AFI endoscopy has not been evaluated for diagnosing the depth of tumor invasion in gastric cancer. Methods: AF endoscopic images were split into three bands (R, G and B) and expressed as grayscale values. AF indices, defined as the ratio of the G band image grayscale value to that of the R band, were calculated preoperatively. Correlations of AF indices with invasion depth and tumor thickness were assessed. AF indices were calculated preoperatively for 72 gastric cancer lesions without ulceration in 67 patients. The invasion grade of the lesions was classified histologically into 5 groups: M, SM, MP, SS and SE. Results: The mean tumor AF indices for each depth stage were 0.99, 0.77, 0.75, 0.74 and 0.61, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found between group M and the other groups. Conclusion: AFI endoscopy may reliably determine the depth of gastric cancer tumor invasion, although an expanded study comprised of larger numbers of subjects and different types of cancers may be required to clearly demonstrate its validity.
Patients’ Preferences regarding Shared Decision-Making in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results from a Patient-Empowerment Study
Authors: Baars Judith E. , Markus Tineke , Kuipers Ernst J. , van der Woude C. Janneke
Published: January 2010

Background: Shared decision-making is gaining favor in clinical practice, although the extent to which patients want to be involved in choosing their treatment varies substantially. Because data are lacking on the preferences of patients with chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we wanted to assess IBD patients’ preferences about being involved in such decisions. Methods: Adult IBD patients were asked to anonymously complete an online survey on their preferences. Non-parametric tests (χ2) were used to determine the relationship between responses and respondents. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 1,067 patients, 617 with Crohn’s disease and 450 with ulcerative colitis. Patients’ mean age was 43 (SD 13.7) years; the majority were female (66%). In total, 866 patients (81%) reported it as ‘very important’ to be actively involved in the decision-making process, and another 177 (17%) rated it as ‘quite important’. When asked how their treatment could be improved, 537 patients (50%) wanted close, equitable collaboration with their physician. This preference was significantly associated with a disease duration of ≤8 years (p = 0.03). Gender and type of IBD were not significantly associated with patients’ preferences. Conclusions: This study demonstrates IBD patients’ desire to be actively involved in the decision-making process. Further research is needed on physicians’ perspectives on shared decision-making, and on finding predictive factors for developing a model for shared decision-making in IBD.
The Toll-Like Receptor 4 D299G and T399I Polymorphisms Are Associated with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shen Xiuyun , Shi Ruihua , Zhang Hongjie , Li Kebei , Zhao Yang , Zhang Ruyang
Published: January 2010

Background: Some studies have reported that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) D299G and T399I polymorphisms are associated with increased Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) risk in the Caucasian population. However, the results have been inconsistent. Methods: A systemic review of the published data (16 studies with 8,387 cases and 7,013 controls for D299G; 8 studies with 3,881 cases and 1,861 controls for T399I) was undertaken and a meta-analysis was performed to test whether TLR4 D299G and T399I polymorphisms were associated with CD or UC susceptibility and whether 299Gly carriage was associated with phenotypes of CD patients. Results: The TLR4 299Gly allele showed a significant association with CD and UC in the Caucasian population (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.08–1.54, and OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.08–1.51, respectively). Similar association was detected between the T399I polymorphism and susceptibility to CD and UC (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.12–1.68, and OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.13–1.88, respectively). However, no significant association was identified between CD phenotypes and 299Gly carriage. Conclusion: The meta-analysis showed that TLR4 D299G and T399I confer a significant risk for developing CD and UC in Caucasians. Additional well-powered studies of the association between TLR4 variants and UC are needed.
A Naturalistic Exploratory Study of the Impact of Demographic, Phenotypic and Comorbid Features in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Masi Gabriele , Millepiedi Stefania , Perugi Giulio , Pfanner Chiara , Berloffa Stefano , Pari Cinzia , Mucci Maria , Akiskal Hagop S.
Published: January 2010

Background: Few studies have examined the impact of gender, age at onset, phenotype and comorbidity in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children. In this naturalistic study we consider these characteristics of OCD in the framework of the 4 OCD phenotypes (contamination/cleaning, order/symmetry, obsessions/checking and hoarding) proposed by Leckman et al. Sampling and Methods: A consecutive series of 257 patients aged 13.6 ± 2.8 years, diagnosed using a DSM-IV-based clinical interview (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children – Present and Lifetime Version), were included. Results: Patients with OCD onset before 12 years of age presented a higher frequency of comorbid tic disorder and disruptive behavior disorders. The type of obsession varied with gender: order/symmetry was more frequent in males, contamination/cleaning in females. Order/symmetry had the highest comorbidity with tics, contamination/cleaning was the least severe according to the Clinical Global Impression Severity, and was associated with a high rate of comorbid anxiety and depression, similarly to sexual-religious obsessions. Hoarding was the severest according to the Clinical Global Impression Severity, and was associated with a high comorbidity with social phobia and bipolar disorder. Tic comorbidity was more prevalent in males, had an earlier onset, and a heavier comorbidity with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other disruptive behavior disorders. A comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was associated with an earlier onset of OCD and a poorer response to treatments. Conclusions: OCD phenotypes and comorbidities may have marked clinical and prognostic implications. Tertiary care population results may not generalize to less impaired juvenile populations.
Initial Orienting to Emotional Faces in Female Adolescents with Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: von Ceumern-Lindenstjerna Ina-Alexandra , Brunner Romuald , Parzer Peter , Mundt Christoph , Fiedler Peter , Resch Franz
Published: January 2010

Background: Previous research has implicated a general hypervigilance for negative emotional words in adults with borderline personality disorder (BPD) as compared to healthy controls. The purpose of this study was to assess initial orienting to negative and positive emotional faces in female adolescents with BPD. Method: Adolescent patients with BPD (n = 30), adolescent patients with other psychiatric diagnoses (n = 29) and adolescent healthy comparison subjects (n = 29) were tested with the visual dot probe task to examine attentional orienting to emotional and neutral faces. Results: In contrast to the adolescent healthy comparison subjects, both the adolescent patients with BPD and the adolescent patients with other psychiatric diagnoses showed a stronger orienting to negative emotional stimuli. However, no differences were found between the clinical groups. Data regarding positive stimuli showed that BPD is not associated with a specific orienting to positive faces. Conclusions: These findings suggest that attentional orienting to negative faces is not specific to adolescent patients with BPD but also affects adolescent patients with other psychiatric diagnoses. Furthermore, no distortion in information processing concerning positive cues was observed in adolescent patients with BPD. If these findings were confirmed, further BPD research could no longer assume that BPD is specifically associated with distortions in initial orienting processes.
Effects of Psychiatric Comorbidity on Treatment Outcome in Patients Undergoing Diamorphine or Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Authors: Schäfer I. , Eiroa-Orosa F.J. , Verthein U. , Dilg C. , Haasen C. , Reimer J.
Published: January 2010

Background: Comorbid psychiatric disorders among opioid-dependent patients are associated with several negative outcome factors. However, outcomes of maintenance treatment have not been sufficiently established, and no evidence is available with respect to heroin-assisted treatment (HAT). Methods: For patients in the German heroin trial outcome measures were analyzed for HAT versus methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) both for patients with and without a comorbid diagnosis according to CIDI. Results: 47.2% of the sample had at least one comorbid psychiatric diagnosis, mainly neurotic, stress-related or somatoform (F4) or affective (F3) disorders. HAT had a better outcome than MMT concerning improvement of health and reduction of illicit drug use in both comorbid and non-comorbid patients, but weaker effects were found in the comorbid group. Conclusions:The better outcome of HAT also in comorbid patients suggests that psychiatric comorbidity should be an inclusion criterion for HAT. The weaker advantage of HAT may be due to pharmacological or methodological reasons.
Delusions of Technical Alien Control: A Phenomenological Description of Three Cases
Authors: Hirjak Dusan , Fuchs Thomas
Published: January 2010

Background: A considerable number of schizophrenic patients develop delusions of technical alien control. In such cases, patients experience their thoughts, movements and feelings to be controlled by mysterious machines and contemporary technologies such as computers, the internet, X-rays and lasers. Methods: In this paper, we describe 3 cases of patients with disorders of self-experience and schizophrenic delusions involving a controlling technical device. We also analyse case reports from historical and modern psychiatric literature which describe ‘influencing machines’ and similar phenomena. Results: Of the 3 patients analysed, all complained of being controlled and impaired by some form of contemporary technology. Moreover, the presented cases illustrate psychopathological phenomena such as self-centrality, loss of ego boundaries, subjectification of perception, ‘paradoxes of delusions’, morbid objectification and loss of the sense of agency. Conclusion: Delusions of technical alien control and influencing machines constitute a characteristic form of delusional ideation in schizophrenic patients. They may be preceded by prodromal schizophrenic alterations such as disembodiment, alienation and reification of self-experience, depersonalization, derealization and bodily hallucinations. We propose that these prior experiences, especially if technically reifying in nature, may give rise to the phenomenon of technical delusions, thus expressing a particular affinity of basic self-experience in schizophrenia to modern technology. This is also consistent with the pathoplasticity hypothesis.
Assessment of CAR- or CD46-Dependent Adenoviral Vector-Mediated TRAIL Gene Therapy in Clinical Adenocarcinoma Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Yong , Ma Lingdi , Wang Shizhong , Bao Yongyi , Ni Cheng , Guan Naifu , Zhao Jianzhong , Fan Xiaolong
Published: January 2010

Adenoviral vector-mediated transfer of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) can be a powerful approach to lung cancer therapy. However, the efficiency of adenoviral vector gene transfer and the sensitivity to TRAIL-induced apoptosis in the context of adenoviral vector gene transfer have yet to be characterized in primary lung cancers. In this study, we investigated the expression of adenoviral receptor CD46 expression in primary lung cancer cells. In contrast to previous reports on enhanced CD46 expression in various types of cancer cells, we show a significantly higher CD46 expression in lung adenocarcinomas compared to lung squamous cell carcinomas. Using Ad5-GFP and Ad5F35-GFP vectors, we demonstrated an improved gene transfer efficiency in primary lung cancer cells by the Ad5F35 vector. The apoptosis induction effect mediated by Ad5-TRAIL and Ad5F35-TRAIL vector gene transfer was compared in cells from 10 lung adenocarcinomas. Of 5 lung cancers in which apoptosis was induced, 2 had an enhanced effect by Ad5F35-TRAIL vector gene transfer compared to Ad5-GFP. Thus, these results indicate a method to identify TRAIL-sensitive primary lung cancers, which will also facilitate the analysis of resistance mechanisms in lung cancers.
Analysis of an Asymmetric Mutation Operator
Authors: Jansen Thomas , Sudholt Dirk
Published: January 2010

Evolutionary algorithms are general randomized search heuristics and typically perform an unbiased random search that is guided only by the fitness of the search points encountered. However, in applications there is often problem-specific knowledge that suggests some additional bias. The use of appropriately biased variation operators may speed up the search considerably. Problems defined over bit strings of finite length often have the property that good solutions have only very few 1-bits or very few 0-bits. A mutation operator tailored toward such situations is studied under different perspectives and in a rigorous way discussing its assets and drawbacks. We consider the runtime of evolutionary algorithms using biased mutations on illustrative example functions as well as on function classes. A comparison with unbiased operators shows on which functions biased mutations lead to a speedup, on which functions biased mutations increase the runtime, and in which settings there is almost no difference in performance. The main focus is on theoretical runtime analysis yielding asymptotic results. These findings are accompanied by the results of empirical investigations that deliver additional insights.
Adaptive Niche Radii and Niche Shapes Approaches for Niching with the CMA-ES
Authors: Shir Ofer M. , Emmerich Michael , Bäck Thomas
Published: January 2010

While the motivation and usefulness of niching methods is beyond doubt, the relaxation of assumptions and limitations concerning the hypothetical search landscape is much needed if niching is to be valid in a broader range of applications. Upon the introduction of radii-based niching methods with derandomized evolution strategies (ES), the purpose of this study is to address the so-called niche radius problem. A new concept of an adaptive individual niche radius is applied to niching with the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA-ES). Two approaches are considered. The first approach couples the radius to the step size mechanism, while the second approach employs the Mahalanobis distance metric with the covariance matrix mechanism for the distance calculation, for obtaining niches with more complex geometrical shapes. The proposed approaches are described in detail, and then tested on high-dimensional artificial landscapes at several levels of difficulty. They are shown to be robust and to achieve satisfying results.
Strength Pareto Particle Swarm Optimization and Hybrid EA-PSO for Multi-Objective Optimization
Authors: Elhossini Ahmed , Areibi Shawki , Dony Robert
Published: January 2010

This paper proposes an efficient particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique that can handle multi-objective optimization problems. It is based on the strength Pareto approach originally used in evolutionary algorithms (EA). The proposed modified particle swarm algorithm is used to build three hybrid EA-PSO algorithms to solve different multi-objective optimization problems. This algorithm and its hybrid forms are tested using seven benchmarks from the literature and the results are compared to the strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm (SPEA2) and a competitive multi-objective PSO using several metrics. The proposed algorithm shows a slower convergence, compared to the other algorithms, but requires less CPU time. Combining PSO and evolutionary algorithms leads to superior hybrid algorithms that outperform SPEA2, the competitive multi-objective PSO (MO-PSO), and the proposed strength Pareto PSO based on different metrics.
Wh-Expletives in Hindi-Urdu: The vP Phase
Authors: Manetta Emily
Published: January 2010

This article addresses wh-displacement and wh-expletive constructions in Hindi-Urdu, accounting for parametric variation in terms of the properties of the phase-defining heads C and v. This analysis provides an understanding of a systematic set of contrasts between Kashmiri and Hindi-Urdu that suggests that crosslinguistic variation may follow from properties of specifically the phase-defining functional heads. It is then possible to construct a unified account of the various strategies of forming long-distance wh-dependencies in the two languages.
Echo Questions in the Minimalist Program
Authors: Sobin Nicholas
Published: January 2010

English echo questions present numerous challenges to the analysis of interrogatives, including (a) simple wh-in-situ (You saw who?); (b) apparent Superiority violations (What did who see?); (c) apparent verb movement without wh-movement (Has Mary seen what?); and (d) requisite wide scope only for echo-question-introduced wh-phrases (underlined in these examples—only who in What did who see? is being asked about). Such apparently contrary features may be explained in terms of independently necessary scope assignment mechanisms and a complementizer that subordinates the utterance being echoed and “freezes” its CP structure. No norms of question formation are violated.
On Deriving CED Effects from the PIC
Authors: Müller Gereon
Published: January 2010

This article shows that a version of the Condition on Extraction Domain (Huang 1982) can be derived from the Phase Impenetrability Condition (PIC; Chomsky 2001, 2008) if the following assumptions are made: (a) All syntactic operations are driven by features of lexical items. (b) These features are ordered on lexical items. (c) All phrases are phases. (d) Edge features that trigger intermediate movement steps can only be added before the phase head becomes inert. Given (a–d), it follows from the PIC that extraction from XP is blocked if the operation that has merged XP is the final operation taking place in a phase: a last-merged specifier is a barrier because no edge feature can be inserted that might extract some item out of it; this induces a PIC violation on the following cycle. The analysis can be extended to cover freezing effects. Furthermore, it predicts the existence of the melting effect, illustrated in German and Czech: local scrambling in front of what would otherwise qualify as a last-merged specifier renders the specifier transparent for extraction. The most important assumption made here is that the timing of edge feature insertion is crucial (before vs. after in (d)). Accordingly, the analysis can be viewed as an argument supporting a strictly derivational organization of grammar.
How Many School Psychologists are There in Each Country of the World?
Authors: Jimerson Shane R. , Stewart Kaitlyn , Skokut Mary , Cardenas Santiago , Malone Heather
Published: January 2010

How many school psychologists are there in each country of the world? Findings from this study indicate over 76,100 school psychologists throughout 48 countries from which estimates were available as of 2007. When considering the total number of school psychologists in a given country, it is essential to also consider the number of school-age children. The school psychologist-to-student ratio provides an omnibus indicator of the development of the profession of school psychology in countries around the world. Calculations revealed a wide range of school psychologist-to-school-age children ratios in countries around the globe. It is notable that many of the countries with the largest populations of school-age children in the world have the fewest school psychologists. Ideas for future scholarship that will further enhance our understanding of school psychology internationally are discussed.
The Nature and Basis of Teachers’ Concerns About Spanish Secondary-School Students
Authors: Muñoz Tinoco Victoria , Jiménez Lagares Irene , Moreno Carmen , Tessier Nicholas G. , Schneider Barry H.
Published: January 2010

This study explored the nature and basis of teachers’ concerns regarding several behavioural and social difficulties experienced by their secondary-school students. It was hypothesized that teachers would be most concerned about students presenting externalizing behavioural or academic difficulties but not those displaying internalizing problems. We also expected that pupils who were objects of teacher concern would be considered more maladjusted than random controls in terms of self- and peer-rated popularity and problem behaviours. Participants were 1384 secondary school pupils from Seville, Spain. The most common reasons indicated by teachers for their concerns about students were motivational and socialization-emotional concerns. There was some basis for these concerns: students who were objects of teacher concerns were significantly more likely to be perceived by their peers and by themselves as socially rejected, more aggressive/disruptive, more withdrawn and less cooperative than controls. Nevertheless, teachers expressed concern about only a minority of pupils who appear to be at risk according to other sources of information.
Effective Consultation in Educational and Child Psychology Practice
Authors: Kennedy Emma Kate , Cameron R.J. , Monsen Jeremy
Published: January 2010

How should applied psychology practitioners be prepared to meet an increasingly challenging and unpredictable working context? This article explores some of the key current issues for educational and child psychology practitioners and their professional trainers in the UK with regard to the topic of effective consultation. The article argues that Educational and Child Psychologists can make a distinctive and essential contribution to improving outcomes for children, young people and their families (a contribution that is firmly grounded in psychological theory, research and applied practice) and that effective professional consultation is an appropriate medium for applying psychology with a range of consultees and clients in diverse contexts. How ECPs are trained in consultation approaches is therefore a significant issue for all members of the profession. The objectives of this article are to examine specific practice and training problems and possibilities relating to consultation in educational and child psychology, to recommend improvements for the professional training for applied psychologists in this area and to make a plea for a renewed emphasis on practitioner research that is aimed at making a difference to applied problem solving.
Cultural Transformation for Inclusion, What is Needed?
Authors: Du Toit Petrusa , Forlin Chris
Published: January 2010

Internationally, a move towards inclusive education has been adopted as the preferred model in most education systems. Yet there are still many jurisdictions that find that they simply do not have the resources necessary to embark on such a major development as inclusion. A critical issue in many such regions has been the difficulty in reforming traditional cultures that act as almost impassable barriers to change. This is further problematic when much of the rhetoric about embracing inclusion has posited the idea that schools can transform their culture by simply changing their own practices. This article considers the viability of schools being able to adopt an inclusive culture by themselves without a well developed support system and with very limited resources. An eco-systemic research approach is employed to examine the cultural barriers to inclusion that exist within ten schools across one regional district in South Africa. It is argued that for inclusion to become a reality in South Africa then significant cultural transformation must occur which is supported by an enhanced education system that is able to provide the necessary infrastructure, resources and support needed to enable schools to change.
Genesis 14: A Diaspora Novella?
Authors: Glissmann Volker
Published: January 2010

The influence of the Babylonian golah on the redaction of the biblical material is widely attested. This article suggests that the redaction of Genesis 14 addresses specific diaspora concerns, and for this reason should be located within a diaspora setting. In light of this, Genesis 14 is examined in two ways. First, Meinhold’s characteristics of a diaspora novella are traced throughout the narrative of Genesis 14. Second, the argument for a specific diaspora redaction is enhanced through a reading of the text from a diaspora perspective. Overall, this article argues that the narrative in Genesis 14 can be classified as a diaspora novella.
The Function of a Conjunction: Inclusivist or Exclusivist Strategies in Ezra 6.19-21 and Nehemiah 10.29-30?
Authors: Thiessen Matthew
Published: January 2010

In spite of the genealogical exclusion of non-Israelites evidenced throughout Ezra—Nehemiah, numerous scholars find strategies of inclusivism within the work. In particular, Ezra 6.19-21 and Neh. 10.29-30 have been understood to envision the incorporation of outsiders into the Golah group. After surveying the evidence for exclusivism in Ezra—Nehemiah, this article presents an alternative reading of these specific passages by providing a different interpretation of the function of the waw. It is argued that, instead of intending to portray outsiders joining the Golah group, Ezra 6.19-21 and Neh. 10.29-30 describe the separation of the Golah group from the impurity of the nations.
The Limmûdîm in the Book of Isaiah
Authors: Isbell Charles David
Published: January 2010

The term limmûdîm (attested in Isa. 8.16, and then 50.4a, 4c; 54.13) serves as a literary ligature between the messages of the eighth-century prophet in Jerusalem and his descendants who ministered in sixth-century Babylonia. The term further points to the role of the sixth-century prophets as ‘students’ of the eighth-century master whose role was to transform Isaiah’s messages of impending doom that called for repentance into messages of hope at the prospect of redemption. In addition, the limmûdîm within the inter-generational ‘school’ of Isaiah may be viewed as a subset of the larger ‘sons of the prophets’ attested as early as the time of Samuel.
Habakkuk 2.4b in its Context: How Far Off Was Paul?
Authors: Hunn Debbie
Published: January 2010

This essay examines Hab. 2.4b in its context, asking five questions related to Paul’s exegesis, namely: What is ‭הנומא‬? Whose ‭הנומא‬ is at issue? When will the righteous live? Who are the righteous? And are they righteous by faith, or do they live by faith? Although scholars have changed their reading of Paul over time, they have left Habakkuk almost untouched. And yet, an examination of his prophecy finds Habakkuk, before Paul, to include both Jew and Gentile among the righteous and to assert that life comes to the righteous by their faith.
They Save Themselves Alone: Faith and Loss in the Stories of Abraham and Job
Authors: Wiley Henrietta L.
Published: January 2010

In the stories of Abraham and Job, Yahweh’s favor is an ambiguous blessing that comes at great cost to the favored one and those closest to him. Yahweh professes his confidence in Abraham’s and Job’s faith, but tests that faith with devastating loss of family members. The deity then rewards the men with a ‘consolation family’. The intent appears to be blessing, but, like most consolation prizes, the arrival of the new families fails to console either the main characters or the reader. They are essentially objects, empty of personal value, and serve to emphasize the original loss and the patriarchs’ solitude. Yahweh’s limitless power renders any affectionate bond with him inconceivable, but his demanding attention crowds out the possibility for the men to preserve bonds of affection with their families. Faithful Abraham and Job, deemed most blessed by God, ultimately suffer deepest isolation and loss.
Classifying Regions for European Development Funding
Authors: Larraz Iribas Beatriz , Pavia Jose M.
Published: January 2010

Structural and cohesion funds play a prominent role in European Union regional policy, which aims to reduce gaps in development between regions and disparities in well-being between European citizens. The regions and areas eligible for funding — 308,000 million during the 2007—13 period — are chosen according to regional GDP per inhabitant as the variable of reference. Despite the great importance of this indicator, the complex socioeconomic reality of regions cannot be fully explained by means of a single variable. Hence, using the large number of variables on economic, political, cultural and demographic characteristics available at regional level, this article groups European regions into homogeneous clusters. This makes it possible to identify the weak and strong points of each group of regions and to ascertain what type of action should be promoted and, therefore, funded in each region.
International Outsourcing and Partner Location in the Spanish Footwear Sector
Authors: Belso-Martínez José Antonio
Published: January 2010

In the globalized economy, international production delocalization can be considered a recurrent strategy in manufacturing industries. Taking into account this evidence, this paper seeks to determine the different factors influencing production outsourcing and partner location in four Spanish industrial districts. Using a sample of 401 footwear firms, results obtained from an ordered logit model indicate that institutional networks, internationalization efforts, firm size and differentiation policies favour more distant partner locations. Finally, the implications for practitioners and policy makers are specifically addressed.
Rural Partnerships in Europe — A Differentiated View From a Country Perspective
Authors: Derkzen Petra
Published: January 2010

In recent years partnership has become an established aspect of rural development across rural Europe. Both Wales and the Netherlands have seen similar trends towards more decentralized and territorial modes of rural governance in which policy networks of governmental and societal actors work together at a local or regional level to further rural development. Such networks are called ‘partnerships’ in English and ‘ gebiedscommissies’ in Dutch. This paper addresses differences in the composition and organization of rural partnerships in these two countries and attributes the differences between them to the policy context in each country. Four policy factors are identified as contributing to the specific approach to partnership adopted in the two countries.The review sustains the presumption that in Dutch rural partnerships the integration discourse is more important than the participation discourse, which is more prominent in Wales.
The Unifying Difference: Dyadic Coping With Spontaneous Abortion Among Religious Jewish Couples
Authors: Hamama-Raz Yaira , Hemmendinger Shirley , Buchbinder Eli
Published: January 2010

In this study we examined the meaning of abortion in the religious Jewish sector on both the individual and the couple levels. In a qualitative, descriptive, interpretive-narrative study, semistructured interviews were conducted with five religious couples. Both members of each couple were interviewed separately. The findings show that although both members of the couple experienced spontaneous abortion as a loss, each expressed it in different ways and thus perceived it differently in the couple relationship. Men who demonstrated the ability to bypass their own pain and made an effort to respond to their partners’ distress motivated the women’s exit from the isolation cycle, and contributed to a sense of dyadic cohesion and to creating a meaning for their “togetherness.” These findings are discussed in the context of research and theoretical literature that deal with bereavement and mourning processes, and with constructing meaning for a pregnancy-related loss.
Stressors, Coping, and Social Support Among Women in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Hinton Rachael , Earnest Jaya
Published: January 2010

In this study we used an interpretive, ethnographic, qualitative approach to examine Papua New Guinean women’s narratives and perceptions about their health and the ways in which these were linked to coping with personal adversity. Women used a variety of strategies to cope with psychosocial stressors and challenging life circumstances, including both reliance on their own agency and active efforts and the seeking of social and spiritual support. We observed that limited access to social and economic resources, combined with gender constraints, made women socially and culturally vulnerable to social strain that affected their physical and emotional health. A number of women used avoidance strategies that were related to lower levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction and displayed high levels of anxiety. We propose the need to understand the context in which coping takes place and to enhance resilience strategies used by women in developing countries such as Papua New Guinea to manage the multiple stressors associated with confronting life’s challenges.
Metasynthesis of the Hope Experience of Family Caregivers of Persons With Chronic Illness
Authors: Duggleby Wendy , Holtslander Lorraine , Kylma Jari , Duncan Vicky , Hammond Chad , Williams Allison
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this metasynthesis was to describe the hope experience of family caregivers of persons with chronic illness. Fourteen studies were included in the metasynthesis. All studies described the importance of hope to the family caregivers of relatives with chronic illness regardless of age, relationship, or setting. Several derived themes arose from the metasynthesis, including (a) transitional refocusing from a difficult present to a positive future, (b) dynamic possibilities within uncertainty, (c) pathways of hope, and (d) hope outcomes. Hope was defined as transitional dynamic possibilities within uncertainty. A new conceptual model of hope was developed that provides a foundation for future research and practice. The metasynthesis findings indicate factors influencing hope have a role in assessing hope and differing pathways of hope provide a foundation for future hope interventions.
Subjective Experience of Family Stigma as Reported by Children of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Authors: Werner Perla , Goldstein Dovrat , Buchbinder Eli
Published: January 2010

In this study we explored the subjective experience of family stigma as reported by children of persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our data indicated that family stigma in the area of AD was primarily experienced in three dimensions: caregivers’ stigma, lay public’s stigma, and structural stigma. We found that in all these dimensions family stigma follows a process characterized by three core elements: cognitive attributions, emotional reactions, and behavioral responses. Findings of this study highlight the profound stigma confronting caregivers of persons with AD. What emerges is a poignant picture of adult children living with stigmatic beliefs while providing care for their parents with AD. We suggest that swift steps be taken to deal with these stigmatic beliefs. Mainly, structural discrimination must end if all citizens are to receive truly fair and equitable health care services and benefits.
Self-regulatory Efficacy as a Mediator between Attributions and Intention for Health-related Physical Activity
Authors: Spink Kevin S. , Nickel Darren
Published: January 2010

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether self-regulatory efficacy would mediate the relationship between individual attributional dimensions for typical exercise levels and intentions to maintain these levels during final exams among university students. Using a prospective design, participants completed measures of attributions for typical activity levels, self-regulatory efficacy and intention to be active during a forthcoming exam period. Results revealed that self-regulatory efficacy partially mediated the relationship between attributional dimensions and intentions for both moderate and mild exercise levels. The results provide initial support for the suggestion that when examining moderate and mild intensity exercise, it is plausible that causality flows from stability of attributions to intentions, at least partially through self-regulatory efficacy.
Factors Associated with Posttraumatic Growth among the Spouses of Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Şenol-Durak Emre , Belgin Ayvaşik H.
Published: January 2010

To clarify the rationale behind Posttraumatic Growth (PTG), a model by Schaefer and Moos describes the relative contribution of environmental resources, individual resources, event related factors, cognitive processing and coping (CPC) on PTG. In the present study, this model was tested with the spouses of myocardial infarction patients with data from various hospitals in Turkey. A structural equation model revealed that neither individual nor environmental resources had indirect effects on PTG through the effect of event-related factors and CPC, while they showed direct effects on PTG. The findings were discussed in the context of the theoretical model.
Interpersonal and Self-regulation Determinants of Healthy and Unhealthy Eating Behavior in Adolescents
Authors: Kalavana Theano V. , Maes Stan , De Gucht Véronique
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of interpersonal and personal factors on (un)healthy eating in adolescents. The study sample consisted of 473 adolescents. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the effect of family climate, peer influence and self-regulation cognitions (goal commitment, efficacy and ownership) on healthy and unhealthy eating. Self-regulation cognitions are positively related to healthy eating and negatively to unhealthy eating. We conclude that different aspects of family climate and peer influence are significantly related to both healthy and unhealthy eating. Interventions should be directed at self-regulation cognitions as well as at family and peer influence.
Perceived Risk and Representations of Cardiovascular Disease and Preventive Behaviour in People Diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Claassen Liesbeth , Henneman Lidewij , Kindt Iris , Marteau Theresa M. , Timmermans Danielle R.M.
Published: January 2010

Perceived risk and representations of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and preventive behaviour of people diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia by DNA testing ( N = 81) were assessed. In general, participants perceived their own CVD risk as being relatively low. While participants reported almost optimal medication adherence (99%), only 49 per cent reported following recommendations concerning diet and physical activity. Family history of CVD was associated with both risk perception and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. In their communications with FH-screened positives, health professionals should be aware that people may underestimate CVD risk, and should stress how behaviour change can reduce the risk.
Perceived Stress Scale
Authors: Siqueira Reis Rodrigo , Ferreira Hino Adriano Akira , Romélio Rodriguez Añez Ciro
Published: January 2010

The perceived stress scale (PSS-10) reliability and validity were evaluated in Brazilian adults. A two-stage translation procedure was employed to achieve a Portuguese version. Participants were 793 Brazilian university teachers. The exploratory factor analysis showed two factors with eigenvalues greater than 1.0 (56.8% of variance). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were 0.83 (Factor 1), 0.77 (Factor 2) and 0.87 (Total Score). The test—retest reliability scores were 0.83 (Factor 1), 0.68 (Factor 2) and 0.86 (Total Score). PSS-10 and perceived health correlations ranged from —0.22 to —0.35. The PSS-10 showed an adequate reliability and validity supporting its use in this population.
Publication Guidelines for Intervention Studies in the Journal of Health Psychology
Authors: Marks David F.
Published: January 2010

A recent Journal of Health Psychology Editorial argued for ‘a consolidated effort to define, identify, research and record intervention techniques across all domains offering health enhancement to humankind’. The Associate Editors, Editorial Board and approximately 100 reviewers commented on proposals to improve the clarity, depth and detail of papers reporting intervention studies. This Editorial specifies the criteria that will be applied to future submissions reporting intervention studies in the Journal of Health Psychology . The criteria extend the application of the CONSORT, TREND and PRISMA statements to intervention studies within the field of health psychology.