bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dynamics of an Introduced: Balanus glandula Population in the Southwestern Atlantic Rocky Shores. The Consequences on the Intertidal Community*
Authors: Vallarino E. A. , Elias R.
Published: May 2008

Abstract. This paper deals with the population dynamics of the introduced barnacle Balanus glandula in a port shelter and a rocky shore exposed of a southwestern Atlantic area. Replicated areas in both zones were denuded monthly and censused in both the high intertidal and the upper mid intertidal zone. The settlement pattern. recruitment, mortality and growth of B. glandula and a comparative successional pattern in both areas were recorded.

Recruitment began in winter, i.e., July in the port and August in the rocky shore. In the port, green algae dominate up to a final community of Balanus glandula all along the intertidal, while in rocky shores the red encrusting alga Hildenbrandia lecanellieri establishes a cover that is replaced by the mytilid Brachidontes rodriguezi in the mid intertidal and by B. glandula in the high intertidal and upper mid intertidal. B. glandula densities were greater in the upper mid intertidal 19 600 and 5050 indiv. · m‐2 in the port and rocky shore, respectively than in the high intertidal 13600 and 1100 indiv.· m‐2, respectively. Mortality was greater in the port up to 62%, but heavy settlement allows a final density 4 times greater than in eulittoral rocky shores and 10 times greater than in the high intertidal.

The winter reproduction of Balanus glandula, the absence of predators, the neutral or beneficial effect of algae. with spatial and temporal partitioning of substrate allows it to successfully outcompete mussels and other barnacle species from the intertidal community of both sheltered and exposed areas.
Observations on the Burrows and Burrowing Behaviour of: Squilla mantis L. Crustacea: Stomatopoda
Authors: ATKINSON R. J. A. , FROGLIA C. , ARNERI E. , ANTOLINI B.
Published: May 2008

Abstract. The burrows of Squilla mantis are described from polyester resin casts taken at two Adriatic sites near Ancona. Typically, burrows had two openings, one of which was larger than the other, and were basically U‐shaped. An interesting association with the little‐known caridean shrimp Athanas amazone was observed. The sediments occupied by S. mantis were silty sands and sandy muds. Field observations of S. mantis and other species on the same grounds are presented and some information on burrow density is given, derived from burrow counts using underwater television. Burrowing behaviour is described from observations of animals transferred to laboratory aquaria.
Seasonal Changes in the Biochemical Composition of the Edible Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus Echinodermata: Echinoidea in a Lagoonal Environment
Authors: Fernandez C.
Published: May 2008

Abstract. Monthly soluble and insoluble protein, carbohydrate, lipid and ash levels and energetic content were measured in tissues of Paracentrotus lividus adults living in a lagoonal environment over a 1‐year period to increase our understanding of resource allocation to the different tissues. The biochemical composition of P. lividus individuals in this environment is similar to that observed in other environments. The gonad and gut contained a high level of proteins soluble or insoluble, a lesser amount of lipids and, finally, a low level of carbohydrates. The main component of the test was ash, followed by protein levels. The lipid and carbohydrate levels in the test were very low. Seasonal variability in the biochemical composition of the different body parts was observed. In the gonad, an increase in the level of lipids was recorded concomitant to an increase in gonad weight. The lipids and carbohydrates, after an initial increase, decreased with the maturation of the gonad. The biochemical variations observed in the gut seem to be linked to both the reproductive cycle and the sea urchin's trophic activity. Variability in the test was low and irregular for all of the observed biochemical components. As P. lividus is an important member of the benthic community in the Urbinu lagoon, this echinoid represents an important store of materials and energy within this lagoonal environment.
Ecological and Life History Characteristics of Botryllus schlosseri Tunicata Populations Inhabiting Undersurface Shallow‐Water Stones
Authors: Rinkevich B. , Porat R. , Goren M.
Published: May 2008

Abstract. Populations of Botryllus schlosseri PALLAS 1772. a cosmopolitan colonial ascidian. were examined on the undersurface of stones for the first time in three adjoining localities along the Israeli Mediterranean coast. A two‐year study of 1589 stones which were inhabited by 1345 colonies, revealed that colony coverage was < 1.5 % of the total available substrate area; values were highest in spring, lowest in winter. The two years differed significantly in the number of colonies · m 2, and these numbers were correlated with mean seawater temperatures. Most of the stones contained 1–5 Botryllus colonies year‐round; no significant correlation was found between number and stone size. The brown morph was dominant 80 % at all three localities. The distribution of other colour morphs differed between localities. Reproductive colonies were either hermaphroditic or contained male gonads only. Peak reproduction was in the spring, but did not correlate with seawater temperatures. While colony size ranged between I and 1I55zooids, sexually mature colonies consisted of 171–273 zooids on the average, compared with 37–90 zooids for sterile colonies. The three populations differed significantly in several ecological and life history characteristics. This further confirmed past studies indicating that Botryllus populations are characteristically divided into local subpopulations exhibiting microgeographic differences in life history patterns. The results are compared with the accumulated data on other world‐wide Botryllus populations residing in other habitats.
The Ecology of a Novel Symbiosis Between a Marine Peritrich Ciliate and Chemoautotrophic Bacteria
Authors: Ott Jörg A. , Bright Monika , Schiemer Friedrich
Published: May 2008

Abstract.A symbiosis between a sessile colonial ciliate,Zoothamnium niveumHEMPRICH & EHRENBERG. 1831. and chemolithoautotrophic bacteria oxidizing reduced sulfur compounds is described. The ciliates and their ectosymbionts occur on mangrove peat in the Caribbean. The feather‐shaped ciliate colonies expand and contract, thus exposing the microbes alternately to oxygenated water above and sulfidic water within the boundary layer developed on the surface of the highly sulfidic peat. The symbioticciliates colonize sites with high sulfide flux where the microbial surface mat has been disturbed and grow there until the microbe mat re‐establishes itself.
Spongivory by Parrotfish in Florida Mangrove and Reef Habitats
Authors: Dunlap Matthew , Pawlik Joseph R.
Published: May 2008

Abstract. Although parrotfish are generally reported to be herbivorous, increasing evidence suggests that some Caribbean species feed on sponges. After observing grazing scars on the barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta, 40 sponges were videotaped on three reefs for >0.5 h to determine the frequency of parrotfish bites on this species. A total of 10 h of video recording captured 45 bites on normally coloured X. muta and 527 bites on four bleached X. muta by the parrotfish Sparisoma aurofrenarum, Scarus croicensis and Scarus taeniopterus. The viscera gut and liver of 55 parrotfish collected from mangrove and reef habitats were digested in nitric acid and analysed for spicule content. The parrotfish collected in the mangroves mostly Scarus guacamaia and Sparisoma chrysopterum had significantly higher masses of spicules in their viscera than did parrotfish collected on the reef Sparisoma aurofrenatum, Sparisoma viride, Sparisoma chrysopterum, Scarus vetula, Scarus coelestinus and Scarus taeniopterus. The spicules of Geodia gibhrrosa, a chemically undefended sponge that is common in the mangroves but rare in exposed locations on the reef, were abundant in the viscera of parrotfish collected in the mangroves. These results provide further evidence that fish predation has an important effect on the distribution and abundance of Caribbean sponges.
Group decisions in oncology: Doctors’ perceptions of the legal responsibilities arising from multidisciplinary meetings
Authors: Sidhom MA , Poulsen MG
Published: May 2008

There is growing consensus that multidisciplinary meetings (MDMs) are the optimal means of arriving at a comprehensive treatment plan for cancer patients. However, if a patient was grieved by a decision made by an MDM and wished to recover damages, the courts would find all involved consultants responsible for decisions related to their area of expertise. The aim of this study was to assess (i) whether doctors participating in oncology MDMs are aware that they are individually accountable for the MDM decisions and (ii) whether MDMs are conducted in a way that reflects this individual responsibility. A 35‐question survey was developed and peer reviewed. Doctors attending MDMs in four Australian tertiary‐care hospitals were invited to respond. One hundred and thirty‐six responses (91% response rate) were received from 18 MDMs across 4 hospitals. Only 48% of doctors believe they are individually liable for decisions made by the MDM. This awareness was greater for an MDM where the patient attends, than in those that were ‘discussion only’ (58 vs 37%; P = 0.036). Seventy‐three per cent stated they would like further education about their legal responsibilities in MDMs. Thirty‐three per cent of doctors feel that the MDM discussion environment is suboptimal and radiation oncologists are significantly more likely to hold this view. Even though 85% of doctors have disagreed with the final MDM decision in an important way at some time, 71% did not formally dissent on those occasions. Doctors should be made aware of the legal implications of their participation in MDMs. A greater awareness of these responsibilities and improved team dynamics should optimize patient outcomes while limiting exposure of participants to legal liability.
Use of ‘sham’ radiotherapy in randomized clinical trials
Authors: Schwarz F , Christie D
Published: May 2008

The objective of this systematic review was to identify quality trials that use sham radiotherapy in their design and review them to determine its potential value. The Cochrane Library, Pubmed and a Reference Search served as data sources. Trials were included if they met a minimum quality score of 3 on a validated assessment instrument (which assesses randomization, control and blinding) and if they compared sham radiotherapy to active treatment. External beam therapy and brachytherapy trials were considered. Twenty‐six trials were identified, collectively including 2663 participants in the period of 1970–2004. All the trials studied the value of radiotherapy for treatment or prevention of benign diseases, including multiple sclerosis, coronary artery restenosis, age‐related macular degeneration and Graves’ ophthalmopathy. There were no trials relating to the use of radiotherapy in the treatment of malignancy. This review showed that it is possible to carry out sham radiotherapy with due regard for ethical concerns, with effective blinding and high levels of patient acceptance. Large sample sizes with multicentre trial designs were achievable. Although the statistical philosophy for using sham radiotherapy in trials is legitimate, it is no longer routinely used.
Radiological management of patients with urinary obstruction following urinary diversion procedures: Technical factors, complications, long‐term management and outcome. Experience with 378 procedures
Authors: Maher MM , Rizzo S , Kalra M , Mc Sweeney SE , Arellano R , Hahn P , Gervais D , Mueller P
Published: May 2008

We aimed to assess management by interventional radiology techniques of patients with urinary diversion procedures (UD) complicated by urinary obstruction (UO). A 12‐year electronic database of interventional cases was searched for urinary access in patients with UD. Patients’ records were assessed for aetiology of obstruction, indication for procedure, types of interventional radiology, complications and outcome. Management issues included frequency of visits for catheter care, type of catheter placement and technical problems associated with catheter maintenance. Three hundred and seventy eight procedures were carried out in 25 patients (mean age 70 years; Male : Female ratio 13:12). Indications for UD were malignancy (n = 22) and neuropathic bladder (n = 3). UD included ileal conduits (n = 17), cutaneous ureterostomy (n = 3 (2 patients)) and sigmoid colon urinary conduit (n = 6). In most patients, catheters were placed antegradely through nephrostomy tract, but subsequent access was through the UD. Twenty of 25 patients had unilateral stents where as 5 had bilateral stents (8‐10‐ Fr pigtail catheters (20‐45 cm in length)). The mean number of procedures including catheter changes was 15 ± 4 per patient and 331 of 378 procedures (87 %) were carried out as outpatients. Since catheter placement, 11 patients required hospital admission on 22 occasions for catheter‐related complications. Ureteric strictures in patients with UD can be successfully managed by interventional radiology.
Interplanner variability in carrying out three‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy for non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Everitt S , Kron T , Fimmell N , Reynolds J , Laferlita C , Ball D , Schneider‐Kolsky M , Budd R , Mac Manus M
Published: May 2008

This study evaluated the variability among six radiation therapy planners in planning radiation treatment for four patients with lung cancer using two treatment protocols. The interplanner variability for target conformity and homogeneity was smaller than the variability among the patients and planning approaches. The same was found for the dose volume indices achieved for most critical structures, indicating that interplanner variability is not likely to be an important source of variation in radiotherapy studies if concise treatment protocols are followed.
Effects of Cholerella sp. microalgae extract on colonic anastomosis in rats with protein–energy malnutrition
Authors: Salman B. , Kerem M. , Bedirli A. , Katircioglu H. , Ofluoglu E. , Akin O. , Onbasilar I. , Ozsoy S. , Haziroglu R.
Published: May 2008

Objective  Algae, which are used as supplementary nutrients in various countries, are products rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of algae extracts on the healing of colonic anastomosis in malnourished rats.

Method  Seventy‐two rats were randomized to three groups. Group 1 was fed with standard diet for 15 days, before and after the colonic anastomosis. Groups 2 and 3 were fed with a malnutrition diet for 15 days prior to colonic anastomosis and then with the basic diet for 15 days there after. Group 3 also received an extract of algae derived from Cholerella sp. via oral gavage postoperatively, in addition to the basic diet. Rats were killed on the 3rd, 7th and 15th postoperative day. Blood samples were collected to evaluate prealbumin, transferring and albumin levels. Anastomotic bursting pressures (BPs), histopathology and tissue hydroxyproline levels were evaluated after killing.

Results  In group 3, the prealbumin level on the 3rd postoperative day and transferrin and albumin levels on the 7th and 15th postoperative days were significantly increased compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). Tissue hydroxyproline levels and anastomotic BPs of group 3 were significantly higher than in group 2 on the 3rd, 7th and 15th postoperative days (P < 0.05). Histopathological examination of the anastomosis revealed significantly better healing patterns for group 3 than for groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion  Extract derived from Cholerella sp. microalgae has favourable effects on healing of experimental colon anastomoses.
Endometriosis of the vermiform appendix as an exceptional cause of acute perforated appendicitis during pregnancy
Authors: Faucheron J.‐L. , Pasquier D. , Voirin D.
Published: May 2008

The incidence of appendicitis presenting during pregnancy is less than 1 in 1500. Most cases of endometriosis of the appendix are discovered as a result of incidental appendectomy. True perforated appendicitis in an endometriotic area has not been reported before.

The authors report the case of a 28‐year‐old woman in her 27th week of pregnancy who underwent an appendicectomy for inflamed, perforated appendix with transmural endometriosis and accompanying decidual reaction.
Surgical management of anal fistulae: a systematic review
Authors: Malik A. I. , Nelson R. L.
Published: May 2008

Objective  The anal fistula has been a common surgical ailment reported since the time of Hippocrates but little systematic evidence exists on its management. We aimed to systematically review the available studies relating to the surgical management of anal fistulas.

Method  Studies were identified from PubMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.Gov and Current Controlled Trials. All uncontrolled, nonrandomized, retrospective studies, duplications or those unrelated to the surgical management of anal fistulas were excluded.

Results  The search strategy revealed 443 trials. After exclusions 21 randomized controlled trials remained evaluating: fistulotomy vs fistulectomy (n = 2), seton treatment (n = 3), marsupialization (n = 2), glue therapy (n = 3), anal flaps (n = 3), radiosurgical approaches (n = 2), fistulotomy/fistulectomy at time of abscess incision (n = 5) and intra‐operative anal retractors (n = 1). Two meta‐analyses evaluating incision and drainage alone vs incision + fistulotomy were obtained.

Conclusion  Marsupialization after fistulotomy reduces bleeding and allows for faster healing. Results from small trials suggest flap repair may be no worse than fistulotomy in terms of healing rates but this requires confirmation. Flap repair combined with fibrin glue treatment of fistulae may increase failure rates. Radiofrequency fistulotomy produces less pain on the first postoperative day and may allow for speedier healing. Major gaps remain in our understanding of anal fistula surgery.
Antibody response to insulin in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Holmberg H. , Mersebach H. , Kanc K. , Ludvigsson on behalf of the Insulin Aspart Study Group on Im J.
Published: May 2008

Aims  To compare levels of insulin antibodies in children and adolescents after initiation of insulin therapy using either insulin aspart (IAsp) or human insulin (HI) in combination with Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin, and to investigate the relationships between insulin antibodies and HbA1c and insulin dose.

Methods  IAsp‐specific antibodies (IAsp‐Ab) and antibodies cross‐reacting with HI and IAsp (HI‐cross‐Ab) were analysed by radioimmunoassay at diagnosis of diabetes and every 3–6 months for 30 months. Seventy‐two patients (HI = 30, IAsp = 42) with Type 1 diabetes, aged 2–17 years were included. Data on HbA1c, insulin dose and serious adverse events (SAEs) were collected retrospectively.

Results  IAsp‐Ab levels remained low throughout the study. After 9 months, the level of HI‐cross‐Ab increased [mean (sd) HI, 48.8% (21.53); IAsp, 40.2% (17.92)] and remained elevated. Repeated measurement analysis of HI‐cross‐Ab levels showed no significant difference between treatments (P = 0.16). HI‐cross‐Ab were significantly associated with total insulin dose (U/kg) (P = 0.001) and time (P < 0.0001), but not with HbA1c (P = 0.24). Mean (± sd) HbA1c was similar at diagnosis (HI 9.5 ± 1.97%; IAsp 9.6 ± 1.62%); HbA1c then decreased and stabilized to about 6.0% in both groups. Few SAEs were reported, the majority being hypoglycaemic episodes.

Conclusions  Treatment with IAsp and with HI was associated with an increase in HI‐cross‐Ab in insulin‐naive children, but this did not influence treatment efficacy or safety. These results support the safe use of IAsp in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.
Brainstem auditory evoked potentials and middle latency auditory evoked potentials in patients with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Yitmen İ. , Oflazoǧlu B. , İşak B. , Çiprut A. , Akdaş F. , Tanrıdaǧ T. , Us Ö.
Published: May 2008

Aims  The aim was to investigate the effects of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) on the central nervous system via brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and middle latency auditory evoked potentials (MLAEPs), and on the peripheral nervous system via nerve conduction studies (NCS).

Methods  Thirty patients with IGT and 20 control subjects underwent NCS, BAEPs and MLAEPs.

Results  Tibial distal motor latencies were significantly prolonged in the IGT group; no differences in other parameters, including BAEPs and MLAEPs, were observed between the IGT and control subjects.

Conclusion  Brainstem involvement may not be seen in IGT patients as in DM. The was no obvious electrophysiological finding indicating peripheral nervous system disfunction in our patients.
MEASURE IT, IMPROVE IT: the Safer Patients Initiative and quality improvement in subcutaneous insulin therapy for hospital in‐patients
Authors: Rushmer R. , Voigt D.
Published: May 2008

Aims  NHS Tayside, UK, identified risks with subcutaneous insulin therapy for hospital in‐patients: overlooked abnormal blood glucose readings; prescription errors and failure to administer insulin. Involvement in the Safer Patients Initiative provided opportunities to use different methods of quality improvement, to create a process that facilitated prevention, detection and mitigation of diabetes management problems for in‐patients requiring subcutaneous insulin therapy. The aim was to explain these methods, their use and results obtained.

Methods  A failure modes effect analysis identified present risks in the process of subcutaneous insulin therapy. In response, an evidence‐based care cluster was developed and used to design a new insulin prescribing chart. The chart was introduced and modified using small tests of change [plan–do–study–act cycles (PDSAs)]. Compliance data on completing the actions required by the chart were gathered (small‐scale audits), and results displayed (process run charts) to those delivering care.

Results  Practice improved over the 9 months: patient identification: 97–100%; identification of insulin device 11–100%; insulin administration 75–95%; hypoglycaemic control 85–94%. The chart prompted compliance with the evidence base, identified trouble‐shooting actions to mitigate arising problems and presented opportunities to educate non‐specialist staff.

Conclusion  Using these methods ensured changes were evidence‐based, posed negligible risk to patients and provided a set of tasks against which compliance could be measured to assess changes to practice. Implementation through PDSAs allowed the chart to be adjusted to fit the context and meet the needs of those using it, while preserving the evidence base.
Serum bicarbonate, anion gap and insulin resistance in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Farwell W. R. , Taylor E. N.
Published: May 2008

Aims  Metabolic acidosis may contribute to the development of insulin resistance. To date, there have been no population‐based studies of acid‐base status and insulin resistance. We examined the cross‐sectional relations between serum bicarbonate, anion gap, and insulin resistance in a subset of healthy participants in the 1999–2000 and 2001–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

Methods  We included 1496 adults without diabetes or other chronic diseases. Insulin sensitivity was estimated by an index based on fasting insulin and triglyceride levels (MFFM). Linear regression was used to adjust for age, race, body mass index, albumin and other factors. Sample weights were used to produce weighted regression parameters.

Results  Median values of bicarbonate, anion gap and fasting levels of insulin, triglycerides and glucose were 23 mmol/l, 12.5 mmol/l, 48 pmol/l, 1.08 mmol/l and 5.0 mmol/l, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, bicarbonate was positively associated and anion gap was inversely associated with MFFM (P < 0.01). Participants in the highest quartile of bicarbonate had fasting insulin 12.76 pmol/l lower [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.96, 19.55; P for trend < 0.01] than those in the lowest quartile. Participants in the highest quartile of anion gap had fasting insulin 4.39 pmol/l higher (95% CI 0.47, 8.31; P for trend < 0.01) than those in the lowest quartile.

Conclusions  Lower bicarbonate and higher anion gap are independently associated with insulin resistance. Further research is needed to elucidate the relations between organic acid production, insulin resistance, and the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes.
Weight history of patients with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes
Authors: De Fine Olivarius N. , Richelsen B. , Siersma V. , Andreasen A. H. , Beck‐Nielsen H.
Published: May 2008

Aims  To estimate and illustrate how the 10 years of weight change immediately preceding diabetes diagnosis vary with weight at the age of 20 years and with socio‐demographic variables, risk factors and comorbidities at diagnosis.

Methods   Data were from a population‐based cohort of 1320 persons newly diagnosed with diabetes aged ≥ 40 years. Patients’ weight at diagnosis was measured by the doctor, while patients recalled their weight approximately 1, 5 and 10 years prior to diagnosis and at age 20 years.

Results  Median weight gain from age 20 years to diabetes diagnosis at median age 65.3 years was 14.7 kg (interquartile range 6.0–23.0). Women gained weight more than men, and the lower the weight at age 20 years, the greater the weight gain. The average weight gain from 10 years prior to diabetes diagnosis until diagnosis, however, was only 1 kg and decreased markedly with age. These 10 years of weight change were also associated with sex and the following baseline characteristics: diagnostic plasma glucose, urinary glucose, urinary albumin, fasting triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, smoking habits, and presence of diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusions  The results add to the evidence that it is important to advise young patients in particular, especially women, who have gained and sustained considerable weight to curb this upward weight trend in order to prevent the development of diabetes.
Leading Innovation and Change: knowledge creation by schools for schools
Authors: HARRIS ALMA
Published: May 2008

This article explores the process and practice of knowledge creation within development and research (D and R) networks. It focuses upon D and R networks in England that are currently engaged in collaboration and innovation. Early evaluative evidence suggests that D and R school networks offer ‘spaces’ for collaborative working, mutual sharing and active dissemination of knowledge. The evidence also suggests that D and R networks are beginning to positively impact upon instructional practices and learning. The article concludes that these networks have the potential to provide an important infrastructure for co‐construction and knowledge creation by schools for schools.
Is the European (Active) Citizenship Ideal Fostering Inclusion within the Union? A Critical Review
Authors: MILANA MARCELLA
Published: May 2008

This article reviews 1) the establishment and functioning of EU citizenship, 2) the resulting perception of education for European active citizenship and 3) the question of its adequacy for enhancing democratic values and practices within the Union. Key policy documents produced by the EU help to unfold the basic assumptions on which democratic principles and values are being promoted through education; while the literature produced primarily in political and social science challenges these assumptions.

By doing so, the author argues that citizenship of the Union is creating new mechanisms of exclusion rather than promoting social equality and a strong sense of belonging to a bonding multicultural community, which are at the very core of democratic participation processes. Thus, the rhetoric embedded in the integrative process of the Union — based on the recognition of equal opportunities, access and democratic participation of all EU citizens — is founded on a limited interpretation of democratic citizenship rather than its concretisation as a multiple citizenship.

As a result, the mechanisms in place at European level are creating specific patterns of social exclusion supported by educational reforms. Most citizens are therefore being excluded, due to the distinction between active and non‐active citizens, which results from institutional demand on individual's conduct, whereas little, if any, attention is paid to actual institutional practices. On the contrary, this shift in paradigm — i.e. from the institutional demand on citizens to the recognition of citizens as performing subjects — challenges the ‘activism’ embedded in recent debate on citizenship. Therefore it needs to be properly addressed, from a multicultural perspective, if education and learning processes are to sustain full democratic participation of all citizens and the construction of a multicultural Europe.
Education for Learning to Live Together: what can we learn from the South African experience?
Authors: VOLMINK JOHN D.
Published: May 2008

In 1994, South Africa moved away from its cruel and divided past to a future where its citizens would learn together, work together and grow together. In short we had to learn what it meant to live together by unlearning the ideas introduced by apartheid that permeated every aspect of our society. This required a new Constitution, brave and exemplary leadership by Nelson Mandela and others and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission led by Desmond Tutu.

None of these efforts, as important as they may have been, could ever be sufficient to sustain change. Ordinary people who have no positional authority are those who will sustain change. Roughly one quarter of the South African population is at school and these are people who will take the message of reconciliation into the future.

In this article we describe attempts to redefine what is good. In particular what kind of teacher, learner and curriculum we will need to form the basis of a transformed and admirable society, one in which we will know how to live together.
The Delors Report: a guide towards education for all
Authors: BURNETT NICHOLAS
Published: May 2008

The Delors report remains a timely and challenging agenda for shaping education from the earliest years. This article reviews the status of basic education, defined as a passport to life in the report. Despite progress toward universal primary education and gender parity, countries are still far from education targets adopted in 2000. Lack of care and education programmes for young children, of literacy and life skills programmes for youth and adults, and poor education quality are undermining progress towards education for all. The article stresses the importance of building inclusive systems that reach all learners regardless of their background and circumstances and provide appropriate conditions for learning. It reviews UNESCO's actions in education, emphasising the necessity of a rights‐based, holistic vision as an imperative for reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development.
Education for the 21st Century: lessons and challenges
Authors: CARNEIRO ROBERTO , DRAXLER ALEXANDRA
Published: May 2008

On the basis of proposals contained in the 1996 report Learning: the Treasure Within by the International Commission on Education for the Twenty‐first Century (established by UNESCO), the authors examine the influence and pertinence of its construct of education on the four pillars learning to know, learning to do, learning to be, and learning to live together 12 years later. Focusing on learning to live together, the article reviews the background against which the Delors report was published, synthesises the concepts and practices of learning to live together, and proposes some ways forward.
The Role of Language in the Internationalisation of Higher Education: an example from Portugal
Authors: KERKLAAN VINCENT , MOREIRA GILLIAN , BOERSMA KEES
Published: May 2008

This article discusses the impact of internationalisation on the strategy and language policy of the Portuguese University of Aveiro. In addition, it analyses how the Department of Languages and Cultures of the University contributes to the language policy. For the University of Aveiro, internationalisation is a priority and a distinctive feature of its profile. It is a member of many international networks and consortia in Europe and participates in a wide range of international study and research programmes. The principles of the Bologna Process have challenged UA policy makers to adopt a language policy and to give study programmes a more international profile by considering the option of English as a medium of instruction.

At the same time, and paradoxically, the role of the Portuguese language will become increasingly important in the near future because many of the foreign students at Aveiro come from the former Portuguese‐speaking colonies. We conclude that the question of language has led to local dilemmas, discussions and sometimes tensions about the role of the English language in processes of internationalisation and curriculum change at the University of Aveiro.
Educating the educators at Hue Medical College, Hue, Viet Nam
Authors: Pron A.L. , Zygmont D. , Bender P. , Black K.
Published: May 2008

Background:  In June 2005, four faculty members from Temple University, Philadelphia, USA, conducted a nursing educator workshop in Hue, Viet Nam. Didactic and clinical instruction addressed paediatric, maternity, psychiatric and surgical nursing content as well as instructional methods and student evaluation techniques. This educator workshop was requested as means of increasing the professionalization of nursing in Viet Nam. Student nurses in Viet Nam are taught by physician‐faculty. Between the cultural and economic factors that contribute to the current status and practice of nursing in Viet Nam and the lack of nurse educator role models, the nursing profession has many obstacles to overcome in their quest for increased autonomy.

Actions:  During the workshop, in addition to modelling interactive teaching methods as they taught the classroom and clinical content, these authors also demonstrated the level of knowledge expected of nurses in the USA.

Conclusions:  Despite much advance planning for this workshop, there were many challenges for the USA faculty. Some of the lessons learned which might help others included having a sense of humour, maintaining flexibility in teaching styles and content, being prepared for the cultural and religious influences on health care, and utilizing all of one's nursing skills to find creative solutions when teaching nursing in another country.
Undergraduate occupational health nursing education in Turkey: a national survey
Authors: Esin M.N. , Emiroğlu O.N. , Aksayan S. , Beşer A.
Published: May 2008

Background:  Occupational health nursing practice responds to and is influenced by the changing needs of the worker and workplace. Correspondingly, the International Labour Organization's recommendation on occupational health services includes a proposal for specialized training of occupational health nurses (OHNs). It was not known what OH nursing topics were covered and in how many hours at schools offering undergraduate nursing education in Turkey. These data were necessary to prepare the curriculum to train OHNs.

Aim:  A national survey to evaluate undergraduate OH nursing education in nursing schools in Turkey.

Design:  This descriptive survey included all of the nursing schools (n = 80) providing university level education in Turkey.

Methods:  A questionnaire developed by the researchers as a data‐gathering tool was sent to the presidents of 80 nursing schools. The study achieved a response rate of 60 (82.5%). Frequency distribution and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.

Findings:  Occupational health nursing topics were covered in public health courses at all schools. The length of time allotted for OH nursing topics was only on average of 3.2 ± 1.5 h (range: 1–6 h) in each semester. A total of 62 lecturers were responsible for teaching OH nursing.

Conclusions:  The study results show that there is a need for the development of a standardized education programme in Turkey. It was decided therefore to develop a new curriculum for OH nursing that would address the amount of time spent on this subject and the content.
Doctoral prepared nurses in Denmark and their scientific production between 1976 and 2005
Authors: Bjørn A. , Hundrup Y.A. , Wagner L.
Published: May 2008

Background:  Nursing research in Denmark has evolved over the last 30 years. By 2005, 48 Danish nurses had earned a doctoral degree. The Danish Nurses Organization formalized a strategy for development of nursing research for the period 1999–2002. The strategy was evaluated in 2004. One point in the evaluation was that the nurses' publication of peer‐reviewed articles in journals with an Impact Factor did not show in the bibliographic measure used in health sciences.

Purpose:  The purpose of this study is to identify the number of Danish nurses holding a doctoral degree by the end of 2005 and to document their scientific production.

Methods:  A descriptive design based on a national register of all nurses in Denmark holding doctoral degrees was used to explore the curricula vitae and publication lists of 38 out of 48 (79%) nurses on the register. Authorship of all 48 graduated nurses was sought in the databases: PubMed and CINAHL.

Conclusions:  A pattern of growing engagement in publishing peer‐reviewed articles was identified among the Danish nurses holding a doctoral degree. Fifty per cent of these doctoral prepared nurses published peer‐reviewed papers. The majority apparently pursued a career in health sciences. Nursing as an academic discipline is evolving in Denmark but, with its roots in clinical nursing, scientists may have to be aware of the necessity to prevail as a discipline through scientific production.
Health providers' perceptions of adolescent sexual and reproductive health care in Swaziland
Authors: Mngadi P.T. , Faxelid E. , Zwane I.T. , Höjer B. , Ransjo‐Arvidson A.‐B.
Published: May 2008

Aim:  To explore health providers' perceptions of adolescent sexual and reproductive healthcare services in Swaziland.

Methods:  Fifty‐six healthcare providers, working in 11 health clinics in Swaziland in 2005, were surveyed using a semi‐structured questionnaire. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics and content analysis to identify key themes.

Findings:  Most participants were women with a mean age of 36 years and a mean number of 6 years in the profession. Services provided included STIs/HIV/AIDS advice, pre‐ and post‐test counselling and testing on HIV, contraceptives and condom use. Half of the nurses/midwives had no continued education and lacked supervision on adolescent sexual and reproductive health care. The majority had unresolved moral doubts, negative attitudes, values and ethical dilemmas towards abortion care between the law, which is against abortion, and the reality of the adolescents' situation. Forty‐four wanted to be trained on post‐abortion care while eight on how to perform abortions. Twenty‐six wanted the government to support adolescent‐friendly services and to train heathcare providers in adolescent sexual and reproductive health services.

Conclusion:  The curricula within nursing and midwifery preservice education need to be reviewed to incorporate comprehensive services for adolescents. There is need for provision of comprehensive services for adolescents in Swaziland and appropriate youth‐friendly services at all levels. There is need for nurse/midwifery participation, advocacy and leadership in policy development.
Measuring populations' vulnerabilities for famine and food security interventions: the case of Ethiopia's Chronic Vulnerability Index
Authors: Burg Jericho
Published: May 2008

The concept of vulnerability has become an important part of food security analyses since the 1980s. It is seen as having two sides: exposure to external hazards; and an inability to cope with those shocks, attributed to social, political, and economic factors. Numerous attempts have been made to construct models to determine levels of vulnerability among populations. This paper analyses one such attempt, the Chronic Vulnerability Index (CVI), developed to measure levels of vulnerability to food insecurity in Ethiopia. The example of the CVI reveals many of the difficulties associated with producing a basic model of vulnerability that can be used in disaster mitigation. Ultimately, the CVI assumes that vulnerability is a linear, additive phenomenon with discrete causes and effects and fails to capture interactions between hazards and the human systems that produce and complicate them. The paper concludes with a discussion of alternatives to the CVI.
Unravelling the dynamics and trends of social capital: Case of South Korea
Authors: Lee Jaechul
Published: May 2008

Analyzing the World Values Surveys, the present study reveals how Korean people trust their fellow citizens and participate in associations in the process of democratization. It has been argued that trust and participation in voluntary associations go hand in hand. Although results revealed a remarkable growth of participation in voluntary associations since democratization, the level of trust has not increased. Instead, it declined sharply during the same period. A further analysis found no obvious connection between levels of civic activism and interpersonal trust, as suggested in the theoretical literature. Contrary to what has been argued in the literature, face‐to‐face interactions within voluntary associations have not occasioned these civic activists in Korea to greater trust in one another.
Cross‐sectional and longitudinal differences in social dominance orientation and right wing authoritarianism as a function of political power and societal change
Authors: Liu James H. , Huang Li‐Li , McFedries Catherine
Published: May 2008

Changes in social dominance orientation (SDO) and right wing authoritarianism (RWA) over time were examined using cross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis of three waves of survey data before and after the 2004 Presidential election in Taiwan. A functionalist perspective (or group socialization model) predicts that: (i) supporters of a dominant political group that has held power for over 50 years should be higher in SDO and RWA than their opposition; and (ii) a formerly subordinate group should increase in SDO and RWA following electoral victory, whereas the dominant group should decrease following defeat. The first hypothesis was supported, whereas support for the second was mixed; the low‐powered group increased in SDO and RWA following victory, but the high‐powered group was unchanged. It appears easier to acquire the mindset associated with power than to lose it. Longitudinal path modelling showed that SDO became less connected to identity and political party support after an election that consolidated societal and regime change; the role of RWA shifted even more dramatically, from being connected to one political party and social identity pre‐election to an opposing one post‐election. Longitudinal path models slightly favoured a group socialization account over personality or social identity accounts in modelling correlations between SDO, RWA, political party support, and social identities over time.
Effects of trusting and being trusted on team citizenship behaviours in chain stores
Authors: Lau Dora C. , Lam Long W.
Published: May 2008

Previous studies showed a robust and positive relationship between subordinates' trust for leaders and their individual organizational citizenship behaviours. Building on this foundation, we examined two extensions. First, based on the team citizenship behaviours approach, we studied whether the same relationship held at the group level. Second, drawing from literature on leadership and self‐efficacy, we studied whether leaders' perceptions of being trusted by their subordinates mattered in this trust relationship; we also examined how this perception affected team citizenship behaviours. Results showed that subordinates' trust for leaders and team citizenship behaviours were positively related at the team level. When leaders felt more trusted, teams showed more citizenship behaviours. Beyond these main effects, leaders' felt trust was found to negatively moderate the relationship between staff trust for leaders and team citizenship behaviours. Theoretical and practical implications of this research are discussed.
Role of emotions and behavioural responses in mediating the impact of face loss on relationship deterioration: Are Chinese more face‐sensitive than Americans?
Authors: Kam Chester Chun‐Seng , Bond Michael Harris
Published: May 2008

Face loss, defined as the deterioration in one's social image, has been regarded as a consequence of interpersonal conflict and a provocation for counter‐attack. The present research was aimed at assessing whether the role of face loss in leading to relationship deterioration has more impact for Chinese than for Americans. We hypothesized that the linkage from face loss to relationship deterioration is mediated by two social‐emotional complexes (anger and shame) and two behavioural reactions (retaliation and avoidance) arising from interpersonal harm. Structural equation modelling confirmed this mediation model, and indicated that in both cultures, the linkage between face loss and relationship disintegration was mediated by shame and avoidance, but not by anger and retaliation. Consistent with widely held hypotheses, face loss was found to be more influential in directly provoking a target's anger and relationship deterioration, and more influential in inhibiting a target's retaliating responses, for Hong Kong Chinese than for Americans.
ADVANCE DIRECTIVES IN SPAIN. PERSPECTIVES FROM A MEDICAL BIOETHICIST APPROACH
Authors: SIMON‐LORDA PABLO , TAMAYO‐VELÁZQUEZ MARIA‐ISABEL , BARRIO‐CANTALEJO INÉS‐MARÍA
Published: May 2008

Spain is one of the most advanced European countries in terms of the legislative and administrative development of ADs. Article 11 of Law 41/2002, concerning Patient Autonomy, regulates ‘advance directives’ and has prompted various Autonomous Regions to develop legislation in this area. Nevertheless, whilst the variety of legislations in different territories presents advantages, the disparity of criteria also presents problems.

Despite significant legislative development, only 23,000 Spanish citizens have filled in an AD. Clearly, AD use is confined to a minority. Several surveys, however, show that the Spanish population views these documents in a positive light. Thus, we must analyse this discrepancy between attitude and practice. A similar situation exists amongst health professionals. Whilst they generally feel that the use of ADs is positive and necessary, they are frequently unwilling to employ them.

Bioethical literature and research on ADs has significantly increased in Spain over the last six years. It is likely that this trend will continue in the foreseeable future; but more resources and effort are required if ADs are to become consolidated.