bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Vitamin D Levels During Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression
Authors: Mahmood Israa , Owens Christopher T. , Hoover Rebecca M.
Published: March 2015

Objective: To evaluate evidence regarding 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OD)D) levels during pregnancy and its association with postpartum depression (PPD). Data Sources: Primary literature was accessed through MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts searches through January 2015. Data from published trials were retrieved for analysis using the following search terms: vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D, postpartum, pregnancy, and depression. Data Extraction: Inclusion criteria were human subjects, English language, vitamin D as the sole micronutrient under study, and measurement of vitamin D level during pregnancy. Studies measuring vitamin D levels after delivery were excluded. Also any antenatal or prepartum depression was excluded. Data Synthesis: Although a variety factors may contribute to the likelihood and severity of PPD, there are 3 published prospective cohort studies specifically evaluating the relationship between vitamin D and PPD. The results are conflicting: 2 of these studies found a significant correlation between patients with low vitamin D level and PPD, but the third found that high vitamin D levels are associated with a greater incidence of PPD. Conclusion: Available evidence suggests a possible correlation between vitamin D levels at midpregnancy and PPD. Women with risk factors for PPD should be educated on this potential association and ways to maintain normal vitamin D levels. Further study is needed to determine the benefit of vitamin D supplementation in preventing PPD.
Effect of transfusion of fresh frozen plasma on parameters of endothelial condition and inflammatory status in non-bleeding critically ill patients: a prospective substudy of a randomized trial
Authors: Straat Marleen , Müller Marcella CA , Meijers Joost CM , Arbous Mendi S , Spoelstra - de Man Angelique ME , Beurskens Charlotte JP , Vroom Margreeth B , Juffermans Nicole P
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Much controversy exists on the effect of a fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion on systemic inflammation and endothelial damage. Adverse effects of FFP have been well described, including acute lung injury. However, it is also suggested that a higher amount of FFP decreases mortality in trauma patients requiring a massive transfusion. Furthermore, FFP has an endothelial stabilizing effect in experimental models. We investigated the effect of fresh frozen plasma transfusion on systemic inflammation and endothelial condition.

Methods

A prospective predefined substudy of a randomized trial in coagulopathic non-bleeding critically ill patients receiving a prophylactic transfusion of FFP (12 ml/kg) prior to an invasive procedure. Levels of inflammatory cytokines and markers of endothelial condition were measured in paired samples of 33 patients before and after transfusion. The statistical tests used were pairedttest or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

At baseline, systemic cytokine levels were mildly elevated in critically ill patients. FFP transfusion resulted in a decrease of levels of TNF-α (from 11.3 to 2.3 pg/ml,P = 0.01). Other cytokines were not affected. FFP also resulted in a decrease in systemic syndecan-1 levels (from 675 to 565 pg/ml,P = 0.01) and a decrease in factor VIII levels (from 246 to 246%,P<0.01), suggestive of an improved endothelial condition. This was associated with an increase in ADAMTS13 levels (from 24 to 32%,P<0.01) and a concomitant decrease in von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels (from 474 to 423%,P<0.01).

Conclusions

A fixed dose of FFP transfusion in critically ill patients decreases syndecan-1 and factor VIII levels, suggesting a stabilized endothelial condition, possibly by increasing ADAMTS13, which is capable of cleaving vWF.

Trial registrations

Trialregister.nlNTR2262, registered 26 March 2010 and Clinicaltrials.govNCT01143909, registered 14 June 2010.
The administration of dextrose during in-hospital cardiac arrest is associated with increased mortality and neurologic morbidity
Authors: Peng Teng J , Andersen Lars W , Saindon Brian Z , Giberson Tyler A , Kim Won Young , Berg Katherine , Novack Victor , Donnino Michael W ,   for the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Resuscitation Investigators
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Dextrose may be used during cardiac arrest resuscitation to prevent or reverse hypoglycemia. However, the incidence of dextrose administration during cardiac arrest and the association of dextrose administration with survival and other outcomes are unknown.

Methods

We used the Get With The Guidelines®-Resuscitation national registry to identify adult patients with an in-hospital cardiac arrest between the years 2000 and 2010. To assess the adjusted effects of dextrose administration on survival, we used multivariable regression models with adjustment for multiple patient, event, and hospital characteristics. We performed additional analyses to examine the effects of dextrose on neurological outcome and return of spontaneous circulation.

Results

Among the 100,029 patients included in our study, 4,189 (4.2%) received dextrose during cardiac arrest resuscitation. The rate of dextrose administration increased during the study period (odds ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.12 per year, P <0.001). Patients who received dextrose during resuscitation had lower rates of survival compared with patients who did not receive dextrose (relative risk 0.88, 95% CI 0.80-0.98, P = 0.02). Administration of dextrose was associated with worse neurological outcome (relative risk 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.99, P = 0.03) but an increased chance of return of spontaneous circulation (relative risk 1.07, 95% CI 1.04-1.10, P <0.001).

Conclusions

In this dataset, the administration of dextrose during resuscitation in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest was found to be associated with a significantly decreased chance of survival and a decreased chance of good neurological outcome.
Diaphragm ultrasound as indicator of respiratory effort in critically ill patients undergoing assisted mechanical ventilation: a pilot clinical study
Authors: Umbrello Michele , Formenti Paolo , Longhi Daniela , Galimberti Andrea , Piva Ilaria , Pezzi Angelo , Mistraletti Giovanni , Marini John J , Iapichino Gaetano
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Pressure-support ventilation, is widely used in critically ill patients; however, the relative contribution of patient’s effort during assisted breathing is difficult to measure in clinical conditions. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of ultrasonographic indices of diaphragm contractile activity (respiratory excursion and thickening) in comparison to traditional indices of inspiratory muscle effort during assisted mechanical ventilation.

Method

Consecutive patients admitted to the ICU after major elective surgery who met criteria for a spontaneous breathing trial with pressure support ventilation were enrolled. Patients with airflow obstruction or after thoracic/gastric/esophageal surgery were excluded. Variable levels of inspiratory muscle effort were achieved by delivery of different levels of ventilatory assistance by random application of pressure support (0, 5 and 15 cmH2O). The right hemidiaphragm was evaluated by B- and M-mode ultrasonography to record respiratory excursion and thickening. Airway, gastric and oesophageal pressures, and airflow were recorded to calculate indices of respiratory effort (diaphragm and esophageal pressure–time product).

Results

25 patients were enrolled. With increasing levels of pressure support, parallel reductions were found between diaphragm thickening and both diaphragm and esophageal pressure–time product (respectively, R = 0.701, p < 0.001 and R = 0.801, p < 0.001) during tidal breathing. No correlation was found between either diaphragm or esophageal pressure–time product and diaphragm excursion (respectively, R = −0.081, p = 0.506 and R = 0.003, p = 0.981), nor was diaphragm excursion correlated to diaphragm thickening (R = 0.093, p = 0.450) during tidal breathing.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing in assisted mechanical ventilation, diaphragm thickening is a reliable indicator of respiratory effort, whereas diaphragm excursion should not be used to quantitatively assess diaphragm contractile activity.
Enhanced anti-tumor immune responses and delay of tumor development in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 mice immunized with an immunostimulatory peptide in poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles
Authors: Campbell Diahnn F , Saenz Rebecca , Bharati Ila S , Seible Daniel , Zhang Liangfang , Esener Sadik , Messmer Bradley , Larsson Marie , Messmer Davorka
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Cancer vaccines have the potential to induce curative anti-tumor immune responses and better adjuvants may improve vaccine efficacy. We have previously shown that Hp91, a peptide derived from the B box domain in high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1), acts as a potent immune adjuvant.

Method

In this study, Hp91 was tested as part of a therapeutic vaccine against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer.

Results

Free peptide did not significantly augment immune responses but, when delivered in poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs), robust activation of dendritic cells (DCs) and increased activation of HER2-specific T cells was observed in vitro. Vaccination of HER2/neu transgenic mice, a mouse breast cancer model that closely mimics the immune modulation and tolerance in some breast cancer patients, with Hp91-loaded PLGA-NPs enhanced the activation of HER2-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses, delayed tumor development, and prolonged survival.

Conclusions

Taken together these findings demonstrate that the delivery of the immunostimulatory peptide Hp91 inside PLGA-NPs enhances the potency of the peptide and efficacy of a breast cancer vaccine.
Nasogastric feeding for stroke patients: practice and education
Authors: Mahoney Catherine , Rowat Anne , Macmillan Maureen , Dennis Martin
Published: March 2015

Background and aims:

Dysphagia is common after stroke, so feeding through a nasogastric (NG) tube may be necessary. These tubes are frequently dislodged, causing interruption to feeding and hydration, and potential aspiration of feed or fluids into the lungs. Interventions to prevent this may include taping tubes to the face; the application of hand mittens or bandaging patients' hands; inserting the NG tube into the nostril on the stroke-affected side; and nasal bridles. The aims of this survey were to investigate the management of NG feeding for stroke patients, including current tube confirmation and securing techniques, and associated nurse education. This was part of a three-phased sequential mixed-methods study. This paper reports on the second quantitative phase.

Methods:

A quantitative postal survey, based on initial qualitative findings, was sent to registered nurses (n=528) from the National Stroke Nurses Forum and Scottish Stroke Nurses Forum, in addition to registered nurses working on stroke units within the local health board.

Results:

The overall response rate was 59% (n=314/528). Tape was the most commonly used method for securing tube position, followed by inserting the tube on the stroke-affected side. Hand mittens were used more frequently than the nasal bridle; bandaging hands was reported once. Taping was considered to be more acceptable and safer than hand mittens or the nasal bridle, but less effective. Training in inserting NG feeding tubes was received by 56% (n=176/314). Methods used for confirming tube position included aspiration and X-ray. Provision of training in confirmation techniques varied.

Conclusions:

This study shows that the management of NG feeding for dysphagic stroke patients requires standardisation, as does the education for nurses to ensure that this intervention is carried out safely, effectively and acceptably.
The value of Master's degrees for registered nurses
Authors: Clark Liz , Casey Debbie , Morris Sunita
Published: March 2015

The value of graduates in the nursing workforce has been recognised in the move to all-graduate preparation of pre–registration nurses in England ( Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2010 ). Increasingly, after registration continuing professional development programmes for nurses are being offered at Master's level. However, there is limited evidence of the relationship between postgraduate study and improved patient outcomes. Evidence that does exist suggests that nurses who engage in postgraduate study are more likely to have improved critical thinking and decision-making skills, demonstrate leadership qualities to empower them to challenge poor practice, and have the skills needed for advanced clinical practice roles. This article explores these issues and makes recommendations for further work in this area.
The role of nurses' and patients' personal beliefs in nursing care
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: March 2015

In this monthly column, Aysha Mendes discusses the need for nurses to acknowledge their own beliefs and worldview, and the impact these may have on how they care for patients—and the importance of acknowledging patients' own perspectives
Will nurses be enabled to speak up when things go wrong?
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: March 2015

Professor Alan Glasper of the University of Southampton discusses the Government's efforts to provide support for whistleblowers who wish to escalate healthcare concerns in institutions in England
Use of fibre dressings in children with severe epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Denyer Jacqueline , Gibson Elaine
Published: March 2015

This non-comparative study explored the benefits of a natural gelling fibre dressing in 10 children with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). The clinical challenge in managing these children is that they often present with recalcitrant wounds that are perpetuated by critical colonisation, presence of biofilms and infection. KytoCel® (Aspen Medical) is a highly absorbent dressing composed of natural, biodegradable acylated chitosan. These fibres bond with wound exudate to form a clear gel that locks in fluid absorbs pathogens and is conformable to the wound bed. It also has haemostatic properties. ( Dutta PK et al, 2004 ; Lee et al, 2009 ; Stephen Haynes et al, 2014 ). Factors considered were whether the dressing could aid healing, reduce bleeding, reduce bioburden, be atraumatic and comfortable during wear time and removal.
Motivating patients to ensure oral hygiene compliance
Authors: Madden Isobel
Published: March 2015

This paper reviews methods of advising and motivating patients to adhere to oral hygiene regimes and understand the necessity for long-term management of periodontal conditions
Effective cleaning techniques to aid cross-infection control
Authors: Freeman Julia
Published: March 2015

Within the dental practice, there are many pathogens that can harm the patient, as well as the dental team. This article discusses effective cleaning techniques to ensure cross-infection control and decontamination procedures are carried out according to legislation and guidance
Reflection. Part 2: developing reflective skills
Authors: Fowler John
Published: March 2015

This series is exploring reflective practice as it relates to dental nursing. It will be examining how it can work in clinical practice, education and management. It will look at portfolios, reflective learning, helping others to reflect, and the importance of reflection in life
The role of UK district nurses in providing care for adult patients with a terminal diagnosis: a meta-ethnography
Authors: Offen John
Published: March 2015

Aim:

To explore the role of UK district nurses in providing care for adult patients with a terminal diagnosis by reviewing qualitative research.

Design:

Meta-ethnography was used to conduct the synthesis.

Data sources:

CINAHL, MEDLINE and British Nursing Index (BNI) were searched comprehensively for primary research relating to the role of UK district nurses in palliative care.

Review methods:

The abstracts and titles of 700 papers were screened against inclusion criteria, of these 97 full papers were appraised. Some 24 studies reported in 25 papers were selected for inclusion in the synthesis.

Findings:

In total, five key themes were identified: valuing the role; practical role; relationships with patients and families; providing psychological support; and role uncertainty. Further synthesis yielded two ‘lines of argument’. The concept of the ‘expert friend’ argues that the atypical relationship district nurses cultivate with patients underpins district nurses’ provision of palliative care and profoundly influences the nature of psychological support given. Secondly, the concept of ‘threat and opportunity’ encapsulates the threat district nurses can feel to their traditional role in palliative care through changing health and social policy, while recognising the benefits that access to specialist knowledge and better training can bring.

Conclusion:

The findings have implications for understanding the motivators and barriers experienced by district nurses delivering palliative care in a time of unprecedented change to community health services.
Palliative approach education for rural nurses and health-care workers: a mixed-method study
Authors: Pesut Barbara , Potter Gail , Stajduhar Kelli , Sawatzky Richard , McLeod Barbara , Drabot Karly
Published: March 2015

Background:

The aim of this mixed-method study was to evaluate the outcomes of an educational intervention in a palliative approach for rural nurses and health-care workers (HCWs) using a team-based method.

Methods:

Pre- and post-test measures using the Palliative Care Nursing Self-Competence (PCSNC) scale and the Self-Perceived Palliative Care Knowledge instrument were used to evaluate learning outcomes. Participant post-test scores were also compared to normative provincial data.

Findings:

At post-test, HCWs showed statistically significant improvements across 7 of 10 domains in self-perceived competence and 6 of 12 domains in self-perceived knowledge; all scores were equivalent to or better than provincial normative data. Nurses’ self-perceived knowledge showed statistically significant improvements in 3 of 12 domains; all post-test scores were equivalent to provincial normative data. Qualitative data indicated improvements in familiarity with the resources available for palliative care and in communication among the nursing team.

Conclusion:

An educational intervention can improve the competence and knowledge of rural HCWs and nurses in a palliative approach.
Transforming Public Health Systems: Using Data to Drive Organizational Capacity for
Quality Improvement and Efficiency
Authors: Steinwachs Donald
Published: March 2015

Introduction: This paper examines the organization, services, and priorities of
public health agencies and their capacity to be learning public health systems (LPHS).
An LPHS uses data to measure population health and health risks and to evaluate its
services and programs, and then integrates its own research with advances in scientific
knowledge to innovate and improve its efficiency and effectiveness.Public Health
Agencies and Impact for LPHS: Public health agencies’ (PHA) organizational
characteristics vary across states, as does their funding per capita. Variations in
organization, services provided, and expenditures per capita may reflect variations in
community needs or may be associated with unmet needs. The status of legal statutes
defining responsibilities and authorities and their relationships to other public and
private agencies also vary. Little information is available on the efficiency and
effectiveness of state and local PHAs, in part due to a lack of information
infrastructure to capture uniform data on services provided. There are almost no data on
the relationship of quality of services, staff performance, and resources to population
health outcomes. By building a capacity to collect and analyze data on population health
within and across communities, and by becoming a continuous learning PHA, the allocation
of resources can more closely match population health needs and improve health outcomes.
Accreditation of every PHA is an important first step toward becoming a learning
PHA.Conclusions: Public Health Services and Systems Research (PHSSR) is beginning to
shed light on some of these issues, particularly by investigating variation across PHAs.
As this emerging discipline grows, there is a need to enhance the collection and use of
data in support of building organized, effective, and efficient LPHSs with the PHA
capacity to continually improve the public’s health.
Screen Memories and Screening Functions: Recollection, Personal Histories, and Post-Traumatic Dreams
Authors: Lansky Melvin R.
Published: March 2015

The earliest psychoanalytic theoretical formulations viewed external, usually sexual, trauma as the basic pathogenic instigator of repression and of formation of obsessions, compulsions, conversions, delusions, and phobias. Recollection with affect of that trauma was presumed to result in cure. Only in 1899 did Freud realize that that memory itself was not bedrock but itself material for further analysis. Clinical examples illustrate the notion of screen memory per se: of idealized personal myth serving to screen out upsetting features of the patient’s history, and, in the analytic understanding of post-traumatic nightmares, the adult trauma represented in the dream serving to screen predisposing childhood trauma. This pivotal turn in 1899, pointing to memory itself as something to be analyzed and abandoning the notion of bedrock memory, points to the necessity of expanding the notion of trauma beyond a single childhood sexual episode or adult trauma to a sustained cumulative trauma with the potential for exerting a continuous impact.
“Becoming Another Thing”: Traumatic and Technological Transformation in The Red Badge of Courage
Authors: Croxall Brian
Published: March 2015

This essay examines the traumatic transformation of Crane’s young protagonist in battle. It argues that this metamorphosis is brought on by the technologies on the battlefield and the youth’s outdated expectations about their speed. Further, it explores how Crane deploys tropes of mechanical and media technologies—especially the phonograph and the camera—to describe the protagonist’s psychically dissociated state and to account for the processing of traumatic memories. It closes by demonstrating that The Red Badge of Courage deploys metaphors of technology as a way to demonstrate the continuing relevance of the novel as genre in the face of rapidly evolving media ecologies.
From the Second World War to Vietnam: Historical, Clinical, and Personal Reflections on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Gifford Sanford
Published: March 2015

Based upon a cache of clinical histories from 1943–1945—actual carbon copies of case records—the author reflects on the history of theories and treatments of PTSD, re-examines his clinical case notes for soldiers during the Second World War, and recalls his work as a psychiatrist in field hospitals in the Pacific Theater. The author compares the clinical syndromes of PTSD as they appeared in patients from the Second World War and the Vietnam era.
Entangled Ends of Empire: The role of France and Francophone Africa in the decolonisation of Rhodesia
Authors: Warson Joanna
Published: March 2015

This article will analyse the support given to Rhodesia by France and certain Francophone African states following the White settler government’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence in 1965. These external actors, crossing national and imperial boundaries, shaped the transition to majority rule in Rhodesia. Furthermore, the end of empire in Francophone Africa and the wider international context informed this outside influence over Rhodesian decolonisation. This article will demonstrate, therefore, that the end of empire in Rhodesia was shaped by numerous external connections, thus revealing the possibilities available to historians of twentieth-century decolonisation when employing a connected global history approach.
Deaf Connections and Global Conversations: Deafness and education in and beyond the British Empire, ca. 1800-1900
Authors: Cleall Esme
Published: March 2015

This article argues that, despite strong metaphorical ties between deafness and the inability to connect, nineteenth-century deaf networks provide an excellent example of how ideas and identities circulated through transnational and transcolonial networks. Educational institutions facilitated the spread of signing. Deaf pedagogies were developed and contested across multiple sites. Ideologies of ableism (the privileging of the young non-disabled body) intersected with changing attitudes towards race. And embodied knowledges of deafness circulated as deaf individuals moved around the globe and formed transnational communities. Tracing deaf connections also enables us to think about the extent to which colonial networks intersected with networks in the US and continental Europe.
Imperial Exchange: American views of the British Empire during the Civil War and Reconstruction
Authors: Priest Andrew
Published: March 2015

This article examines American elites, mostly from the Republican Party, in the 1860s and 1870s to explain how they understood European empires, and the British Empire in particular. Specifically, it looks at leading politicians and journalists who, perhaps quite naturally, compared the rapidly expanding United States to Great Britain and its dominions. During this period, they took an increasingly internationalist outlook as they sought to demonstrate, explain and justify growing Anglo-American influence in Asia and the Americas. The article argues that while many of these men were ambivalent about, skeptical of, and sometimes even opposed to the policies of the British Empire, they also often wanted the US to adopt some of the same practices in the Western hemisphere and beyond. They also sometimes claimed that British imperial rule brought the colonial populations the benefits of what they saw as Anglo-Saxon “civilization,” in the same way that Americans believed they had done on the Western frontier. Thus, the article shows that, despite their misgivings about European imperialism, these men often accepted that Britain’s was preferable to the empires of other European powers, and this view influenced their conceptions of America’s growing international stature.
A Typology of the Changing Narratives of Canadian Citizens Through Time
Authors: Sobel Nora
Published: March 2015

This paper presents key results from a study that analyzed Canadian citizenship guides as an example of an official policy voice of the Canadian government about what it means to be a Canadian citizen and what is expected from a naturalized Canadian citizen. Six Canadian citizenship guides in the English language developed between 1947 and 2012 were analyzed by identifying the format and thematic components of the guides, and the most recurrent words and rhetorical strategies, within each contemporary historical context. Each guide constructed a narrative about what constitutes a naturalized Canadian citizen and these six individual and different narratives resulted in a historically constructed typology of naturalized Canadian citizenship: good character citizen, responsible citizen, wholesome citizen, politically active citizen, test-ready citizen, and loyal citizen. Cet article présente les principaux résultats d'une étude qui a analysé les guides de la citoyenneté canadienne à titre d'exemple d'une voix de la politique officielle du gouvernement du Canada au sujet de ce qu'être citoyen canadien signifie et ce qui est attendu d'un citoyen canadien naturalisé. Six guides de citoyenneté canadienne rédigés en anglais entre 1947 et 2012 ont été analysés en identifiant le format et les composantes thématiques des guides, et les mots les plus récurrents et les stratégies rhétoriques, dans chaque contexte historique contemporain. Chaque guide a construit un récit sur ce qui constitue un citoyen canadien naturalisé et ces six récits individuels et différents ont abouti à une typologie historiquement construite de la citoyenneté canadienne naturalisé: le citoyen de bon caractère , le citoyen responsable , le citoyen bien intégré , le citoyen politiquement actif , le citoyen prêt-à-tester , et le citoyen fidèle .
After the Live-In Caregiver Program: Filipina Caregivers’ Experiences of Graduated and Uneven Citizenship
Authors: Tungohan Ethel , Banerjee Rupa , Chu Wayne , Cleto Petronila , de Leon Conely , Garcia Mila , Kelly Philip , Luciano Marco , Palmaria Cynthia , Sorio Christopher
Published: March 2015

This article assesses the economic precariousness faced by Filipina live-in caregivers during and after the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP). Using survey data and focus group interviews, we argue that live-in caregivers’ unique pathway to immigration lead them to face economic challenges that are distinct from other immigrants. Not only do live-in caregivers face onerous employment conditions under the LCP, they have difficulties transitioning into the Canadian labour market because they face the following challenges: being stigmatized when entering the Canadian labour market, having to take costly educational upgrading courses while simultaneously working in ‘survival’ jobs, and having to be their families’ sole breadwinners. Despite these structural barriers, however, the live-in caregivers in our study strove to transition into Canadian society through their resilience and hard work. Regardless of the economic challenges that they themselves faced during and after the LCP, most saw their future in Canada and felt that coming to the country was “worth it.” Cet article évalue la précarité économique que connaît les aides familiaux résidants philippines pendant et après le Programme des aides familiaux résidants (PAFR). En utilisant les données d'enquête et des entrevues de groupes de discussion, nous soutenons que la voie particulière réservée aux aidants à l'immigration comporte des défis économiques qui sont distincts de ceux des autres immigrants. Non seulement les aides familiaux résidants sont-elles confrontées à des conditions d'emploi rigoureux sous le PAFR, mais leur transition vers le marché du travail canadien est difficile à plusieurs égards: elles sont stigmatisés en entrant dans le marché du travail canadien, elles doivent prendre des cours coûteux de perfectionnement tout en travaillant dans des emplois «de survie», et elles sont souvent seuls soutiens de leurs familles. En dépit de ces obstacles structurels, les aides familiaux résidants dans notre étude se sont efforcés de faire la transition à la société canadienne grâce à leur résilience et le travail acharné. Quels que soient les défis économiques qu'elles rencontrent pendant et après le PAFR, la plupart d'entre elles voient leur avenir au Canada et estiment que venir au pays « en a valu la peine. »
Which Features of Spanish Learners’ Pronunciation Most Impact Listener Evaluations?
Authors: McBride Kara
Published: March 2015

This study explores which features of Spanish as a foreign language (SFL) pronunciation most impact raters’ evaluations. Native Spanish speakers (NSSs) from regions with different pronunciation norms were polled: 147 evaluators from northern Mexico and 99 evaluators from central Argentina. These evaluations were contrasted with ratings from non-native SFL instructors. Evaluators rated speech samples in terms of comprehensibility and pleasantness, and identified the specific features of the learners’ pronunciation that they found either acceptable or unsatisfactory. For all groups, negative personal attributes were associated with less accurate pronunciation. Significant quantitative differences were found in groups’ ratings, with the non-native raters falling between the two groups of NSSs. The different groups of NSS raters were largely in agreement in terms of the specific pronunciation features that they identified as important, however. Compared to non-native raters, the NSSs focused more on suprasegmentals and global voice qualities. Phonemes that appear to have the greatest impact on listeners’ evaluations are identified, and teaching implications are discussed.
Directing Attention to Pronunciation in the Second Language Classroom
Authors: Counselman David
Published: March 2015

Motivated by predictions of the theory of Input Processing, this study adds to previous research on second language (L2) Spanish pronunciation learning by investigating the impact of two distinct types of pronunciation assignments on first language (L1) English L2 Spanish students’ improvement in pronunciation of the vowels /e, o/. Two sections of a Spanish conversation class (n = 28) received identical instruction in Spanish articulatory phonetics over the course of one semester. One section (n = 15) completed a production-based pronunciation assignment five times throughout the semester in addition to this instruction. In this assignment, students recorded themselves and received feedback from the instructor. The other section (n = 13) completed a perception-based pronunciation assignment designed to force students to attend to English and Spanish phonetic differences five times throughout the semester. This assignment required students to listen to non-native Spanish speakers speaking in Spanish and to provide feedback on their pronunciation. Findings suggest that when students are forced to attend to differences in L1 and L2 articulatory phonetics, they are likely to improve their own pronunciation more than when they only receive articulatory phonetic instruction or when they complete assignments that do not require strict attention to L1 and L2 phonetic differences, such as speaking and receiving feedback.
Ringside with Cuba’s National Poet
Authors: Miller Marilyn
Published: March 2015

Nicolás Guillén’s “Pequeña oda a Kid Chocolate,” written in the late 1920s, is not only the celebrated Cuban author’s first “black poem,” but also foreshadows several central themes of his long career. Some themes include the praise and defense of Afro-diasporic vernacular culture and Cuban popular culture more generally, and the denunciation of US socioeconomic bullying on the island. Guillén’s ode casts the illiterate featherweight champion boxer Kid Chocolate as an allegorical protagonist in the drama of Cuba’s relationship to its colossal northern neighbor and establishes ties between pugilistic and poetic arts as related arms for defending the Caribbean nation and its sovereignty. His use of apostrophe, linguistic sparring, and symbols of Cuban self-defense against Roosevelt’s ‘big stick’ policy constitutes an assertive poetic challenge to existing literary canons and prevailing political proclivities in the wake of the Platt Amendment. With this small ode, Guillén invites Cuban and non-Cuban readers alike to join him ringside for an impressive show of national pride by the poet and the pugilist.
Woolf’s Einfiihlung: An Alternative Theory of Transgender Affect
Authors: Crawford Lucas
Published: March 2015

In popular culture and psychiatry, the question of transgender affect is one still mired in pain: we are commonly thought to experience “dysphoria” and to have been “born in the wrong body.” With Woolf’s Orlando: A Biography as its focus, this essay offers an alternative theory of transgender affect as one of Einfühlung , or aesthetic empathy.
Falling in Love with Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick
Authors: Allan Jonathan A.
Published: March 2015

What does it mean to love a writer? This essay explores a number of writers and critics who have expressed love for Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick. I argue that love affords another model for thinking through questions of influence, particularly a theory of influence informed by queer theory and affect studies.
Medium-high mountain approach to avalanche risk. The Vosges Range as a case of study (France)
Authors: Giacona Florie , Martin Brice
Published: March 2015

Although avalanche risk is the deadliest natural risk in Alsace, winter of 1999-2000 suddenly brought up this underestimated, forgotten, or even denied danger. This interdisciplinary research emphasized more than 250 avalanche events, from the end of the 18th century until today. We reset these events into the context of climatic variation and evolution of land occupation. We also considered a typology and a scale for avalanche intensity, specifically regarding medium-high mountains. Eventually we will discuss the current state of avalanche risk.
A geotermia: riscos e impactes ambientais. Um exemplo da exploração de energias alternativas associadas ao vulcanismo
Authors: Bettencourt Raposo António Guilherme
Published: March 2015

Decorria o ano de 1988 quando nos deslocámos à Reserva Natural da Lagoa do Fogo e nos deparámos com grandes obras de remoção de terras, alteração de taludes e abate de árvores. Todos os materiais estavam a ser lançados para a bacia hidrográfica da Ribeira Grande onde, a jusante, se situa esta cidade. Toda esta intervenção ocorreu a uma altitude de 550 metros, onde as precipitações são da ordem dos 2 500 a 3 500 l/m2 por ano, tendo sido criado um grave problema para o ambiente à escala local. Esta situação originou a degradação de uma parte da Reserva Natural, através da contaminação das águas das nascentes para abastecimento público e, ainda, uma crise sísmica, criando o risco de uma erupção freática e, mesmo, de inundações.
Análisis del riesgo y vulnerabilidad contra incendios forestales en áreas de interfaz, provincia de Valparaíso
Authors: Castillo S. Miguel , Quintanilla P. Víctor , Julio A. Guillermo
Published: March 2015

Se estudia la relación espacio temporal existente entre la ocupación del suelo para fines habitacionales en áreas de interfaz urbano rural en el colinaje costero del Gran Valparaíso, y la ocurrencia de incendios forestales acaecidos en los últimos 23 años en estas áreas. A base del estudio de la vegetación combustible, el deterioro del paisaje vegetal afectado por recurrentes fuegos, y los antecedentes históricos acerca de la causa de los incendios, superficie y localización de ellos, fue posible establecer áreas sensibles de riesgos, junto con la caracterización de la conflictividad de ellos especialmente en territorios urbanos afectados por la propagación descontrolada del fuego.Se espera que estos resultados permitan apoyar los actuales programas y planes de ordenación municipal del territorio, que deben contemplar entre sus actividades, los mecanismos por los cuales se debe programar y coordinar la expansión de terrenos para habitación, cautelando el control del factor de riesgo que representa la iniciación y propagación de incendios forestales, y la promoción a la recuperación de espacios naturales afectados por incendios forestales.
Erosão e paisagem em São Vicente e Santo Antão (Cabo Verde): o risco de desertificação
Authors: Martins Bruno , Rebelo Fernando
Published: March 2015

A desertificação é um processo complexo, resultante da interacção entre ambiente e acção antrópica. É de difícil definição territorial e solução. Os ecossistemas secos são particularmente vulneráveis a qualquer actuação, exigindo uma ocupação do solo bem estudada e adaptada às condições específicas do quadro geográfico presente. Em Cabo Verde, em particular nas ilhas de São Vicente e de Santo Antão, são variados os indícios de perda de capacidade produtiva dos solos. A agricultura de sequeiro e a de regadio enfrentam problemas específicos de produtividade, relativos à vulnerabilidade intrínseca das áreas onde se inserem e do sistema produtivo. Neste artigo são analisados alguns desses problemas e algumas soluções de forma a mitigar o risco de contínua perda de produtividade do solo devida à desertificação.
Periodization in Cluster Dynamical Mean-Field Theory
Authors: Harland Malte , Krivenko Igor , Lichtenstein Alexander
Published: March 2015

The Dynamical Mean Field Theory (DMFT) maps the lattice problem onto a single site coupled to an electron bath, i.e. the Mean Field. To include spatial correlations we use CDMFT, the cluster extension that connects a cluster of many correlated sites to an electron bath with a matrix-valued hybridization function. Whereas there is only one possible DMFT scheme for the single site, there are different schemes proposed for cluster calculations. They differ in the way they incorporate the lattice symmetry into the cluster calculation done by the impurity solver. We present a comparison of the self-energy and the cumulant periodization for different cluster sizes, applying it to a 1-dimensional chain as well as to the frustrated Kagome lattice. The CDMFT scheme we use is formulated in the real space. We solve the Hubbard cluster impurity model within a Hybridization Expansion Quantum Monte Carlo solver and compare the lattice Greens function and the local density of states to results of the Density Matrix Renormalization Group method.
Determinants of nonperforming loans in the Southern Mediterranean countries
Authors: Ouhibi Saoussen , Hammami Sami
Published: March 2015

The main aim of this paper is to examine the determinants of financial soundness indicators (non-performing loans) of the banking system. There are several factors that lead to the growth or decline of non-performing loans, such as macroeconomic variables. This study uses a sample of six out often countries of the Southern Mediterranean (Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey) that were analyzed over the period of 2000 to 2012. Our result shows that the non-performing loans negatively depend on the nominal exchange rate, the consumer price index and the gross capital formation.
Uporabnost maščobnih kislin omega-3 pri obravnavi ran na koži
Authors: Vrbnjak Dominika , Pajnkihar Majda , Langerholc Tomaž
Published: March 2015

Uvod: Namen članka je prikazati analizo podatkov o učinkih maščobnih kislin omega-3 na celjenje ran ter njihovo uporabnost pri obravnavi ran na koži.
Metode: Za pregled literature ter analizo dobljenih virov so bile uporabljene podatkovne baze: PubMed, CINAHL, Medline in ScienceDirect. Iskanje je bilo izvedeno s ključnimi besedami v angleščini: omega-3, fish oil, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), wound, wound healing, in Boolovim operatorjem AND. V analizo so bile vključene eksperimentalne ali randomizirane klinične raziskave, objavljene v angleškem jeziku in izdane od 1993 do januarja 2014, ki so vključevale preprečevanje ali zdravljenje akutnih ali kroničnih ran na koži z uporabo maščobnih kislin omega-3. Izključitveni kriterij je bil obravnava uporabe maščobnih kislin omega-3 pri opeklinah. Iz iskalnega nabora 1151 zadetkov je bilo v podrobno analizo vključenih 15 raziskav.
Rezultati: Rezultati analize literature so pokazali, da so maščobne kisline omega-3 večinoma neučinkovite pri obravnavi travmatskih in kirurških ran na koži, potencialno učinkovite pri obravnavi diabetičnih ran in učinkovite pri obravnavi razjed zaradi pritiska.
Diskusija in zaključek: Protivnetni učinek maščobnih kislin omega-3 upočasnjuje in moti celjenje akutnih ran na koži, vendar lahko z njimi obvladujemo lokalne vnetne odzive in pospešujemo reepitelizacijo pri kroničnih ranah. Za oblikovanje natančnih smernic uporabe bodo potrebna nadaljnja raziskovanja.
Pomen izobraževanja diplomiranih medicinskih sester v referenčnih ambulantah: primer arterijske hipertenzije
Authors: Petek Šter Marija , Šter Branko
Published: March 2015

Uvod: Diplomirane medicinske sestre se za delo v referenčnih ambulantah dodatno izobražujejo. Namen raziskave je bil preveriti potrebo in oceniti uspešnost izobraževanja za diplomirane medicinske sestre v referenčnih ambulantah za področje arterijske hipertenzije. Metode: Vključene so bile diplomirane medicinske sestre (n = 143), ki so obiskovale petintrideseturno urno izobraževanje o arterijski hipertenziji v času od januarja 2012 do marca 2013. Ugotavljali smo spremembo v znanju o vodenju bolnika z arterijsko hipertenzijo, zadovoljstvo udeležencev s celotnim modulom in posameznimi vsebinami modulov ter izbranimi učnimi metodami. Uporabili smo kvantitativno (deskriptivna statistika, parni t-test, enovzorčni t-test) in kvalitativno analizo podatkov. Rezultati: Z vstopnim testom so bile prepoznane velike razlike v znanju udeležencev (zbrali so med 15,0 % in 100,0 % točk). Z izobraževanjem se je njihovo znanje pomembno izboljšalo (vstopni test 56,6 % vs. končni test 89,1 %, p < 0,001). Zadovoljstvo s celotnim modulom in posameznimi deli modula je bilo visoko: povprečna vrednost za celoten modul na lestvici od 5 do 10 je znašala 8,6 (s = 1,3). Metode poučevanja so bile ocenjene kot ustrezne: povprečna vrednost na lestvici od 1 do 5 je bila 4,6 (s = 0,6). Udeleženci so najbolj pohvalili uporabnost in kakovost predavanj, dostopnost predavateljev in povezovanje teorije s prakso preko prikazov praktičnih primerov. Diskusija in zaključek: Ugotovitve naše raziskave podpirajo potrebo po dodatnem izobraževanju diplomiranih medicinskih sester v referenčnih ambulantah s področja arterijske hipertenzije.
Dietary habits and physical activity patterns among Slovenian elderly: cross-sectional survey with cluster analysis
Authors: Zurc Joca , Hlastan-Ribič Cirila , Skela-Savič Brigita
Published: March 2015

Introduction: Physical activity and a healthy diet are significant predictors of healthy ageing—they help the elderly maintain their physical and mental health, and prevent chronic diseases. Methods: The data for the empirical quantitative survey were collected on the sample of 218 elderly community-dwelling participants (aged 65 years or more), using a structured questionnaire for self-reporting. Data analyses were proceed with the bivariate statistics, and multivariate hierarchical cluster analysis. Results: Most respondents reported good dietary habits (83.1%) and a satisfactory physical activity level (60.5%). On average, the elderly eat 3-4 meals per day (59.8%) and engage in physical activity at least three times a week (58.6%), with interventions lasting 15 minutes or more (84.4 %) and non-organized activity prevailing (96.2%). Ward’s method yielded three clusters with homogenous dietary and physical activity patterns: ‘Health Conscious’ (30.8%), ‘At Risk’ (42.7%) and ‘Special Requirements’ (26.5%). Significant differences were identified between clusters and educational level (p = 0.001). Discussion and conclusions: In the future, special attention should be placed on the elderly group with a lower educational level and special dietary and physical activity requirements. Additional studies on representative samples are required for a comprehensive investigation into the lifestyle behaviours of elderly individuals.
Specializations in nursing: the students' perspective
Authors: Sever Martin , Bregar Branko
Published: March 2015

Introduction: In Slovenia, nursing students and professionals do not yet have the possibility for specialized career development. The aim of the study is to determine the students' plans for their career development and their views on nursing specialization. Methods: Data were collected via an online questionnaire (alpha = 0.82). The sample included students from three faculties in Slovenia that offer nursing programmes. 385 questionnaires were returned. Data analysis was performed with the SPSS software (version 20.0): t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and factor analysis. Results: 258 (67 %) of respondents would continue their studies. The specializations most often identified are: urgent medical assistance (20 %), anaesthesiology and intensive therapy (14 %) and surgical care (11 %) and so forth. Older students choose reasons that are linked more to nursing, while younger students choose reasons that are linked more to medicine. It is more characteristic of men to put an emphasis on economic reasons for developing specializations (t = 0.552, p = 0.011). Students in a more senior year (F = 2.407, p = 0.041) or with a higher average grade put an emphasis on reasons for specializations that are linked to nursing. Discussion and conclusion: Students view specializations as necessary to ensure a sustainable health care system in Slovenia and as an option for continuing their studies.