bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient and Physician Factors Associated With Adherence to Diabetes Medications
Authors: Schoenthaler Antoinette M. , Schwartz Brian S. , Wood Craig , Stewart Walter F.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of patient and physician psychosocial, sociodemographic, and disease-related factors on diabetes medication adherence. These factors were also examined as effect modifiers of the association between quality of the patient-physician relationship and medication adherence.

Methods

Data were collected from 41 Geisinger Clinic primary care physicians and 608 of their patients with type 2 diabetes. Adherence to oral hypoglycemic medications was calculated using a medication possession ratio based on physician orders in electronic health records (MPREHR). MPREHR was defined as the proportion of total time in the 2 years prior to study enrollment that the patient was in possession of oral hypoglycemic medications. Linear regression was used to examine the influence of patient- and physician-level factors on adherence. Effect modification of the patient-physician relationship-adherence association was evaluated by adding the main effects of the individual-level factors and their cross-products to the models.

Results

In adjusted analyses, satisfaction with the physician’s patient education skills, patient beliefs about the need for their medications, and lower diabetes-related knowledge were associated with better adherence to oral hypoglycemic medications. Shorter duration of time with diabetes and taking only oral hypoglycemic medications were also associated with better adherence. Finally, the association between shared decision making and medication adherence was significantly modified by patients’ level of social support.

Conclusions

This study identified several patient-, physician-, and disease-related factors that should be targeted to maximize the potential for developing tailored adherence-enhancing interventions within the context of a collaborative patient-physician relationship.
Subsistence and Protection Needs of the Elderly Living in Katutura, Windhoek (Namibia)
Authors: Nangombe Hilma , Ackermann Leane
Published: March 2012

This article is based on data obtained from an investigation of the needs of the elderly living in the suburbs of Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia. The theoretical framework utilized in this study is the human scale development approach of Manfred Max-Neef. Primary data were collected by means of face-to-face interviews with 383 elderly men and women living Katutura. It was found that many of the subsistence and protection needs of the elderly are not being met and that although the elderly are increasing in number, they continue to be a forgotten population.
Explaining attitudes toward genetically modified foods in the European Union
Authors: Ceccoli Stephen , Hixon William
Published: March 2012

This article examines the factors that condition citizens’ attitudes toward genetically modified (GM) foods by considering individual-level attitudes in 15 European Union member states. Previous research has shown that European attitudes toward GM foods are influenced by overall levels of scientific literacy, consumer exposure to media coverage, and broader socio-political preferences. This article seeks to expand on this literature by testing some of these explanations in a multivariate analysis. To test our propositions, we develop and estimate a logistic regression model using data derived from Eurobarometer surveys. While the sources of information that people value and their attitudes toward EU policy in related areas explain to some extent support for GM foods, our strongest finding confirms the importance of public understanding of science as a basis for support for this emerging technology.
Accuracy of Measures of Medication Adherence in a Cholesterol-Lowering Regimen
Authors: Dunbar-Jacob Jacqueline , Sereika Susan M. , Houze Martin , Luyster Faith S. , Callan Judith A.
Published: March 2012

This study examined the concordance between multiple measures of adherence, as well as sensitivity to detection of poor adherers, specificity, and predictive validity using a daily cholesterol-lowering regimen. Participants ( N = 180) aged 24 to 60 years participated in an adherence ancillary study in a clinical trial. Males constituted 53.9% of this well-educated, community sample. Data on adherence were collected over a 6-month period, using electronic monitoring, self-report, specific recall, and pill counts. Electronically monitored (odds ratio [OR] = 5.348) and Shea self-report (OR = 2.678) predicted cholesterol lowering. Days (78.9%) and intervals (84.2%) adherent and the Shea (73.7%) were sensitive to the detection of poor adherers. Moderate associations were found between measures of the same type. Low correlations were found otherwise. The electronic monitor was the most accurate and informative measure. The Shea self-report was the most accurate brief, global estimate of adherence. Other measures were not associated with clinical outcome or sensitive to poor adherence.
Advanced youth music ensembles: Experiences of, and reasons for, participation
Authors: Hewitt Allan , Allan Amanda
Published: March 2012

The experiences of 72 adolescent musicians who had been members of an advanced youth symphony orchestra or concert band were investigated. An online survey explored previous participation and the importance of past experiences when making future decisions about participation. Previous experience was very positive. Enjoyment of public performances, a sense of musical satisfaction from participating, and opportunities to meet new people and spend time with other musicians were highly rated. First-time decisions to participate were primarily influenced by positive feedback from friends and peers while ongoing participation tended to be based on the positive experience of the musical and social aspects of participation rather than contextual aspects such as location or the input of significant others such as instrumental teachers or parents.
Bouncing back? Recession, resilience and everyday lives
Authors: Harrison Elizabeth
Published: March 2012

This paper critically engages with a recent shift towards an emphasis on ‘resilience’ in policy and academic fields. The paper suggests that this shift is problematic for several reasons: that it supports normative value judgements; that it may overemphasize the ability of people to ‘bounce back’ and undervalue the hidden costs of resilience, especially those with gendered dimensions; and that it may be associated with policy prescriptions that shift responsibility for dealing with crisis away from the public sphere. The empirical illustration for this analysis is a qualitative study of the impact of economic decline in the Sussex town of Newhaven.
The effect of tepid amino acid-enriched induction cardioplegia on the outcome of infants undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Suominen PK , Keski-Nisula J , Tynkkynen P , Kantoluoto S , Olkkola KT , Mildh L
Published: March 2012

Background:

Despite promising experimental results, no information has been published on the clinical effects of amino acid-enriched induction cardioplegic solution on outcome in children undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study of 185 consecutive patients younger than 12 months with one of the following defects undergoing open heart surgery: atrioventricular septal defect, transposition of the great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot or ventricular septal defect. Patients were divided into two groups according to the following myocardial protection approaches: tepid substrate-enriched induction cardioplegia followed by cold blood cardioplegia (n=113) or only cold blood induction cardioplegia (n=72). Patient allocation was determined by the anesthesiologist in charge of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The primary outcome measure was postoperative myocardial injury assessed by troponin T level and inotrope score.

Results:

Demographic data were similar for both groups. Cardioplegic induction had no overall effect for inotrope score (16.3 ± 9.2 vs.17.9 ± 10.0, p=0.276) or lactate release (1.8 ± 1.3 vs. 1.6 ± 0.8, p=0.110) on arrival to the paediatric intensive care unit. On the first postoperative day, there were no significant differences between the cardioplegia groups for inotrope score (13.7 ± 8.7 vs.14.3 ± 9.1, p=0.657), troponin T (2.4 ± 1.6 vs. 2.8 ± 2.7 μg/L, p=0.267), lactate (1.5 ± 2.0 vs. 1.5 ± 0.8, p=0.972), or any of the other clinical outcome measures.

Conclusions:

Compared to cold cardioplegia alone, the administration of tepid induction cardioplegia had no effect on the clinical outcome of infants who underwent cardiac surgery.
The relationship between educational homogamy and educational mobility in 29 European countries
Authors: Katrňák Tomáš , Fučík Petr , Luijkx Ruud
Published: March 2012

This article deals with the relationship between educational homogamy and educational mobility in 29 European countries. It answers three interrelated questions: (1) Is there any relationship between educational mobility and educational homogamy? (2) Does educational homogamy diverge from educational mobility (negative relationship) or does educational heterogamy strengthen educational mobility (positive relationship)? (3) If there is any positive relationship, do educational mobility and educational heterogamy indicate the level of educational inequality to the same degree? To answer these questions the authors use data from three waves of the European Social Survey (2002, 2004 and 2006). The answers are given in absolute (percentages) as well as in relative measures (log-multiplicative effects). The results show that there is a positive relationship between educational mobility and educational heterogamy. For all countries analysed, relative educational heterogamy is a stronger indicator of educational inequalities than relative educational mobility. The systematic deviation of educational heterogamy from educational mobility is explained by a number of factors that the authors discuss in the last part of the article.
Mid-adolescent victims: (Un)willing for help?
Authors: Vynckier Gerwinde
Published: March 2012

A victimization experience may turn the world of a victim upside down. In the aftermath of the victimization incident, the reactions and help from others may have important effects on the recovery of the victim. The way victims experience and interpret their victimization and how they cope with it can be influenced by the reactions of others. However, before another person can help the victim, or before another person can make the victimization experience even worse due to his or her reaction to the victim, the victim has to tell this person about the victimization experience. This article focuses on the persons and agencies mid-adolescents turn to on becoming a victim. Based on a paper-and-pencil school survey in Ghent, Belgium among 557 14–16-year-old pupils, this study shows that mid-adolescent victims of theft, violence and extortion turn in the first instance to parents and peers. Concerning formal agencies, the results indicate that mid-adolescents are barely aware of the existence of assistance services and that they report victimization to the police only to a small degree.
Assessing the Costs of Public Participation
Authors: Wang XiaoHu , Bryer Thomas A.
Published: March 2012

In 2009, the authors facilitated a citizen-participation process in a local community in Florida in the United States. Using an inductive content analysis across two online participation data sources, the study develops a set of testable propositions about cost functions of public participation. The study shows a nonlinear relationship between administrative costs and participation quantity. It also demonstrates no direct relationship between the costs and participation quality. Moreover, the cost functions vary in different participation mechanisms. These propositions provide a basis for future research to improve cost management in public participation.
Novel Genital Alphapapillomaviruses in Baboons (Papio hamadryas Anubis) With Cervical Dysplasia
Authors: Bergin I. L. , Bell J. D. , Chen Z. , Zochowski M. K. , Chai D. , Schmidt K. , Culmer D. L. , Aronoff D. M. , Patton D. L. , Mwenda J. M. , Wood C. E. , Burk R. D.
Published: March 2012

Genital Alphapapillomavirus (αPV) infections are one of the most common sexually transmitted human infections worldwide. Women infected with the highly oncogenic genital human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 are at high risk for development of cervical cancer. Related oncogenic αPVs exist in rhesus and cynomolgus macaques. Here the authors identified 3 novel genital αPV types (PhPV1, PhPV2, PhPV3) by PCR in cervical samples from 6 of 15 (40%) wild-caught female Kenyan olive baboons ( Papio hamadryas anubis). Eleven baboons had koilocytes in the cervix and vagina. Three baboons had dysplastic proliferative changes consistent with cervical squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). In 2 baboons with PCR-confirmed PhPV1, 1 had moderate (CIN2, n = 1) and 1 had low-grade (CIN1, n = 1) dysplasia. In 2 baboons with PCR-confirmed PhPV2, 1 had low-grade (CIN1, n = 1) dysplasia and the other had only koilocytes. Two baboons with PCR-confirmed PhPV3 had koilocytes only. PhPV1 and PhPV2 were closely related to oncogenic macaque and human αPVs. These findings suggest that αPV-infected baboons may be useful animal models for the pathogenesis, treatment, and prophylaxis of genital αPV neoplasia. Additionally, this discovery suggests that genital αPVs with oncogenic potential may infect a wider spectrum of non-human primate species than previously thought.
Factors That Affect College Students’ Perceptions of Rape
Authors: Vandiver Donna M. , Dupalo Jessica Rager
Published: March 2012

Prior research has shown that various situational factors and behaviors can affect one’s perception of whether a rape has occurred. Moreover, some hold false beliefs about rape. This can also affect one’s perception of ambiguous situations. This study included the administration of a survey to 584 college students; the survey examined the prevalence of rape myths and responses to vignettes of potential rape scenarios. It was found that although the majority of this sample did not support rape myths, male students were significantly more likely than female students to support rape myths. Furthermore, approximately 20% of students did support one subscale of the rape myth scale: He didn’t mean to [commit rape]. The results also revealed an interaction effect between the observer’s sex and the victim’s sex, suggesting a complex gender relationship.
Peripheral nerve blocks: a therapeutic alternative for hemicrania continua
Authors: Guerrero Ángel L , Herrero-Velázquez Sonia , Peñas María L , Mulero Patricia , Pedraza María Isabel , Cortijo Elisa , Fernández Rosa
Published: March 2012

Objectives: A complete response to indomethacin is required for the diagnosis of hemicrania continua (HC). Nevertheless, patients may develop side effects leading to withdrawal of this drug. Several alternatives have been proposed with no consistent effectiveness. Both anaesthetic blocks of peripheral nerves and trochlear corticosteroid injections have been effective in some case reports.

Methods: Twenty-two patients with HC were assessed in a headache outpatient office. Physical examination included palpation of the supraorbital nerve (SON) and greater occipital nerve (GON) as well as of the trochlear area.

Results: In 14 patients, at least one tender point was detected. Due to indomethacin intolerance, at least one anaesthetic block of the GON or SON, or an injection of corticosteroids in the trochlear area, were performed in nine patients. Four of them were treated with a combination procedure. All these patients experienced total or partial improvement lasting from 2 to 10 months.

Conclusion: Anaesthetic blocks or corticosteroid injections may be effective in HC patients showing tenderness of the SON, GON or trochlear area.
Korean American Dementia Caregivers’ Attitudes Toward Caregiving
Authors: Lee Youjung , Choi Sunha
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to explore how Korean American family caregivers view the services they offer to patients with dementia. It also investigated the roles of social networks and satisfaction with social support on attitudes toward caregiving. Social network, satisfaction with social support, demographic characteristics, caregiving-related stress factors, and cultural factors were examined. We used a convenience sample of 85 Korean American dementia caregivers. The results from hierarchical multiple regression models show that the level of satisfaction with social support significantly contributed to Korean American caregivers’ attitudes toward working with patients with dementia, while no statistically significant associate was found for social network. Higher levels of satisfaction with social support were associated with greater positive attitudes toward caregiving among Korean American caregivers ( b = 0.26, p = .024). The implications for mental health professionals and policy makers are discussed.
Attendance in Adult Day Care Centers of Cognitively Intact Older Persons
Authors: Iecovich Esther , Biderman Aya
Published: March 2012

The article aims to (a) examine the reasons for nonuse of ADCC, and (b) explore the reasons for use of adult day care centers (ADCCs) among users. The sample includes 819 respondents of whom 417 are users of 13 day care centers and 402 are nonusers, matched by age, gender, and family physician in the southern region of Israel. Data collection includes interviews that used a structured questionnaire. The most frequent reasons for nonuse of ADCCs are accessibility barriers, characteristics of participants and of the ADCCs, “no need for this service,” and personal difficulties. Those who use this service report that it improved their well-being, met their needs, enabled them to establish social relationships, and alleviated their family caregivers’ burden. ADCCs should be more responsive to the needs of various constituencies of frail older adults and be more accessible to those who do not use this type of service.
Development and Reliability of the Mealtime Social Interaction Measure for Long-Term Care (MSILTC)
Authors: Keller Heather H. , Laurie Courtney Brooke , McLeod Jessica , Ridgeway Natalee
Published: March 2012

Mealtimes are important social events in retirement (RH) and long term care homes (LTC). This manuscript describes the development, refining and scaling of the MSILTC as well as inter-observer reliability. Two facilities provided access to their RH (n~100) and LTC (n~30-45) dining rooms. This observation-based tool captures both frequency and nature of interactions. Mealtime observations were carried out by trained researchers for development (n=13 tables), refinement (n=12 tables) scaling (n=17 tables) and reliability (n= 30 tables). Tablemate and staff level sub scores are calculated considering number of residents at the table and duration of the meal. Statistical analysis using Cohen’s kappa demonstrated that the tool possesses adequate reliability for capturing frequency of interaction among residents and staff [kappa 0.712 and 0.790 respectively]; reliability for nature of interaction was lower [kappa 0.590 and 0.441 respectively]. Construct validity testing is planned to complete the development of the MSILTC.
Older Adults’ Fears About Diabetes
Authors: Quandt Sara A. , Reynolds Teresa , Chapman Christine , Bell Ronny A. , Grzywacz Joseph G. , Ip Edward H. , Kirk Julienne K. , Arcury Thomas A.
Published: March 2012

This study examines older adults’ fears of diabetes complications and their effects on self-management practices. Existing models of diabetes self-management posit that patients’ actions are grounded in disease beliefs and experience, but there is little supporting evidence. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with a community-based sample of 74 African American, American Indian, and White older adults with diabetes. Analysis uses Leventhal’s Common Sense Model of Diabetes to link fears to early experience and current self-management. Sixty-three participants identify fears focused on complications that could limit carrying out normal activities: amputation, blindness, low blood glucose and coma, and disease progression to insulin use and dialysis. Most focus self-management on actions to prevent specific complications, rather than on managing the disease as a whole. Early experiences focus attention on the inevitability of complications and the limited ability of patients to prevent them. Addressing older adults’ fears about diabetes may improve their diabetes self-management practices.
Home Care Workers
Authors: Kelly Christopher M. , Morgan Jennifer Craft , Jason Kendra Jeanel
Published: March 2012

Home care workers, the fastest growing segment of the U.S. direct care workforce, provide nonmedical services that are not reimbursed by Medicare; consequently, requirements for training and supervision are left to the states. The purposes of this study are to compare these state requirements and to identify core competencies for home care workers. Our content analysis of relevant state laws determined that 29 states require a license for home care providers. Of these 29 states, 26 require orientation and 15 require in-service training for home care workers; the duration and content of these programs vary widely across the states. Fifteen states require on-site supervision of home care workers. We believe that in addition to current state training requirements (e.g., activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) assistance; infection control), other core competencies (e.g., basic medication information; behavioral management) should also be mandatory. More frequent on-site supervision is also necessary to improve home care quality.
HSP70 immune reactivity and TUNEL positivity in the liver of toluene-inhaled and melatonin-treated rats
Authors: Tas Ufuk , Ogeturk Murat , Kuloglu Tuncay , Sapmaz Hilal Irmak , Kocaman Nevin , Zararsiz Ismail , Sarsilmaz Mustafa
Published: March 2012

Toluene is a clear, colorless and volatile hydrocarbon that is metabolized in liver, produced free oxygen radicals and can mediate cellular damage. Melatonin which is a pineal gland hormone is a very potent antioxidant. It can make the cellular membrane more durable against oxidative attacks and protect nuclear DNA from oxidative damage. This study aimed to investigate heat shock protein (HSP)70 immune reactivity and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positivity (apoptotic activity) in the liver of toluene-inhaled and melatonin-treated rats. A total of 21 adult male Wistar albino rats were divided at random into 3 equal groups. Animals in group I were designated as control. The rats in group II were exposed to toluene (3000 ppm/1 h/day) for 30 days, while the rats in group III were treated with melatonin (10 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) plus toluene inhalation. At the end of the 30-day experimental period, all rats were killed by decapitation. Then the liver tissues of rats were removed and tissue specimens were embedded in paraffin blocks. The specimens were stained with periodic acid-schiff (PAS) following routine histological procedures. Sections obtained from paraffin blocks were used for immune detection of TUNEL and HSP70. In light microscopic observations of tissues from toluene-inhaled rats, massive hepatocyte degeneration, ballooning degeneration and decreased PAS positivity were observed. Increased TUNEL positivity and HSP70 immune reactivity were determined in toluene-inhaled group and melatonin treatment decreased all these adverse effects.
Tearing Down Mountains: Using Spatial and Metabolic Analysis to Investigate the Socio-Ecological Contradictions of Coal Extraction in Appalachia
Authors: Austin Kelly , Clark Brett
Published: March 2012

Mountaintop removal is the most profitable and efficient way to extract the low-sulfur, bituminous coal found in Appalachia. This form of mining involves the blasting and leveling of entire mountain ranges, which dismantles integrated ecosystems and communities. We employ a political-economy perspective in order to assess the uneven capitalist development and socio-ecological contradictions of mountaintop removal. In particular, we use theorization on spatial inequalities to employ and extend a metabolic analysis to coal extraction. This approach reveals how metabolic rifts are created in the nutrient, carbon, and water cycles, producing a myriad of social and ecological problems in the Appalachian region. Mountaintop removal embodies the unsustainable characteristics of an economic system predicated on the constant accumulation of capital.
Singapore Nursing Students’ Perceptions and Attitudes About Spirituality and Spiritual Care in Practice
Authors: Tiew Lay Hwa , Drury Vicki
Published: March 2012

Purpose: This exploratory study investigated nursing students’ perceptions and attitudes about spirituality and spiritual care in practice. Study Design: A qualitative interpretative approach was used to investigate the research question. Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 final-year preregistration nursing students from 3 different educational institutions offering a degree or diploma program in Singapore. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman’s method of thematic analysis. Findings: Thematic analysis identified three themes: (a) students’ perceptions of spirituality, (b) spiritual care, and (c) factors influencing spiritual care in practice. Conclusions: The study informed that though young, spirituality matters to the nursing students. Accordingly, nursing is perceived to play an integral role in spiritual care. Enabling factors need to be systematically addressed both in the education and practice arenas before the perennial issue of disconnect between development and implementation of spirituality in practice can be bridged.
A Pilot Study Evaluating the Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Psychological Status, Physical Status, Salivary Cortisol, and Interleukin-6 Among Advanced-Stage Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers
Authors: Lengacher Cecile A. , Kip Kevin E. , Barta Michelle , Post-White Janice , Jacobsen Paul B. , Groer Maureen , Lehman Brandy , Moscoso Manolete S. , Kadel Rajendra , Le Nancy , Loftus Loretta , Stevens Craig A. , Malafa Mokenge P. , Shelton Melissa Molinari
Published: March 2012

Purpose: To investigate whether a mindfulness-based stress reduction program for cancer (MBSR-C) improved psychological and physical symptoms, quality of life (QOL), and stress markers among advanced-stage cancer patients and caregivers. Design: A pilot within-subject design was used. Method: Patients previously diagnosed with advanced-stage breast, colon, lung, or prostate cancer and on treatment were recruited from the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute. Twenty-six patient–caregiver dyads completed a modified 6-week, self-study MBSR-C program based on the Kabat–Zinn model. Psychological and physical symptoms and QOL were compared pre– and post–MBSR-C sessions. Salivary cortisol and interleukin-6 were assessed pre– and post–MBSR-C session at 1, 3, and 6 weeks. Findings: Following the 6-week MBSR program, patients showed improvements in stress and anxiety (p < .05); caregivers’ psychological and QOL also improved but were not statistically significant. Both patients and caregivers had decreases in cortisol at Weeks 1 and 3 (p < .05) but not at Week 6. Similar to cortisol levels at Week 6, salivary interleukin-6 levels were lower overall (before/after an MBSR-C session), compared with Week 1 for patients and caregivers. Conclusions: MBSR-C may be a beneficial intervention for reducing stress, anxiety, cortisol levels, and symptoms in advanced-stage cancer patients and may also benefit caregivers.
Preparation and characterization of antibacterial poly(vinylidene fluoride)-silver composites
Authors: Tang Xiaochuan , Cao Xuchen
Published: March 2012

Poly(vinylidene fluoride)-silver (PVDF-Ag) composite films were synthesized by in situ reduction of silver nitrate using N, N-dimethylformamide as solvent and reductant simultaneously. The effects of silver on the thermal property and crystal structure of PVDF were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The mechanical properties and morphology of the composite membrane were characterized using a material testing machine and scanning electron microscopy. The toughness of the composite film was proved to increase sharply by adding 10% silver nitrate. The composite films were verified to be effective to kill Escherichia coli.
A new high dimension nonlinear dynamics simulation model for four-wheel-steering vehicle
Authors: Wang Wei , Song Yuling
Published: March 2012

A novel method and process that produce the multiple-degrees-of-freedom dynamic model of four-wheel-steering vehicle is proposed for dynamic prediction. It can avoid disadvantages of half-baked expression by simple linear dynamic model through thinking about nonlinear specialty of tire and applying two-dimensional LuGre tire friction model. The complexity caused by the unit of suspension which has absolute value elasticity and subsection linear damper is solved during modeling. Based on control law of turning angle, nonlinear dynamic characteristic of four-wheel-steering vehicle is calculated under the condition of small disturbance. The experiment supports the model and confirms a series of simulation results by Matlab 7.0.
Simultaneous reduction in the exhaust emissions by a high exhaust gas recirculation ratio in a dimethyl-ether-fuelled diesel engine at a low-load operating condition
Authors: Park Su Han , Cha Junepyo , Park Sungwook , Lee Chang Sik
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the exhaust gas recirculation rate on the combustion and exhaust emission reduction characteristics of dimethyl ether fuel in a single-cylinder diesel engine. To investigate the effects on emission reduction, the test set-up was composed of a dimethyl ether supply system, a spray visualization system, an engine combustion system and an emissions analysis system. In this work, the spray visualization and exhaust emissions were measured using a high-speed camera with a metal halide lamp, a smoke meter and an emission gas analyser. The spray tip penetration and tip velocity of dimethyl ether fuel were lower than those of conventional diesel fuel. The reduction slope of the spray cone angle for dimethyl ether was less than that for diesel fuel owing to its low density and superior evaporation characteristics. The increase in the exhaust gas recirculation rate caused an extension of the ignition delay for dimethyl ether. During the extended ignition delay, the improved mixing characteristics influenced the slight decrease in the combustion period. An increase in the exhaust gas recirculation rate caused a significant reduction in the emission of nitrogen oxides. In addition, the soot emission was very low owing to the intrinsic characteristics of dimethyl ether (no direct carbon–carbon bonds). At the given equivalence ratio condition, the indicated specific hydrocarbon and indicated specific carbon monoxide emissions for dimethyl ether were extremely low when dimethyl ether spray was injected into the piston bowl (from 25° before top dead centre to top dead centre). Also, in this case, a change in the exhaust gas recirculation rate for dimethyl ether combustion had minimal effects on the indicated specific hydrocarbon and indicated specific carbon monoxide emissions. These results suggest that the use of high exhaust gas recirculation with dimethyl ether fuel can achieve near-zero exhaust emissions (nitrogen oxides, soot, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide).
Experimental method for studying gust effects on micro rotorcraft
Authors: Zarovy Sam , Costello Mark , Mehta Ankur
Published: March 2012

Micro rotorcraft have a great potential for both civilian and military applications, but for successful deployment, they must operate robustly in real-world environments including flight in winds. Due to their small size, common wind fields in and around buildings can represent a large percentage of the vehicle’s full flight envelope resulting in highly non-linear motion. An experimental method has been developed to evaluate the capabilities of micro rotorcraft in realistic wind conditions to aid in the design and evaluation of these vehicles. A synthetic wind generation system is used to create repeatable and controllable gust excitations, and a motion capture system is used for precise measurement of vehicle response. Performance metrics associated with the accuracy of position tracking and angular rate excursions are proposed to quantify vehicle capabilities at different excitation levels for design assessment and cross-platform comparison. To demonstrate the experimental method, test results are shown to evaluate the capabilities of a micro coaxial helicopter in realistic winds as a function of gust excitation level and vehicle size. For this example system, light wind gusts degrade hover hold accuracy by a factor of 3 compared to a situation with quiescent winds.
The rewetting of PWR fuel cladding during post-LOCA reflood: a proposed physical explanation for the micro-scale high-frequency sputtering observed
Authors: Walker S P , Ilyas M , Hewitt G F
Published: March 2012

Following a loss of coolant accident in a light water reactor, reflooding of the core to quench overheating fuel is urgent. The process of quenching hot metal with liquid water has been much studied, in large part because of its great importance in this context. There is good experimental evidence such as quenching occurs via multiple micro-scale wettings of the surface, followed by vapour-driven ejection of liquid water. It is only after some tens of such wettings that permanent wetting seems to take place. In this article, we investigate this process, and put forward a physical mechanism that seems to explain this cyclical behaviour. The mechanism involves the need for some time to elapse following wetting of a hot body for heat to be conducted from within the depths of the body into the liquid water, such as to form a layer of water hot and deep enough to accommodate a critically sized bubble and thus cause ejection of the water film. Simple one-dimensional calculations using this model produce results that are in broad accord with experimental observations.
Late-Holocene paleofloods in the Upper Little Tennessee River valley, Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, USA
Authors: Wang Lixin , Leigh David S
Published: March 2012

We derive a paleoflood chronology for the past 2000 years from three stratigraphic sections of overbank sediments with dates from radiocarbon, luminescence, 137Cs techniques, and historical records. Particle sizes were measured in 6–15 year intervals in post-1870 sediments and in 45–170 year intervals in pre-1870 sediments using an automatic laser analyzer. The sedimentological characteristics of ad 1948–2009 deposits were compared with gaging records, demonstrating that fine sand content and sorting discern time intervals of large floods, but flood magnitudes are not well resolved. This modern analog was applied to pre-1870 sediments and revealed two periods in the last 2000 years with large floods during ad 650–850 and ad 1100–1350, which are times when the regional tree-ring record showed extreme wetness and no severe or extreme droughts. Our findings indicate flood-prone phases of transitional climate at the beginning and end of the ‘Medieval Warm Period’ (MWP), and relatively subdued flooding during the ‘Little Ice Age’ (LIA), possibly correlated with rearrangement of macro-scale atmospheric circulation patterns between the MWP and the LIA.
Mid-Holocene glacier expansion between 7500 and 4000 cal. yr BP in the British Columbia Coast Mountains, Canada
Authors: Harvey Jill E , Smith Dan J , Laxton Sarah , Desloges Joseph , Allen Sandra
Published: March 2012

The mid-Holocene behaviour of five glaciers in the British Columbia Coast Mountains was reconstructed from radiocarbon ages and stratigraphic analysis. Subfossil wood evidence at Canoe, Fyles, Jacobsen, Tchaikazan and Icemaker glaciers suggests these glaciers were expanding into standing forests prior to 6630, 4900 and 4200 cal. yr BP. Stratigraphically constrained woody detritus at Fyles Glacier records the progradational history of a Gilbert-type delta forming in response to glacial expansion between 7020 and 5470 cal. yr BP. This research provides the first evidence for mid-Holocene glacial expansion in the central and northern British Columbia Coast Mountains. Proxy records describing mid-Holocene climates in the British Columbia Coast Mountains indicate a trend towards slightly cooler and possibly wetter conditions than present. Glacial expansion occurring between 7500 and 4000 cal. yr BP has regional correlatives, suggesting coherent broad-scale climate forcing mechanisms influenced glacial mass balance at this time.
Fertility preservation methods in young women with systemic lupus erythematosus prior to cytotoxic therapy: experiences from the FertiProtekt network
Authors: Henes M , Henes JC , Neunhoeffer E , Von Wolff M , Schmalzing M , Kötter I , Lawrenz B
Published: March 2012

Objectives: Despite new treatment options, some patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) need to be treated with the cytotoxic agent cyclophosphamide (CYC). Unlike malignant disease, there are no recommendations for ovarian protection in SLE. The clinical experience of the FertiPROTEKT network as well as recommendations after literature review will be presented in this paper. Methods: Retrospective analyses of counselling and treatment data from the FertiPROTEKT register with special respect to SLE patients under 40 years prior to planned CYC treatment. Results: A total of 2836 patients were advised prior to cytotoxic treatment in one of the FertiPROTEKT centres during January 2007 to November 2011. Of those, 68 patients (mean age 25 +/− 6.07years) were counselled for severe SLE. Only five women did not make use of a fertility preservation method. Sixty-three patients (92.6%) decided in favour of a fertility preservation method. The largest proportion (91.2%) opted for treatment with a GnRH analogue. Ovarian tissue removal for cryoconservation was performed in 16 patients (25%). Stimulation therapy for cryoconservation of fertilized egg cells was performed in three patients (4.4%). Conclusions: When counselling patients with SLE for fertility preservation one has to be aware of the disease-specific risks. According to the literature, a safe and effective option in SLE up to now has been the use of a GnRH analogue. Cryoconservation of ovarian tissue must still be seen as an experimental treatment, but as data on removal, cryoconservation, retransplantation and pregnancies are steadily rising, this presents a promising option for young SLE patients. Cryoconservation of oocytes must be very critically evaluated due to the need for a stimulation therapy and should only be performed after particular consideration of the individual risks.
Perceived Service Quality and Its Influence on Behavioral Intention in South Korean Public Dental Hospitals
Authors: Kim Yukyoung , Kim Soungmin , Myoung Hoon , Lee Hyung Ryong
Published: March 2012

South Korean national university dental hospitals (NUDHs) face unprecedented challenges in maintaining primary function as public hospitals and surviving in intensified competition. The aim of the study was to evaluate the perceived service quality of NUDH patients and its influences on behavior and to gain managerial implications. Perceived service quality, value, satisfaction, and behavioral intention were measured in 438 NUDH patients from 3 NUDHs. With demographic analyses, the authors used structural equation models to test the validity to prove the relationship between dimensions. Results showed that the dimension of dentist concern directly influenced satisfaction and behavior, and tangibles was the only significant antecedent factor of value that had a significant positive effect on satisfaction. Based on demographic characteristics, highly educated, self-motivated patients who underwent multiple treatments had lower perceptions of value and satisfaction. NUDHs need to maintain their public image and to improve the dimensions of communication and tangibles to gain competitiveness.
Physical Activity and Its Association With Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Vietnam
Authors: Thuy Au Bich , Blizzard Leigh , Schmidt Michael D. , Pham Luc Hung , Granger Robert H. , Dwyer Terence
Published: March 2012

This study examined physical activity in leisure time and at work as estimated by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and the associations between both total and domain-specific physical activity with cardiovascular risk factors in a population-based Vietnamese sample. Participants (n = 1978) were 25- to 64-year-old adults selected by stratified multistage sampling. Leisure activity contributed to <5% of total moderate and vigorous activity and was not associated with cardiovascular risk factors. Total moderate and vigorous activity was associated with body composition ( r = −0.16 to −0.22; P < .001), blood glucose ( r = −0.07; P < .05), and total cholesterol ( r = −0.17; P < .001) for men and with total cholesterol ( r = −0.07; P < .05) for women after adjusting for age. Further adjustment for smoking and alcohol intake made negligible changes. These associations were largely driven by work activity, which accounted for 80% of total activity.
Hepatitis B Knowledge, Testing, and Vaccination Among Chinese and Vietnamese Adults in Australia
Authors: Vu Lan H. , Gu Zhihong , Walton Jodie , Peet Anthony , Dean Judith , Dunne Michael P , Debattista Joseph
Published: March 2012

Hepatitis B is a significant public health challenge within some subpopulations in Australia, including Chinese and Vietnamese migrants. There has been limited research on hepatitis B knowledge and actions in these communities. The authors conducted a self-administered survey among 442 Chinese and 433 Vietnamese in Brisbane. Generally, the knowledge is best described as “moderate.” One in 2 could not identify the sexual transmission risk and less than one third knew that sharing foods or drinks did not spread the disease. The majority of Vietnamese (80%) and 60% of Chinese respondents indicated prior testing. Vaccination was reported in 60% of the Vietnamese and in 52% of the Chinese. Knowledge was better among Chinese people who had been tested and vaccinated compared with those who were nontested and nonvaccinated. Only 3.5% of the Chinese, but 11.6% of the Vietnamese, indicated having a positive test result hepatitis B virus. This study helps identify strategies for programs targeting both communities and practitioners.
The Importance of Definition in Diagnosing Obesity
Authors: Chen Shu , Binns Colin W. , Zhang Yuexiao
Published: March 2012

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in China has increased in recent decades. However, studies reported from China use several different definitions and growth references, making it difficult to compare the rates of obesity from different regions. It also makes it difficult to establish the extent of secular trends in obesity and to make international comparisons. This article reviews the definitions of childhood obesity used in Chinese studies published over the past 10 years. The majority (79%) of the Chinese studies used a definition of >120% of the mean value of the National Center for Health Statistics reference population to diagnose childhood obesity. Only 7 studies (9%) conducted in China measured childhood obesity using age-specific and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) cutoffs, including International Obesity Task Force cutoffs, Centers for Disease Control 2000 and World Health Organization 2006 BMI curves, and Chinese BMI curves. It is important that a consistent and applicable definition is used and all studies accurately define the obesity with growth reference, cutoff criteria, sample selection, and age distribution. The use of sex-specific and age-specific BMI cutoffs should be considered when undertaking future studies of obesity in Chinese children.
Chinese Underground Banks and Their Connections With Crime
Authors: Zhao Linda Shuo
Published: March 2012

Chinese informal fund transfer systems (IFTS), widely known as underground banks, are one of the two prototypes of unregulated practices of fund transfer which could either use or bypass conventional banking institutions. This article focuses on the type of underground banking systems which primarily deals with foreign exchange and remittance transfer. The article proposes that underground banks are treated as illegal enterprises instead of a component of organized crime. This first qualitative study draws firsthand evidence from interviews made both in mainland China and in the United States. By depicting and analyzing the links of Chinese IFTS to human smuggling and money laundering, this article examines the extent to which the systems are involved in crime.
Conflicting Models of Mind
Authors: Kendall-Taylor Nathaniel
Published: March 2012

Looking at the issue of child mental health and drawing on theory and methods from anthropology and cognitive linguistics, this study explores the role of cultural models in science translation. In-depth interviews with members of the American public reveal the cultural assumptions that Americans employ in thinking about child mental health, which differ dramatically from the ways scientists explain this topic. The study finds that public understandings of causation shape perceptions of effective solutions on this issue. Findings suggest strategies to translate the science of child mental health and encourage productive thinking of policy solutions to this issue.
Administration of PRN Medications and Use of Nonpharmacologic Interventions in Acute Geropsychiatric Settings
Authors: Lindsey Pamela L. , Buckwalter Kathleen C.
Published: March 2012

Despite the known risks and the widespread administration of PRN (pro re nata or “as needed”) psychotropic medications in inpatient settings, little is known about their use with hospitalized older adults. This exploratory descriptive study examined the use of PRN psychotropic medications and nonpharmacologic interventions to manage symptoms in older adults hospitalized in two acute care geropsychiatric settings. A retrospective chart audit was conducted. A major finding was the lack of documentation regarding PRN administration. In 81.3% of cases at Site A and 55.3% of cases at Site B, no reason for administration was documented. No medication response was documented in 92.4% of cases at Site A and 47.5% of cases at Site B. No nonpharmacologic interventions were documented for 69% of Site A patients or 64% of Site B patients. To ensure patient safety and to inform best clinical practice, the lack of documentation surrounding administration of PRN medications and nonpharmacologic interventions must be resolved.
Evaluation of Natural Resource Interventions
Authors: Rowe Andy
Published: March 2012

This article provides a frame for evaluation of natural resource interventions, which necessarily involves both human and natural systems. Two-system evaluands require us to adapt evaluation methods for comparison and attribution and to address differences in time and space occurring across the systems as well as potentially very different values among stakeholders. While two-system evaluands can be challenging, it does not follow that evaluation in these settings is necessarily more difficult than evaluations located solely in human systems settings. This article suggests that if we are concerned about use and influence, then our responses to challenging evaluation settings should not automatically favor additional rigor; they should prioritize salience and legitimacy through joint knowledge production processes with decision makers and stakeholders.