bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Annobón (Equatorial Guinea)
Authors: Velayos Mauricio , Barberá Patricia , Cabezas Francisco J. , De la Estrella Manuel , Fero Maximiliano , Aedo Carlos
Published: June 2014

An updated checklist of the vascular plants of Annobón Island (Equatorial Guinea) is presented. Two hundred and ninety-five taxa of Angiosperms in 211 genera and 68 families and 51 species of Pteridophytes in 31 genera and 18 families are listed from Annobón. The most represented families are Leguminosae (38 taxa), Gramineae (29 taxa) and Orchidaceae (28 taxa). In addition bibliographic references have been collated and checked. Thirty-eight species are included based on records from the literature where their distribution ranges suggest they should occur on Annobón. Fifty-four introduced species that have become naturalized are listed. Twenty-four taxa are recorded for the first time, three of which were not previously known for Equatorial Guinea. Peperomia blanda is recorded as a new for West Tropical Africa. At present 23 taxa are known to be endemic to Annobón or to Annobón and the islands of São Tomé or/and Príncipe. The percentage of endemic species is 7.8. The small area of Annobón and the strict application of conservation criteria indicated that every endemic of the island should be considered as threatened under  IUCN guidelines. Species conservation assessments were undertaken for 23 taxa using IUCN criteria; 19 of these represent the first assessments for these species. The catalogue includes accepted names, synonyms and voucher specimens.
New species and new records of Pterosthetops: eumadicolous water beetles of the South African Cape (Coleoptera, Hydraenidae)
Authors: BILTON DAVID T.
Published: June 2014

Pterosthetops is one of a number of hydraenid genera endemic to the Cape of South Africa, whose minute moss beetle fauna is amongst the most diverse on earth. Here seven species are described as new: Pterosthetops baini sp. nov., Pterosthetops coriaceus sp. nov., Pterosthetops indwei sp. nov., Ptersothetops pulcherrimus sp. nov., Pterosthetops swartbergensis sp. nov., Pterosthetops tuberculatus sp. nov. and Pterosthetops uitkyki sp. nov., all from mountains in the Western Cape region. New collection records are also provided for all five previously described members of the genus, together with a revised key. Pterosthetops appear to be specialist inhabitants of seepages over rock faces (hygropetric/madicolous habitats), rarely being found outside such situations.
Redescription of late-instar larva of Ptinella aptera (Guérin-Méneville, 1839) (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: June 2014

The late-instar larva of the featherwing beetle Ptinella aptera is redescribed. A coding system for chaetotaxic structures for ptiliid larvae is proposed and possible serial homology of setae across body segments is discussed. Previous, fragmentary and inaccurate descriptions of larval stages of P. aptera are discussed. The structures of immature P. aptera are compared with those of P. tenella and possible homologies and differences are indicated.
Amphipoda (Crustacea) from Palau, Micronesia: Families Melphidippidae, Oedicerotidae, Photidae, Pleustidae, Podoceridae, Stenothoidae, Synopiidae and Talitridae
Authors: MYERS A.A.
Published: June 2014

Eleven species belonging to the families Melphidippidae, Oedicerotidae, Photidae, Pleustidae, Podoceridae, Stenothoidae, Synopiidae and Talitridae are recorded from Palau, Micronesia. Eight species are figured. One species is new to science and is described and figured. One species was previously known only from Australia, one only from Madagascar and one only from Fiji.
Application of the Overclaiming Technique to Scholastic Assessment
Authors: Paulhus Delroy L. , Dubois Patrick J.
Published: June 2014

The overclaiming technique is a novel assessment procedure that uses signal detection analysis to generate indices of knowledge accuracy (OC-accuracy) and self-enhancement (OC-bias). The technique has previously shown robustness over varied knowledge domains as well as low reactivity across administration contexts. Here we compared the OC-accuracy index with multiple choice (MC) and short answer (SA) tests in assessing knowledge of introductory psychology topics in a sample of 108 undergraduates. Results indicated that OC-accuracy was (a) comparable to MC and SA in predicting overall course grades and (b) superior to SA tests in reliability achieved per unit administration time. By including the OC-bias index, the overclaiming method also adds a unique element to scholastic testing, namely, a measure of knowledge self-enhancement. The latter index was a negative predictor of overall course grade, suggesting a narcissistic self-destructiveness. Because the self-enhancement index adds no extra administration time to the knowledge measure, the overclaiming approach provides a more rich and efficient information source compared with traditional methods of scholastic assessment.
Mapping Brain Activity During Loss of Situation Awareness
Authors: Catherwood Di , Edgar Graham K. , Nikolla Dritan , Alford Chris , Brookes David , Baker Steven , White Sarah
Published: June 2014

Objective:

The objective was to map brain activity during early intervals in loss of situation awareness (SA) to examine any co-activity in visual and high-order regions, reflecting grounds for top-down influences on Level 1 SA.

Background:

Behavioral and neuroscience evidence indicates that high-order brain areas can engage before perception is complete. Inappropriate top-down messages may distort perception during loss of SA. Evidence of co-activity of perceptual and high-order regions would not confirm such influence but may reflect a basis for it.

Method:

SA and bias were measured using Quantitative Analysis of Situation Awareness and brain activity recorded with 128-channel EEG (electroencephalography) during loss of SA. One task (15 participants) required identification of a target pattern, and another task (10 participants) identification of “threat” in urban scenes. In both, the target was changed without warning, enforcing loss of SA. Key regions of brain activity were identified using source localization with standardized low-resolution electrical tomography (sLORETA) 150 to 160 ms post–stimulus onset in both tasks and also 100 to 110 ms in the second task.

Results:

In both tasks, there was significant loss of SA and bias shift ( p ≤ .02), associated at both 150- and 100-ms intervals with co-activity of visual regions and prefrontal, anterior cingulate and parietal regions linked to cognition under uncertainty.

Conclusion:

There was early co-activity in high-order and visual perception regions that may provide a basis for top-down influence on perception.

Application:

Co-activity in high- and low-order brain regions may explain either beneficial or disruptive top-down influence on perception affecting Level 1 SA in real-world operations.
Rethinking the philosophical and theoretical foundations of organizational neuroscience: A critical realist alternative
Authors: Healey Mark P , Hodgkinson Gerard P
Published: June 2014

Stimulated by the growing use of brain imaging and related neurophysiological techniques in psychology and economics, scholars have begun to debate the implications of neuroscience for management and organization studies (MOS). Currently, this debate is polarizing scholarly opinion. At one extreme, advocates are calling for a new neuroscience of organizations, which they claim will revolutionize understanding of a wide range of key processes, with significant implications for management practice. At the other extreme, detractors are decrying the relevance of neuroscience for MOS, primarily on philosophical and ethical grounds. The present article progresses this debate by outlining an intermediate, critical realist position, in which the insights of social neuroscience are one of a number of convergent building blocks that together point toward the need for a more embodied and socially situated view of cognition in management and organizations.
Autonomous and/or institutionalized social movements? Conceptual clarification and illustrative cases
Authors: Pruijt Hans , Roggeband Conny
Published: June 2014

Case studies of urban squatting in the United States and The Netherlands, and the fight against sexual violence in Spain and in The Netherlands, form the empirical basis of an analysis of the features and development of autonomous and institutionalized social movements, and the interaction between them. Autonomous and institutionalized social movements have different strengths that they derive from characteristics that are not compatible. Nevertheless, a dynamic is possible that combines the strengths of both models. It provides synergy between self-contained autonomous and institutionalized movements, without imposing trade-offs. Political opportunity theory suggests that such a ‘dual movement structure’ is most relevant when the political system is selectively open. Interaction between the movements is conditioned by the mainstreaming potential of the issue or interest that is at stake. Even when relations are tense, movements can create opportunities for each other. Autonomous movements are able to retain a repertoire of disruptive actions when lobbying is the more popular option. An autonomous movement can benefit from the legitimacy and supporting network engendered by an institutionalized movement, pioneering work done by an autonomous movement can inspire an institutionalized counterpart. Autonomous movements can provide a critical voice when co-optation occurs.
Filifactor alocis: The Newly Discovered Kid on the Block with Special Talents
Authors: Aruni W. , Chioma O. , Fletcher H.M.
Published: June 2014

Infection-induced periodontal disease has been primarily focused on a small group of periodontal pathogens. A paradigm shift, based on data emerging from the oral microbiome project, now suggests the involvement of as-yet-unculturable and fastidious organisms. Collectively, these studies have demonstrated that there are changes in the periodontal status associated with shifts in the composition of the bacterial community in the periodontal pocket. In addition, it is likely that the emerging new pathogens may play a more significant role in the disease. One of the organisms previously unrecognized is Filifactor alocis. While this Gram-positive anaerobic rod has been identified in peri-implantitis, in endodontic infections, and in patients with localized aggressive periodontitis, its presence is now observed at significantly higher levels in patients with adult periodontitis or refractory periodontitis. Its colonization properties and its potential virulence attributes support the proposal that F. alocis should be included as a diagnostic indicator of periodontal disease. Moreover, these emerging characteristics would be consistent with the polymicrobial synergy and dysbiosis (PSD) periodontal pathogenesis model. Here, unique characteristics of F. alocis are discussed. F. alocis has specific factors that can modulate multiple changes in the microbial community and host cell proteome. It is likely that such variations at the molecular level are responsible for the functional changes required to mediate the pathogenic process.
Social Attachment and Juvenile Attitudes toward the Police in China
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Zhao Ruohui , Zhao Jihong Solomon , Ren Ling
Published: June 2014

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to examine the correlates of juvenile attitudes toward the police in the Chinese setting. It borrows from the prevailing criminological wisdom developed in the West and Confucian philosophical doctrines to shed light on how attachment to social institutions helps explain variation in juvenile sentiments of the police.

Method:

The data were collected from a sample of 2,679 high school students in a southwestern Chinese city. A second-order latent variable labeled social attachment is constructed and comprised of three lower order factors representing family attachment, neighborhood attachment, and school attachment. Traditional demographic background, victimization, and contact with the police variables commonly used in U.S. studies are included in the analysis. Structural equation modeling is employed to test hypothesized relationships among explanatory variables and juvenile attitudes toward the police.

Results:

The findings suggest that the higher order factor social attachment is the most robust predictor of juvenile evaluations of the police in China. Other commonly used demographic, socioeconomic, and police contact factors show limited utility.

Conclusion:

The findings lend support to propositions derived from the Western criminological theories and the eastern philosophical doctrine to a major extent. Both confirmations of expected findings and noteworthy surprises are discussed.
The Beagle Channel frontier dispute between Argentina and Chile: Converging domestic and international conflicts
Authors: Villar Gertner Andrés
Published: June 2014

The Beagle Channel crisis (1977–1984) unfolded in a global political context. In other words, it was never solely a bilateral matter between Argentina and Chile, as many analyses have suggested. From the international arbitration to the participation of a third actor (the Vatican), the role of the United States, the Falklands war and the United Kingdom, the Beagle crisis had pronounced regional and international dimensions. Domestic structures and international conditions affected the Argentinian and Chilean foreign policies to different degrees. The Beagle crisis resolution has been explained by reference to the key role played by the Vatican. However, recently declassified US documents and interviews with key actors reveal a different story. International sanctions for human right violations were affecting both countries’ leverage in the international community and creating internal political problems. This finding suggests that both countries were keen to use mediation as a strategy to remove human rights violations from the US agenda.
Bridging Media Processing and Selective Exposure
Authors: Wang Zheng
Published: June 2014

Based on the dynamic motivational activation (DMA) theoretical framework, a dynamic and stochastic semi-Markov choice model of channel changing behavior, called the ChaCha model, is developed and submitted to empirical testing. The ChaCha model integrates the motivated media processing and selective exposure behavior, and formalizes their reciprocal, recursive dynamic influences. It incorporates a logistic type of ratio of strength choice model, a reinforcement learning model, and the diffusion model of choice time to simultaneously predict sequential media channel choices and channel viewing durations. Real-time channel choice data from a selective exposure TV viewing experiment are used to test the model and to illustrate how this model can be used to understand dynamic cognitive mechanisms underlying the observed media choice behavior.
Privatization of Marriage in Post-Socialist China
Authors: Davis Deborah S.
Published: June 2014

Over the past three decades, a distinctly post-socialist form of marriage with high rates of divorce as well as rising rates of marriage and remarriage has emerged as the result of a “triple turn” by the party-state in regard to the institution of marriage: a “turn toward” marriage as a voluntary contract, a “turn away” from close surveillance of sexual relationships, and a “turn away” from protection of communal property. The one-child policy runs against these three prevailing “turns” toward privatization, but to date this contradiction has been muted by a de facto distinction between (strong) control over reproduction and (weak) control over sexual relationships. Moreover, as illustrated here through close analysis of three recent interpretations 解释 of the Supreme People’s Court and interviews with ordinary citizens in Guangzhou and Shanghai, by continuing to extend the logic of voluntary contract to intimate relationships, the party-state’s own actions (and inaction) serve to accelerate privatization of marriage in post-socialist China.
Increased Anti‐Flagellin and Anti‐Lipopolysaccharide Immunoglobulins in Pediatric Intestinal Failure
Authors: Galloway David P. , Troutt Misty L. , Kocoshis Samuel A. , Gewirtz Andrew T. , Ziegler Thomas R. , Cole Conrad R.
Published: June 2014

Background: Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) pose a significant challenge in the lives of patients with intestinal failure (IF). We hypothesized that plasma immunoglobulins against flagellin (FLiC) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) would be able to differentiate CLABSIs from nonbacterial febrile episodes and that levels would increase with infection and decline following appropriate antibiotic treatment. Materials and Methods: Patients with IF, due to short bowel syndrome, between the ages of 3 months and 4 years of age, were recruited at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Anti‐FLiC and anti‐LPS plasma antibody levels were measured in 13 children with IF at baseline, during febrile events, and also following treatment with antibiotics. These were also measured in 11 healthy children without IF who were recruited as controls. Results: Plasma anti‐FLiC IgA levels increased during febrile episodes in all patients with IF (baseline mean of 1.10 vs febrile episode mean of 1.32 optical density units, respectively; P = .046). Neither plasma anti‐FLiC nor anti‐LPS IgA or IgG levels distinguished CLABSI from nonbacterial febrile episodes compared with baseline levels. Compared with controls, patients with IF had significantly higher plasma levels of anti‐FLiC and anti‐LPS IgA at baseline. Conclusion: Plasma anti‐FLiC IgA antibody levels rise during febrile episodes but do not differentiate between nonbacterial febrile illnesses and CLABSIs in pediatric IF. However, the upregulation of these antibodies in IF suggests the baseline systemic presence of Gram‐negative bacterial products.
Do CEOs Ever Lose? Fairness Perspective on the Allocation of Residuals Between CEOs and Shareholders
Authors: Kolev Kalin , Wiseman Robert M. , Gomez-Mejia Luis R.
Published: June 2014

In this study we introduce a justice perspective to examining the result of bargaining between CEOs and boards over the allocation of firm residuals that ultimately determines CEO compensation. Framing CEO pay as the result of bargaining between CEOs and boards focuses attention on the power of CEOs to increase their share of firm residuals in the form of increased compensation, and the diligence of boards of directors to constrain CEO opportunism. Framing this negotiation through a theory of justice offers an alternative perspective to the search for pay-performance sensitivity. We predict and find that as board diligence in controlling opportunism declines and CEO power increases, CEOs are increasingly able to capture a larger portion of firm residuals relative to shareholders. This finding supports critics who charge that CEO pay violates norms of distributive and procedural justice.
Gender differences in the content of preschool children’s recollections
Authors: Tõugu Pirko , Tulviste Tiia , Suits Kristi
Published: June 2014

Personal recollections constitute autobiographical memory that develops intensively during the preschool years. The two-wave longitudinal study focuses on gender differences in preschool children’s independent recollections. The same children ( N = 275; 140 boys, 135 girls) were asked to talk about their previous birthday and the past weekend at the ages of 4 and 6. Interactions were coded for content. Boys talked more about themselves and about different nonsocial aspects of the events. Girls talked more about the other people with whom they had jointly experienced the past event. It seems that gender differences in children’s recollections appear early and increase during the preschool period.
Desert as a principle of distributive justice
Authors: Brigati Roberto
Published: June 2014

Can desert be the foundation of justice? Recent attempts to redefine distributive justice in the light of the notions of desert and merit depend largely upon how much independent moral force can be attributed to these notions. This is why a number of theorists, following in Joel Feinberg’s wake, assume desert to be a natural feature (of an action, or a person, or a performance), independently of the institutions that may reward it, and of the socio-political background against which it stands out. This article criticizes such a view, trying to establish that desert cannot exist but ‘in the eyes’ of some person or group who already possesses some system of values. Thus, the concept lacks the moral force for defining the rightness of a society. In the last section, David Miller’s thesis that there is one specific, right pattern for rewarding desert will be examined.
Contemporary Changes with the Use of Facial Nerve Monitoring in Chronic Ear Surgery
Authors: Hu Jinwei , Fleck Terry R. , Xu Jane , Hsu Jeffrey V. , Xu Helen X.
Published: June 2014

Objective

There is a growing trend for the routine use of the facial nerve monitor (FNM) in chronic ear surgery. We aimed to examine current patterns in the use of FNMs in chronic ear surgery.

Study Design

Descriptive design (survey).

Setting

Academic health center.

Methods

A 10‐question survey was designed to identify level of training, scope of practice, specific otologic surgeries where monitoring was most used, and the opinion of respondents regarding the use of FNMs as standard of care for chronic and/or middle ear surgery. A randomized list of 2000 board‐certified members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery was generated. One thousand subjects received a mailed survey with a self‐addressed return envelope and 1000 subjects received an emailed survey through Surveymonkey.com.

Results

There were 359 (36%) surveys returned by mail and 258 (26%) surveys returned electronically. Forty‐three percent of respondents were in private practice, and 31% were fellowship trained in otology/neurotology. Sixty‐five percent used a FNM in their training and 95% had regular access to a FNM. Revision mastoid surgery, cholesteatoma, canal wall down mastoidectomy, and facial recess approach were the settings where a FNM was most used. Forty‐nine percent of respondents felt that a FNM should be used as the standard of care in chronic ear surgery; this represents an increase from 32% in a similar study done approximately 10 years ago.

Conclusion

There is a growing trend for routine facial nerve monitoring in the setting of chronic ear surgery.
Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube Is Indeed a “Gizmo” Until Future Research Proves Safety and Efficacy
Authors: Bluestone Charles D.
Published: June 2014

In the April 2014 issue of this journal, Richard M. Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, wrote an editorial in which he recommends distinguishing “fanciful gizmos from truly useful technology,” provides 5 criteria to evaluate a gizmo, and includes as one of the current ones balloons to “open clogged ears.” The implication is that balloon dilation for suspected eustachian tube dysfunction–middle ear disease is an unproven procedure. Coincidentally, on April 1, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded an Exploratory/Development grant to the University of Pittsburgh to evaluate this new treatment, which affirms that the NIH agrees that this procedure is of uncertain efficacy.
Sarcoidosis or acute coronary syndrome: Easily distinguishable?
Authors: Marley William Dominic , Booth Karen , Jeganathan Reuben
Published: June 2014

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare presenting feature of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. We describe such a case which resolved with thrombolysis, and on further investigation, the patient was found to have a large sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. Abnormal gross pathology at the time of surgery was suspected to be aortitis which was only confirmed on postmortem examination 6 months later. We highlight the importance of working closely with a pathologist when aortitis is suspected, because failure to treat it medically results in a poor outcome.
‘I owe it to my group members…who critically commented on my conducting’ – Cooperative learning in choral conducting education
Authors: Varvarigou Maria
Published: June 2014

This article explores cooperative learning in choral conducting education. The five characteristics of cooperative learning identified by Adams and Hamm ((1996). Cooperative learning: Critical thinking and collaboration across the curriculum (2nd ed.). Springfield, IL: Charles Thomas Publishers): positive interdependence; face-to-face interaction; individual accountability and personal responsibility for reaching groups goals; frequent practice with small-group interpersonal skills; and regular group processing and reflection have been used to structure the discussion on the learners’ perception of their development and their module’s effectiveness. The context in focus was an elective module on choral conducting education at master’s level. Cooperative learning in choral conducting education was shown to support the learners’ motivation for active participation in the teaching and learning process; to increase respect for diversity; to support the learners’ development of interpersonal, communication, leadership and teaching skills at both an individual and at a collective level; and to improve teacher effectiveness.
Design and testing of a cyclic stretch and flexure bioreactor for evaluating engineered heart valve tissues based on poly(glycerol sebacate) scaffolds
Authors: Masoumi Nafiseh , Howell M Christian , Johnson Katherine L , Niesslein Matthew J , Gerber Gene , Engelmayr George C
Published: June 2014

Cyclic flexure and stretch are essential to the function of semilunar heart valves and have demonstrated utility in mechanically conditioning tissue-engineered heart valves. In this study, a cyclic stretch and flexure bioreactor was designed and tested in the context of the bioresorbable elastomer poly(glycerol sebacate). Solid poly(glycerol sebacate) membranes were subjected to cyclic stretch, and micromolded poly(glycerol sebacate) scaffolds seeded with porcine aortic valvular interstitial cells were subjected to cyclic stretch and flexure. The results demonstrated significant effects of cyclic stretch on poly(glycerol sebacate) mechanical properties, including significant decreases in effective stiffness versus controls. In valvular interstitial cell-seeded scaffolds, cyclic stretch elicited significant increases in DNA and collagen content that paralleled maintenance of effective stiffness. This work provides a basis for investigating the roles of mechanical loading in the formation of tissue-engineered heart valves based on elastomeric scaffolds.
Coal and the Advent of the First World War at Sea
Authors: Goldrick James
Published: June 2014

The changeover from coal to oil propulsion in the world’s navies in the period of the First World War has been treated by many historians largely as a straightforward efficiency exercise in adopting new technology. This article assesses the issues of coal through analysis of the problems related to ship operations which were encountered with manpower, ship design, and coal supply. It argues that the demise of coal became likely through the introduction of turbine propulsion, which gave warships for the first time real potential to achieve and maintain high speeds. It then became unavoidable when the limitations inherent in coal firing became obvious in the context of global, long-range operations and a threat environment that included the submarine and which required surface ships to maintain much higher speeds at sea for vastly more extended periods than they had prior to 1914.
Terror Weapons: The British Experience of Gas and Its Treatment in the First World War
Authors: Jones Edgar
Published: June 2014

Chemical weapons accounted for only 1 per cent of the 750,000 British troops killed in the First World War and yet caused disproportionate casualties (estimated at 180,100). The considerable investment in the development of new toxins and methods of delivery was designed to maintain the elements of surprise and uncertainty as these accentuated their psychological effect. Soldiers were continually challenged on the battlefield by combinations of different types of agent designed to undermine their confidence in respirators, disorientate them, and erode their morale. At first, army doctors practised defensive medicine, invaliding their patients for protracted periods to the UK or base hospitals. By 1917, progressive study of the physical and psychological effects of different types of toxin allowed physicians to design new management strategies. Borrowing ideas from shell shock, specialist units were set up closer to the front line and medical officers taught to identify crucial points in the course of illness to accelerate recovery times and forestall the accretion of psychosomatic symptoms.
Service Recovery Paradox: The Success Parameters
Authors: Krishna Anupam , Dangayach G.S. , Sharma Sonal
Published: June 2014

The article aims to give insights into service recovery paradox (SRP) to find and validate the key factors for occurrence of this phenomenon. This study examines the SRP and builds a conceptual framework and validates to explain why and when it exists. The article is empirical and involves data from 150 respondents from India. The sampling unit is employee of health care, banking and personal care service sector. The data collection instrument is a structured, non-disguised questionnaire. The questionnaires have been filled through personal interviews. Six exigencies that influence relative importance within the SRP include fair communications that build relations, clearance of failure memory, creating understanding, reciprocating, building risk-taking confidence and depending on human nature to forgive and forget. This article could help business managers understand the state of mind of a customer after a service recovery and how they can capitalize on the situation to retain business. Researchers need to find the deepest part of the SRP to be practically used by the practitioners.
Exchange Rate Dynamics and Monetary Fundamentals: A Cointegrated SVAR Approach for Nigeria
Authors: Effiong Ekpeno L.
Published: June 2014

Are monetary fundamentals important determinants of the exchange rate behaviour in Nigeria? This article examines the validity of both short- and long-run versions of the monetary exchange rate model for the Nigerian naira–US dollar exchange rate from 1987:1 to 2011:4 within a cointegrated SVAR framework. Apart from the long-run relationship, the short-run contemporaneous interactions are examined for the monetary exchange rate model. The results show the existence of a unique long-run relationship between the exchange rate and monetary fundamental, which is theoretically consistent with the monetary model. The short-run evidence is not entirely consistent with the monetary exchange rate model, although the impulse response of the exchange rate to shocks in the monetary fundamentals mirrors the predictions of the monetary model. However, only the interest rate differential is significant and explains most of the variations in the nominal exchange rate in the short run.
Developing Evaluation Matrix for Critical Success Factors in Technology Forecasting
Authors: Srivastava Shagun , Misra Madhvendra
Published: June 2014

The article aims to investigate the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) of technology forecasting. It also attempts to build a consensus from the previous work to develop an evaluation matrix of the same with a view to segregate these factors based on multiple perspective approach. The literature survey reveals that exiguous studies exist pertaining to the CSFs of technology forecasting, that too with a limited focus. Hence, the opportunity and need to write a research article in this domain became rather obvious. The article seeks to understand and identify the success factors of technology forecasting activities and how these factors can be put into practice to help the forecasting process. Some 44 variables contributing towards the technology forecasting success were collected and 16 critical factors were derived out of them, using intuitive judgement based on majority criterion. The analysis revealed that accuracy in forecasting followed by an understanding of the technological change, are the most critical factors in the success of technology forecasting.
When the mandatory second opinion fails to approve compulsory treatment
Authors: Lenagh-Glue Jessie , Glue Paul , Dawson John
Published: June 2014

Objectives:

To examine situations in which compulsory treatment was not approved by the second opinion required under New Zealand’s Mental Health Act.

Methods:

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of 11 index cases where full approval of treatment was not given and of 33 matched controls.

Results:

The reasons for non-approval of treatment were diverse. Following non-approval, intensive consultation occurred, reflecting significant disagreement between clinicians. The process of resolution included discharge from the Act, patients consenting to treatment and alternative treatment plans. Compared with controls, index cases had significantly lower rates of being mentally well in the community over the subsequent year.

Conclusions:

Non-approval marks a group of patients with very poor clinical outcome. Explicit processes are needed to manage non-approval of compulsory treatment plans.
Collecting and Documenting Evidence
Authors: Joseph Laurice M. , Kastein Laura A. , Konrad Moira , Chan Paula E. , Peters Mary T. , Ressa Virginia A.
Published: June 2014

The ongoing collection and documentation of evidence of students’ performance in the classroom is a fundamental component of formative instructional practices, essential for ensuring student success. Multiple methods of collecting and documenting evidence of students’ academic performance in the classroom are described. These methods include direct behavioral observations, evaluation rubrics, recording devices, general curriculum-based outcome measures, goal attainment scaling, and graphing performance. A discussion of how teachers can use data derived from these assessment methods to make instructional decision is provided.
Using Findings From the Human Rights Authority Reports to Inform Psychiatric Nursing Practice
Authors: Rossetti Jeanette , Musker Kathleen , Smith Thomas , Santo Shelly
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND: In Illinois, the Human Rights Authority (HRA) exists to conduct investigations of complaints of violations of the rights of persons with disabilities. PURPOSE OF STUDY: The purpose of this study is to describe the findings from the HRA investigations and to determine significant implications for psychiatric nursing practice. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and the sample was composed of reports from the Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission HRA ( N = 129) for 2008. RESULTS: Allegations of restriction/notification of rights were significantly more likely to be substantiated than other allegation types. State hospitals were less likely to have allegations against them, whereas medical hospitals were less likely to have inadequate treatment allegations and more likely to have restriction/notification of rights allegations. CONCLUSIONS: The HRA findings will inform psychiatric nursing practice by expanding the nurses’ knowledge of patient rights issues.
CEPH Accreditation of Stand-Alone Baccalaureate Programs
Authors: Figueroa Jorge L. , Birch David A. , Rasar King Laura , Cottrell Randall R.
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this article is to provide a brief background of quality assurance efforts in health education, provide a brief overview of the new Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accreditation process for stand-alone baccalaureate public health programs that prepare health education specialists, and describe the experience of two academic programs in reviewing their curricula for coverage of the newly approved CEPH requirements. The University of Alabama and the University of North Carolina Wilmington undertook a curriculum mapping exercise identifying which courses in their programs Introduced, Reinforced, and/or Covered each of the Critical Components Elements identified by CEPH. The mapping process is described, and recommendations for other programs considering accreditation under the newly adopted CEPH standards are provided.
Optimal Ablation Volumes Are Achieved at Submaximal Power Settings in a 2.45-GHz Microwave Ablation System
Authors: Niemeyer David J. , Simo Kerri A. , McMillan Matthew T. , Seshadri Ramanathan M. , Hanna Erin M. , Swet Jacob H. , Swan Ryan Z. , Sindram David , Martinie John B. , McKillop Iain H. , Iannitti David A.
Published: June 2014

Introduction. Local ablative therapies, including microwave ablation (MWA), are common treatment modalities for in situ tumor destruction. Currently, 2.45-GHz ablation systems are gaining prominence because of the shorter application times required. The aims of this study were to determine optimal power and time to ablation volume (AbV) ratios for a new 1.8-mm–2.45-GHz antenna using ex vivo tissue models. Methods. The 1.8-mm–2.45-GHz Accu2i MWA system was employed to perform ablations in bovine liver, porcine muscle, and porcine kidney ex vivo. Whole tissues were prewarmed (35°C) and multiple ablations performed at power settings of 60 to 180 W for 2- to 6-minute time intervals. Postablation, tissues were dissected, AbVs calculated, and correlations to power and time settings made. Results. Significant increases in AbV were measured between each of the time points for a constant power setting in all 3 tissues. Increasing power settings led to significant increases in AbV at power settings ≤140 W. However, no significant increase in AbV was obtained at power settings >140 W. Conclusions. Optimal efficiency for MWA using a new 1.8-mm–2.45-GHz system is achieved at settings of ≤140 W for 6 minutes in a range of ex vivo tissue and no additional benefit occurs by increasing the power setting to 180 W in these tissues.
Masculinity in Adolescent Males’ Early Romantic and Sexual Heterosexual Relationships
Authors: Bell David L. , Rosenberger Joshua G. , Ott Mary A.
Published: June 2014

There is a need to understand better the complex interrelationship between the adoption of masculinity during adolescence and the development of early romantic and sexual relationships. The purpose of this study was to describe features of adolescent masculinity and how it is expressed in the contexts of early to middle adolescent males’ romantic and sexual relationships. Thirty-three 14- to 16-year-old males were recruited from an adolescent clinic serving a community with high sexually transmitted infection rates and were asked open-ended questions about their relationships—how they developed, progressed, and ended. Participants described a high degree of relationally oriented beliefs and behaviors related to romantic and sexual relationships, such as a desire for intimacy and trust. The males also described a more limited degree of conventionally masculine beliefs and behaviors. These beliefs and behaviors often coexisted or overlapped. Implications for the clinical care of similar groups of adolescents are described.
Education policy for social justice in Cyprus: The role of stakeholders’ values
Authors: Hajisoteriou Christina , Angelides Panayiotis
Published: June 2014

This article examines (a) the official policy for social justice as developed by the Ministry of Education and Culture and its policy-makers, (b) the ways in which school leaders (head teachers) and school actors (teachers) understand education policy for social justice, and (c) the impact of this process on school leaders’ and actors’ action or inaction for social justice. Data collection was based upon the analysis of policy documents related to education and social justice. Moreover, interviews were carried out with officials working within the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture and head teachers and teachers from five participant schools in Cyprus. The political culture fostered an access-based social-justice orientation. Across levels, the interviewees prioritised equity of access, suggesting all children’s right to access and participation in the school community. Nonetheless, as their values were exclusive of outcome-oriented definitions of equity, they impeded action on social justice.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (open, laparoscopic and robotic)
Authors: Hoyland Kimberley , Vasdev Nikhil , Adshead James M , Thorpe Andrew
Published: June 2014

The use of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is gaining popularity as a preoperative functional assessment tool and is a useful adjunct to risk stratification before radical cystectomy. It is important for urologists to understand the indications, contraindications, methodology and different parameters evaluated during CPET assessment and use this information acquired to tailor pre-, intra- and postoperative care in patients undergoing a radical cystectomy. We present a review on the increasing role of CPET in patients undergoing a radical cystectomy.
Tension Pneumothorax During Surgery for Thoracic Spine Stabilization in Prone Position
Authors: Rankin Demicha , Mathew Paul S. , Kurnutala Lakshmi N. , Soghomonyan Suren , Bergese Sergio D.
Published: June 2014

The intraoperative progression of a simple or occult pneumothorax into a tension pneumothorax can be a devastating clinical scenario. Routine use of prophylactic thoracostomy prior to anesthesia and initiation of controlled ventilation in patients with simple or occult pneumothorax remains controversial. We report the case of a 75-year-old trauma patient with an insignificant pneumothorax on the right who developed an intraoperative tension pneumothorax on the left side while undergoing thoracic spine stabilization surgery in the prone position. Management of an intraoperative tension pneumothorax requires prompt recognition and treatment; however, the prone position presents an additional challenge of readily accessing the standard anatomic sites for pleural puncture and air drainage.
Medical Risks and Benefits of Newborn Male Circumcision in the United States
Authors: Matar Lea , Zhu Julia , Chen Robert T. , Gust Deborah A.
Published: June 2014

Introduction:

In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published recommendations that physicians should discuss with parents the benefits and risks of newborn male circumcision. Our objective was to assess physicians’ perspectives of newborn male circumcision.

Methods:

A self-administered, cross-sectional electronic survey of US physicians was conducted in 2008 (N = 1500).

Results:

Approximately one-third (33.2%) of the respondents reported that their current perspective was that the medical benefits outweigh the risks associated with newborn male circumcision and less than one-third (31.1%) reported they would recommend the procedure when counseling parents.

Conclusions:

In 2008, only about one-third of the physicians surveyed thought that the benefits of male circumcision outweighed the risks and recommended it to parents of newborn sons. These attitudes may be relevant to the declining circumcision rates in the United States. Repeat surveys may be useful, given the new AAP and ACOG recommendations.
Global Policy Review of Recommendations on Cotrimoxazole Prophylaxis among People Living with HIV
Authors: Gupta Somya , Granich Reuben , Hersh Bradley , Lepere Philippe , Samb Badara
Published: June 2014

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Treatment 2015 calls for expanded access to HIV care and treatment, including cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT), for prevention of HIV-related morbidity and mortality. We review 115 national guidelines from 92 countries for recommendations on CPT for adults and adolescents and determine the level of consistency with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Of the 66 countries with recommendations, 5 (8%) countries recommend lifelong CPT for people living with HIV; 19 (29%) countries recommend a CD4 count threshold of ≤350 cells/mm3 or WHO clinical stages III and IV or II, III, and IV; and 19 (29%) countries recommend a CD4 count threshold of ≤200 cells/mm3. Of the 48 countries with recommendations on discontinuing CPT, 25 (52%) countries recommend discontinuation of cotrimoxazole when the CD4 count is >200 cells/mm3. World Health Organization guidelines offer countries flexibility on the use of CPT, and countries are recommending a wide range of CD4 counts and WHO clinical stage criteria for prophylaxis initiation and discontinuation.
Clinical Implications of Changing Parameters on an Elliptical Trainer
Authors: Kaplan Yonatan , Nyska Meir , Palmanovich Ezequiel , Shanker Rebecca
Published: June 2014

Background:

Specific weightbearing instructions continue to be a part of routine orthopaedic clinical practice on an injured or postoperative extremity. Researchers and clinicians have struggled to define the best weightbearing strategies to maximize clinical outcomes.

Purpose:

To investigate the average percentage body weight (APBW) values, weightbearing distribution percentages (WBDP), and cadence values on the entire foot, hindfoot, and forefoot during changing resistance and incline on an elliptical trainer, as well as to suggest clinical implications.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

An original research study was performed consisting of 30 asymptomatic subjects (mean age, 29.54 ± 12.64 years; range, 21-69 years). The protocol included 3 consecutive tests of changing resistance and incline within a speed range of 70 to 95 steps/min. The SmartStep weightbearing gait analysis system was utilized to measure the values.

Results:

The APBW values for the entire foot ranged between 70% and 81%, the hindfoot values were between 27% and 57%, and the forefoot values between 42% and 70%. With regard to WBDP, the forefoot remained planted on the pedal (stance phase) 2 to 3 times more as compared with the hindfoot raise in the swing phase.

Conclusion:

The study findings highlight the fact that elliptical training significantly reduces weightbearing in the hindfoot, forefoot, and entire foot even at higher levels of resistance and incline.

Clinical Relevance:

Weightbearing on the hindfoot consistently displayed the lowest weightbearing values. Orthopaedic surgeons, now equipped with accurate weightbearing data, may recommend using the elliptical trainer as a weightbearing exercise early on following certain bony or soft tissue pathologies and lower limb surgical procedures.
Mitochondrial DNA copy number and future risk of B-cell lymphoma in a nested case-control study in the prospective EPIC cohort
Authors: Hosnijeh Fatemeh Saberi , Lan Qing , Rothman Nathaniel , San Liu Chin , Cheng Wen-Ling , Nieters Alexandra , Guldberg Per , Tjønneland Anne , Campa Daniele , Martino Alessandro , Boeing Heiner , Trichopoulou Antonia , Lagiou Pagona , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Krogh Vittorio , Tumino Rosario , Panico Salvatore , Masala Giovanna , Weiderpass Elisabete , Huerta Castaño José María , Ardanaz Eva , Sala Núria , Dorronsoro Miren , Quirós J. Ramón , Sánchez María-José , Melin Beatrice , Johansson Ann Sofie , Malm Johan , Borgquist Signe , Peeters Petra H. , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , Wareham Nick , Khaw Kay-Tee , Travis Ruth C. , Brennan Paul , Siddiq Afshan , Riboli Elio , Vineis Paolo , Vermeulen Roel
Published: June 2014

Key Points

This study strengthens the previous observation of elevated mitochondrial DNA copy number and future risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
A motif in LILRB2 critical for Angptl2 binding and activation
Authors: Deng Mi , Lu Zhigang , Zheng Junke , Wan Xuan , Chen Xiaoli , Hirayasu Kouyuki , Sun Hanzi , Lam Yeeling , Chen Liping , Wang Qihui , Song Chun , Huang Niu , Gao George F. , Jiang Youxing , Arase Hisashi , Zhang Cheng Cheng
Published: June 2014

Key Points

A motif in the immunoglobulin domains of LILRB2 is critical to the multimerized Angptl2 binding and signaling activation. Immobilized anti-LILRB2 supports ex vivo expansion of human cord blood HSCs.