bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What goes around comes around? Craft revival, the 1970s and today
Authors: Peach Andrea
Published: September 2013

This article critically reviews the concept of ‘revival’ in relation to making in contemporary culture. The 1970s are a period, which craft historians and theorists generally acknowledge as one of revival and reinvention of craft practice across Britain. Today, we find ourselves in the midst of what has also been described as a ‘craft renaissance’. This article will explore some of the causal factors that led to the craft revival of the 1970s to examine whether parallels can be drawn with today’s developments. The purpose of the article is to determine whether craft revivals share any common identifying characteristics, or whether each is unique to its particular period in time. Three key factors which contributed to the revival of the craft in the 1970s will be examined: the role of the state, the ideological relationship of craft to contemporary fine art, and the socio-economic climate of the time. The comparison demonstrates that although today’s craft revival shares many points of commonality with the 1970s, revivals are not simply a repetition of the past. Because craft is in a constant process of reinvention and reinvigoration, so-called ‘revivals’ are instead uniquely complex and historically changing, reflecting more about the present and the future than the past.
Inlaid fantasies: The textiles of Andreea Mandrescu
Authors: Rissanen Timo
Published: September 2013

This portrait focuses on Andreea Mandrescu’s textile collection Inlaid Fantasies, partly drawing from an interview with the designer in December 2012. The textile collection is grounded in the designer’s research into marquetry and inlay crafts. Experimentation with unexpected materials and combining these is essential to Mandrescu’s research. Cutting as a mode of enquiry is key in Mandrescu’s work; mutilation and removal are tools to reveal new ideas, surfaces and forms. Mandrescu transforms marquetry and inlay by adopting the crafts from traditional hard surfaces to pliable textiles. The textiles are not only a collage of materials; they are also a collage of handwork and machine-made cuts. The collection is versatile in regards to end-use. The textiles stand alone for interiors and furnishing, while they also lend themselves to garment forms and accessories. With Inlaid Fantasies Mandrescu points to broader conversations about crossing disciplinary boundaries through a form of collage of research and practices.
Finance as a ‘forgotten technological capability’ for promoting African local pharmaceutical manufacture
Authors: Banda Geoffrey
Published: October 2013

Finance capability as a firm-level technological capability has been neglected in debates on financing of increased sub-Saharan Africa local pharmaceutical drug manufacture, as it has in industrial development more generally. Finance capability has to date not been explicitly included in firm-level technological capabilities. Access to finance for African local pharmaceutical manufacture is not just about getting money. There are technological capabilities and complexities surrounding access to finance. Specifically for African pharmaceutical manufacture, there is little theorization and engagement with the specialist and knowledge-intensive capabilities needed by pharmaceutical firms and financial institutions. Based on fieldwork on the financing of antiretroviral drug manufacture in Zimbabwe in 2011, and interviews with pharmaceutical and financial institutions’ executives up to 2013, this article sets out to better understand financial capability development, especially skills, knowledge and learning by doing. This research generates empirical data on finance capability and uses it to extend theory on technological capability, and suggests how such inclusion can improve the firm-level technological capability framework.
Entrepreneurial intent and entrepreneurial commitment of young researchers
Authors: Parente Roberto , Feola Rosangela
Published: October 2013

The creation of an academic spin-off represents one of the ways to implement the technology transfer process from university to firms. Although in Italy the preference for this form of valorization of scientific research has increased in recent years, the gap compared with the main EU countries remains wide. In our view, the main problem related to the development of academic spin-offs, concerns the concept of entrepreneurial commitment, here understood as the complex of decisions and actions which bind the would-be entrepreneur to the fate of his venture. Entrepreneurial commitment should be seen as a different concept from entrepreneurial intention which could be considered as the will of a person to start a new business. In our opinion, entrepreneurial intention has a role in the make-up of entrepreneurial commitment but other elements also have to be considered. Eventually, such elements may impede the formation of the entrepreneurial commitment of the would-be entrepreneur or at least weaken it. The article investigates the elements that qualify entrepreneurial intention and those which play a predominant role in developing the same into entrepreneurial commitment.
Niñas trabajadoras en Ciudad de México: aproximaciones y reinterpretaciones conceptuales
Authors: Leyra Fatou Begoña
Published: October 2013

El trabajo infantil femenino sigue siendo, hoy por hoy, un gran desconocido, debido a que se ha subsumido dentro del universal masculino de los niños trabajadores, sin tener en cuenta las particularidades y especificidades de las niñas. Partiendo de premisas de la antropología urbana, del trabajo y de género, a través de este artículo, pretendo analizar los límites que se establecen entre la ciudad como espacio masculinizado y adulto y las niñas que trabajan en las calles de la Ciudad de México, mostrando algunas de las estrategias que ellas configuran y que les sirven de amortiguación a los envites que los entornos laborales y vitales les producen, reconstruyendo, de algún modo, su percepción de la ciudad convirtiéndola en un espacio menos dañino, a pesar de la complejidad estructural que les rodea. Este artículo, ante todo, es una crítica a los discursos y a los programas de atención social e intervención, que sin tener en cuenta la propia percepción de las niñas, toman decisiones sobre la vida de estas con el fin de «proteger» y que, sin embargo, subordinan y enclaustran más que favorecen su propia autonomía y empoderamiento. Así mismo, esta aproximación pretende desmitificar algunas premisas que rodean a esta práctica y visibilizar a las niñas en el contexto social mexicano, dándole a esta realidad la complejidad que se merece evitando caer en las generalizaciones simplistas de los discursos «oficiales».
Aportaciones de la ética de la alteridad de E. Lévinas y la ética del cuidado de C. Gilligan a la intervención en trabajo social
Authors: Idareta Goldaracena Francisco , Úriz Pemán María Jesús
Published: October 2013

Al igual que en otras profesiones, la dimensión deontológica del Trabajo Social es la parte de la ética profesional que ha alcanzado un desarrollo mayor. La expresión más clara y conocida del deontologismo son los principios éticos, que constituyen el fundamento sobre el que se asientan las intervenciones profesionales. En nuestra opinión, la aplicación de principios éticos universales racionales es necesaria, pero no suficiente. Por ello, a lo largo de este artículo nos proponemos ampliar la perspectiva principialista con dos aportaciones que creemos pueden ser de gran utilidad en las intervenciones profesionales: la ética de la alteridad de E. Lévinas y la ética del cuidado de C. Gilligan. Expondremos cómo la aplicación de ambas perspectivas éticas redundaría en una mayor humanización de las intervenciones sociales. El artículo se estructura de la siguiente forma: tras una breve introducción al tema, en una primera parte se expondrá la ética de la alteridad de Lévinas, en una segunda la ética del cuidado de Gilligan, mientras que en una tercera se procederá a considerarlas en el contexto concreto del Trabajo Social. Finalmente, y de modo escueto, presentamos las conclusiones.
Encuesta sobre Prácticas externas y Trabajo Fin de Grado en Trabajo Social-2012
Authors: Ovejas Lara Charo , Fernández i Barrera Josefina , Rosa Gimeno Pablo de la , Facal Fondo Teresa , Raya Díez Esther , Sobremonte de Mendicute Emma
Published: October 2013

En el marco del Congreso de Escuelas de Trabajo Social celebrado en febrero de 2012 en Jaén, la Conferencia de Decanos/as y Directores/as de Facultades y Escuelas de Trabajo Social (CDTS) plantea la necesidad de conocer la situación de las Universidades respecto a las Prácticas externas del Grado y al Trabajo Fin de Grado, por lo que se propone la realización de un estudio, a través de encuesta, dirigido a las universidades que imparten el título. El informe de resultados se presenta en la reunión celebrada por la Conferencia en Santiago de Compostela el 1 de junio de 2012, donde se decide elaborar los estándares de Calidad relativos a las Prácticas Externas y a la Supervisión de dichas prácticas.
La percepción de la corrupción, factor mediatizante de la democracia
Authors: Laguna Platero Antonio
Published: October 2013

La percepción de la corrupción constituye uno de los elementos centrales de la opinión pública española. Para unos, es una construcción exagerada provocada por unos medios de comunicación que han hecho de los escándalos de la corrupción una mercancía de gran demanda. Para otros, es el fiel reflejo del deterioro de un sistema político imperfecto, sin controles ni castigos, sometido a la creciente mercantilización de servicios y derechos por el empuje sin descanso del neoliberalismo. El objeto de este trabajo es demostrar el funcionamiento de las fuentes que nutren la percepción de la corrupción en la coyuntura 2012-13, justo cuando alcanzó su registro más alto, así como evaluar sus posibles efectos sistémicos.
La corrupción política en México: del pasado a la transición democrática
Authors: Nieto Nubia
Published: October 2013

En los últimos años, México ha experimentado un aumento en el narcotráfico y la violencia. Sin mencionar la asociación de políticos en escándalos de corrupción, incluso después de haber atravesado por un proceso de transición democrática. En este escenario, el presente artículo intenta analizar el desarrollo de la corrupción antes y después de la llegada del Partido de Acción Nacional, PAN, a la Presidencia de la República (2000-2012). La hipótesis que guía el presente trabajo supone que el PAN reproduce prácticas corruptivas similares a las que el PRI utilizaba durante su gestión. El texto se desarrolla en cuatro partes. En primer lugar se hace un breve recorrido histórico acerca de la influencia de la corrupción. En segundo plano se examina el rol de la corrupción durante el gestión del Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI). En tercer nivel se describe la transformación de los modelos de corrupción, y por último se estudia la persistencia de la corrupción en los gobiernos de la transición democrática agrupados en el partido del PAN. El artículo aporta una serie de elementos para el análisis de la corrupción en México desde una perspectiva socio-política e histórica, la cual describe el desarrollo de la corrupción como un fenómeno ampliamente complejo en el que se entretejen factores culturales y económicos, así como estructuras sociales, jurídicas, políticas, y situaciones coyunturales que permiten mayor o menor visibilidad en el fenómeno de la corrupción.
The canonical contact structure on the space of oriented null geodesics of pseudospheres and products
Authors: Godoy Yamile , Salvai Marcos
Published: October 2013

Let Sk,m be the pseudosphere of signature (k,m). We show that the space ℒ0(Sk,m) of all oriented null geodesics in Sk,m is a manifold, and we describe geometrically its canonical contact distribution in terms of the space of oriented geodesics of certain totally geodesic degenerate hypersurfaces in Sk;m. Further, we find a contactomorphism with some standard contact manifold, namely, the unit tangent bundle of some pseudo-Riemannian manifold. Also, we express the null billiard operator on ℒ0(Sk,m) associated with some simple regions in Sk;m in terms of the geodesic flows of spheres. For the pseudo-Riemannian product N of two complete Riemannian manifolds, we give geometrical conditions on the factors for ℒ0(N) to be manifolds and exhibit a contactomorphism with some standard contact manifold.
Laser gated viewing at ISL for vision through smoke, active polarimetry, and 3D imaging in NIR and SWIR wavelength bands
Authors: Laurenzis Martin , Christnacher Frank
Published: October 2013

In this article, we want to give a review on the application of laser gated viewing for the improvement of vision cross-diffusing obstacles (smoke, turbid medium, …), the capturing of 3D scene information, or the study of material properties by polarimetric analysis at near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave-infrared (SWIR) wavelengths. Laser gated viewing has been studied since the 1960s as an active night vision method. Owing to enormous improvements in the development of compact and highly efficient laser sources and in the development of modern sensor technologies, the maturity of demonstrator systems rose during the past decades. Further, it was demonstrated that laser gated viewing has versatile sensing capabilities with application for long-range observation under certain degraded weather conditions, vision through obstacles and fog, active polarimetry, and 3D imaging.
A Cross-Cultural Real-Effort Experiment on Wage-Inequality Information and Performance
Authors: Liu-Kiel Hong , Cadsby C. Bram , Schenk-Mathes Heike Y. , Song Fei , Yang Xiaolan
Published: October 2013

We conduct a real-effort laboratory experiment to examine how disclosure of information about the pay received by co-workers affects work performance in Germany and China. We employ an individual piece-rate setting in which a piece rate is received for each unit of output successfully produced. We find that receiving information that one’s co-workers are all receiving the same piece rate as oneself has no significant effect on performance compared to non-disclosure. In contrast, learning that one co-worker is receiving a higher piece rate than oneself does significantly affect performance. In particular, receiving such information initially results in a larger performance increase than receiving information that others are all receiving the same piece rate as oneself. However, this performance gap decreases toward the end of the experiment.
Development of a computer-based automated pure tone hearing screening device: a preliminary clinical trial
Authors: Gan Kok Beng , Azeez Dhifaf , Umat Cila , Ali Mohd Alauddin Mohd , Wahab Noor Alaudin Abdul , Mukari Siti Zamratol Mai-Sarah
Published: October 2013

Hearing screening is important for the early detection of hearing loss. The requirements of specialized equipment, skilled personnel, and quiet environments for valid screening results limit its application in schools and health clinics. This study aimed to develop an automated hearing screening kit (auto-kit) with the capability of realtime noise level monitoring to ensure that the screening is performed in an environment that conforms to the standard. The auto-kit consists of a laptop, a 24-bit resolution sound card, headphones, a microphone, and a graphical user interface, which is calibrated according to the American National Standards Institute S3.6-2004 standard. The auto-kit can present four test tones (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz) at 25 or 40 dB HL screening cut-off level. The clinical results at 40 dB HL screening cut-off level showed that the auto-kit has a sensitivity of 92.5% and a specificity of 75.0%. Because the 500 Hz test tone is not included in the standard hearing screening procedure, it can be excluded from the auto-kit test procedure. The exclusion of 500 Hz test tone improved the specificity of the auto-kit from 75.0% to 92.3%, which suggests that the auto-kit could be a valid hearing screening device. In conclusion, the auto-kit may be a valuable hearing screening tool, especially in countries where resources are limited.
Mechanical testing of an absorbable hybrid fusion cage for the cervical spine
Authors: Kauth Theresa , Hopmann Christian , Kujat Bernd , Bach Friedrich W. , Welke Bastian , Hurschler Christof , Kalla Katharina , Daentzer Dorothea
Published: October 2013

Conventional fusion devices (“cages”) are often used to join two vertebrae of the human spine and generally remain in the body for a lifetime and can theoretically lead to any complications. Therefore, an absorbable hybrid fusion cage consisting of a magnesium skeleton infiltrated with an absorbable polymer [poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL)] has been developed. The primary objective of the cage is to ensure an adequate stiffness of the disc space directly after the operation and to encourage the ingrowth of the new bone tissue to secure long life stability. Once a sufficiently rigid bone connection is formed, the implant should be absorbed. The purpose of this first study on the new absorbable fusion cage was to investigate the mechanical properties
Heterocyclic synthesis via catalysis of N-heterocyclic carbenes: very classical and very modern chemical species
Authors: Okano Takashi
Published: October 2013

After a long history of medical and biochemical investigations of vitamin B1, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have recently been used as organocatalysts for a variety of synthetic reactions. This review article highlights the application of NHC-catalyzed reactions including enantioselective reactions to the heterocyclic synthesis. NHC-catalyzed benzoin condensation and Stetter reaction of ether- and amine-linked aldehydes give four- to six-membered oxygen and nitrogen heterocycles. NHC-catalyzed conjugate additions of enals to ketones and imines afford γ-lactones and γ-lactams. When the NHC-catalyzed reaction intermediates of enals are protonated, the reaction of the resulting enols with enones and ene-imines furnish formal hetero-Diels-Alder products. Acyl fluoride and esters can be activated by NHCs, and subsequent aldol and Michael reactions give β-lactones. Oxidation of intermediates derived from enals or the intermediates from ynals provide unsaturated acyl azolium which are transformed into cyclic products via subsequent nucleophilic reactions. NHCs also catalyze [2+2] cycloadditions of ketenes and other heterocumulenes and ring expansion of cyclic aldehydes.
Methods for the synthesis of xanthine-derived polycyclic fused systems
Authors: Szymańska Ewa , Mazurkiewicz Jakub , Kieć-Kononowicz Katarzyna
Published: October 2013

Xanthines are a widely known group of alkaloids, commonly used as bronchodilators and psycho and cardiac stimulants. Most of their actions are principally connected with either antagonism of adenosine receptors or phosphodiesterase inhibition; nevertheless, other profiles of their biological activity – antiviral, antitumor or anticancer – are also known. Here, we present a review of the main synthetic methods to obtain xanthine-derived heterocyclic fused systems. The five-, six- or seven-membered heterocyclic ring is attached to the purine-2,6-dione core with one or two bridgehead (ring junction) nitrogen atoms. The biological activity profile of the individual heterocyclic systems is mentioned.
Synthesis of 9-(Cn-1F2n-1)-substituted acridine by the reaction of 2-(CnF2n+1)-substituted aniline with ortho-methyl-substituted aromatic Grignard reagent
Authors: Zhang Jianguo , Sączewski Jarosław , Strekowski Lucjan
Published: October 2013

Treatment of 2-(perfluoroalkyl)aniline with 2-tolylmagnesium bromide or chloride or their substituted analogs yields an acridine containing a shorter perfluoroalkyl group at the 9 position and devoid of the methyl group of the Grignard substrate. Interestingly, no acridine is produced in an attempted reaction with aryl magnesium bromide without the ortho methyl group. With 2-fluoro-6-methylphenylmagnesium bromide the methyl group is eliminated and the fluorine is retained in the acridine product. Results of the mechanistic studies strongly suggest that loss of the methyl group occurs as methanol during air oxidation and hydrolysis of the intermediate products during aqueous workup.
Genetic modifiers of menopausal hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer risk: a genome–wide interaction study
Authors: Rudolph Anja , Hein Rebecca , Lindström Sara , Beckmann Lars , Behrens Sabine , Liu Jianjun , Aschard Hugues , Bolla Manjeet K , Wang Jean , Truong Thérèse , Cordina-Duverger Emilie , Menegaux Florence , Brüning Thomas , Harth Volker , _ _ , Severi Gianluca , Baglietto Laura , Southey Melissa , Chanock Stephen J , Lissowska Jolanta , Figueroa Jonine D , Eriksson Mikael , Humpreys Keith , Darabi Hatef , Olson Janet E , Stevens Kristen N , Vachon Celine M , Knight Julia A , Glendon Gord , Mulligan Anna Marie , Ashworth Alan , Orr Nicholas , Schoemaker Minouk , Webb Penny M , _ _ , _ _ , Guénel Pascal , Brauch Hiltrud , Giles Graham , García-Closas Montserrat , Czene Kamila , Chenevix-Trench Georgia , Couch Fergus J , Andrulis Irene L , Swerdlow Anthony , Hunter David J , Flesch-Janys Dieter , Easton Douglas F , Hall Per , Nevanlinna Heli , Kraft Peter , Chang-Claude Jenny , _ _
Published: October 2013

Women using menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) are at increased risk of developing breast cancer (BC). To detect genetic modifiers of the association between current use of MHT and BC risk, we conducted a meta-analysis of four genome-wide case-only studies followed by replication in 11 case–control studies. We used a case-only design to assess interactions between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and current MHT use on risk of overall and lobular BC. The discovery stage included 2920 cases (541 lobular) from four genome-wide association studies. The top 1391 SNPs showingPvalues for interaction (Pint) <3.0×10−3were selected for replication using pooled case–control data from 11 studies of the Breast Cancer Association Consortium, including 7689 cases (676 lobular) and 9266 controls. Fixed-effects meta-analysis was used to derive combinedPint. No SNP reached genome-wide significance in either the discovery or combined stage. We observed effect modification of current MHT use on overall BC risk by two SNPs on chr13 nearPOMP(combinedPint≤8.9×10−6), two SNPs inSLC25A21(combinedPint≤4.8×10−5), and three SNPs inPLCG2(combinedPint≤4.5×10−5). The association between lobular BC risk was potentially modified by one SNP inTMEFF2(combinedPint≤2.7×10−5), one SNP inCD80(combinedPint≤8.2×10−6), three SNPs on chr17 nearTMEM132E(combinedPint≤2.2×10−6), and two SNPs on chr18 nearSLC25A52(combinedPint≤4.6×10−5). In conclusion, polymorphisms in genes related to solute transportation in mitochondria, transmembrane signaling, and immune cell activation are potentially modifying BC risk associated with current use of MHT. These findings warrant replication in independent studies.
Neonatal Circumcision: Is Feeding Behavior Altered?
Authors: Gattari Theresa B. , Bedway Andrea R. , Drongowski Robert , Wright Kristin , Keefer Patricia , Mychaliska Kerry P.
Published: October 2013

Background:

The effect of circumcision on feeding behavior in the newborn period is unknown. We hypothesized that circumcision would not have a significant effect on newborn feeding.

Methods:

This prospective study analyzed the effect of circumcision on neonatal feeding behavior. Inclusion criteria were healthy male infants WHO were exclusively bottle-fed and underwent a circumcision before discharge from the newborn nursery. We collected data (N = 42) on gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, maternal age, gravid status, anesthesia used during delivery, analgesia used after circumcision, time of circumcision, and volume and frequency of feeding before and after circumcision. Data were analyzed by using paired t tests, multivariable regression analysis, and analysis of variance (with SPSS version 18). Significance was P < .05 (2-tailed α).

Results:

Descriptive statistics for the entire group (N = 42) are as follows: mean ± SD gestational age: 38.7 ± 1.2 weeks; mean birth weight: 3.3 ± 0.4 kg; maternal age: 26.7 ± 6.3 years; baseline feeding (mean of first 2 feedings before circumcision): 24.5 ± 9.9 mL; mean first feeding after circumcision: 21.7 ± 11.9 mL; and mean second feeding: 26.7 ± 13.5 mL. Forty-eight percent of patients increased their feeding volume after circumcision compared with baseline, and 52% of patients decreased their feeding volume, which persisted with the second feeding. There was no statistical difference between the baseline and first feeding (P = .11) or second feeding (P = .22).

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that circumcision does not alter feeding after circumcision. This information will be useful in counseling families regarding circumcision in the newborn period.
Association of NPO Status and Type of Nutritional Support on Weight and Length of Stay in Infants Hospitalized With Bronchiolitis
Authors: Halvorson Elizabeth Eby , Chandler Nicole , Neiberg Rebecca , Ervin Sean E.
Published: October 2013

Objectives:

We investigated the association of nil per os (NPO) status and subsequent nutritional support with patient weight and length of stay (LOS) during admission for bronchiolitis in patients <2 years old.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients <2 years old admitted to an academic pediatric hospital between November 2009 and June 2011 with a Current Procedural Terminology code of bronchiolitis. Data extracted from the medical record included respiratory rate, per os/NPO status, use of intravenous fluids, use of enteral tube feedings, weight, and LOS. Patients who did not have 2 weights recorded were excluded. The major outcome measures were weight change during admission and LOS.

Results:

The study included 149 patients. The mean ± SD patient age was 3.7 ± 3.8 months, with a median age of 2 months. The median length of stay was 4 days (interquartile range: 3–6). Overall, 16% of patients were made NPO, 75% received intravenous fluids, and 9% received enteral tube feedings. The mean weight loss for all patients was 38 (289) g during the hospitalization, which was not statistically significant. No significant association was found between weight loss and LOS, per os/NPO status, or use of intravenous fluids. However, NPO status was associated with a significant increase in LOS.

Conclusions:

The infants admitted for bronchiolitis did not demonstrate weight loss in this study; however, an association was seen between NPO status and prolonged LOS.
Factors Associated With High Resource Utilization in Pediatric Skin and Soft Tissue Infection Hospitalizations
Authors: Lopez Michelle A. , Cruz Andrea T. , Kowalkowski Marc A. , Raphael Jean L.
Published: October 2013

Objective:

To describe factors associated with prolonged lengths of stay (LOS) and increased charges for pediatric skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) hospitalizations.

Methods:

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of pediatric SSTI hospital discharges in 2009 within the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids’ Inpatient Database. Outcomes were prolonged LOS (>75th percentile) and increased hospital charges (>75th percentile). Multivariate logistic regression controlling for patient and hospital level factors was conducted for 2009 data to assess associations among variables.

Results:

The 75th percentile for LOS was 3 days. Infants had higher odds of prolonged LOS than other age groups (<1 year: 1; 1–4 years: 0.70 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64–0.76]; 5–12 years: 0.69 [95% CI: 0.63–0.76]; 13–18 years: 1.01 [95% CI: 0.91–1.10]), as did all minority groups compared with white subjects (black subjects: 1.23 [95% CI: 1.09–1.38]; Hispanic subjects: 1.33 [95% CI: 1.20–1.47]; and other races: 1.30 [95% CI: 1.12–1.50]). Public payers compared with private payers (odds ratio: 1.17 [95% CI: 1.10–1.26]) also had increased odds of prolonged LOS. The 75th percentile for charges was $14 317. The adolescent-aged category had higher odds of charges >75th percentile compared with the age category <1 year (odds ratio: 1.54 [95% CI: 1.36–1.74]). All racial/ethnic minorities had higher odds of charges >75th percentile compared with white subjects (black subjects: 1.38 [95% CI: 1.17–1.62]; Hispanic subjects: 1.90 [95% CI: 1.59–2.26]; and other races: 1.26 [95% CI: 1.06–1.50]).

Conclusions:

Vulnerable populations, including infants, racial/ethnic minorities, and publicly insured children, had higher odds of increased resource utilization during hospitalizations for SSTIs. The findings of this study provide potential targets for future preventive and public health interventions.
Connecting At-Risk Inpatient Asthmatics to a Community-Based Program to Reduce Home Environmental Risks: Care System Redesign Using Quality Improvement Methods
Authors: Beck Andrew F. , Simmons Jeffrey M. , Sauers Hadley S. , Sharkey Kenneth , Alam Mohammad , Jones Camille , Kahn Robert S.
Published: October 2013

Introduction:

Connecting patients admitted with asthma to community-based services could improve care and more efficiently allocate resources. We sought to develop and evaluate an intervention to mitigate in-home environmental hazards (eg, pests, mold) for such children.

Methods:

This was a controlled, quality improvement study on the inpatient units of an urban, academic children’s hospital. Clinicians and public health officials co-developed processes to identify children with in-home risks and refer them for assessment and remediation. Processes assessed were the rate at which those identified as eligible were offered referrals, those referred received inspections, and primary care physicians (PCPs) were notified of risks and referrals. Consecutively occurring and seasonally matched intervention (n = 30) and historical control (n = 38) subcohorts were compared with respect to postdischarge mitigating actions (eg, discussions with landlords, PCPs), remaining risks, and morbidity (symptom-free days in previous 2 weeks and Child Asthma Control Test scores).

Results:

In the first year, the percentage of eligible children offered referrals increased to a sustained rate of ∼90%; ∼65% of referrals led to in-home inspections (n = 50); and hazards were abated in 30 homes. PCP notification increased from 50% to ∼80%. After discharge, referred parents were more likely to discuss concerns with landlords, the health department, attorneys, and PCPs than patients admitted preimplementation (all P < .05). Referred households were more likely to report reduced presence of ≥2 exposures (P < .05). No differences in asthma morbidity were observed.

Conclusions:

We integrated environmental hazard mitigation into inpatient care. Community-engaged care delivery that reduces risks for poor asthma outcomes can be initiated within the hospital.
ED Utilization Trends in Sports-Related Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Hanson Holly R. , Pomerantz Wendy J. , Gittelman Mike
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND:

Emergency department (ED) visits for sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have risen. This study evaluated how the number and severity of admissions have changed as ED visits for sports-related TBIs have increased.

METHODS:

A retrospective study of children aged 0 to 19 years at a level 1 trauma center was performed. Patients from 2002 to 2011 with a primary or secondary diagnosis of TBI were identified from the hospital’s inpatient and outpatient trauma registries. Frequencies were used to characterize the population, χ2 analysis was performed to determine differences between groups, and regression analysis looked at relationship between year and injury severity score or length of stay.

RESULTS:

Sport was responsible for injury in 3878 (15.4%) cases during the study period; 3506 (90.4%) were discharged from the hospital, and 372 (9.6%) were admitted. Seventy-three percent were male patients and 78% Caucasian; mean age was 13 ± 3.5 years. ED visits for sports-related TBIs increased 92% over the study period, yet there was no significant change (χ2 = 9.8, df = 9, P = .37) in the percentage of children admitted. Mean injury severity score for those admitted decreased from 7.8 to 4.8 (β = –0.46; P = .006); length of stay trended downward (β = –0.05; P = .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

The percentage of children being admitted from the ED with sports-related TBI has not changed over the past 10 years. The severity of admitted sports-related TBI is decreasing. Additional research is needed to correlate these trends with other TBI mechanisms.
Characterization of soil parameters of two soils of Rio Grande do Sul in modeling the prediction of tractive effort
Authors: Machado Antônio L. T. , Trein Carlos R.
Published: September 2013

The interaction between the soil and tillage tool can be examined using different parameters for the soil and the tool. Among the soil parameters are the shear stress, cohesion, internal friction angle of the soil and the pre-compression stress. The tool parameters are mainly the tool geometry and depth of operation. Regarding to the soils of Rio Grande do Sul there are hardly any studies and evaluations of the parameters that have importance in the use of mathematical models to predict tensile loads. The objective was to obtain parameters related to the soils of Rio Grande do Sul, which are used in soil-tool analysis, more specifically on mathematical models that allow the calculation of tractive effort for symmetric and narrow tools. Two of the main soils of Rio Grande do Sul, an Albaqualf and a Paleudult were studied. Equations that relate the cohesion, internal friction angle of the soil, adhesion, soil-tool friction angle and pre-compression stress as a function of water content in the soil were obtained, leading to important information for use of mathematical models for tractive effort calculation.
Soil penetration resistance in a rhodic eutrudox affected by machinery traffic and soil water content
Authors: Moraes Moacir T. de , Debiasi Henrique , Franchini Julio C. , Silva Vanderlei R. da
Published: September 2013

Soil compaction caused by machinery traffic reduces crop yields. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intensive traffic, and the soil water content, on the soil penetration resistance (PR) of a Rhodic Eutrudox (Distroferric Red Latosol, Brazilian Classification), managed under no-tillage (NT). The experiment consisted of six treatments: NT with recent chiseling, NT without additional compaction, and NT with additional compaction by 4, 8, 10 and 20 passes of a harvester with a weight of 100 kN (70 kN on the front axle). Undisturbed soil samples were collected at 5.5-10.5 cm and 13.5-18.5 cm depth to quantify the soil bulk density (BD). The PR was assessed in four periods, using an impact penetrometer, inserted in the soil to a depth of 46 cm. The effect of traffic intensities on the PR was small when this variable was assessed with the soil in the plastic consistency. Differences in PR among treatments increased as the soil water content decreased. The increase in the values of PR and BD was higher in the first passes, but the increase in the number of traffics resulted in deeper soil compaction. The machinery traffic effects on PR are better characterized in the friable soil consistency.
Metodologia de pesquisa bibliográfica com a utilização de método multicritério de apoio à decisão
Authors: Treinta Fernanda Tavares , Farias Filho José Rodrigues , Sant'Anna Annibal Parracho , Rabelo Lúcia Mathias
Published: September 2013

Este trabalho apresenta e exemplifica a aplicação de metodologia que apoia a seleção e a priorização de um conjunto de dados bibliográficos que represente o estado da arte do assunto pesquisado. O processo envolve a formação de uma base de dados preliminar bruta, seguida da aplicação de uma série de etapas de filtro para a formação de uma base de dados convergente com os objetivos da pesquisa e termina com a priorização desses dados através de um método de apoio à decisão (MAD). O método adotado para exemplificar a aplicação da metodologia foi a Composição Probabilística de Preferências (CPP). A metodologia foi aplicada com sucesso à seleção de artigos em diferentes contextos.
Percepção viso-motora de escolares com Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção com Hiperatividade
Authors: Germano Giseli Donadon , Pinheiro Fábio Henrique , Okuda Paola Matiko Martins , Capellini Simone Aparecida
Published: September 2013

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar e comparar as habilidades de percepção viso-motoras de escolares com Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção com Hiperatividade (TDAH) com escolares com bom desempenho acadêmico. MÉTODOS: Participaram deste estudo 40 escolares na faixa etária de 7 anos a 10 anos e 8 meses, do 2º ao 5º ano do Ensino Fundamental de escolas públicas, divididos em GI (20 escolares com diagnóstico interdisciplinar de TDAH) do gênero masculino (100%) e GII (20 escolares com bom desempenho escolar), pareados com o GI em idade, escolaridade e gênero. Os escolares foram submetidos ao Teste Evolutivo de Percepção Visual (DTVP-2). RESULTADOS: Os escolares de GI apresentaram desempenho inferior na função de posição no espaço e closura visual (motricidade reduzida) e equivalente de idade inferior para percepção de motricidade reduzida em relação ao GII. CONCLUSÃO: As dificuldades em percepção viso-motora apresentadas pelos escolares de GI podem ser atribuídas não a um déficit primário, mas a um fenômeno secundário à desatenção que interfere de forma direta em seu desempenho de percepção viso-motora.
Disturbance, life history traits, and dynamics in an old‐growth forest landscape of southeastern Europe
Authors: Nagel Thomas A. , Svoboda Miroslav , Kobal Milan
Published: October 2013

Much of our understanding of natural forest dynamics in the temperate region of Europe is based on observational studies in old‐growth remnants that have emphasized small‐scale gap dynamics and equilibrium stand structure and composition. Relatively little attention has been given to the role of infrequent disturbance events in forest dynamics. In this study, we analyzed dendroecological data from four stands and three windthrow patches in an old‐growth landscape in the Dinaric Mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina to examine disturbance history, tree life history traits, and compositional dynamics. Over all stands, most decades during the past 340 years experienced less than 10% canopy loss, yet each stand showed evidence of periodic intermediate‐severity disturbances that removed >40% of the canopy, some of which were synchronized over the study area landscape. Analysis of radial growth patterns indicated several life history differences among the dominant canopy trees; beech was markedly older than fir, while growth patterns of dead and dying trees suggested that fir was able to tolerate longer periods of suppressed growth in shade. Maple had the fastest radial growth and accessed the canopy primarily through rapid early growth in canopy gaps, whereas most beech and fir experienced a period of suppressed growth prior to canopy accession. Peaks in disturbance were roughly linked to increased recruitment, but mainly of shade‐tolerant beech and fir; less tolerant species (i.e., maple, ash, and elm) recruited successfully on some of the windthown sites where advance regeneration of beech and fir was less abundant. The results challenge the traditional notions of stability in temperate old‐growth forests of Europe and highlight the nonequilibrial nature of canopy composition due to unique histories of disturbance and tree life history differences. These findings provide valuable information for developing natural disturbance‐based silvicultural systems, as well as insight into maintaining less shade‐tolerant, but valuable broadleaved trees in temperate forests of Europe.
Closed-Loop Feedback Control for Production Optimization of Intelligent Wells Under Uncertainty
Authors: Dilib F.A.. A. , Jackson M.D.. D.
Published: October 2013

A key component of intelligent-well systems is the decision framework used to identify control actions for production optimization. Most published algorithms use model-based control, yet model-based techniques are effective only if the model or ensemble of models used in the optimization captures all possible reservoir behaviors at the individual-well and -completion level. This is rarely the case. Moreover, reservoir models are rarely predictive at the spatial and temporal scales required to identify control actions. We show that simple, closed-loop feedback control, triggered by monitoring at the surface or downhole, can increase the net present value (NPV) and mitigate reservoir uncertainty. We do not neglect reservoir-model predictions entirely; rather, we use a model-based approach to optimize adjustable parameters in feedback-control strategies.

We compare open-loop control, by use of fixed control devices (FCDs), with closed-loop feedback control, by use of "on/off" inflow-control valves (ICVs), operated in response to monitoring at the wellhead, and "variable" ICVs operated in response to monitoring downhole. We also use a gradient-based optimization algorithm to find the dynamic optimal inflow-control behavior. This strategy assumes perfect reservoir knowledge and is implemented only for benchmarking of the feedback-control strategies.

Our result suggests that closed-loop control, on the basis of direct feedback between reservoir monitoring and inflow-valve settings, can yield close-to-optimal gains in NPV compared with uncontrolled production, even if the reservoir behavior lies outside the range predicted by reservoir models. Moreover, similar gains are observed by use of surface monitoring and simple on/off ICVs, and downhole monitoring and variable ICVs. In contrast, open-loop control yields significantly lower NPV gains, and is also a riskier strategy because unpredicted reservoir behavior can yield suboptimal sizing of the FCDs and negative returns.
Community management and sustainability of rural water facilities in Tanzania
Authors: Mandara Christina Geoffrey , Butijn Carja , Niehof Anke
Published: October 2013

This paper addresses the question of whether community management in water service delivery affects the sustainability of rural water facilities (RWFs) at village level, in terms of their technical and managerial aspects, and what role capacity building of users and providers plays in this process. Empirical research was conducted in nine villages in the districts of Kondoa and Mpwapwa, in the Dodoma region of Tanzania. The results reveal that sustainability of RWFs is in jeopardy and that villages far from the District Council headquarters experience numerous technical and management problems. The national water framework does not clearly define the roles of the key actors at the district, village and household levels. District Water Departments do not have enough resources to render the services needed adequately and in a timely manner. In all the villages studied there were no local technicians trained for basic operation and maintenance. This implies that the concept of community management cannot be taken at face value; its actual meaning needs to be specified in order to offer a realistic and feasible option in the decentralization of rural water provision. With regard to capacity development, we recommend establishing workshops for clusters of villages to repair breakdowns and coordinate spare parts.
From knowledge and capacity development to performance improvement in water supply: the importance of competence integration and use
Authors: Mvulirwenande Silas , Alaerts Guy , Wehn de Montalvo Uta
Published: October 2013

Knowledge and capacity development (KCD) is increasingly acknowledged as critical for water supply development. Since KCD aims to improve institutional performance, it is often measured using technical performance targets. This paper cautions about the misleading nature of this measurement. The authors argue that technical performance improvement should be separated from competence development because the latter does not always directly translate into the former in a short time period. Drawing on empirical evidence about the management contract between Aqua Vitens Rand Limited and Ghana Water Company Limited, the paper demonstrates how the process of integrating and using competences is a necessary condition before KCD interventions can result in performance improvement. As this process often takes time, KCD providers and beneficiaries should set realistic performance targets. Not doing so creates unrealistic expectations and often leads to underestimation of the actual impact. This paper finds that knowledge management concepts common in the private sector are equally applicable in the public sector but that the latter may be constrained by short term goals and lack of insight in management processes. It is concluded that technical performance-based assessments should be complemented by capacity-based assessments in order to show fairly the contribution of KCD interventions.
Leadership in knowledge and capacity development in the water sector: a status review
Authors: Wehn de Montalvo Uta , Alaerts Guy
Published: October 2013

Water management is particularly dependent on strong capacity, a solid knowledge base and awareness at all levels, including those of the individual, the organization, the sector institutions and the ‘enabling environment’. Yet getting all levels to operate in a coherent manner is challenging, and requires vision and leadership. This special issue seeks to further the understanding of leadership in knowledge and capacity development in the water sector but its theoretical and methodological insights will be of interest beyond that arena. This paper presents an introduction to the special issue which resulted from selected papers presented at the 5th Delft Symposium on Water Sector Capacity Development held in Delft, The Netherlands. Collectively, the contributions examine knowledge and capacity development in both the water services and water resources sub-sectors. In order to be linked well to current local realities, the papers rely on both academic analyses based on empirical research as well as practitioners' accounts based on their professional experience. Together, the papers in this special issue and the insights from the recent Symposium summarized in this editorial introduction present an overview of the current state of the art in knowledge and capacity development in the water sector. The paper raises salient policy implications and outlines a research agenda for knowledge and capacity development in the water sector and beyond.