bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observed Evidence of an Impact of the Antarctic Sea Ice Dipole on the Antarctic Oscillation
Authors: Wu Qigang , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: March 2011

A lagged maximum covariance analysis (MCA) is applied to investigate the linear covariability between monthly sea ice concentration (SIC) and 500-mb geopotential height (Z500) in the Southern Hemisphere (SH). The dominant signal is the atmospheric forcing of SIC anomalies throughout the year, but statistically significant covariances are also found between austral springtime Z500 and prior SIC anomalies up to four months earlier. The MCA pattern is characterized by an Antarctic dipole (ADP)-like pattern in SIC and a positively polarized Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) in Z500. Such long lead-time covariance suggests the forcing of the AAO by persistent ADP-like SIC anomalies. The leading time of SIC anomalies provides an implication for skillful predictability of springtime atmospheric variability.
The Impact of Stratospheric Ozone Changes on Downward Wave Coupling in the Southern Hemisphere*
Authors: Shaw Tiffany A. , Perlwitz Judith , Harnik Nili , Newman Paul A. , Pawson Steven
Published: March 2011

The impact of stratospheric ozone changes on downward wave coupling between the stratosphere and troposphere in the Southern Hemisphere is investigated using a suite of Goddard Earth Observing System chemistry–climate model (GEOS CCM) simulations. Downward wave coupling occurs when planetary waves reflected in the stratosphere impact the troposphere. In reanalysis data, the climatological coupling occurs from September to December when the stratospheric basic state has a well-defined high-latitude meridional waveguide in the lower stratosphere that is bounded above by a reflecting surface, called a bounded wave geometry. Reanalysis data suggests that downward wave coupling during November–December has increased during the last three decades.

The GEOS CCM simulation of the recent past captures the main features of downward wave coupling in the Southern Hemisphere. Consistent with the Modern Era Retrospective-Analysis for Research and Application (MERRA) dataset, wave coupling in the model maximizes during October–November when there is a bounded wave geometry configuration. However, the wave coupling in the model is stronger than in the MERRA dataset, and starts earlier and ends later in the seasonal cycle. The late season bias is caused by a bias in the timing of the stratospheric polar vortex breakup.

Temporal changes in stratospheric ozone associated with past depletion and future recovery significantly impact downward wave coupling in the model. During the period of ozone depletion, the spring bounded wave geometry, which is favorable for downward wave coupling, extends into early summer, due to a delay in the vortex breakup date, and leads to increased downward wave coupling during November–December. During the period of ozone recovery, the stratospheric basic state during November–December shifts from a spring configuration back to a summer configuration, where waves are trapped in the troposphere, and leads to a decrease in downward wave coupling. Model simulations with chlorine fixed at 1960 values and increasing greenhouse gases show no significant changes in downward wave coupling and confirm that the changes in downward wave coupling in the model are caused by ozone changes. The results reveal a new mechanism wherein stratospheric ozone changes can affect the tropospheric circulation.
Conceptual Rainfall–Runoff Model Performance with Different Spatial Rainfall Inputs
Authors: Vaze J. , Post D. A. , Chiew F. H. S. , Perraud J.-M. , Teng J. , Viney N. R.
Published: March 2011

Different methods have been used to obtain the daily rainfall time series required to drive conceptual rainfall–runoff models, depending on data availability, time constraints, and modeling objectives. This paper investigates the implications of different rainfall inputs on the calibration and simulation of 4 rainfall–runoff models using data from 240 catchments across southeast Australia. The first modeling experiment compares results from using a single lumped daily rainfall series for each catchment obtained from three methods: single rainfall station, Thiessen average, and average of interpolated rainfall surface. The results indicate considerable improvements in the modeled daily runoff and mean annual runoff in the model calibration and model simulation over an independent test period with better spatial representation of rainfall. The second experiment compares modeling using a single lumped daily rainfall series and modeling in all grid cells within a catchment using different rainfall inputs for each grid cell. The results show only marginal improvement in the “distributed” application compared to the single rainfall series, and only in two of the four models for the larger catchments. Where a single lumped catchment-average daily rainfall series is used, care should be taken to obtain a rainfall series that best represents the spatial rainfall distribution across the catchment. However, there is little advantage in driving a conceptual rainfall–runoff model with different rainfall inputs from different parts of the catchment compared to using a single lumped rainfall series, where only estimates of runoff at the catchment outlet is required.
Balance of the Background-Error Variances in the Ensemble Assimilation System DART/CAM
Authors: Žagar N. , Tribbia J. , Anderson J. L. , Raeder K.
Published: March 2011

This paper quantifies the linear mass–wind field balance and its temporal variability in the global data assimilation system Data Assimilation Research Testbed/Community Atmosphere Model (DART/CAM), which is based on the ensemble adjustment Kalman filter. The part of the model state that projects onto quasigeostrophic modes represents the balanced state. The unbalanced part corresponds to inertio-gravity (IG) motions. The 80-member ensemble is diagnosed by using the normal-mode function expansion. It was found that the balanced variance in the prior ensemble is on average about 90% of the total variance and about 80% of the wave variance. Balance depends on the scale and the largest zonal scales are best balanced. For zonal wavenumbers greater than k = 30 the balanced variance stays at about the 45% level. There is more variance in the westward- than in the eastward-propagating IG modes; the difference is about 2% of the total wave variance and it is associated with the covariance inflation. The applied inflation field has a major impact on the structure of the prior variance field and its reduction by the assimilation step. The shape of the inflation field mimics the global radiosonde observation network (k = 2), which is associated with the minimum variance reduction in k = 2. Temporal variability of the ensemble variance is significant and appears to be associated with changes in the energy of the flow. A perfect-model assimilation experiment supports the findings from the real-observation experiment.
Impact of Resolution and Design on the U.S. Navy Global Ensemble Performance in the Tropics
Authors: Reynolds Carolyn A. , McLay Justin G. , Goerss James S. , Serra Efren A. , Hodyss Daniel , Sampson Charles R.
Published: March 2011

The performance of the U.S. Navy global atmospheric ensemble prediction system is examined with a focus on tropical winds and tropical cyclone tracks. Ensembles are run at a triangular truncation of T119, T159, and T239, with 33, 17, and 9 ensemble members, respectively, to evaluate the impact of resolution versus the number of ensemble member tradeoffs on ensemble performance. Results indicate that the T159 and T239 ensemble mean tropical cyclone track errors are significantly smaller than those of the T119 ensemble out to 4 days. For ensemble forecasts of upper- and lower-tropospheric tropical winds, increasing resolution has only a small impact on ensemble mean root-mean-square error for wind speed, but does improve Brier scores for 10-m wind speed at the 5 m s−1 threshold. In addition to the resolution tests, modifications to the ensemble transform initial perturbation methodology and inclusion of stochastic kinetic energy backscatter are also evaluated. Stochastic kinetic energy backscatter substantially increases the ensemble spread and improves Brier scores in the tropics, but for the most part does not significantly reduce ensemble mean tropical cyclone track error.
Whatever Happened to Counseling in Counseling Psychology? 1Ψ7
Authors: Scheel Michael J. , Berman Margit , Friedlander Myrna L. , Conoley Collie W. , Duan Changming , Whiston Susan C.
Published: March 2011

A suspected decline in published counseling-related research in The Counseling Psychologist ( TCP) and the Journal of Counseling Psychology ( JCP) was investigated through content analyses of the two journals from 1979 to 2008. A marked decline in counseling-related research may signify a shift in emphasis away from counseling as the most fundamental area of counseling psychology. Findings revealed a drop in counseling-related articles from 77.7% to 37.2% of all articles. Both journals independently showed a decline, but it was more pronounced for JCP. Analogue studies decreased most sharply, whereas field studies, supervision, career, and prevention research also declined markedly. Potential explanations are offered, including fewer counseling-related articles submitted, a trend toward more stringent methodological criteria, fewer senior role models, changing editorial preferences, expanded publication outlets, and a shift in emphasis or identity within counseling psychology. Recommendations are proposed for the promotion of more counseling-related research.
Power, Risk, and Utility
Authors: Lumby Jacky , Foskett Nick
Published: March 2011

Purpose: Engagement with culture as a facet of the work of schools and colleges has been evident since at least the 1950s. The 21st-century interest in culture remains strong, in part because of the growing sense that education faces a scenario where the scale of technological, economic, and social change is unprecedented. Such change demands revisiting cultural values, as practice and power relations are disturbed both by change itself and an inability to assimilate it. The article revisits a seminal question—how far should educational leaders engage with culture as a key theoretical construct, and what are the moral and pragmatic issues that arise? Research Design: The article charts the engagement of the field of educational leadership with culture over time. It critically reviews some of the theoretical models that have been used as analytical and interpretative lenses, considers the scope of the evidence for the utility of the concept of culture, and then explores related implicit and explicit power relations embedded in school leaders’ engagement with culture. Findings: The article concludes that a renewed and more rigorous but critical engagement with culture is essential both for theorizing leadership and developing the leaders of schools, colleges, and universities in the future.
Association between lifestyle and school attendance in Japanese medical students
Authors: Tanaka Masaaki , Watanabe Yasuyoshi
Published: March 2011

Objective: Lifestyle factors are thought to be associated with students’ academic performance. Whether lifestyle factors were associated with medical students’ school attendance was determined.

Design: Cross-sectional design.

Setting: The study group consisted of 157 healthy second-year medical students attending Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine.

Method: Participants completed a questionnaire dealing with lifestyle and school attendance.

Results: On univariate logistic regression analyses, spending time with family members was more likely, and male gender, skipping breakfast, taking meals irregularly and smoking habit were less likely, to indicate school attendance in medical students. On multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for age and gender, spending time with family members was more likely, and skipping breakfast and taking meals irregularly were less likely, to indicate school attendance. In addition, smoking habit had a trend toward a lower likeliness to attend school.

Conclusion: Certain lifestyle factors are associated with school attendance in medical students. Sharing positive lifestyle factors with these students may contribute to a higher incidence of everyday school attendance, or even to a lower incidence of school refusal.
A Person-Centered Approach to the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Quinn Adam
Published: March 2011

This article addresses psychotherapy with a person described as possessing a borderline personality disorder (BPD), or possessing features consistent with this diagnosis. In particular, a selection of mainstream approaches is reviewed to examine unique and universal aspects of current thinking about this treatment population. Following this review, an expanded analysis of person-centered therapy is offered, examining current research evidence and the mechanisms of change hypothesized to occur in the person-centered treatment of BPD.
Adequacy of the Regular Early Education Classroom Environment for Students With Visual Impairment
Authors: Brown Cherylee M. , Packer Tanya L. , Passmore Anne
Published: March 2011

This study describes the classroom environment that students with visual impairment typically experience in regular Australian early education. Adequacy of the classroom environment (teacher training and experience, teacher support, parent involvement, adult involvement, inclusive attitude, individualization of the curriculum, physical environment, and vision aids) for students with visual impairment in early regular education was assessed at the start and the end of one year. A total of 20 students with visual impairment (age M = 5.4 years) attending regular early education participated. In general, teacher-reported curriculum individualization and the physical environment were adequate. However, support provided for staff, teacher training, adult involvement, access to visual aids, and inclusive attitudes were less than adequate. More than 40% of students experienced fewer than four out of nine adequate environmental features. These results indicate that strategies to improve teacher training, support, attitudes, and access to vision aids are needed.
Design and management of a sewage pit through discrete-event simulation
Authors: Aleisa Esra , Al-Ahmad Mohammad , Taha Abdulla M
Published: March 2011

This paper reports two discrete-event simulation studies to model the activities of a residential waste treatment facility and prepare it to accept additional wastewaters through tanker trucks. The first simulation study models the wastewater treatment facility to ensure its ability to handle the planned added capacity arriving through the pit, while the second study simulates various managerial strategies to handle the traffic, testing, and unload procedures of tanker trucks arriving at the facility. The simulation models were statistically validated and the outcomes of the study were implemented in reality. The wastewater treatment facility extension suggested by this study was implemented and launched in mid 2008 to accept residential wastewater tanker trucks. This has saved the environment over 6,000 m3 daily from being dumped into the open unlined terrestrial landfills. Simulation proved to be an excellent tool in the facility planning effort, as it ensured smooth flow lines of tanker truck load discharge and the best utilization of facilities on site.
Cultural Discourse on the Frontline
Authors: Leland Christine H. , Murtadha Khaula
Published: March 2011

The shortage of highly qualified teachers who choose to teach in urban schools on a long-term basis is a chronic problem. Preparing teachers who will flourish in city schools requires attention to cultural discourses on several levels. Candidates who learn to think critically are able to recognize and interrogate the stereotypes they bring. Once hired, urban teachers need to be supported by professional development built on intellectual work and continued development of a critical perspective. Strategies from a university program that has been successful in preparing and staying connected to successful urban teachers are described.
Limited Sampling Strategies for the Estimation of Raltegravir Daily Exposure in HIV‐Infected Patients
Authors: Cattaneo Dario , Ripamonti Diego , Gervasoni Cristina , Landonio Simona , Meraviglia Paola , Baldelli Sara , Cozzi Valeria , Fucile Serena , Clementi Emilio
Published: March 2011

Stepwise multiple regression analyses were applied to 50 raltegravir pharmacokinetic profiles from 50 HIV patients with the goal to identify limited sampling strategies for the prediction of drug area under the time—concentration curve (AUC0–12). Raltegravir single sampling point‐based equations failed to reliably predict daily drug exposure. Conversely, different algorithms based on few samples and associated with good correlation, acceptable bias, and imprecision with the measured raltegravir AUC0–12 were identified. These models could used to predict raltegravir exposure for clinic or research purposes.
Time‐Dependent Pharmacokinetics of 5‐Fluorouracil and Association With Treatment Tolerability in the Adjuvant Setting of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ibrahim Toni , Di Paolo Antonello , Amatori Federica , Mercatali Laura , Ravaioli Elena , Flamini Emanuela , Sacanna Emanuele , Del Tacca Mario , Danesi Romano , Amadori Dino
Published: March 2011

The authors evaluated the influence of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) on treatment tolerability in 81 colorectal cancer patients given adjuvant 5‐FU intravenously plus folinic acid for 6 cycles. The pharmacokinetics of 5‐FU and its inactive metabolite 5‐fluoro‐5,6‐dihydrouracil (5‐FDHU) were measured on days 1 and 5 of the first chemotherapy cycle, 5 and 45 minutes after bolus administration. 5‐FU clearance was significantly lower on day 5 (62.64 ± 20.16 L/h/m2) than on day 1 (74.83 ± 31.61 L/h/m2). The lower 5‐FU clearance values also predicted the side effects during the entire course of chemotherapy. In particular, patients with low clearance values on day 1 had a further reduction in this parameter on day 5, associated with severe toxicities. In conclusion, 5‐FU alters its clearance, which could be partly due to a reduction in 5‐FDHU biotransformation. These findings have safety implications for poor metabolizers whose drug clearance may fall below the threshold during repeated treatment cycles.
Figural Vividness and Persuasion: Capturing the “Elusive” Vividness Effect
Authors: Guadagno Rosanna E. , Rhoads Kelton v. L. , Sagarin Brad J.
Published: March 2011

Despite the widespread belief that the use of vividness in persuasive communications is effective, many laboratory studies have failed to find vividness effects. A possible explanation for this discrepancy is that many laboratory tests have not vivified solely the central thesis of the message but have vivified irrelevant portions of the message as well or instead. Two experiments examined the effect of vivifying the central (“figure”) or noncentral (“ground”) features of a message on persuasion. In both experiments, the formerly “elusive vividness effect” of superior persuasion was found, but only in vivid-figure communications. A mediation analysis revealed the salutary role of supportive cognitive elaborations, rather than memory for the communication, in mediating the vividness effect. The findings caution against attempts to persuade by increasing overall message vividness because off-thesis vividness has the unintended and undercutting consequence of distracting recipients from the point of the communication.
Science, normativity and skill: Reviewing and renewing the anthropological basis of Critical Theory
Authors: Moss Lenny , Pavesich Vida
Published: March 2011

The categories and contours of a normative social theory are prefigured by its ‘anthropological’ presuppositions. The discourse/communicative-theoretic basis of Habermasian theory was prefigured by a strong anthropological demarcation between an instrumentally structured realm of science, technology and labor versus a normatively structured realm of social interaction. An alternative anthropology, bolstered by current work in the empirical sciences, finds fundamental normative needs for orientation and ‘compensation’ also to be embedded in embodied material practices. An emerging anthropologically informed concept of skill that goes beyond old manual versus intellectual dichotomies and brings forth internal criteria of autonomy and authenticity can serve as a new bridge between categories of social justice, such as Sen and Nussbaum’s basic human ‘capabilities’, and new cutting-edge work in the empirical human sciences and thereby provide Critical Theory with a renewed point of departure that is both normatively and descriptively rich, for advancing its dialectical, historical mission.
Refiguring the essential word: The work of the imagination in Ricoeur’s late apprenticeship
Authors: Yates Christopher
Published: March 2011

This article examines the theme of imagination in Ricoeur’s Living Up to Death (2009[2007]). I argue that his meditations on death are centered on the question of the imagination, and that the exorcizing mode of detachment so crucial to Ricoeur’s position amounts to a ‘refiguration’ of what he terms the ‘make-believe’. Drawing on his work in Time and Narrative, I chart the instances of the make-believe attached to death and dying as disclosures of vulnerability attending the stages of Ricoeur’s threefold mimesis. This means that Living Up to Death involves a struggle of the narrative or poetic imagination to refigure the misleading con-figurations of the natural imagination when faced with death. Ricoeur’s interest in ‘schematizing’ the eternal and Essential, as well, marks a specific connection between the labors of the productive imagination and the refigura-tion of death as a transfiguration of the living.
Shared Care Dyadic Intervention
Authors: Sebern Margaret D. , Woda Aimee
Published: March 2011

Up to half of heart failure (HF) patients are readmitted to hospitals within 6 months of discharge. Many readmissions are linked to inadequate self-care or family support. To improve care, practitioners may need to intervene with both the HF patient and family caregiver. Despite the recognition that family interventions improve patient outcomes, there is a lack of evidence to support dyadic interventions in HF. Thus, the purpose of this study was to test the Shared Care Dyadic Intervention (SCDI) designed to improve self-care in HF. The theoretical base of the SCDI was a construct called Shared Care. Shared Care represents a system of processes used in family care to exchange support. Key findings were as follows: the SCDI was acceptable to both care partners and the data supported improved shared care for both. For the patient, there were improvements in self-care. For the caregivers, there were improvements in relationship quality and health.
Facial exercise therapy for facial palsy: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pereira LM , Obara K , Dias JM , Menacho MO , Lavado EL , Cardoso JR
Published: March 2011

The effectiveness of facial exercises therapy for facial palsy has been debated in systematic reviews but its effects are still not totally explained.

Objective: To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of facial exercise therapy for facial palsy.

Data sources: A search was performed in the following databases: Cochrane Controlled Trials Register Library, Cochrane Disease Group Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, PEDro, Scielo and DARE from 1966 to 2010; the following keywords were used: ‘idiopathic facial palsy’, ‘facial paralysis’, ‘Bell’s palsy’, ‘physical therapy’, ‘exercise movement techniques’, ‘facial exercises’, ‘mime therapy’ ‘facial expression’, ‘massage’ and ‘randomized controlled trials’.

Review methods: The inclusion criteria were studies with facial exercises, associated or not with mirror biofeedback, to treat facial palsy.

Results: One hundred and thirty-two studies were found but only six met the inclusion criteria. All the studies were evaluated by two independent reviewers, following the recommendations of Cochrane Collaboration Handbook for assessment of risk of bias (kappa coefficient = 0.8). Only one study presented sufficient data to perform the meta-analysis, and significant improvements in functionality was found for the experimental group (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 13.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.31, 23.49; P = 0.005).

Conclusion: Facial exercise therapy is effective for facial palsy for the outcome functionality.
Biologically inspired collective comparisons by robotic swarms
Authors: Parker Chris A C , Hong Zhang
Published: March 2011

Intelligent entities must often make decisions by comparing several candidate alternatives and selecting the best one. This is just as true for autonomous swarms as it is for solitary robots, but to date there has been little work to propose efficient comparison behaviors for autonomous robotic swarms that are not tied to specific environments. In this work, we examine an elegant collective comparison strategy that is used by at least three different species of social insect and adapt it for artificial systems. The behavior is particularly attractive for robotic implementations because it relies only on short range explicit peer-to-peer communication, eliminating the need for chemical trails or other forms of stigmergy. The proposed comparison strategy is proven to converge, and a series of experiments using real robots with noisy sensors is presented that validates our theoretical analysis. Using the proposed behavior, a robotic swarm is able to compare alternatives collectively more accurately than its member robots would be able to individually.
‘Claiming’ the diaspora
Authors: Ho Elaine Lynn-Ee
Published: March 2011

This paper addresses the scholarship on extraterritorial citizenship strategies implemented by sending states in order to mobilize elite emigrants and enhance global competitiveness. It argues that these strategies should be distinguished analytically from claims of ‘diaspora’. The paper further delineates a geographical agenda by reflecting on, first, the contestations, and second, the aspects of negligence articulated in these strategies. Third, it argues that studying the proliferation of emigrant populations with multiple national affiliations helps illuminate the selectiveness of such strategies. Lastly, although geography is central to understanding these strategies, the processes studied also raise questions about the spatialities produced.
Waste management in Greenland: current situation and challenges
Authors: Eisted Rasmus , Christensen Thomas H.
Published: March 2011

Waste management in Greenland (56 000 inhabitants) is characterized by landfilling, incineration and export to Denmark of small quantities of metals and hazardous waste. The annual amount of waste is estimated to about 50 000 tons but actual data are scarce. Data on the waste composition is basically lacking. The scattered small towns and settlements, the climate and the long transport distances between towns and also to recycling industries abroad constitute a complex situation with respect to waste management. The landfills have no collection of gas and leachate and the incinerators are small and equipped with only moderate flue gas cleaning technology. This report summarizes the current waste management situation in Greenland and identifies important challenges in improving the waste management.
A case study: biomedical waste management practices at city hospital in Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Nema Akansha , Pathak Aishwarya , Bajaj Prasad , Singh Harvinder , Kumar Sudhir
Published: March 2011

Proper management of biomedical waste is a crucial issue for maintaining human health and the environment. The waste generated in the hospitals has the potential for spreading infections and causing diseases. The study was conducted by visiting a near by hospital in order to get acquainted with the generation of the biomedical waste and their disposal strategies. The study includes an assortment of details about the quantity of different types of waste generated, their handling, treatment, final disposal and various management strategies adopted by the hospital. The survey was conducted by asking various questions regarding the issue by the waste management team and the workers involved in managing the waste.
Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia: Review of Classification and Genetics, and Exclusion of Several Genes Known to Be Important for Cerebellar Development
Authors: Maricich Stephen M. , Aqeeb Kaashif A. , Moayedi Yalda , Mathes Erin L. , Patel Millan S. , Chitayat David , Lyon Gilles , Leroy Jules G. , Zoghbi Huda Y.
Published: March 2011

The pontocerebellar hypoplasias are a heterogeneous group of rare and devastating conditions characterized by multiple structural abnormalities of the ventral pons, inferior olive, and cerebellum. Here, we briefly review these conditions and discuss genes recently discovered to be involved in pontocerebellar hypoplasia pathogenesis. We then present data that exclude several genes important for cerebellar development as causes of pontocerebellar hypoplasia-4 and pontocerebellar hypoplasia-5, and we demonstrate that not all cases of clinically defined pontocerebellar hypoplasia-4 result from mutations in TSEN54. We conclude that classification based on clinical, imaging, and neuropathological findings does not differentiate between pontocerebellar hypoplasia subtypes with different genetic causes.
Effects of Simulation Training on Making Purchases with a Debit Card and Tracking Expenses
Authors: Rowe Dawn A. , Cease-Cook Jennifer , Test David W.
Published: March 2011

This study used a multiple probe design across participants to examine the effects of classroom simulation using static picture prompts on students’ ability to acquire, maintain, and generalize skills necessary to use a debit card to make a purchase and track their expenses. Results demonstrated a functional relationship between simulated instruction and students’ ability to use a debit card to make a purchase and track their expenses in a check register. In addition, all three students maintained their newly acquired skills for 4 weeks and were able to generalize skills to three different community sites. Implications for practice and recommendations for future research are described.
Comparing the Transition Planning, Postsecondary Education, and Employment Outcomes of Students With Intellectual and Other Disabilities
Authors: Grigal Meg , Hart Debra , Migliore Alberto
Published: March 2011

This article describes a secondary analysis of variables from the National Longitudinal Transition Survey 2 (NLTS-2) database. Specifically, students with intellectual disability (ID) were compared to students with other disabilities regarding post-school transition goals listed on their IEPs/Transition Plans, contacts/referrals made to outside agencies during transition planning, participation of other agencies/organizations in transition planning (e.g., vocational rehabilitation and higher education representatives), and students’ postsecondary education and employment outcomes. Students with ID were less likely to have postsecondary education or competitive employment goals and outcomes and more likely to have sheltered and supported employment goals and outcomes compared to students with other disabilities. Contacts with and participation of external professionals in IEP/Transition Plan meetings also differed between the two groups of students.
Effects of Inservice Teacher Training on Correct Implementation of Assessment and Instructional Procedures for Teachers of Students With Profound Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Horrocks Erin L. , Morgan Robert L.
Published: March 2011

A multicomponent training package (live training, video modeling, role playing, and feedback) was used to train teachers to conduct assessment and to instruct students with profound multiple disabilities. Phase 1 of the study involved training seven teachers to conduct assessment in three areas: (a) preference assessment (i.e., identification of potential reinforcing items), (b) controlled body movement assessment (i.e., gross and fine motor skills), and (c) access skill assessment (i.e., assessment of basic skills or prerequisite skills necessary for further instruction). Four teacher–student pairs from Phase 1 participated in Phase 2, where teachers were trained to use one of the following instructional strategies: least-to-most prompting, most-to-least prompting, time delay, or graduated guidance. A multiple baseline design across four teacher participants was used to determine if training was effective in increasing the percentage of correctly implemented instructional steps. Data indicated that the training package was effective in increasing teachers’ skills in assessing and instructing students with profound multiple disabilities. In addition, data from student participants showed they were responsive to teachers’ instruction, as the percentage of independently performed student responses increased from baseline to training and posttraining sessions.
Board/Staff Relationships in a Growth Crisis
Authors: Reid Wendy , Turbide Johanne
Published: March 2011

This longitudinal study of four not-for-profit organizations in the cultural sector examines the evolving relationship between boards and staff. Financial problems occurred as a result of enlarged physical facilities or increased programming. The study provides insights on how the behavior of boards and their relationships with executive leadership change during the phases of a crisis. The authors relate their findings to those of other governance studies on crises and alternative theories of governance. New insights on variations of trust and distrust may serve to explain the dynamics of change. This study contributes to the discussion of governance in the context of organizational crises in the not-for-profit sector.
User Involvement in Public Services: ‘Choice about Voice’
Authors: Simmons Richard , Birchall Johnston , Prout Alan
Published: March 2011

Processes of involvement and representation are particularly important in UK public services if users’ interests are adequately to be taken into account. Yet there are several different, sometimes competing ways for users’ views to be represented, and their interaction is not well understood. This article reports on research exploring these issues in relation to three public services – housing, social care and leisure services. We asked, how do public service users experience and evaluate the alternative ways in which their interests may be represented, and what factors guide their ‘choice about voice’? Mechanisms available for users to express their views can be categorised as ‘hierarchical’ (e.g. contacting elected officials); individualistic (e.g. complaints procedures); or group-based (e.g. user forums). Users make assumptions about what channel is appropriate for particular issues in a particular context. However, their ability to communicate via their chosen channel is dependent on viable opportunities to do so. This idea of viability (or lack of it) goes beyond the simple provision of a full range of channels. It relates to the prospects of users' views being recognised and accepted – and to the sense of disconnection and withdrawal that often accompanies low expectations or disappointing experiences.
Pringle maneuver exacerbates systemic inflammatory response and multiple-organ injury induced by extended liver radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Ypsilantis Petros , Lambropoulou Maria , Anagnostopoulos Constantinos , Tsigalou Christina , Vasiliadis Constantinos , Kortsaris Alexandros , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Simopoulos Constantinos
Published: March 2011

Aim: To assess the systemic inflammatory response (SIR) and the multi-organ damage after large-volume liver radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with or without concurrent Pringle maneuver. Methods: Wistar rats were subjected to 30% liver RFA (group RFA), liver RFA under 30-min Pringle maneuver (group RFA + P), Pringle only (group P) or sham operation (group S). Serum levels of interleukin-1α (IL-1α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serum biochemical profile, multiple-organ pathology and the activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the liver were assessed post-operatively. Results: The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were increased from 1h up to 1w and 6h, respectively, in both RFA groups, while IL-6 was only mildly increased at 3 h in group P. IL-6 was higher in group RFA + P compared to group RFA. Serum biochemical profile was altered more intensely in group RFA + P compared to RFA. There was tissue injury in the non-ablated liver portion as well as in adjacent and remote organs with lesions being more severe in group RFA + P. At 1 h, NF-κB was equally activated in all study groups. Conclusions: Extended liver RFA causes SIR and multi-organ injury, which are exacerbated when a concurrent Pringle maneuver is applied.
Human poisoning with spinosad and flonicamid insecticides
Authors: Su Ting-Yi , Lin Ja-Liang , Lin-Tan Dan-Tzu , Tseng Hsin-Hui , Yen Tzung-Hai
Published: March 2011

This report describes the first known case in the literature of acute exposure to a mixture of spinosad and flonicamid that resulted in a substantial clinical toxicities. An 80-year-old depressed female attempted suicide by drinking a mixture of 80-mL Conserve (Dow AgroSciences, Taipei, Taiwan) and 2–3 gram powder of flonicamid (Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Taipei, Taiwan). Spinosad was the main compound ingested. The clinical manifestations were mostly neurological, i.e. consciousness disturbance, shock, respiratory failure, pneumonitis and urinary retention. Endoscopic examination found grade 2a corrosive esophageal injury. After resuscitation, detoxification procedures and intensive care, the patient recovered fully without leaving any chronic sequels. An emerging question arising from this report is, why are the clinical symptoms so severe, given that both compounds were claimed safe in laboratory animals? The answer is unclear. One possible explanation is, the amount of spinosad ingested was far beyond the physiological safety dose that can be handled by human body. Other potential contributors to the clinical toxicities in this patient are the solvent compositions that were found in the Conserve insecticide formulation.
Caste, Social Stigma and Identity Processes
Authors: Jaspal Rusi
Published: March 2011

Caste persists as an important socio-psychological phenomenon in many spheres of Indian social life and particularly within village contexts. It is argued that socio-psychological insights into caste identity and caste-based stigma may complement ongoing sociological and anthropological research into caste. Drawing upon identity process theory, this article explores the possible functions performed by caste-based stigma both for the higher caste groups (HCGs) and the ‘Scheduled Caste’ (SC) groups. It examines how the maintenance of the social hierarchy implicated in the caste system, the spatial and endogamous separation of caste groups and the historical division of labour in accordance with caste group affiliation, may impinge upon identity processes among both groups. It is argued that caste group affiliation and caste-based stigma have differential and sometimes conflicting implications for identity processes among the HCGs and SCs. While negative social representations of the SCs may threaten self-esteem among SC members, it may enhance the self-esteem, meaning and distinctiveness principles among the HCGs. The systematic positioning of the caste ingroup and outgroups within the social matrix may enhance meaning and distinctiveness among both the HCGs and SCs. This article highlights a potential rationale underlying caste group members’ resistance to social change vis-à-vis caste, even among those who might be expected to benefit from such change. Some theoretical points are made in the form of testable hypotheses and methodological issues in caste-related research are considered.
Peer loyalty and quota restriction as social norms: A case study of their emergence
Authors: León Francisco José
Published: March 2011

In this paper, I focus on the case of a multinational company in the automotive sector, and specifically its production plant in Barcelona. Based on the analysis of eighteen interviews carried out with workers at the company, I constructed an explanatory model of the emergence, configuration and maintenance of the shopfloor culture of the plant workers. This idioculture or shopfloor culture is characterized by the prescription of a resistance to work and the proscription of disloyalty to colleagues. The games of interaction between different types of agents generate the demand for the norms of cooperation, which form the framework of this idioculture. I also highlight some of the mechanisms responsible for the prevalence of mutual cooperation.
Who perished on the Titanic? The importance of social norms
Authors: Frey Bruno S. , Savage David A. , Torgler Benno
Published: March 2011

This paper seeks to empirically identify what factors make it more or less likely for people to survive in a life-threatening situation. Three factors relate to individual attributes of the persons onboard: physical strength, economic resources, and nationality. Two relate to social aspects: social support and social norms. The Titanic disaster is a life-or-death situation. Otherwise-disregarded aspects of human nature become apparent in such a dangerous situation. The empirical analysis supports the notion that social norms are a key determinant in extreme situations of life or death.
Conductive Shape Memory Polymer Composite Incorporated with Hybrid Fillers: Electrical, Mechanical, and Shape Memory Properties
Authors: Kai Yu  , Yanjiu Liu  , Jinsong Leng
Published: March 2011

In this article, separated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) aggregations were bridged by short carbon fibers in the conductive polymer composites, where a styrene-based shape memory polymer (SMP) was selected as the matrix resin. Due to the synergistic effect of hybrid fillers, the electrical resistivity of the SMP composites was significantly decreased in comparison with those with only CNTs embedded. Benefits offered by the hybrid fillers to the electrical, mechanical, and shape memory properties of the developed conductive SMP composites were experimentally demonstrated in detail. The additionally acquired shape memory capability could expand the application scope of traditional conductive polymer composites.
IText Reconfigured: The Rise of the Podcast
Authors: Tulley Christine
Published: March 2011

The podcast is a unique configuration of IText precisely because it foregrounds sound in the current cultural moment of secondary orality. This return to an oral—aural tradition offers several unique benefits. Podcasts adapt well to today’s unstructured work spaces. Moreover, podcasts blur boundaries between virtual and face-to-face communication and virtual and physical spaces. Finally, podcasts are fragmented, reflecting the fluidity of previous ITexts; yet, unlike ITexts, podcasts mostly exist as complete, scripted texts. This article raises questions concerning what the podcast contributes to overall knowledge of how texts are mediated through evolving information technologies.
Contextualizing Experiences: Tracing the Relationships Between People and Technologies in the Social Web
Authors: Potts Liza , Jones Dave
Published: March 2011

This article uses both actor network theory (ANT) and activity theory to trace and analyze the ways in which both Twitter and third-party applications support the development and maintenance of meaningful contexts for Twitter participants. After situating context within the notion of a ‘‘fire space’’, the authors use ANT to trace the actors that support finding and moving information. Then they analyze the ‘‘prescriptions’’ of each application using the activity-theory distinction between actions and operations. Finally, they combine an activity-theory analysis with heuristics derived from the concept of ‘‘findability’’ in order to explore design implications for Social Web applications.
A pharmacoeconomic modeling approach to estimate a value-based price for new oncology drugs in Europe
Authors: Dranitsaris George , Ortega Ana , Lubbe Martie S , Truter Ilse
Published: March 2011

Background. Several European governments have recently mandated price cuts in drugs to reduce health care spending. However, such measures without supportive evidence may compromise patient care because manufacturers may withdraw current products or not launch new agents. A value-based pricing scheme may be a better approach for determining a fair drug price and may be a medium for negotiations between the key stakeholders. To demonstrate this approach, pharmacoeconomic (PE) modeling was used from the Spanish health care system perspective to estimate a value-based price for bevacizumab, a drug that provides a 1.4-month survival benefit to patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The threshold used for economic value was three times the Spanish per capita GDP, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Methods. A PE model was developed to simulate outcomes in mCRC patients receiving chemotherapy ± bevacizumab. Clinical data were obtained from randomized trials and costs from a Spanish hospital. Utility estimates were determined by interviewing 24 Spanish oncology nurses and pharmacists. A price per dose of bevacizumab was then estimated using a target threshold of €78,300 per quality-adjusted life year gained, which is three times the Spanish per capita GDP.

Results. For a 1.4-month survival benefit, a price of €342 per dose would be considered cost effective from the Spanish public health care perspective. The price may be increased to €733 or €843 per dose if the drug were able to improve patient quality of life or enhance survival from 1.4 to 3 months.

Conclusions. This study demonstrated that a value-based pricing approach using PE modeling and the WHO criteria for economic value is feasible and perhaps a better alternative to government mandated price cuts. The former approach would be a good starting point for opening dialog between European government payers and the pharmaceutical industry.
Developing Customer Service Innovations for Service Employees: The Effects of NSD Characteristics on Internal Innovation Magnitude
Authors: Umashankar Nita , Srinivasan Raji , Hindman Dustin
Published: March 2011

During product recovery, firms rely on their customer service agents to recover customers’ product failures and deliver superior customer service. However, customers who contact the firm about a product failure often are dissatisfied, which makes customer service agents’ jobs challenging. Therefore, firms continuously try to improve their internal customer service operations to increase benefits for customer service agents and, by extension, their customers. The authors hypothesize that the way firms design (agent codesign and design acceleration) and implement (agent enablement) an internal customer service innovation has direct and joint effects on the magnitude of benefits of the innovation to customer service agents, termed internal innovation magnitude. The authors test the conceptual model using data on 38 internal customer service innovations at a Fortune 500 high-technology firm. The findings extend the internal marketing literature by demonstrating that service employees represent a critical source of user-generated feedback. The findings also contribute to marketing practice by suggesting that accelerating the design process not only saves costs but also increases benefits for the internal users of the innovation.