bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality‐of‐Life Differences among Diagnostic Subgroups of Children Receiving Ventilating Tubes for Otitis Media
Authors: Heidemann Christian Hamilton , Lauridsen Henrik Hein , Kjeldsen Anette Drøhse , Faber Christian Emil , Johansen Eva Charlotte Jung , Godballe Christian
Published: February 2015

Objective

The pathological picture may differ considerably between diagnostic subgroups of children with otitis media receiving ventilating tubes. The aims of this study are to investigate differences in quality of life among diagnostic subgroups of children treated with ventilating tubes and to investigate possible predictors for clinical success.

Study Design

Longitudinal observational study.

Setting

Secondary care units.

Methods

Four hundred ninety‐one families were enrolled in the study. The Otitis Media–6 questionnaire was applied in the assessment of child quality of life. Caregivers completed questionnaires at 7 time points from before treatment to 18‐month follow‐up. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate possible predictors for clinical success.

Results

Response rates ranged from 96% to 81%; diagnostic distribution: 15% recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM), 47% otitis media with effusion (OME), and 38% mixed diagnosis of rAOM and OME (rAOM/OME). There were no significant differences between children diagnosed with rAOM and children diagnosed with rAOM/OME. However, these children had a significantly poorer quality of life at baseline compared with children diagnosed with only OME. Factors associated with clinical success included a diagnosis of rAOM, number of interrupted nights, physician visits, and canceled social activities due to OM.

Conclusions

Results highlight the importance of distinguishing between diagnostic subgroups of children having ventilating tube treatment. A diagnosis of rAOM was found to predict baseline quality of life. Children with rAOM with or without OME were found to suffer significantly more than children with only OME before treatment. Factors associated with disease severity were found to predict clinical success.
Development of a Quality Care Plan to Reduce Otolaryngologic Readmissions
Authors: Rajasekaran Karthik , Revenaugh Peter , Benninger Michael , Burkey Brian , Sindwani Raj
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Hospital readmissions are an important focus of national quality and cost containment efforts. With increased emphasis on the impact of unplanned readmissions, it is critical to evaluate factors contributing to readmission rates and optimize strategies aimed at reducing these rates. The objectives of this study were to discuss quality interventions implemented at our institution and to evaluate their impact on reducing readmissions.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Academic tertiary care medical center.

Methods

Medical records of patients who were admitted to an otolaryngology inpatient service and readmitted within 30 days of discharge between January 2010 and December 2012 were reviewed. A quality care plan (QCP) was developed, and various interventions were implemented during this time to affect these rates.

Results

There were 769, 816, and 798 admissions during the years 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively. The number of readmissions during this time were 50 (6.5%), 51 (6.3%), and 28 (3.5%), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in case mix index, demographics, and subsequent length of stay for those patients requiring readmission. The reduction in number of readmissions in 2012, after the institution of our QCP, was statistically significant (P <. 05).

Conclusion

Readmission within 30 days in a large otolaryngology practice can be multifactorial. To reduce rates of readmission, it is essential to understand the diagnoses, postoperative complications, and comorbidities contributing to readmission. Implementation of a QCP composed of comprehensive discharge planning and close postdischarge follow‐up can lead to a reduction in readmissions.
Breastfeeding and Coffee Consumption in Children Younger than 2 Years in Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Authors: Burnham Laura , Matlak Stephanie , Makrigiorgos Gregory , Braun Natalie , Knapp Becky Perreault , Merewood Anne
Published: February 2015

Background:

Although introduction of inappropriate foods and liquids in early childhood and their association with breastfeeding is commonly reported in US children, coffee use in very young US children and its association with breastfeeding is not.

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine the proportion of 1- and 2-year-olds in an urban population consuming coffee, their rate of consumption, and predictors of consumption, including breastfeeding status.

Methods:

We used data from a prospective cohort study on infant weight gain and diet, and body mass index at age 2. We used bivariate analyses to examine variables associated with coffee consumption at 1 and 2 years and multivariate logistic regression to control for variables of interest.

Results:

This study included 315 mother-infant dyads. At 1 year, the rate of coffee consumption reported was 2.5%; at 2 years, it was 15.2% and average daily consumption was 1.09 oz (range, 0.01- 4.00 oz). The only characteristic associated with coffee consumption at 1 year was breastfeeding at 1 year ( P = .0275), which did not remain significant after controlling for confounding variables. Variables significantly associated with coffee consumption at year 2 were lower maternal education ( P = .0016), non-US maternal place of birth ( P = .0015), maternal Hispanic ethnicity ( P < .0001), infant female sex ( P = .0495), and receiving any breast milk at 1 year of age ( P = .0189). After multivariate logistic regression, maternal Hispanic ethnicity ( P = .0139) and infant female sex ( P = .0371) remained significant.

Conclusion:

Coffee consumption is not uncommon among toddlers in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. After controlling for possible confounding factors, maternal ethnicity and infant sex were significantly associated with this practice.
Use of the urine drug screen in psychiatry emergency service
Authors: Akosile Wole , McDermott Brett M
Published: February 2015

Objective:

This study investigates if the routine use of the urine drug screen offers any diagnostic or management benefit in the assessment and treatment of psychiatry patients in a suburban psychiatry emergency service.

Methods:

Data was collected retrospectively from consecutive patients 18 years and above, who presented to a large suburban hospital emergency department and had a urine drug screen ordered in the emergency department. A total of 111 patients, (with mean age of participants being 34.9 years, SD 10.2 years, minimum 18 – maximum 62 years, 62.2% (69/111) were male) met the inclusion criteria.

Results:

The most common drug group identified was benzodiazepines (59.5%; 66/111), followed by cannabis (40.5%; 45/111). Other drugs were identified at much lower levels, including amphetamines (9.0%; 10/111), opiates (4.5%; 5/111) and methadone (0%; 0/111). For most individuals only one drug was detected (55.9%; 62/111), with equal numbers (18.9%) with either zero or two drugs identified by a urine drug screen. Fewer patients had three drugs on a urine drug screen (5.4%; 6/111) or four (0.9%; 1/111).

Conclusions:

Qualitative urine drug screens provide limited additional information compared to history taking and has minimal impact on clinical management decisions in a psychiatry emergency service.
Documentation of medication changes in inpatient clinical notes: an audit to support quality improvement
Authors: Peusschers Elsie , Twine Jaryth , Wheeler Amanda , Moudgil Vikas , Patterson Sue
Published: February 2015

Objective:

To describe completeness and accuracy of recording medication changes in progress notes during psychiatric inpatient admissions.

Method:

A retrospective audit of records of 54 randomly selected psychiatric admissions at a metropolitan tertiary hospital. Medication changes recorded on National Inpatient Medication Chart (NIMC) were compared to documentation in the clinical progress records and assessed for completeness against seven quality criteria.

Results:

With between one and 32 medication changes per admission, a total of 519 changes were recorded in NIMCs. Just over half were documented in progress notes. Psychotropic and regular medications were more frequently charted than ‘other’ and ‘if required’ medications. Documentation was seldom comprehensive. Medication name was most frequently documented; desired therapeutic effect or potential adverse effects were rarely documented. Evidence of patient involvement in, and an explicit rationale for, a change were infrequently recorded.

Conclusions:

Revealing substantial gaps in communication about medication changes during psychiatric admission, this audit sheds light on a previously undescribed source of medication error, warranting attention. Further research is needed to examine barriers to best practice, to support design and implementation of quality improvement activities but in the interim, attention should be addressed to development and articulation of content and procedures for documentation.
Hammertoe Correction With K-Wire Fixation
Authors: Kramer William C. , Parman Michael , Marks Richard M
Published: February 2015

Background:

Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation for correction of hammertoe deformity is a common, low-cost method for fixation of hammertoes after proximal interphalangeal (PIP) arthroplasty or fusion. Complications of this procedure include pin-tract infection, pin migration, pin bending or breakage, and recurrence of deformity. The investigators reviewed a large experience using K-wire stabilization for hammertoe correction.

Methods:

All hammertoe corrections performed by a single surgeon from 1999 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. A resection arthroplasty of the PIP joint or PIP fusion was performed and fixed with a K-wire. Follow-up duration, preoperative diagnosis, pin duration, concomitant procedures, recurrence rates, and complications were reviewed and analyzed. A total of 1,115 operations were performed on 876 patients, with correction of 2,698 hammertoes. There were 709 female and 167 male patients, with an average age of 57.5 years (range, 14-88 years), followed for an average of 20.8 months (range, 27 days to 12.7 years).

Results:

Complications included 94 pin migrations (3.5%), 9 pin-tract infections (0.3%), and 2 pin breakages (0.1%). There were 150 recurrent deformities (5.6%) and 94 toes (3.5%) required revision hammertoe surgery. Malalignment was noted in 55 toes (2.1%). Vascular compromise occurred in 16 toes (0.6%), with 10 (0.4%) requiring amputation. Ninety-four toes (3.5%) required revision surgery because of symptomatic recurrence of deformity. The expected rates and rate ratios (RRs) of patients requiring revision hammertoe correction, compared with the study population as a whole, were statistically significantly higher in patients who underwent an metatarsophalangeal joint capsulotomy (3.10 vs 0.97; RR, 3.20) and those who experienced K-wire-related complications (5.10 vs 1.80, RR, 2.84).

Conclusions:

K-wire fixation for the treatment of hammertoe deformities led to good maintenance of correction with a relatively low complication rate, and we believe that it remains an effective, low-cost method of fixation for hammertoe correction.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Violence Against Women Through the Lens of Objectification Theory
Authors: Davidson M. Meghan , Gervais Sarah J.
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of violence on body image variables for college women. Undergraduate women participated in an online study assessing sexual violence (SV), intimate partner violence (IPV), self-objectification, body surveillance, and body shame experiences. Findings suggest that both SV and IPV contribute to women’s body shame. In addition, the associations between IPV and body shame appear to be explained through self-objectification processes, but not the associations between SV and body shame. Thus, important differences between IPV and SV regarding self-objectification processes emerged. Theoretical and practical implications, as well as directions for future research, are discussed.
Calculations of visible radiation in electrodeless HID lamps
Authors: Hamady M , Lister GG , Zissis G
Published: February 2015

This paper compares the measured photometric properties and power balance of a conventional electroded metal halide lamp containing mercury and thallium iodide with those obtained from a theoretical model for discharges sustained by a microwave electromagnetic field. In the calculations, the discharge is assumed to be in the TM010 mode, sustained by a microwave field of frequency 2.45 GHz. The numerical model used to obtain the power balance in the discharge is based on a solution to the Elenbaas–Heller equation for the gas temperature, and a simple ‘skin depth’ model to describe the penetration of the maintenance electric field in the discharge. A ray tracing method is employed to simulate the radiation transport, to compute the emitted radiation flux, luminous flux, luminous efficacy and the correlated colour temperature. The calculations of the total radiation flux from the discharge as a function of electric power is consistent with previously published calculations, showing that the fraction of electric power converted to radiation increases as electric power increases, provided all other lamp parameters are constant. However, our results indicate that this does not necessarily correspond to an increase in the fraction of electrical power converted to visible radiation.
Gesture, Play, and Language Development of Spanish-Speaking Toddlers With Developmental Language Disorders
Authors: Guiberson Mark
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this preliminary study was to (a) examine relationships between the symbolic and language skills of a mixed (developmental language disordered [DLD] and typical language [TL]) Spanish-speaking sample; (b) describe gesture, play, and language skills of DLD and TL groups; (c) compare the development between groups; and (d) explore whether combining symbolic and language measures predict language scores. A major focus of this study was to interpret how this information may be clinically useful, especially for non-Spanish-speaking speech-language pathologists who are responsible for the initial screening, monitoring, and/or assessment of the language development of young Spanish speakers. Analyses revealed that some symbolic skills were significantly associated with language, but group differences were detected only in conventional gesture usage. Conventional gesture and number of different words (NDW) combined significantly predicted language scores. This study showed that play-based approaches provide important developmental information that contributes to screening and assessment decisions.
Assessment and Intervention for English Language Learners With Primary Language Impairment
Authors: Pieretti Robert A. , Roseberry-McKibbin Celeste
Published: February 2015

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are experiencing the exciting challenge of serving increasing numbers of English Language Learners (ELLs) in U.S. schools. When ELLs struggle in school, they may be overreferred for speech-language services. SLPs are routinely expected to differentiate a language difference based on cultural, linguistic, and environmental characteristics from an underlying primary language impairment (PLI). This tutorial is designed to guide researchers and practicing professionals in the selection of research-based best practices for assessment and intervention for ELLs with potential PLI.
An Absence of Malice
Authors: Cobb Michael D. , Taylor Andrew J.
Published: February 2015

We examine whether repeated scandals within one party generate collective sanctions for fellow partisans. Do voters punish a party’s candidates because of multiple corruption scandals? Our data come from a unique survey conducted prior to the 2010 legislative elections in North Carolina, a state that had recently seen a number of high-profile corruption scandals involving Democrats exclusively. Although Republicans campaigned energetically against “the party of corruption,” we find the impact of that campaign was muted. Respondents who accurately identified at least one scandal rated the Democratic Party less favorably and thought Republicans would do better at responding to corruption. Nevertheless, vote choice was unrelated to knowledge of corruption scandals, and Republicans did not benefit from any effects on voter turnout. Importantly, respondents’ partisanship only sometimes mediated attitudes and did not affect behavior. We conclude that voters might in theory prefer “clean” parties, but their political actions are uninfluenced by that preference, a finding that has unfortunate implications for democracy.
Multiple tissue-specific expression of rice seed-shattering gene SH4 regulated by its promoter pSH4
Authors: Yan Huanxin , Ma Li , Wang Zhe , Lin Zhimin , Su Jun , Lu Bao-Rong
Published: February 2015

Background

Rice seed shattering is an important domestication syndrome encoded by a gene named as SH4. The coding region of SH4 has been well studied regarding its function and roles in evolution. However, its promoter has not been identified, which limited our understanding of the detailed regulatory mechanisms of this gene. It is therefore critical to characterize the promoter and study its expression pattern.

Results

We analyzed the 5′ upstream sequences of this gene and identified a ~2.6 kb fragment with typical promoter features, which was designated as pSH4. The promoter contained a number of cis-acting elements related to abscisic acid (ABA) and a CpG island that were characteristics of multiple tissue-specific expression. We isolated and ligated pSH4 to the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene, and transformed it into a japonica rice cultivar to determine the multiple expression pattern of SH4. Histochemical location and fluorescence analyses of GUS activity of transgenic plants indicated multiple tissue-specific expression of pSH4 in the seed-pedicel junction region of mature panicles (with highest level), stems, coleoptiles of germinated seeds, and scutella of mature seeds.

Conclusions

The multiple tissue-specific expression pSH4 is categorized as a spatiotemporal promoter that drives the expression of the SH4 gene in different rice tissues, in addition to the seed-pedicel junction region. Our findings suggest that SH4 may have additional functions in the growth and development of rice, apart from its major role in seed shattering.
Role of Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Kinase in Adrenal Aldosterone Production
Authors: Nanba Kazutaka , Chen Andrew , Nishimoto Koshiro , Rainey William E.
Published: February 2015

There is considerable evidence supporting the role of calcium signaling in adrenal regulation of both aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) and aldosterone production. However, there have been no studies that investigated the role played by the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK) in adrenal cells. In this study we investigated the role of CaMKK in adrenal cell aldosterone production. To determine the role of CaMKK, we used a selective CaMKK inhibitor (STO-609) in the HAC15 human adrenal cell line. Cells were treated with angiotensin II (Ang II) or K+ and evaluated for the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and CYP11B2 (mRNA/protein) as well as aldosterone production. We also transduced HAC15 cells with lentiviral short hairpin RNAs of CaMKK1 and CaMKK2 to determine which CaMKK plays a more important role in adrenal cell regulation of the calcium signaling cascade. The CaMKK inhibitor, STO-609, decreased aldosterone production in cells treated with Ang II or K+ in a dose-dependent manner. STO-609 (20μM) also inhibited steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and CYP11B2 mRNA/protein induction. CaMKK2 knockdown cells showed significant reduction of CYP11B2 mRNA induction and aldosterone production in cells treated with Ang II, although there was no obvious effect in CaMKK1 knockdown cells. In immunohistochemical analysis, CaMKK2 protein was highly expressed in human adrenal zona glomerulosa with lower expression in the zona fasciculata. In conclusion, the present study suggests that CaMKK2 plays a pivotal role in the calcium signaling cascade regulating adrenal aldosterone production.
An Altercentric Perspective on the Origins of Brokerage in Social Networks: How Perceived Empathy Moderates the Self-Monitoring Effect
Authors: Kleinbaum Adam M. , Jordan Alexander H. , Audia Pino G.
Published: February 2015

Social structure matters in organizational life, but our understanding of the origins of social network structure remains limited. In this paper, we observe that the literature on individual differences and social networks focuses almost exclusively on ego’s views of herself and of her network. Our approach complements this egocentric perspective with a more altercentric view, in which others’ perceptions of and reactions to ego’s personality and relational behavior shape the structure of ego’s network. Our altercentric perspective builds on earlier evidence that the construct of self-monitoring is associated with brokerage, but it suggests that the effect of self-monitoring on brokerage is amplified in those perceived as highly empathic and attenuated in those perceived as lower in empathy. A mechanism that underlies this effect is the greater propensity of others to reciprocate the social interactions of high-empathy, high self-monitors than those low in empathy. We find support for these predictions in a study of the dynamic emergence of a social network among a complete cohort of MBA students and conclude that alters are active agents in the formation of ego’s network.
Preparing nurses to work in Ebola treatment centres in Sierra Leone
Authors: Lupton Kelly
Published: February 2015

The current Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa has initiated the request for local and international healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants to volunteer to care for patients in Ebola treatment centres. However, there is limited literature available to prepare healthcare workers for this task. There can be reluctance for healthcare workers to volunteer because of fear of the disease. This paper reviews the literature and captures the author's own experience of working in a treatment centre in Sierra Leone. It is hoped that this paper will inform healthcare workers considering deployment to West Africa to work in a treatment centre.
Intimate examinations and treatments
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: February 2015

Intimate examinations, particularly of the genitals and rectum, are often a source of considerable distress and embarrassment to patients ( Coldicott et al, 2003 ). Treatments that involve touching intimate areas may also be a source of unease for nurses. This article will consider the legal and professional obligations on nurses in relation to intimate examinations and treatment.
Unlocking the NHS Constitution
Authors: Tingle John
Published: February 2015

In this two-part column John Tingle discuss a recent report from the Patients Association on patient and public awareness of the NHS Constitution
The challenge of meeting children's mental health needs
Authors: Membride Heather , McFadyen Jackie , Atkinson John
Published: February 2015

Ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people should be a key public health priority. However, unless school nurses are adequately educated, trained and supported, they will be unable to develop the necessary skills required to contribute to improved outcomes for children and young people with mental health and wellbeing issues.

This article discusses the results of unpublished research, carried out by the authors in 2009, examining the range of mental health issues school nurses in one Scottish NHS health board encounter in their day-to-day activities and whether they are adequately trained and supported to meet the mental health needs of these children and young people.
Looking at the effectiveness of prevention and early intervention
Authors: Hagell Ann , Rigby Emma
Published: February 2015

Adolescence is the fastest changing period of development after infancy, representing a crossroad in life and an opportunity for intervention. Young people's particular health needs are distinct from those of younger children and adults, and the consequences of poor health in adolescence last a lifetime and have a short- and long-term cost. Yet despite the power of these arguments, the role of prevention and early intervention in the adolescent years is often ignored, as these concepts tend to get conflated with ‘early years’. But, there is good evidence that it is possible to intervene during the teenage years to stop health issues from developing and to encourage best management of long-term chronic conditions. In this paper the authors review what is distinctive about prevention and early intervention with the 10–20 age group, and highlight some examples of promising or effective interventions.
We urgently need to address the rising mental health crisis
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: February 2015

Stephanie Thornton discusses the mental health crisis and the scale of the problems, and gives her views on some of the reasons behind these.
Informing young people about STIs and contraception
Authors: Voogd Caroline
Published: February 2015

School nurses have an important role to play in ensuring the sexual health of young people; for example, through health promotion, safe sex advice and STI testing. This article looks at some of the latest resources and data on STIs and contraception.
The management of diabetes and best practice in injection technique
Authors: Diggle Jane
Published: February 2015

Best practice in injection technique is critical to ensuring optimal glycaemic control and is a part of good diabetes management. This article discusses the consequences of poor injection technique and offers advice on best practice in injection technique. A number of factors contribute to good technique, including injection site selection, injection site care, injection process, needle length, use of lifted skin folds (if appropriate) and rotation of injection sites. Health professionals also have a duty to teach and check an individual's injection technique, as well as to revisit and review their technique at subsequent consultations. All health professionals—especially nurses as the nursing role continues to expand—have a responsibility to acquire knowledge and skills in current best practice in injection technique. In doing so, they become better equipped to support patients effectively and safely, improve patients' quality of life and minimize the risk of complications associated with diabetes.
Lyme disease: Cause, symptoms, prevention and treatment
Authors: Pearson Sandra
Published: February 2015

Ticks carrying the bacteria causing Lyme disease, Borrelia, are endemic throughout the UK. The number of ticks is rising, and the incidence of Lyme disease is slowly increasing. It is important that nurse are competent in assessing and managing patients who present with tick bites or suspected Lyme disease. A well informed and holistic approach will enhance quality of care and patient satisfaction, and provide opportunities for disease prevention and effective treatment.
Are nurse prescribers issuing prescriptions in palliative care?
Authors: Cole Tracey , Gillett Karen
Published: February 2015

Prescribing in palliative care was an ‘early candidate’ area for the extension of nurse prescribing authority, but has failed to meet expectations. The low number of nurse prescribers working in palliative care, and the impact of the lack of this kind of professional, has received little attention. This paper gives details of an ‘in-depth service evaluation project’ relating to the prescribing activity of specialist palliative care nurse independent prescribers (SPCNIPs) in one community palliative care team to ascertain the volume of their prescribing activity as well identifications of the outcomes and influences to their prescribing activity.
People, things, memory and human-machine communication
Authors: Jones Steve
Published: February 2015

As contemporary media of communication increasingly rely on computer mediation there is a concomitantly increasing amount of algorithmic intervention utilizing expressions between users and between users and machines to create, modify or channel communication and interaction with digital agents. This article addresses the consequences of human-machine communication for the field of communication.
A decade of WikiLeaks: So what?
Authors: Christensen Christian
Published: February 2015

In this article, I consider how WikiLeaks has gone through a series of metamorphoses: from a small, relatively unknown website devoted to giving whistleblowers space to release their material to one of the best-known activist organizations in the world. In addition, it has gone from being an organization that began by operating as an alternative to the mainstream media, to one that worked with the mainstream, and then to a group that devoted a fair degree of energy to attacking the media. I argue that during this tumultuous period of change, WikiLeaks needs to be understood in relation to its impact upon a number of fundamental relationships central to the study of media and journalism. I use WikiLeaks to consider the importance of studying sites and organizations as cultural artefacts, and to examine the idea that ‘everything which has been collected on it, becomes attached to it-like shells on a rock by the seashore forming a whole incrustation’. Academic research itself is, of course, part of this incrustation.
Scholar-practitioner collaboration in media-related interventions: A case study of Radio La Benevolencija in Rwanda
Authors: Kogen Lauren , Price Monroe E.
Published: February 2015

What methodological, ethical or other issues arise in ‘media development’ projects that are collaborations between practitioners and scholars? This article uses as a case study a project led by Radio La Benevolencija (RLB) that sought to address inter-ethnic conflict in Rwanda through a radio drama programme – a Romeo and Juliet story of a forbidden love between members of two conflicting tribes. The intervention was unique in its attention to theories of communication and psychology in its design and implementation, and in its efforts to bring in academics throughout the course of the project to aid in design and evaluation. The authors, commissioned to conduct an evaluation of RLB’s past ten years of work, analyse the intervention in the context of Rwanda’s history and the organization’s use of theory, research and evaluation in their programmes. The authors find that, based on the RLB experience as well as evidence provided by communication and media research, the RLB model for peacebuilding through the media can be usefully adapted to other contexts, given particular parameters. The article concludes by arguing that the collaboration provides evidence of the fruitful ground that can and should exist between practice, theory and research, while problematizing challenges involved in such collaborations.
Book Reviews
Authors: Román Cristina Gómez , Havlin Tetiana , Hein James Everett
Published: February 2015

Articulating Dissent: Protest and the Public Sphere, Pollyanna Ruiz (2014) 1st ed., London: Pluto Press, 232 pp., ISBN: 9780745333052, p/bk, £17.50

Talking Dirty on Sex and the City: Romance, Intimacy, Friendship, Beatriz Oria (2014) 1st ed., Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 214 pp., ISBN: 9781442235809, h/bk, £44.95/$75.00, ISBN: 9781442235816, e-Book, £44.95/$74.99

Climate Change in the Media: Reporting Risk and Uncertainty, James Painter (2013) 1st ed., London: I. B. Tauris & Co Ltd, 128 pp., ISBN: 9781780765884, p/bk, £12.99
Los gobernadores del Reino de Aragón (siglos XVI-XVII)
Authors: Gómez Zorraquino José Ignacio
Published: February 2015

En este estudio se analiza el papel de los sucesivos regentes del oficio de la General Gobernación de Aragón durante los siglos XVI y XVII, sin olvidar a sus homónimos del Principado de Cataluña y del Reino de Valencia. El gobernador fue un oficial o ministro real de capa y espada que disfrutaba de un oficio ordinario y de por vida. Para cumplir con las importantes competencias del oficio (de orden público, de salvaguarda de los derechos y regalías reales,...), nuestro protagonista se ayudaba de un asesor togado y de otros servidores de inferior rango. Puntualmente, según recogían los fueros aragoneses, el oficio de gobernador recaía en un caballero mesnadero, natural y domiciliado en el Reino de Aragón. Los caballeros de las órdenes militares estaban obligados a prescindir de su hábito si querían ocupar el cargo de gobernador. También se establecía que si algún regente de la General Gobernación se convertía en miembro de la alta nobleza debía renunciar a dicho oficio.
Juan José de Palafox, gobernador de Cartagena (1750-1756). Complejidad jurisdiccional e impunidad en un territorio militarizado
Authors: Álvarez y Cañas María Luisa
Published: February 2015

El gobierno de Cartagena durante el mandato del mariscal de campo Juan José de Palafox (1750-1756) sufrió las perjudiciales consecuencias de su talante prepotente. Los enfrentamientos con las autoridades civiles y de Marina, junto a las actividades delictivas, obligaron a su dimisión secreta. Sin embargo, la parcial e interesada aplicación de la ley dejó sin subsanar la corrupción, a causa de la difícil conciliación de jurisdicciones privilegiadas que perpetuaron los problemas de competencia.
El alcaide y la cárcel de la Chancillería de Valladolid a finales del siglo XVIII. Usos y abusos
Authors: Torremocha Hernández Margarita
Published: February 2015

Este trabajo se adentra en el estudio de la cárcel y su alcaide, vistos como agente y espacio jurisdiccional que forman parte de la maquinaria de un tribunal, en concreto del de la Real Chancillería de Valladolid, y que han sido concebidos para estar a su servicio. De tal manera, que son sus Alcaldes del Crimen los que articulan con sus autos el funcionamiento del espacio carcelario, pero a su autoridad se le superpone en lo cotidiano la directa del alcaide. La organización de este espacio, el uso y el abuso de la condición del alcaide, los elementos de que se sirve para llevar a cabo sus funciones, la conflictividad en este recinto y los intentos de fuga son actores del análisis concreto de una práctica carcelaria, en un momento en que la teoría sobre el delito y la pena, y el papel de las cárceles se está revisando en toda Europa.
Nemo teneatur ad impossibile. Las consecuencias de la pragmática para la extirpación del bandolerismo valenciano: cláusulas relativas a la punición de homicidios (1586-1604)
Authors: Catalá Sanz Jorge Antonio , Urzainqui Sánchez Sergio
Published: February 2015

Obsesionado con atajar a cualquier precio el problema del bandolerismo, a mediados de 1586 el virrey Aytona publicó en Valencia una pragmática que hacía recaer sobre los dueños de lugares y las autoridades municipales la responsabilidad principal de la lucha contra el crimen. A tenor de las cuantiosas multas que, en aplicación de la misma, se les impondrían durante los 18 años en que la norma estuvo en vigor, en particular por incumplir las cláusulas concernientes al esclarecimiento y sanción de homicidios, cabe concluir que la corona encontró en ella un poderoso instrumento para obligar a los señores y a las oligarquías locales a colaborar más estrechamente en la ardua tarea de asegurar la paz pública, así como para fiscalizar, no sólo en términos económicos, su ejercicio de la jurisdicción criminal.
Los «clams» o pequeñas infracciones agrarias en la práctica judicial del Reino de Valencia (siglos XVI-XVIII)
Authors: Ciscar Pallarés Eugenio
Published: February 2015

Análisis de las pequeñas infracciones agrarias, llamadas popularmente «clams», en la época foral moderna y su continuidad en el siglo XVIII, entonces con la nueva denominación oficial de «penas de campo». Se pone de relieve su focalización en los daños producidos por el ganado y en los pequeños hurtos agrarios, su gran número, escasa trascendencia penal, así como el procedimiento sumario seguido para su esclarecimiento.
Rentas de los obispos españoles y pensiones que las gravan en el antiguo régimen (1556-1834)
Authors: Barrio Gozalo Maximiliano
Published: February 2015

El presente artículo aborda el estudio de la economía de los obispos españoles durante el antiguo régimen. En primer lugar se analizan los conceptos que componen las rentas, se valora su importe y evolución, y también los gastos fijos. Y en segundo lugar se examinan las pensiones que gravan la renta para deducir la renta disponible por los obispos y su inversión.
Dionisio Alcalá-Galiano y Pinedo, un oficial científico al servicio de la Armada (1760-1805)
Authors: Sampedro Sánchez César
Published: February 2015

El presente artículo realiza un recorrido por la vida y carrera de Dionisio Alcalá-Galiano y Pinedo, desde sus orígenes familiares, pasando por su formación en la Academia de Guardias Marinas de Cádiz, hasta sus labores científicas y militares al servicio de la Marina española. Alcalá-Galiano pertenecía a una familia ilustre del siglo XVIII, algunos de sus miembros se dedicaron a la milicia, como en el caso de su hermano Vicente, y otros a la política, como su hijo Antonio. La carrera de Dionisio destaca por dos aspectos: su amplia formación científica, especialmente en matemáticas y cartografía, y la habilidad militar como oficial de la Armada.
Quill Injury – Cause of Death in a Captive Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix Indica, Kerr, 1792)
Authors: Švara Tanja , Zdovc Irena , Gombač Mitja , Pogačnik Milan
Published: February 2015

Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) is a member of the family of Old World porcupines (Hystricidae). Its body is covered with multiple layers of quills, which serve for warning and attack if animal is threatened. However, the literature data on injuries caused by Indian crested porcupine are absent. We describe pathomorphological lesions in an Indian crested porcupine from the Ljubljana Zoo, which died after a fight with a younger male that caused a perforative quill injury of the thoracic wall, followed by septicaemia. Macroscopic, microscopic and bacteriological findings were detailed.
Original Scientific Article. Assessment of Reagent Effectiveness and Preservation Methods for Equine Faecal Samples
Authors: Vavrouchova Eva , Bodecek Stepan , Dobesova Olga
Published: February 2015

The aim of our study was to identify the most suitable flotation solution and effective preservation method for the examination of equine faeces samples using the FLOTAC technique. Samples from naturally infected horses were transported to the laboratory and analysed accordingly. The sample from each horse was homogenized and divided into four parts: one was frozen, another two were preserved in different reagents such as sodium acetate-acetic-acid-formalin(SAF) or 5% formalin. The last part was examined as a fresh sample in three different flotation solutions (Sheather´s solution, sodium chloride and sodium nitrate solution, all with a specific gravity 1.200). The preserved samples were examined in the period from 14 to 21 days after collection. According to our results, the sucrose solution was the most suitable flotation solution for fresh samples (small strongyle egg per gram was 706 compared to 360 in sodium chlorid and 507 in sodium nitrate) and the sodium nitrate solution was the most efficient for the preserved samples (egg per gram was 382 compared to 295 in salt solution and 305 in sucrose solution). Freezing appears to be the most effective method of sample preservation, resulting in minimal damage to fragile strongyle eggs and therefore it is the most simple and effective preservation method for the examination of large numbers of faecal samples without the necessity of examining them all within 48 hours of collection. Deep freezing as a preservation method for equine faeces samples has not, according to our knowledge, been yet published.
Measuring and Managing Consumer Sentiment in an Online Community Environment
Authors: Homburg Christian , Ehm Laura , Artz Martin
Published: February 2015

As social media and virtual communities increase in popularity, the spread of word of mouth becomes easier, challenging firms to measure and manage the success of marketing initiatives in online community environments. This research examines how consumers react to firms' active participation in consumer-to-consumer conversations in an online community setting. The authors develop a tailored community-matched measure of consumer reaction (consumer sentiment) and analyze more than 115,000 consumer posts from ten online forums with active firm participation. The results indicate that consumers show diminishing returns to active firm engagement, which, at very high levels, can undermine consumer sentiment. Further subgroup analyses by conversation type indicate that these relationships hold for conversations that address consumers' functional needs but do not hold for conversations that address social needs. Finally, the results show diminishing returns to firm engagement for consumers primarily interested in product-related support but show no relationship for consumers primarily interested in inspiration and entertainment. These findings provide insights for marketing performance measurement and resource allocation in online communities.
Investigation of pH-dependent swelling behavior and kinetic parameters of novel poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogels with spirulina
Authors: Aydınoğlu Demet
Published: February 2015

Poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid)-spirulina (AAm-AAc-Sp) hydrogels were prepared by free radical solution polymerization of the monomer acrylamide (AAm) and the comonomer acrylic acid (AAc) with N,N-methylene bisacrylamide (BAAm) as the crosslinker in the presence of spirulina (Sp), which is a microalga species. The swelling ratios of the hydrogels were followed by gravimetric measurements. Hence, swelling kinetics and diffusion parameters were determined. Furthermore, the morphological structures and mechanical behaviors of the hydrogels were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and by using a uniaxial compression machine, respectively. All the results showed that spirulina had strong influence in the pH-dependent swelling behavior, as well as on the kinetic and diffusion parameters due to its interaction with the acrylic acid units. These interactions were attributed to spirulina, which caused a change in pore size and its distribution. The present novel hydrogels showed high swelling at neutral pH, but collapsed slowly at low and high pH values. Thus, these AAm-AAc-Sp hydrogels can be good candidates for pH-sensitive drug delivery systems.
Examining Developmental Differences in Imagery Use with Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Gregg Melanie , Strachan Leisha
Published: February 2015

Emerging research on youth sport participants has revealed that young athletes use sport-related mental imagery for a variety of purposes such as acquiring sport-specific skills. The present study aimed to replicate previous research regarding developmental differences in imagery use, confirm the utility of the Sport Imagery Questionnaire-Children’s Version (SIQ-C), and clarify the relationship of gender to imagery use in youth sport. Youth soccer players (N = 207) included boys and girls ranging in age from 7 to 16 years. All participants completed the SIQ-C. Results replicated previous research indicating the SIQ-C is a suitable tool for examining imagery use by youth sport participants. Developmental differences similar to previous research were also replicated; younger age cohorts were more likely to use motivational-specific (goal-oriented) images. No gender differences in imagery use materialized; recruiting participants from a single sport allowed direct comparisons between genders and eliminated the confounding variable of sport type.
Jacobi Elliptic Function Solutions of Three Coupled Nonlinear Physical Equations
Authors: Hassan M. M. , Khater A. H.
Published: February 2015

The Jacobi elliptic function solutions of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations, including the coupled modified KdV (mKdV) equations, long-short-wave interaction system and the Davey- Stewartson (DS) equations, are obtained by using the mixed dn-sn method. The solutions obtained in this paper include the single and the combined Jacobi elliptic function solutions. In the limiting case, the solitary wave solutions of the systems are also given. - PACS: 02.30.Jr; 03.40.Kf; 03.65.Fd
Further Results of Flat Space-time Theory of Gravitation
Authors: Petry Walter
Published: February 2015

The anomalous acceleration of spacecrafts in the solar system is explained. An explanation of the observed superluminal velocities of jets at extragalactic objects is given. The extension of quasars can be larger as generally assumed, i. e. quasars must not be very compact objects. An explanation of the high energy loss per unit time of quasars is given. The relation between the velocity of an object in the universe and its redshift is stated. All these results are received from cosmological models studied by flat space-time theory of gravitation and the post-Newtonian approximation of perfect fluid in these cosmological models where clocks at earlier times are going faster than at present.
Substitutent Effects on the Geometrical Properties of 1-Phenylallyl Alcohol
Authors: Hanna Salim Y. , Khalil Salim M. , Shandala Moafaq Y.
Published: February 2015

Optimized geometrical parameters, electron densities, heats of formation and stabilization energies have been obtained on X-substituted phenylallyl alcohols, where X is H, OCH3, NH2, CN, F and CH3 at ortho, meta, and para positions, using MINDO-Forces SCF-molecular orbital calculations. The substituent effects on the geometrical parameters and the electron density are discussed.
Studies on the Local Structure of the Tetragonal Er3+ Center in CaO
Authors: Wu Shao-Yi , Dong Hui-Ning
Published: February 2015

The local structure of the tetragonal Er3+ center in CaO is theoretically studied by using the perturbation formulas of the g factors for a 4f11 ion in tetragonal symmetry. In these formulas, the contributions to the g factors from the second-order perturbation terms and the admixtures of various states are taken into account. Based on the investigations, this center is suggested to be the impurity Er3+ substituting the host Ca2+ site, associated with a Ca2+ vacancy VCa in the [100] (C4) axis due to charge compensation. By studying the g factors of the tetragonal center, impurity Er3+ is expected to undergo an off-center displacement ΔZ(≈ 0.2 Å ) towards the VCa along the C4 axis because of the electrostatic attraction. The calculated g factors based on the displacement ΔZ show reasonable agreement with the observed values.
FT-IR Spectroscopic Study of M(Benzoic Acid)2Ni(CN)4 Complexes (M = Ni, Cd, Co and Mn)
Authors: Kartal Z. , Şentürk Ş.
Published: February 2015

Complexes of M(benzoic acid)2Ni(CN)4 (M = Ni, Cd, Co and Mn) are obtained for the first time. The observed spectra indicate that the obtained complexes are new examples of Hofmann-type complexes. -PACS NO: 33.20.Ea, 33.20.Tp
Studies of the Orientational Disorder at the Isotropic to Smectic-F Interface
Authors: Padmaja S. , Rao M. Ramakrishna Nanchara , Prasad P.V. Datta , Pisipati V. G. K. M.
Published: February 2015

Density studies on the isotropic to smectic-F transition in higher homologues of N-(p-nalkoxybenzylidene)- p-n-decylanilines (nO.10) mesomorphic compounds with n = 13, 14 and 15 and corresponding studies on thermal expansion coefficient maxima confirm the first order nature of this transition. The density shows strong pretransitional fluctuations, which are estimated by αeff in the vicinity of the mesomorphic fluctuation dominated non-linear region (FDNLR) of this phase transition. The growth of the density fluctuations across this transition is discussed in the light of data on the same transition in other compounds.