bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Controversy of Exchange Rate Devaluation in Sudan: An Economy‐wide General Equilibrium Assessment
Authors: Siddig Khalid H.A.
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has worked with Sudan since 1997 to implement a managed float exchange rate. The IMF sees exchange rate flexibility as key to safeguard and rebuild foreign exchange reserves and essential to meet the international reserve target in Sudan. However, authorities in Sudan are concerned about the inflationary pressures that exchange rate flexibility may cause. A review of the literature reflects huge ambiguity about the outcome of exchange rate policies in Sudan. This calls for additional empirical investigations. This paper applies a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to investigate the possible effects of devaluing the currently overvalued Sudanese pound, by simulating a depreciation of the Sudanese pound by 5 per cent, 10 per cent and 15 per cent. Based on the results, the study recommends that additional flexibility of the Sudanese exchange rate regime as suggested by the IMF be carefully considered if such flexibility devalues the Sudanese pound.
Non‐farm Income Diversification in Rural Ghana: Patterns and Determinants
Authors: Senadza Bernardin
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  Evidence abounds in the rural livelihoods literature that rural households do not only receive a significant proportion of their incomes from non‐farm sources, but also it is a significant source of employment for rural folks. This paper examines the pattern and determinants of non‐farm income diversification in rural Ghana. Results show that off‐farm income constituted 43 percent of rural household income in 2005/6. Female‐headed households tend to have larger off‐farm income shares compared to male‐headed households. Non‐farm income shares followed the same gender pattern albeit less pronounced. Unlike in Latin America and Asia, in rural Ghana, non‐farm self‐employment income is more important than non‐farm wage‐employment income. Regression results show that the gender composition of households, age, education, and access to credit, electricity and markets are important determinants of multiple non‐farm activities and non‐farm income. The findings call for strategies that can help rural households maximize the benefits from income diversification.
Content‐Aware Automatic Photo Enhancement
Authors: Kaufman Liad , Lischinski Dani , Werman Michael
Published: September 2012

Automatic photo enhancement is one of the long‐standing goals in image processing and computational photography. While a variety of methods have been proposed for manipulating tone and colour, most automatic methods used in practice, operate on the entire image without attempting to take the content of the image into account. In this paper, we present a new framework for automatic photo enhancement that attempts to take local and global image semantics into account. Specifically, our content‐aware scheme attempts to detect and enhance the appearance of human faces, blue skies with or without clouds and underexposed salient regions. A user study was conducted that demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach compared to existing auto‐enhancement tools.
Rawls, the Well-Ordered Society and Intergenerational Justice
Authors: Welburn Dominic
Published: September 2012

This article outlines the contribution Rawls's ‘well-ordered society’ makes to the ongoing discourse of intergenerational justice. Can Rawls's ‘realistically utopian’ vision of a well-ordered society, a society comprising just institutions that embody the goods of liberty and individual self-authorship of the good life, secure justice between the generations? By considering the totality of the Rawlsian project rather than specific sections of his work such as his ‘just savings principle’, it is possible to assess the ability of ideal liberal theory to guarantee the rights of future citizens while simultaneously addressing pressing environmental crises, the most notable of which being climate change.
The Jury as a Political Institution in an Age of Counterterrorism
Authors: Davis Fergal
Published: September 2012

Trial by jury is under threat. This is particularly true in the context of terrorism. This article will explore the benefits of trial by jury to civil society. It will then consider whether those benefits should give rise to a presumption in favour of jury trial in the terrorism context. Historically, the right to trial by jury has been interfered with on the basis that the threat of terrorism justified an exceptional response. This article will argue that the state of exception arising from states' responses to terrorism in fact demands the retention of trial by jury.
Language choice and addressivity strategies in Thai‐English social network interactions
Authors: Seargeant Philip , Tagg Caroline , Ngampramuan Wipapan
Published: September 2012

This article analyses the language choices used by a community of native Thai speakers in online communicative encounters. Using data drawn from exchanges from a social network site, the article examines the mixed linguistic repertoires evident in these interactions, along with the motivations (both situational and pragmatic) that influence choice of code, script and register, particularly as these are related to issues of addressivity. The data exhibits a great complexity of code‐switching into English, despite the speech community being one for which, according to the participants, Thai would be the default choice in face‐to‐face encounters. In its examination of this data the article has a dual purpose: firstly to provide a descriptive account of this aspect of the use of English online; and secondly to offer an analysis of the strategies of language choice in this particular type of online discourse.

บทความนี้ วิเคราะห์การเลือกใช้ภาษาของชุมชนออนไลน์ สำหรับผู้ใช้ภาษาไทยเป็นภาษาแม่ โดยใช้ข้อมูลในการปฏิสัมพันธ์ ของผู้ใช้เว็บไซต์เครือข่ายสังคมออนไลน์ บทความนี้ เน้นการวิเคราะห์รูปแบบการผสมผสานภาษาเชิงภาษาศาสตร์ ในการปฏิสัมพันธ์ รวมไปถึงแรงจูงใจของผู้ใช้ทั้งในรูปแบบสถานการณ์ (situational) และวัจนปฏิบัติศาสตร์ (pragmatic) หรือการใช้ถ้อยความเพื่อสื่อความหมายในการสื่อสาร ซึ่งมีผลต่อการเลือกใช้รหัสภาษา, สคริปต์ และทำเนียบภาษา (register) ซึ่งโดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งมีความสอดคล้องกับหัวข้อต่าง ๆ ในการเข้าถึงผู้รับสาร (addressivity)

ข้อมูลที่ใช้ในบทความแสดงให้เห็นถึงความซับซ้อนอย่างมากในการผสมผสานของภาษา รวมไปถึงรูปแบบการใช้ภาษาอังกฤษที่แตกต่างกันออกไปอย่างมากมาย แม้ว่าในชุมชนภาษาพูดจะใช้ภาษาหลักเพียงภาษาเดียวคือภาษาไทย

ข้อมูลจากผู้เข้าร่วมการวิจัยทำให้ทราบว่าการสื่อสารแบบเผชิญหน้านั้น ผู้เข้าร่วมวิจัยจะเลือกใช้ภาษาไทยเป็นหลัก

บทความนี้ มีวัตถุประสงค์หลักสองประการ ได้แก่ ประการแรก เพื่อนำเสนอข้อมูลเชิงบรรยายในมุมมองของการใช้ภาษาอังกฤษในระดับโลกซึ่งมีรูปแบบการใช้ที่ผสมผสาน และประการที่สอง เพื่อเสนอการวิเคราะห์เชิงยุทธศาสตร์ของการเลือกใช้ภาษาในรูปแบบเฉพาะของสัมพันธสารออนไลน์ (online discourse) [Thai]
Network Effects and Infrastructure Productivity in Developing Countries*
Authors: Candelon Bertrand , Colletaz Gilbert , Hurlin Christophe
Published: September 2012

This study proposes to investigate the threshold effects in the productivity of infrastructure investment in developing countries. It concludes to their presence in the relationship between output and private and public inputs as well as network effects in the productivity of infrastructure. When the available stock of infrastructure is low, investment has the same productivity as non‐infrastructure investment. On the contrary, when a minimum network is available, the marginal productivity of infrastructure investment is greater than the productivity of other investments. Finally, when the main network is achieved, its marginal productivity becomes similar to the productivity of other investment.
The Objectivity of Wellbeing
Authors: Ferkany Matt
Published: September 2012

Subjective theories of wellbeing place authority concerning what benefits a person with that person herself, or limit wellbeing to psychological states. But how well off we are seems to depend on two different concerns, how well we are doing and how well things are going for us. I argue that two powerful subjective theories fail to adequately account for this and that principled arguments favoring subjectivism are unsound and poorly motivated. In the absence of more compelling evidence that how things go for us cannot directly constitute our wellbeing, I conclude that wellbeing is objective.
Meeting complex needs: young people with HIV in London
Authors: Hughes A , Hope RL , Nwokolo N , Ward B , Jones R , Von Schweitzer M , Boag F
Published: September 2012

Objectives

The aim of the study was to examine the service use and characteristics of young people diagnosed with HIV infection aged under 25 years in order to design appropriate services.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records of all individuals diagnosed as HIV positive aged under 25 years at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK was carried out. The Health Protection Agency traced all individuals who had been lost to follow‐up. We collected demographic, clinical, social and behavioural data.

Results

Of the 100 individuals diagnosed as HIV positive aged <25 years, 91% acquired HIV sexually; the median age at diagnosis was 21 years. Fifty‐nine per cent were born outside the UK. Of 91 individuals diagnosed in the UK, 20% were diagnosed outside genitourinary medicine. Almost half had tested HIV negative a median of 13 months previously. At HIV diagnosis, 26% had a concurrent sexually transmitted infection; thereafter 34% had a documented risk of HIV transmission. The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity was high (23%). Cervical screening rates were low; of nine women screened, five required treatment for cervical or vulval neoplasia. One fifth of the cohort were lost to follow‐up a median 6 months from diagnosis.

Conclusions

Young people with sexually acquired HIV infection have complex medical and psychosocial needs and many disengage from health services. Current services are not meeting the needs of these young people. Specialist young people's clinics may improve standards of care for this vulnerable group.
Anatomical expression patterns of delta‐protocadherins in developing chicken cochlea
Authors: Lin Juntang , Yan Xin , Wang Congrui , Guo Zhikun , Rolfs Arndt , Luo Jiankai
Published: September 2012

The delta‐protocadherin (δ‐Pcdh) family of transmembrane proteins belongs to the cadherin superfamily, which is involved in embryogenesis mediated by a homophilic binding during the embryonic development. In the present study, expression patterns of eight members of the δ‐Pcdh family were investigated in the developing chicken cochlea by in situ hybridization. Our results provide a dynamical profile to show that the δ‐Pcdhs are expressed spatially and temporally in the developing chicken cochleae. The earliest onset of the δ‐Pcdh expression begins in the otic vesicle from embryonic incubation day (E) 3. From E11 onwards, the individual δ‐Pcdh is expressed in different cell types of the cochlea. Protocadherin‐1 (Pcdh1) is mainly expressed by spindle‐shaped cells and acoustic ganglion cells; Pcdh7 and Pcdh17 are strongly expressed by supporting cells, cuboidal cells, hyaline cells and acoustic ganglion cells, and Pcdh9 is prominently expressed by homogene cells and acoustic ganglion cells; Pcdh8 was found to be transcribed in hair cells, spindle‐shaped cells and acoustic ganglion cells; Pcdh10 mRNA is restricted to spindle‐shaped cells and acoustic ganglion cells at later stages. mRNAs of Pcdh1, Pcdh18 and Pcdh19 are also expressed in blood vessels of the cochlea. The expression of the different δ‐Pcdhs suggests a functional role for them during cochlear development.
Impact of Three Years Training on Operations Capacities of Research Ethics Committees in Nigeria
Authors: Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Adaranijo Aisha , Durueke Florita , Ajuwon Ademola , Adejumo Adebayo , Ezechi Oliver , Oyedeji Kola , Akanni Olayide
Published: September 2012

This paper describes a three‐year project designed to build the capacity of members of research ethics committes to perform their roles and responsibilities efficiently and effectively. The project participants were made up of a cross‐section of the membership of 13 Research Ethics Committees (RECs) functioning in Nigeria. They received training to develop their capacity to evaluate research protocols, monitor trial implementation, provide constructive input to trial staff, and assess the trial's success in promoting community engagement in the research.

Following the training, technical assistance was provided to participants on an ongoing basis and the project's impacts were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results indicate that sustained investment in capacity building efforts (including training, ongoing technical assistance, and the provision of multiple tools) improved the participants’ knowledge of both the ethical principles relevant to biomedical research and how effective REC should function. Such investment was also shown to have a positive impact on the knowledge levels of other RECs members (those who did not receive training) and the overall operations of the RECs to which the participants belonged. Building the capacity of REC members to fulfill their roles effectively requires sustained effort and investment and pays off by enabling RECs to fulfill their essential mission of ensuring that trials are conducted safely and ethically.
Comparison of optometrist glaucoma referrals against published guidelines
Authors: Khan Sheema , Clarke Jonathan , Kotecha Aachal
Published: September 2012

Purpose

To examine if community optometrists follow published guidelines for referral of patients with suspect glaucoma to the hospital eye service.

Methods

A retrospective audit of new optometrist‐initiated referrals to the Glaucoma Service at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London was performed. Clinical data from referral letters recorded included evidence of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and tonometer used. Referral letter information was compared to 2009 guidelines published jointly by the College of Optometrists and Royal College of Ophthalmologists on referring glaucoma suspect patients.

Results

A total of 289 new patients were seen in the Glaucoma Service over a 6 week period from 4th January 2011; a 100% hospital record retrieval rate was obtained. Of these, 114 (39%) were optometrists initiated referrals. Optometrist letters were available for 105 patients. IOP measurements were recorded in 102 (97%); most practitioners used non‐contact tonometry (NCT; n = 69; 68%). Practitioners recorded <4 NCT readings per eye (4 readings: n = 3, 4%; 3 readings: n = 42, 61%; 2 readings: n = 6, 9%; 1 reading: n = 18, 26%). Seventy‐seven patients (73%) reported with raised IOP as the main referral reason; of these, 33 (43%) were referred with raised IOP in isolation. NCT was the instrument used in the majority of these raised IOP cases (n = 56; 73%). In cases where raised IOP in isolation was the referral reason, 24 (73%) were recorded using NCT; 10 (30%) provided repeat IOP measurement data in the letter. One hundred and two (97%) referred patients attended the hospital appointment. Thirty (29%) were deemed not to have glaucoma, with the remainder diagnosed with ocular hypertension (n = 25; 25%), glaucoma suspect/glaucoma (n = 35, 34%) or narrow angles requiring intervention (n = 12, 12%). Thirty of the 33 patients referred with raised IOP in isolation attended their hospital visit. Ten (33%) of these patients were subsequently discharged. Six (20%) patients had IOP within normal limits when measured with applanation tonometry; all of these patients were kept within the service.

Conclusions

Community optometrists using NCT for measurement should be reminded of the guidelines on number of readings to take and also the value of repeating NCT measures when appropriate. This may help to increase the accuracy of glaucoma suspect referrals to hospital eye service.
Influence of central corneal thickness on measured intraocular pressure differentials: Nidek RKT‐7700, Topcon CT‐80 NCTs and Goldmann Tonometer
Authors: Ogbuehi Kelechi C , Mucke Sven , Osuagwu Uchechukwu L
Published: September 2012

Purpose

We sought to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) measured by RKT‐7700 and CT‐80 noncontact tonometers (NCTs) with that measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). We also examined the influence of central corneal thickness (CCT) on the agreement between both NCTs and GAT in a sub‐population of healthy, young normals.

Methods

Triplicate IOP and CCT measurements were obtained twice from one randomized eye of 49 subjects (28 males and 21 females) aged 22.2 ± 1.3 (mean ± S.D.) years. Goldmann tonometry was performed subsequent to assessment with the RKT‐7700 and CT‐80, to negate the ‘ocular massage effect’, followed by ultrasound pachymetry. The results from each method were compared and assessed for repeatability and between‐observer reproducibility. Analysis was performed to determine the correlation between the differences in IOP measurements and corneal thicknesses.

Results

The mean differences (±S.D.) in sessions 1 and 2 respectively between RKT‐7700 and GAT (2.6 ± 2.0 and 2.7 ± 1.4 mmHg), between CT‐80 and GAT (2.8 ± 2.0 and 3.2 ± 1.3 mmHg) were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The repeatability coefficients in sessions 1 and 2 respectively were; ±1.2 and ±1.0 mmHg (GAT), ±1.3  and ±1.6 mmHg (CT‐80), ±2.3  and ±1.7 mmHg (RKT‐7700) and inter‐observer reproducibility was; ±1.9 (RKT‐7700), ±2.3 (GAT) and ±2.6 mmHg (CT‐80). Between the corneal thickness and the differences in GAT‐measured and NCT‐measured IOPs, there was a significant negative correlation and a trend for a larger difference in thicker corneas.

Conclusion

Neither the RKT‐7700 nor the CT‐80 can be used interchangeably with the Goldmann tonometer, although all three tonometers give repeatable measurements of IOP, in this sub‐population. IOP differences between GAT and the NCTs significantly correlated with CCT, with the possibility of even greater differences in thicker corneas.
The effect of mordant salts on antibacterial activity of wool fabric dyed with pomegranate and walnut shell extracts
Authors: Ghaheh Fatemeh Shahmoradi , Nateri Ali Shams , Mortazavi Sayed Majid , Abedi Daryoush , Mokhtari Javad
Published: September 2012

Natural dyes have attracted increasing worldwide attention because of the carcinogenicity and environmental effects of synthetic dyes. In this study, wool fabric was treated with tannin‐rich extracts of Punica granatum peel and walnut shell in combination with some mordants. The effect of various mordants on the colorimetric and antibacterial properties of wool fabrics was investigated. The results showed that pretreatment with metallic mordants substantially improved the dyeing and fastness properties of wool fabrics. The extracts of Punica granatum peel and walnut shell showed a significant antibacterial activity at 5% concentration. In addition, antibacterial activity was dramatically enhanced using metallic salts. The antibacterial activity of samples dyed with natural dyes and without any mordant was not good, while the mordanted samples with copper, aluminum and tin salts obtained considerable antimicrobial properties following lightening and washing fastness. The extracts of Punica granatum peel and walnut shell can be considered as viable alternatives instead of artificial antibacterial agents for hospital textiles as well as an effective anti‐odour agent for sports and household textiles.
Persistent pelvic pain: Rising to the challenge
Authors: Stacy Jackie , Frawley Helena , Powell Gail , Goucke Roger , Pavy Timothy
Published: September 2012

Persistent pelvic pain is a common condition, with up to 20% of those affected reporting severe pain. Once end organ disease has been assessed, further investigations should be minimised. Persistent pelvic pain as a hyperalgesic neuropathic pain condition must be considered in the differential diagnosis. A multidisciplinary assessment and management plan, prepared by the co‐ordinating gynaecologist in consultation with the general practitioner, physiotherapist and psychologist (with gastroenterological, urological and pain medicine specialist input as deemed appropriate), is strongly recommended.
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C): Survey of RANZCOG Fellows, Diplomates & Trainees and FGM/C prevention and education program workers in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Moeed Saman M. , Grover Sonia R.
Published: September 2012

Background

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is traditionally practised in parts of Africa, the Middle East and South‐East Asia. Migration has brought FGM/C to the attention of health practitioners in industrialised nations. It is not known whether FGM/C procedures are being performed in Australia and New Zealand, where legislation has been passed banning the practice.

Aims

To survey RANZCOG Fellows, Trainees and Diplomates, and FGM/C education and prevention program workers, about their experience with women and children affected by FGM/C, specifically to identify whether FGM/C is being performed in Australia or New Zealand.

Methods

Electronic survey distributed via e‐mail to RANZCOG Fellows, Trainees and Diplomates and FGM/C program workers in Australia and New Zealand between November 2010 and February 2011.

Results

530 responses were received from RANZCOG Fellows, Trainees and Diplomates, with an overall response rate of 18.5%. Thirty‐four responses were received from FGM/C program workers. Five RANZCOG respondents and two FGM/C program workers cited anecdotal evidence that FGM/C is being performed in Australia and New Zealand. 21.2% (82) of RANZCOG respondents had been asked to re‐suture following delivery, and 11 respondents had done so at least once. Two RANZCOG respondents had been asked to perform FGM/C on a baby, girl or young woman.

Conclusions

There is no conclusive evidence of FGM/C being performed in Australia and New Zealand, either from direct reports or children presenting with complications, although re‐suturing post‐delivery is occurring. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it is most likely that people other than registered health practitioners are performing FGM/C.
Linking Management Effectiveness Indicators to Observed Effects of Protected Areas on Fire Occurrence in the Amazon Rainforest
Authors: NOLTE CHRISTOPH , AGRAWAL ARUN
Published: September 2012

Management‐effectiveness scores are used widely by donors and implementers of conservation projects to prioritize, track, and evaluate investments in protected areas. However, there is little evidence that these scores actually reflect the capacity of protected areas to deliver conservation outcomes. We examined the relation between indicators of management effectiveness in protected areas and the effectiveness of protected areas in reducing fire occurrence in the Amazon rainforest. We used data collected with the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) scorecard, adopted by some of the world's largest conservation organizations to track management characteristics believed to be crucial for protected‐area effectiveness. We used the occurrence of forest fires from 2000 through 2010 as a measure of the effect of protected areas on undesired land‐cover change in the Amazon basin. We used matching to compare the estimated effect of protected areas with low versus high METT scores on fire occurrence. We also estimated effects of individual protected areas on fire occurrence and explored the relation between these effects and METT scores. The relations between METT scores and effects of protected areas on fire occurrence were weak. Protected areas with higher METT scores in 2005 did not seem to have performed better than protected areas with lower METT scores at reducing fire occurrence over the last 10 years. Further research into the relations between management‐effectiveness indicators and conservation outcomes in protected areas seems necessary, and our results show that the careful application of matching methods can be a suitable method for that purpose.

Vinculación de Indicadores de Efectividad de Manejo con los Efectos Observados de la Ocurrencia de Fuego en Áreas Protegidas en la Amazonia
Long‐Term Binge and Escalating Ethanol Exposure Causes Necroinflammation and Fibrosis in Rat Liver
Authors: Zhou Jun‐Ying , Jiang Zhi‐An , Zhao Cai‐Yan , Zhen Zhen , Wang Wei , Nanji Amin A.
Published: September 2012

Background

To investigate whether “binge” and escalating alcohol exposure in the rat influences the development of pathological liver injury.

Methods

Time courses for the formation of eicosanoids by cyclooxygenase (COX), oxidative stress and nitrosative stress production, expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1), cytokines, hepatic tissue necroinflammation, and fibrosis were assessed in rats during 16 weeks of daily alcohol gavage.

Results

In this model of binge and escalating levels of alcohol, hepatic steatosis, necrosis, and inflammation as well as fibrosis were increased over the 16‐week period. The levels of COX‐2, oxidative stress, nitrosative stress, HIF‐1, proinflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin 1β [IL‐1β], IL‐6), and procollagen‐I were increased over the 16‐week period. The content of IL‐10 in rat serum increased at the end of 4 and 8 weeks but decreased thereafter and was significantly decreased at 12 and 16 weeks.

Conclusions

A rat model of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) with long‐term binge and escalating ethanol exposure was developed. Our data support the hypothesis that enhanced eicosanoid production by COX, oxidative stress and nitrosative stress, HIF‐1, and the imbalance between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ALD.
Linking Material Flow Analysis with Environmental Impact Potential
Authors: Lam Carl W. , Lim Seong‐Rin , Schoenung Julie M.
Published: September 2012

Technology transition can have significant implications on the evolution of environmental impact potential of disposed electronics over time. Considering technology transition, we quantify the temporal behavior of ecological and human health impact potential from select heavy metals in electronic waste (e‐waste). The case study analyzes product substitution effects in two electronic cohorts from the U.S. market: (1) computers (laptops substituting for desktops) and (2) televisions (flat‐panel liquid crystal displays [LCDs] and plasma displays substituting for cathode‐ray tubes [CRTs]). Quantities of end‐of‐life (EoL) units to year 2030 are forecasted by the unique combination of dynamic material flow analysis, logistic trend analysis, and product lifespan calibration methods. Metal content from EoL units are assessed via a pathway and effect model using USETox™ characterization factors to determine the toxicity potential attributed to heavy metal releases into different media (e.g., air, water, and soil) as an indicator of environmental burden. Results show high impact materials such as lead, nickel, and zinc cause changes in human health toxicity potential and copper causes changes in ecological toxicity potential. Effects of dematerialization, such as reduced metal content in laptops over desktops, provide some positive benefits in toxicity potential per product. However, from a market perspective, emerging e‐waste quantities created by increasing per capita penetration rates of electronics and increasing population will offset gains in environmental performance at the product level. The resulting analysis provides guidance on the timing expected for emerging EoL units and an indication of high impact potential materials requiring pollution prevention as product substitution occurs.
Perceived deterrents to being a plasmapheresis donor in a voluntary, nonremunerated environment
Authors: Bagot Kathleen L. , Bove Liliana L. , Masser Barbara M. , Bednall Timothy C. , Buzza Mark
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: As demand for plasma‐derived products increases internationally, maintaining a committed plasmapheresis panel membership is critical for blood collection agencies. This study addresses the current lack of knowledge regarding deterrents to the recruitment and retention of plasmapheresis donors in a voluntary nonremunerated environment.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Nine focus groups (n = 84) and six individual interviews were conducted using semistructured schedules. Three focus groups were conducted with each category of eligible whole blood (WB) donors: those who had 1) declined to convert to plasmapheresis (DTC), 2) converted but lapsed to WB (LWB), and 3) converted and lapsed from the panel completely (LFP). Transcript analysis revealed distinct deterrent categories.

RESULTS: The time required for plasmapheresis was a universally identified deterrent, with concerns of donation frequency expectations shared between DTC and LWB. LWB and LFP both reported excessive questioning and paperwork, and eligibility requirements as deterrents. Unique deterrents for DTC were a lack of accurate knowledge about safety and process. LWB reported concerns about plasmapheresis donation outcomes; however, they were more committed to continuing donation than LFP, who reported donation not being salient, being too busy, and poorer donation experiences.

CONCLUSION: Providing information to address safety and health concerns should be the focus for successful conversion to plasmapheresis. Setting donation frequency expectations at levels to which donors are accustomed may improve evaluations of the cost/benefit ratio of conversion and retention. Involvement levels (i.e., importance, personal meaning of donation) may be the key differentiator between those donors who return to WB and those that lapse altogether.
Plasma transfusion in liver transplantation: a randomized, double‐blind, multicenter clinical comparison of three virally secured plasmas
Authors: Bartelmaos Tonine , Chabanel Anne , Léger Julie , Villalon Loïc , Gillon Marie Christine , Rouget Claude , Gomola Alexandra , Denninger Marie Hélène , Tardivel René , Naegelen Christian , Courtois Françoise , Bardiaux Laurent , Giraudeau Bruno , Ozier Yves
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: The clinical equivalence of plasma treated to reduce pathogen transmission and untreated plasma has not been extensively studied. A clinical trial was conducted in liver transplant recipients to compare the efficacy of three plasmas.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A randomized, equivalence, blinded trial was performed in four French liver transplantation centers. The three studied (fresh‐frozen) plasmas were quarantine (Q‐FFP), methylene blue (MB‐FFP), and solvent/detergent (S/D‐FFP) plasmas. The primary outcome was the volume of plasma transfused during transplantation. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative blood loss, hemostasis variables corrections, and adverse events.

RESULTS: One‐hundred patients were randomly assigned in the MB‐FFP, 96 in the S/D‐FFP, and 97 in the Q‐FFP groups, respectively. The median volumes of plasma transfused were 2254, 1905, and 1798 mL with MB‐FFP, S/D‐FFP, and Q‐FFP, respectively. The three plasmas were not equivalent. MB‐FFP was not equivalent to the two other plasmas, but S/D‐FFP and Q‐FFP were equivalent. The median numbers of transfused plasma units were 10, 10, and 8 units with MB‐FFP, S/D‐FFP, and Q‐FFP, respectively. Adjustment on bleeding risk factors diminished the difference between groups: the excess plasma volume transfused with MB‐FFP compared to Q‐FFP was reduced from 24% to 14%. Blood loss and coagulation factors corrections were not significantly different between the three arms.

CONCLUSION: Compared to both Q‐FFP and S/D‐FFP, use of MB‐FFP was associated with a moderate increase in volume transfused, partly explained by a difference in unit volume and bleeding risk factors. Q‐FFP was associated with fewer units transfused than either S/D‐FFP or MB‐FFP.
Human T‐lymphotropic virus laboratory testing of maternal blood at time of cord blood donations and clinical implications
Authors: Glasser Lewis , Cyrus Sherri , Machan Jason T. , Mapother Jill
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: In the United States, blood products are tested for infectious diseases including human T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV)‐I/II. Positive results of maternal blood samples at the time of cord blood (CB) donation must be reported to mother and physician. Tests for HTLV have a high false‐positive rate. This is problematic because there is no prenatal testing of the mother.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study involves 119,769 maternal blood samples at time of CB donation and evaluates positive results for HTLV in screening tests, supplemental immunoassays, and nucleic acid tests (NATs). Infectious disease markers (IDMs) and maternal health histories of HTLV‐positive and ‐negative mothers were compared.

RESULTS: Of 119,769 mothers donating CB, 545 tested positive with the screening test, 33 were positive with the supplemental tests, and two were positive with NAT. When indeterminate results were excluded from the supplemental test only six were positive. Eight of 34 mothers with positive or indeterminate supplemental test results had received intravenous immunoglobulin. There were no significant differences between HTLV‐positive and ‐negative mothers with regard to the incidence of other IDMs.

CONCLUSIONS: Testing maternal blood for HTLV is problematic for CB banks, obstetricians, and mothers because of the high false‐positive rate. CB banks need rapid turnaround time and supplemental testing. If results on the latter are positive the obstetrician should be notified, educated, do follow‐up testing, and counseling. Indeterminate results on supplemental tests are most likely false positives. We recommend that mothers with positive or indeterminate supplemental test results have follow‐up NAT.
Trends in the residential mobility of seniors in Canada, 1961–2006
Authors: Northcott Herbert C. , Petruik Courtney R.
Published: September 2012

This article examines residential mobility for seniors 65 years of age and older in Canada using census data from 1961–2006. We addressed three questions. First, have seniors been increasingly likely to change their residential location within Canada or alternatively become increasingly likely to age‐in‐place? Second, has the in‐migration of seniors to Canada from other countries become more pronounced over the years? Third, does the residential mobility of seniors vary by age and sex? We used census data to calculate the percentages of seniors who changed their residence in the five‐year periods prior to each of the 1961–2006 censuses and the percentages of seniors who moved in the previous year for the 1991–2006 censuses. We calculated the percentages of seniors making local moves, longer distance moves within the same province, moves from one province to another, and moves to Canada from another country. We found that rates of residential mobility for seniors tended to increase in the 1961–1981 period but have been lower and relatively consistent from 1986–2006. We found no evidence to suggest a pattern of sustained increase in residential mobility of seniors. We conclude that Canadian seniors tend to age‐in‐place and that when seniors do change residence, the likelihood of residential mobility decreases with the distance of the move and decreases with age. Nevertheless, the likelihood of changing residence may increase for seniors 75+ years of age who need assistance and are at risk of institutionalization. We found that senior women were more likely to change residence locally than senior men. Finally, we found that from 1961 to 2006 between 0.8 percent and 1.4 percent of seniors had migrated to Canada in the five years prior to each census from other countries and that this pattern has fluctuated over the past half century with no clear trend.
Sex Estimation of Infants Between Birth and One Year Through Discriminant Analysis of the Humerus and Femur
Authors: Stull Kyra E. , Godde Kanya
Published: September 2012

Estimation of sex when investigating subadult skeletal remains is largely problematic because of unreliable and inaccurate results. Despite the limitations encountered with skeletal material, the medical literature clearly demonstrates differences between males and females in utero that persist through life. The current study investigates sexual dimorphism in the long bones of the humerus and femur for individuals between birth and 1 year of age. A radiographic sample amassed from Erie County Medical Examiner's office includes 85 femoral and 45 humeral images for analysis in relation to sex. Measurements for lengths and breadths were collected through tpsDig software. Discriminant analysis proved to be the most successful method, with error rates of 3% when utilizing maximum breadth at midshaft of the femur and 11% with humerus maximum distal breadth. This research demonstrates that it is possible to correctly classify sex of unknown subadult remains when comparing them to a known sample.
A Comparison of Fingerprint Sweat Corrosion of Different Alloys of Brass
Authors: Sykes Stephanie , Bond John W.
Published: September 2012

Fingerprint sweat from 40 donors was deposited onto samples of five α and α + β phase brasses, comprising five alloys with different copper and zinc concentrations, two of which also had the addition of small concentrations of lead. Visual grading of the visibility of the corrosion revealed that brasses with the least amount of zinc produced the most visible and fully formed fingerprints from the most donors. Consideration of previously reported mechanisms for the corrosion of brass suggests red copper (I) oxide as a likely corrosion product for low zinc brasses, and a consideration of the color, composition, and solubility of fingerprint sweat corrosion products suggests that copper (I) oxide produces good contrast and visibility with the brass substrate. Scanning electron microscope images of the corrosion of all five alloys confirmed the enhanced contrast between corroded and uncorroded areas for low zinc alloys.
Values, Right‐Wing Authoritarianism, Social Dominance Orientation, and Ambivalent Attitudes Toward Women
Authors: Feather Norman T. , McKee Ian R.
Published: September 2012

This study related hostile and benevolent attitudes toward women (HS and BS) as measured by the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI) to 10 value types from the Schwartz Value Survey, right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA), and social dominance orientation (SDO). Students (N = 170) from an Australian university completed the scales. The results showed gender differences in the importance of power values, HS, BS, RWA, SDO, and in some of the correlations. HS and BS were positively correlated with power and security values, and negatively correlated with universalism and benevolence values after controlling for gender. RWA and SDO were related to distinct value patterns with some overlap, and they partially mediated relations between value importance and HS and BS.
Transcending the Classroom: A Practical Guide to Remote Role Plays in Teaching International Negotiation
Authors: Smolinski Remigiusz , Kesting Peter
Published: September 2012

This article discusses the pedagogical value of using remote role plays in cross‐cultural negotiations between two classes taught simultaneously at different and geographically distant institutions. We argue that remote role‐play simulations provide valuable teaching and learning experiences, and are particularly helpful for managing issues associated with outside‐group negotiation and cultural differences, the prenegotiation stage, electronic negotiations and distorted communication, and one‐shot settings in which the negotiator lacks previous knowledge of the partner. The article begins with a discussion of some critical limitations of “traditional” in‐class role plays, followed by a practical guide to remote role plays and a report of our experiences with them. Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of remote role plays as a teaching tool for international negotiation classes and the key lessons for the participating students.
Bacterial biofilm: structure, function, and antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Dufour Delphine , Leung Vincent , Lévesque Céline M.
Published: September 2012

Biofilms are microbial communities attached to surfaces and encased in an extracellular matrix of microbial origin. They represent the predominant form of microbial life. Biofilms are everywhere and can develop on virtually every natural and man‐made surface. Biofilms are also ubiquitous in both normal and pathogenic human processes. Biofilm formation has been demonstrated for numerous pathogens and is clearly one of the main strategies for bacterial survival in a variety of sites within the human body. In almost all instances, the biofilm lifestyle helps bacteria survive and persist within the environment. This review discusses the fundamental biology of microbial biofilm and how biofilms impact the pathogenesis of human infections. The different mechanisms involved in the reduced antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms in pathogenic biofilms are discussed in detail in this review. Possible approaches that could be explored in the search for new anti‐biofilm strategies to eradicate medically relevant biofilms are also presented.
Biofilm–substrate interaction: from initial adhesion to complex interactions and biofilm maturity
Authors: Love Robert M.
Published: September 2012

The bacteria‐related diseases of dental caries, pulp and periapical infections, and diseases of the periodontium are biofilm diseases. Dental plaque exhibits the general properties of biofilms and an understanding of biofilm development in health and disease is crucial to the understanding of dental disease, and will unlock effective targeted treatment strategies. Biofilm development requires complex interactions between microorganisms, and with the host. Initially planktonic cells in the aqueous environment of the oral cavity attach to host surfaces, first by physical forces though ultimately by specific adhesive reactions between host and bacteria molecules. Initial bacterial colonizers alter the immediate environment and offer additional binding sites to other bacteria that cannot react directly with the host surface. These co‐aggregation reactions allow various bacterial species to join the evolving community and participate in its development. Development of the microbial community is also dependent on the nutritional source. Early colonizing bacteria are adept at utilizing the immediate nutritional source at the host site, primarily carbohydrates. With the accumulation of bacteria, nutritional demands become more complex and proteins, amino acids, glycoproteins, and vitamins must be supplied from either the host tissues or other bacteria. The biofilm community must co‐operate to effectively achieve metabolism of these complex molecules and perform other functions, while other interbacterial inhibitory reactions such as bacteriocin production or quorum sensing occur in the biofilm, influencing the development of the bacterial community. As such, oral bacteria do not exist independently but function as a co‐ordinated, spatially organized, and metabolically integrated microbial community.
Biofilm models and methods of biofilm assessment
Authors: Kishen Anil , Haapasalo Markus
Published: September 2012

Endodontic microbes dwell within the infected root canal system as surface‐adherent biofilm structures. In order to simulate this in vivo situation, a variety of in vitro biofilm models are currently used in Endodontics for different microbiological experiments. Unfortunately a cogent selection of the best models to be used for a particular research application has not been obtained. This article outlines various factors to be considered while developing biofilm models in Endodontics. Different in vitro endodontic biofilm models, devices used to generate biofilms, and biofilm assays used to analyze these biofilm structures qualitatively and quantitatively are also presented in this article.
Researching Professional Educational Practice: The Case for “Dirty Theory”
Authors: Hardy Ian J.
Published: September 2012

In this essay, Ian Hardy argues that a research process involving generalizing from professional educational practice can and should inform the work of educators, including academic researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, but that these generalizations need to be derived from, and in dialogue with, the complexity and specificity of actual practice, the myriad ways such practice might be understood, and a conception of practice as historically informed. In making this case, Hardy draws upon social theorist Raewyn Connell's concept of “dirty theory,” and he uses an example of teacher professional learning in a rural community in southeast Queensland, Australia, to show how Connell's notion of dirty theory might be applied to research professional educational practice. Hardy maintains that such an approach has the benefit of making historically informed, context‐aware, and epistemologically sensitive generalizations available as resources for informing the work of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. He concludes by providing examples of such generalizations as evidence of the potential of Connell's theory.
Ivan Illich's Late Critique of Deschooling Society: “I Was Largely Barking Up the Wrong Tree”
Authors: Bruno‐Jofré Rosa , Zaldívar Jon Igelmo
Published: September 2012

In this article, Rosa Bruno‐Jofré and Jon Igelmo Zaldívar examine Ivan Illich's own critique of Deschooling Society, and his subsequent revised critique of educational institutions and understanding of education, within the context of both his personal intellectual journey and the general epistemological shift that started to take shape in the early 1980s. Bruno‐Jofré and Zaldívar consider how, over time, Illich refocused his quest on examining the roots (origin) of modern certitudes (such as those related to education) and explored how human beings are integrated into the systems generated by those “certainties.” Illich engaged himself in historical analysis rather than providing responses to specific contemporary problems, while maintaining an interest in the relation between the present and the past. Under the metaphors of the word, the page, and the screen, he identified three great mutations in Western social imaginaries and the reconstruction of the individual self. Bruno‐Jofré and Zaldívar argue that while his written work, including Deschooling Society, generally had an apophatic character, his critique of education, particularly in the late 1980s and 1990s, is intertwined with his analysis of the parable of the Good Samaritan and his belief that modernity is an outcome of corrupted Christianity.
Galaxy cluster outskirts: a universal entropy profile for relaxed clusters?
Authors: Walker S. A. , Fabian A. C. , Sanders J. S. , George M. R.
Published: September 2012

We fit a functional form for a universal intracluster medium entropy profile to the scaled entropy profiles of a catalogue of X-ray galaxy cluster outskirts results, which are all relaxed cool core clusters at redshift below 0.25. We also investigate the functional form suggested by Lapi et al. and Cavaliere et al. for the behaviour of the entropy profile in the outskirts and find it to fit the data well outside 0.3r200. We highlight the discrepancy in the entropy profile behaviour in the outskirts between observations and the numerical simulations of Burns et al., and show that the entropy profile flattening due to gas clumping calculated by Nagai & Lau is insufficient to match observations, suggesting that gas clumping alone cannot be responsible for all of the entropy profile flattening in the cluster outskirts. The entropy profiles found with Suzaku are found to be consistent with ROSAT, XMM—Newton and Planck results.