bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep and Shallow Gamification in Marketing
Authors: Lieberoth Andreas , Møller Max , Marin Andreea Catalina
Published: June 2015

Gamification started trending as a term around 2010 and enjoyed a rise to mainstream prominence over the following years. The trend extols the use of game elements and game thinking to support behavior and experiences in non-game contexts but has been hotly debated and is currently facing a serious limitation of evidence. This chapter critically examines the field. Combining theoretical perspectives from game design and psychology with marketing examples, the chapter develops a continuum from deep to shallow gamification as an interpretative framework where game qualities and engagement potentials are seen as a function of design richness and integration with the behavior context. The chapter strongly underscores the need for methodologically consistent data collection before conclusions can be drawn about the economic and psychological efficacy of individual design elements and the gamification fad as a whole.
The Influence of Air Temperature on the Quality Parameters of the Black Sea Coastal Waters
Authors: Zăgan Sabina , Chiţu Mihaela-Greti
Published: June 2015

In this chapter, the authors point out the connection between some physical and chemical parameters of the Black Sea water under extreme air temperatures. In this context, the period from 2006 to 2012 was chosen as the study period, because it is characterized by very high values of air temperature, which significantly affect not only the quality of the Black Sea water in the superficial layer but also the marine ecosystem and life. Some quality parameters as water temperatures, oxygen regime or the degree of eutrophication have been collected and analyzed and they show noticeable variations relative to ambient air temperature changes, mainly if they are determined on the surface layer.
Hydrological Risk Phenomena and Flood Analysis
Authors: Buta Constantin , Omer Ichinur , Andronic Andreea
Published: June 2015

This paper is one detailed research of the major river basins of the Romanian North Dobrogea, Taita River Catchment. The Taita River has a catchment size of about 591 km 2 and is flowing into the Black Sea through Topraichioi Lake after 57 km. Upstream it has an elevation about 240 m height and 0 m at downstream (the reference is the Black Sea). The complexity of this research study is given, on the one hand, by the descriptive side of the natural aspects (geological, morphological, climatic aspects, hydrology and the soil) and, on the other hand, by the practical side, boosted by the information system processing of data. This study presents the theoretical concepts concerning the hazards and the risk, which, for a better interpretation of the impact of these phenomena, are supplemented by the maps, graphs and photographs.
Role of Technology Options for Financial Inclusion
Authors: Chopra Shalu , Sherry A. M. , Dwivedi Rajeev
Published: June 2015

Financial services have a ubiquitous need however the urban rich have easy and universal access with wider options, compared to the low-income group who are forced to accept informal, expensive and riskier means to fulfill their financial needs. The demand and supply of financial services for the poor is imbalanced, with supply being acutely constrained by lack of viability and sustainability of current business models. Technology and IT has a pivotal role in making financial inclusion a viable reality. Technology, including information technology can enable lowering costs by increasing automation, enhancing efficiency, enabling scaling up through uniformity, consistency and security. Multiple technology choices are available to financial service providers but few have been proven yet. This chapter is based on available front end and back end technology options for financial inclusion. Further, it describe the role of front end and back end technology options in Indian context.
Strengthening Sustainability through the Lenses of Corporate Social Responsibility Concept
Authors: Dasgupta Sabyasachi
Published: June 2015

The term “Corporate Social Responsibility” has gained lot of momentum in the last few decades. Carroll's pyramidal model has made significant contribution to the debate by categorizing corporate social responsibility into four broad dimensions: Economic, Legal, Ethical and Philanthropic. This paper looks into different dimensions of corporate social responsibility and tries to deconstruct its primary motive. Through the scanning of literatures on the definitions of corporate social responsibility concept, this paper tries to understand the focus of such an attempt. It then takes the help of qualitative in-depth interview methodology to understand what the corporate managers in India across sectors feel about corporate social responsibility. This leads to convergence of literature review and in-depth interview findings benefiting both academic and corporate world. The findings suggest that although companies seem to accomplish such responsibility for societal purposes, the ultimate objective is an economically viable model which leads to the sustainability of a corporate organization.
Manifestation of Ethical Consumption Behaviour through Five Precepts of Buddhism
Authors: Ratnayake Nilanthi , Jayawickrama Dushan Chaminda
Published: June 2015

Consumption is an essential everyday process. By very nature, it is a means of expressing our moral identities and an outlet for ethical obligations. In more recent years, ethical aspects of consumption have come under greater scrutiny with the emergence of ethical consumption discourses, and are currently associated with a range of consumer behaviours and responsible business practices. To this end, religion is considered an undeniably powerful and concurrently the most successful marketing force that can shape the ethical behaviour, yet under-investigated in consumption practices despite the Corporate Socially Responsibility provoked ethical behaviour. Ethical consumption practices are regularly characterised as consumption activities that avoid harm to other people, animals or the environment where basic Buddhist teachings become more pertinent and practiced in Buddhist communities. This Chapter aims to conceptualise the importance of religious beliefs in ethical consumer behaviour and present the findings of a study that explored whether and how ethical consumerism is reflected through Five Precepts of Buddhism [i.e. (1) abstain from taking life, (2) abstain from stealing, (3) abstain from sexual misconduct, (4) abstain from false speech, and (5) abstain from intoxicants that cloud the mind]. The content of the Chapter contributes to the theory and teaching in the marketing discipline by linking how religious beliefs enhance ethical consumerism that remains largely unexplored.
Postgraduate Students' Perceived E-Learning Acceptance Model Validation Using SEM Method
Authors: Yatigammana M. R. K. N. , Johar Md. Gapar Md. , Gunawardhana Chandra
Published: June 2015

E-Learning is a method of delivering knowledge using information technology and electronic media for the remote users. The advantages of E-Learning method can be fully achieved with the postgraduate studies. Because, majority of the postgraduate students are engaged in learning while they are working and also geographically dispersed due to the family and work life thus physically appearing for the lecture sessions are rather difficult to them. The Technology Acceptance Model identifies how user accept a new technology. Therefore, this chapter attempts to develop a framework to measure the postgraduate students' perceived technology acceptance by developing an extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model. Hence, the original Technology Acceptance Model is modified and 200 postgraduate students were selected from Sri Lanka to validate the model. The structural regression was accepted based on the model fitting criteria. Thus, this model can be used by the future researchers and can be tested in other contexts. Also this model can be further modified by adding more variables.
Machine Ethics Interfaces
Authors: Swan Melanie
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this chapter is to conceptualize cognitive nanorobots, an ethics of perception, and machine ethics interfaces. Three areas are developed as a foundational background. First is the context and definition of cognitive nanorobots (nano-scale machines that could be deployed to facilitate, aid, and improve the processes of cognition like perception and memory as a sort of neural nano-prosthetics). Second is philosophical concepts from Bergson and Deleuze regarding perception and memory, and time, image, difference, becoming, and reality. Third is a summary of traditional models of ethics (Ethics 1.0). These building blocks are then used to connect perception and ethics in the concept of machine ethics interfaces, for which an ethics of perception is required, and where an ethics of immanence (Ethics 2.0) is most appropriate. Finally, killer applications of cognitive nanorobots, and their limitations (neural data privacy rights and cognitive viruses) and future prospects are discussed.
Bridging Two Realms of Machine Ethics
Authors: Pereira Luís Moniz , Saptawijaya Ari
Published: June 2015

We address problems in machine ethics dealt with using computational techniques. Our research has focused on Computational Logic, particularly Logic Programming, and its appropriateness to model morality, namely moral permissibility, its justification, and the dual-process of moral judgments regarding the realm of the individual. In the collective realm, we, using Evolutionary Game Theory in populations of individuals, have studied norms and morality emergence computationally. These, to start with, are not equipped with much cognitive capability, and simply act from a predetermined set of actions. Our research shows that the introduction of cognitive capabilities, such as intention recognition, commitment, and apology, separately and jointly, reinforce the emergence of cooperation in populations, comparatively to their absence. Bridging such capabilities between the two realms helps understand the emergent ethical behavior of agents in groups, and implements them not just in simulations, but in the world of future robots and their swarms. Evolutionary Anthropology provides teachings.
Self-Referential Complex Systems and Aristotle's Four Causes
Authors: Malecic Aleksandar
Published: June 2015

In this chapter the author addresses a need for inclusion of all four Aristotle's causes (material, efficient, formal, and final) in modern science. Reality of modern physics (beyond Newtonian physics) and science of consciousness (and life and society) should include all four causes and tangled hierarchies (no scientific discipline is the most fundamental – the starting point for the author was Jung, then Rosen, and Aristotle was included much later). The four causes resemble rules for a machine or software (computation that “glues” everything together (Dodig-Crnkovic, 2012)), but a non-deterministic “machine” not replicable in a different medium. “Self-reference” from the title includes self-awareness, something seemingly not possible without final cause. On the other hand, this recognition of our (presumed) non-determinism and freedom might remind us to be even more self-aware and anticipatory. Computation, communication, networking, and memory as something technology is good at could contribute to that goal.
Teacher narratives in making sense of the statistical mean algorithm
Authors: Lampen Erna
Published: June 2015

Teaching statistics meaningfully at school level requires that mathematics teachers conduct classroom discussions in ways that give statistical meaning to mathematical concepts and enable learners to develop integrated statistical thinking. Key to statistical discourse are narratives about variation within and between distributions of measurements and comparison of varying measurements to a central anchoring value. Teachers who understand the concepts and tools of statistics in an isolated and processual way cannot teach in such a connected way. Teachers’ discourses about the mean tend to be particularly processual and lead to limited understanding of the statistical mean as measure of centre in order to compare variation within data sets. In this article I report on findings from an analysis of discussions about the statistical mean by a group of teachers. The findings suggest that discourses for instruction in statistics should explicitly differentiate between the everyday ‘average’ and the statistical mean, and explain the meaning of the arithmetic algorithm for the mean. I propose a narrative that logically explains the mean algorithm in order to establish the mean as an origin in a measurement of variation discourse.
Ethical misconduct by registered physiotherapists in South Africa (2007–2013): A mixed methods approach
Authors: Hoffmann Willem A. , Nortjé Nico
Published: June 2015

Background: The role of ethics in a medical context is to protect the interests of patients. Thus,it is critically important to understand the guilty verdicts related to professional standard breaches and ethics misconduct of physiotherapists.Aim: To analyse the case content and penalties of all guilty verdicts related to ethics misconduct against registered physiotherapists in South Africa.Methods: A mixed methods approach was followed consisting of epidemiological data analysis and qualitative content analysis. The data documents were formal annual lists (2007–2013) of guilty verdicts related to ethical misconduct. Quantitative data analysis focused on annual frequencies of guilty verdicts, transgression categories and the imposed penalties. Qualitative data analysis focused on content analysis of the case content for each guilty verdict.Results: Relatively few physiotherapists (0.05%) are annually found guilty of ethical misconduct. The two most frequent penalties were fines of R5000.00 and fines of R8000.00–R10 000.00. The majority of transgressions involved fraudulent conduct (70.3%), followed by performance of procedures without patient consent (10.8%). Fraudulent conduct involved issuing misleading, inaccurate or false medical statements, and false or inaccurate medical aid scheme claims.Conclusion: Unethical conduct by physiotherapists in South Africa occurs rarely. The majority of penalties imposed on sanctioned physiotherapists were monetary penalties.
Upper-Limb Rehabilitation With Adaptive Video Games for Preschool Children With Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Hsieh Hsieh-Chun , Lin Hung-Yu , Chiu Wen-Hsin , Meng Ling Fu , Liu Chun Kai
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE. This study used a novel device to make video games accessible to children with developmental disabilities (DD) by modifying the training software and interfaces to enhance motor training.

METHOD. In the pretest–posttest design, 20 children (13 boys, 7 girls; mean age = 5.2 yr) with DD received adaptive upper-limb motor rehabilitation consisting of fifteen 30-min individual sessions 3 times per week for 5 wk.

RESULTS. Improvement in Beery–Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition, scores for children with DD indicated significant differences between pretest and posttest.

CONCLUSION. The rehabilitation device modified for the needs of children with DD is effective in improving visual–motor performance of children with DD.
Living Legends: Effectiveness of a Program to Enhance Sense of Purpose and Meaning in Life Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Chippendale Tracy , Boltz Marie
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE. We investigated the therapeutic benefits (i.e., sense of purpose and meaning in life) of the Living Legends program, which includes life review writing and an intergenerational exchange, compared with life review writing alone, for community-dwelling older adults.

METHOD. This study was a randomized controlled trial with a connected qualitative component. We analyzed quantitative data using independent-samples t tests and written descriptions of program experiences using Collaizi’s qualitative methodology; we then used a triangulation protocol to integrate the qualitative and quantitative data.

RESULTS. For participants in the writing workshop plus intergenerational exchange, sense of purpose and meaning in life increased significantly (p < .0001) compared with those in the writing workshop alone. Qualitative themes revealed additional program benefits.

CONCLUSION. Living Legends enhanced participants’ sense of purpose and meaning in life, a factor known to prevent cognitive loss and disability, compared with life review writing alone.
Habits of the Sensory System and Mental Health: Understanding Sensory Dissonance
Authors: Bailliard Antoine L.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE. In occupational therapy, research has studied sensory function predominantly in relation to sensory disorders. There is a gap in the literature exploring how sensory experiences affect mental health. This study sought to provide a phenomenological understanding of how people relate experiences of sensory dissonance to their mental health.

METHOD. Ten immigrants from Latin America participated in semistructured interviews and video observations of their occupational behavior.

RESULTS. Participants’ experiences of sensory dissonance provoked negative mental states and distress. Participants reported poor mental health following sensory experiences that were incongruent with their habits of sensing. They also intentionally used sensory anchors to induce positive mental states and connect with past occupational experiences.

CONCLUSION. Occupational therapy practitioners should be mindful of how sensory environments can facilitate or impede intervention. Practitioners are encouraged to harness clients’ sensory habits and use sensory anchors as a form of sensory scaffolding to facilitate therapeutic gains.
Exploring Occupational Therapists’ Perceptions of the Usefulness of Musculoskeletal Sonography in Upper-Extremity Rehabilitation
Authors: Roll Shawn C. , McLaughlin Gray Julie , Frank Gelya , Wolkoff Monique
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE. To identify the potential utility of musculoskeletal sonographic imaging in upper-extremity rehabilitation.

METHOD. Two occupational therapists in an outpatient hand rehabilitation clinic were recruited by convenience, were trained in the use of sonography, and implemented sonographic imaging in their clinical practice. Qualitative data were obtained during and after the implementation period by means of questionnaires and interviews. Data collection, analysis, and interpretation were completed in an iterative process that culminated in a thematic analysis of the therapists’ perceptions.

RESULTS. The data indicate four potential areas of utility for musculoskeletal sonography in upper-extremity rehabilitation: (1) mastering anatomy and pathology, (2) augmenting clinical reasoning, (3) supplementing intervention, and (4) building evidence.

CONCLUSION. Numerous potential uses were identified that would benefit both therapist and client. Further exploration of complexities and efficacy for increasing patient outcomes is recommended to determine best practices for the use of musculoskeletal sonography in upper-extremity rehabilitation.
Healthy Habits for Children: Leveraging Existing Evidence to Demonstrate Value
Authors: Persch Andrew C. , Lamb Amy J. , Metzler Christina A. , Fristad Mary A.
Published: June 2015

Healthy habits is a psychoeducational construct that refers to the preventive practice of analyzing and then adapting the sleep, physical, and eating routines of children in ways that enhance health and well-being. This approach is based on evidence that demonstrates the positive therapeutic value of engaging in proactive, healthful behaviors. In addressing healthy habits, occupational therapy practitioners have an opportunity to contribute to the Triple Aim of health care reform while demonstrating the value of occupational therapy in educational, medical, community, and other settings.
Functional perfectionism and healthy behaviors: the longitudinal relationships between the
dimensions of perfectionism, nutrition behavior, and physical activity moderated by gender
Authors: Luszczynska Aleksandra , Zarychta Karolina , Horodyska Karolina , Liszewska Natalia , Gancarczyk Anna , Czekierda Katarzyna
Published: June 2015

Background

This study investigated the relationships between global perfectionism (its functional and dysfunctional aspects) and three types of health behaviors: fruit and vegetable intake (FVI), consumption of sweet and salty snacks, and physical activity. It was hypothesized that indices of functional perfectionism would predict engaging in healthy behavior, with gender moderating these associations.

Participants and procedures

Data were collected among 845 adolescents (59.20% girls) aged 13 to 20 years old (M = 16.52, SD = 0.92). At the baseline, participants filled out the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and measures of nutrition behavior and physical activity. The measurement of nutrition behavior and physical activity was repeated at 12-month follow-up.

Results

The moderator analysis indicated that FVI as well as consumption of sweet and salty snacks measured at 12-month follow-up were explained by functional global perfectionism (Organization and Personal Standards dimensions), but this effect was stronger among girls. Physical activity measured at 12-month follow-up was explained by functional perfectionism (Organization and Personal Standards dimensions), but this effect was stronger among boys. The effects were found after controlling for respective behaviors assessed at the baseline. Dysfunctional dimensions of global perfectionism (Concern over Mistakes, Parental Expectations, Parental Criticism, Doubts about Actions) were unrelated to indices of behavior at follow-up.

Conclusions

Functional global perfectionism may represent an individual resource variable, facilitating uptake and maintenance of healthy diet and physical activity, and therefore foster prevention of obesity among adolescents.
Assessment of personality according to Otto Kernberg’s conception
Authors: Izdebska Agnieszka
Published: June 2015

The subject matter of this paper is the model of personality developed by Otto Kernberg and the research tools designed on the basis of that conception. The paper presents the spectrum of diagnostic methods differing in terms of the level of structuralizing and the form in which they are applied. The first one constructed, the Structural Interview, due to the high requirements within psychoanalytical knowledge and clinical abilities for the individuals who apply it, initiated the development of subsequent methods. They include: the Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO), inventory methods, and a clinician-rated instrument referred to as the Personality Organization Diagnostic Form (PODF). Within the scope of inventory methods, two principal tools for which Polish adaptations have been developed are presented, namely: the Inventory of Personality Organization of Kernberg and collaborators, and the Borderline Personality Inventory of Leichsenring. The existence of a broad spectrum of assessment methods of the personality structure makes it possible to take advantage of the conception of Kernberg in the realms of clinical diagnosis, scientific research, and recently also forensic psychology.
The other side of the mirror – the role of partner’s empathy in transition to parenthood
Authors: Kaźmierczak Maria , Kiełbratowska Bogumiła , Karasiewicz Karol
Published: June 2015

Background

The general objective of the project was to verify the role the partner’s empathy plays in the perceived adjustment to parenthood. Couple empathy and especially partner’s perspective-taking have been linked to better adaptation to parenthood, through increasing the quality of communication between parents or through reducing problems experienced during transition to parenthood. Empathy has been promoted among couples preparing for parenthood, for example during antenatal classes.

Participants and procedure

Two studies were conducted. The first study included 121 young mothers of children in their first year of life. They completed measures of adjustment to parenthood, postpartum depression, satisfaction with romantic relationship, and partner’s perceived empathy. In addition, women assessed factors associated with labour and midwife care. The second study involved 112 couples during transition to parenthood. Those couples were randomly assigned to experimental conditions using instructions in which they were asked to imagine a) one’s own or b) the partner’s situation after the child’s birth, and completed the questionnaire measuring expected adjustment to parenthood.

Results

Male perceived empathy, relational satisfaction and postpartum depression were predictors of adjustment to motherhood in Study 1. In addition, the more empathy females perceived in their partners, the lower was the level of postpartum depression they declared. Couples empathizing with the partner in Study 2 perceived the challenges of parenthood in a similar way. Future mothers perceived more parenthood problems only when assuming their own perspective.

Conclusions

The results of the studies indicate that empathy plays an important role in shaping adjustment to parenthood, especially motherhood. Low-dosage interventions might help couples to become aware of their mutual problems concerning transition to parenthood, when conducting longer programmes is not possible.
The role of purpose in life and social support in reducing the risk of workaholism among women in Poland
Authors: Peplińska Aleksandra , Wojdylo Kamila , Kosakowska-Berezecka Natasza , Połomski Piotr
Published: June 2015

Background

Workaholism is related to experiencing high negative emotions, the inability to control them, and poor psychological well-being. One of the possible countermeasures against the risk of workaholism can be purpose in life. According to Frankl and Yalom, the feeling that life has a meaning or purpose prevents an individual from experiencing meaninglessness. Purpose in life is considered to be closely associated with mood and well-being and has been proven to act as a countermeasure against depression.

Participants and procedure

The goal of our study was to analyze the relation between workaholism, perception of purpose in life, and social support among women. Two hundred and sixty female professionals took part in the study. They occupied either specialist or managerial positions in their companies, which implies being highly committed to professional roles. Two sociodemographic variables were included in the analysis as significant moderators of the relation studied, namely family status: whether or not women had children, and marital status. We used the following analytical methods: Robinson’s Work Addiction Risk Test (WART, adapted from English by K. Wojdylo), the Purpose-in-Life Test developed by Crumbaugh and Maholick, and Schwarzer’s and Schulz’s Berlin Social Support Scales.

Results

Statistical analysis allowed us to test a model, which proved the existence of a significant relation between “social support” and “purpose in life” variables. The results also indicate a dependency between “purpose in life” and “workaholism” – higher scores in “purpose in life” correspond to lower results in “workaholism”. Additionally, “purpose in life” can be considered a partial mediator between “social support” and “workaholism”.

Conclusions

The direct results prove that social programs aimed at reducing the risk of workaholism by strengthening social support networks can be both effective, e.g. for mothers who work professionally, and ineffective, e.g. for women who do not have children.
The Me and My Disease Scale: measuring state hope and determining its impact on coping in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and myocardial infarction
Authors: Kwissa-Gajewska Zuzanna , Kroemeke Aleksandra , Heszen Irena
Published: June 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties, factor structure, measurement invariance, internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the Me and My Disease Scale – a tool for state hope measurement for adults suffering from chronic medical conditions.

Participants and procedure

Two clinical groups, patients with type 2 diabetes (DM) (n = 278) just before and 1 month after introducing insulin treatment, and cardiac patients (n = 232) five days and one month after their first uncomplicated myocardial infarction (MI), participated in the study. Cognitive appraisal, emotions and depression (MI group) were measured to establish the construct validity of the scale.

Results

A single-factor model which consisted of 4 items was established. The structure was characterized by good measurement model fit and satisfactory indicators of reliability for the MI subgroup. A less satisfactory model fit was obtained for the DM subgroup – this may point to the impact of specific medical conditions on the scale. Furthermore, the findings indicated metric invariance for the scale. The moderate correlations between hope and cognitive appraisal, emotion and depression confirm the construct validity of the scale.

Conclusions

The Me and My Disease Scale is characterized by satisfactory psychometric parameters and can be used in scientific research to measure hope as a dimension of cognition and to compare the relationships between hope and other variables in medical patients. However, caution should be taken during analysis when comparing means between clinical groups.
Direct effects of a domain-specific subjective age measure on self-reported physical activity – Is it more important how old you are or how old you feel?
Authors: Wienert Julian , Kuhlmann Tim , Lippke Sonia
Published: June 2015

Background

Research has shown that physical activity is important for healthy aging. At the same time, physical activity and different age factors (chronological and subjective age measures) are interrelated. The present study investigated whether subjective physical age and chronological age are significantly correlated with physical activity over time.

Participants and procedure

A study design with baseline assessment and a 4-week follow-up period was conducted with an online sample (N = 541), aged 25-78 years (M = 39.62, SD = 10.74). Regression analysis with the enter method was used to predict subsequent physical activity by baseline predictors.

Results

Subjective physical age correlates with chronological age (r = –.34, p < .001). Subjective physical age predicted subsequent physical activity when controlling for baseline variables (B = –.12, t = –2.43, p = .015) until past physical activity was entered (B = –.06, t = –1.44, p = .150). The final model explained 33% of variance in subsequent physical activity.

Conclusions

Subjective physical age seems to be more important for physical activity than chronological age. This is an important finding as subjective physical age might be a target for interventions, to enable individuals to become more physically active. Future studies should investigate non-linear relationships between subjective physical age, social-cognitive predictors of physical activity and physical activity behavior.
Parental attitudes and personality traits, self-efficacy, stress, and coping strategies among mothers of children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Jankowska Anna Maria , Włodarczyk Aleksandra , Campbell Colin , Shaw Steven
Published: June 2015

Background
 Development of children with cerebral palsy (CP) depends on the quality of parental care. The aim of the research was to compare parenting attitudes in mothers of children with CP to mothers of typically developing children, and to study the relationship between parenting attitudes and personality traits, stress, coping strategies and self-efficacy in mothers of children with CP.

 Participants and procedure
 Twenty-seven mothers of children with cerebral palsy (MCCP) (mean age 35.50 years, SD = 4.83) and twenty-eight mothers (mean age 35.60 years, SD = 4.27) of typically developing children (MTDC) participated in this study. Each parent had a child between the ages of two and seven years. A battery of tests was administered to both groups, which included the Parenting Attitudes Scale (SPR), the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the COPE Inventory. Also, maternal stress and the amount of social support received were assessed.

 Results
 Although acceptance was the most common parental attitude among all participants, mothers of children with CP presented with a stronger tendency towards overprotective and demanding attitudes. MCCP obtained higher scores in neuroticism and lower in openness compared to MTDC. Furthermore, MCCP declared a higher level of distress than MTDC. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups of mothers regarding self-efficacy, the level of social support or the most often used coping strategies. Neuroticism was found to be the best predictor of overprotective and demanding parental attitudes.

 Conclusions
 The study emphasises the importance of parenting programmes for mothers with children with CP to promote the development of autonomy among children with developmental difficulties.
Mesenchymal stem cells – a new therapeutic option for rheumatic diseases?
Authors: Kontny Ewa
Published: June 2015

Our body is equipped with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possessing unique regenerative and immunoregulatory properties. These cells can be easily isolated from different tissues and safely transplanted. MSCs-based therapy is beneficial in some pathological conditions. However, before expanding clinical application of MSCs to systemic RD several points should be clarified, e.g. it is critical to understand more deeply physiological function of MSCs, standardization of MSCs culture and expansion in vitro is required, the contribution of MSCs to pathology of particular disease and its subtype should be explored, the ideal MSCs source, the optimal dose, frequency and route of MSCs administration should be selected.
Early diagnosis of rheumatic diseases: an evaluation of the present situation and proposed changes
Authors: Kwiatkowska Brygida , Raciborski Filip , Kłak Anna , Maślińska Maria , Gryglewicz Jerzy
Published: June 2015

Musculoskeletal pain is a very common complaint, affecting 30–40% of the European population. It is estimated that approximately 400,000 Poles suffer from inflammatory rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis, and a vast majority of those affected are working-age individuals. Patients with suspected arthritis require prompt diagnosis and treatment, as any delays may result in irreversible joint destruction and disability. Currently in Poland, the lag time between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis is, on average, as much as 35 weeks. In this paper, we review the current state of specialist rheumatology care in Poland and propose a reorganised care model that includes early diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis. The main goal we wish to achieve with our reorganised model is to enhance access to outpatient specialist rheumatology care for patients with suspected arthritis. We believe that our model should make it possible to considerably reduce the lag time between GP referral and the diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist to as little as 3 to 4 weeks. This article provides a proposal of changes that would achieve this goal and is a summary of the report published by the Institute of Rheumatology in September 2014.
Cytokine profiles in axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Madej Marta , Nowak Beata , Świerkot Jerzy , Sokolik Renata , Chlebicki Arkadiusz , Korman Lucyna , Woytala Patryk , Lubiński Łukasz , Wiland Piotr
Published: June 2015

Objectives: Current studies concentrate on the cytokine network and its role in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis (SpA). In this study, we analyzed whether the serum cytokine profile (interleukins: IL-10, IL-11, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, IL-23 and IL-33) correlates with demographic data, clinical manifestations, disease activity and treatment outcome in a group of patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

Material and methods: Forty-nine patients with an established diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (aSpA) and 19 healthy volunteers as controls were enrolled in the study. Clinical evaluation included patient’s medical history, 44 joint count, back pain intensity and global disease activity in the preceding week (VAS), the duration of morning stiffness and blood tests. Disease activity was assessed using BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP. Serum concentration of IL-10, IL-11, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, IL-23 and IL-33 was determined.

Results: In patients with aSpA, elevated serum concentration of IL-10, IL-15, IL-17 and IL-23 was detected. In the aSpA group we detected higher values of serum concentration of IL-23 and IL-33 in the subgroup with anterior uveitis (83.1 ±184.0 pg/ml vs. 14.0 ±17.1 pg/ml, p < 0.0001 and 45.5 ±71.9 pg/ml vs. 18.4 ±14.3 pg/ml, p < 0.0001, respectively). Additionally, in the subgroup with peripheral arthritis, elevation of serum concentration of IL-12 (249.3 ±246.9 pg/ml vs. 99.9 ±105.9 pg/ml, p = 0.0001) was detected. Patients with preradiological SpA had higher serum concentration of IL-17 than patients with established diagnosis of AS (6.37 ±8.50 pg/ml vs. 2.04 ±2.98 pg/ml, p = 0.0295). No differences in serum concentration of analyzed cytokines were found between the subgroup with low to moderate disease activity and the subgroup with high to very high disease activity.

Conclusions: We report that in aSpA patients, compared to controls, elevated serum concentrations of IL-10, IL-15, IL-17 and IL-23 were observed. Some cytokines may predispose to a more severe course of aSpA.
Current nutritional status of patients with rheumatic diseases in the population of Poland
Authors: Kłak Anna , Borowicz Jacek , Mańczak Małgorzata , Grygielska Jolanta , Samel-Kowalik Piotr , Raciborski Filip
Published: June 2015

The aim of the study was to evaluate the current state of nutrition of patients with rheumatic diseases in the Polish population.

Material and methods: An anonymous questionnaire study was carried out among the patients of the Institute of Rheumatology in Warsaw in the fourth quarter of 2012. Five hundred questionnaires were distributed, and 397 questionnaires were collected and accepted for further analysis (response rate = 79%).

Results:  Overweight or obesity was present in more than half (53%) of the patients (overweight in 30.5% of respondents, obesity in 22.6%). Among obese subjects, 43% of men and 37% of women in the study think that their diet is correct. Sixty-eight percent of respondents declared that they do not follow any special diet and only 18% declared that they follow a diet with a reduced quantity of monosaccharides (no sweets). A milk-free diet was followed by 7% of respondents, a meat-free diet by 6%, and a fruit-and-vegetable diet by 5%. Dietary supplements were regularly used by 26.7% of respondents, whereas 33.8% did not use them at all. The average assessment of physical aptitude (Health Assessment Questionnaire – HAQ) in the group of respondents was 0.71. No statistically significant differences were found between higher level of disability (e.g. HAQ ≥ 1) and the type of diet followed (p = 0.678) or body mass index (BMI) value (p = 0.864) in relation to persons with the value of HAQ < 1.

Conclusions: More than half of patients suffering from rheumatic diseases are overweight or obese, which corresponds to the body weight profile of the population of Poland. Most patients diagnosed with rheumatic diseases do not follow any special diet. In spite of the frequent use of dietary supplements, the patients do not consult a doctor or a dietician about it. The type of diet and BMI value do not differ according to the level of disability.
The role of physiological elements in the future therapies of rheumatoid arthritis. II. The relevance of energy redistribution in the process of chronic inflammation
Authors: Gajewski Michał , Rzodkiewicz Przemysław , Wojtecka-Łukasik Elżbieta
Published: June 2015

The reasons for development of chronic inflammation are complex and not fully understood. One of the factors affecting the prolongation of inflammation is changes in cell metabolism, occurring at the center of the inflammatory process. In chronic inflammation there is an imbalance between the processes of storage and consumption of energy reserves. Hypoxia that is a consequence of edema results in transition of white blood cells to anaerobic metabolism. Neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages produce active oxygen metabolites which on one hand facilitate the elimination of pathogens, and on the other hand, can cause damage to healthy cells located in the inflamed tissue. In this paper, we discuss the importance of disturbed redistribution of energy as one of the main reasons for transformation of the acute inflammatory process into the chronic one.
Prevalence of selected organ-specific autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis and primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients
Authors: Koszarny Arkadiusz , Majdan Maria , Dryglewska Magdalena , Tabarkiewicz Jacek
Published: June 2015

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of selected organ-specific autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) patients, and discuss their clinical significance.

Material and methods: The study included 121 RA and 30 pSS patients. Sera were tested for the presence of autoantibodies to thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), thyroglobulin (anti-TG), TSH receptor (TRAbs), mitochondrial antigen M2 (AMA-M2-3E) and gliadin-analogous fusion peptides (anti-GAF(3X)) using the ELISA method. Non-organ-specific antibodies were determined: rheumatoid factor in IgM class, anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies and antinuclear antibodies. The occurrence of antibodies was also examined with regards to RA activity.

Results: The following autoantibodies were detected in RA patients: anti-TPO – 13 (10.7%), anti-TG – 6 (5%), AMA-M2-3E – 3 (2.5%), anti-GAF(3X) – 5 (4.1%). The respective levels of these autoantibodies in pSS patients were 3 (10%), 2 (6.7%), 4 (13.3%) and 2 (6.7%). Polyautoimmunity was confirmed in 34 RA patients (including 20 cases of autoimmune thyroid disease [AITD]) and in 6 pSS patients (6 cases of AITD). When RA patients were divided into anti-TPO positive and anti-TPO negative groups, we found a statistically significant relationship between groups regarding age and hemoglobin concentration. In pSS patients the anti-TPO positive group was less likely to use immunosuppressive drugs as compared with the anti-TPO negative group. Anti-TPO was significantly more frequently detected in RA + AITD vs. RA, RA + SS + AITD vs. RA and in pSS + AITD vs. pSS patients.

Conclusions: Organ-specific autoantibodies are relatively frequently observed in patients with RA and pSS. Their presence is connected with the clinical picture of the diseases.
How large-scale subsidence affects stratocumulus transitions
Authors: van der Dussen J. J. , de Roode S. R. , Siebesma A. P.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Some climate modeling results suggest that the Hadley circulation might weaken in a future climate, causing a subsequent reduction in the large-scale subsidence velocity in the subtropics. In this study we analyze the cloud liquid water path (LWP) budget from large-eddy simulation (LES) results of three idealized stratocumulus transition cases each with a different subsidence rate. As shown in previous studies a reduced subsidence is found to lead to a deeper stratocumulus-topped boundary layer, an enhanced cloud-top entrainment rate and a delay in the transition of stratocumulus clouds into shallow cumulus clouds during its equatorwards advection by the prevailing trade winds. The effect of a reduction of the subsidence rate can be summarized as follows. The initial deepening of the stratocumulus layer is partly counteracted by an enhanced absorption of solar radiation. After some hours the deepening of the boundary layer is accelerated by an enhancement of the entrainment rate. Because this is accompanied by a change in the cloud-base turbulent fluxes of moisture and heat, the net change in the LWP due to changes in the turbulent flux profiles is negligibly small.
El índice de cobertura de servicios como instrumento de gestión: Su utilización en el proceso de construcción de cuadros de mando integrales
Authors: Rivera Otero José Manuel , Pereira López María , Jaráiz Gulías Erika
Published: June 2015

La importancia y necesidad de contar con mecanismos de evaluación de los servicios públicos ha sido una constante en el ámbito de la gestión pública en las últimas dos décadas. Deudores en muchos casos del ámbito privado, como consecuencia del predominio de algunos paradigmas teóricos, se han puesto en marcha con mayor o menor éxito, diferentes propuestas. Esta situación, si cabe más acuciante en el ámbito municipal y en un contexto de crisis económica donde los ciudadanos demandan de las instituciones un mayor nivel de transparencia y rendición de cuentas, no sólo de los recursos sino también de cómo llevan a cabo la gestión de los servicios públicos; nos ha invitado a diseñar una metodología mixta de evaluación de la cobertura de los servicios públicos municipales. Una metodología que debe servir no sólo para medir y/o evaluar sino también para construir cuadros de mando en diferentes niveles, en los cuales el Índice de Cobertura de Servicios (ICS), se perfila como pieza fundamental para el análisis de los servicios, fusionando elementos de carácter estructural y elementos de carácter perceptivo
Las redes de políticas como herramientas de análisis. Notas a partir de intervenciones recientes en materia de desarrollo rural en Argentina (2008-2014
Authors: Nogueira María Elena
Published: June 2015

Las redes de políticas (policy networks) llevan ya algunos años en la agenda de conceptos de la Ciencia Política. La posibilidad de observar de un modo crítico las relaciones inter-gubernamentales en diferentes niveles, identificando actores y acciones en contextos diversos resulta una herramienta de gran interés analítico. En este trabajo, se propone un recorrido por parte de la literatura sobre las redes de políticas para dar cuenta de aquellas existentes en materia de políticas de desarrollo rural en Argentina en el último tiempo. El artículo se compone de una Introducción; un segundo apartado en el que se presentan los aspectos teóricos vinculados con el Estado, las políticas públicas y las redes; un tercer apartado señalando algunas características de las intervenciones en materia de desarrollo rural en el país y un cuarto, dedicado al análisis de algunas experiencias en red. Finalmente, se presentan conclusiones que enfatizan el rol protagónico del Estado en las redes y, asimismo, las dificultades y desafíos que presentan estos espacios intermedios en la relación sistema político/ sociedad en cuanto aparecen, la mayoría de las veces, como redes “en el papel
Listening Strategies Use in the Internet Learning Environment by Non-English Major College Students: A Comparison between Male and Female Listeners
Authors: Ma Xiu-hua
Published: June 2015

Based on the researches of listening strategies at home and abroad, this study tries to explore the gender’s effect on the use of listening strategy under the internet autonomous learning environment and finds the differences as well as the similarities in the use of listening strategies. The results have some implications for teachers. English teachers should take the factors of gender into account in the course of strategy training, especially cultivating male students’ use of the social/affective strategies.