bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of Rickettsia spp. infection in Sweden: a clinical, ultrastructural and serological study
Authors: NILSSON KENNETH , LUKINIUS AGNETA , PÅHLSON CARL , MORON CECILIA , HAJEM NEDA'A , OLSSON BRITT , LINDQUIST OLLE
Published: February 2005

Sweden is an area potentially endemic for spotted fever rickettsioses. Rickettsia helvetica has been isolated from its tick vector Ixodes ricinus, and in a handful of cases linked to human disease. This study demonstrates for the first time in Sweden the transmission of rickettsial infection after a tick bite and the attack rate in an endemic area. We present three cases of documented rickettsial infection and a prospective serological study of Swedish recruits who were trained in the area where the patients lived and showed seroconversion to spotted fever rickettsiae. All patients showed a four‐fold increase in antibody titer to the spotted fever rickettsia, R. helvetica, and immunohistochemical examination revealed rickettsia‐like organisms in the walls of skin capillaries and veins. Electron microscopy showed organisms resembling R. helvetica and immunogold labeling with two anti‐rickettsial antibodies demonstrated specific labeling of the rickettsial organisms in the skin biopsy specimens. Eight of the thirty‐five recruits showed a four‐fold increase in IgG titer reflecting a high rate of exposure. The results of this study demonstrate that spotted fever rickettsioses should be taken into consideration in the diagnosis of tick‐transmitted infections in Sweden.
Oral white patches in a national sample of medical HIV patients in the era of HAART
Authors: Marcus Marvin , Maida Carl A. , Freed James R. , Younai Fariba , Coulter Ian D. , Der‐Martirosian Claudia , Liu Honghu , Freed Benjamin , Guzmán‐Becerra Norma , Shapiro Martin
Published: February 2005

Abstract –  Objectives:  Several types of HIV‐related oral mucosal conditions have been reported to occur during the course of HIV disease progression. Of these, few may be manifested as ‘white’ lesions and many are noticeable to the patient. This paper examines the relationships between social, behavioral and medical aspects of HIV infection and reporting an occurrence of oral white patches (OWP) by HIV‐infected patients.

Methods:  The subjects are participants in all three interviews in the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS). The subjects were selected using a three‐stage probability sampling design. The multivariate analysis is based on 2109 subjects with nonmissing binary outcome variable for all three waves representing a national sample of 214 000 individuals. The multivariate model was fitted using generalized estimating equations (GEE) by implementing the XTGEE command in STATA.

Results:  We estimate that 75 000 persons (35%) reported at least one incident of OWP, of these 14 000 reported having OWP during all three interviews, and that the rate of reporting declined over the three HCSUS waves. The multivariate analysis showed seven variables that were significant predictors of at least one report of OWP.

Conclusions:  Compared with persons on HAART therapy, patients on other regimens or taking no antiviral medications were 23–46% more likely to report an incident of OWP. Compared with whites, African Americans were 32% less likely to report OWP, while current smokers were 62% more likely than nonsmokers. Being diagnosed with AIDS and having CD4 counts less than 500 significantly increased the likelihood of reporting OWP.
Factors related to satisfaction with dental care among 23‐year olds in Norway
Authors: Skaret Erik , Berg Einar , Raadal Magne , Kvale Gerd
Published: February 2005

Abstract –  Objectives:  The aims of the present study were to explore (i) the prevalence and distribution of satisfaction with dental care among 23‐year olds in Norway; and (ii) possible factors associated with the same variable.

Methods:  A random sample of adolescents (n=968) surveyed at age 18 were resurveyed by post at the age of 23. The questionnaire included the psychometric instruments Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ), Dental Fear Survey (DFS), Dental Beliefs Survey (DBS), and the (WHO) Five Scale Psychological General Well‐Being Schedule.

Results:  The response rate was 69%. Of this group, 15% of the subjects were very satisfied, and another 15% were very dissatisfied with dental care. The following variables explained 58% of the variance of satisfaction with dental care at age 23: positive beliefs of the dentist (DBS), low dental anxiety, perception of having a dentist to go to, last treatment session not painful/unpleasant, and gender (male). Being very satisfied with dental care was associated with high DMFT at age 16 and few previous experiences of pain. Being very dissatisfied at age 23 was associated with low general well‐being, previous experiences of pain and dislike of the dentist (both reported at age 18). Last dental treatment session was reported as very painful or unpleasant by 6.7% of the group.

Conclusions:  Beliefs of the dentist and pain control seems to be important aspects in young adults’ evaluation of dental care.
Effectiveness of health care worker training on the oral health of elderly residents of nursing homes
Authors: Nicol Robert , Petrina Sweeney M. , McHugh Siobhan , Bagg Jeremy
Published: February 2005

Abstract –  Objectives:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a staff training programme on mouth care on the oral health of elderly residents of long‐term care institutions.

Methods:  Seventy‐eight residents of five long‐stay institutions were enrolled and underwent a baseline oral health assessment. Staff caring for residents in three of the sites received intensive training in mouth care. This comprised lecture and video material complemented by clinical demonstrations. The oral health of residents at all five sites was reassessed at periods of 3 and 9 months. Staff caring for residents in the remaining two institutions were then provided with mouth care training and all patients were reassessed at 18 months. Statistical analyses were undertaken to examine for significant changes in selected oral health parameters after training, within each group.

Results:  Oral mucosal disease and oral dryness were common at baseline. The staff training was well received. Following staff training, there was a significant reduction in the number of residents left to undertake their own oral care. There were significant improvements in denture hygiene and a reduction in the number of residents wearing dentures overnight. The prevalence of oral mucosal disease dropped, with significant reductions in angular cheilitis and denture stomatitis.

Conclusion:  This education programme was effective in changing oral health care procedures within long‐stay institutions for the elderly, with measurable improvements in oral health of the residents.
The life course approach: explaining the association between height and dental caries in Brazilian adolescents
Authors: Nicolau Belinda , Marcenes Wagner , Allison Paul , Sheiham Aubrey
Published: February 2005

Abstract – Aim: To investigate the relationship between height and dental caries in Brazilian adolescents.

Methods: A cross‐sectional survey design was used to collect retrospective data. Of 764 eligible 13‐year‐old adolescents enrolled in urban private or public schools in a Brazilian town, 652 were clinically examined and interviewed. Data were collected on socioeconomic circumstances, family related variables, oral health behaviour and anthropometric measures (height and weight). Dental caries was measured by decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index. The DMFT was categorized according to two levels of severity (low DMFT ≤ 6; high DMFT > 6) using the 75th percentile of the distribution as the cut‐off point. Data analysis involved multiple logistic regression.

Results: Adolescents who were the second or later child were 1.90 times more likely to have a high DMFT, whilst being a taller adolescent had a protective effect on caries experience (OR = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.00–0.79). In addition, adolescents from rural areas (OR = 2.74; 95% CI = 1.56–4.82), those whose mothers had less than 8 years of education (OR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.03–4.27) and those who reported high levels of paternal punishment (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.02–2.52) had an increased risk of having a high DMFT.

Conclusion: There is a relationship between height and dental caries experience in this sample of Brazilian adolescents.
Dentist–assistant communication style: perceived gender differences in The Netherlands and Northern Ireland
Authors: Gorter Ronald C. , Freeman Ruth
Published: February 2005

Abstract – Objectives: To assess communication style differences with the (female) dental assistant, as perceived by male and female dentists.

Methods: Data were collected from 216 Dutch (male: 99; female: 117) and 261 Northern Irish (male: 135; female: 126) dentists (overall response rate: 60%). Respondents filled in a self‐report questionnaire (one follow‐up mailing), with 22 items on staff communication style. Using principal component analysis, four distinguishable factors could be extracted: businesslike leadership style (seven items, Cronbach'sα = 0.87), friendly leadership style (seven items,α = 0.87), professional interacting style (four items,α = 0.83) and gender interacting style (four items,α = 0.83).

Results: manovaindicated a main effect for gender [F(8,946) = 10.905,P < 0.001] and for country [F(4,474) =4.197,P = 0.002] on the communication style scales. Male dentists, compared with female colleagues, showed higher mean scores on businesslike leadership style and gender interacting style, whereas female dentists showed higher mean scores on friendly leadership style and professional interacting style. Dutch dentists showed higher mean scores on friendly leadership style and professional interacting style than their Northern Irish colleagues. No interaction effect between gender and country was found. Dentist's age and length of assistant's employment (in years) partly explained differences in means.

Conclusion: Male and female dentists perceive their communication with the assistant differently; male dentists tend to be influenced by the gender differences, female dentists by striving for friendliness. Some country differences were found. Increasing influx of young female dentists underlines the relevance of this topic in dental education and for future research.
Child Behavior Problems and Maternal Symptoms of Depression: A Mediational Model
Authors: Gartstein Maria A. , Sheeber Lisa
Published: February 2005

PROBLEM. The relationship between maternal depression and child behavior problems has been consistently demonstrated, but not the impact of child behavior problems on maternal depression.

METHODS. Mothers of 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children (N = 69) reported regarding their depression, parenting competence, attachment to the child, the child's impact on the family, and behavior problems.

FINDINGS. Child behavior problems were positively associated with maternal depression, an association explained by mediating variables: impact of the child on the family, mother's parenting competence, and attachment to the child.

CONCLUSIONS. Maternal depression should be considered when providing clinical services to children, given the potential for exacerbation of symptoms in the face of child behavior problems.
Demons or Diamonds: A Study to Ascertain Health Professionals' Attitudes Toward Children With Conduct Disorder
Authors: Woolley Eileen , Muncey Tessa
Published: February 2005

PROBLEM. In the United Kingdom, 10% of children referred to child psychiatry services are diagnosed with a conduct disorder. Of these, 45% may grow up to be psychopaths or have personality disorders. Attitudes of professionals to both these diagnoses are shown to be negative.

METHODS. A Likert‐scale questionnaire and semistructured interview completed by a purposive sample of doctors, nurses, psychologists, and therapists (N = 32) in an outpatient child and adolescent mental health department.

FINDINGS. Positive regard is maintained toward these children despite negative expectations for prognosis and treatment. Negative attitudes were attributed to lack of resources, medically led services with research‐based practice agendas, and ethical issues of utilitarianism.

CONCLUSIONS. If children with conduct disorder continue to be seen as “demons,” as untreatable and resource intensive, they will continue to be ignored by the agencies who purport to help them.
Clinical Care Costing Method for the Clinical Care Classification System™
Authors: Saba Virginia K. , Arnold Jean M.
Published: February 2005

PURPOSE. To provide a means for calculating the cost of nursing care using the Clinical Care Classification System™ (CCCS).

DATA SOURCES. Three CCCS indicators of care components, actions, and outcomes in conjunction with Clinical Care Pathways (CCPs).

DATA SYNTHESIS. The cost of patient care is based on the type of action time multiplied by care components and nursing costs.

CONCLUSIONS. The CCCM for the CCCS makes it possible to measure and cost out clinical practice.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE. The CCCM may be used with CCPs in the electronic patient medical record. The CCPs make it easy to track the clinical nursing care across time, settings, population groups, and geographical locations. Collected data may be used many times, allowing for improved documentation, analysis, and costing out of care.
Improving Diagnostic Accuracy Using an Evidence‐Based Nursing Model
Authors: Levin Rona F. , Lunney Margaret , Krainovich‐Miller Barbara
Published: February 2005

PURPOSE. To propose an evidence‐based model (EBM) to improve diagnostic accuracy in nursing.

DATA SOURCES. Published literature, experience, and expertise of authors.

DATA SYNTHESIS. Using an EBM directs clinicians on how to use the best available evidence from the literature to determine the best fit between cues and diagnoses, integrate this evidence with clinician expertise and patient preferences, and conduct a self‐evaluation of the process.

CONCLUSIONS. Use of an EBM to teach nurses how to ask relevant diagnostic questions and provide a framework for nurse educators to teach evidenced‐based practice may lead to developing more competent diagnosticians and improving diagnostic accuracy in nursing.
Differential effects of lead exposure on components of verbal memory
Authors: Bleecker M L , Ford D P , Lindgren K N , Hoese V M , Walsh K S , Vaughan C G
Published: February 2005

Aims:To determine if verbal learning and memory requiring acquisition and retention of information is differentially affected by lead exposure.

Methods:The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), a test of verbal learning and memory, was administered to 256 English speaking lead smelter workers who had a mean (SD) age of 41 (9.4) years and employment duration of 17 (8.1) years. Lead exposure variables, based on up to 25 years of prior blood lead data, included a mean (SD) current blood lead (PbB) of 28 (8.8) μg/dl, working lifetime time weighted average blood lead (TWA) of 39 (12.3) μg/dl, and working lifetime integrated blood lead index (IBL) of 728 (434.4) μg-y/dl. Associations of these chronic and recent lead exposure variables with measures from the RAVLT were modelled through multiple linear regressions after controlling for age and educational achievement.

Results:PbB was not associated with any of the RAVLT variables. However, TWA and IBL contributed significantly to the explanation of variance of measures of encoding/storage and retrieval but not to immediate memory span, attention, and learning. Grouping study participants by RAVLT performance according to three recognised clinical memory paradigms showed significantly higher TWA and IBL in the group with “generalised memory impairment” after adjusting for age and educational achievement. We examined recall mechanisms in each group by serial position in the word list and found stronger primacy (recall of words from the beginning of the list) in the “no impairment” and “retrieval difficulties” groups while the “generalised memory impairment” group had better performance on recency (recall of words from the end of the list).

Conclusions:Lead exposure over years and not PbB interfered with the organisation and recall of previously learned verbal material. Chronic lead exposure affects encoding/storage and retrieval of verbal information.
Hospitalisations among seafarers on merchant ships
Authors: Hansen H L , Tüchsen F , Hannerz H
Published: February 2005

Aims:To study morbidity among active seafarers in the merchant navy in order to clarify possible work related morbidity and the morbidity related to work and lifestyle where possible preventive measures may be initiated.

Methods:From a register in the Danish Maritime Authority a cohort of Danish merchant seafarers who had been actively employed at sea in 1995 was identified. For each seafarer, information on all employment periods at sea, charge aboard, and ship was available. The cohort was linked with the National In-patient Register in Denmark. Standardised hospitalisation ratios (SHRs) were calculated for all major diagnostic groups using all gainfully employed as reference.

Results:Seafarers were shown to be inhomogeneous, with significant differences in SHRs for the same disease groups between different groups of seafarers depending on charge and ship type. SHRs for lifestyle related diseases were high, although rates for acute conditions, such as acute myocardial infarction, were low, probably due to referral bias, as acute conditions are likely to cause hospitalisation abroad, and thus are not included in the study. SHRs for injury and poisoning were high, especially for ratings and officers aboard small ships.

Conclusion:Despite pre-employment selection, a large proportion of the seafarers constitute a group of workers with evidence of poor health probably caused by lifestyle. The subgroups with high risk of hospitalisation due to lifestyle related diseases also had an increased risk of hospitalisation due to injury and poisoning.
A NOTE ON UNKNOTTING NUMBER, II
Authors: NAKANISHI YASUTAKA
Published: February 2005

In this note, we will give an approach to determine the unknotting number by a surgical view of Alexander matrix.
HIGHER DEGREE INVARIANTS OF ALMOST GENERIC PLANE IMMERSED CURVES
Authors: MOHANTY SARA
Published: February 2005

In earlier works (by Arnold and the author) the approach of singularity theory was used to construct invariants of degree 1 of plane immersed curves. This provides a finer classification of these immersions. In this paper, we construct higher degree invariants by "integrating" some of the basic invariants found earlier of almost generic immersed curves.
STRATEGIC CORES IN A PUBLIC GOODS ECONOMY
Authors: UTSUMI YUKIHISA , NAKAYAMA MIKIO
Published: February 2005

In a public goods economy with linear production technologies, we consider a strategic game with coalitions in which each player is required as a strategy to reallocate his or her own initial endowments for exchange and production. Allowing negative strategies, i.e., reallocations with negative amount, we show that the core of this economy can be characterized as the set of allocations corresponding to strategy profiles for which no coalition has a self-supporting deviation, i.e., a deviation that is not free-riding on the allocations made by the complementary coalition. Moreover, restricting strategies to be nonnegative, the classical β-core and α-core both generate precisely the core allocations of the economy.
CLASSIFICATION OF POISSON SURFACES
Authors: BARTOCCI CLAUDIO , MACRÌ EMANUELE
Published: February 2005

We study complex projective surfaces admitting a Poisson structure; we prove a classification theorem and count how many independent Poisson structures there are on a given Poisson surface.
Existence of reaction‐diffusion‐convection waves in unbounded strips
Authors: Belk M. , Kazmierczak B. , Volpert V.
Published: February 2005

Existence of reaction‐diffusion‐convection waves in unbounded strips is proved in the case of small Rayleigh numbers. In the bistable case the wave is unique, in the monostable case they exist for all speeds greater than the minimal one.
The proof uses the implicit function theorem. Its application is based on the Fredholm property, index, and solvability conditions for elliptic problems in unbounded domains.
Continuity for maximal commutator of Bochner‐Riesz operators onsome weighted Hardy spaces
Authors: Lanzhe Liu , Qingshan Tong
Published: February 2005

We show the boundedness for the commutator of Bochner‐Riesz operator on some weighted H1 space.
Linear openness of multifunctions in metric spaces
Authors: Ursescu Corneliu
Published: February 2005

We discuss linear openness results for multifunctions with closed graphs in metric spaces.
k‐complementing subsets of nonnegative integers
Authors: Munagi Augustine O.
Published: February 2005

A collection {S1, S2, …} of nonempty sets is called a complementing system of subsets for a set X of nonnegative integers if every element of X can be uniquely expressed as a sum of elements of the sets S1, S2, … We present a complete characterization of all complementing systems of subsets
for the set of the first n nonnegative integers as well as an explicit enumeration formula.
Classification theorem on irreducible representations of the q‐deformed algebra U′q(son)
Authors: Iorgov N. Z. , Klimyk A. U.
Published: February 2005

The aim of this paper is to give a complete classification of irreducible finite‐dimensional representations of the nonstandard q‐deformation (which does not coincide with the Drinfel′d‐Jimbo quantum algebra Uq(son)) of the universal enveloping algebra U(son(ℂ)) of the Lie algebra son(ℂ) when q is not a root of unity. These representations are exhausted by irreducible representations of the classical type and of the nonclassical type. The theorem on complete reducibility of finite‐dimensional representations of is proved.
Dimensional reduction of nonlinear time delay systems
Authors: Fofana M. S.
Published: February 2005

Whenever there is a time delay in a dynamical system, the study
of stability becomes an infinite‐dimensional problem. The centre manifold theorem, together with the classical Hopf bifurcation, is the most valuable approach for simplifying the
infinite‐dimensional problem without the assumption of small time delay. This dimensional reduction is illustrated in this paper with the delay versions of the Duffing and van der Pol equations. For both nonlinear delay equations, transcendental characteristic equations of linearized stability are examined through Hopf bifurcation. The infinite‐dimensional nonlinear solutions of the delay equations are decomposed into stable and centre subspaces, whose respective dimensions are determined by the linearized stability of the transcendental equations. Linear semigroups, infinitesimal generators, and their adjoint forms with bilinear pairings are the additional candidates for the infinite‐dimensional reduction.
Deferred Imitation of Action Sequences in Developmental Amnesia
Authors: Adlam Anna-Lynne R. , Vargha-Khadem Faraneh , Mishkin Mortimer , Haan Michelle de
Published: February 2005

The aims of this study were to investigate whether patients with developmental amnesia (DA) associated with bilateral hippocampal volume reduction show an impairment in incidental nonverbal recall of action sequences, and whether the severity of this memory impairment is influenced by the sequence structure (causal vs. arbitrary). Like adult-onset cases of amnesia (McDonough, Mandler, McKee, & Squire, 1995), patients with DA did not differ significantly from their age-, sex-, and IQ-matched controls in spontaneous production of the sequences prior to modeling but recalled fewer target actions and action pairs than the control group after a 24-hour delay, independent of sequence structure. Unlike the patients with adult-onset amnesia, however, the patients with DA showed some memory for both types of sequences after a 24-hour delay. This difference in severity of memory impairment might reflect differences in extent of pathology and/or age at injury.
Separation of the Systems for Color and Spatial Manipulation in Working Memory Revealed by a Dual-task Procedure
Authors: Mohr Harald M. , Linden David E. J.
Published: February 2005

The manipulation of different kinds of content is fundamental to working memory. It has been suggested that the mere maintenance of color and spatial information occurs in parallel, but little is known about whether this holds true for manipulation as well. Using a dual-task delayed-response paradigm that required the manipulation of color and angles, this study finds that the two functions do not interfere. Conversely, interference did occur when both components of a dual-task tapped into the spatial system. Thus, color and spatial information are manipulated in parallel. A concurrent phonological task did not interfere with either maintenance or manipulation, whereas a task requiring central executive processes interfered with manipulation only. We speculate that the ventral–dorsal dissociation of visual processing is conserved for manipulation processes and that manipulation differs from maintenance in the extent to which is relies on central executive resources.
Repetition-priming Modulates Category-related Effects on Event-related Potentials: Further Evidence for Multiple Cortical Semantic Systems
Authors: Kiefer Markus
Published: February 2005

In the present study, the significance of category-related brain activations as an index of semantic memory structure was assessed within a repetition-priming paradigm during a lexical decision task. The interpretation of category-related effects has been debated since previous studies observed category-related brain activity mainly in tasks requiring explicit semantic categorization. Furthermore, categories were frequently associated with behavioral performance differences, which could have influenced the pattern of brain activation. Event-related potentials (ERPs) to words denoting objects from artifactual (e.g., tools) and natural categories (e.g., animals) were recorded while subjects were presented with words and pseudowords as distracters, which were repeatedly presented. Category-related ERP differences emerged in the time window of the N400, an electrophysiological index of semantic processing, over occipito-parietal and fronto-central regions as well as in the following window of a late positive potential. Repetition priming modulated these category-related ERP effects whereas behavioral repetition priming (faster reactions to repeated words) was comparable for both categories. Differences in ERP repetition effects were specifically due to diminished category-related activity at repeated presentation. The present results show that category-related brain activation is not confined to tasks requiring explicit semantic categorization. Most importantly, the study demonstrates that category-related brain activation can be specifically modulated by repetition priming in the absence of corresponding behavioral performance differences. These findings therefore substantiate the significance of category-related brain activations as reflections of semantic memory structure and support the notion of multiple cortical semantic systems.
Listening to Action-related Sentences Activates Fronto-parietal Motor Circuits
Authors: Tettamanti Marco , Buccino Giovanni , Saccuman Maria Cristina , Gallese Vittorio , Danna Massimo , Scifo Paola , Fazio Ferruccio , Rizzolatti Giacomo , Cappa Stefano F. , Perani Daniela
Published: February 2005

Observing actions made by others activates the cortical circuits responsible for the planning and execution of those same actions. This observation–execution matching system (mirror-neuron system) is thought to play an important role in the understanding of actions made by others. In an fMRI experiment, we tested whether this system also becomes active during the processing of action-related sentences. Participants listened to sentences describing actions performed with the mouth, the hand, or the leg. Abstract sentences of comparable syntactic structure were used as control stimuli.

The results showed that listening to action-related sentences activates a left fronto-parieto-temporal network that includes the pars opercularis of the inferior frontal gyrus (Broca's area), those sectors of the premotor cortex where the actions described are motorically coded, as well as the inferior parietal lobule, the intraparietal sulcus, and the posterior middle temporal gyrus. These data provide the first direct evidence that listening to sentences that describe actions engages the visuomotor circuits which subserve action execution and observation.
Between Transnational Interest and Domestic Politics: Understanding Middle Eastern Fatwās on Jihad in the Moluccas
Authors: Hasan Noorhaidi
Published: February 2005

In 2000 muftīs from the Arabian Peninsula issued seven fatwās in response to requests from the Forum Komunikasi Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama'ah (FKASWJ), a Salafist movement in Indonesia seeking justification for jihad in the Moluccas. In this essay I analyze these fatwās against the background of the Moluccan conflict and the emergence of FKASWJ.The Arabian muftīs, who participate in a global Salafī discourse on jihad, serve as transnational sources of legitimacy for FKASWJ; and this discourse has important implications for the contestation of the Indonesian public sphere. I argue that FKASWJ and similar communities that have emerged in various parts of the Muslim world are now demanding greater acceptance within the political landscape of their respective countries; and that launching jihad is a means of enhancing their self-proclaimed identity as the most committed defenders of Islam in the nation.
Reflections on the Notions of "Empire" and "Kingdom" in Seventeenth-Century Ethiopia: Royal power and Local Power
Authors: Toubkis Dimitri , Pennec Hervé
Published: February 2005

The purpose of this article is to re-interrogate the notions of "empire" and "kingdom" in seventeenth-century Ethiopia, attentive to the borrowings and models used by the sources, which are particularly rich for this period. But it is equally through a study of a person close to King Susneyos, the the ras Se'lä Krestos, and the relations that he maintained with his sovereign, that we can reformulate these notions of "empire" and "kingdom."
At Home Abroad: Ethnicity and Enclave in the World of Scots Traders in Northern Europe, c. 1600-1800
Authors: Catterall Douglas
Published: February 2005

This article examines the formation of Scots ethnicity from the perspective of the corporate, ethnic enclave and treats Scots migrants as boundary-crossers, members of an ethnic group that could operate independently of a state-driven agenda. Beginning with the reaction in a particular Scots network to the mid-18th-century bankruptcy of a Scots merchant and progressing to an overview of Scots enclaves from the Netherlands to Poland-Lithuania, it argues that Scots traders in the North and Baltic Sea zones depended on and in turn deferred to enclaves of their fellow countrymen in conducting their lives and careers. Moreover, because they tended to provide poor relief on the basis of ethnicity and promote non-denominational codes of behavior, northern Europe's Scots enclaves could accommodate an ethnic identity somewhat shorn of confessional division. In this regard, the piece concludes, Scots seem to have operated like other boundary-crossers such as the Sephardim of northern Europe or the Armenians of New Julfa.
"How Beautiful She Is!" in Her Mirror: Polysemic Images and Reflections of Power of an Eighteenth-Century Ethiopia Queen
Authors: Bosc-Tiessé Claire
Published: February 2005

After a difficult succession, Queen Mentewwab governed the Ethiopian kingdom for, and then with, her son King Iyasu II (1730-55), as the official chronicle of their reign describes. A parallel study of a painting representing those members of the royal family who participated in the government, analyzed according to its specific logic and not only in reference to the history of the time, illustrates the nature of her power and allows one to see, in return, how she used pictures to legitimate herself as well as how these pictures work.
La Chimie de Homberg: Une vérité certaine dans une physique contestable
Authors: Peterschmitt Luc , Franckowiak Rémi
Published: February 2005

This paper aims to provide an account of Homberg's definition of chemistry as given in the first part of his "Essays de chimie" (1702). We show that his definition inverts the respective status traditionally assigned to chemistry and physics, which allows Homberg to establish chemistry as a science in its own right. For Homberg, chemistry alone is true, whereas physical explanations, though plausible, remain uncertain. Yet, in his chemical writings, Homberg did not hesitate to make use of physical principles in order to account for chemical phenomena. But the paradox is only apparent, because for Homberg, the use of physical principles amounted to providing an intelligible model for chemical phenomena, which would otherwise seem to be inconceivable (e.g. the transformation of mercury into gold). If such phenomena can be physically accounted for (by using figures and movements of corpuscles), we may be certain that they are real and not an experimental illusion. It is this view that implies the aforementioned inversion of status: whether physics is true is a moot question, because the only veritable science of matter is chemistry.
Between Medicine and Rhetoric
Authors: Pender Stephen
Published: February 2005

Inspired by Pierre-Jean-Georges Cabanis' claim in 1798 that physicians might learn forms of medical reasoning from les anciens rhéteurs, in this paper I explore intimate associations between medicine and rhetoric over the longue durée. Gravely susceptible to error, medical reasoning relies on signs and examples, both gleaned from experience and both the subject of rhetorical inquiry; like rhetoric, medicine reaches plausible conclusions from probable premises. Here, ranging from Hippocrates and Plato through Aristotle to early modern England, I argue that forms of inference developed and refined in the history of rhetoric offer ancient and early modern philosophers and physicians models and metaphors for their own forays into the probable.
Frequency Response Function for Prediction of Planar Cellular Plastic Foam Acoustic Behavior
Authors: Tsay Huoy-Shyi , Yeh Fung-Huei
Published: February 2005

In this paper, Biot's dynamic poroelasticity theory is applied for deriving theoretical complex dynamic stiffness solutions for fixed lower surface, infinite planar cellular plastic foams with permeable and impermeable upper surfaces. A model using impulse pressure excitation to derive and acquire the acoustic response functions of foams is performed. The derived theoretical dynamic stiffness equations can also be used for predicting the dynamic stiffness of composite foams. The dynamic stiffness of a composite foam can be seen as a series combination of the dynamic stiffness of single planar foams according to their stacking order. Using the derived complex dynamic stiffness equations, frequency response functions of acoustic impedance, reflection coefficient, and sound absorption coefficient are obtained. Experimental results from earlier studies are used to validate the derived frequency response function. The experimental acoustic properties of planar polyurethane foams with the same cellular skeleton at various thicknesses, are compared to the predicted properties. The influences of thickness on the acoustic properties are discussed.
Effects of Formulations and Processing Parameters on Foam Morphologies in the Direct Extrusion Foaming of Polypropylene using a Single-screw Extruder
Authors: Xu Zhijuan , Xue Ping , Zhu Fuhua , He Jimin
Published: February 2005

The direct extrusion foaming process of low-density polypropylene (PP) in a typical single-screw extruder is researched. Effects of five variables on the volume expansion behavior and cellular morphologies are investigated. They are three kinds of polypropylene with different melt flow rates (MFRs), two kinds of chemical blowing agents, cross-linking modification method and blending modification method, two operating parameters (the screw speed and the die temperature), and die shapes. The experimental results prove that: the lower the MFR (from 0.45 to 10 g/10 min), the better the PP foamed; use of azodicarbonamide as the blowing agent helps to achieve PP foam with larger volume expansion, while use of endothermic foaming agent EPIcor 882 results in rigid foams with lower foaming ratios; melt strength can be effectively promoted, and low-density PP foam can be produced by proper addition of cross-linking agents or blending agents properly; low die temperatures (about 155 C) and high screw speeds (from 16 to 48 rpm) are beneficial to foaming; high die pressure in some range is good for foaming, so the die in which it is easy to establish high die pressure such as the filament die, is good for low-density foams.
High Strain Rate Responses and Failure Analysis in Polymer Matrix Composites – An Experimental and Finite Element Study
Authors: Haque A. , Ali M.
Published: February 2005

Compressive properties and failure analysis of unidirectional and plain weave S2-glass/vinylester composites under high strain rate (HSR) loading have been investigated using the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) technique. A systematic experimental approach has been adopted in this work to identify the damage progression at various stress levels and the strain rate effects on composites. The classical SHPB apparatus has been incorporated by a wave-trapping mechanism to apply a predetermined level of impact loading and to restrict the repeated loading. This facilitates identification of the microstructural damage progression during the loading period. The stress–strain responses at various strain rates in all three principal directions are investigated and the relevant failure modes are also identified by microscopic examinations. The quasi-static compressive strength, the strain to failure, and the elastic moduli are compared with SHPB test results to determine the shift in the failure mechanism. The compressive strength and failure strain for both unidirectional and plain weave composites are observed to be rate dependent. Such rate dependencies of compressive response are analyzed and correlation between the failure modes and the rate effects on composites are established. Finally, a three-dimensional transient finite element analysis (FEA) has also been carried out for unidirectional composites under high strain rate loading in order to have a thorough understanding of the failure mechanisms. Loads are applied in thickness, fiber and transverse of fiber directions and corresponding stress contours are simulated. The FEA prediction of the stress–strain behavior in all the three principal directions of loading correlates well with the high strain rate experimental results.
The Manufacture of Particleboards using Sunflower Stalks (helianthus annuus l.) And Poplar Wood (populus alba L.)
Authors: Bektas Ibrahim , Guler Cengiz , Kalaycioğlu Hulya , Mengeloglu Fatih , Nacar Mehmet
Published: February 2005

In this study, three-layer particleboards are produced from a mixture of sunflower stalks (Helianthus annuus L.) and poplar wood (Populus alba L.) at certain ratios utilizing urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesives. Panels with a density of 0.7 g/cm 3are manufactured with the ratios of 25, 50, and 75 percent particles from sunflower stalks or poplar. For comparison, panels are solely manufactured with sunflower stalks and poplar wood.

All panels are tested for physical properties (thickness swelling (TS) and water absorption (WA)) and mechanical properties (internal bond (IB), modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and screw holding capacity (SHC)). Results show that all the panels provide properties required by the Turkish standards for general purpose-use particleboards. Furthermore, properties of the panels have improved with the rising percentage of poplar particles in the panels.

The combination of sunflower stalks and poplar particles can be used at different ratios and the resulting panels can be utilized in indoor applications for general purposes such as furniture manufacturing. This result may prove that sunflower stalks can be an alternative raw material for the manufacture of particleboards.
estWin: Online data stream mining of recent frequent itemsets by sliding window method
Authors: Chang Joong Hyuk , Lee Won Suk
Published: February 2005

Knowledge embedded in a data stream is likely to be changed as time goes by. Identifying the recent change of the knowledge quickly can provide valuable information for the analysis of the data stream. However, most mining algorithms over a data stream are not able to extract the recent change of knowledge in a data stream adaptively. This is because the obsolete information of old data elements which may be no longer useful or possibly invalid at present is regarded as being as important as that of recent data elements. This paper proposes a sliding window method that finds recently frequent itemsets over a transactional online data stream adaptively. The size of a sliding window defines the desired life-time of information in a newly generated transaction. Consequently, only recently generated transactions in the range of the window are considered to find the recently frequent itemsets of a data stream.
The global digital divide in the Internet: developed countries constructs and Third World realities
Authors: James Jeffrey
Published: February 2005

Defined as the differential degree to which rich and poor countries benefit from new information and communications technologies such as the Internet, the global digital divide is widely measured by international institutions in terms of the number of persons with individual access to those technologies. Yet, while this measure makes sense in the rich countries, where individual ownership is widespread among the population, it makes very little sense in poor countries. For, in the latter, what we find is that although individual access is indeed very limited, a remarkable number of local innovations ensure that the benefits of the Internet are made available to at least 10 million people throughout the Third World. Many such persons are illiterate, unskilled and resident in the rural areas of developing countries. These findings directly contradict the commonly held notion that there are few, if any, local innovations in the applications of the Internet outside the rich countries and those parts of poorer countries with close connections to the former (most typically through multinational corporations).From a policy point of view, we suggest that foreign aid donors and national governments pay less attention to providing individual access facilities such as so-called telecentres and focus instead on ways to foster indigenous rural innovation systems devoted to finding relevant and cost-effective applications of the Internet.
Closing the Digital Divide in Sub-Saharan Africa: meeting the challenges of the information age
Authors: Gyamfi Alexander
Published: February 2005

Aims to suggest approaches that can be applied to close the digital divide between Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the rest of the world, including the provision of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, access to ICTs and the development of appropriate content and information literacy skills. Identifies some international initiatives to develop ICT infrastructure and proposes the development of telecenters, techmobiles and technology resource centers, and the use of the ‘old boy network' or ‘past students' associations’, to provide access to digital technology. Identifies the need to create Internet content in African languages, developing African language keyboards and conduct needs assessments of local users. Makes proposals for training teachers to teach information literacy skills, involving libraries in information literacy skills development and instituting mass information literacy programs. Concludes that implementing these approaches to closing the digital divide calls for strategic interventions by governments.
Employee Motivation in University Libraries in Ghana: a comparative analysis
Authors: Badu Edwin Ellis
Published: February 2005

Comparison of motivational preferences of the staff of two university libraries in Ghana indicates that age groups and professional positions of the workers in a survey determine their motivational factor preferences. Respondents from the two sites have different motivational values. Different strategies are therefore required to motivate the workers and it is suggested that library managers avoid the assumption that what motivates them motivates the employees as well.
Cooperative Electronic Networks of Academic Libraries in Southern Africa
Authors: Ojedokun Ayoku A. , Lumande Edward
Published: February 2005

Describes the development of the major cooperative electronic networks or consortia among academic libraries in Southern Africa: Gauteng and Environs Library Consortium (GAELIC); Free State Libraries and Information Consortium (FRELICO); Cape Libraries Cooperatives (CALICO); Eastern Seaboard Association Libraries (ESAL); and South Eastern Academic Libraries' System (SEALS), all concentrated in South Africa. Also discusses cooperative activities in the region of the International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP) and the eIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries) Direct Project. Describes the strategic importance of the (South African Bibliographic Information NETwork (SABINET) for cooperating libraries, and the formation of the Coalition of South African Library Consortia (COSALC). Advises academic and other libraries to embrace the concept of cooperative electronic networks in order not to lose their relevance, but notes that the sustainability of such projects can be a problem due to resource constraints.
Protestant Work Ethic and Worker Productivity in a Mexican Brewery
Authors: Firestone Juanita M. , Garza Raymond T. , Harris Richard J.
Published: February 2005

The present study examines the relationship of the Protestant work ethic (PWE) to job satisfaction and productivity in a highly collectivistic culture – Mexico. The sample consists of 100 male workers in a highly traditional Mexican organization – a brewery. The authors hypothesized that PWE endorsement would be related to higher levels of worker motivation, job satisfaction and supervisor’s assessment of work-related productivity. The findings are a striking affirmation that the ‘work ethic’ notion captured by a traditional scale does generalize to other cultural contexts. The average score on the PWE in this sample is substantially lower than the means observed in studies in the US (primarily among college students). Results indicate that those with higher PWE scores tend to gain a greater vote of confidence and respect from their workplace supervisors, which translated into higher assessments of their workplace productivity. In a world becoming more globally and less nationally focused together with the increasing importance of intercultural communications and understandings, our findings have implications for multicultural business organizations.
Beyond the Debate over ‘Post’-vs ‘Neo’-Taylorism
Authors: Lomba Cédric
Published: February 2005

This article aims at studying the evolution of the organization of work, working practices and social and professional relationships in industry. It seeks to demonstrate that it is possible to transcend traditional analyses of factory work in terms of binary oppositions (Taylorism vs post-Taylorism or neo-Taylorism) by analysing the diversity of production models in conjunction with long-term fieldwork. In this study of the Belgian iron and steel industry, the various practices of plant actors are viewed in the light of the challenges defined by strategic choices of the company.