bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the Terror: The Paris Revolutionary Tribunal and the Development of a National System of ‘Revolutionary Justice’ in France, 1793–94
Authors: Fairfax-Cholmeley Alex
Published: January 2014

This article draws on extensive research in the Paris Revolutionary Tribunal archives in order to explore the relationship between local and national political, administrative and legal structures in the implementation of ‘revolutionary justice’ during the Terror in the French Revolution. It highlights the extent to which the Paris Tribunal relied on preliminary investigations in the provinces – at the administrative levels of department, district and commune – for both information regarding counter-revolutionary activity and a substantial proportion of its caseload. In so doing, this article offers a reassessment of Donald Greer’s seminal work on the geographical incidence of the Terror, and challenges the stereotype of the Terror as a web of secret denunciation, private investigation and summary injustice. Furthermore, it concludes that a national perspective is vital to any analysis of the work of the Paris Tribunal itself, with the wider system of revolutionary justice regularly impacting on investigations, prosecutions and judgements in the capital.
‘At Least So Long As We Are Talking About Marching, the Inferior Is Not the Black, It’s the White’: Italian Debate over the Use of Indigenous Troops in the Scramble for Africa
Authors: Bruner Stephen C.
Published: January 2014

Like other nineteenth-century colonizers, Italy recruited, trained and deployed indigenous troops. These troops represented Italian colonial power, but their use evoked comparisons with Italian soldiers: which were better? A debate over their relative merits occurred in public print between 1885, when metropole troops first seized territory on Africa’s Red Sea coast, and 1891, by which time indigenous troops constituted the majority of Italy’s colonial force and had been incorporated into the royal army. The questions debated were as much cultural and economic as military. This article traces the debate, which revealed not only metropole power but also its limitations and vulnerabilities, thus illustrating colonialism’s ‘long arms and weak fingers’ (Frederick Cooper). The debate centered on four points: first, the considerable difficulties faced by Italian troops in Africa because of the torrid climate and the mass of equipment and supplies – including ice – necessary for their support; second, the cost of such imported troops; third, the greater mobility and lower cost of indigenous troops; and last, questions about the trustworthiness of indigenous troops in combat against other ‘ indigeni’. By the end of 1891, public debate recognized that Italy had little choice but to rely on indigenous units for most colonial military and police functions. Contrary to claims of ‘Italianization’, indigenous soldiers were valuable to Italy precisely for certain of their ‘African’ qualities. After a few years of quiescence, the catastrophic 1896 Italian defeat at Adua (‘Adowa’, ‘Adwa’) reawakened debate over indigenous troops, but they emerged unscathed by attempts to scapegoat them. Italy continued to rely heavily on indigenous troops.
Effects of autologous priming on blood conservation after cardiac surgery
Authors: Teman NR , Delavari N , Romano MA , Prager RL , Yang B , Haft JW
Published: January 2014

Objective:

Cardiopulmonary bypass can result in hemodilution due to the crystalloid prime, increasing the need for blood transfusion. Alternative perfusion techniques have the potential to decrease this hemodilution. The objective of this study was to determine whether a protocol of retrograde autologous prime (RAP) and venous antegrade prime (VAP) reduces the need for blood transfusion and increases the hematocrit following cardiac surgery.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of 140 consecutive non-randomized patients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass between November 2011 and September 2012. RAP and VAP techniques were used in 70 patients while the other 70 were managed with conventional perfusion strategies. The primary outcome measure was a composite outcome of any blood transfusion or a discharge hematocrit less than 27%.

Results:

Baseline demographics and patient characteristics were similar between the two groups, with the exception of the RAP/VAP group having a lower baseline creatinine. There was a trend toward decreased perioperative blood transfusions in the RAP/VAP group (13/70, 19%) compared with the non-RAP/VAP group (23/70, 33%, p=0.053). RAP/VAP patients had a significantly higher hematocrit at hospital discharge (30.0 ± 4.3% vs. 28.3 ± 4.1%, p=0.012). The number of patients receiving a transfusion or being discharged with an hematocrit less than 27% was significantly less in the RAP/VAP group (21 vs. 41, p=0.001). This effect persisted on multivariable analysis.

Conclusions:

RAP and VAP perfusion techniques may reduce hemodilution, potentially resulting in less blood transfusions and higher postoperative hematocrits. These techniques should be considered in all patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Doing it by numbers: A simple approach to reducing the harms of alcohol
Authors: Nutt David J , Rehm Jürgen
Published: January 2014

Alcohol use is one of the top five causes of disease and disability in almost all countries in Europe, and in the eastern part of Europe it is the number one cause. In the UK, alcohol is now the leading cause of death in men between the ages of 16–54 years, accounting for over 20% of the total. Europeans above 15 years of age in the EU on average consume alcohol at a level which is twice as high as the world average. Alcohol should therefore be a public health priority, but it is not. This paper puts forward a new approach to reduce alcohol use and harms that would have major public health and social impacts. Our approach comprises individual behaviour and policy elements. It is based on the assumption that heavy drinking is key. It is simple, so it would be easy to introduce, and because it lacks stigmatising issues such as the diagnosis of addiction and dependence, it should not be contentious.
Addressing Spiritual Needs and Overall Satisfaction With Service Provision Among Older Hospitalized Inpatients
Authors: Hodge David R. , Salas-Wright Christopher P. , Wolosin Robert J.
Published: January 2014

Little research has examined the relationship between addressing older adults’ spiritual needs and overall satisfaction with service provision during hospitalization, despite the importance of spirituality and religion to most older adults. This study examined this relationship, in tandem with the effects of eight potential mediators. Toward this end, structural equation modeling was used with a sample of 4,112 adults age 65 and older who were consecutively discharged over a 12-month period from hospitals in California, Texas, and New England. As hypothesized, addressing spiritual needs was positively associated with overall satisfaction. The relationship between spiritual needs and satisfaction was fully mediated by seven variables: nursing staff, the discharge process, visitors, physicians, the admissions process, room quality, and the administration of tests and treatments. The diverse array of mediating pathways identified highlights the importance of health care practitioners working collaboratively to address older adults’ spiritual needs.
A Primary Spinal Extradural Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor of the Cervical Spine With Bony Involvement
Authors: Xin Xiaoyan , Zhu Bin , Shen Jingtao , Tian Chuanshuai , Fan Xiangshan , Liu Bao-rui
Published: January 2014

Primary spinal atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors are extremely rare and most commonly occur as intramedural or extramedural intradural. The location of extradural type is rarely reported. A 10-year-old girl presented with a 2-month history of nape pain. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an extradural tumor from C2-C5 with bony destruction of the C3 vertebral body. Subtotal removal of the tumor was performed and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor was proven histologically. But 2 months after surgery, the neck pain became worse. There were metastasic lesions in bilateral lung fields and multiple enlarged lymph nodes around the carotid sheath. She died 8 months after the initial symptoms. The present case is the third detailed report of spinal extradural. We describe the CT and MRI findings of this case and review the literature describing this rare disease.
Characteristics of Bilateral Hand Function in Individuals With Unilateral Dystonia Due to Perinatal Stroke
Authors: de Campos Ana Carolina , Kukke Sahana N. , Hallett Mark , Alter Katharine E. , Damiano Diane L.
Published: January 2014

The authors assessed bilateral motor and sensory function in individuals with upper limb dystonia due to unilateral perinatal stroke and explored interrelationships of motor function and sensory ability. Reach kinematics and tactile sensation were measured in 7 participants with dystonia and 9 healthy volunteers. The dystonia group had poorer motor (hold time, reach time, shoulder/elbow correlation) and sensory (spatial discrimination, stereognosis) outcomes than the control group on the nondominant side. On the dominant side, only sensation (spatial discrimination, stereognosis) was poorer in the dystonia group compared with the control group. In the dystonia group, although sensory and motor outcomes were uncorrelated, dystonia severity was related to poorer stereognosis, longer hold and reach times, and decreased shoulder/elbow coordination. Findings of bilateral sensory deficits in dystonia can be explained by neural reorganization. Visual compensation for somatosensory changes in the nonstroke hemisphere may explain the lack of bilateral impairments in reaching.
Longitudinal Electroencephalographic (EEG) Findings in Pediatric Anti-N-Methyl-d-Aspartate (Anti-NMDA) Receptor Encephalitis
Authors: Nosadini Margherita , Boniver Clementina , Zuliani Luigi , de Palma Luca , Cainelli Elisa , Battistella Pier Antonio , Toldo Irene , Suppiej Agnese , Sartori Stefano
Published: January 2014

To contribute to characterize electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in pediatric anti- N-methyl-d-aspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis, we reviewed electroclinical data of 5 children with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis diagnosed in our department. We identified 4 longitudinal electroencephalographic phases: in the early phase, background activity was normal, with intermixed nonreactive slow waves; in the florid phase, background activity deteriorated with appearance of sequences of peculiar rhythmic theta and/or delta activity unrelated to clinical changes, unresponsive to stimuli and antiepileptic medications; in the recovery phase, these sequences decreased and reactive posterior rhythm re-emerged; electroencephalogram normalized 2 to 5 months after onset. In conclusion, in the presence of evocative clinical history, recognizing a characteristic longitudinal electroencephalographic activity could provide ancillary aspects addressing the diagnosis and the overall management of children with anti- N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis; in particular, knowing that peculiar and recurrent paroxysmal nonepileptic rhythmic theta-delta patterns can occur in these patients could help distinguish paroxysmal epileptic and nonepileptic electroencephalographic activity.
Positron Emission Tomography Molecular Imaging in Late-Life Depression
Authors: Hirao Kentaro , Smith Gwenn S.
Published: January 2014

Molecular imaging represents a bridge between basic and clinical neuroscience observations and provides many opportunities for translation and identifying mechanisms that may inform prevention and intervention strategies in late-life depression (LLD). Substantial advances in instrumentation and radiotracer chemistry have resulted in improved sensitivity and spatial resolution and the ability to study in vivo an increasing number of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and, importantly, neuropathological processes. Molecular brain imaging studies in LLD will be reviewed, with a primary focus on positron emission tomography. Future directions for the field of molecular imaging in LLD will be discussed, including integrating molecular imaging with genetic, neuropsychiatric, and cognitive outcomes and multimodality neuroimaging.
Radiation synthesis of superabsorbent hydrogels based on carboxymethyl cellulose/sodium alginate for absorbent of heavy metal ions from waste water
Authors: El-Naggar Amal A
Published: January 2014

Superabsorbent hydrogels based on natural polymer, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/sodium alginate (SA) were prepared by 60Co γ radiation as a source of initiation of cross-linking. The effect of different ratios of SA (20, 30, 40, and 50%) on the physical properties of the CMC/SA hydrogel such as gel fraction percentage (GF%), and swelling percentage (SW%) were investigated. It was found that the GF % decreases with increasing SA content in the hydrogel. While the SW% of CMC/SA hydrogel tends to increase with increasing SA content in the hydrogel at constant irradiation dose (2.5 kGy). Morphology of the hydrogels was examined using scanning electron microscopy, which indicates compatibility between CMC and SA. Thermal properties were also investigated using thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that the thermal properties of the hydrogel having different composition were almost the same. The results obtained from ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometric analysis show that the prepared hydrogels can be used in the removal of heavy metals from waste water. The ability to absorb these heavy metals is of great importance from the point of view of environmental pollution.
In situ polymerization of cationic polyacrylamide/montmorillonite composites and its flocculation characteristics
Authors: Huang Peng , Ye Lin
Published: January 2014

In order to improve the waste sludge dewaterability of polyacrylamide (PAM), composite conditioner of cationic PAM/montmorillonite (CPAM/MMT) was synthesized by in situ polymerization. The structure and property of the composite were studied in terms of intermolecular hydrogen bonding, melting behavior, intercalation behavior, and dewaterability of the waste sludge. The results revealed that the molecular weight and cationic degree of CPAM/MMT composites decreased with the increase of MMT content. The hydrogen bonding between –OH groups of MMT and –NH groups of CPAM was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis, which led to a relatively high elastic modulus values and low tan δ values at 5 wt% MMT content, indicating the possible formation of a physically cross-linked network in aqueous solution for the composite. The melting temperature of the composites presented decreasing trend first and then became higher as the content of MMT increased. The MMT platelets dispersed well with an intercalated state in CPAM matrix as indicated by x-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopic observation. The addition of MMT reduced the specific resistance to filtration of the waste sludge, with a minimum value being achieved at 5 wt% MMT content, while the ultraviolet transmittance of the supernatant of the waste sludge was also improved, and the turbidity was reduced. This synergistic effect of the two components in the composite through charge neutrality and bridging action of CPAM as well as the adsorption capacity of MMT resulted in an enhanced dewaterability of waste sludge.
Patient Case
Authors: Jordan Shane D. , Stone Mark D. , Alexander Earnest , Haley Joseph , McKee Albert
Published: January 2014

Introduction: The concurrent use of cigarettes while on warfarin therapy is a common occurrence. Smoking cessation among patients on chronic warfarin therapy is suspected to reduce drug clearance that may require dose adjustments. This type of interaction is particularly important when dealing with narrow therapeutic medications, as is the case with warfarin. Our case describes a series of supratherapeutic international normalized ratios (INRs) due to smoking cessation while on concomitant warfarin therapy. Patient Case: A 51-year-old male presented to the anticoagulation clinic for management of his warfarin therapy for an acute deep vein thrombosis. After 2 months of stable, therapeutic INR levels, the patient abruptly decreased his smoking from 1 pack/day to one-half pack/day and then subsequently stopped smoking completely. The patient’s smoking cessation resulted in a major modification of his required weekly warfarin dose to maintain a therapeutic INR (a 39% dose reduction). Conclusion: This case exemplifies how certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, can alter the pharmacokinetics of patients on chronic warfarin therapy. This is the first case to demonstrate a greater than 30% reduction in the weekly warfarin dose following smoking cessation.
Precarious work, protest masculinity and communal regulation: South Asian young men in Luton, UK
Authors: McDowell Linda , Rootham Esther , Hardgrove Abby
Published: January 2014

This article presents an argument about the reactions of young South Asian men to their economic and social exclusion. In a labour market increasingly characterized by insecurity, where bottom end service employment often demands a feminized ‘service with a smile’ performance, young working class men from minority communities are often disadvantaged in their search for work. It has been argued that in these circumstances a version of protest masculinity and involvement in urban unrest are typical responses. This argument is explored in a racialized minority area of Luton, where right wing organizations attempt to provoke street-based reactions by young men. Instead, ‘radical privatism’, constructed through communal regulation, is a reaction to exceptional provocation, although young men’s involvement in low level street unrest is also common in more ‘normal’ times.
Vision-aided terrain referenced navigation for unmanned aerial vehicles using ground features
Authors: Lee Dongjin , Kim Youngjoo , Bang Hyochoong
Published: January 2014

A vision-aided terrain referenced navigation (VATRN) approach is addressed for autonomous navigation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) under GPS-denied conditions. A typical terrain referenced navigation (TRN) algorithm blends inertial navigation data with measured terrain information to estimate vehicle’s position. In this paper, a low-cost inertial navigation system (INS) for UAVs is supplemented with a monocular vision-aided navigation system and terrain height measurements. A point mass filter based on Bayesian estimation is employed as a TRN algorithm. Homograpies are established to estimate the vehicle’s relative translational motion using ground features with simple assumptions. And the error analysis in homography estimation is explored to estimate the error covariance matrix associated with the visual odometry data. The estimated error covariance is delivered to the TRN algorithm for robust estimation. Furthermore, multiple ground features tracked by image observations are utilized as multiple height measurements to improve the performance of the VATRN algorithm.
Pre-Columbian raised-field agriculture and land use in the Bolivian Amazon
Authors: Whitney Bronwen S , Dickau Ruth , Mayle Francis E , Walker John H , Soto J Daniel , Iriarte José
Published: January 2014

We present an integrated palaeoecological and archaeobotanical study of pre-Columbian raised-field agriculture in the Llanos de Moxos, a vast seasonally inundated forest–savanna mosaic in the Bolivian Amazon. Phytoliths from excavated raised-field soil units, together with pollen and charcoal in sediment cores from two oxbow lakes, were analysed to provide a history of land use and agriculture at the El Cerro raised-field site. The construction of raised fields involved the removal of savanna trees, and gallery forest was cleared from the area by ad 310. Despite the low fertility of Llanos de Moxos soils, we determined that pre-Columbian raised-field agriculture sufficiently improved soil conditions for maize cultivation. Fire was used as a common management practice until ad 1300, at which point, the land-use strategy shifted towards less frequent burning of savannas and raised fields. Alongside a reduction in the use of fire, sweet potato cultivation and the exploitation of Inga fruits formed part of a mixed resource strategy from ad 1300 to 1450. The pre-Columbian impact on the landscape began to lessen around ad 1450, as shown by an increase in savanna trees and gallery forest. Although agriculture at the site began to decline prior to European arrival, the abandonment of raised fields was protracted, with evidence of sweet potato cultivation occurring as late as ad 1800.
From west to east: Environmental influences on the rate and pathways of Polynesian colonization
Authors: Montenegro Alvaro , Callaghan Richard T , Fitzpatrick Scott M
Published: January 2014

The prime movers behind the prehistoric colonization of Remote Oceania, and in particular the large c. 2000-year temporal gap (i.e. ‘long pause’) seen between West and East Polynesia, has long been major point of interest in the Pacific. To address these events and the processes that may have led to the known chronological disparity of these diasporas, we present results from two different, but equally powerful, analytical tools which are used to examine Polynesian seafaring capabilities and trajectories. The first is a statistical model known as Seascape, which simulates voyages, while the second uses ease of eastward travel estimates based on land distribution and wind pattern analysis. These analyses were done with the goal of determining the potential role of environmental factors in the colonization process, particularly as they relate to the long pause. We show that the eastern boundary of West Polynesia, the limit of the initial colonization pulse, is marked by a discontinuity in land distribution, where the distances travelers would have to cross in order to reach islands further to the east become significantly larger. At the same time, in West Polynesia, the frequency and intensity of winds favorable to eastward displacement decrease continuously from west to east. As far as winds are concerned, eastward travel in West Polynesia is favored in the northern and southern areas and much more difficult across the central portion. Favorable winds have a clear seasonality, and eastward displacement along the northern area is much easier under El Niño conditions. Voyaging simulations show that intentional eastward voyages departing from Tonga and Samoa, when undertaken with vessels capable of sailing efficiently against the wind, afford a viable route toward several island groups in East Polynesia, with trips starting in Samoa having a higher probability of success.
Lata Mangeshkar’s Voice in the Age of Cassette Reproduction
Authors: Jhingan Shikha
Published: January 2014

For almost three decades after independence, the ubiquitous presence of Lata Mangeshkar’s voice was enabled through the radio and gramophone records. The 1980s became a period of critical transformation in this trajectory as the arrival of new technologies of sound dispersion allowed listeners to participate in a range of activities involved in the circulation of film songs. Spurred by the cassette revolution, Lata Mangeshkar’s voice was reintroduced into the market, not in her own voice but that of the “copy artists.” Based on the art of imitation, these “version recordings” are reminiscent of an earlier practice of dubbing that formed the underbelly of the music industry in the production of a techno material voice. This brings to the surface an ambivalent relationship that the younger aspiring singers had with Lata Mangeshkar, simultaneously marked with anxiety and deep devotion. Finally, the article examines the strategies adopted by the Gramophone Company of India (HMV) in staking its claim over the rightful ownership of the most treasured archive—the authentic voice of Lata Mangeshkar.
“It’s Ringing Again”: Cellular Ambiguities in Hindi Cinema
Authors: Sen Shaunak
Published: January 2014

The cellular phone has inaugurated a variety of foundational material and perceptual changes in our urban sensorium in the recent years. The rapid proliferation of the technology however also brought with it its own distinct set of ambiguities and anxieties. This article’s larger interest lies in tracing the recent emergence of two specific kinds of ambiguous figures in the cellular network—the anonymous terrorist caller and the unknown “lover” on the cell phone. While the former increasingly gets processed into various themes of surveillance and terrorism in recent Hindi films, the latter has begun emerging as a prominent presence in newer offsets of the romance genre. This article will first look at films like Aamir (2008) and A Wednesday (2008), instances where these menacing phone-presences untraceably maneuver the cellular network to activate, invigilate, and re-pace the movement of different sets of bodies throughout the city. In a film like Good Night Good Morning (2012) on the other hand, the incognito presences on the phone tend to usher in a radical and entirely novel form of romantic interaction.
Graphical interface-based automated music composition use among elementary school students
Authors: Huang Chih-Fang , Yeh Yun-Sheng
Published: January 2014

To facilitate music composition among children and students, this study examined the properties of automated music composition, attempting to leverage this advanced technique to provide children with an easy-to-learn and easy-to-accomplish method of composing music. Consequently, a graphical interface-based automated music composition (GBAMC) software program was developed, yielding enhanced usability, sequenced design, graphical technology, auditory learning, and intelligence. Learning satisfaction and attitude were surveyed among sixth-grade elementary school students (age = 12 years), indicating that students typically exhibited high levels of learning satisfaction and a positive learning attitude; learning satisfaction and attitude were also positively and significantly correlated in each dimension. Finally, recommendations were proposed for future studies to help users enjoy music composition without requiring an extensive background in musical theory.
Bacteremia and Empyema Caused by Shewanella algae in a Trauma Patient
Authors: Jacob-Kokura Susan , Chan Claire Y. , Kaplan Lewis
Published: January 2014

Objective: To describe the first reported case of bacteremia and empyema caused by Shewanella algae and summarize the existing literature on Shewanella human infection. Case Summary: A 25-year-old healthy male was shot through the chest into the abdomen and fled into an adjacent body of seawater. He underwent surgical repair of his injuries, including pleural decortication. Leukocytosis, bandemia, and copious yellow bronchorrhea led to cultures; piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin were started for broad-spectrum empiric management based on the local intensive care unit antibiogram. Blood and pleural fluid cultures revealed S algae. Sputum cultures grew methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae. He was successfully managed with an empiric and then tailored antibiotic regimen. Discussion: Shewanella algae is a rare Gram-negative bacillus that has infrequently been reported to cause infection. It is found predominantly in men. Shewanella algae infections span bacteremia to necrotizing soft tissue infection and are associated with injury and seawater exposure. Shewanella is susceptible to the majority of third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, aztreonam, and fluoroquinolones, but are less predictably susceptible to tetracycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and carbapenem agents. Shewanella infection is associated with medical comorbidities, in particular, renal failure and cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first case report of bacteremia and empyema caused by S algae. Such a case involving a young healthy individual should encourage health care providers to be aware of the potential infections caused by unusual pathogens, and to employ appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy based on reported sensitivity profiles. Based on available susceptibilities, we recommend using a third or fourth-generation cephalosporin as first-line pharmacologic management with regimen deescalation based on culture-derived data.
Group Size versus Change? Assessing Americans’ Perception of Local Immigration
Authors: Newman Benjamin J. , Velez Yamil
Published: January 2014

Leading opinion research on immigration has begun to move from size-based to change-based measures of citizens’ ethnic context. This shift is based on the theoretical assumption that over-time growth in immigrant populations is more likely to capture citizens’ attention than their current size. At present, there is no empirical evidence supporting this assumption. This article demonstrates that while the size of local immigrant populations exerts virtually no effect on perceived immigration, over-time growth strongly influences citizens’ perceptions of immigration into their community. In addition, our analyses illuminate the differential contribution of growth in local Hispanic and Asian populations to perceived immigration.
Impact and appreciation of two methods aiming at reducing hazardous drug environmental contamination: The centralization of the priming of IV tubing in the pharmacy and use of a closed-system transfer device
Authors: Guillemette Annie , Langlois Hélène , Voisine Maxime , Merger Delphine , Therrien Roxane , Mercier Genevieve , Lebel Denis , Bussières Jean-François
Published: January 2014

Objectives

The main objective was to evaluate the impact of two methods aiming at reducing hazardous drug environmental contamination: the centralization of the priming of IV tubing in the pharmacy and the use of a closed-system transfer device. The secondary objective was to evaluate the satisfaction of pharmacy technicians using a survey.

Methods

Sites in the hematology-oncology satellite pharmacy and care unit were analyzed for the presence of cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and methotrexate before and after the centralization of the priming of IV tubing in the pharmacy and before and after using a closed-system transfer device. The limits of detection for cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and methotrexate were, respectively, of 0.0015 ng/cm2, 0.0012 ng/cm2 and 0.0060 ng/cm2. The pharmacy technician satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire.

Results

A total of 225 samples was quantified. After the centralization of priming in the pharmacy, no significant difference was found in the proportion of positive samples for cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and methotrexate. Traces of cyclophosphamide found on the floor in patient care areas was significantly reduced (median[min-max] 0.08[0.06−0.09]ng/cm2 vs. 0.03[0.02−0.05], p < 0.0001). After using a closed-system transfer device, a significant difference was found for the proportion of cyclophosphamide positive samples (15/45(33%) vs. 0/45(0%), p < 0.0001), but no significant difference was found for ifosfamide (12/45(27%) vs. 5/45(11%), p = 0.059) and methotrexate (1/45(2%) vs. 2/45(4%), p = 0.557). Pharmacy technicians raised issues following the centralization of priming (e.g. workload) and the use of closed-system transfer devices (e.g. spills, particles, workload and handling difficulties).

Conclusion

The centralization of the priming of IV tubing in the pharmacy reduced floor contamination in patient care areas without increasing surface contamination in the pharmacy. Closed-system transfer devices reduced contamination in pharmacy, but handling issues were raised by pharmacy technicians.
The Influence of Event Authenticity and Quality Attributes on Behavioral Intentions
Authors: Novello Simone , Fernandez Pilar Murias
Published: January 2014

Many studies have found that the perceived authenticity of cultural and religious events affects event satisfaction and loyalty. Little is currently known about how perceived authenticity is affected by the quality of other event attributes, such as food and the availability of information, which are independent determinants of satisfaction and loyalty. This article explores this complex relationship using empirical data collected through a survey conducted during the 2010 Holy Year in Santiago de Compostela. A total of 400 questionnaires were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results of our analysis of the 2010 Holy Year provide support for the effect of event perceived authenticity on event satisfaction, and they also indicate that event perceived authenticity does not have a direct impact on event loyalty. Instead, its relationship to the intention to revisit is mediated by event satisfaction. In addition, the effects of event attributes were assessed for both event satisfaction and perceived authenticity, and significant differences were found.
Congenital thoracic lordosis and scoliosis in a cat
Authors: Lee Maris S , Taylor Jim , Lefbom Bonnie
Published: January 2014

A 10-week-old domestic shorthair kitten was referred for intermittent episodes of dyspnea, cyanosis and a suspected congenital thoracic anomaly. Physical examination showed an obvious palpable concavity in the caudal thoracic spine. Thoracic radiographs showed severe caudal thoracic lordosis from T5 to T13 with a Cobb angle of −77°, a centroid lordosis angle of −68°, a vertebral index of 6.3 and a flattened sternum. Severe loss of vital capacity was suspected and surgical correction of the thoracic deformity was to be performed in two separate stages, the first being surgical ventral distraction on the sternum to increase thoracic volume and rigid fixation with an external splint. The second stage, if required, would be surgical correction of the spinal deformity to also increase thoracic volume. The initial stage of surgery was performed and postoperative radiographs showed a vertebral index of 10.3. The kitten suffered a left sided pneumothorax in recovery and died from cardiorespiratory arrest despite immediate pleural drainage and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Treatment recommendations that may benefit future case management are discussed.
Assessment of five formulae to predict post-transfusion packed cell volume in cats
Authors: Reed Nicki , Espadas Irene , Lalor Stephanie M , Kisielewicz Caroline
Published: January 2014

This retrospective study aimed to identify the most accurate formula for estimating the increase in packed cell volume (PCV) after whole blood transfusion of cats, as several formulae have been reported but not validated. Forty cats, of varying breeds and gender, were included from two referral institutions after database searches over a 13 year period. Five formulae were used to calculate an estimated post-transfusion PCV based on the re-working of formulae for determining the volume of donor blood to be transfused; three formulae were derived from those previously reported in the feline literature and two from human paediatric medicine, where a similar mean blood volume has been described. Cats were subdivided into two groups, the first consisting of 17 cats with non-regenerative anaemia and the second consisting of 23 cats with ongoing losses such as haemolysis and haemorrhage; it was hypothesised that formulae could be more accurate for group 1 cats, whereas formulae applied to group 2 cats could have overestimated the post-transfusion PCV. Bland–Altman analysis was performed for all cats to compare the actual increase in PCV with the calculated increase for the five formulae. Formula 1 (PCV % increase = volume of blood transfused in ml/2 × bodyweight in kg) performed best overall and is easy to calculate; however, no single formula was highly accurate at predicting the PCV increase after whole blood transfusion in cats and, owing to the wide confidence intervals, these formulae should be applied judiciously in the clinical setting.
Evaluation use in the organizational context – changing focus to improve theory
Authors: Højlund Steven
Published: January 2014

This article is about evaluation use. It focuses on the well-known paradox that evaluation is undertaken to improve policy, but in fact rarely does so. Additionally, the article also finds that justificatory uses of evaluation do not fit with evaluation’s objective of policy improvement and social betterment. The article explains why the paradox exists and suggests applying organizational institutional theory to explain evaluation use. The key argument is that in order to explain all types of evaluation uses, including non-use and justificatory uses, the focus needs to be on the evaluating organization and its conditioning factors, rather than the evaluation itself.
Equity-focused developmental evaluation using critical systems thinking
Authors: Reynolds Martin
Published: January 2014

Developmental evaluation can often question the ethical basis of an intervention in terms of whether it’s ‘doing the right thing’ rather than merely ‘doing things right’. Drawing on ideas from critical systems thinking and critical systems heuristics, an evaluation framework with a pro-equity focus is suggested. The framework addresses issues of complexity. It invites theories of change associated with philosophical ethics, and provides a means of surfacing and potentially transforming debilitating relations of power in a complex evaluand. A case study of the long-standing Narmada project in India is used to sketch the workings of the framework. The article describes how the underpinning methodological ideas of critical systems thinking incorporating triple-loop learning can enhance the practice of developmental evaluation.
Shared learning and participatory evaluation: The sistematización approach to assess development interventions
Authors: Tapella Esteban , Rodríguez-Bilella Pablo
Published: January 2014

The sistematización approach is a multi-stakeholder strategy to assess development interventions with emphasis on the lessons learned. Apart from briefly highlighting sistematización roots in Latin America, as well as its similarities with other evaluation streams, the article concentrates mainly on the concept and method of sistematización itself, its scope and limitations. Recognizing that there are several approaches to systematize development interventions, the article introduces a basic ‘method’. In the final section, it is argued that introducing this endogenous approach from Latin America may serve as an additional brick in building the evaluation field in this and other regions of the world.
Evaluating environment and development: Lessons from international cooperation
Authors: Uitto Juha I.
Published: January 2014

This article discusses environmental evaluation in the context of national development in developing countries. It makes a case for evaluation to move beyond evaluating individual interventions to assessing the contributions to sustainable development at the national and international levels. It highlights challenges relating to evaluating environment in national development, as well as aggregation and attribution of results from programmes aimed for demonstration and policy influence. The discussion is focused around two concrete cases involving programmes by UNDP and the Global Environment Facility.
The pains of freedom: Assessing the ambiguity of Scandinavian penal exceptionalism on Norway’s Prison Island
Authors: Shammas Victor Lund
Published: January 2014

Where is the pain in exceptional prisons? A new generation of prisons produces unusual ‘pains of imprisonment’ which scholars of punishment are only beginning to catalog. This article brings the reader inside the social milieu of Norway’s ‘Prison Island’, a large, minimum security (‘open’) prison. Here inmates live in self-organized cottages and enjoy relatively unrestricted freedom of movement. But even under exceptional conditions of Scandinavian incarceration, new vectors and modes of punishment arise that produce ‘pains of freedom’, a notion drawing on Crewe’s historicizing examination of Sykes’ concept. Serving as an addition to conventional sociological conceptualizations of prison pains, the ‘pains of freedom’ can be classified into five sub-categories: (1) confusion; (2) anxiety and boundlessness; (3) ambiguity; (4) relative deprivation; and (5) individual responsibility. Based on three months of ethnographic fieldwork and semi-structured interviews with 15 inmates, it is shown that freedom is occasionally experienced as ambiguous, bittersweet or tainted. These new pains may be indicative of what is in stock for clients of future penal regimes in other societies.
Wrongful convictions and the Blackstone ratio: An empirical analysis of public attitudes
Authors: de Keijser Jan W , de Lange Evianne GM , van Wilsem Johan A
Published: January 2014

When deciding on the issue of guilt, a judge or jury can make two types of error: convicting an innocent person (false positive) or acquitting a guilty person (false negative). The Blackstone ratio addresses the relation between false positive and false negative verdicts. The ratio depends on how much certainty the judicial decision-maker requires before convicting an accused.

This article describes an experimental study of Dutch community views about the Blackstone ratio. It was hypothesized that public views on this issue may depend on seriousness of the offence. Moreover, it is expected that providing balanced information on the consequences of both convicting an innocent and acquitting a guilty person would result in more deliberated and informed public judgement on the Blackstone ratio. We manipulated both the seriousness of the crime and information about the consequences of false positive and false negative verdicts. Findings reveal that public reactions to the criteria for deciding upon guilt or innocence are dynamic and vary with the seriousness of the crime. The provision of information relating to the two types of judicial error had no significant effect on public attitudes.
Penal reform ‘Canadian style’: Fiscal responsibility and decarceration in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Webster Cheryl Marie , Doob Anthony N
Published: January 2014

To fulfil a political promise to eliminate the provincial fiscal deficit, the (conservative) Premier of Alberta cut all budgets by roughly 20 per cent in 1993–1994. As an unanticipated by-product, this political solution to a political problem resulted in a 32 per cent decrease in provincial imprisonment between 1993 and 1997. Economic imperatives created the catalyst for changes in imprisonment policies. However, the types of change and the mechanisms for achieving them reflected Canada’s specific history, culture and politico-legal structures. Decarceration was consistent with core Canadian values rooted in the long-standing belief in the need for restraint in the use of imprisonment and a lack of faith in its effectiveness as a crime control strategy. On the surface, this case study is yet another example of decarceration. However, the interactive and multi-factorial explanatory model underlying Alberta’s reduction in its prison population raises questions about not only single factors or simple additive models as explanations for changes in penal policies but also uni-dimensional solutions to jurisdictions in need of fiscal restraint. The historical and cultural embeddedness of Alberta’s decarceration alerts us to its country-specific nature and the need to situate imprisonment in a broader set of concerns.
Are prisons really schools for terrorism? Challenging the rhetoric on prison radicalization
Authors: Jones Clarke R
Published: January 2014

When governments justify the necessity to segregate and/or isolate terrorist inmates from mainstream prisoners, they commonly raise concerns about their prisons becoming schools for terrorism. Yet, these concerns are often based on limited information about prisoner radicalization, potentially resulting in the mismanagement (both financially and psychologically) of terrorist inmates in many countries. This article challenges contemporary research on prison radicalization and recruitment by highlighting several factors that may hamper these activities to demonstrate why some prison regimes and their programmes for housing terrorist inmates face a greater risk than others. In contrast to other studies, this article concludes that the radicalization and recruitment of mainstream prisoners by terrorist inmates under certain prison conditions is not necessarily a given outcome.
Resistin increases platelet P-selectin levels via p38 MAPK signal pathway
Authors: Qiu Wenbing , Chen Naping , Zhang Qin , Zhuo Liyuan , Wang Xihong , Wang Dongming , Jin Hong
Published: January 2014

Resistin, an adipokine associated with the metabolic syndrome, is believed to have a role in thrombotic conditions. This work analyses the effects of resistin on P-selectin expression using a combination of ex vivo human studies, in vivo animal models and in vitro cell cultures. Human platelets and vascular endothelial cells were incubated with resistin, with or without anti-Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) or mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway inhibitors, whereas mice were treated with resistin infusion followed by analysis of P-selectin expression. Resistin increased both human and murine platelet P-selectin expression compared with controls (human: 48.02% ± 7.6% vs 35.12% ± 2.62%, p < 0.05; mouse: 8.17% ± 0.37% vs 4.44% ± 0.37%, p < 0.05), through the p38 MAPK pathway. In contrast, resistin had no effect on endothelial P-selectin production. We conclude that resistin induces platelet activation by increasing P-selectin expression through the p38 MAPK-dependent pathway. These data provide one mechanism for the prothrombotic state in individuals with the metabolic syndrome.
A Social Media Primer for Professionals
Authors: Bernhardt Jay M. , Alber Julia , Gold Robert S.
Published: January 2014

Social media sites have become powerful and important tools for health education, promotion, and communication activities as they have dramatically grown in popularity. Social media sites also offer many features that can be used for professional development and advancement. When used wisely and prudently, social media sites and platforms offer great potential for professional development by building and cultivating professional networks, as well as sharing information to increase one’s recognition and improve one’s reputation. They also provide a medium for increasing one’s knowledge and awareness of timely news and trends by following important organizations, opinion leaders, and influential professionals. When used unwisely and imprudently, there is the potential to delay, damage, or even destroy one’s professional and personal life. In this commentary, we offer recommendations for using Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter for professional development and caution against online behaviors that may have negative professional consequences. In summary, we believe that the strengths and benefits of social media for professional advancement and development far outweigh the risks and encourage health promotion professionals to properly engage these powerful tools.
Improving the Utility of the DSF Address-based Frame through Ancillary Information
Authors: Amaya Ashley , LeClere Felicia , Fiorio Lee , English Ned
Published: January 2014

Survey researchers have recently begun using the U.S. Postal Service Delivery Sequence File (DSF) as a sampling frame. In addition to address, the DSF contains ancillary data regarding the status and structure of the address. These ancillary data may prove useful in further enhancing frame construction and sampling methodologies. We review three variables on the DSF: the vacancy flag, the college flag, and the drop point indicator. We conclude that the ancillary information available on the DSF may be used with caution. Despite the limitations, the flags may be used to enhance the current frame.