bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Response to Oral Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Kumar Puja R. , Fenton Tanis R. , Shaheen Abdel A. , Raman Maitreyi
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to document vitamin D status in home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients and determine if oral vitamin D supplementation has a substantial effect. Methods: A retrospective chart review of eligible adults enrolled in the Southern Alberta Home Parenteral Nutrition program (n = 15) for a minimum of 6 months was conducted. Serum measurements of 25OHD were recorded and patients were categorized by vitamin D status as follows: sufficient; insufficient; deficient with respective levels of 25OHD ≥75 nmol/L, 27.5–75 nmol/L, and ≤27.5 nmol/L; and mixed. Results: Five of 15 patients had insufficient vitamin D status throughout the study period; all had short bowel syndrome. Nine were in the mixed category; 1 was consistently sufficient, and no one was consistently deficient. Patient demographics were similar between the insufficient and mixed groups. There were no significant differences in health outcomes between the insufficient and mixed vitamin D status groups. The median (interquartile range) dose and duration of vitamin D3 supplementation for the insufficient group was 5000 IU/d (4,000–7,143) for 1,175 (1,145–1,578) total days compared to 3,000 IU/d (1,000–7,143) for 1,529 (111–1,980) days for the mixed group. Conclusions: Most patients receiving HPN had insufficient vitamin D status. When prescribed high doses of oral vitamin D, patients did not consistently achieve appropriate 25OHD levels. Alternate routes of vitamin D supplementation in patients receiving HPN should be considered. Large multicenter prospective studies are needed to best characterize the relationship between vitamin D dosing for HPN patients and vitamin D status.
A Shortcut to Mean-Based Time Tradeoff Tariffs for the EQ-5D?
Authors: Rand-Hendriksen Kim , Augestad Liv Ariane , Dahl Fredrik A. , Kristiansen Ivar Sønbø , Stavem Knut
Published: January 2012

Background

EQ-5D valuation studies are usually performed using the time tradeoff (TTO) method, which is costly and time consuming. We focused on 2 properties that particularly characterize TTO: the initial choice task categorizing health states as better than death (BTD), worse than death (WTD), or equal to death (ETD), and unwillingness to trade (UTT) lifetime to improve health. The aim of this study was to estimate the value of the information to be gained from continuing the conventional TTO tasks beyond the initial question and the extent to which mean-based EQ-5D tariff values could be predicted through a simplified method of categorizing health states into BTD, WTD, ETD, and UTT.

Methods

We used data from the UK EQ-5D valuation study ( n = 2997). We designed an abbreviated system with only 4 values (collapsed TTO [cTTO]) based on the 4 response categories and assigned values as follows: WTD = −.5, ETD = 0, BTD = .5, and UTT = 1. Based on the mean cTTO scores for the valued health states, we created a regression-based cTTO tariff, which was compared with the conventional (full) TTO tariff (fTTO) by regressing 1) the fTTO means on cTTO means and 2) the fTTO tariff on the cTTO tariff.

Results

WTD values were unrelated to health state severity. Correlation between the means of fTTO and means of cTTO was >.999, and tariff values from fTTO correlated with tariff values from cTTO at r > .999.

Conclusions

Once respondents have classified health states as UTT, BTD, ETD, or WTD, the TTO procedure adds little further information to the tariff values. The WTD task fails to discriminate between good and bad health states. TTO valuation could likely be simplified using cTTO.
How Much Should We Pay for a New HIV Diagnosis? A Mathematical Model of HIV Screening in US Clinical Settings
Authors: Farnham Paul G. , Sansom Stephanie L. , Hutchinson Angela B.
Published: January 2012

Objective. To develop a model to assist clinical setting decision makers in determining how much they can spend on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening and still be cost-effective. Design. The authors developed a simple mathematical model relating the program cost per new HIV diagnosis to the cost per HIV infection averted and the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) saved by screening. They estimated outcomes based on behavioral changes associated with awareness of HIV infection and applied the model to US sexually transmitted disease clinics. Methods. The authors based the cost per new HIV diagnosis (2009 US dollars) on the costs of testing and the proportion of persons who tested positive. Infections averted were calculated from the reduction in annual transmission rates between persons aware and unaware of their infections. The authors defined program costs from the sexually transmitted disease clinic perspective and treatment costs and QALYs saved from the societal perspective. They undertook numerous sensitivity analyses to determine the robustness of the base case results. Results. In the base case, the cost per new HIV diagnosis was $2528, the cost per infection averted was $40,516, and the cost per QALY saved was less than zero, or cost-saving. Given the model inputs, the cost per new diagnosis could increase to $22,909 to reach the cost-saving threshold and to $63,053 for the cost-effectiveness threshold. All sensitivity analyses showed that the cost-effectiveness results were consistent for extensive variation in the values of model inputs. Conclusions. HIV screening in a clinical setting is cost-effective for a wide range of testing costs, variations in positivity rates, reductions in HIV transmissions, and variation in the receipt of test results.
Perceptions of Shared Decision Making and Decision Aids Among Rural Primary Care Clinicians
Authors: King Valerie J. , Davis Melinda M. , Gorman Paul N. , Rugge J. Bruin , Fagnan L. J.
Published: January 2012

Background

Shared decision making (SDM) and decision aids (DAs) increase patients’ involvement in health care decisions and enhance satisfaction with their choices. Studies of SDM and DAs have primarily occurred in academic centers and large health systems, but most primary care is delivered in smaller practices, and over 20% of Americans live in rural areas, where poverty, disease prevalence, and limited access to care may increase the need for SDM and DAs.

Objective

To explore perceptions and practices of rural primary care clinicians regarding SDM and DAs.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting and Participants

Primary care clinicians affiliated with the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network.

Results

Surveys were returned by 181 of 231 eligible participants (78%); 174 could be analyzed. Two-thirds of participants were physicians, 84% practiced family medicine, and 55% were male. Sixty-five percent of respondents were unfamiliar with the term shared decision making, but following definition, 97% reported that they found the approach useful for conditions with multiple treatment options. Over 90% of clinicians perceived helping patients make decisions regarding chronic pain and health behavior change as moderate/hard in difficulty. Although 69% of respondents preferred that patients play an equal role in making decisions, they estimate that this happens only 35% of the time. Time was reported as the largest barrier to engaging in SDM (63%). Respondents were receptive to using DAs to facilitate SDM in print- (95%) or web-based formats (72%), and topic preference varied by clinician specialty and decision difficulty.

Conclusions

Rural clinicians recognized the value of SDM and were receptive to using DAs in multiple formats. Integration of DAs to facilitate SDM in routine patient care may require addressing practice operation and reimbursement.
Ophthalmoplegic “Migraine” or Recurrent Ophthalmoplegic Cranial Neuropathy
Authors: Gelfand Amy A. , Gelfand Jeffrey M. , Prabakhar Prab , Goadsby Peter J.
Published: January 2012

Ophthalmoplegic migraine is a poorly understood neurologic syndrome characterized by recurrent bouts of head pain and ophthalmoplegia. By reviewing cases presenting to our centers in whom the phenotype has been carefully dissected, and systematically reviewing all published cases of ophthalmoplegic migraine in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) era, this review sets out to clearly define the syndrome and discuss possible etiologies. We found that in up to one-third of patients, the headache was not migrainous or associated with migrainous symptoms. In three-quarters of the cases involving the third nerve, there was focal nerve thickening and contrast enhancement on MRI. Observational data suggest systemic corticosteroids may be beneficial acutely. The etiology remains unclear, but may involve recurrent bouts of demyelination of the oculomotor nerve. “Ophthalmoplegic migraine” is a misnomer in that it is probably not a variant of migraine but rather a recurrent cranial neuralgia. A more appropriate name might be “ophthalmoplegic cranial neuropathy.”
Changing Child Neurology Training
Authors: Greenwood Robert S.
Published: January 2012

Child neurology training must change as our understanding of the diseases of the developing nervous system increases. A proposed child neurology training path leading to certification in child neurology would eliminate all but 3 months of adult neurology training; however gaining approval for a new Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) training program would be an arduous task. I review why this change would add significant administrative and financial burdens and how this change in training could negatively affect the education of child neurology residents. I believe that modifications of the current training requirements already underway could achieve the same aims with fewer losses.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders—Implications for Child Neurology, Part 2: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Paintner Ashley , Williams Andrew D. , Burd Larry
Published: January 2012

In part 1, we discussed the mechanism of alcohol exposure, dosimetry, and the teratogenic pathways of damage to the fetus. In part 2, we review the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and the developmental implications of prenatal alcohol exposure. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are associated with increased rates of mental retardation, seizure disorders, brain malformations, and premature mortality. The risk of comorbid disorders is increased among this population, which enhances phenotype severity and complexity of management. Recurrence rates are high and younger siblings tend to be more severely affected. Detection of prenatal alcohol use warrants substance abuse intervention, which can avoid exposure in subsequent pregnancies. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are common developmental disorders with a phenotype that is influenced by both age and development and require long-term management. Child neurologists are essential in the diagnosis and management of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Efficacy of Constraint-Induced Therapy on Functional Performance and Health-Related Quality of Life for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Hsin Yi-jung , Chen Fei-Chuan , Lin Keh-chung , Kang Lin-ju , Chen Chia-ling , Chen Chung-yao
Published: January 2012

To better generalize training effects to the context of daily living, home-based constraint-induced therapy has been proposed. Therapeutic success of constraint-induced therapy is limited as to whether the improvements in functional performance can be transferred to quality of life. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of home-based constraint-induced therapy on functional performance and health-related quality of life. Twenty-two children with spastic unilateral cerebral palsy (6-8 years, 10 boys) were randomly assigned to receive constraint-induced therapy or traditional rehabilitation. Home-based constraint-induced therapy had immediate and maintaining effects on motor efficacy and functional performance and induced greater gains in health-related quality of life in the long run than in the short term. The home-based constraint-induced therapy protocol (relatively moderate intensity and shortened constraint time), which might balance the effectiveness and compliance of participants and caregivers, may be an effective alternative to conventional constraint-induced therapy.
Friedreich-Like Ataxia as an Initial Manifestation of Mitochondrial DNA 8344A>G Mutation
Authors: Chevallier Justyna A. , Koenig Mary Kay
Published: January 2012

A previously healthy 10-year-old girl presented with subacute onset of ataxia and acute-onset cardiac and pulmonary failure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed symmetric T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensities in the dorsal pons, medulla, and inferior cerebellar peduncles; nerve conduction velocities and electromyography demonstrated a sensorimotor axonal neuropathy consistent with Friedreich ataxia. Within 12 months, the patient fully recovered and molecular testing of the frataxin gene was unremarkable. Two years later, the patient returned with acute neurologic decompensation and died one month later from progressive demyelination of the brainstem. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing revealed a mutation at 8344A>G in transfer RNA lysine with heteroplasmy at 98% consistent with a diagnosis of a primary mitochondrial disorder.
Dominantly Inherited Nonprogressive Cerebellar Hypoplasia Identified in Utero
Authors: Zerem Ayelet , Hacohen Yael , Ben-Sira Liat , Lev Dorit , Malinger Gustavo , Lerman-Sagie Tally
Published: January 2012

Cerebellar hypoplasia is the hallmark of a heterogeneous group of disorders that are caused by genetic and metabolic disorders. Prenatal identification of cerebellar hypoplasia and accurate prediction of outcome are challenging. Autosomal dominant nonprogressive cerebellar ataxia is a rare disorder that typically presents with early hypotonia and delayed motor milestones followed by the onset of mild ataxia and occasionally cognitive impairment. We present a case of a mother and her female fetus. Fetal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed generalized cerebellar hypoplasia. The mother had mild learning difficulties and clinically showed minor features of cerebellar ataxia. Her MRI also demonstrated extreme cerebellar hypoplasia. The diagnosis of autosomal dominant nonprogressive cerebellar ataxia was suggested. This is the first report of prenatal diagnosis of autosomal dominant nonprogressive cerebellar ataxia. We recommend obtaining a family history, examining the parents, and when appropriate obtaining an MRI before counseling parents of a fetus with a brain malformation.
Reconfigurable flight control for robust transient response
Authors: Ashokkumar Chimpalthradi R
Published: January 2012

When a control surface fails during aircraft flying, reconfigurable control system with new configuration aims to use the other available control surfaces and attempts to preserve the design properties of the original system. Restoring transient response is particularly important when transition from damaged to healthy configuration takes place. In this article, a new design procedure for robust transient response of the reconfigured system is presented. A linear algebraic formulation for right eigenstructure assignment in state feedback format is derived. A system of linear equations for the controller is solved. Reconfigurable control using an F-18 model is illustrated.
Collision-free shape control of a plane tensegrity structure using an incremental dynamic relaxation method and a trial-and-error process
Authors: Xu Xian , Luo Yaozhi
Published: January 2012

The application of tensegrity structures has been extended to deployable structures, smart structures, and robots. In these applications, large displacement shape control is usually involved. The problem of finding a collision-free path for the shape control emerges. In this article, a preliminary study on the collision-free shape control of tensegrity structures is carried out based on a representative two-dimensional tensegrity system. An incremental procedure based on dynamic relaxation method is proposed to track the trajectory of the movement during shape control. For every increment along the trajectory, collision is checked by a method based on geometrical analysis. The effect of the size of the obstacle to the number of feasible paths is investigated. It is found that when the size of the obstacle reaches a critical value, the structure is no longer able to move to the target configuration by a single step. As a result, a relay point is added in the free space. Via the relay point, free paths connecting the initial configuration and the target configuration are found.
Reducing Information Avoidance Through Affirmation
Authors: Howell Jennifer L. , Shepperd James A.
Published: January 2012

Although screening for medical problems can have health benefits, the potentially threatening nature of the results can lead people to avoid screening. In three studies, we examined whether affirming people’s self-worth reduces their avoidance of medical-screening feedback. Participants completed an online risk calculator for a fictitious medical condition and then were offered a choice to receive or not receive their risk feedback. Our results showed that affirmation decreased participants’ avoidance of risk feedback (Study 1) and eliminated the increased avoidance typically observed when risk feedback might obligate people to engage in undesired behavior (Study 2) and when feedback is about risk for an untreatable disease (Study 3). These findings suggest that affirmation may be an effective strategy for increasing rates of medical screening.
Reactance Versus Rationalization
Authors: Laurin Kristin , Kay Aaron C. , Fitzsimons Gavan J.
Published: January 2012

How do people respond to government policies and work environments that place restrictions on their personal freedoms? The psychological literature offers two contradictory answers to this question. Here, we attempt to resolve this apparent discrepancy. Specifically, we identify the absoluteness of a restriction as one factor that determines how people respond to it. Across two studies, participants responded to absolute restrictions (i.e., restrictions that were sure to come into effect) with rationalization: They viewed the restrictions more favorably, and valued the restricted freedoms less, compared with control participants. Participants responded in the opposite way to identical restrictions that were described as nonabsolute (i.e., as having a small chance of not coming into effect): In this case, participants displayed reactance, viewing the restrictions less favorably, and valuing the restricted freedoms more, compared with control participants. We end by discussing future research directions.
Evaluation of the antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity potentials of husk fiber extracts from Cocos nucifera, a medicinal plant used in Nigeria to treat human malaria
Authors: Adebayo JO , Santana AEG , Krettli AU
Published: January 2012

Nigeria is an African country where transmission of malaria occurs all year round and where most inhabitants use plants as remedies against parasitic diseases, including malaria. Some of such medicinal plants have their antimalarial efficacies already demonstrated experimentally, active compounds isolated and the mechanism of drug action suggested. Decoction of Cocos nucifera husk is used in the middle belt region of Nigeria as an antimalarial remedy. In our current studies, we tested extracts from husks of four varieties of C. nucifera, all collected in Brazil, where the plant fruit is popularly named ‘coco’. The husks of coco mestiço, amarelo, anão and gigante collected in the Northeast of Brazil were used to prepare extracts at the Chemistry Department, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), which were then tested for their antiplasmodial activities, cytotoxicities and hemolytic activities in vitro. Only the hexane extract of coco mestiço was active against the blood forms of Plasmodium falciparum human malaria parasite maintained in continuous culture. Most extracts presented selectivity indices of <10, while hexane extract of coco mestiço had a selectivity index of 35, meaning that the extract is not toxic. The isolation of the active compounds from coco mestiço husks has not yet been done.
Nine case series with phototoxic dermatitis related to Chenopodium album
Authors: Ozkol HU , Calka O , Karadag AS , Akdeniz N , Bilgili SG , Behcet L
Published: January 2012

Chenopodium album L. ssp. album is a common plant species worldwide, especially in humid areas. Sun exposure after oral intake of the plant can lead to sunburn-like rashes owing to its furocoumarin content. In this article, we reported nine patients who developed dermatitis with edema, erythema and necrosis on the face and dorsum of the hands. Each was exposed to sunlight after eating selemez (the vernacular name of C. album L. ssp. album). The plant samples analyzed by an expert botanist were described as C. album L. ssp. album belonging to Chenopodiacea family.
Finding differentially expressed genes in high dimensional data: Rank based test statistic via a distance measure
Authors: Mathur Sunil , Sadana Ajit
Published: January 2012

We present a rank-based test statistic for the identification of differentially expressed genes using a distance measure. The proposed test statistic is highly robust against extreme values and does not assume the distribution of parent population. Simulation studies show that the proposed test is more powerful than some of the commonly used methods, such as paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and significance analysis of microarray (SAM) under certain non-normal distributions. The asymptotic distribution of the test statistic, and the p-value function are discussed. The application of proposed method is shown using a real-life data set.
Magnetorheological dampers with various designs of hybrid magnetic circuits
Authors: Böse Holger , Ehrlich Johannes
Published: January 2012

Novel concepts for the magnetic circuit in magnetorheological dampers have been proven. In contrast to the established magnetic circuits where the magnetic field for the control of the magnetorheological fluid is generated by the coil of an electromagnet, hybrid magnetic circuits consisting of at least one permanent or hard magnet and an electromagnet are used in the new approaches. Three different technical configurations are distinguished: (1) The electromagnet is combined with two permanent magnets, whose magnetization cannot be modified even by strong magnetic fields of the electromagnet. The main advantage is the improved fail-safe behavior of the damper in case of a power failure. (2) The electromagnet is combined with a hard magnet, whose magnetization can be modified by the electromagnet. This configuration leads to high energy efficiency, because electric power is only required in short pulses for the switching of the hard magnet. (3) All three types of magnetic field sources, permanent, hard, and electromagnet, are combined in the magnetic circuit, which gives the highest flexibility of the magnetic field generation and the damping control at the expense of a relatively large effort. Demonstrators for magnetorheological dampers with all three magnetic circuits were constructed and their performances were tested. The results of the investigations are described in this paper.
Music Technology and Musical Creativity
Authors: Thompson Douglas Earl
Published: January 2012

This article is a preview of Scott Watson’s new book, Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity (Oxford University Press, 2011). The book’s main contents are summarized and one of the volume’s 29 lessons is provided to assist readers in evaluating the book for their use. Particular attention is given to Watson’s success in making the connection between the use of technology and creativity, thereby providing music educators a rich resource by which to do the same in their own classrooms.
The Phantom of Death Improving Quality of Life
Authors: Vargens Octavio Muniz da Costa , Berterö Carina
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was, using secondary analysis on data collected from previous empirical studies, to focus on improving the quality of life due to the new possibilities for living after a cancer diagnosis. No matter how long or short the life will be, quality of life in palliative care is about “living in the best way” until death. The data analysis identified 4 main themes; death as a main concern, reevaluating life, living a normal life with support, and living until death. The key message is that the patients are living until they die. Palliative care should facilitate and support the patients in their new life situation in order to sustain their quality of life. They are still alive—living until death.
Should I Stay or Should I Go
Authors: Claxton-Oldfield Stephen , Claxton-Oldfield Jane
Published: January 2012

Forty-one hospice palliative care volunteers (from 6 community- and 3 hospital-based programs) participated in informal group discussions regarding (1) what aspects of their work provide them with the most (and least) satisfaction; (2) why they continue to volunteer; and (3) why they might stop. In 5 of the 9 programs, volunteers said that feeling appreciated by the patients/families they support gave them great satisfaction. Boundary issues and/or role ambiguities were among the least satisfying aspects of their work, mentioned by volunteers in 4 programs. Volunteers in all 9 programs mentioned that they continue to volunteer because it makes a difference/helps others/meets a need in other people’s lives. Among the reasons given for potentially stopping volunteering were a family crisis, burnout, old age, and other commitments.
Death Representation of Caregivers in Hospice
Authors: Andruccioli Jessica , Russo Maria Maffia , Bruschi Angela , Pedrabissi Luigi , Sarti Donatella , Monterubbianesi Maria Cristina , Rossi Sabina , Rocconi Sabina , Raffaeli William
Published: January 2012

In this study, we investigated caregiver’s death representation in hospice. The results presented here are a further analysis of the data collected in our previous study, concerning the evaluation of the caregiver in hospice. The data analysis of 24 caregivers of patients hospitalized in Rimini Hospice (Italy) underlined that caregivers avoiding death representation of the patient admitted to hospice had fewer protective factors (52.3%) and more risk factors (47.7%) than caregivers nonavoiding (66.5% and 33.5%, respectively). Caregivers avoiding death representation, moreover, experienced a greater distress (58%) than those nonavoiding (42%).
The Impact of Detectives’ Manner of Questioning on Rape Victims’ Disclosure
Authors: Patterson Debra
Published: January 2012

Research has documented that few reported rapes are prosecuted by the legal system. The purpose of this study is to explain how the interactions between victims and detectives can strengthen or weaken the investigation itself. Twenty rape victims were interviewed to examine how law enforcement detectives’ manner of questioning affects rape victims’ level of disclosure. Using qualitative methodology, the results show that the detectives’ manner of questioning can play a role in victims’ disclosure. Detectives using a gentle manner of questioning with victims can help produce stronger victim statements and thus build stronger cases for prosecution.
Safety Assessment of Cyclomethicone, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, and Cycloheptasiloxane
Authors: Johnson Wilbur , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: January 2012

Cyclomethicone (mixture) and the specific chain length cyclic siloxanes (n = 4-7) reviewed in this safety assessment are cyclic dimethyl polysiloxane compounds. These ingredients have the skin/hair conditioning agent function in common. Minimal percutaneous absorption was associated with these ingredients and the available data do not suggest skin irritation or sensitization potential. Also, it is not likely that dermal exposure to these ingredients from cosmetics would cause significant systemic exposure. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration.
Safety Assessment of Xylene Sulfonic Acid, Toluene Sulfonic Acid, and Alkyl Aryl Sulfonate Hydrotropes as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Hill Ronald , Liebler Daniel , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: January 2012

Xylene sulfonic acid, toluene sulfonic acid, and alkyl aryl sulfonate hydrotropes used in cosmetics as surfactants, hydrotropes, were reviewed in this safety assessment. The similar structure, properties, functions, and uses of these ingredients enabled grouping them and using the available toxicological data to assess the safety of the entire group. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reviewed relevant animal and human data related to these ingredients. The panel concluded that xylene sulfonic acid and alkyl aryl sulfonate hydrotropes are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use and concentrations as described in this safety assessment, when formulated to be nonirritating.
Engendering Gendered Knowledge
Authors: Messerschmidt James W.
Published: January 2012

The appropriation of concepts long established as salient contributions to gender theory and research recently has come under scholarly scrutiny. In this article, the author contributes to this dissection of crucial gender concepts by assessing the recent academic appropriation of the reformulated concept of “hegemonic masculinity” and how this appropriation engenders gendered knowledge. The author first briefly revisits the concept of hegemonic masculinity as reformulated by Connell and Messerschmidt. Following this, the author examines selected studies to illustrate how hegemonic masculinity has been appropriated differently, how this dissimilarity is significant for the production of gendered knowledge, and how several new directions in the appropriations extend gendered knowledge on hegemonic masculinity. Finally, the author discusses the relevance of all his conclusions to the wider debates over the concept of hegemonic masculinity and posits how these conclusions arguably impact future feminist/gender research and theory construction.
Enacting Spaces of Inequality
Authors: Sullivan Noelle
Published: January 2012

Based on ethnographic research conducted in a government hospital in Tanzania, this article explores how global and state governance molds hospital spaces. While some spaces in the hospital are made global through regimes of governance, others—by virtue of being beyond state/donor interest—remain decidedly local. The unequal material configurations characteristic of layered hospital spaces mean that some actors can realize meaningful identities as patients and health professionals, whereas others cannot. Drawing on a case study of one patient’s movement from an inpatient ward to an HIV/AIDS clinic within a government-operated hospital, this article reveals the ways that forms of state/donor governance can create multiple spaces, places, and persons within the same institution.
Are criminal convictions a public matter? The USA and Spain
Authors: Jacobs James B. , Larrauri Elena
Published: January 2012

A criminal conviction, if widely known, constitutes a life-long stigma that limits the convicted person’s employment and other opportunities. European countries, including Spain, recognizing an individual right of informational privacy and a societal interest in limiting recidivism, sharply restrict the dissemination of individual criminal history information. By contrast, the USA, in accordance with its commitments to judicial transparency, free speech and the individual’s right of self protection, allows (and even promotes) extensive dissemination of individual criminal history information. This article compares the profoundly different policies on providing public access to individual criminal history information in Spain and the USA, illuminating the cultural and legal values behind each country’s policies and the tensions both countries encounter in attempting to reconcile these policies with other socio-political values and goals.
‘It ain’t nothing like America with the Bloods and the Crips’: Gang narratives inside two English prisons
Authors: Phillips Coretta
Published: January 2012

This article explores recent concerns about the emergence of gangs in prisons in England and Wales. Using narrative interviews with male prisoners as part of an ethnographic study of ethnicity and social relations, the social meaning of ‘the gang’ inside prison is interrogated. A formally organized gang presence was categorically denied by prisoners. However, the term ‘gang’ was sometimes elided with loose collectives of prisoners who find mutual support in prison based on a neighbourhood territorial identification. Gangs were also discussed as racialized groups, most often symbolized in the motif of the ‘Muslim gang’. This racializing discourse hinted at an envy of prisoner solidarity and cohesion which upsets the idea of a universal prisoner identity. The broader conceptual, empirical and political implications of these findings are considered.
Flexural behaviour of glass fibre-reinforced plastic laminates with drilled hole
Authors: Rakesh P K , Singh I , Kumar D
Published: January 2012

Drilling is one of the most commonly used process for hole making. Drilling of polymer matrix composites (PMCs) causes substantial damage around the drilled hole. Drilling-induced damage not only decreases the strength of the composite laminate with hole, but it also deteriorates the long-term performance of the PMC laminates under different loading conditions. In the present research investigation, the flexural behaviour of the glass fibre-reinforced plastic laminates with drilled hole was experimentally investigated under three-point loading conditions. The results of the experimental investigation were compared with those of the finite element model and were found to be in close agreement.
The Melodramatic Structure of New Age Tourist Desire
Authors: Coats Curtis
Published: January 2012

This essay explores the relationship between media form and tourist imaginations of Sedona, AZ, USA. In particular, it examines the ways in which a pervasive narrative form – melodrama – maps onto New Age tourists’ expectations and experiences. This essay builds on Crouch et al.’s (2005a) notions of media and tourist imaginations and posits that in the case of New Age tourism in Sedona, the tourist imagination is melodramatic. The position in this paper forwards three conceptual ideas. First, conversations about the intersections between media and tourism should extend beyond the dominant focus on media content to questions of the influence of media narrative forms. Second, conversations about media and tourist imaginations should not necessarily be thought of in binary ways, even as ideal types. Third, conversations about media and tourism need to better consider how tourism is embedded in a complex, layered media environment.
Negotiating Underwater Space: The Sensorium, the Body and the Practice of Scuba-diving
Authors: Merchant Stephanie
Published: January 2012

The desire to escape from land-based bodily constraints, to become enchanted by the spectacle of technicolour reefs, sunken ships and otherworldly creatures, is growing in popularity despite the expense and training required to explore the ocean depths. This dense water world, where a person’s resistance to gravitational pull results in differing feelings of weightlessness, where sound travels about five times faster yet more unevenly than in air, and where verbal communication is impractical such that visual cues are necessary, calls for a different ‘way of being’ to the everyday spaces of the home or the workplace. It is these different ways of being and feeling that I explore in this paper. To do this I present a sensual phenomenology that pays particular attention to the reorganization of the sensoria of a group of novice divers as they start to gain an awareness of the different perceptual means by which they move through and sense underwater space. The paper concludes by highlighting that phenomenological accounts of tourist space can shed light on the intricacies of tourists’ lived experiences, which in turn could prove useful in the structure and organization of tourist activities.
Theory(izing)/practice: The model of recursive cultural adaptation
Authors: Binder Geoffrey
Published: January 2012

Although planning researchers and practitioners may see planning theory as interesting, its utility for addressing ‘real’ planning practice remains moot. A model is proposed that draws on Bourdieu’s concept of habitus that collapses both the agency/structure problematic and the theory/practice divide. This model draws on the socio-developmentalism of Vygotsky and the philosophical insights of Wittgenstein that are brought together to understand innovation for sustainability in a master-planned community. This is not a one-to-one borrowing of theory from another discipline to shed light on planning processes, but a response to a particular planning problem that draws on multiple conceptual frameworks. The propositions of the model include, first, that practices are embodied social structures that aconsciously define ‘the way things are done around here’; second, that existing practices prime our responses to change; and third, that agency is a bid to either extend or defend one’s practices. The implications for planning professionals and researchers are discussed.
Contests With Doping
Authors: Ryvkin Dmitry
Published: January 2012

Doping, or the use of illegal performance-enhancing drugs, is an epidemic problem in sports ranging from the Olympics to high school athletics. This article presents a theoretical model of doping use in a contest environment. The authors show that, under fairly general conditions, the minimal frequency of random testing to prevent doping use increases in the number of contestants. The presence of even a small penalty, in addition to expulsion from the contest, makes random testing more effective, especially in large contests. For a given testing frequency, the minimal penalty to prevent doping can be nonmonotonic in the number of contestants.
May Day Is Lei Day in Hawai‘i
Authors: Steele Jamie Simpson , Gohier Ginger , Lipscomb Annie Lokomaika‘i , Steele Aito Simpson
Published: January 2012

Many elementary schools in Hawai‘i host May celebrations showcasing child performances of Hawaiian song and dance or other performance traditions from various ethnic groups that populate the islands. May Day is known as Lei Day in Hawai‘i. Through interviews, observations, and autoethnographic reflections our collaborative research team revealed a range of contrasting views of May Day as a mechanism for arts education, social reproduction, and the perpetuation of culture. We synthesized these multiple perspectives into a performance to create dialogue and submit a call to become more conscious of choices when inscribing culture in children’s bodies. This article includes excerpts of the performance.
The Socrates of Africa and his student: A case study of pre-colonial African leadership
Authors: du Preez Max
Published: January 2012

This is a case study of the great pre-colonial chief and sage Mohlomi and the leadership lessons that he taught to chief Moshoeshoe, a successful and innovative African leader.
The paradigm of ethical development for civilized leadership in Africa
Authors: Salawu Abiodun
Published: January 2012

The leadership question in Africa has, for a long time, been on the front burner. Many problems plaguing African societies have been hung on the neck of poor leadership. Excellent leadership seems to be a rarity in Africa. This perhaps explains why certain awards have been instituted to reward outstanding leadership in Africa. At times, some of these awards could not be made simply because there was no worthy candidate to be so honoured. The paper considers the leadership question in Africa and a possible panacea for it within the framework of the Paradigm of Ethical Development (Salawu, 2004; 2006b). This paradigm promotes an advanced and organized state of human social development brought about by the cultivation of mind for the higher ideals of the society. The contention of this paper is that African oral ethics is indispensable for inculcating in Africans, right from childhood, the values of good citizenry and leadership, necessary to create a Civilization.
The critical role of leadership in Botswana’s development: What lessons?
Authors: Sebudubudu David , Botlhomilwe Mokganedi Zara
Published: January 2012

Many countries, particularly in Africa, have failed to realize development largely because they suffer from a ‘leadership deficit’. Evidence across the African continent shows that even countries that are endowed with resources have failed to transform, in part because of bad leadership. Yet, there are countries that are an exception to this trend. Botswana is one such a country. This paper uses the case of Botswana to demonstrate that leadership can make a difference. It, therefore, argues that leadership can either make or break a country. Botswana has been able to transform itself from a position of desolation at independence to one of an upper middle income country by the 1990s. It is today held as an economic and political success story that can offer lessons to other African countries. This is remarkable by African standards. Botswana’s transformation was possible in part because of the good leadership and good policy decisions. The case of Botswana shows that leadership is a crucial success factor for any country’s development prospects. The paper uses the case studies of presidents Seretse Khama, Ketumile Masire, Festus Mogae and Ian Khama to demonstrate the significance of leadership in influencing the direction and development of the country.
Metaphysical challenges of ethical leadership in Africa
Authors: Temple Osam Edim
Published: January 2012

This paper situates the challenges of ethical leadership within the province of metaphysics. I argue that the challenges of ethical leadership in Africa are fundamentally metaphysical. There are at least three sources of metaphysical conflicts in Africa – the clan, the cults, and religion. Trapped between the values of the clan and the ideals of the modern state, African leaders have always had to grapple with competing definitions of reality, competing notions of sovereignty, confusing concepts of personal identity and the Supreme Being, confusion between public and private space, and so forth. These metaphysical conflicts cause what I refer to as schizophrenia in leadership leading to a compromise in healthy ethical behavior. The way out of this unhealthy ethical climate is a conscious effort by leaders to recreate the state and inculcate a new metaphysical worldview that transcends the cultic metaphysics of the clan. To achieve this, I suggest a holistic and global focus in leadership training, emphasis on social security, mass education, democratic governance and adherence to the rule of law.
How ethical is leadership?
Authors: Olivier Abraham
Published: January 2012

Most people would agree that leaders need ethics. There is disagreement on the kind of ethics leaders need but not about the fact that leadership requires ethics. This paper challenges this agreement. Leaders need ethics, but does ethics necessarily call for leadership? How ethical is the concept of leadership really? In this paper I argue for ethics that, rather than requiring leadership, entails what I call 'bearership'. First I examine some concepts, questions and challenges of leadership ethics. Then I explore and advocate with examples a conception of 'bearership ethics' in critical comparison to leadership ethics.
Health literacy in Ireland: reading between the lines
Authors: Marshall Sarah , Sahm Laura , McCarthy Suzanne
Published: January 2012

Health literacy may be defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. While health literacy has become a vibrant area of international research, Ireland has lagged behind and to date few data exist. This article summarises the research that has been carried out in Ireland, highlighting key findings and recommendations. With several new initiatives in place such as the Crystal Clear health literacy Awards, it is expected that Ireland will lag behind in this field no longer. Inadequate health literacy is at epidemic levels in Ireland and is fast becoming recognised as a national issue. Simplification of the healthcare system, in its entirety is required but the much needed financial investment will only be made after original research, demonstrating successful interventions has been conducted. With a trend worldwide towards personalized medicine, this theme should be extended to include tailor-made personalized health care information. An investment in health literacy will ultimately increase a patient’s self-esteem, compliance, capacity to self-manage and most importantly patient outcomes and safety.
Charting a Health Literacy Journey - overview and outcomes from a Stakeholder Workshop
Authors: Menzies Loic
Published: January 2012

Through a combination of Personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE), Science, Healthy Schools and a range of other initiatives, we are increasingly preparing our children to understand key topics in health education. However, to what extent are we equipping them with a picture of a healthy, happy future and giving them the tools to access this? In June, The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) hosted a workshop entitled “Charting a Health Literacy Journey” to examine this.

The workshop brought together a broad group of over 20 stakeholders from the health and education sectors. The aims of the day were to address the following six questions: What is health literacy? What does health literacy look like in action? What are the benefits of health literacy? How is health literacy reflected on the ground at present? How does health literacy fit with the current policy context? What are the options going forward?

This report summarises the key findings of the workshop.
College Choices of Academically Talented Secondary Students
Authors: Wilson Hope E. , Adelson Jill L.
Published: January 2012

The decision-making process of academically talented students when making the transition to college is complex. This study investigates the factors that contribute to the selectivity of the colleges by Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate students for application. A multilevel model was created to find which college-level and student-level variables were associated with college selectivity. This study found that students selected colleges with higher mean SAT scores when prestige of the college was the reason, the students had higher achievement, and the college was farther away. Academic self-concept and perceived challenge of their high school curriculum had no effect on the college selectivity. These findings have implications for high school administrators and college admissions offices.