bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing Facets of Involuntary Displacement and Resettlement in India
Authors: Sharma R.N.
Published: January 2011

Among several issues that Indian society confronts today, involuntary displacement of people by government due to taking away of their agricultural lands and other assets (homestead etc.) for development projects—both in public or private sectors—has emerged as one of the highly debated and disputed issue. Several of these development projects have faced stiff resistance and even violent agitations against the appropriation of affected people’s assets under the compulsive Land Acquisition Act, 1894. In the earlier decades (since India’s independence in 1947), government succeeded in acquiring vast lands from people for creating such infrastructure, irrigation, mining and heavy industry projects, mostly in the public sector, due to people’s ignorance of their rights, and also their faith in the political system. However, with the growing intensity of involuntary displacement and eroding ‘public interest’ in pushing industrial/mining projects by government, the affected people and civil society groups started challenging the ‘eminent domain’ used by a sovereign state in imposing developmentalism, without restoring meagre sources of sustenance of the affected people. This is now more relevant in the context of market-driven Indian economy, where government’s decision of approving over 400 ‘special economic zones’ (SEZs) has resulted in direct confrontation between the ‘shining India’ and highly vulnerable agrarian communities.

The present article presents a critique of over five decades of such involuntary displacement in India with its possible fallout on the role of state for ‘public cause’.
Do Socio-economic Development and Improvement of Health Go Together?
Authors: Som Suparna , Pal Manoranjan , Bharati Premananda
Published: January 2011

Socio-economic development in a country is very much linked with the improvement of overall status of health of the people in the country. The causality works both ways. However, the degree of relations between the two varies over region and time. This article is an attempt to show how health status is linked with the socio-economic status in different states of India. The health status is seen only for children and women and the data are taken from National Family Health Surveys (NFHS-2 and NFHS-3). For other development parameters National Sample Survey (NSS) data are used. The socio-economic variables taken for this purpose are head count ratio, real mean consumption, sex ratio, literacy level and infant mortality rate whereas the health variables are mainly the morbidity parameters like acute respiratory infection, diarrhoea, anaemia and low nutritional status.

The results show that a decrease in the incidence of disease is directly associated with an increase in the socio-economic development, at least in the southern states. In addition to calculating the correlations between pairwise variables, we have found the rank correlation between the average of ranks of socio-economic variables and of health variables. We have also found the canonical correlations between the two sets of variables. The two correlations agreed very well. This was done separately for rural and urban sectors.
Empowerment of Women
Authors: Singh Manju
Published: January 2011

Technology empowerment of rural women is identified as a crucial element to ease out their work stress, reduce drudgeries and to improve productivity. In developing countries, technology development and training programmes have not been responsive to household drudgery associated with different production activities undertaken by women. Hence, rural women’s needs for technology that improves their productivity while reducing drudgery must be recognised. Present article attempts to highlight the need of effective Technology transfer for empowerment of rural women. In Section I of the article an overview is presented about empowerment, technology transfer and women’s work which is hidden and multitasked and having many misperceptions. Considering women’s different needs and widening gaps in rural technologies, this article affirms the critical need of technology transfer for enhancing and widening the process of technology diffusion in rural India. The focus of Section II is on the observations of an extensive study carried out to identify the gaps in technological transfer process in Andhra Pradesh and suggests definite pointers to develop appropriate technologies and transfer practices to ignite the process of women empowerment and social equity in India.
Alternative Visions of the Indigenous People’s Movement in Latin America
Authors: Bruckmann Monica
Published: January 2011

This article analyses the civilisational content of contemporary indigenous movement in Latin America. From a profound critique of Eurocentrism, this social movement builds on its rich historical roots and ancient civilisations to project themselves as a regional movement with a universal reach. The indigenous movement in Latin America has evolved from being a resistance movement to become a movement that challenges governments and political power in several countries of the region. Whilst developing a strategy for integration based on their acknowledgement of belonging to a historical, geographical and cultural unity, the Latin American indigenous movement has placed in the centre of the debate and political action, key issues that will redefine future political scenarios in the region.

Key elements of this shift include: the construction of ‘pluri-national’ states based on the principle of ‘unity in diversity’ as the centrepiece of the new democracy in the region, the recognition of indigenous civilisations as a source of knowledge, skills and identities for the construction of a collective future; consideration of life as a main principle for social and political action; recognition of the motherland or Pachamama as the fundamental source and the space where life happens. These new processes are producing profound changes in the Americas, which certainly will create better conditions for the emergence of a globally oriented civilisation, more balanced, equitable, inclusive and able to overcome the colonial mentality and its faulty power structures.
Synthesis and Characterization of Superparamagnetic Polyaniline Nanocomposites as Conductive Shields
Authors: Saboktakin Mohammad Reza , Maharramov Abel , Ramazanov Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2011

In situ polymerization of aniline was carried out of superparamagnetic (Fe3O4) nanoparticles to synthesize the middle molecular weight HCl-doped polyaniline/polyanitroaniline nanocomposites. The HCl-polyaniline/ polyanitroaniline/Fe3O4 nanocomposites have been synthesized with certain composition of Fe3O4 in the composite. Thus, the synthesized composites have been characterized by infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The morphology of these nanocomposites was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Further, the conductivity properties have been investigated in the frequency dependence of conductivity. The presence of polarons and bipolarons is made responsible for frequency dependence of conductivity. Cole—Cole plots indicate clear shift in the distribution of relaxation times as the wt% of Fe3O4 in the polymeric matrix changes. These nanocomposites show almost symmetric semicircles of Cole—Cole plots indicating the Debye-type relaxation in their polarization response.
Effect of Compressibility on Nonlinear Buckling of Simply Supported Polyurethane Spherical Shells Subjected to an Apical Load
Authors: Yildirim Bülent , Yükseler R. Faruk
Published: January 2011

In this study, the effect of compressibility on the nonlinear buckling of the simply supported polyurethane spherical shells subjected to an apical concentrated load is presented. The problem is strongly nonlinear both physically and geometrically. Since the closed form solution of the corresponding algebraical and differential equations is not possible, numerical methods are used unavoidably. The governing equations of the problem are converted to algebraical difference equations via the finite difference method and the obtained algebraical equations are solved numerically by using the Newton— Raphson method. Several numerical experiments corresponding to the various values of a thickness parameter, a depth parameter and a material constant related with the compressibility of polyurethane are performed and the force— apex deflection curves are drawn. Concluding remarks pertaining to the effect of the variation of the material constant related with the compressibility on the buckling loads and buckling deflections of the simply supported polyurethane spherical shells, subjected to an apical load, with various thicknesses and depths are presented.
Effect of Shearing on the Reinforcement Properties of Vital Wheat Gluten
Authors: Peterson Steven C. , Lei Jong
Published: January 2011

An aqueous dispersion of vital wheat gluten and styrenebutadiene rubber was subjected to high-shear mixing in an attempt to reduce the aggregate size and enhance filler—matrix interactions with the goal of improving contributions of the reinforcement to the overall composite properties. Composites were formulated using 10—40% vital wheat gluten by mixing aqueous suspensions of the gluten and rubber, then freeze-drying and compression molding the resulting composite. Rheological experiments indicated that vital wheat gluten reinforced the rubber up to a factor of roughly 30. Subjecting the gluten suspension to high shearing reduced the particle size from approximately 5.2—4.5 µm, and 16 min was the optimum shearing time since shearing the dispersions longer did not result in any additional size reduction. Composites with 10% vital wheat gluten have good potential in applications requiring high elasticity since they were equal to or better than the carbon black control in terms of Young’s modulus, percent elongation, and toughness. Isolated vital wheat gluten was studied in order to determine its relative merit as one of the two reinforcing components of wheat flour (the other being wheat starch), and vital wheat gluten’s reinforcing ability was a factor of 10 weaker than wheat flour, indicating that wheat starch is a much more effective biomaterial filler in terms of rigidity, but vital wheat gluten may be more suitable for applications requiring more elasticity.
Parenting and Family Support in Japan for 6- to 8-year-old Children Weighing under 1000 Grams at Birth
Authors: Itoigawa N. , Minami T. , Kondo-Ikemura K. , Tachibana H. , Kanazawa T. , Shimizu S. , Kamada J. , Tanabe H.
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this study was to explore the variables related to paternal involvement in the caregiving of 6- to 8-year-old extremely low-birthweight (ELBW) children, specifically, sociodemographic factors related to the family or individual biological factors related to ELBW. Thirty-three children with a mean birthweight of 845.5 grams and a mean gestational age of 27.4 weeks participated in this research. Approximately 29% of their fathers were classified by the mothers as nonco-operative in overall child care. The paternal involvement in caregiving was related to the sociodemographic variables of the family; the co-operative fathers were proportionally more often from families where the child had no older female sibling(s) and/or grandparent(s), whereas the nonco-operative fathers were proportionally more often from families where the child had older female sibling(s) and/or grandparent(s). The individual perinatal risk variables and IQ, and the paternal variables (age, socioeconomic status) were not related to the paternal co-operativeness. Our sample mothers seemed to have raised their children in more difficult parenting and economic situations, and to have received proportionally more support from grandparent(s) than did typical Japanese mothers. The children's relationships with peers differed between the paternal co-operative and nonco-operative groups; there were proportionally more children from the nonco-operative group who preferred to play alone than to play with peer(s) at the ages of 3-5 years. Thus, scarce paternal involvement in the process of caregiving appeared to influence the children's sociability.
The Course of Intellectual Development in Preterm and Fullterm Children: An 8-year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kalmár Magda
Published: January 2011

A total of 55 preterm children born at low to moderate risk and a comparison group of 100 healthy fullterm children were studied until they reached 8 years of age. Perinatal biomedical data and environmental data were considered as potential contributors to developmental outcome. The Budapest Binet intelligence quotients (IQs) were used as outcome measures. The mean IQs for both groups fell within the normal range at each measurement point. However, the differential patterns of IQ development in the preterm and term group underscore the significance of the age variable. Instead of a gradually declining impact of prematurity, the age effect resulted in a complex pattern. The considerable intra-group variability within the preterm group and the correlates of outcome suggest that biological hazards related to birth may have subtle long-term influences. Variables tapping the quality of home environment, however, clearly outweighed the perinatal risk factors in their ability to predict long-term outcomes. The results suggest a transaction between the two spheres of contributing factors. Long-term follow-up studies with multiple measurement points are essential if we are to understand the developmental implications of premature birth.
Developmental Evaluation of Very-low-birthweight Infants: Longitudinal and Cross-sectional Studies
Authors: Rieck Miriam , Arad Ilan , Netzer Dvorah
Published: January 2011

The cognitive development of 83 children of very-low-birthweight (VLBW; birthweight - 1500 grams), ages three to seven years, was evaluated in longitudinal and cross-sectional studies on the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities. In the longitudinal study, head circumference had the strongest association with cognitive scores. Other factors related to cognitive scores included neurological complications during hospitalisation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the child's age at the present investigation, and mother's level of education. In the cross-sectional study, the VLBW children were compared with control groups of children from middle class families (MC) and lower class families (LC). The VLBW group scored significantly lower than the MC group on all the McCarthy scales, but did not differ from the LC group. When level of mother's education was partialled out, group differences remained significant, except for the perceptual-performance scale. Evaluation of the increase in VLBW children's raw scores on the subtests, from age three to seven, demonstrated that VLBW advanced significantly less than the MC children in Word Knowledge, Conceptual Grouping, and Numerical Memory Backwards. Furthermore, the gap between the scores of VLBW and MC children increased over time. These results demonstrate that VLBW children with normal levels of IQ score significantly lower than the MC group on many cognitive tasks, and that on some of these the gap increased over age.
The Impact of Low-risk Prematurity on Maternal Behaviour and Toddler Outcomes
Authors: Barratt Marguerite Stevenson , Roach Mary A. , Leavitt Lewis A.
Published: January 2011

This short-term longitudinal research project was designed to compare the maternal behaviour of mothers whose toddlers had been born preterm with the maternal behaviour of mothers whose toddlers had been born at term; the outcomes for the toddlers were also assessed. Twenty-one toddlers who had been born preterm with low medical risk (1460-2420 grams) were compared with 21 term toddlers who were matched in terms of social class. The heightened maternal responsiveness that had been observed during the first year with preterm infants had disappeared by 12 months, and by 20 months it was the mothers whose infants had been born at term who were more vocally responsive. During the second year, the mothers of preterm toddlers were characterised by more maternal control behaviour than were the mothers of term toddlers. Assessments of cognitive and language performance at the gestationally corrected ages of 12 and 20 months did not differentiate the toddlers who had been born preterm and term. In terms of play skills, reflected during interaction with their mothers at 12 and 20 months, the preterm toddlers were more actively involved than were the term toddlers. Despite the successful adjustment of these low-risk preterm toddlers, maternal behaviour was affected by the circumstances of preterm birth, even after 20 months.
Behavioural Responses of Children to Stress: A Polish-American Cross-cultural Study
Authors: Chandler Louis A. , Maurer Alicja M.
Published: January 2011

The behaviour a child adopts in response to stress may be viewed on a continuum ranging from adaptive, effective coping behaviours to extreme maladaptive efforts to meet stressful demands. In order to assess children's behavioural responses to stress, a behaviour rating scale was developed-the Stress Response Scale (SRS). The purpose of this study was to gather SRS data on a population of Polish children, so that we might examine differences between them and their US counterparts, in terms of their overall rated adjustment, and the typical behavioural responses to stress they might manifest. The results showed that, in general, Polish children tend to be rated by their teachers as somewhat higher than their US counterparts, in terms of the overall magnitude of their behavioural maladjustment. This is especially true for children aged 7 to 12 years. However, although the overall level of maladjustment was higher among the Polish children, the samples were similar in terms of the specific stress response patterns with relatively similar distributions of Acting-out, Passive-Aggressive, Overactive, Repressed, and Dependent patterns being found in both samples.
The Differentiation of Coping Traits in Adolescence
Authors: Kavsěk Michael J. , Seiffge-Krenke Inge
Published: January 2011

The present study investigates the process of coping with daily problems during adolescence. Coping is conceptualised as a trait-like construct and, as such, is seen as being stable over time. This assumption is tested by constructing coping factors for two different age groups of adolescents (11- to 16 year-olds vs. 17- to 19-year-olds). According to the results, the younger subjects use approach and avoidance coping factors. However, for the older adolescents, the approach dimension is differentiated into behavioural and cognitive components, whereas the avoidance dimension remains the same. The results also indicate that the girls in both age groups have significantly higher values in approach-oriented coping than boys.
Early Loading After Single‐Stage Bone‐Anchored Implantation in Adults
Authors: Zeitler Daniel M. , Snapp Hillary A. , Angeli Simon , Herman Bjorn S. , Plum Ann W. , Telischi Fred F.
Published: January 2011

Objective

Classically, processor loading after single‐stage bone‐anchored implantation (BAI) surgery follows a 3‐month osseointegration period. The purpose of this study was to examine audiometric outcomes and postoperative complications in adult patients undergoing single‐stage BAI with processor loading at less than 6 weeks postoperatively.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Otology clinic in a tertiary care academic center.

Subjects and Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all adult patients (>18 years) undergoing BAI from 2007 to 2010. Sixty‐four patients met inclusion criteria. Fifty‐five patients had unilateral hearing loss, including single‐sided deafness, conductive hearing loss, or mixed hearing loss. Nine patients had bilateral hearing loss. Patients were divided into groups based on time to processor loading (>12 weeks, <12 weeks, <6 weeks). All patients were loaded with the external processor at less than 6 weeks when possible. Preoperative and postoperative audiometric evaluations were performed.

Results

There were no cases of osseointegration failure. All groups showed significant improvement in audiometric testing using their BAI (P <. 005), and there were no significant differences between patients loaded at less than 12 weeks and those loaded at less than 6 weeks (P >. 05). Major skin complications were seen in 9% of subjects and minor complications in 30%.

Conclusions

Single‐stage BAI implantation with early processor loading is safe and effective in adults. All groups demonstrated significant audiometric benefit that was not affected in patients loaded early. Major and minor skin‐site complications frequently delayed processor loading, but there were no cases of osseointegration failure in any group.
Comparative Study Between Primary Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula and Late Traumatic Fistula
Authors: Giannetti Alexandre Varella , de Morais Silva Santiago Ana Paula , Becker Helena Maria Gonçalves , Guimarães Roberto Eustáquio Santos
Published: January 2011

Objective

To compare primary spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid fistula (PSF) and late traumatic fistula (LTF).

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

There were 26 patients with PSF in group 1 and 23 patients with LTF in group 2. Gender, age, location of the osteomeningeal breach, time between symptom onset and surgical treatment, number of episodes of meningitis, and density of the incidence of meningitis were compared. Two factors related to chance of curing the fistula were analyzed: etiological type and fistula location.

Results

In group 1, 92% of patients were women (mean age 50 years). In group 2, 74% were men (mean age 22 years). PSF predominated in the sphenoid sinus (60%), whereas LTF occurred mainly in the ethmoidal (33%) and frontal (28%) sinuses. Time between presentation and surgical treatment was 28.9 ± 50.2 and 12.4 ± 15.5 months in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P =. 166). There were 0.6 and 1.3 episodes of meningitis per patient in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P =. 038). Density of the incidence of meningitis was 0.1 and 0.2 events per patient‐month, respectively (P =. 016). The 4 not‐cured patients had sphenoid lesions and were from the PSF group.

Conclusions

Female sex, middle age, and sphenoidal fistula were prevalent in patients with PSF. Patients with LTF were twice as likely to develop meningitis, and male sex, young age, and leaks through the frontal and ethmoidal region were more common in this case. Osteomeningeal breach located in the sphenoid sinus had a lower chance of sealing.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography for Midline Neck Masses in Children
Authors: Sidell Douglas R. , Shapiro Nina L.
Published: January 2011

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and to assess the utility of preoperative ultrasonography in the pediatric patient with a midline neck mass.

Study Design

Diagnostic test study.

Setting

Tertiary care university hospital.

Subjects and Methods

An institutional review board (UCLA Office of the Human Research Protection Program)–approved retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing excision of a midline neck mass between 1999 and 2010 at a tertiary care institution was performed. The preoperative imaging modality, imaging diagnosis, and pathologic results were evaluated.

Results

Forty patients were included in this review. This study failed to demonstrate an association between preoperative ultrasound‐based diagnoses and postoperative pathologic results (P >. 99).

Conclusion

Ultrasonography is commonly used in the workup of a midline neck mass in the pediatric population. Despite the utility of preoperative ultrasonography, the diagnostic accuracy of this imaging modality may have significant limitations.
Laryngotracheoplasty to Avoid Tracheostomy in Neonatal and Infant Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: O’Connor Tony E. , Bilish Darin , Choy David , Vijayasekaran Shyan
Published: January 2011

Objective

To outline the authors’ experiences with performing laryngotracheoplasty as an alternative to tracheostomy in neonates and infants with symptomatic subglottic stenosis (SGS).

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

A tertiary referral pediatric hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Patients younger than 12 months undergoing single‐stage laryngotracheoplasty for SGS at the authors’ institution over a 3‐year period.

Results

Ten patients (8 boys and 2 girls) underwent single‐stage laryngotracheoplasty during the study period. There were 9 cases of acquired SGS and 1 case of congenital SGS. Eight patients had grade III SGS, and 2 patients had grade II SGS. In 9 of 10 patients, the procedure performed was an anterior cricoid split (ACS) and posterior cricoid split (PCS), with the placement of an anterior thyroid ala cartilage graft. One patient underwent ACS and PCS with the placement of a posterior rib cartilage graft, in combination with a right vocal cord lateralization. The mean period of intubation after surgery was 6.8 days (range, 5‐9 days). Nine of 10 patients had a complete resolution of their airway symptoms following airway surgery, with a mean duration of follow‐up of 305 days (range, 30‐780 days). One patient required the placement of a tracheostomy tube 69 days postoperatively due to a failure to wean from ventilation in the setting of multiple comorbidities.

Conclusion

Laryngotracheoplasty is a safe and effective alternative to long‐term tracheostomy in infants and neonates with symptomatic SGS.
Auditory Function After Application of Ototopical Vancomycin and Mupirocin Solutions in a Murine Model
Authors: Rutherford Kimberley D. , Kavanagh Katherine , Parham Kourosh
Published: January 2011

Objective

To determine whether mupirocin (440 µg/mL) and vancomycin otic drops (25 mg/mL) show evidence of ototoxicity in CBA/J mice immediately following a 7‐day course of daily intratympanic (IT) injections and 1 month following treatment.

Study Design

Nonrandomized controlled trial.

Setting

Academic hospital laboratory.

Subjects

Twenty CBA/J mice.

Results

Mean auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds increased in all drug‐ and saline‐treated ears immediately after 7 days of IT injections but returned to baseline for most stimulus frequencies by 30 days later. This finding appeared to be correlated with the presence and subsequent resolution of tympanic membrane (TM) perforations and granulation tissue at the injection sites. Mupirocin‐treated ears showed no significant difference in ABR thresholds compared to saline‐treated ears. No significant differences were noted between vancomycin‐ and saline‐treated ears, but there was a significant interaction between testing day and stimulus frequency (P <. 001). Further analysis revealed that ABR thresholds at 32 kHz remained significantly elevated in vancomycin‐treated mice despite the resolution of TM perforations and granulation tissue 30 days after completion of IT injections (95% confidence interval, −13.5 to −5.5, P <. 01).

Conclusion

Although IT application of mupirocin solution (440 µg/mL) caused no significant change in the ABR thresholds in a murine model, vancomycin solution (25 mg/mL) resulted in high‐frequency threshold elevations in both the ear directly injected and the contralateral ear. Mupirocin solution may be beneficial in managing otitis externa and media caused by resistant pathogens. Further studies of ototopical vancomycin are needed to define parameters governing its safe use.
Traumatic Airway Management in Operation Iraqi Freedom
Authors: Brennan Joseph , Gibbons Mark D. , Lopez Manuel , Hayes David , Faulkner Jeffrey , Eller Robert L. , Barton Chester
Published: January 2011

Objectives

To examine the role of head and neck surgeons in traumatic airway management in Operation Iraqi Freedom and to understand the lessons learned in traumatic airway management to include a simple airway triage classification that will guide surgical management.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Air Force Theater Hospital at Balad Air Base, Iraq.

Subjects and Methods

The traumatic airway experience of 6 otolaryngologists/head and neck surgeons deployed over a 30‐month period in Iraq was retrospectively reviewed.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐six patients presented with airway compromise necessitating either intubation or placement of a surgical airway over the 30‐month timeframe. Penetrating face trauma (46%) and penetrating neck trauma (31%) were the most common mechanisms of injury necessitating airway control. The traumatic airways performed include 183 tracheotomies, 3 cricothyroidotomies, 9 complicated intubations, and 1 stoma placement. Red or emergent airways were performed in 10% of patients, yellow or delayed airways in 58% of patients, and green or elective airways in 32% of patients. Lastly, surgical repair of the laryngotracheal complex was performed in 25 patients with 16 thyroid cartilage repairs, 4 cricoid repairs, and 8 tracheal repairs.

Conclusions

The role of the deployed otolaryngologist in traumatic airway management was crucial. Potentially lifesaving airways (red/yellow airways) were placed in 68% of the patients. The authors’ recommended treatment classification should optimize future traumatic airway management by stratifying traumatic airways into red (airway less than 5 minutes), yellow (airway less than 12 hours), or green categories (airway greater than 12 hours).
Extracts from The Cochrane Library
Authors: Burton Martin J. , Krouse John H. , Rosenfeld Richard M.
Published: January 2011

The “Cochrane Corner” is a quarterly section in the Journal that highlights systematic reviews relevant to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, with invited commentary to aid clinical decision making. This installment features an updated Cochrane Review titled “Sublingual Immunotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis,” which strengthens conclusions of the original 2003 review that sublingual immunotherapy is a safe and effective treatment strategy.
Dynamics of Trust in Medical Decision Making
Authors: White Mathew P. , Cohrs J. Christopher , Göritz Anja S.
Published: January 2011

Background: Patient trust in medical decision makers is a crucial facilitator of effective health care. Greater patient involvement in decision making requires improved understanding of how such trust is built, maintained, and lost in medical contexts. Objective: The study investigates how trust in clinicians is affected by the 4 main diagnostic outcomes proposed by signal detection theory: true positives, true negatives, false positives, and false negatives. Cognitive appraisals of, and affective reactions to, the decisions were measured to investigate the psychological mechanisms underpinning effects on trust. Design: Members of an Internet research panel ( N = 1162) participated in a between-participant experimental study using hypothetical cancer diagnosis scenarios. Results: Overall, correct diagnoses bolstered trust as much as incorrect ones undermined it. Consistent with recent findings in other decision-making domains, trust was not as precarious as generally believed. The influence of decisions and outcomes on trust was mediated through cognitive assessments and affective responses in line with current appraisal theories in psychology. Prior levels of trust in clinicians affected sympathy for doctors, highlighting the role that trust plays in responding to new information. Conclusions: Trust in (hypothetical) clinicians is sensitive to information about their past diagnostic performance. Greater understanding of the cognitive and affective mechanisms by which this occurs may help maintain current high levels of trust. Further research is needed to examine whether findings generalize to real medical decision-making contexts. Clinicians may want to consider the impact their diagnoses have on trust alongside medical and financial considerations.
When What You See Is What You Get
Authors: Gervais Sarah J. , Vescio Theresa K. , Allen Jill
Published: January 2011

This research examined the effects of the objectifying gaze on math performance, interaction motivation, body surveillance, body shame, and body dissatisfaction. In an experiment, undergraduate participants (67 women and 83 men) received an objectifying gaze during an interaction with a trained confederate of the other sex. As hypothesized, the objectifying gaze caused decrements in women’s math performance but not men’s. Interestingly, the objectifying gaze also increased women’s, but not men’s, motivation to engage in subsequent interactions with their partner. Finally, the objectifying gaze did not influence body surveillance, body shame, or body dissatisfaction for women or men. One explanation for the math performance and interaction motivation findings is stereotype threat. To the degree that the objectifying gaze arouses stereotype threat, math performance may decrease because it conveys that women’s looks are valued over their other qualities. Furthermore, interaction motivation may increase because stereotype threat arouses belonging uncertainty or concerns about social connections. As a result, the objectifying gaze may trigger a vicious cycle in which women underperform but continue to interact with the people who led them to underperform in the first place. Implications for long-term consequences of the objectifying gaze and directions for future research are discussed.
Bilateral In Utero Cerebellar Infarction
Authors: Ansari Safdar A. , Hunter Jill V. , Nassif Lisa M. , Clark Gary D. , Ramocki Melissa B.
Published: January 2011

We report a case of complete bilateral cerebellar infarction diagnosed in utero by routine prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in a 26-week-old fetus. This posterior fossa ischemic stroke with secondary hemorrhage caused transient obstructive hydrocephalus and likely occurred subsequent to vertebrobasilar artery thrombosis. Such posterior fossa ischemic insults diagnosed in utero are rare with scarce clinical reports. The serial imaging characteristics, clinical, and developmental implications of this case are reviewed.
Employee value 2.0
Authors: van den Burg Ieke
Published: January 2011

FNV executive member in the 1990s, Member of the European Parliament, 1999-2009 and currently a supervisory board member nominated by the works council in a Dutch AEX listed company as well as of APG, one of the largest pension fund asset managers worldwide. Member of the Dutch Corporate Governance Monitoring Committee. With her Board compensation fees she established the Foundation A PROPOS to promote employee influence on strategic boardroom decision making.
European pension funds and socially responsible investment
Authors: Vitols Sigurt
Published: January 2011

The concept of socially responsible investment (SRI), which states that pension funds should not only get a good return on their investment but also use their influence over companies to increase social and economic welfare, has gained ground in the past decade. This article provides an overview of European pension funds and SRI, focusing on the implications for trade unions. It describes the European pension fund landscape, surveys national and international SRI initiatives and looks at SRI policies among the largest European pension funds. For trade unions, the current state of SRI raises important questions: (i) how can the monitoring of company behaviour be improved, particularly in areas of core concern for trade unions and their members; (ii) how can SRI ‘best practice’ be diffused to more pension funds and to other types of financial investors; and (iii) to what extent is there a conflict between SRI and maximizing financial returns and, if there is a conflict, how can this conflict be resolved? The article discusses these problems and possible solutions.
Capital stewardship in the United States: worker voice and the union role in the management of pension fund assets
Authors: Beeferman Larry W
Published: January 2011

This article describes US unions’ efforts at capital stewardship, that is, the investment and management of the assets accumulated in pension and other retirement plans (frequently termed ‘workers’ or ‘labour’s capital’) — on behalf of plan participants and in the interest of workers more generally. It focuses particularly on the opportunities for direct worker voice in the governance and management of those assets through workers serving as trustees of the plans. The article explores the challenges these trustees face in navigating that role in addition to their possibly conflicting role as a union member or official. It details unions’ visions for capital stewardship and their efforts to integrate trustees’ activities within the broader range of union activities. Finally, it describes ways in which unions have collaborated in support of their trustees and to develop a cross-union capital stewardship agenda.
The stewardship of European workers’ capital in times of crisis
Authors: Habbard Pierre
Published: January 2011

The global financial and economic crisis has reinforced the need for a broader regulatory and policy approach to responsible investment. This article looks at the interplay between pension policy and responsible investment practices which, it is argued, has been made more complicated and uncertain as a result of the crisis. The article looks first at the impact of the crisis on pension funds, the regulatory measures taken by regulators in reaction and the changing political economy of reform across Europe as a result of the crisis. From there the article outlines the broad features of a trade union perspective on pension fund responsible investment — known as workers’ capital strategies — and focuses on the post-crisis regulatory discussion in Europe on corporate governance and shareholder activism. The article concludes on the need for a comprehensive approach to responsible investment including by making the link with benefit security and solvency regulations.
The Role of Brothels in Reducing HIV Risk in Sonagachi, India
Authors: Ghose Toorjo , Swendeman Dallas T. , George Sheba M.
Published: January 2011

High rates of empowerment, HIV-related knowledge, and condom use among sex workers in Sonagachi, India have been attributed to a community-led intervention called the Sonagachi HIV/AIDS Intervention Program (SHIP). In this research we examined the crucial role of brothels in the success of the intervention. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 55 participants of SHIP. The results indicate that brothels help sex workers reduce HIV risk by (a) serving as targeted sites for SHIP’s HIV intervention efforts, (b) being operated by madams (women managers of brothels) who participate in SHIP’s intervention efforts and promote healthy regimes, (c) structuring the economic transactions and sexual performances related to sex work, thus standardizing sex-related behavior, and (d) promoting community empowerment among brothel residents. Implications of these results are discussed for future efforts to replicate SHIP’s success in other sex work communities.
Questionnaire of Executive Function for Dancers
Authors: Wong Alina , Rodríguez Mabel , Quevedo Liliana , Fernández de Cossío Lourdes , Borges Ariel , Reyes Alicia , Corral Roberto , Blanco Florentino , Alvarez Miguel
Published: January 2011

There is a current debate about the ecological validity of executive function (EF) tests. Consistent with the verisimilitude approach, this research proposes the Ballet Executive Scale (BES), a self-rating questionnaire that assimilates idiosyncratic executive behaviors of classical dance community. The BES was administrated to 149 adolescents, students of the Cuban Ballet School. Results present a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .80 and a split-half Spearman–Brown coefficient rSB = .81. An exploratory factor analysis describes a bifactorial pattern of EF dimensions, with a Self-Regulation component, which explains more than 40% of variance, and a Developmental component, which accounts for more than 20% of variance. The questionnaire’s total scores fit linear regression models with two external criteria of academic records, confirming concurrent validity. These findings support the hypothesis that the internalization of specific contextual cultural meanings has a mediating influence in the development of EF.
Neurobehavioral Effects of Acute Exposure to Normal (n-) Paraffins
Authors: Lammers J. H. C. M. , Muijser H. , Owen D. E. , Kulig B.M. , McKee R. H.
Published: January 2011

This article reports the results of neurobehavioral tests on C5-C10 normal paraffinic constituents (n-paraffins). Shortly after exposure, effects were evaluated in several domains including clinical effects, motor activity, functional observations, and visual discrimination performance. The representative C5 n-paraffin, n-pentane, did not produce any evidence of acute central nervous system (CNS) effects at levels up to 20 000 mg/m3. Similarly, there was no compelling evidence that n-octane (C8) produced CNS effects at 14 000 mg/m3, the highest concentration tested. n-decane (C10) produced minor, reversible acute CNS effects at 5000 mg/m3, with 1500 mg/m3 as the no-effect level. Consistent with literature data, there seemed to be a relationship between increasing molecular weight up to C10 and acute CNS effects. However, the CNS effects were reversible. Repeated exposures did not provide evidence of metabolic induction.
Space Toxicology
Authors: Khan-Mayberry Noreen , James John T. , Tyl Rochelle , Lam Chiu-wing
Published: January 2011

Space toxicology is a unique and targeted discipline for spaceflight, space habitation, and occupation of celestial bodies including planets, moons, and asteroids. Astronaut explorers face distinctive health challenges and limited resources for rescue and medical care during space operation. A central goal of space toxicology is to protect the health of the astronaut by assessing potential chemical exposures during spaceflight and setting safe limits that will protect the astronaut against chemical exposures while in a physiologically altered state. In order to maintain sustained occupation in space on the International Space Station (ISS), toxicological risks must be assessed and managed within the context of isolation, continuous exposures, reuse of air and water, limited rescue options, and the need to use highly toxic compounds for propulsion and other purposes. As we begin to explore other celestial bodies, in situ toxicological risks, such as inhalation of reactive mineral dusts, must also be managed.
Building Environmental Assessment Schemes for Rating of IAQ in Sustainable Buildings
Authors: Yu Chuck W. F. , Jeong Tai Kim
Published: January 2011

This paper provides a review of the building environmental schemes for rating of indoor air quality which could have an important impact on health and wellbeing of occupants in sustainable homes and buildings. The majority of the building environmental assessment schemes introduced in different countries of the world are based on the BREEAM and LEED model. BREEAM has a major emphasis on energy efficiency whereas ‘‘Indoor Environmental Quality’’ and ‘‘Health and Wellbeing’’ are the most central issues for LEED. The criteria included in BREEAM, LEED and HK BEAM rating systems for assessment of indoor air quality (IAQ) are illustrated. There should be an IAQ management plan for any housing or building development, which should include a certification of the IAQ of the living spaces prior to occupancy and that low emitting materials should be used in the new build. There should also be an ongoing maintenance of the ventilation and HVAC system for the building and this should be part of an IAQ management plan for the building operation and maintenance.
Initial Experience with Topical Fluorouracil for Treatment of HIV-Associated Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Snyder Sean M. , Siekas Lacey , Aboulafia David M.
Published: January 2011

Exposure to high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) promotes cellular dysplasia of the anal canal epithelium, potentially leading to anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), which is in turn a precursor to invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA). People with HIV infection who engage in anoreceptive intercourse are at heightened risk for acquiring HPV, AIN, and SCCA. Although intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is commonly used for treatment of invasive SCCA, there has been little experience with the use of topical 5-FU as therapy for AIN. We retrospectively reviewed records of the first 11 HIV-positive patients treated with topical 5-FU in our anal dysplasia clinic. Six (55%) patients had clinical improvement with reduction in area of dysplasia seen on high-resolution anoscopy (HRA). Three (27%) patients had improvement in AIN pathologic grade. Eight (73%) patients reported mild-to-moderate perianal irritation, which led six to reduce the frequency of 5-FU application. Further study of topical 5-FU for treatment of HIV-associated AIN is warranted.
ICRS Recommendation Document
Authors: Roos Ewa M. , Engelhart Luella , Ranstam Jonas , Anderson Allen F. , Irrgang Jay J. , Marx Robert G. , Tegner Yelverton , Davis Aileen M.
Published: January 2011

Objective:

The purpose of this article is to describe and recommend patient-reported outcome instruments for use in patients with articular cartilage lesions undergoing cartilage repair interventions.

Methods:

Nonsystematic literature search identifying measures addressing pain and function evaluated for validity and psychometric properties in patients with articular cartilage lesions.

Results:

The knee-specific instruments, titled the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis and Outcome Score, both fulfill the basic requirements for reliability, validity, and responsiveness in cartilage repair patients. A major difference between them is that the former results in a single score and the latter results in 5 subscores. A single score is preferred for simplicity’s sake, whereas subscores allow for evaluation of separate constructs at all levels according to the International Classification of Functioning.

Conclusions:

Because there is no obvious superiority of either instrument at this time, both outcome measures are recommended for use in cartilage repair. Rescaling of the Lysholm Scoring Scale has been suggested, and confirmatory longitudinal studies are needed prior to recommending this scale for use in cartilage repair. Inclusion of a generic measure is feasible in cartilage repair studies and allows analysis of health-related quality of life and health economic outcomes. The Marx or Tegner Activity Rating Scales are feasible and have been evaluated in patients with knee injuries. However, activity measures require age and sex adjustment, and data are lacking in people with cartilage repair.
Fetal Anasarca
Authors: Having Karen , Bullock Stephani
Published: January 2011

Fetal anasarca, defined by the presence of generalized subcutaneous edema measuring >5 mm tissue thickness, is a rare sonographic finding associated with end-stage hydrops fetalis and impending fetal death.This literature review describes the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for both immune and nonimmune hydrops fetalis. Medical technology and treatment have favorably affected fetal mortality associated with hydrops fetalis. Sonography is a noninvasive procedure that is heavily used in the management of hydrops fetalis. Sonographic guidance is equally important in the diagnosis and treatment. Sonographer recognition of early signs that may precipitate fetal anasarca is vital to continued favorable maternofetal outcome.