bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavior of Gaseous Microemboli in Extracorporeal Circuits: Air versus Co2
Authors: Martens S. , Dietrich M. , Doss M. , Deschka H. , Keller H. , Moritz A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Open heart surgery is associated with serious risk of cerebral and peripheral organ dysfunction, attributed in part to air microbubbles generated in or not eliminated from the extracorporeal circuit (ECC). Venous air leakage leads to increased arterial bubble load. CO2 replacing air in cardiac chambers show faster resorption times, reducing possible cerebral or peripheral organ damage after heart valve interventions. In two models of ECC the effect of air entering closed circuits was demonstrated and compared to the effect of CO2 entry.

Methods

Fragmentation and dissolution of gas (0.5 mL) was evaluated in an in vitro model of ECC, using ultrasonic bubble detection. Air leakage (10 mL) in the venous line of the ECC was simulated and compared to the effect of the same quantity of CO2 entering the circuit. Both models used whole blood priming and physiological conditions, verified with blood gas analyses.

Results

Fragmentation and dissolution of gas bubbles injected into a closed ECC could be demonstrated, complete resorption of CO2 bubbles was observed earlier than complete resorption of room air (5.0±0.6 vs. 14.4±5.9 min, p=0.0009). CO2 entering the venous line lead to 40% less arterial bubble load as compared to the same amount of room air entering the circuit (2099±991 vs. 3555±632, p=0.005).

Conclusions

Current ECC systems fail to eliminate gas entering the circuit, leading rather to microbubble dispersion. CO2 is much faster resorbed within the circuit than room air. In open heart surgery as valvular operations, CO2 insufflation into the operative field is protective, as we have demonstrated in our models.
Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Morales D.L.S. , Gunter K.S. , Fraser C.D.
Published: January 2018

Over the past two decades clinicians and researchers have sought to bring mechanical circulatory support (MCS) to pediatric patients with heart failure. ECMO, IABPs, and VADs have all been used in infants and children as a bridge to myocardial recovery or as a bridge to transplant. However, until recently, a commitment by industry, government, and researchers towards the development of pediatric MCS has not been present, especially in the United States. Advancements in adult VAD design to smaller, quieter, and fully implantable pumps capable of complete outpatient support have sparked curiosity in the application of this technology to children. Also, the increasing success of palliating congenital heart disease is creating an ever-growing cohort of children and adolescents with heart failure. These changing demographics and technological advances have caused a refocus of attention. This is most clearly demonstrated by the international use of several established MCS pediatric and neonatal systems, by the FDA's increasing proclivity to allow the use of international pediatric VADs in the USA, and by the recent National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute funding of several institutions to develop pediatric VADs. This review describes the different aspects of pediatric MCS including indications, the features of the various VADs, and their current application in children worldwide.
Confirmation of High Cytokine Clearance by Hemofiltration with a Cellulose Triacetate Membrane with Large Pores: An in vivo Study
Authors: Delanaye P. , Lambermont B. , Dogné J.-M. , Dubois B. , Ghuysen A. , Janssen N. , Desaive T. , Kolh P. , D'Orio V. , Krzesinski J.-M.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To confirm in vivo the hypothesis that hemofiltration with a large pore membrane can achieve significant cytokine clearance.

Method

We used a well-known animal model of endotoxinic shock (0.5 mg/kg of lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia Coli over a period of 30 mins). Six pigs were hemofiltrated for 3 hours with a large pore membrane (78 Å pore, 80 kDa cut off) (Sureflux FH 70, Nipro, Osaka, Japan). The ultrafiltration rate was 45 ml/kg/min. Samples were taken from arterial, venous line and in the ultrafiltrate at T120 and T240. We measured concentrations of interleukin 6, interleukin 10 and albumin.

Results

At T120 and T240, the IL-6 clearances were 22 ± 7 and 15 ± 3 ml/min, respectively. The IL-6 sieving coefficients were 0.97 and 0.7 at T120 and T240, respectively. At T120 and T240, the IL-10 clearances were 14 ± 4 and 10 ± 7 ml/min, respectively. The sieving coefficients were 0.63 and 0.45 at T120 and T240, respectively. The concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10 were the same at T0 and T240. At T60 and T240, the plasmatic albumin concentrations were 24 ± 4 g/L and 23 ± 4 g/L, respectively (p = 0.13).

Conclusions

In this animal model of endotoxinic shock, we confirm the high cytokine clearance observed when hemofiltration is applied to a large pore membrane. The loss of albumin seems negligible. The impact of such clearances on hemodynamic stability and survival remains to be proved.
Practice Pattern of Hemodialysis Vascular Access in Maiduguri, Nigeria
Authors: Nwankwo E.A. , Wudiri W.W. , Bassi A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Despite available evidence based recommendations and guidelines there are differences in the preferred type of vascular access in use in different localities and geographical regions. This one center study on the practice pattern of vascular access was carried out in Maiduguri, Nigeria covering a period of the first 5 years of renal care in the area.

Methods

We analysed the dialysis and hospital records of consecutive patients that received hemodialysis in the renal center during the period between January 2000 and December 2004. Data comprised patients' demographics, vascular access used, complications encountered during the treatment period. Clinical and laboratory features of the patients were also recorded and analysed.

Results

The study involved one hundred and seventy-nine patients (M:F=2:1) who suffered kidney failure whose cause was clinically determined to be mainly due to chronic glomerulonephritis, hypertension, obstructive nephropathy and interstitial nephritis. Majority presented as late referrals to the nephrologist. Overall 9 % of the study population used AVFs while 91 % used catheters inserted into the femoral or internal jugular veins.

Conclusion

The use of catheters for vascular access was the practice in the majority of the patients and this is possibly related to the poor survival of the patients on hemodialysis. Socioeconomic circumstances of the patients in turn largely influenced the rate of AVF use.
Weight Gains and Increased Blood Pressure in Outpatient Hemodialysis Patients Due to Change in Acid Dialysate Concentrate Supplier
Authors: Sandhu Eleanor , Crawford Colley , Davenport Andrew
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Sodium balance during hemodialysis is predominantly achieved by ultrafiltration. The additional effect of diffusional sodium losses and gains remains unclear. We recently changed our dialysate acid concentrate supplier, and although both concentrates were instructed to be diluted 1:44, we audited the practical effects of this change.

Methods

Review of electronic dialysis and laboratory records of patients attending a satellite dialysis center.

Results

91 adult hemodialysis patients, mean age 61.4 ± 1.7 years, 65% male, 52% diabetic, median dialysate sodium machine setting at 137 mmol/l (137–138), following change in acid dialysate patients dialyzed against a mean measured dialysate sodium of 4.8 (95%cCL 3.6–6.1) mmol/l higher than setting. After six weeks, pre-dialysis weight increased from 75.5 ± 1.9 kg to 76.6 ± 1.9 kg, p<0.001, with increased mean weight loss on dialysis from 2.38 ± 0.1% to 3.28 ± 0.13%, p<0.001, and increase in pre-dialysis mean arterial blood pressure from 91.2 ± 1.5 mm Hg to 95.4 ± 1.5 mm Hg, p<0.001. Post-dialysis serum sodium increased from 0 (–3 to +3) mmol/l to +3 (1 to 5.5) mmol/l compared to pre-dialysis value, p<0.001. Monthly symptomatic episodes of intradialytic hypotension fell from 69 to 46. After correcting the dialysate sodium setting, blood pressure and weight gains resolved over 4 weeks.

Conclusions

Changing dialysate acid concentrates, both labeled 1:44 dilution, led to the delivery of a higher dialysate sodium, resulting in weight gains, increased pre-dialysis blood pressure, but less symptomatic intradialytic hypotension. Following readjustment of volumetric dialysate mixing, excess weight gains and increased blood pressure resolved over 4 weeks, highlighting the importance of checking the delivered dialysate sodium following a change in dialysate acid concentrate.
Increment of Cerebral Blood Flow by LDL-Apheresis in Dialysis Patients with Arteriosclerosis Obliterans: A Pilot Study
Authors: Nakajima Fumitaka , Morimoto Satoshi , Yurugi Takatomi , Amari Yoshihumi , Kasuno Yuko , Fukui Masayoshi , Furumatsu Yoshiyuki , Kitamura Tetsuya
Published: January 2018

Objective

The prevalence of thrombotic cerebral infarction is higher in dialysis than in general patients. Changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) during low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-apheresis (LDL-A) in dialysis patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) were evaluated employing xenon-CT (Xe-CT) to investigate the possibility of CBF improvement.

Subjects and Methods

Xe-CT was performed before LDL-A in 4 dialysis patients with ASO (3 males and 1 female). LDL-A was then performed once a week 10 times. After the completion of LDL-A treatment, Xe-CT was performed again to observe changes in CBF.

Results

Before treatment, CBF in the 4 patients was lower than that in the general population in the same age group. After LDL-A treatment, CBF was improved. The improvement was observed in the cerebral cortex rather than the basal ganglia. The grade of improvement and improved cerebral region varied among the patients.

Conclusion

It was suggested that LDL-A may improve not only lower limb blood flow but also CBF. However, further investigation is necessary with regard to the influence of CBF improvement on the brain function and clinical application. The reported results need to be confirmed in larger studies.
The Influence of Bioglass Nanoparticles on the Biodegradation and Biocompatibility of Poly (3-Hydroxybutyrate) Scaffolds
Authors: Hajiali Hadi , Hosseinalipour Mohammad , Karbasi Saeed , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2018

Nanocomposite scaffolds have been developed in order to achieve better mechanical and physiological properties in bone tissue engineering applications. In this study, reinforced poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) composite scaffolds made with different weight ratios of nanobioglass (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt%) and various porosities (70, 80 and 90 wt% of NaCl) were prepared by the salt leaching process. The scaffolds were placed in a PBS solution and their weight loss was measured. The biocompatibility of samples was examined in vitro using the MG63 cell line by indirect test, cell proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays. Cell attachment on the surface of the scaffolds was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The biodegradation results showed that increasing the volume fraction of porosity and concentration of bioglass nanoparticles enhanced the weight loss of the scaffolds. The cell study demonstrated that a certain concentration of nanobioglass (7.5 wt%) in the scaffolds can significantly improve cell proliferation, inducing better osteoconductivity compared to that of the pure PHB scaffolds and controls. In addition, the SEM results showed high cell attachment on these samples. All these factors indicate that samples with 7.5 wt% nanobioglass are a promising scaffold for bone tissue engineering.
Late de Novo Aortic Regurgitation with the Jarvik 2000 Flowmaker® left ventricular assist device
Authors: Rossi Michele , Serraino Giuseppe Filiberto , Jiritano Federica , Renzulli Attilio
Published: January 2018

Introduction

There is a worldwide trend towards a more liberal use of ventricular assist devices (VADs) as a definitive treatment for patients in end-stage heart failure. This has also led to a new set of complications related to the prolonged interaction between the native heart and the device.

Methods

We report a case of, late, de novo aortic regurgitation (AR), leading to acute pulmonary edema in a 56-year-old man, 20 months after the implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), the Jarvik 2000 Flowmaker®, as destination therapy for end-stage heart failure.

Results

The Jarvik 2000 was working well at check up at level 3 of assistance, i.e. generating a flow between 3–5 l/min at 10,000 rpm. The only new finding was a moderate, de novo, AR at trans-thoracic echocardiogram (TTE). The patient was assisted in intensive care with inotropic and diuretic support and made a good recovery. He remains under close follow up in NYHA class II with the same level of mechanical assistance and a more intensive diuretic therapy.

Conclusions

This case shows how dramatic the onset of de novo AR in patients with LVAD can be. The AR occurred despite the presence of the ILS (intermittent low speed) that allows the opening of the native aortic valve for 8 seconds every 64 and should, theoretically, preserve the native aortic valve. To our knowledge, this is the first report of de novo AR in a patient with the Jarvik 2000 axial flow device.
Identifying the research process to analyse the adoption of the International Baccalaureate’s Diploma Programme in England
Authors: Outhwaite Deborah
Published: January 2018

This article analyses the flow-line around the methodology used inside an educational research process that was originally established to examine the expansion of the International Baccalaureate’s Diploma Programme (IBDP) in England. This article analyses the research question, then assesses the research focus, aims and objectives. The article then subsequently, briefly, critiques the research problem: how the expansion of the IBDP turned into a rapid decline of the qualification inside the post-16 state sector, so that the research process had to be amended. This article subsequently analyses the research problem that this generated: explaining the discussion of the flow-line, the reasons for the research method choice, and the chosen research paradigm and philosophy of critical realism. The research process analysed in this article comes from a completed Doctor of Education (EdD) which adhered to both the university’s and BERA’s (2011) ethical guidelines.
Preparation of PEEK/MWCNTs composites with excellent mechanical and tribological properties
Authors: Shang Yingshuang , Wu Xian , Liu Yifan , Jiang Zilong , Wang Zhaoyang , Jiang Zhenhua , Zhang Haibo
Published: January 2018

The high strength of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) indicates promising properties for industry applications to reduce frictional coefficient and improve mechanical properties, yet few researches have referred to its structural morphology on the thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of composites. In this work, three different lengths of MWCNTs were used to prepare polyether ether ketone (PEEK) composites and investigate the effect of structural morphology of MWCNTs on the thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of composites. Different lengths of MWCNTs endowed PEEK composites with different thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties. On thermal and mechanical properties, the incorporation of 10–30 μm length of MWCNTs increased more the effectiveness on the crystallization rate, showing a higher crystallization temperature and the best mechanical properties of the PEEK composites. On tribological properties, approximately 50 μm MWCNTs can effectively decrease adhesive wear, which is a benefit of forming a thin transfer film, thereby effectively decreasing the coefficient of friction and improving the wear resistance.
Structure–property relationship of carbon fibers derived from polyimide/polyacrylonitrile blends
Authors: Zhang Mengying , Liu Weiwei , Niu Hongqing , Wu Dezhen
Published: January 2018

A series of polyimide/polyacrylonitrile (PI/PAN) blend fibers with different PAN weight ratios were prepared through a two-step wet-spinning method and stabilization process and then were carbonized at 1500°C under high-purity nitrogen atmosphere, yielding in PI/PAN-derived carbon fibers. The effects of PAN content on the structures of the PI/PAN blend fibers were systematically investigated. The elemental composition, aggregation structure, carbon yields, and electrical properties of the PI/PAN-derived carbon fibers were also analyzed. The imidization degree and molecular orientation of the PI/PAN blend fibers increased first and then decreased with increasing PAN content, which directly affect the aggregation structures and properties of the corresponding PI/PAN-derived carbon fibers. As a consequence, the carbon fibers derived from PI/PAN-35% exhibited perfect graphite structure with a planar spacing d002 of 0.349 nm, high carbon content of 97.14%, and low electrical resistivity of 1.89 × 10−5 Ω·m, attributing to the high degree of orientation along the fiber axis and low value of φa/ φc in the PI/PAN blend fibers.
Flow field design and experimental study of electrochemical machining using thin hollow cathodes
Authors: Yao Jun , Chen Zhi-Tong , Nie Yu-Jun , Wang Feng
Published: January 2018

In order to pursue excellent performance, especially in aerospace and weapon equipment industry, components with complex structure made of difficult-to-cut material (stainless steel, titanium alloy, high-temperature alloy etc.) are more and more applied. From the rough to the finished product, the material removal rate (ranging from 10% to 90%) may be large, the machining efficiency and material utilization are low, and the machining cost would be high using traditional milling or grinding method. One kind of thin hollow cathode having high strength is developed for electrochemical machining of complex structure. This cathode is expected to improve the machining efficiency and reduce the cost. The flow field design is a key problem to be solved. Fluid dynamics numerical analysis is used to optimize the cathode structure, and the design rules of cathode are given. Experiments are carried out to prove the correctness of the numerical analysis, cutting stability, accuracy, and surface quality are improved. Finally, different structures are successfully machined on the material of TB6 by thin hollow cathodes.
Sustained viral suppression with co-administration of oxcarbazepine and dolutegravir
Authors: Kandil Manar M , Badowski Melissa E , Schriever Christopher A
Published: January 2018

Co-administration of dolutegravir and oxcarbazepine has been reported to reduce levels of dolutegravir and therefore is contraindicated due to insufficient data to make dosing recommendations. We present eight cases in which patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) inadvertently received oxcarbazepine while concurrently receiving 50 mg of dolutegravir daily as part of their antiretroviral therapy. Upon further evaluation, lab results revealed that despite the risk of decreased levels of dolutegravir due to possible oxcarbazepine enzyme induction, patients maintained at or near virologic suppression (viral load <20 copies/ml). Suppression was maintained in patients virally suppressed prior to oxcarbazepine initiation as well as in patients receiving high doses of oxcarbazepine (>1200 mg). All patients self-reported complete adherence to oxcarbazepine and dolutegravir. Furthermore, careful review of additional patient medications suggested no other identifiable drug interactions that could have affected their antiretroviral therapy. This case series suggests that despite the well-documented drug interaction, concomitant administration of oxcarbazepine and dolutegravir in the clinical setting did not adversely affect viral suppression in patients with HIV.
Genetics, the Rearing Environment, and the Intergenerational Transmission of Divorce: A Swedish National Adoption Study
Authors: Salvatore Jessica E. , Larsson Lönn Sara , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Kendler Kenneth S.
Published: January 2018

We used classical and extended adoption designs in Swedish registries to disentangle genetic and rearing-environment influences on the intergenerational transmission of divorce. In classical adoption analyses, adoptees ( n = 19,715) resembled their biological parents, rather than their adoptive parents, in their history of divorce. In extended adoption analyses, offspring ( n = 82,698) resembled their not-lived-with fathers and their lived-with mothers. There was stronger resemblance to lived-with mothers, providing indirect evidence of rearing-environment influences on the intergenerational transmission of divorce. The heritability of divorce assessed across generations was 0.13. We attempted to replicate our findings using within-generation data from adoptive and biological siblings ( ns = 8,523–53,097). Adoptees resembled their biological, not adoptive, siblings in their history of divorce. Thus, there was consistent evidence that genetic factors contributed to the intergenerational transmission of divorce but weaker evidence for a rearing-environment effect of divorce. Within-generation data from siblings supported these conclusions.
Unifying Visual Space Across the Left and Right Hemifields
Authors: Chen Zhimin , Kosovicheva Anna , Wolfe Benjamin , Cavanagh Patrick , Gorea Andrei , Whitney David
Published: January 2018

Visual space is perceived as continuous and stable even though visual inputs from the left and right visual fields are initially processed separately within the two cortical hemispheres. In the research reported here, we examined whether the visual system utilizes a dynamic recalibration mechanism to integrate these representations and to maintain alignment across the visual fields. Subjects adapted to randomly oriented moving lines that straddled the vertical meridian; these lines were vertically offset between the left and right hemifields. Subsequent vernier alignment judgments revealed a negative aftereffect: An offset in the same direction as the adaptation was required to correct the perceived misalignment. This aftereffect was specific to adaptation to vertical, but not horizontal, misalignments and also occurred following adaptation to movie clips and patterns without coherent motion. Our results demonstrate that the visual system unifies the left and right halves of visual space by continuously recalibrating the alignment of elements across the visual fields.
To daydream is to imagine events: Conceptual, empirical, and theoretical considerations
Authors: Newby-Clark Ian R. , Thavendran Kajalaxy
Published: January 2018

We propose defining daydreaming as “imagining events.” In support, we give a brief account of past daydreaming research and the various definitions of daydreaming, whether stated or implied, in those works. We argue that this variation in definition, and in particular the equating of daydreaming with mind-wandering, is problematic. Our definition represents the core of the concept, resists conflation with mind-wandering and, of scientific benefit, does not entail a strong theoretical position.
Are Cedrus atlantica forests in the Rif Mountains of Morocco heading towards local extinction?
Authors: Abel-Schaad Daniel , Iriarte Eneko , López-Sáez José Antonio , Pérez-Díaz Sebastián , Sabariego Ruiz Silvia , Cheddadi Rachid , Alba-Sánchez Francisca
Published: January 2018

Cedrus atlantica (Atlas cedar) is a relict and endemic endangered species from northwestern African mountains, whose distribution range has undergone a dramatic reduction over recent decades. Long-term studies are needed for a better understanding of the development of its range as well as for assisting in the implementation of sustainable conservation measures. The multi-proxy analysis of a high-resolution fossil record of 180 cm depth allowed us to depict the final demise of an Atlas cedar population from the western Rif Mountains (Jbel Khesana), despite its high resilience during the last ~4000 years. Currently, Atlas cedar trees are not observed in Jbel Khesana but they still occur in the nearby area as scattered populations on a few mountain tops at altitudes higher than 1400 m a.s.l. Our data show an initial relatively stable period (~4000–2400 cal. yr BP) followed by a phase where both climatic and human-induced disturbances cause an alternate dominance of oaks and Atlas cedars (2400~1550 cal. yr BP). Then, the increasing aridity and human activities favoured the depletion of Atlas cedar forests (~1550–800 cal. yr BP). Our record shows that Atlas cedar forests have recovered after each deforestation event, which reveals a high resilience of the species until the mid-20th century, when they became extinct in the study area. The main driver of their local extinction may be attributed to the strong human pressure. Management measures of Atlas cedar in the Rif Mountains should aim at limiting intensive loggings and protecting the existing populations for their local regeneration.
Historical Nankai-Suruga megathrust earthquakes recorded by tsunami and terrestrial mass movement deposits on the Shirasuka coastal lowlands, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Garrett Ed , Fujiwara Osamu , Riedesel Svenja , Walstra Jan , Deforce Koen , Yokoyama Yusuke , Schmidt Sabine , Brückner Helmut , De Batist Marc , Heyvaert Vanessa MA ,   and the QuakeRecNankai Team
Published: January 2018

Geological investigations of coastal sediment sequences play a key role in verifying earthquake and tsunami characteristics inferred from historical records. In this paper, we present a multi-proxy investigation of a coastal lowland site facing the Nankai-Suruga megathrust and appraise evidence for tsunamis and earthquake-triggered terrestrial mass movements occurring over the last 800 years. Combining a high-resolution chronology with X-ray computed tomography and analyses of particle size, diatoms, pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs and aerial photographs, we present the most compelling geological evidence of the 1361 CE Kōan (also known as Shōhei) tsunami reported to date from any site along the megathrust. This finding is consistent with either of two recent hypotheses: a single larger rupture of both the Nankai and Tōnankai regions or two smaller ruptures separated by a few days. Enhancing the site chronology using Bayesian age modelling, we verify evidence for inundation during the 1498 CE Meiō tsunami. While previous investigations identified evidence for historically recorded tsunamis in 1605, 1707 and 1854 CE and a storm surge in 1680 or 1699 CE, we encountered a thick sand layer rather than discrete extreme wave deposits in this interval. The overprinting of evidence highlights the potential for geological records to underestimate the frequency of these events. A terrestrial mass movement also deposited a sand layer at the site; radionuclide dating and aerial photographs provide independent confirmation that this may have been triggered by intense shaking in 1944 CE during the most recent great Nankai-Suruga megathrust earthquake.
Near-surface permafrost aggradation in Northern Hemisphere peatlands shows regional and global trends during the past 6000 years
Authors: Treat Claire C , Jones Miriam C
Published: January 2018

The history of permafrost aggradation and thaw in northern peatlands can serve as an indicator of regional climatic history in regions where records are sparse. We infer regional trends in the timing of permafrost aggradation and thaw in North American and Eurasian peatland ecosystems based on plant macrofossils and peat properties using existing peat core records from more than 250 cores. Results indicate that permafrost was continuously present in peatlands during the last 6000 years in some present-day continuous permafrost zones and formed after 6000 BP in peatlands in the isolated to discontinuous permafrost regions. Rates of permafrost aggradation in peatlands generally increased after 3000 BP and were greatest between 750 and 0 BP, corresponding with neoglacial cooling and the Little Ice Age (LIA), respectively. Peak periods of permafrost thaw occurred after 250 BP, when permafrost aggradation in peatlands reached its maximum extent and as temperatures began warming after the LIA, suggesting that permafrost thaw is likely to continue in the future. The broader correlation of permafrost aggradation in peatlands with known climatic trends and other proxies such as pollen records suggests that this record can be a valuable addition to regional climate reconstructions.
Media Literacy and Education in India During Times of Communication Abundance
Authors: Jayachandran Jesna
Published: January 2018

Media literacy has been a persistent, but under-engaged concern in India despite its media explosion.This commentary examines media literacy against various dimensions like the public sphere, market, technology and access, civil society and citizen activism to identify the limitations and possibilities. In the process, it proposes inclusive, multi-pronged continuous approaches to build critical awareness,

autonomies and empowered action.
Competencies for evaluation practitioners: Where to from here?
Authors: English Brian
Published: January 2018

The issue of identifying and defining competencies for evaluation practitioners has been a topic of considerable debate for the AES over the last few years. The core issue in this debate appears to be whether to introduce accreditation and certification processes. The long-term strategy for AES on accreditation/certification is not clear, and debate will likely continue. In the meantime, a need has been identified for a set of competencies to aid in the training and professional development of members and in articulating what evaluation is about.
The politics of program logic
Authors: English Brian , Kaleveld Lisette
Published: January 2018

This paper examines the use of program logic against the background of the politicised environment of evaluations. Its central argument is that the development of a program logic for the purpose of focusing an evaluation can be a highly politicised process, given that it requires sign-off by the ‘authorising environment’. We commence with a brief discussion of how politics surface within organisations because evaluation planning is typically conducted within these settings. A model of change management is then introduced to highlight how political forces both hostile to and supportive of the evaluation process can surface when evaluations are being planned. We next consider two scenarios, drawn from the evaluation of a program to improve the competence and confidence of professionals working with people at risk of self-harm and suicide. These scenarios are used to highlight a number of important points about the politics of focusing an evaluation. The paper concludes by identifying some of the dilemmas that evaluation practitioners may need to work through in focusing an evaluation in a highly politicised environment, as well as how these might be addressed using program logic.
Ethics and Standards – Twelve Years of Mixed Progress
Authors: Trotman Ian G
Published: January 2018

In my first year as a member, 1990-91, the AES Ethics and Standards Subcommittee considered a paper on Standards in Evaluation by Christine Martins which described the work of the Joint Committee on Standards for Education Evaluation led by Daniel Stufflebeam1, and advocated more active exploration of the topic in the Evaluation Journal of Australasia and national evaluation conferences).
An Organisational Evaluation Capability Hierarchy Model for Self-diagnosis1
Authors: Sharp Colin A
Published: January 2018

The use of Capability Maturity Models in financial management, project management, people management and information systems management in a wide variety of organisations indicates the potential for an Organisational Evaluation Capability Hierarchy to guide the self-diagnosis of organisations in building their evaluation maturity. This paper is about the theory behind this growing trend in organisational governance and organisational diagnosis, and explores its relevance to evaluation theory and practice. This theoretical analysis may have long-term practical benefits for evaluation practitioners, as is being developed in the fields of project management, financial management, and people management in a wide range of organisations.
Evaluating an Evaluation Course
Authors: Neale Jenny , Andrew Karilyn
Published: January 2018

Professional training has long been the target for evaluation. However, most evaluation of training is confined to simple end-of-course data collection and superficial analysis. We argue that evaluations that rely heavily on end-of-course data collection can provide useful findings if they are well designed. This involves thinking clearly about the variables that are to be measured, translating them into measures, and ‘making sense’ of the findings within a framework set by the phenomenon under review. A course that presented training in evaluation to graduate students and participants in New Zealand was chosen as a case to exemplify the application of these design principles.
Reviews of two methods texts
Authors: Hurworth Rosalind
Published: January 2018

As we do not have a specific article for the methods section of the journal this time, we have decided to consider two methods texts, one reprinted in 2005 and the other published this year. One will attract those of you undertaking large-scale quantitative evaluations or case studies while the other is for novice qualitative evaluators interested in the health field. What these books have in common, however, is that both authors are Australian. David de Vaus is currently a Professor of Social Science at La Trobe University while Emily Hansen is a Research Fellow in the Discipline of General Practice at the University of Tasmania. Consequently, most of the examples within both books have arisen from Antipodean studies.
Ethical decision-making in evaluation
Authors: Berends Lynda
Published: January 2018

While ethical concerns are a central issue in evaluation, few evaluators have formal training in this area and consensus has not been reached about what evaluators seek in regard to ethics. In this article, different approaches to ethical review are described, drawing from: existing research on how evaluators currently deal with these concerns; the formal process put forward by Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council, and theoretical models of decision-making. Findings from a regional forum on ethics and evaluation, which was held in Melbourne in 2006, are also reported. The Australasian Evaluation Society should continue to promote discussion on ethics to further the knowledge and skills of evaluators and the AES may also have a role in educating human research ethics committees, to increase their capacity to respond appropriately to evaluation proposals.
Triangulation in action
Authors: Piggot-Irvine Eileen
Published: January 2018

This article presents a summary review of the design and results of an independently conducted evaluation of a national New Zealand (NZ) Ministry of Education funded contract for professional development of staff of students with special education needs in 49 schools.

The evaluation was conducted as a mixed method design (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie 2004) in the following three phases: a broad questionnaire issued to all participants associated with the development; eight focus groups with a sample of participants; and success case studies (Brinkerhoff, 2003) with four schools.

The most significant overall finding was that regardless of the approach to development engaged in (either action research, AR, or action learning, AL), there was an outstanding recurring characteristic of staff and supporters wanting to see the students excel. Other key participant self-report impacts from the small-scale projects on adaptation of the curriculum fell under the headings of improved social interaction and academic achievement for students, changes in values and attitudes (for students and teachers), and changes in teaching practice. Participants referred to the importance of school context factors (inclusive planning, management support) and internal and external experts as enablers towards the effectiveness of development. Barriers to effectiveness were noted as associated with initial national contract administration, the number of development initiatives involved in and lack of alignment between these varied initiatives. Maintaining and sustaining the effective impact of projects was seen as dependent on: ongoing commitment and follow-through by school management, governors and program teachers; having ongoing funding and support (internal and external); and bringing other staff on board.

The Phase Three success case evaluation revealed an important element that distinguished projects perceived to be highly successful by both the participants and Ministry of Education personnel. In this small proportion of projects the participant action researchers/learners utilised ‘informed’ decision-making. Although many participants in Phases One and Two justified their limited use of informed decision-making by noting that it was either too early to validate project outcome changes, or it was difficult to show causal effect (changes could be attributed to the development program), a hallmark of the four success cases was the use of strong data in the reconnaissance and evaluation phases of the AR and AL and improvement initiatives that were informed by both this data and relevant previous literature.
An examination of the value of the Victorian Government's investment logic map as a tool for front-end evaluation of investment proposals
Authors: Doty Aaron
Published: January 2018

This article considers a tool called an ‘investment logic map’ which was developed by the Victorian Government Department of Treasury and Finance to assist in testing the rationale for proceeding with investment proposals (particularly information and communications technology investments) while they are still at an early stage of development. The article views this tool through the lens of evaluation theory and practice, and situates the investment logic map within the practice of front-end evaluation.

From this perspective, the article considers some of the drawbacks of the investment logic map as an example of program logic. The article argues that, because of the pivotal role the investment logic map plays in the management and review of investments through their lifecycle (as part of the government's broader Investment Management Standard), it needs to be underpinned by more robust evaluation practice. The article concludes by suggesting a way in which the strengths of the investment logic map can be retained, while reducing the risks inherent in its current use.
Invisible Mechanisms
Authors: Pawson Ray
Published: January 2018

The mandate for evaluators to ‘look inside the black box’ of an intervention has become a familiar and heeded cry. So whether it is process evaluators with their logic maps, or theories-of-change researchers with their intervention stepping stones, or realists with their context, mechanism outcome configurations, searchlights have been aimed into the gloom. So much so that a contemporary sounding riposte, ‘been in there, done for that’ might be deemed to reflect the current state of play in evaluation research.

This article, nonetheless, warns against complacency. It peers even further into the darkest reaches of the inky blackness, and urges other researchers to follow. It throws light on the presence of an overlooked set of program mechanisms, so deeply buried that they are almost invisible. The processes I have in mind are missed because they are tacit, mundane, over-familiar, and taken for granted and, as result, they often overlooked. And yet they are often responsible for a goodly part of impact of a goodly number of interventions.

As such, they deserve a sustained program of research and this article sets out a brief agenda for such inquiries.
Participatory Research in Challenging Circumstances Lessons with a Rural Aboriginal Program
Authors: Spooner Catherine , Flaxman Saul , Murray Colleen
Published: January 2018

The evaluation of a crime prevention program for Aboriginal boys in a rural setting (Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural and Development Centre) faced a number of challenges, such as geographic distance, a modest budget, and the need for culturally appropriate and sustainable methods that capture a multitude of program effects while minimising the burden of data collection.

Literature suggests the value of participatory methods. However, would this approach work in these circumstances? Would it threaten the probity of the evaluation?

This article describes a case study of participatory methodology used in challenging circumstances and considers the factors that contributed to its successful implementation. These included mutual respect, willingness to work together, high capacity within Tirkandi Inaburra, funding-body support for a participatory approach, a common concern for the program's mission, and strategies for ensuring probity.

It is recommended that funding bodies accommodate the resource implications involved in developing relationships and accommodate changes to research plans that can be necessary for genuine participation.
Evaluating Contracted Domestic Violence Programs
Authors: Carson Ed , Chung Donna , Day Andrew
Published: January 2018

The growing significance of domestic violence programs run by the state and contracted nongovernment agencies in Australia over the past decade has not been matched by a commensurate growth in evaluation of those programs. A number of evaluations have been conducted, but only a few have been long-term and large-scale, due to funding and other constraints. The promotion of evidence-based practice and policy encourages practitioners and scholars to aim for comprehensive and systematic review of initiatives, but achieving that is no mean feat since both the service delivery and governance of these programs are often complex and multi-stranded.

In this article we reflect on theoretical and practical issues of evaluation by reporting on the experience of undertaking an evaluation of domestic violence perpetrator and victim support programs delivered for an Australian state government by contracted community service agencies. The experience was not as we had expected on the basis of social policy debates. In this situation, there were difficulties in generating sufficiently robust data on offenders in group programs that delayed and limited the scope of a quasi-experimental assessment of intervention, although that strand continues to date. At the same time, however, this strengthened the importance of evaluating service delivery and governance issues within a ‘realist evaluation’ paradigm. Since contemporary domestic violence programs often typically combine coordinated support for women and children and behaviour change intervention with offenders, evaluation needs multi-stranded approaches that may draw on paradigms more commonly thought of as being in tension.
Benchmarking: A Process for Learning or Simply Raising the Bar?
Authors: Cole Michael J
Published: January 2018

Benchmarking has been a credible approach to quality improvement and program evaluation for more than 30 years. However, the term has been used and abused so much since the 1970s that now an author might be describing anything from the establishment of performance indicators, to competitor ranking, or gap analysis, through to a continuous quality improvement process. Equally confusing is the plethora of different benchmarking models published. A literature review was conducted in which 65 publications from 1998-2008 were analysed and synthesised in order to untangle the confusion surrounding the contemporary theory and practice of benchmarking. This article clarifies the terminology and concepts of benchmarking, attempts a concise practical definition, examines various approaches in the current theory and application of benchmarking, and explicates the features most consistent with the goal of continuous quality improvement and organisational learning.
Why do many international development evaluations have a positive bias? Should we worry?
Authors: Bamberger Michael
Published: January 2018

Many of the approaches used by international development agencies to assess the impacts and effects of their development interventions can potentially result in the findings having a positive bias. As a consequence, impacts and benefits of the interventions are frequently overestimated, while the proportion of the target population who do not benefit may be underestimated and the potential negative consequences of the interventions may frequently be ignored. These biases are due to a combination of factors including: budget and time constraints; limited access to data—particularly baseline data; how evaluations are commissioned and managed; and political and organisational constraints and pressures. These biases have important consequences when evaluation findings are used to inform future management and policy decisions. While these biases are more obvious for under-resourced evaluations with unrealistically short deadlines, there are also a number of potential positive biases that can also affect well-resourced ‘strong’ quantitative evaluation designs. A number of recommendations are proposed to reduce positive bias and enhance the validity of evaluation findings by strengthening how evaluations are managed and increasing the rigour of the evaluation methodology, even when operating under budget and time constraints.
Developing Evaluation Capacity and use in the New Zealand Philanthropic Sector: What Can be Learnt from the US experience?
Authors: Blewden Michael
Published: January 2018

Growth in the use of evaluation within the United States (US) philanthropic sector since the late 1990s has been driven by an increasing focus on program outcomes and increased demands for evidenced-informed decision-making. With similar developments now apparent within the New Zealand philanthropic sector, it is timely to consider what has been learnt from the US experience and how this may inform local efforts to build evaluation use and capacity. Recent literature on the US experience is reviewed to identify drivers of US developments, progress made, issues arising, and lessons learnt. With attention to the current stage of capacity building within the New Zealand sector, implications and direction for local development are considered.
The Political Inherency of Evaluation: The Impact of Politics on the Outcome of 10 Years of Evaluative Scrutiny of Australia's Mandatory Detention Policy
Authors: Slattery David
Published: January 2018

The primary objective of evaluation is to provide information that can provide a basis for developing or revising policies and programs, and is an inherently political activity. This article reflects on 10 years of scrutiny by evaluators of a contested policy in Australia—that of the mandatory detention of asylum seekers—and explores how evaluation informs political decisions, and how politics shapes the use of evaluation results.

The evidence presented shows that evaluators need to be aware of, and manage, the political forces that shape the scope and outcomes of evaluations. Otherwise, evaluation may be little more than a tool for reinforcing existing power relations rather than a neutral and objective means of improving social policies or programs. Some strategies are suggested to help evaluators safeguard their neutrality and maximise the effectiveness of their contributions to political debates.