bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Mental Illness is Perceived by Iranian Medical Students: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Amini Homayoun , Majdzadeh Reza , Eftekhar-Ardebili Hasan , Shabani Amir , Davari-Ashtiani Rozita
Published: July 2013

The study aimed to assess medical students' attitudes toward mental illness following a 4-week psychiatry clerkship. All fifth-year medical students from three academic centers in Tehran were asked to participate in the study. They completed the questionnaire on the last day of their 4-week psychiatry clerkship. A self-administered questionnaire was used to examine participants' Attitudes Toward Mental Illness (ATMI). One hundred and sixty eight students completed the questionnaires (88.9% response rate). In general, the students had favorable attitudes toward mental illness at the end of their clerkship, with mean (± SD) ATMI total score of 78.6 (± 8.1) (neutral score, 66.0). The students showed the most favorable opinion (95.2%) about Category 5 (stereotypic attitude toward people with mental illness) whilst they revealed the least favorable opinion (64.3%) regarding Category 1 (social relations with people affected by mental illness). In addition, the students thought that movies were on the top of influential media on shaping the attitudes toward mental illness. Overall, most of Iranian medical students had generally favorable attitudes toward people with mental illness at the end of their clerkship. Therefore, it may be expected next generation of medical doctors show more favorable attitude toward mental illness.
Self-Esteem Evaluation in Children and Adolescents Suffering from ADHD
Authors: Mazzone Luigi , Postorino Valentina , Reale Laura , Guarnera Manuela , Mannino Valeria , Armando Marco , Fatta Laura , De Peppo Lavinia , Vicari Stefano
Published: July 2013

Background:

Several recent studies investigated the relationship between self-esteem and ADHD, however, the results are still controversial. In the present study we analyze the characteristics of self-esteem in a sample of children and adolescents suffering from ADHD, with a particular focus on the relationship between ADHD symptoms severity and treatment strategies.

Methods:

A total of 85 patients with ADHD (44 drug-free and 41 drug-treated, 23 of which atomoxetine-treated and 18 Methylphenidate-treated) and 26 healthy controls were enrolled in the study in order to evaluate self-esteem using the Self-esteem Multidimensional Test (TMA).

Results:

ADHD subjects revealed lower scores on all self-esteem domains compared to controls. Both ADHD drug-free (47.1%) and ADHD drug-treated (44.1%) groups showed significantly higher rates of subjects in the pathological range as compared to normal control group (8.8%) (p <.001) with a higher percentage of subjects in the pathological range. Among ADHD drug-treated subjects, the methylphenidate group showed higher self-esteem scores as compared to the atomoxetine group.

Conclusion:

A lower self-esteem profile is more common in subjects suffering from ADHD than in healthy controls, suggesting the importance of an early detection of psychological well-being in these children in order to reduce the ADHD symptoms long-term impacts.
Social-Democratic Government and Health Policy in Europe: A Quantitative Analysis
Authors: MacKenbach Johan P. , McKee Martin
Published: July 2013

Although health policy ultimately depends on political decision making, empirical evidence of the impact of politics on implementation of health policies and their population health outcomes is scarce. In this study, we assess the effects of social-democratic government participation on indicators of preventive health policy (tobacco, alcohol, food, mother and child health, infectious diseases, hypertension, cancer screening, road traffic safety, air pollution) in Europe. Cumulative years of social-democratic government differed widely between European countries, as did indicators of current health policy performance, but the latter are not associated with recent social-democratic government. However, there is a positive association with social-democratic government cumulated over five decades. Positive effects of social-democratic government are mainly seen on indicators of tobacco and alcohol control. We conclude that long-term social-democratic government participation may have had a positive impact on some areas of preventive health policy, perhaps through the creation of strong public health institutions or a strong public health workforce.
Complementarities or Contradictions? Scoping the Health Dimensions of “Flexicurity” Labor Market Policies
Authors: Afzal Zabia , Muntaner Carles , Chung Haejoo , Mahmood Qamar , Ng Edwin , Schrecker Ted
Published: July 2013

Flexicurity, or the integration of labor market flexibility with social security and active labor market policies, has figured prominently in economic and social policy discussions in Europe since the mid-1990s. Such policies are designed to transcend traditional labor-capital conflicts and to form a mutually supportive nexus of flexibility and security within a climate of intensified competition and rapid technological change. International bodies have marketed flexicurity as an innovative win-win strategy for employers and workers alike, commonly citing Denmark and the Netherlands as exemplars of best practice. In this article, we apply a social determinants of health framework to conduct a scoping review of the academic and gray literature to: ( a) better understand the empirical associations between flexicurity practices and population health in Denmark and ( b) assess the relevance and feasibility of implementing such policies to improve health and reduce health inequalities in Ontario, Canada. Based on 39 studies meeting our full inclusion criteria, preliminary findings suggest that flexicurity is limited as a potential health promotion strategy in Ontario, offers more risks to workers' health than benefits, and requires the strengthening of other social protections before it could be realistically implemented within a Canadian context.
Egalitarian Policies and Social Determinants of Health in Bolivarian Venezuela
Authors: Muntaner Carles , Benach Joan , Victor María Páez , Ng Edwin , Chung Haejoo
Published: July 2013

In 1999, newly-elected Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez initiated a far-reaching social movement as part of a political project known as the Bolivarian Revolution. Inspired by the democratic ideologies of Simón Bolívar, this movement was committed to reducing intractable inequalities that defined Venezuela's Fourth Republic (1958–1998). Given the ambitious scope of these reforms, Venezuela serves as an instructive example to understand the political context of social inequalities and population health. In this article, we provide a brief overview of the impact of egalitarian policies in Venezuela, stressing: ( a) the socialist reforms and social class changes initiated by the Bolivarian Movement; ( b) the impact of these reforms and changes on poverty and social determinants of health; ( c) the sustainability of economic growth to continue pro-poor policies; and ( d) the implications of egalitarian policies for other Latin American countries. The significance and implications of Chávez's achievements are now further underscored given his recent passing, leading one to ask whether political support for Bolivarianism will continue without its revolutionary leader.
Prevalence of Apparent Treatment-Resistant Hypertension among Individuals with CKD
Authors: Tanner Rikki M. , Calhoun David A. , Bell Emmy K. , Bowling C. Barrett , Gutiérrez Orlando M. , Irvin Marguerite R. , Lackland Daniel T. , Oparil Suzanne , Warnock David , Muntner Paul
Published: July 2013

Background and objectives

Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension is defined as systolic/diastolic BP≥140/90 mmHg with concurrent use of three or more antihypertensive medication classes or use of four or more antihypertensive medication classes regardless of BP level.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The prevalence of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension among Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study participants treated for hypertension (n=10,700) was determined by level of estimated GFR and albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and correlates of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension among those participants with CKD were evaluated. CKD was defined as an albumin-to-creatinine ratio≥30 mg/g or estimated GFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2.

Results

The prevalence of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension was 15.8%, 24.9%, and 33.4% for those participants with estimated GFR≥60, 45–59, and <45 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively, and 12.1%, 20.8%, 27.7%, and 48.3% for albumin-to-creatinine ratio<10, 10–29, 30–299, and ≥300 mg/g, respectively. The multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratios (95% confidence intervals) for apparent treatment-resistant hypertension were 1.25 (1.11 to 1.41) and 1.20 (1.04 to 1.37) for estimated GFR levels of 45–59 and <45 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively, versus ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and 1.54 (1.39 to 1.71), 1.76 (1.57 to 1.97), and 2.44 (2.12 to 2.81) for albumin-to-creatinine ratio levels of 10–29, 30–299, and ≥300 mg/g, respectively, versus albumin-to-creatinine ratio<10 mg/g. After multivariable adjustment, men, black race, larger waist circumference, diabetes, history of myocardial infarction or stroke, statin use, and lower estimated GFR and higher albumin-to-creatinine ratio levels were associated with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension among individuals with CKD.

Conclusions

This study highlights the high prevalence of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension among individuals with CKD.
AKI
Authors: Bonventre Joseph V. , Basile David , Liu Kathleen D. , McKay Dianne , Molitoris Bruce A. , Nath Karl A. , Nickolas Thomas L. , Okusa Mark D. , Palevsky Paul M. , Schnellmann Rick , Rys-Sikora Krystyna , Kimmel Paul L. , Star Robert A.
Published: July 2013

The Kidney Research National Dialogue, supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, asked the scientific community to formulate and prioritize research objectives that would improve our understanding of kidney function and disease. High-priority objectives for AKI were identified, including enhancing training and collaborative opportunities, improving phenotyping and development of clinical tools, expanding our understanding of the pathophysiology and interaction between injury and reparative processes, and identifying determinants of long-term outcomes. Research in animal models must be translated to improve diagnosis and treatment of patients. The objectives identified by the Kidney Research National Dialogue provide the research community with future opportunities for improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of people with AKI.
Beyond the Futility Argument
Authors: Rinehart Ann
Published: July 2013

Futility is an ancient concept arising from Greek mythology that was resurrected for its medical application in the 1980s with the proliferation of many lifesaving technologies, including dialysis and renal transplantation. By that time, the domineering medical paternalism that characterized the pre-1960s physician–patient relationship morphed into assertive patient autonomy, and some patients began to claim the right to demand aggressive, high-technology interventions, despite physician disapproval. To counter this power struggle, the establishment of a precise definition of futility offered hope for a futility policy that would allow physicians to justify withholding or withdrawing treatment, despite patient and family objections. This article reviews the various attempts made to define medical futility and describes their limited applicability to dialysis. When futility concerns arise, physicians should recognize the opportunity to address conflict, using best practice communication skills. Physicians would also benefit from understanding the ethical principles of respect for patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and professional integrity that underlie medical decision-making. Also reviewed is the use of a fair process approach or time-limited trial when conflict resolution cannot be achieved. These topics are addressed in the Renal Physician Association’s clinical practice guideline Shared Decision-Making in the Appropriate Initiation and Withdrawal from Dialysis, with which nephrologists should be well versed. A case presentation of intractable calciphylaxis in a new dialysis patient illustrates the pitfalls of physicians not fully appreciating the ethics of medical decision-making and failing to use effective conflict management approaches in the clinical practice guideline.
Kidney Disease and Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Heher Eliot C. , Rennke Helmut G. , Laubach Jacob P. , Richardson Paul G.
Published: July 2013

Kidney injury is a common complication of multiple myeloma and other plasma cell dyscrasias, and it is associated with increased mortality. Multiple pathogenic mechanisms can contribute to kidney injury in the patient with myeloma, some of which are the result of nephrotoxic monoclonal Ig and some of which are independent of paraprotein deposition. The pathogenic mechanisms that underlie paraprotein-related kidney disease are increasingly well understood. A novel assay allowing the quantification of free light chains in the serum has aided the diagnosis of new onset disease and allowed for the earlier detection of relapse. Novel myeloma agents have shown considerable promise in reversing renal failure in some patients and improving outcomes. Stem cell transplantation remains a mainstay of management for younger patients with myeloma who are suitable candidates for intensive therapy, whereas the role of new drugs, plasma exchange, and kidney transplantation continues to evolve.
Outcome of visual acuity after surgical removal of pituitary adenomas
Authors: Grkovic Desanka , Bedov Tatjana
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension may produce
anterior visual pathway compression, resulting in characteristic visual
deficit. Surgical decompression of these structures prevents further visual
deterioration and its postop? erative recovery. Objective. The aim of this
study was to investigate pre? and postoperative visual acuity (VA) in
patients with pituitary ad? enomas, and to detect the influence of prognostic
factors, such as symptoms duration, degree of visual acuity reduction and
tumor size in the assessment of the prognosis of postoperative visual
function. Methods. We analyzed 40 consecutive patients who fulfilled three
criteria: evidence of preoperative visual dysfunction, transsphenoidal or
transfrontal tumor resection and hystologically verified pituitary adenoma. A
visual examination was performed under standard conditions, pre and
postoperatively (10 days, one month and six months after surgery). A paired
t?test was used to assess the differences of pre? and postoperative
characteristics values, and the Chisquare test of independence in the
assessment of the influence of prognostic factors. Results. Postoperative
improvement of VA was seen in 84.61% patients (68% eyes). Eyes with
preoperative mild and moderate degree of VA reduction showed improvement in
89.65% eyes in contrast to 22.60% eyes with preoperative severe reduction of
VA, which was all statistically significant. Eyes in patients with tumor
smaller than 20 mm had improvement of VA in 91.66% eyes, while eyes with
tumor larger than 40 mm had improvement of VA in 61.11% eyes, which was
statistically significant. When symptoms duration was below two years the
improvement of VA was detected in 65.38% eyes as related to 50% eyes with
symptoms duration exceeding two years, which was not statistically
significant. Conclusion. Pituitary adenomas commonly cause visual impairment.
Postoperatively the majority of patients show a distinct improvement of
visual acuity. The degree of preoperative visual loss and tumor size
influence the final visual outcome, and not the duration of symptoms.
Significance of the application of oral rehydration solution to maintain water and electrolyte balance in infants with ileostomy
Authors: Radlovic Vladimir , Lekovic Zoran , Radlovic Nedeljko , Lukac Marija , Ristic Dragana , Simic Dusica , Bijelic Maja
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Ileostomy represents a necessary procedure to solve various
surgical diseases in children. As the result of increased fluid loss and
colonic exclusion in its regulation, it is often followed, particularly
during the first months after birth, by chronic dehydration and failure to
thrive. Objective. The aim of the paper was to present our experience related
to the application of oral rehydration solution (ORS) to compensate the
intestinal loss of water and electrolytes in infants with ileostomy. Methods.
Treatment was performed with ORS containing 65 mmol/L of sodium in five
infants aged 1.5-8 months (3.8?2.46 months) with dehydration and
undernutrition after ileostomy performed in the first five days after birth.
Results. After rehydration, the continual application of ORS in the daily
dosage of 63.90?25.03 ml/kg, i.e. approximately matching the volume of
intestinal content elimination (57.00?19.23 ml/kg), resulted in all infants
in optimal water and electrolyte homeostasis, and in further course also in
the improvement of their nutritional status (p=0.023). Conclusion. Our
experience indicates that continual application of reduced sodium content of
ORS in the approximate equal quantity of intestinal content loss represents
the method of choice in water and electrolyte homeostasis maintenance in
infants with ileostomy.
Significance of serum ferritin level in the prediction of delivery of low birth weight newborns for gestational age
Authors: Milasinovic Ljubomir , Visnjevac Nemanja , Bogavac Mirjana , Grujic Zorica , Mladenovic-Segedi Ljiljana , Paunkovic Jovana
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Intrauterine growth restriction is one of the leading causes of
prenatal morbidity and mortality. As there is no causal therapy, prediction
of intrauterine growth retardation is one of the priorities of prenatal
healthcare. Objective. The purpose of this study was to analyze blood
ferritin level, and erythrocyte, hemoglobin and hematocrit count in pregnant
women between 30?32 weeks of gestation and to set apart those with a possible
development of intrauterine growth restriction. Methods. A prospective study
was conducted that included 220 healthy pregnant women between 30?32
gestational weeks. The study was done at the Clinical Center of Vojvodina,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Novi Sad and Clinical laboratory from
March 1, 2008 to November 30, 2009. Serum ferritin level, hemoglobin,
hematocrit and erythrocyte count were determined from blood samples of all
pregnant women. Results. After term delivery, 8.1% of pregnant women gave
birth to low birth weight babies for gestational age but without anemia. The
value of ferritin, hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocyte was significantly
higher in women with low birth weight babies. In mothers with low birth
weight newborns serum ferritin level was on the average for 6.4 g/l higher
than in mothers with normal weight newborns (p<0.005). Statistically, ROC
curve analysis showed that the pregnant women with the ferritin level above
13.6 ?g/L, and with erythrocyte count >3.76?1012/L, hemoglobin >117 g/L and
hematocrit >32.9%, in the period of 30?32 weeks of gestation, also had a
significantly higher probability of having a low birth weight newborn for
gestational age (p<0.05). Conclusion. Based on the level of ferritin and
other parameters in the period of 30?32 weeks of gestation, we can predict
pregnant women in whom we can expect development of intrauterine growth
restriction.
Nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among medical students of Belgrade University
Authors: Cirkovic Ivana , Djukic Slobodanka , Vukovic Dragana , Stevanovic Goran , Svabic-Vlahovic Milena , Stepanovic Srdjan
Published: July 2013

Introduction Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) present the growing problem in the whole world. Carriage of MRSA is
most frequent in the nose, and medical students come in contact both with
patients and different persons in the community. Therefore, they may be
significant for the transmission of MRSA from hospitals to out- of-hospital
communities and vice versa. Objective. The aim of this study was to establish
the carriage rate among students of the second, third and fourth year of
study at the School of Medicine in Belgrade and to analyze their genotypic
and phenotypic characteristics. Methods. In total 533 nasal samples were
taken. The samples were incubated in Trypcase-soy broth supplemented with
6.5% NaCl, and thereafter the swabs were inoculated on mannitol salt agar
supplemented with 2 ?g/mL of oxacillin. The presence of nuc, mecA and
Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes was examined by PCR. The characteristics of
the MRSA strains were determined using: antibiotic susceptibility testing by
Vitek2 System, SCCmec, agr typing and MLST. Results. MRSA was isolated from
two of 533 investigated samples (0.37%). MRSA were isolated from the students
of the second and third year of study. Profiles of strains were: ST80 (SCCmec
type IV, agr type 3) and ST152 (SCCmec type V, agr type 1). MRSA strains were
multiresistant. Conclusion. The nasal carriage rate of MRSA in population of
medical students of the first year of study in Belgrade is low. Genotypic and
phenotypic characteristics of MRSA strains indicate their community origin.
MLST typing revealed that isolates belong to ST80 and ST152.
Drunken state in fatally injured drivers of motor vehicles
Authors: Djurovic Gordana , Rancic Nemanja , Savic Slobodan
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Consumption of alcohol may be an important causative factor in
traffic accidents, particularly in categories of drivers and pedestrians.
Objective. Analysis of frequency and other important medicolegal
characteristics of drunken state of motor vehicles drivers. Methods. We
analyzed autopsies performed at the Institute of Forensic Medicine Belgrade
during 2008 and 2009. Data were obtained from autopsy protocols, results of
toxicological examinations, and police reports about circumstances of traffic
accidents. Results. Out of all 84 fatally injured drivers, drunken state was
proved in 31 (36.9%). The majority of them were males (30% or 97%), while
only one female driver was under the influence of alcohol. The most often
drunken drivers were in the third life decade (10% or 32.2%). In most cases
the injured alcoholised drivers died immediately after the accident (83.8%).
In most of them blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was higher than 2? (58.1%),
most frequently (12) BAC varied between 2.1? and 2.5?, and the highest
determined BAC was 3.85?. The majority of accidents occurred between midnight
and 6 a.m. (54.8%), mostly during working days (77.4%). The most frequent
ways of the occurrence of traffic accidents were driving by turning away from
the road and striking from behind another vehicle on the road. Conclusion.
The obtained results point out the important role of the drunken state of the
drivers of motor vehicles as a causative factor in traffic accidents in our
population. The potentially effective preventive measure could be absolute
prohibition of alcohol consumption for all drivers.
Pars plana vitrectomy with extraction of intraocular foreign body in patients with siderosis of the eye: Report of two cases
Authors: Kovacevic Igor , Stefanovic Ivan , Jovanovic Milos , Potic Jelena , Damjanovic Goran
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Penetrating injury is characterized by the existence of entry
wound only, and it can be with or without an intraocular foreign body (IOFB).
IOFB can lead to a mechanical injury of the eye and to cause infection or to
manifest other toxic effects on intraocular structures. Iron and copper can
dissolve and cause siderosis, i.e. chalcosis of the eye. Ocular siderosis is
diagnosed by clinical and electroretinogram (ERG) findings. Outline of Cases.
The first patient was a 37?year?old male who was injured by a metal foreign
body. He presented at the Clinic two years after the injury. Visual acuity of
the right eye (VOD) on admission was VOD=L+P+ (light projection). Pars plana
phacovitrectomy with IOFB extraction was done. Visual acuity on discharge was
VOD=3/60 cc + 7.50 Dsph=0.2. The second patient was a 55?year?old male who
presented at the clinic 18 months after injury. On admission visual acuity in
his left eye was VOS 1/60. Pars plana phacovitrectomy with IOFB extraction
was done. Visual acuity on discharge was VOS=0.7 through the stenopeic slit.
Conclusion. In penetrating injuries caused by a metal IOFB pars plana
vitrectomy with IOFB extraction is indicated. In cases with IOFB, when visual
acuity is preserved, the lens is transparent, while the eye is without signs
of infection, urgent pars plana vitrectomy is not necessary. Such patients
need regular follow?up with obligatory ERG findings.
Solid solitary hamartoma of the spleen
Authors: Grubor Nikica , Colovic Natasa , Micev Marijan , Perisic Mirjana , Colovic Radoje
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Hamartoma of the spleen is a rare, sometimes asymptomatic
similar to hemangioma benign tumor of the spleen, which, owing to the new
diagnostic imaging methods, is discovered with increasing frequency. It
appears as solitary or multiple tumorous lesions. Case Outline. We present a
48-year-old woman in whom, during the investigation for Helicobacter pylori
gastric infection and rectal bleeding, with ultrasonography, a mass 6.5?6.5
cm in diameter was discovered by chance within the spleen. Splenectomy was
performed due to suspected lymphoma of the spleen. On histology, tumor showed
to be of mixed cellular structure, with areas without white pulp, at places
with marked dilatation of sinusoids and capillaries to the formation of
?blood lakes? between which broad hypercellular Billroth?s zones were
present. Extramedullary hematopoiesis was found focally. The cells that
covered vascular spaces were CD34+ and CD31+ and CD8- and CD21-. Conclusion.
Hamartoma has to be taken into consideration always when well circumscribed
hypervascular tumor within the spleen is found, particularly in children.
Although the diagnosis of hamartoma may be suspected preoperatively, the
exact diagnosis is established based on histological and immunohystochemistry
examinations. Treatment is most often splenectomy and rarely a partial
splenectomy is possible, which is recommended particularly in children.
The mechanism of injuring of front-seat passengers in head-on motor vehicle collisions: Forensic issues
Authors: Nikolic Slobodan , Strajina Veljko , Zivkovic Vladimir
Published: July 2013

Forensic pathologists sometimes need to determine seating positions of
automobile occupants after road traffic accidents as accurately as possible.
That could be of essential significance particularly in regard to the
question of guilt both in the criminal and civil law. So far, medical surveys
have implied the specific injury which would undoubtedly point at the
allocation of the seating positions of fatally injured car occupant. Some of
the injuries could occur by both direct and indirect force action. Same type
of injury of the specific body region in both drivers and front seat
passengers could occur by different mechanism and in different phases of the
accident. Sometimes neither the order of injury occurrence remains unclear,
nor whether some of the injuries are post?mortal. What makes it even harder
is the fact that same body regions, i.e. head and thorax, are most affected
in both drivers and front seat passengers, and that these injuries are often
fatal. Even if the victim survives the accident for some time and later dies
in hospital, the possibility of accident reconstruction and determination of
car occupants seating position at the moment of accident declines with the
time length of survival period. Examining the victims? clothes, searching for
biological traces, technical expert inspection of the vehicle, traffic expert
analysis of the site, enables adequate reconstruction of the traffic
accident. All this implies that in such cases the knowledge of underlying
mechanism of car occupants? injury is insufficient, and that a close
cooperation between forensic pathologists and the team of other forensic
technical experts is necessary.
The role of educational research in transforming educational policy and practice
Authors: Vujisic-Zivkovic Natasa
Published: July 2013

The paper discusses the role of educational research in transforming
educational policy and practice. Our aim was to critically illuminate the
possibilities, range and limitation soft he evidence-based concept of
education reform. This concept implies an intensive re-examination of the
epistemology of educational science, with the emphasis on studying the causal
and consequential relations in education. It demands methodological rigour in
educational research, culminating in the random sample experiment. It is also
perceived that there is the problem of systematic dissemination and
application of the obtained scientific findings in educational practice. On
the other hand, the critics of this concept have observed that it is
neo-positivist, mono-methodological, since it favors quantitative research,
and as such insufficient for explaining and understanding educational
phenomena and the contexts in which educational innovations are studied. At
the same time, during the last decade, there has been another reconsideration
of the role of scientific in forming of practitioners in their everyday work,
as well as of the relation between research and the development of
educational policy. Finally, philosophers of education again insist on the
moral instead of on instrumental nature of educational practice. Theoretical
analysis of the concept of evidence-based transformation of education has
been supplemented by an analysis of social and institutional conditions in
which the modern science of education develops.
Sociometric research in pedagogy
Authors: Ilic Marina
Published: July 2013

The use of sociometric research in pedagogy implies consideration of
methodological demands pertaining to the selection and formulation of
sociometric criteria, the selection of sociometric techniques, instruments
and sociometric group classification methods. Various authors agree that
sociometric criteria are basic relevant activities of the group they refer
to and that they should be meaningful, understandable to every group member
and clearly and precisely formulated. The selection of the appropriate
sociometric technique and instrument has to be adjusted with the goal of
sociometric research, along with the consideration of the advantages and
short?comings of different sociometric techniques and instruments. The
existing research provides very divergent results on the adequacy of
different classification methods in identifying stable sociometric groups.
Still, the majority of studies have confirmed that the two-dimensional rating
scale method yields more stable classifications than the classification
methods based on peer nominations, as well as that it is methodologically
more justifiable to use cluster analysis in identifying stable sociometric
status groups than the traditional classification methods.
Components in models of learning: Different operationalisations and relations between components
Authors: Mirkov Snezana
Published: July 2013

This paper provides the presentation of different operationalisations of
components in different models of learning. Special emphasis is on the
empirical verifications of relations between components. Starting from the
research of congruence between learning motives and strategies, underlying
the general model of school learning that comprises different approaches to
learning, we have analyzed the empirical verifications of factor structure of
instruments containing the scales of motives and learning strategies
corresponding to these motives. Considering the problems in the
conceptualization of the achievement approach to learning, we have discussed
the ways of operational sing the goal orientations and exploring their role
in using learning strategies, especially within the model of the regulation
of constructive learning processes. This model has served as the basis for
researching learning styles that are the combination of a large number of
components. Complex relations between the components point to the need for
further investigation of the constructs involved in various models. We have
discussed the findings and implications of the studies of relations between
the components involved in different models, especially between learning
motives/goals and learning strategies. We have analyzed the role of
regulation in the learning process, whose elaboration, as indicated by
empirical findings, can contribute to a more precise operationalisation of
certain learning components.
Directions of improving the quality of in-service teacher training in Serbia: the perspective of primary school teachers
Authors: Stankovic Dejan , Djeric Ivana , Milin Vladeta
Published: July 2013

This paper presents one part of the findings of a research that deals with
teachers? perceptions of educational reforms in Serbia. More specifically,
the paper focuses on the segment of the research that was aimed at exploring
teachers? views on the ways of improving the system and practice of
in-service teacher training. Pursuing this topic is very important since the
findings of recent studies have shown that this aspect of education system
needs considerable improvement, while the authors who deal with educational
change point to the importance of consulting the teachers in the development
of the new system solutions. The questionnaire was used to collect the data
from 326 teachers from 125 Serbian primary schools. The teachers provided
answers to open-ended questions on what needs to be done in order to improve
the quality of their in-service training. Content analysis was used to
process the data - response categories were created inductively on the basis
of teachers? answers, and then their frequency was established. The results
indicate that, according to teachers, in-service teacher training has to be
improved, primarily through increased funding, higher quality of
programmes/seminars, diversification of types of training, as well as through
creating a more encouraging system and school setting for in-service teacher
training. These results are significant from the aspect of the in-service
training system since they point to developmental priorities, as well as to
the necessity of a more complex and comprehensive approach to the reform of
this segment of education system.
The structure of interests in different artistic disciplines of secondary school students
Authors: Ristic Irena , Skorc Bojana
Published: July 2013

The paper deals with the degree of development of interest in arts in young
people, and the justifiability of the current tendency of revision and
abbreviation of the art curricula in schools. The research is focused on the
structure of interests in various artistic disciplines in secondary school
students, and the aim is to determine whether the degree of students?
interest depends on the school type, gender and previous experience. The
research was conducted on the sample of 555 students from 111 schools, who
filled out the questionnaire during one school period. The data were
processed by multifactor analysis of variance. There was a higher degree of
interest in video and performing arts, which are not present enough in
students? surroundings. The girls showed a higher degree of interest in all
disciplines, as well as grammar school students compared to their peers from
vocational schools. It was shown that the higher the number of programmes
attended, the higher the interest in all forms of art. Young people who were
completely inactive showed interest in video arts, which serves as an
important guideline in the process of moving and socialising them. The
results confirm that youth?s interests and needs are discrepant with what is
offered to them. It is necessary to introduce various artistic contents as
parts of the curriculum, which would make school an integral part of their
life, the part that directly influences the development of creativity and
increases responsible participation in the society.
How Auditor Legal Liability Influences the Detection and Frequency of Fraudulent Financial Reporting
Authors: Burton F. Greg , Wilks T. Jeffrey , Zimbelman Mark F.
Published: July 2013

In today's legal environment, auditors who fail to detect fraud face potentially extreme liabilities because of the possibility of biased juries and other factors that can result in extreme legal liabilities for auditors. This paper summarizes a recent study (“The Impact of Audit Penalty Distributions on the Detection and Frequency of Fraudulent Reporting”; Burton et al. [2011]), which used an experimental economics research method to investigate how the legal liability for failing to detect fraud influences auditors' efforts to detect financial reporting fraud and auditees' commission of such fraud. The experiments show that a penalty system that is not subject to extreme legal liabilities for the auditor, but has the same expected value (i.e., average penalties) as a system that is subject to extreme liabilities, increases auditors' effort to detect fraud and decreases fraudulent reporting by auditees.
Comments of the Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association on PCAOB Reproposed Auditing Standard on Related Parties
Authors: Mintchik Natalia , Pevzner Mikhail , Sierra Gregory
Published: July 2013

On May 7, 2013, the Public Companies Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) solicited public comments on its reproposed exposure draft of the Auditing Standard on Related Parties (Docket 038: Proposed Auditing Standard on Related Parties and Related Amendments to PCAOB Auditing Standards). The two-month comment period ended on July 8, 2013. This commentary summarizes the contributors' views on this exposure draft.

Data Availability: The exposure draft and other related information is available at: http://pcaobus.org/Rules/Rulemaking/Pages/Docket038.aspx
Haphazard Sampling: Selection Biases and the Estimation Consequences of These Biases
Authors: Hall Thomas W. , Higson Andrew W. , Pierce Bethane Jo , Price Kenneth H. , Skousen Christopher J.
Published: July 2013

This article summarizes our recent study, “Haphazard Sampling: Selection Biases Induced by Control Listing Properties and the Estimation Consequences of These Biases” (Hall et al. 2012). Haphazard sampling is a nonstatistical technique used by auditors to simulate random sampling when testing the error status of accounting populations. Our study compared the properties of haphazard samples selected from control listings with the properties of random samples. We hypothesized that haphazard samples differ from random samples because the haphazard selection process is influenced by: (1) auditor behaviors intended to minimize sample selection effort and to ensure a diversified sample composition, and (2) variations in the appearance of control listing entries. Results from three experiments confirmed multiple differences between haphazard samples and random samples, and suggest that haphazard sampling may not be a reliable substitute for random sampling. In the absence of effective remediation procedures, continued use of haphazard sampling may expose auditors to additional audit, legal, and regulatory risk.
Real linear isometries between function algebras. II
Authors: Hatori Osamu , Miura Takeshi
Published: July 2013

We describe the general form of isometries between uniformly closed function algebras on locally compact Hausdorff spaces in a continuation of the study by Miura. We can actually obtain the form on the Shilov boundary, rather than just on the Choquet boundary. We also give an example showing that the form cannot be extended to the whole maximal ideal space.
The rank of the factor-group modulo the hypercenter and the rank of the some hypocenter of a group
Authors: Kurdachenko Leonid , Otal Javier
Published: July 2013

We compare the special rank of the factors of the upper central series and terms of the lower central series of a group. As a consequence we are able to show some generalizations of a theorem of Reinhold Baer.
Gromov hyperbolicity of planar graphs
Authors: Cantón Alicia , Granados Ana , Pestana Domingo , Rodríguez José
Published: July 2013

We prove that under appropriate assumptions adding or removing an infinite amount of edges to a given planar graph preserves its non-hyperbolicity, a result which is shown to be false in general. In particular, we make a conjecture that every tessellation graph of ℝ2 with convex tiles is non-hyperbolic; it is shown that in order to prove this conjecture it suffices to consider tessellation graphs of ℝ2 such that every tile is a triangle and a partial answer to this question is given. A weaker version of this conjecture stating that every tessellation graph of ℝ2 with rectangular tiles is non-hyperbolic is given and partially answered. If this conjecture were true, many tessellation graphs of ℝ2 with tiles which are parallelograms would be non-hyperbolic.
Abstract Korovkin-type theorems in modular spaces and applications
Authors: Bardaro Carlo , Boccuto Antonio , Dimitriou Xenofon , Mantellini Ilaria
Published: July 2013

We prove some versions of abstract Korovkin-type theorems in modular function spaces, with respect to filter convergence for linear positive operators, by considering several kinds of test functions. We give some results with respect to an axiomatic convergence, including almost convergence. An extension to non positive operators is also studied. Finally, we give some examples and applications to moment and bivariate Kantorovich-type operators, showing that our results are proper extensions of the corresponding classical ones.
Ladislau Steiner, 1920–2013
Authors: Leksell Dan , Lindquist Christer E. H.
Published: July 2013

The authors commemorate the life and career of Dr. Ladislau Steiner, one of the world's most highly regarded neurosurgeons, from Stockholm and Charlottesville, Virginia, who has died at age 92. They review the events of Dr. Steiner's early life, including his early training in his native Romania, his escape with his family from East Berlin, and his postgraduate training in neurosurgery at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. Dr. Steiner's work in the development of microsurgery and his collaboration with Lars Leksell in the development of Gamma Knife radiosurgery are described. After his retirement from Karolinska, Dr. Steiner had a second career as head of the Lars Leksell Gamma Knife Center at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. The authors recall their own long association with Dr. Steiner and celebrate his contributions to the field of neurosurgery.
Motor function after stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases in the region of the motor cortex
Authors: Luther Neal , Kondziolka Douglas , Kano Hideyuki , Mousavi Seyed H. , Flickinger John C. , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: July 2013

Object

The authors sought to better define the clinical response of patients who underwent stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases located in the region of the motor cortex.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in 2026 patients with brain metastasis who underwent SRS with the Gamma Knife between 2002 and 2012, and multiple factors that affect motor function before and after SRS were evaluated. Ninety-four patients with tumors ≥ 1.5 cm in diameter located in or adjacent to the motor strip were identified, including 2 patients with bilateral motor strip metastases.

Results

Motor function improved after SRS in 30 (31%) of 96 cases, remained stable in 48 (50%), and worsened over time in 18 (19%) instances. Forty-seven patients had no motor weakness prior to radiosurgery; 10 (22%) developed new Grade 3/5–4/5 weakness. Thirty (68%) of 44 patients with ≥ 3/5 pre-SRS weakness improved, 6 (14%) remained stable, and 8 (18%) worsened. Three of 5 patients with < 3/5 pre-SRS motor function improved. Motor deficits prior to SRS did not correlate with a worse outcome; however, worse outcomes were associated with larger tumor volumes. The median tumor volume in patients whose function improved or remained stable was 5.3 cm3, but it was 9.2 cm3 in patients who worsened (p < 0.05). Tumor volumes > 9 cm3 were associated with a higher risk of worsening motor function. Adverse radiation effects occurred in 5 patients.

Conclusions

Most intact patients with brain metastases in or adjacent to motor cortex maintained neurological function after SRS, and most patients with symptomatic motor weakness remained stable or improved. Larger tumor volumes were associated with less satisfactory outcomes.
An assessment of academic productivity in pediatric neurosurgery
Authors: Kalra Ricky R. , Kestle John R. W.
Published: July 2013

Object

Various bibliometric indices are now commonly used to assess academic productivity in medicine. Some evidence suggests that these measures are specific to subspecialty areas. The authors' goal was to measure the h index of academic pediatric neurosurgeons and compare it with previously reported results for academic neurosurgeons in general.

Methods

Programs with an Accreditation Council for Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowships–approved fellowship were identified, and the h and g indices of each of their surgeons were calculated. These were correlated with academic rank and compared with published literature on academic neurosurgical departments.

Results

Seventy-two pediatric neurosurgeons had a mean h index of 16.6 and a mean g index of 29.5. Both indices increased with progressive academic rank. The rank-specific mean index for academic pediatric neurosurgeons was similar to that of neurosurgeons from academic departments in general.

Conclusions

Overall, the authors conclude that the h index metric is a reasonable measure of academic productivity in the pediatric neurosurgery arena that provides a robust measure of an individual's contribution to the pediatric neurosurgery literature. Like its counterpart in neurosurgery in general, the h index for pediatric neurosurgeons correlates with institutional rank. The h index calculation also reveals the productivity of the pediatric neurosurgeons to be on par with the productivity of neurosurgeons in general.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Nitro-Chitosan and Its Performance in Chromium Removal
Authors: Jha Prashant , Halada Gary , McLennan Scott
Published: July 2013

A synthesized polymeric form of chitosan, electrochemically precipitated and photochemically modified, has been found to have significant value in removal of toxic chromate oxyanions from solution. Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that a significant percentage of the amine functional groups were oxidized to nitro groups as a result of reactions with hydroxyl ions formed in the electrochemical process with additional oxidation occurring as a result of exposure to ultra-violet light. The adsorption capacity of the modified chitosan for chromate was investigated in a batch system by taking into account effects of initial concentration, pH of the solution and contact time. Nitro-chitosan showed greater adsorption capacity towards Cr (VI) than other forms of chitosan, with a maximum adsorption of 173 mg/g. It was found that pH 3 is the optimum for adsorption, a Langmuir model is the best fit for the adsorption isotherm, and the kinetics of reaction followed a pseudo second order function. Overall, our results indicate that electrochemical modification of chitosan is an effective method to enhance the reactivity of chitosan towards metals.