bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicultural Therapy Practicum Involving Refugees
Authors: Kuo Ben C. H. , Arcuri Anna
Published: July 2013

Multicultural scholars have long noted the value and the need to incorporate multicultural counseling practica into diversity-social justice training. This article describes an ongoing, systematic model of multicultural therapy practicum in which clinical psychology trainees provide direct psychotherapy to community-referred, culturally and linguistically diverse refugee clients, under culturally grounded supervision. As a university–community collaboration, this practicum embodies the principles of multicultural counseling competencies, social justice, community outreach and service, experiential learning, and trauma therapy. In this article, we describe the target refugee population, the theoretical/conceptual bases, the learning conditions, the organizational structure, and the evaluative research of this practicum. Next, we present a former trainee’s narrative account of working with a male Afghan refugee from an autoethnographic qualitative framework to illustrate the dynamic learning process and the intricate cross-cultural interactions between the client and therapist. Finally, implications of this practicum for future practice and research on experiential multicultural training are discussed.
The virtues of improvisation: Ethnography without an ethics protocol
Authors: Dequirez Gaelle , Hersant Jeanne
Published: July 2013

Research relationships in the social sciences are becoming increasingly codified through formal procedures set by ethics committees. This article addresses the virtues of improvisation based on two fieldwork experiences in countries where ethics protocols are not institutionalized and are left to the judgement of researchers. The first involves the Turkish minority in Greece, with research conducted in Greece, Turkey and Germany, and the second involves Sri Lankan Tamil migration studied in France and Ontario. Based on a comparison of their respective approaches to two identity-based movements, the authors show how they were able to undertake an ethnographic revisit of these topics and highlight their political dimensions.
Piecewise Linear–Linear Latent Growth Mixture Models With Unknown Knots
Authors: Kohli Nidhi , Harring Jeffrey R. , Hancock Gregory R.
Published: July 2013

Latent growth curve models with piecewise functions are flexible and useful analytic models for investigating individual behaviors that exhibit distinct phases of development in observed variables. As an extension of this framework, this study considers a piecewise linear–linear latent growth mixture model (LGMM) for describing segmented change of individual behavior over time where the data come from a mixture of two or more unobserved subpopulations (i.e., latent classes). Thus, the focus of this article is to illustrate the practical utility of piecewise linear–linear LGMM and then to demonstrate how this model could be fit as one of many alternatives—including the more conventional LGMMs with functions such as linear and quadratic. To carry out this study, data ( N = 214) obtained from a procedural learning task research were used to fit the three alternative LGMMs: (a) a two-class LGMM using a linear function, (b) a two-class LGMM using a quadratic function, and (c) a two-class LGMM using a piecewise linear–linear function, where the time of transition from one phase to another (i.e., knot) is not known a priori, and thus is a parameter to be estimated.
lz Person-Fit Index to Identify Misfit Students With Achievement Test Data
Authors: Seo Dong Gi , Weiss David J.
Published: July 2013

The usefulness of the lz person-fit index was investigated with achievement test data from 20 exams given to more than 3,200 college students. Results for three methods of estimating θ showed that the distributions of lz were not consistent with its theoretical distribution, resulting in general overfit to the item response theory model and underidentification of potentially nonfitting response vectors. The distributions of lz were not improved for the Bayesian estimation method. A follow-up Monte Carlo simulation study using item parameters estimated from real data resulted in mean lz approximating the theoretical value of 0.0 for one of three θ estimation methods, but all standard deviations were substantially below the theoretical value of 1.0. Use of the lz distributions from these simulations resulted in levels of identification of significant misfit consistent with the nominal error rates. The reasons for the nonstandardized distributions of lz observed in both these data sets were investigated in additional Monte Carlo simulations. Previous studies showed that the distribution of item difficulties was primarily responsible for the nonstandardized distributions, with smaller effects for item discrimination and guessing. It is recommended that with real tests, identification of significantly nonfitting examinees be based on empirical distributions of lz generated from Monte Carlo simulations using item parameters estimated from real data.
Creep behaviour of sandwich panels with rigid polyurethane foam core and glass-fibre reinforced polymer faces: Experimental tests and analytical modelling
Authors: Garrido Mário , Correia João R , Branco Fernando A , Keller Thomas
Published: July 2013

This paper presents experimental and analytical investigations about the creep behaviour of sandwich panels comprising glass-fibre reinforced polymer faces and rigid polyurethane foam core for civil engineering applications. A full-scale sandwich panel was tested in bending for a period of 3600 h, in a simply supported configuration, subjected to a uniformly distributed load corresponding to 20% of the panel’s flexural strength. Additionally, specimens of polyurethane foam core were tested in shear for a period of 1200 h, for three different load levels corresponding to 10%, 20% and 30% of the foam’s shear strength. Experimental results were fitted using Findley’s power law formulation. Creep coefficients, shear modulus reduction factors and time-dependent shear moduli were obtained for the polyurethane foam in shear. A composed creep model is proposed to simulate the sandwich panel’s long-term creep deformations by considering the individual viscoelastic contributions from (1) the core material in shear and (2) the glass-fibre reinforced polymer faces in tension/compression. The composed creep model predictions adequately reproduced the full-scale panel’s experimental results. In addition, a good agreement was found between the composed creep model predictions and the extrapolation of the power law fitting obtained from the full-scale panel test, for a 50-year period.
Contemporary trends in employee involvement and participation
Authors: Markey Raymond , Townsend Keith
Published: July 2013

Employee involvement and participation have been at the heart of industrial relations since its inception, although much of the contemporary terminology has moved away from ‘industrial democracy’ employed by the Webbs in 1898. The labels and terms for employee involvement and participation have expanded and varied over time, reflecting different disciplinary bases (industrial relations, human resource management, psychology and political science), changing socio-economic contexts, competing goals between management, labour and government, and a variety of practices. This complexity has become problematical because not all terms are equivalent in their meanings and their different parameters are not always clearly defined. We attempt to provide some clarity by defining ‘employee voice’ or ‘participation’ as umbrella terms denoting a wide range of practices. The article also clearly delineates direct and representative approaches to employee participation, and their interrelationship. Two critical contemporary issues are the role of the state and the link between participation and organisational performance. The article concludes that the sphere of employee involvement and participation is likely to remain contested, but that its strategic viability is enhanced when linked with employee well-being as well as performance. Successful state intervention requires public policy integration and dialogue between government, employers and employee representatives.
A reassessment of non-union employee representation in the UK: Developments since the ‘ICE’ age
Authors: Bull Elaine E , Pyman Amanda , Gilman Mark W
Published: July 2013

In light of new legislation pertaining to information and consultation in the UK, the need to reassess the realms of employee involvement and participation, especially non-union forms, is critically apparent. This article explores the character of non-union employee representation arrangements established in the context of the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations 2004, drawing on case study evidence from two UK-based manufacturing organisations. The findings highlight some important dynamics concerning the use of non-union employee representation; not least that the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations have impacted in very different ways from those anticipated by the legislation.
Maintaining union voice in the Australian university sector: Union strategy and non-union forms of employee participation
Authors: Barnes Alison , MacMillan Craig , Markey Raymond
Published: July 2013

In 2005, Australian universities were required by a federal government, well known for its hostility to unions, to develop representative forms of employee consultation. This requirement posed a considerable threat to union voice in the sector. The article examines the union response to this situation. Our findings suggest that in the short term, the unions adopted a strategy of compliance with this requirement through support for the development of hybrid forms of voice, such as staff consultative committees. The unions then sought to dominate these committees by ensuring that union members were elected as staff representatives, thereby safeguarding the dominance of union voice. The non-union employee representation that was created, however, was constrained as an expression of employee voice. The findings are consistent with Anglo-Saxon literature focusing on the union substitution role of non-union forms of employee representation. There are also resonances in the union strategy with European trends for complementary relations between unions and union-dominated forms of non-union employee representation. However, while our study confirms the importance of the role of the state in determining the structure of non-union employee representation, it departs from the literature in demonstrating an instance where union substitution was sought by the state rather than by management.
Employee involvement and participation under extreme conditions: The Newcastle steelworks case
Authors: Lewer John
Published: July 2013

Australia’s steel industry underwent a transformation starting in the 1980s in response to an international collapse in demand and steeply heightened competition; such a crisis that it threatened the closure of the Broken Hill Proprietary Company’s iconic steelworks located at Newcastle on Australia’s eastern seaboard. Central to this transformation was the shift by the Broken Hill Proprietary Company from the firm’s highly confrontational approach to industrial relations to one that was far more collaborative. Gradual at first, the shift in participation with the steel unions accelerated so that by 1996 a joint management–union consultative committee – the Transition Steering Team – had been established at the Newcastle steelworks to facilitate a shift to electric arc furnace steelmaking. When the Broken Hill Proprietary Company announced in 1997 that it would exit all steelmaking at Newcastle and not proceed with the new furnace, the Transition Steering Team proved to be the key agency in the management of the steelworks’ closure. Instead of a calamitous fall in performance, under the aegis of the Transition Steering Team the plant set all-time productivity, safety, absenteeism, quality and other records.
Performance-related Pay-Hype versus Reality
Authors: Agrawal Chetan
Published: July 2013

Performance-related pay has been regarded as the sole crusader for obtaining effective performance by several academicians and professionals. However, contrary to this popular belief, research shows that performance-related pay is not effective in all institutional settings. This article discusses that reward bargains need to be customized according to the institutional structure, thus discarding the notion that only performance-related pay can improve performance. Characteristics of the public sector (organizational structure, personnel management systems, nature of resources and incentives, multiple principals, measurement problems and intrinsic motivation) which are not in sync with performance-related pay are also discussed in order to exemplify that performance-related pay instead of improving performance creates barriers. Pitfalls of performance-related pay (intrinsic motivation, decreased cooperation, decreased equity and higher control) are discussed in order to suggest that these pitfalls should be considered before performance-related pay systems are adopted by the organization. Examples from British and French civil services are used throughout the article in order to further clarify the issues.
Women and Stock Market Participation
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Vohra Tina
Published: July 2013

Women constitute half of the world’s population. The participation of women in the economy is important in order to enhance and contribute towards raising the economic potential of a country. Long-standing inequalities have prevented women from participating in and benefiting from stock markets. They face discriminatory practices which prevent them from seeking entry into certain occupations, especially male-dominated ones. In the present study, the diverse literature available worldwide on the stock market participation of women has been explored and analyzed in terms of their objectives, research methodology, sample, respondents and the impediments faced by women while investing in the stock market. The article demonstrates that there are several impediments that prevent women from investing in the stock market and suggests that besides financial literacy programmes, changes in attitude and behaviour of the society as well as women are needed in order to improve their participation in the stock market.
Classification of falls in stroke rehabilitation – not all falls are the same
Authors: Hanger H Carl , Wills Kate L , Wilkinson Tim
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To develop a practical taxonomy of falls and to determine whether these different fall groups have different outcomes.

Design:

Descriptive study examining patient characteristics at the time of each fall and iterative development of falls taxonomy.

Setting:

An inpatient stroke rehabilitation ward.

Methods:

All falls over 21 months were reviewed retrospectively. Case notes were reviewed and each patient’s level of functioning at the time of fall, together with admission profile and discharge outcomes, were collected. Outcomes for fallers (as opposed to falls) were compared using the predominant fall type.

Results:

There were 241 falls in 122 patients and most falls occurred around the bed (196 (81%) falls). Toileting-related falls occurred in 54 patients (22.4%). The taxonomy proposes seven main fall types. One fall type (‘I’m giving it a go’) appeared quite different and was associated with better functioning at time of fall and better outcomes. Other fall types were related to high dependency needs, visuospatial difficulties or delirium. Medication-related falls were uncommon in this cohort.

Conclusions:

The falls taxonomy developed showed four main types of falls with different, but overlapping, patient characteristics at time of fall with different outcomes. Different fall-prevention strategies may be required for each group.
Association between interleukin 6 and interleukin 16 gene polymorphisms and coronary heart disease risk in a Chinese population
Authors: Tong Zichuan , Li Qiang , Zhang Jianjun , Wei Yu , Miao Guobin , Yang Xinchun
Published: July 2013

Objective

To investigate the role of interleukin 6 ( IL6) and IL16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in a Chinese population.

Methods

Patients with CAD and healthy control subjects were recruited. IL6 (rs1800795 and rs1800796) and IL16 (rs8034928, rs3848180, rs4577037, rs1131445, rs4778889 and rs11556218) genotyping was performed on the MassARRAY® platform (Sequenom®, San Diego, CA, USA).

Results

Frequencies of rs8034928 variant C allele and rs11556218 variant T allele were higher in patients with CAD ( n = 326) than controls ( n = 341). The rs8034928 C/C genotype (odds ratio [OR] 2.03; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.16, 3.62) and C allele (OR 1.97; 95%CI 1.15, 3.45) were associated with increased risk of CAD compared with wild type. Similarly, the rs11556218 T/T genotype (OR 2.44; 95%CI 1.15, 5.44) and T allele (OR 2.37; 95%CI 1.13, 5.24) were associated with increased CAD risk compared with wild type.

Conclusion

The SNPs rs8034928 and rs11556218 are associated with CAD risk in the Chinese population, and may be useful predictive markers for CAD susceptibility.
The World Wide Failure Exercise II Examination of Results
Authors: Christensen Richard M
Published: July 2013

The years long in preparation World Wide Failure Exercise II has been completed and the final results and conclusions published. The overall purpose of the World Wide Failure Exercise II was to evaluate the failure criteria/failure theories to be used in the analysis of fiber composite materials. An in-depth consideration of the results from the failure exercise is laid out here. Many critical issues are examined and the status and significance of the World Wide Failure Exercise II is assessed. These results may be of interest and use to researchers and practitioners in the field of composite materials and structures.
Do All Impact Fees Affect Housing Prices the Same?
Authors: Mathur Shishir
Published: July 2013

The study empirically estimates the effects of four types of impact fees (road, school, park, and fire protection impact fees) on new and existing housing, as well as the fees’ differential effects on price as determined by housing quality. The results indicate that impact fees generally raise the price of new housing. Further, the magnitude and the direction of the housing price effect of individual impact fees vary substantially. For example, the park impact fee increases the price of new and existing housing, whereas the fire protection impact fee has no effect or has a negative effect on housing prices.
How Clothes Make the Woman Immoral
Authors: Montemurro Beth , Gillen Meghan M.
Published: July 2013

The goal of the present study was to examine clothing as a marker of women's sexuality. Ninety-five women in their 20s - 60s participated in in-depth interviews. Many women reported concern with sexual messages others might perceive from their clothing, and judged other women's clothing on the dimensions of authenticity, morality, and appropriateness. Self- and other- clothing judgments varied by the target's age, marital status, and parental status, and for other-judgments, by social class and generation. Results suggest that women's bodies are socially monitored and that sexual subjectivity is suppressed through the stigmatization of women's sexualized dress.
The effect of the inflation pressure on the tyre properties and the motorcycle stability
Authors: Massaro Matteo , Cossalter Vittore , Cusimano Gianmaria
Published: July 2013

It is well known that the inflation pressure affects the tyre properties, which in turn influence the stability and safety of a vehicle. Single-track vehicles are characterized by some weakly damped vibration modes and are particularly sensitive to such variations. This work analyses the characteristics of a high-performance tyre set as a function of the inflation pressure through experimental characterization. The effect on the stability of a racing motorcycle is investigated at different speeds using an advanced motorcycle multi-body code.
Formalization beckons: a baseline of informal recycling work in Buenos Aires, 2007–2011
Authors: Parizeau Kate
Published: July 2013

The work of Buenos Aires’ cartoneros (informal recyclers) has important environmental and economic repercussions for the city. This paper investigates cartoneros’ working and living conditions, establishing a 2007 baseline for the logistics of informal recycling practice in Buenos Aires and providing a description of the socioeconomic characteristics of these workers at a key moment in time. Under the purview of a new chief of government elected in 2007, a formalization plan for cartoneros was initiated in 2011. This paper assesses some of the potential impacts of this plan on cartoneros and their work, and suggests that while such a system may benefit some workers (providing them with increased income, social acceptability and improved relationships with the municipality), there are also potential drawbacks to the formalization plan (including possible difficulties instituting a cooperative system with previously unorganized workers and the labour exclusion of more socially marginalized cartoneros).
Sleep quality in efavirenz-treated Chinese HIV patients – comparing between GT and GG genotype of CYP2B6-516 G/T polymorphisms
Authors: Lee Shui Shan , To Kin Wang , Lee Man Po , Wong Ngai Sze , Chan Denise PC , Li Patrick CK , Cheung Siu Wai , Chan Raphael CY
Published: July 2013

Seventy-two adult Chinese HIV-positive treatment-naïve patients were recruited in a study to evaluate prospectively the associations between CYP2B6 516 G/T polymorphisms and sleep quality following treatment with an efavirenz-based regimen. Overall, the patients gave an allelic frequency of 0.3 for CYP2B6 516 T, and a genotype frequency of 9.4% for TT. Compared to GG, GT gave a higher median value of plasma efavirenz level at four weeks (3.77 mg/L vs 2.59 mg/L, p < 0.001) and 12 months (3.57 mg/L vs 2.97 mg/L, p = 0.026). Using generalised estimating equations analysis to track the variance over time, there was poorer Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in GT compared to GG, while GT was associated with a higher efavirenz level of >4 mg/L. There was however no difference in the component sleep scores nor was there direct association between sleep quality and plasma efavirenz levels. The results suggested that CYP2B6 genotype was associated with different patterns of sleep problems, further investigation of which is warranted with the objective of optimizing therapy with efavirenz-based regimens.
Financing Reproductive Health in Bangladesh
Authors: Khanna Anoop , Pradhan Jalandhar , Harun-Ar-Rashid  , Beekink Erik , Gupta Manu , Sharma Ajay
Published: July 2013

Bangladesh is the signatory of both, International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) programme of action and Millennium Development goals (MDGs). The Government of Bangladesh has set ambitious agendas for improving Reproductive Health (RH) services, to achieve the targets till 2015. In Bangladesh, poor access to services, both primary and tertiary care, low quality services, high rate of maternal mortality and child malnutrition are the key challenges in achieving MGDs. An equitable and efficient use of financial resources is essential for the adequate implementation of these agendas to achieve MGDs for reproductive health. This paper discusses the financing for reproductive health in Bangladesh based on various secondary sources including National Health Accounts.

The budget allocation for Reproductive Health (RH) and Family Planning (FP) is around 11 per cent of the total health budget. Among RH providers, nearly 48 per cent of the expenditure is incurred through Family Planning Centres, which are key providers for reproductive health services in Bangladesh. General hospitals and outpatient care centres are providers for 23 per cent and 21 per cent expenditure respectively. A large proportion the total expenditure on service provision for RH is spent through the government system, which includes donor support channelled through the government system under pooled funding. The donor expenditure on population assistance in Bangladesh showed fluctuations in the past, but is showing increasing trend for last three to four years. Of the total donor expenditure, almost half is distributed through multilateral channels, one-third through NGOs in 2008, and remaining through bilateral channels. The role of multilateral channels has increased since 2006. Out of pocket spending constitutes a significant proportion (around 65 per cent) of the total spending on reproductive health. The study suggests that Bangladesh needs to increase spending on RH in order to achieve MDG 5. Due to resource constraints, the GOB is currently in a position to contribute only one-fourth of the total estimated budget needed for implementing the RH related operational plans, while the rest is considered to be the funding gap, and needs to be ensured from external sources.
CRM Scale Development and Validation in Indian Public Hospitals
Authors: Agariya Arun Kumar , Singh Deepali
Published: July 2013

The aim of this paper is to develop a reliable and valid CRM (Customer relationship management) scale specifically catering to Indian public hospitals. An exhaustive review of literature on CRM was followed by depth interview and questionnaire survey. Exploratory factor analysis was followed by confirmatory factor analysis which was presented in three forms; the single factor model, covariance model and the structural model. The covariance model shows CRM in Indian public hospitals as a multidimensional construct comprising of factors namely tangibles, service quality, trust, availability and accessibility which is validated through the structural model. The findings of this study validate the long held belief that CRM is a multidimensional construct and serves as a critical success factor for performance enhancement. The proposed scale will help in identifying issues that contribute to CRM in Indian public hospitals and thereby formulating strategies accordingly, resulting in efficient (cost) and effective (outcomes) CRM practices. A fair amount of literature on Indian public hospitals dealt with identifying factors explaining the constructs of quality, value or satisfaction. But there is paucity of research pertaining to industry-specific CRM scale development and validation. This study is an attempt to bridge this gap in the existing literature.
The Paradox of the Paroxysm
Authors: Huberfeld Gilles , Le Duigou Caroline , Le Van Quyen Michel , Navarro Vincent , Baulac Michel , Miles Richard
Published: July 2013

An epileptic brain is permanently in a diseased state, but seizures occur rarely and without warning. Here we examine this paradox, common to paroxysmal diseases. We review the problem in the context of the prototypic acquired epilepsies of the medial temporal lobe. We ask how an epileptic temporal lobe differs from a healthy one and examine biological mechanisms that may explain the transition to seizure. Attempts to predict seizure timing from analyses of brain electrical activity suggest that the neurological processes involved may be initiated significantly before a seizure. Furthermore, whereas seizures are said to occur without warning, some patients say they know when a seizure is imminent. Several factors, including sleep deprivation, oscillations in hormonal levels, or withdrawal from drugs, increase the probability of a seizure. We ask whether these seizure precipitants might act through common neuronal mechanisms. Several precipitating factors seem to involve relief from a neurosteroid modulation of gamma-amino butyric acid receptor type A (GABAA) receptors. We propose tests of this hypothesis.
An analysis and design framework for robust control of a multi-axis active vibration isolation system with unknown payload
Authors: Fakkaew Wichaphon , Wongratanaphisan Theeraphong , Cole Matthew O T
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a framework for model-based analysis of robust stability and performance for a multi-axis active vibration isolation system with constant but unknown payload and subject to modelling errors associated with structural flexibility. The theoretical treatment involves a linear time-invariant system subject to real parameter uncertainty associated with the unknown payload. A set of performance indices are formulated based on generalized [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text] measures. A method for stability/performance verification is then developed using a parameter-dependent Lyapunov function that incorporates the kinetic energy of the uncertain payload mass. This allows nonconservative bounds on the performance indices to be established via numerical solution of a corresponding set of matrix inequalities. The approach is especially suitable, and computationally efficient, for multi-degree-of-freedom systems as the overall (symmetric positive-definite) properties of the system mass matrix are accounted for without involving information for each scalar parameter. The associated LMIs can therefore be solved in polynomial time with respect to the number of unknown parameters. Numerical examples for the case of sky-hook damping control and multi-objective [Formula: see text] control are provided that demonstrate the effectiveness of the method as a tool for model-based controller evaluation and multi-objective optimization.
Significance of Dopaminergic Gene Variants in the Male Biasness of ADHD
Authors: Das Bhowmik Aneek , Sarkar Kanyakumarika , Ghosh Paramita , Das Manali , Bhaduri Nipa , Sarkar Keka , Ray Anirban , Sinha Swagata , Mukhopadhyay Kanchan
Published: July 2013

Objective: ADHD is frequently detected in boys though there is no established cause. One possibility is that genes predisposing to ADHD have sexually dimorphic effects. With an aim to find out the reason for this male biasness, contribution of 14 functional polymorphisms was investigated in ADHD subjects. Method: Genomic DNA of probands, their parents, and ethnically matched controls was subjected to analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms and variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs). Results: Case–control analysis revealed significant higher occurrence of DAT1 intron 8 VNTR “5R” allele ( p = .028), DBH rs1108580 “A” allele ( p = .027), and MAOA-u VNTR-rs6323 3R-T haplotype ( p = .007) in male probands. Family-based analysis showed significant preferential transmission of Dopamine receptor D4 exon 3 VNTR-rs1800955 7R-T haplotype from parents to male probands ( p = .008). Interaction between DBH gene variants and low enzymatic activity was also noticed, especially in male probands. Conclusion: Data obtained may partly answer the male biasness of ADHD.
The Effects of Preresponse Cues on Inhibitory Control and Response Time in Adults With ADHD
Authors: Roberts Walter , Milich Richard , Fillmore Mark T.
Published: July 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of preresponse cues on behavioral control in adults with ADHD. Method: Eighty-eight adults with ADHD and 67 adults with no history of ADHD completed a cued go/no-go task. This task requires participants to respond or inhibit a response to go and no-go targets, respectively, and preresponse cues provide participants with predictive information about the upcoming target. Results: Overall, participants with ADHD made more inhibitory failures and responded more slowly than controls. These group differences were only present in the valid-cue condition, and there were no significant group differences in the invalid-cue conditions. Conclusion: These findings suggest that adults with ADHD are less able to utilize predictive environmental information to facilitate behavioral control.
Overestimation of Physical Abilities Among Boys With and Without ADHD
Authors: Helseth Sarah A. , Bruce Beth S. , Waschbusch Daniel A.
Published: July 2013

Objective: Children with ADHD have been widely reported to overestimate their abilities in social and academic domains, but a similar overestimation of physical abilities has not been examined. Method: Twenty-four elementary school-age boys with ADHD and fifteen boys without ADHD were compared on their ability to accurately estimate their ability to complete four lab-based physical tasks, varying on three levels of difficulty: (a) within their ability, (b) 8% beyond their ability, and (c) 13% beyond their ability. Results: Children with ADHD were significantly more likely than controls to overestimate their physical ability at difficult levels of the task. Conclusion: Implications of these results for preventing risky behaviors in children with ADHD are discussed.
The development of storytelling in two languages with words and gestures
Authors: Laurent Angélique , Nicoladis Elena , Marentette Paula
Published: July 2013

This was a cross-sectional study of storytelling development in French–English bilinguals between four and 10 years in both languages. Measures of both spoken and gestural use were examined as a function of age. The results showed that the children’s spoken narrative abilities were related to age in both languages while their rates of gestures were not. The relationship between gesture use and narrative abilities was, at best, weak. These results suggest that fluent bilinguals develop narrative abilities in both languages simultaneously. We discussed the results of the present study in the light of ongoing research on the developmental relationship between speech and gesture in childhood.
Taking Experiential Givenism Seriously
Authors: Ralston Shane J.
Published: July 2013

In the past few years, a small but intense debate has transpired on the margins of mainstream scholarship in the discipline of Philosophy, particularly within the subfield of American pragmatism. While most philosophical pragmatists dedicate their attention to questions concerning how ideas improve experience (or the theory–practice continuum), those participating in this exchange have shown greater concern for an issue that is, at its core, a theoretical matter: Does the theory of experience espoused by the classic American philosopher John Dewey succumb to what contemporary analytic philosophers—for instance, Wilfred Sellars, Donald Davidson, and John McDowell—call the Myth of the Given? One commentator, Scott Aikin, claims that Dewey relied on noninferential and nonconceptual content or givens as perceptual inputs for cognitive experience. The upshot of Aikin’s objection is that these experiential givens constitute a proxy epistemological foundation for the beliefs that flow from inquiry—a position clearly in conflict with Dewey’s commitment to antifoundationalism. The objection assumes a slightly different form in the hands of another scholar of American pragmatism, Colin Koopman. Gregory Pappas and David Hildebrand respond to Koopman’s version of the objection. The goals of this article are to clarify the objection, highlight the stakes in the debate, identify misunderstandings of Dewey’s experiential metaphysics on both sides, and determine why the experiential givenism objection merits serious philosophical scrutiny in the future.
A Descriptive Assessment of Higher Education Access, Participation, Equity, and Disparity in Ghana
Authors: Atuahene Francis , Owusu-Ansah Anthony
Published: July 2013

Since independence, Ghana has comparatively distinguished itself among many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries in its educational developments. Tertiary education in Ghana over the past decade has witnessed tremendous growth in various frontages—increased access and participation, relative expansion of academic facilities, a growing private sector, and most importantly, a transformative policy environment. Despite these overwhelming developments, there remain inequalities in the higher education system in Ghana: access has not been broadened to include all social groups. Available data suggest unequal participation among women, minorities, individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and spatial-based disparities. Using enrollment data from universities, policy document from the Ministry of Education, and the National Council for Tertiary Education in Ghana, and academic research reports, the authors provide descriptive and critical analyses of the structures of inequalities and disparities in higher education in Ghana. The authors argue that in spite of the massive developments over the years, there exist accessibility and participation gap with respect to students’ socioeconomic status, gender, regions of origin, and the type and location of secondary schools attended.
Relationship Satisfaction in Native Koreans and Korean Americans as a Function of Alexithymia, Emotional Intelligence, and Marital Vows Orientation
Authors: Lee Victoria , Berg-Cross Linda , Suh Kyung Hyun
Published: July 2013

The common stereotype of the inexpressive Asian, holding all emotions at bay, continues in our expectations of how Asian couples relate in intimate relationships. There is also a widely held belief that Asian marriages embrace more covenant-oriented commitments, compromising individual freedom and expression for the sake of harmony and integration of the couple. The current study attempted to test these stereotypes among Koreans living in the United States and Native Koreans. Results indicated that the dominant culture significantly shapes the expression and importance of alexithymia among Koreans, but when Koreans are a minority group, traditional beliefs may exert an even greater influence on the covenantal aspects of the couple relationship. Most interestingly, couples with only one Korean member had very different results than the other groups; most notably in a strong significant negative relationship between emotional intelligence and relationship satisfaction.
Interactions between Alcohol and the HIV Entry Inhibitor Maraviroc
Authors: Gruber Valerie A. , Rainey Petrie M. , Lum Paula J. , Beatty George W. , Aweeka Francesca T. , McCance-Katz Elinore F.
Published: July 2013

Background:

Alcohol use is common among people with HIV, and beliefs about alcohol interactions with medications predict decreased medication adherence, risking drug-resistant mutations. Maraviroc is an HIV entry inhibitor approved for treatment of both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant HIV strains. The present study evaluated the effects of alcohol on maraviroc pharmacokinetics and the effects of maraviroc on alcohol pharmacokinetics.

Methods:

Ten healthy adults completed alcohol (1 g/kg) and placebo alcohol pharmacokinetics sessions before and after 7 days of maraviroc administration.

Results:

Alcohol concentrations increased 12% following maraviroc. Maraviroc pharmacokinetics were unaffected by alcohol.

Conclusions:

Maraviroc treatment should not be interrupted if alcohol is consumed.
Computational model to design plastic multi-layer films for food packaging to assure a shelf life at the best cost
Authors: Noriega María del Pilar , Estrada Omar , López Iván
Published: July 2013

A computational model to design plastic food packaging is proposed. The model minimizes the cost of the multi-layer structure satisfying the specific product requirements, using a heuristic optimization algorithm. The product requirements are defined by the expected shelf life, the storage conditions, the water sorption isotherms of foods and the maximum allowable gain or loss of gases (O2, CO2, N2, etc.) and moisture for the packaged food. In order to assure the food shelf life, these product requirements should be fulfilled to estimate the maximum permeance values of the plastic package. The computational algorithm automatically generates different multi-layer film structures that satisfy the product requirements. This algorithm combines different polymeric materials taking into account the barrier properties and cost of each layer, the compatibility between layers, the maximum number of layers and the minimum and maximum film thickness for each layer. Temperature and relative humidity corrections for the permeance calculations are considered.

Permeance calculations of several barrier films are compared with oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) measurements. The optimization model algorithm is evaluated by means of standard numerical routines and numerical benchmarking.
Factors affecting pediatric isotonic fluid resuscitation efficiency: a randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of syringe size
Authors: Harvey Greg , Foster Gary , Manan Asmaa , Thabane Lehana , Parker Melissa J
Published: July 2013

Background

Goal-directed therapy guidelines for pediatric septic shock resuscitation recommend fluid delivery at speeds in excess of that possible through use of regular fluid infusion pumps. In our experience, syringes are commonly used by health care providers (HCPs) to achieve rapid fluid resuscitation in a pediatric fluid resuscitation scenario. At present, it is unclear which syringe size health care providers should use when performing fluid resuscitation to achieve maximal fluid resuscitation efficiency. The objective of this study was therefore to determine if an optimal syringe size exists for conducting manual pediatric fluid resuscitation.

Methods

This 48-participant parallel group randomized controlled trial included 4 study arms (10, 20, 30, 60 mL syringe size groups). Eligible participants were HCPs from McMaster Children’s Hospital, Hamilton, Canada blinded to the purpose of the trial. Consenting participants were randomized using a third party technique. Following a standardization procedure, participants administered 900 mL (60 mL/kg) of isotonic saline to a simulated 15 kg child using prefilled provided syringes of the allocated size in rapid sequence. Primary outcome was total time to administer the 900 mL and this data was collected through video review by two blinded outcome assessors. Sample size was predetermined based upon a primary outcome analysis using one-way ANOVA.

Results

12 participants were randomized to each group (n=48) and all completed trial protocol to analysis. Analysis was conducted according to intention to treat principles. A significant difference in fluid resuscitation time (in seconds) was found between syringe size group means: 10 mL, 563s [95% CI 521; 606]; 20 mL, 506s [95% CI 64; 548]; 30 mL, 454s [95% CI 412; 596]; 60 mL, 455s [95% CI 413; 497] (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The syringe size used when performing manual pediatric fluid resuscitation has a significant impact on fluid resuscitation speed, in a setting where fluid filled syringes are continuously available. Greatest efficiency was achieved with 30 or 60 mL syringes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01494116
DNA methylation of the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) in human pancreatic islets
Authors: Hall Elin , Dayeh Tasnim , Kirkpatrick Clare L , Wollheim Claes B , Dekker Nitert Marloes , Ling Charlotte
Published: July 2013

Background

Insulin secretion is enhanced upon the binding of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to its receptor (GLP1R) in pancreatic β cells. Although a reduced expression of GLP1R in pancreatic islets from type 2 diabetic patients and hyperglycaemic rats has been established, it is still unknown if this is caused by differential DNA methylation of GLP1R in pancreatic islets of type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods

In this study, DNA methylation levels of 12 CpG sites close to the transcription start site of GLP1R were analysed in pancreatic islets from 55 non-diabetic and 10 type 2 diabetic human donors as well as in β and α cells isolated from human pancreatic islets. DNA methylation of GLP1R was related to GLP1R expression, HbA1c levels and BMI. Moreover, mRNA expression of MECP2, DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B was analysed in pancreatic islets of the non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic donors.

Results

One CpG unit, at position +199 and +205 bp from the transcription start site, showed a small increase in DNA methylation in islets from donors with type 2 diabetes compared to non-diabetic donors (0.53%, p=0.02). Furthermore, DNA methylation levels of one CpG site located 376 bp upstream of the transcription start site of GLP1R correlated negatively with GLP1R expression (rho=−0.34, p=0.008) but positively with BMI and HbA1c (rho=0.30, p=0.02 and rho=0.30, p=0.03, respectively). This specific CpG site is located in an area with known SP1 and SP3 transcription factor binding sites. Moreover, when we compared the DNA methylation of the GLP1R promoter in isolated human β and α cells, we found that it was higher in α- compared with β-cells (p=0.009). Finally, there was a trend towards decreased DNMT3A expression (p=0.056) in type 2 diabetic compared with non-diabetic islets.

Conclusions

Together, our study shows that while BMI and HbA1c are positively associated with DNA methylation levels of GLP1R, its expression is negatively associated with DNA methylation of GLP1R in human pancreatic islets.
Using a multi-staged strategy based on machine learning and mathematical modeling to predict genotype-phenotype risk patterns in diabetic kidney disease: a prospective case–control cohort analysis
Authors: Leung Ross KK , Wang Ying , Ma Ronald CW , Luk Andrea OY , Lam Vincent , Ng Maggie , So Wing Yee , Tsui Stephen KW , Chan Juliana CN
Published: July 2013

Background

Multi-causality and heterogeneity of phenotypes and genotypes characterize complex diseases. In a database with comprehensive collection of phenotypes and genotypes, we compared the performance of common machine learning methods to generate mathematical models to predict diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

Methods

In a prospective cohort of type 2 diabetic patients, we selected 119 subjects with DKD and 554 without DKD at enrolment and after a median follow-up period of 7.8 years for model training, testing and validation using seven machine learning methods (partial least square regression, the classification and regression tree, the C5.0 decision tree, random forest, naïve Bayes classification, neural network and support vector machine). We used 17 clinical attributes and 70 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 54 candidate genes to build different models. The top attributes selected by the best-performing models were then used to build models with performance comparable to those using the entire dataset.

Results

Age, age of diagnosis, systolic blood pressure and genetic polymorphisms of uteroglobin and lipid metabolism were selected by most methods. Models generated by support vector machine (svmRadial) and random forest (cforest) had the best prediction accuracy whereas models derived from naïve Bayes classifier and partial least squares regression had the least optimal performance. Using 10 clinical attributes (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, age, age of diagnosis, triglyceride, white blood cell count, total cholesterol, waist to hip ratio, LDL cholesterol, and alcohol intake) and 5 genetic attributes (UGB G38A, LIPC -514C > T, APOB Thr71Ile, APOC3 3206T > G and APOC3 1100C > T), selected most often by SVM and cforest, we were able to build high-performance models.

Conclusions

Amongst different machine learning methods, svmRadial and cforest had the best performance. Genetic polymorphisms related to inflammation and lipid metabolism warrant further investigation for their associations with DKD.