bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Language Skills Through Music
Authors: Mizener Charlotte P.
Published: July 2008

Researchers and practitioners recognize that musical activities reinforce many aspects of language development. Chanting and rhythmic speaking, singing, and listening are all experiences that support language development. This article describes language-enhancing activities in those three areas and explains how they strengthen language development. Activities involving chanting and rhythmic speaking are helpful in the practice of elements of speech that parallel musical elements and in the exploration of oral reading skills. The singing and chanting activities provide practice in rhythm, form, dynamics, and mood, which are concepts and skills common to language and music. The article also includes considerations for selecting songs appropriate for reinforcing language skills. Finally, examples of music listening activities demonstrate how students may develop all of the modalities of communication, including receiving and transmitting information aurally and receiving and transmitting information visually.
Making Music, Reaching Readers
Authors: D'Agrosa Esther
Published: July 2008

In this article, the author makes a case for the arts enhancing learning. Examples of how music experiences can make valid connections to reading without demeaning music as an art form are presented. These examples include teaching strategies for building vocabulary and increasing comprehension, phonological awareness, and reading fluency through music.
Our Singing Children
Authors: Mizener Charlotte P.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this article is to help the music educator maximize the time allotted to singing with children in the classroom. It will address what teachers and children in the classroom may do to develop and improve singing accuracy, including some suggestions for implementing instruction techniques, planning singing activities, and arranging the singing environment. The article includes descriptions of “presinging activities” that a teacher may use to help children develop a foundation for singing accuracy, a discussion of appropriate vocal models, and an examination of the use of various kinesthetic activities and breath management techniques to increase singing accuracy. Some considerations regarding singing in the classroom, such as frequency of music instruction periods, selection of appropriate songs, use of text or neutral syllables, performance with or without accompaniment, and individual or group singing conditions, are also presented.
The Selection and Preparation of Cooperating Teachers in Music Education
Authors: Zemek Michael D.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study is to describe the current process of selecting cooperating teachers and their preparation for this role in music teacher education throughout the state of Illinois to improve future practices and policies. Coordinators of student teaching and music education professors ( N = 19) were surveyed regarding their school's selection and preparation practices. Findings include a reliance on the personal and professional relationships between K–12 and collegiate music educators when selecting music cooperating teachers rather than on the recommendation of school principals ( p = .003) as reported throughout the general education literature. Preparation activities are limited to the use of handbooks of student teaching, one-on-one conferences between cooperating teachers and college or university supervisors, and an occasional class or workshop. Finally, current selection practices based on previous knowledge of cooperating teacher candidates may in fact decrease the need for preparation.
Opinions and Reported Learning Outcomes of Undergraduate Music Education Majors Concerning Required Recital Attendance
Authors: Kinney Daryl W. , Martin Michael
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to determine undergraduate music education majors' opinions and reported learning outcomes related to recital attendance required by their degree program. Comparisons were made between underclassmen ( n = 99) and upperclassmen ( n = 48) and between those attending a university with periodic deadlines for completing the requirement ( n = 101) and those attending a university without periodic deadlines ( n = 46). Types of recitals attended were also examined. Results indicated positive opinions concerning recital attendance; however, respondents were neutral about the value of the recital attendance requirement itself. Respondents were also neutral about reported learning outcomes, although underclassmen reported significantly greater learning in regard to concert etiquette than upperclassmen. Respondents without periodic deadlines were found to be significantly more likely to procrastinate in completing the requirement and rated the value of recital attendance significantly lower than those with periodic deadlines. Analysis of types of concert attendance revealed that instrumentalists predominantly attended instrumental recitals, whereas vocalists were divided equally between instrumental and vocal recital attendance.
Constructing a Model for the Effective Mentoring of Music Educators
Authors: Jacobs Jay N.
Published: July 2008

In this article, a model for the effective mentoring of music educators is presented. Mentoring and induction literature is referenced to examine recent trends and determine the contents of the model. The model begins with state government design and funding of a mentoring program. Layers are built on this foundation, including (a) support of professional organizations; (b) mentor selection, training, and compensation; (c) mentor–mentee release time; and (d) a multiyear concept. Completion of a mentoring program as a requirement for full teacher certification completes this mentoring program model. The model provides a departure point for experimental trials, future research, and eventual comprehensive program design.
An Instructional Approach for Improving the Writing of Literature Reviews
Authors: Freer Patrick K. , Barker Angela
Published: July 2008

The authors engaged in a team-teaching approach to foster improvements in the writing and evaluation of scholarly literature reviews by their graduate students in music education. A focal point of the semester-long project was the analysis and public critique of each author's dissertation literature review by the other author, using a variant of a rubric for evaluating literature reviews by Boote and Beile. Students further refined the rubric by evaluating literature reviews in current music education journals and then used the rubric to guide their own writing. Student reflections and responses were gathered through questionnaires and interviews, with indications that the process had a twofold effect: (a) improved skills in conceptualizing, writing, and analyzing literature reviews and (b) increased collegiality as students perceived their instructors as peer scholars.
High School Instrumental Students' Perceptions of Effective Music Student Teacher Traits
Authors: Kelly Steven N.
Published: July 2008

This study examined high school band and orchestra students' perceptions of effective music student teacher skills and behaviors. Participants ( N = 314) began by completing a 34-item survey by rating items 1 to 31 from 1 ( not very important) to 5 ( very important) regarding the degree of importance with which each trait should be exhibited by a student teacher in a music class. Items 32 to 34 asked the respondents to indicate (a) how often they had a music student intern during a specific time period, (b) the respondent's primary performance area, and (c) the respondent's year in school. Resulting data indicated that skills and behaviors receiving the highest mean scores were “Is able to apply knowledge; being competent” ( M = 4.595) and “Has a positive behavior” ( M = 4.586). Skills and behaviors receiving the lowest mean scores were “Can play the piano” ( M = 2.952) and “Has knowledge of technology” ( M = 3.407). ANOVA found few significant differences among the teacher traits and different groups of students.
African American Grandparents' and Adolescent Grandchildren's Sexuality Communication
Authors: Cornelius Judith Bacchus , LeGrand Sara , Jemmott Loretta
Published: July 2008

This exploratory study uses survey methodology to generate data on grandparent—grandchild sexuality communications and attitudes and feelings about these processes. The sample includes 40 African American grandparent— grandchild dyads for a total of 80 participants recruited from five churches. One open-ended question asks the participants about their willingness to use churches as venues in HIV prevention. Grandparents have more positive attitudes and feelings about sexuality communications than their adolescent grandchildren. Both grandparents and their adolescent grandchildren are receptive to the idea of using churches as venues in HIV prevention and provide recommendations about how a church-based sexuality program could be developed. The role of grandparents is constantly being redefined; therefore, we must continue to examine the needs of this population and the grandchildren they are raising. Nurses can build on the study's findings to develop church-based sexuality programs.
Central Venous Catheterization: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study
Authors: Mer Mervyn , Duse Adriano Gianmaria , Galpin Jacqueline Suzanne , Richards Guy Antony
Published: July 2008

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are extensively used worldwide. Mechanical, infectious and thrombotic complications are well described with their use and may be associated with prolonged hospitalization, increased medical costs and mortality. CVCs account for an estimated 90% of all catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) and a host of risk factors for CVC-related infections have been documented. The duration of use of CVCs remains controversial and the length of time such devices can safely be left in place has not been fully and objectively addressed in the critically ill patient. Antimicrobial-impregnated catheters have been introduced in an attempt to limit catheter-related infection (CRI) and increase the time that CVCs can safely be left in situ. Recent meta-analyses concluded that antimicrobial-impregnated CVCs appear to be effective in reducing CRI. The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind study at Johannesburg Hospital over a 4-year period. The study entailed a comparison of standard triple-lumen versus antimicrobial impregnated CVCs on the rate of CRI. Our aim was to determine whether we could safely increase the duration of catheter insertion time from our standard practice of seven days to 14 days, to assess the influence of the antimicrobial impregnated catheter on the incidence of CRI, and to elucidate the epidemiology and risks of CRI. One hundred and eighteen critically ill patients were included in the study which spanned 34 951.5 catheter hours (3.99 catheter years). It was found that antimicrobial catheters did not provide any significant benefit over standard catheters, which the authors feel can safely be left in place for up to14 days with appropriate infection control measures. The most common source of CRI was the skin. The administration of parenteral nutrition and the site of catheter insertion (internal jugular vein vs subclavian vein) were not noted to be risk factors for CRI. There was no clinical evidence of thrombotic complication in either of the study groups. This study offers direction for the use of CVCs in critically ill patients and addresses many of the controversies that exist.
Sensory Profile of Mandarin Chilled Juices and Consumers' Acceptability
Authors: Carbonell L. , Navarro J.L. , Izquierdo L. , Carbonell I.
Published: July 2008

Chilled mandarin juices from four different commercial brands, two mandarin juices prepared in our pilot plant and two commercial orange juices included for comparative purposes were scored for acceptability by 100 consumers in a unique evaluation session. Independently, a descriptive profile of the same samples was performed by 10 trained assessors, who quantified 29 sensory attributes. Most consumers preferred mandarin juices although a small group (about 10%) found orange juices more acceptable. No differences in acceptability were observed between samples from diluted concentrates and from direct juice, either mandarin or orange. Among sensory attributes, maximum differences between samples were found for color, pulp (aspect and texture), mandarin odor, mandarin taste, bitterness and persistent taste.
Changes in Fatty Acid Composition of two Muscles from Three Different Iberian × Duroc Genotypes After Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Ramírez M.R. , Cava R.
Published: July 2008

The changes of the fatty acid (FA) profile of 2 muscles Longissimus dorsi and Biceps femoris from 3 Iberian × Duroc genotypes were studied: GEN1: ♂ Iberian × ♀ Duroc1, GEN2: ♂ Duroc1 × ♀ Iberian; GEN3: ♂ Duroc2 × ♀ Iberian. GEN1 and GEN2 are reciprocal crosses while the difference between GEN2 and GEN3 is the Duroc sire line. The genotype Duroc1 was selected for the production of dry-cured meat products while the genotype Duroc2 was selected for meat production. Longissimus dorsi and Biceps femoris BF from the reciprocal cross showed similar changes in FAs profile after refrigerated storage. However, the Duroc sire line affected the FA profiles of intramuscular fat (IMF) and lipid fractions since some differences were found between GEN2 and GEN3. Meat from GEN3 had the highest level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in IMF and lipid fractions as well as the lowest rate of plasmalogens in polar lipid fraction. After storage, meat from GEN3 showed an increase of long chain PUFA in free fatty acids fraction and the highest increase in the ratio DMA/FA [(dimethylacetals/FAs) × 100] after the refrigerated storage, which was indicative of a higher deterioration of this genotype. Therefore, the crossbreeding of Iberian pigs with Duroc selected genotypes (Duroc2) could affect the changes in the FAs profile of meat under refrigerated storage.
Enhancement of Modified Atmosphere Packaged Farmed Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus Hippoglossus) Fillet Quality by Soluble Gas Stabilization
Authors: Rotabakk B.T. , Birkeland S. , Lekang O.I. , Sivertsvik M.
Published: July 2008

The suitability of soluble gas stabilization (SGS) to dissolve CO2 into Atlantic halibut ( Hippoglossus hippoglossus) fillets prior to modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) were investigated. Two levels of CO2 partial pressures (200 and 400 kPa) and two levels of time (1 and 2h) with SGS treatment was used in a factorial design, and compared to conventional MAP. Headspace gas volume (mL), headspace gas composition (%), drip loss (%), pH, microbiological characteristics, off-odor and color were assessed on the packaged fillets. Increased partial pressure and increased SGS treatment time before MAP significantly ( p<0.001) increased the CO2 content in the packaged fillets and counteracted package collapse. No interaction between the time and partial pressure was found. SGS treatment significantly ( p = 0.038) reduced aerobic plate count (APC) and psychrotrophic count (PC). APC and PC increased significantly the tree first sampling days during storage (7, 15, and 21) and stabilized from day 21 to day 28. H2S producing bacteria and Brochothrix thermosphacta was not affected by the SGS treatment. H2S producing bacteria decreased significantly from day 7 to day 15. SGS treatment decreased the drip loss significantly ( p = 0.006). Color and pH were not affected by the SGS treatment. No difference in the off odor was found between the treatments. Based on off odor analysis, the shelf life of the halibut fillet in this trial exceeded 28 days.
Note. Genetic Diversity of Food Isolates of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in India
Authors: Saroj S.D. , Shashidhar R. , Bandekar J.R.
Published: July 2008

The study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolates from sprouts and fish samples from India. Twenty-eight S. Typhimurium isolates were genotyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and tested for antibiotic susceptibility, plasmid profile, and presence of virulence genes ( invA and spvC). Three distinct XbaI-pulsed-field profiles (PFPs) were observed. Out of 22 isolates from sprouts, 20 showed PFP-A and remaining two showed PFP-B. All six fish isolates showed PFP-C. All the strains were sensitive to the examined antibiotics except two strains of PFP-A. Two different plasmid profiles P1 and P2 were observed. P2 was observed only in the antibiotic resistant strains. All strains were positive for the invA, whereas spvC was detected only in sprout isolates. There was no specific pattern in occurrence of the genotypes with respect to seasons. However, PFP-A was dominant and was isolated throughout the year. This is the first report to assess the genotypic diversity of S. Typhimurium obtained in foods from India. As S. Typhimurium is the predominant serotype in India, the data generated in this study would be useful in epidemiological studies during outbreaks of Salmonellosis in India.
The Effect of Washing, Microbial Transglutaminase, Salts and Starch Addition on the Functional Properties of Sardine (Sardina Pilchardus) Kamaboko Gels
Authors: Karayannakidis P.D. , Zotos A. , Petridis D. , Taylor K.D.A.
Published: July 2008

The functional properties of kamaboko gels, produced from sardine surimi (SS), were evaluated based on three factors: (a) washing conditions, (b) absence or presence of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase), and (c) addition of CaCl2, MgCl 2, and NH4Cl. Fish gels prepared from sardine mince washed at pH 5.5 showed the highest L* values and whiteness index (WI). A similar trend was also observed for firmness. Addition of MTGase had a beneficial effect on the L* values and WI as well as on firmness and cohesiveness of kamaboko gels ( p<0.05). Fish gels containing CaCl2 or MgCl 2 were lighter and firmer compared to those containing NH4Cl ( p<0.05). Three transitions, using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), were observed during heating of surimi containing 50g/kg of unmodified wheat starch (UWS), occurring at 45.2 °C, 63.3 °C, and 71.4 °C and were substantially the same when UWS was added at higher concentrations ( p≥0.05). The thermal gelation of SS, studied with Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), occurred at three or four distinct stages named: gel softening, low temperature gelation, gel resolution, and high temperature gelation. The cooling process was found to be crucial in surimi gelation since it strongly contributed in the development of gel rigidity.
Using Functional Behavior Assessment to Develop Behavior Interventions for Students in Head Start
Authors: McLaren Elizabeth M. , Nelson C. Michael
Published: July 2008

A withdrawal design repeated across three children enrolled in two Head Start classrooms was used to investigate the effectiveness of functional assessment-based interventions to decrease inappropriate behavior. The two questions addressed in the study were (a) Will a behavior intervention plan based on functional behavior assessment conducted in the natural setting be effective in reducing inappropriate classroom behavior for young children? and (b) Will teachers perceive assessment-based interventions to be acceptable and feasible? Results indicated that the procedure yielded effective behavior interventions and teachers found the interventions socially valid. The use of functional assessment as a preventive and proactive strategy is discussed.
Impact of the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement on the Sri Lankan Economy
Authors: Perera M.S.S.
Published: July 2008

The Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ILFTA), which was signed in December 1998 at the highest political level, and its subsequent implementation in March 2000 marked an important milestone in India–Sri Lanka relations, and in trade relations in particular, as it concretized and paved the way for closer economic integration. This article provides a quantitative assessment of the impact of the ILFTA on macroeconomic variables, welfare and output focusing on the Sri Lankan economy. In addition, the study investigates the impact of trade liberalization on trade structure, bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and India and trade partners of Sri Lanka. We perform simulations using the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model Version 6, to quantify the impacts of liberalized trade between Sri Lanka and India. The GTAP is a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of the world economy.

The results indicated that both Sri Lanka and India will experience welfare gains from the ILFTA. Moreover, it was evident that the Indo-Lanka full trade liberalization scenario ensures higher welfare to both the countries than the Indo-Lanka FTA with negative lists. Hence, the scenario with negative lists could be treated as a second best solution as ‘with-negative-lists’ scenario where both the countries could not reap the maximum benefits under the FTA. The simulation results demonstrate that trade diversion effects are not much significant due to trade liberalization between the two countries. The industry analysis reflected that the industries, such as metal products, paper products and publishing, electronic equipment, chemical, rubber and plastic products, machinery and equipment necessaries and other primary products will benefit due to the ILFTA. However, it could be seen that the industrial sector is benefiting more than the agricultural sector due to trade liberalization between the two countries.
Pro-Poor Growth in Pakistan
Authors: Omer Muhammad , Jafri Sarah
Published: July 2008

This study assesses the impact of economic growth on absolute poverty in Pakistan over the last four decades. The article attempts to answer the relatively ignored basic question: is economic growth in Pakistan pro-poor? In addition, an attempt has been made to evaluate the distribution of income within poor, a step necessary to determine the sensitivity of different income groups, below poverty line, to the economic growth. These assessments are conducted through Growth Incidence Curves—a superior poverty measure—and calculation of the Rate of Pro-Poor Growth (RPPG) and the Ordinary Rate of Growth (ORG). This study finds that economic growth in Pakistan is not intrinsically pro-poor. Although it was pro-poor in the seventies and is also the same in the current decade, and strongly pro-poor in the eighties, a positive growth in the nineties was, however, anti-poor. The analysis shows that the first decile is most sensitive to economic growth and most vulnerable to economic shocks.
Analysis of the Growth of Manufacturing Industries in Bangladesh
Authors: Das Sumonkanti , Baten Md. Azizul , Rana Md. Masud , Kheleque Md. Abdul
Published: July 2008

In this article, industrial growth of some manufacturing industries in Bangladesh has been studied using Census of Manufacturing Industries (CMI) Data from the years 1981–82 to 1999–2000. Higher increasing growth in value added for some industries in the post-liberalization period (1991–92 to 1999–2000) while for the most important industries, satisfactory growth level in the pre-liberalization period (1981–82 to 1990–91) has been experienced. Highest growth in fixed capital and improved concentration level in employment have been examined. Comparatively, capital goods industries showed highest significant annual growth rate (13.95 per cent). All manufacturing industries registered positive and negative employment elasticities with respect to value added and fixed capital whereas only positive output elasticities with respect to fixed capital and employment for the same.
Does Financial Development Cause Economic Growth? The Case of India
Authors: chakraborty Indrani
Published: July 2008

This article examines whether financial development has ‘caused’ economic growth in India since 1996. The dynamic interactions between the growth of real Gross Domestic Product and indicators of financial development are investigated using the concept of Granger Causality after testing for cointegration using both the Engle-Granger and Johansen techniques. The ADF test for cointegration proposed by Gregory and Hansen (1996) reveals that there has been both the level shift and regime shift in the specifications relating economic growth and financial development. The empirical results obtained by the Johansen method and ADF test suggest the existence of a stable long-run relationship between stock market capitalization, bank credit and growth rate of real GDP. The growth rate of real GDP is also found to be cointegrated with financial depth. However, causality runs from the growth rate of real GDP to stock market capitalization. The sector-wise rates of growth of the industrial and services sectors are found to be cointegrated with the stock market development as well as banking sector development and financial depth. The direction of causality for both the sectors runs from the rate of growth to stock market capitalization. We also observe that financial depth causes industrial growth and causality runs in both directions between bank credit and industrial growth. Furthermore, volatility in stock prices is cointegrated with each growth rate—of GDP, of industrial sector output and of the service sector output. The article establishes that, in an overall sense, economic growth has ‘caused’ financial development in India.
Financial Development and Textile Sector Competitiveness
Authors: Hanif Muhammad Nadim , Jafri Sabina Khurram
Published: July 2008

Kletzer and Bardhan (1987) argue that countries with a relatively well-developed financial sector have a comparative advantage in industries that rely on external finance. Beck (2002) and Fanelli and Medhora (2002) find that well-developed financial sector translates into a comparative advantage in the production of manufactured goods. There has been no attempt so far to explore the relationship between the financial development and international trade competitiveness in the case of Pakistan. We construct Balassa's Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) index for textile sector of Pakistan. Using ratio of credit extended to the textile sector to the total non-government credit of the banking system (Textile Credit Share [TCS]) as proxy for external finance, we estimate long-run relationship and Error Correction Mechanisms (ECM) between RCA index and TCS while controlling for other determinants of the international trade competitiveness of textile sector of Pakistan. In line with the findings of Beck (2002) and Fanelli and Medhora (2002), our results suggest that recourse to external finance has a strong positive impact on the country's textile sector competitiveness both in the short and the long run, even when we control for traditional determinants of competitiveness.
An Empirical Verification of Cointegration and Causality in Indian Stock Markets
Authors: Madhusoodanan P.R. , Kumar Hareesh V.
Published: July 2008

The study examines the empirical validity of cointegration and causality between the two dominating Indian stock markets: the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The daily closing values of the BSE Sensex and the NSE Nifty indices are retrieved from the PROWESS online database maintained by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). The study covers a period of nine years spanning from 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2005. The analysis reveals the existence of market integration between the BSE and the NSE. This demonstrates information dissemination between these two markets. The study further confirms the role of NSE as a dominating factor over BSE.
Regional Energy Trade in South Asia
Authors: Dhungel Kamal Raj
Published: July 2008

The South Asian region represents 22 per cent of the world's total population comprising over one billion, of which 30–40 per cent lives below poverty line. Of them, only 40–50 per cent have access to electricity. Despite the development, the countries of South Asian region are energy starved. To meet the growing energy requirements, energy trade between these countries is essential. But South Asia's current cross-border energy trade is limited to Bhutan, India and Nepal. Recently, energy trade between Bangladesh, India and Pakistan has been proposed, in line with the construction of liquefied natural gas pipeline from Myanmar to India through Bangladesh, and Iran to India through Pakistan. These proposed energy trade projects, if implemented successfully, will contribute to integrate regional economies.
Public health and Web 2.0
Authors: Hardey Michael
Published: July 2008

This article examines the nature and role of Web 2.0 resources and their impact on health information made available though the internet. The transition of the Web from version one to Web 2.0 is described and the main features of the new Web examined. Two characteristic Web 2.0 resources are explored and the implications for the public and practitioners examined. First, what are known as `user reviews' or `user testimonials', which allow people to comment on the health services delivered to them, are described. Second, new mapping applications that take advantage of the interactive potential of Web 2.0 and provide tools to visualize complex data are examined. Following a discussion of the potential of Web 2.0, it is concluded that it offers considerable opportunities for disseminating health information and creating new sources of data, as well as generating new questions and dilemmas.
Implementation of dietary and general lifestyle advice among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Humphreys Laura , Costarelli Vassiliki
Published: July 2008

Aims: Central obesity and insulin resistance are strongly implicated in the etiology of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and their reduction is therefore a central treatment focus. Weight loss has been consistently successful in reducing insulin resistance and restoring ovulation and fertility in women with PCOS. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the general attitudes towards dieting and exercise in women with PCOS, together with the extent of implementation of the dietary and lifestyle advice that these women are given as part of their treatment. General knowledge of patients about their condition (PCOS) has also been assessed.

Methods: Fifty three pre-menopausal women, over the age of 18 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of PCOS, were recruited from the Endocrinology Department, Middlesex Hospital, London. Subjects were interviewed individually using an interview-guided questionnaire.

Results: Sixty four per cent of the subjects were overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2) and 55% of those were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). All subjects identified the importance of weight control in the management of their condition. However, only nine out of the 35 overweight women had actually been referred to a dietician and only 22 reported taking moderate exercise at least once a week in order to improve their health. The main sources of information on weight management were the internet and their consultant endocrinologist, who they normally see only twice a year.

Conclusion: In spite of the fact that weight loss and weight maintenance are absolutely vital in the treatment of PCOS, our study has shown that the support given to PCOS patients to help reduce and control their weight is inadequate and needs to be improved.
Sun safety: what are the health messages?
Authors: Hedges Trudy , Scriven Angela
Published: July 2008

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a human carcinogen. The UK and the worldwide incidence of cutaneous (skin) melanoma are rising. It is now the second most common cancer in 15-34 year-olds in the UK, increasing by 49% in 1991—2000. The UK government prioritized skin cancer in 1992 in their public health strategy The Health of the Nation, and set the target for reducing the yearly rise in skin cancer incidence by 2005. In 1998 in the Saving Lives: Our Healthier Nation strategy, targets were set to reduce the death rate from cancer, including skin cancer, by 20% by 2010. As a consequence of these targets, since the mid-1990s public health campaigns to reduce sun exposure and skin cancer incidence in the UK have used specific interventions for at-risk groups and the mass media to reach the general population. Evidence indicates a shift in knowledge, with further work required to increase change in behaviour and attitudes.

An associate health problem is vitamin D deficiency, which is prevalent across certain UK population groups. The main childhood health problem associated with vitamin D deficiency is the development of rickets, with evidence indicating those at high risk are exclusively breastfed dark-skinned infants, the elderly, those with dark skin pigmentation, and certain cultural groups that cover their bodies in clothing. Adolescents are the group with the highest incidence of low vitamin D status in the UK, with children of Asian descent at higher risk than Caucasian children. Increasing the outdoor activity levels of children in winter and during the cooler hours in summer is one way of increasing safe sun exposure. It is imperative to educate the general public on the risk of vitamin D deficiency, and offer advice on safe sun exposure, dietary sources of vitamin D, and dietary supplements. More research is required on recommendations for daily vitamin D supplements to determine optimal vitamin D levels in different population groups. There also needs to be reliable and accessible evidence on the links between vitamin D deficiency and lack of sun exposure, with sun safe messages adjusted accordingly.
Health information: a case of saturation or 57 channels and nothing on?
Authors: Whitelaw Sandy
Published: July 2008

The claim is made by many that we have reached a point where we are exposed to too much information. This potential phenomenon is particularly prominent in the health field where there is a suggestion that the volume of available information has increased significantly and more importantly that such volume has had detrimental effects on both the overall quality of such information and the ability of people to process and use it. This paper explores the nature and validity of these claims.

Within the context of the notion of an `information society', it outlines a range of concerns that have been expressed in relation to this increase, including the simple problem of overload, the potential for less robust information to enter the system and thus the overall quality of available information to decline. This excess of information is seen to act against the benefits that are sought — information can be invalid and people may not have time to reflect and act on excessive information loads. This can result in irrationality or disinformation.

The suggestion is made, however, that these concerns are largely unsupported by empirical evidence and are potentially the basis of a panic over the entry of alternative perspectives on health. The pessimistic perspectives are thus balanced by more constructive and optimistic views on this growth and opening up of information production and potential consumption. Seeing information creation as organic and pluralistic, it is suggested that increased information volume can actually be a constructive phenomenon.

The paper concludes with the contention that it is unrealistic to expect a return to former circumstances of controlled and limited information flows. Rather, a series of more pragmatic suggestions is offered within existing circumstances, including differentiating between information rich and poor health areas, addressing structural issues like information access and health literacy, and working towards organizing health information so that it is of a high quality, is physically accessible, relevant to the needs and literacy of groups, and in a usable form.
Hannah Arendt, Sociology and Political Modernity
Authors: Walsh Philip
Published: July 2008

Hannah Arendt has only rarely been regarded as an important critic of sociology, and is generally classified as a political theorist. This article argues that Arendt's engagement with the theoretical foundations of sociology both constitutes an important critique of certain sociological tendencies derived from its classical origins and is central to understanding the development of her own social and political thought. Arendt's theory of activity is initially reconstructed and defended as the basis for her criticism of the tendency of many sociological paradigms to conflate the activity of fabrication with that of action. Her critique of the explanatory assumptions underlying the concept of a `social process' is then applied to recent theorizing within historical sociology, with particular reference to the problematic assumptions surrounding the concept of sovereignty.
Patrick Geddes and the History of Environmental Sociology in Britain
Authors: Studholme Maggie
Published: July 2008

After the appointment of its first full-time professor in L.T. Hobhouse in 1907, British sociology lost an environmental approach that might have substantially altered the shape of the discipline. The environmental approach was that of Patrick Geddes, who made the relationship between people and their environments central for individual and social well-being. In spite of the fact that urban Britain was undergoing environmental crisis due to the negative effects of unrestrained industrialization, a range of other circumstances, personal as well as political and both inside and outside the academy, conspired to coalesce in the more or less deliberate exclusion of Geddes' ideas. The paper suggests that sociologists need to take a radically reflexive approach to the history of their own discipline that recognizes its embeddedness in the wider social world, since both individual and social action, as well as structural forces, may be as influential as quality or coherence in determining the fate of the ideas and theories that they create. In Geddes' case, this leads to a re-examination of both the historical context and the debate surrounding the establishment of sociology at the London School of Economics.
Integrated Methodology for Evaluation of Energy Performance of Building Enclosures: Part II — Examples of Application to Residential Walls
Authors: Thorsell Thomas , Bomberg Mark
Published: July 2008

It is often forgotten that the building sector consumes more energy than the transportation sector. To meet expectations and needs of our society, one must seek significant improvements in the efficient use of energy for this purpose. In many instances our normal approach based on conventional testing methods is not comprehensive enough. For instance, the thermal performance of a wall is defined by tests performed on dry materials, without considering the air and moisture movements. The energy performance of materials and building assemblies is affected by moisture and air flows. The authors believe that a more precise means of evaluation of the thermal performance of assemblies must be used to guide us in developing construction practices that lead to better performance. This should include consideration of air and moisture transfer under field conditions.

The previous part of this study describes the limitations of conventional thermal resistance testing using calibrated hot boxes and explains that the effect of climate on thermal performance must also involve use of computer models that are capable of simultaneous calculations of heat, air, and moisture (HAM) transfer.

In this study, the integrated testing and modeling methodology proposed is applied to a few selected residential walls to highlight the magnitude of air flow effects compared with steady-state thermal resistance without air flows. Effectively, to characterize energy performance of the building enclosure, one must use an integrated methodology that uses both testing and modeling. The study represents a first step in this direction.
The Effect of Grade, Experience, and Listening Condition on the Melodic Error Detection of Fifth- and Sixth-Grade Woodwind Students
Authors: Thornton Linda C.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of grade level and playing experience as well as listening condition on melodic error detection by young instrumental students. Participants ( N = 31) were fifth- and sixth-grade students with either 1 or 2 years of experience playing their instrument. The participants were tested in two listening conditions, listening to recordings and listening to themselves while playing. Analysis of the data revealed no differences attributable to listening condition, grade level, or experience. Overall high scores indicate strong abilities in melodic error detection with familiar melodies by students with 1 or more years of experience, including listening to themselves during performance. Further research is called for with a larger sample size and with more musical elements.
The Use of Specific Practice and Performance Strategies in Sight-Singing Instruction
Authors: Henry Michele L.
Published: July 2008

Because sight-reading, along with almost all other instruction in the choral classroom, occurs in a group setting, individual skill development is often overlooked. This study examined the effectiveness of teaching individual singers to employ specific behaviors that have been linked with high achievement during individual sight-reading trials while avoiding behaviors linked with low achievement. Pretest and posttest scores revealed no significant difference for high-achieving participants. Scores for low achievers differed significantly between pretest and posttest ( t = 3.26, df = 33, p < .001). Desirable behaviors used during practice and performance from pretest to posttest increased significantly for both subgroups. The number of undesirable behaviors did not significantly differ for either group. Although additional strategies may be unnecessary for those already capable of sight-reading at a high level, instruction in the use of certain behaviors may allow lower achieving singers to effectively display their sight-reading skills for the first time.
Music's Representation in Parenting Magazines
Authors: Sims Wendy L. , Udtaisuk Dneya B.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the types, quantity, and quality of information regarding music that parents of young children receive from parenting magazines. Content analysis procedures were used to obtain and analyze the data for this study. All issues of the three most widely circulated parenting magazines in the United States for the calendar year 2004 were examined. Text or photos from articles or advertisements including music, musical topics, or musical objects served as data points. Music was featured as the primary topic in only five articles or columns, and there were 103 mentions in articles that included information or advice about a variety of nonmusical topics. Although music was represented with reasonable frequency and accuracy in these magazines, the messages readers received about music's role in children's and families' lives were primarily utilitarian—music's role for stress reduction and entertainment accounted for approximately half of the items.
Effect of Music Complexity on Nonmusicians' Focus of Attention to Melody or Harmony
Authors: Williams Lindsey R.
Published: July 2008

This study is a replication and extension of a previous study to investigate the effect of musical complexity on nonmusicians' focus of attention to melody or harmony. The research questions addressed were as follows: (a) Is there a difference in focus of attention among levels of melodic complexity and harmonic complexity? (b) Is there a significant difference in focus of attention between melodic complexity and harmonic complexity? (c) Is there a significant difference between focus of attention responses and perceived focus of attention to melody or harmony? Participants ( N = 126) were drawn from university nonmusic majors attending a large, comprehensive university in the Midwest. The music complexity variable consisted of four levels of melodic complexity and four levels of harmonic complexity each paired for a total of 16 possible combinations. Participants indicated their overall perceived focus of attention for melody and harmony. Significant differences were found for demonstrated focus of attention and perceived focus of attention. Overall, data showed that nonmusicians tend to focus attention on melodic elements. Implications for the findings and further research are discussed.
Effective Mentoring for New Music Teachers
Authors: Benson Meghan A.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this review was to examine the effectiveness of mentoring programs in the induction of new music educators. The literature found that most mentoring programs, although beneficial for general classroom teachers, are often perceived as ineffective by new music educators. In addition to describing inconsistent mentoring standards, the literature found that ill-fitting mandated mentoring programs frequently do not combat the feelings of isolation or address the lack of emotional support often experienced by new music teachers. Without the guidance of mentoring programs that address these concerns, many new music educators may fall prey to frustration, burnout, and attrition.
Integration of Music and Core Academic Objectives in the K–12 Curriculum
Authors: Colwell Cynthia M.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine self-reports of in-service K–12 teachers before and after participation in a course structured to integrate music and core academic objectives. Participants completed a survey that addressed music experience, ability and attitude, teaching music objectives, and integrating music and academic objectives. Results indicated that teachers became more comfortable at the global thought of integrating music and core academic objectives, with a slight increase in confidence level in integrating music with reading, math, science, or social studies objectives.
Expansion of donor-derived hematopoietic stem cells with PIGA mutation associated with late graft failure after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Mochizuki Kanako , Sugimori Chiharu , Qi Zhirong , Lu Xuzhang , Takami Akiyoshi , Ishiyama Ken , Kondo Yukio , Yamazaki Hirohito , Okumura Hirokazu , Nakao Shinji
Published: July 2008

A small population of CD55−CD59− blood cells was detected in a patient who developed donor-type late graft failure after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for treatment of aplastic anemia (AA). Chimerism and PIGA gene analyses showed the paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)–type granulocytes to be of a donor-derived stem cell with a thymine insertion in PIGA exon 2. A sensitive mutation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based analysis detected the mutation exclusively in DNA derived from the donor bone marrow (BM) cells. The patient responded to immunosuppressive therapy and achieved transfusion independence. The small population of PNH-type cells was undetectable in any of the 50 SCT recipients showing stable engraftment. The de novo development of donor cell–derived AA with a small population of PNH-type cells in this patient supports the concept that glycosyl phosphatidylinositol–anchored protein–deficient stem cells have a survival advantage in the setting of immune-mediated BM injury.