bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rescate documental de petroglifos y reconstrucción 3D del corredor dolménico de Cubillejo de Lara, Burgos.
Authors: Ledo Fernández Fabián
Published: May 2016

This article focuses on the study of the ceiling of the corridor of the Dolmen of Cubillejo de Lara, Burgos, Spain. The process of computerisation has contributed to a better comprehension of what may or may not have been possible for its original architecture. During the study, previously lost information regarding petroglyphs within the corridor was recovered, which has been very important in understanding the structural solution of this structure in the past. This has been the fruit of interdisciplinary work, where the diagnosis of the state of the stone has played a fundamental role, assisted by techniques such as orthophotogrammetry, three-dimensional (3D) modelling and geographic information system (GIS), to recognise how the process of degradation has shaped the current condition of the corridor as part of the construction, in such a way as to be capable to reconstruct its possible original form through its current state. The result has been contrasted with other concurrent dolmens existent in the area, which has confirmed the validity of virtual reconstructions to confront hypotheses sustained for decades without further evidence to back them.
Late palliative care of patients with lung cancer may have a limited effect on quality of life – a pilot observational study
Authors: Nowicki Andrzej , Farbicka Paulina , Krajnik Małgorzata
Published: May 2016

Introduction:  The aim of the study was to assess the point of life and illness at which patients began to receive palliative care and in what areas of their quality of life effective alleviation of their suffering is possible.

Material and methods: The study included 63 patients aged 33–91 years with lung cancer treated in palliative medicine centers in Bydgoszcz in 2012–2013. The assessment of quality of life was performed every three weeks, using the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13 questionnaires.

Results: The median time from diagnosis to the start of palliative care was 10 months, and the median palliative care duration for the whole group was 4 weeks. Patients with a survival time less than 6 weeks (n = 42) experienced worse symptoms and limitations in their functioning during the whole period of care until their death compared with those who survived a little longer (6–8 weeks; n = 21). Fatigue, constipation and dyspnea were among the worst symptoms; the latter intensified in the last period before death. The quality of life assessed by patients continuously deteriorated, and in the last days/weeks before death it was defined as “very bad” by more than 2/3 of patients.

Conclusions: Late provision of patients with palliative care can lead to its limited effectiveness in improving the quality of life, which is dependent on symptoms that are experienced by patients and ability to function in the physical, emotional, cognitive, social and societal spheres.
Prevalence and distribution of colonic diverticulosis in patients undergoing colonoscopy. Four years’ experience from a single center in Warsaw
Authors: Hadrian Krzysztof A. , Basaj Anna , Nehring Piotr , Ziółkowski Bartłomiej A.
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Data on the prevalence of diverticulosis in the Polish population are limited. Most patients are asymptomatic, so it is difficult to estimate the scale of the problem in the population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of colonic diverticulosis in Polish adults based on a sample from a single, medium-sized endoscopy department. The secondary objective was to assess the distribution of diverticula in the colon and their association with sex and age.

Material and methods: Between 2010 and 2014 a total of 6087 consecutive patients (age range: 18–94 years, mean age: 54 years) underwent colonoscopy in the department. 1981 patients were excluded from the study due to incomplete examination, colorectal surgery or inadequate preparation resulting in insufficient visibility. The remaining 4106 patients were included in the study (1648 – male, 2458 – female). Data concerning age, sex, and presence and location of diverticula were studied in a retrospective manner.

Results: Diverticula were found in 29.6% of all participants (29.4% – male, 29.8% – female). 0.5% of patients (0.7% – male, 0.5% – female) had right-sided diverticulosis, while in 23.7% (23.4% – male, 24.0% – female) diverticula were located in the left colon only. Pancolonic diverticulosis was present in 4.0% (4.0% – male, 4.0% – female). For all statistical calculations p  0.05. The prevalence of diverticulosis increased with age. No difference was noted between men and women.

Conclusions: In the studied sample, diverticula predominantly occurred in the sigmoid and descending colon. Their prevalence and distribution were similar to other Caucasian populations.
Cases, Mechanisms and the Real: The Theory and Methodology of Mixed-Method Social Network Analysis
Authors: Crossley Nick , Edwards Gemma
Published: May 2016

In this paper we make a methodological case for mixed method social network analysis (MMSNA). We begin by both challenging the idea, prevalent in some quarters, that mixing methods means combining incompatible epistemological or theoretical assumptions and by positing an ontological argument in favour of mixed methods. We then suggest a methodological framework for MMSNA and argue for the importance of ‘mechanisms’ in relational-sociological research. Finally, we discuss two examples of MMSNA from our own research, using them to illustrate arguments from the paper.
Climate trends in northern Ontario and Quebec from borehole temperature profiles
Authors: Pickler C. , Beltrami H. , Mareschal J.-C.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The ground surface temperature histories of the past 500 years were reconstructed at 10 sites containing 18 boreholes in northeastern Canada. The boreholes, between 400 and 800 m deep, are located north of 51° N, and west and east of James Bay in northern Ontario and Quebec. We find that both sides of James Bay have experienced similar ground surface temperature histories with a warming of ~ 1–2 K for the last 150 years, similar to borehole reconstructions for the southern portion of the Superior Province and in agreement with available proxy data. A cooling period corresponding to the little ice age was found at only one site. Despite permafrost maps locating the sites in a region of discontinuous permafrost, the ground surface temperature histories suggest that the entire region is and was free of permafrost for the past 500 years. This could be the result of air surface temperature interpolation used in permafrost models being unsuitable to represent the spatial variability of ground temperatures along with an offset between ground and air surface temperatures due to the snow cover.
The importance of process interactions and parameter sensitivity for modelling the carbon dynamics in a natural peatland
Authors: Metzger Christine , Nilsson Mats B. , Peichl Matthias , Jansson Per-Erik
Published: May 2016

Abstract. In contrast to previous peatland carbon dioxide (CO2) model sensitivity analyses, usually focusing on only one or few modules, this study investigates interactions between various biotic and abiotic processes and their parameters by comparing CoupModel results with multiple observation variables. Many interactions were found not only within, but also between the various model modules. Each measurement variable was sensitive to up to ten (out of 54) parameters, from up to seven different processes. The constrained parameter ranges varied, depending on the variable and performance index chosen as criteria, and on other calibrated parameters (equifinalities). Therefore, transferring parameter ranges between models needs to be done with caution, especially if such ranges were achieved by considering only few processes. The identified interactions and constrained parameters will be of high interest to use for comparisons with model results and data from similar ecosystems. All of the available measurement variables (net ecosystem exchange, leaf area index, sensible and latent heat fluxes, net radiation, soil temperatures, water table depth and snow depth) improved model constraint. Additional measurements of soil hydraulic properties or water content would reduce equifinalities and constrain additional parameters that showed high range of uncertainty. The presented results can help modellers and experimentalists to design model calibrations and experimental setups on peatlands.
LAKE 2.0: a model for temperature, methane, carbon dioxide and oxygen dynamics in lakes
Authors: Stepanenko Victor , Mammarella Ivan , Ojala Anne , Miettinen Heli , Lykosov Vasily , Vesala Timo
Published: May 2016

Abstract. A one-dimensional (1-D) model for an enclosed basin (lake) is presented, which reproduces temperature, horizontal velocities, oxygen, carbon dioxide and methane in the basin. All prognostic variables are treated in a unified manner via a generic 1-D transport equation for horizontally averaged property. A water body interacts with underlying sediments. These sediments are represented by a set of vertical columns with heat, moisture and CH4 transport inside. The model is validated vs. a comprehensive observational data set gathered at Kuivajärvi Lake (southern Finland), demonstrating a fair agreement. The value of a key calibration constant, regulating the magnitude of methane production in sediments, corresponded well to that obtained from another two lakes. We demonstrated via surface seiche parameterization that the near-bottom turbulence induced by surface seiches is likely to significantly affect CH4 accumulation there. Furthermore, our results suggest that a gas transfer through thermocline under intense internal seiche motions is a bottleneck in quantifying greenhouse gas dynamics in dimictic lakes, which calls for further research.
The Analogue Method for Precipitation Forecasting: Finding Better Analogue Situations at a Sub-Daily Time Step
Authors: Horton Pascal , Obled Charles , Jaboyedoff Michel
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The Analogue Method (AM) aims at forecasting local weather variables (predictands), such as precipitations, by means of a statistical relationship with predictors at a synoptic scale. The analogy is generally assessed in the first place on the geopotential field by mean of a comparison of the gradients, in order to sample the days with a similar atmospheric circulation. The search for candidate situations, for a given target day, is usually undertaken by comparing the state of the atmosphere at fixed hours of the day, for both the target day and the candidate analogues. The constraint being the use of daily time series, due to the length of available archives they provide, and the unavailability of equivalent archives at a finer time step. However, it is unlikely that the best analogy happens at the very same hour, but it may occur at a different time of the day. In order to assess the potential of finding better analogues at a different hour, a moving time window (MTW) has been introduced on a reduced archive of hourly precipitation totals. The MTW resulted in a better analogy in terms of the atmospheric circulation, with improved values of the analogy criteria on the whole distribution of analogue dates. The improvement was found to grow with the analogue ranks due to an accumulation of more similar situations in the selection. Moreover, the improvement is even more important for days with heavy precipitation events, which are generally related to more dynamic atmospheric situations, where timing is more specific. A seasonal effect has also been identified, with larger improvements in winter than in summer, supposedly due to the stronger effect of the diurnal cycle in summer, which favors predictors at the same hour for target and analogues. The impact of the MTW on the prediction performance has been assessed by means of a sub-daily precipitation series transformed into moving 24 h-totals at a 6-hourly time step. This resulted in an improvement of the prediction skills, which were even larger after recalibrating the AM parameters. However, attempts to reconstruct longer precipitation series of running 24 h-totals by means of simple methods failed. It emphasized the need to use time series with an appropriate chronology. These should be available in a near future, either by means of growing observed archives, or by the establishment of precipitation reanalyses through regional modeling. Then, the use of a MTW in the AM should be considered for any application, especially when the prediction quality of extreme events is important.
The Coastal Observing System for Northern and Arctic Seas (COSYNA)
Authors: Baschek B. , Schroeder F. , Brix H. , Riethmüller R. , Badewien T. H. , Breitbach G. , Brügge B. , Colijn F. , Doerffer R. , Eschenbach C. , Friedrich J. , Fischer P. , Garthe S. , Horstmann J. , Krasemann H. , Metfies K. , Ohle N. , Petersen W. , Pröfrock D. , Röttgers R. , Schlüter M. , Schulz J. , Schulz-Stellenfleth J. , Stanev E. , Winter C. , Wirtz K. , Wollschläger J. , Zielinski O. , Ziemer F.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The Coastal Observing System for Northern and Arctic Seas (COSYNA) was established in order to better understand the complex interdisciplinary processes of northern seas and the arctic coasts in a changing environment. Particular focus is given to the German Bight in the North Sea as a prime example for a heavily used coastal area, and Svalbard as an example of an arctic coast that is under strong pressure due to global change. The automated observing and modelling system COSYNA is designed to monitor real time conditions, provide short-term forecasts and data products, and to assess the impact of anthropogenically induced change. Observations are carried out combining satellite and radar remote sensing with various in situ platforms. Novel sensors, instruments, and algorithms are developed to further improve the understanding of the interdisciplinary interactions between physics, biogeochemistry, and the ecology of coastal seas. New modelling and data assimilation techniques are used to integrate observations and models in a quasi-operational system providing descriptions and forecasts of key hydrographic variables. Data and data products are publically available free of charge and in real time. They are used by multiple interest groups in science, agencies, politics, industry, and the public.
Leaf waxes in litter and topsoils along a European transect
Authors: Schäfer Imke , Lanny Verena , Franke Jörg , Eglinton Timothy I. , Zech Michael , Vysloužilová Barbora , Zech Roland
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Lipid biomarkers are increasingly used to reconstruct past environmental and climate conditions. Leaf wax derived long chain n-alkanes and n-alkanoic acids may have great potential for reconstructing past changes in vegetation, but the factors that affect the leaf wax distribution in fresh plant material, as well as in soils and sediments are not yet fully understood and need further research. We systematically investigated the influence of vegetation and soil depth on leaf waxes in litter and topsoils along a European transect. Our deciduous forest sites are often dominated by the n-C27 alkane and n-C28 alkanoic acid. Conifers produce few n-alkanes, but show high abundances of the C24 n-alkanoic acid. Grasslands are characterized by relatively high amounts of C31 and C33 n-alkanes and C32 and C34 n-alkanoic acids. Chain length ratios thus may allow to distinguish between different vegetation types, but caution must be exercised given the large species-specific variability of chain length patterns. An updated endmember model with a new n-alkane ratio is provided to illustrate, and tentatively account for, degradation effects on n-alkanes.
Dynamical Downscaling Data for Studying Climatic Impacts on Hydrology, Permafrost, and Ecosystems in Arctic Alaska
Authors: Cai Lei , Alexeev Vladimir A. , Arp Christopher D. , Jones Benjamin M. , Liljedahl Anna , Gädeke Anne
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Climatic changes are most pronounced in northern high latitude regions. Yet, there is a paucity of observational data, both spatially and temporally, such that regional-scale dynamics are not fully captured, limiting our ability to make reliable projections. In this study, a group of dynamical downscaling products were created for the period 1950 to 2100 to better understand climate change and its impacts on hydrology, permafrost, and ecosystems at a resolution suitable for northern Alaska. An ERA-interim reanalysis dataset and the Community Earth System Model (CESM) served as the forcing mechanisms in this dynamical downscaling framework, and the Weather Research & Forecast (WRF) model, embedded with an optimization for the Arctic (Polar WRF), served as the Regional Climate Model (RCM). This downscaled output consists of multiple climatic variables (precipitation, temperature, wind speed, dew point temperature, and surface air pressure) for a 10 km grid spacing at three-hour intervals. The modeling products were evaluated and calibrated using a bias-correction approach. The ERA-interim forced WRF (ERA-WRF) produced reasonable climatic variables as a result, yielding a more closely correlated temperature field than precipitation field when long-term monthly climatology was compared with its forcing and observational data. A linear scaling method then further corrected the bias, based on ERA-interim monthly climatology, and bias-corrected ERA-WRF fields were applied as a reference for calibration of both the historical and the projected CESM forced WRF (CESM-WRF) products. Biases, such as, a cold temperature bias during summer and a warm temperature bias during winter as well as a wet bias for annual precipitation that CESM holds over northern Alaska persisted in CESM-WRF runs. The linear scaling of CESM-WRF eventually produced high-resolution downscaling products for the Alaskan North Slope for hydrological and ecological research, together with the calibrated ERA-WRF run, and its capability extends far beyond that. Other climatic research has been proposed, including exploration of historical and projected climatic extreme events and their possible connections to low-frequency sea-atmospheric oscillations, as well as near-surface permafrost degradation and ice regime shifts of lakes. These dynamically downscaled, bias corrected climatic datasets provide improved spatial and temporal resolution data necessary for ongoing modeling efforts in northern Alaska focused on reconstructing and projecting hydrologic changes, ecosystem processes and responses, and permafrost thermal regimes. The dynamical downscaling methods presented in this study can also be used to create more suitable model input datasets for other sub-regions of the Arctic.
Module Development in Home and Family Living for College Students of a State University in the Philippines
Authors: Limon Mark Raguindin , Castillo Vallente John Paul
Published: May 2016

This paper generated a module in Home and Family Living along the six units in Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE): The Filipino Family; The Teenager; Making and Keeping Friends; Looking towards Marriage; Towards Responsible Parenthood; and Home Care Nursing. This instructional material was prepared on the assumption that given adequate and meaningful instruction in the different units, the module can enhance the teaching-learning process, and help students master the content and skills required of a TLE teacher. In the development of the module in HFL, the researchers followed the research and development cycle called research-based development technology, using the ADDIE Model’s stages. The major steps in developing the module included analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation; each stage is composed of different phases. After the construction of the module, it was examined and content-validated with regard to objectives, content, instructional characteristics, and practice test items, using a rating scale by seven experts from the different fields in Home Economics. The module was found highly valid in all its aspects, and revisions were made based on the suggestions given. Subsequently, 25 TLE students and seven teachers assessed the usefulness of the module. The evaluators adjudged the material useful as revealed by their testimonials; therefore, it was concluded that the material was more effective than traditional, lecture-based classroom teaching strategy. It was recommended that this validated module be published, reproduced, and utilized to supplement the existing materials employed by the students and the teachers to help them develop the required competencies, and further master the content and skills required of a TLE teacher.
Supplement 1
Authors: - -
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The 16th Norwegian Conference on Epidemiology
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Myklebust Geirmund , Gran Jan Tore
Published: May 2016

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) er en sykdom som rammer personer over 50 år og som forekommer hyppigst i de Skandinaviske land. Insidensen i Norge er beregnet til omkring 112 per 100.000 personer over 50 år. Mortaliteten er ikke signifikant økt, og det er ingen sikker økt risiko for utvikling av kreftsykdom. Ikke sjelden blir diagnostikk og behandling ivaretatt av allmennpraktiserende leger slik at kunnskap fremkommet ved analyser av sykehusinnlagte pasienter ikke umiddelbart vil gjelde hele pasientpopulasjonen. Vår kunnskap om sykdommen er fortsatt fragmentert og mangelfull. I Norge burde det være gode forutsetninger for å kunne gjennomføre god epidemiologisk og klinisk forskning basert på et samarbeid mellom første- og annenlinjetjenesten.Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common disease in the elderly. The highest incidence is found in Scandinavia. There is no increased risk of concomitant malignant disease, and mortality equals that of the general population aged 50 years or more. In most cases, diagnosis and therapy are made by general practitioners. The knowlegde about this condition is still incomplete. In Norway, scientific research should be organised through collaboration between referral centers and general practitioners
Takayasus arteritt
Authors: Palm Øyvind
Published: May 2016

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a systemic vasculitis, most often affecting young, fertile women. In pre-pulseless phase with systemic inflammation, examination with ultrasound, MRA and 18FDG-PET can detect arteritis of the large arteries even before stenosis occurs. Among Caucasians the aorta arch and its branches are most often affected, whereas in Indian cohorts abdominal arteries are most often inflamed. The estimated incidence in Norway of 2.7/million inhabitants corresponds to that of North-Americans, but is based on very few cases. Outcome of pregnancy in TA depends on the distribution and amount of the vasculitis, secondary complications and access of medical follow-up. More focus on TA may result in earlier diagnosis and more multi-center studies should be initiated.
Supplement 1
Authors: - -
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Trygdeepidemiologi – viktigere enn noen sinne
Authors: - -
Published: May 2016

GjesteredaktørerSøren BrageCamilla Ihlebæk
Epidemiologisk forskning om uførepensjon i Norden
Authors: Bjørngaard Johan Håkon , Krokstad Steinar , Johnsen Roar , Karlsen Anita Oxaas , Pape Kristine , Støver Morten , Westin Steinar
Published: May 2016

En relativ stor andel av befolkningen i yrkesaktiv alder i de nordiske landene mottar uførepensjon, og i Norge er det en klar tendens til økning. Parallelt med dette har interessen for forskning rundt uførepensjon som fenomen økt. Vi har i denne studien beskrevet den epidemiologiske forskningen om uførepensjon i Norden. I en systematisk litteraturgjennomgang fant vi 118 aktuelle artikler. Alle de nordiske landene er godt representert. Kohortstudier med uførepensjon som endepunkt utgjorde hovedvekten av materialet, hvor 67 var populasjonsbaserte mens 29 tok utgangspunkt i selekterte pasientpopulasjoner. I alt seks kohortstudier benyttet uførepensjon som eksponering. Vi fant videre syv kasus-kontrollstudier og ni forsøk. Det er betydelig dokumentasjon på at ulike sykdommer og helseplager er assosiert med økt risiko for uførhet, i tillegg til at sosioøkonomiske og arbeidsrelaterte forhold er av betydning. Gjennomgangen viser at den epidemiologiske forskningen for det meste har rettet blikket mot individuelle årsaker til uførepensjonering. Selv om denne forskningen er viktig, kan den neppe forklare økningen vi har sett i det siste tiåret. Den videre forskningen bør utforske nærmere hvordan individuell sårbarhet ender i utstøtelse fra arbeidslivet. Med tanke på den omfattende forskningen om årsaker på dette feltet, bør man også i større grad gjennomføre forsøk for å bedre utsatte gruppers arbeidsdeltakelse.Bjørngaard JH, Krokstad S, Johnsen R, Karlsen AO, Pape K, Støver M, Sund E, Westin S. Epidemiological research on disability benefits in the Nordic countries. Nor J Epidemiol 2009; 19 (2): 103-114 ENGLISH SUMMARYA substantial part of the workforce in the Nordic countries receives a disability benefit, and in Norway this beneficiary rate is growing. As a result, disability benefit has been the subject of new interest and research. In this study we have reviewed the epidemiological research on disability benefit in the Nordic countries. A systematic review of the literature identified 118 articles of relevance. The majority of the articles are cohort studies using disability benefit as an end point, with 67 studies being population-based and 29 based on patient populations. Six cohort studies use disability benefit as an exposure. There were seven casecontrol studies and nine studies describing different interventions. In our material, associations between different health issues and work disability are well documented, as well as the importance of socioeconomic and work-related factors. The review reveals an emphasis on individual risk factors. Although important, individual factors alone can not explain the last decade’s growth in the disability beneficiary rate. Further research should investigate more thoroughly how individual vulnerability results in work force exclusion. Given the extensive previous risk factor research, there is a need for interventions to improve vulnerable groups’ work participation..
Comparison of self-reported and register data on sickness absence among Norwegian patients participating in an occupational rehabilitation program
Authors: Øyeflaten Irene , Lie Stein Atle , Ihlebæk Camilla , Brage Søren , Eriksen Hege R.
Published: May 2016

Background: Sick leave and return to work are common outcome variables in studies where the aim is to measure the effect of targeted interventions for individuals that are on sick leave benefits or other allowances. Use of official register data is often restricted, and research on sick leave and return to work are often based on the participants self-reports. However, there is insufficient documentation that there is agreement between self-reports and register data on sick leave benefits and allowances.Aims: The aim of this study was to analyse the individuals' knowledge about states of sick leave benefits or allowances compared with register data from The Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) in Norway.Method: 153 individuals, sick-listed or on allowances, participated in a 4-week inpatient occupational rehabilitation program. 132 (86%) answered a questionnaire on assessments of work, sick leave, and allowances three months after completed rehabilitation. Self-reported data were compared with register data from NAV according to four categories: working, sick-listed, on medical/vocational rehabilitation allowance or disability pension. Agreement between self-reported and register data was evaluated in cross-tabulations and reported with kappa values. Stratified analyses were done for gender, age, education, medical diagnosis and length of sick leave/allowances at baseline.Results: Good agreement was found for medical/vocational rehabilitation allowance (kappa=.70) and disability pension (kappa=.65). Moderate agreement was found for working (kappa=.49) and fair agreement for sick-listed (kappa=.36). Stratified analyses showed significant better kappa values for individuals that had been sick-listed less than 12 months before entering the rehabilitation program.Conclusions: Agreements from good to fair were found between self-reported and official register data on sick leave. However, official register data is preferred in research because this will ensure complete data sets. Data on sick leave and other benefits are not absorbing states, and there are often multiple and recurrent episodes. These data may be hard to obtain from self-reports.
A comparison of self-reported data on disability pension status with data from a nationwide administrative register
Authors: Hartz Ingeborg , Tverdal Aage , Skurtveit Svetlana
Published: May 2016

Objectives: Validation studies of self-reported disability pension status have been scarce. The objective of this study was to estimate the sensitivity and specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values of self-reported disability pension status using an official administrative register as reference standard.Methods: Data from Cohort of Norway (CONOR) surveys conducted in 2001 in the three Norwegian counties Oslo (HUBRO), Hedmark and Oppland (OPPHED) are included in this study, altogether 17,244 individuals. At the time of investigation, the subjects included in our study-population were aged 30-31, 40-41, 45-47 and 59-61 years. Self-reported data on disability pension status was compared with data from the nationwide population and housing census in Norway (Statistics Norway), performed November 3rd 2001. Data were linked using the unique 11-digit identification number, assigned to all individuals living in Norway.Results: Sensitivity and specificity for self-reported questions on disability pension were 97.6% (95% CI 91.1-94.1) and 96.8% (96.5-97.1). Positive and negative predictive values were 70.1% (67.9-72.3) and 99.8% (99.7-99.9). Validity measures in a subpopulation, those surveyed in October-November 2001, were almost identical as for the total study-population surveyed in 2001.Conclusion: The sensitivity of self-reported disability pension status was high. The positive predictive value was lower which may reflect a low prevalence.
Does child gender moderate the relationship between interparental conflict and child outcomes? Findings from the Danish Longitudinal Study of Children
Authors: Baviskar Siddhartha
Published: May 2016

The hypothesis that child gender moderates the relationship between interparental conflict (IPC), conceptualized as a normative phenomenon, and child outcomes was evaluated using Danish mother data from the Danish Longitudinal Survey of Children (DALSC), which follows a nationally representative sample of children born in September-October 1995. IPC was assessed at age seven using a five-item scale measuring frequency of quarrels between parents on topics common to daily family life. Child outcomes were evaluated at age eleven using three indicators of internalizing (emotional problems, somatic symptoms, psychological symptoms) and two indicators of externalizing symptoms (conduct problems and hyperactivity). OLS regression analyses indicated, overall, that the longitudinal association between IPC and the chosen outcomes was weak and child gender weakly moderated the association between IPC and child outcomes. Specifically, gender differences were limited only to conduct problems after controlling for the child’s psycho-social adjustment and health characteristics, mother’s depressive symptoms and disciplinary behaviour and parents’ socio-economic status at age 7. Furthermore, contrary to expectations derived from the male vulnerability and differential reactivity models, the IPC-conduct problems association was stronger among girls than among boys. In general, IPC predicted a number of outcomes among girls but did not predict any among boys. These findings suggest that it is important in both academic and professional work to consider that the impact of IPC on boys and girls may vary depending on the nature of the conflict and the type of families affected by it. Furthermore, while IPC may not have a direct impact over time, its effects may continue to be felt through other elements of the family system, such as the parent-child relationship.
A Brief Literature Review of Studies on Lexical Chunks at Home and Abroad
Authors: Fu Kefeng
Published: May 2016

This paper attempts to offer a general review of studies on lexical chunks at home and abroad to reveal prospective readers a clear path to approach this promising language phenomenon. It starts with definitions of chunks, followed by an exemplification of the essential characteristics, different classifications, and functions proposed by researchers, and then it summarizes some major findings both theoretically and empirically. Based on these, some crucial aspects are pointed out that previous studies fail to cover but a worthwhile attempt for the future study.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Global Journal of Health Science, Vol. 8, No. 6
Authors: Walker Joseph
Published: May 2016

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Global Journal of Health Science, Vol. 8, No. 6, 2016.
A Case Study of College Students’ Attitudes toward Computer-Aided Language Learning
Authors: Wangru Cao
Published: May 2016

Nowadays computers are becoming smaller and more powerful, they are put into use in many areas, and one of the important implementations is the assistance with language learning, which is called CALL. In China, college English teaching has experienced lots of frustrations and difficulties. At the end of 20th century, the mode of CALL gradually appeared in China, but it was still immature and not systematic. At the beginning of 21th century that CALL was carried out extensively in China. During this period, many universities and colleges have tried experiments on online learning and many of them have got quite fruitful achievements. Henan Polytechnic University is one of them. After careful consideration, the university decided to adopt the English online learning system produced by Higher Education Press to carry out a comprehensive college English teaching reform in the non-English majors’ students, who are freshmen and sophomores. In the four academic semesters, students have 4 periods of classroom-based learning and another 2 periods of online learning every week. So far, the university has worked on the experiment for 10 years, and now, it is the high time to check the students’ attitudes toward English online learning. Only in this way can we get the valuable first-hand suggestions to improve online learning mode.
Determinants of External Debt in Jordan: An Empirical Study (1990–2014)
Authors: Al-Fawwaz Torki M.
Published: May 2016

This study aimed at investigating the major determinants influencing the external debt in Jordan during the period (1990-2014).

To achieve this goal, annual data has been used during the period study, through applying ARDL model which consist of the dependent (external debt) and independent variables (trade openness, term of trade, exchange rate, and gross domestic product per capita).

The study reviled that there is a positive statistically significant effect trade variable on the external debt in the long run, and a negative statistically significant effect for the gross domestic product per capita variable (GDPpc) on the external debt.

The study recommended that it is very important to depend on the available recourses in trading rather that depend on external debt.
Tax Harmonization in the EU: Insights on Political and Legal Fusion under Neofunctional Rationale
Authors: Khan Niazi Shafi Ullah
Published: May 2016

The traditional narrative is that direct taxes in EU remain non-harmonized since decisions in this domain originate solely from intergovernmental bargains, often exemplified as failure of legal, political and economic integration. The article reviews this conventional notion that European tax harmonization process draws truly on national-choices of Member States. The contribution does not out rightly discard national role in pooling EU-level tax mandate but rather assigns it a temporal dimension under neofunctional integration model. Considering the intergovernmental politics and members decision-making in isolation, akin to that of traditional nation-state in global arena, may create a misleading conception in EU context. European Member States might seem to be the sole political actors of EU-level tax policymaking, yet there exist other players that shape or even push national decision-making processes. The study provides a bigger-picture perspective that seeks to capture key legal, political and economic developments instrumental to the European integration project. It concludes that (direct) tax policy domain – a symbol of fiscal sovereignty of Member States and unspoken regime in EU law – is also not impervious to neofunctional political rationale and consequential processes of law-creation.
Exit Poll Sponsorship and Response Intentions
Authors: Panagopoulos Costas
Published: May 2016

Scholars and practitioners alike are increasingly concerned about growing and differential rates of nonresponse in exit polls. In this paper, I examine how exit poll sponsorship affects response intentions. I leverage an experiment imbedded in a nationally-representative probability sample telephone sample that probed respondents about exit poll participation intentions. The survey, fielded by Opinion Research Corporation for CNN in November 2006, randomly varied whether respondents were informed the exit poll would be conducted by the “television networks,” specifically, or generically, by “some organizations.” The results reveal that respondents are significantly more likely to report they would be likely to participate in exit polls when television networks are explicitly identified as sponsors. These effects are robust across a series of specifications and do not appear to be moderated by key observable attributes including age, gender, race, partisanship or educational attainment. 
Does the Commonwealth Electoral Act Satisfy the Requirement That Representatives Be ‘Directly Chosen’ by the People?
Authors: Harris Bede
Published: May 2016

The electoral system embodied in the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Cth) is notable for its startling unfairness to voters who support minor parties. This article argues that the disparity between voter preferences and the allocation of seats in the House of Representatives means that the electoral system cannot be said to provide for the election of members ‘directly chosen by the people’, as required by s 24 of the Constitution, and is therefore open to challenge. Although challenges to the electoral system in Attorney General (Cth); Ex rel McKinlay v Commonwealth and McGinty v Western Australia were unsuccessful, dicta by majorities in both cases support the argument that at some point – albeit unstated by the courts in those cases - an electoral system will be so unrepresentative as not to be consistent with s 24. Subsequent decisions in Roach v Electoral Commissioner and Rowe v Electoral Commissioner, to the effect that franchise laws must be appropriate and adapted to the system of representative government, also provide grounds for a constitutional challenge to the current electoral system. The article ends with a discussion of the criteria to be used to determine what system would be consistent with direct representation of the people, and argues that the Single Transferrable Vote system satisfies the requirements of accurate reflection of voter sentiment and provision to voters of identifiable local representatives.
Assessment of Public Space Efficiency in Relation to Spatial Development in Amman: Exploring Indicators to Sustainable Models of Future City Life
Authors: Tawil Maram Falah , Reicher Christa , Jafari Mais , Baeumer Katrin
Published: May 2016

In the scene of the urban transformation processes taking place in the world nowadays, it is crucial to verify the need for sustainable change in public space in Amman. The paper aims at capturing the demands of public space in regards to the socio economic urban life in Amman. It also investigates the role of public space from the perception of the local communities and tries to find the relation between public space and the other vital layers that constitute the urban public life whether social, economic or urban regeneration. Key dimensions and success factors of best practices in Dortmund, Germany are investigated in order to shed the light on potential strategic thinking in dealing with problems in Amman. As a result, defined characters of magnets and anchor nodes in Amman were specified to make the city more readable and accessible.
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Vietnam through Introduction of a Proper Technical Support System for Domestic Biogas Digesters
Authors: Izumi Taro , Matsubara Eiji , Dung Duong T. , Ngan Nguyen V. C. , Chiem Nguyen H. , Higano Yoshiro
Published: May 2016

A domestic biogas digester (BD) is a household-sized system that produces biogas from organic waste under anaerobic conditions. By substituting conventional cooking fuel with biogas, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be reduced. In addition, improved livestock manure management from use of the BD system can lead to further GHG emission reductions. However, because the main component of biogas is methane (CH4), with 25 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide (CO2), leakage of biogas from the BD system can counteract the benefits of this system. Thick vinyl-type BDs were introduced to farming households in a rural area of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta in an effort to reduce GHG emissions as a Clean Development Mechanism project. In this project, selected farmers were trained as Key Farmers (KFs). These farmers acquired knowledge about appropriate techniques relating to the BD system and provided technical support to households. Then, biogas usage was monitored in the households where the BD technology was installed. The average proportion of operational BDs reached as high as 92.3%. Therefore, the technical support system provided by the KFs was regarded as practical and effective. Additionally, leakage of biogas from the BD systems was monitored. The average leakage was estimated at 8% of the produced biogas. Including emission reductions from improved livestock manure management, the total GHG emission reductions from the introduction of BD systems was calculated as 2.95 tonnes of CO2 per year per household. Overall, the emission reduction effects can only be achieved with appropriate installation, operation, and maintenance of the BD systems.
Farm Bill 2014: An Experimental Investigation of Conservation Compliance
Authors: Czap Hans J. , Czap Natalia V. , Lynne Gary D. , Burbach Mark E.
Published: May 2016

Leading up to the 2014 Farm Bill, the House of Representatives and the Senate proposed alternative changes to the incentive structure for farmer conservation efforts. While both include crop insurance subsidies, the version proposed by the Senate made such subsidies conditional on conservation efforts. This study uses experimental methods to analyze the efficacy of these two alternative designs in comparison to the previous, 2008 Farm Bill, design and investigates in how far additional nudging for empathy can improve on the efficiency. The results support the contention that solely offering financial incentives, as is the case in the 2014 Farm Bill, leads to crowding-out of intrinsic motivations and hence may be counterproductive. Similarly, nudging for empathy by itself is relatively ineffective. Nudging in conjunction with financial incentives, however, has a statistically and economically significant and positive impact on conservation behavior and may therefore offer a relatively cheap way to improve the efficiency of conservation-related legislative efforts.
Assessing Sustainability of Smallholder Beef Cattle Farming in Indonesia: A Case Study Using the FAO SAFA Framework
Authors: Gayatri Siwi , Gasso-tortajada Vincent , Vaarst Mette
Published: May 2016

This article aims to assess the sustainability of smallholder beef cattle farms in Indonesia, where there is a national goal to improve the country’s beef self-sufficiency, and to explore and discuss potential improvement limitations and solutions. This article presents a sustainability assessment based on the FAO SAFA (Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems) of six selected family farms representing three types of family farming systems (with only family labour; with hired labour; and with hired labour and a 'middleman in marketing system'). Individual structured interviews based on the SAFA guidelines were conducted and the results analysed with the SAFA Tool software. The results showed that the SAFA sustainability performance generally scored better in the farming system with relatively more resources and hired labour, and the household head also working as middleman, as compared to the other two farming systems with some or no hired labour. These results indicate that the larger room for sustainability improvement relies in the farming systems with only family labour. Lack of information, training and economical resources showed to be two main drivers that explain part of these differences. These results suggest that the government’s role in increasing awareness, providing information and training and facilitating sustainable development practices is critical.
Foreign Aid and Trade Capacity Development Recent Evidence from Uganda
Authors: Ijjo Alex Thomas , Shinyekwa Isaac M. B.
Published: May 2016

Endemic supply side constraints including fluctuating output levels, deficient trade infrastructure, rampant non-tariff barriers and incapacity to ensure international quality standards continue to thwart the gainful participation of many Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in an increasingly liberal global trade environment. At its 2005 Hong Kong Ministerial Conference, the World Trade Organization launched its Aid for Trade (AFT) initiative aimed at coordinating global financial support for strengthening trade capacity in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This paper examined the effect of foreign aid, particularly Official Development Assistance, on Uganda’s external trade and its AFT component in strengthening the country’s trade capacity. Using time series Error Correction Modelling and the World Bank’s World Development Indicators and official national statistics, the paper finds small but positive aid influence on Uganda’s exports and imports and generally close alignment between aid and national priorities. However, given general aid volatility but more especially following the anti-homosexuality legislation and gross corruption allegations in the case of Uganda, the paper advises that external aid be treated as a supplement rather than a substitute for domestic financial resource mobilization in trade capacity development.