bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does cementing the femoral component increase the risk of peri-operative mortality for patients having replacement surgery for a fracture of the neck of femur?
Authors: Costa M. L. , Griffin X. L. , Pendleton N. , Pearson M. , Parsons N.
Published: October 2011

Concerns have been reported to the United Kingdom National Patient Safety Agency, warning that cementing the femoral component during hip replacement surgery for fracture of the proximal femur may increase peri-operative mortality.

The National Hip Fracture Database collects demographic and outcome data about patients with a fracture of the proximal femur from over 100 participating hospitals in the United Kingdom. We conducted a mixed effects logistic regression analysis of this dataset to determine whether peri-operative mortality was increased in patients who had undergone either hemiarthroplasty or total hip replacement using a cemented femoral component. A total of 16 496 patients from 129 hospitals were included in the analysis, which showed a small but significant adjusted survival benefit associated with cementing (odds ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.72 to 0.96). Other statistically significant variables in predicting death at discharge, listed in order of magnitude of effect, were gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, age, walking accompanied outdoors and arthroplasty. Interaction terms between cementing and these other variables were sequentially added to, but did not improve, the model.

This study has not shown an increase in peri-operative mortality as a result of cementing the femoral component in patients requiring hip replacement following fracture of the proximal femur.
Differences in post-operative functional disability and patient satisfaction between patients with long (three levels or more) and short (less than three) lumbar fusions
Authors: Lee C.-S. , Chung S- S. , Shin S.-K. , Park S.-J. , Lee H.-I. , Kang K.-C.
Published: October 2011

We examined the differences in post-operative functional disability and patient satisfaction between 56 patients who underwent a lumbar fusion at three or more levels for degenerative disease (group I) and 69 patients, matched by age and gender, who had undergone a one or two level fusion (group II). Their mean age was 66 years (49 to 84) and the mean follow-up was 43 months (24 to 65).

The mean pre-operative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, and the mean post-operative VAS were similar in both groups (p >  0.05), but post-operatively the improvement in ODI was significantly less in group I (40.6%) than in group II (49.5%) (p < 0.001). Of the ten ODI items, patients in group I showed significant problems with lifting, sitting, standing, and travelling (p < 0.05). The most significant differences in the post-operative ODI were observed between patients who had undergone fusion at four or more levels and those who had undergone fusion at less than four levels (p = 0.005). The proportion of patients who were satisfied with their operations was similar in groups I and II (72.7% and 77.0%, respectively) (p = 0.668). The mean number of fused levels was associated with the post-operative ODI (r = 0.266, p = 0.003), but not with the post-operative VAS or satisfaction grade (p > 0.05). Post-operative functional disability was more severe in those with a long-level lumbar fusion, particularly at four or more levels, but patient satisfaction remained similar for those with both long- and short-level fusions.
Robotic systems in orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Lang J. E. , Mannava S. , Floyd A. J. , Goddard M. S. , Smith B. P. , Mofidi A. , M. Seyler T. , Jinnah R. H.
Published: October 2011

Robots have been used in surgery since the late 1980s. Orthopaedic surgery began to incorporate robotic technology in 1992, with the introduction of ROBODOC, for the planning and performance of total hip replacement. The use of robotic systems has subsequently increased, with promising short-term radiological outcomes when compared with traditional orthopaedic procedures. Robotic systems can be classified into two categories: autonomous and haptic (or surgeon-guided). Passive surgery systems, which represent a third type of technology, have also been adopted recently by orthopaedic surgeons.

While autonomous systems have fallen out of favour, tactile systems with technological improvements have become widely used. Specifically, the use of tactile and passive robotic systems in unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) has addressed some of the historical mechanisms of failure of non-robotic UKR. These systems assist with increasing the accuracy of the alignment of the components and produce more consistent ligament balance. Short-term improvements in clinical and radiological outcomes have increased the popularity of robot-assisted UKR.

Robot-assisted orthopaedic surgery has the potential for improving surgical outcomes. We discuss the different types of robotic systems available for use in orthopaedics and consider the indication, contraindications and limitations of these technologies.
Adverse reaction to metal release from a modular metal-on-polyethylene hip prosthesis
Authors: Lindgren J. U. , Brismar B. H. , Wikstrom A. C.
Published: October 2011

A 70-year-old man with an uncemented metal-on-polyethylene total hip prosthesis underwent revision arthroplasty 33 months later because of pain, swelling and recurrent dislocation. There appeared to be corrosion and metal release from the prosthetic head, resulting in pseudotumour formation and severe local soft-tissue destruction. The corrosion occurred at the junction between the titanium-molybdenum-zirconium-iron taper and the cobalt-chrome-molybdenum head, but the mechanism was unproven.
Access: What Exactly is the Problem?
Authors: Eaton Kenneth A
Published: October 2011

This very thought-provoking and informative symposium was jointly hosted by the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK)'s Lay Advisory Group and Research Committee. A very comprehensive series of presentations and discussions were given by a range of speakers, all from different backgrounds.
Luminescent Bacteria as an Indicator Species for Lubricant Formulation Ecotoxicity
Authors: Sander John , Smith Terry , Bilberry Patrick
Published: October 2011

For a number of years, luminescent bacteria have been used as an indicator species for acute toxicity of substances in aquatic marine environments. Various other higher organisms have been used for this exact same purpose. Many of the higher organism test evaluations have been used successfully, but they have a few limitations, such as a low number of organisms exposed to toxicant during a test, less than desirable precision and the need for highly trained individuals to run the tests. One luminescent bacterial bioassay includes many organisms, can be run rapidly and requires training in sample dilution techniques. ASTM Subcommittee D02.12 has been working to develop an ecotoxicity method to evaluate the effects of lubricant formulations on luminescent bacteria. The theory describing this method, as well as the D02.12 method development activities, will be discussed.
Corrosion of Rebar and Role of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Sappakittipakorn Manote , Banthia Nemkumar
Published: October 2011

Recent studies have shown that fiber reinforcement of concrete reduces its permeability to water and enhances its service life. In this study, this finding was extended to determine if fiber reinforcement can also control corrosion of reinforcing steel in traditionally reinforced concrete. Two fiber types, cellulose and polypropylene, at 0.1 % and 0.3 % volume fraction, were examined. Two series of tests were performed. In the first series, chloride transport characteristics were determined by using the Bulk Diffusion Test, the Silver Nitrate Spray Test and the Rapid Chloride Permeability Test. In the second series, corrosion activity in reinforcing steel was monitored in loaded RC beams with and without fiber reinforcement for a year in a simulated marine environment. Results demonstrated that while the presence of fibers increased the coefficient of chloride diffusion based on total chlorides, there was a decrease in the coefficient related to free chlorides. Fibers therefore appear to bind the chlorides and inhibit their transport through concrete. Corrosion tests further corroborated these findings and indicated that fibers delayed the onset of corrosion in RC beams as long as the applied load did not exceed a certain threshold value.
Stoichiometric controls of nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in decomposing beech leaf litter
Authors: Mooshammer Maria , Wanek Wolfgang , Schnecker Jörg , Wild Birgit , Leitner Sonja , Hofhansl Florian , Blöchl Andreas , Hämmerle Ieda , Frank Alexander H. , Fuchslueger Lucia , Keiblinger Katharina M. , Zechmeister-Boltenstern Sophie , Richter Andreas
Published: October 2011

Resource stoichiometry (C:N:P) is an important determinant of litter decomposition. However, the effect of elemental stoichiometry on the gross rates of microbial N and P cycling processes during litter decomposition is unknown. In a mesocosm experiment, beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) litter with natural differences in elemental stoichiometry (C:N:P) was incubated under constant environmental conditions. After three and six months, we measured various aspects of nitrogen and phosphorus cycling. We found that gross protein depolymerization, N mineralization (ammonification), and nitrification rates were negatively related to litter C:N. Rates of P mineralization were negatively correlated with litter C:P. The negative correlations with litter C:N were stronger for inorganic N cycling processes than for gross protein depolymerization, indicating that the effect of resource stoichiometry on intracellular processes was stronger than on processes catalyzed by extracellular enzymes. Consistent with this, extracellular protein depolymerization was mainly limited by substrate availability and less so by the amount of protease. Strong positive correlations between the interconnected N and P pools and the respective production and consumption processes pointed to feed‐forward control of microbial litter N and P cycling. A negative relationship between litter C:N and phosphatase activity (and between litter C:P and protease activity) demonstrated that microbes tended to allocate carbon and nutrients in ample supply into the production of extracellular enzymes to mine for the nutrient that is more limiting. Overall, the study demonstrated a strong effect of litter stoichiometry (C:N:P) on gross processes of microbial N and P cycling in decomposing litter; mineralization of N and P were tightly coupled to assist in maintaining cellular homeostasis of litter microbial communities.
Development and Psychometric Testing of the Rural Pregnancy Experience Scale (RPES)
Authors: Kornelsen Jude , Stoll Kathrin , Grzybowski Stefan
Published: October 2011

Rural pregnant woman who lack local access to maternity care due to their remote living circumstances may experience stress and anxiety related to pregnancy and parturition. The Rural Pregnancy Experience Scale (RPES) was designed to assess the unique worry and concerns reflective of the stress and anxiety of rural pregnant women related to pregnancy and parturition. The items of the scale were designed based on the results of a qualitative study of the experiences of pregnant rural women, thereby building a priori content validity into the measure. The relevancy content validity index (CVI) for this instrument was 1.0 and the clarity CVI was .91, as rated by maternity care specialists. A field test of the RPES with 187 pregnant rural women from British Columbia indicated that it had two factors: financial worries and worries/concerns about maternity care services, which were consistent with the conceptual base of the tool. Cronbach’s alpha for the total RPES was .91; for the financial worries subscale and the worries/concerns about maternity care services subscale, alpha were .89 and .88, respectively. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations between the total scores of the RPES and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS [r =.39, p < .01]), and subscale scores on the RPES were significantly correlated and converged with the depression, anxiety, and stress subscales of the DASS supporting convergent validity (correlations ranged between .20; p < .05 and .43; p < .01). Construct validity was also supported by findings that the level of access and availability of maternity care services were significantly associated with RPES scores. It was concluded that the RPES is a reliable and valid measure of worries and concerns reflective of rural pregnant women’s stress and anxiety related to pregnancy and parturition.
Validation of the StepWatch Device for Measurement of Free-Living Ambulatory Activity in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Nguyen Huong Q. , Burr Robert L. , Gill Dawn P. , Coleman Kim
Published: October 2011

This study examined the validity of the StepWatch activity monitor and the optimal number of monitoring days in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). StepWatch activity data were obtained from databases of two studies: one of patients with COPD who participated in a trial of two exercise persistence interventions (n = 17) and a second, cross-sectional study of activity in chronically healthy older adults (n = 60). Independent t tests, Pearson’s correlations, and Bland-Altman plots were used to examine the activity data (total steps, activity intensity, and distribution of activity). Results indicated that patients with COPD registered 50% fewer total steps and had lower levels of walking intensity compared with chronically healthy older adults. Activity parameters had moderate-to-high correlations with disease severity, peak cycle workload, and physical functioning. More monitoring days were associated with greater measurement precision. This study provides preliminary evidence to support the validity of the StepWatch device for measuring free-living ambulatory physical activity in COPD.
One-Dimensional Scales for Pain Evaluation Adopted in Italian Nursing Practice: Giving Preference to Deaf Patients
Authors: Palese Alvisa , Salvador Linda , Cozzi Donatella
Published: October 2011

Despite the increasing attention given to pain, little is known about how deaf patients communicate their pain and which pain scales they prefer to use. Studies of the validity of various scales often specify conditions that exclude them. With the aim to explore the preferred pain evaluation scale and the method of administration when evaluating deaf patients, a descriptive phenomenology of qualitative research study was undertaken and articulated in two phases. In the first phase, a purposeful sample of 10 nurses with experience in the care of deaf clients was studied using focus groups to collect data regarding which pain scale they used and the methods they used to administer the scales in clinical settings during care to deaf patients. In the second phase, a purposeful sample of 16 deaf people was engaged in multiple focus groups to analyze a set of one-dimension scales that emerged from the first phase of the study with nurses and to discuss their preferences for pain scales. Nurses who participated in the focus group reported using the numerical rating scale, visual analogue scale, Faces Pain Scale, and the Iowa Pain Thermometer (IPT) scale when caring for deaf people. Deaf patients involved in the second phase of this study preferred the IPT scale. Participants also noted the interference of environmental factors such as dimly lit rooms or glaring lights in situations that required lipreading for communication of pain such as in operating rooms. It was concluded that decisions regarding how to administer pain scales to deaf persons need to consider the preferences and the values of the patients. To avoid the risk of misunderstanding the pain of deaf patients, practice guidelines and strategies related to measuring pain in deaf persons should be specified by deaf associations at international, national, and local levels. Utilization of a simple sign language even at an international level could guarantee security in the communication of the pain between patients and health care workers and may help in the assessment of acute pain even in emergency conditions.
Patterns of Diabetic Periodontal Wound Repair: A Study Using Micro‐Computed Tomography and Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Chang Po‐Chun , Chung Min‐Chun , Wang Yi‐Ping , Chien Li‐Ying , Lim Jason C. , Liang Kaicheng , Chong Li Yen , Kuo Yen‐Ping , Chen Chun‐Hao , Chiang Huan‐Ching
Published: October 2011

Background: Diabetes is known to impair wound healing and deteriorate the periodontal condition. There is limited information about the patterns and events associated with periodontal wound repair. In this study, we evaluate the dynamics of periodontal wound repair using micro‐computed tomography (microCT) and immunohistochemistry.

Methods: Thirty‐six male rats were used, and diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. The maxillary first molars were extracted, and a tooth‐associated osseous defect was created in the extraction area. Animals were sacrificed after 7, 14, and 21 days. Volumetry and distribution of bone trabeculae were evaluated by microCT imaging. The patterns of healing and collagen alignment were evaluated by histology. Advanced glycation end‐product (AGE) deposition and expression of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were evaluated by histochemical and immunohistochemical staining.

Results: Diabetic animals demonstrated a significantly reduced bone volume and trabecular number as well as thinner trabeculae and more trabecular separation in osseous defects. The early stage was characterized by significantly reduced cellular proliferation and prolonged active inflammation without evident bone resorption, whereas delayed recovery of collagen realignment, matrix deposition, and bone turnover was noted in later stages. Although AGEs and RAGE were present during healing in diabetes and controls, a stronger and more persistent level of expression was observed in the group with diabetes

Conclusions: Diabetes significantly delayed osseous defect healing by augmenting inflammation, impairing proliferation, and delaying bone resorption. The AGE–RAGE axis can be activated under metabolic disturbance and inflammation.
Full‐Scale Use of Glycogen‐Accumulating Organisms for Excess Biological Carbon Removal
Authors: Kiss Bernadett , Bakos Vince , Liu Wen‐Tso , Jobbágy Andrea
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this study has been to verify the efficient full‐scale applicability of glycogen‐accumulating organisms (GAOs) for excess biological carbon removal, that is, for removing more carbon substrate than the amount of available nutrients would allow in the conventional activated sludge process of microbial growth. This aims to cost‐effectively overcome the problem of viscous bulking occurring in a fully aerated system, with nutrient deficiency. Analytical data measured at the wastewater treatment plant of the Balatonboglár (BB) winery in Balatonboglár, Hungary, containing consecutive unaerated and aerated activated sludge basins, reflected a high performance with efficient carbon removal and good sludge settling, without dosing any external nutrient source to the severely nitrogen‐ and phosphorous‐deficient influent. Supplementary laboratory‐scale batch experiments and microbiological tests verified the abundance of GAOs in the activated sludge system and elucidated their role in efficient excess biological carbon removal.
Biomass‐Derived Materials in the Remediation of Heavy‐Metal Contaminated Water: Removal of Cadmium(II) and Copper(II) from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Tiwari Diwakar , Lee Seung Mok
Published: October 2011

Manganese‐coated activated carbon (MCAC) and activated carbon were used in batch experiments for the removal of cadmium(II) and copper(II). Results showed that uptake of Cd(II) and Cu(II) was unaffected by increases in pH (3.0 to 8.5) or concentration (1 to 20 mg/L). Increased ionic strength (from 0.001 to 1 M NaNO3), however, significantly affected the uptake of Cd(II); adsorption of Cu(II) was not affected. Freundlich adsorption isotherm results indicated that MCAC possessed higher sorption capacity than activated carbon. Second‐order rate constants were found to be 0.0386 for activated carbon and 0.0633 g/mg·min for MCAC for Cd(II) and 0.0774 for AC and 0.1223 g/mg·min for MCAC for Cu(II). Column experiments showed that maximum sorption capacity of MCAC was 39.48 mg/g for Cu(II) and 12.21 mg/g for Cd(II).
The Relationship Between Mixed‐Liquor Particle Size and Solids Retention Time in the Activated Sludge Process
Authors: Chan Licheng , Leu Shao‐Yuan , Rosso Diego , Stenstrom Michael K.
Published: October 2011

Particle size distribution (PSD) analysis was used to evaluate the quality of mixed liquors collected from different activated sludge process modifications (i.e., conventional activated sludge, modified Ludzack‐Ettinger, high‐purity oxygen, step‐anoxic, and oxidation ditch). An experiment protocol was developed to define the allowable sample holding time and provide representative and repeatable results. Samples of 26 treatment plants, with a total of 37 samples, were tested. A new indicator, called mean particle size (MPS), was introduced to describe the integrated mean particle size. The results of MPSs of three cut‐off sizes (0.5 to 50, 100, and 200 µm) showed that the average size of mixed‐liquor biosolids increased with increasing solids retention time (SRT), and the number of particles in the sedimentation supernatant decreased with increasing SRT. Particle deflocculation occurred after excessive sample holding time, and analysis within 12 hours generally eliminated sample holding problems. The results provide a methodology using PSD for characterizing mixed‐liquor biosolids.
A Mathematical Model for the Interactive Behavior of Sulfate‐Reducing Bacteria and Methanogens During Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Ahammad Sk. Ziauddin , Gomes James , Sreekrishnan T. R.
Published: October 2011

Anaerobic degradation of waste involves different classes of microorganisms, and there are different types of interactions among them for substrates, terminal electron acceptors, and so on. A mathematical model is developed based on the mass balance of different substrates, products, and microbes present in the system to study the interaction between methanogens and sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB). The performance of major microbial consortia present in the system, such as propionate‐utilizing acetogens, butyrate‐utilizing acetogens, acetoclastic methanogens, hydrogen‐utilizing methanogens, and SRB were considered and analyzed in the model. Different substrates consumed and products formed during the process also were considered in the model. The experimental observations and model predictions showed very good prediction capabilities of the model. Model prediction was validated statistically. It was observed that the model‐predicted values matched the experimental data very closely, with an average error of 3.9%.
Assessment of Internal and External Grease Interceptor Performance for Removal of Food‐Based Fats, Oil, and Grease from Food Service Establishments
Authors: Gallimore Erin , Aziz Tarek N. , Movahed Zohreh , Ducoste Joel
Published: October 2011

A research study was performed to determine the fats, oil, and grease (FOG) removal efficiency of internal flow‐based grease interceptors (FGI). A passive‐flow and a mechanical‐flow FGI unit were tested and their performance was compared to an external retention‐based grease interceptor (RGI). Experiments involved multiple parameters including three oil/water emulsion strengths, two influent liquid temperatures, and two flow rates. Overall, the RGI achieved approximately 80% FOG removal and the FGIs removed less than 50% under the tested conditions. One exception occurred during the passive FGI testing during which removal reached approximately 80%. This increased efficiency was likely due to the relatively weak emulsion exhibiting significantly large FOG globules. The FOG removal efficiency decreased with increased temperature because of increased breakage of FOG globules at the elevated temperature. These results suggest that emulsion strength significantly affects FOG removal efficiency of FGIs and should be considered in future manufacturer testing protocol.
Removal of Mercury(II) from Aqueous Solutions Using the Leaves of the Rambai Tree (Baccaurea motleyana)
Authors: Sen Tushar Kanti , Azman Amir Farid Bin , Maitra Saikat , Dutta Binay K.
Published: October 2011

This study was undertaken to evaluate the biosorption potential of a natural, low‐cost biosorbent, Rambai leaves (Baccaurea motleyana), to remove trace amounts of Hg(II) from aqueous solutions. It was found that the amount of Hg(II) biosorption by Rambai leaves increased with initial metal ion concentration, contact time, and solution pH but decreased as the amount of biosorbent increased. The maximum biosorption capacity was 121.95 mg/g for an initial concentration range of 5 to 120 ppb. Overall, kinetic studies showed that the Hg(II) biosorption process followed pseudo‐second‐order kinetics based on pseudo‐first‐order and intraparticle diffusion models. Isotherm data revealed that the biosorption process followed both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The value of separation factor, RL, from the Langmuir equation and rate of biosorption, n, from the Freundlich model also indicated favorable adsorption.
“My Avatar Behaves Well and this Feels Right”: Ideal and Ought Selves in Video Gaming
Authors: Annie Jin Seung-A
Published: October 2011

Prosocial and violent games were investigated in relation to empathy with avatars and amount of postgame donation. Participants who played a prosocial game demonstrated greater empathy, while those who played a violent game said they would donate a greater amount of money. Flow was
found to be a function of the 3-way interaction between game type, self-perception, and regulatory focus. Higgins's (1987) regulatory focus and self-discrepancy (1997) theories are used to explain the underlying theoretical mechanisms behind these results.
The Importance of the Medical Humanities Among Adolescents: Developing a Medical Humanities Questionnaire
Authors: Wang Ya-Huei
Published: October 2011

The purpose in this study was to develop a questionnaire measuring the subjective importance among adolescents of medical humanities issues. Based on a series of literature reviews and expert panel discussions, a questionnaire was created and completed by 460 randomly selected individuals.
An exploratory factor analysis and a principal component analysis were conducted. The 19 items in the questionnaire were classified into 5 factors: professionalism, caring and empathy, patient orientation, disclosure of harm, and communication. These 5 factors accounted for 59.19% of the variance.
The developed questionnaire was subsequently completed by 258 adolescents enrolled in medical science courses and 268 adolescents enrolled in other courses to see whether or not there was any significant difference between the two groups in their awareness of medical humanities. Results revealed
that adolescents enrolled in medical science courses placed greater importance on these issues than did those enrolled in other courses.
Predictors of Future Use of Telehomecare Health Services by Middle-Aged People in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Chien-Lung , Tseng Kevin C. , Chuang Yu-Hao
Published: October 2011

We reconstructed a model based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology to analyze the acceptance of intelligent vital monitoring products (IVMPs) by middle-aged people. Results revealed that the dimensions of performance expectancy, social influence, and facilitating
condition all positively influenced the intentions of middle-aged people to use IVMPs. Our results may be of use for telehomecare health services when designing and developing IVMPs for people of all ages in the future.
Antecedents and Moderators of Online Shopping Behavior in Undergraduate Students
Authors: Hsieh Jun-Yi , Liao Pei-Wen
Published: October 2011

The online shopping behaviors of 600 undergraduate students in Taiwan were explored in regard to the influences of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude, trust, behavioral intentions, and actual behavior. The moderating effects of online experience were taken into account.
A model depicting the mechanisms of an effective relationship with online shoppers was developed and a survey was conducted to gather information. Structural equation modeling was used to validate the measures developed and test the hypothesized model. All variables had a significant and positive
impact, and experience online had a moderate impact.
Social Skills and Emotional and Behavioral Traits of Preschool Children
Authors: Arslan Emel , Durmuşoğlu-Saltali Neslihan , Yilmaz Hasan
Published: October 2011

We investigated the relationship between the emotional and behavioral traits and social skills of preschool children. The participants were 224 6-year-old children (115 female, 109 male). Data were collected using the Social Skills Evaluation Scale (Avcıoğlu, 2003) and
the Preschool Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale (Epstein, Synhorst, Cress, & Allen, 2009). Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were determined. It was found that there was a positive relationship between interpersonal skills and emotional regulation, school readiness, social
confidence, and family involvement. It was also found that there was a statistically significant positive relationship between verbal explanation, listening skills, and self-control and emotional regulation, school readiness, social confidence, and family involvement.
Rethinking board role performance: Towards an integrative model
Authors: Babic Verica , Nikolic Jelena , Eric Jelena
Published: October 2011

This research focuses on the board role evolution analysis which took place
simultaneously with the development of different corporate governance
theories and perspectives. The purpose of this paper is to provide
understanding of key factors that make a board effective in the performance
of its role. We argue that analysis of board role performance should
incorporate both structural and process variables. This paper?s contribution
is the development of an integrative model that aims to establish the
relationship between the board structure and processes on the one hand, and
board role performance on the other.
Antifungal activity of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) extract on the growth of Fusarium and Penicillium species isolated from food
Authors: Kocic-Tanackov Suncica , Dimic Gordana , Tanackov Ilija , Pejin Dusanka , Mojovic Ljiljana , Pejin Jelena
Published: October 2011

The effect of the oregano extract (Origanum vulgare L.) on the growth of
Fusarium and Penicillium species isolated from cakes and ready-for-use fresh
salads from different kinds of vegetables was investigated. Contents of the
active component of extract were identified by GC-MS and they include:
carvacrol (34.2%), carvone (18.5%), p-cimene (8.05%), thymol (3.74%). The
oregano extract showed the ability to reduce mould growth at all applied
concentrations. Stronger inhibitory effect on the growth of Penicillium
species, contrary to Fusarium, was determined. At extract concentration of
2.5 mL/100 mL, growth of P. aurantiogriseum, P. glabrum and P. brevicompactum
was completely inhibited during 14 days of incubation. At the same
concentration, growth of Fusarium proliferatum was inhibited by 81.71%, F.
oxysporum by 85.84%, F. verticillioides by 86.50%, P. chrysogenum by 86.2%
and F. subglutinans by 88.85%.
Influence of starch origin on rheological properties of concentrated aqueous solutions
Authors: Stojanovic Zeljko , Jeremic Katarina , Jovanovic Slobodan
Published: October 2011

The rheological properties of corn and potato starch concentrated aqueous
solutions were investigated at 25?C. The starches were previously dispersed
in water and the solutions were obtained by heating of dispersions at
115-120?C for 20 minutes. The solutions of potato starch were transparent,
while the corn starch solutions were opalescent. The results of dynamic
mechanical measurements showed that the values of viscosity, h, storage
modulus, G?, and loss modulus, G?, of the corn starch solutions increased
with the storage time. This phenomenon was not observed for the potato starch
solutions. It was assumed that the increase of h, G? and G? is the result of
starch solutions retrogradation. The potato starch solutions retrogradation
did not occur probably because of the phosphates presence. The viscosity of 2
mass % corn starch solution is less than the viscosity of 2 mass % potato
starch solution. By increasing the concentration of corn starch solution the
gel with elastic behavior was formed. The corn starch solutions formed gel as
early as at 4 mass % concentration, while potato starch solutions achieved
the gel state at the concentration of 5 mass %. The value of exponent m (G?
and G? ? wm) during the transition of potato starch solutions to gel is
0.414, which gives the fractal dimensions for corn starch of 2.10. The
obtained value of fractal dimension corresponds to slow aggregation. The corn
starch solutions with the starch concentrations higher than 4 mass % form
weak gels. For these solutions the values of modulus in rubber plateau were
determined. It was found that the modulus in rubber plateau increased with
the concentration by the exponent of 4.36. Such high exponent value was
obtained in the case when the tridimensional network is formed, i.e. when
supermolecular structures like associates or crystal domains are formed.
The Airy transform and associated polynomials
Authors: Babusci Danilo , Dattoli Giuseppe , Sacchetti Dario
Published: October 2011

The Airy transform is an ideally suited tool to treat problems in classical and quantum optics. Even though the relevant mathematical aspects have been thoroughly investigated, the possibilities it offers are wide and some features, such as the link with special functions and polynomials, still contain unexplored aspects. In this note we will show that the so called Airy polynomials are essentially the third order Hermite polynomials. We will also prove that this identification opens the possibility of developing new conjectures on the properties of this family of polynomials.
Interplay of information quantifiers and the modified Jaynes-Cummings model
Authors: Abdel-Khalek Sayed , Plastino Angelo , Obada Abdel-Shafy
Published: October 2011

The dynamics of the Buck and Sukumar model (B. Buck and C. V. Sukumar, Phys. Lett. A 81, 132 (1981)) is investigated using different semi-classical information-theory tools. Their interplay reveals somewhat unexpected features. A new signature for the classical-quantum barrier is encountered thereby.
A direct connection between quantum Hall plateaus and exact pair states in a 2D electron gas
Authors: Hai Wenhua , Li Zejun , Xiao Kewen
Published: October 2011

It is previously found that the two-dimensional (2D) electron-pair in a homogeneous magnetic field has a set of exact solutions for a denumerably infinite set of magnetic fields. Here we demonstrate that as a function of magnetic field a band-like structure of energy associated with the exact pair states exists. A direct and simple connection between the pair states and the quantum Hall effect is revealed by the band-like structure of the hydrogen “pseudo-atom”. From such a connection one can predict the sites and widths of the integral and fractional quantum Hall plateaus for an electron gas in a GaAs-AlxGa1−x
As heterojunction. The results are in good agreement with the existing experimental data.
No More Models: Baudrillard's Critique of Communication
Authors: Genosko Gary
Published: October 2011

This article focuses on two phases of Baudrillard's theorizing about models; the first from his early analyses of consumer society and its array of objects, and the second from his concern with simulation. Baudrillard often used the concepts of model and simulation interchangeably, entailing an absolute critique of the model in its difference from symbolic exchange. However, my task is to delicately separate these concepts by inserting Baudrillard's discussion of modeling into a philosophy of science context in which modeling appears aligned but not reducible to simulation. In short, a middle ground is sought. To this end I introduce the mediating models perspective. Further, Baudrillard's example of how his position on modeling may be applied is directed at models of communication, specifically Roman Jakobson's poetic model and, in particular, my interest is in how Baudrillard isolates the phatic function in a way that turns communication into simulation. I conclude with the need for a strategy of reading Baudrillard on modeling that detotalizes simulation and allows for something of the symbolic to persist in communication.
Paradoxes unbounded
Authors: Maginess Tess
Published: October 2011

The first section of this paper is a discussion of the paradoxes contained in definitions of the word 'community' and deliberately foregrounds and makes problematic conflicting meanings before arguing for a third definition and practice of community. This third definition and practice celebrates and even transcends contradictions within an active learning model of education in the community, aimed at tackling inequality and prejudice. The second section offers an autocritical narrative account of an education in the community project that illustrates how such a practice of community making can be achieved within an educational framework in which pupil is teacher and teacher is pupil and in which an imaginative, creative approach is deployed to construct a community making practice. The paper draws on understandings from community development, inclusive and creative education, emancipatory action research, postcolonial and post-structuralist theory.
Learning contexts of the others
Authors: Fragososup António , González Gómez Teresa , Gualda Estrella , Lucio-Villegas Emilio , M. Gualda Juan , Martins Vània
Published: October 2011

The frontier between the south of Spain and Portugal is established by the river Guadiana. Lying next to the sea, the cities of Ayamonte (Spain) and Vila Real de Santo António (Portugal) face each other on opposite banks of the river. The research that feeds into this paper is focused on these two cities. We study specifically how identity is built in this cross-border area. To do this, in a first phase of this study we organized eight focus group interviews. In the second phase of this research we conducted biographical interviews to deepen some of the analytic categories we were dealing with. _x000D__x000D_These results lead us to state that the territory, and the views that people hold on this territory, are still very important in identity building. This includes both culture and identity as strategic elements in the construction of both development and educational processes. Additionally, one has to ask where people learn the elements that determine these processes. The images of ourselves and the images of the other – that make up stereotypes of both the Spanish and the Portuguese – are built in what kind of contexts and through what types of educational processes? We will try to answer these questions
Learning democracy in a Swedish gamers' association: Representative democracy as experiential knowledge in a liquid civil society
Authors: Harding Tobias
Published: October 2011

To explore the role of civil society organizations in learning democracy this article combines the concept of democracy as 'phronesis' with neo-institutional theory, as well as with Hannah Pitkin's concepts of representation. It presents a case study (based on qualitative research) of how democracy is learned in SVEROK, a Swedish youth organization focusing on activities such as computer and role-playing games, activities often associated with informal organization. In SVEROK they are organized in an organization sharing many features with established Swedish organizations, including hierarchic formal representative democracy. The norm in SVEROK is a pragmatic organizational knowledge focusing on substantive and formal representation. Organized education plays only a limited role. Learning is typically informal and experience-based. An organization similar to earlier national organizations is created by self-organized and self-governing associations in government-supported cooperation. The case study supports Theda Skocpol's argument that organizational structure is vital to democratic learning.
International learning communities for global and local citizenship
Authors: Cervinkova Hana
Published: October 2011

In this paper, I describe our ongoing international project in engaged educational ethnography and participatory action research with young adults and consider its relevance for a discussion on the community-building role of adult education in a globalized context. I use the example of our case study to suggest that adult educators can generate viable communities by creating learning spaces that nurture critical consciousness, a sense of agency, participation and social solidarity among internationally and culturally diverse young adult learners. Furthermore, I argue that participation in international learning communities formed through this educational process can potentially help young adults become locally and globally engaged citizens. International learning communities for global citizenship thus present a proposition for conceptualizing the vital role of adult community education in supporting democratic global and local citizenship in a world defined in terms of cross-cultural and longdistance encounters in the formation of culture.
Book review: Community education, learning and development
Authors: Ligus Rozalia
Published: October 2011

By Lynn Tett (Third Edition) (Edinburgh, Dunedin Academic Press Ltd., 2010) 126 pp., 17.99 €, ISBN 978-1-906716-10-3 First published 2002 as Community education, lifelong learning and social inclusion
Behavioral Sciences: An International, Open-Access, Peer Reviewed Journal
Authors: Coverdale John
Published: October 2011

On behalf of the Editorial Board and the editorial management staff of MDPI, it is my great pleasure to introduce this new journal Behavioral Sciences. Behavioral Sciences seeks to publish original research and scholarship contributing to our understanding of human behavior. The journal will provide a forum for work that furthers knowledge and stimulates research in the behavioral sciences. We are committed to building a diverse and methodologically rigorous literature of interest and benefit to behavioral and social scientists, as well as to clinical practitioners, educationalists, and the general public. [...]
Brain Sciences – An Open Access Journal
Authors: Barrionuevo Germán
Published: October 2011

During the first ten years that followed “The Decade of the Brain”, the quest of neuroscience for understanding brain function in health and disease has greatly expanded to include molecular, developmental, cognitive and evolutionary aspects of the nervous system. This increased multidisciplinary effort has been complemented by the spectacular development of highly sophisticated experimental methods. Neuroscientists can now perform studies ranging from molecular and imaging analysis of single pre- and postsynaptic neuronal processes to imaging of neural activity in the whole brain during perceptual and motor behavioral tasks. At the same time, theoretical advances in neuroscience have been aided by the rapid development of mathematical and computational simulations of biologically and functionally realistic single cells and complex neural networks across multiple spatiotemporal scales. Therefore, neuroscientists are more than ever in a position to deliver answers to basic, medical and biotechnological questions related to brain function and dysfunction. [...]
In Situ Fabrication of AlN Coating by Reactive Plasma Spraying of Al/AlN Powder
Authors: Shahien Mohammed , Yamada Motohiro , Yasui Toshiaki , Fukumoto Masahiro
Published: October 2011

Reactive plasma spraying is a promising technology for the in situ formation of aluminum nitride (AlN) coatings. Recently, it became possible to fabricate cubic-AlN-(c-AlN) based coatings through reactive plasma spraying of Al powder in an ambient atmosphere. However, it was difficult to fabricate a coating with high AlN content and suitable thickness due to the coalescence of the Al particles. In this study, the influence of using AlN additive (h-AlN) to increase the AlN content of the coating and improve the reaction process was investigated. The simple mixing of Al and AlN powders was not suitable for fabricating AlN coatings through reactive plasma spraying. However, it was possible to prepare a homogenously mixed, agglomerated and dispersed Al/AlN mixture (which enabled in-flight interaction between the powder and the surrounding plasma) by wet-mixing in a planetary mill. Increasing the AlN content in the mixture prevented coalescence and increased the nitride content gradually. Using 30 to 40 wt% AlN was sufficient to fabricate a thick (more than 200 µm) AlN coating with high hardness (approximately 1000 Hv). The AlN additive prevented the coalescence of Al metal and enhanced post-deposition nitriding through N2 plasma irradiation by allowing the nitriding species in the plasma to impinge on a larger Al surface area. Using AlN as a feedstock additive was found to be a suitable method for fabricating AlN coatings by reactive plasma spraying. Moreover, the fabricated coatings consist of hexagonal (h-AlN), c-AlN (rock-salt and zinc-blend phases) and certain oxides: aluminum oxynitride (Al5O6N), cubic sphalerite Al23O27N5 (ALON) and Al2O3. The zinc-blend c-AlN and ALON phases were attributed to the transformation of the h-AlN feedstock during the reactive plasma spraying. Thus, the zinc-blend c-AlN and ALON phases were not included in the feedstock and were not formed through nitriding of the Al.
Living More Than Just Enough for the City: Persistence of High-Quality Vegetation in Natural Areas in an Urban Setting
Authors: Dolan Rebecca W. , Stephens Jessica D. , Moore Marcia E.
Published: October 2011

Urban environments pose special challenges to flora, including altered disturbance regimes, habitat fragmentation, and increased opportunity for invasion by non-native species. In addition, urban natural area represents most people’s contact with nature, given the majority of the world’s population currently live in cities. We used coefficients of conservatism (C-values), a system that ranks species based on perceived fidelity to remnant native plant communities that retain ecological integrity, to quantify habitat quality of 14 sites covering 850 ha within the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, in the Midwestern United States. All sites contained significant natural area and were inventoried via intensive complete censuses throughout one or two growing seasons within the last 15 years. Mean C-values for five sites were high, especially when compared to values reported for the highest quality preserves in central Indiana. However, for most sites the difference in mean C-value with and without non-natives was rather high, meaning that natural quality is likely to have been compromised by the presence of non-natives. Sites receiving the highest levels of stewardship and those with the least public access via trails had the highest mean native C-values. A total of 34 invasive non-native species were found across all 14 sites. Most were woody species. Mean C-value over all sites was significantly negatively correlated with the number of non-natives present, especially those considered invasive. These results demonstrate for the Indianapolis area, and likely other urbanized Midwestern cities, remnant natural areas can retain high ecological value, especially if they receive regular environmental stewardship.