bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Management performance measurement: measures, approaches, trends and future directions
Authors: Wong Kuan Yew , Tan Li Pin , Lee Cheng Sheng , Wong Wai Peng
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a review on Knowledge Management (KM) performance measurement in the past two decades. Various tools and techniques that have been developed are discussed and presented chronologically to show how KM performance measurement has changed during this period. Each tool and technique is evaluated and classified based on the types of measures and approaches used. This paper also proposes six new categories: traditional, advanced, deterministic, stochastic, general result oriented, and specific result oriented, to complement the previous classification schemes. Future research directions for KM performance measurement are identified and presented in a holistic framework to act as a guideline for new researchers who wish to embark on this field.
Virtual Mourning and Memory Construction on Facebook
Authors: McEwen Rhonda N. , Scheaffer Kathleen
Published: December 2013

This article investigates the online information practices of persons grieving and mourning via Facebook. It examines how, or whether, these practices and Facebook’s terms of use policies have implications for the bereaved and/or the memory of the deceased. To explore these questions, we compared traditional publicly recorded asynchronous modes of grieving (i.e., obituaries) with Facebook’s asynchronous features (i.e., pages, photos, messages, profiles, comments). Additionally, by applying observational techniques to Facebook memorial pages and Facebook profiles, conducting a survey, and interviewing respondents as a follow-up to the survey, we examined the benefits of and issues surrounding online information sharing via Facebook when coping with the loss of another. We found that the immediacy of publishing comments, messages, wall posts, and photos provides Facebook mourners with a quick outlet for their emotions and a means of timely group support; however, these actions directly affect the online curation of the deceased’s self and memory and also create an environment of competition among mourners. The aforementioned benefits and complications of using Facebook during bereavement are shaped by the policies outlined by the social media platform.
Thermal stability and fire retardancy of polyurea and epoxy nanocomposites using organically modified magadiite
Authors: Mariappan Thirumal , Yi Deqi , Chakraborty Arindam , Singha Nikhil K. , Wilkie Charles A.
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the surface modification of a layered silicate (magadiite) on the flammability of both polyurea and amine-cured epoxy resin. Based on the surface chemistry of magadiite, both quaternary alkyl ammonium and silane modifier can be employed for the organo-modification. Nanocomposites of both polymers were prepared via ultrasound-assisted in situ polymerization. Dispersion of magadiite was investigated through X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Thermal stability and flammability were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry, respectively. The addition of small amount of magadiite resulted in significant improvements in flame resistance with not much change in thermal stability for both polymers. Ammonium-modified magadiite improves the flame resistance, whereas silane modification helps to increase time to ignition of both polymers.
The Gendered Realities of Managerialism in Education
Authors: Apple Michael W.
Published: December 2013

Over the years that I have been writing the Reviewing Policy section of this journal, I have paid particular attention to critical conceptual and empirical work that either overtly supports or directly challenges the taken-for-granted assumptions that tend to guide dominant policies in education. These policies may deal with larger issues involving the relations among education, politics, and the economy or those surrounding the more “on the ground” realities of curricula, teaching, and evaluation. One of my key concerns has been the complex ways in which differential power works on and through education. In examining these issues, I have at times turned to books that, while they are not based on material from the United States, still have important things to say to researchers in the United States. The book I shall discuss in this essay provides another example of why this is important. It is written from an Irish context. But it raises more general and quite substantive questions about the ways in which neoliberalism and its accompanying assemblage of mechanisms of audit culture actually work and how the ways they work privilege particular groups. Gender is the primary focus of New Managerialism in Education; but though in itself that is of crucial importance internationally, the implications are also wider than that.
Synthesis and characterization of novel fluorosilicone polyimides with high optical transparency
Authors: Gu Zheng , Zhang Ping , Han Qingxia , Huang Qiang , Kang Ming , Huang Yuhong
Published: December 2013

To overcome insoluble and low transmittance of the traditional polyimides (PIs), two kinds of novel fluorosilicone PIs were prepared. First, 1,4-bis (4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy) benzene, compound 3a, and 4,4′-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)diphenyl ether, compound (3b), with 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzotrifluoride and p-hydroquinone or 4,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl ether were prepared. Second, hydrosilylation of nadic anhydride (NA) with 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDS) yielded 5,5′-(1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-1,3-disiloxanediyl) bisnorbornane-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride, compound (4). Initially, the conditions of the synthesis reaction such as reaction temperature, catalyst dosage, molar ratio of TMDS/NA, and reaction time on yield of compound 4 by the single factor approach were studied. The optimal reaction conditions were reaction temperature: 90°C, catalyst dosage: 1 ml (Pt% = 0.37%), molar ratio of TMDS/NA: 1/1.8, and reaction time: 3 h. The yield was 74.6%. Finally, two kinds of new organosoluble, light-colored, and good thermal stable fluorosilicone PI compounds (5a-5b) were synthesized from compounds 3a-3b and 4 and 4,4′-hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalic anhydride), prepared through a typical two-step polymerization method. The solubility of the novel fluorosilicone PI films of compounds 5a-5b and the traditional PI film (4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA)-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, DIY) were contrasted. The result showed that the fluorosilicone PI films have good solubility. These PIs were soluble in amide polar solvents and even in less polar solvents. The glass transition temperatures of compounds 5a-5b were 229.1 and 186.7°C and the 5% and 10% weight-loss temperatures were 519.8°C and 539°C, respectively. These films had cutoff wavelengths of 331.8 and 318.6 nm. Due to these properties, these PIs could be used as aerospace, photoelectric, and microelectronic materials.
Surface integrity and material transfer investigation of pure titanium for rough cut surface after wire electro discharge machining
Authors: Kumar Anish , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Jatinder
Published: December 2013

This article presents an experimental investigation of wire cut electro discharge machining of pure titanium. The marvelous characteristics of pure titanium such as its compatibility and noticeable physical, mechanical and biological performances have led to their increased application in various industries especially in seawater pipings, heat exchangers, implants, prosthesis, airframe and aircraft engine parts over the last 50 years. However, due to low thermal conductivity of titanium and their reactivity with cobalt in most tool materials, there are some difficulties in machining titanium and its alloys by conventional machining. On the other hand, unconventional machining processes especially wire cut electro discharge machining are more appropriate techniques for machining difficult-to-machine materials like pure titanium. This research work is mainly focused on microstructure analysis in terms of machining parameters such as pulse on time, pulse off time, peak current, spark gap using energy-dispersive X-ray, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction techniques. The present results reveal that pulse on time and peak current significantly deteriorate the microstructure of machined samples, which produces the deeper, wider overlapping craters, pockmarks, globules of debris and micro-cracks. The microstructure analysis of rough cut surface was based upon the theory of electrical discharge phase and metallurgical physics.
On the correlation between effect size and sample size: A reply
Authors: Kühberger Anton , Scherndl Thomas , Fritz Astrid
Published: December 2013

In a comment on our paper, Bradley and Brand (2013) argue that effect sizes are exaggerated owing to low power and publication bias. They propose to correct these exaggerations by application of a specific formula leading to a better estimate of the “true” effect size. In a simulation we test the effect of this formula and find this “corrective” approach unsatisfactory. We agree with Bradley and Brand on the points that effect sizes are important in primary and secondary research, and that exaggerated effect sizes are a serious problem in research. However, we disagree on the appropriate reaction: A diagnostic approach may be more appropriate than a corrective approach.
Agnotology in the dialectics of the history and philosophy of psychology
Authors: Teo Thomas
Published: December 2013

It is suggested that Robinson’s (2013) arguments are based on a less than clear articulation of the relationship between the history and philosophy of psychology. After tackling the relationship between these two subdisciplines and conceptualizing them in a dialectic relationship from a programmatic point of view, consequences for writing and reading works in the history and philosophy of psychology are examined. Lessons learned from the reflections suggest that there are inherent conflicts between the two subdisciplines, that the history of psychology needs to reflect on its implicit assumptions as well as on relevance, and that the substance of philosophical psychology can be improved when an historical perspective is taken. Consequences for a critical history and philosophy of psychology are discussed.
Podocyte injury in pure membranous and proliferative lupus nephritis: distinct underlying mechanisms of proteinuria?
Authors: Rezende GM , Viana VS , Malheiros DMAC , Borba EF , Silva NAS , Silva C , Leon EP , Noronha IL , Bonfa E
Published: December 2013

Proteinuria is a major feature of lupus nephritis (LN) and reflects podocyte injury. Analysis of podocyte biomarkers was performed attempting to identify if podocyte phenotype is distinct in pure membranous and proliferative LN. Expression of synaptopodin, Wilms tumor protein 1 (WT1), glomerular epithelial protein 1 (GLEPP1) and nephrin was evaluated in 52 LN biopsies by immunohistochemistry. Preserved synaptopodin expression was observed in only 10 (19.2%) of all biopsies while 42 (80.8%) had reduced expression. Both groups had comparable proteinuria at the time of biopsy ( p = 0.22); however, in the mean follow-up of four years there was a tendency toward lower mean levels of proteinuria in patients with preserved synaptopodin staining (0.26±0.23 vs. 0.84±0.90 g/24 h, p = 0.05) compared with those with diminished expression. Thirty-nine (75%) biopsies were classified as proliferative and 13 (25%) as pure membranous. Comparison of podocyte biomarkers demonstrated a predominance of preserved staining of synaptopodin (69.2%), WT1 (69.2%), GLEPP1 (53.9%) and nephrin (60%) in the pure membranous group whereas only <10% of the proliferative showed preserved expression. Our data suggest that in proliferative forms there seems to occur structural podocyte damage, whereas in the pure membranous the predominant preserved pattern suggests a dysfunctional podocyte lesion that may account for the better long-term prognosis of proteinuria outcome.
Alcoholism and recovery: A case study of a former professional footballer
Authors: Jones Carwyn
Published: December 2013

What little we know about alcoholism amongst professional footballers comes largely from the media (often tabloid newspapers) and published autobiographies and biographies of high profile stars. The coverage often focuses on deviant behaviour when drunk, such as driving under the influence, marital infidelity, violence, and breaking team rules. There is little or no published research which seeks to understand better what it is like to suffer from alcoholism from the perspective of the player-addicts themselves. In this paper I present a case study of British footballer who had a brief professional career and is in recovery from alcoholism. His subjective experience of alcoholism provides valuable insights into the underlying triggers and/or causes of the illness; its destructive nature; the link between the individual’s addiction and his social circumstances (including football); and his recovery.
Celiac Disease
Authors: Flamez Brandé , Clark Ashley A. , Sheperis Carl J.
Published: December 2013

Celiac disease (CD) is a lifelong inherited autoimmune disease triggered by gluten, a component of many foods and household items, which affects 1% of the population. Despite numerous symptoms of CD including serious psychological, developmental, and behavioral issues, CD is not only often undiagnosed but is also underrepresented in medical literature and virtually ignored with family counseling literature. The impact of CD on individuals, couples, and families, however, requires a call to the counseling profession to develop skills to understand CD’s effects. As such, an overview of the medical aspects of CD, gender and cultural factors, prognosis, and individual, couple, and family dynamics as well as treatment considerations of CD are presented.
Trends in Treatment of Advanced Ankle Arthropathy by Total Ankle Replacement or Ankle Fusion
Authors: Raikin Steven M. , Rasouli Mohammad R. , Espandar Ramin , Maltenfort Mitchell G.
Published: December 2013

Background:

Total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle fusion (AF) are the 2 major operative options for treatment of advanced ankle arthropathy; there is, however, no large epidemiologic study comparing nationwide trends of these 2 procedures. The current study used a nationwide database to compare epidemiologic profiles of TAR and AF.

Methods:

Data collected for the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2000 to 2010 were reviewed. Procedures were identified by searching for ICD-9-CM codes 81.11 (AF) and 81.56 (TAR). Patients’ demographics and comorbidities, geographic distribution, and cost of procedures were compared.

Results:

The NIS analysis identified 2666 TAR and 16 419 AF cases which was extrapolated to 13 145 TAR and 80 426 AF nationwide. Spearman’s ρ showed an increase in the number of AF per year while the number of TAR cases remained relatively flat per year until 2006, after which there was a steady increase in the number of TAR performed. Patients receiving a TAR tended to be older, female, and white. Patients who underwent AF were more likely to be obese or diabetic than TAR patients. Both TAR and AF were performed more frequently in private urban hospitals through 2007. However, in 2010, the number of TAR procedures was greater in academic centers compared to private urban hospitals.

Conclusions:

Despite recent increases in the number of TAR implanted, AF was still performed more than 6 times more frequently for advanced ankle arthropathy. A trend was demonstrated toward an increasing number of TAR being implanted in academic centers, and in patients with more underlying comorbidities than was previously seen.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prognostic study.
Sliding-mode output feedback control for active suspension with nonlinear actuator dynamics
Authors: Xiao Lingfei , Zhu Yue
Published: December 2013

The nonlinear dynamics of an actuator are considered during the output feedback control design of a quarter-car active suspension system with uncertainties. Because of the complexity of the suspension system with hydraulic actuator dynamics, a simple and effective sliding-mode strategy is employed to obtain both controller and observer. Instead of dividing the system into an actuator subsystem and a suspension subsystem, the system is repartitioned into a linear subsystem and a nonlinear subsystem, which facilitates controller design greatly. By specifying suitable sliding functions for the two subsystems respectively, and forcing the output of the nonlinear subsystem to track the desired fictitious input of the linear subsystem, the sliding-mode controller is created. By Lyapunov theory, robust stability is analyzed. For linear growth vanishing bounded uncertainties and nonvanishing bounded uncertainties, different observer forms are given to simplify the observer in different situations. Based on the constructed sliding-mode observer, the sliding-mode output feedback control suspension closed-loop system is accomplished. The convergence of observation error is subsequently proved. Simulation results verify the effect of the presented method.
Cystourethroscopy in the cat
Authors: Berent Allyson
Published: December 2013

Practical relevance:

Diagnostic and therapeutic cystourethroscopy has become very popular in the diagnosis and treatment of canine lower and upper urinary tract disease in the past 5–7 years. As expertise is expanding, the use of similar techniques in feline patients is growing.

Outline:

This is a brief overview of the indications, equipment needed and procedure for performing cystourethroscopy in feline patients. The principal focus is normal feline lower urinary tract anatomy. Some examples of abnormalities that might be seen are also provided, and therapeutic cystourethroscopy is touched upon.
New techniques on the horizon
Authors: Berent Allyson
Published: December 2013

Practical relevance:

Interventional radiology and interventional endoscopy (IR/IE) uses contemporary imaging modalities, such as fluoroscopy and endoscopy, to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in various body parts. The majority of IR/IE procedures currently undertaken in veterinary medicine pertain to the urinary tract, and this subspecialty has been termed ‘endourology’. This technology treats diseases of the renal pelvis, ureter(s), bladder and urethra. In human medicine, endourology has overtaken traditional open urologic surgery in the past 20–30 years, and in veterinary medicine similar progress is occurring.

Aim:

This article presents a brief overview of some of the more common IR/IE procedures currently being performed for the treatment of urinary tract disease in veterinary patients. These techniques include percutaneous nephrolithotomy for lithotripsy of problematic nephrolithiasis, mesenchymal stem cell therapy for chronic kidney disease, sclerotherapy for the treatment of idiopathic renal hematuria, various diversion techniques for ureteral obstructions, laser lithotripsy for lower urinary tract stone disease, percutaneous cystolithotomy for removal of bladder stones, hydraulic occluder placement for refractory urinary incontinence, percutaneous cystostomy tube placement for bladder diversion, urethral stenting for benign and malignant urethral obstructions, and antegrade urethral catheterization for treatment of urethral tears.

Evidence base:

The majority of the data presented in this article is solely the experience of the author, and some of this has only been published and/or presented in abstract form or small case series. For information on traditional surgical approaches to these ailments readers are encouraged to evaluate other sources.
Creole Europe and committed art: Changing nationalist perspectives
Authors: Passos Joana
Published: December 2013

This article discusses Stuart Hall and Homi Bhabha’s theories on multiculturalism and diaspora as alternative epistemological references to confront racist revivals across Europe. Edward Said’ s defence of inclusive academic curricula is equally revisited as a parallel strategy to deconstruct Eurocentric ideas. These three thinkers also represent nationalism as an obsolete paradigm, inadequate to perceive a globalized world. The point of this article is to revisit established postcolonial thinkers and see how their discourses have been reinterpreted by committed artists/writers whose works seem to share with the invoked thinkers the aim of challenging their audiences to think differently about race, cultural difference, invisibility of oppression and right of ‘belonging’. The invoked theoretical discourse is used as a platform to discuss four artistic interventions – a poem by Eunice de Souza, Raimi Gabdamosi’s performance in Cadiz, the collective installation Return to Hansala at MUSAC museum and a sculpture by Portuguese visual artist Ana Vieira. Two of the selected works address gender issues in articulation with domesticity and patriarchal genealogies while the other two pieces address race and marginalization without any particular gender inflection. The choice is deliberate. Feminist discussions cannot be isolated from other discourses that expose related forms of oppression and marginalization even if they are not primarily formed by feminist awareness.
A comprehensive computational fluid dynamics simulation on the air distribution in an operating room at University of Malaya Medical Centre Malaysia
Authors: Yau Y. H. , Ding L. C.
Published: December 2013

A practical case study on the air distribution in an operating room (OR) at University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur is presented. The OR has a relatively large floor area since it is connected with the medical storage room and served by a total of 14 room air inlets and 3 exhausts. The room air inlets are located at the peripheral of the surgical site rather than just above the surgical site. From the measurement conducted, the average room inlet air velocity was 0.19 m/s with a standard deviation of 0.03 m/s for all inlets and 33.5 air change per hour. In line with its current design, the air distribution was simulated using the computational fluid dynamics software. Initial simulation with the room air inlet velocity of 0.2 m/s showed an improper airflow at the surgical site. However, this condition was not significantly improved even by doubling the inlet velocity. The results have identified that with air inlets located at the peripheral of surgical site, the air inlet design was unable to provide a satisfactory airflow across the surgical site, and hence not appropriate for the purpose of its intended use.
Vision-based monitoring system for evaluating cable tensile forces on a cable-stayed bridge
Authors: Kim Sung-Wan , Jeon Bub-Gyu , Kim Nam-Sik , Park Jong-Chil
Published: December 2013

Because of the characteristics of cable-supported bridges, the cable tensile force is considered a critical item in their maintenance. In particular, because the evaluation of the cable tensile force in a cable-stayed bridge is essential for understanding the general status of the structural system, identifying the initial values of this force in the construction of a bridge and then accurately predicting and comparing its estimated values during traffic use are very important tasks for the maintenance of a cable-stayed bridge. Therefore, in this study, a vision-based monitoring system that utilizes an image processing technique was developed to estimate the tensile force of stay cables during traffic use. A remotely controllable pan-tilt drive was installed in the developed vision-based monitoring system to estimate the forces on multiple cables using a single system. The use of a 20× electric zoom lens made it possible to achieve sufficient resolution to remotely derive the dynamic characteristics of the stay cables.
Key Considerations in Designing a Patient Navigation Program for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: DeGroff Amy , Coa Kisha , Morrissey Kerry Grace , Rohan Elizabeth , Slotman Beth
Published: December 2013

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality among those cancers affecting both men and women. Screening is known to reduce mortality by detecting cancer early and through colonoscopy, removing precancerous polyps. Only 58.6% of adults are currently up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening by any method. Patient navigation shows promise in increasing adherence to colorectal cancer screening and reducing health disparities; however, it is a complex intervention that is operationalized differently across institutions. This article describes 10 key considerations in designing a patient navigation intervention for colorectal cancer screening based on a literature review and environmental scan. Factors include (1) identifying a theoretical framework and setting program goals, (2) specifying community characteristics, (3) establishing the point(s) of intervention within the cancer continuum, (4) determining the setting in which navigation services are provided, (5) identifying the range of services offered and patient navigator responsibilities, (6) determining the background and qualifications of navigators, (7) selecting the method of communications between patients and navigators, (8) designing the navigator training, (9) defining oversight and supervision for the navigators, and (10) evaluating patient navigation. Public health practitioners can benefit from the practical perspective offered here for designing patient navigation programs.
Guidelines for Youth Sports Clubs to Develop, Implement, and Assess Health Promotion Within Its Activities
Authors: Kokko Sami
Published: December 2013

The settings approach to health promotion is a world-known concept concerning settings like city, hospital, school, and workplace. The concept has also been used in some regionally specific settings, such as island, prison, or university. However, there are still many, often noninstitutional, settings that have a lot of potential but have not yet been recognized. One of the newcomers is the youth sports club, which has the potential to reach a lot of children and adolescents and is effective, via its casual educational nature based on voluntary participation. According to research, health is an important aim for most youth sports clubs, but it has not been converted into practical actions. Indeed, the clubs often recognize the importance of healthy lifestyles, but there is a lack of understanding of what to do to reinforce it within one’s activities. That is why, on the basis of the results of the Health Promoting Sports Club survey in Finland, guidelines for clubs to enhance health promotion as a part of their activities were created. The aim of this article is to present the guidelines, theirs rationale, and practical examples.
Assessing Media Access and Use Among Latina Adolescents to Inform Development of a Physical Activity Promotion Intervention Incorporating Text Messaging
Authors: Mojica Cynthia M. , Parra-Medina Deborah , Yin Zenong , Akopian David , Esparza Laura A.
Published: December 2013

Increasing physical activity (PA) during preadolescence and adolescence is critical to reversing the obesity epidemic. A recent report described the promising role of eHealth—the use of new media for purposes of health promotion—in reducing and preventing childhood obesity. This study assessed access/use of various media (cell phones, computers, gaming systems, Internet) among adolescent Latino girls and examined the relationship between PA and media access/use. A convenience sample of 110 Latino girls ages 11 to 14 was recruited from Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas and other groups. The media survey was self-administered (April-July 2010) on personal digital assistants. Of the girls, 55% reported owning a cell phone and spending 40 (SD = 4.2) hours per week talking, texting, listening to music, and browsing the Internet. Cell phone access increased significantly with age (p = .029). Compared to those with no cell phone, girls with a cell phone have greater odds of reporting more than 5 days of PA in the past week (odds ratio = 5.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1, 14) and engaging in daily physical education classes (odds ratio = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.1, 5.9). Since girls with cell phones report greater PA, cell phones may be an effective strategy for communicating with girls about engaging in PA.
Voices in the Wind
Authors: Sutton-Brown Camille A.
Published: December 2013

This ethnodrama critically examines conceptualizations of women’s empowerment in international development initiatives. It represents a collection of experience-based narratives from six Malian women who participated in a photovoice project centered on women’s empowerment in the specific context of microfinance. Deviating from normative neoliberal financially-based assumptions underlying the relationship between microfinance and women’s empowerment, wherein the prevailing belief is that increases in economic resources necessarily lead to increases in women’s empowerment, this article suggests that empowerment is a complex multi-dimensional construct that includes, yet extends beyond, the financial paradigm. This one act ethnodrama is intended as a form of talking back to the academic literature and Western discourses surrounding empowerment. It draws inspiration from Chandra Talpade Mohanty’s transnational feminist framework, particularly the concept of history from below, by creating spaces for the women in this project to have their voices heard and to be included in global practices of history-making.
Word Wielding Womb
Authors: Arellano Amy
Published: December 2013

The “war on women” has been a socio-political issue and an arena for feminist scholars’ social critiques. The phrase gained media attention with “legitimate rape” remarks within the 2012 election. This piece looks at how this neo-liberal commentary has affected my personal agency through legislating my womb without permission, thus, rhetorically oppressing my personal agency through legal precedent.
Subjective Memory Complaints, Cognitive Performance, and Psychological Factors in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Steinberg Susanne I. , Negash Selamawit , Sammel Mary D. , Bogner Hillary , Harel Brian T. , Livney Melissa G. , McCoubrey Hannah , Wolk David A. , Kling Mitchel A. , Arnold Steven E.
Published: December 2013

Objective:

To determine whether subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are associated with performance on objective cognitive measures and psychological factors in healthy, community-dwelling older adults.

Method:

The cohort was composed of adults, 65 years and older with no clinical evidence of cognitive impairment (n = 125). Participants were administered: CogState computerized neurocognitive battery, Prospective Retrospective Memory Questionnaire, personality and meaning-in-life measures.

Results:

SMCs were associated with poorer performance on measures of executive function (p = 0.001). SMCs were also associated with impaired delayed recall (p = 0.006) but this did not remain significant after statistical adjustment for multiple comparisons. SMCs were inversely associated with conscientiousness (p = 0.004) and directly associated with neuroticism (p < 0.001). Higher scores on SMCs were associated with higher perceived stress (p = 0.001), and ineffective coping styles (p = 0.001). Factors contributing to meaning-in-life were associated with fewer SMCs (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

SMCs may reflect early, subtle cognitive changes and are associated with personality traits and meaning-in-life in healthy, older adults.
Examining the Use of Classroom Observations in the Evaluation of Special Education Teachers
Authors: Jones Nathan D. , Brownell Mary T.
Published: December 2013

A primary focus of recent educational policymaking has been on improving measures of teaching effectiveness, attributable in part to recent federal policies such as the Race to the Top initiative and Investing in Innovation. To date, neither researchers nor practitioners have arrived at a consensus on the best methods for evaluating special educators. While value-added scores are likely not suitable for the majority of special education teachers, observation systems appear to be more promising because they can be used across a variety of instructional settings and formats. To illustrate the steps that would be necessary to validate observation systems for use with special educators, we examine the observation system being most commonly used in school districts—Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching (FFT). Drawing on empirical research, we propose a definition of effective special education teaching, and we then use this definition to frame our investigation into FFT. We conclude with a series of recommendations for research that would establish the validity of using FFT to evaluate special educators. We also describe how the challenges specific to FFT would generalize to other observation systems.
The Safety and Tolerability of Different Intravenous Administrations of Levetiracetam, Bolus Versus Infusion, in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Burakgazi Evren , Bashir Sairah , Doss Vindoth , Pellock Jack
Published: December 2013

This study reviews our experience with the safety and tolerability of levetiracetam (LVM) with different methods of intravenous administration in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We used retrospective chart review to identify 33 ICU patients who received intravenous LVM for treatment of seizures. Collected data included age, gender, diagnosis on admission, dosing regimen, documented seizure activity, adverse reactions, concomitant use of other antiepileptic drugs, and condition on discharge. A total of 33 ICU patients were given intravenous (IV) LVM as add-on treatment to standard regimen for treatment of breakthrough seizures or status epilepticus or given as preventive medication postoperatively. Among these 33 patients, 16 received intravenous LVM as bolus, and 17 received intravenous LVM as continuous infusion. Safety and tolerability of intravenous LVM were evaluated on the basis of the occurrence of adverse or side effects reported in daily progress notes of the physicians and nurses. There were no significant adverse or side effects reported in daily progress notes. The addition of intravenous LVM to the standard regimen for controlling seizures in ICU patients seems feasible and tolerable.
Implementing Skopostheorie in Bible Translation
Authors: Esala Nathan
Published: December 2013

Implementing Skopostheorie as a translation framework helped focus the Likɔɔnl Bible translation project theoretically and relationally. By answering some basic questions unique to their situation, Skopostheorie helped the team to craft their purposes for translating by imagining how the host product would be used. Implementing Skopostheorie helped the author relate the translation to some of the diverse fields involved in translation, such as: intercultural communication, theology, ideology, and media studies. Implementing Skopostheorie is a challenge, but in this postcolonial era it will likely facilitate better communication between various translation participants and result in greater local engagement with Scripture products.
It’s the Little Things! An Analysis of the Results of a Consultant Checking Session
Authors: Wade Martha
Published: December 2013

This article presents an analysis of the revisions made during the consultant checking of 1 Corinthians in the Apal language. The analysis shows that lack of comprehension was more often the result of “little things” rather than major exegetical errors. This paper gives examples of six types of corrections (minor exegetical, information load, naturalness, updating key terms, minor grammatical, other minor corrections) that were made in the translation. Based on this analysis, suggestions are made that could help a translation team improve the quality of their translation.
The Impact of Biblical Accents on English Translations of the Bible
Authors: Himmelfarb Lea
Published: December 2013

The aim of this article is to find out whether English Bible translations are consistent with or in conflict with the understanding predicated by biblical accents. Twenty-one translations were chosen to focus on seven verses from the three poetical books, Psalms, Job, and Proverbs. Those verses can illuminate different aspects of the rules of verse division and the rules of the Ta‘amei Emet accentuation system. The few examples provide evidence that Bible translators, even of Jewish translations, did not pay great attention to the biblical accents.
‘How Different Are Goa’s Politics?’
Authors: Rubinoff Arthur G.
Published: December 2013

This article explores how Goa’s politics have evolved in conjunction with national politics. It finds that there has been an evolution from communal regional party government dominated by the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) to the supremacy of two national parties—the Indian National Congress (INC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—that now dominate the politics of the state, while the situation in New Delhi has moved from national party supremacy to the rise of regional parties at the expense of national institutions. In that sense Goa’s politics continue to be at variance from the national pattern. However, its pattern of unstable coalitions and pervasive defections resembles the national pattern.
Updated molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-non-susceptible Escherichia coli in Taiwan: first identification of KPC-2 or NDM-1-producing E. coliin Taiwan
Authors: Ma Ling , Siu L Kristopher , Lin Jung-Chung , Wu Tsu-Lan , Fung Chang-Phone , Wang Jann-Tay , Lu Po-Liang , Chuang Yin-Ching
Published: December 2013

Background

The global spread and increasing incidence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae have resulted in treatment and public health concerns. Here, we present an investigation of the molecular mechanisms and clonality of carbapenem-non-susceptible Escherichia coli (CnSEC) based on a nationwide survey in Taiwan.

Methods

We collected 32 and 43 carbapenem-non-susceptible E. coli isolates in 2010 and 2012, respectively. The genes encoding cabapenemases and plasmidic AmpC-type and extended-spectrum β-lactamases (EBSLs) were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The major porin channels OmpF and OmpC were evaluated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Molecular typing was performed with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST).

Results

The resistance rates of CnSEC isolates to cefazolin, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, and ertapenem were all 100%, and most (94.7%) isolates were CMY producers. The main mechanism of CnSEC in Taiwan is via plasmidic AmpC β-lactamase CMY-2 and DHA-1 in combination with the loss of OmpC/F. In 2010, one isolate was confirmed to harbor bla
IMP-8; a KPC-2 producer and an NDM-1 producer were detected in 2012. No isolate had VIM- or OXA-carbapenemases. ST131 was the predominant ST type (33.3%). PFGE revealed no large cluster in CnSEC isolates in Taiwan.

Conclusions

The co-existence of plasmidic AmpC β-lactamase and outer membrane protein loss is the main mechanism for CnSEC in Taiwan. The emergence of KPC-2 and NDM-1 in 2012 and the predominance of ST131 warrant close monitoring and infection control.
Associations between overweight, obesity, health measures and need for recovery in office employees: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: van der Starre Robine E , Coffeng Jennifer K , Hendriksen Ingrid JM , van Mechelen Willem , Boot Cécile RL
Published: December 2013

Background

With both a high need for recovery (NFR) and overweight and obesity being a potential burden for organizations (e.g. productivity loss and sickness absence), the aim of this paper was to examine the associations between overweight and obesity and several other health measures and NFR in office workers.

Methods

Baseline data of 412 office employees participating in a randomised controlled trial aimed at improving NFR in office workers were used. Associations between self-reported BMI categories (normal body weight, overweight, obesity) and several other health measures (general health, mental health, sleep quality, stress and vitality) with NFR were examined. Unadjusted and adjusted linear regression analyses were performed and adjusted for age, education and job demands. In addition, we adjusted for general health in the association between overweight and obesity and NFR.

Results

A significant positive association was observed between stress and NFR (B = 18.04, 95%CI:14.53-21.56). General health, mental health, sleep quality and vitality were negatively associated with NFR (p < 0.001). Analyses also showed a significant positive association between obesity and NFR (B = 8.77, 95%CI:0.01-17.56), but not between overweight and NFR.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that self-reported stress is, and obesity may be, associated with a higher NFR. Additionally, the results imply that health measures that indicate a better health are associated with a lower NFR.

Trial registration

The trial is registered at the Dutch Trial Register (NTR) under trial registration number: NTR2553.
The Diabetes Care Project: an Australian multicentre, cluster randomised controlled trial [study protocol]
Authors: Leach Matthew J , Segal Leonie , Esterman Adrian , Armour Caroline , McDermott Robyn , Fountaine Tim
Published: December 2013

Background

Diabetes mellitus is an increasingly prevalent metabolic disorder that is associated with substantial disease burden. Australia has an opportunity to improve ways of caring for the growing number of people with diabetes, but this may require changes to the way care is funded, organised and delivered. To inform how best to care for people with diabetes, and to identify the extent of change that is required to achieve this, the Diabetes Care Project (DCP) will evaluate the impact of two different, evidence-based models of care (compared to usual care) on clinical quality, patient and provider experience, and cost.

Methods/Design

The DCP uses a pragmatic, cluster randomised controlled trial design. Accredited general practices that are situated within any of the seven Australian Medicare Locals/Divisions of General Practice that have agreed to take part in the study were invited to participate. Consenting practices will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups for approximately 18 to 22 months: (a) control group (usual care); (b) Intervention 1 (which tests improvements that could be made within the current funding model, facilitated through the use of an online chronic disease management network); or (c) Intervention 2 (which includes the same components as Intervention 1, as well as altered funding to support voluntary patient registration with their practice, incentive payments and a care facilitator). Adult patients who attend the enrolled practices and have established (≥12 month’s duration) type 1 diabetes mellitus or newly diagnosed or established type 2 diabetes mellitus are invited to participate. Multiple outcomes will be studied, including changes in glycosylated haemoglobin (primary outcome), changes in other biochemical and clinical metrics, incidence of diabetes-related complications, quality of life, clinical depression, success of tailored care, patient and practitioner satisfaction, and budget sustainability.

Discussion

This project responds to a need for robust evidence of the clinical and economic effectiveness of coordinated care for the management of diabetes in the Australian primary care setting. The outcomes of the study will have implications not only for diabetes management, but also for the management of other chronic diseases, both in Australia and overseas.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12612000363886); World Health Organisation (U1111-1128-0481).
Removal and injection of keypoints for SIFT-based copy-move counter-forensics
Authors: Amerini Irene , Barni Mauro , Caldelli Roberto , Costanzo Andrea
Published: December 2013

Recent studies exposed the weaknesses of scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT)-based analysis by removing keypoints without significantly deteriorating the visual quality of the counterfeited image. As a consequence, an attacker can leverage on such weaknesses to impair or directly bypass with alarming efficacy some applications that rely on SIFT. In this paper, we further investigate this topic by addressing the dual problem of keypoint removal, i.e., the injection of fake SIFT keypoints in an image whose authentic keypoints have been previously deleted. Our interest stemmed from the consideration that an image with too few keypoints is per se a clue of counterfeit, which can be used by the forensic analyst to reveal the removal attack. Therefore, we analyse five injection tools reducing the perceptibility of keypoint removal and compare them experimentally. The results are encouraging and show that injection is feasible without causing a successive detection at SIFT matching level. To demonstrate the practical effectiveness of our procedure, we apply the best performing tool to create a forensically undetectable copy-move forgery, whereby traces of keypoint removal are hidden by means of keypoint injection.
FOCUS harmonic scalpel compared to conventional hemostasis in open total thyroidectomy - a prospective randomized study
Authors: Duan Yun-fei , Xue Wei , Zhu Feng , Sun Dong-lin
Published: December 2013

Background

Hemostasis in thyroid surgery is of utmost importance for a successful surgery and an uneventful postoperative course. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the FOCUS Harmonic Scalpel in patients undergoing open total thyroidectomy.

Methods

In this study, 778 patients were randomized into 2 groups based on the surgical technique used: group I comprised the conventional clamp-and-tie technique, group II comprised patients in whom the FOCUS Harmonic Scalpel was used exclusively. The groups were compared in regard to surgical time, complications, and hospital stay.

Results

Surgical time was significantly lower in group II compared with group I (79 ± 21.5 min vs.125 ± 30.4, respectively, P < 0.001). Twenty-seven patients (6.94%) in group I experienced symptomatic hypocalcemia requiring calcium and/or vitamin D therapy versus 14 patients (3.6%) in group II, with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Mean post-operative hospital stay was significantly lower in group II compared with group I (2.6 ± 0.9 vs. 2.9 ± 1.0; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The FOCUS Harmonic Scalpel can shorten operative time and hospital stay, reduce incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia but not transient hypoparathyroidism, and show no significance on recurrent nerve injury. FOCUS Harmonic Scalpel is supposed to be a more reliable and safe instrument that can take place of the clamp-and-tie technique in total thyroidectomy.