bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women and the “Second Serfdom”: Evidence from Early Modern Bohemia
Authors: Ogilvie Sheilagh , Edwards Jeremy
Published: July 2012

This article investigates women's position in early modem Bohemia by focusing on female household headship, which was very low by European standards. Empirical analysis suggests that the factors hypothesized in the literature as influencing female economic independence in preindustrial Europe had little effect in Bohemia. Instead, it appears that the decline in female headship between 1591 and 1722 was a consequence of the growing power of landlords under the “second serfdom.” Not only did landlords eject female heads as poor fiscal risks, but landlord decisions were also manipulated by village communities and individual serfs for their own ends.
“Weimar on the Volga”: Causes and Consequences of Inflation in 1990s Russia Compared with 1920s Germany
Authors: Ferguson Niall , Granville Brigitte
Published: July 2012

This article offers a comparative analysis of the inflationary exeriences of Weimar Germany and post-Soviet Russia, applying theories about money and government budget constraints in the manner of Thomas Sargent and François Velde. The comparison looks beyond economic policy itself to the political and social consequences of the two inflationary crises. The parallel is fairly close: close enough to suggest that Russia, despite its recent quiescence, may not have seen the end of its monetary—or political—travails.
From Noble Death to Crucified Messiah
Authors: Collins Adela Yarbro
Published: July 2012

In his excellent study of crucifixion, Martin Hengel has documented the harsh reality of the penalty in antiquity and has shown that it was seldom portrayed in detail or in an idealized manner. These facts are important and should be kept constantly in mind. They make all the more pressing the question why a detailed narrative of Jesus' death was composed and lead us to look closely at the way the story is told. An ancient opponent of Christianity, Celsus, provides an interesting illustration of both the cultural situation and the literary question. On the one hand, he expressed the general view that crucifixion was the most ignominious and shameful type of death. On the other hand, he made charges that were based, not so much on the disgrace of death by crucifixion as such, but on the way the story is told, on the character of Jesus as revealed by the narrative. As is well known, in part of his work entitled On the True Doctrine, he employed the device of a fictitious Jewish interlocutor. Alluding to the scene in Gethsemane, this critic challenged the teaching that Jesus was a god or the son of the most high God because he hid and tried to escape when the Jews decided that he was worthy of death. Further, this so-called god was betrayed by his own disciples, a criticism that applies to several scenes of the passion narrative. Returning to the Gethsemane story, the interlocutor attacks the theory that Jesus foreknew and intended his sufferings on the basis of his portrayal as mourning and lamenting and praying that this cup might pass from him.
Displaying opinions: Topics and disagreement in focus groups
Authors: Myers Greg
Published: July 2012

Focus group discussions are now widely used for gathering data, in social science as well as in commercial marketing and public opinion research. One appeal of focus groups is that in some ways they seem like everyday talk, but their effectiveness depends on a tension between the moderator's constraints and participants' interaction. The moderator introduces and defines topics, but participants can shift, close, and interpret them. The moderator elicits disagreement in a way specific to focus groups, but participants manage their disagreement. Thus we see not simple control by the moderator, but a complex collaborative project operating under the shared assumption that the purpose of the discussion is to display opinions to the moderator. These findings extend the analysis of conversation in institutional settings and contribute to a methodological critique of the reification of attitudes and opinions in some social science research. (Focus group techniques, conversation, discourse analysis, interaction, agreement, topic, laughter, environment.)
Stereotypes and registers of honorific language
Authors: Agha Asif
Published: July 2012

Honorific registers are formally discrete but functionally stratified systems, in the sense that an apparently bounded set of linguistic forms allows language users to calculate many concurrent aspects of the pragmatic context of language use. This paper argues that native stereotypes about language structure and use play a critical role in formulating the pragmatic value(s) of register systems. The linguist can neither isolate the forms belonging to a register, nor explain their significance in use, independently of appeal to native stereotypes about language. The paper discusses methods for the empirical study and analysis of such stereotypes. Stereotypes that formulate the social identity of language users play a special role within register systems, grounding the significance of pragmatic acts in the attributes of pragmatic actors. Much of the discussion focuses on how such stereotypes are formulated and what their social consequences are. (Honorifics, pragmatics, meta-pragmatics, stereotypes, registers, deference, identity, Tibetan)
Playing Exergames and Sporting Activity
Authors: Kastenmüller Andreas , Greitemeyer Tobias , Fairclough Stephen , Waite Daniel , Fischer Peter
Published: July 2012

Three studies were performed to investigate how identification with an exergame character increases motivation to perform physical activity and, in turn, actual physical activity. Study 1 showed that the extent to which players identified with their game character positively correlated with motivation to perform physical activity. Study 2 indicated that participants who were asked to write down similarities (high identification) compared with differences (low identification) between themselves and their exergame character strengthened their motivation to perform physical activity. Study 3 suggested that playing with a game character that looked similar to one’s own appearance (vs. controls) was accompanied by increased motivation to perform physical activity and a higher level of actual physical activity 1 week later. The level of physical activity required by an exergame had no significant influence on our results.
The Nasal Artery Musculomucosal Cutaneous Flap in Difficult Palatal Fistula Closure
Authors: Rossell-Perry Percy , Arrascue Hector Mondragon
Published: July 2012

Background

After cleft palate repair is performed, oronasal fistulas are potential consequences with resultant regurgitation of fluid and food, hearing loss, and velopharyngeal insufficiency. Treatment of oronasal fistulas is a challenge for plastic surgeons especially when the fistulas are large and scarring is significant. The facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap, introduced by Pribaz in 1992, is a reliable and useful procedure for the closure of wide palatal fistulas. A new modification of facial artery composite flap is presented here including a skin component that avoids extended procedures for nasal layer reconstruction and reduces the mucosal component size. The flap described here is the nasal artery musculomucosal (NAMMC) flap; the main blood supply comes from the lateral nasal artery, a terminal branch of facial artery.

Methods

We present a series of anteriorly and posteriorly based NAMMC flaps, which were used to close large palatal fistulas after cleft palate repair in 12 patients.

Results

All flaps were successful. One flap had an anterior wound dehiscence in a bilateral case, and we have seen no total flap failure or postoperative palatal fistulas. The aesthetic appearance of the skin donor site was acceptable in all cases.

Conclusions

The NAMMC flap is a good alternative for closing wide and recurrent fistulas. It is associated with a high rate of success. The traditional FAMM flap should be named as “nasal (lateral) artery musculomucosal flap” because the distal branch of the facial artery is the main blood supply of the flap.
On Bose condensation of excitons in quasi-two-dimensional semiconductor heterostructures
Authors: Timofeev V. B.
Published: July 2012

Two semiconductor systems, quantum wells with spatially indirect dipolar excitons and exciton polaritons in semiconductor microcavities, exhibiting the Bose condensation of excitons, are discussed.
Magnetooptic coupling coefficients for one- and two-magnon Raman scattering in rutile-structure antiferromagnets FeF2, MnF2, CoF2, and NiF2
Authors: Lockwood D. J. , Cottam M. G.
Published: July 2012

Inelastic light scattering intensities in response to magnetic excitations are governed by magnetooptic coupling coefficients, which have been previously evaluated, for instance, for the ferrimagnetic Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) and the metamagnetic FeCl2 and FeBr2. However, by far the most detailed studies to date were performed on the classic rutile-structure antiferromagnets, and here we summarize the results obtained from the many experimental and theoretical investigations of these compounds for both one-magnon and two-magnon excitations. A comparison of the magnitudes of the various coupling coefficients for MnF2, FeF2, CoF2, and NiF2 reveals a surprising similarity in many coefficients. In one-magnon Raman scattering the in-phase linear magnetooptic coefficient dominates, and the main differences between MnF2, FeF2, and NiF2 lie in the relative significance of the in-phase quadratic magnetooptic coefficient. Thus, the quadratic coefficients now appear to be of particular importance in determining the strength of one-magnon scattering in a variety of magnetic insulators. In two-magnon Raman scattering one magnetooptic coefficient is dominant for all of these antiferromagnets. However, the other six coefficients are in general remarkably similar in magnitude and not negligible in most cases, indicating some similarity in the way light interacts with the pairs of magnons of opposite and equal wave vectors in rutile structure antiferromagnets.
Microwaves in dispersive magnetic composite media (Review Article)
Authors: Tarapov S. I. , Belozorov D. P.
Published: July 2012

Review discusses some special questions of physics of composite media (metamaterials), which are formed by elements made from natural materials of two kinds. The first ones are “carriers of permittivity” and are presented by plasma-like media and semiconductors. The second ones are “carriers of permeability”—they are presented by ferromagnets. Among such ferromagnets are ferrodielectrics (ferrites) and manganite-perovskite compounds. In the first chapter of the review some principal aspects of the electrodynamics of periodical structures—magnetophotonic crystals are considered. The questions of zone structure and possible violations of periodicity (Tamm states, defect mode) as well as the influence of external magnetic field on the spectral characteristics of magnetophotonic crystals are considered. The second chapter of the review is devoted to the electrodynamics of left-handed media (left-handed metamaterials). Different versions of composite left-handed media are considered. Particular attention is paid to features of electrodynamics of artificially synthesized left-handed media, the doped lanthanum manganites-perovskites, which in a certain concentrations of doping element and temperature range can serve as an example of natural left-handed media. The Appendix describes the details of experimental techniques radiophysical research. Note that the research and design of the metamaterials listed above in a range of low temperatures are particularly important. This is due to the fact that at low temperatures a main disadvantage of artificial materials mentioned above (quite large losses) becomes less noticeable. At the same time the main their advantage (namely the possibility to control their frequency dispersion) remains. Thus it seems that the most prospective areas of application and further study of the magnetic metamaterials lie at low temperatures.
Optical diagnostic suite (schlieren, interferometry, and grid image refractometry) on OMEGA EP using a 10-ps, 263-nm probe beam
Authors: Froula D. H. , Boni R. , Bedzyk M. , Craxton R. S. , Ehrne F. , Ivancic S. , Jungquist R. , Shoup M. J. , Theobald W. , Weiner D. , Kugland N. L. , Rushford M. C.
Published: July 2012

A 10-ps, 263-nm (4ω) laser is being built to probe plasmas produced on the OMEGA EP [J. H. Kelly, L. J. Waxer, V. Bagnoud, I. A. Begishev, J. Bromage, B. E. Kruschwitz, T. E. Kessler, S. J. Loucks, D. N. Maywar, R. L. McCrory et al., J. Phys. IV France 133, 75–80 (2006)]10.1051/jp4:2006133015. A suite of optical diagnostics (schlieren, interferometry, and grid image refractometry) has been designed to diagnose and characterize a wide variety of plasmas. Light scattered by the probe beam is collected by an f/4 catadioptric telescope and a transport system is designed to image with a near-diffraction-limited resolution (∼1 − μm full width at half maximum) over a 5-mm field of view to a diagnostic table. The transport system provides a contrast greater than 1 : 104 with respect to all wavelengths outside of the 263 ± 2 nm measurement range.
Anderson localization in metamaterials and other complex media (Review Article)
Authors: Gredeskul Sergey A. , Kivshar Yuri S. , Asatryan Ara A. , Bliokh Konstantin Y. , Bliokh Yuri P. , Freilikher Valentin D. , Shadrivov Ilya V.
Published: July 2012

This is a review of some recent (mostly ours) results on Anderson localization of light and electron waves in complex disordered systems, including: (i) left-handed metamaterials, (ii) magnetoactive optical structures, (iii) graphene superlattices, and (iv) nonlinear dielectric media. First, we demonstrate that left-handed metamaterials can significantly suppress localization of light and lead to an anomalously enhanced transmission. This suppression is essential at the long-wavelength limit in the case of normal incidence, at specific angles of oblique incidence (Brewster anomaly), and in vicinity of zero-ɛ or zero-μ frequencies for dispersive metamaterials. Remarkably, in disordered samples comprised of alternating normal and left-handed metamaterials, the reciprocal Lyapunov exponent and reciprocal transmittance increment can differ from each other. Second, we study magnetoactive multilayered structures, which exhibit nonreciprocal localization of light depending on the direction of propagation and on polarization. At resonant frequencies or realizations such nonreciprocity results in effectively unidirectional transport of light. Third, we discuss the analogy between wave propagation through multilayered samples with metamaterials and charge transport in graphene, which provides a simple physical explanation of unusual conductive properties of disordered graphene superlatices. We predict disorder-induced resonance of the transmission coefficient at oblique incidence of Dirac quasiparticles. Finally, we demonstrate that an interplay of nonlinearity and disorder in dielectric media can lead to bistability of individual localized states excited inside the medium at resonant frequencies. This results in nonreciprocity of wave transmission and unidirectional transport of light.
A novel compact repetitive frequency voltage booster based on magnetic switches and Fitch generator
Authors: Ren Hang , Ding Weidong , Wu Jiawei
Published: July 2012

In this paper, a novel repetitive frequency voltage booster (named repetitive Fitch booster by the authors) based on magnetic switches and Fitch generators is proposed. The principle of operation is to charge capacitors in parallel when magnetic switches (MSs) are unsaturated and reverse voltage polarity of every other capacitor when MSs saturate. With the principle, circuit topology of a 4-stage repetitive Fitch booster (RFB) is presented. Simulation as well as experiment shows its feasibility in boosting voltage and compressing rise-time. In simulation, the input voltage of 100 V is boosted to 372 V, while test stand yields output voltage with frequency of 1 kHz, amplitude of 19 kV with each capacitor charged to about 5.6 kV, and rise-time compression from 7.3 μs to 700 ns. Meanwhile, calculations show that the 4-stage RFB effectively reduces core volume by about half, from 1093.5 cm3 to 585.2 cm3. Furthermore, design rules are proposed so that topologies of RFBs with stages other than four can be conveniently derived. As an example, an 8-stage RFB is proposed and verified with circuit simulation, which shows an output voltage of 759 V with the input voltage of 100 V.
A priori analysis of subgrid mass diffusion vectors in high pressure turbulent hydrogen/oxygen reacting shear layer flames
Authors: Foster Justin , Miller Richard S.
Published: July 2012

Direct numerical simulations of high pressure (100 atm), turbulent H2/O2 non-premixed temporally developing shear layer flames are conducted at initial Reynolds numbers ranging from 850 ⩾ Reδ0 ⩾ 4500, with up to ∼3/4 × 109 grid points. A real gas equation of state, real property models, detailed chemistry, and generalized diffusion models are included. The results of the simulations focus on the mass diffusion vectors and their subgrid contributions relevant to large eddy simulation of turbulent combustion. Comparisons of the actual filtered mass flux vectors with their corresponding forms evaluated with filtered primitive variables are shown through correlation coefficients, probability density functions (PDFs) of the ratios between the vector magnitudes, and PDFs of the angles between the vectors. The results show a reasonable correlation (⩾0.75) for all species and simulations when evaluated globally. However, the correlations weaken substantially in regions of large temperature subgrid scale (SGS) variance and filtered SGS scalar dissipation. Within these regions, the correlations are also shown to vary inversely with Reynolds number. Vector analysis indicates that evaluating the mass flux vector using only the filtered primitive variables accurately predicts the direction of the actual filtered flux; however, the magnitude is poorly predicted in the aforementioned regions. Comparisons of the subgrid mass fluxes to the subgrid scalar fluxes are also represented as PDFs of the ratios between the vector magnitudes. These results show the subgrid mass flux to be significantly smaller (≲5%) than the subgrid scalar flux, and this ratio is shown to diminish with increasing Reynolds number. A final comparison of the divergence of the subgrid mass fluxes to the subgrid scalar fluxes are also represented as PDFs of the ratios between the magnitudes. At lower Reynolds numbers, these ratios suggest comparable values between the subgrid diffusion and turbulent stirring terms in regions of large temperature SGS variance and filtered SGS scalar dissipation. However, this ratio is shown to diminish, but remain significant, with increasing Reynolds number.
Interplay of magnetic field and geometry in magneto-transport of mesoscopic loops with Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interactions
Authors: Sil Shreekantha , Maiti Santanu K. , Chakrabarti Arunava
Published: July 2012

Electronic transport in closed loop structures is addressed within a tight-binding formalism and in the presence of both the Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit (SO) interactions. It has been shown that any one of the SO fields can be estimated precisely if the other one is known, by observing either the transmission resonance or anti-resonance of unpolarized electrons. The result is obtained through an exact analytic calculation for a simple square loop and through a numerically exact formulation for a circular ring. The sensitivity of the transport properties on the geometry of the interferometer is discussed in details.
Effect of molecule-particle binding on the reduction in the mixed-frequency alternating current magnetic susceptibility of magnetic bio-reagents
Authors: Yang C. C. , Yang S. Y. , Chen H. H. , Weng W. L. , Horng H. E. , Chieh J. J. , Hong C. Y. , Yang H. C.
Published: July 2012

By specifically bio-functionalizing magnetic nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles are able to label target bio-molecules. This property can be applied to quantitatively detect molecules invitro by measuring the related magnetic signals of nanoparticles bound with target molecules. One of the magnetic signals is the reduction in the mixed-frequency ac magnetic susceptibility of suspended magnetic nanoparticles due to the molecule-particle association. Many experimental results show empirically that the molecular-concentration dependent reduction in ac magnetic susceptibility follows the logistic function. In this study, it has been demonstrated that the logistic behavior is originated from the growth of particle sizes due to the molecule-particle association. The analytic relationship between the growth of particle sizes and the reduction in ac magnetic susceptibility is developed.
Humanism and the Belief In Literature: Seeking A Grammar of Assent
Authors: Jasper David
Published: July 2012

The journal Literature and Theology has its origins in the series of biennial conferences that survive to the present and began in the University of Durham in 1982. Their cultural and intellectual roots lay in the 19th century and in particular in the thought of S.T. Coleridge and J.H. Newman, and behind them the humanist tradition of Pascal and Erasmus. This essay reviews the contribution of five scholars to those conferences—John Coulson, Ulrich Simon, Martin Jarrett-Kerr, Peter Walker and F.W. Dillistone—and their influence on the early years of the journal.
Gastroenterology
Authors: Bowker Lesley K , Price James D , Smith Sarah C
Published: July 2012

The ageing gastrointestinal system 352

The elderly mouth 354

Nutrition 356

HOW TO . . . Manage weight loss in older patients 357

Enteral feeding 358

HOW TO . . . Insert a fine-bore NG feeding tube 359

The ethics of clinically assisted feeding 360

Oesophageal disease 362

Dysphagia 364

Peptic ulcer disease ...
Infection and immunity
Authors: Bowker Lesley K , Price James D , Smith Sarah C
Published: July 2012

The ageing immune system 606

Overview of infection in older people 608

HOW TO . . . Accurately diagnose infection in an older patient 609

Antibiotic use in older patients 610

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
611

Disease caused by MRSA 612

HOW TO . . . Control MRSA 613

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea ...
Life-threatening emergencies
Authors: Wyatt Jonathan P. , Illingworth Robin N. , Graham Colin A. , Hogg Kerstin , Clancy Michael J. , Robertson Colin E.
Published: July 2012

Anaphylaxis 42

Treatment algorithm for adults with anaphylaxis 44

Choking 45

Cardiac arrest 46

In-hospital resuscitation algorithm 47

Adult basic life support 48

Cardiac arrest management 50

Advanced life support algorithm 52

Notes on using the advanced life support algorithm 53

Post-resuscitation care 54

Central venous access ...
Medicine
Authors: Wyatt Jonathan P. , Illingworth Robin N. , Graham Colin A. , Hogg Kerstin , Clancy Michael J. , Robertson Colin E.
Published: July 2012

Electrocardiogram interpretation 64

Chest pain 66

Angina 67

Acute coronary syndromes 68

ST segment elevation MI 70

Myocardial infarction: electrocardiogram changes 72

STEMI: treatment 76

Pericarditis 78

Bradyarrhythmias 80

Treatment of bradyarrhythmias 82

Tachycardia algorithm–with pulse 84

Tachyarrhythmias 86

Broad complex tachyarrhythmias 87

Narrow complex tachyarrhythmias ...
Oxford Textbook of Palliative Care for Children
Authors: Goldman Ann , Hain Richard , Liben Stephen
Published: July 2012

Comprehensive in scope and definitive in authority, this second edition has been thoroughly updated to cover new practices, current epidemiological data and the evolving models that support the delivery of palliative medicine to children. it is is an essential resource for anyone who works with children worldwide.
The child's journey: transition from health to ill health
Authors: Hynson Jenny L.
Published: July 2012

It is becoming increasingly acknowledged that palliative care involves much more than terminal care alone. Many of the principles and fundamental tenets of palliative care can be applied early in the course of chronic conditions to help families live better with their child’s fatal disease. Opportunities for professional development and liaison with experienced palliative care providers can assist paediatric health professionals who deal with children and parents at various points in the illness trajectory, so that the experience of care is improved. The early establishment of effective communication, trust, and a supportive therapeutic environment that is inclusive of community providers facilitates effective palliative care later on. A key function of the health professional is to offer ongoing support through all phases of the child’s illness and through all of the transitions that the family makes. It cannot be overstated that it is the quality of the relationship between families and health professionals that is fundamental to meeting the challenge of the many transitions that are faced in paediatric palliative care.
Education
Authors: Ferguson Linda , Fowler-Kerry Susan , Hain Richard D.W.
Published: July 2012

As an important role for healthcare professionals in PPC is increasingly being recognized, so the need for adequate education becomes more apparent. This is complicated by the multifaceted nature of the specialty itself, and by the geographical and professional diversity of those working with dying children. Nevertheless, those working with children with life-limiting conditions are linked by a common philosophy, as well as by a number of fundamental scientific and ethical principles that can be taught. Furthermore, technology now means that we can acquire and disseminate such expertise globally. Although this can never replace clinical experience, it can provide a valuable complement, and allows ‘pooling’ of global PPC knowledge. Finally, we have a great deal to learn from what the adult specialty has already achieved. Not only can learners in the paediatric specialty — whether basic students or continuing education participants — gain ‘distilled experience’ by spending time working with adult palliative care teams, but as a specialty we need to look to what has been successful, and what has failed, among learners across the decades and across the world.
Cardiac Examination, Valvular Heart Disease, and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Llarich Kyle W.
Published: July 2012

Despite tremendous technologic advances in medical testing and imaging, physicians must be able to assess patients accurately at the bedside; this assessment allows appropriate, cost-effective, and efficient ordering of tests. Part I of this chapter outlines the salient features of a thorough physical examination, cardiac imaging techniques, and valvular and congenital heart disease. A thorough physical examination includes assessment of jugular venous pressure, arterial pulses, apical impulses, additional cardiac palpitations, and appropriate imaging techniques. Cardiac imaging techniques include contrast angiography, echocardiography, radionuclide imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, electron beam computed tomography and positron emission tomography. Different types of valvular and congenital heart disease are examined.
Specific Arrhythmias and Syncope
Authors: Brady Peter A.
Published: July 2012

Bradycardia is defined as a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute at rest or a decreased heart rate response to exercise. Causes of bradycardia include high vagal tone (most cases occur in asymptomatic and often fit and healthy persons), sinus node dysfunction, drug therapy, heart block, and myocardial infarction. A conduction system disorder is present when there is a delay in impulses from the sinus node reaching the ventricles or when some impulses do not reach the ventricles because of block within the AV node or distal conduction system (His-Purkinje system). Conduction system disorders can be divided into first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree (complete) heart block. The tachycardias (atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter) and syncope (as a transient loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery) are also reviewed.
The Heart and Systemic Disease, Pregnancy and Heart Disease, and Miscellaneous Cardiac Disorders
Authors: Klarich Kyle W.
Published: July 2012

Many systemic diseases may have manifestations in the heart. This section describes those that are most likely to be included on the examination: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, amyloidosis, hemochromatosis, carcinoid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, hypereosinophilic syndrome, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others, are included. Sections on pericardial disease, tumors of the heart, and valve diseases are covered. Physiologic changes of the heart in pregnancy and their effect on existing heart disease are also reviewed.
Geriatrics
Authors: Beliveau Ficalora Margaret
Published: July 2012

The assessment of elderly patients should differ from that of younger adults. The overall function of elderly patients is influenced by factors other than their medical diagnoses. When the medical problems of elderly patients are assessed, it is important to assess additional factors: functional status, cognitive capacity, financial resources, and the safety and appropriateness of their domicile. It also is wise to address advance directives with all geriatric patients. Appropriate preventive screening should be a part of the assessment of the elderly who are in good health. In addition to an evaluation for conditions common to the geriatric population, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, and renal insufficiency, it is important to assess for conditions that can have a negative effect on function, such as impairment of vision or hearing (or both), mobility status, and urinary incontinence, risk of falling, nutrition, and cognitive status. A thorough review of medications taken (prescription, herbal, and over-the-counter) is important.
Renal Failure
Authors: Kashani Kianoush B. , Williams Amy W.
Published: July 2012

Renal failure is caused by acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common, devastating complication that increases mortality and morbidity among patients with various medical and surgical illnesses. Also known as acute renal failure, AKI is a rapid deterioration of kidney function that results in the accumulation of nitrogenous metabolites and medications and in electrolyte and acid-base imbalances. This chapter discusses the definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and etiology of AKI; the clinical approach to patients with AKI; and the management of AKI. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been categorized into 5 stages. When renal function decreases to stage 3, the complications of CKD become evident. These complications include hypertension, cardiovascular disease, lipid abnormalities, anemia, metabolic bone disease, and electrolyte disturbances. To prevent the progression of CKD, therapy must be directed toward preventing these complications and achieving adequate glucose control in diabetic patients with CKD.
Neurologic Disorders Categorized by Anatomical Involvement
Authors: Crum Brian A. , Benarroch Eduardo E. , Brown Robert D.
Published: July 2012

Neurological disorders of the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system are examined. Symptoms and signs related to disorders of the cerebral cortex may lead to alterations in cognition and consciousness. Unilateral neurologic symptoms involving a single neurologic symptom commonly localize to the cerebral cortex. Abnormalities of speech and language are localized to the dominant cerebral hemisphere, whereas abnormalities of the nondominant hemisphere may lead to visuospatial deficits, confusion, or neglect of the contralateral side of the body. The hypothalamus is important in many functions that affect everyday steady-state conditions, including temperature regulation, hunger, water regulation, sleep, endocrine functions, cardiovascular functions, and regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Cortical and subcortical abnormalities may also lead to visual system deficits, usually homonymous visual defects of the contralateral visual field. Sensory levels, signs of anterior horn cell involvement, and long-tract signs in the posterior columns or corticospinal tract suggest a spinal cord lesion.
Neurologic Disorders Categorized by Mechanism
Authors: Crum Brian A. , Benarroch Eduardo E. , Brown Robert D.
Published: July 2012

Mechanisms of neurologic disease can be cerebrovascular, neoplastic, movement disorders, infectious diseases. The causes of ischemic cerebrovascular disorders can be classified on the basis of the site of the source for the arterial blockage within the vascular system, from most proximal to distal. The causes of ischemic cerebrovascular disorders, including transient ischemic attack and cerebral infarction, can be classified on the basis of the site of the source for the arterial blockage within the vascular system, from most proximal to distal. Tremor is an oscillatory rhythmic movement disorder. A simple classification of tremor is rest tremor and action tremor. Infectious diseases of the nervous system are manifested in various combinations of meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess, granulomas, and vasculitis.
Diffuse Lung Disease
Authors: Aksamit Timothy R.
Published: July 2012

Diffuse lung disease includes a wide range of parenchymal lung diseases that have infectious, inflammatory, malignant, drug, occupational or environmental, and other causes. Although many identifiable causes are recognized, the cause of most cases of diffuse lung disease in many published series is idiopathic. The clinical course may be acute or prolonged and may progress rapidly to life-threatening respiratory failure with death, or it may be indolent over many years. In most instances, a differential diagnosis can readily be formulated by obtaining the medical history, with emphasis on the nature of the symptoms, duration, and pertinent environmental, occupational, drug, and travel exposures.
What affects lifelong learning of scientists and engineers?
Authors: de Grip Andries , Smits Wendy
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enrich the discussion on the determinants of training participation and informal learning of scientists and engineers (S&Es).

Design/methodology/approach

Tobit analyses on survey data.

Findings

The authors find that both formal training and informal learning are particularly related to job and firm characteristics instead of labour supply characteristics. S&Es employed in firms that apply innovative production processes more often participate in formal training, and also benefit from the informal learning potential of their jobs. However, lifelong learning is not triggered in firms with many product innovations. S&Es who are employed in firms that operate on highly competitive markets also participate in formal training less often. The same holds for S&Es employed in small firms, although the latter compensate this by more hours of self‐teaching. S&Es employed in jobs that require a high level of technical knowledge more often participate in formal training, whereas those employed in jobs that require more general skills are more involved in informal learning. Furthermore, older S&Es with long firm tenures participate in formal training less often, and have fewer opportunities for learning in their jobs. Therefore, their competence level is at risk.

Practical implications

Public policies that stimulate process innovation also appear to prevent skills obsolescence among S&Es. Public policies that aim to diminish labour market shortages of S&Es by discouraging early retirement should particularly take account of the necessity to keep the human capital of older S&Es with long firm tenures up to date.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on the determinants of human capital development by including both formal training and different modes of informal learning; and employee characteristics as well as job and firm characteristics in its analyses.
Awareness, ownership and use of weblogs by librarians in Nigeria
Authors: Adeleke Akinniyi A. , Habila Jeremiah
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to report the level of awareness, ownership and use of weblogs by librarians in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a survey research approach using online survey software to elicit information on issues relating to librarians' awareness, knowledge, ownership and use of weblogs.

Findings

Data analysis shows that librarians demonstrate remarkable level of awareness and knowledge about weblogs and their benefits to professional practice and services but they neither own nor use the technology.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited by a low response rate to the survey. Less than 7 per cent of the members of the online NLA forum used for the data collection responded. This implies that internet culture is still in its formative stage among librarians in Nigeria.

Practical implications

The paper concludes by enunciating the need for awareness creation, training and re‐training programmes for librarians to start creating and maintaining personal and institutional weblogs and other social networking media that could enhance professional practice and services.

Social implications

The study promises to sensitize librarians and other information professionals in Nigeria and other developing countries to the social values of weblogs and similar technologies in terms of communication, networking, knowledge sharing and other usefulness.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to empirical research on library use of Web 2.0 technologies in Nigeria and literature in the field of library and information science.
Investigating consumers' responses to the Great Recession
Authors: Strutton David , Lewin Jeffrey
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This study aims to explore the economic impact of the Great Recession on consumers' economic attitudes and behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a questionnaire completed by 2,120 subjects. Eight propositions involving six constructs (i.e. “recessionary impact on others”, “economic knowledge”, “economic concerns”, “recessionary resignation” (as antecedents) and “financial prudence” and “propensity to postpone major purchases” (as outcomes)) and five consumer (age and gender) cohorts were tested through structural equation modeling.

Findings

Ten relationships, each grounded in behavioral economics theory, were tested. Nine were statistically significant. But unexpectedly, two significant relationships were negative. Specifically, their perceptions of “recessionary impact on others” and “economic concern” influenced consumers' financial prudence and major purchase postponement. As predicted, consumers' “recessionary resignation” influenced them to postpone major purchases, but did not impact their financial prudence. “Economic concerns” negatively influenced financial prudence, but failed to influence postponement. Financial prudence influenced propensity to postpone major purchases. Age status significantly influenced financial prudence and postponement, but only among the youngest (less than 29 years) and oldest (45+) cohorts. Results revealed the more women knew about the economy, the more inclined they were to postpone major purchases. Older women, in particular, were prone to recessionary resignation. Interestingly, the condition encouraged older women to be less financially prudent. Theoretical explanations for unexpected relationships are offered.

Originality/value

Managerial recommendations for promoting and positioning products during or in the immediate aftermath of recessionary situations are developed.
Determinants of multinational banks’ subsidiary performance: the host and home country effects
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide new empirical evidence on the performance of multinational banks as a subset of the eclectic theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs the least square method of random effects model (REM). The opportunity to use a random effects rather than a fixed effects model has been tested with the Hausman test. To control for cross‐section heteroscedasticity of the variables, the study employs White's transformation.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that credit risk, overhead costs, income from non‐traditional sources, and loans intensity contribute positively to the profitability of the foreign subsidiaries. The results seem to suggest that the parent bank's branch networks exert positive influence on their foreign subsidiaries in India, while the size of the parent banks negatively influences their Indian subsidiaries’ performance.

Research limitations/implications

Due to its limitations, the present study could be extended in a variety of ways. First, future research could include more variables such as taxation and regulation indicators, and exchange rates as well as indicators of the quality of the offered services. Second, future studies could also examine the differences in the determinants of profitability between small and large or high and low profitability banks. Third, in terms of methodology, frontier optimization techniques such as the data envelopment analysis, the stochastic frontier analysis, and/or the Malmquist productivity index methods are recommended to examine the performance of the foreign subsidiaries of multinational banks operating in the Indian banking sector.

Practical implications

Studies on the potential benefit of foreign bank entry have been studied extensively. Still, little is known about in which type of country, and under which circumstances, foreign banks have an advantage over their domestic bank peers. Furthermore, Claessens and van Horen point out that the recent financial crisis has highlighted risks associated with cross‐border banking and foreign banks presence. These developments have led to greater interest among policy makers and academicians for more analyses to help guide regulatory reform.

Originality/value

The empirical works concerning multinational banking have mainly focused on the determinants and methods of multinational banks entry into foreign markets. On the other hand, empirical evidence on the performance of multinational banks as a subset of the eclectic theory is scarce. By using the whole gamut of foreign subsidiaries of multinational banks operating in the Indian banking sector during the period 2000 to 2008, the paper contributes to this line of the literature.
Naming businesses: names as drivers of brand value
Authors: Alserhan Baker Ahmad , Alserhan Zeid Ahmad
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new method to assess trade name distinctiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors implemented a two‐staged methodology. First, catchwords in trade names in the relevant database were identified and ranked according to how commonly they were used and, second, these names were classified into four distinct categories using clearly‐defined criteria based on their degree of similarity: champions (zero similarity), runners‐up (low similarity), wannabes (high similarity), and washouts (extreme similarity).

Findings

The proposed assessment method allows entrepreneurs to create names that are dissimilar to existing ones and hence support a company's later activities designed to enhance the reputation of the name and build brand equity. The scale is applicable in various business sectors.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by: the number of names compared being relatively small, the terminology used to denominate the various scale levels could be revisited and other denominations might better reflect the levels. Due to its pioneering nature, the adopted approach needs to be validated by further studies, in particular, how does one assess whether the method is working adequately and, because the scale focuses on one attribute of the name, i.e. distinctiveness, other relevant attributes are not taken into consideration. The trade‐off between the various attributes was not within the scope of this study.

Originality/value

This is the only study in the field that provides a practical method for assessing trade name distinctiveness through providing actual examples of the possibility of name confusion or differentiation. The study also introduces new concepts for naming strategies such as catch words, trade name distinctiveness, distinctiveness scale, and the similarity indicator. Moreover, the study provides a new classification of characteristics of names that should or should not be used.
Statewide one‐day survey of central lines
Authors: Birnbaum David , Jarvis William , Pronovost Peter , Zarate Roxie
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to determine whether the rank order of hospitals changes when their central line‐associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate is computed using a traditional proxy measure for the denominator (number of patients with one or more catheter in place) versus using the actual number of catheters or catheter‐lumens.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a statewide voluntary one‐day prevalence survey among all hospitals participating in Washington State's mandatory public reporting program. Hospitals counted the number of catheters and catheter‐lumens as well as patients with catheters. Counts of patients with one or more catheter in place, of catheters, and of catheter‐lumens were extracted from each hospital's completed survey form and transformed into a ratio. Three CLABSI incidence density rates were computed for each hospital by scaling their annual CLABSI rate in the previous calendar year by the ratio of patients to catheters to catheter‐lumens. Influence of these three different denominators on rank order of the hospitals was assessed by scaling the corresponding Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Healthcare Safety Network incidence density rates for each participating hospital and examining position shifts with the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Findings

Statistically significant but only modest shifts in position became evident, which did not correlate with service complexity characteristics of the hospitals affected.

Originality/value

Others have shown that the CLABSI incidence density rate in a single hospital is significantly affected by switching from a traditional proxy measure denominator to a more meaningful denominator. This is the first report on whether all hospitals' rates would be affected in a uniform or a non‐uniform manner if a different denominator were to be selected by mandatory public reporting programs.