bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and Decline of Assets: On Biased Judgments of Asset Accumulation and Investment Decisions
Authors: Gonzalez Nichel , Svenson Ola
Published: April 2014

Previous research showed that accumulations of capital following stationary interest rates are underestimated by human judges. Hyperbolic discounting was suggested as a descriptive and explanatory model for this phenomenon. First, we investigated judged accumulated capital after a period of annual growth and decline. The degree of underestimation increased with accumulated growth and the results supported hyperbolic discounting as a descriptive model on the group level. However, the hyperbolic model did not apply to the data for one third of the participants. Second, we investigated how investment decisions were related to capital accumulation before the investments and to judgments of the possible outcomes of the future investments. To our surprise, the participants’ judgments of expected future accumulated capital did not add predictive power to predictions based on whether there was growth or decline before the investment decision. Unfortunately this strategy leads to suboptimal investment decisions
Belief in others’ trustworthiness and trusting behaviour
Authors: Macko Anna , Malawski Marcin , Tyszka Tadeusz
Published: April 2014

Data from surveys indicate that people, in general, do not trust others. On the other hand, in one-shot trust games, where the player decides whether to send money to an anonymous partner, the actual rate of trust is relatively high. In two experiments, we showed that although reciprocity expectations and profit maximization matter, they are not decisive for trusting behaviour. Crucial factors that motivate behaviour in trust games seem to be altruism and a type of moral obligation related to a social norm encouraging cooperative behaviour. Finally, we were able to divide participants into specific profiles based on amount of money transferred to the partner, altruistic motivation, and belief in partners’ trustworthiness. This shows that the trust game is differently perceived and interpreted by different participants
The Continuum of Conscientiousness: The Antagonistic Interests among Obsessive and Antisocial Personalities
Authors: Hertler Steven C.
Published: April 2014

The five factor trait of conscientiousness is a supertrait, denoting on one hand a pattern of excessive labor, rigidity, orderliness and compulsivity, and on the other hand a pattern of strict rectitude, scrupulosity, dutifulness and morality. In both respects the obsessive-compulsive personality is conscientious; indeed, it has been labeled a disorder of extreme conscientiousness (Widiger et al., 2009). Antisocial personality disorder, in the present paper, is described as occupying the opposite end of the conscientiousness continuum. The antisocial is impulsive rather than compulsive, illicit rather than licit, and furtive rather than forthright.After clinically comparing the obsessive and antisocial personalities, the present paper invokes evolutionary theory to explain their resultant behavioral, ideological, political and demographic differences
Attitudes concerning family size in Poland: a replication study
Authors: Dolińska Barbara
Published: April 2014

This article reports on a replication study of “Childless by choice? Attributions and attitudes concerning family size”, research published in Social Behavior and Personality and carried out by Valerie LaMastro in 2001. In the study presented in this paper the author examined the personality characteristics ascribed by naive perceivers to people with families of varying sizes. Students (N = 284) read one of twenty-four paragraphs describing a heterosexual couple who varied in the number of children they had (no children, one child, two children, six children) and in male and female employment status. Targets were rated on 28 personality characteristics and seven relationship quality statements concerning the level of family happiness. The results obtained indicated that a childless pair was viewed as less happy than those with children. Parents of any size family were, however, perceived similarly
LANDFORMS AND GEOMORPHOSITES ONGOING CHANGES: CONCEPTS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR GEOHERITAGE PROMOTION
Authors: Pelfini Manuela , Bollati Irene
Published: April 2014

The promotion of geological and geomorphological heritage is growing in importance for educational initiatives. The constantly increasing interest towards changing landforms due to changing climate conditions asks not only for improving the values of the cultural proposals but also for précising the subject of the discussion. Cultural trails and natural resources valorisation are more and more frequently based on the concept of geomorphosite, which is strictly linked to landform typology definitions. In sensitive areas, changing geomorphosites are considered of great interest as a typical response to changes in climate. In this paper, on the basis of recent research, we discuss the definitions of landforms and geomorphosites activity in relation to surface processes dynamics. In addition, we discuss the implications of geomorphological surface processes for geomorphosite evolution and degradation and their consequent impact on related valorisation activities. We indicate how both active and passive landforms, and therefore geomorphosites, are of great interest for scientific, educational and tourism purposes.
Microsurgical management of deep ruptured arteriovenous malformations of the basal ganglia and thalamus
Authors: Sandu Aurelia Mihaela , Giovani Andrei , Cristescu Catioara Fănica , Gorgan Mircea Radu
Published: April 2014

Introduction : Deep AVMs are more difficult to operate compared with other supratentorial locations due to the long working corridor through the brain, location in eloquent areas and vicinity with brain critical structures.

Material and Method : We report a series of 7 cases with deep AVMs operated in the Fourth Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency Clinical Hospital Bagdasar-Arseni, between 2009 and 2013.

Results : Six patients had ruptured AVMs and one presented frequent, refractory seizures due to a deep large porencephalic cyst. At admission, one patient presented mRS 2, 3 patients had mRS 4 and 3 patients had mRS 5. Patients underwent surgery and we achieved total resection in 5 patients and we left a residual nidus in two cases. These last 2 patients with residual nidus were referred to stereotactic radiosurgery Gamma Knife with good results. Following surgery mRS improved in all 7 patients, 3 had mRS 1, 3 had mRS 3 and one mRS 4. Outcome was favorable in 3 cases and slowly favorable in 4 patients.

Conclusions : Deep AVMs frequently present sudden onset, with altered mental state, motor deficits and large intraparenchymatal hematomas. Surgery is mandatory for deep ruptured AVMs, being the only treatment that can provide neurological improvement through hematoma evacuation and cure through nidus resection. In experienced hands, deep AVMs can be successfully resected. Postoperative results are good, with improvement of state of consciousness and motor deficits. Adequate patient selection is essential in order to achieve a good postoperative outcome.
Craniopharyngioma: How to deal with?
Authors: Pintea Bianca St. , Andrasoni Zorinela , Florian I.St.
Published: April 2014

Craniopharyngiomas are rare, highly complex tumors with bimodal incidence in the pediatric and adult age groups. In our opinion, depending on the means possible, total microscopic ablation offers the best chance of healing, or at least prolongs the time interval of recurrences.

Objective : The purpose of this paper is to add our surgical experience to in the last 11 years, in the context of the large debate from literature regarding the best therapeutically option concerning craniopharyngioma treatments.

Materials and Methods : We performed a retrospective analysis of 42 consecutive patients with craniopharyngioma who underwent surgical resection by one surgeon at the Neurosurgical Department of Cluj-Napoca County Emergency Hospital between January 2002 and December 2012. We perform a systematic review of the published review on goals and techniques associated with selected surgical strategies for the treatment of CPH.

Results : During this period a total of 42 patients with craniopharyngioma were treated in our institution by a single neurosurgeon, representing 12% from all cases of sellar and parasellar tumors respectively operated in last 11 years. There is a significant male preponderance. Nine patients were less than 18 years of age at admission. The patient age distribution showed a peak incidence between 10 and 15 years and another between 45 and 50 years. Considering the pediatric and adult populations together, the most common presenting symptom was visual disturbances with 60% of patients presenting in this manner, followed by severe headache in more than 50% of cases. Obstructive hydrocephalus occurred in 31% of cases. Calcifications were seen in 45% of cases, more frequently in children. All our cases underwent surgery by transcranial approach; extended frontotemporal, as the first choice, in 57% of cases. Gross total removal was achieved in over half of cases and near total resection was achieved in 40% of cases. The most frequent postoperative complications: diabetes insipidus and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. No visual impairment was observed after surgery in the patients with normal visions at presentation. Only 3 of cases primarily operated by us recurred, in an interval of one to five years. The mortality rate in our cases treated by transcranial surgery was 2% in primary cases and 7% in cases of tumor recurrence.

Conclusions : Radical surgery offers the best chance for cure. Radical surgery is also associated with a higher risk of postoperative morbidity, being the reason for why many neurosurgeons recommend a subtotal resection followed by radiotherapy. In our opinion radical surgery is possible in large majority of the cases, fronto-temporal approach offering the most appropriate way to reach this objective. Every case must be judged with maximal attention based on preoperative neuroimagistic data but decisively, on intraoperative findings.
Cladophialophora bantiana brain abscess masquerading cerebral tuberculoma in an immunocompetent host
Authors: Agrawal Amit , Shanthi Vissa , Murali Mohan K.V. , Hegde Kishor V. , Reddy V. Umamaheshwar
Published: April 2014

Phaeohyphomycosis is a term that collectively describes fungal infections caused by moulds and yeasts that have brown-pigmented cell walls (due to the presence of melanin). We report a case of 45 year female who had multiple coalescing lesions in the right basal ganglionic and thalamic region. Based on the imaging and investigation findings a diagnosis of cerebral tuberculoma was suspected. Histopathology of the excised specimen showed brown colored fungal hyphae surrounded by neutrophilic infiltrate. A diagnosis of phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladophialophora bantiana was made and accordingly antifungal treatment was started. Brain abscess caused by Cladophialophora bantiana in an immunocompetent host is relatively uncommon and usually associated with overall high mortality. The best outcomes have been reported in patients who receive both surgical excision of the abscess followed by systemic antifungal therapy. In view of its rarity of these lesions preoperative diagnosis is difficult particularly in an immunocompetent host and absence of other risk factors.
Long segment dorsolumbar spinal arachnoid cyst: a case report
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Gopal Nityanand , Kumar Varsha
Published: April 2014

Congenital spinal intradural arachnoid cyst involving almost the entire spine is very rare. We report a case of 15 years old boy, who presented with progressive spastic paraparesis with gait instability for last 4 months. MRI spine revealed thoracolumbar arachnoid cyst extending from D4 to L3 segment. Complete surgical excision of arachnoid cyst and laminoplasty was done. Patient recovered completely and histopathological examination of specimen confirmed the diagnosis of arachnoid cyst.
Large cerebello-pontine epidermoid tumor in a child
Authors: Agrawal Amit , Baisakhiya Nitish , Deshmukh P.T. , Joharapurkar S.R. , Mukherjee Prasenjit
Published: April 2014

Cerebellopontine angle lesions are more commonly found in adults; however, they are uncommon in children. 13 year female child presented with progressive cerebellar signs and decreased hearing in left ear. Magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of left cerebello-pontine angle epidermoid tumor that was treated surgically. In this rare case we discuss the imaging findings and review the relevant literature.
Hydraulic performance of zero-valent iron and nano-sized zero-valent iron permeable reactive barriers – laboratory test
Authors: Fronczyk Joanna , Pawluk Katarzyna
Published: April 2014

Hydraulic performance of zero-valent iron and nano-sized zero-valent iron permeable reactive barriers - laboratory test. The hydraulic conductivity of zero-valent iron treatment zone of permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) may be decreased by reducing the porosity caused by gas production and solids precipitation. The study was undertaken in order to evaluate the influence of chloride and heavy metals on the hydraulic conductivity of ZVI and nZVI using hydraulic conductivity tests as well as continuous column tests. Results show that the lead retention in the solution had no impact for hydraulic conductivity in ZVI sample, on the other hand the calculated hydraulic conductivity losses in nZVI sample (from 4.10·10-5 to 2.30·10-5 m·s-1) were observed. Results also indicate that liquids containing the mixture of heavy metals may cause significant decrease in hydraulic conductivity (from 1.03·10-4 to 1.51·10-6 m·s-1). During the column tests, several number of clogging of the reactive material caused by iron hydroxides precipitation was observed over the course of injection of heavy metals solution. In contrast, the hydraulic conductivity of ZVI and nZVI is unaffected when they are permeated with chloride ions solution (k = 1.03·10-4 m·s-1). Finally, the results indicate the need to take account of changes in the hydraulic conductivity of reactive materials for successful implementation of PRBs technology.
An analysis of some basic chemical and physical properties of drained fen peat and moorsh soil layers
Authors: Truba Milena , Oleszczuk Ryszard
Published: April 2014

The analysis of some basic chemical and physical properties of drained fen peat and moorsh soil layers. The paper presents the results of measurements of some chemical properties for 14 drained fen peat-moorsh layers taken from north-east, central and east part of Poland. These areas were drained in order to use as a grassland and most of them in former time were under sub- -irrigation systems. The following basic chemical properties were analysed: organic C, total N, C:N ratio, pH and ash content. In the paper also the relationships between some basic chemical and physical properties were analysed (ash content with bulk density, particle density and porosity). Increasing of ash content caused the decreasing of some chemical properties (organic carbon and total nitrogen content) and increasing some physical properties (bulk density and particle density).
Artificial Penile Nodules: a Case Series of Three Patients
Authors: Bjekić Milan
Published: April 2014

Artificial penile nodules are inert objects inserted beneath the skin of the penis. Objects placed underneath the skin of the penile shaft may include plastic beads made from toothbrushes, silicon, metal pellets, glass, ivory, precious metals, marbles or pearls. The penile bead implantation is performed largely due to the belief that it will enhance sexual performance and pleasure of female or male sexual partners during intercourse. In this article, three cases with artificial penile nodules made of toothbrushes and dice are presented. All three men have implanted foreign bodies underneath the dorsal aspect of the penile skin during their prison stay and implantations were not followed by any side effects. However, insertion of foreign bodies may be followed by early and late complications and transmission of blood-borne viruses. Penile implants are important for dermatological consideration, because they make condom use more difficult and may represent a risk factor for sexually transmitted infections.
Impacts of Human Disturbance on Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus Distribution and Demography in Scottish Woodland
Authors: Moss Robert , Leckie Fiona , Biggins Amanda , Poole Tim , Baines David , Kortland Kenny
Published: April 2014

Leisure activities in fragmented western European forests are thought to threaten local populations of capercaillie Tetrao urogallus. We studied impacts of human disturbance on capercaillie in three Scottish woods by documenting the distribution of their droppings in relation to woodland tracks and entrances, surrogates for human activity. Droppings were sparser within 300–800 m of entrances and 70–235 m of tracks, depending on track use and habitat. Some 75% of each wood lay within 130 m of a track. In the most disturbed wood, droppings were most abundant in the centres of larger patches of trackless boggy ground, which acted as refuges. The reproductive rate (chicks reared per hen) at our three study areas was no less than in other, less disturbed parts of the same valley. The ratio of full‐grown hens to cocks, however, was unusually low in the two most disturbed woods. Disturbance reduces the birds' living space, possibly affecting hens more than cocks. It might therefore impact metapopulation dynamics and contribute to genetic impoverishment in small populations. Ensuring that people and dogs keep to tracks, closing tracks and creating refuges should mitigate such effects.
Systematic Review of the Influence of Foraging Habitat on Red‐Cockaded Woodpecker Reproductive Success
Authors: Garabedian James E. , Moorman Christopher E. , Peterson M. Nils , Kilgo John C.
Published: April 2014

Relationships between foraging habitat and reproductive success provide compelling evidence of the contribution of specific vegetative features to foraging habitat quality, a potentially limiting factor for many animal populations. For example, foraging habitat quality likely will gain importance in the recovery of the threatened red‐cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis (RCW) in the USA as immediate nesting constraints are mitigated. Several researchers have characterized resource selection by foraging RCWs, but emerging research linking reproductive success (e.g. clutch size, nestling and fledgling production, and group size) and foraging habitat features has yet to be synthesized. Therefore, we reviewed peer‐refereed scientific literature and technical resources (e.g. books, symposia proceedings, and technical reports) that examined RCW foraging ecology, foraging habitat, or demography to evaluate evidence for effects of the key foraging habitat features described in the species' recovery plan on group reproductive success. Fitness‐based habitat models suggest foraging habitat with low to intermediate pine Pinus spp. densities, presence of large and old pines, minimal midstory development, and herbaceous groundcover support more productive RCW groups. However, the relationships between some foraging habitat features and RCW reproductive success are not well supported by empirical data. In addition, few regression models account for > 30% of variation in reproductive success, and unstandardized multiple and simple linear regression coefficient estimates typically range from ‐0.100 to 0.100, suggesting ancillary variables and perhaps indirect mechanisms influence reproductive success. These findings suggest additional research is needed to address uncertainty in relationships between foraging habitat features and RCW reproductive success and in the mechanisms underlying those relationships.
Space use, Resource Selection and Territoriality of Black‐Footed Ferrets: Implications for Reserve Design
Authors: Eads David A. , Biggins Dean E. , Livieri Travis M. , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: April 2014

Insight into the spatial ecology of predators might help biologists to design wildlife reserves that maximize conservation success. We investigated the spatial ecology of endangered black‐footed ferrets Mustela nigripes during the post‐breeding seasons (June–October) of 2007 and 2008 on a 452‐ha colony of black‐tailed prairie dogs Cynomys ludovicianus in South Dakota, USA. Ferrets of both sexes frequently used areas with an abundance of active openings to prairie dog burrows, suggesting a positive response to refuge and prey. Densities of active burrow openings were similar in areas of same‐sex overlap and areas of exclusive space use, which might suggest limited defense of resources by ferrets. However, this result could be expected in our study because much of the study colony contained high densities of active burrow openings. Same‐sex home ranges overlapped in area, but the intensity of space use overlap was low. For male ferrets with overlapping home ranges, both males tended to spend low amounts of time in areas of overlap. In contrast, for pairs of overlapping female home ranges, one female frequently used areas of overlap while the second apparently avoided them, suggesting a dominance hierarchy of some sort. Core areas were essentially exclusive. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis of intrasexual territoriality by ferrets in habitats of high quality, which would limit the number of ferrets a habitat supports. Where wildlife managers aim to maximize densities of free‐ranging ferrets, it might be beneficial to create reserves that 1) provide each ferret with sufficient prey and refuge, 2) reduce social conflict and competition for space, and 3) facilitate dispersal.
How to get in and out of the skull: from tumi to “hammer and chisel” to the Gigli saw and the osteoplastic flap
Authors: Goodrich James Tait
Published: April 2014

Making “holes in the skull” is an ancient art and by some is considered the second oldest profession in the world—the first being prostitution. Early surgeons, and later on neurosurgeons, devised a number of ingenious ways to make a hole in the skull or elevate a depressed skull fracture. Trephined skulls from antiquity have now been found in most parts of world, showing that the art of trephining is not only ancient but clearly widespread. Beginning with antiquity the author traces the development of this surgical skill by reviewing the various tools used and surgical designs to perform what is now called a craniotomy.
The history of brain retractors throughout the development of neurological surgery
Authors: Assina Rachid , Rubino Sebastian , Sarris Christina E. , Gandhi Chirag D. , Prestigiacomo Charles J.
Published: April 2014

Early neurosurgical procedures dealt mainly with treatment of head trauma, especially skull fractures. Since the early medical writings by Hippocrates, a great deal of respect was given to the dura mater, and many other surgeons warned against violating the dura. It was not until the 19th century that neurosurgeons started venturing beneath the dura, deep into the brain parenchyma. With this advancement, brain retraction became an essential component of intracranial surgery. Over the years brain retractors have been created pragmatically to provide better visualization, increased articulations and degrees of freedom, greater stability, less brain retraction injury, and less user effort. Brain retractors have evolved from simple handheld retractors to intricate brain-retraction systems with hand-rest stabilizers. This paper will focus on the history of brain retractors, the different types of retractors, and the progression from one form to another.
Wildbachsperren aus Fichte und Tanne: Festigkeit und Pilzbefall in den ersten Jahren
Authors: Rickli Christian , Graf Frank
Published: April 2014

Timber constructions in torrent control with Norway spruce and silver fir: wood quality and colonisation with decay fungi during the first years

Timber is widely used for protection measures in torrent control. However, life span of woody constructions such as timber check dams is limited due to fungal decay. Only sparse scientific information is available on the long-term behaviour of timber structures and the colonisation with decay fungi. Related to this, in practice a controversial discussion has been going on if either Norway spruce (Picea abies) or silver fir (Abies alba) is more enduring and if bark removal increases resistance against fungal decay. In order to going into this matter, a series of 15 timber check dams built in 1996/1997 has been monitored. The constructions were alternatively realised with Norway spruce and silver fir, half of them each with remaining and removed bark, respectively. The scientific investigations included the documentation of colonisation with rot fungi and the identification of decayed zones with a simple practical approach as well as based on drilling resistance. Colonisation by decay fungi started three years after construction (e.g. Gloeophyllum sepiarium), two years later first parts with reduced wood resistance were detected. The protection measures were still fully functional sixteen years after construction although decay was found on all check dams but two. Wood quality was markedly better in watered sections compared to the occasionally dry lateral abutment sections, without showing clear differences in decay between logs of Norway spruce and silver fir. However, both the practical approach and the drilling resistance measurement suggest more defects on logs without bark. Further investigations and sound statistical analysis are needed to confirm the observed trends.
Section 4 of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961: A Critic
Authors: Huq AWM Abdul
Published: April 2014

Law, whether divine or manmade, is always for the well-being of the human beings. In other words, laws are ultimately related to life experiences which are not a monopoly of the theologians only.1 As the society is not any constant phenomenon, it inevitably changes every moment. As a result laws are needed to be changed in compliance with the changing demands of the society. In Islamic Legal System as well the iron fist of taqlid (the doctrine of imitation) had to give way to ijtihad (meaning independent and free exercise of intellect to interpret interpretation of Islamic laws). It is always open for and permitted to, the thinkers, lawmakers and the rulers who are entrusted to apply shariah in society. In this short commentary I intend to address a particular issue relating to the orphaned childrens inheritance right. This is an extremely practical anomaly of the Doctrine of Representation usually escaping our notice.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/nujl.v1i0.18521 Northern University Journal of Law Vol.1 2010: 7-13
Prosecuting War Crimes in Domestic Level: The Case of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mizanur , Billah SM Masum
Published: April 2014

Theodore Meron, the former Judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in an Article has posed a pearl question: Why do atrocities like massacres recur irrespective of claimed success of prosecuting the perpetrators at Nuremburg and the like? DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/nujl.v1i0.18522 Northern University Journal of Law Vol.1 2010: 14-23
Constitutional Reform in Bangladesh: Exploring the Agenda
Authors: Chowdhury Jashim Ali
Published: April 2014

The Bangladeshi brand of democracy has caused some horrible nightmares in recent times. Though democracy in Bangladesh has got a certain degree of consolidation during the last eighteen years, she could not make significant progress in consolidating her democratic institutions.1 Over the years Bangladesh has gone through a phase of illiberal democracy with the politicians behaving autocratically, rewarding political supporters and punishing the opposition. Partisan, financial and personal interests curbed the bureaucracy, judiciary, police or even the legislature.2 Disorder became the order, irregular the regular, and Machiavellism the political culture.3 On the other hand, the concept of separation of power has got a violent blow in the Constitution of Bangladesh. What the Constitution has done can very well be described as assignment of powers of the Republic to the three organs of the Government.4 Concentration of power in the hands of Prime Minister resulted in paralyzing both the judiciary and legislature with leviathan omnipotence of the executive. Todays Bangladesh may well be termed a one legged state while the theory of separation of power contemplates a three legged one. Much water has already flown by and considerable amount of silt has filed up on this issue. Someone sought overnight purified democracy suitable to the genius of the people of Bangladesh while some other relentlessly asserted their absolute faith in West Ministerial Democracy and advocated for going slow, giving democracy a chance  to learn from trial and error. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/nujl.v1i0.18524 Northern University Journal of Law Vol.1 2010: 39-50
Linkage between Right to Development and Rights-based Approach: An Overview
Authors: Rahman Khandaker Farzana
Published: April 2014

The concept of right to development has been inserted into the rights discourse quite recently, though it was known earlier that theg proper implementations of human rights tend to secure the life standard and progressive development of the community. New concepts of development expressed its concern for the overall betterment of human being.1 Right to Development (RTD) is being recognized as a collective right in the human rights arena. On the other hand, Rights Based Approach (RBA) has an inseparable link with right to development which seeks for the identification of issues to make a need based assessment. In brief, a human-rights approach translates poor peoples needs into rights, and recognizes individuals as active subjects and stakeholders. It further identifies the obligations of states that are required to take steps  for example through legislation, policies and programs with a view to respect, promote and fulfill the human rights of all people within their jurisdiction.2 RBA addresses rights based issue to achieve goals adopted by MDG, like alleviating poverty, promoting education, ensuring gender equality and empowerment of the women, developing a global partnership for development etc. In this article, the right to development is being tried to accurately affiliate with the framework known as Rights Based Model with a view to characterizing a successful coordination between the two. Thus if the states intend to adjust their methods of functioning and fulfill their obligations to the beneficiaries according to the rights based model, the recognized human rights such as economic, social, cultural rights involved in human development would be enjoyed and respected by an individual irrespective of his class, group, origin and any other attributes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/nujl.v1i0.18528 Northern University Journal of Law Vol.1 2010: 96-111
Parental self-work
Authors: Aarsand Liselott
Published: April 2014

Discourses on lifelong and lifewide learning portray everyday life as a pedagogical space where requirements for how to preferably improve oneself through learning are highly significant. Drawing upon the notion of governmentality, it could be argued that techniques operate within a range of practices to shape, foster and stabilize the assumed adequate ways to perform. Using that particular lens, the case of parenting was investigated to accentuate selves and self-work in narrations on family life in Norway. The analysis illustrates how the techniques of activation and comparison are at work to define, fashion and develop the responsible, involved and attentive parental self, thereby signifying pedagogical claims one should aspire to. However, how this is accomplished differs slightly within the social contexts of family life. Parenting, then, may be discussed as a powerful educative practice for fabricating capable and wellbehaved citizens of contemporary times.
Book review: Learning with adults: A critical pedagogical introduction
Authors: Saragoça José M.
Published: April 2014

By Leona M. English and Peter Mayo. (Rotterdam: Sense Publishers., 2012) 269 pp., ISBN 9789460917684 (electronic bk.)
Editorial: Mapping power in adult education and learning
Authors: Fejes Andreas , Fragoso António
Published: April 2014

Abstract not available.
The Effect of Hepatic Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of Asunaprevir, an HCV NS3 Protease Inhibitor
Authors: Eley Timothy , He Bing , Chang Ih , Colston Elizabeth , Child Michael , Bedford William , Kandoussi Hamza , Pasquinelli Claudio , Marbury Thomas C , Bertz Richard J
Published: April 2014

Background

It is necessary to evaluate the impact of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetic profile of direct-acting antiviral agents for the treatment of HCV infection.

Methods

In this open-label, parallel group, multiple-dose study subjects (aged 18–70 years with a body mass index <35 kg/m2) with mild ( n=6), moderate ( n=6) and severe hepatic impairment ( n=4) received asunaprevir 200 mg twice daily; healthy subjects ( n=12) were matched (age, weight, gender) 1:1 to the first 4 subjects in each hepatic impairment group to act as controls. Pharmacokinetic sampling and analyses were performed on days 1 and 7 of dosing. Pharmacokinetic parameters were derived by non-compartmental methods. Geometric mean ratios (GMRs) and 90% CIs were used to assess the impact of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of asunaprevir, relative to healthy matched controls.

Results

Compared with healthy subjects, mild hepatic impairment did not result in meaningful alterations in asunaprevir exposure (day 7 maximal plasma concentration [Cmax] GMR: 0.58 [90% CI 0.35, 0.98]; area under the plasma concentration–time curve in one dosing interval [AUCtau] GMR: 0.79 [90% CI 0.55, 1.15]); clinically significant increases in asunaprevir exposure were observed in subjects with moderate (Cmax GMR: 5.03 [90% CI 2.99, 8.47]; AUCtau GMR: 9.83 [90% CI 6.76, 14.28]) and severe hepatic impairment (Cmax GMR: 22.92 [90% CI 12.57, 41.81]; AUCtau GMR: 32.08 [90% CI 20.84, 49.40]). Correlation between increased asunaprevir exposure and all individual components of the Child–Pugh classification system was observed in subjects with moderate and severe hepatic impairment.

Conclusions

Mild hepatic impairment does not meaningfully affect the pharmacokinetic profile of asunaprevir. The dosing of asunaprevir in patients with moderate-to-severe hepatic impairment is not recommended. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01019070.
Missing Actions in Cluster Innovation
Authors: Rubach Synnøve , Johansen Frode Ramstad , Andersson Gunnar
Published: April 2014

This case study explores how a cluster project support innovation and value creation in the companies, and how the companies exploit the opportunities offered in the cluster project. Our findings describe missing links between the interorganizational and intraorganizational activities, which leave us with fragmented activities inside the cluster-project but outside the companies. We conclude that the challenges in supporting innovation and exploiting the opportunities offered are entangled in the missing actions and detachment between the actual business network and funded cluster.
Improving Teaching and Learning at Universities - The Use of Knowledge Management
Authors: Al-zoubi Dalal Mohammad
Published: April 2014

Investment in universities is a long term investment, requiring the adoption of an effective management system like the KM system. The implementation of KM framework in universities has become an apparent phenomenon in the age of globalization, accelerating technological change, and increased competition. Therefore, this paper aims to come up with a vision for the successful use of KM applications in teaching and learning at universities. This can be done by proposing an integrated framework to regulate the use of KM at all administrative and educational levels of the university, and show the factors affecting the successful use of KM to improve the learning outcomes.
Empirical Research on Learners’ Thoughts About the Impact of Mobile Technology on Learning
Authors: Kismihók Gábor , Vas Réka
Published: April 2014

Mobile learning is gaining attention in Europe. Researchers are examining both pedagogical and technical issues regarding mobilized content delivery; however, little is known about current learners’ thoughts toward mobile learning. In this article, based on an empirical research study, the authors show what learners think about mobile learning and related learning technologies. Data consisting of 300 learners’ thoughts and experiences in connection with mobile learning (living in five different European countries) have been gathered and analysed. Results indicate that current positive attitudes toward mobile learning may be negatively influenced by experience, if previous patterns with other learning technologies are repeated.
Mobile Devices as Support Rather than Distraction for Mobile Learners
Authors: Eliasson Johan , Pargman Teresa Cerratto , Nouri Jalal , Spikol Daniel , Ramberg Robert
Published: April 2014

This article questions the design of mobile learning activities that lead students to spend time focusing on the mobile devices at the expense of interacting with other students or exploring the environment. This problem is approached from an interaction design perspective, designing and analysing geometry-learning activities. The authors present six guidelines for designing mobile learning activities, where mobile devices support rather than distract students from contents and contexts relevant to the learning goals. The guidelines are developed through video analysis of groups of middle school students doing learning activities outdoors and evaluated using the task model. The guidelines suggest that students (1) assume roles based on a different functionality of each device, (2) use devices as contextual tools, that the activities, (3) include physical interaction with the environment, (4) let teachers assume roles, (5) encourage face-to-face communication, and (6) introduce students to the mobile devices.
Guidelines for the Design of Location-Based Audio for Mobile Learning
Authors: FitzGerald Elizabeth , Sharples Mike , Jones Robert , Priestnall Gary
Published: April 2014

A consistent finding of research into mobile learning guides and outdoor learning games has been the value of audio as a medium of communication. This paper discusses the value of location-based and movement-sensitive audio for learning. Three types of audio learning experience are distinguished, based primarily upon differing levels of narrative cohesion: audio vignettes, movement-based guides and mobile narratives. An analysis of projects in these three areas has resulted in the formulation of guidelines for the design of audio experiences. A case study of a novel audio experience, called ‘A Chaotic Encounter,’ delivers an adaptive story based on the pattern of movements of the user.
The Role of Gender in Mobile Game-Based Learning
Authors: Gwee Susan , San Chee Yam , Tan Ek Ming
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates whether there are gender differences in gameplay time and learning outcomes in a social studies mobile game-based curriculum. Seventeen boys and 24 girls from a ninth-grade class in Singapore used a mobile learning game Statecraft X to enact governorship in the game world. The data suggest that boys spent significantly more time playing Statecraft X than girls. However, there were no significant gender differences in their scores in an essay question assessing their learning about governorship in terms of criteria of relevance of content, perspective, and personal voice. There was also no significant correlation between gameplay time and relevance of content, perspective, and personal voice scores. Thus, higher engagement in gameplay alone does not necessarily lead to higher-order learning outcomes. This paper discusses the factors giving rise to these results.
E-Learning and M-Learning
Authors: Soon Lisa
Published: April 2014

This research explores the relationship between e-learning and m-learning by investigating distance education students’ use of a learning management system, “Interact,” for virtual team work. The paper explores their experience of online collaborative group assignments in the subject “Information Management in Organisations.” International and local students were grouped. Each group undertook a case study project to propose solutions for identified problems in their chosen organisations. Students developed their assignment in wikis and used various tools for communication and document storage. An anonymous web-based survey was conducted after students completed the group assessment. The results reflected a wide range of factors including technology use, working with students from a different country, and challenges they faced completing group assessment online. Their feedback on their e-learning experience indicated the need for m-learning to address their concerns. The findings indicate a need for m-learning to support e-learning further, which could significantly improve the facilitation of online collaborative group assignments.
An Investigation Into Mobile Learning for High School Mathematics
Authors: Kalloo Vani , Mohan Permanand
Published: April 2014

This paper describes an investigation which was carried out to determine if mobile learning can be used to help high school students improve their performance in mathematics. The investigation was driven by the need to develop innovative learning solutions to eradicate the problem of low pass rates in mathematics in the Caribbean. A mobile learning application called MobileMath was developed targeting a subset of the mathematics curriculum. MobileMath offers the learner different learning strategies, game-based learning, and personalization. Two of the evaluation studies conducted are described in this paper. The first study focused on students using mobile learning on their own, while the second study explored the effects of teacher support while using mobile learning. A t-test analysis shows that there was a significant improvement in performance by students in both evaluation studies. The paper also compares the students’ performance with actual usage of the mobile learning application.
Empirical Research into Students’ Mobile Phones and Their Use for Learning
Authors: Bradley Claire , Holley Debbie
Published: April 2014

This paper reports on empirical research conducted to find out about higher education students’ mobile phone ownership, and the ways in which they are using their mobiles for learning. A survey with a group of first-year students has been followed up by an in-depth study, in which three students were lent Flip Video Camcorders to capture their mobile learning activities and were interviewed to discover more about their practice. The video footage and interview data have been compiled into three rich case studies which help us to better understand students’ practice and attitudes towards mobile learning. The paper focuses on the survey data and the three case studies, which were analysed using grounded theory. The outcomes of this research can inform the work of educators seeking to design effective mobile learning activities that build on existing student practice and extend mobile learning within the blend of learning activities that we offer students.
Understanding the Video Bloggers' Community
Authors: Warmbrodt John , Sheng Hong , Hall Richard , Cao Jinwei
Published: April 2014

Video blogs (or vlogs) are a new form of blogs where each post is a video. This study explores a community of video bloggers (or vloggers) by studying the community’s structure as well as the motivations and interactions of vloggers in the community. A social network analysis of a list of personal vloggers identifies the community’s structure. Open-ended interviews with core vloggers in the sample provide in-depth understanding on the motivations and interactions of the vloggers. Overall, the results indicate that the vloggers’ community exhibits a core/periphery structure. Such a community is formed based on shared interest and active interactions. In addition, the rich communication provided in video blogs allows for a more personal and intimate interaction, making vlogs a potentially powerful tool for business applications.
Analysis Using Identical Patient Types Across Providers and the Implications for the Health Care Supply Chain
Authors: Cameron Breanne , Payton Fay Cobb
Published: April 2014

Along the health care supply chain, cost and quality measures are vital in the decision-making process for treatment and care delivery. This study applies statistical significance to a hypothesis about cost effectiveness of patients’ total charges by health insurance providers for different heart conditions. A retrospective, observational analysis of data is collected from an urban hospital in the Southeastern United States. Using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) database, diagnoses are selected for further analysis based on their prevalence in the general population. The numbers of procedures as well as the patient’s length of stay in the hospital are significantly higher among the Medicare population. However, results indicate that although Medicaid and Medicare have significantly higher ordinary average total charges than the private counterparts, the difference is negligible when comparing means adjusted to remove covariate influence. One implication is that if private insurers were to insure the same types of high risk patients as Medicare and Medicaid the average total charges of a visit would be comparable between providers. These results also suggest that to enhance cost saving measures in government funded insurance programs, the clinical pathways need to be adapted to reduce length of stay and number of procedures per visit.
Profile of Hemoglobin D Trait in West Bengal, India
Authors: Dolai Tuphan K. , Bera Rajkumar , Maji Suman K. , Mandal Prakas K.
Published: April 2014

Hemoglobin (Hb) D Punjab is one of the most commonly observed abnormal hemoglobinopathy worldwide. There was no systematic large published study to investigate the characteristic of Hb D Punjab trait in India. This study was conducted in school and college students, newly married couples and pregnant women after proper counseling in the rural areas of West Bengal state in eastern India. Complete blood count was done by Sysmax Automated Hematology Analyzer KX 21 (Sysmex Corp., Kobe, Japan) and thalassemia testing was done using high-performance liquid chromatography (Variant TM - Bio-Rad Lab., Hercules, CA, USA). A total of 46,139 individuals were screened for hemoglobinopathies. Hb D trait was found in 0.35%. Hypochromia rather than microcytosis is consistent finding in Hb D trait. Anisocytosis is absent in Hb D trait. In almost all (99.37%) cases, Hb D is within 40% of total hemoglobin. This data is likely to be helpful for screening of hemoglobinopathy in resource poor setting.