bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variegated neo-liberalization, human development and resistance: Iraq in global context
Authors: Herring Eric
Published: March 2012

Critics of the concept of human development argue that it has for the most part been easily absorbed into neo-liberalizing frameworks that neglect national, material development and that fail to prioritize the poor and insecure. While those criticisms have some force, more attention
needs to be paid to the opportunities for resistance afforded by the fact that neo-liberalization is permeated by self-undermining contradictions and must articulate in hybrid and diverse fashion with existing social forces. When Iraq's human development report, national development plan and
poverty reduction strategy are examined, we can see in them elements of resistance to neo-liberalization and evidence of the assertion of development – national and human, material and non-material – as a right. However, in assessing poverty in Iraq as 'very shallow', Iraq's poverty
reduction team demonstrated that resistance to neo-liberalization and the neglect of the poor will require struggles with Iraqi as well as global actors.
Transcending sectarianism through minority rights in Iraq
Authors: Keane David , Castellino Joshua
Published: March 2012

The emergence of a Shia-majority Iraqi state has provoked a debate on the nature of Shia Islam, and its potential for control of the wider Middle East. As a result some commentators have pointed to what is termed a 'Shia revival' or awakening, with Iraq the nexus where many of these
critical issues are converging. Through the prism of the 'Shia revival' proposal, this article argues that the re-conceptualization of the emerging Iraqi state in Shia-majority terms is misguided. It seeks to provide an overview of three major developments in the Shia identity in Iraq: the
background to the disenfranchisement of the Shia grouping in modern Iraq; the Shia intifada after the first Gulf War; and the devastating insurgency post-2003. The final section counters the arguments for a Shia revival, pointing instead to the human rights discourse with a specific emphasis
on minority rights provisions as a more appropriate framework for representative government within the state.
Naturwissenschaften und manifestes Weltbild. Über den Naturalismus
Authors: Beckermann Ansgar
Published: March 2012

It is argued that an attractive version of naturalism may be characterized by five theses: 1. There is no substantial evidence that there are supernatural entities or forces that have an effect on the world. 2. The core of the modern scientific world view – the theory of atoms that tells us that all things in the world are made up of atoms and molecules and that all properties of any object can be explained by reference to the atoms it consists of and their spatial arrangement – is a very well confirmed empirical theory. 3. There is no methodological a priori to the effect that science is limited to the investigation of natural facts and to explanations that only refer to natural phenomena. 4. The scientific image of the world is not in conflict with the manifest image, it is rather an enlargement and an improvement of this image. 5. In case of seeming conflict, it is not a good idea to assume that there are aspects of reality that are beyond the scope of science or that above the natural world which is accessible to science there is another world in which things are different from what science tells us. Whatever the manifest image of the world tells us about reality must be compatible with what science tells about it. It is further argued that there are very good reasons to accept all these five theses as true.
Moral und Glück. Hoffnung bei Kant und Adorno
Authors: Wesche Tilo
Published: March 2012

Kant and Adorno alike have assumed that hope plays a central role in the relation between ethics and happiness. After comparing some of their different interpretations of hope, this paper traces the phil¬osophical account of the concept of hope which Kant and Adorno, however, agree on. They both see hope as essential for bridging the gulf between normativity and realities. Hope, they argue, features a weaker doxastic state than belief but a stronger one than wishful thinking. For Kant, the question “what may I hope? ” is part of the interests of human reason. By modifying this conception of hope, Adorno advocates a notion of hope, which accounts for a critique of religion and metaphysics.
„Krokodile hoffen nicht. Menschen hoffen.“. Bedeutung und Wert des Hoffens in der menschlichen Lebensform
Authors: Schmitz Barbara
Published: March 2012

Hope is a neglected topic in philosophy. This article tries to show that hope belongs to the human form of life. We start with Wittgenstein’s remark that human beings hope, while crocodiles cannot and explore the nature of hoping via three different routes: Firstly, we discuss the question whether hope is an emotion or a more or less rational attitude. Secondly, we put forward five characteristics of hope: the possibility of that which is hoped for, the temporality of the object of hope, the connection of hope and action, hope and passivity, and hope’s connection to language. Finally, we address the main counterarguments against the value of hope and argue that hope plays an important role in the ability to lead a human life, despite all the criticism it has received in philosophical thinking.
Metaphysik der Emotionen
Authors: Renz Ursula
Published: March 2012

Dominik Perler: Transformationen der Gefühle. Philosophische Emotionstheorien 1270–1670. S. Fischer Verlag, Frankfurt/M. 2011, 533 S .
Entscheidend ist, was von unserem Willen abhängt
Authors: Beckermann Ansgar
Published: March 2012

Julius Schälike: Spielräume und Spuren des Willens. Eine Theorie der Freiheit und der moralischen Verantwortung. Mentis Verlag, Paderborn 2010, 296 S.
Posição socioeconômica e duração do benefício por incapacidade devido a doenças musculoesqueléticas relacionadas ao trabalho
Authors: Souza Norma Suely Souto , Santana Vilma Sousa
Published: March 2012

Neste estudo, estima-se o efeito da posição socioeconômica sobre a duração dos benefícios por incapacidade devido a doenças musculoesqueléticas. Dados de um inquérito conduzido pela Auditoria Regional do Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social, com todos os segurados que receberam benefício por incapacidade temporária por doenças musculoesqueléticas da região cervical e membros superiores, em 2008, juntamente com os registros administrativos, foram utilizados para formar uma coorte de 563 trabalhadores. Todos eram residentes em Salvador, Bahia. Entre os trabalhadores sindicalizados e com alta demanda psicossocial no trabalho, a posição socioeconômica se associava positivamente com a duração do benefício (RR = 1,89; IC95%: 1,25-2,87). Esses resultados correspondem ou a uma situação de iniquidade ou ao uso desnecessário do seguro pelos trabalhadores com posição socioeconômica alta. Investigações futuras que visem a elucidar as diferenças na utilização dos benefícios são necessárias para subsidiar a abordagem apropriada dessa questão pelos gestores do seguro social.
Deficiência de iodo e fatores associados em lactentes e pré-escolares de um município do semiárido de Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2008
Authors: Macedo Mariana de Souza , Teixeira Romero Alves , Bonomo Élido , Silva Camilo Adalton Mariano da , Silva Marcelo Eustáquio da , Sakurai Emília , Carneiro Mariângela , Lamounier Joel Alves
Published: March 2012

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de deficiência de iodo em crianças de 6 a 71 meses em Novo Cruzeiro, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram analisadas 475 crianças alocadas por amostragem probabilística estratificada em relação às concentrações de iodo no sal de consumo familiar e excreção urinária de iodo. Observou-se excreção deficiente de iodo em 34,4% das crianças; entre as quais, 23,5% apresentaram deficiência leve; 5,9%, moderada; e 5%, grave. Diferença na distribuição da deficiência de iodo urinário foi constatada entre o meio urbano e rural (p < 0,001), registrando concentrações medianas de iodúria de 150,8µg/L e 114,3µg/L, respectivamente. Observou-se alta proporção de deficiência entre crianças cujo teor de iodo no sal de consumo encontrava-se abaixo da recomendação. A deficiência de iodo em Novo Cruzeiro não constitui problema de saúde pública segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), embora apresente prevalência ainda expressiva. A distribuição limítrofe de iodúria associada a baixos níveis de iodo no sal sugere que as ações de controle dessa carência ainda não são completas no país.
Articulação entre serviços públicos de saúde nos cuidados voltados à saúde mental infantojuvenil
Authors: Delfini Patricia Santos de Souza , Reis Alberto Olavo Advincula
Published: March 2012

O objetivo do estudo é descrever e analisar as articulações que se realizam entre as equipes da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) e Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Infantojuvenil (CAPSI), tendo em vista as ações voltadas à saúde mental de crianças e adolescentes. Foram realizadas entrevistas semidirigidas com gerentes de cinco CAPSI e 13 Unidades Básicas de Saúde com ESF, de 5 regiões distintas no Município de São Paulo, Brasil, que foram transcritas e analisadas mediante perspectiva hermenêutica. A articulação entre as equipes da ESF e CAPSI se dá prioritariamente por encaminhamento de casos, apoio matricial ou parceria para casos considerados pertinentes ao CAPSI. Falta de recursos humanos, cobrança por produtividade e ausência de capacitação dos profissionais da ESF para trabalhar com saúde mental foram mencionadas como obstáculos para a efetiva articulação entre os serviços. A lógica do encaminhamento e da desresponsabilização, bem como a hegemonia do modelo biomédico e a consequente fragmentação dos cuidados se mostram vigentes no cotidiano dos serviços.
Validations of the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS)
Authors: Martins-Júnior Paulo Antônio , Ramos-Jorge Joana , Paiva Saul Martins , Marques Leandro Silva , Ramos-Jorge Maria Letícia
Published: March 2012

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). A total of 247 children aged 2 to 5 years and their parents/guardians participated in this study. A clinical oral examination was performed and the parents/guardians completed the ECOHIS questionnaire. Within a period of four-weeks, 20% of the participants repeated the ECOHIS questionnaire. Construct validity was determined using Spearman's rank correlation. Discriminant validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability were also evaluated. The children were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (with dental caries) and group 2 (caries-free). Children with caries showed higher mean ECOHIS scores than the caries-free children. The child impact section (p < 0.01), family impact section (p < 0.01) and total ECOHIS scores (p < 0.01) were significantly correlated with tooth decay. Cronbach's alpha coefficients demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency. The Brazilian version of the ECOHIS is a valid instrument for assessing oral health-related quality of life in preschool children with Brazilian Portuguese-speaking primary caregivers.
Pressão arterial após programa de exercício físico supervisionado em mulheres idosas hipertensas
Authors: Rêgo Adriana Ribeiro de O. N. do , Gomes André L. M. , Veras Renato P. , A. Júnior Edmundo de Drummond , M.N. Rodolfo Alkimin , Dantas Estélio H. M.
Published: March 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: A população de idosos tem elevado os índices de doenças crônicas como hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) com prevalência em mulheres. Intervenções não farmacológicas, como o exercício físico, são apontadas pela eficácia na diminuição da pressão arterial (PA). OBJETIVO: Verificar a resposta da pressão arterial de idosas hipertensas nos distintos momentos de um programa de exercício físico supervisionado (PEFS). MÉTODOS: Constituiu-se de um estudo descritivo de corte transversal realizado durante 18 semanas. Participaram 41 mulheres idosas com HAS, em tratamento farmacológico, distribuídas em grupo experimental (GE) (n = 26) que participou da intervenção, e grupo controle (GC) (n = 15), em dois momentos: pré e pós-PEFS. O IMC, a pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD) foram avaliados no início e após 18 semanas de PEFS no GE e GC. A comparação intra e intergrupos foi feita com o teste t pareado e ANOVA two way com Kruskal Wallis, com nível de significância de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: O GE (68,7 ± 8,4 anos, IMC = 27,23 ± 4,73) e o GC (67,3 ± 6,3 anos, IMC = 26,13 ± 4,36), com prevalência de sobrepeso em todos os grupos, sem diferença significativa pós-PEFS. Observou-se uma correlação entre o IMC e a PAS (r = 0,456; p = 0,01) e entre a PAS e a PAD (r = 0,380; p = 0,01). A semelhança inicial entre os grupos foi alterada pelo PEFS no GE, permanecendo no GC. A comparação intergrupos mostrou diferenças da PAS (p = 0,000) e da PAD (p = 0,005) pré e pós-PEFS e intragrupos, no GE com reduções da PAS (Δ = 9,61mmHg, p = 0,000) e da PAD (Δ = 1,54mmHg, p = 0,043) pós-PEFS, o que não ocorreu no GC. CONCLUSÃO: O programa de exercício físico supervisionado exerceu papel importante como modelo terapêutico não medicamentoso na resposta hipotensiva observada.
Capacidade funcional e força muscular respiratória de candidatos ao transplante hepático
Authors: Pereira José Leonardo Faustini , Figueredo Tanara Carreira Meus , Galant Lucas Homercher , Forgiarini Junior Luiz Alberto , Marroni Cláudio Augusto , Monteiro Mariane Borba , Dias Alexandre Simões
Published: March 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença hepática crônica resulta em grande impacto funcional, causando perda de massa e função muscular com consequente redução da capacidade funcional. OBJETIVO: Avaliar e comparar a força muscular respiratória e a capacidade funcional dos candidatos ao transplante hepático que possuem classe B ou C segundo o Child-Pugh Score e correlacionar estas variáveis dentro de cada grupo. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, com amostra de conveniência composta por 35 pacientes, divididos em dois grupos a partir da pontuação obtida no Child-Pugh Score, sendo B (19 pacientes) e C (16 pacientes). Todos os indivíduos foram avaliados em um único momento, sendo mensuradas as pressões inspiratória máxima (PImáx) e expiratória máxima (PEmáx) e a distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M). RESULTADOS: Os indivíduos classificados com Child-Pugh Score B apresentaram maiores valores na PImáx (-86,05 ± 23,89 vs. -57,94 ± 14,14), p = 0,001, na PEmáx (84,16 ± 28,26 vs. 72,00 ± 16,94), p = 0,142, e na distância percorrida no TC6M (473,63 ± 55,276 vs. 376,13 ± 39,00), p = 0,001. Encontramos, ainda, correlação positiva entre os valores da PImáx e a distância percorrida no TC6M dentro grupo Child-Pugh Score B, r = 0,64 e p = 0,003. CONCLUSÃO: O progresso da doença hepática contribui para o surgimento de diversas complicações que, em conjunto, parecem contribuir para a redução da capacidade funcional dos indivíduos. Em nosso trabalho, isso ficou evidenciado pelo pior desempenho do grupo Child-Pugh Score C. Isto pode sugerir que a espera para o transplante hepático (TxH) pode agravar a capacidade funcional e a força muscular respiratória desses indivíduos.
Aspectos das lesões esportivas em atletas com deficiência visual
Authors: Silva Marília Passos Magno e , Duarte Edison , Silva Anselmo de Athayde Costa e , Silva Hésojy Gley Pereira Vital da , Vital Roberto
Published: March 2012

Estudos na área de lesões esportivas em atletas com deficiência apresentam, em sua maioria, um desenho de pesquisa que agrega dados de diferentes deficiências (físicas e sensoriais) e modalidades esportivas, criando dificuldades na interpretação dos resultados. Este estudo teve como objetivo principal analisar a frequência das lesões esportivas em atletas com deficiência visual, além de identificar as áreas corporais mais lesionadas, o mecanismo das lesões esportivas, as principais lesões esportivas que acometem os atletas com deficiência visual e verificar se o grau de deficiência visual apresenta relação com a incidência de lesões esportivas. Fizeram parte do estudo atletas com deficiência visual, de ambos os sexos, integrantes da seleção brasileira nas modalidades de atletismo, futebol de 5, goalball, judô e natação, em competições internacionais, entre os anos de 2004 e 2008. Os dados foram coletados através de uma ficha médica e fisioterápica utilizada pela Confederação Brasileira de Desporto para Cegos e pelo Comitê Paraolímpico Brasileiro. Participaram do estudo 131 atletas, sendo 42 do sexo feminino e 89 do sexo masculino, 61 com classe visual B1, 46 com classe B2 e 24 com classe B3. Deste total, 102 atletas apresentaram 288 lesões resultando em uma média de 2,82 lesões por atleta. Atletas do sexo feminino lesionam mais que atletas do sexo masculino; porém, essa diferença não é estatisticamente significante. Com relação à classificação visual, atletas B1 lesionam mais que B2 e esses mais que B3; porém, só foi encontrada diferença significativa entre os atletas B1 e B3. Foi encontrado valor próximo entre lesões por acidente esportivo e sobrecarga. A respeito dos segmentos corporais, os membros inferiores foram mais acometidos, seguido por membros superiores, coluna, cabeça e tronco. Foram encontrados 21 diagnósticos diferentes, sendo mais frequentes as tendinopatias, contraturas e contusões.
Ativação muscular do quadril e do joelho em duas aterrissagens realizadas por atletas do sexo masculino
Authors: Leporace Gustavo , Praxedes Jomilto , Pereira Glauber Ribeiro , Chagas Daniel , Pinto Sérgio , Batista Luiz Alberto
Published: March 2012

OBJETIVO: Comparar a atividade muscular antes e após o contato com o solo entre as aterrissagens unilateral (AU) e bilateral (AB) em atletas do sexo masculino. PARTICIPANTES: Quinze atletas masculinos de voleibol sem sinais e sintomas de lesões nas extremidades inferiores (13 ± 1 ano, 1,70 ± 0,12m, 60 ± 12kg). MENSURAÇÕES:Os participantes realizaram dois saltos verticais, aterrissando unilateralmente e bilateralmente. A atividade mioelétrica do reto femoral (RF), bíceps femoral (BF), adutores de quadril (AQ) e a relação BF/RF foram comparados entre as duas aterrissagens e entre as fases caracterizadas por 100ms antes (PRE) e 100ms após (POS) o contato com o solo. RESULTADOS: Em ambas as aterrissagens, a ativação do RF foi maior na fase POS em relação à PRE. Na comparação entre as aterrissagens dentro da mesma fase não encontramos diferenças estatísticas. Apesar de o BF não ter apresentado diferenças entre as fases PRE e POS em cada aterrissagem, sua ativação foi maior na AU. Os AQ apresentaram maior ativação na fase POS durante a AU, no entanto não houve diferenças quando comparadas as duas aterrissagens. A relação BF/RF apresentou valores maiores em ambas as aterrissagens na fase PRE. No entanto, não encontramos diferenças entre as aterrissagens. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que cada músculo apresenta um papel diferente durante a fase de aterrissagem em homens. Enquanto que o RF possui como principal função a frenagem da articulação do joelho e do movimento descendente, caracterizada pelo aumento da ativação na fase pós-contato, o BF parece atenuar a tensão articular do joelho em atividades de maior impacto, mantendo-se mais ativo durante todo o ciclo da AU. Já a maior ativação dos AQ após o contato com solo na AU evidencia a importância da região lombo-pélvica na estabilização pélvica em situações de grande instabilidade. Estudos futuros são necessários para determinar os efeitos da ativação muscular apresentada na imposição de cargas mecânicas potencialmente lesivas no joelho em atletas do sexo masculino.
Sex‐based differences in density‐dependent sociality: an experiment with a gregarious ungulate
Authors: Vander Wal E , Yip H , McLoughlin P. D.
Published: March 2012

For animals living in natural or semi‐natural settings, empirical data on how sociality changes in response to increasing population density are few, especially with respect to true conspecific density and not group size. However, insight into this line of research may be far‐reaching—from understanding density dependence in sexual selection to improving models of disease transmission. Using elk (Cervus elaphusLinnaeus) held in enclosures, we conducted sex‐stratified experiments to test how the frequency of dyadic pairings (interaction rate) and their quality (duration) responded to manipulations in exposure to density. Using proximity‐logging radio collars we recorded when and for how long individuals shared a space within 1.4 m of each other. As predicted, males increased their interaction rate as density increased. Female interaction rates, however, increased initially as density increased but soon declined to become indistinguishable from rates at low density. Females interacted for longer periods at medium densities, whereas male interaction length clearly decreased as density increased. We highlight a sexually dichotomous, density‐dependent response in sociality that has yet to be reported. In addition to furthering our understanding of sociobiology (e.g., implications of time constraints presented by density on dyadic interactions), our results have implications for managing communicable disease in gregarious species of livestock and wildlife.
Experimental and environmental factors affect spurious detection of ecological thresholds
Authors: Daily Jonathan P. , Hitt Nathaniel P. , Smith David R. , Snyder Craig D.
Published: March 2012

Threshold detection methods are increasingly popular for assessing nonlinear responses to environmental change, but their statistical performance remains poorly understood. We simulated linear change in stream benthic macroinvertebrate communities and evaluated the performance of commonly used threshold detection methods based on model fitting (piecewise quantile regression [PQR]), data partitioning (nonparametric change point analysis [NCPA]), and a hybrid approach (significant zero crossings [SiZer]). We demonstrated that false detection of ecological thresholds (type I errors) and inferences on threshold locations are influenced by sample size, rate of linear change, and frequency of observations across the environmental gradient (i.e., sample–environment distribution, SED). However, the relative importance of these factors varied among statistical methods and between inference types. False detection rates were influenced primarily by user‐selected parameters for PQR (τ) and SiZer (bandwidth) and secondarily by sample size (for PQR) and SED (for SiZer). In contrast, the location of reported thresholds was influenced primarily by SED. Bootstrapped confidence intervals for NCPA threshold locations revealed strong correspondence to SED. We conclude that the choice of statistical methods for threshold detection should be matched to experimental and environmental constraints to minimize false detection rates and avoid spurious inferences regarding threshold location.
Elevated land runoff after European settlement perturbs persistent foraminiferal assemblages on the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Uthicke S , Patel F , Ditchburn R
Published: March 2012

Coral reefs are under pressure from a variety of human‐induced disturbances, but demonstration of ecosystem changes and identification of stressors are often difficult. We tested whether global change or increased agricultural runoff after European settlement of Northeast Australia (ca. 1860) has affected inshore reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. Eleven sediment cores were retrieved from inner reefs, intermediate reefs, and outer‐island reefs, and benthic foraminiferal assemblages were analyzed in dated (14C, 210Pb, 137Cs) core sections (N = 82 samples). Data were grouped into six age bands (<55, 55–150, 150–500, 500–1000, 1000–1500, and >1500 yr). Principal component analysis and two‐factor (Zone and Age) permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) suggested that assemblages from the three zones were significantly different from each other over several millennia, with symbiont‐bearing (mixotrophic) species dominating the outer reefs. A significant interaction term indicated that within‐zone patterns varied. Assemblages in outer reefs unaffected from increased land runoff were persistent until present times. In both other zones, assemblages were also persistent until 150 yr ago, suggesting that benthic foraminiferal assemblages are naturally highly persistent over long (>2000 yr) timescales. Assemblages in core sections <55 yr old from inner reefs were significantly (post hoc t test) different from those older than 150 yr. Similarly, assemblages <55 yr old from intermediate reefs were significantly different compared to older assemblages. A multivariate regression tree (environmental variables: Zone and Age) explained 56.8% of the variance in foraminiferal assemblages and confirmed patterns identified by PERMANOVA. With some exceptions, changes on the inner and intermediate reefs were consistent with a model predicting that increased nutrients and higher turbidity enhance relative abundance of heterotrophic species. Given that assemblages did not change in outer‐island reefs (not impacted by runoff) we argue that changes in assemblages due to global change can be rejected as an explanation. Thus, the findings are more consistent with the hypothesis that agricultural runoff since European settlement altered foraminiferal assemblages than with the hypothesis that global forcing caused changes.
Spatial scaling relationships for spread of disease caused by a wind‐dispersed plant pathogen
Authors: Mundt Christopher C. , Sackett Kathryn E.
Published: March 2012

Spatial scale is of great importance to understanding the spread of organisms exhibiting long‐distance dispersal (LDD). We tested whether epidemics spread in direct proportion to the size of the host population and size of the initial disease focus. This was done through analysis of a previous study of the effects of landscape heterogeneity variables on the spread of accelerating epidemics of wheat (Triticum aestivum) stripe rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici. End‐of‐season disease gradients were constructed by estimating disease prevalence at regular distances from artificially inoculated foci of different sizes, in field plots of different dimensions. In one set of comparisons, all linear dimensions (plot width and length, focus width and length, and distance between observation points) differed by a factor of four. Disease spread was substantially greater in large plot/large focus treatments than in small plot/small focus treatments. However, when disease gradients were plotted using focus width as the unit distance, they were found to be highly similar, suggesting a proportional relationship between focus or plot size and disease spread. A similar relationship held when comparing same‐size plots inoculated with different‐sized foci, an indication that focus size is the driver of this proportionality. Our results suggest that power law dispersal of LDD organisms results in scale‐invariant relationships, which are useful for better understanding spatial spread of biological invasions, extrapolating results from small‐scale experiments to invasions spreading over larger scales, and predicting speed and pattern of spread as an invasion expands.
Efficacy and Tolerance of Urea Compared with Vaptans for Long-Term Treatment of Patients with SIADH
Authors: Soupart Alain , Coffernils Michel , Couturier Bruno , Gankam-Kengne Fabrice , Decaux Guy
Published: March 2012

Background and objectives

Vaptans (vasopressin V2-receptor antagonists) are a new approach for the treatment of hyponatremia. However, their indications remain to be determined, and their benefit compared with that of the usual treatments for the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) have not been evaluated. This prospective, long-term study compared the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of two oral vaptans with those of oral urea in patients with SIADH.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Patients with chronic SIADH of various origins were treated first with vaptans for 1 year. After an 8-day holiday period, they received oral urea for an additional 1-year follow-up. Serum sodium was measured every 2 months, and drug doses were adjusted accordingly.

Results

Thirteen participants were initially included in the study (serum sodium, 125±3 mEq/L); 12 completed the 2-year treatment period. Treatment with vaptans (satavaptan, 5–50 mg/d, n=10; tolvaptan, 30–60 mg/day, n=2) increased natremia (serum sodium, 135±3 mEq/L) during the 1-year vaptan period without escape. Hyponatremia recurred in the 12 participants when vaptans were stopped (holiday period). Urea improved the natremia with the same efficacy (serum sodium, 135±2 mEq/L) as vaptans during the 1-year urea treatment period. One participant treated with tolvaptan withdrew from the study early because of excessive thirst. Another patient receiving urea developed hypernatremia without complications.

Conclusions

Urea has efficacy similar to that of vaptans for treatment of chronic SIADH. Tolerance is generally good for both agents.
Modifiable Practices Associated with Sudden Death among Hemodialysis Patients in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study
Authors: Jadoul Michel , Thumma Jyothi , Fuller Douglas S. , Tentori Francesca , Li Yun , Morgenstern Hal , Mendelssohn David , Tomo Tadashi , Ethier Jean , Port Friedrich , Robinson Bruce M.
Published: March 2012

Background and objectives

Sudden death is common in hemodialysis patients, but whether modifiable practices affect the risk of sudden death remains unclear.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study analyzed 37,765 participants in 12 countries in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study to explore the association of the following practices with sudden death (due to cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and/or hyperkalemia): treatment time [TT] <210 minutes, Kt/V <1.2, ultrafiltration volume >5.7% of postdialysis weight, low dialysate potassium [KD <3]), and prescription of Q wave/T wave interval–prolonging drugs. Cox regression was used to estimate effects on mortality, adjusting for potential confounders. An instrumental variable approach was used to further control for unmeasured patient-level confounding.

Results

There were 9046 deaths, 26% of which were sudden (crude mortality rate, 15.3/100 patient-years; median follow-up, 1.59 years). Associations with sudden death included hazard ratios of 1.13 for short TT, 1.15 for large ultrafiltration volume, and 1.10 for low Kt/V. Compared with KD ≥3 mEq/L, the sudden death rate was higher for KD ≤1.5 and KD=2–2.5 mEq/L. The instrumental variable approach yielded generally consistent findings. The sudden death rate was elevated for patients taking amiodarone, but not other Q wave/T wave interval–prolonging drugs.

Conclusions

This study identified modifiable dialysis practices associated with higher risk of sudden death, including short TT, large ultrafiltration volume, and low KD. Because KD <3 mEq/L is common and easy to change, KD tailoring may prevent some sudden deaths. This hypothesis merits testing in clinical trials.
PTH—A Particularly Tricky Hormone
Authors: Garrett Giorgia , Sardiwal Sunita , Lamb Edmund J. , Goldsmith David J.A.
Published: March 2012

Plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations are commonly measured in the context of CKD, as PTH concentration elevation is typical in this clinical context. Much has been inferred from this raised PTH concentration tendency, both about the state of skeletal integrity and health and also about the potential clinical outcomes for patients. However, we feel that reliance on PTH concentrations alone is a dangerous substitute for the search for, and use of, more precise and reliable biomarkers. In this article, we rehearse these arguments, bringing together patient-level and analytical considerations for the first time.
Attending Rounds
Authors: Glassock Richard J.
Published: March 2012

Nephrotic syndrome in older adult patients is a common clinical conundrum. Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a lesion frequently found to underlie the nephrotic state in such patients. Determining with reasonable certainty whether the nephrotic syndrome and MN is primary (idiopathic) or due to an underlying disease such as neoplasia can be a daunting clinical challenge. By way of a presentation of an illustrative case and a focused review of the relevant literature, the approach to evaluation of such patients, with an emphasis on the putative causative role of neoplasia in MN, is analyzed and a potential contemporary pathway for acquiring the correct diagnosis is offered.
Finding a Common Language for Patient Safety in CKD
Authors: Fink Jeffrey C. , Joy Melanie S. , St. Peter Wendy L. , Wahba Ihab M.
Published: March 2012

Improving patient safety has become a primary objective of health systems; however, the frequency of adverse safety events continues to be unacceptable despite the attention and dedicated efforts of many stakeholders. CKD that does not require dialysis increases the risk for adverse safety events, and adverse safety events can account for a substantial portion of the poor outcomes typical of CKD. Because much of CKD care occurs outside the typical health care setting, systems designed to detect and reduce adverse safety events are not necessarily effective in this population. Underrecognition (or underappreciation) of CKD and the associated impairment of renal function contribute to the high risk for adverse safety events. Medication errors are common in CKD and account for many lapses in patient safety, but a wide range of other potentially modifiable care processes in CKD also contribute to the high rate of observed adverse safety events. This review describes the spectrum of safety concerns specific to CKD and the need for a common set of standards to improve on current general constructs and to reduce adverse safety events in this chronic disease. An accepted set of disease-specific indicators is necessary to gauge the extent of the disease-specific patient safety problem and to design means to reduce adverse safety events and improve outcomes in CKD.
Social Media Usage and Work Values: The Example of Facebook in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Julia Ying-Chao , Le Angelina Nhat Hanh , Khalil Shadab , Cheng Julian Ming-Sung
Published: March 2012

Social media, especially social networking, are rapidly becoming very popular online activities among people all over the world. The use of online media is causing several workplace-related problems. Therefore, in this study we investigated the associations between social media usage
behavior, personal background, and work values. Using office workers for the research sample and Facebook as the social medium for investigation, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to dimensionalize the constructs of social media usage behavior and work values. The results of bivariate
correlation suggest that personal background and social media usage behavior are correlated and social media usage behavior and work values are partially correlated.
PROSOCIAL MORAL REASONING AND PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR AMONG TURKISH AND SPANISH ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Kumru Asiye , Carlo Gustavo , Mestre Maria V. , Samper Paula
Published: March 2012

Prosocial moral reasoning and behavior of young people in early and middle adolescence were examined in relation to the association among the variable of cultural group, age, and gender. Adolescents from Valencia, Spain (673 boys, 579 girls) and Ankara, Turkey (185 boys, 145 girls)
participated in this study. Results showed significant cultural group differences on both prosocial moral reasoning subscales and peer rating of prosocial behavior with Spanish adolescents scoring higher than Turkish adolescents, and in the pattern of relationships between these variables.
There were also age group and gender differences on some types of prosocial moral reasoning and behaviors, but the effect sizes were small and the differences were very small. Findings suggest culture-specific patterns of prosocial behavior among the adolescents in the two samples.
Associations Among Impulsivity, Aggression, and Subthreshold Depression in Chinese University Students
Authors: Yang Yan Jie , Qui Xiao Hui , Lin Wang , Qiao Zheng Xue , Yang Xiu Xian , Sun Hai Lian
Published: March 2012

The purpose in this research was to identify associations among subthreshold depression and the personality factors of impulsivity and aggression. A multistage, stratified sampling procedure was used to select participants (N = 5,245). A Chinese version (Wang, Wang, & Mahong,
1999) of the Beck Depression Inventory (Beck, Ward, & Mendelson, 1961) was used to determine depressive symptoms; participants who scored 5 or higher were assigned to the subthreshold depression group and were invited to be tested on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (Patton, Stanford, &
Barratt, 1995) and on the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (Buss & Perry, 1992). Results showed that moderate depression was prevalent among Chinese university students; in particular, students with higher scores for impulsivity, physical aggression, and verbal aggression were susceptible
to depression. Verbal aggression correlated with depressive scores, but this relationship was strong only among female participants (r = .985, p < .05).
Social Axioms and Implicit Attitudes About People with Disabilities
Authors: Ma Lili , Chen Shuang , Zhou Mingjie , Zhang Jianxin
Published: March 2012

We investigated the relationship between social axioms and implicit attitudes toward people with disabilities. Participants were 101 undergraduate students (male = 30, female = 71) from a university in Beijing. Social axioms were assessed using the Social Axioms Survey (Leung et al.,
2002) and implicit attitudes were measured using the Implicit Association Test (Greenwald, McGhee, & Schwartz, 1998). Data analysis showed that the social axiom dimension of fate control was negatively related to implicit attitudes toward people with disabilities. None of the other 4 social
axiom dimensions was found to be correlated with implicit attitudes.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Antiretroviral Therapy in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Peltzer Karl
Published: March 2012

In studies conducted with African and Asian cohorts researchers have shown the clinical efficacy of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. However, studies on the longer term changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with patients receiving ART in these settings
are still scarce. The aim in this study was to assess HIV patients' HRQoL, clinical, psychosocial, and sociodemographic factors at 3 public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa over 20 months. Patients (N = 735) who attended 3 HIV clinics completed interview assessments prior to
initiation of antiretroviral therapy; 519 after 6 months, 557 after 12, and 499 after 20 months on ART. Results indicate that total HRQoL increased, as did general quality of life, general health, independence, social relationships, and environment. HIV symptoms, depression symptom ratings,
and internalized stigma reduced over time, whereas CD4 cell counts (number of helper T cells per cubic milliliter of blood), adherence to ART, and social support increased. Total HRQoL, the physical and psychological HRQoL domains, and internalized stigma improved at first and then deteriorated
almost to baseline levels. Significant independent predictors of good HRQoL were low internalized stigma, being employed, earning wages, higher CD4 cell counts, and fewer and less severe HIV and depressive symptoms. In order to maximize gains in HRQoL for patients on ART, interventions are
needed that address and reduce stigmatization and enhance the economic and employment opportunities.
Identifying the Indicators Attracting Users to Online Question and Answer Discussion Forums
Authors: Cheng Shan Shan , Liu Eric Zhi Feng , Shieh Ruey S.
Published: March 2012

In this study we explored the indicators that attract users to engage in online question and answer (Q&A) discussion forums. Our strategy of recruiting users as a source of information to generate user-centered indicators was a new approach. We conducted in-depth interviews with
41 users to gain a perspective on 2 popular online Q&A discussion forums. To establish a theoretical framework, we employed the personal, environmental, and behavioral components proposed by Bandura (1986). Our findings revealed that 15 indicators are associated with the popularity of
online Q&A discussion forums. The indicators identified in this study could be used in future research to guide users in the selection of appropriate online Q&A forums.
Leisure Lifestyle and Health-Related Quality of Life of Taiwanese Adults
Authors: Yang Ming-Ching , Cheng Jen-Son , Yu Shu-Wen
Published: March 2012

The relationship between various leisure lifestyles (LLS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was analyzed. The 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36; Ware, Kosinski, & Keller, 1994) was completed by 622 residents of Taiwan. Factor analysis resulted in 6 dimensions of leisure
lifestyle: preferred travel, self-realization, morning action, exercise loving, homebody, and social support. The scores for self-realization were the highest and the scores for morning action the lowest. Cluster analysis was applied to categorize the respondents into 4 leisure lifestyle groups:
morning exercisers, traveling and social people, static recreation people, and active exercisers. In general, those groups of people for whom their LLS included more exercise had a better HRQoL.
Brand Trust and Affect in the Luxury Brand–Customer Relationship
Authors: Song Younghee , Hur Won-Moo , Kim Minsung
Published: March 2012

The influences of trust and affect on increasing likelihood to purchase luxury brands was examined. Because in most existing studies of luxury brand female customers have been targeted, in contrast a more comprehensive luxury brand loyalty building framework for male customers was demonstrated
in this study. Results show a significant path from brand affect to brand trust, and from brand trust to brand risk and brand loyalty. The findings imply that brand affect, indirectly via brand trust, and brand trust directly, enhance brand loyalty behaviors and reduce perceived brand risk.
The significant role of brand trust in building brand loyalty should be noted and more trust building oriented brand management strategies should be developed.
A Coming-Out Party for Women: Empowerment Through Bridal Photography
Authors: Lin Chyong-Ling , Yeh Jin-Tsann , Lan Pei-Chen
Published: March 2012

A wedding is a part of a series of ceremonies and image construction events designed to create the ideal. Bridal photographs no longer show newlyweds and their families in rigid poses. Diverse wedding costumes, modeling, and visual consumption aesthetics can overwhelm the newlyweds
as they become the critical focal point in a strategy of product differentiation. Instead, personalized and entertaining visual consumption has become very popular. In this study the consumers of bridal photography and bridal salons are the target population; we probe the aesthetic values
on which are based the evolution of traditional female stereotypes and male-female power structures. Results indicate that female role portrayal is based not only on standard social and cultural perspectives, but also on self-image. Women take the leading role in bridal photographs, signalling
their independence in playing the bride role, but also showing the value of self-reward as a marketing tool. Consumption in modern bridal photography is based on self-image realization and the collectively shared culture of the new bride.
Weighted space method for the stability of some nonlinear equations
Authors: Cǎdariu Liviu , Gǎvruţa Laura , Gǎvruţa Paşc
Published: March 2012

We prove the stability of some equations in a single variable, including a
non-linear functional equation, a linear functional equation as well as a
Volterra integral equation, by using the weighted space method. Our results
generalize and extend some recent theorems given in this field, with
simplified proofs. Several direct applications of these results are also
obtained.
A Case Study on the Determination of Lost Profits for the Forensic Accountant
Authors: DiGabriele James A.
Published: March 2012

This paper illustrates a teaching case study for use in a forensic accounting course. The case study requires students to prepare and/or present their findings for the valuation of lost profits in the framework of a business interruption. Readers obtain requisite financial and qualitative information to complete a valuation of lost profits due to a business interruption.
XBRL Tagging of Financial Statement Data Using XMLSpy:The Small Company Case
Authors: Elam Rick , Wenger Mitchell R. , Williams Kelly L.
Published: March 2012

Publicly traded companies in the U.S. are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to file their financial statement data using XBRL tags. Other countries using international accounting standards have adopted similar XBRL filing requirements. This case provides a brief introduction to XBRL for business or accounting majors, and uses freely available software products (Altova XMLSpy) and training tools that help learners quickly progress through a basic introduction to XML (the foundation for XBRL), the XBRL taxonomy schema, and actual tagging of financial statement numbers. The basic skills learned in this case give accountants and other business professionals a working knowledge of how XBRL and other XML-based business documents are and can be used in practice. The case also raises awareness of the XBRL taxonomy development bodies, filing repositories, and development tools available in this domain for those interested in pursuing this technology in more detail.
One Laptop per Child: The $100 Challenge
Authors: Roberts Andrea Alston , Zamora Valentina L.
Published: March 2012

This case uses a real organization (One Laptop per Child, or OLPC) that is unique in that it reengineered laptops that can be produced at low cost, outsourced manufacturing to a Taiwanese corporation, and sold to governments of developing nations that in turn distributed them to local school children. The purpose of this case is to provide instructors an unstructured case to help students apply cost accounting concepts, tools, and techniques to a real-world, social enterprise organization. We recommend this case for use by instructors in cost accounting courses. In this case, students will have the opportunity to use publicly available managerial accounting information. Depending on the instructor's preferences and the course learning objectives, students may be exposed to a variety of case questions, some of which require application of more technical skills such as breakeven calculations, and some of which require more analytical skills such as cost structure considerations.

Feedback from students suggests that the case positively impacts their learning along several dimensions of managerial cost accounting. Various instructors have successfully used this case in the upper-level cost accounting and the graduate-level managerial accounting core courses as an opportunity for students to develop skills critical for today's business professional.