bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reinforcement-Based Decision Making in Corticostriatal Circuits: Mutual Constraints by Neurocomputational and Diffusion Models
Authors: Ratcliff Roger , Frank Michael J.
Published: February 2012

In this letter, we examine the computational mechanisms of reinforce-ment-based decision making. We bridge the gap across multiple levels of analysis, from neural models of corticostriatal circuits—the basal ganglia (BG) model (Frank, 2005 , 2006 ) to simpler but mathematically tractable diffusion models of two-choice decision making. Specifically, we generated simulated data from the BG model and fit the diffusion model (Ratcliff, 1978 ) to it. The standard diffusion model fits underestimated response times under conditions of high response and reinforcement conflict. Follow-up fits showed good fits to the data both by increasing nondecision time and by raising decision thresholds as a function of conflict and by allowing this threshold to collapse with time. This profile captures the role and dynamics of the subthalamic nucleus in BG circuitry, and as such, parametric modulations of projection strengths from this nucleus were associated with parametric increases in decision boundary and its modulation by conflict. We then present data from a human reinforcement learning experiment involving decisions with low- and high-reinforcement conflict. Again, the standard model failed to fit the data, but we found that two variants similar to those that fit the BG model data fit the experimental data, thereby providing a convergence of theoretical accounts of complex interactive decision-making mechanisms consistent with available data. This work also demonstrates how to make modest modifications to diffusion models to summarize core computations of the BG model. The result is a better fit and understanding of reinforcement-based choice data than that which would have occurred with either model alone.
Forms of Social Capital in India: A Case Study of Jhabua District
Authors: Iyengar Radhika
Published: February 2012

This paper derives literature-based components of social capital. Since social capital changes form given the context, the paper uses the theoretical concepts of social capital to observe how they play out in rural tribal India. A qualitative data-coding software is used to sieve through the literature as well as to analyze the empirical data from Jhabua. The coding procedure combines theoretical codes based on previous literature and emergent codes derived from interview data. The paper suggests that not all forms of social capital are positive. However, each component must be clearly understood to promote community-driven actions towards development.
A multi-axial fatigue model for fiber-reinforced composite laminates based on Puck’s criterion
Authors: Sun X.S. , Haris A. , Tan V.B.C. , Tay T.E. , Narasimalu S. , Della C.N.
Published: February 2012

A new multi-axial fatigue model for fiber-reinforced composite laminates based on Puck’s criterion is proposed in this article. In the fatigue model, fatigue master curves from the ATM are used to determine the uniaxial ply fatigue strengths and the multi-axial fatigue failure is then determined by Puck’s criterion with the fatigue strengths at the ply level. The fatigue master curves from ATM are generated with limited uniaxial fatigue tests and can be applied to fatigue loading conditions with various frequencies and stress ratios. Both uniaxial and multi-axial S-N curves can be derived from thefatigue model. Fatigue failure envelopes are also generated from the model to better interpret the multi-axial fatigue failure in multi-axial stress spaces. The proposed multi-axial fatigue model is based on ply-level predictions, but it can beextended to laminate-level predictions with the CLT or numerical methods such as the FEM. Multi-axial fatigue failures caused by either local or global multi-axiality can be predicted by the model. Both uniaxial and biaxial fatigue experimentswere carried out to provide test data for establishing and validating the proposed fatigue model. The application oftheproposed multi-axial fatigue model is demonstrated with predictions of S-N curves and fatigue failure envelopes of unidirectional laminates and multi-directional laminates with typical lay-up configurations. The predictions from the proposed fatigue model are also compared with various experimental results and reasonably good agreement is observed.
Prediction of compressive strength of z-pinned unidirectional composite laminates
Authors: Xie Shunli , Zhang Junqian , Guo Zhan-Sheng , Hu Hongjiu
Published: February 2012

In-plane compressive strength of z-pinned unidirectional composites is predicted by using variational principle and maximum shear strength criterion. The fiber waviness and the fiber volume content concentration, which are inhomogeneously distributed, as well as the resin-rich pocket, are taken into account. The predicted results are in good agreement with the test data. The effects of pin parameters on the compressive strength of z-pinned laminates are discussed in detail. The results showed that in-plane compressive strength of laminates decreases as the diameter of pin increases under the same pin volume content. Compressive strength decreases as the pin volume content increases under the same pin diameter. The non-linear shear property of matrix has relatively remarkable influence on compressive strength of unidirectional z-pinned laminates when pin diameter is small.
Components and Context
Authors: Kieffer Michael J. , Vukovic Rose K.
Published: February 2012

Drawing on the cognitive and ecological domains within the componential model of reading, this longitudinal study explores heterogeneity in the sources of reading difficulties for language minority learners and native English speakers in urban schools. Students ( N = 150) were followed from first through third grade and assessed annually on standardized English language and reading measures. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the relative contributions of code-related and linguistic comprehension skills in first and second grade to third grade reading comprehension. Linguistic comprehension and the interaction between linguistic comprehension and code-related skills each explained substantial variation in reading comprehension. Among students with low reading comprehension, more than 80% demonstrated weaknesses in linguistic comprehension alone, whereas approximately 15% demonstrated weaknesses in both linguistic comprehension and code-related skills. Results were remarkably similar for the language minority learners and native English speakers, suggesting the importance of their shared socioeconomic backgrounds and schooling contexts.
The Reading Efficiency Model
Authors: Høien-Tengesdal Ingjerd , Høien Torleiv
Published: February 2012

The purpose of the present study was twofold: First, the authors investigated if an extended version of the component model of reading (CMR; Model 2), including decoding rate and oral vocabulary comprehension, accounted for more of the variance in reading comprehension than the commonly used measures of the cognitive factors in the CMR. Second, the authors investigated the fitness of a new model, titled the reading efficiency model (REM), which deviates from earlier models regarding how reading is defined. In the study, 780 Norwegian students from Grades 6 and 10 were recruited. Here, hierarchical regression analyses showed that the extended model did not account for more of the variance in reading comprehension than the traditional CMR model (Model 1). In the second part of the study the authors used structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the REM. The results showed that the REM explained an overall larger amount of variance in reading ability, compared to Model 1 and Model 2. This result is probably the result of the new definition of reading applied in the REM. The authors believe their model will more fully reflects students’ differentiated reading skills by including reading fluency in the definition of reading.
Don’t blame the weather! Climate-related natural disasters and civil conflict
Authors: Slettebak Rune T
Published: February 2012

The issue of climate change and security has received much attention in recent years. Still, the results from research on this topic are mixed and the academic community appears to be far from a consensus on how climate change is likely to affect stability and conflict risk in affected countries. This study focuses on how climate-related natural disasters such as storms, floods, and droughts have affected the risk of civil war in the past. The frequency of such disasters has risen sharply over the last decades, and the increase is expected to continue due to both climate change and demographic changes. Using multivariate methods, this study employs a global sample covering 1950 to the present in order to test whether adding climate-related natural disasters to a well-specified model on civil conflict can increase its explanatory power. The results indicate that this is the case, but that the relation is opposite to common perceptions: Countries that are affected by climate-related natural disasters face a lower risk of civil war. One worrying facet of the claims that environmental factors cause conflict is that they may contribute to directing attention away from more important conflict-promoting factors, such as poor governance and poverty. There is a serious risk of misguided policy to prevent civil conflict if the assumption that disasters have a significant effect on war is allowed to overshadow more important causes.
Climate change, rainfall, and social conflict in Africa
Authors: Hendrix Cullen S , Salehyan Idean
Published: February 2012

Much of the debate over the security implications of climate change revolves around whether changing weather patterns will lead to future conflict. This article addresses whether deviations from normal rainfall patterns affect the propensity for individuals and groups to engage in disruptive activities such as demonstrations, riots, strikes, communal conflict, and anti-government violence. In contrast to much of the environmental security literature, it uses a much broader definition of conflict that includes, but is not limited to, organized rebellion. Using a new database of over 6,000 instances of social conflict over 20 years – the Social Conflict in Africa Database (SCAD) – it examines the effect of deviations from normal rainfall patterns on various types of conflict. The results indicate that rainfall variability has a significant effect on both large-scale and smaller-scale instances of political conflict. Rainfall correlates with civil war and insurgency, although wetter years are more likely to suffer from violent events. Extreme deviations in rainfall – particularly dry and wet years – are associated positively with all types of political conflict, though the relationship is strongest with respect to violent events, which are more responsive to abundant than scarce rainfall. By looking at a broader spectrum of social conflict, rather than limiting the analysis to civil war, we demonstrate a robust relationship between environmental shocks and unrest.
African range wars: Climate, conflict, and property rights
Authors: Butler Christopher K , Gates Scott
Published: February 2012

This article examines the effect of climate change on a type of armed conflict that pits pastoralists (cattle herders) against each other (range wars). Such conflicts are typically fought over water rights and/or grazing rights to unfenced/unowned land. The state is rarely involved directly. The rangeland of East Africa is a region particularly vulnerable to drought and livestock diseases associated with climate change. To analyze the possible effects of climate change on pastoral conflict, we focus our analysis on changes in resource availability, contrasting cases of abundance and scarcity. The role of resources is further contextualized by competing notions of property rights, and the role of the state in defining property and associated rights. We employ a contest success function (CSF) game-theoretic model to analyze the logic of range wars. This CSF approach emphasizes the low-level, non-binary nature of raiding behavior between pastoralist groups over limited natural resources. A central contribution of this approach is that the logic of raiding behavior implies a positive relationship between resources and conflict. This positive relationship is supported by several studies of the rangeland of East Africa, but is generally dismissed by the literature on the ‘resource curse’. This relationship is contingent on other factors examined in the model, producing the following results. First, the level of property rights protection provided by the state generally reduces conflict between pastoralist groups. Second, if property rights protection is provided in a biased manner, then conflict between pastoralist groups increases. Third, severe resource asymmetries between two pastoralist groups will induce the poorer group to become bandits (focusing their efforts on raiding and not producing), while the richer group raids in retaliation.
Climate-related natural disasters, economic growth, and armed civil conflict
Authors: Bergholt Drago , Lujala Päivi
Published: February 2012

Global warming is expected to make the climate warmer, wetter, and wilder. It is predicted that such climate change will increase the severity and frequency of climate-related disasters like flash floods, surges, cyclones, and severe storms. This article uses econometric methods to study the consequences of climate-induced natural disasters on economic growth, and how these disasters are linked to the onset of armed civil conflict either directly or via their impact on economic growth. The results show that climate-related natural disasters have a negative effect on growth and that the impact is considerable. The analysis of conflict onset shows that climate-related natural disasters do not increase the risk of armed conflict. This is also true when we instrument the change in GDP growth by climatic disasters. The result is robust to inclusion of country and time fixed effects, different estimation techniques, and various operationalization of the disasters measure, as well as for conflict incidence and war onset. These findings have two major implications: if climate change increases the frequency or makes weather-related natural disasters more severe, it is an economic concern for countries susceptible to these types of hazards. However, our results suggest – based on historical data – that more frequent and severe climate-related disasters will not lead to more armed conflicts through their effects on GDP growth.
Weathering climate change: Can institutions mitigate international water conflict?
Authors: Tir Jaroslav , Stinnett Douglas M
Published: February 2012

Although the subject remains contested, some have speculated that climate change could jeopardize international security. Climate change is likely to alter the runoff of many rivers due to changes in precipitation patterns. At the same time, climate change will likely increase the demand for river water, due to more frequent droughts and greater stress being placed on other sources of water. The resulting strain on transboundary rivers could contribute to international tensions and increase the risk of military conflict. This study nevertheless notes that the propensity for conflicts over water to escalate depends on whether the river in question is governed by a formal agreement. More specifically, the article argues that the ability of river treaties to adapt to the increase in water stress resulting from climate change will depend on their institutional design. It focuses on four specific institutional features: provisions for joint monitoring, conflict resolution, treaty enforcement, and the delegation of authority to intergovernmental organizations. Treaties that contain more of these features are expected to better manage conflicts caused by water stress. This expectation is tested by analyzing historical data on water availability and the occurrence of militarized conflict between signatories of river treaties, 1950–2000. The empirical results reveal that water scarcity does increase the risk of military conflict, but that this risk is offset by institutionalized agreements. These results provide evidence, albeit indirect, that the presence of international institutions can be an important means of adapting to the security consequences of climate change by playing an intervening role between climate change and international conflict.
Whither the weather? Climate change and conflict
Authors: Gleditsch Nils Petter
Published: February 2012

Until recently, most writings on the relationship between climate change and security were highly speculative. The IPCC assessment reports to date offer little if any guidance on this issue and occasionally pay excessive attention to questionable sources. The articles published in this special issue form the largest collection of peer-reviewed writings on the topic to date. The number of such studies remains small compared to those that make up the natural science base of the climate issue, and there is some confusion whether it is the effect of ‘climate’ or ‘weather’ that is being tested. The results of the studies vary, and firm conclusions cannot always be drawn. Nevertheless, research in this area has made considerable progress. More attention is being paid to the specific causal mechanisms linking climate change to conflict, such as changes in rainfall and temperature, natural disasters, and economic growth. Systematic climate data are used in most of the articles and climate projections in some. Several studies are going beyond state-based conflict to look at possible implications for other kinds of violence, such as intercommunal conflict. Overall, the research reported here offers only limited support for viewing climate change as an important influence on armed conflict. However, framing the climate issue as a security problem could possibly influence the perceptions of the actors and contribute to a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Feasibility of a Breath Test for Monitoring Adherence to Vaginal Administration of Antiretroviral Microbicide Gels
Authors: Morey Timothy E. , Wasdo Scott , Wishin Judith , Quinn Brian , van der Straten Ariane , Booth Matthew , Gonzalez Daniel , Derendorf Hartmut , Melker Richard J. , Dennis Donn M.
Published: February 2012

Adherence to microbicide gel use is critical to optimizing effectiveness in preventing human immunodeficiency virus transmission. The authors hypothesized that ester taggants added to vaginal gels would generate exhaled alcohol and ketone metabolites and provide a “breath test” for vaginal gel use. This 2‐arm (vaginal and dermal), randomized, participant‐blinded, pilot study tested this hypothesis. On 8 visits, healthy women (n = 8) received intravaginal taggant (2‐butyl acetate, 2‐pentyl acetate, isopropyl butyrate, or 2‐pentyl butyrate; 30 mg) formulated in hydroxyethylcellulose or tenofovir placebo gel. A second group (n = 4) of women received the same formulations administered dermally on the forearm to determine if skin administration might confound the system. Breath samples were collected using bags before and after taggant administration for 1 hour. Samples were measured using a miniature gas chromatograph and/or gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy for ester taggant, alcohol, and ketone concentrations. After vaginal administration, 2‐butyl acetate, 2‐pentyl acetate, and metabolites were observed in breath, whereas isopropyl butyrate, 2‐pentyl butyrate, and metabolites were not. Some women reported self‐resolving, mild burning (24/64 visits) with vaginal administration or a “bubblegum” taste (7/64 visits). No taggants or metabolites were detected following dermal application. A “breath test” for adherence to antiretroviral vaginal gel application appears physiologically and technically feasible.
Producing a Radio Show About Psychological Science
Authors: Stark Emily , Sachau Daniel , Albertson Dawn N.
Published: February 2012

The authors describe the development of a campus-based radio show about psychological science. The authors’ goals in creating the show were to inform the public about the science of psychology and to create a teaching and learning resource for faculty members and students. The show, Psychological Frontiers, airs twice a week and consists of 2-minute summaries of research and theory. Issues related to show format, medium, and script writing are discussed. The authors also present ways in which they have used this show as an activity in their courses as well as for faculty development.
The Perceived Relevance and Efficacy of a Graduate School Journal Among Graduate Faculty and Training Directors
Authors: Doran Jennifer M. , Antonius Daniel , Brown Adam D. , Kriss Alexander , Lehr Evangeline Y. C. , Evans Jason , Steele Howard
Published: February 2012

A total of 35 psychology department members from 21 universities assessed the relevance and efficacy of the New School Psychology Bulletin (NSPB), a graduate student journal, to training in psychology. Overall, a small sample of psychology department members viewed NSPB as an effective vehicle for student training. Perceptions among faculty were less favorable than previous research demonstrated with a student sample. The majority of respondents reported that students in their programs learn about manuscript preparation but noted that 50% or fewer students actually publish in peer-reviewed journals during graduate school. This suggests that although faculty members perceive that their students are adequately trained in this domain, a large number of students are not putting these skills into practice by submitting manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals.
Screencast Tutorials Enhance Student Learning of Statistics
Authors: Lloyd Steven A. , Robertson Chuck L.
Published: February 2012

Although the use of computer-assisted instruction has rapidly increased, there is little empirical research evaluating these technologies, specifically within the context of teaching statistics. The authors assessed the effect of screencast tutorials on learning outcomes, including statistical knowledge, application, and interpretation. Students from four sections of a psychology course in statistics were randomly assigned to a control text tutorial or an experimental video tutorial group and were tasked with completing a novel statistics problem. Previous math experience, math and computer anxiety, and course grades were also controlled. The results demonstrate that screencast tutorials are an effective and efficient tool for enhancing student learning, especially for higher order conceptual statistical knowledge compared to traditional instructional techniques.
Learning Times Two
Authors: Sharon Tanya
Published: February 2012

This article describes an innovative lab course in which students designed and constructed five developmentally (and locally) appropriate museum exhibits around the theme “Healthy Living.” They installed these at a local children’s museum, designed a pretest/posttest to assess children’s learning from the exhibit, conducted children through the exhibit and the assessment, analyzed the data, and wrote up their results: The exhibits were effective in increasing children’s knowledge. A content analysis of essays by the student researchers, reflecting on what they had learned from the project, revealed learning at multiple levels, from content knowledge to increased self-understanding, perspective taking, and sense of efficacy, and further suggests that students would enjoy and strongly benefit from similar projects. Lessons and suggestions for future undertakings are offered.
Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Physician Work Force Issues
Authors: Kim Jin Suk C. , Cooper Richard A. , Kennedy David W.
Published: February 2012

Objective

To predict future trends in the otolaryngology workforce and propose solutions to correct the identified discrepancies between supply and demand.

Study Design

Economic modeling and analysis.

Setting

Data sets at national medical and economic organizations.

Subjects and Methods

Based on current American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, American Medical Association, and National Residency Matching Program data sets, population census data, and historical physician growth demand curves, the future otolaryngology workforce supply and demand were modeled. Adjustments were made for projected increases in mid‐level providers, increased insurance coverage, and the potential effects of lifestyle preferences.

Results

There are currently approximately 8600 otolaryngologists in the United States. Estimated demand by 2025 is 11,127 based on projected population growth and anticipated increase in insurance coverage. With an average retirement age of 65 years and no increase in PGY‐1 positions for the specialty, the number of otolaryngologists in 2025 will be approximately 2500 short of projected demand. This shortfall will not be adequately compensated by mid‐level providers performing less intensive services and may be increased by lifestyle preferences and changing demographics among medical students and residents. The current geographic maldistribution of otolaryngologists is likely to be exacerbated.

Conclusion

The specialty needs to actively plan for the coming otolaryngologist shortage and train mid‐level providers within the specialty. Failure to plan appropriately may result in a reduction in scope of practice of high‐intensity services, which will likely remain a physician prerogative. Given the limited likelihood of a significant increase in residency slots, strong consideration should be given to shortening the base otolaryngology training program length.
Commentary on “Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Physician Workforce Issues An Analysis for Future Specialty Planning” by Kim, Cooper, and Kennedy
Authors: Pryor Shannon P. , Brodsky Linda , Chandrasekhar Sujana S. , Zaretsky Lauren , Taylor Duane J. , Yaremchuk Kathleen L. , Pillsbury Harold C.
Published: February 2012

An impending physician shortage has been projected. The article by Kim, Cooper, and Kennedy, titled “Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Physician Workforce Issues: An Analysis for Future Specialty Planning,” is an attempt to evaluate and address this potential shortage as it applies to otolaryngology. The authors of this comment have concerns about the article’s assumptions, design, and recommendations. Kim et al attempt to extrapolate data from other specialties and other countries to the US otolaryngology workforce, use that data in modeling methods without demonstrated validity, and based on their analysis, they recommend drastic changes to otolaryngologic training and practice in the United States. Particularly troublesome are (1) the emphasis placed on gender and part‐time work and (2) the measurement of productivity defined as hours worked per week. Before redefining our specialty, more thorough and systematic data acquisition and review are necessary to meet the needs of our patients now and in the future.
Topical Steroid for Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Polyps
Authors: Burton Martin J. , Ryan Matthew W. , Rosenfeld Richard M.
Published: February 2012

The “Cochrane Corner” is a quarterly section in the Journal that highlights systematic reviews relevant to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, with invited commentary to aid clinical decision making. This installment features a Cochrane Review, titled “Topical Steroid for Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Polyps,” that finds good evidence to support therapeutic benefits with no increase in adverse events compared with placebo controls.
Ginkgo biloba and Angelica archangelica bring back an impartial hepatic apoptotic to anti-apoptotic protein ratio after exposure to technetium 99mTc
Authors: Raafat Bassem M , Saleh Ahmed , Shafaa Medhat W , Khedr Mahmoud , Ghafaar Amany A
Published: February 2012

Purpose: The aim of this study was to study the effect of ionizing radiation on apoptosis-related protein concentrations as well as the radio-protective role of Ginkgo biloba and Angelica archangelica. The experiments were performed on 68 adult Wistar rats weighing 175 g (±10 g). Animals were subdivided into control group in which the animals received neither the protector nor the isotopes. The second group represents the animals that received 1 mCi of 99mTc only. The third group represents the animals that received A. archangelica for 7 days. The fourth group represents the animals that received G. biloba for 7 days. The fifth group represents the animals that received 1 mCi of 99mTc once after receiving A. archangelica for 7 days. The sixth group represents the animals that received mCi of 99mTc once after receiving G. biloba for 7 days. Radiation was administered as intravenous injection by 1 mCi of 99mTc with the legend methoxyisobutylisonitrile for 24 h. The concentration of p53, Bcl2 and malondialdehyde in liver as well as histopathological examination of liver cells were carried out. Results showed that apoptotic to anti-apoptotic protein ratio significantly ( p < 0.05) returned to its normal ratio when radioisotopic injection was administered after the protection period for a week by both A. archangelica and G. biloba in a dose based on the animal body weight. Electron microscope photographing supported this finding. Conclusion: It was concluded that both antioxidants can be used as radio-protective agents in cases of ionizing radiation exposure.
Discourse in the shadows: Discursive construction and the Northern Ireland Assembly
Authors: Wilson John , Stapleton Karyn
Published: February 2012

Parliamentary discourse (PD) is shaped by pre-defined rules, which may be strategically transgressed to achieve political goals. Here, we examine a relatively unique form of PD, the discourse of the ‘Shadow Assembly’, which was tasked with establishing the procedures of the new Northern Ireland Assembly (1998). Using a discursive constructionist perspective, which emphasizes the intersection between social theory and sociolinguistics, we examine how Members of the Assembly vie to discursively establish the fundamental parameters of political behaviour within the Assembly. These included address terms, speaking rights and, indeed, which language members should speak. Hence, we have a rare opportunity to examine how discursive construction mediates the future forms of interactional limits and constraints. In particular, we consider PD in a context where the rules are not pre-established and there is, moreover, a strong history of socio-political conflict. We also consider the role of culture in shaping and constituting PD.
Forging a Revolutionary Army: The All-Russian Military Union in 1917
Authors: Rendle Matthew
Published: February 2012

The Russian military was deeply divided after the February Revolution of 1917, but if Russia was to emerge victorious from the First World War, it needed to forge a unified revolutionary army. This article examines the only serious attempt to foster unity, the All-Russian Military Union. While the union was not successful, a study of its activities emphasizes that divisions existed within social groups in the military as well as between them, which were exacerbated by the authorities. It also sheds light on the role of unions in the military and across Russia in 1917.
Stress of conscience among staff caring for older persons in Finland
Authors: Saarnio Reetta , Sarvimäki Anneli , Laukkala Helena , Isola Arja
Published: February 2012

Caring for older persons is both rewarding and consuming. Work with older people in Finland has been shown to be more burdensome than in the other Nordic countries. The aim of this study was to try out a Finnish version of the Stress of Conscience Questionnaire (SCQ) and explore stress of conscience in staff caring for older persons in Finland. The data were collected from the nursing staff ( n = 350) working with older people in health centre wards, municipal and private nursing homes, and municipal and private dementia care units in Finland. It emerged clearly from the results that Finnish nursing staff mostly felt that they did not have enough time to provide good care to patients, and this gave them a troubled conscience. They also felt that the demanding work taxed their energy, a consequence being that they could not give their own families and loved ones the attention they would have liked.
The Influence of Marianismo Beliefs on Physical Activity of Immigrant Latinas
Authors: D’Alonzo Karen T.
Published: February 2012

Purpose: To verify and explicate the impact of marianismo beliefs on the physical activity behaviors of immigrant Latinas. Design/Method: Twenty-eight immigrant Latinas, aged 18 to 40 years, were recruited to participate in two focus group interviews. Data collection and analysis were driven by Spradley’s Developmental Research Sequence. Results: Two domain terms were identified: “Life is too fast here” and “The woman is the center of the family.” Six included terms and five cultural themes were specified. Discussion/Conclusions: A combination of marianismo beliefs, acculturation stress, loss of social support, and conflicts between collectivist and individualist values combine to adversely influence physical activity behaviors of immigrant Latinas. Implications for Practice: Physical activity interventions for Hispanic women should capitalize on the strengths of the marianista, address factors leading to acculturation stress among women and their families, and establish bridges of social support among new groups of immigrants.
The Relationship Between Acculturation and General Health of Arab Americans
Authors: Jadalla Ahlam , Lee Jerry
Published: February 2012

Purpose: To determine the relationship between acculturation and health status among Arab Americans in southern California. Design: A cross-sectional survey with 297 adult Arab Americans used (a) a demographic and health survey, SF-36 Version-1, to assess physical and mental health and (b) the Acculturation Rating Scale for Arab Americans-II to assess acculturation. Findings: Participants reported significantly better physical health and worse mental health compared to the published norm for the 1998 U.S. population. Better physical health was associated with demographic factors and bicultural identification; better mental health was associated with attraction to American culture. Attraction to American culture predicted alcohol use, whereas attraction to Arabic culture predicted cigarette smoking. Conclusion: Different patterns of association existed between acculturation and physical and mental health among Arab Americans. Implications for Practice: Findings suggest that acculturation is an important factor to consider in the well-being of Arab Americans, especially in their mental health.
View updates and constraint validations in collaborative design environments
Authors: Yoo Sang B , Kim Ki C , Yoo Hyeong S
Published: February 2012

In collaborative designs that are either intracompany or intercompany, data security and integrity validation are two major concerns. Even though design views can be used effectively for access controls, view updates may cause violation of integrity constraints defined for the base designs. This article focuses on the validation of integrity constraints after view updates. Following standard for the exchange of product model data methodologies, information model is defined by EXPRESS and views are defined by EXPRESS-X. Shared design data are stored in a relational database system (e.g. Oracle 11g XE). The integrity constraints defined in EXPRESS schema are translated into UNIQUE and CHECK and triggers in SQL. Then, they are automatically validated after view updates. Because the paradigm presented in this article is based on open standards such as EXPRESS, EXPRESS-X, and SQL, it is independent from any proprietary system and suitable for collaborative design environments that consist of heterogeneous systems.
Connecting to Constituents
Authors: Esterling Kevin M. , Lazer David M. J. , Neblo Michael A.
Published: February 2012

Legislative websites are increasingly important in the practice of representation. Since adapting old practices to new technology entails uncertainty, the authors expect legislative offices to learn website representation practices from each other. Using data from the 2006 and 2007 official home pages of members of the U.S. House of Representatives, the authors find that web design practices regarding the content of legislative websites diffuse within state delegations, that is, among members hailing from the same state, but the underlying website technologies do not. These results suggest the continued importance, even in the online world, of state delegations in congressional representation.
Demanding Times for Durable Medical Equipment Companies
Authors: Murphy Wayne Alan
Published: February 2012

These are challenging times for DMEPOS organizations. They are currently approaching the time of competitive bidding for the majority of the Medicare beneficiary population of the United States. To provide Medicare products and services as well as submit a bid for competitive bidding, the companies must maintain accreditation and meet the supplier and quality standards as established by Medicare.
Communicative Perspective-Taking Performance of Adults With ADHD Symptoms
Authors: Nilsen Elizabeth S. , Mewhort Buist Tracy Anne , Gillis Randall , Fugelsang Jonathan
Published: February 2012

Objective: The ability to take the perspective of one’s conversational partner is essential for successful communication. Given the significant cognitive and attention resources required to use another’s perspective, the authors assessed whether adults who report symptoms of ADHD would have difficulty using their conversational partner’s visual perspective to guide their interpretations. Method: Adults with high (clinical range) or low (nonclinical range) self-reported ADHD symptoms participated in a communication task that required perspective-taking. Results: Eye movement measures revealed that individuals with high ADHD symptoms fixated on objects obscured from their partners’ view more often than did those participants with low ADHD symptoms, and the degree to which this “egocentric” object was considered correlated with the degree of inattention symptoms. However, overt behavior (object choice) was not impacted by ADHD symptomatology. Conclusion: Individuals with high levels of ADHD symptoms, especially inattention, are less efficient in their ability to use another’s perspective during conversation.
Keeping it real
Authors: Popat Sita
Published: February 2012

This article employs the writings of early 20th-century phenomenologists to examine physical/virtual dualism a century later. It considers the nature of embodied experience in mixed reality environments through an analysis of the author’s encounter with an art installation. The article reflects on post-Cartesian approaches to the body and new media, noting the resistance of the language of philosophy to the articulation of mixed reality as a concept. If the language of the field constructs dualism, and the cyborgian unitization of human/technology invokes responses of horror or pity, are we prepared socially or culturally to inhabit mixed reality environments as embodied beings?
Selling the selling point
Authors: Plesner Ursula , Horst Maja
Published: February 2012

This article explores how virtual worlds are rhetorically constructed as obvious, innovative spaces for communication about architecture. It is argued that the marketization of an innovative use of new media platforms happens in early phases of the innovation processes, and the success of new media technologies such as virtual worlds hinges on the creation of expectations, which are intertwined with the discursive construction of future users. Drawing on the sociology of expectations and the sociology of technology, the article argues that the configuration of expected users is a central part of the communication about the innovation. It is demonstrated that the creation of markets does not begin when innovations such as Virtual Worlds Architecture are settled, but is intertwined with early expectations about their promises and limitations. Rather than seeing virtual worlds as settled and secluded sites for social and cultural innovation in themselves, we have examined how actors involved with them try to sell them as such. A crucial challenge for these actors turns out to be the interpretative flexibility of the innovation, since arguments designed to attract one kind of expected user might problematize the configuration of other types of users.
Animated war
Authors: Frølunde Lisbeth
Published: February 2012

In this feature article two DIY (do-it-yourself) film projects are examined from perspectives of resemiosis (transformations in meaning-making) and the textual production practices of contemporary multimedia authorship. These practices are considered as evolving in a complex media ecology. The two films analysed are Gzim Rewind (Sweden, 2011) by Knutte Wester, and In-World War (USA, expected 2011) by DJ Bad Vegan. The films are currently in production and involve many collaborators. Both films have themes of war and include film scenes that are ‘machinima’ – real-time animation made in 3D graphic environments – within live action film scenes. Machinima harnesses the possibilities of reappropriating digital software, game engines, and other tools available in digital media. War-related stories are resemiotized in the machinima film scenes as meanings are transformed in the story’s shift from a war game context to a film context. Thus machinima exemplifies how DIY multimedia storytellers explore new ways to tell and to ‘animate’ stories. The article contains four parts: an introduction to machinima and the notions of resemiosis and authorial practice; a presentation of DIY filmmaking as a practice that intertwines with new networked economics; an analysis of the two DIY film projects; and a discussion of implications including issues relating to IP (intellectual property) and copyrights when reappropriating digital assets from commercial media platforms.
Effect of various metallic salts on antibacterial activity and physical properties of cotton fabrics
Authors: Ghoranneviss M , Shahidi S
Published: February 2012

In this research work, the antibacterial activity of inoculated cotton fabric in various metallic salts was investigated. Copper chloride, nickel nitrate, silver nitrate, cobalt oxide, antimony oxide, titanium oxide and tin chloride were used as metallic salts. Very good antibacterial activity for silver-, copper-, nickel- and cobalt-treated fabrics were achieved, however, the effect of titanium and tin on antibacterial efficiency of cotton fabrics was moderate. The scanning electron microscope was used for morphological study. Also, the crystallinity and size of crystals for inoculated and untreated samples were studied by using X-ray diffraction method. The results are truly discussed in full paper.
Interaction of Aging and Exercise on the Cardiovascular System of Healthy Adults
Authors: Leon Arthur S.
Published: February 2012

Following physical maturity, all body functions inevitably progressively decline with aging; however, there is a great deal of variability in the rate of decline and the associated development of significant functional impairments. Both genetic and lifestyle factors, including physical activity habits, contribute to this variability in physiological changes, as well as to the associated risk of chronic degenerative diseases. The effect of healthy natural aging on functional capacity and its related cardiovascular and respiratory contributors has primarily been studied by cross-sectional and, less frequently, by longitudinal studies. In these studies, physically active men and women at all ages were observed to have a superior functional capacity, as well as a lower rate of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, as compared with matched sedentary individuals. In addition, a limited number of studies, involving healthy elderly men and women, have demonstrated that moderate-to-vigorous exercise training can substantially improve functional capacity and modify many of the age-related cardiovascular changes. The purpose of this article is to review the effects of natural or so-called primary or eugeric aging on the cardiovascular system and associated functional capacity and the extent of modification of these changes by regular exercise.
Lessening Chemotherapy Side Effects With Lifestyle Medicine
Authors: Lenz Thomas L.
Published: February 2012

An estimated 1.5 million Americans were newly diagnosed with cancer in 2011. Chemotherapy medications are a common and effective treatment modality for many types of cancers. However, the side effects of many chemotherapy agents are debilitating and negatively affect the quality of life of the individuals receiving the treatment. Several options are available that can help lessen the severity of chemotherapy side effects, some of which are lifestyle medicine related. This review article provides details about lifestyle medicine strategies such as proper nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress reduction, and hydration in the context of mitigating some of the most common side effects related to chemotherapy treatment.
Revision of Failed Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation Procedure for Chronic Talus Osteochondral Lesion With Iliac Crest Graft and Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis
Authors: Wiewiorski Martin , Miska Matthias , Nicolas Guillaume , Valderrabano Victor
Published: February 2012

This article describes a novel technique for treatment of recurrent large osteochondral lesions of the talus using autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis with a collagen I/III matrix.

Level of evidence: Therapeutic level IV
Cuff Leak Tests at the Time of Extubation Correlate With Voice Quality Assessment
Authors: Radhi Saba , Guerra Diana , Alalawi Raed , Raj Rishi , Nugent Kenneth
Published: February 2012

Background. Endotracheal intubation frequently causes laryngeal injury, including edema, ulceration, and vocal cord immobility. These problems can complicate the immediate postextubation course. Methods. The authors measured the cuff leak and made bedside assessment of the voice in 51 patients requiring mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure. Results. The median tidal volume was 450 mL (range = 300-600 mL). The median duration of ventilation was 3 days (range = 0-19 days). The median cuff leak was 180 mL (range = −33 to 460 mL); the median percentage cuff leak was 40.9% (range = −7.75% to 99.2%). Women had significantly smaller cuff leaks (18.6% of tidal volume vs 50.3% in men, P = .01). Patients with hoarseness frequently had smaller cuff leaks (median 24.1% vs. 46.7% in nonhoarse patients). Eleven patients (84.6%, 11/13) with a cuff leak <15% had hoarseness; 14 patients (14/38) with a cuff leak >15% had hoarseness ( P = .01). Four patients had stridor, and all had a cuff leak >15% of the tidal volume. Conclusion. Patients with low cuff leak volumes are more likely to have postextubation hoarseness. This suggests that these patients have some degree of laryngeal injury and/or edema even in the absence of stridor.