bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Alcoholics Anonymous as Part of Medical School Education: Students’ and Educators’ Perspectives
Authors: Stack Kathleen Marie , Fore Arcand Lisa G. , Briscoe Greg
Published: September 2012

The objective of this study was to discover the utility, barriers, and experiences with the use of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a learning resource in the medical school curriculum. A third-year medical student cohort and a psychiatric educator group were queried about learned experiential lessons, attendance requirements, attitudes, and obstacles encountered. Forty-three educators, whose familiarity with AA varied widely, responded to the survey. Forty-seven percent required AA attendance and reported it was a positive experience for their students. Eighty-four percent felt students should attend AA and identified obstacles to its implementation. Separately, descriptive impressions of students ( N = 95) who attended AA meetings were collected. Their responses were positive 46%, neutral 43%, or negative 11%. Respondents found AA meeting experiences generally positive, and although impediments to implementation of this experience still exist, they may be overcome with concerted efforts of psychiatric educators.
Secular Trends in Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder and Its Correlates in Korean Adults: Results from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 and 2009
Authors: Park Seung Ha , Kim Chang Hoon , Kim Dong Joon , Suk Ki Tae , Park Ha Young , Lee Jung Goo , Shin Kyong Jin , Park Jong Ha , Kim Tae Oh , Yang Sung Yeun , Moon Young Soo , Lee Heon Young
Published: September 2012

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) has been found to provide an accurate measure for risk of hazardous and harmful alcohol use, as well as possible dependence. Data from 2 representative samples of 7693 adults in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2005 and 6276 participants in 2009 were analyzed. The overall age-adjusted prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2009 (38.8%) was higher than that in 2005 (32.7%), with a difference of 6.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.9%–9.3%; P = .0002). Men were about 7 times as likely as women to meet the criteria for AUD (odds ratio [OR] = 7.16; 95% CI, 6.27–8.17). Current smoking was the most important correlate associated with AUD in both genders (women: OR = 6.03; 95% CI, 4.40–8.27; men: OR = 2.83; 95% CI, 2.29–3.48). Among women, unmarried (OR = 1.76; 95% CI, 1.35–2.31), less than high school education (OR = 2.71, 95% CI, 1.86–3.96), and lowest income (OR = 1.45, 95% CI, 1.06–1.97) were associated with AUD. These findings provide the most updated prevalence estimates of AUD in the Korean population and they highlight its strong association with smoking, gender differences, and lower socioeconomic status in the Korean population.
Is Baclofen a Revolutionary Medication in Alcohol Addiction Management? Review and Recent Updates
Authors: Gorsane Mohamed-Ali , Kebir Oussama , Hache Guillaume , Blecha Lisa , Aubin Henri-Jean , Reynaud Michel , Benyamina Amine
Published: September 2012

Baclofen, a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-B receptor agonist, represents a promising drug in alcohol addiction management. Animal models have shown its action at various stages of the process of alcohol addiction. Moreover, initial open and randomized controlled trials have shown the efficacy of 30 mg/day baclofen on alcohol craving, intake, and relapse prevention. It may also decrease alcohol withdrawal symptoms. However, these initial studies were conducted by the same Italian team; 2 American studies, using a different methodology, did not confirm these effects. Following recent reports by an alcohol-dependent French physician who treated himself with high doses (120–270 mg/day), claiming prolonged suppression of alcohol craving and absence of dependence symptoms, baclofen has since received wide media exposure in France where it has been called “the treatment for alcoholism.” An open-label French study supports these findings. In addition, baclofen seems to be particularly interesting because of its safety and tolerance, even in patients with cirrhosis. Thus, baclofen should benefit from further studies of its biobehavioral mechanisms, dose-response effect, and indications in various alcoholic patient profiles.
Meta‐attitudes and the local formation of consumer judgments towards genetically modified food
Authors: Costa‐Font Montserrat , Gil José M.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

In explaining the mechanisms that explicate individuals' acceptance of genetically modified (GM) food, one mechanism that has been largely ignored in the growing body of current research lies in the influence of “meta (wider) attitudes” such as the general attitudes towards science. This article, drawing on survey evidence from Spain, aims to examine the causal relationship between attitudes towards science and attitudes towards GM food.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs structural equation modeling and explores this association by using sub‐samples made of regional groups that have GM agriculture.

Findings

The results suggest specific behavioral mechanisms in explaining GM consumer attitudes involving attitudes towards science whilst medical and food applications appear to have no (or mild) significant connection in the formation of attitudes towards GM food. Significant influence from age and previously characterized attitude in the formation of structural models is found.

Practical implications

The article has implications for a better understanding of the behavioral mechanisms behind the acceptance of GM food.

Originality/value

This article puts forward several hypotheses on the influence of general meta‐attitudes (towards science and technology) underpinning behavioral explanations for consumer judgments of acceptance towards GM food.
Organizational justice and performance: is appraisal fair?
Authors: Rowland Caroline Ann , Hall Roger David
Published: September 2012

Purpose

In a changing economic climate, characterised by pressures to improve productivity and reduce costs, performance management has a more central role in helping to ensure competitive advantage. Appraisals have become an almost universal feature of modern organizations and it is essential that they are perceived as fair if they are to bring about commitment to discretionary effort, which is increasingly a key feature in gaining competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to examine the outcomes and processes of performance appraisal through the concept of organizational justice.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the concept of organizational justice to explore the outcomes, procedures and implementation of appraisal in contemporary organizations. It draws on a range of theoretical frameworks from both philosophy and social science, examines current practices and experiences and looks at future trends. Empirical research includes a ten‐year longitudinal study of practising managers and ethnography, questionnaires and interviews.

Research limitations/implications

The authors conclude that appraisal frequently creates both actual and perceived injustice in organizations and a tension between managing performance and encouraging engagement, which is dependent on perceptions of fairness. The authors place appraisal within a framework of organizational justice and encourage further research into areas of organizational effectiveness.

Originality/value

The research clearly indicates that both managers and employees see a potential for appraisal, which is rarely achieved in practice. It opens up a dialogue linking the performance agenda with issues of development, motivation and perceptions of justice in the search for models of competitive advantage. This research also confirms the findings of others, most significantly in terms of reinforcing perceptions of dishonesty, mistrust, inequity and managerialism.
Clash of the e‐commerce titans
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Eidem Jessica , Noriega Perdomo Diana
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The motivation for this paper arises from the evolution of the e‐commerce which has provided new means for retailers to serve customers. Pure e‐tailers and clicks‐and‐mortars are two business models of this new paradigm. It aims to study the particularities of pure e‐tailer (Amazon.com) and clicks‐and‐mortars (Walmart) with special focus on their dot com supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Strengths, weaknesses, oppositions, threats (SWOT), the Five Forces Model and Financial Performance Metrics analyses were used to draw comparisons and contrasts between Walmart.com and Amazon.com supply chains.

Findings

The paper finds that both companies serve their customers effectively through their efficient supply chains; however, due to the infancy of e‐commerce, both business models still face important challenges.

Originality/value

Amazon.com and Walmart.com have different supply chain models, as well as, strengths and weaknesses. They both face the same opportunities and threats as the e‐commerce industry grows rapidly. Analysis shows how lessons from one business entity can be applied to the other in order to bring even more efficiencies to both e‐tailers’ and clicks and mortars’ supply chains.
The Healthy Lifeworks Project: the role of organisational health in the personal health of employees
Authors: Smith Steven , Makrides Lydia , Schryer Lebel Francis , Allt Jane , Montgomerie Duff , Farquharson Jane , MacDonald M.J. , Szpilfogel Claudine
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to present the results of a three‐year comprehensive workplace initiative which provided an unprecedented opportunity to explore the potential relationship between organisational health, stress, and health outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 325 employees participating in a comprehensive workplace wellness intervention taking place in a large governmental organisation. Organisational health was measured using a 16‐item measure of organisational health indicators and a four‐item measure of health culture. Personal health outcomes were assessed using 12 indicators: personal wellness profile, health age, blood pressure, nutrition, fat intake, fibre intake, alcohol use, fitness, smoking status, cancer risk, stress, and good health practices.

Findings

Analyses indicated that after controlling for gender and age, organisational health was associated with increased personal wellness, lower health age, better overall nutrition, reduced fat intake, increased fibre intake, reduced alcohol consumption, increased fitness, reduced cancer risk, lower stress, and more positive health practices. For several outcome measures, organisational health had a stronger impact on personal health for men. Personal health of correctional workers and youth workers was most influenced by organisational health. Finally, stress mediated the relationship between organisational health and health outcomes for all measures of wellness except for alcohol consumption.

Originality/value

Organisational health is often overlooked by employers when considering the personal health of employees. Interventions aimed at influencing organisational health (generally considered a low cost intervention) can have beneficial influences on personal health.
External and internal quality audits in higher education
Authors: Kettunen Juha
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the maintenance of the process‐based quality assurance system in a higher education institution.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces the process management as the essential element of quality assurance in higher education and discusses the external quality audit of the quality assurance agency, extends the study to the quality management between the external audits and presents the procedure of internal quality audits. Finally, the results of the study are discussed and summarised. Action research methodology was adopted in this study. The paper shows that the process‐based quality assurance system makes the organisation responsive, agile and enables the achievement of strategic objectives.

Findings

The audit group must first evaluate the necessary improvements in the process. If no improvements are found, the quality deviations must be reported. The audit helps the institution take corrective actions to amend the process descriptions or maintain the processes.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the necessary processes of a higher education institution can be systematically described and audited.
Female entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Yousuf Danish Abeer , Lawton Smith Helen
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges facing female entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on secondary data on the context to women's entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia, and on Brush et al.'s 5M framework to analyse the results of a survey of 33 Saudi women entrepreneurs in Jeddah in a variety of commercial sectors. The sample consists of female entrepreneurs who are already in business or in the process of establishing one, and who operate from a dedicated business premises away from home. In particular the study investigated the challenges and constraints faced, and the support and opportunities available for these female entrepreneurs.

Findings

It was found that female entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia are now establishing and managing more small and medium sized entities than at any time in the past and this trend is growing. This is in spite of significant challenges, both societal and institutional.

Practical implications

The research suggests a number of ways in which institutions of state and trade – which often act as barriers to women practically running a business – could be overcome. These include provision of resources, training and mentoring, and eliminating some of the administrative procedures which require male representation in the establishment and financing female entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The paper presents original research on the growing phenomenon of female entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia. It positions explanations for this trend in the macro and micro economic context and in conceptualisations of female entrepreneurship.
A reflection on the origins of the Women's Enterprise Policy Group
Authors: Brierton Jackie , Bennett Dinah
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This is a short article on the origins of the Women's Enterprise Policy Group in the UK. The purpose of the article is to illustrate the need for a historical context for policy development on key issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on the authors' practical experience and knowledge of the women's entrepreneurship policy context in the UK.

Findings

The coherence of the Women's Enterprise Policy Group, in both its membership and agenda, comes from a shared experience of enterprise policy development over a period of 15 years in the UK.

Originality/value

The value of this article is to highlight the importance of historical context in policy development and to introduce and share the work of the Women's Enterprise Policy Group.
Forecasting hotel room demand using search engine data
Authors: Pan Bing , Chenguang Wu Doris , Song Haiyan
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the usefulness of search query volume data in forecasting demand for hotel rooms and identify the best econometric forecasting model.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used search volume data on five related queries to predict demand for hotel rooms in a specific tourist city and employed three ARMA family models and their ARMAX counterparts to evaluate the usefulness of these data. The authors also evaluated three widely used causal econometric models – ADL, TVP, and VAR – for comparison.

Findings

All three ARMAX models consistently outperformed their ARMA counterparts, validating the value of search volume data in facilitating the accurate prediction of demand for hotel rooms. When the three causal econometric models were included for forecasting competition, the ARX model produced the most accurate forecasts, suggesting its usefulness in forecasting demand for hotel rooms.

Research limitations/implications

To demonstrate the usefulness of this data type, the authors focused on one tourist city with five specific tourist‐related queries. Future studies could focus on other aspects of tourist consumption and on more destinations, using a larger number of queries to increase accuracy.

Practical implications

Search volume data are an early indicator of travelers' interest and could be used to predict various types of tourist consumption and activities, such as hotel occupancy, spending, and event attendance.

Originality/value

The paper's findings validate the value of search query volume data in predicting hotel room demand, and the paper is the first of its kind in the field of tourism and hospitality research.
Is “not‐real” price lawful?
Authors: Siswantoro Dodik
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss some unique phenomena on Islamic fixed (sukuk) mutual fund price during financial global crisis in Indonesia. It aims to show that the sukuk mutual fund did not adopt the actual price of sukuk which may contradict Islamic teaching with regards to transparency and could cause investors to make wrong decisions. In addition the paper also aims to analyse correlation analysis, dependency of sukuk price to conventional bond and proposed recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies benchmarking graph analysis, Pearson correlation as well as Correlogram Granger Causality test and Response to Cholesky. To show that sukuk did not adopt the actual price, benchmarking analysis and correlation analysis were conducted as additional tools.

Findings

The paper finds that the sukuk price movements were affected by the conventional bond and have a strong correlation, while the Islamic fixed mutual fund did not apply the actual price, which was unstabler. This has caused the fund to remain in a steadily increasing trend and stable; in addition, this has brought about good performance which actually did not show the real price.

Practical implications

This research is practically of benefit because it helps to show the correlation of price movement in sukuk and conventional bond. Fund managers should be transparent in marking the real price and prudent in managing the liquid reserve of the sukuk mutual fund.

Originality/value

This case may only occur in Indonesia as decreasing price of stocks and bonds in the USA has habitually caused the same to be seen as very expensive in some countries. Thus, bond price in Indonesia was affected significantly; this was actually caused by panic action. Foreign investors withdrew their funds because of liquidity and currency depreciation. On the other hand, an Islamic market that might be based on a conventional system was indirectly affected with benchmarking price problems. Sukuk mutual fund performance would look nice and stable as it did not adopt the actual price, this could mislead the performance analysis of the fund.
Post‐combat adjustment: understanding transition
Authors: Verey Anna , Smith Peter K.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Research into the difficulties of post‐combat service personnel adjusting to civilian society has largely focussed on quantifiable symptoms including post combat stress disorder. This paper aims to present qualitative data on experiences of military personnel who have served in combat, concentrating on how events in combat impacted on their subsequent transition back to the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors asked participants to focus on stressful experiences in combat and their ensuing experiences of work, family relationships, civilian society and emotional health. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 15 military personnel who had returned from active combat. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Six major themes were found: the importance of being part of a group – this provided collective identity, as well as providing a context for legalised violent behaviour; shared experience – personnel prefer to seek support from individuals with similar experiences; help‐seeking – personnel prefer to seek help from friends as opposed to professionals; professionalism and emotional processing – the “macho” approaches in the military may prevent real help‐seeking and emotional disclosure; relationships and family – there were adjustments to be made in regard to personal relationships; civilian society – participants found civilian society to be lacking in real challenge and some engaged in risk‐taking behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by the small sample, mainly with commissioned officers.

Practical implications

It would be of benefit to service personnel if those in helping professions who are working with them, also had experience of combat. Pre‐combat training and post‐combat debriefing may assist smoother transitions. Family counselling may be of benefit for personnel and their families.

Originality/value

The research provides new and important insights into the difficulties facing personnel returning from stressful combat situations, and how they may best be helped.
Altered Expression of Succinic Dehydrogenase in Asthenozoospermia Infertile Male
Authors: Tomar Rashmi , Mishra Ashwini K. , Mohanty Nayan K. , Jain Arun K.
Published: September 2012

Problem

There is a possibility that mitochondrial respiration defects may contribute to asthenozoospermia.

Method of study

Immunocytochemical detection was used to localize succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) in the head and mid‐piece of spermatozoa by fluorescent microscope.

Results

The study revealed dispersed SDH activity in the semen of asthenozoospermic subjects in comparison with control semen samples. While the stain intensity varied from cell to cell in controls as well as in patients, it was predominantly localized within mid‐piece of spermatozoa in healthy individuals. In contrast, in semen of infertile male, the diffused and dispersed SDH immunoreactivity was observed in head as well as in mid‐piece region of spermatozoa.

Conclusion

Dispersed expression of mitochondrial SDH in head and mid‐piece of spermatozoa of asthenozoospermia subjects indicates mitochondrial damage because of metabolic or genetic factors, affecting energy production and leading to disturbed sperm motility, which could be pathologically significant. Detailed mitochondrial SDH immunolocalization studies are warranted to establish a role of deranged tricarboxylic acid cycle in causation of male infertility.
Molecular characterization and clinical presentation of HKαα and anti‐HKαα alleles in southern Chinese subjects
Authors: Shang X , Li Q , Cai R , Huang J , Wei X , Xu X
Published: September 2012

The HKαα allele is a rearrangement occurring in the α‐globin gene cluster containing both the ‐α3.7 and αααanti4.2 unequal crossover junctions. The anti‐HKαα allele is the reciprocal product containing both the ‐α4.2 and αααanti3.7 unequal crossover junctions, which had been predicted but had not been detected previously. The phenotypic feature and population frequency of these two unusual alleles were not described. We report the identification of nine individuals carrying the HKαα allele and two individuals carrying the anti‐HKαα allele in southern China and describe their phenotype and haplotype data. The molecular structures of HKαα allele and anti‐HKαα allele were confirmed by two‐round nested polymerase chain reaction assay. The mechanism of origin of both alleles is related to probably simultaneous double crossover. Heterozygotes of HKαα or anti‐HKαα allele show a normal hematological phenotype. Finally, we report the carrier rates of these both alleles in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China, namely, ∼0.07% for the HKαα allele and ∼0.02% for the anti‐HKαα allele.
Pseudogranulomatous Spitz nevus: a variant of Spitz nevus with heavy inflammatory infiltrate mimicking a granulomatous dermatitis
Authors: Sabater Marco Vicente , Escutia Muñoz Begoña , Morera Faet Arturo , Roig Manuel Mata , Botella Estrada Rafael
Published: September 2012

Spitz nevus is a benign melanocytic proliferation that shows relatively characteristic clinicopathologic features. Despite this, Spitz nevus is clinically confused with many other lesions, and histopathologically it is sometimes difficult to distinguish it from melanoma. However, Spitz nevus rarely causes differential diagnostic problems with granulomatous dermatitis. This article describes an 8‐year‐old girl who presented with a nodule on her right arm, a clinical appearance of a pyogenic granuloma. Histopathologically, there was a dermal lesion composed of aggregates of large epithelioid cells surrounded by a heavy inflammatory infiltrate, mimicking a sarcoid‐like granulomatous dermatitis. Immunohistochemistry showed epithelioid cells with strong nuclear and cytoplasmic staining with S‐100 protein, thus establishing the diagnosis of a melanocytic tumor. The heavy T‐cell lymphocytic infiltrate that accompanies the large epithelioid cells caused its granulomatous appearance. Molecular assessment showed H27H mutation in the HRAS gene. We suggest the term ‘pseudogranulomatous’ for this variant of Spitz nevus because it indicates that the lesion is not authentically granulomatous and simply mimics a granulomatous dermatitis.
Global change effects on Bromus tectorum L. (Poaceae) at its high‐elevation range margin
Authors: Concilio Amy L. , Loik Michael E. , Belnap Jayne
Published: September 2012

Global change is likely to affect invasive species distribution, especially at range margins. In the eastern Sierra Nevada, California, USA, the invasive annual grass, Bromus tectorum, is patchily distributed and its impacts have been minimal compared with other areas of the Intermountain West. We used a series of in situ field manipulations to determine how B. tectorum might respond to changing climatic conditions and increased nitrogen deposition at the high‐elevation edge of its invaded range. Over 3 years, we used snow fences to simulate changes in snowpack, irrigation to simulate increased frequency and magnitude of springtime precipitation, and added nitrogen (N) at three levels (0, 5, and 10 g m−2) to natural patches of B. tectorum growing under the two dominant shrubs, Artemisia tridentata and Purshia tridentata, and in intershrub spaces (INTR). We found that B. tectorum seedling density in April was lower following deeper snowpack possibly due to delayed emergence, yet there was no change in spikelet production or biomass accumulation at the time of harvest. Additional spring rain events increased B. tectorum biomass and spikelet production in INTR plots only. Plants were primarily limited by water in 2009, but colimited by N and water in 2011, possibly due to differences in antecedent moisture conditions at the time of treatments. The threshold at which N had an effect varied with magnitude of water additions. Frequency of rain events was more influential than magnitude in driving B. tectorum growth and fecundity responses. Our results suggest that predicted shifts from snow to rain could facilitate expansion of B. tectorum at high elevation depending on timing of rain events and level of N deposition. We found evidence for P‐limitation at this site and an increase in P‐availability with N additions, suggesting that stoichiometric relationships may also influence B. tectorum spread.
Estimating influenza incidence and rates of influenza‐like illness in the outpatient setting
Authors: Fowlkes Ashley , Dasgupta Sharoda , Chao Edward , Lemmings Jennifer , Goodin Kate , Harris Meghan , Martin Karen , Feist Michelle , Wu Winfred , Boulton Rachelle , Temte Jonathan , Brammer Lynnette , Finelli Lyn
Published: September 2012

Please cite this paper as: Fowlkes et al. (2012) Estimating influenza incidence and rates of influenza‐like illness in the outpatient setting. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/irv.12014.

Background:  Estimating influenza incidence in outpatient settings is challenging. We used outpatient healthcare practice populations as a proxy to estimate community incidence of influenza‐like illness (ILI) and laboratory‐confirmed influenza‐associated ILI.

Methods:  From October 2009 to July 2010, 38 outpatient practices in seven jurisdictions conducted surveillance for ILI (fever with cough or sore throat for patients ≥2 years; fever with ≥1 respiratory symptom for patients <2 years). From a sample of patients with ILI, respiratory specimens were tested for influenza.

Results:  During the week of peak influenza activity (October 24, 2009), 13% of outpatient visits were for ILI and influenza was detected in 72% of specimens. For the 10‐month surveillance period, ILI and influenza‐associated ILI incidence were 20·0 (95% CI: 19·7, 20·4) and 8·7/1000 (95% CI: 8·2, 9·2) persons, respectively. Influenza‐associated ILI incidence was highest among children aged 2–17 years. Observed trends were highly correlated with national ILI and virologic surveillance.

Conclusions:  This is the first multistate surveillance system demonstrating the feasibility of using outpatient practices to estimate the incidence of medically attended influenza at the community level. Surveillance demonstrated the substantial burden of pandemic influenza in outpatient settings and especially in children aged 2–17 years. Observed trends were consistent with established syndromic and virologic systems.
Accuracy of data transfer: double data entry and estimating levels of error
Authors: Atkinson Ian
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives

Most nursing research using quantitative empirical data involves entering information collected on data collection forms into a computer. This paper brings to attention issues related to the introduction of errors during this transfer of data and makes some recommendations as to how this might be dealt with.

Background

Beyond concerns with the reliability and validity of data collection instruments, the issue of data accuracy and the introduction of errors in research data sets receive little mention in the nursing research literature. Given that studies have reported up to a 26·9 per cent error rate in data transfer (Goldberg et al. Proceedings American Medical Informatics Association, Annual Symposium November 2008), it is important that this potential problem is addressed in the context of nursing research.

Design

Discursive paper.

Conclusions

An approach to checking the accuracy of data entered onto a computer via the keyboard is suggested, and a method for estimating the level of confidence that could be claimed regarding the number of errors introduced is outlined.

Relevance to clinical practice

If nursing is to be investigated by quantitative methods, it would seem that the accuracy of study findings is paramount. This paper identifies one area of research where errors are prone to arise and suggests a method for containing these.
Domestication and geographic origin of Oryza sativa in China: insights from multilocus analysis of nucleotide variation of O. sativa and O. rufipogon
Authors: Wei Xin , Qiao Wei‐Hua , Chen You‐Tao , Wang Rong‐Sheng , Cao Li‐Rong , Zhang Wan‐Xia , Yuan Nan‐Nan , Li Zi‐Chao , Zeng Han‐Lai , Yang Qing‐Wen
Published: September 2012

Previous studies have indicated that China is one of the domestication centres of Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa), and common wild rice (O. rufipogon) is the progenitor of O. sativa. However, the number of domestication times and the geographic origin of Asian cultivated rice in China are still under debate. In this study, 100 accessions of Asian cultivated rice and 111 accessions of common wild rice in China were selected to examine the relationship between O. sativa and O. rufipogon and thereby infer the domestication and evolution of O. sativa in China through sequence analyses of six gene regions, trnC‐ycf6 in chloroplast genomes, cox3 in mitochondrial genomes and ITS, Ehd1, Waxy, Hd1 in nuclear genomes. The results indicated that the two subspecies of O. sativa (indica and japonica) were domesticated independently from different populations of O. rufipogon with gene flow occurring later from japonica to indica; Southern China was the genetic diversity centre of O. rufipogon, and the Pearl River basin near the Tropic of Cancer was the domestication centre of O. sativa in China.
Involvement of microRNA‐224 in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and anti‐apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yizhou , Takahashi Shoichi , Tasaka Akiko , Yoshima Tadahiko , Ochi Hidenori , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: September 2012

Background and Aim

Changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression have been detected in a broad range of biological processes including cancer. Here we determined the role of miRNA dysregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We investigated the expression of nine cancer‐related miRNAs in HCC. Among these, miR‐224 was the most significantly uprgulated in HCC tissues (n = 18), compared with normal (n = 9) and HCC adjacent non‐tumorous liver tissues (n = 18). After leading‐in currently reported gene targets from Sanger miRBase, we characterized the expression profiles of target genes of miR‐224 using cDNA microarray. The altered expression was subsequently validated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The phenotypic changes by miR‐224 expression were identified by cell viability, apoptosis, and in vitro scratch assays.

Results

The microarray analysis and miRNA target prediction analysis allowed the identification of significant changes in 68 putative gene targets after overexpression of miR‐224. The high‐ranking genes CDC42, CDH1, PAK2, BCL‐2, and MAPK1 were confirmed as important targets of miR‐224 and involvement in hepatocarcinogenesis. Overexpression of miR‐224 significantly in Hek293 and Huh7 cells altered the expression levels of CDC42, CDH1, PAK2, and BCL‐2 at both mRNA and protein levels. Similar changes in the expression of the same genes were also observed in HCC tissues. Via functional analyses, cell proliferation, migration and anti‐apoptosis were proved to be affected by miR‐224 expression.

Conclusion

The results suggest that miR‐224 plays a role in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and anti‐apoptosis in HCC by directly binding to its gene targets, implicating this RNA in HCC development and progression.
Inpatient and long‐term outcomes of individuals admitted for weaning from mechanical ventilation at a specialized ventilation weaning unit
Authors: HANNAN LIAM M. , TAN SIEW , HOPKINSON KIM , MARCHINGO EMMA , RAUTELA LINDA , DETERING KAREN , BERLOWITZ DAVID J. , MCDONALD CHRISTINE F. , HOWARD MARK E.
Published: September 2012

Background:  Weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in specialized weaning units has been demonstrated to be safe and cost‐effective. Success rates and outcomes vary widely, probably relating to patient factors and unit expertise.

Methods:  An audit was undertaken of patients admitted for weaning from IMV at the Austin Hospital Ventilation Weaning Unit (VWU) between March 2002 and January 2008. Weaning success, complications and both in‐hospital and long‐term mortality were examined and regression analysis was undertaken to examine factors related to these outcomes.

Results:  Seventy‐eight patients were admitted to the VWU after a median of 27 days of IMV at their referring centre. Weaning success rate (ventilator free or nocturnal non‐invasive ventilation only) was 78.2% (n = 61). Inpatient mortality was 10.2% (n = 8) and serious complications were infrequent. Progressive neuromuscular disease (odds ratio 0.10) and sepsis during admission to the VWU (odds ratio 0.09) were predictive of weaning failure at discharge. Overall survival at 12 months following discharge from the VWU was 66.7% (n = 52) with most survivors residing in the community. Increasing age (hazard ratio 1.93), referral from rural or outer metropolitan centres (hazard ratio 3.57 and 2.37 respectively) and a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were associated with increased long‐term mortality.

Conclusion:  High rates of weaning success with infrequent complications and low mortality were achieved in this specialized non‐intensive care unit‐based weaning unit. The VWU may provide a useful template for the development of similar units elsewhere.
Obstructive sleep apnoea and the risk of type 2 diabetes: A meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: WANG XIA , BI YANPING , ZHANG QIAN , PAN FANG
Published: September 2012

Background and objective:  There has been increasing recognition that obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with incident type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the severity of OSA and the risk of type 2 diabetes by performing a meta‐analysis of all available prospective cohort studies.

Methods:  A search was conducted of the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and ISI Web of Knowledge databases through March 2012 to identify studies linking OSA with the risk of diabetes. Only prospective cohort studies, in which the presence of OSA was confirmed by objective measurements, were included. Fixed and random effects models were used to calculate pooled relative risks (RR).

Results:  This meta‐analysis of six prospective cohort studies including a total of 5953 participants, with follow‐up periods of 2.7–16 years, and 332 incident cases of type 2 diabetes, showed that moderate‐severe OSA was associated with a greater risk of diabetes (RR 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–2.45), as compared with the absence of OSA. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. For subjects with mild OSA, as compared with those without OSA, the pooled RR of developing type 2 diabetes was 1.22 (95% CI: 0.91–1.63).

Conclusions:  This meta‐analysis indicates that moderate‐severe OSA is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and this appears to be an independent risk factor for the development of diabetes.
Mimicking the oxygen minimum zones: stimulating interaction of aerobic archaeal and anaerobic bacterial ammonia oxidizers in a laboratory‐scale model system
Authors: Yan Jia , Haaijer Suzanne C. M. , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , van Niftrik Laura , Stahl David A. , Könneke Martin , Rush Darci , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Hu Yong Y. , Jetten Mike S. M.
Published: September 2012

In marine oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) rather than marine ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) may provide nitrite to anaerobic ammonium‐oxidizing (anammox) bacteria. Here we demonstrate the cooperation between marine anammox bacteria and nitrifiers in a laboratory‐scale model system under oxygen limitation. A bioreactor containing ‘Candidatus Scalindua profunda’ marine anammox bacteria was supplemented with AOA (Nitrosopumilus maritimus strain SCM1) cells and limited amounts of oxygen. In this way a stable mixed culture of AOA, and anammox bacteria was established within 200 days while also a substantial amount of endogenous AOB were enriched. ‘Ca. Scalindua profunda’ and putative AOB and AOA morphologies were visualized by transmission electron microscopy and a C18 anammox [3]‐ladderane fatty acid was highly abundant in the oxygen‐limited culture. The rapid oxygen consumption by AOA and AOB ensured that anammox activity was not affected. High expression of AOA, AOB and anammox genes encoding for ammonium transport proteins was observed, likely caused by the increased competition for ammonium. The competition between AOA and AOB was found to be strongly related to the residual ammonium concentration based on amoA gene copy numbers. The abundance of archaeal amoA copy numbers increased markedly when the ammonium concentration was below 30 μM finally resulting in almost equal abundance of AOA and AOB amoA copy numbers. Massive parallel sequencing of mRNA and activity analyses further corroborated equal abundance of AOA and AOB. PTIO addition, inhibiting AOA activity, was employed to determine the relative contribution of AOB versus AOA to ammonium oxidation. The present study provides the first direct evidence for cooperation of archaeal ammonia oxidation with anammox bacteria by provision of nitrite and consumption of oxygen.
A study on the inclusion of deafblind young people in mainstream schools: key findings and implications for research and practice
Authors: Kamenopoulou Leda
Published: September 2012

This article, written by Leda Kamenopoulou of Roehampton University, reports a research project on deafblindness and inclusion in education. Deafblindness is a rare and therefore significantly under‐explored disability. Even less systematic research has focused on deafblind young people enrolled in mainstream schools. The study presented here used a multiple case study and mixed methods design to explore the social inclusion and participation of four deafblind pupils in mainstream placements. Interviews were conducted with the pupils, their parents and selected teachers regarding their peer interactions and relationships. Semi‐structured observations of peer interactions during school breaks were also conducted to complement interview data, but due to space constraints, these are not discussed here. Findings from the interviews suggest that the young people were socially present in their schools, but all faced certain issues in terms of being fully included. Both barriers to and facilitators of social inclusion and participation are discussed with reference to implications for research and practice.
Individual Education Plans in the Republic of Ireland: an emerging system
Authors: Rose Richard , Shevlin Michael , Winter Eileen , O'Raw Paul , Zhao Yu
Published: September 2012

The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act in Ireland advocated the development of individual education plans (IEPs). However, this section of the Act has never been fully implemented and there is no obligation upon schools to develop IEPs. Research conducted across the country by Richard Rose and Yu Zhao of the University of Northampton, Michael Shevlin of Trinity College Dublin, and Eileen Winter and Paul O'Raw of the Institute of Child Psychology and Education Europe, examined the extent to which IEPs have been developed and implemented in schools, and attitudes towards their use. Interviews were conducted with teachers, parents, pupils and other professionals to gain data related to IEP development and implementation. The findings of the research suggest that schools are taking the initiative in developing IEPs, though there is inconsistency in their use and in perceptions of their usefulness.
Moment tests for window length selection in singular spectrum analysis of short– and long–memory processes
Authors: Khan Md Atikur Rahman , Poskitt D. S.
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we propose a new methodology for selecting the window length in Singular Spectral Analysis in which the window length is determined from the data prior to the commencement of modelling. The selection procedure is based on statistical tests designed to test the convergence of the autocovariance function. A classical time series portmanteau type statistic and two test statistics derived using a conditional moment principle are considered. The first two are applicable to short–memory processes, and the third is applicable to both short– and long–memory processes. We derive the asymptotic null and alternative distributions of the statistics under fairly general regularity conditions. Consistency of the tests implies that the selection criteria will identify true convergence with a finite window length with probability arbitrarily close to one as the sample size increases. Results obtained using Monte Carlo simulation point to the relevance of the asymptotic theory and show that the conditional moment tests will choose a window length consistent with the Whitney embedding theorem. Application to observations on the Southern Oscillation Index shows how observed experimental behaviour can be reflected in features seen with real world data sets.
The Problem of Debt‐for‐Nature Swaps from a Human Rights Perspective
Authors: Hassoun Nicole
Published: September 2012

At first blush, debt‐for‐nature swaps seem to provide win‐win solutions to the looming problems of environmental degradation and extreme poverty. So, one might naturally assume that they are morally permissible, if not obligatory. This article will argue, however, that debt‐for‐nature swaps are sometimes morally questionable, if not morally impermissible. It suggests that some criticisms of traditional (economic) conditions placed on loans to poor countries also apply to the (environmental) conditionality implicit in such swaps. The article's main theoretical contribution is to suggest a general argumentative strategy for posing a challenge to the moral acceptability of many seemingly innocuous, or even apparently good, policies in the real world. Its discussion of how we should respond to seemingly tragic dilemmas (e.g. between protecting nature and respecting human rights) may also be of general interest.
Geometric morphometrics of corolla shape: dissecting components of symmetric and asymmetric variation inErysimum mediohispanicum(Brassicaceae)
Authors: Savriama Yoland , Gómez José María , Perfectti Francisco , Klingenberg Christian Peter
Published: September 2012

Symmetry is an important feature of floral structure, and floral symmetries are diverse and often complex. We use a new morphometric approach for analysing shapes with complex types of symmetry, which partitions shape variation into a component of symmetric variation and different components of asymmetry. This approach, based on the mathematical theory of symmetry groups, can be used for landmark configurations with any type of symmetry and is therefore promising as a general framework for morphometric analyses of floral symmetry and asymmetry.

We demonstrate this approach by quantifying floral shape variation in a wild population ofErysimum mediohispanicum(Brassicaceae). Flowers of this species are disymmetric, so that the symmetry in the left–right and adaxial–abaxial directions can be considered separately and in combination.

Both principal component analysis and ProcrustesANOVAindicate that symmetric variation accounts for most of the total variance and that adaxial–abaxial asymmetry is the dominant component of fluctuating asymmetry. Each component is associated with specific patterns of shape variation.

These results illustrate the potential of the new method and suggest new areas for future research. The new morphometric approach is promising for further analyses of floral symmetry and asymmetry in evolutionary and developmental contexts.
The architecture of Ediacaran Fronds
Authors: BRASIER MARTIN D. , ANTCLIFFE JONATHAN B. , LIU ALEXANDER G.
Published: September 2012

Abstract: Ongoing discoveries of new rangeomorph fossils from the Ediacaran of Avalonia allow us to put forward a unified and approachable scheme for the description and phylogenetic analysis of frondose genera and their species. This scheme focuses upon the branching morphology of rangeomorph units. Our system has the advantage of being applicable at all visible scales of subdivision and is suitable for the study of isolated fragmentary specimens. The system is also free from hypothesis about biological affinity and avoids tectonically influenced features such as shape metrics. Using a set of twelve character states within this unified scheme, we here present emended diagnoses forBeothukis,Avalofractus,Bradgatia,Hapsidophyllas,Fractofusus,TrepassiaandCharnia, together with a more extensive taxonomic treatment of the latter genus. For those forms that fall within the morphological spectrum betweenTrepassiaandBeothukis, we introduceVinlandiagen. nov. It is hoped that this scheme will provide a robust framework for future studies of rangeomorph ontogeny and evolution.