bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Patient Safety Culture Questionnaire in Acute Geriatric Units
Authors: Steyrer Johannes , Latzke Markus , Pils Katharina , Vetter Elisabeth , Strunk Guido
Published: October 2010

Background: Older patients (≧65 years) are exposed to more harm resulting from adverse events in hospitals than younger patients. Theoretical considerations and empirical findings suggest that safety culture is the key to improving the quality of health care. Objective: To describe the development of a German-language instrument for assessing patient safety culture (PSC) and its reliability and validity; to verify criterion validity by means of a cross-sectional analysis of the impact of PSC on clinical quality that compares acute geriatric units with a sample from intensive care, surgery and trauma surgery departments, and to report variations in the PSC profile between these groups. Methodology: Using a review of existing safety culture surveys, multidimensional scaling procedures and expert interviews, we tested the content and convergent validity of a 158-item questionnaire completed by 508 physicians and nurses from 31 acute geriatric units and 7 comparison departments. Criterion validity was verified by various regression models with a self-reported measure of adverse events. Differences in PSC profiles were analyzed using a one-factorial ANOVA and regression models. Results: We identified 7 constructs of PSC and demonstrated substantial convergent and criterion validity. In the acute geriatric units, higher levels of ‘management commitment to patient safety’ and lower levels of ‘error fatalism’ were associated with a reduced incidence of medical errors. In the comparison group, only the variable ‘active learning from mistakes’ was relevant for safety performance. Our results also indicate that acute geriatric units display higher standards than the comparison group in all the aspects of patient safety examined. Conclusion: It is possible to measure salient features of PSC using a valid and reliable survey. Some aspects of PSC are more closely related to safety events than others. In acute geriatric units, patient safety appears to be influenced mainly by management’s determination of how things are done whereas improvement of the system itself in a more incremental manner is required in the other high-risk ward types.
Growth Differentiation Factor-15 and Risk of Recurrent Events in Patients Stabilized After Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Bonaca Marc P. , Morrow David A. , Braunwald Eugene , Cannon Christopher P. , Jiang Songtao , Breher Stephanie , Sabatine Marc S. , Kempf Tibor , Wallentin Lars , Wollert Kai C.
Published: October 2010

Objective—

To investigate growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 at hospital discharge for assessment of the risk of death, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), and congestive heart failure, and to determination of whether these risks can be modified by statins.

Methods and Results—

GDF-15 is a transforming growth factor-β–related cytokine induced in response to tissue injury. GDF-15 concentration is associated with all-cause mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We measured GDF-15 in 3501 patients after ACS, treated with moderate or intensive statin therapy in PROVE IT-TIMI 22. By using established cutoff points, GDF-15 (<1200, 1200–1800, and >1800 ng/L) was associated with 2-year risk of death or MI (5.7%, 8.1%, and 15.1%, respectively;
P
<0.001), death (
P
<0.001), MI (
P
<0.001), and congestive heart failure (
P
<0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, MI, qualifying event, renal function, B-type natriuretic peptide, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, GDF-15 was associated with the risk of death or MI (adjusted hazard ratio per ln increase GDF-15, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.6 to 2.9];
P
<0.001), death (
P
<0.001), MI (
P
<0.001), and congestive heart failure (
P
<0.001). There was no significant interaction between GDF-15 and intensive statin therapy for the risk of death or MI (
P
=0.24 for the interaction).

Conclusion—

GDF-15 is associated with recurrent events after ACS, independent of clinical predictors, B-type natriuretic peptide, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. This finding supports GDF-15 as a prognostic marker in ACS and investigation of other therapies that modify this risk.
The Transcription Factor Erg Inhibits Vascular Inflammation by Repressing NF-κB Activation and Proinflammatory Gene Expression in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Sperone Andrea , Dryden Nicola H. , Birdsey Graeme M. , Madden Leigh , Johns Mike , Evans Paul C. , Mason Justin C. , Haskard Dorian O. , Boyle Joseph J. , Paleolog Ewa M. , Randi Anna M.
Published: October 2010

Objective—

To test whether ETS-related gene (Erg) inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α–dependent endothelial activation and inflammation.

Methods and Results—

Endothelial activation underlies many vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. Endothelial activation by proinflammatory cytokines decreases expression of the ETS transcription factor Erg. By using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we showed that Erg overexpression by adenovirus (AdErg) repressed basal and TNF-α–induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), and interleukin 8 (IL-8). Erg inhibited TNF-α–dependent activation of the ICAM-1 promoter, nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity, and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation. Basal NF-κB activity was also inhibited by Erg overexpression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that Erg binds to the ICAM-1 proximal promoter region, which contains 7 putative ETS binding sites. To test the anti-inflammatory role of Erg in vivo, we used a murine model of TNF-α–dependent acute inflammation. The injection of AdErg into the paw decreased TNF-α–induced inflammation compared with control. Finally, staining of human coronary plaques showed loss of Erg expression from the endothelium overlaying active plaque shoulders.

Conclusion—

We have identified a novel physiological anti-inflammatory pathway under the control of the transcription factor Erg; this pathway inhibits NF-κB–dependent transcription and TNF-α–induced inflammation in vivo. These results suggest a novel approach to anti-inflammatory therapies.
A Novel and Efficient Model of Coronary Artery Ligation and Myocardial Infarction in the Mouse
Authors: Gao Erhe , Lei Yong Hong , Shang Xiying , Huang Z. Maggie , Zuo Lin , Boucher Matthieu , Fan Qian , Chuprun J. Kurt , Ma Xin L. , Koch Walter J.
Published: October 2010

Rationale:

Coronary artery ligation to induce myocardial infarction (MI) in mice is typically performed by an invasive and time-consuming approach that requires ventilation and chest opening (classic method), often resulting in extensive tissue damage and high mortality. We developed a novel and rapid surgical method to induce MI that does not require ventilation.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to develop and comprehensively describe this method and directly compare it to the classic method.

Methods and Results:

Male C57/B6 mice were grouped into 4 groups: new method MI (MI-N) or sham (S-N) and classic method MI (MI-C) or sham (S-C). In the new method, heart was manually exposed without intubation through a small incision and MI was induced. In the classic method, MI was induced through a ventilated thoracotomy. Similar groups were used in an ischemia/reperfusion injury model. This novel MI procedure is rapid, with an average procedure time of 1.22±0.05 minutes, whereas the classic method requires 23.2±0.6 minutes per procedure. Surgical mortality was 3% in MI-N and 15.9% in MI-C. The rate of arrhythmia was significantly lower in MI-N. The postsurgical levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and myeloperoxidase were lower in new method, indicating less inflammation. Overall, 28-day post-MI survival rate was 68% with MI-N and 48% with MI-C. Importantly, there was no difference in infarct size or post-MI cardiac function between the methods.

Conclusions:

This new rapid method of MI in mice represents a more efficient and less damaging model of myocardial ischemic injury compared with the classic method.
In the RyR2
R4496C
Mouse Model of CPVT, β-Adrenergic Stimulation Induces Ca Waves by Increasing SR Ca Content and Not by Decreasing the Threshold for Ca Waves
Authors: Kashimura Takeshi , Briston Sarah J. , Trafford Andrew W. , Napolitano Carlo , Priori Silvia G. , Eisner David A. , Venetucci Luigi A.
Published: October 2010

Rationale:

Mutations of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) cause catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). These mutations predispose to the generation of Ca waves and delayed afterdepolarizations during adrenergic stimulation. Ca waves occur when either sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca content is elevated above a threshold or the threshold is decreased. Which of these occurs in cardiac myocytes expressing CPVT mutations is unknown.

Objective:

We tested whether the threshold SR Ca content is different between control and CPVT and how it relates to SR Ca content during β-adrenergic stimulation.

Methods and Results:

Ventricular myocytes from the RyR2 R4496C
+/−
mouse model of CPVT and wild-type (WT) controls were voltage-clamped; diastolic SR Ca content was measured and compared with the Ca wave threshold. The results showed the following. (1) In 1 mmol/L [Ca
2+
]
o
, β-adrenergic stimulation with isoproterenol (1μmol/L) caused Ca waves only in R4496C. (2) SR Ca content and Ca wave threshold in R4496C were lower than those in WT. (3) β-Adrenergic stimulation increased SR Ca content by a similar amount in both R4496C and WT. (4) β-Adrenergic stimulation increased the threshold for Ca waves. (5) During β-adrenergic stimulation in R4496C, but not WT, the increase of SR Ca was sufficient to reach threshold and produce Ca waves.

Conclusions:

In the R4496C CPVT model, the RyR is leaky, and this lowers both SR Ca content and the threshold for waves. β-Adrenergic stimulation produces Ca waves by increasing SR Ca content and not by lowering threshold.
Guidelines for the Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Furie Karen L. , Kasner Scott E. , Adams Robert J. , Albers Gregory W. , Bush Ruth L. , Fagan Susan C. , Halperin Jonathan L. , Johnston S. Claiborne , Katzan Irene , Kernan Walter N. , Mitchell Pamela H. , Ovbiagele Bruce , Palesch Yuko Y. , Sacco Ralph L. , Schwamm Lee H. , Wassertheil-Smoller Sylvia , Turan Tanya N. , Wentworth Deidre
Published: October 2010

The aim of this updated statement is to provide comprehensive and timely evidence-based recommendations on the prevention of ischemic stroke among survivors of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Evidence-based recommendations are included for the control of risk factors, interventional approaches for atherosclerotic disease, antithrombotic treatments for cardioembolism, and the use of antiplatelet agents for noncardioembolic stroke. Further recommendations are provided for the prevention of recurrent stroke in a variety of other specific circumstances, including arterial dissections; patent foramen ovale; hyperhomocysteinemia; hypercoagulable states; sickle cell disease; cerebral venous sinus thrombosis; stroke among women, particularly with regard to pregnancy and the use of postmenopausal hormones; the use of anticoagulation after cerebral hemorrhage; and special approaches to the implementation of guidelines and their use in high-risk populations.
Distinctive RNA Expression Profiles in Blood Associated With White Matter Hyperintensities in Brain
Authors: Xu Huichun , Stamova Boryana , Jickling Glen , Tian Yingfang , Zhan Xinhua , Ander Bradley P. , Liu Dazhi , Turner Renée , Rosand Jonathan , Goldstein Larry B. , Furie Karen L. , Verro Piero , Johnston S. Claiborne , Sharp Frank R. , DeCarli Charles S.
Published: October 2010

Background and Purpose—

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are areas of high signal detected by T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences on brain MRI. Although associated with aging, cerebrovascular risk factors, and cognitive impairment, the pathogenesis of WMH remains unclear. Thus, RNA expression was assessed in the blood of individuals with and without extensive WMH to search for evidence of oxidative stress, inflammation, and other abnormalities described in WMH lesions in brain.

Methods—

Subjects included 20 with extensive WMH (WMH+), 45% of whom had Alzheimer disease, and 18 with minimal WMH (WMH−), 44% of whom had Alzheimer disease. All subjects were clinically evaluated and underwent quantitative MRI. Total RNA from whole blood was processed on human whole genome Affymetrix HU133 Plus 2.0 microarrays. RNA expression was analyzed using an analysis of covariance.

Results—

Two hundred forty-one genes were differentially regulated at ±1.2-fold difference (
P
<0.005) in subjects with WMH+ as compared to WMH−, regardless of cognitive status and 50 genes were differentially regulated with ±1.5-fold difference (
P
<0.005). Cluster and principal components analyses showed that the expression profiles for these genes distinguished WMH+ from WMH− subjects. Function analyses suggested that WMH-specific genes were associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, detoxification, and hormone signaling, and included genes associated with oligodendrocyte proliferation, axon repair, long-term potentiation, and neurotransmission.

Conclusions—

The unique RNA expression profile in blood associated with WMH is consistent with roles of systemic oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as other potential processes in the pathogenesis or consequences of WMH.
Least-Squares Independent Component Analysis
Authors: Suzuki Taiji , Sugiyama Masashi
Published: October 2010

Accurately evaluating statistical independence among random variables is a key element of independent component analysis (ICA). In this letter, we employ a squared-loss variant of mutual information as an independence measure and give its estimation method. Our basic idea is to estimate the ratio of probability densities directly without going through density estimation, thereby avoiding the difficult task of density estimation. In this density ratio approach, a natural cross-validation procedure is available for hyperparameter selection. Thus, all tuning parameters such as the kernel width or the regularization parameter can be objectively optimized. This is an advantage over recently developed kernel-based independence measures and is a highly useful property in unsupervised learning problems such as ICA. Based on this novel independence measure, we develop an ICA algorithm, named least-squares independent component analysis.
Virtual Competitors Influence Rowers
Authors: Wellner Mathias , Riener Robert
Published: October 2010

Highly immersive environments for sports simulation can help elucidate if and how athletes perform under high pressure situations. We used a rowing simulator with a CAVE setup to test the influence of virtual competitors on 10 experienced rowers. All participants were using the simulator for the first time. The objective was to assess the degree of presence by quantifying how the actions of the virtual competitors triggered behavioral changes in the experienced rowers. The participants completed a virtual 2000 m race with two competing boats, one being behind and one ahead of the participant. For two trials, each boat would come closer to the participant without overtaking, resulting in four experimental conditions. The behavior of the participants was assessed with biomechanical variables, questionnaires, and an interview after the race. Behavioral changes were detected with statistically significant differences in the extracted variables of oar angles, timing variables, velocities, and work. The results for biomechanical variables indicate individual response patterns depending on perception of competitors and self-confidence. Self-reporting indicated a high degree of presence for most participants. Overall, the experimental paradigm worked but was compromised by perceptive and subjective factors. In future, the setup will be used to investigate rowing performance further with a focus on motor learning and training of pressure situations.
Why We Need a Cultural Red Book for Endangered Cultures, NOW: How Social Scientists and Lawyers/Rights Activists Need to Join Forces
Authors: Lempert David
Published: October 2010

Social scientists and biologists/environmentalists have taken two very different legal and political strategies to deal with the parallel concerns of disappearance of cultural and biological diversity, with the environmentalists having greater success in drawing attention and funding. The difference is not due to the legal basis for actions. In terms of international legal protections, the laws and mechanisms for protecting human diversity are probably stronger than those for species. The reason for the greater comparative success of the environmentalists is not due to anything inherent in the areas of concern, but more to the effectiveness of organization of the biologists and ecologists, their ability to present their concerns in a scientific way, and their use of a tool – the Red Book for Endangered Species – that offers an accessible way for non-specialists to understand the threats. This article describes the emerging legal mechanisms in the international community through which human cultures could be more effectively protected, both by legal enforcement and by awareness, through the use of a new policy and screening tool. It describes some of the efforts that have taken place in anthropology, among linguists and others, to begin such systematization. It begins the process of creating a format and standard for such work by offering ideas on a systematic framework. And, it suggests the processes of organizing a united effort among the community of anthropologists, linguists, sociologists and other social scientists, lawyers and human rights professionals to offer this professional and tangible measure of the threats to cultures.
A Critical Analysis of Current Legal Developments on the Political Participation of Minorities in Turkey
Authors: Akbulut Olgun
Published: October 2010

This is a follow-up article to the one published in the IJMGR half a decade ago (Vol. 12, 2005). Although there have been domestic and international legal cases that are directly concerned with the political participation of minorities in Turkey, few improvements have been made in law covering the subject. This encouraged this author to analyse and criticise the judgements of the European Court of Human Rights and the legal and political actors at domestic level. The aim of this article is to reflect upon how international human rights monitoring affects national laws in certain thorny issues such as the rights of minorities. Since the current and previous articles have a common theme and complement each other, I strongly recommend reading both articles.
The European Union Accession Process: Ensuring the Protection of Turkey's Minorities?
Authors: Hughes Edel
Published: October 2010

The potential accession of Turkey to the European Union is an issue that has provoked widespread debate both within and without the Union and indeed Turkey. Opinions as to whether Turkey is 'ready' for membership or if in fact the Union can 'absorb' the addition of Turkey vary but what is uncontested is the fact that the accession process has prompted wide ranging reforms in Turkey, particularly in relation to the protection of fundamental human rights. This article outlines the prevailing legislation pertaining to minority rights in Turkey and assesses the extent to which the reform process on the path to EU accession has impacted on those rights.
The Responsibility to Protect and Humanitarian Intervention in Africa
Authors: Sarkin Jeremy
Published: October 2010

This essay investigates the connection between humanitarian intervention and R2P within an historical, legal, and conceptual context. It challenges the widely held view that Africa lacks the capacity to intervene in areas of conflict and human rights violations, arguing instead that the continent possesses the will and instruments to protect human rights. The author notes that, while the UN Security Council retains the primary responsibility for promoting global peace and security, the R2P norm remains contested even within the UN. The ECOWAS interventions in Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 1990s were initially undertaken without UN approval, but were later sanctioned by the world body. These interventions undermined the idea of state sovereignty as independence from external interventions, which had previously constrained humanitarian missions in Africa. However, the essay argues that the R2P principle was boosted by the establishment of the International Criminal Court in 2002 to prosecute persons suspected of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and/or genocide. In addition, the intervention clause in the AU's Constitutive Act of 2000 supports the R2P principle while prohibiting unilateral interventions. Notwithstanding these developments, the author notes that the AU and Africa's regional bodies still have a long way to go in translating the R2P doctrine into practice.
The African Union, the United Nations, and the Responsibility to Protect: Towards an African Intervention Doctrine
Authors: Mwanasali Musifiky
Published: October 2010

This essay considers the R2P principle as expressed by the African Union's (AU) Constitutive Act of 2000, the United Nations (UN) World Summit's outcome document of 2005, and recent civilian protection mandates issued for peacekeeping operations by the UN Security Council. Examining how these three international mechanisms have sought to establish and operationalise the norm, the author argues that the AU should make greater efforts to bring R2P implementation into line with the UN Charter in order to secure the legitimacy of regional interventions in Africa. Reflecting on the experience of the AU Mission in Sudan between 2004 and 2007, the importance of clear mandates and sufficient capacity to the success of R2P interventions is emphasised. The use of force by peacekeepers—its feasibility and potential extent—is analysed and placed within the context of peacebuilding in the R2P continuum. The essay also argues for better coordination between the UN Security Council and the world body's Economic and Social Council, as well as with the AU's Peace and Security Council, to ensure a reliable supply of adequate peacebuilding resources to Africa and proper consideration of security and reconstruction matters.
Pax South Africana and the Responsibility to Protect
Authors: Landsberg Chris
Published: October 2010

This essay examines the leading role adopted by the South African governments of Nelson Mandela, abo Mbeki, and Jacob Zuma to promote R2P between 1994 and 2010. In response to the sociopolitical oppression and devastation wrought by apartheid between 1948 and 1990, South African governments since 1994 have played an activist role in developing new norms in international affairs. Describing the South African posture on R2P as one of engagement and 'quiet diplomacy', the essay notes that the country has pushed for multilateral institutions to become the major repositories of the R2P norm. Within Africa, South Africa was instrumental in negotiating the continent's shift of position on the R2P norm from one of 'non-intervention' to one of 'non-indifference'. South Africa has also sought to implement R2P through political processes and negotiations rather than through sanctions and the use of force—an engagist stance that the country adopted during its controversial two years on the UN Security Council (2007–2008), contrary to the tougher approach recommended by powerful Western members of the Security Council. Emphasis is placed on the capacity constraints with which South Africa continues to struggle, as it seeks to operationalise its position on R2P.
Vection Aftereffects from Expanding/Contracting Stimuli
Authors: Seno Takeharu , Sunaga Shoji , Ito Hiroyuki
Published: October 2010

We presented three types of visual stimuli (blank, static and dynamic random dots) following optic flow stimuli and measured the durations of the motion aftereffects (MAEs) and aftereffects of vection (vection aftereffects, VAEs). The VAEs were induced in the direction opposite to the MAEs. However, the VAEs were not the same as the vection induced by the MAEs because the VAEs were sustained even after the MAEs vanished. In addition, when vection was facilitated or inhibited by the static dot plane in front or in the back of the optic flow, only the VAE strength was modulated, while the MAE was constant between the two conditions. From these results, we conclude that the vection-inducing mechanism shares some neural units with the motion processing mechanisms but has an additional aspect that adapts independently of the motion processing mechanisms.
The Aerosol Modeling Testbed: A Community Tool to Objectively Evaluate Aerosol Process Modules
Authors: Fast Jerome D. , Gustafson William I. , Chapman Elaine G. , Easter Richard C. , Rishel Jeremy P. , Zaveri Rahul A. , Grell Georg A. , Barth Mary C.
Published: October 2010

The current paradigm of developing and testing new aerosol process modules is haphazard and slow. Aerosol modules are often tested for short simulation periods using limited data so that their overall performance over a wide range of meteorological conditions is not thoroughly evaluated. Although several model intercomparison studies quantify the differences among aerosol modules, the range of answers provides little insight on how to best improve aerosol predictions. Understanding the true impact of an aerosol process module is also complicated by the fact that other processes—such as emissions, meteorology, and chemistry—are often treated differently. To address this issue, the authors have developed an Aerosol Modeling Testbed (AMT) with the objective of providing a new approach to test and evaluate new aerosol process modules. The AMT consists of a more modular version of the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) and a suite of tools to evaluate the performance of aerosol process modules via comparison with a wide range of field measurements. Their approach systematically targets specific aerosol process modules, whereas all the other processes are treated the same. The suite of evaluation tools will streamline the process of quantifying model performance and eliminate redundant work performed among various scientists working on the same problem. Both the performance and computational expense will be quantified over time. The use of a test bed to foster collaborations among the aerosol scientific community is an important aspect of the AMT; consequently, the longterm development and use of the AMT needs to be guided by users.
An Estimate of Low-Cloud Feedbacks from Variations of Cloud Radiative and Physical Properties with Sea Surface Temperature on Interannual Time Scales
Authors: Eitzen Zachary A. , Xu Kuan-Man , Wong Takmeng
Published: October 2010

Simulations of climate change have yet to reach a consensus on the sign and magnitude of the changes in physical properties of marine boundary layer clouds. In this study, the authors analyze how cloud and radiative properties vary with SST anomaly in low-cloud regions, based on five years (March 2000–February 2005) of Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES)–Terra monthly gridded data and matched European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) meteorological reanalaysis data. In particular, this study focuses on the changes in cloud radiative effect, cloud fraction, and cloud optical depth with SST anomaly. The major findings are as follows. First, the low-cloud amount (−1.9% to −3.4% K−1) and the logarithm of low-cloud optical depth (−0.085 to −0.100 K−1) tend to decrease while the net cloud radiative effect (3.86 W m−2 K−1) becomes less negative as SST anomalies increase. These results are broadly consistent with previous observational studies. Second, after the changes in cloud and radiative properties with SST anomaly are separated into dynamic, thermodynamic, and residual components, changes in the dynamic component (taken as the vertical velocity at 700 hPa) have relatively little effect on cloud and radiative properties. However, the estimated inversion strength decreases with increasing SST, accounting for a large portion of the measured decreases in cloud fraction and cloud optical depth. The residual positive change in net cloud radiative effect (1.48 W m−2 K−1) and small changes in low-cloud amount (−0.81% to 0.22% K−1) and decrease in the logarithm of optical depth (–0.035 to –0.046 K−1) with SST are interpreted as a positive cloud feedback, with cloud optical depth feedback being the dominant contributor. Last, the magnitudes of the residual changes differ greatly among the six low-cloud regions examined in this study, with the largest positive feedbacks (∼4 W m−2 K−1) in the southeast and northeast Atlantic regions and a slightly negative feedback (−0.2 W m−2 K−1) in the south-central Pacific region. Because the retrievals of cloud optical depth and/or cloud fraction are difficult in the presence of aerosols, the transport of heavy African continental aerosols may contribute to the large magnitudes of estimated cloud feedback in the two Atlantic regions.
Intercomparisons of Air–Sea Heat Fluxes over the Southern Ocean
Authors: Liu Jiping , Xiao Tingyin , Chen Liqi
Published: October 2010

Consistency and discrepancy of air–sea latent and sensible heat fluxes (LHF and SHF, respectively) in the Southern Ocean for current-day flux products are analyzed from climatology and interannual-to-decadal variability perspectives. Five flux products are examined, including the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton flux dataset version 2 (NOCS2), the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/Department of Energy Global Reanalysis 2 (NCEP-2), the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis (ERA-40), the Hamburg Ocean Atmosphere Parameters and Fluxes from Satellite Data version 3 (HOAPS-3), and the objectively analyzed air–sea fluxes (OAFlux).

Comparisons suggest that most datasets show encouraging agreement in the spatial distribution of the annual-mean LHF, the meridional profile of the zonal-averaged LHF, the leading empirical orthogonal function (EOF) mode of the LHF and SHF, and the large-scale response of the LHF and SHF to the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). However, substantial spatiotemporal discrepancies are noteworthy. The largest across-data scatter is found in the central Indian sector of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) for the annual-mean LHF, and in the Atlantic and Indian sectors of the ACC for the annual-mean SHF, which is comparable to and even larger than their respective interannual variability. The zonal mean of the SHF varies widely across the datasets in the ACC. There is a large spread in the seasonal cycle for the LHF and SHF among the datasets, particularly in the cold season. The datasets show interannual variability of various amplitudes and decadal trends of different signs. The flux variability of the NOCS2 is substantially different from the other datasets. Possible attributions of the identified discrepancies for these flux products are discussed based on the availability of the input meteorological state variables.
Who Says “It’s the Economy”? Cross-National and Cross-Individual Variation in the Salience of Economic Performance
Authors: Singer Matthew M.
Published: October 2010

Theories of government approval usually assume that voters care about economic outcomes. This assumption frequently does not hold. Data from the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems demonstrate that although the economy is often the most important issue in an election, its place on the issue agenda varies across individuals and electoral contexts. The economy is more likely to dominate other issue concerns under conditions of economic recession, volatility, and economic underdevelopment. Moreover, at the individual level the salience of economic performance rises with unemployment and economic vulnerability. Governance crises related to corruption and human rights reduce attention to the economy, as do large-scale terrorist attacks. If the economy is not perceived as important, its effect on government approval is strongly mitigated. Thus, variations in the economy’s salience need to be further incorporated into studies linking economic and political outcomes.
Matthew for the Church’s year
Authors: Riches John
Published: October 2010

This article contextualizes Matthew’s Gospel, which is the focus of this year’s international lectionary readings. The Gospel of Matthew is understood for its place in early Christianity, formative Judaism, and within the Roman Empire. Further, some key theological and ethical aspects of Matthew’s Gospel are considered, as well as the impact of Matthew in history.
Postliberal Hermeneutics: Narrative, Community, and the Meaning of Scripture
Authors: Hector Kevin W.
Published: October 2010

This essay considers two “postliberal” approaches to biblical hermeneutics: that of Stanley Hauerwas and of Hans Frei. Both are committed to the integrity and particularity of the biblical narratives and so reject the assumption that these narratives should be fit into putatively general interpretive frameworks, but they disagree about the implications of this commitment. For Hauerwas, it entails that Scripture’s meaning is available only to those who have been transformed through churchly discipline, whereas for Frei, it entails that the meaning of the biblical narratives must be ‘directly accessible’—it entails, that is, that there must be no gap between the narratives and their meaning, between their meaning and their ‘plain sense,’ nor between the narratives and the ‘essence’ of the one they depict.
The Effects of Acceleration on High-Ability Learners: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Steenbergen-Hu Saiying , Moon Sidney M.
Published: October 2010

Current empirical research about the effects of acceleration on high-ability learners’ academic achievement and social— emotional development were synthesized using meta-analytic techniques. A total of 38 primary studies conducted between 1984 and 2008 were included. The results were broken down by developmental level (P-12 and postsecondary) and comparison group (whether the accelerants were compared with same-age, older, or mixed-age peers). The findings are consistent with the conclusions from previous meta-analytic studies, suggesting that acceleration had a positive impact on high-ability learners’ academic achievement ( g = 0.180, 95% CI = -.072, .431, under a random-effects model). In addition, the social—emotional development effects appeared to be slightly positive ( g = 0.076, 95% CI = -.025, .176, under a random-effects model), although not as strong as for academic achievement. No strong evidence regarding the moderators of the effects was found.

Putting the Research to Use

The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that acceleration influences high-ability learners in positive ways, especially on academic achievement. An important message for educators, parents and students is that high-ability learners can benefit from acceleration both in the short-term and in the long run. Specifically, accelerated students tend to outperform students who are not accelerated in their performance on standardized achievement tests, college grades, degrees obtained, status of universities or colleges attended, and career status. Accelerants equal or surpass non-accelerants in self-concept, self-esteem, self-confidence, social relationships, participation in extracurricular activities, and life satisfaction. It is informative for policy-makers that acceleration programs, especially university-based early college entrance programs, have been frequently assessed and appear to be the most effective. In summary, acceleration can be effective both in K-12 education and in college. Parents are encouraged to consider acceleration for their academically talented children and educators are encouraged to make acceleration options available.
Mental Health in the Workforce: an Occupational Psychiatric Study
Authors: Larsen Anelia , Bøggild Henrik , Mortensen Jens Tølbøll , Foldager Leslie , Hansen John , Christensen Anders , Arendt Mikkel , Munk-Jørgensen Povl
Published: October 2010

Background: Prevalence of mental disorders at work is commonly reported on the subclinical level. Data on clinical caseness as to ICD-10 among employees is scarce.

Aims: (i) To establish the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in the Danish workforce in large enterprises based on a self-report measure. (ii) To verify the screening results by use of a structured diagnostic interview. (iii) To analyze associations with demographics and work- and health-related characteristics.

Methods: A two-phase design study was carried out in three Danish counties. Ten large enterprises within private and public sectors participated. A questionnaire was administrated to 1,500 employees. The Present State Examination (PSE) interview was conducted with selected respondents according to their scores on Symptom Checklist 90-revised (SCL-90R) and CAGE.

Results: Nine hundred and seventy six (65%) employees responded. A large proportion (28.6%) was identified as sub-cases and 77 as cases as to ICD-10. Absenteeism and work dissatisfaction were associated with ICD-10 diagnoses. Conclusions: Common mental disorders caseness as to ICD-10 provides evidence for the clinical nature of occupational mental health phenomena. There were strong associations between some demographic and work- and health-related factors.
Symbolism in Urhobo Masks and Mask Performances
Authors: Mac Diakparomre Abel
Published: October 2010

In almost every part of the world, masked performance events continue to chronicle happenings in human society and reflect perceptions of the environment. Among the Urhobo people of Nigeria, mask corpuses and mask performance traditions exist whose metaphoric and iconic attributes seem to have been neglected in previous studies. Consequently, the masks and performance events have been visible but not audible. A research need, therefore, remained for a deeper appreciation of the symbolism inherent in the mask forms and performance structures. In this article, the mask morphologies and performance structures are subjected to semiotic examination. It is observed that the masks and performance structures are purveyors of Urhobo normative and cosmic notions, and that they are, indeed, icons in motion.
Multiple Levels of Cultural Bias in TESOL Course Books
Authors: Sherman John Eric
Published: October 2010

This study investigates the biased treatment of non-native characters in model dialogues in current Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) course books. Although a plethora of studies have been conducted on gender bias in course books, speaker bias, or labelled nativism here, has been largely ignored. This research addresses this neglect by systematically applying parts of two frameworks previously used in analysing texts for gender bias to four current TESOL course books. The resulting data was largely quantitative in nature with some necessary description and qualification and showed that none of the chosen texts were free from some form of bias. The continuation of gender bias in areas such as the number of words spoken in dialogues between females and males as well as who is shown initiating conversations was found. In addition, various forms of speaker bias were discovered including non-native speakers speaking fewer words, taking fewer turns, being deprived of starting conversations and occupying fewer positions of social prominence. Based on these results, suggestions for further research are offered.
Simulative evaluation of distributed attack detection in large-scale realistic environments
Authors: Gamer Thomas , Mayer Christoph P.
Published: October 2010

Large-scale attacks such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks present to be an increasing threat to the networks and business of service providers in today’s Internet. In order to defend against such attacks, the development and deployment of effective anomaly and attack detection mechanisms are necessary. Testbeds and real networks do, however, not provide feasible means for the large-scale evaluation of such mechanisms. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of distributed attack detection mechanisms, simulations are essential. Simulative evaluation of such mechanisms, however, is a challenging task that has mostly been ignored until now. In this paper, we therefore present a toolchain for the large-scale evaluation of distributed attack detection based on the network simulator OMNeT++. In particular, we focus on: (1) realistic simulation environments in terms of topology, traffic and attack generation; (2) transparent operation of attack detection mechanisms in real and simulated environments; and (3) performance measurements with respect to execution time and memory usage.
Agent-based simulation approach to understanding the interaction between employee behavior and dynamic tasks
Authors: Guoyin Jiang  , Bin Hu  , Youtian Wang
Published: October 2010

In this paper, an agent-based simulation approach is applied to explore how employee behavior interacts with dynamic tasks. An assessment model for matching between employees and tasks is presented, and two algorithms to allocate tasks to employees are designed: the minimal matching and the greedy matching algorithm. The algorithms are then translated into multi-agent simulation systems, which are programmed in Java based on Repast J 3.0. The simulation experiment results showed that minimal matching is better than greedy matching for rapid task allocation. The former can reduce interface communication cost and effectively promote the use of employee capability. Moreover, with the minimal matching algorithm, the following effects are evident: (1) the different percentage of generalists and specialists have a distinct effect on completion of tasks; (2) the different preference of manager has a rarer impact on the completion of tasks than on the increase of individual capability; (3) the higher rate of individual capability is positively correlated with collaborative learning rate; and (4) the higher rate of individual capability has a marginal, significant effect when the variance of task capability distribution increases and the expectation remains constant. The increase will be significant when the expectation of the task capability requirement increases. The increase of task number has positive impact on the average rate of increase of capability of employees.
Analysis of punching force during random-velour needling
Authors: Mashroteh H. , Zarrebini M.
Published: October 2010

Random-velour needling technology uses not only a modified needle loom in which the bed-plate is replaced by a moveable brush conveyor but also specially designed needles known as fork needles are employed. In this study, in order to measure the net force exerted on fork needles and contributing forces due to factors such as vibration, inertia and resistances of brush and fibrous matt, a twin force measuring unit was developed. It was found that the magnitude of the contributing forces is strongly related to factors such as loom vibration, needle inertia and rigidity of both the conveyor surface and the fibrous matt. Quantification of the net punching force and the related factors are of vital importance in the engineering design of fork needles and random-velour looms, which in turn leads to production of high performance products at lower costs.
The Effects of New Product Development Proficiency on Product Advantage and Tourism Business Performance
Authors: Sandvik Izabela L. , Arnett Dennis B. , Sandvik Kåre
Published: October 2010

This survey study examines whether tourism businesses that have developed systematic processes and procedures for new product development (i.e., firms that have new product development [NPD] proficiencies) perform better than those that do not. The study outlines the concept of NPD proficiency, which is conceptualized as a second-order reflective construct, whose first-order facets include opportunity analysis, technical development, product testing, and product commercialization. A model is developed in which product advantage is hypothesized to be a key mediating variable between NPD proficiency and three important indicators of tourism business performance—price premium, capacity utilization, and profitability. The model is tested using data collected from the Norwegian hotel industry. The findings provide support for the view that NPD proficiency influences positively product advantage, which, in turn, both directly and indirectly influences tourism business performance.
Motivations and Normative Evaluations of Summer Visitors at an Alpine Ski Area
Authors: Needham Mark D. , Rollins Rick B. , Ceurvorst Robyn L. , Wood Colin J. B. , Grimm Kerry E. , Dearden Philip
Published: October 2010

This article examines motivations of people visiting an alpine ski area in the summer season and their norms regarding acceptable and unacceptable trail conditions and densities of use at this area. Data were obtained from on-site surveys of summer visitors ( n = 422) at the Whistler Mountain ski area in British Columbia, Canada. Cluster analysis of several reasons for visiting revealed three groups ranging from a group who rated all motivation factors as most important to a group who only considered the alpine scenery as important. Norms were measured using evaluations of photographs depicting increasing trail widths and densities of sightseers/hikers and mountain bikers. Compared to the other two groups, the group who only considered the scenery important had lower normative acceptance of increasing densities of use and wider trails and had more norm crystallization or consensus about acceptable and unacceptable conditions. Research and management implications are discussed.
Comparing Residents’ and Tourists’ Emotional Solidarity with One Another
Authors: Woosnam Kyle M.
Published: October 2010

This study is the first of its kind to examine residents’ and tourists’ degree of emotional solidarity experienced with one another in a destination—Galveston County, Texas. Two main purposes for this study are (1) to confirm the factor structure of the emotional solidarity scale for both residents and tourists while assessing psychometric properties of reliability and validity and (2) to compare residents’ and tourists’ emotional solidarity (based on resulting factors from confirmatory factor analysis) with one another. Ultimately, the scale produced the same factors (i.e., welcoming nature, emotional closeness, and sympathetic understanding) as in previous studies while exhibiting sound psychometric properties. Significant differences in mean factor scores were found for the factors welcoming nature and emotional closeness across residents and tourists. Implications, limitations, and future research directions are provided.
Cooperativism and Agroforestry in the Eastern Amazon
Authors: Piekielek Jessica
Published: October 2010

An agricultural cooperative in the eastern Amazon region composed primarily of Japanese immigrants and their descendants practices agroforestry with black pepper, cacao, and tropical fruits as the principal crops. Its success is largely contingent upon institutional flexibility and long-term economic and environmental sustainability. It has developed strategies for responding to environmental and economic changes and constraints and has discovered important principles of adaptation—diversification, innovation, and shared decision making. Ethnic identity has also played an important role by helping unite members and by linking the cooperative to Japanese markets and financial capital. The next test of the cooperative’s ingenuity and flexibility may be whether its model can be extended to non-Japanese-Brazilian small producers.