bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notes From the Field
Authors: Rasmussen Sebastian R. , Konge Lars , Mikkelsen Peter T. , Sørensen Mads S. , Andersen Steven A. W.
Published: August 2015

Cognitive load (CL) theory suggests that working memory can be overloaded in complex learning tasks such as surgical technical skills training, which can impair learning. Valid and feasible methods for estimating the CL in specific learning contexts are necessary before the efficacy of CL-lowering instructional interventions can be established. This study aims to explore secondary task precision for the estimation of CL in virtual reality (VR) surgical simulation and also investigate the effects of CL-modifying factors such as simulator-integrated tutoring and repeated practice. Twenty-four participants were randomized for visual assistance by a simulator-integrated tutor function during the first 5 of 12 repeated mastoidectomy procedures on a VR temporal bone simulator. Secondary task precision was found to be significantly lower during simulation compared with nonsimulation baseline, p < .001. Contrary to expectations, simulator-integrated tutoring and repeated practice did not have an impact on secondary task precision. This finding suggests that even though considerable changes in CL are reflected in secondary task precision, it lacks sensitivity. In contrast, secondary task reaction time could be more sensitive, but requires substantial postprocessing of data. Therefore, future studies on the effect of CL modifying interventions should weigh the pros and cons of the various secondary task measurements.
Function Self-Efficacy Scale—FSES
Authors: Tovel Hava , Carmel Sara
Published: August 2015

This article describes the development and validation of the Function Self-Efficacy Scale (FSES) for assessing the degree of confidence in self-functioning while facing decline in health and function (DHF). The FSES was evaluated in two studies of older Israelis, aged 75+ years. Data were collected by structured home interviews. Exploratory factor analyses conducted in both studies clearly revealed two underlying factors: emotion self-efficacy and action self-efficacy. Confirmatory factor analyses resulted in acceptable model fit criteria. The shortened final 13-item FSES had good internal consistency and satisfactory criterion and convergent validity. Multiple regression analyses, conducted to predict subjective well-being in each of the studies, showed that function self-efficacy had a positive and significant contribution to the explanation of well-being, while controlling for general self-efficacy, self-rated health, and sociodemographic variables. We propose that appropriate interventions can strengthen function self-efficacy, thus improving the well-being of elderly persons and their ability to cope with DHF.
Fitting the mixed Rasch model to a reading comprehension test: Exploring individual difference profiles in L2 reading
Authors: Aryadoust Vahid , Zhang Limei
Published: August 2015

The present study used the mixed Rasch model (MRM) to identify subgroups of readers within a sample of students taking an EFL reading comprehension test. Six hundred and two (602) Chinese college students took a reading test and a lexico-grammatical knowledge test and completed a Metacognitive and Cognitive Strategy Use Questionnaire (MCSUQ) (Zhang, Goh, & Kunnan, 2014). MRM analysis revealed two latent classes. Class 1 was more likely to score highly on reading in-depth (RID) items. Students in this class had significantly higher general English proficiency, better lexico-grammatical knowledge, and reported using reading strategies more frequently, especially planning, monitoring, and integrating strategies. In contrast, Class 2 was more likely to score highly on skimming and scanning (SKSN) items, but had relatively lower mean scores for lexico-grammatical knowledge and general English proficiency; they also reported using strategies less frequently than did Class 1. The implications of these findings and further research are discussed.
County planners’ perceptions of land-use planning tools for environmental hazard mitigation: A survey in the U.S. Pacific states
Authors: Ge Yue ‘Gurt’ , Lindell Michael K
Published: August 2015

Land-use planning tools have been extensively applied in the U.S. to achieve environmental sustainability and disaster resiliency for local communities. An important issue related to land-use planning tools is planners’ beliefs about the ways in which these tools differ from each other and, thus, how planners choose among these tools for environmental hazard mitigation. A web-based survey collected data from planners in counties (or boroughs) in the five U.S. Pacific states (where county land-use planning is limited to unincorporated areas). The results indicate that planners substantially, but not completely, agreed in their perceptions of planning tools, that planners’ perceptions of planning tools are minimally related to their personal characteristics and those of their jurisdictions, and that planners’ perceptions of planning tools are significantly correlated with the capacity of their planning agencies. Planners viewed effectiveness (a desirable attribute) as positively correlated with economic costs and other impediments (which are undesirable attributes) so they must make trade-offs among these attributes and choose the most appropriate tool when formulating a growth management strategy.
Forecasting urban sprawl in Dhaka city of Bangladesh
Authors: Pramanik Md. Monjure Alam , Stathakis Demetris
Published: August 2015

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is expected to be one of the five largest cities of the world by 2025 in terms of population. The rapid urban growth experienced by the city in the recent decades is one of the highest in the world. Urban expansion of Dhaka was slow in the 1950s, but strong growth followed the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. To understand Dhaka city growth dynamics and to forecast its future expansion by the year 2030, a self-modifying cellular automata Slope, Land use, Exclusion, Urban extension, Transportation and Hillshade model was used in this research using satellite images from 1989 to 2014. This model showed two interesting findings. First, approximately an additional 20% of the metropolitan area will be converted into built-up land by 2030 amounting to about 177 sq km. Second, the spatial trend of sprawl will be towards the north and north-west. The interpretation of depicting the future scenario as demonstrated in this research will be of great value to urban planners and decision makers, for the future planning of Dhaka.
Evaluation of the similarity between spatial tessellations
Authors: Sadahiro Yukio , Oguchi Takashi
Published: August 2015

Spatial tessellation is one of the most essential spatial structures in geography. It represents various geographical elements such as vegetation patterns, watersheds, administrative units, and electoral districts. Spatial tessellations defined in the same region are often closely related to each other. Soil and vegetation play a critical role in land-cover patterns, while electoral districts are defined on the basis of administrative units and census tracts. A new method for evaluating the similarity between spatial tessellations is proposed. The method describes and analyzes the relationship between spatial tessellations. Agreement indices of spatial tessellations are introduced at both local and global scales. These indices provide a basis for describing a spatial tessellation by a set of other spatial tessellations. The proposed method is applied to the analysis of the relationship between the administrative systems and topography in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The technical soundness of the method is discussed along with empirical findings.
Park design and children's active play: a microscale spatial analysis of intensity of play in Olmsted's Delaware Park
Authors: Baek Solhyon , Raja Samina , Park Jiyoung , Epstein Leonard H , Yin Li , Roemmich James N
Published: August 2015

This paper offers a microscale exploration of the role of park design on the intensity of physical activity among youth. The actual, unstructured use of a park—specifically, Delaware Park, an Olmsted-designed park in Buffalo, New York—by ninety-four children was observed and analyzed objectively using geographic information systems, global positioning systems, and accelerometers. Data were analyzed at the scale of 25 ft x 25 ft cells overlaid as a grid on the entire park. Results from the regression analysis show that particular features of parks—especially complexity in landscape surfaces, proximity to sport facilities and playgrounds, and the availability of pedestrian trails—enable greater intensity of youth physical activity in a park.
The Core Metaphysical Foundations of Christian Conservatism and Areligious Liberalism Versus the Reversible Moral Perspectives of Areligious Conservatism and Christian Liberalism
Authors: Kunzendorf Robert G.
Published: August 2015

The Core Metaphysics and Reversible Morals Survey (CMRMS) was administered by computer to a random, stratified, nationwide sample of 1,000 adults. The only groups with significant z score means above 0.5 on the CMRMS’s Conservative Metaphysical Foundations scale were the 178 conservative Christians and the 79 very conservative Christians. The only groups with significant z score means above 0.5 on the CMRMS’s Liberal Metaphysical Foundations scale were the 76 liberal Areligious respondents and the 56 very liberal Areligious respondents. The only groups with significant z score means above 0.5 on the CMRMS’s Conservative Moral Perspectives scale were the 42 conservative Areligious respondents and the 11 very conservative Areligious respondents. The only respondents with a significant z score means above 0.5 on the CMRMS’s Liberal Moral Perspectives scale were the 39 very liberal Christians. These findings—along with the fact that the two metaphysical foundations’ z scores are so negatively correlated, so diametrically opposed, unlike the two reversible moral perspectives’ z scores—suggest an underlying reason why Christians tend to be conservative and why areligious individuals tend to be liberal: the underlying and opposing metaphysical foundations of Christian faith and areligious principles.
Penumbral borders and planning paradoxes: Relational thinking and the question of borders in spatial planning
Authors: Paasi Anssi , Zimmerbauer Kaj
Published: August 2015

The 1990s witnessed a rapid rise of relational thinking in economic, urban and cultural geography. This trend accentuated the importance of networks and connections, and challenged the conceptualizations of region in which borders are taken for granted. Relational views have become particularly prominent in the context of strategic planning, especially in the European Union. Drawing on an analysis of 18 strategic regional plans prepared by Finnish Regional Councils and interviews of the planners responsible for compiling them, this article scrutinizes and problematizes the commensurability of open and bounded notions of regions both conceptually and in terms of concrete strategic regional planning. We argue that the rise of the relational approach in planning is a fitting example of policy transfer, and the embracing this thinking causes a ‘planning paradox’: in strategic planning, planners need to think increasingly in terms of open, porous borders despite the fact that in concrete planning activities, politics, and governance the region continues to exist largely in the form of bounded and territorial political units. We then extend the idea of the planning paradox onto the question of borders and argue that borders in planning could be better understood as ‘penumbral’ borders rather than porous, since they are not solely either ‘hard’ boundary lines or ‘fuzzy borderscapes’, but typically manifest themselves only in certain practices. More generally, our observations suggest that the relational character and possible ‘boundedness’ of regions is inevitably a phenomenon that is multilayered and complex as well as context- and practice-bound.
Time–space rhythms of the city—The industrial and postindustrial Brno
Authors: Mulíček Ondřej , Osman Robert , Seidenglanz Daniel
Published: August 2015

This paper examines the transformation of the postindustrial city in terms of its temporal structure. It takes concepts of time geography, routine, and rhythmicity of the classic Lund school, Lefebvre’s analysis of rhythms, and Crang’s geographic application of the chronotope concept as its starting points. Analyzing changes in the city bus transport services in Brno between 1989 and 2009, the paper attempts to capture in empirical terms the onset of the postindustrial phase of the city’s development. While temporality of an industrial city can be characterized by a shared rhythm determined by a small number of dominant pacemakers (industrial plants), the deindustrialized city is associated with a significant weakening of such pacemakers cutting across the society and thus with a distinctive individualization of urban rhythmicity.
A station in transition: The China Squadron, Cyprian Bridge and the first-class cruiser, 1901–1904
Authors: Lindgren Scott
Published: August 2015

During the first years of the 20th century, the Far East was a critical area of deployment for the Royal Navy. The economic significance of China to the Empire was considerable, but the region was politically unstable, with European and local colonial powers vying for increased influence. This was also a period of great technological change, a process that had started in the late 1880s when new forms of large cruiser began to play a prominent role in meeting Britain’s strategic requirements outside the European theatre, significantly before the reforms normally attributed to Admiral Sir John Fisher. The transitioning nature of the China Squadron during this time offers one of the clearest reflections of this shift in local and wider strategic circumstances, as the move from a squadron based around battleships to a cruiser-oriented force began. Operationally, smaller types gradually gave way to more combat-worthy vessels, although the logistical issues that came with the increased utilisation of these types in Chinese waters were significant. These points arise in the correspondence of the Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Sir Cyprian Bridge, which also illustrate the marked differences of opinion that existed among senior Royal Navy officers about the types of vessel best suited to the needs of the Empire, and how they might best be employed.
The fleet as an ideological pillar of Dutch radical republicanism, 1650–1672
Authors: Rommelse Gijs , Downing Roger
Published: August 2015

The premature death in 1650 of Willem II, Prince of Orange, enabled the regents of the States of Holland to institute a civil administration, the ‘True Freedom’, in the Dutch Republic. For much of this regime’s 20-year ascendancy the principal task of its head, Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt, was the defence of the country and its maritime commerce against a variety of international threats. De Witt took it upon himself to instigate the creation of a powerful permanent fleet. He came to show an increasing identification with the fleet and an appreciation of its symbolic and patriotic importance that transcended its defensive role. Depictions of the fleet provided it with iconographic significance. This article argues that the fleet became an essential ideological pillar of the republican regime in its struggle to maintain itself against external threats and to secure a degree of acceptance by the predominantly pro-Orange public.
Testing the Differential Effect of Business Incubators on Firm Growth
Authors: Stokan Eric , Thompson Lyke , Mahu Robert J.
Published: August 2015

This research examines whether business incubators produce a differential effect on the growth of firms. Given that there is no direct estimate for the counterfactual (simultaneously measuring the economic growth of a firm outside and inside of an incubator), the authors use a propensity score matching technique to control for the factors that are related to both firm growth and the probability that an incubator manager would accept that firm for incubation. The analysis indicates that incubators have a significant positive impact on firm job creation, and this impact is not reduced if a matched comparison group is used. Furthermore, this study finds that incubated firms receive five times as many business services (legal, financial, marketing, etc.) as their nonincubated cohort. This may account for the networking effect found in previous studies.
Testing the Independence of Multiple Personality Factors in Relation to Health Among Community-Dwelling Older Men
Authors: Smagula Stephen F. , Faulkner Kimberly , Scheier Michael F. , Tindle Hilary A. , Cauley Jane A. ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study Group
Published: August 2015

Objective: We assessed associations between specific personality factors and health, and tested whether specific personality factors were related to health outcomes independent of each other. Method: We performed cross-sectional analyses of personality and health among a sample of community-dwelling older men ( n = 613, M age = 81.4, SD = 5.04 years) living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Results: Personality factors (dispositional optimism, conscientiousness, and goal adjustment) were crudely related to both physical and mental health, but adjusting for other personality factors completely attenuated several of these associations. Conscientiousness remained uniquely related to every physical and mental health outcome. Optimism remained uniquely related to all health outcomes, except physical activity (which was more highly related to conscientiousness and goal adjustment). Associations between goal adjustment and probable depression appeared to be explained by conscientiousness and optimism. Discussion: Correlations among multiple aspects of personality may mask unique associations of specific personality aspects with successful aging.
A tale of two cities: comparing alternative approaches to reducing the vulnerability of riverbank communities in two Indonesian cities
Authors: Taylor John
Published: August 2015

This paper describes initiatives in two Indonesian cities to reduce flood risks for those living in informal riverbank settlements. In Solo, the mayor encouraged dialogue with riverbank households, which evolved into government grants available to households prepared to relocate so that they could choose and purchase land sites in safer locations and build their homes. The government provided services and, where needed, official identity cards to those who moved. As a result of this process 993 households relocated – another 578 with legal tenure of their riverbank plots have not moved and are seeking higher compensation. In Surabaya, the mayor also encouraged dialogue with riverbank communities but no agreement was reached on tenure or alternative accommodation and compensation for those who were to move. Although neither initiative was a response to climate change, both highlight the importance of development solutions that increase resilience and that work with those most at risk from flooding and other risks that climate change is likely to create or exacerbate in Indonesia.
Concreteness and Psychological Distance in Natural Language Use
Authors: Snefjella Bryor , Kuperman Victor
Published: August 2015

Existing evidence shows that more abstract mental representations are formed and more abstract language is used to characterize phenomena that are more distant from the self. Yet the precise form of the functional relationship between distance and linguistic abstractness is unknown. In four studies, we tested whether more abstract language is used in textual references to more geographically distant cities (Study 1), time points further into the past or future (Study 2), references to more socially distant people (Study 3), and references to a specific topic (Study 4). Using millions of linguistic productions from thousands of social-media users, we determined that linguistic concreteness is a curvilinear function of the logarithm of distance, and we discuss psychological underpinnings of the mathematical properties of this relationship. We also demonstrated that gradient curvilinear effects of geographic and temporal distance on concreteness are nearly identical, which suggests uniformity in representation of abstractness along multiple dimensions.
A computational investigation of the effect of surface roughness on heat transfer on the stator endwall of an axial turbine
Authors: Lutum Ewald , Cottier Francois , Crawford Michael E , Laveau Benoit , Abhari Reza S
Published: August 2015

A numerical investigation of the effect of stochastic surface roughness on vane endwall heat transfer was conducted. The effect of equivalent sand grain roughness height was explored and compared with available experimental data. Steady-state computations using ANSYS CFX 14.0 in conjunction with the shear stress transport turbulence model were performed. Computations were conducted for fully turbulent flow conditions, since this best reproduces the conditions for the corresponding measurements. Roughness measurements were conducted at different locations along the vane passage. Exploration of these measurements indicated roughness Reynolds number values from the transitional and fully rough regime. The roughness model supplied in CFX was applied to explore the impact of surface roughness on heat transfer. Numerical heat transfer results in the vane passage were determined from a set of computations at the same operating point consisting of an adiabatic and a heat flux calculation. Calculations were conducted with a systematic variation of equivalent sand grain roughness heights and compared with experimental data. Results are presented for smooth and rough wall calculations at two different flow conditions.
Sustainable and Socially Inclusive Development of Urban Water Provisioning
Authors: Sharma Aviram
Published: August 2015

Over the years, the nature of drinking water supply and associated practices of consumption and regulation has enormously evolved in the cities of the global south. The existing literature on water provisioning in Indian cities is mostly skewed towards the megacities. The million plus cities, which are the new sites of ‘urbanization’, are less studied. In this context, the article analyzes the current scenario of drinking water provisioning in Patna and attempts to situate the ‘water economies’ in the broader debates on development, state and sustainability.

 Patna presents a pertinent case of endemic ‘state failure’ supposedly due to an inept state machinery to manage ‘water economies’ which led to unregulated private and community appropriation of groundwater to meet drinking water needs posing critical sustainability challenges at the city level. The article argues that sustainable development of urban centres will depend on how, in the long run, the unregulated exploitation of natural resources (in this case water) is managed through appropriate ‘institutional mechanism’ and how an equitable water provisioning is ensured to the citizens.
Special Economic Zones in India
Authors: Jenkins Rob , Kennedy Loraine , Mukhopadhyay Partha , Pradhan Kanhu C.
Published: August 2015

In the context of the ongoing debate on land acquisition in India and its relationship to development, this article presents an in-depth investigation of the characteristics of special economic zones (SEZs) in India. This includes the nature of exports and economic activity, their use of land and their location. It finds that a large majority of the SEZs are less than 1 sq. km, their exports focused on the information technology/information-technology-enabled service (IT/ITES) sector and refined petroleum, and located in a limited number of relatively advanced districts in a few states. Further, it is not the new SEZs, but the seven erstwhile EPZs and the 12 SEZs established between 2000 and 2005, which account for 90 per cent of the manufacturing exports from SEZs. Crucially, SEZs occupying 3 per cent of the land are responsible for 81 per cent of the total non-petroleum exports from SEZs. The nature of governance in these SEZs, which are also often seen as incipient urban settlements, is tenuous and non-representative. The article concludes with a discussion on the nexus of land, development and urbanization. It argues that the resistance to land acquisition is related to both acquisition processes and the relative costs and benefits of recent development initiatives, of which SEZs are an integral part.
Gingerol Inhibits Serum-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Injury-Induced Neointimal Hyperplasia by Suppressing p38 MAPK Activation
Authors: Jain Manish , Singh Ankita , Singh Vishal , Maurya Preeti , Barthwal Manoj Kumar
Published: August 2015

Purpose:

Gingerol inhibits growth of cancerous cells; however, its role in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is not known. The present study investigated the effect of gingerol on VSMC proliferation in cell culture and during neointima formation after balloon injury.

Method and Results:

Rat VSMCs or carotid arteries were harvested at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours of fetal bovine serum (FBS; 10%) stimulation or balloon injury, respectively. Gingerol prevented FBS (10%)-induced proliferation of VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner (50 μmol/L-400 μmol/L). The FBS-induced proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) upregulation and p27Kip1 downregulation were also attenuated in gingerol (200 μmol/L) pretreated cells. Fetal bovine serum-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, PCNA upregulation, and p27Kip1 downregulation were abrogated in gingerol (200 μmol/L) and p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580, 10 μmol/L) pretreated cells. Balloon injury induced time-dependent p38 MAPK activation in the carotid artery. Pretreatment with gingerol (200 μmol/L) significantly attenuated injury-induced p38 MAPK activation, PCNA upregulation, and p27Kip1 downregulation. After 14 days of balloon injury, intimal thickening, neointimal proliferation, and endothelial dysfunction were significantly prevented in gingerol pretreated arteries. In isolated organ bath studies, gingerol (30 nmol/L-300 μmol/L) inhibited phenylephrine-induced contractions and induced dose-dependent relaxation of rat thoracic aortic rings in a partially endothelium-dependent manner.

Conclusion:

Gingerol prevented FBS-induced VSMC proliferation and balloon injury-induced neointima formation by regulating p38 MAPK. Vasodilator effect of gingerol observed in the thoracic aorta was partially endothelium dependent. Gingerol is thus proposed as an attractive agent for modulating VSMC proliferation, vascular reactivity, and progression of vascular proliferative diseases.
Beauty and the Eye of the Beholder: Gender and Attractiveness Affect Judgments in Teacher Sex Offense Cases
Authors: Mackelprang Emily , Becker Judith V.
Published: August 2015

The present study investigated the effects of gender and attractiveness on judgments of bail requirements, incarceration, and sex offender registration lengths, and attitudes toward offenders and victims in a teacher–student sexual perpetration scenario. Researchers presented 432 undergraduate students at a large southwestern university with one of four vignettes detailing a sexual relationship between a 35-year-old teacher and a 14-year-old student. Vignettes varied by both attractiveness and gender of the offender (using heterosexual offender–victim dyads). Results indicate that both gender and attractiveness affect judgments of sex offenders; specifically, female sexual offenders were viewed more leniently and judged less punitively than male sexual offenders. Although attractive female sexual offenders were given particularly lenient treatment, attractiveness did not affect judgments toward male sex offenders. In addition, although male and female participants tended to rate male offenders similarly, male participants were more lenient toward female offenders than were female participants. Finally, post hoc analyses revealed that, for many variables, unattractive female sexual offenders may not be viewed differently from male sexual offenders. These results have serious implications for the legal system, sex offender management, and societal views regarding male and female sexual offenders and their victims.
Representation and Incorporation of Close Others’ Responses
Authors: Smith Eliot R. , Mackie Diane M.
Published: August 2015

We propose a new model of social influence, which can occur spontaneously and in the absence of typically assumed motives. We assume that perceivers routinely construct representations of other people’s experiences and responses (beliefs, attitudes, emotions, and behaviors), when observing others’ responses or simulating the responses of unobserved others. Like representations made accessible by priming, these representations may then influence the process that generates perceivers’ own responses, without intention or awareness, especially when there is a strong social connection to the other. We describe evidence for the basic properties and important moderators of this process, which distinguish it from other mechanisms such as informational, normative, or social identity influence. The model offers new perspectives on the role of others’ values in producing cultural differences, the persistence and power of stereotypes, the adaptive reasons for being influenced by others’ responses, and the impact of others’ views about the self.
Serum cobalamin concentrations and small intestinal ultrasound changes in 75 cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease: a retrospective study
Authors: Jugan Maria C , August John R
Published: August 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate ultrasonographic changes in the small intestine of cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease and low or low–normal serum cobalamin concentrations.

Methods

Records for client-owned cats presenting to the small animal hospital with signs of gastrointestinal disease and in which serum cobalamin concentrations were measured from 2000–2013 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were cobalamin concentrations <500 ng/l, abdominal ultrasound within 1 month of cobalamin testing and definitive diagnosis.

Results

Of 751 serum cobalamin measurements, hypocobalaminemia or low–normal cobalamin was identified in 270 cats, abdominal ultrasound was performed in 207 of those cats and a diagnosis was available for 75 of them. Small intestinal ultrasound changes were detected in 49/75 (65%) cats. Abnormalities included thickening, loss of wall layer definition, echogenicity alterations and discrete masses. Serum cobalamin concentrations <500 ng/l were observed with diagnoses of inflammatory disease, neoplasia, infectious disease and normal histopathology. Cobalamin concentration was significantly lower in cats with lymphoma or inflammatory bowel disease compared with other gastrointestinal neoplasia ( P = 0.031). No difference was found between cobalamin concentration and the presence of ultrasound abnormalities, specific ultrasound changes or albumin concentration.

Conclusions and relevance

One-third of symptomatic cats with hypocobalaminemia or low–normal cobalamin concentrations may have an ultrasonographically normal small intestine. For the majority of cats in this study, histopathologic abnormalities were observed in the small intestine, regardless of ultrasound changes. These findings suggest gastrointestinal disease should not be excluded based on low–normal cobalamin concentrations, even with a concurrent normal ultrasound examination. Additional studies are needed in cats with low–normal serum cobalamin concentrations, as a definitive diagnosis was not pursued consistently in those cats. However, data from this study suggest that careful monitoring, histopathologic evaluation and future cobalamin supplementation may be warranted.
Validating Neuro-QoL short forms and targeted scales with people who have multiple sclerosis
Authors: Miller Deborah M , Bethoux Francois , Victorson David , Nowinski Cindy J , Buono Sarah , Lai Jin-Shei , Wortman Katy , Burns James L , Moy Claudia , Cella David
Published: August 2015

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive, and disabling disease of the central nervous system with dramatic variations in the combination and severity of symptoms it can produce. The lack of reliable disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQL) measures for use in clinical trials prompted the development of the Neurology Quality of Life (Neuro-QOL) instrument, which includes 13 scales that assess physical, emotional, cognitive, and social domains, for use in a variety of neurological illnesses.

Objective:

The objective of this research paper is to conduct an initial assessment of the reliability and validation of the Neuro-QOL short forms (SFs) in MS.

Methods:

We assessed reliability, concurrent validity, known groups validity, and responsiveness between cross-sectional and longitudinal data in 161 recruited MS patients.

Results:

Internal consistency was high for all measures (α = 0.81–0.95) and ICCs were within the acceptable range (0.76–0.91); concurrent and known groups validity were highest with the Global HRQL question. Longitudinal assessment was limited by the lack of disease progression in the group.

Conclusions:

The Neuro-QOL SFs demonstrate good internal consistency, test-re-test reliability, and concurrent and known groups validity in this MS population, supporting the validity of Neuro-QOL in adults with MS.
Policy paradigms, subnational governance and the state sovereignty gap in Afghanistan
Authors: Blunt Peter , Mamundzay Farid , Yama Nader , Afghan Hamidullah
Published: August 2015

It is argued that the battle to restore the sovereignty of the Afghan state will be won or lost subnationally. Victory will be more likely if, following Ghani and Lockhart (2008), citizen security can be assured; if the rule of law can be upheld without fear or favour; if reasonably effective, merit-based and accountable leadership and administrative means for service delivery can be institutionalized; and if social policies can be implemented which cut across regions and ethnic groups. However, progress towards these ambitious ends and the introduction in its support of pragmatic, evidence-based policy to strengthen the existing deconcentrated system of subnational governance (SNG) are hampered by stakeholder conceptual confusion about SNG, questionable donor altruism and largely incommensurable and irreconcilable SNG policy paradigms. Success will depend on whether links can be forged between SNG pragmatic imperatives and political expediency and on perceptions of policy compatibility with democracy promotion.
Performance-based development funding using market mechanisms: A public–private partnership social financing model for medical equipment technology in developing countries
Authors: Kim Jasper
Published: August 2015

This article analyzes the viability of utilizing a new performance-based development financing model related to funding medical equipment technology (MET) transfers to developing countries. In such an innovative model utilizing market-based incentives and public–private partnerships (PPPs or P3), social bond investors fund MET by receiving a social development ‘bond’ in exchange for a predetermined and agreed-upon amount of principal and interest to be paid only if the related MET project is deemed to satisfy certain predetermined, agreed-upon success metrics (as determined by a third party). Thus, the public sector only funds MET projects that are deemed successful based on the agreed success metric by all related stakeholders, with the MET transfer project being funded no matter what the circumstance. This performance-based model can complement existing funding models, which improves the transparency, coordination and efficacy of such MET development assistance projects in developing countries.
Preparing Chinese international business students for the transition to undergraduate study in Australia
Authors: Lamberton Geoff , Ashton-Hay Sally
Published: August 2015

The diverse range of academic, social and cultural challenges experienced by Asian students when studying at Western universities is well documented. This research involved a pre-departure curriculum designed to ease the intercultural transition and adjustment for Chinese international students to a new learning environment in Australia. Moving beyond the conventional solution of establishing support systems for international students once onshore at the host institution, an academic team identified the major cultural and learning challenges for Chinese students, including use of technology, team work and active learning strategies. With embedded academic skills, the pre-departure programme was delivered at the Chinese partner institution with evidence that Chinese students developed understanding of the expectations for study at an Australian university and improved intercultural competence skills. An unanticipated result was how the project evolved into a much broader undertaking where insight gained into the enormous cultural and learning differences between a Chinese and an Australian university has led to pedagogical, curricular and environmental changes at the host institution. This study discusses lessons learned and presents cultural competence as a dual concept requiring international students, together with staff at the host institution, to engage actively in intercultural learning, creating a truly internationalised educational environment. Few studies on international student transition programmes exist, so this project has the potential to inform intercultural education providers, policy makers and educators.
A western professor in Singapore: Cross-cultural readings, expectations, and surprises in the classroom
Authors: Freeman Bradley
Published: August 2015

The educational field is seeing an increased growth in English-language teaching opportunities abroad. This situation gives rise to a number of interesting research inquiries. For example, can teaching experience in one cultural context translate well into another? What do studies tell us about cross-cultural awareness and effectiveness of those teaching abroad and their students’ proficiencies? This article introduces readers to literature that, while not always within the direct scope of international education, is made relevant given the specific case of an American professor’s teaching experience abroad in Southeast Asia. The article is a case study comparing systems and discussing various literature related to cross-cultural matters, while also proposing multi-disciplinary research paths to explore.
A Framework for Facilitating Experiential Learning
Authors: Matsuo Makoto
Published: August 2015

Although learning from experience is recognized as important for the development of managers, there is no systematic model regarding how to facilitate experiential learning. This study was designed to develop a theoretical framework for the ability to learn from experience. Drawing on the literature, I have developed a model in which five facilitators (seeking challenging tasks, critical reflection, enjoyment of work, learning goal orientation, and developmental network) directly and indirectly facilitate performance of the four steps of Kolb’s experiential learning process. The central contribution of this study is to propose a framework that integrates factors that facilitate experiential learning in various fields. The present research compensates for the shortcomings of Kolb’s experiential learning cycle.
Are There Any Specific EEG Findings in Autoimmune Epilepsies?
Authors: Baysal-Kirac Leyla , Tuzun Erdem , Altindag Ebru , Ekizoglu Esme , Kinay Demet , Bilgic Basar , Tekturk Pinar , Baykan Betul
Published: August 2015

This study evaluated the EEG findings of patients whose seizures were associated with a possible autoimmune etiology. Our aim was to find clues to distinguish patients with antineuronal antibodies (Ab) through EEG studies. We reviewed our database and identified antineuronal Ab positive epilepsy patients with or without autoimmune encephalitis. These patients had Abs to N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) (n = 5), glycine receptor (GLY-R) (n = 5), contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR-2) (n = 4), uncharacterized voltage-gated potassium channel complex (VGKC) antigens (n = 2), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) (n = 2), Hu (n = 1), and amphiphysin (n = 1). The control group consisted of 21 seronegative epilepsy or encephalopathy patients with similar clinical features. EEG findings were compared between the groups in a blindfolded design. We did not find any significant difference in EEG findings between antineuronal Ab positive epilepsy patients and seronegative control group. It was remarkable that four seropositive but none of the seronegative patients presented with nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) or focal motor status epilepticus. Continuous theta and delta rhythms were observed in 5 (71%) seropositive patients with autoimmune encephalitis and 2 (25%) seronegative patients. Eight (40 %) seropositive patients showed a frontal intermittent rhythmic delta activity (FIRDA) pattern as opposed to 5 (24%) seronegative patients. Two patients with NMDAR Ab positivity showed rhythmic delta waves superimposed with beta frequency activity resembling “delta brush” pattern. EEG seems as a limited diagnostic tool in differentiating epilepsy and/or encephalopathy patients with a possible autoimmune etiology from those without. However, antineuronal Abs associated with encephalitis should be considered in the etiology of status epilepticus forms. A possible autoimmune etiology for seizures may be considered in the presence of continuous slow waves, FIRDA, and delta brush pattern in the EEG.
Public perceptions of pharmacist expanded scope of practice services in Nova Scotia
Authors: Bishop Andrea C. , Boyle Todd A. , Morrison Bobbi , Barker James R. , Zwicker Bev , Mahaffey Tom , Murphy Andrea
Published: August 2015

Background:

Community pharmacists have been transitioning from traditional dispensing roles toward a much broader scope of practice. The objective of this research was to explore public perceptions of expanded scope of practice (ESOP) services as they relate to pharmacy and pharmacist characteristics.

Methods:

The Survey on New Services Offered by Nova Scotia Pharmacists was developed and deployed using in-pharmacy intercept surveys and online public surveys in Nova Scotia. The survey focused on 4 key ESOP elements/services: 1) prescribing for minor ailments (ambulatory conditions), 2) injections and vaccinations, 3) prescription renewals and 4) medication reviews. Data were analyzed using comparisons between groups (multivariate analysis of variance) and principal component analysis.

Results:

A total of 385 surveys were obtained from the public regarding their perceptions and use of ESOP services (online n = 237, in-pharmacy intercept n = 148). A number of significant differences were found on the basis of respondent sex, age and the location of survey deployment.

Discussion:

Overall, public perceptions of pharmacists’ knowledge and skills in providing ESOP services are positive. A pharmacist’s ability to communicate, protect confidentiality and provide quality information regarding medications is important to the public.

Conclusion:

Respondents who already have a good relationship with their pharmacist are more likely to see value in ESOP services. Future public education strategies should focus on factors positively affecting the public’s perceptions of ESOP services and should encourage public use of these services through intentional patient education of the benefits of ESOP services and strengthening of the patient-provider relationship.
Substance misuse and driving
Authors: Seddon James
Published: August 2015

Substance misuse, including with alcohol, is a significant public health problem in the UK. It is often encountered by GPs and managed by primary care teams. When consulting patients who misuse drugs and alcohol, as well as performing a ‘brief intervention’, you should consider the risks of drink or drug driving, which are both prevalent and harmful. Patients correctly taking medication might ask about the effect of using these drugs on their driving status. This article will discuss the relevant laws and regulations and will outline how to apply these in practice, especially in situations when patients continue to drive against medical advice.
Modification of Practice Patterns after Analysis of Risk Factors Improved ACLR Outcomes
Authors: Kaeding Christopher C. , Pedroza Angela , Hewett Timothy E. , Reinke Emily , Huston Laura J. ,   MOON knee Group
Published: August 2015

Objectives:

Retear of an ACL after an ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is devastating for all involved. Understanding risk factors and predictors of subsequent graft tear after an ACLR is vital for patient education of subsequent risk of injury and if modifiable risk factors are identified, adjustments can be made to minimize the risk of repeat ACL tear. The objective of this study was to compare retear risk between 2002-2003 and 2007-2008 MOON cohorts to determine if after an analysis of risk factors in the 2002-2003 cohort, a shift in clinical practice changed the risk profile of ACL graft tear in the 2007-2008 cohort. The 2002-2003 and 2007-2008 cohorts are subsets of a larger MOON cohort.

Methods:

The prospectively collected data of the 2002-2003 and 2007-2008 primary ACLRs with >80% two year follow-up was analyzed. Graft type (autograft bone patellar bone (BTB), autograft hamstring, allograft), age, Marx score at time of index surgery, and sex were evaluated to determine their relative contributions to ipsilateral retear in the 2002-2003 cohort and 2007-2008 cohort separately. An ANOVA with post-hoc analysis was performed to detect significant differences in age and Marx score at time of index surgery by graft type between the 2002-2003 and 2007-2008 cohorts.

Results:

A total of 1758 subjects met all inclusion/exclusion criteria. The mean age of subjects that received allograft rose by 8 years (p<0.01) from the 2002-2003 cohort to the 2007-2008 cohort, whereas the mean age of subjects that received BTB and hamstring remained constant over time [Fig 1]. The mean Marx score of subjects receiving allograft dropped by 2.7 points (p<0.01) from the 2002-2003 cohort to the 2007-2008, whereas the mean Marx score of cohort subjects that received BTB and hamstring remained constant over time [Fig 2]. Thus in 2002-2003, there were 38/815 (4.7%) retears compared to 34/943 (3.6%) in 2007-2008. The odds of retear for allograft subjects was 9.27 times higher compared to BTB autograft in the 2002-2003 cohort (p<0.01), which decreased to 5.63 times higher in the 2007-2008 cohort (p=0.01) [Table 1].

Conclusion:

Age, activity, and graft type have been identified as predictors of increased risk of ipsilateral graft failure after ACLR. Allograft use in young active patients was shown to be a risk factor for graft tear in the 2002-2003 cohort. Subsequent to this determination, graft choice changed to use allografts in older and less active patients, which resulted in an associated decrease in graft tear risk in the 2007-2008 cohort. The risk of ACL graft retear was lower for all graft types in the 2007-2008 cohort compared to 2002-2003 cohort.