bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Axogenesis in the central and peripheral nervous system of the amphipod crustacean Orchestia cavimana
Authors: UNGERER Petra , GEPPERT Maria , WOLFF Carsten
Published: March 2011

We describe the formation of the major axon pathways in the embryonic central and peripheral nervous systems of the amphipod crustacean Orchestia cavimana Heller, 1865 by means of antibody staining against acetylated alpha‐tubulin. The data add to a long list of previous studies of various other aspects of development in Orchestia and provide a basis for future studies of neurogenesis on a deeper cellular and molecular level. Orchestia exhibits a tripartite dorsal brain, which is a characteristic feature of euarthropods. Its anlagen are the first detectable structures in the developing nervous system and can be traced back to distinct neuronal cell clusters in the early embryo. The development of the ventral nervous system proceeds with an anteroposterior gradient of development. In each trunk segment, the longitudinal connectives and the anterior commissure form first, followed by the intersegmental nerve, the posterior commissure and segmental nerves, respectively. A single commissure of a vestigial seventh pleonal segment is found. In the peripheral nervous system we observe a spatial and temporal pattern of leg innervation, which is strikingly similar in both limb types, the uniramous pereopods and the biramous pleopods. A proximal leg nerve splitting distally into two separated nerves probably reflects a general feature of crustaceans.
Life history pattern and fitness of an endangered Hainan Eld's deer population
Authors: NIE Haiyan , SONG Yanling , ZENG Zhigao , ZHANG Qiong
Published: March 2011

Understanding life history patterns, individual fitness and population fitness can assist with conservation of endangered species. Field data on life history traits (i.e. age specific fecundity, age specific mortality, age at first reproduction, litter size and adult life expectancy) were collected from 121 Hainan Eld's deer (Cervus eldi hainanus Thomas, 1918), an in situ herd of an endemic, rare and endangered cervid inhabiting Bangxi Natural Reserve of Hainan Island, from 1990 to 2002. First, we constructed a dynamic life table to analyze the life history pattern of the population, which showed that the difference between the average lifespan of males and females was not significant (P > 0.05), and that the difference between the average lifespan of the whole Hainan Eld's deer population and that of other Eld's deer populations living in South Asia (P > 0.05), North America (P > 0.05) and Europe (P > 0.05) was not significant. Second, we used individual reproductive success or number of offspring of a male over its lifetime to estimate male individual fitness. Statistic analysis showed that male individual fitness was not significantly correlated with total antler velvet mass. Third, we used the population intrinsic rate of increase to measure population fitness, and population fitness of Hainan Eld's deer was compared with similar indexes of 5 other cervid species. Hainan Eld's deer population fitness index was 0.012, the second lowest value relative to other cervids. Results indicated that this rare species is still endangered and is in need of additional protection.
Photodegradation of Folate Sensitized by Riboflavin
Authors: Scurachio Regina S. , Skibsted Leif H. , Metzker Gustavo , Cardoso Daniel R.
Published: March 2011

Folate is shown to react with singlet‐excited state of riboflavin in a diffusion controlled reaction and with triplet‐excited state of riboflavin in a somewhat slower reaction with 3kq = 4.8 × 108 L mol−1 s−1 in aqueous phosphate buffer at pH 7.4, ionic strength of 0.2 mol L−1, and 25°C. Singlet quenching is assigned as photo‐induced reductive electron transfer from ground state folate to singlet‐excited riboflavin, while triplet quenching is assigned as one‐electron transfer rather than hydrogen atom transfer from folate to triplet‐excited riboflavin, as the reaction quantum yield, φ = 0.32, is hardly influenced by solvent change from water to deuterium oxide, φ = 0.37. Cyclic voltammetry showed an irreversible two‐electron anodic process for folate, E = 1.14 V versus NHE at a scan‐rate of 50 mV s−1, which appears to be kinetically controlled by the heterogeneous electron transfer from the substrates to the electrode. Main products of folate photooxidation sensitized by riboflavin were pterin‐6‐carboxylic acid and p‐aminobenzoyl‐l‐glutamic acid as shown by liquid chromatographic ion‐trap mass spectrometry (LC‐IT‐MS).
Gould and the fairies
Authors: Branford Anna
Published: March 2011

This paper examines Stephen Jay Gould’s concept of science and religion as ‘nonoverlapping magisteria’ with reference to Spiritualism, specifically the case of the Cottingley fairies. It argues that this is a case in which the magisteria are neither separate nor overlapping but instead exist in a far more complex relationship. Through an exploration of this complexity, this paper offers discussion of the relationship between religion and science. In doing so, it problematises the common use of the terms ‘faith’ and ‘belief’ to characterise the experience of religious conviction.
The Impact of Weld Metal Creep Strength on the Overall Creep Strength of 9% Cr Steel Weldments
Authors: Mayr Peter , Mitsche Stefan , Cerjak Horst , Allen Samuel M.
Published: March 2011

In this work, three joints of a X11CrMoWVNb9-1-1 (P911) pipe were welded with three filler metals by conventional arc welding. The filler metals varied in creep strength level, so that one overmatched, one undermatched, and one matched the creep strength of the P911 grade pipe base material. The long-term objective of this work was to study the influence of weld metal creep strength on the overall creep behavior of the welded joints and their failure mechanism. Uniaxial creep tests at 600°C and stresses ranging from 70 MPa to 150 MPa were performed on the cross-weld samples of all three welds. A total creep testing time of more than 470,000 h was accumulated. The longest running sample achieved a time-to-rupture of more than 45,000 h. Creep testing revealed that the use of undermatching weld metal led to a premature fracture in the weld metal at higher stress levels. Compared with undermatching weld metal, the use of matching and overmatching filler materials increased the time-to-rupture at high stress levels by 75% and 33% at lowest stress levels. At typical component stresses below 100 MPa, all samples failed in the grain-refined heat-affected zone by characteristic type IV failure. For investigations of the failure modes, cross sections of fractured samples were investigated by optical light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction. The mechanism of weld metal creep failures and type IV creep failures is discussed in detail.
A Review of the Biology of Cerataphidini (Hemiptera, Aphididae, Hormaphidinae), Focusing Mainly on Their Life Cycles, Gall Formation, and Soldiers
Authors: Aoki Shigeyuki , Kurosu Utako
Published: March 2011

Species of the aphid tribe Cerataphidini (Hormaphidinae) form galls of various shapes onStyraxtrees, their primary host, throughout East and Southeast Asia including tropical rainforests. All known species of the tribe produce second-instar sterile soldiers on the primary host and some also produce first-instar sterile soldiers on the secondary host. Here, we review their complicated life cycles with or without host alternation, the formation process of their remarkable galls (flower-like multiple-cavity galls in particular), and all morphs including soldiers. The life cycles of cerataphidines are basically the same as those of the subfamily Eriosomatinae, but in tropical and subtropical regions their life cycles are not very rigidly tuned to seasonal changes in the climate if any. In addition, cerataphidine galls in these regions last at least several months, or at times even for over one year; thus it often takes longer than one year to complete their life cycles.
Determination of Aluminium and Physicochemical Parameters in the Palm Oil Estates Water Supply at Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Siti Farizwana M. R. , Mazrura S. , Zurahanim Fasha A. , Ahmad Rohi G.
Published: March 2011

The study was to determine the concentration of aluminium (Al) and study the physicochemical parameters (pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, and residual chlorine) in drinking water supply in selected palm oil estates in Kota Tinggi, Johor. Water samples were collected from the estates with the private and the public water supplies. The sampling points were at the water source (S), the treatment plant outlet (TPO), and at the nearest houses (H1) and the furthest houses (H2) from the TPO. All estates with private water supply failed to meet the NSDWQ for Al with mean concentration of 0.99 ± 1.52 mg/L. However, Al concentrations in all public water supply estates were well within the limit except for one estate. The pH for all samples complied with the NSDWQ except from the private estates for the drinking water supply with an acidic pH (5.50 ± 0.90). The private water supply showed violated turbidity value in the drinking water samples (14.2 ± 24.1 NTU). Insufficient amount of chlorination was observed in the private water supply estates (0.09 ± 0.30 mg/L). Private water supplies with inefficient water treatment served unsatisfactory drinking water quality to the community which may lead to major health problems.
Contribution of Large Pig for Renal Ischemia‐Reperfusion and Transplantation Studies: The Preclinical Model
Authors: Giraud S. , Favreau F. , Chatauret N. , Thuillier R. , Maiga S. , Hauet T.
Published: March 2011

Animal experimentation is necessary to characterize human diseases and design adequate therapeutic interventions. In renal transplantation research, the limited number of in vitro models involves a crucial role for in vivo models and particularly for the porcine model. Pig and human kidneys are anatomically similar (characterized by multilobular structure in contrast to rodent and dog kidneys unilobular). The human proximity of porcine physiology and immune systems provides a basic knowledge of graft recovery and inflammatory physiopathology through in vivo studies. In addition, pig large body size allows surgical procedures similar to humans, repeated collections of peripheral blood or renal biopsies making pigs ideal for medical training and for the assessment of preclinical technologies. However, its size is also its main drawback implying expensive housing. Nevertheless, pig models are relevant alternatives to primate models, offering promising perspectives with developments of transgenic modulation and marginal donor models facilitating data extrapolation to human conditions.
Novel Prophylactic Vaccine Using a Prime-Boost Method and Hemagglutinating Virus of Japan-Envelope against Tuberculosis
Authors: Okada Masaji , Kita Yoko , Nakajima Toshihiro , Kanamaru Noriko , Hashimoto Satomi , Nagasawa Tetsuji , Kaneda Yasufumi , Yoshida Shigeto , Nishida Yasuko , Nakatani Hitoshi , Takao Kyoko , Kishigami Chie , Nishimatsu Shiho , Sekine Yuki , Inoue Yoshikazu , McMurray David N. , Sakatani Mitsunori
Published: March 2011

Objective.Mycobacterium tuberculosisinfection is a major global threat to human health. The only tuberculosis (TB) vaccine currently available is bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), although it has no efficacy in adults. Therefore, the development of a novel vaccine against TB for adults is desired.Method. A novel TB vaccine expressing mycobacterial heat shock protein 65 (HSP65) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) delivered by the hemagglutinating virus of Japan- (HVJ)- envelope was evaluated against TB infection in mice. Bacterial load reductions and histopathological assessments were used to determine efficacy.Results. Vaccination by BCG prime with IgHSP65+murine IL-12/HVJ-envelope boost resulted in significant protective efficacy (>10, 000-fold versus BCG alone) against TB infection in the lungs of mice. In addition to bacterial loads, significant protective efficacy was demonstrated by histopathological analysis of the lungs. Furthermore, the vaccine increased the number of T cells secreting IFN-γ.Conclusion. This vaccine showed extremely significant protection against TB in a mouse model, consistent with results from a similar paper on cynomolgus monkeys. The results suggest that further development of the vaccine for eventual testing in clinical trials may be warranted.
One-Dimensional Constitutive Model of Shape Memory Alloy with an Empirical Kinetics Equation
Authors: Li Lei , Li Qingbin , Zhang Fan
Published: March 2011

Characteristics of NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) and its constitutive model with an empirical kinetics equation were investigated in this paper. Firstly, the transformation characters of the NiTi SMA were obtained through a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis technology, and the properties during incomplete and discontinuous transformation process and the effects of plastic deformation on the transformation were studied. The uniaxial tension, SME, and constrained recovery process of NiTi SMA were examined through an improved 10KN universal material testing machine. Experimental results indicated that the phase transformation characters and the mechanical properties could be affected by the loading process considerably, and the plastic deformation should be taken into account. To simulate the characteristics of NiTi SMA more effectively, a one-dimensional constitutive model derived from the internal variable approach with the consideration of the plastic deformation was constructed based on the DSC and the uniaxial tension experimental results, and a new simple empirical kinetics equation was presented, with the transformation temperature parameters redefined according to the DSC experiment evidence. Comparison between the numerical and experimental results indicated that this constitutive model could simulate the phase transformation characters, the uniaxial tension, SME, and the constrained recovery behavior of NiTi SMA well.
An NoC Traffic Compiler for Efficient FPGA Implementation of Sparse Graph-Oriented Workloads
Authors: Kapre Nachiket , Dehon André
Published: March 2011

Parallel graph-oriented applications expressed in the Bulk-Synchronous Parallel (BSP) and Token Dataflow compute models generate highly-structured communication workloads from messages propagating along graph edges. We can statially expose this structure to traffic compilers and optimization tools to reshape and reduce traffic for higher performance (or lower area, lower energy, lower cost). Such offline traffic optimization eliminates the need for complex, runtime NoC hardware and enables lightweight, scalable NoCs. We perform load balancing, placement, fanout routing, and fine-grained synchronization to optimize our workloads for large networks up to 2025 parallel elements for BSP model and 25 parallel elements for Token Dataflow. This allows us to demonstrate speedups between 1.2× and 22× (3.5× mean), area reductions (number of Processing Elements) between 3× and 15× (9× mean) and dynamic energy savings between 2× and 3.5× (2.7× mean) over a range of real-world graph applications in the BSP compute model. We deliver speedups of 0.5–13× (geomean 3.6×) for Sparse Direct Matrix Solve (Token Dataflow compute model) applied to a range of sparse matrices when using a high-quality placement algorithm. We expect such traffic optimization tools and techniques to become an essential part of the NoC application-mapping flow.
Photocatalytic Enhancement for Solar Disinfection of Water: A Review
Authors: Byrne J. Anthony , Fernandez-Ibañez Pilar A. , Dunlop Patrick S. M. , Alrousan Dheaya M. A. , Hamilton Jeremy W. J.
Published: March 2011

It is estimated that 884 million people lack access to improved water supplies. Many more are forced to rely on supplies that are microbiologically unsafe, resulting in a higher risk of waterborne diseases, including typhoid, hepatitis, polio, and cholera. Due to poor sanitation and lack of clean drinking water, there are around 4 billion cases of diarrhea each year resulting in 2.2 million deaths, most of these are children under five. While conventional interventions to improve water supplies are effective, there is increasing interest in household-based interventions to produce safe drinking water at an affordable cost for developing regions. Solar disinfection (SODIS) is a simple and low cost technique used to disinfect drinking water, where water is placed in transparent containers and exposed to sunlight for 6 hours. There are a number of parameters which affect the efficacy of SODIS, including the solar irradiance, the quality of the water, and the nature of the contamination. One approach to SODIS enhancement is the use of semiconductor photocatalysis to produce highly reactive species that can destroy organic pollutants and inactivate water pathogens. This paper presents a critical review concerning semiconductor photocatalysis as a potential enhancement technology for solar disinfection of water.
Hypertension Secondary to PHPT: Cause or Coincidence?
Authors: Schiffl Helmut , Lang Susanne M.
Published: March 2011

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) may be associated with arterial hypertension. The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood and reversibility by parathyroid surgery is controversial. This study aimed to characterize pressor hormones, vascular reactivity to norepinephrine, and cytosolic-free calcium in platelets in 15 hypertensive patients with hypercalcaemic PHPT before and after successful parathyroidectomy and to compare them with 5 pre-hypertensive patients with normocalcaemic PHPT, 8 normotensive patients with hypercalcaemic PHPT and 15 normal controls. Hypertensive patients with hypercalcaemic PHPT had slightly higher levels of pressor hormones (), enhanced cardiovascular reactivity to norepinephrine () and increased cytosolic calcium in platelets () than controls. Pre-hypertensive patients with normocalcaemic PHPT had intermediate values of increased cardiovascular reactivity and cytosolic calcium. Normotensive patients with hypercalcaemic PHPT and normotensive controls had comparable pressor hormone concentrations and intracellular calcium levels. Successful parathyroidectomy was associated with normal blood pressure values and normalisation of pressor hormone concentrations, cardiovascular pressor reactivity and cytosolic free calcium. Our results suggest that parathyroid hypertension is mediated/maintained, at least in part, by functional alterations of vascular smooth muscle cells and can be cured by parathyroidectomy in those patients who do not have primary hypertension.
Women, Gender, and Economic Crisis Revisited
Authors: Moghadam Valentine M.
Published: March 2011

A gender perspective is brought to bear on the global financial crisis and economic recession that began in 2008, and on the social effects of the crisis. References also are made to earlier crises to highlight the role played by gender in economic relations. The article offers a critique of the economic model, forms of economic decision-making, and capitalist hyper-masculinities that generated the present crisis, and calls for new thinking and new policies predicated on welfare and caregiving.
Is There an Economic Basis for Working Class Solidarity in the Current Crises?
Authors: Rothenberg Mel
Published: March 2011

The economic crises that unfolded in 2008 is leading to a long term world wide stagnation, a permanent recession which will ultimately eat away at profit levels and bring into question the viability of capitalism. The response to this by capital is the developing systematic attack on the organizations and living standards of the working class in the advanced capitalist world, particularly on public sector workers. This opens up the possibility of a revived world wide working class movement provided the deep differences and contradictions discussed in this article undermining international working class solidarity can be overcome.
Influence of NAFTA on Current US Economy
Authors: Sands Steven K. , Thakkar Bharat S.
Published: March 2011

The current unemployment rate in US is around 10 percent and is significantly lower in Mexico. The regional trade agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) were intended to ease and ultimately reduce barriers to allow businesses to flourish in North America, but current economic conditions are having a negative effect on export, import, and many of the economic indices. This paper describes the relationship between NAFTA’s execution and the general health of the current economy. It is suggested that the time is ripe to review and analyze NAFTA’s effectiveness in managing the current economy, globalization trends and challenges.
Conversion and Midrash: On Proselytes and Sympathisers with Judaism in Leviticus Rabbah
Authors: Maciá Lorena Miralles
Published: March 2011

The homiletical commentary Leviticus Rabbah is proof of the interest that proselytism aroused among the Sages. Indeed, this Midrash includes several citations regarding converts to Judaism in general, as a collective with similar characteristics, as well as others about specific figures who became proselytes or at the least sympathisers. This paper analyses the texts relating to this matter in order to answer the following questions: what is the impression of proselytes as a well-known group that is transmitted by the Rabbis in a work dating back to fifth-century C.E. Palestine, taking into account that Christianity had already become the religion of the Empire? Were they accepted as a part of the true Israel? What type of individuals converted to Judaism according to the Sages? Were they notable figures or anonymous people? Were they biblical or contemporary characters? This study will contribute some answers in order to understand how the Rabbis tackled this phenomenon at a time when even specific decrees existed against this practice and when the Church was taking a decisive role against it.
Effects of Bottom-Up and Top-Down Intervention Principles in Emergent Literacy in Children at Risk of Developmental Dyslexia: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Helland Turid , Tjus Tomas , Hovden Marit , Ofte Sonja , Heimann Mikael
Published: March 2011

This longitudinal study focused on the effects of two different principles of intervention in children at risk of developing dyslexia from 5 to 8 years old. The children were selected on the basis of a background questionnaire given to parents and preschool teachers, with cognitive and functional magnetic resonance imaging results substantiating group differences in neuropsychological processes associated with phonology, orthography, and phoneme—grapheme correspondence (i.e., alphabetic principle). The two principles of intervention were bottom-up (BU), “from sound to meaning”, and top-down (TD), “from meaning to sound.” Thus, four subgroups were established: risk/BU, risk/TD, control/BU, and control/TD. Computer-based training took place for 2 months every spring, and cognitive assessments were performed each fall of the project period. Measures of preliteracy skills for reading and spelling were phonological awareness, working memory, verbal learning, and letter knowledge. Literacy skills were assessed by word reading and spelling. At project end the control group scored significantly above age norm, whereas the risk group scored within the norm. In the at-risk group, training based on the BU principle had the strongest effects on phonological awareness and working memory scores, whereas training based on the TD principle had the strongest effects on verbal learning, letter knowledge, and literacy scores. It was concluded that appropriate, specific, data-based intervention starting in preschool can mitigate literacy impairment and that interventions should contain BU training for preliteracy skills and TD training for literacy training.
A Cognitive Strategy Instruction to Improve Math Calculation for Children With ADHD and LD: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Iseman Jackie S. , Naglieri Jack A.
Published: March 2011

The authors examined the effectiveness of cognitive strategy instruction based on PASS (Planning, Attention, Simultaneous, Successive) given by special education teachers to students with ADHD randomly assigned by classroom. Students in the experimental group were exposed to a brief cognitive strategy instruction for 10 days, which was designed to encourage development and application of effective planning for mathematical computation, whereas the comparison group received-standard math instruction. Standardized tests of cognitive processes and math achievement were given at pretest. All students completed math worksheets throughout the experimental phase. Standardized achievement tests ( Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement, Third Edition, Math Fluency and Wechsler Individualized Achievement Test, Second Edition, Numerical Operations) were administered pre- and postintervention, and Math Fluency was also administered at 1 year follow-up. Large pre—post effect sizes were found for students in the experimental group but not the comparison group on math worksheets (0.85 and 0.26), Math Fluency (1.17 and 0.09), and Numerical Operations (0.40 and —0.14, respectively). At 1 year follow-up, the experimental group continued to outperform the comparison group. These findings suggest that students with ADHD evidenced greater improvement in math worksheets, far transfer to standardized tests of math (which measured the skill of generalizing learned strategies to other similar tasks), and continued advantage 1 year later when provided the PASS-based cognitive strategy instruction.
Executive Impairment Determines ADHD Medication Response: Implications for Academic Achievement
Authors: Hale James B. , Reddy Linda A. , Semrud-Clikeman Margaret , Hain Lisa A. , Whitaker James , Morley Jessica , Lawrence Kyle , Smith Alex , Jones Nicole
Published: March 2011

Methylphenidate (MPH) often ameliorates attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) behavioral dysfunction according to indirect informant reports and rating scales. The standard of care behavioral MPH titration approach seldom includes direct neuropsychological or academic assessment data to determine treatment efficacy. Documenting “cool” executive-working memory (EWM) and “hot” self-regulation (SR) neuropsychological impairments could aid in differential diagnosis of ADHD subtypes and determining cognitive and academic MPH response. In this study, children aged 6 to 16 with ADHD inattentive type (IT; n = 19) and combined type ( n = 33)/hyperactive-impulsive type ( n = 4) (CT) participated in double-blind placebo-controlled MPH trials with baseline and randomized placebo, low MPH dose, and high MPH dose conditions. EWM/ SR measures and behavior ratings/classroom observations were rank ordered separately across conditions, with nonparametric randomization tests conducted to determine individual MPH response. Participants were subsequently grouped according to their level of cool EWM and hot SR circuit dysfunction. Robust cognitive and behavioral MPH response was achieved for children with significant baseline EWM/SR impairment, yet response was poor for those with adequate EWM/ SR baseline performance. Even for strong MPH responders, the best dose for neuropsychological functioning was typically lower than the best dose for behavior. Findings offer one possible explanation for why long-term academic MPH treatment gains in ADHD have not been realized. Implications for academic achievement and medication titration practices for children with behaviorally diagnosed ADHD will be discussed.
Joseph’s Dreams, Part One: From Abimelech to Saul
Authors: Hilbert Benjamin D.H.
Published: March 2011

In Joseph, biblical writers had a seer whose divinely inspired reputation as prophetic dreamer (37.5-11), diviner (40.12-36), and clairvoyant (50.24-25) enabled him to project the interpretations of his dreams into the future. If the author has not recast, or edited, the dreams, together with the interpretations put upon them by Joseph’s family, then the historiographers of Israel’s story have adjusted the dreams to show them ‘coming true’, the first in the story of Manassite Gideon’s son Abimelech and the relationship between Ephraimite Samuel and Benjaminite Saul. The working-out of Joseph’s first dream brought to an end the first book of Samuel.
Phinehas Murdered Moses’ Wife: An Analysis of Numbers 25
Authors: Fleurant Josebert
Published: March 2011

This article suggests that Numbers 25 is a chapter composed of two separate stories (the Baal Peor affair and the Phinehas narrative) and one supplement. The return of these passages to their original contexts enables the reader to recover their full meaning and to explain the tensions in the existing form of the chapter. Of the many findings the analysis makes, the most significant is the identification of the Midianite woman killed by Phinehas with Zipporah, the wife of Moses. However, it appears that the priestly redactor was not pleased with having a prophetic figure such as Moses in this predicament. Therefore, he added supplementary material to the original text, making it quite diffcult to link the Midianite woman to Moses.
Of Ships and Seas, and Fish and Beasts: Viewing the Concept of Universal Providence in the Book of Jonah through the Prism of Psalms
Authors: Forti Tova
Published: March 2011

The book of Jonah has inspired scholarly investigation in diverse perspectives, such as debating its literary category (fable, parable, allegory), analyzing its narrative art (narrator, character roles, modes of speech, scenes), comic interpretation (satire, parody, farce), and finally defining the book of Jonah as an anthology of biblical religious thought (obedience, forgiveness, repentance, providence). This article examines the last perspective, namely, the theological, and, in particular, the concept of providence through several motifs: the sea, the ship, the great fish and behemah (‘beast’). The occurrence of these motifs in Psalm 104 (vv. 14, 24-26) and almost all of them in Psalm 8 (vv. 8-9), and the poetic echo of Jonah’s narrative in Ps. 107.23-31, 38, illuminate the universal quality of God’s cosmic providence, which stands in pivotal contradiction to Jonah’s limited concept of Israel’s God.
Butchered Brothers and Betrayed Families: Degenerating Kinship Structures in the Book of Judges
Authors: Oeste Gordon
Published: March 2011

The book of Judges depicts the general erosion of Israelite society in the pre-monarchic period. This erosion is multi-faceted and occurs at a variety of levels within the text, becoming more pronounced as one approaches the end of the book. The gradual and increasing degeneration of kinship structures within the book of Judges at the family, clan, and tribal levels typifies this degeneration. This study examines the portrayal of various kinds of kinship relationships within the book of Judges in order to show how the theme of degenerating kinship structures contributes to the theme of kingship in the book of Judges. This disintegration is then examined within the rhetorical context of the book of Judges to suggest a possible social context in which the themes of kinship and kingship could have served the interests of a Hebrew writer.
The anthropology of hope and the philosophy of history: Rethinking Kant’s third and fourth questions with Blumenberg and McCarthy
Authors: Pavesich Vida
Published: March 2011

In order to address the question of hope in the present, it behooves us to revisit Kant’s third and fourth questions: ‘What may we hope?’ and ‘What is the human being?’ I reexamine these questions through an analysis of Thomas McCarthy’s recent book Race, Empire, and the Idea of Human Development and several works by Hans Blumenberg. I agree with McCarthy that Kant’s anthropology is incomplete and that the postmodern rejection of macronarratives was premature, but I claim that he requires a more complex philosophical anthropology to guide a philosophy of history. In order to address the question about hope, I reconstruct the anthropology implied in Blumenberg’s writings. I claim that this answer to Kant’s fourth question supplies conceptual scaffolding missing from McCarthy’s book, provides resources necessary for making normative claims on behalf of all human beings, and can inform a multiversal history for grounding rational hope in the present.
Moral metaphorics, or Kant after Blumenberg: Towards an analysis of the aesthetic settings of morality
Authors: Ross Alison
Published: March 2011

This paper examines the role of formal, aesthetic elements in motivating moral action. It proposes that Blumenberg’s analysis of the existential settings of myth and metaphor provide a useful framework to consider the conception and function of the aesthetic symbol in Kantian moral philosophy. In particular, it explores the hypothesis that Blumenberg’s analysis of ‘pregnance’ and ‘rhetoric’ are useful for identifying and evaluating the processes involved in self-persuasion to the moral perspective.
Review Essays: Landscape of Farewell: Alex Miller’s vision of friendship
Authors: Sharp Ronald A.
Published: March 2011

The fiction of Australian novelist Alex Miller has long been exploring the dynamics of friendship, but in Landscape of Farewell (2007) he provides the most ambitious, and in my view the most comprehensive and perceptive, treatment of the subject of any contemporary novel, Australian or otherwise. This essay explores this profound view of friendship, which goes quite beyond mateship, and examines the ways in which Miller represents and embodies that vision in fiction. Through its brilliant handling of the complexities of tone and its rich deployment of the dynamics of gift exchange, Landscape of Farewell confronts the stark realities of suffering and death and finds within the darkness itself the deepest sources of light.
Barriers to oral health promotion in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Owens Janine
Published: March 2011

Aims: This paper discusses the evaluation of a multi-sector oral health promotion intervention in the Republic of Ireland for children with disabilities. It argues that a lack of awareness about the context of interventions means that sometimes people’s health concerns remain unaddressed through a lack of participation. This may actually increase rather than decrease health inequalities. Implementing qualitative methods to provide a context before proceeding with interventions may assist in providing approaches that are fit for purpose when trying to include people in health promotion. Methods: A purposive sample of 15 parents or carers of children with disabilities and 18 non-dental professionals were interviewed in either focus groups or on a one-to-one basis. Results: The qualitative analysis indicated that budget constraints were affecting joint working because non-dental professionals were overstretched, feeling that they only had the capacity to carry out day-to-day work with parents and children. The daily demands of caring for a child with disabilities for many parents meant that they were tied to a day-to-day existence. Conclusions: The qualitative evaluation suggested that an initial lack of knowledge about structural, procedural, and budgetary barriers, coupled with insight into the daily demands on parents caring for children with disabilities, meant that all parents were not enabled. Therefore, achieving the aims of the plan could not be a total success for all parents and children from the outset.
Addressing individual behaviours and living conditions: Four Nordic public health policies
Authors: Vallgårda Signild
Published: March 2011

Aims: To identify characteristics of the public health policies of four Nordic countries concerning how they present the causes of ill health, the best ways to deal with these causes, and where to place responsibility; additionally, to investigate whether there is a common Nordic policy. Methods: Analyses of recent public health programmes in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Results: Focus is on either, or both, individual behaviour and living conditions as causes of ill health; the remedies are classical liberal as well as social democratic policies. None of the programmes is consistent with either ideological strand; each has its peculiar combination of interpretations and policies. The Danish programme is the most liberal focusing on behaviours and individual’s choices; the Norwegian programme is the most social democratic or social liberal focusing mostly on the social and physical environment and the politicians’ responsibility to improve the population’s health. The Swedish and the Finnish programmes lie between those of Denmark and Norway. The Finnish and Norwegian governments stress their responsibility for the health of the population. Conclusions: No common Nordic political approach to public health exists. All programmes contain contradictory policies and ideological statements with differences regarding the emphasis on individual behaviour versus choice and living conditions and political responsibility. The policies are not entirely predictable from the political stance of the government; national differences seem to play a role.
Money is not enough: Exploring the impact of social and cultural resources on youth health
Authors: Abel T. , Fuhr D.C. , Bisegger C. , Ackermann Rau S. ,   The European Kidscreen Group
Published: March 2011

Background: Findings on socioeconomic health differentials in youth remain fragmented with the role of cumulative and interaction effects of different forms of health resources not well understood. Methods: European KIDSCREEN data were analysed to explore effects of material and non-material resources on subjective health in The Netherlands, Hungary, and the UK. Results: Regression analysis revealed significant main effects of economic, social, and cultural resources on youth health. In the UK an interaction effect between economic and cultural resources indicated a conditional relationship between material and non-material health resources. Conclusions: Exploring the combined impact of economic, social, and cultural resources may contribute to our understanding of health differentials.
Developing health promotion education: Mainstreaming or acknowledging tensions in an evolving discipline?
Authors: Hauge Hans A. , Hem Hans Einar
Published: March 2011

Aims: To contribute to development of global frameworks for health promotion education, by means of constructive criticism of the Galway Consensus Conference Statement (GCCS), and, furthermore, to substantiate that such frameworks must transcend political trends if they are to contribute to the ongoing development of health promotion both as a discipline and as a professional practice. This article is based on a workshop on competence domains in health promotion, held at the Sixth Nordic Health Promotion Research Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden, 20—22 August 2009. Methods: The GCCS’s delimitations of health, health promotion, and health promotion ethics is analysed and contrasted with the authors’ ongoing experiences from a master’s programme in health promotion. Results: Three important limitations in the GCCS are identified: the GCCS does not promote perspectives on health other than absence of disease, defines no role for health promotion other than disease prevention, and includes no perspectives on ethical challenges for practitioners. The examples from the master’s programme illustrate how and why these delimitations are problematic. Conclusions: Despite its limitations the GCCS has the potential to set a global agenda for health promotion education because of its emphasis on domains of core competencies in health promotion practice. To further this potential the GCCS’ context of use should be changed from mainstreaming health promotion into a technology for disease prevention, to enabling dialog between contributors to health promotion with differing political and scientific ideals. Such dialog must relate to tensions and ambiguities experienced by health promotion practitioners in real-life situations.
Financing intersectoral health promotion programmes: Some reasons why collaborators are collaborating as indicated by cost-effectiveness analyses
Authors: Johansson Pia , Tillgren Per
Published: March 2011

Aims: Intersectoral collaboration is an important part of many health promotion programmes. The reasons for the local organisations to collaborate, i.e. to finance programmes, are presumably based on benefits they derive from the collaboration. The aim of this study is to discuss whether subsector financial analyses based on data from cost-effectiveness analyses reflect incentives of collaborating organisations in two intersectoral health promotion programmes. Methods: Within economics, financial incentives are important reasons for actions. The financial incentives of collaborators are exemplified with two subsector financial analyses containing avoided disease-related costs as estimated in two cost-effectiveness analyses, on an elderly safety promotion programme (Safe Seniors in Sundbyberg) and on a diabetes prevention programme (Stockholm Diabetes Prevention Program, SDPP) from Stockholm, Sweden. Results: The subsector financial analyses indicate that there are financial incentives for the key local community organisation, i.e. the local authority, to collaborate in one of the programmes but not the other. There are no financial benefits for other important community organisations, such as non-governmental organisations. Conclusions: The reasons for collaborating organisations to collaborate within intersectoral health promotion programmes extend beyond financial benefits from averted disease. Thus, the reported subsector financial analyses are only partial reflections of the incentives of collaborators, but they might be used as a starting point for discussions on cost sharing among potential intersectoral collaborators.
From health education to healthy learning: Implementing salutogenesis in educational science
Authors: Lindström Bengt , Eriksson Monica
Published: March 2011

Aim: The aim is to scrutinise the concept of health education (HE) and to broaden the concept of health literacy (HL) towards a lifelong healthy learning concept. HL is a broader concept than HE. This paper dissects both the health and the education concepts, and puts them into the value system of health promotion (HP) of the Ottawa Charter (OC) using the core principles and values of HP, HL, and action competence (AC) in the light of the salutogenesis (SAL). Conceptually the salutogenic model focuses on the direction towards the healthy end of the health continuum. The salutogenic theory, based on resources and comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness, can be integrated into a learning model. People are seen as active and participating subjects shaping their lives through their AC. Method: a combination of an analysis of the values and intentions of health promotion according to the OC combined with the existing evidence on the salutogenic approach to health, stemming from a systematic research synthesis 1992—2003 and an ongoing analysis 2004—2009 by the authors. In addition, the views from a discussion with the participants of a session in the NHPR Conference 2009 are integrated. Results: The similarities and differences between the salutogenesis, the OC and healthy learning were shown in a graph. Integrating the salutogenesis in educational sciences further expands the concepts of HE and HL into healthy learning. Conclusions: The results of the discussions will further develop and strengthen the concept of healthy learning.
It’s no surprise! Men are not hit more than women by the health consequences of unemployment in the Northern Swedish Cohort
Authors: Hammarström Anne , Gustafsson Per E. , Strandh Mattias , Virtanen Pekka , Janlert Urban
Published: March 2011

Aims: Research often fails to ascertain whether men and women are equally hit by the health consequences of unemployment. The aim of this study was to analyze whether men’s self-reported health and health behaviour were hit more by unemployment than women’s in a follow-up of the Northern Swedish Cohort. Methods: A follow-up study of a cohort of all school leavers in a middle-sized industrial town in northern Sweden was performed from age 16 to age 42. Of those still alive of the original cohort, 94% (n = 1,006) participated during the whole period. A sample was made of participants in the labour force and living in Sweden (n = 916). Register data were used to assess the length of unemployment from age 40 to 42, while questionnaire data were used for the other variables. Results: In multivariate logistic regression analyses significant relations between unemployment and mental health/smoking were found among both women and men, even after control for unemployment at the time of the investigation and indicators of health-related selection. Significant relations between unemployment and alcohol consumption were found among women, while few visits to a dentist was significant among men. Conclusions: Men are not hit more by the health consequences of unemployment in a Swedish context, with a high participation rate of women in the labour market. The public health relevance is that the study indicates the need to take gendered contexts into account in public health research.
Reading in a secondary English classroom: agency, interest and multimodal design
Authors: Yandell John
Published: March 2011

Research data gathered from a sequence of English lessons in a London secondary school are used to interrogate the ways in which reading is conceptualized in policy and realized in practice. Analysis of a PowerPoint presentation, created by two 13-year-old students, suggests the students’ ability to operate as sophisticated, multimodal sign-makers, using the resources of digital technologies in ways that are not acknowledged within the domain of schooled literacy.
Video-mediated nostalgia and the aesthetics of technical competencies
Authors: Lange Patricia G
Published: March 2011

Certain binaries have dominated scholarly approaches to research on digital video creation. The first is concerned with comparing videos made by professionals versus amateurs. The second is the binary contrasting the use of images for memory preservation versus sharing experiences and negotiating identities. The present case study of teen video makers on YouTube illustrates how youth in the United States may approach their video making in more fluid ways that do not fit comfortably within these analytical binaries. The study draws on a range of ethnographic evidence such as interviews, text comments posted to videos, and visual analyses of two videos that are live-action instantiations of a video game. The study suggests that investigating the interaction between aesthetics and technical knowledge in video-mediated, parodic forms of nostalgia may be a rich and productive area to explore. These constructs are particularly fruitful when trying to understand meanings behind video creation and communication. They also lend insight into how youth communicate aspects of the self through video.