bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voluntary Provision of a Public Good in a Strategic Market Game
Authors: Lahiri Somdeb
Published: February 2014

Fourniture volontaire d’un bien public dans un jeu stratégique de marché L’objectif de cet article est d’étudier la compatibilité entre la mise à disposition volontaire d’un bien public et les comportements stratégiques des consommateurs sur un marché avec des biens privés. Nous étudions l’existence d’un équilibre pour lequel la fourniture du bien public est réalisée de manière privée dans un modèle avec interactions stratégiques entre un nombre fini d’agents. Le mécanisme de fourniture du bien public s’inspire du modèle de Bergstrom, Blume et Varian (1986), et le mécanisme d’échange pour les biens privés relève des jeux de marché avec transactions blanches de Dubey et Shubik (1986). L’apport de cet article réside dans une démonstration d’existence d’un point d’équilibre en stratégies pures pour un nombre fini d’agents. Dans la mesure où les équilibres triviaux sont possibles, cet équilibre est construit comme la limite de séquences d’équilibres du jeu perturbé. Classification JEL : C72, D43, H41.
Noncooperative Oligopoly in Markets with a Cobb-Douglas Continuum of Traders
Authors: Codognato Giulio , Julien Ludovic A.
Published: February 2014

Équilibres non coopératifs à la Cournot sur les marchés avec un continu d’agents : le cas Cobb-Douglas Dans cet article, nous considérons les deux modèles d’oligopole équilibre général analysés dans Busetto et al. (2008), (2011). Ces modèles constituent deux transpositions dans le cadre d’analyse des marchés mixtes rationalisés par Shitovitz : la première est une version du modèle de Shapley et la deuxième une reformulation du modèle Cournot-Walras. Nous supposons que les agents dont la taille est négligeable ont des préférences représentées par des fonctions de type Cobb-Douglas. Cette hypothèse nous permet de construire un concept d’équilibre général stratégique, l’équilibre de Cobb-Douglas Cournot-Nash. Nous prouvons l’existence d’un tel équilibre. De plus, nous montrons l’ensemble des allocations associées à l’équilibre de Cobb-Douglas Cournot-Nash coïncide avec l’ensemble des allocations de l’équilibre Cournot-Walras. Classification JEL : C72, D51.1.
Some Recent Developments on the Synthesis, Chemical Reactivity, and Theoretical Studies of Tetroxanes
Authors: Jorge Nelly L. , Hernández-Laguna Alfonso , Castro Eduardo A.
Published: February 2014

The authors present a review on some recent developments on the synthesis, chemical reactivity and theoretical studies of Tetroxanes analysing their main physical chemistry properties. The authors examine the critical points of the PES of different conformers, and reaction paths at singlet ground state and triplet state of the tetroxane, leader member of the cyclic diperoxide compound family.
Editorial Note Vol.1(2)
Authors: Editor The
Published: February 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v1i2.6449Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.1(2) 2012:iii
Day of the Week Effect of Stock Returns: Empirical Evidence from Colombo Stock Exchange
Authors: Thushara SC , Perera Prabath
Published: February 2014

Many empirical studies have been carried out both in the developed and developing economies to test the presence of anomalies in stock returns and volatility. The most commonly tested seasonal anomalies are day of the week effect, month of the year effect, holiday effect, Monday effect and Friday effect. Previous studies strongly support the existence of seasonal anomalies. Existence of seasonal anomalies let the investors to earn abnormal returns by trading on past information. This study attempts to test whether the day of the week effect is present in the stock returns of the Colombo Stock Exchange. For this purpose, stock returns based on ASPI for the period of 2002 to 2011 with 2390 observation are taken into account. The day of the week effect hypothesis is tested using both OLS model and GARCH (1,1) model. The research provides strong evidence to support the day of the week effect. Furthermore, there is a Thursday, Wednesday and Friday effect in the stock returns. Thus, investors can earn abnormal returns by trading on a strategy based on past information. It is recommended to buy stock on Mondays and Tuesdays and sell them on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays to earn abnormal returns.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v1i2.6451 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.1(2) 2012:16-27
Decentralization and Role of School Development committees (SDC) in the Public Schools in Sri Lanka: Case Study in the Colombo District
Authors: Arachchi Chandana Kasturi
Published: February 2014

This paper discusses the nature of the implementation of School Development Committees (SDC) in the government school sector in Sri Lanka. The Programme of School Improvement (PSI) is being implemented in Sri Lanka since 2006. According to the PSI regulations and guidance, schools are anticipated to form School Development Committees (SDC) to make school decisions. Main research question in this study is: “how is the SDC implementation in the Colombo district government schools?” The nature of this study is qualitative inquiry, and multiple case study approach was used to inquire this research problem. Five schools were selected purposively, and five principals, five deputy principals, fifteen teachers and fifteen parents were comprised in the sample. Document survey, questionnaire and semi structured interviews were used to gather information in this study. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis technique. Since the PSI implementation, the decision making process has been significantly changed. It seems that, most schools do not implement authentic democratic and participatory decision making style and participatory management approaches in school management. Most of the principals still perform the key role in decision making in the schools. Principal’s responsibility and accountability has been improved since he/ she has to execute new roles in school management. Lack of resources, negative attitudes and lack of awareness of the stakeholders are the key barriers to perform role of the SDC. Therefore, it is imperative to organize PSI awareness programmes since the stakeholders do not have better understanding on PSI or SBM. In addition, it is necessary to establish an administrative body to supervise PSI implemented schools, and to guide SDC members.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v1i2.6452 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.1(2) 2012:28-50
Effectiveness of the Privatization Process on the Government Coconut Plantation Companies in Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunasekera NDSR , Thushara SC , Ranashinghe DN
Published: February 2014

During the past three decades economic reforms in the world were designed to expand the role the market economy through privatization. Most of the researchers have strongly documented that after being privatized, firms became more profitable and operating efficiency and dividend payments have significantly improved. The economic turnaround in Sri Lanka came about in 1990’s, most of the public sector commercial organizations including the plantations managed under public sector were privatized.This research compares the financial performance, physical performance and employee perception of the two coconut plantation companies under the management of private sector and government during the period from 2000 to 2009. Data was collected using annual reports, progress reports of the Kurunegala Plantations Limited and Chilaw Plantations Limited and questionnaire of the two companies. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistical methods such as mean, standard deviation, co-relation and co-efficient. It is documented that significant improvements in financial performances, physical performance and employees’ satisfaction of both the companies under government management. When compared with the previous studies these results strongly reject that private management system is more efficient than government management.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v1i2.6528 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.1(2) 2012:86-106
Impact of Innovations Attributes on e-learning Acceptance among Sri Lankan Postgraduate Students
Authors: Yatigammana MRKN , Johar Md Gapara Md , Gunawardhana Chandra
Published: February 2014

Though e learning is gaining much popularity in Sri Lanka, the actual and potential users of e-learning facilities possess different perceptions towards the acceptance of e-learning technology. As e learning is considered to be an innovative method for the users, the Diffusion of Innovation theory identifies five attributes of innovation namely relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability which impact on the attitude and intention of using e- learning by the users. Therefore examining the impact of innovation attributes on e learning acceptance in Sri Lankan postgraduates is more relevant as it helps to acquire the knowledge on how e learning acceptance is perceived by them. For this purpose random samples of 200 were drawn from the postgraduate students in local based universities in Sri Lanka and it was found that observability and relative advantage has a significant impact on attitude and intention of using e learning among the postgraduate students while least significant innovation attributes were found to be complexity and trialability.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v2i1.6541 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.2(1) 2013:1-17
Women Managers and Their Personal Barriers for Upward Mobility in Private and Public Sectors
Authors: Jayatilake Lakmini VK , Kumara PAP Samantha , Withanage Piyasiri , Fernando P Lalitha S
Published: February 2014

Women’s participation in the paid workforce is one of the most significant social changes of the last century. Therefore, significant progress has been achieved by women with their increase movements into the occupations and the proportion of women in management of different levels of the organizations has increased. However, towards the end of year 2012 the proportion of women in decision making is very low and still there are only around 20 per cent women are represent the managerial positions. Qualitative case study methodology was used to answer the question ‘what are the perceived personal barriers that inhibit to career development of women managers in Sri Lanka’? By this study, it has been analyzed the experiences of 40 Sri Lankan women who are holding senior-level management positions in five public and five private sector organizations in the occupational categories of Education, Accountancy, Engineering, Insurance, Banking and Medical Service. The Grounded Theory analysis method was applied to analyze the data. The study found out that there are barriers in organizational support, number of task and working load, nearest colleagues and friendship and fellow managers and support.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v2i1.6545 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.2(1) 2013:92-112
Pricing economic value of organic rice under dichotomous choice framework: an environmental perspective
Authors: Wanninayake WMCB , Shantha A Aruna
Published: February 2014

In Sri Lanka, rice accounts for 25 percent of total cultivable land, and more than two million families are engaged in farming as their main occupation. Intensive paddy farming in Sri Lanka has destructive effects on land, water, animals and human. Growing organic rice rather than commercially produced rice is the environmentally healthy choice and it is a fast growing agricultural segment in Sri Lanka during recent decades. However, organic farming faces challenges such as higher management cost; the risks of learning new farming methods, a fragmented industry that is still young; higher cost of marketing the value of organic rice; and the higher cost of consumer engagement. Further, willingness to pay extra for organic products was less than anticipated. This study attempts to determine the economic value of organic rice by eliciting customers’ willingness to pay (WTP) using contingent valuation method followed by single bounded dichotomous choices. Ecoliteracy, perceived importance and demographic variables were employed as independent variables for the study. A stepwise backward binary multivariate logistic regression model was used to measure WTP and to determine the factors that influence the variation in WTP. Primary data were obtained from 1,158 local customers from 36 supermarkets in Colombo districts. The study found that majority of local sampled customers (57.5%) refused to pay any additional payment for organic rice even though it was environmentally friendly product. However, 42.5% sampled customers agreed to pay an additional payment for organic rice. As estimated parametric logistic model the mean value of WTP for green rice at higher bidding level is Rs. 126.71/kg However, that value at medium bidding level was Rs. 98.61/kg and at low bedding level it was Rs. 81.78/kg. According to the empirical results H1 and H2 were fully supported and H3 were partially supported. In conclusion, policy makers can identify the range of price increase of such organic rice without damaging the existing demand for organic rice and it is a timely need to introduce new marketing strategies to expand the market segment in organic rice in Sri Lanka.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v2i2.6547 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.2(2) 2013:1-22
Success of Matale Regional Economic Advancement Project (MREAP) as poverty alleviation project
Authors: Kumari PWNA , Kumarasinghe PJ
Published: February 2014

This paper intended to assess the impact of microfinance on poverty alleviation in Matale district and identify the influence of macroeconomic condition on the net impact of microfinance. For that purpose Matale Regional Economic Advancement Project (MREAP) which was funded by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) was selected and sample consisted with 100 households who received the microcredit from MREAP. Descriptive statistics and one sample t-statistics revels that microcredit facilities help these beneficiaries to move for higher income ladders and though the nominal income of the beneficiaries has increased macroeconomic condition prevailed in Sri Lanka hampered the real benefit. Therefore, this study highlighted the importance of healthy economic condition in Si Lanka. Without health economic condition Si Lanka unable to reap the maximum benefit from the donor funds.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v2i2.6553 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.2(2) 2013:99-115
Isolated Hemolytic Anemia: An Unusual Manifestation of Occult Malignancy
Authors: Butler Matthew J. , Yin Ming , Quddus Fahd
Published: February 2014

Hemolysis is an uncommon and usually late complication of malignancy, and very rarely the presenting feature. Cancer-associated hemolysis may be immune-mediated, or may result from thrombotic microangiopathy accompanied by thrombocytopenia. We describe an unusual case of isolated hemolysis in the setting of occult metastatic breast cancer. The patient initially presented with symptomatic anemia, with evidence of hemolysis but with negative direct antiglobulin testing and a normal platelet count. Subsequent investigation discovered metastatic adenocarcinoma of the breast involving bone marrow. Hemolysis worsened despite initial treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy and a trial of corticosteroids, but later resolved with aromatase inhibitor therapy.
National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Preparticipation Physical Examinations and Disqualifying Conditions
Authors: Conley Kevin M. , Bolin Delmas J. , Carek Peter J. , Konin Jeff G. , Neal Timothy L. , Violette Danielle
Published: February 2014

Objective

To present athletic trainers with recommendations for the content and administration of the preparticipation physical examination (PPE) as well as considerations for determining safe participation in sports and identifying disqualifying conditions.

Background

Preparticipation physical examinations have been used routinely for nearly 40 years. However, considerable debate exists as to their efficacy due to the lack of standardization in the process and the lack of conformity in the information that is gathered. With the continuing rise in sports participation at all levels and the growing number of reported cases of sudden death in organized athletics, the sports medicine community should consider adopting a standardized process for conducting the PPE to protect all parties.

Recommendations

Recommendations are provided to equip the sports medicine community with the tools necessary to conduct the PPE as effectively and efficiently as possible using available scientific evidence and best practices. In addition, the recommendations will help clinicians identify those conditions that may threaten the health and safety of participants in organized sports, may require further evaluation and intervention, or may result in potential disqualification.
Building capacity for African primary Care Research
Authors: Ayankogbe Olayinka O.
Published: February 2014

No abstract available
Role of oral glutamine in alleviation and prevention of radiation-induced oral mucositis: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Chattopadhyay Subrata , Saha Aramita , Azam Mohammad , Mukherjee Anindya , Sur Prabir Kumar
Published: February 2014

Background: Oral mucositis is the most frequently occurring painful and dose-limiting side-effect of radiation of the head and neck region. Few studies demonstrated that oral glutamine suspension may significantly reduce the duration and severity of objective oral mucositis during radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: A randomized, prospective single institutional case control study was performed between April 2012 and November 2012 comparing the influence of oral glutamine on radiation induced mucositis in head and neck malignancy patients. Seventy biopsy proven patients with head and neck cancer receiving primary or adjuvant radiation therapy were randomized to receive either oral glutamine suspension daily 2h before radiation in the study arm (10 g in 1000 ml of water) (n = 35) or nothing before radiation; control arm (n = 35). Results and Analysis: Total 32 patients (91.43%) in the glutamine arm and total 34 patients (97.15%) developed mucositis. Grade 3 mucositis (14.29%) and grade 4 mucositis (2.86%) in the study arm (who received oral glutamine) were significantly less (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04, respectively) in the glutamine arm. The mean duration of grade 3 or worse mucositis (grade 3 and grade 4) was significantly less (6.6 days vs. 9.2 days) in study arm with P < 0.001. Mean time of onset of mucositis was significantly delayed in patients who took glutamine in comparison to control arm with P < 0.001. Conclusion: Glutamine delays oral mucositis in the head neck cancer patients. Moreover, it reduces the frequency and duration of grade 3 and grade 4 mucositis.
Assessment of nutritional status of gynecological cancer cases in India and comparison of subjective and objective nutrition assessment parameters
Authors: Das Ushashree , Patel Shilpa , Dave Kalpana , Bhansali Ronak
Published: February 2014

Aim: To assess the nutritional status of gynecological cancer patients using scored Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) then compare it with the body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin, serum albumin, and approximate percentage weight lost in last 1 month so as to find any one parameter that can be used in place of the comprehensive assessment tool. Materials and Methods: Sixty gynecological cancer patients were assessed for their nutritional status using BMI, serum albumin, hemoglobin, percentage weight lost in last 1 month, and scored PG-SGA. Correlation, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the former four parameters compared to scored PG-SGA were calculated. Results: 88.33% of cases were at risk of or had some degree of malnutrition according to scored PG-SGA. Serum albumin level ≤ 2 g/dl had highest specificity and positive predictive value at 1, whereas percentage weight lost in last month had better overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 0.5833, 0.9444, 0.875, and 0.7727, respectively. The Pearson′s correlation coefficient between scored PG-SGA and percentage weight lost in last 1 month was 0.784, highest among all the parameters. Conclusion: 88.33% of gynecologic cancer cases had some degree of malnutrition or were at risk of malnutrition. Approximate percentage weight lost in last 1 month, that is, ≥ 5% may be used in place of the comprehensive scored PG-SGA to triage the patients in case the latter is not used for some reason. Severe hypoalbuminemia ≤ 2 g/dl is an indicator of severe malnutrition in gynecologic cancer cases.
Eribulin drug review
Authors: Shetty Nishitha , Gupta Sudeep
Published: February 2014

Eribulin is an anticancer drug approved for treatment of metastatic breast cancer. This drug is a synthetic derivative from Japanese marine sponge Halichondria okadai. It acts by interfering with the microtubular growth ultimately leading to apoptosis after prolonged mitotic blockage. In patients with metastatic breast cancer refractory to anthracyclines and taxanes, eribulin is one of the life-saving options. Neutropenia, neuropathy and QT prolongation are the most frequent adverse events associated with this drug. Phase I/II trials are also underway in refractory lung, ovarian, pancreatic, bladder, and soft tissue tumors. Larger prospective studies will define the role of this drug in a wide variety of tumors, and the future looks very promising.
Impact of various combinations of nitrate and chloride on nitrogen remobilization in potted chrysanthemum grown in a subirrigation system
Authors: MacDonald William N. , Tsujita M. James , Blom Theo J. , Shelp Barry J.
Published: February 2014

MacDonald, W. N., Tsujita, M. J., Blom, T. J. and Shelp, B. J. 2014. Impact of various combinations of nitrate and chloride on nitrogen remobilization in potted chrysanthemum grown in a subirrigation system. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 643–657. Subirrigation is gaining popularity as an environmentally friendly strategy for managing the nutrition of potted chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.), as well as many other popular potted ornamental crops grown in the greenhouse. Subirrigation systems recycle the nutrient solution, but unlike the common practice of overhead irrigation, salts are more likely to accumulate in the top of the growing medium. Thus, further research is required to optimize the technology for the timing and application rates of soluble nitrogen in order to benefit from the high mobility of this nutrient within plants. This study tested the hypothesis that N use efficiency of subirrigated potted chrysanthemum can be improved by managing the nitrate status of the plant. Replacement of the nitrate supply with water 1 wk prior to inflorescence emergence (the midpoint of the experimental 10-wk crop cycle) was more effective in reducing the nitrate contents of above-ground tissues, particularly the stems and petioles, than the use of nitrate or various combinations of nitrate and chloride, thereby resulting in an improved N usage index (i.e., shoot dry mass×(shoot dry mass/shoot N content)). Shoot or inflorescence dry mass and N content were unaffected at the conclusion of the crop cycle by this treatment, whereas the electrical conductivity of the pot medium was reduced. Thus, elimination of nitrate prior to inflorescence emergence can be an effective strategy for improving N use efficiency in subirrigated potted chrysanthemums without sacrificing quality.
Selection and evolution of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC)-inhibitor resistance in wild oat (Avena fatua L.) in a long-term alternative cropping systems study
Authors: Beckie Hugh J. , Johnson Eric N. , Leeson Julia Y. , Shirriff Scott W. , Kapiniak Arlen
Published: February 2014

Beckie, H. J., Johnson, E. N., Leeson, J. Y., Shirriff, S. W. and Kapiniak, A. 2014. Selection and evolution of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC)-inhibitor resistance in wild oat (Avena fatua L.) in a long-term alternative cropping systems study. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 727–731. In 2012, 18 yr after experiment establishment, wild oat from the spring wheat phase of seven of nine alternative cropping systems (each of three input levels applied to three levels of cropping diversity) were sampled and screened for ACC-inhibitor resistance. The frequency or level of resistance in wild oat was greatest in the diversified annual grains systems (42–60% of individuals), and lowest in the diversified annual perennial systems (<3%). The results of this study demonstrate the importance of perennial crops in slowing the selection and evolution of resistance in this weed. Moreover, annual cropping system diversity by itself is not enough to slow the evolution of ACC-inhibitor resistance in wild oat; cropping diversity must be linked with herbicide mode-of-action diversity and herbicide-use reduction.
Carbon and nitrogen in the silt-size fraction and its HCl-hydrolysis residues from coarse-textured Canadian boreal forest soils
Authors: Preston Caroline M. , Norris Charlotte E. , Bernard Guy M. , Beilman David W. , Quideau Sylvie A. , Wasylishen Roderick E.
Published: February 2014

Preston, C. M., Norris, C. E., Bernard, G. M., Beilman, D. W., Quideau, S. A. and Wasylishen, R. E. 2014. Carbon and nitrogen in the silt-size fraction and its HCl-hydrolysis residues from coarse-textured Canadian boreal forest soils. Can. J. Soil Sci. 94: 157–168. Improving the capacity to predict changes in soil carbon (C) stocks in the Canadian boreal forest requires better information on the characteristics and age of soil carbon, especially more slowly cycling C in mineral soil. We characterized C in the silt-size fraction, as representative of C stabilized by mineral association, previously isolated in a study of soil profiles of four sandy boreal jack pine sites. Silt-size fraction accounted for 13–31% of the total soil C and 12–51% of the total soil N content. Solid-state13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that silt C was mostly dominated by alkyl and O,N-alkyl C, with low proportions of aryl C in most samples. Thus, despite the importance of fire in this region, there was little evidence of storage of pyrogenic C. We used HCl hydrolysis to isolate the oldest C within the silt-size fraction. Consistent with previous studies, this procedure removed 21–74% of C and 74–93% of N, leaving residues composed mainly of alkyl and aryl C. However, it failed to isolate consistently old C; 11 out of 16 samples had recent14C ages (fraction of modern14C > 1), although C-horizon samples were older, with Δ14C from –17 to –476‰. Our results indicate relatively young ages for C associated with the silt-size fractions in these sites, for which mineral soil C storage may be primarily limited by good drainage and coarse soil texture, exacerbated by losses due to periodic wildfire.
Multifractal analysis of Birkhoff averages for typical infinitely generated self-affine sets
Authors: Käenmäki Antti , Reeve Henry W. J.
Published: February 2014

We develop a thermodynamic formalism for quasi-multiplicative potentials on a countable symbolic space and apply these results to the dimension theory of infinitely generated self-affine sets. The first application is a generalisation of Falconer's dimension formula to include typical infinitely generated self-affine sets and show the existence of an ergodic invariant measure of full dimension whenever the pressure function has a root. Considering the multifractal analysis of Birkhoff averages of general potentials

\Phi

taking values in

\mathbb{R}^{\mathbb{N}}

, we give a formula for the Hausdorff dimension of

J_\Phi(\alpha)

, the

\alpha

-level set of the Birkhoff average, on a typical infinitely generated self-affine set. We also show that for bounded potentials

\Phi

, the Hausdorff dimension of

J_\Phi(\alpha)

is given by the maximum of the critical value for the pressure and the supremum of Lyapunov dimensions of invariant measures

\mu

for which

\int\Phi\,d\mu=\alpha

. Our multifractal results are new in both the finitely generated and the infinitely generated setting.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound Topics in Emergency Medicine Resident Training
Authors: Greer Veronica L , Brosseit Matthew W
Published: February 2014

The evaluation of abdominal or pelvic pain and/or vaginal bleeding using pelvic ultrasound is a common practice of the emergency physician. In fact, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in 2008 published guidelines listing evaluation of pregnancy as a core application and evaluation of the adnexa as a secondary application for emergency bedside pelvic ultrasound. In 2012 the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) along with the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) introduced milestones into residency programs to provide a framework of cognitive and behavioral performance standards, including procedure-based skills. The milestones are the knowledge, skills, attitudes and other attributes for each of the ACGME competencies that monitor resident performance throughout the residency and range from less to more advanced levels. Goal-directed focused ultrasound is one of twenty-three specific milestones that will be measured during emergency medicine training. Discussion will focus on how to teach focused goaldirected pelvic ultrasound based on the five levels within this milestone.

How to cite this article

Greer VL, Brosseit MW. Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound Topics in Emergency Medicine Resident Training. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(1):35-43.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound and Evidence-based Medicine in Medical Education
Authors: Ho Hoi , Aragon Lorenzo
Published: February 2014

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. Despite improvement in knowledge, technology, effective medical therapies and ample practice guidelines, the practice of medicine in all specialties including obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) continues to lag behind along with alarming rate of medical errors. Similarly, ultrasonography is rapidly expanding in the practice of medicine across many specialties but standardized requirements and ultrasound curricula for residency training in obstetrics and gynecology are still lacking.

EBM is a required component of the curriculum of medical education at all levels but still does not have a firm foothold in the practice of medicine in the United States and other countries because of barriers. There are many proposed changes to improve the efficacy of current teaching of EBM and ultrasound including an early introduction in preclinical curriculum and integration of a longitudinal EBM-ultrasound training in the continuum of medical education.

We present a case of postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) which was managed according to the traditional way, and review of EBM literature to contrast differences in clinical decision of two clinical approaches.

How to cite this article

Aragon L, Ho H. Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound and Evidence-based Medicine in Medical Education. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(1):77-82.
How to Effectively Mentor Junior Faculty?
Authors: Ho Hoi , Garcia Blanca , Hernandez German T , Shokar Gurjeet S
Published: February 2014

In the current era of decreased funding for teaching and research, academic centers are increasingly focused on clinical productivity. The lack of structured mentoring programs along with increasing clinical demands has led to unrealistic academic expectations for physician faculty. Faculty mentoring is a dynamic reciprocal relationship for both the mentor and mentee to work closely in developing a professional and productive academic partnership.

Both mentor and mentee are equally important in achieving a rewarding mentoring partnership. There are fundamental guidelines for the mentor and the mentee to follow to ensure the desired outcomes. Traditional mentoring relationship is strictly voluntary without a defined commitment from either party. However, outcome-driven mentoring relationship is a structured process in which specific goals and objectives are well-defined, and in which the mentoring progresses and feedback are closely monitored. Much information about faculty mentoring is derived from the mentoring of basic scientists. In contrast, there is a paucity of well-designed studies on mentoring of physician faculty. The effectiveness of mentoring programs was traditionally measured by subjective feedback, unlike outcomesdriven mentoring which uses objective measures based on a priori defined outcomes.

Although individual faculty members must assume responsibility for their own academic development, their institution is obligated to provide an effective mentoring program to aid the faculty in accomplishing their assignments and advancing in their career development.

How to cite this article

Garcia B, Hernandez GT, Shokar GS, Ho H. How to Effectively Mentor Junior Faculty? Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(1):92-96.
Gender Bias in Academic Medicine
Authors: Horn Kathryn V
Published: February 2014

While more women graduate from medical school, there is still unequal representation of women in academic medicine, especially in the senior levels of academia. Gender bias is a strong reason women leave academic medicine. Disparities in salary and promotion, conscious and unconscious bias and institutional policies create a culture that does not favor their recruitment and retention. This article reviews literature that describes the problem and potential solutions to individuals, departments and institutions.

How to cite this article

Horn KV. Gender Bias in Academic Medicine. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014; 8(1):97-99.
Radical chemistry at night: comparisons between observed and modelled HOx, NO3 and N2O5 during the RONOCO project
Authors: Stone D. , Evans M. J. , Walker H. , Ingham T. , Vaughan S. , Ouyang B. , Kennedy O. J. , McLeod M. W. , Jones R. L. , Hopkins J. , Punjabi S. , Lidster R. , Hamilton J. F. , Lee J. D. , Lewis A. C. , Carpenter L. J. , Forster G. , Oram D. E. , Reeves C. E. , Bauguitte S. , Morgan W. , Coe H. , Aruffo E. , Dari-Salisburgo C. , Giammaria F. , Di Carlo P. , Heard D. E.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The RONOCO (ROle of Nighttime chemistry in controlling the Oxidising Capacity of the AtmOsphere) aircraft campaign during July 2010 and January 2011 made observations of OH, HO2, NO3, N2O5 and a number of supporting measurements at night over the UK, and reflects the first simultaneous airborne measurements of these species. We compare the observed concentrations of these short-lived species with those calculated by a box model constrained by the concentrations of the longer lived species using a detailed chemical scheme. OH concentrations were below the limit of detection, consistent with model predictions. The model systematically underpredicts HO2 by ~200% and overpredicts NO3 and N2O5 by around 80 and 50%, respectively. Cycling between NO3 and N2O5 is fast and thus we define the NO3x (NO3x=NO3+N2O5) family. Production of NO3x is overwhelmingly dominated by the reaction of NO2 with O3, whereas its loss is dominated by aerosol uptake of N2O5, with NO3+VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and NO3+RO2 playing smaller roles. The production of HOx and ROx radicals is mainly due to the reaction of NO3 with VOCs. The loss of these radicals occurs through a combination of HO2+RO2 reactions, heterogeneous processes and production of HNO3 from OH+NO2, with radical propagation primarily achieved through reactions of NO3 with peroxy radicals. Thus NO3 at night plays a similar role to both OH and NO during the day in that it both initiates ROx radical production and acts to propagate the tropospheric oxidation chain. Model sensitivity to the N2O5 aerosol uptake coefficient (γN2O5) is discussed and we find that a value of γN2O5=0.05 improves model simulations for NO3 and N2O5, but that these improvements are at the expense of model success for HO2. Improvements to model simulations for HO2, NO3 and N2O5 can be realised simultaneously on inclusion of additional unsaturated volatile organic compounds, however the nature of these compounds is extremely uncertain.
Formation of gas-phase carbonyls from heterogeneous oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids at the air–water interface and of the sea surface microlayer
Authors: Zhou S. , Gonzalez L. , Leithead A. , Finewax Z. , Thalman R. , Vlasenko A. , Vagle S. , Miller L.A. , Li S.-M. , Bureekul S. , Furutani H. , Uematsu M. , Volkamer R. , Abbatt J.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Motivated by the potential for reactive heterogeneous chemistry occurring at the ocean surface, gas-phase products were observed when a reactive sea surface microlayer (SML) component, i.e. the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) linoleic acid (LA), was exposed to gas-phase ozone at the air–seawater interface. Similar oxidation experiments were conducted with SML samples collected from two different oceanic locations, in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean and from the west coast of Canada. Online proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) University of Colorado light-emitting diode cavity-enhanced differential optical absorption spectroscopy (LED-CE-DOAS) were used to detect oxygenated gas-phase products from the ozonolysis reactions. The LA studies indicate that oxidation of a PUFA monolayer on seawater gives rise to prompt and efficient formation of gas-phase aldehydes. The products are formed via the decomposition of primary ozonides which form upon the initial reaction of ozone with the carbon–carbon double bonds in the PUFA molecules. In addition, two highly reactive dicarbonyls, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glyoxal, were also generated, likely as secondary products. Specific yields relative to reactant loss were 78%, 29%, 4% and < 1% for n-hexanal, 3-nonenal, MDA and glyoxal, respectively, where the yields for MDA and glyoxal are likely lower limits. Heterogeneous oxidation of SML samples confirm for the first time that similar carbonyl products are formed via ozonolysis of environmental samples.
Basic convective element: bubble or plume? A historical review
Authors: Yano J.-I.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. During the 1950s and the 60s, when intensive investigations on atmospheric convection were launched, the two possibilities were identified for the basic element of convection: bubble and plume. The present paper reviews the investigations of this period, and suggests how the mass-flux convection parameterization formulation emerged from these early investigations. Especially the choice of the steady-plume model is a key ingredient of the mass-flux formulation. Some historical lessons are suggested.
Paleoclimate and weathering of the Tokaj (NE Hungary) loess-paleosol sequence: a comparison of geochemical weathering indices and paleoclimate parameters
Authors: Schatz A.-K. , Scholten T. , Kühn P.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The Tokaj loess-paleosol sequence in NE Hungary is one of the key sites for detailed paleoclimate reconstructions of the Quaternary in SE Europe. In this study, the geochemical composition of samples from the upper part of the sequence (45–21 ka) was analyzed and a variety of commonly used weathering indices and element ratios were applied to estimate weathering intensity. Further, similarities and differences between these weathering indices and their sensitivity to changes in paleoclimatic conditions were assessed. Results indicate that all of them accurately track changes in weathering intensity and are, with minor exceptions, very similar to each other. Based on different transfer functions for major and trace element concentrations (XRF), magnetic susceptibility (MS) and δ13C data, we calculated mean annual paleotemperature and mean annual paleoprecipitation for the time intervals of paleosol formation (45–27 ka) and dust deposition (27–21 ka). Results differ depending on the respective transfer function and method but largely agree with previously published paleoclimate data of the region. XRF- and δ13C-based results converge to a MAT of 8–10°C (paleosol) and 8–9°C (loess) and show a~MAP range of 685–879 mm a-1 (paleosol) and 572–700 mm a-1 (loess). MS-based results are most reliable with MATs of 8.4°C (paleosol) and 6.7°C (loess) and MAPs of 325–441 mm a-1 (paleosol) and 224 mm a-1 (loess).
Autonomous thermal camera system for monitoring the active lava lake at Erebus volcano, Antarctica
Authors: Peters N. , Oppenheimer C. , Kyle P.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. In December 2012, the Mount Erebus Volcano Observatory installed a thermal infrared camera system to monitor the volcano's active lava lake. The new system is designed to be autonomous, and capable of capturing images of the lava lake continuously throughout the year. This represents a significant improvement over previous systems which required the frequent attention of observatory researchers and could therefore only be operated during a few weeks of the annual field campaigns. The extreme environmental conditions at the summit of Erebus pose significant challenges for continuous monitoring equipment, and a custom-made system was the only viable solution. Here we describe the hardware and software of the new system in detail and report on a publicly available online repository where data will be archived. Aspects of the technical solutions we had to find in order to overcome the challenges of automating this equipment may be relevant in other environmental science domains where remote instrument operation is involved.
Estimating the water needed to end or ameliorate the drought in the Carpathian region
Authors: Antofie T. , Naumann G. , Spinoni J. , Vogt J.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. A drought severity climatology for the Carpathian Region has been produced using the self-calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index (Sc-PDSI) for the period 1961–2010. Using the Sc-PDSI and the assumptions of the Palmer Drought Model (PDM) the precipitation required for drought termination (when Sc-PDSI reaches −0.5) and amelioration (when Sc-PDSI reaches −2.0) are computed for periods of 1, 3 and 6 months. We discuss the reduction of the uncertainty in the determination of the beginning and ending of drought conditions and provide a quantitative measure of the probability that any drought could be ameliorated or terminated. We present how the spatial variability of the amount of water needed for drought recovery and the climatological probability of receiving that amount of water is determined by the local conditions against the general climate characteristics of a small area such as the Carpathian Region. Regionally, the Pannonian Basin, the Transylvanian Plateau and the external Carpathians foothills and plains in the southern and eastern part of the region require the highest quantity of precipitation to recover from a drought while having the lowest climatological probabilities for such amounts of rainfall. High precipitation amounts over the North and northwest part of the region result in higher soil moisture supplies and higher climatological probabilities to end a given drought event. Moreover the succession and/or predominance of particular types of general atmospheric circulation patterns produce a seasonal cycle and inter-annual variability of precipitation that is quantitatively reflected in the excess of precipitation above normal required for drought recovery. Overall, the results of this study provide an overview on the chances of recovery from a drought period with moderate or severe drought and present information useful in decision making in water and drought management.
Weighing the ocean with bottom-pressure sensors: robustness of the ocean mass annual cycle estimate
Authors: Williams Joanne , Hughes C. W. , Tamisiea M. E. , Williams S. D. P.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. We use ocean bottom pressure measurements from 17 tropical sites to determine the annual cycle of ocean mass. We show that such a calculation is robust, and use three methods to estimate errors in the mass determination. Our final best estimate, using data from the best sites and two ocean models, is that the annual cycle has an amplitude of 0.85 mbar (equivalent to 8.4 mm of sea level, or 3100 Gt of water), with a 95% chance of lying within the range 0.61–1.17 mbar. The time of the peak in ocean mass is 10 October, with 95% chance of occuring between 21 September and 25 October. The simultaneous fitting of annual ocean mass also improves the fitting of bottom pressure instrument drift.
Anhelos, realidades y sueños ante la perspectiva y urgencia de la edición crítica digital. Reflexiones desde un grupo de investigación
Authors: Gázquez Ramón Valdés
Published: February 2014

En este artículo se reflexiona sobre la carencia de ediciones críticas digitales en el ámbito del teatro español del Siglo de Oro. Se muestran las ventajas de las ediciones digitales sobre las ediciones en papel para algunos casos textuales y se proponen métodos de presentación dinámicos e interactivos para procesos genéticos u obras con distintas versiones dificultades especiales de anotación. Se plantean cuestiones de gestión de la investigación relacionadas con proyectos digitales, así como de divulgación y preservación de los resultados científicos y se debate a propósito de la facilidad de uso y suficiente desarrollo o no de las herramientas digitales para acometer ediciones críticas digitales en grandes proyectos de edición. Se concluye la necesidad y urgencia de acometer ediciones críticas digitales, pero también de desarrollar más y hacer más amigables los lenguajes y software destinados a la edición de textos.
Variantes, estratos de intervención y textos en el manuscrito autógrafo de La buena guarda y La encomienda bien guardada
Authors: Capoia Stefania
Published: February 2014

En el presente trabajo estudio las variantes y estratos de intervención presentes en el manuscrito de La buena guarda y La encomienda bien guardada de Lope de Vega y defiendo la necesidad de afrontar la edición de la segunda versión de la obra, posibilidad hasta ahora desatendida por los editores modernos.
Ignacio Arellano, El arte de hacer comedias. Estudios sobre el teatro del Siglo de Oro
Authors: Brioso Santos Héctor
Published: February 2014

Reseña de Ignacio Arellano, El arte de hacer comedias. Estudios sobre el teatro del Siglo de Oro, Biblioteca Nueva, Madrid, 2011, 331 pp. ISBN: 987-849940-245-1.
The role of personality and depression in problematic use of social networking sites in Greece
Authors: Giota Kyriaki G. , Kleftaras George
Published: February 2014

The purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship of Social Networking Site (SNS) problematic usage with personality characteristics and depressive symptomatology. A sample of 143 young adults in Greece varying from 18 to 34 years of age completed four questionnaires on personality characteristics, depressive symptomatology, problematic SNS usage and socio-demographic factors. Problematic SNS usage is significantly and positively related to depression and Neuroticism, while negatively associated with Agreeableness. However, problematic use of SNS is not related to Conscientiousness, Openness to Experience and Extraversion, although the latter was found to be negatively associated with depression. Collectively, personality variables, depression and daily average usage account for about 33% of the variance in predicting problematic SNS usage. In contrast to previous research findings, age and gender are not found to be related to either problematic SNS usage or depressive symptomatology. However, place of residence is associated with Neuroticism and Problematic Use, with participants from rural areas exhibiting higher scores than participants from urban areas. Finally, Neuroticism and the average daily use of SNS have been proven to be good predictors of problematic SNS usage. Personality, depressive symptomatology and socio-demographic factors relate to the way Social Networking Sites are being used. Implications are discussed.