bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Stopping Rule for Computerized Adaptive Testing
Authors: Choi Seung W. , Grady Matthew W. , Dodd Barbara G.
Published: November 2010

The goal of the current study was to introduce a new stopping rule for computerized adaptive testing (CAT). The predicted standard error reduction (PSER) stopping rule uses the predictive posterior variance to determine the reduction in standard error that would result from the administration of additional items. The performance of the PSER was compared with that of the minimum standard error stopping rule and a modified version of the minimum information stopping rule in a series of simulated adaptive tests, drawn from a number of item pools. Results indicate that the PSER makes efficient use of CAT item pools, administering fewer items when predictive gains in information are small and increasing measurement precision when information is abundant.
Sequential Effects in Essay Ratings
Authors: Attali Yigal
Published: November 2010

Contrary to previous research on sequential ratings of student performance, this study found that professional essay raters of a large-scale standardized testing program produced ratings that were drawn toward previous ratings, creating an assimilation effect. Longer intervals between the two adjacent ratings and higher degree of agreement with other raters were associated with smaller assimilation effects. The effect was also found to create a small bias in favor of low-achieving groups of examinees.
Invariance of the Measurement Model Underlying the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV in the United States and Canada
Authors: Bowden Stephen C. , Saklofske Donald H. , Weiss Lawrence G.
Published: November 2010

A measurement model describes both the numerical and theoretical relationship between observed scores and the corresponding latent variables or constructs. Testing a measurement model across groups is required to determine if the tests scores are tapping the same constructs so that the same meaning can be ascribed to the scores. Contemporary tests of intelligence describe a number of closely related cognitive abilities, each ability being sampled by a set of observed scores. This study examined the invariance of the measurement model underlying the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—IV (WAIS-IV) in the U.S. and the Canadian standardization samples. The model satisfied the assumption of invariance across samples with subtest scores reflecting similar construct measurement in both samples. Consistent with previous research with the WAIS-III, slightly higher latent variable means were found in the Canadian WAIS-IV normative sample. The results demonstrate the generality of construct validity in measurement of cognitive abilities across U.S. and Canadian samples and highlight the importance of local norms.
Polystyrene/hematite composites: thermal degradation kinetics
Authors: Kuljanin-Jakovljević J. , Marinović-Cincović M. , Stojanović Z. , Krklješ A. , Abazović N.D. , Čomor M.I.
Published: November 2010

The kinetics of thermal degradation of polystyrene/Fe2O3 composites was studied by dynamic thermogravimetry. The samples were heated in nitrogen atmosphere, applying three different heating rates 5, 20, and 40°C/min. We calculated kinetic parameters using modified KAS isoconversional method. Results showed that polystyrene in all composites has higher thermal degradation activation energies compared to pure polystyrene. Maximal activation energy of thermal degradation is achieved for PS/Fe2O3 composite with about 10% of filler. Vyazovkin model-free method was used to predict thermal degradation parameters.
Micromechanical analysis for transverse thermal conductivity of composites
Authors: Sihn Sangwook , Roy Ajit K.
Published: November 2010

Micromechanical analyses were conducted for the prediction of transverse thermal conductivity of laminated composites. We reproduced and reinvestigated both analytic and numerical models with regular and randomly distributed fibers in matrix material. A parametric study was conducted for wide ranges of fiber volume fractions and fiber-to-matrix thermal conductivity ratios. The numerical solutions using finite element (FE) analysis were compared with various analytic solutions from simple and enhanced rule or mixtures and an effective inclusion method (EIM). It was found that the EIM yields a reasonably agreeable solution with the FE solution using a hexagonal-array of regular fiber distribution for wide ranges of fiber volume fraction and fiber-to-matrix thermal conductivity ratios, which makes the EIM a useful method in predicting various multiphysical transverse properties of composites. Comparison of the results from the regular- and random-fiber models indicates that the transverse thermal conductivity of composites can significantly be affected by the random fiber distributions, especially at high fiber volume fractions. A similar conclusion was made for the foams with random pore distribution. It was shown that the predictions with the random fiber distribution agree well with the experimental data.
The effect of layup and boundary conditions on the modal damping of FRP composite panels
Authors: Maheri M.R.
Published: November 2010

The degree of the modal damping in a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite panel depends on a number of factors including the nature of the layup, the modal deformation, the geometry and the boundary conditions of the panel. In this article, using the theoretical predictions of modal response of a square layered FRP panel, the variation of damping with the plate layup under a combination of clamped and free boundary conditions is studied. Particular attention is paid to the variation of modal damping with the fiber orientation of the two outmost layers of the panel with a view to possibly manipulation of this orientation in order to maximisze the modal damping.
Dynamic mechanical analysis and optimization of vapor-grown carbon nanofiber/vinyl ester nanocomposites using design of experiments
Authors: Nouranian Sasan , Toghiani Hossein , Lacy Thomas E. , Pittman Charles U. , Dubien Janice
Published: November 2010

A design of experiments approach demonstrated how four formulation and processing factors (i.e., nanofiber type, use of dispersing agent, mixing method, and nanofiber weight fraction) affected the dynamic mechanical properties of carbon nanofiber/vinyl ester nanocomposites. Only <0.50 parts of nanofiber per hundred parts resin produced a 20% increase in the storage modulus vs. that of the neat cured resin. Statistical response surface models predicted nanocomposite storage and loss moduli as a function of the four factors and their interactions. Nanofiber type and weight fraction were the key interacting factors influencing the mean storage modulus. Nanofiber weight fraction, mixing method, and dispersing agent had coupled effects on the mean loss modulus. Employing this methodology, optimized nanocomposite properties can be predicted as a function of nanocomposite formulation and processing.
‘Young’ Oral Fibroblasts Are Geno/Phenotypically Distinct
Authors: Enoch S. , Peake M.A. , Wall I. , Davies L. , Farrier J. , Giles P. , Kipling D. , Price P. , Moseley R. , Thomas D. , Stephens P.
Published: November 2010

Wound healing within the oral mucosa results in minimal scar formation compared with wounds within the skin. We have recently demonstrated distinct differences in the aging profiles of cells (oral mucosal and patient-matched skin fibroblasts) isolated from these tissues. We hypothesized that the increased replicative potential of oral mucosal fibroblasts may confer upon them preferential wound-healing capacities. Passage-matched early cultures of oral mucosal fibroblasts and skin fibroblasts demonstrated distinct gene expression profiles, with several genes linked to wound healing/tissue repair. This was related to an increased ability of the ‘replicatively younger’ oral mucosal fibroblasts to repopulate a wound space and reorganize their surrounding extracellular matrix environment, key activities during the wound-healing process. We conclude that oral mucosal fibroblasts exhibit a preferential healing response in vivo, due to their ‘replicatively younger’ phenotype when compared with that of patient-matched skin fibroblasts.
Veto players and terror
Authors: Young Joseph K , Dugan Laura
Published: November 2010

Democratic regimes have been linked to terrorism for contending reasons, with some scholars claiming democracy increases terrorism and others claiming it decreases terror. Corroborating evidence has been used for both relationships leading to the following puzzle: why do some democratic regimes seem to foster terrorism while others do not? We offer an explanation based on Tsbelis’s veto players theory. Beginning with the assumption that terror groups want to change government policy, we argue that the more veto players present in a political system, the more likely the system is to experience deadlock. Given the inability of societal actors to change policies through nonviolent and institutional participation, these systems will tend to generate more terror events. We also explore different methods for estimating terrorism models. We identify several ways to match the data with the proper statistical estimator and discuss implications for terrorism research. Finally, we use new data from the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) that was previously unavailable. These data allow us to use different operational definitions of terrorism and to identify homegrown terror events.
Foreign terror on Americans
Authors: Neumayer Eric , Plümper Thomas
Published: November 2010

Americans are a major target of international terrorism. Yet, terrorists from some countries are much more likely to attack American citizens than terrorists from other countries. Similarly, anti-American terrorism from a specific foreign country is much more prevalent during certain periods than others. This article develops a rational theory of international terrorism, which argues that attacking foreign nationals is of strategic value to terrorists even if they ultimately aim at gaining political influence in their home country. Attacking foreigners is the more attractive to domestic terrorists the more the terrorists’ home government depends on military support from the foreign country. Applied to the US case, our theory predicts that more anti-American terrorism emanates from countries that receive more US military aid and arms transfers and in which more American military personnel are stationed, all relative to the country’s own military capacity. Estimations from a directed country dyad sample over the period 1978 to 2005 support the predictions of our theory for both terrorist incidents involving Americans and terrorist killings of Americans as dependent variables. These results are robust to a wide range of changes to the empirical research design.
Liposome as dispersing agent into disperse dye formulation
Authors: Marti Meritxell , de la Maza Alfons , Parra J.L. , Coderch Luisa
Published: November 2010

Disperse dyes are very hydrophobic molecules which are usually milled in the presence of large amounts of dispersing agents (synthetic surfactants) in their commercial form. In this study the synthetic surfactants are substituted by phosphatidylcholine liposomes in the dye preparation, in order to use natural and biological surfactants. The turbidity ratio was calculated to assess the dispersion behavior of different liposome-dispersed dye preparations compared with commercial dye forms. Results indicate that liposomic preparations diminish the aggregation of dye molecules that normally occurs at high temperatures. Our findings demonstrated the potential efficacy of liposomes as natural surfactants which can be applied to disperse dye formulations to dye polyester fibers with good dye exhaustion and washing fastness. This environmentally friendly biological surfactant, phosphatidylcholine, duly structured as liposomes, can substitute high amounts of synthetic dispersing agents in disperse dye formulations.
Determination of 3D necklines from scanned human bodies
Authors: Huang HQ , Mok PY , Kwok YL , Au JS
Published: November 2010

Accurate recognition of the human body is an essential procedure of clothing pattern making, garment fit evaluation, and sizing survey. Over the years, many research efforts have been devoted to define and/or identify features (points and lines) of a human body. However, the neckline, one imperative feature of a human body is still difficult to accurately identify. It is complicated to determine a neckline geometrically due to the large variety of body figures, and the defined neckline must fulfill the requirements of apparel manufacturing and textile properties. The aim of the paper is to propose a new and practical method to identify the neckline from 3D digitized bodies. Firstly, a torso represented by piecewise B-spline curves is generated from a triangulated human mesh model. Secondly, important feature points including front neck point (FNP), back neck point (BNP) and side neck point (SNP) are identified. A cutting-surface is defined and the profile of such cutting surface is construed by those identified feature points. By intersecting the cutting-surface with the piecewise B-spline curve torso, a neckline is then properly determined. The proposed method is verified to be effective for generating necklines for human subjects with varied neck silhouettes. A neckline fitting survey through real subjects’ wear trial is conducted to evaluate and compare the proposed method with the traditional methods.
Characterization of single cotton fibers using a laser diffraction system
Authors: Adedoyin Ayodeji A , Changying Li  , Toews Mike D
Published: November 2010

The fineness and maturity of a cotton fiber is determined by its cross-sectional perimeter and area. However, measuring fiber cross-sectional perimeter and area is an extremely tedious and challenging task. This paper presents an alternative approach to measure fiber longitudinal width using Fraunhofer diffraction patterns, which can be used to estimate fiber fineness and maturity. We designed a laser diffraction system, developed a software program to denoise and process diffraction patterns, and tested the system on a uniform iron wire and individual cotton fibers from ten bales. The width of the iron wire measured by our system was 25.43 μm (0.1% different from the nominal value) with a 0.01 μm standard error of the mean. Cotton fiber width measured by the laser diffraction system could differentiate among ten cotton bales, which was in accordance with their relative differences in fineness. Linear regression analyses revealed that strong linear relationships exist between the fiber width and cross-sectional perimeter and area (r2 = 0.81 and 0.77, respectively), as well as between the fiber width and fineness and micronaire (r2 = 0.79 and 0.73, respectively) (n = 10, p = 0.01). This simple, replicable, and relatively inexpensive optical system could be used for single fiber longitudinal profile characterization and cotton fineness and maturity estimation.
A novel weave pattern encoding method using neighbor information and its applications
Authors: Liang Ma  , Baciu George , Jin lian Hu  , Jiahua Zhang
Published: November 2010

Determination of features of weave patterns is a crucial task in practice, including determination of equivalent weave patterns, determination of weave type, repeat period detection, pattern correction, representation of fabric structures and pattern searching from a collection of weave patterns. Most previous research on the problems is based on binary matrix operations. In this paper, a simple and efficient encoding algorithm and its implementation are presented to reveal the hidden information in the binary matrix of a weave pattern and thus to find a solution to determine features of the weave pattern. By compiling the 32 components with different shapes of yarn cross-sections, it is possible to quickly produce the required weave geometries and weave textures at different levels of detail. A set of frequency matrices of a weave pattern can be considered as the fingerprint where each weave pattern is uniquely endowed with a set of frequency spectra. It therefore enables us to perform a weave pattern search in the database to locate weave geometries and weave textures. Our experiments report a satisfactory result on the problems.
Structural characteristics of low torque and ring spun yarns
Authors: Guo Y. , Tao XM , Xu BG , Feng J. , Wang SY
Published: November 2010

In this paper we present a comparative study on the structural characteristics of three-dimensional fiber configurations in low torque and ring spun yarns. Three-dimensional configurations of tracer fibers in the two types of yarns were measured by a continuous measurement system. Critical parameters were obtained, including the occurrence frequencies of unique features, the radial position, fiber spatial orientation angle, migration frequency, and amplitude. Results reveal that nearly half of the fiber specimens in low torque yarns followed a deformed non-concentric conical helix of which the size of helical loops varies significantly and the axis of the helix does not coincide with the yarn axis. Local reversion phenomena appear on many fiber segments. In addition, most fibers in low torque yarns are located close to the yarn center, and alter their radial position in a yarn with larger amplitude. Those features offer an explanation for the excellent physical properties of low torque yarns, that is, low twist, high strength, and low residual torque.
Performance of viscose rayon based activated carbon fabric modified by sputtering silver and continuous plasma treatment
Authors: Su Ching-Iuan , Peng Chao-Chun , Lee Cheng-Yung
Published: November 2010

In this study, the preparation of viscose rayon based activated carbon fabric (ACF) absorbents with antibacterial ability and modifications introduced by silver sputtering has been investigated. Viscose rayon based knitted fabric, pre-treated by a composite flame retardant, was used as the precursor. The fabric then underwent oxidation, carbonization and activation processes in a semi-open high-temperature erect furnace with a steam activator to produce ACF absorbents. Experimental results have shown that the ACF absorbents produced by the action of mixing steam and air had the largest BET specific surface area at about 1713 m2/g and the absorption amount of carbon tetrachloride was about 100.5%. However, the BET specific surface area of ACF-Ag adsorbents decreased because pores were destroyed by etching and deposition of silver particles. The ACF-Ag adsorbent, however, showed effective antibacterial and sterilizing properties. When the ACF-Ag adsorbent was placed in deionized water, a large amount of Ag ions eluted within the first 48 h. The elution gradually decreased after 96 h with about 0.2855 ppm of Ag ions eluting after seven days.
Characterizing the performance of a single-layer fabric system through a heat and mass transfer model - Part I: Heat and mass transfer model
Authors: Dan Ding  , Tian Tang  , Guowen Song  , McDonald Andre
Published: November 2010

A mathematical model was developed to study the coupled heat and moisture transfer through a fabric system that consists of a single layer of fabric and an air gap. Properties of air and moisture are sensitive to temperature and, hence, were assumed to be functions of local temperature. Therefore, the model is applicable to a broad range of boundary conditions. A numerical scheme was proposed to solve the distributions of temperature and water vapor concentration throughout the layers, from which the thermal and evaporative resistances of the fabric system were evaluated. Experiments were conducted for two particular fabrics using a sweating guarded hotplate, and the data show good agreement with the model predictions, suggesting that the heat and mass transfer model is capable of accurately predicting thermal and evaporative resistances for the single-layer fabric system.
Daily Alcohol Use and Romantic Relationship Functioning: Evidence of Bidirectional, Gender-, and Context-Specific Effects
Authors: Levitt Ash , Cooper M. Lynne
Published: November 2010

Whether beneficial or harmful, cause or effect, the nature of associations between drinking and close relationship processes remains unclear. The present study examined these issues by using daily reports of alcohol use and relationship functioning from 69 heterosexual couples over 3 weeks. Multilevel modeling indicated that alcohol had both positive and negative effects on relationship processes and that effects were more positive for women, and when small amounts were consumed, partners drank together, or they consumed similar amounts. Interestingly, however, positive effects on intimacy and partner behaviors were not mediated by sexual contact. In the reverse direction, women were found to drink more than men in response to relationship difficulties and feeling disconnected from their partner (i.e., low intimacy). Overall findings indicate that associations between drinking and relationship processes are complex and bidirectional and that they may be more important for women than men.
Postcolonial Computing
Authors: Philip Kavita , Irani Lilly , Dourish Paul
Published: November 2010

The authors suggest that postcolonial science studies can do more than expand answers to questions already posed; it can generate different questions and different ways of looking at the world. To illustrate, the authors draw on existing histories and anthropologies and critical theories of colonial and postcolonial technoscience. To move forward together, rather than remaining mired in regretful contemplation of past biases, the authors offer some analytical and practical suggestions. In reading hegemonic forms of postcolonial computing, this article offers tactics for rereading, rewriting, or reimagining those scripts.
Seeing More and Seeing Differently: Sensemaking, Mindfulness, and the Workarts
Authors: Barry Daved , Meisiek Stefan
Published: November 2010

The past years have seen a marked rise in arts-based initiatives in organizations, a field we term the workarts. In this paper, we review the workarts in light of sensemaking theory, and especially the role of mindfulness within it. We propose that the workarts foster mindfulness by directing attention away from immediate work concerns and towards analogous artifacts. We identify three distinctive workarts movements — art collection, artist-led intervention, and artistic experimentation. In each movement, we find analogous artifacts that defamiliarize organizational members’ habitual ways of seeing and believing, enabling them to make new distinctions and to shift contexts: to see more and see differently. Our review raises a number of questions for the workarts in particular and research on analogical artifacts in general.
Decision Theory as Practice: Crafting Rationality in Organizations
Authors: Cabantous Laure , Gond Jean-Pascal , Johnson-Cramer Michael
Published: November 2010

This paper explores the underlying practices whereby rationality — as defined in rational choice theory — is achieved within organizations. The qualitative coding of 58 case study reports produced by decision analysts, working in a wide range of settings, highlights how organizational actors can make decisions in accord with the axioms of rational choice theory. Our findings describe the emergence of ‘decision-analysis’ as a field and reveal the complex and fragile socio-technical infrastructure underlying the craft of rationality, the central role of calculability, and the various forms of bricolage that decision analysts deploy to make rational decisions happen. Overall, this research explores the social construction of rationality and identifies the practices sustaining the performativity of rational choice theory within organizations.
Outcomes of Interventions for Alzheimer’s Family Caregivers in Mexico
Authors: Villareal-Reyna María de los Ángeles , Salazar-González Bertha Cecilia , Cruz-Quevedo J. Edith , Carrillo-Cervantes Ana Laura , Champion Jane Dimmitt
Published: November 2010

The study examines which of three interventions of cognitive conduct, laughter, or a mixed intervention including both cognitive conduct and laughter components, is more effective for improvement of attitudes toward care and reduction of anxiety among female Mexican caregivers of family members with Alzheimer’s disease. A repeated measures quasi-experimental design with four groups, three experimental and a control group, was used. All intervention groups received cognitive conduct, laughter, or a mixed intervention weekly for 8 weeks. The control group received information about home accident prevention. Outcome measurements were performed at baseline, Week 4, end of the intervention (Week 8), and 4 weeks following the intervention completion. A repeated measures ANOVA was used for each outcome variable and the Tukey’s post hoc analysis to determine group differences. Results suggest that the cognitive conduct component significantly improved positive attitudes toward care and reduced anxiety both at the end of the intervention and at follow-up.
Security, recognition, and misgivings: Exploring older same-sex couples’ experiences of legally recognized same-sex marriage
Authors: Lannutti Pamela J.
Published: November 2010

This study examines older same-sex couples’ experiences with legally recognized same-sex marriage (SSM). Thirty-six same-sex couples who ranged in age from 56 to 73 ( M = 63.75) participated in semi-standardized interviews about their reaction to SSM and the surrounding debates, the impact of SSM on their relationship and social network, and their decision to marry or not. Three themes emerged from older same-sex couples’ descriptions of their experiences with SSM: an increased sense of security, an increased sense of recognition, and misgivings about SSM. Results reflect the unique historical perspective and challenges of older same-sex couples as they negotiate a changing social context.
A Longitudinal Comparison of 5 Preference-Weighted Health State Classification Systems in Persons with Intervertebral Disk Herniation
Authors: McDonough Christine M. , Tosteson Tor D. , Tosteson Anna N. A. , Jette Alan M. , Grove Margaret R. , Weinstein James N.
Published: November 2010

Objective. To assess the longitudinal validity of widely used preference-weighted measurement systems for economic studies of intervertebral disk herniation (IDH). Methods. Using data at baseline and 1 year from 1000 Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT) participants with IDH and complete data, the authors considered the EQ-5D with UK and US values (EQ-5D-UK and EQ-5D-US), 2 versions of the Health Utilities Index (HUI3 and HUI2), the SF-6D, and a regression-estimated quality of well-being score (eQWB). Differences in mean change scores (MCS) were assessed using signed rank tests, and Spearman correlations were calculated for change scores by system pairs. Using the Oswestry Disability Index, symptom satisfaction, progress rating, and self-perceived health ratings as criterion measures, the authors tested for trend in MCS across levels of change in criteria. They calculated floor and ceiling effects, effect size (ES), standardized response mean, and minimal important difference estimates. Results. All systems demonstrated linear trends with external criteria and moderate to strong correlations between systems. However, differences in performance were evident. SF-6D and eQWB were most responsive (ES: 1.9 and 2.3, respectively), whereas EQ-5D-US and EQ-5D-UK were least responsive (ES: 1.23/1.20). Ceiling and floor effects were noted for all systems within key dimensions and for EQ-5D-UK and EQ-5D-US for overall score. MCS ranged from 0.40 (0.38) for EQ-5D-UK to 0.13 (0.09) for eQWB and differed significantly, except between EQ-5D-US and HUI2. Conclusions. This research supports the validity of all systems for measuring change in persons with IDH, without finding a clearly superior system. The unique characteristics of each system revealed in this study should guide system choice.
The Transforming Self
Authors: Cox Keith , McAdams Dan P.
Published: November 2010

The study examined the extent to which a service trip to Nicaragua affected college students’ narrative understanding of themselves and their commitment to volunteer service. College students who went on a spring break service trip to work with poor citizens of Nicaragua wrote narrative accounts of three important experiences on the trip shortly after they returned. Measures of volunteerism were collected before the trip and at two points afterward: 1 week and 3 months later. Themes of self-transformation in service trip narratives predicted trip-related volunteerism one week and 3 months later, even after controlling for prior volunteerism. Themes of sympathy in the narratives predicted trip-related volunteerism one week but not 3 months, and themes of helplessness negatively related to prior volunteerism. The results underscore the importance of examining the role of life narratives in the development of volunteer behavior and service mindedness among emerging adults.
Sleep Behavior Disturbances in Rolandic Epilepsy
Authors: Tang Shan S. , Clarke Tara , Owens Judith , Pal Deb K.
Published: November 2010

The relationship between specific epilepsy syndromes and particular sleep symptoms has not been well delineated. The authors’ aim was to test the hypothesis that children with rolandic epilepsy exhibit more frequent sleep problems and daytime sleepiness compared with children without epilepsy. They compared parent-reported sleep behaviors of 43 children with rolandic epilepsy aged 6 to 16 years recruited from 5 US pediatric neurology centers with a historical reference and sleep clinic sample using the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire. The authors compared the differences in mean frequency of sleep problems and patterns. Total Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire scores were significantly higher (P < .001) in the rolandic epilepsy sample than reference. Parents of children with rolandic epilepsy reported a significantly shorter sleep duration (P < .006), more frequent parasomnias (P < .008), and increased daytime sleepiness (P < .001). Thus, parents of children with rolandic epilepsy reported more problematic sleep and daytime impairment compared with a reference sample of children.
Language Outcomes Following Risk-Adapted Treatments for Tumors Located Within the Posterior Fossa
Authors: Lewis Fiona M. , Murdoch Bruce E.
Published: November 2010

The language skills of 4 children treated for tumors involving the cerebellum and/or fourth ventricle with risk-adapted treatments were compared, as a group, with performance of a group of control children (n = 20). The language skills of the individual cases were also profiled. At the group level, language skill failed to differentiate the 2 groups of children. At an individual level, however, only 1 of the 4 children treated with risk-adapted treatments presented with intact language skills. Variable language profiles were identified in the remaining 3 children. The presence of hydrocephaly was a consistent factor in reduced language outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of prospective language monitoring.
Physician Assistance Programs Address Behavioral and Performance Problems
Authors: Best Mitchell
Published: November 2010

Practicing medicine is stressful, and it is becoming more so as the health care environment continues to change and evolve. However, physicians are not very good at taking care of themselves. Studies have shown that substantial percentages have no primary care physician themselves. There are also significant real and perceived barriers to seeking help for mental and behavioral issues, resulting in many physicians not getting the help that they need. The need for providing assistance in the mental and behavioral health area for physicians has never been greater, yet their use of traditional employee assistance programs is far less than that of other members of such programs because of a variety of factors. This article goes into more depth about the issues and provides case studies illustrating promising outcomes.
Measures of Value in Acquisitions: Family Versus Nonfamily Firms
Authors: Granata Darya , Chirico Francesco
Published: November 2010

This article sheds light on the valuation of family firms when compared with nonfamily firms as acquisition targets. The authors argue that although the majority of theoretical and empirical research explicitly recognizes the prevalence and superior performance of family firms around the world, acquiring companies tend to regard family firms as unprofessional and inefficient organizations, thus negatively affecting their valuation when compared with nonfamily firm targets. Overall, the authors’ empirical analysis, based on a matched-pairs methodology and use of multiples, shows that acquiring companies favor the stagnation perspective rather than the stewardship perspective and thus pay less (i.e., acquire at a discount) for a family firm target than for a nonfamily firm target.
Internal Dating Methodologies and the Problem Posed by the Similitudes of Enoch
Authors: Erho Ted M.
Published: November 2010

Dating pieces of biblical literature remains one of the most difficult and contentious undertakings for scholars, and, due to the comparative paucity of textual evidence, the complexity of this task is often heightened in the study of the Pseudepigrapha. Using the Similitudes of Enoch as an overarching example, this article surveys the three most common methodologies used to date compositions via internal data, calling particular attention to some common pitfalls in their utilization. While each of these methods can be used fruitfully when certain conditions are met in the respective circumstances, the Similitudes of Enoch fails to meet the minimum criteria in any case, demonstrating a need for the development of further methodological tools of this type.
What are the Contours of Torah? Targumic Roles in Defining and Delimiting the Nature of Torah Observance
Authors: Lasair Simon
Published: November 2010

This article attempts to redescribe the social and political roles of the Pentateuch Targums using the tools of the political theory articulated by Ernesto Laclau. Based around three analyses of key texts, this article concludes that the idea of ‘Torah observance’, as it is articulated in the examples herein, is an empty concept waiting to be filled by some particular content or another. There are several options for where this content may come from, including the social contexts of the Pentateuch Targums, or from the framers of the targums themselves, who did not make this content explicit in their targumic texts. Based on this structural dynamic, it becomes possible that the Pentateuch Targums may have been used as political tools to open up spaces for debate and discussion, in addition to providing conceptual rallying points for the groups that used them.
Utilizing a Positive Deviance Approach to Reduce Girls’ Trafficking in Indonesia
Authors: Durá Lucía , Singhal Arvind
Published: November 2010

This article analyzes the communicative practices that undergird the Positive Deviance approach to social change and its contributions to the curbing of girls’ trafficking in rural Indonesia. Positive Deviance hinges on the premise that in every community there are individuals whose uncommon practices enable them to find better solutions to problems than their neighbours with access to the same resources. Our archival and field research in Indonesia indicates that Positive Deviance is time and skills intensive, yet it is also rich in communication and relational practices. It facilitates a unique vantage point to build human capital and sustain positive impacts.
Embarrassing E-mails in Organizations
Authors: Hastings Sally O.
Published: November 2010

This study addresses a void in the computer-mediated communication literature by examining how embarrassment is commonly triggered in organizational e-mails. Facework theory is used to examine embarrassment and its implications for professional and organizational image. Twenty-one in-depth interviews were conducted and data referencing embarrassing e-mails were extracted and analyzed for themes. Two types of e-mail faux pas themes were identified: misdirected e-mail and faulty content. Theoretical implications of studying embarrassment in a computer-mediated context are considered.
A Socio-technical Perspective on New Media and Information Sharing in Government and Non-government Sectors in India
Authors: Mehra Payal
Published: November 2010

The Information System (IS) discipline studies the way individuals, groups and organizations use information. Although these methodologies have traditionally focused on the design of hardware, software and data aspects of the IS, newer (the so called ‘soft’) approaches involve more consideration of human factors issues. These socio-technical methodologies incorporate a higher level of participation by system users and focus on identification of user needs and task satisfaction. This study examines how socio-technical factors (for example, organizational climate and IT-related issues) affect information sharing through their effects on perceived relative satisfaction with the new media (e-mail, instant messaging and videoconferencing) in the government and non-government sectors in India, an emerging economy. The findings reveal a digital divide between the non-government and the government sector. Though technology has been continuously upgraded in most government organizations, the same cannot be said about communication. The study also reports wide gaps between the use, adoption and application of technology and what people desire socially. The study recommends structuring of the new media to harness data and information from participants.
Organizing heterogeneity: challenges for the Spanish trade unions
Authors: Köhler Holm-Detlev , Calleja Jiménez José Pablo
Published: November 2010

Spanish trade unions are going through a process of transformation with uncertain outcomes. The Spanish trade union movement is having to face up to problems and challenges such as globalization, offshoring, and technological and organizational restructuring, while operating in a somewhat different situation to many of its European counterparts. The particular development of the Spanish industrial relations system since Spain’s transition to democracy, the structure of the Spanish economy and the 15-year (1994—2008) boom in start-ups and employment all shape the background to current union strategies. Following a short outline of the current situation the article focuses on the problems of recruiting and integrating new membership groups from a wide range of previously untapped sectors, and new trends in collective bargaining related to these new sectors.
The continuing tensions between European works councils and trade unions - a comparative study of the financial sector
Authors: Hann Deborah
Published: November 2010

The development of a European system of industrial relations has been identified by a number of key European-level actors as essential to the future of the European social model. In particular, this article outlines trade union strategy vis-à-vis European works councils (EWCs) and the extent to which the trade unions may help or hinder the use of EWCs as a springboard to a European system of industrial relations. Data collection comprised primarily interviews, but the validity of the findings is reinforced by the analysis of strategy documents and sectoral EWC agreements. The research focuses on the financial services sector. The research found that, currently, disagreements between unions regarding their role in relation to EWCs mean that the latter are struggling to develop a role which would make possible a European system of industrial relations.
Exploring Family-Centered Care Among Pediatric Oncology Nurses
Authors: MacKay Lyndsay Jerusha , Gregory David
Published: November 2010

Family-centered care (FCC) is important within pediatric oncology nursing. However, pediatric oncology nurses often face challenges and barriers when attempting to provide FCC. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of pediatric oncology nurses in relation to FCC; identify how pediatric oncology nurses implemented FCC into their practice; identify what facilitated and enabled pediatric oncology nurses to implement FCC; and discern the barriers and challenges that were present in their setting when implementing FCC. A qualitative approach utilizing person-centered interviewing was used to collect data. Nurses (N=20) from a western Canadian children’s hospital were recruited through purposeful convenience sampling and were then interviewed. Five major themes were identified from the data set: Hospital support f FCC, How participants defined FCC, Establishing FCC, Enhancing FCC, and Barriers and Challenges to providing FCC. Recommendations for future research and implications for practice and education are offered.
Understanding Growth Failure in Children With Homozygous Sickle-Cell Disease
Authors: Bennett Erin L.
Published: November 2010

Sickle-cell disease is the most prevalent genetic hematologic condition in the United States. Numerous studies have demonstrated poor growth and delayed maturation in children with homozygous sickle-cell disease; however, the pathophysiology remains inadequately understood. Affected children have normal weight and length at birth, and then around 6 months of age their growth patterns begin to diverge from the norm. The growth deficits experienced by these children remain a problem with clinical significance and intangible consequences. A review of literature has provided insight into the multifactorial basis of the growth failure experienced by this population. It is important that nurses and health care providers are familiar with the growth patterns unique to sickle-cell disease and recognize their role in clinical practice.
School-Based Mental Health Services: Funding Options and Issues
Authors: Maag John W. , Katsiyannis Antonis
Published: November 2010

Approximately 18% to 22% of youngsters experience mental health problems and, of those, 5% to 8% have diagnosable mental disorders or serious emotional disturbance. Children in foster care experience even higher levels of mental health problems. Unfortunately, only 7% to 16% of those children actually receive mental health services—typically provided by schools. Consequently, school-based mental health services have moved in new directions in recent years, including increased training for teachers, infusion of more mental health practitioners, and renewed commitment to the wraparound approach. However, all of these require time and money. An often neglected area is the availability of federal funding intended to provide children and adolescents with access to mental health services in schools. The purpose of this article is to describe federal legislative mandates and initiatives that have funding mechanisms to provide mental health services to children in schools. The challenges schools face in implementing these services are also addressed.
Goals of Care among Hospitalized Patients: A Validation Study
Authors: Haberle Tyler H. , Shinkunas Laura A. , Erekson Zachary D. , Kaldjian Lauris C.
Published: November 2010

Our objective was to validate 6 literature-derived goals of care by analyzing open-ended and closed-ended responses about goals of care from a previous study of hospitalized patients. Eight clinicians categorized patients’ open-ended articulations of their goals of care using a literature-derived framework and then compared those categorizations to patients’ own closed-ended selections of their most important goal of care. Clinicians successfully categorized patients’ open-ended responses using the literature-derived framework 83.5% of the time, and their categorizations matched patients’ closed-ended most important goal of care 87.8% of the time. Goals that did not fit within the literature-derived framework all pertained to the goal of understanding a patient’s diagnosis or prognosis; this seventh potential goal can be added to the literature-derived framework of 6 goals of care.
A New Agent for Atrial Fibrillation: Electrophysiological Properties of Dronedarone
Authors: Singh Bramah N. , Cingolani Eugenio
Published: November 2010

Although originally synthesized as an antianginal compound, amiodarone has emerged as an effective antiarrhythmic for both supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. Over the decades, the properties, the effectiveness, the merits as well as the shortcomings of the compound have been well established. The major limitations of this agent are mainly due to the systemic side effects seen with prolonged therapy. Many of the toxic effects observed are primarily caused by the high iodine content present in the amiodarone molecule. Dronedarone, the first noniodinated amiodarone congener, has been developed largely to obtain the antiarrhythmic efficacy in the control of atrial fibrillation without the known adverse side effects of dronedarone. In this part of the supplement, the focus is the electrophysiological effects of dronedarone with the characterization in normal cardiac cells, in animal models of disease, as well as in human studies.
Passage through resonance in a universal joint driveline system
Authors: Mazzei Arnaldo J.
Published: November 2010

A driving shaft coupled to a driven shaft by a universal joint is considered. The shafts are taken to be rigid and motion is restricted to one plane. The non-homogeneous differential equation of motion has time-dependent coefficients and both parametric and forced resonances can occur. Here the question of whether one can ‘‘drive’’ through the resonances using a driving angular velocity linear variation is addressed. Also, how long can one ‘‘dwell’’ at a potential resonance before actually encountering it is investigated. Numerical studies led to the following conclusions. For linearly increasing speed profiles no practically feasible sweep rates to avoid resonance build up were found for the forced motion resonances. For certain torque and damping values, parametric resonances are seen for slow angular velocity variations but they are not observed for practically feasible fast variations, thus raising the possibility that one can accelerate through them. For a trapezoidal speed input the dwell time is key in building up instabilities. As the dwell time increases larger response amplification is observed. For the case studied, it was shown that it is possible to drive through the instability if the dwell time is equal to or less than forty times the period of the parametric excitation.
Numerical and experimental detection of concentrated damage in a parabolic arch by measured frequency variations
Authors: Pau A. , Greco A. , Vestroni F.
Published: November 2010

The dynamics of a parabolic arch is studied in its undamaged and damaged states. The damage consists of a notch that reduces the height of the cross section at a given abscissa. A damage identification technique, based on the minimization of an objective function measuring the differences between numerical and experimental variations of natural frequencies for undamaged and damaged states, is used. The uniqueness of the solution in different damage configurations is investigated using pseudo-experimental data and the reliability of the identification procedure is assessed. The identification procedure is then applied to an experimental case, where frequencies are obtained by impulsive tests on a prototype arch. The minimum number of experimental data needed to identify damage parameters is defined and the sensitivity of the identification algorithm to different possible choices of sets of data is analyzed.