bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policy Change and Health Care Research
Authors: Béland Daniel
Published: November 2010

Explaining policy change is one of the most central tasks of contemporary policy analysis. Reacting to overly rigid institutionalist frameworks that emphasize stability rather than change, a growing number of scholars have formulated new theoretical models to shed light on policy change. Focusing on health care reform but drawing on the broader social science literature on policy and politics, this article offers critical perspectives on the institutionalist and ideational literatures on policy change while assessing their relevance for analyzing change in contemporary health care systems. The last section sketches a research agenda for studying policy change in health care.
The Logic of Policy Change: Structure and Agency in Political Life
Authors: Wilsford David
Published: November 2010

Policy universes are usually characterized by stability, even when stability represents a suboptimal state. Institutions and processes channel and cajole agents along a policy path, restricting the available solution set. Herein, structure is usually to the fore. But what of agency? Do no actors choose? In fact, they do, even in policy environments of incrementalism, even amid hostility. But where agency makes for momentous change is during the punctuations of long policy equilibriums, perfect storms enabling nonincremental movement onto a new policy trajectory, departing from the old path. On both levels, the interaction effects of both structure and agency make a difference — incrementally in the first case, nonincrementally in the second. It's not just one damn thing after another, nor does just anything go.
Rejoinder—Estimation Issues for Copulas Applied to Marketing Data
Authors: Danaher Peter J. , Smith Michael S.
Published: November 2010

Estimating copula models using Bayesian methods presents some subtle challenges, ranging from specification of the prior to computational tractability. There is also some debate about what is the most appropriate copula to employ from those available. We address these issues here and conclude by discussing further applications of copula models in marketing.
Development of a Homogeneous Assay for Measurement of Small Dense LDL Cholesterol
Authors: Ito Yasuki , Fujimura Miki , Ohta Motoko , Hirano Tsutomu
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND

Plasma concentrations of small dense (sd)-LDL are associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular events. However, the special equipment and long assay times required for sd-LDL measurement have hindered its clinical application. Herein, we report development of a simple homogeneous assay for sd-LDL-cholesterol (C) adaptable to autoanalyzers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified suitable surfactants and phospholipases by screening for those selective for the sd-LDL fraction (d 1.044–1.063 kg/L) and for the dissociation of other lipoproteins, including large buoyant LDL (lb-LDL). Principal characteristics of this assay were compared with ultracentrifugal isolation of LDL subfractions and with our previous heparin-magnesium precipitation assay for sd-LDL. We measured sd-LDL-C concentrations in 460 healthy, normolipidemic individuals.

RESULTS

We used a polyoxyethylene benzylphenyl ether derivative to dissociate triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and HDLs, whereas sphingomyelinase proved most effective for dissociation of lb-LDL from LDL owing to the higher sphingomyelin content in the lb-LDL subfractions. A polyoxyethylene styrenephenyl ether derivative protected sd-LDL against the dissociative actions of sphingomyelinase and cholesterol oxidase/esterase during an initial incubation step. Next, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether dissociated sd-LDL-C and the cholesterol released from sd-LDL were subsequently measured by using cholesterol oxidase/esterase. The homogeneous method correlated excellently with ultracentrifugation for sd-LDL-C (y = 0.99x – 0.09, R2 = 0.91, n = 60) and exhibited within-run precision CVs <1.1%. The distribution of sd-LDL-C was skewed, and the central 95% of sd-LDL-C concentrations ranged from 0.24 to 0.88 mmol/L (9.4–34.0 mg/dL).

CONCLUSIONS

The homogeneous assay allows reproducible measurement of sd-LDL-C within 10 min and appears promising in further investigations of the clinical significance of sd-LDL-C.
Tilting modules and universal localization
Authors: Angeleri Hügel Lidia , Archetti Maria
Published: November 2010

We show that every tilting module of projective dimension one over a ring R is associated in a natural way to the universal localization at a set
of finitely presented modules of projective dimension one. We then investigate tilting modules of the form . Furthermore, we discuss the relationship between universal localization and the localization given
by a perfect Gabriel topology . Finally, we give some applications to Artin algebras and to Prüfer domains.
On some Banach spaces of martingales associated with function spaces
Authors: Kikuchi Masato
Published: November 2010

Let X be a Banach function space over a nonatomic probability space
and let be a filtration. We consider two Banach spaces of
martingales and that are associated with X and .
One of our results is a characterization of Banach function spaces X
such that for every filtration .
Detecting Compromised Nodes in Wireless Sensor Networks: Misbehavior-based Detection versus Attestation-based Detection
Authors: Krauß Christoph
Published: November 2010

In this article, we give an overview of two possible approaches to detect compromised nodes in wireless sensor networks (WSNs): misbehavior-based detection and attestation-based detection. The different types of these approaches are presented and compared to each other according to several evaluation criteria, and their applicability in WSNs is discussed.
Security in Border Control and Area Monitoring
Authors: Krüger Daniela , Haas Christian , Rothenpieler Peter , Dudek Denise , Pfisterer Dennis
Published: November 2010

Area monitoring is one of the most popular application scenarios for wireless sensor networks. The pure task of distributed object tracking has often been investigated, but little attention has been given to secure object tracking. This article contains a security analysis and an attacker model for the scenario of secure border surveillance and describes security mechanisms and protocols as well as a realization of such a system.
Privacy-compliant Disclosure of Personal Data to Third Parties
Authors: Wohlgemuth Sven , Echizen Isao , Müller Günter , Sonehara Noboru
Published: November 2010

Privacy in cloud computing is at the moment simply a promise to be kept by the software service providers. Users are neither able to control the disclosure of personal data to third parties nor to check if the software service providers have followed the agreed-upon privacy policy. Therefore, disclosure of the users´ data to the software service providers of the cloud raises privacy risks. This project focuses on enhancing the trust model of the practice so that users and auditors, e. g., data protection officers, can check whether software service providers have followed the agreed-upon privacy policy for a disclosure of personal data to third parties. As a countermeasure by an ex post enforcement of privacy policies, we propose to observe disclosures of personal data to third parties by using data provenance history and digital watermarking.
Dexrazoxane as a Cardioprotectant in Children Receiving Anthracyclines
Authors: Sepe Dana M. , Ginsberg Jill P. , Balis Frank M.
Published: November 2010

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Identify children who may be at relatively higher risk of developing cardiotoxicity as a result of treatment with anthracyclines.Cite considerations for administering dexrazoxane prior to anthracycline treatment to mitigate anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity in children.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com.

Anthracyclines play a critical role in the treatment of a variety of childhood cancers. However, the cumulative cardiotoxic effects of anthracyclines limit the use of these agents in many treatment regimens. Dexrazoxane is a cardioprotectant that significantly reduces the incidence of adverse cardiac events in women with advanced breast cancer treated with doxorubicin-containing regimens. Clinical evidence for the efficacy of dexrazoxane as a cardioprotectant in children, especially from randomized clinical trials, is limited, but the available data support a short-term cardioprotective effect. Long-term follow-up in children treated with dexrazoxane has not been reported. Dexrazoxane's impact on the antitumor effect and toxicity profile of the anthracyclines and the role of dexrazoxane in the development of secondary malignant neoplasms in patients who received dexrazoxane are reviewed. Based on the available data, dexrazoxane appears to be a safe and effective cardioprotectant in children, and it does not appear to alter overall survival times in children with cancer. Continued follow-up from previous trials is needed to determine the long-term effect of dexrazoxane on cardiac outcomes and quality of life.
Meta-Analyses and Orthodontic Evidence-Based Clinical Practice in the 21st Century
Authors: Papadopoulos Moschos A.
Published: November 2010

Introduction:

Aim of this systematic review was to assess the orthodontic related issues which currently provide the best evidence as documented by meta-analyses, by critically evaluating and discussing the methodology used in these studies.

Material and Methods:

Several electronic databases were searched and handsearching was also performed in order to identify the corresponding meta-analyses investigating orthodontic related subjects. In total, 197 studies were retrieved initially. After applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 27 articles were identified as meta-analyses treating orthodontic-related subjects.

Results:

Many of these 27 papers presented sufficient quality and followed appropriate meta-analytic approaches to quantitatively synthesize data and presented adequately supported evidence. However, the methodology used in some of them presented weaknesses, limitations or deficiencies. Consequently, the topics in orthodontics which currently provide the best evidence, include some issues related to Class II or Class III treatment, treatment of transverse problems, external apical root resorption, dental anomalies, such as congenital missing teeth and tooth transposition, frequency of severe occlusal problems, nickel hypersensitivity, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and computer-assisted learning in orthodontic education.

Conclusions:

Only a few orthodontic related issues have been so far investigated by means of MAs. In addition, for some of these issues investigated in the corresponding MAs no definite conclusions could be drawn, due to significant methodological deficiencies of these studies. According to this investigation, it can be concluded that at the begin of the 21stcentury there is evidence for only a few orthodontic related issues as documented by meta-analyses, and more well-conducted high quality research studies are needed to produce strong evidence in order to support evidence-based clinical practice in orthodontics.
No Higher Risk of CRPS After External Fixation of Distal Radial Fractures – Subgroup Analysis Under Randomised Vitamin C Prophylaxis§
Authors: Zollinger Paul E. , Kreis Robert W. , van der Meulen Hub G. , van der Elst Maarten , Breederveld Roelf S. , Tuinebreijer Wim E.
Published: November 2010

Operative and conservative treatment of wrist fractures might lead to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type I.

In our multicenter dose response study in which patients with distal radial fractures were randomly allocated to placebo or vitamin C in a daily dose of 200mg, 500mg or 1500mg during 50 days, an operated subgroup was analyzed.

48 (of 427) fractures) were operated (11.2%). Twenty-nine patients (60%) were treated with external fixation, 14 patients (29%) with K-wiring according to Kapandji and five patients (10%) with internal plate fixation. The 379 remaining patients were treated with a plaster.

In the operated group of patients who received vitamin C no CRPS (0/37) was seen in comparison with one case of CRPS (Kapandji technique) in the operated group who received placebo (1/11 = 9%, p=.23). There was no CRPS after external fixation.

In the conservatively treated group 17 cases of CRPS (17/379 = 4.5%) occurred in comparison with one in case of CRPS in the operated group (1/48 = 2.1%, p=.71).

External fixation doesn’t necessarily lead to a higher incidence of CRPS in distal radial fractures. Vitamin C may also play a role in this. This subgroup analysis in operated distal radial fractures showed no CRPS occurrence with vitamin C prophylaxis.
Detection, Occurrence and Fate of Pharmaceuticals and Steroid Hormones in Agricultural Environments
Authors: Snow Daniel D. , Bartelt–Hunt Shannon L. , Brown Delshawn L. , Sangster Jodi , Cassada David A.
Published: November 2010

Thirty–six papers were published in 2009 describing new methods for analysis of veterinary pharmaceuticals, natural and synthetic steroid hormones, and their occurrence in agricultural settings. New methods continue to be developed and applied toward understanding the sources and environmental significance of these chemicals. Advances in sample preparation methods and instrumentation provide detection limits into parts per trillion ranges. Analysis of water samples indicates that many of these compounds do occur in the environment.
Molecular Methods in Biological Systems
Authors: Gu April Z. , Nerenberg Robert , Sturm Belinda M. , Chul Park , Goel Ramesh
Published: November 2010

In 2009, molecular methods continue to be widely applied in different areas of environmental engineering research. Fingerprinting techniques such as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) and automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) continue to be popular tools to track differences in microbial community composition over time and space. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) of whole cells was also commonly employed to observe microbes of interest in ecological systems. Real time quantitative PCR methods appear to have become much more mainstream and were used to conduct comparative analyses of communities in different systems and over time. Several data analysis methods and software was proposed to analyze large and complex genomic data. In this review we chose to focus on new or significantly revised methods, novel applications of existing methods, and a few high quality reviews published in 2009, since the body of literature using molecular methods in environmental engineering has become very large.
Wastewater Collection Systems
Authors: Vallabhaneni Srinivas
Published: November 2010

A review of the literature published in 2009 on topics relating to wastewater collection systems is presented. It is divided into the following sections: sewer system evaluation/inspection/modeling, rehabilitation, design /pumping/force mains, operation & maintenance, regulatory issues and asset and risk management. Synthesized, analyzed, and comprehensive material related to these wastewater collection system topics selected from major literature sources are presented in this review.
Disinfection and Antimicrobial Processes
Authors: Vu Diep , Kuo Jeff
Published: November 2010

A review of the literature published in 2009 on topics related to disinfection and antimicrobial processes is presented. This review is divided into the following sections: general, disinfection methods, microbiology and disinfection chemistry, analytical methods, disinfection byproducts, and distribution systems/regrowth and biofilm, and biosolids.
Biosolids and Sludge Management
Authors: Brisolara Kari Fitzmorris , Qi Yinan
Published: November 2010

This review section covers journal articles and conference papers related to biosolids and sludge management that were published in 2009. The literature review has been divided into the following sections:  •Biosolids regulations and management issues,  •Biosolids characteristics and measurement  including stability, synthetic organics, metals and pathogens,  •Sludge treatment technologies including pretreatment and sludge minimization, anaerobic digestion, aerobic digestion, alkaline stabilization, composting, conditioning and dewatering, and drying,  •Disposal and reuse covers combustion/incineration, pyrolysis, and land application and reviews issues pertaining to nutrients, heavy metals, and synthetic organics,  •Odor and air emissions along with energy issues,  •Risk analysis
Water Reclamation and Reuse
Authors: Follett Matthew , Lee Sin Yin , Schmidt Jordan , Younker Jessica , Walsh M.E. , Gagnon G.A.
Published: November 2010

A review of the literature published in 2009 on topics relating to water reclamation and reuse is presented. This review is divided into the following sections: (1) General: extent of reuse, research needs, guidelines and monitoring, and health effects, (2) Treatment technologies: integrated process design, electrodialysis/electrodeionization, membrane treatment, wetlands, bioremediation, industrial wastewater treatment, disinfection, and (3) Planning and Management: public acceptance & education, economics and pricing, water quality planning and management and project/case studies.
Hazardous Waste Treatment Technologies
Authors: Li Minghua , Mahmudov Rovshan , Huang C.P.
Published: November 2010

This review covers publications in biological, chemical, and physical technologies for the treatment of hazardous wastes and remediation of contaminated sites published in 2009.
High‐Level Radioactive Waste Management
Authors: Olanrewaju Johnson
Published: November 2010

This review presents key contributions from the literature published world‐wide in 2009 on radioactive waste management programs. The review covers repository, radioactive waste host material development and evaluation, engineered barrier, biological interaction, modeling radionuclide transport, and monitoring and safety programs.
Lake and Reservoir Management
Authors: Acharya Sunil , Pattarkine Vikram M. , Knud‐Hansen Christopher F.
Published: November 2010

A review of the literature related to lake and reservoir management published during the calendar year 2009 is presented. The review covers a selection of nearly 200 articles. The selected articles are primarily derived from Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Hydrobiologia, Limnologica and Oceanography, Water Resources and Water Resources Research. The review is divided into following primary sections: (1) Climate (2) Ecology (3) Management (4) Methods (5) Modeling (6) Monitoring and (7) Sediment.
Contaminated Aquatic Sediments
Authors: Jaglal Kendrick
Published: November 2010

A review of the literature published in 2009 on subjects relating to the assessment, evaluation and remediation of contaminated aquatic sediment is presented. The review is divided into the following sections: methodology, chemical distribution, fate and transport, partitioning, toxicity, and remediation.
Fate of Environmental Pollutants
Authors: Darnault Christophe J.G. , Köken Emre
Published: November 2010

This literature review includes research publications on the fate, transport and remediation of different environmental pollutants in the atmosphere, soil and water resources published in 2009.
Emerging Pollutants
Authors: Wells Martha J.M. , Bell Katherine Y. , Traexler Kathy A. , Pellegrin Marie‐Laure , Morse Audra
Published: November 2010

Reports of water quality research and management pertaining to emerging pollutants, either chemical or biological, for which discussion of occurrence surveys, fate investigations, treatment methodologies, modeling, and/or toxicity/risk assessment appearing in the peer‐reviewed literature during 2009, are presented.
Environmental Law
Authors: Sanders Dee Ann
Published: November 2010

The activity level in water‐related environmental law was low in 2009, despite the Clean Water Act being a high priority of the new Congress (WEF, 2009h). Few new regulations were offered during the year, with most activity taking place in the areas of air pollution and toxic substances. A number of US Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrators were appointed late in the year, however, which may result in more activity in 2010.
Movements and Resource Selection of Fledgling Goshawks in Montane Forests of Southeastern British Columbia
Authors: Harrower William L. , Larsen Karl W. , Stuart‐Smith Kari A.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT The northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) has been the subject of considerable interest because of the impact of logging on this species' nesting habitat. However, few studies have examined movements of fledgling birds around the nest prior to independence, and even fewer have described resource requirements of young birds during their postfledging period. Over 3 years, we followed 31 radiotagged goshawk fledglings from 15 nests in southeastern British Columbia, Canada. Of these birds, 26 survived to disperse. Between fledging and dispersal 95% of fledgling relocations (n = 1, 148) were within 450 m of the nest. Fledglings primarily remained within 298 m of the nest during the first 21 days postfledging and within 525 m of the nest between 21 days postfledging and dispersal. Fledglings' movements were highly directional, with individual and sibling movements away from any particular nest tending out in one direction. Postfledging areas averaged 36.7 ha in size (median = 23.1, inter‐quartile range = 20.8–39.7 ha). Fledglings strongly avoided forest <40 years old and weakly selected young forests (40–80 yr), mature forests (>80 yr), and stands with >40% canopy cover during the first 21 days and after. We suggest forest managers wishing to conserve goshawk postfledging areas in the interior montane forests of British Columbia maintain forests >40 years old with high crown closure covering an area ≥21 ha and preferably >40 ha. This area should contain all identified occupied and alternative nest trees in a nest area. At least half this area should be forest >80 years old and contain existing nests and potential for future nest trees.
Relative Effect of Food Supplementation and Natural Resources on Female Red Deer Distribution in a Mediterranean Ecosystem
Authors: Pérez‐González Javier , Barbosa A. Márcia , Carranza Juan , Torres‐Porras Jerónimo
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT Supplementary feeding is a widespread game management practice in several red deer (Cervus elaphus) populations, with important potential consequences on the biology of this species. In Mediterranean ecosystems food supplementation occurs in the rutting period, when it may change mating system characteristics. We studied the role of food supplementation relative to natural resources in the spatial distribution, aggregation, and mean harem size of females in Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) during the rut. We studied 30 red deer populations of southwestern Spain, 63% of which experienced supplementary feeding. Using multivariate spatial analyses we found that food supplementation affected distribution of females in 95% of the populations in which it occurred. Green meadows present during the mating season acted as an important natural resource influencing female distribution. Additionally, the level of female aggregation and mean harem size were significantly higher in those populations in which food supplementation determined female distribution than in populations in which female distribution did not depend on supplementary feeding. Because female aggregation and mean harem size are key elements in sexual selection, supplementary feeding may constitute an important anthropogenic element with potential evolutionary implications for populations of Iberian red deer.
Seasonal Resource Selection of Canada Lynx in Managed Forests of the Northern Rocky Mountains
Authors: Squires John R. , Decesare Nicholas J. , Kolbe Jay A. , Ruggiero Leonard F.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT We investigated seasonal patterns in resource selection of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) in the northern Rockies (western MT, USA) from 1998 to 2002 based on backtracking in winter (577 km; 10 M, 7 F) and radiotelemetry (630 locations; 16 M, 11 F) in summer. During winter, lynx preferentially foraged in mature, multilayer forests with Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) in the overstory and midstory. Forests used during winter were composed of larger diameter trees with higher horizontal cover, more abundant snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), and deeper snow compared to random availability; multilayer, spruce‐fir forests provided high horizontal cover with tree branching that touched the snow surface. During winter, lynx killed prey at sites with higher horizontal cover than that along foraging paths. Lynx were insensitive to snow depth or penetrability in determining where they killed prey. During summer, lynx broadened their resource use to select younger forests with high horizontal cover, abundant total shrubs, abundant small‐diameter trees, and dense saplings, especially spruce‐fir saplings. Based on multivariate logistic‐regression models, resource selection occurred primarily at a fine spatial scale as was consistent with a sight‐hunting predator in dense forests. However, univariate comparisons of patch‐level metrics indicated that lynx selected homogenous spruce‐fir patches, and avoided recent clear‐cuts or other open patches. Given that lynx in Montana exhibit seasonal differences in resource selection, we encourage managers to maintain habitat mosaics. Because winter habitat may be most limiting for lynx, these mosaics should include abundant multistory, mature spruce‐fir forests with high horizontal cover that are spatially well‐distributed.
Evidence of Recent Population Recovery in Common Eiders Breeding in Western Greenland
Authors: Merkel Flemming R.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTSevere population declines were reported for common eiders (Somateria mollissima) in western Greenland over the period 1960–2000. A monitoring program, concurrent with more restrictive hunting regulations on common eiders, revealed breeding numbers increasing by 212%, from 2,558 active nests in 2000 to 7,982 nests in 2007. Though it was not possible to directly link harvest reduction and population growth in West Greenland, a similar increase in breeding numbers in Canada was correlated with the harvest reduction in Greenland and linked to increasing adult survival and recruitment of first‐time breeders, and a similar explanation is suggested for West Greenland. The study emphasizes that appropriate restrictions in hunting can be efficient in wildlife management and that common eiders can sustain dramatic rates of increase during population regrowth. It also shows that cost‐efficient monitoring programs can be established through cooperation with local residents.
Drought Leads to Collapse of Black‐Tailed Prairie Dog Populations Reintroduced to the Chihuahuan Desert
Authors: Facka Aaron N. , Roemer Gary W. , Mathis Verity L. , Kam Michael , Geffen Eli
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT Recently, a conservation strategy developed to restore populations of black‐tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) suggested reintroducing animals into the Chihuahuan Desert grasslands of the southwestern United States. Rainfall in desert habitats is lower and more variable compared to rainfall near the center of the prairie dog's range. Additionally, peak rainfall comes months after prairie dogs reproduce in these desert systems. Thus, southwestern populations may be less prolific and fluctuate more than those found in northerly climes. Using mark‐recapture and mark‐resight techniques, we estimated reproduction and monthly survival from 577 individuals inhabiting 6 reintroduced colonies from 2003 to 2005 in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. During 2003 precipitation was 64% of the long‐term average, whereas both 2004 and 2005 had near‐average precipitation. Probability that a female became pregnant, number of juvenile prairie dogs emerging from maternity burrows, and date of emergence were all correlated to adult female body mass. Adult monthly survival decreased from >0.95 during spring to 0.70 in summer 2003, following a rapid loss in adult body mass that coincided with low precipitation. In 2003 monthly juvenile survival was near zero on 2 of the 3 largest colonies and growth rates of juveniles were half that of subsequent years. Estimated population size declined by 68% (range = 18–91%) from 2003 to 2004, and 5 of 6 populations declined an average of 75% from their original introduction size. Prairie dog populations in desert environs may have a high risk of extirpation caused by weather patterns indicative of desert climates. Our results are important for those managers involved in the conservation of prairie dogs and we suggest that regional differences should be carefully considered prior to any reintroduction effort.
Measuring Recruitment in an Invasive Species to Determine Eradication Potential
Authors: Berry Oliver , Kirkwood Roger
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTOptimal management of invasive pests can benefit from quantitative measures of rates of recruitment, and particularly, relative contributions of immigration and reproduction. However, these vital rates are difficult to estimate by trapping or observation. Recent studies have demonstrated that analyses with DNA markers may provide detailed information on the origin of immigrants into pest populations, but these studies have not provided comparable data on reproductive rates. We integrated genetic and demographic information from a unique longitudinal data set to comprehensively quantify recruitment during the past 15 years into an island population of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and to reveal relative contributions of immigration and reproduction. This population established 100 years ago and persists despite several decades of management aimed at population suppression. Primary source of recruits on the island was in situ reproduction (>95%/annum), although the number of foxes reproducing was small relative to the total number present. Immigration occurred at rates up to 3.6%/annum and was primarily by dispersing males, but is unlikely to be demographically important. We also show that although fox control effectively reduced fox density, there was evidence that control did not reduce the net number of recruits, most likely because the population exhibited a density‐dependent release from reproductive suppression. Our results imply that fox control on Phillip Island should primarily focus on reducing on‐island abundance and reproduction, but eradication will not be sustained unless immigration ceases.
Climate Policy's Uncertain Outcomes for Households: The Role of Complex Allocation Schemes in Cap-and-Trade
Authors: Blonz Joshua , Burtraw Dallas , Walls Margaret A
Published: November 2010

The design and implementation of the allocation of CO2 emissions allowances in recent bills in the U.S. Congress introduces a new source of uncertainty to the climate policy debate. We examine the Waxman-Markey bill (H.R. 2454) with scenarios that vary outcomes associated with allocations to electricity local distribution companies, investments in energy efficiency and technology development. The average net household burden in 2016 ranges from $133, with a CO2 allowance price of $13.19, to $418, with an allowance price of $23.41. The uncertainty about average burdens does not carry over to the distribution of those burdens; both scenarios impose the greatest burden as a percentage of income on middle-income households. A third scenario that allocates a substantial portion of allowance value as lump-sum payments imposes an average net household burden of $206, with a price of $17.37 and with highly progressive distributional impacts.
Researching Your Teaching: The Case for Action Research
Authors: Norton Lin
Published: November 2010

This article puts forward a case for all who are involved in teaching psychology in higher education to reflect on and improve their teaching by engaging in action research. Drawing on her own experiences as a psychology lecturer, the author shows how the process works by using an example of a research study on the effects of written feedback to help students improve their essay writing. The article ends with a consideration of why psychology lecturers are particularly well qualified to undertake pedagogical action research.
The Build-an-Organism Exercise: Introducing Biological Psychology to the Introductory Psychology Class
Authors: Hatcher Joe W.
Published: November 2010

The biological side of psychology is an integral part of the field. However, high school courses generally touch on these areas only lightly and beginning students may have no initial interest in these areas nor see their relevance for the study of psychology. An interactive exercise is described that allows the introduction of the biological components of psychology in an interesting manner that clearly ties them to the survival of the organism. This exercise provides lead-ins for several later sections of the introductory course, including the structure of the brain and is evaluated positively by students.
The Psychology of Computer-Mediated Communication: Four Classroom Activities
Authors: Dietz-Uhler Beth , Bishop-Clark Cathy
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this paper is to describe four classroom activities constructed to demonstrate various psychological issues associated with computer-mediated communication (CMC). The first exercise (on-line friendships) demonstrates a positive consequence of deindividuation. Being in a deindividuated state increases self-disclosure, which in turn strengthens friendships. The second exercise (Internet vs face-to-face conversation) explores a negative consequence of deindividuation – disinhibited behaviour. Another characteristic of computer-mediated communication that can exert powerful effects on behaviour is anonymity. The third exercise (altruism on the Internet) demonstrates how anonymity in a discussion board environment promotes requests for help. The fourth exercise (group performance in Cyberspace) demonstrates how anonymity can lead to social loafing and diffusion of responsibility in groups. Student comments and instructor observation indicate that these exercises were a highly effective means to demonstrate and experience various CMC issues.
Critical Analysis of Psychological Research II: Delivering a Course for Inclusion in the Core Curriculum for Psychology
Authors: Barber Paul
Published: November 2010

It was argued in a previous paper (Barber, 2002) that first degree programmes in psychology are at present unlikely to enable students to acquire the critical thinking skills needed to appraise the research literature of the subject. The inclusion of a course in critical analysis of psychological research is therefore proposed, preferably at a stage in a psychology degree programme when a robust and mature commitment to the subject can be assumed. In the present paper, the proposal is made in concrete form, with aims and objectives, an outline timetable and a method of formal assessment. This is based on a final-year course of long standing in which students learn about the critical evaluation of published research papers. Practical details of this course and some issues that may arise in the conduct of such a course are described. Comments and feedback regarding the existing course are reported. It is argued that this type of provision should be part of any core curriculum in psychology.
Statistics Can Wait: Career Plans Activity and Course Preferences of American Psychology Undergraduates
Authors: Rajecki D. W. , Appleby Drew , Williams Cynthia Clark , Johnson Kathy , Jeschke Mikki Poynter
Published: November 2010

Based on a departmental survey, 27 men and 96 women psychology majors at an American university were categorised in terms of their highest degree sought — BA/BSc, Master's, or PhD — and interest in types of baccalaureate-level jobs: ‘human services’ versus ‘general’ (including business). However, regardless of career plans, students consistently preferred human interest courses (e.g. abnormal, personality) over methodological courses (e.g. statistics, tests and measurement). In operational terms, concerning enthusiasm to take local methods offerings, 75% of a subsample chose the attitudinal response options of ‘neutral’ or ‘not eager to take’. Students' relative disinterest in methodology was compared with current professional assumptions about the psychology curriculum as a special source of skills.
Illuminating the History of Psychology: Tips for Teaching Students about the Hawthorne Studies
Authors: Olson Ryan , Hogan Lindsey , Santos Lindsey
Published: November 2010

The Hawthorne studies are a common topic in research methods and organisational psychology courses. However, textbook material on this topic is often misleading and sometimes historically inaccurate (Olson, Verley, Santos and Salas, 2004). Three common Hawthorne myths are reviewed and countered with factual highlights in order to help instructors correct mythical drift in our professional knowledge-base. Interested readers are also directed to several scholarly resources on the topic. In our view, Hawthorne mythology obfuscates important methodological lessons and encourages simplistic thinking about the causes of human behaviour. However, what really happened at Hawthorne provides excellent material for teaching critical thinking and research design skills and the truism that both human and environmental variables drive behaviour at work.
Predicting University Success in Psychology: Are Subject-Specific Skills Important?
Authors: Huws Nia , Reddy Peter , Talcott Joel
Published: November 2010

The relationship between previous academic achievement and subsequent success at university was explored in a retrospective study of 56 UK psychology students. It was found that the subjects studied at A-level, and the grades obtained, did not predict performance at university. In contrast, GCSE grades, in particular those achieved in Science and English, were significant predictors of final year marks. Once at university, first and second year results had an incremental ability to predict final year performance, with an additional effect of undertaking a work placement. The implications of the results are discussed within the context of recent literature relating to cognitive and non-cognitive predictors of academic performance.
Voluntary Peer Learning Groups: Do Students Utilise Increased Structure, and are There any Hard Gains?
Authors: Barton Alison , Van Duuren Mike , Haslam Paul
Published: November 2010

A scheme of voluntary student support units which has been in existence since 1997 has elicited favourable responses from students who participate. However, hard measures of learning behaviours, attitudes and outcomes for group members have been lacking. This paper compares the development of learning behaviours and attitudes for group members and non-members over a year, and looks at the effect of membership on grades. In addition, we report on an attempt to offer students more structure for their group activities.
Detective Work on Statistics Street: Teaching Statistics through Humorous Analogy
Authors: Zeedyk M. Suzanne
Published: November 2010

Undergraduate students routinely react to the statistics component of a psychology course with trepidation. This paper reports the outcome of an initiative designed to increase students' comprehension and enjoyment of statistics. The analogy of police detective work was used to illuminate the process of statistical reasoning, distributed to students in the form of a handout written in a non-technical, humorous style. In Study 1, feedback from 129 students, enrolled in either the second or third year of a psychology degree, was examined systematically to determine in what ways this innovative approach enhanced student understanding. In Study 2, performance of 318 students on course assignments associated with the handout was examined. Results showed significant improvements in performance for those who had received the handout, as compared to those who had not. These outcomes provide empirical support for the arguments of a growing number of textbook authors who advocate the use of non-traditional approaches to the teaching of statistics at the undergraduate level.
Fostering Reflective Thinking with the Learning Achievement Self-Evaluation Record (LASER)
Authors: Coulson Mark , Torrance Steve , Nunn Stephen
Published: November 2010

We present the rationale, development, and evaluation of a simple tool designed to encourage reflective thinking in first year undergraduate students. We outline the role of reflection in undergraduate studies of psychology, and suggest how this may underpin the development of critical thinking. We then examine a ‘design brief’ which informed the development of the Learning Achievement Self-Evaluation Record (LASER). The LASER is then described, and an evaluation of its impact on students and the curriculum is presented.
Group Work in Higher Education: Are Introverted Students Disadvantaged?
Authors: Walker Ann
Published: November 2010

Previous studies have found that whilst some students find group work highly enjoyable, others find it highly problematic. One possible explanation for this difference relates to personality type, with students with more extraverted personalities being more likely to enjoy group work participation. However, whether having a more extraverted personality is an academic advantage is less easy to determine, as historically a negative relationship has been found between extraversion and examination marks. This paper compares self-ratings for extraversion and group work experience from 172 second year undergraduate students taking a small-group practical in psychology. The results showed that whilst introverts compared to extraverts and controls reported having a more negative group-work experience, the three groups did not significantly differ in their assessment marks. The author suggests that further research needs to be carried out in this area as findings may differ depending upon the type of group work task and the type of assessment.
Perceived Social Benefits of Voluntary Student Collaboration
Authors: Barton Alison , Van Duuren Mike , Haslam Paul
Published: November 2010

A voluntary scheme of student support units which has been in existence since 1997 is subjected to an evaluation to assess its efficacy in supporting learning in the first year of a psychology degree. Students who join the scheme report mainly social but also pedagogical benefits, but also identify negative aspects of group interaction. Overall, the scheme is seen as providing an effective semiformal framework whose primary advantage appears to be in assisting students to embed themselves into the HE culture. It is also recommended that a level of staff support is desirable to reduce the potential for undesirable outcomes.
Comparing Online and Offline Administration of Multiple Choice Question Assessments to Psychology Undergraduates: Do Assessment Modality or Computer Attitudes Influence Performance?
Authors: Hewson Claire , Charlton John , Brosnan Mark
Published: November 2010

Recent interest in and use of online assessments across a range of disciplines has raised a number of issues relating to student perceptions and performance when using this medium. The validity of such online tests is a crucial consideration, especially if they are to be used for summative as well as formative assessment. The current study examined higher education students' performance on online assessments which they were required to take as part of an undergraduate psychology course. The marks obtained by students required to take the same multiple choice question (MCQ) assessment online and offline (in pen-and-paper format) were compared, and relationships between performance and computer anxiety and computer engagement measures were explored. The results indicate minimal influence of assessment modality, computer anxiety and computer engagement on MCQ test scores, with only very small and non significant effect sizes being observed overall. No evidence of any significant relationships between gender and age and computer attitudes was observed. To conclude, the results provide promising initial support for the use of online summative assessments in contexts similar to the one used here, allaying some concerns about disadvantaging certain groups of students. However, further research is needed to explore possible performance differences across different contexts, assessment types, and student cohorts.
Issues Surrounding Use of Online Discussion Groups on Traditional Undergraduate Psychology Modules
Authors: Guiller Jane , Durndell Alan , Ross Anne , Thomson Karen
Published: November 2010

This paper discusses issues relating to the use of online discussion groups on psychology modules, drawing on the results from three studies investigating Level 1 students' use of asynchronous computer mediated communication (CMC). The first study examined the language use of large groups of students using CMC to discuss essay topics. The second study compared the online and face-to-face discourse of small groups of students evaluating a journal article, in terms of critical thinking. The third study investigated the use of CMC to support small groups of students engaged in problem based learning (PBL). The paper concludes with some recommendations for practitioners.
Stop and Smell the Roses: An Activity for Teaching the Central Limit Theorem
Authors: Schoenfelder Erin , Olson Ryan , Bell Matthew , Tom Karalyn
Published: November 2010

Undergraduate psychology students in two statistics classes (N = 77) counted blooms on rose bushes on campus using sample sizes of either 30 or 60 bushes, and submitted sample means and standard deviations to an online database. Students used that database to graph sampling distributions and complete other homework problems. Students preferred the activity to lecture, found it helpful for understanding sampling distributions and a majority listed it as a favourite class activity (n = 48). A pretest and posttest evaluation of learning administered to one course section showed a statistically significant learning increase. This memorable, enjoyable and effective activity exposes students to practical research challenges and can be replicated using other dependent variables found in naturalistic environments.
Psychology Postgraduates' Perspectives on Teaching-Related Support and Training
Authors: Lantz Caprice , Smith Debbie , Branney Peter
Published: November 2010

One hundred and forty-seven psychology postgraduates from 60 UK universities completed an online survey. The survey aimed to examine the experiences of psychology postgraduates around teaching and to provide an initial benchmark against which future developments in their support could be measured. This report explores respondents' experiences of teaching, training and support they receive as well as how they balance the roles of teaching and research. Findings indicate that while generally the experiences of postgraduates in teaching are good, concerns are evident in relation to marking, preparation, time and dealing with difficult students. Problems with time were found often to be associated with marking and preparation. Remuneration for time spent on teaching was also an issue. Findings suggest that postgraduates could benefit from clearer and more realistic guidance. Significant differences were found between teaching tasks undertaken by respondents at pre and post 1992 institutions and postgraduates at post 1992 institutions more often exceed assigned teaching hours.