bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconciliation: The Political Theological Nexus in Australasian Indigenous Public Policy
Authors: O’Sullivan Dominic
Published: November 2010

Reconciliation brings together Christological and anthropological dimensions of human thought to illustrate the nexus between religious principles and political means. For the state reconciliation is concerned with social cohesion and political stability. For the church, it extends the sacramental notion of reconciliation between God and penitent to public relationships. This article examines Roman Catholic contributions to secular reconciliation debates. It shows how religious precepts create moral imperatives to engagement with secular discourses as a necessary element of Christian mission. It also argues that the church’s role in the disruption of indigenous societies creates an additional moral imperative to engage in reconciliation as mission and to articulate a Christian vision of indigenous rights.
When the Body of Christ has AIDS: A Theological Metaphor for Global Solidarity in Light of HIV and AIDS
Authors: van Klinken Adriaan S.
Published: November 2010

This article explores the global implications of the statement from African theologians that the body of Christ has AIDS. It will outline how these theologians employ the metaphor of the body of Christ to challenge the western world to enter into solidarity with Africa struck by HIV and AIDS. From the realization that the HIV epidemic is embedded in globalization processes, and from the understanding of contextual theologies as significant to western theology, it is argued that western theologians have to take seriously the critical African questions. Hence the article investigates what it means for the western world to say that the body of Christ has AIDS, and how this metaphor helps to envision global solidarity in light of the HIV epidemic.
What’s in a Name—Proper Names in Greek Exodus
Authors: Perkins Larry
Published: November 2010

Hebrew proper names presented significant challenges to the translator of Greek Exodus. He employed various strategies including transcription and translation. In most cases he created new transcriptions or employed those found in Greek Genesis. On occasion Hellenized forms of proper names are found, but these tend to be the exception. Etiologies were handled variously. Rarely names seem to be added in the Greek text. This paper interacts with previous analyses of the translator’s practices in handling Hebrew proper names, offering alternative explanations for several phenomena observed.
Religion and Development from Below: Independent Christianity in South Africa
Authors: Bompani Barbara
Published: November 2010

Most of the literature on African independent churches (AICs) in South Africa has not paid much attention to their economic and developmental role. In contrast, this article will show how AICs are involved in important economic activities such as voluntary mutual benefit societies, savings clubs, lending societies, stokvels (informal savings funds), and burial societies that control millions of South African rand. In light of firsthand empirical research, this article investigates these kinds of activities, and analyses independent churches’ developmental role. This will allow us to better understand how these communities play a strong and supportive function among Africans in a deprived economic situation. In a period of socio-political transformation in South Africa, AICs are able to answer the needs of the people and their hunger to rebuild an identity. My major critique of classical research on AICs is the failure of the literature to address ‘social change’ in a theoretically adequate way, as something more than just descriptions of ‘traditional’ social structures away from interpretations of modernity.
Cyrille d’Alexandrie aux prises avec un exégète allégoriste au début de son In Oseam: Didyme l’Aveugle ou Piérius d’Alexandrie?
Authors: Zaganas Dimitrios
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this article is to identify the anonymous commentator with whom Cyril of Alexandria is in disagreement at the beginning of his Commentary on Hosea, because of the commentator’s purely allegorical interpretation of the marriage of Hosea with a prostitute (Os 1:2-3). We present initially the position of the author “not deprived of reputation” as transmitted by Cyril, then we re-examine F.M.Abel’s assumption in support of Didymus the Blind. Finally, we propose Pierius, a priest and leader of the Christian school of Alexandria, and his homily On the Beginning of the Prophet Hosea, as possible candidates behind Cyril’s attack.
Lightfoot’s Text of 2 Clement: A Response to W.L. Petersen
Authors: Tuckett Christopher
Published: November 2010

This study provides a response to the 2006 Vigiliae Christianae article of William Petersen discussing aspects of the text of 2 Clement in the highly influential edition of J.B. Lightfoot. Petersen discussed four readings in Lightfoot’s edition that he suggested should be changed. He also discussed what he regarded as serious fundamental flaws in Lightfoot’s work which have serious repercussions today in textual study of both the texts of Church Fathers and also of the New Testament. This article examines the four specific readings in 2 Clement discussed by Petersen. It also examines the more general methodological issues raised in his article. It is argued here that Lightfoot’s overall methodology was perhaps not as suspect as Petersen argued and that, while all text editions are open to debate at individual points, the general approach adopted by Lightfoot and others does not perhaps merit the strong criticisms levelled by Petersen.
Lewi Pethrus and the Creation of a Christian Counterculture
Authors: Halldorf Joel
Published: November 2010

This article presents and analyzes the life and work of Lewi Pethrus (1884-1974), the leader of the Swedish Pentecostal movement. The argument is that Pethrus created a Christian counterculture in the midst of a secularized Western society. Although a radical congregationalist skeptical toward organization, Pethrus spent most of his life building institutions. The first institutions he created were for the benefit of the spiritual life of Pentecostal congregations and churches. These included a publishing house, an edifying journal, a hymn book, and a school for evangelism. During World War II, however, Nazism and Communism made Pethrus attentive to the dangers of secularization. He now began founding institutions that were part of the broader civil society, such as a daily newspaper, a radio station, a bank, and a political party. His goal was to turn Sweden into a Christian society. He did not achieve this, but what he did leave was the legacy of a Christian counterculture.
Freedom of Expression and Advocacy of Group Hatred
Authors: Lerner Natan
Published: November 2010

Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, but not an absolute one, and is subject to limitations determined by law. Article 19 of the ICCPR permits certain restrictions and should be read in conjunction with Article 20, prohibiting advocacy of hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. There should not be differences in the treatment of incitement to national, racial or religious hatred. Limitations on freedom of expression regarding other liberties permit to draw analogies. Article 4 of the Convention on Racial Discrimination and Article III of the Genocide Convention are relevant, and the discussion on the existence of an international public order has to be considered. The Genocide Convention refers equally to incitement against racial or religious groups. Frequently, ethnicity and religion overlap.
Seeing the Facts and Saying What You Like: Retroactive Redescription and Indeterminacy in the Past
Authors: Gustafsson Martin
Published: November 2010

In chapter 17 of his book, Rewriting the Soul: Multiple Personality and the Sciences of Memory, Ian Hacking makes the disquieting claim that “perhaps we should best think of past human actions as being to a certain extent indeterminate.”1 Against what may appear like the self-evident conception of the past as fixed and unalterable, Hacking suggests that when it comes to human conduct and experience, there are reasons to adopt a more flexible view. This suggestion has caused lively debate, in the journal History of the Human Sciences and elsewhere.2 Central to this debate is the question of what it means to use a recently invented vocabulary to redescribe past human affairs. In particular, it is asked: How do the linguistic, cultural and social differences between past and present matter to the possibility of such a redescription’s being true? We who do research in the humanities and social sciences often make retroactive redescriptions of precisely this sort. Hence, the debate is clearly of some general importance for how to conceive the goals and methods of our inquiries. My overall aim in this paper is to clarify what we may learn from the clash between Hacking and his critics.
On Sense, Reference, and Tone in History
Authors: Zeleňák Eugen
Published: November 2010

This paper tries to show how the Fregean semantic framework, especially the notions of sense and tone, can be used to explain certain features of history. Following Michael Dummett’s interpretation of Gottlob Frege’s notion of meaning, it is possible to conceive of historical works as proposing particular modes of presentation of past events. In fact, alternative historical works about the same past events could be viewed as differing in what sense and tone they express. In this paper, I first outline some of the points and distinctions made by Frege. Second, I examine how the notions of sense, reference, and tone can be applied in semantic analysis of historical work. Finally, I point to a certain similarity between the Fregean framework and some of the views presented in the recent philosophy of history. My account suggests how to make use of some of the classical insights of Frege when dealing with the semantic issues of historical work.
The Hotplate Precipitation Gauge
Authors: Rasmussen Roy M. , Hallett John , Purcell Rick , Landolt Scott D. , Cole Jeff
Published: November 2010

A new instrument designed to measure precipitation, the “hotplate precipitation gauge,” is described. The instrument consists of a heated thin disk that provides a reliable, low-maintenance method to measure precipitation rate every minute without the use of a wind shield. The disk consists of two heated, thermally isolated identical aluminum plates—one facing upward and the other downward. The two plates are heated independently, and both are maintained at constant temperature above 75°C by electronic circuitry that heats the plates depending on the deviation from the set temperature. Precipitation rate is estimated by calculating the power required to either melt or evaporate snow or to evaporate rain on the upward-facing plate, compensated for wind effects by subtracting out the power on the lower, downward-facing plate. Data from the World Meteorological Organization reference standard for liquid-equivalent snowfall rate measurements, the Double Fence Intercomparison Reference (DFIR) shield system, were used as the truth to develop the hotplate algorithm. The hotplate measures the liquid-equivalent precipitation rate from 0.25 to 35 mm h−1 within the National Weather Service standard for solid precipitation measurement. The hotplate was also shown to measure wind speed during severe icing conditions and during vibration. The high update rate (precipitation rate, wind speed, and temperature every 1 min), make this an ideal gauge for real-time applications, such as aircraft deicing and road weather conditions. It serves as an accumulation gauge by integrating the 1-min rates over time. It can also be used as a rain gauge for rainfall rates up to 35 mm h−1.
Optimal Linear Fitting for Objective Determination of Ocean Mixed Layer Depth from Glider Profiles
Authors: Chu Peter C. , Fan Chenwu
Published: November 2010

A new optimal linear fitting method has been developed to determine mixed layer depth from profile data. This methodology includes three steps: 1) fitting the profile data from the first point near the surface to a depth using a linear polynomial, 2) computing the error ratio of absolute bias of few data points below that depth versus the root-mean-square error of data points from the surface to that depth between observed and fitted data, and 3) finding the depth (i.e., the mixed layer depth) with maximum error ratio. Temperature profiles in the western North Atlantic Ocean over 14 November–5 December 2007, collected from two gliders (Seagliders) deployed by the Naval Oceanographic Office, are used to demonstrate the capability of this method. The mean quality index (1.0 for perfect determination) for determining mixed layer depth is greater than 0.97, which is much higher than the critical value of 0.8 for well-defined mixed layer depth with that index.
Intercomparison of an Ensemble Kalman Filter with Three- and Four-Dimensional Variational Data Assimilation Methods in a Limited-Area Model over the Month of June 2003
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Fuqing , Huang Xiang-Yu , Zhang Xin
Published: November 2010

This study compares the performance of an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) with both the three-dimensional and four-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVar and 4DVar) methods of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model over the contiguous United States in a warm-season month (June) of 2003. The data assimilated every 6 h include conventional sounding and surface observations as well as data from wind profilers, ships and aircraft, and the cloud-tracked winds from satellites. The performances of these methods are evaluated through verifying the 12- to 72-h forecasts initialized twice daily from the analysis of each method against the standard sounding observations. It is found that 4DVar has consistently smaller error than that of 3DVar for winds and temperature at all forecast lead times except at 60 and 72 h when their forecast errors become comparable in amplitude, while the two schemes have similar performance in moisture at all lead times. The forecast error of the EnKF is comparable to that of the 4DVar at 12–36-h lead times, both of which are substantially smaller than that of the 3DVar, despite the fact that 3DVar fits the sounding observations much more closely at the analysis time. The advantage of the EnKF becomes even more evident at 48–72-h lead times; the 72-h forecast error of the EnKF is comparable in magnitude to the 48-h error of 3DVar/4DVar.
Nurturing Children’s Well-Being
Authors: Luvmour Josette
Published: November 2010

Too many children today are being diagnosed with affective mood disorders and then medicated. Yet because the child’s experience of self and world takes place in the medium of the family system, parents can learn how to mitigate childhood mood disorders by creating an environment based on child development principles that nurtures the child’s well-being. As discussed by Erik Erikson and Francis Wicks, adults tend to project their own unresolved and unconscious emotions onto their children. This article posits a developmental response to the diagnosis–treatment medical-model perspective that pervades modern-day psychiatry. Well-being flourishes in both child and adult when the adult understands child development principles, communicates with the child in developmentally appropriate ways, and creates environments that nurture the child’s developmental imperatives. When those developmental imperatives are met, emotional problems can be prevented before they arise. When an adult who is motivated by care in relationship with a child can learn how to nurture the child’s developmental needs, then it is likely that subsequent intersubjective experiences may be affected positively.
Cultural Struggles for Hegemony
Authors: Quintero-Rivera Ángel G.
Published: November 2010

Salsa emerged basically from Hispanic Caribbean migrants to New York City but underwent a broad process of globalization not as a U.S. cultural production but as an Afro-Caribbean art form. The inability to incorporate salsa into U.S. culture within either the “melting pot” paradigm or multiculturalism illustrates the particular “structure of feeling” that salsa shares with important epochal processes such as the current crisis of U.S. hegemony.
Market-led Growth and Well-being – Gujarat, 1980–2005
Authors: Dixit Anita K.
Published: November 2010

An influential school in economic theory maintains that economic growth trickles down and automatically results in the distribution of its benefits across the population. This article examines this hypothesis in the context of Gujarat, one of the fastest growing states of India. Growth is based on industry and exports, mainly unhampered by labor unrest. However, the state has not made significant achievements in terms of well-being, especially in the rural areas. The article analyses levels of nutrition and rural poverty in the state, and finds a slowdown in these parameters. We contend that the neoliberal agenda of uncontrolled, outward-looking growth does not result in reduction of poverty or malnourishment. The policy implications are a need to promote the agricultural sector with a focus on resource-poor farmers and the re-institutionalization of an efficient system of food grain subsidization, which has been reduced in recent years.
Aspiration Problems in Indian Microfinance
Authors: Olsen Wendy , Morgan Jamie
Published: November 2010

This article examines the problems that arise from borrowers’ growing aspirations for credit in rural South India. Two core problems arise, conditioned by the class origin of each family: first, a tendency to borrow beyond the capacity to repay, and second, the creation of new gender tensions in which female individualism clashes with traditional male dominance of household decision making. The problem of excess aspirations was first described by Veblen and has been fleshed out in the credit context by Bourdieu. Thus, in the theory of consumer culture, there are strands which may be of use in planning and managing microfinance and rural banking. We place this sociological issue in the context of the political economy of class and class praxis. The research is based on field visits in southern Andhra Pradesh. Our fieldwork suggests that one example of excess borrowing is women’s use of microfinance to purchase a cow. Both individual level and social aspects of the situation are considered carefully. The aspiration problem could lead to default and suffering.
Empowering Boys and Men to Achieve Gender Equality in India
Authors: Chowdhury Aparajita , Patnaik Manoj Manjari
Published: November 2010

Promoting gender equality and improvement in the status of women are specifically stated to be central goals of development and social policy in India. However, women in the country are still far behind men in most indicators of human development. Women’s subordination status and inequalities are reflected in almost every sphere in Indian society. Hence, promoting gender equality in patriarchal social order is impossible without the consent, mindset, and involvement of male population. In order to improve the status of women in India, the efforts need to get the support, assistance, understanding, and involvement from the major partner – the “male” of the society. There is the need to empower the boys and men in terms of their understanding, information, and capacity building regarding equal opportunity for both the sexes. This article tries to justify the need for empowering boys and men to achieve gender equality in India, without which any amount of women reservation and welfare programs will not be able to enhance the status of women folk.
Resource Competition, Nationalism and their Security Implications
Authors: Sikri Rajiv
Published: November 2010

The current global debate about resource competition and resource nationalism is frequently situated only in the context of natural resources, particularly energy sources. However, an equally keen and perhaps more vital competition is taking place over capital, labour and technology, the other key factors of production. Nonetheless, the current and looming conflicts over natural resources centre on energy sources, particularly oil. Given its location and size, its economic and military strength and potential, and its position as a growing consumer of energy, India will be very much a part of global energy geopolitics in the coming years. Since energy flows and energy projects are often key determinants of many bilateral relationships, and invariably have a regional, at times even a global, significance, India needs to give much greater and more focused attention to energy issues in its security and foreign policy perspective.
Countervailing Power and Missing Institutions
Authors: Mundle Sudipto
Published: November 2010

Providing resource security for one group of stakeholders frequently entails loss of a certain degree of resource security for another group of stakeholders. The competing interests of winners and losers, and the ‘public good’ nature of many resource uses, makes it challenging to provide resource security in a benign and equitable manner. Power relations are key in determining compensation outcomes, and in particular the importance of countervailing power, in the absence of autonomous institutions with regulatory authority. When one group has overwhelming market power, or political power or a combination of the two, that group’s interest will drive the outcome, regardless of the technical principles of compensation. The article demonstrates through examples how the dynamics of countervailing power works in the national context and in the global context. It also highlights the usefulness of autonomous institutions with jurisdiction over resource security issues. Institutions can protect the interest of stakeholders who do not have either economic power or political power.
Natural Resource Governance and Local Governments
Authors: Raghunandan T.R.
Published: November 2010

The management of increasingly scarce natural resources is perhaps the most important governance challenge facing humanity today. The designing of appropriate systems for natural resource management by local governments is an interesting policy challenge. This has to be approached objectively and with an unwavering focus on the objective to be achieved, namely, that people require responsible natural resource management for their survival. In doing so, there should be no biases for or against decentralisation. One will have to think out of the box, particularly while designing systems for collaborative action by local governments and other stakeholders. This article analyses the challenges in fostering a sustainable governance of resources by local governments, within the context of their functional responsibilities, and suggests some policy solutions. The article concentrates on the Indian context, while suggesting features of inter-governmental design that comprise the right mix of checks and balances, which is so essential for the good governance of natural resources.
Security Implications of the Expansion of Nuclear Energy
Authors: Ebinger Charles , Massy Kevin
Published: November 2010

There are several technical, institutional and geopolitical challenges facing an expanded nuclear industry in the twenty-first century. This article addresses some of the security concerns that are linked to the expansion of nuclear power in the world. Given that more and more states are going to have access to sensitive nuclear technology and material, the security concerns surrounding nuclear energy are bound to increase. However, in the absence of a satisfactory nuclear waste management solution and adequate regulatory protocols, a large-scale expansion of the civil nuclear sector will present significant security challenges. The adaptation of the fuel cycle to incorporate reprocessed spent nuclear fuel presents perhaps the most serious concern owing to the inherent relationship between reprocessing and nuclear proliferation. Of equal concern is the fact that existing international regimes are inadequate to deal with civilian nuclear-related issues in the twenty-first century.
Uranium Trade and its Security Implications for India
Authors: Sharma Devika
Published: November 2010

Uranium trade and the role it will play in India’s foreign policy and national security is set to grow in the coming decades. India’s interest in uranium is part of a long-term strategy to move towards a more self-sufficient and relatively carbon-free energy future. In the context of India’s fast-expanding uranium trade with, and equity investments in, key uranium producing countries, the contours of the security implications of India’s uranium diplomacy need to be identified. It is important to understand that the import of strategic energy resources is seldom devoid of security implications in one form or the other. Highlighting possible security implications can help strategise a uranium trade policy that is proactive, well informed and holistic in its understanding of what advantages and disadvantages uranium trade poses to the country’s larger energy security. This article identifies seven possible trajectories of the security implications of India’s uranium trade with the world in the coming years.
The Food, Water and Energy Interlinkages for Sustainable Development in India
Authors: Alagh Yoginder K.
Published: November 2010

This article briefly outlines the food–water–energy interlinkages for sustainable development in India. It begins by underlining the emerging severe land constraint and relates it to water development strategies since water use not only raises agricultural productivity, but releases the land barrier by intensity of land use. Given this problem, energy becomes a related focus and of course, is by itself another major issue in sustainable development and long-term security. The article begins with estimates to show that India is probably urbanising faster than generally thought and together with a severe water development crisis, is in a difficult situation. It also develops the profile that a similar situation exists in the energy sector. In each problématique, the article ends with some governance issues and suggestions.
Germany’s Experience in Upscaling Renewable Energy
Authors: Pfeiffer Joachim
Published: November 2010

The Renewable Energy Sources Act of Germany has been a success story, thanks to the advantages that derive from promoting energy from renewable sources. The way in which renewable energy sources are promoted under the Renewable Energy Sources Act is a pioneering approach that is unprecedented in Germany or any other country. However, this type of support for innovation cannot be continued indefinitely, for if the federal government’s target is of obtaining 30 per cent of electricity supplies from renewable sources by 2020, this form of support must be re-examined and further developed. Renewable sources of energy are important not purely for environmental reasons but also because they contribute to energy security. Nevertheless, it is important that the supply of energy be climate friendly, environment friendly and cost effective, not only in Germany but throughout the world.
Palliative Care Communication Curriculum: What Can Students Learn From an Unfolding Case?
Authors: Goldsmith Joy , Wittenberg-Lyles Elaine , Shaunfield Sara , Sanchez-Reilly Sandra
Published: November 2010

Limited attention to palliative care communication training is offered to medical students. In this work, we pursued unfolding case responses and what they indicated about student tendencies to use palliative care communication as well as what medical students can learn from their own reflective practice about palliative care. Findings showed an overwhelming trend for students to avoid palliative care communication or inclusion of topics including advance directives, place of care, family support, and dying. Instead, students relied heavily on the SPIKES protocol, communication that was strategically vague and ambiguous, and discussions that centered on specialty care and referral. In reflecting on their own case study responses, students noted an absence of direct communication about prognosis, no coordination of care, late hospice entry, and patient pain resulting from communication inefficacies. Future research should focus on the development of formal and adaptive curriculum structures to address these communication needs.
The Neural Bases for Empathy
Authors: Shamay-Tsoory Simone G.
Published: November 2010

Human empathy relies on the ability to share emotions as well as the ability to understand the other’s thoughts, desires, and feelings. Recent evidence points to 2 separate systems for empathy: an emotional system that supports our ability to empathize emotionally and a cognitive system that involves cognitive understanding of the other’s perspective. Converging evidence from neuroimaging and lesion studies shows that a neural network that includes the inferior frontal gyrus and the inferior parietal lobule is necessary for emotion recognition and emotional contagion. On the other hand, the involvement of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, temporoparietal junction, and the medial temporal lobe in self-reflection and autobiographical memory places these key regions as necessary for cognitive empathy. The proposed dissociation between these systems is supported by recent neurochemical experiments involving administration of oxytocin as well as by ethological, psychiatric, and developmental studies. Finally, although the emotional and cognitive systems appear to work independently, every empathic response may still evoke both components to some extent, depending on the social context.
Determination of Dietary Intake of Total Arsenic, Inorganic Arsenic and Total Mercury in the Chilean School Meal Program
Authors: Bastías J.M. , Bermúdez M. , Carrasco J. , Espinoza O. , Muñoz M. , Galotto M.J. , Muñoz O.
Published: November 2010

The dietary intake of total arsenic (tAs), inorganic arsenic (iAs) and total mercury (tHg) in lunch and breakfast servings provided by the Chilean School Meal Program (SMP) was estimated, using the duplicate-portion variant of the total diet study. Lunch and breakfast samples were collected from 65 schools throughout the country in 2006. The population sample was a group of girls and boys between 6 and 18 years old. The tAs concentration was measured via hydride-generation atomic absorption spectrometry. The total mercury concentration was measured via cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. The estimated iAs intake was 12.5% (5.4 μg/day) of the Provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) as proposed by the FAO/WHO, and the tHg intake was 13.2% (1.9 μg/day) of the PTDI as proposed by the FAO/WHO. It was therefore concluded that tAs, iAs and tHg intake from food provided by the SMP do not pose risks to student health.
The Good, the Bad, and the Evaluator: 25 Years of AJE Ethics
Authors: Morris Michael
Published: November 2010

This essay explores the contributions of Evaluation Practice and the American Journal of Evaluation to our understanding of evaluation ethics. The review is organized according to the five Guiding Principles for Evaluators (Systematic Inquiry, Competence, Integrity/Honesty, Respect for People, and Responsibilities for General and Public Welfare) and identifies key themes within each domain. The value of case-based ethical analysis is highlighted, as is the need for increased empirical research on ethical dimensions of evaluation, especially as these dimensions are perceived by stakeholders with whom evaluators interact. Over the past 25 years, evaluators have learned a great deal about the ethical challenges they are likely to encounter during any given stage of an evaluation, even as they continue to engage in debate over the roles through which evaluators can best serve the public interest.
The Effects of the First Step to Success Program on Academic Engagement Behaviors of Turkish Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Ozdemir Selda
Published: November 2010

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of the First Step to Success (FSS) early intervention program with Turkish children identified with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Intervention effectiveness on target children’s academic engagement behaviors was studied. Participants were four 7-year-old first-grade students in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. The design was a single-subject, multiple-baseline, across-groups design. Findings from the study revealed that all target children displayed increased levels of academic engagement behaviors with the introduction of the FSS program and at 3 months’ follow-up. However, follow-up data at 2 years indicated that although three students continued to display high levels of academic engagement behavior, one student did not catch up to these levels of performance. Limitations are discussed and implications for future research are presented.
Increasing frequency of multiple sclerosis in Catania, Sicily: a 30-year survey
Authors: Nicoletti Alessandra , Patti Francesco , Lo Fermo Salvatore , Messina Silvia , Bruno Elisa , Quattrocchi Graziella , Laisa Patrizia , Cilia Sabina , Mostile Giovanni , Marziolo Roberto , Scillieri Renato , Maimone Davide , Zappia Mario
Published: November 2010

Background and Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and its temporal profiles from 1975 to 2005 in the city of Catania.

Methods: The incidence of MS from 1975 to 31 December 1999 had been previously investigated by the same group. The frequency of MS in the community of Catania from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2004 was studied in a population of 313,110 inhabitants (2001 census). All patients who satisfied Poser’s criteria were considered as prevalent and incident cases.

Results: Three hundred and ninety-eight patients with MS who had experienced the clinical onset of the disease before 31 December 2004 were found in a population of 313,110 inhabitants. The prevalence rate was 127.1/100,000 [95% confidence interval (CI) 115.1–140.4]. From 2000 to 2004, 108 patients with MS had clinical onset of the disease . The mean annual incidence was 7.0/100,000 (95% CI 5.7–13.7) and was higher in women (8.4/100,000; 95% CI 6.4–10.5) than in men (5.3/100,000; 95% CI 3.7–7.2). The mean length of time between the date of clinical onset and the date of the diagnosis was 1.4 ± 1.7 years. During the last 30 years the incidence of MS in this population increased from 1.3/100,000 during the first quinquennium (1975–9) to 7.0/100,000 during 2000–4.

Conclusions: Incidence rates have further increased in this population, suggesting that the risk of MS is still increasing.
Comparative Study of Electroless Ni-P, Cu, Ag, and Cu-Ag Plating on Polyamide Fabrics
Authors: Hui Zhang  , Lanping Shen  , Juan Chang
Published: November 2010

Electroless plating of Ni—P, Cu, Ag, and Cu—Ag on polyamide fabric was performed in the laboratory. The coating depositions were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis, respectively. The flame retardancy, abrasion resistance, electromagnetic shielding performance, and tensile and bending properties of the plated fabrics were also investigated. It was found that as compared with the original fabric, the onset decomposition temperature of the Ni—P (weight increasing percentage 120%; Cu (120%), Ag (30%), and Cu—Ag (80%)) plated fabrics decreased and the flame retardancy (80%) did not improve. The abrasion resistance decreased in the order of Ni—P-plated > Cu-plated > Cu—Ag-plated > Ag-plated fabric (80%). The surface resistance decreased with the increase of the number of cycles. The electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness for the unabrased plated fabric was Cu—Ag-plated = Ag-plated > Cu-plated > Ni—P-plated (30%). The breaking load and the tensile strain for the plated fabric (40%) decreased while the bending rigidity increased.
Exposure and Response Prevention for the Treatment of Late-Onset Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in an 82-Year-Old Man
Authors: Price Mark C. , Salsman Nicholas L.
Published: November 2010

This case study demonstrates an effective course of exposure/response prevention (EX/RP) in an 82-year-old man with late-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with no apparent neurobiological changes. The results indicated significant reductions in time spent on rituals, anxiety associated with obsessions, and depression. Treatment gains were maintained and continued to progress through appropriate aftercare. In this case, a graduate student therapist learned and applied EX/RP after engaging in a training process. Results highlight the importance of life stressors in the development of OCD and that EX/RP can be applied to older adults with certain modifications. The results are promising for the implementation of EX/RP in older adults with OCD; however, future randomized controlled trials are needed.
Subtly Different Positive Emotions Can Be Distinguished by Their Facial Expressions
Authors: Mortillaro Marcello , Mehu Marc , Scherer Klaus R.
Published: November 2010

Positive emotions are crucial to social relationships and social interaction. Although smiling is a frequently studied facial action, investigations of positive emotional expressions are underrepresented in the literature. This may be partly because of the assumption that all positive emotions share the smile as a common signal but lack specific facial configurations. The present study investigated prototypical expressions of four positive emotions—interest, pride, pleasure, and joy. The Facial Action Coding System was used to microcode facial expression of representative samples of these emotions taken from the Geneva Multimodal Emotion Portrayal corpus. The data showed that the frequency and duration of several action units differed between emotions, indicating that actors did not use the same pattern of expression to encode them. The authors argue that an appraisal perspective is suitable to describe how subtly differentiated positive emotional states differ in their prototypical facial expressions.
Identity Separation in Response to Stereotype Threat
Authors: von Hippel Courtney , Walsh Alice M. , Zouroudis Ariane
Published: November 2010

Despite widespread evidence for the performance costs of stereotype threat, little research has examined other psychological consequences, such as disengagement or disidentification. The present studies investigated such consequences of stereotype threat for women working at major international firms. Study 1 found that female leaders who experienced stereotype threat separated their feminine identities from their work-related (i.e., more masculine) identity. Study 2 extended this finding by demonstrating that even when the feminine identity comprised those characteristics that serve women well in the workplace (e.g., being understanding and aware of the feelings of others), female employees still engaged in identity separation after experiences of stereotype threat. These results suggest that stereotype threat is an ongoing concern in the workplace, and they provide evidence for psychological consequences of stereotype threat.
Ageing and COPD affect different domains of nutritional status: the ECCE study
Authors: Battaglia S. , Spatafora M. , Paglino G. , Pedone C. , Corsonello A. , Scichilone N. , Antonelli-Incalzi R. , Bellia V.
Published: November 2010

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and ageing may contribute to malnutrition. We aimed to explore whether COPD and ageing determine malnutrition in different manners.

460 stable COPD outpatients (376 males and 84 females) from the Extrapulmonary Consequences of COPD in the Elderly (ECCE) study database were investigated (age 75.0±5.9 yrs; forced expiratory volume in 1 s 54.7±18.3% predicted). Nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment® (MNA) questionnaire. From the MNA, three scores exploring the domains of the nutritional status were calculated: body composition, energy intake and body functionality scores.

Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages were negatively correlated with five MNA items exploring mobility, patient’s perception of own nutrition and health status, and arm and calf circumferences (lowest Spearman’s rho (rs) = -0.011; highest p = 0.039). GOLD stages were independently correlated with body composition and body functionality scores (model r2= 0.073). Age was negatively correlated with four MNA items exploring loss of appetite, fluid intake, mobility and autonomy in daily life (lowest rs= -0.013; highest p = 0.030). Age was independently correlated with body functionality score (model r2= 0.037).

Severe COPD and ageing are independent and probably concurrent conditions leading to malnutrition. The MNA questionnaire allows a valuable insight into the complexity of components of nutritional status and may provide useful clues for treatment strategies.
Serum vitamin D levels and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in children with asthma
Authors: Chinellato I. , Piazza M. , Sandri M. , Peroni D.G. , Cardinale F. , Piacentini G.L. , Boner A.L.
Published: November 2010

Epidemiological studies have established a relationship between low levels of serum vitamin D and reduced lung function in healthy adults, and asthma onset and severity in children. However, no study has examined the relationship between vitamin D levels and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children.

We evaluated the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and baseline forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and change in FEV1(ΔFEV1) after a standardised exercise challenge in 45 children with intermittent asthma.

Only 11% of the children had desirable serum vitamin D levels (at least 30–40 ng·mL−1). A positive correlation was found between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and both FVC (r = 0.34; p = 0.037) and FEV1(r = 0.32; p = 0.037). Subjects with a positive response to the exercise challenge (ΔFEV1≥10%) presented lower serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D than children with a negative challenge (mean±sd16.2±5.2versus23.4±7.0 ng·mL−1, respectively; p = 0.001).

Our results indicate that hypovitaminosis D is frequent in asthmatic children who live in a Mediterranean country. In those children, lower levels of vitamin D are associated with reduced lung function and increased reactivity to exercise.
Inhaled corticosteroids and lower lung function decline in young children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: De Boeck K. , Vermeulen F. , Wanyama S. , Thomas M.
Published: November 2010

A recent American registry analysis in cystic fibrosis (CF) children showed less lung function decline after starting inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use. We therefore examined the influence of ICS treatment on lung function in Belgian CF patients.

Data from patients ≥6 yrs of age were eligible, provided entries on lung function, height and ICS use were available in two consecutive years. Data after oral steroid use or transplant were excluded.

852 subjects contributed data with 2,976 data pairs analysed, 44.9% concerning years of ICS use. Yearly % predicted decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was 1.07% lower during ICS use (p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis for age revealed that the lower FEV1decline rate during ICS use was only statistically significant in children 6–12 yrs of age (2.56%; p = 0.0003). Baseline FEV1was lower by 5.89% (p<0.0001) in ICS users for all age groups combined, but there was no difference in baseline lung function in the children 6–12 yrs of age.

In 6–12-yr-old children with CF, baseline lung function was similar in ICS users and nonusers, but annualised FEV1decline was 2.56% pred lower in ICS users. Our data therefore support recent American findings.
Tuberculosis screening of migrants to low-burden nations: insights from evaluation of UK practice
Authors: Pareek M. , Abubakar I. , White P.J. , Garnett G.P. , Lalvani A.
Published: November 2010

Tuberculosis (TB) primarily occurs in the foreign-born in European countries, such as the UK, where increasing notifications and the high proportion of foreign-born cases has refocused attention on immigrant (new entrant) screening. We investigated how UK primary care organisations (PCOs) screen new entrants and whether this differs according to TB burden in the PCOs (incidence <20 or ≥20 cases per 100,000per annum).

An anonymous, 20-point questionnaire was sent to all 192 UK PCOs asking which new entrants are screened, who is screened for active TB/latent TB infection (LTBI) and the methods used. Descriptive analyses were undertaken. Categorical responses were compared using the Chi-squared test.

177 (92.2%) out of 192 PCOs responded; all undertook screening action in response to abnormal chest radiographs, but only 107 (60.4%) screened new entrants for LTBI. Few new entrants had active TB diagnosed (median 0.0%, interquartile range (IQR) 0.0–0.5%) but more were identified with LTBI (median 7.85%, IQR 4.30–13.50%). High-burden PCOs were significantly less likely to screen new entrants for LTBI (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12–0.54; p<0.0001). Among PCOs screening for LTBI, there was substantial deviation from national guidance in selection of new entrant subgroups and screening method.

Considerable heterogeneity and deviation from national guidance exist throughout the UK new entrant screening process, with high-burden regions undertaking the least screening. Forming an accurate picture of current front-line practice will help to inform future development of European new entrant screening policy.
Inflammatory responses predict long-term mortality risk in community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Guertler C. , Wirz B. , Christ-Crain M. , Zimmerli W. , Mueller B. , Schuetz P.
Published: November 2010

Long-term outcomes in patients surviving community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are still incompletely understood. This study investigates the association of clinical parameters and blood markers with long-term mortality.

We prospectively followed 877 CAP patients from a previous multicentre trial for 18 months follow-up and investigated all-cause mortality following hospital discharge.

Overall mortality was 17.3% (95% CI 14.8–19.8%) with a 12.8% (95% CI 10.9–15.0%) mortality incidence rate per year. Initial risk assignment using the Pneumonia Severity Index was accurate during the 18 month follow-up. Multivariable regression models (hazard ratio, 95% CI) designated the following as independent risk factors for long-term mortality: male sex (1.7, 1.2–2.5); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1.5, 1.1–2.1); neoplastic disease (2.5, 1.7–3.7); and highest quartile of peak pro-adrenomedullin level (3.3, 1.7–6.2). Initial presentation with temperature >38.7°C (0.4, 0.2–0.6), chills (0.6, 0.4–0.99) and highest quartile of the inflammatory marker C-reactive-protein (0.3, 0.2–0.5) were independent protective factors. A weighted risk score based on these variables showed good discrimination (area under receiver operating characteristic curve 0.78, 95% CI 0.74–0.82).

Pronounced clinical and laboratory signs of systemic inflammatory host response upon initial hospital stay were associated with favourable long-term prognosis. Further studies should address whether closer monitoring of high-risk CAP patients after hospital discharge favourably impacts long-term mortality.