bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ‘Problem’ of Gender and Development Evaluation in the Pacific
Authors: Newton Karen
Published: January 2018

Gender equality is generally accepted within the international development community as being critical for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agreed to by member nations of the United Nations in 2000. However, this article suggests that there are tensions between the MDGs and the strategies to achieve gender equality on the one hand, and international development policies, such as the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness (2005), on the other. Furthermore, rather than gender equality being central to achieving the MDGs it appears that since the Paris Declaration, gender equality has ‘dropped off’ the mainstream international development agenda.

This article reviews the policy and practices of NZAID (New Zealand's international aid and development agency) to help illustrate the difficulty of keeping a focus on gender within the current international development policy context. The impact of this issue on the effectiveness of official development assistance (ODA) in helping to achieve the MDGs in the Pacific is examined, as are the implications for evaluative policy and practice of a weakened focus on gender. In conclusion, it is suggested that, although evaluators do not set the development agenda of either aid agencies or developing countries, it is still possible to conduct evaluations that are ‘gender sensitive’ and that have the potential to transform gender relations of those women and men that development assistance is intended to benefit.
Benchmarking: Contemporary Modalities and Applications
Authors: Cole Michael J
Published: January 2018

An analysis and synthesis of the literature on benchmarking, over the decade 1998-2008, revealed an explosive growth, not only in relation to where and how it is applied, but also in terms of the variety of modalities that have developed. Benchmarking has also become absorbed as a valuable component into many other quality management systems. This article offers an exploration of the contemporary types and applications of Benchmarking that have proliferated. It also considers the particularities of Benchmarking modalities as they relate to private and public sector organisations, the emergence of Benchmarking partnerships and communities of practice, and its absorption within other quality assurance models and evaluation approaches more generally. This exploration demonstrates that Benchmarking has developed into a diverse, expansive and continually evolving group of approaches promoting improved organisational performance and organisational change.
Closing the Gap through Respect, Relevance, Reciprocity and Responsibility: Issues in the Evaluation of Programs for Indigenous Communities in Australia
Authors: Markiewicz Anne
Published: January 2018

This article outlines key considerations and issues inherent in undertaking effective evaluations of programs developed for Indigenous Australians, written from the perspective of a non-Indigenous evaluator.

The considerations identified include a number of professional practice areas, namely the need for evaluators to: operate with an understanding and appreciation of the historical and systemic context experienced by Indigenous Australians; work from the basis of a solid code of ethics and practice standards; and operate with high levels of cultural sensitivity and the ability to appreciate Indigenous world views and differences. Another central consideration identified in the article is that evaluators need to hold a commitment to produce useful and useable evaluation findings that can inform future program design and social policy in relation to improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians.

The article develops a number of principles for evaluators to follow in evaluating programs developed for Indigenous Australians. These include: having respect for the importance of historical, socioeconomic and psychological context; commitment to ensuring relevance in methodologies and approaches used; reciprocity in considering the benefits for participating Indigenous communities; and responsibility in undertaking effective communication and consultation.

While most evaluators would agree with the above principles and values, the latter can be more challenging to apply in practice and examples of their application to evaluation, and the inherent challenges in the Indigenous context, are described. Such challenges include: operating within the restrictions of government silos with difficulties portraying the complex interrelationships that reflect the lives of Indigenous Australians; reaching consensus on evaluation design and implementation; working within restricted time frames with lack of opportunity to appreciate and reflect the unique differences among Indigenous communities across Australia; limitations inherent in engaging a broad and representative group of Indigenous stakeholders; and lack of control by the evaluator over the dissemination and influence of evaluation findings and results that link with subsequent decision-making processes.
Progressing the Dialogue about a Framework for Aboriginal Evaluations: Sharing Methods and Key Learnings
Authors: Price Megan , McCoy Brian , Mafi Salote
Published: January 2018

Aboriginal evaluation methodology is a relatively new construct. While much insight has been generated in recent years in relation to conducting research among Aboriginal groups, little has been generated concerning evaluation methodologies. How are Aboriginal projects evaluated, by whom and for what purpose? What do Aboriginal people want evaluated and how might this be measured? How can non-Aboriginal evaluators respond to these issues effectively and respectfully in their evaluation of Aboriginal programs? This article addresses these questions by sharing key learnings from an evaluation of an intermediate labour market program2 conducted in remote Western Australia. The evaluation used a multifaceted methodology involving interviews, art and photovoice and various techniques to increase engagement, hear the ‘voice’ of local people and ensure that findings were accessible to community members, program staff, government and other sectors. Important cultural and community factors influenced the evaluation design and subsequent implementation of the findings. Through shared reflexive practice it is hoped that this article will shape a framework for conducting effective and collaborative evaluations with aboriginal organisations and communities.
Blurred Boundaries in Participatory Action Research
Authors: Boulton Amohia , Gifford Heather
Published: January 2018

This article discusses the subtle distinction between the role of a critical friend in participatory action research (PAR) evaluation and that of intervention project management, along with tensions that arise when the roles become blurred. These tensions are particularly evident when the imperatives for contributing to Māori development and local-level capacity-building impact on PAR evaluation best practice. The article draws on the experiences of evaluators at Whakauae Research for Māori Health and Development (WRMHD), a small, tribally based research unit, which regularly conducts PAR evaluation with community-based health organisations. To set the context, WRMHD's philosophical drivers and model of evaluation practice are described. The key principles of PAR evaluation and limitations of the approach are briefly discussed with reference to WRMHD's model of practice. The article then considers the issue of blurred boundaries; the conditions under which this phenomenon is likely to arise; and why it presents such a challenge to WRMHD's evaluation work. The article concludes by proposing a series of strategies that could be employed to mitigate the tensions that arise when the boundaries between roles become blurred.
Evaluating Outdoor Therapeutic Programs
Authors: Lloyd Delyth , Lewis Virginia , Ferguson Brooke , Forbes David
Published: January 2018

There are relatively few published accounts of the effectiveness of outdoor therapeutic programs. Most outdoor programs report favourable outcomes, yet few undertake a methodologically sound program evaluation. Application of a more rigorous evaluation method could improve the contribution that many programs could make to the evidence base regarding the effects and outcomes of outdoor programs. In recognition of this, we propose a practical and rigorous evaluation method that has been successfully trialled in Australia. The model was founded on four key principles: measurement of relevant concepts; from a range of informants; at meaningful time points; and with rigorous data collection procedures. The model proposed is suitable for diverse programs and utilises a form of individual goal attainment scaling in a mixed method design, with strategies for maximising data available from small samples. For program organisers who are not well versed in issues of evaluation design, this model, and the example described, will assist in developing and conducting an evaluation. More broadly, this article aims to inform future outcome evaluations of specialist programs.
Challenges of Monitoring and Evaluating an AusAID-funded HIV Program in Indonesia
Authors: Blogg Suzanne , Ruddick Abby , Widjajanti Palupi , Yatim Danny , Silitonga Nurlan , Blogg James , Movono Ilisapeci
Published: January 2018

AusAID's HIV Cooperation Program for Indonesia commenced in 2008 with the main aim of preventing the transmission of HIV. This article describes the process of developing and carrying out a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan to assess the outcomes of a multi-component program. Lessons from the process include: the need for a flexible ‘living’ M&E plan; realistic target setting; appropriate methods of M&E for different components; and the need to involve implementing partners in the development of tools; and the analysis of outcomes to improve the quality of data and increase the likelihood of program responsiveness to findings.
Results-Based Accountability: Evaluating Program Outcomes in a Social Services Organisation in New Zealand
Authors: Weir Annie , Watts Rod
Published: January 2018

In times of financial constraint, social services organisations reliant on external funding from government, community and philanthropic sources are under increasing pressure to demonstrate to their stakeholders the difference they are making to their clients' lives. This can present a challenge for organisations, encouraging them to move beyond traditional methods of financial accountability. From collecting data on the level and extent of their services, they need to explore new accountability tools that best demonstrate client outcomes to stakeholders.

This article presents a case study of a two-year evaluation that explored the challenges for Presbyterian Support Northern, a large New Zealand social services organisation at the forefront of the sector, as they attempted to improve the quality of measurement and evaluation of organisational and service performance through the adoption of Results-Based Accountability, a client outcomes-focused approach.

The evaluation aimed to investigate the impact of Results-Based Accountability on the organisation's culture and performance, using a participatory action research mixed methods approach. Data from interviews and focus groups were used to look at changes in culture.

Senior management of Presbyterian Support Northern are committed to Results-Based Accountability and steady progress has been made in embedding it into the organisational culture. An ongoing challenge for the organisation is to help staff, in particular those on the front-line, to understand the dimension related to making a difference in client outcomes.

Implications for evaluation practice are based on the lessons learnt by the organisation in implementing Results-Based Accountability.
Testing Policy Evaluation Methods for Smoke-free Outdoor Area Policies
Authors: Cortés Leanne Toledo , Thomson George , Edwards Richard
Published: January 2018

We aimed to test evaluation methods for smoke-free outdoor area policies using a long-term evaluation of a smoke-free parks and playgrounds policy as a case study. We documented the results and an appraisal of a multifaceted evaluation (playground and sports field user surveys, observations, butt collections and key stakeholder in-depth interviews) of a New Zealand local council's smoke-free policy in 2011. We also drew upon previous evaluations completed before (2008) and immediately after (2009) the implementation of the policy.

Butt collection was a particularly efficient method of data collection due to the in-field data time (five hours) compared with observations (31 hours) or surveys (46 hours). Surveys and key stakeholder interviews yielded important information to inform effective recommendations to best promote the policy. We ensured effective replicable and accurate data could be collected by training and supervising volunteers for data collection, and documenting all methods. Each method we tested helped us to evaluate the impact of the policy, but not all methods were resource efficient.
Rethinking the Roles of Evaluation in Learning how to Solve ‘Wicked’ Problems: The Case of Anticipatory Techniques used to Support Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Authors: McGrail Stephen
Published: January 2018

Many of the most pressing policy and social challenges of the modern era are widely viewed to be ‘wicked’ problems, that is, complex, largely intractable, contested problems. A good example is climate change mitigation and adaptation. The dual context for this article is: the recent increase in evaluative questions being asked by practitioners and policymakers who are seeking to address wicked socio-environmental problems (like climate change); and the recognition that such problems and related interventions present major challenges to evaluative inquiry. To effectively answer these evaluative questions, both practitioners and policymakers need the assistance of evaluators who recognise the limitations of traditional accountability-oriented evaluation and adequately understand the complexity of programs, the contexts in which they are embedded, and the socio-environmental problems they seek to address.

This article reviews and builds on discussion of wicked environmental and policy problems in the evaluation literature to consider the evaluation challenges (and associated guiding principles) and potential roles for evaluative inquiry. The article argues that evaluations of interventions into wicked problems should be grounded in the realist paradigm. Drawing on the review and this theory, four roles for evaluative inquiry are identified: (1) testing and refining transferable intervention theories; (2) enabling learning (rather than demonstrating accountability); (3) providing decision support; and (4) mapping program complexity and prompting adequate consideration of complexity.
Editorial
Authors: Alderman Lyn , Clinton Janet
Published: January 2018

Welcome everyone to the 2015 Year of Evaluation. These are exciting times for evaluators and the discipline of evaluation. The aim of designating 2015 as the International Year of Evaluation is to advocate and promote evaluation and evidence-based policymaking at local, regional, national and international levels.
An evaluation of governance mechanisms as determinants of performance: A case study of Australian universities
Authors: Lokuwaduge Chitra Sriyani De Silva , Armstrong Anona
Published: January 2018

The premise underlying the introduction of corporate governance principles in the Australian higher education sector is that good governance results in good performance. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of internal and external corporate governance mechanisms as determinants of performance in the context of Australian publicly-funded universities. Secondary data from annual reports were transformed to create indices of internal and external governance practices, and teaching, research and financial performance. Relationships between governance and performance were analysed using correlation analysis. The study illustrated in this paper is important as literature suggests that corporate governance mechanisms and the influence of these mechanisms on performance are contradictory. The results of this study do not support the contention that in Australia, the governance of universities has a significant relationship with their performance.
Editorial
Authors: Alderman Lyn , Gould Liz , Quadrelli Carol , Rossingh Bronwyn
Published: January 2018

My name is Sharon Clarke, my country is Wergaia on my mother's side and Gundjitimara on my father's side. In my capacity as an ordinary Board member of the Australasian Evaluation Society (AES) in 2016 I advocated for cultural safety training as a way to move forward.
Evaluating as an Outsider or an Insider: A Two-Way Approach Guided by the Knowers of Culture
Authors: Rossingh Bronwyn , Yunupingu Yalmay
Published: January 2018

Evaluating programs in remote Indigenous communities requires contextual consideration and a degree of connection that goes beyond the usual focus on output measurement and system monitoring. Evaluators who are experienced with working in remote communities become more and more cognisant of the issues and complexities that impact the quality of evaluations. As this reality presents itself, evaluators rely more and more on the help of the local community to explain and reveal such realities. A learning journey takes place that allows ‘outsiders’ to be accepted into the community and be part of a productive matrix of support and ‘insiders’ begin to assume their legitimate rights to participate, advise, educate and guide evaluators. Without a participative and collaborative styled process, evaluation risks being non-reality based without a guarantee of quality and has the potential to impact the community in a negative way.

This paper presents the views and experiences of ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’ who have been involved in evaluations in remote communities. Their collective views demonstrate the need for a two-way approach that establishes middle ground for a respectful and quality evaluation process. This approach ensures evaluation remains relevant and purposeful for those who are impacted by the program outcomes, providing a focus on the everyday reality that depends on cultural responsiveness and ensures legitimacy for Indigenous people.
The Emerging Equity Evaluation Landscape in Higher Education
Authors: Downing Liam
Published: January 2018

Despite significant funding flowing into higher education for programs aimed at improving participation, access and success, there still exists a limited amount of systematic evaluation taking place within the sector. In some institutions (including universities, research centres and centres of excellence), a greater level of onus has been felt in recent years for the need to ascertain whether funding sources such as the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) have led or are likely to lead to positive equity-related outcomes. An understanding of the causal links that lead or do not lead to these outcomes being met is also being sought for potential replication and evidence of success, along with advice from funders about what they are looking for. This creates a ‘perfect storm’ in which it seems evaluation is an ideal tool. The landscape this storm is creating—which is leading to a slowly growing body of evidence around how equity programs work—has potential to generate convincing evidence about the efficacy of such programs and lead to significant improvements in how they are run. This paper will document aspects of this emergence, and suggest ways forward which could sustainably hasten this process.
A Study of Outcomes Determination Strategy in Non-profit Health and Welfare Programs Evaluation
Authors: Evans Susan , Bellamy John
Published: January 2018

This article considers the findings of a survey of evaluators practising in Australian health and welfare organisations to learn about strategy in outcomes evaluation design. Outcomes evaluation is identified as an opportunity for health and welfare programs to learn if and how different practice interventions are contributing to the achievement of desired outcomes, for the purpose of building an evidence base for advancing the wellbeing of people. Results indicate that current strategy to determine client outcomes in these sectors is typified by reliance on program logic models and funding specifications, with limited translation of best practice evidence or client wellbeing preferences. We suggest that clarity of purpose is an important consideration for non-profit programs embarking on evaluation design, bringing attention to the need for skill development and better resourcing of non-profit organisations to support the production of evaluations capable of contributing to best practice evidence.
Making Formative Assessment Feasible: A Collaborative Approach Supporting Grant Funded Projects
Authors: Gullickson Amy M. , Al-Nawab Hadeel F.
Published: January 2018

Formative assessment is a means of unlocking the ‘black box’ of an intervention to explore and understand cause and effect, and is, therefore, vital for improvements that lead to success. However, most funders focus on summative evaluation, and projects with limited resources struggle to meet that requirement, leaving formative investigations ideal, but infeasible. Yet, formative assessment is essential when conducting an intervention that must create results with a small budget. This paper discusses the Formative Assessment Systems for Advanced Technological Education (FAS4ATE) project, which used a high level, theory based participatory approach to address these issues in small grant funded projects.

FAS4ATE brought the leaders and evaluators from a variety of small projects together with experts in formative assessment and evaluation in two webinars and a workshop. Logic models were the core activity and teaching tool used to identify formative assessment needs throughout the life cycle of individual projects. The logic models were then analysed across projects to provide specifications for the development of tools and resources to support formative assessment. The paper describes the project's process, key strategy, products and recommendations. It will be particularly valuable for those who are interested in evaluation capacity building, both in terms of individual learning and creating evaluation systems.
Evaluation: What's the Use?
Authors: Maloney Jade
Published: January 2018

Concerns about non-use of evaluations have plagued the profession since it emerged in the 1960s to guide government decision-making about social policies and programs. While there is a substantial body of empirical and theoretical literature about evaluation use, this literature does not identify the factors that are considered most important to facilitating evaluation use or the pathways to evaluation use. Additionally, much of the literature is from North America and Europe and there has been no large-scale study of evaluation use in Australia. This study aimed to identify Australasian Evaluation Society (AES) members’ perceptions of the levels of use of evaluation and the factors associated with use, as well as how evaluators overcome barriers to use. It used a questionnaire of AES members and in-depth interviews with evaluators. The AES members who responded perceive both demand-side factors, particularly leadership commitment and individual receptiveness to evaluation, and supply-side factors, particularly involvement of stakeholders in identifying the evaluation purpose and effective communication of findings, as important to evaluation use. Evaluators employ a range of utilisation-focused strategies and have some success in negotiating the barriers they encounter to use. Evaluators’ experience reflects that the factors that are most important to use and the pathways to use differ by context, suggesting that existing theoretical models of evaluation use could be strengthened through recognition of context-based pathways.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) safety: a practical guide for psychiatrists
Authors: Taylor Rohan , Galvez Veronica , Loo Colleen
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is increasingly being utilised as a treatment option for depression, and with this comes a need for a practical review of safety issues intended for clinicians. This article provides an overview of the current literature regarding safety issues with rTMS for depression, and provides recommendations for clinical practice.

Conclusions:

Overall, rTMS is a well-tolerated treatment with common side effects (such as headache or local pain at the site of stimulation) being mild. Severe adverse effects, such as seizures, hearing impairment or mania, are uncommon. Certain populations, including adolescents, pregnant women, older adults and those with metal/electronic implants, require special consideration when prescribing and monitoring treatment courses. With adequate assessment and monitoring processes, rTMS can be administered safely in a large proportion of depressed patients.
Comparison of Reliability of Categorical and Continuous Scales for Radiographic Assessments of Bone Infill Following Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting
Authors: Fowler Peter V. , Al-Ani Azza H. , Thompson John M. D.
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

To investigate examiner reliability of scoring intraoral radiographs of bone infill following secondary bone grafting using a categorical scale (modified Kindelan Index) and a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS). To investigate the level of clinical experience on the reliability of these assessments.

Design:

Retrospective study involving 10 clinicians of varying clinical experience who were blind to the patient’s identity.

Setting:

All grafting was carried out within the New Zealand public hospital service.

Patients:

Fifty-eight grafts (48 UCLP and 5 BCLP) were assessed with 14 duplicated radiographs randomly added to the sample, making a total of 72 radiographs for assessment.

Main Outcome Measures:

Weighted kappa was used for intra- and interrater examiner reliability for the categorical scale and correlations for the VAS.

Results:

Relatively poor intrarater examiner agreement for categorical scoring (median 0.46) was found. Clinicians with greater experience generally recording higher intrarater weighted kappa. The intrarater correlations for the continuous scale (median 0.89) suggest better consistency regardless of the level of experience. The interrater relationships were generally low, with an average of weighted kappa of 0.25 while the overall average VAS correlation was 0.49. For the majority of scorers, there was a relationship between the VAS and the Kindelan Index, with lower VAS scores related to worse Kindelan scores.

Conclusions:

The use of a VAS produced better intra- and interexaminer reliability than the categorical Kindelan Index and was more consistent despite the level of clinical experience. Further evaluation of the validity of the VAS for the assessment of bone infill is warranted.
Lingual Pressure During Dingman-Assisted Cleft Palate Repair
Authors: Sherif Rami D. , Sanati-Mehrizy Paymon , Taub Peter J.
Published: January 2018

Background:

A variety of palatoplasty techniques are used for cleft palate repair, almost all involving a device called the Dingman-Grabb mouth gag (“Dingman”) to push the tongue and cheeks out of the way of the operating field. There have been numerous case reports of complications hypothesized to be due to the gag, such as lingual edema and airway obstruction. The purpose of this study is to introduce a technique for monitoring lingual pressure during Dingman-assisted palatoplasty and present preliminary data from a small series.

Methods:

Patients with a cleft palate who underwent palatoplasty with the assistance of a Dingman-Grabb retractor at the Mount Sinai Hospital were eligible. Patients underwent a palatoplasty while having their lingual pressure monitored using a 23-gauge needle inserted into the tongue and connected to a pressure monitor.

Results:

Three patients were included. Patients 1 and 2 experienced a rapid rise in lingual pressure over the course of the first 45 minutes of the palatoplasty before plateauing until the conclusion of the operation when the Dingman was released. Patient 3 plateaued almost immediately by minute 1 and then had a rise in lingual pressure during the latter half of the operation, reaching a peak pressure immediately before the end of the operation.

Conclusions:

The present study describes an easy method to monitor lingual pressure that succeeded in measuring such changes throughout 3 palatoplasties and confirming the acute rise in lingual pressure and the potential danger posed to the tongue and the airway through the use of the Dingman.
Readability of Online Health Information: A Meta-Narrative Systematic Review
Authors: Daraz Lubna , Morrow Allison S. , Ponce Oscar J. , Farah Wigdan , Katabi Abdulrahman , Majzoub Abdul , Seisa Mohamed O. , Benkhadra Raed , Alsawas Mouaz , Larry Prokop , Murad M. Hassan
Published: January 2018

Online health information should meet the reading level for the general public (set at sixth-grade level). Readability is a key requirement for information to be helpful and improve quality of care. The authors conducted a systematic review to evaluate the readability of online health information in the United States and Canada. Out of 3743 references, the authors included 157 cross-sectional studies evaluating 7891 websites using 13 readability scales. The mean readability grade level across websites ranged from grade 10 to 15 based on the different scales. Stratification by specialty, health condition, and type of organization producing information revealed the same findings. In conclusion, online health information in the United States and Canada has a readability level that is inappropriate for general public use. Poor readability can lead to misinformation and may have a detrimental effect on health. Efforts are needed to improve readability and the content of online health information.
Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of the Relative Arterial Contributions to the Calcaneus
Authors: Donders Johanna C. E. , Klinger Craig E. , Shaffer Andre D. , Lazaro Lionel E. , Thacher Ryan R. , Dyke Jonathan P. , Wellman David S. , Helfet David L. , Lorich Dean G.
Published: January 2018

Background:

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively and qualitatively assess relative arterial contributions to the calcaneus.

Method:

Fourteen cadaveric ankle pairs were used. In each specimen, the posterior tibial artery, peroneal artery, and anterior tibial artery were cannulated and used for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Quantitative MRI analysis of the pre- and postcontrast MRI scans facilitated assessment of relative arterial contributions. In addition, postcontrast MRIs were used to measure all perfused arterial entry points and scaled to a 3-dimensional calcaneus model. Contrast-enhanced CT imaging was assessed to further delineate the extraosseous arterial course. Two pairs underwent infusion of diluted BaSO4 through a constant-pressure pump using extended infusion duration.

Results:

Quantitative MRI findings indicated the peroneal artery provided 52.6% of the calcaneal arterial supply, 31.6% from the posterior tibial artery, and 15.8% from the anterior tibial artery. The cortical entry points were found in fairly consistent patterns along calcaneal cortical surfaces. All specimens demonstrated intraosseous anastomoses between lateral and medial entry points at common locations.

Conclusions:

The peroneal artery was found to provide the largest calcaneal arterial contribution, followed by the posterior tibial artery and anterior tibial artery. A rich anastomotic arterial network was found supplying the calcaneus.

Clinical Relevance:

This study provides quantitative and qualitative findings of the relative arterial contribution of the calcaneus. This knowledge can help expand our understanding of calcaneal vascularization, demonstrate the vascular impact of calcaneal fracture and surgery, and facilitate future research on the arterial anatomy of the calcaneal soft tissue envelope.
Urban(izing) University Strategic Planning: An Analysis of London and New York City
Authors: Addie Jean-Paul D.
Published: January 2018

While there is a growing recognition of the mutually beneficial relationships universities and cities can forge around local and regional development, urban and academic leaders have often struggled to harness the diverse capacities of universities as producers and analysts of urban space. This article addresses this challenge by examining the institutional and spatial strategies being prioritized by universities in the context of global urbanization. It details a Lefebvrian-influenced conceptual and methodological approach to evaluate the multifaceted, multiscalar urban(izing) functions of “universities in urban society.” Comparatively assessing the organizational structures, spatial orientations, and ways of operating being pursued by universities in London and New York City reveals the scope—and variation—of university urbanism within and across global urban higher education systems. The empirical analysis points toward the need for adaptive approaches through which urban actors can leverage universities in the analysis and governance of urban processes. Conclusions are drawn for public policy and university outreach.
Dasatinib-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension – A rare late complication
Authors: Ibrahim Uroosa , Saqib Amina , Dhar Vidhya , Odaimi Marcel
Published: January 2018

Dasatinib is a dual Src/Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for frontline and second line treatment of chronic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is defined by an increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure >25 mmHg at rest. Dasatinib-induced pulmonary hypertension has been reported in less than 1% of patients on chronic dasatinib treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia. The pulmonary arterial hypertension from dasatinib may be categorized as either group 1 (drug-induced) or group 5 based on various mechanisms that may be involved including the pathogenesis of the disease process of chronic myelogenous leukemia. There have been reports of dasatinib-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension being reversible. We report a case of pulmonary arterial hypertension in a 46-year-old female patient with chronic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia on dasatinib treatment for over 10 years. She had significant improvement in symptoms after discontinuation of dasatinib and initiation of vasodilators. Several clinical questions arise once patients experience significant adverse effects as discussed in our case.
Being There (Or Not): Teen Dads, Gendered Age, and Negotiating the Absent-father Discourse
Authors: Weber Jennifer Beggs
Published: January 2018

Using in-depth interviews with twenty-six teen fathers, I explore how these young men negotiate the absent-father discourse in making sense of their identities as young dads. I find that teen fathers draw on culturally available notions of gender and age in their attempts to construct and maintain good-dad identities. Teen fathers deploy the expectation that “most dad’s aren’t around” to “lower the bar” and elevate their own performance by comparison. Teen fathers also feel the need to defend themselves from the discourse’s assumptions by invoking tropes of adult masculinity—insisting that “fatherhood means stepping up” and “being a man.” Because the fathers are unable to meet all the expectations of adult manhood, they create an escape hatch for themselves by citing their own adolescence and claiming a need for youthful freedom. Ironically, by invoking gendered and aged norms of adulthood, the fathers reify those norms into something harder to escape.
Walking a Tightrope on (Hetero)Sexuality: Performatively Vigilant Masculine Subjectivity in Response to Sexualized Culture
Authors: Liong Mario , Chan Lih Shing
Published: January 2018

Although young men’s subjectivity continues to be defined in terms of their heterosexual performance, they feel vulnerable when women increasingly resist submission to men’s desire and control. However, the sexual objectification of women, driven by consumerist urban culture and commercial media, is rapidly pushing the boundaries of men’s (hetero)sexual expression. Men are thus compelled to renegotiate their masculine heterosexual subjectivities in response to women’s resistance and the demands of the moralistic middle-class society. Based on the performativity-performance framework, this article uses focus group data with Hong Kong college men to illustrate the ways that Chinese young men are “performatively vigilant,” resorting to different cultural and discursive resources to construct multiple and diverse subjectivities in defining manhood and responding to their vulnerabilities in different relational contexts. In this process, the hegemony of men as sexually and culturally superior to women and in control of themselves and the situation is propagated.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Eyelid: A Case Report
Authors: Collaço L. , Silva J.P. , Gonçalves M. , Abrantes P.
Published: January 2018

A 22-year-old woman who presented with a tumour of the upper eyelid with clinical, histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features of a Merkel cell carcinoma is reported. This is a unique case of Merkel cell carcinoma in such a young patient. This neuroendocrine tumour is typically found in the elderly. It can grow rapidly, has the potential for local recurrence and early metastatic spread. The authors recommend wide resection of the primary site, which proved effective in this case.
Semifluorinated Alkanes – A New Class of Compounds with Outstanding Properties for use in Ophthalmology
Authors: Meinert H. , Roy T.
Published: January 2018

Semifluorinated alkanes, RFRH, have a perfluorocarbon and a hydrocarbon segment in the molecule. RFRH are physically, chemically and physiologically inert, colorless, laser stable liquids with substantially reduced densities - between 1.1 and 1.7 g/cm3 - and very low surface and interface tensions. RFRH are useful for unfolding a retina or for permanent tamponade. They are soluble in perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL), hydrocarbons and silicone oils. For the first time residues of silicone oil can be extracted from the eye because RFRH are solubilizers for PFCLs and silicone oils, so they can be used as solvents or solubilizers for drugs and medicaments. Therefore RFRH are excellent candidates for use in the ophthalmic field.
Antithrombin III Activity in Subretinal Fluid
Authors: Malukiewicz-Wiśniewska G. , Kotschy M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate antithrombin III (AT III) activity in subretinal fluid (SRF) and blood plasma.

Methods

Prospective study of 32 patients, aged from 20 to 77 years (mean 53.8 years), undergoing retinal detachment surgery. Patients with vein or arterial disease or any other factors that could affect the parameters evaluated were excluded. Subretinal samples were obtained at the time of routine drainage during retinal detachment surgery. Venous blood samples were taken from the cubital vein into sodium citrate solution (9:1) immediately after induction of anesthesia but before surgery. AT III activity in citrated plasma and in SRF and its relations to patients' age, sex, duration and extent of retinal detachment and degenerative changes of the retina, were evaluated.

Results

The median level of AT III activity in 32 SRF samples was 16.5% (lower quartile 8.5% and upper quartile 23%). The mean level of AT III activity in plasma was 105% (SD 24%). AT III levels in SRF were significantly lower than in plasma (p < 0.0001). We found no correlation between AT III activity in SRF and plasma, and age, sex, the degree of myopia, the duration and extent of retinal detachment, or retinal degenerative changes.

Conclusions

In this study we detected AT III activity in all 32 SRF samples.
Vascularized Pigment Epithelial Detachment in Adult-Onset Foveomacular Vitelliform Dystrophy
Authors: Parodi M. Battaglia , Di Crecchio L. , Ravalico G.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To report a case showing adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy (AOFVD), associated with vascularized pigment epithelial detachment.

Case Report

A 72-year-old female affected by AOFVD complained with blurred vision and metamorphopsia in her right eye, seven months after a routinary clinical examination. Visual acuity in right eye dropped from 0.6 to 0.3, and biomicroscopic fundus examination revealed a serous pigment epithelial detachment arising from the temporal margin of the pseudovitelliform lesion. Fluorescein angiography showed an uneven filling of the pigment epithelial detachment, suggesting the presence of a subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation, which was confirmed by indocyanine green angiography.

Discussion

The association between AOFVD and vascularized pigment epithelial detachment, supports the hypothesis that AOFVD may be a different subgroup of age-related macular degeneration with specific genetic predisposition.
Immunohistochemical Demonstration of Metallothionein in Eyes with Choroidal Melanomas
Authors: Tuccari G. , Fedele F. , Giuffrè G. , Trombetta C.J. , Barresi G.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The since immunohistochemically detectable metallothionein (MT) overexpression has been described in a variety of human tumours, including skin melanomas, in relation to different stages of tumour development and progression.

Materials and Methods

We used a monoclonal antibody to investigate the distribution of MT in 18 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, surgically enucleated eyes with choroidal melanomas, from 18 patients (8 male, 10 female; age range 30–83 years, mean 58.7). Clinico-pathological details and follow-up data (2–124 months, mean 36.1) were also available. MT immunoreactivity was recorded and the percentage of stained cells was graded for semiquantitative purposes. Correlations between immunohistochemical data and morphological characteristics of melanomas were investigated using non-parametric methods; survival analysis was done by the Kaplan-Meier method and the survival curves were compared by the Mantel-Cox logrank test.

Results

MT immunoexpression was found in 15/18 cases (83.3%) with staining scores from 1 to 3; MT staining varied in intensity and was mainly localized in the cytoplasm, although a combined nuclear/cytoplasmic reactive pattern was seen in neoplastic elements. No differences in MT immunostaining were seen in relation to age or sex, tumour size, histotype and amount of pigment; univariate analysis of survival data showed no prognostic significance regarding MT expression.

Conclusions

The immunohistochemical evidence of MT in neoplastic elements could be related to the production of this scavenging protein in the tumour for cell defense mechanisms against hydroxyl free radicals, and to act as a Zn donor, since Zn is required for the synthesis of DNA and DNA-repair enzymes.
Alterations in Antithrombin III Activity and other Blood Coagulation Parameters after Retinal Detachment Surgery
Authors: Malukiewicz-Wiśniewska G. , Kotschy M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate perioperative changes in blood coagulation in patients undergoing retinal detachment surgery.

Materials

Prospective study of 56 patients, aged from 19 to 82 (mean ± S.D. 53 ± 16.8) years, undergoing retinal detachment surgery (encirclement with scleral buckling) under general anesthesia. Excluded were patients with venous or arterial disease and any other factors that could affect the parameters under consideration.

Methods

Blood was sampled from the cubital vein one day before surgery, immediately after induction of anesthesia but before surgery, immediately after completion of the operation but before the termination of anesthesia and on days 1 and 4 after the operation. We measured antithrombin III activity (AT III), platelet count, fibrinogen concentration, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT).

Results

Intraoperative AT III activity and platelet count were significantly lower, aPTT was shortened and PT prolonged, although all values remained within the normal range. These results indicate moderate activation of coagulation during retinal detachment surgery. On the first postoperative day coagulation activity was reduced, with increases in AT III activity, fibrinogen concentration and platelet count and prolongation of aPTT.

Conclusions

During retinal detachment surgery there is moderate activation of coagulation in the systemic circulation.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis of Tear Protein Patterns in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Dry-Eye Patients
Authors: Grus F.-H. , Augustin A.J.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To analyze and compare the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) runs of tear proteins from diabetic (DIDRY) and non-diabetic (DRY) dry-eye patients, and healthy subjects (CTRL). The patterns were analyzed using multivariate statistical methods.

Methods

Tears (total 56 eyes: CTRL: n=16, DIDRY: n=21, and DRY: n=19) were analyzed by HPLC, using a size-exclusion column with an eluent of 0.5 M sodium phosphate buffer. The patients were primarily grouped according to the results of the basic secretory test (BST) in combination with subjective symptoms such as burning, foreign body sensations, tearing, and “dryness” of the eyes. Patients with BST values ≤ 10 mm/5 min plus two subjective symptoms were grouped as dry-eye patients. Before statistical analysis, each HPLC run was quantitatively analyzed using ScanPacK software (ScanPacK, Göttingen, Germany), and a data set was created from each HPLC run. The data were then analyzed by multivariate analysis of discriminance.

Results

The HPLC patterns of CTRL, DIDRY and DRY were significantly different (Wilks' lambda: 0.0209; p<0.01). The area of the sIgA peak was significantly smaller (p<0.05) in dry-eye tears than controls. There was a good correlation between the extent of separation in the multivariate analysis and the BST value (r = −0.71). Classification of all samples resulted in 98% correct assignments.

Conclusions

The analysis of HPLC patterns and subsequent statistical evaluation are useful for the detection of dry eyes. The HPLC method and the statistical routines described allow a shorter analysis time than electrophoresis. HPLC analysis in combination with statistical analysis can be used as a diagnostic tool for the detection of dry eyes, and also improves the quality of analysis of disease-associated tear proteins in clinical research.
Chondroid Syringomas of the Eyelid: Two Cases
Authors: Mencía-Gutiérrez E. , Bonales-Daimiel J.A. , Gutiérrez-Díaz E. , Santos-Briz A. , Madero-García S.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

We report two new cases of chondroid syringoma (CS) of the eyelid. Until 1961, this entity was known as pleomorphic adenoma or benign mixed tumour of the skin of salivary glands type. This tumour occurs most commonly in the head and neck regions.

Case Reports

We describe two cases of CS with rapid growth, in the upper right eyelid, with no relation with the palpebral lobe of the lacrimal gland.

Results

Treatment consists of wide local surgical excision with its capsule, in its entirety.

Conclusions

These tumours of the ocular adnexa are exceedingly rare. Malignant transformation is possible.