bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kindergarten teachers’ and their assistants’ knowledge of first aid in Slovenian kindergartens
Authors: Slabe Damjan , Fink Rok
Published: June 2012

Objective:

Rapid physical and mental development in childhood also brings about a high risk of being injured. Since children spend a large amount of their time in kindergarten, there is a possibility that they would be injured while there.

Design:

A questionnaire for professionals was sent to a Slovenian kindergarten.

Setting:

The aim of this study is to analyze kindergarten teachers’ theoretical knowledge of first aid in Slovenian kindergartens.

Methods:

In a randomly selected sample ( N = 487), kindergarten teachers and assistants were included and polled about first aid topics.

Results:

The results show that teachers and assistants are familiar with the responsibilities related to first aid. In the case of burns, braises and fractures, they would act correctly, but in case of life threatening situations, for example cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intoxication, unconsciousness and asphyxia, less than 20% would properly provide first aid. No statistically significant differences were found between kindergarten teachers’ and assistants’ knowledge ( p > 0.05), but statistically significant differences in age and work experience ( p < 0.05) were found. Kindergarten teachers are aware of their responsibility for children’s lives and are well familiar with non-life threatening situations. In case of an emergency, most respondents would act incorrectly. The results also show that kindergarten teachers and their assistants overestimate their knowledge of first aid.

Conclusion:

Teaching in kindergarten requires a high level of first aid knowledge both because teachers are often faced with emergency situations and because teachers or assistants are the first to respond in most situations in which an injured child needs help.
Post-Liberation South Africa: Sorting Out the Pieces
Authors: Ejiogu EC
Published: June 2012

The written history and narratives of the anti-apartheid liberation struggle in South Africa has been cast, albeit erroneously, as if it was waged and won solely by the African National Congress (ANC), its ally the South African Communist Party (SACP), and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), the three alliance partners that have held the reins of state power since the first multi-racial democratic elections in 1994. The truth is that the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC) of Azania, the Azania People’s Organization (AZAPO), the New Unity Movement (NUMO), and several other liberation movements played significantly vital roles in that struggle. The ensuing discourse puts this state of affairs on the PAC’s diminished status in the politics of post-liberation South Africa, which derives partly from its radical antecedents from its inception that placed it apart from the ANC from which it split in 1959, earned it immediate proscription from the apartheid stage before it could root itself properly as well as notoriety in the West. The discourse argues and concludes that a more comprehensive narrative and written history of that struggle will benefit the on-going quest for the transformation of South Africa’s multi-racial democracy and the course of democracy in the rest of Africa.
Pan-Africanism: The Cape Town Case
Authors: Saunders Chris
Published: June 2012

The author of this contribution examines the role that Cape Town played in the advent of Pan-Africanism in South Africa from abroad through the activist efforts of individuals from the West Indies, United States of America (USA) and West Africa in the early twentieth century. He traces how Pan-Africanism in Cape Town went through a number of different phases, the most important politically being that of the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC) in 1959-60.
Politics of Transition in South Africa and the Post-1994 Democratic State
Authors: Maserumule Mashupye H
Published: June 2012

The historicity of the liberation movements in South Africa is a subject of contestation. This is because their contributions to the post-1994 democratic state is interpreted and understood differently. Often this is influenced by the side of the political stratum of a historian. This article adds to such contestation, but not on political grounds. It is framed on scholarly terms. This article examines the politics of transition in South Africa and determines whether the much bandied about concept of a ‘developmental state’ has any linkages to it. The reason for this is that the concept is used lately as a defining character of South Africa’s post-1994 democratic state. The driving puzzle in the discourse is systematically addressed in the context of the theory of the politics of transition and the evolution and application of the concept of a ‘developmental state’ in the political thinking of the African National Congress (ANC). The article argues that the concept is unrelated to the politics of transitions which, instead, were more focused on building a democratic state rather than a ‘developmental state’ in South Africa. It concludes that it is inappropriate to characterize South Africa’s post-1994 democratic state as a developmental state because it is a long way from that.
Neighborhood Processes, Self-Efficacy, and Adolescent Mental Health
Authors: Dupéré Véronique , Leventhal Tama , Vitaro Frank
Published: June 2012

Self-efficacy beliefs are central to mental health. Because adolescents’ neighborhoods shape opportunities for experiences of control, predictability, and safety, we propose that neighborhood conditions are associated with adolescents’ self-efficacy and, in turn, their internalizing problems (i.e., depression/anxiety symptoms). We tested these hypotheses using three waves of data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods ( N = 2,345). Results indicate that adolescents living in violent neighborhoods tended to report lower self-efficacy beliefs, partly because they were more likely to experience fear in their neighborhood. However, moving out of Chicago neighborhoods marked by violence and low collective efficacy to neighborhoods outside of the city was associated with adolescents’ increased self-efficacy (vs. staying in such neighborhoods), an association explained by adolescents’ school-related experiences. Finally, through self-efficacy, these neighborhood processes had an indirect association with adolescents’ internalizing problems. Results partially support a model linking neighborhood conditions, cognitions about the self, and emotions.
Social Network Resources and Management of Hypertension
Authors: Cornwell Erin York , Waite Linda J.
Published: June 2012

Hypertension is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases among older adults, but rates of blood pressure control are low. In this article, we explore the role of social network ties and network-based resources (e.g., information and support) in hypertension diagnosis and management. We use data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project to identify older adults with undiagnosed or uncontrolled hypertension. We find that network characteristics and emotional support are associated with hypertension diagnosis and control. Importantly, the risks of undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension are lower among those with larger social networks—if they discuss health issues with their network members. When these lines of communication are closed, network size is associated with greater risk for undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension. Health care utilization partially mediates associations with diagnosis, but the benefits of network resources for hypertension control do not seem to stem from health-related behaviors.
A Humanistic Approach to Addressing the Needs of Maori Homeless People With Mental Health Concerns
Authors: Johnson Diana , Hodgetts Darrin , Nikora Linda Waimarie
Published: June 2012

Homelessness is a human tragedy that is often associated with mental illness. Maori people are overrepresented in the homeless population and among people experiencing mental illness in New Zealand. Little is known about the mental health experiences of Maori homeless people or the efforts of practitioners who render assistance. The authors explore the experiences of six Maori homeless people and six mental health professionals. Findings highlight the importance of a humanistic and culturally informed approach to addressing the needs of homeless people and restoring their wellness and dignity.
Dialogue
Authors: Cooper Mick , Chak Amy , Cornish Flora , Gillespie Alex
Published: June 2012

The concept and practice of dialogue has underpinned key developments in humanistic psychotherapy and counseling. However, dialogue has also been adopted by, and incorporated into, a range of educational, community and social theories and practices, and in this sense forms a valuable bridge between humanistic psychology and the wider field of sociopolitical theory and activity. This article critically reviews how the concept of dialogue has been developed and applied in four key domains, each oriented around the work of a principal theorist: psychotherapy (Martin Buber), education (Mikhail Bakhtin), community development (Paulo Freire), and social transformation (Jürgen Habermas). Drawing this analysis together, the discussion identifies three principal ways in which the term dialogue has been used: transformative, ontological, and everyday; outlines the different levels at which dialogue can take place; and identifies key questions for further exploration.
Ontos and Theos: A Case for Neo-ontotheology
Authors: Hanson Jim
Published: June 2012

This case for a neo-ontotheology responds to the postmodernist rejection of traditional ontotheology, resulting in a re-examination of the relation of ontos and theos. Rejections by Merold Westphal, John Caputo, and Mark Taylor are critiqued. The re-examination employs deconstructive, analogical, and hermeneutical methods, affirms ontos and theos by pointing outside text, recognizes primal conditions as a ground for order and sense, and exercises a praxis of language usage and contemplative practice.
Public Opinion, Royal Apologetics, and Imperial Ideology: A Political Analysis of the Portrait of David, “A Man after God’s Own Heart”
Authors: Roberts J.J.M.
Published: June 2012

This is a historical and political analysis of the early sources about David and his kingdom in the light of its broader ancient Near Eastern context. Under the headings (1) public opinion, (2) royal apologetics, and (3) imperial ideology, it attempts to trace and contextualize the development of the political and religious propaganda that undergirded David’s rule as he negotiated the difficult transition from a commoner to a royal usurper to the conquering founder of an imperial state. It ends with a brief hint at the rich and productive theological transformation and afterlife of these imperial traditions.
The Return of Wisdom
Authors: Moltmann-Wendel Elisabeth
Published: June 2012

This article seeks to rediscover the significance of the Judeo-Christian wisdom tradition for the present world. In order to uncover the physicality and sensuality widely missing from the Church today, the wisdom theology of the Old and New Testaments is examined and put into conversation with a feminist theological understanding of Wisdom. Relationship and love/eros are presented as gifts Wisdom offers through which to understand the world.
Rising with Mary: Re-visioning a Feminist Theology of the Cross and Resurrection
Authors: McDougall Joy Ann
Published: June 2012

This essay takes up and develops Elisabeth Moltmann-Wendel’s question “Is there a feminist theology of the cross?” I propose to re-vision the condition of sin as “the bondage of the eye/I”—a condition marked by occluded vision, alienation, and cycles of exploitation. Building on this analysis, I re-evaluate the meaning of redemption through the witness of the women on Easter morning following the desolation of the cross experience as described in the Gospel of John.
On Reading Karl Barth in the USA: Laudation given at the conferment of the Karl Barth Prize 2010 to Prof. George Hunsinger
Authors: Tietz Christiane
Published: June 2012

The Union of Evangelical Churches in the German Evangelical Church honored Prof. George Hunsinger with the “Karl Barth Prize 2010.” This is the laudation given at the conferment of the Prize in June 2011. It recalls Barth’s first trip to the United States in 1962 and the impression of it on Barth as well as on the American people. It explains the relation between Barth’s theology and American theology then and now. And, most of all, it honors George Hunsinger as a theological teacher who has been learning from and writing on Barth for decades, developing theological insights and political engagement true to Barth’s heritage.
Developing a Critical Lens
Authors: Eisen Daniel B.
Published: June 2012

Sociology instructors strive not only to teach their students the essential aspects of sociology but also to help students develop their critical thinking abilities. One way to help students become better critical thinkers is to assign projects that encourage students to critically assess their world by relating the course content to their everyday world. This article details a photography project that has been assigned in lower level sociology courses at a four-year university and a community college. The project has been successful in encouraging students to develop their critical thinking skills and locate course material within the context of their everyday lived experiences. Examples from projects and a content analysis of 87 anonymous reflection papers demonstrate that the project allows students to (1) relate the course material to their everyday world, (2) engage in an intellectually challenging assignment, (3) critically examine their taken-for-granted worlds, and (4) have fun while completing a challenging academic exercise.
A Strategic Approach to Network Value in Network Industries
Authors: Fuentelsaz Lucio , Garrido Elisabet , Maicas Juan P.
Published: June 2012

This article extends previous research on network industries by analyzing the role that firm strategy plays in markets where network effects are important. The authors postulate that firms can benefit from the existence of network effects through their strategic choices. The main premise of this article is that companies, by influencing expectations, coordination, and compatibility, can leverage network effects and network value. The authors empirically test their hypotheses in the mobile telecommunications industry, a paradigmatic example of a network industry. This study not only seeks to understand the impact of firm strategy on network value but also analyzes the impact of the latter on firm performance.
Parallel development of risk behaviors in adolescence: Potential pathways to co-occurrence
Authors: Huang David Y. C. , Lanza H. Isabella , Murphy Debra A. , Hser Yih-Ing
Published: June 2012

This study used data from 5,382 adolescents from the 1997 United States (US) National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY97) to investigate developmental pathways of alcohol use, marijuana use, sexual risk behaviors, and delinquency across ages 14 to 20; examine interrelationships among these risk behaviors across adolescence; and evaluate association between risk behavior trajectories and depressive symptoms in adolescence. Group-based dual trajectory modeling, examining trajectories of two outcomes over time, revealed strong interrelationships among developmental trajectories of the four risk behaviors, and indicated potential pathways to co-occurring risk behaviors. Adolescents with higher levels of alcohol use or marijuana use were more likely to engage in higher levels of early sexual risk-taking and delinquency. Moreover, adolescents involved in higher levels of delinquency were at higher risk for engaging in early sexual risk-taking. Also, belonging to the highest risk trajectory of any of the four risk behaviors was positively associated with depressive symptoms in adolescence.
Differences in agency? How adolescents from 18 countries perceive and cope with their futures
Authors: Seiffge-Krenke Inge , Persike Malte , Chau Cecilia , Hendry Leo B. , Kloepp Marion , Terzini-Hollar Michelle , Tam Vicky , Naranjo Carmen Rodriguez , Herrera Dora , Menna Palma , Rohail Iffat , Veisson Marika , Hoareau Elsa , Luwe Merja , Loncaric Darko , Han Hyeyoun , Regusch Ludmilla
Published: June 2012

This study investigated how N = 5,126 adolescents (mean age of 15 years) from 18 countries perceive and cope with future- and school-related stress. The adolescents completed the Problem Questionnaire (PQ), which assesses stress, and the Coping Across Situations Questionnaire (CASQ), which assesses three coping styles (reflection/support-seeking, emotional outlet, and withdrawal/denial). Across countries, adolescents reported considerably higher levels of future-related stress than school-related stress. The adolescents actively coped with stressors in both domains and seldom relied on emotional outlet or withdrawal/denial. A clustering of the countries according to socioeconomic criteria and geographical proximity demonstrated that adolescents from the continental group of countries showed low stress and high coping. Adolescents in the east/Asia group showed medium stress and low coping and those in the south group showed high stress and low coping. Developmental context was more strongly associated with stress perception and coping, style than age or gender, a finding relevant for prevention approaches aiming to endorse positive orientation to the future and improve coping competence.
Developing gifted children in Hungarian preschool education
Authors: Nagy Iren , Papp Irene
Published: June 2012

At a conference, a secondary school teacher was very surprised when she heard about the idea of talent development in preschool education. ‘What does it mean?’ she asked.

In this paper we answer the above question with a model created by joint research. We describe our method of developing gifted children with the involvement of preschool teachers in an ordinary kindergarten.
A flicker change blindness task employing eye tracking reveals an association with levels of craving not consumption
Authors: Hobson Jillian , Bruce Gillian , Butler Stephen H
Published: June 2012

We investigated attentional biases with a flicker paradigm, examining the proportion of alcohol relative to neutral changes detected. Furthermore, we examined how measures of the participants initial orienting of attention and of their maintained attention relate to levels of alcohol consumption and subjective craving in social drinkers. The eye movements of 58 participants (24 male) were monitored whilst they completed a flicker-induced change blindness task using both simple stimuli and real world scenes, with both an alcohol and neutral change competing for detection. When examined in terms of consumption levels, we observed that heavier social drinkers detected a higher proportion of alcohol related changes in real world scenes only. However, we also observed that levels of craving were not indicative of levels of consumption in social drinkers. Furthermore, also in real world scenes only, higher cravers detected a greater proportion of alcohol related changes compared to lower cravers, and were also quicker to initially fixate on alcohol related stimuli. Thus we conclude that processing biases in the orienting of attention to alcohol related stimuli were demonstrated in higher craving compared to lower craving social users in real world scenes. However, this was not related to the level of consumption as would be expected. These results highlight various methodological and conceptual issues to be considered in future research.
Screening of microbial contamination and antimicrobial activity of sea cucumber Holothuria polii
Authors: Omran Nahla EE , Allam Nanis G
Published: June 2012

Microbiological studies were carried out on microbial contamination and antimicrobial activity of sea cucumber Holothuria polii collected from Mediterranean Sea at Abu-kir shore of Alexandria, Egypt. The obtained results revealed the presence of isolates of five human Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, representing five genera were identified to species level, including, Esherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. In addition, an yeast Candida albicans was isolated. The pathogenic bacteria were identified using API 20E strip system (BioMereux). All collected H. polii specimens were healthy with no external signs of infection. Histopathological study of the tegument, intestine and gonads showed no abnormal changes. The antimicrobial activity of two tegumental ethanol extracts (A and B, differ in the method of dehydration) were tested against wide range of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, including intestinal, skin and nosocomial pathogens and one plant fungal pathogen. The results revealed a remarkable antifungal activity of the extract B at 2.5 mg/ml MIC90, especially on Aspergillus niger, Scloretium sp, C. albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Malassezia furfur, and limited antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria ( Salmonella choleraesuis ATCC 14028 and Aeromonas hydrophila). The domain of bacterial and limited fungal contamination confirms the results that showed strong antifungal activity of investigated extract.
Evidence, Methodology, Test-Based Accountability, and Educational Policy
Authors: Hanushek Eric A. , Warren John Robert , Grodsky Eric
Published: June 2012

This exchange represents a follow-up to an article on the effects of state high school exit examinations that previously appeared in this journal ( Warren, Grodsky, & Kalogrides 2009 ). That 2009 was article featured prominently in a report by the National Research Council (NRC) that evaluated the efficacy of test-based accountability systems. Hanushek (2012 ) was highly critical of the NRC’s interpretation of the existing evidence, including Warren, Grodsky, & Kalogrides’ 2009 piece. Here, Warren and Grodsky explain why they believe that Hanushek incorrectly evaluated their original article on state high school exit examinations. Hanushek then responds.
A control-oriented hybrid combustion model of a homogeneous charge compression ignition capable spark ignition engine
Authors: Yang Xiaojian , Zhu Guoming G
Published: June 2012

To implement the homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion mode in a spark ignition engine, it is necessary to have smooth mode transition between the spark ignition and homogeneous charge compression ignition combustions. The spark ignition–homogeneous charge compression ignition hybrid combustion mode modeled in this paper describes the combustion mode that starts with the spark ignition combustion and ends with the homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion. The main motivation of studying the hybrid combustion mode is that the percentage of the homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion is a good parameter for combustion mode transition control when the hybrid combustion mode is used during the transition. This paper presents a control oriented model of the spark ignition–homogeneous charge compression ignition hybrid combustion mode, where the spark ignition combustion phase is modeled under the two-zone assumption and the homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion phase under the one-zone assumption. Note that the spark ignition and homogeneous charge compression ignition combustions are special cases in this combustion model. The developed model is capable of simulating engine combustion over the entire operating range, and it was implemented in a real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulation environment. The simulation results were compared with those of the corresponding GT-Power model, and good correlations were found for both spark ignition and homogeneous charge compression ignition combustions.
The influence of a vehicle dynamics control system on the occupant’s dynamic response during a vehicle collision
Authors: Elkady Mustafa , Elmarakbi Ahmed , MacIntyre John
Published: June 2012

This paper aims to apply a vehicle dynamics control system to mitigate a vehicle collision and to study the effects of this systems on the kinematic behaviour of the vehicle’s occupant. A unique three-degree-of-freedom vehicle dynamics–crash mathematical model and a simplified lumped-mass occupant model are developed. The first model is used to define the vehicle body’s crash parameters and it integrates a vehicle dynamics model with a model of the vehicle’s front-end structure. In this model, the anti-lock braking system and the active suspension control system are co-simulated, and the associated equations of motion are developed. The second model aims to predict the effect of the vehicle dynamics control system on the kinematics of the occupant. The Lagrange equations are used to solve that model owing to the complexity of the obtained equations of motion. It is shown from the numerical simulations that the vehicle dynamics–crash response and occupant behaviour can be captured and analysed quickly and accurately. Furthermore, it is shown that the vehicle dynamics control system can affect the crash characteristics positively and that the occupant’s behaviour is improved.
Optimized noninvasive procedures to measure DNA damage in comet assay
Authors: Szeto YT , Lee AKH , Benzie IFF , Obied HK
Published: June 2012

The comet assay is a well-established, simple and sensitive method to measure DNA damage in single cell and is commonly used in human trials to investigate the effects of pollution, occupational hazards and potential genoprotective agents. Peripheral blood lymphocytes are most commonly used in human biomonitoring studies, but lymphocytes collected from the mouth offer a potentially attractive, noninvasive alternative. The aim of the current study was to develop a buccal cell lymphocyte comet assay procedure. Cells were collected from mouthwash of three healthy volunteers and tested individually. The comet assay was performed under different pH and times of alkaline treatment, electrophoresis run times and hydrogen peroxide concentrations. Optimal conditions for buccal lymphocytes in comet assay were found to be pH >13 for unwinding and electrophoresis buffers, 10-min alkaline unwinding treatment and 20-min electrophoresis run time. We successfully utilized our optimized assay conditions to demonstrate the genoprotective activity of quercetin. This newly established procedure offers an alternative noninvasive sampling method for the investigation of DNA protection and/or damaging effect.
Effects of BQ-788 on amitriptyline-induced cardiovascular toxicity
Authors: Arıcı MAA , Buyukdeligoz M , Kalkan S , Tuncok Y
Published: June 2012

Objective:

We investigated both the effects of the endothelin type B (ETB) receptor antagonist, BQ-788, on amitriptyline-induced cardiotoxicity and the role of ETB receptors on amitriptyline-induced cardiovascular depression.

Methods:

Male Wistar rats were anaesthetized with urethane/chloralose. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and QRS duration were recorded. Toxicity was induced by amitriptyline infusion (0.94 mg/kg per min) until the 50% inhibition of MAP. In the first protocol, 5% dextrose or BQ-788 bolus was administered to control or experimental group animals, respectively. In the second protocol, after incubation with BQ-788 or 5% dextrose, amitriptyline was infused.

Results:

Amitriptyline caused a significant decrease in MAP, prolonged QRS duration and decreased HR for both the groups. BQ-788 administration improved MAP (5, 10 and 15 min), shortened the prolonged QRS (5 and 10 minutes) and increased HR (5, 10 and 15 min) compared with dextrose group. While all the amitriptyline-infused rats survived in BQ-788 group, all the amitriptyline-infused rats died within 20 min in dextrose group. In the second protocol, BQ-788 incubation did not cause any statistically significant change in amitriptyline-induced cardiovascular depression.

Conclusion:

BQ-788 may have beneficial effects in amitriptyline-induced cardiovascular changes via a physiologic antagonism. ETB receptor antagonists may be the promising antidotes for the cardiovascular toxicity with hypotension and bradycardia.
Licorice induced hypokalemia, edema, and thrombocytopenia
Authors: Celik MM , Karakus A , Zeren C , Demir M , Bayarogullari H , Duru M , Al M
Published: June 2012

Licorice originates from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, which has a herbal ingredient, glycyrrhizic acid, and has a mineralocorticoid-like effect. Chronic intake of licorice induces a syndrome similar to that found in primary hyperaldosteronism. Excessive intake of licorice may cause a hypermineralocorticoidism-like syndrome characterized by sodium and water retention, hypertension, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, low-renin activity, and hypoaldosteronism. In this case report, an association of hypokalemia, edema, and thrombocytopenia that is developed due to the excessive intake of licorice is presented. There are case reports in the literature, which suggest that toxicity findings may emerge with hyperaldosteronism-like manifestations such as hypokalemia, edema, and hypertension. However, any knowledge of thrombocytopenia as a resultant was not encountered among these reported toxic effects. Our case is important because it shows that the excessive intake of licorice may cause a toxic effect in the form of thrombocytopenia. This report is the first presented case to show thrombocytopenia due to licorice syrup consumption.
Comparison of four shape features for detecting hippocampal shape changes in early Alzheimer's
Authors: Beg Mirza Faisal , Raamana Pradeep Reddy , Barbieri Sebastiano , Wang Lei
Published: June 2012

We compare four methods for generating shape-based features from 3D binary images of the hippocampus for use in group discrimination and classification. The first method we investigate is based on decomposing the hippocampal binary segmentation onto an orthonormal basis of spherical harmonics, followed by computation of shape invariants by tensor contraction using the Clebsch–Gordan coefficients. The second method we investigate is based on the classical 3D moment invariants; these are a special case of the spherical harmonics-based tensor invariants. The third method is based on solving the Helmholtz equation on the geometry of the binary hippocampal segmentation, and construction of shape-descriptive features from the eigenvalues of the Fourier-like modes of the geometry represented by the Laplacian eigenfunctions. The fourth method investigates the use of initial momentum obtained from the large-deformation diffeomorphic metric mapping method as a shape feature. Each of these shape features is tested for group differences in the control (Clinical Dementia Rating Scale CDR 0) and the early (very mild) Alzheimer's (CDR 0.5) population. Classification of individual shapes is performed via a linear support vector machine based classifer with leave-one-out cross validation to test for overall performance. These experiments show that all of these feature computation approaches gave stable and reasonable classification results on the same database, and with the same classifier. The best performance was achieved with the shape-features constructed from large-deformation diffeomorphic metric mapping-based initial momentum.
Gender Differences in Knowledge and Health Beliefs Related to Behavioral Intentions to Prevent Human Papillomavirus Infection
Authors: Kim Hae Won
Published: June 2012

This study assessed gender differences in human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness (including knowledge), health beliefs, and behavioral intentions to prevent infection. The participants comprised 763 and 905 sexually active men and women, respectively. Gender differences were observed in HPV knowledge, health beliefs, and sociodemographics that were significantly correlated with behavioral intentions to prevent infection. There were gender differences in the factors related to behavioral intentions to prevent HPV. In multiple regression analysis, HPV knowledge was not related to behavioral intentions, whereas perceived benefits were related to behavioral intentions consistently among men and women, while the effects of perceived barriers were inconsistent. HPV awareness was very low regardless of gender. While HPV education is urgently required for men, enhancing HPV awareness, reinforcing positive perceptions of HPV prevention, and reducing unhealthy sexual behaviors are necessary for the entire Korean population.
Why Do Bangladeshi People Use Smokeless Tobacco Products?
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Aziz , Mahmood Mohammad Afzal , Spurrier Nicola , Rahman Mahmudur , Choudhury Sohel Reza , Leeder Stephen
Published: June 2012

Despite scientific evidence about the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco (SLT), it is widely used in Bangladesh. This study explored perceptions about health effects of SLT use. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 1812 nonsmoking adults. About 40% of the participants were current SLT users or had used SLT in the past. Family members’ influence was the main factor for initiation. The participants believed that people continued using SLT because of addiction (52%) and as a part of their lifestyle (23%). The majority of participants (77%) did not mention any benefit, but SLT users considered it to be a remedy for toothache ( P < .05). Almost all participants mentioned that SLT was harmful and causes heart disease, cancer, and tuberculosis. Doctors’ advice was the common motivating factor to quit. Health promotion interventions should highlight the adverse effects of SLT use, which outweigh the perceived benefits, and should consider addressing the role of family in SLT initiation and use.
Family Function of the Families Consisting of Asian Immigrant Women Living in South Korea
Authors: Kim Yeon-Pyo , Joh Ju-Youn , Shin Il-Seon
Published: June 2012

Marriages between Korean men and immigrant women from elsewhere in Asia have increased rapidly during recent years. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship within families consisting of immigrant women and to identify the relevant factors. The study subjects were 62 Asian immigrant women married to South Korean men living in South Korea. In a baseline study in August 2008, the socioeconomic factors and family APGAR (adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve) scores were measured. Family APGAR has been widely used to study the relationship of family function and health problems in the busy clinician’s office. A 3-year follow-up study was then conducted in August 2011, and the results were compared with the baseline study results. Family APGAR scores were higher at the 3-year follow-up than those at baseline. Changes in family APGAR scores were found to be influenced by the birthplace, reported subjective ability to read Korean, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression Scale score.
Electroconvulsive therapy training: can it be a model of an entrustable professional activity in a competency program?
Authors: Port Neil , Weiss Alan , Maudsley Ian
Published: June 2012

Objectives:

This paper gives an overview of the teaching and assessment process in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) provided in the Hunter Region to see if it can be used as a successful example of competency assessment and training. We describe the process and practice of training and credentialing in ECT in the Hunter Region, and compare these with the requirements of an Entrustable Professional Activity (EPA) in particular and competency based training and assessment in general.

Conclusion:

The intensely supervised ‘hands on’ training and assessment in this program, and the entrusting of successful graduates to perform ECT and related activities with sufficient independence, demonstrate an ‘Entrustable Professional Activity’ as proposed for introduction in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Competency Based Fellowship Program.
Section 504 and Student Health Problems
Authors: Zirkel Perry A. , Granthom Margarita Fernan , Lovato Leanna
Published: June 2012

News reports illustrate controversies between parents and schools in response to student health problems. Today’s school nurse is in a pivotal position for the avoidance and resolution of disputes not only by increasing awareness of student health conditions but also by having a working knowledge of legal developments under Section 504 and its sister statute—the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA amendments of 2008 have extended the standards for eligibility and expanded questions about school districts’ obligations under Section 504 and the ADA. This article provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent case law and related legal developments under this pair of federal statutes, culminating in practical implications and professional recommendations for school nurses.
Does a Large-Scale Organizational Transformation Toward Patient-Centered Access Change the Utilization and Costs of Care for Patients With Diabetes?
Authors: Grembowski David , Anderson Melissa L. , Ralston James D. , Martin Diane P. , Reid Robert
Published: June 2012

The authors examined whether Group Health’s Access Initiative changed the utilization and costs of care among enrollees with diabetes. Using a single (one-group) interrupted time series design, repeated-measures generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate changes in utilization and costs during the Initiative rollout (2002-2003) and to compare the slopes (annual rates of change) for utilization and costs during the Pre-Initiative period (1998-2002) to the slopes during Full-Implementation (2003-2006) among 9,871 members continuously enrolled from 1997 to 2006 with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Total costs increased in Full-Implementation, but the annual change in total costs did not change. Primary care visits declined, but primary care contacts grew, largely from the Initiative’s introduction of secure messaging. Specialty visits did not change; however, the Initiative may have increased emergency visits. To reduce emergency visits, future access initiatives should include proactive and comprehensive outpatient care for patients with diabetes.
Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Coffey Rosanna M. , Misra Arpit , Barrett Marguerite , Andrews Roxanne M. , Mutter Ryan , Moy Ernest
Published: June 2012

Readmission for congestive heart failure (CHF) is the most common reason for readmission among Medicare fee-for-service patients. Yet CHF readmissions are not just a Medicare problem. This study examined who is likely to be readmitted for CHF, using all-payer hospital discharges from 14 of the states participating in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Patients with the strongest positive association with readmission were discharged against medical advice, covered by Medicaid, and had more severe loss of function and certain comorbidities such as drug abuse, renal failure, or psychoses. Weak negative relationship between readmission and cost of index admission provides some evidence that hospitals with higher readmission rates do not systematically use fewer resources in treating patients in initial encounters. High readmission rate for Medicaid patients suggests that state and federal governments should target Medicaid populations and drug abuse treatment for better care coordination to reduce readmissions and health care costs.
Volumetric MRI Differences in Treatment Naïve and Chronically Treated Adolescents With ADHD-Combined Type
Authors: Semrud-Clikeman Margaret , Pliszka Steven R. , Bledsoe Jesse , Lancaster Jack
Published: June 2012

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in the volume of specific brain regions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between children and adolescents with ADHD and controls and whether such differences are related to the participants’ history of stimulant treatment. Method: A total of 16 healthy controls, 16 children, and adolescents with ADHD-combined (ADHD-C) type with a history of stimulant treatment, and 13 children and adolescents with ADHD-C type treatment naïve participated. Results: Total frontal, prefrontal, and caudate volumes were larger for children and adolescents with ADHD compared with controls with no differences based on medication history with larger right gray and white matter prefrontal volumes in the ADHD groups. A medication difference was found with the right anterior cingulate cortex smaller in children and adolescents without a treatment history. Conclusion: These findings suggest that aberrant prefrontal and caudate volumes in ADHD-C may compromise functioning of the frontostriatal circuitry.
ADHD Symptoms Are Differentially Related to Specific Aspects of Quality of Life
Authors: Gjervan Bjørn , Torgersen Terje , Rasmussen Kirsten , Nordahl Hans Morten
Published: June 2012

Objective: The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationships between ADHD symptoms and specific domains of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) mental component. Method: A sample of 149 adults participated in the study. Data were collected from the participant’s medical records and from self-report questionnaires. Multiple regression analyses were applied to identify predictors of the SF-36 mental component outcomes. Results: The sample was highly impaired in terms of low health-related quality of life on all SF-36 mental component scales. The ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) inattentiveness was the strongest predictor of vitality and the only significant predictor of role-emotional outcome. The ASRS hyperactivity/impulsivity was the strongest predictor of social function and the only predictor of mental health outcome. Conclusion: Inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity were differentially related to specific quality-of-life domains. Inattentiveness was significantly predicting vitality and role-emotional outcomes, and hyperactivity/impulsivity predicted social function and mental health outcomes.
ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Subtype With High Sluggish Cognitive Tempo
Authors: Capdevila-Brophy Connie , Artigas-Pallarés Josep , Navarro-Pastor José Blas , García-Nonell Katy , Rigau-Ratera Eugenia , Obiols Jordi E.
Published: June 2012

Objective: The authors investigate differences in the neuropsychological and behavioral profiles of two groups of children with ADHD, one with predominantly inattentive subtype of ADHD (PI) and high sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT; n = 19) and another formed by the rest of the sample (children with ADHD combined subtype and children with PI and low SCT scores; n = 68). Method: Instruments included Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and subtests from Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment, Conners’ Continuous Performance Test, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and Achenbach’s Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6 to 18. Results: PI with high SCT had fewer problems with sustained attention, and more internalizing problems, anxiety/depression, and withdrawn/depressed behavior, and more executive problems with self-monitoring than the rest of the ADHD sample. Conclusion: This study supports revising subtype’s criteria and further studying the hypothesis that ADHD with high SCT constitutes a separate clinical entity.
Corruption and Voter Participation
Authors: Escaleras Monica , Calcagno Peter T. , Shughart William F.
Published: June 2012

The literature on voter turnout focuses on the determinants of the electorate’s vote supply. There is growing recognition, however, that the demanders of votes—candidates, political parties, and interest groups—have strong incentives to invest resources in mobilizing support on Election Day. The authors test the hypothesis that corruption rents increase the value of holding public office and, hence, elicit greater demand-side effort in building winning coalitions. Analyzing a pooled time-series data set of public officials convicted of misusing their offices between 1979 and 2005, we find, after controlling for other influential factors, that governmental corruption raises voter turnout rates in gubernatorial elections.
Crowding Out and Crowding In of Private Donations and Government Grants
Authors: Heutel Garth
Published: June 2012

A large literature examines the interaction of private and public funding of charities, much of it testing if public funding crowds out private funding. In this article, the author looks for two alternative phenomena using a large panel data set gathered from nonprofit organizations’ tax returns. First, the author looks for crowding out in the opposite direction: increased private funding may cause reduced public funding. Second, the author tests whether one type of funding acts as a signal of charity quality and thus crowds in other funding. The author finds evidence that government grants crowd in private donations. Crowding in is larger for younger charities. This is consistent with signaling, if donors know less about younger charities and the signal value is stronger. The author finds no evidence of an effect of private donations on government grants.
Postprandial glycaemia in cats fed a moderate carbohydrate meal persists for a median of 12 hours — female cats have higher peak glucose concentrations
Authors: Farrow Heidi , Rand Jacquie S , Morton John M , Sunvold Gregory
Published: June 2012

The postprandial increase in glucose concentration is typically not considered in selecting diets to manage diabetic and pre-diabetic cats. This study describes increases in glucose and insulin concentrations in 24 clinically healthy, neutered adult cats following one meal (59 kcal/kg) of a moderate carbohydrate diet (25% of energy). Median time to return to baseline after feeding for glucose was 12.2 h (1.8−≥24 h) and for insulin was 12.3 h (1.5−≥24 h). Time to return to baseline for glucose was not different between male (10.2 h) and female (17.2 h) cats. There was evidence female cats had a longer return to baseline for insulin (18.9 h versus 9.8 h) and females had higher (0.9 mmol/l difference) peak glucose than males. This demonstrates that the duration of postprandial glycaemia in cats is markedly longer than in dogs and humans, and should be considered when managing diabetic and pre-diabetic cats.
Immunomodulatory therapies delay disease progression in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bergamaschi Roberto , Quaglini Silvana , Tavazzi Eleonora , Amato Maria Pia , Paolicelli Damiano , Zipoli Valentina , Romani Alfredo , Tortorella Carla , Portaccio Emilio , D’Onghia Mariangela , Garberi Francesca , Bargiggia Valeria , Trojano Maria
Published: June 2012

Background:

Few studies have analysed long-term effects of immunomodulatory disease modifying drugs (DMDs).

Objective:

Assessment of the efficacy of DMDs on long-term evolution of multiple sclerosis, using a Bayesian approach to overcome methodological problems related to open-label studies.

Methods:

MS patients from three different Italian multiple sclerosis centres were divided into subgroups according to the presence of treatment in their disease history before the endpoint, which was represented by secondary progression. Patients were stratified on the basis of the risk score BREMS (Bayesian risk estimate for multiple sclerosis), which is able to predict the unfavourable long-term evolution of MS at an early stage.

Results:

We analysed data from 1178 patients with a relapsing form of multiple sclerosis at onset and at least 10 years of disease duration, treated (59%) or untreated with DMDs. The risk of secondary progression was significantly lower in patients treated with DMDs, regardless of the initial prognosis predicted by BREMS.

Conclusions:

DMDs significantly reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis progression both in patients with initial high-risk and patients with initial low-risk. These findings reinforce the role of DMDs in modifying the natural course of the disease, suggesting that they have a positive effect not only on the inflammatory but also on the neurodegenerative process. The study also confirms the capability of the BREMS score to predict MS evolution.