bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Central Corneal Thickness, Anterior Chamber Depth, and Corneal Keratometry as Measured by Oculyzer II and WaveLight OB820 in Preoperative Cataract Surgery Patients
Authors: Kanellopoulos A. John , Asimellis George
Published: October 2012

PURPOSE:

To compare and correlate central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and keratometric (flat and steep K) measurements using two anterior segment imaging methods, a Scheimpflug camera system (Oculyzer II [Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH]) and a partial coherence biometry system (WaveLight OB820 [Alcon Laboratories Inc]) in eyes undergoing cataract surgery.

METHODS:

Ninety patients (mean age: 66±13 years [range: 32 to 88 years]) underwent preoperative measurement of CCT, ACD, and keratometric measurements by Scheimpflug tomography (Oculyzer II) and optical low coherence reflectometry (WaveLight OB820). Interdevice agreement and correlation between the two techniques were assessed.

RESULTS:

All measurements were highly correlated and showed no clinically significant difference between methods. Mean CCT was 554.21±39.07 μm and 546.59±37.75 μm for the Oculyzer II and WaveLight OB820, respectively (R
2
=0.9268). Mean ACD was 2.63±0.44 mm and 2.63±0.43 mm for the Oculyzer II and WaveLight OB820, respectively (R
2
=0.9488). The principal meridian keratometric values were also highly correlated. Mean flat K was 42.88±1.50 diopters (D) and 42.96±1.40 D for the Oculyzer II and WaveLight OB820, respectively (R
2
=0.8741). Mean steep K was 44.08±1.79 D and 44.26±1.95 D for the Oculyzer II and WaveLight OB820, respectively (R
2
=0.9159).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data show that the Oculyzer II and WaveLight OB820 provide measurements that are in agreement with published values for CCT and ACD in patients. Excellent agreement for CCT and ACD was found between the two devices, as demonstrated by a high degree of correlation and linearity, in addition to minimal bias. Thus, CCT, ACD, and K measurements by these instruments can both be used in clinical preparation, and their agreement is an ensuring precision factor for cataract and refractive surgeons.
Capturing Location in Process Models
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Sundar , Krogstie John , Sindre Guttorm
Published: October 2012

For mobile and multi-channel information systems it is often relevant to model where something is supposed to take place. Traditional business process modeling notations seldom capture location. Examining if there might be any gain in extending mainstream modeling notations with the capture of location is an interesting research topic. This paper addresses this question both through an analytical comparison of various notation alternatives and two experiments investigating different ways of visualizing location. The results of the experiments indicate that the notation using color for distinguishing different places have advantage over textual annotations, whereas no significant difference was found between the use color and pattern fills when it came to the subjects’ performance solving the experimental tasks.
Ectoparasites of sheep in three agro-ecological zones in central Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Kumsa Bersissa , Beyecha Kebede , Geloye Mesula
Published: October 2012

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for ectoparasites infestation in sheep in three agro-ecological zones in central Oromia, Ethiopia, from October 2009 to April 2010. The study revealed that 637 (48.1%) of the 1325 sheep examined were infested with one or more ectoparasites. The ectoparasites identified were Bovicola ovis (27.2%), Melophagus ovinus (16.4%), Ctenocephalides sp. (2.3%), Linognathus africanus (1.2%), Linognathus ovillus (0.3%), Sarcoptes sp. (1.2%), Amblyomma variegatum (4.4%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (1.9%), Rhipicephalus pravus (1.9%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (1.1%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (0.9%), Rhipicephalus praetextatus (1.1%) and Hyalomma truncatum (1.6%). Statistically significant difference was observed in prevalence of B. ovis amongst study agroecological zones: highland 36.6%, midland 20.9% and lowland 14.0%. Significantly higher prevalence was recorded in highland agroecological zone. A significantly (OR = 0.041, p < 0.001) higher prevalence of M. ovinus in the highland (31.7%) than in both the lowland (0%) and midland (1.9%) was observed. The risk of tick infestation in the lowland and midland was 9.883 times and 13.988 times higher than the risk in the highland, respectively. A significantly higher prevalence of Ctenocephalides species was encountered in both the lowland (OR = 4.738, p = 0.011) and midland (OR = 8.078, p = 0.000) than in the highland agro-ecological zone. However, a significant difference (p = 0.191) amongst agro-ecological zones was not found for the prevalence of Linognathus and Sarcoptes species. Statistically significant variation (p > 0.05) was never recorded in the prevalence of all the identified species of ectoparasites between male and female sheep hosts. However, a significantly (p = 0.006) higher prevalence of B. ovis was recorded between young and adult sheep. The risk of B. ovis infestation was 1.45 times higher in young than the adult sheep. Furthermore, a significantly (p < 0.001) higher prevalence of M. ovinus, B. ovis and Sarcoptes sp. was found between sheep with poor and a good body condition. The ever increasing threat of ectoparasites on overall sheep productivity and tanning industry in Ethiopia warrants urgent control intervention. Further studies on the role of ectoparasites in transmission of diseases to sheep, zoonotic importance, comparative prevalence and load, and the importance of sheep as alternative hosts in different agroecological zones, breeds and management systems in Ethiopia are recommended so as to design applicable control programme in the country.
Résonances près de seuils d'opérateurs magnétiques de Pauli et de Dirac
Authors: Sambou Diomba
Published: October 2012

Nous considérons les perturbations H := H0 + V et D := D0 + V des Hamiltoniens libres H0 de Pauli et D0 de Dirac en dimension 3 avec champ magnétique non constant, V étant un potentiel électrique qui décroıt super-exponentiellement dans la direction du champ magnétique. Nous montrons que dans des espaces de Banach appropriés, les résolvantes de H et D définies sur le demi-plan supérieur admettent des prolongements méromorphes. Nous définissons les résonances de H et D comme étant les pôles de ces extensions méromorphes. D’une part, nous étudions la répartition des résonances de H prés de l’origine 0 et d’autre part, celle des résonances de D près de ±m o ùm est la masse d’une particule. Dans les deux cas, nous obtenons d’abord des majorations du nombre de résonances dans de petits domaines au voisinage de 0 et ±m. Sous des hypothèses supplémentaires, nous obtenons des développements asymptotiques du nombre de résonances qui entraınent leur accumulation près des seuils 0 et ±m. En particulier, pour une perturbation V de signe défini, nous obtenons des informations sur la répartition des valeurs propres de H et D près de 0 et ±m respectivement.
Community Health Workers' Experiences and Perspectives on Mass Drug Administration for Schistosomiasis Control in Western Kenya: The SCORE Project
Authors: Omedo Martin O. , Matey Elizabeth J. , Awiti Alphonce , Ogutu Michael , Alaii Jane , Karanja Diana M. S. , Montgomery Susan P. , Secor W. Evan , Mwinzi Pauline N. M.
Published: October 2012

The Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation (SCORE) includes communitywide treatment in areas with ≥ 25% prevalence of schistosomiasis along the shores of Lake Victoria using community health workers (CHWs). The CHWs are key drivers in community-owned mass drug administration (MDA) intervention programs. We explored their experiences and perceptions after initial MDA participation. Unstructured open-ended group discussions were conducted after completion of MDA activities. Narratives were obtained from CHWs using a digital audio recorder during the group discussion, transcribed verbatim and translated into English where applicable. Thematic decomposition of data was done using ATLAS.t.i. software. From the perspective of the CHWs, factors influencing MDA compliance included drug side effects, food supply stability, and conspiracy theories about the “real” purpose of treatment. The interest of CHWs to serve as community drug distributors stemmed from both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Feedback from CHWs can promote more effective MDA in rural Kenyan communities.
Modeling of daytime HONO vertical gradients during SHARP 2009
Authors: Wong K. W. , Tsai C. , Lefer B. , Grossberg N. , Stutz J.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Nitrous Acid (HONO) acts as a major precursor of the hydroxyl radical (OH) in the urban atmospheric boundary layer in the morning and throughout the day. Despite its importance, HONO formation mechanisms are not yet completely understood. It is generally accepted that conversion of NO2 on surfaces in the presence of water is responsible for the formation of HONO in the nocturnal boundary layer, although the type of surface on which the mechanism occurs is still under debate. Recent observations of higher than expected daytime HONO concentrations in both urban and rural areas indicate the presence of unknown daytime HONO source(s). Various formation pathways in the gas-phase and on aerosol and ground surfaces have been proposed to explain the presence of daytime HONO. However, it is unclear which mechanism dominates and, in the cases of heterogeneous mechanisms, on which surfaces they occur. Vertical concentration profiles of HONO and its precursors can help in identifying the dominant HONO formation pathways. In this study, daytime HONO and NO2 vertical profiles, measured in three different height intervals (20–70 m, 70–130 m and 130–300 m) in Houston, TX during the 2009 Study of Houston Atmospheric Radical Precursors (SHARP) are analyzed using a one-dimensional (1-D) chemistry and transport model. Model results with various HONO formation pathways suggested in the literature are compared to the the daytime HONO and HONO/NO2 ratios observed during SHARP. The best agreement of HONO and HONO/NO2 ratios between model and observations is achieved by including both a photolytic source of HONO at the ground and on the aerosol. Model sensitivity studies show that the observed diurnal variations of HONO/NO2 ratio are not reproduced by the model if there is only a photolytic HONO source on aerosol or in the gas-phase from NO2* + H2O. Further analysis of the formation and loss pathways of HONO shows a vertical dependence of HONO chemistry during the day. Photolytic HONO formation at the ground is the major formation pathway in the lowest 20 m, while a combination of gas-phase, photolytic formation on aerosol, and vertical transport is responsible for daytime HONO between 200–300 m a.g.l. HONO removal is dominated by vertical transport below 20 m and photolysis between 200–300 m a.g.l.
Atmospheric test of the J(BrONO2)/kBrO+NO2 ratio: implications for total stratospheric Bry and bromine-mediated ozone loss
Authors: Kreycy S. , Camy-Peyret C. , Chipperfield M. P. , Dorf M. , Feng W. , Hossaini R. , Kritten L. , Werner B. , Pfeilsticker K.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. We report on time-dependent O3, NO2 and BrO profile measurements taken in the stratosphere by limb observations of scattered skylight at high-latitudes during autumn circulation turn-over. The observations are complemented by simultaneous direct solar occultation measurements around sunset and sunrise performed aboard the same stratospheric balloon payload. Supporting radiative transfer and photochemical modelling indicates that, the measurements can be used to constrain the ratio J(BrONO2)/kBrO+NO2, for which overall a 1.69 ± 0.04 larger ratio is found than indicated by the most recent JPL compilation (Sander et al., 2011). Sensitivity studies reveal the major reasons likely to be (1) a larger BrONO2 absorption cross-section σBrONO2, primarily for wavelengths larger than 300 nm, and (2) a smaller kBrO+NO2 at 220 K than given by Sander et al. (2011). Other factors, e.g. the actinic flux and quantum yield for the dissociation of BrONO2, can be ruled out. The observations also have consequences for total inorganic stratospheric bromine (Bry) estimated from stratospheric BrO measurements at high NOx loadings, since the J(BrONO2)/kBrO+NO2 ratio largely determines the stratospheric BrO/Bry ratio during daylight. Using the revised J(BrONO2)/kBrO+NO2 ratio, total stratospheric Bry is likely to be 1.4 ppt smaller than previously estimated from BrO profile measurements at high NOx loadings. This brings estimates of total stratospheric bromine inferred from organic source gas measurements (i.e. CH3Br, the halons, CH2Br2, CHBr3, ...) into closer agreement with estimates based on BrO observations (inorganic method). The consequences for stratospheric ozone due to the revised J(BrONO2)/kBrO+NO2 ratio are small (maximum −0.8%), since at high NOx (for which most Bry assessments are made) an overestimated Bry using the inorganic method would in return almost cancel out with the amount of reactive bromine calculated in the photochemical models.
Simulation of SEVIRI infrared channels: a case study from the Eyjafjallajökull April/May 2010 eruption
Authors: Kylling A. , Buras R. , Eckhardt S. , Emde C. , Mayer B. , Stohl A.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Infrared satellite images are widely and successfully used to detect and follow atmospheric ash from erupting volcanoes. We describe a new radiative transfer model framework for the simulation of infrared radiances, which can be compared directly with satellite images. This can be helpful to get insight into the processes that affect the satellite retrievals. As input to the radiative transfer model, the distribution of ash is provided by simulations with the FLEXPART Lagrangian particle dispersion model, meteorological cloud information is adopted from the ECMWF analysis and the radiative transfer modelling is performed with the MYSTIC 3-D radiative transfer model. The model framework is used to study an episode during the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010. It is found that to detect ash by the reverse absorption retrieval technique, accurate representation of the ash particle size distribution is required. Detailed investigation of individual pixels displays the radiative effects of various combinations of ash, liquid water and ice clouds. In order to be clearly detectable, the ash clouds need to be located at some distance above other clouds. If ash clouds are mixed with water clouds or are located only slightly above water clouds, detection of the ash becomes difficult. Simulations were also made using the so-called independent pixel approximation (IPA) instead of the fully 3-D radiative transfer modeling. A comparison between these IPA simulations and the 3-D simulations revealed differences in brightness temperatures of up to ±25 K due to shadow effects. The presented model framework is useful for further studies of the processes that affect satellite imagery and may be used to test both new and existing ash retrieval algorithms.
Hominin responses to environmental changes during the Middle Pleistocene in Central and Southern Italy
Authors: Orain R. , Lebreton V. , Russo Ermolli E. , Sémah A.-M. , Nomade S. , Shao Q. , Bahain J.-J. , Thun Hohenstein U. , Peretto C.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The palaeobotanical record of early Palaeolithic sites from Western Europe indicates that hominins settled in different kinds of environments. During the "Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT)", from about 1 to 0.6 Ma, the transition from 41-ka to 100-ka dominant climatic oscillations, occurring within a long-term cooling trend, was associated with an aridity crisis which strongly modified the ecosystems. Starting from the MPT the more favorable climate of central and southern Italy provided propitious environmental conditions for long-term human occupations even during the glacial times. In fact, the human strategy of territory occupation was certainly driven by the availabilities of resources. Prehistoric sites such as Notarchirico (ca. 680–600 ka), La Pineta (ca. 600–620 ka), Gaudo San Nicola (ca. 380–350 ka) or Ceprano (ca. 345–355 ka) testify to a preferential occupation of the central and southern Apennines valleys during interglacial phases, while later interglacial occupations were oriented towards the coastal plains, as attested by the numerous settlements of the Roma basin (ca. 300 ka). Faunal remains indicate that human subsistence behaviors benefited of a diversity of exploitable ecosystems, from semi-open to closed environments. In central and southern Italy, several palynological records have already illustrated the regional and local scale vegetation dynamic trends. During the Middle Pleistocene climate cycles, mixed mesophytic forests developed during the interglacial periods and withdrew in response to increasing aridity during the glacial episodes. New pollen data from the Boiano basin (Molise, Italy), attest to the evolution of vegetation and climate between OIS 13 and 9 (ca. 500 to 300 ka). In this basin, the persistence of high edaphic humidity, even during the glacial phases, could have favored the establishment of a refuge area for the arboreal flora and provided subsistence resources for the animal and hominin communities during the Middle Pleistocene. This could have constrained human groups to migrate into such a propitious area. Regarding to the local climate evolution during the glacial episodes, the supposed displacement from these sites could be linked to the environmental dynamics solely due to the aridity increase rather than directly to the global climate changes.
Brief communication "Ground failure and liquefaction phenomena triggered by the 20 May 2012 Emilia-Romagna (Northern Italy) earthquake: case study of Sant'Agostino–San Carlo–Mirabello zone"
Authors: Caputo R. , Papathanassiou G.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The basic aim of this study was to observe and report the earthquake-induced ground deformation of the MW = 6.1 Emilia-Romagna (Northern Italy) event that occurred on the 20 May 2012. The event caused widespread structural damages in a large area of the Po Plain, while the most characteristic geological effects were ground failure, lateral spreading and liquefaction. This post-earthquake reconnaissance report focuses on secondary effects within the area between the villages of Sant'Agostino, San Carlo and Mirabello located along a former reach of the Reno River. Our field observations started just few hours after the main shock until the 28 May 2012.
Relational Learning in Glaucous-Winged Gulls (Larus glaucescens)
Authors: Obozova Tatyana A. , Smirnova Anna A. , Zorina Zoya A.
Published: October 2012

An experimental approach was created for the comparative investigation of the cognitive abilities of the glaucous-winged gull (Larus glaucescens) in their natural habitat. The territoriality of gulls during the breeding period and the fact that the gulls inhabiting the territory of theKomandorsky Reserveare practically not in fear of humans allowed us to work with individually recognized birds directly at their nest sites inside the colony. The possibility of using this approach to investigate their cognitive abilities was demonstrated on 24 gulls, in particular, to investigate their abilities for relative size generalization. The first experiment illustrated that the gulls are able to learn to discriminate two pairs of stimuli according to the feature: ‘larger’ or ‘smaller’. They were then given a test to transfer the discriminative rule in which novel combinations of the same stimuli were used. The gulls successfully coped with only a few of these tests. In the next experiment the birds were taught to discriminate four pairs of similar stimuli. The majority of the birds coped with the tests to transfer the discriminative rule both to the novel combinations of familiar stimuli, and also to the novel stimuli of the familiar category (items of different colour and shape). However, none of the birds transferred the discriminative rule to stimuli of a novel category (sets differing by number of components). Thus, in their ability to generalize at a preconceptual level gulls are more comparable with pigeons, whereas large-brained birds (crows and parrots), are capable of concept formation.
Comparison of Neuropsychological Performance between Students from Public and Private Brazilian Schools
Authors: Casarin Fabíola Schwengber , Wong Cristina Elizabeth Izábal , Parente Maria Alice de Mattos Pimenta , de Salles Jerusa Fumagalli , Fonseca Rochele Paz
Published: October 2012

Neuropsychological assessment reveals that certain cognitive changes that take place during the neural development process may be associated with biopsychosocial issues. A substantial body of research has focused on cognitive development in children and adults, but few such studies have been carried out on adolescents. Therefore, research into the processing of neuropsychological functions in adolescents, taking into account the role of major socio-cultural factors such as school type (public vs. private), is highly relevant. The present study sought to assess whether differences in neuropsychological development exist between adolescent students of public (government-funded) and private schools. A total of 373 grade-matched students between the ages of 12 and 18, 190 from public schools and 183 from private schools, took part in the study. All subjects had no self-reported neurologic or psychiatric conditions and sensory disorders. The NEUPSILIN Brazilian Brief Neuropsychological Assessment Battery was administered to this sample. Comparison of mean scores (one-way ANCOVA with socioeconomic score and age as covariates) showed that adolescents attending private schools generally outperformed their public-school peers in tasks involving sustained attention, memory (working and visual), dictated writing, and constructional and reflective abilities. We conclude that school type should be taken into account during standardization of neuropsychological assessment instruments for adolescent and, probably, child populations.
Effect of Different Professions' Clothing on Children's Height Perception
Authors: Rashidi Mahmoud , Keshtkaran Katayoun , Zabihidan Sahar , Hosseinchari Masoud , Pazhoohi Farid
Published: October 2012

Height is a biological factor that can affect how others perceive and behave toward an individual. Clothing, as a non-biological factor, can affect these perceptions of height. In this study we investigated the effect of different professions' clothing on children's perceptions of height. One hundred and eighty primary school students participated in this study and estimated the height of an actor in the clothing of four different professions which differed in terms of prestige. The results of study showed that the difference between the perceived and actual height was larger when participants estimated the height of socially esteemed professions. Also there was no difference between girls' and boys' estimation of different professions' height. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Academic Goal Profiles: A Comparison of Blind and Sighted Students
Authors: Tello Francisco Pablo Holgado , Martínez Leandro Navas , Mira Irene Jover
Published: October 2012

Based on academic goal theory, we compared the goals of visually impaired and sighted students. Participants included 171 students affiliated with ONCE (the National Spanish Organization for the Blind) and 163 sighted students, ranging from 8 to 27 years of age, who responded to the Spanish adaptation (González, Torregrosa, & Navas, 2002) of the goals questionnaire created by Hayamizu, Ito, and Yohiazaki (1989) and Hayamizu and Weiner (1991). Factor analysis indicated that goals varied among these students and that new ones arose in this study; furthermore, the model remained invariable regardless of students' status (visually impaired versus sighted). Cluster analysis revealed three distinct profiles in terms of academic goals, while discriminant function analysis suggested these profiles vary as a function of students' status (visually impaired versus sighted). It seems that visually impaired students hold more learning-oriented academic goals.
Academic Effects of the Prestige Oil Spill Disaster
Authors: Pérez-Pereira Miguel , Tinajero Carolina , Rodríguez María Soledad , Peralbo Manuel , Sabucedo Jose Manuel
Published: October 2012

The effect of a large scale oil spill disaster on the academic achievement and classroom behavior of children and adolescents who lived on the Galician coast (Spain) is studied from an ecological perspective. 430 participants divided into three age groups of 5, 10, and 15 years of age, were studied. The participants came from three areas differently affected by the disaster. Dependent variables were academic achievement and classroom behavior of the participants after the Prestige disaster. Degree of exposure and other protective or risk factors were investigated as well. Repeated measures ANOVA to assess the main effects of the oil spill and hierarchical regression analyses to assess the contribution of the protective/vulnerability factors were performed.

The results indicate that the effects of the disaster were relatively scarce. Some protective factors accounted for a certain degree of variance of different schoolroom behaviors. These results point to the intervention of protective factors in the adaptation to the disaster.
Motivational and Emotional Profiles in University Undergraduates: a Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Authors: González Antonio , Paoloni Verónica , Donolo Danilo , Rinaudo Cristina
Published: October 2012

Previous research has focused on specific forms of self-determined motivation or discrete class-related emotions, but few studies have simultaneously examined both constructs. The aim of this study on 472 undergraduates was twofold: to perform cluster analysis to identify homogeneous groups of motivation in the sample; and to determine the profile of each cluster for emotions and academic achievement. Cluster analysis configured four groups in terms of motivation: controlled, autonomous, both high, and both low. Each cluster revealed a distinct emotional profile, autonomous motivation being the most adaptable with high scores for academic achievement and pleasant emotions and low values for unpleasant emotions. The results are discussed in the light of their implications for academic adjustment.
Are they Animals or Machines? Measuring Dehumanization
Authors: Martínez Rocío , Rodríguez-Bailón Rosa , Moya Miguel
Published: October 2012

The present research deals with two forms of dehumanization: 1) denying uniquely human attributes to others (seeing them as animals); 2) denying human nature to others (seeing them as machines or automata). Studies 1 and 2 explored these two forms of dehumanization, analyzing whether people associated their ingroup more with human-related words (vs. animal- vs. machine-related words) than two different outgroups. A paper and pencil procedure was used to find out which words were associated with the surnames of the ingroup (Spaniards) or the outgroup (Germans, Gypsies). Results showed that participants were more ready to link ingroup than outgroup surnames to human words. They also linked more Gypsy surnames to animal-related words and German surnames with machine-related words. Studies 3 and 4 used the Implicit Association Test to analyze the same ideas and replicated the results of Studies 1 and 2.
Social Integration of Latin-American Immigrants in Spain: the Influence of the Community Context
Authors: Fuente Asur , Herrero Juan
Published: October 2012

The main goal of this study is to analyze the degree to which several community elements such as insecurity, discrimination and informal community support might have an influence on the social integration of Latin-American immigrants, a group at risk of social exclusion in Spain. Multivariate linear regression analyses results showed that informal community support is positively related to social integration whereas insecurity is negatively related. The statistical relationship between discrimination and social integration disappears once levels of informal community support are taken into account. A better understanding of the factors that either promote or inhibit the social integration progress of immigrant population is important to orientate public policies and intervention programs that contribute to the adaptation of this population to the host society.
On Methods of Access to the Structure of Social Representations: the Example of Europe
Authors: Castel Philippe , Morlot Rachel , Lacassagne Marie-Françoise
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study is to identify the logic behind a range of statistical methods used to reveal the structure of social representations. Subjects (N= 317) were asked to answer the following question: “For each category of European person, please indicate which other European he would most like to have contact with”. The results of the similarity analysis lead us to the conclusion that there is an ethnocentric bias, and reveal the central factor of the representation. The representation obtained by factorial correspondence analysis seems closer to current reality and enables us to understand the divisions that have structured Europe and remained embedded in the subjects. Thus, the choice of analytical method is not merely anecdotal, given that representations obtained from the same data can vary immensely.
Social Representations, Correspondence Factor Analysis and Characterization Questionnaire: a Methodological Contribution
Authors: Lo Monaco Grégory , Piermattéo Anthony , Guimelli Christian , Abric Jean-Claude
Published: October 2012

The characterization questionnaire is inspired by Q-sort methodologies (i.e. qualitative sorting). It consists in asking participants to give their opinion on a list of items by sorting them into categories depending on their level of characterization of the object. This technique allows us to obtain distributions for each item and each response modality (i.e. characteristic vs. not chosen vs. not characteristic). This contribution intends to analyze these frequencies by means of correspondence factor analysis. The originality of this contribution lies in the fact that this kind of analysis has never been used to process data collected by means of this questionnaire. The procedure will be detailed and exemplified by means of two empirical studies on social representations of the good wine and the good supermarket. The interests of such a contribution will be discussed from both methodological points of view and an applications perspective.
Degree of Proximity in the Construction of Social Representations: The Case of Intelligence
Authors: Miguel Isabel , Valentim Joaquim Pires , Carugati Felice
Published: October 2012

The present article is devoted to the empirical endeavor of studying the effect of the degree of proximity, defined by specific socio-educational insertions, on the organization of social representations of intelligence. A questionnaire was answered by a sample of 752 participants belonging to five different social categories with different degrees of proximity and knowledge about intelligence: mothers, fathers, mother-teachers and non-parent students (psychology and science students). The questionnaire included different topics, namely concerning the concept of intelligence, its development and the effectiveness of teaching procedures. Results show that the principles organizing the contents of representations are linked to the personal involvement in intelligence, on which subjects more or less implied take different positions. Results produced suggest, therefore, that the content of representations is directly linked to the activation of social roles and the salience of the object, reflecting the functional character that the organization of representations has to specific social dynamics.
Dispositional Optimism is Unidimensional or Bidimensional? the Portuguese Revised Life Orientation Test
Authors: Ribeiro Jose Luis Pais , Pedro Luisa , Marques Susana
Published: October 2012

The aim of the study is to adapt and then discuss the appropriateness of the Life Orientation Test as a one or two dimension scale. The research includes two studies; one is composed of a sequential sample of 280 people with multiple sclerosis, 71 % female, and another includes a convenience sample of 615 individuals from the community, 51.1% female. Because the construct is built upon a theoretical assumption that has one dimension, we examine the hypothesis of one or two factor solutions through confirmatory factor analysis, and the two-dimension solution premise demonstrates better adjustment for both samples. The other psychometric properties explored show appropriate results for the Portuguese sample, and similar to the original ones; the Test therefore seems appropriate for use in cross cultural studies. Based on our results, we discuss whether the questionnaire is a one or two dimension instrument, concluding that it appears appropriate to accept the recommendations of the original authors to use it as a one-dimensional tool and, when necessary, to use both dimensions.
Autonomy Support, Basic Psychological Needs and Well-Being in Mexican Athletes
Authors: López-Walle Jeanette , Balaguer Isabel , Castillo Isabel , Tristán José
Published: October 2012

Based on Basic Needs Theory, one of the mini-theories of Self-determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2002), the present study had two objectives: (a) to test a model in the Mexican sport context based on the following sequence: perceived coach autonomy support, basic psychological needs satisfaction, and psychological well-being, and b) to analyze the mediational effect of the satisfaction of perceived coach autonomy support on indicators of psychological well-being (satisfaction with life and subjective vitality). Six hundred and sixty-nine young Mexican athletes (Boys = 339; Girls = 330; Mage = 13.95) filled out a questionnaire assessing the study variables. Structural equations analyses revealed that perceived coach autonomy support predicted satisfaction of the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Furthermore, basic need satisfaction predicted subjective vitality and satisfaction with life. Autonomy, competence and relatedness partially mediated the path from perceived coach autonomy support to psychological well-being in young Mexican athletes.
Quality of Life and Emotional Distress among HIV-Positive Women during Transition to Motherhood
Authors: Pereira Marco , Canavarro Maria Cristina
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this preliminary study was to describe the quality of life (QOL) and emotional distress during pregnancy and early postpartum, and to examine the ability of psychopathological symptoms to predict QOL at early postpartum.Asample of 75 pregnant women (31 HIV-positive and 44 HIV-negative) was assessed during the second trimester of pregnancy and two to four days postpartum. QOL was assessed with the WHOQOL-Bref. The emotional distress was assessed with the Brief Symptom Inventory, and with the Emotional Assessment Scale. Seropositive women reported increased negative emotional reactivity and lower scores in social relationships and overall QOL during pregnancy than HIV-negative women. Both HIV-positive and HIV-negative women reported better QOL after the birth of their child, when compared with the pregnancy period. Among HIV-positive women, lower anxiety and depressive symptoms during pregnancy were, respectively, significant predictors of better psychological QOL and overall QOL at early postpartum. Less intense somatic symptoms predicted better physical QOL. Longitudinal assessment of QOL and emotional status may provide potentially useful information for tailoring psychological interventions in the maternity care of HIV-infected women, during their transition to motherhood.
Prediction of PTSD in Police Officers after Six Months – a Prospective Study
Authors: Schütte Nils , Bär Olaf , Weiss Udo , Heuft Gereon
Published: October 2012

The aim of this prospective study was to explore the predictors for the development of PTSD in police officers six months after encountering situations of a potentially traumatic nature. Fifty-nine police officers were studied immediately after the event (T1) and six months later (T2). At T2 PTSD was assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I). PTSD was predicted by intrusions (Impact of Event Scale–Revised; IES-R), the impairment scale (is), global assessment of functioning scale (GAF), gender, age and sense of coherence scale (SOC). The diagnosis of an acute stress disorder (ASD) at T1 had a high specificity for identifying PTSD at T2. The strongest predictor for the development of PTSD was found to be the factor intrusions. Contrary to our expectations, age was not a significant predictive factor for PTSD. Thus, acute stress disorder (ASD) and a high degree of intrusions experienced immediately after a traumatic incident helped to identify early police officers at risk of developing chronic PTSD.
What Predicts Retention on an In-Prison Drug Treatment Program?
Authors: Casares-López María José , González-Menéndez Ana , Fernández Paula , Secades-Villa Roberto , Fernández-Hermida José Ramón
Published: October 2012

The effectiveness of treatments for substance use disorders is strongly related to retention, since early dropout from treatment is associated with greater likelihood of relapse. The purpose of this prospective, ex post facto study is to analyze the effect of individual variables on retention in a treatment program carried out in a prison drug-free unit. The Addiction Severity Index, motivation and personality profile of fifty inmates were assessed on entry to the prison. Inmates were monitored for a year to identify length of stay. Results: Motivation variables at intake play a vital role in the prediction of retention in a prison drug-free unit; scores on the Aggressive-Sadistic and Narcissistic scales are also strong predictors of treatment retention.
Effectiveness of Rhythmic Movement Therapy for Disordered Eating Behaviors and Obesity
Authors: Malkina-Pykh Irina G.
Published: October 2012

The aims of the present study were: a) to examine associations between pre-treatment BMI, body dissatisfaction, perfectionism, alexithymia, and restraint, emotional and external eating behaviour in obese patients; b) to analyze the impact of the pre-treatment measures in psychological variables on the outcome of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program; c) to test the effectiveness of rhythmic movement therapy (RMT) in the treatment of disordered eating behaviors and obesity with the CBT non-responders. At the first stage of treatment a total of 104 patients (32 males and 72 females, mean age was 37.6±6.7 years) self-referred or referred by professionals to CBT weight management program were selected at random. At the second stage 58 obese CBT-non-responders were randomly divided among the continuing CBT individual treatment group and RMT group. Control group was included. Results revealed that: a) significant associations existed between pre-treatment BMI, external eating and two dimensions of perfectionism, as well as between emotional and external eating and all dimensions of perfectionism, alexithymia and body image dissatisfaction; b) pre-treatment means of psychological variables significantly impacted the CBT program outcome; c). the efficacy of RMT approach for weight reduction as well as for the improvement of psychological status for CBT-non-responders was confirmed.
When I don't Like Myself: Portuguese Version of the Internalized Shame Scale
Authors: Matos Marcela , Pinto-Gouveia José , Duarte Cristiana
Published: October 2012

In the past two decades, there has been a growing theoretical and empirical interest on the role of shame, namely internal shame, on the conceptualization of human functioning and several interpersonal and emotional problems. The current study explores the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Internalized Shame Scale (ISS), a self-report measure which assesses trait shame, composed by an Internal Shame subscale, measuring internalized shame, and a Self-Esteem subscale. The factor structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and convergent and discriminant validity for both subscales, are presented, in a sample of 385 college students. The Principal Components Analyses reveal that both Internal Shame and Self-Esteem subscales present a one-dimensional structure which explains, respectively, 48.54% and 57.7% of the variance. The subscales present high internal consistency, with high Cronbach'alphas (.95 and .85) and moderate to high item-total correlations. The two subscales present an excellent temporal stability. Convergent and discriminant validity of the subscales was corroborated through the moderate correlations with a measure of shame and of social comparison, and through the low and moderate correlations with the subscales depression, anxiety, and stress. The Portuguese version of the ISS is a valid and reliable instrument to measure internalized shame.
Language Use and Stereotyping: the Role of Approach and Avoidance Motivation Goals
Authors: de Montes Lorena Gil , Ortiz Garbiñe , Valencia José F. , Larrañaga Maider , Agirrezabal Arrate
Published: October 2012

The use of more abstract language to describe expected behaviors as opposed to unexpected behaviors has traditionally been considered a way of stereotype maintenance. This tendency is known as linguistic expectancy bias. Two experiments examined the influence of approach and avoidance motivational orientations on the production of this linguistic expectancy bias. It was predicted that approach strategic orientation is likely to describe expectancy consistent behaviors at a higher level of linguistic abstraction than expectancy inconsistent behaviors. In contrast, avoidance strategic orientation is likely to describe both expectancy consistent behaviors and expectancy inconsistent behaviors at a lower level of linguistic abstraction, thus facilitating the disappearance of linguistic expectancy bias. Two experiments confirmed these expectations, using strategic orientation manipulations based either on communication goals or on motor action, and measuring linguistic abstraction either on forced-choice answer format or on free descriptions. Implications for the generalisation of linguistic expectancy bias are discussed.
Aversive Priming: Cognitive Processing of Threatening Stimuli is Facilitated by Aversive Primes
Authors: Huertas Evelio
Published: October 2012

It would be reasonable to expect that our previous experience regarding a stimulus that predicts harm would make the subsequent identification of that stimulus easier when harm happens again. Forty-eight volunteers were submitted to both phases of this sequence of events: learning of the predictive relationship and later priming. A face with neutral expression (CS+) was paired with a moderately aversive electric shock and another (CS−) with a neutral tone. Subsequently, these two faces, as well as other known and new faces, were presented for familiarity judgments. Both the CS+ and the CS− faces were preceded by an aversive stimulus (aversive prime) in one occasion and by a neutral stimulus (neutral prime) in another. The familiarity judgment regarding the CS+ was faster after the aversive prime than after the neutral prime, but there was no difference regarding the CS−. The differential effect of the aversive prime over the CS+ and the CS− showed a significant but small correlation with the differential skin conductance response to CS+ and CS− (signal learning), and with the differential evaluation of those stimuli in terms of like-dislike (evaluative learning). The scope of these results, as well as the usefulness of this methodological model, is discussed.
The Medium Term Outcome of the Omnifit Constrained Acetabular Cup
Authors: Bigsby Ewan , Whitehouse Michael R. , Bannister Gordon C. , Blom Ashley W.
Published: October 2012

Recurrent dislocation requiring revision surgery occurs in approximately 4% of primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs). To reduce this risk, or to treat those patients who recurrently dislocate, a constrained acetabular component may be used, however there are concerns over the success of such components due to increased mechanical stresses. The purpose of this study was to analyse the survivorship and radiological results for the Omnifit constrained acetabular component, providing a longer patient reported outcome follow-up than previous studies.

117 patients (median age 82 years) underwent a THA with an Omnifit constrained acetabular component. Of these, 45 were primary replacements and 72 were revisions. Survivorship analysis was performed and patients were assessed both radiologically and functionally.

At follow-up, 53 patients (45.3%) had died at a median time of 33 months from operation. The median overall follow-up was 7.0 (5.5–8.2) years. Survivors (median age 83 years) reported a median Oxford Hip Score (OHS) of 16.6 (0–48), 87.8% were satisfied with their surgery. 45 (91.8%) of the acetabular components were stable radiologically, 48 (96%) of the femoral components were stable (5 uncemented, 43 cemented) and two possibly unstable. Four of the 117 patients underwent further surgery. Only one required revision of the prosthesis and this was for a periprosthetic fracture.

In the medium term the Omnifit constrained acetabular component prevents dislocation and does not cause excessive loosening of either the acetabular or femoral components in our patient population. Our results support the use of the Omnifit constrained acetabular component in elderly patients at risk of dislocation with low functional demand.
Delayed hemolytic reaction due to anti Jka alloimmunization
Authors: Malhotra Sheetal , Kaur Gagandeep , Singh Lakhwinder , Basu Sabita , Lehl SS
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Kidd blood group system has a special importance in transfusion medicine as the antibodies to Kidd antigens tend to go down to undetectable levels but show an anamnestic response on exposure through pregnancy or blood transfusion and cause hemolytic transfusion reaction, most commonly delayed transfusion reaction.
Case Report: We report a patient who developed alloantibodies to 'Kidd a' antigen leading to delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction.
Conclusion: We emphasize the steps for detecting these antibodies and the precautions to be taken once these antibodies are identified.
Analysis of the seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilitic infections detected in the pretranfusion blood: A short report
Authors: Kulkarni Nagarekha
Published: October 2012

Aims: Blood transfusion is an important mode of transmission of infections to recipients. The aim of the study was to analyse the seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilitic infections in the pretransfusion blood.
Methods: A total of 19,135 blood units were tested for HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilis.
Results: The seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilis was 0.9%, 3.2%, 0.35%, 0.04% respectively in total donors.
Conclusions: The seroprevalence of HBsAg was more compared to HIV, HCV and syphilis.