bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher Magnesium Intake Reduces Risk of Impaired Glucose and Insulin Metabolism and Progression From Prediabetes to Diabetes in Middle-Aged Americans
Authors: Hruby Adela , Meigs James B. , O’Donnell Christopher J. , Jacques Paul F. , McKeown Nicola M.
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

To assess 7-year associations between magnesium intake and incident prediabetes and/or insulin resistance (IR), and progression from these states to type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In 2,582 community-dwelling participants 26–81 years old at baseline, magnesium intake and risk of incident “metabolic impairment,” defined as impaired fasting glucose (FG) (≥5.6 to <7.0 mmol/L), impaired glucose tolerance (2-h postload glucose ≥7.8 to <11.1 mmol/L), IR, or hyperinsulinemia (≥90th percentile of homeostasis model assessment of IR or fasting insulin, respectively), was estimated among those with normal baseline status, and risk of incident diabetes was estimated among those with baseline metabolic impairment. In participants without incident diabetes, we examined magnesium intake in relation to 7-year changes in fasting and postload glucose and insulin, IR, and insulin sensitivity.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age, sex, and energy intake, compared with those with the lowest magnesium intake, those with the highest intake had 37% lower risk of incident metabolic impairment (P trend = 0.02), and in those with baseline metabolic impairment, higher intake was associated with 32% lower risk of incident diabetes (P trend = 0.05). In the combined population, the risk in those with the highest intake was 53% (P trend = 0.0004) of those with the lowest intake. Adjusting for risk factors and dietary fiber attenuated associations in the baseline normal population but did not substantially affect associations in the metabolically impaired. Higher magnesium intake tended to associate with lower follow-up FG and IR, but not fasting insulin, postload values, or insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnesium intake may be particularly beneficial in offsetting risk of developing diabetes among those at high risk. Magnesium’s long-term associations with non–steady-state (dynamic) measures deserve further research.
Stability bands for moving solitons in uniform and inhomogeneous damped ac-driven circular Toda lattices
Authors: Vergara Lautaro , Malomed Boris
Published: October 2013

By means of systematic simulations, we study the motion of discrete solitons in weakly dissipative Toda lattices (TLs) with periodic boundary conditions, resonantly driven by a spatially staggered time-periodic (ac) force. A complex set of alternating stability bands and instability gaps, including scattered isolated stability points, is revealed in the parametric plane of the soliton’s velocity and forcing amplitude for a given size of the circular lattice. The analysis is also reported for the circular TL including a single light- or heavymass defect. The stability chart as a whole shrinks and eventually disappears with the increase of the lattice’s size and strength of the mass defect. Qualitative explanations to these findings are proposed. We also report the dependence of the stability area on the initial position of the soliton, finding that the area is largest for some intersite position. For a pair of solitons traveling in opposite directions, there exist regimes where both solitons survive periodic collisions in small-size lattices.
Regional diversity in the socio-economic situation
of Poland’s rural population in the period 1967-2001, assessed by anthropological methods
Authors: Łaska-Mierzejewska Teresa , Olszewska Elżbieta
Published: October 2013

The analysis covered girls, aged 9-18, from farmer, farmer-worker and non-farmer rural families inhabiting 4 regions of Poland. Additionally, parents’ education, number of children per family and the wealth of the family were recorded. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of social stratification of the rural population, the economic crisis (1978-1989) and political and economic transition (1989) on the girls’ biological maturation. Age at menarche and body height were used as biological measures of living conditions. In the period 1967-1977 a marked acceleration in maturation and a significant increase in average body height were noted. The study repeated in 1987 demonstrated negative effects of the economic crisis (1977-1989). Research findings from 2001, after the political system transformation, provide evidence ‘compensating for losses’ recorded in girls’ biological condition during the crisis. The diversity of biogeographic and socioeconomic conditions of rural inhabitants in the studied regions is reflected in a marked diversification in age of menarche and body height.
Teaching Approaches of Community College Mathematics Faculty
Authors: Mesa Vilma , Celis Sergio , Lande Elaine
Published: October 2013

We report on a qualitative investigation of the ways in which 14 faculty members in the mathematics department at a community college described their approaches to teaching and contrasted those with analyses of their mathematics lessons. We characterized instructors’ teaching approaches as traditional, meaning-making, or student-support and classified framing talk and mathematical questioning in the classroom. We found an association between instructors’ descriptions of their approaches to teaching and their enactment in the classroom through framing talk but no association between these approaches and instructors’ use of novel mathematical questions. Categorizations of teaching approaches that include classroom data to describe the interactions between students, content, and instruction can provide actionable information to influence teaching practice in higher education.
La forêt des Erses, laboratoire du contrôle et patrimoine exceptionnel
Authors: Horisberger Denis
Published: October 2013

The forest of Les Erses: a monitoring laboratory and an outstanding heritage

The forest of Les Erses is situated at an altitude of 1100 m in the Jura mountains in Switzerland. It contains mixed stands of varying degrees of irregularity, and since 1889 has been the subject of uninterrupted records made by the pioneers of selection silviculture by the check method, Henry Biolley and William Borel, and then by the foresters of the Service of forests, wildlife and nature of the canton of Vaud. Since 1967, monitoring of individual stems of over 10 cm diameter in 59 permanent sample plots has demonstrated a positive trend in total wood production, and in stem diameter. This is probably an effect of global warming and improvement in the soils freed from grazing pressure. The processes of recruitment, growth and removal of the stems are complex: however, the relevance of the models used by the canton of Vaud to manage the forests in a sustainable way has been demonstrated. Although silvicultural objectives vary according to technical progress, the interests of the owners, the needs of society and, today, climate change, monitoring the development of forest stands is the core of a responsible sustainability policy. The concepts and enquiries of Biolley and Borel are still relevant after 120 years of silvicultural history in the forest of les Erses, even though today's concepts of monitoring have gone beyond the narrow frame in which the pioneers developed it.
Multi-Threading a State-of-the-Art Maximum Clique Algorithm
Authors: McCreesh Ciaran , Prosser Patrick
Published: October 2013

We present a threaded parallel adaptation of a state-of-the-art maximum clique algorithm for dense, computationally challenging graphs. We show that near-linear speedups are achievable in practice and that superlinear speedups are common. We include results for several previously unsolved benchmark problems.
Explaining Holographic Dark Energy
Authors: Gao Shan
Published: October 2013

The possible holographic origin of dark energy is investigated. The main existing explanations, namely the UV/IR connection argument of Cohen et al., Thomas’ bulk holography argument, and Ng’s spacetime foam argument, are shown to be not wholly satisfactory. A new explanation is then proposed based on the ideas of Thomas and Ng. It is suggested that dark energy originates from the quantum fluctuations of spacetime limited by the event horizon of the universe. Several potential problems of the explanation are also discussed.
Publisher’s Note: Journal of Risk and Financial Management
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: October 2013

The Journal of Risk and Financial Management (JRFM) is published in full open access by MDPI as of 1 October 2013, when MDPI took over the ownership of the journal. So far, this journal has been published elsewhere in yearly volumes (one issue per yearly volume) since 2008, with a total of 25 papers released up to this moment [1]. Starting from 1 January 2014, the journal will be published in quarterly issues. [...]
Literatura tradicional y literatura popular. Romance y corrido en México
Authors: González Aurelio
Published: October 2013

Revisión diacrónica del romance y el corrido en México. Evolución de los romances peninsulares en el contexto indiano. Nacimiento del corrido (finales del XIX) y relación con la veta "vulgar" del romancero español. Tradicionalización de algunos tipos de corrido, y vitalidad del género.
Radio y cultura popular en Colombia
Authors: Posada Consuelo
Published: October 2013

Le rôle de la radio dans une société urbaine encore marquée par l'héritage rural. Evolution du feuilleton radiophonique. Le lien spécial que les migrants et leurs enfants maintiennent avec l'oralité par le biais du transistor. Exemples pris dans les émissions des stations de Medellín (Colombie).
«¿Hasta dónde llegaremos en esto de la belleza ? »
Authors: Pino Iturrieta Elías
Published: October 2013

La belleza femenina en los proyectos matrimoniales, según los archivos venezolanos del XIX. Virtudes cristianas, virtudes republicanas, criterios estéticos europeos y prejuicios raciales en la mirada de los hombres.
El ensayo en la historia cultural del Uruguay : Angel Rama
Authors: de Sierra Carmen
Published: October 2013

Considerado por mucho tiempo como un « no género », aparece hoy el ensayo, especialmente en América Latina, como uno de los tipos de producción que mejor transmiten los problemas de identidad nacional y continental. Es el caso en el Uruguay de los años 60 y 70, con « La generación crítica, 1939- 1969 » (1971), de Ángel Rama (1930-1983) : representación y reflexión agudas sobre la « lección de la crisis », descubrimiento de una sociedad distinta que ya no podía ser la del pasado, que intentaba comprender y, en medio de lo imprevisto, construir un futuro que no sería ya exclusivamente nacional. Se desdibujan las fronteras entre la literatura y la historia en este intento de imaginar y comprender una realidad específica.
El eslabón perdido
Authors: Premat Julio
Published: October 2013

El entenado (1983) se définit comme l'histoire d'une écriture qui, au niveau de l'imaginaire, développe un mythe de retour aux origines, à la fois de la zona saérienne et de la création littéraire. L'apprentissage de Ta langue maternelle, de la culture et de l'écriture, sont des étapes de récupération d'un sens, ou le chemin qui mène à la formulation possible des fantasmes de cannibalisme et d'inceste. De ce point de vue El entenado représente plus qu'un « retour au romanesque » dans la trajectoire de Juan José Saer : il s'agit du récit d'un combat primordial contre l'inaétermination, celle qui harcèle les Colastiné mais aussi toute expression intelligible. Par rapport aux oeuvres qui le précèdent directement, El entenado présente une fictionnalisation réussie - et exorcisante - des obstacles qui empêchent la communication et enlisent le récit dans sa propre énonciation. A partir de ce roman, une nouvelle étape de la saga saérienne s'est ouverte, ainsi qu'une nouvelle relation avec l'écriture.
Fray Diego Durán y los trabajos de traducción de un nuevo mundo
Authors: Máynez Vidal Pilar
Published: October 2013

Los diversos procedimientos usados por fray Diego Duran para volver comprensibles a los evangelizadores y catequizadores términos y conceptos de la religión préhispánica. Buenas intenciones, bloqueos ideológicos e ingenuidades del cronista.
Genetic diversity in three endangered pitcher plant species (Sarracenia; Sarraceniaceae) is lower than widespread congeners
Authors: Furches M. Steven , Small Randall L. , Furches Anna
Published: October 2013

•Premise of the study:Narrow‐ranging, rare species often exhibit levels of genetic diversity lower than more common or widespread congeners. These taxa are at increased risk of extinction due to threats associated with natural as well as anthropogenic events. We assessed genetic variation in three federally endangeredSarraceniaspecies. We discuss maintenance of genetic diversity and evolutionary implications of rarity.

•Methods:We analyzed three noncoding chloroplast regions and nine microsatellite loci in populations spanning the geographic ranges ofS. oreophila,S. alabamensis, andS. jonesii. The same microsatellite loci were used to examine a single field site of three more widespread species (S. alata,S. leucophylla, andS. rubrasubsp.wherryi).

•Key results:All three endangered species have experienced reductions in population size and numbers. All show considerably less variation than more widespread members of the genus.Sarracenia alabamensismaintains the greatest microsatellite variation but has the fewest remaining populations and may be under the greatest threat. More widespreadS. oreophilamaintains surprising chloroplast diversity, yet exhibits little microsatellite diversity.Sarracenia jonesiilacks chloroplast diversity, yet maintains greater microsatellite diversity thanS. oreophila.

•Conclusions:The three endangered species differ in levels and structure of diversity, yet not in predictable ways, emphasizing that unique demographic and ecological histories, rather than current distribution and population size, best explain present patterns of genetic variation. Maintenance of remaining genetic variation is important, but preventing further habitat loss and degradation is critical.
Hybridization leads to interspecific gene flow in Sarracenia (Sarraceniaceae)
Authors: Furches M. Steven , Small Randall L. , Furches Anna
Published: October 2013

• Premise of the study: The role of hybridization in plant evolution remains a source of intense debate. Potential consequences range from genetic dead‐ends to species fusion or hybrid speciation. While much has been learned from model systems such as Populus, Iris, and Helianthus, many questions remain. Consisting of 11 species that are all capable of hybridizing, Sarracenia presents an excellent system in which to study hybridization.

• Methods: Using microsatellites, we examined a single field site consisting of three species: S. leucophylla, S. alata, and S. rubra subsp. wherryi. We determined the level of genetic admixture and compared it with allopatric sites of the same taxa.

• Key results: In contrast to the well‐defined clusters formed when we examined the allopatric sites, the sympatric field site exhibited a wide range of admixture. Additionally, when the relative genetic makeup of “pure” species at the site was compared with the makeup of hybrids, we found that Sarracenia alata contributed disproportionately to the hybrid genomes.

• Conclusions: Our study provides further evidence that hybridization is contributing to interspecific gene flow in the genus and that all species do not contribute equally to hybridization. Implications for conservation are discussed.
MODELLING A DISPUTE HEARING BETWEEN AN INVESTOR AND THE PUBLIC CONCERNED IN ADMINISTRATIVE COURTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA
Authors: Šostak Olga Regina , Makutėnienė Daiva
Published: October 2013

The article discusses possible effects on the success of an investment project when rights of the public concerned have been infringed during construction planning. The administrative proceedings defending the rights of the public concerned infringed during territorial planning have been analysed for that purpose. For any construction project, judicial dispute is an undesirable risk factor and can disrupt the entire project. The article, therefore, looks into an actual dispute that reached the court and took place between an investor and the public concerned. The negative effects of this judicial dispute, both on the investor and the public concerned, have been determined. The investor's blunders that prevented any chance of escaping the judicial dispute and led to several years of litigation have been also determined. The article looks into the behaviour of disputing parties at various stages of the judicial dispute. Based on the research, a conceptual model was crafted to enable analysis of formal model behaviour in future studies and to build a complex system that would facilitate any construction project with planning and application of preventive measures that would mitigate the risk of a judicial dispute as early as during the first project planning stage.
UNCERTAIN GROUP DECISION-MAKING WITH INDUCED AGGREGATION OPERATORS AND EUCLIDEAN DISTANCE
Authors: Su Weihua , Zeng Shouzhen , Ye Xiaojia
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we present the induced uncertain Euclidean ordered weighted averaging distance (IUEOWAD) operator. It is an extension of the OWA operator that uses the main characteristics of the induced OWA (IOWA), the Euclidean distance and uncertain information represented by interval numbers. The main advantage of this operator is that it is able to consider complex attitudinal characters of the decision-maker by using order-inducing variables in the aggregation of the Euclidean distance. Moreover, it is able to deal with uncertain environments where the information is very imprecise and can be assessed with interval numbers. We study some of its main properties and particular cases such as the uncertain maximum distance, the uncertain minimum distance, the uncertain normalized Euclidean distance (UNED), the uncertain weighted Euclidean distance (UWED) and the uncertain Euclidean ordered weighted averaging distance (UEOWAD) operator. We also apply this aggregation operator to a group decision-making problem regarding the selection new artillery weapons under uncertainty.
Les diamants (de Bokassa) sont éternels
Authors: Bat Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2013

Bois « sacré » du domaine réservé du chef de l’État sous la V e République, l’Afrique est passée du « secret du roi » incarné par Jacques Foccart aux feux médiatiques des scandales. Ce changement de registre, dont « l’affaire des diamants » constitue l’archétype, a profondément altéré l’interprétation de la politique africaine de la France. Pensée comme le socle du programme d’indépendance nationale imaginée par le général de Gaulle, elle a été réduite à une succession d’affaires, parsemées des ombres inquiétantes de « barbouzes ». L’archéologie du récit (médiatique) de la « Françafrique » doit permettre de comprendre le « syndrome Foccart », par-delà les fantasmes attachés à la cellule africaine de l’Élysée vue comme la plus secrète boîte noire de la République.
Être et exister
Authors: Lehoux Emmanuel
Published: October 2013

Si la jouissance est la volonté du réel à se faire signifier ou la réponse à cette intention du réel, la construction pour chaque sujet de son rapport au langage est traitement de la jouissance. Cela vaut pour tout mode d’assujettissement au langage (névrose, psychose ou perversion). Le symptôme, s’originant du moi réel initial freudien, est ce sur quoi le sujet peut s’appuyer. Mais est-ce la seule voie d’existence ? Dans R.S.I., Lacan place dans les champs d’existence les jouissances mais aussi le ternaire freudien inhibition, symptôme, angoisse. Il y a donc une existence qui s’appuie sur l’être et pas sans jouissance. À la fin d’une analyse, la traversée du fantasme pour le névrosé ouvre vers l’identification au symptôme. Cela n’est pas la même chose que de partir de son symptôme pour s’assurer de son existence dans la psychose où le Nom-du-Père est forclos. D’où le psychotique va-t-il alors pouvoir extraire son désir ?
Juliette et la dialectique de la raison chez Horkheimer et Adorno
Authors: Adler Karin
Published: October 2013

Horkheimer et Adorno le disent avant Lacan : le formalisme de la loi morale kantienne, avec son exigence d’obéir au devoir de l’apathie, peut de la même façon soutenir la vertu comme l’immoralité, le bien comme le mal. Cependant, selon Horkheimer et Adorno, le formalisme éthique conduit à la réduction de l’homme à un objet manipulable au service de la conservation du sujet. Pour Lacan, dans son « Kant avec Sade » en revanche, c’est le bourreau qui se trouve à la place de l’objet.
La fin du monde
Authors: Holland John
Published: October 2013

Cet article examine certains aspects de l’épistémologie du discours du maître et de sa mutation moderne, le discours capitaliste. La Weltanschauung, la « conception du monde », du maître se base sur l’exclusion du fantasme dans ce discours, exclusion qui établit la primauté du principe de réalité sur le savoir. Le discours capitaliste a la fonction de faire exister un tel monde, mais la forclusion de la castration le rend impossible. Une discussion des travaux de l’école de Chicago montre qu’au sein de ce discours un tel monde ne cesse pas de ne pas s’écrire.
Levinas et Lacan face à l'éclipse du christianisme
Authors: Duportail Guy-Félix
Published: October 2013

Il s’agit dans ce texte de comprendre les œuvres de Levinas et de Lacan comme autant de tentatives de réponse à la question de l’éclipse du christianisme. Cette dernière expression désigne l’abandon de la morale objective ordinaire durant l’Holocauste des juifs.
Un lien qui libère
Authors: Sidoit Véronique
Published: October 2013

Parler de liberté n’est pas chose aisée en psychanalyse, mais cette notion est pourtant au cœur même de la cure analytique. Un sentiment inédit de liberté s’éprouve lorsque celle-ci est menée à son terme. Il est donc nécessaire de la définir : d’une part, la liberté du sujet de l’inconscient découle de liens préalables, celui du transfert et celui de l’association libre, d’autre part elle touche à ce qui constitue le sujet, c’est-à-dire au langage et au rapport à l’Autre.
Un nuevo meteorito español: Retuerta del Bullaque (Ciudad Real). Clasificación, mineralogía y preservación de la morfología
Authors: Lozano R. P. , Reyes J. , Baeza E. , González Laguna R. , Gutiérrez-Marco J. C. , Jiménez Martínez R.
Published: October 2013

El meteorito de Retuerta del Bullaque es un nuevo siderito español, encontrado en 1980 cerca de esta localidad de Ciudad Real, en un área colindante al Parque Nacional de Cabañeros (39º27’32”N, 4º22’39”O). Con cerca de 100 kg de peso, se trata de una octaedrita gruesa moderadamente oxidada con regmaglifos. Algunos sectores del borde están recristalizados debido a la fricción con la atmósfera. Los análisis de ICP-AES (Ni: 7.527 y Co: 0.475 en % en peso) e ICP-MS (Ga: 68.9, Ge: 365, As: 13.7, W: 0.95, Ir: 1.95 y Au: 1.70 en ppm) permiten clasificar el ejemplar en el grupo principal del complejo IAB. Químicamente, el meteorito de Retuerta del Bullaque es similar al siderito de Kaalijarv, aunque mineralógica y texturalmente es más parecido a otros sideritos del citado grupo, con menos Ni y Au (como por ejemplo Cañón del Diablo). Retuerta del Bullaque está compuesto principalmente por kamacita, tanto en bandas de Widmanstätten (2.0 ± 0.3 mm) con inclusiones de cohenita, como en sectores poligonales sin cohenita y con abundantes líneas de Neumann. En ambas zonas, la kamacita contiene schreibersita alotriomorfa e idiomorfa (rhabdita). La taenita forma delgadas lamelas situadas entre los cristales de kamacita y también dentro de plessitas perlíticas. La cohenita lamelar es muy abundante (9.5 % del área total en dos secciones de 77.7 y 41.1 cm2), está parcialmente recubierta de schreibersita y contiene esférulos de kamacita y taenita. La sección más grande muestra varios nódulos de troilita- grafito (máxima dimensión: 5-18 mm), localizados en las zonas centrales de la kamacita poligonal. Cada nódulo está recubierto por schreibersita + cohenita. Hemos preservado la morfología original del ejemplar mediante técnicas de moldeo y vaciado (basadas en elastómeros, resinas y escayolas modificadas) y utilizado tecnología de escáner láser en 3D.
Geographic Variation in Liver Metal Concentrations of Greater Sage-Grouse
Authors: Blomberg Erik J. , Wolff Peregrine L. , Sedinger James S.
Published: October 2013

Populations of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have declined throughout the species' range. We evaluated metal concentrations in livers sampled from greater sage-grouse collected from hunters in Eureka County, Nevada, during autumn of 2008 and 2010. We make local comparisons of metal concentrations between two populations of greater sage-grouse in Eureka County, as well as regional comparisons with previously reported values for greater sage-grouse collected in Wyoming and Montana. With one exception, tissue concentrations of lead, arsenic, and mercury were below method detection limits. Mean concentrations of iron, molybdenum, and zinc differed between the two Nevada populations, and magnesium, cadmium, molybdenum, and selenium differed between greater sage-grouse in eastern Nevada, and values reported for Wyoming and Montana. In contrast, we found no evidence for local variation in magnesium, copper, cadmium, or selenium, or for regional variation in iron, zinc, or copper. Of particular interest were low selenium concentrations in our study system relative to Wyoming and Montana. Some individuals in our study returned liver selenium values considered consistent with selenium deficiency in domestic poultry. This research adds to the small body of literature on background contaminant levels in greater sage-grouse, and provides evidence for geographic variation in metal concentrations at local and regional scales.
Relational leadership and the missional church
Authors: Breedt Jacob J. , Niemandt Cornelius J.P.
Published: October 2013

The global realities regarding cultural shifts and the transition between traditional, modern and postmodern world perspectives have particular implications for leadership in general. In several institutions, including those in commercial, educational, medical and religious circles, leaders face the challenges of constant change in lifestyle, relational intelligence and responsibility. The combined impact of these changes in thought and culture, information technology, globalisation and racial, ethnic and religious pluralism has displaced the historic role the church has traditionally played. In this article it was argued that the church would have to take a hard look at relationships, in order to be the successful missional church which was demonstrated by Jesus Christ. The church needs to change, evolve and advance in relational intelligence and leadership � and leaders should set the pace. This implies that a paradigm shift is necessary; it is believed that this can be achieved through the proposed relational leadership style, as clearly demonstrated in the Trinitarian discussion. The Trinity, especially a relational Trinity, revealed the core understanding of missional ecclesiology and leadership and showed that as a result of the total �oneness� of God, there is no hierarchical order in the Godhead and as such the church should function and operate with the Trinity as its model and example.
Microbial Carriage of Cockroaches at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Tetteh-Quarcoo Patience B. , Donkor Eric S. , Attah Simon K. , Duedu Kwabena O. , Afutu Emmanuel , Boamah Isaac , Olu-Taiwo Michael , Anim-Baidoo Isaac , Ayeh-Kumi Patrick F.
Published: October 2013

Cockroaches are common in the environment of many hospitals in Ghana; however, little is known about their public health risks. To evaluate potential risks, we investigated the external and internal microbial flora of 61 cockroaches from a tertiary hospital in Ghana and evaluated the antibiotic resistance profiles of the common bacterial species. Standard methods were used in all the microbiological investigations and antibiotic susceptibility testing. A rotavirus carriage rate of 19.7% was observed among the cockroaches. Four types of intestinal parasites were carried externally by the cockroaches, and the most prevalent was Hookworm (4.9%). Eight nosocomial bacteria were isolated from the cockroaches, and the most prevalent was Klebsiella pneumoniae, which occurred internally in 29.5% of the cockroaches and 26.2% externally. Multiple drug resistance among common bacteria isolated from the cockroaches ranged from 13.8% ( Escherichia coli) to 41.1% ( Klebsiella pneumoniae). Cockroaches constitute an important reservoir for pathogenic microorganisms, and may be important vectors of multiple resistant nosocomial pathogens in the studied hospital.
Article Commentary: Adolescent Sleep and Cellular Phone Use: Recent Trends and Implications for Research
Authors: Adams Sue K. , Daly Jennifer F. , Williford Desireé N.
Published: October 2013

Adolescent sleep needs range from 8.5–10 hours per night, with older adolescents requiring less sleep than younger adolescents. On average, however, American adolescents receive between 7.5–8.5 hours of sleep per night, with many sleeping fewer than 6.5 hours on school nights. Cellular phone use is emerging as an important factor that interferes with both sleep quality and quantity, particularly as smartphones become more widely available to teens. This review paper has three objectives. First, we will describe adolescent sleep patterns and the effects of sleep deprivation on adolescent physical and mental health. Second, we will describe current trends in technology use among adolescents, making associations to how technology impacts sleep. Lastly, we will discuss some of the methodological barriers of conducting sleep and technology research with adolescents and young adults and offer suggestions for overcoming those barriers. We will also discuss implications for healthcare providers.
Nutritional Status of Water-soluble Vitamins Did not Differ According to Intake Levels of Wheat and Wheat Alternatives and Rice and Rice Alternatives as a Staple Food in Pregnant Japanese Women
Authors: Shibata Katsumi , Fukuwatari Tsutomu , Sasaki Satoshi
Published: October 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the intake level of a staple food influences the nutritional status of water-soluble vitamins in pregnant Japanese women. Urinary excretion of water-soluble vitamins was used as a biomarker for nutritional assessment. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected and vitamin intake was surveyed using a validated self-administered comprehensive diet history questionnaire. Subjects were categorized into bottom, middle, and upper tertiles according to the percentage of total energy intake from wheat and wheat alternatives or rice and rice alternatives. The present study showed that the nutritional status of water-soluble vitamins did not differ with intake level of wheat and wheat alternatives or rice and rice alternatives as a staple food in pregnant Japanese women.
Establishing Electronic Health Record Competency Testing for First-Year Residents
Authors: Nuovo Jim , Hutchinson David , Balsbaugh Thomas , Keenan Craig
Published: October 2013

Background

Despite widespread use of electronic health records (EHRs), it is unclear whether residents possess the EHR skills to perform required tasks.

Objective

We assessed first-year residents' skills on specific EHR tasks.

Methods

Incoming residents were required to participate in EHR training before starting clinical rotations. The training team developed an assessment tool for 19 EHR tasks. Senior residents used a structured template to assess interns.

Results

For ambulatory workflow skills, most participants (range, 70%–100%) demonstrated competence. The 3 skills for which interns needed the most assistance were (1) creating and routing a result note (17 of 68, 25%), (2) deleting a medication or changing a dose in reconciling medications (10 of 68, 15%), and (3) finding results for the past 90 days (10 of 68, 15%). For inpatient workflow skills, most interns (range, 63%–100%) demonstrated competence. The 3 skills in which interns needed the most assistance were (1) placing a referral order at discharge (23 of 68, 34%), (2) finding a temperature on a flow sheet and trending it over time (14 of 68, 21%), and (3) creating a discharge summary, having it reviewed, and forwarding it to the primary care physician (14 of 68, 21%).

Conclusions

Our results should help EHR training teams at other institutions to better understand the strengths and weakness of EHR training approaches and to target training on tasks with the greatest performance deficits as well as toward underperforming individuals or groups.
TB case detection in Tajikistan – analysis of existing obstacles
Authors: Korobitsyn Alexei , Bobokhojaev Oktam , Mohr Thomas , Ismoilova Jamila , Makhmudova Mavluda , Trusov Alex
Published: October 2013

Background: Tajikistan National TB Control ProgramObjective: (1) To identify the main obstacles to increasing TB Detection in Tajikistan. (2) To identify interventions that improve TB detection.Methods: Review of the available original research data, health normative base, health systems performance and national economic data, following WHO framework for detection of TB cases, which is based on three scenarios of why incident cases of TB may not be notified.Results: Data analysis revealed that some aspects of TB case detection are more problematic than others and that there are gaps in the knowledge of specific obstacles to TB case detection. The phenomenon of “initial default” in Tajikistan has been documented; however, it needs to be studied further. The laboratory services detect infectious TB cases effectively; however, referrals of appropriate suspects for TB diagnosis may lag behind. The knowledge about TB in the general population has improved. Yet, the problem of TB related stigma persists, thus being an obstacle for effective TB detection. High economic cost of health services driven by under-the-table payments was identified as another barrier for access to health services.Conclusion: Health system strengthening should become a primary intervention to improve case detection in Tajikistan. More research on reasons contributing to the failure to register TB cases, as well as factors underlying stigma is needed.
History of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Research: A Personal and Scientific Voyage
Authors: Lehrer Paul
Published: October 2013

This paper reviews the history of heart rate variability biofeedback. Interest in the method has evolved from several directions, eventually mutually influencing each other, and often through workshops provided by the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. My own work was influenced by long-term use of the technique in Russia, and from research by Evgeny Vaschillo using transfer function analysis among heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure, to show how the technique stimulates the baroreflex; also by Richard Gevirtz in frequent workshops given together. Work at the HeartMath Institute independently evolved from experience with music relaxation and “heartfelt emotion,” and other research evolved from American psychophysiological research. Brief descriptions of the development of interest and work in this field are provided by Richard Gevirtz, Rollin McCraty (HeartMath), Fredric Shaffer, and Robert Nolan, as well as myself.
Don't Add or Miss a Beat: A Guide to Cleaner Heart Rate Variability Recordings
Authors: Shaffer Fred , Combatalade Didier C.
Published: October 2013

Heart rate variability (HRV) refers to the beat-to-beat variation in the time intervals between heart contractions. This phenomenon reflects physiological processes that are trained in many biofeedback applications. HRV is routinely monitored using an electrocardiograph (ECG) or photoplethysmograph (PPG), supplemented by a respirometer. This article explains the importance of inspecting raw signals, describes the effects of prescription medications and social drugs, identifies common sources of signal contamination, and recommends practical precautions to increase recording fidelity.
Heart Rate Variability and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Tan Gabriel , Wang Penelope , Ginsberg Jay
Published: October 2013

The psychophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) points towards autonomic dysregulation—specifically, elevated sympathetic response and attenuated parasympathetic response. In view of this, heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback has been applied and tested as a treatment for PTSD. Review of existing published research suggests that HRV biofeedback seems promising as a treatment for PTSD, both in significantly alleviating the symptoms and in improving cognition for those suffering from PTSD. Drop-out rate is low, and inexpensive and portable HRV biofeedback devices such as the Stress Eraser make it a viable alternative to traditional treatment such as prolonged exposure therapy (PET), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT). More recent research has also shown that combining HRV biofeedback with CBT, PET, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) improved the efficacy of these therapies in treating PTSD. More larger-scale and rigorous controlled trials are needed to confirm these outcomes.
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren: Effects on Stress, Emotions, and Cognitions
Authors: Zauszniewski Jaclene A. , Au Tsay-Yi , Musil Carol M.
Published: October 2013

Over one million American grandmothers raise grandchildren, and many experience stress that may be alleviated by biofeedback. This pilot trial of 20 grandmothers used a pretest-posttest design with repeated measures to test the effects of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback on perceived stress, negative emotions, and depressive cognitions. Significant decreases in stress, negative emotions, and depressive cognitions were found. Biofeedback is thus potentially effective for reducing stress and depressive thoughts and feelings in grandmothers raising grandchildren, and the intervention warrants further testing.
What's New with BCIA?
Authors: Crawford Judy
Published: October 2013

This article reviews developments at BCIA, including the HRV biofeedback certificate program, enhanced documentation of unlicensed certificants, appropriate credentials, international credentialing, and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).
Protocol for Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Training
Authors: Lehrer Paul , Vaschillo Bronya , Zucker Terri , Graves Jessica , Katsamanis Maria , Aviles Milisyaris , Wamboldt Frederick
Published: October 2013

This paper describes a five-visit heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback protocol we have used both clinically and in research. This protocol was refined in a study of biofeedback therapy for treating asthma. Similar, longer methods have been used for treating various conditions involving pain, anxiety, depression, and other psychophysiological disorders.
Teacher knowledge, training and acceptance of students with ADHD in their classrooms: Qatar case study
Authors: Bradshaw Lori , Kamal Madeeha
Published: October 2013

The presence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is similar to other neurological disorders of the brain in that it lacks a simple specific blood or other straightforward test to confirm the disorder. Parent and teacher rating scales are the standard measure of the presence of ADHD. Most referrals to medical professionals for an ADHD assessment are made by the student's teacher. Qatar schools are staffed differently than other countries in the region, with less than 25% of teachers being local Qataris. Given the appointment of teachers from surrounding nations, there is a lack of quality control for teacher preparation with each nation setting their own standards for teacher education and professional development. Without adequate knowledge of ADHD, teachers may not be able to accurately complete the teacher rating scales needed by medical professionals to assist in confirming a diagnosis of ADHD. Therefore, it is important that teachers understand the characteristics of ADHD, and that ADHD is a neurobiological disorder. This descriptive study explores teacher knowledge and perceptions of ADHD. The instrument for this study was derived from the Knowledge of Attention Deficit Disorders Scale (KADDS) adapted to fit the local Qatari context and study objectives. Participants were recruited from a random sample of Qatar Independent Schools. Frequency distributions and t-tests were conducted to determine ranges of responses, and relationships between responses and four demographic variables. Results are reported for demographics, teacher knowledge and teacher perceptions and beliefs. The results suggest that current clinical and scientific knowledge of the symptoms, causes and treatment of ADHD is not included in teacher preparation or professional development programs. Thus the ability of teachers to assess eligible students and to monitor medications for students with ADHD comes under question. Promising results include the fact that many teachers reported that they did not know the answers to more than 35% of the survey questions and therefore their knowledge and attitudes may be more readily influenced through workshops and in service programs.
Creating coherent incidental learning journeys on mobile devices through feedback and progress indicators
Authors: Gaved Mark , Kukulska-Hulme Agnes , Jones Ann , Scanlon Eileen , Dunwell Ian , Lameras Petros , Akiki Oula
Published: October 2013

Timely and appropriate feedback and indicators of progress can motivate learners. Mobile learning poses a challenge to established instructional strategies with respect to delivering feedback and monitoring learner progress, particularly in informal and incidental learning occurring outside of formal structured learning environments. We argue that well-designed and managed feedback and progress indicators can offer guidance and a sense of structure to learners in the absence of a formal curriculum, accreditation or set outcomes. Furthermore, they can encourage casual users of mobile applications to move from fragmented learning episodes towards a more long term and reflective learning journey. In this paper we describe how we are developing feedback and progress indicators for the EU-funded MASELTOV project, which explores how smartphones can support language learning and social inclusion for recent immigrants to Europe. Presenting educational services and materials on mobile devices allows learning episodes to be incorporated into daily activities and schedules, to be accessed at times and in places that suit learners best. Feedback and progress indicators embedded into these services may motivate such an audience to reconceptualise fragmentary, ephemeral educational experiences into a more coherent, sustained learning journey. We describe how feedback and progress indicators have been used successfully in web-based and games-based learning, and our assessment of which types may best support incidental mobile learning and the challenges we face.
Mobile learning through indigenous languages: learning through a constructivist approach
Authors: Jantjies Mmaki , Joy Mike
Published: October 2013

An increase in accessible electronic pedagogy available in African languages is vital in extending learning resources to resource constrained schools and multilingual communities. The lack of appropriate mobile and electronic resources in these contexts often limits learners from participating in the digital age and discovering knowledge through technology. South Africa, used as the context for this study, has eleven official languages and promotes their use for education in schools. There are however limited bilingual resources that support bilingual education. The different challenges, such as the limited resources that enable an effective learning environment, often make it difficult for teachers to create new learning environments that embrace technology in classrooms.
This paper presents a case study that evaluates the potential use of mobile learning to support the current informal learning process for resource constrained multilingual high school learners. In the study learners created their own audio based bilingual learning material on mobile phones using a constructivist learning approach, in the subject area of physical science. A total of 32 high school learners and their teacher from a South African school participated in the study, and though semi–structured interviews and questionnaires learners reported on their experiences. Infrastructure challenges, including limited access to free electronic resources, and slow and expensive Internet access, became the main hurdles in supporting a constructivist learning environment. The mobile learning process however gave learners an opportunity to create their learning content in their own languages at any location at any time, and use the content later for revision.
Academic Achievement in BYOD Classrooms
Authors: Cristol Dean , Gimbert Belinda
Published: October 2013

A product of the new STEM democracy is the development of indigenous high-technology capabilities.We maintain when effective mobile learning is incorporated into a receptive learning environment studentachievement will increase. Also, the ubiquitousness of mobile devices prepares students for the STEM focusedglobalized economy because the devices are consistently used for the communication and informational needs ofstudents and teachers inside and outside of learning environments. Mobile learning devices (MLDs) are relativelyaffordable and accessible, and often reinforce difficult learning concepts and a mechanism for collaboration outsideregular school hours. Mobile learning technology levels the learning field, due to the relatively low cost,accessibility in most households, including those that lack laptop or desktop computers and connection to theinternet. Under Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, this study centers on assessing the effectiveness of MLDson the academic achievement of students in 8th and 10th grades. We were interested to understand the effectivenessof BYOD integration in the classroom based on student achievement and student response to determine the extent ofvariance, if any, between those classrooms that use BYOD technology extensively in comparison to those that donot. The study uses previously collected school system data (removing all individual identifiers by the schoolsystem’s curriculum coordinator). This research is significant, since there is a paucity of large scale research toassess the level of student achievement, as expressed through standardized assessments, related to the BYOD policy.
Integrating Interactive Videos in Mobile Learning Scenarios
Authors: Kohen-Vacs Dan , Jansen Marc , Milrad Marcelo
Published: October 2013

Nowadays, there is a growing variety of mobile devices and online video content that could be used to support a variety ofpedagogical strategies used for different cross-context learning scenarios. In order to take advantage of these developments,this paper presents an approach that allows to integrate learning material represented as videos in mobile learning scenarios,mainly by the implementation of a mobile client that allows to consume learning material represented as small chunks of videocontent. The application of these ideas potentially provides new educational opportunities to support learning across differentcontexts. Additionally, the videos consumed by the mobile client allow the integration of interactive elements like questionsthat could be answered by the learner while consuming the video or additional comments that could be provided to the learner.The rationale for the integration of the interactive parts in the video iss to increase learners´ engagement and therefore also toincrease their involvement and participation in order to generate an active learning experience.