bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problem Solving Academic Workloads Management: A University Response1
Authors: Paewai Shelley R. , Meyer Luanna H. , Houston Don J.
Published: June 2007

Universities are challenged to maintain a work environment where academic staff fulfil traditional academic duties while responding to a diverse student population, a competitive research environment, and an escalation of administrative tasks within an accountability‐based climate. This paper analyses the development and implementation of a workloads policy at a New Zealand university through a joint university management and staff union initiative. The workloads policy was built on the principles of equity, transparency, reasonableness, safety and acceptability to staff. The integrity and effectiveness of adoption is evaluated through analyses of work requirements, workloads models and the findings from case studies of implementation by six diverse units from across the university. Based on our evaluation, we highlight aspects of the policy and procedures that have promise and suggest modifications where particular processes and outcomes fell short of stated goals for institutional change.
NIETZSCHE'S RELATION TO HISTORICAL METHODS AND NINETEENTH‐CENTURY GERMAN HISTORIOGRAPHY
Authors: BROBJER THOMAS H.
Published: June 2007

Nietzsche is generally regarded as a severe critic of historical method and scholarship; this view has influenced much of contemporary discussions about the role and nature of historical scholarship. In this article I argue that this view is seriously mistaken (to a large degree because of the somewhat misleading nature of Vom Nutzen und Nachtheil der Historie für das Leben). I do so by examining what he actually says about understanding history and historical method, as well as his relation to the founders of modern German historiography (Wolf, Niebuhr, Ranke, and Mommsen). I show, contrary to most expectations, that Nietzsche knew these historians well and that he fundamentally affirmed their view of historical method. What he primarily objected to among his contemporaries was that historical scholarship was often regarded as a goal in itself, rather than as a means, and consequently that history was placed above philosophy. In fact, a historical approach was essential for Nietzsche's whole understanding of philosophy, and his own philosophical project.
2. CROSSING CULTURAL BORDERS: HOW TO UNDERSTAND HISTORICAL THINKING IN CHINA AND THE WEST1
Authors: RÜSEN JÖRN
Published: June 2007

Topical intercultural discourse on historical thinking is deeply determined by fundamental distinctions, mainly between the “East” and the “West.” The epistemological preconditions of this discourse are normally not reflected or even criticized. this article follows Chun‐Chieh Huang's attempt to give Chinese historical thinking a new voice in this intercultural discourse. It agrees with Huang's strategy of focusing the description of the peculiarity of Chinese historical thinking on fundamental criteria of historical sense‐generation. Huang argues for a strict difference between the Chinese way of sense‐generation in history and the Western one. against this distinction I argue that both traditions of historical thinking follow the same logic, namely that of the exemplary mode, which is known in the Western tradition by Cicero's slogan “Historia vitae magistra.” Instead of claiming this mode as typical of Chinese historical thinking, I propose to clarify the difference between China and the West by looking for a modification of the same logic. Finally the question arises as to what the paradigmatic shift of historical thinking from the exemplary to the genetic mode means for the Chinese tradition Huang has presented. This shift cannot be understood as only a Western one, since it is a mode of pursuing modernity in history by a fundamental temporalization in the interpretation of the human world.
3. SIMA QIAN AND HIS WESTERN COLLEAGUES: ON POSSIBLE CATEGORIES OF DESCRIPTION
Authors: MUTSCHLER F.‐H.
Published: June 2007

This article comments on some of Professor Huang's theses by looking at ancient historiography. It deals with the significance of history in its respective cultural contexts; the kind of orientation that historical thinking and historiography provide; and the relationship between concrete examples and abstract rules in historical argumentation. Distinguishing between ancient Greece and Rome, it shows that Huang's explicit and implicit East‐West oppositions are more valid with respect to ancient Greece than to ancient Rome. on important points, the situation of Rome is surprisingly close to that of china. thus not only in China but also in Rome, tradition and history are highly important as a life‐orienting force (as opposed to the importance of speculative thought in Greece); and not only in China but also in Rome the orientation that historical thinking and historiography provide is to a great extent moral (as opposed to orientation through intellectual insight that, for a historian such as Thucydides, is placed in the foreground). As to the relationship between concrete examples and abstract rules in historical argumentation, the paper takes up Professor Rüsen's category of “exemplary meaning‐generation,” but suggests a distinction between example in the sense of “case/instance” and example in the sense of “model/paragon.” Though the two corresponding modes of exemplary meaning‐generation are mostly entwined, it appears that in Chinese and Roman historical works (in accordance with their stress on moral effect) there is a tendency toward meaning‐generation by example in the sense of “model/paragon,” whereas in Greek historiography (in accordance with its stress on intellectual insight) the tendency is toward meaning‐generation by example in the sense of “case/instance.”
6. THE ARCHETYPE OF HISTORY IN THE CONFUCIAN ECUMENE
Authors: SATO MASAYUKI
Published: June 2007

Cultures are constituted by binary oppositions: the absolute and the relative; the perfect and the imperfect; the stable and the unstable. Many of the world's cultures have looked to revealed religion to discover the absolute: that which transcends the human, the intellect, and space and time. by positing a God who is omniscient and omnipotent, they conceive of an eternal and absolute that continues to exist in an immutable state.

In such cultures new perspectives for reinterpreting the past are continually propounded. This allows history to be rewritten and re‐rewritten. history simply becomes a method for becoming conscious of the past.

By contrast, many east Asian cultures have not developed such a concept of revealed religion. For them, history itself constitutes an absolute, something on which one can rely. History in East Asia is endowed with a normative function, a source of authority that does not permit easy rewriting.
Workplace industrial relations in Britain, 1980–2004
Authors: Blanchflower David G. , Bryson Alex , Forth John
Published: June 2007

The Workplace Industrial Relations Surveys marked a radical departure in the study of industrial relations (IR) by ‘mapping’ IR in Britain with nationally representative large‐scale surveys of workplace managers, thus permitting investigation of the incidence of practices and changes over time. This article reflects on some of what we have learned in the five surveys over the quarter century since 1980, focusing selectively on the demise of collective IR, pay determination, the IR climate, and union effects on wages and employment growth.
Equality and diversity in British workplaces: the 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey
Authors: Walsh Janet
Published: June 2007

Drawing on key findings from the 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey (WERS 2004), this article examines developments in the incidence, scope and substance of equal opportunities policy provision and practice in Britain. The discussion then considers the extent to which workplaces might be adopting diversity management practices, the potential for further research on equality and diversity using WERS 2004, and the issues that might be considered in future workplace employment relations surveys.
21st‐century models of employee representation: structures, processes and outcomes
Authors: Charlwood Andy , Terry Mike
Published: June 2007

The 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey allows further exploration of the fate or workplace‐based forms of employee representation charted by earlier surveys. We describe the occurrence and diversity of representational forms, union, non‐union and ‘hybrid’, and the structural characteristics of workplaces where they are found. We go on to analyse a number of structural and processual differences and differences in outcomes. In particular, we try to estimate the effects of different forms for outcomes such as wage dispersion, procedural ‘fairness’ and productivity. The data show that ‘hybrid’ systems of union and non‐union representation are associated with the best outcomes, therefore, notwithstanding the continuing decline in the diffusion of the ‘traditional’ union‐based model of workplace representation, union presence is still a prerequisite for effective representation, while ‘pure’ non‐union forms serve neither employee nor employer interests.
Corporate governance and workplace employment relations: the potential of WERS 2004
Authors: Pendleton Andrew , Deakin Simon
Published: June 2007

The relationship between corporate governance and workplace employment relations is reviewed drawing on the Workplace Employment Relations Survey 2004. The paper reviews recent analysis and policy developments, and then considers the contribution of earlier WERS‐based research on this topic. The innovations in WERS 2004 are outlined, and it is suggested these provide several opportunities for further analysis in this area. The paper then presents an illustrative example of the use of WERS 2004, and concludes with recommendations for further changes in future WERS surveys.
Why so fed up and footloose in IT? Spelling out the associations between occupation and overall job satisfaction shown by WERS 2004
Authors: Rose Michael
Published: June 2007

Analysis of the Workplace Employment Relations Survey 2004 employee data shows striking differences in levels of overall job satisfaction among occupational groups. The examination is based on the 81 Minor Occupation groupings in UK Standard Occupational Classification 2000 classification. Taking a possiblespecific occupational effectpossibly conditioned byresonanceeffects, as a theoretical point of departure, multivariate analysis is used to restate apparent occupational effect as occupationallybundledindividual‐level variables and workplace influences—a process seen as exchanging nominal‐level measurement (names of occupations) with theoretical variables. Although 13 minor occupational groups retain statistically significant independent influence after the statistical treatment, these effects are small. Detailed illustration and specification of bundling effects and further examination of their sources take information and communications technology and communication professionals as their point of reference.
The Rise and Fall of Temporary Foreign Worker Policies: Lessons for Poland1
Authors: Plewa Piotr
Published: June 2007

This essay reflects upon post‐World War II and post‐Cold War admissions of low‐skilled temporary foreign workers to North America and Europe. The author's hope is that lessons from history can help Polish (and other new European Union immigration states) develop well‐informed labour migration policy. The lessons from North America and Europe suggest that admissions of low‐skilled temporary foreign workers lead to short‐term economic benefits and long‐term economic, political, and social costs. This, in turn, makes coherent and humane statecraft difficult to achieve.

Considering the complexity of temporary foreign worker admissions, Polish policymakers would be better off avoiding them like the United States, France, and Switzerland have largely done in the post‐Cold War period after learning the lessons from the post‐war era. The alleged labour shortages and illegal migration pressure could be addressed through settlement‐oriented policies which are more likely to prevent unexpected outcomes since they allow greater economic, social, and political integration of admitted immigrants.
Social and Academic Adaptation Styles of Female Students who Immigrated Alone from the Former Soviet Union to Israel
Authors: Eisikovits Rivka A. , Schechter Hava
Published: June 2007

Migration from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) included a unique group of young women who immigrated alone to Israel in search of opportunities for higher education. Individual migration is a rare phenomenon in the Jewish‐Russian family context, which is characterized by close family ties among members. The content analysis of in‐depth interviews with a group of female immigrant undergraduates revealed two profiles based on their mode of migration: Independent Decision Makers (Profile A) who were determined to integrate rapidly into Israeli society, with far‐reaching concessions in respect of their original culture and of friends from their country of migration; Family Emissaries (Profile B) who wished to preserve their original culture and friends. Their pace of familiarization with Israeli customs was slow and did not constitute a major focus of interest. Profile A respondents used their time at the university for self reflection, celebrating their newly gained insights into their personhood and their independence. Migration “through” the university came to symbolize individuation from their enmeshed family. Profile B informants concentrated on career development at the expense of preoccupation with social adjustment. This group of informants, though more passive observers than active participants in the social aspects of campus life, were also exposed to a new model of university, which served them as a precursor to the diversity of choices awaiting outside the university. The university experience, though more inclusive for Profile A and more limited for Profile B, was positive according to all informants. Regardless of differences in reasons for migration, family attitudes or personality, the desire for quality higher education was the most powerful driving force behind the migration of these single young women from the FSU and its fulfilment helped them cope in the receiving society. Although a neglected area of research, and contrary to the tradition of strong family cohesion, the migration of independent young women from the FSU to Western countries, in search of opportunities for quality higher education, is gaining salience. The lessons learned from the idiosyncratic experiences of participants in this phenomenological study provide valuable insights into issues arising in the course of the intercultural transition of this understudied migrant population and suggest directions for further research.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of a broad‐spectrum sunscreen in the prevention of chloasma in pregnant women
Authors: Lakhdar H , Zouhair K , Khadir K , Essari A , Richard A , Seité S , Rougier A
Published: June 2007

Background  Chloasma, or melasma, is a pigmentary disorder that can affect between 50% and 70% of pregnant women. During pregnancy, chloasma does not require any particular treatment beside the use of an effective sunscreen and avoiding the use of any photosensitizing products or inappropriate skin care routine. However, there exist very few studies related to the benefits of sunscreens to prevent this dermatosis.

Objective  The aim of this study was to assess the role of a broad‐spectrum sunscreen in the prevention and treatment of chloasma in pregnant women.

Methods  We tested the effectiveness and tolerance of a sunscreen composition (SPF 50+, UVA‐PF 28) during a 12‐month clinical trial on 200 parturients.

Results  The ‘excellent’ tolerance of the sunscreen under evaluation was confirmed. Out of 185 patients who completed the study, only five new cases of chloasma were noted, an occurrence of 2.7%, which is much lower than the 53% previously observed in an usual condition study (same investigators, same geographical area and same time frame). In addition, the clinical effectiveness of the evaluated sunscreen was judged ‘excellent’ by the majority of parturients and by the research dermatologists during all the consultations. It is also worth noting that at 6 months, a clinical improvement was observed in 8 out of 12 volunteers who were affected by a pre‐existing chloasma observed during their inclusion visit. Colorimetric measurements showed that, at the end of their pregnancy, the parturients’ skin was, on average, significantly lightened (increase of parameter L* in 38% cases) and less pigmented (reduction of parameter b* in 50% cases); thus, resulting in a significantly lighter skin colour (increase of ITA° in 69% cases) compared to their inclusion visit.

Conclusions  This study clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the well‐tolerated broad‐spectrum sunscreen evaluated, in the prevention of the development of chloasma in pregnant women.
Intermittent vs. continuous 1‐year cyclosporin use in chronic plaque psoriasis
Authors: Chaidemenos GC , Mourellou O , Avgoustinaki N , Papakonstantinou M , Karakatsanis G , Katsambas A
Published: June 2007

Objective  To comparatively assess the impact of intermittent and continuous cyclosporine (CyA) administration in chronic plaque psoriasis.

Methods  A two‐step procedure was followed for the 51 patients who were randomly assigned in the study. CyA in doses 2.5 mg kg−1 day−1 escalated up to 5 mg kg−1 day−1 for efficacy reasons, were given to all patients during the initial 12‐week step. Only patients who achieved a minimum 50% reduction of baseline PASI could enter the 2nd step, which lasted for nine additional months. Subjects on the intermittent schedule stopped all therapy to receive other 12‐week course(s) if and when they relapsed. Patients on the continuous schedule continued CyA therapy at the lowest, individualized, effective dose.

Results  78% of all patients achieved a PASI‐75, with subjects on continuous treatment manifesting greater improvement (92% vs 62%, P= 0.008). The decrease of DLQI was 89%, without any difference between the two schedules (P= 0.214). The median effective and maintenance doses were 3 (2.5–3.8) and 1.8 (0.7–3) mg kg−1 day−1, respectively for intermittent and continuous schedules. A significant correlation was observed between the clinical parameters and DLQI change at 1 year, for both groups of patients. Dose modifications for safety reasons were necessary in 5 patients, but no treatment discontinuation was required. Patients on the continuous regimen received 139% of the mean cumulative annual CyA dose of Intermittent therapy.

Conclusion  The significantly higher annual cumulative dose required for the continuous CyA regimen compared to intermittent, leads to the suggestion that the first modality may offer higher physical improvement but must remain an option for those patients who do not respond or are uncooperative with intermittent CyA use.
End‐of‐Life and Palliative Care for People with Intellectual Disabilities Who have Cancer or Other Life‐Limiting Illness: A Review of the Literature and Available Resources
Authors: Tuffrey‐Wijne Irene , Hogg James , Curfs Leopold
Published: June 2007

Background As patterns of morbidity and mortality are changing, more people with intellectual disabilities develop cancer or other life‐limiting illness. This paper reviews the literature around the need of people with intellectual disabilities for palliative care.

Methods A range of databases and the World Wide Web were searched for relevant papers, book chapters, training and information materials, unpublished materials and policy guidelines. Publications from 1995 to 2005 are included.

Findings Although there has been a steady increase in published materials in recent years, research data around the palliative care needs of people with intellectual disabilities remain scarce. Case reports are the most prevalent method of exploring pertinent issues. The paper presents an overview of issues identified in the literature, with a particular focus on pain and symptom assessment, ethical issues, service planning and training needs.

Conclusion There are significant gaps in current knowledge. The authors make recommendations for future areas of research and development.
The state of political priority for safe motherhood in India
Authors: Shiffman J , Ved RR
Published: June 2007

Approximately one‐quarter of all maternal deaths occur in India, far more than in any other nation on earth. Until 2005, maternal mortality reduction was not a priority in the country. In that year, the cause emerged on the national political agenda in a meaningful way for the first time. An unpredictable confluence of events concerning problem definition, policy alternative generation and politics led to this outcome. By 2005, evidence had accumulated that maternal mortality in India was stagnating and that existing initiatives were not addressing the problem effectively. Also in that year, national government officials and donors came to a consensus on a strategy to address the problem. In addition, a new government with social equity aims came to power in 2004, and in 2005, it began a national initiative to expand healthcare access to the poor in rural areas. The convergence of these developments pushed the issue on to the national agenda. This paper draws on public policy theory to analyse the Indian experience and to develop guidance for safe motherhood policy communities in other high maternal mortality countries seeking to make this cause a political priority.
Can we predict recurrence of pre‐eclampsia or gestational hypertension?
Authors: Brown MA , Mackenzie C , Dunsmuir W , Roberts L , Ikin K , Matthews J , Mangos G , Davis G
Published: June 2007

Objective  To estimate the rates of recurrence of pre‐eclampsia or gestational hypertension in a subsequent pregnancy and to determine factors predictive of recurrence.

Design  Retrospective cohort study.

Setting  St George Public and Private Hospitals, teaching hospitals without neonatal intensive care units.

Participants  A total of 1515 women with a diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia or gestational hypertension between 1988 and 1998 were identified from the St George Hypertension in Pregnancy database, a system designed initially for ensuring quality outcomes of hypertensive pregnancies. Of these, 1354 women were followed up, and a further 333 records from women coded as having a normal pregnancy during that period were selected randomly as controls.

Main outcome measures  Likelihood of recurrent pre‐eclampsia or gestational hypertension and clinical and routine laboratory factors in the index pregnancy predictive of recurrence of pre‐eclampsia or gestational hypertension.

Methods  The index cases from our unit’s database were linked to the matched pregnancy on the State Department of Health database, allowing us to determine whether further pregnancies had occurred at any hospital in the State. The outcome of these pregnancies was determined by review of medical records, using strict criteria for diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia or gestational hypertension.

Results  Almost all women with a normal index pregnancy had a further normotensive pregnancy. One in 50 women hypertensive in their index pregnancy had developed essential hypertension by the time of their next pregnancy. Women with pre‐eclampsia in their index pregnancy were equally likely to develop either pre‐eclampsia or gestational hypertension (approximately 14% each), while women with gestational hypertension were more likely to develop gestational hypertension (26%) rather than pre‐eclampsia (6%) in their next pregnancy. Multiparous women with gestational hypertension were more likely than primiparous women to develop pre‐eclampsia (11 versus 4%) or gestational hypertension (45 versus 22%) in their next pregnancy. Early gestation at diagnosis in the index pregnancy, multiparity, uric acid levels in the index pregnancy and booking blood pressure parameters in the next pregnancy significantly influenced the likelihood of recurrence, predominantly for gestational hypertension and less so for pre‐eclampsia. No value for these parameters was significant enough to be clinically useful as a discriminate value predictive of recurrent pre‐eclampsia or gestational hypertension.

Conclusions  Approximately 70% of women with pre‐eclampsia or gestational hypertension will have a normotensive next pregnancy. The highest risk group for recurrent hypertension in pregnancy in this study was multiparous women with gestational hypertension. No readily available clinical or laboratory factor in the index pregnancy reliably predicts recurrence of pre‐eclampsia.
Protecting the health and safety of female sex workers: the responsibility of all
Authors: Sanders T
Published: June 2007

Research and criminality on the sex industry is often generalised to that of the visible street based market. With wider reference to the indoor sex markets and drawing on key conclusions from Jeal and Salisbury (page 875), this commentary explores the current criminal justice framework that is driving sex work policy and the management of prostitution in the UK. The consequences of a punitive approach in relation to a complex and multi‐layered sex industry are assessed in relation to the role of health care workers.
Health needs and service use of parlour‐based prostitutes compared with street‐based prostitutes: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Jeal N , Salisbury C
Published: June 2007

Objectives  To compare the health needs of prostitutes (sex workers) working in massage parlours with that of those working on the streets.

Design  Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting  Inner city, UK.

Population  Women aged 16 years and older selling sex in massage parlours.

Methods  Interviewer‐administered questionnaires were undertaken with 71 parlour workers, and results were compared with our previous findings for street sex workers.

Main outcome measures  Self‐reported experiences of health and service use.

Results  In comparison with street sex workers, parlour sex workers were less likely to report chronic (43/71 versus 71/71; P < 0.001) and acute (10/71 versus 35/71; P < 0.001) illnesses but more likely to be registered with a GP (67/71 versus 59/71; P= 0.06). They were more likely than street sex workers to have been screened for sexually transmitted infections in the previous year (49/71 versus 33/71; P= 0.011) and more likely to use contraception in addition to condoms (34/71 versus 8/71; P < 0.001). They were less likely to be overdue for cervical screening (5/46 versus 19/48; P= 0.001), and more of those booked for antenatal care in the first trimester attended all follow‐up appointments (28/37 versus 14/47; P < 0.001). Fewer parlour sex workers used heroin (4/71 versus 60/71; P < 0.001), crack cocaine (5/71 versus 62/71; P < 0.001) or injected drugs (2/71 versus 41/71 versus; P < 0.001) They reported fewer episodes of intercourse per week (mean 14 versus 22; P < 0.001) with fewer different men (mean 11 versus 19; P < 0.001), less of whom were new (mean 8 versus 13; P < 0.001).

Conclusions  The two groups had very different health experiences, risk‐taking behaviour and use of services. To be effective in improving health, different types of service delivered in different settings for different groups are required.
Use of C‐reactive protein as a predictor of chorioamnionitis in preterm prelabour rupture of membranes: a systematic review
Authors: Trochez‐Martinez RD , Smith P , Lamont RF
Published: June 2007

Background  Studies examining the use of C‐reactive protein (CRP) as a predictor of chorioamnionitis in preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) report highly conflicting results. Despite this, CRP is commonly used for the early diagnosis of chorioamnionitis.

Objective  To determine the diagnostic accuracy of CRP in the detection of chorioamnionitis in women with PPROM.

Design  Systematic review.

Search strategy  Studies were identified from MEDLINE (1966–2006), EMBASE (1974–2006), PubMed and the Cochrane Library (2005) and from reference lists from primary studies and reviews.

Selection criteria  Only studies of good methodological quality that evaluated the diagnostic performance of CRP in chorioamnionitis in women with PPROM were selected.

Data collection and analysis  Positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR) and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) were calculated. An attempt was made at pooling data for meta‐analysis, but this was considered inappropriate due to the significant unexplained heterogeneity between studies.

Main results  There were eight primary studies comprising 610 cases which met the inclusion criteria. There was wide variation in the positive and negative LR and DOR between the studies, with significant lack of precision demonstrated by wide confidence intervals. Three of the studies concluded that CRP was a useful diagnostic tool for chorioamnionitis (DOR ranging from 4.2 to 191.6), although one of them suggested a higher CRP threshold. The other five studies concluded the opposite (DOR ranging from 1.4 to 17.7).

Author’s conclusions  There is no clear evidence to support the use of CRP for the early diagnosis of chorioamnionitis. Further research is required to address the contradictory findings of diagnostic accuracy.
Prevalence and predictors of antidepressant use in a cohort of pregnant women
Authors: Ramos É , Oraichi D , Rey É , Blais L , Bérard A
Published: June 2007

Objective  (1) To determine the prevalence of antidepressant utilisation before, during, and after pregnancy, (2) to determine switches, dosages, and classes of antidepressant used during pregnancy, and (3) to identify factors associated with their use at the beginning and at the end of pregnancy.

Design  Retrospective longitudinal cohort.

Setting  The ‘Medication and Pregnancy’ cohort was used for this study. This cohort was built by the linkage of three administrative databases (Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec [RAMQ], Med‐Écho, and l’Institut de la Statistique du Québec).

Population  All pregnancies occuring in Quebec between January 1 1998 and December 31 2002.

Methods  Date of entry in the cohort was the first day of gestation. To be eligible for this study, women had to be (1) 15–45 years old at cohort entry and (2) covered by the RAMQ drug plan for at least 12 months before, during, and at least 12 months after pregnancy. Antidepressant users were defined as those receiving at least one antidepressant before, during, or after pregnancy, depending on the time period analysed. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with receiving an antidepressant either at the beginning or at the end of pregnancy.

Main outcome measures  To determine the prevalence and predictors associated with the use of antidepressants.

Results  A total of 97 680 women met inclusion criteria. The prevalence rates significantly declined during the first trimester compared with before pregnancy (3.7 versus 6.6%, P < 0.01). During pregnancy, antidepressants were used under the recommended daily dosage 7.7% of the time, and 4.7% of women switched to another class of antidepressant. Factors significantly associated with antidepressant utilisation on the first day of gestation (P < 0.05) were older maternal age, being on welfare, and calendar year; receiving at least six different types of medications other than antidepressants, having at least two different prescribers, having at least three visits to the physician, and having at least one diagnosis of depression in the year before pregnancy also increased the odds of having an antidepressant. Similar predictors were found at the end of pregnancy.

Conclusions  Our findings indicate that antidepressant utilisation declines once pregnancy is diagnosed.
Dietary calcium supplementation for prevention of pre‐eclampsia and related problems: a systematic review and commentary
Authors: Hofmeyr GJ , Duley L , Atallah A
Published: June 2007

Background Calcium supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Search strategy We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (March 2006).

Selection criteria Randomised trials comparing at least 1 g of calcium daily during pregnancy with placebo. Eligibility and trial quality were assessed.

Data collection and analysis Data were extracted and analysed using Review Manager software.

Main results Twelve studies (15 528 women) were included, all of good quality. Most women were at low risk and had low dietary calcium. High blood pressure was reduced with calcium supplementation rather than placebo (11 trials, 14 946 women: relative risk [RR] random effects model 0.70; 95% CI 0.57–0.86), as was pre‐eclampsia (12 trials, 15 206 women: RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.33–0.69). The effect was greatest for women at high risk (five trials, 587 women: RR 0.22; 95% CI 0.12–0.42) and for those with low baseline calcium intake (seven trials, 10 154 women: RR 0.36; 95% CI 0.18–0.70). There was heterogeneity, with less effect in the larger trials. The composite outcome maternal death or serious morbidity was reduced (four trials, 9732 women: RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.65–0.97). The syndrome of haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets was increased (two trials, 12 901 women: RR 2.67; 95% CI 1.05–6.82). There was no overall effect on the risk of preterm birth or stillbirth or death before discharge from hospital.

Conclusions Calcium supplementation appears to reduce the risk of pre‐eclampsia and to reduce the rare occurrence of the composite outcome ‘maternal death or serious morbidity’. There were no other clear benefits or harms.

Commentary We present the hypothesis that adequate dietary calcium before and in early pregnancy may be needed to prevent the underlying pathology responsible for pre‐eclampsia. We suggest that the research agenda be redirected towards calcium supplementation at a community level.
Endometrial hyperplasia involving endometrial polyps: report of a series and discussion of the significance in an endometrial biopsy specimen
Authors: Kelly P , Dobbs SP , McCluggage WG
Published: June 2007

Objectives  Endometrial polyps are a common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. Rarely, a hyperplasia, either complex or atypical in type, is identified within a polyp in a biopsy or polypectomy specimen. Currently, it is not known whether the hyperplasia is likely to be confined to the polyp or also involve nonpolypoid endometrium. We aim to assess the likelihood of hyperplasia being confined to an endometrial polyp.

Design  In this study, we identified 32 women from pathology archives in whom endometrial hyperplasia was present within a polyp. The number of endometrial polyps during the study period was 1031 and therefore 3.1% of all endometrial polyps diagnosed during the study period contained a hyperplasia.

Setting  A major teaching hospital in the UK.

Methods  The biopsies were retrieved from the pathology archives of Royal Group of Hospitals, Belfast, between 2000 and 2006. We traced any follow‐up biopsy or hysterectomy specimens to evaluate the status of the surrounding endometrium.

Results  The hyperplasias were complex (n= 23) or atypical (n= 9) in type. In 14 of 27 (52%) women in whom nonpolypoid endometrium was available for histological evaluation, either on the original biopsy or in a follow‐up specimen, hyperplasia involved the nonpolypoid endometrium, and in three other women, hyperplasia was present in a polyp in follow‐up specimens. Women with atypical hyperplasia in a polyp were slightly more likely to have hyperplasia in the surrounding endometrium than those with complex hyperplasia.

Conclusions  Our study illustrates that the risk of endometrial hyperplasia in a polyp concurrently involving nonpolypoid endometrium is significant. We suggest a strategy for the management of women with hyperplasia identified within an endometrial polyp in a biopsy or polypectomy specimen.
Labour characteristics and neonatal Erb’s palsy
Authors: Weizsaecker K , Deaver JE , Cohen WR
Published: June 2007

Objective  To determine risk factors for Erb’s palsy, with a focus on graphic labour patterns.

Design  A case–control study.

Setting  New York City.

Sample  A total of 45 consecutive cases of Erb’s palsy and 90 controls.

Methods  Pregnancies and labours of neonatal Erb’s palsy cases were compared with 90 controls using univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Main outcome measures  Erb’s palsy and shoulder dystocia.

Results  Mothers of children with Erb’s palsy had a higher term body mass index and more gestational diabetes than those of controls. Even cases without diabetes had higher blood glucose values after a 50‐g glucose challenge than did controls. Cases had a higher birthweight and a lower ratio of head‐to‐thoracic circumference than controls. Shoulder dystocia occurred in 67% of cases and in 2% of controls (P= 0.001). Only 46% of labours had a completely normal dilatation pattern. In a multiple logistic regression model, variables independently associated with brachial plexus injury were long deceleration phase of labour, long second stage, high birthweight, black race, and high neonatal or maternal body mass.

Conclusions  Erb’s palsy was frequently preceded by abnormal labour and shoulder dystocia; however, a substantial proportion of cases occurred after normal labour and delivery. Predictive models will be necessary to determine to what extent careful monitoring of the terminal portion of dilatation and of fetal descent and incorporation of maternal body mass and race (all independent risk factors in this study) will help identify fetuses at risk for brachial plexus palsy.
Sequencing material handling equipment in production facilities
Authors: Kritikos Manolis N. , Ioannou George
Published: June 2007

In this article we consider the problem of sequencing material handling equipment in manufacturing systems, subject to constraints that restrict the start and end time of each production activity, according to pre‐specified daily resource operational schedules and process planning information. The underlying decision problem is modeled using an integer programming formulation similar to vehicle routing with time windows (VRPTW). To take advantage of standard approaches for the VRPTW, we develop a transformation schema that allows a one‐to‐one mapping between the manufacturing problem and VRPTW. An efficient heuristic to solve the resulting transformed problem is proposed. The method, which is a penalty‐based sequential insertion heuristic, allows routes to be constructed by exploiting the tradeoff between material handling and resource starvation costs. The steps of the method are illustrated via a comprehensive example and results on benchmark problems are reported.
Ranking projects for an electricity utility using ELECTRE III
Authors: Buchanan John , Vanderpooten Daniel
Published: June 2007

Ranking and selecting projects is a common yet often difficult task with typically more than one dimension for measuring project impacts and more than one decision maker. We describe a project selection methodology developed and used since 1998 for Mighty River Power, a New Zealand electricity generator, which incorporates the ELECTRE III decision support tool. Although several other multiple criteria approaches could have been used, features of ELECTRE III such as outranking, and indifference and preference thresholds were well received by our decision makers. More than the use of a specific decision support tool, we focus particularly on the successful implementation of a simple, structured multicriteria methodology for a yearly project selection exercise and document this over 8 years in a changing managerial context.
The effect of firm number on equilibrium product positioning and pricing: a marketing–production perspective
Authors: Hadjinicola George C. , Kumar K. Ravi
Published: June 2007

We examine how product design and pricing are affected when the number of firms in the market increases by considering marketing and production variables. We employ a model that adopts marketing notions such as market shares and ideal points to dictate the attraction of the product to consumers. The model also incorporates production costs where the cost of the product increases linearly with increasing product attribute levels. The modeling framework facilitates the existence of a Nash equilibrium in prices and product positions. The number of firms in the market is exogenously defined. When the number of firms in the market increases, firms lower their prices and design their product with features closer to the market's ideal point. This results in lower profits.
Art and Environmental Awareness: A Gloucestershire Case Study
Authors: REARDON ANITA
Published: June 2007

It is my premise that art education can make a distinctive and unique contribution towards the development of environmental awareness and that an art department is well suited to lead a whole school response to environmental education.

This paper describes three years work during which a schools cluster group has developed environmental sculpture and collaborative performing arts work within a rural community. My conclusions are drawn from direct experience as active researcher and project manager. The project provides an example of what is possible and I hope, inspiration and stimulation for colleagues wishing to develop environmental work within their community. Every community represents a new challenge.
Teaching Children to Draw in the Infants School
Authors: COX MAUREEN , COOKE GRANT , GRIFFIN DEIRDRE
Published: June 2007

We report an approach to the teaching of drawing in the Infants school which involves children in observing real objects set in context and discussion and negotiation with the teacher of ways in which the objects might be drawn. We also report the findings of an evaluation study which showed an improvement in the drawings when children experienced the ‘negotiated drawing’ approach compared with those taught in a more conventional way.
Art and Music Correlation
Authors: FULKOVÁ MARIE
Published: June 2007

This paper describes a long‐term art project. The programme has been developed and tested at Basic School, [1] Donovalska in Prague. We worked with the entire school population, including pupils with severe problems in areas of discipline, academic achievement and/or light brain dysfunction. The arts activities were based on a correlation between music and visual art.
Traditional Chinese herbal medicines for treatment of liver fibrosis and cancer: from laboratory discovery to clinical evaluation
Authors: Luk John M. , Wang Xiaoling , Liu Ping , Wong Kwong‐Fai , Chan Kwong‐Leung , Tong Yao , Hui Chi‐Kin , Lau George K. , Fan Sheung‐Tat
Published: June 2007

Liver disease afflicts over 10% of the world population. This includes chronic hepatitis, alcoholic steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which are the most health‐threatening conditions drawing considerable attention from medical professionals and scientists. Patients with alcoholism or viral hepatitis are much more likely to have liver cell damage and cirrhosis, and some may eventually develop HCC, which is unfortunately, and very often, a fatal malignancy without cure. While liver surgery is not suitable in many of the HCC cases, patients are mostly given palliative support cares or transarterial chemoembolization or systemic chemotherapies. However, HCC is well known to be a highly chemoresistant tumour, and the response rate is <10–20%. To this end, alternative medicines are being actively sought from other sources with hopes to halt the disease's progression or even eliminate the tumours. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has begun to gain popularity worldwide for promoting healthcare as well as disease prevention, and been used as conventional or complementary medicines for both treatable and incurable diseases in Asia and the West. In this article, we discuss the laboratory findings and clinical trial studies of Chinese herbal medicines (particularly small molecule compounds) for the treatment of liver disease ranging from fibrosis to liver cancer.
Inconsistency of Reported Uremic Toxin Concentrations
Authors: Meert Natalie , Schepers Eva , De Smet Rita , Argiles Angel , Cohen Gerald , Deppisch Reinhold , Drüeke Tilman , Massy Ziad , Spasovski Goce , Stegmayr Bernd , Zidek Walter , Jankowski Joachim , Vanholder Raymond
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Discrepancies in reported uremic toxin concentrations were evaluated for 78 retention solutes. For this analysis, 378 publications were screened. Up to eight publications per toxin were retained. The highest and the lowest reported concentrations, as well as the median reported concentration were registered. The ratio between the highest and the lowest (H/L) concentrations and, for some solutes, also the ratio between the highest and the median (H/M) concentrations were calculated. The compounds were arbitrarily subdivided into three groups based on their H/L ratio: group A, H/L < 3 (n = 33); group B, 3 < H/L < 8.5 (n = 20); and group C, H/L > 8.5 (n = 25). Solutes of groups A and B showed a low to intermediate scatter, suggesting a homogeneity of reported data. Group C showed a more substantial scatter. For at least 10 compounds of group C, extremely divergent concentrations were registered (H/M > 5.5) using scatter plot analysis. For all solutes of groups A and B, the highest reported concentration could be used as a reference. For some solutes of group C and for the compounds showing a divergent scatter analysis, however, more refined directives should be followed.
Convection‐enhanced High‐Flux Hemodialysis
Authors: Lee Kyungsoo , Jeong Jae Hoon , Mun Cho Hae , Lee Sa Ram , Yoo Kyu Jae , Park Yong Woo , Won Yong Soon , Min Byoung Goo
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Internal filtration contributes to convective clearance in high‐flux hemodialysis but its contribution is limited by low pressure gradients. Therefore, a modification using a conventional dialyzer was conceived to enhance internal filtration and backfiltration (BF) rates. The modified dialyzer includes two longitudinal independent regions for blood flow, which were created by redesigning dialyzer caps. Blood pressures remained higher than dialysate pressures in one region and lower in the other region, allowing continuous internal filtration and BF in these respective regions. Modified and conventional dialyzers were compared in terms of pressure gradients and solute clearances. Thus, our experiments involved two groups: the modified dialyzer group and the conventional dialyzer group. A renal failure model was established using a dog weighing 25–30 kg by renal artery and vein ligation. With the exception of the dialyzers, experimental conditions were identical in the two groups. The pressure gradients between blood and dialysate were much higher for the modified dialyzer than for the conventional dialyzer. No significant differences were observed with respect to small solute clearances between the two groups, but mid‐range solute clearances were significantly higher in the modified group. More optimization is required before the devised unit can be used clinically. However, the devised unit offers a straightforward means of regulating internal filtration and BF rates.