bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Elementary Teachers Might Be Inadequately Prepared to Teach Reading
Authors: Malatesha Joshi R. , Binks Emily , Hougen Martha , Dahlgren Mary E. , Ocker-Dean Emily , Smith Dennie L.
Published: June 2009

Several national reports have suggested the usefulness of systematic, explicit, synthetic phonics instruction based on English word structure along with wide reading of quality literature for supporting development in early reading instruction. Other studies have indicated, however, that many in-service teachers are not knowledgeable in the basic concepts of the English language. They may be well versed in children’s literature but not know how to address the basic building blocks of language and reading. The authors hypothesized that one of the reasons for this situation is that many instructors responsible for training future elementary teachers are not familiar with the concepts of the linguistic features of English language. This hypothesis was tested by administering a survey of language concepts to 78 instructors. The results showed that even though teacher educators were familiar with syllabic knowledge, they performed poorly on concepts relating to morphemes and phonemes. In a second study, 40 instructors were interviewed about best practices in teaching components and subskills of reading. Eighty percent of instructors defined phonological awareness as letter-sound correspondence. They also did not mention synthetic phonics as a desirable method to use for beginning reading instruction, particularly for students at risk for reading difficulties. In conclusion, providing professional development experiences related to language concepts to instructors could provide them the necessary knowledge of language concepts related to early literacy instruction, which they could then integrate into their preservice reading courses.
Comparison of Semiautomated and Fully Automated Methods for QT Measurement During a Thorough QT/QTc Study: Variability and Sample Size Considerations
Authors: Tyl Benoît , Kabbaj Meriam , Fassi Basmah , De Jode Patrick , Wheeler William
Published: June 2009

This study compares the ability of 2 semiautomated methods with a fully automated method for QT measurement to minimize the sample size required to detect a moxifloxacin effect and exclude a placebo effect in a thorough QT/QTc study. The fully automated and 1 of 2 semiautomated methods used a global QT measurement in 12 leads, whereas the other semiautomated method used a tangent method on single lead raw complexes. Mean QTcF intervals were greater when measured on a global QT electrocardiogram than on raw complexes, but the mean magnitudes of ΔQTcF were similar for all methods. The 3 methods detected a statistically significant increase in QTcF for moxifloxacin compared to placebo and were able to exclude a placebo effect on QTcF in all 62 participants. However, due to a smaller variability, the semiautomated methods allowed these detections with fewer than 20 participants, whereas the fully automated required at least 27 participants.
Diversity-preserving non-destructive operators in genetic programming and their application to breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Liang Zhang  , Nandi Asoke K.
Published: June 2009

In this paper, diversity-preserving non-destructive operators for tree-based genetic programming (GP) are proposed to control code bloat, which is one of the main issues of GP. Firstly, the proposed method is tested using two GP benchmark problems — namely symbolic regression and 11-multiplexer problems. The proposed approach is compared with the traditional standard approach and a crossover hill-climbing approach, which combines non-destructive operators and traditional operators. The newly proposed approach appears superior to the other two compared approaches, in confining intron growth, which is supposed to be the main reason for code bloat, and achieves equal or better performance. When parsimony pressure is applied, the effect of the proposed GP on code bloat is even clearer. The offspring distribution is analysed to illustrate that introns are effectively confined by the new approach. Afterwards these ideas are applied to a real-world problem of breast cancer detection with the Wisconsin Diagnosis Breast Cancer dataset and their ability to solve a real world problem is demonstrated.
Processability Theory and the role of morphology in English as a second language development: a longitudinal study
Authors: Dyson Bronwen
Published: June 2009

This article tests a prediction made by Processability Theory (Pienemann, 1998; 2005) that morphological acquisition is the driving force in English as a second language (ESL) development. It first outlines the model of psycholinguistic processing assumed by Processability Theory and shows how stages fall out from it. It then presents the hypothesis that morphological information propels development before sentence-level processing at stage 5 and describes what this should predict for ESL learners. A study is then presented that tested these predictions on oral data collected from two Mandarin speaking, adolescent, ESL learners over one academic year. The study found the acquisition of structures both predicted and not predicted by Processability Theory. While the results afford some evidence consistent with the claims about stages of development, they also provide counter-evidence to the hypothesis that the acquisition of morphology drives development up to stage 5: one learner acquired the predicted syntax for stages 3 and 4 without the morphology, and both learners acquired syntactic structures before associated morphology. Indeed, the findings suggest that the acquisition of morphology, and syntax, varies with learner orientation. To explain these findings, the article presents a proposal that draws on both Processability Theory and generative approaches to second language acquisition (SLA), and concludes by considering the implications of the study.
Regional distribution of clomipramine and desmethylclomipramine in rat brain and peripheral organs on chronic clomipramine administration
Authors: Aitchison K. , Datla K. , Rooprai H. , Fernando J. , Dexter D.
Published: June 2009

The tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) clomipramine has been widely used in psychiatry for over 40 years. More recently, its therapeutic potential as an antineoplastic drug has been identified. However, there are no prior data on regional distribution in the brain of clomipramine and its primary metabolite (desmethylclomipramine) after chronic oral administration. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of clomipramine and desmethylclomipramine in different rat-brain regions and to compare those with levels in plasma and peripheral organs after chronic oral treatment of Sprague Dawley rats (15 mg/kg) for 14 days. The levels of both parent TCA and metabolite were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography in six brain regions (cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus, striatum, brainstem and cerebellum), five peripheral organs and in plasma. Our data show that the cerebral cortex had the highest concentration of clomipramine (2.9 μg/mg), with successively lower concentrations in the hypothalamus, striatum, cerebellum, hippocampus and brainstem. Of the peripheral organs, the lungs and liver, had the highest levels of clomipramine, while in the heart, only the metabolite was detected. The plasma concentration (0.17 μg/ml or 0.48 μM) was comparable to that in the hippocampus and cerebellum (approximately 0.20 μg/mg). The differential distribution of clomipramine in different brain regions and the regional variation in clomipramine to desmethylclomipramine ratios have implications for the use of clomipramine in psychiatry and neuro-oncology.
Evaluating the Claim of Enhanced Persistence: The Case of Osteoporosis and Implications for Payers
Authors: Kelton Christina M. L. , Pasquale Margaret K.
Published: June 2009

Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) has been widely used in evaluating treatments for osteoporosis. To study the claim of enhanced persistence, this research determined the effects of persistence (the proportion of individuals who remain on treatment) and efficacy on incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for bisphosphonate treatment relative to no bisphosphonate treatment in the United States. For 2 age groups, 55 to 59 and 75 to 79, the authors relied on published fracture rates and applied them to 1000 postmenopausal osteoporotic patients with bone mineral density (BMD) T score ≤−2.5 during 3 years of treatment. After developing an algebraic ICER, with effectiveness measured by either quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained or number of fractures averted, they determined the effects of persistence and efficacy and then calibrated the model to variable estimates from the literature. For the younger (older) cohort, the cost per fracture averted was $66,606 ($18,256), consistent with a validated Markov simulation model. The effect of a 1 percentage point change in vertebral efficacy was 24 (5) times the effect of a 1 percentage point change in persistence for the younger cohort when QALYs (fractures) were involved. Nonvertebral efficacy had approximately 27 (9) times the effect of persistence. For the older cohort, the ratios were 15 (4.5) and 33 (10) for vertebral and nonvertebral fractures, respectively. In evaluating the claim of enhanced persistence, formulary decision makers need to exercise caution to ensure that efficacy is not compromised. Two drugs would have to be virtually identical in efficacy for better persistence to improve cost-effectiveness.
France: voices of the banlieues
Authors: Bouteldja Naima
Published: June 2009

Two interviews carried out at the October 2008 Forum Social des Quartiers Populaires in the Paris suburb of Nanterre reveal some of the political activism taking place, respectively, among French Muslim women and with immigrant elders from former French colonies. In the first case, the issue is raised of whether the wider women's movement will recognise a specifically Islamic feminism. The second interview draws attention to a struggle to recognise memories and experiences that have been largely neglected.
Treatment of Cartilage Defects in the Knee Using Alginate Beads Containing Human Mature Allogenic Chondrocytes
Authors: Almqvist Karl Fredrik , Dhollander Aad A. M. , Verdonk Peter C. M. , Forsyth Ramses , Verdonk René , Verbruggen Gust
Published: June 2009

Background

The repair of osteochondral lesions is imperfect and transient; chondral lesions do not heal in mature cartilage. Attempts have been made to restore cartilage lesions by filling the defects with a temporary artificial biocompatible matrix.

Purpose

To determine whether the implantation of alginate beads containing human mature allogenic chondrocytes is feasible and safe for the treatment of symptomatic cartilage defects in the knee.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A biodegradable, alginate-based, biocompatible scaffold containing human mature allogenic chondrocytes was used for the treatment of chondral and osteochondral lesions in the knee. Twenty-one patients were clinically and prospectively evaluated with use of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and a visual analog scale for pain preoperatively and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months of follow-up. Of the 21 patients, 13 consented to having a biopsy sample taken for investigative purposes from the area of implantation at 12 months of follow-up, allowing histologic assessment of the repair tissue.

Results

A statistically significant clinical improvement became apparent after 6 months, and patients improved during the 24 months of follow-up. Adverse reactions to the alginate/fibrin matrix seeded with the allogenic cartilage cells were not observed. Histologic analysis of the biopsy specimens rated the repair tissue as hyaline-like in 15.3% of the samples, as mixed tissue in 46.2%, as fibrocartilage in 30.8%, and as fibrous in 7.7%.

Conclusion

The results of this short-term pilot study show that the alginate-based scaffold containing human mature allogenic chondrocytes is feasible and safe for the treatment of symptomatic cartilage defects of the knee. The described technique provides clinical and histologic outcomes that are equal but not superior to those of other cartilage repair techniques.
Job Satisfaction of Public Managers in Special Districts
Authors: West Jonathan P. , Berman Evan M.
Published: June 2009

Little is known about special districts and their personnel. This study examines the job satisfaction and professional backgrounds of senior managers in large special districts. Senior managers in these districts report very high levels of job satisfaction, possibly among the highest of all such managers in public administration. Senior managers are satisfied or very satisfied with four of the most important determinants of job satisfaction: pay, the opportunity to use one’s talents at work, job security, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on one’s region or community. About one fourth of administrators on management teams in large special districts have their highest degree in public affairs, and among those with an MPA degree, three fourths have experience in business. This study concludes that it is time to take special districts more seriously both in research and as a locus of activity and career development for public managers.
Contracts and Retaliation
Authors: Fawaz Mona
Published: June 2009

The current housing policy paradigm supports the integration of informal settlements’ housing markets with the larger housing markets. Given, however, that housing production and exchange happen in a continuum of formal and informal processes, this article seeks to look at the effects of this integration on the conditions of housing acquisition for low-income urban dwellers. Based on a case study in Hayy el-Sellom (Beirut), the article traces the changing practices that ensued from the integration of this informal settlement’s housing market in the affordable housing market of the city’s suburbs by looking at how exchanges were secured and redress sought in cases of default. Research findings indicate that the introduction of practices borrowed from the larger housing market did not improve market securities. This suggests that rather than focusing on the formal—informal divide, planners should devise context-specific methods to address locally identified market weaknesses.
The Implementation of an Alternate Route to a Diploma in One State
Authors: Bouck Emily C. , Wasburn-Moses Leah
Published: June 2009

Twenty-two states continue to require exit exams, despite ongoing controversy surrounding their use. In all, exit exams affect nearly two thirds of high school students in this country. Many states, however, offer some alternative route or routes to a diploma, by which at least some students may bypass the exam requirement. This study examines the implementation of the alternative route to a diploma adopted by one state. In all, 117 Indiana high school guidance counselors provided information about their schools’ exit exam waiver procedures for students with and without disabilities. Results indicated that although the routes appeared fairly compatible and there is relative consistency across schools, few students who continue to fail the exit exam apply for a waiver.
Study on Thermal Decomposition of Intumescent Fire-Retardant Polypropylene by TG/Fourier Transform Infrared
Authors: Zhang Feng , Zhang Jun , Sun Daoxing
Published: June 2009

The thermal decomposition processes of polypropylene formulations containing intumescent flame-retardant additives as well as the individual components in the composites have been studied using thermogravimetric analysis and real time Fourier transform infrared in both air and nitrogen atmospheres. The results show that the thermal decomposition processes of pure polypropylene (PP), polyamide, pentaerythritol, and intumecent flame-retarded PP (IFR-PP) composites in air are significantly different from that in nitrogen atmosphere. The existence of oxygen promotes the decomposition of the above materials. However, oxygen has little influence on the thermal decomposition of ammonium polyphosphate and zinc borate both in air and nitrogen atmospheres. All IFR-PP composites show an earlier onset of decomposition in comparison with pure PP both in nitrogen and air atmospheres. Accordingly, the initial release gases such as NH3 or H2O help to swell the melted PP polymer and improve the flame retardancy of IFR-PP composite. At temperature higher than 290°C in air and 440°C in nitrogen, the IFR-PP composites are more thermally stable than PP because of the incorporation of intumescent flame additives. The decomposition mechanisms of these materials are discussed based on the analysis of the results of TG/FTIR.
Accelerated Ultraviolet Weathering of Recycled Polypropylene—Sawdust Composites
Authors: Adhikary Kamal Babu , Pang Shusheng , Staiger Mark P.
Published: June 2009

Accelerated ultraviolet (UV) weathering of hot-press molded recycled polypropylene (rPP)—sawdust composites was investigated with combinative UV radiation and water spray testing to assess the durability performance. The water absorption and thickness swelling of the composites were increased after accelerated weathering. The surface of the composites underwent significant color changes (ΔE) and lightening (ΔL*) after weathering. The Young’s modulus and flexural strength were decreased after weathering. Microstructural observations revealed a decrease in interfacial bonding between the wood flour and polymer matrix with increased exposure to weathering. The crystallinity and melting temperature of the PP—wood flour composites were decreased while neat rPP showed a 6% increase in the crystallinity after weathering. The crystallinity of rPP in the control composites without maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) was slightly lower than for neat rPP, while MAPP-containing composites showed an increase in the crystallinity of rPP.
Experimental Investigation of Optimal Nanoparticle Inclusion for Enhanced Flexural Performance in Continuous Fiber Ceramic Nanocomposites
Authors: Gudapati Vamshi M. , Veedu Vinod P. , Anyuan Cao  , Ghasemi-Nejhad Mehrdad N.
Published: June 2009

This work reports the effects of using varying weight percentage of nanoparticle inclusions on mechanical performance of continuous fiber ceramic composites. The ceramic fiber reinforcement was NicalonTM, and KiON CERASET ® preceramic polymer was mixed with nanoparticle inclusions in the presence of a surfactant agent, which gave good dispersion of the particles within the matrix. Yttrium oxide nanoparticles with an average size of 29 nm was used as the inclusion with varying weight percentages of 5, 10, 15, and 20%. For comparison, samples without nanoparticles were also manufactured. Two different types of nanoparticle filled composites were manufactured. The first one followed neat preceramic polymer reinfiltration cycle, whereas the second system was manufactured with corresponding nanoparticle dispersed preceramic polymer reinfiltration. A characterization analysis of the samples using scanning electron microscopy revealed proper dispersion of nanoparticle along with good quality of the parts. In general, the weight gain percentage at each stage of reinfiltration/pyrolysis for both types of nanoparticle filled ceramic composites is consistently less than that for ceramic composites manufactured without nanoparticle. This indicates the compactness of the material and retention of shape during the B-staging. Four-point bending test was also conducted to evaluate the mechanical performance of the ceramic composite samples at room temperature. Nanoparticle filled samples consistently showed significant improvement in flexural strength compared to their counterparts without nanoparticle reinforcement.
Effect of Poly (Propylene-g-maleic Anhydride) on the Morphological, Rheological, and Mechanical Properties of PP/HDPE Blend
Authors: Ahmad Ramazani S.A. , Abdi Valami Mehrzad , Khak Maryam
Published: June 2009

In this study, the morphological, rheological, and mechanical properties of PP/HDPE blend compatibilized with poly (propylene-g-maleic anhydride) were studied. Necessary blends were prepared using a counter current twin-screw extruder. The blend composition ranged from 10 to 50 wt% of dispersed phase (HDPE) and compatibilizer (MAPP) with two Concentration ranges 10, 20 wt% were used for PP/HDPE (80/20) blend with respect to the dispersed phase (HDPE). The results of morphological studies shows a droplet dispersion morphology in the composition to 50wt% HDPE content, which indicates that HDPE forms a dispersed phase and PP forms a continuous phase in these composition region. Addition of the MAPP compatibilizer decreases the dispersed phase diameter. Rheological studies show that addition of the MAPP compatibilizer increases the melt viscosity, complex viscosity, storage, and loss modulus of the blends. Mechanical studies show that with increasing of HDPE concentration the tensile and impact strength first increase, and then decrease. The elongation at break decreases with increasing of HDPE concentration. Addition of the MAPP compatibilizer increases the elongation at break, tensile, and impact strength.
Reinforcement of Dynamically Vulcanized EPDM/PP Elastomers Using Organoclay Fillers: Dynamic Properties of Rubber Vibration Isolators and Antivibration Performance
Authors: Wu Jyh-Horng , Li Chia-Hao , Chiu Hsien-Tang , Shong Zhi-Jian , Tsai Peir-An
Published: June 2009

Dynamically vulcanized ethylene—propylene—diene/polypropylene (EPDM/PP) elastomers that were reinforced with various amounts of organoclay were prepared using octylphenol—formaldehyde resin and stannous chloride dehydrate as vulcanizing agents. The effects of organoclay on X-ray, mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical analysis, hysteresis, and dynamic properties were studied. X-ray analysis revealed that these organoclay-filled thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) were intercalated. The organoclay improved the mechanical properties of TPVs. Dynamic mechanism analysis indicated that organoclay can increase the damping (tan δ) and storage modulus of EPDM/PP TPVs at ambient temperature. The hysteresis behavior revealed that when the organoclay content exceeded 6 phr, the antivibration performance of these TPVs increased with the organoclay content. The dynamic ratio does not vary greatly as tan δ of EPDM/PP TPVs is increased.
A Self-contained Module for Predicting Micro-scale Material Properties during Fiber-reinforced Polymer Processing
Authors: Brennan Kelly P. , Walrath David E.
Published: June 2009

A finite element-based approach was created to generate fiber scale permeability and thermal conductivity tensors for unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites. This model used fiber radius, volume fraction, and symmetry angle in addition to an assigned temperature and pressure gradient as inputs. Results and comparisons are presented for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Permeability and conductivity values generated by the model agreed strongly with experimental and numerical data obtained by other research. The model was also able to capture the dependence of these tensors on fiber structure and fluid properties. This was accomplished within the confines of a small computational domain.
Induction Heated Joining of Aluminum and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Nylon 66
Authors: Mitschang Peter , Velthuis Rudi , Emrich Stefan , Kopnarski Michael
Published: June 2009

Joining different material types, like metal and thermoplastic fiber reinforced polymer composites (TP-FRPC), offers a large potential for innovative light weight applications. This kind of bonding depends on mechanical, physical, and chemical interactions and is, therefore influenced by joining partner surface treatments. This study describes adhesion models and the effect of surface treatments of AlMg3-CF/PA66-joints. Joining by means of induction heating is an appropriate joining technology for the bonding of metal/TP-FRPC as it is utilized by a rapid heat generation. The characterization of the bonding mechanisms and the influence of the surface treatments are presented by single-lap joints and by microscopic analyses.
Studies on Enhancement of Mechanical Properties and Interfacial Adhesion of Flax Reinforced Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Erasmus E. , Anandjiwala R.
Published: June 2009

Natural fibre is often used as reinforcement in polymer composites. The main problem of using these natural fibres is their poor compatibility and hydrophilic nature. Therefore, chemical modification of constituents becomes necessary to enhance adhesion between hydrophilic fibre and hydrophobic polymer matrix. The aim of this work is to improve the interfacial adhesion between the polypropylene matrix and the nonwoven flax batting. Chemical treatments with acrylic acid, 4-pentanoic acid, 2,4-pentadienoic acid, and 2-methyl-4-pentanoic acid were investigated. The composites were processed by compression molding using a film stack method. The mechanical properties of these modified composites, such as tensile, flexural, and impact strength were analyzed and compared. It was found that these properties were dependent on the kind and amount of chemical treatment. SEM and thermal studies were also conducted.
Reinforcing of Biologically Derived Apatite with Commercial Inert Glass
Authors: Gunduz O. , Ahmad Z. , Ekren N. , Agathopoulos S. , Salman S. , Oktar F.N.
Published: June 2009

Apatite-based ceramics, derived from fine powder of calcinated bovine—bone (BHA), were successfully reinforced with 5 and 10 wt% commercial inert glass (CIG), which contained biocompatible elements, via sintering at different temperatures between 1000 and 1300°C. The products were subjected to mechanical testing and microstructural and crystallographic analyses. Comparison of the experimental results with those from earlier similar studies shows that CIG is superior for reinforcing of BHA ceramics compared with other bioactive glasses. Provided that the CIG addition does not exceed a certain limit, optimally being approximately 5 wt%, the resultant BHA-CIG materials can exhibit high strength after sintering and remarkable resistance toward over-firing at 1300°C. The influence of the amount of CIG on the developed microstructure and crystalline structure after sintering at different temperatures is discussed.
Effect of Die Pressure on Mechanical Properties of Wood—Plastic Composite in Extrusion Process
Authors: Shakouri E. , Behravesh A.H. , Zolfaghari A. , Golzar M.
Published: June 2009

This article presents an experimental study on the effect of die pressure on mechanical properties of a woodplastic composite (WPC) in an extrusion process. The strength-pressure relationship could govern the selection process of the equipment (size), especially for the load bearing applications of WPCs. A modular die was designed and manufactured to produce rod shaped products of various diameters. The induced pressure was also recorded. Tests on tensile and flexural strengths were carried out and bulk densities were measured. The results illustrate that an increase in die pressure significantly increases the strength of the product accompanied with a decrease in porosity and an increase in bulk density. When the pressure increased to 5-folds, for smaller product size, the tensile and flexural strengths increased to 3-folds and 2-folds, respectively.
Effect of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on Crystallization Behavior of Poly(e-caprolactone)diol
Authors: Jana R.N. , Im C. , Bhunia H.
Published: June 2009

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were found to be well dispersed in poly(ε-caprolactone)diol (PCL) matrix after grafting to the surface of MWNTs by grafting to approach. Afterward, the effect of MWNTs on nonisothermal crystallization of PCL was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and polarized optical microscopy (POM). From the DSC observation, the onset and peak crystallization temperatures of the composites were found to be always higher than those for neat PCL, indicating high nucleation ability of MWNTs in PCL. However, the crystallization rate, characterized by inversed half-crystallization time of the composite was lower than that of the neat PCL. The experimental data were analyzed using modified Avrami equation, and the activation energy for crystallization for PCL was found to reduce in the presence of MWNTs. POM showed a direct evidence for nucleating action of MWNTs in the crystallization process.
A Comparison of Volunteering Data in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and the Current Population Survey
Authors: Nesbit Rebecca
Published: June 2009

This article compares the volunteering data in the Center on Philanthropy’s Philanthropy Module of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, generally referred to as Center on Philanthropy Panel Study (COPPS), and the September volunteering supplement of the Current Population Survey (CPS). In comparing survey methodologies, the author focuses on sample type and size, data collection procedures, response rates, and survey content. He also presents volunteering estimates from both datasets including an investigation of the uses of memory prompts and proxy responses for volunteering data. Both the COPPS and CPS volunteering data are high-quality datasets and each has relative advantages over the other. The COPPS data allow for longitudinal analysis and contain measures of charitable giving and religiosity; the CPS data’s larger sample size allows for state-level estimates and subgroup analyses. In both datasets, proxy responses generally underreport volunteering. Memory prompts in the volunteering surveys capture small amounts of additional volunteering by White, married, middle-aged women with larger households.
Private Household Transfers and Poverty Alleviation in Rural India
Authors: Lal Deepak , Sharma Anuj
Published: June 2009

A transfer function for private household transfers in rural India is estimated from the National Council of Applied Economic Research's (NCAER's) ARIS-REDS survey for 1998–99. It is found that till a threshold, income (close to the rural poverty line) transfers are altruistically motivated. There is partial ‘crowding out’ of private transfers by public transfers of Rs 0.56 for every rupee of public transfer. About 10 per cent of rural households participate in the rural private ‘transfer economy’, with transfers going to relatively well-educated, pensionless, aged destitutes who have a number of adults to support.
Food That Makes You Different: The Stigma Experienced by Adolescents With Celiac Disease
Authors: Olsson Cecilia , Lyon Phil , Hörnell Agneta , Ivarsson Anneli , Sydner Ylva Mattsson
Published: June 2009

For adolescents with celiac disease (CD), a gluten-free diet (GFD) is crucial for health, but compliance is problematic and noncompliance is common even among those aware of the risks. To better understand their lives with the disease, Swedish CD adolescents were invited to take part in focus group discussions. Data were analyzed for recurrent stigma-related themes across the groups. Adolescents described an awareness of being different from others that was produced by meal appearance and the poor availability of gluten-free food. The GFD often required discussions and special requests, so eating in public had the effect of making an invisible condition visible, and thereby creating a context for felt or enacted stigma. Maintaining invisibility avoided negative consequences of stigma, and other strategies were used to reduce the costs of visibility. The results of the study show that the GFD can produce stigma experiences in adolescence, and that dietary compliance (or lack thereof) can be understood in terms of dealing with GFD concealment and disclosure.
Elder Authority and the Situational Diagnosis of Diarrheal Disease as Normal Infant Development in Northeast Thailand
Authors: Pylypa Jen
Published: June 2009

Research was conducted in rural Northeast Thailand to understand how mothers perceive children's acute illness episodes, and their resulting illness management strategies. Although diarrheal disease is one of the leading causes of illness among young children in Thailand, interviews revealed that mothers frequently do not classify infantile diarrhea as an “illness.” Infantile diarrhea is commonly labeled thai su, a type of diarrhea believed necessary to “lighten the body” so that the infant can attain a new developmental stage, such as sitting up, standing, or walking. Consequently, mothers do not perceive infection-related diarrheal illness as common in infants, and therefore do not direct much attention to prevention, nor manage diarrheal cases in a manner consistent with biomedical recommendations. In this article I describe local explanatory models of diarrheal illness, and discuss the role of situational factors and elder authority in determining how illness episodes are assessed and managed.
Social Support and Unsolicited Advice in a Bipolar Disorder Online Forum
Authors: Vayreda Agnès , Antaki Charles
Published: June 2009

How does a newly diagnosed user get inducted into a forum dedicated to people suffering from bipolar disorder? Is their opening message “matched” by the forum's reply? We add to the literature on social support online by using conversation analysis (CA) to explore an apparent contradiction between a new user's first post and forum members' replies with ostensibly unsolicited advice. CA reveals the intimate relation between turns in sequence, an aspect of online communication largely ignored in existing work on social support. Seen from this perspective, giving unsolicited advice, although apparently a “mismatch,” turns out to be a consequence of the open design of the new user's initial posting. We speculate that such unsolicited advice might function at the ideological level to induct the new user into the mores of the group, not only in the kind of support it countenances giving, but into the very meaning of bipolarity itself.
Supporting Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders in Inclusive Settings
Authors: Leach Debra , Duffy Mary Lou
Published: June 2009

With ongoing collaboration among general education teachers, special education teachers, related services professionals, and parents, students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) can receive a quality education alongside their typically developing peers. This article provides strategies to promote the successful inclusion of students with ASDs in general education classrooms. The suggestions provided are categorized by preventive, supportive, and corrective strategies and techniques. These strategies can provide general education teachers with a set of tools that enable them to be proactive in preventing behavior, academic, and social problems; enhance instruction and enable students to reach their full potential; and address problems if and when they do arise. Special emphasis is given to strategies to increase active engagement in instructional activities.
Does Political Decentralization Exacerbate or Ameliorate Ethnopolitical Mobilization? A Test of Contesting Propositions
Authors: Miodownik Dan , Cartrite Britt
Published: June 2009

This article presents the results of an experiment that attempted the reconciliation of opposite expectations regarding the effectiveness of political decentralization on ethno-political mobilization. An agent-based model was run thousands of times to explore the effect of decentralization. The experiments suggest that the impact is nonlinear: weak and medium levels of decentralization increase the likelihood of ethno-political mobilization, while strong decentralization decreases it. The explanation derives from how minority control of political institutions affects the dynamic of minority identity ascription and the realization of the goal or the frustration of ethnic members seeking more complete political dominance of the regional ideational space.
The Barrel Cortex as a Model to Study Dynamic Neuroglial Interaction
Authors: Giaume Christian , Maravall Miguel , Welker Egbert , Bonvento Gilles
Published: June 2009

There is increasing evidence that glial cells, in particular astrocytes, interact dynamically with neurons. The well-known anatomofunctional organization of neurons in the barrel cortex offers a suitable and promising model to study such neuroglial interaction. This review summarizes and discusses recent in vitro as well as in vivo works demonstrating that astrocytes receive, integrate, and respond to neuronal signals. In addition, they are active elements of brain metabolism and exhibit a certain degree of plasticity that affects neuronal activity. Altogether these findings indicate that the barrel cortex presents glial compartments overlapping and interacting with neuronal compartments and that these properties help define barrels as functional and independent units. Finally, this review outlines how the use of the barrel cortex as a model might in the future help to address important questions related to dynamic neuroglia interaction.
Group Health Cooperative’s Transformation Toward Patient-Centered Access
Authors: Ralston James D. , Martin Diane P. , Anderson Melissa L. , Fishman Paul A. , Conrad Douglas A. , Larson Eric B. , Grembowski David
Published: June 2009

The Institute of Medicine suggests redesigning health care to ensure safe, effective, timely, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered care. The concept of patient-centered access supports these goals. Group Health, a mixed-model health care system, attempted to improve patients’ access to care through the following changes: (a) offering a patient Web site with patient access to patient—physician secure e-mail, electronic medical records, and health promotion information; (b) offering advanced access to primary physicians; (c) redesigning primary care services to enhance care efficiency; (d) offering direct access to physician specialists; and (e) aligning primary physician compensation through incentives for patient satisfaction, productivity, and secure messaging with patients. In the 2 years following the redesign, patients reported higher satisfaction with certain aspects of access to care, providers reported improvements in the quality of service given to patients, and enrollment in Group Health stayed aligned with statewide trends in health care coverage.
When Older African American Women Are Affected by Violence in the Home
Authors: Paranjape Anuradha , Corbie-Smith Giselle , Thompson Nancy , Kaslow Nadine J.
Published: June 2009

A growing body of work has begun to recognize that the problem of older women affected by family violence (FV) deserves special consideration. Because risk and protective factors for FV can vary by social and cultural context, it is imperative that more focused attention be paid to vulnerable populations such as older African American women. This article reports on the results of a qualitative inquiry into individual, dyadic, and community-level variables that influence the risk of FV among older African American women receiving primary care at an inner-city hospital. An explanatory model that integrates these variables is presented.
A Full-Network Rubber Elasticity Model based on Analytical Integration
Authors: Itskov Mikhail , Ehret Alexander E. , Dargazany Roozbeh
Published: June 2009

Full-network rubber elasticity models generally require numerical integration over the unit sphere. In the present paper, a procedure for analytical integration of power series in terms of stretch square is proposed instead. This procedure is applied both to the inverse Langevin function and its rounded Padé approximation. The integrated power series demonstrates fast convergence to the analytical solution so far as it is available or to the numerical one based on a high resolution integration scheme. Good agreement with experimental data on silicone rubber is obtained as well. The integration procedure is also implemented to average the stretch on the basis of a q-root operator. This operator is usually applied in order to introduce a non-affine relation between micro and macro stretches into a network model.
Application of Cork Compounds in Sandwich Structures for Vibration Damping
Authors: Santos Silva J. , Dias Rodrigues J. , Moreira R.A.S.
Published: June 2009

The remarkable damping over a broad temperature range and thermal insulation properties of cork make it a suitable material to be applied on integrated and surface damping treatments in sandwich structures, improving its dynamic behavior. Experimental analysis and numerical modeling of sandwich structures with cork compound layers is therefore essential for a better understanding of the cork compound influence on the dynamic properties of a layered structure. In this article, an evaluation study on the dynamic properties of a set of sandwich plates with cork compound cores inside two aluminium faces is performed. For this purpose, three test samples were assembled following the described configuration, using cork compounds with different properties (density, granulometry and thickness). To numerically simulate these layered plates, a partial layerwise plate finite element (FE), with a multilayer configuration, was developed and integrated in a MATLAB FE code. The constitutive relation of the cork compounds is included in the FE model by using the material complex modulus in a direct frequency analysis procedure. For the different cork compounds hereby considered, the extensional complex modulus was previously identified by using a specific experimental methodology which simulates a semidefinite two degrees of freedom system, where the cork compound test sample represents the complex stiffness. From the complex modulus data, both extensional storage modulus and loss factor of the cork compound were obtained. The experimental evaluation of the dynamic properties of the sandwich plates was performed carrying out an experimental modal analysis on each test specimen, being measured a set of frequency response functions (FRFs). Additionally, the developed layerwise plate element was validated through the comparison between the measured driving point FRFs and the FE method predicted ones.
Exploring Stakeholder Engagement in Impact Evaluation Planning in Educational Development Work
Authors: Hart Diane , Diercks-O'Brien Gabi , Powell Adrian
Published: June 2009

This article presents a case study of engaging stakeholders in the early stages of an impact evaluation of educational development work in a UK university. The rationale for undertaking participative impact evaluation is outlined in relation to the national and local context. The aim is to contribute to wider knowledge about appropriate methodology to lead to a better understanding of change processes in learning and teaching. We outline how stakeholder engagement in evaluation in this context has been influenced by the Aspen Institute's `Theories of Change' approach, and how we interpreted and applied it in the context of a grant scheme for educational development work. Our experience is discussed in relation to previous learning about the application of the approach, in particular in the health sector. This has highlighted implications for future work, not least that it should be informed by a more appropriate theoretical framework for exploring the complexity of evaluation in this context.
Approaches to Participation in Evaluation
Authors: Plottu Béatrice , Plottu Eric
Published: June 2009

Approaches to participation in evaluation rely on the principle of active participation by major stakeholders, including less organized groups, as fundamental to good evaluation practice. This process offers a number of advantages but implementation requires certain prerequisites. The goal of our article is to weigh up the advantages of participation and to examine the conditions necessary for approaches to participation in evaluation to achieve their objectives.
The evaluation of foreign-language-teacher education programmes
Authors: Peacock Matthew
Published: June 2009

This article presents a new procedure for the evaluation of EFL teacher-training programmes based on principles of programme evaluation and foreign-language-teacher (FLT) education. The procedure focuses on programme strengths and weaknesses and how far the programme meets the needs of students. I tested the procedure through an evaluation of a TEFL programme, collecting data from students, teachers, and alumni through interviews, questionnaires, essays and analysis of programme materials. The programme had many strengths, including the teaching of pedagogic skills and promoting reflection and self-evaluation, but also shortcomings. It should increase the amount of practice teaching and increase input in certain areas such as knowledge of teaching within the local sociocultural context and classroom management. I suggest that the procedure may be useful for other contexts.
Measurement of Airflow around the Human Body with Wide-cover Type Personal Air-conditioning with PIV
Authors: Jeong-Hoon Yang  , Shinsuke Kato  , Ho-Tae Seok
Published: June 2009

Many existing personal air-conditioning systems cool only specific portions of the human body in the form of spot cooling, using either cooled or fast airflow to control thermal sensation. This may cause various problems related to localized airflow, such as discomfort to the face and neck areas and dryness in the eyes. Therefore, a method is proposed in this research for task area wide-cover type personal air-conditioning that prevents the task area of a human body from being exposed to a largely irregular thermal environment. A particle image velocimeter was used in the research to measure airflow fields for conventional spot cooling and wide-cover type personal air-conditioning (PAC) around the human body. The spot cooling type PAC formed an airflow of 0.3—0.6 m/s around the area of the neck. However, the wide-cover type PAC formed a calmer airflow field of less than 0.18 m · s-1 around the human body. This is because the supply air from a wide-cover type PAC has a higher density than the surrounding air and can extensively cover the human body. Therefore, the wide-cover type PAC can minimize the potential for cold drafts to affect the human body.
Evaluation of a Simple Method for Determining the Vertical Daylight Factor against Full-Scale Measured Data
Authors: Li Danny H.W. , Cheung Gary H.W. , Cheung K.L. , Lam Joseph C.
Published: June 2009

Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Its buildings are largely high-rise blocks constructed close to each other and, hence outdoor obstructions play significant roles in daylighting designs. The light reflected from the ground and surrounding buildings can be important sources of interior lighting and detailed computations are required. We currently propose a calculation procedure in terms of a number of regression equations to determine the daylight illuminance on vertical surfaces. This paper presents the work to assess this approach via full-scale measurements under real sky conditions. The mean surface reflectance for external obstructions was estimated using lighting simulation techniques. It was shown that daylight illuminance obtained by the proposed method were in reasonably good agreement with measured readings. The simple nature of the proposed approach offers building professionals and students a reliable and convenient alternative to predict daylight illuminance particularly when different daylighting schemes and concepts are being considered.