bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why is it Difficult to Grasp the Impacts of the Portuguese Quality Assurance System?
Authors: Veiga Amélia , Rosa Maria João , Dias Diana , Amaral Alberto
Published: August 2013

This article analyses the impacts of the Portuguese quality assurance system on academic cultures, using the Cultural Theory proposed by Douglas (1970, 1982) and developed by Thompson, Ellis and Wildavsky (1990) as an explanatory framework for Portuguese academics' preference formation in relation to quality assessment.

The Portuguese higher education system has been undergoing a change of paradigm by moving from traditional collegial system to a legal framework influenced by New Public Management. The former institutional context, where academic collegiality was the basis of democratic decision, promoted the egalitarian way of life, where the group dimension is stronger.

However, recent legislation has promoted two different logics. On the one hand it has decreased the influence of the group dimension by favouring individualistic values and beliefs. On the other, it has reinforced the grid dimension through greater centralisation of power and separation of roles of universities and polytechnics, thus promoting the hierarchic way of life. The new legislation framework has produced changes that have strongly modified traditional governance structures and mechanisms and are likely to affect academics' perceptions of quality assurance processes and impacts as much as they influence the development of beliefs and values.
Bihemispheric stimulation over left and right inferior frontal region enhances recovery from apraxia of speech in chronic aphasia
Authors: Marangolo Paola , Fiori Valentina , Cipollari Susanna , Campana Serena , Razzano Carmelina , Di Paola Margherita , Koch Giacomo , Caltagirone Carlo
Published: August 2013

Several studies have already shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a useful tool for enhancing recovery in aphasia. However, all tDCS studies have previously investigated the effects using unihemisperic stimulation. No reports to date have examined the role of bihemispheric tDCS on aphasia recovery. Here, eight aphasic persons with apraxia of speech underwent intensive language therapy in two different conditions: real bihemispheric anodic ipsilesional stimulation over the left Broca's area and cathodic contralesional stimulation over the right homologue of Broca's area, and a sham condition. In both conditions, patients underwent concurrent language therapy for their apraxia of speech. The language treatment lasted 10 days (Monday to Friday, then weekend off, then Monday to Friday). There was a 14‐day intersession interval between the real and the sham conditions. In all patients, language measures were collected before (T0), at the end of (T10) and 1 week after the end of (F/U) treatment. Results showed that after simultaneous excitatory stimulation to the left frontal hemisphere and inhibitory stimulation to the right frontal hemisphere regions, patients exhibited a significant recovery not only in terms of better accuracy and speed in articulating the treated stimuli but also in other language tasks (picture description, noun and verb naming, word repetition, word reading) which persisted in the follow‐up session. Taken together, these data suggest that bihemispheric anodic ipsilesional and cathodic contralesional stimulation in chronic aphasia patients may affect the treated function, resulting in a positive influence on different language tasks.
Population genetic structure in a social landscape: barley in a traditional Ethiopian agricultural system
Authors: Samberg Leah H. , Fishman Lila , Allendorf Fred W.
Published: August 2013

Conservation strategies are increasingly driven by our understanding of the processes and patterns of gene flow across complex landscapes. The expansion of population genetic approaches into traditional agricultural systems requires understanding how social factors contribute to that landscape, and thus to gene flow. This study incorporates extensive farmer interviews and population genetic analysis of barley landraces (Hordeum vulgare) to build a holistic picture of farmer‐mediated geneflow in an ancient, traditional agricultural system in the highlands of Ethiopia. We analyze barley samples at 14 microsatellite loci across sites at varying elevations and locations across a contiguous mountain range, and across farmer‐identified barley types and management strategies. Genetic structure is analyzed using population‐based and individual‐based methods, including measures of population differentiation and genetic distance, multivariate Principal Coordinate Analysis, and Bayesian assignment tests. Phenotypic analysis links genetic patterns to traits identified by farmers. We find that differential farmer management strategies lead to markedly different patterns of population structure across elevation classes and barley types. The extent to which farmer seed management appears as a stronger determinant of spatial structure than the physical landscape highlights the need for incorporation of social, landscape, and genetic data for the design of conservation strategies in human‐influenced landscapes.
A test of the preference–performance hypothesis with stream insects: selective oviposition affects the hatching success of caddisfly eggs
Authors: Bovill William D. , Downes Barbara J. , Lancaster Jill
Published: August 2013

Under the preference–performance hypothesis (PPH), oviparous females select oviposition sites that optimise the fitness of their offspring (eggs or larvae). The resulting distribution and fitness of offspring may have knock‐on effects for population distribution patterns and dynamics during larval and adult stages. We tested the PPH for Australian caddisflies from two genera (family: Hydrobiosidae) that oviposit in different flow conditions. Apsilochorema spp. oviposit in slow flowing water, whereas Ulmerochorema sp. favour fast flows. We expected hatching success to be higher in velocities favoured by ovipositing females.

In a field experiment, newly laid egg masses of each species were exposed to experimental ‘fast’ and ‘slow’ flow treatments throughout development and monitored until they hatched or died. In a second field experiment, we placed egg masses in a range of velocities (0.0–1.5 ms−1) to determine the threshold beyond which eggs were damaged by shear forces.

The results supported the PPH for one species. Apsilochorema egg masses were sheared from the substratum in fast flows, but hatched with 100% success in favoured slow flows. The threshold velocity for Apsilochorema was 0.6–0.7 ms−1, well beyond the natural oviposition range of up to 0.3 ms−1. Ulmerochorema eggs hatched in all flows, suggesting that flow‐related mortality of the egg stage is unimportant for this species. Oviposition in fast flows might enhance the fitness of Ulmerochorema larvae or ovipositing females instead.

Vulnerability to shear forces appears to explain why Apsilochorema lay eggs exclusively in slow flows. Shear may be a common cause of mortality for lotic insect eggs, and unseasonal spates or regulated flows may significantly affect recruitment of larvae. Selective oviposition affects the spatial distribution and survival of eggs and thus affects larval supply, and these supply dynamics are under‐studied in stream ecology.
Effects of ice cover on the diel behaviour and ventilation rate of juvenile brown trout
Authors: Watz Johan , Bergman Eva , Piccolo John J. , Greenberg Larry
Published: August 2013

Winter ice conditions in boreal streams are highly variable, and behavioural responses by fish to river ice may affect overwinter survival rates. One type of ice, surface ice, stabilises water temperatures, reduces instream light levels and may provide overhead cover.

Because surface ice is believed to afford protection against endothermic predators, we predicted that metabolic costs associated with vigilance would be lower under surface ice than in areas lacking surface ice. This potentially favourable effect of ice cover was tested by observing ventilation rates of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a laboratory stream at dawn, during the day and at night in the presence and absence of real, light‐permeable surface ice. Further, we offered trout drifting prey during daylight to test whether ice cover increased daytime foraging activity.

Ice cover reduced ventilation rates during the day, but not at night or dawn. Moreover, fish made more daytime foraging attempts in the presence of ice cover than in its absence.

We suggest that the most plausible explanation for these results is that fish experience a reduced perceived predation risk under surface ice.
Integrated assessment models for ecologists: the present and the future
Authors: Harfoot Michael , Tittensor Derek P. , Newbold Tim , McInerny Greg , Smith Matthew J. , Scharlemann Jörn P. W.
Published: August 2013

Aim

Human impacts on the biosphere are a matter of urgent and growing concern, with ecologists increasingly being asked to project biodiversity futures. The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is likely to comprehensively assess such projections, yet despite being widely used and potentially critical tools for analysing socio‐environmental futures, integrated assessment models (IAMs) have received little attention from ecological modellers. We aim to raise awareness and understanding ofIAMs among ecologists by describing the structure and composition ofIAMs, assessing their utility for biodiversity projections and identifying limitations that hamper greater interaction between scientists usingIAMsand those using ecological models. We also hope to inspire more accessible and applicable models by suggesting development needs forIAMs.

Methods

We conduct a systematic review of four state‐of‐the‐artIAMs, which describes and contrasts key model features and analyses six aspects ofIAMs that are of fundamental interest to ecologists.

Conclusions

IAMs could be valuable for modelling biodiversity futures; however, currentIAMs were not developed for this application and challenges remain for ecologists looking to use their outputs. Separating and understanding the differences resulting fromIAMformulation and those resulting from specific scenario assumptions is currently problematic, and currentIAMs may be unable to accurately represent environmental conditions for both Earth‐system projections and for building robust models of biodiversity because key ecological processes are absent. We suggest that model intercomparisons would identify differences in model dynamics, and detailed studies of how dynamical interactions between components influence behaviour would address why such differences arise. Bio‐economic fisheries models and agriculture pollination models provide starting points for integrating key ecological feedbacks withinIAMs. Ultimately, makingIAMs more accessible within the multidisciplinary study of global change, drawing on user‐centred research, would enable more resolved, reliable and accurate assessment of how Earth's socio‐ecological system is approaching planetary boundaries.
Survival analysis of Y‐90 radiosynovectomy in the treatment of haemophilic synovitis of the knee: a 10‐year retrospective review
Authors: Turkmen C. , Kilicoglu O. , Dikici F. , Bezgal F. , Kuyumcu S. , Gorgun O. , Taser O. , Zulfikar B.
Published: August 2013

Despite recent advances including new therapeutic options and availability of primary prophylaxis in haemophiliacs, haemophilic synovitis is still the major clinical problem in significant patient population worldwide. We retrospectively reviewed our 10‐year experience with Y‐90 radiosynovectomy to determine the outcome in the knee joints of patients with haemophilic synovitis. Between 2002 and 2012, 82 knee joints of 67 patients with haemophilic synovitis were treated with Y‐90 radiosynovectomy. The mean age was 16.8 ± 7.8 years (range: 5–39 years). The mean follow‐up period was 39.6 ± 25.6 months (range: 12–95 months). Failure of therapy represented re‐bleeding after a radiosynovectomy was used as an end point in patient time to progression (TTP) analysis. The median TTP was calculated as 72.0 ± 3.6 months (95% CI 64.8–79.1 months) in Kaplan–Meier analysis. The 1, 3 and 5‐year survival rates were 89%, 73% and 63% respectively. Longer TTP (hazard ratio for progression, 2.5; P = 0.00) was evident in patients who have greater reduction in bleeding frequency within 6 months after radiosynovectomy. We did not find a relationship between the TTP and the following variables: age, type and severity of haemophilia, the presence or absence of inhibitor, the radiological score, range of motion status of joints and the pretreatment bleeding frequency. We concluded that Y‐90 radiosynovectomy in knee joint represents an important resource for the treatment of haemophilic synovitis, markedly reducing joint bleeding and long‐term durability, irrespective of the radiographic stage and inhibitor status.
Reproducibility of current classifications of endometrial endometrioid glandular proliferations: further evidence supporting a simplified classification
Authors: Ordi Jaume , Bergeron Christine , Hardisson David , McCluggage W. Glenn , Hollema Harry , Felix Ana , Soslow Robert A , Oliva Esther , Tavassoli Fattaneh A , Alvarado‐Cabrero Isabel , Wells Michael , Nogales Francisco F
Published: August 2013

Aims

To compare the reproducibility of the current (2003) World Health Organization (WHO), endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) and European Working Group (EWG) classifications of endometrial endometrioid proliferations.

Methods and results

Nine expert gynaecological pathologists from Europe and North America reviewed 198 endometrial biopsy/curettage specimens originally diagnosed as low‐grade lesions. All observers were asked to classify the cases by using the categories described in each scheme: six for WHO, four for EIN, and three for EWG. The results were evaluated by kappa statistics for more than two observations. The analysis was repeated using only two major categories (benign versus atypical/carcinoma). Both the WHO and EIN classifications showed poor interobserver agreement (κ = 0.337 and κ = 0.419, respectively), whereas the EWG classification showed moderate agreement (κ = 0.530). Full agreement between pathologists occurred in only 28% for the WHO classification, 39% for the EIN classification, and 59% for the EWG classification. With only two diagnostic categories, kappa values increased in all classifications, but only the EWG classification reached a substantial level of agreement (κ = 0.621); similarly, full agreement among all pathologists increased to 70% for the WHO classification, 69% for the EIN classification, and 72% for the EWG classification.

Conclusions

A two‐tier classification of endometrial endometrioid proliferative lesions improves reproducibility, and should be considered for the diagnosis of endometrial biopsy/curettage specimens.
Joining of SiC Fiber‐Bonded Ceramics using Silver, Copper, Nickel, Palladium, and Silicon‐Based Alloy Interlayers
Authors: Asthana Rajiv , Singh Mrityunjay , Lin Hua‐Tay , Matsunaga Tadashi , Ishikawa Toshihiro
Published: August 2013

SiC fiber‐bonded ceramics, SA‐Tyrannohex®, (SA‐THX) with perpendicular and parallel fiber orientations were brazed using Ag‐, Ni‐ and Pd‐base brazes, and four Si–X (X: Ti, Cr, Y, Ta) eutectics. Outcomes were variable, ranging from bonded joints through partially bonded to un‐bonded joints. Prominent Ti‐ and Si‐rich interfaces developed with Cusil‐ABA, Ticusil, and Copper‐ABA and Ni‐ and Si‐rich layers with MBF‐20. Stress rupture tests at 650 and 750°C on Cusil‐ABA‐bonded joints revealed a temperature‐dependent behavior for the perpendicular joints but not for the parallel joints with failure occurring at brazed interface. Higher‐use temperatures can be targeted with eutectic Si–Ti and Si–Cr alloys.
An evaluation of spoken corpus‐based resources in undergraduate interpreter training
Authors: Bale Richard
Published: August 2013

The use of corpus‐based materials in language learning and translator training has gained momentum in recent years. Based on the assumption that the exploitation of such resources can be extended to the field of interpreter education, this paper presents the findings from four case studies, in which the BACKBONE corpus was used in the training of undergraduate interpreting students. During each study, students were asked to indicate how they had used the materials and to express their opinions about the resources from a user‐perspective. The paper provides an evaluation of the materials and suggests methods of exploiting spoken corpus‐based resources in the undergraduate interpreting context.
Can the LTSI Predict Transfer Performance? Testing intent to transfer as a proximal transfer of training outcome
Authors: Hutchins Holly M. , Nimon Kim , Bates Reid , Holton Ed
Published: August 2013

Law enforcement personnel (n = 235) were administered the Learning Transfer Systems Inventory (LTSI) and a transfer measure after completing leadership development training. Although most studies using the LTSI have focused on validation efforts in different linguistic settings, this study is one of the few to examine the relationship between the LTSI factors and a proximal transfer outcome score (as measured by intent to transfer). Motivation to transfer, transfer design, and transfer performance expectations had the strongest relationship with intent to transfer, and the motivation subscales (motivation to transfer, performance expectations, and outcome expectations) accounted for the largest amount of unique variance in intent to transfer.
Employment Interview Reliability: New meta‐analytic estimates by structure and format
Authors: Huffcutt Allen I. , Culbertson Satoris S. , Weyhrauch William S.
Published: August 2013

This study sought to provide an update on evidence regarding the interrater reliability of employment interviews. Using a final dataset of 125 coefficients with a total sample size of 32,428, our results highlight the importance of taking all three sources of measurement error (random response, transient, and conspect) into account. For instance, the mean interrater reliability was considerably higher for panel interviews than for separate interviews conducted by different interviewers (.74 vs. .44). A strong implication of our findings is that interview professionals should not base perceptions of the psychometric properties of their interview process on interrater estimates that do not include all three sources. A number of directions for future research were identified, including the influence of cues in medium structure panel interviews (e.g., changes in tone or pitch) and the lower than expected reliability for highly structured interviews conducted separately by different interviewers.
Impact and Causes of Rater Severity/Leniency in Appraisals without Postevaluation Communication Between Raters and Ratees
Authors: Dewberry Chris , Davies‐Muir Anna , Newell Simon
Published: August 2013

In performance appraisals, some assessors are substantially more lenient than others. Research on this effect in appraisals involving communication and interaction between raters and ratees after the performance evaluation has taken place indicates that it may be at least partly caused by individual differences in assessor personality. However, little is known about the impact or causes of rater severity versus leniency in situations in which there is little or no contact between raters and ratees after the performance evaluation. In Study 1 (N = 174) the strength of the severity–leniency effect in this ‘no‐contact’ context is estimated and found to be similar to that reported for ‘with‐contact’ appraisals. No evidence of an association between assessor personality and assessor severity (vs. leniency) is found in the ‘no‐contact’ context. In Study 2 (N = 54) there is no evidence of an association between the fluid cognitive ability of assessors and the severity of their ratings in a no‐contact context. It is concluded that the severity versus leniency effect probably has a considerable impact on performance ratings in ‘no‐contact’ appraisal settings, but that neither rater personality nor rater cognitive ability appear to play a significant role in this.
Justifying Counterproductive Work Behaviors and an Integrity‐based Conditional Reasoning Test: Back to the drawing board?
Authors: Fine Saul , Gottlieb‐Litvin Yael
Published: August 2013

Conditional reasoning tests (CRT) were proposed as an innovative approach to implicitly measure the rationalizations toward counterproductive work behaviors (CWB) often associated with overt integrity tests. The authors first set out to map a typology of justification mechanisms for generalCWB, and to then validate a new integrity‐basedCRTin both honest and faking testing conditions. Unfortunately, while demonstrating encouraging construct and criterion validity in the honest testing condition, the test was less resistant to faking than originally anticipated, and ceased to be valid in the faking condition. Overall, the results provide theoretical insight toward understanding how employees justifyCWB, but raise concerns regarding the potential operational limitations of at least someCRTs.
Are rural–urban migrants living in urban slums more vulnerable in terms of housing, health knowledge, smoking, mental health and general health?
Authors: Khan Md. Mobarak Hossain , Kraemer Alexander
Published: August 2013

The magnitude of rural–urban migration in Bangladesh is increasing. Rapid urbanisation and a growing number of slums (dominated by migrants) pose many challenges to health. To our knowledge, studies regarding internal migration and health are scarce and results are mixed. Therefore, we compared several aspects, namely: housing, health knowledge, smoking, mental and general health, for three groups of migrants, designated urban natives/urban to urban migrants (UN/UU), rural to urban migrants (RU) and rural natives/rural to rural migrants (RN/RR). Results based on a sample of 5,136 adults indicated that the majority of respondents were less than 50 years old, female, married and uneducated. The percentages of UN/UU, RU and RN/RR migrants were 9.6, 69.2 and 21.3, respectively. As both bivariable and multivariable analyses indicated greater vulnerability among RU migrants in terms of the above‐mentioned aspects, this particular group deserves more attention from policy‐makers and other stakeholders. Some implications are also discussed.

Key Practitioner Message: ● This study provides information regarding internal migration and explains push–pull factors in Bangladesh; ● It provides evidence regarding greater vulnerability in terms of health and other determinants among rural–urban migrants living in Dhaka slums; ● Lastly, the study justifies the importance of intervention strategies targeting poor migrants in urban slums in developing countries.
Miscarriages of Justice and the Discourse of Innocence: Perspectives from Appellants, Campaigners, Journalists, and Legal Practitioners
Authors: Jenkins Siôn
Published: August 2013

This article problematizes the discourse of innocence in relation to victims of wrongful conviction operating within the criminal justice system. For appellants whose convictions have been quashed by the Court of Appeal, notions of innocence are often at odds with how others perceive and understand the purpose of criminal trials and appeals. This article will examine the views of legal practitioners, journalists, and victims of wrongful conviction and their supporters regarding factual innocence and how misunderstanding can sometimes lead to miscommunication by actors operating within the same system. The article will further examine the issue of compensation in light of the recent ruling by the Supreme Court and conclude that the current debate regarding what constitutes a miscarriage of justice continues to confuse legal practitioners and prolong the anxiety suffered by victims recovering from the trauma of wrongful imprisonment and subsequent losses.
Weber Reading Stammler: What Horizons for the Sociology of Law?
Authors: Coutu Michel
Published: August 2013

This article asks whether the two studies by Max Weber that form his Critique of Stammler are by now only marginal to a study of Weber's work, of historical interest only, given that Rudolf Stammler has long since been relegated to almost complete obscurity. Or could they still lead to a better understanding of the thought of Max Weber? This article argues that the Critique of Stammler offers a still‐relevant contribution to sociological reflection, particularly about law, and valuable guidance for distinguishing normative legal orders from empirical ones, and measuring the causal influence of the former on the latter.
‘Culturally Unsuited to Property Rights?’: Colonial Land Laws and African Societies
Authors: Home Robert
Published: August 2013

Hernando de Soto, advocate of central registers of land rights, raised the possibility of Africans being culturally unsuited to property rights. This article argues that sub‐Saharan Africa's high proportion of tribal/communal land (as distinguished from private and public/state land) results from a combination of geography, history, and population distribution. External colonial rule created a dual system of land tenure that restrained private property rights in the tribal/communal land areas. The research draws upon archival evidence from the colonial land tenure panel chaired by Lord Hailey (1945–50). The finding is not that Africans are inherently culturally unsuited to property ownership, but that colonialism reinforced pluralistic forms of property rights, which create particular challenges to land law reform.
Loan Sharks v. Short‐term Lenders: How Do the Law and Regulators Draw the Line?
Authors: Aldohni Abdul Karim
Published: August 2013

With the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) having just published its ‘comprehensive review’ of some aspects of the business of short‐term lenders, this article examines the phenomenon of short‐term lenders. It draws on the legal and conceptual changes in the United Kingdom's consumer credit sector that have aided their proliferation. It argues that short‐term lenders in their current form are no different from loan sharks and that the current legal and regulatory framework has failed to provide the required protection for vulnerable credit consumers. It highlights how the United Kingdom's legal approach to consumer protection has been to the detriment of short‐term borrowers.
Positive margins in excised dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a study of 58 cases treated with slow‐Mohs surgery
Authors: Serra‐Guillén C. , Llombart B. , Nagore E. , Requena C. , Traves V. , Llorca D. , Kindem S. , Alcalá R. , Guillén C. , Sanmartín O.
Published: August 2013

Background

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is characterized by unpredictable subclinical extension, meaning that positive margins are frequently detected following conventional surgical excision.

Objective

To study the presence or absence of residual tumour in DFSP with positive margins after conventional surgery and identify possible predictors of residual tumour or clear margins following a single Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) stage.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients with DFSP and positive margins following conventional excision referred for MMS was performed. We studied gender, age, tumour site, time from presentation to diagnosis, and affected margins.

Results

We studied 58 cases, 35 (60.3%) of which had histological evidence of residual tumour. Tumours of the head and neck were significantly associated with the persistence of tumour. A single MMS stage was sufficient to achieve clearance in the majority of cases (n = 46). All tumours with lateral involvement only were resolved with a single Mohs stage.

Conclusions

DFSPs with positive margins after conventional surgical excision should undergo re‐excision because the majority have histologic evidence of residual tumour. Re‐excision with 1‐cm margins beyond the scar could be an option in certain tumour sites, particularly when it is known which margins are involved.
Involving stakeholders in the commissioning and implementation of fishery science projects: experiences from the U.K. Fisheries Science Partnershipa
Authors: Armstrong M. J. , Payne A. I. L. , Deas B. , Catchpole T. L.
Published: August 2013

Following from similar initiatives worldwide, the U.K.'s Fisheries Science Partnership (FSP) was established in 2003 to provide the fishing industry with opportunities to propose and participate in scientific studies in collaboration with fishery scientists. Key concepts were that most of the available funding would support industry participation, that industry, not scientists, would come up with the ideas for projects, and that commercial fishing vessels and fishing methods would be used to address specific concerns of the fishing industry in a scientifically controlled manner. Nearly 100 projects had been commissioned by March 2012, covering annual time‐series surveys of stocks subject to traditional assessment, and ad hoc projects on, e.g. gear selectivity, discard survival, tagging and migration and fishery development. The extent to which the results of the projects have been used by stakeholders, fishery scientists and fishery managers at a national and E.U. level is evaluated, along with the degree of industry interest and involvement, and reasons are identified for successes or failures in the uptake of the results into management and policy. Finally, the question is posed whether the programme has been successful in improving the engagement of the fishing community in the science–management process and in fostering communication and greater trust between fishers, scientists and managers.
Simultaneous Evaluations of Material Toxicity and Ease of Disassembly during Electronics Design
Authors: Chang Hsiang‐Tang , Lu Chien‐Han
Published: August 2013

Design for environment (DfE) has become an important strategy for sustainable development. However, tools used for designing and tools used to conduct environmental evaluations are currently independent, and therefore the data these tools rely on are not easily communicated and integrated. In this research, we have developed a new software tool (EcoCAD) to provide support for DfE. The primary aim is to enable designers to spend less time on complicated environmental evaluations and independently and quickly develop products that have improved material toxicity and ease‐of‐disassembly characteristics.

Fraunhofer‐Institut für Zuverlässigkeit und Mikrointegration's method for developing toxic potential indicators (TPIs) was used to create a Taiwanese TPI database from information contained in the United Nations’ globally harmonized system's material safety data‐sheet databases, and EcoCAD was developed and embedded on a commercial computer‐aided design (CAD) software platform. In addition to common industrial materials, the toxicity of materials in generic printed circuit boards and in generic electric/electronic components is built into EcoCAD.

EcoCAD not only provides designers with a functionality for monitoring TPIs during the design process, but also provides the designer with suggestions for reducing the toxicity and improving the ease of disassembly of their products. EcoCAD is an extremely practical tool because a designer is able to understand the material toxicity and ease‐of‐disassembly characteristics of the product during the CAD modeling stage itself, thereby saving time and cost and inspiring better designs.

At the present time, EcoCAD focuses on toxicity of materials and ease of disassembly, but our concept could be extended to other environmental characteristics. For example, if a suitable life cycle assessment database was integrated with commercial CAD software, greenhouse gas emissions or European Union energy‐related product directives could be considered.
Executive functioning in individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Roelofs R. L. , Visser E. M. , Berger H. J. C. , Prins J. B. , Van Schrojenstein Lantman‐De Valk H. M. J. , Teunisse J. P.
Published: August 2013

Background

Executive functioning (EF) is important for adequate behavioural functioning and crucial for explaining symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in individuals with normal intelligence, but is scarcely studied in individuals withASDand intellectual disabilities (ID). We therefore studyEFin anIDpopulation by comparing performances on three frequently studied executive functions (shifting, inhibition and updating) between individuals withASDand individuals withoutASD. When studyingIDpopulations, one should be aware ofSpearman'sLaw ofDiminishingReturns (SLODR), as it questions the possibility of measuring separate cognitive functions inIDpopulations.

Methods

SixEFtasks were administered to 50 individuals with mild to borderlineID, of which half was diagnosed withASD. In order to investigate the distinctness of the three executive functions in thisIDsample, the results on the sixEFtasks were subjected to principal components analysis (PCA). Subsequently, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to assess differences between theASDand non‐ASDgroup on shifting, inhibition and updating.

Results

ThePCArevealed the hypothesisedEFtrichotomy.MANOVAanalysis showed no significant group differences onEF‐performance.

Conclusions

Three separate executive functions were measured in thisIDpopulation, but despite much evidence that individuals withASDdisplay more behavioural problems and the proven relevance ofEFin behavioural functioning, no significant group difference was found on shifting, inhibition or updating. After this first effort to achieve more insight intoEFof individuals withASDandIDthe relation between behavioural problems andEFwill require further study.
Ultrasonographic examination in non‐human primates with acute abdomen signs
Authors: de Souza Andressa Cristina , Lange Rogério Ribas , Guerios Simone Domit , Froes Tilde Rodrigues
Published: August 2013

Background

The acute abdomen is any abdominal disorder resulting in pain, shock, or sepsis. Although it has a multifactorial etiology, the primary cause is gastrointestinal tract pathology. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of abdominal ultrasound as a complementary diagnostic tool in non‐human primates with an acute abdomen.

Methods

Three different non‐human primates with clinical signs of acute abdomen were evaluated as follows: a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), a tufted capuchin (Cebus apella), and a black‐tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata).

Results

Ultrasonographic examination assisted in the identification of a variety of differential diagnoses and was used in decision‐making for exploratory laparotomy, which was performed in two animals. Ultrasound examination confirmed the source of the acute abdomen as the gastrointestinal tract in the three animals studied.

Conclusions

Abdominal ultrasound is a useful technique for the investigation of signs of acute abdomen in non‐human primates.
The context of learning anatomy: does it make a difference?
Authors: Smith Claire F. , Martinez‐Álvarez Concepción , McHanwell Stephen
Published: August 2013

This study set out to ascertain whether the context in which anatomy is learnt made a difference to students' perceptions of learning. An Approach to Learning Inventory (ASSIST) and a 31‐item Anatomy Learning Experience Questionnaire (ALE) were administered to 224 students (77 dental, 132 medical and 19 speech and language) as a multi‐site study. Results revealed that 45% adopted a strategic, 39% a deep and 14% a surface approach. Trends between professions are similar for a deep or strategic approach (both ~ 40%). However, a surface approach differed between professions (7% dentistry, 16% medicine, 26% speech and language science). Dental students responded more to being able to use their knowledge than did other groups (P = 0.0001). Medical students found the dissecting environment an intimidating one and subsequently reported finding online resources helpful (P = 0.015 and P = 0.003, respectively). Speech and language science students reported that they experienced greater difficulties with learning anatomy; they reported finding the amount to learn daunting (P = 0.007), struggled to remember what they did last semester (P = 0.032) and were not confident in their knowledge base (P = 0.0001). All students responded strongly to the statement ‘I feel that working with cadaveric material is an important part of becoming a doctor/dentist/health care professional’. A strong response to this statement was associated with students adopting a deep approach (P = 0.0001). This study has elucidated that local curriculum factors are important in creating an enabling learning environment. There are also a number of generic issues that can be identified as being inherent in the learning of anatomy as a discipline and are experienced across courses, different student groups and institutions.
Biased Beliefs, Asset Prices, and Investment: A Structural Approach
Authors: ALTI AYDOĞAN , TETLOCK PAUL C.
Published: August 2013

We structurally estimate a model in which agents’ information processing biases can cause predictability in firms’ asset returns and investment inefficiencies. We generalize the neoclassical investment model by allowing for two biases—overconfidence and overextrapolation of trends—that distort agents’ expectations of firm productivity. Our model's predictions closely match empirical data on asset pricing and firm behavior. The estimated bias parameters are well identified and exhibit plausible magnitudes. Alternative models without either bias or with efficient investment fail to match observed return predictability and firm behavior. These results suggest that biases affect firm behavior, which in turn affects return anomalies.
Functional analyses of three ASMT gene family members in rice plants
Authors: Park Sangkyu , Byeon Yeong , Back Kyoungwhan
Published: August 2013

N‐acetylserotonin methyltransferase (ASMT) is the final enzyme in a biosynthetic pathway that produces melatonin. ASMT may play a rate‐limiting role in the production of this bioactive molecule in plants. There are three ASMT genes (ASMT1‐ASMT3) in the rice genome, but only ASMT1 has been functionally characterized. A major barrier to further progress in characterizing these genes has been a failure of functional expression within the Escherichia coli. Purified recombinant ASMT2 and ASMT3 are inactive in ASMT enzyme catalysis. To determine the biological functions of ASMT2 and ASMT3, we first overexpressed them in rice calli, which resulted in enhanced production of melatonin in the respective transgenic calli. To further corroborate the functions of ASMT2 and ASMT3 as ASMT genes, we generated stable transgenic rice plants. ASMT enzyme activity was increased in comparison with the wild type in T2 homozygous transgenic rice plants expressing three ASMT genes independently. When seedlings were treated with 1 mm N‐acetylserotonin (NAS), leaf melatonin contents were higher in the three transgenic lines than in the wild type. There were no significant differences between the transgenic lines and the wild type without this treatment. ASMT1 and ASMT2 transcripts were highly expressed in stems and flowers, but ASMT3 was barely detectable in any of the plant organs. All three ASMT mRNAs were simultaneously induced in treatments with abscisic and methyl jasmonic acids.
Melatonin induces browning of inguinal white adipose tissue in Zucker diabetic fatty rats
Authors: Jiménez‐Aranda Aroa , Fernández‐Vázquez Gumersindo , Campos Daniel , Tassi Mohamed , Velasco‐Perez Lourdes , Tan Dun‐Xian , Reiter Russel J. , Agil Ahmad
Published: August 2013

Melatonin limits obesity in rodents without affecting food intake and activity, suggesting a thermogenic effect. Identification of brown fat (beige/brite) in white adipose tissue (WAT) prompted us to investigate whether melatonin is a brown‐fat inducer. We used Zücker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, a model of obesity‐related type 2 diabetes and a strain in which melatonin reduces obesity and improves their metabolic profiles. At 5 wk of age, ZDF rats and lean littermates (ZL) were subdivided into two groups, each composed of four rats: control and those treated with oral melatonin in the drinking water (10 mg/kg/day) for 6 wk. Melatonin induced browning of inguinal WAT in both ZDF and ZL rats. Hematoxylin–eosin staining showed patches of brown‐like adipocytes in inguinal WAT in ZDF rats and also increased the amounts in ZL animals. Inguinal skin temperature was similar in untreated lean and obese rats. Melatonin increased inguinal temperature by 1.36 ± 0.02°C in ZL and by 0.55 ± 0.04°C in ZDF rats and sensitized the thermogenic effect of acute cold exposure in both groups. Melatonin increased the amounts of thermogenic proteins, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) (by ~2‐fold, P < 0.01) and PGC‐1α (by 25%, P < 0.05) in extracts from beige inguinal areas in ZL rats. Melatonin also induced measurable amounts of UCP1 and stimulated by ~2‐fold the levels of PGC‐1α in ZDF animals. Locomotor activity and circulating irisin levels were not affected by melatonin. These results demonstrate that chronic oral melatonin drives WAT into a brown‐fat‐like function in ZDF rats. This may contribute to melatonin′s control of body weight and its metabolic benefits.
Growth and physiological responses of growing pigs to wheat–corn distillers dried grains with solubles
Authors: Ayoade D. I. , Kiarie E. , Slominski B. A. , Nyachoti C. M.
Published: August 2013

Gaining a detailed knowledge on the impact of a feedstuff on pig growth and physiological responses is critical for its effective utilization. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of distillers dried grains with solubles derived from co‐fermentation of wheat and corn (wcDDGS) on performance, carcass and visceral organ weights, whole‐body O2 consumption and heat production (HP) in growing barrows. The experimental diets were as follows: corn–soybean meal diet (Control), Control + 15% wcDDGS and Control + 30% wcDDGS. In Exp. 1, 48 pair‐housed pigs of average BW 18.6 ± 1.5 kg (mean ± SD) were allotted to the 3 diets (n = 8). Pigs had free access to water and feed for a 28‐day period during which ADG and ADFI were calculated weekly. Thereafter, 1 pig/pen was killed to measure carcass and visceral organ weights. Overall, wcDDGS linearly decreased (p < 0.05) ADFI and ADG but had no effect on G:F (p > 0.10). The ADFI was 1.55, 1.45 and 1.36 kg/day for diets containing 0, 15 and 30% wcDDGS respectively; corresponding values for ADG were 0.79, 0.75 and 0.67 kg/day respectively. A linear decline (p = 0.01) in eviscerated hot carcass weight was observed as dietary wcDDGS increased. In Exp. 2, 18 pigs of average BW 20.4 ± 2.4 kg (mean ± SD) were individually housed in metabolism crates and fed the 3 diets (n = 6) at 550 kcal ME kg BW−0.60day for a 16‐day period followed by measurement of O2 consumption using an indirect calorimeter. Diet had no effect (p > 0.10) on whole‐body O2 consumption and HP. In conclusion, increasing wcDDGS content in growing pig diets linearly reduced ADFI, ADG and eviscerated hot carcass weight but had no effect on G:F, visceral organ weights or HP.
Faecal nitrogen excretion as an approach to estimate forage intake of wethers
Authors: Kozloski G. V. , Oliveira L. , Poli C. H. E. C. , Azevedo E. B. , David D. B. , Ribeiro Filho H. M. N. , Collet S. G.
Published: August 2013

Data from twenty‐two digestibility trials were compiled to examine the relationship between faecal N concentration and organic matter (OM) digestibility (OMD), and between faecal N excretion and OM intake (OMI) by wethers fed tropical or temperate forages alone or with supplements. Data set was grouped by diet type as follows: only tropical grass (n = 204), only temperate grass (n = 160), tropical grass plus supplement (n = 216), temperate grass plus supplement (n = 48), tropical grass plus tropical legume (n = 60) and temperate grass with ruminal infusion of tannins (n = 16). Positive correlation between OMD and either total faecal N concentration (Nfc, % of OM) or metabolic faecal N concentration (Nmetfc, % of OM) was significant for most diet types. Exceptions were the diet that included a tropical legume, where both relationships were negative, and the diet that included tannin extract, where the correlation between OMD and Nfc was not significant. Pearson correlation and linear regressions between OM intake (OMI, g/day) and faecal N excretion (Nf, g/day) were significant for all diet types. When OMI was estimated from the OM faecal excretion and Nfc‐based OMD values, the linear comparison between observed and estimated OMI values showed intercept different from 0 and slope different from 1. When OMI was estimated using the Nf‐based linear regressions, the linear comparison between observed and estimated OMI values showed neither intercept different from 0 nor slope different from 1. Both linear comparisons showed similar R2 values (i.e. 0.78 vs. 0.79). In conclusion, linear equations are suitable for directly estimating OM intake by wethers, fed only forage or forage plus supplements, from the amount of N excreted in faeces. The use of this approach in experiments with grazing wethers has the advantage of accounting for individual variations in diet selection and digestion processes and precludes the use of techniques to estimate forage digestibility.
Contemporary Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction: Reexamining the Biopsychosocial Model
Authors: Berry Michael D. , Berry Philip D.
Published: August 2013

Introduction

The introduction of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors has revolutionized the armamentarium of clinicians in the field of sexual medicine. However, pharmacotherapy as a stand-alone treatment option has been criticized, particularly by psychosocial therapists, as incomplete. Specifically, it is widely argued that drug treatment alone often does not meet the standards of biopsychosocial (BPS) therapy.

Aim

A literature review was performed to explore the role of the biopsychosocial paradigm in the treatment of sexual dysfunction and outline some of the key challenges and possible shortcomings in the current application of biopsychosocial treatment.

Main Outcome Measure

Published treatment outcomes of integrative biopsychosocial clinical practice, including medical outcomes, psychological and relational factors, treatment of comorbid conditions, cost of treatment, and treatment efficacy, were investigated.

Methods

Using Medline, PubMed, and EMBASE databases, a literature search for articles published from January 1, 1980, to March 1, 2013, was performed, examining current approaches to the biopsychosocial model of sexual dysfunction and sexual medicine. Data were reviewed and combined, allowing characterization of current treatment approaches and recommendations for clinical practice and future research.

Results

The biopsychosocial model of treatment appears to have an intuitively obvious meaning (i.e., treatment of all three facets of the patient's biological–psychological–social condition). However, research suggests that clear treatment algorithms are still in development. By virtue of the ongoing development of biopsychosocial methods in sexual medicine, new models and research initiatives may be warranted. The evidence identified allows for characterization of some of the current clinical, professional, financial, and systemic challenges to biopsychosocial treatment, with the aim of helping identify possible directions for future research.

Conclusion

Implementation of biopsychosocial treatment, though mandated by process-of-care guidelines, may be limited in the field of sexual health owing to resource limitations, limitations in physician training curricula, and structural obstacles preventing interdisciplinary collaboration. Nonetheless, a number of current treatment developments are biopsychosocially integrative, and a number of established models are biopsychosocially informed. These models and concrete strategies may provide a way forward for developing further initiatives to advance BPS treatment.