bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing a model of conflict in virtual learning communities in the context of a democratic pedagogy
Authors: Ozturk Tugba H. , Hodgson Vivien 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we argue that in order to get a fuller understanding of the complexity of conflict in democratic pedagogies in online and blended learning settings, it is important to know not only how to manage or resolve it, but also how it is triggered and can be avoided. The emancipatory nature of democratic pedagogies fosters differences, and differences provide the basis for the emergence of conflict among learning community members. Much has been written on certain aspects of conflict, such as conflict management or effects of conflict; however, these studies are frequently disparate and fragmented. Conflict has a cyclical dynamic and the main purpose of this study has been to experimentally build an analytical model of this cyclical dynamic of conflict, drawing on both literature and research data. We believe that such a model might empower practitioners and designers of democratic pedagogies to embrace and work with the differences that lead to conflict, as a way to support collaborative learning and action. The model of conflict which emerged at the end of the study is supported by illustrative qualitative evidence and constituted in a diagrammatic depiction of analytic themes that illustrate the connections between these themes, and the values ascribed to them. The outcomes of this study have implications for developing learning strategies for distance and blended learners.
Survey of software literacy, behavior and personal traits of freshmen accounting majors
Authors: Hung Yu Hsin , Chang Ray I. , Lin Chun Fu 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn recent decades, the rapid growth of technology has resulted in software being widely applied in various domains. Attitudes toward using software play an important role in every industry. This study aims to explore the software literacy of accounting students along with their personal traits, such as learning styles and user behavior. This was a twofold study; we aimed to investigate the learning styles of accounting students and also discuss the correlation between learning styles and software literacy. Eighty‐six freshmen, majoring in accounting, were participants in this study, and the results reveal that a sequential learning style is the variable most related to software literacy. Furthermore, we also found that most of the accounting freshmen utilize an active, sensing, visual and sequential learning style.
Information externalities and intermediaries in frictional search markets
Authors: Shi Xianwen , Siow Aloysius 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn frictional matching markets with heterogeneous buyers and sellers, sellers incur discrete showing costs to show goods to buyers who incur discrete inspection costs to assess the suitability of the goods on offer. We study how brokers can help reduce these costs by managing the level and mix of goods in their inventory. Intermediaries emerge and improve social welfare when there is sufficient heterogeneity in the types of goods and preferences. Learning and inventory management enable search intermediaries to internalize information externalities generated in unintermediated private search.
Should preoperative chest computed tomography be performed in all patients with colorectal cancer?
Authors: Lazzaron A. R. , Vieira M. V. , Damin D. C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThis study evaluated the accuracy of chest computed tomography (CCT) in the preoperative staging of patients with potentially resectable colorectal cancer (CRC). An attempt was made to determine whether CCT has a significant influence on management and clinical outcome.MethodA review was conducted of all preoperative CCTs and X‐rays performed in patients submitted to elective resection of CRC at our institution between 2005 and 2012. All scans were revised by an independent radiologist who was unaware of the circumstances of each case. The findings were classified as benign, malignant or indeterminate. Patients were followed for at least 12 months after surgery to assess the clinical evolution of any lesion found on CCT and the oncological outcome.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty‐three patients were included. The CCT showed normal or benign findings in 157 (70.4%) patients, a malignant lesion in 17 (7.6%), and an indeterminate lung lesion (ILL) in 49 (22%). Of the 30 patients with proven lung metastases, a plain X‐ray detected lesions in only 11 (36.7%) patients. During the postoperative follow‐up, 14 (28.6%) of the 49 patients with ILL demonstrated malignant progression of the lung lesions. Among all 223 patients, only six (2.7%) underwent lung resection.ConclusionCCT is superior to plain X‐ray for the detection of lung metastases. Despite the medical and financial implications of preoperative CCT, only a small number of patients will eventually undergo lung resection. We call into question the role of routine CCT in the staging of patients with CRC. A more selective approach, reserving CT for patients at high risk of lung metastases, is suggested.
The outcome and the frequency of pathological complete response after neoadjuvant radiotherapy in curative resections for advanced rectal cancer: a population‐based study
Authors: Wasmuth H. H. , Rekstad L. C. , Tranø G. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimPathological complete response (ypCR) after neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer is associated with favourable survival and a low rate of local recurrence. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of ypCR among patients with advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and curative resection and to explore factors associated with survival.MethodFrom 2000 to 2009, 1384 patients enrolled in the national population‐ based colorectal cancer registry of Norway with advanced T3 and T4 rectal cancer with N0–2, M0 received neoadjuvant long‐course (chemo)radiation. The duration of follow‐up was a median of 5 years.ResultsypCR was achieved in 147 (10.6%) patients. The estimated 5‐year overall survival rate was 87% (confidence interval ± 5.4) among ypCR and 67% among non‐ypCR (confidence interval ± 2.7) (P < 0.0001). Distant metastasis developed in 12 (8%) of 147 and 328 (26.5%) of 1237 patients respectively (P < 0.001). In a Cox proportional hazards ratio model the effect of ypCR on survival was adjusted for age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.056, P = 0.0001], metachronous metastasis (HR 4.7, P = 0.0001), local recurrence (HR 4.3, P = 0.0001) and surgical procedure (HR 1.48, P = 0.0001). The independent effect of ypCR (HR 0.65, P = 0.041) on survival almost disappeared compared with the univariate analysis.ConclusionThe rate of ypCR in advanced rectal cancer was about 10%. This phenomenon seems to occur in tumours with a low risk of metastasizing. The contribution of neoadjuvant therapy to ypCR on survival was small or absent.
Labor Market Dynamics and Structural Change: Evidence from China
Authors: Mao Rui , Xu Jianwei 
Published: July 2015

AbstractStructural change theories usually assume agents are homogeneous. However, because of demand‐side or supply‐side heterogeneities, the probability of switching among sectors differs across people. This paper reveals these differences through restoring a long‐period, individual‐level panel dataset from China's Urban Household Survey for 1986–2009. We find that both for people who started working for the first time and those who switched jobs, the sector choice depends on personal characteristics. In particular, women and people with higher educational attainment or a previous white‐collar job are more likely to join the tertiary sector and less likely to join the primary sector. These effects are substantial even if the macroeconomic variables used in conventional structural change theories are controlled. They are also robust in various periods and at more detailed industry levels. Our research suggests that it is important to pay greater attention to the labor composition when making policy related to economic structural change.
Cyclical relationship between depressive symptoms and diabetes distress in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from the Montreal Evaluation of Diabetes Treatment Cohort Study
Authors: Burns R. J. , Deschênes S. S. , Schmitz N. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsTo determine if longitudinal cyclical relationships exist between depressive symptoms and diabetes distress in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsData were obtained from the Montreal Evaluation of Diabetes Treatment study, a cohort study of 1691 people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Depressive symptoms and diabetes distress, measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire and Diabetes Distress Scale, respectively, were assessed at baseline, 1 year and 2 years. A cross‐lagged path model analysis with all autoregressive associations was used. Paths and indirect associations were examined.ResultsAll paths in the model were significant. Depressive symptoms were positively associated with diabetes distress across consecutive time points and diabetes distress was positively associated with depressive symptoms across consecutive time points. The association between depressive symptoms at baseline and depressive symptoms at 2 years was mediated by both depressive symptoms and diabetes distress at 1 year. The association between diabetes distress at baseline and diabetes distress at 2 years was also mediated by both depressive symptoms and diabetes distress.ConclusionsDepressive symptoms and diabetes distress are cyclically related; results suggest that depressive symptoms influence diabetes distress, which, in turn, influences depressive symptoms. Although many studies focus on the differences between depressive symptoms and diabetes distress, the present study is the first to provide longitudinal evidence that these constructs are cyclically related.
Effects of exercise on postexercise ventricular–arterial coupling and pulsatile efficiency in patients with systolic dysfunction
Authors: Aslanger Emre , Assous Benjamin , Bihry Nicolas , Beauvais Florence , Logeart Damien , Cohen‐Solal Alain 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundA suboptimal ventricular–arterial (VA) interaction may have a prolonged depressing effect on the failing heart after functional reserves forced to their limits under stress conditions such as exercise. The continuation of excessive load in the postexercise period may be more important than the load during exercise, because the sum of postexercise periods generally exceeds exercise time itself. We sought that exercise‐induced changes in postexercise VA coupling and pulsatile efficiency in patients with heart failure (HF).MethodsThirty consecutive HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF) and thirty age‐, sex‐ and peak VO2‐matched subjects with preserved EF were enrolled. Pre‐ and postexercise echocardiographic and tonometric measurements were taken to calculate left ventricular and arterial elastances, arterial compliance and wave reflections, and steady and pulsatile power.ResultsVA coupling significantly deteriorated in HF group (from 1·50 ± 0·47 to 2·00 ± 0·75 mmHg/mL, P < 0·01), but control group maintained basal favourable coupling status after exercise (from 1·04 ± 0·29 to 1·03 ± 0·24 mmHg/mL, P = 0·77). Pulsatile percentage of total power significantly increased with exercise in HF group, whereas it showed a significant decrease in control group. The change in pulsatile power fraction was correlated with the change in augmentation pressure (r = 0·41, ß = 3·00, P < 0·01) and inversely correlated with the change in total arterial compliance (r = −0·29, ß = −8·52, P = 0·02).ConclusionOur data indicate that exercise‐induced VA decoupling and pulsatile inefficiency extend into postexercise phase in patients with systolic dysfunction. The exact duration of these derangements requires further studies.
HOW MUCH ARE WE WILLING TO CONTRIBUTE FOR BETTER EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES? EVIDENCE FROM A SURVEY EXPERIMENT
Authors: Berlinski Samuel , Busso Matias 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe use a survey experiment on a sample of Argentine households to elicit willingness to contribute toward improving the performance of public school students in international educational assessments. Households are presented with a sequence of bids that they can accept or reject. Information is presented in vignettes that vary in the proportion of children who benefited from the gains in educational attainment. We find a higher willingness to contribute for larger gains. In total, households would be willing to contribute an additional 12.8% of current educational expenditure to guarantee improved education quality. (JEL I22, I25, C83, H52)
Dietary therapy is the best option for refractory nonsurgical epilepsy
Authors: Felton Elizabeth A. , Cervenka Mackenzie C. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryKetogenic diet therapies for epilepsy have been described since the fifth century and published in scientific literature since the early 1900s. Since that time, the diet's popularity has waxed and waned as newer drugs and other treatments have been introduced. However, in recent years, dietary therapy for epilepsy has been increasingly accepted by physicians and desired by patients as an alternative to new drugs and neurostimulation. The introduction of less restrictive versions of the classic ketogenic diet, such as the modified Atkins diet (MAD), have led to increased numbers of adult patients with refractory epilepsy who are initiating dietary treatment. Approximately half of adults and children who start a ketogenic diet have a >50% seizure reduction, which is impressive given that these patients typically have medically refractory epilepsy. We believe that ketogenic dietary treatment is the best option for children and adults with refractory nonsurgical epilepsy due to its efficacy, rapid seizure reduction, synergistic effects with other antiseizure treatments, known and treatable side effects, potential to treat comorbid medical conditions, and worldwide availability.
Analyzing the Space–Time Dynamics of Innovation in China: ESDA and Spatial Panel Approaches
Authors: Wang Zheye , Cheng Yeqing , Ye Xinyue , Wei Y. H. Dennis 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThrough applying exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) and confirmatory spatial data analysis (CSDA), this paper examines the space–time dynamics of innovation at the provincial level in China from 2000 to 2011. We first investigate the trend of regional inequality in innovation in China and then use ESDA methods to visualize the space–time relationship between patent applications and innovation determinants. Impacts of innovation determinants on the space–time dynamics of innovation are also examined by analyzing the knowledge production function with the spatial panel Durbin model. Knowledge spillovers from both the R&D and the innovation outcome perspectives are highlighted in CSDA. We have found an increasingly intensified coastal–interior divide with growing spatial clusters and more innovative activities in the coastal region. We have also found a close space–time relationship between innovation and its determinants. Lastly, innovation spillovers cross province boundaries, and knowledge from a province's neighboring provinces has substantial effects on innovation activities of the province. This paper highlights positive knowledge spillover effects between regions, the close relationship between innovation and its determinants, and the importance of spatial externalities in innovation activities.
Do Mandatory U.S. State Renewable Portfolio Standards Increase Electricity Prices?
Authors: Wang Hongbo 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRenewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) are U.S. state mandates that utilities produce some of their electricity using renewable energy sources in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While advocates highlight the potential long‐term benefits of RPS, critics argue that RPS will increase electricity prices due to the higher costs of renewable energy generation. However, to date, there are no published empirical studies of the effect of RPS on electricity prices. Using state‐level panel data from 1990 to 2011 and the difference‐in‐differences method, I find that implementation increases electricity prices when the RPS policy first becomes binding.
Re‐examining the Neighborhood Distribution of Higher Priced Mortgage Lending: Global versus Local Methods
Authors: Zou Yonghua 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper demonstrates the application of the local geographically weighted regression (GWR) method to mortgage studies, using the Philadelphia metropolitan statistical area (MSA) as a case study. Previous related studies widely employed the global, ordinary least square (OLS) method to examine the spatial distribution of subprime/higher priced mortgages. The OLS method, however, masks the spatial variations in mortgage distributions. The innovative GWR method not only provides a significant improvement in model fitness but also reveals that the statistical relationships between neighborhood characteristics and the prevalence of higher priced mortgage shares are spatially varied. In addition, the GWR method can bring forward potential implications for place‐based policy making. Improving upon previous methodologies in mortgage studies, this paper shows that the GWR method can advance our understanding of how neighborhood environments are associated with mortgage lending patterns.
Persistence and productivity of selected Guinea grass ecotypes in semiarid tropical Kenya
Authors: Njarui Donald M. G. , Gatheru Mwangi , Mwangi David M. , Keya George A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe increased frequency of drought and reduced rainfall due to effects of climate change is a major threat to the livestock feed base in semiarid Kenya. There is a need for drought tolerant and productive grasses to mitigate this effect. Persistence and productivity of 19 Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) ecotypes was assessed over a 3‐year period (2009–2011) along with one commercial cultivar as control at three drought stress environments in eastern Kenya. Root splits were established in plots of 4 m × 4 m, replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Plant survival and dry matter yields were influenced by the amount of rainfall. Seven out of 19 ecotypes failed to survive at the drier site of Kambi ya Mawe (KYM), while at the relatively wetter sites of Katumani and Ithookwe, all the 19 ecotypes survived throughout the experimental period. None of the ecotypes showed a consistently superior dry matter yield in all the seasons at any site. The dry matter yields were highest during the long rains 2010 season at Katumani and Kambi ya Mawe and in both short rains 2009 and long rains 2010 seasons at Ithookwe when seasonal rainfall was high. Katumani had the highest number of ecotypes (13) that attained overall seasonal mean dry matter yield of ≥3.0 t ha−1 followed by Ithookwe (8) and then KYM (4). At Ithookwe, five ecotypes (K76, K97, K100, K105 and K52‐129) attained higher (P < 0.05) overall seasonal mean dry matter yield than the control while the drier site of KYM, had two (K17 and K104) but none at Katumani. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in forage quality composition were recorded only in acid detergent fiber content and digestibility. The study shows that there are other alternative Guinea grasses that are productive and can replace the commercial cultivar in the semiarid Kenya.
Severe liver failure due to influenza A infection in a hemodialysis patient
Authors: Mok Maggie Ming Yee , Cheng Vincent Chi Chung , Lui Sing Leung , Kwan Lorraine Pui Yuen , Chan Gary Chi Wang , Yap Desmond Yat Hin , Chan Tak Mao , Lo Wai Kei 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPatients with influenza infection most commonly present with upper and occasionally lower respiratory tract symptoms. However, extrapulmonary presentations such as hepatitis are infrequently observed. We report a case of a hemodialysis patient with influenza A infection who presented with severe hepatitis and liver failure, while his respiratory symptoms were mild. It is important to recognize influenza infection as an unexplained cause of hepatitis and liver failure. In our case, liver failure resolved with supportive treatment.
Health literacy–listening skill and patient questions following cancer prevention and screening discussions
Authors: Mazor Kathleen M. , Rubin Donald L. , Roblin Douglas W. , Williams Andrew E. , Han Paul K. J. , Gaglio Bridget , Cutrona Sarah L. , Costanza Mary E. , Wagner Joann L. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectivePatient question‐asking is essential to shared decision making. We sought to describe patients' questions when faced with cancer prevention and screening decisions, and to explore differences in question‐asking as a function of health literacy with respect to spoken information (health literacy–listening).MethodsFour‐hundred and thirty‐three (433) adults listened to simulated physician–patient interactions discussing (i) prophylactic tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention, (ii) PSA testing for prostate cancer and (iii) colorectal cancer screening, and identified questions they would have. Health literacy–listening was assessed using the Cancer Message Literacy Test‐Listening (CMLT‐Listening). Two authors developed a coding scheme, which was applied to all questions. Analyses examined whether participants scoring above or below the median on the CMLT‐Listening asked a similar variety of questions.ResultsQuestions were coded into six major function categories: risks/benefits, procedure details, personalizing information, additional information, decision making and credibility. Participants who scored higher on the CMLT‐Listening asked a greater variety of risks/benefits questions; those who scored lower asked a greater variety of questions seeking to personalize information. This difference persisted after adjusting for education.ConclusionPatients' health literacy–listening is associated with distinctive patterns of question utilization following cancer screening and prevention counselling. Providers should not only be responsive to the question functions the patient favours, but also seek to ensure that the patient is exposed to the full range of information needed for shared decision making.
No evidence of divergence at neutral genetic markers between the two morphologically different subspecies of the most numerous Arctic seabird
Authors: Wojczulanis‐Jakubas Katarzyna , Kilikowska Adrianna , Fort Jérôme , Gavrilo Maria , Jakubas Dariusz , Friesen Vicki 
Published: July 2015

Identifying natural populations that might be considered separate units using morphology, genotype or both is important in understanding the process of speciation and for conservation. We examined the relationships between the only two subspecies of the most numerous Arctic seabird, the Little Auk Alle alle, using both morphological (wing and head‐bill lengths) and genetic data (482 base pairs of the mitochondrial control region and seven nuclear microsatellite loci). We found significant morphological differences between the subspecies, A. a. polaris being significantly larger than the nominate A. a. alle. However, we did not find the subspecies to be differentiated at either mitochondrial DNA or at microsatellite loci. Consequently, one evolutionary significant unit is proposed. The similarity of the two subspecies at neutral genetic markers may be due to contemporary gene flow between populations, as well as large population sizes both in the present and in the past, combined with recent post‐glacial colonization of the Artic.