bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Value of the Diabetes Educator
Authors: Duncan Ian , Ahmed Tamim , Li Qijuan (Emily) , Stetson Barbara , Ruggiero Laurie , Burton Kathryn , Rosenthal Dawn , Fitzner Karen 
Published: August 2011

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of diabetes self-management education or training provided by diabetes educators in reducing complications and improving quality of life. Methods Commercial and Medicare payer-derived claims data were used to assess the relationship between DSME/T and cost. Unlike the prior study that examined diabetes education provided by all professionals, the current study focused on the value of interventions performed as part of formal accredited/recognized diabetes education programs provided by diabetes educators only. Specifically, the current study focused on diabetes education delivered in diabetes self-management training programs based on 2 codes (G0108 and G0109). Results Results of the study provide insights into the differences in trends between participants and nonparticipants in DSMT. People with diabetes who had DSMT encounters provided by diabetes educators in accredited/recognized programs are likely to show lower cost patterns when compared with a control group of people with diabetes without DSMT encounters. People with diabetes who have multiple episodes of DSMT are more likely to receive care in accordance with recommended guidelines and to comply with diabetes-related prescription regimens, resulting in lower costs and utilization trends. Conclusions and Policy Implications The collaboration between diabetes educators and patients continues to demonstrate positive clinical quality outcomes and cost savings. This analysis shows that repeated DSMT encounters over time result in a dose-response effect on positive outcomes.
Development of a collective efficacy measure for use in social service organizations
Authors: Patras Joshua , Klest Sihu K 
Published: August 2011

• Summary: The present study summarizes the development of a collective efficacy measure for use in social service organizations: The Collective Efficacy Measure for Social Services (CEMSS). The measure was adapted from Goddard's Collective Efficacy Scale (2002). Factorial validity was assessed for a sample of 278 respondents employed at child welfare and child psychiatric agencies across Norway. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with a random split-half sample of 139 respondents; the second random split-half sample ( n = 139) was tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Tests for construct validity were conducted using Teamwork, Leadership, and Organizational Culture subscales from the Readiness for Organizational Learning and Evaluation Questionnaire (ROLE; Preskill & Torres, 1999). • Findings: A six-item scale was identified in the first sample using EFA. The CFA conducted with the second sample, indicated good model fit, χ2(10) = 14.34, p = .16; CFI = .97; RMSEA = .06. Scale reliability for the entire sample was adequate (α = .74). As expected, the six-item scale was significantly correlated with Teamwork, r(250) = .34, p < .01; Leadership, r(273) = .36, p < .01; and Organizational Culture, r(276) = .41, p < .01. • Applications: The results of the analyses support the use of the CEMSS as a valid measure of collective efficacy. This measure has a variety of possible applications for organizational assessment and research in social service agencies.
Prevention of diabetes and reduction in major cardiovascular events in studies of subjects with prediabetes: meta-analysis of randomised controlled clinical trials
Authors: Hopper Ingrid , Billah Baki , Skiba Marina , Krum Henry 
Published: August 2011

Background: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) are pre-diabetic states, treatment of which may prevent or delay the onset of overt diabetes and thus potentially reduce major cardiovascular (CV) events. We therefore sought to determine whether interventions (including diet, exercise and pharmacological therapy), altered all-cause and cardiovascular related mortality in such subjects. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of prospective, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that were identified in the medical literature and databases. Trials were eligible for inclusion if they reported all-cause mortality rates (at a minimum), recruited approximately 100 patients and had a minimum follow-up of one year. Interventions were divided into pharmacological and non-pharmacological. Results: Ten RCTs that enrolled 23,152 patients met the above entry criteria. Trials ran for an average of 3.75 years. Diabetes was delayed or prevented by these interventions vs control (risk ratio 0.83, 95%CI 0.80–0.86). Non-drug approaches ( n = 3495) were superior to drug-based approaches ( n = 20,872) in diabetes prevention (0.52, 0.46–0.58 vs 0.70, 0.58–0.85, P < 0.05). There was no difference in risk of all-cause mortality in the intervention versus control group (0.96, 0.84–1.10) and no difference in CV death (1.04, 0.61–1.78). There was a non-significant trend towards reduction in fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction (0.59, 0.23–1.50). Fatal and non-fatal stroke was borderline reduced (0.76, 0.58–0.99) with intervention versus control. Conclusions: Despite interventions being mostly successful in retarding progression to overt diabetes, this did not result in reductions in all-cause or cardiovascular mortality, or myocardial infarction, with the possible exception of stroke.
Physicians are a key to encouraging cessation of smoking among people living with HIV/AIDS: a cross-sectional study in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Amiya Rachel M , Poudel Krishna C , Poudel-Tandukar Kalpana , Kobayashi Jun , Pandey Basu D , Jimba Masamine 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
HIV care providers may be optimally positioned to promote smoking behaviour change in their patients, among whom smoking is both highly prevalent and uniquely harmful. Yet research on this front is scant, particularly in the developing country context. Hence, this study describes smoking behaviour among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, and assesses the association between experience of physician-delivered smoking status assessment and readiness to quit among HIV-positive smokers.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey of PLWHA residing in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Data from 321 adult PLWHA were analyzed using multiple logistic regression for correlates of current smoking and, among current smokers, of motivational readiness to quit based on the transtheoretical model (TTM) of behaviour change.

Results
Overall, 47% of participants were current smokers, with significantly higher rates among men (72%), ever- injecting drug users (IDUs), recent (30-day) alcohol consumers, those without any formal education, and those with higher HIV symptom burdens. Of 151 current smokers, 34% were thinking seriously of quitting within the next 6 months (contemplation or preparation stage of behaviour change). Adjusting for potential confounders, experience of physician-delivered smoking status assessment during any visit to a hospital or clinic in the past 12 months was associated with greater readiness to quit smoking (AOR = 3.34; 95% CI = 1.05,10.61).

Conclusions
Roughly one-third of HIV-positive smokers residing in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, are at the contemplation or preparation stage of smoking behaviour change, with rates significantly higher among those whose physicians have asked about their smoking status during any clinical interaction over the past year. Systematic screening for smoking by physicians during routine HIV care may help to reduce the heavy burden of smoking and smoking-related morbidity and mortality within HIV-positive populations in Nepal and similar settings.
Design of Timber-Concrete Composite Floors for Fire Resistance
Authors: O'Neill James , Carradine David , Moss Peter , Fragiacomo Massimo , Dhakal Rajesh , Buchanan Andrew 
Published: August 2011

This research investigated the fire performance and failure behaviour of timber-concrete composite floor systems currently under development in New Zealand, resulting in a design method for evaluating the fire resistance of these floors with different types of connections. Furnace tests were performed on two full-size floor specimens at the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ). Both floor specimens were 4 m long and 3 m wide, consisting of 65 mm concrete topping on plywood formwork, connected to double LVL (laminated veneer lumber) floor joists. They were tested over a 4 m span, subjected to a nominal design live load of 2.5 kPa. Both floors were subjected to the ISO 834 test fire for over 60 minutes. Two separate connection types were tested; concrete notches cut into the timber beams with an incorporated shear key, and metal toothed plates pressed between the double beams.It was found that the reduction in section of the timber beams due to the fire governed the failure mode of the floors. The test data and visual observations aided in the development of an analytical model for evaluating the fire resistance of timber-concrete composite floors. This was implemented into a spreadsheet that is able to predict the expected fire resistance of these floors, taking into account some major time dependent variable properties that can have an effect on the overall performance. Load-span tables have been produced to give the estimated fire resistance of floors with differing dimensions, span lengths and applied loads.
Drug-Related Problems Detected in Australian Community Pharmacies: The PROMISe Trial
Authors: Williams Mackenzie , Peterson Gregory M , Tenni Peter C , Bindoff Ivan K , Curtain Colin , Hughes Josephine , Bereznicki Luke RE , Jackson Shane L , Kong David CM , Hughes Jeff D 
Published: August 2011

Background Drug-related problems (DRPs) are a major burden on health care systems. Community pharmacists are ideally placed to detect, prevent, and resolve these DRPs. Objective: To determine the number and nature of DRPs detected and clinical interventions performed by Australian community pharmacists, using an electronic system. Methods: An electronic documentation system was designed and integrated into the existing dispensing software of 186 pharmacies to allow pharmacists to record details about the clinical interventions they performed to prevent or resolve DRPs. Participating pharmacies were randomly allocated to 3 groups: group 1 had documentation software, group 2 had documentation software plus a timed reminder to document interventions, and group 3 had documentation software, a timed reminder, and an electronic decision support prompt. Pharmacists classified DRPs, entered recommendations they made, and estimated the clinical significance of the intervention. An observational substudy that included pharmacies without any documentation software was completed to verify intervention rates. Results: Over 12 weeks, 531 participating pharmacists recorded 6230 clinical interventions from 2,013,923 prescriptions, with a median intervention rate of 0.23% of prescriptions. No significant differences were seen between the 3 groups that used documentation software; as expected, however, the pharmacies that used this software had a significantly higher documentation rate compared to the pharmacies without documentation software. The most common interventions were related to drug selection problems (30.8%) and educational issues (24.4%). Recommendations were often related to a change in therapy (40.0%), and 41.6% of interventions were self-rated as highly significant. Drug groups most commonly subject to an intervention included antibiotics, glucocorticoids, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and opioids. Conclusions: The documentation system allowed for the determination of the frequency and types of DRPs, as well as the recommendations made to resolve them In community pharmacy practice. Use of the software, including its electronic prompts, significantly increased the documentation of interventions by pharmacists.
Minimal impact of excess iodate intake on thyroid hormones and selenium status in older New Zealanders
Authors: Thomson Christine D , Campbell Jennifer M , Miller Jody , Skeaff Sheila A 
Published: August 2011

ObjectiveIodine deficiency has re-emerged in New Zealand, while selenium status has improved. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of excess iodine intake as iodate on thyroid and selenium status.MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial on older people (mean±s.d. 73±4.8 years;n=143), two groups received >50 mg iodine as iodate/day for 8 weeks because of supplement formulation error, either with 100 μg selenium (Se+highI) or without selenium (highI). Four other groups received 80 μg iodine as iodate/day with selenium (Se+lowI) or without selenium (lowI), selenium alone (Se+), or placebo. Thyroid hormones, selenium status, and median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) were compared at weeks 0, 8, and 4 weeks post-supplementation.ResultsMUIC increased nine- and six-fold in Se+highI and highI groups, decreasing to baseline by week 12. Plasma selenium increased in selenium-supplemented groups (P<0.001). The level of increase in whole blood glutathione peroxidase (WBGPx) in the Se+highI group was smaller than Se+ (P=0.020) and Se+lowI (P=0.007) groups. The decrease in WBGPX in the highI group was greater than other non-selenium-supplemented groups, but differences were not significant. Ten of 43 participants exposed to excess iodate showed elevated TSH (hypothyroidism) at week 8. In all but two, TSH had returned to normal by week 12. In three participants, TSH decreased to <0.10 mIU/l (hyperthyroidism) at week 8, remaining low at week 12.ConclusionsExcess iodate induced hypothyroidism in some participants and hyperthyroidism in others. Most abnormalities disappeared after 4 weeks. Excess iodate reduced WBGPx activity and resulted in smaller increases in WBGPx after selenium supplementation.
The influence of hydrochloric acid treatment and temperature on the electro-physical properties of super-thin basalt fibers
Authors: Nikoghosyan Sergey , Sahakyan Aram , Gavalyan Vasak , Harutyunyan Vachagan , Hovanisyan Aghasi , Yeritsyan Hrant , Atoyan Vovik , Puskulyan Konstantin , Gerchikov Mark , Hakobyan Narek 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Electro-physical parameters of super-thin basalt fiber (STBF) from Armenian basalt rocks are measured before and after hydrochloric acid treatment. It is shown that specific resistance and dielectric parameters of super-thin basalt fiber change essentially after hydrochloric acid treatment. The temperature dependence of these parameters was studied too. The probable cause of the change is an increase in the total amount of pores and modification of the share of pores of various sizes in STBF, followed by an increase of absorption of water molecules from the ambient medium. The results (in both alternating and direct electric fields) are interpreted within the framework of the dipole-relaxation mechanism of the polarization of water molecules in STBF pores.
Orbital lymphoma mimicking Graves’ ophthalmopathy: a case report
Authors: Wolyniak Barbara , Lewczuk Anna , Obolonczyk Lukasz , Majewska Hanna , Sworczak Krzysztof 
Published: August 2011

AbstractOrbital tumor is a rare presentation of lymphoma. Unspecific symptoms, local infiltration, chronic progression may mimic other more common orbital diseases and often make the diagnosis difficult. We report a case of orbital non-Hodgkin lymphoma initially diagnosed as Graves’ disease. A 65-year-old woman was admitted to the Department of Endocrinology with a diagnosis of a left eye tumor. On admission, apart from the tumor, exophthalmos and the upper eyelid proptosis were present. The lesion had been observed for two years before hospitalization. Due to the muscle infiltration, as detected on computed tomography scanning and magnetic resonance imaging, Graves’ disease was suggested. The thyroid function was normal. Further diagnosis performed during hospitalization revealed lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. Lymphoma may manifest as a localized orbital tumor without extraorbital or constitutive symptoms. Rare orbital diseases, among others lymphoproliferations, should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of exophthalmos.
Unsteady Free Convective and Mass Transfer Flow through Porous Medium in Rotating System
Authors: Sarkar D , Mukherjee S , Mukherjee S 
Published: August 2011

An exact solution of unsteady free convective and mass transfer flow through porous medium bounded by a vertical porous plate with an oscillating free stream velocity is obtained. The entire system rotates about an axis normal to the plate. Existence of multiple Ekman boundary layer modified by the presence of free convection and mass transfer is observed near the neighbourhood of plate wall. Key words: Porous medium; rotating system; free convective flow; mass transfer. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 29 (2009) 107-115 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v29i0.8520
On the Hydromagnetic Stability of Fluid Rotating between Two Concentric Cylinders
Authors: Jasmine Hosne Ara 
Published: August 2011

A theoretical study of the hydromagnetic instability due to slow hydromagnetic waves has been carried out after simplifying the complexity of governing equations. A series of stability conditions have been derived for wide range of magnetic field profiles. It has been shown that regardless of the magnetic field profile, any unstable disturbances propagate against the basic rotation. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 30 (2010) 41-50 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v30i0.8502
Numerical Solutions of IVP using Finite Element Method with Taylor Series
Authors: Islam Md Shafiqul , Ahmed Mostak , Hossain M Almagir 
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we use the integration technique together with the finite element method to approximate the numerical solution of an initial value problem of differential equations. The function of two variables is expanded into Taylor’s series up to order two. We exploit Gauss- Legendre quadrature rules evaluating the integrals arising in the formulation of the present method to get the better accuracy. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 30 (2010) 51-58 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v30i0.8503
MHD Heat and Mass Transfer Free Convection Flow along a Stretching Sheet with Suction with Buoyancy opposes the Flow
Authors: Mohebujjaman M , Samad MA 
Published: August 2011

An analysis is carried out to study the flow, heat and mass transfer free convection characteristics in an electrically conducting fluid near an isothermal linearly stretching permeable vertical sheet when buoyancy force opposes the flow. The equations governing the flow, temperature and concentration field are reduced to a system of coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations. These non-linear differential equations are integrated numerically by using Nachtsheim-Swigert [1] shooting iteration technique along with sixth order Runge-Kutta integration scheme. Finally the numerical results are presented through graphs and tables. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 30 (2010) 76-88 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v30i0.8505
Effect of Hyperbolic Interpolation in the Finite Element Solution of an Eigenvalue Problem
Authors: Farzana Humaira , Obayedullah Md , Alim MA 
Published: August 2011

In this paper hyperbolic interpolation has been used instead of Lagrange interpolation in solving an eigenvalue problem by using finite element method. The result shows that there is a good agreement between the eigenvalues obtained by using hyperbolic interpolation and the exact eigenvalues. Keywords: Eigenvalue problem; finite element method; Lagrange interpolation; hyperbolic interpolation. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 30 (2010) 111-121 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v30i0.8508
Comparison of Numerical Methods for Solving Initial Value Problems for Stiff Differential Equations
Authors: Thohura Sharaban , Rahman Azad 
Published: August 2011

Special classes of Initial value problem of differential equations termed as stiff differential equations occur naturally in a wide variety of applications including the studies of spring and damping systems, chemical kinetics, electrical circuits, and so on. Most realistic stiff systems do not have analytical solutions so that a numerical procedure must be used. In this paper we have discussed the phenomenon of stiffness and the general purpose procedures for the solution of stiff differential equation. Because of their applications in many branches of engineering and science, many algorithms have been proposed to solve such problems. In this study we have focused on some conventional methods namely Runge-Kutta method, Adaptive Stepsize Control for Runge-Kutta and an ODE Solver package, EPISODE. We describe the characteristics shared by these methods. We compare the performance and the computational effort of such methods. In order to achieve higher accuracy in the solution, the traditional numerical methods such as Euler, explicit Runge-Kutta and Adams –Moulton methods step size need to be very small. This however introduces enough round-off errors to cause instability of the solution. To overcome this problem we have used two other algorithms namely Adaptive Stepsize Control for Runge-Kutta and EPISODE. The results are compared with exact one to determine the efficiency of the above mentioned method. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 30 (2010) 121-132 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v30i0.8509
Exploring nurses' learning
Authors: Howatson-Jones Lioba 
Published: August 2011

The aim of this paper is to explore the concept of compelling space for learning. The	research presented uses an auto/biographical methodology to explore nurses' learning.	Theoretical perspective is drawn from biographical approaches and ideas around	development of the self, to examine the nature of people's experience. The argument is	advanced, through the narrations of three study participants from a PhD study, that	there is a need for nurses to have space to tell their stories of learning and to reconnect	with personal experience. The narrations focus upon learning by mistake, developing an	interpretive imagination and using biography in teaching and learning and have	something to contribute to the development of spaces of learning. This is developed	further by considering how biographical method and reflexive responses offer	opportunity to find the personal voice and make spaces more compelling and	integrative as a different form of pedagogy for nurse education.
Les origines de la notion de politique scientifique en Europe. Introduction générale
Authors: Halleux Robert 
Published: August 2011

La notion de politique scientifique est délibérément anachronique. Elle se résume dans la formule « pour la science et par la science ». L’État soutient et planifie la recherche scientifique, mais il la met au service de ses grands desseins. Depuis l’époque d’Archimède et d’Hiéron, science et pouvoir interfèrent, mais leurs interactions prennent des formes diverses selon les périodes et les contextes. En introduction au débat, on esquissera une typologie internationale des modes de gestion de la science aux xvie et xviie siècles et on dégagera les sources d’inspiration particulièrement dans l’œuvre politique de Francis Bacon.