bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among Egyptian baccalaureate students
Authors: Ahmed A. , El Guindy S.R. 
Published: May 2011

AHMED A. & EL GUINDY S.R. (2011) Breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among Egyptian baccalaureate students. International Nursing Review58, 372–378Aim:  To assess the breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and perceived adequacy of breastfeeding education among baccalaureate nursing students in Cairo, Egypt. Self‐confidence to provide breastfeeding support for mothers was also investigated.Background:  Nurses play a crucial role in promoting breastfeeding. Studies in Western countries have found inadequate breastfeeding knowledge among undergraduate nursing students. No published literature about breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among nursing students in Egypt was found.Method:  An exploratory descriptive study used a sample of 110 baccalaureate nursing students from Cairo, Egypt. Students who had completed maternal/child nursing didactic and clinical courses were eligible to participate. Ninety two (83.6%) students completed the survey during spring 2009. We used a Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire adapted from Brodribb et al. to measure breastfeeding knowledge and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale to test students' breastfeeding attitudes.Results:  Students' age ranged from 18 to 21 years with a mean of 19.5 ± 1.2 with 75% being female. The mean breastfeeding knowledge score was 12.41 points out of 24, which represents 52% of the total score. The attitudes mean score was 3.13 ± 0.64. There was a significant relationship between the students' knowledge and attitudes scores (r = 0.236, P = 0.011). Eighty per cent of the students reported that they received adequate breastfeeding knowledge and skills in their nursing programme, and 70% were confident in their ability to provide breastfeeding support.Conclusion:  Results revealed weak breastfeeding knowledge scores among students and neutral breastfeeding attitudes. Strategies to improve breastfeeding education in nursing curriculum focusing on breastfeeding management skills are warranted.
Selecting examinable nursing core competencies: a Delphi project
Authors: Lock L.R. 
Published: May 2011

LOCK L.R. (2011) Selecting examinable nursing core competencies: a Delphi project. International Nursing Review58, 347–353Aim:  To establish a set of core competencies that could be practically examined in a pre‐registration practical examination for Indonesian candidates completing their pre‐service education.Background:  Indonesia is planning to institute a register for nurses to ensure a minimum standard of safe practice for new nurses completing their pre‐service education. A proposed route to registration includes the practical examination of a minimum set of core competencies. This Delphi project aimed to reduce 192 existing standard competencies to an examinable group of 12 core competences that all nurses registering in Indonesia must meet.Method:  A modified Delphi method was used by 12 expert Indonesian nurses and a facilitator to determine which standard competencies should be considered core.Results:  Five Delphi rounds were used. One hundred and ninety‐two standard competencies were reduced to a core set of 12. Selected competencies are assessable in a practical examination and can be used to determine a minimum level of safe practice for all nurses seeking to register at the completion of their pre‐service education.Conclusion:  The expert panel met the project aim and provided a set of examinable competencies/activities that they consider will demonstrate the fundamental safety of new registered nurses. The subsequent responsibility for setting up a register for nurses in Indonesia now rests with the Indonesian Ministry of Health. The Indonesian National Nursing Association is working with the Ministry of Health to determine the route and criteria for registration in order to establish a common level of competence for nurses across the country exiting their pre‐service education.
The Thin Line Between Choice and Flight: Environment and Migration in Rural Benin
Authors: Doevenspeck Martin 
Published: May 2011

AbstractInternal migration in rural Benin is not directed to the southern coastal regions as in many neighbouring countries. Instead, peasants from the densely populated and environmentally critical northwest of Benin are engaging in a process of agricultural colonization of the central region. Consequently, the predominant approach to understanding these processes of internal population movement in Benin is to focus on environmental degradation. But why do people stay in degraded areas while others leave? Why do migrants again leave the environmentally still stable destination areas and why does migration itself becomes causation for new migration? It is obvious that one needs a structural understanding of the environment in the political and cultural context of this region to understand its role as a driver for migration. On the basis of an empirical case‐study the impact of progressive deterioration of environmental conditions is embedded in social and cultural structures. Being aware of this is necessary in order to really understand a migration pattern that at first glance could be misconstrued as being purely environmentally induced. Since migration theories are somehow overlooked in the debate on environment and forced migration the empirical findings will be embedded in a theoretical approach that places greater emphasis on a cumulative causation of migration and on the inter‐temporal dimension of migration.
Contrasted Views on Environmental Change and Migration: the Case of Tuvaluan Migration to New Zealand
Authors: Shen Shawn , Gemenne François 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAs one of the smallest and most remote low‐lying atoll countries on earth, Tuvalu seems to exemplify a typical case of forced migration induced by environmental change. Tuvalu has been essentially perceived through the lens of environmental displacement and vulnerability to climate change – a perception that has been consistently reinforced and sustained by the discourse of its government and media interests. For Pacific Islanders, migration is often seen as a significant pattern of lifestyle, and even a social routine at times. This study employed a qualitative research approach, involving questionnaires and interviews with Tuvaluans, in both the migration origin of Tuvalu and migration destination of New Zealand. We show that the majority of Tuvaluans who migrated to New Zealand did not necessarily do so for climate change reasons. However, the issue of climate change remains a common theme in the minds of Tuvaluan migrants interviewed. This research shows the importance of climate change as a migration driver, in a context of increasing number of Tuvaluan migrants relocating to New Zealand through various immigration schemes, such as the Pacific Access Category scheme. We review and assess the motives underpinning the migration decision of those who have resettled in New Zealand. Contemporary Tuvaluan migration to New Zealand is uniquely related to and defined by complex relationships between people and environment. The migration drivers include environmental change, employment, education and for the betterment of future generations. Whether by design or not, these socio‐economic and environmental developments are all responsible for the creation of environmental change in which some Tuvaluans have sought to respond through emigration to New Zealand.
Western Sahara: Migration, Exile and Environment
Authors: Gila Oscar Alvarez , Zaratiegui Ana Ugalde , De Maturana Diéguez Virginia López 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThere is historical evidence indicating migration has been a traditional response of Sahrawi societies to the changing challenges of environmental conditions, especially the climatic shift and severe periods of droughts. The disintegration of traditional society, together with modernization, the introduction of agriculture, and sedentarization, the process of urbanization and the implementation of new strict political borders that fractured the once open space they used to move within, modified dramatically the previous patterns of climatic periodic migrations. Although we have not been able to establish a clear link between environmental conditions and migration within Moroccan controlled Western Sahara, on the contrary the environment seems to play a crucial role in determining the rhythm and other features of the migratory flows abroad from the refugee camps on the Polisario ruled part of Western Sahara and Tindouf.
An Epistemic Defence of the Blogosphere
Authors: COADY DAVID 
Published: May 2011

abstractAlvin Goldman claims that the conventional media is in decline as a result of competition from the blogosphere, and that this is a threat to our epistemic wellbeing and, as a result, a threat to good democratic decision‐making. He supports this claim with three common complaints about the blogosphere: first, that it is undermining professional journalism, second, that, unlike the conventional media, it lacks ‘balance’, and finally that it is a parasite on the conventional media. I defend the blogosphere against these charges. I argue that the blogosphere has benefited us epistemically and improved our democratic practices, and that there is every reason to expect that it will continue to do so.
Nutritional care in inflammatory bowel disease – a literature review
Authors: Skrautvol Kari , Nåden Dagfinn 
Published: May 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 818–827

Nutritional care in inflammatory bowel disease – a literature reviewAim and method:  During recent years, an increasing number of young adults have developed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The caring perspective on IBD is now changing to adapt to the development of the illness and prescribing new health promotion methods of care, with a focus on nutrition, education and patient supervision. IBD, immunology and nutrition are the main focus in the selected articles, with presentation of possible connections to contribute to broader understanding of the illness. This present article is part of an empirical research project and is providing an overview of the current research knowledge in this field. The article is based on an extensive, systematic survey of literature comprising 28 review and original articles from June 2008 to July 2009. The important topics are emphasized and described.Results:  Two areas of knowledge are considered instrumental in inter‐disciplinary health‐promoting work with IBD patients: a focus on gut immunology and stress, nutritional care and diet. Healing damage to the gut wall by introducing an individually prescribed diet may take time, but will reduce internal stress on the body. Documentation shows that use of probiotics, fatty acids and antioxidants has been effective in a number of clinical scenarios relating to IBD. Individually prescribed nutrition, primarily through the diet, may be decisive in terms of a sustainable improvement in outcomes for patients with IBD.Conclusions:  Addressing the educational challenges in caring to cure suffering from IBD is crucial. Emergency medical treatment helps patients during the acute phase of the disease. Once the acute phase is passed, the recommendation is a focus on investigating the environmental factors that could act as triggers for IBD in humans. Diet is the most important environmental factor in terms of the gut. Proper nutrition and micronutrients assist the body by subtly strengthening its capacity for self‐healing and regeneration. Education, confirmation, and a reflection into ones illness, create insight and a basis for coping.
Development of Artificial Muscles Based on Electroactive Ionomeric Polymer‐Metal Composites
Authors: Hirano Laos A. , Escote Márcia T. , Martins‐Filho Luiz S. , Mantovani Gerson L. , Scuracchio Carlos H. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis work contextualizes the research of materials that can be applied as artificial muscles. The main motivation of this research is the importance of the development of mechatronic systems for the replacement of traditional devices of actuation and motion based on rotational electrical motors by other devices that reproduce biological muscle movements. Electroactive polymers (EAPs) are materials that respond to electric stimuli with shape and/or dimension changes, and accomplish movements that are smooth enough to mimic biological muscles. Among EAPs, the ionomeric polymer‐metal composites (IPMCs) are an interesting alternative to biomimetic devices due to large displacements when submitted to low applied voltage. This article presents a brief review of IPMCs, a sample preparation procedure, and some electromechanical experimental results. We also discuss the applicability of this technology in medical devices and as artificial muscles.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Lyophilized Bioprosthetic Valve
Authors: Maizato Marina J.S. , Hayashida Sérgio A. , Taniguchi Fabio P. , Higa Olga Z. , Pitombo Ronaldo N.M. , Cestari Idágene A. , Leirner Adolfo A. , Stolf Noedir A.G. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractFreeze‐drying of biological tissues allows for dry storage and gamma ray sterilization, which may improve their use as a medical prosthesis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rehydration characteristics and hydrodynamic performance of prosthetic valves before and after lyophilization. Two size 23 bovine pericardium aortic valve prostheses from different manufacturers were evaluated in a Shelhigh (Union, NJ, USA) pulse duplicator (80 ppm, 5 L/min) before and after lyophilization. Flow and transvalvular pressure gradient were registered in vitro and in vivo, and images of opening and closing of the prosthesis were obtained in the pulse duplicator in a digital camera. Rehydration was evaluated by comparison of dry valve weight with valve weight after 15 min, and 1, 24, 48, and 72 h in saline solution, inside the pulse duplicator. In vivo performance was assessed by surgical implantation in Santa Inês young male sheep in the pulmonary position after 30 min rehydration with 0.9% saline. Transvalvular pressure gradient and flow measurements were obtained immediately after implantation and 3 months after surgery when valves were explanted. Captured images showed a change in the profile opening and closing of valve prosthesis after lyophilization. The gradient measured (in vitro) in two valves was 17.08 ± 0.57 and 18.76 ±  0.70 mm Hg before lyophilization, and 34.24 ± 0.59 and 30.40 ± 0.97 mm Hg after lyophilization. Rehydration of both lyophilized valves was approximately 82%. Drying changed the profile of the opening and closing of valve prostheses, and increased on average by 83% the gradient in vitro tests. The result of the in vivo tests suggests maintaining pressure levels of the animal with the lyophilized prostheses within acceptable levels.
Deconstructing the risk for malaria in United States donors deferred for travel to Mexico
Authors: Spencer Bryan , Kleinman Steven , Custer Brian , Cable Ritchard , Wilkinson Susan L. , Steele Whitney , High Patrick M. , Wright David ,   for the NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II)
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND: More than 66,000 blood donors are deferred annually in the United States due to travel to malaria‐endemic areas of Mexico. Mexico accounts for the largest share of malaria travel deferrals, yet it has extremely low risk for malaria transmission throughout most of its national territory, suggesting a suboptimal balance between blood safety and availability. This study sought to determine whether donor deferral requirements might be relaxed for parts of Mexico without compromising blood safety.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Travel destination was recorded from a representative sample of presenting blood donors deferred for malaria travel from six blood centers during 2006. We imputed to these donors reporting Mexican travel a risk for acquiring malaria equivalent to Mexican residents in the destination location, adjusted for length of stay. We extrapolated these results to the overall US blood donor population.RESULTS: Risk for malaria in Mexico varies significantly across endemic areas and is greatest in areas infrequently visited by study donors. More than 70% of blood donor deferrals were triggered by travel to the state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatán Peninsula, an area of very low malaria transmission. Eliminating the travel deferral requirement for all areas except the state of Oaxaca might result in the recovery of almost 65,000 blood donors annually at risk of approximately one contaminated unit collected every 20 years.CONCLUSION: Deferral requirements should be relaxed for presenting donors who traveled to areas within Mexico that confer exceptionally small risks for malaria, such as Quintana Roo.
Racial Inequality in the Uruguayan Labor Market: An Analysis of Wage Differentials between Afro-descendants and Whites
Authors: Bucheli Marisa , Porzecanski Rafael 
Published: May 2011

AbstractLatin America is a region of sharp ethnic inequalities. Uruguay has usually been considered an exception to this pattern, although no data were available to confirm this assumption until recently. This article uses the Household Survey of 2006 to analyze the wage gap between Afro-descendants and whites through OLS equations, decompositions, and quantile regressions. The analysis finds that discrimination explains approximately 50 percent of the racial wage gap for men and 20 percent for women. Discrimination operates partly through occupational segregation. Differences in schooling are the most important explanatory factor for the rest of the gap. Quantile regressions show that discrimination declines across percentiles for men.
Changes of electric patterns related to feeding in a mesophyll feeding leafhopper
Authors: Marion‐Poll F. , Giustina W. Della , Mauchamp B. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractZyginidia scutellaris H.‐S. (Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) is a leafhopper feeding on corn leaves. As most Typhlocybinae, it feeds from parenchymal cells, producing typical white spots on infested leaves. Z. scutellaris feeding activities exhibit different waveforms that are tentatively associated with penetration, salivation and active pumping. During ingestion, patterns are composed of a succession of spikes, probably reflecting alimentary and/or salivary pump activity. Labium twisting movements are correlated with specific transition patterns. Alimentation sequences can last some hours. This suggests that feeding occurs also from fluids flowing into the damaged plant tissue area. As mesophyll‐feeding seems to be simpler than sap‐feeding, this model may help to further elucidate waveforms recorded with this method on other insects.RésuméActivités électriques liées a l'alimentation dans le mésophylle des feuilles chez un auchenorrhynche, Zyginidia scutellarisZyginidia scutellaris (Homoptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) s'alimente principalement sur les graminées, en particulier le maïs. Comme beaucoup de Typhlocybinae, il s'alimente dans le mésophylle des feuilles en vidant le contenu des cellules de l'épiderme, provoquant des stries blanches typiques. L'observation des enregistrements permet de différencier une phase initiale de pénétration caractérisée par une succession de pics de grande amplitude, et des séquences successives de pics de moindre amplitude probablement liés à Palimentation. Ces tracés permettent également de distinguer des piqǔres d'essai (quelques minutes) et des piqǔres d'alimentation de longue durée (jusqu'à cinq heures). L'observation simultanée des mouvements des pièces buccales externes comme le labium montre que les tracés peuvent ětre corrélés aux mouvements des pièces buccales et probablement à l'activité des pompes alimentaires et salivaires. La durée des séquences d'alimentation suggère que l'alimentation consiste non seulement à vider les cellules du mésophylle, mais aussi à aspirer les liquides envahissant la zone de parenchyme détruite. L'origine des signaux enregistrés par cette technique est discutée.
Therapy of psoriasis in childhood and adolescence ‐ a German expert consensus
Authors: Sticherling Michael , Augustin Matthias , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning , Christophers Enno , Domm Silja , Gollnick Harald , Reich Kristian , Mrowietz Ulrich 
Published: May 2011

SummaryPsoriasis of childhood shows an annual prevalence of 0.71 % and accordingly has to be regarded as a frequent chronic inflammatory skin disorder of this age. The impact on the quality of life as well as development of the afflicted children and their parents is evident. On the other side, therapy is demanding with regard to the specific juvenile metabolism, physical development and skin penetration of topical drugs. Long‐term treatment at an early age has to be critically judged regarding the chronicity of the disease. Topical corticosteroids, alternatively dithranol may be used first‐line, followed by vitamin D derivatives. A combination with UV‐light, preferably UV‐B, has to be decided on an individual basis. Systemic treatment may be initiated in recalcitrant disease with methotrexate and cyclosporine where long‐term experience is available from juvenile rheumatology and transplantation medicine. Alternatively fumaric acid esters or retinoids are available. Rehabilitation procedures will help the children and their parents to cope with the disease and its treatment. The different treatment options are presented here as a German expert consensus, as clinical studies are hardly available and only a few therapeutics are licensed for this age. In any case the therapy has to be individually planned and decided together with the patients and their parents to gain maximal safety, comfort and success.
Localized Management of Sinus Floor Technique for Implant Placement in Fresh Molar Sockets
Authors: Bruschi Giovanni B. , Crespi Roberto , Capparè Paolo , Bravi Fabrizio , Bruschi Ernesto , Gherlone Enrico 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTBackground: The use of osteotome for vertical bone augmentation and localized sinus elevation with minimal surgical trauma represents a suitable procedure to increase the vertical dimension of available bone for implant placement.Purpose: The aim of this study was to report clinical and radiographic results of localized management of sinus floor (LMSF) in fresh molar sockets at 13‐year follow‐up.Materials and Methods: Fifty‐three patients, needing one or two maxillary molar extraction, were enrolled in this study. LMFS procedure was performed and 68 implants were positioned. A presurgical distance from the alveolar crest to the floor of the maxillary sinus and the amount of new radiopacity between the sinus floor and alveolar crest were measured from the mesial and distal surfaces of each dental implant surface.Results: After a mean follow‐up period of 9.76 ± 5.27 years (ranged from 4 to 17 years) a survival rate of 100% was reported. Mean bone height at temporary prosthesis placement was 7.99 ± 1.16 mm. They were stable over time, reporting a mean value of 8.01 ± 1.46 mm at 13‐year follow‐up.Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that LMSF procedure in fresh molar sockets allowed to expand the dimensions of resorbed posterior maxillary alveolar bone both vertically and horizontally with a success rate of 100% of implant osseointegration over time.