bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in the effects of process‐oriented group supervision as reported by female and male nursing students: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Arvidsson Barbro , Baigi Amir , Skärsäter Ingela 
Published: August 2008

The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to perform a large‐scale investigation over a longer period of time, to evaluate changes in the effects of process‐oriented group supervision (PGS) as reported by female and male nursing students undergoing a 3‐year nursing education. The study included nursing students (n = 183) who were followed during their 3‐year study period in relation to their participation in PGS.Methods:  A questionnaire consisting of three subscales: supportive (six items), educational (six items) and developmental (six items) as well as three items of a socio‐demographic character (age, gender and previous experience of healthcare work) was used. Student’s t‐test was conducted to compare the educational, supportive and developmental subscales between the first and third year.Results:  Females had a significant increase in the educational subscale (p = 0.018) over the 3‐year study period, while no such difference was found for the males (p = 0.733). The female students also exhibited an increase in the supportive subscale (p = 0.031) over the 3‐year period, while there was no difference for the male students (p = 0.426). There was also an increase in the developmental subscale for the female students over the 3‐year period (p = 0.047) but no significant difference for their male counterparts (p = 0.912). For the study group as a whole, an increased positive effect of supervision was observed in the educational subscale (p = 0.020).Conclusions:  The findings have strengthened the argument for the use of PGS in nursing education. To achieve the goal of PGS, which is supportive, educational and developmental in nature, it is important to bear in mind that the supervision needs of women and men can differ. Further research should therefore map out the supervisees’ experiences and expectations of participating in a single sex group.
Intercultural caring – an abductive model
Authors: Wikberg Anita , Eriksson Katie 
Published: August 2008

The aim of this study was to increase the understanding of caring from a transcultural perspective and to develop the first outline of a theory. The theoretical perspective includes Eriksson’s theory of caritative caring. Texts on caring by the transcultural theorists, including Campinha‐Bacote, Kim‐Godwin, Leininger and Ray, are analysed using content analysis. The overall theme that resulted from this analysis was that caring is a complex whole. Three main categories of caring emerged: inner caring, outer caring and the goal of caring. Inner caring consists of caring is a relationship, and caring and culture are seen in different dimensions. Outer caring refers to caring affected by educational, administrative and social and other structures. The goal of caring consists of caring leading to change towards health and well‐being. The main categories include categories and subcategories that are compared with Eriksson’s theory of caritative caring.A model for intercultural caring is generated abductively. Caring and culture appear in three dimensions: caring as ontology independent of context; caring as a phenomenon emphasised differently in different cultures; caring as nursing care activities is unique. Caring alleviates suffering and leads to health and well‐being. This model describes caring from an intercultural perspective as a mutual but asymmetric relationship between the nurse and the patient, including the patient’s family and community. The patient’s cultural background and acculturation influence caring. The cultural background, cultural competence and organisation of the nurse also influence caring. Caring is seen as a complex whole. This study integrates Campinha‐Bacote’s, Kim‐Godwin’s, Leininger’s and Ray’s views of caring with Eriksson’s caritative caring and presents caring from a transcultural perspective in a new way as a model for intercultural caring, which can benefit nursing care, education, research and administration.
Habitat affects escape behaviour and alarm calling in Common StarlingsSturnus vulgaris
Authors: DEVEREUX CLAIRE L. , FERNÀNDEZ‐JURICIC ESTEBAN , KREBS JOHN R. , WHITTINGHAM MARK J. 
Published: August 2008

Animals should adapt their escape behaviour to both physical and social surroundings in order to maximize their probability of survival. Cover can be both obstructive, reducing the visibility of the surroundings and hindering escape, and protective, providing refuge. We investigated how the provision of cover (long grass) affected (1) the escape behaviour and (2) the alarm call behaviour of Common StarlingsSturnus vulgarisresponding to a model hawk during a simulated attack. Starlings always retreated away from the predator and sometimes alarm‐called. Their escape trajectory was close to the ground when escaping in long grass, which could be explained by either tall swards hindering take‐off or such swards being used as protective cover. On short grass their escape trajectory was much steeper (> 45°). We also investigated the use of alarm calls in Starlings according to predictions arising from the costs and benefits to callers and receivers. Callers could benefit from using alarm calls through dilution or confusion if their use initiates flock departures, thus reducing their probability of being targeted. If there is no cost to the producer of alarm calls we predicted that detectors should call at all times to gain these benefits (i.e. irrespective of grass length), but if their use is costly we predicted that they would be used only when the benefits outstrip the costs. In this case we would predict that alarm calls would be given when other (visual) signals were impaired on long grass but not when they were effective on short grass. Starlings used alarm calls on long grass when visibility was reduced more frequently than on short grass, suggesting that calling has a cost to the producer. The contrasting escape strategies of Starlings in relation to a relatively small (10 cm) change in grass height demonstrates the potential importance of habitat structure in determining predation risk.
Cats about town: is predation by free‐ranging pet catsFelis catuslikely to affect urban bird populations?
Authors: BAKER PHILIP J. , MOLONY SUSIE E. , STONE EMMA , CUTHILL INNES C. , HARRIS STEPHEN 
Published: August 2008

Even though they are fed daily by their owners, free‐ranging pet catsFelis catusmay kill wild birds and, given their high densities (typically > 200 cats/km2), it has been postulated that cat predation could be a significant negative factor affecting the dynamics of urban bird populations. In this study, we: (1) used questionnaire surveys in 10 sites within the city of Bristol, UK, to estimate cat density; (2) estimated the number of birds killed annually in five sites by asking cat owners to record prey animals returned home; and then (3) compared the number of birds killed with breeding density and productivity to estimate the potential impact of cat predation. In addition, we (4) compared the condition of those birds killed by cats versus those killed in collisions, e.g. window strikes. Mean (± sd) cat density was 348 ± 86 cats/km2(n = 10 sites); considering the eight species most commonly taken by cats, the mean ratios of adult birds/cats and juvenile birds/cats across the five sites were 1.17 ± 0.23 and 3.07 ± 0.74, respectively. Approximately 60% of the cats studied for up to 1 year at each site never returned any prey home; despite this, the estimated number of birds killed was large relative to their breeding density and productivity in many sites. Across species, cat‐killed birds were in significantly poorer condition than those killed following collisions; this is consistent with the notion that cat predation represents a compensatory rather than additive form of mortality. Interpretation of these results is, however, complicated by patterns of body mass regulation in passerines. The predation rates estimated in this study would suggest that cats were likely to have been a major cause of mortality for some species of birds. The effect of cat predation in urban landscapes therefore warrants further investigation. The potential limitations of the current study are discussed, along with suggestions for resolving them.
Assessing the optical performance of multifocal (diffractive) intraocular lenses
Authors: Eppig Timo , Scholz Katja , Langenbucher Achim 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground and purpose:  While the optical performance of monofocal refractive lenses can be measured quite easily, more efforts are required to assess the performance of multifocal lenses, due to imaging to several foci. The purpose of this study was to develop a rugged test setup for evaluation of the optical properties of intraocular lenses (IOLs) in conformity to the International Standard ISO 11979.Methods:  We built a test setup in order to measure the point spread function and to determine the modulation transfer function (MTF) of IOLs. We measured three multifocal IOLs with (1) a diffraction limited model cornea and (2) an individualized aspheric model cornea which shows a significant amount of spherical aberration.Results:  All the three IOL samples tested showed a different impact of spherical aberration on the MTF. The bispheric lenses (Alcon and Dr Schmidt) showed a degradation of the MTF and Strehl ratio with model (2) compared to model (1). In contrast, the MTF of the Tecnis lens, which has a prolate aspheric front surface, improved dramatically in combination with model (2).Conclusion:  We demonstrated the functional capability of our measurement system by presentation of a set of working examples. Two different model corneas were used to study the influence of spherical aberration on the MTF of our working examples. An aspheric model cornea, which had already been shown to be suitable for testing monofocal aspherics, was shown to be well suited for testing aspheric multifocal lenses.
Habitual vs optimal distance visual acuity
Authors: Pointer Jonathan S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPurpose:  The maintenance of a good level of vision is desirable for developmental and social reasons; it is also a requirement that should not be overlooked in the clinical research environment. This study set out to quantify and analyse any difference between ‘habitual’ (pre‐sight test) and ‘optimal’ (post‐refraction) distance visual acuity in an optometric population. It is intended that the outcome of this work will inform not only clinicians but also those undertaking vision research.Methods:  Binocular logMAR visual acuity was determined at 6 m before and after optometric intervention in patients attending optometric practice for a routine sight test. Cases were recorded seriatim but restricted to the ‘core’ refraction range representative of typical optometric practice; three further exemption criteria included subject illiteracy, the necessity for a non‐standard test distance and contact lens wear. Over a 12‐month period, two‐thirds of patients examined satisfied the study inclusion criteria; it is the clinical data of these 1288 individuals that are described and analysed here.Results:  These data provide a quantitative demonstration that an optometric intervention will most likely improve the habitual distance visual acuity of subjects, irrespective of gender, age group, time interval since last test, refractive status and whether or not the subject is a habitual spectacle wearer. The improvement found was typically within one logMAR chart line (<5 letters), being greatest in spectacle‐wearing teenagers and in individuals beyond retirement age (increasing to eight letters in elderly habitual non‐spectacle wearers); also in non‐wearers who left an interval of 2 years or more between sight tests.Conclusions:  Clinical and laboratory‐based investigators are advised that a current and optimal refractive correction should be worn by subjects of all ages enrolled in vision‐related studies. Refractive defocus may introduce or exaggerate test outcome variability.
A pilot study of anisometropic amblyopia improved in adults and children by perceptual learning: an alternative treatment to patching
Authors: Chen Po‐Liang , Chen Jiann‐Torng , Fu Joa‐Jing , Chien Ke‐Hung , Lu Da‐Wen 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground:  To compare the effects of perceptual learning or patching on improving visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in patients with anisometropic amblyopia.Methods:  Patients with anisometropic amblyopia received either patching or perceptual learning treatment. Corrected amblyopic logMAR visual acuity and contrast sensitivity function were measured at four‐weekly intervals until visual acuity stabilized or amblyopia resolved. Improvements in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and resolution of amblyopia were compared between the two groups.Results:  The mean visual acuities of the amblyopic eyes improved by 0.34 logMAR (95% CI: 0.22–0.47 logMAR) with patching and 0.25 logMAR (95% CI: 0.16–0.35 logMAR) with perceptual learning (p = 0.125). Resolution of amblyopia was achieved in 10 of 26 patients (38%) in the perceptual learning group and 17 of 27 patients (63%) in the patching group (p = 0.809). Amblyopia improved by two or more lines in 20 of 26 (76%) patients in the perceptual learning group and 26 of 27 (96%) patients in the patching group (p = 0.0001). The mean time for patching was 37.3 weeks (522.2 h) and the average number of training sessions in the perceptual learning group was 48 (29.5 h) (p = 0.0001).Conclusions:  Visual acuity can be improved with perceptual learning and patching in older children and adult patients with anisometropic amblyopia. The improvements in visual acuity achieved with patching were one line better than those achieved with perceptual learning. Perceptual learning might provide an alternative treatment in patients with anisometropic amblyopia.
Drug‐induced ocular side‐effects with isotretinoin
Authors: Santodomingo‐Rubido Jacinto , Barrado‐Navascués Eva , Rubido‐Crespo María‐José 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWhereas there are numerous reported ocular side‐effects from isotretinoin medication, we present the first case report of corneal steepening after systemic treatment with isotretinoin for seven and a half weeks. The case was associated with a significant drop in visual acuity which could not be explained from the refractive error change. All signs and symptoms were absent seven and a half weeks after the medication was withdrawn. The case indicates that eye care professionals need to be vigilant about the possibility of adverse ocular manifestations associated with the use of systemic medications.
Lens thickness with age and accommodation by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Richdale Kathryn , Bullimore Mark A. , Zadnik Karla 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPurpose:  To utilize time‐domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure changes in the crystalline lens with age and accommodation.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study of pre‐presbyopic and presbyopic subjects was conducted. Amplitude of accommodation was measured with the push‐up test. Objective accommodation was measured with the Grand Seiko auto‐refractor and a Badal lens system. Lens thickness was measured with the Zeiss Visante OCT and an internal optometer. The data were analysed using correlation coefficients, linear regression, and by calculating the average change in lens thickness per diopter change in objective accommodation.Results:  Twenty‐two subjects between the ages of 36 and 50 years completed the study. Subjective amplitude of accommodation ranged from 2.17 to 6.38 D. Objective accommodation ranged from 0.22 to 4.56 D. The mean lens thickness was 4.05 ± 0.20 mm. The mean change in lens thickness for up to a 5‐D accommodative stimulus ranged from 0.01 to 0.26 mm. The correlation coefficients were: age and subjective accommodation, r = −0.74; age and objective accommodation, r = −0.84; change in lens thickness and age, r = −0.65; change in lens thickness and subjective accommodation, r = 0.74; change in lens thickness and objective accommodation, r = 0.64; objective and subjective accommodation, r = 0.82 (all p < 0.01). An increase in lens thickness of 21 μm per year of age was determined by linear regression. For the subjects who showed at least 1 D of accommodative response on the Grand Seiko auto‐refractor, there was an increase of 51 ± 19 μm per dioptre of accommodation.Conclusions:  Optical coherence tomography is a non‐invasive technique that can be used to quantify changes in the thickness of the crystalline lens. Subjective and objective measurements of accommodation, as well as age, were robustly correlated with the measured changes in lens thickness. Lens thickness changes with age and accommodation as measured with the Visante OCT compare well with previous findings using Scheimpflug photography and ultrasound.
Exploring Periodization in the Classroom: A Seminar on the Early‐Modern World
Authors: Clossey Luke , Marriott Brandon 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe idea of an ‘early‐modern world’ has come into common use despite historians’ lack of enthusiasm for it as a concept. Possible implications of teleology, eurocentrism, and artificial homogenization not unfairly discourage professional confidence in it. The article describes an undergraduate seminar that takes advantage of the professional uncertainty about early modernity. As they move through a series of thematically organized readings, participants construct and revamp a potentially multifaceted definition of the early‐modern world. Simultaneously, each student specializes in a chosen region and uses that place as a test case to evaluate the working definition as it evolves. The result is a learning experience that maximizes both cooperative and individual research to achieve a balance between the specific and the global.
Social Support for Physical Activity of Middle School Students
Authors: Robbins Lorraine B. , Stommel Manfred , Hamel Lauren M. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: To explore gender and age differences in social support and their relationship with physical activity.Design and sample: This cross‐sectional study with enhanced reliability due to repeated measures involved 105 boys and 101 girls.Measurements: Information on sources and forms of social support, as well as physical activity, was obtained from students, who completed the same questionnaire twice, 2 weeks apart.Results: Boys, compared with girls, were more likely to name fathers and less likely to identify sisters. Compared with older boys, older girls were less likely to identify fathers. Older girls were less likely than both younger girls and older boys to name brothers. Students who identified fathers reported more minutes and days of physical activity and had a stronger physical activity self‐definition than those who did not name fathers. Students who selected peers and sisters had more minutes of physical activity and a stronger physical activity self‐definition, respectively, than those who did not name peers and sisters. Transportation and encouragement were related to physical activity.Conclusions: Gender differences in social support are not uniform across age groups. Awareness of these differences can inform the development of appropriate physical activity programs.
Likelihood of Illegal Alcohol Sales at Professional Sport Stadiums
Authors: Toomey Traci L. , Erickson Darin J. , Lenk Kathleen M. , Kilian Gunna R. 
Published: August 2008

Background:  Several studies have assessed the propensity for illegal alcohol sales at licensed alcohol establishments and community festivals, but no previous studies examined the propensity for these sales at professional sport stadiums. In this study, we assessed the likelihood of alcohol sales to both underage youth and obviously intoxicated patrons at professional sports stadiums across the United States, and assessed the factors related to likelihood of both types of alcohol sales.Methods:  We conducted pseudo‐underage (i.e., persons age 21 or older who appear under 21) and pseudo‐intoxicated (i.e., persons feigning intoxication) alcohol purchase attempts at stadiums that house professional hockey, basketball, baseball, and football teams. We conducted the purchase attempts at 16 sport stadiums located in 5 states. We measured 2 outcome variables: pseudo‐underage sale (yes, no) and pseudo‐intoxicated sale (yes, no), and 3 types of independent variables: (1) seller characteristics, (2) purchase attempt characteristics, and (3) event characteristics. Following univariate and bivariate analyses, we a separate series of logistic generalized mixed regression models for each outcome variable.Results:  The overall sales rates to the pseudo‐underage and pseudo‐intoxicated buyers were 18% and 74%, respectively. In the multivariate logistic analyses, we found that the odds of a sale to a pseudo‐underage buyer in the stands was 2.9 as large as the odds of a sale at the concession booths (30% vs. 13%; p = 0.01). The odds of a sale to an obviously intoxicated buyer in the stands was 2.9 as large as the odds of a sale at the concession booths (89% vs. 73%; p = 0.02).Conclusions:  Similar to studies assessing illegal alcohol sales at licensed alcohol establishments and community festivals, findings from this study shows the need for interventions specifically focused on illegal alcohol sales at professional sporting events.
Acute Ethanol Effects on Local Cerebral Glucose Utilization in Select Central Nervous System Regions of Adolescent Alcohol‐Preferring (P) and Alcohol‐Nonpreferring (NP) Rats
Authors: Strother Wendy N. , Lumeng Lawrence , McBride William J. 
Published: August 2008

Background:  Alcohol abuse among adolescents is a major health and developmental problem. The 2‐[14C]deoxyglucose (2‐DG) technique allows for the in vivo quantification of local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) as a measure of functional neuronal activity.Methods:  Local cerebral glucose utilization rates were examined after acute ethanol administration within selected brain regions of adolescent alcohol‐preferring (P) and ‐nonpreferring (NP) rats. Postnatal day 45 male P and NP rats were injected with saline or 1.0 g/kg ethanol, i.p., 10 minutes prior to an intravenous bolus of [14C]‐2‐deoxyglucose (125 μCi/kg). Image densities were determined using quantitative autoradiography and LCGU values calculated.Results:  Acute ethanol injection significantly decreased LCGU rates in select brain regions including the olfactory tubercles, the frontal cortex (Fr), and subregions of the posterior hippocampus (pCA1 and pCA3). Acute ethanol had no significant effects on LCGU rates in any region of the adolescent NP rats. Significant basal LCGU rate differences were apparent between the rat lines in a nearly global fashion with adolescent P rats having much higher basal LCGU rates compared with adolescent NP rats.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that the adolescent P and NP rats are less sensitive to the effects of acute ethanol than their adult counterparts. The adolescent P rat is relatively more sensitive to the initial effects of acute ethanol in select brain regions as compared with the adolescent NP rat. Additionally, the innate hyper‐excited state of the adolescent P central nervous system is a likely factor in the development of their high alcohol drinking behaviors.