bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Store cards: is it a matter of convenience or is the facility used to sustain lavish consumption?
Authors: Erasmus Alet C. , Lebani Kethuswegape 
Published: April 2008

AbstractStore cards are generally much easier to obtain than most other credit systems, and are therefore afforded less respect than, for example, bank credit cards. Many consumers who adopt store cards are not necessarily competent to manage the credit limits that are so generously approved. Overspending thus seems almost inevitable. Evidence to substantiate concerns about store card use will be useful to alert consumers about responsible use of store cards and will support the basic sentiments of consumerism, i.e. to enhance consumer education and to properly inform and protect consumers. The intention is to compare the most important reasons provided for the adoption of store cards and buyer behaviour, as well as satisfaction with store cards of two dissimilar groups of store cardholders, based on the premise that exposure to and experience with large shopping malls and related facilities would be influential. Store cardholders' control of credit limits and use of supplementary store card services are correlated with satisfaction with the commodity. The research is exploratory and descriptive in kind. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data during August to October 2006: 267 questionnaires were retrieved. A remarkable congruence in the reasons why store cards were acquired by the two samples was evident. Both valued the convenience of store card use and were impressed by the open‐ended revolving credit options. Additional incentives, however, seemed of limited importance. Noticeable differences between the samples are mostly related to the financial consequences of store card use. Impulsive buying and poor planning were blamed for a continual increase in store card installments. This coincides with Soman and Cheema's conclusion that less experienced consumers tend to optimize a credit limit as an indication of their future earnings potential. More experienced store cardholders seemed significantly more satisfied with the facility than their counterpart. Rapid reuse of store cards after settlement of accounts indicates difficulty to quit using the facility. This supports the notion that self‐control over spending is effortful. The consequent challenge to retailers would be to exercise greater caution with the approval of credit limits to encourage more responsible use of store credit accounts.
Epileptic encephalopathy with continuous spikes and waves during sleep in children with shunted hydrocephalus: A study of nine cases
Authors: Caraballo Roberto Horacio , Bongiorni Lucas , Cersósimo Ricardo , Semprino Marcos , Espeche Alberto , Fejerman Natalio 
Published: April 2008

SummaryPurpose:We present a series of nine patients with early‐onset hydrocephalus who had seizures and continuous spikes and waves during slow sleep (CSWS) associated with neurocognitive and motor deterioration.Methods:Six boys and three girls aged 9–16 years (mean 11.3 years) were studied. [Correction added after online publication 12‐Apr‐2008: Number of girls and boys has been updated.] All patients underwent clinical examinations, electroencephalographic evaluations, neuroradiological imaging and neuropsychological assessment at first examination. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were given in all cases and changed according to clinical and EEG evolution.Results:Onset of epilepsy occurred from age 8 to 60 months (mean 19.6 months and median 14 months) with focal seizures with or without secondary generalized tonic–clonic seizures. Between ages 6 and 13 years (mean 10.4 years and median 8 years), hyperkinesia, aggressiveness, and poor socialization appeared in all nine cases. Reduced attention span, deterioration of language, and temporospatial disorientation were found in three of them. Negative myoclonus was found in two patients. The EEG showed CSWS. Response to change in treatment was good in all patients. None of the patients had relapses, seven of them have remained seizure free, and two continued having sporadic focal motor seizures during 2–5 years (mean 3 years) of follow‐up.Conclusion:In children with early‐onset hydrocephalus, particularly with behavioral and language disturbances and/or motor deterioration, CSWS should be considered. Periodic EEG recordings during sleep should be done in these children.The early identification of this particular electroclinical picture is crucial to start adequate treatment to avoid progressive cognitive deterioration.
Attention impairment in rolandic epilepsy: Systematic review
Authors: Kavros Peregrine Murphy , Clarke Tara , Strug Lisa J. , Halperin Jeffrey M. , Dorta Nelson J. , Pal Deb K. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryPurpose:Conflicting evidence about impairment of attention systems and the absence of a working model of attention has contributed to lack of clarity about comorbidity of attention problems in rolandic epilepsy (RE). Impairments in distributed attention systems may inform a disease model for RE, as well as direct interventions.Methods:We used a systematic review of the relevant literature published in English from 1990 to 2006 to evaluate impairment in attention in RE. The Mirsky and Posner models of attention were evaluated for applicability, and studies were reviewed for design, instrumentation, and congruence with the Posner model of attention.Results:Fourteen studies were identified: seven using a cross‐sectional design (six active EEG abnormalities; one EEG remission) and seven longitudinal studies (abnormal EEGs and follow‐up until normalized). According to the Posner model of attention, 12 studies employed measures that tapped the alerting network, 11 studies the orienting network, and eight the executive network. Nearly all controlled studies demonstrated impairments in all tested attention networks. In contrast, uncontrolled studies uniformly did not demonstrate impairments. Follow‐up studies demonstrated complete or near complete resolution of attention impairments.Discussion:The weight of evidence, defined as the majority of studies evaluated, suggests that all three attention systems are impaired in children with active centrotemporal spikes (CTS), implying a more widespread functional cortical disturbance in RE than previously held. These impairments resolve upon EEG remission, suggesting a common pathological basis to the autosomal dominant CTS trait. Sources of methodological variation are discussed with recommendations for future investigations.
Improved Arrhythmia Detection in Implantable Loop Recorders
Authors: BRIGNOLE MICHELE , BELLARDINE BLACK CARISSA L. , THOMSEN POUL E. BLOCH , SUTTON RICHARD , MOYA ANGEL , STADLER ROBERT W. , CAO JIAN , MESSIER MARC , HUIKURI HEIKKI V. 
Published: April 2008

Introduction:
Implantable loop recorders (ILR) have an automatic arrhythmia detection feature that can be compromised by inappropriately detected episodes. This study evaluated a new ILR sensing and detection scheme for automatically detecting asystole, bradyarrhythmia, and tachyarrhythmia events, which is implemented in the next generation device (Reveal DX/XT).
Methods and Results:
The new scheme employs an automatically adjusting R‐wave sensing threshold, enhanced noise rejection, and algorithms to detect asystole, bradyarrhythmia, and tachyarrhythmia. Performance of the new algorithms was evaluated using 2,613 previously recorded, automatically detected Reveal Plus episodes from 533 patients. A total of 71.9% of episodes were inappropriately detected by the original ILR, and at least 88.6% of patients had one or more inappropriate episodes, with most inappropriate detections due to R‐wave amplitude reductions, amplifier saturation, and T‐wave oversensing. With the new scheme, inappropriate detections were reduced by 85.2% (P < 0.001), with a small reduction in the detection of appropriate episodes (1.7%, P < 0.001). The new scheme avoided inappropriate detections in 67.4% of patients that had them with the original scheme.
Conclusions:
The new sensing and detection scheme is expected to substantially reduce the occurrence of inappropriately detected episodes, relative to that of the original ILR.
Risk Factors for Female Sexual Dysfunction in the General Population: Exploring Factors Associated with Low Sexual Function and Sexual Distress
Authors: Hayes Richard D. , Dennerstein Lorraine , Bennett Catherine M. , Sidat Mohsin , Gurrin Lyle C. , Fairley Christopher K. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTIntroductionNo previous population-based studies have used validated instruments to measure female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Australian women across a broad age range.AimTo estimate prevalence and explore factors associated with the components of FSD.Main Outcome MeasuresSexual Function Questionnaire measured low sexual function. Female Sexual Distress Scale measured sexual distress.MethodsMultivariate analysis of postal survey data from a random sample of 356 women aged 20–70 years.ResultsLow desire was more likely to occur in women in relationships for 20–29 years (odds ratio 3.7, 95% confidence intervals 1.1–12.8) and less likely in women reporting greater satisfaction with their partner as a lover (0.3, 0.1–0.9) or who placed greater importance on sex (0.1, 0.03–0.3). Low genital arousal was more likely among women who were perimenopausal (4.4, 1.2–15.7), postmenopausal (5.3, 1.6–17.7), or depressed (2.5, 1.1–5.3), and was less likely in women taking hormone therapy (0.2, 0.04–0.7), more educated (0.5, 0.3–0.96), in their 30s (0.2, 0.1–0.7) or 40s (0.2, 0.1–0.7), or placed greater importance on sex (0.2, 0.05–0.5). Low orgasmic function was less likely in women who were in their 30s (0.3, 0.1–0.8) or who placed greater importance on sex (0.3, 0.1–0.7). Sexual distress was positively associated with depression (3.1, 1.2–7.8) and was inversely associated with better communication of sexual needs (0.2, 0.05–0.5). Results were adjusted for other covariates including age, psychological, socioeconomic, physiological, and relationship factors.ConclusionsRelationship factors were more important to low desire than age or menopause, whereas physiological and psychological factors were more important to low genital arousal and low orgasmic function than relationship factors. Sexual distress was associated with both psychological and relationship factors.
Two Challenges for the Classification of Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Mitchell Kirstin , Graham Cynthia A. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe current classification of sexual function (in particular, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV) has lately attracted significant criticism at both research and clinical levels. Despite this, there has been a reluctance to return to the drawing board. Instead, attempts to improve the system have been marginal, constrained by the need to secure professional consensus, the desire for continuity with traditional categories, and the emphasis on diagnostic agreement (reliability).AimIn this article, we examine two key challenges currently faced by the DSM: how to effectively acknowledge the relational context of sexual problems and how to avoid pathologizing normal variation.ResultsWe raise some possible new directions, such as ways in which relational processes could be integrated into the current system, and possibilities for introducing a dimensional rather than a categorical model of sexual function.ConclusionsWe argue that if the next version of DSM (version V) is to avoid the weaknesses inherent in the present system, then a return to the drawing board is precisely what is required.
A pilot study of the efficacy of residuum lodges for managing sediment delivery to impoundment reservoirs
Authors: Kay Paul , Armstrong Alona , McDonald Adrian , Parsons Daniel , Best Jim , Peakall Jeff , Walker Andrew , Foulger Miles , Gledhill Sarah , Tillotson Martin 
Published: April 2008

AbstractResiduum lodges comprise small dams constructed on feeder streams immediately before they enter a reservoir, behind which ponds form, where sediment is deposited. Despite their construction on many impoundment reservoirs (IRE) and catchwaters, little research has previously investigated their efficacy at removing sediments from feeder streams. The current pilot study has, therefore, been carried out at an IRE supplying Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK, where a residuum lodge was recently cleaned out. Sediment concentrations reaching the reservoir were reduced by up to 42% although no certain impacts were noted on the other water quality variables that were measured. Moreover, it was found that the clearance operation did not result in the release of excessive quantities of sediment into the reservoir. It was estimated that the cleared residuum lodge would take 12 years to refill. A survey of other residuum lodges in the Yorkshire region showed there to be considerable differences in their remaining capacities.
Family Farms Are Still Around: Time to Invert the Old Agrarian Question
Authors: Brookfield Harold 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFamily farming is far from dead, in either the developed or developing countries. Family farms need to be qualitatively defined, with both family management and substantial labour input being central elements. The ‘agrarian question’ has been largely about their disappearance and replacement by capitalist farms, or subsumption by agribusiness, but they have competed successfully with capitalist farms for a long period. In modern times, the economies of scale are largely captured by farms within the normal family‐operated range. Pluriactivity is not only a means by which otherwise uneconomic farms survive; it is also a means of enlarging income and opportunity as farms can be managed with less labour. The adaptability and efficiency that family farmers have demonstrated continue. It is time that the old agrarian question was inverted to ask how and why family farming survives, and why it will continue to do so.
Tourism Geographies,Tourist Studiesand the Turn towardsMobilities
Authors: Hannam Kevin 
Published: April 2008

AbstractTourism is frequently acclaimed as one of the world's largest and most pervasive industries. Research into tourism has grown rapidly in recent years with many new books and journals appearing. In particular, this article notes that perhaps three new journals have marked the coming of age of tourism‐related research, namely,Tourism Geographies,Tourist Studiesand finallyMobilities. While a great deal of other research has been published in books and journals and indeed many other new tourism journals have been started, this article utilises the start of these journals as benchmarks for a theoretical engagement with tourism research. This article thus begins by reviewing research into tourism geographies and focuses on work that has examined destination branding in the face of globalising processes. The article goes on to review research that has been concerned primarily with host–guest interactions in terms of tourist studies. Indeed, both residents and tourist's performances have been the focus of much contemporary research particularly by researchers who have begun to view tourism as increasingly constitutive of everyday life rather than being simply an escape from it. Finally, it is argued that the concept of mobilities helps us to understand global tourism in the context of other social and spatial travel processes.
Benefit Finding and Physical Health: Positive Psychological Changes and Enhanced Allostasis
Authors: Bower Julienne E. , Low Carissa A. , Moskowitz Judith Tedlie , Sepah Saviz , Epel Elissa 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMany individuals who undergo stressful life events report that they have derived some positive benefit from the experience. Although the majority of research on benefit finding has focused on its psychological correlates, there is intriguing evidence that benefit finding may also have effects on physical health. In this paper, we review the emerging literature on benefit finding and physical health and present an integrative model in which we identify specific psychological and physiological pathways through which benefit finding may influence physical health outcomes. In particular, we consider the hypothesis that benefit finding may involve changes in a number of psychological domains – namely, changes in appraisal and coping processes, relationships, goals and priorities, and positive affect – that lead to a state of enhanced allostasis, buffering against negative effects of catabolic stress responses and promoting activity in restorative physiological systems. Empirical evidence for this model is reviewed, focusing on studies that have examined positive psychological constructs relevant to benefit finding and their effects on stress reactivity, recovery, and habituation, as well as restorative processes.
Skill Level, Self‐Views and Self‐Theories as Sources of Error in Self‐Assessment
Authors: Ehrlinger Joyce 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPeople's impressions of the quality of their performances are often surprisingly inaccurate. In this paper, I discuss three specific factors that contribute to error in self‐assessment. First, at a most basic level, individuals must possess a certain level of knowledge to simply distinguish weak from strong performances. Thus, a lack of skill can contribute to erroneous self‐assessments. Second, even those who possess skill might rely on the wrong information to evaluate their performances. I discuss how relying on preexisting self‐views can lead estimates of one's performance astray. Third, I discuss how motivational forces can play an indirect role in overconfidence. In particular, theories of intelligence that inspire people to think well of themselves also inspire behaviors that contribute to overconfident impressions of how well one has performed on a task. Finally, I discuss how we can draw on this research to improve accuracy in self‐assessments.
Towards a Critical Social Psychological Account of National Sentiments: Patriotism and Nationalism Revisited
Authors: Sapountzis Antonis 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn the social sciences and in social psychology as well, a distinction is often drawn between two different types of national sentiments. The first one is frequently represented as defensive and positive and it is termed patriotism, while the second one is considered a negative one that potentially has destructive consequences and it is termed nationalism. Within social psychology there have been attempts to map the differences between these different types of national sentiments and to discover the various factors that seem to be associated with them. Some critical social psychologists have adopted a different perspective, arguing that we should regard patriotism and nationalism as an ideological dilemma people face when they talk about nations. This approach allows researchers to examine the way the ideology of nationhood is represented in common sense as well as the specific aspects of national ideology in each country.
Defensive Pessimism, Anxiety, and the Complexity of Evaluating Self‐Regulation
Authors: Norem Julie K. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDefensive pessimism is a motivated cognitive strategy that helps people manage their anxiety and pursue their goals. Individuals who use defensive pessimism set low expectations, and play through extensive mental simulations of possible outcomes as they prepare for goal‐relevant tasks and situations. Research on a variety of phenomena, from self‐handicapping to stereotype threat, demonstrates the potential effectiveness of defensive pessimism as a self‐regulation strategy. Review of this research provides an illustration of the complexity of self‐regulation efforts, because understanding how and why defensive pessimism works requires an integrated understanding the role of traits, motivations, and self structures within the individual, the resultant goals toward which strategies are directed, and the particular constraints of different situations and cultural contexts.
Regulatory Fit and Persuasion: Basic Principles and Remaining Questions
Authors: Cesario Joseph , Higgins E. Tory , Scholer Abigail A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractHow can researchers and practitioners use regulatory fit theory to increase the effectiveness of their attempts to change attitudes and behavior? In this article, we extract from the literature a set of basic processes by which fit can influence persuasion and describe different methods for inducing fit. Regulatory fit can influence persuasion by: (i) making message recipients feel right during message reception; (ii) increasing recipients’ strength of engagement with the message, which contributes to processing fluency; and (iii) influencing elaboration likelihood. Integral methods induce fit within the persuasion situation (as with framing of message arguments, source delivery style, and decision means), whereas incidental methods induce fit independent of the persuasion situation. We discuss common difficulties researchers may encounter with these techniques, and clarify existing confusions about regulatory fit and regulatory focus theory. Throughout, we highlight important questions that must be addressed to attain a complete understanding of regulatory fit.
Designing Health Communications: Harnessing the Power of Affect, Imagery, and Self‐Regulation
Authors: Cameron Linda D. , Chan Carina K. Y. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe review recent advances in self‐regulation theory and research, highlighting implications for communication strategies aimed at persuading individuals to adopt health‐protective behaviors. We focus on the role of affect and imagery processes in health persuasion, reviewing research on how fear arousal and imagery influence health information processing and decision‐making. Despite ongoing controversy over the use of fear‐arousing appeals, considerable empirical evidence supports their efficacy. Such threat appeals can backfire, however, if they fail to address key aspects of self‐regulation processes. Research on the cognitive and emotional influences of imagery and other concrete‐perceptual stimuli points to strategies for integrating them into health persuasion efforts. Mental simulation techniques represent another promising avenue for communications aimed at fostering health behavior change. New directions of inquiry include research on appeals that arouse emotions other than fear (e.g., positive emotions), more nuanced applications of fear arousal in communications, and applications for computer‐based and Internet communications.
Group Membership as a ‘Frame of Reference’ for Interpersonal Comparison
Authors: Leach Colin Wayne , Vliek Michael L. W. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAlthough individuals may view themselves as part of a group (e.g., couple, a family, or a nationality) when comparing to others, most contemporary theory and research in psychology focuses on the interpersonal comparisons that individuals make to other individuals. The prevailing view is quite individually oriented as it emphasizes the closeness between individuals as the most important basis of interpersonal comparison. However, membership in a meaningful ‘reference group’ typically frames interpersonal comparison, even where individuals do not consciously attend to the group. This makes individuals especially likely to make interpersonal comparisons to other members of their reference group and for these comparisons to be especially affecting psychologically. These are the central tenets of reference group theory (Hyman, 1942; Merton, 1957). In this paper, we use reference group theory to highlight the role of group membership in what otherwise appear to be individually oriented interpersonal comparisons.