bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternity Satisfaction Studies and Their Limitations: “What Is, Must Still Be Best”
Authors: van Teijlingen Edwin R. , Hundley Vanora , Rennie Ann‐Marie , Graham Wendy , Fitzmaurice Ann 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACT: Background: Health policymakers throughout the developed world are paying close attention to factors in maternity care that may influence women's satisfaction. This paper examines some of these factors in the light of observations from previous studies of satisfaction with health services.Methods: The Scottish Birth Study, a cross‐sectional questionnaire survey, sought the views of all women in Scotland delivering during a 10‐day period in 1998. A total of 1,137 women completed and returned questionnaires (response rate = 69%).Results: Women were overwhelmingly satisfied with their prenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care. As is common in this type of study, reports of dissatisfaction were relatively low. However, differences occurred in satisfaction levels between subgroups; for example, the fewer the number of caregivers the woman had during childbirth, the more likely she was to be satisfied with the care received. A range of factors appeared to influence reported satisfaction levels, such as characteristics of the care provided and the woman's psychosocial circumstances.Conclusions: In addition to the inherent limitations of satisfaction studies found in the literature, problems may arise if such surveys are used uncritically to shape the future provision of maternity services, because service users tend to value the status quo over innovations of which they have no experience. Therefore, although satisfaction surveys have a role to play, we argue that they should only be used with caution, and preferably as part of an array of tools. (BIRTH 30:2 June 2003)
Neonatal Outcome after Trial of Labor Compared with Elective Repeat Cesarean Section
Authors: Fisler Rita E. , Cohen Amy , Ringer Steven A. , Lieberman Ellice 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACT: Background: Trial of labor after cesarean section has been an important strategy for lowering the rate of cesarean delivery in the United States, but concerns regarding its safety remain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of newborns delivered by elective repeat cesarean section compared to delivery following a trial of labor after cesarean.Methods: All low‐risk mothers with 1 or 2 previous cesareans and no prior vaginal deliveries, who delivered at our institution from December 1994 through July 1995, were identified. Neonatal outcomes were compared between 136 women who delivered by elective repeat cesarean section and 313 women who delivered after a trial of labor. To investigate reasons for differences in outcome between these groups, neonatal outcomes within the trial of labor group were then compared between those mothers who had received epidural analgesia (n = 230) and those who did not (n = 83).Results: Infants delivered after a trial of labor had increased rates of sepsis evaluation (23.3% vs 12.5%, p = 0.008); antibiotic treatment (11.5% vs 4.4%, p = 0.02); intubation to evaluate for the presence of meconium below the cords (11.5% vs 1.5%, p < 0.001); and mild bruising (8.0% vs 1.5%, p = 0.008). Within the trial of labor group, infants of mothers who received epidural analgesia were more likely to have received diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions including sepsis evaluation (29.6% vs 6.0%, p = 0.001) and antibiotic treatment (13.9% vs 4.8%, p = 0.03) than within the no‐epidural analgesia group.Conclusions: Infants born to mothers after a trial of labor are twice as likely to undergo diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions than infants born after an elective repeat cesarean section, but the increase occurred only in the subgroup of infants whose mothers received epidural analgesia for pain relief during labor. The higher rate of intervention could relate to the well‐documented increase in intrapartum fever that occurs with epidural use. (BIRTH 30:2 June 2003)
Women's Satisfaction with Their Involvement in Health Care Decisions During a High‐Risk Pregnancy
Authors: Harrison Margaret J. , Kushner Kaysi Eastlick , Benzies Karen , Rempel Gwen , Kimak Cathy 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACT: Background: Increasingly, women seek involvement in decisions about their health care. The purpose of this study was to examine women's experience of, and satisfaction with, their involvement in health care decisions during a high‐risk pregnancy.Methods: Forty‐seven women with hypertension or threatened preterm delivery (including multiple births) were interviewed after the birth of their child. They received prenatal care at home from nurses in a community program or were hospitalized. The in‐depth interviews were audiotaped and transcribed; data were analyzed using constant comparative methods.Results: Women identified an increased feeling of responsibility for the health of their baby and themselves, but differed in choosing active or passive involvement in health care decisions. Women who wanted active involvement achieved it through one of three processes: struggling for, negotiating, or being encouraged. Women who wanted passive involvement and women facing health crises used the process of trusting in the expertise of nurses and physicians. Women were satisfied if the care from health care professionals was congruent with how they wanted to be involved in decision‐making.Conclusions: Although most women want to be actively involved in health decision‐making during a high‐risk pregnancy, some prefer a passive role. The setting of prenatal care, community‐based or in‐hospital, was less important than the ability of nurses and physicians to support the woman in her preferred role in decision‐making. (BIRTH 30:2 June 2003)
Asymptotic prime-power divisibility of binomial, generalized binomial, and multinomial coefficients
Authors: Holte John 
Published: May 2003

This paper presents asymptotic formulas for the abundance of binomial, generalized binomial, multinomial, and generalized multinomial coefficients having any given degree of prime-power divisibility. In the case of binomial coefficients, for a fixed primepp, we consider the number of(x,y)(x, y)with0≤x,y>pn0 \leq x, y > p^nfor which(x+yx)\binom {x+y}{x}is divisible bypznp^{zn}(but notpzn+1p^{zn+1}) whenznznis an integer andα>z>β\alpha > z > \beta, say. By means of a classical theorem of Kummer and the probabilistic theory of large deviations, we show that this number is approximatelypnD((α,β))p^{n D((\alpha , \beta ))}, whereD((α,β)):=sup{D(z):α>z>β}D((\alpha , \beta )) := \sup \{ D(z) : \alpha > z > \beta \}andDDis given by an explicit formula. We also develop a “pp-adic multifractal” theory and show howDDmay be interpreted as a multifractal spectrum of divisibility dimensions. We then prove that essentially the same results hold for a large class of the generalized binomial coefficients of Knuth and Wilf, including theqq-binomial coefficients of Gauss and the Fibonomial coefficients of Lucas, and finally we extend our results to multinomial coefficients and generalized multinomial coefficients.
Monge-Ampère equations relative to a Riemannian metric
Authors: Atallah A. , Zuily C. 
Published: May 2003

We prove that in a bounded strictly convex open set

Ω
\Omega

in

R

n

\mathbb {R}^n

, the problem
\[

{

det

∇
2

u
=
f
(
x
)
,

u

|

∂
Ω

=
φ
,

\begin {cases} \det \nabla ^2u=f(x),\ u|_{\partial \Omega }=\varphi , \end {cases}

\]
where

f
>
0
,
f
∈

C
∞

(

Ω
¯

)
,
φ
∈

C
∞

(
∂
Ω
)

f>0,f\in C^\infty (\overline \Omega ), \varphi \in C^\infty (\partial \Omega )

, has a unique strictly convex solution

u
∈

C
∞

(

Ω
¯

)

u\in C^\infty (\overline \Omega )

. This result extends to an arbitrary metric a theorem which has been proved by Caffarelli-Nirenberg-Spruck in the case of the Euclidean metric.
Equilibria of set-valued maps on nonconvex domains
Authors: Ben-El-Mechaiekh H. , Kryszewski W. 
Published: May 2003

We present new theorems on the existence of equilibria (or zeros) of convex as well as nonconvex set-valued maps defined on compact neighborhood retracts of normed spaces. The maps are subject to tangency conditions expressed in terms of new concepts of normal and tangent cones to such sets. Among other things, we show that if

K
K

is a compact neighborhood retract with nontrivial Euler characteristic in a Banach space

E
E

, and

Φ
:
K
⟶

2
E

\Phi :K\longrightarrow 2^E

is an upper hemicontinuous set-valued map with nonempty closed convex values satisfying the tangency condition

Φ
(
x
)
∩

T
K
r

(
x
)
≠
∅
for all
x
∈
K
,

\begin{equation*} \Phi (x)\cap T_K^r(x)\neq \emptyset \text { for all }x\in K, \end{equation*}

then there exists

x
0

∈
K

x_0\in K

such that

0
∈
Φ
(

x
0

)
.

0\in \Phi (x_0).

Here,

T
K
r

(
x
)

T_K^r(x)

denotes a new concept of retraction tangent cone to

K
K

at

x
x

suited for compact neighborhood retracts. When

K
K

is locally convex at

x
,

T
K
r

(
x
)

x,T_K^r(x)

coincides with the usual tangent cone of convex analysis. Special attention is given to neighborhood retracts having “lipschitzian behavior”, called

L
−

L-

retracts below. This class of sets is very broad; it contains compact homeomorphically convex subsets of Banach spaces, epi-Lipschitz subsets of Banach spaces, as well as proximate retracts. Our results thus generalize classical theorems for convex domains, as well as recent results for nonconvex sets.
The Szego curve, zero distribution and weighted approximation
Authors: Pritsker Igor , Varga Richard 
Published: May 2003

In 1924, Szegő showed that the zeros of the normalized partial sums,

s

n

(
n
z
)

s_{n}(nz)

, of

e

z

e^{z}

tended to what is now called the Szegő curve

S
S

, where
\[

S
:=

{
z
∈

C

:

|

z

e

1
−
z

|

=
1
and

|

z

|

≤
1
}

.

S:= \left \{ z \in {\mathbb {C}}:|ze^{1-z}|=1 \text { and } |z| \leq 1 \right \}.

\]
Using modern methods of weighted potential theory, these zero distribution results of Szegő can be essentially recovered, along with an asymptotic formula for the weighted partial sums

{

e

−
n
z

s

n

(
n
z
)

}

n
=
0

∞

\{e^{-nz}s_{n} (nz)\}^{\infty }_{n=0}

. We show that

G
:=

Int

S

G:= {\operatorname {Int}} S

is the largest universal domain such that the weighted polynomials

e

−
n
z

P

n

(
z
)

e^{-nz} P_{n}(z)

are dense in the set of functions analytic in

G
G

. As an example of such results, it is shown that if

f
(
z
)

f(z)

is analytic in

G
G

and continuous on

G
¯

\overline {G}

with

f
(
1
)
=
0

f(1)=0

, then there is a sequence of polynomials

{

P

n

(
z
)
}

n
=
0

∞

\left \{P_{n}(z)\right \}^{\infty }_{n=0}

, with

deg
⁡

P

n

≤
n

\deg P_{n} \leq n

, such that
\[

lim

n
→
∞

‖

e

−
n
z

P

n

(
z
)
−
f
(
z
)

‖

G
¯

=
0
,

\lim _{n \rightarrow \infty } \|e^{-nz} P_{n}(z)-f(z)\|_{\overline {G}} =0,

\]
where

‖
⋅

‖

G
¯

\| \cdot \|_{\overline {G}}

denotes the supremum norm on

G
¯

\overline {G}

. Similar results are also derived for disks.
Existence of positive solutions for some problems with nonlinear diffusion
Authors: Cañada A. , Drábek P. , Gámez J. 
Published: May 2003

In this paper we study the existence of positive solutions for problems of the type

−

Δ
p

u
(
x
)

a
m
p
;
=
u
(
x

)

q
−
1

h
(
x
,
u
(
x
)
)
,

a
m
p
;

a
m
p
;
x
∈
Ω
,

u
(
x
)

a
m
p
;
=
0
,

a
m
p
;

a
m
p
;
x
∈
∂
Ω
,

\begin{equation*} \begin {aligned} -\Delta _pu(x) &=u(x)^{q-1}h(x,u(x)), && x\in \Omega , \\ u(x)&=0, && x\in \partial \Omega , \end{aligned} \end{equation*}

where

Δ
p

\Delta _p

is the

p
p

-Laplace operator and

p
,
q
>
1

p,q>1

. If

p
=
2

p=2

, such problems arise in population dynamics. Making use of different methods (sub- and super-solutions and a variational approach), we treat the cases

p
=
q

p=q

,

p
>
q

p>q

and

p
>
q

p>q

, respectively. Also, some systems of equations are considered.
Spherical classes and the algebraic transfer
Authors: Hu’ng Nguyẽn 
Published: May 2003

We study a weak form of the classical conjecture which predicts that there are no spherical classes in

Q
0

S
0

Q_0S^0

except the elements of Hopf invariant one and those of Kervaire invariant one. The weak conjecture is obtained by restricting the Hurewicz homomorphism to the homotopy classes which are detected by the algebraic transfer. Let

P
k

=

F

2

[

x
1

,
…
,

x
k

]

P_k=\mathbb {F}_2[x_1,\ldots ,x_k]

with

|

x
i

|

=
1

|x_i|=1

. The general linear group

G
L

k

=
G
L
(
k
,

F

2

)

\mathrm {GL}_k=GL(k,\mathbb {F}_2)

and the (mod 2) Steenrod algebra

A

\mathcal {A}

act on

P
k

P_k

in the usual manner. We prove that the weak conjecture is equivalent to the following one: The canonical homomorphism

j
k

:

F

2

⊗

A

(

P
k

G
L

k

)
→
(

F

2

⊗

A

P
k

)

G
L

k

j_k:\mathbb {F}_2 \underset {\mathcal {A}}{\otimes } (P_k^{\mathrm {GL}_k})\to (\mathbb {F}_2 \underset {\mathcal {A}}{\otimes } P_k)^{\mathrm {GL}_k}

induced by the identity map on

P
k

P_k

is zero in positive dimensions for

k
>
2

k>2

. In other words, every Dickson invariant (i.e. element of

P
k

G
L

k

P_k^{\mathrm {GL}_k}

) of positive dimension belongs to

A

+

⋅

P
k

\mathcal {A}^+ \cdot P_k

for

k
>
2

k>2

, where

A

+

\mathcal {A} ^+

denotes the augmentation ideal of

A

\mathcal {A}

. This conjecture is proved for

k
=
3

k=3

in two different ways. One of these two ways is to study the squaring operation

S

q
0

Sq^0

on

P
(

F

2

⊗

G

L
k

P
k
∗

)

P(\mathbb {F}_2 \underset {GL_k}{\otimes } P_k^*)

, the range of

j
k
∗

j_k^*

, and to show it commuting through

j
k
∗

j_k^*

with Kameko’s

S

q
0

Sq^0

on

F

2

⊗

G

L
k

P
(

P
k
∗

)

\mathbb {F}_2 \underset {GL_k}{\otimes } P(P_k^*)

, the domain of

j
k
∗

j_k^*

. We compute explicitly the action of

S

q
0

Sq^0

on

P
(

F

2

⊗

G

L
k

P
k
∗

)

P(\mathbb {F}_2 \underset {GL_k}{\otimes } P_k^*)

for

k
≤
4

k \leq 4

.
Graded Lie Algebras of Maximal Class
Authors: Caranti A. , Mattarei S. , Newman M. 
Published: May 2003

We study graded Lie algebras of maximal class over a field

F

\mathbf {F}

of positive characteristic

p
p

. A. Shalev has constructed infinitely many pairwise non-isomorphic insoluble algebras of this kind, thus showing that these algebras are more complicated than might be suggested by considering only associated Lie algebras of p-groups of maximal class. Here we construct

|

F

|

ℵ

0

| \mathbf {F}|^{\aleph _{0}}

pairwise non-isomorphic such algebras, and

max
{

|

F

|

,

ℵ

0

}

\max \{| \mathbf {F}|, \aleph _{0} \}

soluble ones. Both numbers are shown to be best possible. We also exhibit classes of examples with a non-periodic structure. As in the case of groups, two-step centralizers play an important role.
Measures and dimensions in conformal dynamics
Authors: Urbański Mariusz 
Published: May 2003

This survey collects basic results concerning fractal and ergodic properties of Julia sets of rational functions of the Riemann sphere. Frequently these results are compared with their counterparts in the theory of Kleinian groups, and this enlarges the famous Sullivan dictionary. The topics concerning Hausdorff and packing measures and dimensions are given most attention. Then, conformal measures are constructed and their relations with Hausdorff and packing measures are discussed throughout the entire article. Also invariant measures absolutely continuous with respect to conformal measures are touched on. While the survey begins with facts concerning all rational functions, much time is devoted toward presenting the well-developed theory of hyperbolic and parabolic maps, and in Section 3 the class NCP is dealt with. This class consists of such rational functionsffthat all critical points offfwhich are contained in the Julia set offfare non-recurrent. The NCP class comprises in particular hyperbolic, parabolic and subhyperbolic maps. Our last section collects some recent results about other subclasses of rational functions, e.g. Collet-Eckmann maps and Fibonacci maps. At the end of this article two appendices are included which are only loosely related to Sections 1-4. They contain a short description of tame mappings and the theory of equilibrium states and Perron-Frobenius operators associated with Hölder continuous potentials.
Art and dream
Authors: Guo Shesen 
Published: May 2003

AbstractA computer‐assisted learning/teaching model is conceived with the implications of the constructivist theory and an analogy between the traditional art form Shuanghuang and the teaching/learning environment. The virtual character of the model interacts, in the form of human behavior and speech supported by recognition biometrics, text‐to‐speech and artificial intelligence, with the learner and simulates, to the full extent, the process and effects of the art form. Some issues of pedagogical dimensions, knowledge and the role of the human teacher related to the model are discussed.
Edutainment: is learning at risk?
Authors: Okan Zühal 
Published: May 2003

AbstractSince the early 1990s interest has surged in developing edutainment software, namely applications that possess the allure of electronic games while achieving educational goals. In the rush to adopt this new seemingly harmless technological fad, both educators and parents overlooked its long‐term harmful effects. The aim of this article is to draw attention to these effects, particularly to the inflated expectation in the learners that the process of learning should always be colourful and fun, and that they can acquire information without work and serious study. It argues that what is essential is realizing that education is concerned with the development of cognitive structures and that educational technology is a medium, not a pedagogy that is useful in creating such learning environments. In this context, it may be time to examine critically the educational potential of edutainment software together with the advantages and disadvantages it might bring to the instructional process. The discussion begins, after a brief definition of edutainment, with an understanding of what technology and education entail. Then the discussion broadens to a critique of problems with edutainment drawing on the findings of educational psychology.
Interactivity and interactive functions in web‐based learning systems: a technical framework for designers
Authors: Chou Chien 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe concept of interactivity and its implications for Web‐based learning system design is re‐examined. The author reviews the literature on the interactivity concept from the perspectives of communication, computer‐assisted instruction, distance education, and interactive dimensions and functions for Web systems. A proposal is then made for a technical framework for including such dimensions and functions in Web‐based learning systems. To enhance the framework's ease‐of‐use and overall effectiveness, each interactive function was submitted to two panels of experts for assessment and evaluation in terms of instructional necessity and programming difficulty. A discussion of the panels’ feedback and the potential for future research concludes the article.
Teaching improvement grants: what they tell us about professors’ instructional choices for the use of technology in higher education
Authors: McAlpine Lynn , Gandell Terry 
Published: May 2003

AbstractTo understand the creative possibilities for the instructional uses of technology, it is important to understand what professors’ are thinking about or imagining they could be doing. This article describes how an analysis of teaching improvement grants can inform us regarding professors’ instructional choices for the use of technology in higher education. An analysis over 6 years of award winning innovative technology proposals emphasized the positive practices that were being proposed, the importance of situating the analysis within an historical framework (eg, over time, culture, infrastructure) and the value of focusing on professor thinking that precedes teaching action and subsequent evaluation of its impact on learning.
Questioning, promoting and evaluating the use of streaming video to support student learning
Authors: Shephard Kerry 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThis paper uses case studies to describe how streaming video is currently used to support student learning in post compulsory education in the UK. It describes the current role of streaming video and identifies processes that could extend the application of streaming in education. It attempts to establish a case for more formal evaluation and communication of educa‐tional processes involving streaming and identifies elements of a research agenda that could further develop the application of streaming technology in education.
Flow experience and positive affect during hypermedia learning
Authors: Konradt Udo , Filip Regina , Hoffmann Svenja 
Published: May 2003

AbstractIn this study positive affective states, experienced by users of a one‐hour learning program, in a hypermedia learning environment were assessed. It was expected that a positive mood would occur during learning that would be correlated with high training/learning success. Furthermore, the experience of flow was used to indicate whether the challenges and skills were balanced. The results showed that the users of the training program were put into a positive mood. About a quarter of the users experienced flow. Positive moods were associated with higher training success and positive affect was correlated with total knowledge and content knowledge. An association between flow and training success was not observed. The perceived probability of success did not influence learning but a high perceived probability of success was considered as comparably more pleasant than a low perceived probability of success. The results are discussed in the context of self‐directed learning.
Touching the screen: issues related to the use of touchscreen technology in early childhood education
Authors: Romeo Geoff , Edwards Suzy , McNamara Sue , Walker Ian , Ziguras Christopher 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThis paper reports on a research project that investigated the use of touchscreens by children in early childhood and junior primary settings by introducing touchscreens in five classrooms in Melbourne. Several methods to obtain information about how children interacted with the touchscreens were used including observation, journals and field notes, and interviews. The research identified five key themes, relating to developmental issues, input device preference, technical issues, individual differences in children's use of the touchscreen and issues of collaboration.
SeeWord—a personal word processing environment for dyslexic computer users
Authors: Gregor Peter , Dickinson Anna , Macaffer Alison , Andreasen Peter 
Published: May 2003

Abstract SeeWord is a highly configurable word processing environment, which assists dyslexic users when producing and reading text. The software was developed using a user‐centred development cycle where user feedback contributed to each revision. Evaluations showed that users were able to find individualised combinations of settings using the specialised software, which they used in preference to the black‐on‐white text that is usually displayed on computer monitors. Three separate prototypes of the software were developed and evaluated. The third prototype was used in an experimental study with 6 dyslexic school pupils. The research showed that 5 out of the 6 dyslexic users aged 14–16 years benefited from the use of specialised software when reading text from a computer screen. Participants were able to read standard texts from a screen significantly more accurately with the aid of SeeWord. All participants reported that they felt they could read text from the screen better using the software. The results suggest that a larger scale evaluation of the software would provide valuable information about problems associated with computer use by people with dyslexia. A further study into the visual processes involved in dyslexia would also be of great value.