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Kinds of Package Terms modified by Package Selected AbstractsSENSOMINER: A PACKAGE FOR SENSORY DATA ANALYSISJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 1 2008SEBASTIEN LE ABSTRACT We propose a new package for sensory data analysis, named SensoMineR. SensoMineR is implemented in the R programming environment and can be accessed at the following addresses: http://sensominer.free.fr or http://cran.r-project.org. This package produces graphical displays of data that are simple to interpret, and it also provides syntheses of results issuing from various analysis of variance models or from various factor analysis methods accompanied with confidence ellipses. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS SensoMineR is a free software intended for sensory analysts from both academic and corporate institutions. SensoMineR is an easy and powerful solution that tackles the following problems: characterization of the products, panel performance assessment, links between sensory and instrumental data, consumer's preferences, napping evaluation, optimal designs. SensoMineR is implemented in R and can be used easily with the help of a very intuitive graphical interface. [source] Ground Water-Lake Interaction Modeling Using the LAK3 Package for MODFLOW 2000GROUND WATER, Issue 2 2003Randy Hunt First page of article [source] Endonasal Endoscopic Management of Contact Point Headache and Diagnostic CriteriaHEADACHE, Issue 2 2010Alireza Mohebbi MD (Headache 2010;50:242-248) Background., Some types of headaches with sinonasal origin may be present in the absence of inflammation and infection. The contact points between the lateral nasal wall and the septum could be the cause of triggering and sustained pain via trigeminovascular system. Objective., The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of endoscopic surgery in the sinonasal region for treatment of headache with special attention paid to specific diagnostic methods and patient selection. Methods., This was a prospective, non-randomized and semi-quasi experimental research study. Thirty-six patients with chronic headaches who had not previously responded to conventional treatments were evaluated by rhinoscopy and/or endoscopy, local anesthetic tests and computed tomography scans as diagnostic criteria. These patients were divided into 4 groups based on the diagnostic methods utilized. The intensity of headaches pre- and post-operatively were recorded by utilizing the visual analog scale scale and performing analysis with analysis of variance test comparison and Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Average follow-up was 30 months. Results., Our overall success rate approximated 83% while the complete cure rate was 11%. Patients in group 4 achieved the best results. In this group all diagnostic criteria were positive. In addition, patient responses were statistically significant in groups with more than one positive criteria compared with group 1 who only had positive examination. The positive response of 14 migrainous patients diagnosed with migraine prior to treatment was 64%. Conclusion., Surgery in specific cases of headaches with more positive evidence of contact point could be successful, particularly if medical therapy has failed. [source] Extending the Efficacy of a Thermal Biofeedback Treatment Package to the Management of Tension-type Headaches in ChildrenHEADACHE, Issue 2 2001Richard E. Arndorfer PhD This study explored the efficacy of a thermal biofeedback treatment package as an intervention with children with tension-type headaches. In a within-subject, time-lagged, multiple baseline design, five children, aged 8 to 14 years, were assigned to baselines of varying lengths prior to receiving treatment. Treatment was introduced sequentially across subjects and involved six thermal biofeedback treatment visits. Parents were also given guidelines for how best to encourage children to independently use the biofeedback skills. Data confirm that the participants learned the handwarming skill, practiced the skill on a regular basis during treatment, and independently used the skills to manage their pain. All participants demonstrated clinically significant reductions in one or more headache parameters (frequency, duration, intensity) following treatment. At 6-month follow-up, four of the five participants were headache-free. Although the thermal biofeedback treatment package was generally effective for these children with tension-type headaches, the specific type of headache experienced by each child appeared to influence the specific response to treatment. In addition, no single measure of headache activity was the best indicator of response to treatment. The efficacy of the thermal biofeedback treatment package is supported as an alternative treatment for children suffering from tension-type headaches. [source] Near Zero Shrinkage of an Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic Package by Constrained Sintering Using Screen Printed Alumina PasteINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2010Sang Myoung Lee Conventional free sintering of low-temperature co-firing ceramic (LTCC) technology has several merits such as sintering temperature below 1000°C that enables co-firing with electrode materials of silver or copper metal and multilayer structure formation. But due to the free sintering process, large shrinkage occurs. To fabricate electronic devices and components with near zero shrinkage within x, y directions constrained sintering (CS) technology is required. In this study a constrained sintering paste (CSP) utilizing alumina powder, which has a higher sintering temperature than LTCC powders, was fabricated for CS technology. The effect of CSP formulated using alumina powder on shrinkage was studied according to variation in paste composition. As a result ceramic package structure with a cavity was fabricated with shrinkage control of 0.028%, which is far smaller than the current CS technology shrinkage of approximately 0.1%. [source] Factors associated with the coping of parents with a child in psychiatric inpatient careINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING PRACTICE, Issue 5 2001Tiina Puotiniemi MSc The purpose of this study was to establish the parental coping' factors associated with having a child in psychiatric inpatient care. The data were collected from 19 hospitals with child psychiatry units. At the time of data collection, all parents of children in psychiatric inpatient care in these hospitals were recruited. The method of data collection was a questionnaire (n = 79). The data were analysed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows statistical software. The connections between variables were studied with cross-tabulation, and the ,2 test was used to determine significance. Changes in internal and external family relationships and matters related to the upbringing of the child with mental problems statistically correlated significantly with parental coping (P < 0.001). Problem-oriented and emotionally-oriented coping strategies, skills and palliative strategies correlated significantly with parental coping (P < 0.001). Emotional support, support for the care and upbringing of the child in inpatient care, and love and acceptance also had statistically significant associations with parental coping (P < 0.001). [source] Predictors of disability among Filipinos with knee osteoarthritisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 3 2008Ester G. Penserga Abstract Aims: This study aims to describe the level of disability of Filipino patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in relation to common risk factors. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional analytic study. Patients with knee osteoarthritis diagnosed using the American College of Rheumatology criteria for the classification of knee OA, seen at East Avenue Medical Center, using the Quezon City, Philippines, were entered by convenient sampling. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC (va) 3.1 Tagalog Version) osteoarthritis index was used. Self-reported disability was measured by the function subscale of the WOMAC OA index and used as the dependent variable. Independent variables assessed as possible risk factors affecting disability were age, sex, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), education (in years), number of comorbidities present, smoking status (pack years), duration of knee OA, pain and stiffness. Categories of disability were identified as high, moderate and low. Analyses of the data were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 13. Results: Eighty-five subjects were included in the study. The mean disability score was 674.1 ± 318.81 (moderate disability). Chi-square tests showed that the categories or levels of disability are not significantly dependent on the categorical variables. Significant direct correlations were seen between mean disability and weight (r = 0.260, P = 0.016), pain (r = 0.574, P = 0.000), and stiffness (r = 0.616, P = 0.000). Conclusion: This is the first study analysing the relationship between disability and specific risk factors among Filipino patients with knee OA. Self-reported disability of knee OA in the population studied was strongly related to pain scores, weight and joint stiffness scores. [source] Subjective side effects of antipsychotics and medication adherence in people with schizophreniaJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 3 2009Terence V. McCann Abstract Title., Subjective side effects of antipsychotics and medication adherence in people with schizophrenia. Aim., This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe the prevalence of antipsychotic medication side effects in individuals with schizophrenia, and to assess if a relationship existed between side effects and medication-taking. Background., Non-adherence to antipsychotics is common in people with schizophrenia. There is a direct relationship between non-adherence and relapse, but it is unclear if an association exists between side effects and non-adherence. Method., The Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side-effect Rating Scale was used with a convenience sample of 81 mental health service users with schizophrenia. Participants were recruited from one urban and one rural area in Australia in 2004. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science and nonparametric statistical methods based on the nature of data. Findings., Around 20% of participants had missed taking their medication at least once in the week before data collection. About half experienced one or more side effects, but the level of accumulated side effects was not associated with medication omission. Older participants were more likely to experience anticholinergic and allergic side effects than their younger counterparts. Younger women were more likely to experience hormone-related side effects than older women. Overall, medication omission was not statistically significantly correlated with any of the seven Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side-effect Rating Scale subscales. Conclusion., Greater attention needs to be paid to age- and gender-specific side effects and to monitoring side effects in people prescribed atypical medication antipsychotics. Service users, case managers and prescribers may need additional training to assist them to identify side effects and to take steps to ameliorate or at least minimize their effects. [source] IMF , AFRICA: New PackageAFRICA RESEARCH BULLETIN: ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL SERIES, Issue 7 2009Article first published online: 27 AUG 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] An examination of the intentional and unintentional aspects of medication non-adherence in patients diagnosed with hypertensionJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 4 2007Elaine Lehane MSc Aims., The primary aim of this study was to describe the unintentional and intentional aspects of non-adherence in patients diagnosed with hypertension. A secondary aim was to examine the relationships between medication adherence and purposeful actions (intentional non-adherence), patterned behaviours (unintentional non-adherence) and demographic questionnaire variables. Background., Non-adherence to medications continues to be a significant health-care issue, the extent and consequences of which have been well documented. Despite considerable research over the past five decades, little progress has been made in solving this healthcare problem. Recent literature indicates that this lack of progress can be attributed to the fact that past research has concentrated solely upon either the unintentional or the intentional aspects of non-adherence, instead of addressing both facets simultaneously. Methods., A quantitative, descriptive, correlation research design was employed using Johnson's (2002) Medication Adherence Model as a theoretical framework. A convenience sample of 73 participants with hypertension, attending the outpatients' clinics of two university hospitals was recruited. Data were collected by means of a researcher administered questionnaire and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results., High levels of medication adherence with a mean adherence score of 4·75 (maximum 5) were reported. Low and medium levels of purposeful actions and medium and high levels of patterned behaviours towards medication taking were found. Correlational analyses did not demonstrate statistically significant associations. Conclusions., Both the intentional and unintentional dimensions of medication-taking are simultaneously considered by patients to varying levels when adhering to therapeutic regimens. This is an important research area for nurses as it facilitates an increased understanding of non-adherence and, in so doing, aids the uncovering of more effective interventions aimed at sustaining lifelong pharmacotherapy. Relevance to clinical practice., By acknowledging a broader approach to patient medication-taking, nurses will be able more effectively to assess and intervene in non-adherent behaviours and actions. [source] Caterers' experiences and perceptions of implementing the 2006 school meal standardsJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 5 2008C.J. Weir Background:, School meal standards were introduced in 2006 (Department for Education and Skills) and caterers are expected to comply with these standards. No research has been conducted looking at the caterer's experiences and perceptions of implementing these standards. This area has 32 school meal provider organisations for 103 schools. Half the schools are with one provider and the others are, mostly, single-handed in-house operations, often managed by a local community member. The aim of the current study was to explore caterers' understanding of the school meal standards, the barriers to implementation, and proposed solutions, to inform local practice. Methods:, A combined quantitative and qualitative design was used. A questionnaire was used to assess understanding and implementation of the standards and distributed to all the catering provider organisations (n = 32), with a good response rate of 78% (n = 25). For each question about achievement of the ten food-based standards the responses were scored 0,4 where: 0 = ,Do not intend to achieve this standard'; to 4 = ,Fully achieved'. This gave a total standards achievement score for each catering provider organisation, where the minimum score that could be achieved was zero which indicated the minimum level of achievement and the maximum score which could be achieved was forty which indicated all ten standards fully achieved. Four focus group were undertaken involving 40 people who considered themselves to be in a management role within a catering provider organisation. Semi structured interviews were undertaken with 11 people (until saturation), using purposive sampling, to explore barriers and solutions to implementation of the standards in detail. Descriptive and appropriate inferential statistics (Fisher's Exact tests and independent samples t- tests) were performedon the datausingStatistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The process undertaken for the qualitative analysis was thematic analysis, and used analytic hierarchy (Richie & Lewis, 2003). Approval for this study was obtained from Leeds Metropolitan University ethics committee. Results:, The qualitative discussions led to caterers' identifying two main themes. These were: support from various groups, and the roles and responsibilities caterers believed these groups had and should be performing in order to achieve successful implementation of the standards ,Think it's good someone's shaken up school meals but who is doing the actually work , it's us isn't it'.(Semi structured interview respondent medium primary provider) ,I've found it really difficult as I'm on my own at the school, totally on my own without anyone to help'. (Focus group participant primary school group). The groups that caterers identified as those who had roles and responsibilities and who should be providing support were the ,whole school'; catering provider organisations; parents; the local authority; and, the broader environment/whole population. Caterers felt the standards had ,gone too far too soon' and did not allow choice. Caterers felt finances were a barrier, and that training was required across all sectors to achieve success. The standards implementation achievement score were statistically higher for caterers who had received formal training compared with those with only food and hygiene (P = 0.001); and, between caterers who provided to a secondary school as opposed to a primary school only (P = 0.034). There was a statistically significant relationship between providers and qualifications with those providing to secondary schools more likely to have had formal qualifications (P = 0.015). Discussion:, Caterers felt all those involved in schools and school meals needed to undertake their roles and responsibilities, to provide support, and, to implement the ethos of a whole school approach. The caterers in this study identified many barriers and practical obstacles either experienced or perceived to implementing the new school meals standards. Conclusions:, The results will be used to inform the Local Authority and Primary Care Trust to ensure the effective implementation of the school meal standards. There may be opportunity to transfer these results to other school caterers, and to develop support and training to assist implementation. [source] Snacking patterns influence energy and nutrient intakes but not body mass indexJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 1 2003J. S. Hampl Abstract Objective To study dietary intake and body mass index (BMI) patterns among US adults, stratified by snacking patterns. Design The 1994,1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) provided the study sample. Snacking episodes were defined as a ,food and/or beverage break', and subjects were classified as morning, afternoon, evening, multiple or never snackers. Subjects/setting Our study included data from 1756 men and 1511 women who provided two nonconsecutive, multiple-pass 24-h dietary recalls. Statistical analyses Mean values of each subject's two 24-h recalls were used for analyses, and data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows and SUDAAN. Results Compared with women, men were more likely to be evening, multiple or never snackers. Male multiple snackers had significantly higher energy intakes than did afternoon and never snackers, whereas female multiple snackers had higher energy intakes than did morning, evening and never snackers. At the same time, male and female multiple snackers had more prudent energy-adjusted intakes of protein, cholesterol, calcium and sodium. Coffee, cola, milk, ice cream and fruits were among the most frequently consumed snacks by men and women. The BMI did not differ significantly across snacker categories. Conclusions These data indicate that snacking patterns have some effects on energy and nutrient intakes but not on BMI. Snack food choices remain a concern, especially beverages, including those that are sweetened. Vegetables and fruits as snacks should be encouraged. [source] Assessing the dietetic needs of different patient groups receiving enteral tube feeding in primary careJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 3 2002S. M. Madigan Abstract Aim To examine the nature of all contacts between adult tube-fed patients and the dietetic service and to refine the current dietetic protocols to reflect the findings of the study with a view to improving patient care. Methods All adult patients referred to the Community Nutrition and Dietetic Service within a 6-month period were included in the study. Using a proforma developed from a retrospective case-note analysis, data were collected on the complications that prompted more frequent contacts than the department protocol. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results The most common indication for home enteral feeding in this group of adult patients was a swallowing disorder resulting from a cerebrovascular accident (59.5%) followed by cancer (21.5%). There was a trend for cancer patients to need more intervention compared with those patients with other medical conditions. A significant difference was observed in the total contacts and telephone calls given to those patients in there own homes (P=0.019) and there was a trend towards more domicilary visits with this group. Conclusions The department protocols have been revised to include a planned review within 2,6 weeks of initial dietetic assessment in the community for those patients who were identified to have the greatest need. More intensive dietetic monitoring has clear implications for dietetic services in the community. [source] A study of the prevalence and distribution of dentine sensitivity in a population of 17,58-year-old serving personnel on an RAF base in the MidlandsJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 1 2002D. R. Clayton Previous studies have reported on dentine sensitivity (DS) prevalence in hospital and general practice populations. Results from these studies indicate that perception and prevalence of DS vary depending on the population. The study aimed to determine any major differences in the perception and prevalence of DS in subjects in a military training establishment. Questionnaires from 228 subjects [188 completed by males, 39 completed by females, with one person not indicating their gender of mean age 24·0 years (s.d. 7·16)] were collected and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Fifty percent of the subjects (n=114) claimed to have DS. Yet approximately 30% of the subjects (29·8%, n=68) perceived the condition as a slight problem and approximately 40% of the subjects (40·8%, n=93) claimed it was an occasional problem and approximately 50% (49·1%, n=112) did not seek treatment. Seventeen subjects (7·5%) used a desensitizing paste during periods of discomfort. No clear pattern emerged with regard to seasonal variation in DS although 5·7% (n=13) subjects considered DS to be more of a problem in winter. Only 7·9% (n=18) reported any previous periodontal surgery, consistent with previous studies (12·6 and 15·5%). Of those who received regular scaling (27·2%, n=62), only 23 (10·1%) reported any discomfort following treatment, which did not last ,5 days. The results indicate that self-reporting of DS was similar to previous reports, although it is of fundamental importance that such studies should be supplemented with a thorough clinical examination to determine more reliable prevalence data. [source] Comparison of dentine hypersensitivity in selected occidental and oriental populationsJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 1 2001D. G. Gillam Epidemiological data on dentine hypersensitivity (DH) prevalence are limited. Few studies have compared prevalence between populations. The aim of this investigation, therefore, was to compare the perception and prevalence of DH in two distinct non-periodontal practice populations, one U.K. and one Korean. Completed questionnaires from 557 patients (230 males and 327 females, comprising 115 males and 162 females, mean age 41·7 years (s.d.=14·36), U.K. and 115 males and 165 females, mean age 29·7 years (s.d.=11·86), Korean) were collected. Analysis was by frequency distribution and cross-tabulation (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)). DH prevalence was similar and at levels comparable with those reported previously. Prevalence was higher in the third and fourth decades in both populations. Although there were no differences between U.K. or Korean males and U.K. or Korean females, there was a significant difference between gender reporting of DH, with more females complaining of DH than males (standard normal deviation (SND)=4·3, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0·1134,0·2736). DH appeared to be regarded by patients as not severe in most cases, so treatment was not generally sought. Of those who claimed to have sought treatment, a significant number had received restorative treatment. Of those patients, only 23·3% of U.K. and ,2% of Korean patients claimed to have used a desensitizing dentifrice. Pain from DH was reported as low grade (slight, occasional) occurring over 5 years in both populations. Cold appeared to be the most reported stimulus in the two populations. Less periodontal surgery had been undertaken in these two populations (12·6% U.K. and 7·1% Korean) compared with those referred to a teaching hospital periodontal department (34·5%). This compared favourably with previous findings in the general dental population (15·5%). Discomfort following hygiene therapy did not appear to last ,7 days in either population. The results indicated that there were no significant differences between U.K.- and Korean-based populations in their perception of DH, with the exception that more females complained of sensitivity than males in both groups. Overall, DH was not considered a major dental problem by most patients in either of the populations. [source] Formative assessment of the consultation performance of medical students in the setting of general practice using a modified version of the Leicester Assessment PackageMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 7 2000Robert K McKinley Objective To evaluate the use of a modified version of the Leicester Assessment Package (LAP) in the formative assessment of the consultation performance of medical students with particular reference to validity, inter-assessor reliability, acceptability, feasibility and educational impact. Design 180 third and fourth year Leicester medical students were directly observed consulting with six general practice patients and independently assessed by a pair of assessors. A total of 70 practice and 16 departmental assessors took part. Performance scores were subjected to generalizability analysis and students' views of the assessment were gathered by questionnaire. Results Four of the five categories of consultation performance (Interviewing and history taking, Patient management, Problem solving and Behaviour and relationship with patients) were assessed in over 99% of consultations and Physical examination was assessed in 94%. Seventy-six percent of assessors reported that the case mix was ,satisfactory' and 20% that it was ,borderline'; 85% of students believed it to have been satisfactory. Generalizability analysis indicates that two independent assessors assessing the performance of students across six consultations would achieve a reliability of 0·94 in making pass or fail decisions. Ninety-eight percent of students perceived that their particular strengths and weaknesses were correctly identified, 99% that they were given specific advice on how to improve their performance and 98% believed that the feedback they had received would have long-term benefit. Conclusions The modified version of the LAP is valid, reliable and feasible in formative assessment of the consultation performance of medical students. Furthermore, almost all students found the process fair and believed it was likely to lead to improvements in their consultation performance. This approach may also be applicable to regulatory assessment as it accurately identifies students at the pass/fail margin. [source] Economic Stimulus Package: NIH Grants AvailableNURSING FOR WOMENS HEALTH, Issue 3 2009Jennifer P. Hellwig MS No abstract is available for this article. [source] New Presentation Package for Treating, Assisting Battered WomenNURSING FOR WOMENS HEALTH, Issue 6 2003Article first published online: 9 MAR 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] Original Article: Randomised prospective study of abdominal wall closure in patients with gynaecological cancerAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Roberto BERRETTA Background:, Median laparotomy is the most common approach to the abdominopelvic cavity in patients with gynaecological tumours. Aims:, The primary endpoint of the study was to evaluate the onset of incisional hernia. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the onset of infection, wound dehiscence, wound infection, and scar pain during the post-operative period. Methods:, A total of 191 patients were eligible for the study. They were divided into three groups. Group A underwent en bloc closure of the peritoneum and fascia with Premilene® suture, Group B en bloc closure of the peritoneum and fascia with Polydioxanone suture, and Group C separate closure of the peritoneum and fascia with single stitches of Ethibond suture. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Software Package for Social Sciences 12.0. Results:, Group A and Group B comprised 63 patients, and Group C included 65 patients. The three groups proved homogeneous on statistical analysis (P > 0.05). The statistical analysis did not reveal significant differences between the different suture types and techniques with respect to the incidence of incisional hernia (P > 0.05). Conclusion:, In our study, the incidence of incisional hernia was 8%. Randomised patients were homogeneous for sample size and risk factors. No significant differences were found between suture types or techniques. Currently, there is no suture material or technique that can be considered superior to others. When possible, we believe that the best way to prevent incisional hernia is to preserve the integrity of the abdominal wall using minimally invasive techniques. [source] Antiepileptic monotherapy significantly impairs normative scores on common tests of executive functionsACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2009E. Hessen Background,,, Understanding how antiepileptic (AED) monotherapy influences normative test scores is of importance in the clinic for correct interpretation of neuropsychological profiles. Previous studies have primarily reported minor influence on neuropsychological raw scores, and the clinical relevance of these findings is unclear. Aim of the study ,To obtain a clinical valid answer to this question, we analysed changes in T-scores after AED withdrawal in a large group of well-controlled epilepsy patients, for tests previously shown to be sensitive to AED withdrawal. Methods ,We report outcomes on measures of choice reaction time from the California Computerized Assessment Package, on the Controlled Oral Word Association Test and on the Stroop Color-Word Interference Test. Results ,Significantly improved T-scores were revealed after AED withdrawal on five of the six tests of executive functions with mean improvement of 5 T-scores. Comparable results were achieved in the subgroup taking carbamazepine, with a mean improvement of 6.2 T-scores. Conclusion ,The present results suggest that T-scores for computerized tests of choice reaction time and tests of verbal fluency and response inhibition may be significantly impaired as a consequence of AED monotherapy, and that careful interpretation of these scores is required in diagnostic assessment of patients receiving AED monotherapy. [source] Developing a Resilience Package for Vulnerable ChildrenCHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 4 2002Maurice Place Background: In recent years great efforts have been made to clarify what factors make it more likely that a child will develop mental health problems, and what elements increase the resilience of vulnerable children, and hence protect them from becoming disturbed. With the increase in understanding about the nature of such resilience comes the possibility of developing preventative packages for at-risk groups. Method: Children whose parents have significant depressive illness have been offered a supportive package that seeks to increase their resilience. This focuses on the child's resources, family education and interaction, and community resources and supports for the family to access. Results: Initial results show the package increases social activity, reduces emotionality and helps families become more flexible. Conclusion: Helping children reduce their risk of developing mental health problems is rightly an area of growing importance. This package is a potentially successful way of achieving this by promoting their resilience. [source] Employment Effectiveness of China's Economic Stimulus PackageCHINA AND WORLD ECONOMY, Issue 1 2010Fang Cai E24; E27; J21 Abstract Using an input-output method, this paper simulates the impacts of the global financial crisis and the decline of exports on China's economy and employment. With shrinking external demand, boosting domestic demand becomes crucial for maintaining economic growth and promoting employment. Our simulated results indicate that an investment scenario with employment as a priority can achieve the objective of employment maximization without significantly reducing growth. Public investment should focus on employment, education, health, housing and social security to rebalance China's economy so that it can realize sustained and stable economic growth. [source] Multidimensional assessment of female tracheoesophageal prosthetic speechCLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY, Issue 6 2006R. Kazi Objective:, The objective of this study was to undertake a multidimensional assessment of female tracheoesophageal prosthetic speech. Study Design:, A cross-sectional cohort study. Setting:, Head and Neck Unit in a tertiary oncology referral centre. Patients:, Ten female and 10 male total laryngectomy patients with no signs of recurrence and using voice prosthesis were compared to 10 normal female speakers. Intervention(s):, Electroglottographic and acoustic analysis of voice parameters for both sustained vowel /i/ and connected speech, perceptual evaluation using GRBAS (with 2 experienced raters) and questionnaire assessment using the University of Washington Quality of Life and the Voice Handicap Index. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, (v. 14, SPSS Inc., Chicago III). Results:, Median age of the female larygectomy patiemts was 65 years (range: 41-81), that of male laryngectomees was 66.5 years (range: 40-79) and that of the normal female subjects was 47.5 years (range: 35-72). All electroglottographic, acoustic parameters and GRBAS ratings of the female laryngectomy patients were significantly worse as compared with the normal female subjects. The median fundamental frequency (111.8 Hz) was comparable to male tracheoesophageal speakers (115.8 Hz). Mean composite University of Washington Quality of Life score and overall Voice Handicap Index score was 79.3(12.5) and 47.5(27.6) for the female laryngectomy patients and for the males was 81.2 (9.6) and 39.4(18.7). Conclusions:, Gender frequency differences as seen in normal subjects are lost following a laryngectomy operation as evidenced by electroglottographic and perceptual data. Although the quality of life scores are comparable to the male tracheoesophageal speakers, they exhibit a greater voice handicap as compared to their male counterparts. [source] Lipid Oxidation, Color, Volatiles, and Sensory Characteristics of Aerobically Packaged and Irradiated Pork with Different Ultimate pHJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 8 2001K.C. Nam ABSTRACT: Irradiation and storage increased lipid oxidation of normal and pale-soft-exudative (PSE) muscles, whereas dark-firm-dry (DFD) muscle was very stable and resistant to oxidative changes. Irradiation increased redness regardless of pork-quality type, and the increases were proportional to irradiation dose. Irradiation increased the production of sulfur-containing volatiles, but not lipid oxidation products. The total volatiles produced in normal and PSE pork were higher than the DFD pork. Some volatiles produced in meat by irradiation evaporated during storage under aerobic packaging conditions. Nonirradiated normal and DFD pork had higher odor preference scores than the nonirradiated PSE, but irradiation reduced the preference scores of all 3 pork-quality types. [source] Development of courseware for introduction of nonlinear frame analysis using free scientific software packageCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION, Issue 4 2004Yukihiro HaradaArticle first published online: 17 DEC 200 Abstract The courseware for introduction of nonlinear frame analysis was developed with a free scientific software package called Scilab. This courseware is configured on Scilab interpreter with newly developed functions specialized for matrix structural analysis. With this courseware, the students can learn basic concepts of matrix structural analysis semi-interactively. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 12: 224,231, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20017 [source] Interactive Web-based package for computer-aided learning of structural behaviorCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION, Issue 3 2002X. F. Yuan Abstract This paper presents an innovative Web-based package named CALSB for computer-aided learning of structural behavior. The package was designed to be widely accessible through the Internet, user-friendly by the automation of many input functions and the extensive use of cursor movements, and dynamically interactive by linking all input and output data to a single graphical display on the screen. The package includes an analysis engine based on the matrix stiffness method, so the response of any two-dimensional skeletal structure can be predicted and graphically displayed. The package thus provides a virtual laboratory environment in which the user can "build and test" two-dimensional skeletal structures of unlimited choices to enhance his understanding of structural behavior. In addition, the package includes two other innovative features, structural games and paradoxes. The structural games in the package represent perhaps the first attempt at intentionally combining the learning of structural behavior with joy and excitement, while the structural paradoxes provide a stimulating environment conducive for the development of creative problem solving skills of the user. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 10: 121,136, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.10020 [source] Nuclear magnetic resonance data processing.CONCEPTS IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE, Issue 2 2003MestRe-C: A software package for desktop computers Abstract Magnetic Resonance Companion (MestRe-C) is a software package that offers state-of-the-art facilities for data processing, visualization, and analysis of high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data, combined with a robust, user-friendly graphical interface that fully exploits the power and flexibility of the Windows platform. The program provides a variety of conversion facilities for most NMR spectrometer formats and includes all the conventional processing, displaying, and plotting capabilities of an NMR program, as well as more advanced processing techniques. A brief review of the basic concepts of NMR data processing is included also. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 19A: 80,96, 2003. [source] Integrating generations with advanced reference counting garbage collectors,CONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 9 2006Hezi Azatchi Abstract We propose the use of generations with modern reference counting. A reference counting collector is well suited to collect the old generation, containing a large fraction of live objects that are modified infrequently. Such a collector can be combined with a tracing collector to collect the young generation, typically containing a small fraction of live objects. We have designed such a collector appropriate for running on a multiprocessor. As our building blocks, we used the sliding-views on-the-fly collectors. We have implemented the new collector on the Jikes Research Java Virtual Machine (Jikes RVM) and compared it with the concurrent reference counting collector supplied with the Jikes RVM package. Our measurements demonstrate short pause times, retaining those of the original on-the-fly collectors and a gain in application throughput time. It turns out that a modern reference counting collector may benefit from the use of generations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Studying protein folding on the Grid: experiences using CHARMM on NPACI resources under LegionCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 4 2004Anand Natrajan Abstract One benefit of a computational Grid is the ability to run high-performance applications over distributed resources simply and securely. We demonstrated this benefit with an experiment in which we studied the protein-folding process with the CHARMM molecular simulation package over a Grid managed by Legion, a Grid operating system. High-performance applications can take advantage of Grid resources if the Grid operating system provides both low-level functionality as well as high-level services. We describe the nature of services provided by Legion for high-performance applications. Our experiences indicate that human factors continue to play a crucial role in the configuration of Grid resources, underlying resources can be problematic, Grid services must tolerate underlying problems or inform the user, and high-level services must continue to evolve to meet user requirements. Our experiment not only helped a scientist perform an important study, but also showed the viability of an integrated approach such as Legion's for managing a Grid. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Parallel operation of CartaBlanca on shared and distributed memory computersCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 1 2004N. T. Padial-Collins Abstract We describe the parallel performance of the pure Java CartaBlanca code on heat transfer and multiphase fluid flow problems. CartaBlanca is designed for parallel computations on partitioned unstructured meshes. It uses Java's thread facility to manage computations on each of the mesh partitions. Inter-partition communications are handled by two compact objects for node-by-node communication along partition boundaries and for global reduction calculations across the entire mesh. For distributed calculations, the JavaParty package from the University of Karlsruhe is demonstrated to work with CartaBlanca. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||