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Daily Basis (daily + basis)
Selected AbstractsFeasibility of Using Interactive Voice Response to Monitor Daily Drinking, Moods, and Relationship Processes on a Daily Basis in Alcoholic CouplesALCOHOLISM, Issue 3 2010James A. Cranford Background:, Daily process research on alcohol involvement has used paper-and-pencil and electronic data collection methods, but no studies have yet tested the feasibility of using Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology to monitor drinking, affective, and social interactional processes among alcoholic (ALC) couples. This study tested the feasibility of using IVR with n = 54 ALC couples. Methods:, Participants were n = 54 couples (probands who met criteria for a past 1-year alcohol use disorder and their partners) recruited from a substance abuse treatment center and the local community. Probands and their partners reported on their daily drinking, marital interactions, and moods once a day for 14 consecutive days using an IVR system. Probands and partners were on average 43.4 and 43.0 years old, respectively. Results:, Participants completed a total of 1,418 out of a possible 1,512 diary days for an overall compliance rate of 93.8%. ALC probands completed an average of 13.3 (1.0) diary reports, and partners completed an average of 13.2 (1.0) diary reports. On average, daily IVR calls lasted 7.8 (3.0) minutes for ALC probands and 7.6 (3.0) minutes for partners. Compliance was significantly lower on weekend days (Fridays and Saturdays) compared to other weekdays for probands and spouses. Although today's intoxication predicted tomorrow's noncompliance for probands but not spouses, the strongest predictor of proband's compliance was their spouse's compliance. Daily anxiety and marital conflict were associated with daily IVR nonresponse, which triggered automated reminder calls. Conclusions:, Findings supported that IVR is a useful method for collecting daily drinking, mood, and relationship process data from alcoholic couples. Probands' compliance is strongly associated with their partners' compliance, and automated IVR calls may facilitate compliance on high anxiety, high conflict days. [source] User transparency: a fully sequential programming model for efficient data parallel image processingCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 6 2004F. J. Seinstra Abstract Although many image processing applications are ideally suited for parallel implementation, most researchers in imaging do not benefit from high-performance computing on a daily basis. Essentially, this is due to the fact that no parallelization tools exist that truly match the image processing researcher's frame of reference. As it is unrealistic to expect imaging researchers to become experts in parallel computing, tools must be provided to allow them to develop high-performance applications in a highly familiar manner. In an attempt to provide such a tool, we have designed a software architecture that allows transparent (i.e. sequential) implementation of data parallel imaging applications for execution on homogeneous distributed memory MIMD-style multicomputers. This paper presents an extensive overview of the design rationale behind the software architecture, and gives an assessment of the architecture's effectiveness in providing significant performance gains. In particular, we describe the implementation and automatic parallelization of three well-known example applications that contain many fundamental imaging operations: (1) template matching; (2) multi-baseline stereo vision; and (3) line detection. Based on experimental results we conclude that our software architecture constitutes a powerful and user-friendly tool for obtaining high performance in many important image processing research areas. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Surgical Looking Glass: A Readily Available Safeguard Against Eye Splash Injury/Contamination During Infiltration of Anesthesia for Cysts and Other "Porous" Lesions of the SkinDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 4 2002Patrick R. Carrington MD Background. "Breaks" in barrier precautions are a definite abrogating influence on the effectiveness of "universal precautions." Dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons are exposed to significant infectious agents on a daily basis, especially due to the high number of minor surgical procedures performed. Backsplash, spray, and eye splash of bodily fluids during these procedures place the surgeon at a high risk of contamination/infection via the conjunctival membranes. The surgical looking glass is a simple utility based on inexpensive equipment already in place in the physician's office which protects the eyes and face during infiltrative anesthesia or incision of cysts and other lesions. Objective. To offer a simple and inexpensive utility to assist with protection from and reduction of contamination/infection of the ocular mucous membranes during surgical procedures. Methods. Utilizing one or two readily available microscope slides overlying the injection site during local infiltrative anesthesia, backsplash or spray can be contained. Results. This utility is effective in containment of backsplash or spray of anesthesia or bodily fluids during even minor surgical procedures. Conclusion. The surgical looking glass can enhance safety and promote "universal precautions" during even minor surgical procedures or infiltration of anesthesia into more porous areas or lesions for the practicing dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon. The pragmatic, practical, and inexpensive nature of the surgical looking glass invites its use on a daily basis by the practicing dermatologist. [source] Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant ,-lipoic acid: a meta-analysisDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 2 2004D. Ziegler Abstract Aims To determine the efficacy and safety of 600 mg of ,-lipoic acid given intravenously over 3 weeks in diabetic patients with symptomatic polyneuropathy. Methods We searched the database of VIATRIS GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany, for clinical trials of ,-lipoic acid according to the following prerequisites: randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial using ,-lipoic acid infusions of 600 mg i.v. per day for 3 weeks, except for weekends, in diabetic patients with positive sensory symptoms of polyneuropathy which were scored by the Total Symptom Score (TSS) in the feet on a daily basis. Four trials (ALADIN I, ALADIN III, SYDNEY, NATHAN II) comprised n = 1258 patients (,-lipoic acid n = 716; placebo n = 542) met these eligibility criteria and were included in a meta-analysis based on the intention-to-treat principle. Primary analysis involved a comparison of the differences in TSS from baseline to the end of i.v. Treatment between the groups treated with ,-lipoic acid or placebo. Secondary analyses included daily changes in TSS, responder rates (, 50% improvement in TSS), individual TSS components, Neuropathy Impairment Score (NIS), NIS of the lower limbs (NIS-LL), individual NIS-LL components, and the rates of adverse events. Results After 3 weeks the relative difference in favour of ,-lipoic acid vs. placebo was 24.1% (13.5, 33.4) (geometric mean with 95% confidence interval) for TSS and 16.0% (5.7, 25.2) for NIS-LL. The responder rates were 52.7% in patients treated with ,-lipoic acid and 36.9% in those on placebo (P < 0.05). On a daily basis there was a continuous increase in the magnitude of TSS improvement in favour of ,-lipoic acid vs. placebo which was noted first after 8 days of treatment. Among the individual components of the TSS, pain, burning, and numbness decreased in favour of ,-lipoic acid compared with placebo, while among the NIS-LL components pin-prick and touch-pressure sensation as well as ankle reflexes were improved in favour of ,-lipoic acid after 3 weeks. The rates of adverse events did not differ between the groups. Conclusions The results of this meta-analysis provide evidence that treatment with ,-lipoic acid (600 mg/day i.v.) over 3 weeks is safe and significantly improves both positive neuropathic symptoms and neuropathic deficits to a clinically meaningful degree in diabetic patients with symptomatic polyneuropathy. Diabet. Med. 21, 114,121 (2004) [source] Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: A historical overviewDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 11 2008Marilin Rosa M.D. Abstract Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a safe, inexpensive and accurate technique for the diagnosis of benign and malignant conditions. Its increase in popularity in the present days has made it a technique used on daily basis in the majority of medical centers in United States and around the world. However, the situation was not always like this. In its beginnings the procedure suffered from all kinds of criticism and attacks. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview about the development of this technique from its birth to our days. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:773,775. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Long-term use of acid-suppressive therapy after the endoscopic diagnosis of reflux esophagitisDISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 4 2000H. D. Boom A study was carried out in a group of patients in whom reflux esophagitis was diagnosed 4.5,7.5 years previously in order to assess current complaints and use of medication. A questionnaire was mailed to all patients in whom reflux esophagitis was diagnosed. Patients were asked about the presence of reflux complaints. Use of medication was assessed (continuous, intermittent, or on demand). In the 3-year period, reflux esophagitis was diagnosed in 312 patients (195 men, 117 women, mean age 59.6 years, range 17,96 years). The questionnaire was mailed to 246 patients, of whom 172 (70%) responded. Of these, 146 (85%) used acid-suppressive therapy. One hundred and eight (74%) used drugs on a daily basis, 31 on demand and 19 prophylactically in order to prevent the occurrence of reflux complaints. Despite the use of medication, patients suffered significantly more often from reflux complaints than did individuals who did not use any medication. It is concluded that the majority of patients (85%) still use acid-suppressive therapy and, in 74% of cases, on a daily basis. Maintenance therapy cannot prevent clinical relapse. [source] Progression through early drinking milestones in an adolescent treatment sampleADDICTION, Issue 3 2010Kristina M. Jackson ABSTRACT Aims Research using nationally representative and community samples demonstrates a robust association between early onset of drinking and increased likelihood of numerous adverse outcomes. However, little is known about the subsequent drinking that occurs early in the drinking career. The present study dissects the transition from any alcohol use to treatment entry by taking a fine-grained approach to examining the attainment and progression of drinking events in a sample of adolescents in substance use treatment. Design/Setting Data were taken from the Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Study for Adolescents (DATOS-A), a multi-site, community-based study of adolescents entering treatment. Participants Respondents included 3331 youth aged 12,18 years (mean = 15.75) admitted to treatment in 1993,95 (74% male, 52% white, 24% African American, 20% Hispanic). Measurements Age of attainment was obtained for five drinking-related milestones, including first drink of alcohol, first time drunk, first monthly drinking, first drank five or more drinks/day on a weekly basis and first drank five or more drinks/day on a daily basis. Findings Most milestones were attained at a very early age, and average progression through adjacent drinking events was relatively swift, Movement through early drinking milestones was accelerated in girls and white youth. Youth who reported their first drink at an early age (age 10 or younger) showed slower progression, suggesting the existence of distinct processes underlying early use and drinking transitions within an individual. Conclusions This study provides data relevant to understanding drinking progression/natural history in a large clinical sample, especially for differences by gender and ethnicity. The findings have implications for the identification of intermediate stages that might benefit from selected intervention programs. [source] Tax-induced Dissimilarities Between Domestic and Foreign Mutual Funds in ItalyECONOMIC NOTES, Issue 2 2006Roberto Savona Using data from Italy over the period 1998,2002, this study investigates whether tax effects can account for differences in return patterns between domestic and foreign mutual funds, and if this dissimilarity translates into performance. The paper presents evidence that much of the difference between domestic and foreign funds is explained by the different tax systems. The asymmetry between the two groups, due to the fact that domestic funds are obliged to pay taxes on a daily basis while foreign funds are taxed when capital gains are collected, also affects performance. We prove that comparing pre-tax returns, Italian funds are virtually indistinguishable from their foreign counterparts in terms of risk-adjusted returns, while when comparing after-tax returns, foreign funds outperform. [source] Influence of smoking cues in movies on craving among smokersADDICTION, Issue 12 2009Kirsten Lochbuehler ABSTRACT Aims Research has shown that smoking-related cues are important triggers for craving. The objective of the present study was to test whether smoking cues in movies also function as triggers to evoke craving. To accomplish this, we conducted a pilot study in which we examined smokers' reactivity to smoking cues from a particular movie in a common cue,reactivity paradigm using pictures. In the main study, we tested whether smokers who are confronted with smoking characters in a movie segment have a greater desire to smoke than smokers confronted with non-smoking characters. Design Using an experimental design, participants were assigned randomly to one of two movie conditions (smoking versus non-smoking characters). Setting In a laboratory, that reflected a naturalistic setting, participants watched a 41-minute movie segment. Participants A total of 65 young adults who smoked on a daily basis participated in the experiment. Measurements Craving was assessed before and after watching the movie. Findings The pilot study revealed that pictures of smoking characters had strong effects on craving. However, when smokers actually watched a movie segment, no differences in craving were found between those who watched smoking characters and those who watched non-smoking characters. This finding was not affected by baseline craving, the time of the last cigarette smoked and daily smoking habits. Conclusions No effect of smoking cues in movies on craving was found, in contrast with research supporting the cue-craving link. Thus, if replicated, this might indicate that smoking cues in such contexts do not affect smokers' desire to smoke as expected. [source] Drinking patterns, dependency and life-time drinking history in alcohol-related liver diseaseADDICTION, Issue 4 2009Jennifer Hatton ABSTRACT Aims To examine the hypothesis that increases in UK liver deaths are a result of episodic or binge drinking as opposed to regular harmful drinking. Design A prospective survey of consecutive in-patients and out-patients. Setting The liver unit of a teaching hospital in the South of England. Participants A total of 234 consecutive in-patients and out-patients between October 2007 and March 2008. Measurements Face-to-face interviews, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, 7-day drinking diary, Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, Lifetime Drinking History and liver assessment. Findings Of the 234 subjects, 106 had alcohol as a major contributing factor (alcoholic liver disease: ALD), 80 of whom had evidence of cirrhosis or progressive fibrosis. Of these subjects, 57 (71%) drank on a daily basis; only 10 subjects (13%) drank on fewer than 4 days of the week,of these, five had stopped drinking recently and four had cut down. In ALD patients two life-time drinking patterns accounted for 82% of subjects, increasing from youth (51%), and a variable drinking pattern (31%). ALD patients had significantly more drinking days and units/drinking day than non-ALD patients from the age of 20 years onwards. Conclusions Increases in UK liver deaths are a result of daily or near-daily heavy drinking, not episodic or binge drinking, and this regular drinking pattern is often discernable at an early age. [source] Just when you thought it was safe: synthetic phonics and syncretic literacy practicesENGLISH IN EDUCATION, Issue 3 2005Andrey Rosowsky Abstract Until just recently one might have been forgiven for considering the ,Reading' debate to have been amicably resolved, with, at the end of the twentieth century, a negotiated consensus reached comprised of all sides in the debate agreeing on a balanced approach to the teaching of initial reading. However, the recent intervention of the House of Commons Education and Skills Committee with its report, Teaching Children to Read, and its advocacy of synthetic phonics, has once again brought the teaching of reading in UK schools to public attention. This paper seeks to provide an interesting comparative example of a UK literacy context where synthetic phonics is employed regularly and systematically. Thousands of British schoolchildren attend mosque schools on a daily basis where they learn how to read the Classical Arabic of the Qur'an. They are taught how to decode the text accurately and fluently using synthetic phonics methods. This literacy practice is described and suggestions are made about what it might have to contribute to the discussion around the adoption of synthetic phonics in mainstream schools [source] Olfactory bulb hypoplasia in Prokr2 null mice stems from defective neuronal progenitor migration and differentiationEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 12 2007Haydn M. Prosser Abstract New neurons are added on a daily basis to the olfactory bulb (OB) of a mammal, and this phenomenon exists throughout its lifetime. These new cells are born in the subventricular zone and migrate to the OB via the rostral migratory stream (RMS). To examine the role of the prokineticin receptor 2 (Prokr2) in neurogenesis, we created a Prokr2 null mouse, and report a decrease in the volume of its OB and also a decrease in the number of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells. There is disrupted architecture of the OB, with the glomerular layer containing terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) -positive nuclei and also a decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in this layer. In addition, there are increased numbers of doublecortin-positive neuroblasts in the RMS and increased PSA-NCAM (polysialylated form of the neural cell adhesion molecule) -positive neuronal progenitors around the olfactory ventricle, indicating their detachment from homotypic chains is compromised. Finally, in support of this, Prokr2-deficient cells expanded in vitro as neurospheres are incapable of migrating towards a source of recombinant human prokineticin 2 (PROK2). Together, these findings suggest an important role for Prokr2 in OB neurogenesis. [source] Unpredictable feeding schedules unmask a system for daily resetting of behavioural and metabolic food entrainmentEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 10 2007Carolina Escobar Abstract Restricted feeding schedules (RFS) are a potent Zeitgeber that uncouples daily metabolic and clock gene oscillations in peripheral tissues from the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which remains entrained to the light,dark cycle. Under RFS, animals develop food anticipatory activity (FAA), characterized by arousal and increased locomotion. Food availability in nature is not precise, which suggests that animals need to adjust their food-associated activity on a daily basis. This study explored the capacity of rats to adjust to variable and unpredictable feeding schedules. Rats were exposed either to RFS with fixed daily meal (RF) or to a variable meal time (VAR) during the light phase. RF and VAR rats exhibited daily metabolic oscillations driven by the last meal event; however, VAR rats were not able to show a robust adjustment in the anticipating corticosterone peak. VAR rats were unable to exhibit FAA but exhibited a daily activation pattern in phase with the previous meal. In both groups the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus and arcuate nucleus, involved in energy balance, exhibited increased c-Fos expression 24 h after the last meal, while only RF rats exhibited low c-Fos expression in the SCN. Data show that metabolic and behavioural food-entrained rhythms can be reset on a daily basis; the two conditions elicit a similar hypothalamic response, while only the SCN is inhibited in rats exhibiting anticipatory activity. The variable feeding strategy uncovered a rapid (24-h basis) resetting mechanism for metabolism and general behaviour. [source] An early warning system for detection of financial crisis using financial market volatilityEXPERT SYSTEMS, Issue 2 2006Kyong Joo Oh Abstract: This study proposes an early warning system (EWS) for detection of financial crisis with a daily financial condition indicator (DFCI) designed to monitor the financial markets and provide warning signals. The proposed EWS differs from other commonly used EWSs in two aspects: (i) it is based on dynamic daily movements of the financial markets; and (ii) it is established as a pattern classifier, which identifies predefined unstable states in terms of financial market volatility. Indeed it issues warning signals on a daily basis by judging whether the financial market has entered a predefined unstable state or not. The major strength of a DFCI is that it can issue timely warning signals while other conventional EWSs must wait for the next round input of monthly or quarterly information. Construction of a DFCI consists of two steps where machine learning algorithms are expected to play a significant role, i.e. (i) establishing sub-DFCIs on various daily financial variables by an artificial neural network, and (ii) integrating the sub-DFCIs into an integrated DFCI by a genetic algorithm. The DFCI for the Korean financial market is built as an empirical case study. [source] LIVESTOCK VERSUS "WILD BEASTS": CONTRADICTIONS IN THE NATURAL PATRIMONIALIZATION OF THE PYRENEESGEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW, Issue 4 2009ISMAEL VACCARO ABSTRACT. The Pyrenees are becoming an environmental reservoir. The acute human depopulation experienced during the twentieth century and the progressive appropriation of large parts of the mountainous territory by the state in order to implement conservation policies have resulted in the return, via reintroduction or natural regeneration, of bears, wolves, beavers, river otters, marmots, mouflon, feral goats, and deer, among other species. This development, however, has not occurred without social and scientific controversy and leads to questions about territorialization and governmentality. Herders perceive wild animals as unregulated public property subsidized by the work of the local populace. Agriculturalists see their fields trespassed on a daily basis by animals they cannot kill because of their protected status. Ranchers, under extremely strict sanitation regulations, see their animals coming into contact with these unchecked wild populations. The work and living space of the mountain communities has fallen under the jurisdiction of external institutions and constituencies that value conservation and ecotourism above local subsistence. [source] Gatekeepers in sickness insurance: a systematic review of the literature on practices of social insurance officersHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 3 2005Elsy Söderberg Abstract Decisions concerning entitlement to sickness benefits have a substantial impact on the lives of individuals and on society. In most countries, such decisions are made by staff of private or public insurance organisations. The work performed by these professionals is debated, hence more knowledge is needed on this subject. The aim of the present study was to review scientific studies of the practices of social insurance officers (SIOs) published in English, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish. Studies were searched for in literature databases, in reference lists, and through personal contacts. Analyses were made of type of study, areas investigated, research questions, theories used, and the results. Sixteen studies were included. SIOs and several other actors are responsible for applying measures to minimise sick-leave and promote return to work (RTW). The studies focusing on coordination of such measures revealed that SIOs felt unsure about how to handle their contacts with clients and other actors. One study indicated that the SIOs, partly due to lack of time, accepted the recommendations of physicians instead of making their own judgments about granting sickness benefits. While all SIOs must make decisions concerning entitlement to sickness benefits on a daily basis, few of the reviewed studies scrutinised the actual granting of sickness compensation. The studies were also deficient in that they investigated the decision latitude of the SIOs from a very limited perspective, mainly on an individual level and often primarily in relation to colleagues and/or clients rather than to the laws and regulations of the sickness insurance. The concepts and framework in this area of research need to be developed to facilitate elucidation of the interaction between different actors in local spheres, professionals in different disciplines, and between welfare staff and individual citizens. [source] Health and Safety in the Medieval Monasteries of BritainHISTORY, Issue 309 2008JULIE KERR The arduous nature of monastic life could impact on the monks' physical and mental well-being, causing minor injuries but also fatalities. Back problems might develop from ringing the heavy monastery bells, digestive disorders could result from years of fasting, and those holding important offices invariably suffered from stress and strain. There has been significant discussion of healthcare in the monastery , of disease and illness, the treatment of the sick, the infirmary, and the role of professional practitioners within the monastery. Less consideration has been given to the various hazards that might affect the monks on a daily basis, from the obstacles that caused them to trip and tumble to the injuries and fatalities that could result from natural disasters, outbreaks of fire and faulty repair work. This article seeks to explore more fully the perils and pitfalls that the religious community might face, but includes a brief discussion of the general impact of monastic observance on the monks' well-being, and the spiritual and physical recourse they sought to prevent mishaps and to treat casualties. Analysis centres on the monastic houses of Britain in the high middle ages, but refers to later and continental examples for comparative purposes and where they are likely to be indicative of conditions in Britain in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. [source] The Prevalence of Lying in America: Three Studies of Self-Reported LiesHUMAN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH, Issue 1 2010Kim B. Serota This study addresses the frequency and the distribution of reported lying in the adult population. A national survey asked 1,000 U.S. adults to report the number of lies told in a 24-hour period. Sixty percent of subjects report telling no lies at all, and almost half of all lies are told by only 5% of subjects; thus, prevalence varies widely and most reported lies are told by a few prolific liars. The pattern is replicated in a reanalysis of previously published research and with a student sample. Substantial individual differences in lying behavior have implications for the generality of truth,lie base rates in deception detection experiments. Explanations concerning the nature of lying and methods for detecting lies need to account for this variation. L'importance du mensonge aux États-Unis : trois études de mensonges auto-déclarés Kim B. Serota, Timothy R. Levine, Franklin J. Boster Cette étude aborde la fréquence et la distribution des mensonges déclarés par la population adulte. Un sondage national a demandéà 1 000 adultes américains de déclarer le nombre de mensonges racontés dans une période de 24 heures. 60 % des sujets ont rapporté ne pas avoir dit de mensonge du tout et près de la moitié de ces mensonges sont racontés par 5 % des sujets. L'importance des mensonges varie donc largement et la plupart des mensonges déclarés sont formulés par un petit nombre de menteurs prolifiques. Cette tendance se retrouve également dans une nouvelle analyse de recherches déjà publiées et dans l'échantillon étudiant. Des différences individuelles importantes dans les comportements mensongers ont également des conséquences pour la généralité d'un taux de référence vérité,mensonge dans les expériences de détection de la tromperie. Les explications concernant la nature du mensonge et les méthodes de détection de mensonges doivent prendre en compte cette variation. Mots clés : tromperie, mensonge, différences individuelles The Prevalence of Lying in America: Three Studies of Self-Reported Lies Research Question: This study addresses the frequency and the distribution of reported lying in the adult population. Significance: In the deception literature, consensus is that most people lie on a daily basis. Yet this view is founded on very little empirical evidence. This research tests the question of lying prevalence. Method: Survey research techniques and descriptive analysis are used to establish base rates and frequency distributions for reported lying behavior. Data source: A national survey asked 1,000 U.S. adults to report the number of lies told in a 24 hour period. Cross-validation is provided by re-analysis of previously reported diary and experimental data and by replication using a sample of 225 students. Findings: The oft-repeated average (arithmetic mean) of one to two lies per day is replicated but the study finds the distribution is highly skewed. On a typical day, 60% of subjects report telling no lies at all, and almost half or all lies are told by only 5% of subjects; thus, prevalence varies widely and most reported lies are told by a few prolific liars. The pattern is replicated in the re-analysis of previously published research and with the student sample. Implications: The findings of a highly skewed distribution render the average number of lies per day misleading. Substantial individual differences in lying behavior also have implications for the generality of truth-lie base-rates in deception detection experiments. Explanations concerning the nature of lying and methods for detecting lies need to account for this variation. Keywords: deception, lies, lying, communication, individual differences Die Prävalenz von Lügen in Amerika. Drei Studien zu selbstberichteten Lügen Forschungsfrage: Diese Studie untersucht die Häufigkeit und Verteilung von Lügen in der erwachsenen Bevölkerung. Zentralität: In der Literatur zu Täuschung besteht Konsens darüber, dass Menschen täglich Lügen. Allerdings basiert diese Feststellung auf wenigen empirischen Daten. Diese Untersuchung testet die Frage nach der Prävalenz von Lügen. Methode: Umfrage und beschreibende Analyse wurden angewandt, um eine Basisrate und Häufigkeitsdistribution für selbstberichtetes Lügenverhalten zu gewinnen. Datenquelle: In einer nationalen Umfrage wurden 1.000 US-amerikanische Erwachsene zur Zahl der Lügen befragt, die sie in 24 Stunden erzählten. Validiert wurden diese Aussagen durch eine erneute Analyse von bereits dokumentierten Tagebuchdaten und Experimentaldaten und durch die Replikation mit einer Stichprobe von 225 Studierenden. Ergebnisse: Der oft wiederholte Durchschnitt (arithmetische Mittel) von ein bis zwei Lügen pro Tag wurde in der Studie repliziert, allerdings zeigte sich auch, dass diese Verteilung schief ist. 60% der Befragten gaben an, an einem typischen Tag keine Lügen zu erzählen, fast die Hälfte aller Lügen wird von nur 5% der Befragten erzählt; die Prävalenz variiert stark und die meisten der berichteten Lügen werden durch wenige produktive Lügner erzählt. Dieses Muster wurde bei einer erneuten Analyse von vorher publizierten Daten und in der Studentenstichprobe repliziert. Implikationen: Die Ergebnisse dieser stark schiefen Verteilung zeigen, dass die durchschnittliche Zahl von Lügen pro Tag irreführend ist. Substantielle individuelle Unterschiede im Lügenverhalten haben Implikationen für die Verallgemeinerbarkeit von Wahrheit-Lüge-Basisraten in Täuschungserfassungs-Experimenten. Erklärungen zur Natur von Lügen und Methoden zur Erfassung von Lügen müssen diese Variation bedenken. Schlüsselworte: Täuschung, Lüge, Lügen, Kommunikation, individuelle Unterschiede La Prevalencia de la Mentira en América: Tres Estudios de Auto-reportes de Mentiras Kim B. Serota, Timothy R. Levine, Franklin J. Boster Michigan State University The authors thank Deborah Kashy Resumen Este estudio trata sobre la frecuencia y la distribución de los reportes de las mentiras de la población adulta. Una encuesta nacional preguntó a 1,000 adultos Estadounidenses que reporten el número de mentiras contadas en un período de 24-horas. 60% de los sujetos reportaron que no dicen mentiras para nada, y casi la mitad son contadas por solo un 5% de los sujetos; así, la prevalencia varía enormemente y muchos reportaron que las mentiras son contadas por pocos mentirosos prolíficos. La pauta es replicada en el re-análisis de investigación previamente publicada y con una muestra de estudiantes. Las diferencias individuales sustanciales en el comportamiento mentiroso tienen implicaciones también para la generalidad del índice basado en la verdad-mentira en los experimentos de detección de decepción. Las explicaciones concernientes a la naturaleza de la mentira y los métodos de detección de mentiras necesitan responder a esta variación. Palabras Claves: decepción, mentiras, mentir, comunicación, diferencias individuales [source] Estimation of rainfall from infrared-microwave satellite data for basin-scale hydrologic modellingHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 15 2010Oscar Anthony Kalinga Abstract The infrared-microwave rainfall algorithm (IMRA) was developed for retrieving spatial rainfall from infrared (IR) brightness temperatures (TBs) of satellite sensors to provide supplementary information to the rainfall field, and to decrease the traditional dependency on limited rain gauge data that are point measurements. In IMRA, a SLOPE technique (ST) was developed for discriminating rain/no-rain pixels through IR image cloud-top temperature gradient, and 243K as the IR threshold temperature for minimum detectable rainfall rate. IMRA also allows for the adjustment of rainfall derived from IR-TB using microwave (MW) TBs. In this study, IMRA rainfall estimates were assessed on hourly and daily basis for different spatial scales (4, 12, 20, and 100 km) using NCEP stage IV gauge-adjusted radar rainfall data, and daily rain gauge data. IMRA was assessed in terms of the accuracy of the rainfall estimates and the basin streamflow simulated by the hydrologic model, Sacramento soil moisture accounting (SAC-SMA), driven by the rainfall data. The results show that the ST option of IMRA gave accurate satellite rainfall estimates for both light and heavy rainfall systems while the Hessian technique only gave accurate estimates for the convective systems. At daily time step, there was no improvement in IR-satellite rainfall estimates adjusted with MW TBs. The basin-scale streamflow simulated by SAC-SMA driven by satellite rainfall data was marginally better than when SAC-SMA was driven by rain gauge data, and was similar to the case using radar data, reflecting the potential applications of satellite rainfall in basin-scale hydrologic modelling. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Energy budget above a temperate mixed forest in northeastern ChinaHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 18 2007Jiabing Wu Abstract Components of the energy budget were measured continuously above a 300-year-old temperate mixed forest at the Changbaishan site, northeastern China, from 1 January to 31 December 2003, as a part of the ChinaFlux programme. The albedo values above the canopy were lower than most temperate forests, and the values for snow-covered canopy were over 50% higher than for the snow-free canopy. In winter, net radiation Rn was generally less than 5% of the summer value due to high albedo and low incoming solar radiation. The annual mean latent heat LE was 37·5 W m,2, accounting for 52% of Rn. The maximum daily evaporation was about 4·6 mm day,1 in summer. Over the year, the accumulated precipitation was 578 mm; this compares with 493 mm of evapotranspiration, which shows that more than 85% of water was returned to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration. The LE was strongly affected by the transpiration activity and increased quickly as the broadleaved trees began to foliate. The sensible heat H dropped at that time, although Rn increased. Consequently, the seasonal variation in the Bowen ratio , was clearly U-shaped, and the minimum value (0·1) occurred on a sunny day just after rain, when most of the available energy was used for evapotranspiration. Negative , values occurred occasionally in the non-growing season as a result of intensive radiative cooling and the presence of water on the surface. The , was very high (up to 13·0) in snow-covered winter, when evapotranspiration was small due to low surface temperature and available soil water. Vegetation phenology and soil moisture were the key variables controlling the available energy partitioning between H and LE. Energy budget closure averaged better than 86% on a half-hourly basis, with slightly greater closure on a daily basis. The degree of closure showed a dependence on friction velocity u*. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Large-scale summer monsoon rainfall over India and its relation to 850 hPa wind shearHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 15 2007V. S. Prasad Abstract The daily variations of the horizontal wind shear at the 850 hPa level between a southern region (5,15°N, 40,80°E; Zone 1) and a northern region (20,30°N, 70,90°E; Zone 2) during the period 1979,2002 were investigated. Investigations revealed that the changes of this wind shear on a daily basis are directly related to the large-scale rainfall over the Indian region during the monsoon season. The wind shear of zonal wind together with Zone 2 is useful for determining active, weak and break periods of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM). Thus, the Horizontal Wind Shear can be used as a dynamical circulation Index (HWSI) for studying ISM variability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Daily streamflow modelling and assessment based on the curve-number techniqueHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 16 2002Jin-Yong Choi Abstract A cell-based long-term hydrological model (CELTHYM) that can be integrated with a geographical information system (GIS) was developed to predict continuous stream flow from small agricultural watersheds. The CELTHYM uses a cell-by-cell soil moisture balance approach. For surface runoff estimation, the curve number technique considering soil moisture on a daily basis was used, and release rate was used to estimate baseflow. Evapotranspiration was computed using the FAO modified Penman equation that considered land-use-based crop coefficients, soil moisture and the influence of topography on radiation. A rice paddy field water budget model was also adapted for the specific application of the model to East Asia. Model sensitivity analysis was conducted to obtain operational information about the model calibration parameters. The CELTHYM was calibrated and verified with measured runoff data from the WS#1 and WS#3 watersheds of the Seoul National University, Department of Agricultural Engineering, in Hwaseong County, Kyounggi Province, South Korea. The WS#1 watershed is comprised of about 35·4% rice paddy fields and 42·3% forest, whereas the WS#3 watershed is about 85·0% forest and 11·5% rice paddy fields. The CELTHYM was calibrated for the parameter release rate, K, and soil moisture storage coefficient, STC, and results were compared with the measured runoff data for 1986. The validation results for WS#1 considering all daily stream flow were poor with R2, E2 and RMSE having values of 0·40, ,6·63 and 9·69 (mm), respectively, but validation results for days without rainfall were statistically significant (R2 = 0·66). Results for WS#3 showed good agreement with observed data for all days, and R2, E2 and RMSE were 0·92, 0·91 and 2·23 (mm), respectively, suggesting potential for CELTHYM application to other watersheds. The direct runoff and water balance components for watershed WS#1 with significant areas of paddy fields did not perform well, suggesting that additional study of these components is needed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Standardized Care Planning: Evaluation of ICNP Beta in the Areas of Nutrition and Skin Care in a Practice SettingINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING TERMINOLOGIES AND CLASSIFICATION, Issue 2003Jan Florin PURPOSE To evaluate completeness, granularity, multiple axial content, and clinical utility of the beta version of the International Classification of Nursing Practice (ICNP®). METHODS Standardized care plans were developed based on research in the areas of nutrition and skin care and clinically tested in a 35-bed infectious disease unit at a Swedish university hospital. A convenience sample of 56 computerized and manual patient records were content analyzed and mapped to the terms in ICNP® beta. FINDINGS A total of 1,771 phrases were identified. Approximately 60% of the record content describing nursing phenomena and about one third of the nursing interventions in the areas of nutrition and skin care could be expressed satisfactorily using the terminology of ICNP® beta. For about 25% of the content describing both nursing phenomena and interventions, no corresponding term was found. The most common deficiencies were focus terms for stating patient perspective or collaboration, nonhuman focus, normal findings, more qualitative judgments, and different expressions for stating duration. Some terms are available in the ICNP beta as a whole, but the organization of axes impedes or restricts the use of terms beyond the ICNP categories. Terms needed to express nursing phenomena could sometimes be found in nursing actions axes. CONCLUSIONS The ICNP® beta needs to be further developed to capture relevant data in nursing care. The axial structure needs to be evaluated, and completeness and granularity of terms need to be addressed further before ICNP beta can be used on a daily basis in the clinical setting. Terms need to be developed to express patient participation and preferences, normal conditions, qualitative dimensions and characteristics, nonhuman focuses as well as duration. Empirical studies covering the complexity of information in nursing care are needed. [source] The development of pressure ulcers in patients with hip fractures: inadequate nursing documentation is still a problemJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 5 2000Lena Gunningberg MSC RN The aims of the study were to investigate, on a daily basis: (i] the development and progress of pressure ulcers, (ii) the documented nursing interventions for prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, and (iii) when nursing interventions regarding prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers were documented, in relation to patient risk status and the development of pressure ulcers. The study design was prospective, comparative and descriptive. A total of 55 patients with hip fracture were included. To facilitate the nurse's assessment, a ,pressure ulcer card' was developed, consisting of the Modified Norton Scale (MNS) and descriptions of the four stages of pressure ulcers. The incidence of pressure ulcers was 55%. The mean rank of the lowest MNS score was significantly lower for patients who developed pressure ulcers than for patients without pressure ulcers. The majority of the pressure ulcers occurred between admission to the ward and the fourth day after surgery. Documented interventions regarding prevention and treatment were: repositioning, overlays, cushions, use of lotion and observation. The mean number of interventions per patient was 2·2 for patients who developed pressure ulcers during their hospital stay. The comprehensiveness and quality of the nursing record was unsatisfactory, and only three nursing records reached the level required by Swedish law. Preventive interventions such as repositioning were documented when the pressure ulcer had already occurred. The lack of nursing documentation regarding prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers may indicate that nurses did not identify pressure ulcers as a prioritized nursing problem for this patient group. The Modified Norton Scale could be a valuable tool for nurses, both identifying the patient at risk and acting as a guide for nursing interventions. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the Faculty of Medicine at Uppsala University. [source] A reliability-based network design problemJOURNAL OF ADVANCED TRANSPORTATION, Issue 3 2005Piya Chootinan Abstract This paper presents a reliability-based network design problem. A network reliability concept is embedded into the continuous network design problem in which travelers' route choice behavior follows the stochastic user equilibrium assumption. A new capacity-reliability index is introduced to measure the probability that all of the network links are operated below their capacities when serving different traffic patterns deviating from the average condition. The reliability-based network design problem is formulated as a bi-level program in which the lower level sub-program is the probit-based stochastic user equilibrium problem and the upper level sub-program is the maximization of the new capacity reliability index. The lower level sub-program is solved by a variant of the method of successive averages using the exponential average to represent the learning process of network users on a daily basis that results in the daily variation of traffic-flow pattern, and Monte Carlo stochastic loading. The upper level sub-program is tackled by means of genetic algorithms. A numerical example is used to demonstrate the concept of the proposed framework. [source] Modelling the combined effect of temperature, pH and aw on the growth rate of Monascus ruber, a heat-resistant fungus isolated from green table olivesJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2003E.Z. Panagou Abstract Aims: Growth modes predicting the effect of pH (3·5,5·0), NaCl (2,10%), i.e. aw (0·937,0·970) and temperature (20,40°C) on the colony growth rate of Monascus ruber, a fungus isolated from thermally-processed olives of the Conservolea variety, were developed on a solid culture medium. Methods and Results: Fungal growth was measured as colony diameter on a daily basis. The primary predictive model of Baranyi was used to fit the growth data and estimate the maximum specific growth rates. Combined secondary predictive models were developed and comparatively evaluated based on polynomial, Davey, gamma concept and Rosso equations. The data-set was fitted successfully in all models. However, models with biological interpretable parameters (gamma concept and Rosso equation) were highly rated compared with the polynomial equation and Davey model and gave realistic cardinal pHs, temperatures and aw. Conclusions: The combined effect of temperature, pH and aw on growth responses of M. ruber could be satisfactorily predicted under the current experimental conditions, and the models examined could serve as tools for this purpose. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results can be successfully employed by the industry to predict the extent of fungal growth on table olives. [source] Roosting behavior of a Neotropical migrant songbird, the northern waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis, during the non-breeding seasonJOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Joseph A. M. Smith Several species of Nearctic-Neotropical migratory songbirds appear to form roosting aggregations while on their wintering grounds but little is understood about the ecology of this behavior. We studied roosting behavior and patterns of roost habitat selection in the northern waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis, during three winter years (2002,2004) in Puerto Rico using radio telemetry. Overall, red mangrove was selected for roosting disproportionately to its availability. Regardless of diurnal habitat used, 87% (n=86) of northern waterthrush selected dense stands of coastal red mangrove for roost sites. Individuals traveled up to 2 km to access roost sites in this habitat on a daily basis. The majority (8 of 14) of individuals roosted alone, while others roosted in loose aggregations near communal roosts of gray kingbirds Tyrannus dominicensis. Patterns of roost site selection did not vary by sex. Individuals showing aggressive response to playback during the day, however, selected roost sites significantly closer to the coast. Several additional migratory and resident bird species also used red mangrove for night-time roosting habitat. Red mangrove may be a critical nocturnal roosting habitat for bird populations that live in proximity to coastal areas in the Neotropics. The benefits of nocturnal roosting behavior as well as why individuals appear to select red mangrove remain poorly understood. [source] A new land-cover map of Africa for the year 2000JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 6 2004Philippe Mayaux Abstract Aim, In the framework of the Global Land Cover 2000 (GLC 2000), a land-cover map of Africa has been produced at a spatial resolution of 1 km using data from four sensors on-board four different Earth observing satellites. Location, The map documents the location and distribution of major vegetation types and non-vegetated land surface formations for the entire African continent plus Madagascar and the other surrounding islands. Methods, The bulk of these data were acquired on a daily basis throughout the year 2000 by the VEGETATION sensor on-board the SPOT-4 satellite. The map of vegetation cover has been produced based upon the spectral response and the temporal profile of the vegetation cover. Digital image processing and geographical information systems techniques were employed, together with local knowledge, high resolution imagery and expert consultation, to compile a cartographic map product. Radar data and thermal sensors were also used for specific land-cover classes. Results, A total of 27 land cover categories are documented, which has more thematic classes than previously published land cover maps of Africa contain. Systematic comparison with existing land cover data and 30-m resolution imagery from Landsat are presented, and the map is also compared with other pan-continental land cover maps. The map and digital data base are freely available for non-commercial uses from http://www.gvm.jrc.it/tem/africa/products.htm Main conclusions, The map improves our state of knowledge of the land-cover of Africa and presents the most spatially detailed view yet published at this scale. This first version of the map should provide an important input for regional stratification and planning purposes for natural resources, biodiversity and climate studies. Résumé Objet, Dans le cadre du projet Global Land Cover 2000 (GLC 2000), une carte d'Afrique d'occupation du sol a été produite à la résolution spatiale de 1 km à partir de données satellitales de 4 capteurs différents. Localisation, La carte représente la distribution des principaux types de végétation et des surfaces non-végétales du continent africain plus Madagascar et les autres îles voisines du continent. Méthodes, La plupart des données fut acquise durant l'année 2000 par le capteur VEGETATION, embarquéà bord du satellite SPOT-4. La réponse spectrale et le profil temporel des formations végétales ont permis la production de la carte d'occupation du sol. Des techniques de traitement d'image et de systèmes d'information géographique ont été combinées à la consultation d'experts locaux et à l'utilisation de cartes nationales et de données à haute résolution spatiale. Des images radar et thermiques ont servi à cartographier des classes spécifiques. Résultats, Un total de 27 classes est cartographié, ce qui est plus que les précédentes cartes basées sur l'imagerie satellitale. Une comparaison systématique avec les cartes publiées et des images Landsat à 30 m est présentée. Les données sont libres d'accès pour un usage non-commercial à l'adresse http://www.gvm.jrc.it/tem/africa/products.htm Conclusion, Cette carte accroît notre connaissance de l'occupation du sol de l'Afrique et présente la vue la plus détaillée jamais publiée à cette échelle. La première version de la carte devrait fournir une base importante pour une stratification régionale et pour la planification d'études sur les ressources naturelles, la biodiversité et le climat. [source] The effect of total plasma exchange on fulminant hepatic failureJOURNAL OF CLINICAL APHERESIS, Issue 2 2006M. Akdogan Total plasma exchange (TPE) corrects coagulopathy in patients with liver disease and removes hepatotoxins/cytokines. This improvement is transient but can be used as a bridge until an organ is identified for liver transplantation (LTx) or the liver itself regenerates. Our aim was to retrospectively assess the efficacy of TPE in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) and its impact on liver function tests. Between 1995,2001, 39 patients with FHF who had undergone TPE were reviewed. FHF was defined according to the O'Grady criteria based on the duration of encephalopathy as well as jaundice. TPE was performed using the Cobe Spectra TPE (Gambro®) in Liver Intensive Care Unit, continued on a daily basis, until either adequate clinical response was achieved, the patient expired, or transplantation occurred. INR, PTT, Fibrinogen, ALT, AST, GGT, BUN, Ammonia, and Total Bilirubin were analyzed before and after TPE. Student's t -test and chi-square test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Thirty-nine patients with FHF (31 females, 8 males with mean age of 32.3, range: 7,64) underwent TPE. Coagulopathy, hyperbilirubinemia, hyperammonemia were significantly improved (P < 0.05). Twenty-one patients survived (54%), 12 required LTx, and 18 patients (including one after LTx) expired. TPE was found to be significantly effective for correction of coagulopathy and improvement of liver tests. This intervention can be considered for temporary liver support until recovery or liver transplantation. J Clin Apheresis 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Nutritional care: the effectiveness of actively involving older patientsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 2 2005Preben Ulrich Pedersen RN PhD Aims and objectives., The purpose of the study was to test the effectiveness of nursing care based on active involvement of patients in their nutritional care. It was hypothesized that this type of care could improve energy and protein intake in elder orthopaedic patients. Background., Protein and energy malnutrition and deterioration in nutritional status is a common but neglected problem in hospital patients. Methods., The design was quasi-experimental with an intervention and control group. The study included 253 patients aged 65 and above admitted for hip fracture, hip or knee replacement. Food intake was recorded on a daily basis during the hospital stay. Results., The daily intake of energy increased with 23% (P = 0.001) and of protein with 45% (P = 0.001). The intake increased from the very first day after the operation. The intake of energy and protein was not correlated with the patient's age, body mass index or type of surgery. Conclusions., The care based on patients' active involvement in their own nutritional care and was found to be an effective method to raise the intake of energy and protein among elder orthopaedic patients. Relevance to clinical practice., This way of organizing the care identifies patients who do not consume enough energy and protein according to their current requirements and to take appropriate actions to prevent further malnutrition. 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