Positive Contribution (positive + contribution)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Influence of Low-Order Rational Surfaces on the Radial Electric Field of TJ-II ECH Plasmas

CONTRIBUTIONS TO PLASMA PHYSICS, Issue 6-7 2010
O. Bondarenko
Abstract Dynamic magnetic configuration scan experiments have been conducted in order to investigate the influence of the rotational transform on plasma rotation, radial electric field and turbulence. The main magnetic resonances (7/4 and 5/3 in this work) make a positive contribution to the local radial electric field, which depends on the plasma density and plasma radius. A local reduction in the level of density fluctuations due to the influence of low order rational surfaces is also observed. These results could explain local transport changes associated to low order rational surfaces observed in TJ-II ECH plasmas (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]


Differential regulation of GDF-5 and FGF-2/4 by immobilisation in ovo exposes distinct roles in joint formation,

DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 3 2006
E. Kavanagh
Abstract Members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family and growth and differentiation factor 5 (GDF-5) have been implicated in joint specification, but their roles in subsequent cavity formation are not defined. Cavity formation (cavitation) depends upon limb movement in embryonic chicks and factors involved in joint formation are often identified by their expression at the joint-line. We have sought support for the roles of FGF-2, FGF-4, and GDF-5 in cavitation by defining expression patterns, immunohistochemically, during joint formation and establishing whether these are modified by in ovo immobilisation. We found that FGF-2 exhibited low level nuclear expression in chondrocytes and fibrocartilage cells close to presumptive joints, but showed significantly higher expression levels in cells at, and directly bordering, the forming joint cavity. This high-level joint line FGF-2 expression was selectively diminished in immobilised limbs. In contrast, we show that FGF-4 does not exhibit differential joint-line expression and was unaffected by immobilisation. GDF-5 protein also failed to show joint-line selective labelling, and although immobilisation induced a cartilaginous fusion across presumptive joints, it did not affect cellular GDF-5 expression patterns. Examining changes in GDF-5 expression in response to a direct mechanical strain stimulus in primary embryonic chick articular surface (AS) cells in vitro discloses only small mechanically-induced reductions in GDF-5 expression, suggesting that GDF-5 does not exert a direct positive contribution to the mechano-dependent joint cavitation process. This notion was supported by retroviral overexpression of UDPGD, a characteristic factor involved in hyaluronan (HA) accumulation at presumptive joint lines, which was also found to produce small decreases in AS cell GDF-5 expression. These findings support a direct mechano-dependent role for FGF-2, but not FGF-4, in the cavitation process and indicate that GDF-5 is likely to influence chondrogenesis positively without contributing directly to joint cavity formation. Developmental Dynamics 235:826,834, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Pursuing community forestry in Liberia

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND GOVERNANCE, Issue 5 2009
Jennifer N. Lamb
Abstract While Liberian forests are a biodiversity hotspot and integral to the livelihoods of indigenous communities, 14 years of conflict forestry turned this national asset into a source of economic inequality and corruption in an extreme example of a ,natural resource curse'. Moreover, overharvesting of timber through the conflict period has endangered community livelihoods and raised concerns regarding resource sustainability from international conservation organizations. Since the end of conflict in 2003, the Liberian government has forged international partnerships to create a reformed policy framework balancing commercial, conservation and community (the three Cs) interests. In an effort to contribute to the larger body of work on the role of natural resource management institutions in the creation and fostering of the resource curse, this paper offers a case study of timber in Liberia. We feel that an in-depth understanding of the Liberian case clarifies the challenge of timber as an extractive commodity and how the institutional framework can be shaped to provide a positive contribution to economic development. The discussion focuses on the historical development of Liberian land and forest tenure institutions that lead to poverty, ecological degradation and conflict. Tracing the more recent implementation of the three Cs, this paper analyzes the current conditions of community engagement and outlines critical steps to be taken for Liberia to escape further resource driven cycles of conflict. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source]


Assessing the Fiscal Costs and Benefits of A8 Migration to the UK,

FISCAL STUDIES, Issue 1 2010
Christian Dustmann
J61; H20 Abstract This paper assesses the fiscal consequences of migration to the UK from the Central and Eastern European countries that joined the European Union in May 2004 (A8 countries). We show that A8 immigrants who arrived after EU enlargement in 2004 and who have at least one year of residence, and are therefore legally eligible to claim benefits, are 59 per cent less likely than natives to receive state benefits or tax credits and 57 per cent less likely to live in social housing. Furthermore, even if A8 immigrants had the same demographic characteristics as natives, they would still be 13 per cent less likely to receive benefits and 29 per cent less likely to live in social housing. We go on to compare the net fiscal contribution of A8 immigrants with that of individuals born in the UK, and find that in each fiscal year since enlargement in 2004, irrespective of the way that the net fiscal contribution is defined, A8 immigrants made a positive contribution to the public finances despite the fact that the UK has been running a budget deficit over the last few years. This is because they have a higher labour force participation rate, pay proportionately more in indirect taxes and make much less use of benefits and public services. [source]


Nocturnal Home Hemodialysis: Focus on the Partner

HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2003
H Vos
Background. Nocturnal home hemodialysis (NHD, 6 times weekly 6,8 hours) results in a better clinical and psychosocial condition of dialysis patients. However, this intensive therapy has important consequences for partners, who bear at least some responsibilities during the treatment. Methods. Since December 2001, we included 15 patients in a Dutch NHD project (,Nocturne'). All patients are assisted by their spouses. An aim of Nocturne is to study the effects of NHD on partners and other family members with questionnaires and interviews by a social worker. Results. NHD affects daily life of partners much more than conventional therapies. Partners feel very involved with the treatment. The invasion of the treatment in bed, the noise and light produced by the machine, the daily assisting of the patient, less freedom, and co-responsibility for the treatment are felt as a burden, specially during the first months of the treatment. However, the improved clinical condition of their spouse, resulting in less fatigue, less disability, less uremic symptoms, less complications, more attention for and contribution to family life, better quality of life and better mood are considered major improvements, with important positive effects for the quality of life of all family members. Additionally, partners consider the fact that they make an important positive contribution to their spouse's health valuable. All partners judged NHD, despite some negative consequences, as a major improvement of their life. Conclusion. The positive effects of NHD are more important than the negative consequences for partners of patients. However, partners need active support by nurses or social workers, specially during the first months of the treatment. [source]


Knowledge as a mediator between HRM practices and innovative activity

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, Issue 4 2009
Alvaro Lopez-Cabrales
Abstract The objective of this paper is to test how human resources management (HRM) practices and employees' knowledge influence the development of innovative capabilities and, by extension, a firm's performance. Results confirm that HRM practices are not directly associated with innovation unless they take into account employees' knowledge. Specifically, our analyses establish a mediating role for the uniqueness of knowledge between collaborative HRM practices and innovative activity, a positive influence of knowledge-based HRM practices on valuable knowledge, and a positive contribution of innovations to the company's profit. We tested hypotheses in a sample of firms from the most innovative Spanish industries through structural equation modeling. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


Spirituality and job satisfaction among female Jewish Israeli hospital nurses

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 2 2010
Aryeh Lazar
lazar a. (2010) Spirituality and job satisfaction among female Jewish Israeli hospital nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(2), 334,344. Abstract Title.,Spirituality and job satisfaction among female Jewish Israeli hospital nurses. Aim., This paper is a report of a study conducted to examine the relationship between spirituality and hospital nurses' work satisfaction and to determine the unique contributions of various specific aspects of spirituality to their work satisfaction. Background., Spirituality has been indicated as a possible contributor to nurses' job satisfaction. However, few researchers have examined the relationship between spirituality and nurses' job satisfaction. Method., During 2007, 120 female Jewish Israeli hospital nurses responded to a questionnaire including a multidimensional measure of spirituality and a measure of overall job satisfaction. Results., Correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between life coherency aspects of spirituality and spiritual values with job satisfaction. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated the particular importance of an idealistic spiritual orientation (positive contribution) and a transcendent spiritual orientation (negative contribution) to the prediction of nurses' job satisfaction. Conclusion., The relationship between spirituality and nurses' job satisfaction is complex. Hospital managers may be able to enhance job satisfaction by providing opportunities for nurses to satisfy their spiritual needs (in particular, altruistic and ideological orientations) on the job. In addition, nurses with a strong transcendent orientation may be identified and given special attention to increase the likelihood of job satisfaction. [source]


Aid, public spending and human welfare: evidence from quantile regressions

JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, Issue 3 2005
Karuna Gomanee
Does aid contribute to human development other than by increasing growth? In doing so, is aid more or less effective in poorer countries (those with low levels of aggregate welfare)? This paper addresses these issues, assessing if there is cross-country aggregate evidence for an effect of aid on welfare levels. We posit that aid can enhance human development by financing public expenditures that increase welfare indicators. Using quantile regressions, we report evidence that aid is associated with higher human development (the Human Development Index) and lower infant mortality (both indicators of aggregate welfare). Where there are differences across quantiles, aid is more effective in countries below the median of the welfare distribution, i.e. with lower levels of human development. Insofar as aggregate welfare is (inversely) correlated with poverty, we find evidence that aid can make a positive contribution to alleviating poverty, and that the effect appears to be greater in countries with lower levels of human development indicators. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Conflict values and team relationships: conflict's contribution to team effectiveness and citizenship in China

JOURNAL OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR, Issue 1 2003
Dean Tjosvold
Although conflict has traditionally been considered destructive, especially in collectivist societies like China, recent studies indicate that valuing and approaching conflict can contribute to effective teamwork. A hundred and six pairs of employees and their leaders were recruited from State Owned Enterprises in Shanghai and Nanjing. Employees described their conflict values and relationships. Their immediate supervisors rated the effectiveness of their teams and the extent of their citizenship behavior. Results indicate that positive conflict attitudes and approaching conflict can contribute to strong relationships, which in turn strengthen team effectiveness and employee citizenship. Findings suggest that how conflict values affect relationships and outcomes are more differentiated than originally expected. Results were interpreted as supporting the traditional idea that relationships are critical for effective organization work in China but also challenging future research to understand the processes by which conflict has a positive contribution to work relationships. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Toxic epidermal necrolysis; 15 years' experience in a Dutch burns centre

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 6 2007
B Gerdts
Abstract Background, Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a severe and potentially fatal drug reaction characterized by an extensive skin rash with blisters and exfoliation, frequently accompanied by mucositis. The wounds caused by TEN are similar to second-degree burns and severe cases may involve large areas of skin loss. Objectives, Analysis of our results in patients with TEN and evaluation of the variety of therapeutic interventions that has been studied and suggested in TEN. Patients/methods, Retrospective analysis of 19 consecutive patients with TEN treated in our burns centre between 1989 and 2004. Results, Immediate withdrawal of any potentially fatal drug, maximum supportive care, and a restricted and tailored antibiotic, medical and surgical treatment regimen confined mortality to 21%, whereas prognosis scores like APACHE II and SCORTEN predicted mortality of 22 and 30%, respectively. A positive contribution of selective digestive decontamination is suggested but has yet to be established. Conclusions, Because of a potentially fatal outcome, fast referral of a patient suspected of TEN to a specialized centre (mostly a burns unit or specialized dermatology centre) for expert wound management and tailored comprehensive care is strongly advised and contributes to survival. [source]


Global Climate Change and the Fragmentation of International Law

LAW & POLICY, Issue 4 2008
HARRO VAN ASSELT
Born into the wider body of international law, the climate regime needs to be understood in light of preexisting regimes. By drawing on the current debate about fragmentation in international law, this article highlights challenges for international lawyers and policymakers in navigating the relationship between the climate regime and the biodiversity regime, and the relationship between the climate regime and the multilateral trading system. This article concludes that a narrow focus on conflicts misrepresents the multifaceted nature of climate change and precludes an adequate jurisprudential understanding of the relationship between the climate regime and other regimes. An improved understanding, particularly with respect to interactions with the biodiversity regime, requires a broadening of the debate that takes account of the institutional aspects of these relationships that may allow enhanced political cooperation and coordination. Further, international law, and in particular the emerging concept of systemic integration, has the potential to make a positive contribution to the climate-trade interplay. [source]


Developmental State and Corporate Governance in China

MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION REVIEW, Issue 1 2007
Victor Nee
abstract China's state-guided economic miracle has revitalized a long-standing and unsettled debate about the role of government in transformative economic development. In a firm-level study of corporate governance we examine whether direct state involvement actually makes a positive contribution to the economic performance of newly incorporated firms in China's urban economy. We show that direct intervention into the governance of firms is likely to yield negative economic effects at the firm level. We infer from our findings that it must be other types of government intervention external to the firm that explain the success of China's developmental state in promoting rapid economic growth. [source]


The role of hybridization in evolution

MOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2001
N. H. Barton
Abstract Hybridization may influence evolution in a variety of ways. If hybrids are less fit, the geographical range of ecologically divergent populations may be limited, and prezygotic reproductive isolation may be reinforced. If some hybrid genotypes are fitter than one or both parents, at least in some environments, then hybridization could make a positive contribution. Single alleles that are at an advantage in the alternative environment and genetic background will introgress readily, although such introgression may be hard to detect. ,Hybrid speciation', in which fit combinations of alleles are established, is more problematic; its likelihood depends on how divergent populations meet, and on the structure of epistasis. These issues are illustrated using Fisher's model of stabilizing selection on multiple traits, under which reproductive isolation evolves as a side-effect of adaptation in allopatry. This confirms a priori arguments that while recombinant hybrids are less fit on average, some gene combinations may be fitter than the parents, even in the parental environment. Fisher's model does predict heterosis in diploid F1s, asymmetric incompatibility in reciprocal backcrosses, and (when dominance is included) Haldane's Rule. However, heterosis arises only when traits are additive, whereas the latter two patterns require dominance. Moreover, because adaptation is via substitutions of small effect, Fisher's model does not generate the strong effects of single chromosome regions often observed in species crosses. [source]


Magnetic characterization of U/Co multilayers

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 1 2003
M. A. Rosa
Abstract With the aim of expanding the studies on 2D systems containing uranium, U/Co multilayers with layer thickness ranging from 50 to 200 Å were recently prepared by dc magnetron sputtering onto glass. The multilayers were characterized by Grazing-Incidence X-Ray Diffraction (GIXRD) and Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS). Magnetization measurements performed with a squid magnetometer showed that the multilayers have a ferromagnetic behaviour, with the magnetic signal increasing with the thickness of the layers. The analysis of magnetic anisotropy evidenced an easy magnetic direction in the film plane with large anisotropy fields, which increase with the thickness of the layers and suggests a positive contribution of surface anisotropy to the effective anisotropy Keff. [source]


Heterosis for yield and other agronomic traits of winter triticale F1 and F2 hybrids

PLANT BREEDING, Issue 4 2001
G. Oettler
Abstract Triticale is generally treated as a self-pollinating crop and line breeding is practised. Hybrid breeding has been discussed for some time, but there is little information for winter triticale. This study investigated heterosis for eight agronomic traits in F1 and F2 hybrids grown together with their parents as drilled plots in three environments. On average, grain yield heterosis was 12.5 dt/ha (a relative 10.5%) compared with the mid-parent value for F1 hybrids, and 6.2 dt/ha (5.0%) for F2 hybrids and withawide range of 4.4,17.1 dt/ha for F1 hybrids. A positive contribution to the heterosis of yield was made by kernels/spike and 1000-kernel weight, whereas spikes/m2 showed negative heterosis. Hybrid plants in F1 and F2 were taller than mid-parents (8.3 cm and 5.3 cm, respectively), with a tendency to earlier heading. The negative heterosis for falling number in F1 and F2 hybrids could be a problem for commercial production of triticale hybrids. By selecting parents for combining ability and the identification of heterotic patterns, grain yield heterosis of 20% appears feasible. [source]


Individual differences, environmental scanning, innovation framing, and champion behavior: key predictors of project performance

THE JOURNAL OF PRODUCT INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2001
Jane M. Howell
Although increasing evidence points to the importance of champions for keeping product innovation ideas alive and thriving, little is known about how champions identify potential product innovation ideas, how they present these ideas to gain much needed support from key stakeholders, and their impact on innovation project performance over time. Jane M. Howell and Christine M. Shea address this knowledge gap by using measures of individual differences, environmental scanning, innovation framing and champion behavior to predict the performance of 47 product innovation projects. Champion behavior was defined as expressing confidence in the innovation, involving and motivating others to support the innovation, and persisting under adversity. Interviews with 47 champions were conducted to collect information about the innovation projects and the champions' tendency to frame the innovation as an opportunity or threat. Survey data were obtained from three sources: 47 champions provided information on their personal characteristics (locus of control and breadth of interest) and activities (environmental scanning), 47 division managers subjectively assessed project performance at two points in time, and 237 innovation team members rated the frequency of champion behavior. The results revealed that an internal locus of control orientation was positively related to framing the innovation as an opportunity, and breadth of interest was positively related to environmental scanning. Environmental scanning of documents and framing the innovation as a threat was negatively related to champion behavior, while environmental scanning through people was positively related to champion behavior. Champion behavior positively predicted project performance over a one-year interval. Overall, the findings suggest that in scanning the environment for new ideas, the most effective source of information is the champion's personal network of people inside and outside the organization. Also, the simple labeling of an idea as a threat appears to diminish a champion's perceived influence and erode credibility in promoting an innovation. From the perspective of division managers, champions make a positive contribution to project performance over time, reinforcing the crucial role that champions play in new product development process. [source]


The Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre: a controversial public health measure

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 6 2002
Cate Kelly
Background: Injecting drug use remains a major public health concern, particularly because of opiate overdose and transmission of blood-borne viruses. Sydney's Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) opened on a trial basis in May 2001 in an effort to reduce the harms of drug use. In this report, we provide a brief overview of the reported public health impact of supervising injecting facilities (SIFs) and review the history and early process evaluations of the Sydney Centre. Methods Medline, Internet searches and perusal of bibliographies of articles were used to identify key English language publications on SIFs. These were supplemented by interview with the Medical Director of Sydney MSIC, Dr Ingrid van Beek. Discussion and conclusions: It is difficult to be certain of the public health impact of SIFs but evidence from overseas and Sydney's early process evaluations provide promise that they may make a positive contribution to health. [source]


Small business responsibility in developing countries: a threat or an opportunity?

BUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT, Issue 1 2005
Ralph Luken
Many developing country small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that are exporters see themselves facing a dilemma. They do not know how to respond to the rising social and environmental requirements of global buyers and supply chains and fear that were they to do so they would lose their competitive edge. However, they are aware that if they do not meet these requirements, they will not be able to access new foreign markets and may lose the contracts they already have. To investigate whether practical methods exist for resolving this dilemma, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) carried out a one year project with 22 SMEs in four Asian countries. The results suggest that well targeted, enterprise-specific efforts to meet corporate social responsibility (CSR) requirements can make a positive contribution to both short-term profitability and longer-term competitiveness. The ,business case' for CSR appears strongest in the environmental area, but measures in that area can act as a ,starter motor' for tackling more systemic ,social' problems. Furthermore, tackling social issues at the workplace can feed back positively to improve the sustainability of the environmental improvement measures. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source]


Foster fathers: their experiences and contributions to fostering

CHILD & FAMILY SOCIAL WORK, Issue 1 2007
Kate Wilson
ABSTRACT The paper reports some of the findings of an exploratory study that looks at foster fathers' experiences of fostering and discusses their routes into foster care and their perspectives on their roles and tasks. The study collected quantitative and qualitative data by approaching all foster fathers registered with a single independent fostering agency based in south-east England. They were asked about their personal and professional attributes, and their experiences of and views concerning the role of a foster father. The study discusses the foster fathers' motivation to foster, and argues that what they see as the benefits and drawbacks of fostering, and how it fits into their own family lives, are all relevant to improving service recruitment, delivery and retention. The study produced some evidence about the distinctive and positive contribution that foster fathers see themselves making to the lives of the children they foster. Further research is needed to refine our knowledge of what this contribution may be. Such knowledge could potentially develop our understanding of the roles of fathers in child development more generally as well as fine-tuning practice in matching what particular placements have to offer to the needs of individual children. [source]


Social Capital, Networks, and Community Environments in Bangkok, Thailand

GROWTH AND CHANGE, Issue 4 2002
Amrita Daniere
This paper considers the case of Bangkok where, as in many Asian cities, the expansion of urban areas has outpaced the ability of public entities to manage and provide basic services. One potential way to improve the capacity of neighborhoods to assist in provision or improvement in environmental services is to enhance the positive contributions provided by local social networks and social capital. A conceptual framework is presented to explore the role of social networks in environmental management in polluted urban environments. This is followed by a brief description of the methodology and survey instrument used to collect information from a sample of community households in Bangkok and an analysis of the results from this survey regarding environmental practices, community action, and social networks. Some of the results suggest that increasing the number of social interactions that residents of a community experience is associated with increased community participation as, apparently, is increasing knowledge about what happens to waste or waste water after it leaves the community. Local public education efforts that focus on useful knowledge about environmental impacts may well be an effective way to encourage community participation. [source]


Penile hygiene: puberty, paraphimosis and personal care for men and boys with an intellectual disability

JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2009
N. J. Wilson
Abstract Background Supporting men and boys with an intellectual disability (ID) to meet their penile hygiene needs is perhaps one of the least acknowledged but most confronting issues facing care staff. The delivery of intimate hygiene can be a challenging topic particularly as it has been drawn into the emerging sexuality discourse and the ongoing abuse narrative. Compounding this challenge is the lack of guidance in intimate care for support staff. In addition, whereas the male with an ID outnumber the female, female care staff greatly outnumber male staff. Whether this situation affects outcomes for men and boys with an ID is unknown but it is an issue which should be examined. Method This paper reports data from two separate studies, one quantitative the other qualitative, which sought to explore penile hygiene as a male health issue. Results Results show the practice of care staff to be inconsistent, the views and values of care staff to be divergent. Some patterns and contextual differences were identified depending upon the gender of care staff. An emerging dialogue described some of the positive contributions that male staff make to men and boys with an ID. Conclusions The penile health needs of men and boys with an ID are being compromised by a lack of guidance, training, knowledge and limited gender-sensitive care. [source]


The national question: sociological reflections on nation and nationalism

NATIONS AND NATIONALISM, Issue 3 2001
Andrew Thompson
The sociology of nation, national identity and nationalism has long been the subject of benign neglect. After examining the few positive contributions made by classical writers, we attempt to explain why the contribution of classical theory to the field is unreliable. In common with others we find that, for all that classical theory might treat the prominence of nation, national identity and nationalism as a passing phase, it in fact takes the existence of all three as givens to such an extent that they and their effects become invisible. But the sociology of nation and nationalism reached a turning point with the publication of Elie Kedourie's influential work in 1960. We explain the effect of this work on later writers, especially Ernest Gellner and Anthony Smith, and survey the work of these and other contributors to the field with an eye to their differences and similarities. We identify various stages in the development of the sociology of nation and nationalism, culminating in the most recent stage in which the significance of the subjective aspects of nationalism has received increased attention. We think there is room for a multiplicity of approaches to the subject and stress its central significance to sociology. We explain why nation, national identity and nationalism are certainly not in decline and suggest where the most fruitful lines of inquiry lie for future research. [source]


Dairy and milk consumption and child growth: Is BMI involved?

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2010
An analysis of NHANES 199
Humans are unique among mammals in that many consume cow's milk or other dairy products well beyond the traditional age of weaning. Milk provides various nutrients and bioactive molecules to support growth and development, and the question arises as to whether this dietary behavior influences growth parameters. There is evidence that milk makes positive contributions to growth in height, but its associations with other aspects of body size, such as body mass index (BMI), are not well-established. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999 to 2004 and multivariate regression analysis were used to test the hypothesis that milk (g) or total dairy product consumption (kJ) is associated with higher BMI percentile among US White, Black, and Mexican-American children of age 2,4 years (n = 1,493) and 5,10 years (n = 2,526). Younger children in the highest quartile of dairy intake had higher BMIs (, = 7.5,8.0; P < 0.01) than those in the lowest two quartiles. Controlling for energy intake eliminated differences between QIV and QI. Among children of 5,10 years of age dairy intake had no relationship to BMI. Young children in the highest quartile of milk intake had higher BMIs than all lower quartiles (, = 7.1,12.8; , = 6.3,11.8 in energy-controlled models; P < 0.05). Among children of 5,10 years of age, those in QIV for milk intake had higher BMIs than those in QII (, = 8.3; , = 7.1 in energy-controlled model; P < 0.01). Controlling for total protein or calcium did not change the results. Milk had more consistent positive associations with BMI than did dairy products, and these were strongest among children of 2,4 years of age. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Using LiDAR to detect cultural resources in a forested environment: an example from Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, USA

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROSPECTION, Issue 3 2008
Julie M. Gallagher
Abstract This article discusses the use of light detecting and ranging (LiDAR) technology as an effective remote sensing tool for the location of cultural resources. Its use, particularly in Europe, has proven successful in the identification of archaeological sites obscured by dense vegetation or surface disturbances. This study used LiDAR-derived imagery to detect pre- and post-European contact sites, and their related features, in densely forested environments on Isle Royale, Michigan, USA. LiDAR bare-Earth models were used to ,see through' the vegetation in an effort to: (i) identify cultural features prior to the implementation of a pedestrian reconnaissance survey; (ii) aid in the development of a more informed survey strategy; and (iii) produce an overall safer, more efficient and more cost-effective research design. Three study areas were selected for investigation. Within these three study areas, a total of seven investigation locales containing 32 separate features were identified using LiDAR-derived imagery. Eighteen of the 32 features were found to have been previously recorded. Of the remaining 14 features, seven were confirmed in the field as being cultural features and were recorded for the first time as a result of this investigation. The remaining seven could not be located on the ground or were found to be non-cultural. The results of this study support the use of LiDAR as a viable method for the detection of cultural resources, particularly in remote and heavily forested environments. Despite its positive contributions, there is a limited range of archaeological (surface) features that can be detected using this technology. As applied to archaeology, LiDAR is not an exclusive investigatory technique. It must be part of a comprehensive research strategy that integrates field, laboratory and archival investigation in order to achieve the best possible interpretation of the archaeological record. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Revisiting the Sexual Division of Labor: Thoughts on Ethnoarchaeology and Gender

ARCHEOLOGICAL PAPERS OF THE AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, Issue 1 2006
Robert Jarvenpa
In gauging the impact of Susan Kent's scholarship, we examine how a controlled ethnoarchaeological comparison of gender and subsistence in circumpolar societies may be used to reassess a bedrock concept of anthropology: the sexual division of labor. Much discourse on this topic is marred by an exclusionary tone. That is, the sexual division of labor is presented as a list of things women cannot do, should not do, or are prohibited from doing by men. Rather than accentuating the negative and proscriptive, comparative ethnoarchaeology suggests that positive contributions of labor specialization by both women and men merit reexamination. [source]