Quantifying Scholarly Impact: IQp versus the Hirsch h

Hirsch's (2005) h index of scholarly output has generated substantial interest and wide acceptance because of its apparent ability to quantify scholarly impact simply and accurately. We show that the excitement surrounding h is premature for three reasons: h stagnates with increasing scientific age; it is highly dependent on publication quantity as well as field-specific citation rates. Thus, it is not useful for comparing scholars across disciplines. We propose the scholarly Index of Quality and Productivity (IQp) as an alternative to h. The new index takes into account a scholar's total impact and also corrects for field-specific citation rates, scholarly productivity, and scientific age. The IQp accurately predicts group membership on a common metric, as tested on a sample of 80 scholars from three populations: (a) Nobel winners in Physics (n=10), Chemistry (n=10), Medicine (n=10), and Economics (n=10), and towering Psychologists (n=10), and scholars who have made more modest contributions to science including randomly selected (b) fellows (n=15) and (c) members (n=15) of the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The IQp also correlates better with expert ratings of greatness than does the h index

Probing non-standard gravity with the growth index: a background independent analysis

Measurements of the growth index $\gamma(z)$ provide a clue as to whether Einstein's field equations encompass gravity also on large cosmic scales, those where the expansion of the universe accelerates. We show that the information encoded in this function can be satisfactorily parameterized using a small set of coefficients $\gamma_i$ in such a way that the true scaling of the growth index is recovered to better than $1\%$ in most dark energy and dark gravity models. We find that the likelihood of current data is maximal for $\gamma_0=0.74\pm 0.44$ and $\gamma_1=0.01\pm0.46$, a measurement compatible with the $\Lambda$CDM predictions. Moreover data favor models predicting slightly less growth of structures than the Planck LambdaCDM scenario. The main aim of the paper is to provide a prescription for routinely calculating, in an analytic way, the amplitude of the growth indices $\gamma_i$ in relevant cosmological scenarios, and to show that these parameters naturally define a space where predictions of alternative theories of gravity can be compared against growth data in a manner which is independent from the expansion history of the cosmological background. As the standard $\Omega$-plane provides a tool to identify different expansion histories $H(t)$ and their relation to various cosmological models, the $\gamma$-plane can thus be used to locate different growth rate histories $f(t)$ and their relation to alternatives model of gravity. As a result, we find that the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati gravity model is rejected with a $95\%$ confidence level. By simulating future data sets, such as those that a Euclid-like mission will provide, we also show how to tell apart LambdaCDM predictions from those of more extreme possibilities, such as smooth dark energy models, clustering quintessence or parameterized post-Friedmann cosmological models.Comment: 29 pages, 21 figure

The band electrode: Ongoing experience with a novel turp loop to improve hemostasis in 265 patients

Introduction: Intraoperative bleeding, one of the major complications of conventional transurethral resection of the prostate ( TURP), has led to a search for various alternative methods of tissue ablation in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. In 1996, we introduced the newly designed Band Electrode, which combines a high degree of resection efficiency with a better hemostasis. Material and Methods: 265 consecutive patients with prostatism underwent TURP with the Band Electrode. This modified loop electrode does not consist of a thin wire but is rather a flat metal band with a width of 1.2 mm. International prostate symptom score (IPSS), Life Quality Index ( L), peak urine flow and postvoid residual urine were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Additionally, electrical parameters have been recorded with a specially designed high-frequency generator. Results: Median IPSS decreased from 23 preoperatively to 8 and 9 at 12 (n = 194) and 24 months ( n = 172), respectively (p < 0.001). Life Quality Index ( L) dropped from 4 to 2 and 2, respectively (p < 0.001). Peak urine flow increased from 8.2 ml/s to 18.2 (at postoperative day 3), 17.8 and 17.4 ml/s, respectively (p < 0.001). Median postvoid residual urine decreased from 77 to 15, 22 and 21 ml, respectively (p < 0.001). Resected tissue mass averaged 25 (8 - 102) g, resection time was 36.5 ( 18 - 82) min. Indwelling catheters were removed 32 ( 24 - 72) h postoperatively. None of the patients required blood transfusions or showed signs of a TUR syndrome. Despite a 1.3 times higher power need, the total energy application in vivo was comparable to conventional TURP. Conclusions: This simple exchange of active electrodes leads to a superior hemostasis and thus safety in TURP. Resection speed, tissue ablation and total energy need remain identical. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel

Reconceptualising toddler aggression : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

This study used sorting techniques and Multidimensional Scaling analyses (MDS) to interrogate the comprehensiveness of a toddler aggression construct - Aggressive Behavior (AGG) - as empirically defined by the Child Behavior Checklist for Two and Three-year-olds (CBCL/2-3). MDS provided a way of unravelling the latent dimensional structures of the checklist item set and creating an inter-item semantic-like map. This map acted as a tool in the summary of patterns in sets of archival CBCL toddler data to reveal latent coherence or dimensional consistency across toddlerhood with specific regard to the aggression or aggressive-like behaviour construct – the main research goal of the present study. First New Zealand participants (N=70, x=30 years) completed four independent semantic-like matching tasks by sorting CBCL/2-3 checklist items according to their "face value". MDS algorithms transformed individual data into a map and hierarchical trees (h-trees) showing inter-item proximities. After validation of the map clusters sets of archival CBCL data were represented and interpreted in the 5-dimensional MDS solution (P=5) as vectors using PROFIT analysis. A measure of the stability of the vector components in terms of the amount of common variance captured across 24 to 42 months - of – age. demonstrated better fit than CBCL subscale stability for the first three dimensions. Candidates for dimensional stability across toddlerhood indicated by the MDS analyses and map were suggested. Replication of the toddler map. the second objective, involved creating an expanded item set that included items from the CBCL/4-18. The new Combined item set was then sorted following identical procedures by a different group (N=49, x=30). PROFIT analyses of archival 4-18 data on the rotated Combined configuration was compared with stability of Achenbach's CBCL/4-18 subscales between 60-months- and 72-months-of-age but correlations were no better than chance. Additional analyses were undertaken that revealed the archival CBCL/4-18 items had little variance when interpreted in the MDS solution. This study succeeded in identifying alternative candidates for continuity of aggressive - like behaviour across toddlerhood in patterns in raw CBCL data that may contribute to the reported CBCL/2-3 Aggressive Behavior construct stability. Three alternative constructs are suggested: a construct which features high frustration, anger and resistance to control - believed to interact with punitive or restrictive parenting practices, and central in theories of the development of coercive parent-child relationships; a construct which appears to index insecure attachment styles; and a construct reflecting toddlers' developing ability to control their attention and behaviour

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF TIOCONAZOLE LOADED EMULGEL

Objective: The objective of the present work was to develop, characterize and evaluate the tioconazole loaded emulgel and to prove that emulgel can be the best alternative for delivery of hydrophobic drug topically.Methods: for the preparation of stable Emulgel, firstly gels were prepared using different polymers as carbopol 934 and xanthan gum, followed by preparation of emulsions and finally mixed together (table 1). Emulgel was evaluated for physical appearance, pH, spreadability, extrudability, viscosity, swelling index, dilution test, centrifuge test, drug content, in vitro release study, kinetic analysis of release data, antifungal activity and stability study for 3 mo. A comparative study was also performed between prepared emulgels with available marketed antifungal cream.Results: All evaluation parameters were in acceptable range with good physical appearance and the pH in the range of 5.5 to 6.8. The results show that the extrudability was in the range 15.63 to 35.27 g/cm2; with spreadability in range of 6.6 to 8.833 cm. swelling index of F3 was seen a maximum in 3 h of about 75.13%. The viscosity was in the range of 15240 to 56340 cps at 10 RPM. During in vitro release of all formulations, F1 and F5 showed a maximum in vitro drug release of 59.11% and 55.11% respectively in 8 h. The kinetic analysis of fitting the data in different model shows that the best formulation of F1 fits in the Higuchi model with regression coefficient (R2) of 0.998 and show non-fickian diffusion. The formulations were found stable. F1 and F5 provide a similar zone of inhibition like to market cream.Conclusion: Tioconazole emulgel provide the better platform for delivery of hydrophobic drug for topical route and so able to produce better patient compliance.Â

Cytological and chromosomal damages induced by tartrazine and two classes (III and IV) of caramel food dyes

Food colors such as tartrazine (E102), ammonia caramel (E150c), sulphite ammonia caramel (E150d) are widely used in the food sector. These additives are thought to be a long-term toxicity source. The goal of our research is to emphasize the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the three food colors at various concentrations (0.5 %, 1 %, and 2 %) using Allium cepa test. The species is thought to be one of the best for assessing genotoxicity&nbsp; because of its low chromosomal number and lengthy chromosomes. The findings revealed that the three dyes have a cytotoxic impact, as seen by root growth inhibition after 120&nbsp; h of incubation. The three food dyes had a genotoxic effect, as measured by a decrease in mitotic index and an increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations such as chromosomal bridge, stickiness, and vagrant chromosomes, at both concentrations 0.5% and 1%.&nbsp; At 2 %, &nbsp;the mitotic index was reported as &nbsp;0 and several cytological abnormalities (binucleate and micronucleated cells and fragmented nuclei) were noted.&nbsp; However, further in vitro and in vivo cytogenetic experiments treating cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the three food dyes using alternative test models (animals, cell lines) will be needed to better understand their mechanisms of action. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.583191

CHARACTERIZATION AND USE OF SUBSTRATES COMPOSED OF ORGANIC WASTE IN THE PRODUCTION OF Colubrina glandulosa PERKINS SEEDLINGS

Urban organic waste has been gaining prominence in the composition of substrates, as it is a source of natural nutrients and a sustainable alternative to mitigate environmental impacts caused by improper waste disposal. The aim of this study was to characterize chemically and physically substrates based on organic waste and to evaluate the development of Colubrina glandulosa seedlings using composted urban tree pruning waste. Treatments consisted of different proportions of organic compost (CP), soil from the A horizon (SAH), aged manure (BM) and vermiculite, kept in tubes (Citropote®) with volume of 1.7 L. C/N ratio, water holding capacity (10 hPa), electrical conductivity, macroporosity, microporosity and total porosity of substrates before their use were determined. Substrate fertility analyses were carried out before and after seedling production. During the development of the seedlings, height (H) and stem diameter (SD) were measured at 60, 90 and 120 days. At 90 and 120 days, the seedlings were divided into shoots and roots to determine the dry mass of each compartment, Dickson quality index (DQI) and contents of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg). After the analysis of the results, it can be observed that the treatments with high proportions of CP had better physical characteristics, but also showed chemical limitation in the development of the seedlings. Treatments based on BM, SAH and lower proportion of CP had the highest average results for H, SD, H/SD ratio and DQI.

[OP.7B.08] INFLUENCE OF GENDER ON THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN NEW INDICES OF ADIPOSITY AND LEFT VENTRICULAR MASS AND HYPERTROPHY IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

OBJECTIVE: The unfavourable effects of the association of obesity with hypertension on cardiac structure and function have been extensively studied. However, controversy still exists about the influence of gender on the relationship between obesity and left ventricular mass (LVM) and hypertrophy (LVH). Even if body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are widely used as anthropometric predictors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), their validity has been questioned. Recently, Body Shape Index (ABSI) and Body Roundness Index (BRI) were proposed as alternative measures of adiposity that may better reflect health status (1-2).Our study was aimed to assess the ability of ABSI and BRI in identifying LVH and to determine whether they are superior to BMI and WC. Moreover, the influence of gender on the relationships between all these indices of adiposity and LVM was also evaluated. DESIGN AND METHOD: We enrolled 724 subjects with EH (mean age 45 ± 12 years, 63 % men) without cardiovascular complications.In all subjects the anthropometric indices (weight, height and waist circumference) and the routine biochemical parameters were determined. BMI, ABSI and BRI were calculated. Furthermore, all patients underwent a 24-h blood pressure monitoring and an echocardiogram. LVM was indexed for body surface area (LVMI) and for height2.7 (LVMH2.7). RESULTS: The univariate correlations of LVMI and LVMH2.7 with the measures of adiposity evaluated are shown in the table 1.ROC curves analysis revealed that in overall population (table 2) and in men BRI has a greater ability to identify LVH defined as LVMH2.7 > 51 g/m2.7.(Figure is included in full-text article.) CONCLUSIONS: : Our results seems to suggest that in men, but not in women, the BRI has a greater sensitivity to detect LVH than ABSI and the traditional measures of adiposity

Evaluation of the seat index point tool for military seats

This study evaluated the ISO 5353 Seat Index Point Tool (SIPT) as an alternative to the SAE J826 H-point manikin for measuring military seats. A tool was fabricated based on the ISO specification and a custom backangle measurement probe was designed and fitted to the SIPT. Comparisons between the two tools in a wide range of seating conditions showed that the mean SIP location was 5 mm aft of the H-point, with a standard deviation of 7.8 mm. Vertical location was not significantly different between the two tools (mean -0.7 mm, sd 4.0 mm). A high correlation (r=0.9) was observed between the back angle measurements from the two tools. The SIPT was slightly more repeatable across installations and installers than the J826 manikin, with most of the discrepancy arising from situations with flat seat cushion angles and either unusually upright or reclined back angles that caused the J826 manikin to be unstable. The investigators who performed the measurements indicated that the SIPT was easier to use. The data show that the SIPT is a reasonable substitute for the SAE J826 manikin when ease-of-use considerations favor the SIPT, such as restricted space around the seat, low seat heights, or low cushion angles. Human posture measurements in seats with large discrepancies between the tools will be needed to determine which provides a better prediction of sitter position.U.S. Army TARDEChttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/111823/1/103190.pd

ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR REBONDED BRACKET CLEANING USING INORGANIC SOLVENT

Objective: The aim of this study was to prove that organic solvents areas effective and efficient as sandblasting and burning for cleaning rebonded brackets.Methods: Thirty stainless steel metal brackets mounted on 30 maxillary first premolar teeth were categorized into three cleaning method groups, each consisting of 10 brackets. After 24 h, shear bond strength (SBS) tests were performed using a universal testing machine.Results: The one-way ANOVA test showed a significant difference (p=0.000) among the mean SBS values in the three cleaning method groups. However, the modified adhesive remnant index by a Kruskal–Wallis analysis showed no significant difference (p=0.860). The scanning electron microscopy results revealed that the organic solvent cleaning method showed better bracket performance than the other two methods. Moreover, the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results showed that the adhesive material remaining on the bracket base was relatively similar among the three cleaning methods.Conclusion: Based on practicality and the results of this study, the organic solvent cleaning method was proven to be effective and efficient. Therefore, organic solvents can be recommended as an alternative cleaning method for detached brackets