Constant threshold correction to electrically charged dilatonic black holes

We investigate the effect of a constant threshold correction to a general non-extreme, static, spherically symmetric, electrically charged black hole solution of the dilatonic Einstein-Maxwell Lagrangian, with an arbitrary coupling $\beta$ between the electromagnetic tensor and the dilaton field. For a small $\beta$, an exact analytical solution is obtained. For an arbitrary $\beta$, a close form solution, up to first order in the threshold correction, of the metric and the dilaton are presented. In the extremal limit, the close form solution is reduced to an exact analytical form.Comment: LaTex with RevTex, 8 page

Non-Perturbative States in Superstring Theories

Massless BPS-saturated states in toroidally compactified heterotic string were discussed first. Then, I constructed a large class of BPS-saturated states of toroidally compactified type II string theories. They were parametrized by four independent parameters. Both orthogonal and non-orthogonal intersections of non-perturbative states in the corresponding ten dimensional theories were discussed. Phenomenologically, I considered the string effect in the form of threshold corrections on dilatonic charged black holes, and the superpotential of N=1 supergravity theoryComment: Dissertation (1997

Service learning in medical and nursing training: A randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to explore the long term effect of a service learning project on medical and nursing students' knowledge in aging and their attitudes toward older adults. A total of 124 students were recruited and then randomized to intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). A pre-and-post-intervention design measured students' knowledge in aging (using modified Palmore's Fact on Aging Quiz) and attitudes toward older adults (using Kogan's Old People Scale). A total of 103 students completed all the activities and questionnaires. After the intervention, there were significant differences between the IG and CG on Palmore's mental health (MH) (P =.04), Palmore's total score (P =.02) and Kogan's negative attitudes toward older adults (P =.001). All students increased their positive attitude toward older adults after the intervention. However, both the IG and CG showed a decrease in positive attitudes 1 month after the interventon, and such decrease varied, depending on the programme which students attended. The current study showed that the 10-week service learning activities significantly increased medical and nursing students' overall knowledge of aging and their understanding of mental health needs in old age, and reduced their negative attitudes toward older adults. However, the effect is not long-lasting. On the other hand, its effect on positive attitudes toward older adults cannot be concluded. Periodic contacts with older adults via service learning activities may be needed to sustain attitude change toward older adults. © 2011 The Author(s).published_or_final_versionSpringer Open Choice, 21 Feb 201

Differentiation in key learning areas for gifted students in regular classes: A project for primary school teachers in Hong Kong

Gifted students usually require much less time spent in practising and revising basic skills; instead, they benefit greatly from opportunities to work through the curriculum at a faster pace (acceleration). Teachers currently working with mixed-ability classes do not always find it easy to differentiate their teaching approach in this way, so there is a need to facilitate in-service professional development to provide teachers with practical strategies for implementing effective differentiation for gifted learners. In response, a project for primary school teachers was organized by a university in Hong Kong. The purposes of the project were (a) to enhance the confidence of teachers in planning and delivering differentiated lessons in specific key learning areas (KLAs) with particular reference to gifted students; (b) to empower teachers with knowledge and strategies necessary for designing and implementing a differentiated curriculum in KLA domains and (c) to establish a professional development practice that connects local academics with schools and teachers. The project was implemented by inviting curriculum leaders, panel chairpersons and subject teachers from primary schools to attend a 3-hour lecture and a 6-hour workshop in which differentiation practices were explored. The project was later evaluated based on feedback from participants and university consultants. Overall, the feedback was positive, but suggestions are provided here for enhancing future projects of a similar nature.postprin

Psychometric properties of the caregiver inventory for measuring caregiving self-efficacy of caregivers of patients with palliative care needs

Taking care of patients with palliative care needs could be a stressful event. While caregiving was associated with decreases in psychological health in caregivers, increased caregiving self-efficacy associated with reduced burden. Yet, there is no instrument available in Chinese for assessing caregiving self-efficacy in the palliative care setting. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of a Chinese version of Caregiver Inventory (CGI) in Chinese caregivers of patients with palliative care needs. The CGI was translated to the Chinese language, validated by an expert panel, and tested. A convenience sample of 232 patient-caregiver dyads recruited from three hospitals in Hong Kong was included in the analysis. A high completion rate of 95.5% in caregivers and no floor or ceiling effects were noted for the CGI. In contrast to the four-factor structure identified in the original 21- item CGI, our EFA produced an 18-item solution accounting for 57% of the total variation comprising three factors: (1) Care of the care recipient, (2) Managing information and self-care, and (3) Managing emotional interaction with care recipient (C-CGI-18). Separate dimensions for Managing information and Self-care were not supported. For the three domains of the C-CGI-18, Cronbach’s alphas ranged from 0.84 to 0.90 and 2-week testretest reliability ranged from 0.71 to 0.76. Correlations of the three domains with caregiver strain (r: -0.31 to -0.42, p-values<0.01) and total scores in perceived social support (r: 0.24 to 0.36, p-values<0.01). Correlation between the Care of the care recipient domain and patient’s physical functioning (r=0.17, p-value<0.05) indicated acceptable construct validity. In conclusion, the C-CGI-18 has suitable factor structure and psychometric properties for use in assessing caregiving self-efficacy among Chinese caregivers of patients with palliative care needs. It is simply and easy to use and can be recommended for clinical and research practice for the Hong Kong Chinese populations

Clinical significance of hepatic derangement in severe acute respiratory syndrome

Aim: Elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level is commonly seen among patients suffering from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). We report the progression and clinical significance of liver derangement in a large cohort of SARS patient. Methods: Serial assay of serum ALT was followed in patients who fulfilled the WHO criteria of SARS. Those with elevated ALT were compared with those with normal liver functions for clinical outcome. Serology for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was checked. Adverse outcomes were defined as oxygen desaturation, need of intensive care unit (ICU) and mechanical ventilation and death. Results: Two hundred and ninety-four patients were included in this study. Seventy (24%) patients had elevated serum ALT on admission and 204 (69%) patients had elevated ALT during the subsequent course of illness. Using peak ALT >5×ULN as a cut-off and after adjusting for potential confounding factors, the odds ratio of peak ALT >5× ULN for oxygen desaturation was 3.24 (95%CI 1.23-8.59, P = 0.018), ICU care was 3.70 (95%CI 1.38-9.89, P = 0.009), mechanical ventilation was 6.64 (95%CI 2.22-19.81, P = 0.001) and death was 7.34 (95%CI 2.28-24.89, P = 0.001). Ninety-three percent of the survived patients had ALT levels normalized or were on the improving trend during follow-up. Chronic hepatitis B was not associated with worse clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Reactive hepatitis is a common complication of SARS-coronavirus infection. Those patients with severe hepatitis had worse clinical outcome. © 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.published_or_final_versio

Re-thinking the incrementalist thesis in China: a reflection on the development of the minimum standard of living scheme in urban and rural areas

Many commentators contend that the Chinese government adopted an incremental approach to welfare policy reform because its leaders lacked an overall blueprint for it, allowing initiatives to be implemented only after lengthy experimentation. While this perspective has provided an essential account of the implementation and changes of some welfare programmes, it has inadequately addressed the slow progress in rural areas' welfare programmes and the different welfare entitlements for rural and urban residents. Further investigation is therefore required to resolve these anomalies. Using the minimum standard of living scheme (MSLS) as a case example, this article illustrates how the Chinese government's legitimacy needs, during different stages of its economic reforms, have been the principal motivation for the implementation of such schemes. The introduction of an urban MSLS in 1997 aimed to reduce laid-off workers' dissatisfaction following the government's reforms of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The implementation of a rural MSLS in 2007 was intended principally to minimise conflicts between land-losing farmers and local officials after widespread rural riots. These MSLSs are also minimal and stigmatising public-assistance schemes that fulfil the dual objective of securing a stable political environment for economic reform and maintaining poor people's work ethic for China's mixed economy

Pulmonary artery sarcoma diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration

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