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Background: Questionnaires are often used to quantify the subjective aspects of illness such as disability, coping strategies, or symptoms of depression. Most questionnaires were validated in a paper-based format, but direct entry into a computer is becoming commonplace. The aim of this study was to assess differences in outcome of questionnaires pertinent to hand and upper extremity illness when they were administered in a computer or paper format. Methods: Ninety-nine patients completed both paper and web versions of the short forms of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; the Pain Catastrophizing Scale; the Short Health Anxiety Index (SHAI-6); the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale; and a pain scale and the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire sequentially during a single visit. We alternated starting with the paper or the web version after every five patients. Results: The cohort consisted of 46 females and 53 males with a mean age of 49 years. There were significant differences in SHAI-6 and the pain scale, but not in the other measures. The intraclass correlation was high. Conclusions: The use of these questionnaires in electronic format is valid provided that the small differences we observed are not important to the primary study question. In our opinion, for most studies, the advantages of using an electronic format outweigh the small additional variation that might be introduced in the measures in an electronic format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents experimental analysis and numerical modeling of hygroscopic moisture buffering by paper and books. First, a literature review of moisture transport properties of paper is presented. Experimental work on two paper types includes SEM analysis of the paper structure, determination of sorption isotherms and water vapor permeability measurements. A hysteretic model for paper is presented, which is based on the measurement of the main adsorption and desorption curves. It is shown that the water vapor permeability in a hysteretic model is dependent on the moisture content and not on the relative humidity. Books consist of several paper sheets with air layers between the sheets. To take the air layers into account, a parallel transport model is proposed to determine the effective moisture transport properties of books taking into account the air layers. The dynamic hygroscopic behavior of small book samples was measured. It is shown that, although the water vapor permeability of different paper types can be quite different, the effusivity of a book highly depends on the presence of the air layers and can therefore remain comparable for different paper types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the use of documents as educational material to furnish both factual knowledge and understandings of situations and relationships. Anything that is an original record or a photograph thereof or even an accurate reprint thereof, must be classified as a document for the purpose of this study. Significant documents of many varieties provide pertinent knowledge for educational purposes. The term document cannot be restricted to paper with print or handwriting on it. Local libraries and local or county historical societies are the normal repositories of much of the paper documentary material. The values which may be obtained from documentary material are most when the wide range of material is brought together from most diverse sources. Pictorial documents are often strikingly useful. Maps are valuable as documents, especially those that depict past conditions. The study and effective use of the fundamental documents that have molded our destiny has a definite place in our educational programs.

The article presents the case of three sisters who practise pica. Their mother has practised pica during her first three pregnancies. Pica is an abnormal desire to eat inappropriate materials like clay, cement and paper. Pica is also known as a cultural activity which happens in many parts of the world. It cites several reasons for the practice of pica, such as for the relief of stomach discomfort .

During the period June 1955 to May 1956, 779 pages of editorial matter were published. Of this total 460 pages were of articles, 207 pages were book reviews and book notes, 61 pages were official reports and news, and the remainder 51 pages were miscellaneous. In the indicated period 288 papers were received and 72 published. As was the case for the two years preceding, about one article was published for every four received. The average time between the receipt of an article and final action upon it was approximately seven weeks. Once again the constructively critical work led to the successful revision of a number of papers that might otherwise have proved unavailable for publication. The average interval between the acceptance of a paper and its publication was approximately five months, with a range of three to nine months. As mentioned above, official reports and news used 61 pages, or 8 per cent of the total editorial matter. The Editor renews his recommendation to the Society that these functions be discharged by the establishing of a new journal devoted to items of professional in distinction to scientific importance.

The article focuses on the annual report of the managing editor of the periodical "American Sociological Review." This is a decrease of 81 from the number a year ago. In addition to these volumes the Society owns two sets of the Papers and Proceedings which are held in the office of the Managing Editor as a permanent file. The 1943 sale of Proceedings amounted to approximately $90.00. A large order for these volumes is still being filled for a South African book shop. Income from individual sales of the Review thus far the year, 1944, was $176.87. Two thousand copies of each number of Volume VIII were printed. The average distribution for the year is as follows: Members, 1,082, subscribers, 67; libraries, 504; exchanges, 43; complimentary (includes copies to advertisers), 43; total distribution, 1,739. Copies of the Review are sent to all persons on the membership list of the preceding year in February, but subsequent issues are sent only to persons whose dues for the current year are paid.

The article provides information on the journal "Production and Operations Management." The journal serves as a research journal in operations management in terms of manufacturing and services. It publishes scientific research regarding the problems, interests and concerns of managers who supervise product and manufacturing processes, operations and supply chains. It embraces all topics related to product process and design, operations, and supply chain management and accepts papers using any research paradigm. Meanwhile, the author presents the website www.poms.org for additional information.

President Carl C. Taylor is planning for a section on Contributed Papers for the next annual meeting of the American Sociological Society to be held in Chicago from December 28 to 30. This Section is designed particularly for those younger members of the Society, including graduate students, who have not yet had an opportunity to appear on the program in other sections. Therefore, urging that all such papers be submitted not later than November 1, in order that the Committee may have adequate time to consider them carefully and make a selection to be presented at the meeting. If there are sufficient papers of merit there will be two sections of probably three papers each. Papers should be sent directly to the Chairman of the Committee, Katharine Jocher, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill,North Carolina.