bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliacao de projeto de promocao da saude para adolescentes
Authors: Ferreira Jovino Oliveira , Jardim Paulo Cesar Brandao Veiga , Peixoto Maria do Rosario Gondim
Published: September 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar programa de promoção de atividade física e de escolhas alimentares entre adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com 911 adolescentes de 13 a 18 anos de idade, de escolas públicas de Goiânia, GO, em 2010. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos: intervenção (escolas participantes do Projeto Viver Saudável) e controle. Foram considerados como atividade física: deslocamento, aulas de educação física na escola, atividade física fora da escola e no lazer. Foram definidos como ativos aqueles que acumularam 300 ou mais minutos por semana. Quanto às escolhas alimentares, foi classificado como adequado o consumo de alimentos protetores em cinco ou mais dias da semana. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas com teste de Qui-quadrado de Pearson. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos adolescentes foi identificada como inativos ou insuficientemente ativos, com 65,7% no grupo intervenção e 65,2% no grupo controle, sem diferenças significativas entre os grupos e com prevalência maior entre o sexo feminino. Pouco mais da metade dos adolescentes consumiam alimentos protetores da saúde em cinco ou mais dias da semana, sendo 56,6% e 50,4%, respectivamente, nos grupos intervenção e controle (p = 0,373). CONCLUSÕES: A ausência de diferenças quanto a escolhas alimentares e prática de atividade física entre os grupos intervenção e controle indica que o projeto Viver Saudável precisa ser reavaliado visando melhorar a efetividade no cumprimento dos seus objetivos.
Human risk assessment of benzene after a gasoline station fuel leak
Authors: Santos Miriam dos Anjos , Tavora Bruno Esteves , Koide Sergio , Caldas Eloisa Dutra
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE: To assess the health risk of exposure to benzene for a community affected by a fuel leak. METHODS: Data regarding the fuel leak accident with, which occurred in the Brasilia, Federal District, were obtained from the Fuel Distributor reports provided to the environmental authority. Information about the affected population (22 individuals) was obtained from focal groups of eight individuals. Length of exposure and water benzene concentration were estimated through a groundwater flow model associated with a benzene propagation model. The risk assessment was conducted according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry methodology. RESULTS: A high risk perception related to the health consequences of the accident was evident in the affected community (22 individuals), probably due to the lack of assistance and a poor risk communication from government authorities and the polluting agent. The community had been exposed to unsafe levels of benzene (> 5 µg/L) since December 2001, five months before they reported the leak. The mean benzene level in drinking water (72.2 µg/L) was higher than that obtained by the Fuel Distributer using the Risk Based Corrective Action methodology (17.2 µg/L).The estimated benzene intake from the consumption of water and food reached a maximum of 0.0091 µg/kg bw/day (5 x 10-7 cancer risk per 106 individuals). The level of benzene in water vapor while showering reached 7.5 µg/m3 for children (1 per 104 cancer risk). Total cancer risk ranged from 110 to 200 per 106 individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The population affected by the fuel leak was exposed to benzene levels that might have represented a health risk. Local government authorities need to develop better strategies to respond rapidly to these types of accidents to protect the health of the affected population and the environment.
Addressing the Challenges of Production Forecasting in the Remote Highlands of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Sullivan S.. , Rowse J..
Published: September 2013

Operational conditions in the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG) bring a multitude of challenges, including complex geology, steep jungle terrain, extreme rainfall, a sensitive ecosystem, a variety of landowner cultures, ageing facilities, mature reservoirs, and fraught logistics. These factors conspire to increase the complexity of production forecasting well beyond just reservoir performance.

After missing production targets for a number of years, a significant improvement in forecasting was needed to fully capture the uncertainties, both identified and unforeseen. A probabilistic forecasting tool by use of Monte Carlo simulation has been developed, which incorporates assessments of all major variables and takes account of historical performance and system changes.

Successful implementation has resulted in the generation of realistic targets that have been met within 4% for 4 years. Further, a clearer understanding of potential threats and opportunities, combined with their impact on production, has been achieved. These results have delivered material benefits to business planning, decision making, and company reputation. Data to be presented on the forecasting tool will describe the quantification of uncertainty for each major variable, including reservoir and facility performance, incremental production opportunities, project schedules, and major unplanned downtime.

This approach could be applicable to exploration and production companies operating in difficult conditions worldwide, in areas where unreliable production targets have a major business impact. It is flexible enough for both short- and long-term forecasts, tracking and reporting, and adaptation to new or changed operating conditions.
The Outcome of Bone Substitute Wedges in Medial Opening High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Hooper N.M. , Schouten R. , Hooper G.J.
Published: September 2013

Background:

Opening wedge high tibial osteotomy often requires bone grafting to improve the union rate and avoid instability at the osteotomy site. Autograft and allograft have both been associated with complications and the use of bone substitute wedges has been advocated to improve the outcome. This study investigated the clinical, radiological and histological outcomes of using biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic (Triosite) wedges in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy and determined whether the presence of the graft would compromise the satisfactory conversion to a total knee replacement.

Methods:

A consecutive cohort underwent radiological review to determine whether the osteotomy healed and the correction was maintained. Biopsies were performed on those undergoing second procedures. All patients converted to total knee arthroplasty were assessed separately as to any surgical complications attributed to the Triosite wedge.

Results:

There were 36 osteotomies in 33 patients with a minimum of 4 years follow up. All osteotomies healed. There was an average 90 (5-14) of correction, which was maintained. Histological assessment of 17 cases confirmed adequate bone replacement of the Triosite although some areas of tricalcium phosphate remained visible. Conversion to a total knee arthroplasty occurred in 11 cases with no complications.

Conclusion:

Biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic wedges (Triosite) can be reliably used in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy with a low incidence of complications and satisfactory conversion to total knee arthroplasty.
Res Medica, Volume 1, Number 1, 1957
Authors: Davidson Sir Stanley , Cockburn Forrester , Porritt Arthur , Macgregor Alastair G , Gray James A , Ruckley C Vaughan
Published: September 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTSEDITORIAL                                                                      TO BE OR NOT TO BE — A DOCTOR: Sir Stanley Davidson, B.A., M.D., P.R.C.P.E., F.R.C.P.( LOND.), Q.H.P.                                                BENJAMIN FRANKLIN: Forrester Cockburn   MODERN CONCEPTS OF BREAST CARCINOMA: Sir Arthur Porritt , K.C.M.G., C.B.E.,M.A., M.ch., F.R.C.S.                                                         NORTH AMERICAN KALEIDOSCOPE: Alastair G. MacGregor , B.SC., M.D., F.R.F.P.S.G.,M.R.C.P.E., M.R.C.P.                                                               BRONCHOGENIC CARCINOMA: James A. GrayOPERA OCCULTA: Collected from the Society’s archives: C. Vaughan Ruckley
Bronchogenic Carcinoma: Some Aspects of its Aetiology and Prevention
Authors: Gray James A
Published: September 2013

Fifty years ago, bronchogenic carcinoma was a rare disease; to-day it is the most frequently encountered intra-thoracic neoplasm and it is one of the commonest of all the killing tumours. It still bears a grave prognosis despite the advances in surgical and diagnostic technique which allow the treatment to be begun much earlier than was possible in former days. The general public, let alone the medical profession, is becoming increasingly alarmed by this condition, not only on account of its lethal character, but because of the correlation between it and the almost universal habit of cigarette smoking. Questions of ethics and sociology, of politics and economics, of industry and international relations are some of the problems closely interwoven in the suspected aetiology and in the hoped-for prevention of bronchogenic carcinoma.
Growth Normal and Abnormal
Authors: Swann Prof Michael
Published: September 2013

Growth as we see it in an animal or a plant, is a smooth continuous process. But the more we delve into it, the more discontinuous we find it to be. Individual cells do not grow indefinitely. When they reach a certain size, they undergo a drastic reorganisation, and divide into two. Even growth between one division and the next is not, as one might have expected, a smooth process of increase by compound interest. Instead, as Dr. J. M. Mitchison of Edinburgh University has recently shown, it is growth by simple interest, until shortly before the cells are due to divide, when they suddenly double their rate of increase, in readiness for the appearance of two daughter cells, each of which will grow at the original rate. The machinery for making new living matter is evidently duplicated quite suddenly.
The Changing Face of Medical Practice
Authors: Boddy F A
Published: September 2013

Medical Practice has seen considerable change in the past century: during this time there has been a greater revolution in medical standards and activities than in the whole previous history of the profession. Medicine has evolved from the gentle art of the eighteenth century to the practice of the precise rationalism of the present day. In applying the techniques of modern science, Medicine has involved itself in almost every aspect of our environment and is becoming more and more a major factor in human ecology. The purpose of this article is to attempt to evaluate, albeit very briefly, the manner in which this change has come about.
Minimal Functional β-Cell Mass in Intraportal Implants That Reduces Glycemic Variability in Type 1 Diabetic Recipients
Authors: Gillard Pieter , Hilbrands Robert , Van de Velde Ursule , Ling Zhidong , Lee Da Hae , Weets Ilse , Gorus Frans , De Block Christophe , Kaufman Leonard , Mathieu Chantal , Pipeleers Daniel , Keymeulen Bart
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

Previous work has shown a correlation between β-cell number in cultured islet cell grafts and their ability to induce C-peptide secretion after intraportal implantation in C-peptide–negative type1 diabetic patients. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the minimal functional β-cell mass (FBM) in the implant that induces metabolic improvement.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Glucose clamps assessed FBM in 42 recipients with established implants. C-peptide release during each phase was expressed as percentage of healthy control values. Its relative magnitude during a second hyperglycemic phase was most discriminative and therefore selected as a parameter to be correlated with metabolic effects.

RESULTS

Recipients with functioning β-cell implants exhibited average FBM corresponding to 18% of that in normal control subjects (interquartile range 10–33%). Its relative magnitude negatively correlated with HbA1c levels (r = −0.47), daily insulin dose (r = −0.75), and coefficient of variation of fasting glycemia (CVfg) (r = −0.78, retained in multivariate analysis). A correlation between FBM and CVfg <25% appeared from the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.97 [95% CI 0.93–1.00]). All patients with FBM >37% exhibited CVfg <25% and a >50% reduction of their pretransplant CVfg; this occurred in none with FBM <5%. Implants with FBM >18% reduced CVfg from a median pretransplant value of 46 to <25%.

CONCLUSIONS

Glucose clamping assesses the degree of restoration in FBM achieved by islet cell implants. Values >37% of normal control subjects appear needed to reduce glycemic variability in type 1 diabetic recipients. Further studies should examine whether the test can help guide decisions on additional islet cell transplants and on adjusting or stopping immunotherapy.
Increased Complement Activation in Human Type 1 Diabetes Pancreata
Authors: Rowe Patrick , Wasserfall Clive , Croker Byron , Campbell-Thompson Martha , Pugliese Alberto , Atkinson Mark , Schatz Desmond
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

Evidence supporting an association between complement (C) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) includes the identification of C-fixing islet cell autoantibodies in T1D sera and genetic associations with the major histocompatibility complex III C4 region on chromosome 6. Therefore, we investigated whether C activation was present in pancreata from those with or at increased risk (positive for T1D associated autoantibodies) for T1D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Immunohistochemical techniques were used to measure the C degradation product C4d in organ donor pancreata from patients with T1D and type 2 diabetes and autoantibody-positive and autoantibody-negative subjects.

RESULTS

Median C4d antigen density differed across the groups (P < 0.0001) and was highest in patients with T1D. C4d immunostaining localized to the blood vessel endothelium and extracellular matrix surrounding blood vessels and exocrine ducts. Receiver operating characteristic analysis resulted in 81.8% sensitivity and 94.4% specificity for C4d staining.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that C activation is occurring within pancreata from patients with T1D and C4d may be a biomarker for T1D.
Fatigue in Ménière’s disease
Authors: Levo Hilla , Kentala Erna , Rasku Jyrki , Pyykkő Ilmari
Published: September 2013

Objective:

To explore the role of fatigue and its predisposing and consequential factors and consequences, on quality of life and social participation.

Subjects and methods:

A questionnaire survey of 728 members of the Finnish Ménière Association was performed. Questions focused on the symptoms of Ménière's disease, sense of coherence (SOC), positive attitude, participation and restriction problems classified by the International Classification of Function (ICF), and general health related quality of life (EQ-5D).

Results:

Seventy percent of the subjects reported fatigue and in 30% fatigue was moderate or strong. Fatigue was associated with reduced quality of life and complaints of vertigo attacks, balance problems and hearing loss. Mobility related symptoms and mood disorders in a broad sense were the most significant determinants of fatigue. SOC and attitude were predictors of reduced vitality. Analysis based on participation restrictions indicated isolation being a consequence of fatigue. In the analysis the severity of the disease was controlled.

Conclusion:

Fatigue is a common complaint in Ménière's disease, reducing quality of life and leading to social and personal isolation. Fatigue is associated with personality trait and anxiety disorders. Therapeutically, a positive attitude and physical activity might help to reduce anxiety and escape the social and personal isolation.
Natural Exposure of Horses to Mosquito-Borne Flaviviruses in South-East Queensland, Australia
Authors: Prow Natalie , Tan Cindy , Wang Wenqi , Hobson-Peters Jody , Kidd Lisa , Barton Anita , Wright John , Hall Roy , Bielefeldt-Ohmann Helle
Published: September 2013

In 2011 an unprecedented epidemic of equine encephalitis occurred in south-eastern (SE) Australia following heavy rainfall and severe flooding in the preceding 2–4 months. Less than 6% of the documented cases occurred in Queensland, prompting the question of pre-existing immunity in Queensland horses. A small-scale serological survey was conducted on horses residing in one of the severely flood-affected areas of SE-Queensland. Using a flavivirus-specific blocking-ELISA we found that 63% (39/62) of horses older than 3 years were positive for flavivirus antibodies, and of these 18% (7/38) had neutralizing antibodies to Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV), Kunjin virus (WNVKUN) and/or Alfuy virus (ALFV). The remainder had serum-neutralizing antibodies to viruses in the Kokobera virus (KOKV) complex or antibodies to unknown/untested flaviviruses. Amongst eight yearlings one presented with clinical MVEV-encephalomyelitis, while another, clinically normal, had MVEV-neutralizing antibodies. The remaining six yearlings were flavivirus antibody negative. Of 19 foals born between August and November 2011 all were flavivirus antibody negative in January 2012. This suggests that horses in the area acquire over time active immunity to a range of flaviviruses. Nevertheless, the relatively infrequent seropositivity to MVEV, WNVKUN and ALFV (15%) suggests that factors other than pre-existing immunity may have contributed to the low incidence of arboviral disease in SE-Queensland horses during the 2011 epidemic.
Adverse Impact of Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia on Cardiovascular Tissue Homeostasis in a Rabbit Model: Time-Dependent Changes in Cardiac Parameters
Authors: Kertész Attila , Bombicz Mariann , Priksz Daniel , Balla Jozsef , Balla Gyorgy , Gesztelyi Rudolf , Varga Balazs , Haines David , Tosaki Arpad , Juhasz Bela
Published: September 2013

The present study evaluates a hypothesis that diet-related hypercholesterolemia increases oxidative stress-related burden to cardiovascular tissue, resulting in progressively increased mortality, along with deterioration of electrophysiological and enzymatic function in rabbit myocardium. New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups, defined as follows: GROUP I, cholesterol-free rabbit chow for 12 weeks; GROUP II, cholesterol-free chow, 40 weeks; GROUP III, chow supplemented with 2% cholesterol, 12 weeks; GROUP IV, chow supplemented with 2% cholesterol, 40 weeks. At the 12 and 40 weeks time points, animals in each of the aforementioned cohorts were subjected to echocardiographic measurements, followed by sacrifice. Significant deterioration in major outcome variables measured in the present study were observed only in animals maintained for 40 weeks on 2% cholesterol-supplemented chow, with much lesser adverse effects noted in animals fed high cholesterol diets for only 12 weeks. It was observed that rabbits receiving high cholesterol diets for 40 weeks exhibited significantly increased mortality, worsened ejection fraction and general deterioration of cardiac functions, along with increased atherosclerotic plaque formation and infarct size. Additionally, myocardium of GROUP IV animals was observed to contain lower levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and cytochrome c oxidase III (COX III) protein relative to the controls.
High Density Polyethylene Composites Reinforced with Hybrid Inorganic Fillers: Morphology, Mechanical and Thermal Expansion Performance
Authors: Huang Runzhou , Xu Xinwu , Lee Sunyoung , Zhang Yang , Kim Birm-June , Wu Qinglin
Published: September 2013

The effect of individual and combined talc and glass fibers (GFs) on mechanical and thermal expansion performance of the filled high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites was studied. Several published models were adapted to fit the measured tensile modulus and strength of various composite systems. It was shown that the use of silane-modified GFs had a much larger effect in improving mechanical properties and in reducing linear coefficient of thermal expansion (LCTE) values of filled composites, compared with the use of un-modified talc particles due to enhanced bonding to the matrix, larger aspect ratio, and fiber alignment for GFs. Mechanical properties and LCTE values of composites with combined talc and GF fillers varied with talc and GF ratio at a given total filler loading level. The use of a larger portion of GFs in the mix can lead to better composite performance, while the use of talc can help lower the composite costs and increase its recyclability. The use of 30 wt % combined filler seems necessary to control LCTE values of filled HDPE in the data value range generally reported for commercial wood plastic composites. Tensile modulus for talc-filled composite can be predicted with rule of mixture, while a PPA-based model can be used to predict the modulus and strength of GF-filled composites.
Synthesis of Glycyrrhetinic Acid-Modified Chitosan 5-Fluorouracil Nanoparticles and Its Inhibition of Liver Cancer Characteristics in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Cheng Mingrong , Gao Xiaoyan , Wang Yong , Chen Houxiang , He Bing , Xu Hongzhi , Li Yingchun , Han Jiang , Zhang Zhiping
Published: September 2013

Nanoparticle drug delivery (NDDS) is a novel system in which the drugs are delivered to the site of action by small particles in the nanometer range. Natural or synthetic polymers are used as vectors in NDDS, as they provide targeted, sustained release and biodegradability. Here, we used the chitosan and hepatoma cell-specific binding molecule, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), to synthesize glycyrrhetinic acid-modified chitosan (GA-CTS). The synthetic product was confirmed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). By combining GA-CTS and 5-FU (5-fluorouracil), we obtained a GA-CTS/5-FU nanoparticle, with a particle size of 217.2 nm, a drug loading of 1.56% and a polydispersity index of 0.003. The GA-CTS/5-FU nanoparticle provided a sustained release system comprising three distinct phases of quick, steady and slow release. We demonstrated that the nanoparticle accumulated in the liver. In vitro data indicated that it had a dose- and time-dependent anti-cancer effect. The effective drug exposure time against hepatic cancer cells was increased in comparison with that observed with 5-FU. Additionally, GA-CTS/5-FU significantly inhibited the growth of drug-resistant hepatoma, which may compensate for the drug-resistance of 5-FU. In vivo studies on an orthotropic liver cancer mouse model demonstrated that GA-CTS/5-FU significantly inhibited tumor growth, resulting in increased survival time.
Teaching Human Poses Interactively to a Social Robot
Authors: Gonzalez-Pacheco Victor , Malfaz Maria , Fernandez Fernando , Salichs Miguel
Published: September 2013

The main activity of social robots is to interact with people. In order to do that, the robot must be able to understand what the user is saying or doing. Typically, this capability consists of pre-programmed behaviors or is acquired through controlled learning processes, which are executed before the social interaction begins. This paper presents a software architecture that enables a robot to learn poses in a similar way as people do. That is, hearing its teacher’s explanations and acquiring new knowledge in real time. The architecture leans on two main components: an RGB-D (Red-, Green-, Blue- Depth) -based visual system, which gathers the user examples, and an Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) system, which processes the speech describing those examples. The robot is able to naturally learn the poses the teacher is showing to it by maintaining a natural interaction with the teacher. We evaluate our system with 24 users who teach the robot a predetermined set of poses. The experimental results show that, with a few training examples, the system reaches high accuracy and robustness. This method shows how to combine data from the visual and auditory systems for the acquisition of new knowledge in a natural manner. Such a natural way of training enables robots to learn from users, even if they are not experts in robotics.
Data Processing and Quality Evaluation of a Boat-Based Mobile Laser Scanning System
Authors: Vaaja Matti , Kukko Antero , Kaartinen Harri , Kurkela Matti , Kasvi Elina , Flener Claude , Hyyppä Hannu , Hyyppä Juha , Järvelä Juha , Alho Petteri
Published: September 2013

Mobile mapping systems (MMSs) are used for mapping topographic and urban features which are difficult and time consuming to measure with other instruments. The benefits of MMSs include efficient data collection and versatile usability. This paper investigates the data processing steps and quality of a boat-based mobile mapping system (BoMMS) data for generating terrain and vegetation points in a river environment. Our aim in data processing was to filter noise points, detect shorelines as well as points below water surface and conduct ground point classification. Previous studies of BoMMS have investigated elevation accuracies and usability in detection of fluvial erosion and deposition areas. The new findings concerning BoMMS data are that the improved data processing approach allows for identification of multipath reflections and shoreline delineation. We demonstrate the possibility to measure bathymetry data in shallow (0–1 m) and clear water. Furthermore, we evaluate for the first time the accuracy of the BoMMS ground points classification compared to manually classified data. We also demonstrate the spatial variations of the ground point density and assess elevation and vertical accuracies of the BoMMS data.
Designing and researching technology-enhanced learning for the zone of proximal implementation
Authors: McKenney Susan
Published: September 2013

Internationally, society is increasingly demanding that the relevance and practical applicability of research be made transparent. Despite intentions to the contrary, insights on pedagogically appropriate uses of educational technology for representative teachers in everyday school settings are severely limited. In part, this is because (design) research is often conducted at the bleeding edge of what is technologically possible – exploring innovative uses of new and emerging technologies. There is no disputing that such work is greatly needed to seek out new ways to potentially enhance the quality of teaching and learning. However, in the excitement of exploring what is possible, tomorrow, insufficient research and development work focuses on what is practical, today. This leaves a problematic gap between what could be effective technology-enhanced learning (TEL) in theory, and what can be effective TEL in practice. This paper calls for designers/researchers of TEL to devote attention to not only fine-grained issues of pupil learning and instruction but also to broader factors that determine if and how innovations are understood, adopted and used by teachers and schools, by designing innovations to align with their zone of proximal implementation. Methodological considerations are given for designing and studying interventions that are prone to implementation by being: value-added, clear, harmonious and tolerant.Keywords: learning design; implementation; innovation(Published: 16 September 2013)Citation: Research in Learning Technology Supplement 2013, 21: 17374 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21i0.17374
Sustaining learning design and pedagogical planning in CSCL
Authors: Pozzi Francesca , Persico Donatella
Published: September 2013

This paper tackles the issue of learning design and pedagogical planning in the context of computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL). In this sector, we witness the same variety of approaches and tools that we find in the technology-enhanced learning (TEL) research field. In particular, in the CSCL context, notions such as “Collaborative Learning Flow Patterns” (CLFP) or “collaborative scripts” have been used to describe and/or run online collaborative learning activities and, consequently, tools have been implemented to reify these concepts and visualise the designs. Despite the differences, most of the existing tools support the representation of learning designs that are already “in the designer’s mind”, while fewer tools specifically aim to provide guidance and support to CSCL designers in the early phases of the design process, that is, when they have to make critical decisions concerning the educational approach, the tools to be used, and the ways to engage the target population. This paper, while focusing on this gap in CSCL research, proposes a unifying model, aimed at supporting pedagogical planning and decision making in the CSCL design process based on the interplay of four model components: Task, Teams, Time and Technology.Keywords: computer-supported collaborative learning; design process; 4Ts model; learning design(Published: 16 September 2013)Citation: Research in Learning Technology Supplement 2013, 21: 17585 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21i0.17585
Designing and evaluating representations to model pedagogy
Authors: Masterman Elizabeth , Craft Brock
Published: September 2013

This article presents the case for a theory-informed approach to designing and evaluating representations for implementation in digital tools to support Learning Design, using the framework of epistemic efficacy as an example. This framework, which is rooted in the literature of cognitive psychology, is operationalised through dimensions of fit that attend to: (1) the underlying ontology of the domain, (2) the purpose of the task that the representation is intended to facilitate, (3) how best to support the cognitive processes of the users of the representations, (4) users’ differing needs and preferences, and (5) the tool and environment in which the representations are constructed and manipulated.Through showing how epistemic efficacy can be applied to the design and evaluation of representations, the article presents the Learning Designer, a constructionist microworld in which teachers can both assemble their learning designs and model their pedagogy in terms of students’ potential learning experience. Although the activity of modelling may add to the cognitive task of design, the article suggests that the insights thereby gained can additionally help a lecturer who wishes to reuse a particular learning design to make informed decisions about its value to their practice.Keywords: representations; epistemic efficacy; Learning Design; evaluation(Published: 16 September 2013)Citation: Research in Learning Technology Supplement 2013, 21: 20205 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21i0.20205
Penser le futur énergétique des territoires ruraux. L'exemple d'un projet de prospective collaborative en Ardèche
Authors: Bourez Joseph , Durand Lucas , Mao Pascal , Senil Nicolas
Published: September 2013

Si la question de la transition énergétique est aujourd’hui débattue au niveau national, sa construction dans les territoires ne va pas de soi. Les évolutions des pratiques, des technologies, des économies et des politiques nécessitent de penser et d’accompagner le changement. Ce constat général est encore plus prégnant en contexte de ruralité où les spécificités de ces espaces méritent que l’on s’y attarde. Pourtant, alors que les enjeux énergétiques y sont particulièrement prégnants et risqués, peu de travaux et de débats questionnent encore spécifiquement cela. La prospective énergétique mise en place dans le projet Prospective énergétique dans les territoires ruraux ardéchois (Petra) vise à travailler avec ces incertitudes.
Analyzing the Ethical Dilemma between Protecting Consumer Privacy and Marketing Customer Data
Authors: Bose Utpal
Published: September 2013

Rapid transformation in marketing information technologies has enabled corporations to build ample consumer databases and analyze those using sophisticated data-mining techniques to obtain extensive knowledge about those consumers’ personal life styles and private matters. Considering that the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has relied on fair information principles to guide privacy regulation and left it relatively unregulated, the burden of practicing consumer privacy lies mostly on the marketers who have to follow ethical behavior and maintain consumer privacy. In this paper the authors analyze the ethical nature of corporate decision making on matters of selling consumer data using the normative theories of business ethics and suggests approaches that balance the corporate goals of raising financial gains with the obligations they have to their stakeholders – mainly their customers. The authors also discuss the challenges faced in carrying out the analysis.
Ezrin Tunes the Magnitude of Humoral Immunity
Authors: Pore Debasis , Parameswaran Neetha , Matsui Ken , Stone Matthew B. , Saotome Ichiko , McClatchey Andrea I. , Veatch Sarah L. , Gupta Neetu
Published: September 2013

Ezrin is a member of the ezrin–radixin–moesin family of membrane-actin cytoskeleton cross-linkers that participate in a variety of cellular processes. In B cells, phosphorylation of ezrin at different sites regulates multiple processes, such as lipid raft coalescence, BCR diffusion, microclustering, and endosomal JNK activation. In this study, we generated mice with conditional deletion of ezrin in the B cell lineage to investigate the physiological significance of ezrin’s function in Ag receptor–mediated B cell activation and humoral immunity. B cell development, as well as the proportion and numbers of major B cell subsets in peripheral lymphoid organs, was unaffected by the loss of ezrin. Using superresolution imaging methods, we show that, in the absence of ezrin, BCRs respond to Ag binding by accumulating into larger and more stable signaling microclusters. Loss of ezrin led to delayed BCR capping and accelerated lipid raft coalescence. Although proximal signaling proteins showed stronger activation in the absence of ezrin, components of the distal BCR signaling pathways displayed distinct effects. Ezrin deficiency resulted in increased B cell proliferation and differentiation into Ab-secreting cells ex vivo and stronger T cell–independent and -dependent responses to Ag in vivo. Overall, our data demonstrate that ezrin regulates amplification of BCR signals and tunes the strength of B cell activation and humoral immunity.
Middle and Late Ordovician conodonts from the Foxe Lowland of southern Baffin Island, Nunavut
Authors: McCracken A D
Published: September 2013

The Middle Ordovician Frobisher Bay Formation ranges in age from Rocklandian to late Shermanian based on Polyplacognathus ramosus. The conodonts recovered from the Frobisher Bay Formation include Ansella nevadensis, Appalachignathus delicatulus, Belodina boltoni
n. sp., Belodina confluens, Parabelodina denticulata, Phragmodus undatus, Pteracontiodus sp. A, and Taoqupognathus philipi. Lowest Amadjuak Formation strata contain Belodina aff. arca and Yaoxianognathus? tunguskaensis. Latest Mohawkian
Ordovician Ostracoda from southern Baffin Island, Nunavut
Authors: Copeland M J
Published: September 2013

Fifteen samples from Ordovician rocks of southern Baffin Island were processed for ostracodes; two from the Frobisher Bay Formation and thirteen from the overlying Amadjuak Formation. Numerous other limestone slabs from both formations were examined, but few
contained identifiable ostracodes other than Eoleperditia? sp. The fauna of the Frobisher Bay Formation bears some resemblance to the faunas of the Lincolnshire and Edinburg formations of Virginia, and that of the Amadjuak Formation to faunas of midcontinental North America. A
Blackriveran
Late Middle-Early Late Ordovician graptolites from the base of the Amadjuak Formation, southern Baffin Island, Nunavut
Authors: Riva J F V
Published: September 2013

The graptolites Climacograptus (Diplacanthograptus) spiniferus Ruedemann and Amplexograptus praetypicalis Riva have been identified from the base of the Amadjuak Formation in southern Baffin Island. These two species date the base of the formation as latest
Mohawkian
The history and achievements of the South African Veterinary Association
Authors: Cameron Colin M.
Published: September 2013

This article, which was originally designed as a power point presentation, focuses on the role and achievements of the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA). It is an organisation that has fostered functional cohesion not only within the profession, but also with the broader society in providing a socially and economically supportive animal care system. Some major factors that have enabled this achievement include: rational organisational structure of the SAVA; support of the promulgation and implementation of appropriate legislation; pursuance of initial and continued high quality education by various means; effective communication with the public and government bodies; international involvement; continued development of a visionary future to endorse the principle of ‘One World One Health’.
�n Ewolusion�re perspektief op Die Nederlandse Geloofsbelydenis: Sistematies teologiese verkenning
Authors: Dreyer Daniel J.
Published: September 2013

An evolutionary perspective on the Confessio Belgica: A systematical-theological exploration. The aim of this study is to point out that the Confessio Belgica creates the opportunity to listen to both the voices of the natural sciences (especially in regard to the process of evolution) and the findings of the historical sciences. The important point of this discussion is that the human being is an evolutionary part of the process of creation. Man can no longer be seen as the ruler of creation in a personal and static sense. In the light of this we have to truly listen again to the witness of the Bible and the way in which it is formulated in the confessions of the church. The views of Wentzel van Huyssteen, Rob Bell and N.T. Wright are examples of how to respond, against the background of the science-theology debate, to the questions: �Who was Jesus?� and �What did He do?� Their insights might help us to proclaim the cosmic meaning of the message of the Gospel with integrity in a modern and postmodern world.
High Levels of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases in a Major Teaching Hospital in Ghana: The Need for Regular Monitoring and Evaluation of Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Obeng-Nkrumah Noah , Twum-Danso Kingsley , Krogfelt Karen A. , Newman Mercy J.
Published: September 2013

Infections with bacteria producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are increasing across Africa. This study reports on ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae as significant causes of infections and antibiotic resistance at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. Of 300 isolates examined, 49.3% produced ESBLs. The prevalence of ESBLs was significantly high among isolates from neonates (28 of 43, 65.1%; relative risk = 1.62, 95% confidence interval = 1.33–2.13, P = 0.002) and adult patients > 65 years of age (36 of 51, 70.5%; relative risk = 1.89, 95% confidence interval = 1.41–2.40, P = 0.001). A marked increase in minimum inhibitory concentrations of ESBL-positive species was noticed compared with those for the other strains. Using these concentrations, we found that 26 (17%) ESBL producers were resistant to two or more antibiotics (aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamide, and carbapenems) whereas 5 (3.2%) non–ESBL producers were multidrug resistant. Regular ESBL detection and evaluation of antibiotic resistance may help reduce the spread of ESBLs and antibiotic resistance in Ghana.
Dried Blood Spots for qPCR Diagnosis of Acute Bartonella bacilliformis Infection
Authors: Smit Pieter W. , Peeling Rosanna W. , Garcia Patricia J. , Torres Lorena L. , Pérez-Lu José E. , Moore David , Mabey David
Published: September 2013

Bartonella bacilliformis is the etiological agent of a life-threatening illness. Thin blood smear is the most common diagnostic method for acute infection in endemic areas of Peru but remains of limited value because of low sensitivity. The aim of this study was to adapt a B. bacilliformis-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for use with dried blood spots (DBS) as a sampling method and assess its performance and use for the diagnosis and surveillance of acute Bartonella infection. Only two of 65 children (3%) that participated in this study had positive blood smears for B. bacilliformis, whereas 16 (including these two) were positive by PCR performed on DBS samples (24.6%). The use of DBS in combination with B. bacilliformis-specific PCR could be a useful tool for public health in identifying and monitoring outbreaks of infection and designing control programs to reduce the burden of this life-threatening illness.
Endoscopic Diathermy-assisted DCR: A New Concept
Authors: Ranga Rupender K , LNU Shubhrica
Published: September 2013

Endoscopic diathermy-assisted technique is very safe, quick, less traumatic, with minimal blood loss, less tissue scarring and less postoperative discomfort and last but not the least, the ease of creating big size ostium. It has high success rate in both primary and secondary cases. Fifty-four cases of chronic dacryocystitis were treated by the endoscopic diathermy technique including 42 females and 12 males with mean age 34.66 years, 38 left eye and 16 right eye. Four patients were cannulated with nasolacrimal tube with very good results and few complications.

How to cite this article

Shubhrica, Ranga RK. Endoscopic Diathermy-assisted DCR: A New Concept. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(2):88-91.
McClear: a new model estimating downwelling solar radiation at ground level in clear-sky conditions
Authors: Lefèvre M. , Oumbe A. , Blanc P. , Espinar B. , Gschwind B. , Qu Z. , Wald L. , Schroedter-Homscheidt M. , Hoyer-Klick C. , Arola A. , Benedetti A. , Kaiser J. W. , Morcrette J.-J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. A new fast clear-sky model called McClear was developed to estimate the downwelling shortwave direct and global irradiances received at ground level under clear skies. It is a fully physical model replacing empirical relations or simpler models used before. It exploits the recent results on aerosol properties, and total column content in water vapour and ozone produced by the MACC project (Monitoring Atmosphere Composition and Climate). It accurately reproduces the irradiance computed by the libRadtran reference radiative transfer model with a computational speed approximately 105 times greater by adopting the abaci, or look-up table, approach combined with interpolation functions. It is therefore suited for geostationary satellite retrievals or numerical weather prediction schemes with many pixels or grid points, respectively. McClear irradiances were compared to 1 min measurements made in clear-sky conditions at several stations within the Baseline Surface Radiation Network in various climates. The bias for global irradiance comprises between −6 and 25 W m−2. The RMSE ranges from 20 W m−2 (3% of the mean observed irradiance) to 36 W m−2 (5%) and the correlation coefficient ranges between 0.95 and 0.99. The bias for the direct irradiance comprises between −48 and +33 W m−2. The root mean square error (RMSE) ranges from 33 W m−2 (5%) to 64 W m−2 (10%). The correlation coefficient ranges between 0.84 and 0.98. This work demonstrates the quality of the McClear model combined with MACC products, and indirectly the quality of the aerosol properties modelled by the MACC reanalysis.
Hershey’s Entry to the Australian Market with a New Brand: An Accounting and Marketing Perspective
Authors: Kızıl Cevdet , Eddy Valorie , Clary Laura , Crowell Katrina
Published: September 2013

This paper discusses the entry of Hershey’s Chocolates Company tothe Australian market with a new brand. For this purpose, background information and key performance indicators about the firm are presented. Also target customers and market summary, market demographics and target customer profile of the firm are mentioned in the context of situational analysis. Then,Hershey’s entry to the Australian market with a new product is proposed by providing and commenting on SWOT analysis, competition environment, accounting-finance indicators, marketing strategy and marketing mix (4P) factors. Thus, a deeper focus on the organization is realized and shared. As aresult, firm’s entry to the Australian market is discussed with a new product by suggesting recent and altered target customer base, customer profile,marketing strategy and marketing mix. Our study evaluates the potential disadvantages and advantages in detail and argues that there is a need for Hershey’s to enter the Australian market with a new product. In general, this article discusses and defends the entry of Hershey’s to Australian market witha new product by logical reasoning and draws a strategic roadmad to reach this goal.
The New Intellectual Capital Of Turkey: Muslim Intellectuals
Authors: Nişancı Ensar
Published: September 2013

A new genre of intellectuals has newly arisen in Turkey. They are coming from İslamic backgrounds. They are different from both modernizing elites of State and traditional Ulema of Islam. The most distinctive feature of them is that they are self-confident towards western philosophy and intellectuals, while being pudent towards people. In this article both defining features of new Islamic Intellectuals by comparision and contrast to state intellectuals and ulema.
Developing Nuclear Landscape in the Asian Heartland: Role of Nuclear-Weapon States
Authors: Enkhsaikhan J
Published: September 2013

The Mongolian Journal of International Affairs; Number 11, 2004, Page 22-45 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i11.105
Northeast Asia Security and China's Role
Authors: Jing Men , Geeraerts Gustaaf
Published: September 2013

The Mongolian Journal of International Affairs; Number 11, 2004, Page 55-74 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i11.107
Using work breakdown structure models to develop unit treatment costs
Authors: Khera Rajiv , Ransom Pat , Speth Thomas F.
Published: September 2013

This article describes the US Environmental Protection Agency's new cost modeling approach to developing unit costs for drinking water technologies. The technique uses a work breakdown structure (WBS) methodology, which involves dividing technology into discrete components for the purpose of estimating unit costs. The article demonstrates the application of this approach for three technologies that are effective at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from drinking water: packed tower aeration, multistage bubble aeration, and granular activated carbon. It presents example outputs, for illustration only, for these three WBS technology models for the removal of trichloroethylene, which, among the regulated VOCs, occurs most commonly in drinking water. The WBS models were designed for the purpose of estimating the national costs of drinking water regulations. As such, they are intended to be transparent and versatile.
Meter‐testing methods matter
Authors: Shields Devan J. , Barfuss Steven L. , Johnson Michael C. , Hannah Craig C.
Published: September 2013

Even though many water utilities in the United States perform some form of water meter testing, little has been published concerning utility meter accuracy–testing procedures. Although AWWA's Manual M6, Water Meters—Selection, Installation, Testing, and Maintenance (2012), provides much useful information concerning accuracy‐testing principles, the recent development of static residential water meters has introduced new questions about accuracy‐testing procedures that are not addressed in the current edition of M6. This article discusses the results of a study performed at the Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL) that involved sending a set of meters to various utility meter shops around the country to be tested. The UWRL tested the meters both before and after the tests were performed at each utility. Each utility forwarded a copy of its accuracy test results to the UWRL, and the results from each utility were then compared with the UWRL test results.