bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Russia’s Hybrid War in Theory and Practice
Authors: Banasik Mirosław
Published: February 2017

The warfare is evolving and it is confirmed by last conflicts in which Russia was involved. They were asymmetric in nature and their objectives, developments, consequences in broader sense and end states have been a matter of research by many scholars. The nature of those conflicts is causing concerns and a question if there were randomly run or just perfectly synchronized operations? If so, should a hybrid war be considered a way of strategy and its objectives seen through the prism of the Russia’s interests? The answer to this question can be obtained after the evaluation of the theory and practice employed by the Russian Federation in the concept of hybrid war. This is the purpose of this article. The results of the research are presented by solving the following problem: What does the concept of the new generation warfare mean?
Analysis and assessment of water distribution subsystem failure
Authors: Pietrucha-Urbanik Katarzyna , Pociask Katarzyna
Published: February 2017

The aim of the study is to analyse and assess the water supply network failure frequency in last ten years, with particular emphasis on the last year of the analysis. The analysis is based on actual data obtained from the water company. The study contains the analysis of the network failure with division into used material, the type of network and place of failure occurrence. Also the failure rate was calculated. Continuous changes in the age and material structure of the water network cause the need for conducting failure frequency research because data on failure rate are the key indicators for operational policy of water supply systems.
The impact of maternal obesity on completion of fetal anomaly screening
Authors: Eastwood Kelly-Ann , Daly Ciara , Hunter Alyson , McCance David , Young Ian , Holmes Valerie
Published: February 2017

Objective:

To examine the impact of maternal obesity on completion of fetal anomaly screening.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 500 anomaly scans (19+0–21+6 weeks) was included. Women were categorised according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) body mass index (BMI) classification: normal weight (18.50–24.99 kg/m

Results:

Image quality deteriorated as BMI increased and was significantly different across the BMI categories (P<0.001). Performance was poorest in imaging of the fetal chest and was significantly different across BMI categories (P<0.001). In obese class III, 33% of four-chamber cardiac views and 38% of outflow tract views were not obtained. In total, 119 women (23.6%) had an incomplete scan. In obese class III, 44.1% of scans were incomplete compared with 10.2% in the normal BMI category (P<0.001). Of 117 women attending for repeat scans, 78.6% were complete, 11.1% were incomplete, 6.8% were advised to re-attend and 3.4% were referred to Fetal Medicine.

Conclusion:

Maternal obesity has a significant impact on completion of fetal anomaly screening.
Macroelements in the surface microlayer of water of urban ponds
Authors: Antonowicz Józef Piotr , Kubiak Jacek , Machula Sylwia
Published: February 2017

Analyses were conducted concerning the accumulation of four metals representing the group of macroelements, i.e. sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium in two ponds located in the city of Słupsk. Water samples for chemical analyses were collected from the surface microlayer using a Garrett net. At the same time subsurface water samples were collected. Concentrations of metals were determined using a mass spectrometer. Generally, amounts of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium were similar in surface microlayer and subsurface water. Only in the case of potassium and calcium was low enrichment observed in the surface microlayer in one pond, while the greatest extent for magnesium enrichment was observed in the spring period.
The muddy bottom sediments of the old river beds of the lower Vistula
Authors: Mimier Daria , Żbikowski Janusz
Published: February 2017

The main objective of this study was to characterize the muddy bottom sediments of three hydrologically different old river beds of the lower Vistula, located in the vicinity of Toruń: Port Drzewny, Martwa Wisła and Przybysz. Samples were taken at monthly intervals from April to November 2015 from two (Martwa Wisła and Przybysz) or three sampling sites (Port Drzewny) located in the central parts of the reservoirs. The bottom sediments of these water bodies were characterized by a low water content and organic matter content expressed as a percentage of dry weight, high organic matter content expressed in units of weight, as well as a high sediment oxygen demand. The most distinct reservoir was Martwa Wisła, most likely due to the lack of a connection with the River Vistula.
Public Service Broadcasting as an Object for Cultural Policy in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Larsen Håkon
Published: February 2017

The future of public service broadcasting (PSB), and its role for democracy and culture in an age of globalization and digitalization, is a disputed issue among communication scholars, journalists, the general public and politicians. The PSB institutions are dependent on political support for their survival, and they have to live up to cultural policy obligations. The focus of this analysis is on the rhetoric employed in the white papers on PSB and overall cultural policy, produced between 2005 and 2007 in Norway and Sweden. The analysis shows that both countries emphasize the need to secure an inclusive public sphere, a vivid democracy and a national culture. The rhetoric differs in the sense that the Norwegian focus is on PSB as a tool for achieving cultural policy goals, while the Swedish focus is more on why the idea of PSB is important in itself.
Tensions of Consumer Individualism
Authors: Kvidal Trine
Published: February 2017

Globalizing poses particular challenges tolikhet– Norwegian conceptualizations of alikeness – and with it the Norwegian conceptualization of individualism, because globalizing advances a different conceptualization of equality than the one on whichlikhetis based. The present essay explores cultural identity negotiations within Norwegian globalized consumer culture and addresses culturally expressed aspects of globalization as they emerge in negotiations of local identities in cultural texts. TV commercials are analyzed via a critical cultural theoretical framework. Specifically, three patterns that speak tolikhetas a site of tension in a globalized context are discussed: exoticization, utilization, and juxtaposition.
Mechanical performance and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of composites based on Ag-plating cellulose micro-nano fibers and epoxy
Authors: Wang Yu , Huang Jin Tian
Published: February 2017

Mechanical and electromagnetic interference shielding composites containing Ag-plating micro-nano cellulose fibers (ANCFs) were prepared as multifunctional materials. ANCFs, as electromagnetic wave reflection filler containing micro-nano cellulose fibers (NCFs) used as the structural component to reinforce the mechanical strength and Ag enhancing electromagnetic shielding effectiveness, were prepared by electroless Ag-plating technology on NCFs surfaces. Ag coating had a thickness of 60 µm without the oxide phase detected. The incorporation of 5 wt % ANCFs into epoxy (EP) substrate yielded impact strength and flexural strength of 1.84 kJ/m2 and 41.6 MPa, which is approximately 2.4 times and 1.41 times higher than EP. The ANCFs-EP composite performed an electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of 34–25 dB at a frequency of 90 kHz in the electromagnetic wave; the EMI shielding effectiveness was improved obviously up to 34 dB, which can meet the requirement of general places.
Pike Esox Lucius Distribution and Feeding Comparisons in Natural and Historically Channelized River Sections
Authors: Ivanovs Kaspars
Published: February 2017

During the last century a large portion of small and medium-sized rivers in Latvia were channelized, hydroelectric power stations were also built, which led to changes in the hydrodynamic conditions, geomorphological structure, as well as a change in the fish fauna. Fish are an integral part of any community in natural or man-made bodies of water. They actively participate in maintaining the system, balancing/equilibrium, energy, substance transformation and biomass production. They are able to influence other organisms in the ecosystem in which they live. The aim of the paper “Pike distribution and feeding comparisons in natural and historically channelized river sections” is to find out what pike feed on in different environments in Latvian rivers, such as natural and straightened river sections, as well as what main factors determine the composition of their food. Several points were assessed during the course of the study: the impact of environmental conditions on the feeding habits and the distribution of pike; the general feeding habits of predators in Latvian rivers; the feeding differences of predators in natural and straightened river sections; and lastly, rhithral and pothamal habitats were compared. The study was based on data from 2014 and 2015 on fish fauna monitoring. During the study, 347 pike were collected from 136 plots using electrofishing method.
Compliance with Ichthyofaunal Diversity Conservation Measures in Lake Lanao, Lanao Del Sur Province (Philippines)
Authors: Sanguila Misael Mohamad , Hansel Carmelita Garcia
Published: February 2017

This study was conducted to probe the effectiveness of, and compliance with, legislated fish diversity conservation measures in lake Lanao employing structured interview techniques. Results showed respondents’ age from 19 to 70.

Most of the respondents are educated, having taken vocational courses, with a general weekly income of PhP 2,000-2,499 ($42.92-$53.62). The respondents are knowledgeable of the fisheries laws, ranging from 39.29% to 76.43% whilst their compliance is high, ranging from 81.31% to 100%.
Lipomatous tumours in adrenal gland: WHO updates and clinical implications
Authors: Lam Alfred King-yin
Published: February 2017

Adrenal lipomatous tumour is a group of adrenal tumours with a significant component of adipose tissue. According to the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumours of endocrine organs, adrenal myelolipoma is the only entity amongst the group of tumours being described. In the literature, other more recently documented adrenal lipomatous tumours included 24 lipomas, 32 teratomas and 16 angiomyolipomas. Rare fatty tumours of the adrenal gland comprised liposarcoma, hibernoma, adrenocortical tumours with fat component and rare adrenal tumours with fat component. Myelolipoma comprises approximately 3% of primary adrenal tumour. It is noted more commonly in females and in the right adrenal gland. Approximately 40 bilateral myelolipomas were reported. The tumour is most frequently recorded in patients between fifth and seventh decades of life. Adrenal lipomas are often seen in males and in the right adrenal gland. They were commonly noted in patients in the sixth decade of life. The diagnosis could only be possible on examination of the surgically removed specimen. Adrenal teratomas were more common in females and with a bimodal age distribution. Slightly over 60% of the patients with adrenal teratoma are symptomatic. Adrenal angiomyolipomas were often symptomatic, more common in females and in the fifth decades of life. To conclude, adrenal lipomatous tumour is uncommon. They are often benign and non-functional. It is important to recognize the features of this group of lipomatous tumours in the adrenal gland as they are being detected on increasing incidence as a result of the wide-spread use of modern imaging modalities.
Costs of Care for Hospitalized Children Associated With Preferred Language and Insurance Type
Authors: Lion K. Casey , Wright Davene R. , Desai Arti D. , Mangione-Smith Rita
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE:

The study goal was to determine whether preferred language for care and insurance type are associated with cost among hospitalized children.

METHODS:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of inpatients at a freestanding children’s hospital from January 2011 to December 2012. Patient information and hospital costs were obtained from administrative data. Cost differences according to language and insurance were calculated using multivariate generalized linear model estimates, allowing for language/insurance interaction effects. Models were also stratified according to medical complexity and length of stay (LOS) ≥3 days.

RESULTS:

Of 19 249 admissions, 8% of caregivers preferred Spanish and 6% preferred another language; 47% of admissions were covered by public insurance. Models controlled for LOS, medical complexity, home-to-hospital distance, age, asthma diagnosis, and race/ethnicity. Total hospital costs were significantly higher for publicly insured Spanish speakers ($20 211 [95% confidence interval (CI), 7781 to 32 641]) and lower for privately insured Spanish speakers (–$16 730 [95% CI, –28 265 to –5195]) and publicly insured English speakers (–$4841 [95% CI, –6781 to –2902]) compared with privately insured English speakers. Differences were most pronounced among children with medical complexity and LOS ≥3 days.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hospital costs varied significantly according to preferred language and insurance type, even adjusting for LOS and medical complexity. These differences in the amount of billable care provided to medically similar patients may represent either underprovision or overprovision of care on the basis of sociodemographic factors and communication, suggesting problems with care efficiency and equity. Further investigation may inform development of effective interventions.
Improving Pediatric Rapid Response Team Performance Through Crew Resource Management Training of Team Leaders
Authors: Siems Ashley , Cartron Alexander , Watson Anne , McCarter Robert , Levin Amanda
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND:

Rapid response teams (RRTs) improve the detection of and response to deteriorating patients. Professional hierarchies and the multidisciplinary nature of RRTs hinder team performance. This study assessed whether an intervention involving crew resource management training of team leaders could improve team performance.

METHODS:

In situ observations of RRT activations were performed pre– and post–training intervention. Team performance and dynamics were measured by observed adherence to an ideal task list and by the Team Emergency Assessment Measure tool, respectively. Multiple quartile (median) and logistic regression models were developed to evaluate change in performance scores or completion of specific tasks.

RESULTS:

Team leader and team introductions (40% to 90%, P = .004; 7% to 45%, P = .03), floor team presentations in Situation Background Assessment Recommendation format (20% to 65%, P = .01), and confirmation of the plan (7% to 70%, P = .002) improved after training in patients transferred to the ICU (n = 35). The Team Emergency Assessment Measure metric was improved in all 4 categories: leadership (2.5 to 3.5, P < .001), teamwork (2.7 to 3.7, P < .001), task management (2.9 to 3.8, P < .001), and global scores (6.0 to 9.0, P < .001) for teams caring for patients who required transfer to the ICU.

CONCLUSIONS:

Targeted crew resource management training of the team leader resulted in improved team performance and dynamics for patients requiring transfer to the ICU. The intervention demonstrated that training the team leader improved behavior in RRT members who were not trained.
TEKNIK PEMERIKSAAN ISI USUS IKAN PATIN DARI SUNGAI MUSI SUMATERA SELATAN
Authors: Burnawi Burnawi
Published: February 2017

Abstrak bisa dilihat di Lampiran
Models for implementing continuing professional development programs in low-resource countries
Authors: Mack Heather G , Golnik Karl C , Murray Neil , Filipe Helena P
Published: February 2017

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Implementing CPD programs for medical professionals has been demonstrated to improve patient outcomes, and is increasingly required for continuing medical licensure. However, implementing programs in low-resource settings is challenging. This review has identified 5 different models for implementation: 1) twinning, 2) greenfield, 3) formal program guided by international medical bodies, 4) directed by regulators and 5) informal program guided by international medical bodies. The models, advantages and disadvantages and costs are discussed. There is minimal evidence on success of implementation models, and further studies are necessary.
La conscience morphologique est-elle une variable importante dans l'apprentissage de la lecture?
Authors: Marec-Breton Nathalie , Besse Anne-Sophie , Royer Carine
Published: February 2017

Le présent article est une revue synthétique des travaux portant sur les liens entre conscience morphologique et apprentissage de la lecture. Cette synthèse permet de confirmer que la conscience morphologique contribue bien à l'apprentissage de la lecture (tant au niveau de l'installation des habiletés de décodage qu'au niveau du développement de la compréhension). Toutefois, il semble que ce ne sont pas tout à fait les mêmes aspects de la conscience morphologique qui sont liés aux capacités de décodage et aux capacités de compréhension. Des recherches doivent donc être développées pour mieux appréhender les rôles respectifs de chacune des composantes de la conscience morphologique.
Formação continuada de professores inseridos em contextos educacionais inclusivos
Authors: Cruz Gilmar de Carvalho , Schneckenberg Marisa , Tassa Khaled Omar Mohamad El , Chaves Letícia
Published: February 2017

O estudo objetivou: a) compreender como professoras lidam com a proposta de inclusão escolar de alunos que apresentam necessidades especiais no contexto da Educação Física; b) analisar o processo de implementação de um programa de formação continuada junto a essas professoras. Participaram vinte professoras da rede municipal de ensino de uma cidade paranaense. Foram realizadas entrevistas coletivas e observações de aulas ministradas pelas participantes. Os resultados encontrados indicam que: a) a despeito de suas formações iniciais, as professoras elaboram alternativas de intervenção favoráveis à inclusão escolar; b) professores devem assumir a condição de protagonistas em programas de formação continuada.
Book review
Authors: Bathurst R.J.
Published: February 2017

Design guideline basal reinforced piled embankments
Módszertani útkeresés a matematikatanításban
Authors: Di Blasio Barbara
Published: February 2017

Tanulmányunkban a 2015-ben lefolytatott, az MTA által támogatott szakmódszertani kutatásunk eredményeit figyelembe véve fogalmazzuk meg azokat a problémákat, amelyek nehezítik a szakmódszertani megújulást. Főleg kvalitatív kutatási eredményeket mutatunk be. Kutatásunkban arra a kérdésre kerestük a választ, hogy az IKT segíti-e, illetve milyen módon és körülmények között segíti az iskolai matematika tanulását és tanítását. A válaszok megtalálása érdekében osztálytermi kutatásokat szerveztünk több évfolyamon és különböző korosztályok (8. és 10. osztály) bevonásával. A sokszor hirdetett pedagógiai paradigmaváltás jegyében kialakuló pszichológiai/pedagógiai megújulás lehetőségét mértük fel, és egy alapvető óramegfigyelési szempontsort fejlesztettünk ki. Eredményeink alapján a tanárok IKT-kompetenciájának sürgős és alapos fejlesztése nélkül alig van remény új szakmódszertanok kidolgozására.
Kórház-pedagógia
Authors: Becsei-Balogh Renáta , Szili Katalin
Published: February 2017

Egészség, teljes értékű élet! A legelszomorítóbb és legnehezebb élethelyzet, mikor egy gyermek súlyosan beteg lesz. Egy pillanat alatt átértékelődik minden, és csak arra tud gondolni az ember, hogy meg kell gyógyulnia, vagy legalább azt elérni, hogy fogyatékosságához mérten élhető életet élhessen. Kórházpedagógia, kórház és pedagógia. Külön-külön a két szóval már mindenki találkozott, de mit is jelent összetett szóként? Ezt már kevesen ismerik, sőt kevesen hallottak róla, pedig létezik, és fontos feladatkört tölt be a beteg gyermekek életében. A következőkben ízelítőt adtunk a kórház-pedagógiával és kórházpedagógusokkal kapcsolatban. Feltárjuk, mit is rejt a kórházpedagógia, honnan indult, hol tart, és hová tart jelenleg Magyarországon. Jelen tanulmányunkban célunk rávilágítani és megértetni több szempontból is, hogy miért fontos a kórház-pedagógia,és mennyire összetett területe ez a pedagógiának.
Wheat ROS assay v1
Authors: Breen Susan
Published: February 2017

In this protocol I generally use wheat seedlings (~2 weeks old) but it may work with older plants. Usea 96 well white flat bottomed plate. Use between 6-8 wells per peptide treatment to allow for differences in biological samples. Leaf samples must be prepared the evening before the ROS assay is to be conducted.
TURISMO ESTRATÉGICO NO TRIÂNGULO DO SOL: ANÁLISE COM A TEORÍA EMBASADA EM RECURSOS E COM A TEORÍA INSTITUCIONAL
Authors: Vargas-hernández José G. , Arias Orozco Ana Yanetly
Published: February 2017

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a estratégia turística utilizada no Triângulo do Sol, Guerrero, mediante as teorias dos recursos e institucional para gerar propostas a sua melhora. A metodologia utilizada foi descritiva e analítica, contrastando as teorias com evidência estatística e empírica. A esta estratégia foram destinadas grandes quantidades de recursos públicos por parte dos três níveis de governo. Entretanto, os resultados não foram significativos. Obtém-se resposta para a pergunta de investigação: é um fracasso a estratégia utilizada no Triângulo do Sol?
Sobre a (in)capacidade do direito de lidar com a gramática da diversidade de gênero
Authors: Bahia Alexandre Gustavo Melo Franco de Moraes
Published: February 2017

Este artigo discorre sobre um dos maiores desafios para o Direito ocidental no século XXI, que está em transformar os discursos da diversidade e do reconhecimento em ferramentas capazes de alterar a estrutura básica sobre a qual ele foi construído. Para isso é necessário reconhecer os limites do discurso universalista. No texto busca-se mostrar o problema a partir da (in)capacidade do Direito em expressar a diversidade de orientações sexuais e identidades de gênero: há grande dificuldade em se separar, por exemplo, discursos de ódio de livre expressão, e toda a mecânica de funcionamento do Direito que se dá a partir de esquemas binários. Criar novas diferenças também não resolve o problema porque sempre se é excludente de outras formas, sendo necessário, pois, uma econstrução do sistema desde os fundamentos.
Efficiency Evaluation of Standard Operating Procedures in a Disaster Information System
Authors: Kokogawa Tomohiro ,   NTT Secure Platform Laboratories  3-9-11 Midori-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8585 Japan, Maeda Yuji , Ichinose Fumiaki , Sugiyama Masahiro , Yamamoto Tomomi , Hayashi Haruo ,   Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation, Osaka, Japan,   NTT Learning Systems Corporation, Tokyo, Japan,   Kashihara City, Nara, Japan,   National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED), Ibaraki, Japan,   Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
Published: February 2017

It is difficult to effectively respond to a disaster simply by introducing a disaster information system. Because free-style information is dominant in disaster responses, a certain level of communication quality should be ensured to effectively utilize such information. This study focuses on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to effectively handle a disaster information system, and attempts to establish the SOP with an emphasis on communication rules for free-style information.

The SOP for a disaster information system was established through workshops with officers of disaster responses in the field of Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, and evaluated the effectiveness of a command post exercise. Results suggested the effective use of free-style information as well as formed information.
Development of Tsunami Fragility Functions for Ground-Level Roads
Authors: Maruyama Yoshihisa ,   Department of Urban Environment Systems, Chiba University 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan, Itagaki Osamu
Published: February 2017

In exploring the relationship between ground-level road damage ratios and tsunami inundation depths following the 2011 Pacific Coast Tohoku earthquake in Japan, we focused on road damage components, excluding elevated roads, bridges, and tunnels. The damage ratio is defined as the number of damage incidents per kilometer. We used the damage dataset compiled by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. We propose four fragility function zones for ground-level roads based on differences in topographical features. We studied these zones based on numerical simulation results of tsunami propagation.
A Chaotic Quantum Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Short-term Hydrothermal Scheduling
Authors: Gonggui Chen , Shanwai Huang , Zhi Sun
Published: February 2017

This study proposes a novel chaotic quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (CQPSO) algorithm for solving short-term hydrothermal scheduling problem with a set of equality and inequality constraints. In the proposed method, chaotic local search technique is employed to enhance the local search capability and convergence rate of the algorithm. In addition, a novel constraint handling strategy is presented to deal with the complicated equality constrains and then ensures the feasibility and effectiveness of solution. A system including four hydro plants coupled hydraulically and three thermal plants has been tested by the proposed algorithm. The results are compared with particle swarm optimization (PSO), quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO) and other population-based artificial intelligence algorithms considered. Comparison results reveal that the proposed method can cope with short-term hydrothermal scheduling problem and outperforms other evolutionary methods in the literature.
Experimental Study on Seismic Performance of Reinforced Concrete Frame Columns Supported with Post-build Wing Walls
Authors: Fan Yang , Ying Wang
Published: February 2017

Six specimens of concrete frame columns reinforced by post-build wing walls on the opposite faces were designed and fabricated to investigate their seismic performance. Axial compression ratio was considered as the critical factor and divided into 0.31, 0.36, and 0.40 before reinforcement. HRB400 steel grade was used to the longitudinal bar and the ratio of longitudinal reinforcement divided into 1.23%, 1.05% and 0.82%, stirrup reinforcement ratio was 0.6%, and the stirrups were made by HPB300 steel grade. To meet with requirement of ‘strong shear, weak bending’, the ratio of the shear span to effective depth of columns was equal to 2.4. All specimens were subjected into cyclic reversing load. The testing results showed that wing walls reinforced significantly increased the seismic bearing capacity of the specimens and the wing walls damaged seriously, but the columns were not. The limited drift was ranged from 0.021 to 0.033. The post-build wing walls under horizontal motion may dissipate energy effectively while ensuring that the existing columns without obvious damage under vertical loads and earthquake strong motion.
PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN SPASIAL SISWA MELALUI PENERAPAN PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA REALISTIK
Authors: Syahputra Edi
Published: February 2017

Abstrak: Fokus penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi peningkatan kemampuan spasial siswa sebagai dampak penerapan pembelajaran Matematika realistik. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian eksperimen, melibatkan seluruh siswa kelas delapan sekolah pada peringkat baik dan sedang. Sampel penelitian ini terdiri atas 152 orang siswa. Instrumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah tes kemampuan spasial. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan uji Mann-Whitney U, analisis korelasi, 1way dan 2-way ANOVA dengan menggunakan uji post hoc. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data, dapat disimpulkan bahwa kemampuan spasial siswa yang diajar menggunakan pendekatan Matematik realistik lebih baik daripada kemampuan spasial siswa yang diajar dengan pendekatan konvensional. Ada interaksi antara pendekatan pembelajaran dan peringkat sekolah terhadap peningkatan kemampuan spasial siswa. Kata Kunci: kemampuan spasial, pembelajaran matematika, matematika realistik IMPROVEMENT OF THE STUDENTS’ SPATIAL ABILITY THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REALISTIC MATHEMATICS TEACHING Abstract: The focus of this study was to identify the improvement of students’ spatial ability as an impact of realistic mathematics education approach. This study was an experimental research, involving the eighth grade students of the good level and middle level schools. The sample of this study consisted of 152 students. The instruments used in this study were the spatial ability test. The data were analyzed by using Mann-Whitney U test, t-test, r correlative analysis, 1-way and 2-way ANOVA with the post hoc test. Based on the result of the data analysis it can be concluded that the students’ spatial ability under Realistic Mathematics Education approach was better than that of the students taught using the conventional approach. There was an interaction between the instructional approach and the school level toward the enhancement of students’ spatial ability. Keywords: spatial ability, mathematics education, realistic mathematics
KINERJA GURU MADRASAH DAN GURU PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM PASCA SERTIFIKASI DI SUMATERA SELATAN
Authors: Khodijah Nyayu
Published: February 2017

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui kinerja guru setelah memperoleh tunjangan profesional. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif-komparatif. Sampel adalah guru-guru madrasah dan Pendidikan Agama Islam di Palembang dan Banyuasin. Data dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan kuesioner, wawancara, dan dokumen, dan kemudian dianalisis secara kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tidak terdapat perbedaan dalam kinerja guru setelah menerima tunjangan professional (1) dalam aspek rencana pembelajaran, pelaksanaan, dan asesmen; (2) antara mereka yang tinggal di daerah pedesaan dan di daerah perkotaan; dan (3) antara mereka yang lulus melalui portofolio dan melalui PLPG.Kata Kunci: kinerja guru, program sertifikasi guruISLAMIC SCHOOL AND ISLAM RELIGION TEACHERS’ PERFORMANCE AFTER THE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM IN SOUTH SUMATERAAbstract: This research aimed at figuring out the teachers’ performance after they received their professional benefit. This research applied the descriptive-comparative method. The sample was Islamic school and Islam Religion teachers in Palembang and Banyuasin. The data were collected using questionnaires, interview, and documentation, and then analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings showed that there was no difference in the teachers’ performance after they received their professsional benefit (1) in the aspects of lesson planning, implementation, and assessment; (2) between those living in urban and rural areas; and (3) between those who pass the certification program through portfolio and professional training.Keywords: teacher’s performance, teacher certification program
Анализ возможности использования нанокластеров Ni, Cu, Au, Pt и Pd для записи информации
Authors: Редель Л.В. , Гафнер С.Л. , Гафнер Ю.Я. , Замулин И.С. , Головенько Ж.В.
Published: February 2017

Изучена возможность использования единичных нанокластеров Ni, Cu, Au, Pt и Pd в качестве битов информации в устройствах памяти нового поколения, построенных на принципе изменения фазового состояния носителя. Для этого на основе модифицированного потенциала сильной связи TB-SMA проведено моделирование методом молекулярной динамики процессов структурообразования из расплава наночастиц данных металлов диаметром до 10 nm. Исследовано влияние различных условий кристаллизации на формирование внутреннего строения нанокластеров Ni, Cu, Au, Pt и Pd. Проанализированы границы устойчивости различных кристаллических изомеров. Проведено сравнение полученных закономерностей для наночастиц меди, никеля, золота, платины и палладия одинаковой величины. Сделан вывод, что из исследуемых металлов лучшим материалом для создания элементов памяти, основанной на фазовых переходах, являются нанокластеры платины с диаметром D > 8 nm. Работа выполнена при финансовой поддержке РФФИ (проект N 16-48-190182). DOI: 10.21883/FTT.2017.02.44070.130
Investigating long-run stock returns after corporate events: the UK evidence
Authors: Dutta Anupam
Published: February 2017

The objective of this paper is to assess the robustness of the existing long-run event study methodologies in the UK stock market. In doing so, the study employs the buy-and-hold abnormal return approach and the calendar time portfolio method to identify the long-term abnormal performance following corporate events. Although many recent studies consider the application of these two widely used approaches, each of the methods is a subject to criticisms. This paper uses the standardized calendar time approach (SCTA) which presents a number of important improvements over the traditional calendar time methodology. The empirical analysis reveals that all the traditional methodologies perform well in the UK security market. Our findings further report that SCTA documents better specification and power than the conventional approaches
The Victorian community sector’s access to accounting skills
Authors: Kluvers Ron
Published: February 2017

Accounting skills are important for the continued viability and growth of organisations. However, many organisations in the community sector are faced with problems unique to the sector making the acquisition of accounting skills particularly difficult. This paper explores the issues faced by Community Organisations (CO) to gain access to appropriate accounting skills. The study is centred upon answering three questions: 1) What are the accounting skills required by community organisations? 2) What level of understanding of accounting is there in the Victorian community sector? 3) How accessible are accounting skills to the community sector? The answers to these questions were obtained through interviews with people involved with the community sector either as managers of intermediate organisations or community organisations. The findings of this research show that access to accounting skills in the sector is uneven. The evidence also suggests that the uneven access is the result of a number of barriers including: a lack of funding; a lack of time; limited availability of appropriate accounting courses; a lack of awareness by volunteer and paid staff, and board members of the need for basic accounting knowledge. Recommendations to overcome these barriers are also made.
The determinants of bank efficiency in Central Asia
Authors: Djalilov Khurshid , Piesse Jenifer
Published: February 2017

This paper examines progress in the transition to a market economy of the banking sector of Central Asia (CA), a region that was late to take on reform and which has largely been ignored in the literature. A comparison to other previous Soviet Republics shows that the banks in the Baltic States have higher profit efficiency compared to those in CA. The results also suggest that state owned banks are less profit efficient than private banks although foreign ownership is not a factor in efficiency levels of banks in Central Asia
Diagnostic Accuracy of Handheld Dynamometry and 1-Repetition-Maximum Tests for Identifying Meaningful Quadriceps Strength Asymmetries
Authors: Sinacore J. Anthony , Evans Andrew M. , Lynch Brittany N. , Joreitz Richard E. , Irrgang James J. , Lynch Andrew D.
Published: February 2017

Study Design

Clinical measurement, cross-sectional.

Background

Quadriceps deficits are common in individuals with knee joint impairments and impact functional and quality-of-life outcomes. Quadriceps strength symmetry influences clinical decisions after knee injury. Isometric electromechanical dynamometry (ISO-ED) is the gold standard for measuring symmetry, but is not available in all clinical settings.

Objectives

To compare concurrent validity of handheld dynamometry and 1-repetition-maximum leg press, knee extension from 90° to 0°, and knee extension from 90° to 45° to that of ISO-ED in identifying meaningful quadriceps strength deficits.

Methods

Fifty-six participants with knee joint impairments completed ISO-ED and 4 alternative measures of quadriceps strength symmetry in a single session. Absolute agreement of alternative measures with ISO-ED was calculated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Clinical agreement values at thresholds of 80% and 90% symmetry were compared between the alternatives and ISO-ED.

Results

Knee extension from 90° to 45° (ICC = 0.67) and handheld dynamometry (ICC = 0.70) had the greatest ICCs. Clinical agreement was also best for these measures for 80% symmetry (κ = 0.56 and 0.55, respectively) and 90% symmetry (κ = 0.19 and 0.33, respectively).

Conclusion

Handheld dynamometry and 1-repetition-maximum testing of knee extension from 90° to 45° are fair alternatives, although symmetry is typically overestimated. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified alternative measure thresholds that correlated with the 80% and 90% symmetry thresholds on the ISO-ED. Clinicians should use more stringent symmetry values for these alternative tests to increase the probability that individuals have a minimum ISO-ED symmetry of 80% or 90%. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(2):97–107. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.6651
Benign Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor in a Distance Runner
Authors: Stanley Laura E. , Berkoff David J.
Published: February 2017

A 31-year-old female runner presented to physical therapy via direct access with an 8-month history of atraumatic left lateral calf pain. Following 1 month of physical therapy, the patient was referred to an orthopaedic sports medicine physician. Ultrasound imaging revealed a 2-cm hypoechoic mass with well-defined margins in the left proximal lateral soleus, while Doppler ultrasound demonstrated increased color flow surrounding the mass. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were consistent with a nerve sheath tumor, and ultrasound-guided tissue biopsy determined the mass to be a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(2):125. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.6780
Hierarchical Value Chains Encompassing Freight Transportation and Logistics Sectors in the United States
Authors: Mesa-Arango Rodrigo , Kumar Indraneel
Published: February 2017

This research reveals value chain (VC) clusters in which freight transportation modes (i.e., truck, rail, air, water, and pipelines), freight supporting activities (i.e., couriers and messengers and warehousing and storage), and other industry sectors have strong economic inter-dependencies. The most recent input–output data in the United States were used to construct the 2014 direct requirements matrix and generate a network of economic interdependencies between industry sectors. Community detection, a complex network analysis method, was used to reveal the Corresponding VCs in the economic network. A novel procedure uncovered hierarchical VC communities (VCCs) for each freight transportation and logistics sector. Thus, seven distinctive VCCs with unique underlying activities were found. In general, freight industries are hierarchically clustered to VCCs related to raw materials; services; metals; agriculture; textile, apparel, and paper; wood products; and others. Results are important for the areas of transportation economics, regional economic development, competitiveness, and multimodal freight transportation.
Bone loss of vertebral bodies at the operative segment after cervical arthroplasty: a potential complication?
Authors: Heo Dong Hwa , Lee Dong Chan , Oh Jong Yang , Park Choon Keun
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE

Bony overgrowth and spontaneous fusion are complications of cervical arthroplasty. In contrast, bone loss or bone remodeling of vertebral bodies at the operation segment after cervical arthroplasty has also been observed. The purpose of this study is to investigate a potential complication—bone loss of the anterior portion of the vertebral bodies at the surgically treated segment after cervical total disc replacement (TDR)—and discuss the clinical significance.

METHODS

All enrolled patients underwent follow-up for more than 24 months after cervical arthroplasty using the Baguera C disc. Clinical evaluations included recording demographic data and measuring the visual analog scale and Neck Disability Index scores. Radiographic evaluations included measurements of the functional spinal unit's range of motion and changes such as bone loss and bone remodeling. The grading of the bone loss of the operative segment was classified as follows: Grade 1, disappearance of the anterior osteophyte or small minor bone loss; Grade 2, bone loss of the anterior portion of the vertebral bodies at the operation segment without exposure of the artificial disc; or Grade 3, significant bone loss with exposure of the anterior portion of the artificial disc.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, bone loss developed in 29 patients (Grade 1 in 15 patients, Grade 2 in 6 patients, and Grade 3 in 8 patients). Grade 3 bone loss was significantly associated with postoperative neck pain (p < 0.05). Bone loss was related to the motion preservation effect of the operative segment after cervical arthroplasty in contrast to heterotopic ossification.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone loss may be a potential complication of cervical TDR and affect early postoperative neck pain. However, it did not affect mid- to long-term clinical outcomes or prosthetic failure at the last follow-up. Also, this phenomenon may result in the motion preservation effect in the operative segment after cervical TDR.
Adjacent-level arthroplasty following cervical fusion
Authors: Rajakumar Deshpande V. , Hari Akshay , Krishna Murali , Konar Subhas , Sharma Ankit
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE

Adjacent-level disc degeneration following cervical fusion has been well reported. This condition poses a major treatment dilemma when it becomes symptomatic. The potential application of cervical arthroplasty to preserve motion in the affected segment is not well documented, with few studies in the literature. The authors present their initial experience of analyzing clinical and radiological results in such patients who were treated with arthroplasty for new or persistent arm and/or neck symptoms related to neural compression due to adjacent-segment disease after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

METHODS

During a 5-year period, 11 patients who had undergone ACDF anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and subsequently developed recurrent neck or arm pain related to adjacent-level cervical disc disease were treated with cervical arthroplasty at the authors' institution. A total of 15 devices were implanted (range of treated levels per patient: 1–3).

Clinical evaluation was performed both before and after surgery, using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Radiological outcomes were analyzed using pre- and postoperative flexion/extension lateral radiographs measuring Cobb angle (overall C2–7 sagittal alignment), functional spinal unit (FSU) angle, and range of motion (ROM).

RESULTS

There were no major perioperative complications or device-related failures. Statistically significant results, obtained in all cases, were reflected by an improvement in VAS scores for neck/arm pain and NDI scores for neck pain. Radiologically, statistically significant increases in the overall lordosis (as measured by Cobb angle) and ROM at the treated disc level were observed. Three patients were lost to follow-up within the first year after arthroplasty. In the remaining 8 cases, the duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 3 years. None of these 8 patients required surgery for the same vertebral level during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Artificial cervical disc replacement in patients who have previously undergone cervical fusion surgery appears to be safe, with encouraging early clinical results based on this small case series, but more data from larger numbers of patients with long-term follow-up are needed. Arthroplasty may provide an additional tool for the management of post-fusion adjacent-level cervical disc disease in carefully selected patients.
An Architectural Based Framework for the Distributed Collection, Analysis and Query from Inhomogeneous Time Series Data Sets and Wearables for Biofeedback Applications
Authors: Lee James , Rowlands David , Jackson Nicholas , Leadbetter Raymond , Wada Tomohito , James Daniel
Published: February 2017

The increasing professionalism of sports persons and desire of consumers to imitate this has led to an increased metrification of sport. This has been driven in no small part by the widespread availability of comparatively cheap assessment technologies and, more recently, wearable technologies. Historically, whilst these have produced large data sets, often only the most rudimentary analysis has taken place (Wisbey et al in: “Quantifying movement demands of AFL football using GPS tracking”). This paucity of analysis is due in no small part to the challenges of analysing large sets of data that are often from disparate data sources to glean useful key performance indicators, which has been a largely a labour intensive process. This paper presents a framework that can be cloud based for the gathering, storing and algorithmic interpretation of large and inhomogeneous time series data sets. The framework is architecture based and technology agnostic in the data sources it can gather, and presents a model for multi set analysis for inter- and intra- devices and individual subject matter. A sample implementation demonstrates the utility of the framework for sports performance data collected from distributed inertial sensors in the sport of swimming.
Current Perspectives on Therapy Dog Welfare in Animal-Assisted Interventions
Authors: Glenk Lisa
Published: February 2017

Research into the effects of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) has primarily addressed human health outcomes. In contrast, only few publications deal with the therapy dog experience of AAIs. This paper provides an overview on potential welfare threats that therapy dogs may encounter and presents the results of a review of available studies on welfare indicators for therapy dogs during AAIs. Previous investigations used physiological and behavioral welfare indicators and dog handler surveys to identify work-related stress. Research outcomes are discussed in the light of strengths and weaknesses of the methods used. Study results suggest that frequency and duration of AAI sessions, novelty of the environment, controllability, age and familiarity of recipients modulate animal welfare indicators. However, this review reveals that currently, clear conclusions on how the well-being of dogs is influenced by the performance in AAIs are lacking due to the heterogeneity of programs, recipient and session characteristics, small dog sample sizes and methodological limitations. This paper further aimed to identify unresolved difficulties in previous research to pave the way for future investigations supporting the applicability of scientific findings in practice.
Comment on Mroczek et al. Evaluation of Quality of Life of Those Living near a Wind Farm. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2015, 12, 6066–6083
Authors: Shepherd Daniel
Published: February 2017

An article published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health indicated that, far from degrading health, noise from wind turbines may actually be associated with positive health outcomes. Such a finding is counter to that reported elsewhere for general and wind turbine noise. This Commentary sets out to explore alternative explanations of these differences.
Response to Shepherd Comment on Mroczek et al. Evaluation of Quality of Life of Those Living Near a Wind Farm. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2015, 12, 6066–6083
Authors: Mroczek Bożena , Banaś Joanna , Machowska-Szewczyk Małgorzata , Kurpas Donata
Published: February 2017

In response to the reservations, I would like to list the differences between the article [...]