bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children and Adolescents in Virtual Space: Girls' and Boys' Behaviour and Attitude to Parental Control
Authors: Geležiniene Renata , Melene Rita , Vaitkevičiene Asta
Published: May 2015

The article deals with the problem of children’s and adolescents’ activity in virtual space and parental control with regard to this activity. The question is raised what children and adolescents are most often doing in virtual space, for what goals they are using it; it is analysed whether there are any principal differences between boys’ and girls’ activities in virtual space.  It is also disclosed how parents control children’s and adolescents’ online activities, how children perceive this control and what teachers think about this. The article reveals peculiarities of boys’ and girls’ activity in virtual space, peculiarities of teachers’ and children’s, adolescents’ attitude to parental control with regard to virtual space.

 
Opportunities for improvement of graphical education in distance learning using learning game
Authors: Jurāne Ieva , Znotiņa Inta , Mackus Austris , Snipkis Andris
Published: May 2015

Novaday's situation in the graphical education is the same all over the world. Small number of contact hours and very different entrance level of the first year students at tertiary institutions. To improve the situation the computer game for the training of the basic skills in technical drawing is created and verified. 120 first year students of civil engineering speciality were involved and 50 of them played the game at home on an optional basis, but other students did not. All the students completed the graphical test after three weeks and results were compared. The number of mistakes was higher for the students who did not play the game. The average mark was higher for the students who played the game. The results of the experiment showed positive influence on learning results and attitude. The paper is recommended to the persons who work in the field of graphical education and create the technical educational aids for this aim. Paper is recommended for all interested people as well.
Cooperation Methods Using in E-Learning for It Specialists' Competence Development
Authors: Gintaute-Marihina Ruta
Published: May 2015

Today the daily life of the population is impossible without technology. As technology is constantly evolving, we need to provide ICT technology, computer networks and computer systems solution implementation, maintenance skills for future IT professionals. To find new ways of ICT professional competence to develop better and better as the professional competence more effective train. The study process main result is to prepare IT professionals with basic ICT competencies and skills that should be motivated and skilled for lifelong learning. Nowadays, still not used sufficiently effective e-learning technology options to achieve a better and more sustainable learning results. This paper describes a issue in which, contrary to traditional study process, students have opportunities to cooperate in a virtual environment using e-learning technologies, enhance your initial results of the work. The study process, using e-learning technology and cooperation methods was improved and developed IT specialists’ competencies and skills, which are important for computer systems and network administrator at work. Consequently, it was held IT competencies improvement, learning from each other.
Services for Implementation of Cloud Technologies for Education
Authors: Christauskas Česlovas , Misevičienė Regina
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we analyzed the cloud computing technologies presenting overview of cloud computing models and possibilities of virtual infrastructure desktops and their benefits. We studied reduction of costs and savings of virtual desktops. Virtual desktops in Kaunas University of Technology we presented at the end.
Virtual Library of Cultural Heritage of Central Asian Turks in Written Sources of the XIX Century
Authors: Kasimbekov Abbazbek , Alzhanova Elmira
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this article is the creation of specialized databases virtual university unique full-text library of scientific and educational resources on the cultural heritage of the Central Asian Turks, which are reflected in the written sources of the XIX century and the development of a virtual environment through the establishment of an effective and efficient search of remote access to the necessary sources.
Using High Performance Computing and Open Source Technologies for Solving Behaviour Analytics Problems in E-Learning
Authors: Zacs Laimonis , Jansone Anita
Published: May 2015

In this paper the authors describe solution for solving various analytical problems in E-learning, Course Management Systems like Moodle by using HPC (High Performance Computing) and Apache Hadoop open source technologies in Liepaja University. The problem is that nowadays there are collecting huge amounts of analytics data from several gigabytes to petabytes, which is hard to store, process, analyse and visualize. This article reflects one of the solutions concerning distributed parallel processing of huge amounts of data across inexpensive, industry-standard servers that can store and process the data, can scale without limits and provides technological opportunities of reliable, scalable and distributed computing.

 
Website "Technical drawing" for development of spatial and constructive thinking
Authors: Mackus Austris , Snipkis Andris , Znotiņa Inta , Jurāne Ieva
Published: May 2015

Nowadays, not every school of Latvia offers it’s pupils to acquire the basics of technical drawing. As a result, university lecturers often find that students lack the spatial and constructive thinking skills needed to successfully participate in graphics and design related courses. To try to improve the situation in early 2013, Riga Technical University lecturer Ieva Jurāne (Mg.sc.ing.), in collaboration with University of Liepaja Natural and Engineering Faculty, decided to develop a website "Technical Drawing" (http: //rasesana.it- studenti.liepu.edu.lv), in which every interested person, irrespective of whether it is a student or a pupil, could independently solve a variety of technical drawing course related tasks, thus developing their spatial and constructive thinking skills, which later makes it easier to learn complex Engineering Graphics programs such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks. This publication is made to present the web sites "Technical Drawing" purpose, content and development process.
Promotion of Intrinsic Motivation of New Generation Learners for Learning Physics by Digital Physics Labs
Authors: Peciuliauskiene Palmira
Published: May 2015

The article deals with the role of digital Physics experiments in the promotion of intrinsic motivation of secondary school age learners for learning Physics. The methodological basis of research is inquiry-based learning. The article focuses on the second level of inquiry-based learning referred to as structured inquiry. The study is based on the sociological approach, with the emphasis on the new generation (Generation Z) and their exclusive relationship to technology. The research problem is formulated as a question: how does digital Physics laboratory promote intrinsic motivation of the new generation learners?

Learners’ intrinsic motivation is analysed on the basis of Self-Determination Theory. Despite this theory, motivation is based on three basic needs: a need for autonomy, a need for competency and a need for social relatedness. The article examines how digital Physics labs provide basic psychological needs for autonomy, competency and social relatedness of eighth-form learners.

 
Teamwork Development across the Curriculum for Information Technology Students at Liepāja University: Processes, Outcomes and Lessons Learned
Authors: Tomsons Dzintars , Jansone Anita
Published: May 2015

Teamwork skills are key feature for Information Technology (IT) specialists. The university IT curriculum contains both IT specific courses, and comprehensive courses. Due to limited amount of the learning courses and efficient achievement of learning goals, it is necessary to look for opportunities to integrate activities developing social and communication skills courses into IT specific courses. Managing the teamwork that is close to practice, it is necessary to solve the problems of teaching and learning organisation, and assessment of individual learning outcomes and competences. In Liepāja University, the student teamwork has been managed for several years as integral part of Software Engineering courses and study projects. The course management system Moodle has been used in learning process providing possibilities to evaluate both assignments submitted by students and their learning behaviour.  The current paper describes and analyses the experience of academic staff of Liepāja University.
Autonomous English Acquisition in Blended E-Studies for Adults for Sustainable Development: Implementation of the Synergetic System Model
Authors: Bojāre Ināra
Published: May 2015

Researchers’ attention has moved from solving a problem to united methodology for solving different problems. It resulted in paradigm shift in the science and using system approach in social researches. The topicality of „Autonomous English acquisition in blended e-studies for adults for sustainable development”follows from results of the previous part of the research. They show that vertical hierarchy of responsibility has sticked together and learners’ interest towards methodological factors increased in virtual English acquisition. Next research problem is how to facilitate transformation of horisontal values from directed English acquisition to self-organised its acquisition in virtual learning environment. Hypothetically, it is assumed that there are sensitive factors, facilitation of which can call a resonance and transformation of other factors according to synergetic system model for facilitation the transformation of values in blended e-studies in adult nonformal education. The article presents reinterpretation of the results of the active research according to system approach of the whole research. The aim - to work out recommendations for  implementation of the research model is reached in it.

 

 
Formation of the Information Competence of Pedagogical Staff in the Conditions of Personality-Based Training - as an Important Factor of Successful Career
Authors: Adashboev Shavkiddin , Choriev Ilkhom
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the authors consider the problems associated with the formation of information competence of students in personality-oriented education. Consider the psychological and pedagogical possibilities of using modern information technology in the educational process. Reveal three levels of ownership of ICT competences in the process of formation of the student's personality.
Delivering Social Telerehabilitation Services
Authors: Marzano Gilberto , Lubkina Velta , Rizakova Lorita
Published: May 2015

Telerehabilitation is an emerging method of delivering rehabilitation services, which uses information and communication technologies to minimize distance and time barriers.

Telerehabilitation is often considered a specialization of the wide field of tele-medicine; most of telerehabilitation services fall into three categories: clinical assessment (patient’s functional abilities in his or her environment), diagnosis and clinical therapy.

Researches have recently underlined the potential of social media, mobile phones, and the Internet in general for improving mental health, supporting positive outcomes on addiction issues, sexual health, and homelessness.
This paper analyses the issues and implications tied to the development of social telerehabilitation services in Latvia, and reports on the first step of National science program VPP INOSOCTEREHI, a new three years multidisciplinary project on social rehabilitation, which is conducted by four Latvian Universities, and focuses on the use of mobile technologies in rehabilitation scope.
 
Modernization of Nursing Education and Nurse' It Competence
Authors: Šakalytė Danguolė
Published: May 2015

The use of technology in nursing is not new; in fact, nurses have become proficient in utilizing and adapting complex technology into caring nursing practice. Since nurses are the largest group of health care providers, discipline-specific competencies in the use of ICT and other technologies are imperative. This realization has catalyzed the steady development of nursing informatics. Nursing schools demonstrate use of recognized approaches to teaching and learning in their programs, including, but not limited to, adult education, self-directed learning, e-learning and clinical simulation. The article’ aims are to review modernization of nursing education and to assess nurse’ IT competence according to professional skills comparing groups with different educational background and work experience.
Virtual Digital Libraries for Professional Education
Authors: Rakhmatullaev Marat
Published: May 2015

The article is devoted actual problems of support of the system of professional education on the basis of development corporate network and virtual libraries of colleges. Some important results of applied researches on creation of the corporate network of Uzbekistan libraries are given. The information about the basic information sources (databases, multimedia encyclopedias and characteristics of other resources) actively used in educational process and virtual libraries are included too.
Analysis of the Results of the Pedagogical Research and Eeg in the Aspect of Effective Modern Teaching Aids in the Technical Education
Authors: Prauzner Tomasz
Published: May 2015

The development of computer technology is reflected in among other things, the development of modern didactics. Current pedagogy and media education, as a fast developing discipline of general pedagogy, is a topic of a number of studies. Applying the modern multimedia aids at various stages and in various types of education is considered as an indispensable element of modern didactics, due to new opportunities the modern media offers. The paper deals with didactic innovations based on research conducted within pedagogy on the observable social changes induced by development in information technology. The main objective of the paper is to address the issue how to apply modern technology and research findings on the functioning of the brain in order to improve the effectiveness of the learning process. The paper presents only the results of a pilot study, which can be used as a basis for further research using medical equipment for analyzing EEG brain waves for didactic purposes.

 
The Use of IT in Study Program Social Work
Authors: Vaitiekus Edmundas , Kondrašovienė Lidija
Published: May 2015

The information technology is important factor for development of the economy branch in the modern world. This factor is important in the social work education too.  In the study process active use of IT helps to improve the quality of studies, saves the time of students and teachers, and provides more possibilities to compete in the labour market. In the presentation the communication by IT tools, the teacher and the student's common work in virtual environments, distance learning opportunities are presented.
Application of Dasylab in Teaching Electrical Engineering
Authors: Ptak Paweł
Published: May 2015

The teaching of subjects connected with electricity, such as electrotechnics or electronics is an important part of school and technical university curricula. Due to the recent development of computer technology, laboratory exercises can be performed through simulation. Such simulations can be performed in a virtual environment measurement.
 The paper presents an example simulation process of a measuring system in the software environment DasyLab.
Effect of Computer Based Visualization on Students' Cognitive Processes in Education Process
Authors: Bilbokaitė Renata
Published: May 2015

Objectivized phenomenon in science education and their elements, revealed for students in the homogenized visual form, stimulate development of the Subject consciousness within the context of learning. Visualization is visual artefact represented in visual way aiming to code or decode information. By stressing this, the use of visualization during lessons of Biology, Physics, Geography and Mathematics becomes very important – it helps for perception, attention, memory and imagination that are needed during learning processes. This article encloses empirical data about effect of computer based visualization on students’ cognitive processes. There were asked 2708 ninth and tenth form classes students in Lithuania. The results show that visualization is useful homogenously both for males and females, but females statistically significantly are sure about the positive effect of visual artifacts in the classroom.
Development and Evaluation of Non-Formal Education Programme "Programming" in the Environment of Distance Education Secondary Schooludy
Authors: Katans Edgars , Jurgena Inese , Katane Irēna , Svareniece Benita
Published: May 2015

One of the main aims for the modern education is to facilitate the sustainability of information society, therefore an important feature that highlights differences in the education of the 20th and 21st century is the variety of information and communication technologies (ICT) and the expansion of their application in the education. The development of information and communication technologies caused far-reaching consequences in human life and activities and also seriously influenced education, providing wide perspective for the development of distance education environment. This article represent the results of theoretical and empirical research in the sphere of IT education and computer science. The aim of the research: to substantiate theoretically, develop and evaluate the non-formal education programme “Programming” in the environment of distance education secondary school on the basis of personal experience regarding distance education and pedagogy, the programmer’s professional competence and research results.
Supervision as a Kind of Qualitative Evaluation
Authors: Riva Maria Grazia , Ratsika Nikoleta
Published: May 2015

The contribution presents a reflection on supervision as one of the possible forms of qualitative evaluation, in the field of work with adult educators. Supervision structures a context where theory and practice, emotions and cognitions, values, representations and fears, anxieties and conflicts can be made to dialogue in continuation. The supervisor continuously offers feedback and interpretations to the educators, thanks to attentive listening and decodes what they express. The constructivist approach to Evaluation, on the one hand, gives full value to the subjectivity of the actors involved in the evaluation process and aims to interpret and understand. So, we can call it hermeneutic evaluation (Perla, 2004). Hermeneutic evaluation sets the problem of finding the meaning of the points of view of the participants. This is where the meeting point with the supervision activity, which consists precisely of a practice guided by a leader who helps the educators to better understand their theoretical frameworks of reference and their basic educational models, lies. Supervision and Evaluation therefore represent two important tools for developing the professionalism of the operators, as shown by the case-study analyzed. The practice of supervision is part of a path of  lifelong learning and education (Oggionni, 2013; Zannini, 2005), which passes through experimentation, evaluation and redesigning, in the face of constant monitoring of the needs and learning of the individual and of the team.

 
Evaluation as an Individual and Organizational Learning Process the Research Experience of the European Project- Edueval
Authors: Ulivieri Stiozzi Stefania
Published: May 2015

Adult education services – in Italy and Europe – are strongly in need of an advanced evaluation culture. How may we create the necessary conditions for the educational value of high-quality evaluation to be recognized? What does “evaluate” mean for managersof adult education staff? What organizational and relational dimensions are called into play by evaluation practices? How should evaluation be carried out in training groups, occupational skills programmesand in services providing care for fragile adult subjects? What knowledge disciplines should be included in the education and training profile of evaluators who wish to bring mindfulness and rigour to the implementation of their role? This paper examines the aims and instruments adopted by the European project EDUEVAL, presenting the results of a qualitative study conducted with a purposive sample of official and unofficial evaluators in Italian adult education contexts, and exploring the educational and learning dispositives required to make evaluation a practice motivating and fostering high-quality educational work within an organization.

 
Representations and Meanings of Adult Education Staff Evaluation. A Pedagogical Reflection on Six Case Studies
Authors: Palmieri Cristina
Published: May 2015

This paper deals with six case studies of evaluation, which were discussed at the Mobility Workshop organized in the context of the EduEval Project (Evaluation for the Professional Development of Adult Education Staff, LLP Grundtvig).This paper depicts the different representations of evaluation explicitly and implicitly present. The aim of the article is twofold. First, it explores the meanings associated with the evaluation practicesdescribed, and it identifies both transversal and specific components. Second, it critically reflects on how evaluation may sustain and/or develop the competences of Adult Education Staff,in the light of the current pedagogical debate on the theme.
Education and Work in the Time of Flexibility. Reconsider the Pedagogical Potential in the Existentialist Planning
Authors: Sciannamea Roberta
Published: May 2015

Nowadays European Unionsupport many training projects reserved to “young adults”, that should sustainthe creation of skills and competences that will enable them to move in the business world. The liquid-times scenario is leading young adults to the loss of the capacity of thinking about long-term project.

Using the Educational Clinic approach –whichlegitimate the opportunity of a crossed and inter-disciplinary reading of the educational fact – we try to reason on the conditions that made the pedagogical setting an alcove for the existential planning of the individual, transcending the simple transferred knowledge.

The purpose is to go back and ask ourselves about the contemporary context with a look that is enriched by the experienced elements, in order to show a possible niche of the education device, in which the disclosure of the idea of education as a space of potential development for the existential design can be possible.

 
Jointly Building an Evaluation Culture: A Workshop Methodology for a European Project in the Field of Adult Education
Authors: Biffi Elisabetta , Kritsotakis George
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a reflection on the role of cooperative research in addressing the topic of evaluation within the field of adult education. To this end, the authors outline a specific cooperation initiative that involved academics and practitioners from the field of adult education in different European countries.The project presented here is based on the hypothesis that in order to enhance evaluation at the European level, it is necessary to build a European culture of evaluation, which may be developed by creating a concrete space for collaboration among practitioners and researchers from a range of European adult education contexts.

Specifically, the project wasdesigned to promote an exchange of experiences, expertise and practices among academic researchers and “practitioners” (Schön, 1983)involved in the evaluation of adult education. A key role was played by a Mobility Workshop: viewed as the core of the collaborative approach proposed, the Workshop provided a concrete opportunity for collaboration amongevaluators and researchers from different countries within Europe.

 
Project Method in Adult Education: Self-Experience Analysis
Authors: Lasmane Ija
Published: May 2015

The project methodhas swiftly gained ground in education and it has nowbecome integral to the education process offering new ways for modernizing the education environment.Implementing projects provides learning opportunities for all of the involved parties – students, teachers, school principals and parents. In this article the Author has analysed the characteristics of the project method and the differences between project-based adult learningand non-adult learning,and the impact ofglobalization on projects. Projects can be implemented not only in the scope of specific subjects or specific schools but also as cooperation projects among schools of different countries. Based on the Author’s experience in international school cooperation projects and by applying the biographicmethod, the Author has analysed professional growth in the context of international projects in different project phases – planning, implementation and evaluation.The object of research – to analyse personalexperience in participating in international projects by applying the method ofbiographic reflection andto establish, through self-experience analysis, the potential impact of projects on the upgrading of contemporary school’s pedagogical process.
(In-)Visible Living Space as the Educational Space Dreams-Self-Narration in Biographies of Elderly People
Authors: Piasecka Malgorzata
Published: May 2015

The objective of the paper is providing an answer to the question about educational and causative dimensions of dreams-self-narrations in biography of senior individuals. In the theoretical part, the authoress focuses on analyses concerning respectively: (in-)visible living space, trajectory of individual biographies and characteristics of dreams as self-narrations in structuring one’s own biography. In the methodological part, the authoress presents the assumptions of a research project based on the biographical method by applying narrative interviews. In the empirical part, results of vertical and horizontal analyses are presented in the form of the worked out biographical profiles in the context of highlighted areas of study.
Adult Math Skills and Its Promotion in the Baltic States: Citizens and Employers Assessment
Authors: Vintere Anna , Balode Ilze
Published: May 2015

In order to activate the role of mathematics in the lifelong context, discuss how to improve/ disseminate mathematics competence in society as well as evaluate the role of mathematics in professional / personal development, Transnational comparative study on the mathematics educational needs was carried out in the Baltic States by the financial support of the Nordic Council of Ministers. This article analyses the inhabitants’ and employers' responses to the questions about the basic knowledge of mathematics assessment. In the study used self-assessment method, so the results are based on respondents' views. 
How to Train Evaluators of Adult Education Staff at a European Level? Towards the Design of a Pilot Curriculum in Edueval Project
Authors: Perla Loredana , Vinci Viviana
Published: May 2015

The evaluation of professionals involved in Adult Education staff has a crucial role in order to guarantee the quality of Adult Education (AE). EduEval is a project of the LLP Grundtvig Programme, coordinated by University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy (http://www.edueval.eu/), established with the main objective of redefining the professional profile of the evaluator of Adult Education staff. In this framework, six partners from five European countries work with a collaborative approach. The project offers a new methodology in the field of AE that arises from the importance of a cooperation between practitioners of the AE staff and academic researchers. The paper focuses on the pilot course designed by University of Bari to create a curriculum for the initial training of the professionals involved in the evaluation of AE staff.
The Opportunity of Unified Professional Competence Development for School Teachers Collective
Authors: Brikmane Karīna
Published: May 2015

Teachers’ professional development in Latvia is currently being guided according to the overall mission in education – to create a society, which is engaged in life-long learning. Teaching proficiency and professional growth in teachers’ work are the primary strategies, which to a large extent determine, influence and implement changes in the education sphere.

That is why the ongoing development of professional competencies is planned, and results are expected in the goals of the further education programme and in the development of competencies in teachers’ collective.

The significance of the research is determined by the need to provide modern, high quality, competitive education for the younger generation. As a consequence, the need for teachers’ ongoing professional development emerges, which is based on the development of competencies appropriate to the time and contemporary methods. Theory and practice have shown that further education is the most effective when it is based on theory, education strategy and real demand/needs.

Investment in the development of teachers’ professional growth is one of the most significant resources for improving education quality in the nation.

In searching for new and influential resources for the growth and development of teaching competencies, the professional development system and opportunities of practising teachers and schools, and examples of good practice in the promotion of teachers’ professional growth will be analysed.

 
Differential Vocational Rehabilitation Service Patterns Related to the Job Retention and Job-Seeking Needs of Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Tansey Timothy N. , Strauser David , Frain Michael P. , Bishop Malachy , Chiu Chung-Yi , Kaya Cahit , Chan Fong
Published: May 2015

The experience of living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can have a profound effect on employment. The impact of MS is a complex interaction of personal, medical, functional, financial, and psychosocial variables that ultimately results in up to 80% of persons with MS leaving their jobs within 10 years of their diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the employment status of applicants with MS who were seeking services from state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies could be classified based on the type of services provided. A quantitative descriptive research design employing discriminant analysis (DA) was used to determine differential services received by employed and unemployed applicants with MS. Findings indicate that persons with MS who were employed at application were more likely to receive services geared toward career stabilization (i.e., assistive technology/accommodation services, counseling and guidance, and cognitive retraining-type rehabilitative services). Conversely, the unemployed applicant group had a higher propensity to receive services focused on job placement (i.e., job readiness, job seeking, and job placement services). Although a disparity persisted between the average worker in the United States and the outcomes achieved by VR service recipients regarding weekly wages and hours, services provided by the state-federal VR program reduce this disparity. In addition, the return on investment (ROI) associated with providing services to persons with MS was calculated as providing an $8 return for every dollar spent. Persons with MS employed at application had an ROI of more than $10 for every dollar spent. Implications for persons with MS, rehabilitation counselors, health care professionals, and policymakers are provided.
Employment Among Working-Age Adults With Multiple Sclerosis: A Data-Mining Approach to Identifying Employment Interventions
Authors: Bishop Malachy , Chan Fong , Rumrill Phillip D. , Frain Michael P. , Tansey Timothy N. , Chiu Chung-Yi , Strauser David , Umeasiegbu Veronica I.
Published: May 2015

Purpose:To examine demographic, functional, and clinical multiple sclerosis (MS) variables affecting employment status in a national sample of adults with MS in the United States.

Method:The sample included 4,142 working-age (20–65 years) Americans with MS (79.1% female) who participated in a national survey. The mean age of participants was 51.93 years (SD= 8.7). The dependent variable was employment status. The predictor variables included a set of demographic, functional, and MS variables.

Results:The chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) analysis indicated that participants who were receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) had significantly lower rates of employment (8.6%) than those who were not receiving SSDI (53.9%). For those not receiving SSDI, the most important factor predicting employment status was MS impact on physical functioning, as measured with the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale Physical Impact scale.

Conclusion:The data-mining approach (i.e., CHAID analysis) provided detailed information and insight about interactions among demographic, functional, and clinical variables and employment status through the segmentation of the sample into mutually exclusive homogeneous subgroups. Implications for rehabilitation intervention, based on these subgroupings, are discussed.
Multiple Sclerosis and Employment: A Research Review Based on the International Classification of Function
Authors: Frain Michael P. , Bishop Malachy , Rumrill Phillip D. , Chan Fong , Tansey Timothy N. , Strauser David , Chiu Chung-Yi
Published: May 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, sometimes progressive chronic illness affecting people in the prime of their working lives. This article reviews the effects of MS on employment based on the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model. Correlations between employment and personal, functional, environmental, and participation factors are discussed along with the need for a framework for evidence-based practice regarding the employment of people with MS.
Effect of Rehabilitation Technology Services on Vocational Rehabilitation Outcomes of Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Chiu Chung-Yi , Tansey Timothy N. , Chan Fong , Strauser David , Frain Michael P. , Arora Simran
Published: May 2015

Objectives: To examine the effect of rehabilitation technology interventions on the employment or job retention outcomes of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) served by the state-federal vocational rehabilitation program using a case-control study design.

Participants: Data for this study were extracted from the Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report database. The sample included 8,715 individuals with MS aged between 16 and 64 years old whose cases were closed between the fiscal years of 2007 and 2011.

Outcome measure: Competitive employment.

Results: The classification and regression tree method identified 5 homogeneous subgroups ranging from high to low propensity to receive rehabilitation technology services. Specifically, individuals with MS employed at application were most likely to receive rehabilitation technology intervention. The effect of rehabilitation technology on job retention was especially strong for individuals aged 35 years or older with a college education.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that rehabilitation technology is an effective service for enhancing job retention outcomes of middle-aged and older adults with MS and provide valuable information for policymakers, health care providers, rehabilitation counselors, and educators.
Presurgical orthopedics by drink plates does not significantly normalize deglutition in infants with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Knösel Michael , Fendel Christine , Jung Klaus , Sandoval Paulo , Engelke Wilfried G.
Published: May 2015

Objective: 

To test the null hypothesis of no significant difference between intraoral pressure characteristics in infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP) with or without presurgical orthopedic (PSO) plates (groups CLP and CLP-PSO), compared with noncleft infants.

Materials and Methods: 

Intraoral atmospheric pressure assessments were performed on 17 subjects with preoperative CLP (m/f, 11/6; mean/SD, 4.76/0.92 months) and a matched control group (n = 24; m/f, 15/9; mean/SD, 4.88/0.9 months), for 200 seconds, simultaneously at the vestibulum (vestibular space [VS]) and at the palate (subpalatal space [SPS]), using a prepared pacifier connected to a digital manometer. Areas under the pressure curves (AUC), frequencies, durations, and magnitudes of swallowing peaks and pressure resting plateaus were compared between trial groups and locations (VS, SPS) using a two-factor analysis of variance for repeated measures, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U-test (α = .05).

Results: 

The null hypothesis was rejected: Globally, there were statistically significant differences in intraoral pressure characteristics between groups CLP, CLP-PSO, and control (all P < .01), with significantly higher negative pressures (AUC) in the control subjects compared with those of CLP or CLP-PSO. There were significant effects by the location of pressure recordings (VS, SPS) and their interaction with all treatment groups. Differences between noncleft and CLP subjects were more pronounced in the VS than in the SPS. There was no significant effect by PSO.

Conclusion: 

PSO does not improve deviated swallowing characteristics during suction in CLP infants.
Plasma Kallikrein-Kinin System as a VEGF-Independent Mediator of Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Kita Takeshi , Clermont Allen C. , Murugesan Nivetha , Zhou Qunfang , Fujisawa Kimihiko , Ishibashi Tatsuro , Aiello Lloyd Paul , Feener Edward P.
Published: May 2015

This study characterizes the kallikrein-kinin system in vitreous from individuals with diabetic macular edema (DME) and examines mechanisms contributing to retinal thickening and retinal vascular permeability (RVP). Plasma prekallikrein (PPK) and plasma kallikrein (PKal) were increased twofold and 11.0-fold (both P < 0.0001), respectively, in vitreous from subjects with DME compared with those with a macular hole (MH). While the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level was also increased in DME vitreous, PKal and VEGF concentrations do not correlate (r = 0.266, P = 0.112). Using mass spectrometry–based proteomics, we identified 167 vitreous proteins, including 30 that were increased in DME (fourfold or more, P < 0.001 vs. MH). The majority of proteins associated with DME displayed a higher correlation with PPK than with VEGF concentrations. DME vitreous containing relatively high levels of PKal and low VEGF induced RVP when injected into the vitreous of diabetic rats, a response blocked by bradykinin receptor antagonism but not by bevacizumab. Bradykinin-induced retinal thickening in mice was not affected by blockade of VEGF receptor 2. Diabetes-induced RVP was decreased by up to 78% (P < 0.001) in Klkb1 (PPK)-deficient mice compared with wild-type controls. B2- and B1 receptor–induced RVP in diabetic mice was blocked by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and inducible NOS deficiency, respectively. These findings implicate the PKal pathway as a VEGF-independent mediator of DME.
Thermal Emission Control via Bandgap Engineering in Aperiodically Designed Nanophotonic Devices
Authors: Maciá Enrique
Published: May 2015

Aperiodic photonic crystals can open up novel routes for more efficient photon management due to increased degrees of freedom in their design along with the unique properties brought about by the long-range aperiodic order as compared to their periodic counterparts. In this work we first describe the fundamental notions underlying the idea of thermal emission/absorption control on the basis of the systematic use of aperiodic multilayer designs in photonic quasicrystals. Then, we illustrate the potential applications of this approach in order to enhance the performance of daytime radiative coolers and solar thermoelectric energy generators.
New Non-Invasive Safe, Quick, Economical Method of Detecting Various Cancers was found Using QRS Complex or Rising Part of T-wave of Recorded ECGs. Cancers can be Screened Along with Their Biochemical Parameters & Therapeutic Effects of Any Cancer Treatments can be Evaluated Using
Recorded ECGs of the Same Individual
Authors: Omura Yoshiaki , Lu Dominic , Young Brian O' , Jones Marilyn , Nihrane Abdallah , Duvvi Harsha , Shimotsuura Yasuhiro , Ohki Motomu
Published: May 2015

There are many methods of detecting cancers including detection of cancer markers by blood test, (which is invasive, time consuming and relatively expensive), detection of cancers by non-invasive methods such as X-Ray, CT scan, and MRI & PET Scan (which are non-invasive and quick
but very expensive). Our research was performed to develop new non-invasive, safe, quick economical method of detecting cancers and the 1st author already developed for clinically important non-invasive new methods including early stage of present method using his method of localizing accurate
organ representation areas of face, eyebrows, upper lip, lower lip, surface and dorsal part of the tongue, surface backs, and palm side of the hands. This accurate localization of the organ representation area of the different parts of the body was performed using electromagnetic field resonance
phenomenon between 2 identical molecules or tissues based on our US patented non-invasive method in 1993. Since year 2000, we developed the following non-invasive diagnostic methods that can be quickly identified by the patented simple non-invasive method without using expensive or bulky instrument
at any office or field where there is no electricity or instrument available. The following are examples of non-invasive quick method of diagnosis and treatment of cancers using different approaches: 1) Soft red laser beam scanning of different parts of body; 2) By speaking voice; 3) Visible
and invisible characteristic abnormalities on different organ representation areas of the different parts of the body, and 4) Mouth, Hand, and Foot Writings of both right and left side of the body. As a consequence of our latest research, we were able to develop a simple method of detecting
cancer from existing recorded electrocardiograms. In this article, we are going to describe the method and result of clinical applications on many different cancers of different organs including lung, esophagus, breast, stomach, colon, uterus, ovary, prostate gland, as well as common bone
marrow related malignancies such as Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma as well as Leukemia.
Intrarenal and Urinary Th9 and Th22 Cytokine Gene Expression in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Luk Cathy Choi-Wan , Tam Lai-Shan , Kwan Bonnie Ching-Ha , Wong Priscilla Ching-Han , Ma Terry King-Wing , Chow Kai-Ming , Lai Fernand Mac-Moune , Li Philip Kam-Tao , Szeto Cheuk-Chun
Published: May 2015

Objective.

We studied the urinary sediment mRNA level of Th9- and Th22-related cytokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods.

We quantified urinary mRNA levels of interleukin (IL) 9, IL-10, IL-22, and their corresponding transcription factors in 73 patients with active lupus nephritis, 13 patients with hypertensive nephrosclerosis (HTN), and 25 healthy subjects.

Results.

There was no detectable IL-9 mRNA in all samples. Patients with proliferative lupus nephritis had significantly lower urinary IL-22 mRNA levels than those with nonproliferative nephritis (2.2 ± 5.4 vs 8.6 ± 20.0 copies, p = 0.019), and urinary IL-22 mRNA level inversely correlated with the histological activity index (r = −0.427, p < 0.0001). In contrast, patients with lupus nephritis had significantly higher urinary IL-10 mRNA levels than patients with HTN (7.8 ± 18.5 vs 1.9 ± 4.0 copies, p = 0.012), and urinary IL-10 mRNA levels correlated with its intrarenal mRNA levels (r = 0.337, p = 0.004) and SLE disease activity index (r = 0.277, p = 0.018). Urinary IL-10 mRNA level was significantly lower among patients who achieved complete remission than those with partial remission or no response (4.1 ± 6.5 vs 14.1 ± 28.0 copies, p = 0.036).

Conclusion.

Urinary IL-22 mRNA level is decreased in patients with SLE with proliferative nephritis, while urinary IL-10 mRNA levels correlates with its intrarenal mRNA level and disease activity. Urinary IL-10 mRNA levels may also predict treatment response. These results suggest that urinary mRNA levels of IL-10 and IL-22 might be used as biomarkers for assessing disease activity and risk stratification in lupus nephritis.
Do Genetic Susceptibility Variants Associate with Disease Severity in Early Active Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Authors: Scott Ian C. , Rijsdijk Frühling , Walker Jemma , Quist Jelmar , Spain Sarah L. , Tan Rachael , Steer Sophia , Okada Yukinori , Raychaudhuri Soumya , Cope Andrew P. , Lewis Cathryn M.
Published: May 2015

Objective.

Genetic variants affect both the development and severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent studies have expanded the number of RA susceptibility variants. We tested the hypothesis that these associated with disease severity in a clinical trial cohort of patients with early, active RA.

Methods.

We evaluated 524 patients with RA enrolled in the Combination Anti-Rheumatic Drugs in Early RA (CARDERA) trials. We tested validated susceptibility variants — 69 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), 15 HLA-DRB1 alleles, and amino acid polymorphisms in 6 HLA molecule positions — for their associations with progression in Larsen scoring, 28-joint Disease Activity Scores, and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) scores over 2 years using linear mixed-effects and latent growth curve models.

Results.

HLA variants were associated with joint destruction. The *04:01 SNP (rs660895, p = 0.0003), *04:01 allele (p = 0.0002), and HLA-DRβ1 amino acids histidine at position 13 (p = 0.0005) and valine at position 11 (p = 0.0012) significantly associated with radiological progression. This association was only significant in anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)-positive patients, suggesting that while their effects were not mediated by ACPA, they only predicted joint damage in ACPA-positive RA. Non-HLA variants did not associate with radiograph damage (assessed individually and cumulatively as a weighted genetic risk score). Two SNP — rs11889341 (STAT4, p = 0.0001) and rs653178 (SH2B3-PTPN11, p = 0.0004) — associated with HAQ scores over 6–24 months.

Conclusion.

HLA susceptibility variants play an important role in determining radiological progression in early, active ACPA-positive RA. Genome-wide and HLA-wide analyses across large populations are required to better characterize the genetic architecture of radiological progression in RA.