bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Monitoring For Coronary Heart Disease Risk in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tselios Konstantinos , Sheane Barry J. , Gladman Dafna D. , Urowitz Murray B.
Published: November 2015

Objective.

Premature coronary heart disease (CHD) significantly affects morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Several studies have detected factors influencing the atherosclerotic process, as well as methods to quantify the atherosclerotic burden in subclinical stages. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the minimum investigations to optimally monitor CHD risk in SLE.

Methods.

English-restricted literature review was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines through Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases, from inception until May 2014 (Medline until October 2014). Specific search terms included, among others, “SLE,” “atherosclerosis,” “CHD,” “myocardial ischemia,” “acute coronary syndrome,” “myocardial infarction,” and “angina pectoris.” We identified 101 eligible articles, 23 with cardiovascular events (CVE) as endpoints and 78 with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for quality assessment.

Results.

Certain traditional and disease-specific factors were identified as independent predictors for CHD. Among the former were age (particularly postmenopausal state), male sex, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking. Disease activity and duration, cumulative damage, antiphospholipid antibodies, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and renal disease were the most consistent disease-related factors. Corticosteroids were linked to increased CHD risk whereas antimalarials were protective. Concerning imaging techniques, carotid ultrasonography (intima-media thickness and plaque) was shown to independently predict CVE.

Conclusion.

Premature CHD in SLE is multifactorial; modifiable variables should be monitored at frequent intervals to ensure prompt management. Disease-specific factors also affect the atherogenic process and should be evaluated regularly. Carotid ultrasonography may hold promise in predicting CVE in selected high-risk patients.
Outcome Measures in Polymyalgia Rheumatica. A Systematic Review
Authors: Duarte Cátia , Ferreira Ricardo Jorge de Oliveira , Mackie Sarah Louise , Kirwan John Richard , Pereira da Silva José António ,   The OMERACT Polymyalgia Rheumatica Special Interest Group
Published: November 2015

Objective.

To identify the instruments used to assess polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in published studies.

Methods.

A systematic literature review of clinical trials and longitudinal observational studies related to PMR, published from 1970 to 2014, was carried out. All outcome and assessment instruments were extracted and categorized according to core areas and domains, as defined by the OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology) Filter 2.0.

Results.

Thirty-five articles (3221 patients) were included: 12 randomized controlled trials (RCT); 3 nonrandomized trials; and 20 observational studies. More than 20 domains were identified, measured by 29 different instruments. The most frequently used measures were pain, morning stiffness, patient global assessment and physician global assessment, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein. The definition of outcomes varied considerably between studies.

Conclusion.

The outcome measures and instruments used in PMR are numerous and diversely defined. The establishment of a core set of validated and standardized outcome measurements is needed.
Knee Pain Patterns and Associations with Pain and Function in Persons with or at Risk for Symptomatic Radiographic Osteoarthritis: A Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Riddle Daniel L. , Makowski Mateusz
Published: November 2015

Objective.

Knee pain location is routinely assessed in clinical practice. We determined the patterns of patient-reported pain locations for persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA). We also examined associations between knee pain patterns and severity of self-reported pain with activity and self-reported functional status.

Methods.

The Osteoarthritis Initiative data were used to examine reports of pain location (localized, regional, or global) and type and extent of knee OA. Multivariable ANCOVA models were used to determine associations between the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Survey (KOOS) Pain and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Function scales and pain location after adjusting for potential confounding. We also used radar graphs to illustrate pain patterns for various locations and severity of knee OA.

Results.

Radar graphs of 2696 knees indicated that pain pattern and location and extent of knee OA demonstrate substantial overlap. An interaction between race and pain location was found for WOMAC Function, but not for KOOS Pain scores. Global knee pain was associated (p < 0.001) with substantially worse function (by 6.5 points in African Americans) compared with pain that was localized. Knee pain reported as global was independently associated (p < 0.001) with clinically important lower (worse by 3.9 points) KOOS Pain scores compared with pain that was localized.

Conclusion.

Pain patterns are not useful for inferring potential location or severity of knee OA in individual patients, but knee pain patterns that are global are independently associated with worse pain and function compared with localized pain, and associations differ for function based on race.
Barriers to Care in Gout: From Prescriber to Patient
Authors: Vaccher Stefanie , Kannangara Diluk R.W. , Baysari Melissa T. , Reath Jennifer , Zwar Nicholas , Williams Kenneth M. , Day Richard O.
Published: November 2015

Objective.

To explore the understanding of gout and its management by patients and general practitioners (GP), and to identify barriers to optimal gout care.

Methods.

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 GP and 22 patients in Sydney, Australia. Discussions were focused on medication adherence, experiences with gout, and education and perceptions around interventions for gout. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for themes using an analytical framework.

Results.

Adherence to urate-lowering medications was identified as problematic by GP, but less so by patients with gout. However, patients had little appreciation of the risk of acute attacks related to variable adherence. Patients felt stigmatized that their gout diagnosis was predominantly related to perceptions that alcohol and dietary excess were causal. Patients felt they did not have enough education about gout and how to manage it. A manifestation of this was that uric acid concentrations were infrequently measured. GP were concerned that they did not know enough about managing gout and most were not familiar with current guidelines for management. For example and importantly, the strategies for reducing the risk of acute attacks when commencing urate-lowering therapy (ULT) were not well appreciated by GP or patients.

Conclusion.

Patients and GP wished to know more about gout and its management. Greater success in establishing and maintaining ULT will require further and better education to substantially benefit patients. Also, given the prevalence, and personal and societal significance of gout, innovative approaches to transforming the management of this eminently treatable disease are needed.
Être « jeune » dans le Rif oriental
Authors: Jamous Raymond
Published: November 2015

Dans le Rif oriental, être jeune se définit en creux, comme absence de contrôle sur la terre qui fonde l’honneur et la responsabilité. C’est dans ce contexte opposant radicalement les hommes d’honneur, accomplis (ariaz), aux jeunes irresponsables, que l’article déploie une ethnographie de la transgression des règles, du défi envers l’autorité et de la ruse déployée par ces jeunes pour arriver à leurs fins. Après l’exploration des tensions caractérisant la relation entre les fils et les pères, c’est une autre relation, avec les grands-pères cette fois, qui est analysée. L’enjeu en est la transmission de la culture de l’honneur. Enfin, l’exposé s’achève sur une étude détaillée du rôle que les jeunes hommes tiennent dans les rituels de mariage, qui laissent les pères à la marge, tandis que les fils en annoncent le meurtre symbolique dans la mise en scène de leur puissance génésique.
Quand les « Diables » deviennent de bien jeunes maires
Authors: Dos Santos Irène
Published: November 2015

Le présent article vise à travers l’étude de la Fête des garçons, un rite d’initiation et de régénération entrepris au cœur de l’hiver, à interroger la place assignée aux jeunes et celle qu’ils revendiquent dans une société portugaise en mutation. La Fête des garçons constitue une arène où se donnent à voir les tensions autour de la redéfinition de la « tradition », au sens des normes relatives aux rapports de genre et à un projet de société, dont les jeunes sont le vecteur. Les antagonismes qui affleurent lors des différentes séquences rituelles sont révélateurs de la tension entre la volonté des jeunes d’imposer leur autorité, de montrer qu’ils sont capables d’être responsables et de perpétuer la tradition, et la dépréciation de leur autorité rituelle par les aînés et partant de la prétention des jeunes à exister. L’absence des filles, fiancées potentielles, marque le refus de la domination masculine et indique la fin possible de la raison d’être du rituel.
Domain-Specific Programming Environment for Heterogeneous Multicore Embedded Systems
Authors: Syschikov Alexey , Sheynin Yuriy , Sedov Boris , Ivanova Vera
Published: November 2015

Nowadays embedded systems are used in a broad range of domains such as avionics, space, automotive, mobile, domestic appliances etc. Sophisticated software determines the quality of embedded systems and requires high-qualified experts for software development. Software becomes the main assert of embedded systems that is valuable to retain in changing computing platforms in embedded systems evolution. Computing platforms for embedded systems became multicore processors and SoC, they can change in the embedded system lifetime that could be long (dozen of years for an automobile and airplane). It requires software porting to new platforms as a regular process. Many tools and approaches allow developing of software for domain area experts, but mainly for general-purpose computing systems. In this paper the authors present the complex technology and tools that allows involving domain experts in software development for embedded systems. The proposed technology has various aspects and abilities that can be used to build verifiable and portable software for a wide range of embedded platforms.
I giochi dell'analisi transazionale. Come riconoscerli e liberarsene. [The games of transactional analysis. How to acknowledge them and how to get rid of them.]
Authors: Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Del Puente Giovanni
Published: November 2015

Sabrina D’Amanti is a trained transactional analyst, who initially worked in the field of clinical and school psychology. This book covers the history and the theoretical foundation of Transactional Analysis (TA), focusing above all on the theory of mind or psychological games, and offers practical examples that can greatly help practitioners and analysts - especially health psychologists - in their clinical work...
Tabulated values of relative sea-level projections in Canada and the adjacent mainland United States
Authors: James T S , Henton J A , Leonard L
J , Darlington A , Forbes D L , Craymer M
Published: November 2015

This Open File provides tabulated values of relative sea-level projections for 59 locations in Canada and 10 locations in the adjacent mainland United States up to the year 2100. It complements Open File 7737 "Relative Sea-level Projections in Canada and adjacent
mainland United States", which included plots of projected relative sea-level change but did not provide numerical values. The relative sea-level projections are based on the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC AR5) and on GPS observations of vertical
crustal motion. Projections are relative to 1986-2005, and are given for 2007 and every ten years from 2010 to 2100 for the median value and 5th and 95th percentiles for Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5. As well, the projected sea level at 2100 is given
for a fourth scenario where Antarctica is assumed to provide an additional 65 cm of global sea-level rise to the median projection of RCP8.5. The reader is referred to Open File 7737 for background and methods for deriving the relative sea-level projections.
2015 report of activities for ancient faults and their controls on mineralization in northern British Columbia and southern Yukon: GEM2 Cordillera Project
Authors: Ryan J J , Westberg E E , Chapman J B , Haggart J W , Hayward N , Morneau Y E , Kellett D
A , Joyce N L
Published: November 2015

Foreword
The Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) program is laying the foundation for sustainable economic development in Northern Canada. The Program provides modern public geoscience that will set the stage for long-term decision making related to investment in responsible resource development.
Geoscience knowledge produced by GEM supports evidence-based exploration for new energy and mineral resources and enables northern communities to make informed decisions about their land, economy and society. Building upon the success of its first five-years, GEM has been renewed until 2020 to
continue producing new, publically available, regional-scale geoscience knowledge in Canada's North. During the summer 2015, the GEM program successfully carried out 14 research activities that include geological, geochemical and geophysical surveying. These activities have been undertaken in
collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, northerners and their institutions, academia and the private sector. GEM will continue to work with these key collaborators as the program advances.
Hot water epilepsy: A form of reflex epilepsy - from infancy to adolescence
Authors: Pejaver Rajath , Srinivasa V. , Basavanthappa S. P. , Murthy C. L. Srinivasa
Published: November 2015

Hot water epilepsy (HWE) is a type of reflex epilepsy which occurs when hot water is poured over the head. Most cases have been reported from Southern India. Genetic, cultural, and geographical factors can be responsible for HWE. HWE can be treated by clobazam 1–2 h prior to take a bath rather than continuous anti-epileptic therapy. Medication prior to bathing may be useful in treating older children, eliminating the need to be accompanied by an adult during bathing. It can also be treated by reducing the temperature of the water used for bathing. Here, we report three cases of HWE in varying age groups.
Advanced Applications of RNA Sequencing and Challenges
Authors: Han Yixing , Gao Shouguo , Muegge Kathrin , Zhang Wei , Zhou Bing
Published: November 2015

Next-generation sequencing technologies have revolutionarily advanced sequence-based research with the advantages of high-throughput, high-sensitivity, and high-speed. RNA-seq is now being used widely for uncovering multiple facets of transcriptome to facilitate the biological applications. However, the large-scale data analyses associated with RNA-seq harbors challenges. In this study, we present a detailed overview of the applications of this technology and the challenges that need to be addressed, including data preprocessing, differential gene expression analysis, alternative splicing analysis, variants detection and allele-specific expression, pathway analysis, co-expression network analysis, and applications combining various experimental procedures beyond the achievements that have been made. Specifically, we discuss essential principles of computational methods that are required to meet the key challenges of the RNA-seq data analyses, development of various bioinformatics tools, challenges associated with the RNA-seq applications, and examples that represent the advances made so far in the characterization of the transcriptome.
Therapeutic Challenges to End-Stage Kidney Disease in a Patient with Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Ohara Ken , Akimoto Tetsu , Miki Takuya , Otani Naoko , Sugase Taro , Masuda Takahiro , Murakami Takuya , Imai Toshimi , Takeda Shin-ichi , Ando Yasuhiro , Muto Shigeaki , Nagata Daisuke
Published: November 2015

In this report, we describe the case of an end-stage kidney disease patient with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). A 33-year-old female with TOF was admitted to our hospital with complaints of general fatigue and appetite loss probably due to uremic milieu. She was ultimately treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) with a favorable clinical course. TOF patients with chronic kidney disease are not exceptional, although the currently available information regarding the association between TOF and renal failure severe enough to require dialysis treatment is limited. We also discuss the complex processes of how and why PD was selected as a mode of chronic renal replacement therapy in this case.
Management ofPneumocystis jiroveciiPneumonia in Kidney Transplantation to Prevent Further Outbreak
Authors: Goto Norihiko , Futamura Kenta , Okada Manabu , Yamamoto Takayuki , Tsujita Makoto , Hiramitsu Takahisa , Narumi Shunji , Watarai Yoshihiko
Published: November 2015

The outbreak of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) among kidney transplant recipients is emerging worldwide. It is important to control nosocomial PJP infection. A delay in diagnosis and treatment increases the number of reservoir patients and the number of cases of respiratory failure and death. Owing to the large number of kidney transplant recipients compared to other types of organ transplantation, there are greater opportunities for them to share the same time and space. Although the use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) as first choice in PJP prophylaxis is valuable for PJP that develops from infections by trophic forms, it cannot prevent or clear colonization, in which cysts are dominant. Colonization of P. jirovecii is cleared by macrophages. While recent immunosuppressive therapies have decreased the rate of rejection, over-suppressed macrophages caused by the higher levels of immunosuppression may decrease the eradication rate of colonization. Once a PJP cluster enters these populations, which are gathered in one place and uniformly undergoing immunosuppressive therapy for kidney transplantation, an outbreak can occur easily. Quick actions for PJP patients, other recipients, and medical staff of transplant centers are required. In future, lifelong prophylaxis may be required even in kidney transplant recipients.
Multivariate Boosting for Integrative Analysis of High-Dimensional Cancer Genomic Data
Authors: Xiong Lie , Kuan Pei-Fen , Tian Jianan , Keles Sunduz , Wang Sijian
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we propose a novel multivariate component-wise boosting method for fitting multivariate response regression models under the high-dimension, low sample size setting. Our method is motivated by modeling the association among different biological molecules based on multiple types of high-dimensional genomic data. Particularly, we are interested in two applications: studying the influence of DNA copy number alterations on RNA transcript levels and investigating the association between DNA methylation and gene expression. For this purpose, we model the dependence of the RNA expression levels on DNA copy number alterations and the dependence of gene expression on DNA methylation through multivariate regression models and utilize boosting-type method to handle the high dimensionality as well as model the possible nonlinear associations. The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated through simulation studies. Finally, our multivariate boosting method is applied to two breast cancer studies.
The Complex Triad of Combinatorial Anticancer Therapy: Curcumin, p53, and Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Singh Roshan Kumar , Satapathy Sandeep , Kumar Chanchal , Kirti
Published: November 2015

Cancer therapies based on single target molecules have proved to be ineffective both in terms of their desired action and associated undesired side effects. Combinatorial cancer therapies involve selection of different components with targeted effects, which can lead to a synergistic effect for anticancer therapy. Curcumin induces the expression of p53 and downregulates that of Mdm2, ultimately resulting in induction of apoptosis. Subsequently, there is an elevated expression of p53-induced genes, which activate reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby establishing cellular communication and disposition of any aberrant cell by growth arrest or apoptotic cell death. As a whole, the triad of curcumin, p53, and ROS presents a unique and promising solution to the designing of modern and patient-specific cancer therapeutics.
Exposure Path Perceptions and Protective Actions in Biological Water Contamination Emergencies
Authors: Lindell Michael K. , Mumpower Jeryl L. , Huang Shih-Kai , Wu Hao-Che , Samuelson Charles D.
Published: November 2015

This study extends the Protective Action Decision Model, developed to address disaster warning responses in the context of natural hazards, to “boil water” advisories. The study examined 110 Boston residents' and 203 Texas students' expectations of getting sick through different exposure paths for contact with contaminated water. In addition, the study assessed respondents' actual implementation (for residents) or behavioral expectations (for students) of three different protective actions – bottled water, boiled water, and personally chlorinated water – as well as their demographic characteristics and previous experience with water contamination. The results indicate that people distinguish among the exposure paths, but the differences are small (one-third to one-half of the response scale). Nonetheless, the perceived risk from the exposure paths helps to explain why people are expected to consume (or actually consumed) bottled water rather than boiled or personally chlorinated water. Overall, these results indicate that local authorities should take care to communicate the relative risks of different exposure paths and should expect that people will respond to a boil water order primarily by consuming bottled water. Thus, they should make special efforts to increase supplies of bottled water in their communities during water contamination emergencies.
Experienced Harm from Other People's Drinking: A Comparison of Northern European Countries
Authors: Moan Inger Synnøve , Storvoll Elisabet E. , Sundin Erica , Lund Ingunn Olea , Bloomfield Kim , Hope Ann , Ramstedt Mats , Huhtanen Petri , Kristjánsson Sveinbjörn
Published: November 2015

Objective

This study addresses how experienced harm from other people's drinking varies between six Northern European countries by comparing 1) the prevalence of experienced harm and 2) the correlates of harm.

Method

The data comprise 18ȓ69-year olds who participated in general population surveys in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Scotland during the period 2008–2013. Comparative data were available on five types of harm: physical abuse, damage of clothes/belongings, verbal abuse, being afraid, and being kept awake at night.

Results

This study shows that harms from other's drinking are commonly experienced in all six countries. Being kept awake at night is the most common harm, while being physically harmed is the least common. The proportions that reported at least one of the five problems were highest in Finland and Iceland and lowest in Norway, but also relatively low in Sweden. Across countries, the level of harm was highest among young, single, urban residents, and for some countries among women and those who frequently drank to intoxication themselves.

Conclusions

The study revealed large differences in the prevalence of harm in countries with fairly similar drinking cultures. However, the correlates of such experiences were similar across countries. Possible explanations of the findings are discussed, including differences in study design.
The scientific method applied to the reconstructive hypothesis
Authors: Vico Lola , Vassallo Valentina
Published: November 2015

The literary review of Roman architecture virtual reconstructions elaborated with computer graphics techniques revealed that they often lack scientific rigour, the access to the reconstruction criteria most of the time is not possible and lack the transparency in the process of work and communication. This paper proposes a scientific method based on the architectural and constructive analysis applied to virtual reconstruction field, with an open and transparent process in the validation of the working hypothesis.
El dibujo científico. Introducción al dibujo como lenguaje en el trabajo de campo
Authors: Mayor Iborra José , Flores Gutiérrez Mariano
Published: November 2015

The scientific drawing understood as a universal language is a tool of undoubted documentary value as well as daily use in our field work of any professional who is with the need to register with graphics, a work process in which, need to process the drawing as coach and illustrator information. The drawings scientists have always had the vocation of fidelity and accuracy, in order to collect objective truths. The scientific drawing has been compressed and discriminating, as the reading order of the drawing through the line by providing a clear exposition that the photograph is not enough to achieve.
Serious Games Network
Authors: Vaz de Carvalho Carlos , Latorre Andrés Pedro M. , Serón Arbeloa Francisco José
Published: November 2015

“Serious games” can be defined as (digital) games used for purposes other than mere entertainment. Serious Games can be applied to a broad spectrum of areas, e.g. educational, healthcare, training in hazardous environments or situations. Game-based Learning, one aspect of Serious Games, are also more and more explored for all levels of education in different subjects, such as Ancient History. The SEGAN (SErious GAmes Network) will create a Community of Practice on the Serious Games subject. The main objective is to create a stable (but expanding) consortium to exchange ideas and experiences related to Serious Games. The SEGAN Network invites the people of the community of Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Ancient History interested in Serious Games to join the net and to participate in their activities.
The London Charter and the Seville Principles as sources of requirements for e-archaeology systems development purposes
Authors: Carrillo Gea Juan M. , Toval Ambrosio , Fernández Alemán José L. , Nicolás Joaquín , Flores Mariano
Published: November 2015

Requirements engineering (RE) is a discipline of critical importance in software development. This paper provides a process and a set of software artefacts to help in the production of e-archaeology systems with emphasis on requirements reuse and standards. In particular, two important guidelines in the field of earchaeology, the London Charter and the Principles of Seville, have been shown as two sources of requirements to be considered as a starting point for developing this type of systems.
Financial Market Integration: Empirical Evidence from the COMESA
Authors: Gebrehiwot Aklilu , Sayim Mustafa
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this research paper is to investigate the level of financial market integration in the COMESA (The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) regional market over the period from January 2005 to December 2013 using monthly data. Due to data constraint, we select ten countries from the COMESA regional market that have relatively stable data. We also include two big international markets - China and the U.S. to assess the level of integration of the regional market with two of the key global market leaders. To analyze the long-run relationship among the markets, we use the Level-VAR procedure that was proposed by Toda and Yamamato (1995).

Despite the establishment of NEPAD (The New Partnership for Africa’s Development) to promote free trade zone and regional integration, and the advent of structural adjustments, we find that the level of financial market integration in the COMESA regional market is not significant, and most of the markets are still fragmented. The financial market integration of the regional market (COMESA) with the two big international markets - China and the U.S. is not also significant to realize integration with the global market leaders.
Difficulties of English Language Teaching in Bangladesh
Authors: Akbas Ismail
Published: November 2015

Identifying the difficulties of English Language Teaching at English Medium Schools’ Primary levels are essential in Bangladesh to achieve to set English language competencies in the educational institutions. The main purpose of this study was to discover the specific problems of English Language Teaching at English Medium Schools’ Primary levels. The current study was a qualitative research technique by nature. One set of closed-ended questionnaires were used to collect data from the teachers who live within three cities to understand the views and situation of the difficulties of English Language teaching. The study indicates that teachers, students and school administration encounter several problems due to lack of skilled teachers, proper teacher training, using proper teaching methods and materials, physical facilities and so on. As a result, English curriculum implementation at the primary level in Bangladesh is becoming unsuccessful in most of the schools; however there are several adequately designed buildings with well trained teachers along with proper educational materials. Given that the number of schools is in the thousands, we shall draw comparisons between respective educational institutions.
Relationship of team learning and organizational culture with knowledge management in second grade high school teachers in Saveh city
Authors: Farshad Mahboobeh , Azizi Dr. Gholamreza
Published: November 2015

The purpose of the present research was to study the relationship of team learning and organizational culture with knowledge management in teachers of the second course of high schools in Saveh city in 2014. The method used in this research was practical in terms of objectives and correlational-descriptive in terms of data collection method. The statistical population consisted of 160 individuals including all the second grade high school teachers in Saveh city. In this regard, 113 individuals (65 males and 4 females) were considered as a sample size using the Cochran formula and the Stratified random sampling method. In order to collect the data, three standard questionnaires of team learning of Breso et al. (2008), knowledge management of Fong & Choi (2009), and organizational culture of Denison (2000) were employed.  In order to assess the reliability of the questionnaires, the Cronbach’s alpha method was used and the related coefficients were 0.84, 0.82, and 0.94 respectively for each of the questionnaires. Moreover, in order to assess the validity, the content validity was used, and the questionnaires were confirmed by the relevant experts. The analysis of the obtained data was performed through SPSS software in the two sections of descriptive and inferential (Pearson correlation and multivariable regression). The research findings indicated that there is a significant relationship between team learning and organizational culture, and knowledge management.  The findings also demonstrated that the variables of team learning and organizational culture can predict the variable of knowledge management.
BTRAC – Bangalore traffic improvement project – A case study
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev
Published: November 2015

From 3 lakh vehicles in 1985, to about 53 lakh now, vehicle population in Bangalore has increased more than five fold during the last two decades. While the vehicle population is growing by at least one lakh every year, total road length has remained the same. Many of the arterial roads and junctions are operating over the capacity and to upgrade the city's traffic management system and resulted in the creation of the Bangalore Traffic Improvement Project, B-TRAC 2010 by Bangalore City Traffic Police.
The BTRAC Project was conceptualized to address traffic congestion in Bangalore by employing the latest traffic management technologies. The components of BTRAC which are a reality on ground include the state-of-the-art Traffic Management Center which is the hub of transportation management system in Bangalore, Intelligent Transport Systems, Surveillance and Enforcement Cameras, Signage, Road Markings, Street Furniture, Junction Improvements and Capacity Building.
Various traffic and road safety education and training activities have also been conducted with citizens and traffic personnel throughout the city for generating awareness about traffic rules and familiarising them with the latest technologies being adapted.
As a result of such consolidated traffic control and management effort, Bangalore today has a full-fledged traffic maintenance system. This has resulted in creating transparency in enforcing traffic rules and levying adequate and timely penalties. BTRAC has resulted in better management of traffic, ensuring safety and security on roads and prevention of road accidents, with the monitoring and regulation of flow of vehicles in a systematic manner.
BTRAC has reduced the occurrence of road accidents in Bangalore and is creating a safe road environment for commuters. The absolute number of road accidents witnessed a growing trend till the year 2007 and then followed a declining trend over the consecutive years with 5230 cases being reported in 2013 and 5004 cases in 2014. Even the fatal accident rate is showing a declining trend over the past five years.
Land-use, transport choice and population health: opportunities for highly motorized and rapidly motorizing countries
Authors: Stevenson Mark
Published: November 2015

The presentation will highlight the population health effects arising from land-use changes and public policy initiatives that lead to changes in transport mode share for six international cities namely, Melbourne, Beijing, Delhi, London, Copenhagen and New York. The findings demonstrate that policies encouraging optimal land-use for active transport combined with provision of infrastructure that reduces the risk of injury for vulnerable road users (in association with road safety interventions) can produce considerable population health benefits across both chronic disease and road trauma. Without such infrastructure, however, increases in road trauma are likely, especially within highly motorised cities.
Mandatory toxicological examination: controversies
Authors: Szymanski Jack , Kerr Saraiva Szymanski Ana Maria
Published: November 2015

The United Nations has declared the period from 2011 to 2020 as the Decade of Action for Traffic Safety. The World Health Organization indicates that in most Latin America countries, alcohol consumption is responsible for about 8% of all existing diseases. Worldwide 35% to 50% of all serious vehicule crashes are alcohol related (JORGE, ADURA, 2012-2013). Brazil has a practical system of control to catch drunk drivers, while the abuse of other substances while driving have passed unscathed. Legal and documentary research. Samples shall be taken from hair, or in cases of alopecia, fingernails to be used for screening the Radioimmunoassay and enzyme immunoassay.

In Brazil, the National Traffic Council determined a wide toxicology system of detection for consumption of psychoactive substances in the occasion of the medical exam to the obtainment of the professional driver’s license. The medical expert should consider the candidate unfit temporarily for vehicular driving, in case the examination accuses abuse of the following substances: marijuana, cocaine, crack, heroin, opiates, ecstasy or other substances that impair the drivers performance.The Brazilian Association of Traffic Medicine is against this resolution. Through an extensive review of the scientific literature, they could not find any study to justify the need of mandatory substance abuse assessment for drivers or applicants when undergoing the medical exam. The adequacy of this resolution is controversial. Currently, toxicological analysis of substances that alter the performance of the driver are used worldwide in addition to other actions such as checking the medical condition of the driver. A stricter control of the traffic laws should provide greater effectiveness in reducing road accidents.
Managing road safety in the workplace: A Ras Laffan industrial city perspective
Authors: J. Wessels Johannes
Published: November 2015

Introduction/Problem statement In 2007, road safety was assessed as one of the more serious safety risks in Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC). It accounted for 1,540 road traffic crashes, one fatality, several serious injuries and a number of property damages during the year. As a result a committee was formed which included all stakeholders in the Industrial City to set achievable and sustainable goals to reduce the road safety risk rate to “As Low as Reasonable Practical” (ALARP). The committee developed and implemented a sustainable road safety program, holding all persons entering RLIC responsible for contributing to a new safety culture. The aim was to reduce road related crashes by at least 20% per annum.
Methods
1. The committee conducted an ALARP road safety study to identify and analyze the highest road safety related risks in all common road and concession areas of the Industrial City and established mitigation measures for each risk identified to prevent death, serious injury or property damage.
2. Investigated the root causes of road traffic crashes and classified them in categories that include human behaviour, road engineering, vehicle fitness, driver fitness and environmental conditions such as dust and fog.
3. Developed and implemented sustainable mitigation measures for each of the categories identified.
4. Developed and implemented a road crash database to record and track crash data.
Throughout this process focus was given to incident investigation, statistical analysis, end users involvement, awareness campaigns, alternative transport modes, speed enforcement, radar monitoring systems, audits, inspections of road network and systems, community outreach programs, education and enforcement.
Results
As a result a high-level awareness road safety “Zero Tolerance Visibility Program” was introduced with input from the local traffic department, business partners and industry road safety experts. Between 2007 and 2014, road traffic crashes were reduced by 85% cumulatively. The strategies proved to be successful by: (1) the reduction in fatalities from one fatality in 2007 to zero fatalities during the period of 2008 to 2014; and (2) a notable reduction in road traffic crashes from 1,540 in 2007 to 278 in 2014.
Conclusions
Overall the Zero Tolerance Visibility Program implemented during 2007 yielded positive results. With continuous improvement of the vision for safer roads, further reductions in road traffic crashes will be achievable. Furthermore, these strategies may also be suitable for application in other workplaces similar to Ras Laffan Industrial areas.
التعليم المنهجي للأجيال والمشاركة المجتمعية وإعادة تأهيل السائقين للحد
من الحوادث المرورية
Authors: Al-Saif AbdulJalil
Published: November 2015

تشكّل الحوادث المروية بدرجة كبيرة قلقًا كبيرًا، وهاجسًا مؤرقًا ومؤلمًا لأفراد المجتمع كافة..؛ وأضحت من أهم المشكلات التي تستنزف الموارد الحيوية، والمادية والطاقات البشرية خاصة الشابة منها، فضلاً عمّا تكبّده من مشكلات اجتماعية ونفسية وخسائر مادية ضخمة؛ ما يدعونا جميعًا إلى إيجاد الحلول والاقتراحات ووضعها حيز التنفيذ للحد منها؛ وتقدير معالجة أسبابها والتخفيف من وطأة آثارها السلبية.

والواقع يذكّرنا دومًا، أنه بالرغم من تنظيم، العديد منحملات التوعية؛ وإقامة المزيد من الفعاليات التي قدّمت لمجتمعاتنا العربية، على مدار العقود الماضية؛ وبالرغم من تقدير الجهد الرسمي المبذول: ماديًا ومعنويًا في سبيل التوعية المرورية لحماية الإنسان، أغلى ما تملكه الأوطان، وحفاظًا على أمنها وسلامتها إلا أن هذا الواقع، كان شاهدًا على تواضع نتائجها، التي لم ترتق إلى تطلعات المراقبين والمهتمين؛ ولم تحقّق المرجوّ منها؛ لافتقادها إلى سياسات واستراتيجيات وبرامج فاعلة، وصولاً للمعالجات الناجعة في هذا الخصوص.
ورغم انفراد إدارات المرور بهذه الجهود المبذولة والتي تعد خارج اختصاصاتها بالأساس؛ إذ المهمة الأساسية لرجال المرور، تنفيذ الأنظمة واللوائح لانضباط الشارع، ومن بينها تعقب مخالفات السير ورفع الحوادث ومعالجات القصور فيهما؛ انطلاقًا من مسؤوليتهاالإدارية والفنية والتوعوية، في هذا الخصوص، إلا أن هناك شعورًا عامًا، ما زال عدم مساندة مؤسّسات التنشئة الاجتماعية الرسمية والأهلية الأخرى، التي لم توفق في إيصال هذه الرسالة السامية لأفراد المجتمع وشرائحها كافةً.
وبالرغم من تكرار الأنظمة والقوانين والتوصيات، الرسمية وغيرها من قرارات أصحاب السمو والمعالي وزراء الداخلية بدول مجلس التعاون، وتوصيات المختصين في الفعاليات والمؤتمرات المرورية كافةً، إلا أن هذه الأنظمة والقوانين والقرارات والتوصيات لم تجد سبيلاً للتطبيق الميداني المنشود لمجتمعاتنا من خلال:
1. إيجاد برامج منهجية وإلزامية للسلامة المرورية للأجيال المقبلة.
2. المشاركة المجتمعية الفاعلة من خلال جمعيات للحد من الحوادث المرورية.
3. توافر برامج لإعادة تأهيل قائدي السيارات مسببوا الحوادث على أسس علمية، ونفسية واجتماعية وطبية وعلمية.
يحاول هذا البحث في إيجاز إلقاء الأضواء على النقاط أعلاه، التي أرى أنها لم تنل القدر الكافي من الاهتمام في هذا الخصوص خليجيًا وعربيًا.
The importance of child car seat safety
Authors: A. Khoja Tawfeeq
Published: November 2015

Provoking the loss of a productive workforce and the waste of economic resources,
through death or disability, the social and economic ramifications of road accidents attract the attention of researchers and stakeholders alike. Accidents have detrimental social, health and psychological consequences for families and cause them financial burdens.
One of the means of protection against road accidents lies in taking preventive safety
measures and educating children about them in order to reduce the risk of exposing children to
accidents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Excluding non-communicable diseases, road accidents
are the leading cause of death in the Kingdom. The safety belt in the vehicle is the first means of safety while driving. The 1998 Saudi Law on the use of safety belts defines the device as that part
which holds the user's body firmly on the seat. On account of the exponential increase in the rate
of road accidents and casualties, the need for the use of seatbelts cannot be overemphasized.
This does not exclusively concern adults but also children who should be provided with the
necessary means of protection and safety.

We all learn how to protect our children at home, prevent them from playing with fire and
sharp and harmful objects; we cover electric plugs and keep electric appliances away from them,
and moderate the temperature of the heater in order to protect our children from being burned.
We also learn the basics of first aid to rescue our children in case they are exposed to danger.
However, have we ever thought of protecting our children when they are outdoors? Have we ever
taught them how to cross the road and how important it is to use the safety belt in the car? Do
we actually use it ourselves? Do we use the safety child seat for our children from birth? Have we
ever shown them the importance of the car seat? The answer to all these questions is mostly in
the negative. In our hectic daily life, and in our desire to reach places quickly, we forget or ignore
the importance of safety in the car, and also forget or pretend to have forgotten the basic Islamic
principle which urges Muslims to be cautious and, after entrusting our fate to Allah, to make use
of all means. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said: “Trust in Allah but tether your camel.” The Holy
Koran forbids exposing oneself to harm. Allah, the Almighty, says: “and make not your own hands
contribute to (your) destruction.”

This paper examines the importance of the child car seat and its role in safeguarding
children. Some of the relevant issues this paper intends to raise include: What are the best types
of children's car seats and seatbelts? How should safety seats be used? Can a child use a seatbelt
and dispense with the safety seat? What happens when the child safety seat is not available in
the vehicle? In addition to other relevant issues, this paper discusses the psychological impact of
traffic accidents and the importance of reckoning with the Islamic principle of making use of all.
Towards safe driving: The relation between driving vehicles and drug addiction behaviour
Authors: Al-Otaibi Abdullah
Published: November 2015

Traffic safety is one of the most important means to protect human life as well as
personal and public property from harm and to contribute to social and economic growth and development. Several factors have been linked to traffic safety, but the most prominent ones are: the driver, the vehicle and the road. This paper, however, focusses only on the driver as an essential factor that impacts others, and analyzes the driver’s behavior and how drug use and psychoactive substances relate to road accidents and traffic safety. On the one hand, official statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reveal that up to 2014, traffic accidents had increased by %400 in the previous ten years, and in the past 23 years more than half a million people were injured and sixty thousand died. This represents an annual average of 4200 deaths, 1200 permanent disabilities and 8000 temporary disabilities. On the other hand, official statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia point out to a-ten-fold increase in the previous years in the use of drugs and psychoactive substances.

In 1980, drug cases were in the range of three thousand, but today there are more than 40,000 annually, %70 of which concern drug consumption. Since traffic safety requires that drivers observe a high degree of vigilance and caution in order to cope with road conditions, scientific studies indicate that drivers under the effect of narcotics and psychoactive substances lose the ability to deal with unexpected emergencies. They lose the ability to concentrate and they suffer from disequilibrium in perceiving road turns and intersections and slow eye response to light, among other factors. Owing to the fact that traffic safety is vital in safeguarding society, human life and economic resources, it is essential to study the relationship between traffic accidents and the driver's behavior under the effect of narcotics and psychoactive substances. This relationship should be examined in a profound and scientific way to enable us to take appropriate decisions and offer practical solutions and to ensure road safety. This paper addresses three issues: the size and type of traffic accidents in relation to the driver’s behavior, the size and type of traffic accidents related to the behavior of the driver under the influence of narcotics and psychoactive substances, and the practical solutions for these problems with a view to achieving the right to traffic safety for all.