bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antecedent Contained Deletion and Pied-Piping: Evidence for a Variable-Free Semantics
Authors: Jacobson Pauline
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Dynamic Binding and the E-Type Strategy: Evidence from Japanese
Authors: Kurafuji Takeo
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Presupposition Projection and the Interpretation of 'which'-­Questions
Authors: Rullmann Hotze , Beck Sigrid
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Tense in Temporal Adjunct Clauses
Authors: Arregui Ana , Kusumoto Kiyomi
Published: June 2015

The behaviour of tense in subordinate clauses is not uniform across languages and theories that deal with the interpretation of tense try to explain this. The interpretation of past and present tense in complement clauses is one of the well known puzzles. Languages differ on this respect, and have been classified accordingly as sequence of tense languages (e.g. English) and non-sequence of tense languages (e.g. Japanese). In this paper we will be concerned mainly with the interpretation of tenses in temporal adjunct clauses (TACs). We will discuss the analysis proposed by Ogihara [1994, 1996] and argue that the differences in tense distribution that we observe between English and Japanese TACs are not to be explained as a case of sequence of tense.
Double-Access Sentences Generalized
Authors: Ogihara Toshiyuki
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Imperfectivity and Progressivity: The French Imparfait
Authors: Jayez Jacques
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Scalar Structure Underlies Telicity in "Degree Achievements"
Authors: Hay Jennifer , Kennedy Christopher , Levin Beth
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Experiencing Derivations
Authors: Reinhart Tanya
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
A Continuation Semantics of Interrogatives That Accounts for Baker's Ambiguity
Authors: Shan Chung-chieh
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Tense and Intensionality in Specificational Copular Sentences
Authors: Romero Maribel
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
The Semantics of Russian Genitive of Negation: The Nature and Role of Perspectival Structure
Authors: Partee Barbara H. , Borschev Vladimir
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Kennedy's Puzzle: What I'm Named or Who I Am?
Authors: Jacobson Pauline
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Imperfectives and Plurality
Authors: Ferreira Marcelo
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Bad Subject: (Non-)canonicality and NP Distribution in Existentials
Authors: Beaver David , Francez Itamar , Levinson Dmitry
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Semantics and Pragmatics in the Interpretation of "or"
Authors: Simons Mandy
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Givenness and Locality
Authors: Wagner Michael
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
How "many" Maximizes in the Balkan Sprachbund
Authors: Rett Jessica
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
On "needing" Propositions and "looking for" Properties
Authors: Schwarz Florian
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Formal Alternatives as a Solution to the Proviso Problem
Authors: Singh Raj
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Modal Concord
Authors: Zeijlstra Hedde
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Overt Existential Closure in Bura (Central Chadic)
Authors: Zimmermann Malte
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
The Pragmatic Values of Evidential Sentences
Authors: Davis Christopher , Potts Christopher , Speas Margaret
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Contrastive salient alternatives: Focus on bound pronouns
Authors: Mayr Clemens
Published: June 2015

The presence of contrastive focus on pronouns interpreted as bound variables is puzzling because such variables do not refer. Therefore it is unclear how two bound variables can be made to contrast with each other. It is argued that previous approaches to this puzzle face an empirical problem. The account offered is based on the idea that the alternatives introduced by focused bound pronouns denote individuals. Introducing the novel concept of salient alternatives, it is shown that this allows one to get bound pronouns to contrast. Furthermore a modification of Rooth’s 1992 ?-operator is suggested: Contrastiveness is a requirement of the operator, which is modelled as a definedness condition.
Internal past, external past, and counterfactuality: evidence from Japanese
Authors: Komoto Naoko
Published: June 2015

This paper argues that there are two different types of counterfactuality, which are overtly represented in Japanese by adding the past either to the main verb or to the modal. In one pattern where the modal takes scope over the past, the counterfactuality cannot be canceled. Along the lines of Iatridou’s (2000) and Ogihara’s (2008) analyses, I propose that the past is a modal past and it directly indicates the counterfactuality. In another pattern where the past takes scope over the modal, the counterfactuality can be canceled. Appealing to the ideas provided in Condoravdi 2002 and Ippolito 2003, 2006, I suggest that the past is temporal and it expresses that there was a past time when the proposition could still be true. The accessibility relation is de?ned in the past. The counterfactuality is obtained by the conversational implicature.
Negative Islands and obviation by 'wa' in Japanese degree questions
Authors: Schwarz Bernhard , Shimoyama Junko
Published: June 2015

This paper aims to explain the observation (not previously reported) that -wa obviates Negative Island effects in Japanese degree questions. The explanation offered ties this obviation to epistemic implications associated with -wa, deriving the latter in a (Neo-)Gricean framework. The explanation relies on Fox & Hackl’s (2006) view that Negative Islands in degree questions are due to the necessary failure of a Maximality Presupposition, but it abandons their proposal that such presuppositions must be calculated under the assumption that scales of degrees are invariably dense.
INVESTIGATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF A-PILLAR ON PASSIVE SAFETY OF A VEHICLE IN CASE OF ROLLOVER
Authors: Dzerkelis Vytautas , Bazaras Žilvinas , Lukoševičius Vaidas
Published: June 2015

The need for the means ensuring passive safety of a vehicle is becoming increasingly emphasized in the area of transport engineering. This area becomes particularly relevant when restoration of the damaged load bearing structures in vehicles is concerned. When performing restoration and modification of the vehicles according to specific needs or repairing them after traffic accidents, the lack of norms giving formalized determination of passive safety and recommendations for its assurance becomes obvious. Computational model of the roof structure developed in LSDYNA is presented, the weld intended for the structure joints is modelled, and residual stresses due to welding process are taken into account, the most effective model of weld location for A-pillar is selected and the influence of A-pillar on the strength of vehicle’s roof structure is determined in case of quasi-static compression.
ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT CHALLENGES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Barysienė Jurgita , Batarlienė Nijolė , Bazaras Darius , Čižiūnienė Kristina , Griškevičienė Daiva , Griškevičius Algirdas Juozapas , Lazauskas Jonas , Mačiulis Alminas , Palšaitis Ramūnas , Vasiliauskas Aidas Vasilis , Vasilienė-Vasiliauskienė Virgilija
Published: June 2015

The rapidly changing world determines changes in the business processes. Logistics and transport are the areas facing constant changes. Therefore, an important point is to analyse the current problems of logistics and transport within the context of the changing environment. For many years, the experts of the Dept of Logistics and Transport Management of the Faculty of Transport Engineering from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University have been pursuing research both, in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) in Lithuania and foreign countries. This research has been directed toward improvements to logistics and the entire supply chain in pursuit of economic, social and ecological competitiveness, an increase in the competitiveness and attractiveness of the transport system in the context of sustainable development, the impact of this system on the economic and social welfare of society, an increase in the competitiveness and attractiveness of the transport sector of improving the legal framework and the application of innovative technologies (including IT) in the transport sector aimed at implementing economic and social cohesion goals. The article deals with some of the key issues of the above introduced research.
CHOOSING THE BEST URBAN TUNNELS AS SAFE SPACE IN CRISIS USING AHP METHOD: A CASE STUDY IN IRAN
Authors: Nakhaei Jalal , Bitarafan Mahdi , Arefi Shahin Lale
Published: June 2015

In recent decades, experiences resulted from Modern wars have shown that aggressive armies have targeted vital and sensitive resources of the other countries in order to decrease their expenses in one hand and increase damages in other hand, defending countries transmit their critical and sensitive facilities to safe underground spaces in order to reduce damages, and experience has shown that underground spaces receive the least damage. This study tries to examine and prioritize Tehran tunnels as undergroundsafe spaces at crisis times regarding their structural parameters and also civil defense arrangements. It could accelerate the selection and creation of underground-safe spaces at crisis and it also can decrease construction and maintenance costs. This study has used AHP method to evaluate Tehran tunnels. In this regard five indices have been chosen by asking experts in the related fields and to evaluate and select a proper way to choose the best one as an urban-safe space. Finally, the investigated tunnels are prioritized as Tohid weighted as 0.349, Niyayesh weighted as 0.279, Resalat weighted as 0.197 and finally Amir Kabir weighted as 0.164 respectively that showed Tohid tunnel is the best urban-safe space and, Niyayesh, Resalat and Amir Kabir tunnels take the next places in the ranking, respectively.
THE APPEARANCE OF PLACE IDENTITY IN THE URBAN LANDSCAPE BY USING THE NATURAL FACTORS (A CASE STUDY OF YASOUJ)
Authors: Moshaver Mehrdad Karimi , Negintaji Farshad , Zeraatpisheh Hamid Reza
Published: June 2015

This study has examined the effects of natural factors (urban landscape) on the place identity. In order to perform this, the place identity has been measured and also its relationship with the components of natural factors, absolute elements, living elements and natural elements have been measured. The study is descriptive and the statistical population has been Yasouj which is a city in Iran. To analyze the data the SPSS software has been used. The results have been investigated in two levels of descriptive and inferential statistics. In the inferential statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient has been used to evaluate the research hypotheses. In this study, the variable of place identity is in high level and the natural factors are also in high level which these results indicate a positive relationship between place identity and natural factors. The results indicate that natural factors have significant role on Yasouj landscape and also increase the place identity. It can be inferred that the development of natural factors and reaching it to the qualified level will develop the place identity.
TOWARD BUILT ENVIRONMENT AS AN OPEN SYSTEM
Authors: Samalavičius Almantas
Published: June 2015

„Toward built environment as an open system" Journal of Architecture and Urbanism, 39(2), p. 101-102
Probiotic lactobacilli: a potential prophylactic treatment for reducing pesticide absorption in humans and wildlife
Authors: Trinder M. , Bisanz J.E. , Burton J.P. , Reid G.
Published: June 2015

Numerous pesticides are used in agriculture, gardening, and wildlife-control. Despite their intended toxicity to pests, these compounds can also cause harm to wildlife and humans due to their ability to potentially bioaccumulate, leach into soils, and persist in the environment. Humans and animals are commonly exposed to these compounds through agricultural practices and consumption of contaminated foods and water. Pesticides can cause a range of adverse effects in humans ranging from minor irritation, to endocrine or nervous system disruption, cancer, or even death. A convenient and cost-effective method to reduce unavoidable pesticide absorption in humans and wildlife could be the use of probiotic lactobacilli. Lactobacillus is a genus of Gram-positive gut commensal bacteria used in the production of functional foods, such as yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut and pickles, as well as silage for animal feed. Preliminary in vitro experiments suggested that lactobacilli are able to degrade some pesticides. Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1-supplemented yoghurt reduced the bioaccumulation of mercury and arsenic in pregnant women and children. A similar study is warranted to test if this approach can reduce pesticide absorption in vivo, given that the lactobacilli can also attenuate reactive oxygen production, enhance gastrointestinal barrier function, reduce inflammation, and modulate host xenobiotic metabolism.
Carotenoid composition in oils obtained from palm fruits from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Santos M. F.G. , Alves R. E. , Roca M.
Published: June 2015

The oils obtained from native palm fruits are considered new sources of high added value phytochemicals, making it necessary to know the composition of the less studied species in order to evaluate their economic potential. The objective of this study is to identify and quantify the arotenoids in palm fruit oils from the Brazilian Amazon: bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), inajá (Maximiliana maripa), pupunha (Bactris gasipaes) and tucumã (Astrocaryum vulgare), by means of liquid phase extraction and HPLC-UV-vis. analysis. The results showed an extremely variable carotenoid content, from 13 mg·kg−1 in bacaba oil to more than 1000 mg·kg−1 in the tucumã one. The oils obtained from buriti, pupunha and tucumã displayed high concentrations of ß-carotene, corresponding to fruits with the series ß, ß dominant metabolism. Upon analyzing the carotenoid profile in bacaba oil for the first time, an extraordinary dominance of the ß, ε pathway was observed, proving them to be oils with high lutein and α-carotene contents. Although the ß, ß pathway dominates in inajá oil, the exclusive and high lycopene content implies that LCY-E is barely active in these fruits, in contrast to what has been evidenced so far. It is therefore of the utmost importance to characterize these new potential sources of carotenoids.
Characterization of grape seed oil from wines with protected denomination of origin (PDO) from Spain
Authors: Bada J. C. , León-Camacho M. , Copovi P. , Alonso L.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the composition and characteristics of red grape seed oils (Vitis vinifera L) from wines with protected denomination of origin (PDO) from Spain. Eight representative varieties of grape seed oils from the Spanish wine Ribera del Duero (Tempranillo), Toro (Tempranillo), Rioja (Garnacha), Valencia (Tempranillo) and Cangas (Mencia, Carrasquín, Albarín and Verdejo) were studied. The oil content of the seeds ranged from 13.89 to 10.18%, and the moisture was similar for all the seeds. Linoleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid in all samples, representing around 78%, followed by oleic acid with a concentration close 16%, the degree of unsaturation in the grape seed oil was over 90%. β-sitosterol and α-tocopherol were the main sterol and tocopherol, reaching values of 77.31% and 3.82 mg·100 g−1 of oil, respectively. In relation to the tocotrienols, α-tocotrienol was the main tocotrienol and accounted for 13.18 mg·100 g−1 of oil.
Optimization of oligoglycerol fatty acid esters preparation catalyzed by Lipozyme 435
Authors: Wan F. L. , Teng Y. L. , Wang Y. , Li A. J. , Zhang N.
Published: June 2015

Oli goglycerol fatty acid esters (OGEs) are an important kind of polyglycerol fatty acid esters (PGEs) which have been widely used as emulsifiers in food, medicine and cosmetic industries. The aim of this study was to investigate the preparation of OGEs by the esterification of olig oglycerol with linoleic acid in a solvent- free system using Lipozyme 435 as the catalyst. The effects of substrate molar ratio, reaction time, reaction temperature, enzyme dosage, and water addition on the efficiency of esterification (EE) were studied. Single factor experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to optimize the reaction parameters. The optimum conditions were obtained as follows: reaction time 4.52 h, reaction temperature 90 °C, enzyme dosage 2 wt% (based on the total substrate mass), the molar ratio of oligoglycerol to linoleic acid 1.59:1 and no water addition. Under these conditions, the experimental EE (95.82±0.22%) fitted well with that predicted by RSM (96.15%). Similar results were obtained when the process was scaled up to a production of 500 g in a pilot bubble column reactor (BCR). The enzyme maintained 98.2% of the relative activity after 10 batches of reaction in the BCR. Electro spray ionization mass spectrum was employed to rapidly analyze the esterification products, and most species of OGEs have been identified.
Characterization of macadamia and pecan oils and detection of mixtures with other edible seed oils by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Carmona M. A. , Lafont F. , Jiménez-Sanchidrián C. , Ruiz J. R.
Published: June 2015

Authenticating fats and detecting their adulteration with substantially cheaper fats can pose major problems for producers of high-value oils for nutritional and cosmetic use. In this work, we used Raman spectroscopy to discriminate macadamia and pecan oils from other, cheaper vegetable oils including corn and sunflower oils. This technique additionally allows one to detect and assess the adulteration of macadamia oil with another vegetable oil.
Effects of different roasting conditions on the nutritional value and oxidative stability of high-oleic and yellow-seeded Brassica napus oils
Authors: Rękas A. , Wroniak M. , Krygier K.
Published: June 2015

This study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of enhancing the nutritional value and oxidative stability of rapeseed oil obtained from seeds subjected to thermal treatment prior to pressing. The yellowseeded and high-oleic B. napus lines, harvested in Poland, were roasted prior to pressing for 1 h at 100 and 150 °C. This study highlighted how rapeseed breeding lines affect the quality profile of the oils obtained both before and after the roasting process. In principle, the high-oleic B. napus was accompanied by a nearly 2-fold increase in oxidative stability compared to the yellow-seeded B. napus, most likely due to a higher content of oxidation-resistant oleic fatty acids (~74.24% vs. ~60.76%) and a decreased concentration of oxidizable PUFAs (~16.32% vs. ~31.09%). Similar to the case of roasting black-seeded rapeseed, the thermal pre-treatment of yellow-seeded and high-oleic B. napus prior to pressing did not alter the composition of their fatty acids. Based on the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that roasting seeds prior to pressing does not reduce the amount of tocopherols in the oil; moreover, a slight increase in γ-tocopherol content was observed.
Influence of estuarine dynamics on macrobenthos spatial variability along the southeast continental shelf of Brazil
Authors: Zalmon Ilana R. , De Rezende Carlos Eduardo , Veloso Valeria G. , Sallorenzo Ilana , Paranhos Rodolfo , Falcão Ana Paula , M. de Almeida Tito Cesar
Published: June 2015

Along the southeast continental shelf of Brazil, the Paraíba do Sul River (PSR) plays a fundamental role in sediment and nutrient transport. This study focuses on the contribution of the PSR and its effect on the benthic macrofauna. Physical and chemical analyses of the sediment were conducted, and the macrofauna were identified and counted. Multivariate analyses were used to compare the distribution patterns of the benthic assemblages related to the depth gradient over two sampling periods. The principal component analysis showed that shallow waters assemblages are mostly influenced by the environmental descriptors temperature, salinity and chlorophyll a, whereas pheophytin, degree of sediment sorting, total carbonate and organic carbon were correlated with benthic assemblages at greater depths. The high organic enrichment reflected an increase in surface and sub-surface deposit feeders such as the polychaetes Spiophanes sp. and Prionospio cristata and the crustacean Phtisica marinain the deeper stations, with a corresponding decrease in other trophic groups. This study provides evidence of differences in organic matter sources, from primary production in shallow waters to detritus in deep waters. These sources provide different niches for the corresponding macrofaunal assemblages along the continental shelf adjacent to the PSR, with species richness and abundance of benthic populations related to the river output.
Beyond Concern
Authors: Hipsky Shellie , Younes Wiam
Published: June 2015

In a time when discussions about information privacy dominate the media, research on Cybersafety education reveals that K-12 teachers and staff are concerned about information privacy in schools and they seek to learn more about the protection of their students' and own personal information online. Privacy topics are typically introduced to the K-12 constituents under one or two categories; namely, Internet safety and/or cybersafety. This study 1) assessed the level of cybersafety training that the K-12 teachers in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania receive in school and 2) evaluated the privacy topics that teachers and staff find important and beneficial to their work and personal lives.
Literacy Sign Language Application Using Visual Phonics
Authors: Abdulghafoor Maath S. , Ahmad Azlina , Huang Jiung-Yao
Published: June 2015

Literacy is the ability to read and write. Being able to read and write is an important skill in modern society. Deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) students' literacy achievement has been reported as lower than that of hearing students. This research focuses on the literacy skills of D/HH students, aiming to determine their reading/writing skills and propose a theoretical framework that can enhance and improve these skills. This paper provides an introduction on D/HH education, including tools and challenges, an analysis of existing literature related to D/HH education applications, and sign language (SL) applications. The advances that are needed to further improve the effectiveness and efficiency of present reading and writing teaching techniques are further discussed, and a comparative survey conducted in this area is provided. The study explores the significance of Visual Phonics for D/HH as a motivating force for research in reading and writing taxonomies. The objective of this study is to propose a theoretical framework that can enhance and improve D/HH reading and writing skills.
Explain the Behavior Intention to Use e-Learning Technologies
Authors: Shaqrah Amin A.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study is to explain the behavior intention to use e-learning technologies. In order to achieve a better view and validate the study, researcher attempts to give details of how technology acceptance models help Jordanian trainees firms in accepting e-learning technology, and how if applied will result more attention to usage behavior. Based on the data collected through a survey, stepwise multiple regressions were employed to test the research model. The results revealed that model which developed based on Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology” UTAUT” indicates that the Jordanian trainees' firms' behavior intention of e- learning technologies is positive affects by performance expectancy; effort expectancy; web-based training infrastructure; trust; culture; and behavioral intention. Managerial implications are further discussed.
Improving Strategic Alignment
Authors: Hiekkanen Kari , Pekkala Anni , Collin Jari
Published: June 2015

This study aims at providing organizations with new insight on how IT governance practices impact strategic alignment. The research is conducted as an in-depth case study in a large, multinational manufacturing and service company. The case reveals that improving IT governance practices is not sufficient to achieve high alignment, when the understanding of strategic value of IT is lacking. Improved alignment would require that IT is perceived as a strategic function in the organization and the IT governance treated accordingly. Bringing business and IT socially and culturally closer to each other is also required, but improving alignment on the social and cultural dimensions is dependent on the existence of the strategic direction: achieving alignment is difficult without common objectives between business and IT people. In general, the study illustrates limited impact of IT governance practices on alignment without requisite strategic direction.
Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intentions during Technology Transition
Authors: Johnson Richard D. , Yanson Regina
Published: June 2015

Using data from 52 employees, this study investigated the relations among user involvement, core self-evaluations, computer self-efficacy, employee stress, job satisfaction, and intention to leave the organization during the implementation of a new barcode scanning system. The results revealed that core self-evaluations and user involvement were positively related to computer self-efficacy. In addition, core self-evaluations was negatively related to job stress, but user involvement was not. The results further showed that job stress was negatively related to job satisfaction. Finally, job stress and job satisfaction were each negatively related to intentions to leave the organization. Implications for theory and managers are discussed.
Calling for a new strategy to measure environmental (habitat) diversity in Island Biogeography: a case study of Mediterranean tenebrionids (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Fattorini Simone , Dapporto Leonardo , Strona Giovanni , Borges Paulo A.V.
Published: June 2015

Many recent researches in island biogeography attempted to disentangle the effects of area per se and “habitat diversity” on species richness. However, the expression “habitat diversity” in this context should be avoided, because habitats can be only recognized by referring to the resources needed by a particular species. What is really measured in such researches is some form of “environmental heterogeneity”. Although habitat heterogeneity can be measured in various ways, most researches in island biogeography simply used the number of biotopes (typically classified as land cover categories). However, not all biotopes have the same surface. On the basis of the area occupied by each land cover category, it is possible to calculate indices of environmental diversity, evenness and dominance, as commonly done in community ecology research. These indices can be used to investigate the role of environmental diversity in determining species richness. We used the tenebrionid beetles inhabiting twenty-five small islands around Sicily (Central Mediterranean) to illustrate these concepts. We found that both area per se and environmental heterogeneity contributed to determine species richness. Moreover, we found that the relationship between species richness and environmental homogeneity followed a power function model. This indicates that environmental homogenization may determine a rapid, non linear decline in species richness.
Two episodes of listeriosis in pregnancy and newborns: investigation, problems and considerations
Authors: Marozzi Selene , Tolli Rita , Bilei Stefano , Ricci Daniela , Rossi Claudia , Bossù Teresa
Published: June 2015

In January 2013, 3 strains of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from one mother and her newborn and a second infant arrived at the Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Latium and Tuscany. At the same time the Local Health Unit Rome B sampled at retail a smoked salmon that was suspected to be involved in the transmission of the disease. The sample was tested for the presence of L. monocytogenes (UNI EN ISO 11290: 2005 part 1 and 2). Laboratory investigations have shown that all 3 strains isolated from patients belonged to serotype 4b of two different clusters (cluster B for the isolates from mother and child and cluster A to that obtained from another baby), so no epidemiological link was demonstrated in the human cases. The tests conducted on smoked salmon have shown the presence of L. monocytogenes serotype 1/2a. Therefore, no correlation has been demonstrated between the reported cases of listeriosis and the food analyzed.
Role of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli in the swine production chain
Authors: Ercoli Laura , Farneti Silvana , Ranucci David , Scuota Stefania , Branciari Raffaella
Published: June 2015

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can cause severe clinical diseases in humans, such as haemorrhagic colitis (HC) and haemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Although ruminants, primarily cattle, have been suggested as typical reservoirs of STEC, many food products of other origins, including pork products, have been confirmed as vehicles for STEC transmission. Only in rare cases, pork consumption is associated with severe clinical symptoms caused by high pathogenic STEC strains. However, in these outbreaks, it is unknown whether the contamination of food products occurs during swine processing or via cross-contamination from foodstuffs of different sources. In swine, STEC plays an important role in the pathogenesis of oedema disease. In particular a Shiga toxin subtype, named stx2e, it is considered as a key factor involved in the damage of swine endothelial cells. On the contrary, stx2e-producing Escherichia coli has rarely been isolated in humans, and usually only from asymptomatic carriers or from patients with mild symptoms, such as uncomplicated diarrhoea. In fact, the presence of gene stx2e, encoding for stx2e, has rarely been reported in STEC strains that cause HUS. Moreover, stx2e-producing STEC isolated from humans and pigs were found to differ in serogroup, their virulence profile and interaction with intestinal epithelial cells. Because of the limited epidemiologic data of STEC in swine and the increasing role of non-O157 STEC in human illnesses, the relationship between swine STEC and human disease needs to be further investigated.
A new squat lobster (Crustacea, Anomura, Munididae) from the Pliocene of Monterotondo Marittimo (Tuscany, Italy)
Authors: Garassino Alessandro , Pasini Giovanni
Published: June 2015

We report a new species of squat lobster from the Plio- cene of Monterotondo Marittimo (Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy). The speci- mens have been assigned to the fossil and extant Munida Leach, 1820, with M. grossetana n. sp. (Munididae Ahyong, Baba, MacPherson & Poore, 2010). Munida grossetana n. sp. represents the first report for the genus in the Mediterranean area, enlarging the palaeogeographic distribution for the genus.
The Relationship Between Candidate Psychological Factors and First-Attempt Pass Rate on the Board of Certification Examination
Authors: Breitbach Anthony P. , Downey Darcy L. , Frager Alfred J.
Published: June 2015

Context

Success on the Board of Certification (BOC) examination is necessary to obtain the Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) credential. First attempt pass rates have historically been an issue in the profession.

Objective

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the impact of coping, locus of control, and academic worry on first-attempt passing rates on the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. Study strategies for the BOC examination were also investigated.

Design

Survey-based design.

Setting

Participants were recruited through e-mails sent to Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited entry-level program directors that were forwarded to recent program graduates, who then accessed the survey instrument via the web link located within the original e-mail.

Patients or Other Participants

The research sample consisted of 145 newly graduated athletic training (AT) students, who challenged the BOC examination between April and October in 2010.

Data Collection and Analysis

The survey instrument included three sections of items used to measure the elements of locus of control, coping methods, and academic worry. Analyses explored the relationships between these factors and first-attempt pass rates on the BOC examination.

Results

Data from this exploratory study suggest that candidates experiencing psychological factors, such as high academic worry, emotion-focused coping mechanisms, and an external locus of control, have a lower first-attempt pass rate on the examination. These candidates also use multiple strategies to prepare for the exam.

Conclusions

The AT programs might be able to help students better prepare for the BOC examination by addressing these psychological issues and using multiple study strategies and structured preparation activities. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Predictors of Commitment to Athletic Training Education
Authors: Weiss Windee M. , Neibert Peter J.
Published: June 2015

Context

In order for athletic training students to be successful in any athletic training education program (ATEP), a certain level of commitment to the program and profession is required.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the applicability of the sport commitment model (SCM) to an ATEP by applying the SCM in an academic setting to predict ATEP students' commitment to an ATEP.

Design

Cross-sectional, survey.

Setting

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited ATEP.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 99 male and female athletic training students participated. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 24 years of age (mean = 20.10 ± 1.28).

Intervention(s)

Previously validated measures were used to assess students' perceptions of enjoyment, attractive alternatives, investments, social constraints and support, benefits and costs, and commitment to the ATEP. All measures demonstrated adequate reliability for the current sample (Cronbach α = 0.71–0.93).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

A simultaneous multiple regression was conducted to determine which of the SCM determinants predicted ATEP commitment. An analysis of variance and a multivariate analysis of variance were conducted to compare preservice and first-, second-, and third-year ATEP students on SCM constructs.

Results

Perceived enjoyment and investments emerged as the significant predictors for ATEP commitment, with higher perceptions of enjoyment and investments predicting higher ATEP commitment. Students of varying academic years differed on their perceptions of ATEP enjoyment, with preservice students reporting higher enjoyment than first- or third-year students, and second-year students reporting higher enjoyment than third-year students. Additionally, preservice students reported significantly higher commitment and benefits, and lower costs and attractive alternatives, than first- and third-year students. Second-year students reported lower perceived costs than first- and third-year students.

Conclusions

The SCM may provide a theoretical framework in which to predict ATEP students' commitment to the program, as well as behavioral commitment (eg, stay/leave behavior).
Mentoring and Personal Relationships Are Perceived Benefits of Serving as an Athletic Training Preceptor
Authors: Bowman Thomas G. , Mazerolle Stephanie M. , Dodge Thomas M.
Published: June 2015

Context

Preceptors play a vital role in athletic training education as they mentor and socialize athletic training students into their professional role. Exploring the benefits to serving as a preceptor is important to secure appropriate professional role models for students.

Objective

To determine the benefits of serving as an athletic training preceptor.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

Undergraduate athletic training programs (ATPs).

Patients or Other Participants

Twenty-four preceptors (average age = 32 ± 7 years, 11 male, 13 female, average clinical experience = 9 ± 6 years, average preceptor experience = 5 ± 3 years) volunteered to participate in our study. Participants represented 7 undergraduate Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited ATPs from the east coast.

Data Collection and Analysis

We asked participants to journal responses to open-ended questions through a QuestionPro online survey. We analyzed data using a general inductive approach. We secured credibility by using consistency and stakeholder checks and by having a peer review our work.

Results

Three main themes emerged from the data. Preceptors enjoy the personal relationships they build with students. The challenging atmosphere of supervising students while they gain knowledge to improve their skills also came through as a major benefit to serving as a preceptor. Finally, our participants enjoy teaching and mentoring the future members of the athletic training profession.

Conclusions

Our participants listed the relationships they build with students as rewarding, potentially leading to an improved professional commitment. Reciprocal learning between the preceptors and the students allows for a stimulating environment and has the potential to improve patient care. The enjoyment of teaching and mentoring students may aid in providing a dynamic atmosphere for students to learn.
Athletic Training Educators' Pedagogical Strategies for Preparing Students to Address Sudden Death in Sport
Authors: Mazerolle Stephanie M. , Pagnotta Kelly D. , Salvatore Anthony C. , Casa Douglas J.
Published: June 2015

Context

Educational training programs both impart knowledge and allow students to practice skills to gain clinical competence.

Objective

Understand the educational training provided to athletic training students regarding sudden death in sport beyond exertional heat stroke.

Design

An exploratory, qualitative study using telephone interviews and a quantitative survey instrument.

Setting

Athletic training programs (ATPs) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.

Patients or Other Participants

Twelve ATP faculty members (7 men, 5 women) currently teaching content related to sudden death in sport participated.

Data Collection and Analysis

One-on-one semistructured telephone interviews were analyzed inductively using a grounded theory approach and open coding. Multiple analyst triangulation and peer review established data credibility.

Results

Four major themes emerged from the data to describe the educational experiences provided to athletic training students regarding sudden death: (1) current trends, (2) regional bias, (3) clinician experience, and (4) instructional methods. The first 3 themes were an illustration of which sudden death conditions were covered in the curriculum, as well as the depth to which each of the concepts was covered. The final theme was a reflection of methods used to deliver the information determined by the first 3 themes.

Conclusions

Similar to previous literature, our participants were guided by the NATA position statements to deliver educational material, used time spent in clinical education to gain hands-on learning, and discourse to facilitate preparedness.
Professional Involvement: Requirements as Students and Trends After Certification
Authors: Lancaster Jennifer N. , Myers Bettye , Nichols David L. , Webb Kerry S.
Published: June 2015

Context

The field of athletic training needs young engaged professionals for continued progress in allied health care. Academic and clinical requirements during the entry-level education could potentially impact the decisions and directions these students choose to pursue as young professionals.

Objective

To determine the difference in professional involvement of athletic trainers (ATs) based upon their participation in professional activities while completing their entry-level athletic training program (ATP).

Design

Online surveys to determine ATP requirements of students and to determine the involvement of ATs in 5 professional activities after their certification by the Board of Certification. Perception questions were also included.

Patients or Other Participants

Included 120 ATs from across the United States. All AT participants graduated within the 2004–2005 academic year and obtained certification in 2005.

Data Collection and Analysis

Online surveys were administered through PsychData. The McNemar test was used to determine changes in participation levels of participants as students and as professionals. Frequency of yes/no responses was used to present perceptions, and participants' comments were included in the discussion section.

Results

Student participation in community service, mentoring other students, and submitting presentation proposals did influence participation in these activities as a professional. However, professional involvement was not influenced by student membership in organizations, research, or mentoring by a health care professional.

Conclusions

Participation in some professional activities as students should be encouraged or required in order to promote continued participation in these activities when the students become athletic training professionals.
Challenges Faced by Preceptors Serving in Dual Roles as Health Care Providers and Clinical Educators
Authors: Dodge Thomas , Mazerolle Stephanie M. , Bowman Thomas G.
Published: June 2015

Context

Preceptors play an integral role in training athletic training students (ATSs). Balancing roles as health care providers and educators can often be challenging. Role strain is a documented concern for the preceptor, yet limited information is available regarding other issues faced while supervising ATSs.

Objective

To explore preceptor challenges.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

Athletic training programs.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 41 preceptors from 2 different data collection procedures (cohorts) participated in the study. Preceptors had an average of 6 ± 2 years (cohort 1) and 5 ± 3 (cohort 2) years of experience as clinical educators, respectively. The preceptors were distributed between college (25) and secondary school (16) settings.

Data Collection and Analysis

Data were collected via telephone interviews (cohort 1) and asynchronous online interviews using Question Pro (cohort 2). We used a combination of grounded theory and inductive procedures for data analysis. Credibility of the data was established by investigator and data analyst triangulation in addition to peer review.

Results

Role strain was reported by preceptors as they attempted to balance their responsibilities as health care providers and clinical educators. Working conditions characterized by long hours, high patient volumes, and inadequate compensation hindered preceptors' ability to foster a positive learning environment. Because of contrasting personalities and different expectations, some preceptors experienced challenges interacting with students.

Conclusions

The preceptor position involves meeting the high standards for education and health care simultaneously. Preceptor training does not often address the challenges of balancing multiple roles. It therefore becomes important for ATSs and preceptors to develop strong lines of communication and determine an appropriate schedule for educational activities. Clinical coordinators should consider both the personalities of preceptors and ATSs and the workload of the preceptor when determining clinical assignments.
Athletic Training Student Socialization Part I: Socializing Students in Undergraduate Athletic Training Programs
Authors: Mazerolle Stephanie M. , Bowman Thomas G. , Dodge Thomas M.
Published: June 2015

Context

Professional socialization is a key process in the professional development of athletic training students. The published athletic training education research has focused on many perspectives regarding socialization; however, it has yet to investigate the program director's (PD's) opinion.

Objective

To gain insights from the PD on methods used to socialize students into the athletic training program and profession.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

One-on-one telephone interviews.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 16 PDs at accredited undergraduate athletic training programs volunteered for our study. Our participants had, on average, 6 ± 4 years of experience in the role of the PD, and they were 44 ± 8 years old.

Data Collection and Analysis

We conducted one-on-one phone interviews, which we transcribed verbatim. We performed a general inductive analysis of the data and completed member checks, multiple analyst triangulation, and peer review to establish data and methodological credibility.

Results

Two major themes emerged regarding the socialization process used by athletic training programs: formal and informal processes. The formal processes can be categorized into 5 distinctive methods, including (1) an introductory course to athletic training that often includes observation hours, (2) orientation sessions, (3) student handbooks, (4) athletic training student club activities, and (5) organized peer mentoring programs. The informal processes can be classified by 2 distinct practices: (1) social outings and (2) mentoring or peer groups.

Conclusions

The use of formal training sessions emerged as a popular method with which to socialize athletic training students into their impending role, particularly because these sessions allow for effective communication regarding program expectations and methods with which to be successful. In addition, an opportunity to gain a realistic impression of the role of the athletic trainer is necessary for successful role inductance and again permeates all aspects of athletic training.
Integrating Evidence-Based Practice into a Therapeutic Exercise Course: Real-Time Patient Experience
Authors: Popp Jennifer K.
Published: June 2015

Athletic training students need real-time patient experiences in order to transfer the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom into clinical practice. The objective is to present a description of an assignment that could be incorporated into a therapeutic exercise course giving the student an opportunity to evaluate a patient, design a program utilizing evidence-based practice (EBP), and work with the patient in a 1-on-1 capacity over a period of time to implement the program. Students may not always have the opportunity in the clinical education environment to develop a rehabilitation program for a patient based on their own evaluation of the patient and utilize EBP concepts in the development of a program. This assignment involves utilizing patient evaluation techniques, including the use of a patient-rated outcome measures instrument, as well as the use of clinician-based measures, to develop a rehabilitation program. The program must be anchored in sound evidence and patient needs, incorporating multiple facets (eg, range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises) within the limitations of the injury/condition. Students report increased confidence in their ability to design a rehabilitation program, as well as their ability to utilize EBP in the clinical setting. They also develop problem-solving skills and cultivate professional attributes (communication skills, interpersonal skills) through this activity. In conclusion, this assignment is 1 way to infuse EBP concepts into a classroom assignment that requires real-time patient care experience over a period of time.