bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Effective Techniques in Teaching/Learning English
Authors: Arora Shweta , Joshi Kavita A. , Koshy Sonymol , Tewari Deeksha
Published: April 2017

English being a global language has become a vital element in all walks of life. The feelers of this language have left no sphere unmarked with its significance. Despite such a colossal tide for gaining command over the language it was found that the conventional pattern of teaching English language could not reap desired results. A comprehensive and analytical study of the aforesaid problem stirred researchers to work in this area. In order to enhance the communication skills of native speakers, practical implications were incorporated to theoretical principles of English Language teaching/learning. The present paper discusses the application and results of the experimental procedure of the effective techniques employed in English teaching/learning. The various techniques used in the modus operandi of enhancing the communication skills of the students were small talk conversations, SWOT analysis, phonetics, avoiding Indianism, vocabulary building through mnemonics and root words, describing and narrating visual stimulus, listening to important speeches followed by comprehension, sharing reviews after watching motivational videos/movies, peer learning and delivering effective presentations. The learning outcomes of the aforesaid activities included better reasoning, enhanced thought process, ability to concoct innovative ideas, command over language, improved communication skills, fluency etc.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Engineering Management Research, Vol. 6, No. 1
Authors: Dou Paige
Published: April 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Engineering Management Research, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2017
Developing in-House ERP System for the Construction Industry in a Developing Country: A Case Study
Authors: Ali Mahmood
Published: April 2017

Benefits reaped from implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have made them a critical part of organisations. These systems, which are developed on best business practices, are sometimes unable to satisfy unique organisational needs, such as those specific to the construction industry which present a unique set of challenges different from those of manufacturing and service industries. This paper aims to study the development of in-house ERP system in an organisation in a developing country, and seek to explore and understand the development of ERP system designed exclusively around the needs of an organisation. This study adopts a case study based qualitative research methodology. Primary data is collected through a series of interviews, discussions with the project manager, development staff and end users. The outcome of the study shows that through proper planning coupled with detailed needs analysis, suitable change management strategy, an experienced project team and selecting the appropriate software development process, any organisation can design and develop ERP system that caters for the organisation specific needs. Therefore, eliminating the need of complex software customisation or altering business processes. Further, by developing an in-house system, the probability of a failed implementation is greatly reduced thus allowing the organisation to focus on its core business while benefitting from the new system.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Business Research, Vol. 10, No. 5
Authors: Duran Kevin
Published: April 2017

International Business Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated.International Business Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please find the application form and details at http://recruitment.ccsenet.org and e-mail the completed application form to ibr@ccsenet.org.Reviewers for Volume 10, Number 5 Alireza Athari, Eastern Mediterranean University, IranAmaresh C. Das, Southern University at New Orleans, USAAmran Awang, Head of Entrepreneurship Center, MalaysiaArash Riasi, University of Delaware, USAAshford C Chea, Benedict College, USAAurelija Burinskiene, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, LithuaniaBenjamin James Inyang, University of Calabar, NigeriaBrian Sheehan, Thaksin University, ThailandCelina Maria Olszak, University of Economics in Katowice, PolandCristian Marian Barbu, “ARTIFEX” University, RomaniaEva Mira Bolfíková, Univerzity of P. J. Šafárik in Košice, Slovak RepublicFlorin Ionita, The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, RomaniaFrancesco Ciampi, Florence University, ItalyFrancesco Scalera, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", ItalyGiuseppe Russo, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, ItalyGuillaume Marceau, University of Aix-Marseille, FranceHanna Trojanowska, Warsaw University of Technology, PolandHuijian Dong, Pacific University, USAJolita Vveinhardt, Vytautas Magnus University, LithuaniaKherchi Ishak, University of Hassiba Ben Bouali De Chlef, AlgeriaM. Muzamil Naqshbandi, University of Dubai, UAEManlio Del Giudice, University of Rome "Link Campus", ItalyMansour Esmaeil Zaei, Panjab University, India/IranManuela Rozalia Gabor, “Petru Maior” University of Tîrgu Mureş, RomaniaMaria do Céu Gaspar Alves, University of Beira Interior, PortugalMaria Teresa Bianchi, UNIVERSITY OF ROME “LA SAPIENZA”, ItalyMaryam Ebrahimi, Azad University, IranMiroslav Iordanov Mateev, American University, Dubai, UAEMohamed Rochdi Keffala, University of Kairouan, TunisiaMohsen Malekalketab Khiabani, University Technology Malaysia, MalaysiaMuath Eleswed, American University of Kuwait, USARadoslav Jankal, University of Zilina, SlovakiaRiccardo Cimini, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, ItalyTamizhjyothi Kailasam, Annamalai University, IndiaValerija Botric, The Institute of Economics, Zagreb, CroatiaWejdene Yangui, Institute of High Business Studies of Sfax _ Tunisia (IHEC), TunisiaYan Lu, University of Central Florida, USA
Financial Market Evaluative Inefficiencies and Companies Sub-Optimal Investment Choices: How to Get Out of the Shortermist Impasse?
Authors: Ecchia Bruna
Published: April 2017

This paper examines, in an innovative way as compared to the literature on the subject, “whether, how and under what conditions” certain technical devices, such as so-called “loyalty bonuses,” devised to increase the holding period of shares, can effectively reach their goal of countering the short-termist tendency involved in company investment decisions. This trend is an expression of compliance toward the current short-termism of the financial market as evidenced by the enormous shortening of the average share-holding period. This is not a recent phenomenon but it becomes more marked in times of crisis. Thus many projects, although functional to a company’s competitiveness, are rejected simply because of their deferred profitability and therefore incompatibility with the short market horizon, more focused on results emerging from quarterly reports than on a company’s long-term choices for business development. If the market is unable to immediately and adequately incorporate into prices the benefits from deferred returns, shareholders can equally obtain them if they remain durably connected with the company, but this choice must be encouraged by appropriate incentives. The loyalty bonus may be useful for this purpose and for long-term company interests, because it contributes to a better alignment of shareholders’ expectations with a more long-term vision in investment strategy. However the bonus, rather than involving the minority shareholders in the enterprise’s “mission,” often degenerates into a Control Enhancing Mechanism, though with unusual effects, among which a situation of “captivity” for all shareholders, even and especially the majority shareholders. In any case the utility of the bonus can occur, especially in less efficient markets. In a fully efficient market it could be harmful.
Poukázka jako cenný papír
Authors: Dobeš Matěj
Published: April 2017

Nový občanský zákoník vyvolal pochybnosti ohledně právní podstaty poukázky. V některých publikacích již bylo poukázáno na to, že právní úprava poukázky obsažená v ustanovení § 1939 a násl. zákona č. 89/2012 Sb., občanského zákoníku, by mohla odpovídat definici cenného papíru. Příspěvek reaguje na tyto publikace a klade si za cíl přispět do diskuse na dané téma.
Nejvyšší soud Japonska: Pasivní hráč na poli ústavnosti?
Authors: Pargačová Tereza
Published: April 2017

Tento článek pojednává o Nejvyšším soudu Japonska a o jeho zdráhavém přístupu k vlastní rozhodovací činnosti ve vztahu k moci zákonodárné a výkonné. Text je členěn na tři části. První část se zabývá otázkou vnitřní organizace Nejvyššího soudu Japonska a problematikou závaznosti jeho judikatury v japonském soudnictví. Druhá část popisuje spolupráci mezi jednotlivými složkami státní moci včetně důsledků tohoto provázání na rozhodovací praxi Nejvyššího soudu. V poslední části článku jsou pak diskutovány dvě vybrané skupiny rozhodnutí Nejvyššího soudu odrážející aktuální politické otázky a nástin postojů Nejvyššího soudu k těmto otázkám.
Ações de cuidado do enfermeiro no programa rede mãe paranaense
Authors: Caldeira Sebastião , Luz Mateus Souza da , Tacla Mauren Teresa Grubisich Mendes , Machineski Gicelle Galvan , Silva Rosane Meire Munhak da , Pinto Meire Perpétua Vieira , Ferrari Rosângela Aparecida Pimenta
Published: April 2017

Objetivo: Comprender las acciones de cuidado de enfermería en el Programa Rede Mãe Paranaense (PRMP). Métodos: Estudio cualitativo basado en la Fenomenología Social de Alfred Schütz. Participaron 8 (ocho) enfermeros de los municipios de la Décima Regional de Salud de Paraná. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas de agosto a diciembre de 2014. Resultados: Se identificaron tres categorías: Conocimiento sobre el PRMP; Acciones de cuidado de enfermería en el PRMP; Expectativas frente al PRMP. Los enfermeros conocen los objetivos, compromisos e indicadores del PRMP, que desarrolla acciones de captación precoz; estratificación de riesgo habitual, intermediario y alto riesgo y derivaciones según el riesgo. Proporciona cuidado cualificado a la embarazada, a la parturienta, a la puérpera y al niño. A partir de las acciones de cuidado, se espera cualificarlas aún más para esa población. Conclusión: las acciones del equipo multidisciplinario podrán contribuir de forma eficaz a la reducción de la morbimortalidad materna e infantil. Habría que invertir más recursos en los programas de salud para lograr la excelencia en las acciones de cuidado.
Panorama da doença renal terminal em um estado da amazônia brasileira
Authors: Mello Maria Virgínia Filgueiras de Assis , Menezes Karianne Silveira Pereira , Pires Kamilla Karoline Côrte , Angelo Margareth
Published: April 2017

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo retratar el perfil sociodemográfico y clínico de los clientes en hemodiálisis y los costos de dicho tratamiento en el estado de Amapá. Se trata de un estudio transversal de enfoque cuantitativo. Los datos fueron obtenidos a través del software Nefrodata y entrevistas estructuradas que se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva. La población en hemodiálisis de la Unidad de Nefrología de Macapá fue sujeto de esta investigación. Las prevalencias sociodemográficas y clínicas observadas eran: personas del sexo masculino, con edad entre 50 y 59 años, casadas o en una relación estable, con poca educación, mestizos, con ingreso mensual de 01 salario mínimo, asegurados por beneficio asistencial, usuarias del SUS, procedentes de Macapá, en hemodiálisis desde hacía tres años, con FAV. La hipertensión fue la patología subyacente más evidente. En 2015 se realizaron 31.139 sesiones de hemodiálisis con un promedio de 213 clientes / mes, de los cuales 73 fallecieron. Las valores aprobados para financiar el tratamiento y con fines de diagnóstico superaron los cinco millones de reales. Se identificaron vulnerabilidades relacionadas con la educación, el nivel socioeconómico, comorbilidades y altas tasas de mortalidad. Estos factores, unidos al elevado coste de la diálisis, refuerzan el desafío de las redes de atención de la salud en relación con el diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento de la ERC, donde se destaca la necesidad de que los profesionales de la salud conozcan el perfil epidemiológico de la enfermedad renal crónica en su contexto de actuación para poder brindar cuidados culturalmente sensibles.
Prevalência e controle da hipertensão arterial
Authors: Magnabosco Patricia , Oliveira Edward Meirelles de , Toneti Adrielle Naiara , Anjos Anna Cláudia Yokoyama dos , Marchi-Alves Leila Maria
Published: April 2017

Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia, el conocimiento y el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial sistémica, comparando las características asociadas con ningún control de la presión arterial entre la población urbana y rural de una pequeña ciudad del interior de Minas Gerais. Material y método: Estudio epidemiológico con 1.528 habitantes de la ciudad de Sacramento / Brasil. Se recogieron variables socioeconómicas y de comportamiento, dificultades para usar los servicios de salud y si hubo control de la presión arterial. Para analizar la asociación entre la variable dependiente (Ningún control de la presión arterial) y las demás variables se utilizó la prueba Chi cuadrado de Pearson y se calculó el cociente de probabilidades. El nivel de significación se fijó en α = 0,05 Resultados: Se entrevistó a 153 habitantes de la zona rural y a 1.375 de la zona urbana. La prevalencia de hipertensión fue de 38,6%: 38,6% en la zona urbana y 38,5% en la rural. Entre los pacientes hipertensos (n = 590), el 91,5% era consciente de su estado; un 90,6% estaba en tratamiento y un 52,6% había controlado la presión arterial. El consumo de bebidas alcohólicas (p = 0,001), la dificultad para seguir con los medicamentos recetados (p = 0,000), el faltar a las citas médicas de rutina (p = 0,005) están asociados con ningún control de la presión arterial. Conclusiones: La hipertensión arterial ha demostrado ser de alta prevalencia y un problema de salud pública grave también para una pequeña ciudad del interior del país.
Davis's Fastball
Authors: Shelton Brittany
Published: April 2017

Thirteen-year-old pitching sensation Mo'ne Davis just became the first Little Leaguer ever on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
What Percent Is Above Average?
Authors: Adams Scott
Published: April 2017

A cartoon exploring a problem about percentages is coupled with a full-page activity sheet.
We're in Math Class Playing Games, Not Playing Games in Math Class
Authors: Janelle McFeetors P. , Palfy Kylie
Published: April 2017

Students play commercial games of strategy, which illuminate their reasoning and thinking. Isn't it time your students spent some time in math class playing games?
Making Homework Matter to Students
Authors: Walk Lee , Lassak Marshall
Published: April 2017

More meaningful homework is an easily achievable goal.
Extreme math adventures
Authors: Gresham Gina
Published: April 2017

An “extreme“ adventure is an activity that comprises risky or uncertain experiences involving speed, height, and danger. In other words, it is doing the very things that were previously thought of as activities that simply could not be done. With these math problems, your students can explore what “extreme” adventures offer. Math by the Month features collections of short activities focused on a monthly theme. These articles aim for an inquiry or problem-solving orientation that includes four activities each for grade bands K–2, 3–4, and 5–6. Send submissions of no more than 1200 words to this department by accessing http://www.tcm.msubmit.net. See detailed submission guidelines for all departments at http://www.nctm.org/WriteForTCM.
Let's Cut the Cake
Authors: Zeybek Zulfiye , Francis Dionne I. Cross
Published: April 2017

Although implemented with elementary school teachers to encourage them to consider area and perimeter simultaneously, this task also offers insight into how students might approach it.
Estimation de la conductivité hydraulique des zones discrètes de réseaux de fractures à partir des charges hydrauliques : application au bassin versant du N’zo (ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Oularé Sékouba , Kouamé Alexis Kassi , Saley Mahaman Bachir , Ake Gabriel Etienne , Kouassi Michel Amani , Adon Gnangui Christian , Kouamé Fernand Koffi , Therrien René
Published: April 2017

L’estimation de la conductivité hydraulique d’un aquifère de socle à l’échelle régionale demeure un défi majeur. À cette échelle, les données sont rares, en quantité et en qualité. Cette étude propose une approche d’estimation de la conductivité hydraulique des aquifères de socle à partir de la calibration d’un modèle d’écoulement au moyen des charges hydrauliques. Elle est appliquée au bassin du N’zo couvrant une superficie de 4 300 km2. La méthodologie adoptée fait l’hypothèse que la perméabilité de l’aquifère est liée à des fractures verticales, perméables sur 100 m à partir de la surface. Elle fait aussi l’hypothèse que ces fractures peuvent être identifiées sous forme de linéaments et que tous les linéaments sont des fractures et sont perméables. La première étape de cette méthodologie est la cartographie des zones discrètes de perméabilité de l’aquifère. Elles sont identifiées à partir de l’analyse de la densité et l’orientation des « fractures » à l’échelle de mailles de travail. Les fractures sont assimilées aux linéaments cartographiés à partir d’une image radar. Six configurations spatiales de zones discrètes de perméabilité sont générées avec des mailles carrées de 2 à 12 km de côté. La deuxième étape porte sur la construction du modèle numérique d’écoulement à partir des limites extérieures du bassin versant, du MNT (Modèle numérique de terrain), du réseau hydrographique et d’une recharge uniforme. Enfin, la troisième étape consiste à transférer chaque configuration de zones discrètes de perméabilité générée au sein du modèle numérique d’écoulement, puis à le calibrer en régime permanent au moyen de charges hydrauliques observées ponctuellement (86 points de mesure). Les résultats indiquent que le modèle optimal de distribution spatiale des zones discrètes de perméabilité est obtenu avec les mailles de 4 km de côté. Les conductivités hydrauliques calculées oscillent entre 1,1 x 10-6 et 2,4 x 10-5 m∙s-1. Cependant, ces valeurs doivent être prises avec précaution, car l’identification des zones homogènes du réseau de fractures est basée sur l’approche très controversée des linéaments et la calibration est effectuée seulement avec des charges hydrauliques et non avec des flux. Le modèle conceptuel ainsi élaboré pourrait être amélioré en caractérisant l’hétérogénéité de l’aquifère de socle à partir d’autres hypothèses telles que la lithologie et par l’introduction d’autres types de données dans la calibration (ex. : débits, carte piézométrique).
Caractérisation de l’écotoxicité des rejets liquides des laboratoires de biologie médicale
Authors: Philippot Marine , Bazin Christine , Preynat-Boucher Pascale , Giannoli Jean-Marc , Perrodin Yves
Published: April 2017

Les échantillons sanguins ou urinaires prélevés dans les laboratoires de biologie médicale sont aujourd’hui dirigés vers des plateformes d’analyse centralisées permettant l’optimisation des analyses, tant sur le plan technique qu’économique. Ces plateformes sont équipées d’automates spécialisés utilisant de nombreux réactifs chimiques. Ces réactifs contiennent parfois des substances très écotoxiques qui peuvent ainsi être rejetées au réseau d’assainissement urbain sans traitement préalable. Dans le but de caractériser les dangers environnementaux liés à ces rejets liquides méconnus, un programme de caractérisation chimique et écotoxicologique a été mis en place sur les rejets d’un laboratoire pilote situé dans la région lyonnaise. Ce programme a montré la forte écotoxicité des rejets de certains automates. Il a également mis en évidence l’écotoxicité des rejets liquides traités à l’Eau de Javel dans le laboratoire, dans le but d’éliminer les germes pathogènes. Après consolidation par la réalisation de mesures sur d’autres sites, ces résultats pourront être utilisés par les responsables des plateformes en vue de l’amélioration de la gestion de leurs rejets : remplacement de certains réactifs par des composés moins écotoxiques, prétraitement de certains rejets sur le site même du laboratoire, évacuation des rejets les plus écotoxiques, ou difficilement traitables in situ, vers des filières de traitement adaptées.
Uscopie électronique. Muabilité & simultanéité
Authors: Guibert Joris
Published: April 2017

Ce texte examine, à travers l’oeuvre de Jean-Christophe Averty, les différences fondamentales entre cinéma et vidéo. La démarche du réalisateur y est mise en parallèle avec les utopies des artistes pionniers de la vidéo, qui visent une picturalité par la malléabilité de l’image vidéographique, tandis qu’Averty en expérimente la plasticité pour inventer une écriture inédite spécifiquement télévisuelle. Prenant en considération la dialectique essentielle réel/artificiel de la vidéo, Averty utilise le signal et le trucage (notamment l’incrustation) comme figures d’expression. Il compose avec la simultanéité de cette technologie de flux, et avec la planéité de l’écran du téléviseur, pour conférer des dimensions nouvelles à l’image — contre le réalisme perspectiviste. L’auteur propose ainsi d’étudier l’ontogenèse de l’image électronique, afin de concevoir ce qui détermine une esthétique du médium. Si la technique ouvre des potentialités de création et d’énonciation singulières, elle engage une logique créatrice, et infuse alors une pensée inventrice. En interrogeant les notions de montage, de mixage, d’assemblage et de collage, l’approche technique et théorique adoptée ici élabore des distinctions entre fixation et transmission, représentation et simulation, afin d’évaluer l’écart entre écriture cinématographique et écriture vidéographique.
Du renoncement à la couleur à une esthétique et à une éthique du noir et blanc : Averty dans ses oeuvres
Authors: Jost François
Published: April 2017

Lorsqu’il arrive à la télévision, Averty est saisi par un sentiment de grisaille : alors même qu’elles sont tournées dans des décors en couleurs, les émissions sont filmées en noir et blanc. S’insurgeant contre ce qu’il considère comme une absurdité, il va fonder son esthétique sur le contraste de ces deux couleurs. Les bases en sont jetées par Ubu roi, qui s’appuie sur « De l’inutilité du théâtre au théâtre », de Jarry, et sur une conception de l’image qui mêle à la « perspective signifiante » du Moyen Âge l’art du papier découpé de Braque. En résulte une conception de la télévision qui tourne le dos au cinéma en prenant à la lettre les prescriptions de l’auteur d’Ubu. Mais le noir et blanc n’est pas qu’une position esthétique. Averty va en faire une « affaire de morale ». Le 24 décembre 1964, il offre aux téléspectateurs l’adaptation des Verts pâturages, où les rôles traditionnels sont inversés : Dieu est noir, de même que Jésus et le premier homme, né en Afrique. Cette émission paraît scandaleuse à certains, non seulement parce qu’elle va à l’encontre de la vulgate, mais aussi parce que sa réalisation, basée sur un usage systématique des trucages électroniques, remet en cause le style des émissions de variétés de la décennie précédente tout en fondant un art vidéo.
Ações do enfermeiro na identificação precoce de alterações sistêmicas causadas pela sepse grave
Authors: Garrido Felipe , Tieppo Luana , Pereira Maria Dalva Da Silva , Freitas Rodrigo De , Freitas Welington Maciel de , Filipini Rosangela , Coelho Patricia Granja , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Fiorano Ana Maria Marcondes
Published: April 2017

Introdução: As unidades de terapia intensiva (UTIs) têm sido organizadas como setores estratégicos para o suporte especializado de assistência ao paciente grave. Objetivo: Verificar as ações do enfermeiro para a identificação precoce das alterações sistêmicas causadas pela sepse grave relacionadas às alterações hemodinâmicas, neurológicas, respiratórias, renais e nutricionais dos pacientes internados em UTIs adulto. Métodos: Estudo descritivo com 24 enfermeiros. Os dados foram coletados por meio de formulário composto de questões estruturadas. Resultados: Apenas 36% dos enfermeiros possuem especialização em UTI adulto; verificou-se que os profissionais identificam parcialmente os sinais e sintomas apresentados pelo paciente séptico. Conclusão: Os enfermeiros encontram dificuldade na identificação precoce das alterações sistêmicas causadas pela sepse grave relacionada às alterações hemodinâmicas, neurológicas, respiratórias, renais e nutricionais dos pacientes internados em UTI adulto, o que pode estar relacionado com a falta de treinamento e de protocolos estabelecidos pelas instituições.
Impacto de ação educativa na manutenção do decúbito elevado como medida preventiva de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva
Authors: Mansano Fabiana Petruske Niyama , Belei Renata Aparecida , Vinci Léo Augusto Da Silva , Melo Bruna Luiza Dutra de , Cardoso Lucienne Tibery Queiroz , Garcia Joseani Coelho Pascual , Carrilho Claudia Maria Dantas de Maio , Ezaias Gabriela Machado , Grion Cintia Magalhães Carvalho
Published: April 2017

Introdução: A pneumonia adquirida na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) ocasiona o prolongamento da hospitalização e impacta na mortalidade. Intervenções educativas com profissionais de saúde são estratégias de prevenção relevantes nas infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde. Objetivo: Avaliar o resultado de uma ação educativa na adesão à manutenção do decúbito elevado, acima de 30 graus, como medida para prevenção de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica. Métodos: Estudo quase experimental do tipo antes e depois desenvolvido na UTI do Hospital Universitário de Londrina, no período de março e junho de 2010, dividido em três fases (pré-intervenção, intervenção e pós-intervenção). Durante o período de estudo, foram treinados 49 profissionais. Foram realizadas observações diretas da altura do decúbito antes e após o treinamento e coletados dados clínicos dos pacientes admitidos na UTI. A adesão à recomendação de manter o decúbito elevado foi definida como a manutenção de decúbito acima de 30 graus para cada observação. Resultados: A média de angulação do decúbito apresentou aumento significativo do período pré-intervenção (27,85 ± 6,76 graus) para o primeiro mês pós-intervenção (30,70 ± 8,18 graus; p<0,001), no entanto esses valores não persistiram no terceiro mês de observação pós-intervenção (29,46 ± 6,19 graus). Conclusão: A ação educativa mostrou-se eficaz a curto prazo, na adesão à elevação do decúbito em ambiente hospitalar, porém essa adesão sofreu redução progressiva, demonstrando a necessidade de uma intervenção continuada para manutenção dos resultados.
Sobre leptospirose e informação: ampliando os conceitos de negligência em saúde
Authors: Rodrigues Cláudio Manuel
Published: April 2017

Quando se utiliza a denominação “negligência” em saúde infere-se que não faltem recursos financeiros para lidar com determinadas doenças ou que existam tratamentos disponíveis, mas que são doenças ignoradas apesar de representarem um potencial risco ou um dano já instalado à saúde pública. O negligenciamento de uma doença possui um duplo significado. O primeiro faz menção ao discurso clássico da negligência decorrente da falta de ação dos atores centrais da saúde pública: indústria farmacêutica, governo e sistema de saúde. Já o segundo, em intrincado e concomitante arranjo, diz respeito ao negligenciamento das populações correlacionadas à pobreza, desenvolvendo um círculo vicioso que acorrenta, pelo menos, um bilhão de pessoas em todo o planeta, segundo dados da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS). Esta identifica apenas 17 doenças denominadas “negligenciadas” e que afetam populações de maior vulnerabilidade econômica e social, apesar de não incluir a leptospirose — uma zoonose emergente, endêmica e de incidência global. Tomando por proposta a ampliação do conceito de negligência em saúde, discute-se neste artigo o rompimento com o modelo hegemônico, levando-se em consideração o quanto desassistida seria a leptospirose como a antropozoonose de maior incidência mundial e com uma letalidade elevada em áreas de menor aporte econômico do planeta, apesar de não reconhecida em todo o seu potencial zoonótico por falta de dados confiáveis de carga de doença em populações humanas e animais.
Neural networks subtract and conquer
Authors: Hennequin Guillaume
Published: April 2017

Two theoretical studies reveal how networks of neurons may behave during reward-based learning.
Making Visualization Work for Institutional Repositories: Information Visualization as a means to browse electronic theses and dissertations
Authors: Sterman Leila Belle , Borda Susan
Published: April 2017

INTRODUCTION An attractive repository with clear, well-structured and accessible content can be a powerful recruitment and publicity tool for administrators, fundraisers, and others trying to bolster support for repositories. Digitizing ETDs is a lengthy and often arduous process. Once that process is completed, it is often a victory that suffices. As a result, collections frequently receive no further treatment. We demonstrate the benefits of visualizing repository content. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT The goal of the project was to create an interactive visualization to make our newly digitized theses and dissertations more discoverable. By leveraging the institutional organization of College, Department and Year of Graduation, we visualized data to help users understand ETD content as a whole and find specific items more easily. BUILDING THE VISUALIZATION The process begins with data cleanup involving extracting and normalizing repository metadata, then the data is processed and the Data-Driven Documents (D3) JavaScript library is used to generate the actual visualization. Benefits of Visualizations to Users: The visualization allows for the sort of happenstance discovery of materials that are celebrated about shelf browsing and a way to compare the productivity of each college and department at our university. It also illustrates our institution’s changes in emphasis over time. NEXT STEPS Visualizations have vast potential for creating engaging user interfaces for digital library content. We would like to explore how people are using the visualization as we move forward with this process to visualize multiple collections.
Forelimb bone curvature in terrestrial and arboreal mammals
Authors: Henderson Keith , Pantinople Jess , McCabe Kyle , Richards Hazel L. , Milne Nick
Published: April 2017

It has recently been proposed that the caudal curvature (concave caudal side) observed in the radioulna of terrestrial quadrupeds is an adaptation to the habitual action of the triceps muscle which causes cranial bending strains (compression on cranial side). The caudal curvature is proposed to be adaptive because longitudinal loading induces caudal bending strains (increased compression on the caudal side), and these opposing bending strains counteract each other leaving the radioulna less strained. If this is true for terrestrial quadrupeds, where triceps is required for habitual elbow extension, then we might expect that in arboreal species, where brachialis is habitually required to maintain elbow flexion, the radioulna should instead be cranially curved. This study measures sagittal curvature of the ulna in a range of terrestrial and arboreal primates and marsupials, and finds that their ulnae are curved in opposite directions in these two locomotor categories. This study also examines sagittal curvature in the humerus in the same species, and finds differences that can be attributed to similar adaptations: the bone is curved to counter the habitual muscle action required by the animal’s lifestyle, the difference being mainly in the distal part of the humerus, where arboreal animals tend have a cranial concavity, thought to be in response the carpal and digital muscles that pull cranially on the distal humerus.
Cloning and evaluation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR analysis inAmorphophallus
Authors: Wang Kai , Niu Yi , Wang Qijun , Liu Haili , Jin Yi , Zhang Shenglin
Published: April 2017

Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) has been widely used in the detection and quantification of gene expression levels because of its high accuracy, sensitivity, and reproducibility as well as its large dynamic range. However, the reliability and accuracy of RT-qPCR depends on accurate transcript normalization using stably expressed reference genes.Amorphophallusis a perennial plant with a high content of konjac glucomannan (KGM) in its corm. This crop has been used as a food source and as a traditional medicine for thousands of years. Without adequate knowledge of gene expression profiles, there has been no report of validated reference genes inAmorphophallus. In this study, nine genes that are usually used as reference genes in other crops were selected as candidate reference genes. These putative sequences of these genesAmorphophalluswere cloned by the use of degenerate primers. The expression stability of each gene was assessed in different tissues and under two abiotic stresses (heat and waterlogging) inA. albusandA. konjac. Three distinct algorithms were used to evaluate the expression stability of the candidate reference genes. The results demonstrated thatEF1-a,EIF4A,H3andUBQwere the best reference genes under heat stress inAmorphophallus. Furthermore,EF1-a,EIF4A,TUB, andRPwere the best reference genes in waterlogged conditions. By comparing different tissues from all samples, we determined thatEF1-α,EIF4A,andCYPwere stable in these sets. In addition, the suitability of these reference genes was confirmed by validating the expression of a gene encoding the small heat shock proteinSHSP, which is related to heat stress inAmorphophallus. In sum,EF1-αandEIF4Awere the two best reference genes for normalizing mRNA levels in different tissues and under various stress treatments, and we suggest using one of these genes in combination with 1 or 2 reference genes associated with different biological processes to normalize gene expression. Our results will provide researchers with appropriate reference genes for further gene expression quantification using RT-qPCR inAmorphophallus.
Membrane permeabilization of mammalian cells using bursts of high magnetic field pulses
Authors: Novickij Vitalij , Dermol Janja , Grainys Audrius , Kranjc Matej , Miklavčič Damijan
Published: April 2017

Background

Cell membrane permeabilization by pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) is a novel contactless method which results in effects similar to conventional electroporation. The non-invasiveness of the methodology, independence from the biological object homogeneity and electrical conductance introduce high flexibility and potential applicability of the PEMF in biomedicine, food processing, and biotechnology. The inferior effectiveness of the PEMF permeabilization compared to standard electroporation and the lack of clear description of the induced transmembrane transport are currently of major concern.

Methods

The PEMF permeabilization experiments have been performed using a 5.5 T, 1.2 J pulse generator with a multilayer inductor as an applicator. We investigated the feasibility to increase membrane permeability of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells using short microsecond (15 µs) pulse bursts (100 or 200 pulses) at low frequency (1 Hz) and high dB/dt (>106 T/s). The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry using two different fluorescent dyes: propidium iodide (PI) and YO-PRO®-1 (YP). The results were compared to conventional electroporation (single pulse, 1.2 kV/cm, 100 µs), i.e., positive control.

Results

The proposed PEMF protocols (both for 100 and 200 pulses) resulted in increased number of permeable cells (70 ± 11% for PI and 67 ± 9% for YP). Both cell permeabilization assays also showed a significant (8 ± 2% for PI and 35 ± 14% for YP) increase in fluorescence intensity indicating membrane permeabilization. The survival was not affected.

Discussion

The obtained results demonstrate the potential of PEMF as a contactless treatment for achieving reversible permeabilization of biological cells. Similar to electroporation, the PEMF permeabilization efficacy is influenced by pulse parameters in a dose-dependent manner.
Increasing transnational sea‐ice exchange in a changing Arctic Ocean
Authors: Newton Robert , Pfirman Stephanie , Tremblay Bruno , DeRepentigny Patricia
Published: April 2017

The changing Arctic sea‐ice cover is likely to impact the trans‐border exchange of sea ice between the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of the Arctic nations, affecting the risk of ice‐rafted contamination. We apply the Lagrangian Ice Tracking System (LITS) to identify sea‐ice formation events and track sea ice to its melt locations. Most ice (52%) melts within 100 km of where it is formed; ca. 21% escapes from its EEZ. Thus, most contaminants will be released within an ice parcel's originating EEZ, while material carried by over 1 00,000 km2 of ice—an area larger than France and Germany combined—will be released to other nations' waters. Between the periods 1988–1999 and 2000–2014, sea‐ice formation increased by ∼17% (roughly 6 million km2 vs. 5 million km2 annually). Melting peaks earlier; freeze‐up begins later; and the central Arctic Ocean is more prominent in both formation and melt in the later period. The total area of ice transported between EEZs increased, while transit times decreased: for example, Russian ice reached melt locations in other nations' EEZs an average of 46% faster while North American ice reached destinations in Eurasian waters an average of 37% faster. Increased trans‐border exchange is mainly a result of increased speed (∼14% per decade), allowing first‐year ice to escape the summer melt front, even as the front extends further north. Increased trans‐border exchange over shorter times is bringing the EEZs of the Arctic nations closer together, which should be taken into account in policy development—including establishment of marine‐protected areas.

Plain Language Summary

We use data from satellite images to identify the formation, drift tracks, and melt locations of sea ice in the Arctic. Most ice melts locally: only about 21% is exported from the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in which it is formed. That export is nonetheless about 1,000,000 km2 each year. As the ice cover has thinned and the summer sea ice has retreated in a warming Arctic, formation and melt locations have moved further north, ice drifts have accelerated, and the area of ice formation and melt has increased. We looked at ice formation and transport between the EEZs of the Arctic nations, and broke the record into two periods: 1988–1999 and 2000–2014. As the Arctic warms, more ice is transported between EEZs and it is arriving at the receiving EEZ faster, than in the past. Between the two study periods: Sea ice velocity increased by about 14%/decade; Russian ice reached melt locations in other nations' EEZs 46% faster; and North American ice reached Eurasian destinations 37% faster. Exchanges of ice have increased as a result. For example, export of ice from Russia to Norway increased by 11% and export from Alaska to Russia by 16%.
Relevant climate response tests for stratospheric aerosol injection: A combined ethical and scientific analysis
Authors: Lenferna Georges Alexandre , Russotto Rick D. , Tan Amanda , Gardiner Stephen M. , Ackerman Thomas P.
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we focus on stratospheric sulfate injection as a geoengineering scheme, and provide a combined scientific and ethical analysis of climate response tests, which are a subset of outdoor tests that would seek to impose detectable and attributable changes to climate variables on global or regional scales. We assess the current state of scientific understanding on the plausibility and scalability of climate response tests. Then, we delineate a minimal baseline against which to consider whether certain climate response tests would be relevant for a deployment scenario. Our analysis shows that some climate response tests, such as those attempting to detect changes in regional climate impacts, may not be deployable in time periods relevant to realistic geoengineering scenarios. This might pose significant challenges for justifying stratospheric sulfate aerosol injection deployment overall. We then survey some of the major ethical challenges that proposed climate response tests face. We consider what levels of confidence would be required to ethically justify approving a proposed test; whether the consequences of tests are subject to similar questions of justice, compensation, and informed consent as full‐scale deployment; and whether questions of intent and hubris are morally relevant for climate response tests. We suggest further research into laboratory‐based work and modeling may help to narrow the scientific uncertainties related to climate response tests, and help inform future ethical debate. However, even if such work is pursued, the ethical issues raised by proposed climate response tests are significant and manifold.
Visible/near‐infrared spectral diversity from in situ observations of the Bagnold Dune Field sands in Gale Crater, Mars
Authors: Johnson Jeffrey R. , Achilles Cherie , Bell James F. , Bender Steve , Cloutis Edward , Ehlmann Bethany , Fraeman Abigail , Gasnault Olivier , Hamilton Victoria E. , Le Mouélic Stéphane , Maurice Sylvestre , Pinet Patrick , Thompson Lucy , Wellington Danika , Wiens Roger C.
Published: April 2017

As part of the Bagnold Dune campaign conducted by Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity, visible/near‐infrared reflectance spectra of dune sands were acquired using Mast Camera (Mastcam) multispectral imaging (445–1013 nm) and Chemistry and Camera (ChemCam) passive point spectroscopy (400–840 nm). By comparing spectra from pristine and rover‐disturbed ripple crests and troughs within the dune field, and through analysis of sieved grain size fractions, constraints on mineral segregation from grain sorting could be determined. In general, the dune areas exhibited low relative reflectance, a weak ~530 nm absorption band, an absorption band near 620 nm, and a spectral downturn after ~685 nm consistent with olivine‐bearing sands. The finest grain size fractions occurred within ripple troughs and in the subsurface and typically exhibited the strongest ~530 nm bands, highest relative reflectances, and weakest red/near‐infrared ratios, consistent with a combination of crystalline and amorphous ferric materials. Coarser‐grained samples were the darkest and bluest and exhibited weaker ~530 nm bands, lower relative reflectances, and stronger downturns in the near‐infrared, consistent with greater proportions of mafic minerals such as olivine and pyroxene. These grains were typically segregated along ripple crests and among the upper surfaces of grain flows in disturbed sands. Sieved dune sands exhibited progressive decreases in reflectance with increasing grain size, as observed in laboratory spectra of olivine size separates. The continuum of spectral features observed between the coarse‐ and fine‐grained dune sands suggests that mafic grains, ferric materials, and air fall dust mix in variable proportions depending on aeolian activity and grain sorting.
The role of biological rates in the simulated warming effect on oceanic CO2 uptake
Authors: Cao Long , Zhang Han
Published: April 2017

Marine biology plays an important role in the ocean carbon cycle. However, the effect of warming‐induced changes in biological rates on oceanic CO2 uptake has been largely overlooked. We use an Earth system model of intermediate complexity to investigate the effect of temperature‐induced changes in biological rates on oceanic uptake of atmospheric CO2 and compare it with the effects from warming‐induced changes in CO2 solubility and ocean mixing and circulation. Under the representative CO2 concentration pathway RCP 8.5 and its extension, by year 2500, relative to the simulation without warming effect on the ocean carbon cycle, CO2‐induced warming reduces cumulative oceanic CO2 uptake by 469 Pg C, of which about 20% is associated with the warming‐induced change in marine biological rates. In our simulations, the bulk effect of biological‐mediated changes on CO2 uptake is smaller than that mediated by changes in CO2 solubility and ocean mixing and circulation. However, warming‐induced changes in individual biological rates, including phytoplankton growth, phytoplankton mortality, and detritus remineralization, are found to affect oceanic CO2 uptake by an amount greater than or comparable to that caused by changes in CO2 solubility and ocean physics. Our simulations, which include only a few temperature‐dependent biological processes, demonstrate the important role of biological rates in the oceanic CO2 uptake. In reality, many more complicated biological processes are sensitive to temperature change, and their responses to warming could substantially affect oceanic uptake of atmospheric CO2.
Application of decision‐making to a solar flare forecast in the cost‐loss ratio situation
Authors: Park Jongyeob , Moon Yong‐Jae , Choi Seonghwan , Baek Ji‐Hye , Cho Kyung‐Suk , Lee Kangjin
Published: April 2017

The conventional skill scores for evaluating flare forecast models do not take into account the effect of various cost‐loss ratios. For the first time, we have applied a decision‐making based on skill scores to a flare forecast model in cost‐loss ratio situations. For this study, we consider a flare forecast model which provides daily solar flare probabilities from 2011 to 2014. The skill scores are computed through contingency tables as a function of probability threshold (Pth) for the decision‐making. A value score (VS) is calculated as a function of cost‐loss ratio (C/L) and Pth, which are linearly correlated with each other. The maximum values of VS are 0.57, 0.37, and 0.61 for C‐, M‐, and X‐class flare, respectively. We expect that this study would provide a guideline to determine C/L and Pth for the better decision‐making in similar forecast models.
Development and evaluation of the MTVDI for soil moisture monitoring
Authors: Zhu Wenbin , Lv Aifeng , Jia Shaofeng , Sun Liang
Published: April 2017

Several parameterization schemes have been developed to retrieve the soil moisture information involved in the remotely sensed surface temperature‐vegetation index (Ts − VI) space. However, most of them are performed with the constraint of the dry edge of the Ts − VI space to define the maximum water stressed conditions. In view of the subjectivity and uncertainty involved in the determination of the dry edge, a new index termed as the Modified Temperature‐Vegetation Dryness Index (MTVDI) was developed in this paper to reduce the reliance of the parameterization scheme on the dry edge. In the parameterization scheme of MTVDI, isopleth lines of soil moisture involved in the feature space were retrieved by the temperature‐vegetation index method, and only the maximum surface temperature of bare soil (Tsmax) was indispensable in the definition of maximum water stressed conditions. For evaluation purpose, the MTVDI was demonstrated in the Southern Great Plains region of the U.S. and was compared with two other traditional soil moisture indexes developed under the constraint of dry edge. The comparison confirmed the effectivity of the MTVDI in monitoring the spatial pattern and seasonal variation of soil moisture. Our analyses also suggest that Tsmax, the only parameter needed in the definition of maximum water stressed conditions, can be retrieved directly from the parameterization scheme itself. Therefore, the retrieval of MTVDI can be performed independent of the dry edge, which is a significant improvement to the traditional parameterization schemes of soil moisture from the Ts − VI feature space.