bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curriculum Reforms in Turkey
Authors: Orakcı Şenol , Durnalı Mehmet , Özkan Orhan
Published: April 2018

The aim of this chapter is to examine and assess the basic structure of changes in the 2004 curriculum in Turkey. It also aims at evaluating how restructuring of the education system in Turkey have been affected by the general social and educational trends in the changing world and by the accession process to the European Union. Literature and document analyses-including curricula development endeavors in education in Turkey dated 1924, 1926, 1936, 1948, 1962, 1968, 1998, and 2004 since the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923 were used in this study. Of the educational curricula, especially the 2004 Educational Curriculum, was examined in terms of its vision, structure, aims, and contents as well as evaluating the effects of the general, social, educational trends, the educational norms, and preferences of the European Union on this curriculum. This study demonstrates the effects of an improvement movement that can be effective in terms of the effects and outcomes in Turkey as a growing and developing country in the Eurasian region can also be important for many other countries in the Eurasian region. In other words, similar improvement policies can be followed in other countries of the Eurasian region. As a result of these reform efforts, these countries can have an opportunity to increase their level of development first and then contribute to the economic and geopolitical importance of the Eurasian region in the general sense.
Framing Organisational Knowledge Through the Brand
Authors: Lelis Catarina
Published: April 2018

A brand is one of the most exciting assets of a company. It has the obvious purposes of identification, recognition, and differentiation, which are mostly directed to the external environment. But it is also responsible for transmitting intangible value, and for that reason, in the last decades, research has been demonstrating that the brand is also a fundamental resource for building commitment and citizenship behaviors among organizational internal audiences. There is also academic evidence that highly committed members of staff are more open to take part of collaborative multidisciplinary activities and more predisposed to share their knowledge. Moreover, commitment tends to increase as a result of brand-related participatory experiences. This chapter suggests that participatory and technology-mediated internal branding activities build on brand knowledge conversion and transfer, hence preparing, holistically, the organization and its members of staff for a generic sense on the benefits of knowledge sharing.
Knowledge Creation, Management, and Dissemination in Impact Communities
Authors: Melro Ana , Oliveira Lídia
Published: April 2018

This chapter's mission is to reflect on the steps taken by knowledge (creation, management, and dissemination) in an impact community (IC). Also, it aims to analyze how this knowledge can be capitalized by the IC itself, as well as other ICs, through the replication of good practices. To this end, importance is attached to several stages of the existence of knowledge in an IC: 1) individual knowledge, which each single person carries and integrates into an IC when he/she becomes a member; 2) the combination of all the individual knowledge, which forces one to think in a knowledge management; 3) the moments of knowledge sharing; and 4) the internal and external dissemination of this knowledge. These last two dynamics—sharing and dissemination—result in a replication and multiplication of existing knowledge in an IC.
Organizational Learning and Competitive Advantage
Authors: Namada Juliana Mulaa
Published: April 2018

Environmental turbulence in today's business landscape has elicited deep concerns in contemporary business organizations. As a result, organizations seek to achieve competitive advantage through organizational learning. This chapter presents organizational learning as a key source of competitive advantage in contemporary business organizations. It examines the concept of organizational learning by definition and delves in the four constituents that form the concept of organizational learning, namely knowledge acquisition, knowledge distribution, information interpretation, and organizational memory. Further, the chapter focuses on the factors affecting organizational learning together with competitive advantage as an outcome of organizational learning.
Esri Association With Open Source
Authors: Cheraghi Faridedin
Published: April 2018

Everyone involved in geospatial information systems has heard of Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri)company. Most people have tried ArcGIS software at least for one time. Esri has been the pioneer in this industry for a long time; it also defines the future of geospatial trends. In this chapter, the author adopts a neutral position to discuss the relation of Esri and open-source community. They cover almost every aspect where Esri and open source co-occur. Even the latest achievement of Esri, which is R-bridge, is discussed here. Going into the details of everything is not the goal of the chapter; however, a minimum description is provided for each section. Proper references are given to the reader for further study.
A Simulation Decision Support System for the Healthcare Emergency Department Optimization
Authors: Saoud Manel Saad , Boubetra Abdelhak , Attia Safa
Published: April 2018

Agent-based modeling and simulation methods have demonstrated efficiency in modeling and analyzing the dynamics of the healthcare systems. Simulation has become a crucial tool that facilitates understanding these systems that involve different and heterogeneous components interacting in diverse and complex ways. However, during the dynamic evolutions of these societies, the agents involve a massive amount of data that contain non-explicit and unknown information. The analysis of these data to study and discover the hidden relationships and the emerging phenomena is a well-known difficulty in the simulation systems. The call for powerful tools such as the data mining techniques to support the simulations analysis is the best solution that can be used to tackle this issue. The aim of this chapter is to develop a decision support system based on the integration of simulation systems and knowledge extraction techniques, to design a decisive tool to help healthcare managers to improve the quality and the effectiveness of care provided to the emergency departments.
Social CRM
Authors: Galib Mohammad Hasan
Published: April 2018

This chapter is based on an empirical research study that attempts to gain an understanding of the social customers' behavior by identifying the factors that influence their decision to participate in social customer relationship management (CRM) programs. A social behavioral model (SBM) was developed in this study. The construction of the SBM was partly based on two popular models: technology acceptance model and theory of planned behavior. The data (n=305) were analyzed with exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and path analysis. Attitude, usefulness, and perceived risk are the most influential factors in SBM. Other variables—social identity, perceived ease of use, perceived behavioral control, perceived enjoyment, and satisfaction—affected intention indirectly. Subjective norm and image did not affect intention directly or indirectly; therefore, these two variables were dropped from the SBM. The resultant conceptual framework provides a stronger theoretical basis for understanding the behavioral aspect of social CRM implementation.
When Multiple Actors' Online Interactions Lead to Value Co-Destruction
Authors: Frau Moreno , Cabiddu Francesca , Muscas Fabio
Published: April 2018

This chapter explores the value co-destruction and deviant behavior during multiple actors' online interactions. While several studies have highlighted its benefits, researchers have often failed to consider the negative consequences of these interactions. Previous studies focused on offline dyadic interactions and have not completely explained the causes of these problematic interactions in an online context. To this end, by using JetStar Airways, this chapter explores VCD by investigating the online context of the tourism industry, as characterized by the often complex relations among multiple actors. This study contributes from a theoretical standpoint by extending VCC literature considering the negative consequences of deviant behaviors in an online context and by identifying five deviant behaviors related to multiple actors' interaction: performing illegal actions, supporting illegal actions, making insults, lacking transparency, and providing false information. This chapter provides guidance to practitioners on how to handle an interactive crisis caused by deviant behaviors.
How to Migrate Citizens Online and Reduce Traffic on Traditional Channels Through Multichannel Management
Authors: Madsen Christian Østergaard , Kræmmergaard Pernille
Published: April 2018

E-government channels are a key to achieving economic savings from public digitization. Citizens tend to use multiple channels in a service encounter and often use e-government channels as a supplement instead of replacing traditional channels. There is a lack of knowledge regarding how government organizations apply findings from user studies to migrate citizens online while reducing traffic through traditional channels. The authors present a case study on how public authorities collaborate to create a multichannel strategy for an online application for single parents. After the multichannel strategy was implemented, there was an increase in the use of the application and a reduction in telephone calls. The authors wrote this chapter to contribute to channel choice and multichannel management literature.
The Evolution of Self-Organized Social Solidarity (SoSS) Initiatives in Greece and Their Relationship to Online Media
Authors: Staiou Eleni-Revekka , Gouscos Dimitris
Published: April 2018

Since the beginning of the economic crisis in Greece, the first impacts were felt on standards of everyday living. Citizens felt the urge to self-organize and take action based on their own strengths as the only practical solution to fill in the gaps left by the state's absence of intervention. Rooted in the country's economic crisis, Greek citizens' self-organized social solidarity (SoSS) initiatives have been focused on acting and innovating rather than protesting. Examples of such initiatives are social grocery stores, alternative currencies, time banks, neighborhood groups for sanitation and general caretaking, assistance to students in primary/secondary education to name a few. The main objective of this chapter is to show the evolution of SoSS initiatives through a longitudinal research for the period 2014-2016. Α second objective is to present the relationship between these initiatives and the online media: How did they use the internet and the social media for their communication for the same period of time? Finally, the authors will attempt an assessment of their operation so far, with data obtained from updating the platform Organosi 2.0, in the summer of 2017.
Research Progress of Combined Application of Sol-Gel and Electrochemistry
Authors: Li Qiang , Liu Wei Ying , Sun Guo Yin , Shang Juan Fang
Published: April 2018

There were many advantages for functional materials production using Sol-gel method, such as low operating temperature and easy doping. So, it was widely used in materials preparation, such as nano powders, films, functional glass, nanoceramic and modified electrode. The sol-gel modified electrode has extensive application in electrochemical analysis and electrochemical sensors. In addition, the film by electrodeposition can be tightly assembled on electrode substrate and its structure and shape can be easily regulated. So, The two methods are combined to make better use of their respective advantages. Up to now, the film materials using electrochemically induced sol-gel had been used in electrochemistry analysis and functional films preparation. In this paper, it was summarized that the progress of combined application of sol-gel and electrochemistry. Mainly including sol-gel materials, modified electrodes, electrochemical analysis and sensors, and electrochemical induction sol-gel method for the preparation of thin film materials.
Study of Tensile Bond Strength for Structural Silicone Sealants after Artificial Accelerated Aging
Authors: Sun Yu Kang , Wan De Tian , Bao Yi Wang , Liu Xiao Gen , Qiu Yan
Published: April 2018

Tensile bond strength is one of the most significant properties for structural silicone sealants used in the glass curtain walls. During the service process, aging of the silicone sealants shall be involved in comprehensive actions of environment factors, e.g. temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet light etc. In this study, artificial accelerated aging test was conducted to make clear the development of tensile bond strength, Shore hardness and elongation. The test results show that: (i) the specimens under damp-heat test have more degeneration than specimens under humidity-freeze test; (ii) the environment of high temperature and high humidity leads to the change of tensile bond, Shore hardness, elongation, and results in interfacial failure of samples.
Effect of Forming Pressure on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of B4C- SiC-Si Ceramic Composites
Authors: Zong Hui , Zhang Cui Ping , Ru Hong Qiang , Huang He , Zhu Jing Hui , Xu Hai Bin , Xia Qian
Published: April 2018

B4C-SiC-Si ceramic composites were fabricated based on molten silicon infiltration method. The influence of preforms'forming pressure on the microstructure and mechanical properties of B4C-SiC-Si ceramic composites was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron universal testing machines, etc. The results showed that the ceramic consists of B4C, B12(C,Si,B)3, SiC and Si phases. The microstructure analysis showed that: the volume percent of free silicon decreased with the increase in forming pressures. The Vikers-hardness of B4C-SiC-Si ceramic composites increased, while the bending strength and fracture toughness both increased initially and then decreased with the increase in forming pressures of which the optimal pressure is 200 MPa. The optimum bending strength, fracture toughness and Vikers-hardness of the obtained B4C-SiC-Si ceramic composites are 319±13 MPa, 4.9±0.1 MPa·m1/2and 24±1 GPa, respectively. The volume density and open porosity of the obtained B4C-SiC-Si ceramic composites are 2.58 g/cm3and 0.19 %, respectively.
Loess Composited PMAA-CS for Removing Methylene Blue
Authors: Shen Ya , Wang Yin , He Yu Feng , Wang Rong Min
Published: April 2018

Dyes have made a great contribution to the progress of this beautiful and bright world,but a large amount of wastes containing dyes have been discharged into the receiving aquatic environment. In this paper, a loess composited polymer adsorbent, poly (methacrylic acid)-grafted chitosan/Loess composite (PMAA-CS/ LC), was applied to remove methylene blue (MB). It was found that the removal rate of MB reached to 98.6% under the optimal condition of adsorption. Adsorption dynamics were consistent with pseudo-second-order kinetic model and isotherm model can meet the Langmuir isotherm model.
Measurement of the High Temperature Elastic Modulus of Alumina Ceramics by Different Testing Methods
Authors: Nie Guang Lin , Bao Yi Wang , Wan De Tian , Tian Yuan
Published: April 2018

Alumina ceramics are widely used in the demanding high temperature applications in which the high temperature elastic moduli (EHT) is a key property for their reliability and safety. In this paper, the elastic modulus of alumina was determined by dynamic method (impulse excitation technique) and static tests (three-point bending test and four-point bending test). For the static tests, the relative method was applied to determine the accurate deflection measurement in the heating furnace. The measured results revealed that the modulus of alumina slowly decreased from RT to 1000 °C and rapidly decreased with the increasing temperatures from 1000 °C to 1300°C. The EHT evaluated by dynamic method were higher than that tested by static tests with the reason of that impulse excitation technique only applied small forces onto a sample such that defects activity is negligible. Also the resonant frequencies couldn’t be measured easily at high temperature, because the vibration signal emitted by the sample was weak. The static approaches combined with relative method were beyond the limit to high temperatures, and they can be also used to evaluate the ultra-high temperature modulus.
Effects of Atmospheric Conditions on Slag Corrosion Resistance of Lightweight Al2O3-MgO Castables
Authors: Zou Yang , Gu Hua Zhi , Huang Ao
Published: April 2018

By adopting dynamic induction furnace corrosion test, the corrosion mechanism of lightweight Al2O3-MgO castable with different environmental oxygen partial pressure was investigated through macro- and micro-analysis, XRD and thermodynamic simulation. The atmospheric condition was set to P(O2) = 0.21 atm or P(Ar) = 1.0 atm. The attained results showed that a reduced slag corrosion but intensified slag penetration happened at low environmental oxygen partial pressure condition. With P(O2) = 0.21atm, Mn and Fe in slag were present in the form of divalent and/or trivalent cations and were incorporated into spinel to form MnFe2O4 solutions and MgAl2O4 solutions during corrosion process. Since Fe, Mn ions are largely consumed, liquid with high viscosity formed and the continuing infiltration was suppressed. Under P(Ar) =1.0 atm, corrosion on castable aggregates was significantly weakened, and the reaction products under this condition are mainly MgAl2O4 and CA6.
Determination of the Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds from Leather Seats in Environmental Test Chamber
Authors: Wang Jin , Ma Zhen Zhu , Chen Lu , Sun Hong Juan , Fan Wu Kun
Published: April 2018

With reference to the international standard ISO16000-9 and the national standard GB/T 31106-14, this paper has chosen leather seats as the research object in order to study the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and total volatile organic compound (TVOC). The test results show that about 21 species of VOCs released from the leather seats were measured, including several types of aldehydes, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbon ,hydrocarbon, lipids and so on.This paper analysis the possible sources of volatile organic compounds in leather seats as well.
A Study on the Influence of Fly Ash on the Thermal Parameters of Shrinkage Compensating Concrete
Authors: Jiang Yu Chuan , Xu Je , Zhao Bao Cheng , Wang Yang
Published: April 2018

This paper studies the adiabatic temperature rise, specific heat, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of shrinkage compensating concrete mixed with 18%, 23%, 30% and 40% fly ash. The results present that fly ash has significant influence on the process of the adiabatic temperature rise, and the influence on the specific heat is little. The adiabatic temperature rise of 14d will be lower as the fly ash content is higher. There is significant influence of air content on thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity, and the fly ash is little. Further research on the thermal parameters of shrinkage compensating concrete is needed.
Loading Rate Effects during Indentation on Strength of Glass
Authors: Gao Xiu Min , Bao Yi Wang , Nie Guang Lin
Published: April 2018

The spherical indentation combined with acoustic emission was used to evaluate the local strength of glass, which is a nondestructive testing approach. However, stress time effect on the local strength of glass during spherical indentation has not been studied before. In the present work, stress time effect was investigated by examining the local strength of unstrengthened and strengthened glass at different loading rates. It is discovered that the local strength of glass increased greatly with the loading rate, which confirmed the time dependence of the fracture on glass. As a typical brittle material, the discreteness of strength date of glass measured by spherical indentation was also analyzed to evaluate the strength of glass correctly.
Investigation on the Effects of SiO2 Content on the NTC Thermistor Properties of Ce1.2(1-x)Mn1-xSix System
Authors: Hu Ming Zhe , Hao Yong De , Deng Yan Yan
Published: April 2018

Ce1.2(1-x)Mn1-xSix(x=0.1,0.2.0.3,0.4) NTC thermistor materials were prepared by the traditional solid-state reaction method. The effects of SiO2 content on the microstructure and electric properties of prepared materials are investigated through XRD, SEM, XPS and several instruments for electrical properties characterization. The results indicate that the average grain size increases with the increasing SiO2 content. The resistivity and materials constant B value exhibit opposite change laws. The minimum room resistivity of 7.18×105 Ω·cm and the maximum characteristic parameter B value of 5507K are obtained when x=0.2. And when x=0.1 the aging factor η is 0.34% and it decreases as the CeO2 content increases.
Improved Fracture Strength of 5YSZ/Al2O3 Composite Matrix by Addition of SiO2 for Planar Automotive Oxygen Sensor
Authors: Lei Wu , Ma Ben , Pu Jian , Bo Chi , Li Jian
Published: April 2018

As the ceramic substrate materials in automobile oxygen sensor, 5YSZ/Al2O3matrix composite ceramic with different amount of silica are prepared by ball-milling,tape casting and sintering.They are investigated for their microstructure and mechanical properties.The microstructure of the sample is analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX).Fracture strength is measured by ring-on-ring method. It is found that adding 1 wt.% SiO2into 5YSZ/Al2O3matrix can improve the strength of composite ceramics.
Participatory GIS as a Tool for Stakeholder Engagement in Building Resilience to Sea Level Rise: A Demonstration Project
Authors: Yusuf Juita-Elena , Rawat Pragati , Considine Carol , Covi Michelle , St. John Burton , Nicula J. Gail , Anuar Khairul A.
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis article describes a participatory geographical information system (PGIS) demonstration project used as part of the stakeholder engagement efforts undertaken by the Citizen Engagement Working Group of the Hampton Roads Sea Level Rise Preparedness and Resilience
Intergovernmental Planning Pilot Project. The PGIS demonstration project was conducted in the Little Creek/Pretty Lake case study area in the Hampton Roads region of southeastern coastal Virginia. PGIS served as a deliberative and participatory mechanism to obtain local knowledge from residents
about the location of valued assets within the community and locations challenged by increased flooding and sea level rise. The PGIS application, using the weTable tool, was found to be useful for soliciting and documenting local knowledge, such as by highlighting community assets and identifying
community challenges. It was also found to be useful for facilitating community-wide discussion, visualizing the problem, and understanding the severity of sea level rise and flooding. The PGIS demonstration project showed how participatory mapping can directly engage residents in creating
sociospatial data, build knowledge, and foster learning and deliberation in a complex issue such as resilience to flooding and sea level rise.
Quality Control of Real-Time Water Level Data: The U.S. IOOS® QARTOD Project
Authors: Bushnell Mark
Published: April 2018

AbstractWithin the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System Program, the Quality Assurance/Quality Control of Real-Time Oceanographic Data (QARTOD) Project develops manuals that describe variable-specific quality control (QC) tests for operational use. The QARTOD's Manual
for Real-Time Quality Control of Water Level Data: A Guide to Quality Control and Quality Assurance for Water Level Observations was created with broad support from entities engaged in operational observations of water levels. The process used to generate this manual and all other QARTOD
manuals exemplifies the integration of “federal, state, and local government agencies as well as the private and nonprofit sectors” described by the Hampton Roads Sea Level Rise Preparedness and Resilience Intergovernmental Pilot Project.Another project that supports Hampton
Roads, Virginia, sea level rise and utilizes multiple partners is the deployment of continuous global positioning system (cGPS) receivers directly on water level sensors. These cGPS installations enable the determination of absolute sea level rise and local land subsidence. Successful transition
of cGPS to an operational status requires the application of real-time data QC.
Well-being and Mental Health Impact of Household Flooding in Guyana, the Caribbean
Authors: Akpinar-Elci Muge , Rose Shanomae , Kekeh Michele
Published: April 2018

AbstractGuyana has annually experienced excessive rainfall and flooding since 2005. This study investigated the general well-being and mental health problems among occupants of households affected by the December 2008 flooding in Guyana. A cross-sectional study design was
used to administer validated questionnaires, which included sections on demographics, environmental exposure, general health, and personal behavior. The response rate to the survey was 70% (130/185). The findings indicate an increased self-reported poor health for study participants who smelled
moldy odors inside of their home (OR: 4.1, 95% CI: 2.0‐12.0) and for individuals who had mold or mildew inside of their homes (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2‐7.5). Individuals whose homes had flooded previously were also shown to be slightly more at risk for experiencing diminished interest
in daily activities (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 0.5‐2.9) as well as diminished involvement in social activities (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 0.7‐4.8). Also, participants who had their houses previously flooded reported an increased difficulty in concentrating (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 0.9‐6.4). Flooding
might be a possible risk factor for well-being and mental health problems among the occupants of affected households.
StormSense: A New Integrated Network of IoT Water Level Sensors in the Smart Cities of Hampton Roads, VA
Authors: Loftis Jon Derek , Forrest David , Katragadda Sridhar , Spencer Kyle , Organski Tammie , Nguyen Cuong , Rhee Sokwoo
Published: April 2018

AbstractPropagation of cost-effective water level sensors powered through the Internet of Things (IoT) has expanded the available offerings of ingestible data streams at the disposal of modern smart cities. StormSense is an IoT-enabled inundation forecasting research initiative
and an active participant in the Global City Teams Challenge, seeking to enhance flood preparedness in the smart cities of Hampton Roads, VA, for flooding resulting from storm surge, rain, and tides. In this study, we present the results of the new StormSense water level sensors to help establish
the “regional resilience monitoring network” noted as a key recommendation from the Intergovernmental Pilot Project. To accomplish this, the Commonwealth Center for Recurrent Flooding Resiliency's Tidewatch tidal forecast system is being used as a starting point to integrate the
extant (NOAA) and new (United States Geological Survey [USGS] and StormSense) water level sensors throughout the region and demonstrate replicability of the solution across the cities of Newport News, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach within Hampton Roads, VA. StormSense's network employs a mix
of ultrasonic and radar remote sensing technologies to record water levels during 2017 Hurricanes Jose and Maria. These data were used to validate the inundation predictions of a street level hydrodynamic model (5-m resolution), whereas the water levels from the sensors and the model were
concomitantly validated by a temporary water level sensor deployed by the USGS in the Hague and crowd-sourced GPS maximum flooding extent observations from the sea level rise app, developed in Norfolk, VA.
The centenary of Assemblies of God in South Africa: Historical reflections on theological education and ministry formation
Authors: Resane Kelebogile T.
Published: April 2018

The Assemblies of God (AOG) celebrates its centenary in 2017. The paper aims to show the historical development of theological education and ministerial training and formation in this denomination. It starts by showing how internationally AOG embraced the Bible Institute movement as a way of evangelism, church planting and growth from the early decades of the 20th century after the birth of the Pentecostal Movement. Then there is a South African scenario, lamenting the de-emphasis of the importance of theological education, though there was emphasis on evangelism and missional endeavours on the grassroots. The research unfolds the development of institutions from 1949 to the present. All in all, 10 institutions are identified and briefly explained, some of them with their demise. The article concludes by historical reflections on what was taught and identifies the gaps by suggesting that the Pentecostal curriculum should be relevant to the context of Africa by embracing inclusivity: Hidden Curriculum, Gender Studies, Inculturation and Liberation ideals and renaissance of pneumatology.
Climate change and vulnerability discourse by students at a South African university
Authors: Mugambiwa Shingirai S. , Dzomonda Obey
Published: April 2018

Climate change is expected to pose grave consequences to communities around the world. It is predicted that many people, mostly in the developing world, will experience shortages of water and food as well as numerous health-related effects because of climate change. Therefore, rigorous global action is needed to enable developing countries to adapt to the effects of climate change. Universities play a pivotal role in addressing these issues and their impacts through research and technological innovations. Hence, assessing the extent to which university students understand climate change and its impacts displays the extent of hope in mitigating future changes in climatic conditions. This article assesses the knowledge and understanding of climate change and its impacts by students at an institution of higher learning in South Africa. This study utilised a quantitative approach and a descriptive design. The convenience method was used to obtain participants for the study. Self-administered questionnaires were utilised in a survey to collect data from the participants. A sample of 90 university students participated in the survey. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and T-tests. Reliability was measured using the Cronbach’s alpha. The study discovered that university students have low knowledge and understanding of climate change. As a result, the study concluded that if students could be well-informed about climate change issues, they could positively contribute to the development of their communities by crafting smart climate change mitigation and adaptation skills.
Embolization with NBCA for ruptured aneurysm located in the moyamoya-like collateral network associated with isolated middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Lee Cheol
Published: April 2018

Collateral vessel formation in moyamoya disease is a well-described phenomenon. However, the occurrence of unusual anastomosis pattern (moyamoya-like) associated with isolated middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis or occlusion has been reported very rarely and is not well known the relationship with aneurysm. We report a case of ruptured aneurysm treated with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) located in moyamoya like collateral network with isolated MCA occlusion.
The role of medical treatment in chronic subdural hematoma
Authors: Thotakura Amit , Marabathina Nageswara
Published: April 2018

Surgery is the standard treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), one of the common problems in neurosurgical practice. Although medical treatment was used by some authors and found some positive results, it is not accepted by many authors. The aim of this review is to give overall view of the medical management of CSDH. Action of various drugs in the pathophysiological cascade of formation of CSDH was depicted. The review of literature is done under three headings – the primary medical treatment of CSDH, adjuvant medical treatment with surgery, and the treatment of the recurrence. Various classifications of CSDH and the factors influencing the outcome of medical treatment are discussed. There is a role of medical treatment in a selected group of patients with CSDH. Well-designed, multicenter, randomized controlled trials are required to define the indications and standard protocols for the medical treatment of CSDH.
Comparative study of derangement of coagulation profile between adult and pediatric population in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: A prospective study in a tertiary care trauma center
Authors: Dwivedi Ashish , Sharma Achal , Sinha Virendra
Published: April 2018

Object: Coagulopathy is a common occurrence following traumatic brain injury (TBI). There are various studies showing incidence and risk factors of coagulopathy and their correlation with poor outcome in adult as well as paediatric age groups. Exact incidence, associated risk factors, treatment guideline for coagulopathy and its impact on outcome are still lacking. In our study we compared the adults and paediatric age groups TBI patients for incidence and risk factors of coagulopathy and its impact on outcome. Methods: Prospective study of 200 patients including 152 adult patients (age > 18 years) and 48 paediatric (Age < 18 years) patients of TBI admitted in intensive care unit of trauma centre of a tertiary care centre was performed from august 2015 to march 2016. Both population were further subdivided into moderate TBI and severe TBI as per Glasgow coma score (GCS). Patient with long bone injury, chest injury and abdominal injuries, coagulation disorder, liver disease, medical disease like diabetes mellitus and hypertension were excluded from study. Coagulation profile were compared in the both groups (Adult and paediatric) and correlated with the outcome. Chi- Square test, student t test and Odds ratios were used for statistical analysis. Results: Mean age among the adult and paediatric population were 37.89 ± 11.88 years and 11.41 ± 5.90, respectively. Among the patient with moderate TBI, coagulopathy was seen in 30% patients of adult TBI whereas it was 12.5% among the paediatric TBI (P = 0.185). Among the severe TBI group coagulopathy was observed in 68.03% and 37.5% of adult and paediatric age group respectively (P = 0.0016). There was significant correlation found between midline shift and coagulopathy in the paediatric age group (P = 0.022; OR - 4.58). E. There was significant association of coagulopathy and contusion on CT scan among the adult population (P = 0.007; OR - 3.487) found whereas no such correlation were observed in paediatric population. Conclusion: Coagulopathy was significantly higher among the adult patient with severe TBI as compare to paediatric patient with severe TBI. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality among patients of both the age groups with coagulopathy.
Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors involving skull bones: Report of two rare cases
Authors: Mishra Toshi , Desouza Maria , Patel Keyuri , Mazumdar Girish
Published: April 2018

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT) is a rare tumor causing oncogenic osteomalacia (OO). Most such tumors occur in soft tissue and bones of extremities and appendicular skeleton. Intracranial location and involvement of temporal–occipital bone is extremely rare. We report two unusual cases: The first was intracranial, involving the temporal bone, while the other was a skull base tumor arising from the occipital–temporal bone. Both of them presented with paraneoplastic syndrome of OO, resembled a meningioma radiologically, and underwent gross total resection of tumor. Histologically, both of them were diagnosed as PMT, mixed connective tissue variant.
Outcome of decompressive craniectomy in traumatic closed head injury
Authors: Laghari Altaf , Bari Muhammad , Waqas Muhammad , Ahmed Syed , Nathani Karim , Moazzam Wardah
Published: April 2018

Objective: The aim of the current study was to observe functional outcomes of patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy (DC) for raised intracranial pressure (ICP) after blunt head injury and to assess possible predictive factors. Methodology: This study was a prospective cohort study which was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi over a period of 2 years (January 2015–December 2016). Adult patients, aged between 15 and 65 years of both genders undergoing DC during the study period were selected. Outcomes of DC were assessed at an interval of 3 months following injury using the Glasgow outcome score. The data were analyzed on IBM statistics SPSS version 21. Results: Seventy-two patients underwent DC for raised and refractory ICP. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge, 1-month and 3-month follow-up were reported. GOS at 3-month follow-up showed 21 patients (29.2%) patients had a good recovery, moderate disability was reported in 16 patients (22.2%), and severe disability in 12 patients (16.7%), persistent vegetative state was seen in five patients (6.9%). Eighteen patients had in hospital mortality (25.0%). Tracheostomy and sphenoid fractures were found to be negative predictors of good functional outcome. Conclusions: DC is associated with an in hospital mortality of 25.0%. Favorable outcomes were seen in 51.4% patients. Tracheostomy and sphenoid fractures were negative predictors of good functional outcome. The results are comparable to international literature.
Spontaneous carotid cavernous fistula in young female with anti-thrombin III deficiency
Authors: Narayan Ram , Abdulla Mansoor
Published: April 2018

A 27-year-old female patient presented with headache, vomiting, and visual disturbances who was evaluated and detected to have a direct carotid cavernous fistula (CCF). Secondary causes were ruled out, and she was treated with coil occlusion and glue injection. A month after almost complete clinical recovery, she developed deep vein thrombosis of left thigh. Subsequent work-up revealed antithrombin III (ATIII) deficiency in her. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of ATIII deficiency associated with CCF. This case shows the importance of working up for a primary etiology if any, to prevent further complications after surgery.
Morphometric evaluation of craniocervical junction by magnetic resonance imaging method
Authors: Sunar Mukadder , Kapakin Samet
Published: April 2018

Purpose: Morphometric evaluation of the craniocervical region using magnetic resonance imaging method in humans and determination of the reference values that could be used in various clinics were the aims of this study. Materials and Methods: In our study, 306 (95 males and 211 females) individuals who met the necessary criteria for anatomical structure were included and taken measurements afterward. Sagittal T1- and T2-weighted images were determined as a section thickness of 3 mm, an interval of 10 mm, a matrix of 352 × 224, a field of view of 170–240 mm, and a number of excitations of 4. Measurements of anatomical structures in the craniocervical region were taken via these images. Results: Statistically significant differences were found among the findings of male and female individuals such as height of dens axis, anteroposterior distance of the dens axis (APDDA), anterosuperior distance of the dens axis (ASDDA), sagittal diameter of the foramen magnum (SDFM), total cervical vertebra length (TCVL), distance of spatium retropharyngeum, Pavlov ratio, and the ratio between sagittal diameter of canalis vertebralis (SDCV) to the APDDA. Dens axis height showed a positive correlation with ASDDA and TCVL, and a negative correlation was found between the APDDA and the spatium retropharyngeum. Conclusion: Age- and sex-related changes in the measurements of anatomical regions reveal that an increase and a decrease in the various parameters reveal that these are the normal changes presumably determined by the functional and physical demands varying on the columna vertebralis.
Sellar embryonal tumor: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yakar Fatih , Doğan İhsan , Meco Cem , Heper Aylin , Kahilogullari Gokmen
Published: April 2018

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are aggressive, poorly differentiated tumors in children and young adults. However, the embryonal tumor group did not include the central nervous system (CNS) PNET title and ependymoblastoma subtitle in the 2016 World Health Organization CNS tumor classification. Here, we report the case of a 6-year-old boy with a sellar embryonal tumor and present a review of the related literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of an endoscopically operated sellar embryonal tumor in the pediatric age group.
Frequency of ischemic stroke subtypes based on toast classification at a tertiary care center in Pakistan
Authors: Zafar Faleha , Tariq Waseem , Shoaib Raja , Shah Ahmed , Siddique Maimoona , Zaki Abdullah , Assad Salman
Published: April 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of ischemic stroke subtypes based on Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification at a tertiary care center in Pakistan. Materials and Methods: Across-sectional study was conducted in Stroke Unit of Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad. We included 145 patients who presented to us from November 2015 to February 2016 with radiological confirmed neurological deficits consistent with ischemic stroke. The causes of ischemic stroke were classified according to TOAST criteria. Regression analysis and Chi-square test were used to compute P value. Results: Among the 145 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke, there were 54.1% males and 45.9% females with a mean age of 65 ± 14 years. Nearly 62.7% patients had hypertension (HTN) as the most common risk factor, followed by 38.6% diabetes mellitus (DM), 27.5% heart failure, 19.3% valvular disease, 18.6% previous stroke, 16.4% smoking, 15.1% dyslipidemia, 13.7% ischemic heart disease, and 13.1% atrial fibrillation. HTN was significantly associated with large vessel disease (P = 0.028). DM was significantly associated with small vessel disease (P = 0.001). Smoking and atrial fibrillation both were associated with unknown etiology of stroke (P = 0.001 and P = 0.039, respectively). Most common etiology of stroke was cardioembolism (40%), and atrial fibrillation is found to be the most common cause of cardioembolic stroke with 30.6% incidence. Conclusion: Our study concludes that cardioembolic stroke is the most common cause of acute ischemic stroke in our stroke unit. Atrial fibrillation is found to be the most common cause of cardioembolic stroke.
Facial nerve paralysis occurring 4 days following stereotactic radiosurgery for a vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Chow Kevin , Ajlan Abdulrazag , Ho Allen , Li Gordon , Soltys Scott
Published: April 2018

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is commonly used for the treatment of vestibular schwannomas given its high rate of tumor control and low rate of complications. Facial nerve palsy has been reported several months after treatment as a rare late complication of SRS. Here, we report a case of facial weakness occurring only 4 days after treatment and discuss potential etiology and management considerations.
P53 and Ki-67 expression in primary pediatric brain tumors: Does it correlate with presentation, histological grade, and outcome?
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Shoaib Yawar , Gupta Laxmi , Dagar Amit
Published: April 2018

Context: Pediatric brain tumors are a vexing problem for the neurosurgeon due to the fragile patient cohort. We attempt to find parameters which can help us to treat and prognosticate these patients in a better way. Aims: This study aims to correlate clinical presentation, outcome, and histological grade with P53 and Ki-67 expression in primary pediatric brain tumors. Setting Design: This was a prospective, observational study. Patients and Methods: Forty-seven patients with primary brain tumors in the age group 0–18 years were included in this study. Clinical presentation was noted. Patients were operated, and specimen was sent for histopathological and immunohistochemistry examination for p53 and Ki-67. The WHO classification of 2007 was used to grade the tumors. Follow-up was done at 3 and 6 months with Glasgow outcome score. Expression of p53 and Ki-67 in different tumors was correlated with clinical presentation, tumor grade and outcome. Analysis Method: Statistical Package for Social Science version 17. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was statistically significant correlation between high tumor grade and high Ki-67 levels (P = 0.000). On post hoc analysis, there was a significant difference between p53 levels in Grade 1 and Grade 4 tumors. There was statistically significant correlation between neurological deficit and higher p53 levels (P = 0.040). There was statistically significant correlation between poor outcome and higher p53 (P = 0.034) and Ki-67 (P = 0.000) levels at 3 months follow-up which continued at 6 months. Conclusions: From this study, we conclude that p53 and Ki-67 expression in pediatric brain tumors is associated with poor outcome and correlates with tumor grade. Moreover, p53 expression correlates with neurological deficit.
Magnetic resonance imaging-guided stereotactic biopsy: A review of 83 cases with outcomes
Authors: Akay Ali , Rüksen Mete , Islekel Sertaç
Published: April 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the radiological and histopathological distribution of the cerebral lesions diagnosed with stereotactic biopsy (STB) procedure and its outcomes. Materials and Methods: In the current study, a retrospective analysis of 83 patients that underwent the STB in our clinic from January 2011 to December 2015 was made. T1-weighted contrast-enhanced cranial magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed on patients on whom Leksell stereotactic frame system was installed. The histopathological and the radiological data derived from the STB procedure were classified. Results: In terms of localization, glial tumor (56.6%) was the most common lesion in all regions, except for the multifocal lesions. Contrary to the common knowledge, lymphoma (14.4%) was found to be the most common lesion among multifocal lesions. The success of obtaining positive STB samples in the current series was 95.2% and the complication rate was 3.6%. Conclusion: Had a routine computed tomography scan been performed on each patient in this series, the number of clinically insignificant small intracerebral hematomas would have probably been higher. Nevertheless, the rate of the STB sampling accuracy and the complication rate were similar to those reported in the relevant literature.