bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Fidelity Simulation Meets Athletic Training Education: An Innovative Collaborative Teaching Project
Authors: Palmer Elizabeth , Edwards Taylor , Racchini James
Published: June 2015

High-fidelity simulation is frequently used in nursing education to provide students with simulated experiences prior to and throughout clinical coursework that involves direct patient care. These high-tech exercises take advantage of the benefits of a standardized patient or mock patient encounter, while eliminating some of the drawbacks experienced when using healthy “live” mock patients. These same technologies have the potential to benefit athletic training students (ATSs). The purpose of our project was to expand a partnership of interdisciplinary education for ATSs and integrate simulated patient encounters for ATSs enrolled in a general medical conditions in athletic training class. The project is a collaborative teaching experience that combines an athletic training faculty member, a nursing faculty member, and a nursing simulation specialist for skill training and assessment of clinical integration proficiencies (CIPs). With the introduction of the updated (CIPs) in the Fifth Edition Athletic Training Competencies document, opportunities exist to utilize high-fidelity simulation for training and assessments that may not occur during a student's clinical experience. Our athletic training program utilized the nursing simulation laboratory equipped with a high-fidelity manikin to simulate a student-athlete who suffers an asthma attack. Athletic training students, under the supervision of their faculty member and a simulation specialist, engaged in hands-on simulations to demonstrate CIPs related to respiratory assessment and intervention. The opportunity to combine expertise in medical conditions with the availability of high-fidelity simulation manikins presents opportunities for ATSs to experience patient encounters with conditions not frequently presented or difficult to stage in real-time clinical training. In conclusion, our project showcases an interdisciplinary collaboration that provides ATSs with learning experiences using emerging technology. Athletic training students were satisfied with the opportunity to engage in simulated patient encounters in this medical conditions class.
Perceptions from Graduates of Professional Athletic Training Programs Involved in Peer-Assisted Learning
Authors: Bates Dana Karlene
Published: June 2015

Context

Research has not explored how peer-assisted learning (PAL) impacts graduates once they are practicing as athletic trainers. Peer-assisted learning has been used in a variety of health education settings but there is a lack of data on its effects on the performance of graduates.

Objective

To investigate professional graduates' perceptions of PAL pedagogy in their athletic training education and the impact of that experience on their first job.

Design

Qualitative study using a phenomenological approach.

Setting

One-on-one phone interviews with athletic training graduates.

Patients or Other Participants

Participants were from 8 accredited athletic training programs that varied in terms of the size of their institution, geographic location, number of graduates, and program directors' willingness to promote the study. Thirteen (7 female, 6 male) 2010 (n = 5) or 2011 (n = 8) graduates volunteered for this study. Ten of the participants were from undergraduate baccalaureate athletic training programs, while 3 were from professional postbaccalaureate athletic training programs.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

One-on-one phone interviews were conducted with a structured interview protocol. Each participant was asked the same questions and allowed to clarify when needed. Interview data were analyzed inductively to uncover dominant themes, first by organizing the data, then by summarizing them into codes, and finally by interpreting them. Credibility was secured through a pilot study, member checking, triangulation, and peer debriefing.

Results

Data were analyzed through a qualitative process; themes indicated graduates who have experienced PAL believe it led to improved communication and confidence, enhanced teaching skills, better clinical reasoning, improved socialization, and a deeper understanding that contributed to success on the Board of Certification examination.

Conclusions

These findings are significant to the field of athletic training education as program directors investigate pedagogies that can assist students to think clinically as graduates. Evidence demonstrated that PAL does impact the students after graduation.
Exploring Gender and Self-Efficacy Ratings of Athletic Training Students over Time
Authors: Carr W. David , Volberding Jennifer L.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To describe the development of a self-efficacy instrument and to explore the changes by gender in student self-efficacy ratings over 1 year.

Design and Setting

An exploratory study utilizing an instrument that measures self-efficacy in undergraduate students in a university setting.

Patients or Other Participants

Thirty students (13 males and 17 females) enrolled in the professional phase of an undergraduate athletic training program.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Student ratings of self-efficacy were measured using the Self-Efficacy in Athletic Training Student instrument. Validity was established through a panel of experts. Cronbach α was used to establish the reliability of the instrument. The instrument was administered 3 times during an academic year. Students were asked to rate their level of self-efficacy on a Likert scale (1 = not at all confident; 5 = very confident) on 16 components within 3 content areas. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and a nonparametric analysis of variance was used to determine differences in self-efficacy based upon time for each gender. Post hoc contrasts were used to examine when significant differences occurred among the 3 measures.

Results

The internal consistency for the overall instrument and each content area ranged from α = 0.91 to 0.96. Analysis of variance indicated statistically significant differences (P < .003) across the 3 times, with significant changes in self-efficacy by gender, with greater increases for females across the 3 measures to similar male levels of self-efficacy at the final measure.

Conclusions

Students' self-efficacy can be affected by many factors, some of which may be controlled or influenced. We have developed reliable measure for assessing student self-efficacy. It is the desire of the authors that athletic training programs will develop strategies to improve the efficacy of their students and use this method to assess the effectiveness of those strategies.
Entry-Level Athletic Trainers' Self-Confidence in Clinical Skill Preparedness for Treating Athletic and Emergent Settings Populations
Authors: Morin Gary E. , Misasi Sharon , Davis Charles , Hannah Corey , Rothbard Matthew
Published: June 2015

Context

Clinical education is an important component of athletic training education. Concern exists regarding whether clinical experience adequately prepares students to perform professional skills after graduation, particularly with patients in emerging settings.

Objective

To determine the confidence levels of athletic training graduates in performing professional skills, providing care to patients in emergent settings, and to suggest improvements in clinical education.

Design and Setting

A descriptive design involving an online survey. The survey was administered via email 2 weeks after the closing of the April 2011 Board of Certification (BOC) examination window.

Patients or Other Participants

All 832 first-time candidates from undergraduate and graduate Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited programs sitting for the BOC examination during the April 2011 testing window were surveyed. Eighteen percent (n = 166) elected to participate.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Responses were acquired regarding levels of confidence in performing athletic training skills and caring for multiple patient populations. Participants were permitted to suggest improvements in clinical education. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine if educational setting played a role in confidence levels. Cluster analysis was used to develop high, moderate, and low confidence groups. Participants' comments were thematically separated into specific categories.

Results

Participant confidence levels were strong in performing athletic training skills on traditional patient populations, although body region was a factor. Lower confidence levels were reported for caring for elderly and special needs individuals, with insufficient clinical experiences stated as the primary cause. Confidence levels for recognizing nonorthopaedic concerns were lower than for recognizing musculoskeletal injury issues.

Conclusions

Participants felt confident in performing athletic training skills, particularly for athletic populations. Confidence scores were lower for other populations, and it is apparent that clinical experience with different patient populations is essential. Participants felt that greater clinical experiences are necessary, with further opportunities in clinical decision making and program administration decisions.
The Effect of High-Fidelity Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Simulation on Athletic Training Student Knowledge, Confidence, Emotions, and Experiences
Authors: Tivener Kristin Ann , Gloe Donna Sue
Published: June 2015

Context

High-fidelity simulation is widely used in healthcare for the training and professional education of students though literature of its application to athletic training education remains sparse.

Objective

This research attempts to address a wide-range of data. This includes athletic training student knowledge acquisition from high-fidelity simulation, effects on student confidence, emotional responses, and reports of lived experiences in different phases of simulation.

Design and Setting

A mixed methods study design was employed with pre- and postintervention evaluations of students' cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) knowledge, confidence, emotions, and lived experiences via the Presimulation CPR Survey, the Postsimulation CPR Survey, and the Reactions to the Simulation Experience Postsimulation Reflection assignment. The study was conducted in the University's high-fidelity simulation center.

Patients or Other Participants

Twenty undergraduate athletic training students enrolled in a junior-level clinical practicum class.

Results

We identified a significant difference in athletic training student knowledge acquisition (pretest: x̄ = 3.75, SD = .546; posttest: x̄ = 4.60, SD = .394) and identified a significant increase through a paired sample t test (t19 = −5.640, P < .001). We demonstrated a significant difference in athletic training student confidence (pretest: x̄ = 4.18, SD = .524; posttest: x̄ = 4.68, SD = .295). The findings of this paired sample t test (t19 = −4.485, P < .001) identify a significant increase in confidence related to CPR skills. Students reported a mean score of 4.5 out of 5.0 (SD = .761) of experiencing emotional reactions to the simulation including anxiety, fear, and nervousness. Students reported on a scale of 5.0, (x̄ = 4.63, SD = .34) the simulation was overall a positive and valued learning experience.

Conclusions

High-fidelity simulation is highly effective in athletic training education and has similar outcomes in knowledge acquisition, confidence, and emotional responses to other healthcare professional education.
Program Directors' Perceptions of Programmatic Attributes Contributing to Athletic Training Student Persistence
Authors: Bowman Thomas G. , Dodge Thomas M. , Mazerolle Stephanie M.
Published: June 2015

Context

Graduates of athletic training programs (ATPs) have identified factors contributing to their persistence through professional education. However, program directors have yet to elaborate on programmatic attributes that might contribute to athletic training student retention in their respective ATPs.

Objective

To determine program directors' perceptions of ATP strengths and areas for improvement regarding athletic training student retention.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

Bachelor's ATPs.

Patients or Other Participants

Sixteen ATP directors with 6.0 ± 4.0 years of experience in their current positions.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The participants completed audio recorded telephone interviews. We analyzed the data using principles of grounded theory and maintained trustworthiness using multiple-analyst triangulation, peer review, and member checks.

Results

We found 2 themes to describe the strengths of bachelor's ATPs. Our participants thought that they provided a student-centered approach and diverse clinical education experiences leading to a supportive and exciting environment to foster athletic training student learning. We categorized the student centered approach theme into 3 subthemes: program size, student engagement and program atmosphere, and academic and clinical cohesion.

Conclusions

Program directors should strive to provide athletic training students with individual attention to help them feel welcomed, valued, and important. A small program size or adequate personnel can foster interpersonal relations which can provide athletic training students with mentoring opportunities. Improving ATP cohesion can provide learning opportunities which assist students in making connections and promote the importance of the academic and clinical education components of the ATP. Engaging athletic training students early through a variety of clinical education experiences can assist professional socialization and foster excitement for the profession.
Who Should Mentor Me? Giving a Voice to Black Women Athletic Training Students
Authors: Siple Bonnie J. , Hopson Rodney K. , Sobehart Helen C. , Turocy Paula S.
Published: June 2015

Context

Black women are dramatically underrepresented in the health care profession of athletic training. It may be theorized that one of the reasons more black female students are not entering into the profession of athletic training is that they do not have adequate mentors to successfully guide them.

Objective

The purpose of our qualitative study was to examine the perceived effects of mentoring on the retention and credentialing of black women athletic trainers.

Design

Qualitative.

Setting

Clinical settings.

Patients or Other Participants

Ten certified athletic trainers who self-designate as black women.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

We conducted one-on-one phone interviews and follow-up on personal case study interviews, which were transcribed verbatim. We performed constant comparative analysis of the data and established trustworthiness via member checks and peer review.

Results

(1) Mentoring promotes matriculation and successful college completion and credentialing of black women athletic training students, and (2) although shared race and gender are favorable mentor characteristics, accessibility and approachability are more essential traits of mentors.

Conclusions

These findings offer athletic training educators potential insight into ways to improve the athletic training educational success of black women enrolled in athletic training education programs that may lead to their increased participation/advancement in the athletic training profession.
A Subjective and Objective Process for Athletic Training Student Selection
Authors: Hawkins Jeremy R. , McLoda Todd A. , Stanek Justin M.
Published: June 2015

Context

Admission decisions are made annually concerning whom to accept into athletic training programs.

Objective

To present an approach used to make admissions decisions at an undergraduate athletic training program and to corroborate this information by comparing each aspect to nursing program admission processes.

Background

Annually, athletic training students are accepted into athletic training programs based on a variety of criteria. Little is known concerning what criteria are useful when making these decisions. The goal is to admit students who will successfully matriculate through the program and become athletic trainers with state-specified credentials for practice.

Synthesis

We present an application process that uses both subjective and objective measures, including an application form, achievement in prerequisite course work, grade point average, directed observation with preceptor evaluation, essay, admittance exam, interview, and letters of recommendation. This approach was compared to processes used to admit undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students.

Results

Although some of the information presented in the nursing literature is conflicting, there is sufficient evidence to support the use of a multifaceted approach to admission decisions. The approach presented has helped us reduce student attrition and select students who are more likely to complete all program requirements and sit for the Board of Certification examination upon program completion.

Recommendation(s)

Include a variety of measurements to inform admission decisions.

Conclusion(s)

Using a variety of measurements affords a more holistic view of the candidate without relying too heavily on any one component.
Athletic Training Education: There's an App for That
Authors: Keeley Kim , Potteiger Kelly , Brown Christopher D.
Published: June 2015

Context

Mobile applications (apps) are growing in popularity due to the increased use of smartphones. Many available apps are educational in nature and may provide both students and educators freedom for learning to occur outside of the typical classroom environment.

Objective

To provide a description of relevant apps along with a brief synopsis of the suggested use by both athletic training educators and students. Additional information that may affect a user's app selection, such as cost, size of the download, and consumer ratings, if available, is also included.

Background

Applications (apps) are computer programs written specifically for Internet connected mobile phones and tablets. These programs perform specific functions for the user, usually through a touchscreen interface.

Synthesis

Connected devices are especially popular among the Millennial and Generation Z students now enrolled in various pre-professional healthcare programs. These students were raised with technology inundating their lives; therefore, they tend to desire the use of technology more frequently than older adults.

Results

Many apps are available, however this article highlights selected apps in the categories of (1) injury evaluation and management, (2) anatomy, and (3) productivity.

Recommendation(s)

Educators should become knowledgeable in mobile app technology in order to meet the needs of the new generation of students.

Conclusion(s)

Incorporating apps into athletic training education can enhance the delivery and retention of student knowledge and provide unique educational opportunities.
Emancipatory discourse in the names of children of the present generation: Some attempts of balancing power relations with special reference to Tshivenḓa naming practices
Authors: Sengani Thomas
Published: June 2015

In most African cultures children are given names by the elders, especially by grandmothers. This task is assigned to them as they are seen as custodians of culture, history and heritage. They in turn have over the years used the power bestowed upon them to make critical statements to their children or any other person they disagree with through the names that they give to the family’s new-born children. For this reason, there have been silent wars in families and communities. These silent feuds have been difficult to deal with, as any challenge to the elders or their way of doing things is a challenge to tradition, and challenging traditions has historically been unheard of or frowned upon amongst Africans in general. This article intends to demonstrate that, whereas in some cases the elders have continued to give names to their grandchildren which are not so favourable to their parents, over the years parents themselves have used subtle diplomacy to do it on their own instead. The names are, therefore, free from the usual conflicts, quarrels and disagreements that they themselves had to contend with even when all these conflicts have nothing to do with them. They have in the main also tried to pacify the elders or parents by naming their children after their own great-grandparents and other ancestors in order to build bridges.Bevrydingsdiskoers in die name van die kinders van die huidige geslag: ’n Paar pogings om magsverhoudings te balanseer met spesiale verwysing na Tshivenḓa naamgewingspraktyke. In die meeste Afrikakulture word kinders name gegee deur senior lede van die familie, meestal die grootmoeders. Hierdie taak word deur hulle verrig omdat hulle gesien word as draers van die kultuur, geskiedenis en nalatenskap. Op hulle beurt het hulle deur die jare die mag wat aan hulle toegeken is, gebruik om kritiese stellings teenoor hulle kinders of enige ander persoon waarvan hulle verskil, te maak, deur name wat hulle aan pasgeborenes toeken. Om hierdie rede was daar voortdurend konfliksituasies binne families en gemeenskappe wat moeilike situasies geskep het. Enige poging wat aangewend is om van senior familielede te verskil, is beskou as ’n aanslag op tradisie, as ongehoord en is dus op neergesien in Afrikagemeenskappe. Hierdie referaat het ten doel om te demonstreer dat nieteenstaande die feit dat grootouers in sommige gevalle steeds voortgaan met naamgewing aan kleinkinders sonder die goedkeuring van die ouers, hul kinders tog op eie stoom voortgaan om hierdie praktyk met subtiele diplomasie toe te pas. Name wat hedendaags gekies word is daarom vry van die gebruiklike konflik, twis en verskille waarmee ouers as kinders moes saamleef terwyl hul self gewoonlik niks daarmee te doen gehad het nie. Kinders wend oor die algemeen ’n poging aan om brûe tussen generasies te bou deur hulle kinders na groot-grootouers asook na geslagte verder terug, te vernoem.
Homological Properties Relative to Injectively Resolving Subcategories
Authors: Gao Zenghui
Published: June 2015

Let ε be an injectively resolving subcategory of left R-modules. A left R-module M (resp. right R-module N) is called ε-injective (resp. ε-flat) if Ext1R (G,M) = 0 (resp. TorR1 (N, G) = 0) for any G ∊ ε. Let ε be a covering subcategory. We prove that a left R-module M is E-injective if and only if M is a direct sum of an injective left R-module and a reduced E-injective left R-module. Suppose ℱ is a preenveloping subcategory of right R-modules such that ε+ ⊆ ℱ and ℱ+ ⊆ ε. It is shown that a finitely presented right R-module M is ε-flat if and only if M is a cokernel of an ℱ-preenvelope of a right R-module. In addition, we introduce and investigate the ε-injective and ε-flat dimensions of modules and rings. We also introduce ε-(semi)hereditary rings and ε-von Neumann regular rings and characterize them in terms of ε-injective and ε-flat modules.
Treino de natação para pessoas sedentárias com lesão medular e concentração de colesterol-HDL
Authors: Rodrigues Fabio Barreto , Campbell Carmen Silvia Grubert
Published: June 2015

Introdução. Pessoas com lesão medular podem ter mobilidade e motricidade muito reduzida, diminuindo as opções de atividades fí­sicas. Estudos longitudinais associam o sedentarismo a baixos níveis do colesterol-HDL, que são bem mais frequentes entre pessoas com lesão medular do que na população em geral. O exercício físico regular pode melhorar o perfil lipídico, mas pouco se sabe sobre a prescrição de exercícios, especialmente a atividade aquática, para indivíduos com lesão medular com esta finalidade. Objetivos. Investigar o efeito da natação no perfil lipídico de pessoas com lesão medular, previamen­te sedentários, sem experiência anterior com a modalidade. Método. Nove pessoas realizaram treinamento de natação, três vezes por se­mana, durante 14 semanas em intensidade moderada. Resultados. Os participantes aumentaram suas distâncias percorridas em 40% ao final do estudo. O perfil lipídico foi analisado em jejum antes e após o treinamento. O treinamento de natação resultou em aumentos de 15,0 % nos níveis de HDL-C (colesterol HDL; p≤0,10). As variáveis CT (colesterol total), CT /HDL-C (colesterol HDL), LDL-C (coles­terol LDL), e LDL-C/HDL-C não se alteraram em relação ao grupo controle (n=9). Conclusões. A natação promoveu alterações positivas no colesterol-HDL e tem potencial para minimizar um dos fatores de risco de doença cardiovascular nesta população.
Epidemiology of Ciguatera in Florida
Authors: Radke Elizabeth G. , Reich Andrew , Morris John Glenn
Published: June 2015

Ciguatera is the most commonly reported marine food-borne illness worldwide. Because there is a biological plausibility that ciguatera may be impacted by long-term climate variability and Florida is on the northern border of the geographic distribution of ciguatera, it is important to update our understanding of its epidemiology in Florida. We performed an analysis of 291 reports in Florida from 2000 to 2011 and an e-mail survey of 5,352 recreational fishers to estimate incidence and underreporting and identify high risk demographic groups, fish types, and catch locations. Incidence was 5.6 per 100,000 adjusted for underreporting. Hispanics had the highest incidence rate (relative risk [RR] = 3.4) and were more likely to eat barracuda than non-Hispanics. The most common catch locations for ciguatera-causing fish were the Bahamas and Florida Keys. Cases caused by fish from northern Florida were infrequent. These results indicate that ciguatera incidence is higher than estimated from public health reports alone. There is little evidence that incidence or geographic range has increased because of increased seawater temperatures since earlier studies.
Mother-to-Child Transmission of Chagas Disease in El Salvador
Authors: Sasagawa Emi , Aiga Hirotsugu , Corado Soriano Edith Yanira , Cuyuch Marroquín Blanca Leticia , Hernández Ramírez Marta Alicia , Guevara de Aguilar Ana Vilma , Romero Chévez José Eduardo , Ramos Hernández Hector Manuel , Cedillos Rafael Antonio , Misago Chizuru , Kita Kiyoshi
Published: June 2015

To estimate the incidence (any mother to child) and rate (from seropositive mother to child) of mother-to-child transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, a serological census was conducted, targeting pregnant women and infants born to seropositive mothers, in four municipalities of El Salvador. Of 943 pregnant women, 36 (3.8%) were seropositive for T. cruzi. Of 36, 32 proceeded to serological tests of their infants when they became 6–8 months of age. Six infants seropositive at the age of 6–8 months further proceeded to second-stage serological test at the age of 9–16 months. As the result, one infant was congenitally infected. Thus, serological tests at the age of 6–8 months produced five false positives. To ensure earlier effective medication only for true positives, identification of seropositive infants at the age of 9–16 months is crucial. Incidence and rate of mother-to-child transmission were 0.14 (per 100 person-years) and 4.0%, respectively. Estimated number of children infected through mother-to-child transmission in El Salvador (170 per year) was much higher than that of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; seven per year). It is recommended that serological testing for T. cruzi be integrated into those for HIV and syphilis as part of antenatal care package.
Implementation of a Training Course Increased the Diagnosis of Histoplasmosis in Colombia
Authors: Caceres Diego H. , Zuluaga Alejandra , Arango-Bustamante Karen , de Bedout Catalina , Tobón Ángela Maria , Restrepo Ángela , Gómez Beatriz L. , Cano Luz Elena , González Ángel
Published: June 2015

Histoplasmosis causes a significant mortality, especially persons living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) from developing countries where access to both appropriate diagnostic methods and antiretroviral therapy are limited. A total of 81 physicians assigned to 17 Colombian departments (states) received training in the clinical, epidemiological, and diagnostic aspects of histoplasmosis. Once this training was received and during the period of October 2009–November 2012, these physicians sent biological samples for immunodiagnostic, mycological, and molecular tests from their patients with suspicion of histoplasmosis. A total of 1,536 samples from 768 patients were evaluated. Of the 768 patients studied, 463 (60%) were HIV positive, 214 (28%) HIV negative, and in 91 (12%) this diagnosis was unknown, and 538 (70%) were males. The 1,536 specimens studied comprised 722 sera, 439 blood samples, and 241 urines, which were tested by immunodiffusion (ID), culture, and antigenuria, respectively; in addition, 134 specimens were tested by performing a molecular assay. Histoplasmosis was diagnosed in 133 patients (17%). After the training, we observed more diagnoses from 27 to 44 cases per year. In this study, a significantly increased number of histoplasmosis cases reported by year were observed after implementing an educational training program.
Traveler's Diarrhea in Foreign Travelers in Southeast Asia: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Kittitrakul Chatporn , Lawpoolsri Saranath , Kusolsuk Teera , Olanwijitwong Jutarmas , Tangkanakul Waraluk , Piyaphanee Watcharapong
Published: June 2015

The effect of origin and destination country on traveler's diarrhea incidence rates in Southeast Asia is poorly understood, and research generally only addresses diarrhea in travelers from the developed world. This study evaluated the attack rate and effects of traveler's diarrhea by origin and destination and analyzed key risk factors. A self-administered questionnaire was provided to foreign travelers departing Southeast Asia from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand. It evaluated traveler demographics, relevant knowledge and practices, experiences of diarrhea, and the details and consequences of each diarrheal episode. A total of 7,963 questionnaires were completed between April 2010 and July 2011. Respondents were 56% male (mean age 35) with a mean and median duration of stay of 28 days and 10 days, respectively. Most respondents were from Europe (36.8%) or East Asia (33.4%). The attack rate of traveler's diarrhea was 16.1%, with an incidence rate of 32.05 per 100 person months. Travelers' origin and destination countries significantly related to diarrhea risk. Oceanians had the highest risk (32.9%) and East Asians the lowest (2.6%). Vietnam and Indonesia were the highest risk destinations (19.3%). Other significant factors were youth, trip duration, number of countries visited, and frequently drinking beverages with ice.
Safety, Tolerability, and Compliance with Long-Term Antimalarial Chemoprophylaxis in American Soldiers in Afghanistan
Authors: Saunders David L. , Garges Eric , Manning Jessica E. , Bennett Kent , Schaffer Sarah , Kosmowski Andrew J. , Magill Alan J.
Published: June 2015

Long-term antimalarial chemoprophylaxis is currently used by deployed U.S. military personnel. Previous small, short-term efficacy studies have shown variable rates of side effects among patients taking various forms of chemoprophylaxis, though reliable safety and tolerability data on long-term use are limited. We conducted a survey of troops returning to Fort Drum, NY following a 12-month deployment to Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan from 2006 to 2007. Of the 2,351 respondents, 95% reported taking at least one form of prophylaxis during their deployment, and 90% were deployed for > 10 months. Compliance with daily doxycycline was poor (60%) compared with 80% with weekly mefloquine (MQ). Adverse events (AEs) were reported by approximately 30% with both MQ and doxycycline, with 10% discontinuing doxycycline compared with 4% of MQ users. Only 6% and 31% of soldiers reported use of bed nets and skin repellents, respectively. Compliance with long-term malaria prophylaxis was poor, and there were substantial tolerability issues based on these anonymous survey results, though fewer with MQ than doxycycline. Given few long-term antimalarial chemoprophylaxis options, there is an unmet medical need for new antimalarials safe for long-term use.
Guilt, guns, girls and ghettos: Adjacent futures in selected post- apartheid fantasies
Authors: Brown Molly
Published: June 2015

Since 1994, a growing number of South African writers of young adult and crossover fiction have experimented with science fiction and fantasy as tools for anticipating potential futures. In this article, three of these works are considered: The Slayer of Shadows by Elana Bregin, Zoo City by Lauren Beukes and The Mall Rats series consisting of Deadlands and Death of a Saint by Lily Herne. The texts are initially briefly contrasted with two texts by authors based in the USA: Lauren St John’s The White Giraffe and Sarah Pinsker’s “The Trans-dimensional Horsemaster Rabbis of Mpumalanga Province” to show that the three local writers’ engagement with the South African present enables them to resist, in varying degrees, prevalent Western tendencies to see positive African futures in terms of either an idealised pre-colonial past or as the result of redemptive agency by external forces. Although almost twenty years separate the Bregin novel from the others, there are clear similarities between them: each is written by a white woman (or women) and each places a young female protagonist within a crumbling, violent and resolutely urban environment. Paradoxically, the future worlds the authors create are at once both profoundly unfamiliar and recognisably South African, perhaps lending credence to Darko Suvin’s view that good fantasy gives rise to “cognitive estrangement” (4) by which the reader is freed to explore troubling issues such as guilt and complicity at a safe emotional remove. By foregrounding and contrasting the presentation of divisive contemporary themes such as gender, race, guilt and violence in these novels, it is hoped to establish whether the repressed fears/desires they articulate are in any way indicative of social attitudes to either present experience or imagined futures and whether such attitudes have changed significantly in the twenty years since the first democratic elections.
The development of exilic poetry in Anglophone West Africa
Authors: Oripeloye Henri
Published: June 2015

The nineteenth century was a period of migration that was perpetuated by the socio-political and economic instability in the continent; this caused the decline in the quality of life which had forced many people to go on exile. This study provides insights into the development of exilic poetry in Anglophone West Africa to show that exilic literature is not an accidental product; it grows out of the sordid social, political and economic realities in the sub-region. The contemporary development in exilic literary discourseÂ  in Anglophone West Africa indicates a radical shift in vision which is informed by the need to use this literature as a writing-back strategy. We have also discovered in this study that exilic literature in Anglophone West Africa has grown from the simple narration of personal feelings to become a radical ideology for re-ordering of human relations. Moreover, this study shows that there is a wide range of forms emerging from exilic literary experience in Anglophone West Africa in the explication of personal feelings, nostalgia, alienation, political and socio-cultural disruptions.
Making South Africa’s Muslims creatively visible
Authors: Haron Muhammed
Published: June 2015

Making South Africa’s Muslims creatively visible. South Africa’s Muslims have generally been well represented in different sectors of the society over the years. Since the arrival of the forefathers such as Shaykh Yusuf al-Makassari (d.1699) at the Cape, Muslims viewed themselves an integral part of the soil. During both the colonial and apartheid areas, however, they—as a religious minority—were depicted and portrayed by the creative artists such as painters, photographers and writers rather negatively. Gabeba Baderoon’s book Regarding Muslims is a critical study that highlights how Muslim representations moved from the margins to the centre and from the picturesque to the menacing. This review essay this reflects on the contents of this invaluable and informative text.
Semen characteristics and sexual hormones of Hy-Plus rabbit bucks influenced by a dietary multi-enzymes additive
Authors: Gado H. , Mellado M. , Salem A. , Zaragoza A. , Seleem T.S.T.
Published: June 2015

A total of 144 adult Hy-Plus rabbit bucks were randomly assigned into  four treatments of 36 replicates each, in a completely randomized design. Animals were fed ad libitum on basal diet supplemented with an enzyme complex (EZ) at 0 (EZ0), 1 (EZ1), 3 (EZ3) and 5 (EZ5) kg/ton of feed. Total sperm count was higher (P<0.05) in EZ5 than in EZ0. Sperm motility increased with increasing levels of the EZ additive being lowest for EZ0 and highest for EZ5 rabbits (P<0.05). Percentage of dead sperm was higher (P<0.05) in EZ0 than in EZ5 rabbits. Rabbit bucks received the highest levele of EZ in their diet, had the shorter reaction time (22.31±3.17 sec; P<0.05),whereas EZ5 bucks took 43.56±5.89 sec to mount does for the first time after exposure. Blood testosterone, 17α-estradiol and progesterone levels were highest in EZ5 rabbits and lowest in EZ0 rabbits. Enzyme addition increased (P<0.05) sperm transit in estrus doe cervical mucus. Data suggested that the EZ additive in diets of  adult Hy-Plus rabbit bucks was effective to improve both semen characteristics and sexual drive.
Respuesta de híbridos de maíz a aflatoxinas y pudrición carbonosa con irrigación restringida
Authors: Alvarado Carrillo Manuel , Díaz Franco Arturo , Ortiz-Cháirez Flor Elena
Published: June 2015

La escasez de agua en las presas del norte de Tamaulipas, puede originar disminución en el rendimiento y problemas fitosanitarios en la producción de maíz como af latoxinas (Aspergillus f lavus) y pudrición carbonosa (Macrophomina phaseolina). El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la respuesta de 10 híbridos comerciales de maíz a af latoxinas, pudrición carbonosa y rendimiento, en irrigación restringida con dos riegos de auxilio. Los híbridos evaluados fueron: Gorila, Gstar 8802, DK 3000, Pionner 30P49, P3097, Syngenta 8285, Pionner 30R50, Canguro, Garañón y Tech Ag 8535. Las variables medidas fueron altura de planta, rendimiento, incidencia de pudrición carbonosa, uso eficiente del agua, proteína de grano y nivel de contaminación por af latoxinas. Los híbridos de maíz manifestaron una respuesta similar en el nivel de contaminación por af latoxinas, proteína de grano y rendimiento, con promedios de 2.8 μg·kg-1, 6.9 % y 7,318 kg·ha-1, respectivamente. Aunque Garañón obtuvo el valor más alto en el uso eficiente del agua (2.31 kg·m-3). Los que registraron menor incidencia de pudrición carbonosa (25-35 %) fueron DK 3000, 30R50 y Canguro. En general, los híbridos de maíz mostraron buena productividad con riego restringido, no obstante, la pudrición carbonosa puede representar una amenaza para la producción
Middle East versus Saharan dust extinction-to-backscatter ratios
Authors: Nisantzi A. , Mamouri R. E. , Ansmann A. , Schuster G. L. , Hadjimitsis D. G.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Four years (2010–2013) of observations with polarization lidar and sun/sky photometer at the combined European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) and Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) site of Limassol (34.7° N, 33° E), Cyprus, were used to compare extinction-to-backscatter ratios (lidar ratios) for desert dust from Middle East deserts and the Sahara. In an earlier article, we analyzed one case only and found comparably low lidar ratios < 40 sr for Middle East dust. The complex data analysis scheme is presented. The quality of the retrieval is checked within a case study by comparing the results with respective Raman lidar solutions for particle backscatter, extinction, and lidar ratio. The applied combined lidar/photometer retrievals corroborate recent findings regarding the difference between Middle East and Saharan dust lidar ratios. We found values from 43–65 sr with a mean (±standard deviation) of 53 ± 6 sr for Saharan dust and from 33–48 sr with a mean of 41 ± 4 sr for Middle East dust for the wavelength of 532 nm. The presented data analysis, however, also demonstrates the difficulties in identifying the optical properties of dust even during outbreak situations in the presence of complex aerosol mixtures of desert dust, marine particles, fire smoke, and anthropogenic haze.
In situ vertical profiles of aerosol extinction, mass, and composition over the southeast United States during SENEX and SEAC4RS: observations of a modest aerosol enhancement aloft
Authors: Wagner N. L. , Brock C. A. , Angevine W. M. , Beyersdorf A. , Campuzano-Jost P. , Day D. , de Gouw J. A. , Diskin G. S. , Gordon T. D. , Graus M. G. , Holloway J. S. , Huey G. , Jimenez J. L. , Lack D. A. , Liao J. , Liu X. , Markovic M. Z. , Middlebrook A. M. , Mikoviny T. , Peischl J. , Perring A. E. , Richardson M. S. , Ryerson T. B. , Schwarz J. P. , Warneke C. , Welti A. , Wisthaler A. , Ziemba L. D. , Murphy D. M.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Vertical profiles of submicron aerosol from in situ aircraft-based measurements were used to construct aggregate profiles of chemical, microphysical, and optical properties. These vertical profiles were collected over the southeastern United States (SEUS) during the summer of 2013 as part of two separate field studies: the Southeast Nexus (SENEX) study and the Study of Emissions and Atmospheric Composition, Clouds, and Climate Coupling by Regional Surveys (SEAC4RS). Shallow cumulus convection was observed during many profiles. These conditions enhance vertical transport of trace gases and aerosol and create a cloudy transition layer on top of the sub-cloud mixed layer. The trace gas and aerosol concentrations in the transition layer were modeled as a mixture with contributions from the mixed layer below and the free troposphere above. The amount of vertical mixing, or entrainment of air from the free troposphere, was quantified using the observed mixing ratio of carbon monoxide (CO). Although the median aerosol mass, extinction, and volume decreased with altitude in the transition layer, they were ~10 % larger than expected from vertical mixing alone. This enhancement was likely due to secondary aerosol formation in the transition layer. Although the transition layer enhancements of the particulate sulfate and organic aerosol (OA) were both similar in magnitude, only the enhancement of sulfate was statistically significant. The column integrated extinction, or aerosol optical depth (AOD), was calculated for each individual profile, and the transition layer enhancement of extinction typically contributed less than 10 % to the total AOD. Our measurements and analysis were motivated by two recent studies that have hypothesized an enhanced layer of secondary aerosol aloft to explain the summertime enhancement of AOD (2–3 times greater than winter) over the southeastern United States. The first study attributes the layer aloft to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) while the second study speculates that the layer aloft could be SOA or secondary particulate sulfate. In contrast to these hypotheses, the modest enhancement we observed in the transition layer was not dominated by OA and was not a large fraction of the summertime AOD.
Top-down constraints on atmospheric mercury emissions and implications for global biogeochemical cycling
Authors: Song S. , Selin N. E. , Soerensen A. L. , Angot H. , Artz R. , Brooks S. , Brunke E.-G. , Conley G. , Dommergue A. , Ebinghaus R. , Holsen T. M. , Jaffe D. A. , Kang S. , Kelley P. , Luke W. T. , Magand O. , Marumoto K. , Pfaffhuber K. A. , Ren X. , Sheu G.-R. , Slemr F. , Warneke T. , Weigelt A. , Weiss-Penzias P. , Wip D. C. , Zhang Q.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. We perform global-scale inverse modeling to constrain present-day atmospheric mercury emissions and relevant physiochemical parameters in the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model. We use Bayesian inversion methods combining simulations with GEOS-Chem and ground-based Hg0 observations from regional monitoring networks and individual sites in recent years. Using optimized emissions/parameters, GEOS-Chem better reproduces these ground-based observations and also matches regional over-water Hg0 and wet deposition measurements. The optimized global mercury emission to the atmosphere is ~ 5.8 Gg yr−1. The ocean accounts for 3.2 Gg yr−1 (55 % of the total), and the terrestrial ecosystem is neither a net source nor a net sink of Hg0. The optimized Asian anthropogenic emission of Hg0 (gas elemental mercury) is 650–1770 Mg yr−1, higher than its bottom-up estimates (550–800 Mg yr−1). The ocean parameter inversions suggest that dark oxidation of aqueous elemental mercury is faster, and less mercury is removed from the mixed layer through particle sinking, when compared with current simulations. Parameter changes affect the simulated global ocean mercury budget, particularly mass exchange between the mixed layer and subsurface waters. Based on our inversion results, we re-evaluate the long-term global biogeochemical cycle of mercury, and show that legacy mercury becomes more likely to reside in the terrestrial ecosystem than in the ocean. We estimate that primary anthropogenic mercury contributes up to 23 % of present-day atmospheric deposition.