bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
USING THE HONOURS PROJECT COURSE TO ENHANCE ENGAGEMENT ACROSS ALL STAKEHOLDERS
Authors: Prime Zebb , Robertson Will , Cazzolato Ben , Missingham Dorothy , Kestell Colin
Published: April 2017

Prior to 2009 students in the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Adelaide developed their management and professional practice skills in an unpopular stand-alone course “Engineering Management and Professional Practice (EMPP)”. The intended learning outcomes of this course were, however, synergistic with those of the final year “Honours Project” and so the two courses were strategically combined. This amalgamation (which is still referred to as the “Honours Project”) has developed into a successful scaffolded, authentic, engineering problem based learning course that: motivates and engages over 200 participating students; effectively outreaches to both primary and secondary schools; attracts vibrant and enthusiastic industry interaction; draws significant news and media coverage as the University showcases and creates a nexus between the research and the professional communities. It represents the coordinated sustained efforts by a team of over 50 academic and professional staff within the School of Mechanical Engineering, the Faculty of Engineering Computer and Mathematical Sciences and the University administrative services; which include the Media and Strategic Communications office, and the offices of the Vice Chancellor (VC) and the Deputy Vice Chancellor-Academic (DVCA). This paper discusses the background and evolution of the integrated Honours Project (Mech. Eng. 4143). Importantly, responses of key stakeholders, to the course work and outcomes are examined. These stakeholders include current students, industry, community members and academics. Suggestions for continued evolution and improvements will also be discussed.
CURRICULUM MAPPING IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION: LINKING ATTRIBUTES, OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENTS
Authors: Spracklin-Reid Darlene , Fisher Andy
Published: April 2017

In 2010, the Canadian EngineeringAccreditation Board (CEAB) began reviewing programsfor progress toward assessment of graduate attributes.This represented a significant change from traditionalinputs-based to outcomes-based accreditation. TheFaculty of Engineering and Applied Science at MemorialUniversity responded by linking course-based learningoutcomes to graduate attributes and assessments in a live,online curriculum map. This paper provides an overviewof the curriculum mapping approach taken by the Facultyof Engineering and Applied Science at MemorialUniversity.
A CLOSER EXAMINATION OF THE CLAIMS OF EXCELLENT CORROSION RESISTANCE OF STAINLESS STEEL: TEXTBOOK MISCONCEPTIONS AND MISINTERPRETATIONS
Authors: Mohamed Aezeden O.
Published: April 2017

This paper examines misconceptions and misinterpretations concerning the common assertion in textbooks that stainless steels has excellent corrosion resistance due to the addition of alloying elements such as nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and molybdenum (Mo).A closer look at this claim reveals underlying assumptions that lead to this imprecise statement. Corrosion experiments have been established in a course in engineering materials that expose these assumptions.Following a discussion of the tests and their results, it is suggested that statements in textbooks that stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance should be qualified. It is hoped that by bringing this shortcoming to the attention of engineering educators, the misconceptions and misinterpretations can be corrected.
Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Course – CEAB Accreditation Outcomes Assessment
Authors: Stagner Jacqueline , Johrendt Jennifer
Published: April 2017

Due to the comprehensive nature of the two-semester Capstone Design course for fourth-year students, many of the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) Graduate Attributes (GrAtts), and associated learning outcomes (LOs), are present within the course. As the term ‘graduate attribute’ implies, students should exhibit specific attributes upon graduation. Thus, assessing these attributes in the students’ final year enables the faculty and students to verify that the goal of achieving these attributes has been accomplished. However, it is also necessary to examine the results of the assessments to make any downstream adjustments to the curriculum, to address any weaknesses in specific attributes.The undergraduate course calendar provides the following course description for the Capstone Design course:Student design teams, operating within a "company" environment, utilize the broad range of their undergraduate experience in interdisciplinary projects selected to promote interaction between the mechanical, automotive, and materials programs. Design methodologies and team interaction simulate future professional practice. Project milestones include: a design proposal with cost analysis and scheduling, construction and commissioning of the designed apparatus, and a final report and presentation having both global and detail completeness [1].One can see that the course is comprehensive; however, it is also quite unique for each design team as it pertains to each specific project. The uniqueness of projects, along with the fact that there are multiple advisors and assessors of projects, provides challenges to ensuring accurate and consistent assessments.This paper will describe what the department of Mechanical, Automotive & Materials Engineering (MAME) at the University of Windsor has incorporated into the Capstone Design course to assess many of the CEAB GrAtts and LOs, and implement a continuous improvement program for the department.
Using Broad-Disciplinary Laboratories to Teach Electric Circuits to First Year Students While Introducing Design and Professional Lab Practices
Authors: Shafai Cyrus
Published: April 2017

It is possible to engage first year students tolearn the history and applications of electrical systems invarious disciplines from power systems, wireless systems,control, digital systems, biomedical, and micro-sensorsthough laboratories that emphasize design and expectprofessionalism. Teaching electrical systems starting withthe traditional electric circuits first approach provideslittle motivation for first year engineering students. Ourapproach has been to complement lectures in electricaltheory with a sequence of laboratories that focus onupper level electrical systems specialties. Laboratorydesign projects start with a discussion of historical andmodern application of the presented technologies. Thispaper discusses some of the challenges faced andsolutions implemented to enable the application of thebroad-disciplinary laboratories. Professional labpractices have been introduced with the qualitativeassessment of student designs and the expectation thatthey maintain cleanliness of the laboratory and supplyinventory. We have found that TAs are more comfortable(and more critical) in their critique of student designswhen assessment is done using verbal quality indicatorsin place of simple numerical assignment. Accordingly,students make greater effort towards quality labpractices, as opposed to only finding the numericalsolutions. We have further observed that students willmeticulously return the laboratory to its initial state, ifthey were required at the outset to source suppliesthemselves, as opposed being given them.
USE OF A LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION AND MARKING OF A REFLECTION JOURNAL
Authors: Steele Alan L , Polovina-Vukovic Dragana
Published: April 2017

A third year one-semester design project inelectronic engineering has required students toindividually keep a reflection journal and submit entriesweekly. Previously, to encourage the writing of such ajournal any form of submission was accepted, whether ina notebook, individual sheets of paper, document files oreven emails. Such a varied form can become a logisticalproblem and with the class increasing to above 70students this became difficult to organize and evenphysically carry (in the case of notebooks) for marking. Itwas decided to move to an electronic format for writingand submitting journal entries, using a learningmanagement system (LMS). This use of a standard form ofelectronic submission could potentially inhibit the writingof reflection journal entries and consequently detractfrom the goal of developing metacognitive skills instudents. This paper considers the challenges and degreeof success in using an LMS based reflection journalsystem. It was seen that the response rate of thereflections was good and little difference was seen in thequality of reflections from the previous year with thepaper based system. Sketches and circuits wereinfrequently seen, but the electronic medium did allowphotographs to be included in the reflections. A surveywas conducted for the student opinion on the reflectionjournals. From the 30% of the class response, 58%agreed that the journal use helped with their reflectionbut 59% viewed the process of producing the journals aburden. The benefit to the instructor of using the LMS wassignificant, allowing security, legibility plus easy accessand marking. The type of journal entries seen weresimilar to previous years with some good reflections by afew and many providing weak reflections and justdescribing what was done. It appears the LMS is a validroute to use for reflection journaling in this type ofproject course. Future focus may be on ways ofencouraging and developing the reflection process.
SCALABILITY OF A GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES ASSESSMENT AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PROCESS
Authors: Dew Steven , Driver Robert , Thomas Glen , Mandal Mrinal , Choi Phillip
Published: April 2017

The recent Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) requirements mandating a graduate attributes (GA) assessment and continuous improvement process present a potentially huge burden for assessment, analysis and data management. Designing a robust GA management system and scaling to a large multi-program engineering faculty represents a significant challenge. This paper presents a hierarchical approach developed at the University of Alberta to address these challenges for one of the largest programs in Canada. A set of specific overarching principles has allowed us to significantly reduce the overall task. Key aspects include the exploitation of common indicators and measures where possible. The system currently employs 451 measures and 93,240 individual student assessments vs potentially about 1000 measures and 106 student assessments for a similar, but naïve, approach. A multiyear strategy is described to monitor progress and demonstrate a continuous improvement system.
Gamification of Professional Development for First Year Engineering Students
Authors: Bazylak Jason
Published: April 2017

Approximately 1.23 billion people play video games. Gamification is the study of what motivates gamers to invest thousands of hours into these games, and more importantly attempts to derive principles of gamification that can be applied to motivate people to participate in non-video game tasks with equal zeal. Education is one area where gamification is being explored.One gamification principle is to give participants a clear indication of their progress. In video games this is often depicted as ‘points’. The typical grade system could be interpreted as a type of point system, but one without much flexibility. Implementation of a bonus point system as an overlay to the standard grade system may allow for more flexibility.In this study this gamification principle was used to motivate students in a first year design course to participate in optional professional development activities and to foster an active online peer feedback and instruction community. With relatively minor modifications and repackaging of an existing evaluation methods students were motivated to give optional oral presentations, attend optional skill development workshops, and to contribute extensively to an online learning community.This implementation of gamification was found to have a net positive effect on student participation in Professional Development activities. Where it succeeded and where it failed will be explored.
OUT-OF-CLASS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGINEERING STUDENTS
Authors: Amirfazli Alidad
Published: April 2017

Not available
HUMANITARIAN ENGINEERING EDUCATION: EXAMPLES
Authors: Kinsner Witold
Published: April 2017

Recent developments in mathematics, science,engineering and technology over the last several decadeshave made it possible to transform technology frommachine-oriented (designed to increase productivity andquantification) to more human-centric (to simplifyinteraction with technology and improve the well-being ofindividuals). Technology is being positioned to be movedfrom a privilege to a social benefit. Such humanitariantechnology (HT) can help at several levels, including: (i)natural disasters (such as fires, storms, tornadoes,tsunamis, earthquakes), (ii) humanitarian disasters(genocides, wars, non-democratic elections, injustice), (iii)developing countries (water, food, shelter, energy,sanitation, health, (iv) developed countries (the poor,seniors, people with physical or mental disabilities, orunder-represented). Since, in all those levels, informationgathering and distribution is considered as important aswater, food and medicines in disasters, it must beconsidered as an ecosystem.The development of a good HT has many scientific,engineering, technological and social challenges. One ofthe important challenges is education. How do we teachthe new generation of humanitarian design engineers? Thispaper describes one approach used in Manitoba.
Assessment of Teamwork in Laboratory Courses: What, When and How
Authors: Ahmed Salim , Spracklin-Reid Darlene
Published: April 2017

Teamwork might be considered as one of the most desired attributes of engineering graduates. From anassessment perspective, it might be one of the most difficult attributes to assess. Evaluation of teamworkrefers to the assessment of individuals on their ability to work in a team. However, in many cases theperformance of the team is taken as the only measure of teamwork. A plethora of literature has beendedicated to the understanding of the attribute; nevertheless, many laboratory instructional team facesthe dilemma on whether the designed assessment meet its requirements. In this article, the concept ofteamwork will be explored in the context of engineering laboratories. Following an exploratoryunderstanding of the attribute, mechanism to assess teamwork will be proposed. The attribute will bedecomposed into component skills and each skill element will be explored to determine assessmentrequirement by answering to a series of what, when and how questions. The outcome if the work will bevaluable for redesigning engineering laboratories which is the long-term objective of the work.
The Impact of Student Location in a Global Design Project
Authors: Bias Keilah , Larsen Daniel , Osgood Libby
Published: April 2017

Various engineering programs in North America enable students to immerse in international projects. Some students travel with NGOs and perform engineering work as part of their curriculum, and some design projects for hypothetical clients in other parts of the world. The authors designed a charcoal press for Kenyan farmers as part of their 2nd year design class. Due to the success of the design, the project was brought to Kenya, and was modified to be built to the materials and equipment that were available in the rural communities. One of the authors travelled to deliver the design, participated in building the device, as well as trained the clients to perform the process. The second author stayed in Canada.The authors present their experience on this two-stage design process, where the students were exposed in both designing from a distance and being immersed in the international setting of the project. Writing from students’ perspective, different points on how the project was effective on engraving design principles to students were shared. Students also reflected on their experience and developed recommendations on how the experience can be improved for future students who will take similar programs
Evaluating an Integrated Course Design Tool for Engineering Graduate Attributes Assessment
Authors: Brennan R.W. , Hugo R. , Li S. , Taboun M.
Published: April 2017

The research reported in this paper isconcerned with developing a software tool (the IntegratedCourse Design Tool) based on the principle ofconstructive alignment. This tool is intended to assistinstructors with course planning by linking togethercourse learning outcomes, teaching & learning activities,and assessments. The rationale is to report on studentachievement in the context of the Engineers CanadaAccreditation Board’s graduate attributes and use thisinformation for continual improvement. Our experiencewith the ICDT has shown it to be a simple, intuitive toolfor course-based graduate attributes assessment andcontinual improvement; however, further work is requiredto extend the tool for program-wide usage.
The Study of Human Behavior in Fire Safety Engineering using Experiential Learning
Authors: Gales John , Folk Lauren , Gaudreault Claudia
Published: April 2017

Carleton University has re-launched one of its flag-ship courses in the field of Fire Safety Engineering: People in Fires. Detailed and concrete experiential learning activities created for this course are discussed. The activities are evaluated on their ability for the students to meet complicated learning objectives involving human behavior, with the overarching goal being to inform the students of applications for architectural and structural engineering design
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE ASSESSMENT IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING PROGRAM AT UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA – CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT PROCESS
Authors: George Aneta , Lethbridge Timothy , Peyton Liam
Published: April 2017

Management, measurement, and visualization of graduate attributes in a program can be complex and challenging. At the University of Ottawa, we have developed a Graduate Attribute Information Analysis system (GAIA) to support performance management of graduate attributes. It simplifies data collection and improves visualization of results with historical trend analysis at both the course level and the program level. Graduate attribute measurements are defined in a tool that can flexibly integrate internal indicators (such as tests, assignments, exam questions) or external indicators (such as surveys or feedback forms). We have mapped the assessment results with a four-scale rubric that allows the use of weighted grading when dominant and secondary components apply. And we support measurement-specific range boundaries to better match the expected level of knowledge students must achieve.
USING META-CASES FOR CAPSTONE LEARNING
Authors: James Stephen L. , Ruth Douglas W.
Published: April 2017

The purpose of capstone courses and projects in engineering is to provide a learning experience that effectively and reliably solidifies earlier acquired understandings. It provides a culminating exercise that lies just beyond a student’s existing ability so that learning is furthered while motivation is preserved. Historically, individual engineering projects, practicums, and internships have been heavily used to provide that culminating experience; however, with often disappointing results. This has been particularly the case in attempting to cap off programs in systems engineering where the learning ideal would be to have a student experience a real-world complex multi-disciplinary engineering and program environment. Given the limitation, this paper proposes using a term-long, class-based, repeatable meta-case as the capstone learning venue, particularly in support of systems engineering programs where securing meaningful experiential learning is difficult. Case teaching is a classic approach in law, medicine and business faculties where the need to develop higher cognitive abilities—analyzing, synthesizing and judging—inside high ambiguity and across multi-disciplines is paramount. A meta-case, as opposed to other case types, is characterized by the use of a very complex, multi-factor (engineering) real-world challenge with a long, multi-stage solution scenario. In proposing the use of a capstone meta-case, the paper presents its use in an aerospace systems engineering environment where development timelines are very long, and where the engineering requirements and solutions are many and highly interdependent. It specifically discusses the course design structure and considerations associated with a meta-case based on the development of the Airbus A400 military transport aircraft. The paper is based on a year-long study into the use of the case method for teaching aerospace systems engineering.
Design of a teachers’ training workshop for improving technology integration skills
Authors: Mavinkurve Madhuri , Patil Mahesh
Published: April 2017

Educationists and researchers recommend integration of simulations in classrooms to promote student-centric constructivist learning. The simulations need to be carefully designed toward improvement ofconceptual understanding of students. In this paper, we report on a training workshop for teachers with the specific goal of imparting simulation integration skills for classroom teaching. In the workshop, we used SEQUEL, a freely downloadable circuit simulator, and focused on electronic circuits taught typically at the second-year undergraduate level. We applied education technology principles as well as constructivist alignment methods to design the workshop. In particular, collaborative learning strategies such as think-pair-share and peer instruction were covered specifically for the intended simulation integration. Furthermore, application of the flippedclassroom model in the context of circuit simulation was explained to the participants. We report on the workshop design in detail and report the impact of the training  workshop on integration skills of the teachers. We found that teachers (N=15) perceived the workshop to be usefulin designing their aligned lesson plans. Teachers also reported their field study in which they found improved motivation of students to solve  electronics circuit problems.
CONCEPTS ONLY PLEASE! INNOVATING A FIRST YEAR ENGINEERING COURSE
Authors: McKay Kenneth N. , Mohamed Samar , Stacey Lyndia
Published: April 2017

MSCI 100, a first year course dedicated to Management Engineering, introduces the main concepts of this discipline to students in their first term. The course’s main goals are introducing core principles that students will apply throughout their undergraduate studies and also preparing them for their first co-operative education term. In Fall 2015, this course was pedagogically redesigned based on authentic self-directed learning, accommodating different learners, and providing students with opportunities to develop professional skills (especially teamwork, project planning, time management and critical thinking).The course was designed holistically with emphasis on integrating concepts and communicating the course plan to students. Although engineering design was an inherent part of the course, there were no memory-driven tests and no math. The course’s learning outcomes were instead formulated around students’ understanding of improving effectiveness and efficiency in various facets of business through the development of their professional skills.There were numerous teaching innovations from the perspective of a first year engineering course. The essence of many course deliverables was for students to experience constructive failure-recovery cycles. This allowed them to learn from their mistakes as they completed case study challenges, hands-on activities, unique assessments and a final team project requiring integration of knowledge and skills. These activities were supported by various groups on campus.A panel of educators was formed near the end of the term so students could reflect on their learning process and be provided with the educators' feedback.. Moreover, the results from the course evaluations indicated that the restructuring of MSCI 100 was largely successful. Most students were able to fully grasp fundamental concepts and apply critical thinking skills. In this paper, we share reasons for redesigning the course, our experience in delivery and assessment, the impact of different teaching and learning methods and finally feedback on switching to in-depth, student-centered learning.
REDESIGNING THE UBC FIRST YEAR INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING: SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES
Authors: Ostafichuk Peter M. , Jaeger Carol P. , Nakane Jon , Nesbit Susan , Ellis Naoko , Sibley Jim
Published: April 2017

A new first year introduction to engineering experience was developed at the University of British Columbia. This paper provides an overview of the two new courses and the lessons learned both in developing and delivering the courses. Several key problematic areas in the previous curriculum were addressed, namely, to improve student connection with the engineering profession, increase design and practical engineering experiences, more effectively integrate sustainability into the curriculum, and better emphasize the human and social connection to engineering.The courses operate in a flexible learning framework with a sequence of online, lecture, and studio components arranged in a whole-part-whole format delivered to a class of 850 students. Elements of numerous effective course design, teaching and learning practices, including integrated course design, constructive alignment, components of Team-Based Learning, classroom assessment techniques, peer evaluation, and peer grading were incorporated into these courses. Student feedbackthrough surveys has shown that the new format has been highly successful in addressing most of the key high-level goals, such as establishing a student connection to the engineering profession, helping students understand what engineers do and how they do it, and providing an introduction and appreciation for design, sustainability, decision-making, professionalism, and ethics..
TEACHING AND ASSESSING “LIFELONG LEARNING” IN ENGINEERING COMMUNICATION COURSES
Authors: Patterson Laura , Labun Carolyn , Eikenaar Jannik
Published: April 2017

Recent changes to CEAB’s accreditation process have resulted in the need for engineering programs in Canada to find ways to assess critical graduate attributes. While many of the attributes can be measured through traditional methods, others are more subtle and challenging to assess. One that can be particularly challenging both to teach and assess is lifelong learning. As its name suggests, lifelong learning is a process that begins before and continues after a person’s formal education; it is a learner-initiated activity or habit of mind. As such, educators must develop ways to ensure that students understand the importance of learning itself, both during and after their formal engineering studies.Technical Communication courses are excellent vehicles for delivering and reinforcing the skills and competencies associated with lifelong learning. This paper will explore how “Lifelong Learning” as a CEAB graduate attribute can be taught and assessed in communication courses (APSC 176 and APSC 201) housed in an engineering program at UBC’s School of Engineering. This paper will also explore the next steps in developing appropriate metrics for determining the success of these courses in  meeting this element of accreditation.
CHARACTERIZING THE ENGINEERING EDUCATION GRADUATE STUDENT EXPERIENCE IN CANADA: RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT & REFLECTIONS
Authors: Seniuk Ciceka Jillian , Kuleyb Liz , Sheridan Patricia , Mae Paul Robyn
Published: April 2017

Four Canadian Engineering Education students from the Universities of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Toronto and Calgary have conceptualized conducting a national study to characterize the identities of graduate students studying Engineering Education in Canada. We developed the Canadian Engineering Education Student Identity Study (CEESIS). This is a mixed methods cross-case comparison research study designed to explore how Canadian Engineering Education graduate students’ identities are  formed through the intersection of our intellectual, institutional and  networking academic experiences nested within our personal lives.In this paper, we detail the realization, purpose, benefits, theoretical design and methodology of this study. The development of our theoretical framework and survey through the use of McAlpine’s identity-trajectory construct is discussed. We conclude with individual personal reflections on how this research process has shaped our own growth as Engineering Education graduate students and how participation in this research group has influenced our understanding and identity of being Engineering Education graduate students and emerging Engineering Education  researchers in Canada
AN INVESTIGATION OF STUDENT DEFINITIONS AND VALUE OF CREATIVITY IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION
Authors: Waller David R. , Strong David
Published: April 2017

There appears to be an existing disconnect between engineering education and creativity that is partly caused by a lack of understanding of creativity’srole in engineering as well as the lack of value placed on creativity in the academic environment. This paper used mixed methods research to investigate this disconnect through the perceptions of undergraduate engineering students. A survey was used to gather definitions of engineering creativity and to measure the value students place on creativity in engineering.Results indicated that students have a wide variety of definitions and understanding of engineering creativity. It was found that students generally valued creativity in an engineering context, but Year 4+ students had statistically significant less value for creativity than all other years ofstudy. The findings support the need for a well-developed and universally accepted definition of engineering creativity. Causation for the difference in value Year 4+ students place on engineering creativity should be furtherinvestigated.
Ossifying Fibroma of the Maxilla and Sinonasal Tract: Case Series
Authors: Liu Jack J. , Thompson Lester D. R. , Janisiewicz Agnieszka M. , Shibuya Terry Y. , Keschner David B. , Garg Rohit , Lee Jivianne T.
Published: April 2017

Background

Head and neck ossifying fibroma (OF) is a rare, benign, locally aggressive, fibro-osseous tumor. The mandible is the most common site of involvement, followed by the maxilla, and, less frequently, the sinonasal cavities, orbit, skull base, and calvarium. In this study, we aimed to expand our understanding of this entity by presenting a case series of OF that involved the maxilla and sinonasal tract.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective review was performed on all the patients with a diagnosis of OF from 2004 to 2013. Data were collected with respect to age, sex, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome.

Results

A total of 13 patients were identified. The mean age was 37 years, with a female predominance (69%). The maxillary sinus was most frequently involved site (46%). Eighty-five percent underwent open surgical resection. After a mean follow-up time of 47.3 months, three patients (23%) developed recurrent disease; all of whom were treated with an open approach.

Conclusion

OF of the maxilla and sinonasal tract is an uncommon clinicopathologic entity. Although a timely diagnosis may obviate the need for external approaches, open surgical resection is often still necessary for management of extensive lesions. Close follow-up and additional surgery may also be required to treat recurrent disease.
Quality-of-life Improvement after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Tajudeen Bobby A. , Brooks Steven G. , Yan Carol H. , Kuan Edward C. , Schwartz Joseph S. , Suh Jeffrey D. , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D.
Published: April 2017

Background

There is preliminary evidence that patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and comorbid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have reduced quality-of-life (QOL) improvements after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) compared with patients without OSA. The effect of OSA severity on QOL improvement after FESS is unknown.

Objectives

To better characterize the QOL improvement after FESS for patients with comorbid OSA and to assess whether QOL improvement is dependent on OSA severity.

Methods

This multi-institution, retrospective cohort study evaluated adult patients with CRS who underwent FESS between 2007 and 2015. Preoperative, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year postoperative 22-Item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test scores were used to evaluate QOL. We compared patients without OSA with patients with stratified OSA based on the preoperative apnea-hypopnea index. A multilevel, mixed-effects linear regression model was used for the analysis.

Results

Of 480 participants, 83 (17%) had OSA, and 47 of these patients had polysomnography results available for review. Both patients with OSA and patients without OSA reported significant QOL improvement after surgery (p < 0.0001) relative to baseline. In the unadjusted model, the subjects with OSA demonstrated a statistically worse outcome in 22-Item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test scores at each time point (2.4 points higher per time point, p = 0.006). When controlling for covariates, the adjusted model showed no difference in QOL outcome based on OSA status (p = 0.114). When stratified by OSA disease severity, the adjusted model showed no difference in the QOL outcome.

Conclusions

Patients with CRS and comorbid OSA had worse QOL outcomes after FESS; however, when controlling for patient factors, there was no difference in QOL outcome. OSA disease severity did not seem to predict QOL improvement after FESS.
Significantly elevated number of human infections with H7N9 virus in Jiangsu in eastern China, October 2016 to January 2017
Authors: Huo Xiang , Chen Liling , Qi Xian , Huang Haodi , Dai Qigang , Yu Huiyan , Xia Yu , Liu Wendong , Xu Ke , Ma Wang , Zhang Jun , Bao Changjun
Published: April 2017

Since first identified in 2013, the H7N9 virus has caused several waves of human infections in China, with a current wave including a number of patients with very severe disease. Jiangsu is one of the most impacted provinces, whereby as of 31 January 2017, the number of human infections (n = 109) in the ongoing fifth H7N9 wave has exceeded the sum of those in the four preceding ones. Ten of 13 cities in Jiangsu have been affected, and clustered infections as well as one co-infection with seasonal influenza have been observed. With a median age of 58 years and 74.3% (81/109) of patients being male, the characteristics of cases are similar to those in previous waves, however patients with H7N9 seem to have an accelerated disease progression. Preliminary case fatality remains above 30%. No significant viral mutations have been found in key functional loci. Environmental H7N9 detection rate and number of days with high risk ambient temperatures were both significantly elevated during the month of December 2016 when most human infections were reported. A number of municipal governments in Jiangsu have implemented live poultry market closures to impede viral transmission to humans. A detectable decline in human infections has been observed in these municipalities and the entire province since January 2017.
Severity of Migraine with or without comorbidities: A Comparative Study
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Akter , Mohammad Quazi Deen , Habib Mansur , Hoque Md. Azharul , Alam Md. Badrul , Hussain Mohammad Enayet
Published: April 2017

Background: Migraine causes difficulties in daily life. Objective: The purpose of this present study was to assess the severity of migraine associated with comorbidities.Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out in Headache Clinic and Neurology outdoor in the Department of Neurology at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka during the period of July 2010 to June 2011 for a period of one (01) year. All the patients presented with migraine were included as study population who were divided into two groups. Migraine patients without comorbidities were designated as group I and with comorbidities were in group II. The comorbidities were assessed which were both physical as well as psychiatric. The severity of migraine was assessed on the basis of four principal components like pain intensity, nausea, disability and tolerability.Result: A total of 70 patients with migraine were recruited of which 37 patients were in group I and 33 patients were in group II. In group II major depressive disorder was in 8(24.3%) cases, generalized anxiety disorder was in 6(18.1%) cases and hypertensive was in 7(21.2%) cases. Among 8 major depressive disorder patients, mild, moderate and severe migraines were found in 1(3.03%) cases, 2(6.06%) cases and 5(15.15%) cases respectively. Out of 6 GAD patients, mild, moderate and severe migraine were found in 1(3.03%) case, 1(3.03%) case and 4(12.12%) cases. Seven patients were hypertensive of which 1(3.03) patient had mild, 2(6.06%) had moderate and 4(12.12%) had severe migraine. Mild migraine was found in 18(48.6%) patients in group I and 6(18.2%) patients in group II. Moderate migraine was found in 12(32.5%) patients and 8(24.2%) in group I and group II respectively. Severe migraine was found in 7(18.9%) patients in group I and 19(57.6%) patients in group II.Conclusion: Severity of migraine is associated with different physical and psychiatric comorbidities. Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2015;1(2): 33-36
Submandibular Approach for Tracheal Intubation in Oro-maxillofacial Surgery: An Initial Experience in a Dental College Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md Shahadat , Begum Hasina , Haider Ismat Ara , Sarker Md. Selim
Published: April 2017

Background: Tracheal intubation in oro-maxillofacial surgery is an important issue during operation. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the feasibility and the reliability of submandibular tracheal intubation as an alternative method for airway management in oro-maxillofacial surgery. Methodology: This clinical trial was conducted in the Department of oromaxillofacial Surgery at Dhaka Dental College and Hospital, Dhaka from January 2010 to June 2011 for a period of one and half year. Patients suffering from painful fractures associated with displaced nasal fracture were selected as study population. Results: A total number of 9 patients were recruited for this study of which 1 was female and 8 were males and the age range was between 16 to 51 years. The technique was found easy and offers a secure airway to the anaesthetist, an optimal operating field and an opportunity to check the dental occlusion with limited morbidity for the patient. In all patients the submandibular tracheal tube was extubated after the operation without complications or difficulties. Accidental dislodgement of the tube to the right main bronchus occurred in one patient while carrying out the procedure. It was rapidly detectedand corrected. No other complications were encountered. Conclusion: Submandibular tracheal intubation is a safe, simple and effective technique for upper airway management when both oral and nasal tracheal intubations are not convenient in some oromaxillofacial surgery. Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2015;1(2): 41-46
Scottish Rolls of Honour and Rolls of Service: A Neglected Source
Authors: Riddell Linda
Published: April 2017

Although built memorials of the Great War have been the subject of academic research, rolls of honour and service have been accorded much less attention; nevertheless they are potentially of great interest and value for historians. This article examines rolls covering geographical areas of Scotland, showing that they often contain much more than lists of those who fought and those who died.

As written documents, they are not so dependent as monuments are on symbolism to convey meaning and their overt language is more susceptible to analysis. Besides their obvious value for the study of family history and the history of particular localities in the war and soon after, they can be scrutinised as an example of how local history can add nuanced understanding of an international event and challenge generalisations based on limited evidence mainly from large urban areas. They are also illustrative of the thoughts and aspirations of the compilers, providing insights about perceptions not only of the Great War and perhaps war in general, but also of class, gender roles, religion, children and education. The rolls can contribute to debates about continuity and change, about modernism and tradition, as well as the interplay between local and national identities.
Phase transformations in liquids and the liquid–gas transition in fluids at supercritical pressures
Authors: Brazhkin V V
Published: April 2017

It is an experimental fact that in the neighborhood of melting curves, including those measured at above-critical pressures and temperatures, all fluids have some short- and intermediate-range order and their excitation spectra contain high-frequency transverse waves. At high pressure, both smooth and sharp first-order phase transitions involving changes in the liquid structure and properties can occur between various liquid states. However, at sufficiently high temperatures, any liquid loses its identity and turns into an unstructured dense gas in which only longitudinal waves can propagate. We discuss theoretical and experimental evidence for the existence of a boundary between a ‘solid-like’ melt and a dense gas at supercritical pressures.
Vehicle Loads for Assessing the Required Load Capacity Considering the Traffic Environment
Authors: Kim Sang-Hyo , Heo Won-Ho , You Dong-woo , Choi Jae-Gu
Published: April 2017

The effects of traffic loads on existing bridges are quite different from those of design live loads because of the various traffic environments. However, the bridge maintenance and safety assessment of in-service bridges maintain the design load capacity without considering the current traffic environment. The real traffic conditions on existing bridges may require a load capacity that is considerably different from the design. Therefore, the required load capacity of an existing highway bridge should be determined according to the extreme load effects that the bridge will experience from the actual traffic environment during its remaining service life for more rational maintenance of the infrastructure. A simulation process was developed to determine evaluation vehicle loads for bridge safety assessment based on the extreme load effects that may occur during the remaining service life. Realistic probabilistic traffic models were used to reflect the actual traffic environment. The presented model was used to analyze the extreme load effect on pre-stressed concrete (PSC) and steel box girder bridges, which are typical bridge types. The traffic environmental conditions included the traffic volume (2000–40,000), the proportion of heavy vehicles (15–45%), and the consecutive vehicle traveling patterns. The spans of the sample bridges were 30 m (PSC bridge) and 45 or 60 m (steel box girder bridge). In the results, the extreme load effects tended to increase with either the traffic volume or proportion of heavy vehicles. The evaluation vehicle loads for bridge safety assessment may be adjusted with the traffic conditions, such as the traffic volume, the proportion of heavy vehicles, and the consecutive vehicle traveling patterns.
Reaching for Success: Picasso’s Rise in the Market (The First Two Decades)
Authors: Mallen Enrique
Published: April 2017

This article explores the exhibitions of Picasso’s works in the first two decades of his artistic career, as well as the dealers and collectors who came into contact with them. It describes the relationship between Picasso and his first dealers, Pere Manyach, Berthe Weill, Clovis Sagot, Père Soulier, Ambroise Vollard, Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler, Georg Caspari, L. W. Guthier, Hans Goltz, Heinrich Thannhauser, Otto Feldmann, Alfred Flechtheim, Emil Richter, Gottfried Tanner, Michael Brenner, R. J. Coady, Léonce Rosenberg, Paul Rosenberg, etc.; as well as his first collectors, Leo and Gertrude Stein, Olivier Sainsère, Joachim Gasquet, Wilhelm Uhde, Herman Rupf, Vincenc Kramář, Frank Stoop, Hugo Perls, Edwin Suermondt, Dr. Paul Ferdinand Schmidt, Princess Mechtilde Lichnowsky, Henry Simms, Ludwig and Rosy Fischer, Professor Wilhelm Kreis, Adolf Erblösch, Justin K. Thannhauser, Sergei Ivanovich Shchukin, Ivan A. Morosov, etc. It also identifies all important Picasso expositions in this time period and how those dealers and collectors were involved in their arrangement. The information provided here has been excerpted from an exhaustive study of the critical literature on Pablo Picasso, as well as from published exhibition catalogues.
Natural Resources and Productivity: Can Banking Development Mitigate the Curse?
Authors: Badeeb Ramez , Lean Hooi
Published: April 2017

This paper contributes to the literature concerning the natural resource curse by exploring the role of banking development in reducing the resource curse in a natural resource-based country, Yemen. Using time series data over the period 1980–2012, we find that natural resource dependence is negatively related to productivity, and this relationship depends on the level of banking development. Increasing this level reduces the negative consequences of the natural resource curse. Therefore, policymakers should proactively encourage credit to enable the banking sector to play a more efficient intermediary role in mobilizing domestic savings and channeling them to productive investments. This will help to accumulate permanent productive wealth to enhance any diversification effort and compensate for the decline in natural resource production.
Starch Characteristics Linked to Gluten-Free Products
Authors: Horstmann Stefan , Lynch Kieran , Arendt Elke
Published: April 2017

The increasing prevalence of coeliac disease (CD) and gluten-related disorders has led to increasing consumer demand for gluten-free products with quality characteristics similar to wheat bread. The replacement of gluten in cereal-based products remains a challenge for scientists, due to its unique role in network formation, which entraps air bubbles. When gluten is removed from a flour, starch is the main component left. Starch is used as gelling, thickening, adhesion, moisture-retention, stabilizing, film forming, texturizing and anti-staling ingredient. The extent of these properties varies depending on the starch source. The starches can additionally be modified increasing or decreasing certain properties of the starch, depending on the application. Starch plays an important role in the formulation of bakery products and has an even more important role in gluten-free products. In gluten-free products, starch is incorporated into the food formulation to improve baking characteristics such as the specific volume, colour and crumb structure and texture. This review covers a number of topics relating to starch; including; an overview of common and lesser researched starches; chemical composition; morphology; digestibility; functionality and methods of modification. The emphasis of this review is on starch and its properties with respect to the quality of gluten-free products.