bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation for Occult Fractures in Injured Children
Authors: Wood Joanne N. , French Benjamin , Song Lihai , Feudtner Chris
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVES:

To examine variation across US hospitals in evaluation for occult fractures in (1) children <2 years old diagnosed with physical abuse and (2) infants <1 year old with injuries associated with a high likelihood of abuse and to identify factors associated with such variation.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective study in children <2 years old with a diagnosis of physical abuse and in infants <1 year old with non-motor vehicle crash–related traumatic brain injury or femur fractures discharged from 366 hospitals in the Premier database from 2009 to 2013. We examined across-hospital variation and identified child- and hospital-level factors associated with evaluation for occult fractures.

RESULTS:

Evaluations for occult fractures were performed in 48% of the 2502 children with an abuse diagnosis, in 51% of the 1574 infants with traumatic brain injury, and in 53% of the 859 infants with femur fractures. Hospitals varied substantially with regard to their rates of evaluation for occult fractures in all 3 groups. Occult fracture evaluations were more likely to be performed at teaching hospitals than at nonteaching hospitals (all P < .001). The hospital-level annual volume of young, injured children was associated with the probability of occult fracture evaluation, such that hospitals treating more young, injured patients were more likely to evaluate for occult fractures (all P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Substantial variation in evaluation for occult fractures among young children with a diagnosis of abuse or injuries associated with a high likelihood of abuse highlights opportunities for quality improvement in this vulnerable population.
Trends in Morbidity and Mortality of Extremely Preterm Multiple Gestation Newborns
Authors: Yeo Kee Thai , Lee Qin Ying , Quek Wei Shern , Wang Yueping Alex , Bolisetty Srinivas , Lui Kei ,   for the Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the risk of mortality and major morbidities in extremely preterm multiple gestation infants compared with singletons over time.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective study of 15 402 infants born ≤27 weeks’ gestation, admitted to NICUs in the Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network from 1995 to 2009. Mortality and major morbidities were compared between singletons and multiples across three 5-year epochs.

RESULTS:

Extreme preterm multiples were more likely to have lower birth weight; higher maternal age; and higher rates of assisted conception, antenatal steroid use, and cesarean delivery compared with singletons. The mortality rate was significantly higher in multiples compared with singletons even as there was a trend of decreasing gestational-age stratified mortality in multiples over the time period investigated. The rates of major morbidities or composite adverse outcomes were not different between multiples and singletons across all epochs. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for mortality in multiples was significantly higher in multiples compared with singletons (AOR 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.34). There were no differences in the adjusted odds for poor outcomes in multiples compared with singletons in the most recent epoch: mortality (AOR 1.00, 95% CI 0.84–1.19), major morbidity (0.95, 95% CI 0.81–1.10), and composite adverse outcome (0.96, 95% CI 0.83–1.11).

CONCLUSIONS:

Over the 15-year period, the odds for mortality in extremely preterm NICU infants of multiple gestation was significantly higher compared with singletons. The adjusted odds of poor outcomes in multiples were not significantly different from that of singletons in the most recent epoch.
Use of Temporary Names for Newborns and Associated Risks
Authors: Adelman Jason , Aschner Judy , Schechter Clyde , Angert Robert , Weiss Jeffrey , Rai Amisha , Berger Matthew , Reissman Stan , Parakkattu Vibin , Chacko Bejoy , Racine Andrew , Southern William
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND:

Because there can be no delay in providing identification wristbands to newborns, some hospitals assign newborns temporary first names such as Babyboy or Babygirl. These nondistinct naming conventions result in a large number of patients with similar identifiers in NICUs. To determine the level of risk associated with nondistinct naming conventions, we performed an intervention study to evaluate if assigning distinct first names at birth would result in a reduction in wrong-patient errors.

METHODS:

We conducted a 2-year before/after implementation study to examine the effect of a distinct naming convention that incorporates the mother’s first name into the newborn’s first name (eg, Wendysgirl) on the incidence of wrong-patient errors. We used the Retract-and-Reorder (RAR) tool, an established, automated tool for detecting the outcome of wrong-patient electronic orders. The RAR tool identifies orders placed on a patient that are retracted within 10 minutes and then placed by the same clinician on a different patient within the next 10 minutes.

RESULTS:

The reduction in RAR events post- versus preintervention was 36.3%. After accounting for clusters of orders within order sessions, the odds ratio of an RAR event post- versus preintervention was 0.64 (95% confidence interval: 0.42–0.97).

CONCLUSIONS:

The study results suggest that nondistinct naming conventions are associated with an increased risk of wrong-patient errors and that this risk can be mitigated by changing to a more distinct naming convention.
Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm in a Child With Status Asthmaticus
Authors: Beach Cheyenne , Marcuccio Elisa , Beerman Lee , Arora Gaurav
Published: July 2015

Acute asthma exacerbations occur relatively frequently in children. We present the case of a 4-year-old boy who was admitted to our hospital in status asthmaticus and found to have a wide complex rhythm while being treated with inhaled albuterol and intravenous methylprednisolone. This rhythm was diagnosed as accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR), which carries a benign prognosis. It resolved as the medications used to treat his asthma exacerbation were weaned. There was no ventricular ectopy seen on a 24-hour Holter monitor performed 3 months after his hospitalization, suggesting that the AIVR was related to the medications the patient was receiving at the time. This case suggests that albuterol may be a risk factor for the development of AIVR and highlights the importance of recognizing this rhythm to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful therapies.
Public Perceptions of the Benefits and Risks of Newborn Screening
Authors: Miller Fiona A. , Hayeems Robin Z. , Bombard Yvonne , Cressman Céline , Barg Carolyn J. , Carroll June C. , Wilson Brenda J. , Little Julian , Allanson Judith , Chakraborty Pranesh , Giguère Yves , Regier Dean A.
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND:

Growing technological capacity and parent and professional advocacy highlight the need to understand public expectations of newborn population screening.

METHODS:

We administered a bilingual (French, English) Internet survey to a demographically proportional sample of Canadians in 2013 to assess preferences for the types of diseases to be screened for in newborns by using a discrete choice experiment. Attributes were: clinical benefits of improved health, earlier time to diagnosis, reproductive risk information, false-positive (FP) results, and overdiagnosed infants. Survey data were analyzed with a mixed logit model to assess preferences and trade-offs among attributes, interaction between attributes, and preference heterogeneity.

RESULTS:

On average, respondents were favorable toward screening. Clinical benefits were the most important outcome; reproductive risk information and early diagnosis were also valued, although 8% disvalued early diagnosis, and reproductive risk information was least important. All respondents preferred to avoid FP results and overdiagnosis but were willing to accept these to achieve moderate clinical benefit, accepting higher rates of harms to achieve significant benefit. Several 2-way interactions between attributes were statistically significant: respondents were willing to accept a higher FP rate for significant clinical benefit but preferred a lower rate for moderate benefit; similarly, respondents valued early diagnosis more when associated with significant rather than moderate clinical benefit.

CONCLUSIONS:

Members of the public prioritized clinical benefits for affected infants and preferred to minimize harms. These findings suggest support for newborn screening policies prioritizing clinical benefits over solely informational benefits, coupled with concerted efforts to avoid or minimize harms.
Guidelines for the Management of Extremely Premature Deliveries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Guillén Úrsula , Weiss Elliott M. , Munson David , Maton Pierre , Jefferies Ann , Norman Mikael , Naulaers Gunnar , Mendes Joana , Justo da Silva Lincoln , Zoban Petr , Hansen Thor W.R. , Hallman Mikko , Delivoria-Papadopoulos Maria , Hosono Shigeharu , Albersheim Susan G. , Williams Constance , Boyle Elaine , Lui Kei , Darlow Brian , Kirpalani Haresh
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Available data on survival rates and outcomes of extremely low gestational age (GA) infants (22–25 weeks’ gestation) display wide variation by country. Whether similar variation is found in statements by national professional bodies is unknown. The objectives were to perform a systematic review of management from scientific and professional organizations for delivery room care of extremely low GA infants.

METHODS:

We searched Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar for management guidelines on perinatal care. Countries were included if rated by the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Index as “very highly developed.” The primary outcome was rating of recommendations from “comfort care” to “active care.” Secondary outcomes were specifying country-specific survival and considering potential for 3 biases: limitations of GA assessment; bias from different definitions of stillbirths and live births; and bias from the use of different denominators to calculate survival.

RESULTS:

Of 47 highly developed countries, 34 guidelines from 23 countries and 4 international groups were identified. Of these, 3 did not state management recommendations. Of the remaining 31 guidelines, 21 (68%) supported comfort care at 22 weeks’ gestation, and 20 (65%) supported active care at 25 weeks’ gestation. Between 23 and 24 weeks’ gestation, much greater variation was seen. Seventeen guidelines cited national survival rates. Few guidelines discussed potential biases: limitations in GA (n = 17); definition bias (n = 3); and denominator bias (n = 7).

CONCLUSIONS:

Although there is a wide variation in recommendations (especially between 23 and 24 weeks’ GA), there is general agreement for comfort care at 22 weeks’ GA and active care at 25 weeks’ GA.
Late Diagnosis of Coarctation Despite Prenatal Ultrasound and Postnatal Pulse Oximetry
Authors: Lannering Katarina , Bartos Marie , Mellander Mats
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVES:

To determine what contribution prenatal ultrasound screening and neonatal pulse oximetry screening (POS) make to the timely diagnosis of neonatal coarctation of the aorta (CoA).

METHODS:

We identified infants and fetuses diagnosed with isolated CoA in our referral area between 2003 and 2012 who died without surgery, underwent surgical repair before 2 months of age, or were terminated after a prenatal diagnosis. Clinical data were collected from hospital charts.

RESULTS:

Only 3 of the 90 cases were diagnosed prenatally. Two of the 3 were born alive and in 1 case the couple opted for termination of pregnancy. Nineteen of the remaining 87 cases were born in units that used POS (hand and foot) and 4 of 19 screened positive. Of the remaining 83 cases, 46 were discharged undiagnosed (7 after nondiagnostic echocardiography), including 9 with a murmur and weak femoral pulses and 8 with a murmur and normal pulses. One was diagnosed postmortem after dying at home, and 22 of the remaining 45 discharged infants were in circulatory failure on readmission. Five of the patients who were not discharged died without surgery and undiagnosed CoA was the most probable cause of death in 2 of these patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

The contribution of prenatal ultrasound screening and postnatal POS to the timely diagnosis of CoA was low. Careful physical examination of all newborns therefore continues to play a fundamental role in detecting this life-threatening cardiac defect, and better screening methods need to be developed.
Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices For Stroke Prevention
Authors: Kapur Sunil , Mansour Moussa
Published: July 2015

Cardioembolic stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the prominent source of clot formation. While systemic anticoagulation is the current standard of care, anticoagulants carry many contraindications and possible complications. Techniques for elimination of the LAA are in various stages of development and early clinical use. In the coming years, accumulating data will help guide the management of AF patients at risk of bleeding as well as potentially become first-line therapy to reduce the risk of thromboembolic stroke. The purpose of this article is to review current endovascular and epicardial catheter-based LAA occlusion devices and the clinical data supporting their use.
The Potential Role of Edoxaban in Stroke Prevention Guidelines
Authors: Plunkett Oliver , Lip Gregory YH
Published: July 2015

With the emergence of edoxaban, the oral factor Xa inhibitors now appear consolidated as the dominant class of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). The oral factor Xa inhibitors do not require an adequate time in therapeutic range to be effective, presenting a potential advantage over the vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Guidelines are changing to reflect the increased choice of anticoagulants and as clinicians move away from the VKAs towards the relative safety and efficacy of NOACs, they must consider which one offers the best therapy for their patient. The ENGAGE-AF study was the latest phase III trial to report on the safety and efficacy of a new factor Xa inhibitor relative to warfarin. Both edoxaban 60mg once daily, and edoxaban 30mg once daily were found to be non-inferior compared to warfarin for the prevention of ischaemic stroke and systemic embolism, being associated with significantly lower rates of major bleeding, intracranial haemorrhage and cardiovascular death. A two-tiered dosing option may present clinicians with a further element of choice for the individual patient.
ThermoCool® SmartTouch® Catheter – The Evidence So Far for Contact Force Technology and the Role of VisiTag™ Module
Authors: Lin Tina , Ouyang Feifan , Kuck Karl-Heinz , Tilz Roland
Published: July 2015

Catheter ablation has become an important modality in the treatment of most cardiac arrhythmias. In recent years there has been significant development of new ablation energies and technologies in an attempt to improve clinical outcomes and decrease disease burden. Ablation failure is often associated with inadequate lesion formation, and catheter-to-myocardial contact force (CF) and catheter stability are two of the parameters required to produce effective lesions during radiofrequency energy application. Recently, CF sensing catheters and tagging modules have been developed to give operators realtime data on catheter force and stability. This review describes the novel ThermoCool® SmartTouch® Catheter (Biosense Webster Inc., CA, US) and VisiTag Module (Biosense Webster Inc., CA, US) software, and discusses the results of several studies on CF and catheter stability during mapping and ablation of the left atrium and ventricle from our electrophysiology laboratory. We assess the short- and longer-term outcomes during mapping and ablation with and without CF data, as well as the use of the VisiTag Module™ software, which allows the evaluation of multiple parameters of lesion formation, then integrates and displays this as automatic tags in a relatively objective way.
The Promise of Leadless Pacing: Based on Presentations at Nanostim Sponsored Symposium Held at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2013, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2 September 2013
Authors: Mountfort Katrina , Knops Reinoud , Sperzel Johannes , Neuzil Petr
Published: July 2015

Pacemaker technologies have advanced dramatically over the decades since they were first introduced, and every year many thousands of new implants are performed worldwide. However, there continues to be a high incidence of acute and chronic complications, most of which are linked to the lead or the surgical pocket created to hold the device. A leadless pacemaker offers the possibility of bypassing these complications, but requires a catheter-based delivery system and a means of retrieval at the end of the device’s life, as well as a way of repositioning to achieve satisfactory pacing thresholds and R waves, a communication system and low peak energy requirements. A completely self-contained leadless pacemaker has recently been developed, and its key characteristics are discussed, along with the results of an efficacy and safety trial in an animal model. The results of the LEADLESS study, the first human trial to look at safety and feasibility of the leadless device, are discussed and the possible implications for future clinical practice examined.
Differences in Outcomes and Indications between Sapien and CoreValve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Prostheses
Authors: Noorani Alia , Bapat Vinayak ,   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Papworth Hospital, Cambridge,   Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK. E: vnbapat@yahoo.com
Published: July 2015

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a suitable alternative to surgical valve replacement for patients with severe, symptomatic, calcified aortic stenosis and a background of co-morbidities, which can make surgery a high-risk option. It has also evolved as an alternative for degenerative prosthetic heart valve disease. Since the inception of TAVI in 2002, the two main devices in routine clinical use are the Edwards Sapien valve (since 2006) and the Medtronic CoreValve (since 2007). The more recent Sapien XT valve and Sapien 3 have been in clinical use since 2010 and 2013, respectively. In addition to registry data on these devices, there are a number of completed and ongoing randomised controlled trials, including one comparing the two devices. The aim of this article is to discuss the differences in indications and outcomes between these two prostheses.
Risks of Stroke After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft – Recent Insights and Perspectives
Authors: Palmerini Tullio , Savini Carlo ,   Dipartimento Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare, Unità Operativa di Cardiologia, Policlinico S. Orsola, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy. E: tulliopalmerini@hotmail.com,   Dipartimento Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare, Unità Operativa di Cardiochirurgia, Policlinico S. Orsola, Bologna, Italy,   Dipartimento Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare, Unità Operativa di Cardiochirurgia, Policlinico S. Orsola, Bologna, Italy
Published: July 2015

Stroke is one of the most devastating complications after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, entailing permanent disability, a 3–6 fold increased risk of mortality, an incremental hospital resource consumption and a longer length of hospital stay. Notwithstanding advances in surgical, anaesthetic and medical management across the last 10 years, the risk of stroke after CABG has not significantly declined, likely because an older and sicker population is now deemed suitable to undergo CABG. The pathogenesis of stroke is multifactorial, but two variables are believed to play a major role – cerebral embolisation of atheromatous debris arising from the ascending aorta during surgical manipulation and hypoperfusion during surgery. Identification of vulnerable patients at increased risk of stroke before CABG is of paramount importance for the surgical decision-making approach and informed consent. Several models including demographic, clinical and procedural variables have been developed to risk-stratify the hazard of stroke in patients undergoing CABG, but identification of severe atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta and pre-existing cerebrovascular disease are key determinants for appropriate risk stratification and decision-making. Atherosclerotic disease of the ascending aorta can be identified before surgery using transoesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. However, intra-operative ultrasound scanning of the ascending aorta is the diagnostic tool with the best sensitivity and specificity for the detection of atheromatous debris in the ascending aorta. Although many investigators have advocated the use of off-pump CABG to minimise the risk of peri-operative stroke, results from randomised trials and meta-analyses have been inconsistent. Anaortic approaches, including total arterial revascularisation within situgrafting of both mammary arteries, or the use of the HEARTSTRING® seal device avoid any manipulation of the aorta, thus potentially minimising the risk of stroke in high-risk patients. Assessment and treatment of severe carotid artery disease, and aggressive and prompt treatment of post-operative atrial fibrillation are other important strategies that should be routinely implemented to reduce the risk of stroke in patients undergoing CABG.
Mas allá del síntoma. Algunos apuntes sobre el tratamiento del trastorno de Déficit atencional con hiperactividad
Authors: Fernández Vásquez Daniel
Published: July 2015

La concepción y el tratamiento habituales del Trastorno de déficit atencional con hiperactividad, principalmente guiados por el DSM-IV, han llegado a causar distintos fenómenos clínicos y sociales en el diagnóstico de este. La perspectiva psicoanalítica del síntoma y la línea que lleva este tipo de clínica pueden brindar una opción que logra curar al paciente cuyos síntomas son ubicados dentro de este trastorno, evitando las faltas que puede traer el intento de normalización hacia el que nos guían las terapias basadas en el DSM-IV o en el cambio de conductas.
Comparison of Oral Health–Related Quality of Life among Schoolchildren with and without Cleft Lip and/or Palate
Authors: Kortelainen Terhi , Tolvanen Mimmi , Luoto Anni , Ylikontiola Leena P. , Sándor George K. , Lahti Satu
Published: July 2015

Objective

The aim was to compare the oral health–related quality of life among 11- to 14-year-old patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) and schoolchildren without CLP. The validity and reliability of the Finnish Child Perception Questionnaire designed for 11- to 14-year-olds (CPQ11-14) was also assessed.

Design and Subjects

Participants in this cross-sectional questionnaire survey study were children aged 11 to 14 years from two groups. The CLP sample included all children of this age who had had CLP selected from the regional treatment register (N = 51). The school sample included children from four school classes (N = 82). Informed consent from parents was obtained. Ethical clearance and parental informed consent were obtained.

Main Outcome Measures

Oral health–related quality of life was measured with the CPQ11-14.

Results

The CPQ11-14 total and oral symptoms, functional limitations, emotional well-being, and social well-being subscores were poorer among patients with CLP than among schoolchildren without CLP (mean scores: 55.5 versus 15.0; 11.9 versus 5.1; 14.0 versus 2.8; 12.6 versus 4.2; and 17.1 versus 2.9, respectively; all P < .001 for Mann-Whitney tests). Cronbach alpha value was 0.97 for total scale and between 0.81 and 0.94 for subscales. Among all children in the school sample, intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.79 for total scale and varied between 0.65 and 0.74 for subscales.

Conclusion

The oral health–related quality of life of Finnish children with CLP was considerably poorer than that of their peers in overall and all dimensions, especially social well-being. The CPQ11-14 showed appropriate reliability and validity.
Postnatal Pancraniosynostosis in a Patient with Infantile Hypophosphatasia
Authors: Nahabet Edward H. , Gatherwright James , Vockley Jerry , Henderson Nadene , Tomei Krystal L. , Grigorian Adriana P. , Kaminski Beth , Bass Nancy , Selman Warren R. , Lakin Gregory E.
Published: July 2015

Hypophosphatasia is a rare metabolic bone disorder that predisposes patients to craniosynostosis. Typically, patients born with hypophosphatasia will exhibit fused cranial sutures at birth. This is the first reported case of delayed onset of pancraniosynostosis in a patient with infantile hypophosphatasia. The severity of onset and delayed presentation in this patient are of interest and should give pause to those care providers who treat and evaluate patients with hypophosphatasia.
Congenital Tongue Mass with Concomitant Cleft Palate and Bifid Tongue: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hiebert Jared C. , Johnson Adam B. , Tran H. Henry , Yu Zhongxin , Glade Robert S.
Published: July 2015

A case report of a congenital, lingual, salivary gland choristoma with bifid tongue and cleft palate is presented. The patient was born with airway obstruction in supine positioning. Laryngoscopy revealed a midline tongue mass that extended into the hypopharyx and pathological examination showed a congenital ectopic salivary gland. The bifid tongue was repaired at the time of surgical excision. Literature review revealed nine additional cases of congenital lingual mass, bifid tongue, and cleft palate. The most common tongue mass reported was hamartoma (40%), but the differential diagnoses include hamartoma, teratoma, and salivary choristoma.
Modern concepts to save marine structures
Authors: Hold Steve
Published: July 2015

It has always been a challenge obtaining funding for maintaining large civil engineering heritage structures that do not produce revenue and therefore are sometimes looked on as a ‘financial nuisance’ by their custodian organisations. In recent years, the author has encouraged clients to employ several modern methods for visualising some marine heritage structures with difficult access and geometry. One of these magnificent structures is Gorey Pier in Jersey where the use of light detection and ranging surveys allowed virtual models of the structure to be made that initially helped illustrate the engineering degradation that had occurred over many years, and showed graphically what would happen to the structure if no intervention was undertaken. There was also a need to obtain funding for detailed investigations into the history and evolution of the structure and to gather intrusive investigation data to understand what was causing the current level of damage. Once the simple visual interpretations had been understood and accepted by the client the focus was turned towards the design and strengthening techniques to be used. Previous positive experience ‘secretly’ strengthening other similar marine heritage structures in Jersey coupled with first principles of engineering allowed a solution to be reached that will prolong the life of this monument.
Flexural properties of composite gypsum partition panel
Authors: Aghaee Kamran , Yazdi Mohammad Ali , Yang Jian
Published: July 2015

Bending tests were conducted on prismatic samples of gypsum panels with a core of textile waste fibres. The samples were prepared by confining the waste textile fibres with glass fibre mesh (GFM). The dimensions of the fibre core and the type of mesh employed were used as variables to obtain optimal flexural strength and energy absorption capability. The test results revealed that the gypsum panels with a central core of textile waste fibres have high ductility and high energy absorption capacity. It was concluded that using textile waste materials and GFMs embedded in gypsum can produce three-layer partitions and reduce the landfilling of textile wastes.
Field validation of fibre Bragg grating sensors for measuring strain on driven steel piles
Authors: Doherty P. , Igoe D. , Murphy G. , Gavin K. , Preston J. , McAVOY C. , Byrne B. W. , Mcadam R. , Burd H. J. , Houlsby G. T. , Martin C. M. , Zdravković L. , Taborda D. M. G. , Potts D. M. , Jardine R. J. , Sideri M. , Schroeder F. C. , Muir Wood A. , Kallehave D. , Skov Gretlund J.
Published: July 2015

In recent years, fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have emerged as a relatively new strain sensing technology for civil engineering applications. This paper presents a field trial to assess the feasibility of using FBG sensor arrays to measure strain in driven steel piles. Two FBG arrays were installed in grooves within the wall of an open-ended steel pile such that the finished profile was completely flush with the pile shaft. The pile was then driven into a dense sand deposit using an impact hammer to provide the required installation energy. The FBG gauges were monitored throughout driving in conjunction with accelerometers to quantify the scale of the hammer impacts. The FBG sensors were subjected to hammer blows that yielded pile accelerations between 500 g and 1400 g during installation. The fibre optic sensors were measured throughout driving, where they were observed to respond to the hammer impacts, showing a rapid increase in strain and a return to their initial values between hammer strikes. After installation, a lateral load test was performed with independent load measuring devices. Excellent agreement was observed between the measured moments and those inferred from the FBG strain output. The output of this trial demonstrates that FBG strain sensors are a viable means of measuring load transfer in foundation systems and are suitably robust to withstand high pile driving accelerations.
Performance evaluations of PSC panel from impact-induced fire loading
Authors: Yi Na-Hyun , Lee Sang-Won , Choi Seung-Jai , Kim Jang-Ho Jay
Published: July 2015

Since the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks in 2001, terror bombings, military attacks and man-made disasters have frequently induced impacts, explosions and fire on civil infrastructure. However, research into the structural behaviour of major prestressed concrete (PSC) infrastructure (e.g. bridges, tunnels, prestressed concrete containment vessels (PCCVs) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks) under extreme loading is limited due to the difficulties involved in conducting studies on instantaneous extreme loading scenarios. In particular, research into possible secondary fire scenarios on concrete structures after a bomb explosion or accidental collision has not been performed, while most previous research is related to extreme isolated loading scenarios on structures. Due to a great deal of public concern and anxiety over potential collision accidents on major infrastructure, a study on PSC structural behaviour from an impact-induced fire scenario was undertaken. Bi-directional PSC panels of size 1400 × 1000 × 300 mm subjected to a 430 kN prestressing force using unbonded prestressing thread bars were tested for an impact–fire loading scenario. More specifically, using a drop weight test facility in Korea, tests were performed using a 14 kN impactor with drop heights of 10 m and 3·5 m to apply impact loading to the PSC panels. RABT fire loading was then applied to the impact-damaged PSC panels. After the impact–fire test, a three-point line loading test was performed on various undamaged and damaged reinforced concrete and PSC panels to evaluate and compare their residual bending strengths. The results obtained from the study can be used as basic data for the protective design of PSC panel structures such as PCCVs and LNG tanks for real impact accident scenarios.
Educación personalizada a través de e-Learning
Authors: Mojarro Ángel , Rodrigo Daniel , Etchegaray Centeno María Celia
Published: July 2015

En el proceso de renovación en los estilos de aprendizaje que ofrece el avance e implantación de las nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación, especialmente en el ámbito educativo, estamos siendo testigos de las diferentes formas de acceder al conocimiento y de las nuevas metodologías de aprendizaje. Nos encontramos en una etapa en la que el alumnado, el profesorado y las aulas cuentan con una elevada tasa de productos tecnológicos que complementan los procesos educativos más tradicionales, que apoyados en la web, han favorecido la proliferación de nuevos mecanismos para el acceso al conocimiento. En el presente trabajo se pretende analizar las buenas prácticas desarrolladas en la educación a medida de cada alumno a través de e-Learning facilitando las inteligencias múltiples y las posibilidades que ofrece el aprendizaje móvil. De la misma forma se pretende comparar las ventajas del aprendizaje personalizado en torno a tres grandes bloques: la eliminación de la brecha digital, la relación que guarda con las inteligencias múltiples y el aprendizaje móvil.
Estereotipos, tópicos y lenguaje de la programación sensacionalista en la televisión: programa «Corazón» de TVE
Authors: Romero-Rodríguez Luis M. , De Casas Moreno Patricia , Torres Toukoumidis Ángel
Published: July 2015

La televisión es considerada como un instrumento socializador, moderador de conciencias, y sobre todo, protagonista de la creación de la opinión crítica de la audiencia en programas relacionados con la vida social de las figuras más reconocidas en la actualidad sensacionalista. A raíz de la emisión de este tipo de programas suelen plantearse cuestiones como los efectos negativos al establecerse estereotipos y tópicos por el exceso de consumo de programas de crónica rosa y de dependencia del medio por parte la audiencia a no dejar de verlo. Existen pocos estudios realizados en cuanto a la recreación de mitos y estereotipos, así como el análisis del lenguaje de los programas relacionados con la crónica rosa. En este sentido, el presente trabajo será el punto de partida de futuras propuestas para mejorar el consumo televisivo y así optimizar la creación de la percepción crítica de los telespectadores. A par tir de los criterios y bases de estudio seleccionados, se pretende medir, usando una metodología cualitativa basada en la observación no participante y el análisis del discurso, con sus codificaciones previas, el programa «Corazón» de TVE con el objetivo de obtener resultados concretos que validen la repercusión mediática de este tipo de programas de prensa rosa, y a su vez el papel de los famosos y los informadores como protagonistas de la noticia.
DETERMINACIÓN POR PCR EN TIEMPO REAL DE Escherichia coli EN MUESTRAS DE COMIDA RÁPIDA
Authors: Chiluisa Utreras Viviana , Coba Jorge , Echeverría Andrea
Published: July 2015

En la presente investigación se analizaron muestras de alimentos expendidos en las calles aledañas a la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Sede El Girón y se determinó la presencia de Escherichia coli mediante la técnica de PCR en Tiempo Real con una comprobación microbiológica en tres establecimientos de comida rápida más concurridos por la comunidad de estudiantes de las Universidades cercanas. Para lograr un análisis estadístico confiable, se analizaron alrededor de 15 muestras de alimentos por cada uno de los establecimientos con diferentes productos. Se elaboró un protocolo para la cuantificación de la muestras, utilizando una curva estándar para E. coli. Los análisis microbiológicos se realizaron por un método estándar convencional por cultivo en medios específicos (EMB, Mckonkey) y la PCR en tiempo real con un diseño de primers específicos y el kit de LC FS DNA MasterˆPLUS HY-Pb, 96 react. (Roche Diagnostics). Con la PCR se aisló E. coli en el 100 % de las muestras, mientras que por el método convencional se detectó tan solo el 53,36 %. La prueba de χ2 mostró significancia estadística entre ambas técnicas. El método molecular reveló un total de 100 % de casos positivos en los alimentos expendidos en los tres establecimientos de comida rápida que presentaron mayor contaminación por E.coli, mientras que a través del método convencional se obtuvieron en: hamburguesas 40 %, shawarmas 66.7 % y pinchos 53.3 % de casos positivos respectivamente. Se observó además diferencias con respecto al tiempo empleado por cada una de las técnicas: la PCR permite obtener resultados mucho más sensibles, rápidos y específicos, en comparación con el método convencional de cultivos celulares. Mediante la curva estándar se logró cuantificar la cantidad de ADN en cada muestra.
Valor nutritivo de las materias primas empleadas en la alimentación de bovinos de leche en ganaderías del cantón Cayambe
Authors: Bonifaz Nancy , Gutiérrez Francisco
Published: July 2015

Es común que la alimentación de los animales en crianza en un hato lechero sea subestimada y conlleve a deficiencias nutricionales que se reflejan en bajas ganancias de peso, animales sin el peso adecuado al primer servicio (16-18 meses de edad) y baja producción de leche cuando alcanzan su etapa productiva. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar la calidad nutricional de las principales materias primas que se emplean en la alimentación de bovinos lecheros del cantón Cayambe. Las materias primas se evaluaron en función de la composición química, parámetros de consumo y relación calidad, consumo, ganancia de peso y costo. Esta información puede contribuir a toma de decisiones de manejo y al cumplimiento de objetivos nutricionales o productivos específicos. La crianza de los animales de remplazo en los sistemas productivos ganaderos es de gran importancia ya que de ellos depende la continuidad y mejoramiento del hato.
Los Derechos Humanos en el franquismo
Authors: Ruiz Resa Josefa Dolores
Published: July 2015

Durante el régimen franquista se reconocieron, en diversos textos jurídicos como el Fuero del Trabajo (1938) o el Fuero de los Españoles (1945), una serie de derechos. Entre ellos se encuentran, por ejemplo, el derecho al trabajo, a participar en las funciones públicas, entre otros. En este artículo se hace una revisión histórica con el objetivo de determinar sobre qué presupuestos ideológicos se basó la concepción de los derechos durante el franquismo, cómo se justificó su reconocimiento en una dictadura que se había declarado contraria a las doctrinas modernas que habían servido para reivindicar los derechos humanos (es decir, el constitucionalismo, el liberalismo político o la socialdemocracia), y con qué diseño y alcance legal fueron reconocidos aquellos derechos.
Entre la Seguridad Democrática y la Legalidad Democrática. Políticas Constitucionales y la reelección presidencial en Colombia
Authors: Boesten Jan
Published: July 2015

This paper presents an analysis of the political and legal debate of the declaration of unconstitutionality of the referendum that sought the re-election presidential second term in 2010. On the other hand, it exposes the debate between those who spoke of bias and political argument in the court ruling related to the idea of “democratic security”; while others speak of the persistence of “democratic legality” consisting of autonomy guaranteed legal reasoning from deliberative processes. Finally, it is noted that the degree of institutionalization of discourse of the Court is an important factor that speaks in favor of it’s independence.
Indicadores Doing Business como tecnología de gobernanza global sobre la administración de justicia en Colombia
Authors: Sánchez Robinson
Published: July 2015

El uso de indicadores como tecnología de gobernanza global ha posibilitado la incorporación y consolidación en los diferentes Estados de la ideología e intereses de actores públicos y privados con capacidad de ejercerla. Este es el caso de la Administración de Justicia en Colombia, donde el Grupo Banco Mundial, a través de sus indicadores Doing Business, ha justificado un discurso sobre la ineficiencia del sistema judicial y la necesidad de reformarlo. Con ello, el gobierno nacional, actuando al tiempo como governed y promulgator de estos indicadores, propuso una reforma constitucional que entregaba la función jurisdiccional a particulares y funcionarios diferentes a los jueces para resolver dicha situación. Pero el ejercicio de contestación adelantado por el Consejo Superior de la Judicatura y de algunas organizaciones de actores sociales de la Administración de Justicia logró una importante movilización ciudadana de indignación, que obligó al archivo de la reforma. Hoy existen condiciones para continuar el debate sobre la administración de justicia que necesita el país, pero la fuerza del Grupo Banco Mundial como governor impide escaparse de su trabajo de gobernanza global; aunque sí se posibilita la incorporación de nuevas agendas sociales y políticas que diversifiquen la discusión sobre el sistema judicial colombiano y permitan la regulación en las mediciones del mismo.
La odisea roja. Varias líneas al retrato político de Jorge Vivó d’Escoto
Authors: Jeifets Víctor , Jeifets Lazar
Published: July 2015

Despite of the partial opening of the archives of the Communist International, there are still many white spots in history of international communism and of a number of national Communist Parties. This is due to the fact that information about the activities of many militants and leaders of the left-wing groups and parties is not readily available to the general public. The Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), the only ruling communist party in Latin America, did not manage to avoid this problem either. The paper intents to narrow the gap by revealing some of the main events in the life and political activities of Jorge A. Vivó d’Escoto , a “forgotten Secretary-General” who was at the top of PCC in the beginning of the 1930s. The paper also describes his role in the development of Central American, Colombian, and Mexican left-wing parties. The article is based on the analysis of a vast quantity of primary sources from Russian and Mexican archives.
La crónica del desencanto en la obra Sensaciones de Japón y China de Arturo Ambrogi
Authors: Navarro Álvaro Martín
Published: July 2015

When Arturo Ambrogi visited Japan in the early twentieth century, he did not go as a diplomat, a journalist, or a writer. He went as a chronicler, an adventurer, and an observer. Hence, Ambrogi could perceive and narrate elements that other Latin American writers, who also shared their stories of Japan, could not. The chronicles of Ambrogi is not another vision of Japan as an “exotic” country that match a typical collective imagination of the time, but they are about a country that shows progressive transformations towards becoming an industrial empire and a tourist destination. The chronicles also set down the roots of an empire which culture is westernized through fashion and vulgarity.
Choosing to comply with the U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement. Factors leading to state compliance
Authors: González Segovia Octavio
Published: July 2015

State compliance with international commitments is uneven. However, the perception of which countries will and will not comply and to what extent can be biased. Some scholars assume that the U.S. will abide by the India-U.S. 123 civil nuclear agreement, which main objective is to supply India with nuclear fuel. At the same time, some other researchers doubt that India would honor its respective commitments, namely, to maintain safeguard measures in its nuclear facilities. The present study expands the knowledge of the factors affecting compliance within the realm of nuclear trade by analyzing a non-binding instrument negotiated between two asymmetrical actors. Drawing on Peter Haas’ compliance theories, the author analyzes the incidence as well as the relevance of international institutional and ideational factors which, in combination with domestic politics and structures, can influence the actor’s decision to comply. The paper’s findings suggest that India can be expected to more fully comply with the provisions of the treaty than the United States. Depending on whether certain institutional or ideational factor intervenes, Washington is either not capable or is not willing to comply. Its will to comply could be affected, inter alia, by important domestic actors concerned with the application of the Hyde Act, as evidenced during the ratification process. Therefore, contrary to the mainstream view, the 123 Agreement neither enables India to achieve energy security nor ends thirty-four years of nuclear isolation.
La ciencia política como disciplina universitaria en Colombia
Authors: Duque Daza Javier
Published: July 2015

This paper analyzes the current state of political science as an academic discipline in Colombia. Considering the concept of institutionalization as a departure point, the author examines five discipline components, namely, the development of teaching, educators, research, publications, and the recent emergence of a profession association as well as the implementation of the first national congress. The author identifies strengths and weaknesses of the Colombia’s recent institutionalization process and shows that the process has been uneven with regard to different Colombian universities.  As it turned out, in Colombia, political science is a discipline developed primarily at private institutions, with a limited admission rates but with high concentration of research, doctoral training, and the number of academic publications.
China in Latin America: a follow-up on the development of the relations
Authors: Creutzfeldt Benjamin
Published: July 2015

This paper examines five recently published books that deal with the issue of Chinese relations with the Americas between 2011 and 2014. The author shows that the books provide evidence of a steady China’s interest to Latin America and the Caribbean as well as a scale-up of diplomatic relationships and bilateral trade of commodities. At the same time, the ability of Latin American countries to provide an effective response to the Chinese attempts to use the bilateral arrangements in order to strengthen its participation in regional organizations is rather weak. This scenario allows a progressive and effective impact of China in the region to continue. The author argues that the way to better understand China’s relations with Latin America is via a multidisciplinary approach, which is not limited by the boundaries of one discipline or a research area only. Besides, it is important to take into account that -additionally to commerce and trade- China´s interaction within Latin America and the Caribbean also involves cultural, social, political, and global dimensions.
La inserción al Asia-Pacífico, oportunidades y desafíos para el Valle del Cauca y la región pacífica colombiana
Authors: Coutin Ricardo
Published: July 2015

This paper discusses challenges and opportunities for the Valle del Cauca department and the Colombian Pacific Region with regards to its incidence in the Asia-Pacific basin. The aim of the author is three-fold: firstly, to briefly analyze the trade and economic context of the interactions between Asia- Pacific region and Latin America, placing a special emphasis on Colombia and the other three countries members of the Pacific Alliance; second, to explain the opportunities and the challenges that the Valle del Cauca department and the Colombian Pacific Region face following the formation of the Pacific Alliance trading block; and third, to inquire into the topics of productivity and competitiveness in the Valle del Cauca department and its business environment. The author argues that, when compared to the other members of the Pacific Alliance countries, Colombia is far behind in its process of integration with the Asia Pacific basin and calls for the need of applying more widely a subnational approach in order to better understand the dynamics of the interactions between Latin American regions and the Asia-Pacific.