bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Team-Based Learning
Authors: Brannan Lauren R. , Parrish Christopher W. , Szatkowski Hannah D.
Published: December 2018

Team-based learning (TBL) is an instructional approach in which students work collaboratively to solve significant problems. In contrast to other teaching methods, TBL provides a systematic approach in which students are provided consistent opportunities to engage in critical thinking. Although the research about the use of TBL in teacher education is scarce, research has reported a number of positive outcomes from other fields, including increased critical thinking skills and student outcomes. The purpose of this chapter is to describe TBL as an instructional format that can be implemented in teacher preparation programs to facilitate the development of critical thinking skills. It provides an overview of TBL, describes research outcomes related to critical thinking and student outcomes, provides examples of TBL from teacher preparation courses, and provides next steps for teacher educators interested in getting started with TBL.
Relational Action Research on Preservice Teachers' Reflective Thinking and Knowledge Co-Creation
Authors: Wei Zitong
Published: December 2018

When content and pedagogical knowledge are separated, critical thinking is reduced to knowledge and skill acquisition. Due to the complexity of metacognitive activities, research examining the context for and process of critical thinking has been limited. This research presents empirical evidence from a relational and interdisciplinary perspective. In the constructivist and Deweyan view, knowledge is reconstructed through reflections. Given the Chinese relational context and the integrity of early learning, this chapter examines preschool and kindergarten preservice teachers' understandings of teaching and children's thinking. Eight preservice teachers participated in classroom discussions and reflected on their practicum. Findings suggest that when positioning teaching and learning as a relational and social co-constructional process with children, peers, and parents, preservice teachers develop tools for critical thinking and instructional strategies. This research concludes with implications for reconceptualizing both critical thinking and teacher education.
Fostering Critical Literacy and Cosmopolitanism
Authors: Ryman Cynthia K.
Published: December 2018

Literacy is embedded in the context of culture and society. In preparing preservice teachers for their future as agents in social change, understanding the power and potential of critical literacy is necessary. Critical literacy provides the opportunity for dialogue that confronts issues and conceptualizes ways to bring about social change. The value of learning how to utilize discussion strategies to encourage critical literacy is important in all classrooms. This research combines aspects of critical literacy based in social justice, reader response theory, and cosmopolitan ethical criticism in investigating the effects of discussion strategies on fostering critical literacy and cosmopolitanism in an undergraduate children's literature course for preservice teachers. Constant comparative analysis is used to interpret the data and to recommend changes in instructional strategies. The findings and recommendations of this chapter provide valuable insights in assisting literature instructors at all levels in fostering critical literacy.
Critical Ways of Thinking and Learning
Authors: Dahle-Huff Kari , Stutelberg Erin , Bulatowicz Donna Marie
Published: December 2018

It is important for teacher preparation programs to develop 21st century skills, suggested by the Common Core State Standards as necessary for student success, with the pre-service teachers who will be expected to incorporate these skills into their pedagogy. This chapter traces the critical thinking tools practiced in two different pre-service teacher education courses. A commonality between the courses was the use of particular young adult literature novels to explore critical thinking with pre-service teachers. The authors first identify and explicate six critical ways of thinking and learning employed with pre-service teachers. Second, the authors frame critical thinking through the use of multiple narratives with pre-service teachers. All of the critical thinking tools described in the chapter are supported with examples and provide valuable suggestions for teacher preparation programs.
Critical Thinking, Critical Doing
Authors: Husbye Nicholas E. , Rust Julie , Buchholz Beth A. , Wessel Powell Christy , Vander Zanden Sarah
Published: December 2018

This chapter outlines five instructional routines utilized by teacher educators to support the development of not only critical thinking but critical doing for future educators. The five routines—collaborative facilitation, behind-the-glass peer reviews, lesson play, virtual peer coaching, and rehearsals—are both described and expanded in a worked example using data from undergraduate coursework for pre-service teachers in literacy education. Individual routines foreground and background particular elements of the teaching process; however, all maintain an emphasis on critical thinking and doing as a core competency. Importantly, these instructional routines were found to be most effective when (1) preservice teachers are given opportunities to engage in multiple iterations of each routine and (2) preservice teacher doing is surrounded by substantial amounts of teacher educator feedback.
Preservice Teachers' Development and Application of Critical Thinking Skills in a Social Studies Methods Course
Authors: Dallman Dallas Ann , Downey Jayne A.
Published: December 2018

Critical thinking skills are essential in the success of effective citizens. However, it is unclear how well preservice teachers (PTs) are prepared to teach these skills to K-8 students. This chapter investigates the application of PTs' critical thinking skills in a social studies methods course. In addition, it examines how often PTs include critical thinking strategies in their lesson plans. Findings suggest that PTs consider themselves to be critical thinkers. Yet they may lack the tools, skills, and strategies to promote student engagement with critical thinking through rigorous, complex lessons. The authors present a research study and offer strategies to enhance the development of PTs' critical thinking skills. The chapter discusses how to promote the transfer of these skills to K-8 students.
Promoting Critical Thinking Through the Use of Student-Generated Case Studies
Authors: Bernhardt Philip E. , Richmond Aaron S.
Published: December 2018

Often, using case studies as instructional prompts and methods can lead to frustration by both the teacher and the students. This has led many in the field of teacher education to question the utility of this instructional method. The purpose of this chapter is to describe how preservice educators may enhance their critical thinking by learning how to create student-generated case studies. The authors also provide the psychological and educational evidence which supports purports the importance of critical thinking in preservice k-12 education. In this chapter, the authors discuss why student-generated case studies are an effective teaching tool and explain how research on elaborative interrogation and worked examples explains why using student-generated case studies promote critical thinking. Two examples of student-generated case studies are provided (one from elementary and one from secondary education) along with guiding questions and prompts students may use to develop their own effective, elaborative, and worked-example of case studies in a teacher education course.
Using Primary Research Literature to Teach Critical Thinking in Pre-Service Teacher Education
Authors: Wei Wei , Hudson Michelle A. , Cook Anne E.
Published: December 2018

Much of the coursework in pre-service teacher education programs focuses on “best practices” in classroom teaching that span from general pedagogical knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge (e.g., methods, management, assessment, etc.), in addition to supervised practica and student teaching experiences. Given that pre-service (and in-service) education students are being prepared for a career in teaching, coursework should also prepare them to understand, critique, and adapt to changes in best practices that occur over the course of their careers. The authors argue that one of the best ways to prepare students for changes in educational practices is to help them understand where best practices come from in the first place—primary research in education. Reading, thinking critically about, and applying the findings from primary research articles can improve the professional development of pre-service teachers. The goals of this chapter are to 1) provide a review of the benefits of requiring primary research articles as required readings in undergraduate curriculum, 2) underscore the argument for why primary research should be included in pre-service teacher education curriculum, and 3) offer a model for how this could be implemented in a pre-service teacher education curriculum.
Encouraging Preservice Teachers' Critical Thinking Development Through Practitioner Inquiry
Authors: Higgins Mary , Wolkenhauer Rachel
Published: December 2018

This chapter presents findings from a phenomenological study that investigated the experiences of elementary preservice teachers engaged in semester-long inquiries during a yearlong student teaching internship. The authors found that practitioner inquiry was a means to support the critical analysis of teaching practices and classroom experiences. The preservice teachers first identified an aspect of teaching from which they wanted to learn, systematically studied their practices in that area, and transferred that knowledge to other aspects of their teaching. This research supports that practitioner inquiry can be used in teacher education coursework to encourage preservice teachers to take more active roles in their learning to become critical thinkers and to generate knowledge for student learning and professional growth.
Creating Disequilibrium
Authors: Duncan Tisha Admire
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this chapter is to explore how intentional course design and instructional methods used during pre-service learning can build confidence in pre-service teachers, as well as prepare students for real-world experiences and the realities of what being a teacher in today's classroom entails. The chapter will critically examine frameworks used and, in addition, incorporate the perspectives and experiences of the university instructor and pre-service teachers participating in a social studies methods course applying constructivist practices and learner-centered instruction while also addressing the question, How can teachers learn to create effective classroom communities that engage learners in productive, rich, critically based, learning experiences?
KAMU VE ÖZEL İŞLETMELERIN ACIL DURUM PLANLARININ İNCELENMESI ÜZERINE BIR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: BOSTAN Sedat , YILDIZ Eyüp
Published: December 2018

Türkiye’de 2013 yılında İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Kanununa dayanılarak İşyerlerinde Acil Durumlar Hakkında Yönetmelik metni yayımlanmış ve kamu ve özel işletmelerin acil durum planı hazırlamaları zorunlu kılınmıştır. Ancak söz konusu kurumların iş sağlığı ve güvenliği (İSG) hakkındaki düşüncelerinin ne olduğu ve acil durum planı hazırlayıp hazırlamadıkları, hazırlamış olanların planlarının yasal şartları ne ölçüde karşıladığı bilinmemektedir. Bu çalışmada Gümüşhane ve Trabzon illerinde bulunan kamu ve özel işletmelerdeki İSG uzmanları veya kurumun üst düzey yöneticileriyle görüşülüp İSG hakkındaki düşünceleri, uygulamaları ve acil durum planı hazırlayıp hazırlamadıkları tespit edilmeye çalışıldı. Çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanıldı. Çalışmada kullanılan mülakat formu araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlandı. Trabzon ve Gümüşhane’den toplam 31 kamu ve özel işletme ile çalışma yapıldı. Sonuç olarak 31 kurumdan sadece 6 kurumun acil durum planının yasal şartları karşıladığı, 17 kurumun acil durum planı yaptığı ancak yasal şartları tam olarak karşılamadığı ve 8 kurumun acil durum planının olmadığı tespit edildi.
The use of Microsatellite Markers in Genetic Variation Analysis of Some Introduced Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis) Clones Cultivated in Ghana
Authors: Antwi-Wiredu A , Amiteye S. , Asare A. T. , Kusi-Adjei R. , Diawuoh R. G. , Aryee C. O. , Klu G. Y. P.
Published: December 2018

Purpose: Genetic makers are indispensable in the genetic quantification and characterization of plant species of which rubber tree is no exception. Markers have been used severally in genetic identification and diversity analysis of rubber tree species. However, in Ghana genetic diversity and relatedness among introduced rubber tree species are limited. The study is aimed to use microsatellite markers to assess the genetic variability and evaluate genetic relationships among clones of Hevea brasiliensis cultivated in Ghana.Research Method: Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh rubber leaves following the Cetyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) protocol. The five (5) different SSR primers used for the analysis were hmct1, hmac4, hmct5, gSSR212 and gSSR194.Findings: The five SSR markers showed some degree of relatedness among the rubber clones which suggested genetic similarity (IRCA317-5, IRCA41-2, IRCA331-6, IRCA230-4, IRCA109-3, and B8-23) and diversity (K2-18, IRCA840-7, PB217-8, PB217-10, and IRCA317-16) among the clones irrespective of their geographical area of collection.Research Limitation: The unavailability of polivinylpolipyrolidon (PVPP) and polyacrylamide gel (PAGE).Original Value:  The results from the study depict that relatively some rubber clones of interest could be selected for future breeding and propagation programmes in Ghana.
Physiological Characterization and Genetic Diversity Assessment of the Rhizobial Populations Inhabiting Gliricidia sepium in selected Locations of Ampara District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Nawanjana P. W. I. , Rajapakse Sanath
Published: December 2018

Purpose: Gliricidia sepium is a wide spread multipurpose legume plant which is effective in nitrogen fixation and host to many Rhizobial strains.  However, few studies have been carried out to identify and characterize the Rhizobial populations inhabiting G. sepium in Sri Lanka. The main objective of this study was to isolate and identify the stress tolerant Rhizobial strains in G. sepium. Research Method: Root nodules of G. sepium were collected from seven locations in Ampara district, which belongs to dry zone in Sri Lanka. Total of 35 isolates were screened for the tolerance for different pH, salinity, drought conditions and temperatures separately as well as in combinations. Genetic diversity of stress tolerant isolates was assessed using ERIC fingerprinting.Findings: All isolates were grown under wide range of stress conditions. The Rhizobial strains isolated from the site closer to the coast showed a high tolerance for all salinity levels as they are adapted to the high salt stress experienced in their natural habitat. The growth response to drought conditions and temperature was variable. Moreover, 14 isolates showed a high tolerance for more than two extreme stress conditions. When extreme conditions were combined, 12 isolates among 14 were survived. These 14 isolates grouped in to ten clusters at 69% similarity coefficient that make them genetically diverse. Research Limitation: The stress tolerance was observed under laboratory conditions and it does not provide enough evidence for the effectiveness of selected isolates in field.Original Value: The 14 stress tolerant Rhizobial isolates can be used to cross inoculate crop legumes to identify possible cross inoculation groups in order to reduce nitrogen fertilizer usage.
Задача Коши для уравнения переноса излучения
с френелевскими и ламбертовскими условиями сопряжения
Authors: Prokhorov Igor Vasilievich
Published: December 2018

Исследована корректность начально-краевой задачи для
нестационарного уравнения переноса излучения в трехмерной
ограниченной области с обобщенными условиями сопряжения на
границах раздела. Рассмотрен случай оператора сопряжения,
представленного линейной комбинацией операторов френелевского
и ламбертовского типов. Доказано существование единственной
сильно непрерывной полугруппы разрешающих операторов задачи
Коши и получены условия стабилизации нестационарного решения.
Библиография: 23 названия.
Increase in Reported Cholera Cases in Haiti Following Hurricane Matthew: An Interrupted Time Series Model
Authors: Hulland Erin , Subaiya Saleena , Pierre Katilla , Barthelemy Nickolson , Pierre Jean Samuel , Dismer Amber , Juin Stanley , Fitter David , Brunkard Joan
Published: December 2018

Matthew, a category 4 hurricane, struck Haiti on October 4, 2016, causing widespread flooding and damage to buildings and crops, and resulted in many deaths. The damage caused by Matthew raised concerns of increased cholera transmission particularly in Sud and Grand’Anse departments, regions which were hit most heavily by the storm. To evaluate the change in reported cholera cases following Hurricane Matthew on reported cholera cases, we used interrupted time series regression models of daily reported cholera cases, controlling for the impact of both rainfall, following a 4-week lag, and seasonality, from 2013 through 2016. Our results indicate a significant increase in reported cholera cases after Matthew, suggesting that the storm resulted in an immediate surge in suspect cases, and a decline in reported cholera cases in the 46-day post-storm period, after controlling for rainfall and seasonality. Regression models stratified by the department indicate that the impact of the hurricane was regional, with larger surges in the two most highly storm-affected departments: Sud and Grand’Anse. These models were able to provide input to the Ministry of Health in Haiti on the national and regional impact of Hurricane Matthew and, with further development, could provide the flexibility of use in other emergency situations. This article highlights the need for continued cholera prevention and control efforts, particularly in the wake of natural disasters such as hurricanes, and the continued need for intensive cholera surveillance nationally.
Molecular Characterization of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Egyptian Patients with Community- and Hospital-Acquired Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Shash Rania Y. , Elshimy Amal A. , Soliman Mohammed Y. , Mosharafa Ashraf A.
Published: December 2018

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESβLs) pose a serious problem in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The ESβL-producing organism is an expanding global health problem. Therefore, screening for ESβL, detection of their drug-resistance pattern, and molecular characterization should be a continuous process. The present study was performed to determine the antibiotic resistance profile and the genetic characterization of ESβL isolates from hospital- and community-acquired UTIs. Two hundred fifty Enterobacteriaceae isolates were obtained from urine samples of outpatient clinic attendants and hospitalized patients at Kasr Al-Aini Hospital. By phenotypic screening tests, 100 ESβL isolates were detected among the studied groups. Furthermore, detection of beta-lactamase (bla) cefotaxime (CTX)-M, sulfhydryl variable, and temoneira ESβL genes was investigated by polymerase chain reaction. A subset of 25 CTX-M–positive isolates was further identified by gene sequencing technology. Among the 100 ESβL isolates, 66% were Escherichia coli and 34% were Klebsiella spp. There was no statistical difference in the prevalence of ESβL Enterobacteriaceae in community-acquired versus hospital-acquired UTIs. The susceptibility of all ESβL isolates to carbapenems was the most prevalent finding. In addition, all ESβL E. coli isolates were susceptible to fosfomycin, whereas all community-acquired ESβL isolates were susceptible to nitrofurantoin. A total of 98% of the ESβL isolates harbored bla-CTX-M genes, with CTX-M-15 being the most prevalent. It could be concluded that ESβL production is present at a high rate among Egyptian patients with hospital- and community-acquired UTI. The high prevalence of bla-CTX-M may suggest it as a candidate for molecular screening of ESβL.
Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects of Sporotrichosis in Espírito Santo State, Southeast Brazil: A Study of Three Decades (1982–2012)
Authors: Caus Antonio L. O. , Zanotti Raphael L. , Faccini-Martínez Álvaro A. , Paterlini Gabriela Vicentini , Falqueto Aloísio
Published: December 2018

This study discusses a historical patient series and is designed to describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of human sporotrichosis in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Data were derived from patients treated at the Infectious Diseases service of Cassiano Antônio Moraes University Hospital in Vitória, the state capital, from July 1982 to June 2012. A total of 171 patients were diagnosed with sporotrichosis, mostly men (80.7%) with a median age of 33 years and 5 months. We can presume an approximate average incidence rate of 4.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the studied period. All the patients were involved in occupational or leisure activities with direct contact with soil or plants. Most cases were recorded in the mountainous region of the state during the hot and rainy periods. The average time elapsed from lesion progression to diagnosis was 3 months, with the lymphocutaneous form being the most common (70.2%), followed by the fixed cutaneous form (28.6%). Diagnosis was confirmed in 93.6% of the cases by culturing Sporothrix spp. in Sabouraud dextrose agar, and from the clinical features in the remaining cases. Aspiration of cutaneous nodule secretions was the best method for the collection of clinical specimens for disease diagnosis. A 25% saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI) was provided to almost all patients (98.8%), with therapeutic success. In conclusion, in this retrospective study in the state of Espírito Santo, we found that sporotrichosis affects primarily the ≥ 10-year-old population, and the most common presentation is the lymphocutaneous form affecting the lower and upper limbs, and the infection appeared to be acquired predominantly through occupational activities. Treatment with SSKI was safe and effective.
Respiratory Viral Infection: An Underappreciated Cause of Acute Febrile Illness Admissions in Southern Sri Lanka
Authors: Tillekeratne L. Gayani , Bodinayake Champica K. , Simmons Ryan , Nagahawatte Ajith , Devasiri Vasantha , Kodikara Arachchi Wasantha , Nicholson Bradly P. , Park Lawrence P. , Vanderburg Sky , Kurukulasooriya Ruvini , De Silva Aruna Dharshan , Østybe Truls , Reller Megan E. , Woods Christopher W.
Published: December 2018

The contribution of respiratory viruses to acute febrile illness (AFI) burden is poorly characterized. We describe the prevalence, seasonality, and clinical features of respiratory viral infection among AFI admissions in Sri Lanka. We enrolled AFI patients ≥ 1 year of age admitted to a tertiary care hospital in southern Sri Lanka, June 2012–October 2014. We collected epidemiologic/clinical data and a nasal or nasopharyngeal sample that was tested using polymerase chain reaction (Luminex NxTAG, Austin, TX). We determined associations between weather data and respiratory viral activity using the Spearman correlation and assessed respiratory virus seasonality using a Program for Appropriate Technology definition. Bivariable and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to identify features associated with respiratory virus detection. Among 964 patients, median age was 26.2 years (interquartile range 14.6–39.9) and 646 (67.0%) were male. One-fifth (203, 21.1%) had respiratory virus detected: 13.9% influenza, 1.4% human enterovirus/rhinovirus, 1.4% parainfluenza virus, 1.1% respiratory syncytial virus, and 1.1% human metapneumovirus. Patients with respiratory virus identified were younger (median 9.8 versus 27.7 years, P < 0.001) and more likely to have respiratory signs and symptoms. Influenza A and respiratory viral activity peaked in February–June each year. Maximum daily temperature was associated with influenza and respiratory viral activity (P = 0.03 each). Patients with respiratory virus were as likely as others to be prescribed antibiotics (55.2% versus 52.6%, P = 0.51), and none reported prior influenza vaccination. Respiratory viral infection was a common cause of AFI. Improved access to vaccines and respiratory diagnostics may help reduce disease burden and inappropriate antibiotic use.
Association of a PD-L2 Gene Polymorphism with Chronic Lymphatic Filariasis in a South Indian Cohort
Authors: Venugopal Gopinath , O’Regan Noëlle L. , Babu Subash , Schumann Ralf R. , Srikantam Aparna , Merle Roswitha , Hartmann Susanne , Steinfelder Svenja
Published: December 2018

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic infection, caused by three closely related nematodes, namely Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. Previously, we have shown that lysate from B. malayi microfilariae induces the expression of interleukin (IL)-10 and programmed death-ligand (PD-L) 1 on monocytes, which lead to inhibition of CD4+ T-cell responses. In this study, we investigated associations of IL-10 and programmed cell death (PD)-1 pathway gene polymorphisms with clinical manifestation in LF. We evaluated the frequency of alleles and genotypes of IL-10 (rs3024496, rs1800872), IL-10RA (rs3135932), IL-10RB (rs2834167), PD-1 (rs2227982, rs10204525), PD-L1 (rs4143815), PD-L2 (rs7854413), and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 103 patients with chronic pathology (CP), such as elephantiasis or hydrocele and 106 endemic normal (EN) individuals from a South Indian population living in an area endemic for LF. Deviations from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were tested, and we found a significant difference between the frequency of polymorphisms in PD-L2 (rs7854413; P < 0.001) and IL-10RB (rs2834167; P = 0.012) between the CP and the EN group, whereas there were no significant differences found among IL-10, IL-10RA, PD-1, and PD-L1 SNPs. A multivariate analysis showed that the existence of a CC genotype in PD-L2 SNP rs7854413 is associated with a higher risk of developing CP (OR: 2.942; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.957–9.046; P = 0.06). Altogether, these data indicate that a genetically determined individual difference in a non-synonymous missense SNP of PD-L2 might influence the susceptibility to CP.
Case Report: Olecranon Bursitis due to Prototheca wickerhamii in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Yagnik Kruti , Bossé Raphaël , Reppucci Jennifer , Butts Rachel , Islam Shehla , Cannella Anthony P.
Published: December 2018

Human protothecosis is a rare algal infection caused by Prototheca; it is a ubiquitous achlorophyllic alga, which rarely causes human disease. Currently, the pathogenesis remains unclear and no treatment options have been elucidated. We present a case of olecranon bursitis caused by Prototheca wickerhamii in an immunocompromised patient. A 45-year-old man presented with left elbow pain after scraping his elbow on a tree. He reported significant pain and swelling of the elbow after injury, which resolved without intervention. He was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS infection and started on antiretroviral therapy. Afterward, he experienced recurrent elbow swelling and pain; an incision and drainage was performed and cultures demonstrated P. wickerhamii. Unsuccessful treatment with oral voriconazole led to an attempt at therapy with parental amphotericin and oral doxycycline; however the patient left against medical advice. He presented to our facility and both parental amphotericin and doxycycline were initiated with planned outpatient bursectomy. He clinically improved on that regimen but left against medical advice before completing his recommended course of IV amphotericin and oral doxycycline. Patients diagnosed with disseminated protothecosis can have a mortality rate upward of 67%. Given the rarity of this pathogen, no official treatment guidelines exist and there are few studies analyzing the antimicrobial susceptibility of Prototheca. Management is challenging because of slow-growing nature of the algae, paucity of research studies, and limited susceptibility of this pathogen. This case adds to the limited body of literature by demonstrating the clinical presentation of protothecosis and highlighting the pathology and current treatment options.
Case Report: Hemothorax in Envenomation by the Viperid Snake Bothrops asper
Authors: Pinto Luis José , Lee Fernández Linda , Gutiérrez José María , Simón Dany Samir , Ceballos Ziomara , Aguilar Luis Fernando , Sierra Manuel
Published: December 2018

Bothrops asper, a highly venomous pit viper distributed from Colombia and northwestern Peru in South America to southern Mexico, is responsible for most snake bites in Central America, affecting especially young agricultural workers. A 17-year-old male from a rural area in northern Honduras was admitted at San Francisco Hospital after a B. asper bite that had occurred 3 days earlier. The puncture wounds were located on the first toe of the right foot. On the second day of admission, the patient developed dyspnea. A physical examination revealed hypoventilation of the left lung with dullness on 75% of the left lung. Left pleural effusion, approximately 90%, was observed on the chest X-ray. The patient was diagnosed with hemothorax, and a thoracostomy drained 1,350 mL of serosanguineous fluid, followed by the installation of a wet suction control system (Pleur-evac®). After 10 days, the patient was discharged. This case illustrates the diversity of hemorrhagic manifestations in envenomations by B. asper.
Una semblanza de las primeras mujeres españolas pioneras en el área científico-técnica
Authors: Núñez Valdés Juan
Published: December 2018

Aunque el Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas centra su investigación en torno a ocho grandes áreas científico-técnicas, que cubren la mayor parte del conocimiento humano, desde los aspectos más básicos o fundamentales de la ciencia hasta los desarrollos tecnológicos más complejos; desde las ciencias humanas y sociales a la ciencia y tecnología de alimentos pasando por la Biología, la Biomedicina, la Física, la Química, los materiales, los recursos naturales o las ciencias agrarias, tradicionalmente se ha considerado que las disciplinas que conforman este área de conocimiento son Matemáticas, Física, Química, Biología, Arquitectura e Ingeniería. En este artículo se muestra una breve semblanza de las mujeres españolas que pueden considerarse pioneras, por ser las primeras licenciadas o las primeras doctoras, en cada una de esas disciplinas. El objetivo es que la sociedad en general, para la que casi con toda seguridad estas mujeres son prácticamente desconocidas, pueda tomarlas como referente y ejemplo de lo que las mujeres son capaces de hacer en cualquier estamento de la vida, aun teniendo que superar numerosas dificultades de todo tipo, de género, fundamentalmente, para lograr sus propósitos y también conseguir triunfar en campos que originariamente parecen estar destinados solo a los varones.
El uso de plataformas moodle en la enseñanza de L2 y desafíos contemporáneos
Authors: Tatoj Cecylia , Galan Beata , Poltorak Ewa
Published: December 2018

Uno de los aspectos clave más frecuentemente citado del mundo actual es el desarrollo dinámico y constante de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación. Su creciente influencia en diversas áreas de nuestras vidas no carece de importancia para la educación de idiomas. Ante las nuevas oportunidades y las crecientes expectativas de los estudiantes de lenguas extranjeras, las herramientas multimedia se están convirtiendo en una parte integral del proceso de aprendizaje de idiomas, y su uso consciente y efectivo se ha convertido en una prioridad obvia de la didáctica de lenguas extranjeras. Las características específicas de la plataforma moodle e-kerbing, descrita en el artículo, la convierten en un intento de analizar las posibilidades y condiciones que crea para los distintos participantes del proceso glotodidáctico.
Los géneros discursivos y las secuencias didácticas: el lugar de los ejemplos prototípicos en la enseñanza y aprendizaje de la escritura
Authors: Abad Beltrán Victoria , Rodríguez Gonzalo Carmen
Published: December 2018

Desde una perspectiva social, el objetivo de la enseñanza de la escritura es facilitar que los alumnos sean capaces de comprender y redactar una gran diversidad de géneros discursivos, que les permita comportarse como ciudadanos reflexivos y críticos en distintos ámbitos sociales. En el proceso de dominio de cada género es clave la representación mental del texto, que actúa como elemento regulador de la escritura en sus distintas fases. Este artículo muestra las dificultades de los alumnos para apropiarse de un género determinado (una reseña de lectura), a partir de los datos de una investigación de aula con alumnos de 3º de ESO que aborda la escritura de reseñas mediante una secuencia didáctica que incluye, como elemento regulador, ejemplos prototípicos del género. El análisis de los datos de proceso (borradores e interacciones) y de producto (versión final de los textos) muestra que la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la escritura se da en dos planos: un plano cuyo objetivo es crear una representación mental del texto y otro, orientado a enriquecer el texto con recursos lingüísticos puntuales.
Development and validation of Spanish version of FINCODA: an instrument for self-assessment of innovation competence of workers or candidates for Jobs
Authors: Marin-Garcia Juan A.
Published: December 2018

This work will take the innovation transversal competence a skill to create, introduce, adapt and/or apply a beneficial novelty anywhere in an organization. We consider that innovation competences are a multidimensional construct that represents the skills required in all main process steps, from devising ideas, filtering, modeling and selecting them, to putting them into practice and comparing to see if they add value.In this research we aim to validate the long Spanish version (62 items) of the FINCODA innovation questionnaire (Andreu Andres et al., 2018; Marin-Garcia et al., 2016a) and to check if the medium-length version composition (34 items), that derive from a multi-cultural sample (Butter & van Beest, 2017), is stable with an independent sample of Spanish students. We will also propose a short version from the Soft Skills Scale (SSS17) (Marin-Garcia, 2019), based on single-items of all dimensions, which we will compare with other transversal competences by analyzing the relations among them. Data were obtained from self-perceptions (the evaluated person completes the questionnaire) with Likert/rating scales (Marin-Garcia et al., 2015) of innovation competence dimensions. This questionnaire is devised to be used for processes that select/evaluate the people who opt for a job post, regardless of them recently obtaining university degrees or being professionals.We examined the main published questionnaires used to measure the innovation competence. The validation of only a few has been published, while no validation has been published in Spanish. We also describe in detail the validation process that we will follow, the employed measuring instrument (by giving a detailed explanation of how the FINCODA questionnaire was built, and by specifying the measuring model and SSS17, F62 and F34 questionnaire items in their English and Spanish versions), the characteristics of the sample of 329 voluntary students, and the analysis procedure following SPSS and smartPLS.The results show how the measurement model of the long FINCODA questionnaire version presents content validity (relevance and comprehensiveness) and internal consistency (with analysis considering constructs to be either common factors or composites). Nonetheless, the discriminant validity of the constructs could not be demonstrated with the employed sample. Our analyses did not confirm the medium-length version put forward by other authors’ previous research. So, we will consider that versions F62 and F34 are pending to be analyzed with new independent samples, as is the proposal of the new F34 version obtained by more robust methods. The multidimensionality assumption of the innovation construct also needs revising. Having a short innovation scale with 10-15 items at the most is also recommendable. All this is considered future research in the present work.
Protocol: What is the perception that students have of a subject? Application to the subject Integrated Information Systems of the Degree in Industrial Organization Engineering
Authors: Oltra-Badenes Raúl
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a protocol through which it is intended to know the perception that students of a University Degree have of a specific subject. Once this perception is known, decisions can be made and actions taken to improve the teaching-learning process. Although the protocol is presented focused on a public higher education organization, and a specific degree and subject, this protocol can be applicable without requiring too many adaptations, to any subject and degree.
Milk digestion in the young rabbit: methodology and first results
Authors: Gidenne Thierry Noël , Bannelier Carole , Gallois Mélanie , Segura M. , Lambrecht Vincent
Published: December 2018

This study aims to determine the digestibility of milk by the young rabbit (21-25 d old), taking into account the increment of digesta content and urine excretion. Nineteen litters of 9 young rabbits 21 to 25 d old were used: 12 litters (S group) fed exclusively with milk using controlled suckling, and 7 litters (Control group) with free suckling and access to the pelleted feed of the doe. The faecal digestibility of milk dry matter (DM) was measured between 21 and 25 d of age, for S litters housed from 15 d of age in a metabolism cage separately from their mother. Between 21 and 25 d, the milk intake, faeces and urine excretion were controlled daily, and the mean increment in digesta content was measured by comparing digesta weight of the whole tract at 21 and 25 d of age (one kit per litter). The increment in digesta content from 21 to 25 d averaged 77% (+8.5 g), sourcing mainly from stomach and caecum contents increase (+57 and +120% respectively). The mean increase for the dry content of the gut (from 21 to 25 d) was 1.75 g DM/kit, and was considered as non-digested to calculate the digestibility coefficient of the milk. The milk intake averaged 30 g/d/kit (7.9 g DM/d kit). No faecal excretion was recorded between 21 and 25 d. From the milk intake and increment in digesta content, the corrected digestibility of the milk dry matter reached 94% (minimum=92.9%, maximum=95.6%). The daily urine excretion averaged 5.1 mL/kit, corresponding to 1.2 g DM/kit. Therefore, the corrected DM retention coefficient of the milk was 79.5%. The quantity of nitrogen excreted in urine was low (0.06 g/d kits), thus the corrected nitrogen retention coefficient for milk reached 82% and the nitrogen retained (corrected) reached 0.44 g/d kit. Accordingly, the amount in metabolisable protein for the milk was 90 g/kg (fresh). The corrected energy retention coefficient was estimated to 95.8%, for a crude energy concentration estimated at 28.14 MJ/kg DM for the milk. Thus, the energy retained (corrected) reached 223 kJ/d kit and the content in metabolisable energy for the milk was 26.94 MJ/kg DM.
Performance, haemato-biochemical indices and antioxidant status of growing rabbits fed on diets supplemented with Mucuna pruriens leaf meal
Authors: Oloruntola Olugbenga D. , Ayodele Simeon O. , Adeyeye Samuel A. , Agbede J. O.
Published: December 2018

The effects of dietary Mucuna pruriens leaf meal (MLM) supplementation on rabbits’ performance, haemato-biochemical indices and antioxidant status outside their thermal neutrality zone (21 to 25°C) were evaluated. One hundred and twenty 35-d old crossbreed (Chinchilla×New Zealand) rabbits weighing 694±5 g were allotted to 4 treatments (30 rabbits/treatment; 3 rabbits/replicate). A basal diet (crude protein: 16.9%, crude fibre: 17.6%, digestible energy: 2671 kcal/kg) was divided into 4 equal portions i.e. diets 1, 2, 3 and 4, supplemented with 0, 4, 8 and 12 g MLM/kg, respectively, and pelleted. The average body weight in rabbits fed on diets 3 and 4 was higher compared to those fed on diet 1 (control) at 91 d of age (+228 and +262 g, respectively; P=0.01). Within 35 to 91 d, the average daily weight gain in rabbits fed on diets 3 and 4 was higher compared to those fed on the control diet (+4.1and +4.8 g/d, respectively; P=0.01). The dressing-out percentage of rabbits fed on diets 3 and 4 increased (P=0.05) compared to those fed the control diet. At 63 d and 91 d of age, the white blood cell level of rabbits fed on diet 4 increased significantly compared to those fed the control diet (+5.05×109 and +5.32×109/L, respectively). At 63 and 91 d of age, the cholesterol level of rabbits fed on diets 3 (–1.0 and –1.16 mmol/L, respectively) and 4 (–1.10 and –1.21 mmol/L, respectively), were significantly lower compared to those fed on the control diet. The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration in rabbits fed on diet 4 was reduced compared to those on control diet at 63 d of age (–33.68 IU/L; P=0.02). At 63 d and 91 d of age, compared to control, the activities of glutathione peroxidase in rabbits fed on diets 3 (+35.77 and +49.09 mg protein, respectively) and 4 (+54.52 and +55.02 mg protein, respectively) increased significantly, while catalase activities in rabbits fed diet 4 (+217.7 and +209.5 mg/g, respectively) also increased significantly. It could be concluded that dietary MLM supplementation enhanced the rabbits’ performance, reduced serum AST and cholesterol and improved the antioxidant status.
Determinants of Audit Committees Effectiveness in Enhancing Compliance With Regulations: Evidence From Saudi Context
Authors: Alnodel Ali A.
Published: December 2018

This paper aims to investigate how effective audit committees are in ensuring compliance with regulations in the Saudi context. Particularly, it examines whether there is an association between the value of fines imposed by the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) and the size, frequency of meeting, and the financial expertise of the audit committee. Other variables have also been incorporated to control for possible effects, particularly size, leverage, ROA, age of the company, and year of fines. Data has been collected from the archives of CMA and from the annual reports of listed companies from 2014 to 2016. In total, 360 year-observations relating to 120 non-financial listed companies were analyzed among which 95 fines and actions imposed by CMA. The results suggest that the size and financial expertise of the audit committee and the leverage of the company and years of fines have significant association with the value of the fines imposed by CMA. In contrast, the regression analysis does not show significant association between the frequency of meeting of the audit committee and other controlled variables on the value of the fines imposed by CMA. These results suggest that the availability of resources to the audit committee, as suggested by the resource dependence theory, has a significant impact on its effectiveness. Regulators and companies could benefit from these findings to enhance compliance with regulations and to improve the role of audit committees. Moreover, these findings could be valuable to strengthen corporate governance practices in similar emerging markets.
Financial Leverage and Financial Performance: Empirical Evidence From Listed Textile Industry of Pakistan
Authors: Javeed Laila , Tabassam Rehana
Published: December 2018

The textile sector in Pakistan is the largest manufacturing industry and recognizable model of resistance economy. Over centuries, textile sector has been the country’s backbone making available sources of occupation and export returns. Generally, financial leverage is the organizational capability of using borrowed money. It can be described as a fraction, to which a company uses fixed income securities such as debt and equity. The objective of the current study is measuring the impact of financial leverage on firm’s financial condition. It is essential to know whether a positive or negative relationship exists between two terms, financial leverage and financial performance of the textile industry; evidence from the listed firms of Pakistani textile industry from 2007-2016. Pooled regression analysis technique shows that there is positive relationship between financial leverage and financial performance (Returns on Assets, Sales Growth and Net Profit Margin). On the other hand, negative relationship exists between Return on Equity ratio. It is confirmed that the organizations have more profitability, might enhance the financial performance having more levels of financial leverage. This study also gives evidence by estimating different facts. It exposes that the main elements of the textile industry in Pakistan enhance their financial performance by employing the financial leverage strategy and can attain a sustainable future growth by making decisions about the selection of their optimum capital structure.
Forgotten Communication: Humans and Dogs in Curzio Malaparte’s and Carlo Levi’s Literature
Authors: Alvarez José Maurício Saldanha
Published: December 2018

This paper analyzes the role of the dog in the work of two modern Italian writers, selecting from each of the texts in which they formulate a peculiar role for the animal represented in their works. The dog is sometimes capable of being the key that opens a magical world and becomes the counterpart to humanity, harboring the feelings that modernity and fascist politics displaced during the crucial time between 1922 and 1945.
Wittgenstein’s Remarks on Technology and Mental Mechanisms
Authors: Raleigh Thomas ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2018

This article provides a survey of Wittgenstein’s remarks in which he discusses various kinds of technology. I argue that throughout his career, his use of technological examples displays a thematic unity: technologies are invoked in order to illustrate a certain mechanical conception of the mind. I trace how his use of such examples evolved as his views on the mind and on meaning changed. I also discuss an important and somewhat radical anti-mechanistic strain in his later thought and suggest that Wittgenstein’s attitude to mechanistic explanations in psychology was ultimately quite ambivalent.
“From Identity to Alliance”: Challenging Métis “Inauthenticity” through Alliance Studies
Authors: Giroux Monique
Published: December 2018

In the 1980s, ethnomusicologists began developing a body of literature exploring the intersection between music and identity. By the early 2000s, identity had become one of the most commonly addressed themes in the discipline and ethnomusicologists were making important contributions to identity studies. As Timothy Rice writes in his article titled “Reflections on Music and Identity inEthnomusicology,”ethnomusicologists have demonstrated that music “gives symbolic shape” to pre-existing and emerging identities; and that music allows communities who share an identity to “see themselves in action” and “to imagine others” with whom they share the music tradition (Rice 2007:34-35). Ethnomusicologists have furthermore argued that music may contribute an affective quality to identity and give identities a “positive valence” (ibid.:35).