bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reasons for Avatar Gender Swapping by Online Game Players
Authors: Chou Yu-Jen , Lo Shao-Kang , Teng Ching-I
Published: November 2014

Players of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) frequently select avatars of the opposite gender, a phenomenon known as gender swapping. While this phenomenon is widely recognized, little is known about the underlying reasons. This study thus examines why players use opposite-gender avatars. Heterogeneity sampling is used to maximize information completeness. Data are obtained from interviews with 21 MMORPG players in Taiwan. The core theme identified is “increased enjoyment”, which itself integrates six more specific themes or aspects (social interaction, harassment avoidance, obtaining free gifts, fooling others, fantasy experiences and playing superior avatars) through which players derive increased enjoyment from game playing with gender-swapped avatars. This exploratory work creates a foundation for future research to develop and test hypotheses linking gender-swapping with player psychology or behavior.
Implication of Knowledge Transfer on Task Performance in ERP System Usage
Authors: Rajendran R. , Rajagopal Ranga
Published: November 2014

The level of success of Information Systems (IS) implemented in various organizations depends on several factors and is better measured through process metrics than project metrics. It is believed that innovative and increased use of the system (deep structure usage) and learning lead to internalization of knowledge. This in turn ensures that IS continuance (post implementation system usage) becomes more dynamic and effective contributing to enhancement in task performance resulting in better business value. A theoretical framework has been proposed based on previous theories and observations from a case study. An approach of mixed method research using multiple case studies and an empirical survey in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) domain has been used to validate a conceptual model. The findings use meta-inference to offer a new dimension in the area of system usage and learning which could be useful to IS practitioners and researchers.
Towards a Stepwise Variability Management Process for Complex Systems
Authors: Lotz Alex , Inglés-Romero Juan F. , Stampfer Dennis , Lutz Matthias , Vicente-Chicote Cristina , Schlegel Christian
Published: November 2014

Complex systems are executed in environments with a huge number of potential situations and contingencies, therefore a mechanism is required to express dynamic variability at design-time that can be efficiently resolved in the application at run-time based on the then available information. We present an approach for dynamic variability modeling and its exploitation at run-time. It supports different developer roles and allows the separation of two different kinds of dynamic variability at design-time: (i) variability related to the system operation, and (ii) variability associated with QoS. The former provides robustness to contingencies, maintaining a high success rate in task fulfillment. The latter focuses on the quality of the application execution (defined in terms of non-functional properties like safety or task efficiency) under changing situations and limited resources. The authors also discuss different alternatives for the run-time integration of the two variability management mechanisms, and show real-world robotic examples to illustrate them.
Degree-day models for development of the dung beetles Onthophagus nuchicornis, O. taurus, and Digitonthophagus gazella (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), and the likelihood of O. taurus establishment in southern Alberta, Canada
Authors: Floate K.D. , Watson D.W. , Coghlin P. , Olfert O.
Published: November 2014

Three studies were performed to assess the likelihood of establishing the dung beetle Onthophagus taurus (Schreber) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in southern Alberta, Canada. This European species was first reported in Florida in the 1970s and now occurs as far north as Michigan, United States of America. Its ability to establish in Canada is unknown, but is desired to accelerate the degradation of cattle dung on pastures. The first study examined egg-to-adult development at temperatures of 10–32 °C (in increments of 2 °C) to develop degree-day models for O. taurus and for two other closely related species of dung beetles. Onthophagus nuchicornis (Linnaeus), used as a positive control, is a European species common across Canada. Digitonthophagus gazella (Fabricius), used as a negative control, is an Afro-Asian species whose distribution is restricted in North America to the southern United States of America. The second study examined the overwintering ability of O. taurus and D. gazella in outdoor field cages. The third study compared climate parameters between southern Alberta and the northernmost recorded distribution of O. taurus. Results combined across the three studies show that O. taurus can complete egg-to-adult development and overwinter in southern Alberta. However, high overwintering mortality is predicted to prevent establishment of O. taurus in the region.
Primary Gastric Burkitt's Lymphoma
Authors: Mitra Swarupa , Mehta Anurag , Gupta Sunil Kumar , Sharma Anila , Louis A. Robert , Sharma Manoj Kumar , Saxena Upasna , Simson David K. , Dewan Abhinav
Published: November 2014

The primary gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, although rare, is among the most common extra-nodal lymphomas, considering that gastric lymphomas are more common than intestinal lymphomas. Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive form of B-cell lymphoma that is typically endemic in Africa, while non-endemic cases are found in the rest of the world. Primary gastric BL is extremely rare and only around 50 cases have been reported worldwide. Here we present the case of a young HIV-negative male, who was referred to our department with a stage IV gastric BL. He was planned for palliative chemotherapy, but after the first cycle of chemotherapy he succumbed to the progression of the disease.
Incidence and Descriptive Epidemiology of Injuries to College Ultimate Players
Authors: Swedler David I. , Nuwer Jamie M. , Nazarov Anna , Huo Samantha C. , Malevanchik Lev
Published: November 2014

Context

The burden of injuries to college ultimate players has never been fully described.

Objective

To quantify the injury rate in ultimate players and describe the diagnoses, anatomic locations, and mechanisms of injuries.

Design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Setting

College ultimate teams in the United States during the 2012 season.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Initial injury rate per 1000 athlete-exposures.

Results

The initial injury rate in college ultimate players was 12.64 per 1000 athlete-exposures; the rate did not differ between men and women (P = .5). Bivariate analysis indicated that injuries occurred twice as often during games as during practices, men were more likely than women to be injured when laying out for the disc, and men were more likely to incur strains and sprains than women.

Conclusions

Injury patterns to college ultimate players were similar to those for athletes in other National Collegiate Athletic Association sports. This is the first study to systematically describe injuries to ultimate players.
Ecology: Its relative importance and absolute irrelevance for a Christian: A Kierkegaardian transversal space for the controversy on eco-theology
Authors: Kroesbergen Hermen
Published: November 2014

The controversy about the importance of eco-theology or creation spirituality seems to be in a deadlock. Those who support it and those who oppose it do not even seem to be able to communicate with one another. On the one hand, Celia Deane-Drummond, for example, writes in her Eco-theology (2008:x): ‘I find it astonishing that courses on eco-theology do not exist in many university departments of theology and religious studies.’ Matthew Fox desperately asks in his Creation spirituality (1991:xii): ‘Need I list the [environmental] issues of our day that go virtually unattended to in our culture?’ On the other hand, evangelical Christians are known for their ecological ‘blind spot’ (Davis 2000), until recently at least. Pentecostal proponents of the prosperity gospel preach a consumer-lifestyle for all Christians, which is not very eco-friendly (cf. Kroesbergen 2013). Even in more mainline Christianity we find, for example, the well-known theologian Robert Jenson who writes in his Systematic theology: Volume 2 (1999:113, n. 2): ‘Recent waves of “creation spirituality” are simply apostasy to paganism. And it is such unguarded, even unargued judgement that is required of the church.’ We find eco-theologians, who do not understand that not everyone agrees with them on the one hand, and opposing theologians, who do not even feel the need to argue against them on the other hand. What would be needed to re-open communication between those in favour of eco-theology or creation spirituality, and those opposed to it?
Information and Communication Technology Use in Education: Emphasis on the Impact of Asynchronous Media
Authors: Oduma CA
Published: November 2014

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use in education is an innovation in the system to foster efficiency in teaching and learning. ICTs and their utilization is one of the most pertinent issues in the education industry today. This paper thus focused on ICT use in education with  emphasis on the impact of asynchronous media in education system.  Asynchronous ICT media is perceived here to include those teaching and learning electronic gadgets that allow participants in the learning process to be at different times and different places. Asynchronous learning resources are therefore used to facilitate information sharing among a network of people. The paper pointed out specific impact of asynchronous ICT media in distance education. This piece equally reviewed the various types ofICT driven learning, the roles and weaknesses of ICT in education as well as the barriers to the application of ICT in education. The paper concluded that the challenge of the knowledge society through ICT is a significant area that is propelling the use of ICT in education. The paper finally noted that the struggle to be part of the digital world is obvious in the knowledge society, therefore, government and in fact, education authorities should endeavour to provide ICT in Nigeria school system.
Effective Assessment Framework: Sustainability of Post Amnesty Programme in Niger Delta Region for National Development
Authors: Anatsui TC , Fagbemi OP
Published: November 2014

The Niger Delta is said to be the world.s largest wetland. The oil and gas in that region represents 97% of Nigeria.s foreign exchange earnings and this accounts for a major chunk of the wealth of the country. The Niger Delta has for some years been the site of major confrontations between the people and the Nigerian government.s security forces, resulting in extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions, and draconian restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly. To proffer solution, Federal government came up with post-amnesty program. Based on this, the study sought; (i) To determine the level of effectiveness of the implementation of the Post Amnesty Programme since its inception in 2009, (ii) determine how effective evaluation method can sustain Post Amnesty programme beyond Amnesty peace agreement in Niger Delta. The research design was descriptive survey method. The population of the study was 4,798,519 million youths [15-39years][last Census2006] in Delta state, Bayelsa state and River state. The study made use of qualitative and quantitative data analyses. The sample size was 400 using Taro Yamane formula. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the respondents in each of the states, while hypothesis one was tested using Friedman Chi-Square test statistics, hypothesis two was tested using One Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov (Z) test. Effective evaluation method significantly maintains the Post Amnesty Programme in Nigeria (X2(friedman)cal = 137.098 > X2<sub<calculated = 5.9915, p < 0.05). Amnesty program does have economic benefits in Nigeria (Zcal = 4.930 >Zcritical = 1.96, p < 0.05). The study recommended that the Amnesty International and all other agencies involved in peace building and in managing conflict in Niger Delta should borrow a leaf from other countries. management techniques such as in Canada and USA.
The Role of Literature Education in Curbing Violence: A focus on John Pepper Clark’s “The Casualties”
Authors: Nnaji PO
Published: November 2014

This paper centres on the role of Literature Education in curbing violence. It explores John Pepper Clark.s ¡°The Casualties¡± as an instrument of  preaching peace. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the ongoing academic discourse on the issue of violence in the society. No one can say the exact cause of violence but the people.s prayer is how it can be brought to an end. The researcher is of the view that moral education is the answer. One of the goals of Literature Education according to (Uwaifo 1979) is: to expose the learners through reading to varied valuable experience which may contribute to their emotional, social and moral judgment. A warning against violence is not only seen in the poem.s subject matter but also seen in its tone and poetic devices.
Confronting the Challenges Facing the Nigerian Nation State: Using Sports as Agent of Unification
Authors: Ezike CO
Published: November 2014

This paper explains the concept of nation-state and sports. It critically examines some of the challenges characterizing Nigerian nation state such as ethnicity, corruption, politics of godfatherisms, tribalism, language differences, and religious crises among others. It emphasizes the use of sports for  creating of friendship across different tribal groupings and inculcation of appropriate values such as patriotism, honesty, discipline love which help in achievement and national ideals and goals. The paper concludes that the  state and federal government investment in sports will not only comment  national unity but will also reduce social vices such as drug abuse, armed  robbery, trafficking in human persons etc.
Objectivity in Television News Reportage: An Evalution of “Occupy Nigeria Movement” (Oil Subsidy Protest)
Authors: Rishante SP
Published: November 2014

The question of media objectivity in Nigeria has always been in doubt particularly in the area of reportage. It is in this regard that the study on the evaluation of news objectivity in television broadcast was x-rayed to identify the extent to which news objectivity is reliable and credible with a reason to expose the factors that affect news objectivity. To have scholarly perspectives on this issues, books, articles and journals were reviewed in order to have an insight and it was noticed that different scholars had different dimensions to these problems. Therefore, to effectively address these problems, the study analysed the views of two hundred and sixty-six (266) respondents within Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. Findings from the study indicated that television news reportage can be achieved only if the reporters observe their journalistic ethical guidelines, and are also allowed practice free without interference from media owners and government. The study suggests that with appropriate measures put in place it will curtail excesses in subjective report where objectivity in news reportage will be achieved.
The Dilemma of Local Government at Work in Nigeria
Authors: Tonwe DA , Eke SJ
Published: November 2014

This paper attempts a scan of local government at work in Nigeria in the critical areas of revenue generation, budgeting, development planning, provision of services, and community mobilization. The study reveals that the third tier of government in Nigeria is still characterised by low revenue generation ability, inability to provide adequate services and amenities both in quantitative and qualitative terms, tendency to prepare ambitious budgets, inability to avail of the benefits of development planning and to live up to the expectations of their clientele. For the citizenry at large, especially the illiterate and rural communities that form the bulk of the population of the local governments in many cases, there is a great deal of frustration arising from the poor performance of local governments in the country over the years. This situation is not peculiar to Nigeria alone. Similar scenario is witnessed in other developing countries. The Nigerian case however provides us facts which when analysed provide us pathological clues to the maladies afflicting local governments in less developed countries. Key words: local government; revenue generation; budgeting,  development planning; community mobilization
Mechanism of Economic Empowerment and Development in Nigeria: A Discourse
Authors: Alika IJ , Aibieyi S
Published: November 2014

Nigeria and indeed Nigerians have been at the throes of development arising from poverty the people have been subjected over the years by the various regimes in Nigeria. Consequently, the drift of youths to urban cities from the rural areas has been the resultant effect in order to earn a living or to improve living standard in the cities. The paper examines the  mechanism being put in place by the Federal government in Nigeria to  alleviate the sufferings of the people aftermath of the poverty in the  country, by public administration led by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in the fourth republic which began in 2004. The mechanism to confront the situation which formed the basis of the study is known as “National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategies” (NEEDS) launched in May, 2004. The research adopted the non-experimental survey method using the secondary source of data collection for the materials used in the work. The objectives of the paper attempts to explicate on the objectives ofNEEDS, the concept of economic empowerment, the policy thrusts of NEEDS, the strategies for employment generation, the institutional framework of NEEDS and the implementation and performance of NEEDS. It was  discovered in the course of the study that the mechanism has a robust programme embedded in NEEDS to tackle the problem of poverty among the people, especially the youths but implementation was found to be the impediment to the programme in order to achieve more. The paper  concludes with a call to the leaders of the nation to have a willing mind to work for the general wellbeing of the people putting politics aside.Key words: poverty, mechanism development, strategies, programme
Influence of Environment on a Child's Acquisition of English as a Second Language and the Gradual Extinction of Nigerian Languages: A Study of Children of selected schools in Choba, Nigeria
Authors: Omego CU
Published: November 2014

This paper investigated the influence of environment on the acquisition of English by the Nigerian child. The subjects under study were thirteen bilingual children with a native Nigerian language and English as the medium of instruction. Forty-six teachers and 26 parents form the population of the study. Out of a total population of 72 respondents, 51 were sampled using the purposive sampling method. Using survey research method, the questionnaire and interview schedule were adopted as research instruments. Questionnaire was administered on selected teachers and parents to determine the influence of the social environment and peer group on the child’s acquisition of English, as well as determine the effect of English on the maintenance of the child’s mother tongue. The method adopted in analyzing the data was simple percentage. The analysis of data collected showed that parents of the children under investigation encourage their children to use English at home alongside their mother tongues, but the children prefer to use English at play because of the multilingual setting in which they find themselves. The result showed that the influence of all these environmental factors is the acquisition of English by the Nigerian child and the gradual extinction of the mother tongue.Key words: Acquisition, child, environment, first language, second language, influence
The present state of Children's Literature in Indigenous African Languages: The Igbo Example
Authors: Ezenwa-Ohaeto N
Published: November 2014

This work tries to explore the state of children’s indigenous literature at both nursery and lower primary levels of education in Igbo speech community of Eastern Nigeria. As a result of the perceived decline in proficiency in both oral and written forms of the language among the younger generation of ‘Ndigbo’ and which has given rise to obvious fear of the language degenerating to a state of endangerment, some committed individuals and groups have organized and are still organizing significant language crusade against the prevalent negative language attitude of ‘Ndigbo’ towards their language. This effort, it is hoped, will engender the infusion of the spirit of revitalization and rebirth and the eventual language pride into the owners of Igbo language. It is a well known fact that Children’s literature provides opportunity of response, appreciation and internalization of one’s cultural heritage as well as the nurture, growth and development of the children’s self perception and language skills which result to the internal urge of transferring same to posterity. In view of these, this study explores the extent the language crusade at present going on in Igbo society has really actualized the targeted goals, and inquires whether the crusaders also have early childhood education (nursery and lower primary) in mind as part of their targets. This study will equally examine the current state of the indigenous children’s literature: prose, poetry, drama, including nursery rhymes at this crucial formation stage in relation with the existing school curriculum. With the fact that early exposure of children to indigenous literature is one of the major measures of revitalizing and stabilizing languages, this research will premise its search on Fishman’s theoretical framework for language revitalization and shift. Based on the findings, some recommendations will be made and some relevant revitalization techniques also be suggested.
Does Absolute Synonymy exist in Owere-Igbo?
Authors: Omego CU
Published: November 2014

Among Igbo linguistic researchers, determining whether absolute synonymy exists in Owere–Igbo, a dialect of the Igbo language predominantly spoken by the people of Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, has become a thorny issue. While some linguistic scholars strive to establish that absolute synonymy exists in the lexical structure of natural language, others invest much vigorous effort to debunk the claim. This researcher, therefore, conducted an empirical research to provide a factual clue to the question of whether absolute synonymy exists in the lexical structure of Owere–Igbo or otherwise. With 200 copies of questionnaire administered and retrieved from 200 Research Collaborators, who are also fluent native speakers, the research was conducted. The researcher also interviewed native speakers of the dialect. The study found out that in each pair of synonyms investigated slight, but detectable differences were always invariably present. This conclusion was drawn based on the observation that synonyms in Owere-Igbo cannot substitute for each other in all contexts, i.e. set of lexemes can substitute for each other in one context, but in another context they cannot substitute without a change in meaning.. This researcher employed various tests such as substitution or interchangeability method, contrastive method and statistical method to test for absolute synonymy in Owere-Igbo. An examination of all illustrative samples of possible candidates for absolute synonymy given by Owere-Igbo speakers revealed that none of the pairs of synonymous lexeme investigated satisfied the criteria used.Key words: absolute synonymy, partial synonymy, lexemes, lexical structure, language
Economic Crisis during the second World War and the Response of the Market Traders in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ajayi AT
Published: November 2014

The soaring prices of imported goods that accompanied the Second World War led to the increase in demand for locally made goods, indigenous industries like the textile and tinsmith therefore thrived. However, the most severe problem created by the Second World War was the acute shortage of food all over Nigeria due to the fact that promotion of export crops had already attracted farmers away from food crop production. This phenomenon was badly felt in Lagos, Ibadan and other major producing centres were not left out. This shortage consequently resulted in high prices of food. The Colonial government tried to rescue the situation by restricting the movement of foodstuffs from producing centres and pegging the prices of such commodities. But, rather than putting an end to the ugly situation, the attempt aggravated it. The market women in Ibadan viewed the colonial government’s intervention as undermining their economic position. Traditionally, they controlled the distribution of foodstuffs and had established a very efficient system of marketing and pricing. They responded by ignoring the scheme and devising a method of selling their goods at a price that guaranteed their own profit. The market traders experience therefore provided an important opportunity to explore women’s relationship to the Colonial State.
Effects of Strike Cost on Economic Development in Nigeria
Authors: Ezeagba EC
Published: November 2014

Strike, the most overt expression of industrial conflict is a common phenomenon in Nigeria. No doubt, this action affects the cost of production and of course productivity as in most cases strike cost (wages and salaries as well as other unavoidable payments) are paid during the strike period. This paper theoretically examines strike cost and economic development in Nigeria. Taking strike cost as a factor of production the paper develops a model that can be used as a framework for analyzing the effect of strike cost on economic development. At the end, the paper is of the opinion that though industrial conf1ict is inevitable, strike can be avoided with good industrial relations.
First Trimester
Authors: Machado LE , Raga F , Bonilla F , Bonilla-Musoles Fernando , Castillo JC , Caballero O , Esquembre MJ
Published: November 2014

This article shows week by week the embryonic and fetal images appeared during the development using HDlive.

We show in this chapter different images of normal and pathological fetuses till the 14th gestational week. As said before, HDlive improves image quality compared to 3D/4D.

How to cite this article

Bonilla-Musoles F, Esquembre MJ, Bonilla F Jr, Raga F, Castillo JC, Machado LE, Caballero O. First Trimester. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(3):239-249.
HDlive Study of Fetal Development and Behavior
Authors: Tanaka Hirokazu , Hata Toshiyuki , Uematsu Rina
Published: November 2014

We present the latest HDlive studies of fetal development and behavior during pregnancy. Marked changes of embryonic and fetal development and movement with advancing gestation were noted in the first trimester of pregnancy. Various realistic facial expressions (or facial movements) were recognized in the second and third trimesters. In particular, blinking, mouthing, swallowing, yawning, tongue expulsion, and sucking were clearly depicted. Moreover, various extraordinarily realistic features of fetal emotion-like behavior were identified. HDlive observation of fetal behavior and facial expressions may reflect the normal and abnormal neurological development of the fetus. HDlive may become an important modality in future research on fetal neurobehavioral development and assist in evaluation of the fetal brain function.

How to cite this article

Hata T, Kanenishi K, Hanaoka U, Uematsu R, Marumo G, Tanaka H. HDlive Study of Fetal Development and Behavior. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(3):250-265.
Assessment of Long-Acting Reversible Intrauterine Contraceptives by using HDlive Technique
Authors: Machado LE , Raga F , Bonilla F , Bonilla-Musoles Fernando , Castillo JC , Caballero O , Esquembre MJ
Published: November 2014

The different IUDs types (Mirena, Copper T and Ancora) are shown using HDlive. This new technology allows a better vision of the levonorgestrel IUD, extremely difficult to observe with 2D.

How to cite this article

Bonilla-Musoles F, Raga F, Caballero O, Esquembre MJ, Bonilla F Jr, Castillo JC, Machado LE. Assessment of Long-Acting Reversible Intrauterine Contraceptives by using HDlive Technique. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(3):273-277.
Pathognomonic Landmark of Mature Cystic Ovarian Teratomas in HDlive Ultrasound
Authors: Machado LE , Raga F , Bonilla F , Bonilla-Musoles Fernando , Castillo JC , Caballero O , Esquembre MJ , Clodoaldo C
Published: November 2014

Mature cystic ovarian teratomas are the most common benign ovarian tumors. For their diagnosis, the following ultrasound (US) images can be considered as pathognomonic:

• A cystic lesion (unilocular, very frequent, or multiple, with a densely echogenic tubercle (Rokitansky nodule).

• A diffuse or partially echogenic mass with the echogenic area usually demonstrating sound attenuation.

• The ‘iceberg’ sign, very similar to the ‘sound attenuation’ sign.

• Fluid-fluid/fat-fluid level. Fluid-fluid levels, or fat-fluid interface, result from sebum floating above aqueous, which appears more echogenic than the sebum layer.

• Dermoid mesh with hyperechoic calcifications indicating the presence of bone, teeth, or other ectodermal derivate.

• Multiple mobile spherical structures (fat balls).

How to cite this article

Bonilla-Musoles F, Raga F, Bonilla F Jr, Esquembre MJ, Castillo JC, Caballero O, Clodoaldo C, Machado LE. Pathognomonic Landmark of Mature Cystic Ovarian Teratomas in HDlive Ultrasound. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(3):278-287.
The Role of 2D and 3D Ultrasound in Evaluation of Fetal Gastrointestinal Anomalies
Authors: Zaputovic Sanja , Plavsic Sanja Kupesic , Stanojevic Milan , Hughes Mallory K , Plavsic Branko M
Published: November 2014

Aim

To evaluate the role of second mid-trimester ultrasound in prenatal detection of gastrointestinal (GI) fetal anomalies and compare the ultrasonographic findings with postnatal diagnosis.

Materials and methods

A 5-year retrospective study included 16,334 neonates delivered at a tertiary referral center. All neonates were evaluated by a second mid-trimester 2D ultrasound fetal anatomy scan. Patients with abnormal findings on 2D scan were also examined by 3D ultrasound. Postnatally confirmed GI anomalies were compared with prenatal ultrasound assessment of two sections of fetal abdomen which had analyzed the presence, size and position of the stomach, umbilical cord insertion and have assessed the amniotic fluid index (AFI).

Results

Prenatal ultrasound revealed 28 out of 38 fetal GI anomalies (73.6%). All GI anomalies initially diagnosed with 2D ultrasound were confirmed by 3D ultrasound. The major advantage of multiplanar imaging was more comprehensive anatomical information about GI anomalies. Surface rendering provided additional information in evaluating fetuses with anterior abdominal wall defects.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that standard planes obtained by 2D ultrasound can rule out a majority of fetal GI anomalies. Assessment of AFI should be an integral part of prenatal ultrasound scan in detection of GI anomalies, particularly in GI obstruction.

How to cite this article

Stanojevic M, Hughes MK, Zaputovic S, Kupesic Plavsic S, Plavsic BM. The Role of 2D and 3D Ultrasound in Evaluation of Fetal Gastrointestinal Anomalies. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(3):316-320.
Development of Additional Tasks for the Executive Function Performance Test
Authors: Hahn Bridget , Baum Carolyn , Moore Jennifer , Ehrlich-Jones Linda , Spoeri Susan , Doherty Meghan , Wolf Timothy J.
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVE. The Executive Function Performance Test (EFPT) is a reliable and valid performance-based assessment of executive function for people with stroke. The objective of this study was to enhance the clinical utility of the EFPT by developing and testing additional tasks for the EFPT in the Alternate EFPT (aEFPT).

METHOD. We performed a cross-sectional study with poststroke participants (n = 25) and healthy control participants (n = 25). All participants completed a neuropsychological assessment battery and both the EFPT and the aEFPT.

RESULTS. No statistically significant differences were found between the EFPT and the aEFPT when examining total scores, construct scores, and two overall task scores. Correlations between the aEFPT and the neuropsychological measures were adequate to strong (r2s = .59–.83).

CONCLUSION. The aEFPT tasks are comparable to the original EFPT tasks, providing occupational therapy practitioners with additional tasks that can be used clinically to identify performance-based executive function deficits in people with stroke.
Effect of an Occupation-Focused Family Intervention on Change in Parents’ Time Use and Children’s Body Mass Index
Authors: Orban Kristina , Erlandsson Lena-Karin , Edberg Anna-Karin , Önnerfält Jenny , Thorngren-Jerneck Kristina
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVE. This study explored factors related to changes in the time parents spent with their children with obesity and associated decreases in children’s body mass index (BMI) z-scores after an occupation-focused intervention.

METHOD. Parents participated in a 1-yr occupation-focused intervention to promote healthy family lifestyles. Data on 40 parents of 22 children with obesity ages 4–6 yr were collected before and after intervention and analyzed using linear and multiple regression methods.

RESULTS. Parents increased time spent with their children by an average of 91 min/day. Parents’ finances, perceived satisfaction in daily occupations, low BMI, and mastery at inclusion were associated with increased time spent with their children. Mothers’ subjective health and high mastery and fathers’ perceived occupational value and education explained 67% of the variance in children’s BMI z-scores.

CONCLUSION. The results indicate important factors to consider in developing interventions that facilitate occupational engagement and health among children with obesity and their families.
Psychometrics of the Home Safety Self-Assessment Tool (HSSAT) to Prevent Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Tomita Machiko R. , Saharan Sumandeep , Rajendran Sheela , Nochajski Susan M. , Schweitzer Jo A.
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVE. To identify psychometric properties of the Home Safety Self-Assessment Tool (HSSAT) to prevent falls in community-dwelling older adults.

METHOD. We tested content validity, test–retest reliability, interrater reliability, construct validity, convergent and discriminant validity, and responsiveness to change.

RESULTS. The content validity index was .98, the intraclass correlation coefficient for test–retest reliability was .97, and the interrater reliability was .89. The difference on identified risk factors between the use and nonuse of the HSSAT was significant (p = .005). Convergent validity with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Home Safety Checklist was high (r = .65), and discriminant validity with fear of falling was very low (r = .10). The responsiveness to change was moderate (standardized response mean = 0.57).

CONCLUSION. The HSSAT is a reliable and valid instrument to identify fall risks in a home environment, and the HSSAT booklet is effective as educational material leading to improvement in home safety.
Occupational Therapy Interventions to Improve Driving Performance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Golisz Kathleen
Published: November 2014

This systematic review synthesizes the research on interventions used by occupational therapy practitioners to address cognitive and visual function, motor function, driving skills, self-regulation and self-awareness, and the role of passengers and family involvement in the driving ability, performance, and safety of older adults. After a comprehensive search of the research literature, 29 studies were reviewed and synthesized into five themes: (1) educational interventions including family education, (2) cognitive–perceptual training, (3) interventions addressing physical fitness, (4) simulator training, and (5) behind-the-wheel training. Outcome measures used in the studies included changes in knowledge through speed of processing, physical and cognitive skills predicted to reduce crash risk, simulated driving, and real-world driving. The studies demonstrated low to moderate positive effects for interventions used by occupational therapy practitioners to improve older driver performance.
Updated Systematic Review on Older Adult Community Mobility and Driver Licensing Policies
Authors: Stav Wendy B.
Published: November 2014

An updated systematic review of literature related to the effects of driver licensing policies, community mobility programs, and driving cessation programs on older adult performance and participation was completed as a part of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Evidence-Based Literature Review Project. The results revealed that relicensing policies instituted by states yield inconsistent results in terms of reducing traffic crashes, traffic violations, and traffic-related fatalities. The evidence related to community mobility and driving cessation programs has suggested that programming to support the transition from driving to other modes of mobility can be beneficial for older adults and their family members. In addition, community contexts that are supportive of pedestrian travel significantly increase this mode of mobility. This evidence-based review informs occupational therapy practice and suggests that increased therapeutic attention should be directed toward supportive transitions from driving and sustaining community mobility for optimal engagement and participation.
Effects of a Classroom-Embedded Occupational Therapist–Teacher Handwriting Program for First-Grade Students
Authors: Case-Smith Jane , Weaver Lindy , Holland Terri
Published: November 2014

This study examined the effectiveness of Write Start, a handwriting and writing program cotaught by teachers and occupational therapists for first-grade children. Four classrooms (n = 80) received the Write Start program, and four (n = 58) received standard handwriting and writing instruction. Two teachers and an occupational therapist implemented the 24-session manualized program, which included station teaching and individualized supports. The program emphasized practice in small groups in which the coteaching team provided students with frequent feedback, encouraged self-evaluation, and facilitated peer modeling and peer evaluation. Students who completed the Write Start program improved more in handwriting legibility and speed than the group receiving standard instruction. Writing fluency and written composition were no different between groups at posttest; however, writing fluency was significantly higher for Write Start students at 6-mo follow-up. Write Start students with low legibility at baseline made significant improvements, suggesting that the program may benefit students at risk for handwriting and writing problems.
State of the Journal, 2014
Authors: Gutman Sharon A.
Published: November 2014

The outgoing editor-in-chief outlines the advances made during her 6-yr tenure and provides recommendations for AJOT’s future
A Fabry–Perot interferometer-based camera for two-dimensional mapping of SO2 distributions
Authors: Kuhn J. , Bobrowski N. , Lübcke P. , Vogel L. , Platt U.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. We examine a new imaging method for the remote sensing of volcanic gases, which relies on the regularly spaced narrow-band absorption structures in the UV–VIS of many molecules. A Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI) is used to compare the scattered sunlight radiance at wavelengths corresponding to absorption bands with the radiance at wavelengths in between the bands, thereby identifying and quantifying the gas. In this first theoretical study, we present sample calculations for the detection of sulfur dioxide (SO2). Optimum values for the FPI setup parameters are proposed. Furthermore, the performance of the FPI method is compared to SO2 cameras. We show that camera systems using an FPI are far less influenced by changes in atmospheric radiative transfer (e.g., due to aerosol) and have a great potential as a future technique for examining emissions of SO2 (or other gases) from volcanic sources and other point sources.
Fine and coarse dust separation with polarization lidar
Authors: Mamouri R. E. , Ansmann A.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The polarization-lidar photometer networking (POLIPHON) method for separating dust and non-dust aerosol backscatter and extinction, volume, and mass concentration is extended to allow for a height-resolved separation of fine-mode and coarse-mode dust properties in addition. The method is applied to a period with complex aerosol layering of fine-mode background dust from Turkey and Arabian desert dust from Syria. The observation was performed at the combined European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) and Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) site of Limassol (34.7° N, 33° E), Cyprus, in September 2011. The dust profiling methodology and case studies are presented. Consistency between the column-integrated optical properties obtained with sun/sky photometer and the respective results derived by means of the new lidar-based method corroborate the applicability of the extended POLIPHON version.
Oxygen stable isotopes during the Last Glacial Maximum climate: perspectives from data–model (iLOVECLIM) comparison
Authors: Caley T. , Roche D. M. , Waelbroeck C. , Michel E.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. We use the fully coupled atmosphere–ocean three-dimensional model of intermediate complexity iLOVECLIM to simulate the climate and oxygen stable isotopic signal during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 21 000 years). By using a model that is able to explicitly simulate the sensor (δ18O), results can be directly compared with data from climatic archives in the different realms. Our results indicate that iLOVECLIM reproduces well the main feature of the LGM climate in the atmospheric and oceanic components. The annual mean δ18O in precipitation shows more depleted values in the northern and southern high latitudes during the LGM. The model reproduces very well the spatial gradient observed in ice core records over the Greenland ice sheet. We observe a general pattern toward more enriched values for continental calcite δ18O in the model at the LGM, in agreement with speleothem data. This can be explained by both a general atmospheric cooling in the tropical and subtropical regions and a reduction in precipitation as confirmed by reconstruction derived from pollens and plant macrofossils. Data–model comparison for sea surface temperature indicates that iLOVECLIM is capable to satisfyingly simulate the change in oceanic surface conditions between the LGM and present. Our data–model comparison for calcite δ18O allows investigating the large discrepancies with respect to glacial temperatures recorded by different microfossil proxies in the North Atlantic region. The results argue for a strong mean annual cooling in the area south of Iceland and Greenland between the LGM and present (> 6 °C), supporting the foraminifera transfer function reconstruction but in disagreement with alkenones and dinocyst reconstructions. The data–model comparison also reveals that large positive calcite δ18O anomaly in the Southern Ocean may be explained by an important cooling, although the driver of this pattern is unclear. We deduce a large positive δ18Osw anomaly for the north Indian Ocean that contrasts with a large negative δ18Osw anomaly in the China Sea between the LGM and the present. This pattern may be linked to changes in the hydrological cycle over these regions. Our simulation of the deep ocean suggests that changes in δ18Osw between the LGM and the present are not spatially homogeneous. This is supported by reconstructions derived from pore fluids in deep-sea sediments. The model underestimates the deep ocean cooling thus biasing the comparison with benthic calcite δ18O data. Nonetheless, our data–model comparison supports a heterogeneous cooling of a few degrees (2–4 °C) in the LGM Ocean.
Model–data fusion across ecosystems: from multisite optimizations to global simulations
Authors: Kuppel S. , Peylin P. , Maignan F. , Chevallier F. , Kiely G. , Montagnani L. , Cescatti A.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. This study uses a variational data assimilation framework to simultaneously constrain a global ecosystem model with eddy covariance measurements of daily net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and latent heat (LE) fluxes from a large number of sites grouped in seven plant functional types (PFTs). It is an attempt to bridge the gap between the numerous site-specific parameter optimization works found in the literature and the generic parameterization used by most land surface models within each PFT. The present multisite approach allows deriving PFT-generic sets of optimized parameters enhancing the agreement between measured and simulated fluxes at most of the sites considered, with performances often comparable to those of the corresponding site-specific optimizations. Besides reducing the PFT-averaged model–data root-mean-square difference (RMSD) and the associated daily output uncertainty, the optimization improves the simulated CO2 balance at tropical and temperate forests sites. The major site-level NEE adjustments at the seasonal scale are reduced amplitude in C3 grasslands and boreal forests, increased seasonality in temperate evergreen forests, and better model–data phasing in temperate deciduous broadleaf forests. Conversely, the poorer performances in tropical evergreen broadleaf forests points to deficiencies regarding the modelling of phenology and soil water stress for this PFT. An evaluation with data-oriented estimates of photosynthesis (GPP – gross primary productivity) and ecosystem respiration (Reco) rates indicates distinctively improved simulations of both gross fluxes. The multisite parameter sets are then tested against CO2 concentrations measured at 53 locations around the globe, showing significant adjustments of the modelled seasonality of atmospheric CO2 concentration, whose relevance seems PFT-dependent, along with an improved interannual variability. Lastly, a global-scale evaluation with remote sensing NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) measurements indicates an improvement of the simulated seasonal variations of the foliar cover for all considered PFTs.