bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship-Based Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Faber Kathy
Published: November 2013

At St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey, implementation of the Relationship-Based Care (RBC) model of care delivery and enculturation of the philosophy of care embodied in Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring (Watson, 2007) improved patient outcomes and supported quality nursing care across the continuum of care in our organization. The ability of staff nurses to create an atmosphere of professional inquiry that places patients and families at the center of practice supported implementation of RBC in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Concept Analysis of Empowerment From Survivor and Nurse Perspectives Within the Context of Cancer Survivorship
Authors: Jerofke Teresa A.
Published: November 2013

The liberal usage of the concept of empowerment has led to the development of a broad and ambiguous term. In health care, empowerment is a core principle of patient-centered care that promotes patient engagement in health management. This is an analysis of the concept of empowerment within the context of cancer survivorship using both Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis and Caron and Bower’s dimensional analysis. The dimensional analysis followed the evolutionary concept analysis as the perspectives of patients and nurse providers emerged in the analysis. Data sources included a sample of 249 papers from multiple disciplines covering the period 2000–2013. Empowerment is defined as power-with that is actualized through a beneficial relationship of mutual trust and respect for autonomy that develops within a dynamic and patient-centered process. The attributes, along with the antecedents and consequences, provide a foundation for future theory development of empowerment in the context of cancer survivorship. This analysis demonstrated that although nurses and survivors may have a similar definition of the concept of empowerment, the uses and assumptions of that definition may differ. Future studies should be conducted measuring the effectiveness of an intervention that uses the components of the process of empowerment from survivors’ perspectives.
Experiences of Nurse Volunteers in Haiti After the 2010 Earthquake
Authors: Sloand Elizabeth , Ho Grace , Kub Joan
Published: November 2013

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of volunteer nurses after the Haiti earthquake, January 2010.Design:A descriptive qualitative study design using in-depth interviews focuses on experiences of 12 American nurse volunteers who served in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake.Methods:Semistructured interviews were conducted in person or by phone using an interview guide. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and checked for accuracy. Data analysis was assisted using NVivo9.Findings:Six themes emerged: initial shock, relentless work, substituting and making do, questioning, systems building, and transitioning back.Conclusions and implications:Nurses who are interested in volunteering after a disaster can expect the experience to be overwhelming and will require them to exercise great flexibility, creativity, and strength in their nursing practice. Nurse volunteers can expect a rewarding experience that will likely change their perspective on nursing work and personal life.
Statistical analysis of shallow well characteristics as indicators of water quality in parts of Ibadan City, Nigeria
Authors: Oguntoke Olusegun , Komolafe Oluseye A. , Annegarn Harold J.
Published: November 2013

The inability of private well-owners to conduct well-water tests is a major obstacle to addressing contamination of water for human consumption in Ibadan city. Shallow well characteristics and their water quality were assessed with the aim of identifying observable characteristics that serve as markers of well water status. Field observation and interviews were employed to assess the features of 100 shallow wells. In addition, physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of water samples from selected wells were analysed. Out of 100 wells, the aggregate score of 60% ranged from high to medium risk. The mean concentrations of manganese, iron, total dissolved solids, pH and bacterial population were outside the WHO permissible limit in more than 50% of the sampled wells. Wells with poor locational characteristics had high turbidity and bacterial population (P < 0.05). A regression model showed that improved structural and maintenance scores of wells will reduce bacterial load in the well water; hence their scores can indicate water quality status.
Temporal changes in peri-urban drinking water practices and quality
Authors: Furlong C. , Paterson C. A.
Published: November 2013

This paper simultaneously explores temporal changes in drinking water quality and practices in peri-urban Peru. A mixed methodology approach was used, which included a household survey (n= 96) and analysis of water samples taken at source (n= 33 2006, n= 64 2007) and from households (n= 51 2006, n= 91 2007), during both the dry (2006) and rainy season (2007). Variations in practices were found, the most important being the type of water being used, but these changes were found to be contextual and linked to the termination of municipal piped water to the community, rather than seasonal. Seasonal changes in quality of ground water sources were found, but the change in the quality of the major water sources used for drinking and cooking were again not seasonal. A relationship between drinking water practices and quality was identified, due to household contamination of water, which was linked to perceived quality of source. Although the results from this study do not establish any link between seasonal drinking water quality and practices, evidence supporting the general hypothesis of this work was uncovered.
Rehabilitation of water treatment plants with operational constrains: a study on turbidity removal
Authors: Lari Kaveh Sookhak , Kargar Morteza
Published: November 2013

High-rate lamella settlers in clarifiers and triple media filters have been implemented in Isfahan water treatment plant (known as ‘Baba-Sheikh-Ali’) in Iran to upgrade existing clarification/filtration processes during the recent years. The applied technologies are mainly used to reduce finished water turbidity as the primary regional criterion on water quality. However, application of both technologies faced some operational limitations since they began to work. These problems are due to the existing layout of the process units and available materials. The current study focuses on performance of restricted application of the two technologies with respect to turbidity removal. Online measured turbidity data from a two-year field observation (since March 2010) are used. In particular, results show a more promising and long-term effect on turbidity removal due to tripling filter media rather than application of the lamella settlers in clarifiers. The reasons for these observations are discussed.
Pot chlorination of shallow wells in a peri-urban community in Kenya: an effectiveness trial
Authors: Vandermeer Krista , Dreibelbis Robert , Akoko Daniel Obote , Rheingans Richard D.
Published: November 2013

The effectivenss of pot chlorination to continously treat shallow wells in a peri-urban community in Kisumu, Kenya, was evaluated. A total of 30 shallow wells used by local residents were identified. Half were randomly allocated to be treated by pot chlorination, while the remainder served as the control group. Residual free chlorine (RFC) and the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) were measured in all wells before chlorination and at repeated intervals over a 14-day period. Although there was a reduction in E. coli levels in the intervention wells post-chlorination, there was no difference in the percentage of wells in each group meeting WHO drinking water guidelines of 0 E. coli CFUs/100 ml on day 7 (p = 0.444) or day 14 (p = 0.188). While the intervention was associated with a statistically significant improvement in the percentage of chlorinated wells meeting the WHO guidelines for RFC of at least 0.5 mg/l (41.7%) compared to control wells on day 7 (p = 0.010), by day 14 there was no detectable difference between the two groups (p = 0.444). Pot chlorination of the shallow wells in this study did not improve the microbiological quality of well water to WHO drinking water standards and was not effective in maintaining the recommended RFC required for continuous disinfection.
Demonstrating the effectiveness of social franchising principles: the emptying of household ventilated improved pits: a case study from South Africa
Authors: Wall K. , Ive O. , Bhagwan J. , Kirwan F. , Birkholtz W. , Lupuwana N. , Shaylor E.
Published: November 2013

Having viewed the successful social franchising partnerships pilot programme that serviced sanitation facilities at 400 schools in the Butterworth District of the Eastern Cape of South Africa, the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) expressed interest in exploring how well the partnership model could empty household pit latrines in its jurisdiction. The impact and effectiveness of the model was demonstrated by the emptying, by five franchisees over a period of only six weeks, of the contents of 400 household ventilated improved pit latrines in Govan Mbeki Village, and the safe disposal of their content. The paper describes the methods and results in removal and disposal of faecal sludge. Problems were encountered, and the solutions (technical, institutional and social) are described. Not unexpectedly, the amount of effort involved in this work – including time, training required, equipment required and ingenuity – varied enormously. The main variables included the type of top structure, the nature of the pit contents, whether or not there was broad consistency of type and contents in an area, distances (between pits, from home base to work site, from pits to disposal site, from location of specialized equipment to work site), logistical delays (e.g. non-arrival of equipment) and bureaucratic hold-ups (especially payment delays).
Treat George Jetson: Video Chat for Better Patient Care
Authors: Scheiner Gary
Published: November 2013

In Brief

Caring for people with diabetes is frought with challenges, including a rapidly growing population, shrinking reimbursements for care, multiple treatment variables, an onslaught of numeric data, and the need for effective lifestyle intervention. Use of video chat technology for conducting appointments allows for provision of a wide range of clinical services while improving efficiency, accessibility, and communication between patients and providers.
Telehealth: Aiding Navigation Through the Perfect Storm of Diabetes Care in the Era of Health Care Reform
Authors: Pearson Teresa L.
Published: November 2013

In Brief

The advance of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and impending shortages of health care providers to serve the ever-increasing diabetes population have led to an increased need to do more with less in the field of health care. New and emerging technologies are making telehealth more accessible, more desirable, and thus more acceptable as a way to interact with patients in their homes or rural communities. Although some issues are yet to be resolved, technological innovations, evidence of the positive effect of diabetes telehealth on clinical and quality-of-life outcomes, and the strong emphasis on telehealth in the ACA make such services worthy of consideration.
Concerns About Professional Chinese Medicine Among Chinese Immigrants With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kwan Christine M.L. , Chun Kevin M. , Huang Peggy , Chesla Catherine A.
Published: November 2013

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine Chinese Americans' beliefs regarding professional Chinese medicine (CM) in diabetes management. Previous research showed substantial variations in Chinese Americans' beliefs about the role of professional CM, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, in diabetes management. To provide culturally sensitive care, health care providers (HCPs) need a nuanced understanding of patients' beliefs about professional CM.

Methods. An interpretive phenomenological study was conducted. The sample included 20 informant couples (40 paired individuals) who were Chinese-American immigrants living with type 2 diabetes. Nineteen additional individuals were enrolled as respondents for member-checking. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in couple, group, and individual formats with informants and in groups only with respondents. Interviews were recorded, translated, transcribed, and coded for narrative and thematic analyses. Respondent responses validated informant findings.

Results. Participants reported five concerns about professional CM: low product quality and safety; questionable provider qualifications, ethics, and motives; a lack of scientific evidence for professional CM products and methods; adverse interactions of professional CM products with Western medicine drugs; and cumbersome preparation requirements.

Conclusion. Chinese Americans express skepticism about professional CM and are thoughtful when deciding whether it is a viable treatment option. Some concerns appear well-founded. HCPs are encouraged to become familiar with these concerns and to be prepared to discuss them with patients. They are encouraged to support research on CM, thus advancing the knowledge needed for determining the role of CM in diabetes care and improving collaboration with Chinese patients.
Carvedilol and Pycnogenol® improve the function of diabetic hearts in rats
Authors: E. Kráľová , S. Jankyová , A. Pekárik , J. Čuboň , T. Stankovičová
Published: November 2013

We observed the changes in electrical activity, biometric and haemodynamic parameters of hearts in animals with experimental diabetes mellitus (DM). As well the effect of carvedilol, PycnogenolR and its combination with carvedilol on DM heart function was tested. DM was induced by streptozotocin over three sequential days at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight i.p. We started therapy by suspension of carvedilol, PycnogenolR and their combination for six weeks. Blood pressure was measured using tail cuff plethysmography. ECG, haemodynamic and biometric parameters were measured in isolated hearts perfused according to the Langendorff. DM rats had increased systolic arterial blood pressure, thicker free wall of left ventricle but weakened myocardial contractility compared with controls. In contrast to controls, electrophysiological parameters showed prolonged QT interval and increased incidence of dysrhythmias in DM rats. The PycnogenolR administration induced regression of left ventricular hypertrophy, improved left ventriculi contraction and increased coronary flow; however, it did not improve the electrical activity of the myocardium compared with DM ones. Carvedilol also reversed the myocardial remodelling, shortened the duration of QT interval and suppressed the incidence of dysrhythmias. The common combination of drugs improved biometric and haemodynamic parameters compared with DM animals, however, not so significantly as monotherapy. On the other hand, the combination of carvedilol and PycnogenolR significantly reduced the duration of the QT interval and shortened the incidence of dysrhythmias. We can conclude that the administration of PycnogenolR effectively improved haemodynamic parameters, and carvedilol affected biometric parameters and also electrical parameters in DM animals. We observed the marked synergic effect of the combination of both drugs on the electrical activity of myocardium. This combination shortened the most pathologically prolonged QT interval and reduced the number of dysrhythmias.
Effects of Preceding Cowpea on the Performance of Maize in Cowpea-Maize Sequential Cropping
Authors: Adigbo Sunday Ojo , Fabunmi Thomas Oladeji , Isadeha Anthony , Adigbo Veronica Bola , Odedina Joy Nwakaego , Korede K. Babatunde
Published: November 2013

Field experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Agriculture in 2004/2005, 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 cropping seasons to investigate the effects of cowpea varieties on succeeding of maize crop. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design and the treatment replicated three times. The main plot treatment was sprayed and unsprayed cowpea (Vigna unguculata L.) while variety constituted the subplot treatment (IT90K-76, IT90K-277-2, Drum, Olo, Oloyin, Mallam and Sokoto varieties). Maize variety cv TZESR-W was planted as the test crop in the early cropping season of 2005, 2006 and 2007 on each subplot of the preceding cowpea. The biomass of cowpea in the spray plots were higher than those of unsprayed at 8, 10 WAP in 2004. Olo variety had significantly lower biomass compared to others in 2004. The grain yield of cowpea from the sprayed plots was significantly higher than the unsprayed plots in all the years. IT90K-76 variety had the highest grain yield whereas Mallam and Drum had the lowest in all the years. Maize grain yields from the preceding cowpea plots were significantly higher than that of 0 N kg/ha. The fertilizer equivalent of the preceding varieties of cowpea ranges between 24 and 38 N kg/ha. Thus, preceding cowpea enhances the performance of succeeding maize.
Association Between Physical Activity and Sleep in Adults With Chronic Pain: A Momentary, Within-Person Perspective
Authors: Andrews Nicole E. , Strong Jenny , Meredith Pamela J. , D'Arrigo Rachel G.
Published: November 2013

Background

Individuals with chronic pain consider improved sleep to be one of the most important outcomes of treatment. Physical activity has been shown to have beneficial effects on sleep in the general population. Despite these findings, the physical activity–sleep relationship has not been directly examined in a sample of people with chronic pain.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the association between objective daytime physical activity and subsequent objective sleep for individuals with chronic pain while controlling for pain and psychosocial variables.

Design

An observational, prospective, within-person study design was used.

Methods

A clinical sample of 50 adults with chronic pain was recruited. Participation involved completing a demographic questionnaire followed by 5 days of data collection. Over this period, participants wore a triaxial accelerometer to monitor their daytime activity and sleep. Participants also carried a handheld computer that administered a questionnaire measuring pain, mood, catastrophizing, and stress 6 times throughout the day.

Results

The results demonstrated that higher fluctuations in daytime activity significantly predicted shorter sleep duration. Furthermore, higher mean daytime activity levels and a greater number of pain sites contributed significantly to the prediction of longer periods of wakefulness at night.

Limitations

The small sample size used in this study limits the generalizability of the findings. Missing data may have led to overestimations or underestimations of effect sizes, and additional factors that may be associated with sleep (eg, medication usage, environmental factors) were not measured.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that engagement in high-intensity activity and high fluctuations in activity are associated with poorer sleep at night; hence, activity modulation may be a key treatment strategy to address sleep complaints in individuals with chronic pain.
From Mary Queen of Scots to the Scottish Capuchins: Scotland as a symbol of Protestant persecution in seventeenth-century Italian literature
Authors: Villani Stefano
Published: November 2013

Italian authors of the seventeenth century produced a myriad of historical texts, tragedies, oratorios and poems that dealt with the events of Mary Stuart's life. The tremendous outcry that her story caused all over Europe made Scotland one of the most powerful symbols of persecution of Catholics by Protestants. It was the image of Scotland as a land of martyrdom that possibly prompted the publication of two seventeenth-century Italian ‘biographies’, narrating the vicissitudes of the lives of two Scottish capuchins, and which ran to multiple editions down to the eighteenth century. This article explores the literary reception of Mary Queen of Scots in seventeenth-century Italian literature and, in so doing, opens up religious, cultural, and political implications, pointing to links between Scottish Catholic and European intellectuals, and the publishing networks of sympathetic Marian writing.
Patient Machine Interface for the Control of Mechanical Ventilation Devices
Authors: Grave de Peralta Rolando , Gonzalez Andino Sara , Perrig Stephen
Published: November 2013

The potential of Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs) to translate brain activity into commands to control external devices during mechanical ventilation (MV) remains largely unexplored. This is surprising since the amount of patients that might benefit from such assistance is considerably larger than the number of patients requiring BCI for motor control. Given the transient nature of MV (i.e., used mainly over night or during acute clinical conditions), precluding the use of invasive methods, and inspired by current research on BCIs, we argue that scalp recorded EEG (electroencephalography) signals can provide a non-invasive direct communication pathway between the brain and the ventilator. In this paper we propose a Patient Ventilator Interface (PVI) to control a ventilator during variable conscious states (i.e., wake, sleep, etc.). After a brief introduction on the neural control of breathing and the clinical conditions requiring the use of MV we discuss the conventional techniques used during MV. The schema of the PVI is presented followed by a description of the neural signals that can be used for the on-line control. To illustrate the full approach, we present data from a healthy subject, where the inspiration and expiration periods during voluntary breathing were discriminated with a 92% accuracy (10-fold cross-validation) from the scalp EEG data. The paper ends with a discussion on the advantages and obstacles that can be forecasted in this novel application of the concept of BCI.
A Smarter Grid for Renewable Energy: Different States of Action
Authors: Koenigs Clark , Suri Mudita , Kreiter Amelia , Elling Caroline , Eagles Julia , Peterson Tarla , Stephens Jennie , Wilson Elizabeth
Published: November 2013

Smart grid has strong potential to advance and encourage renewable energy deployment, but given the multiple motivations for smart grid, renewables are not always central in smart grid policy discussions. The term “smart grid” represents a set of technologies, including advanced meters, sensors and energy storage that are crucial for the integration of more renewable and low carbon electricity into the electric power grid. However, developing and building a smart grid is jurisdictionally complex, path dependent and context specific; states and regions are approaching grid modernization in different ways. This paper reports on a comparative analysis of smart grid development in seven U.S. states. We use state-level policy documents to learn what motivates smart grid development and how smart grid is framed in relation to renewable energy. In some states, renewable technologies are presented as an integral part of the smart grid policy discussion, while in others they are largely absent.
Attitudes of COPD Patients towards Tele-Rehabilitation: A Cross-Sector Case Study
Authors: Dinesen Birthe , Huniche Lotte , Toft Egon
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to describe patients’ attitudes towards tele-rehabilitation in the Danish TELEKAT (for Telehomecare, Chronic Patients and the Integrated Healthcare System) project, in order to better understand patients’ behavior when performing tele-rehabilitation activities in home surroundings. A total of 111 COPD patients were included in the study, and they were randomized into an intervention group (n = 60) and a control group (n = 51). However, a non-randomized design was used to analyze the qualitative perspectives of the patients’ attitudes towards tele-rehabilitation. From the intervention group, 22 COPD patients were selected for qualitative interviews and participant observation in their homes. The theoretical framework for this study is based on learning theory and the “communities of practice” approach inspired by Etienne Wenger. COPD patients exhibit four types of attitudes about their tele-rehabilitation: indifference, learning as part of situations in everyday life, feeling of security and motivation for performing physical training. The patients express the view that they circulate between these attitudes depending on their physical and emotional state as they perform their training. The COPD patients and healthcare professionals have created a community of tele-rehabilitation across sectors, exchanging experiences, stories and strategies for how to manage rehabilitation in home surroundings.
Exploring the Use of Google Earth Imagery and Object-Based Methods in Land Use/Cover Mapping
Authors: Hu Qiong , Wu Wenbin , Xia Tian , Yu Qiangyi , Yang Peng , Li Zhengguo , Song Qian
Published: November 2013

Google Earth (GE) releases free images in high spatial resolution that may provide some potential for regional land use/cover mapping, especially for those regions with high heterogeneous landscapes. In order to test such practicability, the GE imagery was selected for a case study in Wuhan City to perform an object-based land use/cover classification. The classification accuracy was assessed by using 570 validation points generated by a random sampling scheme and compared with a parallel classification of QuickBird (QB) imagery based on an object-based classification method. The results showed that GE has an overall classification accuracy of 78.07%, which is slightly lower than that of QB. No significant difference was found between these two classification results by the adoption of Z-test, which strongly proved the potentials of GE in land use/cover mapping. Moreover, GE has different discriminating capacity for specific land use/cover types. It possesses some advantages for mapping those types with good spatial characteristics in terms of geometric, shape and context. The object-based method is recommended for imagery classification when using GE imagery for mapping land use/cover. However, GE has some limitations for those types classified by using only spectral characteristics largely due to its poor spectral characteristics.
Les femmes dans les parentèles contemporaines : atouts et contraintes d’une position centrale
Authors: Dechaux Jean-Hugues
Published: November 2013

Sur les plans matériel, affectif et symbolique, l’implication des femmes dans la parentèle est supérieure à celle des hommes. Cette « centralité féminine » – qui se manifeste sous des formes variées dans les trois cercles concentriques de la parentèle et crée dans les relations du couple avec cette dernière un biais matrilatéral – se maintient malgré les transformations récentes de la famille. La conjonction des deux hypothèses du « matricentrage » et du « gynécentrage » permet de l’interpréter comme un « investissement de précaution » des femmes, qui est à la fois une stratégie et le résultat de leur socialisation. Un lien est également établi entre centralité féminine et rapports de pouvoir entre les sexes en s’inspirant de l’analyse structurale de réseau. Dans cette perspective, une fois repérés les atouts et les contraintes de la centralité féminine, la faiblesse des liens forts composant le capital social des femmes, la domination de genre apparaît comme une balance, relativement contingente, des bénéfices et des coûts.
Choix du pacte civil de solidarité et rapport à la religion
Authors: Rault Wilfried , Letrait Muriel
Published: November 2013

Quel rapport à la religion le choix du pacte civil de solidarité (Pacs) traduit-il ? À partir d’une exploitation d’entretiens qualitatifs et de l’enquête quantitative « étude des relations familiales et intergénérationnelles » réalisée par l’Institut national d’études démographiques et l’Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques en 2005, cet article examine le lien entre le Pacs et le rapport à la religion. La première approche permet de saisir de quelle manière le choix de la nouvelle forme d’union est combinable à une grande diversité de rapports à la religion. Cette diversité évolue entre deux pôles : si le Pacs peut capter une hostilité à des connotations religieuses du mariage, son choix peut également être un moyen de préserver une symbolique matrimoniale dans laquelle le religieux trouve une place importante. Dans un second temps, une approche statistique permet d’observer le rapport distinct entre formes d’union (mariage direct, mariage après cohabitation, union libre sans intention institutionnalisatrice, Pacs) et la religion. Il apparaît que le Pacs est plus enclin que les autres formes à exprimer une distance aux religions institutionnelles.
Situation de la Culture des Arbres à Quinquina dans la France d'Outre-Mer
Authors: Portères Roland
Published: November 2013

Les plantations de Quinquinas de l'Union Française couvrent actuellement 600 ha dont 500 ha en ledgeriana. Les programmes en cours d'exécution tendent à constituer une production annuelle de plus de 175 t. de sulfate de quinine (Indochine 100, Cameroun 50, A. O. F. 15 à 20, Madagascar 10). Les organismes projetés pour gérer ces ensembles comprennent principalement un Institut Indochinois et un Office du Quinquina (Métropole). En A. O. F. et au Cameroun, ce sont les stations expérimentales de Sérédoû et de Dschang qui assurent actuellement la mise en route des travaux d'extension projetés ; il serait important que ces établissements fussent transformés en Régies de recherches et d'exploitation du Quinquina pour leur permettre d'agir rapidement et sans armature bureaucratique importante.
Helping Struggling Writers
Authors: Dunn Michael
Published: November 2013

Assistive Technology (AT), in the domain of special education, is defined as both tools and services. This chapter provides a description of this definition, what recent national and international writing assessment results indicate, what the characteristics of struggling writers are, and how AT can help these children improve and manage the complex and interdependent task of creating prose, story writing in particular. Key examples of AT services are Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD: a step-by-step process for teaching a student a strategy) and mnemonic strategies (the use of keywords to help a child retain the steps in managing a task such as story writing). In the context of writing, AT can range from a pencil grip to a complete computer system with writing-assistance software. Furthermore, the author reviews his own research studies about story writing and how integral AT is to helping these children. Finally, the need for students’ pre-requisite practice with AT is emphasized.
Engaging in Play through Assistive Technology
Authors: Baker Fiona S.
Published: November 2013

The importance of play for all infants and toddlers should not be underestimated. However, owing to barriers and tensions in Assistive Technology (AT) in early intervention, opportunities are often limited for infants and toddlers with special needs to play, and where early intervention exists, it is slow to develop with AT. This chapter first discusses the importance of play and then draws attention to some issues and tensions that limit play and AT in early intervention for infants and toddlers with special needs. It then discusses how crucial it is to explore the potential of play for infants and toddlers with disabilities and gives research and practice-based suggestions to enact the spirit of the law: the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA): Part C – Early Intervention program for infants and toddlers using AT. It concludes with some thoughts for the future of AT through research, early intervention play-based practices, and on-going education and development of early intervention providers and parents of infants and toddlers with special needs.
Creating Protective Barriers for Students with Disabilities in E-Learning Environments
Authors: Barrett Bob
Published: November 2013

As corporations and organizations continue to make strides in employing people with disabilities, in part, as an act of social responsibility, other entities have started to realize the need and value of this untapped human resource. Studies have shown that employees with disabilities have low turnover rates, low absenteeism, and high motivation to prove themselves. In today’s workplace, many organizations will need to rethink their employment practices in order to compete for employees from the current, shrinking workforce. Thus, these employers are now looking towards academic institutions for well-qualified candidates. The key question here is whether academic institutions and educators are prepared to enable, educate, protect, and motivate learners with and without disabilities for changes in the workforce. One way that academia is helping to break down barriers to education is through the incorporation of online learning, or “e-learning.” Whereas barriers to education for people with disabilities have traditionally taken the form of architectural and attitudinal impediments, e-learning may help mitigate such barriers, equalizing the learning environment for all students.
Critical Instruction, Student Achievement, and the Nurturing of Global Citizens
Authors: Menand Howard
Published: November 2013

The chapter applies critical theory to analyze the impact of globalization on education at the classroom level. Based on the hypothesis that education policy decisions made at the global level result in outcomes at the classroom level, it is clear globalization directly impacts students in the classroom. Therefore, within the context of curriculum and instruction, this chapter critically explores 21st century instructional practices as a response to the following research question: What are effective methods for engaging all learners in today’s classrooms? The chapter incorporates qualitative research results and historical background about globalization, which thus situates current 21st century instructional practices within a framework for critical deconstruction. Finally, the qualitative research utilized in this chapter stems from classroom observations of teachers delivering 21st century instruction, and this research serves the purpose of clearly illustrating the characteristics of 21st century instruction in the classroom.
Prospective Teachers’ “Turn toward the Critical” in Unofficial Spaces
Authors: Hallman Heidi L.
Published: November 2013

This chapter discusses prospective teachers initiating and participating in a community-based after-school program for “at-risk” adolescents. Within this unofficial space, the author used this study to explore the potential for beginning teachers’ orientations to critical literacy to promote a commitment to teaching critically. This chapter also explored the ways that prospective teachers negotiate teacher identity. In contrast to an immediate socialization into “teacher as expert,” the work of prospective teachers in community-based sites facilitates a discussion of the appropriate role of teacher as well as the relationship between teacher/student and teaching/learning.
Locating Shakespearean Familial Curriculum in Secondary Contexts
Authors: Rice Mary
Published: November 2013

This chapter is based on a formal study1 of one community’s familial curriculum (Huber, Murphy, & Clandinin, 2011) in the context of Shakespeare. The families that participated in this narrative inquiry (Clandinin & Connelly, 2000) discussed how Shakespeare’s work influenced their family life. The findings from this study are used to discuss what is considered by some to be a dichotomy of curriculum in school and home. The author also uses this study to explore notions of nationalized or common curriculum.
Multimedia Content Elements Supply
Authors: Shaoqing Mao
Published: November 2013

The work presented in this paper provides an assessment of how deep the content-based recommendation algorithm described domain movies and TV shows metadata information can influence. The method used in order to verify the results, and to ensure that they are not affected, used data set metadata itself, rather than by the different data sets and indicators. The combination of different metadata elements provides usually better results when compared with metadata used separately.
Radio Planning and Field Trial Measurement of a Deployed 4G WiMAX Network in an Urban Sub-Saharan African Environment
Authors: Tchao E.T. , Ofosu W.K. , Diawuo K.
Published: November 2013

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) technology has gained growing interest due to its applications and advantages. It is fast emerging as a last-mile problem solution for broadband access technology. This paper presents operation scenarios for the deployment of a Fourth Generation (4G) WiMAX system in a typical sub-Saharan African environment. This has been specified based on real world conditions considering the regulatory rules specified by the National Communication Authority (NCA) for radio frequency spectrum utilization in the 2.6GHz licensed band in Ghana. Appropriate propagation models and Network planning tools have been used to design the final radio network plan. Coverage prediction has been performed using Genex-U-Net to achieve the main aim of providing coverage in the predefined areas of Accra and Tema, Ghana. Simulation results for different downlink/uplink ratios with different frequency reuse schemes have been presented. A total of 11 base stations have been suggested to provide coverage of -92dBm using 32 sectors 4 transmit 4 receive (4T4R) adaptive Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) antenna configuration within the Accra and Tema municipality. Finally the system performance is evaluated through field trial measurement and the results presented.
Improving Network Management by XML to Relational Data Translation
Authors: Alam Mahabubul , Salloum Salam , Husain Mohammad
Published: November 2013

Network management is a critical component in both wired and wireless network. In wireless networks, the network dynamics changes rapidly and the network management information needs to be updated frequently. Due to its structured form and ease of usage in communication, eXtensible Markup Language (XML) is preferred as a configuration and logging tool in network management. However, it is convenient to use relational databases such as SQL to store and process data of wireless network management where frequent updates are necessary. In this paper, the authors show an automated method of converting XML documents to store in relational. We have implemented a proof of concept and compared performance to existing approach.
Cloud Computing in the Education Environment for Developing Nations
Authors: Ofosu Willie K. , Saliah-Hassane Hamadou
Published: November 2013

In developing nations where distance education is viewed with great interest, cloud computing provides a necessary solution in creating a 21st century educational environment. Cloud computing facilitates the use of open source in educational institutions in the online learning environment where the social web or software can be used to network institutions, libraries, and students in their homes. This approach enables remote laboratories for educational institutions, research, and industry. Combining this with a virtual platform will provide academic institutions the ability to provide instruction, and research establishment to conduct high level complex research. This paper presents the concept of laboratories at home as the authors see it in the light of cloud computing era, taking into account the existing norms and standards as well as achieve educational goals required for science and engineering laboratories with what can be referred to as Networked Smart Educational Devices.
Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm NSGA-II for Variables Selection in Multivariate Calibration Problems
Authors: Vitor de Lucena Daniel , Woerle de Lima Telma , Soares Anderson da Silva , Coelho Clarimar José
Published: November 2013

This paper proposes a multiobjective formulation for variable selection in multivariate calibration problems in order to improve the generalization ability of the calibration model. The authors applied this proposed formulation in the multiobjective genetic algorithm NSGA-II. The formulation consists in two conflicting objectives: minimize the prediction error and minimize the number of selected variables for multiple linear regression. These objectives are conflicting because, when the number of variables is reduced the prediction error increases. As study of case is used the wheat data set obtained by NIR spectrometry with the objective for determining a variable subgroup with information about protein concentration. The results of traditional techniques of multivariate calibration as the partial least square and successive projection algorithm for multiple linear regression are presented for comparisons. The obtained results showed that the proposed approach obtained better results when compared with a mono-objective evolutionary algorithm and with traditional techniques of multivariate calibration.
Comparison of Feature Vectors in Keystroke Dynamics
Authors: Pisani Paulo H. , Lorena Ana C.
Published: November 2013

A number of current applications require algorithms able to extract a model from one-class data and classify unseen data as self or non-self in a novelty detection scenario, such as spam identification and intrusion detection. In this paper the authors focus on keystroke dynamics, which analyses the user typing rhythm to improve the reliability of user authentication process. However, several different features may be extracted from the typing data, making it difficult to define the feature vector. This problem is even more critical in a novelty detection scenario, when data from the negative class is not available. Based on a keystroke dynamics review, this work evaluated the most used features and evaluated which ones are more significant to differentiate a user from another using keystroke dynamics. In order to perform this evaluation, the authors tested the impact on two benchmark databases applying bio-inspired algorithms based on neural networks and artificial immune systems.
Foam Glass for Soilless Cultivation Matrix Prepared by Using Boron Mud
Authors: Jiang Yan Yan , Li Ya Nan , Zhang Ji Wen , Yu Qiao , Hu Zhi Qiang , Liu Jing Xiao
Published: November 2013

Foam glass was prepared by boron mud, broken glass, foaming agents and fluxes. The appropriate foaming temperature and foaming time were got by sintering parameter optimization. The effects of preparation conditions on propertis of the foam glass for soilless cultivation matrix were investigated. The results show that under the optimum preparation conditions (the foaming temperature is 800 °C and foaming time is 40 min), the formula for boron mud/broken glass: Borax: Sodium nitrate: Calcium carbonate is 35/50: 5:7:3, the bulk density is 247 kg/m3, the open porosity is 70%, the water absorption rate is 202.3%, the pH value of soak solution keeps at about 6.5 with the increase of immersion time. All of these will meet the application requirement of soilless cultivation.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Hardness f X38CrMo16 Steel
Authors: Wu Meng , Zeng Yan Ping , Yang Wen
Published: November 2013

Effect of quenching-tempering process on microstructure and hardness of X38CrMo16 steel was investigated by means of OM, SEM, XRD and a digital hardness tester. The quenched and tempered steel consists of martensite (or its tempered structure), δ-ferrite and secondary particles. The secondary particles are identified as a FeCr intermetallic phase based on EDS and XRD analysis. Along with the increase of quenching temperature, the quantity of secondary particles gradually decreases and the prior austenite grains grow significantly, which led to the coarsening of martensite. A large number of blocky ferrite formed due to the increase of chromium level in the matrix. In addition, the hardness of the quenched steel continuously increases with quenching temperature up to 1100°C and then drop observably. Hence, the suitable quenching temperature of the steel is between 1050 and 1100°C. After tempering at 200 and 300°C, the hardness of the steel decreased due to the formation of tempered martensite and increased slightly after tempering at 400°C owing to secondary hardening, whereas this value decreased again after tempering at 500 and 600°C due to the formation of tempered sorbite.
Research on Subjective and Objective Evaluation of Car Interior Sound Quality
Authors: Zhuang Ting , Zuo Yan Yan
Published: November 2013

This experiment collected sound signals of four different cars driving at different speeds on highway and replayed the noise samples with playback software HEAD Audio Recorder. The subjective evaluation tests were carried out with paired comparison method. Evaluating models between subjective evaluation and objective psychoacoustic parameters were established with SPSS analysis software.
Analysis of Carrying Capacity and Friction Torque of Friction Pair Fluid-Film for High Parameter Bellows Mechanical Seal
Authors: Ahmat Mutellip , Niu Zhi Wei , Abudoumijiti Guzaiayi
Published: November 2013

The friction pair for bellows mechanical seal as a friction element is one of the key components for it. In this research, by based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical theory, using the Fluent software, corresponding model and parameters, the fluid-film between the clearance of the sealing ring friction pair for the bellows mechanical seal under such the high-temperature, high-pressure, high-speed as complex working conditions is numerically simulated, the relationship between the carrying-capacity of the fluid-film and the temperature, the viscosity of the fluid-film, the relationship between friction torque of the fluid-film and the speed, viscosity of the fluid-film, the influence factor of leakage are obtained. The researching results provide the scientific basis for the optimization designing of the high parameter bellows mechanical seals.
Analysis on Aerostatic Response for Hongkong-Zhuhai-Macao Great Bridge in Construction Stage
Authors: Li Yu , Wang Sen , Che Yan Yang
Published: November 2013

Based on the wind tunnel experiment for aerostatic force of section model of Jianghai direct ship channel bridge of Hongkong-zhuhai-macau great bridge in construction stage, one calculation program considering the geometric nonlinearity and aerostatic nonlinearity is prepared by using ANSYS parametric design language in order to calculate the nonlinear aerostatic response for long-span cable-stay bridges. Then, the FEA model of Jianghai direct ship channel bridge of Hongkong-zhuhai-macau great bridge in construction stage is established to analyze the three-dimensional nonlinear aerostatic stability. And the aerostatic response with different position of bridge is also calculated. The research result indicates that the aerostatic instability can not occur in Jianghai direct ship channel bridge of Hongkong-zhuhai-macau great bridge in its construction stage. And, the max torsion deformation, transverse and vertical displacement of construction stage occur in the terminal edge of both left and right span and decreases gradually near to main tower.