bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family in front of television: victim or guilty?
Authors: Ferrés Joan
Published: April 2019

Parents usually think they and their children are victims of TV. This thought usually involves that they think they can not be guilty. Parents are responsible for the quality of TV programmes that their children see as viewers. TV can not be understood without understanding the emotion power in the construction of personality, mainly in value transferring to the reality, through neurological state.

La familia se presenta a menudo como víctima de la televisión, y hay motivos para pensar que lo es en algunos sentidos. Pero esta constatación no exime a la familia de responsabilidades ante el fenómeno televisivo. Ser víctima no comporta que no deba asumir culpabilidades. La familia es responsable del producto que se selecciona para el consumo, de la edad de quien lo consume, de su personalidad y de su formación, así como del contexto en el que se consume. Los padres y madres de familia son responsables también por no presionar a los demás responsables, por no ejercer como ciudadanos activos que exigen, protestan y denuncian. Para ejercer de manera eficaz todas estas responsabilidades es imprescindible que los padres y madres de familia conozcan en profundidad cómo se produce el consumo de imágenes, cuáles son los mecanismos mentales que se activan en los espectadores.
«Tweenies»: a TV-series as model for musical education in the classroom a transdisciplinary proposal
Authors: García-Gallardo Francisco-José , Arredondo-Pérez Herminia
Published: April 2019

Tweenies is a televising series for children created by the BBC. The TVE-2 (Spanish Television-Channel 2) emits it every day on mornings (from Monday to Friday). Their protagonists are four children between three and five years old coexisting in a preschool center. After the analysis of the Series, we observed an educative transdisciplinary model, a model which worries on the personal values education, and in which the music plays an important role through abundant and varied practices and musical experiences.

Tweenies es una serie televisiva para niños creada por la BBC. La 2 de TVE la emite diariamente, de lunes a viernes, alrededor de las nueve de la mañana. Los Tweenies son cuatro niños (Bella, Milo, Fizz y Jake) de entre tres y cinco años de edad, que conviven en la serie con sus cuidadores o profesores, el anciano Max y Judy, así como con sus mascotas el perro Doodles y su nueva perrita Izzles. Esta serie educativa nos muestra la actividad diaria de los Tweenies, cómo pasan el día haciendo manualidades, cantando, disfrazándose, bailando,… con el apoyo, asesoramiento y estímulo de Max y de Judy, quienes a su vez les cuentan historias, les leen un libro a diario o utilizan el ordenador para resolver y consultar dudas. Analizando los capítulos emitidos entre los años 2004 y 2005 y centrándonos principalmente en sus aspectos y propuestas musicales, observamos un modelo educativo transdisciplinar en el que la música, la vivencia y la interpretación musical ocupan un destacado papel. En esta comunicación mostraremos algunas de nuestras reflexiones en torno a estos asuntos, interesándonos por las abundantes canciones que cada día interpretan los Tweenies como actividad cotidiana, sobre todo en el espacio denominado Hora de cantar. En otras publicaciones anteriores a ésta hemos considerado la posibilidad de trabajar la música en el aula de Infantil y Primaria a través de una propuesta curricular transdisciplinar y que partiera de problemas sociales relevantes (García Gallardo y Travé González, 2003). Con esta serie televisiva creemos que se ejemplariza algunas de nuestras propuestas y se ofrece de modo divulgativo y a través de un medio masivo un modelo educativo cercano a la vida misma, integrador de las disciplinas y áreas curriculares que en la escuela nos empeñamos en disgregar y distanciar unas de otras. Además, el modo en que se vivencia la música y los personajes de la serie interpretan sus canciones nos aportan un modelo de gran utilidad e interés para nuestras aulas: en un contexto de juego, dramatizándolas, con o sin coreografía, dejándolas abiertas a procesos creativos, conectadas con el resto de asuntos y problemáticas tratados en el capítulo, presentadas no como mero entretenimiento, sino formando parte del modo en que investigan y descubren el medio sus protagonistas. Y todo ello atravesado e impregnado por actitudes y valores que fomentan la vida sana, el respeto a la diferencia, el cuidado de los animales, etc.
First steps to guarantee good audio-visual habits on children
Authors: Pons Mar , de-Anta María-Gloria , Ferrer Xisca
Published: April 2019

Mass media and new technologies have an increasing influence on children, defenseless in front of screens.The TV, for example, occupies much of its time and often competitively against the school values and the professor´s work. In order to resist or to diminish the negative effects of TV, we offer to the educative centres that collaborate in this project ( nowadays more than twenty) tools that facilitate the audio-visual education.

Los medios de comunicación y las nuevas tecnologías ejercen una creciente influencia sobre los niños, los más indefensos ante las pantallas. La TV, por ejemplo, ocupa mucho de su tiempo y muchas veces actúa competitivamente contra la escuela y el trabajo de los profesores. Para contrarrestar o minimizar los efectos negativos de la TV, dotamos de herramientas que faciliten la educación audiovisual a losmás de veinte Centros de Educación Infantil que colaboran en este proyecto. En primer lugar, presentamos a los maestros actividades para la enseñanza-aprendizaje de cómo ver la televisión con el fin de que ellos las lleven a cabo en el aula. En segundo lugar, proponemos la creación de un Rincón de Audiovisuales en el hall de la escuela. Se trata un espacio de intercambio dirigido a padres, profesores y alumnos, en el que se encuentran noticias, artículos de fondo, fichas técnicas de programas infantiles, y un buzón que recoge sugerencias, dudas, opiniones, etc. Todo este material es proporcionado por TAC mes a mes. El objetivo es potenciar la reflexión continua entorno al tema de los audiovisuales. Con este proyecto esperamos sensibilizar, concienciar y educar a alumnos, educadores y padresen torno a la importanciade la televisión, estableciendo los primeros pasos para garantizar buenos hábitos audiovisuales en los niños.
Vocabulary and fashion discourse
Authors: Ávila-Manín Carmen , Linares-Ales Francisco
Published: April 2019

In the discourse of fashion the presentation and the evaluation of acts and objets are often mixed. Depaning from this assumption the present work investigates the lexical and pragmatical reasons that intensify the moral connotation of expressions about fashion and allow their use for persuasive means; at the same time this work also illustrates the importance of the familiarization with these expressions for education, both as communicative facts and as reasons for moral reflection.

En el discurso de la moda se mezcla la constatación con la valoración de acciones y objetos. Partiendo de esta premisa el presente trabajo expone las razones léxicas y pragmático-comunicativas que intensifican la connotación moral de las expresiones sobre seguimiento de la moda y permiten su utilización con fines persuasivos; al mismo tiempo este trabajo también llama la atención sobre el interés que para la educación tiene el acercamiento a dichas expresiones en cuanto hechos comunicativos y en cuanto motivos de reflexión moral.
Towards intelligent buying
Authors: Gajitos Marisun
Published: April 2019

The world of fashion is often associated with being trendy and being able to spend a good amount of money in purchasing clothes, shoes and accessories that are «in». The pre-teens, teenagers and yuppies are the main target group. But buying habits are slowly but surely changing, at least in the Northem European countries, and specifically in Finland. The focus is not on quantity but on quality: long-lasting materials and timeless design pieces. And ethics. Though a lot of young people are still prey to cheap, seasonal anires and fashion items, newgeneration designen are anracting clients towards intelligent consumerism: buying for quality and based on values.

El mundo de la moda está normalmente asociado con estar de moda y gastar mucho dinero para comprar ropa, zapatos y accesorios que están en boga. Los jóvenes y los profesionales son la clientela del mercado. Pero un nuevo hábito -más bien actitud- está lenta -y seguramente- cambiando del consumismo al consumo inteligente, por lo menos en los países del norte de Europa, y en particular en Finlandia. El enfoque está en la calidad más que en la cantidad: materiales duraderos y diseño perenne. Y ética. Aun,que muchos de los jóvenes de pop todavía siguen comprando ropa y accesorios baratos y estacionales, un grupo de diseñadores clave en el mundo del diseño finlandés están ahora atrayendo clientes hacia un consumo sano: comprar calidad y comprar de acuerdo con valores.
Communication outlines of free magazines aimed at youngsters
Authors: Hudson Eileen
Published: April 2019

Trendy free magazines have become a mass phenomenon among university students. Using their own language, they propose a postmodern culture transmited through a special aesthetic outlook. This paper deals with the communication outlines as well as their formal and content elements put forward by these magazines.

Las revistas de tendencias gratuitas han adquirido carácter masivo entre los universitarios. Dueñas de una retórica propia, proponen una cultura posmoderna que se comunica a través de una estética particular. Se trata entonces de analizar las líneas de comunicación propuestas por estas revistas, a través de elementos formales y de contenido.
Music and styles: the creation by means of the theory of social representations
Authors: Duarte Monica
Published: April 2019

We approached the theory of the social representations, from the epistemologic perspective of the rhetorical change of the philosophy, like a model for the creation of musical uhits. and soundtracks spread by mass media and characterized by musical topics, figures that reflect the social and psychological processes of the elaboration of musical ideas. The dynamics of this creation seem to be effective for the development of a «sgnificant» teaching process of music teaching.

Se aborda la teoría de las representaciones sociales, a partir de la perspectiva epistemológica del viraje retórico de la filosofia, como modelo para la creación de las canciones «de moda» y de las bandas sonoras difundidas por los medios de comunicación sociales y caracterizadas por tópicos musicales, figuras que reflejan los procesos sociales y psicológicos de elaboración de ideas musicales. Esa dinámica de creación se presenta como eficaz para el desarrollo de un proceso usignificativou de enseñanza de la música a los estudiantes.
Youth, technologies and the language of links
Authors: Marí-Sáez Víctor Manuel
Published: April 2019

This paper explores the new ways of relation and interaction which are taking place into the lnformation Society, particularly on the use of the latest information and communication technologies (ICTs). Young people, the «Net generationn, have a very good opinion of the language of links. They are taking the most of the relation and communication potentials from the new technologies such as the Internet. These present changes mean chances and risks that should be taken into account by teachers and communicators.

Este artículo explora los nuevos modos de relación y de interacción que se producen en la sociedad de la información, especialmente en el uso de las tecnologías de la información y de la comunicación (TIC). Los ióvenes, la «Generación.net», dan valor al lenguaje de los vínculos. Son ellos los que más y mejor se están apropiando de los potenciales de relación y de comunicación de tecnologías como Internet. Estas transformaciones implican oportunidades y riesgos que deben ser tenidas en cuenta por parte de educadores y comunicadores.
Educative and communicative technologies in teacher's training programs
Authors: Marcolla Valdinei
Published: April 2019

This paper analyses how professors of the teacher's training programs at federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) consider the introduction of educative and communicative technologies (ECT) -in this case, basically, personal computers, interfaces and the Internet- related to teacher's training programs. In doing so, this paper attempts to articulate theoretical discussions with analytical references of professors' view about the use of technologies in teacher' s training programs and some contradictions identified in the empirical research.

Este artículo pretende analizar como los profesores de los cursos de licenciatura de la Universidad Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) ven la introducción de las tecnologías de información y comunicación (TIC) -en este caso, básicamente, computadora, interfaces e Internet- en el ámbito de formación de educadores (la Universidad). Para eso, se buscó articular la discusión teórica con el análisis de la visión que los docentes de la enseñaza superior tienen sobre la presencia de las tecnologías en los ambientes de formación docente y las contradicciones percibidas durante la investigación en el contexto de la universidad.
Assessment: strategies to improve the quality in communication processes
Authors: González-López Ignacio
Published: April 2019

This paper aims at granting to evaluation a high priority character to guarantee the quality of the communication processes. Conceived as a systematic, deliberate group process, the text which is presented contributes a series of functional elements used in the assessment of the communicative action, as well as a series of techniques, quantitative as much as qualitative, appropiate for the achievement of the required excellence obiectives.

El objetivo de los siguientes párrafos estriba en otorgar a la evaluación un carácter prioritario a la hora de garantizar la calidad de los procesos de comunicación. Concebido como un proceso sistemático, intencionado y participativo, el texto que se presenta aporta una serie de elementos funcionales en cuanto a su utilidad en la valoración de la acción comunicativa, así como una serie de técnicas, tanto cuantitativas como cualitativas, apropiadas para el logro de los objetivos de excelencia deseados.
The education in communication in Cataloniaº
Authors: Ambrós-Pallarés Alba
Published: April 2019

The society of infonnation where we are living is changing very quickly, especially the way we communicate to each other. Apart from the wrinen and spoken language. we must be awared of the fact that the most important part of the messages we receive use the audiovisual language code, so we exist side by side with a multiplicity of languages around us Where and how do we learn about them? The Spanish and Catalonian education programmes are not ready to achieve this aim. For this reason, we suggest to talk about the necessity of an education in communication, which two recent Catalonian studies take into account from different points of view: Llibre Blanc: L'educació en l'entorn audiovisual (White Book: The education around the audiouisual) from CAC (Audiouisual Council from Catalonia) and «I Manifest per I'Educació en Comunicació» (I Manifest for the Education in Communication) from AulaMedia.

La sociedad de la información en la que estamos viviendo cambia muy rápidamente, sobre todo la forma de comunicarnos. Además del conocido lenguaje escrito y oral, no se puede olvidar que la mayoria de los mensajes que recibimos emplean el código audiovisual. Por lo tanto, en nuestro entorno convivimos con una multiplicidad de lenguajes. ¿Dónde y cómo aprendemos a comunicarnos con ellos? Los programas educativos catalán y español todavía no están preparados para lograr este objetivo. Por este motivo, se sugiere tratar la educación en comunicación que, recientemente, dos estudios catalanes han llevado a cabo desde diferentes puntos de vista: Llibre Blanc: L'educació en I'entorn audiovisual (Libro Blanco: La educación en el entorno audiovisual) editado por el Consejo del Audiovisual de Cataluña (CAC), y el «I Manifest per I'Educació en Comunicació» (I Manifiesto para la Educación en Comunicación) de Aulamedia.
University tutoring: reflections aboot aodiovisoal mass-media subjects
Authors: Sedeño Ana
Published: April 2019

Tutoring is one of the most important tasks that university teaching profession will work on in a few yean. This work must be integrated in learning, at the same level as traditional class teaching. It seems to me that thinking and theorizing about this topic is a fint step but, rnoreover, we have to set up a range of new practical means to re-invent the univenity tutoring work in order to bring ir near to students.

La tutoría es una de las más importantes labores que el profesorado universitario ejecerá en unos pocos años. Esta acción debe estar integrada en la enseñanza, al mismo nivel que la docencia en clase. Reflexionar y teorizar profundamente sobre este tema parece un primer paso, pero además, se debe establecer cauces prácticos innovadores para repensar la acción tutorial universitaria y lograr acercar su ejercicio a los alumnos.
Effects of Group Reminiscence Therapy on Agitated Behavior and Quality of Life in Taiwanese Older Adults With Dementia
Authors: Hsu Fang-Yu , Yang Ya-Ping , Lee Feng-Ping , Wang Chi-Jane , Wang Jing-Jy
Published: April 2019

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate short- and long-term effects of group reminiscence on agitated symptoms and quality of life (QOL) for individuals with dementia. A quasi-experimental study using a repeated-measures design was conducted in 43 residents with dementia. Participants received a 50-minute group reminiscence therapy session once per week for 10 weeks. Outcomes were measured 1 week before, 1 week after, and at 3 months postintervention. Results showed no significant difference on the overall agitated behavior of participants. However, verbally aggressive behavior decreased significantly (
p
= 0.025), whereas intentional falling (
p
= 0.025), hoarding (
p
= 0.021), and akathisia (
p
= 0.027) significantly decreased in the short term. Participation in group reminiscence therapy significantly improved QOL (
p
< 0.001) across time periods for individuals with dementia. The findings provide information for professional and nonprofessional caregivers of individuals with specific agitated behaviors to improve their QOL. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57
(8), 30–36.]
Anterior Subcapsular Opacities and Cataracts 5 Years After Surgery in the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens FDA Trial
Authors: Sanders Donald R.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To use the techniques of survival analysis to analyze the incidence of anterior subcapsular opacities (symptomatic and asymptomatic) and clinically significant cataract in the US Food and Drug Administration clinical trial of the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL).

Methods

Five hundred twenty-six eyes were followed for an average of 4.7 years; 89% (468 eyes), 73% (384 eyes), and 59% (311 eyes) were seen at 3, 4, and 5 years or later, respectively. Anterior subcapsular opacities were defined as trace or more (⩾0.6 LOCS III opacity). Clinically significant cataract required loss of 2 or more lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), a significant increase in glare symptoms, or cataract extraction. Kaplan-Meier analyses of opacities and cataract were performed.

Results

The Kaplan-Meier cumulative probability estimate for anterior subcapsular opacities over 7+ years of follow-up was 7% whereas 31 (5.9%) eyes were actually observed. Anterior subcapsular opacities generally occurred early with 58% seen in the first year, 68% in the first 2 years, and 74% in the first 3 years. The cumulative probability estimate for clinically significant cataracts over the 7+ years of follow-up was 2% whereas 7 (1.3%) were actually observed. The difference between the Kaplan-Meier estimate and the actual observed percentage is due to the fact that the former takes into account the differences in postoperative follow-up time of individual eyes. Preoperative myopia (>12.00 diopters) and patient age (>40 years) were significant factors in the development of cataract. No loss of BSCVA was observed in any eye following cataract extraction.

Conclusions

Approximately 6% to 7% of eyes develop anterior subcapsular opacities at 7+ years following ICL implantation but only 1% to 2% progress to clinically significant cataract during the same period, especially very high myopes and older patients. Visual outcome following cataract extraction was good. [
J Refract Surg
. 2008;24:566–570.]
Epithelial Thickness in the Normal Cornea: Three-dimensional Display With Artemis Very High-frequency Digital Ultrasound
Authors: Reinstein Dan Z. , Archer Timothy J. , Gobbe Marine , Silverman Ronald H. , Coleman D. Jackson
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To characterize the in vivo epithelial thickness profile in a population of normal eyes.

Methods

An epithelial thickness profile was measured by Artemis 1 (ArcScan Inc) very high-frequency (VHF) digital ultrasound scanning across the central 10-mm diameter of the cornea of 110 eyes of 56 patients who presented for refractive surgery assessment. The average, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and range of epithelial thickness were calculated for each point in the 10×10-mm Cartesian matrix and plotted. Differences between the epithelial thickness at the corneal vertex and peripheral locations at the 3-mm radius were calculated. The location of the thinnest epithelium was found for each eye and averaged. Correlations of corneal vertex epithelial thickness with age, spherical equivalent refraction, and average keratometry were calculated.

Results

The mean epithelial thickness at the corneal vertex was 53.4±4.6
µ
m, with no statistically significant difference between right and left eyes, and no significant differences in age, spherical equivalent refraction, or keratometry. The average epithelial thickness map showed that the corneal epithelium was thicker inferiorly than superiorly (5.9 µm at the 3-mm radius,
P
<.001) and thicker nasally than temporally (1.3 µm at the 3-mm radius,
P
<.001). The location of the thinnest epithelium was displaced on average 0.33 mm temporally and 0.90 mm superiorly with reference to the corneal vertex.

Conclusions

Three-dimensional thickness mapping of the corneal epithelium demonstrated that the epithelial thickness is not evenly distributed across the cornea; the epithelium was significantly thicker inferiorly than superiorly and significantly thicker nasally than temporally with a larger inferosuperior difference than nasotemporal difference. [
J Refract Surg.
2008;24:571–581.]
Measure of Keratoconus Progression Using Orbscan II
Authors: Kim Hyojin , Joo Choun-Ki
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To observe the progression of keratoconus over 3 years using Orbscan II, and to estimate risk correlations with rapid progressive changes.

Methods

Fifty-six eyes of 35 patients (mean age: 25.9±5.7 years, range: 18 to 35 years) with keratoconus were reviewed whose sex, age, visual acuity, refractive error, atopy, eye rubbing habits, family history of keratoconus, hard contact lens wear, intraocular pressure, keratometric reading, corneal shape, corneal thickness index, and corneal asphericity had been determined. The keratometric change over 3 years was evaluated using Orbscan II, with 6-month intervals between each examination. All patients selected had less than moderate keratoconus on initial examination.

Results

The rate of keratometric change was 0.78±0.99 diopters (D)/half-year. In 30 eyes, the apparent progression was evident with a rate of keratometric change of 1.37±1.08 D/half-year, whereas the rate of change was 0.15±0.15 D/half-year in eyes exhibiting no apparent progression (
P
=.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that eye rubbing (odds ratio [OR] = 3.810; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.194–12.158) and inferior steepening compared to superior steepening (OR = 5.465; 95% CI = 1.667–17.857) were associated with progression after diagnosis (
P
<.05).

Conclusions

Careful attention must be paid to the presence of eye rubbing and corneal shape with inferior steepening at the time of diagnosis, as these factors may help in predicting the rapid progressive change in keratoconus. [
J Refract Surg
. 2008;24:600–605.]
Intraoperative Corneal Thickness Measurement Using Optical Coherence Pachymetry and Corneo-Gage Plus Ultrasound Pachymetry
Authors: Wang Jenn-Chyuan , Bunce Catey , Lee Hung-Ming
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To compare the central corneal thickness measured by online optical coherence pachymetry (OCP) and ultrasound pachymetry in normal cornea.

Methods

Forty-eight right eyes of 48 consecutive patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Central corneal thickness measurements were taken intraoperatively with the online OCP and ultrasound pachymeter before flap creation. The precision repeatability, intraclass correlation coefficient, and correlation of variation for each instrument was calculated. Intraclass correlation coefficient was based on Bland-Altman plot of differences between instruments.

Results

Mean central corneal thickness for ultrasound pachymetry and online OCP was 559.45±33.05 µm (range: 475.50 to 650.50
µ
m) and 521.19±28.97
µ
m (range: 447.50 to 606.00
µ
m), respectively. The precision (repeatability) was 7.86
µ
m and 9.47
µ
m, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the ultrasound pachymeter was 0.997 (95% CI, 0.993–0.998) and 0.993 (95% CI, 0.988–0.996) for the online OCP. The coefficient of variance was 0.50% and 0.66%, respectively. The mean difference between ultrasound pachymetry and online OCP was 38.26±9.96
µ
m. The limits of agreement were: upper=58.19
µ
m (95% CI, 53.30–63.07
µ
m) and lower=18.34
µ
m (95% CI, 13.45–23.22
µ
m).

Conclusions

Online OCP can be used as a reliable alternative to ultrasound pachymetry as both instruments gave highly repeatable measurements of central corneal thickness. However, measurements using the OCP were consistently lower than those with the ultrasound pachymeter; therefore, the two techniques should not be used interchangeably. Further studies are needed to determine the implications of thinner central corneal thickness measured with online OCP as well as to resolve the systematic differences in measurements by these pachymetric technologies. [
J Refract Surg.
2008;24:610–614.]
Contrast Sensitivity and Higher Order Aberrations in Eyes Implanted With AcrySof IQ SN60WF and AcrySof SN60AT Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Awwad Shady T. , Warmerdam Dorotheea , Bowman R. Wayne , Dwarakanathan Surendar , Cavanagh H. Dwight , McCulley James P.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of the aspheric optic of the AcrySof IQ SN60WF intraocular lens (IOL) in decreasing spherical and total higher order aberrations and improving contrast sensitivity after cataract surgery compared to the spheric AcrySof SN60AT.

Methods

Fifty-two eyes of 36 patients were evaluated at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 3 to 6 months after phacoemulsification with implantation of the AcrySof IQ SN60WF (27 eyes) or AcrySof SN60AT (25 eyes) IOL. Eyes with previous surgery or ocular pathology were excluded.

Results

Eyes implanted with the AcrySof IQ SN60WF had less total higher order and spherical aberrations than AcrySof SN60AT-implanted eyes at pupils of 4 mm (0.14±60.06 vs 0.18±0.04
µ
m and −0.01±0.03 vs 0.09±0.03
µ
m, respectively), 5 mm (0.24±0.07 vs 0.34±0.08
µ
m and 0.03±0.02 vs 0.23±0.08
µ
m, respectively), and 6 mm (0.42±0.13 vs 0.67±0.12
µ
m and 0.08±0.04 and 0.46±0.09
µ
m, respectively), (
P
<.05 for all), with similar mean coma, trefoil, and 5th order aberrations. AcrySof SN60WF eyes showed better contrast sensitivity than AcrySof SN60AT eyes at 12 and 18 cycles per degree (cpd) under mesopic conditions (1.65±0.23 vs 1.51±0.25 and 1.22±0.21 vs 1.01±0.19, respectively), and at 18 cpd under glare (1.12±0.30 vs 0.87±0.31, respectively) (
P
<.05). Photopic contrast sensitivity was similar in both groups. The two groups had comparable mean age, axial length, IOL power, and postoperative mesopic and photopic pupil sizes.

Conclusions

Compared to a spheric optic, the aspheric design of the AcrySof IQ SN60WF reduces spherical aberration, especially under larger pupil sizes, and improves mesopic contrast sensitivity at higher frequencies with and without glare. [
J Refract Surg.
2008;24:619–625.]
Effects of Topical Mitomycin C on the Ciliary Body and Intraocular Pressure After PRK: An Experimental Study
Authors: Kymionis George D. , Diakonis Vasilios F. , Charisis Spyridon , Pallikaris Aristofanis I. , Bouzoukis Dimitrios I. , Yoo Sonia H. , Naoumidi Irine , Tsilimbaris Miltiadis K.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To investigate the effects of the application of mitomycin C (MMC) after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) on the ciliary body and intraocular pressure (IOP) in an experimental model.

Methods

Forty eyes of 20 rabbits underwent PRK to correct −8.00 diopters (D) in a 5-mm optical zone. Sterile surgical sponges (5 mm) soaked with 0.02% MMC were applied to corneas with the epithelium removed. Eyes were randomly chosen to receive MMC for 2 minutes (study group), and sponges soaked with balanced salt solution were applied on the contralateral eye (control group) for 2 minutes. Histological evaluation of the ciliary body was performed in a masked fashion by light and transmission electron microscopy.

Results

Histological examination of the morphology of the ciliary body structures revealed no differences between the two groups. Tonometric measurements of the IOP remained stable during the follow-up period with no significant changes (
P
=.75).

Conclusions

Adjuvant application of MMC after PRK does not appear to induce alterations on the ciliary body or changes in IOP measurements. [
J Refract Surg.
2008;24:633–638.]
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Measurements Before and After Photorefractive Keratectomy
Authors: Iester Michele , De Feo Fabio , Bricola Graziano , Papadia Marina , Venturino GianMaria , Traverso Carlo E. , Calabria Giovanni
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To determine whether the nerve fiber analyzer GDx with the new variable corneal compensation (VCC) device allows measurements of retinal nerve fiber layer parameters independent from birefringence changes of the cornea after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Methods

Retinal nerve fiber layers of 32 eyes in 32 myopic patients undergoing PRK were analyzed using the GDx-VCC. Photorefractive keratectomy was performed using a NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser. Measurements were obtained before and after PRK without dilating the pupil. To evaluate birefringence changes, GDx-VCC macular images also were taken before and after PRK.

Results

After PRK, superior and inferior ratios, superior/nasal max modulation, and temporal-superiornasal-inferior-temporal average changed significantly (
P
<.001) when corneal birefringence correction was not applied. When corneal birefringence correction was applied, only temporal-superior-nasal-inferior-temporal average and superior maximum improved significantly. Furthermore, a comparison of the postoperative data without polarization correction to the data with corrected corneal polarization demonstrated significant changes in superior ratio (
P
=.004), superior/nasal (
P
<.001), ellipse modulation (
P
=.007), and temporal-superiornasal-inferior-temporal standard deviation (
P
=.009).

Conclusions

Our results show the VCC algorithm is able to compensate for most of the changes in corneal birefringence induced by corneal refractive surgery if the polarization has been re-calculated. Because mild changes in GDx parameters could affect the interpretation of the results in some patients, a new postoperative baseline macular image should be acquired. [
J Refract Surg
. 2008;24:639–644.]
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Following LASIK for Hyperopia
Authors: Lim Marcus C.C. , Chan Tat-Keong
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To report a case of central serous chorioretinopathy after unilateral LASIK for hyperopia.

Methods

A 50-year-old Chinese man underwent unilateral hyperopic LASIK in the right eye. One week postoperatively, he complained of poor vision. The working diagnosis 5 weeks postoperatively was hyperopic refractive surprise. Visual quality worsened over 5 months at which time a dilated fundus examination revealed central serous chorioretinopathy.

Results

Focal argon laser was performed, and visual acuity subsequently improved.

Conclusions

Dilated fundus examination is helpful in revealing subtle retinal pathology that may be the cause of unexplained poor visual acuity following refractive surgery. [
J Refract
Surg. 2008;24:651–652.]
Transmission Electron Microscopy Study of Corneal Epithelial Flaps Following Removal Using Mechanical Scraping, Alcohol, and Epikeratome Techniques
Authors: Choi Chul Young , Kim Jae Yong , Kim Myoung Joon , Tchah Hungwon
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To evaluate various methods of surface ablation by comparing the integrity of basal epithelial cells and the basement membrane using transmission electron microscopy.

Methods

Corneal epithelial flaps were created using four approaches: mechanical removal (using a blunt spatula after application of 0.5% proparacaine, mechanical group); conventional LASEK (after application of 20% alcohol for 20 seconds, LASEK group); epi-LASIK using PMMA separator (PMMA separator group); or epi-LASIK using metal separator (metal separator group). Each group comprised epithelial sheets taken from five eyes of five patients. The sheets were immediately fixed in glutaraldehyde following removal. The flaps were examined using both light and transmission electron microscopy by three independent observers blinded to the creation methods, who assessed the adherence and integrity of the basement membrane to the basal epithelial layer.

Results

In the mechanical and PMMA separator groups, >70% of flap areas had an intact basement membrane and normal basal cell integrity. Such integrity was present in <30% of the flap areas in the LASEK group, and in 30% to 70% of the flap areas in the metal separator group. Different epikeratomes caused different amounts of damage.

Conclusions

Mechanical scraping and epi-LASIK were superior to LASEK in terms of preservation of the epithelial basement membrane and basal epithelial cells. Preservation ratio may differ depending on the type of epikeratome used. [
J Refract Surg
. 2008;24:667–670.]
Association Between Ocular Dominance and Refraction
Authors: Eser Ilker , Durrie Daniel S. , Schwendeman Frank , Stahl Jason E.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To investigate the association between ocular dominance and refraction.

Methods

A retrospective study of the cycloplegic refraction of 2453 consecutive patients with a mean age of 46±12 years (range: 18 to 79 years) was performed. One thousand one hundred fifty-seven (47%) patients were men and 1296 (53%) were women. Patients who had previous eye surgery, ocular disease, or >2 lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) difference between eyes were excluded. Motor ocular dominance was determined using the hole-in-the-card test.

Results

The right and left eyes were dominant in 67% (1650) and 33% (803) of patients, respectively. Males had a higher right eye dominance (70%) than females (65%) (P=.0168) with a mean cycloplegic spherical equivalent refracton (SE) of −2.12 diopters (D) and −2.38 D, respectively. This higher rate of right eye dominance in males was seen at all levels of SE refractive error. Mean BSCVA was 20/19 in both right and left eyes (P>.05) with a mean SE of −2.25±3.63 D and −2.26±3.66 D in the right and left eyes, respectively. Neither mean SE difference nor BSCVA difference between eyes was found to correlate with motor eye dominance.

Conclusions

Gender appears to be a factor when testing ocular dominance but not SE refractive error. The hole-in-the-card dominance test is a method that is easy to perform for both patients and clinicians. [
J Refract Surg
. 2008;24:685–689.]
Staged Intrastromal Delivery of Riboflavin With UVA Cross-linking in Advanced Bullous Keratopathy: Laboratory Investigation and First Clinical Case
Authors: Krueger Ronald R. , Ramos-Esteban Jerome C. , Kanellopoulos A. John
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of staged ultraviolet A (UVA) cross-linking following intrastromal 0.1% riboflavin administration in eyes with advanced corneal edema.

Methods

Ten eye bank corneas divided in two groups (n=5) were placed on a pressurized artificial anterior chamber following Descemet's membrane stripping. Two consecutive corneal pockets (350- and 150-µm depth) were sequentially created using a femtosecond laser. Sequential intrastromal injections of 0.1% riboflavin (0.2 mL) followed by either UVA irradiation (15 mW/cm
2
) for 7 minutes or exposure to air were performed for each pocket. Corneal clarity and central thickness were measured before and after the two UVA cross-linking steps. The same steps were clinically applied in an 84-year-old woman with bullous keratopathy prior to corneal transplantation and followed for 6 months.

Results

The corneal clarity improved in the treated but not the control eyes. The mean central corneal thickness was significantly reduced by 256 µm (ultrasound,
P
=.0002) and 273 µm (Scheimpflug,
P
=.0004) in treated eyes, but only 100 µm (ultrasound,
P
=.048) and 107 µm (Scheimpflug,
P
=.075) in the control eyes. The clinical treatment of corneal edema showed improved clarity and reduced central corneal thickness from 675 to 550 µm (ultrasound) and 696 to 571 µm (Scheimpflug) at 1 month. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved from finger counting to 20/80 at 1 week and beyond, postponing corneal transplantation for >6 months.

Conclusions

Staged UVA cross-linking (15 mW/cm
2
) with femtosecond laser facilitated intrastromal 0.1% riboflavin administration may be a safe (no corneal scarring) and effective (marked reduction of edema) temporizing alternative method for managing bullous keratopathy. [
J Refract Surg
. 2008;24:S730–S736.]
Short Chain Aliphatic β-nitro Alcohols for Corneoscleral Cross-linking: Corneal Endothelial Toxicity Studies
Authors: Paik David C. , Wen Quan , Braunstein Richard E. , Trokel Stephen L.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Recent studies suggest that short chain aliphatic β-nitro alcohols can cross-link corneoscleral tissue under physiologic conditions. The present study was conducted to determine the cytotoxic threshold for these agents in vitro and to draw comparisons to commonly used topical ophthalmic agents.

Methods

Primary cultures of bovine corneal endothelial cells were grown to confluence in 24- and 96-well plates using standard protocol. The cells were exposed to three β-nitro alcohols, 2-nitroethanol, 2-nitro-1-propanol, and 3-nitro-2-pentanol in a range of concentrations from 0.1 to 10 mM. After a 48-hour exposure, cell necrosis and apoptosis were evaluated using trypan blue, propidium iodide, and annexin V staining. In addition, a review of the ophthalmic literature was conducted to derive comparisons with agents commonly used in clinical practice.

Results

An all-or-none response was observed for each compound. Positive staining with trypan blue, propidium iodide, and annexin V occurred at identical concentrations. The most toxic of the group was 2-nitro-1-propanol. The cytotoxic level for 2-nitroethanol, 2-nitro-1-propanol, and 3-nitro-2-pentanol was 3 mM (0.0273%), 1 mM (0.0105%), and 3 mM (0.0399%), respectively. Furthermore, by comparison with several agents used in ophthalmic practice such as fluoroquinolone antibiotics, anti-proliferative agents, and benzalkonium chloride, the β-nitro alcohols exhibit less toxicity in vitro.

Conclusions

Short chain aliphatic β-nitro alcohols exhibit favorable in vitro toxicity thresholds. The result of this study encourages further evaluation of these compounds as potential pharmacologic topical stiffening agents for corneoscleral disorders. [
J Refract Surg
. 2008;24:S741–S747.]
Comparative Study of Riboflavin-UVA Cross-linking and “Flash-linking” Using Surface Wave Elastometry
Authors: Rocha Karolinne Maia , Ramos-Esteban Jerome C. , Qian Ying , Herekar Satish , Krueger Ronald R.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To investigate comparative stiffness values in porcine corneas after standard cross-linking and a new, rapid method of cross-linking (flash-linking) using surface wave elastometry.

Methods

Ten porcine eyes were treated using an ultraviolet A (UVA) double diode light source with a wavelength of 370 nm and delivering an irradiance of 4.2 mW/cm
2
at a distance of 1.2 cm while applying 0.1% riboflavin-5-phosphate drops to the central cornea every 5 minutes as a photosensitizer for 30 minutes (riboflavin-UVA group). The next 10 porcine corneas were treated with a single application of a customized photoactive cross-linking agent and 30 seconds of UVA light at the same power and wavelength (flash-linking group). Following treatment, the Sonic Eye system (PriaVision Inc) was used to measure ultrasound surface wave propagation time between two fixed-distance transducers applied to the cornea along central horizontal and vertical positions. Intraocular pressure was continuously monitored.

Results

Mean surface wave velocity was determined from the last 5 of 10 sequential measurements for each eye, and was 90.87±15.26 m/s for all eyes with a mean standard deviation (SD) of 2.34 m/s among each eye in the riboflavin-UVA group versus 83.66±12.30 m/s with a mean SD of 2.69 m/s among each eye in the flash-linking group before treatment and 109.2±21.76 m/s with a mean SD of 2.15 m/s among each eye (riboflavin-UVA group) versus 109.2±18.42 m/s with a mean SD of 2.26 m/s among each eye (flash-linking group) after cross-linking. The mean surface wave velocity increased by 18.3 units from 90.87 to 109.2 m/s (
P
=.003) after cross-linking with riboflavin-UVA, and by 25.5 m/s from 83.66 to 109.2 m/s (
P
=.0001) after flash-linking. Surface wave velocity was noted to increase after both cross-linking techniques, but the differences observed did not reach statistical significance (
P
=.74).

Conclusions

A new, rapid method of cross-linking (flash-linking) is introduced by the use of a customized photoactive cross-linking agent. The method demonstrates similar efficacy in stiffening the cornea (when measured with surface wave elastometry) in comparison to standard cross-linking, but requires only 30 seconds of UVA exposure. [
J Refract Surg
. 2008;24:S748–S751.]
Ob 70-letnici Umetnostnozgodovinskega inštituta Franceta Steleta
Authors: Komelj Milček
Published: April 2019

.
The Immaculata, Emperor Leopold I, and a Roman Thesis Print by the Franciscans from Ljubljana
Authors: Polleroß Friedrich
Published: April 2019

The paper presents a Roman thesis print by Jan Onghers from 1700 that had been unknown until now; we only knew its preparatory drawing in Budapest. The graphic combines different themes: the veneration of the Immaculata by the House of Habsburg, the triumph over the Ottomans, the rivalry between the Franciscans, and Jesuits and their influence on the development of thesis prints. Moreover, it discusses the political and artistic relations among Vienna, Ljubljana, Rome, Augsburg and Prague.
Size-dependent survival of European hake juveniles in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Hidalgo Manuel , Ligas Alessandro , Bellido José María , Bitetto Isabella , Carbonara Pierluiggi , Carlucci Roberto , Guijarro Beatriz , Jadaud Angelique , Lembo Giuseppe , Manfredi Chiara , Esteban Antonio , Garofalo Germana , Ikica Zdravko , García Cristina , Gil de Sola Luis , Kavadas Stefanos , Maina Irida , Sion Letizia , Vittori Stefania , Vrgoc Nedo
Published: April 2019

Most studies on European hake focus on the recruitment process and nursery areas, whereas the information is comparatively limited on the ecology of the juvenile stage (ca. second year of life)—the one most exploited by the Mediterranean trawl fisheries. Using information of the MEDITS programme, we provide a spatial and temporal assessment of the influence of body size and growth on hake survival from recruits (age 0) to juveniles (age 1), along with the impact of surface temperature and chlorophyll variability. At a biogeographic scale, size-dependent survival is supported, with areas with higher mean length of recruits and juveniles yielding higher survival. A similar pattern was observed at interannual level in some western Mediterranean areas, also mediated by a density-dependent effect on growth. However, the most recurrent inter-annual pattern was a negative effect of size on survival, which could be attributed to potential ontogenetic changes in catchability and underrepresentation of intra-annual recruitment pulses that are seasonally inaccessible to the MEDITS survey. Results also evidence that survival in the Alboran and Adriatic seas is dependent on the primary production variability, and that Corsica and Sardinia could be potential feeding grounds receiving juveniles from neighbouring areas. The present study reveals the importance of size- and growth-dependent survival in the juvenile stage of European hake in the Mediterranean Sea.
Distribution and spatio-temporal biomass trends of red mullets across the Mediterranean
Authors: Tserpes George , Massutí Enric , Fiorentino Fabio , Facchini Maria Teresa , Viva Claudio , Jadaud Angélique , Joksimovic Aleksandar , Pesci Paola , Piccinetti Corrado , Sion Letizia , Thasitis Ioannis , Vrgoc Nedo
Published: April 2019

The present work examines the spatio-temporal biomass trends of Mullus barbatus and Mullus surmuletus in the Mediterranean Sea through the analysis of a time series of data coming from the Mediterranean International Trawl Surveys (MEDITS), accomplished annually from 1994 to 2015. The biomass of both species showed clear declining trends below 150 to 200 m depth, which were steeper in the case of M. barbatus. Increases in temporal biomass trends were observed for M. barbatus from 2008 onward in most geographic sub-areas (GSAs), while stability was mostly observed for M. surmuletus. For both species, dynamic factor analysis revealed similarities among neighbouring GSAs and the subsequent cluster analysis identified two major GSA groups corresponding to the eastern and western basins of the Mediterranean. Overall, the results suggested that the combined effects of fishing and environmental conditions determine species abundance variations, but the relative importance of each component may vary among areas.
Student’s Performance Assessment and Learning Skill towards Wireless Network Simulation Tool – Cisco Packet Tracer
Authors: Muniasamy Vasanthi , Ejlani Intisar Magboul , Anadhavalli M.
Published: April 2019

Practical Learning is a great way of learning as it aids to increase a learner’s interest in a certain subject. It entails the use of visual aids to convey ideas even more effectively. Students can more easily understand and adapt the information from the subject, when they can visually see how it really works. Rather than just explaining the theory concepts, using animating slides, simulation software that explain the theory concepts easily can be used by the instructor to develop the stu-dent’s skill in the particular subject. Simulation tools provide significant cost savings in Education. This is because a topic can be taught effectively to large numbers of people without the need of buying expensive equipment. Like wireless networking labs, if we want to construct the lab with the equipment like wireless router, access points, different cabling it is more cost effective. Now in net, we can find out more simulation software for networking. One of the best simulation tools for Networking is Packet Tracer which can be freely downloadable from Cisco Networking Academy Students. It includes assessment task with automatic scoring and reporting. This paper presents the features of the simulation tool and analyzes the student’s performance over this simulation soft-ware with the given questionnaires. This study provides evidence in support of the instructional effectiveness of the use of Simulation software tool for the teachers and the learners who are interested in networking concepts.