bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syria’s Passage to Conflict
Authors: Azmeh Shamel
Published: November 2016

Syria’s descent into conflict is receiving growing scholarly attention. On their own, the sectarian and geopolitical interpretations of the Syrian conflict provide us with little understanding of the roots of the conflict. Recent studies have started to unpack the political economic and socioeconomics aspects of the conflict, highlighting issues such as the economic reforms in the 2000s, rising inequality, and climate change. This article aims to contribute to this growing literature by placing these issues in a broader analysis of Syria’s political and economic institutions. It argues that the movement of 2011 should be seen as an unorganized protest movement driven by the consolidation and institutionalization of multisectarian elite rule through the economic reform process that started in the 2000s, following the expiration of the “developmental rentier fix” that had ensured authoritarian stability in Syria in earlier decades.
Solutions to the matrix equation X − AXB = CY+R and its application
Authors: Song Caiqin , Chen Guoliang
Published: November 2016

The solution of the nonhomogeneous Yakubovich matrix equation [Formula: see text] is important in stability analysis and controller design in linear systems. The nonhomogeneous Yakubovich matrix equation [Formula: see text], which contains the well-known Kalman–Yakubovich matrix equation and the general discrete Lyapunov matrix equation as special cases, is investigated in this paper. Closed-form solutions to the nonhomogeneous Yakubovich matrix equation are presented using the Smith normal form reduction. Its equivalent form is provided. Compared with the existing method, the method presented in this paper has no limit to the dimensions of an unknown matrix. The present method is suitable for any unknown matrix, not only low-dimensional unknown matrices, but also high-dimensional unknown matrices. As an application, parametric pole assignment for descriptor linear systems by PD feedback is considered.
A robustification of the two degree-of-freedom controller based upon multivariable generalized predictive control law and robust H∞ control for a doubly-fed induction generator
Authors: Aidoud Mohammed , Sedraoui Moussa , Lachouri Abderrazek , Boualleg Abdelhalim
Published: November 2016

A robustification method of primary two degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) controllers is proposed in this paper to control the wind turbine system equipped with a doubly-fed induction generator DFIG. The proposed robustification method should follow the following three step-procedures. First, the primary 2-DOF controller is designed through the initial form of the multivariable generalized predictive control MGPC law to ensure a good tracking dynamic of reference trajectories. Second, the robust [Formula: see text] controller is independently designed for the previous system to ensure good robustness properties of the closed-loop system against model uncertainties, neglecting dynamics and sensor noises. Finally, both above mentioned controllers are combined to design the robustified 2-DOF-MGPC controller using Youla parameterization method. Therefore, the obtained controller conserves the same good tracking dynamic that is provided by the primary 2-DOF-MGPC controller. It ensures the same good robustness properties which are produced by the robust [Formula: see text] controller. A wind turbine system equipped with a DFIG is controlled by the robustified 2-DOF-MGPC controller. Its dynamic behaviour is modelled by an unstructured-output multiplicative uncertainty plant. The controller performances are valid by comparison with those given through both controllers, which are primary 2-DOF-MGPC and robust [Formula: see text] controllers in time and frequency domains.
Legal Update of Gifted Education
Authors: Zirkel Perry A.
Published: November 2016

This update of the legislation/regulations and case law specific to pre-K–12 gifted students since a cluster of publications in 2004–2005 primarily focuses on the “gifted alone” category, with only secondary attention to twice-exceptional and other students in the “gifted plus” category. For the gifted-alone category, the legislation and regulations during the most recent 11 years continue to be at the state level, rather than federal level, with a net change amounting to moderate strengthening, primarily in terms of the group, rather than Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)–type, model. The corresponding case law remains very limited in both frequency and pro-plaintiff outcomes, with most of the cases arising in Pennsylvania. The gifted-plus category accounts for far more litigation, fueled by the intersecting federal civil rights laws that are pivotal in these cases. Yet, their outcomes, for a variety of issues that extend well beyond eligibility and free appropriate public education, have also reflected a pro-district skew.
Understanding Decisions in State Pension Systems: A System Framework
Authors: Chen Gang
Published: November 2016

State governments establish pension systems to provide retirement benefits to public employees. State governments as sponsors, state legislatures as policy makers, and public-sector unions as representatives of public employees may exert considerable influence over the decisions made in pension systems. This study applies a system framework to examine these influences. It focuses on four decisions in pension systems: benefits, employer contributions, employee contributions, and the asset smoothing period. The findings show that changes in the short- and long-term financial conditions of a state government have different influences on pension decisions, and that legislatures and public employee unions play important roles that affect these decisions.
Functional Responsibilities of Municipal Governments
Authors: Leon-Moreta Agustin
Published: November 2016

This article examines the assignment of functional responsibilities to municipalities, contributing conceptualization and measurement for the analysis of breadth of those responsibilities across the American states. It also investigates determinants of functional breadth: alternative explanations are explored in an analysis of municipalities in metropolitan areas. Using data from the 2012 Census of Governments, two measures of functional breadth are reported, thus evaluating the reliability of the findings across alternative measurements of breadth. The main findings are that a diverse scope of functional responsibilities is prevalent across American municipalities and that the institutional environment of municipalities influences those diverse functional responsibilities. Additional findings are that certain factors differentially affect the scope of service responsibilities, according to a quantile analysis of the dependent variable’s distribution. Although its primary contribution is to the literature on functional responsibilities of governments, the article also proposes a political market approach to identify factors influencing functional responsibilities.
Incidence and Epidemiology of Foot and Ankle Injuries in Elite Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Hunt Kenneth J. , Hurwit Daniel , Robell Kevin , Gatewood Corey , Botser Itamar B. , Matheson Gordon
Published: November 2016

Background:

Foot and ankle injuries are increasing in competitive professional and collegiate athletics. Many of these injuries result in considerable missed time from sports and often require surgical intervention. To develop and implement effective practice participation strategies, return-to-play protocols, and injury prevention programs, an understanding of injury trends and epidemiology is vital.

Purpose:

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of foot and ankle injuries in elite athletes participating in 37 sports at a single National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division 1 institution.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods:

We evaluated the injury records of all varsity sports at a single NCAA Division 1 athletics program, including 1076 athletes participating in 37 sports. Detailed injury data were prospectively collected in a secure electronic database over a 2-year period. We reviewed the database for all foot/ankle injuries. Inclusion criteria were any foot/ankle injury that was sustained during an NCAA-sanctioned event and subsequently received medical treatment. Independent variables included athlete and injury demographics, missed days, physician visits, imaging results, and whether the injury required surgery. Injury incidence, relative frequency distributions, and sample proportions were dependent metrics for this investigation.

Results:

During the study period, a total of 3861 total musculoskeletal injuries were recorded. There were 1035 foot/ankle injuries (27%). Of all foot/ankle injuries, 21% (218 of 1035) caused the athlete to miss at least 1 day of participation, with an average of 12.3 days of time loss from sport. Furthermore, 27% of athletes with foot/ankle injuries were referred for office evaluation by a physician, and 84% of these required radiologic imaging. The overall injury incidence rate was 3.80 per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs). The 4 sports with the highest incidence rate (>75th percentile) were women’s gymnastics, women’s cross-country, women’s soccer, and men’s cross country. The most frequently occurring foot/ankle injuries were ankle ligament injuries, tendinopathies or fasciopathies, and bone stress injuries.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of foot/ankle injury in a large NCAA Division 1 athletics program was 27% of total musculoskeletal injuries over a 2-year period, with 21% of these injuries resulting in missed time. There were significantly higher foot and ankle injury incidence rates and more missed time in female athletes and women’s sports.
Can deception be desirable?
Authors: Uz Irem , Kemmelmeier Markus
Published: November 2016

Critics of deception in research allege harm to society, the discipline of psychology, the researchers and participants. However, neither empirical findings nor a ‘reasonable-person’ test seem to support those allegations. By and large, researchers who use deception consider its costs and benefits, and the kind and degree of deceit that is typically used in psychology is of a benevolent type. Moreover, participants prefer to participate in deception research rather than its non-deceptive alternatives. In the light of these premises, we argue that deception can be desirable, especially when considering cost and benefits to research participants.
Schein’s Career Anchors
Authors: Costigan Robert , Gurbuz Sait , Sigri Unsal
Published: November 2016

The purposes of this study are to (1) examine the factorial validity of Schein’s career anchors orientation inventory (COI), comparing the original eight-factor model with an alternative nine-factor model, (2) examine the cross-cultural invariance of the COI and its factor structure across two countries, (3) investigate whether core self-evaluations (CSE) is associated with career anchors, and (4) determine whether the relationship between CSE and career anchors varies by country. Survey data were collected from 469 participants (230 from the United States and 239 from Turkey). Based on multigroup confirmatory factor analysis, the results indicated that the alternative nine-factor career anchor model of the COI has better factorial validity and configural invariance than Schein’s eight-factor model. The findings showed support for the association between CSE and the pure challenge anchor and a moderating effect of culture on the relationship between CSE and two other anchors.
‘Black sheep in the herd’? The role, status and identity of generalist doctors in secondary care
Authors: Muddiman Esther , Bullock Alison , Allery Lynne , MacDonald Janet , Webb Katie Louise , Pugsley Lesley
Published: November 2016

Changing patient demographics raise important challenges for healthcare providers around the world. Medical generalists can help to bridge gaps in existing healthcare provision. Various approaches to medical generalism can be identified, for example, hospitalists in the US and the restructuring of care away from medical disciplines in the Netherlands, which have different implications for training and service provision. Drawing on international debates around the definition and role of generalism, this article explores one manifestation of generalism in the UK to understand how abstract ideas work in practice and some of the benefits and challenges. Broad-based training is a two-year postgraduate training programme for doctors recently piloted in England. The programme provided 6-month placements in four specialties (general practice, core medicine, psychiatry and paediatrics) and aimed to develop broad-based practitioners adept at managing complex and specialty integration. Our longitudinal, mixed methods evaluation of the programme demonstrates that although trainees value becoming more holistic in their medical practice, they also raise concerns about being perceived differently by co-workers, and report feeling isolated. Using identity theory to explore the interplay between generalism and existing boundaries of professionalism in healthcare provision, we argue that professional identity, based on disciplinary structure and maintained by boundary work, troubles identity formation for generalist trainees who transcend normative disciplinary boundaries. We conclude that it is important to address these challenges if generalism in secondary care settings is to realise its potential contribution to meeting increasing health service demands.
The Canadian healthcare system: It needs enhancement
Authors: Weil Thomas P
Published: November 2016

Although Canadian healthcare is commonly referred to as a single-payer system providing universal coverage for only hospital and physician benefits, it is argued herein that their plan actually functions as a multi-payer model; and, it provides a far lesser breadth of coverage than available among most western European countries. Of concern is that in addition to their mandated plan, only 60% of their residents are covered by private insurance for pharmaceuticals, dental care, and eye services most often paid for as a fringe benefit by their employers. In addition, based on their medical loss ratios (74% for group coverage; 38% for individual insurance), these investor-owned, private insurance plans cannot be considered as an effective approach to protect the public against these medical expenditures. An obvious solution is to mandate these benefits as enhancements to the Canada Health Act of 1985, but this alternative is currently thought to be unrealistic for both political and economic reasons. Major issues now facing the Canadian healthcare system, in terms of its routine delivery of patient care, are not the single- versus multi-payer question or the inefficiencies of their supplementary insurance, but (a) the extended patient waits for non-emergent surgical services; (b) the lack of appropriate fiscal incentives when reimbursing their hospitals; and (c) their resident physicians currently completing approved programs in general surgery and the surgical sub-specialties frequently being unable to secure appropriate medical staff appointments. Maybe the Canadian healthcare system, although providing universal hospital and physician services, is not as idyllic as perceived by many throughout the world.
Ecosystem change in the South Pare Mountain bloc, Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania
Authors: Finch Jemma , Marchant Rob , Courtney Mustaphi Colin J
Published: November 2016

Palaeoecological evidence is used to investigate climatic and anthropogenic drivers of vegetation and fire dynamics through the past ~1200 years in the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania. Pollen and charcoal analyses are supported by a chronology derived from five accelerator mass spectrometry ages, a 137Cs activity profile and marker horizons from two exotic pollen taxa. Pollen indicator taxa are used to develop a series of environmental indices, and compared with fluctuations in key timber species, and a fire history reconstruction. Prior to AD 1274, the ecosystem is characterised by moist montane forest that is somewhat anomalous with other East African records, providing evidence for the persistence of a mesic environment and ecosystem resilience of the Eastern Arc Mountains. An open drier forest type is recorded from AD 1275 to 1512, resulting from regional aridity; when the aforementioned buffering ability was exceeded and ecosystem resilience curtailed. Maize appears from ~AD 1737, possibly associated with the regional expansion of agriculture to supply the ivory trade. The peak of the caravan trade in the mid-19th century, and later colonial administration, coincides with intensified human impacts, specifically forest clearance suggested by substantial declines in the timber tree Ocotea. Following independence, there are tentative signals of montane forest recovery, which coincide with the establishment of forest reserves, and associated timber bans. Palaeoecological understanding of historical ecosystem change in the Eastern Arc Mountains biodiversity hotspot is vital to build informed conservation and forest management policies for a future characterised by growing human populations coupled with changing climate–ecosystem relationships.
Effect of tetrastarch (hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4) on plasma creatinine concentration in cats: a retrospective analysis (2010–2015)
Authors: Yozova Ivayla D , Howard Judith , Adamik Katja N
Published: November 2016

Objectives

The objective was to determine survival and changes in creatinine concentrations after administration of 6% tetrastarch (hydroxyethyl starch [HES] 130/0.4) vs crystalloids in critically ill cats.

Methods

The medical records were reviewed for cats admitted to the intensive care unit with at least two plasma creatinine measurements and initial concentrations not exceeding the upper reference interval. Cats were excluded if they had received HES prior to admission or if they had received fluid therapy for <24 h between initial and subsequent measurements. Changes in creatinine concentrations were evaluated as the percentage change from initial values to the maximum subsequent measurements. Cats receiving only crystalloids were assigned to the crystalloid group; cats receiving only HES or HES and crystalloids were assigned to the HES group.

Results

Ninety-three cats were included in the study (62 in the crystalloid group, 31 in the HES group). The total median cumulative HES dose was 94 ml/kg (range 26–422 ml/kg) and 24 ml/kg/day (range 16–42 ml/kg/day). No difference was detected between the groups for age, sex, body weight or mortality. The HES group had a significantly longer length of hospitalisation ( P = 0.012), lower albumin concentrations ( P <0.001), higher Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation scores ( P = 0.037) and higher incidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome ( P = 0.009) and sepsis ( P = 0.013). There was no significant difference in initial, maximum or maximum change in creatinine concentrations between the groups. Moreover, there was no significant difference in maximum change in creatinine concentrations in the subgroups of cats with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis.

Conclusions and relevance

In this population of cats, the administration of HES did not result in a significantly greater increase in creatinine from values measured on admission or higher mortality compared with administration of crystalloids. Further prospective studies are needed to assess both safety and efficacy of HES in cats before recommendations can be made.
“I Still Feel Like I Am Not Normal”: A Review of the Role of Stigma and Stigmatization Among Female Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, and Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Kennedy Angie C. , Prock Kristen A.
Published: November 2016

Child sexual abuse (CSA), sexual assault (SA), and intimate partner violence (IPV) occur within social contexts that shape how survivors judge themselves and are evaluated by others. Because these are gendered sexual and intimate crimes that violate social norms about what is appropriate and acceptable, survivors may experience stigma that includes victim-blaming messages from the broader society as well as specific stigmatizing reactions from others in response to disclosure; this stigmatization can be internalized among survivors as self-blame, shame, and anticipatory stigma. Stigma and stigmatization play an important role in shaping survivors’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as they recover; their risk of revictimization; and their help-seeking and attainment process. In this review, we synthesize recent CSA, SA, and IPV research ( N = 123) that examines female survivors’ self-blame, shame, internalized stigma, and anticipatory stigma as well as negative social reactions in response to survivors’ disclosure. We highlight critical findings as well as implications for research, practice, and policy, and we note gaps in our current knowledge.
Do volar locking plates fit the volar cortex of the distal radius?
Authors: Kwak D.-S. , Lee J.-Y. , Im J.-H. , Song H.-J. , Park D.
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this study was to measure the volar cortical angles of the commercially available volar locking plates and evaluate how well they fit the distal radius. We measured the volar cortical angles of the radial and intermediate columns of eight volar locking plates and compared them with the volar cortical angles of 90 cadaver distal radii. The mean radial and intermediate column volar cortical angles of the wider plates were significantly larger than those of narrower plates. The mean radial and intermediate column volar cortical angles were significantly larger in wider radii than narrower radii. The width of the distal radius did not correlate well with the mean volar cortical angles of the radial and intermediate columns.

Level of Evidence: IV
Towards internet of things modeling: a gateway approach
Authors: Altamimi Ahmed B. , Ramadan Rabie A.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Internet of things (IoT) is an interaction between more than one network to facilitate communication. These networks by themselves are complex networks. Therefore, IoT network is expected to grow at unprecedented scale involving other networks such as Mobile, VANET, and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). In fact, modeling each network by itself is a complicated process. In addition, on a large scale, the communication among these networks increases the modeling complexity in which energy consumption could be critical due to large number of dropped messages. Therefore, this paper is a step forward towards modeling IoT complex network through gateway deployment. The paper answers the question of how to deploy these gateways in a way that guarantees an efficient and adaptive communication.

Methods

Two models/methods are proposed and examined which are geographical based and mobile ferry based models. Due to the complexity of the deployment problem in reality, the deployment problem is treated as a complex adaptive problem and simulated through different sets of experiments and settings.

Results

The two methods have been compared through set of experiments using ONE simulator with the same number of employed gateways in the two methods. The experiments shows that ferry based model outperforms geographical based model with 29% improvement in messages delivery probability. Additionally, when the number of mobile ferries are reduced by 34% compared to gateways that are distributed based on geographical area, the mobile ferries approach still outperform geographical area based approach when it comes to messages delivery probability.

Conclusions

The paper presents the two methods to model the complex internet of things environment and its sub networks interaction. The paper concludes that employing mobile ferries as gateways is better than deploying gateways based on geographical area when the sub networks interaction is facilitated in IoT network.
Detecting structural variances of Co3O4 catalysts by controlling beam-induced sample alterations in the vacuum of a transmission electron microscope
Authors: Kisielowski C. , Frei H. , Specht P. , Sharp I. D. , Haber J. A. , Helveg S.
Published: November 2016

This article summarizes core aspects of beam-sample interactions in research that aims at exploiting the ability to detect single atoms at atomic resolution by mid-voltage transmission electron microscopy. Investigating the atomic structure of catalytic Co3O4 nanocrystals underscores how indispensable it is to rigorously control electron dose rates and total doses to understand native material properties on this scale. We apply in-line holography with variable dose rates to achieve this goal. Genuine object structures can be maintained if dose rates below ~100 e/Å2s are used and the contrast required for detection of single atoms is generated by capturing large image series. Threshold doses for the detection of single atoms are estimated. An increase of electron dose rates and total doses to common values for high resolution imaging of solids stimulates object excitations that restructure surfaces, interfaces, and defects and cause grain reorientation or growth. We observe a variety of previously unknown atom configurations in surface proximity of the Co3O4 spinel structure. These are hidden behind broadened diffraction patterns in reciprocal space but become visible in real space by solving the phase problem. An exposure of the Co3O4 spinel structure to water vapor or other gases induces drastic structure alterations that can be captured in this manner.
Phospholipases: at the crossroads of the immune system and the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection
Authors: Cecchetti Serena , Spadaro Francesca , Gessani Sandra , Podo Franca , Fantuzzi Laura
Published: November 2016

Multiple host factors and their interactions with viral proteins contribute to the complexity of HIV-1 pathogenesis and disease progression. The virus exploits the cell-signaling networks to prepare the ground for viral replication, to affect functions of either infected or uninfected bystander cells, and to evade the immune response. These events are hallmarks of HIV-1 pathogenesis that lead toward AIDS. Phospholipases are essential mediators of intracellular and intercellular signaling. They function as phospholipid-hydrolyzing enzymes, generating many bioactive lipid mediators or second messengers, which control multiple cellular functions, thus regulating a variety of physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. These enzymes also represent important components of the cell-signaling networks exploited by HIV-1 and its proteins to favor viral replication and persistence, as well as immune response dysfunction. Although some individual phospholipases were studied in the context of HIV-1 infection, the mechanisms whereby they regulate diverse infection-associated processes, as well as the interaction among different phospholipases have yet to be fully elucidated. In this review, we discuss the principal aspects of the complex interaction between phospholipases, HIV-1, and the immune system. A thorough understanding of the signaling networks that involve phospholipases in both HIV-1–infected cells and individuals is essential to determine whether therapeutic targeting of these enzymes may represent a novel approach to control viral replication, as well as the associated inflammation and comorbidities.
STAT mutations as program switchers: turning primary immunodeficiencies into autoimmune diseases
Authors: Lorenzini Tiziana , Dotta Laura , Giacomelli Mauro , Vairo Donatella , Badolato Raffaele
Published: November 2016

STAT proteins are a family of transcription factors that mediate cellular response to cytokines and growth factors. Study of patients with familial susceptibility to pathogens and/or autoimmune diseases has led to the identification of 7 inherited disorders that are caused by mutations of 4 STAT family genes. Homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations of STAT1 lead to complete or partial forms of STAT1 deficiency that are associated with susceptibility to intracellular pathogens and herpetic infections. Patients with heterozygous STAT1 gain-of-function (GOF) mutations usually present with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) but may also experience bacterial and viral infections, autoimmune manifestations, lymphopenia, cerebral aneurysms, and increased risk to develop tumors. STAT2 deficiency has been described in 5 family members and is characterized by selective susceptibility to viral infections, whereas STAT3 loss-of-function (LOF) mutations are causative of the autosomal-dominant hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES), a condition that is characterized by cutaneous and respiratory infections in association with mucocutaneous candidiasis, eczema, skeletal and connective tissue abnormalities, eosinophilia, and high levels IgE. STAT5B LOF and STAT3 GOF mutations are both associated with disorders characterized by autoimmune or allergic manifestations, together with increased risk of infections. Particularly, STAT5b deficiency results in growth hormone (GH) insensitivity, immunodeficiency, diarrhea, and generalized eczema, whereas STAT3 GOF mutations result in autoimmune cytopenia, lymphadenopathy, short stature, infections, enteropathy, and multiorgan autoimmunity, including early-onset type I diabetes, thyroiditis, hepatitis, arthritis, and interstitial lung disease.
Parametric Interaction in Tonal Repertoires
Authors: Brody Christopher
Published: November 2016

All theories of structure in tonal music must balance the competing claims to priority of multiple musical parameters. Most prominently, the study of tonal form has long concerned itself with how to reconcile the at times contradictory demands of thematic design and tonal structure: which is more important? With their different answers to this fundamental question, the resulting theories are as divergent as Heinrich Schenker's near-total emphasis on tonal structure and J. C. Lobe's equally single-minded interest in thematic design. A related and equally important question concerns how independent these two parameters are from one another: in different accounts they range from completely independent to strongly—even necessarily—correlated. This article argues that these two questions are not logically independent of each other, because a strong correlation between parameters precludes the judgment that one parameter is nevertheless much more important than the other. To this end, the geometric space known as the ternary plot is introduced, within which all coherent claims about the interaction of two parameters in a repertoire can be represented; the ternary plot also serves as a valuable device for comparing theories that differ in the relative importance or independence of tonal structure and thematic design. The article further argues that claims of these kinds are proper not to individual musical works but to musical repertoires, suggesting a definition of form in tonal music as always comparative and context dependent. Illustrating these claims, repertoires of Viennese string quartet minuets and piano pieces by Chopin are analyzed.
Energetics of communal roosting in chestnut-crowned babblers: implications for group dynamics and breeding phenology
Authors: Chappell Mark A. , Buttemer William A. , Russell Andrew F.
Published: November 2016

For many endotherms, communal roosting saves energy in cold conditions, but how this might affect social dynamics or breeding phenology is not well understood. Using chestnut-crowned babblers (Pomatostomus ruficeps), we studied the effects of nest use and group size on roosting energy costs. These 50 g cooperatively breeding passerine birds of outback Australia breed from late winter to early summer and roost in huddles of up to 20 in single-chambered nests. We measured babbler metabolism at three ecologically relevant temperatures: 5°C (similar to minimum nighttime temperatures during early breeding), 15°C (similar to nighttime temperatures during late breeding) and 28°C (thermal neutrality). Nest use alone had modest effects: even for solitary babblers at 5°C, it reduced nighttime energy expenditures by <15%. However, group-size effects were substantial, with savings of up to 60% in large groups at low temperatures. Babblers roosting in groups of seven or more at 5°C, and five or more at 15°C, did not need to elevate metabolic rates above basal levels. Furthermore, even at 28°C (thermoneutral for solitary babblers), individuals in groups of four or more had 15% lower basal metabolic rate than single birds, hinting that roosting in small groups is stressful. We suggest that the substantial energy savings of communal roosting at low temperatures help explain why early breeding is initiated in large groups and why breeding females, which roost alone and consequently expend 120% more energy overnight than other group members, suffer relatively higher mortality than communally roosting group mates.
Cutaneous water collection by a moisture-harvesting lizard, the thorny devil (Moloch horridus)
Authors: Comanns Philipp , Withers Philip C. , Esser Falk J. , Baumgartner Werner
Published: November 2016

Moisture-harvesting lizards, such as the Australian thorny devil, Moloch horridus, have the remarkable ability to inhabit arid regions. Special skin structures, comprising a micro-structured surface with capillary channels in between imbricate overlapping scales, enable the lizard to collect water by capillarity and transport it to the mouth for ingestion. The ecological role of this mechanism is the acquisition of water from various possible sources such as rainfall, puddles, dew, condensation on the skin, or absorption from moist sand, and we evaluate here the potential of these various sources for water uptake by M. horridus. The water volume required to fill the skin capillary system is 3.19% of body mass. Thorny devils standing in water can fill their capillary system and then drink from this water, at approximately 0.7 µl per jaw movement. Thorny devils standing on nearly saturated moist sand could only fill the capillary channels to 59% of their capacity, and did not drink. However, placing moist sand on skin replicas showed that the capillary channels could be filled from moist sand when assisted by gravity, suggesting that their field behaviour of shovelling moist sand onto the dorsal skin might fill the capillary channels and enable drinking. Condensation facilitated by thermal disequilibrium between a cool thorny devil and warm moist air provided skin capillary filling to approximately 0.22% of body weight, which was insufficient for drinking. Our results suggest that rain and moist sand seem to be ecologically likely water sources for M. horridus on a regular basis.
Single-molecule measurements of viral ssRNA packaging
Authors: Hanhijärvi Kalle J. , Ziedaite Gabija , Bamford Dennis H. , Hæggström Edward , Poranen Minna M.
Published: November 2016

Genome packaging of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) phages has been widely studied using biochemical and molecular biology methods. We adapted the existing in vitro packaging system of one such phage for single-molecule experimentation. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to study the details of viral RNA packaging using optical tweezers. Pseudomonas phage φ6 is a dsRNA virus with a tripartite genome. Positive-sense (+) single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) genome precursors are packaged into a preformed procapsid (PC), where negative strands are synthesized. We present single-molecule measurements of the viral ssRNA packaging by the φ6 PC. Our data show that packaging proceeds intermittently in slow and fast phases, which likely reflects differences in the unfolding of the RNA secondary structures of the ssRNA being packaged. Although the mean packaging velocity was relatively low (0.07–0.54 nm/sec), packaging could reach 4.62 nm/sec during the fast packaging phase.
Engagement of introductory biostatistics students in a novel hybrid course format
Authors: Ramos Marcel , Gbedemah Misato , Jones Heidi , Waldron Levi
Published: November 2016

Background

While online-only courses can be delivered without constraints of geography or synchronization of lecture times, traditional in-person lectures continue to be central to teaching and to student experiences at most universities. Hybrid learning courses fill the gap between, providing convenience and schedule flexibility while maintaining the traditional face-to-face experience. The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy and Hunter College are urban campuses that draw working students from a wide commuting area, leading us to experiment with hybrid course formats that offer a maximum degree of flexibility to students.

Methods

Lectures and lab sessions were held on campus in a traditional lecture style, but streamed live over YouTube with remote attendees able to type questions and have them answered by the instructor in real time, and later made available for viewing.

Results

Through a post-course survey we found students to be divided in their preferences for in-person course formats (46%) versus synchronous and asynchronous online formats (35% and 19%, respectively). In the hypothetical scenario of retaking the course, the option of attending each lecture either in-person or online was preferred (69% for this hybrid format, 11% for in-person only and another 11% for online only). Although long commuting times, work and family responsibilities were common, interactivity and learning preference were the most important considerations for students regardless of their decision for online or in-person attendance. Analysis of YouTube viewing data showed a majority of online participation occurring during live lectures, with an additional peak of viewing of all lectures occurring immediately before exams.

Conclusions

We found this hybrid format to be a viable and popular way to accommodate diverse personal circumstances and learning preferences within the framework of a traditional lecture format.
Front Matter: Volume 4 (Proceedings of CBU)
Authors: Hájek Petr , Sahota Tavleen , Jones Mary-Anne
Published: November 2016

This PDF file contains the front matter associated with CBU Proceedings Volume 4 including the Title Page, Copyright information, Table of Contents, Introduction, and Conference Committee listing.
Postcard from Morocco
Authors: Reid Michelle
Published: November 2016

What's it like to be part of a dental charity's mercy trip to relieve children of their horrendous dental pain? Michelle Reid shares her experience
Are you a visionary?
Authors: Fowler John
Published: November 2016

This series continues to explore the leadership skills of the dental nurse. In this issue, John Fowler asks: do you light up your team?
A Validation Study of Administrative Claims Data to Measure Ovarian Cancer
Recurrence and Secondary Debulking Surgery
Authors: Livaudais-Toman Jennifer , Egorova Natalia , Franco Rebeca , Prasad-Hayes Monica , Howell Elizabeth A. , Wisnivesky Juan , Bickell Nina A.
Published: November 2016

Objective: Administrative claims data offer an alternative to chart abstraction to
assess ovarian cancer recurrence, treatment and outcomes. Such analyses have been
hindered by lack of valid recurrence and treatment algorithms. In this study, we sought
to develop claims-based algorithms to identify ovarian cancer recurrence and secondary
debulking surgery, and to validate them against the gold-standard of chart
abstraction.Methods: We conducted chart validation studies; 2 recurrence algorithms and
1 secondary surgery among 94 ovarian cancer patients treated at one hospital between
2003-2009. A new recurrence algorithm was based on treatment timing (≥6 months after
primary treatment) and a previously validated algorithm was based on secondary
malignancy codes. A secondary debulking surgery algorithm was based on surgical billing
codes.Results: The new recurrence algorithm had: sensitivity=100% (95% confidence
interval [CI]=87%-100%), specificity=89% (95%CI=78%-95%), kappa=84% (SE=10%) while the
secondary-malignancy-code recurrence algorithm had: sensitivity=84% (95%CI=66%-94%),
specificity=44% (95%CI=31%-57%), kappa=23% (SE=8%). The secondary surgery algorithm had:
sensitivity=77% (95%CI=50%-92%), specificity= 92% (95%CI=83%-97%), kappa=66%
(SE=10%).Conclusions: A recurrence algorithm based on treatment timing accurately
identified ovarian cancer recurrence. If validated in other populations, such an
algorithm can provide a tool to compare effectiveness of recurrent ovarian cancer
treatments.
Flora da Bahia: Oleaceae
Authors: Teixeira Michella Del Rei , Lombardi Julio Antonio , Oliveira Reyjane Patricia De , Giulietti Ana Maria
Published: November 2016

A taxonomic treatment of the Oleaceae from Bahia, Brazil, is present as a contribution to the knowledge of the flora of the state. Four species of the genus Chionanthus are recognized: C. crassifolius, C. filiformis, C. micranthus and C. parviflorus. The taxonomic treatment consists of an identification key, descriptions, comments, illustrations and distribution maps of the species in Bahia.
Os riscos em gráficas brasileiras de pequeno porte: um estudo de caso
Authors: Lopes Camila Santos Doubek , Barros Mirian Vizintim Fernandes , Maessaka Érika Sayuri , Losnak Sérgio Ricardo
Published: November 2016

A indústria gráfica brasileira representa 2,95% do PIB do país, gerando 221 mil empregos. Junto aos resultados de ordem econômica, chama a atenção o impacto deste setor no meio ambiente e nas condições de trabalho dos funcionários.Este trabalho realizou a identificação de situações de risco no processo offset em uma gráfica de pequeno porte na cidade de Londrina, Paraná, Brasil. Ao final, as análises mostraram que a conduta da gráfica não está em conformidade com as exigências, tornando os funcionários e o meio ambiente extremamente vulneráveis.
Tipo de circulação atmosférica que suscita risco de agudização de asma
Authors: Talaia Mário , Pina Denise
Published: November 2016

Neste trabalho é estudado o risco de agravamento de ataques asmáticos. Foram usados dados de uma estação meteorológica e acorrências hospitalares, durante um ano. Investigaram-se os tipos de circulação atmosférica que estão associados ao risco de agravamento da doença. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que um tipo de circulação atmosférico SW com frente fria é um risco de agravamento da doença e estratégias de intervenção devem ser adoptadas.
Patologia infecciosa ocupacional em bombeiros: os Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-USA 2016) face ao Decreto Regulamentar Português nº 76/2007
Authors: Leão Rui Ponce , Campos Paulo , Gandra Sara , Bandeira Romero
Published: November 2016

Os Bombeiros têm, frequentemente, contacto com doentes portadores de patologia infecto-contagiosa, bem como com animais sãos ou doentes, cadáveres e, eventualmente, outras situações onde possam co-existir agentes causadores de doenças. Neste sentido aborda-se o conteúdo do DR Português 76/2007 comparando-o com o que os CDC-USA 2016 explanam sobre a mesma matéria. Dada a relevância da mesma chama-se a atenção para lacunas existentes, mesmo no contexto dos CDC, no sentido da necessidade da premente actualização da Legislação Portuguesa neste âmbito.
Agravamento da saúde e vulnerabilidades climáticas e socioeconómicas: indivíduos com AVC, dispneia e asma e dor torácica (Porto, 2005-2008)
Authors: Moreira Maria , Monteiro Ana
Published: November 2016

Este trabalho de investigação tem como objetivo averiguar as relações existentes entre a saúde (ocorrências na urgência com AVC, Dispneia & Asma e Dor Torácica) e o contexto socioambiental dos doentes, a partir da análise de múltiplas variáveis, de modo a contribuir para a identificação de fatores que possam ajudar a explicar a distribuição e magnitude do número de ocorrências diárias de urgências e, assim, fornecer informações úteis para a definição de medidas que permitam antecipar e mitigar o problema, minimizando a exposição ao risco de desenvolvimento ouagravamento das doenças mencionadas.
Riscos para a saúde num ambiente térmico frio: o vestuário e uma onda de frio
Authors: Talaia Mário
Published: November 2016

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo de caso para ambiente térmico frio a céu aberto numa região de coordenadas geográficas 40.67ºN e 8.45ºW no lugar da Sernada do Vouga do concelho de Águeda e Distrito de Aveiro e foi realizado na primeira quinzena de fevereiro de 2015. Foi mantido o isolamento térmico do vestuário. Foram usados indicadores de sensação térmica e de isolamento térmico. Os resultados obtidos mostram que as sensações térmicas reais estão em concordância com as sensações térmicas previstas e que o isolamento térmico do vestuário deve ser adaptado para as condições termohigrométricas do ar húmido, de modo a evitar a falência do corpo.
O terramoto no Haiti (12 de janeiro de 2010). Análise na perspetiva da medicina de catástrofe: do impacto à atualidade
Authors: Araújo Adriana , Campos Paulo , Reis Ana Mafalda , Bandeira Romero
Published: November 2016

O terramoto de 12 de Janeiro de 2010 no Haiti é abordado na perspetiva da Medicina de Catástrofe, através do estudo e revisão do exposto em manuais, artigos científicos, relatórios e comunicados de imprensa, incluindo uma discussão acerca da intervenção humanitária de França e de Portugal, com base em entrevistas ao Coronel e Médico-Chefe da Força de Intervenção Aeromóvel Francesa Michel Orcel, e ao Comandante Elísio Oliveira e Dr. Cunha da Cruz, pertencentes ao Destacamento Português de Ação Humanitária.
Bioterrorismo: sinopse evolutiva e intervenção sanitária atual
Authors: Braga Gisélia , Leão Rui Ponce , Bandeira Romero
Published: November 2016

Após os ataques terroristas em 2011 aos Estados Unidos da América (EUA) e embora não tenha sido identificado nenhum na Europa, os países sofreram uma forte pressão de forma a estabelecerem planos para enfrentar este novo tipo de ameaça. Os hospitais vão ser uma referência para quem começa a sentir-se doente, portanto terão que estar preparados. Torna-se necessário tomar medidas para minimizar as consequências e será necessário ter um plano de contingência para uma situação de Bioterrorismo, evitando ou, no mínimo, reduzindo a mortalidade e morbilidade das vítimas.
Viudedad y vejez femeninas en el siglo XVIII y principios del siglo XIX en Francia
Authors: Beauvalet Scarlett
Published: November 2016

¿Cuál fue el impacto de la viudedad y del envejecimiento sobre la vida de las mujeres durante el siglo XVIII y principios del XIX en Francia? Para los contemporáneos, estos dos momentos de la existencia eran particularmente complicados, y más en el caso de las mujeres. El envejecimiento parecía ser más precoz y más difícil de sobrellevar que para los hombres ya que marcaba el fin de la seducción y de la sexualidad. La viudedad se materializaba con el luto y se veía como un tiempo de retiro del mundo que las mujeres debían aprovechar para estar más cerca de Dios. Estas representaciones, sin embargo, no siempre se correspondían con la realidad. La viudedad también podía suponer el acceso a la independencia, convirtiéndose en mujeres con total capacidad jurídica. Así mismo, la vejez no era necesariamente un período de soledad como demuestran algunas formas de solidaridad y las medidas de asistencia adoptadas contra la indigencia.