bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tadpoles of three western African frog genera: Astylosternus Werner, 1898, Nyctibates Boulenger, 1904, and Scotobleps Boulenger, 1900 (Amphibia, Anura, Arthroleptidae)
Authors: Griesbaum Frederic , Hirschfeld Mareike , Barej Michael F. , Schmitz Andreas , Rohrmoser Mariam , Dahmen Matthias , Mühlberger Fabian , Liedtke H. Christoph , Gonwouo Nono L. , Doumbia Joseph , Rödel Mark-Oliver
Published: April 2019

Herein, we describe the tadpoles of six Astylosternus species, A.fallax, A.cf.fallax, A.laurenti, A.montanus, A.perreti, A.ranoides, and Scotoblepsgabonicus, and redescribe the tadpoles of A.batesi, A.diadematus, A.laticephalus, A.occidentalis, A.rheophilus, and Nyctibatescorrugatus. All Astylosternus tadpoles are adapted to torrent currents and share a long, oval body, slightly flattened in lateral view, with very long muscular tails with narrow fins. The jaws are massive, serrated, and often show a tooth-like medial projection (fang) in the upper jaw. Body proportions of Astylosternus tadpoles are extremely similar. The best characters to distinguish species might be life coloration and potentially the shape of labial papillae. The tadpole of Scotoblepsgabonicus is similar to Astylosternus and differs only slightly by a narrower body with a shorter and rounder head. The upper jaw of Scotobleps carries two or three lateral fangs instead of one medial one. The tadpole of Nyctibatescorrugatus is easily distinguishable from the other two genera on the basis of their very long, eel-shaped body and tail and the bluish-black color.
One Health Study Design
Authors: Jhandai Punit
Published: April 2019

One health is an integrated approach that considers human, animal, and environmental health components that can improve prediction. One health implies that data on man and animal health and environmental indicators are studied and interpreted together. This chapter focuses on population-based quantitative and qualitative one health study designs with an emphasis on field surveys to understand disease dynamics and how to control measures being tested. The aim is not on early diagnoses of emerging diseases but instead of that on endemic zoonosis. It first describes examples on joint monitoring and surveillance to control diseases and then practical information on planning of a field study design, and concludes on the advantages of one health study designs. Also discussed are possible constraints for their implementation. For the examples, single sector approach could not explain the main epidemiological considerations.
Veterinary Public Health
Authors: Das Utpal
Published: April 2019

Health and disease have always co-existed with man and animal. One medicine concept was developed in ancient times as recorded in the writings of Greek and Roman scholars. In the ecological context, animal activities tend to influence welfare of man in a number of ways and vice versa. The veterinarians are the only healthcare professionals likely to see both people and their animals and aware of the potential threat of zoonotic infections to clients. History behind conceptualization of veterinary public health to one health is discussed thoroughly, and eventually, veterinary public health is referred to as the planetary route and path to one health.
Using Socioscientific Issues to Enhance Evidence-Based Reasoning Among Middle School Students
Authors: Powell Wardell Anthony , Fuchs Danielle
Published: April 2019

This study investigated the implementation of a socioscientific issue curricular unit that was designed to enhance evidence-based reasoning among middle school students. Forty-three middle school students (11-12 years old; 20 males, 23 females) from a summer enrichment program operated by a non-profit organization in the northeastern United States participated in this study. The duration of this curricular unit took place over five consecutive 1-hour period blocks. The researchers utilized qualitative procedures to analyze students' abilities to engage in evidence-based reasoning and the impact it might have on students' argumentation quality on whether the air we breathe makes us sick. Comparison of the findings from pre-test and post-test indicate that students were able to use evidence-based reasoning to enhance their argumentation quality. The results from this investigation suggest that perhaps the use of socioscientific issues as a critical pedagogical tool does enhance students' abilities to engage in evidence-based reasoning.
Teaching and Assessing Critical Thinking and Clinical Reasoning Skills in Medical Education
Authors: Majumder Md. Anwarul Azim , Sa Bidyadhar , Alateeq Fahad Abdullah , Rahman Sayeeda
Published: April 2019

In recent years, there has been more emphasis on developing higher order thinking (e.g., critical thinking and clinical reasoning) processes to tackle the recent trends and challenges in medical education. Critical thinking and clinical reasoning are considered to be the cornerstones for teaching and training tomorrow's doctors. Lack of training of critical thinking and clinical reasoning in medical curricula causes medical students and physicians to use cognitive biases in problem solving which ultimately leads to diagnostic errors later in their professional practice. Moreover, there is no consensus on the most effective teaching model to teach the critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills and even the skill is not effectively tested in medical schools. This chapter will focus on concepts, contemporary theories, implications, issues and challenges, characteristics, various steps, teaching models and strategies, measuring and intervention tools, and assessment modalities of critical thinking and clinical reasoning in medical education settings.
Developing the Students' Thinking and Learning Skills in the Instrumental Lesson
Authors: Marisi Rossella
Published: April 2019

Developing the learners' thinking and learning skills can be defined as helping the latter not only to acquire a deeper understanding of the content they have to learn, but also to master a method enabling them to become independent learners. Learners should be guided to reflect on their learning, in order to be aware of their own learning strategies, to understand which advantages and drawbacks characterize each strategy, to distinguish how and when to use the different strategies, to identify the most suitable one on a case-by-case basis, and to be able to apply it to further their learning. After a reflection on the pedagogical issues raised in particular by the instrumental lessons, the study puts forward a proposal of how to develop the students' thinking and learning skills, focusing on a masterpiece of the flute literature: Johann Sebastian Bach's “Allemande” from the Partita in A minor, BWV 1013.
E-Learning Ecosystems Through the Co-Creation of Value From Service Ecosystems
Authors: Uden Lorna
Published: April 2019

Recently the e-learning community has begun to view the e-learning environment as a self-sustaining ecosystem that provides learners with the tools and surroundings they need to achieve their learning. An e-learning ecosystem is a community where organisms interact with one another and with their physical environment. Every organism has a role to fulfil and there must be a harmonious balance between all aspects of the ecosystem in order for the organisms to flourish and evolve. An e-learning system can be considered as a service system—the application of competences for the benefit of another. What exactly are the characteristics of an e-learning ecosystem and how can e-learning professionals create such an ecosystem that provide values for the different elements of the e-learning ecosystem? This chapter shows the concepts of service ecosystems that can be used to design an effective e-learning ecosystem that will provide value to the different stakeholders involved.
Self-Sustaining Ecosystem for Learning and Communication
Authors: Valeyeva Nailya Sh , Kupriyanov Roman V. , Ziyatdinova Julia N. , Frolova Farida F.
Published: April 2019

The global society faces a number of challenges and risks. In order to adapt, it is important to have liquid learning and communication skills in order to be flexible and adaptive to new knowledge. Therefore, there is a growing demand for smart individuals demonstrating a deep desire for self-directed professional and life development. Scientific research into self-directed professional development strategies is of crucial importance. A person who aims at self-directed professional development is the one who knows and uses certain mechanisms, methods, and techniques to build and update work-related knowledge, qualities, and skills, thus planning and tracking his own career growth to become competitive in the global market and to keep the static and dynamic equilibrium of the global society in balance. In real life, students seldom recognize the importance of self-directed development as a learning skill for their personal independence, and for the static and dynamic equilibrium of the global society as a whole; thus, they do it spontaneously, inconsistently, and inefficiently.
Assessment and Meta-Assessment
Authors: Birnaz Nina , Botezatu Valeria
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the theoretical model of ecodesign of formative assessment in higher education. In this context, the formative assessment is the technology of measurement, feedback, and appreciation that guides the training of teachers' professional competences throughout their lives. The basic idea reflected in the chapter starts from the assumption that the teacher, the student, and the content are co-participants in the learning process, the maintenance of the process being assured by communication with feedback. The chapter consists of three sections. The first section describes the differences between the classical model and the extended model of formative assessment, the latest definitions of formative assessment, meta-assessment, and ecodesign. In the second section are presented the contradictions on the basis of which the research problem is established. The chapter ends with the theoretical model of the ecosystem of the formative assessment based on the instructional dynamic and flexible strategy and also with the training program of formative assessment competence.
Model of Forming Mathematical Notional-Terminological Apparatus in Elementary School Children
Authors: Gilfanovna Sabirova Elvira , Ibragimova Milyausha Yakubovna
Published: April 2019

Terminology is one of the constituents of the scientific knowledge system. Mastering terminology means to learn the extent and content of notions, and also to use these terms in work. The problems of terminology formation were studied by Bogoyavlensky, Galperin, Talyzina. In the studies of Vygodsky, the inner speech derives from conversational speech in a way of changing its function and consequently its structure. Though there has not been developed complete methodic conception of forming terminology apparatus in children, the chapter is intended to describe a model that forms mathematical terminology apparatus in the process of teaching. The main methods of studies were psychology literature analysis, educational process analysis (teaching mathematics), watching and testing elementary school children in Russia.
Mobile Dating
Authors: Sun Lu
Published: April 2019

In addressing the question as to whether mobile dating is a fancy way to fall in love, the author of this chapter ignited further interest in examining the issue by reviewing up-to-date studies on mobile dating, examining mobile dating applications and individual users' motivations at different stages of mobile dating. Furthermore, the author also included LGBTQ studies in her investigation. Finally, the author identified various problems related to mobile dating that invite further examination and solutions.
Mobile Learning Experience
Authors: McKain Danielle
Published: April 2019

As the world is moving towards experience economy, consumers are paying more and more attention to memorable and fun experience beyond a product or service. Learners are the same, especially when learning goes mobile. Mobile learning has been examined in different areas ranging from forms and formats to features and functions. Mobile experience in learning, however, has not yet fully examined. After identifying mechanisms to measure and evaluate mobile learning experience, this chapter reviewed what mobile learning resources could be leveraged to enhance mobile learning experience, followed by recommendations for further studies.
Skills Development Practices and Engineer Turnover
Authors: Kchaou Rihab , Durst Susanne
Published: April 2019

This chapter investigates the skills development practices and their relationship with engineer turnover in IT services companies (henceforth ITSC) from Tunisia. It presents a qualitative analysis of data that derived from a number of interviews conducted with human resource managers of these companies. Based on the findings, four human resources management (HRM) practices were identified that seemingly contribute to skills development in the firms investigated, which are recruitment, training, inter-project mobility, inter-firm cooperation. The findings indicate that these practices can also reduce engineer turnover rates. The chapter provides fresh insights into HRM practices of Tunisian companies, which has not attracted much attention yet.
Management Practices and Their Impact on Performance
Authors: Gamez Jorge Alberto , Aguirre Carolina
Published: April 2019

Business skills are based on the quality of management, which guarantees the ability of people to incorporate technology and manage the necessary changes in order to adapt to various forms of competition. Colombia is below the Latin American average in management practices. Large companies have access to the best managers while SMEs do not, and this is reflected on their performance. The birth of companies does not imply the automatic renewal of the business fabric because there are problems of management capacity. In this sample of the furniture sector in Bogota, the management practices of SMEs based on Blackman are presented. This sector is made up of 98% of SMEs with a good performance in obtaining benefits but low performance in competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability. Management practices are proposed based on participation, planning, innovation, the use of external consultants, and financial control.
Leadership and Religion in Family Business
Authors: Cruz Allan Discua
Published: April 2019

This chapter focuses on how and why entrepreneurial leadership in family businesses may be influenced by Christianity. This chapter is motivated by the need to understand further the influence that entrepreneurial leadership entails in the context of the most predominant business form around the world: family business. To contribute to understanding, this chapter offers a model to understand the nature of entrepreneurial leadership in family business influenced by the values and beliefs embedded in Christianity.
Innovation and Family Firms
Authors: Serrano-Bedia Ana María , Palma-Ruiz Jesús Manuel , Flores-Rivera Cinthya
Published: April 2019

This chapter aims to perform a systematic review of the most recent publications in innovation within the field of family business. A comprehensive systematic search in Clarivate Analytics Web of Science through December 2017 allowed the authors to retrieve 389 peer-reviewed articles. After careful screening, the final sample was reduced to 152 documents from 72 journals. The characteristics of the scientific journals, the diverse topics currently addressed, and the main lines of research were identified. The results revealed the existence of a highly diversified field of research with a wide variety of topics, receiving a growing interest and not limited to specialized journals nor a reduced number of researchers. All of this is indicative of an advance in the field to consolidate innovation as a high potential area of study. This allows researchers to reflect on the current status and research opportunities to contribute to the development of this field.
Family Offices
Authors: Rivo-López Elena , Villanueva-Villar Mónica
Published: April 2019

The objective of this chapter is to deepen the knowledge of family offices (FOs) as an instrument that business families have to help promote entrepreneurship and social responsibility activities. With this purpose, the concept and evolution of FOs will be developed. When faced with this purpose, we find the difficulty of accessing information about the FO at a global level, since confidentiality is one of the main characteristics by which families choose this type of structure. Because of this situation, publications on this subject are scarce, and we are forced to resort to international examples from the USA, Europe, Asia, and Latin America to facilitate greater knowledge of the FOs.
A Sustainable Business Incubation Model Focused on Family Firms
Authors: Chávez-Márquez Irma Leticia , Flores-Morales Carmen Romelia , Parada Ana Isabel Ordóñez , Sánchez-Acosta Luis Raúl
Published: April 2019

Entrepreneurship is a trigger for growth and development in the global economy. Nowadays, business incubators centers have grown in importance to promote start-up programs and different services aimed to consolidate and grow new business initiatives. The objective of this research was to define an entrepreneurial model based on the best practices of the Business Incubator Center of the Accounting and Administration School at the Autonomous University of Chihuahua in Mexico. A survey of registered companies in incubation between May 2015 and July 2018 was conducted. The main results were divided into two stages, considering 101 and 318 companies, respectively. Correlations and regression analyses in this study indicate no differences in gender regarding entrepreneurial activity and business operations. A confirmed model for business incubation is outlined.
The Investigation of Employer Adoption of Human Resource Information Systems at University Using TAM
Authors: Göktaş Pınar , Akgül Yakup
Published: April 2019

The new conditions that arise as a result of the transformation of the information society are reflected in many areas, such as the changes in human resources management, especially in the context of human resource information systems (HRIS). HRIS have become an important element in increasing organizational performance and productivity. The primary aim of this chapter is to investigate the employers' adoption for human resource information systems (HRIS) in higher education by using technology acceptance model (TAM). The results of the study revealed that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use has an important role of employers' attitudes towards using, behavioral intention to use the system, and actual usage of HRIS. A survey was administered, and a sample of 155 academic and administrative personnel at Isparta Süleyman Demirel University were analyzed using SmartPLS version 3.2.7.
Study of Emotional Factors Influencing Professionals' Adoption to E-Payment in Sri Lanka
Authors: De Silva Damith Dhanushka , Sutha Jayaranjani
Published: April 2019

Electronic payment is widely regarded as a fund transfer between parties electronically for commercial purposes, and it is increasingly being recognized as a key competitive tool in the present situation. While businesses are focusing more on rational factors behind consumer acceptance and adoption of e-payment, academic research is lagging in investigating the emotional factors. This chapter is providing a clear background about how businesses can emotionally influence and motivate consumers to utilize e-payment methods for their day to day transactions. A sample of 460 professionals in Sri Lanka was empirically investigated with the aim of identifying the emotional factors influencing professionals to adopt and use e-payment methods. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and the exploratory factor analysis identified that the professionals' e-payment adoption was influenced by six different emotional factors. Based on the literature these factors are innovativeness, professional satisfaction, optimism, insecurity, skepticism, and discomfort.
The Relationship Between Oral Language and Reading in English-Only, Proficient Bilingual, and Emergent Bilingual Adolescents
Authors: Huang Becky H.
Published: April 2019

The chapter examined the English language and reading outcomes and the relationship between language and reading for two bilingual adolescent groups (Proficient Bilinguals and Emergent Bilinguals) and their English-only peers (n = 78 total). Participants completed a variety of English language assessments, and their scores from a standardized accountability reading assessment were collected from their teachers. Results from the study showed that Proficient Bilinguals performed comparably to their English-only peers in all language and reading measures, suggesting that simply being bilingual does not detract from adolescents' English language proficiency. Furthermore, the relationships between oral language and reading differed as a function of participants' English language proficiency. Oral language skills correlated with reading for both bilinguals and English-only adolescents, but the relationships were more robust for bilinguals than for English-only adolescents. Finally, the relationship between speech production and reading was significantly only for Emergent Bilinguals and not for Proficient Bilinguals.
Asian Immigrant Communities' Civic Participation in Cultivating Bilingualism and Biliteracy in the United States
Authors: Song Kwangok
Published: April 2019

This chapter discusses how Asian immigrant communities in the United States cultivate Asian immigrant children's literacy learning in their heritage languages. Although the United States has historically been a linguistically diverse country, bilingualism has not always been valued and acknowledged. Strong social and institutional expectations for immigrants to acquire the socially dominant language have resulted in language shifts among immigrants. Concerned about their descendants' heritage language loss, Asian immigrant communities make organized efforts to establish community-based heritage language schools. Heritage language schools play an important role in immigrant children's learning of their heritage language and culturally appropriate ways of behaving and communicating. It has also been noted that heritage language schools encounter several challenges in motivating heritage language learners. Heritage language schools should be considered as complementary education for immigrant students because they take critical responsibilities to support immigrant students' language and literacy development in their heritage languages.
Working With Immigrant Children in Schools
Authors: Adjei-Boateng Emmanuel , Cobbinah Joseph E.
Published: April 2019

Before one gets into a classroom to teach, he or she needs to have acquired some basic teaching skills. Teaching in a conventional classroom seem simple, although may sometimes be difficult. However, teaching children from diverse backgrounds can be challenging. No matter the number of years of experience a teacher may have, teaching immigrant children with limited language skills and in some cases weak foundation in formal education is a challenging task. This chapter critically examines immigrant children and their education, some of the challenges that hamper their learning, and some practical skills that teachers will need to effectively teach them. Teachers need to understand the complexity and diversity of children under their care, appreciate the circumstances in which immigrant children live, make the necessary efforts to retrain or acquire some additional skills to enable them to become competent to effectively support learning of the increasing immigrant children population that continue to flood their classrooms.
Cultivating Rich Language Development, Deep Learning, and Joyful Classrooms for English Learners
Authors: Martinez Martha I. , Hurwitz Anya , Analla Jennifer , Olsen Laurie , Meadvin Joanna
Published: April 2019

Although there is general consensus among educators of English learners (ELs) regarding the need for contextualized language development, it is not widely implemented. This chapter explains the theory behind this shift in teaching English language development and for teaching ELs in general. The chapter also discusses the kind of professional development teachers need to make this shift, and the importance of meaningful engagement of families in their children's learning. The chapter situates this discussion within the Sobrato Early Academic Language (SEAL) model's work with schools across California. SEAL is a PK–Grade 3 comprehensive reform focused on the needs of English learners, and is designed to create a language-rich, joyful, and rigorous education. California is an important context given the state's large EL population and recent favorable shifts in educational policy, which provide a unique opportunity for laying a foundation for improved practices and outcomes for numerous English learners.
Future of Business Education and Admission Challenges
Authors: Das Manoj
Published: April 2019

With the mushrooming of business schools across India producing graduates that are being labeled as unemployable by industry, a serious problem is facing the business schools in India. Is it the right time to rethink how business education is being imparted? Are we actually preparing the students for the future? Do we need to relook at the way we are interacting with the industry? Is there a need for closer tie-ups? The author feels that we need to consider answering these questions if business education is to be improved. Many interesting trends such as MOOCs (massive online open classes), technology-mediated learning, experiential education (internships and field-based projects), incubator and laboratory learning (including virtual reality), and gamification need to be explored. With reference to challenges in regard to admission, only a strong differentiation in terms of content, industry tie-ups, center of excellence in collaboration with industry for knowledge creation would help.
Choosing the Right Institution of Higher Education Could Really Be Tough!
Authors: Chaturvedi Mukesh , Chaturvedi Abhinav
Published: April 2019

The chapter is a sneak peek into the possible complexity there can be in decision making, especially if it is about selecting one's future path in life. The authors attempt by way of exploratory research method of case study to bring out the process model idiosyncrasies in decision making while selecting an institute of higher education. The chapter also provides insight into the possible factors which can play an important role in the entire process of choice making. The authors try to reason that such decision-making processes are highly complex, and this complexity increases as the information circle of a student grow. Also, the student makes a satisficing choice and not that of an optimal one.
Utopian B-School Classroom Where Expectation Meets Reality
Authors: Lakhera Sonali
Published: April 2019

The supremacy of some business schools like Harvard and IIMs in the ranking ladder makes them desirable to the students as compared to the clusters down the ladder. The result is a greater number of admissions in the former category as compared to the latter. The question that arises is, What makes the top-ranking institutions a class apart? The answer is, the creation of the product that is a class apart. The chapter discusses various means including the pedagogy and curriculum to make the business school classroom a conducive environment to create an elite class of future managers and entrepreneurs. The main objectives of this study are to understand the differences in the students and the need for reinventing the pedagogy as to suit the needs of individual student thus converting the conventional classrooms into utopian classrooms for them. The chapter also explains the importance and attributes of a good curriculum in a business school.
Structural and Functional Pre-Requisites of Management Admission Process
Authors: Khan Sumana
Published: April 2019

In the last 25 years, along with the opening up of the economy and growth of the industry, there has been an exponential growth of both private and public business schools. Public business schools have also started expanding giving a tough competition to private business schools. There is competition in both the supply (B-schools) and demand side (MBA aspirants) to match the aspirants' needs and get them a rational return on their investment (RoI) through this tool called management degree. To understand the strategy of MBA admission in business schools, it is pertinent to understand the networks of MBA colleges and the created networks of aspirants. This chapter is an attempt to understand the admission strategy of classified business management institutions in the socio-structural context of aspirants. For the classification of management institutions, the author has considered NHRDN ranking of 2018. The chapter also explores the MBA admission strategies of these top business schools in the context of their institutional branding and student networks effects.
Langerhans Cells Control Lymphatic Vessel Function during Inflammation via LIGHT-LTβR Signaling
Authors: Wang Zhongnan , Wang Wenjun , Chai Qian , Zhu Mingzhao
Published: April 2019

The lymphatic vasculature is an important route for dendritic cell (DC) or tumor cell migration from peripheral tissues to draining lymph nodes (DLNs). However, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, using conventional bone marrow chimeric mice and additional UVB radiation, we found that deficiency of LIGHT but not lymphotoxin (LT) α1β2, likely on radioresistant Langerhans cells (LCs), resulted in impaired skin DC migration to DLNs during LPS-induced inflammation. In addition, LT β receptor (LTβR), but not herpes virus entry mediator, was found to be the receptor of LIGHT controlling DC migration. Furthermore, conditional deficiency of LTβR in Tie2cre or Lyve1cre mice, but not in LTβR-deficient bone marrow chimeric mice, impaired DC migration, suggesting an important role of LTβR in radioresistant lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), although the role of LTβR in blood endothelial cells remains intriguing. Mechanistically, the gene expression of both CCL21 and CCL19 was found to be reduced in skin LECs isolated from LC-LIGHT–conditionally deficient or Lyve1creLtbrfl/fl mice compared with their controls upon LPS stimulation. Soluble recombinant LIGHT was able to upregulate CCL21 and CCL19 gene expression on SVEC4-10 endothelial cells. Doxycycline, an inhibitor of soluble LIGHT release in the inflamed skin, impaired skin CCL21 and CCL19 expression and DC migration. In addition, melanoma cell metastasis to DLNs was also inhibited in LC-LIGHT–conditionally deficient or Lyve1creLtbrfl/fl mice. Together, our data suggest, to our knowledge, a previously unrecognized scenario in which LCs activate LECs via the LIGHT-LTβR signaling axis to promote DC migration or tumor cell metastasis.
Carotid arterial stiffness and intima-media thickness: A little impact of uric acid
Authors: Henein Michael Y. , Vancheri Federico
Published: April 2019

Accurate assessment of cardiovascular (CV) risk is essential for clinical decision making. Serum uric acid  has been proposed as a novel additional CV risk.
The First Decade of Web-Based Sports Injury Surveillance: Descriptive Epidemiology of Injuries in US High School Girls' Softball (2005–2006 Through 2013–2014) and National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Softball (2004–2005 Through 2013–2014)
Authors: Wasserman Erin B. , Register-Mihalik Johna K. , Sauers Eric L. , Currie Dustin W. , Pierpoint Lauren A. , Knowles Sarah B. , Dompier Thomas P. , Comstock R. Dawn , Marshall Stephen W. , Kerr Zachary Y.
Published: April 2019

Context

The advent of Web-based sports injury surveillance via programs such as the High School Reporting Information Online system and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program has aided the acquisition of girls' and women's softball injury data.

Objective

To describe the epidemiology of injuries sustained in high school girls' softball in the 2005–2006 through 2013–2014 academic years and collegiate women's softball in the 2004–2005 through 2013–2014 academic years using Web-based sports injury surveillance.

Design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Setting

Online injury surveillance from softball teams in high school girls (annual average = 100) and collegiate women (annual average = 41).

Patients or Other Participants

Girls' or women's softball players who participated in practices and competitions during the 2005–2006 through 2013–2014 academic years in high school and the 2004–2005 through 2013–2014 academic years in college.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Athletic trainers collected time-loss injury and exposure data. Injury rates per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) were calculated. Injury rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) compared injury rates by competition level, school size or division, event type, and time in season.

Results

The High School Reporting Information Online system documented 1357 time-loss injuries during 1 173 722 AEs; the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program documented 1848 time-loss injuries during 579 553 AEs. The injury rate was higher in college than in high school (3.19 versus 1.16/1000 AEs; IRR = 2.76; 95% CI = 2.57, 2.96). The competition injury rate was higher than the practice injury rate in high school (IRR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.82, 2.25) and in college (IRR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.27, 1.52). Softball players at both levels sustained a variety of injuries, with the most common being ankle sprains and concussions. Many injuries also occurred while fielding or running bases.

Conclusions

Injury rates were greater in collegiate versus high school softball and in competitions versus practices. These findings highlight the need for injury-prevention interventions, including strength-training and prevention programs to reduce ankle sprains and provide protection for batters from pitches and fielders from batted balls.
Threatened medicinal and economic plants of the Sudan Savanna in Katsina State, northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Bello Abubakar , Jamaladdeen Sirajo , Elder Muhammad T. , Yaradua Samaila S. , Kankara Sulaiman S. , Wagini Nasiru H. , Stirton Charles H. , Muasya Muthama
Published: April 2019

Background: The loss of biodiversity in Nigeria is escalating alarmingly. However, there is generally a paucity of information as to what taxa are endangered because of a dearth of functioning conservation agencies in Nigeria.Objectives: The aim of this research is to record the endangered medicinal and other economic plant species in the Sudan Savanna vegetation in Katsina and to provide an assessment of the various threats faced by these plants.Method: Medicinal plants were identified through oral interviews with traditional medical practitioners within the study area. Conservation statuses were assessed using a bespoke data collection and assessment form; the data were then evaluated using the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List categories and criteria.Results: A total of 169 species belonging to 62 families were recorded. Of these, 43 taxa were reported to be used for ethnomedicinal practices. It was found that more than half (108) of the 169 species were threatened with extinction and one taxon (Xeroderris stuhlmannii [Taub.] Mendonca Sousa) qualifies as being Extinct locally. Threats recorded include overexploitation (24%), agriculture (15%), deforestation and desertification (12% each), invasive plants (11%), urban residential development (7%) and erosion (6%).Conclusion: Most of the plants are already under threat and require urgent conservation measures. The data point to the critical need for further research into conservation strategies and a more sustainable use of threatened plants. We recommend that the Nigerian government should establish a national Red List agency and ensure effective protected area management and community-based natural resources management.
Adhesive capsulitis: MRI correlation with clinical stages and proposal of MRI staging
Authors: Chellathurai Amarnath , Subbiah Komalavalli , Elangovan Atchaya , Kannappan Sivakumar
Published: April 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to correlate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of adhesive capsulitis with clinical stages and thereby propose a MR staging system. Materials and Methods: This study consisted of 74 patients with clinically diagnosed adhesive capsulitis. The edema of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL), pericapsular edema, thickness of anterior band of IGHL, axillary pouch, thickness of coracohumeral ligament, and obliteration of fat in the subcoracoid triangle were evaluated by MRI. Results: Thickening of the anterior band of IGHL showed most significant correlation with the clinical stages. The distribution of edema of IGHL and pericapsular edema also showed significant correlation with the clinical stages of adhesive capsulitis. Pericapsular edema and IGHL edema was not observed in stage IV. Conclusion: MR is a useful tool for evaluation and prediction of clinical stage of adhesive capsulitis.
The investigation of dose and image quality of chest computed tomography using different combinations of noise index and adaptive statistic iterative reconstruction level
Authors: Sookpeng Supawitoo , Martin Colin J , Butdee Chitsanupong
Published: April 2019

Background: Computed tomography (CT) automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) systems and iterative reconstruction (IR) play an important role in CT radiation dose optimization. How the two can best be used together is one of the challenges faced by radiology professionals. Aim: To determine optimum settings of ATCM noise index (NI) together with adaptive statistic iterative reconstruction (ASIR) for a general electric (GE) scanner that aims to achieve similar image quality to the standard protocol used in the hospital (Smart mA technique with NI of 11.57 and 30% ASIR reconstruction) with a lower dose. Methods: Different NI and ASIR levels were set for scans of a phantom. Objective image quality assessments in terms of noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), low-contrast detectability (LCD), and modulation transfer function (MTF) were carried out in an anthropomorphic chest and a Catphan 700 phantom. Subjective image quality assessment was also performed with five readers to confirm whether the image quality of the new protocols was adequate. Result and Conclusion: SNR and CNR increased with the strength of ASIR, and decreased with higher NI settings. The MTF improved slightly for higher dose levels and from filtered back projection (FBP) to higher strength of ASIR. LCD improved with ASIR compared to FBP and with higher strengths of ASIR. Qualitative scoring ranged between 3.0 and 4.6. A moderate degree of reliability was found between scoring. Use of NI 15.04 with 70% ASIR can reduce dose by 41% compared to the standard protocol of NI 11.57 with 30% ASIR without degradation of image quality.
Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum as a complication of an asthma attack
Authors: Franco Ana Isabel , Arponen Sari , Hermoso Fátima , García María-José
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Simultaneous subcutaneous emphysema, spontaneous pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum are complications rarely observed synchronously during an acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma. Although spontaneous pneumothorax has already been reported in asthma patients in the literature, its concurrence with subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum is extremely rare except for iatrogenic conditions. Case Study: We describe a patient who presented to the emergency room with progressive dyspnea and chest pain. Three days before, she consulted her general physician with a history of violent dry cough and wheezing. An acute asthma exacerbation was diagnosed, and an inhaled short-acting beta 2 agonist and oral prednisone were prescribed. The patient developed simultaneous subcutaneous emphysema, spontaneous pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum, a rare complication of an asthma attack. Conclusions: Our aim is to emphasize that occult pneumothoraces should be considered in a patient presenting with an acute asthma attack failing to respond to conventional medical therapy.
Multimodality imaging features of primary breast lymphoma – A rare entity
Authors: Maurya Vinay , Singh Giriraj , Ram Birma , Ganguli Prosenjit
Published: April 2019

Primary lymphoma of breast is very rare which has no tell-tale imaging characteristics. Multimodality imaging helps not only in suggesting the possibility of lymphoma but also in its management. We present here one such case which was extensively worked up with various imaging modalities and was histologically proven as primary breast lymphoma.
Corrosive injuries of the upper gastrointestinal tract: A pictorial review of the imaging features
Authors: Kamat Rohan , Gupta Pankaj , Reddy Yalaka Rami , Kochhar Suman , Nagi Birinder , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: April 2019

Corrosive ingestion is a common form of poisoning. Corrosive agents cause severe damage to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The most severe forms of injury can lead to mortality; however, the major concern with this type of injury is life-long morbidity. Upper GI endoscopy is the test of choice for assessing severity in the acute phase of the disease. The long-term management is based on the site, length, number, location, and tightness of the stricture. This information is best provided by the barium contrast studies. In this pictorial review, a spectrum of findings in patients with corrosive injuries of the esophagus and stomach is illustrated. The role of various imaging modalities including barium studies, endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging is discussed.
Role of [18F] Fluoro-2-Deoxy-D-Glucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Tonsillar Carcinoma in a Patient with Multiple Primary Carcinomas
Authors: Fernando Patrick Earl Amparado , Ongkeko Eduardo Erasto Santiago
Published: April 2019

Tonsillar carcinoma is not easily diagnosed on [18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) scan; normal, inflamed, and infected tonsils also exhibit increased tracer uptake. We present a case of a 68-year-old male with colon and prostate carcinomas who was referred for a PET/CT scan. He presented with right cervical lymphadenopathy which, on fine-needle biopsy, was found to have atypical cells suspicious for malignancy. On PET/CT, the right cervical lymph nodes appeared hypermetabolic; subsequent excision biopsy revealed metastatic poorly differentiated carcinoma. Increased metabolic activity was also seen in the tonsils, the right more than the left, which was initially ascribed to be inflammatory or physiologic. On magnetic resonance imaging follow-up, however, a more prominent and more enhancing right palatine tonsil was observed, which on histopathology was consistent with squamous cell carcinoma. Determining the maximum standard uptake value ratio between the two tonsils could have been helpful in differentiating squamous cell tonsillar carcinoma from benign asymmetric FDG uptake in this case. On a background of enlarged cervical lymph nodes and known primary carcinomas, uptake in the tonsils should be thoroughly assessed before interpreting it as an inflammatory or physiologic variant, especially if there is asymmetry in FDG uptake.
Is hemi-thyroidectomy adequate in low risk differentiated thyroid cancer?
Authors: Benjamin Justin , Hephzibah Julie , Cherian Anish Jacob , Mathew David , Shanthly Nylla , Oommen Regi
Published: April 2019

In low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma (LRDTC), appropriate surgical procedure in terms of hemi/total thyroidectomy (TT) has been an area of debate. The aim was to determine whether in LRDTC patients, hemithyroidectomy would be an adequate treatment, determine incidence of disease in contralateral lobe and evaluate the effect of radioactive iodine ablation (RAIA). Retrospective study was done from 2008 to 2014 at a single institution. Preoperative ultrasound (USG) and histopathology reports of all LRDTC patients following total/completion thyroidectomy were recorded. Details of postthyroidectomy, thyroid whole body scan, and stimulated serum thyroglobulin (sTg) levels were also documented and results analyzed. A total of 114/562 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 25/114 (22%) underwent hemithyroidectomy followed by a completion thyroidectomy while remaining 89/114 (78%) underwent TT initially. Preoperative USG detected single-lobe involvement in 44 patients; however, among them, histopathology revealed bilateral lobe disease in 17 (38.6%). There was a significant fall of sTg level following RAIA as compared to that before RAIA in T1b-T2 (P = 0.009 and 0.012, respectively). Median follow-up was 2 years (range: 1–7 years) with no distant metastasis or deaths recorded till 2017, except for one local recurrence 4 years after RAIA. In conclusion, the role of TT in LRDTC patients is important as 46% of patients were found to have tumor in contralateral lobe as well. Significant fall in sTg levels following RAIA justifies RAIA of remnant lobe even in LRDTC (T > 1a). It facilitates early detection of recurrence when sTg alone is used for follow-up.
Improvement in image quality of Tc-99m-based ventilation/perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through pretest continuous positive airway pressure treatment
Authors: Paludan Jens Peder Dreyer , Andresen Sven Robert , Abrahamsen Jan , Petersen Lars Jelstrup , Høyer Christian
Published: April 2019

Ventilation/perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography performed using an aerosol of carbon-coated technetium is frequently used for diagnosing pulmonary embolism. Certain patients may suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); for such patients, the formation of mucus clots in airways can cause accumulation of the aerosol in the larger airways. This centralized deposition of the aerosol leads to insufficient activity in peripheral lung segments and subsequently results in ventilation images of substandard or even nondiagnostic quality. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy improves airway dynamics and quality of life for COPD patients. We report for the first time the results for two patients for whom initial ventilation scans were of insufficient quality, but diagnostic-quality images were obtained after CPAP therapy.
Article Users Activity Gesture Recognition on Kinect Sensor Using Convolutional Neural Networks and FastDTW for Controlling Movements of a Mobile Robot
Authors: Pfitscher Miguel , Welfer Daniel , Do Nascimento Evaristo José , Cuadros Marco Antonio De Souza Leite , Gamarra Daniel Fernando Tello
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we use data from the Microsoft Kinect sensor that processes the captured imageof a person using and extracting the joints information on every frame. Then, we propose the creation ofan image derived from all the sequential frames of a gesture the movement, which facilitates training in aconvolutional neural network. We trained a CNN using two strategies: combined training and individualtraining. The strategies were experimented in the convolutional neural network (CNN) using theMSRC-12 dataset, obtaining an accuracy rate of 86.67% in combined training and 90.78% of accuracyrate in the individual training.. Then, the trained neural network was used to classify data obtained fromKinect with a person, obtaining an accuracy rate of 72.08% in combined training and 81.25% inindividualized training. Finally, we use the system to send commands to a mobile robot in order to controlit.