bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Mental, Emotional and Physical Stress through Analysis of Physiological Signals Using Smartphones
Authors: Mohino-Herranz Inma , Gil-Pita Roberto , Ferreira Javier , Rosa-Zurera Manuel , Seoane Fernando
Published: October 2015

Determining the stress level of a subject in real time could be of special interest in certain professional activities to allow the monitoring of soldiers, pilots, emergency personnel and other professionals responsible for human lives. Assessment of current mental fitness for executing a task at hand might avoid unnecessary risks. To obtain this knowledge, two physiological measurements were recorded in this work using customized non-invasive wearable instrumentation that measures electrocardiogram (ECG) and thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB) signals. The relevant information from each measurement is extracted via evaluation of a reduced set of selected features. These features are primarily obtained from filtered and processed versions of the raw time measurements with calculations of certain statistical and descriptive parameters. Selection of the reduced set of features was performed using genetic algorithms, thus constraining the computational cost of the real-time implementation. Different classification approaches have been studied, but neural networks were chosen for this investigation because they represent a good tradeoff between the intelligence of the solution and computational complexity. Three different application scenarios were considered. In the first scenario, the proposed system is capable of distinguishing among different types of activity with a 21.2% probability error, for activities coded as neutral, emotional, mental and physical. In the second scenario, the proposed solution distinguishes among the three different emotional states of neutral, sadness and disgust, with a probability error of 4.8%. In the third scenario, the system is able to distinguish between low mental load and mental overload with a probability error of 32.3%. The computational cost was calculated, and the solution was implemented in commercially available Android-based smartphones. The results indicate that execution of such a monitoring solution is negligible compared to the nominal computational load of current smartphones.
Cross metathesis of unsaturated epoxides for the synthesis of polyfunctional building blocks
Authors: Abderrezak Meriem K , Šichová Kristýna , Dominguez-Boblett Nancy , Dupé Antoine , Kabouche Zahia , Bruneau Christian , Fischmeister Cédric
Published: October 2015

The cross metathesis of 1,2-epoxy-5-hexene (1) with methyl acrylate and acrylonitrile was investigated as an entry to the synthesis of polyfunctional compounds. The resulting cross metathesis products were hydrogenated in a tandem fashion employing the residual ruthenium from the metathesis step as the hydrogenation catalyst. Interestingly, the epoxide ring remained unreactive toward this hydrogenation method. The saturated compound resulting from the cross metathesis of 1 with methyl acrylate was transformed by means of nucleophilic ring-opening of the epoxide to furnish a diol, an alkoxy alcohol and an amino alcohol in high yields.
Toward a Comprehensive Model for Nahuatl Language Research and Revitalization
Authors: Olko Justyna , Sullivan John
Published: October 2015

Not available.
Whose Kriol is Moa Beta? Prestige and Dialects of Kriol in Belize
Authors: Salmon William , Gomez Menjivar Jennifer
Published: October 2015

No abstract available.
Degree Operators and Scope
Authors: Heim Irene
Published: October 2015

n/a
Counterfactuals, Temporal Adverbs, and Association with Focus
Authors: Ogihara Toshiyuki
Published: October 2015

n/a
Representing Causatives
Authors: Pylkkanen Liina
Published: October 2015

n/a
Pluractional Quantifiers: The occasional-construction in English and German
Authors: Zimmermann Malte
Published: October 2015

I investigate a syntactic construction which raises an interesting question for compositionality: An adjective seems to be interpreted outside its containing DP, taking scope over the entire sentence. With Larson (1999), I assume that the adjective incorporates into the DP-determiner, forming a complex quantifier. I present independent evidence in favour of such an analysis. Furthermore, I argue that Larson' s semantic account of D-A-incorporation is in need of revision. I propose an alternative, more empirically adequate analysis which treats D+ A composites as Lasersohnian (1995) pluractional quantifiers.
Temporal reference in a genuinely tenseless language: The case of Hausa
Authors: Mucha Anne
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we provide an analysis of temporality in Hausa (Chadic, Afro-Asiatic). By testing the hypothesis of covert tense (Matthewson 2006) against empirical data, we show that Hausa is genuinely tenseless in the sense that the grammar does not restrict the relation between reference time and utterance time. Rather, temporal reference is pragmatically inferred from aspectual and contextual information. We also argue that future time reference in Hausa is realized as a combination of a modal operator and a prospective aspect, thus involving the modal meaning components of intention and prediction as well as event time shifting.
Diagnostic Hearing Assessment in Schools: Validity and Time Efficiency of Automated Audiometry
Authors: Mahomed-Asmail Faheema , Swanepoel De Wet , Eikelboom Robert H.
Published: October 2015

Background:Poor follow-up compliance from school-based hearing screening typically undermines the efficacy of school-based hearing screening programs. Onsite diagnostic audiometry with automation may reduce false positives and ensure directed referrals.Purpose:To investigate
the validity and time efficiency of automated diagnostic air- and bone-conduction audiometry for children in a natural school environment following hearing screening.Research Design:A within-subject repeated measures design was employed to compare air- and bone-conduction pure-tone
thresholds (0.5‐4 kHz), measured by manual and automated pure-tone audiometry.Study Sample:Sixty-two children, 25 males and 37 females, with an average age of 8 yr (standard deviation [SD] = 0.92; range = 6‐10 yr) were recruited for this study. The participants included
30 children who failed on a hearing screening and 32 children who passed a hearing screening.Data Analysis:Threshold comparisons were made for air- and bone-conduction thresholds across ears tested with manual and automated audiometry. To avoid a floor effect thresholds of 15 dB HL
were excluded in analyses. The Wilcoxon signed ranked test was used to compare threshold correspondence for manual and automated thresholds and the paired samples t-test was used to compare test time. Statistical significance was set as p ≤ 0.05.Results:85.7% of air-conduction
thresholds and 44.6% of bone-conduction thresholds corresponded within the normal range (15 dB HL) for manual and automated audiometry. Both manual and automated audiometry air- and bone-conduction thresholds exceeded 15 dB HL in 9.9% and 34.0% of thresholds, respectively. For these thresholds,
average absolute differences for air- and bone-conduction thresholds were 6.3 (SD = 8.3) and 2.2 dB (SD = 3.6) and they corresponded within 10 dB across frequencies in 87.7% and 100.0%, respectively. There was no significant difference between manual and automated air- and bone-conduction
across frequencies for these thresholds.Conclusion:Using onsite automated diagnostic audiometry for children who fail hearing screening may improve the efficacy of school-based screening programs by reducing false positives and ensuring directed referrals for audiological or medical
intervention or both.
Politinė rinkodara komunikacijos kontekste: samprata, funkcijos ir priemonės
Authors: Pruskus Valdas
Published: October 2015

Straipsnyje analizuojamas politinės rinkodaros fenomenas, pateikiama jos samprata ir funkcijos. Aptariamos pagrindinės politinės rinkodaros priemonės ir jų naudojimo galimybės kuriant politiko, jos teikiamo politinio produkto (idėjos, projekto) įvaizdį. Atskleidžiama įvaizdžio vizualizacijos svarba ir jo kūrimo ypatumai naudojant medijas ir šiuolaikines technologijas.
La psychanalyse aux prises avec ses racines médicales
Authors: Dupont Sébastien
Published: October 2015

Pour des raisons historiques liées au contexte de son émergence, la pensée psychanalytique est largement imprégnée du paradigme médical, que ce soit sur le plan épistémologique comme sur celui de la relation analyste/analysant. Cet article vise à décrire les principaux écueils liés à ces racines médicales, qu’ils soient théoriques, scientifiques, cliniques ou éthiques. Sont ainsi abordés la persistance de la dialectique normal/pathologique, le problème de l’« indication » des théories psychanalytiques et quelques biais épistémologiques associés à l’individualisme méthodologique.
Crise et déradicalisation : les rebelles syriens d’Ahrar al-Sham
Authors: Pierret Thomas
Published: October 2015

Principale faction rebelle syrienne, Ahrar al-Sham est fondé début 2012 par des militants jihadistes libérés l’année précédente de la prison de Seydnaya. D’emblée, le mouvement engage une dynamique de déradicalisation qui le différencie d’al-Qaeda et de l’État Islamique d’Irak dans sa relation au reste de l’opposition, aux États régionaux, et aux objectifs du soulèvement de 2011. Cette déradicalisation ne s’est pas opérée en dépit de la guerre civile mais, à l’inverse, à cause de cette dernière. Confrontés au phénomène inédit d’une large mobilisation populaire armée, les fondateurs d’Ahrar al-Sham opèrent une révision critique de l’avant-gardisme jihadiste et se rallient à une lutte définie comme une révolution syrienne plutôt que comme une simple étape du jihad global. Combinée à un partenariat étroit avec la Turquie et le Qatar, cette mise à distance de l’internationale jihadiste, confortera la dynamique de déradicalisation du mouvement.
La crise grecque. Un poignard dans le dos de l’Europe ?
Authors: Prévélakis Georges
Published: October 2015

Contrairement à l’Irlande, l’Espagne et le Portugal, la Grèce s’enfonce dans la crise. Cette exception est utilisée comme un argument par les économistes qui s’opposent à la stratégie européenne de sauvetage des pays-membres en crise. Pourtant, l’explication de la spécificité grecque n’est pas à chercher dans les grands débats économiques. La Grèce, contrairement aux autres pays européens frappés par la crise de 2008, ne doit pas être replacée seulement dans le contexte économique européen, mais aussi dans celui de la Méditerranée orientale. Pendant les dernières années, elle s’est ainsi trouvée au croisement de deux familles de crise, une économique et une politique et institutionnelle. La prise de conscience de cette double appartenance crée un nouveau défi pour l’Europe. La crise grecque constitue certes une difficulté, mais aussi une opportunité de renouveau intellectuel pour l’Union européenne et ses institutions.
Chapitre 7. Préservation de la fertilité et la mort à venir : une double peine ?
Authors: Janny L. , Pouly Jean-Luc , Gremeau A.S. , Brugnon F.
Published: October 2015

La préservation de la fertilité lorsque celle-ci est menacée est un droit inscrit dans la loi française relative à la bioéthique. Elle est le plus souvent pratiquée avant des traitements gonadotoxiques pour des cancers ayant une longue survie. Quand le patient a une espérance de vie limitée, la préservation de sa fertilité est-elle licite ? Les auteurs exposent les arguments pour et contre la préservation de la fertilité dans cette situation particulière et donnent la conduite qu’ils adoptent dans leur équipe.
Chapitre 10. La GPA : vers la légalisation ?
Authors: Depadt-Sebag Valérie
Published: October 2015

La GPA fait aujourd’hui l’objet d’une interdiction légale absolue au travers de l’article 16-7 du Code civil, issu de la loi du 29 juillet 1994 et auquel les révisions de 2006 et de 2011 n’ont apporté aucune modification. La Cour de cassation, de son côté, a jusqu’en 2014 assuré la portée de ce texte en refusant la transcription sur les registres nationaux des actes de naissance dressés à l’étranger d’enfants nés en exécution d’un protocole de GPA. Alors qu’une circulaire de 2013, récemment validée par le Conseil d’État, permet la délivrance de certificats de nationalité française au bénéfice de ces enfants, la France s’est vue condamnée par la CEDH pour atteinte à leur vie privée. Ces dernières évolutions, qui porteront certainement leurs conséquences sur la position de la Cour de cassation, fournissent à la France l’occasion de la réouverture d’un débat qui, jusqu’ici, n’a pas abouti.
Chapitre 15. Questions éthiques choisies en oncogénétique
Authors: Bignon Yves-Jean
Published: October 2015

L’oncogénétique est la prise en charge médicale des familles à risque héréditaire de cancer. Les lois de bioéthique encadrent fortement cette activité. Compte-tenu du service médical rendu et des vies sauvées grâce à l’oncogénétique, quand une mutation constitutionnelle dans un gène de risque héréditaire de cancer est trouvée, la loi exige que l’information soit diffusée à la parentèle. Si le consultant ne peut ou ne veut pas donner cette information, c’est le généticien qui contactera la famille. C’est une situation inédite où le médecin incite à une consultation médicale non demandée par les patients. L’expérience clermontoise est présentée sur l’application de la loi et ses difficultés pratiques. Actuellement la technologie du diagnostic génétique moléculaire évolue rapidement et permet de nouveaux diagnostics que ce soit au niveau des tumeurs cancéreuses ou au niveau du génome avec la perspective que chacun puisse disposer bientôt de la séquence de son génome entier avec l’interprétation de ses risques personnels de maladies cancéreuses ou d’autres natures. Il est nécessaire alors d’anticiper au mieux les nouvelles questions éthiques qui sont déjà posées par les premières pratiques médicales de ces technologies.
Chapter 17. The use of the notion of humanity in French law
Authors: Bioy Xavier
Published: October 2015

Les juristes peu informés des spécificités du droit français s’interrogent souvent sur l’usage du concept de dignité et sur celui d’humanité qui l’accompagne. Cet article fait un point sur le sens à donner à cette « humanité » qui « fait corps » avec le sujet de droit.
VOX-2 de Trevor Wishart. Du paysage sonore à la métaphore concrète
Authors: Marty Nicolas
Published: October 2015

À travers cette analyse, il s’agit d’explorer la validité des domaines réaliste, métaphorique et symbolique dans l’appréhension des musiques électroacoustiques utilisant des sons référentiels. Particulièrement, c’est l’œuvre de Trevor Wishart dans son entier qui se prête à une vision sémantique et symbolique passant du point de vue du compositeur au point de vue de l’auditeur. Après une présentation générale des concepts compositionnels de Wishart et du cycle dans lequel s’inscrit VOX-2 , on cherchera à décrire les différentes orientations stylistiques dans lesquels cette pièce s’engage, de l’écologie sonore à la musique mixte en temps réel.
Européanisation ou otanisation ?
Authors: Schmitt Olivier
Published: October 2015

Les armées occidentales ont profondément changé suite à plus d’une décennie d’intervention militaire en Afghanistan. Cet article étudie l’une des modalités de ce changement, à savoir l’émulation sélective. Prises au dépourvu par l’évolution des combats en Afghanistan, la France, le Royaume-Uni et l’Allemagne sont allées chercher au sein de l’OTAN (au sein de la structure ou auprès des autres États membres) des réponses doctrinales et matérielles aux défis auxquels elles étaient confrontées sur le terrain. Néanmoins, l’importation de solutions doctrinales et matérielles se fait en fonction des spécificités des contextes politico-militaires nationaux, notamment la proximité envers les États-Unis, la présence d’une industrie de défense développée ou une culture stratégique spécifique. Après l’« européanisation sans l’Union européenne » de la politique de défense française dans les années 1990 identifiée par Bastien Irondelle, on observe une « otanisation avec l’OTAN » des politiques de défense des trois principales puissances militaires européennes au cours des années 2000, du fait de la campagne en Afghanistan.
The Academic Nursing Practice Dean: An Emerging Role
Authors: Sebastian Juliann G. , Mosley Carolyn W. , Bleich Michael R.
Published: October 2015

This article describes the contributions of academic nursing practice to nursing education; delineates the role characteristics and competencies needed by academic practice deans; and provides examples of the challenges and issues academic practice deans face related to nursing education, research, and practice. While schools’ missions vary from a strong focus on education to multiple emphases on education, research, and practice, academic nursing practice has the potential to facilitate achievement in each of these areas. Academic nursing practice deans play important roles in advancing the missions of their schools through the clinical practice activities within the schools. Strong academic nursing practice programs can serve as catalysts for the development and refinement of new models of care delivery and for the development of future nursing leaders who are comfortable with innovation.
Labeled extra virgin olive oil as food supplement; phenolic compounds in oils from some autochthonous Croatian olives
Authors: Jakobušić Brala C. , Benčić D. , Šindrak Z. , Barbarić M. , Uršić S.
Published: October 2015

Within the framework of an incentive to provide labeled extra virgin olive oils as a food supplement in pharmacies, the phenolic profile analysis of extra virgin olive oils obtained from Croatian olive cultivars has been reported. With the aim of increasing the consumption of EVOO-s in northern Croatia, the varieties Bjelica, Buža and Italian Leccino have been studied involving two different agroclimatic locations, over two harvest years differing significantly in the amount of rainfall. The Croatian cultivars Plominka, Žižolera, Oblica and Lastovka, were also examined. Correlation tests and the insight from PCA reveal that the cultivars are highly individualized in character with regard to relationships among phenolic compounds. Some elements of an innovative labeling aimed to better present the authenticity, quality, excellence and uniqueness of the EVOO-s were suggested.
Characteristics and fatty acid composition of milk fat from Saudi Aradi goat
Authors: Sbihi H. M. , Nehdi I. A. , Tan C. P. , Al-Resayes S. I.
Published: October 2015

Goat milk is the second most prevalent edible milk in Saudi Arabia and is one of the most prominently produced milks in the world. Few studies have focused on the physicochemical properties of goat milk fat (GMF). Samples of Saudi Aradi goat milk were obtained during the spring dairy season to determine the physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid composition of the GMF. The physicochemical properties of Saudi Aradi GMF were as follows: iodine value, 23.2 g of I2·100 g−1 of fat; saponification value, 213.2 mg KOH·g−1 of fat; refractive index (25 °C), 1.4583; unsaponifiable matter, 0.54%; acidity, 0.52%; and peroxide value, 2.07 meq O2·kg−1 of fat. α-Tocopherol was the major tocol (70.9%), followed by β-tocopherol (22.02%). GMF had significant contents of polyunsaturated fatty acid (FA) (6.16%), conjugated linolenic acid (0.36%), saturated FA (67.04%) and branched FA (1.98%). The thermal profiles of the Saudi Aradi GMF samples were examined using a thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Saudi Aradi GMF showed some absorbance in the UV-C range. This study demonstrated that the milk fat from the Saudi goat has physically and chemically favorable properties, as well as good nutritional properties, as a source of essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamin E.
Glycerolysis of sardine oil catalyzed by a water dependent lipase in different tert-alcohols as reaction medium
Authors: Solaesa Á. G. , Sanz M. T. , Melgosa R. , Bucio S. L. , Beltrán S.
Published: October 2015

The production of monoacylglycerol rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) via enzymatic glycerolysis of sardine oil in a homogeneous system was evaluated. Reactions were conducted in two different tert-alcohols. Based on the phase equilibrium data, the amount of solvent added to create a homogeneous system has been calculated and optimized. The immobilized lipase used in this work was Lipozyme RM IM from Rhizomucor miehei, a water dependent lipase. The amount of water added as well as other reaction parameters were studied to evaluate the optimum conditions for monoacylglycerol obtencion. An initial reactant mole ratio glycerol to sardine oil 3:1, 12 wt% of water based on glycerol content and 10 wt% of lipase loading (based on weight of reactants), achieved a MAG yield of around 70%, with nearly 28 wt% PUFA, with low free fatty acid content (lower than 18 wt%).
Should Organisations Compete or Collaborate when Absorbing New External Knowledge?
Authors: Rafique Muhammad , Evans Richard David , Nawaz Muhammad Tahir , Agha Mujtaba Hassan
Published: October 2015

Organisations possessing significant resources (Resource Based View) or knowledge, as their significant capability (Dynamic Capability View), are often unaware of their own ability to acquire new knowledge entering the enterprise (level of absorptive capacity); this unawareness can lead to reduced marketplace performance and incorrect decision making, which may result in the wastage of organisational resources, including employee knowledge. This study highlights the key differences in absorptive capacity which firms possess, in the context of resource based and dynamic capability views. Based on these differing perspectives, options are provided for companies who wish to compete or mate/merge with competitors in the market, while discussion is given on the considerations that organisations must take before adopting a suggested option.
E-Learning Degree Programs – A Better Way to Balance Work and Education?
Authors: Moessenlechner Claudia , Obexer Regina , Sixl-Daniell Karin , Seeler Juergen-Matthias
Published: October 2015

In the year 2011, in the USA alone, over seven million students were taking at least one online course in the tertiary educational sector. ICT-supported degree programs allow students to work on a more flexible schedule as regards time and location, which makes such programs especially attractive for working students. At the same time, such programs require greater effort and skills in terms of personal organization and study skills. As employees’ willingness and ability to engage in lifelong learning and continuing professional development become core success factors for businesses world-wide, these aspects gain critical relevance.

This study looks at a cohort of 46 online students enrolled in a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Austria. The students, most of whom are pursuing their first degree whilst working, come from Austria, Germany, Italy and Spain, and are on average 28 years of age. The BBA program (Bachelor Business Administration) is conducted in a blended learning mode, with up to ten days of face-to-face sessions per semester.

The main aim of this study is to explore the motivational factors of working students during the first phase of a blended learning degree program and investigate the main difficulties and challenges students perceive when having to organize and balance online education and full time work.

The results and implications of this study will be presented at the conference with suggestions for future research provided.
An e-REAL Lab in Dubai. Immersive Experiences, Visual Communication and Augmented Reality
Authors: Salvetti Fernando , Bertagni Barbara
Published: October 2015

e-REAL is an enhanced reality lab by LKN and is at the forefront by design for learners’ centricity. It is becoming a cornerstone as a suite of solutions based on immersive experiences, visual communication and augmented reality. e-REAL is both a physical and a virtual ecosystem for boosting people and fostering their competencies: it embeds augmented reality tools, mobile applications, holograms and wearable devices to be used during education and training programs, as well as being utilized for assessment and development centers. e-REAL can be delivered both face to face and remotely. By implementing e-REAL, a myriad of competencies are fostered and audited: this includes behavioral skills, as well as cognitive and metacognitive capacity. Technical know-how and job-related competencies are also honed and attested. As a result, people’s performance is expected to grow; measuring return on investment and the outputs in terms of competencies’ growth is an easy task; the most demanding traceability standards are guaranteed.
Work Process Based Learning and Serious Games – Didactical Concepts and Objectives for Competency Development
Authors: Spöttl Georg , Schulte Sven
Published: October 2015

Work processes represent an important contentual basis for competency development within contemporary further training approaches in Germany and worldwide. This article underpins this and shows the importance of work process orientation for interlinking learning and working with the aim to develop competencies. At the same time the contemporary technological opportunities open up new forms of learning. Hence a gamification trend is emerging which brings Serious Games approaches to the further training approaches and strategies for personnel development of companies. The article reveals the pedagogical principles behind this approach, some first ideas which have been realized within the framework of a concrete project as well as the didactical challenges which still remain to be tackled.
Design Patterns for Visualization of User Activities in a Synchronous Shared Workspace
Authors: Nilsson Stefan
Published: October 2015

Scholars in fields such as Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) have extensively covered the general theme of distributed collaboration in the past few decades. Recent advances in web technologies have pushed forward the boundaries of what is possible to create on the web, aiding the development of various types of collaborative software. Standing on the shoulders of previous research, and in the light of the new web technologies, we here outline the development of what we label a “synchronous shared workspace”. The purpose of the system is to serve as a web-based collaboration tool for small groups of geographically and/or temporally dispersed persons within a learning context. Designing this type of system presents interesting challenges on how to graphically visualize the presence of others and their activities, i.e. awareness information. Further, the system provides other types of functionalities such as visualizing previous activities and real-time manipulation of media objects that provides challenges for designers. Utilizing a “design pattern” approach, this paper explores visualization patterns for collaboration in shared workspaces in order to support mutual awareness and coordination activities. Five design patterns were implemented in the system and evaluated by a small group of online learners. The results support the notion that visualization of awareness information is a complex issue and that the work to provide effortless coordination of collaboration is a research interest that needs more attention.
Principles of Instructional Design for E-Learning and Online Learning Practices
Authors: Demiroz Erdem
Published: October 2015

The dramatic transition from the post-Flexnerian model to the models of 21st century requires pedagogical practices such as teaching techniques, methods, and strategies to be modernized in order to address the diverse needs of 21st century medical students. E-learning and online education applications provide enriched opportunities for redesigning health education, and they are widely discussed in life-long learning, self-directed learning, and competency-based instructional practices. Advancements in educational technology, and the best practices of integrating educational technology with pedagogy, are not clearly outlined in medical education although e-learning and online education have the potential to address the requirements of modernized medical education. The overall goals of the chapter are to discuss technology-supported instructional design practices in medical education by emphasizing learner characteristics, addressing principles of instructional design for online teaching practices, and providing evaluation tools that guide designers to develop better online learning practices for advancing medical education through technology.
Assessing Online Courses in Health Education
Authors: Weiss Debra N.
Published: October 2015

Internet-based health education is being used increasingly around the world for two related purposes: 1) to train a global health workforce of nurses, physicians, health educators, and other health workers, and 2) to educate the public about disease prevention and management (e.g., in outbreaks of SARS in China and Ebola in Africa). Assessment of online health education is vital to maintain quality control and to share best practices. Online health education has been found to have significant positive effects on e-learners, comparable to those of traditional face-to-face instruction. In developing countries where there is a critical shortage of health workers, distance education is needed to train large numbers of health workers rapidly and effectively. In developed countries, online health education is a cost-effective means of providing access to 1) higher education for individuals who are employed full time and wish to pursue training in the health professions, 2) workplace continuing education for health professionals, and 3) public health campaigns that promote healthy behaviors. In this chapter we look at what is going on in the field now, and what can be done in the future to use technology to advance the mass dissemination of health education.
Enhanced-Surface-Area TiO2-Based Nanotube for Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Yang Jason Hsiao Chun , Huang Shang Hsuan , Yang Chao Chen
Published: October 2015

This study utilized chemical method to reform titania nanopowder into larger surface area titania-based nanotubes (NTs). Various factors, such as reaction temperature, concentration, time, and aging time were investigated to determine their effects toward NT properties. The formation of the titania-based NTs was carried out under the conditions of 10N NaOH reaction medium, at reaction temperature and time of 116°C and 23 hours, respectively. Subsequent aging was done at 40°C for 24 hours. The NTs were further resintered at 400°C for 1 hour to improve their crystallinity and photocatalytic efficiency. Result indicates that aging process is significant for NT synthesis process. The treated titania-based NT has a surface area of 247.91 m2/g with nearly 100% photodecomposition of (MB) in 15 minutes.
Crystallography, Impurities and Magnetic Properties of Mn-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Prepared by Coprecipitation Method
Authors: Harsono Heru , Wardana I.N.G. , Sonief A.A. , Darminto
Published: October 2015

Introduction of Mn2+ions into ZnO in the form of Zn(1-x)MnxO (0.00≤x≤0.25) has been done by means of coprecipitation method at low temperature using Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O, Mn(CH3COO)2·4H2O, HCl, and NH4OH as starting materials. The XRD analysis showed that the produced Zn(1-x)MnxO (0.00≤x≤0.09) samples were crystallized in single phase of wurtzite with hexagonal structures. Besides the wurtzite, the presence of the secondary phase of hetaerolite ZnMn2O4with tetragonal structures was detected in the samples having 0.10≤x≤0.25. The nanometer-sized Zn(1-x)MnxO crystals obtained from XRD analysis were well confirmed by SEM and TEM images. The electron diffraction data showed that the secondary phase formed even for 0.01 and 0.10 Mn-doping samples were ZnMn2O4and MnO2. The VSM data indicate that the paramagnetic properties of Mn doping occurred at 0.00≤x≤0.06 and 0.10≤x≤0.25 as well as superparamagnetic properties occur in Mn doping 0.07≤x≤0.09. The most interesting fact in this study was the formation of secondary phases in all Mn-doped ZnO samples, even for the smallest x of 0.01.
miR-155 Upregulation in Dendritic Cells Is Sufficient To Break Tolerance In Vivo by Negatively Regulating SHIP1
Authors: Lind Evan F. , Millar Douglas G. , Dissanayake Dilan , Savage Jonathan C. , Grimshaw Natasha K. , Kerr William G. , Ohashi Pamela S.
Published: October 2015

TLR-induced maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) leads to the production of proinflammatory cytokines as well as the upregulation of various molecules involved in T cell activation. These are believed to be the critical events that account for the induction of the adaptive immune response. In this study, we have examined the role of miR-155 in DC function and the induction of immunity. Using a model in which the transfer of self-Ag–pulsed, TLR-matured DCs can induce a functional CD8 T cell response and autoimmunity, we find that DCs lacking miR-155 have an impaired ability to break immune tolerance. Importantly, transfer of self- Ag-pulsed DCs overexpressing miR-155 was sufficient to break tolerance in the absence of TLR stimuli. Although these unstimulated DCs induced T cell function in vivo, there was no evidence for the upregulation of costimulatory ligands or cytokine secretion. Further analysis showed that miR-155 influenced the level of the phosphatase SHIP1 in DCs and that the lack of SHIP1 in DCs was sufficient to break T cell tolerance in vivo, again in the absence of TLR-induced DC maturation. Our study demonstrates that the overexpression of miR-155 in DCs is a critical event that is alone sufficient to break self-tolerance and promote a CD8-mediated autoimmune response in vivo. This process is independent of the induction of conventional DC maturation markers, indicating that miR-155 regulation of SHIP represents a unique axis that regulates DC function in vivo.
Sos1 Regulates Macrophage Podosome Assembly and Macrophage Invasive Capacity
Authors: Baruzzi Anna , Remelli Sabrina , Lorenzetto Erika , Sega Michela , Chignola Roberto , Berton Giorgio
Published: October 2015

Podosomes are protrusive structures implicated in macrophage extracellular matrix degradation and three-dimensional migration through cell barriers and the interstitium. Podosome formation and assembly are regulated by cytoskeleton remodeling requiring cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases of the Src and the Abl families. Considering that Abl has been reported to phosphorylate the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Sos1, eliciting its Rac-guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity, and Rac regulates podosome formation in myeloid cells and invadopodia formation in cancer cells, we addressed whether Sos1 is implicated in podosome formation and function in macrophages. We found that ectopically expressed Abl or the Src kinase Fgr phosphorylate Sos1, and the Src kinases Hck and Fgr are required for Abl and Sos1 phosphorylation and Abl/Sos1 interaction in macrophages. Sos1 localizes to podosomes in both murine and human macrophages, and its silencing by small interfering RNA results in disassembly of murine macrophage podosomes and a marked reduction of GTP loading on Rac. Matrix degradative capacity, three-dimensional migration through Matrigel, and transmigration through an endothelial cell monolayer of Sos1-silenced macrophages were inhibited. In addition, Sos1- or Abl-silenced macrophages, or macrophages treated with the selective Abl inhibitor imatinib mesylate had a reduced capability to migrate into breast tumor spheroids, the majority of cells remaining at the margin and the outer layers of the spheroid itself. Because of the established role of Src and Abl kinases to regulate also invadopodia formation in cancer cells, our findings suggest that targeting the Src/Abl/Sos1/Rac pathway may represent a double-edged sword to control both cancer-invasive capacities and cancer-related inflammation.
Indian Council of Medical Research consensus document for the management of tongue cancer
Authors: D′Cruz Anil K. , Sharma Shilpi , Agarwal Jaiprakash P. , Thakar Alok , Teli Ashraf , Arya Supreeta , Desai Chirag , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Sebastian Paul , Verghese Bipin T. , Kane Shubhada , Sucharita V , Kaur Tanvir , Shukla D K. , Rath Goura Kishor
Published: October 2015

E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

The document is based on consensus among the experts and best available evidence pertaining to Indian population and is meant for practice in India. Early diagnosis is imperative in improving outcomes and preserving quality of life. High index of suspicion is to be maintained for leukoplakia (high risk site). Evaluation of a patient with newly diagnosed tongue cancer should include essential tests: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is investigative modality of choice when indicated. Computed tomography (CT) scan is an option when MRI is unavailable. In early lesions when imaging is not warranted ultrasound may help guide management of the neck. Early stage cancers (stage I & II) require single modality treatment - either surgery or radiotherapy. Surgery is preferred. Adjuvant radiotherapy is indicated for T3/T4 cancers, presence of high risk features [lymphovascular emboli (LVE), perineural invasion (PNI), poorly differentiated, node +,close margins). Adjuvant chemoradiation (CTRT) is indicated for positive margins and extranodal disease. Locally advanced operable cancers (stage III & IVA) require combined multimodality treatment - surgery + adjuvant treatment. Adjuvant treatment is indicated in all and in the presence of high risk features as described above. Locally advanced inoperable cancers (stage IVB) are treated with palliative chemo-radiotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or symptomatic treatment depending upon the performance status. Select cases may be considered for neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical salvage. Metastatic disease (stage IVC) should be treated with a goal for palliation. Chemotherapy may be offered to patients with good performance status. Local treatment in the form of radiotherapy may be added for palliation of symptoms. Intense follow-up every 3 months is required for initial 2 years as most recurrences occur in the first 24 months. After 2 nd year follow up is done at 4-6 months interval. At each follow up screening for local/ regional recurrence and second primary is done. Imaging is done only when indicated.
Metronomic chemotherapy in platinum-insensitive failures and/or early failures postmultimodality management in oral cancers
Authors: Patil Vijay M. , Noronha Vanita , Joshi Amit , Pinninti Rakesh , Dhumal Sachin , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Prabhash Kumar
Published: October 2015

Purpose: Oral cancer patients with platinum-resistant disease and or early failures have limited treatment options. This analysis was planned to study the efficacy of metronomic chemotherapy in this group of patients. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of oral cancer patients who had squamous cell carcinoma and had an early failure and/or platinum-insensitive failure. Early failure was defined as a failure either within 1-month of adjuvant radiotherapy or within 6 months of chemoradiation (CTRT). A sample size of 100 patients was selected for this study. If ≥39 of 100 patients would have survived at 6 months with metronomic chemotherapy, then additional studies would be warranted. Results: The ECOG PS was 0-1 in 92 patients and 2 in 8 patients. The subsite of primary was buccal mucosa in 38 patients (38%), anterior two-third tongue (oral tongue) in 51 patients (51%), and alveolus in 11 patients (11%). The median estimated overall survival was 110 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85-134 days). The proportion of patients surviving at 6 months was 26.4% (95% CI: 17.9-35.6). Conclusion: Metronomic combination of methotrexate and celecoxib failed to meet its prespecified efficacy limit and should not be used in these patients as routine.
More than a Decade of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Solid Tumors: What We Have Learned and What the Future Holds
Authors: Vergoulidou Maria
Published: October 2015

The use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in the treatment of solid tumors is the expected standard of care for many types of tumors. Since the description of signal transduction pathways, followed by the development of small molecules designed to inhibit those pathways, there has been significant improvement not only in progression-free survival and overall survival but also in aiming toward chemotherapy-free treatment of solid tumors to maximize quality of life. This article reviews available TKIs and discusses toxicity, dosing, and resistance.
What was Glaucoma Called before the 20th Century?
Authors: Leffler Christopher T. , Schwartz Stephen G. , Giliberti Francesca M. , Young Matthew T. , Bermudez Dennis
Published: October 2015

Glaucoma involves a characteristic optic neuropathy, often with elevated intraocular pressure. Before 1850, poor vision with a normal eye appearance, as occurs in primary open-angle glaucoma, was termed amaurosis, gutta serena, or black cataract. Few observers noted palpable hardness of the eye in amaurosis. On the other hand, angle-closure glaucoma can produce a green or gray pupil, and therefore was called, variously, glaucoma (derived from the Greek for glaucous, a nonspecific term connoting blue, green, or light gray) and viriditate oculi. Angle closure, with palpable hardness of the eye, mydriasis, and anterior prominence of the lens, was described in greater detail in the 18th and 19th centuries. The introduction of the ophthalmoscope in 1850 permitted the visualization of the excavated optic neuropathy in eyes with a normal or with a dilated greenish-gray pupil. Physicians developed a better appreciation of the role of intraocular pressure in both conditions, which became subsumed under the rubric “glaucoma”.
Antibiofilm and Antimicrobial Activity of Polyethylenimine: An Interesting Compound for Endodontic Treatment
Authors: Pina-Vaz Irene , Barros Joana , Dias Ana , Rodrigues Miguel A , Pina-Vaz Cidália , Lopes Maria A
Published: October 2015

Aim

Bacteria levels of necrotic teeth are greatly reduced after endodontic treatment procedures but the presence of persisting microorganisms leads to continuous efforts to develop materials with antimicrobial properties. The purpose of the study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of polyethylenimine (PEI) against common bacteria and yeasts, regarding planktonic cells and biofilm, and to clarify its antimicrobial mechanism of action through flow cytometry.

Materials and methods

The antibiofilm and antimicrobial effect of PEI was determined against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans strains using reference protocols. The effect of PEI was evaluated regarding adhesion, biofilm formation and biofilm disaggregation. In order to understand PEI cellular effects flow cytometric analysis was performed with different fluorescent markers.

Results

It was verified that minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values and minimal lethal concentrations (MLC) obtained for PEI were similar and ranged between 50 and 400 mg/l, proving the microbicidal and fungicidal activity of this compound. Antibiofilm activity was also proved for all the microorganisms. Severe lesion of the membrane and cell depolarization was demonstrated.

Conclusion

Polyethylenimine showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against microorganisms often associated with apical periodontitis.

Clinical significance

Theoretically, prolonging the antibacterial effects of materials used in endodontics may be interesting to help prevent reinfection and possibly to affect residual bacteria that survived the treatment procedures.

How to cite this article

Barros J, Dias A, Rodrigues MA, Pina-Vaz C, Lopes MA, Pina-Vaz I. Antibiofilm and Antimicrobial Activity of Polyethylenimine: An Interesting Compound for Endodontic Treatment. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(6):427-432.
Effectiveness of a Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0.12% and Cetylpyridinium Chloride 0.05% Solution in eliminating Candida albicans Colonizing Dentures: A Randomized Clinical in vivo Study
Authors: Cassia Antoine
Published: October 2015

Background

Effective denture hygiene is important for patients suffering from denture stomatitis (DS). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a solution containing 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) digluconate and 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in eliminatingCandida albicanscolonizing dentures.

Materials and methods

Forty denture wearers (11 men, 29 women; age range 40 to 80 years) with clinical evidence of DS were randomly divided into two groups, one test and one control. The dentures of the test group were treated by immersion in a solution of 0.12% CHX and 0.05% CPC while those of the control group were immersed in distilled water. Swabs were collected from the fitting surfaces of the upper dentures prior and post cleaner use and examined mycologically.

Results

Reduction in the number of colony-forming units (CFU) ofCandida albicansafter immersion of the dentures in a solution of 0.12% CHX and 0.05% CPC was significantly greater than that of the control group.

Conclusion

A solution of 0.12% CHX and 0.05% CPC tested as a product of disinfection of the acrylic dentures showed significant results after immersion of 8 night hours for 4 days.

How to cite this article

Aoun G, Cassia A, Berberi A. Effectiveness of a Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0.12% and Cetylpyridinium Chloride 0.05% Solution in eliminatingCandida albicansColonizing Dentures: A Randomized Clinicalin vivoStudy. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(6):433-436.
Determination of Root Canal Cleanliness by Different Irrigation Methods and Morphometric Analysis of Apical Third
Authors: Estrela Carlos , Seixas Fábio Heredia , Bueno Mike Reis , Sousa-Neto Manoel Damião , Pécora Jesus Djalma
Published: October 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the root canal area before and after the instrumentation 1 mm short of the apical foramen by clinical and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) methods, and to evaluate the cleanliness of the apical region in mesiodistal flattened teeth by using optical microscopy.

Materials and methods

Forty-two human single-canal mandibular incisors were instrumented using the Free Tip Preparation technique up to three, four or five instruments from the initial. Cone beam computed tomography scans were acquired of the samples before and after root canal preparation (RCP). Irrigation was performed by conventional or hydrodynamic means, using 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. The samples were prepared for observation under an optical microscope. Images were digitally obtained, analyzed and the results were submitted to statistical analysis (two-way ANOVA complemented by Bonferroni's post-test).

Results

There was no significant difference between the studied anatomical areas with both CBCT and clinical methods. There were no differences between irrigation methods. It was verified differences between instrumentation techniques. Instrumentation with four instruments from the initial instrument determined a significant increase in the contact area when compared to preparation with three instruments, but RCP with 5 instruments did not result in a better cleanliness.

Conclusion

The analysis with CBCT was not capable to determine the precise shape of surgical apical area comparing to the clinical method.

Clinical significance

Both the conventional and hydrodynamic irrigation techniques were not able to promote root canals debris-free. The instruments action in root canal walls was proportional to the number of instruments used from the initial apical instrument.

How to cite this article

Seixas FH, Estrela C, Bueno MR, Sousa-Neto MD, Pécora JD. Determination of Root Canal Cleanliness by Different Irrigation Methods and Morphometric Analysis of Apical Third. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(6):442-450.