bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Networks as a Tool for E-Collaborative Learning and its Effects on Knowledge Acquisition and Satisfaction Among Al-Aqsa University Students
Authors: Mahdi Hasan R. , Al-Taban Mohanad A.
Published: June 2017

The study sought to identify the effectiveness of social networks as a tool for E-collaborative learning on knowledge acquisition among the students of the Faculty of Education at Al-Aqsa University and satisfaction towards it. To answer the study questions, the developmental research methodology and a one experimental group design with Pre-Post Tests was selected. So, the researchers developed: List of content Analysis of “Evaluation & Measurement” Course, Social networks strategy design as E-collaborative learning tool using Elgazzar (2012) ISD model, two approved research tools (knowledge acquisition and satisfaction). Participants were 33 students of the Faculty of Education at Al-Aqsa University. The study concluded that: 1. There are significant differences at level (a = 0.01) between the two means of pre-post scores of the Acquisition of knowledge and favor to the post test 2. There are significant differences at level (a = 0.01) between the two means of pre-post scores of the total score and the dimensions of the satisfaction and favor to the post test.
I ♥ FB
Authors: Robinson Tom , Callahan Clark , Boyle Kristoffer , Rivera Erica , Cho Janice K
Published: June 2017

Virtually seductive qualities of identity sharing, content gratification, and ample social atmosphere have made Facebook the most popular social network, boasting 890 million daily users (“Facebook Reports Fourth Quarter,” 2015; Joinson, 2008; Orchard et al., 2014, Reinecke et al., 2014). Online social network studies largely overlook the individual, limiting the understanding of what exactly drives people to use, abuse, even become dependent on sites like Facebook. Based on the theory of uses and gratifications, Q methodology subjectively observes what draws users to Facebook, focusing specifically on Facebook user characteristics. Past studies neglect the existence of three of the four factor groups discovered in this study, making these effectually new discoveries for academia (Alloway, Runac, Quershi, & Kemp, 2014; Cheung, Chieu & Lee, 2011; Sheldon, 2008, Tosun, 2012; Yang & Brown, 2013). These findings increase understanding of online usage, even addiction, and will help cater future social networks to specific users.
Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Macaques with Tuberculosis Identifies Temporal Changes in Granuloma Glucose Metabolism and Integrin α4β1–Expressing Immune Cells
Authors: Mattila Joshua T. , Beaino Wissam , Maiello Pauline , Coleman M. Teresa , White Alexander G. , Scanga Charles A. , Flynn JoAnne L. , Anderson Carolyn J.
Published: June 2017

Positron emission tomography and computed tomography imaging (PET/CT) is an increasingly valuable tool for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB). The glucose analog [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-2-d-glucose ([18F]-FDG) is commonly used in PET/CT that is retained by metabolically active inflammatory cells in granulomas, but lacks specificity for particular cell types. A PET probe that could identify recruitment and differentiation of different cell populations in granulomas would be a useful research tool and could improve TB diagnosis and treatment. We used the Mycobacterium-antigen murine inflammation model and macaques with TB to identify [64Cu]-labeled CB-TE1A1P-PEG4-LLP2A ([64Cu]-LLP2A), a high affinity peptidomimetic ligand for very late Ag-4 (VLA-4; also called integrin α4β1) binding cells in granulomas, and compared [64Cu]-LLP2A with [18F]-FDG over the course of infection. We found that [64Cu]-LLP2A retention was driven by macrophages and T cells, with less contribution from neutrophils and B cells. In macaques, granulomas had higher [64Cu]-LLP2A uptake than uninfected tissues, and immunohistochemical analysis of granulomas with known [64Cu]-LLP2A uptake identified significant correlations between LLP2A signal and macrophage and T cell numbers. The same cells coexpressed integrin α4 and β1, further supporting that macrophages and T cells drive [64Cu]-LLP2A avidity in granulomas. Over the course of infection, granulomas and thoracic lymph nodes experienced dynamic changes in affinity for both probes, suggesting metabolic changes and cell differentiation or recruitment occurs throughout granuloma development. These results indicate [64Cu]-LLP2A is a PET probe for VLA-4, which when used in conjunction with [18F]-FDG, may be a useful tool for understanding granuloma biology in TB.
Adipokine concentrations in lipoaspirates may have a role in wound healing
Authors: Herold Christian , Engeli Stefan , Beckmann Bibiana , Vogt Peter M. , Rennekampff Hans-Oliver
Published: June 2017

Objectives: In addition to its use as a volume filler, fat grafting may have a potential role in wound healing based on the concentration of growth factors in the lipoaspirate. In this study, we compare the quantitative and qualitative concentration of the various growth factors and adipokines using the Shippert or the Coleman techniques to prepare the lipoaspirate. Methods: We measured leptin, adiponectin and the growth factors, i.e., acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), basic FGF (bFGF), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by ELISA in solid and liquid fractions obtained with both techniques in human fat obtained with Coleman technique and Shippert technique. Results: All of these peptides, except BMP-2, were detected in relevant quantities in the solid fraction. The Coleman but not the Shippert technique resulted in statistically higher adiponectin concentrations in the solid tissue fraction. The other four growth factors occurred in significantly higher concentrations in the solid fractions compared to the liquid fractions, independent of the processing technique. Conclusion: In summary, we demonstrated that KGF, aFGF, bFGF and VEGF, as well as leptin and adiponectin, are contained in fat suspensions obtained by liposuction and in the supernatant. Only the concentration of adiponectin was in the range reported to contribute to wound healing.
Role of customised negative-pressure wound therapy in the integration of split-thickness skin grafts: A randomised control study
Authors: Mohsin Mir , Zargar Haroon Rashid , Wani Adil Hafeez , Zaroo Mohammad Inam , Baba Peerzada Umar Farooq , Bashir Sheikh Adil , Rasool Altaf , Bijli Akram Hussain
Published: June 2017

Background: Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is a time-tested technique in wound cover, but many factors lead to suboptimal graft take. Role of custom-made negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is compared with conventional dress in the integration of STSG and its cost is compared with widely used commercially available NPWT. Materials and Methods: This is a parallel group randomised control study. Block randomisation of 100 patients into one of the two groups (NPWT vs. non-NPWT; 50 patients each) was done. Graft take/loss, length of hospital stay post-grafting, need for regrafting and cost of custom-made negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressings as compared to widely used commercially available NPWT were assessed. Results: Mean graft take in the NPWT group was 99.74% ± 0.73% compared to 88.52% ± 9.47% in the non-NPWT group (P = 0.004). None of the patients in the NPWT group required second coverage procedure as opposed to six cases in the non-NPWT group (P = 0.035). All the patients in the NPWT group were discharged within 4–9 days from the day of grafting. No major complication was encountered with the use of custom-made NPWT. Custom-made NPWT dressings were found to be 22 times cheaper than the widely used commercially available NPWT. Conclusions: Custom-made NPWT is a safe, simple and effective technique in the integration of STSG as compared to the conventional dressings. We have been able to reduce the financial burden on the patients as well as the hospital significantly while achieving results at par with other studies which have used commercially available NPWT.
Proposal of a new classification scheme for periocular injuries
Authors: Mohapatra Devi Prasad , Thiruvoth Friji Meethale , Chittoria Ravi Kumar , Kumar S. Dinesh , Kumar Sudhanva Hemant , Kumar Senthil , Babu Preethitha , Kumar Elan
Published: June 2017

Background: Eyelids are important structures and play a role in protecting the globe from trauma, brightness, in maintaining the integrity of tear films and moving the tears towards the lacrimal drainage system and contribute to aesthetic appearance of the face. Ophthalmic trauma is an important cause of morbidity among individuals and has also been responsible for additional cost of healthcare. Periocular trauma involving eyelids and adjacent structures has been found to have increased recently probably due to increased pace of life and increased dependence on machinery. A comprehensive classification of periocular trauma would help in stratifying these injuries as well as study outcomes. Material and Methods: This study was carried out at our institute from June 2015 to Dec 2015. We searched multiple English language databases for existing classification systems for periocular trauma. We designed a system of classification of periocular soft tissue injuries based on clinico-anatomical presentations. This classification was applied prospectively to patients presenting with periocular soft tissue injuries to our department. Results: A comprehensive classification scheme was designed consisting of five types of periocular injuries. A total of 38 eyelid injuries in 34 patients were evaluated in this study. According to the System for Peri-Ocular Trauma (SPOT) classification, Type V injuries were most common. SPOT Type II injuries were more common isolated injuries among all zones. Discussion: Classification systems are necessary in order to provide a framework in which to scientifically study the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of diseases in an orderly fashion. The SPOT classification has taken into account the periocular soft tissue injuries i.e., upper eyelid, lower eyelid, medial and lateral canthus injuries., based on observed clinico-anatomical patterns of eyelid injuries. Conclusion: The SPOT classification seems to be a reliable system to address eyelid injuries. This classification scheme would guide the ophthalmic and facial reconstructive surgeons to provide optimal outcomes in eyelid injuries. Based on the classification scheme and review of existing literature, an algorithm is presented to facilitate repair and reconstruction.
Optimising aesthetic outcome after nipple-areola complex-sparing mastectomy and immediate one-stage prosthetic reconstruction: A simple surgical trick to fix nipple-areola complex position
Authors: Maione Luca , Lisa Andrea , Barbera Federico , Siliprandi Mattia , Vinci Valeriano , Klinger Francesco , Klinger Marco
Published: June 2017

Background: Nipple-areola complex (NAC) sparing mastectomy (NSM) is mostly indicated in patients with small-/medium-sized and non-ptotic breasts, while skin-reducing mastectomy is used in patients with medium or large breasts with severe ptosis. NAC location on the reconstructed breast is one of the major factors in determining the final aesthetic result and patients’ satisfaction. An optimum result obtained at the end of surgical procedure may be altered and compromised by skin redistribution and consequently NAC depositioning during the post-operative period in patients with medium-sized breasts and a moderate degree of ptosis. Aims: In the present study, we propose a simple surgical trick to fix the NAC in the desired position with a long-lasting result. Methods: We selected 35 patients undergoing NAC sparing mastectomy for breast cancer and immediate one-stage prosthetic reconstruction and we performed a single suture to fix NAC in the desired position before closing the skin envelope. We evaluated NAC complex position stability overtime comparing pre-operative standard photographs with early (3 weeks after surgery) and late (1 year after surgery). Results: In all patients, we were able to place the NAC complex on the desired position, and the result was stable at 1 year follow-up. The aesthetic outcome was satisfactory in all patients with no change in the complication rate. Conclusions: This simple surgical trick has been shown to be safe and effective in optimising the aesthetic outcome in a patient undergoing NAC sparing mastectomy and immediate one-stage prosthetic reconstruction. Level IV: evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention, such as case studies. Dramatic results in uncontrolled trials might also be regarded as this type of evidence.
Quantitative equidistribution properties of toral eigenfunctions
Authors: Hezari Hamid , Rivière Gabriel
Published: June 2017

In this note, we prove quantitative equidistribution properties for orthonormal bases of eigenfunctions of the Laplacian on the rational

d

-torus. We show that the rate of equidistribution of such eigenfunctions is of polynomial decay. We also prove that equidistribution of eigenfunctions holds for symbols supported in balls with a radius shrinking at a polynomial rate.
Некоторые вопросы разрешимости уравнения Больцмана в рамках модели Шахова
Authors: Khachatryan Aghavard Khachaturovich , Khachatryan Amayak Azatovich
Published: June 2017

Рассматривается нелинейное уравнение Больцмана в рамках модели Шахова для классической задачи о течении газа в плоском слое. Задача сводится к системе нелинейных интегральных уравнений. Нелинейность рассматриваемой системы удается отчасти упростить путем перехода к новому аргументу, который зависит от решения самой задачи. Доказаны теорема существования единственного решения для линейной системы и теорема существования положительного решения для нелинейного уравнения Урысона. Найдены температурные скачки на нижних и верхних стенках в линейном и нелинейном случаях, которые, как оказалось, мало различаются.
Taylor and Francis Journals under the critical lens of readability analysis
Authors: Gyasi William Kodom
Published: June 2017

Academic journals are channels through which research findings are presented. They are said to be the most potent means of communication in the academic community; hence, they must be as readable as possible. This paper evaluated the readability of the topmost 11 journals published by the Taylor and Francis group. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the 11 journals used for the study. Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) indexes were used to compute the readability scores. Measures of central tendencies, one sample (with bootstrapping) T-test, and bar graph (with standard error bars) were used for data analysis. The results showed that they are practically unreadable when compared to the standard readability score.Keywords: Readability, Research Article, Academic Communication, Taylor & Francis, Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level
Role of Laboratory Investigations to Assess Maternal and Perinatal Outcome in Hypertensive Mothers
Authors: Kumar Pratap , Pai Muralidhar V , Amin Sapna V , Preethi DS , Rai Lavanya , Nambiar M Jayaraman
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relevance of routinely done laboratory parameters in women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.

Materials and methods

Hypertensive pregnant women were divided into two groups based on perinatal outcome as those with and without poor perinatal outcome. They were analyzed with various laboratory tests done at the time of diagnosis: Hematological parameters, such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, total leukocyte count, and differential count; renal parameters, such as serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid; liver function tests; and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Coagulation parameters, such as prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and international normalized ratio were compared between the two groups. Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation; á level of p < 0.05 was set as statistically significant.

Results

Among the various hematological parameters, platelet count showed statistically significant differences between hypertensives with and without perinatal mortality or morbidity (p = 0.029, p = 0.029 respectively). All renal parameters showed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.005). Serum aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.034) among the liver parameters and serum LDH (p = 0.024) showed statistically significant differences between the two groups. Coagulation parameters were abnormal among patients with thrombocytopenia.

Conclusion

Blood pressure alone is not sufficient in monitoring women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Laboratory parameters that are cost-effective and routinely done in most laboratories are significant in assessing the severity of maternal disease and the perinatal outcome. It can hence, be used to monitor hypertensive women in pregnancy.

How to cite this article

Preethi DS, Rai L, Nambiar MJ, Kumar P, Pai MV, Amin SV. Role of Laboratory Investigations to Assess Maternal and Perinatal Outcome in Hypertensive Mothers. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2017;8(1):18-23.
The relationship between lower-stratospheric ozone at southern high latitudes and sea surface temperature in the East Asian marginal seas in austral spring
Authors: Tian Wenshou , Li Yuanpu , Xie Fei , Zhang Jiankai , Chipperfield Martyn P. , Feng Wuhu , Hu Yongyun , Zhao Sen , Zhou Xin , Yang Yun , Ma Xuan
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Using satellite observations, reanalysis data, and model simulations, this study investigates the effect of sea surface temperature (SST) on interannual variations of lower-stratospheric ozone at southern high latitudes in austral spring. It is found that the SST variations across the East Asian marginal seas (5° S–35° N, 100–140° E) rather than the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, where ENSO occurs, have the most significant correlation with the southern high-latitude lower-stratospheric ozone changes in austral spring. Further analysis reveals that planetary waves originating over the marginal seas in austral spring can propagate towards southern middle to high latitudes via teleconnection pathway. The anomalous propagation and dissipation of ultra-long Rossby waves in the stratosphere strengthen/cool (weaken/warm) the southern polar vortex, which produces more (less) active chlorine and enhances (suppresses) ozone depletion in the southern high-latitude stratosphere on one the hand and impedes (favors) the transport of ozone from the southern middle-latitude stratosphere to high latitudes on the other. The model simulations also reveal that approximately 17 % of the decreasing trend in the southern high-latitude lower-stratospheric ozone observed over the past 5 decades may be associated with the increasing trend in SST over the East Asian marginal seas.
Annual greenhouse gas budget for a bog ecosystem undergoing restoration by rewetting
Authors: Lee Sung-Ching , Christen Andreas , Black Andrew T. , Johnson Mark S. , Jassal Rachhpal S. , Ketler Rick , Nesic Zoran , Merkens Markus
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Many peatlands have been drained and harvested for peat mining, agriculture, and other purposes, which has turned them from carbon (C) sinks into C emitters. Rewetting of disturbed peatlands facilitates their ecological recovery and may help them revert to carbon dioxide (CO2) sinks. However, rewetting may also cause substantial emissions of the more potent greenhouse gas (GHG) methane (CH4). Our knowledge of the exchange of CO2 and CH4 following rewetting during restoration of disturbed peatlands is currently limited. This study quantifies annual fluxes of CO2 and CH4 in a disturbed and rewetted area located in the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area in Delta, BC, Canada. Burns Bog is recognized as the largest raised bog ecosystem on North America's west coast. Burns Bog was substantially reduced in size and degraded by peat mining and agriculture. Since 2005, the bog has been declared a conservancy area, with restoration efforts focusing on rewetting disturbed ecosystems to recover Sphagnum and suppress fires. Using the eddy covariance (EC) technique, we measured year-round (16 June 2015 to 15 June 2016) turbulent fluxes of CO2 and CH4 from a tower platform in an area rewetted for the last 8 years. The study area, dominated by sedges and Sphagnum, experienced a varying water table position that ranged between 7.7 (inundation) and −26.5 cm from the surface during the study year. The annual CO2 budget of the rewetted area was −179 ± 26.2 g CO2–C m−2 yr−1 (CO2 sink) and the annual CH4 budget was 17 ± 1.0 g CH4–C m−2 yr−1 (CH4 source). Gross ecosystem productivity (GEP) exceeded ecosystem respiration (Re) during summer months (June–August), causing a net CO2 uptake. In summer, high CH4 emissions (121 mg CH4–C m−2 day−1) were measured. In winter (December–February), while roughly equal magnitudes of GEP and Re made the study area CO2 neutral, very low CH4 emissions (9 mg CH4–C m−2 day−1) were observed. The key environmental factors controlling the seasonality of these exchanges were downwelling photosynthetically active radiation and 5 cm soil temperature. It appears that the high water table caused by ditch blocking suppressed Re. With low temperatures in winter, CH4 emissions were more suppressed than Re. Annual net GHG flux from CO2 and CH4 expressed in terms of CO2 equivalents (CO2 eq.) during the study period totalled −22 ± 103.1 g CO2 eq. m−2 yr−1 (net CO2 eq. sink) and 1248 ± 147.6 g CO2 eq. m−2 yr−1 (net CO2 eq. source) by using 100- and 20-year global warming potential values, respectively. Consequently, the ecosystem was almost CO2 eq. neutral during the study period expressed on a 100-year time horizon but was a significant CO2 eq. source on a 20-year time horizon.
Interhemispheric Effect of Global Geography on Earth's Climate Response to Orbital Forcing
Authors: Roychowdhury Rajarshi , DeConto Robert
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The climate response of the Earth to orbital forcing shows a distinct hemispheric asymmetry due to the unequal distribution of land in the Northern versus Southern Hemispheres. This asymmetry is examined using a Global Climate Model (GCM) and a Land Asymmetry Effect (LAE) is quantified for each hemisphere. The results show how changes in obliquity and precession translate into variations in the calculated LAE. We find that the global climate response to specific past orbits is likely unique and modified by complex climate–ocean–cryosphere interactions that remain poorly known and difficult to model. Nonetheless, these results provide a baseline for interpreting contemporaneous proxy climate data spanning a broad range of latitudes, which maybe especially useful in paleoclimate data-model comparisons, and individual time-continuous records exhibiting orbital cyclicity.
Snow farming: Conserving snow over the summer season
Authors: Grünewald Thomas , Lehning Michael , Wolfsperger Fabian
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Summer storage of snow for winter touristic purpose has seen an increasing interest in the last years. Covering large snow piles with materials such as sawdust enables to conserve more than two thirds of the initial snow volume. We present detailed mass balance measurements of two sawdust covered snow piles obtained by terrestrial laser scanning during summer 2015. Results indicate that 74 % and 63 % of the snow volume remained over the summer. If snow mass is considered instead of volume, the values increase to 85 % and 72 % which is attributed to settling and densification of the snow. Additionally, we adapted the one-dimensional, physically based snow cover model SNOWPACK to perform simulations of the sawdust covered snow piles. Model results and measurement agreed extremely well at the point scale. Moreover, we analyzed the contribution of the different terms of the energy balance to snow ablation for a pile covered with a 40 cm thick sawdust layer and a pile without insulation. Shortwave radiation was the dominant source of energy for both scenarios but the moist sawdust caused strong cooling by long-wave emission and negative sensible and latent heat fluxes. This cooling effect reduces the surface energy balance by a factor or 12. As a result only 9 % of the net shortwave energy remained available for melt. Finally, sensitivity studies of the parameters thickness of the sawdust layer, air temperature, precipitation and wind speed were performed. We show that sawdust thickness has a tremendous effect on snow loss. Higher temperatures and wind speeds increase snow ablation but are less important. No significant effect of additional precipitation could be found as the sawdust remained wet during the entire summer. However, switching of precipitation of completely would strongly increase melt.
A multi-layer physically-based snowpack model simulating direct and indirect radiative impacts of light-absorbing impurities in snow
Authors: Tuzet Francois , Dumont Marie , Lafaysse Matthieu , Picard Ghislain , Arnaud Laurent , Voisin Didier , Lejeune Yves , Charrois Luc , Nabat Pierre , Morin Samuel
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Light-absorbing impurities decrease snow albedo, increasing the amount of solar energy absorbed by the snowpack. Its most intuitive and direct impact is to accelerate snow melt. Enhanced energy absorption in snow also modifies snow metamorphism, which can indirectly drive further variations of snow albedo in the near-infrared part of the solar spectrum because of the evolution of the near-surface snow microstructure. New capabilities have been implemented in the detailed snowpack model SURFEX/ISBA-Crocus (hereafter referred as Crocus) to account for impurities deposition and evolution within the snowpack and their direct and indirect impacts. Once deposited, the model computes impurities mass evolution until snow melts out, accounting for scavenging by melt water. Taking benefits of the recent inclusion of the spectral radiative transfer model TARTES in Crocus, the model explicitly represents the radiative impacts of light-absorbing impurities in snow. The model was evaluated at Col de Porte experimental site (French Alps) during the 2013–2014 snow season, against in-situ standard snow measurements and spectral albedo measurements. In-situ meteorological measurements were used to drive the snowpack model, except for aerosol deposition fluxes. Black carbon and dust deposition fluxes used to drive the model were extracted from simulations of the atmospheric model ALADIN-Climate. The model simulates reasonably snowpack evolution in term of snow depth, snow water equivalent and near-surface specific surface area. Indeed, the model performances are not deteriorated compared to our reference Crocus version, while explicitly representing the impact of light-absorbing impurities. We show that the deposition fluxes from ALADIN-Climate model provide a reasonable estimate of the amount of light-absorbing impurities deposited on the snowpack except for extreme deposition events which are greatly underestimated. For this particular season, the simulated melt-out date advances from 6 to 9 days due to the presence of light-absorbing impurities. The model makes it possible to apportion the relative importance of direct and indirect impacts of light-absorbing impurities on energy absorption in snow. For the snow season considered, the direct impact in the visible part of the solar spectrum accounts for 85 % of the total impact, while the indirect impact related to accelerated snow metamorphism decreasing near-surface specific surface area and thus decreasing near-infrared albedo, accounts for 15 % of the total impact. Our model results demonstrate that these relative proportions vary with time during the season, with potentially significant impacts for snow melt and avalanche prediction.
Student perceptions of writing with Wikipedia in Australian higher education
Authors: Cummings Robert , DiLauro Frances
Published: June 2017

The benefits of teaching with Wikipedia in higher education have been investigated for more than a decade and practitioners have claimed a fairly uniform set of outcomes. Although Wikipedia is a global knowledge platform, many studies of the benefits of teaching with Wikipedia have been conducted in U.S. higher education institutions. The authors taught with Wikipedia in writing classes at the University of Sydney, Australia, surveying and interviewing students to both verify the traditional benefits of teaching with Wikipedia and investigate a new set of perceived benefits. This study finds evidence that students who worked with Wikipedia in the writing classroom remained neutral in their opinions as to the legitimacy of information on Wikipedia and skeptical as to its utility in mastering writing course outcomes.
The Writing of the Unwritten and the Translation of the Untranslatable: Alexnadra David-Néel's Reception in China
Authors: Bai Yunfei
Published: June 2017

The French writer and explorer Alexandra David-Néel (1868–1969) is internationally renowned for being the first Western woman to reach, in 1924, Tibet's onetime forbidden capital of Lhasa. Her personal recounting of this treacherous expedition, in Voyage d'une parisienne à Lhassa, is considered one of the most compelling travelogues ever written in French. As a maverick figure of French Orientalism, David-Néel was introduced to Chinese readers long ago. Yet a close look at her reception in China brings to light some of the most tangled aspects of West–East cross-cultural representation, such as clichéd exoticism, translatorial censorship, forgery of ideologically edifying discourses, and so forth. Through a series of philological investigations of some heavily modulated Chinese translations of David-Néel's writings, I show that the tripartite, interpretive dynamic between France, Tibet, and modern-day China cannot simply be reduced to a dualistic, unilateral, and static power pattern, since we see that the Chinese, despite being themselves “Oriental,” could, advisedly or unconsciously, produce falsified images of another “Oriental” entity placed at a less advantageous position through a French medium.
Community by Death: Mishima, Bataille, and Metaphysics of the Flesh
Authors: Lac Astrid
Published: June 2017

Yukio Mishima once named Georges Bataille as the European thinker for whom he felt the most affinity. I take this attribution as an occasion for recasting Mishima's life and work beyond the dominant interpretative framework bi-focused on the individual-psychical and national-political regimes of meaning, toward a universal problematic appealing to philosophical-psychoanalytical insights into the being of the subject. Picking up on the common association of sadomasochism” with Mishima's and Bataille's erotic textuality, this article pursues the ways in which “perverse” indulgence harbors a powerful metaphysical drive, plumbing the possibilities of fleshly relationality to what lies beyond the body. Finally, it is the notion and actuality of death vis-à-vis the ethical vision of community that marks the two writers as mutually distinct and once again brings them together. I discuss the most momentous of Mishima's texts—憂国 (Patriotism)—as the site where Mishima's affinity with Bataille comes to the fore, illuminated by a dramatic vision of the two—one and the O/other—as the minimal constituent of the phantasmatic subject, and perhaps the only plausible form of community that can traverse the abyss of the origin.
Epithelioid sarcoma: A case series of three different presentations
Authors: Jetly Dhaval , Varadarajan Annapoorani , Naik Kinnari S , Patel Priya
Published: June 2017

Background: Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare malignancy that presents diagnostic difficulties.Cases: We report three cases of epithelioid sarcoma with different presentations and clinical course. One patient had a classicaltype epithelioid sarcoma while rest two suffered from the rarer proximal-type. All three underwent surgical excision while two of them also had postoperative adjuvant therapy. The diagnostic challenges and the final outcome has been discussed in detail.Conclusion: The diagnosis of epithelioid sarcoma needs a high index of clinical suspicion and immunohistochemistry is extremely valuable. Adequacy of index surgery affects the ultimate prognosis.
University Pedagogy: A New Culture is Emerging in Greek Higher Education
Authors: Kedraka Katerina , Rotidi Georgia
Published: June 2017

The aim of this paper is to highlight University Pedagogy as a field that focuses on academics’ teaching role in Greek higher education. EU has recognized the need of improvement of the teaching skills of academics and urges the member states to recognize them as an important element of their professional profile. Only recently academics in Greece have launched the debate on innovative teaching and learning methods and practices. A Symposium that took place in 2016 and a significant empirical research are presented, because they are considered to mark the beginning of an emerging university culture, which incorporates the concern on teaching and learning excellence within higher education approaches in our country. The results of these initiatives indicate that critical self-reflection on teaching can lead to the transformation and to the adoption of alternative teaching practices, since the critically reflective process is a crucial point for the enhancement of an academic’s pedagogical, curricular and instructional knowledge.
Management Outcomes of Maxilary Sinus Maligancies: A Fifteen Year Study at Radiotherapy Department in a Tertiary Health Facility in Ibadan, South-West, Nigeria
Authors: Lasebikan Nwamaka N , Omotowo Babatunde Ishola , Lasebikan Omolade A , Oboh Osewa Evaristus , Nwosu Ndubuisi Jones , Odetunde Israel Odutola
Published: June 2017

INTRODUCTION: Maxillary sinus malignancies are rare worldwide. The disease usually presents at an advanced stage making its management challenging for all the medical personnel involved in its treatment. Because of its location deep within the maxilla and its proximity to critical surrounding structures, radiotherapy plays an integral role in sterilizing the area of malignant cells.   OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the management outcomes of maxillary sinus malignancies at the radiotherapy clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan.METHODS: A retrospective study of a total of 108 patients with histological diagnosis of maxillary sinus malignancies registered from January 1995 to December 2009 was done. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social science (SPSS) version 21, and statistical significance of association between variables was assessed using Chi-square test at p<0.05. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of UCH.RESULTS: A total of 108 patients with histologically confirmed maxillary antrum malignancies were seen over the study period. The mean age of the patients was 50.3±2.8years. The sex distribution showed 65(58.3%) males and 45(41.7%) females. Multimodality management was the primary mode of treatment. Histology and mode of treatment were found to be of prognostic significance. Only 6.4% of the patients had complete remission, while 14.8% and 50% had no remission and partial remission respectively.CONCLUSION: Majority of the patients had partial remission or no remission in our study despite the combination of surgery and radiotherapy.
Determinants of Inlet Choices of Sheep and Goats Traders in Ghana: A Case Study of Kumasi and Tamale
Authors: Kassoh Fallah Samuel , Abdulai Jusufu , Nabay Osman , Bockarie Rebecca
Published: June 2017

The consumption of Small ruminants’ meat (sheep and goat) form an integral component of an average Ghanaian’s diet due to the country’s emergence to a middle income earning status and awareness of the outstanding benefits of a nutritious diet. However, periodic shocks in market availability of products severely impacts access and in most cases cause price hike hence affecting dietary patterns especially of urban dwellers that are mostly habitual in recurrent consumption of these products. Against such insight, this study investigates the factors that influence the inlet choice of sheep and goats traders in two urban towns of Ghana (Kumasi and Tamale) using Multinomial logit model. The selection of Kumasi and Tamale markets were based on the progressive marketing and consumption of sheep (S) and goats (G). A multi stage sampling technique was used in this study. A reconnaissance survey was carried out in Kumasi and Tamale metropolis in order to identify the existing markets and to generate the sample frame. Ten markets were purposively selected based on the proximity of the markets to the urban centres. A total of 284 traders were randomly sampled from the sampling frame. A structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant data, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results of the study showed that majority of the traders were male with most (43%) falling within the age range of 31 to 40 years. International market (Burkina Faso) was identified as the major source of sheep and goats with 37% of total respondents sourcing from there. The major factors found to be influencing the inlet choice of sheep and goats by sampled traders in the study areas were prices, licenses, quantity of animals handled, transportation cost, education, experience and age of the traders. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were suggested to improve the SG trade in urban centres of Ghana: Credit provision to traders who desire it to establish and expand their investment; reduction of license cost; and general reduction of fuel price so as to ease economic mobility of products.
Anthropic Principle Observed in the Material Properties of Fe
Authors: Mae Yoshiharu
Published: June 2017

The melting temperature of Fe is 1808K (1535oC). If it were higher than that, the ancient people could neither produce iron products, nor achieve the civilization. When the melting temperature of Fe is observed on the periodic table, it seems that the melting temperature is lowered intentionally and unnaturally. It can be suspected to be a sort of the anthropic principle. Fe belongs to the gulf elements, when the melting temperature is plotted on the TC-YM diagram. The gulf elements show the moderate melting temperatures totally. Moreover, Fe is also located on the quadrant of the large abundance on the TC-YM diagram. Fe is also located at the position in the TC-YM diagram, which shows relatively small ionization tendency, which means easy smelting. Fe is also located at the position between the straight line of refractory metals of bcc structure and Ni of fcc structure, which leads to the crystal structure of Fe to be bcc structure at lower temperature and fcc structure at high temperature. These advantages in the properties of Fe come from its exquisite position of Fe on the TC-YM diagram. These can be thought an anthropic principle in Fe.
Políticas educativas em Portugal: governação, contexto local e hibridismo
Authors: Baixinho António Francisco
Published: June 2017

A descentralizao coincide com a emergncia de novos modos de governao estatal que, a partir da dcada de 1980, se realiza por parte dos governos fortemente influenciados pelo neoliberalismo. Esse processo condiciona diferentes contextos polticos, e no caso da educao tem a finalidade de diminuir o poder dos professores e aumentar o poder e atuao dos feudatrios autarquias e dos usurios do sistema pais dos alunos. Assim, a partir de 1998, as autarquias locais passam a ser confrontadas com a possibilidade de um maior envolvimento na rea da educao, ou seja, com a constituio de um rgo de participao democrtica (CLE), na elaborao de um documento orientador (carta escolar) e na oportunidade de participarem nos rgos de administrao e gesto das escolas (Assembleia de Escola). Todavia, o desempenho contraditrio do Estado central traduz-se num processo de empurrar e puxar entre descentralizao, centralizao, mercado e governao. Palavras-chave: Descentralizao. Centralizao. Neoliberalismo. Governao. Mercado. Abstract Decentralisation coincides with the emergence of new types of state governance that, from the 1980s, is held by governments which are influenced by neoliberalism. This process affects different political contexts, and in the case of education it aims to reduce the power of teachers and it increases the power and performance of the feudatories municipalities and the system users the students parents. Thus, since 1998, local authorities are now facing the possibility of greater involvement in education, ie, with the establishment of an organ of democratic participation (CLE) in the preparation of a guidance document (letter school) and the opportunity to participate in the administrative management of schools (School Assembly). However, the central government performance is nothing else than translates a process of push and pull between decentralisation, centralisation, market and governance. Keywords: Decentralisation. Centralisation. Neoliberalism. Governance. Market.
O desenvolvimento profissional docente no ensino superior: estudo de caso
Authors: Penatti Pipitone Maria Angélica , Aki Komada Karen Missy
Published: June 2017

Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar como o docente de um campus de uma universidade pblica estadual paulista constituiu-se na docncia do ensino superior, identificando os desafios e as solues relacionados a essa trajetria. Para isso, foi elaborado um questionrio sobre o assunto e aplicado aos docentes membros das coordenaes dos cursos de graduao existentes no campus universitrio alvo da pesquisa. Os resultados apontaram que aproximadamente metade dos professores entrevistados no possui preparao pedaggica, no entanto amenizaram as dificuldades por meio das novas experincias na carreira. Alm disso, demonstraram possuir caractersticas de bom desenvolvimento profissional docente, visto que conhecem o projeto pedaggico do curso e tm os seus planos de ensino susceptveis s alteraes decorrentes de mudanas na sociedade e no mundo do trabalho.
Edukacja wersja beta. Pokolenie Z i pokolenie Alfa a kompetencje uczestnictwa w kulturze
Authors: Stunża Grzegorz D.
Published: June 2017

The article outlines the characteristics of the socalled
generation Z - people born after 1995 and
generation Alpha - people born after 2010. The
description of these groups is accompanied by
educational considerations on technology developments,
which lead to create the generations
that are commonly using mobile devices
and treat them as the access points to the Internet.
What are the pedagogical consequences
of such new educational and social situations?
Characteristics of generation Z and Alpha and
information on media development and educational
challenges will form the basis for reflection
on the competencies which should be or not
developed in order to build a participatory culture.
I will also ask about competences needed
for active participation in culture. Should we
go beyond the relational model of digital literacy
and promote more universal solution for all
stages of formal education?
Comparison of pharmacological methods of pain treatment by paramedics on the basis of the current legal status in Poland
Authors: Żuratyński Przemysław , Ślęzak Daniel , Krzyżanowski Kamil
Published: June 2017

The authors present the pharmacological methods for dealing with patient pain by paramedics, in the
light of the current Minister of Health of 20 April 2016, on the medical emergency treatment and health services
other than medical rescue activities, which may be provided by a paramedic. In the regulation was contained a list
of drugs that can be administered independently by a paramedic. Among the 47 drugs contained, 7 drugs are
dedicated to the treatment of pain. New pharmaceuticals were introduced to improve safety and professionalism
of performed medical rescue operations and other health services by paramedics. The authors also make a brief
comparative analysis of analgesics before the introduction of old versus the existing regulation.
SIMULATOR OF 12.7 MACHINEGUN WKM NSW TO ŚNIEŻNIK SYSTEM
Authors: Kowalewski Jerzy , Chrobot Wojciech
Published: June 2017

The paper describes a new simulator of 12.7 mm wkm NSW large calibre machinegun prepared on the base of service gun to fire simulated shots on the training stands working together with the “ŚNIEŻNIK” training-practicing system for small arms. The main tactical and technical data of the machinegun wkm NSW and mechanical and electrical assumptions which were the basis for adapting the service gun to fire simulated shots and working out the simulator are presented in the paper. Some selected components of simulator design and questions encountered and solutions found at process of designing are shown.
COMPETEC - Dojo de Programação como reforço ao ensino de programação para alunos do ensino médio técnico
Authors: Carnieto Arthur Paulucci , Silva Gustavo Fazani da , Bicudo Ingrid Monalisa de Lima , Souza Matheus Silva de , Lan Alex Gwo Jen , Funabashi Amanda Maria Martins , Cassiano Pedro Henrique Farias , Peres Sarajane Marques
Published: June 2017

O ensino de programação está no centro das atenções daqueles que estão preocupados com formação profissional na área de Computação. Os relatos sobre as dificuldades encontradas com o processo de ensino e aprendizagem dessa disciplina, assim como sobre as diferentes iniciativas propostas para superá-las, são cada vez mais frequentes. Neste artigo, um projeto voltado para o apoio ao aprendizado de conceitos de lógica e linguagem de programação é apresentado juntamente com os resultados de uma avaliação realizada sobre o ele. O projeto defende a aplicação da técnica de dojo de programação como um meio de reforçar o ensino de programação e mostra, por meio da experimentação prática desta ideia, que os resultados são positivos.
Análise temporal das internações por gripe e pneumonia associadas às variáveis meteorológicas no Município de São Paulo, SP
Authors: Miranda Marina Jorge de
Published: June 2017

Este estudo investigou a associação dos elementos meteorológicos (umidade relativa mínima e temperaturas máxima e mínima diárias) com as internações por morbidades respiratórias (pneumonia e gripe), registradas por meio das notificações hospitalares para todas as faixas-etárias da população paulistana, utilizando técnica estatística de regressão linear. A incidência de internação diária de pessoas com problemas respiratórios do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), especificamente com influenza (gripe) e pneumonia, foi correlacionada com dados meteorológicos diários da estação meteorológica do Instituto de Astronomia e Geofísica da Universidade de São Paulo (IAG/USP) no período de janeiro de 2002 a dezembro de 2005. Pelos gráficos anuais de todo o período estudado, observamos uma certa tendência do aumento das internações quando há aumento das temperaturas máximas e mínimas, e queda da umidade relativa mínima em até 7 dias antes dos picos de internação. No entanto, os resultados dos testes de regressão linear indicaram uma baixa correlação entre o número de hospitalizações por influenza e pneumonia para quase todo o período. Apenas entre os meses de julho e setembro de 2004 que apresentaram correlações moderadas, tendo em vista que 47% das internações por influenza e pneumonia estavam associadas ao aumento das temperaturas mínimas e 35% das temperaturas máximas, coincidentes com os períodos mais secos do ano de 2004. Entre 2002 e 2005, destaca-se que os grupos de populações mais vulneráveis são as crianças de até 4 anos de idade e os idosos a partir de 60 anos.