bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the method of “securing the catheter” make any difference?
Authors: Macneil James WH , Wilkins Rachel G , Taylor Russell P , Lau Howard M
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether commonly used methods of securing an indwelling catheter decrease the force transmission along the indwelling catheter to the bladder neck in response to an externally applied force.

Materials and methods:

A test apparatus was constructed to simulate key features of a catheter drainage system. A “bladder neck” was suspended from a force gauge, with an indwelling catheter inserted through it, tensioned with a urine drainage bag. The system was calibrated, and various methods of securement were tested, with the level of force transmitted to the bladder neck recorded. The methods of securement tested included: adhesive tape taped used a number of ways (including direct taping and a taped mesentery), and three commercially available devices.

Results:

Some securement devices were able to completely eliminate force transmission to the bladder neck (the Flexi-Trak and Grip-Lok devices). A taped mesentery performed well reducing the transmitted force by up to 85% compared with an unsecured control.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of this study we were able to demonstrate that some of the commonly used methods of securing indwelling catheters do work. We were also able to show that adhesive tape was still effective, although not as effective as commercially available devices.
Smad1/5 is required for erythropoietin-mediated suppression of hepcidin in mice
Authors: Wang Chia-Yu , Core Amanda B. , Canali Susanna , Zumbrennen-Bullough Kimberly B. , Ozer Sinan , Umans Lieve , Zwijsen An , Babitt Jodie L.
Published: April 2017

Key Points

The presence of Smad1 or Smad5 in hepatocytes is sufficient to maintain iron homeostasis, whereas deficiency of both induces iron overload. Erythropoietin and erythroferrone fail to suppress hepcidin in mice with a conditional ablation of Smad1 and Smad5 in hepatocytes.
Effects of combined tiotropium/olodaterol on inspiratory capacity and exercise endurance in COPD
Authors: O'Donnell Denis E. , Casaburi Richard , Frith Peter , Kirsten Anne , De Sousa Dorothy , Hamilton Alan , Xue Wenqiong , Maltais François
Published: April 2017

Two replicate, double-blind, 6-week, incomplete-crossover studies (MORACTO 1 and 2) assessed the effects of tiotropium/olodaterol on inspiratory capacity and exercise endurance time in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

For each patient, four of five treatments were administered once daily for 6 weeks, with a 21-day washout between treatments: tiotropium/olodaterol 2.5/5 µg or 5/5 µg, tiotropium 5 µg, olodaterol 5 µg or placebo, allviathe Respimat inhaler. Primary outcomes were inspiratory capacity prior to exercise and exercise endurance time during constant work-rate cycle ergometry to symptom limitation at 75% of peak incremental work rate after 6 weeks (2 h post-dose).

295 and 291 patients were treated in MORACTO 1 and 2, respectively. Tiotropium/olodaterol 2.5/5 and 5/5 µg provided significant improvements in inspiratory capacityversusplacebo and monotherapies (p<0.0001), and significant improvements in exercise endurance timeversusplacebo (p<0.0001). Intensity of breathing discomfort was reduced following both doses of tiotropium/olodaterolversusplacebo (p<0.0001).

Once-daily tiotropium/olodaterol yielded improvements in lung hyperinflationversusplacebo and statistically significant improvementsversusmonotherapies. Tiotropium/olodaterol also showed improvements in dyspnoea and exercise toleranceversusplacebo but not consistentlyversusmonotherapies.
Effect of pressure on 3D distribution of P-wave velocity and attenuation in antigorite serpentinite
Authors: Svitek Tomáš , Vavryčuk Václav , Lokajíček Tomáš , Petružálek Matěj , Kern Hartmut
Published: April 2017

We have developed a detailed study on the pressure dependence of P-wave velocities and amplitudes on a spherical sample of antigorite serpentinite from Val Malenco, Northern Italy. Measurements were done at room temperature and hydrostatic pressures up to 400 MPa in a pressure vessel with oil as a pressure medium. The transducer/sample assembly allows simultaneous velocity and amplitude measurements on the spherical sample in 132 independent directions. Three significant directions of the foliated sample were selected to study changes of the directional dependence (anisotropy) of velocity, amplitude, and [Formula: see text]-factor with increasing pressure. Remarkable differences are observed between the changes of velocity and attenuation anisotropy as pressure is increased. Although the velocity anisotropy is quite stable through all pressure levels, the attenuation anisotropy and the [Formula: see text]-factor vary significantly in magnitude and orientation. The variations are probably caused by the closing of microcracks due to acting hydrostatic pressure, so the contact conditions between individual minerals consolidate and the transmitting energy is less attenuating.
Gas hydrate accumulation and saturations estimated from effective medium theory in the eastern Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Qian Jin , Wang Xiujuan , Collett Timothy S. , Dong Dongdong , Guo Yiqun , Su Pibo , Liang Jinqiang
Published: April 2017

Pore- and fracture-filling gas hydrates were identified from the core samples at several sites during the second Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey (GMGS2) expedition. Well logs indicated that gas hydrate occurred in three distinct layers at site GMGS2-08. The gas hydrate saturations calculated from well-log data and the seismic responses for the three gas hydrate-bearing layers, especially within the middle carbonate layer, were poorly known. We estimated gas hydrate saturations using isotropic and anisotropic models based on the mineral composition of the sediments and the effective medium theory. In the upper and lower gas hydrate-bearing layers, saturations estimated from anisotropic models are close to those estimated from pressures cores and chlorinity data. The average saturation using an anisotropic model in the upper (fracture-dominated) hydrate layer is approximately 10% with a maximum value of 25%. In the lower (fracture-dominated) layer, the horizontal and vertical gas hydrate-filled fractures and visible gas hydrate were formed with a maximum saturation of approximately 85%. For the middle layer, well logs show high P-wave velocity, density, high resistivity as well as low gamma ray, porosity, and drilling rate, together indicating a carbonate layer containing gas hydrate. The hydrate saturations calculated from isotropic models assuming hydrate formed at grain contacts are less than 20%, which fit well with two values calculated from chlorinity data for this layer. The upper gas hydrate layer shows no clear seismic response and probably consisted of small fractures filled with gas hydrate. The middle carbonate and lower fracture-filled gas hydrate-bearing layers show pull-up reflections, with the carbonate layer exhibiting relatively higher amplitudes. Pore-filling gas hydrate was also identified just above the depth of the bottom-simulating-reflector (BSR) from the GMGS2-05 drill site. Below the BSR, the push-down reflections, polarity reversal, and enhanced reflections indicate the occurrence of free gas in the study area.
Phase II Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Pembrolizumab for Relapsed/Refractory Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Chen Robert , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Fanale Michelle A. , Armand Philippe , Johnson Nathalie A. , Brice Pauline , Radford John , Ribrag Vincent , Molin Daniel , Vassilakopoulos Theodoros P. , Tomita Akihiro , von Tresckow Bastian , Shipp Margaret A. , Zhang Yinghua , Ricart Alejandro D. , Balakumaran Arun , Moskowitz Craig H. ,   for the KEYNOTE-087
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells harbor alterations in chromosome 9p24.1, leading to overexpression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and PD-L2. Pembrolizumab, a programmed death 1–blocking antibody, demonstrated a high overall response rate (ORR) in patients with relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma (rrHL) in phase I testing.

Methods

KEYNOTE-087 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02453594) was a single-arm phase II study of pembrolizumab in three cohorts of patients with rrHL, defined on the basis of lymphoma progression after (1) autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and subsequent brentuximab vedotin (BV); (2) salvage chemotherapy and BV, and thus, ineligible for ASCT because of chemoresistant disease; and (3) ASCT, but without BV after transplantation. Patients received pembrolizumab 200 mg once every 3 weeks. Response was assessed every 12 weeks. The primary end points were ORR by central review and safety.

Results

A total of 210 patients were enrolled and treated (69 in cohort 1, 81 in cohort 2, and 60 in cohort 3). At the time of analysis, patients received a median of 13 treatment cycles. Per central review, the ORR was 69.0% (95% CI, 62.3% to 75.2%), and the complete response rate was 22.4% (95% CI, 16.9% to 28.6%). By cohort, ORRs were 73.9% for cohort 1, 64.2% for cohort 2, and 70.0% for cohort 3. Thirty-one patients had a response ≥ 6 months. The safety profile was largely consistent with previous pembrolizumab studies.

Conclusion

Pembrolizumab was associated with high response rates and an acceptable safety profile in patients with rrHL, offering a new treatment paradigm for this disease.
Second-Line Hormonal Therapy for Men With Chemotherapy-Naïve, Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion
Authors: Virgo Katherine S. , Basch Ethan , Loblaw D. Andrew , Oliver Thomas K. , Rumble R. Bryan , Carducci Michael A. , Nordquist Luke , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Winquist Eric , Singer Eric A.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

ASCO provisional clinical opinions (PCOs) offer direction to the ASCO membership after publication or presentation of potential practice-changing data. This PCO addresses second-line hormonal therapy for chemotherapy-naïve men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) who range from being asymptomatic with only biochemical evidence of CRPC to having documented metastases but minimal symptoms.

Clinical Context

The treatment goal for CRPC is palliation. Despite resistance to initial androgen deprivation therapy, most men respond to second-line hormonal therapies. However, guidelines have neither addressed second-line hormonal therapy for nonmetastatic CRPC nor provided specific guidance with regard to the chemotherapy-naïve population.

Recent Data

Six phase III randomized controlled trials and expert consensus opinion inform this PCO.

Provisional Clinical Opinion

For men with CRPC, a castrate state should be maintained indefinitely. Second-line hormonal therapy (eg, antiandrogens, CYP17 inhibitors) may be considered in patients with nonmetastatic CRPC at high risk for metastatic disease (rapid prostate-specific antigen doubling time or velocity) but otherwise is not suggested. In patients with radiographic evidence of metastases and minimal symptoms, enzalutamide or abiraterone plus prednisone should be offered after discussion with patients about potential harms, benefits, costs, and patient preferences. Radium-223 and sipuleucel-T also are options. No evidence provides guidance about the optimal order of hormonal therapies for CRPC beyond second-line treatment. Prostate-specific antigen testing every 4 to 6 months is reasonable for men without metastases. Routine radiographic restaging generally is not suggested but can be considered for patients at risk for metastases or who exhibit symptoms or other evidence of progression. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/genitourinary-cancer-guidelines and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .
The LXR Ligand T0901317 Acutely Inhibits Insulin Secretion by Affecting Mitochondrial Metabolism
Authors: Maczewsky Jonas , Sikimic Jelena , Bauer Cita , Krippeit-Drews Peter , Wolke Carmen , Lendeckel Uwe , Barthlen Winfried , Drews Gisela
Published: April 2017

The role of liver X receptor (LXR) in pancreatic β-cell physiology and pathophysiology is still unclear. It has been postulated that chronic LXR activation in β-cells induces lipotoxicity, a key step in the development of β-cell dysfunction, which accompanies type 2 diabetes mellitus. In most of these studies, the LXR ligand T0901317 has been administered chronically in the micromolar range to study the significance of LXR activation. In the current study, we have evaluated acute effects of T0901317 on stimulus-secretion coupling of β-cells. We found that 10 µM T0901317 completely suppressed oscillations of the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration induced by 15 mM glucose. Obviously, this effect was due to inhibition of mitochondrial metabolism. T0901317 markedly depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential, thus inhibiting adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and reducing the cytosolic ATP concentration. This led in turn to a huge increase in KATP current and hyperpolarization of the cell membrane potential. Eventually, T0901317 inhibited glucose-induced insulin secretion. These effects were rapid in on-set and not compatible with the activation of a nuclear receptor. In vivo, T0901317 acutely increased the blood glucose concentration after intraperitoneal application. In summary, these data clearly demonstrate that T0901317 exerts acute effects on stimulus-secretion coupling. This observation questions the chronic use of T0901317 and limits the interpretation of results obtained under these experimental conditions.
Lumboperitoneal shunt insertion without fluoroscopy guidance: Accuracy of placement in a series of 107 procedures
Authors: Al-Rashed Sabah , Kareem Haider , Kalra Neeraj , D’Antona Linda , Obeidat Mouness , Patel Bhavesh , Toma Ahmed
Published: April 2017

Background: Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts were the mainstay of cerebrospinal fluid diversion therapy for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The traditionally cited advantage of LP shunts over ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts is the ease of insertion in IIH. This needs to be placed at the level of L3/4 to be below the level of the spinal cord. The objective of this study was to analyse the position of LP shunts inserted without portable fluoroscopy guidance. Methods: A retrospective analysis of radiology was performed for patients who underwent lumboperitoneal shunts between 2006 and 2016 at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Patients who had insertion of a LP shunt without fluoroscopy guidance were selected.  Patients without post-procedural imaging were excluded.

A retrospective analysis of the clinical notes was also performed. Results: Between 2006 and 2016, 163 lumboperitoneal shunts were inserted in 105 patients. A total of 56 cases were excluded due to lack of post-procedural imaging; therefore, 107 post-procedural x-rays were reviewed. In 17 (15.8%) cases the proximal end of the LP shunt was placed at L1/L2 level or above. Conclusions: Insertion of LP shunts without portable fluoroscopy guidance gives a 15.8% risk of incorrect positioning of the proximal end of the catheter. We suggest that x-ray is recommended to avoid incorrect level placement. Further investigation could be carried out with a control group with fluoroscopy against patients without.
Yellow fever in the Americas: the growing concern about new epidemics
Authors: Ortiz-Martínez Yeimer , Patiño-Barbosa Andrés Mauricio , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J.
Published: April 2017

Yellow fever (YF) is a haemorrhagic viral disease with a high case fatality rate. It is considered a reemerging infectious disease of remarkable importance. During the last outbreaks in Brazil (2016-2017), many cases of YF emerged despite high YF vaccination coverage in some areas. However, there are many areas and populations worldwide where vaccination coverage has been low for years (e.g. Nigeria), which increases the risk of major epidemics in such areas, as would be the case in many of the American territories. Several factors, including the vast border and migratory status of Brazil, the widespread distribution of Aedes mosquitoes and the lack of efficient health policies and surveillance systems, favor this complex epidemiological scenario of reemergence. Therefore, mass vaccination of the population at risk, public health awareness and preparedness are urgently needed in this region. This opinion article describes the current global epidemiological situation of YF, focusing especially on the Americas, as well the risk and vulnerabilities in the region that would be of concern for major expansion to other countries apart from Brazil. Also, imported risk from endemic area outside of Americas (i.e. Africa) are of current concern.
Technical Note: The MAPt/Pht/∞ Queueing System and Multiclass [MAPt/Pht/∞]K Queueing Network
Authors: Gerhardt Ira , Nelson Barry L. , Taaffe Michael R.
Published: April 2017

In this paper we demonstrate how a key adjustment to known numerically exact methods for evaluating time-dependent moments of the number of entities in the Pht/Pht/∞ queueing system and [Pht/Pht/∞]K queueing network may be implemented to capture the effect of autocorrelation that may be present in arrivals to the more general MAPt/Pht/∞ queueing system and multiclass [MAPt/Pht/∞]K queueing network. The MAPt is more general than the Pht arrival process in that it allows for stationary nonrenewal point processes, as well as the time-dependent generalization of nonrenewal point processes. Modeling real-world systems with bursty arrival processes such as those in telecommunications and transportation, for example, necessitate the use of nonrenewal processes. Finally, we show that the covariance of the number of entities at different nodes and times may be described by a single closed differential equation.

The online supplement is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2016.0736 .
Surgical treatment of acetabular fractures in the elderly: a systematic review of the results
Authors: Capone Antomio , Peri Marcella , Mastio Michele
Published: April 2017

We performed a systematic review of the literature involving a number of databases to identify studies that included outcomes of surgical treatment of acetabular fractures in patients aged > 55 years. An initial search identified 1564 studies. After exclusion by two independent reviewers, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies were case series and the mean Coleman Methodology score for methodological quality assessment was 43.7 (standard deviation 12.3). There were 354 patients with acetabular fractures. Pooled analysis revealed a mean age of 71.6 years (55 to 96) and a mean follow-up of 43 months (20 to 188). Complex fractures were reported in 70.1% of patients. Seven studies presented the results of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF); in eight other studies a total hip arthroplasty (THA), alone or combined with different internal fixation techniques, was the chosen treatment. In the ORIF sub-group, conversion to THA was performed at a mean of 25.5 months with anatomical reduction in 11.6% and imperfect and poor reduction in 22.3%. In the THA sub-group, an acetabular ring or cage with a cemented acetabular component was used in four studies (52 patients) and a cementless acetabular component was implanted in five studies (78 patients). Six patients (4.9%) underwent revision at a mean of 39 months after the index procedure. The analysis of intra-operative and post-operative parameters showed a statistical difference between the two sub-groups with regards to the mean operating time (236 mins ORIF vs 178 mins THA), the mean blood loss (707 mL ORIF vs 974 mL THA) and the mean mortality rate at one year (22.6% ORIF vs 8.8% THA). Based on the current data available, acute THA (alone or in combination with internal fixation) may have a role in the treatment of older patients with complex acetabular fractures. Despite the wide heterogenecity of fracture types and patient co-morbidities, THA procedures were associated with lower rates of mortality and further surgery when compared with the ORIF procedures.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2:97-103. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160036
Fighting food waste towards a new social food chain: The Egg of Columbus workshop
Authors: Campagnaro Cristian , Ceraolo Sara
Published: April 2017

From 29 February to 4 March 2016, seventeen students of Design and one student of Educational Studies designed and tested recipes for fruit and vegetables with the aim of recycling unsold food. The goal of the experimentation was to verify the strategies aimed at improving homeless people’s access to a certain and healthy daily meal. The workshop was named ‘The Egg of Columbus’ and it was led by two designers and one chef. It took place in a non-professional kitchen, inside a municipal building, which is a location for social inclusion and interdisciplinary education projects. Some homeless adults with prior kitchen experiences actively participated in the workshop, offering their knowledge and collaborating with the students at every stage of the project. The group successfully produced and tested nineteen food transformation strategies. These were recipes that promoted transformation of the surplus produce, preserving its nutritional values and making it available to the deferred consumption. The food design experience offered new perspectives about the food chain for night shelters focusing on the issues of right to food, sustainability and circular economy.
Food design and food studies: Discussing creative and critical thinking in food system education and research
Authors: Massari Sonia
Published: April 2017

In the past 20 years, two new disciplines have been created and have evolved, first as two separate subjects, and now more and more interconnected: food studies and food design studies. The motive behind the recent success and popularity of education in the agri-food sector lies in the fact that everywhere in the world, the boundaries around the world of food and nutrition have widened. More attention is dedicated to communication, proximity, connections, social and cultural values, and the construction of new food systems. There is a growing need to find new ways to defeat food paradoxes (malnutrition, non-sustainable production systems and the battle against food waste, to name a few). In the past 10 years, the design method has been consolidating into the field of food. Participatory design and co-creation in food experience design became popular along with the discipline of food design. However, the interest in emerging and innovative forms of teaching models in academic and non-academic scenarios in agri-food education is increasing and becoming a challenging issue in food studies pedagogy. The learning objectives of food system education are continuously redefined with the aim of providing food experts with the necessary skills to change food systems and support more sustainable and healthier food value chains. In this article four case studies are presented in which a design approach was applied into different food system education programmes. The author of this article has personally been involved in each of the four scenarios, as a teacher and as a designer. Complex questions concerning the intersection of food system educational contexts, collaboration skills, critical knowledge production and creative approaches are considered in this article. The author presents the dimensions of critical/creative thinking in the scenarios and concludes with a discussion of the challenges and resources for food studies and design educators. The lessons learned in this article provide a starting point for discussing creativity in food system learning and education. On the basis of the analysis carried out in this article, design appears to be an interesting research method to apply to food system education, capable of creating innovative interactions between disciplines and new critical and creative mindsets for food experts. Increasing creativity and critical thinking as learning objectives in food system education will generate more sustainable food cultures and communities.
Urban Land Use/Land Cover Discrimination Using Image-Based Reflectance Calibration Methods for Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Deshpande Shailesh S. , Inamdar Arun B. , Vin Harrick M.
Published: April 2017

Irrespective of substantial research in land use/land cover (LULC) monitoring of urban area, hyperspectral data is not yet exploited effectively because of lack of local spectral resources and a practical reflectance calibration method. The objective of this
research is to develop an effective methodology for urban LULC classification using image-based reflectance calibration methods: especially Vegetation-Impervious-Soil classes (VIS), using hyperspectral data. We used EO-1
Hyperion image of Pune City, India and assessed the suitability of different land covers as reflectance calibration surfaces. Furthermore, we performed LULC classification using different reflectance calibration methods such as Internal Area Relative Reflectance,
Flat Field Relative Reflectance, and 6S for comparative analysis. Urban VIS signatures extracted from Hyperion image show distinct spectral curves at broader level. Flat Field Relative Reflectance method provides above 90 percent average overall accuracy. An advanced
physics-based method such as 6S does not provide any added advantage over image-based calibration methods.
Historia del tiempo presente y su enseñanza: La historia del presente como matriz de una didáctica renovadora. Una interpretación de las propuestas de Julio Aróstegui
Authors: Cuesta Raimundo
Published: April 2017

Este texto es el resultado de dos conferencias impartidas por su autor a raíz de sendos homenajes rendidos al profesor Julio Aróstegui tras su muerte. El primero, en el Aula Unamuno de la Universidad de Salamanca, fue celebrado el 25 de enero de 2013 por iniciativa del Departamento de Historia; el segundo, promovido por el Grupo de Estudios sobre la Historia Contemporánea de Extremadura (GEHCEx) y la Universidad de Extremadura, tuvo lugar en el salón de actos de la Biblioteca Municipal de Cáceres el 25 de enero de 2014.
Prólogo N°20
Authors: Coudannes Mariela , De Amézola Gonzalo
Published: April 2017

Prólogo N°20
Los primeros aprendizajes algebraicos en el contexto de los problemas de cálculo aritmético: un estudio experimental
Authors: Lupinacci Leonardo , Ferragina Rosa , Ammann Susana
Published: April 2017

Los primeros aprendizajes algebraicos en el contexto de los problemas de cálculo aritmético: un estudio experimentalLeonardo Lupinacci, Rosa Ferragina y Susana AmmannResumenEn este artículo se presentan algunos resultados de una experiencia realizada en el marco de una investigación en torno a la problemática de la entrada al álgebra en la educación secundaria. Uno de los propósitos en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la matemática en este nivel es el proceso de modelización algebraica. Se parte del supuesto de que, si se los selecciona convenientemente, los procesos de resolución de los problemas aritméticos pueden ser tratados como objetos de estudio en sí mismos y, de este modo, se los podrá tomar como punto de partida para el proceso de modelización mencionado. En la experiencia se han implementado dos instancias que se corresponden con dos etapas del proceso de algebrización, correspondientes a la enseñanza básica y a la superior respectivamente. Se presenta un análisis de ambas etapas, realizado a partir de la narración del docente (investigador/participante) y de las producciones de los alumnos.
Dispositivo didáctico para la enseñanza de la estadística en la carrera de Medicina Veterinaria de la UNVM
Authors: Cabrera Gabriela , Asinari Marianela
Published: April 2017

Dispositivo didáctico para la enseñanza de la estadística en la carrera de Medicina Veterinaria de la UNVM Gabriela Cabrera y Marianela Asinari ResumenEn el presente documento se propone la implementación de un dispositivo didáctico que integra aportes del aprendizaje situado, la clase reflexiva, la teoría antropológica de lo didáctico, el aprendizaje ubicuo, las simulaciones informáticas, uso de las TIC y la elaboración y lectura de hipertextos. Esta configuración se diseña con el objetivo de propiciar en los estudiantes la construcción de un pensamiento estadístico, la conciencia del valor de la estadística como tecnología de la investigación y herramienta para la toma de decisiones bajo incertidumbre y la reflexión sobre limitaciones y potencialidades en sus aplicaciones al ámbito de las ciencias veterinarias. Se aplicó un instrumento de recolección de datos con el objetivo de conocer la percepción de los estudiantes con relación al impacto de dicho dispositivo didáctico en sus aprendizajes. Se obtuvo para todos los ítems considerados el 80 % o más de respuestas favorables. Estos resultados son alentadores y sientan las bases para continuar con el proceso de retroalimentación y mejora del dispositivo didáctico propuesto.
The Case of "Hiro": Treating Tourette Syndrome by Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)
Authors: Lichtman Jeremy D.
Published: April 2017

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is an efficacious treatment for Tourette Syndrome (TS), with a manualized version available for guiding practitioners through treatment. However, CBIT is still a fairly new treatment for TS and rigorous training in its application is sparse. Additionally, potential treatment considerations are not thoroughly described in the manual. This dissertation presents a systematic case study that specifically analyzes the use of the manual with 10-year-old "Hiro," a South Asian Indian boy with TS who also had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is a confounding factor in the treatment of TS. To do this meant applying flexibility and an "hypothesizing-then-testing" mentality. The creation of an individualized case formulation and an associated treatment plan for Hiro were very valuable components in his treatment. The case study chronicles Hiro's successful treatment and explores how and when adherence to the manual was effective as well as how and when greater flexibility was required. Furthermore, the case study explores factors in the clinician/client relationship and how that relationship can prove a powerful tool in treatment. Options for how to maintain treatment goals after termination are also examined.
Perspectives on Training Clinicians to Effectively Implement Evidence-based Treatment for Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Colognori Daniela , Rockmore Lori
Published: April 2017

Tourette Syndrome is a common childhood disorder that is often misunderstood by the public and undertreated due to a lack of knowledge among medical and mental health professionals. This paper describes how the Tourette Syndrome (TS) Program at Rutgers University provides and disseminates specialized care to the TS community while allowing psychologists-in-training to develop expertise in evidence-based assessment and intervention for individuals with TS. Discussion will focus on training doctoral students in clinical and school psychology to specialize in this area. We will utilize Lichtman
Mechanical/Algorithmic Versus Flexible/Creative Clinical Practice: How Underlying Principles Bridge the Gap
Authors: Lichtman Jeremy D.
Published: April 2017

In the case of "Hiro" (Lichtman, 2017) I described the successful use of Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) in a young boy with Tourette Syndrome (TS). In three different commentaries on this case, authors noted important concepts regarding the use of manuals in treating TS; how an understanding of underlying principles is important in flexible use of manuals; and how training impacts the treatment of TS. In my response to these commentaries, I hope to continue the conversation of how to use manuals in psychotherapy in general as well as in the treatment of TS in particular. Specifically, I hope to address the seeming dichotomy between a mechanical, algorithmic approach to treatment versus a flexible, creative approach, and to ultimately show that an understanding of the underlying principles guiding manualized treatment provides room for ingenuity that proves this dichotomy false.
The Role of Traditional Communities n the Management of Diversity of Sheep Populations in Caras - Severin County
Authors: Sandu Mariana , Mantea Stefan
Published: April 2017

Modernization of agriculture has led to the erosion of biodiversity of agroecosystems with implications for productivity in the sector. Degradation of genetic resources of plants, animals, insects and soil organisms causing economic losses threatening the food security of the population.

This study is based on biodiversity in sheep populations in Caras - Severin and brings attention to traditional practices in the management of animal genetic resources. In the agroecosystem, maintaining the biodiversity is a guarantee for future challenges (growth and diversification of consumer demand, climate change, possible calamities) provided that at the consumer level there is an increased preference to traditional and organic products.

From this point of view, it is remarkable the effort of private breeders in Caras - Severin to maintain the rustic varieties of sheep, but we think it requires a more resolute stand of the government and academic organisations for identification, preservation and support of such genetic resources valuable for all species.

In Caras-Severin County, diversity of sheep populations is maintained in household or pastoral system in small and medium farms, the animal selection being based on the interest and preferences.
Observations Regarding the Growth and Exploitation of “Turcana” Breed Sheep on Small and Medium Farms
Authors: Moise Lavinia
Published: April 2017

The exploitation directions in sheep race is determined by the national economic demanding, and the achievement possibilities by the productive potential of the races and also by the system and growth technology, improvement and exploitation of the races. The necessity of combining knowledge which contains a fundamental scientific profile with the applicative knowledge led to an approach of the complex applicative knowledge led to an approach of the complex aspects of the development and modernization of growth and exploitation technologies in import sheep race. Ţurcana continues to be the race that has the highest proportion of about 40% of the total. Milk production, birth weight of lambs, wool production and meat production were analized. Morpho characteristics of the breed Turcan highlights skills towards wool, milk, meat, and leather, which may improve the ability of the existence of a significant variability especially regarding the quantity and quality of milk and wool.
Copernicus Program of the European Union for Environmental Monitoring and Civil Security
Authors: Loghin Vasile
Published: April 2017

Copernicus is an operational program of the European Union for environmental monitoring and civil security. It provides services for collecting, processing and distributing data from Earth observation satellites and network measurements (records) onsite. Copernicus services covers six thematic areas: atmosphere, climate, oceans and seas, the continental emergencies and civil security.

Information can be accessed free of charge on specific websites (www.copernicus.eu) by public institutions / national and international organizations, the scientific community, to be used in developing appropriate policies on the environment and civil security.
Agro-Meteorological Drought in Boian Plain (Romania). Case Study: Years 2008–2013
Authors: Murărescu Ovidiu , Murătoreanu George , Nouaceur Zeineddine , Frînculeasa Mădălina
Published: April 2017

Boian Plain is a subunit of the Romanian Plain affected, at least in the last 20 years, by periods of dryness and agro-meteorological drought with non-uniformity fall precipitation and warm air masses invasions from North Africa. For 2008-2013 timeframe, such phenomena with agro-climatic risk were recorded each year. The reduction of water resources in the first 20 cm of the soil affected crops, in particular those of cereal crops specific for this region. This thing had negative repercussions on the quantity and quality of agricultural production.
Conservation of Fruit Tree Genetic Resources and Their Use in the Breeding Process
Authors: Botu Mihai , Botu Ion , Achim Gheorghe , Preda Silvia , Scutelnicu Anca , Giura Simona
Published: April 2017

Conservation of fruit tree biodiversity is important for the mankind according to the Convention on Biological Diversity. In Romania, due to favorable environmental conditions, numerous genetic resources of plum, apple, walnut, hazelnut, sweet chestnut and other

fruit crops are present. Identification, evaluation and conservation of fruit genetic resources activities were launched in 1970’ in order to limit the loss of the biodiversity due to erosion and genetic vulnerability. Fruit Growing Research & Extension Station (SCDP) of Valcea, which is belonging now to the University of Craiova, was assigned to deal with conservation of genetic resources for the Prunus, Juglans, Corylus and Castanea genera. As result, national hazelnut collection, the sweet chestnut collection and a part of the plum and walnut national collections are located here. Genetic resources of Malus, Pyrus, Sambucus, Carya and Salix are hold in the active collections too. The ex situ collections include 1160 accessions, out of those 48 species, 533 cultivars and 565 other types like hybrids, biotypes, mutants, etc. Autochthonous or ‘original’ accessions include 173 local cultivars and 565 other genotypes. Breeding activity based on valuable germplasm conducted to releasing of a total number of 31 cultivars and 8 rootstocks registered in the Romanian Official Catalogue for Varieties, 15 varieties have been patented in Romania and for one by CPVO. Identification, in situ evaluation, collection, ex situ evaluation, propagation and regeneration activities regarding fruit tree genetic resources have to be continued in order to conserve the local fruit tree biodiversity and to value it through breeding and use of the new varieties in the orchards.
Focus group interaction in evaluation research
Authors: Jung Hanbyul
Published: April 2017

As multiparty activities focus groups afford participants opportunities to interact with each other rather than only with the moderator. The methodological literature recommends focus groups for data generation precisely for these structural affordances, but few studies examine how the interaction in ongoing focus groups evolves. Consequently it remains largely obscure how focus groups produce disciplinary knowledge. Addressing this gap from the perspective of conversation analysis, the study examines focus group interaction as the participants’ joint accomplishment, with particular attention to the interactional practices that exhibit the participants’ orientation to the institutional activity and its agenda. The focus groups were conducted as part of a program evaluation study with Korean teachers of English who participated in a study-abroad teacher development program in the U.S. The analysis reveals how the participants contingently initiate activity and topic shifts in keeping with the institutional purpose and invoke their collective identity as an epistemic community as they jointly construct responses to the moderator’s questions. The conversation-analytic lens reveals how the focus groups generate profound, nuanced, and grounded knowledge about the program under evaluation from the perspective of the key stakeholders and by implication about the topical concerns for which the focus groups were conducted in the first place.
Block Power Method for SVD Decomposition
Authors: Bentbib A. H. , Kanber A.
Published: April 2017

We present in this paper a new method to determine the k largest singular values and their corresponding singular vectors for real rectangular matrices A ∈ Rn×m. Our approach is based on using a block version of the Power Method to compute an k-block SV D decomposition: Ak = Uk∑kVk
T , where ∑k is a diagonal matrix with the k largest non-negative, monotonically decreasing diagonal σ1≥ σ2 ⋯ ≥ σk. Uk and Vk are orthogonal matrices whose columns are the left and right singular vectors of the k largest singular values. This approach is more efficient as there is no need of calculation of all singular values. The QR method is also presented to obtain the SV D decomposition.
A Classifier For Ideal Unimodular Singularities
Authors: Binyamin Muhammad Ahsan , Khan Junaid Alam , Mahmood Hasan
Published: April 2017

In this article we characterize the ideal unimodular singularities in terms of their invariants. On the basis of this characterization we give an implementation of a classifier for ideal unimodular singularities in the computer algebra system SINGULAR.
Convergence of Ishikawa type iteration process for three quasi-nonexpansive mappings in a convex metric space
Authors: Fukhar-ud-din Hafiz
Published: April 2017

The paper establishes some convergence theorems for Ishikawa type iteration processes associated with two and three quasi-nonexpansive mappings in a convex metric space.
A new class of generalized contraction using P-functions in ordered metric spaces
Authors: Amor Sana Hadj , Karapınar Erdal , Kumam Poom
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we introduced and studied a new class of mappings in ordered metric spaces that is inspired from the concept of a P-function introduced in Chaipunya et. al. [10]. With our new class, we furnish fixed point theorems for continuous, noncontinuous, monotonic, and nonmonotonic mappings in various kinds of the ordering structures.
On Chasles' Property of the Helicoid in Tri-Twisted Real Ambient Space
Authors: Ho Peter T. , Odom Lucy H. , Suceavă Bogdan D.
Published: April 2017

An elementary property of the helicoid is that at every point of the surface the following condition holds: cot θ = C · d; where d is the distance between an arbitrary point to the helicoid axis, and θ is the angle between the normal and the helicoid’s axis. This rigidity property was discovered by M. Chasles in the first half of the XIXth century. Starting from this property, we give a characterization of the so-called tri-twisted metrics on the real three dimensional space with the property that a given helicoid satisfies the classical invariance condition. Similar studies can be pursued in other geometric contexts. Our most general result presents a property of surfaces of rotation observing an invariance property suggested by the analogy with Chasles’s property.
Some Combinatorial Properties of the k-Fibonacci and the k-Lucas Quaternions
Authors: Ramírez José L.
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we define the k-Fibonacci and the k-Lucas quaternions. We investigate the generating functions and Binet formulas for these quaternions. In addition, we derive some sums formulas and identities such as Cassini’s identity.
Projective parameterized linear codes
Authors: González Sarabia Manuel , Rentería Márquez Carlos , Sarmiento Rosales Eliseo
Published: April 2017

In this paper we estimate the main parameters of some evaluation codes which are known as projective parameterized codes. We find the length of these codes and we give a formula for the dimension in terms of the Hilbert function associated to two ideals, one of them being the vanishing ideal of the projective torus. Also we find an upper bound for the minimum distance and, in some cases, we give some lower bounds for the regularity index and the minimum distance. These lower bounds work in several cases, particularly for any projective parameterized code associated to the incidence matrix of uniform clutters and then they work in the case of graphs.
Spectral characterization and Schrödinger operator of space-like submanifolds
Authors: Shu Shichang , Zhu Tianmin
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we would like to study space-like submanifolds in a de Sitter spaces Sp
n+p(1). We define and discuss three Schrödinger operators LH, LR, LR/H and obtain some spectral characterizations of totally umbilical space-like submanifolds in terms of the first eigenvalue of the Schrödinger operators LH, LR and LR/H respectively.
Water Supply in the Republic of Serbia – State and Perspectives
Authors: Langovic Marko , Dedjanski Vojislav
Published: April 2017

Water supply has pronounced priority, over other forms of water use. The term water supply includes the ensure of high quality water in general terms, for households, public needs and economic activities. The Republic of Serbia disposes with considerable underground and surface water resources, which are used for supplying, but it is required their rational utilization. The aim of this study is to show the current state of water supply on the territory of Serbia based on the analysis of the different indicators. One of the goal is to scan prevalent conditions and problems related to it and to propose optimal solutions. The survey includes an explanation of the long - term needs of the Republic of Serbia for fresh water (as well as share of different sources in the total water supply) and estimation of the possibility of satisfying that needs from available resources. On the base of that, there are adopted conclusions about basic directions of further development in the field of water management and water supply in Serbia.
Gis-Based Determination of Landslide Properties in Regional Scale: Karabuk Province (NW Turkey)
Authors: Duruturk Berk , Demir Nermin , Koseoglu Irmak , Onal Ugur Berkay , Ercanoglu Murat
Published: April 2017

Natural hazards and their consequences are of great importance throughout the world. In Turkey, landslides constitute approximately 5% of the overall damage. The most important part of any landslide study is to extract landslide properties and database. In this study, Karabük city was selected as a study area which is known as one of the most landslide prone areas in Turkey. The study area contains the official borders of Karabük province. The area surrounded by the coordinates of 4518148N-4603891N and 424593E-512511E which has an areal extent of 4067 km square. The data of 1663 occurred landslides in Karabük, were digitized from 1/500.000 scale Turkey Landslide Inventory Map by considering the scarps with point vector format. Considering the literature, parameters of lithology, slope, topographical elevation, NDVI and aspect, which were frequently used among the researchers in landslide assessments, were produced and analyzed a GIS (Geographical Information System) platform. In order to perform analyses, the study area was divided into 62 watersheds. Then, lithology, slope, aspect, topographical elevation and NVDI characteristics of the region were automatically extracted by considering the landslide locations. In this type of study, GIS provides many advantages. For the next stages of landslide assessments such as susceptibility, hazard and risk, this stage provides important inputs and can be considered as the most important stage.
Strain measuring accuracy with splitting-beam laser extensometer technique at split Hopkinson compression bar experiment
Authors: Panowicz R. , Janiszewski J. , Traczyk M.
Published: April 2017

An accuracy problem of strain measurement at compression split Hopkinson compression bar experiments with a splitting-beam laser extensometer was considered. The splitting-beam laser extensometer technique was developed by Nie et al. to measure strain of a specimen during its tension under a high strain rate loading condition. This novel concept was an inspiration for the authors to develop own laser extensometer system, which allows for simultaneous and independent measurement of displacement of bar ends between which a compressed material specimen is placed. In order to assess a metrological property of this measuring system, a wide range of high strain rate experiments were performed, including tests with various sample materials (Al 5251, Cu OFE) with different rate of strain, and with the use of two bars material. A high accuracy of the developed laser extensometer was found in measurement of specimen strain, for which uncertainty is not greater than 0.1% and, for a typical specimen dimension, the maximum permissible error is 4.5 μm.