bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism due to a rare KISS1R gene mutation
Authors: Chelaghma N , Rajkanna J , Trotman J , Fuller G , Elsey T , Park SM , Oyibo SO
Published: April 2018

Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism is due to impaired or reduced gonadotrophin secretion from the pituitary gland. In the absence of any anatomical or functional lesions of the pituitary or hypothalamic gland, the hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism is referred to as idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (IHH). We present a case of a young lady born to consanguineous parents who was found to have IHH due to a rare gene mutation.

Learning points:

The genetic basis of a majority of cases of IHH remains unknown.

IHH can have different clinical endocrine manifestations.

Patients can present late to the healthcare service because of unawareness and stigmata associated with the clinical features.

Family members of affected individuals can be affected to varying degrees.
Non-fragile mixed H-infinity and passivity control for neural networks with successive time-varying delay components
Authors: Rajavel Sathasivam , Samidurai Rajendran , Kilbert Sebastiyan Anthuvan Jerome Anthuvan Jerome , Cao Jinde , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: April 2018

This paper is concerned with the problem of nonfragile mixed H∞ and passivity control for neural networks with successive time-varying delay components. We construct a suitable Lyapunov–Krasovskii function with triple and quadruple integral terms then utilizing Jensen's lemma and Wirtinger-type inequality technique. Some sufficient conditions are presented for the existence of nonfragile mixed H∞ and passivity performance criterions. The expressions for the nonfragile controller can be obtained by solving a set of linear matrix inequality. Finally, two numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Iterative unique positive solutions for singular p-Laplacian fractional differential equation system with several parameters
Authors: Guo Limin , Liu Lishan , Wu Yonghong
Published: April 2018

By using the method of reducing the order of a derivative, the higher-order fractional differential equation is transformed into the lower-order fractional differential equation and combined with the mixed monotone operator, a unique positive solution is obtained in this paper for a singular p-Laplacian boundary value system with the Riemann–Stieltjes integral boundary conditions. This equation system is very wide because there are many parameters, which can be changeable in the equation system in this paper, and the nonlinearity is allowed to be singular in regard to not only the time variable but also the space variable. Moreover, the unique positive solution that we obtained in this paper is dependent on λ, and an iterative sequence and convergence rate are given, which are important for practical application. An example is given to demonstrate the application of our main results.
Pulsating flow of Casson fluid in a porous channel with thermal radiation, chemical reaction and applied magnetic field
Authors: Srinivas Suripeddi , Kumar Challa Kalyan Kalyan , Reddy Anala Subramanyam Subramanyam
Published: April 2018

In the present analysis, the influence of thermal radiation, chemical reaction and thermal-diffusion on hydromagnetic pulsating flow of Casson fluid in a porous channel is investigated. The fluid is injected from the lower wall and sucked out from the upper wall with the same velocity. The governing flow equations are solved analytically by employing the perturbation technique. The influence of various emerging parameters on flow variables has been discussed. The obtained results show that the temperature distribution increases when there is an increase in heat source, whereas there is a decrease in temperature with an increase in radiation parameter. The concentration distribution decreases with an increase in chemical reaction parameter, while it increases for a given increase in Soret number. Further, the results reveal that, for both the Newtonian and non-Newtonian cases, Nusselt number distribution decreases at the upper wall with increasing Hartmann number and radiation parameter. The mass transfer rate decreases at the upper wall with increasing chemical reaction parameter and Soret number.
Effect of the National Stress Check Program on mental health among workers in Japan: A 1-year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Imamura Kotaro , Asai Yumi , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Tsutsumi Akizumi , Shimazu Akihito , Inoue Akiomi , Hiro Hisanori , Odagiri Yuko , Yoshikawa Toru , Yoshikawa Etsuko , Kawakami Norito
Published: April 2018

Objectives

This retrospective cohort study evaluated the impact of the Stress Check Program, a recently introduced national policy and program aimed at reducing psychological distress among Japanese workers.

Methods

A baseline survey was conducted from November 2015 to February 2016, the period when Japan began enforcing the Stress Check Program. A one-year follow-up survey was conducted in December 2016. In the follow-up survey, two exposure variables were collected: having taken the annual stress survey, and experiencing an improvement in the psychosocial work environment. Psychological distress was assessed using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) at baseline and 1-year follow-up. The two exposure variables were used to define four groups: “Neither”, “Stress survey (SS) only ”, “Psychosocial work environment improvement (WI) only”, and “Both”. BJSQ results were analyzed using repeated measures general linear modeling (GLM).

Results

The study included 2,492 participants: 1,342 in the “Neither” group, 1,009 in the “SS only” group, 76 in the “WI only” group, and 65 in the “Both” group. Overall time-group interaction effects were not significant. The “Both” group showed significantly greater improvements in psychological distress than the “Neither” group (p = 0.02) at the 1-year follow-up, although the effect size was small (d = -0.14).

Conclusions

Combination of the annual stress survey and improvement in psychosocial work environment may have been effective in reducing psychological distress in workers, although the effect size was small.
The impact of night-shift work on platelet function in healthy medical staff
Authors: Nakao Tomoko , Yasumoto Atsushi , Tokuoka Suzumi , Kita Yoshihiro , Kawahara Takuya , Daimon Masao , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Rotating shift work has been reported to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Vascular endothelial dysfunction and platelet activation are among the leading causes of thrombus formation in patients with myocardial infarction or stroke. Endothelial function has been shown to be impaired immediately after night-shift work; however, it is not known whether platelets are also activated. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute impact of night-shift work on platelet function.

Methods

This observational study included 11 healthy medical staff members (seven women, median age 32 years). We examined each subject’s platelet aggregation rates and the serum concentrations of eicosanoid mediators after night-shift work and on dayshift work without preceding night-shift work (baseline).

Results

Platelet aggregation did not differ from baseline levels after night-shift work. However, serum cyclooxygenase (COX)-metabolized eicosanoid mediators, particularly thromboxane (Tx) B2 (a stable metabolite of TxA2 and the most important marker of platelet activation), were significantly higher after the night-shift than at baseline (median 65.3 vs 180.4 ng/ml).

Conclusions

Although platelet aggregation did not increase, there was an increase in serum COX-metabolized eicosanoid mediators such as TxB2 in healthy medical staff after nightshift work. This platelet hypersensitivity may be one of the mechanisms underlying the significant association between night-shift work and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Saúde mental em uma unidade de atenção primária à saúde: relato de experiência
Authors: Da Silva Monalisa Claudia Maria , Ferreira Luiza Vieira , Pereira Mariana Galvão
Published: April 2018

Objetivo: Relatar as experiências de discentes de graduação em Enfermagem durante as aulas práticas da disciplina Enfermagem em Saúde Mental em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS).Descrição da experiência: Vivência de discentes e docentes do curso de Graduação em Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora durante a realização da disciplina de Saúde Mental, em relação à implantação de um campo de prática da referida disciplina em uma UBS da cidade. A finalidade deste campo foi proporcionar uma maior visibilidade à saúde mental, com um olhar diferenciado aos usuários da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS).Conclusão: A inovação proposta com esta vivência na prática de saúde mental possibilitou o crescimento de todos os envolvidos no processo. A APS permite a atuação na prevenção de agravos que podem ser ocasionados pela falta de identificação e tratamento precoce de transtornos mentais. No entanto, para a construção de rotinas de ação conjunta das equipes para o desenvolvimento da saúde mental, diversas barreiras precisam ser transpostas, entre elas as dificuldades dos profissionais para a assistência aos portadores de transtorno mental dentro da Estratégia da Saúde da Família (ESF).
Doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e os fatores de risco em mulheres de Guaporé (RS)
Authors: Roman Rafaela , Siviero Josiane
Published: April 2018

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e sua associação com fatores de risco em mulheres de Guaporé (RS). Materiais eMétodos: Estudo transversal, realizado na microárea 23, durante os meses de maio e junho de 2016, com 165 mulheres. Dados coletados referentes à prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (Diabetes Mellitus, Hipertensão Arterial e Dislipidemias) e medicamentação autorreferida, tabagismo, consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, atividade física, índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura e consumo alimentar. A análise estatística foi realizada através do programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Os testes foram t-student para as médias, teste qui-quadrado de Pearson para associações e teste qui-quadrado para variáveis ordinais, sendo o nível de significância de 5%.Resultados: Avaliaram-se 165 mulheres, das quais 29,1% possuíam ≥60 anos, 69,7% eram casadas ou moravam com companheiro, 44,8% possuíam ≥13 anos de escolaridade, 83,6% possuíam renda de 1-2 salários mínimos. Verificou-se que o índice de massa corporal foi 27,8±5,6 kg/m², encontrando-se em sobrepeso. A circunferência da cintura foi 98,9±13,9 cm, classificando-se em risco. Ao associar os fatores de risco consumo alimentar, atividade física, tabagismo, bebidas alcóolicas, não se encontrou associação significativa. No entanto encontrou-se maior prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em mulheres com maior faixa etária, de menor escolaridade e renda, viúvas, com circunferência da cintura elevada e índice de massa corporal de sobrepeso. Constatou-se a presença de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em 38,2% das mulheres.Conclusão: A prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis associou-se com alguns dos fatores de risco estudados, desses o estado civil entre as viúvas, menor escolaridade, menor renda, com baixa ingestão de álcool e risco mais elevado para complicações metabólicas, conforme circunferência da cintura.
Perfil dos portadores de tuberculose em um município de Minas Gerais
Authors: Andrade Heuler Souza , Da Fonseca João Carlos Nogueira , Santos Rita de Cássia Fonseca
Published: April 2018

Introdução: A Tuberculose é uma doença de grande impacto social no mundo. Embora haja uma tendência de diminuição de seus índices no Brasil, existem fragilidades estruturais e na gestão dos serviços. As informações em saúde são consideradas essenciais para melhoria desse cenário. Objetivo: Identificar o perfil do portador de tuberculose pulmonar no município de Divinópolis no período de 2010 a 2015.Materiais e Métodos: Estudo descritivo, epidemiológico, quantitativo e de caráter histórico. A coleta de dados aconteceu através da consulta às fichas de notificação contidas no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. A população elegível foram os casos novos de tuberculose pulmonar, dos residentes de Divinópolis, notificados entre os anos de 2010 a 2015.Resultados: Foram notificados 104 casos novos de tuberculose pulmonar em residentes no município. A taxa de incidência variou de 6,04 a 10,06 casos por 100.000 habitantes. O maior número de notificações ocorreu no sexo masculino (67,3%), em adultos acima de 50 anos (57,7%), do ensino fundamental (37,5%). Para a primeira baciloscopia de escarro 51,9% dos pacientes tiveram resultados positivos. Quanto à cultura de escarro, a grande maioria (70,2%) não realizou o exame. Como agravo associado à doença, o HIV positivo esteve presente em 9 notificações (8,7%). Em relação à situação de encerramento a pesquisa apontou que 69 casos foram finalizados como cura e 8 abandonaram o tratamento.Conclusão: Espera-se que o conhecimento do perfil dos casos possa auxiliar no planejamento de ações voltadas para o diagnóstico, tratamento e prevenção da doença.
A qualidade da assistência pré-natal sob olhar multiprofissional
Authors: Tomazetti Bárbara Maldonado , Hermes Letícia , Martello Naiashy Vanuzzi , Schmitt Patrícia Menezes , Braz Melissa Medeiros , Hoffmann Izabel Cristina
Published: April 2018

Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade da assistência pré-natal, sob a ótica dos profissionais de saúde das Estratégias de Saúde da Família (ESF) do município de Santa Maria (RS).Materiais e Métodos: Constitui-se como uma pesquisa de campo, do tipo descritiva e com abordagem qualitativa, realizada em 13 ESF do município, entre junho e julho de 2015. Para a coleta dos dados, foi utilizado uma entrevista semiestruturada e a análise de conteúdo.Resultados: Elencou-se 5 categorias temáticas: Acolhimento e acompanhamento das gestantes nas Estratégias de Saúde da Família; Estratégias de intervenção na atenção à gestante de baixo risco; Rotinas e limites na realização de exames e procedimentos obstétricos; Atuação multiprofissional e seus diferentes papéis no atendimento Pré-Natal; Encaminhamento das gestantes para os serviços de referência e contra referência.Conclusão: Verificou-se a necessidade de qualificar os processos de trabalho na assistência pré-natal, com estratégias eficazes a fim de evitar práticas fragmentadas que provocam distanciamento entre serviços/profissional-gestante, garantindo a integralidade do cuidado em todos os níveis de atenção.
Rock opera and resistance
Authors: Bülgözdi Imola , Réti Zsófia
Published: April 2018

Stephen, the King (1983), the most popular Hungarian rock opera, succeeded in bringing alive the well-known foundational myth of the Hungarian nation state by means of a new genre and its political relevance as a covert protest against the Soviet military presence. The rock opera was also extremely popular among members of Hungarian communities beyond the borders. The article compares two, very different cases of trans-border Hungarian identities focused around Stephen, the King: the Transylvanian reception of the rock opera and, based on Réka Pigniczky’s documentary Incubator, its American-Hungarian readings. The latter qualifies as a hybrid identity in progress, while Transylvania, a site of permanent cultural and political friction between Hungary and Romania, displays a cultural identity that is inherently mixed, a borderland identity. Capitalizing on Stuart Hall’s understanding of cultural identities, we argue that the diasporic/minority reception of the rock opera enabled unique ways of imag(in)ing national belonging, which were, to a great extent, different from its reception in Hungary. Our case studies confirm that both diasporic and borderland identities have received a boost via the new popular genre, enabling both groups to forge bonds with the imagined community of Hungarians and what they perceived as Hungarian national culture.
From locality to translocality and cosmopolitanism
Authors: Győri Zsolt
Published: April 2018

This article explores the alternative music scene in Debrecen, Hungary’s second largest town, in the first decade after the fall of the Berlin Wall. It describes the conditions of its emergence, highlighting the influence of western music and new wave DIY subculture that served as a catalyst in the identity formation of its participants, both musicians and audiences. It argues that in contrast with the politicized rock of the Budapest underground, the international dimension served as a founding element of scene-formation in Debrecen. The aesthetic cosmopolitanism was achieved through translating the affective packages and anti-mainstream sentiments of new wave music into the local context. This research is based on conversations with prominent members of the scene, and offers several case studies of Debrecen bands. It includes song lyrics to illustrate the cosmopolitan dimension of bands and records arising from the scene. It draws on the studies of subcultures, translocality and cosmopolitanism.
Are Teachers Paying Enough Attention to Low-achieving Students While Teaching Reading Strategies?
Authors: Sičiūnienė Viktorija , Toleikytė Nijolė
Published: April 2018

The article presents the results of the qualitative research on the attitude of teachers towards low-achieving students while teaching reading strategies. Such scientific studies have not been conducted in Lithuania before. This was the first research, which aimed to identify if the teachers allocated attention to low-achieving school learners while reflecting on the process of teaching/ learning reading strategies and the achieved results.

The sample of the research included 33 teachers from Lithuanian schools. They were participants in the national project “Learning Teachers – Learning Students” in 2015–2016. For two years it was observed how teachers in cooperating teams learned to apply reading strategies and provided collegial feedback to each other. The authors of the article were experts, who prepared diagnostic tests measuring reading skills, provided recommendations to the teachers how to apply methodology for teaching reading strategies, to measure and analyse reading achievements.

The research results revealed that not all the teachers of the Lithuanian language and mathematics repeatedly measured reading skills of their learners. The teachers’ responses show that the total dynamics of results of project schools is evaluated positively but in separate cases it is quite ambiguous. It was noticed that evaluating the dynamics of reading results, the focus is laid more on the average indicator in the class and too little attention is paid to monitoring and analysis of the results of separate learner groups, and on those of low-achieving students in particular, as well as to individual progress of learners. Analysing the teachers’ reflections on how decisions/agreements about application of specific reading strategies are made, it can be stated that collegial feedback, agreements at school level and colleagues support was particularly important to teachers but it lacked a focused orientation, too little attention was dedicated to observation and discussion of practice of reading strategy application.
Pedagogical Strategies Oriented Towards Development of School Learners’ Positive Interpersonal Relations in Inclusive Education
Authors: Monkevičienė Ona
Published: April 2018

The article analyses a social dimension of inclusive education – interpersonal relations of SEN primary learners with other pupils in the class and pedagogical strategies that target at development of school learners’ positive interpersonal relations. The researchers have distinguished four most important aspects of the social dimension in inclusive education (Koster et al., 2009; De Boer, Pijl, & Minnaert, 2010; Bossaert et al., 2013): a) friendship relations between SEN learners and other schoolchildren in the class (mutual friendship links, subgroups of learners linked by friendship); b) social interaction of SEN school children with peers (joint leisure activities, completion of assignments together, joint participation in activities); c) subjective feelings of SEN learners and their belief that they are accepted by other learners in the class; d) acceptance of SEN learners in the class (social preferences of peers and social support). The researchers also single out and indicate the barriers in building up positive relations of SEN learners with other school learners related with the abovementioned aspects: social isolation, loneliness, social exclusion and bullying.

The article sets the following objectives: a) to identify peculiarities of development of SEN learners’ positive relations with other learners; b) to single out pedagogical strategies oriented towards development of positive interpersonal relations of SEN learners with other schoolchildren.

The article presents the results of the qualitative research. The following aspects of development of such learners’ positive interpersonal relations are revealed: a) natural acceptance of SEN learners’ otherness seeing transformability of their abilities to communicate and learn; b) inclusion of SEN learners into interpersonal communication based on experience of social similarity and tolerance to the diversity. Such processes are encouraged by the teacher’s belief in transformability of SEN learners’ powers and demonstration of this belief in the classroom. Inclusion of SEN learners into interpersonal communication is enhanced by encouragement of social interactions between SEN children and other class learners in the natural school environment: creation of communication rituals, situations, practices and spaces, initiation of acceptance, mediation and assistance to SEN learners.
Lessons Efficiency Paradox: The Unexpected Empirical Findings about the Amount of Homework and the Teacher’s Strictness
Authors: Merkys Gediminas , Bubelienė Daiva
Published: April 2018

In the article a newly created questionnaire intended for older schoolchildren – “evaluate the teacher and his lessons” is introduced. The theoretical and practical context of the instrument based on 87 primary questions is named, the dimensional structure and metrological quality of the formed integrated scales and sub-scales is presented. The scales and sub-scales were formed following the classical test theory, combining logical and factorial validation. The secondary sub-scale factorization has indicated that it is expedient to distinguish between two integrated lesson dimensions (scales). The first integrated scale reflects the quality of social relations and teacher-centered orientation. The second scale reflects the management and didactics of the educational process. High correlation between the evaluations of integrated scales (r = 0.86) indicates that a generalized integrated index of evaluation of the teacher and his lesson can be derived by aggregating even 81 primary variables defining the most various aspects of the lesson. In the article the basis of statistic norming of the questionnaire possessed at present is described: Nschool children = 4024 and Nteachers = 200 which encompasses schools of different types from various regions of the country. The wide coverage of the content of created questionnaire, quite good quality of the scales opens good opportunities for its application in both the practice of schools evaluation and research.

First of all, the methodical purpose of the article has been to introduce a new standardized instrument of survey. Secondly, the question why such indicators as “abundance of homework” and “level of the requirements set by the teacher” practically do not correlate with all the remaining scales, although the latter intercorrelate very significantly, is set. In the paper the question (and hypotheses) whether the mentioned variables can truly affect the didactic quality of the lesson counterproductively is elaborated.
Teacher Professional Learning Community’s Creation and Development Factors
Authors: Monkevičius Justinas
Published: April 2018

Article analyses teacher professional learning communities (TPLC’s) creation and development factors. Literature research revealed the lack of theoretical approach of TPLC’s creation and development factors. Thus, grounded research theory is used in order to further analyze TPLC’s creation and development factors. Structured interview with school teachers and administration was conducted until it reached theoretical saturation. Analysis of literature research revealed Personal, interpersonal and managerial school’s principal and personal, interpersonal and managerial school’s teacher factors as very important ones. During empirical research schools’ principals and teachers identified factors having positive effect to TPLC’s creation and development in their own environment. Article analyses theoretical and empirical differences of PLC’S creation and development factors.
The Expression of Preschool Education Teachers’ Experiential Learning in an Organization: Involvement into the Process and Types of Knowledge
Authors: Smilgienė Jurgita , Juodaitytė Audronė Juzė
Published: April 2018

The changes in the labour market have stimulated political, scientific and practical discussions about lifelong learning and the demands of a learning society. In such a world knowledge and skills become a product of the highest quality. Individual’s ability to rapidly and effectively employ knowledge important for professional activity in a constantly changing environment is becoming a value. In the article applying the principles of the theories of a learning organization and experiential learning an educational institution is perceived and investigated as an organization implementing the strategy of teachers’ experiential learning in an organization, where child’s high-quality (self-)education becomes an aspiration. Experiential learning in an organization that takes place in the process of teacher’s everyday activity is important both for an employee and for an educational institution if it is purposeful, meaningful and useful for both parties. Teachers while learning want to acquire knowledge, test its importance in improving the quality of professional activity and learning, strive to understand the prospect of change and improvement.

In the process of experiential learning teachers gain knowledge of three types: professional, methodical and personal. In the field of professional knowledge the most important knowledge is such knowledge that is focused on the improvement of pedagogical activity (psychological, methodical, ecological, ICT, legal literacy, organizational) and on the improvement of the skills of communication and collaboration with learners’ parents and colleagues and of involving parents into the educational process). The results of the research reveal that preschool education teachers while learning through experience consider the knowledge focused on a child and the improvement of the contents of education as important because in the process of preschool education a child is the main object, therefore, teachers record knowledge that helps them constantly improve the process of education and strive for the quality of everyday activity. In the teachers’ opinion, the least useful is personal knowledge that helps to change personal attitude towards the implementation of innovations in an institution, prioritization in the workplace, ability to appreciate criticism from colleagues, to perceive that before planning to apply new ideas it would be useful to test them himself/herself. The knowledge that reflects the implementation of a child-focused paradigm is especially important for teachers.
Didactical Opportunities and Dilemmas of Technology Enhanced Learning
Authors: Teresevičienė Margarita , Trepulė Elena , Volungevičienė Airina
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this research is to identify the didactical characteristics of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) and to reveal the main opportunities and dilemmas of TEL didactical solutions in different types of organizations. Didactical characteristics of TEL such as measurable learning outcomes, interactivity, flexibility, experimentation, use of open educational resources (OER) as well as a need for social participation are studied and discussed. Quantitative research method was used to compare didactical characteristics of TEL used for training purposes of employees and teachers in a community, vocational education and training (VET) and business organizations and reveal main opportunities and dilemmas in organising of learning process. Research revealed that a variety of learning methods are used to enhance active learning and that open education resources are used while learning (free access of textbooks, documents, video material), that TEL focuses on practically used teaching/learning outcomes and that TEL curriculum structure creates possibilities for flexible learning and enhances learner mutual cooperation. Problematic areas appeared to be the following: use of technology enhanced assessment and self-assessment tools, clarity of workload.
Application of Traditional and Contemporary Methods While Teaching Language for Specific Purposes
Authors: Grašienė Jolita , Petrėtienė Angelika
Published: April 2018

The article discusses traditional and contemporary teaching methods in order to determine, which methods are best suited for teaching professional language or language for specific purposes. A study was conducted at the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (hereafter – VGTU) and Vilnius College of Technologies and Design (hereafter – VTDK) that shows students’ opinion about the teaching methods of the language for specific purposes. The study showed that the choice of teaching methods is determined by the prevailing trends of developments in education and the ongoing advancement of technologies; traditional teaching methods having long-standing traditions should remain relevant; however, in order to ensure the highest possible quality of learning there is a need to intensify the use of active teaching methods, particularly those, which are preferred by students; teachers who usually employ traditional teaching methods are recommended to plan their lectures in such a way as to provide for a transition from passive to active learning.

Appropriately selected teaching methods make it possible for students to acquire subject knowledge, improve skills of correct language usage, develop key competences and become competitive specialists.
Subjective Well-Being of Physical Education Teachers and Its Connection to the Attitude towards Social Communication
Authors: Kardelienė Laimutė , Šarkauskienė Asta , Masiliauskas Darius
Published: April 2018

This article analyses the subjective well-being of physical education teachers as well as its connection to the manifestations of attitude towards social communication that can impact educators’ professional activities. In order to carry out the research an independent sample of physical education teachers was constructed. The method of written questionnaire was used. The results allowed to make conclusions on teachers’ subjectively evaluated personal and social wellbeing. It was discovered that those with less work experience and more frequent exercise during their leisure time tend to be more optimistic about their personal wellbeing. Additionally, male physical education teachers were more optimistic about personal wellbeing over the past four weeks than their female counterparts. More optimistic teachers more often support open expression of discontent and rudeness during communication with other people and nagging in the social life. The results show that overall performance of physical education teachers can be guaranteed by their involvement in health-improving activities carried out in their work places, since the well-being of these specialists can be considered as a determinant for life-long health promoting physical activity for the members of society.
Suicídio em Portugal: um retrato do país
Authors: Nunes Alexandre Morais
Published: April 2018

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar padrões de tendências do suicídio registrado em Portugal, tendo em conta um conjunto de variáveis socioeconômicas e demográficas entre os anos 2007 e 2014, de modo a obter uma visão geral desse flagelo em Portugal. Métodos Recorrendo a dados do Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE) e do Sistema de Informação dos Certificados de Óbito (SICO), foi analisado o suicídio segundo a categoria do CID-10 (Classificação Internacional de Doenças), examinando-se as incidências por gênero, faixa etária e região. Resultados Os mais acometidos pelo suicídio são homens (54,8%), com idade superior a 75 anos (30,9%), e ele ocorre nas zonas economicamente mais desfavorecidas. A mortalidade por suicídio mais elevada encontra-se na região do Alentejo (12,8%). Conclusão A mortalidade por suicídio continua a crescer em Portugal e varia em função do gênero e idade, sendo mais elevada nas regiões do Centro e Sul. É necessária uma estratégia de acompanhamento e de prevenção no âmbito da ação social e dos cuidados de saúde, com importantes variações regionais, e maior vigilância sobre a comercialização ilegal de armas de fogo e de pesticidas.
A LOOK AT WOMEN'S TRANSITION FROM FORMAL LABOR TO SELF-EMPLOYMENT BASED ON ENDOGENOUS STIMULI
Authors: FERREIRA GISÉLIA F. , BASTOS SÉRGIO A. P. , D'ANGELO MARCIA J.
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT Purpose: The objective of this study is to analyze the stimuli that lead women to leave formal jobs and seek self-employment. Originality/value: Changes in the social patterns and lifestyle of the population have made research aimed at career and gender gain relevance. There is, however, a lack of research on women who have left their organizations and the main stimuli of this movement, exogenously and endogenously driven, which are relevant as result of social and cultural factors intrinsic to the family environment that leads to a career change. Design/methodology/approach: The qualitative methodology of narrative analysis was used, adequate to the examination of the phenomenon in question. Findings: The following stimuli were highlighted: self-fulfillment and search for flexibility; professional achievement; personal challenges; high level of career ambition; and search for a feminine identity. The results diverged in relation to the existing literature, mainly focused on exogenous factors. Although mentioning difficulties in reconciling work with domestic activities, the professionals under study, previously occupying formal positions in companies, did not perceive or did not undergo any type of limitation at work, such as the phenomenon of glass ceiling, difficulties in working on the masculinized leadership model, family pressures, and fear of misuse of sexuality. Entrepreneurship emerged mainly as a career option as a form of personal self-actualization and not through imposition arising from social, family or labor difficulties.
Drug administration adjustments for elderly patients with dysphagia: A case report
Authors: Mastroianni Patrícia de Carvalho , Forgerini Marcela
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT An elderly patient, aged 76 years, diagnosed with dysphagia, depression, hypothyroidism, Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive deficit, was identified with sertraline and levothyroxine- drug-related problems. Medication Therapy Management (MTM) was used to adjust therapy to the patient's needs by macerating sertraline tablets and solubilizing them in 10-30 mL of orange juice. The patient was advised to take levothyroxine after fasting. Six months later, pharmaceutical follow-up identified an increase in the Mini-Mental State Exam score from 22 to 26 and a decrease in the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale score from 1.0 to 0.5 in conjunction with mood and physical improvements, as well as a significant decrease in aggressiveness and agitation. Cognitive deficit may be a result of poor drug administration procedures, leading to drug ineffectiveness. Optimizing levothyroxine and sertraline administration, based on knowledge of their physicochemical properties, improves their clinical effectiveness, including the cognition of patients with Alzheimer's disease and dysphagia.
EVOLUÇÃO DA DÍVIDA E DA NECESSIDADE DE FINANCIAMENTO DO SETOR PÚBLICO NO BRASIL (1995-2016): UM BALANÇO DO PERÍODO PÓS-REAL
Authors: Oliveira Giuliano Contento de , Vazquez Daniel Arias , Wolf Paulo José Whitaker
Published: April 2018

RESUMO O objetivo deste artigo consiste em analisar a trajetória do endividamento e da necessidade de financiamento do setor público brasileiro entre 1995 e 2014, a partir de três grandes períodos, quais sejam, 1995-2002, 2003-2008, 2009-2014 e 2015-2016. Pode-se verificar que as condições externas altamente benignas, tanto em termos dos preços das commodities como do ingresso líquido de fluxos internacionais de capital para a economia brasileira, foram imprescindíveis para a melhora dos indicadores fiscais na economia brasileira, a saber, necessidades de financiamento, dívida líquida e dívida bruta, todos em relação ao PIB. No período mais recente, a deterioração do quadro macroeconômico e a consequente maior dificuldade de se viabilizar a geração de superavit fiscal primário mais elevado têm suscitado novos e complexos desafios para a gestão das contas públicas no Brasil.
Financialization at the international level: evidence from emerging market economies
Authors: Ramos Raquel A.
Published: April 2018

Abstract The paper focuses on the manifestations of financialization in the international sphere, which it defines as the increasing magnitude of finance and its decoupling from earlier functions and logic as the speculative motive is strengthened. With financialization the motive of finance is no longer to finance trade and production but to accumulate wealth, which in emerging market economies (EMEs) takes place through innovative products and practices that have in common the focus on exchange rate returns, resulting in a strengthened speculative motive. The article reviews the financialization literature highlighting how the different closed-economy aspects impact the international sphere. It conducts empirical analyses based on the financial integration of a country and on the characteristics of its currencies’ FX markets to assess the presence of financialization and its characteristics among EMEs, indicating certain countries where this process is more intense.
Construction of a biological rhythm assessment scale for children
Authors: Berny Thierry , Jansen Karen , Cardoso Taiane de Azevedo , Mondin Thaíse Campos , Silva Ricardo Azevedo da , Souza Luciano Dias de Mattos , Zeni Cristian Patrick , Kapczinski Flavio , Figueiredo Vera
Published: April 2018

Abstract Introduction Biological rhythm is associated with the level of alertness, cognitive performance and mood of the individuals. Its regularity is essential to preserve good health and quality of life. Objective To present the steps for the construction of the scale entitled Biological Rhythm Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry – Kids (BRIAN-K), designed to measure biological rhythm disruptions in Brazilian children and adolescents. Methods Items were developed following the adult version of the scale. Analysis of the psychometric characteristics of the scale was based on the responses of 373 parents/caregivers of school age children (7 and 8 years old). Results A theoretical model of 17 items with the purpose of evaluating four domains (sleep, activities, social rhythm and eating pattern) was determined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and via identification of a general factor. The psychometric properties of the BRIAN-K showed favorable properties. Conclusion Only two items needed to be rewritten. Further studies are needed to investigate the instrument's adequacy to different age groups and additional evidence of validity and reliability.
Does the oscillation of the water volume of the reservoir influence in the same way in fish diet?
Authors: Oliveira Jean Carlos Dantas de , Oliveira Jônnata Fernandes de , Rebouças Luzia Geize Fernandes , Novaes José Luís Costa , Peretti Danielle
Published: April 2018

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the fish feeding and to establish the preferential and secondary items of their diets, to determine the trophic guilds and the possible trophic structure variations in function of the water volume in Umari reservoir, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazilian semiarid. Methods The fish were captured quarterly between February and November of 2013, with gill nets with different meshes, being the apparatuses exposed at 5:00 p.m., with removal at 5:00 a.m. The food items were identified using stereoscopic and optical microscopes and evaluated through the Feeding Index (IAi), being the results of this procedure used in food similarity analysis. The volume of the items was orderly in NMDS and the time differences were tested in PERMANOVA. Results A total of 740 individuals belonging to 14 species were sampled, being analyzed a total of 258 stomachs and 8 intestines of 11 species. From the IAi values used in the trophic similarity analysis, the species were classified into five trophic guilds: detritivorous, insectivorous, malacophagous, carcinophagous and piscivorous. Conclusion The oscillation in the water volume of the reservoir did not influence the diet of the guild detritivorous, which shows that the variations in the volume of water of the reservoir do not influence in the same way the diet of the local ichthyofauna.
Canakinumab and Lung Cancer: Intriguing, but Is It Real?
Authors: Chabner Bruce A. , Nabel Christopher S.
Published: April 2018

The relationship between inflammation and cancer is complicated. This editorial calls attention to intriguing findings of the CANTOS trial, which was designed to test the hypothesis that an anti-inflammatory intervention could reduce the incidence of heart attacks, stroke, or cardiovascular death in patients with elevated C-reactive protein.
Blood compatibility assessments of novel electrospun PVA/egg white nanocomposite membrane
Authors: Mani Mohan Prasath , Jaganathan Saravana Kumar
Published: April 2018

In this study, a novel electrospun wound dressing based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) incorporated with egg white was fabricated. The fabricated scaffold was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and contact angle measurement. Further, the coagulation assays were used to investigate the blood compatibility of the developed nanocomposites. The prepared PVA/egg white nanofibers exhibited reduced fiber and pore diameter in comparison to pristine PVA. The FTIR spectrum revealed the interaction between the PVA and egg white by the formation of the new characteristic peaks. Further, the wettability of the prepared nanocomposites was found to be increased with the mean contact angle of 54 ± 1·62°, indicating enhanced hydrophilic nature compared to pristine PVA (62 ± 1·19°). The coagulation assay results revealed that the prepared PVA/egg white nanocomposites showed delayed blood clotting, indicating better blood compatibility. Moreover, the hemolytic index of prepared PVA/egg white nanocomposites (0·94%) was observed to be low compared to pristine PVA (1·5%), suggesting its enhanced safety to red blood cells. Hence, the electrospun PVA/egg white nanocomposites exhibited better physicochemical properties and enhanced blood compatibility properties, which might serve as a valuable candidate for chronic wound healing applications.
Editor’s Note: Proficiency and Achievement: What Is the Difference and Why Should We Care?
Authors: Gould Elizabeth
Published: April 2018

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Language Proficiency and Assessing Classroom Achievement: A Literature Review
Authors: Sood Parul
Published: April 2018

The goal of placement tests in language programs is to divide students into homogenous groups for the purpose of class assignment. In most intensive English language programs such as the AEC, the most typical criterion for dividing students into classes is proficiency in the target language (English). Accurate and reliable placement tests are crucial to the successful functioning of any English language program. This literature review discusses the concept of language proficiency and ways to measure it.
Using Gradebook in Blackboard
Authors: Parkes Samantha
Published: April 2018

I do not use technology in my classes for technology’s sake. I am not that gifted with computers and some things that are intuitive to others are a mystery to me. However, if I think it will make my life easier and help me become a more transparent teacher, then I will do my best to figure out new programs and devices. This is how I came to use the Gradebook feature of Blackboard in my classes and why I believe it has not only helped me to adapt to the AEC’s grading system, but also has helped my students take a more active role in their own success in my courses.
Learning English Online: Endless Discovery
Authors: Peixoto Summer
Published: April 2018

Keeping up with current trends and new developments in the realm of Computer-assisted Language Learning often invokes two opposite reactions. For those who juggle multiple projects, it may often seem like an arduous task with no clear, direct and visible benefit. “Why do I need to do this” might become a repeated mantra. For others, pursuing technology advancements may seem to be like it is simply part of the process; professional development is a teaching necessity. For teachers working in our Learning English Online lab (LEO), the pursuit of new technologies, knowledge, and professional development is a never ending, often curious and surprising, process of discovery
Creating and Using an Anthology for English for Academic Purposes
Authors: Berardo Marcellino , Smith Herrod Kellie
Published: April 2018

We created an anthology for English for academic purposes (EAP), which includes a collection of chapters from different textbooks typically used in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. We chose textbook chapters because our high-intermediate reading/writing students, mostly undergraduate students, will be exposed to textbooks in all of their freshman and sophomore courses. Some of these students are already taking two or more freshman-sophomore level courses. We chose disciplines from the sciences, humanities, and social sciences because our undergraduate students must fulfill KU Core requirements, which include courses in these fields. The content in the textbook chapters, however, is not the point of the anthology. The point of the anthology is to illustrate academic English in different disciplinary contexts. We use the anthology to teach students how academic concepts get expressed in English and to help students work with entire textbook chapters.
The Evolution of Information Literacy and Technology in the KU Academic Accelerator Program
Authors: Stamer-Peterson Melissa
Published: April 2018

The Kansas University Academic Accelerator Program (KUAAP) began in the fall of 2014. During the first term, all but a handful of students were required to take AAPT 001: Introduction to Technology for Academic Purposes. The focus of this one-credit course was to teach students how to function in a university academic setting using and optimizing technology. This was the first class in a two-course sequence where the second class, AAPT 002 (it was never officially named past its abbreviation because it was never offered), would focus on research skills and plagiarism which built on the foundation from the previous term.
Assessing Speaking Skills: The What’s and the How’s
Authors: Thanh Lam Trung
Published: April 2018

Assessing speaking skills in TEFL has been a neglected or unmanageable area of instruction in the context of Vietnam’s senior high schools. Furthermore, administering end-of-semester speaking tests in largescale classrooms has been an impossible mission. This workshop will suggest tips and tools to make the assessment of these skills manageable.
Using VoiceThread to Aid Teaching Speaking Skills
Authors: Hong Nguyen Hung Thi
Published: April 2018

Speaking skills are essential for English as foreign language students in everyday and academic tasks. However, it is an arduous and challenging task for teachers to teach speaking skills. This session will discuss one of the effective approaches to aid teachers in their teaching by using VoiceThread.