bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporomandibular Disorders Treatment with Correction of Decreased Occlusal Vertical Dimension
Authors: Guguvcevski Ljuben , Gigovski Nikola , Mijoska Aneta , Zlatanovska Katerina , Gigovska Ana Arsova
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND: The term decreased occlusal vertical dimension refers to the reduced distance between two anatomical points while the teeth are in a state of occlusion. The development of this situation is about some parafunctional activities of the masticatory system.AIM: To evaluate the value of decreased occlusal vertical dimension in cases with temporomandibular disorder and to follow up the influence of corrective treatment with occlusal splints and definitive prosthetic construction upon the elimination of clinical symptoms.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight cases with decreased occlusal vertical dimension accompanied with temporomandibular disorders were treated with an occlusal splint, as part of reversible occlusal treatment. After reducing, or complete elimination of the symptoms related to problems of decreased occlusal vertical dimension, the definitive prosthetic therapy was performed.RESULTS: The mean value of decreased occlusal vertical dimension in our patients is 8.5 mm, and the mean value of therapy time with an occlusal splint in these patients was 3.5 months.CONCLUSION: Occlusal splint is a part of reversible occlusal therapy in cases with decreased occlusal vertical dimension. After reducing the symptoms related to decreased occlusal vertical dimension definitive prosthetic therapy can be done.
Science and Management of Intermittent Rivers and Ephemeral Streams (SMIRES)
Authors: Datry Thibault , Singer Gabriel , Sauquet Eric , Jorda-Capdevila Dídac , Von Schiller Daniel , Stubbington Rachel , Magand Claire , Pařil Petr , Miliša Marko , Acuña Vicenç , Alves Maria Helena , Augeard Bénédicte , Brunke Matthias , Cid Núria , Csabai Zoltán , England Judy , Froebrich Jochen , Koundouri Phoebe , Lamouroux Nicolas , Martí Eugènia , Morais Manuela , Munné Antoni , Mutz Michael , Pesic Vladimir , Previšić Ana , Reynaud Arnaud , Robinson Christopher , Sadler Jonathan , Skoulikidis Nikos , Terrier Benoit , Tockner Klement , Vesely David , Zoppini Annamaria
Published: November 2017

More than half of the global river network is composed of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES), which are expanding in response to climate change and increasing water demands. After years of obscurity, the science of IRES has bloomed recently and it is being recognised that IRES support a unique and high biodiversity, provide essential ecosystem services and are functionally part of river networks and groundwater systems. However, they still lack protective and adequate management, thereby jeopardizing water resources at the global scale. This Action brings together hydrologists, biogeochemists, ecologists, modellers, environmental economists, social researchers and stakeholders from 14 different countries to develop a research network for synthesising the fragmented, recent knowledge on IRES, improving our understanding of IRES and translating this into a science-based, sustainable management of river networks. Deliverables will be provided through i) research workshops synthesising and addressing key challenges in IRES science, supporting research exchange and educating young researchers, and ii) researcher-stakeholder workshops translating improved knowledge into tangible tools and guidelines for protecting IRES and raising awareness of their importance and value in societal and decision-maker spheres. This Action is organized within six Working Groups to address: (i) the occurrence, distribution and hydrological trends of IRES; (ii) the effects of flow alterations on IRES functions and services; (iii) the interaction of aquatic and terrestrial biogeochemical processes at catchment scale; (iv) the biomonitoring of the ecological status of IRES; (v) synergies in IRES research at the European scale, data assemblage and sharing; (vi) IRES management and advocacy training.
Guerre de Trente ans et paix de Westphalie : un bilan historiographique
Authors: Gantet Claire
Published: November 2017

Guidée par des renouvellements généraux des historiographies nationales et des questions d’actualité, l’historiographie de la guerre de Trente ans s’est profondément renouvelée depuis les 350 ans des Traités de Westphalie en 1998. À l’aube d’une nouvelle commémoration – le tricentenaire du début de la guerre en 2018 –, cet article se veut un état des lieux raisonné et critique de la recherche sur une des césures de l’histoire moderne encore mal connue des historiens francophones. Il ébauche ensuite une ouverture sur le thème de la pacification et de la ‘nostalgie’ ou traumatisme des contemporains, lequel montre à quel point l’histoire de cette période n’est pas close.
Handicap : une identité entre-deux
Authors: Le Breton David
Published: November 2017

Dans les cultures occidentales, le corps est la première frontière. Quand un accident ou une maladie inattendue vient abîmer le corps, c’est le rapport au monde en son entier qui est altéré, et pas seulement le corps. Celui qui prétend à l’humanité de sa condition sans en offrir les apparences ordinaires, à cause de ses mutilations ou de ses difformités, à cause de ses actions imprévisibles, de ses difficultés de déplacement, ou de sa difficulté à communiquer, est promis à une existence sur la scène, sous le feu des regards sans indulgence des passants ou des témoins de sa dissemblance.
Handicap : une identité entre-deux
Authors: Talpin Jean-Marc
Published: November 2017

Depuis une vingtaine d’années émerge la question du vieillissement des personnes porteuses de handicap. Il s’agira ici de traiter cette question, à partir des personnes présentant un handicap psychique, sous deux angles, étroitement intriqués l’un à l’autre : – celui de la clinique de ces sujets : que signifie (ou pas) le vieillissement pour eux ? Comment se manifeste-t-il dans la relation à eux, dans leurs comportements, dans le corps ? – celui de leur inscription institutionnelle : question de leur devenir, des effets sur les institutions et les professionnels de leur accueil. De l’installation dans des lieux gériatriques ou dans des lieux créés pour eux. Le propos s’appuiera sur des entretiens en psychiatrie et sur des expériences de formation auprès de différentes équipes de professionnels en ehpad et en établissement spécialisé.
Les « communes nouvelles », vous avez dit nouvelles ?
Authors: Kada Nicolas
Published: November 2017

Résumé Rares sont les dispositifs législatifs portant sur l’organisation territoriale qui font consensus. La loi du 16 mars 2015 relative à « l’amélioration du régime des communes nouvelles, pour des communes fortes et vivantes » est à cet égard un cas singulier. Certes, elle vient modifier un régime juridique récent et présenté dès l’origine comme novateur. Pour autant, ces communes nouvelles le sont-elles vraiment ? Les règles de droit relatives à leur création, leur fonctionnement ou leur financement marquent-elles une rupture aussi forte qu’affichée ? En dépit (ou en raison) du succès rencontré par ce nouveau type de communes, cette interrogation ne peut qu’appeler une réponse tout en nuances.
La difficile recherche de l’optimum dimensionnel des communes italiennes : entre fusions et coopérations
Authors: Vandelli Luciano
Published: November 2017

Résumé L’article présente un panorama des réformes du niveau communal en Italie. Il souligne que la recherche de l’optimum dimensionnel dans l’exercice des compétences communales reste encore à réaliser malgré diverses tentatives. Il retrace les réformes menées depuis les années 1990 jusqu’aux tentatives de réorganisation territoriales ébauchées pendant la crise économique par la loi dite Delrio de 2014 et l’échec du référendum constitutionnel en 2016. L’article analyse les nombreuses solutions expérimentées en matière de coopération intercommunale et de fusion de communes.
Effects of Didactic Instruction and Test-Enhanced Learning in a Nursing Review Course
Authors: Tu Yu-Ching , Lin Yi-Jung , Lee Jonathan W. , Fan Lir-Wan
Published: November 2017

Background:

Determining the most effective approach for students' successful academic performance and achievement on the national licensure examination for RNs is important to nursing education and practice.

Method:

A quasi-experimental design was used to compare didactic instruction and test-enhanced learning among nursing students divided into two fundamental nursing review courses in their final semester. Students in each course were subdivided into low-, intermediate-, and high-score groups based on their first examination scores. Mixed model of repeated measure and two-way analysis of variance were applied to evaluate students' academic results and both teaching approaches.

Results:

Intermediate-scoring students' performances improved more through didactic instruction, whereas low-scoring students' performances improved more through test-enhanced learning.

Conclusion:

Each method had differing effects on individual subgroups within the different performance level groups of their classes, which points to the importance of considering both the didactic and test-enhanced learning approaches. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(11):683–687.]
Teaching Strategies to Increase Nursing Student Acceptance and Management of Unconscious Bias
Authors: Schultz Paula L. , Baker Janet
Published: November 2017

Background:

Medical providers' unconscious biases may contribute to health disparities. Awareness and self-reflection strategies commonly used to teach cultural competence in academic settings are generally ineffective in reducing unconscious bias or motivating change.

Method:

This article describes the innovative teaching strategies implemented in a graduate setting (
N
= 75) to increase nursing learners' acceptance and management of unconscious bias. Strategies used guided the debriefing and feedback that incorporated implicit association testing, interactive audience polling, categorized management strategies, and perspective taking.

Results:

Strategies resulted in positive learner feedback, including a high likelihood to learn more about unconscious bias, acceptance of unconscious bias influence on health disparities, and importance of using management strategies to address personal bias.

Conclusion:

Increasingly diverse patient populations require nurses who have the skills to understand, assess, and correct unconscious biases. To accomplish this goal, consistent exposure to unconscious bias curricula that includes focused debriefing, feedback, and management strategies is needed at all levels of nursing education. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(11):692–696.]
El regne de Mallorca, la corona d’Aragó i França al començament del segle XIV
Authors: Riera i Melis Antoni
Published: November 2017

Vers la fin du XIIIe siècle, le royaume de Majorque a renforcé ses relations avec la Couronne d'Aragon, une fois qu'il a renoncé à ses prétentions sur les îles Baléares, par l'intermédiaire de l'accord d’Argelès. Ensemble, les deux états créés par Jacques I, politique anachronique du Conquérant envers sa propre succession, s'opposaient à l'avancée française vers les Pyrénées et les montagnes des Corbières; ils ont également résisté à l'hostilité de la Ligurie envers eux dans les deux bassins de la Méditerranée. L'alliance, cependant, a entraîné des coûts pour Jacques II de Majorque, qui n'a pas pu forcer les commerçants catalans au paiement du nouveau tarif des îles Baléares. Cela impliqua également des coûts pour son neveu homonyme en Aragon, qui a dû accepter la mise en place d'un système monétaire indépendant dans l'enclave des Baléares, ainsi que la prolifération des consulats majorquins au Maghreb. Parallèlement, les gouvernements de Barcelone et de Perpignan, par une pression diplomatique commune, ont obtenu des résultats substantiels dans leurs conflits respectifs avec la monarchie française ; en 1313, au Traité de Poissy, le trafic commercial dans le Golfe de Léon et la frontière pyrénéenne se sont normalisés, des mécanismes de compensation, effacés par les confiscations réciproques de biens, ont été établis et la Vallée d'Aran a été renvoyée et réintégrée dans Catalogne.
Guerres, fiscalitat i cohesió de la corona de Mallorca (1298-1343)
Authors: Cateura Bennàsser Pau
Published: November 2017

Les guerres méditerranéennes des décennies 1320-1330 provoquèrent la création d’un système de contribution des territoires de la Couronne de Mallorca. Selon l’arrangement d’une base de calcul inconnu, le royaume de Mallorca était obligé de contribuer aux 2/3 des dépenses publiques et le Roussillon à 1/3.
Un moment clé de l’histoire du royaume de Majorque : la fin de la vicomté de Castelnou (1321-1369)
Authors: Claverie Pierre-Vincent
Published: November 2017

Une idée reçue voudrait que la vicomté de Castelnou ait disparu en 1321, à l’instigation du roi Sanç de Majorque. Divers documents montrent qu’il n’en fut rien et que la vicomté des Aspres échut en 1321 à une fille du vicomte Jaspert V, âgée de trois ans. Parvenue à l’âge adulte, Sibil·la céda ses droits au roi Jacques III de Majorque, en échange du règlement des dettes de son père et du paiement de sa dot. Cette dernière fut fixée à 10 000 réaux d’or, lorsque Sibil·la épousa, en 1339, un seigneur dauphinois, répondant au nom d’Hugues Alleman. La chute du royaume de Majorque compromit malheureusement l’exécution de l’accord négocié entre les parties. Aussi le roi Pierre le Cérémonieux eût-il à régler au nom de son cousin, en 1353, un arriéré de 1 781 florins et demi, tandis qu’Hugues Alleman obtenait de la justice française une compensation financière de 7 000 florins.
Continuidad y cambio en las prácticas funerarias del bronce final y primera edad del hierro en Menorca
Authors: Gornés Hachero José Simón
Published: November 2017

A partir de la exposición de los datos que ofrece el registro arqueológico funerario de Menorca, se propone una interpretación sobre el cambio social que afectó a las comunidades prehistóricas que habitaron la isla entre el Bronce Final y el Hierro (1400-800 cal AC), momento en el que aparecen los primeros turriformes e hipogeos de planta compleja.
De la convergence à la conversion. Les juifs de Majorque (XIIIe-XVIIe siècle)
Authors: Soussen Claire
Published: November 2017

La présence juive dans l’île de Majorque remonte aux premiers siècles du Moyen Âge. Considérés comme un atout pour faciliter la transition après la Reconquête, les juifs se voient garantir des privilèges par le pouvoir royal. Une première inflexion de leur sort se produit lorsque l’Église accentue ses efforts pour convertir cette minorité religieuse. Entre le XVe et le XVIIe siècles, alors même qu’il n’existe plus de juifs à Majorque, leurs descendants convertis sont stigmatisés en tant que Xuetes.
Le plus grand : Philippe ou Akbar ? L’islam indien à l’aune de la monarchie catholique, dans le traité Fuente de Vida
Authors: Didier Hugues
Published: November 2017

Singulière œuvre d’exportation que Fuente de vida de Jerónimo Javier, composée en Inde, à Agra (1600) : bien qu’écrite en espagnol, elle ne sera lue et commentée ou réfutée qu’une fois traduite en persan, langue de la cour du Grand Mogol. Elle répond principalement à deux buts, l’un est religieux, l’autre géopolitique : d’une part, interférer avec des arguments de type lullien dans l’entreprise d’étatisation et de réforme de l’islam conduite par Akbar, souverain indo-musulman dont le règne coïncide presque exactement avec celui de Philippe II. D’autre part, convaincre Akbar, que rien n’égale en étendue territoriale, en organisation politique et religieuse, la monarchie catholique dont il est le représentant officieux : perfection hors de son atteinte.
Occidente y Asia en las crónicas de Filipinas del siglo XVII. La atracción de China y la acomodación de la Monarquía Hispánica en las antípodas
Authors: García-Abásolo Antonio
Published: November 2017

Estudio de las percepciones de Asia que tuvieron los europeos que la conocieron cuando terminaba el siglo XVI y durante el XVII. Centrado en los testimonios de cronistas religiosos, funcionarios y viajeros, con frecuencia transmisores de noticias directas que vivieron por sí mismos. Transmiten un gran interés por el conocimiento de China y su cultura y la convicción de la importancia de la hegemonía de China en el entorno del sudeste asiático, algo esencial para plantear la evangelización y el comercio en ese imperio y en los países de la zona. Es destacada la concepción unitaria del Imperio y la necesidad de valorar los condicionantes del asentamiento español en Filipinas y los recursos desarrollados por la administración de la Monarquía Hispánica para adaptar su modelo de gobierno a una posición de frontera muy alejada de España y de Nueva España y con una población de españoles muy reducida.
Asia Oriental en los productos tipográficos de la Carrera de Indias: su impacto en la Monarquía Católica (1550-1650)
Authors: González Sánchez Carlos Alberto
Published: November 2017

Desde los comienzos de la expansión colonial ibérica, el continente asiático fue uno de los principales frentes de atención para las autoridades, civiles y religiosas, españolas y portuguesas. Debido a intereses económicos, políticos y eclesiásticos, no en vano uno de sus objetivos primordiales fue el establecimiento de relaciones comerciales con el lejano Oriente y, en última instancia, su evangelización. Unas aspiraciones que progresivamente se irían desarrollando en la India, China y Japón, cuya impronta se refleja en los libros, impresos y manuscritos, que circulaban en la Carrera de Indias española. Un suculento negocio de libreros y mercaderes atentos a las novedosas temáticas sobre Asia, que, por curiosidad, afición u obligación profesional demandaban misioneros, navegantes, gobernantes, comerciantes e intelectuales. Además de eruditos aristócratas coleccionistas de libros entusiasmados con los acontecimientos planetarios de su tiempo.
La función de la prueba en los ejemplos I y XXIV del Libro del conde Lucanor en el contexto de la relación estamental de don Juan Manuel y Alfonso XI
Authors: Janin Erica , Harari Juan
Published: November 2017

La hipótesis de trabajo puede definirse del siguiente modo: si varios de los ejemplos del Libro del conde Lucanor pueden entenderse como correlatos de las diferentes etapas por las que pasó don Juan Manuel en su relación con el rey, un grupo de esos ejemplos, que deben considerarse como prospectivos, dan cuenta de la táctica del magnate de reingresar en la corte de Alfonso XI como un consejero inofensivo, luego de varios años de enfrentamientos, para evitar su definitiva marginación de la esfera del poder.
SLEEP LOSS EFFECTS ON AFFECTIVE RESPONSES OF WOMEN AND MEN USING ECG CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: Goshvarpour Ateke , Goshvarpour Atefeh , Abbasi Ataollah
Published: November 2017

Sleep deprivation adversely affects the psychological and physiological functions, but little information about the effects of poor sleeping on the emotional responses of individuals are available. In the present study, the effect of one night insufficient sleep on the emotional responses to visual stimuli was appraised using electrocardiogram (ECG) measures. We also tested the hypothesis that men and women differ in affective response, considering the sleep quantity. ECG signals of university students (20 men and 20 women) were recorded while viewing affective pictures. Images were selected from the International Affective Picture System and categorized as happy, fear, sadness, and relax. The data were characterized using 14 time- and frequency-based features. The Wilcoxon statistical test was applied to examine significant differences between two groups of insufficient and normal sleep. A significant effect of ECG parameters was observed in deficient sleep on the emotional responses. Mode, RMS, and mean power show the largest effect size in all affective states. Among the affective states, the most significant differences between the two groups were perceived while watching sad and relaxed pictures. In addition, analysis of affective ECG measures in men and women distinctly revealed that lack of sleeping is more pronounced in men. Sleep is associated with the emotional responses. Our results confirmed the effect of gender on affective physiological reactions.
A FUZZY FRAMEWORK FOR CONTENT BASED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGES RETRIEVAL USING SALIENCY MAP
Authors: Tarjoman Mana
Published: November 2017

Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) has turned into an important research field with the advancement in multimedia and imaging technology. The term CBIR has been widely used to describe the process of retrieving desired images from a large collection on the basis of features such as color, texture and shape that can be automatically extracted from the images themselves. Considering the gap between low-level image features and the high-level semantic concepts in the CBIR, we proposed an image retrieval system for brain magnetic resonance images based on saliency map. First, the proposed approach exploits the ant colony optimization (ACO) technique to measure the image’s saliency through ants’ movements on the image. The textural features are then calculated from the saliency map of the images. The image retrieval of the proposed CBIR system is based on textural features and the fuzzy approach using Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Regarding the various categories of images in a database, we define some membership functions in the ANFIS output in order to determine the membership values of the images related to the existing categories. In online image retrieval, a query image is introduced to the system and the relevant images can be retrieved based on query membership values into different classes including normal or tumoral. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method is reliable and has high image retrieval efficiency compared with the previous works.
CLASSIFICATION OF CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS USING ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE BASED ON DISCRETE WAVELET TRANSFORM
Authors: Arvanaghi Roghayyeh , Daneshvar Sabalan , Seyedarabi Hadi , Goshvarpour Atefeh
Published: November 2017

Early and correct diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias is an important step in the treatment of patients. In the recent decades, a wide area of bio-signal processing is allocated to cardiac arrhythmia classification. Unlike other studies, which have employed Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal as a main signal to classify the arrhythmia and sometimes they have used other vital signals as an auxiliary signal to fill missing data and robust detections. In this study, the Arterial Blood Pressure (ABP) is used to classify six types of heart arrhythmias. In other words, in this study for first time, the arrhythmias are classified according ABP signal information. Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) is used to de-noise and decompose ABP signal. On feature extraction stage, three types of features including frequency, power, and entropy are extracted. In classification stage, Least Square Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM) is employed as a classifier. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity rates of 95.75%, 96.77%, and 96.32% are achieved, respectively. Currently, the classification of cardiac arrhythmias is based on the ABP signal which has some advantages. The recording of ABP signal is done by means of one electrode and therefore it has resulted in lower costs compared with the ECG signal. Finally, it has been shown that ABP has very important and valuable information about the heart performance and can be used in arrhythmia classification.
DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF A NEW ELECTROPHORETIC MOBILITY MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT USING MICROELECTROPHORESIS SYSTEM WITH IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD
Authors: Teoh Boon Yew , Misran Misni , Tan Zhi Zhang , Lee Poh Foong
Published: November 2017

Electrophoretic mobility (EPM) measurement on biological particles in fluids is well established. The current method in measuring EPM is using laser which the target particles are not visible. Additional morphology information is critical for the EPM measurement. Image processing is a promising method to obtain the EPM together with the morphology information. In this study, a setup of micro electrophoresis system with a compact CCD microscope was constructed. This setup was equipped with image processing method for capturing the images of the moving particles in an electric field. With the image processing method (Horn–Schunck method), the images captured were processed in real time to obtain the EPM of the particle. Velocity of the particles was then measured and the particles’ EPM was obtained. With the captured images of the particles in real time, the system can present the image of the targeted particle together with the EPM value. The setup of this prototype was calibrated with discrete particles (Polystyrene microsphere size of 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m[Formula: see text] 5%) and with a magnification value of 125[Formula: see text]X. This system is suitable for the surface charge measurement of discrete particle with size in between 4[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m and 20[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. Comparison of commercialized device with our laboratory setup for calibration on EPM of polystyrene beads had a variance of solely 13%. Measurement on yeast cells, normal (hFob 1.19) and cancer bone cells (U2OS) indicated that the EPM of yeast became highly negative in the pH value of 4.5 and 6.5. The negative EPM of the cancer cell is slightly larger than that of the normal cell for pH ranging from 4.4 to 5.0. In conclusion, the real-time EPM measurement set up for this study is able to display the real-time images of the moving particles in fluid suspension during measurement.
A CAD SCHEME FOR EARLY LUNG CANCER DETECTION IN CHEST RADIOGRAPHY
Authors: Suárez-Cuenca Jorge Juan , Tilve Amara , Ferro Gonzalo , López Ricardo , Quiles Javier , Souto Miguel
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this work is to describe a chest radiography computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) scheme designed to analyze the chest radiographs performed in the framework of the Galician (Spain) Health Service (GHS), including the radiographs that are not reported by the radiologists. The final goal of this CAD system is its integration in the GHS daily clinical environment, with a feasible RIS-PACS-CAD and EHR-CAD integration model. The database of the study included 55 chest radiographies with 64 nodules/lung cancer. This database was used to develop and test the CAD system in our research laboratory. Free-Response Receiver Operating Characteristic (FROC) curves were employed to evaluate the performance of the CAD system. An independent database was employed to evaluate the performance of the CAD system by external radiologists. After the application of a linear classifier, our CAD system achieved a sensitivity of 70% with a false positive rate between 4 and 6 per image depending on the testing database. When compared with other commercial systems, our CAD scheme achieved similar performance results. Therefore, our CAD scheme could be utilized to help radiologists in the detection of lung nodules in chest radiography, and therefore, it can be integrated in the clinical practice.
Testing Placement of Gastric Feeding Tubes in Infants
Authors: Metheny Norma A. , Pawluszka Ann , Lulic Melanie , Hinyard Leslie J. , Meert Kathleen L.
Published: November 2017

Background

Inadvertent positioning of a nasogastric tube in the lung can cause serious complications, so identifying methods to detect improperly inserted tubes is imperative.

Objectives

To compare the sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values of 4 pH cut points (< 4.0, < 4.5, < 5.0, and < 5.5) in differentiating gastric and tracheal aspirates under various treatment conditions and to explore the utility of a pepsin assay for distinguishing between gastric and tracheal aspirates.

Methods

Gastric and tracheal aspirates were collected from critically ill infants undergoing mechanical ventilation who had nasogastric or orogastric feeding tubes. Aspirates were tested with colorimetric pH indicators and a rapid pepsin assay. Information about treatment conditions was obtained from medical records.

Results

Two hundred twelve gastric aspirates and 60 tracheal aspirates were collected from 212 patients. Sensitivity was highest and specificity was lowest at the gastric aspirate pH cut point of less than 5.5. Positive predictive values were 100% at all pH cut points less than 5.0. Negative predictive values were higher at the pH cut point of less than 5.0 than at cut points less than 4.5. A higher percentage of pepsin-positive readings was found in gastric aspirates (88.3%) than in tracheal aspirates (5.4%).

Conclusion

For a desired positive predictive value of 100%, a pH cut point of less than 5.0 provides the best negative predictive values, regardless of gastric acid inhibitor administration and feeding status. The pepsin assay is promising as an additional marker to distinguish gastric from tracheal aspirates.
B Cells Drive Autoimmunity in Mice with CD28-Deficient Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Zhang Ruan , Sage Peter T. , Finn Kelsey , Huynh Alexandria , Blazar Bruce R. , Marangoni Francesco , Mempel Thorsten R. , Sharpe Arlene H. , Turka Laurence A.
Published: November 2017

Follicular regulatory T (TFR) cells are a newly defined regulatory T cell (Treg) subset that suppresses follicular helper T cell–mediated B cell responses in the germinal center reaction. The precise costimulatory signal requirements for proper TFR cell differentiation and function are still not known. Using conditional knockout strategies of CD28, we previously demonstrated that loss of CD28 signaling in Tregs caused autoimmunity in mice (termed CD28-ΔTreg mice), characterized by lymphadenopathy, accumulation of activated T cells, and cell-mediated inflammation of the skin and lung. In this study, we show that CD28 signaling is required for TFR cell differentiation. Treg-specific deletion of CD28 caused a reduction in TFR cell numbers and function, which resulted in increased germinal center B cells and Ab production. Moreover, residual CD28-deficient TFR cells showed a diminished suppressive capacity as assessed by their ability to inhibit Ab responses in vitro. Surprisingly, genetic deletion of B cells in CD28-ΔTreg mice prevented the development of lymphadenopathy and CD4+ T cell activation, and autoimmunity that mainly targeted skin and lung tissues. Thus, autoimmunity occurring in mice with CD28-deficient Tregs appears to be driven primarily by loss of TFR cell differentiation and function with resulting B cell–driven inflammation.
Broken bodies and present ghosts: Ubuntu and African women’s theology
Authors: Ras Isabella F.
Published: November 2017

In this article, the notion of broken bodies is explored in relation to the African body and the history of colonialism in South Africa. This exploration will be rooted in a retelling of the story of the woman, Saartjie Baartman. In this retelling, the product of colonialism comes to the fore in a haunting. Jacques Derrida’s use of the concept of Hauntology is employed to investigate the ethical demand the spectre makes of us. With the help of the African concept of ubuntu and African women’s theologies, we then seek to find healing and restoration for the broken bodies.
Reformation and transformation today: Essentials of reformation tradition and theology as seen from the perspectives of the South
Authors: Pillay Jerry
Published: November 2017

The Protestant Reformation is one of the greatest turning points in the history of Christianity. In some senses, it is described as a ‘theological revolution’ which led to the emergence of the Protestant movement and the separation of the Church. This research explores some of the theological themes that became the turning point of Christianity. These themes are sola scriptura, sola fide, sola gratia, solus Christus and Soli Deo Gloria. This article attempts to briefly explore these essential theological principles of the Reformation and assess its relevance for today in light of new realities, encounters and theological developments. It pays particular attention to the realities of the Global South, mainly South Africa, and shows how these can form a basis for renewal and transformation of Reformed theology and practice today. In this sense, the article establishes that the ‘theological revolution’ continues into the 21st century bringing about ecclesiastical, social and cultural change.
Proactive Management of IT Operations to Improve IT Services
Authors: Jäntti Marko , Cater-Steel Aileen
Published: November 2017

IT Service Operations is a high priority improvement target for IT service providers because it is critical for business operations and involves daily interaction with customers, thus directly effecting customer satisfaction. An action research project involving three organizations explored current IT service operation activities and challenges and initiated projects to improve service operation at each organization. The findings indicate that the major challenges include reactive rather than proactive approach to IT operations management, measurement and reporting, classification of incidents, management of customer feedback, and interfaces between IT service operation processes. Recommendations are formulated to help IT service managers and theoretical contributions are provided.
APP ADOPTION AND SWITCHING BEHAVIOR: APPLYING THE EXTENDED TAM IN SMARTPHONE APP USAGE
Authors: Roy Subhadip
Published: November 2017

The increasing use of mobile applications have been escalating with the increasing use of smartphones. In the present study, we examine (a) the adoption behavior of mobile apps using the extended TAM framework, and (b) whether adoption leads to subsequent use behavior and switching intentions. Based on data collected from two surveys in India we test the conceptual model of extended TAM and the effects of behavior on switching intentions using factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The major findings indicate a significant effect of most predictor variables on the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of apps. Further, we found a significant effect of behavioral intention on use behavior and subsequent switching intentions to apps from computers/laptops.
THE IMPORTANCE OF INCUBATION PROCESSES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF INCUBATED AND GRADUATED COMPANIES
Authors: Rizzi Denise Isabel , Wescinski Jocimar , Poli Odilon , Jacoski Claudio
Published: November 2017

This study seeks to analyze the importance of the incubation process for the viability and development of micro and small enterprises based on the perspective of incubated and/or graduated companies, in a technological incubator linked to a Community College in Santa Catarina. With respect to its objectives, this is a study of a descriptive nature with a qualitative approach. The data collection occurred through the application of a questionnaire. Through this study, it was possible to observe that the incubator is/was of great importance in the formation and implementation of the companies, providing greater viability and continuation for these companies on the market.
Enriching undergraduate economics: curricular and pedagogical integration of heterodox approaches from within
Authors: Natarajan Tara
Published: November 2017

In exploring the importance of integrating heterodox economics into undergraduate economic education this article justifies taking an approach that is both non-divisive and programmatically integrative in a department in order to have an enduring curricular and institutional impact. Critiques of mainstream economics commonly pertain to the inherent narrowness of thought, concomitant methodology, methods, and practice. The author therefore focuses on both pedagogy and curriculum to argue for an approach that (a) methodically broadens the content of core courses while maintaining common departmental curricular goals, (b) develops a variety of conceptually strong upper-level heterodox field courses, and (c) prepares students to explore a diversity of topics for senior theses using relevant heterodox methodologies. Taking a consciously non-divisive and integrative approach that seeks to methodically broaden economic thought and practice by focusing on overall programmatic integration helps to build bridges both within one's department and more broadly in the discipline. This paper uses a curricular map and examples from the author's course content to illustrate integrating heterodox economics into an existing program. The final section provides examples from student research in economics that have made use of non-reductionist methodologies. While making observations about constraints in sustaining such an approach, the paper strongly argues that there is a greater possibility of creating a stronger identity for heterodox approaches with conceptual rigor, if developed not in deliberate opposition to the mainstream or any other approach.
Estimating Keynesian models of business fluctuations using Bayesian Maximum Likelihood
Authors: Schoder Christian
Published: November 2017

An empirical approach to model estimation and evaluation based on Bayesian Maximum Likelihood is introduced to the post-Keynesian literature. To illustrate the method, it is applied to a simple neo-Kaleckian model of euro area business cycle fluctuations including endogenous fiscal and monetary policy as well as endogenous wage formation. The estimated model parameters are broadly in line with the literature. To evaluate the empirical performance, we compare its marginal likelihoods and impulse-response functions to those of a corresponding Bayesian vector autoregression model after relaxing the theory-implied cross-coefficient restrictions as well as a benchmark dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model. The results suggest that both outperform the neo-Kaleckian model. In particular, we identify misspecification problems in the fiscal and monetary policy transmission mechanisms. Future research should be directed at improving the empirical fit of models in the post-Keynesian tradition and the current paper provides useful tools for doing so.
A aplicabilidade da Convenção de Montreal no direito brasileiro
Authors: Saliba Aziz Tuffi , Sousa Alexandre Rodrigues de
Published: November 2017

O presente artigo discute a aplicabilidade da Convenção de Montreal na responsabilidade civil decorrente de contratos de transporte aéreo internacional no Brasil, frente às disposições apresentadas pelo Código de Defesa do Consumidor e pelo Código Civil sobre a responsabilidade do transportador e à matriz constitucional desses diplomas. Esta análise apresentará um panorama destes conflitos tanto sob a ordem jurídica interna quanto na visão do Direito Internacional, de modo a delinear os fundamentos para aplicação do citado acordo internacional em sobreposição às regras gerais do CDC e do Código Civil e as consequências de sua não aplicação.
As Regras Brasileiras de Tributação de Controladas e Coligadas no Exterior: verdadeiras Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules?
Authors: De Souza Rocha Lukic Melina , Almeida Muniz Amanda
Published: November 2017

Este artigo pretende analisar se as regras criadas até então no Brasil para tributação de controladas e coligadas no exterior seguem o modelo das Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules adotado em outros países. A metodologia utilizada foi a análise da legislação nacional e internacional bem como pesquisa bibliográfica e análise comparativa. Após o exame da estrutura das regras CFC criadas em outros países, definimos o modelo internacional e comparamos as normas brasileiras a este modelo. As regras do país não adotam os critérios que utilizam a maioria das CFC rules – localização da investida e natureza das rendas – para determinar a possibilidade de tributação, mas somente para diferenciar a forma pela qual se dá a tributação. Desta forma, pode-se concluir que o Brasil não adota uma regra nos parâmetros das CFC Rules estrangeiras.
Direitos culturais e Nações Unidas: uma análise a partir da Declaração Sobre a eliminação de Todas as Formas de Intolerância e Discriminação Baseadas na Religião ou na Crença
Authors: Grubba Leilane Serratine , Staffen Márcio Ricardo
Published: November 2017

A pesquisa científica, consubstanciada neste artigo, tem por objeto a problemática do universalismo e culturalismo no âmbito dos direitos humanos. Desenvolvida pelo método de tentativa e erro, a pesquisa apresenta como problema inicial saber se a universalidade dos direitos humanos é um contraponto homogeneizador e imperialista aos diversos localismos culturais. A partir do problema, apresentou-se como hipótese que o universalismo busca apenas a garantia de um mínimo de dignidade a todos os seres humanos, de maneira genérica e abstrata. Por esse motivo, o universalismo não se contrapõe aos diversos localismos culturais, mas apresenta-se como uma tentativa de abrigá-los. O artigo estrutura-se em três seções, cada uma correspondendo a um objetivo específico da pesquisa. A primeira seção analisará o problema de pesquisa, ponderando sobre a argumentação culturalista. A segunda seção analisará a hipótese apresentada, especificamente a Declaração sobre a eliminação de todas as formas de intolerância e discriminação baseadas na religião ou na crença, das Nações Unidas. Por fim, a terceira seção realizará um balanço de refutação, para concluir se a hipótese deve ser refutada ou é, ao menos provisoriamente, corroborada.
Secondary Sulfate is Internally Mixed with Sea Spray Aerosol and Organic Aerosol in the Winter-Spring Arctic
Authors: Kirpes Rachel M. , Bondy Amy L. , Bonanno Daniel , Moffet Ryan C. , Wang Bingbing , Laskin Alexander , Ault Andrew P. , Pratt Kerri A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Few measurements of aerosol chemical composition have been made during the winter-spring transition to constrain Arctic aerosol-cloud-climate feedbacks. Herein, we report the first measurements of individual particle chemical composition near Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Alaska in winter-spring (January and February 2014). Sea spray aerosol (SSA) was observed in all samples, with fresh and aged SSA comprising 99 %, by number, of 2.5–10 µm diameter particles, 65–95 % from 0.5–2.5 µm, and 50–60 % from 0.1–0.5 µm, indicating SSA is the dominant contributor to accumulation and coarse mode aerosol during the winter-spring transition. The aged SSA particles were characterized by reduced chlorine content with 94 %, by number, internally mixed with secondary sulfate (39 %, by number, internally mixed with both nitrate and sulfate), indicative of multiphase aging reactions during transport. There was a large number fraction (40 % of 1.0–4.0 µm diameter particles) of aged SSA during periods when particles were transported from near Prudhoe Bay, consistent with pollutant emissions from the oil fields participating in atmospheric processing of aerosol particles. Organic carbon and sulfate particles were observed in all samples and comprised 40–50 %, by number, of 0.1–0.4 µm diameter particles, indicative of Arctic haze influence. Soot was internally mixed with organic and sulfate components. All sulfate was mixed with organic carbon or SSA particles. Therefore, aerosol sources in the Alaskan Arctic and resulting aerosol chemical mixing states need to be considered when predicting aerosol climate effects, particularly cloud formation, in the winter-spring Arctic.
An evaluation of the potential of Sentinel 1 for improving flash flood predictions via soil moisture–data assimilation
Authors: Cenci Luca , Pulvirenti Luca , Boni Giorgio , Chini Marco , Matgen Patrick , Gabellani Simone , Squicciarino Giuseppe , Pierdicca Nazzareno
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The assimilation of satellite-derived soil moisture estimates (soil moisture–data assimilation, SM–DA) into hydrological models has the potential to reduce the uncertainty of streamflow simulations. The improved capacity to monitor the closeness to saturation of small catchments, such as those characterizing the Mediterranean region, can be exploited to enhance flash flood predictions. When compared to other microwave sensors that have been exploited for SM–DA in recent years (e.g. the Advanced SCATterometer – ASCAT), characterized by low spatial/high temporal resolution, the Sentinel 1 (S1) mission provides an excellent opportunity to monitor systematically soil moisture (SM) at high spatial resolution and moderate temporal resolution. The aim of this research was thus to evaluate the impact of S1-based SM–DA for enhancing flash flood predictions of a hydrological model (Continuum) that is currently exploited for civil protection applications in Italy. The analysis was carried out in a representative Mediterranean catchment prone to flash floods, located in north-western Italy, during the time period October 2014–February 2015. It provided some important findings: (i) revealing the potential provided by S1-based SM–DA for improving discharge predictions, especially for higher flows; (ii) suggesting a more appropriate pre-processing technique to be applied to S1 data before the assimilation; and (iii) highlighting that even though high spatial resolution does provide an important contribution in a SM–DA system, the temporal resolution has the most crucial role. S1-derived SM maps are still a relatively new product and, to our knowledge, this is the first work published in an international journal dealing with their assimilation within a hydrological model to improve continuous streamflow simulations and flash flood predictions. Even though the reported results were obtained by analysing a relatively short time period, and thus should be supported by further research activities, we believe this research is timely in order to enhance our understanding of the potential contribution of the S1 data within the SM–DA framework for flash flood risk mitigation.
Precipitable water characteristics during the 2013 Colorado flood using ground-based GPS measurements
Authors: Huelsing Hannah K. , Wang Junhong , Mears Carl , Braun John J.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. During 9–16 September 2013, the Front Range region of Colorado experienced heavy rainfall that resulted in severe flooding. Precipitation totals for the event exceeded 450 mm, damages to public and private properties were estimated to be over USD 2 billion, and nine lives were lost. This study analyzes the characteristics of precipitable water (PW) surrounding the event using 10 years of high-resolution GPS PW data in Boulder, Colorado, which was located within the region of maximum rainfall. PW in Boulder is dominated by seasonal variability with an average summertime maximum of 36 mm. In 2013, the seasonal PW maximum extended into early September and the September monthly mean PW exceeded the 99th percentile of climatology with a value 25 % higher than the 40-year climatology. Prior to the flood, around 18:00 UTC on 8 September, PW rapidly increased from 22 to 32 mm and remained around 30 mm for the entire event as a result of the nearly saturated atmosphere. The frequency distribution of September PW for Boulder is typically normal, but in 2013 the distribution was bimodal due to a combination of above-average PW values from 1 to 15 September and much drier conditions from 16 to 30 September. The above-normal, near-saturation PW values during the flood were the result of large-scale moisture transport into Colorado from the Tropical Eastern Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico. This moisture transport was the product of a stagnating cutoff low over the southwestern United States working in conjunction with an anticyclone located over the southeastern United States. A blocking ridge located over the Canadian Rocky Mountains kept both of the synoptic features in place over the course of several days, which helped to provide continuous moisture to the storm, thus enhancing the accumulated precipitation totals.