bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sodankylä manual snow survey program
Authors: Leppänen L. , Kontu A. , Hannula H.-R. , Sjöblom H. , Pulliainen J.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The manual snow survey program of the Arctic Research Centre of Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI-ARC) consists of numerous observations of natural seasonal taiga snowpack in Sodankylä, northern Finland. The easily accessible measurement areas represent the typical forest and soil types in the boreal forest zone. Systematic snow measurements began in 1909 with snow depth (SD) and snow water equivalent (SWE); however some older records of the snow and ice cover exists. In 2006 the manual snow survey program expanded to cover snow macro- and microstructure from regular snow pits at several sites using both traditional and novel measurement techniques. Present-day measurements include observations of SD, SWE, temperature, density, horizontal layers of snow, grain size, specific surface area (SSA), and liquid water content (LWC). Regular snow pit measurements are performed weekly during the snow season. Extensive time series of manual snow measurements are important for the monitoring of temporal and spatial changes in seasonal snowpack. This snow survey program is an excellent base for the future research of snow properties.
Magnitude and frequency of heat and cold waves in recent decades: the case of South America
Authors: Ceccherini G. , Russo S. , Ameztoy I. , Romero C. P. , Carmona-Moreno C.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. In recent decades there has been an increase in magnitude and occurrence of heat waves and a decrease of cold waves which are possibly related to the anthropogenic influence (Solomon et al., 2007). This study describes the extreme temperature regime of heat waves and cold waves across South America over recent years (1980–2014). Temperature records come from the Global Surface Summary of the Day (GSOD), a climatological dataset produced by the National Climatic Data Center that provides records of daily maximum and minimum temperatures acquired worldwide. The magnitude of heat waves and cold waves for each GSOD station are quantified on annual basis by means of the Heat Wave Magnitude Index (Russo et al., 2014) and the Cold Wave Magnitude Index (CWMI, Forzieri et al., 2015). Results indicate an increase in intensity and in frequency of heat waves, with up to 75 % more events occurring only in the last 10 years. Conversely, no significant changes are detected for cold waves. In addition, the trend of the annual temperature range (i.e., yearly mean of Tmax – yearly mean of Tmin) is positive – up to 1 °C decade−1 – over the extra-tropics and negative – up to 0.5 °C decade−1 – over the tropic. This dichotomous behaviour indicates that the annual mean of Tmax is generally increasing more than the annual mean of Tmin in the extra-tropics and vice versa in the tropics.
Impacts of snow and organic soils parameterization on North-Eurasian soil temperature profiles simulated by the ISBA land surface model
Authors: Decharme B. , Brun E. , Boone A. , Delire C. , Le Moigne P. , Morin S.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. In this study we analysed how an improved representation of snowpack processes and soil properties in the multi-layer snow and soil schemes of the ISBA land surface model impacts the simulation of soil temperature profiles over North-Eurasian regions. For this purpose, we refine ISBA's snow layering algorithm and propose a parameterization of snow albedo and snow compaction/densification adapted from the detailed Crocus snowpack model. We also include a dependency on soil organic carbon content for ISBA's hydraulic and thermal soil properties. First, changes in the snowpack parameterization are evaluated against snow depth, snow water equivalent, surface albedo, and soil temperature at a 10 cm depth observed at the Col de Porte field site in the French Alps. Next, the new model version including all of the changes is used over Northern-Eurasia to evaluate the model's ability to simulate the snow depth, the soil temperature profile and the permafrost characteristics. The results confirm that an adequate simulation of snow layering and snow compaction/densification significantly impacts the snowpack characteristics and the soil temperature profile during winter, while the impact of the more accurate snow albedo computation is dominant during the spring. In summer, the accounting for the effect of soil organic carbon on hydraulic and thermal soil properties improves the simulation of the soil temperature profile. Finally, the results confirm that this last process strongly influences the simulation of the permafrost active layer thickness and its spatial distribution.
Corporate Governance and Bank Competition Empirical Study on the Jordanian Commercial Banks Listed in Amman Stock Exchange over the Period (2001-2014)
Authors: Hashem Abdulrahman , Ayoub Fadi Mousa , Ata Haitham Bani
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this paper is to identify the effect of corporate governance implementation on the commercial banks’ competition in Jordan. Bank competition is tested by using Panzar and Rosse H statistics model and the researchers applied it on the collected data into two periods of time (2001-2007 and 2008-2014), taking into consideration that corporate governance was first implemented in the Jordanian banking sector on 31/12/2007. The researchers used Mann-Whitney Test to compare the results of both time phases. The results showed insignificant effect of corporate governance on bank competition that can be linked to certain reasons including the immaturity of corporate governance’s implementation in the Jordanian banking sector, the socio political upheavals that affected Jordan, and the differentiation of bank services between banks led to a more monopolistic behavior. This paper urges other researchers and practitioners to take their role into updating and modifying corporate governance to positively enhance bank competition taking into account the political turbulences in the neighboring countries and the movement of cash across the region and passing the country. 
Studies on Physiological Response to Salt Stress of Eelgrass (Zostera marina L.)
Authors: Yu Jia
Published: December 2015

In lab conditions, study on physiological response of eelgrass in different salinities (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60). Take permeability of plasma membrane, proline content and chlorophyll content as parameters. The results show, (1) High salinity leads to high permeability of plasma membrane making intracellular material spreads to external environment which cannot maintain the normal physiological activity, (2) with the increasing of salinity, proline is accumulated in eelgrass in a large scale, which has an toxic action on eelgrass, (3) with the increasing of salinity, the content of chlorophyll descends. Comprehensive the above results, (1) the suitable salinity range for eelgrass living is 10-30, (2) the most suitable salinity for eelgrass living is about 20, (3) when the salinity is greater than 40, eelgrass cannot grow normally, (4) when the salinity is greater than 60, the plasma membrane is seriously damaged and it has a high permeability, the cells of eelgrass cannot maintain the basic physiological activity.
Reconciling Economics and Ethics in Business Ethics Education: The Case of Objectivism
Authors: Dent Eric B. , Parnell John A.
Published: December 2015

Today, capitalism is in question, as the 2013 Academy of Management conference theme claimed. Many view business skeptically because they see capitalism as incompatible with ethics. The same problem pervades the business ethics education classroom. Business ethics can be taught in a way that demonstrates that economics and ethics are compatible and are integrated most directly in the function of management. This essay provides an overview of Ayn Rand’s philosophy as an alternative to current conventions but largely consistent with approaches such as virtue ethics and conscious capitalism. The essay concludes with challenges to teaching Objectivism in business schools.
Business in Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged
Authors: Younkins Edward W.
Published: December 2015

Atlas Shrugged is a novel about business and the people who create businesses. This article describes Ayn Rand’s treatment of business and entrepreneurs in the novel. It begins with an explanation of how Atlas Shrugged demonstrates that wealth and profit are creations of the human mind. The next section compares the worldviews of the novel’s business heroes and villains. This is followed by an in-depth analysis of the novel’s main business protagonists—Dagny Taggart and Hank Rearden. The next part provides summaries of other business characters. The last section examines how the novel is used in college-level business courses.
Status of cold chain management among health care providers in Qatar: Primary health care center based intervention study
Authors: Al-Hajri Mohammed Mohammed , Salem Enayat , Rady Mervat , Al-Kuwari Mohamed Ghaith , Al-Romaihi Hamad Eid , Ganesan Nandakumar , Al-Yafei Amal Mohammed , Alkohji Sadriya
Published: December 2015

Objective: The study aimed to assess cold chain management status among health care professionals at primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Qatar. Methods: A cross-sectional design with pre-post intervention study was conducted in 21 PHCCs. A structured cold chain checklist was used to collect data regarding the status of cold chain management system in the centers before and after educational intervention. Results: Prior to the intervention, six key criteria for cold chain management were present in all 21 PHCCs (100%), eight were present in >80%, another eight were present in 60–80%, while 13 were present in < 60%. Post intervention, these figures improved to 8, 13, 4, and 10 respectively. Conclusion: In Qatar, cold chain management system practices among primary health care workers were generally positive. These practices significantly improved following an educational intervention within the targeted primary health care centers. Therefore, it is recommended that all health care professionals working in PHCCs should receive mandatory cold chain management training prior to their initiation of clinical practice to ensure delivery of safe and effective vaccines in Qatar.
Tourism spending behaviour before and after the 2008 financial crisis
Authors: Dumičić Ksenija , Mikulić Josip , Časni Anita Čeh
Published: December 2015

This research note analyses the long-run and short-run relationships between tourism expenditure, income and transportation costs based on quarterly data for European countries spanning the period from 1996Q1 to 2014Q1. As the first macroeconomic study to explore how tourist spending behaviour potentially reacted to the 2008 financial crisis, this article uses the heterogeneous panel data technique of Pesaran et al. The results of this pilot study reveal interesting differences in the long-run relationships between the examined variables before and after 2008Q3. Since this study uses a rather simple expenditure model, future studies might extend their focus to other demand variables to obtain a better understanding of changed tourist spending behaviour induced by the crisis.
Patrones, competencias y desarrollo del pensamiento matemático
Authors: Umanzor Pastor
Published: December 2015

Este estudio supone que el desarrollo del pensamiento matemático es la condición de entrada y salida en el aprender matemáticas desde patrones matemáticos que derivan competencias matemáticas (comprensión, razonamiento, aprendizaje y cognición). Y es la oportunidad de aprender a enseñar para enseñar a aprender matemáticas. Estos conceptos le dan sentido a esta investigación, especialmente porque se desarrolla con la modalidad de la investigación cualitativa: la teoría fundamentada (Trinidad, Carrero y Soriano, 2006). Los resultados orientan a pensar que los estudiantes entrevistados – del curso de matemática general del primer período del 2014 del CURSPS-UPNFM- son respetuosos en el aprender matemáticas, independientemente del uso de los patrones matemáticos y de las competencias matemáticas pero que revelan una oportunidad de aprender matemáticas y enseñar matemáticas si se les conduce a ese propósito.Paradigma - Revista de Investigación Educativa. Año 21. No. 35: 11-32
Cost-benefit analysis of outsourcing cleaning services at Mahalapye hospital, Botswana
Authors: Cali Jonathan , Cogswell Heather , Buzwani Mompati , Ohadi Elizabeth , Avila Carlos
Published: December 2015

Objective: As part of its national privatization strategy to diversify the economy, Botswana has started outsourcing nonclinical services at seven public hospitals. Hospital managers are signing contracts without knowing whether outsourcing offers better value for money than “insourcing”. The objective of this study is to assist hospital administrators in making evidence-based outsourcing decisions.Methods: We conducted a cost-benefit analysis of cleaning services at Mahalapye Hospital. We take the hospital manager’s perspective when considering two alternatives: outsourcing, and “insourcing”. We used an activity-based costing approach and monetised benefits by weighting costs of the alternatives based on a service quality survey of hospital managers.Results: After adjusting per quality of the service, outsourcing provides greater value for money in terms of “cleanliness per pula spent” than insourcing. Incremental costs of outsourcing are Botswana Pula (BWP) 5 million (US $524,135) over five years but outsourcing is cost-beneficial after considering quality. The benefit-cost ratio of 1.06 means that outsourcing would return six cents in value for every dollar invested, resulting in net gains for Mahalapye Hospital of BWP 1.7 million (US $182,365) over five years.Discussion: Important lessons for hospital managers include: 1) Assessing the value of outsourcing requires information on the unit price of the outsourced services; 2) Outsourcing can be more costly than insourcing; 3) Outsourcing may be justified if it increases the quality of the service; 4) Collaboration between hospitals and vendors could reduce costs and increase benefits for both vendor and purchaser; and 5) Outsourcing should get more cost-beneficial as vendors and hospitals gain experience working together.Conclusions: The lessons from this study are relevant to other hospitals considering outsourcing agreements. Outsourcing requires managerial skills, supported by sound benchmark data and proper quality monitoring to streamline operations, achieve value for money and improve service delivery so hospitals can focus on core clinical services.
The Differential Effect of Attentional Condition on Subsequent Vocabulary Development
Authors: Mohammed Halah Abdulelah , Majid Norazman Abdul , Abdullah Tina
Published: December 2015

This study addressed the potential methodological issues effect of attentional condition on subsequent vocabulary development from a different perspective, which addressed several potential methodological issues of previous research that have been based on psycholinguistic notion of second language learner as a limited capacity processor. The issue of whether learners paying attention to the processing of input for meaning can simultaneously pay attention to process form remains methodologically unclear issue in the area of reactivity. A qualitative study was conducted on six intermediate English as a foreign language learners. Participants were assigned to one of the three types of reading comprehension tasks. Concurrent data of think aloud was employed to establish learners’ attention. Results showed that attending learners’ attention to processing of lexical forms while reading for meaning has an effect to induce the issue of reactivity effect on subsequent vocabulary development.
Reciprocal Potential Oscillations across the Electrolytic Cells Connected in Series
Authors: Rajput Chetansing K.
Published: December 2015

The series arrangement of identical electrolytic cells having copper anodes and chloride electrolyte is found to demonstrate an extremely asymmetric and reciprocally oscillating voltage drop across the series of these coupled cells. The origin of this phenomenon is attributed to the presence of different extents of cuprous oxide phase on surfaces of the anodes of different cells, in the series. Such series arrangement of multiple electrolytic cells introduces a novel phenomenon of the non-linear temporal behaviour of coupled cells. Most importantly, such configuration proves the very existence of adsorbed Cu2O on surface of copper anode, in acidic chloride media. And hence, it signifies the important role of Cu2O in the electro-dissolution mechanism of copper anode, even at lower pH values.
TCTP Silencing in Ovarian Cancer Cells Results in Actin Cytoskeleton Remodeling and Motility Increase
Authors: Yianzhu Liu  , Li Zhang  , Neelam Tejpal  , Jacek Z. Kubiak  , Rafik M. Ghobrial  , Xian C. Li  , Malgorzata Kloc
Published: December 2015

Translationally Controlled Tumor-associated Protein (TCTP) plays a role in a plethora of normal and cancer cell functions including cell cycle progression, cell growth and metastasis. Our previous studies showed that TCTP interacts with cellular cytoskeleton and is localized, in cell-type specific manner, on actin filaments in various types of ovarian cancer cells. Here we used small interfering RNA (siRNA) for silencing TCTP expression in human ovarian surface epithelial noncancerous cell line HIO180, ovarian carcinoma cell lines SKOV3 and OVCAR3 and analyzed effect of TCTP silencing on actin cytoskeleton and cell motility. We show that a down regulation of TCTP caused dramatic restructuring and redistribution of actin filaments in HIO180, SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells and resulted in cell motility increase. This previously unidentified dependence of actin cytoskeleton remodeling and cell motility on TCTP level might be responsible for high metastatic potential and aggressiveness of ovarian cancer cells and will help to pinpoint novel targets for anticancer therapies..
Extracellular HSP90 in Cancer Invasion and Metastasis: From Translational Research to Clinical Prospects
Authors: Dimitra Thomaidou  , Evangelia Patsavoudi
Published: December 2015

During the last decade, the extracellular molecular chaperone HSP90 (eHSP90) has been identified as a critical effector in cancer cell invasion and metastasis by virtue of its interaction with a diverse cohort of molecules that serve as key nodal points in oncogenic pathways. Thus eHSP90 has most recently emerged as a novel target in cancer therapeutics, subsequently becoming the focus of several drug development efforts. This review highlights recent studies on the mechanisms through which eHSP90 exhibits its tumor cell invasion action. It also presents latest efforts to translate this cumulative knowledge into clinical practice to disable eHSP90-driven metastasis.
Changing Parental Style for the Management of Childhood Obesity: A Multi-Component Group Experience
Authors: Idelson Paola Iaccarino , Zito Eugenio , Mozzillo Enza , Lista Mary , Mobilia Sara , Valerio Giuliana , Franzese Adriana
Published: December 2015

Obesity is a complex public health issue with increasing prevalence in childhood and with a large burden on physical and mental health. Recent data suggest the effectiveness of multi-component approach, of interventions aimed at changing parenting style, and of group educational sessions. In particular, interventions containing a family-behavioral component produce larger effect sizes than alternative treatment groups. Many models have been developed for the multi-component and multi-stakeholder treatment of childhood obesity, with a frequent discrepancy in the intensity of the treatment programme and in the resources available within clinics. Looking for effective strategies for the treatment of childhood obesity we built a Multi-component Obesity Group Experience (MOGE) model, analysing BMI and fat mass reduction as primary outcomes and qualitative improvements in the behavior towards nutrition and lifestyle as secondary one. Thirty-five consecutive obese children (20 girls, BMI z-score 2.1+0.2), were treated by MOGE model and the results were compared with 35 matched obese subjects of the same age (control group followed with a traditional treatment). After 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment it has been observed a significant reduction of BMI z-score and body fat mass. Moreover, a clinically significant psychological wellness was observed in children of MOGE group.
HIV Prevalence in Vulnerable Children Living in Jos, Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Abok I. , Banwat M. , Oguche S. , Okolo S.N. , Zoakah Ayuba
Published: December 2015

Background: The lack of Parental supervision, including psycho social problems and decrease access to basic needs  such as food, shelter, clothing, education and health care are examples of the enormous challenges faced by Vulnerable children (VC). These challenges pushes VC to adopt survival and coping strategies, of which some are exposure variables of sexually transmitted infection including HIV infection. In addition, some of these children were orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV. As such, VC should benefit from a health provider initiated counseling and testing for HIV as recommended by the Nigerian HIV policy. However, focus on screening VC for HIV infection has been abysmal; it is on this premise that this study set out to determine the HIV prevalence of vulnerable children in Jos, Nigeria.
Methods: Vulnerable children were sampled from 3 different institutions and from households in 3 different communities in Jos, Plateau State with the assistance of Non-Governmental organizations involved in the care of VC. All VC enrolled were interviewed, clinically examined and screened for HIV based on national protocol and standard. Data generated were analyzed using CDC epi info version 7. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Out of the 237 children enrolled 145 (61.2%) were male VC while 92(38.8%) were female vulnerable children, giving a male female ratio of 1.0: 0.6. HIV sero - positivity was identified in 9 of the 237 VC giving a prevalence of 3.8%, amongst the study subjects. Out of the 9 HIV positive VC, 7 VC (77.8%) were resident in institutions; only two household VC were HIV positive. There was no statistically significant association between place of residence, age of VC, gender and type of vulnerability and HIV status among the studied population.
Conclusion: The HIV prevalence of 3.8% in vulnerable children is enormous and appears to be higher amongst children resident in orphanages than those in household
Análisis estructural de la convivencia escolar desde el modelo de la European Foundation Quality Management (EFQM)
Authors: Tirado Morueta Ramón , Conde Vélez Sara
Published: December 2015

Ante la ausencia de estudios que aborden de forma estructural el fenómeno de la convivencia escolar, este artículo presenta un análisis complejo de la gestión de la convivencia en centros de educación secundaria. Para ello, sin ánimo de excluir otras alternativas, se toma como marco de referencia el modelo de la European Foundation Quality Management (EFQM). La muestra la componen un total de 46 centros educativos de Andalucía que pertenecen a la red “Escuela: Espacio de Paz”. Como instrumento se utiliza el cuestionario,
aplicado a 46 coordinadores y 46 familiares, integrantes de las comisiones de convivencia escolar. Para el análisis se recurre al uso de ecuaciones  estructurales que permite observar las relaciones de influencia entre factores. Los resultados confirman la validez del modelo EFQM para el análisis de la convivencia escolar, si bien, se insiste en la necesidad de replicar el estudio y de fortalecer la validez teórica del modelo.
La diversidad cultural desde la perspectiva de los/as educadores/ as sociales: un estudio en los centros educativos de Andalucía
Authors: Terrón-Caro Teresa , Rebolledo Gámez Teresa , Rodríguez Casado M.ª del Rocío , Esteban Ibáñez Macarena
Published: December 2015

En España, la atención a la diversidad cultural constituye uno de los retos socioeducativos al que la escuela se enfrenta. La presencia del alumnado de origen extranjero, entre otras causas, ha evidenciado que se hacen necesarias medidas de actuación renovadas que atiendan esta realidad. Tomando como referencia a la Comunidad Autónoma Andaluza, en las siguientes líneas se plantea un estudio cuyo objetivo es analizar las actuaciones de los centros educativos para gestionar la diversidad cultural, desde el punto de vista de los/as educadores/as sociales u otros agentes educativos que son responsables de su desarrollo. Para ello, se ha utilizado
una metodología de carácter cuantitativo, implementando un cuestionario diseñado para la presente investigación, el cuál se hizo llegar a todos los centros educativos de Andalucía en los que se había incorporado la figura del/a Educador/a Social en el curso 2009-10 y la información recogida ha sido tratada estadísticamente. Los resultados obtenidos apuntan una gran
complejidad en el análisis de la gestión de la diversidad en las escuelas andaluzas, donde no se muestran referentes claros en los modelos de actuación. Se defiende que las prácticas con perspectivas interculturales pueden favorecer la lucha contra las desigualdades, la participación de la comunidad educativa y la inclusión del alumnado diverso, avanzando a una mejora
de la calidad educativa para todos los miembros implicados.
La educación de los jóvenes de origen senegalés en España
Authors: González Jiménez Antonio José , Soriano Ayala Encarna
Published: December 2015

Esta investigación surge ante la inquietud de las asociaciones de inmigrantes senegaleses
al observar valores, hábitos y actitudes que están adquiriendo los jóvenes senegaleses de segunda generación que distan de la cultura de sus progenitores. Para abordar este problema, se planteó los siguientes objetivos: Qué les exigen las familias senegalesas a los centros educativos españoles, qué valores, hábitos y actitudes deben conservar los jóvenes senegaleses
de segunda generación, cuáles se pueden elaborar entre la escuela y el colectivo senegalés y por último, identificar estrategias entre escuela/familia que favorezcan la integración de estos jóvenes. La naturaleza de estos objetivos, nos conducen al diseño de una investigación
etnográfica que se realiza en las asociaciones de inmigrantes senegaleses y en los comercios étnicos ubicados en Andalucía. Hemos realizado sesenta y una entrevistas semiestructuradas, dos grupos de discusión y también observación participante. Las conclusiones nos indican la necesidad de crear en las escuelas, entre las familias y la comunidad educativa, espacios positivos de socialización donde se fomenten valores, hábitos y actitudes adecuados,
se prepare a los alumnos a convertirse en buenos ciudadanos en la comunidad senegalesa y en la sociedad de acogida y favorecer la adquisición positiva de procesos de aculturación.
Análisis del componente cultural en libros de texto de francés destinados al tercer ciclo de Educación Primaria
Authors: Gil Ruiz Elisa , Soto Pallarés Carmen
Published: December 2015

En la didáctica de lenguas extranjeras, el componente cultural se establece como un elemento de suma importancia para el desarrollo de la competencia comunicativa del alumnado. Por este motivo, la adquisición de la lengua francesa debe desarrollarse en un marco ecléctico que
favorezca la integración de contenidos tanto lingüísticos como culturales, siendo necesaria la inclusión del componente cultural en los materiales curriculares. Desde niveles iniciales, la dimensión cultural, que subyace a todo acto comunicativo, debe estar presente en la enseñanza
de lenguas, razón por la que hemos emprendido el análisis de los contenidos culturales presentes en los libros de lengua francesa empleados en el tercer ciclo de la Educación Primaria, para determinar si su tratamiento didáctico es óptimo y si se ajusta a las orientaciones de los enfoques metodológicos predominantes en la didáctica de las lenguas extranjeras.
Programa para la mejora de la sensibilidad (PMS) y habilidades de interacción del profesorado de Educación Infantil
Authors: Barandiaran Arteaga Alexander , Muela Aparicio Alexander , López de Arana Prado Elena , Larrea Hermida Iñaki , Martínez Gorrotxategi Agurtzane
Published: December 2015

La importancia del desarrollo profesional del profesorado de Educación Infantil, para satisfacer las necesidades evolutivas infantiles y garantizar una educación de calidad, ha obtenido una gran fundamentación teórica y empírica. Investigaciones recientes han puesto de manifiesto que, entre las variables que afectan al desarrollo temprano, las habilidades de interacción del docente son especialmente relevantes. Además, diversos meta-análisis recomiendan un
tipo de formación centrada en el análisis de la práctica docente a través del video feedback. Sin embargo, son escasos los programas de desarrollo profesional que hayan aplicado esta metodología en España. Por ello, el objetivo del presente trabajo consistió en examinar la influencia del programa para la mejora de la sensibilidad (PMS) sobre las habilidades de interacción del profesorado de Educación Infantil. En el estudio participaron 14 educadoras divididas en dos grupos. El grupo de intervención (n =7), que recibió la formación, y el grupo de control (n =7). Los resultados indican que, tras someterse al PMS, las educadoras muestran una mayor sensibilidad y conductas de estimulación verbal. Además, en comparación con las profesoras que no habían recibido la intervención, obtuvieron una mayor puntuación en sensibilidad y estimulación del lenguaje. Aunque en el futuro ha de replicarse el estudio con un
mayor número de sujetos, los resultados obtenidos permiten afirmar que el PMS es un tipo de formación que puede resultar muy efectiva para la práctica educativa del profesorado de Educación Infantil.
¿Pueden las TIC mejorar los resultados académicos? Diseños formativos y didácticos con soporte TIC que mejoran los aprendizajes: el caso de los contenidos digitales de ortografía de Digital-Text
Authors: Prats I Fernández Miquel Àngel , Ojando Pons Elena Sofía
Published: December 2015

El presente trabajo pretende verificar si la aplicación sistemática de determinadas metodologías didácticas con el apoyo de los libros de texto digitales y una formación adecuada al profesorado puede comportar mejoras significativas en los aprendizajes de los estudiantes y en su rendimiento académico. Concretamente se ha elaborado una propuesta de trabajo entorno a la ortografía catalana con materiales didácticos de libros digitales, dirigida a alumnos de primero de ESO, etapa educativa donde se ha hecho una inversión importante en dotación tecnológica
(aulas del proyecto eduCAT 1x1) y por lo tanto, se utilizan libros y material educativo digital.
En el estudio han participado 27 centros educativos de Cataluña. Concretamente, en 18 de estos centros -centros experimentales- se ha aplicado esta metodología y los otros 9 centros restantes -centros control - han trabajado los mismos contenidos sin utilizar recursos TIC. Los resultados de la experimentación confirman que los alumnos del grupo experimental obtienen resultados significativamente mejores en los exámenes. Por lo tanto, en este estudio se pone de  manifiesto que la debida formación al profesorado en medios digitales; la realización sistemática de determinadas actividades de aprendizaje con soporte TIC previamente
planificadas y con un elevado grado de intencionalidad de refuerzo y repaso permite mejorar los aprendizajes y los resultados académicos de los estudiantes.
Creando contenidos curriculares digitales de Ciencias Sociales para Educación Primaria. Una experiencia TPACK para futuros docentes
Authors: Cózar Gutiérrez Ramón , Zagalaz Juan , Sáez López José Manuel
Published: December 2015

La introducción de las Tecnologías de la Información y de la comunicación (TIC) en las aulas ha generado una serie de cambios en los planteamientos del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Esto ha derivado en la aparición y desarrollo de numerosas tecnologías y pedagogías emergentes al servicio del docente en el aula. Se establece, por tanto, la necesidad de fomentar
la capacitación de los docentes en TIC a través de la interacción de tres grandes dimensiones:
disciplinar, pedagógica y tecnológica. El objetivo principal de este trabajo ha sido valorar las percepciones de un grupo de 82 alumnos de la asignatura “Nuevas metodologías para la enseñanza de la Historia” del Grado de Maestro en Educación Primaria de la Facultad de Educación de Albacete, en la que, partiendo del modelo TPACK como planteamiento
en la intervención, han tenido que crear sus propios materiales y contenidos digitales. La investigación desarrollada es descriptiva y ha seguido un modelo mixto, integrando características de los enfoques cuantitativo y cualitativo. La metodología de intervención se realizó desde un enfoque activo y dinámico, basada en el Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas y el
modelo TPACK. Los resultados han mostrado valores altos sobre la organización de la asignatura, la metodología empleada, la calidad y la utilidad de las herramientas tecnológicas utilizadas, así como la conveniencia de potenciar la capacitación y perfeccionamiento en TIC para la creación y autoproducción de contenidos digitales en la formación inicial de maestros.
Lung Cancer Screening
Authors: Schar Bronwyn
Published: December 2015

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Its overall poor prognosis is attributable to the fact that most patients
remain asymptomatic until the disease is advanced and, therefore, present with late-stage incurable disease. e rationale for LC screening
is that early detection of asymptomatic disease oers the opportunity for earlier intervention, at a stage when denitive cure is still feasible,
which has the potential to reduce LC-related mortality and morbidity. e ndings of the National Lung Screening Trial provided the rst
strong evidence in support of this rationale. Since its publication, several professional organisations and societies have developed guidelines
recommending the implementation of LC screening with low-dose computed tomography in asymptomatic, high-risk individuals. Although
the benets of such screening programmes may be signicant, they must be carefully weighed against the potential harms to the relatively large
number of healthy individuals who would undergo screening. is review examines the available evidence and current recommendations for
LC screening, including benets, potentials harms and requirements for implementation of a high-quality, safe and eective programme. In
addition, the costs and availability of LC screening programmes in both the global and local settings are considered.
Factors affecting compliance and control of asthma in patients attending the Respiratory Outpatient Department, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
Authors: Van Blydenstein Alex , Nqwata L , Banda N P K , Ashmore P , Wong M L
Published: December 2015

Background. ere is a sense among respiratory physicians that asthma is poorly controlled in public sector hospitals, possibly due to poor
adherence and lack of knowledge regarding inhaler technique.
Objective. To describe the status of asthma control in patients attending the Respiratory Outpatient Department at Chris Hani Baragwanath
Academic Hospital.
Methods. A retrospective record review was conducted on outpatient les of asthmatics known to the Respiratory Department. Data
obtained included demographics, level of control and number of admissions and exacerbations.
Results. A total of 519 patient les were reviewed, 74.2% of whom were female. e mean (standard deviation) age was 47 (16.5) years.
We found 47.2% of patients were controlled, 30.4% partially controlled and 22.4% uncontrolled. Most patients (88%) had no admissions in
the previous year. About 60% had not experienced exacerbations in the previous year. ere were signicant dierences between the three
groups for number of exacerbations, both per year and per lifetime, and type of steroid prescribed. For a number of signicant areas, such
as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) predicted and competency of inhaler technique, a large proportion of the data (>30%)
had not been documented by the attending doctor in the patient les.
Conclusion. In this population of mostly middle-aged female asthmatics, less than half the patients were well-controlled despite very few
admissions or exacerbations in the previous year. Documentation by clinicians of aspects indicative of asthma control was generally poor, and
better documentation should be encouraged in order to improve knowledge and highlight awareness of best practice in the management of asthma.
Prediction values for peak expiratory flow rates - much ado about something!
Authors: Lalloo Umesh G
Published: December 2015

Prediction values for spirometric indices utilize values derived from Caucasian populations in resource rich settings. Traditionally these are discounted when applied to non-Caucasian populations. It is encouraging to acknowledge the paper by Nokubulwa et al on prediction values for peak expiratory flow rates (PEF) in a Ugandan population (1).
Setting the Port Planning Parameters In Container Terminals through Bayesian Networks
Authors: Rodríguez García Tomás , González Cancelas Nicoletta , Soler-Flores Francisco
Published: December 2015

The correct prediction in the transport logistics has vital importance in the adequate means and resource planning and in their optimisation. Up to this date, port planning studies were based mainly on empirical, analytical or simulation models. This paper deals with the possible use of Bayesian networks in port planning. The methodology indicates the work scenario and how the network was built. The network was afterwards used in container terminals planning, with the support provided by the tools of the Elvira code. The main variables were defined and virtual scenarios inferences were realised in order to carry out the analysis of the container terminals scenarios through probabilistic graphical models. Having performed the data analysis on the different terminals and on the considered variables (berth, area, TEU, crane number), the results show the possible relationships between them. Finally, the conclusions show the obtained values on each considered scenario.
Mycolic acid-specific T cells protect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a humanized transgenic mouse model
Authors: Zhao Jie , Siddiqui Sarah , Shang Shaobin , Bian Yao , Bagchi Sreya , He Ying , Wang Chyung-Ru
Published: December 2015

Group 1 CD1 molecules, CD1a, CD1b and CD1c, present lipid antigens from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to T cells. Mtb lipid-specific group 1 CD1-restricted T cells have been detected in Mtb-infected individuals. However, their role in protective immunity against Mtb remains unclear due to the absence of group 1 CD1 expression in mice. To overcome the challenge, we generated mice that expressed human group 1 CD1 molecules (hCD1Tg) and a CD1b-restricted, mycolic-acid specific TCR (DN1Tg). Using DN1Tg/hCD1Tg mice, we found that activation of DN1 T cells was initiated in the mediastinal lymph nodes and showed faster kinetics compared to Mtb Ag85B-specific CD4+ T cells after aerosol infection with Mtb. Additionally, activated DN1 T cells exhibited polyfunctional characteristics, accumulated in lung granulomas, and protected against Mtb infection. Therefore, our findings highlight the vaccination potential of targeting group 1 CD1-restricted lipid-specific T cells against Mtb infection.
Discrete spatial organization of TGFβ receptors couples receptor multimerization and signaling to cellular tension
Authors: Rys Joanna P , DuFort Christopher C , Monteiro David A , Baird Michelle A , Oses-Prieto Juan A , Chand Shreya , Burlingame Alma L , Davidson Michael W , Alliston Tamara N
Published: December 2015

Cell surface receptors are central to the cell's ability to generate coordinated responses to the multitude of biochemical and physical cues in the microenvironment. However, the mechanisms by which receptors enable this concerted cellular response remain unclear. To investigate the effect of cellular tension on cell surface receptors, we combined novel high-resolution imaging and single particle tracking with established biochemical assays to examine TGFβ signaling. We find that TGFβ receptors are discretely organized to segregated spatial domains at the cell surface. Integrin-rich focal adhesions organize TβRII around TβRI, limiting the integration of TβRII while sequestering TβRI at these sites. Disruption of cellular tension leads to a collapse of this spatial organization and drives formation of heteromeric TβRI/TβRII complexes and Smad activation. This work details a novel mechanism by which cellular tension regulates TGFβ receptor organization, multimerization, and function, providing new insight into the mechanisms that integrate biochemical and physical cues.
Population genomics of intrapatient HIV-1 evolution
Authors: Zanini Fabio , Brodin Johanna , Thebo Lina , Lanz Christa , Bratt Göran , Albert Jan , Neher Richard A
Published: December 2015

Many microbial populations rapidly adapt to changing environments with multiple variants competing for survival. To quantify such complex evolutionary dynamics in vivo, time resolved and genome wide data including rare variants are essential. We performed whole-genome deep sequencing of HIV-1 populations in 9 untreated patients, with 6-12 longitudinal samples per patient spanning 5-8 years of infection. The data can be accessed and explored via an interactive web application. We show that patterns of minor diversity are reproducible between patients and mirror global HIV-1 diversity, suggesting a universal landscape of fitness costs that control diversity. Reversions towards the ancestral HIV-1 sequence are observed throughout infection and account for almost one third of all sequence changes. Reversion rates depend strongly on conservation. Frequent recombination limits linkage disequilibrium to about 100bp in most of the genome, but strong hitch-hiking due to short range linkage limits diversity.
Au-loaded TiO2 and Ag-loaded TiO2 synthesized by modified sol–gel/impregnation method as photocatalysts
Authors: Ninsonti Hathaithip , Sriwichai Saengrawee , Wetchakun Natda , Kangwansupamonkon Wiyong , Phanichphant Sukon
Published: December 2015

In this work, Au-loaded TiO2 and Ag-loaded TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by modified sol–gel method together with impregnation method. The samples were characterized by their physicochemical properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in order to obtain the correlation between structure and photocatalytic properties. XRD results indicated unloaded TiO2, Au-loaded TiO2 and Ag-loaded TiO2 nanoparticles were all in the anatase phase with average crystallite size in the range of 10–13 nm. In addition, XPS analysis confirmed the presence of Au and Ag elements in Au-loaded TiO2 and Ag-loaded TiO2 nanoparticles, respectively. The photocatalytic activities of TiO2, Au-loaded TiO2 and Ag-loaded TiO2 nanoparticles were evaluated through the mineralization of formic acid under UV-light illumination. The results showed that Au-loading and Ag-loading could effectively improve the photocatalytic activities of TiO2. Furthermore, Au-loaded TiO2 exhibited a higher photocatalytic activity than Ag-loaded TiO2.
The influence of curricular and extracurricular learning activities on students' choice of chiropractic technique
Authors: Sikorski David M. , KizhakkeVeettil Anupama , Tobias Gene S.
Published: December 2015

Objective: Surveys for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners indicate that diversified chiropractic technique is the most commonly used chiropractic manipulation method. The study objective was to investigate the influences of our diversified core technique curriculum, a technique survey course, and extracurricular technique activities on students' future practice technique preferences.

Methods: We conducted an anonymous, voluntary survey of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year chiropractic students at our institution. Surveys were pretested for face validity, and data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: We had 164 students (78% response rate) participate in the survey. Diversified was the most preferred technique for future practice by students, and more than half who completed the chiropractic technique survey course reported changing their future practice technique choice as a result. The students surveyed agreed that the chiropractic technique curriculum and their experiences with chiropractic practitioners were the two greatest bases for their current practice technique preference, and that their participation in extracurricular technique clubs and seminars was less influential.

Conclusions: Students appear to have the same practice technique preferences as practicing chiropractors. The chiropractic technique curriculum and the students' experience with chiropractic practitioners seem to have the greatest influence on their choice of chiropractic technique for future practice. Extracurricular activities, including technique clubs and seminars, although well attended, showed a lesser influence on students' practice technique preferences.
Unblocking temperatures of viscous remanent magnetism in displaced granitic boulders, Icicle Creek glacial moraines (Washington, USA)
Authors: Crider Juliet G. , Globokar Danika M. , Burmester Russell F. , Housen Bernard A.
Published: December 2015

Viscous remanent magnetization (VRM) may partially overprint original magnetization in rocks displaced by geomorphic events. An established theoretical relationship between the time and temperature of acquisition of VRM and the time and temperature of demagnetization suggests that laboratory demagnetization (unblocking) of VRM can be used to estimate the displacement age of rocks. We test this hypothesis at four nested glacial moraines in the Icicle Creek drainage of central Washington, the ages of which were previously determined by cosmogenic surface exposure dating. The moraines are composed primarily of granodiorite boulders, and magnetic remanence is carried dominantly by magnetite. Both the maximum and average pVRM demagnetization temperatures (TD) increase with relative age of the moraines. For the three younger moraines, the average TD yields an age comparable to the cosmogenic age, within uncertainty of pVRM acquisition temperature. Uncertainty in the acquisition and demagnetization temperatures can limit the utility of pVRM for absolute dating.
Seismic anisotropy in the Earth's innermost inner core: Testing structural models against mineral physics predictions
Authors: Romanowicz Barbara , Cao Aimin , Godwal Budhiram , Wenk Rudy , Ventosa Sergi , Jeanloz Raymond
Published: December 2015

Using an updated data set of ballistic PKIKP travel time data at antipodal distances, we test different models of anisotropy in the Earth's innermost inner core (IMIC) and obtain significantly better fits for a fast axis aligned with Earth's rotation axis, rather than a quasi‐equatorial direction, as proposed recently. Reviewing recent results on the single crystal structure and elasticity of iron at core conditions, we find that an hcp structure with the fast c axis parallel to Earth's rotation is more likely but a body‐centered cubic structure with the [111] axis aligned in that direction results in very similar predictions for seismic anisotropy. These models are therefore not distinguishable based on current seismological data. In addition, to match the seismological observations, the inferred strength of anisotropy in the IMIC (6–7%) implies almost perfect alignment of iron crystals, an intriguing, albeit unlikely situation, especially in the presence of heterogeneity, which calls for further studies.