bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Project Leadership in Oil and Gas Industry: An Empirical Investigation in Kuwait
Authors: Arami Mitra
Published: March 2016

Burnout is considered by the World Health Organization an extreme response to cumulative and prolonged occupational stress, with teachers being among the professionals most affected by it. This disease influences physical and psychological well-being, negatively affecting the relationship between teachers and students. It also compromises the quality of teaching, thus inducing absenteeism and increasing professional abandonment. Our study examines the degree of incidence of Burnout affecting Professors from the Portuguese Higher Education Institutions. The first study was carried out on a sample of 520 teachers. A proportion of 41 (7.9%) Higher Education Teachers scored high on Burnout. A second phase of the study was conducted to gather data on socio-demographic and socio-professional characteristics of teachers affected by Burnout. The MBI (Maslach Burnout Inventory) and another questionnaire was built for this purpose and were used to collect the study data. The results indicate the majority of teachers affected by Burnout were female (63.4%). Most of them are between 40 and 59 years old (75.6%) and married (68.3%). Overall, 41.5% had 10 to 19 years of service and 39.0% between 20 and 29 years of service. The teachers with an undetermined contract (48.8%) and temporary contract (36.6%) displayed higher levels of Burnout, but the self-employment worker (4.9%) appears in a residual amount. Teachers most affected by Burnout are from Public Polytechnic Institutes (48.8%), followed by Public University teachers (41.5%). Teacher's Burnout is a serious problem and should be considered by the Higher Education Institutions regarding the development of good teaching practice.
Big data - a review in health sciences
Authors: Türkben Ayça Kurnaz , Türkben Emre , Karahoca Dilek , Karahoca Adem
Published: March 2016

Technologies are changing very fast and data has an impact on the change of technology and development of world. Data are obtained by social media, the Internet and mobile technologies. For years, academics, researchers and companies utilize some sources and information to analyze them for their studies and jobs. Increasing usage of mobile devices, social networks, electronic records of customers in public and private sectors have led to increase in data. Obtained massive amount of data is called big data. There are a lot of description of big data in the literature, but simply it can be said that; big data is the data which have a massive size and can be obtained from every environment. One of these environment is health environment and it has grown fastly through that huge amount of data exist in this sector like patients’ electronic health record. Health sector has a high cost and decision will be taken as soon as possible and correctly in this sector in which timing is critically important. In this manner, the usage of big data in health is important to increase the quality of service, innovative health operations and decrease the cost. In this study, a brief review of literature has done for the use of big data in health sciences for last five years. Big data’s content, methods, advantages and difficulties are discussed in this review study. Keywords: Health science, Big data, Medicine, data mining
A Microsoft Excel Simulation Illustrating The Central Limit Theorems Appropriateness For Comparing The Difference Between The Means Of Any Two Populations
Authors: Moen David H. , Powell John E.
Published: March 2016

Using Microsoft Excel, several interactive, computerized learning modules are developed to illustrate the Central Limit Theorems appropriateness for comparing the difference between the means of any two populations. These modules are used in the classroom to enhance the comprehension of this theorem as well as the concepts that provide the foundation for inferences involving the comparison of two population means.
Using Rubrics To Assess Accounting Students Writing, Oral Presentations, And Ethics Skills
Authors: Anderson Joseph S. , Mohrweis Lawrence C.
Published: March 2016

This paper presents examples of rubrics that can be used in the assessment of the acquisition of generic skills in accounting education. A rubric is a matrix containing the various factors of an assignment along one dimension (rows) and descriptors of the qualitative levels of accomplishment along the other dimension (columns). A rubric can facilitate the grading of assignments and help students improve their generic skills. Examples of rubrics are presented that educators may find beneficial to enhance the generic skills of their students. This paper illustrates five different rubrics and provides an in-depth discussion on how the ethics rubric was used to assess students learning.
Teaching Economics To The Best Undergraduates: What Are The Problems?
Authors: Andreopoulos Giuliana Campanelli , Panayides Alexandros
Published: March 2016

Economics is usually perceived as a difficult subject among undergraduate students with negative repercussions on their performance. The literature suggests that the students problems with principles of economics are mainly related to the style and method of teaching together with the course content. Particularly attacked are the chalk and talk type of teaching, the simplicity of economic models, the lack of discussion on current issues, and diversity. In a previous investigation we tried to shed some light on this debate by directly asking students for their opinions on the way introductory economics is taught and we arrived at some unexpected results. The present paper is an extension of our previous study by looking at a further dimension which can be crucial for the explanation of the results: students GPA and we selected the best students.
Whose Standards? (B) Reaching The Assessment Puzzle
Authors: Polimeni John M. , Iorgulescu Raluca I.
Published: March 2016

Love it or hate it, assessment has become the new reality on college and university campuses. Although measuring student achievement of course outcomes is not an easy task, assessment does not need to be a complex or painful experience. This paper describes the methods used to assess student achievement of the stated course outcomes in introductory level economics courses at two different colleges, the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) and Siena College, during the 2007 academic year. Specifically, we outline the course assessment activities that are used. We examine whether there are differences in the attainment of the course objectives of the students at the two very different institutions. Finally, we argue that an assessment exam designed using the course objectives is a better assessment tool than a standardized test.
Using Online Games To Teach Personal Finance Concepts
Authors: Huang Chin-Wen , Hsu Chun-Pin
Published: March 2016

This case study explores the use of online games to teach personal finance concepts at the college level. A number of free online games targeting such topics as budgeting and saving, risk and return, consumer credit, financial services, and investments were introduced to the experimental group as homework assignments. Statistical results indicate that integrating online games into coursework significantly enhanced student learning outcomes. We suggest extending our successful experience to groups of people who need financial knowledge the most.
Systems Thinking Evidence From Colleges Of Business And Their Universities
Authors: Seiler John H. , Kowalsky Michelle
Published: March 2016

This study investigated instances of the term systems thinking among the websites of the Top 25 business schools as ranked by U. S. News and World Report in 2010. Since a greater number of instances of the term and its variants in a universitys web documents may indicate an increased interest of the institution in the concept of systems thinking, the universities in this study were rated according to their decreasing instances, counts, or website hits. Results indicated that while many schools had little to no mention of the term in any form, some schools used it prolifically on their websites, even when searching and hit counting was adjusted to remove duplicates and isolate inaccurate results. Nevertheless, appearance and discussion of the term was limited in official university information displayed by most schools. The authors assert that an increasing importance should be placed on teaching systems thinking at the graduate level and on providing evidence of this work to prospective business students and their prospective employers through university and business school websites.
A Learning Game For Youth Financial Literacy Education In The Teen Grid Of Second Life Three-Dimensional Virtual Environment
Authors: Liu Chang , Franklin Teresa , Shelor Roger , Ozercan Sertac , Reuter Jarrod , Ye En , Moriarty Scott
Published: March 2016

Game-like three-dimensional (3D) virtual worlds have become popular venues for youth to explore and interact with friends. To bring vital financial literacy education to them in places they frequent, a multi-disciplinary team of computer scientists, educators, and financial experts developed a youth-oriented financial literacy education game in the Teen Grid of Second Life 3D online virtual world. This paper presents the design and development process of this financial literacy education game, its learning effectiveness in classrooms, and lessons learned from the process.
How To Get In The First Pile
Authors: Vanevenhoven Jeff , Delaney-Klinger Kelly , Winkel Doan , Wagner Richard
Published: March 2016

Pressures facing junior faculty during a tenure track job search are high and can come from a multitude of areas. It follows that professionals in this position would try to reduce uncertainty associated with securing a new employment contract. The authors offer their observations below on how to increase an applicants chance to succeed in an initial screening processwhat is we refer to as making the first pileand the interviews that follow.
The Assurance Of Learning Process Components And The Effects Of Engaging Students In The Learning
Authors: Mosca Joseph B. , Agacer Gilder , Flaming Linda , Buzza John
Published: March 2016

Assurance of learning process plays a major role in higher education and has increased the accountability on the part of instructors at all levels. This paper will discuss the role of assurance processes in teaching and the ways to measure these processes of student learning. The research focus will be to determine if student engagement in problem solving and hands on experiences during the learning assist the learning process?
First Year Experience Course: Insights From The First Two Years
Authors: Erickson Sheri L. , Stone Mary F.
Published: March 2016

Retention rates of students in a business school Freshman Year Experience (FYE) course were compared to overall University retention rates for two successive years. Slightly higher retention was experienced by the business FYE students than for the University overall. Student responses to exit survey questions were compared to retention activity to assess any potential relationships. Contrary to existing theoretical models, no significant correlations existed between measures of academic skill building and retention, and between student connectedness and retention. Significant correlation did exist between student academic expectations and intention to return.
Using Business Simulations As Authentic Assessment Tools
Authors: Neely Pat , Tucker Jan
Published: March 2016

New modalities for assessing student learning exist as a result of advances in computer technology. Conventional measurement practices have been transformed into computer based testing. Although current testing replicates assessment processes used in college classrooms, a greater opportunity exists to use computer technology to create authentic assessments. Assessments that mirror real world scenarios and often teach and enhance skill building while measuring student achievement. This case study examines the evaluation of business simulations as authentic assessment instruments using the five dimensions of authenticity developed by Gulikers, Bastiaens and Kirschner (2004). The paper will conclude with a review of business simulations available in the marketplace.
Synchronous Distance Education: Using Web-Conferencing In An MBA Accounting Course
Authors: Ellingson Dee Ann , Notbohm Matthew
Published: March 2016

Online distance education can take many forms, from a correspondence course with materials online to fully synchronous, live instruction. This paper describes a fully synchronous, live format using web-conferencing. Some useful features of web-conferencing and the way they are employed in this course are described. Instructor observations and perceived benefits are presented, along with some challenges.
Critical Learning Skills For Business Students
Authors: Jance Marsha , Morgan Anita
Published: March 2016

A survey addressing critical skills for business students was developed and disseminated. Sixteen critical skills (such as critical thinking and time management) were identified as skills that need to be acquired in order for business students to be successful in their advanced courses and careers. The survey was disseminated and taken by several business faculty at various institutions. The survey participants were asked to rank both the importance of a particular skill and where their students currently rank in possessing this skill. This paper discusses the format of the survey, presents the survey results, analyzes the top three critical skills, and mentions future research opportunities.
INNOVACIÓN DOCENTE EN INGENIERÍA: UN PROYECTO INTEGRADOR DE APRENDIZAJES DE ESTUDIANTES Y PROFESORES
Authors: Justo Estebaranz Jesús , Távara Mendoza Luis Arístides
Published: March 2016

Este trabajo presenta una experiencia de innovación docente cuyo objetivo es mejorar el aprendizaje de alumnos y profesores de ingeniería (Universidad de Sevilla, España). La innovación ofrece a los alumnos una visión realista, profesional y actualizada de los contenidos, permitiéndoles el contacto directo con la problemática del conocimiento y la competencia propios de una materia, usando instalaciones y recursos de un laboratorio de investigación de alto nivel tecnológico. Es un estudio de caso de investigación evaluativa, utilizando metodología cuantitativa y cualitativa. Los resultados indican mejora en los procesos de aprendizaje de los alumnos y su alta satisfacción,señalando también las dificultades encontradas; los profesores, reconocen el proceso de innovación como estrategia para aprender a enseñar y generar mejoras del programa.
UNA APROXIMACIÓN TEÓRICA A LA DESERCIÓN ESTUDIANTIL UNIVERSITARIA
Authors: Viale Tudela Héctor Ernesto
Published: March 2016

La deserción estudiantil universitaria es uno de los mayores problemas con el que se enfrenta el sistema de educación superior. Las autoridades de las universidades han venido presentando gran preocupación debido a que ante el aumento  en la demanda de la educación superior, el número de alumnos que logra culminar sus estudios superiores no es el esperado, evidenciándose el abandono de un gran número de estudiantes en los primeros semestres. Esto genera problemas financieros en las universidades. La finalidad de este artículo es mostrar, luego de una exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica, los modelos existentes en relación con la deserción estudiantil en la universidad y responder las cuestiones que giran en torno a este tema.
¿CÓMO RELACIONARNOS EN LA UNIVERSIDAD DEL SIGLO XXI?
Authors: Rodríguez Wong María Teresa , Roque Doval Yamila , Rodríguez Wong Maitie
Published: March 2016

En el artículo se fundamentan propuestas, provenientes de la experiencia docente y la investigación, sobre modos de relación de naturaleza emancipatoria entre profesores y estudiantes sustentados en el uso de prácticas relacionales y comunicativas grupales y colaborativas. Desde referentes histórico-culturales, se argumenta la necesidad de quebrar la cultura tradicional de las universidades; y desarrollar prácticas intersubjetivas con base en el respeto, la simetría en las relaciones, la afectividad y la colaboración. Se argumenta la factibilidad de los grupos como base para este cambio en las instituciones educativas. Por último, se vinculan estas propuestas, desarrolladas desde la psicología social, con el modelo de aprendizaje colaborativo.
RELACIÓN ENTRE ESTILO DE APRENDIZAJE Y RENDIMIENTO ACADÉMICO EN ESTUDIANTES DE FARMACIA DE LA UNIVERSIDAD DE COSTA RICA
Authors: Cordero Garcia Eugenia , Lizano Barrantes Catalina , Ortiz Ureña Angie , Arias Mora Freddy
Published: March 2016

Los estilos de aprendizaje se pueden definir como el conjunto de rasgos que caracterizan la forma en que aprenden y procesan información las personas. El objetivo del presente estudio es establecer la relación entre los estilos de aprendizaje y el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes que cursaron el V año de la carrera de licenciatura en Farmacia de la Universidad de Costa Rica, durante los años 2011 a 2013. Se aplicó el Cuestionario de Honey-Alonso de Estilos de Aprendizaje. Se obtuvo que en relación con el promedio global, no existen diferencias entre preferencias para los estilos activo, reflexivo, teórico o pragmático. Los estudiantes no presentan un estilo de aprendizaje puro, sino una combinación de dos o más de estos, lo cual favorece el proceso de aprendizaje al tener más herramientas de adaptación a los requerimientos de los profesores, los cursos y la carrera.
ANÁLISIS NO PARAMÉTRICO DE RANKINGS DE TOLERANCIA EN COMPORTAMIENTOS MORALMENTE CUESTIONABLES
Authors: Grimaldo Muchotrigo Mirian , Merino Soto César Ayax
Published: March 2016

El objetivo del presente estudio es explorar la tolerancia ante situaciones moralmente controversiales mediante rankings. La muestra estuvo conformada por 254 estudiantes universitarios de la carrera de psicología, entre varones y mujeres, con una edad promedio de 21 años, de la ciudad de Lima. El instrumento utilizado fue la Escala de Comportamientos Morales Controvertidos. Se concluye que existe similitud, según género y edad, en relación a los rankings de los comportamientos morales controvertidos. En cuanto a la religión, se encontraron diferencias con el grupo evangélico, quienes resultan ser menos tolerantes en cuanto a las relaciones prematrimoniales; en comparación a los católicos. Discutimos el impacto de estos resultados en la comprensión de la tendencia a la acción en el plano de la moralidad.
Advenimiento del Comunismo en América Latina. Los casos de México, Brasil y Cuba
Authors: Massón Sena Caridad
Published: March 2016

Resumen.El advenimiento de Comunismo en América Latina ha sido un tema tratado por los historiadores, de modo generalizado, atendiendo a puntos de vista esencialmente políticos. Prejuicios y apologías han coexistido durante muchos años para explicar el fenómeno. El presente artículo trata de ubicarse en un punto intermedio y, al mismo tiempo, más objetivo. Partiendo de un estudio minucioso de la bibliografía existente y de los recientes hallazgo de conocimiento surgidos con la apertura de los archivos de la Comintern en Moscú, la autora pretende valorar tanto los factores internos como los internacionales que hicieron posible el nacimiento de los Partidos Comunistas en este continente y realizar estudio de los casos específicos de México, Brasil y Cuba en el período comprendido entre 1919 y 1925.Palabras ClavesComunismo, Anarco-sindicalismo, proletariado, revolución mundial.
Direitos Humanos e Homofobia: por um enfrentamento do medo e do ódio.
Authors: Dias Luciana De Oliveira , Amorim Mariana Da Costa
Published: March 2016

A palavra homofobia não expressa toda a carga de ódio e agressividade que pode ser direcionada a uma pessoa homossexual. Um pertinente questionamento é em que medida este tipo de comportamento pode ser classificado como uma fobia? Em que medida a redução do ódio e agressividade à noção de fobia colabora para patologizar uma ação que poderia ser tipificada como criminosa? Neste artigo problematizamos a limitação etimológica do termo e chamamos a atenção para a necessidade de uma ressignificação da percepção do sujeito intolerante-agressivo. Questões de direitos humanos são apontadas como caminho possível para a constituição de interações socioculturais menos naturalizadas e restituidoras da dignidade humana a sujeitos violentados.Palavras-chave: Homofobia; Patologia; Intolerância; Direitos Humanos.***AbstractIs the word homophobia able to mean the entire amount of hate and aggressiveness addressed to the individual who suffer this kind of aggression? Can this behavior be classified as a sort phobia? In this article we examine if the use of this term contributes to build a view of the intolerant-aggressive one as a pathological individual. The realization of human rights is the possible way to establish fair social interactions. In situations of justice are reduced the naturalization process and also the human dignity may be restored to the victims of violence.Keywords: Homophobia; Pathology; Intolerance; Human Rights.***ResumenLa palabra homofobia no expresa todo el potencial de odio y agresión que se dirige a una persona gay en determinadas situaciones. ¿Hasta qué punto este tipo de comportamiento puede ser clasificado como una fobia? ¿Hasta qué punto la idea asociada con fobia contribuye a convertir a patológica una acción que podría ser tipificada como un delito? En este artículo se cuestiona la limitación etimológica del término, y llamamos la atención sobre la necesidad de una redefinición de la percepción del sujeto agresivo intolerante. Los derechos humanos son citados como posible camino para la creación de nuevos significados a las interacciones socioculturales. Es decir, la realización de los derechos humanos presentase como restituidora de la dignidad humana de los sujetos abusados.Palabras clave: Homofobia; Patología; Intolerancia; Derechos Humanos.
Managing the Female Patient with Hereditary Angioedema
Authors: Banerji Aleena , Riedl Marc
Published: March 2016

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare disorder resulting from decreased functional levels of C1 -inhibitor (C1-INH), which manifests as periodic episodes of localized edema which can be extremely painful, debilitating and even fatal if the swelling affects the larynx. HAE can complicate many aspects of obstetric/gynecologic care, and an awareness of the disease is critical for clinicians involved in the care of women because of potential HAE-related complications pertaining to pregnancy, labor and delivery, and other women's health issues. This article provides a review of published literature specific to HAE and its management in female patients, including important concerns regarding obstetric/gynecologic care. A growing body of relevant experience is presented to help guide the care of women with HAE.
Financial Statement Comparability and Debt Contracting: Evidence from the Syndicated Loan Market
Authors: Fang Xiaohua , Li Yutao , Xin Baohua , Zhang Wenjun
Published: March 2016

SYNOPSIS

In this study, we examine whether and how borrowing firms' financial statement comparability affects the contracting features of syndicated loans. Using a sample of loans issued by U.S. public firms in the syndicated loan market over the period 1992–2008, we find strong and robust evidence that financial statement comparability is negatively associated with loan spread and the likelihood of pledging collateral, and positively associated with loan maturity and the likelihood of including performance pricing provisions in loan contracts. We also find that borrowing firms with greater financial statement comparability are able to complete the loan syndication process more swiftly, form loan syndicates enabling the lead lenders to retain smaller percentages of loan shares, and attract a greater number of lenders and, particularly, a greater number of uninformed participating lenders. Altogether, these findings are consistent with the view that financial statement comparability plays an important role in alleviating information asymmetry in the syndicated loan market.

JEL Classifications: G12; G14; M41
Microstructures and tensile properties of Inconel 718 formed by high deposition-rate laser metal deposition
Authors: Zhong Chongliang , Gasser Andres , Kittel Jochen , Fu Jinbao , Ding Yalin , Poprawe Reinhart
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study is to characterize microstructures and tensile properties of Inconel 718 (IN718) formed by high deposition-rate laser metal deposition (LMD), and furthermore to verify that the properties of the material are equivalent to those obtained by conventional manufacturing processes, such as casting and forging, and therefore satisfy the specifications for industrial applications. Initially, the powdery additive was characterized in terms of chemical composition, morphology, and porosity. Afterward, blocks for producing tensile specimens were deposited by applying the newly developed high deposition-rate LMD process that has a deposition rate of approximately 2 kg/h. Finally, microstructures and tensile properties of directly deposited and heat-treated material were analyzed, respectively. From the results, precipitation of an irregular shaped phase, which is believed to be Laves phase, and segregation of Nb and Mo were found at interdendritic regions of the directly deposited material. The directly deposited material exhibited relative low tensile strength and 0.2% yield strength but high elongation. Moreover, due to recrystallization that occurred in heat treatment, columnar grains in the directly deposited material transformed to equiaxed grains. By heat treatment, Laves phase was dissolved, and three extra phases, which are believed to be δ phase, strength phases γ′ and γ″, were precipitated. After heat treatment, tensile strength and 0.2% yield strength of the material were significantly enhanced, whereas the plastic elongation decreased by approximately 38%. In comparison to conventional manufacturing technology, the heat-treated IN718 presented superior tensile strength, 0.2% yield strength, and plastic elongation to aerospace material specifications for casted and wrought IN718.
Bleeding Risk Associated with Resection of the Middle Turbinate during Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Miller Anya J. , Bobian Michael , Peterson Ed , Deeb Robert
Published: March 2016

Background

The decision to resect the middle turbinate (MT) during functional endoscopic sinus surgery is controversial. Although there have been a variety of studies that examined the functional outcome related to this maneuver, very few studies evaluated the potential for complications, in particular, epistaxis.

Objective

We sought to determine ifresection of the MT during functional endoscopic sinus surgery leads to an increased risk for postoperative bleeding.

Methods

Patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis or nasal polyposis between 2004 and 2014 at a single institution were analyzed for bleeding and other complications after resection of the MT.

Results

Between 2004 and 2014,1185 sinus surgeries were performed by 18 surgeons. A propensity matched set of 228 patients who underwent turbinate resection, and 228 controls were selected based on predicted probabilities from a logistic regression that predicted turbinate resection and that was adjusted for age, sex, and procedure. There were 89 patients with bilateral turbinates removed and 139 with unilateral turbinates removed. There was no significant difference in major bleeding or other complication rates between the two groups. Patients who underwent resection of at least one MT were 3.95 times more likely to have minor bleeding compared with those who did not; this risk increased with the number of turbinates resected (trend p = 0.008). Patients on anticoagulation medications were at a significant risk of bleeding if their MT was removed (p = 0.007), whereas patients on aspirin or antiplatelet therapy were not at a significant risk.

Conclusion

There was no increased risk of major bleeding or other complication associated with resection of the MT. However, there was a significantly increased minor bleeding rate associated with MT resection, particularly ifthe patient was on anticoagulants.
Evaluation of Residual Symptoms: A Method to Assess Surgical Outcomes for Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Nguyen Duc Trung , Bonfort Gratien , Arous Fabien , Felix-Ravelo Marylisa , Nguyen-Thi Phi-Linh , Jankowski Roger
Published: March 2016

Background

The assessment of residual symptoms after endoscopic sinus surgery for nasal polyposis (NP) could be an accurate way to evaluate surgical outcomes.

Objective

To assess the residual symptoms and their severity at 6 weeks and 7 months after radical ethmoidectomy for NP.

Methods

Sixty-five patients who had surgery for NP were included in this prospective study. Six residual symptoms (nasal obstruction, anterior rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, olfactory disturbances, facial pain, and cough) were assessed by using the validated Dysfonctionnement Nasal Chronique (French) or Chronic Nasal Dysfunction (English) questionnaire at 6 weeks and 7 months after surgery. Olfactory measurements were performed with the Sniffin’ Stick test. A self-rating score of ≥1 was considered as “having a complaint.”

Results

Radical ethmoidectomy for NP improved not only the number of symptoms but also the intensity of symptoms. Before surgery, 64 of 65 patients (98.46%) reported at least three of the six symptoms, whereas 26 patients (40%) reported six symptoms, 16 (24.62%) reported five symptoms, and 14 (21.54%) reported four symptoms. At 6 weeks and at 7 months after surgery, one-third of the patients had fewer than three symptoms. Olfactory disturbance remained the most mentioned postoperative disabling problem. Posterior discharge tended to become more pronounced at 7 months than at 6 weeks after surgery but remained considerably improved compared with the preoperative state.

Conclusion

This information is useful to warn patients about the difficulty of getting rid of all symptoms and that there is a chance that some symptoms remain or even reappear after NP surgery.
Evaluation of the Eosinophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio in Pediatric Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Yenigun Alper , Sezen Seda , Calim Omer Faruk , Ozturan Orhan
Published: March 2016

Background

Allergic rhinitis is a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction of the nasal mucosa, the primary mediator of which is immunoglobulin E. Allergic rhinitis occurs in children and adolescents.

Objective

This study examined the relationship between allergies and the eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in children with allergic rhinitis with a positive skin-prick test.

Study Design

This study was planned and performed as a case-control study.

Methods

There were 695 patients who presented to our clinic who were enrolled in the study. Only group 4 fit the criteria for allergic rhinitis. Group 1 (nonsensitized asymptomatic [control group]), group 2 (nonsensitized symptomatic), group 3 (sensitized asymptomatic), and group 4 (sensitized symptomatic). The patients’ allergy symptoms and skin test results were assessed and compared. The eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for each patient was calculated. The eosinophil and lymphocyte counts and the eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were calculated for each group.

Results

The eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and eosinophil counts in groups 3 and 4 were significantly higher (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) than those in groups 1 and 2. The lymphocyte counts in groups 3 and 4 were significantly lower (p = 0.046) than those of groups 1 and 2.

Conclusions

The eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio may be used in conjunction with skin-prick testing in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis. This parameter is inexpensive to measure and easy to use and calculate.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Epidemiology and Burden of Disease
Authors: DeConde Adam S. , Soler Zachary M.
Published: March 2016

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is based on sinonasal symptoms coupled with sinonasal tissue inflammation. Establishing the epidemiology and prevalence of CRS, therefore, is challenging given that confirming objective evidence of sinonasal inflammation on a large scale is not feasible. Although the sinonasal symptoms are well documented at the sinonasal level, analysis of emerging data indicates that the impact on the general-health–related domains of health are the symptoms that are most bothersome to patients’ quality of life.

Objective

To review the literature on the epidemiology and the societal and individual burdens of CRS.

Methods

A literature review.

Results

A refinement of questionnaire-based surveys coupled with sampling of respondents for accuracy likely provides the most accurate assessment of prevalence. There is geographic variation, but, in North American and European countries, the rates range from 4.5 to 12%. Although CRS is marked by sinonasal symptoms, the most problematic symptoms for patients seem to be the symptoms that affect general-health–related domains. Diminished sleep, productivity, cognition, mood, and fatigue are associated with the decision to elect surgical intervention and are associated with diminished healthy utility values. Direct costs of CRS have been well documented, but new data on the indirect costs of decreased productivity surpass direct costs, at $12.8 billion dollars per year in the United States.

Conclusion

CRS is a common disease with a large and vast symptom burden with high indirect costs. Although clinicians are focused by guidelines on sinus-specific symptoms, patients seem to be most impacted by the general-health–related consequences of CRS. An expanded understanding of the extent and costs of these symptoms will allow for a cost-effective allocation of limited health care resources.
Student Perceptions of School Climate as Predictors of Office Discipline Referrals
Authors: Gage Nicholas A. , Larson Alvin , Sugai George , Chafouleas Sandra M.
Published: March 2016

Research indicates that school climate influences students’ academic, social, and behavioral outcomes. Therefore, improving school climate provides a promising avenue for preventing academic, social, and behavioral difficulties. Research has examined school-level measurement of school climate, but few studies have examined student-level responses to school climate and student perceptions of school climate and their academic, social, and behavioral performance in school. In this study, we examined latent classes of students, based on their perception of school climate, and identified specific items within each class that predicted student social and behavioral performance as measured by office discipline referrals (ODR). Finally, we explored the academic, social, and behavioral profiles and demographic profiles within each class and discussed implications for practice and research.
Road Transportation Energy Demand and Environmental Emission: A Case of Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Bajracharya Iswor , Bhattarai Nawraj
Published: March 2016

The current trade embargo imposed by India has created an acute fuel crisis in Nepal which has stranded more than 50% of public vehicles affecting the supply of all the necessities and daily life of people. This study has shown some alternative ways to manage the vehicle fuel demand especially for urban transportation in the Kathmandu valley, Nepal. The modeling tool, Long-range Energy Alternative Planning System (LEAPS) has been used to develop a bottom-up model to estimate the energy demand and environmental emissions in the Kathmandu valley for the period 2016-2030 AD. Besides the Reference scenario, four alternative scenarios (Public Bus Penetration, Improved Fuel Economy, Electric Motorbike and Hybrid Electric Car) have been developed. In the Reference scenario, the cumulative energy demand will reach 142,092 thousand GJ within the analysis period. About 65% of this demand comes from motorbikes and light duty vehicles. If all of the alternative scenarios are implemented together, about 38% of energy demand and 54% of CO2 emission can be avoided compared to the reference scenario within the study period. About 1641 million US$ at the current market price can be avoided within the analysis period if all of these four options are applied together.HYDRO Nepal: Journal of Water Energy and EnvironmentVolume 18, 2016, JanuaryPage 30-40
Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): A Case Study of Durlung Watershed, Bagmati Zone, Nepal
Authors: Khanna Sabita Aryal , Shrestha Kundan Lal , Maskey Ramesh Kumar , Lamsal Alaka , Pyakurel Keshab , Poudyal Manisha , Ranjit Manish , Karki Drishtant , Aryal Ranjan , Shrestha Ashish
Published: March 2016

Water in Nepal is a key strategic natural resource, which has the potential to lead the all round development and economic growth of the country. Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) is a holistic management approach, integrating land water interaction, socio economic groups, upstream downstream relations, indigenous knowledge, and institutions built up, along the temporal dimensions based on an agreed set of principles. It is a bottom-up decentralized approach for the management of water resources. IWRM is a challenge to conventional practices, attitudes and professional certainties. It confronts entrenched sectoral interest & requires that the water resources are managed holistically for the benefits of all.The broad objective of the multidisciplinary study was to assess the possibilities of Human Dimensions of water resource development and its management. Water resource accounting is done by the collection of water resources data through participatory group formation.  Scientific data of hydro and metrological stations was also acquired. Hydrological modeling tools were also used. Feasibility of hydropower plant and potential of power production in the basin was readily estimated.Total daily discharge of the Durlung Watershed was estimated on an average of 157 Million Liters. Rivers of the watershed are turbulent, unsteady & flowing with very high current, which can be utilized by local people for low cost drinking water, tourism, irrigation & hydropower generation. Micro-hydropower production possibilities in Ratan and Deuta rivers have shown multidimensional positive impacts on socio-economic development of the region. Level of community partnership in IWRM and synchronization with the local, district & national level institutional framework for Basin Management was observed to be satisfactory. Participatory research was carried to identify water resource base with school & community partnership. Community motives, their difficulties and gaps in community level organization were identified. For capabilities of community to take over the responsibilities of IWRM concept, there is a lot more need of training and capacity building for now. HYDRO Nepal Journal of Water Energy and EnvironmentVolume- 18, 2016, JanuaryPage -47 to 54
Personality Profile
Authors: Karmacharya Janak Lal
Published: March 2016

Not Available. HYDRO Nepal Journal of Water Energy and EnvironmentVolume- 18, 2016, JanuaryPage -61 to 62
Analysis of the Long-Distance and Overnight Travel Tour Planning Process
Authors: Sullivan James , LaMondia Jeffrey J. , Harvey Chester , Garrison Carter , Aultman-Hall Lisa
Published: March 2016

For many households, long-distance and overnight travel (LDOT) requires considerably more planning and financial investment than everyday travel activities do. As LDOT occupies a larger portion of Americans’ total travel than it did in the past, it is necessary to better understand how planning for LDOT tours contributes to activity-based travel modeling. Existing studies suggest that factors associated with households, persons, and the tours themselves affect the complexity of planning for LDOT, but few studies have ever used data from a data set on the temporal process of planning for a tour over a long period of time. This study used data from a unique survey, the Longitudinal Survey of Overnight Travel, which collected information on planned and completed tours from 1,220 respondents over 1 year. This paper presents descriptive statistics and three statistical models that identify the factors that contribute to the complexity of LDOT tour planning, including the number of legs or stops on the tour, the maximum distance from home, the presence of adult friends or children on the tour, tour duration, and whether a personal vehicle was available on the tour. Other findings highlight the need for improved data collection on LDOT tour making and tour planning, including further description of the external constraints that lead to the cancellation of tour plans.
Matching Household Life-Cycle Characteristics to Clustered Annual Schedules of Long-Distance and Overnight Travel
Authors: LaMondia Jeffrey J. , Moore Michael , Aultman-Hall Lisa
Published: March 2016

Research on key aspects of long-distance and overnight travel is limited, and knowledge about the household life cycle is even more limited. This work used data from the 2013 Longitudinal Survey of Overnight Travel (conducted as part of this effort) to ( a) identify groups of respondents with statistically significant differences according to their annual long-distance overnight travel schedules and ( b) summarize the life-cycle characteristics of the respondents that belonged to each group. The panel was not representative of the general population but, rather, consisted of more frequent travelers of higher income who mostly worked full time; many members of the panel traveled for work. K-means clustering was used to partition the travelers into six distinct groups on the basis of their annual travel. The largest group that was formed put a heavy emphasis on longer-distance travel. One group was dominated by travel with children. The other groups formed placed approximately even levels of emphasis on the number of tours of various distances but placed the very highest level of emphasis on work tours or a high level of emphasis on personal tours. The six groups showed distinct differences in demographic, neighborhood, and regional airport factors. Although additional work to refine these groups will be possible with this data set, to create fully representative groups for long-distance travel, more robust, larger data sets are needed. The findings of this research provide a solid expectation that the use of groups with statistically significant differences is a viable tool within long-distance travel modeling.
Exploring the Potential of Mobile Phone Data in Travel Pattern Analysis
Authors: Sadeghvaziri Eazaz , Rojas Mario B. , Jin Xia
Published: March 2016

To support increasingly complex planning activities, many agencies are facing the challenges of obtaining highly nuanced travel behavior data while managing shrinking financial resources. Recent advancements in smartphones and GPS technologies present new opportunities to track travelers’ trips. Many studies have applied GPS-based data to planning and demand analysis, but cell phone (mobile phone) GPS data have not received much attention. Google location history (GLH) data provide an opportunity to explore the potential of cell phone GPS data. This paper presents the findings of a study that used GLH data, including the data-processing algorithm used to derive travel information, and their potential applications to understanding travel patterns. For the pilot study, GLH data were obtained from 25 participants over a 1-month period. The data showed that GLH provides a sufficient amount of high-resolution data that can be used to study people’s movement without a burden on the respondent. The algorithms developed in this study worked well with the pilot data. However, because of the limitations of the pilot data as a result of the sample size and sample representation, conclusions cannot be drawn from the results of the analysis conducted in this study. Nevertheless, this pilot study shows the potential of mobile phone GPS data as a supplement or complement to conventional data. Given the high rate of penetration of smartphones and the low respondent burden, these data could facilitate the investigation of various issues, such as the reason for less frequent long-distance travel, daily variations in travel behavior, and human mobility patterns on a large spatiotemporal scale.
Feathering the Nest: The Effects of Feather Supplementation to Blue Tit nests
Authors: Mainwaring Mark C. , Wolfenden Andrew , Read James E. , Robson Jordan M.A. , Tomlinson Chris J. , Hartley Ian R.
Published: March 2016

Feathers are a widely used nesting material and whilst they may serve to provide thermoregulatory benefits, to repel ectoparasites and/or act as a sexual signal, their exact function remains unclear. Here, we describe a two-part study that examined the function of feathers in Blue Tit ( Cyanistes caeruleus) nests. In the first part, we supplemented (experimental) Blue Tit nests with individually-marked feathers during nest building and incubation, and examined the fate of those feathers: remain in the original nestbox; removed ( i.e. lost); or moved to neighbouring nestbox. Parents’ responses to them and their reproductive success was compared with unsupplemented (control) pairs. Blue Tits at experimental nests generally removed the feathers provided during nest building but generally kept the feathers provided during incubation, providing no support for a thermoregulatory function of feather nest constituents; they retained feathers more often when ambient temperatures were higher later in the spring. As ectoparasite load did not differ between experimental and control nests, feathers appeared to function primarily as sexual signals. We suggest that males during nest building generally removed additional feathers because their introduction mimicked another male attempting to cuckold the resident male. In the second part of the study, we searched for evidence of conspecific nest prospecting and nest material theft by placing individually-marked feathers into the two nestboxes neighbouring each experimental nestbox used in the first part of the study, again both during nest building and incubation. We found no evidence of nest material theft or therefore of conspecific nest prospecting, even when one or both of the neighbouring nestboxes were empty. This suggests that feather availability is not limiting and we conclude that feathers serve primarily as a sexual signal in Blue Tits. However, we were unable to provide any evidence of nest material theft and studies that film both of the parents’ responses to the feathers would be useful.
Phytochemically evaluation and net anti-oxidant activity of Tunisian Melia azedarach leaves extract from their ProAntidex parameter
Authors: Akacha Maroua , Lahbib Karima , Boughanmi Néziha Ghanem
Published: March 2016

Phytotherapy is a discipline which is interested in the design, the preparation and the interpretation of structure activity relationship of the natural bioactive molecules. In this context, ethanolic leaves extract of Melia azedarach L. was phytochemically analysed on the bases of HPLC and by GC–MS. Extract wase tested for his in vitro antioxidant activities by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), H2O2, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, Ferric Reducing Power (FRP) and Ferrous ion chelating abilities methods. The antioxidant activity of the extract was analyzed simultaneously with their pro-oxidant capacity. The ratio of pro-oxidant to the antioxidant activity (ProAntidex) represents a useful index of the net free radical scavenging potential of the synthesized compounds. Tested extract showed significant antioxidant activity with a moderate ProAntidex.

Video clips:

Ferrous ion chelating ability (FIC) 1

Ferrous ion chelating ability (FIC) 2

Ferrous ion chelating ability (FIC) 3

 