bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severity markers in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Kisaoglu Abdullah , Aydinli Bulent , Ozturk Gurkan , Atamanalp Sabri , Ozogul Bunyami , Yildirgan Mehmet , Polat Kamil
Published: July 2014

To evaluate the effectiveness of serum levels of resistin and CD14 expression in monocytes, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in early stages of acute pancreatitis and correct prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) using scoring systems. The study involved 10 (29.41%) male and 24 (70.59%) female patients (total n=34) followed for AP diagnosis at the Department of General Surgery, Ataturk University Medical School between July 2008 and September 2009. In all the patients, Ranson and APACHE II scores, serum resistin, hsCRP, and monocyte CD14 expression levels were determined. The patients were divided into two groups as mild and severe AP groups. A control group was formed and the intergroup comparisons were made. Values ≥ 3 based on the Ranson scoring scale and values ≥ 8 in APACHE II scoring scale were considered to indicate severe AP. Evaluations were based on the values obtained on the 1st and 7th days for serum resistin and hsCRP levels and monocyte CD 14 expression. In 17 (50%) patients, severe AP was determined. No statistically significant differences were found between the mean serum resistin levels of AP groups, while the difference for the same parameter between the mild and severe AP groups and the control group was statistically significant. In the severe AP group, the mean 1st day and 7th day serum hsCRP levels were statistically significantly higher. The CD14 expression in monocytes was similar in all the groups. Serum hsCRP concentrations and Ranson and APACHE II scores and serum resistin and hsCRP concentrations on the 1st day were positively correlated. Serum hsCRP measurement is effective in determining the severity of acute pancreatitis. Serum resistin measurement may be a useful early marker in determining the inflammatory response in AP. However, CD14 expression in monocytes was not found to be a useful marker in the diagnosis and prediction of the disease severity in AP patients.
Use of the Theoretical Domains Framework to Develop an Intervention to Improve Physical Therapist Management of the Risk of Falls After Discharge
Authors: Thomas Susie , Mackintosh Shylie
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose

Older adults have an increased risk of falls after discharge from the hospital. Guidelines to manage this risk of falls are well documented but are not commonly implemented. The aim of this case report is to describe the novel approach of using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to develop an intervention to change the clinical behavior of physical therapists.

Case Description

This project had 4 phases: identifying the evidence-practice gap, identifying barriers and enablers that needed to be addressed, identifying behavior change techniques to overcome the barriers, and determining outcome measures for evaluating behavior change.

Outcomes

The evidence-practice gap was represented by the outcome that few patients who had undergone surgery for hip fracture were recognized as having a risk of falls or had a documented referral to a community agency for follow-up regarding the prevention of falls. Project aims aligned with best practice guidelines were established; 12 of the 14 TDF domains were considered to be relevant to behaviors in the project, and 6 behavior change strategies were implemented. Primary outcome measures included the proportion of patients who had documentation of the risk of falls and were referred for a comprehensive assessment of the risk of falls after discharge from the hospital.

Discussion

A systematic approach involving the TDF was useful for designing a multifaceted intervention to improve physical therapist management of the risk of falls after discharge of patients from an acute care setting in South Australia, Australia. This framework enabled the identification of targeted intervention strategies that were likely to influence health care professional behavior. Early case note audit results indicated that positive changes were being made to reduce the evidence-practice gap.
Chronic Stress, Cortisol Dysfunction, and Pain: A Psychoneuroendocrine Rationale for Stress Management in Pain Rehabilitation
Authors: Hannibal Kara E. , Bishop Mark D.
Published: July 2014

Pain is a primary symptom driving patients to seek physical therapy, and its attenuation commonly defines a successful outcome. A large body of evidence is dedicated to elucidating the relationship between chronic stress and pain; however, stress is rarely addressed in pain rehabilitation. A physiologic stress response may be evoked by fear or perceived threat to safety, status, or well-being and elicits the secretion of sympathetic catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinepherine) and neuroendocrine hormones (cortisol) to promote survival and motivate success. Cortisol is a potent anti-inflammatory that functions to mobilize glucose reserves for energy and modulate inflammation. Cortisol also may facilitate the consolidation of fear-based memories for future survival and avoidance of danger. Although short-term stress may be adaptive, maladaptive responses (eg, magnification, rumination, helplessness) to pain or non–pain-related stressors may intensify cortisol secretion and condition a sensitized physiologic stress response that is readily recruited. Ultimately, a prolonged or exaggerated stress response may perpetuate cortisol dysfunction, widespread inflammation, and pain. Stress may be unavoidable in life, and challenges are inherent to success; however, humans have the capability to modify what they perceive as stressful and how they respond to it. Exaggerated psychological responses (eg, catastrophizing) following maladaptive cognitive appraisals of potential stressors as threatening may exacerbate cortisol secretion and facilitate the consolidation of fear-based memories of pain or non–pain-related stressors; however, coping, cognitive reappraisal, or confrontation of stressors may minimize cortisol secretion and prevent chronic, recurrent pain. Given the parallel mechanisms underlying the physiologic effects of a maladaptive response to pain and non–pain-related stressors, physical therapists should consider screening for non–pain-related stress to facilitate treatment, prevent chronic disability, and improve quality of life.
Cases of chikungunya virus infection in travellers returning to Spain from Haiti or Dominican Republic, April-June 2014
Authors: Requena-Méndez A , García C , Aldasoro E , Vicente J A , Martínez M J , Pérez-Molina J A , Calvo-Cano A , Franco L , Parrón I , Molina A , Ruiz M , Álvarez J , Sánchez-Seco M P , Gascón J
Published: July 2014

Ten cases of chikungunya were diagnosed in Spanish travellers returning from Haiti (n=2), the Dominican Republic (n=7) or from both countries (n=1) between April and June 2014. These cases remind clinicians to consider chikungunya in European travellers presenting with febrile illness and arthralgia, who are returning from the Caribbean region and Central America, particularly from Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The presence of Aedes albopictus together with viraemic patients could potentially lead to autochthonous transmission of chikungunya virus in southern Europe.
Large number of imported chikungunya cases in mainland France, 2014: a challenge for surveillance and response
Authors: Paty M  C , Six C , Charlet F , Heuzé G , Cochet A , Wiegandt A , Chappert J L , Dejour-Salamanca D , Guinard A , Soler P , Servas V , Vivier-Darrigol M , Ledrans M , Debruyne M , Schaal O , Jeannin C , Helynck B , Leparc-Goffart I , Coignard B
Published: July 2014

During the summer of 2014, all the pre-requisites for autochthonous transmission of chikungunya virus are present in southern France: a competent vector, Aedes albopictus, and a large number of travellers returning from the French Caribbean islands where an outbreak is occurring. We describe the system implemented for the surveillance of chikungunya and dengue in mainland France. From 2 May to 4 July 2014, there were 126 laboratory-confirmed imported chikungunya cases in mainland France.
A novel, reproducible, and objective method for volumetric magnetic resonance imaging assessment of enhancing glioblastoma
Authors: Kanaly Charles W. , Mehta Ankit I. , Ding Dale , Hoang Jenny K. , Kranz Peter G. , Herndon James E. , Coan April , Crocker Ian , Waller Anthony F. , Friedman Allan H. , Reardon David A. , Sampson John H.
Published: July 2014

Object

Robust methodology that allows objective, automated, and observer-independent measurements of brain tumor volume, especially after resection, is lacking. Thus, determination of tumor response and progression in neurooncology is unreliable. The objective of this study was to determine if a semi-automated volumetric method for quantifying enhancing tissue would perform with high reproducibility and low interobserver variability.

Methods

Fifty-seven MR images from 13 patients with glioblastoma were assessed using our method, by 2 neuroradiologists, 1 neurosurgeon, 1 neurosurgical resident, 1 nurse practitioner, and 1 medical student. The 2 neuroradiologists also performed traditional 1-dimensional (1D) and 2-dimensional (2D) measurements. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) assessed interobserver variability between measurements. Radiological response was determined using Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) guidelines and Macdonald criteria. Kappa statistics described interobserver variability of volumetric radiological response determinations.

Results

There was strong agreement for 1D (RECIST) and 2D (Macdonald) measurements between neuroradiologists (ICC = 0.42 and 0.61, respectively), but the agreement using the authors' novel automated approach was significantly stronger (ICC = 0.97). The volumetric method had the strongest agreement with regard to radiological response (κ = 0.96) when compared with 2D (κ = 0.54) or 1D (κ = 0.46) methods. Despite diverse levels of experience of the users of the volumetric method, measurements using the volumetric program remained remarkably consistent in all users (0.94).

Conclusions

Interobserver variability using this new semi-automated method is less than the variability with traditional methods of tumor measurement. This new method is objective, quick, and highly reproducible among operators with varying levels of expertise. This approach should be further evaluated as a potential standard for response assessment based on contrast enhancement in brain tumors.
Results of the AANS membership survey of adult spinal deformity knowledge: impact of training, practice experience, and assessment of potential areas for improved education
Authors: Clark Aaron J. , Garcia Roxanna M. , Keefe Malla K. , Koski Tyler R. , Rosner Michael K. , Smith Justin S. , Cheng Joseph S. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , McCormick Paul C. , Ames Christopher P.
Published: July 2014

Object

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery is increasing in the spinal neurosurgeon's practice.

Methods

A survey of neurosurgeon AANS membership assessed the deformity knowledge base and impact of current training, education, and practice experience to identify opportunities for improved education. Eleven questions developed and agreed upon by experienced spinal deformity surgeons tested ASD knowledge and were subgrouped into 5 categories: 1) radiology/spinopelvic alignment, 2) health-related quality of life, 3) surgical indications, 4) operative technique, and 5) clinical evaluation. Chi-square analysis was used to compare differences based on participant demographic characteristics (years of practice, spinal surgery fellowship training, percentage of practice comprising spinal surgery).

Results

Responses were received from 1456 neurosurgeons. Of these respondents, 57% had practiced less than 10 years, 20% had completed a spine fellowship, and 32% devoted more than 75% of their practice to spine. The overall correct answer percentage was 42%. Radiology/spinal pelvic alignment questions had the lowest percentage of correct answers (38%), while clinical evaluation and surgical indications questions had the highest percentage (44%). More than 10 years in practice, completion of a spine fellowship, and more than 75% spine practice were associated with greater overall percentage correct (p < 0.001). More than 10 years in practice was significantly associated with increased percentage of correct answers in 4 of 5 categories. Spine fellowship and more than 75% spine practice were significantly associated with increased percentage correct in all categories. Interestingly, the highest error was seen in risk for postoperative coronal imbalance, with a very low rate of correct responses (15%) and not significantly improved with fellowship (18%, p = 0.08).

Conclusions

The results of this survey suggest that ASD knowledge could be improved in neurosurgery. Knowledge may be augmented with neurosurgical experience, spinal surgery fellowships, and spinal specialization. Neurosurgical education should particularly focus on radiology/spinal pelvic alignment, especially pelvic obliquity and coronal imbalance and operative techniques for ASD.
Improvement in social function and health-related quality of life after shunt surgery for idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Petersen Jakob , Hellström Per , Wikkelsø Carsten , Lundgren-Nilsson Åsa
Published: July 2014

Object

To investigate the impact of shunt surgery on the activity, participation, autonomy, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) as well as the effect on caregiver burden.

Methods

Thirty-seven patients (median age 70 years, range 50–89 years) with iNPH were evaluated before and 6 months after surgery. Symptoms and signs were assessed by the iNPH scale, activities of daily living (ADL) with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), autonomy and participation with Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA), and caregiver burden with the Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS). HRQOL was evaluated with the EQ-5D (EuroQol Group–5 Dimension health survey).

Results

Twenty-four patients (65%) improved clinically (iNPH scale score) and 31 (86%) improved their HRQOL after surgery, almost to the same level as found in the normal population. The patients became more independent in physical and cognitive activities, and participation and autonomy improved. The caregiver burden was decreased among caregivers to male patients but remained unchanged on the overall group level.

Conclusions

After shunt surgery, patients with iNPH showed improvement in most aspects of social life, they became more independent, and their quality of life returned to nearly normal.
Spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak as the cause of chronic subdural hematomas in nongeriatric patients
Authors: Beck Jürgen , Gralla Jan , Fung Christian , Ulrich Christian T. , Schucht Philippe , Fichtner Jens , Andereggen Lukas , Gosau Martin , Hattingen Elke , Gutbrod Klemens , Z'Graggen Werner J. , Reinert Michael , Hüsler Jürg , Ozdoba Christoph , Raabe Andreas
Published: July 2014

Object

The etiology of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) in nongeriatric patients (≤ 60 years old) often remains unclear. The primary objective of this study was to identify spinal CSF leaks in young patients, after formulating the hypothesis that spinal CSF leaks are causally related to CSDH.

Methods

All consecutive patients 60 years of age or younger who underwent operations for CSDH between September 2009 and April 2011 at Bern University Hospital were included in this prospective cohort study. The patient workup included an extended search for a spinal CSF leak using a systematic algorithm: MRI of the spinal axis with or without intrathecal contrast application, myelography/fluoroscopy, and postmyelography CT. Spinal pathologies were classified according to direct proof of CSF outflow from the intrathecal to the extrathecal space, presence of extrathecal fluid accumulation, presence of spinal meningeal cysts, or no pathological findings. The primary outcome was proof of a CSF leak.

Results

Twenty-seven patients, with a mean age of 49.6 ± 9.2 years, underwent operations for CSDH. Hematomas were unilateral in 20 patients and bilateral in 7 patients. In 7 (25.9%) of 27 patients, spinal CSF leakage was proven, in 9 patients (33.3%) spinal meningeal cysts in the cervicothoracic region were found, and 3 patients (11.1%) had spinal cysts in the sacral region. The remaining 8 patients (29.6%) showed no pathological findings.

Conclusions

The direct proof of spinal CSF leakage in 25.9% of patients suggests that spinal CSF leaks may be a frequent cause of nongeriatric CSDH.
Ogilvie's syndrome after pediatric spinal deformity surgery: successful treatment with neostigmine
Authors: Hooten Kristopher G. , Oliveria Seth F. , Larson Shawn D. , Pincus David W.
Published: July 2014

Ogilvie's syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal disease that can easily be mistaken for postoperative ileus. Also known as acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, early recognition and diagnosis of the syndrome allows for treatment prior to bowel perforation and requisite abdominal surgery. The authors report a case of Ogilvie's syndrome following spinal deformity correction and tethered cord release in an adolescent who presented with acute abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting on postoperative Day 0. The patient was initially diagnosed with adynamic ileus and treated conservatively with bowel rest, reduction in narcotic dosage, and a regimen of stool softeners, laxatives, and enemas. Despite this treatment, her clinical course failed to improve, and she demonstrated significant colonic distension radiographically. Intravenous neostigmine was administered as a bolus with a rapid and dramatic response. This case is the first reported instance of neostigmine use for Ogilvie's syndrome treatment following a pediatric neurosurgical operation.
Saturation Detection-Based Blocking Scheme for Transformer Differential Protection
Authors: Lee Byung , Lee Jinsik , Won Sung , Lee Byongjun , Crossley Peter , Kang Yong
Published: July 2014

This paper describes a current differential relay for transformer protection that operates in conjunction with a core saturation detection-based blocking algorithm. The differential current for the magnetic inrush or over-excitation has a point of inflection at the start and end of each saturation period of the transformer core. At these instants, discontinuities arise in the first-difference function of the differential current. The second- and third-difference functions convert the points of inflection into pulses, the magnitudes of which are large enough to detect core saturation. The blocking signal is activated if the third-difference of the differential current is larger than the threshold and is maintained for one cycle. In addition, a method to discriminate between transformer saturation and current transformer (CT) saturation is included. The performance of the proposed blocking scheme was compared with that of a conventional harmonic blocking method. The test results indicate that the proposed scheme successfully discriminates internal faults even with CT saturation from the magnetic inrush, over-excitation, and external faults with CT saturation, and can significantly reduce the operating time delay of the relay.
Modeling Soil and Woody Vegetation in the Senegalese Sahel in the Context of Environmental Change
Authors: Brandt Martin , Grau Tobias , Mbow Cheikh , Samimi Cyrus
Published: July 2014

Climatic stress and anthropogenic disturbances have caused significant environmental changes in the Sahel. In this context, the importance of soil is often underrepresented. Thus, we analyze and discuss the interdependency of soil and vegetation by classifying soil types and its woody cover for a region in the Senegalese Ferlo. Clustering of 28 soil parameters led to four soil types which correspond with local Wolof denotations: Dek, Bowel, Dior and Bardial. The soil types were confirmed by a Non-metric Multidimensional-Scaling (NMDS) ordination and extrapolated via a Random Forest classifier using six significant variables derived from Landsat imagery and a digital elevation model (out-of-bag error rate: 7.3%). In addition, canopy cover was modeled using Landsat and a Reduced-Major-Axis (RMA) regression (R2 = 0.81). A woody vegetation survey showed that every soil type has its own species composition. However, 29% of Bowel regions are deforested (i.e., degraded) and interviews revealed extensive environmental changes and a strong decline and local extinction of woody species. The differences between the soil types are significant, showing that vegetation changes (i.e., degradation and greening), resilience to climatic stress and human activities largely depend on soil properties. We highlight that spatial heterogeneity is an important aspect when dealing with environmental changes in the Sahel, and local knowledge can be well used to classify spatial units by means of public Earth observation data.
Isolation and Characterization of an α-Glucosidase Inhibitor from Musa spp. (Baxijiao) Flowers
Authors: Sheng Zhanwu , Dai Haofu , Pan Siyi , Wang Hui , Hu Yingying , Ma Weihong
Published: July 2014

The use of α-glucosidase inhibitors is considered to be an effective strategy in the treatment of diabetes. Using a bioassay-guided fractionation technique, five Bacillus stearothermophilus α-glucosidase inhibitors were isolated from the flowers of Musa spp. (Baxijiao). Using NMR spectroscopy analysis they were identified as vanillic acid (1), ferulic acid (2), β-sitosterol (3), daucosterol (4) and 9-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methoxyphenalen-1-one (5). The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of compounds 1–5 were 2004.58, 1258.35, 283.67, 247.35 and 3.86 mg/L, respectively. Compared to a known α-glucosidase inhibitor (acarbose, IC50 = 999.31 mg/L), compounds 3, 4 and 5 showed a strong α-glucosidase inhibitory effect. A Lineweaver-Burk plot indicated that compound 5 is a mixed-competitive inhibitor, while compounds 3 and 4 are competitive inhibitors. The inhibition constants (Ki) of compounds 3, 4 and 5 were 20.09, 2.34 and 4.40 mg/L, respectively. Taken together, these data show that the compounds 3, 4 and 5 are potent α-glucosidase inhibitors.
FRP-RC Beam in Shear: Mechanical Model and Assessment Procedure for Pseudo-Ductile Behavior
Authors: Petrone Floriana , Monti Giorgio
Published: July 2014

This work deals with the development of a mechanics-based shear model for reinforced concrete (RC) elements strengthened in shear with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and a design/assessment procedure capable of predicting the failure sequence of resisting elements: the yielding of existing transverse steel ties and the debonding of FRP sheets/strips, while checking the corresponding compressive stress in concrete. The research aims at the definition of an accurate capacity equation, consistent with the requirement of the pseudo-ductile shear behavior of structural elements, that is, transverse steel ties yield before FRP debonding and concrete crushing. For the purpose of validating the proposed model, an extended parametric study and a comparison against experimental results have been conducted: it is proven that the common accepted rule of assuming the shear capacity of RC members strengthened in shear with FRP as the sum of the maximum contribution of both FRP and stirrups can lead to an unsafe overestimation of the shear capacity. This issue has been pointed out by some authors, when comparing experimental shear capacity values with the theoretical ones, but without giving a convincing explanation of that. In this sense, the proposed model represents also a valid instrument to better understand the mechanical behavior of FRP-RC beams in shear and to calculate their actual shear capacity.
A Self-Referencing Intensity-Based Fiber Optic Sensor with Multipoint Sensing Characteristics
Authors: Choi Sang-Jin , Kim Young-Chon , Song Minho , Pan Jae-Kyung
Published: July 2014

A self-referencing, intensity-based fiber optic sensor (FOS) is proposed and demonstrated. The theoretical analysis for the proposed design is given, and the validity of the theoretical analysis is confirmed via experiments. We define the measurement parameter, X, and the calibration factor, β, to find the transfer function, , of the intensity-based FOS head. The self-referencing and multipoint sensing characteristics of the proposed system are validated by showing the measured and relative error versus the optical power attenuation of the sensor head for four cases: optical source fluctuation, various remote sensing point distances, fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) with different characteristics, and multiple sensor heads with cascade and/or parallel forms. The power-budget analysis and limitations of the measurement rates are discussed, and the measurement results of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) coupon strain using the proposed FOS are given as an actual measurement. The proposed FOS has several benefits, including a self-referencing characteristic, the flexibility to determine FBGs, and a simple structure in terms of the number of devices and measuring procedure.
Modeling and Analysis of a Microresonating Biosensor for Detection of Salmonella Bacteria in Human Blood
Authors: Bahadoran Mahdi , Noorden Ahmad , Chaudhary Kashif , Mohajer Faeze , Aziz Muhammad , Hashim Shahrin , Ali Jalil , Yupapin Preecha
Published: July 2014

A new photonics biosensor configuration comprising a Double-side Ring Add-drop Filter microring resonator (DR-ADF) made from SiO2-TiO2 material is proposed for the detection of Salmonella bacteria (SB) in blood. The scattering matrix method using inductive calculation is used to determine the output signal’s intensities in the blood with and without presence of Salmonella. The change in refractive index due to the reaction of Salmonella bacteria with its applied antibody on the flagellin layer loaded on the sensing and detecting microresonator causes the increase in through and dropper port’s intensities of the output signal which leads to the detection of SB in blood. A shift in the output signal wavelength is observed with resolution of 0.01 nm. The change in intensity and shift in wavelength is analyzed with respect to the change in the refractive index which contributes toward achieving an ultra-high sensitivity of 95,500 nm/RIU which is almost two orders higher than that of reported from single ring sensors and the limit of detection is in the order of 1 × 10−8 RIU. In applications, such a system can be employed for a high sensitive and fast detection of bacteria.
Short Chain N-Acyl Homoserine Lactone Production in Tropical Marine Vibrio sinaloensis Strain T47
Authors: Tan Pui-Wan , Tan Wen-Si , Yunos Nina , Mohamad Nur , Adrian Tan-Guan-Sheng , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: July 2014

Quorum sensing (QS), acts as one of the gene regulatory systems that allow bacteria to regulate their physiological activities by sensing the population density with synchronization of the signaling molecules that they produce. Here, we report a marine isolate, namely strain T47, and its unique AHL profile. Strain T47 was identified using 16S rRNA sequence analysis confirming that it is a member of Vibrio closely clustered to Vibrio sinaloensis. The isolated V. sinaloensis strain T47 was confirmed to produce N-butanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL) by using high resolution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. V. sinaloensis strain T47 also formed biofilms and its biofilm formation could be affected by anti-QS compound (cathechin) suggesting this is a QS-regulated trait in V. sinaloensis strain T47. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of AHL and biofilm production in V. sinaloensis strain T47.
Exploring the State of Retention of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in a Hani Rice Terrace Village, Southwest China
Authors: Yuan Zheng , Lun Fei , He Lu , Cao Zhi , Min Qingwen , Bai Yanying , Liu Moucheng , Cheng Shengkui , Li Wenhua , Fuller Anthony
Published: July 2014

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is one of the components of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), which are good examples of evolutionary adapted socio-ecosystems in human history. The Hani Rice Terraces System, located in China’s southwestern Yunnan Province, is a living example of GIAHS. The Hani Rice Terraces system has existed for more than one thousand years, following TEK related to cultivation and natural resources management, which was collected and practiced continually. Over this long time period, TEK has enabled the Hani people to manage their terraces and other natural resources in a sustainable way. This paper concentrates on the TEK transferring in the current Hani community, taking a small village, Mitian, as an example. Grouping the interviewees into three different age groups (young group, 0–30 years old; middle-age group, 31–50 years old; old group > 50 years old), we investigated their understanding and participation in 13 items of TEK in relation to rice cultivation and water utilization. The items of TEK were divided into four categories, namely “Festivals”, “Beliefs”, “Folk Songs”, and “Water Management”. From the data collected, it was learned that all the items of TEK are well known, but not necessarily practiced. Age and gender have significant influences on farmers’ understanding and participation in TEK. Our analysis suggested that both the knowledge and the practice showed declining trends from the older to the younger age group. Men and women behave differently in practices. In general, it is shown that TEK is declining in the Hani villages which will affect the rice terrace system in ways that are yet unknown. It is likely that a blended TEK, with old and new knowledge and practices, will emerge to sustain the upland rice terrace systems of Yunnan.
Traumatic Lens Subluxation Presenting as Pseudomelanoma
Authors: Mason John O. , Patel Shyam A.
Published: July 2014

An 82-year-old white man was referred for a suspected inferior pigmented, choroidal melanoma in his left eye. The patient stated that his left eye had been hit by a tree branch approximately 40 years prior, and he had not been able to see with it since then. Dilated fundus examination revealed a 14 × 8 mm dark, dome-shaped choroidal mass located inferiorly. Transillumination of the eye revealed no defects. Ultrasonography revealed a hollow lesion, consistent with a senile, dark dislocated cataract.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2014;45:328–330.]
A Rare Pattern of 360° Radiating Choroidal Folds Associated With an Orbital Abscess
Authors: Kim Yong Joon , Park Se Young , Kim So Young
Published: July 2014

A 78-year-old woman presented with periorbital swelling and visual loss in the right eye after a tooth extraction. Initial visual acuity was reduced to counting fingers in the right eye. No afferent pupillary defect was found on initial examination. Computed tomography revealed axial elongation due to increased orbital pressure caused by the orbital abscess. The authors present a case with a rare pattern of choroidal folds radiating 360° from the optic disc. Initial optical coherence tomography revealed a markedly folded Bruch’s membrane and retinal pigment epithelium, which disappeared completely 2 months after surgical drainage of the orbital abscess. Retinal images in this report can provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the choroidal folds.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2014;45:322–324.]
Nouveaux vestiges de la présence musulmane en Narbonnaise au VIIIᵉ siècle
Authors: Sénac Philippe , Gasc Sébastien , Melmoux Pierre-Yves , Savarese Laurent
Published: July 2014

[fr] Après la découverte de nombreux sceaux islamiques en plomb sur le site de Ruscino, les dernières années ont été marquées par la mise au jour de nouveaux vestiges de la première moitié du VIIIᵉ siècle en Narbonnaise. En plus d’autres sceaux et de quelques dirhams, une vingtaine de fulūs a été découverte, principalement dans les départements de l’Aude et des Pyrénées Orientales. La cartographie des découvertes suggère l’établissement de camps militaires, en particulier au sud de Narbonne (reprise par les Francs en 759), le long de la Via Domitia qui borde le massif des Corbières.
Purificando el sufismo: observaciones sobre la marginación y exclusión de elementos indeseables y rechazados en el Período medio temprano (finales s. IV/X-mediados s. VII/XIII)
Authors: Ephrat Daphna
Published: July 2014

Este artículo ofrece una serie de observaciones sobre el proceso de diferenciación y purificación dentro del sufismo pre-moderno durante un periodo crucial para la institucionalización de las ṭarīqa-s sufíes como una Vía hacia Dios y como una comunidad de seguidores. Basándose en manuales y en narraciones de autores prominentes y representantes de la tradición sufí mainstream emergente, este artículo pone de relieve los mecanismos discursivos que emplearon para marcar los bordes de la afiliación con comunidades de sufíes genuinos, separar el núcleo central de los afiliados externos, y excluir a los elementos indeseables erróneamente asociados con el sufismo. La construcción de fronteras entre el sufismo mainstream y sus márgenes está estrechamente vinculada a la difusión de formas populares de sufismo y un nuevo tipo de antinomianismo que ganó popularidad en la esfera pública, comenzando en el siglo VI/XII. En la parte final del artículo se analiza la intervención de los gobernantes políticos de la época en las dinámicas internas del sufismo. La principal conclusión es que mediante el patronazgo de los sufíes mainstream y apoyando a quienes actuaban como árbitros de la verdadera religión, la élite gobernante de los señores militares en el Oriente Próximo árabe desempeñó un papel significativo en la marginación de los elementos indeseables y rechazados y en el fortalecimiento del sufismo mainstream contra sus rivales.
A Comparative Study of Kazakhstan and Estonia During and After the Nation-Building Process
Authors: Asker Cemile
Published: July 2014

This chapter discusses Kazakhstan and Estonia's Russian minorities after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. These two particular states were chosen for their importance within the Central Asian and Baltic region. Both states have significant Russian minorities and state building processes were affected by them. This chapter contains information about the historical processes of these states during the dissolution of Soviet Union, theoretical background of state building processes and finally national laws of particular states after the beginning of the 1990s. In the last part of this chapter, there is a comparison between Kazakhstan and Estonia in terms of Russian influence.
Asset Price Density Forecasting for the Financial Sector
Authors: Kaya Gorkem
Published: July 2014

The predictive accuracy of challenging financial sector price forecast densities and the effect of liquidity are investigated for the 1990 to 2013 period. The author uses the EGARCH model to capture leverage and persistence effect. Coefficient estimations have been done until the last trading day of 2005. The output indicates that leverage and persistence effects are significant for almost all of the financial institutions. Liquidity term is only significant for some of the institutions. Normality and autocorrelation of the data have been tested and it is found that data violates i.i.d assumptions. Two distributions that are Gaussian and student t have been tested to forecast future volatility. Accuracy of two models is investigated for out-of-sample data, which starts from 01/01/2006. Out of Sample Log Likelihood and Weighted Log Likelihood ratios have been used to rank models. The author finds that the EGARCH model with Gaussian distribution performs better than alternative model for both of the ranking tests. The findings related in this chapter are unexpected in that Gaussian distribution has better performance than student t distribution.
Girls' Education and its Economic Contribution to Less Developed Countries
Authors: Yahaya Mahamadou
Published: July 2014

This chapter examines girls' education in Niger, one of the Least Developed Counties (LDCs) located in West Africa with one of the lowest literacy rates in the world. Hence, primary education is compulsory. The education system is open equally to boys and girls; however, the facts are that, the girls have fewer opportunities for primary school to six grades. Gender traditional roles and economic factors are a great set back to the girls' education in the country. This chapter tries to investigate the complex relationships around the objectives and visions of parents and Government toward girls' education.
Out of School Children and the Drop Out Problems as a Complex Case
Authors: Maya İlknur
Published: July 2014

This chapter aims to explore the issues of out-of- school children and drop out children-which are observed in the Turkish education system as a complex situation, and to make a comparative analysis of the current situation with some other countries. In data analysis- that is to say, in determining the number and rate of out of school children and dropouts in EU countries, the United States and Japan according to gender and according to the stages of education- the arithmetic averages of the relevant values and the percentages were checked. The figures of the countries mentioned were compared with those of Turkey, and were interpreted. Consequently, out of school children and drop out problems were found to be higher in Turkey than in the other selected countries (i.e. the EU countries, the United States, and Japan).
Evaluation of the Instructors' Opinions about the Current State of Turkey in the Context of Millennium Development Goals
Authors: Turan Selçuk , Yirmibeş Ahmet , Özdemir Nedim
Published: July 2014

This chapter aims to reveal Turkey's current situation regarding the Millennium Development Goals as one of the signatory countries of declaration through the opinions of the instructors studying in the field of educational administration. A qualitative research method has been used. For this purpose, a study group was constituted including eight lecturers who are specialists in the field of Educational Administration working at a university in the city of Zonguldak. Accordingly, a study group was also included in the study consisting lecturers from Hacettepe University and Gazi University. A semi-structured interview form was prepared as a tool of collecting data and it was applied to participants in May 2013. The data were recorded both verbally and in writing. Content analysis method (which is used to resolve the qualitative research) was used to analyse the data.
Adolescent Suicides as a Chaotic Phenomenon
Authors: Güngör Halime
Published: July 2014

The adolescence period includes complexity in human beings physically, psychologically, emotionally, mentally, and socially; due to personality building up and efforts to be individual, it is the most chaotic period of human life. There are some individuals who have had turmoil in their childhood period or cannot get over the chaos of adolescence and also cannot transform chaos to order: adolescent depression and suicide fact is a fact. In this chapter, suicide rates of adolescents are analyzed on the basis of countries and regions among 5-14 years and 15-24 years by gender. Adolescence suicides as a chaotic phenomenon have been explored in detail with the help of this research which was conducted by qualitative research methods through suicide rates analysis. In this qualitative research, it is pointed out that the trigger aspect of the suicidal experience of the adolescents is the family and social environment. Finally, the study has pointed out the importance of family training and splashes of collective consciousness in the community.
The Role of Media Simulation in Education World
Authors: Sağlık Sebahat , Gürel Zeynep , Akdeniz K. Gediz
Published: July 2014

In the last couple decades, the studies on the domination of all kinds of media in the education world became very important. Very recently, a survey of the physics teacher candidates, gymnasium students and intellectuals in Turkey have also investigated for the qualitative effects of the media in the framework of CERN Higgs particle (God particle) experiments (Saglik et al., 2012, 2013). This chapter considers the survey for Turkish physics teacher candidates given in Saglik (2013) to understand how the scientific knowledge is deconstructed by the simulation of media.
Mobbing and Chaotic Reflections in International Politics Documents
Authors: Küçüktamer Tuğba
Published: July 2014

Mobbing is a phenomenon which has treatments of personal and economical sequels. This chapter aims to present traditional legal reflections of mobbing and educational responsibilities in this situation. Mobbing, which has been a subject of study in education, organizational treatment, the world of business and management, psychology, nursing and more, found its way in international legal documents especially after the 1990s. Mentioned laws foresee employers to have more responsibilites in terms of work conditions. It is also imperative to mention that national level of interferences has started lately. Some assumptions of Chaos Theory such as loyalty for beginning conditions and turbulance call it ambiguity to mobbing attitude, unpredictability and making a point of small situations are also discussed in this chapter.
Assessing Joint Stability from Eigenvalues Obtained from Multi-Channel EMG
Authors: Ikeda Dianne M. , McGill Stuart M.
Published: July 2014

Electromyographic (EMG) signals have many uses. This chapter addresses the role of EMG signals to assess joint stability. Low back pain assessment and treatment interventions often involve the concepts of stability and/or joint stiffness. Using muscle activation and lumbar spine posture to calculate segmental stiffness and potential energy of the spine, eigenvalues can be linked to quantitative stability. It is reasoned that if a relationship exists between eigenvalues and individual muscles, then this approach can guide customized clinical intervention for people with defined spine instability.
How an Actor Network Theory (ANT) Analysis Can Help Us to Understand the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR) in Australia
Authors: Muhammad Imran , Wickramasinghe Nilmini
Published: July 2014

Australia has designed, developed, and now implemented its national e-health solution known as the Personally Controlled Electronic Healthcare Record (PCEHR). This is a unique system as it subscribes to a shared governance model between patients and providers. To date, though, as with other national e-health solutions, there is poor uptake and much concern regarding the success of this multi-million dollar project. The authors contend that while these implementations and adoptions of e-health solutions are necessary, it is essential that an appropriate lens of analysis should be used in order to maximise and sustain the benefits of Information Systems/Information Technology (IS/IT) in healthcare delivery. Hence, in this chapter, the authors proffer Actor-Network Theory (ANT) as an appropriate lens to evaluate these various e-health solutions and illustrate in the context of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR), the chosen e-health solution for Australia.
School Management Software in Australia and the Issue of Technological Adoption
Authors: Davey Bill , Tatnall Arthur
Published: July 2014

Approaches to innovation adoption often fail to explain why similar technologies in a single environment can have very different adoption outcomes. In this chapter, the single environment of education management systems in one country (Australia) are used to show how outcomes of similar technologies can be very different. An Actor-Network approach is used to explain how some technologies succeeded and others failed. Understandings reached in this case illuminate the power of the approach that includes listening to the technological actors in addition to the human. The chapter identifies actors and interactions and shows the connection between those interactions and the final outcomes of the innovations.
Double Wishbone Independent Suspension Parameter Optimization and Simulation
Authors: Tian Guang , Zhang Yan , Liu Jin Hua , Shao Xin Jie
Published: July 2014

The wheeled armoredvehicle double wishbone independent suspension system, established the double wishbone suspension arm model, and optimized analysis. Optimization results show that: the suspension parameters optimization design, the front suspension performance has been greatly improved.
Comparative Studying of Gough, P.S Stress Formula and Kuo, K.K Stress Formula
Authors: Zhang Yan Ming , Luo Xing Bai , Zhen Jian Wei , Chen Yan Kun
Published: July 2014

Introduced Gough, PS stress formula and Kuo, KK stress formula, use the two formulas for specific examples ,the calculated results show that: the calculation results of Gough, P.S stress formula basically the same with the experimental results, stress curve was essentially fall within the range of experimental data in the curve, at the beginning of the compression phase Gough, P.S formula to calculate the stress value exceeds the value at the time of the experimental data; stress curve obtained by Kuo, K.K formula is consistent with the experimental results, when curves are basically the same at the temperature , the curve from experimental calculated very consistent in porosity in the range of , Kuo, K.K formula to calculate the results slightly in porosity in the range of ,the point which porosity is Kuo, K.K inflection point . Finally, the two formulas applicability and scope are analyzed, pointing out the limitations of the two formulas used to calculate the stress propellant.
The Effect of Opening on Elastic Buckling of Plates Subjected to Unidirectional Compression Load
Authors: Wang Ting Ting , Long Lian Chun
Published: July 2014

This paper has investigated the effect of hole shape, hole size and hole position on elastic buckling of square perforated plates by using the finite element method. According to the effect law of these three geometric factors on buckling bearing capacity, buckling coefficient was obtained by data fitting. The results show that: The plate with circular perforation has the greatest buckling bearing capacity of the three perforation shape plate; When the center perforations have the same area, the relationship between buckling coefficient and perforation size is exponential for the plate with circular hole or square hole, the relationship between buckling coefficient and perforation size is biquadratic for the plate with triangular hole and the greater the perforation size is, the less the buckling bearing capacity will be; For the plate with uniform circular perforation size, The relationship of buckling coefficient and the spacing between perforation center and structure center is quadratic and the greater the spacing is, the less the buckling bearing capacity will be. The results in this paper provide reference for perforation design of plate.
Pretension Optimization Method for Complex Cablenet System
Authors: You Guo Qiang , Xie Ying Bai
Published: July 2014

Based on balance matrix analysis method and considered the evenness of pretension distribution as objective function, a pretension optimization method is proposed for complex cablenet system of large span structure. In this method, the whole cablenet system is firstly divided into several groups according to its axial symmetry to simplify its balance matrix, and then balance matrix analysis method is used to analyze balance matrix of grouped cablenet system. Next, the corresponding optimum mathematic model for grouped cablenet system can be established with pretension solutions coefficients as design variables and evenness of pretension distribution as objective function. Finally, generalized reduced gradient algorithm is used to solve the optimum mathematic model of an example, and the result is satisfactory.