bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Iatrogenic Polycythemia Induced by Massive Red Blood Cell Transfusion during Subtotal Abdominal Colectomy
Authors: Chiapaikeo David , Rohani Pejman
Published: March 2015

A 46 year old man was transfused ten units of packed red blood cells during subtotal colectomy after intraoperative point-of-care testing values demonstrated hemoglobin values less than seven grams per deciliter (g/dL). A post-operative hemoglobin analyzed in a standard hematologic laboratory revealed a hemoglobin value of 27.8 g/dL. He underwent emergent red blood cell depletion therapy which decreased his hemoglobin to 7.5 g/dL. The physiologic consequences of iatrogenic polycythemia caused by massive transfusion during major abdominal surgery must take into account the fluid shifts that interplay between the osmotic load, viscosity of blood, and postoperative third spacing of fluid. Treatment of acute iatrogenic polycythemia can be effectively accomplished by red blood cell depletion therapy. However, fluid shifts caused by massive transfusion followed by rapid red cell depletion produce a unique physiologic state that is without a well-described algorithm for management.
Emergency Management of Major Bleeding in a Case of Maxillofacial Trauma and Anticoagulation: Utility of Prothrombin Complex Concentrates in the Shock Room
Authors: Morotti Alessandro , Frascisco Mauro Felice
Published: March 2015

Life-threatening bleeding in anticoagulation with Warfarin is an emergency challenging issue. Several approaches are available to treat bleeding in either over-anticoagulation or propeanticoagulation, including vitamin K, fresh frozen plasma and prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) administration. In coexisting trauma-induced bleeding and anticoagulation, reversal of anticoagulation must be a rapid and highly effective procedure. Furthermore the appropriate treatment must be directly available in each shock rooms to guarantee the rapid management of the emergency. PCC require a simple storage, rapid accessibility, fast administration procedures and high effectiveness. Here we report the utility of PCC in management of a craniofacial trauma in proper-anticoagulation.
Feasibility of Romiplostim Discontinuation in Adult Thrombopoietin-Receptor Agonist Responsive Patients with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia: An Observational Retrospective Report in Real Life Clinical Practice
Authors: Carpenedo Monica , Cantoni Silvia , Coccini Veronica , Fedele Marilena , Morra Enrica , Pogliani Enrico Maria
Published: March 2015

Thrombopoietin mimetics are new treatment options for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Because of their mechanism of action, long-term administration was envisioned in order to maintain effective thrombopoiesis. We report on 30 romiplostim treated patients: 13/27 responders (48%) achieved stable platelet counts on a mean romiplostim dose of 2.43 μg/kg and were able to stop romiplostim after a mean of 44.3 weeks (range 12-122) on therapy with sustained response maintained at a mean of 26 months (range 12-52). No bleeding events occurred during the observational period. No specific patient’s features nor pattern of early response seemed to predict for sustained response. However, patients achieving safe platelet counts at lower dosages are probably worth a try of therapy tapering and discontinuation. Our observations support feasibility of romiplostim safe suspension in a relevant proportion of ITP patients.
Complex Karyotype with Novel Translocation in Pure Erythroid Leukemia Patient
Authors: Aljabry Mansour
Published: March 2015

Pure erythroid leukemia (PEL) is rare hematopoietic neoplasm characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of immature erythroid precursors—mainly abnormal proerythroblasts—comprising at least 80% of bone marrow cells. In this paper, I present a case of 48 years old patient, who presented with pancytopenia and circulating erythroblast in peripheral blood after long history of alcohol abuse. Bone marrow examination revealed hypercellular marrow which is markedly infiltrated with immature erythroid precursors. An expanded panel of immunophenotyping markers has confirmed the diagnosis of PEL. Cytogenetics analysis detected a complex karyotype with multiple chromosomal abnormalities and a novel translocation, t(8;9) (p11.2;q12), which has not been reported in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the past. The patient was treated with standard AML chemotherapy but he did not show an optimal response and passed away. An updated and short review about various aspects of PEL has been made with special focus on immunophenotyping and genetic studies.
Central Neurotoxicity of Immunomodulatory Drugs in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Patel Urmeel H. , Mir Muhammad A. , Sivik Jeffrey K. , Raheja Divisha , Pandey Manoj K. , Talamo Giampaolo
Published: March 2015

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) currently used in the treatment of multiple myeloma, are thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide. One of the most common side effects of thalidomide is neurotoxicity, predominantly in the form of peripheral neuropathy. We report 6 cases of significant central neurotoxicity associated with IMiD therapy. Treatment with thalidomide (1 patient), lenalidomide (4 patients), and pomalidomide (1 patient) was associated with various clinical manifestations of central neurotoxicity, including reversible coma, amnesia, expressive aphasia, and dysarthria. Central neurotoxicity should be recognized as an important side effect of IMiD therapy.
First detection of human dirofilariasis in South Africa
Authors: Moodley Krishnee , Govind Chetna N. , Peer Abdool K.C. , van der Westhuizen Marissa , Parbhoo Dharmesh , Sun Lisa Ming , du Plessis Desiree C. , Frean John A.
Published: March 2015

Humans are occasionally inadvertently infected with dirofilariae, the zoonotic nematodes. We report two cases of human dirofilariasis in South Africa, an area apparently non-endemic for this infection. Dirofilariasis is frequently misdiagnosed, so increased awareness of this entity in areas that are non-endemic is essential for prevention of inappropriate investigations and invasive therapy.
Multi-drug resistant Helcococcus-like organism isolated from a chest abscess
Authors: Martin Isabella , Schwartzman Joseph , Ruoff Kathryn
Published: March 2015

We report a case of multi-drug resistant Helcococcus-like organism isolated in pure culture from a chest abscess in a 31-year-old pregnant woman.
Splenic abscesses in a returning traveler
Authors: Guo Richard F. , Wong Frances L. , Perez Mario L.
Published: March 2015

Burkholderia, an aerobic gram-negative rod, is the causative organism behind melioidosis and is a common soil and water organism found predominantly in South-East Asia. We report the case of a 68 year-old man returning from an extended trip to the Philippines, with splenic hypodense lesions on abdominal computer tomography scan, later confirmed to be culture-positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. The patient was treated with a course of intravenous ceftazidime followed by eradication therapy with oral doxycycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. He recovered with complete resolution of symptoms at follow up. In a returning traveler from an endemic area, melioidosis should be considered as part of the differential for any febrile illness with abscesses.
Sildenafil and bosentan plasma concentrations in a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension treated with ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor
Authors: Chinello Pierangelo , Cicalini Stefania , Pichini Simona , Pacifici Roberta , Tempestilli Massimo , Cicini Maria P. , Pucillo Leopoldo P. , Petrosillo Nicola
Published: March 2015

Sildenafil and bosentan are increasingly used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in HIV-infected patients. However, concerns exist about pharmacokinetic interactions among sildenafil, bosentan and antiretroviral drugs, including protease inhibitors (PI). We describe here the case of an HIV-infected patient with PAH, who was co-administered bosentan 125 mg twice daily and sildenafil 40 mg three times per day, together with a ritonavir-boosted PI-based antiretroviral therapy; plasma levels of bosentan, sildenafil, N-desmethylsildenafil, and PI were measured. The patient had a sildenafil Cthrough and Cmax of 276.94 ng/mL and 1733.19 ng/mL, respectively. The Cthrough and the Cmax of bosentan were 1546.53 ng/mL and 3365.99 ng/mL, respectively. The patient was able to tolerate as high sildenafil blood concentrations as 10 times those usually requested and did not report any significant adverse reaction to sildenafil during the follow-up period. Therapeutic drug monitoring should be considered during sildenafil therapy in patients concomitantly treated with ritonavir-boosted PI.
Mark’s distinctive emphasis on the temple’s torn curtain
Authors: Nel Marius
Published: March 2015

This article asks several questions: What is distinctive about Mark’s description about the rending of the curtain in the Jerusalem Temple during Jesus’ crucifixion?; What is his rhetorical strategy in doing so?; What role does the temple play in Jewish religion? What role does the Temple play in Jesus’ ministry and message?; and What is the context of the narrative about the torn temple curtain? The conclusion is that Mark utilises the description to demonstrate God’s judgement on the worship at the temple, but at the same time illustrates how the way between heaven and earth is opened at the moment of the death of God’s Son.Markus se onderskeidende beskrywing van die geskeurde tempelgordyn. Verskeie vrae kom in hierdie artikel aan die bod: Wat is onderskeidend in Markus se beskrywing van die gordyn in die Jerusalemtempel wat tydens Jesus se kruisiging skeur?; Wat is die evangelis se retoriese strategie?; Watter rol speel die tempel in Joodse godsdiens?; Watter rol speel dit in Jesus se bediening en boodskap?; en Wat is die konteks vir die narratief binne die Evangelie oor die gordyn wat skeur? Die gevolgtrekking is dat Markus die beskrywing benut om God se oordeel oor die tempel te demonstreer, maar terselfdertyd illustreer dit ook hoe die weg tussen hemel en aarde oopgebreek word in die oomblikke toe God se Seun sterf.
Job demands and resources of workers in a South African agricultural organisation
Authors: Asiwe Doris N. , Hill Carin , Jorgensen Lené I.
Published: March 2015

Orientation: Understanding the job demands and resources experienced by workers in an agricultural organisation.Research purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Adapted Job Demands and Resources Scale (AJDRS) as well as to establish prevalent job demands and resources of employees in an agricultural organisation. Demographic differences were also investigated.Motivation of the study: The agricultural sector of any national economy plays a very important role in the overall welfare of the country. Identifying the prevalent job demands and resources in an agricultural organisation is therefore of paramount importance since the negative consequences of employees experiencing very demanding jobs with few resources have been well documented in stress literature.Research approach, design and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used. The sample consisted of 443 employees in an agricultural organisation. The AJDRS was used to measure the research variables.Main findings: The findings of this research show evidence for the factorial validity and reliability of the AJDRS. Statistical differences were found with regard to the job demands and resources experienced by employees in different positions.Practical/managerial implications: Interventions to improve the perceived job demands and resources in the organisation should focus on physical resources (equipment).Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to knowledge concerning the job demands and resources that are prevalent in an agricultural organisation in South Africa.
The scientific building blocks for business coaching: A literature review
Authors: Schutte Flip , Steyn Renier
Published: March 2015

Orientation: Business coaching is a relatively new approach to leadership development. It is also slowly growing as an academic discipline with only a small number of active researchers and a dearth of published literature reviews.Research purpose: This article is an investigation into the current level of development of the body of knowledge related to business coaching by means of a systematic literature review.Motivation of the study: Previous literature reviews summarised the available published articles. In order to contribute to establishing business coaching as an independent academic discipline, the building blocks for science in the phenomenon under investigation have to be scientifically not only summarised, but also synthesised and explored to ground this new discipline as an academic field of research.Research design, approach and method: A methodological framework has been developed to analyse the information. The data were synthesised according to the following building blocks for science: concepts, definitions, typologies, models, theories and paradigms.Main findings: A total of 84 articles were accessed by the specified search strategy and 36 were analysed according to inclusive and exclusive criteria. Although coaching has not been sufficiently developed as an academic discipline, it is possible to develop a comprehensive definition of coaching, as well as to identify the main models and theories that apply to this field.Practical/managerial implications: This literature review has synthesised and summarised the available data in such a way that it will contribute to the conceptualisation and foundation of business coaching as an academic discipline.Contribution: The building blocks for business coaching as a relatively new and emerging science within the field of business leadership have been defined. This will contribute to the articulation of concepts within this discipline by future researchers and practitioners.
Sorafenib induced acral pigmentation: A new entity
Authors: Gupta Mrinal , Gupta Heena , Gupta Anish
Published: March 2015

Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor commonly used for the treatment of advanced renal cell and hepatocellular carcinoma. The commonly reported dermatological adverse effects of Sorafenib include hand-foot syndrome (HFS), alopecia, pruritus, facial and scalp erythema, splinter hemorrhages, keratoacanthomas, squamous cell carcinomas and eruptive melanocytic naevi. We report a case of asymptomatic hyperpigmentation of the palms and soles in a patient receiving Sorafenib therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma, in the absence of features of classic HFS, which has not been previously reported in the literature.
Hygroscopic properties of NaCl and NaNO3 mixture particles as reacted inorganic sea-salt aerosol surrogates
Authors: Gupta D. , Kim H. , Park G. , Li X. , Eom H.-J. , Ro C.-U.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. NaCl in fresh sea-salt aerosol (SSA) particles can partially or fully react with atmospheric NOx/HNO3, so internally mixed NaCl and NaNO3 aerosol particles can co-exist over a wide range of mixing ratios. Laboratory-generated, micrometer-sized NaCl and NaNO3 mixture particles at 10 mixing ratios (mole fractions of NaCl (XNaCl) = 0.1 to 0.9) were examined systematically to observe their hygroscopic behavior, derive experimental phase diagrams for deliquescence and efflorescence, and understand the efflorescence mechanism. During the humidifying process, aerosol particles with the eutonic composition (XNaCl = 0.38) showed only one phase transition at their mutual deliquescence relative humidity (MDRH) of 67.9 (±0.5)% On the other hand, particles with other mixing ratios showed two distinct deliquescence transitions; i.e., the eutonic component dissolved at MDRH, and the remainder in the solid phase dissolved completely at their DRHs depending on the mixing ratios, resulting in a phase diagram composed of four different phases, as predicted thermodynamically. During the dehydration process, NaCl-rich particles (XNaCl > 0.38) showed a two stage efflorescence transition: the first stage was purely driven by the homogeneous nucleation of NaCl and the second stage at the mutual efflorescence RH (MERH) of the eutonic components, with values in the range of 30.0–35.5%. Interestingly, aerosol particles with the eutonic composition (XNaCl = 0.38) also showed two-stage efflorescence, with NaCl crystallizing first followed by heterogeneous nucleation of the remaining NaNO3 on the NaCl seeds. NaNO3-rich particles (XNaCl ≤ 0.3) underwent single-stage efflorescence transitions at ERHs progressively lower than the MERH because of the homogeneous nucleation of NaCl and the almost simultaneous heterogeneous nucleation of NaNO3 on the NaCl seeds. SEM/EDX elemental mapping indicated that the effloresced NaCl–NaNO3 particles at all mixing ratios were composed of a homogeneously crystallized NaCl moiety in the center, surrounded either by the eutonic component (for XNaCl > 0.38) or NaNO3 (for XNaCl ≤ 0.38). During the humidifying or dehydration process, the amount of eutonic composed part drives particle/droplet growth or shrinkage at the MDRH or MERH (second ERH), respectively, and the amount of pure salts (NaCl or NaNO3 in NaCl- or NaNO3-rich particles, respectively) drives the second DRHs or first ERHs, respectively. Therefore, their behavior can be a precursor to the optical properties and direct radiative forcing for these atmospherically relevant mixture particles representing the coarse, reacted inorganic SSAs. In addition, the NaCl–NaNO3 mixture aerosol particles can maintain an aqueous phase over a wider RH range than pure NaCl particles as SSA surrogate, making their heterogeneous chemistry more probable.
Using the chemical equilibrium partitioning space to explore factors influencing the phase distribution of compounds involved in secondary organic aerosol formation
Authors: Wania F. , Lei Y. D. , Wang C. , Abbatt J. P. D. , Goss K.-U.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Many atmospheric and chemical variables influence the partitioning equilibrium between gas phase and condensed phases of compounds implicated in the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). The large number of factors and their interaction makes it often difficult to assess their relative importance and concerted impact. Here we introduce a two-dimensional space which maps regions of dominant atmospheric phase distribution within a coordinate system defined by equilibrium partition coefficients between the gas phase, an aqueous phase and a water-insoluble organic matter (WIOM) phase. Placing compounds formed from the oxidation of n-alkanes, terpenes and mono-aromatic hydrocarbons on the maps based on their predicted partitioning properties allows for a simple graphical assessment of their equilibrium phase distribution behaviour. Specifically, it allows for the simultaneous visualisation and quantitative comparison of the impact on phase distribution of changes in atmospheric parameters (such as temperature, salinity, WIOM-phase polarity, organic aerosol load, and liquid water content) and chemical properties (such as oxidation state, molecular size, functionalisation, and dimerisation). The graphical analysis reveals that the addition of hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxyl groups increases the affinity of aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons for the aqueous phase more rapidly than their affinity for WIOM, suggesting that the aqueous phase may often be relevant even for substances that are considerably larger than the C2 and C3 compounds that are typically believed to be associated with aqueous SOA. In particular, the maps identify some compounds that contribute to SOA formation if partitioning to both WIOM and aqueous phase is considered but would remain in the gas phase if either condensed phase were neglected. For example, many semi-volatile α-pinene oxidation products will contribute to aqueous SOA under the conditions of high liquid water content encountered in clouds but would remain vapours in wet aerosol. It is conceivable to develop parameterisations of "partitioning basis sets" that group compounds with comparable partitioning properties, which – when combined with data on the abundance of those groups of compounds – could serve in the simulation of SOA formation.
Towards validation of ammonia (NH3) measurements from the IASI satellite
Authors: Van Damme M. , Clarisse L. , Dammers E. , Liu X. , Nowak J. B. , Clerbaux C. , Flechard C. R. , Galy-Lacaux C. , Xu W. , Neuman J. A. , Tang Y. S. , Sutton M. A. , Erisman J. W. , Coheur P. F.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Limited availability of ammonia (NH3) observations is currently a barrier for effective monitoring of the nitrogen cycle. It prevents a full understanding of the atmospheric processes in which this trace gas is involved and therefore impedes determining its related budgets. Since the end of 2007, the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) satellite has been observing NH3 from space at a high spatio-temporal resolution. This valuable data set, already used by models, still needs validation. We present here a first attempt to validate IASI-NH3 measurements using existing independent ground-based and airborne data sets. The yearly distributions reveal similar patterns between ground-based and space-borne observations and highlight the scarcity of local NH3 measurements as well as their spatial heterogeneity and lack of representativity. By comparison with monthly resolved data sets in Europe, China and Africa, we show that IASI-NH3 observations are in fair agreement, but they are characterized by a smaller variation in concentrations. The use of hourly and airborne data sets to compare with IASI individual observations allows investigations of the impact of averaging as well as the representativity of independent observations for the satellite footprint. The importance of considering the latter and the added value of densely located airborne measurements at various altitudes to validate IASI-NH3 columns are discussed. Perspectives and guidelines for future validation work on NH3 satellite observations are presented.
Performance of WVSS-II hygrometers on the FAAM research aircraft
Authors: Vance A. K. , Abel S. J. , Cotton R. J. , Woolley A. M.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. We compare the performance of five hygrometers fitted to the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurement's (FAAM) BAe 146-301 research aircraft using data from approximately 100 flights executed over the course of 2 years under a wide range of conditions. Bulk comparison of cloud free data show good agreement between chilled mirror hygrometers and a WVSS-II fed from a modified Rosemount inlet, but that a WVSS-II fed from the standard flush inlet appears to over-read compared to the other instruments, except at higher humidities. Statistical assessment of hygrometer performance in cloudy conditions is problematic due to the variable nature of clouds, so a number of case studies are used instead to investigate the performance of the hygrometers in sub-optimal conditions. It is found that the flush inlet is not susceptible to either liquid or solid water but that the Rosemount inlet has a significant susceptibility to liquid water and may also be susceptible to ice. In all conditions the WVSS-II responds much more rapidly than the chilled mirror devices, with the flush inlet-fed WVSS-II being more rapid than that connected to the Rosemount.
The combined effects of nitrification inhibitor and biochar incorporation on yield-scaled N2O emissions from an intensively managed vegetable field in southeastern China
Authors: Li B. , Fan C. H. , Xiong Z. Q. , Li Q. L. , Zhang M.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. An experiment was conducted to study the influences of nitrification inhibitor (NI) and biochar incorporation on yield-scaled N2O using the static chamber method and gas chromatography in an intensively managed vegetable field with seven consecutive vegetable crops from 2012 to 2014 in southeastern China. With an equal annual nitrogen (N) application rate (1217 kg N ha-1 yr-1), six treatments under three biochar amendment rates – namely, 0 t ha-1 (C0), 20 t ha-1 (C1) and 40 t ha-1 (C2) – with compound fertilizer (CF) or urea mixed with NI of nitrapyrin as chlorinated pyridine (CP) were studied in these field experiments. The results showed that, although there was no significant influence on soil organic carbon (SOC) content or total nitrogen (TN), nitrapyrin could result in a significant increase in soil pH during the experimental period. Nitrapyrin significantly decreased cumulative N2O emissions by 15.9–32.1% while increasing vegetable yield by 9.8–41.9%. Thus, it also decreased yield-scaled N2O emissions significantly. In addition to the differential responses of the soil pH, biochar amendment significantly increased SOC and TN. Compared with the treatments without biochar addition, the cumulative N2O emissions showed no significant difference in the CF or the CP group treatments but increased slightly (not significantly) by 7.9–18.3% in the CP group treatments. Vegetable yield was enhanced by 7.1–49.5% in the CF group treatments compared with the treatments without biochar amendment, while there was no significant difference in the CP group treatments, and the yield-scaled N2O emissions were thus decreased significantly. Furthermore, treatments involving with nitrapyrin and biochar incorporation slightly increased yield-scaled N2O emissions by 9.4%, on average, compared with CP-C0. Therefore, the application of nitrapyrin could serve as an appropriate practice for increasing vegetable yield and mitigating N2O emissions in intensively managed vegetable fields and should be further examined in various agroecosystems.
Inferring palaeo-accumulation records from ice-core data by an adjoint-based method: application to James Ross Island's ice core
Authors: Martín C. , Mulvaney R. , Gudmundsson G. H. , Corr H.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Ice cores contain a record of snow precipitation that includes information about past atmospheric circulation and mass imbalance in the polar regions. We present a novel approach to reconstruct a climatic record – by both optimally dating an ice core and deriving from it a detailed accumulation history – that uses an adjoint-based method. The motivation of our work is the recent application of phase-sensitive radar which measures the vertical velocity of an ice column. The velocity is dependent on the history of subsequent snow accumulation, compaction and compression; in our inverse formulation of this problem, measured vertical velocity profiles can be utilized directly, thereby reducing the uncertainty introduced by ice-flow modelling. We first apply our method to synthetic data in order to study its capability and the effect of noise and gaps in the age–depth observations. The method is then applied to the ice core retrieved from James Ross Island, Antarctica. We show that the method is robust and that the results depend on the quality of the age–depth observations and the derived flow regime around the core site. The method facilitates the incorporation of increasing detail provided by ice-core analysis together with observed full-depth velocity in order to construct a complete climatic record of the polar regions.
Interannual climate variability seen in the Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project
Authors: Brierley C. M.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Following reconstructions suggesting weakened temperature gradients along the Equator in the early Pliocene, there has been much speculation about Pliocene climate variability. A major advance for our knowledge about the later Pliocene has been the coordination of modelling efforts through the Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP). Here the changes in interannual modes of sea surface temperature variability will be presented across PlioMIP. Previously, model ensembles have shown little consensus in the response of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) to imposed forcings – either for the past or future. The PlioMIP ensemble, however, shows surprising agreement, with eight models simulating reduced variability and only one model indicating no change. The Pliocene's robustly weaker ENSO also saw a shift to lower frequencies. Model ensembles focussed on a wide variety of forcing scenarios have not yet shown this level of coherency. Nonetheless, the PlioMIP ensemble does not show a robust response of either ENSO flavour or sea surface temperature variability in the tropical Indian and North Pacific oceans. Existing suggestions linking ENSO properties to to changes in zonal temperature gradient, seasonal cycle and the elevation of the Andes Mountains are investigated, yet prove insufficient to explain the consistent response. The reason for this surprisingly coherent signal warrants further investigation.
Active lakes in Antarctica survive on a sedimentary substrate – Part 1: Theory
Authors: Carter S. P. , Fricker H. A. , Siegfried M. R.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Over the past decade satellite observations have revealed that active subglacial lake systems are widespread under the Antarctic ice sheet, including the ice streams, yet we have insufficient understanding of the lake-drainage process to incorporate it into ice sheet models. Process models for drainage of ice-dammed lakes based on conventional "R-channels" incised into the base of the ice through melting are unable to reproduce the timing and magnitude of drainage from Antarctic subglacial lakes estimated from satellite altimetry given the low hydraulic gradients along which such lakes drain. We developed a process model in which channels are mechanically eroded into deformable subglacial sediment (till) instead ("T-channel"). When applied to the known lakes of the Whillans/Mercer system, the model successfully reproduced the key characteristics of estimated lake volume changes for the period 2003–2009. If our model is realistic, it implies that most active lakes are shallow and only exist in the presence of saturated sediment, explaining why they are difficult to detect with classical radar methods. It also implies that the lake-drainage process is sensitive to the composition and strength of the underlying till, suggesting that models could be improved with a realistic treatment of sediment – interfacial water exchange.
La percepción del buen profesor en alumnos de nuevo ingreso a la enseñanza universitaria: el caso de ETEA (Córdoba)
Authors: Hamer Flores Adolfo
Published: March 2015

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados más relevantes de una investigación cuyo objetivo fue conocer, a comienzos del curso, la percepción que tienen los estudiantes universitarios de lo que caracteriza a un buen profesor para poder aplicar esa información en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. A partir de una muestra de estudiantes que cursan primer semestre en la Universidad de Córdoba (Grado en Administración y Dirección de Empresas, ETEA), se analizan sus actitudes en dicho campo para explorar nuevos enfoques metodológicos y favorecer los ya existentes. Para ello, este artículo emplea un cuestionario elaborado por Gargallo, Sánchez, Ros, y Ferreras (2010). Los resultados obtenidos en este caso, tras un análisis comparado, son coherentes con los mostrados por otros estudios realizados en población española y extranjera de nivel similar; unos resultados que concebidos como diagnóstico inicial, permiten mejorar la labor docente con el grupo analizado.
En qué cambian las prácticas de enseñanza de la matemática en un “modelo 1:1” a escala nacional
Authors: Vaillant Alcaide Denise , Rodríguez Zidán Eduardo , Bernasconi Piñeyrúa Gabriela
Published: March 2015

El artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación empírica, sobre la incidencia de los procesos de innovación en TIC en las prácticas de enseñanza de Matemática, realizada en el marco del modelo 1:1 del Plan CEIBAL entre 2011 y 2012. El estudio integró diferentes fases. En etapa inicial y a partir de una perspectiva cuantitativa, se realizó una encuesta a una muestra intencional estratificada de docentes de Matemática de 1er año de educación media de centros de diferentes contextos y municipalidades del país. En la segunda fase desde un enfoque cualitativo, se planteó una intervención pedagógica en una muestra del colectivo de docentes de Matemática. Además se instrumentaron instancias de formación y acompañamiento, una red de docentes y el diseño e implementación de proyectos curriculares innovadores de uso de las XO con sus alumnos de educación media. El artículo presenta los resultados de la primera fase del estudio en la cual cual se buscó caracterizar a la población de docentes de Matemática, conocer sus prácticas de enseñanza y de desarrollo profesional así como sus expectativas a partir de la implementación del Plan CEIBAL. Los resultados revelan el importante avance en la universalización del acceso a las TIC en educación pública con un fuerte componente de equidad social. No obstante el 68 % de los profesores opina que ha cambiado poco o nada sus prácticas pedagógicas. Uno de los hallazgos principales es que la autopercepción positiva sobre la innovación con TIC está asociada con la experiencia docente y el contexto de los centros educativos. La investigación muestra que aún queda un largo camino por recorrer en materia de la integración de las TIC a las prácticas docentes.
Arte como herramienta social y educativa
Authors: Mundet Bolós Anna , Beltrán Hernández Angela María , Moreno González Ascensión
Published: March 2015

Históricamente, determinados sectores sociales como la infancia y la adolescencia en riesgo social han estado expuestos a la desigualdad y la vulnerabilidad. En las sociedades actuales tenemos la responsabilidad de contribuir con nuestros avances y saberes a mejorar las condiciones de vida de estos grupos poblacionales y es allí donde el arte y sus diversas herramientas juegan un papel fundamental, no solo a nivel corporal (visto como un tipo de actividad física) sino también como herramienta educativa en donde es posible desarrollar habilidades emocionales, mentales y comunicativas. Las intervenciones han sido desarrolladas basadas en la investigación cualitativa (Estudio de caso y Teoría fundamentada) utilizando la metodología de la mediación artística, enfocada específicamente en la expresión corporal. Este tipo de investigación permitió la aproximación a las vivencias personales y emocionales de los participantes que, a su vez, permitió evidenciar claramente los efectos positivos de las intervenciones educativas a través del arte.
El efecto del origen social con el paso del tiempo: la inserción laboral de los graduados universitarios españoles durante la democracia
Authors: Torrents Dani , Fachelli Sandra
Published: March 2015

Este artículo se plantea analizar el papel del origen social en la inserción laboral de las personas graduadas en España entre los años 1975 y 1998. En una investigación anterior analizamos los graduados asalariados que habían obtenido su titulación entre 1999 y 2002. Pretendemos con este estudio hacer una mirada retrospectiva y exploramos los mismos elementos, es decir, si el origen social influye en la inserción laboral, pero esta vez a medida que transcurre el tiempo desde el año de graduación. Partimos del presupuesto que el origen social reaparecerá como variable explicativa a medida que pasa el tiempo. Para llevar a cabo el análisis utilizamos la Encuesta de Condiciones de Vida de 2005 (INE) y observamos el efecto del origen social controlado por factores personales y ocupacionales, mediante la regresión logística binaria utilizando el salario percibido por hora como variable dependiente. Las conclusiones a las que hemos llegado nos obligan a rechazar nuestras hipótesis y también a seguir analizando al menos dos temas, por un lado, incluir factores adicionales como la titulación, ya que no podemos considerar a los universitarios como un grupo homogéneo, y por otro, analizar el impacto de la crisis utilizando datos más recientes.
Lifelong learning through digital storytelling in corporate training
Authors: Hack Josias Ricardo , Ramos Fernando , Santos Arnaldo , Moreira Lucia
Published: March 2015

In this paper we discuss collaborative learning strategies based on the use of digital stories in corporate training and lifelong learning. The text starts with a concise review on theoretical and technical foundations about the use of digital technologies in collaborative strategies in lifelong learning. We will also discuss if the corporate training may be improved by the use of individual audio-visual experience in learning process. Careful planning, scripting and production of audio-visual digital stories can help in the construction of collaborative learning spaces in which adults are in the context of vocational training throughout life. Our analysis concludes emphasizing on the need to experience the routing performance of digital stories in the context of corporate training, following the reference levels mentioned here, so we can have in a future more theoretical and empirical elements for the validation and conceptualization in the use of digital stories in the context of corporate training. Ultimately we believe that lifelong learning can be improved with the use of strategies that promote the production of personal audio-visual for those involved in teaching and learning process in organizational context.
Conciencia y trabajo continuo como predictores del rendimiento académico en estudiantes españoles
Authors: Dezcallar Sáez Teresa , Clariana Muntada Mercè , Gotzens Busquets Concepció , Badia Martín Mar , Cladellas Pro Ramon
Published: March 2015

La conciencia como factor de personalidad del modelo Big Five es una variable clave para entender los resultados académicos de los alumnos. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la relación que establecen la propia conciencia y dos de sus facetas, el trabajo continuo y la planificación, con el rendimiento académico, y observar si hay diferencias con la variable género. Un total de 456 alumnos españoles de bachillerato y universidad han participado en el estudio. Se han administrado unos cuestionarios y un autoinforme para la obtención de los datos del estudio. Los resultados demuestran que tanto la conciencia como dimensión de personalidad como la faceta trabajo continuo son capaces de predecir aspectos esenciales del rendimiento, concretamente, las notas de los alumnos en los exámenes, su asistencia a clase y su esfuerzo o dedicación a los estudios. La variable género muestra una diferencia a nivel de factor conciencia, siendo más elevada en el género femenino. Desde una perspectiva práctica, estos resultados indican que incluir, entre los objetivos educativos, la instauración de un hábito de trabajo continuado, es adecuado para mejorar tanto las notas de los alumnos como su adaptación al ámbito educativo.
Procesos pedagógicos y uso de tecnología en el aula
Authors: Villalta Páucar Marco Antonio , Guzmán María Angélica , Nussbaum Miguel
Published: March 2015

Los soportes computacionales han diversificado las posibilidades de interactividad de la enseñanza en sala de clase. Los usos del computador en actividades educativas tales como juegos colaborativos, sistemas de retroalimentación de respuesta o participación simulada, entre otros, ponen en evidencia las diversas alternativas que tiene el uso de esta tecnología al interior del proceso educativo desarrollado en el aula. En este contexto, el propósito del artículo es evidenciar el aporte que genera la mediación computacional para los procesos pedagógicos implementados en la sala de clase de la educación escolar formal. Para ello se realizó un análisis bibliográfico que permitió identificar dos configuraciones de los procesos pedagógicos generados, la Inductiva y la Deductiva. Se analizaron y sistematizaron las actividades de enseñanza mediadas por el computador asociadas a ambos procesos. Entre los resultados se delimitan las ventajas del uso de la tecnología en este escenario, destacándose como principales aportes la estructuración y profundización gradual de los contenidos, el fortalecimiento de los procesos de colaboración, la diversificación de los entornos de aprendizaje, y el incremento de la participación estudiantil.
Diseño de la plataforma "RedacText 2.0" para ayudar a escribir textos académicos e investigar sobre enseñanza y aprendizaje de la escritura
Authors: Alvarez Angulo Teodoro , Mateo Girona Teresa , Serrano Almodóvar Pilar , González Serrano Miguel Ángel
Published: March 2015

Este trabajo da cuenta del diseño experimental de una plataforma interactiva (RedacText 2.0), concebida para ayudar a redactar textos académicos a estudiantes universitarios, futuros maestros de Educación Primaria y futuros profesores de Educación Secundaria. Los principios que sustentan el diseño de esta herramienta están en la línea de programas anglosajones, como: Writing Across the Curriculum, Writing in the Disciplines, Expository Writing, Writing Program, Reading and Writing to Learn, Research on Writing; y movimientos del tipo de: European Association for the Teaching of Academic Writing, Scaffolded Writing and Rewriting in the Disciplines, Center for Academic Writing, y Nacional Writing Projet, entre otros. Este recurso aborda el contexto, el proceso de producción y el texto (expositivo o académico, para el caso), con ayudas que facilitan la realización de las tareas de composición, tanto por parte del estudiante o escritor como del profesor o tutor. Esta plataforma consta de tres secciones: tutor, escritor y Grupo Didactext. La sección dedicada al estudiante o escritor permite descargar actividades, que se envían electrónicamente, con el fin de que el tutor guíe y evalúe el desarrollo de la producción del texto y medie en los aprendizajes. Esta sección permite crear una base de datos que registra los progresos en los aprendizajes de cada escritor y contribuye a mejorar sus destrezas como escritor. La documentación generada en esta sección permite al Grupo Didactext investigar acerca de cómo enseñar y aprender a escribir trabajos académicos, desde la perspectiva que provocan en los lectores los procesos de lectura y de escritura con la ayuda de Internet. Este trabajo tiene como ámbito de aplicación principal la formación del profesorado.
Utilización de las TIC en orientación educativa: Un análisis de las plataformas web en los departamentos de orientación de secundaria
Authors: Muñoz-Carril Pablo-César , González-Sanmamed Mercedes
Published: March 2015

A pesar de la progresiva incorporación y de la importancia que las Tecnologías de la Información y de la Comunicación (en adelante TIC) están adquiriendo en el ámbito escolar, todavía son escasas las investigaciones que a nivel nacional centran su objeto de estudio en identificar cómo los orientadores de educación secundaria están utilizando herramientas tecnológicas en su quehacer profesional y, en particular, cómo están empleando las páginas web de sus respectivos centros educativos como medio para desarrollar acciones que se agrupan bajo el término “e-orientación”. Partiendo de esta premisa, se desarrolló un estudio exploratorio descriptivo de carácter cuantitativo cuyo propósito era identificar el tipo de contenidos, recursos y materiales que se estaban trabajando y difundiendo desde las webs/plataformas de los Departamentos de Orientación en la totalidad de los centros de secundaria de la provincia de A Coruña. Los resultados obtenidos para los 155 centros que formaron parte de la investigación ponen de manifiesto que no se está aprovechando todo el potencial que ofrecen las TIC y, concretamente, se percibe un uso limitado de la web para vehicular recursos relacionados con los diversos ámbitos de la orientación educativa. Por todo ello, sería necesario que desde distintas instancias se pusieran en marcha mecanismos dirigidos a fomentar la capacitación tecnológica de los orientadores y a mejorar la dotación de recursos disponibles de manera que fuera posible incorporar iniciativas de e-orientación.
La tutoría académica en la educación superior. Una investigación a partir de entrevistas y grupos de discusión en la Universidad de Cantabria (España)
Authors: Rodríguez-Hoyos Carlos , Calvo Salvador Adelina , Haya Salmón Ignacio
Published: March 2015

En este artículo presentamos los principales resultados de una investigación en proceso dirigida a comprender la visión que los estudiantes de los primeros cursos de Grado tienen sobre la tutoría en la universidad. De forma más concreta, este trabajo se centra en el análisis de la tutoría académica. Para ello se ha utilizado un diseño cualitativo de investigación y se ha seleccionado una muestra de estudiantes cuyas titulaciones abarcan las cinco áreas de conocimiento en las que se organizan sus estudios. Los resultados obtenidos permiten identificar algunos problemas en el desarrollo de la tutoría académica, como las debilidades que presenta la orientación académica en la transición de los jóvenes a la universidad, la necesidad de integrarla en el espacio del aula o su utilización para mejorar la evaluación de la docencia. La tutoría académica se presenta como un instrumento que podría facilitar la mejora e innovación de los procesos de educación superior. El trabajo se ha desarrollado en la Universidad de Cantabria durante los cursos académicos 2011-12 y 2012-13.
De grote verbouwing
Authors: Karré Philip Marcel , Paardekooper Cees
Published: March 2015

The big reconstruction – public management reform in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is engaged in reforming several of its public service provision sectors by limiting their hybrid (mixed public/private) character. This special issue deals with these reforms. We have a closer look at the systems of transport, education and housing, and also discuss reforms of the Dutch nation state. Each article poses three basic questions: why has the sector evolved as it has? Why is change seen as necessary? And how does this process take place? By doing so, we draw general lessons on how the Netherlands deals with system change and public management reform.
Woningcorporaties: meer dan een eeuw hybriditeit
Authors: Elsinga Marja , van der Schaar Jan
Published: March 2015

Social housing associations: more than a century of hybridity

Since 1901, Dutch social housing is organized as a hybrid system. Over the years, this system has continually adapted to outside forces and demands. Lately it has come under pressure, especially as the negative side effects of housing associations becoming autonomous have become apparent. This article describes the history of social housing in the Netherlands since 1901, and discusses whether the negative side effects of hybridity should be used as an argument for a major overhaul of the system.
Kwaliteit als sleutel tot overheidsinterventie: een reflectie op de beleidsassumpties van autonomievergroting in het primair onderwijs
Authors: Honingh Marlies , van Thiel Sandra
Published: March 2015

Quality as the key for state intervention: Reflections on policy assumptions concerning increased organizational autonomy in primary education

In the 1980s, the organizational autonomy of primary schools in the Netherlands was increased to improve the quality of education. Today, new restrictions are being imposed on this autonomy, again as a means to improve educational quality. This article discusses whether this change can be seen as a systemic change or rather a further streamlining of the policies started in the 1980s.
Ondoordacht sleutelen
Authors: Karré Philip , Paardekooper Cees
Published: March 2015

Reforming without a clue: reflections on political eagerness and the complexity of social systems

This text provides a summary of an interview we conducted with Roel in ’t Veld, who (as an academic, advisor and civil servant) is a veteran of public management reform in the Netherlands. In ’t Veld criticizes the approach often taken by these reforms, as they are often not based on an in-depth study of the problem in question and its historic background. Scholars in public administration should not only provide critical assessments of reforms from the side-lines but should also get their hands dirty and participate in them.