bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal unimorph and bimorph configurations of piezocomposite actuators for bending and twisting vibration control of plate structures
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Zhou Wenya , Wu Zhigang , Wu Wenhua
Published: November 2017

Optimal configuration of anisotropic piezocomposite actuators is investigated for vibration control of flexible structures. Actuation effects of the actuators in unimorph and antisymmetric angle-ply bimorph configurations are analyzed. Dynamic equations of the piezo-actuated plate are established using finite element method. The locations and lead zirconate titanate fiber orientations of actuators are optimized simultaneously to improve vibration control performance of a plate. The optimization criterion is presented based on controllability Gramian matrix of the system. The properties of macro-fiber composite are used in the simulations of the actuators. The optimal unimorph and bimorph configurations of actuators are presented for three cases: bending control, twisting control, and coupled bending–twisting control. The results indicate that both optimal locations and fiber orientations are different for bending control and twisting control. A trade-off between control authority for bending and torsional modes can be found in coupled bending–twisting control. The actuators should be placed in the regions of high average strain of the interested modes with appropriate fiber orientations. Special piezocomposite actuators with optimal fiber orientations can be used to achieve improved coupled bending–twisting vibration control performance.
The Accuracy of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System for the Assessment of Depression in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Boonyathee Sorawit , Nagaviroj Kittiphon , Anothaisintawee Thunyarat
Published: November 2017

Background:

Depression is a common health problem among patients with cancer. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) is one of many tools that have been used to evaluate depression in these patients. Nevertheless, the diagnostic performance and the appropriate cutoff point of the ESAS for the assessment of depression in these patients have varied in the studies.

Purpose:

To determine the diagnostic accuracy and the optimal cutoff point for the ESAS for the assessment of depression in patients with cancer.

Data Sources:

PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane library databases from inception to September 18, 2016.

Study Selection:

Paired reviewers independently screened abstracts and full-text articles for all cross-sectional studies published in English and compared these with the ESAS in the depression (ESAS-D) subscale with reference to standard tests for the assessment of depression.

Data Extraction:

Two reviewers serially abstracted the data and independently assessed the risk of bias by using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2.

Data Synthesis:

A total of 6 studies were eligible for review. Our meta-analysis showed the optimal cutoff point of the ESAS-D ≥ 4, with pooled sensitivity and specificity at 53% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 38%-67%) and 90% (95% CI: 82%-94%), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio of the ESAS-D ≥ 4 were 5.2 (95% CI: 3.1-8.6) and 10 (95% CI: 5-19). There was a high degree of heterogeneity between the studies ( P value <.001, I2 = 96%).

Conclusion:

We suggest that an ESAS-D ≥ 4 could be used to detect possible cases of depression in patients with cancer.

Registration:

Our study protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews on October 4, 2016, and was last updated on January 11, 2017 (registration number CRD42016048288).
Active torque control for gear dynamic load suppression in a drum shearer cutting transmission system under impact loads
Authors: Ge Shuaishuai , Qin Datong , Hu Minghui , Liu Yonggang
Published: November 2017

In order to suppress the impact of a loads-induced gear dynamic load of a drum shearer cutting transmission system, an active torque compensation control method is proposed in this paper based on the active disturbance rejection and adaptive neuro-fuzzy control technologies. Using the speed difference between the motor rotor and the first stage gear as a feedback state variable, an active disturbance rejection torque compensation controller is firstly designed for suppressing the dynamic load of the electromechanical transmission system. The controller uses the speed difference as the tracking control target and sets it to a zero value, thereby transforming the dynamic load suppressing problem into a trajectory tracking problem. Secondly, the active disturbance rejection controller parameters are tuned based on the adaptive neuro-fuzzy control technology. Therefore, the torque compensation can be realized adaptively in accordance with the various cutting conditions. Finally, the suppression effect on the dynamic load of the transmission system under continuous impact conditions with different load mutation rates is analyzed based on the proposed control method. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method exhibits a good control effect in suppressing the dynamic load and an improved adaptive ability to the complex and changeable working conditions. The proposed method also can be useful for the electromechanical transmission systems with similar structure applied in other areas.
Turning Hotel Employees Into Brand Champions: The Roles of Well-Connected Leaders and Organizational Identification
Authors: Chan Wilco W. H. , Chow Cheris W. C. , Loi Raymond , Xu Angela J.
Published: November 2017

Employees’ positive word of mouth (WOM) about hotel brands has a profound impact on customer choice and hotel effectiveness. On the basis of social identity theory and social information processing theory, we posit a moderated mediation model wherein hotel supervisors’ organizational identification (OI) increases their subordinates’ engagement in positive WOM behavior by enhancing subordinates’ OI. This relationship is moderated by supervisors’ upward-exchange relationships with their bosses (i.e., leader–leader exchange). Data from a two-wave survey conducted in a hotel in China indicate that employees working under supervisors with high levels of OI better identify with the hotel and engage in more positive WOM behavior. This is particularly the case when supervisors engage in high-quality leader–leader exchange and are well connected with their bosses. The article concludes with theoretical and practical implications highlighting the importance of cultivating employees’ organizational identification and positive WOM behavior in the hospitality sector.
Theorizing the role of executive heads in international organizations
Authors: Hall Nina , Woods Ngaire
Published: November 2017

International Relations scholars have long neglected the question of leadership in international organizations. The structural turn in International Relations led to an aversion to analysing or theorizing the impact of individuals. Yet, empirical studies suggest that different leaders affect the extent to which international organizations facilitate cooperation among states and/or the capacity of a global agency to deliver public goods. It is difficult to study how and under what conditions leaders have an impact due to the challenges of attributing outcomes to a particular leader and great variation in their powers and operating context. We offer a starting point for overcoming these challenges. We identify three different types of constraints that executive heads face: legal-political, resource and bureaucratic. We argue that leaders can navigate and push back on each of these constraints and provide illustrations of this, drawing on existing literature and interviews with executive heads and senior management of international organizations. Executive heads of international organizations may operate in a constrained environment but this should not stop scholars from studying their impact.
Considerations of the transverse vibration of a mechanical system with two identical bars
Authors: Vlase Sorin , Marin Marin , Öchsner Andreas
Published: November 2017

In this paper, mechanical properties of the mechanical systems that have certain symmetries are determined. Similar problems occur frequently in engineering applications and civil engineering where many mechanical systems used in these areas exhibit symmetrical properties resulting from the design process, fabrication reasons, simplicity, cost, or logistics. The paper aims to determine the properties of the eigenvalues and the eigenmodes of transverse vibrations in a mechanical system with beams where two of the three beams were identical. The determination of these properties allows us to reduce the calculus effort and the computation time and, in addition, increases the accuracy of the results.
‘Like the stranger at a funeral who cries more than the bereaved’: ethical dilemmas in ethnographic research with children
Authors: Okyere Samuel
Published: November 2017

This article contributes to debates on the practicality and utility of prior ethical review in ethnography and qualitative research using an ethnography of children’s involvement in artisanal gold mining work in Ghana as a case study. Reflecting on dilemmas and obstacles encountered in attempts to employ prescribed institutional ethical guidance modelled for childhood research in the UK during the fieldwork, the discussion brings to attention some of the problems that can arise when ethical guidance is not anchored in the lived realities or value systems of the setting in which fieldwork is conducted. The article seeks to rejuvenate calls for more flexible and socio-culturally responsive ethical review and practice as an alternative to the prescriptive ethical regimes.
Mourning and Melancholia: Conflicting Approaches to Reviving Gilmore Girls One Season at a Time
Authors: Lizardi Ryan
Published: November 2017

In 2016, the canceled CW television series Gilmore Girls was revived on Netflix as four 90-minute “mini-movies” called Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Factors contributing to the original series ending, including creator conflicts about its final year, have led to continued series devotion and, consequently, Netflix’s revival that aimed to court the show’s built-in audience as well as a new generation of viewers. To revive a show that caters to established fans and also appeals to potential new fans requires a blend of self-referentiality and narrative continuation. I argue that while established fans were catered to through A Year in the Life’s reinstatement of original creator Amy Sherman-Palladino’s intended series ending, Netflix simultaneously catered to new viewers through streaming features like archive-access and by co-opting the very ending that established fans desired.
‘Don’t just travel’: thinking poetically on the way to professional knowledge
Authors: Cross Vinette , Holyoake Dean-David
Published: November 2017

This paper describes how the medium of ‘found poetry’ is incorporated into a doctoral programme for nurses, educators and allied health and social care professionals at the start of their various doctoral journeys. It advocates a narrative practice approach to issues of researcher identity and reflexivity. ‘Finding’ the poems begins with the creation of collages as representational anchors for students to talk about themselves, their professional practice, their hopes and expectations of the doctoral experience, and their research ideas. (Re)presenting their transcribed talk as poetry involves culling and playing with words, phrases and segments, making changes in spacing, lines and rhythm to arrive at an evocative distillation (Butler-Kisber, 2002). This process enables each person to bring stories and/or fragments of experience into critical engagement with others. Poetic thinking functions pedagogically, helping students find a critical voice to enliven and hone their reflexive writing in relation to their doctoral experience and their research positioning. Arts-based methods of inquiry are an ongoing topic of interest in research communities. Found poetry is a useful starting point to explore creative means by which research participants can recount their stories, and equally, by which researchers can witness and disseminate what they have to tell.
Using poetry to explore normalcy as a coping mechanism for young people with cystic fibrosis
Authors: MacDonald Kath
Published: November 2017

Living with chronic illness can lead to a spiral of losses including social capital, mobility, physical health and self-worth. One method of coping with a long-term condition is normalcy: psychological bracketing of the illness as a means of coping, and may include the embodiment of treatment as part of the norm. This paper explores the concept of normalcy in young people with cystic fibrosis, disseminated through poetry. The theme of normalcy emerged in a study exploring the experiences of young ‘expert patients’ in partnership with their healthcare team. Observations of outpatient consultations between 10 young people with cystic fibrosis (CF), two carers and the CF team ( n = 11) and subsequent interviews were undertaken to explore perceptions of partnership. Once findings emerged from the original study these were recrafted into poems as an alternative means of dissemination. The poetry from ‘what’s in a norm?’ reflects the young people’s voices and the writer’s interpretation of how normalcy has become embedded into their ways of being. Minimising the impact of CF in this sample was commonplace. Normalcy as a concept emerged strongly in young people with CF in this study. Almost exclusively young people viewed the range of treatments and symptoms as not significant. Further probing revealed a very different picture, one of heavy treatment burden and symptom management. Normalcy may serve as a positive means of coping with the burden of disease. Dissemination of research findings through poetry can enhance nurses’ empathic understanding and provide holistic interpretation of events rather than just summative findings.
About Face: Matching Unfamiliar Faces Across Rotations of View and Lighting
Authors: Favelle Simone , Hill Harold , Claes Peter
Published: November 2017

Matching the identities of unfamiliar faces is heavily influenced by variations in their images. Changes to viewpoint and lighting direction during face perception are commonplace across yaw and pitch axes and can result in dramatic image differences. We report two experiments that, for the first time, factorially investigate the combined effects of lighting and view angle on matching performance for unfamiliar faces. The use of three-dimensional head models allowed control of both lighting and viewpoint. We found viewpoint effects in the yaw axis with little to no effect of lighting. However, for rotations about the pitch axis, there were both viewpoint and lighting effects and these interacted where lighting effects were found only for front views and views from below. The pattern of effects was similar regardless of whether view variation occurred as a result of head (Experiment 1) or camera (Experiment 2) suggesting that face matching is not purely image based. Along with face inversion effects in Experiment 1, the results of this study suggest that face perception is based on shape and surface information and draws on implicit knowledge of upright faces and ecological (top) lighting conditions.
“On this rock I will build” . . . My Synagogue? Translating Ekklēsia in the New Testament
Authors: Ellingworth Paul
Published: November 2017

This article examines the problems and implications of translating ekklēsia in Matthew 16.18 and elsewhere.
Passivization Transformation in the New Gun Bible Translation: The Translation of “It was allowed” in Rev 13.5, 7, 14
Authors: Kogon Emmanuel K.
Published: November 2017

In the Hebrew and Greek Bibles, various kinds of passive forms are used in sentence constructions. Some have both the patients and the agents clearly specified; others have only patients. Frequently, the agent is implied, ambiguous, or even unknown. The Gun language (a language of Benin) does not have forms for passive construction; only active forms are used. In Rev 13.5, 7, 14 the unspecified agent has been identified in the 2003 Gun New Testament as the “dragon.” This paper argues that the identification of the agent should be revisited before the publication of the whole Bible. It discusses various ways passive constructions can be dealt with in translation. Contrary to the choice of identified agent in the 2003 Gun New Testament, this article supports an alternative position, one which was adopted in the 1923 Gun Bible: that is, to use an ambiguous agent in the form of the impersonal pronoun ye, translated as “one,” “someone,” “it,” “they,” and so forth.
Development and Evaluation of a Continuing Education Program for Nursing Technicians at a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit in a Developing Country
Authors: Borim Bruna Cury , Croti Ulisses A. , Silveira Patricia C. , De Marchi Carlos H. , Moscardini Airton C. , Hickey Patricia , Jenkins Kathy
Published: November 2017

Background:

The nursing profession faces continuous transformations demonstrating the importance of professional continuing education to extend knowledge following technological development without impairing quality of care. Nursing assistants and technicians account for nearly 80% of nursing professionals in Brazil and are responsible for uninterrupted patient care. Extensive knowledge improvement is needed to achieve excellence in nursing care. The objective was to develop and evaluate a continuing education program for nursing technicians at a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) using a virtual learning environment entitled EDUCATE.

Methods:

From July to September 2015, a total of 24 nursing technicians working at the PCICU at a children’s hospital located in the northwestern region of São Paulo state (Brazil) fully participated in the continuing education program developed in a virtual learning environment using Wix platform, allowing access to video classes and pre- and post-training theoretical evaluation questionnaires outside the work environment. The evaluation tools recorded participants’ knowledge evolution, technological difficulties, educational, and overall rating.

Results:

Knowledge development was descriptively presented as positive in more than 66.7%. Content and training were considered “excellent” by most participants and 90% showed an interest in the use of technological resources. Technical difficulties were found and quickly resolved by 40% of participants including Internet access, login, and lack of technical expertise.

Conclusion:

The continuing education program using a virtual learning environment positively contributed to the improvement in theoretical knowledge of nursing technicians in PCICU.
Modified In Situ Pericardial Rerouting Technique for Scimitar Syndrome Repair
Authors: Lugones Ignacio , Biancolini María Fernanda , Zerpa Pacheco Victoria Eugenia , Martínez Inés Ana , Damsky Barbosa Jesús María Maximiliano , de Dios Ana María Susana
Published: November 2017

Scimitar syndrome repair represents a challenge due to the high incidence of postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction associated with classic surgical strategies. In situ pericardial rerouting technique has been considered a promising alternative approach due to its simplicity and excellent midterm results. Access to the left atrium can be difficult in young patients with severe dextrocardia and hypoplastic right lung. We describe a modification of the original rerouting technique in which the atrial septum is repositioned in order to create a wide opening in the lateral aspect of the left atrium and ensure an adequate size of the reconstructed pathway.
Clinicoepidemiological Profile of Elderly PLHIV Attending a Tertiary Care Center in South India
Authors: Madi Deepak , Ramakrishnan Neha , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Ramapuram John , Achappa Basavaprabhu , Rathi Priya
Published: November 2017

Background:

Physicians are coming across a considerable number of HIV-positive patients belonging to older age-group, in practice. They pose a challenge as they might present with advanced forms and comorbid conditions. We aimed to describe the clinicoepidemiological profile of elderly people living with HIV.

Methodology:

We conducted a cross-sectional study at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. We analyzed the record of 120 patients from 2009 to 2014. Descriptive statistics were used to describe sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients.

Results:

Of 786 HIV-positive patients, 120 were elderly. Mean age was 55.9 ± 6.1 years. Majority 68% were male. In all, 63.33% were male. Commonest route of transmission was heterosexual intercourse, most presented at World Health Organization (WHO) stage 1 (64.17%). In all, 77.5% had hypertension and 26.6% had tuberculosis. The median CD4 count at presentation was 245 cells/mm3 (145-426 cells/mm3). Forty-two percent were late presenters (CD4 <200 cells/mm3).

Conclusion:

Treating physician should have a high index of suspicion in diagnosing HIV among elderly age-group.
Childhood Socioeconomic Status and Stress in Late Adulthood: A Longitudinal Approach to Measuring Allostatic Load
Authors: Graves Katelyn Y. , Nowakowski Alexandra C. H.
Published: November 2017

Objectives: This study examines how the effects of childhood socioeconomic status (SES) may carry on into late adulthood. Methods: We examine how childhood SES affects both perceived stress and allostatic load, which is a cumulative measure of the body’s biologic response to chronic stress. We use the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, Waves 1 and 2, and suggest a novel method of incorporating a longitudinal allostatic load measure. Results: Individuals who grew up in low SES households have higher allostatic load scores in late adulthood, and this association is mediated mostly by educational attainment. Discussion: The longitudinal allostatic load measure shows similar results to the singular measures and allows us to include 2 time points into one outcome measure. Incorporating 2 separate time points into one measure is important because allostatic load is a measure of cumulative physiological dysregulation, and longitudinal data provide a more comprehensive measure.
Contextual Priming and the Design of 3D Virtual Environments to Improve Group Ideation
Authors: Bhagwatwar Akshay , Massey Anne , Dennis Alan
Published: November 2017

Three-dimensional (3D) virtual environments (VEs) are collaboration platforms where group members are represented as avatars and interact in a customizable simulated world. Research from cognitive psychology has shown that it is possible to manipulate nonconscious cognition and behavior through “priming,” a well-known phenomenon in which words and images are used to activate desired concepts in participants’ minds. Our goal in this was to investigate whether priming during the task execution (called contextual priming) using 3D objects in the VE can improve brainstorming performance. To investigate this, we conducted two studies. The first used priming objects specifically related to the task topic and the second used priming objects related to creativity, in general. Compared to VEs without 3D priming objects, our results show that when groups brainstormed in the VEs designed with 3D priming objects, they generated better quality ideas as well as a greater breadth and depth of ideas. Thus, the 3D priming stimuli incorporated in a VE enhances brainstorming, which indicates that the design of VE has a direct effect on team brainstorming performance. Our results also show that target concept activation and task absorption act as the underlying mechanisms, partially mediating the relationship between the design of the VE (i.e., the presence or absence of priming objects) and performance outcomes.
Electronic Phase Shifting in Multipulse Rectifier
Authors: Sokol Yevgen I. , Zamaruiev Volodymyr V. , Ivakhno Volodymyr V. , Voitovych Yurii S.
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a novel converter which can reduce the harmonics like the conventional multipulse converters with input three phase transformer. To reduce total harmonic distortion of input current and improve the weight and size of converters, it is suggested to use multi-pulse rectifiers with an electronic phase shift. The basic module is a 6-pulse rectifier on fully controlled switches with the reverse blocking ability. Switching frequency either coincides or is twice the power frequency. The proposed solutions allow refusing from the electromagnetic phase-shifting devices (power transformers or auto-transformers) and thereby significantly reduce the weight of the device. Unlike power factor correction systems with high-frequency modulation, the proposed converters are significantly different, as they have better electromagnetic compatibility and the virtual absence of dynamic switching losses of power switches.
An Experimental Study of Ground-Based Equipment Real Time Data Transfer Possibility by Using Cellular Networks
Authors: Brodņevs Deniss , Kutins Aleksandrs
Published: November 2017

An expanding mobile cellular network data transfer service offers cheaper wireless solutions for various data transfer needs. This paper presents an experimental testing of data transfer performance in 3G and 4G modes. The purpose of testing was to check the possibility of real-time and critical data transfer over the mobile cellular networks. The testing was performed in Riga in July and August 2016 using the most popular mobile service operators in Latvia: Tele2-LV, BITE-LV and LMT. The testing confirmed that the overload of Riga’s 4G networks causes serious service deterioration or even interruption. Riga’s 3G networks are more stable. However, 3G network service quality depends on a cell load. Lightly loaded 3G network meets real-time data transfer requirements of 100 ms one-way delay of the small packet traffic.
Ultra Low Power Design for Digital CMOS Circuits Operating Near Threshold
Authors: Kalra Shruti , Bhattacharyya Amalendu B.
Published: November 2017

Circuits operating in the subthreshold region are synonymous to low energy operation. However, the penalty in performance is colossal. In this paper, we investigate how designing in moderate inversion region recuperates some of that lost performance, while remaining very near to the minimum energy point. An power based minimum energy delay modeling that is continuous over the weak, moderate, and strong inversion regions is presented. The value of α is obtained through interpolation following EKV model. The effect of supply voltage and device sizing on the minimum energy and performance is determined. The proposed model is utilized to design a temperature to time generator at 32nm technology node as the application of the proposed model. The abstract goes here.
Fantastic reversals of time: Representations of ageing in the fantastic mode
Authors: Hartung Heike
Published: November 2017

The focus of the essay is the question how the genre of fantasy affects age narratives in terms of the representation of old age. Analyzing George McDonald’s “Little Daylight” (1864), Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s “Good Lady Ducayne” (1896) and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The curious case of Benjamin Button” (1921), I will argue that the mode of the fantastic serves to open up alternative visions of time and ageing. These age fantasies serve different cultural functions, both by reinforcing contemporary age stereotypes and by envisioning possible counter-narratives of old age. On a discursive level, I will compare the problems with representing old age, its contradictions and ambiguities, to the internal oppositions of the fantastic genre.
Thermodynamic properties of Al in ternary lead-free solder Al-Sn-Zn alloys
Authors: Odusote Yisau A. , Popoola Adewumi I. , Adedayo Kayode D. , Ogunjo Samuel T.
Published: November 2017

Thermodynamic properties of Al were calculated using the molecular interaction volume model (MIVM) by analyzing the activities of components in the constitutive binary Al-Sn, Al-Zn and Sn-Zn subsystems of the ternary lead-free solder Al-Sn-Zn systems. The activities of Al content in the ternary system at three cross-sections with constant molar ratios of Sn:Zn = 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2, respectively, were calculated and compared with available experimental data at 973 K. Based on the agreement between the calculated activity values and corresponding literature data for Al-Sn-Zn alloys and their subsystems, the activity of Al content in the ternary Al-Sn-Zn system was estimated at the same cross-sections and mole ratios in the temperature range of 1073 K to 1373 K, respectively. It has been observed through the computed activity values of Al that the thermodynamic properties of the ternary Al-Sn-Zn systems do not change appreciably with temperature across the molar sections.
Relationship between the quality of life and the meaning of life in cancer patient
Authors: Majerníková Ľudmila , Obročníková Andrea
Published: November 2017

Aim. The goal of the study was focused on examining the impact of meaningfulness of life on the quality of life in cancer patients.

Methods. The selection of respondents was deliberate. The study involved together one hundred cancer patients undergoing anticancer therapy (chemotherapy, radiotherapy) in cancer care centers in the Prešov and Košice regions. We used two standardized World Health Organisation questionnaires WHOQOL-BREF 26 and The Life Meaningfulness Scale (LMS).

Results. The results show statistical significance (p <.001) between LMS dimensions and total score of LMS, a positive correlation (p <.001) was found between the dimensions of the LMS and factors - religiosity, social support, older age, female gender. A higher sense of life our sample was observable in the population of women with cancer, in patients with a higher level of social support and in religious patients. A positive correlation was recorded in terms of the meaning of life impact on the quality of life in relation to overall score LMS and in relation to Domain 2 Survival as well as Domain 3 Social relationships (p <.05) and Q2 Satisfaction with health (p <.001).

Conclusions. The study indicates the presence of relationship between the quality of life and the meaning of life in cancer patients. The results could form the basis for implementing strategies in oncological nursing practice.
Connection between psychological holistic factor and life satisfaction in old age – propensity score methods
Authors: Kaučič Boris Miha , Filej Bojana , Ovsenik Marija
Published: November 2017

Introduction. Holism has been poorly researched in the field of health and social gerontology. The old man is a whole, therefore he needs a holistic treatment. It means that we consider his bio-psycho-social and spiritual needs. The purpose of the research is to determine the relationship of a psychological holistic factor with life satisfaction in old age.

Material and methods. For the needs of the research work, a quantitative research method was used. A simple random sample was selected from the statistical set. The survey included 1064 elderly people in Slovenia (65 years and over) in ten statistical regions living in the domestic (n=532) and institutional (n=532). Environment. Sample realization was 61.6 % (656 correct questionnaires). According to demographic data, the survey involved 470 (71.6%) women and 186 (28.4%) men. The average age of the respondent was 78.2 years. The data was analyzed with the R MICE package. The analysis of causal effects and conditional associations advanced statistical methods, i.e. propensity score methods, and a questionnaire as a structured measurement instrument were used.

Results. Obtained research results imply a scientific contribution in the field of quality management of people in old age and their life quality. On the basis of statistical calculations, the hypothesis that the psychological holistic factor (R2=0.21) is related to life satisfaction in old age is confirmed. We proved that indexes: social networks (R2=0.176), positive emotions (R2=0.366), loneliness (R2=0.151), cognitive abilities (R2=0.162) studied within a psychological holistic factor affect life satisfaction.

Discussion and conclusion. Research confirmed that within the psychological factor, the most intimately related to life satisfaction is the emotional index, followed by the index of social networks, cognitive abilities and the last index of loneliness. For the holistic treatment of old man, in which the psychological factor is the only one of the four holistic factors, both structural and process changes are required for achievement of better outcomes, in our case, higher levels of satisfaction with life in old age.
Health literacy and health related lifestyle among nursing students
Authors: Kolnik Tamara Štemberger , Hozjan Dejan , Babnik Katarina
Published: November 2017

Introduction. Nursing students are an important population for the study of health literacy and health-related behaviours. On one hand, they are a population of young adults, that is starting to independently take care of their own health and on the other hand, they are becoming professionals who will provide support and pass knowledge to people making changes in their lifestyle in order to preserve their health or to manage a disease. The focus of this research is therefore oriented towards the study of health literacy and behavior related to health in the population of nursing students.

Material and methods. We have studied health literacy and behaviour related to health on a sample of 337 students from the health care study programmes in Slovenia. We utilised two instruments to measure students’ health literacy (Health Literacy Screening Questions and Quick assessment of literacy and primary care – Newest vital sign) and a scale to measure health-related behaviors.

Results. Factor analysis identified three dimensions of health literacy: the understanding of health or disease, the understanding of the instructions received in the health system and the orientation within the health system. Variables related to health literacy and health-related behaviors are closely connected.

Discussion and conclusion. The education of nursing students should put emphasis on the topics of health literacy and their own health care. It should also support and encourage students to maintain healthy living habits, as they themselves should set an example of what they teach the patients.
Sleep disorders as a common social problem - selected determinants and health consequences
Authors: Sykut Anna , Ślusarska Barbara , Jędrzejkiewicz Bernadeta , Nowicki Grzegorz
Published: November 2017

Aim. The aim of the study was to analyze determinants of the sleep disorders in adults and their health consequences based on the literature review.

Material and methods. The method of systematic analysis of literature was applied for the study. The literature review by keywords was based on the data from the Google Scholar web search databases, EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) search engines, Arianta scientific and industry journals, and information from the years 2010-2017 available on the website.

Results. Poor quality of sleep and too few sleep hours can be both a consequence and a cause of overweight and obesity. Such phenomena cause adverse changes in the endocrine system - in the form of hormonal imbalance affecting appetite, blood glucose level and the development of insulin resistance, what in turn, leads to disease development. It is, therefore, necessary to educate patients about proper sleep hygiene, reducing excessive body weight and developing healthy eating habits.

Conclusions. There is a relationship between sleep disorders together with eating disorders and somatic diseases. Sleep disorders can predispose to obesity, adversely affect the carbohydrate balance, causing increased insulin resistance and increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as numerous cardiovascular diseases.
Life enhancement of Nozzle Guide Vane of an Aero Gas Turbine Engine through Pack Aluminization
Authors: Mishra R K , Kumar Prashant , Rajesh K , Das C R , Sharma Ganapathi , Srivastava D K
Published: November 2017

Pack aluminization of high pressure turbine nozzle guide vane of an aero gas turbine engine has been carried out following a well defined systematic procedure. The process parameters are first optimized on dummy vanes and optimized process is followed for the actual vanes for evaluation and testing. Visual and binocular examination followed by metallurgical evaluation have been carried out to validate the process and to establish the adequacy and correctness of the coating. The coated vanes are then evaluated through engine level tests for performance and durability. The results of engine level tests and inspection post accelerated mission test cycles ensure that the vanes with aluminide coating can withstand severe engine operating cycles without any damage or failure which would otherwise would have happened without the coating. The condition of vanes post endurance test is also an indication of enhanced life of the vanes with coating.
Electrical Conductivity of Molten Carbonate and Carbonate–Chloride Systems Coexisting with Aluminium Oxide Powder
Authors: Nikolaeva Elena V. , Bovet Andrey L. , Zakiryanova Irina D.
Published: November 2017

The electrical properties of composite electrolytes (suspensions) composed of α-Al2O3 powder and molten carbonate eutectic (Li2CO3–Na2CO3–K2CO3)eut or molten carbonate–chloride mixture 0.72(Li2CO3–Na2CO3–K2CO3)eut–0.28NaCl have been investigated by AC impedance method. This system shows a dependence of the electrical conductivity upon the temperature and the α-Al2O3 content. The specific electrical conductivity of the α-Al2O3/(Li2CO3–Na2CO3–K2CO3)eut system can be adequately described by the Maxwell equation for two-phase heterogeneous materials. The regression equation for the dependence of the specific conductivity of the α-Al2O3/(Li2CO3–Na2CO3–K2CO3)eut composite on the aluminium oxide concentration and temperature was obtained.
The South China Sea and the Building of a National Maritime Culture
Authors: Uras Alessandro
Published: November 2017

This article investigates the nationalistic rhetoric disseminated by the Chinese political elite regarding the South China Sea, exploring how this political discourse contributed to building a collective consciousness of the sea among Chinese citizens and to creating a new maritime province.
La inclusión de personas con discapacidad: la ecología de los saberes en la universidad
Authors: Costa-Renders Elizabete Cristina
Published: November 2017

Este artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación de doctorado en el campo de la Educación Inclusiva, cuyo objeto fueron las prácticas inclusivas desarrolladas en la universidad. Esta fue una investigación participante que tuvo como corpus los Diarios de la asesora pedagógica para la inclusión en la Universidad Metodista de São Paulo, entre los años de 2005 y 2010. La investigación fue orientada por la siguiente cuestión: ¿qué emerge y qué fue vaciado con la entrada de las personas con discapacidad en la educación superior? El corpus de esta investigación exigió una metodología que considerase la relación indisociable entre los sujetos, la observadora, el objeto observado y el propio proceso de observación. Con ese fin se escoge el método de crónicas comentadas para presentar los resultados de la investigación en cuatro argumentos. (I) La presencia de corporeidades desviantes confronta al sujeto universal y exige la eliminación de las barreras provenientes de la monocultura del saber. (II) La consideración de los diferentes sistemas sensoriales promueven la ampliación de los espacios pedagógicos. (III) El modelo social de la discapacidad apunta a la necesaria revisión de los criterios meritocráticos en el sentido de neutralizar las fronteras dicotómicas entre las diferencias. (IV) La inclusión carga con un tono utópico porque exige una consciencia anticipatoria de las ecologías de los saberes.
O estudo da infancia e da adolescencia desde a perspectiva histórico-educativa. Perfís posíbeis para a investigación actual
Authors: Bolaño Amigo María Eugenia
Published: November 2017

Achegarnos aos antecedentes con respecto ao estudo da infancia e da adolescencia desde a perspectiva histórico-educativa sitúanos ante o estado actual das investigacións neste eido e, igualmente, permítenos trazar novos horizontes a partir de retos e interrogantes que fican por resolver. Mediante esta aproximación historiográfica pretendemos ofrecer un percorrido que, tendo presentes as principais mudas acontecidas desde os incipientes traballos desenvolvidos a partir dos anos sesenta do século pasado, suscite novas posibilidades para a investigación en torno á infancia e á adolescencia na actualidade.
El Proyecto Escuela 2.0 en Galicia (España): Percepciones del Profesorado
Authors: Fraga-Varela Fernando , Alonso-Ferreiro Almudena
Published: November 2017

Se presentan los resultados de un estudio sobre las percepciones del profesorado acerca del Proyecto Escuela 2.0 en Galicia. Esto supone tomar en consideración al profesorado de Educación Primaria y Secundaria que participa en los proyectos que a nivel autonómico se derivan de la implantación de las políticas 1 a 1: Abalar y E-DIXGAL. El objetivo que se plantea es dar cuenta de las opiniones y visiones del profesorado sobre las políticas educativas destinadas a la incorporación de las TIC en esta comunidad en el marco de los dos proyectos indicados, un ámbito que hasta estos momentos no ha sido objeto de estudio en Galicia. Para ello se utilizó como instrumento de recogida de datos una encuesta destinada al profesorado basada en la diseñada en el proyecto nacional TICSE 2.0. Los datos obtenidos se analizaron con el software IBM SPSS Statistics, centrando el análisis en los estadísticos descriptivos y la distribución de frecuencias. Los resultados muestran en líneas generales una opinión favorable hacia la implementación de modelos 1 a 1 en los centros educativos, sin embargo, reflejan un grado considerable de rechazo a las políticas actuales. Además, revelan dificultades que se derivan, principalmente, de la falta de información y formación del profesorado.
Issues in English
Authors: Turnbull Jill
Published: November 2017

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Life and Death of Software
Authors: Robb Thomas N. , Susser Bernard
Published: November 2017

This article describes the results of an Internet-based survey asking how foreign language instructors chose courseware. We first review the literature on software selection, looking particularly at methods and tools. We then report the results of a questionnaire advertised on several Internet lists for foreign language teachers. The main factors on which teachers base their selection were reported to be testing the software and the features advertised. We examine the effectiveness of various selection methods and describe problems in the selection process. This study does not present statistically valid conclusions because of the small number of responses, but it does suggest some problems with present methods of software selection.
Student Model of Technical Japanese Reading Proficiency for an Intelligent Tutoring System
Authors: Kang Yun-Sun , Maciejewski Anthony A.
Published: November 2017

This article presents the development of a student model that is used in a Japanese language intelligent tutoring system to assess pupils' proficiency at reading technical Japanese. A computer-assisted knowledge acquisition system is designed to generate a domain knowledge base for a Japanese language intelligent tutoring system. The domain knowledge represents a model of the expertise that a native English speaker must acquire in order to be proficient at reading technical Japanese. The algorithms described here are able to generate a set of grammatical transformation rules that clarify changes of syntactic structures between a Japanese text and its corresponding English translation, use them to assess a student's proficiency, and then appropriately individualize the student's instructions.
Fifty Years of Classical Computing
Authors: Latousek Rob
Published: November 2017

The use of computers for research and instruction in Classics has a long and proud history, now going back more than 50 years. Over this time classicists have often been on the cutting edge of development, starting with mainframe applications, migrating later to microcomputer, and continuing on through multimedia CD-ROMs, Web-based research tools, and the construction of virtual Rome on line. This article describes many of the most significant development efforts in this field and discuss some of the trends that are revealed by this history.
Return to Interactivity
Authors: Magrath William
Published: November 2017

The introduction of information technology into the classroom brought about obvious and subtle changes. One of the latter was counterintuitive, namely increased passivity of students toward learning. However, with increasingly sophisticated tools available, faculty can now recreate the conditions for active learning. This situation is demonstrated in a case study involving a large lecture class on World Mythology. The study also addresses the perplexing question of how information technology can be employed to improve student learning.
Roles for Technology in Collaborative Teaching
Authors: Bonvallet Susan , De Luce Judith
Published: November 2017

A collaborative upper level Latin literature course taught at a secondary school and a university used a variety of technologies, including the virtual reality environment of a MOO and e-mail. The design of this course on Plautus' Aulularia 'Pot of Gold' is discussed, including the objectives and learning goals as well as sample collaborative assignments. In assessing the course and its effectiveness, the article below argues that informed use of technology can facilitate collaboration between instructors and students at different levels.
Ancient Greek with Thrasymachus
Authors: Barker Alison
Published: November 2017

This project began as an attempt by two teachers of Ancient Greek to provide supplementary materials to accompany Thrasymachus, a first-year textbook for learning ancient Greek. While the text itself offers an excellent and appealing introduction to the language using a reading method, it has little explanation of grammar and insufficient exercises, particularly for students who have not studied Latin. Thus, the need for a supplement to the text, now on-line and evolving. The topics discussed in this article include: a brief history and description of the project (see www.vroma.org/~abarker/thrascontents.html), the format of each chapter, a chronology for completion of materials for all 32 chapters in the text, and some ideas for further refinements to link students to on-line information to enhance their study of Ancient Greek.
Language Learners and Generic Spell Checkers in CALL
Authors: Rimrott Anne , Heift Trude
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a study in which we examined spelling mistakes made by 34 learners of German in an online CALL exercise. We analyzed a total of 374 spelling errors that occurred in 341 words and subsequently classified them along four dimensions: (a) competence versus performance, (b) linguistic subsystem, (c) language influence, and (d) target deviation. We also evaluated the performance of a generic spell checker, one that is not specifically designed for second language learners, to determine the kinds and frequencies of errors it can successfully correct. Results indicate that 80% of the spelling errors in our study are systematic competence errors rather than accidental typographical mistakes. The study further reveals that MS Word 2003, the spell checker used in our study, fails to detect or provide a correction for 48% of the spelling mistakes made by our language learners. Our study offers explanations for the spell checker's failure to correct many of the misspellings and makes several computational and pedagogical suggestions to overcome some of the shortcomings of a generic spell checker in the CALL classroom.