bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validating a Web-based Diabetes Education Program in continuing nursing education: knowledge and competency change and user perceptions on usability and quality
Authors: Moattari Marzieh , Moosavinasab Elham , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad Hossein , ZarifSanaiey Nahid
Published: June 2014

Background

Nurses as the members of health care professionals need to improve their knowledge and competencies particularly in diabetes mellitus through continuing nursing education programs. E-learning is an indirect method of training that can meet nurses’ educational needs. This study is aimed at validating a web-based diabetes education program through measurement of nurses’ knowledge and clinical competency in diabetes and nurses’ perception about its usability and quality.

Methods

This Quasi-experimental research was conducted on a single group of 31 nurses employed in hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. We used a 125 MCQ knowledge test and Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) to measure knowledge and clinical competency of nurses in diabetes before and after intervention. A Learning Management System (LMS) was designed to provide educational content in the form of 12 multimedia electronic modules, interactive tests; a forum and learning activities. Nurses were trained for two months in this system after which the post-test was administered. Each nurse completed two questionnaires for measurement of their perceptions on usability and quality. We used descriptive statistics for demographic and descriptive data analysis. Paired t-test was used to compare pre- and post-data using SPSS.

Results

The findings showed significant differences in knowledge scores (p < 0.001), total score of clinical competencies (p < 0.001), and all ten assessed clinical competencies. The range of ratings given by participants varied on the six usability variables of Web-based training (2.96-4.23 from 5) and eight quality variables of Web-based training (3.58-4.37 from 5).

Conclusion

Web-based education increased nurses’ knowledge and competencies in diabetes. They positively evaluated Web-based learning usability and quality. It is hoped that this course will have a positive clinical outcomes.
Effectiveness of moxibustion treatment as adjunctive therapy in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Zhao Ling , Cheng Ke , Wang Lizhen , Wu Fan , Deng Haiping , Tan Ming , Lao Lixing , Shen Xueyong
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Our objective was to compare the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese moxibustion to that of sham moxibustion in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) pain.

Methods

We conducted a randomized placebo-controlled trial involving 110 patients with KOA who met the inclusion criteria. These patients randomly received either active moxibustion (n = 55) or sham moxibustion control (n = 55) at acupoints Dubi (ST 35), extra-point Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), and an Ashi (tender) point three times a week for 6 weeks. Effects were evaluated with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities’ Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC VA 3.1) criteria at the end of the course of treatment and 3, 12, and 24 weeks after the initial treatment.

Results

The WOMAC pain scores showed greater improvement in the active treatment group than in control at weeks 3 (P = 0.012), 6 (P <0.001), 12 (P = 0.002), and 24 (P = 0.002) as did WOMAC physical function scores of the active treatment group at week 3 (P = 0.002), 6 (P = 0.015), and 12 (P <0.001) but not 24 (P = 0.058). Patients and practitioners were blinded successfully, and no significant adverse effects were found during the trial.

Conclusions

A 6-week course of moxibustion seems to relieve pain effectively and improve function in patients with KOA for up to 18 weeks after the end of treatment. Moxibustion treatment appears to be safe, and the usefulness of the novel moxa device was validated.

Trial registration

Current controlled trial: ISRCTN68475405. Registered 4 April 2014.
Analytical approximations of diving-wave imaging in constant-gradient medium
Authors: Stovas Alexey , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: June 2014

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) in practical applications is currently used to invert the direct arrivals (diving waves, no reflections) using relatively long offsets. This is driven mainly by the high nonlinearity introduced to the inversion problem when reflection data are included, which in some cases require extremely low frequency for convergence. However, analytical insights into diving waves have lagged behind this sudden interest. We use analytical formulas that describe the diving wave’s behavior and traveltime in a constant-gradient medium to develop insights into the traveltime moveout of diving waves and the image (model) point dispersal (residual) when the wrong velocity is used. The explicit formulations that describe these phenomena reveal the high dependence of diving-wave imaging on the gradient and the initial velocity. The analytical image point residual equation can be further used to scan for the best-fit linear velocity model, which is now becoming a common sight as an initial velocity model for FWI. We determined the accuracy and versatility of these analytical formulas through numerical tests.
Paleokarstic macroporosity development at platform margins: Lessons from the Paleocene of north Spain
Authors: Wright V. Paul , Baceta Juan Ignacio , Lapointe Philippe A.
Published: June 2014

Platform margins have been targets for carbonate exploration because they are commonly seismically resolvable and reservoir prone for several critical reasons including karstic porosity. Platform margin karst models, mainly based on the Quaternary of the Caribbean (tropical humid, including “flank margin caves”) are well documented, but analogs remain rarely identified in the stratigraphic record. Analysis of a remarkably well-exposed macroporosity paleokarst system from the Paleocene of north Spain, formed under an arid to semiarid climate, provided a model that differs from the Caribbean template. Implications for exploration and appraisal strategies, include provisos regarding (1) how early fracture intensity can be estimated at platform margins, (2) the absence of flank margin caves at the margin, (3) the absence of karstic features at or immediately below the main lowstand surface, (4) the presence of cave-free corridors such that the porosity zones could be missed completely, and (5) the stratigraphic inheritance of caves into successive levels adjacent to the cave-free zones. Quantitative data were evaluated on the main macroporous intervals. We also compared this model with other paleokarst models in the literature to emphasize the diversity of approaches that can be used to evaluate paleokarst targets: “one size does not fit all.”
Coordinated repression and activation of two transcriptional programs stabilizes cell fate during myogenesis
Authors: Ciglar Lucia , Girardot Charles , Wilczyński Bartek , Braun Martina , Furlong Eileen E. M.
Published: June 2014

Molecular models of cell fate specification typically focus on the activation of specific lineage programs. However, the concurrent repression of unwanted transcriptional networks is also essential to stabilize certain cellular identities, as shown in a number of diverse systems and phyla. Here, we demonstrate that this dual requirement also holds true in the context of Drosophila myogenesis. By integrating genetics and genomics, we identified a new role for the pleiotropic transcriptional repressor Tramtrack69 in myoblast specification. Drosophila muscles are formed through the fusion of two discrete cell types: founder cells (FCs) and fusion-competent myoblasts (FCMs). When tramtrack69 is removed, FCMs appear to adopt an alternative muscle FC-like fate. Conversely, ectopic expression of this repressor phenocopies muscle defects seen in loss-of-function lame duck mutants, a transcription factor specific to FCMs. This occurs through Tramtrack69-mediated repression in FCMs, whereas Lame duck activates a largely distinct transcriptional program in the same cells. Lineage-specific factors are therefore not sufficient to maintain FCM identity. Instead, their identity appears more plastic, requiring the combination of instructive repressive and activating programs to stabilize cell fate.
Brain-specific knockdown of miR-29 results in neuronal cell death and ataxia in mice
Authors: Roshan Reema , Shridhar Shruti , Sarangdhar Mayuresh A. , Banik Arpita , Chawla Mrinal , Garg Manali , Singh Vijay PAL , Pillai Beena
Published: June 2014

Several microRNAs have been implicated in neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, neurodevelopment, and memory. Development of miRNA-based therapeutics, however, needs tools for effective miRNA modulation, tissue-specific delivery, and in vivo evidence of functional effects following the knockdown of miRNA. Expression of miR-29a is reduced in patients and animal models of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and spinocerebellar ataxias. The temporal expression pattern of miR-29b during development also correlates with its protective role in neuronal survival. Here, we report the cellular and behavioral effect of in vivo, brain-specific knockdown of miR-29. We delivered specific anti-miRNAs to the mouse brain using a neurotropic peptide, thus overcoming the blood-brain-barrier and restricting the effect of knockdown to the neuronal cells. Large regions of the hippocampus and cerebellum showed massive cell death, reiterating the role of miR-29 in neuronal survival. The mice showed characteristic features of ataxia, including reduced step length. However, the apoptotic targets of miR-29, such as Puma, Bim, Bak, or Bace1, failed to show expected levels of up-regulation in mice, following knockdown of miR-29. In contrast, another miR-29 target, voltage-dependent anion channel1 (VDAC1), was found to be induced several fold in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cortex of mice following miRNA knockdown. Partial restoration of apoptosis was achieved by down-regulation of VDAC1 in miR-29 knockdown cells. Our study suggests that regulation of VDAC1 expression by miR-29 is an important determinant of neuronal cell survival in the brain. Loss of miR-29 results in dysregulation of VDAC1, neuronal cell death, and an ataxic phenotype.
An evolutionarily significant unicellular strategy in response to starvation stress in Dictyostelium social amoebae
Authors: Dubravcic Darja , van Baalen Minus , Nizak Clément
Published: June 2014

The social amoebaDictyostelium discoideumis widely studied for its multicellular development program as a response to starvation and constitutes a model of choice in microbial cooperation studies. Aggregates of up to 106cells form fruiting bodies containing two cell types: (i) dormant spores (~80%) that can persist for months in the absence of nutrients, and (ii) dead stalk cells (~20%) that promote the dispersion of the spores towards nutrient-rich areas.

It is often overlooked that not all cells aggregate upon starvation. Using a new quantitative approach based on time-lapse fluorescence microscopy and a low ratio of reporting cells, we have quantified this fraction of non-aggregating cells. In realistic starvation conditions, up to 15% of cells do not aggregate, which makes this third cell fate a significant component of the population-level response of social amoebae to starvation. Non-aggregating cells have an advantage over cells in aggregates since they resume growth earlier upon arrival of new nutrients, but have a shorter lifespan under prolonged starvation. We find that phenotypic heterogeneities linked to cell nutritional state bias the representation of cells in the aggregating vs. non-aggregating fractions, and thus regulate population partitioning. Next, we report that the fraction of non-aggregating cells depends on genetic factors that regulate the timing of starvation, signal sensing efficiency and aggregation efficiency. In addition, interactions between clones in mixtures of non-isogenic cells affect the partitioning of each clone into both fractions. We further test the evolutionary significance of the non-aggregating cell fraction. The partitioning of cells into aggregating and non-aggregating fractions is optimal in fluctuating environments with an unpredictable duration of starvation periods.D. discoideumthus constitutes a model system lying at the intersection of microbial cooperation and bet hedging, defining a new frontier in microbiology and evolution studies
Pilot Algorithm studying of regional features of the risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures in the Khanty-Mansiysk autonomous okrug-Yugra, TYumen region
Authors: Михайлин  , Mikhaylin A.
Published: June 2014

Modern methods of determination of bone mineral density by means of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry with sufficient specificity and a low sensitivity don’t always available. In this regard, to identify the patients for appointment of therapy, the search strategy consisting in the identification of persons with a high risk of fracture was carried out. As priority direction in the diagnosis is not the fact of having osteoporosis, but the assessment of the risk of fracture. Geographical feature of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra, the lack of equipment x-ray osteodensitometry in medical institutions and their absence in clinics indicate low diagnostic availability in the assessment of the bone mineral density of the population – this determines the importance of research in the region the significant risk factors of osteoporosis and important risk factors for osteoporotic fractures.
Open reposition of fresh shoulder dislocations fractures
Authors: Толстых  , Tolstykh A.
Published: June 2014

The closed reposition of fresh dislocations fractures of the shoulder, when the line of the fracture runs on anatomical and surgical neck shoulder is the most complicated problem for orthopedic surgeons. In practical author’s activity in the last five years, 11 patients with fresh dislocations fractures were operated; in these cases, the line of the fracture passed on anatomical and surgical neck shoulder. The proposed technique is non-invasive reposition and fixation of dislocations fractures. Features of this method are the access with truncation of the coracoid process; partial cutting tendons subscapularis muscle; the reduction of the head arm by means of elevator, pricker or threaded wires at the end. The screws were conducted directly through the line of fracture for reliable tightening of fragments. The author’s technique has no flaws in widely used at present approaches for similar pathologies, namely: there is no extensive exposure of bone fragments, devascularization bones. This minimally invasive surgery is a quick (2-2,5 months) in comparison with traditional (3-3,5 months) consolidation of fragments. The author notes, almost full recovery of volume of movement in a joint, as a consequence of social and labor rehabilitation of patients, compared with a high probability of shoulder surgery that is according to the literature the most likely outcome of such operations.
Social and hygienic characteristics of women with neoplasms on the example of the Voronezh region
Authors: Косолапов  , Kosolapov Vladimir , Сыч  , Sych Galina , Фролов  , Frolov M.
Published: June 2014

The problem of morbidity, disability and mortality of female population due to malignant neoplasms is one of the most actual in modern medicine. Preoccupation and attention to cancer due to stable growth worldwide incidence that in the foreseeable future will continue to increase due to a variety of subjective and objective causes aging of the population, environmental, economic and other factors. In 2012 in Russia, more than 480 thousand cancer patients (almost 526 thousand new tumors) were first identified, 288 thousand patients died from malignant neoplasms, which amounts to 14.9% in the total mortality (the second reason after cardiovascular diseases). In the structure of mortality from malignant tumors more than 30% were the patients younger than 60 years, it indicates the extremely high social importance of early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer. The increase in cancer incidence has long maintained, despite the obvious progress in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors. This indirectly suggests that important in the fight against cancer is cancer prevention, including the study of the most typical factors that affect the development of tumors. This paper presents the characteristics of the socio-hygienic characteristics of women with tumors.
Changing from forced-air patient warming to the Inditherm Alpha system
Authors: Ashworth Kath , Haken Angela
Published: June 2014

Pennine Acute NHS Trust had used forced-air patient warming in their operating theatres and recovery rooms for many years. All four hospitals in the trust have now changed to using Inditherm Alpha patient warming mattresses and blankets after carrying out a clinical evaluation and subsequently submitting and gaining approval for a business case based on outright purchase of the Inditherm system. The initial driving factor for change was to improve clinical care by making it more practical to warm all patients effectively. It was identified during the evaluation process that the change could also deliver significant cost savings and this strengthened the business case. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2011) guidance relating to the Inditherm system (MTG7) provided strong evidence that gave the trust confidence in its own evaluation and expectations. A review carried out eight months after implementation of the change of warming technology has shown that the trust has already exceeded the cost savings planned for the first two years, amounting to over £56 000. Assuming that the savings trend is continued the trust will have recovered its total capital outlay in less than 11 months
Neuropathic pain: an overview
Authors: Taverner Tarnia
Published: June 2014

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of neuropathic pain and clinical advice for nurses working with patients who may have neuropathic pain. Information on epidemiology, assessment and management is provided and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2013 ) guidelines on pharmacological management of neuropathic pain are considered. Neuropathic pain is complex and as such requires complex management, which should include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. Before receiving treatment, patients require comprehensive assessment by a physician. However, nurses are well placed to identify patients with possible signs and symptoms of neuropathic pain. It is important for nurses caring for people with possible neuropathic pain to understand the condition and its manifestations, impact on quality of life and management.
A retrospective UK audit assessing the effect of the MySupport programme on patient persistence with MS treatment
Authors: Franklin Kathy , Matthews Emma , Mellors Karen
Published: June 2014

Background:

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving disease-modifying therapy must persist with their treatment for the prescribed duration and adhere to the prescribed interval and dose to achieve the full benefits.

Aim:

This audit aimed to assess whether the MySupport programme for patients with MS could improve persistence with subcutaneous (sc) interferon (IFN) β-1a.

Methods:

Anonymised data was retrospectively supplied by homecare providers for patients registered to receive sc IFN β-1a in January 2010. The number of ‘active’ patients (those continuing to receive scheduled deliveries) was recorded monthly for 24 months for patients receiving NHS treatment alone and those receiving both NHS treatment and MySupport.

Results:

A greater proportion of patients receiving NHS treatment and MySupport than of patients receiving NHS support only were on treatment at 12 months (90.0% vs 79.3%) and 24 months (74.9% vs 61.8%). The odds of being on treatment were significantly greater in patients receiving NHS treatment and MySupport than NHS support only at all time points (P<0.0001).

Conclusion:

A personalised support programme using one-to-one nursing support and additional support media can increase the likelihood of patients with MS remaining on sc IFN β-1a.
Nurses’ views of the causes of ethical dilemmas during treatment cessation in the ICU: a qualitative study
Authors: McLeod Anne
Published: June 2014

Background:

Technological advances in intensive care units (ICUs) have prolonged the dying process, with an increased number of patients dying after treatment has been withheld or withdrawn. Often the patient is unable to participate in decisions being made about their treatment. This creates an ethical dilemma for those involved and can create discord.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to explore ICU nurses’ experiences of caring for patients having treatment withheld or withdrawn, with an emphasis on their perceptions of the ethical principles used in decision making.

Methods:

A qualitative exploratory approach was used to gain insight into the ethics of withholding and withdrawing treatment. A purposive sample of six ICU nurses participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematically analysed.

Results:

The participants identified three interacting themes as forming the ethical foundation of treatment cessation: their personal set of moral beliefs, their experience and the decision-making process. An ethical dilemma emerges when the relationship between these breaks down.

Conclusion:

Caring for patients for whom treatment is withheld or withdrawn can create significant professional and personal dilemmas. Open discussion, collaborative decision making and consistency in practice are crucial to avoiding moral distress during treatment cessation. Consensus in decision making is key to minimising ethical discord, and personal beliefs and experience are crucial factors.
News Analysis
Authors: Learner Sue , Nazarko Linda
Published: June 2014

The Government has published new care guidance and has invested £1.2 million in staff training to reduce the use of restraint on residents in care homes as Sue Learner explains
Managing coronary heart disease in older people: age is no barrier
Authors: Barrett Julie EM , Davenport Jackie
Published: June 2014

Coronary heart disease remains one of the biggest killers in the UK; however, an increasing ageing population means that more people are living with it. This article examines the causes, diagnosis and treatment focusing on the older person
Not just ‘a touch of flu’: influenza as a cause of pneumonia
Authors: Driver Carolyn
Published: June 2014

This is the third and final article in a series looking at the morbidity and mortality associated with community-acquired pneumonia. Carolyn Driver discusses influenza and the part it plays in this important disease along with preventive strategies
Team dynamics: the role it plays in shaping service delivery
Authors: Yardley Juliette
Published: June 2014

When staff members work well together in the care home it not only ensures that the work environment is healthy but will also impact on the care provided to residents. Juliette Yardley provides methods that can help managers instigate this culture change
Supporting an individual to maintain personal hygiene
Authors: Veselinova Claire
Published: June 2014

Claire Veselinova highlights the concept of personal hygiene, while exploring techniques to support individuals with disabilities to manage their personal appearance in ways that respect personal preferences, beliefs and dignity and promote active participation
Keep up to date with changes to national minimum wage
Authors: Stevens Mark
Published: June 2014

The maximum penalty for underpaying staff has risen to £20 000. Mark Stevens outlines what care homes need to be aware of under the new legislation, which was published earlier this year, in order to avoid facing a heavy fine
T2 Magnetic Resonance: A Diagnostic Platform for Studying Integrated Hemostasis in Whole Blood—Proof of Concept
Authors: Skewis Lynell R , Lebedeva Tatiana , Papkov Vyacheslav , Thayer Edward C , Massefski Walter , Cuker Adam , Nagaswami Chandrasekaran , Litvinov Rustem I , Kowalska M Anna , Rauova Lubica , Poncz Mortimer , Weisel John W , Lowery Thomas J , Cines Douglas B
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

Existing approaches for measuring hemostasis parameters require multiple platforms, can take hours to provide results, and generally require 1–25 mL of sample. We developed a diagnostic platform that allows comprehensive assessment of hemostatic parameters on a single instrument and provides results within 15 min using 0.04 mL of blood with minimal sample handling.

METHODS

T2 magnetic resonance (T2MR) was used to directly measure integrated reactions in whole blood samples by resolving multiple water relaxation times from distinct sample microenvironments. Clotting, clot contraction, and fibrinolysis stimulated by thrombin or tissue plasminogen activator, respectively, were measured. T2MR signals of clotting samples were compared with images produced by scanning electron microscopy and with standard reference methods for the following parameters: hematocrit, prothrombin time, clot strength, and platelet activity.

RESULTS

Application of T2MR methodology revealed conditions under which a unique T2MR signature appeared that corresponded with the formation of polyhedral erythrocytes, the dynamics and morphology of which are dependent on thrombin, fibrinogen, hematocrit, and platelet levels. We also showed that the T2MR platform can be used for precise and accurate measurements of hematocrit (%CV, 4.8%, R2 = 0.95), clotting time (%CV, 3.5%, R2 = 0.94), clot strength (R2 = 0.95), and platelet function (93% agreement with light transmission aggregometry).

CONCLUSIONS

This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that T2MR has the potential to provide rapid and sensitive identification of patients at risk for thrombosis or bleeding and to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets with a single, simple-to-employ analytic approach that may be suitable for routine use in both research and diverse clinical settings.
Dragons and art education: Pre-service elementary teachers memories of early art experiences
Authors: Smith-Shank Deborah L.
Published: June 2014

Many primary school teachers are not comfortable with making art, nor are they comfortable teaching art to children. Some are even uncomfortable using art to reinforce ideas and learning in other subjects. This article reports on an ongoing conversation with groups of pre-service primary/elementary teachers enrolled in a required university course in art pedagogy in the Midwest United States. This course is required for their elementary education licensure requirements. Over a twenty-year period, I asked these students to share memories of their early experiences with formal art education and informal art making. Their stories serve as the foundation of a fairy tale focusing on their relationship(s) with art, art education and art teachers. Some pre-service teachers reported good experiences that resulted in happy endings but many others shared stories of bad art education practices that have negatively impacted a pre-service teacher’s life for years. As pedagogical tools, these memories of art experiences by non-art professionals are useful because in nearly every single saga, art teachers play a central role as either heroes or villains. As a cautionary tale, Dragon teachers are the focus of this article.
A model for dance education: Promoting personal voice and communal learning
Authors: Kipling Brown Ann
Published: June 2014

This paper encourages a reconsideration of the hierarchy of skills, knowledge and learning in dance. In dance the debate has been that teaching is somewhat inferior to the acts of performing and choreographing. Conversely, anyone can teach and that knowing our art form as a performer and/or choreographer prepares us for the implementation of curriculum and the politics of the teaching contexts. In particular, there has been much dispute about who should teach and how and what should be taught to children. In 1948 Rudolf Laban (1879–1958) presented educators with a revolutionary idea of ‘modern educational dance’, later termed ‘creative dance’. With the publication of his book, Modern Educational Dance, he offered a dance form that aimed to foster and promote children’s unconscious dance-like movements, preserve their spontaneity and foster artistic expression. He also offered a way of teaching, a pedagogy that supports a child-centred context for learning.
Narrating the Prophet’s life: Mohammed in North African novels
Authors: Bourget Carine
Published: June 2014

The importance of the Prophet Mohammed cannot be overestimated for Muslims all over the world, not only as the historical figure who spread the third Abrahamic religion, but also because all aspects of his life were recorded and used to weigh in on exegetical, legislative and theological debates. Since the 1990s, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in various contexts prompted a few Francophone North African writers to revisit Mohammed’s life creatively. This article examines three historical novels about Mohammed: Assia Djebar’s Loin de Médine (1991), Driss Chraïbi’s L’homme du livre (1995) and Salim Bachi’s Le silence de Mahomet (2008). When a writer embarks on such well-trodden ground that is the life of the Prophet Mohammed, what stands out are two elements: first, the liberties taken in terms of content from the accepted mainstream accounts of his life; and second, the narrative choices made by the writers to tell the story. This study situates these novels in the various contexts that prompted their writings, examines the convergences and divergences among Djebar’s, Chraïbi’s and Bachi’s novels, paying particular attention to the implications of various content and form choices for their creative renderings of Mohammed’s life.

On ne peut surestimer l’importance du prophète Mohammed pour les musulmans du monde entier, non seulement en tant que personnage historique qui répandit la troisième religion abrahamique, mais surtout parce que tous les aspects de sa vie furent enregistrés afin d’influer sur les débats exégétiques, législatifs et théologiques. Dès les années 1990, la montée de l’intégrisme islamiste dans divers contextes a incité quelques écrivains francophones maghrébins à revoir la vie de Mohammed de manière créative. Cet article analyse trois romans historiques sur Mohammed: Loin de Médine (1991) d’Assia Djebar, L’homme du livre (1995) de Driss Chraïbi et Le silence de Mahomet (2008) de Salim Bachi. Lorsqu’un écrivain sort des sentiers battus de la biographie du prophète Mohammed, deux éléments ressortent: tout d’abord, les libertés prises en ce qui concerne le contenu par rapport aux récits traditionnels, et ensuite les choix narratifs de l’écrivain pour raconter l’histoire. Cet essai situe ces romans dans les divers contextes qui ont suscité leur écriture ; il examine leurs convergences et divergences, en faisant tout particulièrement attention aux choix de contenu et de forme pour ces récits créatifs inspirés de la vie de Mohammed et ce qu’ils impliquent.
Idade, Género e Bem-Estar Subjectivo nos Adolescentes
Authors: Silva António Borges da , Matos Margarida Gaspar de , Diniz José Alves
Published: June 2014

O âmbito cognitivo-valorativo apresenta uma maior estabilidade na vida do adolescente do que o âmbito afectivo-emocional. A auto-percepção da saúde, enquanto bem-estar biopsicossocial, é afectada por estes componentes, que assumem proporções distintas de acordo com o género e a idade do adolescente. Numa amostra de 4877 adolescentes, residentes em Portugal Continental, com uma média de 14 anos, 49.6% do género masculino e 50.4 % do género feminino, estudou-se a relação da idade e do género com a percepção de bem-estar subjectivo. Os dados estatísticos mostraram que o componente afectivo-emocional assume um maior relevo na percepção do índice de bem-estar subjectivo dos adolescentes, sendo também mais vulnerável às influências da idade e do género. Para além dos processos de alteração e ajuste internos do adolescente, estes resultados sugerem influência dos contextos familiar, escolar e sociocultural.
A atuação da psicologia escolar na educação superior: algumas reflexões
Authors: Bisinoto Cynthia , Marinho Claisy , Almeida Leandro
Published: June 2014

A Psicologia Escolar tem como eixo de atuação a mediação dos processos de aprendizagem e de desenvolvimento humano. Apesar de historicamente a área ter se vinculado à escola, outros contextos institucionais, como a Educação Superior, vêm sendo reconhecidos como espaços potenciais de aprendizagem, formação e desenvolvimento humano. Assim como ocorreu na educação básica e secundária, a atuação da Psicologia Escolar na Educação Superior tem se baseado em uma intervenção clássica, voltada para a orientação e o atendimento do estudante. Contudo, além das ações tradicionais, outras de caráter preventivo, processual e institucional também podem ser realizadas. Em uma perspectiva ampliada de atuação, os psicólogos escolares podem acompanhar o processo de ensino e aprendizagem com ênfase no desenvolvimento de competências discentes; promover discussões acerca do desenvolvimento do jovem-adulto; investigar as concepções dos profissionais sobre ensino, aprendizagem e avaliação, favorecendo a conscientização e intencionalidade às práticas educativas; participar na formação continuada do corpo docente e técnico; colaborar com o processo de avaliação institucional, entre outras ações. A Psicologia Escolar pode, assim, favorecer práticas promotoras do desenvolvimento das instituições, dos seus agentes e dos estudantes, contribuindo para a democratização efetiva do sucesso acadêmico diante dos contrastes sócio-culturais dos alunos que hoje acedem ao Ensino Superior.
As actividades de enriquecimento curricular (AEC) e o comportamento problemático dos alunos
Authors: Santos Paulo , Oliveira Albertina L. , Festas Maria Isabel
Published: June 2014

O presente estudo pretendeu investigar as possíveis influências que as actividades de enriquecimento curricular do 1.º ciclo do ensino básico (AEC) exercem sobre os alunos que as frequentam, em particular ao nível dos comportamentos problemáticos que aqueles pudessem apresentar. Para o efeito, delineou-se uma investigação quantitativa com um plano não experimental, comparativo-causal, com dois grupos independentes. A amostra envolveu 200 alunos (100 em cada grupo) de onze escolas da rede pública do Município de Coimbra, com idades compreendidas entre os 6 e os 11 anos, representando cinco dos nove agrupamentos existentes no 1.º ciclo do ensino básico. Os resultados obtidos, depois de controladas diversas variáveis, permitem estabelecer associações significativas entre a frequência das AEC da rede pública e uma maior incidência de comportamentos problemáticos nos alunos.
Rankings e qualidade percebida nas escolas secundárias do Algarve
Authors: Bica José Manuel Brito Pires , Sousa Fernando Cardoso de
Published: June 2014

Neste artigo procura-se confrontar os rankings oficiais das escolas secundárias do Algarve com a qualidade percebida pelos professores e alunos, tendo sido comparadas as três escolas secundárias do Algarve mais bem classificadas com as três menos bem classificadas. O método das grelhas de reportório permitiu elaborar um questionário organizado em dois factores de qualidade, gestão e integração, que foi aplicado a uma amostra de 497 alunos e 174 professores, concluindo-se que os rankings não eram confirmados pela percepção de qualidade que os alunos e os professores tinham deles. Foi também possível, a partir da análise factorial de correspondências das entrevistas realizadas, conceber um perfil da escola com qualidade e de uma com pouca qualidade. Estes resultados, se bem que careçam de maior generalização, vêm comprovar a situação de injustiça na utilização dos rankings como indicadores de qualidade das escolas.
La Educación para la Ciudadanía en España, 2004-2011
Authors: Valenzuela Andrés Palma
Published: June 2014

No presente artigo faz-se uma análise da integração da Educação para a Cidadania no currículo do ensino básico espanhol, como componente obrigatória. Tratou-se de uma iniciativa polémica, que suscitou um intenso debate político e social durante o tempo em que foi governo o Partido Socialista Obrero Español (2004-2011). Ao iniciar-se uma nova etapa política, em virtude da eleição do Partido Popular, em finais de 2011, retoma-se a discussão da pertinência, conteúdo e direcção dessa componente curricular
O Problema da Crueldade Contra Animais na Infância: Suas Dimensões e Consequências
Authors: Fonseca António Castro , Dias Sofia Salgado
Published: June 2014

O objectivo deste trabalho é examinar a relação entre a crueldade para com animais na infância e diversas formas de comportamento anti-social no fim da adolescência. Na primeira parte, faz-se uma breve síntese da literatura mais relevante sobre esta questão, enquanto que na segunda se discutem os dados de um estudo português. A terminar, apresentam-se algumas sugestões para futuros trabalhos de investigação e intervenção neste domínio.
Percepção de Factores de Risco e de Protecção ao Desenvolvimento Infantil: O Papel do Educador
Authors: Lopes Patrícia Esperança , Festas Isabel , Urbano Pedro
Published: June 2014

O presente estudo incide sobre a questão da resiliência psicológica em contexto escolar e, mais especificamente, sobre as percepções que os educadores têm acerca dos factores de risco e, sobretudo, dos factores de protecção ao desenvolvimento infantil conducentes à resiliência educacional. O objectivo foi analisar a percepção que os educadores têm dos diferentes factores, bem como verificar se existe correspondência entre as suas percepções e a sua prática educativa, avaliada através de questionário. Como tal, avaliaram-se também os diferentes tipos de práticas implementadas e valorizadas pelos educadores de infância, tendo-se procurado analisar possíveis diferenças em função de variáveis como idade do educador, vínculo laboral, local de ensino (público, privado, IPSS) e zona de trabalho (rural ou urbana). No estudo empírico utilizaram-se dois instrumentos concebidos para o efeito, além de uma ficha de dados sócio-demográficos: o “Questionário de Caracterização de Práticas Educativas” (QCPE) e o “Questionário de Percepção de Factores de Risco e de Protecção ao Desenvolvimento Infantil” (QPFRPDI). Os participantes foram 139 educadores de infância, de diversas instituições da zona centro do país. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que os educadores percepcionam, de uma forma geral, os factores de risco e de protecção ao desenvolvimento infantil, não tendo sobressaído diferenças significativas em função das variáveis em estudo. No que respeita às dimensões da prática educativa, verificou-se que existem práticas mais utilizadas, como o “Planeamento de Actividades” e outras menos utilizadas como aquelas relacionadas com a “Participação dos Pais”. São evidentes diferenças significativas na adopção de algumas práticas educativas, em função do tipo de vínculo de trabalho, da idade dos educadores e do local de trabalho. Procurámos ainda verificar se existia uma associação entre as práticas que os educadores referem utilizar e os factores protectores por eles valorizados. Podemos dizer que não se encontraram associações entre estas duas variáveis, com excepção das práticas relativas à “Participação dos Pais” que se mostram relacionadas com o factor “Características da Comunidade”. Assim, apesar de ser expectável a adopção, por parte dos educadores, de práticas que os mesmos consideram como factores de protecção, parece ser evidente, na amostra estudada, que tal não acontece.
Using videoconferencing mediated mentoring to support an adjunct faculty
Authors: Aldemir Jale , Ardley Jillian
Published: June 2014

Mentoring is an effective way to orient new employees to an organization’s work climate. Many colleges operating in multiple locations and providing programs for working adults through evening classes rely on the expertise of adjunct faculty to provide instructional methods. The research literature about mentoring in a higher education context mainly focuses on mentoring full time faculty members. Therefore, this case study is believed to address the gap as it focuses on understanding the mentoring of adjunct faculty. The researchers of the present study believe that utilizing videoconferencing as a tool to mentor new adjunct faculty could be beneficial in the context of any college serving in multiple sites.  The purpose of the study is to (a) to determine if videoconferencing is an effective tool in mentoring adjunct faculty, and (b) to determine if videoconferencing mediated mentoring (VMM) is effective for full time faculty in disseminating the strategies and skills to qualified adjunct faculty. VMM implemented in the study includes essential segments – pre-course professional development section, interim course hands-on training and support section, and the post course section to evaluate findings. Data analysis through mentor and mentee logs and surveys proved that VMM is a valuable medium to utilize for training purposes. This type of technology provides a platform for the full time faculty member to build a professional relationship and share the standard of excellence for a given field of study to new adjunct faculty member.
Examining the connection between classroom technology and student engagement
Authors: Morris R.C. , Parker Loran Carleton
Published: June 2014

Technological pedagogy is being relied upon more-and-more as a way to address the growing needs of higher education. This study investigated the use of a tool designed with the specific purpose of student engagement in a large classroom. The tool allows students to post to a community based discussion in a manner similar to a Twitter feed. Despite engaging in a community dialogue, findings suggest that as usage of the technology went up a student’s sense of community learning went down. This result prompted the authors to consider how this tool was utilized in the classroom. We close with a warning that adoption of a novel technology alone does not produce a greater sense of community learning.
Scalable multi-query optimization for exploratory queries over federated scientific databases
Authors: Kementsietsidis Anastasios , Neven Frank , Van de Craen Dieter , Vansummeren Stijn
Published: June 2014

The diversity and large volumes of data processed in the Natural Sciences today has led to a proliferation of highly-specialized and autonomous scientific databases with inherent and often intricate relationships. As a user-friendly method for querying this complex, ever-expanding network of sources for correlations, we propose
exploratory queries.
Exploratory queries are loosely-structured, hence requiring only minimal user knowledge of the source network. Evaluating an exploratory query usually involves the evaluation of
many
distributed queries. As the number of such distributed queries can quickly become large, we attack the optimization problem for exploratory queries by proposing several multi-query optimization algorithms that compute a global evaluation plan while minimizing the total communication cost, a key bottleneck in distributed settings. The proposed algorithms are necessarily heuristics, as computing an
optimal
global evaluation plan is shown to be NP-hard. Finally, we present an implementation of our algorithms, along with experiments that illustrate their potential not only for the optimization of exploratory queries, but also for the multiquery optimization of large batches of standard queries.
Mining search engine query logs via suggestion sampling
Authors: Bar-Yossef Ziv , Gurevich Maxim
Published: June 2014

Many search engines and other web applications suggest auto-completions as the user types in a query. The suggestions are generated from hidden underlying databases, such as query logs, directories, and lexicons. These databases consist of interesting and useful information, but they are typically not directly accessible.

In this paper we describe two algorithms for sampling suggestions using only the public suggestion interface. One of the algorithms samples suggestions uniformly at random and the other samples suggestions proportionally to their popularity. These algorithms can be used to mine the hidden suggestion databases. Example applications include comparison of popularity of given keywords within a search engine's query log, estimation of the volume of commercially-oriented queries in a query log, and evaluation of the extent to which a search engine exposes its users to negative content.

Our algorithms employ Monte Carlo methods in order to obtain unbiased samples from the suggestion database. Empirical analysis using a publicly available query log demonstrates that our algorithms are efficient and accurate. Results of experiments on two major suggestion services are also provided.
Privacy-preserving anonymization of set-valued data
Authors: Terrovitis Manolis , Mamoulis Nikos , Kalnis Panos
Published: June 2014

In this paper we study the problem of protecting privacy in the publication of set-valued data. Consider a collection of transactional data that contains detailed information about items bought together by individuals. Even after removing all personal characteristics of the buyer, which can serve as links to his identity, the publication of such data is still subject to privacy attacks from adversaries who have partial knowledge about the set. Unlike most previous works, we do not distinguish data as sensitive and non-sensitive, but we consider them both as potential quasi-identifiers and potential sensitive data, depending on the point of view of the adversary. We define a new version of the
k
-anonymity guarantee, the
k

m

-anonymity, to limit the effects of the data dimensionality and we propose efficient algorithms to transform the database. Our anonymization model relies on generalization instead of suppression, which is the most common practice in related works on such data. We develop an algorithm which finds the optimal solution, however, at a high cost which makes it inapplicable for large, realistic problems. Then, we propose two greedy heuristics, which scale much better and in most of the cases find a solution close to the optimal. The proposed algorithms are experimentally evaluated using real datasets.
Interactive source registration in community-oriented information integration
Authors: Katsis Yannis , Deutsch Alin , Papakonstantinou Yannis
Published: June 2014

Modern Internet communities need to integrate and query structured information. Employing current information integration infrastructure, data integration is still a very costly effort, since source registration is performed by a central authority which becomes a bottleneck. We propose the community-based integration paradigm which pushes the source registration task to the independent community members. This creates new challenges caused by each community member's lack of a global overview on how her data interacts with the application queries of the community and the data from other sources. How can the source owner maximize the visibility of her data to existing applications, while minimizing the clean-up and reformatting cost associated with publishing? Does her data contradict (or could it contradict in the future) the data of other sources? We introduce RIDE, a visual registration tool that extends schema mapping interfaces like that of MS Biz Talk Server and IBM's Clio with a suggestion component that guides the source owner in the autonomous registration, assisting her in answering these questions. RIDE's implementation features efficient procedures for deciding various levels of self-reliance of a GLAV-style source registration for contributing answers to an application query and checking potential and definite inconsistency across sources.