bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading and Writing Strategies
Authors: Sturtz Tanya , Hucks Darrell
Published: April 2016

In the field of education, students are not only expected to come to college with the reading and writing skills needed to successfully complete their program of study but also to enter the profession upon graduation with the ability to teach the next generation these skills. At the authors' institution of higher education, as with other higher education institutions, the reading and writing skills of incoming freshmen is a concern across the campus. To address this concern, two education faculty members created a reading and writing program. The program would prepare incoming freshmen with skills and strategies they could use to be successful in their college courses, as well as support student transition and retention. The pilot study created will address a concern raised in the literature regarding the under-explored reading research at the college level. To this end, this chapter shares the process involved in teaching the program and the experiences of the first cohort of students enrolled in the program.
Dissemination of Assistive Technology Devices for Children with Disabilities through Realabilities
Authors: Arucevic Senada
Published: April 2016

Over the last decade, vast research has been conducted on assistive technology devices and the potential implementation of these devices in the daily lives of individuals with disabilities. Many devices are new to the public and may require further development, but it is important to disseminate information about these useful technologies, which often afford users more independence with their activities of daily living. Unfortunately individuals with disabilities often encounter stigma; research suggests that assistive technology devices may at times contribute to this ostracism. This chapter reviews a variety of technologies that have been used to improve the quality of life of individuals with varying disabilities. These devices are presented in the context of introducing a new children's television show, Realabilities, a pro-social and stop-bullying children's television program that seeks to enhance the social interaction and initiation of typical children towards children with disabilities. Directions for future research and implementation of these devices are also discussed.
iPad Implementation Approaches in K-12 School Environments
Authors: An Heejung , Alon Sandra , Fuentes David
Published: April 2016

This exploratory case study reports on the ways in which iPads are currently being used in New Jersey public schools, with a focus on the effectiveness of three different implementation approaches: 1) “ubiquitous approach,” 2) “classroom approach,” and 3) “sign-out approach.” This study also examines how K-12 teachers and students perceived of iPads as teaching and learning tools. Findings indicate that the teachers and students viewed iPads as valuable tools for teaching and learning, yet there were also several perceived challenges. The results of this study have implications for practitioners involved in the implementation of iPad initiatives.
The Case for Universal Design for Learning in Technology Enhanced Environments
Authors: Dinmore Stuart Peter
Published: April 2016

This chapter examines the intersection of two drivers in the contemporary higher education environment. First, the increase in blended learning, propelled by advances in computing technology and the drive towards student-centred, active learning pedagogies influenced by social constructivism. Second, the need for university curriculum to become more inclusive as the sector continues to respond to the social justice and business aspects of the widening participation agenda. In response to this need for effectively designed blended pedagogies in technology-rich physical and online environments and the need to design for inclusion, this article argues for the adoption of the principles of Universal Design for Learning to be used in curriculum design and development. Not only is an implementation of Universal Design for Learning easier in a technology-rich learning environment, it is the ethical responsibility of universities to provide accessible curriculum as they seek to attract and retain more students through pathways and equity programs.
Multimodal Composition for Teacher Candidates
Authors: Grisham Dana L. , Smetana Linda
Published: April 2016

This chapter reports on a study conducted by two teacher educators in literacy instruction and provides examples of the ways teacher educators can “distribute” technology-rich writing instruction across their coursework. Using the TPACK model, 21 graduate students in a preservice course on curriculum planned, taught, and reflected on generative technology lessons with real students in real classrooms. Data collected included the lessons and reflections, ePoster presentations, and other writings by students on the topic. Findings indicate that graduate students chose a diverse array of technology tools, and planned carefully, matching tools with desired learning outcomes. Although graduate students initially felt “pushed” by the assignment, post lesson reflections showed positive changes in attitude and appreciation for the motivation and engagement of their K-12 students with the technology lessons. Graduate students also derived a more realistic picture of planning for instruction. Implications involve the necessity of supporting 21st century literacies in teacher preparation programs. Examples of lessons and tools used are included.
Zagreb Case
Authors: Tomic Rotim Silvana , Knorr Elizabeta
Published: April 2016

This chapter explains the manner of implementing FUPOL policy model and FUPOL platform in the process of creating the actual policies in the City of Zagreb. For that purpose, two pilot initiatives have been chosen, and based on them, the whole policy lifecycle has been covered. The background of these pilots is explained, as well as the challenges that the City of Zagreb has faced. In addition, the results of concrete actions and possible solutions are presented. All of them use a new integrated approach to policy design and implementation that consists of an advanced policy lifecycle and an IT-solution (FUPOL) with features supporting all phases of the proposed lifecycle.
Using Technology to Teach Gifted Students in a Heterogeneous Classroom
Authors: Shaw Jr. Edward L. , Giles Rebecca M.
Published: April 2016

The answer to educating gifted and talented students in heterogeneous classrooms may lie, at least partially, in using instructional technology to motivate learning and enrich lessons. This case study explores one aspect of effective instruction for gifted second graders during lessons conducted in their general education classrooms. This chapter summarizes the development and delivery, students' performance and perceptions, and professional implications of an elementary science lesson utilizing interactive whiteboard technology to convey science content and elicit participation. It also emphasizes the importance of teacher educators' modeling the use of interactive whiteboards for the purpose of differentiating instruction in teacher training programs to better prepare future teachers for the diverse learners who will fill their classrooms.
Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD)
Authors: Rissman Barbara
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this chapter is to inform practitioners in the teaching, medical, and allied health professions about the complex and serious nature of a nonverbal learning disability (NLD) so that early identification and intervention may prevent mental health issues. Children and young adults with an NLD face many difficulties not experienced by those with a language-based learning disability. Difficulty handling routine daily tasks and responsibilities on a consistent basis can threaten personal and economic independence, and a supportive network of friends may become harder to sustain over time. Involvement with community activities may also be limited. The author seeks to engage the reader with what is an enigma for some—the NLD profile. Discussion includes the origin of the disability, the physical presentation of the profile, differences between NLD and other commonly diagnosed learning disabilities, and possible consequences if the NLD is not identified early and managed.
The Road to Diagnosis and Post-School Life
Authors: Rissman Barbara
Published: April 2016

This chapter is written in two sections, each with its own introduction and background. “The Road to Diagnosis” is not intended to be exhaustive. Discussion touches on the role of the psychologist and neuropsychologist in the NLD diagnostic process in light of considered views of experts offered in earlier chapters. The critical need to assess executive functions (EFs) as a core component of an NLD is raised as well as the need to include NLD in a formal classification system. Formal inclusion of NLD in an organized structure not only has potential to transform lives on an international scale, but it would acknowledge accumulated scientific research findings, and persistent advocacy of investigators. The “Post-School Life” section discusses realistic issues that may be experienced by those who live with, teach, care for, guide, and advocate for an individual with shunted hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and NLD. This section reports, as impartially as possible, some of the author's lived experience.
Using Video Gameplay to Measure Achievement for Students with Disabilities
Authors: Gallegos Benjamin , Kepple Michelle T. , Bukaty Caitlyn A.
Published: April 2016

Video gaming in the classroom offers students and educators the opportunity to conceptualize learning in new ways and address 21st century skills. This construct appears in research-based literature by leading trans-disciplinary experts in the field of special education and video gaming. Empirical research has established the application of video games as leaning tools in schools, and the benefits of video games for students with disabilities (Ke & Abras, 2013). This chapter focuses on the benefits and use of educational video game based learning for students with disabilities. The authors discuss (1) current barriers hindering widespread adoption of video games for learning and assessment, (2) characteristics of video games being used for learning and assessment, (3) how gameplay data represents academic achievement for grading, and (4) the types of assessments available and considerations for implementation. Finally, the authors explore avenues to prepare educators to use video gaming for learning and assessment in classrooms for students with disabilities.
Addressing Executive Function Using Assistive Technology to Increase Access to the 21st Century Skills
Authors: Myles Brenda Smith , Rogers Jan
Published: April 2016

Access to the common core and the general education environment are attainable goals for learners on the autism spectrum when their autism is clearly understood and meaningful supports and instruction are in place. This chapter focuses on one area that is often not addressed for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) yet is critical to academic success: executive function. Specifically, this chapter overviews the executive function challenges related to ASD and technology supports in the executive functions areas of (a) information management, (b) materials management, (c) time management, and (d) self-management.
Case Studies of Chronically Ill Children
Authors: Gibbon Thomas C. , Schwilk Christopher L. , Cline Jenifer , Matthews Kimberly , Sweigart Katie , Ferguson Emily , Bateman David F.
Published: April 2016

Medical advances have increased the number of children who have survived and are now living with chronic medical conditions (Irwin & Elam, 2011; Singer 2012). Diseases and conditions that as recently as a decade ago were considered fatal or completely debilitating are now increasingly treated as chronic conditions. Among these are several types of cancer, HIV/AIDS, respiratory illnesses, and severe epilepsy. Increasingly, students with severe chronic conditions are educated in public schools instead of home or hospital settings. The purpose of this chapter is to present case studies of real children and families that will allow educators and others a personal glimpse into the lives of children with chronic illness and their families. Suggestions for analyzing the case studies are provided that will help teachers, administrators, and teacher educators to examine the complex issues surrounding the educational needs of children with chronic illnesses.
edTPA Preparation
Authors: Suleiman Randa , Byrd Clavon
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study was to discover and describe the effectiveness of edTPA mentoring and support program designed by the researchers measured by teacher candidates' perceptions. Within that research purpose, a research theory and/or model was constructed to describe a framework for effective preparation and teacher candidates' support program, which might lead to a successful completion/submission of edTPA entry and increase the probability of attaining a state teaching license. The research question was: What are the teacher candidates' perceptions of the edTPA preparation and support procedures designed by the researchers? This research utilized mixed method interactive program evaluation. An online survey collected teacher candidates' perceptions of mentoring and support for edTPA. The survey questions were organized around four constructs: Preparedness, understanding, submission and support from instructor, university supervisors, cooperating teacher, and resources. A comprehensive data analysis was conducted that identified areas of strength and need of the program.
The Impact of ICT in Educating Students with Learning Disabilities in Australian Schools
Authors: Adam Tas , Tatnall Arthur
Published: April 2016

The term “Learning Difficulties” (sometimes also referred to as Special Needs) is used in reference to students who have significant difficulties in the acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills and need extra assistance with schooling. This is a large heterogeneous group. Another more specific term is “Learning Disabilities” that refers to the small sub-group of students who exhibit severe and unexplained problems. This chapter presents a report on an investigation, framed by the use of actor-network theory, of how the use of Information and Communications Technologies can aid in improving the education of students with Learning Disabilities. The study involved case studies and participant observation of the use of ICT in two outer Melbourne suburban Special Schools and an investigation of the impact of Education Department policies on these school environments. Research at the two Special Schools revealed that use of Information and Communications Technologies can have a very beneficial impact on these students by improving their self-esteem and facilitating their acquisition of useful life skills.
Applied or Denied?
Authors: Downing Jillian
Published: April 2016

As universities expand so too does the diversity of students. Widening participation requires higher education providers to be responsive to the needs of all students by ensuring an accessible and engaging learning environment. Today's cohort includes an increased number of students with autism, a spectrum condition that has the potential to be either beneficial or detrimental to their success in higher education. This article reports on a mature-age student with autism who publicly announced his struggle with the eLearning environment, somewhat ironically, in the asynchronous discussion board. While eLearning offers designers and teaching staff an opportunity to adopt an applied and collaborative approach to the learning environment, for this student it created a challenging landscape dominated by steep mountains and roadblocks. What the student revealed has implications for course designers, teaching staff, and university administrators as they undertake to provide an eLearning environment that is suitable for all students, including those with autism.
Evaluating a Technique for Improving Letter Memory in At-Risk Kindergarten Students
Authors: Stockdale Carol
Published: April 2016

This chapter focuses on a process for improving letter naming. Numerous studies have established the correlation between fluent letter naming and reading in young children (Badian, 2000; Catts, 2001; Faust, Dimitrovsky, & Shacht, 2003; Terepocki, Kruk, & Willows, 2002; Mann & Foy, 2003). Two schools using the same reading program were selected for the study. The 125 kindergarten children attending these schools were screened for letter naming fluency. The low scoring individuals in each school were randomly assigned either to a treatment or control group for the study. Pretesting addressed rapid letter recall, color naming, object naming, and receptive vocabulary. The children in the treatment groups received twelve twenty-minute instructional sessions teaching the children to attend to the distinctive features (unique parts) of each letter. The students in the treatment groups made significant gains in letter naming speed and accuracy compared to the control groups. Receptive language scores improved. Other measures had no significant correlation with letter naming proficiency in posttests.
Recent Advances in Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Authors: Mehl-Schneider Toby B.
Published: April 2016

With the increased development of mobile technologies, such as smartphones and tablets (i.e. iPhone, iPad), the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has changed rapidly over the last few years. Recent advances in technology have introduced applications (apps) for AAC purposes. These novel technologies could provide numerous benefits to individuals with complex communication needs. Nevertheless, introducing mobile technology apps is not without risk. Since these apps can be purchased and retrieved with relative ease, AAC assessments and collaborative evaluations have been circumvented in favor of the “quick fix”-simply ordering a random app for a potential user, without fully assessing the individual's needs and abilities. There is a paucity of research pertaining to mobile technology use in AAC. Therapists, parents and developers of AAC applications must work collaboratively to expand the research pertaining to the assessment and treatment of children who utilize AAC mobile technologies for communication purposes.
A Task Assistant for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Tan Joo
Published: April 2016

This chapter introduces the use of software technology that is used to create a Web application system called iPAWS to help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) accomplish simple tasks. These individuals can repeatedly access tasks for assistance or learning through a mobile tablet. For post-school employment, the use of this software technology can help lessen the burden of supervision needed for individuals with autism. For school age children at different levels, iPAWS can serve as training or as a learning tool. This chapter starts with a review of computer-based interventions that have been used in the past. Next, the overall design of the Web application system is introduced. Sample cases that are suitable for children and post-secondary employment are then discussed. Two case studies that were conducted with individuals on the autism spectrum, follow. Finally, possible future improvements to iPAWS are presented.
A Proposal for Multidisciplinary Software for People with Autism
Authors: Guerra Eraldo , Furtado Felipe
Published: April 2016

This chapter is about the study of treatments for autistic children and interventions of entertainment games with the purpose of developing a technological solution in order to promote a better adaptation between the autistic children and treatment, consequently showing better results in a shorter period of time. The multidisciplinary software for Autism treatment is being developed. It is based on PECs, ABA, and TEACCH methods, and it uses ludic games and activity interventions. Before applying technology to autism treatment, a deep study about autistic children is made. This way, concepts such as customization and the use of Kinect, Mobile (WP7), and Cloud Computer technologies take part as a stimulator system, since they are responsible for intensifying cognitive development and reducing the patient's excitement, aggressiveness, and irritability.
Network Optimization Methods for Self-Organization of Future Cellular Networks
Authors: Ahmed Furqan , Dowhuszko Alexis A. , Tirkkonen Olav
Published: April 2016

This chapter discusses network optimization methods for enabling self-organization in current cellular networks such as Long Term Evolution (LTE)/LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), and the upcoming 5G networks. Discrete and continuous optimization models are discussed for developing distributed algorithms for self-configuration and self-optimization. The focus is on Self-Organized Networking (SON) problems, which are relevant to small cell networks. Examples include Physical Cell-ID (PCI) assignment, Primary Component Carrier (PCC) selection, Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (ICIC), and network synchronization. A conflict-graph model is considered for PCI assignment and PCC selection problems, which paves the way for different graph coloring algorithms with self-organizing properties. Algorithms for self-organized ICIC and network synchronization are also developed in a principled manner, through a network utility maximization framework. This systematic approach leads to a variety of algorithms which adhere to self-organization principles, but have varying requirements in terms of inter-cell coordination and computation complexity. Fully distributed self-organizing algorithms do not involve any inter-cell dedicated message-passing, and thus are faster and more scalable than the ones that are distributed but require local coordination via exchange of messages between cells. However, local coordination enables higher network utility and better convergence properties.
Synthetic Modeling of Human Mobility Patterns
Authors: Diab Ali , Mitschele-Thiel Andreas
Published: April 2016

One of the wide used modeling techniques applied to model human mobility patterns is synthetic mobility modeling. Synthetic models are largely preferred and widely applied to simulate mobile communication networks. They try to capture the patterns of human movements by means of a set of equations. These models are traceable, however, not capable until now of generating realistic mobility models. The chapter highlights the state of art and provides a comprehensive investigation of current research efforts in the field of synthetic mobility modeling. It reviews well-known approaches along with their pros and cons and finalizes with a qualitative comparison between them.
Building the “Bridge” between Two Liberal Arts College Libraries
Authors: Lembke Roberta L. , Schaffner Bradley L.
Published: April 2016

The Bridge Consortium was formed in 2003/04 for the express purpose of sharing library materials between Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges more efficiently. The first step was the decision by the libraries to adopt a single shared library system. The success of this endeavor set the stage for a much deeper level of collaboration between the two institutions. A consortium governance structure was established, which included working groups to manage and develop shared operations in key functional areas. Through these working groups, policies and procedures were developed to guide Bridge Consortium work, and new initiatives were developed to broaden the scope of collaboration. Since then, the combined staffs of the Carleton and St. Olaf Libraries have expanded the range of resources available to faculty, staff and students on both campuses, improved search and retrieval of materials, and provided comparable user services and experiences.
Moving from Co-Location to Cooperation to Collaboration
Authors: Bodolay Rosemary , Frye Steve , Kruse Carrie , Luke Dave
Published: April 2016

Through collaboration with faculty and other campus partners, libraries have become centers of innovation in teaching and learning with technology. The authors, representing library, technology, and program staff from partnerships at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will present a framework based on Joan Lippincott's definitions of co-location, cooperation and collaboration. Learn how to assess and develop your partnerships and how the diversity and adjacency of learning spaces, resources, services, and staff are redefining the library and the library's role within an academic institution.
Concept, Conversion, Cultivation, and Consequence
Authors: Johnson Hayley , Simms Sarah
Published: April 2016

In an effort to change the librarian-faculty collaboration culture at Nicholls State University, librarians actively sought grant opportunities to make resources available to the university which would facilitate collaboration. Nicholls was able to secure grant funding for a collaborative multidisciplinary research workshop series to promote undergraduate research. The objective of this grant funded opportunity was to place the library in a central role in the enhancement and expansion of the university's research initiatives and partner with those disciplines that were traditionally self-contained. The technology and training made available to students through this initiative is important as it provides all students with access to foundational training and necessary technology to be competitive in academia and the workforce. Through these long-term partnerships forged with research focused disciplines, the library is now able to demonstrate its capacity to serve as an integral component of university research initiatives.
Automatic Detection of Tutoring Styles Based on Tutors' Behavior
Authors: Bendjebar Safia , Lafifi Yacine , Zedadra Amina
Published: April 2016

In e-learning systems, tutors have a significant impact on learners' life to increase their knowledge level and to make the learning process more effective. They are characterized by different features. Therefore, identifying tutoring styles is a critical step in understanding the preference of tutors on how to organize and help the learners. In this context, the authors address the problem of extracting tutoring styles from tutors' behavior. According to this later, tutors are classified automatically into their styles. This technique will be helpful to provide a suitable advice to learners. In the first step, a set of indicators are defined to characterize a tutoring style. In the second one, the accuracy between the tutoring styles obtained from the proposed approach and those defined from a simple questionnaire is investigated. To validate this approach, the authors have collected data from an on line tutoring system (LETline, http://www.labstic.com/letline). They present the results of their analysis and discuss some limitations that can be helpful to the researchers working in the tutoring field.
Biochemical characterization of systemic bacteria in bananas, sensitivity to antibiotics and plant phytotoxicity during shoot proliferation
Authors: Oliveira Janiffe Peres de , Scherwinski-Pereira Jonny Everson
Published: April 2016

The objective of this work was to characterize the biochemically systemic bacterial isolated from banana plants, to evaluate the bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics, and to determine the phytotoxicity of banana shoots during in vitro proliferation. Systemic bacteria belonging to the Klebsiella and Aeromonas genera were isolated from the “Maravilha” (FHIA 01 AAAB), “Preciosa” (PV 4285 AAAB) and “Thap Maeo” (AAB) varieties and were then characterized. Tests of shoot sensitivity to antibiotics were performed, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and phytotoxic effects of selected antibiotics to plants were determined. Among the 20 antibiotics evaluated, the strains showed sensitivity to cefaclor, cefalexin, cefalotin, nalidixic acid, chloramphenicol, and vancomycin. However, during MIC determination, the best results were obtained with cefaclor, vancomycin or nalidixic acid alone in concentrations ranging from 512 to 1,024 mg L-1. In culture medium, cefaclor at 1,024 mg L-1 was the only antibiotic to affect the multiplication and the shoot survival in culture.
The production of Physalis spp. seedlings grown under different-colored shade nets
Authors: Silva Daniel Fernandes da , Pio Rafael , Soares Joyce Dória Rodrigues , Nogueira Paulyene Vieira , Peche Pedro Maranha , Villa Fabíola
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of seedlings of Physalis L. species under different-colored shade nets. Four shade nets individually stained white, blue, red and black, all with 50% shading, were used in this study, and an additional  treatment (control) was used in which seedlings were grown in full sun. The study examined four species of Physalis, namely, P. peruviana, P. pubescens, P. minima and P. ixocarpa. The experiment followed a randomized block design with three blocks and 25 seeds per plot. The species were sown in styrofoam trays. Germination was monitored daily to calculate the Emergency Velocity Index (EVI) and stabilize the overall percentage of emergence. Height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area index and dry mass of seedlings were assessed at 50 days after sowing. The study found that these species react differently to changes in the light spectrum. Seedlings of P. peruviana should be grown under a white or red shade net; of P. pubescens under a white or black shade net; of P. minima under a white, red or black shade net; and of P. ixocarpa under a white shade net. For all species, 50% shade should be used.
Potassium chloride infusion as the cause of altered bio distribution of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose on whole-body positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan
Authors: Mahajan Shimpi , Natasha Singh , Sudeshna Maitra , Pereira Melvika
Published: April 2016

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography is a standard diagnostic imaging tool in many types of cancer. Its physiological in vivo distribution includes the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, and urinary tract at 1 h after tracer injection. Skeletal muscle is known to show variable amounts of 18F-FDG uptake because it has a relatively high-glucose metabolism. We report a case of a 20-year-old patient with gross 18F-FDG uptake involving multiple muscle groups and its likely correlation to potassium chloride infusion before 18F-FDG injection.
Primary Type I cutaneous meningioma of the scalp: Cytohistological and immunohistochemical features of a rare neoplasm
Authors: Jaiswal Pooja , Jaiswal Somil , Chakrabarti Sudipta , Mukherjee Anumoy
Published: April 2016

Primary cutaneous meningioma of scalp is a rare lesion and often clinically misdiagnosed. As clinical features are nonspecific, the diagnosis is often perplexing in this exceptional site. We report a case of a 7-year-old girl presenting with a nodule over occipital region of scalp since birth. No bony defect was noted on X-ray. On fine needle aspiration cytology, smears were cellular consisting mostly cohesive clusters of cells having pale pink granular cytoplasm, round to oval nuclei with unassuming nucleoli along with psammomatous calcification suggestive of cutaneous meningioma. Histology and immunohistochemistry with epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) confirmed the diagnosis. Histological sections revealed a proliferation of a spindle-shaped cell in the dermis, arranged in whorls or individually amid collagen fibers and psammoma bodies. Immunohistochemical study revealed positivity for EMA. A diagnosis of Type I cutaneous meningioma was finally rendered based on characteristic clinical, intraoperative, morphological, and immunohistochemical observations.
Spontaneous resolution of colloid cyst of the third ventricle: Implications for management
Authors: Turel Mazda , Kucharczyk Walter , Gentili Fred
Published: April 2016

While there is little controversy regarding the treatment of symptomatic colloid cysts, the optimal management of “incidentally” detected and asymptomatic colloid cyst remains unclear. The age of the patient, duration and significance of symptoms related to the cyst, size and radiological characteristics of the cyst and the presence of hydrocephalus are all factors to be considered before considering surgery. While surgery most often provides good results in the majority of patients, complications do occur. Despite growing literature about the natural history of this condition, to date, only three cases of spontaneous resolution of colloid cyst <10 mm have been reported. We report the case of spontaneous resolution of a colloid cyst larger than 10 mm, initially managed with close observation and serial neuroimaging. This case highlights the possible role for a conservative approach even in larger-sized cysts.
Giant occipital intradiploic epidermoid cyst
Authors: Oommen Arun , Govindan Jayasree , Peroor Devan , Azeez C , Rashmi R , Abdul Jalal Muhammed
Published: April 2016

Intraparenchymal or intradiploic epidermoid cysts are very rare. Most of these cysts, when present, tend to involve the frontal and temporal lobes, and occasionally, the pineal gland or the brain stem. Here, we report a 45-year-old female, who presented with localized occipital headache and a tender occipital swelling, gradually increasing in size. She was hemodynamically and neurologically stable and did not have any focal neurological deficits. Whole skull and brain imaging revealed a well-demarcated expansile lytic lesion in the right occipital bone, which was hypointense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on both T2-weighted imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging without any contrast enhancement. The patient underwent a right occipital craniotomy and total excision of the intradiploic space occupying lesion. Histopathological examination confirmed the lytic bone lesion over occipital bone as intradiploic epidermoid cyst.
Endoscopic three-surgeon six-handed transorbital transnasal technique for excision of Juvenile Nasopharygeal Angiofibroma: New frontier explored
Authors: Janakiram Trichy , Parekh Palak , Haneefa Hanish , Prasad Sivaswamy
Published: April 2016

Endoscopic endonasal transorbital approach has been described for the removal of orbital lesions located anteromedially in temporal fossa. The same has been observed to be a versatile approach to the anterior and middle cranial fossa only in laboratory studies. This is the first clinical report of combined transorbital transnasal endoscopic approach to the cavernous sinus, superior orbital fissure, and middle cranial fossa in a case of recurrent nasopharyngeal angiofibroma using the three-surgeon six-handed technique.
Characterization of Low-pass Filters on Local Fields of Positive Characteristic
Authors: Jahan Qaiser
Published: April 2016

In this article, we give necessary and sufficient conditions on a function to be a low-pass filter on a local field K of positive characteristic associated with the scaling function for multiresolution analysis of L2(K). We use probability and martingale methods to provide such a characterization.
Representation stability for syzygies of line bundles on Segre–Veronese varieties
Authors: Raicu Claudiu
Published: April 2016

The rational homology groups of packing complexes are important in algebraic geometry since they control the syzygies of line bundles on projective embeddings of products of projective spaces (Segre–Veronese varieties). These complexes are a common generalization of the multidimensional chessboard complexes and of the matching complexes of complete uniform hypergraphs, whose study has been a topic of interest in combinatorial topology. We prove that the multivariate version of representation stability, a notion recently introduced and studied by Church and Farb, holds for the homology groups of packing complexes. This allows us to deduce stability properties for the syzygies of line bundles on Segre–Veronese varieties. We provide bounds for when stabilization occurs and show that these bounds are sometimes sharp by describing the linear syzygies for a family of line bundles on Segre varieties. As a motivation for our investigation, we show in an appendix that Ein and Lazarsfeld’s conjecture on the asymptotic vanishing of syzygies of coherent sheaves on arbitrary projective varieties reduces to the case of line bundles on a product of (at most three) projective spaces.
The freeness of ideal subarrangements of Weyl arrangements
Authors: Abe Takuro , Barakat Mohamed , Cuntz Michael , Hoge Torsten , Terao Hiroaki
Published: April 2016

A Weyl arrangement is the arrangement defined by the root system of a finite Weyl group. When a set of positive roots is an ideal in the root poset, we call the corresponding arrangement an ideal subarrangement. Our main theorem asserts that any ideal subarrangement is a free arrangement and that its exponents are given by the dual partition of the height distribution, which was conjectured by Sommers–Tymoczko. In particular, when an ideal subarrangement is equal to the entireWeyl arrangement, our main theorem yields the celebrated formula by Shapiro, Steinberg, Kostant, and Macdonald. The proof of the main theorem is classification-free. It heavily depends on the theory of free arrangements and thus greatly differs from the earlier proofs of the formula
The Softurator: When, Where and How We do It?
Authors: Shah Pratik Dipak , Mukherji Srijon
Published: April 2016

Factors that affect management of surgical defects are surgical site, amount of remaining support tissue, presence of teeth and defect characteristics. When these factors are not favorable, successful prosthetic management of surgical defect becomes more challenging. Simultaneously, prosthesis should be comfortable to supporting and surrounding tissues as well as surgical defect. In the presented case, we have used soft polyvinyl siloxane material for fabrication of temporary surgical obturator to cover the surgical defect at the junction of hard and soft palates. Soft, flexible material is used for better adaptation to the changing morphology of surgical defect and also improves functions like speaking and swallowing.

How to cite this article

Shah PD, Mukherji S. The Softurator: When, Where and How We do It? Int J Head Neck Surg 2015; 6(2):93-95.
Effect of Continuous 6 Months Oral Antioxidant Combination with Universally recommended Dosage in Idiopathic Male Infertility
Authors: Chattopadhyay Ratna , Yasmin Shanawaz , Chakravarty BN
Published: April 2016

The aim of the present study was to observe the adverse effects of high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in idiopathic male infertility and the role of a combined antioxidant therapy for six months to overcome the detrimental effects of ROS.

A prospective study including 185 infertile male was conducted at Institute of Reproductive Medicine (IRM) from January 2014 to April 2015. All the major sperm parameters as well as ROS, antioxidant level and the effect of high ROS level were evaluated before and after the therapy.

A significant improvement in sperm motility and concentration were observed after 6 months of therapy. Antioxidant level had increased and ROS level had decreased significantly after the antioxidant treatment. Improvement in morphology and leukocyte concentration were observed though not clinically significant.

Conclusion

This combined antioxidant therapy may improve sperm quality after continuous 6 months of treatment. However, further study is needed regarding this experiment for validating the trend.

How to cite this article

Chattopadhyay R, Yasmin S, Chakravarty BN. Effect of Continuous 6 Months Oral Antioxidant Combination with Universally recommended Dosage in Idiopathic Male Infertility. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2016;7(1):1-6.
Size of Endometrioma and Number does Influence the Ovarian Reserve: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Kumar Pratap , Sandya MR
Published: April 2016

Background

Endometriosis is one of the most commonly encountered benign problems in gynecology. Ultrasound and endocrine parameters have been widely accepted as markers of ovarian reserve. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in conjugation with antral follicle counts is now believed to be an excellent measure for detecting ovarian reserve. Surgical approach has a fundamental role in the management of endometriosis. The loss of normal follicles can be studied by histopathological assessment of the cyst wall. The postoperative decline in the ovarian reserve is believed to have a correlation with number of endometriomas and diameter of the cyst wall.

Objective

This prospective observational study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of laparoscopic cystectomy with respect to number and size of the cyst on ovarian reserve parameters.

Materials and methods

Fifty patients undergoing laparoscopic endometrioma cystectomy were analyzed. Cysts of <5cm and >5cm and the number of cysts were studied. Statistical analysis was done using Mauchly's test of sphericity. Anti-Mullerian hormone and antral follicle count were estimated prior to and 1 month after surgery. Pre- and postoperative values were compared and analyzed with respect to number and size of endometrioma.

Observation and results

There was an overall drop of AMH from 3.8 ± 3.01 to 2.67 ± 1.92 ng/ml (p < 0.001). The mean AMH in bilateral and unilateral endometrioma was 2.9 ± 1.7 and 3.9 ± 3.17 ng/ml respectively. Anti-Mullerian hormone dropped from 4.53 ± 3.4 to 3.19 ± 2.18 with <5 cm cyst compared with 2.4 ± 1.2 to 1.7 ± 0.85 with >5 cm cyst (p < 0.01). Overall drop in AFC was 5.17 ± 1.44 and 3.61 ± 1.61 pre- and postoperative respectively (p < 0.01). Mean drop in AFC was 2.2 and 1.2 in cyst <5 and > 5 cm respectively. Histopathological analysis showed loss of follicles in 25% of the cyst walls. This was correlating with the drop in both AMH and AFC postoperatively.

Conclusion

Size and number of cyst does affect ovarian reserve to the effect that smaller and bilateral cyst leads to a greater decline in the same.

How to cite this article

Sandya MR, Kumar P. Size of Endometrioma and Number does Influence the Ovarian Reserve: A Prospective Observational Study. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2016;7(1):14-18.
Role of Voice Therapy in Patients with Mutational Falsetto
Authors: Kumar Raj , Agrahari Alok Kumar
Published: April 2016

Background

Mutational falsetto is the most common mutational voice disorder, found in all ages. Clinicians often miss this diagnosis due to unfamiliarity with the condition. The voice of a person with mutational falsetto is high pitched, weak, thin, breathy, hoarse and monopitched.

Objective

This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of voice therapy in persons with mutational falsetto.

Methods

Eleven male patients with ages between 18 and 26 years (mean age 22.18 years, SD 2.52) diagnosed with mutational falsetto underwent acoustical analysis using Praat Software, perceptual analysis using grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia and strain (GRBAS) scale and psychosocial analysis using emotional component of voice handicap index (VHI). All the components were analyzed pre- and postvoice therapy.

Results

Improvement in acoustic analysis parameters was statistically significant with p-value less than 0.0001(pretherapy mean of fundamental frequency (F0) was 217.45 with SD 8.68, whereas post-therapy mean of F0 was 127.50 with SD 5.32). Significant improvement in perceptual analysis was seen post-therapy on GRBAS scale. Improvement in psychosocial aspect was also statistically significant with p-value less than 0.0001 (pre-therapy mean 26.18, SD 1.72 post-therapy mean 7, SD 1.15).

Conclusion

Voice therapy plays an important role in lowering F0 and alleviation mental agony of the patients with mutational falsetto.

How to cite this article

Varma A, Agrahari AK, Kumar R, Kumar V. Role of Voice Therapy in Patients with Mutational Falsetto. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2015;5(1):25-27
Satellite observations of middle atmosphere gravity wave activity and dissipation during recent stratospheric warmings
Authors: Ern Manfred , Trinh Quang Thai , Kaufmann Martin , Krisch Isabell , Preusse Peter , Ungermann Jörn , Zhu Yajun , Gille John C. , Mlynczak Martin G. , Russell III James M. , Schwartz Michael J. , Riese Martin
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) are circulation anomalies in the polar region during winter. They mostly occur in the Northern Hemisphere and affect also surface weather and climate. Both planetary waves and gravity waves contribute to the onset and evolution of SSWs. While the role of planetary waves for SSW evolution has been recognized, the effect of gravity waves is still not fully understood, and has not been comprehensively analyzed based on global observations. In particular, information on the gravity wave driving of the background winds during SSWs is still missing. We investigate the boreal winters 2001/2002 until 2013/2014. Absolute gravity wave momentum fluxes and gravity wave dissipation (potential drag) are estimated from temperature observations of the satellite instruments HIRDLS and SABER. In agreement with previous work, we find that sometimes gravity wave activity is enhanced before the central date of major SSWs, particularly during vortex-split events. Often, SSWs are associated with polar-night jet oscillation (PJO) events. For these events, we find that gravity wave activity is strongly suppressed when winds reverse from eastward to westward (usually after the central date of a major SSW). In addition, gravity wave potential drag at the bottom of the newly forming eastward directed jet is remarkably weak, while considerable potential drag at the top of the jet likely contributes to the downward propagation of both the jet and the new elevated stratopause. During PJO events, we also find some indication for poleward propagation of gravity waves. Another striking finding is that obviously localized gravity wave sources, likely mountain waves and jet-generated gravity waves, play an important role during the evolution of SSWs and potentially contribute to the triggering of SSWs by preconditioning the shape of the polar vortex. The distribution of these hot spots is highly variable and strongly depends on the zonal and meridional shape of the background wind field, indicating that a pure zonal average view sometimes is a too strong simplification for the strongly perturbed conditions during the evolution of SSWs.
Inter-comparison of two cavity ring-down spectroscopy analyzers for atmospheric 13CO2 / 12CO2 measurement
Authors: Pang Jiaping , Wen Xuefa , Sun Xiaomin , Huang Kuan
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy (IRIS) permits in situ and continuous measurements of CO2 isotopic composition under ambient conditions. Previous studies mainly focused on single IRIS instrument performance, few studies have paid attention to the comparability among different IRIS instruments. In this study, we carried out laboratory and ambient measurements of two Picarro CO2 δ13C analyzers (G1101-i and G2201-i), and evaluated their performance and comparability. The best precision were 0.08 ~ 0.15 ‰ and 0.01 ~ 0.04 ‰, the dependence of δ13C on CO2 concentration were 0.46 ‰ per 100 ppm and 0.09 ‰ per 100 ppm, the instrument drift ranged from 0.92 ~ 1.09 ‰ and 0.19 ~ 0.37 ‰. After upgradation of G1101-i, the sensitivity of δ13C on water vapor mixing ratio were 0.15 ‰ / % H2O and 0.13 ‰ / % H2O for the G1101-i and G2201-i, respectively. The accuracy after corrected by the two-point mixing ratio gain and offset calibration method ranged from −0.04 ~ 0.09 ‰ and −0.13 ~ 0.03 ‰ for G1101-i and G2201-i, respectively. Atmospheric δ13C measurements captured the rapidly changing atmospheric δ13C signals, with the difference of 0.07 ± 0.24 ‰ and 0.05 ± 0.30 ‰ between G1101-i upgraded before and after and G2201-i. Before upgradation of G1101-i, a significant linear correlation was observed between the δ13C difference and water vapor concentration, but there is no significant correlation after upgradation of G1101-i. The difference of Keeling intercept values between G1101-i and G2201-i decrease from 1.24 ‰ to 0.36 ‰, which indicate the importance of consistency among different IRIS instruments.