bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Huawei Leapfrogging System Integration With TSTT
Authors: Fleary Kevin Michael , Chunming Ye
Published: April 2017

The Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TSTT) has demonstrated its approach to modernization via integration of technological systems with international telecommunications providers. With the recognition of TSTT’s need to develop an international telecommunication system capable of 95% nation coverage with rich broadband content, Chinese company Huawei leapfrogged into Trinidad and Tobago’s developing market. Huawei achieved what Western providers did not and gained strategic partnership with TSTT in a short period of time, given the government-to-government support for trade, TSTT’s telecommunication demand, and Huawei’s growth plans. Despite the functional advantages derived from Huawei, the partnership was not without risk given the speed and liability of newness of greenfield investments. If the TSTT and Huawei partnership is to be sustainable, we must model the relationship and then identify weaknesses in a bid to remove them. Huawei’s approach to investment in the Latin American and Caribbean region is grounded in the model presented in this article, which follows: the creation of a leapfrog environment, an internationalization strategy, and risk management. The needs of a technology-deprived partner changes as they meet industry standards and investing firms must seek to understand and anticipate future needs or risk competition from an innovative supplier.
Predictors of Hearing Protection Use Among Industrial Workers
Authors: Tantranont Kunlayanee , Codchanak Nuntanat
Published: April 2017

Promoting the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) can prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among workers who are exposed to excessive noise. In the present study, the authors examine factors that may explain HPD use among industrial workers from 15 manufacturing plants in Thailand. Participants consisted of 268 randomly selected workers exposed to harmful noise levels for which routine HPD use was required. Logistic regression analysis of study variables revealed the most powerful predictors of HPD use were perceived hearing status ( b = 0.66, p < .001) and interpersonal factors (i.e., role modeling and interpersonal support; b = 0.20, p < .001). Together, these variables correctly classified 63.4% of the cases. These findings have implications for interventions aimed at motivating workers to use HPDs regularly.
The Future of Occupational Health Nursing in a Changing Health Care System
Authors: McCauley Linda , Peterman Katherine
Published: April 2017

Repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has significant implications for the future of occupational health nursing practice. As changes are proposed and implemented, occupational health nurses must continue to prioritize preventive care, chronic disease management, healthy communities, environmental health, and sustainability. In particular, immigrant workers are a vulnerable population needing attention by occupational health nurses.
Brachial Plexopathy After Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Than Khoi D. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Smith Zachary A. , Hsu Wellington K. , Arnold Paul M. , Fehlings Michael G. , Mroz Thomas E. , Riew K. Daniel
Published: April 2017

Study Design:

Retrospective, multicenter case-series study and literature review.

Objectives:

To determine the prevalence of brachial plexopathy after cervical spine surgery and to review the literature to better understand the etiology and risk factors of brachial plexopathy after cervical spine surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective case-series study of 12 903 patients at 21 different sites was performed to analyze the prevalence of several different complications, including brachial plexopathy. A literature review of the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (PubMed) database was conducted to identify articles pertaining to brachial plexopathy following cervical spine surgery.

Results:

In our total population of 12 903 patients, only 1 suffered from postoperative brachial plexopathy. The overall prevalence rate was thus 0.01%, but the prevalence rate at the site where this complication occurred was 0.07%. Previously reported risk factors for postoperative brachial plexopathy include age, anterior surgical procedures, and a diagnosis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. The condition can also be due to patient positioning during surgery, which can generally be detected via the use of intraoperative neuromonitoring.

Conclusions:

Brachial plexopathy following cervical spine surgery is rare and merits further study.
Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy After Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Ames Christopher P. , Clark Aaron J. , Kanter Adam S. , Arnold Paul M. , Fehlings Michael G. , Mroz Thomas E. , Riew K. Daniel
Published: April 2017

Study Design:

Multi-institutional retrospective study.

Objective:

The goal of the current study is to quantify the incidence of 2 extremely rare complications of cervical spine surgery; hypoglossal and glossopharyngeal nerve palsies.

Methods:

A total of 8887 patients who underwent cervical spine surgery from 2005 to 2011 were included in the study from 21 institutions.

Results:

No glossopharyngeal nerve injuries were reported. One hypoglossal nerve injury was reported after a C3-7 laminectomy (0.01%). This deficit resolved with conservative management. The rate by institution ranged from 0% to 1.28%. Although not directly injured by the surgical procedure, the transient nerve injury might have been related to patient positioning as has been described previously in the literature.

Conclusions:

Hypoglossal nerve injury during cervical spine surgery is an extremely rare complication. Institutional rates may vary. Care should be taken during posterior cervical surgery to avoid hyperflexion of the neck and endotracheal tube malposition.
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy After Cervical Spine Surgery: A Multicenter AOSpine Clinical Research Network Study
Authors: Gokaslan Ziya L. , Bydon Mohamad , De la Garza-Ramos Rafael , Smith Zachary A. , Hsu Wellington K. , Qureshi Sheeraz A. , Cho Samuel K. , Baird Evan O. , Mroz Thomas E. , Fehlings Michael , Arnold Paul M. , Riew K. Daniel
Published: April 2017

Study Design:

Multicenter retrospective study.

Objectives:

To investigate the risk of symptomatic recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) following cervical spine surgery, to examine risk factors for its development, and to report its treatment and outcomes.

Methods:

A multicenter study from 21 high-volume surgical centers from the AOSpine North America Clinical Research Network was performed. Each center screened for rare complications following cervical spine surgery, including RLNP. Patients were included if they underwent cervical spine surgery (levels from C2 to C7) between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2011. Data were analyzed with regard to complication treatment and outcome. Cases were compared to a control group from the AOSpine CSM and CSM-I studies.

Results:

Three centers reported 19 cases of RLNP from a cohort of 1345 patients. The reported incidence of RLNP ranged from 0.6% to 2.9% between these 3 centers. Fifteen patients (79%) in the RLNP group were approached from the left side. Ten patients (52.6%) required treatment for RLNP—6 required medical therapy (steroids), 1 interventional treatment (injection laryngoplasty), and 3 conservative therapy (speech therapy). When examining outcomes, 73.7% (14/19) of cases resolved completely, 15.8% (3/19) resolved with residual effects, and in 10.5% (2/19) of cases this could not be determined.

Conclusions:

In this multicenter study examining rare complications following cervical spine surgery, the risk of RLNP after cervical spine surgery ranged from 0.6% to 2.9% between centers. Though rare, it was found that 16% of patients may experience partial resolution with residual effects, and 74% resolve completely.
Rare Complications of Cervical Spine Surgery: Horner’s Syndrome
Authors: Traynelis Vincent C. , Malone Hani R. , Smith Zachary A. , Hsu Wellington K. , Kanter Adam S. , Qureshi Sheeraz A. , Cho Samuel K. , Baird Evan O. , Isaacs Robert E. , Rahman Ra’Kerry K. , Polevaya Galina , Smith Justin S. , Shaffrey Christopher , Tortolani P. Justin , Stroh D. Alex , Arnold Paul M. , Fehlings Michael G. , Mroz Thomas E. , Riew K. Daniel
Published: April 2017

Study Design:

A multicenter retrospective case series.

Objective:

Horner’s syndrome is a known complication of anterior cervical spinal surgery, but it is rarely encountered in clinical practice. To better understand the incidence, risks, and neurologic outcomes associated with Horner’s syndrome, a multicenter study was performed to review a large collective experience with this rare complication.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective multicenter case series study involving 21 high-volume surgical centers from the AOSpine North America Clinical Research Network. Medical records for 17 625 patients who received subaxial cervical spine surgery from 2005 to 2011 were reviewed to identify occurrence of 21 predefined treatment complications. Descriptive statistics were provided for baseline patient characteristics. Paired t test was used to analyze changes in clinical outcomes at follow-up compared to preoperative status.

Results:

In total, 8887 patients who underwent anterior cervical spine surgery at the participating institutions were screened. Postoperative Horner’s syndrome was identified in 5 (0.06%) patients. All patients experienced the complication following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. The sympathetic trunk appeared to be more vulnerable when operating on midcervical levels (C5, C6), and most patients experienced at least a partial recovery without further treatment.

Conclusions:

This collective experience suggests that Horner’s syndrome is an exceedingly rare complication following anterior cervical spine surgery. Injury to the sympathetic trunk may be limited by maintaining a midline surgical trajectory when possible, and performing careful dissection and retraction of the longus colli muscle when lateral exposure is necessary, especially at caudal cervical levels.
Nutrition and metabolism in burn patients
Authors: Clark Audra , Imran Jonathan , Madni Tarik , Wolf Steven E.
Published: April 2017

Severe burn causes significant metabolic derangements that make nutritional support uniquely important and challenging for burned patients. Burn injury causes a persistent and prolonged hypermetabolic state and increased catabolism that results in increased muscle wasting and cachexia. Metabolic rates of burn patients can surpass twice normal, and failure to fulfill these energy requirements causes impaired wound healing, organ dysfunction, and susceptibility to infection. Adequate assessment and provision of nutritional needs is imperative to care for these patients. There is no consensus regarding the optimal timing, route, amount, and composition of nutritional support for burn patients, but most clinicians advocate for early enteral nutrition with high-carbohydrate formulas.

Nutritional support must be individualized, monitored, and adjusted throughout recovery. Further investigation is needed regarding optimal nutritional support and accurate nutritional endpoints and goals.
Stratigraphy of architectural elements in a buried volcanic system and implications for hydrocarbon exploration
Authors: Bischoff Alan Patrick , Nicol Andrew , Beggs Mac
Published: April 2017

The interaction between magmatism and sedimentation creates a range of petroleum plays at different stratigraphic levels due to the emplacement and burial of volcanoes. This study characterizes the spatio-temporal distribution of the fundamental building blocks (i.e., architectural elements) of a buried volcano and enclosing sedimentary strata to provide insights for hydrocarbon exploration in volcanic systems. We use a large data set of wells and seismic reflection surveys from the offshore Taranaki Basin, New Zealand, compared with outcropping volcanic systems worldwide to demonstrate the local impacts of magmatism on the evolution of the host sedimentary basin and petroleum system. We discover the architecture of Kora volcano, a Miocene andesitic polygenetic stratovolcano that is currently buried by more than 1000 m of sedimentary strata and hosts a subcommercial discovery within volcanogenic deposits. The 22 individual architectural elements have been characterized within three main stratigraphic sequences of the Kora volcanic system. These sequences are referred to as premagmatic (predate magmatism), synmagmatic (defined by the occurrence of intrusive, eruptive, and sedimentary architectural elements), and postmagmatic (degradation and burial of the volcanic structures after magmatism ceased). Potential petroleum plays were identified based on the distribution of the architectural elements and on the geologic circumstances resulting from the interaction between magmatism and sedimentation. At the endogenous level, emplacement of magma forms structural traps, such as drag folds and strata jacked up above intrusions. At the exogenous level, syneruptive, intereruptive, and postmagmatic processes mainly form stratigraphic and paleogeomorphic traps, such as interbedded volcano-sedimentary deposits, and upturned pinchout of volcanogenic and nonvolcanogenic coarse-grained deposits onto the volcanic edifice. Potential reservoirs are located at systematic vertical and lateral distances from eruptive centers. We have determined that identifying the architectural elements of buried volcanoes is necessary for building predictive models and for derisking hydrocarbon exploration in sedimentary basins affected by magmatism.
All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Diabetes Under Treatment With Dapagliflozin: A Population-Based, Open-Cohort Study in The Health Improvement Network Database
Authors: Toulis Konstantinos A. , Willis Brian H. , Marshall Tom , Kumarendran Balachadran , Gokhale Krishna , Ghosh Sandip , Thomas G. Neil , Cheng Kar Keung , Narendran Parth , Hanif Wasim , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah
Published: April 2017

Context:

Empagliflozin was found to decrease mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a prior cardiovascular disease (CVD) event.

Objectives:

To establish whether these benefits can be replicated in a real-world setting, should be expected with the use of dapagliflozin, and apply to T2DM patients at low risk of CVD.

Design:

General practice, population-based, retrospective cohort study (January 2013 to September 2015).

Setting:

The Health Improvement Network database.

Participants:

A total of 22,124 T2DM patients (4444 exposed to dapagliflozin; 17,680 unexposed T2DM patients) matched for age, sex, body mass index, T2DM duration, and smoking.

Main Outcome Measures:

The primary outcome was all-cause mortality (high and low risk for CVD) in the total study population, expressed as the adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). As a secondary analysis in the low-risk population, all-cause mortality and incident CVD were considered.

Results:

Patients with T2DM exposed to dapagliflozin were significantly less likely to die of any cause (aIRR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.75; P = 0.001). Similarly, in low-risk patients, death from any cause was significantly lower in the cohort exposed to dapagliflozin (aIRR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.78; P = 0.002). The difference in the risk of incident CVD did not reach statistical significance between groups in low-risk patients (aIRR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.61 to 1.31; P = 0.546).

Conclusions:

Patients with T2DM who were exposed to dapagliflozin had a lower risk of death from any cause irrespective of baseline CVD status.
Risk Profile of the RET A883F Germline Mutation: An International Collaborative Study
Authors: Mathiesen Jes Sloth , Habra Mouhammed Amir , Bassett John Howard Duncan , Choudhury Sirazum Mubin , Balasubramanian Sabapathy Prakash , Howlett Trevor A. , Robinson Bruce G. , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Castinetti Frederic , Vestergaard Peter , Frank-Raue Karin
Published: April 2017

Context:

The A883F germline mutation of the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene causes multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B. In the revised American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines for the management of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), the A883F mutation has been reclassified from the highest to the high-risk level, although no well-defined risk profile for this mutation exists.

Objective:

To create a risk profile for the A883F mutation for appropriate classification among the ATA risk levels.

Design:

Retrospective analysis.

Setting:

International collaboration.

Patients:

Included were 13 A883F carriers.

Intervention:

The intervention was thyroidectomy.

Main Outcome Measures:

Earliest age of MTC, regional lymph node metastases, distant metastases, age-related penetrance of MTC and pheochromocytoma (PHEO), overall and disease-specific survival, and biochemical cure rate.

Results:

One and three carriers were diagnosed at age 7 to 9 years (median, 7.5 years) with a normal thyroid and C-cell hyperplasia, respectively. Nine carriers were diagnosed with MTC at age 10 to 39 years (median, 19 years). The earliest age of MTC, regional lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis was 10, 20, and 20 years, respectively. Fifty percent penetrance of MTC and PHEO was achieved by age 19 and 34 years, respectively. Five- and 10-year survival rates (both overall and disease specific) were 88% and 88%, respectively. Biochemical cure for MTC at latest follow-up was achieved in 63% (five of eight carriers) with pertinent data.

Conclusions:

MTC of A883F carriers seems to have a more indolent natural course compared with that of M918T carriers. Our results support the classification of the A883F mutation in the ATA high-risk level.
A New Form for a New People: Forugh Farrokhzad's The House Is Black
Authors: Saljoughi Sara
Published: April 2017

This article examines the problem of collectivity in Forugh Farrokhzad's The House Is Black (Khaneh siah ast, Iran, 1962), an experimental film set in a leper colony in northwestern Iran. Focusing on the film's experiments with form, the article explores how the development of new relations between sound and image corresponds with the projection of a collectivity to come. The article argues that the film does not seek to humanize the members of the leper colony but rather to radically rethink the relation between the filmmaker and the subjects of the film. This new relationship as a model for collectivity is analyzed in tandem with a reading of Pier Paolo Pasolini's 1965 essay “The Cinema of Poetry.” The article examines several of the film's formal strategies, such as the mobilization of the female authorial voice, in discussing how the film engages with and expands on the notion of the cinema of poetry. It argues that the techniques used by Farrokhzad are key to the development of a new film form in Iran.
Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome: Sonographic and Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging Findings of This Rare Urogenital Anomaly
Authors: Yilmaz Sukriye , Yildiz Adalet Elcin , Fitoz Suat
Published: April 2017

Background: Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome is a rare congenital urogenital anomaly characterised by uterus didelphys with blind hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis. Children usually have progressive pelvic pain after menarche, palpable mass due to hemihaemato(metro)colpos or pelvic inflammatory disease. The diagnosis usually requires a suspicion of this rare genitourinary syndrome.

Case Reports: We present ultrasonography and MR imaging findings of this rare anomaly in two cases.

Conclusions: Early recognition of this rare syndrome can lead to an immediate, proper surgical intervention and is necessary to prevent complications and preserve future fertility. Ultrasound and MR imaging findings can collectively delineate uterine morphology, indicate the absence of ipsilateral kidney and show obstructed hemivagina.
Developing a caseload classification tool for community nursing
Authors: Chapman Helen , Kilner Margaret , Matthews Rebekah , White Abi , Thompson Angela , Fowler-Davis Sally , Farndon Lisa
Published: April 2017

Acuity and dependency in the community nursing caseload in combination with safe staffing levels are a national issue of concern. Current evidence suggests that there are no clear approaches to determining staff capacity and skill mix in these community settings. As community nursing caseloads are large with differing complexities, there is a need to allocate community nursing with the best skill mix to achieve the best patient outcomes. A city-wide service improvement initiative developed a tool to classify and categorise patient demand and this was linked to an electronic patient record system. The aim was to formulate an effective management response to different levels of acuity and dependency within community nursing teams and a consensus approach was used to allow the definition of complexity for twelve packages of care. The tool was piloted by a group of community nurses to assess the validity as a method to achieve a caseload classification. Seventy nurses were trained and applied the tool to 3000 patient referrals. Based on this, standards of care were agreed including expectations of assessment, intervention, visit length and frequency. Community nursing caseloads can now be organised according to acuity and complexity of patient need, which determines allocation of staff and skill mix.
Principlism: when values conflict
Authors: Lindridge Jacqualine
Published: April 2017

To ensure morally justified decisions, clinicians are encouraged to apply ethical theories and frameworks. Beauchamp and Childress’ ‘Four Principles’ approach to medical ethics, or ‘Principlism’ for short, is highly regarded as a simple methodology for considering ethical dilemmas, and is common to many undergraduate clinical programmes. On occasion, ethical dilemmas are complex and one or more of the four principles come into conflict with each other. Critics of the approach have suggested that there is a lack of guidance on how to resolve this conflict.

This paper will argue that principlism facilitates an organised and thorough method of reflecting upon an ethical problem and is well suited to the pre-hospital setting. The problem of how to resolve conflicts between the principles will be explored, demonstrating the merit of the approach through its application to a real-life moral problem from the pre-hospital setting.
Energy Demo(S): Towards a Rhthmanalysis of Capital and Extraction
Authors: Janzen David W.
Published: April 2017

Emerging social and political movements are challenging the violence perpetrated by capital’s exploitation of the planet’s resources. Yet, a collective response requires a re-imagining of this systemic exploitation through new representative forms. Incorporating creative-research sound experiments, this article suggests that rhythm, understood in a broad, material sense, provides a starting point for the project of reimaging environmental representation.
Creative Publics: DIY Political Culture and the 2015 Canadian Federal Election
Authors: Mahoney Tara
Published: April 2017

This article draws on a sample of do-it-yourself (DIY) engagement projects created by citizens leading up to the 2015 federal election to illustrate the myriad of ways Canadians used participatory politics and cultural production to assert new forms agency in the 2015 federal election. Drawing on my own election-related field study, Creative Publics, as well as the literature on citizenship studies and participatory politics, I explore the possibility of a significant shift in Canadian political culture towards a more expressive, critical and potentially transformative approach to political engagement.
Efek Kopling pada Filter Metamaterial Coplanar Waveguide Menggunakan SRRs Persegi Panjang Horizontal
Authors: Fathnan A. A. , . Taufiqqurrachman , Wijayanto Y. N. , Mahmudin D. , Daud P.
Published: April 2017

Dalam penelitian ini telah dilakukan pembuatan filter gelombang mikro menggunakan teknologi coplanar waveguide (CPW) yang dibebani dengan struktur metamaterial. Struktur metamaterial tersebut terdiri dari sepasang resonator cincin terbelah (split ring resonators/SRRs) berbentuk persegi panjang yang dicetak di belakang substrat dielektrik. Sementara itu, CPW dicetak dengan tambahan konektor kecil tepat di atas SRRs tersebut. Variasi panjang dan lebar dari SRRs persegi panjang (horizontal dan vertikal) telah dilakukan untuk melihat efek dari kopling antara saluran transmisi CPW ke SRRs. Variasi jarak antara sel-sel resonator (SRRs) juga telah disimulasikan untuk melihat efek dari kopling antara sel-sel yang berdekatan. Analisis dengan simulasi elektromagnetik dan data dari eksperimen telah menunjukkan bahwa kinerja bandwidth filter yang berbeda telah ditemukan dengan merubah struktur SRRs maupun dengan merubah jarak antara sel-sel resonator (SRRs). Telah ditemukan pula bahwa kontribusi yang signifikan dari kopling antara CPW ke SRRs menunjukkan bahwa SRRs persegi panjang horizontal dapat dimanfaatkan untuk meningkatkan performa filter. Hasil penelitian ini dapat digunakan untuk menganalisis konfigurasi geometris SRRs yang memberikan optimalisasi praktis paling baik untuk pembuatan filter metamaterial CPW.
Prevalence of insomnia and its associated factors among rural elderly: a community based study
Authors: El-Gilany Abdel-Hady , Saleh Nadia , Mohamed Heba , Elsayed Eman
Published: April 2017

Background: Insomnia is a common problem among older adults and can lead to several complications affecting the quality of life of elderly people.Aim: To estimate the prevalence of insomnia and its associated factors among community-dwelling elderly.Study design: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out on 1059 elderly living in three villages affiliated to Mansoura District, Egypt. Data collected during an interview included: socio-demographic and clinical features, habits before sleeping, environmental factors that could affect sleeping, the geriatric depression scale and Athens insomnia scale. Logistic regression analysis was done to find out the independent predictors of insomnia.Results: The prevalence of insomnia was 62.1%. The logistic regression revealed that insomnia is less likely among elderly of 75 and more (AOR=0.3) compared to those aged 60-75 years. The risk of insomnia is high among those with depression (AOR=6.4 and 14.6 for mild and moderate/severe depression; respectively), fear of death (AOR=14.7), life stressors (AOR=7.1), presence of musculoskeletal disorders (AOR=5.6), respiratory disorders (AOR=4.5), worry about children (AOR=4.5) and cold bedroom (AOR=2.7).Conclusion: Slightly less than two-thirds of the studied subjects have insomnia, and most of the associated factors are preventable and/or controllable.Recommendations: According to the results of the present study, the following recommendations are suggested: Design educational program for elders to enhance sleep through emphasizing on the importance of sleep hygiene practice, behavioral and non-pharmacological interventions, and healthy lifestyle.
A hora da alfabetização no Ceará: O PAIC e suas múltiplas dinâmicas
Authors: Sumiya Lilia Asuca , Araújo Maria Arlete Duarte , Sano Hironobu
Published: April 2017

O artigo analisa como o tema do analfabetismo escolar entrou na agenda do governo do Estado do Ceará, a partir da formulação do Programa Alfabetização na Idade Certa (PAIC). Para compreendermos as razões que levaram o tema ao topo da agenda governamental cearense, o estudo baseia-se na literatura sobre a análise de políticas públicas, com ênfase nos processos de formação de agenda e elaboração de alternativas, adotando o modelo de múltiplas dinâmicas de Kingdon (1995), e identifica os elementos da dinâmica dos problemas, política e políticas públicas. A pesquisa é de natureza qualitativa e tem como estratégia o método de estudo de caso único. Foi realizada uma triangulação de dados a partir de documentos institucionais relativos ao PAIC, notas taquigráficas de eventos organizados pela Assembleia Legislativa do Ceará, matérias da mídia, estudos acadêmicos e entrevistas com atores chave de diferentes instituições. O artigo destaca o papel do empreendedor de políticas públicas, a relevância da etapa de reconhecimento do problema para a formação de uma ampla base de coalizão e o processo de construção das alternativas de ação. Argumenta-se que a abordagem de múltiplas dinâmicas se constitui num referencial analítico útil, contribuindo, portanto, para uma melhor compreensão das etapas que compõem a formação de agenda nas políticas públicas, em particular no campo da educação.
Views of the classroom teachers about the contributions of certain days and weeks to value education
Authors: Kurtdede Fidan Nuray
Published: April 2017

The aim of the study is to identify what classroom teachers think about the contributions of celebration of certain days and weeks to education value. The study employed phenomenological method, which is a qualitative research design. The participants of the study were 81 classroom teachers working at public primary education schools in downtown Afyonkarahisar during the school year of 2014-2015. The data were collected through a survey questionnaire with open-ended items. The data collected were examined using descriptive analysis technique. The findings showed that, for the participants, the celebration of certain days and weeks contribute to value education. They argued that students acquire humanitarian, national and ethical values through such activities. They stated that the most beneficiary activities are realized around the 18 March Martyrs Day and national festivals. However, for them, the activities regarding the World Cooperative Day, Europe Day, Tourism Week, and Tax Week are not significant for value education. The participants argued that the number of certain days and weeks to be celebrated in schools should be reduced and students should actively participate in such activities to maximize the acquisition of values.
Examining the indexes of the journal of announcements between 1980 -2014 in terms of Fullan's Educational Change Model
Authors: Tofur Sezen
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study is to examine Turkish education policies between the years 1980-2014 through the indexes of Journal of Announcements in terms of Fullan's Educational Change Model. Document analysis, a qualitative research method, is used in the study which examined the issue between the years 1980 - 2014. Written documents are examined in terms of five dimensions of the Educational Change Model. Thirty-three indexes of the Journal of Announcements published after 1980 were analysed through the codes for the agenda items focused. Frequency distributions were obtained and percentages were calculated. The findings show that the most emphasized issues are related to the dimensions of 'curriculum studies' and 'improving the working conditions'. The least emphasized issues are related to 'teacher learning' and 'personal developments of teachers and administrators'. As a result, the documents could not exhibit long-term, consistent and large-scale initiatives in terms of the agenda items. Accordingly, it can be argued that it is hard to develop long-term, consistent, large-scale reforms and educational policies that support such initiatives in Turkey. Besides, it can be stated that in structuring and development of educational policies, all dimensions of educational change should be attached the same level of importance and studied as a whole.
Exploring in-service preschool teachers’ conceptions of and approaches to online education
Authors: Yang Yu-Fang , Tsai Chin-Chung
Published: April 2017

This paper reports on an investigation of adult online learning for 91 Taiwanese in-service preschool teachers enrolled in online degree programs. By using an open-ended written essay to investigate what learners thought they were learning through online education (their conceptions) and how they engaged in online education (their approaches), qualitatively different categories of conceptions and approaches were identified through a phenomenographic analysis approach. The results found that their conceptions of online education ranged from “a way of diploma completion” to “a way of lifelong learning,” while their approaches ranged from “interacting with people” to “getting involved in the community of sharing.” In addition, the teacher-learners with fragmented conceptions (“a way of diploma completion”) tended to have surface approaches (“interacting with people”), and those with cohesive conceptions (“a way of lifelong learning”) tended to have deep approaches in online education (“getting involved in the community of sharing”).
Relationship between internet self-efficacy and internet anxiety: A nuanced approach to understanding the connection
Authors: Paul Narmada , Glassman Michael
Published: April 2017

The present study makes the case that the individual constituents of internet self-efficacy – search self-efficacy, communication self-efficacy, organisation self-efficacy, differentiation self-efficacy, and reactive/generative self-efficacy – may be of differential importance in predicting internet anxiety within web-assisted learning environments. Two hundred and eighty-nine undergraduate students enrolled in a blog-centric general education course on child development at a large mid-western university in the United States participated in this study. Based on inferences drawn from the socio-cognitive perspective and cognitive load theory, it was hypothesised that in a blog-centric constructivist learning environment, reactive/generative self-efficacy or the belief in one’s ability to react meaningfully to others’ posts and generate educationally valuable posts, would emerge as a unique predictor of internet anxiety after controlling for all of the other facets of internet self-efficacy. The results of a two-step hierarchical regression indicated that both reactive/generative self-efficacy and search self-efficacy are unique predictors of internet anxiety. The findings have several implications for researchers seeking greater insight into the relationship between internet self-efficacy and internet anxiety as well as instructors seeking to create a constructivist learning environment utilising the potential of the web.
Geschlechterverhältnisse in Digitalisierungsprozessen von Arbeit
Authors: Kutzner Edelgard , Schnier Victoria
Published: April 2017

Die Digitalisierung der Arbeit ist auch ein Thema sozialwissenschaftlicher Arbeitsforschung. Hier finden derzeit zahlreiche, eher tastende Bewegungen in unterschiedliche Richtungen statt. Die Aussagen über erwartete Arbeitsmarkteffekte und die Gestaltbarkeit von Arbeit bis hin zu den Grenzen der Digitalisierung sind bislang jedoch widersprüchlich und teilweise stark an technischer Realisierbarkeit orientiert. Möglichkeiten für Veränderungen im Geschlechterverhältnis werden im Digitalisierungsdiskurs eher marginal berührt. Ziel des Artikels ist es, geschlechterbezogene Fragen mit Fragestellungen der Arbeitsforschung zum Thema Digitalisierung zu verknüpfen und anhand eines konkreten Beispiels anschaulich darzustellen. Der Schwerpunkt der Betrachtung liegt auf geschlechtersensiblen inhaltlichen Einfluss- und Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten in Prozessen der Digitalisierung von Arbeit. Dazu werden einige eher konzeptionelle Überlegungen zum Zusammenhang von Arbeit und Geschlecht vorgestellt. Der Beitrag schließt mit Impulsen für die aktuelle Debatte um die Digitalisierung von Arbeit.
Harvesting Ascophyllum nodosum (Phaeophyceae) reduces the abundance of its host-specific epiphyte Vertebrata lanosa (Rhodophyta)
Authors: Garbary David J.
Published: April 2017

is commercially harvested in the southwestern parts of Nova Scotia. Here the hypothesis is evaluated that harvesting results in a reduction in the abundance of
Arctic marine fungi: from filaments and flagella to operational taxonomic units and beyond
Authors: Rämä Teppo , Hassett Brandon T. , Bubnova Ekaterina
Published: April 2017

Fungi have evolved mechanisms to function in the harsh conditions of the Arctic Ocean and its adjacent seas. Despite the ecological and industrial potential of these fungi and the unique species discovered in the cold seas, Arctic marine fungi remain poorly characterised, with only 33 publications available to date. In this review, we present a list of 100 morphologically identified species of marine fungi detected in the Arctic. Independent molecular studies, applying Sanger or high-throughput sequencing (HTS), have detected hundreds of fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in single substrates, with no evidence for decreased richness of marine fungi towards northern latitudes. The dominant fungal phyla may be substrate-specific, as sea-ice and seawater seem to host more Chytridiomycota and Basidiomycota than Ascomycota-dominated driftwood and sediments. Molecular studies have revealed the presence of the Chytridiomycota and Leotiomycetes in Arctic waters, with mounting evidence suggesting a significant role in nutrient and carbon cycling. The high detection frequency of Leotiomycetes is partly due to OTUs from marine
Fibrinogen determination according to Clauss: commutability assessment of International and commercial standards and quality control samples
Authors: van den Besselaar Antonius M.H.P. , van Rijn Claudia J.J. , Cobbaert Christa M. , Reijnierse G. Louis A. , Hollestelle Martine J. , Niessen René W.L.M. , Hudig Francisca
Published: April 2017

Background:

Many clinical laboratories use a clotting rate assay according to Clauss for the determination of fibrinogen in citrated plasma. The aim of the present study was to assess the commutability of the current International Standard for fibrinogen (coded 09/264), three commercial fibrinogen standards, and 10 freeze-dried plasma quality control samples from various sources.

Methods:

Clotting rate assays according to Clauss were performed on three automated instruments (Sysmex CA1500, STA-Rack Evolution and ACL-Top 700), using three commercial thrombin reagents (Siemens, Stago, and Instrumentation Laboratory). Relationships between the results obtained with the three instruments were determined with 25 fresh-frozen plasma samples obtained from patients. The deviations of the assay results obtained with the freeze-dried samples were compared with the deviations obtained with the fresh-frozen samples, according to approved CLSI guideline C53A.

Results:

Freezing and thawing had no influence on the assay results. There were significant differences in the mean assay results (fibrinogen, g/L) for the fresh-frozen plasma samples between the three automated instruments: 2.51 (STA-Rack Evolution), 2.25 (ACL-Top 700) and 2.20 (Sysmex CA1500). Similar differences were observed for several freeze-dried plasma samples. Some freeze-dried plasma samples, including the International Standard, were out of the 95% confidence interval for the relationship between STA-Rack Evolution and Sysmex CA1500.

Conclusions:

Some freeze-dried plasmas including the international standard for fibrinogen are not commutable among automated instruments for fibrinogen clotting rate assays according to Clauss. Our results have consequences for all interested parties in the traceability chain (WHO, industry, external quality assessment schemes, clinical laboratories).
Combined measurement of factor XIII and D-dimer is helpful for differential diagnosis in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism
Authors: Tang Ning , Sun Ziyong , Li Dengju , Yang Jun , Yin Shiyu , Guan Qing
Published: April 2017

Background:

D-dimer has been used to rule out pulmonary embolism (PE). Based on previous reports of decreased concentrations of coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) in venous thromboembolism, and no change in FXIII concentration in patients with acute cardiovascular disease, we evaluated the benefit of simultaneously measuring D-dimer and FXIII concentrations for diagnosing PE.

Methods:

In this prospective single-center study, we enrolled 209 patients initially suspected of having PE, and measured their D-dimer and FXIII concentrations. Forty-one patients were diagnosed with PE and 168 with other final diagnoses, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS); aortic dissection (AD); spontaneous pneumothorax (SP); other respiratory, heart, digestive and nervous diseases; and uncertain diagnoses.

Results:

Patients with PE had significantly higher D-dimer and lower FXIII concentrations than did patients without PE. Combined D-dimer and FXIII measurements provided a higher positive predictive value (76.6%) for PE than single tests, especially in patients with Wells score >4.0 (89.3%). Specifically, patients with AD or ACS showed higher FXIII concentrations and mean platelet volumes than did patients with PE or SP, and patients with PE and AD had higher D-dimer concentrations than did other patients. At the thresholds of 69.0% for FXIII and 1.10 μg/mL for D-dimer, 123/151 patients (81.5%) with serious diseases (PE, AD, ACS and SP) were correctly distinguished.

Conclusions:

Combined measurement of D-dimer and FXIII helps distinguish PE from serious diseases with similar symptoms and appears to relate to increased FXIII release from active platelets in cardiovascular disease.
Are admission procalcitonin levels universal mortality predictors across different medical emergency patient populations? Results from the multi-national, prospective, observational TRIAGE study
Authors: Sager Ramon , Wirz Yannick , Amin Devendra , Amin Adina , Hausfater Pierre , Huber Andreas , Haubitz Sebastian , Kutz Alexander , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp
Published: April 2017

Background:

Procalcitonin (PCT), an inflammatory blood biomarker, is well studied in infectious diseases. Its prognostic value in unselected emergency department (ED) patients remains yet undefined. Herein, we investigated association of admission PCT levels and mortality in a large, international-multicenter ED patient cohort.

Methods:

We prospectively enrolled 6970 unselected, consecutive, adult, medical patients seeking ED care in three tertiary-care hospitals in Switzerland, France and the USA. We used multivariable logistic regression models to examine association of admission PCT levels (as a continuous predictor and across cut-offs) and 30-day mortality. We also investigated subgroup effects by main diagnosis, comorbidities and clinical features at presentation.

Results:

During the 30-day follow-up, 328 (4.7%) participants died. Mortality increased stepwise within higher PCT cut-offs (0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 ng/mL) from 1%, 3%, 7%, 13% to 15%, respectively. This association was also confirmed in a fully-adjusted model including age, gender, main symptom, main diagnosis and vital parameters on admission. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that PCT differentiated well between survivors and non-survivors in the overall cohort (area under ROC curve [AUC] 0.75) with best results for patient with metabolic (AUC: 0.85) and cardiovascular disease (AUC: 0.82). Addition of PCT also improved the prognostic accuracy of the quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score from an AUC of from 0.61 to 0.76 (p<0.001). Results were similar for other secondary endpoints including intensive care unit (ICU) admission and hospital readmission.

Conclusions:

In this large and heterogenous medical ED patient cohort, admission PCT was a strong and independent outcome predictor for 30-day mortality across different medical diagnoses independent of underlying infection. PCT may help to improve risk stratification in unselected medical ED patients.
Plasma kisspeptin and ghrelin levels in puberty variant cases
Authors: Kurnaz Erdal , Şen Yaşar , Aydın Süleyman
Published: April 2017

Background:

The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of kisspeptin and ghrelin (GAH), as well as the relationship of these two peptides with each other in premature thelarche (PT) and premature adrenarche (PA) cases and to investigate the possibility of using these peptides as markers in the differentiation of puberty disorders.

Methods:

A PT group aged 1–8 years (n = 40), a PA group aged 1–9 years (n = 23, female/male = 20/3) and control groups consistent with each of the previous groups in terms of age and gender were created for the study. Kisspeptin and ghrelin levels were measured with ELISA methods from blood samples drawn while fasting in the morning.

Results:

When the PT group was compared with the controls, the plasma kisspeptin levels of the cases were significantly higher than the control group (165.47 ± 15.45 pmol/L, 96.82 ± 12.33 pmol/L, p = 0.005, respectively). Kisspeptin levels in the PA group did not show a difference with the control group (121.36 ± 17.99 pmol/L, 95.52 ± 11.54 pmol/L, p = 0.249, respectively). No significant difference could be found when GAH levels in the PT and PA groups were compared with controls. No significant correlation was found between kisspeptin and GAH levels in the PT and PA groups.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that kisspeptin plays an important role in the PT, but GAH is not associated with puberty disorders.
Impact of European wild rabbits foraging in different habitat and vegetation types in an insular environment
Authors: Kontsiotis Vasileios J. , Bakaloudis Dimitrios E. , Liordos Vasilios
Published: April 2017

European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are prolific herbivores, affecting natural and agricultural ecosystems. We installed 10 experimental units, each consisting of two fenced plots, one excluding all herbivores and one allowing rabbit access only, to estimate the impact of rabbit grazing in three vegetation types occurring in two dominant habitat types on Lemnos Island, Greece. Plant productivity was significantly higher in barley crops than on both fallow land and Mediterranean scrublands. Rabbit grazing caused significant reduction of productivity in barley crops and Mediterranean scrublands, but not on fallow land. Selective feeding and seasonal food availability may have shaped patterns of rabbit impact.
Advanced Life Support Research and Technology Transfer at the University of Guelph
Authors: Dixon M. , Stasiak M. , Rondeau T. , Graham T.
Published: April 2017

Research and technology developments surrounding Advanced Life-Support (ALS) began at the University of Guelph in 1992 as the Space and Advanced Life Support Agriculture (SALSA) program, which now represents Canada’s primary contribution to ALS research. The early focus was on recycling hydroponic nutrient solutions, atmospheric gas analysis and carbon balance, sensor research and development, inner/intra-canopy lighting and biological filtration of air in closed systems. With funding from federal, provincial and industry partners, a new generation of technology emerged to address the challenges of deploying biological systems as fundamental components of life-support infrastructure for long-duration human space exploration. Accompanying these advances were a wide range of technology transfer opportunities in the agri-food and health sectors, including air and water remediation, plant and environment sensors, disinfection technologies, recyclable growth substrates and advanced light emitting diode (LED) lighting systems. This report traces the evolution of the SALSA program and catalogues the benefits of ALS research for terrestrial and non-terrestrial applications.