bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La gestión directiva: un concepto construido desde las comprensiones de los directivos docentes de las escuelas públicas bogotanas
Authors: Miranda Beltrán Sorangela
Published: January 2017

El presente artículo, recoge los principales referentes teóricos y la construcción conceptual sobre la categoría gestión directiva, surgida del trabajo investigativo desarrollado en el postdoctorado en Administración y Gestión de Planteles Educativos del Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones para el Desarrollo Docente CENID. La investigación tuvo como objetivo central  la construcción conceptual sobre la categoría “gestión directiva”, a partir de las significaciones, los sentidos y las comprensiones que desde las prácticas pedagógicas y administrativas, le dieron los directivos docentes participantes del estudio (rectores y coordinadores) de tres escuelas públicas ubicadas en Bogotá- Colombia. Siendo así, este documento se presenta como una construcción conceptual que puede ser contrastada, comparada y enriquecida con otras experiencias en este campo, procurando encontrar con ello diversos elementos que, desde las perspectivas empírica y teórica, establezcan nuevos horizontes para la comprensión de la categoría gestión en el contexto educativo y muy particularmente, desde la mirada de los directivos docentes de la escuela pública, como un fenómeno complejo y de amplio debate en el mundo actual.La apuesta metodológica se centro en la construcción propia un trabajo investigativo, que comprendió las componentes epistemológica (desde la hermenéutica, la crítica y participación de quienes hacen parte del proceso) y Ontológica (partiendo de las apuestas por el sujeto conocido), como ejes de trabajo para la construcción de un concepto de gestión desde los conocimientos y la praxis de los maestros, contribuyendo en  transformar e innovar su quehacer en la escuela.
Instrumento para medir la satisfacción de usuarios en base a la norma ISO 9001:2008
Authors: Sotelo Asef Jesús Guillermo
Published: January 2017

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo principal desarrollar un instrumento que permita medir la satisfacción de usuarios en una institución de educación superior de acuerdo a los puntos de la norma ISO 9001: 2008. Se realizó la revisión de la literatura existente sobre el concepto y la norma ISO de donde surgen cuatro dimensiones de la variable satisfacción de usuarios que son expectativas del servicio, tiempo, aspectos tangibles y calidad. Se realizó un panel de expertos donde se confirman las dimensiones propuestas quedando 19 ítems en el cuestionario, en el instrumento se utiliza la escala de Likert y obtuvo una confiabilidad de alfa de cronbach de 0.895.
Descentralización educativa y desarrollo en el estado de Oaxaca / Educational decentralization and development in the State of Oaxaca
Authors: Ramos Soto Ana Luz , Castellanos Torres Pedro Jacobo
Published: January 2017

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar si la descentralización de la educación básica ha sido un medio para disminuir la marginación y las desigualdades educativas en el estado de Oaxaca. La discusión teórica permitió establecer con precisión los conceptos de descentralización, ya que con regularidad se pretende explicarla de la misma manera a pesar de las diferencias. En cuanto a la marginación, esta se explica como la ausencia de desarrollo económico en los grupos o pueblos que independientemente de haber generado riqueza quedan al margen de ella. El análisis descriptivo en el periodo 1990-2005 mostró incrementos en los índices de escolaridad y eficiencia terminal, y una disminución en los de reprobación, deserción y analfabetismo. Estos cambios no tuvieron mayor trascendencia pues la brecha de las desigualdades se amplió al ser solamente los municipios conurbados de la capital de Oaxaca los que lograron mejorar sensiblemente. En cuanto a los cambios en la marginación, estos fueron desfavorables en todos los ámbitos, ya que aumentó más el porcentaje de los municipios que viven en marginación en comparación con aquellos donde disminuyó. Lo anterior indica que la educación por sí sola no puede reducir la marginación y las desigualdades educativas, pues estas tienen que ver sobre todo con factores económicos.
Centro Universitario UTEG a través de la consultoría universitaria fortalece las finanzas de la microempresa en la zona metropolitana de Guadalajara
Authors: Haro Ruiz Miguel Ángel , Barjas Sánchez Carmen Adriana , Luquin Topete Maria Candelaria Dolores
Published: January 2017

La microempresa establecida en la zona metropolitana de Guadalajara, México, se caracteriza como unidad económica dirigida por una sola persona, es quien toma las decisiones principales de la administración, organización, dirección, control de sus recursos financieros, la mayoría de las ocasiones estás se realizan de manera empírica, derivado de lo anterior el Centro Universitario UTEG, a través del área de investigación y la dirección académica de la Licenciatura en Contaduría Pública, diseño un programa de consultoría empresarial universitaria que permitiera acercar a los estudiantes, docentes e investigadores con los empresarios con la finalidad de ofrecerles capacitación y actualización permanente de acuerdo a las necesidades y debilidades particulares detectadas en el diagnostico FODA de cada microempresa consultada, con el objetivo de fortalecer sus finanzas mediante la implementación de un plan de acción a corto, mediano y plazo, atendiendo áreas funcionales como la contabilidad, las finanzas y las obligaciones fiscales, de esta manera su ciclo de vida se extiende y unidad económica se consolida, crece y desarrolla. El modelo de la consultoría empresarial universitaria utilizado en la presente investigación facilita la interacción y sensibilización del empresario con los estudiantes, docentes y profesionales que aportan sus conocimientos y experiencia profesional, permitiéndoles intervenir de manera inmediata en la solución de las necesidades y debilidades encontradas en cada microempresa.
Estrategia colaborativa para lograr motivación y competencias en microbiología. Caso: podología UAS / Collaborative strategy to achieve motivation and competences in microbiology. Case: podiatry UAS
Authors: Berrelleza Reyes Cecilia , Osuna Martínez Irma , Salazar  Soto Dora Yaqueline , Ruiz Xicotencatl Juan
Published: January 2017

La presente tesis surge de la necesidad de competencias cognitivas y la falta de motivación observadas en el aula, de ahí el interés de aplicar estrategias colaborativas con la finalidad de lograr motivación y competencia en Microbiología. En las carreras técnicas, los alumnos no se preocupan por este tipo de contenidos porque lo que les interesa es desarrollar las habilidades para realizar las maniobras requeridas. En esta investigación intervienen alumnos del segundo semestre de la carrera de técnico superior de podología de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, durante el ciclo escolar 2014 -2015; el objetivo es determinar el impacto que ejercen las estrategias colaborativas en el logro de la motivación y las competencias en Microbiología. El enfoque utilizado fue mixto con diseño longitudinal, la parte cualitativa es etnográfica en la aplicación de estrategia didáctica, y cuantitativa en el análisis estadístico de datos de la escala EMA, el cual permite desarrollar procesos y causas. Se examinaron los cambios durante el tiempo establecido (seis meses), en el cual se midió la diferencia lograda cuando se realizó el tratamiento con la variable independiente (la estrategia colaborativa). Durante este periodo, en el proceso de recolección de datos se utilizaron instrumentos como el diario de campo, las autoevaluaciones, las rúbricas de desempeño, entre otros Los resultados obtenidos confirman la teoría de que la conformación de los grupos de aprendizaje colaborativo genera competencias cognitivas y sociales en ellos, además de que motiva la interacción entre iguales, desarrolla capacidades intelectuales, sociales, afectivas y valores, y lo más importante, provee y refuerza competencias para la vida.
Re-aprendizaje del desempeño docente y la evaluación del trabajo académico / Re-learning teaching performance and evaluation of academic work
Authors: González Bello Edgar Oswaldo , Castillo Ochoa Emilia , Montes Castillo Mariel
Published: January 2017

Este trabajo analiza la participación de los académicos de la Universidad de Sonora durante una década en el programa de estímulos al desempeño docente, el cual forma parte de las políticas de evaluación que buscan el cambio y la trasformación institucional, además de afrontar la necesidad de diferenciar el trabajo académico de acuerdo con la productividad y el desempeño docente. Asimismo, se discuten las problemáticas que enfrentan los procesos de evaluación dirigidos a los académicos, vinculadas a la asignación de recursos económicos adicionales. Empíricamente, se identifica un proceso de re-aprendizaje ante los ajustes y el control que las universidades tienen sobre la evaluación que sustenta este programa. También se advierte que aunque las universidades aparecen conformes con la capacidad de control que tienen, existe necesidad y el momento de avanzar hacia un modo distinto de regulación del trabajo académico, con el fin de mejorar la calidad de las comunidades docentes.
Estudio comparativo de técnicas y hábitos de estudio de los alumnos tutorados de las licenciaturas en medicina y gerontología de la Universidad Autónoma de Campeche/Comparative study of techniques and study habits of tutees in the Bachelor's degrees in Medicine and Gerontology of the Autonomous University of Campeche
Authors: Sarabia Alcocer Betty , Can Valle Ana Rosa
Published: January 2017

Cuanto más se conozca al alumnado como estudiante, así como las distintas técnicas de estudio que tiene a su disposición, más fácil será seleccionar las más adecuadas para cada situación y crear sus propias estrategias. Con el interés de mejorar el modo de estudiar de los tutorados que ingresan a un nivel superior, nos propusimos aplicar el SITAE, un cuestionario basado en los materiales originales de W.Browm (1986) que consta de 100 características, agrupadas en diez módulos, que se pueden encontrar en cualquier estudiante. Este instrumento nos ha sido de gran utilidad en nuestro proyecto de investigación para conocer mejor las técnicas y habilidades de nuestros tutorados. Los resultados obtenidos revelaron que un número muy significativo de estudiantes carecen de técnicas y metodologías apropiadas para mejorar su trabajo escolar, al tiempo que presentan limitaciones en cuanto al nivel de concentración y una inadecuada distribución del tiempo dedicado al estudio. Esto puede explicar el bajo rendimiento académico, ya que disponer de técnicas y hábitos de estudio es un elemento esencial para lograr un aprendizaje eficiente. La mayoría de los tutorados llegan al nivel superior con escasos hábitos de estudio. Dado que la mayoría de padres están ausentes en casa, debido a que trabajan casi todo el día, y muchos cuentan con un nivel educativo bajo, no pudiendo orientar a los hijos en su proceso de aprendizaje, es necesario formar a los tutorados en hábitos de estudio desde que ingresan al nivel superior con el objetivo de mejorar su aprendizaje.
Desempeño de egresados de tecnologías de información en el examen general de egreso
Authors: Barrera Cámara Ricardo Armando , Canepa Sáenz Ana Alberta , Santiago Pérez Judith del Carmen
Published: January 2017

A nivel nacional existen instrumentos que evalúan los conocimientos y habilidades de los egresados de programas educativos de licenciatura. El examen general de egreso de licenciatura (EGEL), permite evaluar los conocimientos y habilidades de los egresados en base a pruebas nacionales establecidas por el Centro Nacional de Evaluación para la Educación Superior (CENEVAL). En este trabajo se analizaron los resultados obtenidos en las pruebas EGEL-ICOMPU, EGEL-ISOFT, EGEL-INFO e Informes Nacionales de los años 2011 a 2015. Estas pruebas corresponden a los programas educativos que imparte la Facultad de Ciencias de la Información: ingeniería en computación, ingeniería en sistemas computacionales y licenciatura en informática. Con la información obtenida y procesada se plantearon alternativas que coadyuven en la mejora de los resultados que se obtienen en las pruebas.
A Participatory Evacuation Map Making Towards Sustainable Urban Heritage Kotagede, Yogyakarta
Authors: Hizbaron Dyah R , Sudibyakto Sudibyakto , Jati Raditya , Kanegae Hidehiko , Toyoda Yusuke
Published: January 2017

This research aims at development of Participatory Evacuation Map Making (PEMM) for Kotagede, Yogyakarta – Indonesia. The research area is one of an important cultural heritage sites in Indonesia which is subjected towards earthquake hazard. The preliminary observation revealed that the area is a densely populated area, which characterized by dense wooden building structure, narrow street and minimum information of evacuation route which increase their vulnerability potentials. This leads to the idea of developing the PEMM to improve their awareness and preparedness during disaster events and creates sustainable condition for local livelihood security. The method develops within this research is actually a lesson learn from Ritsumeikan University, that has developed CSR for integration disaster management into heritage sites at Kyoto Prefecture. Their CSR covers several activities such as developing disaster information via vending machine and tourism map. Since Yogyakarta and Kyoto are engaged in “Sister City Development Program”, hereafter Universitas Gadjah Mada tries to do similar thing. Map making is an alternative prior to community experience in map making is rather frequent compare to vending machine habit. The preliminary finding of this research indicates that the Kotagede community has been involved in several map making activity, such as “Green Map” and “Rehabilitation Sites Map”.  However, they have not yet any experience to create any map which includes information such as evacuation route, fire extinguisher, shelter information center and important meeting points. An improved critics from this research is to include meeting points level. As we all aware off, each meeting point have significant carrying capacity, thereby in the future a research on similar topics should add level and or category of meeting points. This is an important steppingstone for the research to conduct further research.
Development and Evaluation of Web GIS Application for Groundwater Management of Karanganyar Regency
Authors: Jumadi Jumadi , Priyana Yuli
Published: January 2017

This research aims to develop and evaluate a geospatial application for groundwater resource management at Karanganyar Regency. The system development methodology from Whitten and Bentley (2007) was used in this research. To initiate the project, we discussed with the stakeholders from Karanganyar Regency which came from various related agencies followed by a focus group discussion (FGD) to analyse the system. Computational design and experiment were conducted to design the system prototype. Finally, we implement the system in the Regency. The result shows that the system is complex not only due to the managerial procedures but also the number of involved users (stakeholder) in the system. To address the emerged requirements from the FGD, we propose and develop a web-based GIS application with current open source technology and Google Map API which can be used for collaboration among stakeholders as well as for supporting the decision support purpose in the groundwater management. Currently, Air-tanah, the prototype of the application is available at http://geografi.ums.ac.id/air-tanah/. Both quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the system resulted good responses from the users.
Geospatial Analysis and Turbidity Measurement for Monitoring Suspended Solid of Hitotsuse Dam in Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan
Authors: Santosa Purnama Budi , Mitani Yasuhiro
Published: January 2017

The existence of suspended solids at Hitotsuse dam, Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan, has been the main concern of Kyushu Electric Power Company. These have been carried by rivers flowing into the dam. In a long term, it is worried that this phenomenon will potentially cause the environmental degradation, especially around the dam, where the Kyushu Electric Power Plant is located. Therefore, necessary measures are required to protect the dam from environmental degradation, which in return is to assure its long term power plant operational. Preliminary studies found that the suspended solid, which was generated upstreams and was carried out into the dam by rivers, causes the turbid water resident. Therefore, evaluation on the potential sources of the existence of the suspended solids needs to be carried out. In this research, analysis was conducted to understand the spatial distribution and the quantity of the suspended solid. For this purpose, by focusing attention on the upper river basin of reservoir, several factors which are possible to cause turbid water are extracted and analyzed quantitatively by using GIS. To understand the characteristic of the river turbidity, river flows and river turbidity are measured at several selected stations. Then mechanical factors causing turbid water are identified after analyzing relationship between efflux characteristics and possible factors of suspended solids. The results show that spatial information extraction could be done efficiently by applying spatial analysis method. Furthermore, by applying multiple regression analysis, it was found that landslide scars, artificial forests, drainage area, and terrain undulation are indicated as the dominant factors causing the turbidity.
Management Optimization of Saguling Reservoir with Bellman Dynamic Programming and “Du Couloir” Iterative Method
Authors: Marselina Mariana , Sabar Arwin , Salami Indah R S , Marganingrum Dyah
Published: January 2017

The increasingly growth of population and industry sector have lead to an enhanced demand for electrical energy. One of the electricity providers in the area of Java-Madura Bali (Jamali) is Saguling Reservoir. Saguling Reservoir is one of the three reservoirs that stem the flow of Citarum River in advance of to Jatiluhur and Cirata Reservoir. The average electricity production of Saguling Reservoir was 2,334,318.138 MWh/year in the period of 1986-2014. The water intake of Saguling Reservoir is the upstream Citarum Watershed with an area of 2340.88 km2 which also serves as the irrigation, inland fisheries, recreation, and other activities. An effort to improve the function of Saguling Reservoir in producing electrical energy is by optimizing the reservoir management. The optimization of Saguling Reservoir management in this study refers to Government Regulation No. 37/2010 on Dam/Reservoir Article 44 which states that the system of reservoir management consisting of the operation system in dry years, normal years, and wet years. In this research, the determination of the trajectory guideline in Saguling operation was divided in dry, normal and wet years. Trajectory guideline was conducted based on the electricity price of turbine inflow that various in every month. The determination of the trajectory guideline in various electricity price was done by using Program Dynamic Bellman (PD Bellman) and “Du Couloir” iterative method which the objective to optimize the gain from electricity production. and “Du Couloir” iterative method was development of PD Bellman that can calculate the value of gain with a smaller discretization until 0,1 juta m3 effectively where PD Bellman just calculate until 10 million m3.  Smaller discretization can give maximum benefit from electricity production and the trajectory guideline will be closer to trajectory actual so optimization of Saguling operation will be achieved.
Orígenes de la crítica nietzscheana del conocimiento a partir del lenguaje
Authors: Fava Fernando
Published: January 2017

Recibido: 12/05/2015 • Aceptado: 09/02/2016

Este artículo pretende establecer la génesis de la concepción tropológica del conocimiento en Nietzsche, desde un abordaje histórico-genealógico de los Nachgelassene Fragmente  comprendidos entre 1869 y 1873. Entendemos este trabajo como novedoso, ya que hasta donde alcanzamos a conocer, si bien han sido señaladas por diversos especialistas la centralidad del lenguaje en la comprensión de la crítica nietzscheana a la metafísica y la relevancia del período de juventud para su hermenéutica, no se ha abordado dicha problemática desde un tratamiento de las obras póstumas, tal como aquí se propone. Desde este ángulo, se aprecian nuevas perspectivas para enriquecer los estudios nietzscheanos.
Lonergan, lector del Ensayo para contribuir a una gramática del asentimiento
Authors: Galán Vélez Francisco Vicente
Published: January 2017

Recibido: 17/11/2015 • Aceptado: 9/02/2016

Este artículo muestra la influencia que la lectura de la Gramática del Asentimiento ejerció en el libro de Bernard Lonergan Insight: estudio de la comprensión humana . Particularmente es notable a lo largo del análisis de la capacidad de juzgar la verdad de algunas afirmaciones. Se puede encontrar en cualquier ser humano lo que Newman llamó «sentido ilativo»; nuestra razonabilidad, así, resulta comparable a la prudencia –pero en el terreno cognoscitivo–. Lonergan señala que se trata de un procedimiento rudimentario e inevitable: no hay más fundamento del conocimiento que nuestro compromiso pragmático por querer conocer.
Escape rates and biting histories of dogs confined to their owner's property through the use of various containment methods
Authors: Starinsky Nicole S. , Lord Linda K. , Herron Meghan E.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE To determine escape rates for dogs confined to their owner's property by various containment methods and determine whether biting history was associated with containment method.

DESIGN Cross-sectional survey.

SAMPLE 974 owners of 1,053 dogs.

PROCEDURES Individuals patronizing pet stores in Columbus, Ohio, were recruited to complete a survey on the method they used to confine their dogs to their property and their dogs’ behavior history.

RESULTS Dogs were confined to their owner's property by a physical fence (821/1,053 [78.0%]), electronic fence (150/1,053 [14.2%]), or tether system (82/1,053 [7.8%]). Dogs confined by an electronic fence were more likely to have escaped (66/150 [44.0%]) than were dogs confined by a see-through fence (153/658 [23.3%]), privacy fence (38/163 [23.3%]), or tether (22/82 [26.8%]). Forty-eight (4.6%) dogs had reportedly bitten a person in the past, and 81 (7.7%) had reportedly bitten another dog, but containment method was not significantly associated with whether dogs had ever bitten a person or another dog. Greeting behavior (growling, snarling, or trying to bite) was significantly associated with a history of biting a person or another dog.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that escape rate, but not biting history, was associated with the method owners used to confine dogs to their properties. Greeting behavior was associated with biting history, suggesting that owners of dogs that growl, snarl, or attempt to bite when meeting an unfamiliar person or dog should seek assistance to prevent future bites.
Religiousness and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in adolescence
Authors: Oleś Maria , Woźny Mariusz
Published: January 2017

Human religiousness is a complex and multidimensional reality embedded in basic human needs and connected with people’s desires, anxieties, and hopes. The aim of the paper is to assess religiousness, considered in terms of meaning and cognitive emotion regulation strategies, in adolescents. The religious meaning system is a multidimensional construct encompassing convictions, beliefs, emotional connotations, and the rules of worship. In situations of negative events or unpleasant experiences, young people resort to various coping strategies. Cognitive emotion regulation strategies concern relatively stable conscious ways of regulating emotions, which consist in mentally handling the incoming information that evoke emotions. The study concerned young people aged 13 to 16 years (N = 130). Religiousness was assessed using D. Krok’s Religious Meaning System Questionnaire (RMSQ) and cognitive coping strategies were measured using the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) by N. Garnefski and V. Kraaij. The results show that there are relations between religiousness, understood in terms of the young participants’ meaning system, and adaptive as well as maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. The results of the study are discussed in the light of theory and research.
Anthropocentric and theocentric spirituality as an object of psychological research
Authors: Jaworski Romuald
Published: January 2017

The characteristic direction of psychological and theological interpretations of spirituality is very important. The traditional psychological approach to the spiritual sphere is characterised by reductionism, which consists in reducing spiritual experiences to mental experiences, or even biological processes. The studies in the field of religion psychology led to distinguish between two types of spirituality. The first one is theocentric spirituality, where human being places God in the centre of his interest and life in general. The second type of spirituality is anthropocentric spirituality, focused on human being, his own aspirations, preferences and needs. Both types of spirituality have certain value. Their close characteristics includes sources of inspiration, purpose, presented image of God, as well as understanding of spirituality and manner of realizing spiritual life. In order to distinguish between two types of spirituality, anthropocentric and theocentric, in practice, a proper research method – Range of Theocentric and Anthropocentric Spirituality (SDT – DA) had to be developed. The individuals with theocentric spirituality displayed a higher level of stability and emotional balance, better social adjustment, higher sense of duty and attachment to acceptable social standards, deeper and more satisfactory contacts with other human beings, more trust and openness towards others, as well as higher trust to themselves and to God. Such individuals are better at handling difficulties and have optimistic attitude to life.
Effects of Multiple Genetic Loci on Age at Onset in Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Ferrari Raffaele , Grassi Mario , Graziano Francesca , Palluzzi Fernando , Archetti Silvana , Bonomi Elisa , Bruni Amalia C. , Maletta Raffaele G. , Bernardi Livia , Cupidi Chiara , Colao Rosanna , Rainero Innocenzo , Rubino Elisa , Pinessi Lorenzo , Galimberti Daniela , Scarpini Elio , Serpente Maria , Nacmias Benedetta , Piaceri Irene , Bagnoli Silvia , Rossi Giacomina , Giaccone Giorgio , Tagliavini Fabrizio , Benussi Luisa , Binetti Giuliano , Ghidoni Roberta , Singleton Andrew , Hardy John , Momeni Parastoo , Padovani Alessandro , Borroni Barbara
Published: January 2017

In frontotemporal dementia (FTD), age at disease onset (AAO) is unpredictable in both early and late-onset cases; AAO variability is found even in autosomal dominant FTD. The present study was aimed at identifying genetic modifiers modulating AAO in a large cohort of Italian FTD patients. We conducted an association analysis on 411 FTD patients, belonging to 7 Italian Centers, and for whom AAO was available. Population structure was evaluated by principal component analysis to infer continuous axes of genetic variation, and single linear regression models were applied. A genetic score (GS) was calculated on the basis of suggestive single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) found by association analyses. GS showed genome-wide significant slope decrease by –3.86 (95% CI: –4.64 to –3.07, p < 2×10–16) per standard deviation of the GS for 6 SNPs mapping to genes involved in neuronal development and signaling, axonal myelinization, and glutamatergic/GABA neurotransmission. An increase of the GS was associated with a decrease of the AAO. Our data indicate that there is indeed a genetic component that underpins and modulates up to 14.5% of variability of AAO in Italian FTD. Future studies on genetic modifiers in FTD are warranted.
Does Low Dose Steroids Confer Benefits in Sepsis and Septic Shock?
Authors: Nazim Sarah Nehrina
Published: January 2017

Over the last 40 years, the use of corticosteroids in sepsis and septic shock has evolved from the initial use of high-dose, short-duration steroid therapy in the 1980s, to the recent recommendation of using low-dose longerduration steroid therapy in refractory septic shock patients. A recent, prospective, open-label, randomized, controlled pilot trial of patients in four adult intensive care units in London-teaching hospitals showed that hydrocortisone decreased vasopressin requirements, reduced the duration and reduced the required dose, when used together in the treatment of septic shock, but it did not alter plasma vasopressin levels. The optimal dosing of hydrocortisone, about 300 mg/day, was agreed uniformly. As this dose also provides sufficient mineralocorticoid effects, the additional use of mineralocorticoid is not needed. Despite the fact that severely ill septic shock patients are given treatment, according to the current guidelines, the survival benefit is unproven. The benefits of steroids on less severely ill septic patients are still questionable. More research is highly recommended to successfully identify the benefits of steroids in septic shock.Birdem Med J 2017; 7(1): 48-59
Service, Loyalty: and Betrayal in Cavendish’s The Life and Death of Cardinal Wolsey
Authors: Britnell Richard
Published: January 2017

George Cavendish’s Life of Cardinal Wolsey contains not only evidence concerning the author’s own duties as gentleman usher but also illustrates his specific ethic of loyal service. It is this ethic that explains why he felt obliged to write the book. The article shows how this ethic serves as a unifying theme in the text, insofar as Cavendish extends it to describe Wolsey’s relationship to the king. Its centrality also helps to explain Cavendish’s ambiguous relationship with Thomas Cromwell, whom he portrays as serving two masters for much of the year 1529-1530.
Shakespeare: Épilogue made in France
Authors: Marc’hadour Germain
Published: January 2017

Cet essai est un hommage à la grande dame de 1’ érudition shakespearienne en France. Comme elle croyait aux vertus de la mise en scène, j’ai donné la parole à un auteur-acteur parfaitement bilingue. Jeanne d’Arc est présentée à travers un livre anglais de source fransçaise. Les figures évoquées ont quelque lien avec les deux grandes guerres du 15e siècle, ou avec la dynastie des Plantagenêt, qui a son berceau en Anjou. Thomas More, naturellement, est la référence privilégiée.
John Foxe, Poets, andSir Thomas More
Authors: Kelly Erin E.
Published: January 2017

Sir Thomas More transforms material from Foxe’s Acts and Monuments to offer through the character More a defense of poets, playwrights, and theatre. Foxe describes More as a poet, equating his writings with Catholicism and with lying. The authors of the play deviate from this source in presenting poets as tolerant and moral. Their More rejects the oppositional thinking that makes martyrdom possible and, therefore, is not a straightforward martyr figure as he goes to his death. Rather, he is a representative poet whose open-mindedness and empathy for all people serve as a defense of poetry and thus also of plays.
Sir Thomas More et Shakespeare
Authors: Villquin Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2017

Depuis que le nom de Shakespeare est associé à Sir Thomas More, les controverses ont été aussi nombreuses que passionnées. C’est ici l’occasion de faire le point sur les différentes opinions et aussi de voir que la piéce a contribué à bâtir un mythe. Thomas More considéré dans son aspect public et privé s’est métamorphosé en héros de tragédie. Ce statut l’inscrit naturellement dans la lignée des personnages historiques tels qu’ils apparaissent et évoluent dans les tragédies de Shakespeare. Il ne faut donc pas s’etonner que la piece trouve aujourd’hui la place qui aurait toujours dû être la sienne: être représentée sur une scéne de théâtre et publiée avec les autres drames de Shakespeare.
In varietate concordia
Authors: Eastell Kevin
Published: January 2017

Beginning with the complexities involved in the definition of the modern European Community identity, the author proceeds to examine the historical dimensions of the development of Europe as a continent. The Roman and Greek antecedents are recognised and the emergence of Constantinople as a pivotal consideration is discussed. By the early 16th century, what Europe meant is explained in more comprehensive terms than those that prevail today. The unity of Christendom under the papacy is identified as germane to the political unity of Europe as a continent. The Reformation unleashed a process of disintegration and division into national and religious states that has taken centuries to begin to heal. Recognising the failure of modern European structures to secure cohesion among its member countries, the article recognises an attempt to develop unity in diversity: based on the notion of economic collaboration berween trading cities. This notion was very much a feature of the Hanseatic League of the middle-ages, and indeed a founding principle of the Greek city confederacy. History remains a potent and pertinent dimension in our understanding of Europe as a continental concept.
L’épée et le sceptre : dimension militaire et formation de l’Etat en Angleterre et en France à l’aube des temps modernes
Authors: Chadelat Jean-Marc
Published: January 2017

Dès le XIVe siècle en France et en Angleterre, on assiste à la montée en puissance d’appareils militaires au service d’entités souveraines qui affirment un particularisme national et linguistique. Etroitement liée à l’autonomie politique revendiquée par les États émergents, la monopolisation des moyens de coercition entraîne une augmentation continue de la pression fiscale et une profonde transformation de l’administration royale. Chacune des principales composantes de la modernisation des forces terrestres à l’aube des temps modernes peut ainsi être envisagée comme le revers des signes distinctifs de 1’État en formation. L’histoire militaire est à ce titre un révélateur de premier ordre des processus à l’œuvre et des forces en jeu dans la transition historique des royaumes médiévaux aux monarchies de la Renaissance et le changement de civilisation où elle s’inscrit.
La vie en ville : questions d’ethique
Authors: Dromart Anne
Published: January 2017

Résumé

Réflexion sur la ville et amélioration de la vie individuelle sont des sujets liés chez Defoe qui met son génie réformateur au service du bien public dans de nombreux textes publiés entre 1697 et 1728. Certains points qu’il soulève ne sont pas sans rappeler les caractéristiques d’Amaurote dans l’Utopie de Thomas More, ainsi que les récits de villes idéales publiés en France à la fin du XVIIe siècle par Fénelon dans son ouvrage d’éducation destiné au fils du roi de France. L’intérêt que Defoe porte à Londres et les rapports entre morale et economie, sujet central de la Fable des Abeilles de Mandeville, apparaissent dans ces textes de Defoe d’une manière qui trouve un écho intéressant dans les romans qu‘il publie ensuite.
A Two-Step Strategy for System Identification of Civil Structures for Structural Health Monitoring Using Wavelet Transform and Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Perez-Ramirez Carlos , Jaen-Cuellar Arturo , Valtierra-Rodriguez Martin , Dominguez-Gonzalez Aurelio , Osornio-Rios Roque , Romero-Troncoso Rene , Amezquita-Sanchez Juan
Published: January 2017

Nowadays, the accurate identification of natural frequencies and damping ratios play an important role in smart civil engineering, since they can be used for seismic design, vibration control, and condition assessment, among others. To achieve it in practical way, it is required to instrument the structure and apply techniques which are able to deal with noise-corrupted and non-linear signals, as they are common features in real-life civil structures. In this article, a two-step strategy is proposed for performing accurate modal parameters identification in an automated manner. In the first step, it is obtained and decomposed the measured signals using the natural excitation technique and the synchrosqueezed wavelet transform, respectively. Then, the second step estimates the modal parameters by solving an optimization problem employing a genetic algorithm-based approach, where the micropopulation concept is used to improve the speed convergence as well as the accuracy of the estimated values. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposal are tested using both the simulated response of a benchmark structure and the measurements of a real eight-story building. The obtained results show that the proposed strategy can estimate the modal parameters accurately, indicating than the proposal can be considered as an alternative to perform the abovementioned task.
Importance of Physical and Physiological Parameters in Simulated Particle Transport in the Alveolar Zone of the Human Lung
Authors: Ciloglu Dogan , Athari Hassan , Bolukbasi Abdurrahim , Rosen Marc
Published: January 2017

The trajectory and deposition efficiency of micron-sized (1–5 µm) particles, inhaled into the pulmonary system, are accurately determined with the aid of a newly developed model and modified simulation techniques. This alveolar model, which has a simple but physiologically appropriate geometry, and the utilized fluid structure interaction (FSI) methods permit the precise simulation of tissue wall deformation and particle fluid interactions. The relation between tissue movement and airflow in the alveolated duct is solved by a two-way fluid structure interaction simulation technique, using ANSYS Workbench (Release 16.0, ANSYS INC., Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 2015). The dynamic transport of particles and their deposition are investigated as a function of aerodynamic particle size, tissue visco-elasticity, tidal breathing period, gravity orientation and particle–fluid interactions. It is found that the fluid flows and streamlines differ between the present flexible model and rigid models, and the two-way coupling particle trajectories vary relative to one-way particle coupling. In addition, the results indicate that modelling the two-way coupling particle system is important because the two-way discrete phase method (DPM) approach despite its complexity provides more extensive particle interactions and is more reliable than transport results from the one-way DPM approach. The substantial difference between the results of the two approaches is likely due to particle–fluid interactions, which re-suspend the sediment particles in the airway stream and hence pass from the current generation.
A Kinematic Model to Compensate the Structural Deformations in Machine Tools Using Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Sensors
Authors: Aggogeri Francesco , Borboni Alberto , Faglia Rodolfo , Merlo Angelo , Pellegrini Nicola
Published: January 2017

Structural deformations are one of the most significant factors that affects machine tool (MT) positioning accuracy. These induced errors are complex for accurate representation by a model, nevertheless they need to be evaluated and predicted in order to increase the machining performance. This paper presents a novel approach to calibrate a machine tool in real-time, analyzing the thermo-mechanical errors through fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors embedded in the MT frame. The proposed configuration consists of an adaptronic structure of passive materials, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP), equipped with FBG sensors that are able to measure in real-time the deformed conditions of the frame. By using a proper thermo-mechanical kinematic model, the displacement of the end effector may be predicted and corrected when it is subjected to external undesired factors. By starting from a set of Finite Element (FE) simulations to develop a model able to describe the MT structure stresses, a prototype has been fabricated and tested. The aim of this study was to compare the numerical model with the experimental tests using FBG sensors. The experimental campaign has been performed by varying the structure temperature over time and measuring the tool tip point (TTP) positions. The obtained results showed a substantial matching between the real and the predicted position of the TTP, thereby confirming the effectiveness of the proposed system.
A Single-Stage LED Tube Lamp Driver with Power-Factor Corrections and Soft Switching for Energy-Saving Indoor Lighting Applications
Authors: Cheng Chun-An , Chang En-Chih , Tseng Ching-Hsien , Chung Tsung-Yuan
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a single-stage alternating current (AC)/direct current (DC) light-emitting diode (LED) tube lamp driver for energy-saving indoor lighting applications; this driver features power-factor corrections and soft switching, and also integrates a dual buck-boost converter with coupled inductors and a half-bridge series resonant converter cascaded with a bridge rectifier into a single-stage power-conversion topology. The features of the presented driver are high efficiency (>91%), satisfying power factor (PF > 0.96), low input-current total-harmonic distortion (THD < 10%), low output voltage ripple factor (<7.5%), low output current ripple factor (<8%), and zero-voltage switching (ZVS) obtained on both power switches. Operational principles are described in detail, and experimental results obtained from an 18 W-rated LED tube lamp for T8/T10 fluorescent lamp replacements with input utility-line voltages ranging from 100 V to 120 V have demonstrated the functionality of the presented driver suitable for indoor lighting applications.
A Molecular View of Kinetochore Assembly and Function
Authors: Musacchio Andrea , Desai Arshad
Published: January 2017

Kinetochores are large protein assemblies that connect chromosomes to microtubules of the mitotic and meiotic spindles in order to distribute the replicated genome from a mother cell to its daughters. Kinetochores also control feedback mechanisms responsible for the correction of incorrect microtubule attachments, and for the coordination of chromosome attachment with cell cycle progression. Finally, kinetochores contribute to their own preservation, across generations, at the specific chromosomal loci devoted to host them, the centromeres. They achieve this in most species by exploiting an epigenetic, DNA-sequence-independent mechanism; notable exceptions are budding yeasts where a specific sequence is associated with centromere function. In the last 15 years, extensive progress in the elucidation of the composition of the kinetochore and the identification of various physical and functional modules within its substructure has led to a much deeper molecular understanding of kinetochore organization and the origins of its functional output. Here, we provide a broad summary of this progress, focusing primarily on kinetochores of humans and budding yeast, while highlighting work from other models, and present important unresolved questions for future studies.
Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy—A Focused Review
Authors: Shafirstein Gal , Bellnier David , Oakley Emily , Hamilton Sasheen , Potasek Mary , Beeson Karl , Parilov Evgueni
Published: January 2017

Multiple clinical studies have shown that interstitial photodynamic therapy (I-PDT) is a promising modality in the treatment of locally-advanced cancerous tumors. However, the utilization of I-PDT has been limited to several centers. The objective of this focused review is to highlight the different approaches employed to administer I-PDT with photosensitizers that are either approved or in clinical studies for the treatment of prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, head and neck cancer, and brain cancer. Our review suggests that I-PDT is a promising treatment in patients with large-volume or thick tumors. Image-based treatment planning and real-time dosimetry are required to optimize and further advance the utilization of I-PDT. In addition, pre- and post-imaging using computed tomography (CT) with contrast may be utilized to assess the response.
How to Lengthen the Long-Term Stability of Enzyme Membranes: Trends and Strategies
Authors: Yabuki Soichi
Published: January 2017

In this review, factors that contribute to enhancing the stability of immobilized enzyme membranes have been indicated, and the solutions to each factor, based on examples, are discussed. The factors are divided into two categories: one is dependent on the improvement of enzyme properties, and the other, on the development of supporting materials. Improvement of an enzyme itself would effectively improve its properties. However, some novel materials or novel preparation methods are required for improving the properties of supporting materials. Examples have been provided principally aimed at improvements in membrane stability.
Time to Consider Moving Beyond Exclusive Breastfeeding in Southern Africa
Authors: Wojcicki Janet
Published: January 2017

While there have been considerable advances in the reduction of mother to child transmission of HIV (MTCT) in sub-Saharan Africa with the advance of anti-retroviral therapies (ART), there remain challenges in the late postpartum period. Structural issues including food insecurity and stigma make better maternal ART adherence and exclusive breastfeeding unreachable for some women. There are no other scientifically researched feeding options as there have been few studies on different types of mixed feeding practices and risk of HIV infection. Additional studies are warranted to assess detailed feeding practices in HIV exposed infants in relation to clinical outcomes.
Influence of the Distribution of a Spray Paint on the Efficacy of Anti-Graffiti Coatings on a Highly Porous Natural Stone Material
Authors: Masieri Maurizio , Lettieri Mariateresa
Published: January 2017

Graffiti on facades often has a heavy impact in social and economic terms, particularly when historical and artistic artefacts are affected. To limit the damages to the surfaces, preventive plans are implemented and anti-graffiti coatings are used as a protective measure. In this study, the distribution of a spray paint inside a highly porous stone, with and without anti-graffiti protection, was investigated. Two commercial sacrificial anti-graffiti systems were used and an acrylic-based paint was applied as staining agent. Environmental scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) microanalysis were performed to characterise, from the morphological and chemical point of view, the anti-graffiti coatings and the paint. Maps of the main elements were acquired to locate the different products inside the stone. Chemical removers were used to clean the stained surfaces, then the effectiveness of the cleaning was assessed by visual observations and colour measurements, as well as on the basis of percentage of residual stain. The obtained results highlighted that the anti-graffiti efficacy strongly depended on the characteristics of the applied coating. This latter usually acted as a barrier, but good results were obtained only where the stain did not remain as a separate layer, but penetrated the protective coating. Microcracks in the anti-graffiti coating were able to nullify the protective action.
Multiplicity of Homoclinic Solutions for Fractional Hamiltonian Systems with Subquadratic Potential
Authors: Nyamoradi Neamat , Alsaedi Ahmed , Ahmad Bashir , Zhou Yong
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we study the existence of homoclinic solutions for the fractional Hamiltonian systems with left and right Liouville–Weyl derivatives. We establish some new results concerning the existence and multiplicity of homoclinic solutions for the given system by using Clark’s theorem from critical point theory and fountain theorem.
Recent Advances on Wearable Electronics and Embedded Computing Systems for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Scilingo Enzo , Valenza Gaetano
Published: January 2017

The application of wearable electronics in the biomedical research and commercial ﬁelds has been gaining great interest over the last several decades.[...]