bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renewable Energy Technologies, Sustainable Development, and Environment
Authors: Omer Abdeen Mustafa
Published: September 2017

The move towards a low-carbon world, driven partly by climate science and partly by the business opportunities it offers, will need the promotion of environmentally friendly alternatives, if an acceptable stabilisation level of atmospheric carbon dioxide is to be achieved. This chapter presents a comprehensive review of energy sources, and the development of sustainable technologies to explore these energy sources. It also includes potential renewable energy technologies, efficient energy systems, energy savings techniques and other mitigation measures necessary to reduce climate changes. The chapter concludes with the technical status of the ground source heat pumps (GSHP) technologies. The purpose of this study, however, is to examine the means of reduction of energy consumption in buildings, identify GSHPs as an environmental friendly technology able to provide efficient utilisation of energy in the buildings sector.
Development of the Green Economy in Romania
Authors: Ciocoiu Carmen Nadia , Cicea Claudiu
Published: September 2017

The socio-economic context and globally discouraging trends observed in recent years regarding resource conservation and regeneration, control of climate change, technical, technological and informational inequality, progress gaps among nations and locally among citizens of the same country, have led to the need for developing policies, reforms and programs to support sustainable development. In this chapter the authors analyze some important issues regarding the Romanian experience in developing the green economy. They start with the background analysis of the concept, emphasizing several European Union documents regarding green economy and sustainable development. Then, the authors analyze the social and economic profile of Romania, in relation with some suggestive indicators of welfare, sustainability, equity and economic opportunities etc. Special attention is given to the environmental Performance Index (EPI) and Human Development Index (HDI). In the last part of the research, the authors present a short SWOT analysis for the green economy in Romania and several future research directions.
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Sustainable Development in Higher Education
Authors: Anđić Dunja , Vorkapić Sanja Tatalović
Published: September 2017

This chapter aims to test the positive change in students' sustainable behavior that is expected to be found under the influence of relevant subjects. Therefore, a simple quasi-experimental design was applied to test the differences between those groups of students who have not taken the subject Pedagogy of sustainable development and those who have. Since studies for primary school and preschool teachers at the Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Rijeka, Croatia are designed for building needed competencies in future educators, the case study was expected to determine statistically significant differences between those groups of students who have taken relevant subject and those students who have not. Finally, correlation analyses were run for relationship between life satisfaction, optimism, and sustainable behavior to be analyzed. Based on previous research studies and theoretical models, it was expected to determine significant positive relationship between students' sustainable behavior and their levels of life satisfaction and optimism. Both hypotheses are confirmed in this study. All findings are discussed in this chapter within theoretical models and future study guidelines. The results confirm the usefulness of the course Pedagogy of sustainable behavior within higher education of future educators, and its influence within positive change in their sustainable behavior. Besides, the expected positive relationship of life satisfaction and optimism with sustainable behavior was confirmed and so provided a platform for creating a suggestion of implementation of the interdisciplinary course/subject of Pedagogy of Sustainable development and Positive psychology.
Rule of Law
Authors: Anjinappa Gopala
Published: September 2017

The world as a whole has developed in the global dimension and has flourished with prosperity. But still one can see the hurdles in the development process. One of such impediments is poverty and the other is the environmental problems. Poverty results in violation of human rights. The rule of law is crucial and is one of the means to strengthen these hurdles. One of such escalation is on the environmental development wherein it strives for achieving sustainable development and eradication of poverty. The rule of law plays a vital role in reducing extreme poverty with emphasizing on human rights. It is the very essence and the core of Good Governance. Without the principles of the rule of law, it will not be enough to achieve sustainable development and eradication of poverty. The rule of law strengthens to provide intense legal framework. It works as an effective mechanism for the enforcement of law. Innovative methods are undertaken to aim in the enforcement of sustainable development and eradication of poverty. The paper implies on effectiveness of the rule of law in providing sustainable development policies. It analyses the legal framework in India that contributes in maintaining economic imbalances. The paper explores the role of Indian Judiciary and the classic Judgments of Supreme Court of India. Keeping in view the importance of sustainable development and eradication of poverty, the paper contributes to explore the significance of the rule of law in achieving the objective of the nation. “Development is one of the primary means of improving the environment for living, or providing food, water, sanitation and shelter, of making the deserts green and the mountains habitable” (Indira Gandhi, 1972).
Ecological Influences on the Evolving Planning System in Turkey
Authors: Küçükali Ufuk Fatih
Published: September 2017

Many developing countries' national plans and urbanization policies lack effective measures to address environmental degradation and support the sustainable use of natural resources. Sustainable urban development policies, the most important pillar of socio-economic development, have not been produced and/or integrated to the urban planning system in Turkey. Suggesting that economic growth may be equaled to wealth and welfare is only possible in environments where certain requirements are satisfied. These requirements may be enumerated as not surpassing the natural renovation capacity, minimizing pollution risks, optimal protection and preservation of non-renewable resources, use of natural resources according to protection-utilization principles. This chapter firstly addresses planning tradition in conceptual background, and analyses relationship of this convention with urban development. Secondly and final phase it addresses the ecological influences created by the urban development shaped by urban planning tradition on the environment, and presents suggestions for solution.
Supply Chain Social Sustainability and Manufacturing
Authors: Mani V  , Agrawal Rajat , Sharma Vinay , Kavitha T.N
Published: September 2017

This chapter gives the overview of social sustainability in the supply chain of manufacturing industry. The author through literature survey identifies various definitions to social sustainability and suggest the approach to social sustainability problem in the supply chain. The readers are exposed with different social sustainability problems and what are the enablers and barriers to address such problem. In addition, the author identifies various social dimensions related to manufacturing supply chain and suggest as to how it can be addressed by various practices. Finally, the author identifies the research gaps in developing countries such as India, and suggests directions for future research. This is a vital contribution to the development of theory related to social sustainability in manufacturing Industries.
The Application of Crowdfunding to the Energy Sector
Authors: Candelise Chiara
Published: September 2017

Crowdfunding in energy begins as a response to reduced investments (both governmental and private) into the transition to decarbonized energy systems and to the spread of innovative business models and approaches conductive of greater participation of citizens and communities in distributed renewable energy projects. This chapter presents results of a worldwide overview of the use of crowdfunding in the energy industry. Evidence gathered from available energy crowdfunding platforms highlight a very new, but quite dynamic sector. The crowdfunding tool has been applied in most of its forms, ranging from peer-to-business lending to pure donation, with strong environmental and social mission and the explicit aim of increasing participation of citizens in sustainable energy investment. Evidence also shows that, despite maintaining their environmental and clean energy focus, some energy platforms have begun to move from niche, grass root initiatives into larger projects and collaboration with energy private sector and institutional finance.
CSR Strategies in Emerging Markets
Authors: Ogrean Claudia , Herciu Mihaela
Published: September 2017

The purpose of the chapter is to emphasize on the roles of businesses – as an effective (sustainable) development agent in emerging markets, on one hand, and of their CSR strategies – as an efficient sustainable development tool, on the other hand, in order to identify valuable business practices able to lead the emerging markets towards sustainability – through socially responsible decision making processes at business level. Having in the fore-ground the ideas of sustainability (which basically is a macro-economic concern) and responsibility (and especially its micro-economic correspondent that usually embraces the form of CSR), it will try to discover the general and specific features of the business models that capitalize the best the synergy between the social responsibility of business and the ensuring of sustainability in emerging markets.
Investigating School Mathematics Performance and Affect
Authors: Leder Gilah C.
Published: September 2017

In this chapter research relating to school mathematics is used as an instance to critique commonly used methods and instruments employed in educational research to determine performance and single or multiple aspects of affect. Advances in technology that have enabled the adaption of previously used instruments are described. Self-report measures, administered face-to-face and on-line, and real-time and virtual observational methods are discussed in some detail. Illustrative data from specific studies are provided. Interpreting the different measurement outcomes is, it is argued, far from unproblematic. This discussion raises issues relevant to research in a range of paradigms but is particularly pertinent to educational research conducted in the neo-positivist paradigm.
Early Statistical Reasoning
Authors: Kleanthous Irene , Meletiou-Mavrotheris Maria
Published: September 2017

This paper explores the potential of dynamic statistics software for supporting the early teaching and learning of statistical and probabilistic concepts integrated within the mathematics curriculum. It shares the experiences from a case study that implemented a data-driven approach to mathematics instruction using the dynamic data-visualization software InspireData©, an educational package specifically designed to meet the learning needs of students in the middle and high school grades (Grades 4-12). The authors report on how a group of fourteen (n=14) Grade 4 (about 9-year-old) students used the affordances provided by the dynamic learning environment to gather, analyze, and interpret data, and to draw data-based conclusions and inferences. Findings from the study support the view that mathematics instruction can promote the development of learners' statistical reasoning at an early age, through an informal, data-based approach. They also suggest that the use of dynamic statistics software has the potential to enhance statistics instruction by scaffolding and extending young students' stochastical and mathematical reasoning.
New Literacy Implementation
Authors: Hsu Hui-Yin , Wang Shaing-Kwei , Coster Daniel
Published: September 2017

With advancing technology, “literacy” evolves to include new forms of literacy made possible by digital technologies. “New literacy” refers to using technology to research, locate, evaluate, synthesize and communication information. The purpose of the study is to develop a framework to guide science teachers' new literacy practices, and examine the impact of new literacy approach on students' science learning and new literacy skills. The authors worked with 25 middle school science teachers through a two-year professional development (PD), and followed their implementation to investigate the PD impact on their classroom practices and students' learning outcomes. The authors adopted mixed-methods to examine change in teachers' new literacy practices, students' science learning outcomes, and students' confidence in new literacy skills. The study results showed increases in teachers' frequency and types of new literacy practices, positive impact on students' science learning and confidence in new literacy skills. Factors affecting teachers' new literacy practice are also reported.
The Use of Tablet Technology to Support Inquiry Science for Students Incarcerated in Juvenile Justice Settings
Authors: Krezmien Michael , Powell Wardell , Bosch Christina , Hall Tracey , Nieswandt Martina
Published: September 2017

This chapter describes the challenges in implementing science instruction in juvenile corrections settings and present a tablet-based model for meeting the complex challenges. Project RAISE is a Project-based Inquiry Science (PBIS) curriculum designed in the Universal Design for Learning framework. It is developed in a tablet platform, and is designed to meet the unique needs of incarcerated learners. The chapter describes the juvenile justice educational setting, the characteristics of the classrooms, the learners, and the teachers. It provides an overview of one iBook that has been co-designed and tested with incarcerated learners.
Implementing Virtual Lab Learning to High School
Authors: Prodromidi Evangelia
Published: September 2017

Science is traditionally considered one of the most complex and demanding subjects in school, yet can be one of the most inspiring experiences one has encountered in their academic life. Scientific knowledge can be applied to and explain everyday life phenomena beyond the boundaries of a conventional classroom. This is the key to teach and learn science effectively and can be assisted by technology as a pedagogical tool. The i2Flex model was implemented in a High School Science IB class as online/virtual laboratory investigations, in an effort to enhance high cognitive skills and academic performance of students. By allowing students to self-pace and self-direct their learning and practice to some extent, students not only engaged more actively in the science curriculum but improved their practical, writing and even collaborative skills. Teaching time in class became more flexible and productive and addressed areas of learning, such as critical thinking, analysis and elaboration of performed work, which have always puzzled students and perhaps lowered academic outcome.
Learning About Sustainability in a Non-Formal Laboratory Context for Secondary Level Students
Authors: Garner Nicole , Lischke Maria de Lourdes , Siol Antje , Eilks Ingo
Published: September 2017

This chapter discusses a project of curriculum development for the non-formal educational sector. The project aims at student learning about sustainability issues in a chemistry-related context. For this purpose, non-formal laboratory-based learning environments are developed. The learning environments center round half- or one-day visits of secondary school students in a university laboratory and are networked with the formal school syllabus in chemistry and science education respectively. All modules integrate the non-formal laboratory event about issues of sustainability with teaching materials for preparation and assessment tasks in school to fulfill part of the school curriculum in chemistry or science teaching. This chapter discusses the project of developing respective modules, the structure thereof, and initial findings from their application. The discussion is illustrated by a module on environmental problems connected to the chemistry of the atmosphere, namely climate change, the hole in the ozone layer, and the phenomenon of summer smog.
Motivating Inquiry-Based Learning Through a Combination of Physical and Virtual Computer-Based Laboratory Experiments in High School Science
Authors: Srisawasdi Niwat
Published: September 2017

This chapter presents research about a combination of physical experimentation (PE) and virtual experimentation (VE) in computer-based inquiry learning as an instructional value to students' affective domain. For this study, the author has developed a science lesson for promoting interactive inquiry learning, and the researcher investigated whether orchestrating PE and VE in sequential learning affect students' learning perception and science motivation. To evaluate the lesson, questionnaires were used to examine how students perceived the lesson and their perceptions about how the lesson promotes science motivation. The results indicated students' positive perceptions that experiencing the lesson supported cognitive performance, emotional practice, and the social inquiry process. In addition, exposure to the lesson improved students' science motivation for both females and males. This highlights that the combination is an effective way to enhance the effectiveness of high school science learning.
Engaging Students in Conducting Data Analysis
Authors: Vandergon Virginia Oberholzer , Reveles John , Herr Norman , Nguyen-Graf Dorothy , Rivas Mike , d'Alessio Matthew , Foley Brian
Published: September 2017

Computer Supported Collaborative Science (CSCS) is a teaching pedagogy that uses collaborative web-based resources to engage all learners in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of whole-class data sets, and is useful for helping secondary and college students learn to think like scientists and engineers. This chapter presents the justification for utilizing whole-class data analysis as an important aspect of the CSCS pedagogy and demonstrates how it aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The chapter achieves this end in several ways. First, it reviews rationale outlined in the NGSS science and engineering practices for adapting 21st century technologies to teach students 21st century science inquiry skills. Second, it provides a brief overview of the basis for our pedagogical perspective for engaging learners in pooled data analysis and presents five principles of CSCS instruction. Third, we offer several real-world and research-based excerpts as illustrative examples indicating the value and merit of utilizing CSCS whole-class data analysis. Fourth, we postulate recommendations for improving the ways science, as well as other subject matter content areas, will need to be taught as the U.S. grapples with the role-out of new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and NGSS. Taken together, these components of CSCS whole-class data analysis help constitute a pedagogical model for teaching that functionally shifts the focus of science teaching from cookbook data collection to pooled data analysis, resulting in deeper understanding.
The Politics of Video Games in STEM Education
Authors: Sweeny Robert W.
Published: September 2017

This chapter considers broad issues related to videogame design and art educational policy issues. Discussed are Science, Technology Engineering, and Math (STEM) funding proposals, and recent moves to add the arts to this equation. Following this is a discussion of Quest to Learn, and their curricular structure, which incorporates complexity thinking, and relates to STEM, but deals more with game design as opposed to specifically being about videogames. The paper closes with recent statistics on videogame sales, and youth media use, making the argument that videogames are becoming part of a larger network of gaming experiences, and are not limited to one particular mode of delivery.
The Influences of Chemical and Mechanical Treatment on the Morphology of Carbon Nanofibers
Authors: Mohamad Saidi Norshafiqah , Kasim Noor Azilah Mohd , Osman Mohd Junaedy , Janudin Nurjahirah , Mohamad Imran Syakir , Abdullah Norli
Published: September 2017

Oxidation by acid treatment is one of the chemical methods used to introduce surface oxygen functional group (SOFG) and defects on the surface of carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Therefore, many researchers used this method to improve the dispersion ability of CNFs in aqueous media. However, only few researchers used combination of chemical and mechanical method for oxidation of CNFs. In this work, as-received CNFs were treated using chemical method with an addition of mechanical method. On the first experiment (Method A) concentrated sulphuric acid and nitric acid were used and followed by combinations of mechanical method using ultrasonication water bath under reflux. The addition mechanical method through reflux was eliminated and different times of ultrasonication were used in method B and method C. Outer diameter of each CNFs samples were determined from FESEM images and were found to be in range of 50 nm–190 nm. Whereas, Raman spectroscopy was used to analyse any structural defects of CNFs samples during each treatment methods. From the findings, acid treatment of CNFs with addition of mechanical method using ultrasonication showed remarkably effect on the CNFs morphology.
Studies on Tensile Properties of Compatibilized and Uncompatibilized Low-Density Polyethylene/Jackfruit Seed Flour (LDPE/JFSF) Blends at Different JFSF Content
Authors: Ting Sam Sung , Dahham Omar Sabbar , Gan Pei Gie , Noimam N.Z. , Kuan Jingi Y. , Alakrach Abdulkader M.
Published: September 2017

Currently, natural fillers seem to be the suitable materials in polymer industry, which have emerged as a viable and abundant replacement for the relatively high-cost and non-renewable conventional fillers. However, the direct introduction of natural fillers into polymer matrix could effect negatively on some properties. Therefore, the aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of jackfruit seed flour (JFSF) (before and after compatibilization) on the tensile properties of (LDPE/JFSF) blends. Different JFSF content (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.%) with (63-100 ) particle size were prepared in this work. Twin-screw extruder at 150°C and 50rpm screw speed followed by hot-compress machine at 150°C and 10MPa pressure were used respectively to produce (LDPE/JFSF) blends. Adipic acid (AA) solution was added as a compatibilizer into all blends equally (25wt% AA into 75wt% JFSf). The changes of tensile and morphological properties were investigated. Results shown decreasing on tensile strength and elongation at break of LDPE/JFSF and LDPE/JFSF/AA as JFSF increased. In contrast, Young’s modulus increased up to 10 wt.% of JFSF and then decreased. However, the addition of Adipic acid, particularly for JFSF 5wt.% has improved the tensile properties of LDPE/JFSF blends. The SEM micrographs showed the agglomeration at high JFSF content (20 wt%) which in turn effected negatively on the tensile properties. However, the blends show homogeneous surfaces as AA added.
Effect of NaOH Concentration on the Formation of TiO2 Nanotube Arrays by Anodic Oxidation Process for Photoelectrochemical Cell
Authors: Nyein Nyein , Zulkifli Muhammad Afiq , Kian Tan Wai , Matsuda Atsunori , Lockman Zainovia
Published: September 2017

TiO2 nanotube (TNT) arrays were fabricated in NaOH/fluoride/ethylene glycol (EG) electrolyte at 30 V and 60 V for 60 min via anodization method. Three different concentrations of NaOH were studied: 1 M, 1.5 M and 2 M. Self-organized, vertically aligned and uniform nanotubes were produced for all samples but longer nanotubes were formed when 60 V was used instead of 30 V. The fabricated TNTs at 60 V were used as photoanode in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell. PEC cell with photoanode fabricated in 1 M NaOH/fluoride/EG electrolyte displayed photocurrent of 3.5 mA/cm2 under light illumination.
Utilization of Metroxylan sagu Pith Waste as Biodegradable Filler for Natural Rubber (NR) Latex Films
Authors: Azura A. Rashid , Adzami Nuraiffa Syazwi , Tajarudin Husnul A.
Published: September 2017

Utilization of agricultural waste toward sustainability has increase a value-added product from a natural resources nowadays. Metroxylan sagu pith waste (MSPW) is a residue from starch extraction process. This research aim to investigate the potential of MSPW as a biodegradable fillers to replace sago starch in Natural Rubber (NR) latex films. The MSPW flour is characterized and compared with sago starch. Results shown MSPW has almost similar properties with sago starch with high content of starch (60%) and moisture (80%). Spectra of MSPW and Sago Starch (SS) are very closed to one another due to the similarity of functional groups. SS has granular shape while MSPW has irregular shape under SEM analysis. The addition of MSPW shown slightly lower tensile properties and tear strength as compared to SS but still within the acceptable value. Thus, MSPW has high potiential to replace SS as biodegradable fillers in NR latex films.
Microscopic Characterization and Analysis of Electrospun TiO2-PVP and TiO2-PVDF Fibers
Authors: Soo Joshua Zheyan , Ang Bee Chin , Ong Boon Hoong
Published: September 2017

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a suitable material to be used in the field of photocatalytic water treatment. In this research, TiO2 membrane fibers were synthesized using a combination of non-aqueous sol gel method and electrospinning technique. Titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) was used as the precursor for the TiO2 filler of the fibers. Both polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were used as the polymer base to obtain the respective membrane fibers. The effects of weight concentration of TTIP as well as the type and molecular weight of the polymer on the morphology of the fibers were studied. Microscopic characterization using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analysis was performed to obtain the morphology and elemental composition of the fibers. Sub-micron range fibers with a continuous network were generally obtained. Fibers that are subjected to post-electrospinning calcination have a lower fiber diameter. Polymer decomposition is shown to occur during calcination which yielded higher purity TiO2 fibers. The use of higher molecular weight polymers can produce a stronger fibre network for membranes.
Characterization of TiO2 Coating Deposited on Ceramic Substrate
Authors: Musa Muharniza Azinita , Mohd Juoi Jariah , Mohd Rosli Zulkifli , Johari Nur Dalilah
Published: September 2017

The deposition of titanium dioxide, TiO2, films on ceramic tiles was studied in order to take benefit of its antimicrobial properties for suitable application in related fields. In this paper, the characteristics of TiO2 coating deposited on unglazed ceramic substrates with high surface roughness were investigated. TiO2 films were deposited several times via dip coating sol-gel technique and heat treated at 500oC for 1 hour. The coating morphologies and thickness were analyzed using Scanning electron microscope (SEM), while the crystalline phases were characterized using Glancing angle X-ray Diffraction (GAXRD). Results show that it produces coating with homogeneous morphology, thicker film and with the presence of anatase and rutile phases. It was also observed that one dipping time is sufficient to produce a continuous coating with thickness of ~ 12 μm on average.
A Comparison Study between ZnO Nanorods and WO3/ZnO Nanorods in Bromocresol Green Dye Removal
Authors: Ying Yuet Lee , Pung Swee Yong , Ong Ming Thong , Pung Yuk Fen
Published: September 2017

This work studied the photocatalytic performance of ZnO nanorods and WO3/ZnO nanorods in bromocresol green (BCG). The ZnO nanorods were pre-synthesized via solution precipitation method. Subsequently, the nanorods were kept in sodium tungstate solution for the deposition of WO3. The present of WO3 was confirmed by XRD and EDX analysis. ZnO nanorods (64.34%) showed a higher photodegradation efficiency of BCG removal than WO3/ZnO nanorods (60.03%) under 75 minutes of UV irradiation. This could be attributed to the formation of WO3/ZnO shell-core nanostructure which limited the generation of holes and hydroxyl free radicals that needed for the photodegradation of BCG dyes.
The Spirit of God, or is it?
Authors: Van Dyk Petrus J.
Published: September 2017

When the modern reader and the ancient biblical text do not share the same cosmology, this may lead to gross misinterpretation of the text, or to a reduction in meaning. The term רוח אלהים [spirit of God] is used as an example to illustrate the possibility of such misinterpretation. It is argued that the term should be viewed as a case of polysemy (words with multiple senses, which are not trivially related to one another) and thus form a rich complex of meaning. This implies that the so-called fallacy of ‘illegitimate totality transfer’ does not apply to polysemous words, because all the senses are activated in every context. The senses of spirit, breath and wind should therefore not be viewed as alternative meanings (as one would do in the case of homonyms), but as contributing to a rich complex meaning, which makes logical sense within the magico-mythical cosmology of the Old Testament.
Condom migration after introduction of pre-exposure prophylaxis among HIV-uninfected adolescents in South Africa: A cohort analysis
Authors: Maljaars Lennart P. , Gill Katherine , Smith Philip J. , Gray Glenda E. , Dietrich Janan J. , Gomez Gabriela B. , Bekker Linda-Gail
Published: September 2017

Background: Approximately 3 million adolescents and young adults (AYA), between the ages of 15 years and 24 years, are living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. The use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be a promising HIV prevention tool to bridge the high-risk years of AYA between sexual debut and adulthood.Objectives: Concerns have been raised that the use of PrEP could lead to an increase in sexual risk behaviour and sexually transmitted infections in general and less condom use in particular among adolescents.Methods: This study assesses condom use among South African adolescents enrolled on a demonstration PrEP study, called Pluspills, being conducted in Cape Town and Soweto. A questionnaire on sexual risk behaviour was administered at baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Three different questions on condom use were asked at each visit. Unless all answers indicated condom use at all times, a participant was scored ‘at risk’. McNemar’s tests and a Cochran’s Q test were used to investigate changes in condom use over time.Results: We interviewed 148 adolescents (66% female) at baseline. Eighty-nine participants completed all visits. In this group, an increase in condom use was observed over the period of 12 weeks. Most participants who reported behavioural changes mentioned an increase in condom use.Conclusion: There was no sign of sexual risk compensation in the 12 weeks of the study. Observed increase in condom use can be explained by an increased awareness of personal HIV risk or by social desirability or recall biases. In future research, additional data including other biomarkers of unprotected sex and longer follow-up time would be useful to help understand the relationship between PrEP use, sexual risk perception and consequent behaviours, especially in adolescents.
Relationship between the Plasma Concentration of C-Reactive Protein and Severity of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: De Haro Joaquin , Acin Francisco , Medina Francisco Jose , Lopez-Quintana Alfonso , March Jose Ramon
Published: September 2017

Objective

To determine whether the increase in plasma levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), a non-specific reactant in the acute-phase of systemic inflammation, is associated with clinical severity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods and Results

This is a cross-sectional study at a referral hospital center of institutional practice in Madrid, Spain. A stratified random sampling was done over a population of 3370 patients with symptomatic PAD from the outpatient vascular laboratory database in 2007 in the order of their clinical severity: the first group of patients with mild chronological clinical severity who did not require surgical revascularization, the second group consisted of patients with moderate clinical severity who had only undergone only one surgical revascularization procedure and the third group consisted of patients who were severely affected and had undergone two or more surgical revascularization procedures of the lower extremities in different areas or needed late re-interventions. The Neyman affixation was used to calculate the sample size with a fixed relative error of 0.1. A homogeneity analysis between groups and a unifactorial analysis of comparison of medians for CRP was done. The groups were homogeneous for age, smoking status, Arterial Hypertension HTA, diabetes mellitus, dyslipemia, homocysteinemia and specific markers of inflammation. In the unifactorial analysis of multiple comparisons of medians according to Scheffe, it was observed that the median values of CRP plasma levels were increased in association with higher clinical severity of PAD (3.81 mg/L [2.14-5.48] vs. 8.33 [4.38-9.19] vs. 12.83 [9.5-14.16]; p < 0.05) as a unique factor of tested ones.

Conclusion

Plasma levels of CRP are associated with not only the presence of atherosclerosis but also with its chronological clinical severity.
Acute Coronary Syndrome in Pregnancy
Authors: Wright Douglas , Kenny-Scherber Claire , Montgomery Alison , Salehian Omid
Published: September 2017

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in pregnancy has traditionally been considered to be a rare event, but the combination of normal physiological changes of pregnancy and more prevalent cardiovascular risk factors are increasing its incidence in this population. The present report describes a 39 year-old woman that is seven weeks pregnant presenting with a non ST elevation myocardial infarction. The incidence, risk factors, pathophysiology and management of ACS in pregnancy are discussed.
Cardiac Surgery in Patients with Drug Eluting Stents: The Risk of Stopping Clopidogrel
Authors: Ailawadi Gorav , Kern John A. , Peeler Benjamin B. , Kron Irving L.
Published: September 2017

Recommendations for the duration of clopidogrel (Plavix®, Bristol Meyers Squibb, New York, NY) therapy following drug eluting stent (DES) insertion have been subject to recent criticism. Suggested recommendations for the continuation of clopidogrel have been extended to one year following DES insertion. However, patients with a previously inserted DES who now require cardiac surgery are requested to stop clopidogrel perioperatively. The safety of this practice is unclear. We report two cases of elective cardiac surgical intervention after the insertion of DES complicated by perioperative or intraoperative acute coronary ischemia attributed to DES closure.
Altered Calcium Handling and Ventricular Arrhythmias in Acute Ischemia
Authors: Baumeister Peter , Quinn T. Alexander
Published: September 2017

Acute ischemia results in deadly cardiac arrhythmias that are a major contributor to sudden cardiac death (SCD). The electrophysiological changes involved have been extensively studied, yet the mechanisms of ventricular arrhythmias during acute ischemia remain unclear. What is known is that during acute ischemia both focal (ectopic excitation) and nonfocal (reentry) arrhythmias occur, due to an interaction of altered electrical, mechanical, and biochemical properties of the myocardium. There is particular interest in the role that alterations in intracellular calcium handling, which cause changes in intracellular calcium concentration and to the calcium transient, play in ischemia-induced arrhythmias. In this review, we briefly summarize the known contributors to ventricular arrhythmias during acute ischemia, followed by an in-depth examination of the potential contribution of altered intracellular calcium handling, which may include novel targets for antiarrhythmic therapy.
Initial Cardiac Rhythm Correlated to Emergency Department Survival
Authors: Vukmir Rade B.
Published: September 2017

Background

This study attempted to correlate the initial cardiac rhythm and survival from prehospital cardiac arrest, as a secondary end-point.

Methods

Prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical intervention trial where bicarbonate was administered to 874 prehospital cardiopulmonary arrest patients in prehospital urban, suburban, and rural emergency medical service environments.

Results

This group's manifested an overall survival rate of 13.9% (110 of 793) of prehospital cardiac arrest patients. The most common presenting arrhythmia was ventricular fibrillation (VF) (45.0%), asystole (ASY) (34.4%), and pulseless electrical activity (PEA) (15.7%). Less commonly found were normal sinus rhythm (NSR) (1.8%), other (1.8%), ventricular tachycardia (VT) (0.6%), and atrioventricular block (AVB) (0.5%) as prearrest rhythms. The best survival was noted in those with a presenting rhythm of AVB (57.1%), VT (33.3%), VF (15.7%), NSR (14.3%), PEA (11.2%), and ASY (11.1%) (p = 0.02). However, there was no correlation between the final cardiac rhythm and outcome, other than an obvious end-of-life rhythm.

Conclusion

The most common presenting arrhythmia was VF (45%), while survival is greatest in those presenting with AVB (57.1%).
Clutch Application Powertrain Startability Rating Requirements for Truck and Bus Applications
Authors:   Truck and Bus Powertrain Committee
Published: September 2017

Although not limited to, these installations are normally used on trucks considered as Medium Duty (Class 6 and 7), as well as Heavy Duty (Class 8).
Drain and Fill Plug for use on Engines, Transmissions, and Axles
Authors:   Truck and Bus Powertrain Committee
Published: September 2017

Drain and Fill plugs used on engines, transmissions, transfer cases and front and rear drive axles for class 5 – 8 vehicles.
Clinicoradiological Approach to Sonomammographic Spectrum of Breast Disorders
Authors: Ahluwalia Vandana V , Saharan Prerna S , Chauhan Ankita
Published: September 2017

The current cancerophobic climates surrounding breast disease affect the sequence of imaging modalities and follow-up. Neither the physician nor the patient can be sure that the palpable lump is an actual mass or an unexceptional variant and, here is the active/decisive role of a radiologist to evaluate sonomammographic appearances as per Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Lexicon, and then assuring the patient for its benignity or asserting the necessity of further intervention. This study reviews key sonomammographic features of common and unusual benign breast disease, infections, and systemic disorders affecting breast in the female patient.

How to cite this article

Ahluwalia VV, Saharan PS, Chauhan A. Clinicoradiological Approach to Sonomammographic Spectrum of Breast Disorders. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017;11(2):126-134.
External Validation of Gynecological Imaging and Reporting Data System for Sonographic Evaluation of Adnexal Masses
Authors: Diaz Linder , Zambrano Belkys , Adami Fabio J
Published: September 2017

Objective

To perform an external validation of Gynecological Imaging and Reporting Data System (GI-RADS) and to assess how referring clinicians value this reporting system in their daily practice.

Materials and methods

Prospective observational study comprising 257 women (mean age 40.3 years) and 281 adnexal masses, referred by 20 clinicians to an ultrasound referral center. All women underwent transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound. Presumed diagnosis of the adnexal mass was based on examiner's subjective impression according to patter recognition analysis. Reporting was performed according to GI-RADS classification. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of the GI-RADS were calculated. The gold standard was histologic diagnosis (benign or malignant) or spontaneous resolution of the cyst during follow-up (benign). Referring clinicians were asked for completing a survey in order to assess how useful they considered this reporting system.

Results

In this study, 56 masses were classified as GI-RADS 2, 174 masses were classified as GI-RADS 3, 19 masses were classified as GI-RADS 4, and 32 masses were classified as GI-RADS 5. Among them, 230 masses were removed surgically and 51 masses resolved spontaneously. There were 35 malignant lesions. Sensitivity, specificity, LR+, and LR- were 97.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 85.5–99.5%), 93.1% (95%CI: 89.2– 95.6%), 14.1 (95%CI: 8.8–22.3), and 0.03 (95%CI: 0.004–0.21) respectively. All 20 referring clinicians reported that GI-RADS was very useful for their clinical decision-making process.

Conclusion

GI-RADS shows a high diagnostic performance and is helpful for referring clinicians for taking clinical decisions.

How to cite this article

Diaz L, Zambrano B, Adami FJ, Alcázar JL. External Validation of Gynecological Imaging and Reporting Data System for Sonographic Evaluation of Adnexal Masses. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017;11(2):135-140.
Imperforate Hymen
Authors: Al-Saygh Fatima , Jabre Moune
Published: September 2017

An 11-year-old girl presented with pelvic pain for 2 weeks. Transabdominal ultrasound demonstrated a distended vagina filled with echogenic material consistent with blood. The uterus was visualized and was similarly distended. A diagnosis of hematocolpos and hematometria secondary to imperforate hymen was made. Hymenectomy was performed which drained 1.5 L of dark menstrual blood. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course.

How to cite this article

Al-Saygh F, Jabre M, Ahmed B. Imperforate Hymen. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017;11(2):174-176.
Ser Idoso, Vítima de Trauma, é Fator de Risco Para Mortalidade Na Terapia Intensiva: Mito ou Realidade?
Authors: Barbosa Genesis S , Moura Bruna RS , Rio Tatiane GGN do , Martuchi Sérgio D , Lima Kézia P , Silva Daniela V , Sousa Regina MC , Nogueira Lilia S
Published: September 2017

Objetivos

Comparar idosos e não idosos, vitimas de trauma, segundo caracteristicas sociodemograficas e clinicas e identificar se idade avançada (≥60 anos) é fator de risco para mortalidade na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI).

Material e metodo

Coorte prospectiva, realizada entre 2012/2015, em quatro hospitais em Sao Paulo, Brasil. A amostra foi constituida por vitimas de trauma com idade ≥18 anos e permanencia superior a 24 horas na UTI. Foram comparados dois grupos: idosos (≥60 anos) e não idosos (<60 anos). Os testes Qui-Quadrado de Pearson, Exato de Fisher, t-Student e regressão logistica multipla foram aplicados, com nivel de significancia de 5%.

Resultados

Das 380 vítimas (73 idosos e 307 não idosos), a maioria era homens (87,9%), com idade média de 41,5 (±18,9) anos. A causa externa mais frequente foi queda (34,7%) seguida de acidente motociclístico (23,4%). A maioria dos idosos foi vítima de queda (75,4%). O tempo médio de permanência na UTI foi de 14,9 (±15,6) dias e um total de 74 (19,5%) pacientes evoluiu a óbito (53 não idosos e 21 idosos). Houve diferença significativa entre os grupos (p < 0,05) em relação ao gênero, causa externa, tipo de admissão na UTI, Injury Severity Score (ISS), New Injury Severity Score (NISS), Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) e mortalidade. Os idosos apresentaram menores valores de ISS e NISS e maiores escores do SAPS II do que os não idosos. O fator de risco para mortalidade foi SAPS II (OR = 1,04; IC95% 1,03–1,06; p < 0,001) e tempo de permanência na UTI foi identificado como fator de proteção para o desfecho (OR = 0,98; IC95% 0,96–0,99; p = 0,021).

Conclusões

Apesar dos idosos apresentaram maior mortalidade do que os não idosos, a idade, variável de interesse desta pesquisa, não foi fator de risco para mortalidade em UTI.

Significado clínico

Os resultados deste estudo podem contribuir para estratégias de melhoria da qualidade do atendimento ao idoso traumatizado.

How to cite this article

Barbosa GS, Moura BRS, do Rio TGGN, Martuchi SD, Lima KP, Silva DV, Sousa RMC, Nogueira LS. Ser Idoso, Vítima de Trauma, é Fator de Risco Para Mortalidade Na Terapia Intensiva: Mito ou Realidade? Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2017;6(2):81-89.
Bilateral Epidural Hematoma: Case Illustration and Classification Proposal
Authors: Muñoz Erik , Morán Miguel AM , Toro Sebastian , Restrepo Claudia , Muñoz Juan E
Published: September 2017

El hematoma epidural es una complicación frecuente del trauma craneoencefálico cerrado, sin embargo, es infrecuente la presentación de manera bilateral y se asocia a elevada morbimortalidad. Presentamos un caso de paciente masculino de 28 años victima de accidente de transito quien presenta hematoma epidural inicialmente unilateral, y que después de 4 días se convierte en un hematoma epidural bilateral.

How to cite this article

Morán MAM, Toro S, Restrepo C, Muñoz JE, Muñoz E. Bilateral Epidural Hematoma: Case Illustration and Classification Proposal. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2017;6(2):127-130.
Determining Organizational Learning Capability: A Study in Private Health Care Organizations
Authors: Deniz Serkan , Cimen Mesut , Kaya Seyit
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Due to the fast-changing and developing business environment, knowledge has become a very important resource for organizations. However, reaching and obtaining knowledge is difficult, the level of organizational learning capability (OLC) perception within the organization is a key for this. This is also true for health organizations. If health care organizations can increase their OLC levels, they might achieve an increase in organizational performance, patient satisfaction, competitive advantage, and employee satisfaction.

Objective

In this study, it is aimed to determine the level of OLC perception of employees working in private health care organizations. It is also aimed to examine whether this perception level shows variance according to demographic differences.

Materials and methods

Research was done between January 2017 and March 2017 in private health care organizations operating in Turkey. The population of the study includes both administrative staff and health staff working in these organizations. Survey method was used to collect data, and 111 valid questionnaires were collected at the end of data collection period.

Results and conclusion

According to the findings, employees perceive their organizations’ OLC level positively both for general OLC and for OLC subdimensions. However, it is also concluded that this perception level could be increased as well. In order to achieve this, health care organizations are required to encourage their employees toward learning, investigating, communication, risk taking, and participation.

How to cite this article

Deniz S, Cimen M, Kaya S. Determining Organizational Learning Capability: A Study in Private Health Care Organizations. Int J Res Foundation Hosp Healthc Adm 2017;5(1):1-7.