bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AUDIT COMMITTEE INDEPENDENCE AND A CONTRACTING PERSPECTIVE ON GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT: SINGAPOREAN EVIDENCE
Authors: Majid Jamaliah Abdul
Published: August 2017

This study examines factors influencing and constraining the decision to recognize zero goodwill impairment in a sample of 52 Singaporean listed firms from 2010–2012. Using binary logistic regressions, the results reveal that firms that are approaching violation of their debt covenants have a higher likelihood of exercising the recognition choice, while a higher proportion of audit committee independence constrains this choice. The policy implication of this study is that to improve the quality of the financial statements, the relevant authorities need to monitor firms’ reporting incentives closely. This study contributes to the literature on IFRS by providing evidence that supports the applicability of the debt hypothesis in explaining the decision of Singaporean listed firms to recognize zero goodwill impairment.
IMPACT OF WORK ENGAGEMENT ON TURNOVER INTENTION: MODERATION BY PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL IN INDIA
Authors: Gupta Manish , Shaheen Musarrat
Published: August 2017

With increased number of employment opportunities in India, employers are increasingly finding it difficult to control employee turnover. Nonetheless, positive psychologists argue that one of the ways to face this challenge is by understanding the positive factors such as, work engagement and personal resources that negatively affect employees’ turnover intention. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the moderating role of psychological capital in the work engagement – employee turnover intention relationship. Hierarchical regression was used to analyze a sample of 228 employees working in diverse industries. The findings indicate that psychological capital moderates the relationship between work engagement and intention to turnover. The findings augment the theory of self and role by identifying moderating role of personal resources in strengthening the negative relationship between work engagement and turnover intention. Managers may take steps to enhance the employee-co-worker and employee-supervisor relationship either by promoting team related activities or by enabling their employees to work independently. Also, in order to save the cost of hiring a new candidate and losing an experienced employee, managers may create mechanisms for measuring work engagement of at least their key employees or a regular basis. This paper fulfils an identified need to study how psychological capital plays a key role in affecting the work engagement–employee turnover intention relationship in Indian context.
DETERMINANTS OF COMMERCIAL BANKS PROFITABILITY THROUGH ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS: EVIDENCE FROM KOSOVO
Authors: Nuhiu Artor , Hoti Arbër , Bektashi Mejdi
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study is to elaborate whether the determinants of commercial banks’ profitability affect the financial performance of commercial banks in Kosovo. Performance evaluation of commercial banks in Kosovo is done through measurement of financial performance indicators such as Return on Average Equity (ROAE), Return on Average Assets (ROAA) and Net Interest Margin (NIM). The study identifies the main factors that affect the profitability of commercial banks through analysis of financial time series and panel data of the banking sector in Kosovo. The study presents three models of financial performance analysis which highlight the influencing factors. The models are based on regression analysis, and the obtained results emphasize the relationship between the determinant factors of commercial banks profitability expressed through analysis of financial performance indicators. The study concludes that commercial banks profitability in Kosovo is driven mainly by internal determinant factors such as capital adequacy, asset quality and management efficiency, while macroeconomic factors have insignificant impact on financial performance of commercial banks.
Lithium Depletion in Solar-like Stars: Effect of Overshooting Based on Realistic Multi-dimensional Simulations
Authors: Baraffe I. , Pratt J. , Goffrey T. , Constantino T. , Folini D. , Popov M. V. , Walder R. , Viallet M.
Published: August 2017

We study lithium depletion in low-mass and solar-like stars as a function of time, using a new diffusion coefficient describing extra-mixing taking place at the bottom of a convective envelope. This new form is motivated by multi-dimensional fully compressible, time-implicit hydrodynamic simulations performed with the MUSIC code. Intermittent convective mixing at the convective boundary in a star can be modeled using extreme value theory, a statistical analysis frequently used for finance, meteorology, and environmental science. In this Letter, we implement this statistical diffusion coefficient in a one-dimensional stellar evolution code, using parameters calibrated from multi-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of a young low-mass star. We propose a new scenario that can explain observations of the surface abundance of lithium in the Sun and in clusters covering a wide range of ages, from ∼50 Myr to ∼4 Gyr. Because it relies on our physical model of convective penetration, this scenario has a limited number of assumptions. It can explain the observed trend between rotation and depletion, based on a single additional assumption, namely, that rotation affects the mixing efficiency at the convective boundary. We suggest the existence of a threshold in stellar rotation rate above which rotation strongly prevents the vertical penetration of plumes and below which rotation has small effects. In addition to providing a possible explanation for the long-standing problem of lithium depletion in pre-main-sequence and main-sequence stars, the strength of our scenario is that its basic assumptions can be tested by future hydrodynamic simulations.
Expression of MDM2 mRNA, MDM2, P53 and P16 Proteins in Urothelial Lesions in the View of the WHO 4th Edition Guidelines as A Molecular Insight towards Personalized Medicine
Authors: Hammam Olfat , Magdy Mona , Badawy Mohamed , Al Osili Khalid , El Kholy Amr , El LeitHy Tarek
Published: August 2017

AIM: Here we imposed a multimarker molecular panel composed of P53, MDM2 protein & mRNA & P16 with the identification of sensitive and specific cut offs among the Egyptian urothelial carcinomas bilharzial or not emphasize the pathological and molecular classifications, pathways and prognosis as a privilege for adjuvant therapy.METHODS: Three hundred and ten urothelial lesions were pathologically evaluated and grouped as follows: 50 chronic cystitis as benign, 240 urothelial carcinomas and 20 normal bladder tissue as a control. Immunohistochemistry for MDM Protein, P16 & p53 and In Situ Hybridization for MDM2mRNA were done.RESULTS: MDM2mRNA overexpression correlated with low grade low stage non invasive tumors, while P53 > 40% & p16 < 10% cut offs correlated with high grade high stage invasive carcinomas & bilharzial tumors (P=0.000).CONCLUSION: MDM2mRNA overexpression vs. P53 > 40% & P16 < 10% constitutes a multimarker molecular panel with significant cut offs, proved to distinguish low grade, low stage non invasive urothelial carcinomas (MDM2mRNA overexpression, P53 < 40%, P16 > 10%) from high grade, high stage invasive urothelial carcinomas (with p53 > 40, p16 < 10% & absent MDM2mRNA overexpression). Combined P53 > 40 & p16 < 10%, together with the histopathological features can distinguish in situ urothelial lesions from dysplastic and atypical lesions.
Close congruence between Barcode Index Numbers (bins) and species boundaries in the Erebidae (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea) of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Ortiz Antonio , Rubio Rosa , Guerrero Juan , Garre Manuel , Serrano Jose , Hebert Paul , Hausmann Axel
Published: August 2017

The DNA barcode reference library for Lepidoptera holds much promise as a tool for taxonomic research and for providing the reliable identifications needed for conservation assessment programs. We gathered sequences for the barcode region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene from 160 of the 176 nominal species of Erebidae moths (Insecta: Lepidoptera) known from the Iberian Peninsula. These results arise from a research project which constructing a DNA barcode library for the insect species of Spain. New records for 271 specimens (122 species) are coupled with preexisting data for 38 species from the Iberian fauna. Mean interspecific distance was 12.1%, while the mean nearest neighbour divergence was 6.4%. All 160 species possessed diagnostic barcode sequences, but one pair of congeneric taxa (Eublemma rosea and Eublemma rietzi) were assigned to the same BIN. As well, intraspecific sequence divergences higher than 1.5% were detected in four species which likely represent species complexes. This study reinforces the effectiveness of DNA barcoding as a tool for monitoring biodiversity in particular geographical areas and the strong correspondence between sequence clusters delineated by BINs and species recognized through detailed taxonomic analysis.
Effects of High-Fidelity Simulation on Physical Therapy and Nursing Students' Attitudes Toward Interprofessional Learning and Collaboration
Authors: Wellmon Robert , Lefebvre Kristin M. , Ferry Dawn
Published: August 2017

Background:

The study purpose was to examine changes in physical therapy (PT) and nursing (RN) student attitudes toward interprofessional learning (IPL) and interprofessional collaboration (IPC) following a high-fidelity code simulation.

Method:

PT (
n
= 42) and RN (
n
= 35) students, while working together to transfer a simulated patient, had to respond to a sudden and unexpected medical emergency. Pre- and postsurveys included the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS), Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS), and Attitudes Toward Health Care Teams Scale (ATHCTS). A control group (PT,
n
= 41; RN,
n
= 33) of students were also surveyed.

Results:

Statistically significant between- (
p
< .003) and within-group differences (
p
⩽ .006) occurred for the IEPS (competency and autonomy, perceived need for and perceptions of actual cooperation), the RIPLS (teamwork and collaboration, professional identity), and the ATHCTS (team value and efficiency).

Conclusion:

The IPL experience using high-fidelity simulation fostered the development of attitudes necessary for effective IPL and IPC. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(8):456–465.]
Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Attitudes Towards Simulation-Based Learning Scale
Authors: Zhang Xuelin , Eustace Rosemary W. , Lopez Violeta
Published: August 2017

Background:

Simulation is used in nursing curricula to augment or replace the traditional clinical practice experiences. Studies reported varying attitudes of nursing students to simulation-based learning. The aim of this study was to conduct an exploratory factor analysis of the Attitudes of Nursing Students to Simulation-Based Learning scale to be used to explore the nursing students' attitudes related to simulation.

Method:

Data were collected online from 217 nursing students at a U.S. college of nursing and health from February to May 2015. Item analysis and exploratory factor analysis were performed.

Results:

The results showed that the 17-item scale consisted of two factors: clinical competency and effectiveness of the simulation-based learning. The Cronbach's alpha reliability of the scale was .91 and .90 for factor one and .70 for factor two.

Conclusion:

The new scale can be used to measure nursing students' attitudes toward simulation. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(8):471–476.]
Flaws of Multiple Choice Questions in Teacher-Constructed Nursing Examinations: A Pilot Descriptive Study
Authors: Hijji Belal Mahmoud
Published: August 2017

Background:

In many middle eastern universities, English is the medium of instruction and testing. As nurse educators construct multiple choice questions (MCQs), it is essential that items are developed to be valid and reliable to assess student learning.

Method:

This study examined the structure of 98 MCQs included in nursing examinations at three middle eastern universities using a checklist composed of 22 literature-based principles.

Results:

Ninety MCQs (91.8%) experienced one or more item-writing flaws. Examples of these included linguistic errors, various problems with the stem, and answer options. Of importance, most faculty did not use item analysis to assess the integrity of the examinations.

Conclusion:

Results confirm concerns about the standards faculty use for test construction and item analysis. Universities must ensure that the faculty they hired are fluent in English. Faculty would also benefit from workshops that focus on test construction and the use of item analysis. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(8):490–496.]
Repeatability, Reproducibility, and Agreement of Two Scheimpflug-Placido Anterior Corneal Analyzers for Posterior Corneal Surface Measurement
Authors: Bao Fangjun , Savini Giacomo , Shu Bao , Zhu Senmiao , Gao Rongrong , Dang Guanxin , Yu Ayong , Wang Qinmei , Huang Jinhai
Published: August 2017

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the intraoperator repeatability and interoperator reproducibility of two Scheimpflug-Placido anterior corneal analyzers (Sirius; Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici, Florence, Italy, and TMS-5; Tomey, Nagoya, Japan) for the measurement of posterior corneal surface in normal eyes and the agreement between the two devices.

METHODS:

The current prospective study investigated 55 right eyes of 55 healthy patients in a random order. The posterior steep keratometry (Ks), flat keratometry (Kf), mean keratometry (Km), and astigmatism were randomly measured by two independent experienced operators using the Sirius and TMS-5 Scheimpflug-Placido systems. Three consecutive measurements were obtained. Vector analysis was used for astigmatism. To assess intraoperator repeatability and interoperator reproducibility, within-subject standard deviation (Sw) and test–retest repeatability (TRT, 2.77 Sw) were calculated. The Bland–Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were used to evaluate the agreement between the two systems.

RESULTS:

In the Sirius Scheimpflug-Placido system, the Sw and TRT of keratometry and astigmatism were less than 0.04 and 0.12 diopters (D), respectively. The interoperator Sw and TRT were less than 0.03 and 0.07 D, respectively. In the TMS-5 Scheimpflug-Placido system, the intraoperator Sw and TRT did not exceed 0.03 and 0.08 D, respectively. The interoperator Sw and TRT were no greater than 0.02 and 0.05 D, respectively. All parameters showed minor fluctuations in the 95% LoA.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both Scheimpflug-Placido systems show high repeatability and reproducibility for posterior corneal surface measurement. A high concordance between the two devices suggests interchangeable use in normal eyes.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(8):524–530.]
Planning for Coupling Effects in Bitoric Mixed Astigmatism Ablative Treatments
Authors: Alpins Noel , Ong James K. Y. , Stamatelatos George
Published: August 2017

PURPOSE:

To demonstrate how to determine the historical coupling adjustments of bitoric mixed astigmatism ablative treatments and how to use these historical coupling adjustments to adjust future bitoric treatments.

METHODS:

The individual coupling adjustments of the myopic and hyperopic cylindrical components of a bitoric treatment were derived empirically from a retrospective study where the theoretical combined treatment effect on spherical equivalent was compared to the actual change in refractive spherical equivalent. The coupling adjustments that provided the best fit in both mean and standard deviation were determined to be the historical coupling adjustments. Theoretical treatments that incorporated the historical coupling adjustments were then calculated. The actual distribution of postoperative spherical equivalent errors was compared to the theoretically adjusted distribution.

RESULTS:

The study group comprised 242 eyes and included 118 virgin right eyes and 124 virgin left eyes of 155 individuals. For the laser used, the myopic coupling adjustment was −0.02 and the hyperopic coupling adjustment was 0.30, as derived by global nonlinear optimization. This implies that almost no adjustment of the myopic component of the bitoric treatment is necessary, but that the hyperopic component of the bitoric treatment generates a large amount of unintended spherical shift. The theoretically adjusted treatments targeted zero mean spherical equivalent error, as intended, and the distribution of the theoretical spherical equivalent errors had the same spread as the distribution of actual postoperative spherical equivalent errors.

CONCLUSIONS:

Bitoric mixed astigmatism ablative treatments may display non-trivial coupling effects. Historical coupling adjustments should be taken into consideration when planning mixed astigmatism treatments to improve surgical outcomes.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(8):545–551.]
Outcomes of Toric Iris-Claw Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation After Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty for Keratoconus
Authors: Tiveron Mauro C. , Alió del Barrio Jorge L. , Kara-Junior Newton , Plaza-Puche Ana Belén , Abu-Mustafa Sabat K. , Zein Ghassan , Alió Jorge L.
Published: August 2017

PURPOSE:

To assess visual and refractive outcomes of toric iris-claw phakic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients who had previously undergone deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK).

METHODS:

Retrospective case series including 24 eyes of 24 patients implanted with toric Artiflex or Artisan (Ophtec BV, Groningen, Holland) phakic IOL following DALK for keratoconus. During a 12-month follow-up, the main outcome measures were uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities (UDVA and CDVA), refractive error components, topographic parameters, and endothelial cell count. Alpins vectorial analysis was performed.

RESULTS:

At the last follow-up, the spherical equivalent (SE) was within ±0.50 diopters (D) in 71% of eyes and within ±1.00 D in 92% of eyes. Mean refractive astigmatism was reduced from −4.92 ± 1.55 D (range: −2.50 to −8.00 D) preoperatively to −0.66 ± 0.61 D (range: −2.00 to 0.00 D) after treatment, and 76.5% of cases were within ±1.00 D. No significant differences (
P
= .123) were detected in spherical equivalent values between 3- and 12-month follow-up visits. No eyes lost lines in CDVA, and 54% of eyes gained one or more lines. Postoperative UDVA was 20/40 or better in 88% of eyes. Efficacy and safety indexes at 12 months were 0.93 and 1.00, respectively. Mean endothelial cell loss was 6.10% at 12 months postoperatively. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted over the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS:

The implantation of a toric iris-claw phakic IOL has shown high efficacy and safety in this series and may be considered as a reasonable option for the management of refractive errors after DALK.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(8):538–544.]
Blended Learning and Distance Education
Authors: Manzoor Amir
Published: August 2017

The emergence of online technologies generated the belief that traditional print-and-post distance education would be transformed. The need for a compromise between the conventional face-to-face workshop sessions and online learning led to a new approach to teaching and learning called blended learning. Blended learning has become a popular method for the delivery of distance education, however, it has not always delivered on its promised potential. This chapter investigates various enablers and barriers of blended learning and highlights their significance.
Trends and Issues With Massive Open Online Courses
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: August 2017

This chapter reveals the overview of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and the implications of MOOCs in the digital age. MOOCs are the Internet-based courses which have large numbers of students involved. MOOCs have a potential for helping college students succeed and for giving a preview of a particular university's teaching style to potential applicants. MOOCs can bring students from all over the world and encourage engagement between staff and students of a given university to interact with the wider public. Offering diverse classes on different topics through MOOCs makes it easy for students to keep up with the latest trends and be on top of their professional field. The chapter argues that encouraging MOOCs has the potential to improve educational performance and gain educational goals in the modern learning environments.
Towards the Learning Experience Technology Usability Framework
Authors: Kenttälä Veera , Rousi Rebekah , Kankaanranta Marja
Published: August 2017

The availability of learning technology has increased over past decades; however, severe usability issues that cause adverse effects on the learning experience can be found in many available technologies. Learning solution usability is commonly evaluated by focusing on either technical or pedagogical usability and rarely both. This artificially separates the two important aspects of learning technology usability. This chapter provides a new framework for designing and evaluating learning solutions that synthesizes the above usability types to consider them a part of a complex and dynamic whole comprising of learning, technological design, content-related issues and context. The proposed Learning Experience Technology Usability (LETUS) framework will help bridge the gap between theory and practice to provide learning solutions that have usability in relation to both the technological and learning related aspects of the solution.
Mobile Learning
Authors: Demir Kadir
Published: August 2017

Developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) affect our world in a tangible way and cause observable transformations in the way of interact information and people. One of the most popular of these transformation is mobile technology. Mobile technologies influence our interaction with information as never happened before and meet with great interest and anticipation like every new technology. Educators and instructional designers perform various researches since the mobile technology emerged. The wide adoption of mobile technology revealed the idea of mobile learning. Mobile learning is learning that occurs anywhere anytime via mobile devices. People is continuously communicating in the virtual world through mobile devices. Educators intend to use for education of people the potential of this communication which is continuous in anywhere and anytime. Mobile learning which educators use for supporting formal learning is especially has the potential to affect lifelong, self-directed learning, contextual learning and in-service learning deeply.
Application of Virtualization Technology in IaaS Cloud Deployment Model
Authors: Deka Ganesh Chandra , Das Prashanta Kumar
Published: August 2017

Virtualization is an old proven technology used for effective utilization of Servers, Storage, and Network for reducing IT expenses without compromising the efficiency and agility for all size businesses. The area of application of Virtualization is very diverse such as e-Learning, Social Networking, and Simulation are a few to be mentioned. This chapter focuses on different virtualization approaches, benefits, architecture of different open source and commercial Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) and Virtual Machines (VM) migration techniques. All the technical terms appearing in this chapter is either defined wherever they appear or explained in the Key Terms and Definitions section of the chapter. The hardware requirements of all the hypervisiors are discussed for hassle free implementation and smooth reading of the chapter.
Preservice Teachers' Self-Reflection Practices When Integrating Educational Technology in the Classroom
Authors: Sanders April M. , Isbell Laura
Published: August 2017

As digital tools become common in the modern classroom, teachers must be equipped with understanding how to create lessons for modern learning. Reflective teaching practices are one such way to help preservice teachers learn quality skills for both creating and implementing digital tools. While working through the six traits of the reflective practitioner (Eby & Kujawa, 1998) over the course of one semester, 29 participants kept a reflective journal detailing their process of creating a lesson using technology. The creation process also included complete lesson plans and a video presentation of the lesson; the video presentation was submitted to an online education technology conference (www.c2lconference.com). Sources of data included reflective journals, lesson plans, self-reflection questionnaires, and conference evaluations. The emergent themes for both the reflective journals and the comments on the self-reflection were aligned to produce three main themes, which were then connected to the six traits.
Turkey's Basic Education Policies for Syrian Refugees Under Temporary Protection
Authors: İli Kenan
Published: August 2017

Migration and asylum are common historical facts in our geography. Therefore, Turkey faces one of the greatest migration movements of its history. The number of asylum seekers exceeding the estimates, uncertainty of the asylum period and a greatly uncertain process necessitate attaching great importance to education dimension of the problem. The problem of Syrian asylum seekers whose official number is approaching 3 million as of February 2017 creates extraordinary conditions for Turkey. The effect of this situation is reflected in the decisions taken in the field of education. In this context, Turkey started educational campaign by taking important decisions on the education for Syrian neighbors who have strong cultural ties with Turkey and take refuge in her in the face of tragedy they suffered. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate Turkey's policies and practices for Syrian students within the scope of temporary protection.
Ten Years of Experience with Agile and Model-Driven Software Development in a Legacy Platform
Authors: Pang Chung-Yeung
Published: August 2017

In this chapter, a report containing the author's many years of experience in software development together with a discussion of software engineering are presented. The report begins with the software crisis and includes different projects following the traditional waterfall model with heavy documents. In a re-engineering project of a legacy IT system by modernizing COBOL applications, we established an agile and model driven approach to software development. This approach which has been successfully applied in 13 projects since 2004 is presented. The key factors required for our success will also be discussed. Both the good and bad experiences of the last ten years will be summarized. The chapter will be finalized with a vision of a new architecture for agile software development.
Teaching Software Architecture in Industrial and Academic Contexts
Authors: Ciancarini Paolo , Russo Stefano
Published: August 2017

In this chapter, the authors describe their experiences in designing, developing, and teaching a course on Software Architecture that tested both in an academic context with their graduate Computer Science students and in an advanced context of professional updating and training with scores of system engineers in a number of different companies. The course has been taught in several editions in the last five years. The authors describe its rationale, the way in which they teach it differently in academia and in industry, and how they evaluate the students' learning in the different contexts. Finally, the authors discuss the lessons learnt and describe how this experience is inspiring for the future of this course.
A Method to Design a Software Process Architecture in a Multimodel Environment
Authors: Pesantes Mery , Becerra Jorge Luis Risco , Lemus Cuauhtémoc
Published: August 2017

In the multimodel improvement context, Software Organizations need to incorporate into their processes different practices from several improvement technologies simultaneously (i.e. CMMI, PSP, ISO 15504, and others). Over the last few years, software process architectures have been considered a means to harmonize these technologies. However, it is unclear how to design a software process architecture supporting a multimodel environment. In this chapter, an overview of the method to design a software process architecture is presented, identifying basic concepts, views, phases, activities, and artifacts. In addition, important aspects in the creation of this method are explained. This method will assist process stakeholders in the design, documentation, and maintenance of their software process architecture.
User Interface Design in Isolation from Underlying Code and Environment
Authors: Alsmadi Izzat
Published: August 2017

The success of any software application heavily depends on the success of its User Interface (UI) design. This is since users communicate with those applications through their UIs and they will build good or bad impressions based on how such UIs help them using the software. UI design evolves through the years to be more platform and even code independent. In addition, the design of an application user interface consumes a significant amount of time and resources. It is expected that not only the same UI design should be relatively easy to transfer from one platform to another, but even from one programming language release to another or even from one programming language to another. In this chapter, we conducted a thorough investigation to describe how UI design evolved through the years to be independent from the code, or any other environment element (e.g. operating system, browser, database, etc.).
Evaluation Methods for E-Learning Applications in Terms of User Satisfaction and Interface Usability
Authors: Harrati Nouzha , Bouchrika Imed , Mahfouf Zohra , Ladjailia Ammar
Published: August 2017

The use of online technology has become ubiquitous and integral part of our daily life from education to entertainment. Because of the ubiquity of e-learning and vital influence for engineering the educational process, it is no surprise that many research studies are conducted to explore different aspects covering the use of e-learning in higher education. The assessment and evaluation aspects are considered arguably the most influential part for measuring the success and effectiveness of e-learning experience. As more and more universities worldwide have opted to use online technology for their course delivery, research in e-learning systems have attracted considerable interest in order to apprehend how effective and usable e-learning systems in terms of principles related to human computer interaction.
Validity of the Digital Inclinometer and iPhone When Measuring Thoracic Spine Rotation
Authors: Bucke Jonathan , Spencer Simon , Fawcett Louise , Sonvico Lawrence , Rushton Alison , Heneghan Nicola R.
Published: August 2017

Context: 

Spinal axial rotation is required for many functional and sporting activities. Eighty percent of axial rotation occurs in the thoracic spine. Existing measures of thoracic spine rotation commonly involve laboratory equipment, use a seated position, and include lumbar motion. A simple performance-based outcome measure would allow clinicians to evaluate isolated thoracic spine rotation. Currently, no valid measure exists.

Objective: 

To explore the criterion and concurrent validity of a digital inclinometer (DI) and iPhone Clinometer app (iPhone) for measuring thoracic spine rotation using the heel-sit position.

Design: 

Controlled laboratory study.

Setting: 

University laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: 

A total of 23 asymptomatic healthy participants (14 men, 9 women; age = 25.82 ± 4.28 years, height = 170.26 ± 8.01 cm, mass = 67.50 ± 9.46 kg, body mass index = 23.26 ± 2.79) were recruited from a student population.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

We took DI and iPhone measurements of thoracic spine rotation in the heel-sit position concurrently with dual-motion analysis (laboratory measure) and ultrasound imaging of the underlying bony tissue motion (reference standard). To determine the criterion and concurrent validity, we used the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r, 2 tailed) and Bland-Altman plots.

Results: 

The DI (r = 0.88, P < .001) and iPhone (r = 0.88, P < .001) demonstrated strong criterion validity. Both also had strong concurrent validity (r = 0.98, P < .001). Bland-Altman plots illustrated mean differences of 5.82° (95% confidence interval [CI] = 20.37°, −8.73°) and 4.94° (95% CI = 19.23°, −9.35°) between the DI and iPhone, respectively, and the reference standard and 0.87° (95% CI = 6.79°, −5.05°) between the DI and iPhone.

Conclusions: 

The DI and iPhone provided valid measures of thoracic spine rotation in the heel-sit position. Both can be used in clinical practice to assess thoracic spine rotation, which may be valuable when evaluating thoracic dysfunction.
Météo spatiale
Authors:   Canadian Space Weather Forecast Centre
Published: August 2017

La météorologie spatiale désigne les changements de l'environnement spatial et les tempêtes magnétiques causés par les éruptions solaires. Ces conditions ont à terme des répercussions sur les activités humaines et
sur les instruments technologiques sur Terre et dans l'espace.
La prévision de la météo spatiale au Canada
Authors:   Canadian Space Weather Forecast Centre
Published: August 2017

La météorologie spatiale désigne les conditions et les processus se produisant dans l'espace qui peuvent avoir des répercussions sur l'environnement proche de la Terre. Les processus de météorologie spatiale peuvent inclure des
changements du champ magnétique interplanétaire, l'éjection de masses coronales provenant du Soleil et des perturbations du champ magnétique de la Terre. Les effets de ces conditions vont des dommages aux satellites à la perturbation des réseaux
d'électricité.
Geology, Mount Joyal, Yukon
Authors: Lane L S
Published: August 2017

This map is dominated by a broad anticline-syncline fold pair. The Tuttle anticline and North and South Tuttle synclines are developed in shale and coarse clastic rocks of the uppermost Imperial and overlying Tuttle formations. Biostratigraphic ages vary from
Late Frasnian (Late Devonian) to Viséan (Early Carboniferous). Along the east margin of the map area, the Deception fault juxtaposes the middle, sandy part of the Imperial Formation, of Frasnian to early Famennian age, against the Tuttle Formation. A distinct thermal maturity discontinuity
occurs across the fault, with rocks to the east having vitrinite reflectances (Ro) of 1.16-1.3% whereas those to the west have Ro = 0.7-0.8%. Seismic reflection data suggest that the fault has a moderate eastward dip. Taken together, these data indicate that the Deception Fault is a
substantial thrust fault. Sandstone and conglomerate of the Tuttle Formation display rapid lateral variations in thickness and facies. This is reflected in the delineation of four mappable lithofacies with no specific stratigraphic order. Although poor exposure precludes a definitive explanation, a
channellized depositional system is inferred.
Tuberculosis-Related Diabetes: Is It Reversible after Complete Treatment?
Authors: Aftab Huma , Christensen Dirk L. , Ambreen Atiqa , Jamil Mohammad , Garred Peter , Petersen Jørgen H. , Nielsen Susanne D. , Bygbjerg Ib C.
Published: August 2017

Individuals with newly diagnosed tuberculosis (TB) were screened for diabetes (DM) with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in Pakistan. A significant decrease in FPG was observed when TB was treated. Of those with newly diagnosed DM, 46% and 62% no longer had hyperglycemia after 3 and 6 months, respectively. Individuals with known DM also showed a significant decrease in fasting plasma levels when treated for TB, but after 3 months none had normoglycemia, and after 6 months 9.2% were normoglycemic. Thus, TB-related DM may abate when the stress terminates, as is the case in gestational DM. However, because stress hyperglycemia may be associated with subsequent risk of developing DM, follow-up is recommended.
The Impact of Introducing Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests on Fever Case Management: A Synthesis of Ten Studies from the ACT Consortium
Authors: Bruxvoort Katia J. , Leurent Baptiste , Chandler Clare I. R. , Ansah Evelyn K. , Baiden Frank , Björkman Anders , Burchett Helen E. D. , Clarke Siân E. , Cundill Bonnie , DiLiberto Debora D. , Elfving Kristina , Goodman Catherine , Hansen Kristian S. , Kachur S. Patrick , Lal Sham , Lalloo David G. , Leslie Toby , Magnussen Pascal , Mangham-Jefferies Lindsay , Mårtensson Andreas , Mayan Ismail , Mbonye Anthony K. , Msellem Mwinyi I. , Onwujekwe Obinna E. , Owusu-Agyei Seth , Rowland Mark W. , Shakely Delér , Staedke Sarah G. , Vestergaard Lasse S. , Webster Jayne , Whitty Christopher J. M. , Wiseman Virginia L. , Yeung Shunmay , Schellenberg David , Hopkins Heidi
Published: August 2017

Since 2010, the World Health Organization has been recommending that all suspected cases of malaria be confirmed with parasite-based diagnosis before treatment. These guidelines represent a paradigm shift away from presumptive antimalarial treatment of fever. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) are central to implementing this policy, intended to target artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT) to patients with confirmed malaria and to improve management of patients with nonmalarial fevers. The ACT Consortium conducted ten linked studies, eight in sub-Saharan Africa and two in Afghanistan, to evaluate the impact of mRDT introduction on case management across settings that vary in malaria endemicity and healthcare provider type. This synthesis includes 562,368 outpatient encounters (study size range 2,400–432,513). mRDTs were associated with significantly lower ACT prescription (range 8–69% versus 20–100%). Prescribing did not always adhere to malaria test results; in several settings, ACTs were prescribed to more than 30% of test-negative patients or to fewer than 80% of test-positive patients. Either an antimalarial or an antibiotic was prescribed for more than 75% of patients across most settings; lower antimalarial prescription for malaria test-negative patients was partly offset by higher antibiotic prescription. Symptomatic management with antipyretics alone was prescribed for fewer than 25% of patients across all scenarios. In community health worker and private retailer settings, mRDTs increased referral of patients to other providers. This synthesis provides an overview of shifts in case management that may be expected with mRDT introduction and highlights areas of focus to improve design and implementation of future case management programs.
Multiple genotypes of St. Louis encephalitis virus (Flaviviridae: Flavivirus) circulate in Harris County, Texas.
Authors: Chandler L J , Parsons R , Randle Y
Published: August 2017

St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) is endemic in Harris County, Texas. The disease is a public health concern in Houston, the largest city in Harris County, and in the state. Consequently, intensive surveillance for SLE virus in local mosquito populations is carried out by the Harris County Mosquito Control Division each year. In this study, we examined genetic variation among SLE isolates obtained during routine virus surveillance over a 13-year time period (1986-1999). St. Louis encephalitis virus isolates were tested for genetic variation using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). The results indicated that multiple genotypes of the virus circulate in Harris County. During several years, the genotypes were restricted in their location, i.e., each general area within the county had a specific genotype of the virus. In other years, the various genotypes were widely distributed throughout the county. The presence of multiple distinct genotypes suggests that viruses with different biological characteristics may be circulating in Harris County, and that discrete foci of SLE virus activity occur simultaneously.
Short report: differences in dihydrofolate reductase but not dihydropteroate synthase alleles in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from geographically distinct areas in Malaysia.
Authors: Cox-Singh J , Zakaria R , Abdullah M S , Rahman H A , Nagappan S , Singh B
Published: August 2017

Dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) and dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) alleles were typed in 67 Malaysian Plasmodium falciparum isolates. The isolates were collected from two geographically distinct locations: 51 from Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, where sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SDX/PYR) is used to treat uncomplicated malaria and 16 from Peninsular Malaysia where in vivo resistance to SDX/PYR has been reported. A total of seven dhps alleles were identified with no significant difference in allele frequency between the 2 populations. Two of the dhps alleles described here have not been previously reported. Four dhfr alleles were detected in 67 P. falciparum isolates. Eighty-seven percent of the isolates from the Peninsula, where clinical SDX/PYR failure has been reported, had dhfr alleles with triple point mutations while all of the isolates from Sabah had dhfr alleles with 2 or less point mutations. The difference in dhfr allele frequency between the two populations was highly significant. There was no correlation between in vitro PYR response and accumulation of dhfr point mutations.
Development and application of a quantitative, specific assay for Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst detection in high-turbidity environmental water samples.
Authors: Lee Y M , Johnson P W , Call J L , Arrowood M J , Furness B W , Pichette S C , Grady K K , Reeh P , Mitchell L , Bergmire-Sweat D , Mackenzie W R , Tsang V C
Published: August 2017

Chlorine-resistant Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in drinking water play an important role in the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis. Current methods of detecting these organisms in water are insensitive, labor-intensive, highly subjective, and severely limited by sample turbidity. We describe here an alternative technique utilizing electrochemiluminescence (ECL) technology for detecting C. parvum oocysts in environmental water samples. This method is quantitative, reproducible, and requires only minimal sample processing. Currently, the ECL assay can detect as few as one oocyst in one milliliter of concentrated test sample with sample turbidity of up to 10,000 nephelometric turbidity units. Water and sewer samples collected during a cryptosporidiosis outbreak were tested by ECL assay. Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were found in the source water at the time of outbreak, and a sharply decreasing level of oocysts in sewer samples was observed over a three-month period following the outbreak.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ENTOMOLOGIC INOCULATION RATE AND THE FORCE OF INFECTION FOR PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM MALARIA
Authors: SMITH THOMAS , MAIRE NICOLAS , DIETZ KLAUS , KILLEEN GERRY F. , VOUNATSOU PENELOPE , MOLINEAUX LOUIS , TANNER MARCEL
Published: August 2017

We propose a stochastic model for the relationship between the entomologic inoculation rate (EIR) for Plasmodium falciparum malaria and the force of infection in endemic areas. The model incorporates effects of increased exposure to mosquito bites as a result of the growth in body surface area with the age of the host, naturally acquired pre-erythrocytic immunity, and the reduction in the proportion of entomologically assessed inoculations leading to infection, as the EIR increases. It is fitted to multiple datasets from field studies of the relationship between malaria infection and the EIR. We propose that this model can account for non-monotonic relationships between the age of the host and the parasite prevalence and incidence of disease. It provides a parsimonious explanation for the faster acquisition of natural immunity in adults than in children exposed to high EIRs. This forms one component of a new stochastic model for the entire transmission cycle of P. falciparum that we have derived to estimate the potential epidemiologic impact of malaria vaccines and other malaria control interventions.
High Voltage Shielded and Jacketed Cable
Authors:   Cable Standards Committee
Published: August 2017

This SAE Standard covers cable, shielded and jacketed, intended for use at a nominal system voltage up to 1000 V (AC rms or DC). It is intended for use in surface vehicle electrical systems.
Assessing Residents' Competency at Baseline: How Much Does the Medical School Matter?
Authors: Gollehon Nathan S. , Stansfield R. Brent , Gruppen Larry D. , Colletti Lisa , Haftel Hilary , Woolliscroft James O. , Lypson Monica L.
Published: August 2017

Background 

Although there is some consensus about the competencies needed to enter residency, the actual skills of graduating medical students may not meet expectations. In addition, little is known about the association between undergraduate medical education and clinical performance at entry into and during residency.

Objective 

We explored the association between medical school of origin and clinical performance using a multi-station objective structured clinical examination for incoming residents at the University of Michigan Health System.

Methods 

Prior to assuming clinical duties, all first-year residents at the University of Michigan Health System participate in the Postgraduate Orientation Assessment (POA). This assesses competencies needed during the first months of residency. Performance data for 1795 residents were collected between 2002 and 2012. We estimated POA variance by medical school using linear mixed models.

Results 

Medical school predicted the following amounts of variance in performance—data gathering scores: 1.67% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36–2.93); assessment scores: 4.93% (95% CI 1.84–6.00); teamwork scores: 0.80% (95% CI 0.00–1.82); communication scores: 2.37% (95% CI 0.66–3.83); and overall POA scores: 4.19% (95% CI 1.59–5.35).

Conclusions 

The results show that residents' medical school of origin is weakly associated with clinical competency, highlighting a potential source of variability in undergraduate medical education. The practical significance of these findings needs further evaluation.
Uma alternativa ao sujeito brasileiro do século XIX: representações de “A Jangada” de Júlio Verne
Authors: Remus de Paula Cássio
Published: August 2017

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar as formas como Júlio Verne descreve a etnia branca, negra e indígena em sua obra “A Jangada”. O romance, que se passa no norte brasileiro em 1852, expõe as diversas representações do imaginário do autor e da intelectualidade do século XIX. Referentes à construção do sujeito brasileiro, utilizam-se principalmente dois autores do mesmo século: Nina Rodrigues e Euclides da Cunha.
Feminisms and Contemporary Art in Indonesia
Authors: Dirgantoro Wulandani
Published: August 2017

While Indonesian contemporary art is currently on the rise on the international art scene, there hasn't yet been an in-depth study of the works of Indonesian women artists and the feminist strategies they employ within the art world. This book fills that gap, presenting the first comprehensive study of feminisms and contemporary art in Indonesia; using feminist readings to analyse the works of Indonesian women artists historically and today; illuminating the sociocultural contexts in which they have worked; and offering a nuanced understanding of local feminisms in the nation.
Images of Occupation in Dutch Film
Authors: Burke Wendy
Published: August 2017

The German occupation of the Netherlands during World War II left a lasting mark on Dutch memory and culture. This book is the first to explore depictions of that period in films made a generation later, between 1962 and 1986. As Dutch public opinion towards the war altered over the postwar decades, the historical trajectory of Dutch recovery and reconstruction-political, economic, and, most complicated of all, psychological-came to be revealed, often unconsciously, in the films of the period.