bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quoi de neuf docteur ? Une étude économétrique sur la recherche en ligne d’informations médicales par les patients
Authors: Farajallah Mehdi , Le Goff-Pronost Myriam , Pénard Thierry , Suire Raphaël
Published: May 2016

Cet article a pour objectif d’étudier les usages d’Internet pour la santé en termes de consultation d’informations médicales en ligne. Les internautes cherchent-ils sur Internet des informations en vue de comprendre ou confirmer le diagnostic du médecin (Internet comme complément) ou pour remplacer ou contester son diagnostic (Internet comme substitut) ? Nous avons mené une étude empirique sur 1344 internautes bretons et développé trois modèles économétriques de type Logit. Nous constatons que le principal usage en santé est la recherche d’informations pour obtenir des informations sur une maladie ou les symptômes d’une maladie. Les résultats sont conformes à la revue de littérature et montrent que la recherche d’informations en ligne sur la santé est plus élevée pour les femmes, pour les personnes ayant un faible niveau de santé et pour ceux qui passent plus de temps sur Internet. Les profils des internautes qui recherchent des informations complémentaires sont différents de ceux qui recherchent des informations de substitution. Un des avantages d’avoir accès à de l’information médicale en ligne est la diminution des coûts en termes de temps, d’accès et de revenu. Les personnes actives dans le sens d’avoir un emploi, mais aussi pour le temps passé sur Internet sont enclines à chercher plus d’informations pour un second avis. L’état de santé est aussi un facteur explicatif très important pour les informations de substitution. Cependant, l’enquête n’était pas suffisamment détaillée pour conclure en une baisse du nombre de consultations médicales réelles et qualifier l’impact d’internet sur la confiance accordée au médecin.
Distribution spatiale de la mortalité hospitalière par AVC en France, 2008-2011
Authors: Roussot Adrien , Cottenet Jonathan , Combier Evelyne , Gadreau Maryse , Giroud Maurice , Bejot Yannick , Quantin Catherine
Published: May 2016

Introduction : Le Plan national AVC prévoit l’utilisation des bases de données médico-administratives pour établir et suivre certains indicateurs de prise en charge des AVC. À partir du PMSI-MCO 2008-2011, nous avons établi une analyse descriptive des AVC hospitalisés en France, ainsi qu’une cartographie des taux de mortalité hospitalière. Matériel et méthodes : Les principales caractéristiques des patients victimes d’AVC ont été étudiées. Une cartographie des taux de mortalité standardisés a été effectuée à l’échelle des codes géographiques PMSI. Une analyse exploratoire utilisant les données socio-professionnelles INSEE et les taux de mortalité a également été menée. Résultats : Entre 2008 et 2011, le nombre d’AVC a augmenté de 3,85 %. La moyenne d’âge des patients a également augmenté malgré une hausse significative des hospitalisations chez les 36 – 55 ans. La mortalité hospitalière a reculé sur la période, la cartographie des taux standardisés illustre la prégnance d’une diagonale de surmortalité du nord-est au sud-ouest du pays. Discussion : Le vieillissement de la population victime d’AVC ne doit pas faire oublier l’accroissement de « jeunes » patients, ce qui interroge sur le développement des facteurs de risques classiques (tabagisme, hypertension) ou nouveaux (stupéfiants). Le traitement cartographique des données permet d’établir une typologie socio-sanitaire des territoires qui pourrait être reproduite à une échelle plus fine. Conclusion : Le PMSI-MCO peut être utilisé pour l’observation territorialisée de certains indicateurs de performance du système de soins, comme la mortalité hospitalière, autant que pour le suivi de la mise en œuvre du Plan national de lutte contre les AVC.
Evaluation of an Evidence-Based Practice Tutorial for Nurses: A Useful Tool and Some Lessons Learned
Authors: Miglus Jennifer D. , Froman Robin D.
Published: May 2016

Although evidence-based practice (EBP) and research is important to hospitals and nursing staff interested in achieving Magnet status, a more important purpose is the improvement of patient care. As the nursing staff of UConn Health and its John Dempsey Hospital began its initial assessment prior to embarking on the journey for Magnet status, staff nurses were found to lack skills in searching vetted sources of EBP literature and appraising the results of a search. To address this need, a librarian at UConn Health, in collaboration with the hospital's Nursing Research steering committee, developed an online, self-paced EBP tutorial. The EBP tutorial used the iterative (
A
nalysis,
D
esign,
D
evelopment,
I
mplementation, and
E
valuation) model of instructional design in development and assessment. This article describes the development and implementation of the tutorial, its evaluation, and lessons learned.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2016;47(6):266–271.
Feasibility of a Family-Centered Hospital Intervention
Authors: Reinhard Susan C. , Capezuti Elizabeth , Bricoli Barbara , Choula Rita B.
Published: May 2016

Approximately one half of the 40 million family caregivers in the United States are regularly performing medical/nursing tasks, with very little training from clinicians. The goal of the current project was to encourage health care and social service professionals to proactively engage family caregivers as partners in care. The phases of the Professional Partners Supporting Family Caregivers project and results of an intervention are presented. Five hospitals were selected to develop a family-centered intervention. Patients' and family caregivers' hospital experience was examined, as well as nurses' perception of their work environment specific to care of older adults and caregivers. The sample included five intervention sites in which patients, family caregivers, and nurses provided baseline post-intervention data. The four comparison sites included post-intervention data from patients, family caregivers, and nurses. The family-centered intervention shows promise in improving patients' hospital experience and nurses' perception of caring for older adults and their families. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43
(6), 9–16.]
Los orígenes griegos de una ciudad de Pisidia: Selge, Esparta y Calcante
Authors: Arroyo Quirce Héctor
Published: May 2016

Una inscripción y una moneda imperiales atestiguan las estrechas relaciones que mantenían los selgeos de Pisidia con los lacedemonios del Peloponeso, basadas en un parentesco (syggéneia) forjado ya en época helenística como consecuencia de las conquistas de Alejandro Magno. Muchas comunidades indígenas anatolias, deseosas de ver reconocida su identidad helénica y adherirse a la cultura del poder, buscan o crean leyendas que vinculen sus orígenes con el mundo griego. En este contexto, los selgeos se emparentan con los lacedemonios, tal como refiere Polibio. Su fundamento, según las conclusiones de Curty (1995, 2001), debería ser un entronque mítico, pero del testimonio de Estrabón, que añade a Calcante como primer fundador, se desprende más bien un parentesco colonial. En las siguientes líneas se analiza el significado y la finalidad del parentesco espartano de Selge y de Calcante como su fundador mítico, así como su trasfondo real y ficticio.
El estatus sintáctico-semántico del caso dativo con verbos estativos latinos
Authors: Cabrillana Concepción
Published: May 2016

El propósito de esta investigación es determinar la naturaleza sintáctico-semántica del dativo que aparece en algunas construcciones de tres verbos estativos latinos (maneo, permaneo y remaneo), los cuales comparten —entre otras— la noción semántica de «permanencia».
Tras ofrecer los datos proporcionados por los léxicos y por un estudio de corpus, se propone una diferenciación de contenidos semánticos y de esquemas de complementación de los verbos analizados. El examen más pormenorizado de las estructuras en que aparece un constituyente en dativo permite entender que la noción verbal presente en estas construcciones es de naturaleza existencial y que el dativo puede tener un papel argumental. De acuerdo con ello, se propone un marco predicativo de la estructura, así como una justificación del proceso de constitución de estas construcciones.
Catullo 29, 8: rivalutazione di una vecchia congettura
Authors: Song-Yang Li
Published: May 2016

[it] In questa nota l’Autore ha discusso la problematica correzione Adoneus (A. Statius) per Catullo 29,8, e ha rivalutato Thyoneus, conggetura proposta da R. Ellis nel 1888.
Word recognition strategies amongst isiXhosa/English bilingual learners: The interaction of orthography and language of learning and teaching
Authors: Probert Tracy , De Vos Mark
Published: May 2016

Word recognition is a major component of fluent reading and involves an interaction of language structure, orthography, and metalinguistic skills. This study examined reading strategies in isiXhosa and the transfer of these strategies to an additional language, English. IsiXhosa was chosen because of its agglutinative structure and conjunctive orthography. Data was collected at two schools which differed with regards to their language of learning and teaching (LoLT) in the first three years of schooling: isiXhosa and English respectively. Participants completed a wordand pseudo-word reading aloud task in each of two languages which hypothetically impose different cognitive demands. Skills transfer occurs to a limited extent when the language of first literacy uses a transparent orthography, but is less predictable when the language of first literacy uses an opaque orthography. We show that although there is transfer of word recognition strategies from transparent to deep orthographies, felicitous transfer is limited to sublexical strategies; infelicitous transfer also occurs when lexical strategies are transferred in problematic ways. The results support the contention that reading strategies and cognitive skills are fine tuned to particular languages. This study emphasises that literacies in different languages present readers with different structural puzzles which require language-particular suites of cognitive reading skills. Keywords: Foundation phase education; multilingual education; reading; word recognition; automaticity; isiXhosa reading
Factors influencing access to agricultural knowledge: The case of smallholder rice farmers in the Kilombero district of Tanzania
Authors: Mtega Wulystan P. , Ngoepe Mpho , Dube Luyanda
Published: May 2016

Background: Access to agricultural knowledge is important in transforming livelihoods of those relying on agriculture for a living and in enhancing food security. This access to agricultural knowledge is influenced by infrastructure needed for information dissemination. However, information infrastructure is not uniformly distributed within and between countries. It is because of this that some of the farming communities are information rich while others are information poor. In Tanzania, the agricultural sector is characterised by poor research-extension-farmers linkage and inaccessibility of agricultural knowledge at farm levelObjective: The study investigated the factors influencing access to agricultural knowledge among smallholder rice farmers in the Kilombero district of Tanzania. Specifically, the study identified categories of agricultural knowledge needed by farmers, determined how farmers access agricultural knowledge, and assessed the factors limiting the accessibility of agricultural knowledge among rice farmers in the Kilombero district.Method: Quantitative data were collected via semi-structured questionnaires administered face-to-face with rice farmers, community leaders, and agricultural agents in four villages at the Kilombero district of the Morogoro region in Tanzania.Results: The key finding indicates that farmers accessed and used agricultural knowledge in undertaking agricultural activities. It was further revealed that the level of acquisition of agricultural knowledge increased with an increase in age. Farmers needed agricultural knowledge on land preparation, seed selection, and rice planting, while few acquired knowledge on agricultural markets. Among the agricultural knowledge sources used, demonstration plots and agricultural extension agents were found to be used by the majority of the farmers. It was also found that a limited number of demonstration plots, late delivery of information services, a limited number of agricultural extension agents, and poor information and communication technologies infrastructure hindered access to agricultural knowledge among rice farmers in the district.Conclusion: A strong public–private partnership is needed to enhance access to agricultural knowledge in rural areas. In this regard, the government should set up policies and strategies that motivate private sector investment and involvement in provision of agricultural knowledge in rural areas. The private sector should extend their agricultural-related activities to most rural areas so that more people can have access to agricultural knowledge.Keywords: smallholder farmers; agricultural knowledge; access to knowledge;access to information; Tanzania
Impacts of anthropogenic and natural sources on free tropospheric ozone over the Middle East
Authors: Jiang Zhe , Miyazaki Kazuyuki , Worden John R. , Liu Jane J. , Jones Dylan B. A. , Henze Daven K.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Significant progress has been made in identifying the influence of different processes and emissions on the summertime enhancements of free tropospheric ozone (O3) at northern midlatitude regions. However, the exact contribution of regional emissions, chemical and transport processes to these summertime enhancements is still not well quantified. Here we focus on quantifying the influence of regional emissions on the summertime O3 enhancements over the Middle East, using updated reactive nitrogen (NOx) emissions. We then use the adjoint of the GEOS-Chem model with these updated NOx emissions to show that the global total contribution of lightning NOx on middle free tropospheric O3 over the Middle East is about 2 times larger than that from global anthropogenic sources. The summertime middle free tropospheric O3 enhancement is primarily due to Asian NOx emissions, with approximately equivalent contributions from Asian anthropogenic activities and lightning. In the Middle Eastern lower free troposphere, lightning NOx from Europe and North America and anthropogenic NOx from Middle Eastern local emissions are the primary sources of O3. This work highlights the critical role of lightning NOx on northern midlatitude free tropospheric O3 and the important effect of the Asian summer monsoon on the export of Asian pollutants.
CFD Modeling of Reactive Pollutants Dispersion in Simplified Urban Configurations with Different Chemical Mechanisms
Authors: Sanchez Beatriz , Santiago Jose-Luis , Martilli Alberto , Palacios Magdalena , Kirchner Frank
Published: May 2016

Abstract. An accurate understanding of urban air quality requires considering a coupled behavior between dispersion of reactive pollutants and atmospheric dynamics. Currently, urban air pollution is mostly dominated by traffic emissions and the primary emitted pollutants are nitrogen oxides (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). Modeling reactive pollutants with a large set of chemical reactions using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model requires a significant amount of CPU time. In this sense, the selection of the chemical reactions needed in different conditions that gives the best compromise between CPU time and accuracy becomes essential. Three chemical approaches are considered: a) passive tracers (non-reactive), b) the NOx – O3 photostationary state, and c) a more complex chemical mechanism based on the RACM ('Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Mechanism') and it is reduced to 23 species and 25 reactions using CHEMATA software (Kirchner, 2005). The appraisal of the effects of the chemical reactions is focused on the study of NO and NO2 dispersion and the comparison with the tracer behavior within the street. Taking into consideration the VOC reactions, various VOC/NOx emission ratios of traffic are studied. In addition, the concentration of reactive pollutants is affected by many atmospheric parameters. In this work, the effect of the amount of background O3 concentration depending on the season and different wind speeds are studied. Results show that the presence of ozone in the street acquires an important role in NO and NO2 dispersion. Thus, greater differences linked to the chemical approach used are founded with higher O3 concentration and faster wind speed. This is also related with the vertical flux as a function of ambient wind speed since it improves the pollutants exchange among the street and overlying air. The joint evaluation of both parameters allows to ascertain the atmospheric conditions as from which the importance of the chemical reactions on NO and NO2 concentration is significant. This is a detailed study that aims to understand the behavior of NO and NO2 as reactive pollutants in several atmospheric conditions. The conclusions can be applied to future researches in order to determine the chemical reactions needed in terms of accuracy in modeling NO and NO2 dispersion and the CPU time required in a real urban area.
Observations and regional modeling of aerosol speciation and size distribution over Africa and Europe
Authors: Menut Laurent , Siour Guillaume , Mailler Sylvain , Couvidat Florian , Bessagnet Bertrand
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The aerosol speciation and size distribution is modelled during the summer 2013 and over a large area encompassing Africa, Mediterranean and western Europe. The modelled aerosol is compared to available measurements such as the AERONET Aerosol Optical depth (AOD) and Inversion Size Distribution (ASD) and the EMEP network for surface concentrations of PM2.5, PM10 and inorganic species (nitrate, sulfate and ammonium). The main goal of this study is to quantify the model ability to realistically model the speciation and size distribution of the aerosol. Results first showed that the long-range transport pathways is well reproduced and mainly constituted by mineral dust: spatial correlation is ≈ 0.9 for AOD and Angstrom, when temporal correlation show that the day to day variability is more difficult to reproduce. Over Europe, the PM2.5 and PM10 have a mean temporal correlation of ≈ 0.4, but a lowest spatial correlation (≈ 0.25 and 0.62, respectively), showing that the fine particules are not well localized or transported. Being short-lived species, the uncertainties on meteorology and emissions conduct to these lowest scores. However, time series of PM2.5 with the speciation show a good agreement between model and measurements, and are useful to discriminate the aerosol composition. Using a classification from the south (Africa) to the North (northern Europe), it is shown that mineral dust relative contributions decreases from 50 % to 10 %, when nitrate increases from 0 % to 20 %, all other species species, sulfate, sea salt, ammonium, elemental carbon, primary organic matter, are constant. The secondary organic aerosol contribution is between 10 % and 20 % with a maximum at the latitude of the Mediterranean sea (Spanish stations). For inorganic species, it is shown that nitrate, sulfate and ammonium have a mean temporal correlation of 0.25, 0.37 and 0.17, respectively. The spatial correlation is better (0.25, 0.5 and 0.87) showing that the mean values may be biased but the spatial localization of sulfate and ammonium is well reproduced. The size distribution is compared to the AERONET product and it is shown that the model is able to reproduce the main values for the fine and coarse mode. More in detail, for the fine mode, the model overestimates the aerosol mass in Africa and underestimates in Europe.
Screening of cloud microorganisms isolated at the puy de Dôme (France) station for the production of biosurfactants
Authors: Renard Pascal , Canet Isabelle , Sancelme Martine , Wirgot Nolwenn , Deguillaume Laurent , Delort Anne-Marie
Published: May 2016

Abstract. 480 microorganisms collected from 39 clouds sampled at the puy de Dôme station (alt. 1465 m, 45°46'19" N, 2°57'52" E, Massif Central, France) were isolated and identified. This unique collection was screened for biosurfactant (surfactants of microbial origin) production by measuring the surface tension (σ) of crude extracts, consisting of the supernatants of the pure cultures by the pendant drop technique. 41 % of the tested strains are active producers (σ < 55 mN m−1), 7 % being extremely active (σ < 30 mN m−1). The most efficient biosurfactant producers (σ < 45 mN m−1) belong to few bacterial genera (Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas) from the ϒ-Proteobacteria class (78 %), and yeast genus (Udeniomyces) from the Basidiomycota phylum (11 %). Some Bacillus strains from the Firmicutes phylum are also active but represent a very small fraction of the collected population. Strains from the Actinobacteria phylum are mainly present in our collection with a moderate biosurfactant production (45 < σ < 55 mN m−1). Pseudomonas (ϒ-Proteobacteria) which is the most frequently found genus in clouds and whose some species are issued from the phyllosphere is the dominant group for the production of biosurfactants. Statistical analyses showed some positive correlations between the origin of air masses and chemical composition of cloud waters with the presence of biosurfactant-producing microorganisms, suggesting a “biogeography” of this production. Finally we discuss the potential impact of the production of biosurfactants by cloud microorganisms on atmospheric processes and human health.
Sensitivity towards elevated pCO2 in great scallop (Pecten maximus Lamarck) embryos and fed larvae
Authors: Andersen Sissel , Grefsrud Ellen S. , Harboe Torstein
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The increasing amount of dissolved anthropogenic CO2 has caused a drop in pH-values in the open ocean known as ocean acidification. This change in seawater carbonate chemistry has been shown to have a negative effect on a number of marine organisms. Early life stages are the most vulnerable, and especially the organisms that produce calcified structures in the phylum Mollusca. Few studies have looked at effects on scallops, and this is the first study presented including fed larvae of the great scallop (Pecten maximus) followed until day 14 post-fertilization. Fertilized eggs from unexposed parents were exposed to three levels of pCO2 using four replicate units: 465 (ambient), 768 and 1294 μatm, corresponding to pHNBS of 7.94, 7.74 and 7.54, respectively. All of the observed parameters were negatively affected by elevated pCO2: survival, larval development, shell growth and normal shell development. The latter was observed to be affected only two days after fertilization. Negative effects on the fed larvae at day 7 were similar to what was shown earlier for unfed P. maximus larvae. Growth rate in the group at 768 μatm seemed to decline after day 7, indicating that the ability to overcome the environmental change at moderately elevated pCO2 was lost over time. Food availability may not decrease the sensitivity to elevated pCO2 in scallop larvae. Unless genetic adaptation and acclimatization counteract the negative effects of long term elevated pCO2, populations of scallops may be negatively affected by ocean acidification in the future.
OzFlux Data: Network integration from collection to curation
Authors: Isaac Peter , Cleverly James , McHugh Ian , van Gorsel Eva , Ewenz Cacilia , Beringer Jason
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Measurement of the exchange of energy and mass between the surface and the atmospheric boundary-layer by the eddy covariance technique has undergone great change in the last two decades. Early studies of these exchanges were confined to brief field campaigns in carefully controlled conditions followed by months of data analysis. Current practice is to run tower-based eddy covariance systems continuously over several years due to the need for continuous monitoring as part of a global effort to develop local-, regional-, continental- and global-scale budgets of carbon, water and energy. Efficient methods of processing the increased quantities of data are needed to maximise the time available for analysis and interpretation. Standardised methods are needed to remove differences in data processing as possible contributors to observed spatial variability. Furthermore, public availability of these datasets assists with undertaking global research efforts. The OzFlux data path has been developed (i) to provide a standard set of quality control and post-processing tools across the network, thereby facilitating inter-site integration and spatial comparisons; (ii) to increase the time available to researchers for analysis and interpretation by reducing the time spent collecting and processing data; (iii) to propagate both data and metadata to the final product; and (iv) to facilitate the use of the OzFlux data by adopting a standard file format and making the data available from web-based portals. The fundamentals of the OzFlux data path include the adoption of netCDF as the underlying file format to integrate data and metadata, a suite of Python scripts to provide a standard quality control, post-processing, gap filling and partitioning environment, a portal from which data can be downloaded and an OPeNDAP server offering internet access to the latest version of the OzFlux data set. Discovery of the OzFlux data set is facilitated through incorporation in FluxNet data syntheses and the publication of collection metadata via the RIF-CS format. This paper serves two purposes. The first is to describe the datasets, along with their quality control and post-processing, for the other papers of this Special Issue. The second is to provide an example of one solution to the data collection and curation challenges that are encountered by similar flux tower networks worldwide.
A new web-based system to improve the monitoring of snow avalanche hazard in France
Authors: Bourova Ekaterina , Maldonado Eric , Leroy Jean-Baptiste , Alouani Rachid , Eckert Nicolas , Bonnefoy-Demongeot Mylene , Deschatres Michael
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Snow avalanche data in the French Alps and Pyrenees have been recorded for more than 100 years in several databases. The increasing amount of observed data required a more integrative and automated service. Here we report the comprehensive web-based Snow Avalanche Information System newly developed to this end for three important data sets: an avalanche chronicle (Enquête Permanente sur les Avalanches, EPA), an avalanche map (Carte de Localisation des Phénomènes d'Avalanche, CLPA) and a compilation of hazard and vulnerability data recorded on selected paths endangering human settlements (Sites Habités Sensibles aux Avalanches, SSA). These data sets are now integrated into a common database, enabling full interoperability between all different types of snow avalanche records: digitized geographic data, avalanche descriptive parameters, eyewitness reports, photographs, hazard and risk levels, etc. The new information system is implemented through modular components using Java-based web technologies with Spring and Hibernate frameworks. It automates the manual data entry and improves the process of information collection and sharing, enhancing user experience and data quality, and offering new outlooks to explore and exploit the huge amount of snow avalanche data available for fundamental research and more applied risk assessment.
An improved global zenith tropospheric delay model GZTD2 considering diurnal variations
Authors: Yao Yibin , Hu Yufeng , Yu Chen , Zhang Bao , Guo Jianjian
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) is an important atmospheric parameter in the wide application of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) technology in geoscience. Given that the temporal resolution of the current global zenith tropospheric delay model (GZTD) is only 24 h, an improved model, GZTD2, has been developed by taking the diurnal variations into consideration and modifying the model expansion function. The data set used to establish this model is the global ZTD grid data provided by Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) Atmosphere spanning from 2002 to 2009. We validated the proposed model with respect to ZTD grid data from GGOS Atmosphere, which was not involved in modeling, as well as International GNSS Service (IGS) tropospheric product. The obtained results of ZTD grid data show that the global average bias and root mean square (rms) for the GZTD2 model are 0.2 and 3.8 cm, respectively. The global average bias is comparable to that of the GZTD model, but the global average rms is improved by 3 mm. The bias and rms are far better than the EGNOS model and the UNB series models. The testing results from global IGS tropospheric product show the bias and rms (−0.3 and 3.9 cm) of the GZTD2 model are superior to that of GZTD (−0.3 and 4.2 cm), suggesting higher accuracy and reliability compared to the EGNOS model, as well as the UNB series models.
Current temporal asymmetry and the role of tides: Nan-Wan Bay vs. the Gulf of Elat
Authors: Ashkenazy Yosef , Fredj Erick , Gildor Hezi , Gong Gwo-Ching , Lee Hung-Jen
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Nan-Wan Bay in Taiwan and the Gulf of Elat in Israel are two different coastal environments, and as such, their currents are expected to have different statistical properties. While Nan-Wan Bay is shallow, has three open boundaries, and is directly connected to the open ocean, the Gulf of Elat is deep, semi-enclosed, and connected to the Red Sea via the Straits of Tiran. Surface currents have been continuously measured with fine temporal (less than or equal to 1 h) and spatial resolution (less than or equal to 1 km) for more than a year in both environments using coastal radars (CODARs) that cover a domain of roughly 10  ×  10 km. These measurements show that the currents in Nan-Wan Bay are much stronger than those in the Gulf of Elat and that the mean current field in Nan-Wan Bay exhibits cyclonic circulation, which is stronger in the summer; in the Gulf of Elat, the mean current field is directed southward and is also stronger during the summer. We have compared the statistical properties of the current speeds in both environments and found that both exhibit large spatial and seasonal variations in the shape parameter of the Weibull distribution. However, we have found fundamental and significant differences when comparing the temporal asymmetry of the current speed (i.e., the ratio between the time during which the current speed increases and the total time). While the Nan-Wan Bay currents are significantly asymmetric, those of the Gulf of Elat are not. We then extracted the tidal component of the Nan-Wan Bay currents and found that it is strongly asymmetric, while the asymmetry of tidally filtered currents is much weaker. We thus conclude that the temporal asymmetry of the Nan-Wan Bay currents reported here is due to the strong tides in the region. We show that the asymmetry ratio in Nan-Wan Bay varies spatially and seasonally: (i) the currents increase rapidly and decay slowly in the northern part of the domain and vice versa in the southern part, and (ii) the asymmetry is stronger during summer.
Dilatant normal faulting in jointed cohesive rocks: a physical model study
Authors: Kettermann Michael , von Hagke Christoph , van Gent Heijn W. , Grützner Christoph , Urai Janos L.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Dilatant faults often form in rocks containing pre-existing joints, but the effects of joints on fault segment linkage and fracture connectivity are not well understood. We present an analogue modeling study using cohesive powder with pre-formed joint sets in the upper layer, varying the angle between joints and a rigid basement fault. We analyze interpreted map-view photographs at maximum displacement for damage zone width, number of connected joints, number of secondary fractures, degree of segmentation and area fraction of massively dilatant fractures. Particle imaging velocimetry provides insight into the deformation history of the experiments and illustrates the localization pattern of fault segments. Results show that with increasing angle between joint-set and basement-fault strike the number of secondary fractures and the number of connected joints increase, while the area fraction of massively dilatant fractures shows only a minor increase. Models without pre-existing joints show far lower area fractions of massively dilatant fractures while forming distinctly more secondary fractures.
Da ideia de planejamento no Brasil ao Plano Diretor participativo de Rio Verde (GO)
Authors: Ribeiro Emival Da Cunha , Silva Márcio Rodrigues
Published: May 2016

ResumoEste artigo faz uma análise da participação popular no plano diretor do município de Rio Verde - Goiás. Inicialmente, é feito um breve histórico da ideia de como os Estados passam a planejar suas ações para buscar o desenvolvimento. Posteriormente, analisa-se a questão do planejamento urbano, a partir da perspectiva do Estatuto da Cidade, realçando a participação popular na gestão e no planejamento público das cidades. Finalmente, identificam-se os mecanismos de participação previstos no Plano Diretor de Rio Verde, destacando-se o Conselho das Cidades.Palavras-chave: Planejamento; planejamento urbano; participação popular. AbstractThis article is an analysis of citizens’ participation in the master plan of the municipality of Rio Verde – Goiás. Initially, a brief history of the idea of how states start planning their actions to seek development is described. Later, we analyze the issue of urban planning, from the perspective of the City Statute, highlighting public participation in public management and planning of cities. Finally, we identify the participation mechanisms established by the Master Plan of Rio Verde, highlighting the Council of Cities.Keywords: Planning; urban planning; public participation. ResumenEste artículo hace un análisis de la participación popular en el Plan Director Del município de Rio Verde, Goiás. Inicialmente, se hizo una lista de ideas de como los Estados planean sus acciones para buscar el desenvolvimiento. Posteriormente, se analizó la cuestión de la planificación urbana a partir de de la perspectiva del Estatuto de la ciudad, realzando la participación popular en la gestion y la planificación pública de las ciudades. Finalmente, se identificaron los mecanismos de participación previstos en el Plan Director de Rio Verde destacándose el consejo de las ciudades.Palabras clave: Planificación, planificación urbana, participación popular.
Microincision, Aspiration Cutter-Assisted Multifocal Iris Biopsy for Melanoma
Authors: Finger Paul T. , Milman Tatyana
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To describe a minimally invasive method to create multifocal full-thickness surgical iridectomy biopsies.

Methods

Seven patients suspected to have diffuse iris melanoma underwent multifocal surgical iridectomy biopsy through a single 1.0-mm clear corneal incision. A 25-G inked trocar was used to create one visible corneal portal, through which the anterior chamber was filled with sodium hyaluronate 1%. Then, a 25-G aspiration cutter probe was introduced through the corneal incision such that the aspiration portal was occluded by the iris biopsy sites. Then aspiration (600 mm Hg) cutting (300 cuts per minute) was used to create full- and partial-thickness surgical iridectomy biopsies at multiple locations. After each biopsy the probe was removed, and its contents aspirated into a separate 3-mL syringe (marked by clock hour location). The sodium hyaluronate 1% was removed and wound checked for leakage.

Results

Diagnostic specimens were obtained in all cases. Five were found to be diffuse iris melanomas and 2 were indeterminate iris melanocytic proliferations. No patients developed a secondary increase in intraocular pressure, hyphema, infection, cataract, or vision loss. No cases of intraocular tumor dissemination were observed. No patient complained of glare or monocular diplopia. Three of 7 corneal wounds were self-sealing.

Conclusions

Multifocal surgical iridectomy biopsy can be minimally invasive and effective allowing for partial- and full-thickness iris biopsy. Use of a 25-G aspiration cutting probe allowed for small incision surgery, rapid rehabilitation, and no significant complications.
Acetabuloplasty at the Anatomic Centre for Treating Crowe Class III and IV Developmental HIP Dysplasia: A Case Series
Authors: Sen Cengiz , Bilsel Kerem , Elmadag Mehmet , Gunes Taner , Saygi Baransel
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Total hip replacement in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a difficult technical procedure for surgeons to perform because of the potential for these patients to have severe anomalies in their bones and soft tissues.

Materials and methods

We performed acetabuloplasty in 54 hips from 44 patients by reaming the posterior wall of the native acetabulum and medialising the acetabular component to restore the anatomic centre of hip rotation using a small cup without bone grafting. Median time to post-surgery follow-up was 5 (range 2-14) years.

Results

Prosthetic survival rates in patients after 2 and 5 years post hip replacement were 93% (50/54) and 89% (48/54), respectively. 4 patients required early revision because of malposition and instability of the acetabular cup. 3 patients with Crowe type IV dislocations had transient sciatic nerve palsy and 3 had deep vein thrombosis.

Conclusions

Placement of the acetabular shell using posterior bone stock to provide normal hip rotation is a successful alternative technique for acetabuloplasty in patients with DDH.
The Effect of Unilateral Osteoarthritis of the Hip on Postural Balance Disorders
Authors: Truszczyńska Aleksandra , Trzaskoma Zbigniew , Białecki Jerzy , Drzał-Grabiec Justyna , Dadura Emilia , Rąpała Kazimierz , Tarnowski Adam
Published: May 2016

Background

Postural stability is of great importance because imbalances and muscle weakness are significant risk factors for falls experienced by the elderly. Hip arthrosis, which causes pain and gait disorders that affect balance control, is common in the ageing population.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess postural stability in patients with unilateral hip arthrosis before total hip arthroplasty.

Methods

The study population consisted of 52 patients with hip arthrosis (study group) and 47 subjects with no history of clinical symptoms of hip pain. The groups did not differ statistically in terms of age and BMI. Static balance was assessed by conducting a quantitative analysis of balance reaction parameters in a quiet standing position with the eyes open and closed.

Results

Analysis of the collected data revealed numerous statistically significant differences between patients with unilateral hip arthrosis before total hip arthoplasty and the asymptomatic group for parameters tested with eyes closed (p<0.05). We observed higher values of total length of centre of pressure (COP), sway path (SP), length of COP path in the medial-lateral plane (SPML), maximal amplitude between the 2 most distant points in the medial-lateral plane (MaxML), mean COP velocity (MV), and mean COP velocity in medial-lateral (MVML) in the study group.
Peritoneal Dialysis use within the Context of the Population and Healthcare Systems of Europe -Differences, Trends and Future Challenges
Authors: Machowska Anna , Rutherford Peter
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) and haemodialysis (HD) are complementary therapies in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Despite survival benefit, PD remains an underused therapy with variable utilisation and a common descriptive framework for this variation is not established. We reviewed the renal literature, general population and healthcare data to examine factors leading to variable PD use in Europe and possible changes in the future.

Methods

ERA-EDTA data were used to examine PD distribution in Europe. Statistics and descriptive data about population structure and living conditions published by Eurostat, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Observatory were examined. Published literature (Pubmed), health system data (formal internet search approach) and professional body data (internet and personal communication) were examined to describe the factors that may explain PD variation.

Results

PD usage varies across Europe and analysis of contributing factors enabled the development of a descriptive framework. PD variation cannot be entirely explained by the reimbursement system. It appears that factors specific to countries and centres as well as personalised ones involving patient-physician interaction are the most influential. The current and projected European population demographics and living conditions will lead to more elderly patients who live alone being on dialysis.

Discussion

Factors relating to the patient-physician interaction are prime determinants around the utilization of PD. Population demographic change will lead to additional challenges to renal services. The descriptive framework postulated should be considered in strategic dialysis service planning and future product design to meet the needs of future dialysis patients and deliver patient choice.
Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer: Long-Term Results in a Series of 85 Patients
Authors: Deantonio Letizia , Cozzi Salvatore , Tunesi Sara , Brambilla Marco , Masini Laura , Pisani Carla , Gambaro Giuseppina , Magnani Corrado , Krengli Marco
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Whole-breast irradiation after conservative surgery is the standard treatment for early breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to report the late toxicity, cosmetic result, and disease control in a group of patients treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) comparing results with retrospective data of a control group who underwent conventional RT.

Methods

From 2006 to 2008, 85 patients were treated with hypofractionated schedule to dose of 45 Gy, 2.25 Gy/fr, followed by a boost. We evaluated late toxicity, cosmetic result, and disease control. The data were compared to a control group of 70 patients who underwent conventional RT before 2006.

Results

At 8 years of follow-up, the cumulative incidence of late skin toxicity was 6.2 in the hypofractionated RT group and 7.5 in the standard RT group (p = 0.94). The cumulative incidence of late subcutaneous tissue toxicity was 11.6 in the hypofractionated RT group and 18.7 in the standard RT group (p = 0.23). Cosmetic outcome was rated as excellent or good in 84/85 patients of the hypofractionated RT group and in 68/70 patients of the conventional RT group (p = 0.7). No statistically significant differences were found in terms of local control (p = 0.05), disease-free survival (p = 0.06), or overall survival (p = 0.17) between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

The present analysis, focused on long-term effects, disease control, and survival, confirms, in a daily practice setting, the low incidence of skin atrophy and fibrosis, the satisfactory cosmetic outcome, and the high grade of local and distant disease control with hypofractionated schedule.
Examining Linkages between Psychological Health Problems, Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Workplace Stressors in Pakistan’s Academia
Authors: Khan Anwar , Yusoff Rosman Bin Md , Isa Khairunesa Binti
Published: May 2016

Scholarly work and research are globally known as stressful and challenging. Teachers may develop different psychological health problems once they are exposed to workplace stressors. Considering it as a serious issue of education sector, this study has examined the linkages between prevalent workplace stressors and psychological health problems in Pakistan’s academia. A cross-section quantitative research design was adopted, whereas data was collected by self-administered questionnaire from a sample of 1189 teachers working within 12 universities of Pakistan. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis of demographic data; Chi-square tests were performed to compare psychological health problems with socio-demographic characteristics, whereas Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis was run to know the relationship between prevalent work stressors and psychological health problems. Results show that the majority of respondents were male (63.8%), unmarried (58.5%), 25 to 40 years old (78.5%) and working as Lecturers or Assistant Professors (77%), thus their average job experience was 05 to 10 years. Psychological health problems were prevailing more among male, unmarried, less experienced and junior teachers. Such socio-demographic characteristics were potential risk factors for psychological health problems. Furthermore, respondents exposed to work stressors like workload, interpersonal and emotional demands were more likely to develop psychological health problems. Findings of the current study will develop awareness among teachers concerning work stress and psychological health. Such findings can be utilized by policy makers of Pakistan for devising policies about occupational health & safety of teachers. The prevalence of psychological health problems in academia of Pakistan is a recognized workplace issue. Therefore, it needs immediate corrective measures at individual and institutional levels.
The Implementation of Character Education through Scout Activities
Authors: Mislia Mislia , Mahmud Alimuddin , Manda Darman
Published: May 2016

This research aims at describing the factors influencing the extracurricular activities especially scouting. This research also aims at describing the Scouts skills that can form the students’ character. This research is also to describe the strategies for the formation of the students’ character through scout activities. This research was a qualitative approach. The sampling technique was purposive sampling. The data were collected through observation, interview, and documentation. The collected data were then analysed descriptively by using three ways namely data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion or verification. The results show that the implementation of character education through scout activities at Junior High school (SMPN 1 Maros) on the aspects of supporting factors is still not optimal. The supporting infrastructure is still lacking. The ratio between the scout leader and students is not comparable. In addition, the amount of funding and financing sources is lacking. This research also found that the Scout skills such as rigging, doing first aid, decoding, camping, marching, navigating and mapping can shape the students’ characters. The characters that can be formed are thoroughness, patience, cooperation, responsibility, social care, courage, confidence, perseverance, creative, religious, patriotism, environmental awareness, independence, discipline, curiosity, and hard work. This research also shows that character formation strategies are intervention, exemplary, habituation, facilitation, strengthening, and the involvement of other parties.
The Relationship between Happiness, Subjective Well-Being, Creativity and Job Performance of Primary School Teachers in Ramhormoz City
Authors: Jalali Zohreh , Heidari Alireza
Published: May 2016

The research aimed to investigate the relationship between happiness, subjective well-being, creativity and job performance of primary school teachers in Ramhormoz City. Hence, a sample of 330 individuals was selected through random stratified sampling. The research tools included Oxford Happiness Inventory, Subjective Well-being Scale by Keyes and Magyarmv, Creativity Inventory by Randsip and Patterson Job Performance Inventory. The research employed a correlational method and the data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Results indicated that, there is significant relationship between happiness, subjective well-being, creativity and job performance of primary school teachers in Ramhormoz City. The results of regression analysis indicated that, happiness and subjective well-being are the strongest predictors of job performance.