bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photodegradation of Pb-3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid complex under UV light illumination
Authors: Hu Xuefeng , Qin Wei
Published: February 2012

The degradation of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHBA) in the presence and absence of Pb2+ under UV illumination was studied. Addition of Pb2+ caused the formation of precipitate during photoreaction when the solution pH was higher than 6. The presence of Pb2+ remarkably inhibited the degradation of 3,4-DHBA and its photodegradation intermediates, while complexation of 3,4-DHBA and its photodegradation intermediates with Pb2+ decreased the free Pb2+ in aqueous solutions. Molecular oxygen played an important role in photodegradation of 3,4-DHBA in the presence of Pb2+. UV–Vis spectroscopy was used to investigate the interaction between Pb2+ and 3,4-DHBA at different pH conditions, and FT-IR was used to characterize the precipitate formed during photoreaction. The mineralization of 3,4-DHBA was investigate by total organic carbon analysis.
Likelihood of Starting Dialysis after Incident Fistula Creation
Authors: Oliver Matthew J. , Quinn Robert R. , Garg Amit X. , Kim S. Joseph , Wald Ron , Paterson J. Michael
Published: February 2012

Background and objectives

Guidelines promote early fistula creation to avoid central venous catheter use. This practice may lead to fistula creations in patients who never receive dialysis. The objective of this study was to estimate the risk of fistula nonuse with long-term follow-up.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Administrative health data identified 1929 predialysis adults who had their first fistula creation between April of 2002 and March of 2006. Patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years or until they began dialysis, received a kidney transplant, or died.

Results

The median follow-up times in patients who started dialysis, died without receiving dialysis, and remained in predialysis were 6.1, 11.5, and 38.7 months, respectively. Eighty-one percent of patients initiated dialysis; 9% of patients died without receiving dialysis, and 10% of patients remained predialysis. Forty percent of patients had their first fistula creation 3–12 months before initiating dialysis (the recommended window). Thirty percent were created within 90 days of starting dialysis; 30% were created more than 1 year before starting dialysis, and 10% were created more than 2 years before starting dialysis. Older patients, females, and patients with less comorbidity were not as likely to initiate dialysis after incident fistula creation.

Conclusions

Most patients who underwent fistula creation before starting dialysis eventually received dialysis with extended follow-up, but the risk was significantly modified by age, sex, and comorbidity. Many patients had fistula creations earlier or later than recommended.
A Cluster Randomized Trial of an Enhanced eGFR Prompt in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Manns Braden , Tonelli Marcello , Culleton Bruce , Faris Peter , McLaughlin Kevin , Chin Rick , Gooch Katherine , McAlister Finlay A. , Taub Ken , Thorlacius Laurel , Krause Richard , Kearns Monica , Hemmelgarn Brenda
Published: February 2012

Background and objectives

Despite reporting estimated GFR (eGFR), use of evidence-based interventions in CKD remains suboptimal. This study sought to determine the effect of an enhanced eGFR laboratory prompt containing specific management recommendations, compared with standard eGFR reporting in CKD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A cluster randomized trial of a standard or enhanced eGFR laboratory prompt was performed in 93 primary care practices in Alberta, Canada. Although all adult patients with CKD (eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) were included, medication data were only available for elderly patients (aged ≥66 years). The primary outcome, the proportion of patients with diabetes or proteinuria receiving an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), was assessed in elderly CKD patients.

Results

There were 5444 elderly CKD patients with diabetes or proteinuria who were eligible for primary outcome assessment, irrespective of baseline ACEi/ARB use. ACEi/ARB use in the subsequent year was 77.1% and 76.9% in the standard and enhanced prompt groups, respectively. In the subgroup of elderly patients with an eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2, ACEi/ARB use was higher in the enhanced prompt group. Among 22,092 CKD patients, there was no difference in the likelihood of a composite clinical outcome (death, ESRD, doubling of serum creatinine, or hospitalization for myocardial infarction, heart failure, or stroke) over a median of 2.1 years.

Conclusions

In elderly patients with CKD and an indication for ACEi/ARB, an enhanced laboratory prompt did not increase use of these medications.
Control of Glycemia and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Vinagre Irene , Mata-Cases Manel , Hermosilla Eduard , Morros Rosa , Fina Francesc , Rosell Magdalena , Castell Conxa , Franch-Nadal Josep , Bolíbar Bonaventura , Mauricio Didac
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and levels of glycemic and cardiovascular risk factor control in patients with type 2 diabetes that are in primary health care centers in Catalonia (Spain).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of a total population of 3,755,038 individuals aged 31–90 years at the end of 2009. Clinical data were obtained retrospectively from electronic clinical records.

RESULTS

A total of 286,791 patients with type 2 diabetes were identified (7.6%). Fifty-four percent were men, mean (SD) age was 68.2 (11.4) years, and mean duration of disease was 6.5 (5.1) years. The mean (SD) A1C value was 7.15 (1.5)%, and 56% of the patients had A1C values ≤7%. The mean (SD) blood pressure (BP) values were 137.2 (13.8)/76.4 (8.3) mmHg, mean total cholesterol concentration was 192 (38.6) mg/dL, mean HDL cholesterol concentration was 49.3 (13.2) mg/dL, mean LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration was 112.5 (32.4) mg/dL, and mean BMI was 29.6 (5) kg/m2. Thirty-one percent of the patients had BP values ≤130/80 mmHg, 37.9% had LDL-C values ≤100 mg/dL, and 45.4% had BMI values ≤30 kg/m2. Twenty-two percent were managed exclusively with lifestyle changes. Regarding medicated diabetic patients, 46.9, 22.9, and 2.8% were prescribed one, two, or three antidiabetic drugs, respectively, and 23.4% received insulin therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this study indicate a similar or improved control of glycemia, lipids, and BP in patients with type 2 diabetes when compared with previous studies performed in Spain and elsewhere.
Effect of Gender, Experience, and Value on Color Perception
Authors: Miranda ME
Published: February 2012

Statement of the Problem

Precise shade matching can be one of the most difficult tasks for the dentist and some variables may influence the process of shade comparison.

Purpose of the Study

This study tested the differences in shade perception between genders, the influence of the observer's clinical experience, and the value of ceramics in correct shade selection.

Material and Methods

A total of 45 women and 54 men compared 16 pairs of ceramic disks according to shades. The χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used to analyze the results, adopting 5% as the level of statistical significance. An analysis of risk was also performed to evaluate the variables.

Results

The results indicated that there were statistical differences among gender, clinical experience, and shades in discriminating ceramics.

Conclusions

Men and observers with more clinical experience were more successful in discriminating shades, although darker shades were selected more correctly than the lighter ones.
Psychometric Properties of a Chinese Translation of the Political Skill Inventory
Authors: Shi Junqi , Chen Zhuo
Published: February 2012

Ferris and colleagues defined political skill in organizations as “the ability to effectively understand others at work and to use such knowledge to influence others to act in ways that enhance one's personal and/or organizational objectives.” In this study, the psychometric properties of a Chinese translation of the Political Skill Inventory were investigated, supporting construct, convergent, discriminant, and criterion validities. The results suggested that the Chinese translation retained a four-factor structure. Political skill was positively correlated with self-monitoring, conscientiousness, political savvy, emotional intelligence, extraversion, agreeableness, and proactive personality, and was negatively correlated with trait anxiety and external locus of control. After controlling for age, sex, and job tenure, political skill was predictive of task performance, work contribution, and interpersonal help.
Gelotophobia and Thinking Styles in Sternberg's Theory
Authors: Chen Guo-Hai , Liu Yong
Published: February 2012

A hypothesis was examined, that gelotophobia (the fear of being laughed at) was negatively related to Type I thinking styles and positively related to Type II thinking styles as defined in Sternberg's theory of mental self-government. 431 university students (250 women, 181 men; M age = 20.4 yr., SD = 1.2) completed self-report measures of gelotophobia (GELOPH < 15 >) and thinking styles (Thinking Styles Inventory-Revised). Correlation and regression analyses were conducted. The results indicated that gelotophobia was negatively and significantly related to four Type I thinking styles (legislative, judicial, liberal, and hierarchical thinking styles) and a Type III thinking style (external), while it was positively and significantly related to a Type II thinking style (conservative). Thinking styles uniquely explained 18% of the total variance in gelotophobia scores. Possible interventions from the perspective of thinking styles in the treatment of gelotophobia were discussed.
Student Ethics in an Era of Personal Entitlement
Authors: Karlins Marvin , Hargis Edyth , Balfour Alan
Published: February 2012

397 students arriving to take an exam in a junior level Principles of Management course were clearly warned on several occasions to keep cell phones outside the testing area or receive a failing test grade if the policy was violated. Just before the examination was administered, with all students sitting in their assigned seats, the professor made a final announcement that anyone still in possession of a cell phone would have one last opportunity to come forward and place it in a box at the front of the testing room. After eight students accepted this final “opportunity,” the professor produced a handheld metal detector, demonstrated how it could detect cell phones placed inside clothing, and informed the class that random screening of students would be conducted as they handed in their examinations. He then added that, as a special favor, he would allow a two-minute amnesty period during which any student could bring a cell phone to the front of the room for storage during the test. 38 students responded by turning in cell phones they had retained in direct violation of course policy. Implications of this cell phone dishonesty for creating viable business ethics and the role of perceived entitlement in shaping the behavior of these future business leaders were discussed.
On some congruences of power algebras
Authors: Pilitowska Agata , Zamojska-Dzienio Anna
Published: February 2012

In a natural way we can “lift” any operation defined on a set A to an operation on the set of all non-empty subsets of A and obtain from any algebra (A, Ω) its power algebra of subsets. In this paper we investigate extended power algebras (power algebras of non-empty subsets with one additional semilattice operation) of modes (entropic and idempotent algebras). We describe some congruence relations on these algebras such that their quotients are idempotent. Such congruences determine some class of non-trivial subvarieties of the variety of all semilattice ordered modes (modals).
Weakly-exceptional quotient singularities
Authors: Sakovics Dmitrijs
Published: February 2012

A singularity is said to be weakly-exceptional if it has a unique purely log terminal blow-up. In dimension 2, V. Shokurov proved that weakly-exceptional quotient singularities are exactly those of types D
n, E
6, E
7, E
8. This paper classifies the weakly-exceptional quotient singularities in dimensions 3 and 4.
The constants of the Volterra derivation
Authors: Hegedűs Pál
Published: February 2012

The ring of constants of the Volterra derivation is found. Confirming a conjecture of Zielinski, it is always a polynomial ring.
Agitation of a gas-solid-liquid system in a vessel with high-speed impeller and vertical tubular coil
Authors: Major-Godlewska Marta , Karcz Joanna
Published: February 2012

Experimental results of gas hold-up, power consumption and residence time of gas bubbles in a gas-solid-liquid system produced in an agitated vessel equipped with a high-speed impeller and a vertical tubular coil are presented in this paper. Critical agitator speed, needed for the dispersion of gas bubbles and solid particles in liquid were also identified. The studies were carried out in an agitated vessel of the inner diameter D = 0.634 m and the working liquid volume of about 0.2 m3. A tubular coil of the diameter of 0.7D, consisting of 24 vertical tubes of the diameter of 0.016D, was located inside the flat-bottomed vessel. The agitated vessel was equipped with a Rushton turbine with six blades or an A 315 impeller with four blades. Both impellers had diameter, d, equal to 0.33D. The vessel was filled with liquid up to the height H = D. In this study, air and particles of sea sand with the mean diameter of 335 μm and the concentration of up to 3.0 mass % were dispersed in distilled water as the liquid phase. The measurements were carried out within the turbulent regime of the fluid flow in the agitated vessel. Results of the measurements were processed graphically and mathematically. Lower values of the critical agitator speed, n JSG, needed for simultaneous dispersion of gas bubbles and particles with the solids concentration from 0.5 mass % to 2 mass %, were obtained for the vessel equipped with the A 315 impeller. Higher values of the specific power consumption were reached for the vessel with the Rushton turbine. Higher values of the gas hold-up and residence time of the gas bubbles in the fluid were obtained for the system equipped with the Rushton turbine. Results of the gas hold-up as a function of the specific power consumption, superficial gas velocity and solids concentration were approximated with good accuracy using Eq. (5).
Robot Path Planning using Dynamic Programming with Accelerating Nodes
Authors: Kala Rahul , Shukla Anupam , Tiwari Ritu
Published: February 2012

We solve the problem of robot path planning using Dynamic Programming (DP) designed to perform well in case of a sudden path blockage. A conventional DP algorithm works well for real time scenarios only when the update frequency is high i.e. changes can be readily propagated. In case updates are costly, for a sudden blockage the robot continues moving along the wrong path or stands stationary. We propose a modified DP that has nodes with additional processing (called accelerating nodes) to enable different segments of the map to become informed about the blockage rapidly. We further quickly compute an alternative path in case of a blockage. Experimental results verify that usage of accelerating nodes makes the robot follow optimal paths in dynamic environments.
A Note on Sequence Prediction over Large Alphabets
Authors: Gagie Travis
Published: February 2012

Building on results from data compression, we prove nearly tight bounds on how well sequences of length n can be predicted in terms of the size σ of the alphabet and the length k of the context considered when making predictions. We compare the performance achievable by an adaptive predictor with no advance knowledge of the sequence, to the performance achievable by the optimal static predictor using a table listing the frequency of each (k + 1)-tuple in the sequence. We show that, if the elements of the sequence are chosen uniformly at random, then an adaptive predictor can compete in the expected case if k ≤ logσ n – 3 – ε, for a constant ε > 0, but not if k ≥ logσ n.
Social Environment and Control Status of Companion Animal-Borne Zoonoses in Japan
Authors: Takahashi-Omoe Hiromi , Omoe Katsuhiko
Published: February 2012

Changing social and environmental factors have been the cause of an increase in the number and variety of animals are being imported into Japan. Moreover, the number of Japanese households are keeping companion animals has also risen. These factors, along with the high density of the Japanese population and the low percentage of registered dogs, have increased the risk of animal-to-human transmission of zoonoses. To control zoonosis outbreaks, the Japanese government has implemented a three-stage approach for the border control of zoonoses and has stipulated the monitoring and reporting of eight companion animal-borne zoonoses under the Rabies Prevention Law and the Infectious Diseases Control Law. The fact that no case of human and animal rabies has been reported over the past 50 years indicates that these measures are highly effective in preventing rabies transmission. Although it is known that the total number of possible companion animal-borne zoonosis outbreaks decreased between 2005 and 2009 when compared with numbers between 2001 and 2004, the number of zoonosis cases that can be attributed to transmission by companion animals remains unclear. Active surveillance should be conducted on a national level to collect the data necessary to determine this number and identify trends in companion-animal transmitted diseases. Using the data collected, regulation systems should be evaluated to determine whether they have met reasonable goals and policy planning conducted for the control of emerging diseases.
Chromogranin A as Serum Marker for Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Single Center Experience and Literature Review
Authors: Nölting Svenja , Kuttner Axel , Lauseker Michael , Vogeser Michael , Haug Alexander , Herrmann Karin A. , Hoffmann Johannes N. , Spitzweg Christine , Göke Burkhard , Auernhammer Christoph J.
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical sensitivities of the tumor markers chromogranin A (CgA), urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the GastroEnteroPancreatic-(GEP-) system depending on tumor primary location and metastatic spread. In a retrospective single-center series, sensitivities were evaluated in serum samples from 110 patients with midgut (n = 62) and pancreatic (n = 48) NETs. CgA levels were analyzed by a commercially-available immunoradiometric assay (CIS-bio) during routine follow-up in the years 2000–2009. CgA showed a higher sensitivity for midgut (68%) than pancreatic (54%) NETs. A higher CgA sensitivity and significantly higher median CgA values were found in patients with liver metastases than in those without, and in patients with hepatic and additionally extra-hepatic metastases than in those with hepatic and nodal metastases alone, respectively. We found an overall sensitivity for elevated 5HIAA excretion of 69% for midgut NETs and a significant correlation between median CgA and 5-HIAA values. The sensitivity of AP and the correlations of AP/CgA-data-pairs were low in both midgut and pancreatic NETs, although highest for metastatic pancreatic NETs. The sensitivity of CgA measurement depends on the NET primary location and spread of disease. 5-HIAA and CgA showed comparable sensitivity in midgut NETs, while AP does not seem to be useful as a tumor marker in GEP-NETs.
Filter-Type Variable Selection Based on Information Measures for Regression Tasks
Authors: Latorre Carmona Pedro , Sotoca José Martínez , Pla Filiberto
Published: February 2012

This paper presents a supervised variable selection method applied to regression problems. This method selects the variables applying a hierarchical clustering strategy based on information measures. The proposed technique can be applied to single-output regression datasets, and it is extendable to multi-output datasets. For single-output datasets, the method is compared against three other variable selection methods for regression on four datasets. In the multi-output case, it is compared against other state-of-the-art method and tested using two regression datasets. Two different figures of merit are used (for the single and multi-output cases) in order to analyze and compare the performance of the proposed method.
Nanosecond T-Jump Experiment in Poly(glutamic acid): A Circular Dichroism Study
Authors: Mendonça Lucille , Hache François
Published: February 2012

Poly(glutamic acid) has been studied with a nanosecond T-jump experiment. A new experimental set-up based on the frequency-quadrupling of an 82 MHz Titanium-Sapphire laser allows rapid CD measurements to be performed. Combining time-resolved absorption and circular dichroism at 204 and 220 nm, we are able to measure precisely the unfolding relaxation time as well as the helical fraction evolution. We show that only CD at 220 nm is relevant to observe the unfolding of an alpha helix whereas no change is observed for CD at 204 nm. Conversely, both absorptions yield information on the dynamics of the process.
Fabrication and Performance of a Photonic-Microfluidic Integrated Device
Authors: Watts Benjamin R. , Kowpak Thomas , Zhang Zhiyi , Xu Chang-Qing , Zhu Shiping , Cao Xudong , Lin Min
Published: February 2012

Fabrication and performance of a functional photonic-microfluidic flow cytometer is demonstrated. The devices are fabricated on a Pyrex substrate by photolithographically patterning the microchannels and optics in a SU-8 layer that is sealed via a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) layer through a unique chemical bonding method. The resulting devices eliminate the free-space excitation optics through integration of microlenses onto the chip to mimic conventional cytometry excitation. Devices with beam waists of 6 μm and 12 μm in fluorescent detection and counting tests using 2.5 and 6 μm beads-show CVs of 9%–13% and 23% for the two devices, respectively. These results are within the expectations for a conventional cytometer (5%–15%) and demonstrate the ability to integrate the photonic components for excitation onto the chip and the ability to maintain the level of reliable detection.
A Survey on Virtualization of Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Islam Md. Motaharul , Hassan Mohammad Mehedi , Lee Ga-Won , Huh Eui-Nam
Published: February 2012

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are gaining tremendous importance thanks to their broad range of commercial applications such as in smart home automation, health-care and industrial automation. In these applications multi-vendor and heterogeneous sensor nodes are deployed. Due to strict administrative control over the specific WSN domains, communication barriers, conflicting goals and the economic interests of different WSN sensor node vendors, it is difficult to introduce a large scale federated WSN. By allowing heterogeneous sensor nodes in WSNs to coexist on a shared physical sensor substrate, virtualization in sensor network may provide flexibility, cost effective solutions, promote diversity, ensure security and increase manageability. This paper surveys the novel approach of using the large scale federated WSN resources in a sensor virtualization environment. Our focus in this paper is to introduce a few design goals, the challenges and opportunities of research in the field of sensor network virtualization as well as to illustrate a current status of research in this field. This paper also presents a wide array of state-of-the art projects related to sensor network virtualization.
Near Infrared Characterization of Hetero-Core Optical Fiber SPR Sensors Coated with Ta2O5 Film and Their Applications
Authors: Takagi Keiju , Watanabe Kazuhiro
Published: February 2012

This paper describes the characteristics of optical fiber sensors with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at 1,310 nm in which the scattering loss of silica optical fiber is low. SPR operation in the infrared wavelength range is achieved by coating a thin tantalum pentaoxide (Ta2O5) film. The novelty of this paper lies in the verification of how the hetero-core scheme could be operated as a commercial base candidate in the sense of easy fabrication, sufficient mechanical strength, and significant sensitivity as a liquid detector under the basis of a low loss transmission network in the near infrared wavelength region. The effect of Ta2O5 layer thickness has been experimentally revealed in the wavelength region extending to 1,800 nm by using the hetero-core structured optical fiber. SPR characterizations have been made in the wavelength region 1,000–1,300 nm, showing the feasible operation at the near infrared wavelength and the possible practical applications. In addition, the technique developed in this work has been interestingly applied to a multi-point water-detection and a water-level gauge in which tandem-connected SPR sensors system using hetero-core structured fibers were incorporated. The detailed performance characteristics are also shown on these applications.
Development of microsatellite primers of the largest seagrass, Enhalus acoroides (Hydrocharitaceae)
Authors: Gao Hui , Jiang Kai , Geng Yan , Chen Xiao‐Yong
Published: February 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the seagrass Enhalus acoroides to investigate genetic variation and identify clonal structure.

• Methods and Results: Four polymorphic loci and 32 monomorphic loci were developed in E. acoroides. Two to four alleles per locus were observed at the polymorphic loci across 60 individuals of two E. acoroides populations. The observed and expected heterozygosities within populations ranged from 0.100 to 0.5667 and from 0.0977 to 0.5079, respectively.

• Conclusions: Our study revealed very low polymorphism in E. acoroides, even at the polymorphic loci. Nevertheless, these primers are a useful tool to study genetic variation, clonal structure, and mating system.
Development of microsatellite markers for Dimorphandra mollis (Leguminosae), a widespread tree from the Brazilian cerrado
Authors: Souza Helena A. V. , Collevatti Rosane G. , Lemos‐Filho José P. , Santos Fabrício R. , Lovato Maria Bernadete
Published: February 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Dimorphandra mollis (Leguminosae), a widespread tree in the Brazilian cerrado (a savanna‐like vegetation).

• Methods and Results: Microsatellite markers were developed from an enriched library. The analyses of polymorphism were based on 56 individuals from three populations. Nine microsatellite loci were polymorphic, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from three to 10 across populations. The observed and expected heterozygosities per locus and population ranged from 0.062 to 0.850 and from 0.062 to 0.832, respectively.

• Conclusions: These microsatellites provide an efficient tool for population genetics studies and will be used to assess the genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of D. mollis.
Home-based management of acute diarrhoeal disease in an urban slum of Aligarh, India
Authors: Shah Mohammad Salman , Ahmad Anees , Khalique Najam , Afzal Suboohi , Ansari Mohammad Athar , Khan Zulfia
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Diarrhoea is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Most deaths are caused by dehydration and are easily preventable by using oral rehydration therapy. Early management and recognition of danger signs are key strategies in treating diarrhoeal diseases at home. This study assessed the knowledge and health-care seeking behaviour of families regarding diarrhoeal illness in children aged under five years. Methodology: The study was undertaken during June and July 2009 in an urban slum of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. Mothers of children (n = 101) suffering from diarrhoea with at least one episode in the last two weeks prior to the interview were included. Information was gathered on a predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Results: Overall prevalence of diarrhoea in children under five was 36%. Life-threatening symptoms which the mothers knew were watery stool (85%) and repeated vomiting (54%). Two thirds (69%) of the mothers continued breastfeeding their children during the episode, while the remaining either withheld or interrupted breastfeeding. The majority visited a nearby unsanctioned health practitioner. Less than half (46.5%) of the mothers knew about oral rehydration salt solution and only 29.8% of those knew the correct method of preparation. Only 38.7% of the respondents knew about suitable fluids available at home, out of which salt sugar solution was the choice in most cases. Conclusion: The study highlights that the mothers' knowledge is not adequate.  Educating mothers and caretakers regarding early home-based case management of childhood diarrhoea may substantially decrease morbidity and mortality due to diarrhoea.
Hickman catheter-related bacteremia caused by Gordonia sputi in a patient with breast cancer
Authors: Kofteridis Diamantis P. , Valachis Antonios , Scoulica Efstathia , Christidou Athanasia , Maraki Sofia , Samonis George
Published: February 2012

The case of a Hickman catheter-related bacteremia caused by Gordonia sputi in a patient with breast cancer is presented. Blood cultures grew a Gram-positive rod, susceptible to several antimicrobials, subsequently identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Gordonia sputi. The infection resolved after successful treatment with antibiotics and catheter removal.
Métaphysique et poésie: une admirable concordia discors ?
Authors: Chenet François
Published: February 2012

Résumé La question des rapports entre philosophie et poésie n’a cessé de solliciter la réflexion comme s’il y avait entre elles affinité et hostilité secrètes. Qu’en est-il du rapport sans séparation ni confusion entre philosophie et poésie ? Penseurs et poètes peuvent-ils se rencontrer ? Et quels sont les voies et moyens de leur possible conciliation ? L’affinité secrète entre métaphysique et poésie est d’abord élucidée à la lumière de la philosophie de Schelling. Il est ensuite fait droit à la secrète hostilité entre poésie et philosophie en se référant à la conception du poète et penseur Yves Bonnefoy. Enfin sont explorées les voies d’une conciliation par l’analyse de l’intuition créatrice dans l’art et la poésie développée par Jacques Maritain, et par la conception de la « fonction Méta » proposée par Stanislas B reton. En définitive, il se pourrait que la poésie aille plus loin que la métaphysique, ainsi que le proclama R. W. Emerson célébrant l’office de la poésie et n’hésitant pas à comparer le Poète au Créateur.
La pensée de Claudel : la poësie intégrale
Authors: Caron Maxence
Published: February 2012

Résumé Claudel est le « poëte » de la présence de la Vérité, pour qui la « poësie » est manifestation musicale de la pensée. Le poëte chante la présence dans le monde de la Cause du monde, présence transcendante au monde, mais médiatisée, à la différence du divin de Hölderlin. L’Absolu n’est pas muet, il parle par le Christ, présent dans l’Église par l’eucharistie. De là vient l’idée d’une « poësie intégrale ». Contre la voie de l’apophatisme, Claudel invoque la co-naissance de l’homme et de Dieu. Le poëte est l’homme de l’être, fidèle à Mnémosyne, la mère des Muses, qui est la grâce. Claudel est conscient que ses œuvres sont et seront méconnues en raison de l’ontologie et de l’exégèse biblique qui les nourrissent.
Philosophie, poésie, mystère
Authors: Grasset Bernard
Published: February 2012

Résumé Pour mettre en regard les domaines à la fois proches et différents de la poésie etde la philosophie, on conjugue démarches diachronique et synchronique. Après avoirexploré les sources grecques et patristiques, on s’appuie sur des auteurs comme Pascal,Péguy, Tagor, pour montrer comment la philosophie s’approfondit à la rencontre dela poésie, comment la poésie s’élève à la rencontre de la pensée. Dans l’accueil dumystère peut advenir une poésie philosophique, une philosophie poétique. Le poètepenseuret le penseur-poète témoignent du souffle du mystère. En regardant l’existencedans la mémoire de la mort, la parole poétique et philosophique garde vivante la véritédu mystère. La proximité entre poésie et philosophie se fonde sur le mystère.
Restos de Acinonyx pardinensis (Croizet et Jobert) del Villafranquiese Medio de Varshets (Bulgaria) y la historia de los guepardos en Eurasia durante el Plio-Pleistoceno
Authors: Spassov N.
Published: February 2012

Se describen y discuten restos de guepardo, Acinonyxpardinensis (Criozet&Jobert) del Plioceno final (Villafranquiense medio) de Varshets, NW de Bulgaria. Se acepta la existencia de tres cronoformas A. pardinensispardinensis, A. p. pleistocaenicus y A.p. intermedius que se suceden en Europa desde el comienzo del Villafranquiese (Etouaires, ca. 2,6 Ma) hasta el Pleistoceno medio. Aunque los restos fósiles son escasos podemos aceptar la reciente propuesta de un estatus subespecífico para todas estas formas, pero sus relaciones taxonómicas son bastante complejas. Los fósiles de Varshets corresponden a la primera forma A. pardinensis pardinensis que habitó Eurasia durante el Villafranquiense inferior y medio hasta el comienzo del Pleistoceno. Otros restos europeos de A. pardinensis pardinensis son conocidos sólo en España, Francia, Italia y la región de Azov en el sur de Rusia. Parece que la especie sólo ocupó la parte sur del continente europeo (áreas Mediterránea-Balcanes-Norte del Ponto), y desde allí probablemente se expandió al Asia central (Tajikistán). Tal distribución apoya el concepto de entidad faunística del sur de Europa durante el Villafranquiense, tanto como la teoría de una influencia centro asiática en esta fauna, principalmente a través de los Balcanes por dos rutas, el Bósforo o el área Peripóntica. De acuerdo a los datos paleontológicos los Acinonyx fósiles no alcanzaron Europa central (Alemania y Austria) antes del Epivillafranquiense, posiblemente después de una nueva dispersión de otras formas del Pleistoceno inferior del Asia central. La relación de A. pardinensis del Villafranquiense medio con las formas casi contemporáneas de China (Hezheng) “Sivapanthera” linxiaensis y A. kurteni y con las de los Siwaliks no es clara, pero las formas chinas pueden representar diferentes taxones de A. pardinensis. Acinonyx sensu stricto está caracterizado por el área frontal ensanchada con acusada forma de domo, cráneo acortado y neurocráneo inclinado hacia abajo. Los nuevos datos argumentan la suposiciónde su origen Eurasiático hacia el final del Rusciniense o comienzos del Villafranquiense.
Musteloidea (Carnivora, Mammalia) del Mioceno Superior de Venta del Moro (Valencia, España)
Authors: Montoya P. , Morales J. , Abella J.
Published: February 2012

Se describen los Musteloidea procedentes del Mioceno terminal (MN13) de Venta del Moro (Valencia, España). Se han determinado los siguientes taxones: Martes ginsburgi nov. sp., Lutra affinis Gervais, 1859, Plesiogulo monspessulanus Viret, 1939 y Promephitis alexejewi Schlosser, 1924. Exceptuando a P. monspessulanus, que ya se ha citado también en la MN13 de Las Casiones (Teruel), se trata de una asociación inédita en el Mioceno de la Península Ibérica. Martes ginsburgi nov. sp. se asemeja en talla y morfología del m1 a las especies asiáticas del mismo género M. anderssoni y M. zdanskyi, pero se diferencia de ellas por la posesión del un M1 muy ancho, con una plataforma lingual muy desarrollada. La presencia de Lutra affinis supone la tercera cita de esta especie en el registro fósil, ya que sólo se conocía en el Plioceno de Montpellier (Francia) y en el Mioceno terminal de Maramena (Grecia). Promephitis alexejewi supone la primera cita para Europa de esta especie registrada hasta ahora sólo en dos yacimientos de Mongolia y China. Se diferencia del resto de especies afines por la posesión de un m1 más estrecho, con trigónido muy sectorial.
El cambio de ideas acerca de la evolución y morfología functional de los félidos Machairodontinos
Authors: Turner A. , Antón M. , Salesa M. J. , Morales J.
Published: February 2012

Los félidos de dientes de sable, los macairodontinos, han ejercido una especial atracción entre los paleontólogos durante muchas décadas, no sólo por su espectacular morfología, sino también debido a que son un llamativo ejemplo de evolución convergente, probablemente ligada a una fuerte presión selectiva. En este trabajo suministramos una recopilación de los cambios de interpretación acerca de su anatomía functional y evolución, desde las primeras hipótesis en las que se proponía un ataque por apuñalamiento y un control pleitrópico del complejo morfológico macairodontino, hasta los actuales puntos de vista que favorecen un modelo de mordedura muy especializado y una evolución en mosaico de los carácteres anatómicos.
Presencia del bóvido Austroportax en el yacimiento mioceno de Batallones-1 (MN 10, cuenca de Madrid, España)
Authors: Sánchez M. , Quiralte V. , Morales J.
Published: February 2012

Los restos de bóvidos son excepcionalmente raros en los yacimientos del Cerro de los Batallones. Sin embargo, en Batallones-1 se han hallado restos mandibulares y maxilares de un individuo juvenil perteneciente a una especie de bóvido de talla grande. En el presente trabajo describimos estos fósiles y los asignamos al género europeo Austroportax (Sickenberg, 1829). Los fósiles quedan nombrados como Austroportax sp. debido a la ausencia de material diagnóstico adicional perteneciente a esta especie.
On Problem Based Learning and Application to Computer Games Design Teaching
Authors: Timcenko Olga , Stojic Radoslav
Published: February 2012

Problem-based learning is a pedagogical approach which started in early 1970s. It is well developed and established until now. Aalborg University in Denmark is one of pioneering world universities in PBL and has accumulated a huge experience in PBL for many different study lines. One of them is Medialogy education, which was established in 2002. This paper presents transfer of experiences from Medialogy education in Denmark to Game development education in Serbia - a new (2 years old) study line successfully developed in the country where game development companies hardly exist, but a need for newly educated programmers is evident.
Using Online Presence to Improve Online Collaborative Learning
Authors: Jeremic Zoran , Milikic Nikola , Jovanovic Jelena , Brkovic Mirjana , Radulovic Filip
Published: February 2012

Social software tools have become an integral part of studentsâ?? personal lives and their primary communication medium. Likewise, these tools are increasingly entering the enterprise world (within the recent trend known as Enterprise 2.0) and becoming a part of everyday work routines. Aiming to keep the pace with the job requirements and also to position learning as an integral part of studentsâ?? life, the field of education is challenged to embrace social software. Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) emerged as a concept that makes use of social software to facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, group formation around common interests, active participation and reflective thinking in online learning settings. Furthermore, social software allows for establishing and maintaining oneâ??s presence in the online world. By being aware of a student's online presence, a PLE is better able to personalize the learning settings, e.g., through recommendation of content to use or people to collaborate with. Aiming to explore the potentials of online presence for the provision of recommendations in PLEs, in the scope of the OP4L project, we have develop a software solution that is based on a synergy of Semantic Web technologies, online presence and socially-oriented learning theories. In this paper we present the current results of this research work.
Technology Breakthrough and Mutability Management
Authors: Amaïzo Yves Ekoué
Published: February 2012

This world is experiencing increasing flows of outsourcing of technologies and management behaviors from industrial technology-led countries to selected part of the developing and emerging world. Technology breakthrough implies market disruption as well as disruptive innovation processes. A weak capability of absorption partly explains delays in the technological mutation of selected part of the society. Mutability is gradually becoming an integrated part of a breakthrough paradigm that aims at sustaining disruptive innovation. Mutability management might be the appropriate tool to deal with agility with those forthcoming emerging changes.
Strategy and Policy Issues Related to Nanotechnology Innovations in Medical Education
Authors: Chachibaia Tamar
Published: February 2012

Nanotechnology, the science of building devices at the molecular and atomic levels, is finding applications in many fields. From computing to communication and to drug delivery, it continues to provide a new dimension on what science can deliver to the society. In this chapter, the author examines the strategy and policy issues affecting innovations in nanotechnology with specific focus on medical education. The field of nanotechnology is broad and encompasses a variety of disciplines, including the physical sciences, engineering, and biomedicine; consequently, an educational system that focuses on any single discipline will not provide adequate training. So, creating an environment in which students can obtain an interdisciplinary education is necessary. That will shape their perspectives as well as position them to creatively use the potentials of the technology to advance science and human society.
Social Networks, Online Technologies, and Virtual Learning
Authors: Rose Lydia
Published: February 2012

The disruptive communications technologies to higher educational structures today mimics the disruptive nature of ideological advances to learning technologies that were experienced in past decades regarding higher education. Online cloud computing in the areas of interactions, communication, social networking, and online information resources are applicable technologies to higher education. Educational establishments have the option of offering virtual online educational experiences as well as credentials that challenge traditional modes and practices of many colleges and universities. The dilemma facing educational structures is to recognize which conditions and practices need to be restructured into the learning environment and what cultural norms need establishing regarding these new technologies. This chapter is organized by situating education and academia within a technological/historical-ideological context, follow the global progression and distribution of communications technologies as disruptive technologies, and applying social network theory in establishing cultural practices as articulating global revolutionary/counterrevolutionary practices of virtual education.
Technology and the Multipolar Global Economy
Authors: McGuire Steven
Published: February 2012

The European Union has engaged in several attempts to increase the level of innovation in member states – largely without success. This chapter argues that a combination of global and regional issues explain this failure. What was once a process dominated by Europe and America, innovation is “going global,” with many countries now developing national innovation systems. European firms are conducting more of their research in emerging markets, and in Europe, firms seem unable to raise their share of overall research and development spending. The Commission, for its part, lacks the necessary regulatory and legislative powers to forge a new regional innovation system and is instead reliant on a policy mix of overarching objectives, some directed funding, and comparative analysis of member state policies.
Consequences of Disruptive Technology
Authors: Romo Güera Massyn
Published: February 2012

There is an industry tendency to create new roles to compensate for the unavailability of adequately skilled staff. This contributes to establishing new business management practices in allocating and managing operational responsibility. An example of a permanent parallel organisation structure, namely Revenue Assurance (RA) in the Communications Services Provider (CSP) industry is described in context of the CSP industry challenges to ensure complete and accurate billing of communication services. This discussion is positioned with reference to organisational learning (OL) theory and objectives. This chapter argues that parallel structures be utilised as learning structures rather than operational compensating structures as is the case with the RA implementation in practice today. Future research must focus on competency destruction as a conscious organisational process in association with a renewed focus on targeted recruitment, adequate personnel performance management, and a continued reliance on existing business management practices such as project management and risk management.
Technology for Remote Access
Authors: Fulkerson Diane M.
Published: February 2012

Technology to access materials remotely has gone from document delivery via snail mail to documents received electronically. No longer do users have to come into the library to find articles in scholarly journals, magazines, and newspapers. Books are not always available electronically, but users can search the library’s online catalog to find print and e-books without going to the library. The primary technologies used to access materials off-campus are virtual private networks (VPN) and EZproxy. These technologies authenticate users through a password. Once they are authenticated they can access the library collections for their research.
Virtual Libraries
Authors: Fulkerson Diane M.
Published: February 2012

Virtual libraries are often considered the same as digital collections but in fact, they are different from digital collections given the fact they often contain links to reference sources or subject specific materials including reference books or web sites. Virtual libraries originally intended for distance education students but are available for any researcher or student.
Conclusion
Authors: Fulkerson Diane M.
Published: February 2012

Remote access technologies for library collections encompass more than just the technology required to access the resources from an off-campus location. Users no longer have to enter the library to use journals or search the catalog to find books, and remote access technologies have moved the library beyond its physical space to reach a greater numbers of users. Is the library going to cease to exist because of this technology? It is doubtful. The number of electronic resources and collections continues to grow but libraries cannot subscribe to every journal electronically, and not every journal is available electronically. The same holds true for books. E-books can be found in the collections of almost every academic library, yet they are not very popular with students. As more online courses are offered by colleges and universities, remote access to library collections will continue to increase, and libraries will need to make sure their users will be able to access the resources and to offer instruction to students and faculty on how to gain access to the resources from off-campus locations.