bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Validation of an Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Skills Training Model: A Pilot Study
Authors: Burge Scott D. , Bunegin Leon , Weitzel Erik K. , McMains K. Christopher
Published: September 2012

Background

Performing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) requires a trainee surgeon to develop both thorough anatomic understanding and new manual dexterity skills. Traditionally, these skills were learned in the operating room setting. In an era of available surgical simulation, this practice introduces ethical concerns about exposing patients to unnecessary risks during surgical skills development. Additionally, cost-effective rhinologic training has become increasingly important. To address these problems, a low-cost, intermediate-fidelity FESS training model was developed, and both speed and accuracy of task completion were measured to assess both immediate and intermediate-term skills retention.

Methods

Preliminary data were collected on 12 medical students and 10 resident-level (PGY1, -2, and -3) learners. Distinct tasks were performed five times on the initial day of testing and repeated after 2 weeks.

Results

Both groups attained statistically significant improvement in time to complete both tasks by the second iteration of each task and retained this effect after 2 weeks. Similarly, statistically significant improvement was seen for accuracy relative to the initial attempt by the fifth iteration for residents. This effect was also seen by the third through fifth iterations and after 2 weeks for students. Additionally, when the 2-week follow-up testing was compared with the fifth attempt, the only skills that deteriorated significantly were the resident group with the complex task times and the students with measures of accuracy. However, in both cases a highly significant improvement from initial attempts was maintained (p = 0.02 and p = 0.005, respectively). Residents were significantly faster than medical students at both simple and complex tasks for attempts 1 through h 4, but this difference was not significant for attempt 5 and after 2 weeks. Residents had significantly fewer errors for all but the 2-week data point.

Conclusion

The data from this pilot study support improved FESS skills for both medical students and residents using this low-cost, intermediate-fidelity model.
The Young's Procedure for Severe Epistaxis from Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Richer Sara L. , Geisthoff Urban W. , Livada Nancy , Ward P. Daniel , Johnson Leland , Mainka Alexander , Henderson Katharine J. , Maune Steffen , White Robert I. , Ross Douglas A.
Published: September 2012

Background

Surgical treatment of epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) has historically been managed with the laser procedure or the septodermoplasty procedure. For transfusion-dependent patients with severe epistaxis we have been performing the Young's procedure or surgical closure of the nostrils. The objective of this study was to report treatment of severe epistaxis related to HHT with the Young's procedure and assess patient outcome.

Methods

Patients with severe iron or blood transfusion–dependent epistaxis who underwent a Young's procedure in three otolaryngology HHT centers were reviewed. Patients were evaluated for postoperative epistaxis and subjective outcome.

Results

Forty-three patients underwent a Young's procedure for severe epistaxis and were observed for a mean of 34 months. The procedure was well tolerated by all patients and 30 of 36 patients (83%) experienced complete cessation of bleeding after the Young's procedure. Patients had a mean increase in hemoglobin of 4.68 g/dL after the procedure. The average Glasgow Benefit Inventory score after surgery was 43.56. No patients requested a reversal of the procedure.

Conclusion

The Young's procedure is a safe and efficacious procedure with complete cessation of epistaxis in most patients with severe epistaxis and HHT.
Advantages of Glove Finger–coated Polyvinyl Acetate Pack in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Kim Dae Woo , Lee Eun-Jae , Kim Sang-Wook , Jeon Sea-Yuong
Published: September 2012

Background

This study investigated the efficacy of glove finger–coated polyvinyl acetate (PA) pack on hemostasis, pain levels, and wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods

A prospective, randomized, double-blinded controlled study was performed in 30 patients who underwent bilateral ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis. Fifteen patients (control group) had both nasal cavities packed with PA pack (Merocel; Medtronic Xomed, Jacksonville, FL) and another 15 subjects (experimental group) had their nasal cavities packed with PA in a glove finger. Pain levels were assessed by patients on a visual analog scale 12 hours after surgery and at the time of packing removal. The amount of bleeding on removal were quantified by weighing it after removal. Lund-Kennedy score and synechiae formation were assessed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. The use of analgesics and oral steroid was compared between the two groups.

Results

The experimental group showed lower levels of pain and lessened bleeding during packing removal than the control group. There were no differences in pain levels at 12 hours after surgery, use of analgesics and oral steroid between the two groups. One (6%) of each group had postoperative bleeding and required additional packing for hemostasis. Lower Lund-Kennedy score at postoperative 4 weeks was documented in the experimental group. In addition, two (13%) control subjects developed a synechiae between the middle turbinate and the lateral wall.

Conclusion

PA packing in a glove finger is advantageous in terms of pain, bleeding on packing removal, and postoperative wound healing, compared with PA pack only.
Effects of Escitalopram on Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Erkul Evren , Cingi Cemal , Korkmaz Müge Özçelik , Çekiç Tuğba , Çukurova Ibrahim , Yaz Aytekin , Erdoğmuş Nagehan , Bal Cengiz
Published: September 2012

Background

Insufficient response to treatment and declining quality of life illustrate the continuing need to find new treatment modalities for allergic rhinitis (AR). The purpose of this study was to assess how escitalopram affects symptoms and quality of life among AR patients.

Methods

This study included 120 patients with AR, who were divided into four treatment groups of 30 patients each. Patients were assessed before treatment and at the end of the 3rd month based on nasal symptom scores, otorhinolaryngological examination, the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory. All patients received standardized treatments. Group A patients with positive Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory scores received escitalopram, and group B patients with positive Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory scores received placebo. Group C patients with negative Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory scores received escitalopram, and group D patients with negative Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory scores received placebo.

Results

Anxiety scores pre- and posttreatment revealed a statistically significant reduction in groups A, C, and D. All four groups exhibited reduced posttreatment scores for sleep, nonnasal and noneye symptoms, eye symptoms, and emotions. A statistically significant difference appeared between groups A and B in terms of general complaints and nasal symptom scores.

Conclusion

The positive effects of escitalopram on posttreatment quality of life in the Beck-positive patient group were a predictable outcome. Otolaryngologists should pay more attention to the moods of their patients with AR while they evaluate treatment during clinical follow-up visits.
Citizenship Education through an Ability Expectation and “Ableism” Lens: The Challenge of Science and Technology and Disabled People
Authors: Wolbring Gregor
Published: September 2012

Citizenship education has been debated for some time and has faced various challenges over time. This paper introduces the lens of “ableism” and ability expectations to the citizenship education discourse. The author contends that the cultural dynamic of ability expectations and ableism (not only expecting certain abilities, but also perceiving certain abilities as essential) was one factor that has and will continue to shape citizenship and citizenship education. It focuses on three areas of citizenship education: (a) active citizenship; (b) citizenship education for a diverse population; and (c) global citizenship. It covers two ability-related challenges, namely: disabled people, who are often seen as lacking expected species-typical body abilities, and, advances of science and technology that generate new abilities. The author contends that the impact of ability expectations and ableism on citizenship and citizenship education, locally and in a globalized world, is an important and under-researched area.
Recognition Stage for a Speed Supervisor Based on Road Sign Detection
Authors: Carrasco Juan-Pablo , De la Escalera Arturo de la Escalera , Armingol José María
Published: September 2012

Traffic accidents are still one of the main health problems in the World. A number of measures have been applied in order to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities in roads, i.e., implementation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) based on image processing. In this paper, a real time speed supervisor based on road sign recognition that can work both in urban and non-urban environments is presented. The system is able to recognize 135 road signs, belonging to the danger, yield, prohibition obligation and indication types, and sends warning messages to the driver upon the combination of two pieces of information: the current speed of the car and the road sign symbol. The core of this paper is the comparison between the two main methods which have been traditionally used for detection and recognition of road signs: template matching (TM) and neural networks (NN). The advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches will be shown and commented. Additionally we will show how the use of well-known algorithms to avoid illumination issues reduces the amount of images needed to train a neural network.
Microsatellite markers developed for Utricularia reniformis (Lentibulariaceae)
Authors: Clivati Débora , Gitzendanner Matthew Aaron , Hilsdorf Alexandre Wagner Silva , Araújo Welington Luiz , Oliveira de Miranda Vítor Fernandes
Published: September 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed to study the genetic diversity and population structure of the carnivorous bladderwort Utricularia reniformis, which is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southern and southeastern Brazil. Cross‐species amplification was tested in U. gibba, U. neottioides, U. subulata, and Pinguicula benedicta.

• Methods and Results: The U. reniformis genome was sequenced in a 454 GS FLX sequencer, and eight primer sets were developed based on the microsatellites identified from the reads. All loci are polymorphic, showing 1.6 to 4.8 alleles per population. Preliminary results show that primer sets are suitable for population‐level studies. Cross‐species amplification was successful in three other Utricularia species and one Pinguicula species.

• Conclusions: Markers developed in this study provide tools for analyses of intra‐ and interpopulation genetic diversity in Utricularia and Pinguicula.
A New Tool to Study Ribavirin-Induced Haemolysis
Authors: Brochot Etienne , François Catherine , Castelain Sandrine , Helle François , Van Nhien Albert Nguyen , Duchaussoy Isabelle , Capron Dominique , Nguyen-Khac Eric , Duverlie Gilles
Published: September 2012

Background

Today, treatment of chronic hepatitis C is based on a synergistic combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin with antiprotease inhibitors. Haemolytic anaemia, which is the major side effect of ribavirin treatment, disrupts ribavirin treatment compliance and varies significantly from one patient to another. There is an individual susceptibility to ribavirin haemolysis. With a view to studying haemolysis, and thus optimizing the treatment response, we have developed a new in vitro tool for analysing the ribavirin-induced lysis of red blood cells.

Methods

Resuspended red blood cells were incubated with isotonic buffer and a range of concentrations of ribavirin. Haemolysis was quantified by spectrophotometric measurement of the supernatant at 540 nm. The assay was used to test the effects of various compounds and to investigate the susceptibility of patients to haemolytic anaemia.

Results

In our assay, the degree of haemolysis is dependent on the ribavirin concentration used and can be inhibited by the addition of dipyridamole (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50] 30 μM), ATP or glutathione (IC50 1.63 mM and 767 μM, respectively). We observed a strong decrease in red blood cell haemolysis in the presence of the ribavirin prodrug viramidine (Taribavirin®). When testing the performance of this assay with blood from 24 patients before treatment, we observed a strong correlation between in vitro haemolysis before treatment and the decrease in haemoglobin levels seen in vivo during subsequent treatment ( P<0.001).

Conclusions

With this new tool it is possible to better evaluate individual susceptibility to ribavirin-induced haemolysis before the start of treatment. In addition, this model will enable the mechanism of ribavirin-induced anaemia to be further explored and allow molecules that could reduce ribavirin haemolysis to be screened and tested in vitro. This approach could help optimize current and future therapeutic strategies involving ribavirin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
HIV Infection and Obesity: Where Did All the Wasting Go?
Authors: Tate Tyler , Willig Amanda L , Willig James H , Raper James L , Moneyham Linda , Kempf Mirjam-Colette , Saag Michael S , Mugavero Michael J
Published: September 2012

Background

The success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to dramatic changes in causes of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals. As chronic disease rates have increased in HIV-positive populations, modifiable risk factors such as obesity have increased in importance. Our objective was to evaluate factors associated with weight change among patients receiving ART.

Methods

ART-naive patients initiating therapy at the University of Alabama, Birmingham 1917 HIV/AIDS Clinic from 2000 to 2008 were included. Body mass index (BMI) was categorized as: underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5–24.9), overweight (25–29.9) and obese (≥30). Linear regression models were used to evaluate overall change in BMI and factors associated with increased BMI category 24 months following ART initiation.

Results

Among 681 patients, the mean baseline BMI was 25.4 ±6.1; 44% of patients were overweight/obese. At 24 months, 20% of patients moved from normal to overweight/obese or from overweight to obese BMI categories. Greater increases in BMI were observed in patients with baseline CD4+ T-cell counts <50 cells/μl (3.4 ±4.1; P<0.01) and in those on boosted protease inhibitors (2.5 ±4.1; P=0.01), but did not account for all of the variations observed in weight change.

Conclusions

The findings that almost one-half of patients were overweight or obese at ART initiation and that 1 in 5 patients moved to a deleterious BMI category within 2 years of ART initiation are alarming. ART therapy provides only a modest contribution to weight gain in patients. Obesity represents a highly prevalent condition in patients with HIV infection and an important target for intervention.
Designing Serious Games for People with Disabilities
Authors: Evett Lindsay , Ridley Allan , Keating Liz , Merritt Patrick , Shopland Nick , Brown David
Published: September 2012

Serious games are effective and engaging learning resources for people with disabilities, and guidelines exist to make games accessible to people with disabilities. During research into designing accessible interfaces and games, it was noted that people who are blind often report enjoying playing Wii Sports. These games are pick-up-and-play games for casual and non-gamers. They have simplified rules and a natural and intuitive feel. Games designed specifically for players with particular disabilities are often not of interest to other players and take a lot of development time. Because of their niche market, these games are not widely available, developed, or maintained. In contrast, games like Wii Sports are cheap and available, and represent an exciting opportunity as inclusive games. Two blind players were introduced to the games and found Wii Tennis the most accessible. The blind players learned to play the game quickly and easily, found it enjoyable and engaging, and could play competitively against each other, as well as a sighted opponent. Small accessibility enhancements of the existing game could enhance the game for other players. In this paper, implications for the design of accessible, inclusive games are discussed.
Background Music in Educational Games
Authors: Linek Stephanie B. , Marte Birgit , Albert Dietrich
Published: September 2012

Most game-designers likely stick to the assumption that background music is a design feature for fostering fun and game play. From a psychological point of view, these (intuitive) aspects act upon the intrinsic motivation and the flow experience of players. However, from a pure cognitive perspective on instructional design, background music could also be considered to be redundant information, which distracts from learning. The presented study investigated the influence of background music (present vs. not present) within an educational adventure game on motivational (intrinsic motivation, experienced flow) and cognitive variables (cognitive load, learning success). The results suggest a high motivational potential of background music. However, neither positive nor negative effects on learning were detected. Thus, background music can be considered as a motivating design element of educational games without negative side-effects on learning.
A Multi-Agent System for Production Networks Simulation
Authors: Hamichi Samir , Mangalagiu Diana , Guessoum Zahia
Published: September 2012

In this chapter, the authors present a multi-agent model aimed to investigate emergent organizational structures in production networks and their reification by means of pheromone-based algorithms. The model considers agents (firms) embedded in a production network, interacting among them through business-to-business relations. The evolution of the network structure is endogenous, as it takes into account the individual behavior of the firms and their interactions. The firms are adaptive agents taking investment decisions according to their business efficiency. They adapt their prices to be competitive and get a larger share of the market. Also, they adapt their business relations with their suppliers in order to reduce costs of inputs and get orders satisfied. The agent’s proactivity, with very simple decision mechanisms at the micro level, leads to the emergence of meta-stable business clusters and supply chains at the macro level. Pheromone-based algorithms reify dynamically these clusters as explicit graphs. The results of the authors’ simulations show the impact of the transportation cost and the geographical reach on the regionalization of production and on wealth patterns. Individual firms, with local B2B interactions and decisions, form stable production systems based on the supply/demand and market growth mechanisms leading to the maturation of the market.
Assessing Multi-Site Distributed Coordination in Dynamic Assignment of Time-Critical Entity via Agent-Based Simulation
Authors: Teng Yu , Kong Nan
Published: September 2012

This chapter investigates distributed coordination in dynamic assignment of time-critical entities among multiple sites. The authors develop an agent-based simulation model in which each agent applies some adaptive assignment rule to match supplies and demands that are generated at its own site. They assume each agent has autonomy to design its hierarchical assignment rule and update it based on periodical review of its assignment performance. The authors model the benefit of each assignment based on the life spans of the resource and the need, and a distance measure between them. They consider two distinct centralized initial assignment rules and assess how agents update their rules. The authors also evaluate the impact of different agent environments, numbers of supply/demand agents, and ratios of supply/demand rates.
Communication as a Key Factor in Cooperation Success and Virtual Enterprise Paradigm Support
Authors: Januska Ing. Martin
Published: September 2012

Commonality among business subjects and the ability to communicate with each other effectively are critical factors for the success of the project. Communication between these entities is a source of information and data, which all participants need for being able to work effectively. Therefore, the communication is strongly correlated to the performance. Nowadays, there is a significantly increasing pressure on the speed of communication, transparency, relevance, and volume of data transmitted. This need leads to design of a new communication environment.
The Redefined Role of Consumer as a Prosumer
Authors: Rusko Rauno
Published: September 2012

The scarcity of resources and tightening competition drive small and medium enterprises to find new solutions for product development and production. In addition to other (competing) firms and strategic alliances, the firms are searching assistance for production and R&D also among other stakeholders, such as consumers and public sector. In addition to the importance of careful stakeholder analysis, this study emphasises the old ideas, introduced initially by Alvin Toffler, about the role of consumer as a producer and developer of the products, which is the role of prosumer in the contemporary business and technological environment. The updated perspectives of prosumer are directed in this study into the concepts, such as consumer-based coopetition, crowdsourcing and value co-creation. These viewpoints provide new solutions especially for the capable SMEs to plan the production and design of the products with the help of customers in spite of the small organization. Furthermore, this study shows that the contemporary applications of crowdsourcing are concentrated in the business of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and its solutions and platforms. Therefore, also open information and closed innovation strategies are in the focal point of this study. The main contribution of this study is directed in these discussions with a new introduced framework, which is based on the earlier studies of this field.
Distributed Production Planning Models in Production Networks
Authors: Renna Paolo
Published: September 2012

Production networks can be dynamically structured and involving multiple production sites with different objectives. This organizational structure is able to match agility and efficiency to compete in the global market. In this environment is impossible for a single organization to control whole production networks; thus, a decentralized approach has been developed to manage the production networks. However, the coordinate mechanism in decentralized control is more important to obtain a high level of performance. The research proposes innovative coordination strategies for coordinate production networks by Multi Agent Architecture. A link between negotiation strategies and a production planning algorithm has been developed in order to support the coordination strategies proposed. In particular, two protocols to reach an agreement between customer and the production network have been proposed: negotiation and an expected profit approaches. Moreover, two coordination strategies have been proposed: index efficiency and ranking price approaches. Finally, the possibility of divide the orders in lots by the customer is proposed. A simulation environment based on open source code and Multi Agent Architecture has been developed to test the proposed approaches. The experiments have been conducted in different conditions of workload and mar-up; the results of the simulation provide the information necessary to select the suitable coordination and protocol mechanisms in a distributed production planning problem.
Measures of Risk on Variability with Application in Stochastic Activity Networks
Authors: Abdelkader Yousry H.
Published: September 2012

The author proposes a simple measure of variability of some of the more commonly used distribution functions in the class of New-Better-than-Used in Expectation (NBUE). The measure result in a ranking of the distributions, and the methodology used is applicable to other distributions in NBUE class beside the one treated here. An application to stochastic activity networks is given to illustrate the idea and the applicability of the proposed measure.
Security Risks in Cloud Computing
Authors: Zapata Belén Cruz , Alemán José Luis Fernández
Published: September 2012

Any software system is exposed to potential attack. The recent and continuous appearance of vulnerabilities in software systems makes security a vital issue if these systems are to succeed. The detection of potential vulnerabilities thus signifies that a set of policies can be established to minimize their impact. This therefore implies identifying the risks and data to be protected, and the design of an action plan with which to manage incidents and recovery. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an analysis of the most common vulnerabilities in recent years, focusing on those vulnerabilities which are specific to cloud computing. These specific vulnerabilities need to be identified in order to avoid them by providing prevention mechanisms, and the following questions have therefore been posed: What kinds of vulnerabilities are increasing? Has any kind of vulnerability been reduced in recent years? What is the evolution of their severity?
Leadership Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQ & LBDQ-XII)
Authors: Rodriguez Rody
Published: September 2012

This chapter focuses on the most widely used and known leadership instrument: The Leadership Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQ). The LBDQ, and its sibling the LBDQ-XII, have been around for more than 50 years and are still being used today. As a result, the purpose of this chapter is to examine the instrument by summarizing its background, and giving a perspective on the instrument’s reliability and validity. This was accomplished by looking at the LBDQ and LBDQ-XII’s long history, how it has been applied over the years, while focusing on the scales main factors of Consideration and Initiation of Structure. Additionally, many analyses of the instruments (LBDQ and LBDQ-XII) were reviewed to support the instruments robust reliability and validity. Lastly, the location and cost of the instruments were revealed in order for the reader to utilize the instrument under study.
Measuring Followership
Authors: Kaak Paul , Reynolds Rodney A. , Whyte Michael
Published: September 2012

The focus in this chapter is a proposal for a measure of followership with three dimensions: resistant follower, compliant follower, and mature follower. The chapter contains an internet link to specific items and a format for the measure. The rationale centers on various theoretic views about followership. The chapter provides suggestions for use of the measure within organizations. The conclusion centers on a program for future research.
Infrastructure as a Service
Authors: Hossain Shamim
Published: September 2012

Infrastructure as a Service is the pillar on which a cloud computing architecture is built. With the advancement of technologies in communications, computing, and storage devices, IaaS has emerged as a highly efficient platform to construct SaaS and PaaS layer on top of it. IaaS solutions vary from an organization to another. One single solution does not fit all. This chapter looks at the general constituents of IaaS.
Cloud Computing
Authors: Kaisler Stephen H. , Money William , Cohen Stephen J.
Published: September 2012

Cloud computing technology is garnering success with marketing-based wisdom-like stories of savings, ease of use, and increased flexibility in controlling how resources are acquired at any given time to deliver computing capability. This chapter develops a preliminary decision framework to assist managers who are determining which cloud solution matches their specific requirements and evaluating the numerous commercial claims (in many cases unsubstantiated) of a cloud’s value. This decision framework is the result of the authors’ research program in understanding how small to medium-sized businesses can assess the potential benefit from cloud computing helps managers allocate investments and assess cloud alternatives that now compete with in-house data centers that previously stored, accessed, and processed data or with another company’s (outsourced) datacenter resources.
Integrating the Cloud Scenarios and Solutions
Authors: Shankararaman Venky , Kit Lum Eng
Published: September 2012

Cloud computing adoption is on the rise due to reduced infrastructure resources and a need for agility in meeting IT demands. However, many organizations will still have on-premise applications along side with applications in the cloud, and will have to deal with the challenges that arise from integrating all these applications. In this chapter, the authors briefly introduce the various cloud computing architecture layers, provide detailed cloud integration scenarios, and discuss some of the challenges and present some integration solutions. They also provide points for consideration to help organizations decide appropriate integration solutions to suit their needs.
Business Impacts of Cloud Computing
Authors: Deed Cameron , Cragg Paul
Published: September 2012

While many articles have discussed likely benefits of cloud computing, there have been relatively few empirical reports of the impacts of cloud computing. This study explores the business impacts associated with the adoption of a cloud-based business intelligence application. A generic benefits management framework was adopted to guide the study of five firms. Numerous types of benefit were identified, including strategic, managerial, operational, and functional and support. The results supported the literature in that managerial impacts were strongly correlated with business intelligence functionality. Additionally, operational and functional and support benefits were mainly positive, with some due to the cloud nature of the service.
Open Source Educational Initiatives to Improve Awareness of Rabies Prevention
Authors: Costa Peter , Briggs Deborah J.
Published: September 2012

Rabies is the deadliest infectious disease known to humans and animals and yet is almost always preventable even after an exposure has occurred. The lack of educational awareness is a major reason why over 55,000 people die of the disease every year. The Global Alliance for Rabies Control, in association with international partners in the field of public health, initiated new educational initiatives aimed at increasing global awareness for those living at daily risk of exposure to rabies. Three of the open source educational initiatives are described in this chapter, including: World Rabies Day; the establishment of a freely accessible scientifically accurate education bank; and hosting global webinars that connect public health experts interested in reducing the burden of rabies in their regions.
Aligning Practice and Philosophy
Authors: Moyle Kathryn
Published: September 2012

The educational use of digital technologies such as mobile devices, computers, and the Internet are progressively replacing pens, books, and the physical spaces known as libraries. Both online synchronous and asynchronous learning modes are emerging as part of the learning styles used with children physically attending schools. Consequently schools and school districts deploy various sorts of software applications to meet the range of teaching, learning, and management functions they perform. As leaders of schools, principals have heightened responsibilities concerning the philosophical directions of schools, as well as aligning the uses of technologies across all facets of their organizations. Set against the backdrop of Australian experiences, this chapter sets out to canvas some of the less considered factors that ought to be taken into account when schools select software applications. Gaining congruence between school philosophies and the technologies used, often-time means open source software ought to be a preferable solution to closed, proprietary software. This argument is justified from pedagogical and management perspectives. Furthermore, it is argued that making informed decisions before adopting the use of a particular technology requires that school leaders understand the educational and technical demands of that technology, and also have a socially-critical understanding of technologies in education and in society more generally. Finally, it is argued that if school principals are willing to consider open source software solutions, the options for teaching and learning with technologies and the strategies for managing the infrastructure of the school in robust and cost effective ways, opens up.
Community Sleeping Pattern and Anopheline Biting in Southeastern Iran: A Country Earmarked for Malaria Elimination
Authors: Basseri Hamid R. , Abai Mohammad R. , Raeisi Ahmad , Shahandeh Khandan
Published: September 2012

An important variable in determining the vectorial capacity of malaria mosquito species is the degree of mosquito–human contact. This parameter can be affected by community sleeping behavior and the host-feeding habits of vectors. A cross-sectional study of 775 randomly selected inhabitants, including 385 Baluchi residents and 390 Afghani refugees, was conducted in a malarious area in Sabaz District, Sistan-Baluchestan Province, southeastern Iran. In addition, monitoring of human landing periodicity of main malaria vectors was carried out during an entire transmission season. Afghanis and Baluchis showed diversity in sleeping behavior. Most (79.6%) respondents were familiar with symptoms of malaria and also aware of an association between mosquitoes and malaria. Despite this familiarity, 94.6% of Afghan refugees, 74.8% of Baluch residents, and 87.2% of study participants did not use self-protection preventive measures. Overall, only 8.8% of participants reported using bed nets regularly. Surveyed persons used bed nets mainly during second quarter of night. Three major species of malaria vectors (Anopheles culicifacies, An. fluviatilis, and An. stephensi) started biting by sunset and continued throughout the night. The results of present study indicated that synchronization of encounters between inhabitants and mosquito vectors was caused by poor self-protection and sleeping behavior of inhabitants. In addition, diversity in culture and behavior of the two communities may cause the prevalence of malaria to be different between them. Therefore, promoting awareness of self-protection against mosquito bites could promote community participation in malaria elimination program in this malaria-endemic region.
Leishmania chagasi in Opossums (Didelphis albiventris) in an Urban Area Endemic for Visceral Leishmaniasis, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Humberg Roberta M. P. , Oshiro Elisa T. , Cruz Maria do Socorro Pires e , Ribolla Paulo E. M. , Alonso Diego P. , Ferreira Alda M. T. , Bonamigo Raquel A. , Tasso Norton , de Oliveira Alessandra Gutierrez
Published: September 2012

We investigated the occurrence of Leishmania infantum chagasi in Didelphis albiventris opossums at a wild animal rehabilitation center in the city of Campo Grande, Brazil. A total of 54 opossums were tested for L. i. chagasi infection in peripheral blood and bone marrow samples. The samples were analyzed by direct examination, culturing in a specific medium, and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. Leishmania i. chagasi DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism in 11 (20.37%) animals. A total of 81.81% of positive opossums were captured in areas of known visceral leishmaniasis transmission. These results suggest a role for D. albiventris in the urban transmission of visceral leishmaniasis.
Characterization of West Nile Viruses Isolated from Captive American Flamingoes (Phoenicopterus ruber) in Medellin, Colombia
Authors: Osorio Jorge E. , Ciuoderis Karl A. , Lopera Juan G. , Piedrahita Leidy D. , Murphy Darby , LeVasseur James , Carrillo Lina , Ocampo Martha C. , Hofmeister Erik
Published: September 2012

Serum samples from a total of 71 healthy captive birds belonging to 18 species were collected in July of 2008 in Medellin (Colombia) and tested for flaviviruses. Eighteen of 29 samples from American Flamingoes (Phoenicopterus ruber) were positive for West Nile virus (WNV) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Selected positive samples were serially passaged and WNV was confirmed by immunofluorescence. Two isolates (524/08, 9835/08) were characterized in vitro and in vivo. Sequence analysis revealed WNV with 16 nucleotide substitutions resulting in six amino acid changes when compared with the NY99 strain. Colombian (COL) viruses were more closely related to Louisiana isolates from 2001. When compared with attenuated strains isolated from Texas, COL isolates differed in their plaque size and temperature sensitivity phenotype. The COL viruses were pathogenic in embryonated chicken eggs and Balb/c mice.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Dengue Virus Types 1 and 4 Circulating in Puerto Rico and Key West, Florida, during 2010 Epidemics
Authors: Añez Germán , Heisey Daniel A. R. , Espina Luz M. , Stramer Susan L. , Rios Maria
Published: September 2012

We describe sequences of six strains of dengue virus (DENV): three DENV-1 isolates and two DENV-4 isolates from Puerto Rico, and a DENV-1 strain from Key West, Florida, obtained from blood donors during 2010 epidemics. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Puerto Rico DENV-1 strains constitute a new lineage within genotype V different from those that circulated in Puerto Rico during the past two decades. The newer Puerto Rico DENV-1 strains associated with strains from the Caribbean and South America. The DENV-1 strain from Key West, Florida clustered with a strain isolated from mosquito pools collected in that area and with a number of strains from Nicaragua and Mexico circulating during 2006–2009. The Puerto Rico DENV-4 isolates of genotype II associated with strains that have circulated on the island throughout the 1980s and 1990s and with strains from the Caribbean region and Central America. Introduction and circulation of novel DENV lineages in dengue-endemic regions have the potential to increase the severity of dengue cases.
Sentinel Surveillance for Zoonotic Parasites in Companion Animals in Indigenous Communities of Saskatchewan
Authors: Schurer Janna M. , Hill Janet E. , Fernando Champika , Jenkins Emily J.
Published: September 2012

Indigenous communities may have increased risk of exposure to zoonotic parasites, including Echinococcus granulosus, Toxocara canis, Toxoplasma gondii, Diphyllobothrium spp., and Giardia duodenalis, for which dogs may serve as sentinels for or sources of human infection. Canid fecal samples were collected from dogs and the environment in five indigenous communities across Saskatchewan and Alberta (N = 58, 62, 43, 66, and 25). Parasites in individual fecal samples were quantified using fecal flotation and a commercial immunofluorescent antibody test for Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Overall, the prevalence of canine intestinal parasitic infection was 20–71%, which is 5–16 times higher in indigenous communities than a nearby urban center in Saskatchewan. The overall prevalences of T. canis, Diphyllobothrium, and taeniid eggs in dog feces were, respectively, 11.8%, 4.9%, and 1.2% in our study compared with 0–0.2% in urban dogs. Giardia cysts present in 21% of samples were identified as zoonotic genotype Assemblage A.
State Tobacco Control Plans: Who Falls outside the Plans?
Authors: Rexing Christen J. , Ibrahim Jennifer K.
Published: September 2012

Purpose.

To review published state tobacco control plans (STCPs) to determine the extent to which the needs of the states' populations are being addressed.

Design.

A qualitative cross-sectional comparison of states' strategic plans for tobacco control as of March 2010.

Setting.

Online searches.

Participants.

The 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Method.

Internet-based searches were completed using tobacco and other keywords (control, prevention, strategies, comprehensive/strategic plan) to obtain all publicly available STCPs; telephone follow-up was conducted to ensure that all publicly available plans were captured. Each plan was coded by two researchers using a standardized protocol to assess provisions made for addressing disparate populations as defined by the states.

Results.

A total of 43 states addressed disparate populations. Thirty-six states addressed these populations within published STCPs, six states had separate stand-alone tobacco disparities plans, and one addressed it within their cancer plan. Specific populations addressed included racial and ethnic minorities, blue-collar employees, pregnant women, children under the age of 18, and college students. There were also several STCPs that cited the general goal of eliminating tobacco use disparities.

Conclusion.

More work is needed to address tobacco disparities, including additional planning efforts in some states and effective implementation and evaluation among states with plans. States can look to the experiences of other states to help guide tobacco control planning for their own populations.
Relationships between Physical Activity and Awareness and Treatment Status among Adults with Low Femoral Bone Density in the United States
Authors: Lee Young-Shin , Jong-Duek Baek , Yang Kyeongra , Yoon Saunjoo
Published: September 2012

Purpose.

To examine relationships between physical activity (PA) and awareness and treatment status of low bone mineral density (BMD) among adults.

Design.

Cross-sectional.

Setting.

Stratified sample of adults living independently in the community.

Subjects.

A total of 1928 adults aged 50 years and older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006 were included in the analysis. Among those, about 54% were women, 84% were non-Hispanic whites, 65% were married, and 44% were between 50 and 59 years of age.

Measures.

Objective measures: femoral neck BMD and duration of PA and step counts measured by accelerometers. Self-report: strength exercise, and awareness and treatment of low bone density.

Analysis.

Multivariate regression analyses using SUDAAN.

Results.

Despite a high prevalence of low BMD, self-reported awareness, treatment, and PA were very low. After controlling socio-demographic and health-related factors, those who were aware of their low bone density status and who received treatment for it were less physically active than those who were unaware of their bone condition or who did not have any treatment.

Conclusions.

PA levels are below the recommended level for bone health benefits. Health care providers should consider screening individuals at risk of low bone density and encourage them to implement prevention and treatment regimen including increasing daily levels of PA.
Nursing Student Perceptions of Reflective Journaling: A Conjoint Value Analysis
Authors: Hendrix Thomas J. , O'Malley Maureen , Sullivan Catherine , Carmon Bernice
Published: September 2012

This study used a statistical technique, conjoint value analysis, to determine student perceptions related to the importance of predetermined reflective journaling attributes. An expert Delphi panel determined these attributes and integrated them into a survey which presented students with multiple journaling experiences from which they had to choose. After obtaining IRB approval, a convenience sample of 66 baccalaureate nursing students completed the survey. The relative importance of the attributes varied from a low of 16.75% (format) to a high of 23.58% (time). The model explained 77% of the variability of student journaling preferences (). Students preferred shorter time, complete confidentiality, one-time complete feedback, semistructured format, and behavior recognition. Students with more experience had a much greater preference for a free-form format () when compared to students with less journaling experience. Additionally, the results of English as a second language students were significantly different from the rest of the sample. In order to better serve them, educators must consider the relative importance of these attributes when developing journaling experiences for their students.
Application of Particle Swarm Optimizer on Load Distribution for Hybrid Network Selection Scheme in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
Authors: Yee Yoke Chek , Tan Su Wei , Lim Heng Siong , Chien Su Fong
Published: September 2012

Mobile terminal with multiradios is getting common nowadays with the presence of heterogeneous wireless networks such as 3G, WiMAX, and WiFi. That Network selection mechanism plays an important role in ensuring mobile terminals are always connected to the most suitable network. In this paper, we introduce and evaluate the performance of load distribution model to facilitate better network selection. We focus on the optimization of network resource utilization using the particle swarm optimizer (PSO) with the objective to distribute the system load according to the various conditions of the heterogeneous networks in order to achieve minimum system cost. Simulation results showed that the proposed approach outperformed the conventional iterative algorithm by a cost improvement of 7.24% for network size of 1000 mobile terminals using 10 particles.
Synthesis, Structural, Electrical, and Thermal Studies of ( and ) Ferroelectric Ceramics
Authors: Barbar Shiv K. , Roy M.
Published: September 2012

The polycrystalline ceramic samples of lead barium niobate with general formula ( and 0.4) were prepared by conventional solid state reaction method. The room temperature X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that both of the samples have orthorhombic crystal structure with space group Cm2m. The dielectric constant and dissipation factor were measured as a function of frequency (100 Hz-2 MHz) and temperature (RT-660K). The DC electrical conductivity of both the samples was measured from RT to 660 K. The activation energies calculated from log σ versus 1000/T curves in ferroelectric phase of the compounds are 1.09 eV for pure () sample and 1.36 eV for Ba-substituted () sample. The values of activation energies show that the substitution of Ba2+ ion on Pb2+ ion site increases the resistivity of pure PbNb2O6 () ceramic. The modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) has been used to investigate the phase transition temperature of both the compounds and also to see the effect of Ba2+ ion substitution on the phase transition temperature, specific heat, and other thermal parameters of the compound.