bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Project Management Method Adoption
Authors: Aydin Mehmet N. , Dilan Ebru
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this research is to understand what aspects of brand-named project management method (Project Management Institute - PMI) have been adopted in a service organization and how. The case context examined demonstrates how a weak-matrix organizational structure and agency interpretation along with project management maturity for IT outsourcing projects can affect adoption of a project management method. An interpretative case study is employed for examining the interplays among key notions underlying project management method adoption in IT outsourcing projects. The case study is framed with a research logic constituting the underlying notions of method adoption: the context, the agency, and the method and its fragments. It is found that the organization realizes 43 out of 47 processes proposed by PMI. It is also observed that the perceived project management maturity level is not aligned with the method fragments adopted. Among other discussion points, the present findings contribute to the existing literature by emphasizing the effects of management control on PM method adoption in IT outsourcing. Furthermore, this case allows us to argue that product-focused orientation in project management method adoption is evident and has several implications. The adoption and adaptation of processes in different types of projects is on the authors' future research agenda.
Integration Between Knowledge Management and Total Quality Management in Jordanian Universities: Empirical Study
Authors: Shehabat Issa Mahmoud
Published: February 2017

Knowledge management is important and necessary for the survival of an organisation and its superiority. It can be integrated into the philosophy of total quality management to play a role in the development of the basis of performance of modern organisations. It can be strengthened to achieve its strategic objectives. The total quality management philosophy seeks to achieve customer satisfaction through the commitment of the leadership of an organisation and its workers by a process of continuous improvement of the quality of performance in various aspects of an organisation. This study aims to identify the integration between knowledge management and total quality management, when applied to public Jordanian universities as a sample for the study, and to follow the descriptive analytical method research style. The online questionnaire responses were statistically analysed. The study found the presence of integrity and a strong correlation between knowledge management and total quality management.
Mobile Health Technology Evaluation
Authors: Idrish Sherina , Rifat Afrin , Iqbal Mehree , Nisha Nabila
Published: February 2017

Globally, the advancement of mobile technology and the growing number of mobile phone users has promoted the boom in mobile health services. The influence of mobile technology has, in fact, made healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable and effective today. Consumers are thus increasingly using mobile devices as health service delivery aids across various countries. However, questions remain as to how consumer traits like personal innovativeness and self-efficacy, financial costs related to the service delivery and demographics like age and gender may affect the usage and adoption of mobile health services, especially for emerging economies like Bangladesh. Conceptual model of the study identifies self-efficacy, facilitating conditions, effort expectancy and performance expectancy to be significant constructs that influences users' overall perceptions of mobile health services, along with moderating effects of both age and gender upon the selected factors. Finally, the study highlights managerial implications, future research directions and limitations.
Designing a Successful Collaborative Wiki
Authors: Tsikerdekis Michail
Published: February 2017

Designing a collaborative platform that produces project outcomes of high quality and allows for wisdom of the crowds to come together in the achievement of a common goal can be a challenge. Literature often addresses the interplay between designing for online community needs and outcome/product quality as coexistence, where design implementations in one positively affect the other. However, Human-Computer Interaction research has shown that performance and satisfaction need not be dependent on each other. This paper performs a theoretical analysis of the literature on the topic and identifies design gaps for collaborative projects. Findings derived by this theoretical analysis challenge existing design perspectives by demonstrating that there is often a tradeoff between designing for online community needs and outcome quality for these projects. Claims were developed that lead to research questions identifying the most important elements and design considerations are provided along with potential future directions for advancing the understanding of this relationship.
A Case Study in Smartphone Usage and Gratification in the Age of Narcissism
Authors: Reid Alan J. , Thomas Chelsea N.
Published: February 2017

This research tracked the daily smartphone usage and checking habits of 43 undergraduate students at a mid-sized university for a minimum of thirty days to examine the primary uses of smartphones as well as the gratifications received from their usage. Empirical data was correlated with narcissism levels to better understand what drives a person to access media, often involuntarily. Results indicated significant differences between genders for device usage (how smartphones are used), the resulting gratifications (why smartphones are used), and narcissism. Findings showed an inverse relationship between smartphone usage and narcissism, and between usage and GPA. There also was a positive relationship between a user's smartphone checking habits and exhibitionism. These results are explained further through the lens of modern society's dependence on personal technologies and the gratifications that are satisfied.
Learning Management System Use to Increase Mathematics Knowledge and Skills in Puerto Rico
Authors: Ojeda-Castro Angel M. , Murray-Finley Philip , Sánchez-Villafañe José
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of a mathematics comprehensive exam of two first-year university mathematics groups in Puerto Rico and measure the benefits and effectiveness of a learning management system (LMS) in math teaching and learning. The experimental group engaged in the use of a LMS and traditional teaching methods, while the control group was only engaged in traditional teaching methods. The population of the study was comprised of 579 first-year university students. The control groups included 287 participants, and the experimental group included 292 participants. The experimental group entered the university with significantly less mathematical knowledge (18% or less), and as such, had to learn more content (55% more). The learning outcomes of both courses expected students to acquire mathematical knowledge. The study revealed that the students who engaged in the use of the LMS in their teaching and learning methods, obtained significantly greater achievement of mathematical knowledge than the students who soley received traditional instruction.
How Do Online Reviews Affect Business Travelers' Accommodation Choices?
Authors: Memarzadeh Faranak , Blum Shane , Adams Charlie
Published: February 2017

This research focused on parameters of online reviews that affect business travelers` attitude and subjective norm on intention to purchase. The sub-constructs of attitude include: the quality of offered service, the value of money, hotel business facility, hotel security, food and beverage, and service recovery. Panel database, which was provided by Qualtrics, was used to examine the hypotheses of this study. Data was collected from 275 business travelers who stayed at a hotel in the last six months and read e-comments in advance of the purchase. Results of hypotheses testing indicated that quality of offered service, the value of money, and subjective norm have a positive effect on business travelers` intention to purchase. The findings of this research can help both hoteliers and online-review website operators. Since business travelers are considered an important target market in the hotel industry, hoteliers need to put more emphasis on these factors to attract more business travelers.
The Impact of EWOM Referral, Celebrity Endorsement, and Information Quality on Purchase Decision
Authors: Danniswara Randy , Sandhyaduhita Puspa , Munajat Qorib
Published: February 2017

This study aims to explore factors that have impact on purchase decision on a social commerce, viz., social media Instagram. Thus, several dimensions namely eWOM referral, celebrity endorsement, information quality, brand satisfaction, brand trust and brand attachment are identified and examined. This research uses SEM method and LISREL 8.80 application. Data was collected using questionnaires with Likert scale. The result from 350 respondents shows that a significant positive correlation exists between eWOM referral and purchase intention, information quality and brand satisfaction, information quality and brand trust, brand satisfaction and brand attachment, brand satisfaction and purchase intention, brand trust and purchase intention, brand attachment and purchase decision, and also between purchase intention and purchase decision.
Studying Effectiveness of Human Resource Management Actions and Organizational Agility
Authors: Teimouri Hadi , Jenab Kouroush , Moazeni Hamid Reza , Bakhtiari Bardia
Published: February 2017

Knowledge and competency of human resources are valuable assets of an organization and human resource actions are the major tools through which organizations can exploit skills, attitudes, and behaviors of people to do their tasks and fulfill organizational purposes. The present study explores the relationship between effectiveness of human resource management actions and organizational agility. It is applicable from objective aspect and descriptive-field-correlational from methodological aspect. The statistical population included all experts and managers of the selected branches of Melli Bank in Isfahan Province. Stratified random sampling method was employed for sampling and the sample size was estimated equal to 310. The results disclosed that there is a positive and significant relationship between effectiveness of human resource management actions in various fields of training, selection and recruitment, compensation and performance evaluation with organizational agility.
Density dependence in a seasonal time series of the bamboo mosquito,Tripteroides bambusa(Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Hoshi Tomonori , Imanishi Nozomi , Moji Kazuhiko , Chaves Luis Fernando
Published: February 2017

The bamboo mosquito,Tripteroides bambusa(Yamada) (Diptera: Culicidae), is a mosquito species ubiquitous across forested landscapes in Japan. During 2014 we sampled adult mosquitoes from May to November using a sweep net in Nagasaki, Japan. We recorded and managed our field data using Open Data Kit, which eased the overall process of data management before performing their statistical analysis. Here, we analyse the resulting biweekly time series of the bamboo mosquito abundance using time-series statistical techniques. Specifically, we test for density dependence in the population dynamics fitting the Ricker model. Parameter estimates for the Ricker model suggest that the bamboo mosquito is under density dependence regulation and that its population dynamics is stable. Our data also suggest the bamboo mosquito increased its abundance when temperature was more variable at our study site. Further work is warranted to better understand the linkage between the observed density dependence in the adults and the larvae of this mosquito species.
Achalasia as a complication of bulimia nervosa: A case report
Authors: Kutuk Meryem O. , Guler Gulen , Tufan Ali E. , Toros Fevziye , Kaytanli Umut
Published: February 2017

Objective: Oesophageal achalasia is a medical condition characterised by oesophageal aperistalsis, an increased resting pressure with partial or incomplete relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. Bulimia nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder manifested by binge eating attacks followed by recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviours, such as self-induced vomiting and excessive exercise. Dysphagia, regurgitation, vomiting, retrosternal pain, heartburn, weight loss, avoidance of eating, consumption of large amount of liquids and aberrant eating behaviours are symptoms of both achalasia and BN. Owing to these common signs and symptoms, oesophageal achalasia can be misdiagnosed as an eating disorder. In addition, oesophageal achalasia can occur as a complication of BN. It is often difficult to distinguish organic and psychological vomiting or comorbidity because of overlapping of the symptoms.

Case report: We report the case of a patient who developed oesophageal achalasia following severe, repetitive vomiting as a complication of BN.

Conclusion: We want to raise awareness regarding the development of a medical illness in the presence of a psychiatric disorder. Importantly, physicians should have a fundamental knowledge of these two diseases regarding their clinical patterns to differentially diagnose one or both disorders as quickly as possible.
Papillary carcinoma thyroid with anastomosing channels: An unusual morphology
Authors: Dalal Varsha , Kaur Manveen , Bansal Anju
Published: February 2017

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid malignancy, accounting for 70%–80% of all thyroid malignancies. It is biologically indolent and has an excellent prognosis. Variations in histopathologic patterns are known to influence prognosis and often result in a diagnostic dilemma. We report an unusual case of a 35-year-old female with papillary carcinoma of a thyroid isthmus showing anastomosing channels on histopathology, a distinctive pattern that has not been described in PTC. Similar to tumor cells, the lining cells of these channels were also positive for thyroid transcription factor 1, thyroglobulin, and cytokeratin-19 and negative for CD34 and CD31. The diagnosis of PTC should rely on nuclear morphology rather than architecture. Pathologists should be aware of different variants because some of these variants show aggressive behavior and poor outcome. The present report highlights the distinctive pattern of PTC, recognition of which is important to avoid any diagnostic pitfall.
A clinical decision rule for streptococcal pharyngitis management: An update
Authors: Nasirian Hosain , TarvijEslami Saeedeh , Matini Esfandiar , Bayesh Seyedehsara , Omaraee Yasaman
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: Group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis is a common disease worldwide. We aimed to establish a pragmatic program as a clinical decision rule for GAS pharyngitis diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This article derived from a research project on children aged 6–15 years. Five hundred and seventy-one children met the enrollment criteria on whom throat culture and validities of clinical findings were assessed in positive and negative throat culture groups.

RESULTS: Positive GAS throat culture group included 99 (17.3%) patients with a positive culture. Negative GAS throat culture group included 472 (82.6%) patients. Exudate or enlarged tender nodes each one had 63% and 68% sensitivity and 31.5% and 37.5% specificity with a high percentage of negative predictive value (NPV) 80.54% and 85.09%, respectively. Sequence test revealed validities of exudate plus enlarged nodes at 43.62% sensitivity and 57.19% specificity with 83% NPV.

CONCLUSIONS: High NPV of 83% indicated that similar prevalence in the absence of either exudate or enlarged tender lymph nodes. Probability of GAS negative throat cultures among children suspected of GAS pharyngitis was 83% and would correctly not receive inopportune antibiotics.
Combinatorics and Probability
Authors: Bollobás Béla , Krivelevich Michael , Riordan Oliver M. , Welzl Emo
Published: February 2017

For the past few decades, Combinatorics and Probability Theory have had a fruitful symbiosis, each benefitting from and influencing developments in the other. Thus to prove the existence of designs, probabilistic methods are used, algorithms to factorize integers need combinatorics and probability theory (in addition to number theory), and the study of random matrices needs combinatorics. In the workshop a great variety of topics exemplifying this interaction were considered, including problems concerning designs, Cayley graphs, additive number theory, multiplicative number theory, noise sensitivity, random graphs, extremal graphs and random matrices.
Moduli spaces and Modular forms
Authors: Bruinier Jan Hendrik , van der Geer Gerard , Gritsenko Valery
Published: February 2017

The roots of both moduli spaces and modular forms go back to the theory of elliptic curves in the 19th century. Both topics have seen an enormous growth in the second half of the 20th century, but the interaction between the two remained limited. Recently there have been new developments that led to new points of contact between the two topics. One is the theory of K3 surfaces that is rapidly gaining a lot of new interest. Here the link with modular forms on orthogonal groups has led to progress on the Kodaira dimension of the moduli spaces of K3 surfaces. Another new development has been the use of moduli spaces of curves to gather new information about Siegel modular forms. The workshop intended to bring representatives from both the theory of moduli and the theory of modular forms together to further the interaction between the two topics as the time seemed ripe to do this.
Rough Paths, Regularity Structures and Related Topics
Authors: Cass Thomas R. , Friz Peter K. , Gubinelli Massimiliano
Published: February 2017

The purpose of the Oberwolfach workshop “Rough Paths and Regularity Structures” was to bring together these researchers, both young and senior, with the aim to consolidate progress in rough path theory and stochastic partial differential equations.
Algebraic K-theory and Motivic Cohomology
Authors: Geisser Thomas , Huber-Klawitter Annette , Jannsen Uwe , Levine Marc
Published: February 2017

Algebraic

K

-theory and motivic cohomology have developed together over the last thirty years. Both of these theories rely on a mix of algebraic geometry and homotopy theory for their construction and development, and both have had particularly fruitful applications to problems of algebraic geometry, number theory and quadratic forms. The homotopy-theory aspect has been expanded significantly in recent years with the development of motivic homotopy theory and triangulated categories of motives, and

K

-theory has provided a guiding light for the development of non-homotopy invariant theories. 19 one-hour talks presented a wide range of latest results on many aspects of the theory and its applications.
An Alternative Lattice Boltzmann Model for Incompressible Flows and its Stabilization
Authors: Zhang Liangqi , Zeng Zhong , Xie Haiqiong , Qiu Zhouhua , Yao Liping , Zhang Yongxiang , Lu Yiyu
Published: February 2017

In this paper, an alternative lattice Boltzmann (LB)model for incompressible flows is proposed. By modifying directly the moments of the equilibrium distribution function (EDF), the continuous expression of the EDF in tensor Hermite polynomials is derived using the moment expansion and then discretizedwith the discrete velocity vectors of the D2Q9 lattice. The present model as well as its counterpart, the incompressible LB model proposed by Guo, reproduces the incompressible Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations for both steady and unsteady flows. Besides, an alternative pressure formula, which represents the pressure as the diagonal part of the stress tensor, is adopted in the present model. Furthermore, in order to enhance the stability of the present LB model, an additional relaxation time pertaining to the non-hydrodynamic mode is added to the BGK collision operator. The present LB model is validated by two benchmark tests: the cavity flow with different Reynolds number (Re) and the flow past an impulsively started cylinder at Re=40 and 550.
An Efficient Implementation of the Divergence Free Constraint in a Discontinuous Galerkin Method for Magnetohydrodynamics on Unstructured Meshes
Authors: Klingenberg Christian , Pörner Frank , Xia Yinhua
Published: February 2017

In this paper we consider a discontinuous Galerkin discretization of the ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations on unstructured meshes, and the divergence free constraint (∇·B=0) of its magnetic field B. We first present two approaches for maintaining the divergence free constraint, namely the approach of a locally divergence free projection inspired by locally divergence free elements [19], and another approach of the divergence cleaning technique given by Dedner et al. [15]. By combining these two approaches we obtain a efficient method at the almost same numerical cost. Finally, numerical experiments are performed to show the capacity and efficiency of the scheme.
Solving Vlasov-Poisson-Fokker-Planck Equations using NRxx method
Authors: Wang Yanli , Zhang Shudao
Published: February 2017

We present a numerical method to solve the Vlasov-Poisson-Fokker-Planck (VPFP) system using the NRxx method proposed in [4, 7, 9]. A globally hyperbolic moment system similar to that in [23] is derived. In this system, the Fokker-Planck (FP) operator term is reduced into the linear combination of the moment coefficients, which can be solved analytically under proper truncation. The non-splitting method, which can keep mass conservation and the balance law of the total momentum, is used to solve the whole system. A numerical problem for the VPFP system with an analytic solution is presented to indicate the spectral convergence with the moment number and the linear convergence with the grid size. Two more numerical experiments are tested to demonstrate the stability and accuracy of the NRxx method when applied to the VPFP system.
Numerical Study of the Solid Particle Erosion on H-Type Finned Circular/Elliptic Tube Surface
Authors: Jin Yu , Tang Gui-Hua , He Ya-Ling , Tao Wen-Quan
Published: February 2017

In this paper, numerical simulations of solid particle erosion phenomena on H-type finned circular/elliptic tube surface, which is of great significance to the antiwear design of heat exchanger, are presented. The Eulerian-Lagrangian approach is applied to simulate the dilute gas-solid flow through H-type finned circular/elliptic tubes. A semi-empirical model is adopted to predict the erosion rate. The dynamics behavior of the entrained solid particles in the flow is presented. The geometry of eroded tube surface is changed with the predicted erosion which is taken into account by a UDF and the flow field is re-solved for the eroded tube surface at every time step. The influences of ten parameters (the tube bundle arrangement, particle size, particle concentration, fluid Reynolds number, fin thickness, fin pitch, fin length, fin width, slit width and the transverse tube pitch) on the maximum erosion depth of the H-type circular/elliptic finned tube surface are investigated. Using H-type finned elliptic tube surface can effectively reduce the erosion rate of tube surface comparedwith that using H-type finned circular tube surface. The erosion in in-line arrangement is less severe than that in staggered arrangement. With the increase of particle size, particle concentration and the fluid Reynolds number, the erosion rate of the tube surface rises. The numerically predicted effect of Reynolds number is in good agreement with previous test data. Among the six geometry parameters, the most influential parameter is the transverse tube pitch.
Influence of Finite Size Effects on the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov State
Authors: Ptok Andrzej , Crivelli Dawid
Published: February 2017

The Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov (FFLO) state is the superconducting phase for which the Cooper pairs have a non-zero total momentum, depending on the splitting of the Fermi surface sheets for electrons with opposite spin. In infinite systems the momentum is a continuous function of the temperature. In this paper, we have shown how the finite size of the system, through the discretized geometry of the Fermi surface, affects the physical properties of the FFLO state by introducing discontinuities in the Cooper pair momentum. Our calculation in an isotropic system show that the superconducting state with two opposite Cooper pair momenta is more stable than state with one momentum also in nano-size systems, where finite size effects play a crucial role.
High Order Numerical Schemes for Second-Order FBSDEs with Applications to Stochastic Optimal Control
Authors: Zhao Weidong , Zhou Tao , Kong Tao
Published: February 2017

This is one of our series papers on multistep schemes for solving forward backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs) and related problems. Here we extend (with non-trivial updates) our multistep schemes in [W. Zhao, Y. Fu and T. Zhou, SIAM J. Sci. Comput., 36 (2014), pp. A1731-A1751] to solve the second-order FBSDEs (2FBSDEs). The key feature of the multistep schemes is that the Euler method is used to discretize the forward SDE, which dramatically reduces the entire computational complexity. Moreover, it is shown that the usual quantities of interest (e.g., the solution tuple (Yt,Zt,At,Γt) of the 2FBSDEs) are still of high order accuracy. Several numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed numerical schemes. Applications of our numerical schemes to stochastic optimal control problems are also presented.
Imported Dengue Infection in a Spanish Hospital with a High Proportion of Travelers from Africa: A 9-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Toro Carlos , Trevisi Patricia , López-Quintana Beatriz , Amor Aránzazu , Iglesias Nuria , Subirats Mercedes , de Guevara Concepción Ladrón , Lago Mar , Arsuaga Marta , de la Calle-Prieto Fernando , Herrero Dolores , Rubio Margarita , Puente Sabino , Baquero Margarita
Published: February 2017

Epidemiological data on dengue in Africa are still scarce. We investigated imported dengue infection among travelers with a high proportion of subjects from Africa over a 9-year period. From January 2005 to December 2013, blood samples from travelers with clinical suspicion of dengue were analyzed. Dengue was diagnosed using serological, antigen detection, and molecular methods. Subjects were classified according to birthplace (Europeans versus non-Europeans) and last country visited. Overall, 10,307 serum samples corresponding to 8,295 patients were studied; 62% were European travelers, most of them from Spain, and 35.9% were non-Europeans, the majority of whom were born in Africa (mainly Equatorial Guinea) and Latin America (mainly Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia). A total of 492 cases of dengue were identified, the highest number of cases corresponding to subjects who had traveled from Africa (N = 189), followed by Latin America (N = 174) and Asia (N = 113). The rate of cases for Africa (4.5%) was inferior to Asia (9%) and Latin America (6.1%). Three peaks of dengue were found (2007, 2010, and 2013) which correlated with African cases. A total of 2,157 of past dengue infections were diagnosed. Non-Europeans who had traveled from Africa had the highest rate of past infection (67.8%), compared with non-Europeans traveling from Latin America (38.7%) or Asia (35%). Dengue infection in certain regions of Africa is underreported and the burden of the disease may have a magnitude similar to endemic countries in Latin America. It is necessary to consider dengue in the differential diagnosis of other febrile diseases in Africa.
Chikungunya and Neonatal Immunity: Fatal Vertically Transmitted Chikungunya Infection
Authors: Evans-Gilbert Tracy
Published: February 2017

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that has emerged as a global pathogen. The virus can pass vertically from mother to child especially during the perinatal period, with an intrapartum vertical transmission rate of 50%. Approximately half of the neonates infected with chikungunya present with severe symptoms and infrequently death. This report summarizes two severe cases of vertically transmitted neonatal chikungunya infection. One case was confirmed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and the other fulfilled clinical and epidemiological criteria. Both infants presented on day 3 with abdominal distension, reduced perfusion pressure, and hypotension; acrocyanosis progressing to ischemic digits; and respiratory distress. Both died within 24–48 hours of presentation. The severity of symptoms observed is likely due to a combination of contamination of the fetal blood from highly viremic mothers during delivery and a low innate antiviral type-1 interferon response. Further examination of the neonate's innate immune response to chikungunya may provide clues for the development of potential treatment or vaccine interventions.
Patient Characteristics, Management, and Predictors of Outcome from Severe Community-Onset Staphylococcal Sepsis in Northeast Thailand: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: West T. Eoin , Wikraiphat Chanthiwa , Tandhavanant Sarunporn , Ariyaprasert Pitchayanant , Suntornsut Pornpan , Okamoto Shawna , Mahavanakul Weera , Srisamang Pramot , Phiphitaporn Sunchai , Anukunananchai Jirasak , Chetchotisakd Ploenchan , Peacock Sharon J. , Chantratita Narisara
Published: February 2017

Staphylococcus aureus infection is a persistent threat in resource-restricted settings in southeast Asia but informative data about this disease remain limited. We analyzed characteristics, management, and predictors of outcome in severely septic patients with community-onset S. aureus infection in northeast Thailand. We performed a prospective, multicenter observational cohort study of community-onset S. aureus sepsis in four referral hospitals recruiting patients at least 14 years of age admitted between March 2010 and December 2013. One hundred and nineteen patients with severe staphylococcal sepsis were enrolled. Diabetes was the most common underlying condition. Methicillin-resistant infection was rare. Twenty-eight-day mortality was 20%. Ninety-two percent of patients received appropriate antibiotic therapy and 82% were administered intravenous fluids on the first hospital day, although only 14% were managed in an intensive care unit (ICU). On univariable analysis, clinical variables at enrollment significantly associated with death at 28 days were coagulopathy or respiratory failure. Plasma interleukin (IL)-8 concentration alone accurately predicted mortality (area under the receiver operating curve = 0.82, 95% confidence interval = 0.73–0.90). In multivariable analysis, addition of IL-8 concentration to a mortality prediction model containing clinical variables further improved the predictive ability of the model. We conclude that severe staphylococcal sepsis in northeast Thailand causes significant mortality. Diabetes is a common preexisting condition and most patients are managed outside the ICU even if they receive vasoactive/inotropic agents or mechanical ventilation. While clinical factors apparent on presentation including coagulopathy and respiratory failure predict death, plasma IL-8 improves this prediction.
Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Carriage in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected and Uninfected Children in Botswana: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Reid Michael J. A. , Fischer Rebecca S. B. , Mannathoko Naledi , Muthoga Charles , McHugh Erin , Essigmann Heather , Brown Eric L. , Steenhoff Andrew P.
Published: February 2017

Staphylococcus aureus is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A major risk factor for staphylococcal infection is S. aureus colonization of the anterior nares. We sought to define risk factors for S. aureus carriage and characterize antimicrobial resistance patterns in children in Botswana. A cross-sectional study was conducted at two clinical sites in southern Botswana. Patients under 18 years of age underwent two nasal swabs and brief interviews, 4 weeks apart. Standard microbiological techniques were used. For persistent carriers, S. aureus was isolated from swabs at both time points, and for intermittent carriers, S. aureus was isolated from only one swab. Poisson regression with robust variance estimator was used to compare prevalence of carriage and the resistance phenotypes. Among 56 enrollees, prevalence of S. aureus colonization was 55% (N = 31), of whom 42% (N = 13) were persistent carriers. Of human immunodeficiency virus–infected children, 64% (N = 9) were carriers. Risk factors for nasal carriage included a history of tuberculosis (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02, 2.51; P = 0.040) and closer proximity to health care (PR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.80, 0.99; P = 0.048). Prior pneumonia was more common among persistent rather than intermittent carriers (PR = 2.64; 95% CI = 1.64, 4.23; P < 0.001). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) prevalence was 13%. Of isolates tested, 16% were resistant to three or more drugs (N = 7/44). In summary, children in southern Botswana are frequently colonized with S. aureus. Antibiotic resistance, especially MRSA, is also widespread. Antibiotic recommendations for treatment of staphylococcal infections in SSA should take cognizance of these resistance patterns.
The Arc of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Capacity Development: Insights from a Decade of Partnership for Medical Education in Zambia
Authors: Claassen Cassidy W. , Hachaambwa Lottie , Phiri Dorcas , Watson Douglas C. , Patel Devang , Bositis Christopher M. , Bositis Amy , Mubangizi Deus , Redfield Robert , Mwaba Peter , Sheneberger Robb
Published: February 2017

Zambia and other sub-Saharan nations suffer from a critical shortage of trained health-care professionals to combat the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome crisis. The University of Maryland and the Zambian Ministry of Health have partnered over the past decade to develop health-care capacity among physicians, nurses, and community health workers. We describe novel interventions to train health-care workers at all levels and argue that our collaboration represents a successful model for such partnerships between western medical institutions and African governmental health agencies.
Oropouche Virus: Clinical, Epidemiological, and Molecular Aspects of a Neglected Orthobunyavirus
Authors: Travassos da Rosa Jorge Fernando , de Souza William Marciel , Pinheiro Francisco de Paula , Figueiredo Mário Luiz , Cardoso Jedson Ferreira , Acrani Gustavo Olszanski , Nunes Márcio Roberto Teixeira
Published: February 2017

Oropouche virus (OROV) is an important cause of arboviral illness in Latin American countries, more specifically in the Amazon region of Brazil, Venezuela and Peru, as well as in other countries such as Panama. In the past decades, the clinical, epidemiological, pathological, and molecular aspects of OROV have been published and provide the basis for a better understanding of this important human pathogen. Here, we describe the milestones in a comprehensive review of OROV epidemiology, pathogenesis, and molecular biology, including a description of the first isolation of the virus, the outbreaks during the past six decades, clinical aspects of OROV infection, diagnostic methods, genome and genetic traits, evolution, and viral dispersal.
Snake Bite–Induced Acute Kidney Injury: Report of a Successful Outcome During Pregnancy
Authors: Vikrant Sanjay , Parashar Anupam
Published: February 2017

Snake bite is an important health hazard in tropics. Snake envenomation in pregnancy may cause fetal death and maternal mortality or morbidity. However, little is known about the toxic effects and optimal management during pregnancy after snake envenomation because of the rarity of cases. Herein, we report a case of a pregnant woman who was successfully treated for snake bite–induced acute kidney injury during the third trimester. She was treated with equine-derived polyvalent anti-snake venom without development of any adverse effects, hemodialysis, and supportive therapy. She fully recovered and subsequently gave birth to a healthy child.
Impact of a Video-Based Interactive Workshop on Unprofessional Behaviors Among Internal Medicine Residents
Authors: Didwania Aashish , Farnan Jeanne M. , Icayan Liza , O'Leary Kevin J. , Saathoff Mark , Bellam Shashi , Humphrey Holly J. , Wayne Diane B. , Arora Vineet M.
Published: February 2017

Background 

Unprofessional behaviors undermine the hospital learning environment and the quality of patient care.

Objective 

To assess the impact of an interactive workshop on the perceptions of and self-reported participation in unprofessional behaviors.

Methods 

We conducted a pre-post survey study at 3 internal medicine residency programs. For the workshop we identified unprofessional behaviors related to on-call etiquette: “blocking” an admission, disparaging a colleague, and misrepresenting a test as urgent. Formal debriefing tools were utilized to guide the discussion. We fielded an internally developed 20-item survey on perception and participation in unprofessional behaviors prior to the workshop. An online “booster” quiz was delivered at 4 months postworkshop, and the 20-item survey was repeated at 9 months postworkshop. Results were compared to a previously published control from the same institutions, which showed that perceptions of unprofessional behavior did not change and participation in the behaviors worsened over the internship.

Results 

Of 237 eligible residents, 181 (76%) completed both pre- and postsurvey. Residents perceived blocking an admission and the misrepresentation of a test as urgent to be more unprofessional at a 9-month follow-up (2.0 versus 1.74 and 2.63 versus 2.28, respectively; P < .05), with no change in perception for disparaging a colleague. Participation in unprofessional behaviors did not decrease after the workshop, with the exception of misrepresenting a test as urgent (61% versus 50%, P = .019).

Conclusions 

The results of this multi-site study indicate that an interactive workshop can change perception and may lower participation in some unprofessional behaviors.
Fashion Flats & Technical Drawing
Authors: Abling Bina , DaCosta Felice
Published: February 2017

Fashion Flats and Technical Drawing is a step-by-step workbook for learning technical drawing and flat sketching skills. With more than 500 hand-drawn and CAD-rendered flats and 100 photos of finished samples showing how a sketch translates to a 3D garment, the book covers a range of garments and construction details used to communicate fashion designs for portfolios and production. Abling and DaCosta progress from basic design construction details such as darts, gathers, and trims to essential garment styles including skirts, tops, dresses, pants, jackets and coats. The book includes unique coverage of presentation of flats in a portfolio and critical step of preparing flats for a technical package and productions. Downloadable figure templates and flats library are available online. This book is an essential resource for fashion designers to learn technical drawing skills that effectively communicate fashion design concepts.
Present and future responses of growing degree days for Crete Island in Greece
Authors: Paparrizos Spyridon , Matzarakis Andreas
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Climate affects practically all the physiological processes that determine plant life (IPCC, 2014). A major challenge and objective of the agricultural science is to predict the occurrences of specific physical or biological events. For this reason, flower phenology has been widely used to study the flowering in plant species of economic interest, and in this concept, temperature and heat units have been widely accepted as the most important factors affecting processes leading to flowering. The determination of heat requirements in the first developing phases of plants has been expressed as Growing Degree Days (GDD). Determination of GDD is useful for achieving a better understanding of the flowering season development in several plant species, and for forecasting when flowering will occur (Paparrizos and Matzarakis, 2017). Temperature and GDD represent two important spatially-dynamic climatic variables, as they both play vital roles in influencing forest development by directly affecting plant functions such as evapotranspiration, photosynthesis and plant transpiration. Understanding the spatial distribution of GDD is crucial to the practice of sustainable agricultural and forest management, as GDD relates to the integration of growth and provides precise point estimates (Hasan et al., 2007; Matzarakis et al., 2007). The aim of the current study was to estimate and map through downscaling spatial interpolation and multi-linear regression techniques, the future variation of GDD for the periods 2021–2050 and 2071–2100, under the A1B and B1 IPCC emission scenarios in relation with the reference periods for Crete Island in Greece. Future temperature data were obtained, validated and analysed from the ENSEMBLES European project. A combination of dynamical and statistical approach was conducted in order to downscale and perform the spatial interpolation of GDD through ArcGIS 10.2.1. The results indicated that in the future, GDD will be increased and the existing cultivations can reach maturity sooner. Nevertheless, rough topography will act as an inhibitor towards the expansion of the existing cultivations in higher altitudes.
Modifications to Kozeny–Carman model to enhance petrophysical relationships
Authors: Lala Amir M. S.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The most commonly used relationship relates permeability to porosity, grain size, and tortuosity is Kozeny–Carman formalism. When it is used to estimate the permeability behavior versus porosity, the other two parameters (the grain size and tortuosity) are usually kept constant. Here, we investigate the deficiency of the Kozeny–Carman assumption and offer alternative derived equations for the Kozeny–Carman equation, including equations where the grain size is replaced with the pore size and with varying tortuosity. We also introduced relationships for the permeability of shaly sand reservoir that answer the approximately linear permeability decreases in the log-linear permeability-porosity relationships in datasets from different locations.
Challenges in Education Research in Taiwan: Research Institutes and Organizations, Research Policies, and Problems
Authors: Huang Jia Li
Published: February 2017

Since the 1990s, many education researchers and policy makers worldwide have reviewed education research to attempt to provide strategies to improve the quality of such research in their countries. Taiwan’s government has launched policies and funded support to set the benchmark for Taiwan’s leading universities in international academic competition. The external environment of global competition based on research policy influences the ecosystem of social science research production. To assure the quality of education policy, peer review from within the education community is one approach to supplementing the government’s governance, including the establishment of research institutes, promotion, rewards, and research value. This study tracked the mode of academic research and provides an overview of the status of academic education research in Taiwan. Because education research is part of the humanities and social sciences fields, this study identified the challenges in educational research by examining the trend of social science research and by analyzing research organizations, policy, and the evaluation of research performance. Due to the environment of education research in Taiwan is not friendly to education researcher to accumulate papers in SSCI or international journal, additional concerns entail how education research communities can develop and agree on its quality.
Nepantla: Writing (from) the In-Between
Authors: Scott Charles , Tuana Nancy
Published: February 2017

The primary goal of this article is to find an interplay of concepts that will help us to write about the broad transformative potential of Gloria Anzaldúa's experiences of what she calls nepantla in her posthumously published Light in the Dark/Luz en lo Oscuro: Rewriting Identity, Spirituality, Reality (2015). We want to integrate these concepts into our reading of her account of nepantla and to allow her language to further animate the force and meaning of the concepts' interactive connections. The concepts are assemblage, occasion, lineages, sensibility, and temporality. The article concludes with her own culminating understanding of nepantla. The leading topics are Anzaldúa's world, the Coyolxauhqui process, rebirth, and cuerpoespíritu.
The Idea(s) of America
Authors: Wahman Jessica
Published: February 2017

The article considers liberal progressivism as an ambivalent set of ideological commitments and uses Tony Kushner's Angels in America to make this point. In addition, it considers John Dewey's theory of religious ideals and his progressivism as a way of making sense of both the themes of the play and the overall thesis.
The May Day Machine: Assemblages in Nineteenth-Century Chicago
Authors: Lee Richard A.
Published: February 2017

This article uses the central insights of Deleuze and Guattari in A Thousand Plateaus to analyze the labor movement in Chicago at the end of the nineteenth century, leading up to the Haymarket event and its aftermath. The article concludes by indicating some of the shortcomings of that approach.
The Job of Creating Desire: Propaganda as an Apparatus of Government and Subjectification
Authors: Wimberly Cory
Published: February 2017

This article addresses shortcomings in the way that philosophers and cultural critics have considered propaganda by offering a new genealogical account. Looking at figures such as Marx, Adorno, Marcuse, Habermas, Bourdieu, and Stanley, this article finds that their consideration of propaganda has not necessarily been wrong but has missed some of the most significant and important functions of propaganda. This text draws on archival and published materials from propagandists, most notably Edward Bernays, to elaborate a new governmentality of propaganda and public relations. Through focusing on the concept of public opinion, I argue that propaganda is best thought of as an apparatus whose function it is to construct, modify, counter, and destroy relations of force within public opinion in order to produce the subjectivities and conduct that propagandists and their clients desire.
Supporting Students in Military Families during Times of Transition: A Call for Awareness and Action
Authors: Cole Rebekah F.
Published: February 2017

Throughout their time in school, students in military families face many challenging periods of transition, which include deployments, relocations, and the family's separation from the military. During these transitions, students in military families may be especially susceptible to social, emotional, and academic challenges both in their home lives and in their school lives. As advocates for all students, school counselors are called to actively support this population in these times of transition. Examples of support that aligns with these students' needs include performing academic interventions, creating partnerships with family and community members, accessing appropriate resources, facilitating peer support, referring students to outside mental health providers, and providing professional development training to equip other school personnel on best practices for working with this population. Overall, school counselors should be aware of best practices for intervening and should actively carry out these interventions to help students in military families overcome the challenges they face in the midst of their families' transitions.