bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolonged Motor Block following Epidural Anaesthesia: A Proposed Pathway for Investigation and Management to Facilitate Rapid MRI Scanning to Exclude Vertebral Canal Haematoma
Authors: Bampoe S , De Silva S , Scott M
Published: December 2017

Vertebral canal haematoma following epidural anaesthesia is a rare but potentially devastating occurence, which can lead to permanent neurological damage. Early clinical identification and diagnosis using MRI imaging with surgical decompression of the haematoma can lead to full recovery (Kebaish 2004). However surgical patients often have metal clips or staples, which are left inside the body, some of which are not MRI compatible. Currently there is no process to document which surgical clips have been used and their MRI compatibility in an accessible format. This can lead to a delay in performing MRI imaging. We propose a clinical pathway to expedite diagnosis of vertebral canal haematoma to incorporate a system to allow rapid identification of MRI compatibility of surgical clips used during surgery.
A Critical Analysis of the Perioperative Management of Patients with Ehlers Danlos Type IV (Vascular) Syndrome
Authors: Martin J
Published: December 2017

This paper discusses the perioperative care needs of patients with Ehlers Danlos type IV (vascular) syndrome. Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a heritable group of connective tissue disorders characterised by varying degrees of tissue, blood vessel and internal organ fragility as well as skin and joint hypermobility (De Paepe & Malfait 2012). In 1997 EDS was revised and classified into six subtypes: classical (Types I and II), hypermobility, vascular (Type IV), kyphoscoliosis and arthrochalasia type. Each classification has been based on the following aspects: diagnostic uniformity, natural history, management, genetics, and the identification of potential areas for research (Beighton et al 1998). Vascular type EDS has serious implications for any form of surgical procedure and it is therefore imperative that theatre staff are fully conversant with the needs of this patient group. Overall awareness needs to be increased, particularly as most patients will most frequently be seen in an emergency situation, as elective procedures are avoided as far as possible.
Cost Awareness of Disposable Surgical Equipment and Strategies for Improvement: Cross Sectional Survey and Literature Review
Authors: Kynaston JWF , Smith T , Batt J
Published: December 2017

A significant healthcare funding gap has been predicted over the coming years. NHS England has made transparency and cost efficiency a key priority. Healthcare technology accounts for a large portion of healthcare expenditure. The aim of the study was to establish the cost awareness of theatre staff for disposable surgical equipment and to review the current evidence around improving cost awareness. A cross sectional survey was performed. A questionnaire was distributed to consultants, registrars, core surgical trainees and theatre scrub practitioners within an NHS foundation trust and analysed using Microsoft excel 2010. Following the results, which indicated poor cost awareness amongst theatre staff, a literature review was performed to identify strategies to improving cost awareness in healthcare. The results showed that only 22% of all participants (n = 48) were able to estimate cost correctly. There was no significant difference in cost accuracy between surgeons or scrub practitioners. Strategies for improvement in cost awareness were identified. A lack of cost awareness was identified amongst theatre healthcare professionals for common disposable surgical equipment. This is an area which must improve through the use of proven strategies such as national programs, education, visible pricing and price feedback, as highlighted in this paper.
The Early Days of Surgery for Cardiac Injuries
Authors: Ellis Harold
Published: December 2017

Over many centuries, wounds of the heart were thought to be fatal. With the introduction of first anaesthesia and then antiseptic surgery in the second half of the 19th century, there was an explosion in surgery; the abdominal cavity, the chest, the skull were explored and operated upon and yet the heart was considered to be a ‘no go’ region of the body. One of the greatest and most innovative surgeons of that time, Theodor Billroth of Vienna, who must be considered one of the fathers of modern surgery, with pioneering work on many parts of the body, wrote: ‘The surgeon who attempts to suture a wound of the heart should lose the respect of his colleagues’.
‘We want an allocation to theatre!’ Diploma level nursing students have their say
Authors: Walker Linda
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to ascertain the perceptions of diploma level nursing students towards theatre nursing and whether these perceptions had any influenced on their choosing a career in operating department nursing.

The study was qualitative in its approach, using a questionnaire as the main research tool, to focus on thirty-three second year diploma level nursing students.

The main findings were that 94% of the students felt that a set allocation to the operating theatre would be invaluable, as it would enhance the nursing care they gave to their patients on the ward.

The study also found that the students did not have a real understanding of the theatre nurse's role, with only one third of the students seeing the theatre nurse carrying out patient care. This perceived lack of patient care had a major effect on them not wishing to choose theatre nursing as a career, once qualified.

The results of this study suggest that the profile of theatre nursing must be raised to attract greater numbers of students to the speciality.
Systematic Review of Ondansetron for the Prevention and Treatment of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Adults
Authors: Cox Felicia
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To determine the efficacy and safety of ondansetron for the prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in adults.

Design

Systematic review of published double-blind randomised controlled trials.

Data sources

Twenty seven trials from 1990 to July 1998 retrieved from a systematic literature search (Medline, Cinahl, Embase, Cochrane Library, reference lists, hand searching of anaesthetic journals, & provided manufacturer information); restricted to English language.

Main outcome measures

Estimation of efficacy (incidence of complete absence of nausea or other outcome measure as defined by the authors) at 24 hours.

Results

Seven double-blind randomised controlled trials with 1,623 patients studied intravenous ondansetron 1mg, 4mg, or 8mg for the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Four mg, compared with metoclopramide 10mg, produced higher patient satisfaction scores and an increased incidence of freedom from nausea at 24 hours. Further studies are required to compare the safety, efficacy and dose response with other anti-emetics at 24 hours. Twenty double-blind randomised controlled trials with 4,364 patients studied intravenous and oral administration of ondansetron 1mg, 4mg, and 8mg for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. There appears to be no significant difference between droperidol (0.625mg, 1mg or 1.25 mg) IV and ondansetron 4mg in efficacy and incidence of side effects. Compared with metoclopramide, ondansetron produced less nausea but the incidence of vomiting was the same at 24 hours.

Conclusions

Further PONV could be prevented with ondansetron 4mg compared with placebo and metoclopramide 10mg. Further studies are required to compare ondansetron with other anti-emetics for the treatment of PONV. For prophylaxis of PONV ondansetron 4mg appears to be equal to low dose droperidol in efficacy and the incidence of side effects, and superior to metoclopramide. Ondansetron should perhaps be limited to second line treatment in view of patient satisfaction, efficacy and cost when compared with droperidol.
Anterior orbital leiomyoma originating from the supraorbital neurovascular bundle
Authors: Sendul Selam Yekta , Atilgan Cemile Ucgul , Kabukcuoglu Fevziye , Demir Semra Tiryaki , Guven Dilek
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

To present a young female patient with left anterior orbital leiomyoma that originates from the supraorbital neurovascular bundle.

Case presentation:

A 41-year-old female patient was admitted to our clinic with a complaint of swelling of the left upper eyelid. Based on the ophthalmological and imaging assessments, the excisional biopsy with the preliminary diagnosis of dermoid cyst was planned. The histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of excised sample revealed surprisingly that the tumour was a leiomyoma. No recurrence was detected in the patient’s follow-up.

Conclusion:

Although it is rare, orbital leiomyoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with orbital tumour.
Positioning China Watching
Authors: Shih Chih-Yu
Published: December 2017

This article divides China watching by the two dimensions of position and purpose. By position, the article asks if a narrator looks at China from an external or an internal perspective. By purpose, it asks if the narrative is to critically provide an evaluative perspective, to objectively represent an authentic China, or to practically discuss a life and identity strategy of Chinese people. Specifically, the complex sensibilities towards China among Taiwanese migrant scholars reify the genuine and yet often-unnoticed agency required to proceed with writing on China. With initially both the Chinese Civil War and later pro-independence politics in Taiwan poisoning relationships with China, the politically divided Taiwanese scholars enter a different environment in Hong Kong, which urges neither total confrontation nor complete loyalty in approaching China. How the Hong Kong circumstances have impacted upon the choices of these Taiwanese intellectuals in their presentation of the subject matter of China, in comparison with their other colleagues in Hong Kong, is the primary goal of the following discussion.
Cultural Landscapes: The Future in the Process
Authors: Milan Selena Bagnara
Published: December 2017

The cultural dimension of any cultural landscape embodies various aspects associated with the local community that act as a generating force. Conversely, cultural landscapes play a crucial role in people’s quality of life and sense of belonging, their features contributing to the overall landscape perception and character.

Therefore, all heritage management and conservation approaches ought to be based on the identification and consideration of this interrelationship and provide a shared vision—within a global context—through the adoption of cross-disciplinary methods of analysing, evaluating and monitoring cultural landscapes in all their dimensions over time.

Within the above conceptual framework, this article attempts to present a meaningful contribution for specific challenges and opportunities connected with the management of cultural landscapes reflecting their multifunctional acceptation.

Considering that the development of a management plan is part of a higher management process as well as an essential tool for creating agreement among stakeholders and professionals, the article concludes with an outlook on landscape future scenarios, highlighting those forward-looking approaches that are more effective in governing change in such a way that cultural landscapes’ significant functions and values endure, along with supporting cultural and human sustainable development based on a balanced and critical assessment of the community interests.
Clay minerals, δ13C values, pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs as palaeoenviromental and palaeoclimatic indicators in Pliocene sediments of central Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Ali Sayin Ş. , Yavuz Nurdan , Içöz Serap
Published: December 2017

The Çankırı Basin is one of the largest Cenozoic basins in Central Anatolia, Turkey and contains possible economic hydrocarbon and evaporite reserves. Gypsum is the dominant mineral in the evaporite-bearing Pliocene deposits of the Çankırı Basin. In claystones, the abundance of smectite, dolomite, illite/mica and chlorite in association with minor amounts of mixed-layer chlorite-smectite, mica-vermiculite, amphibole, serpentine, quartz and feldspar together indicate an alkaline environment. Minor kaolinite is also present in some clay samples. Smectite is both detrital and authigenic. Palynological analysis revealed the existence of a mixed forest (Pinus, Cathaya, Tsuga, Cedrus, Abies, Quercus, Ulmus, Juglans, Pterocarya, Acer, Carya, Carpinus, Fagus) dominated byPinuswith a widespread herbaceous understory (Poaceae) interspersed sparsely with open areas occupied by Asteraceae. This flora reflects warm-temperate and humid climatic condition. δ13C analyses have shown that the vegetation was dominated by C3 plants.
3D magnetotelluric modeling by using finite-difference method: Comparison study of different forward modeling approaches
Authors: Varilsuha Deniz , Candansayar Mehmet Emin
Published: December 2017

We have investigated different approaches to solve magnetotelluric forward modeling problems. Besides classical direct electromagnetic (EM) formulation, ungauged and gauged (Lorenz, Coulomb, and axial) vector and scalar potential formulations are discretized using the finite-difference (FD) numerical solution technique. Linear matrix equations obtained from FD discretization for each EM field formulation are solved by using the conjugate-gradient iterative solution method. We compared FD solutions of each approach with respect to accuracy and speed. We found that all approaches generate accurate results. However, an ungauged approach gave solutions with a lower conjugate-gradient iteration and accordingly less computer time. All stiffness matrices arising from each formulation are examined in terms of their size and type. FD solution of the Coulomb-gauge and ungauged approaches generates larger stiffness matrices than the other approaches. Direct EM, ungauged, and axial-gauge approaches generate a symmetric stiffness matrix. We recommend the use of the ungauged approach in inversion algorithms, which gives faster forward solution, amongst other things.
Sequencing of Postoperative Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced or Incompletely Resected Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Francis Samual , Orton Andrew , Stoddard Greg , Tao Randa , Hitchcock Ying J. , Akerley Wallace , Kokeny Kristine E.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Although several feasibility studies have demonstrated the safety of adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced or incompletely resected non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it remains uncertain whether this approach is superior to sequential chemotherapy followed by postoperative radiotherapy (C→PORT). We sought to determine the most effective treatment sequence.

Patients and Methods

Using the National Cancer Database, we selected two cohorts of patients with nonmetastatic NSCLC who had received at least a lobectomy followed by multiagent chemotherapy and radiotherapy; cohort one included patients with R0 resection and pN2 disease, whereas cohort two included patients with R1-2 resection regardless of nodal status. Overall survival (OS) was examined using a propensity score–matched analysis with a shared frailty Cox regression.

Results

A total of 747 patients in cohort one and 277 patients in cohort two were included, with a median follow-up of 32.8 and 27.9 months, respectively. The median OS was 58.8 months for patients who received C→PORT versus 40.4 months for patients who received CRT in cohort one (log-rank P < .001). For cohort two, the median OS was 42.6 months for patients who received C→PORT versus 38.5 months for patients who received CRT (log-rank P = .42). After propensity score matching, C→PORT remained associated with improved OS compared with CRT in cohort one (hazard ratio, 1.35; P = .019), and there was no statistical difference in OS between the sequencing groups for cohort two (hazard ratio, 1.35; P = .19).

Conclusion

Patients with NSCLC who undergo R0 resection and are found to have pN2 disease have improved outcomes when adjuvant chemotherapy is administered before, rather than concurrently with, radiotherapy. For patients with positive margins after surgery, there is not a clear association between treatment sequencing and survival.
Analysis of Inpatient Falls After Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Continuous Femoral Nerve Block
Authors: Turbitt Lloyd R. , McHardy Paul G. , Casanova Michel , Shapiro Joel , Li Lisa , Choi Stephen
Published: December 2017

Continuous femoral nerve block (cFNB) is thought to increase the risk of falls after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Previous studies have failed to consider the timing of cFNB removal in relation to inpatient falls. We investigated all inpatient falls after TKA over a 3-year period using our institutional safety report database. Ninety-five falls were reported from a total of 3745 patients. The frequency of falls after TKA persisted at a similar rate despite removal of cFNB and likely regression of femoral nerve block. Other modifiable risk factors may play a more prominent role in falls risk after TKA.
The Clinical Utility of Noninvasive Pulse Co-oximetry Hemoglobin Measurements in Dark-Skinned Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Murphy Susan M. , Omar Shahed
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND:

The primary objective of this study was to assess the clinical usefulness of a point-of-care device which measures hemoglobin noninvasively (SpHb) in a group of critically ill participants with dark skin pigmentation.

METHODS:

One hundred forty-six adult and pediatric participants from a multidisciplinary intensive care unit had intermittent readings of noninvasive hemoglobin measurements performed at a minimum of 4 hourly intervals. A total of 371 readings were analyzed. Concurrent blood samples were taken to assess hemoglobin levels using point-of-care blood gas analyzer, as well as sent to a central laboratory where hemoglobin was measured using the sodium lauryl sulfate method. Bland-Altman plots were constructed to assess the agreement between results from the 2 point-of-care devices with the reference standard (laboratory hemoglobin).

RESULTS:

SpHb exhibited significant bias when compared to laboratory hemoglobin, while blood gas hemoglobin did not. Mean bias for SpHb was +1.64 with limits of agreement of −1.03 to 4.31 compared to blood gas hemoglobin which showed a bias of 0.26 and limits of agreement of −0.84 to 1.37. The magnitude of the bias for SpHb increased with increasing mean hemoglobin levels. Of all the additional study variables assessed for effect on the bias, only Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score in adult patients (P < .0001) and mean arterial blood pressure (P = .001) had an effect. Skin pigmentation did not have any effect on the magnitude of bias.

CONCLUSIONS:

Noninvasive Hemoglobin measurement is a promising tool in dark-skinned critically ill patients with low hemoglobin levels, but requires further refinements for it to have clinical usefulness.
Allergic Reaction Caused by a Lip Balm–Flavored Facemask Used During Inhalational Induction: A Case Report
Authors: Park Youngok J. , Dalal Priti G. , Mostert Monique , Fausnight Tracy
Published: December 2017

Flavoring a facemask with a lip balm for inhalational induction in children is a common practice. However, most anesthesia providers are unaware of potential complications and the management of allergic reactions caused by lip balm. We describe the occurrence of allergic reaction to lip balm–flavored facemask in a child who underwent an inhalational anesthetic induction. The facial rash resolved completely without complications after administration of an antihistamine and steroid.
Sensing in a noisy world: lessons from auditory specialists, echolocating bats
Authors: Corcoran Aaron J. , Moss Cynthia F.
Published: December 2017

All animals face the essential task of extracting biologically meaningful sensory information from the ‘noisy’ backdrop of their environments. Here, we examine mechanisms used by echolocating bats to localize objects, track small prey and communicate in complex and noisy acoustic environments. Bats actively control and coordinate both the emission and reception of sound stimuli through integrated sensory and motor mechanisms that have evolved together over tens of millions of years. We discuss how bats behave in different ecological scenarios, including detecting and discriminating target echoes from background objects, minimizing acoustic interference from competing conspecifics and overcoming insect noise. Bats tackle these problems by deploying a remarkable array of auditory behaviors, sometimes in combination with the use of other senses. Behavioral strategies such as ceasing sonar call production and active jamming of the signals of competitors provide further insight into the capabilities and limitations of echolocation. We relate these findings to the broader topic of how animals extract relevant sensory information in noisy environments. While bats have highly refined abilities for operating under noisy conditions, they face the same challenges encountered by many other species. We propose that the specialized sensory mechanisms identified in bats are likely to occur in analogous systems across the animal kingdom.
Head orientation of walking blowflies is controlled by visual and mechanical cues
Authors: Monteagudo José , Lindemann Jens P. , Egelhaaf Martin
Published: December 2017

During locomotion animals employ visual and mechanical cues in order to establish the orientation of their head, which reflects the orientation of the visual coordinate system. However, in certain situations, contradictory cues may suggest different orientations relative to the environment. We recorded blowflies walking on a horizontal or tilted surface surrounded by visual cues suggesting a variety of orientations. We found that the different orientations relative to gravity of visual cues and walking surface were integrated, with the orientation of the surface being the major contributor to head orientation, while visual cues and gravity also play an important role. In contrast, visual cues did not affect body orientation much. Cue integration was modeled as the weighted sum of orientations suggested by the different cues. Our model suggests that in case of lacking visual cues more weight is given to gravity.
Context-dependent chemosensory signaling, aggression, and neural activation patterns in gravid female African cichlid fish
Authors: Field Karen E. , Maruska Karen P.
Published: December 2017

Social animals must constantly assess their environment to make appropriate behavioral decisions. The use of various sensory modalities is imperative in this process and it is hypothesized that the highly conserved brain nuclei comprising the social decision making network (SDMN) integrates social information with an animal's internal state to elicit behavioral responses. Here, we used the highly social African cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni, to investigate whether reproductively-receptive (gravid) females show contextual chemosensory signaling, social behaviors, and neural activation patterns within the SDMN. We exposed gravid females to different social contexts: 1) dominant male (inter-sexual reproductive); 2) mouth brooding (non-receptive) female, and 3) gravid female (intra-sexual aggressive); 4) juvenile fish (low social salience); and 5) empty compartment (control). By injecting females with a blue dye to visualize urine pulses, we found that gravid females show context-dependent urination, exhibiting higher urination rates in the presence of dominant males (reproductive context) and mouth brooding females (aggressive contexts). Further, gravid females show contextual aggression with increased aggressive displays toward mouth brooding females compared to other gravid females. Using in situ hybridization to quantify cells expressing the immediate early gene cfos as a measure of neural activation, we also show that certain regions of the SDMN in gravid females are differentially activated after exposure to high compared to low social salience contexts. Coupled with previous reports, these results demonstrate true chemosensory communication in both sexes of a single fish species, as well as reveal the neural substrates mediating intra- and inter-sexual social behaviors in females.
Characterizing the distribution of steroid sulfatase during embryonic development: when and where might metabolites of maternal steroids be reactivated?
Authors: Paitz Ryan T. , Duffield Kristin R. , Bowden Rachel M.
Published: December 2017

All vertebrate embryos are exposed to maternally derived steroids during development. In placental vertebrates, metabolism of maternal steroids by the placenta modulates embryonic exposure, but how exposure is regulated in oviparous vertebrates is less clear. Recent work in oviparous vertebrates has demonstrated that steroids are not static molecules, as they can be converted to more polar steroid sulfates by sulfotransferase enzymes. Importantly, these steroid sulfates can be converted back to the parent compound by the enzyme steroid sulfatase (STS). We investigated when and where STS, was present during embryonic development in the red-eared slider turtle, Trachemys scripta. We report that STS is present during all stages of development and in all tissues we examined. We conclude that STS activity may be particularly important for regulating maternal steroid exposure in oviparous vertebrates.
Análise epidemiológica dos indivíduos com hérnias discais avaliadas pelo método de ressonância magnética
Authors: Garcia Danyelly Karen Mendonça , Vasconcelos Thiago Brasileiro de , Cardoso Ana Richelly Nunes Rocha , Macena Raimunda Hermelinda Maia , Sousa Caio Átila Prata Bezerra de , Bastos Vasco Pinheiro Diógenes
Published: December 2017

Introdução: A hérnia de disco é a projeção do núcleo pulposo para além de seus limites normais. A Ressonância Magnética (RM) é a melhor modalidade de imagens para avaliação da coluna vertebral. Objetivo: analisar, epidemiologicamente, os indivíduos com hérnias discais avaliadas pelo método de ressonância magnética. Método: foi aplicado um questionário em uma amostra composta por 268 indivíduos que procuraram diagnóstico médico de hérnia discal por meio da Ressonância Magnética. De acordo com os resultados, a média de idade foi de 50,22 ± 11,75 anos, com IMC médio de 27,5 ± 3,63 m2/Kg, 56% dos indivíduos são do sexo masculino, 33,95% só cursaram o ensino fundamental completo, 25,57% trabalham em serviços gerais, 88,80% têm uma jornada de trabalho maior que 6 horas diárias e 40,18% estão afastados de suas atividades laborais. A renda mensal de 66,04% é de até um salário mínimo. O espaço intervertebral mais acometido foi L5-S1 em 63,43% (n = 170). Conclusão: o aumento da idade e do peso corporal contribui para o aparecimento de hérnias discais, sendo os homens os mais acometidos. As profissões também influenciam no surgimento de hérnias, sobretudo as vinculadas a esforço físico e a altas cargas horárias de trabalho, e o nível com maior incidência é na coluna lombar.
Spatial analysis and climatic factors related to dengue in a small municipality of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Peres Neto João , Praddo da Fonseca Emílio , Rosário de Sousa Maria da Luz , Tennant Marc
Published: December 2017

Objective: to analyze the relationship of climatic variables, temperature and rainfall, - with dengue, in addition to identifying possible areas of greater spatial concentration of confirmed dengue cases. Methods: This is an ecological study with secondary data in the city of Ubirajara / SP. The confirmed cases of Dengue, assumed as an outcome, were obtained from the Aging and Notification Information System (SINAN) of the Ministry of Health; while the climatic data were used as independent variables and temperature and precipitation were provided by IPMet - Center of Meteorology of Bauru / SP, from 2007 to 2015. Pearson’s correlation (r) was used for statistical analyzes. The addresses were geocoded and related to the digital cartoFigureic base of the municipality through the software QGIS and elaborated the thematic map through the kernel intensity estimator. Results: 187 cases of dengue were reported in the study period, with 119 cases (63.7%) occurring in 2015 with an incidence coefficient of 25.39 cases per 1,000 inhabitants. Mean annual temperature correlated positively with dengue and (r) (Pearson) cases = 0.6889, p = 0.0401 (α = Type I error) and β = 0.6652 (Type II error). The Kernel map identified four areas of greatest concentration for dengue transmission. Conclusions: The relationship between temperature increase and dengue cases requires adequate responses from the institutions, with continuous monitoring of trends, construction of predictive models for the formulation of plans by using spatial analysis in the identification of the priority areas for actions that will be performed.
Η γονική εμπλοκή υπό το πρίσμα της θεώρησης του "εκπαιδευτικού θύλακα" του παιδιού
Authors: Penderi Efthymia , Petrogiannis Konstantinos
Published: December 2017

Ενώ οι περισσότεροι συγγραφείς και ερευνητές συμφωνούν για τη σημασία της γονικής εμπλοκής στην ενίσχυση της ποιότητας της εκπαίδευσης, υπάρχει ασάφεια αναφορικά με την προέλευση, τη φύση και τις εννοιολογικές αποχρώσεις που συνιστούν τη δομή της. Η παρούσα εργασία εστιάζει στην έννοια και τη λειτουργία της γονικής εμπλοκής υπό το πρίσμα του «εκπαιδευτικού θύλακα» του παιδιού. Πρόκειται για ένα θεωρητικό σχήμα με εμπειρική εφαρμογή, το οποίο προκύπτει συνδυάζοντας τις βασικές θεωρητικές θέσεις της βιο-οικολογικής προσέγγισης του Urie Bronfenbrenner και του «αναπτυξιακού θύλακα» των Super και Harkness. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δίνεται όχι μόνο στις πρακτικές που εφαρμόζουν οι γονείς αλλά και στις σχέσεις που αναπτύσσουν και τις απόψεις που διαμορφώνουν  καθώς εμπλέκονται στην εκπαίδευση του παιδιού, στη βάση των διαφοροποιημένων αναπτυξιακών και εκπαιδευτικών αναγκών των παιδιών σε κάθε ηλικιακή περίοδο.
Development and Validation of a Tractor Drawbar Force Measurement and Data Acquisition System (DAQ)
Authors: Roeber James BW , Pitla Santosh K , Hoy Roger M , Luck Joe D , Kocher Michael F
Published: December 2017

Abstract.

Matching agricultural tractors to implements towed by the drawbar is one of the important aspects of machinery management for ensuring optimum performance and fuel cost savings. A field deployable tractor draft force measurement and data acquisition system was developed and evaluated as part of this research project. A drawbar instrumented to measure draft force in field operating conditions was developed and statically calibrated. The drawbar was calibrated by applying loads from 4.45 to 134 kN using a hydraulic cylinder connected to a 444.8 kN load cell. Testing was conducted with the drawbar installed on a tractor on a concrete track. The Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory (NTTL) load car was used for applying draft loads to evaluate the instrumented drawbar. The track test consisted of seven loads corresponding to maximum power in seven gears. The draft forces as measured by the drawbar were compared to the draft measurements recorded by the load car. The error between draft force measurements of the instrumented drawbar and the load car measurements ranged from 0.21 kN (0.27%) to 0.99 kN (2.88%).There were no statistically significant differences between drawbar and load car measurements confirming that the drawbar force measurement and data acquisition (DAQ) system developed as part of this research can be used for field use. Keywords: Data acquisition, Draft load, Drawbar, LabVIEW, Strain gages, Tractor.
Review
Authors: Reponen Johannes
Published: December 2017

Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 27 May 2017–18 February 2018
Composing for a latency-rich environment
Authors: Rofe Michael , Geelhoed Erik
Published: December 2017

Three new works were commissioned for the pilot performance of Online Orchestra: In Sea-Cold Lyonesse by John Pickard, Spiritus Telecommunitas by Federico Reuben and Re-Tracing by Jim Aitchison. This article brings together post-project interviews with composers and detailed analyses of the final compositions in order to document how composers approached the challenge of writing music for a latency-rich environment. Solutions include the use of distributed textures, polyrhythm and ostinati, blurred transitions, slow rates of harmonic change, layered textures and semi-improvised rhythmic notation. This leads to consideration of the medium of Online Orchestra – a telematic performance environment for distributed young and amateur musicians to make music together – and the conclusion that latency-rich environments hold significant potential for composers.
Kreativität und Teilhabe in der Stadt
Authors: Huber Laila Lucie
Published: December 2017

Wie kann das Denken von Möglichkeiten und das Potenzial für gesellschaftliche Veränderung im konkreten Lebensumfeld Stadt gefasst werden? Aufbauend auf ein Verständnis von Kreativität und Imagination als sozialen Prozessen schlägt Laila Lucie Huber vor, Verbindungslinien zwischen Kunst und Politik neu zu denken und das Gestalten von physischem, sozialem und symbolischem Raum als prozessuale Collage in den Blick zu nehmen. Am Beispiel Salzburg und den dortigen mikropolitischen Praxen von selbstorganisierten Initiativen zwischen Kunst und Politik zeigt ihre ethnografische Forschung, wie die dominante Erzählung der Stadt infrage gestellt werden kann.
Konfigurationen des Unheimlichen
Authors: Günther Elisabeth
Published: December 2017

Der Begriff des »Unheimlichen« birgt einiges Potenzial, um aktuelle Diskurse über die fortschreitende Technisierung unserer Gesellschaft auf den Punkt zu bringen. Vor diesem Hintergrund untersucht Elisabeth Günther eine Auswahl an Theatertexten von Elfriede Jelinek und fokussiert dabei insbesondere die beiden für deren Werk zentralen Topoi der Medien und des Untoten. Hierzu zieht sie neben den traditionellen psychoanalytischen Bezügen zum Unheimlichen-Begriff verschiedene Theoriediskurse zu Fragen der Wirklichkeitsherstellung heran, wie sie u.a. im Kontext der Denkansätze von Jacques Derrida und Jean Baudrillard geführt werden. Jelineks virtuoses Spiel mit der Verkehrung von Belebtheitsverhältnissen entpuppt sich dabei als differenzierte Kritik an der gegenwärtigen Mediengesellschaft.
Lehrer_in, Migration und Differenz
Authors: Mantel Carola
Published: December 2017

Lehrpersonen sind nicht nur herausgefordert, anerkennend mit sozialen Differenzen und Zugehörigkeiten ihrer Schülerinnen und Schüler umzugehen - sie sind auch selbst in soziale Grenzziehungsprozesse involviert und machen mitunter eigene Erfahrungen von Begrenzung oder prekarisierter Zugehörigkeit. Carola Mantel rekonstruiert, inwiefern diese Erfahrungen lebens- und berufsgeschichtlich prägend sind und wie Lehrende daraus Orientierungsmuster für ihr pädagogisches Handeln ableiten. Sie identifiziert vier idealtypische Zusammenhangsstrukturen bei Primarlehrpersonen der zweiten Einwanderungsgeneration in der deutschsprachigen Schweiz.
Expert_innen des Geschlechts?
Authors: Scheunemann Kim
Published: December 2017

Muss eine Person Inter* oder Trans* sein, um als Expert_in für Inter*- oder Trans*themen anerkannt zu werden? Oder darf sie dies auf keinen Fall, da sie ›objektiv‹ sein muss? Und welche (Gefühls-)Arbeit müssen Expert_innen des Geschlechts alltäglich leisten, um im eigenen Geschlecht und/oder als Expert_in anerkannt zu werden? Verliert der professionelle Expert_innenstatus zunehmend an Deutungsmacht? Anhand von Interviews mit Aktivist_innen und Therapeut_innen räumt Kim Scheunemann mit dem Vorurteil auf, dass ausschließlich Inter*-oder Trans*personen sich mit Geschlecht auseinandersetzen (müssen) und stellt in Frage, ob es objektive Expert_innen des Geschlechtes überhaupt geben kann.
Organización del trabajo en el agro pampeano: análisis sobre la tercerización de labores en empresas de distinto perfil en tres partidos en la provincia de Buenos Aires // Organization of work in the Pampean agriculture: analysis on the outsourcing of work in profile companies in three districts in the province of Buenos Aires
Authors: Moreno Manuela
Published: December 2017

Las transformaciones recientes y factores estructurales de larga data se han combinado dando lugar a la generación de otras formas de producción en el agro pampeano. En este marco, la tercerización de tareas adquiere una centralidad que no poseían en el pasado. En el presente artículo nos interesa indagar la tercerización de labores en empresas agropecuarias de tres partidos de la provincia de Buenos Aires.El trabajo se estructurará, en primer lugar, señalando cuestiones sobre el fenómeno de la tercerización de las labores en el sector; en segundo lugar, se analizarán las explotaciones relevadas diferenciando los distintos perfiles de los productores, las motivaciones y las formas en que se estructuran las dinámicas socio-laborales entre los actores involucrados. Finalmente, se reflexionará sobre la tercerización de labores en el sector, las implicancias que tiene tanto en general como en las empresas en particular partir del análisis de las dimensiones planteadas anteriormente.
Characterization of commercial detergents and natural cleansing agents with comparison of their potential for biodegradability
Authors: Mer Anjali , Samant Rajesh , Padmanabha Prabha
Published: December 2017

Background: Commercial detergents are chemical formulations designed to dissolve or disperse grease, grime, and dirt by making them water soluble or suspending it in water. They are best known for their wide use in laundry industry and household cleaning. After use, the wash waters along with the residual detergents are discharged into sewage system and are carried to water bodies, which result in damaging the biodiversity of aquatic environment due to the non-degradable nature of the active detergent matter present in these cleansing agents.Method: A critical analytical study was conducted on the quality of popular detergent powders sold in the Indian market viz. Ariel, Surf Excel, Rin and Tide with respect to their moisture content, active and total alkalinity, active detergent matter, water-insoluble matter, oxygen releasing capacity and pH. Two natural cleansing agents viz. Areetha and Shikakai were tested for the same parameters. Bacterial cultures were isolated from detergent-rich soil in Dhobighat, Mumbai and used to study detergent degradation over a period of time. Methylene Blue Photometric Assay was used to estimate the reduction in active detergent matter.Result and Conclusion: Areetha and Shikakai were found effective as detergents but with certain limitations. Degradation was seen in the commercial detergents over a period of time.
Thermoelectric Generation Of Current – Theoretical And Experimental Analysis
Authors: Ruciński Adam , Rusowicz Artur
Published: December 2017

This paper provides some information about thermoelectric technology. Some new materials with improved figures of merit are presented. These materials in Peltier modules make it possible to generate electric current thanks to a temperature difference. The paper indicates possible applications of thermoelectric modules as interesting tools for using various waste heat sources. Some zero-dimensional equations describing the conditions of electric power generation are given. Also, operating parameters of Peltier modules, such as voltage and electric current, are analyzed. The paper shows chosen characteristics of power generation parameters. Then, an experimental stand for ongoing research and experimental measurements are described. The authors consider the resistance of a receiver placed in the electric circuit with thermoelectric elements. Finally, both the analysis of experimental results and conclusions drawn from theoretical findings are presented. Voltage generation of about 1.5 to 2.5 V for the temperature difference from 65 to 85 K was observed when a bismuth telluride thermoelectric couple (traditionally used in cooling technology) was used.
Preliminary Electrochemical Characterization of Anode Supported Solid Oxide Cell (AS-SOC) Produced in the Institute of Power Engineering Operated in Electrolysis Mode (SOEC)
Authors: Kupecki Jakub , Motyliński Konrad , Skrzypkiewicz Marek , Wierzbicki Michał , Naumovich Yevgeniy
Published: December 2017

The article discusses the operation of solid oxide electrochemical cells (SOC) developed in the Institute of Power Engineering as prospective key components of power-to-gas systems. The fundamentals of the solid oxide cells operated as fuel cells (SOFC - solid oxide fuel cells) and electrolysers (SOEC - solid oxide fuel cells) are given. The experimental technique used for electrochemical characterization of cells is presented. The results obtained for planar cell with anodic support are given and discussed. Based on the results, the applicability of the cells in power-to-gas systems (P2G) is evaluated.
Charakterisierung der Fahrbahnbeschaffenheit durch Data Mining von gemessenen kinematischen Fahrzeuggrößen
Authors: Masino Johannes , Levasseur Guillaume , Frey Michael , Gauterin Frank , Mikut Ralf , Reischl Markus
Published: December 2017

Die Arbeit beschreibt eine Untersuchung von Data-Mining-Ansätzen zur Klassifikation der Fahrbahnbeschaffenheit mittels
einfacher Beschleunigungssensoren und Gyroskope. Ziel ist sowohl die Klassifikation des Fahrbahnmaterials als auch das
Erkennen von Unregelmäßigkeiten wie z. B. Schlaglöcher oder Bahnübergänge. Aus den Sensorsignalen werden
frequenzbasierte Merkmale extrahiert, automatisch bewertet und diskutiert. Die besten Merkmale kommen beim Entwurf
verschiedener Klassifikationsverfahren zum Einsatz. Die verwendeten Verfahren werden schließlich in einer MATLAB-Toolbox
implementiert, die Klassifikationsergebnisse auf Karten ausgibt, so dass eine manuelle Prüfung der Ergebnisse möglich
wird. Anhand eines umfangreichen exemplarischen Datensatzes werden die Ergebnisse diskutiert.
Robust and Flexible Estimation of Stochastic Mediation Effects: A Proposed Method and Example in a Randomized Trial Setting
Authors: Rudolph Kara E. , Sofrygin Oleg , Zheng Wenjing , van der Laan Mark J.
Published: December 2017

Background

Causal mediation analysis can improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying epidemiologic associations. However, the utility of natural direct and indirect effect estimation has been limited by the assumption of no confounder of the mediator-outcome relationship that is affected by prior exposure (which we call an intermediate confounder)–-an assumption frequently violated in practice.

Methods

We build on recent work that identified alternative estimands that do not require this assumption and propose a flexible and double robust targeted minimum loss-based estimator for stochastic direct and indirect effects. The proposed method intervenes stochastically on the mediator using a distribution which conditions on baseline covariates and marginalizes over the intermediate confounder.

Results

We demonstrate the estimator’s finite sample and robustness properties in a simple simulation study. We apply the method to an example from the Moving to Opportunity experiment. In this application, randomization to receive a housing voucher is the treatment/instrument that influenced moving with the voucher out of public housing, which is the intermediate confounder. We estimate the stochastic direct effect of randomization to the voucher group on adolescent marijuana use not mediated by change in school district and the stochastic indirect effect mediated by change in school district. We find no evidence of mediation.

Conclusions

Our estimator is easy to implement in standard statistical software, and we provide annotated R code to further lower implementation barriers.
Security Aspects in Resource Management Systems in Distributed Computing Environments
Authors: Adamski Marcin , Kurowski Krzysztof , Mika Marek , Piątek Wojciech , Węglarz Jan
Published: December 2017

In many distributed computing systems, aspects related to security are getting more and more relevant. Security is ubiquitous and could not be treated as a separated problem or a challenge. In our opinion it should be considered in the context of resource management in distributed computing environments like Grids and Clouds, e.g. scheduled computations can be much delayed because of cyber-attacks, inefficient infrastructure or users valuable and sensitive data can be stolen even in the process of correct computation. To prevent such cases there is a need to introduce new evaluation metrics for resource management that will represent the level of security of computing resources and more broadly distributed computing infrastructures. In our approach, we have introduced a new metric called reputation, which simply determines the level of reliability of computing resources from the security perspective and could be taken into account during scheduling procedures. The new reputation metric is based on various relevant parameters regarding cyber-attacks (also energy attacks), administrative activities such as security updates, bug fixes and security patches. Moreover, we have conducted various computational experiments within the Grid Scheduling Simulator environment (GSSIM) inspired by real application scenarios. Finally, our experimental studies of new resource management approaches taking into account critical security aspects are also discussed in this paper.
Ammonites and magnetostratigraphy of the Berriasian–Valanginian boundary deposits from eastern Crimea
Authors: Arkadiev Vladimir V. , Grishchenko Vladimir A. , Guzhikov Andrei Yu. , Manikin Aleksey G. , Savelieva Yuliya N. , Feodorova Anna A. , Shurekova Olga V.
Published: December 2017

Euthymi, Crassicostatum and Callisto ammonite subzones, correlable with Paramimounum, Picteti, and Alpillensis subzones and probably with the Late Berriasian Otopeta Subzone of the Boissieri Standard Zone have been recognized in calcareous clays of the Berriasian-Valanginian boundary sequence in the Feodosiya district (eastern Crimea). The ammonite Leptoceras studeri (Ooster) suggests Late Berriasian to Early Valanginian age. Geomagnetic polarity indicates M16-M14r magnetozones. Therefore, the base of the Valanginian sequence in eastern Crimea should be placed within the M14r magnetozone.
Late Permian volcanic dykes in the crystalline basement of the Považský Inovec Mts. (Western Carpathians): U–Th–Pb zircon SHRIMP and monazite chemical dating
Authors: Pelech Ondrej , Vozárová Anna , Uher Pavel , Petrík Igor , Plašienka Dušan , Šarinová Katarína , Rodionov Nikolay
Published: December 2017

This paper presents geochronological data for the volcanic dykes located in the northern Považský Inovec Mts. The dykes are up to 5 m thick and tens to hundreds of metres long. They comprise variously inclined and oriented lenses, composed of strongly altered grey-green alkali basalts. Their age was variously interpreted and discussed in the past. Dykes were emplaced into the Tatricum metamorphic rocks, mostly consisting of mica schists and gneisses of the Variscan (early Carboniferous) age. Two different methods, zircon SHRIMP and monazite chemical dating, were applied to determine the age of these dykes. U-Pb SHRIMP dating of magmatic zircons yielded the concordia age of 260.2 ± 1.4 Ma. The Th-U-Pb monazite dating of the same dyke gave the CHIME age of 259 ± 3Ma. Both ages confirm the magmatic crystallization at the boundary of the latest Middle Permian to the Late Permian. Dyke emplacement was coeval with development of the Late Paleozoic sedimentary basin known in the northern Považský Inovec Mts. and could be correlated with other pre-Mesozoic Tethyan regions especially in the Southern Alps.