bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of a Parent Brochure on Perceptions of Their Child’s Hospitalization
Authors: Seelbach E. Berry , Yunghans Megan , Pavuluri Padmaja
Published: September 2013

Background and Objective:

The primary purpose of family-centered rounds (FCR) is to improve communication and family satisfaction with care. However, hospital satisfaction surveys continue to identify parental concerns about communication with the medical team. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of a new “Division of Hospital Medicine” brochure on parent (ie, caregiver) identification of physician names, understanding of FCR, and overall satisfaction with the hospitalist team.

Methods

A prospective cohort study with historical controls compared parent responses on anonymous, self-administered predischarge surveys, before and after brochure implementation. A trifold brochure to explain physician roles, identify names of the attending and intern, and describe the purpose of FCR was provided to parents on admission. It included a photo card of hospitalist attending physicians and explanations of the role of a hospitalist and FCR. The brochure was available in English and Spanish.

Results

The overall response rate was 83% (183 of 220). The intervention group of parents identified physician names more accurately and felt more comfortable in FCR, but there was no significant difference in satisfaction. There were no difference between the control and intervention groups in relation to language, inpatient transfer, or length of stay, but the preintervention group did include more patients never before hospitalized.

Conclusions

An informational brochure is a simple tool to improve physician identification and caregiver comfort with FCR. However, further research should explore other factors contributing to family satisfaction during hospitalization and the use of electronic media to provide the same information to families.
Parental Attitudes Toward Obesity and Overweight Screening and Communication for Hospitalized Children
Authors: Bradford Kathleen , Kihlstrom Margaret , Pointer Ivy , Skinner Asheley Cockrell , Slivka Petr , Perrin Eliana M.
Published: September 2013

Objective:

Many studies have evaluated BMI screening, communication, and follow-up recommendations in the outpatient setting. However, few studies have examined parental attitudes toward using the inpatient setting as a time to screen and counsel families regarding their child’s BMI. We sought to study parental attitudes about overweight and obesity screening in the inpatient setting.

Methods:

Parents (N = 101) of children aged 2 to 18 years admitted to a general pediatric hospital or surgical service were queried regarding their attitudes about screening and counseling for overweight and obesity. Children’s age, gender, height, weight, and diagnosis codes were extracted from electronic medical records and billing databases. BMI was calculated, plotted, and categorized according to standard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts and expert recommendation.

Results:

Fourteen percent of children in the study were overweight, and 17% were obese. Parents of overweight and obese children underestimated their child’s weight status 68% of the time. The majority believed admitted children should always have their BMI calculated. Almost all parents (90%) indicated that their inpatient physician should inform them if their child were overweight or obese and that primary care providers should be informed of the results of BMI screening.

Conclusions:

Parents of children admitted to the hospital believed their children should have their BMI screened. If their child was overweight or obese, parents believed they should be informed, and counseling should be initiated. These findings support using the inpatient time to screen and communicate BMI.
Time to Detection of Bacterial Cultures in Infants Aged 0 to 90 Days
Authors: Evans Rianna C. , Fine Bryan R.
Published: September 2013

Objective:

To determine the time to detection (TTD) of positive results on blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures taken during the evaluation for serious bacterial infection (SBI) in otherwise healthy infants aged 0 to 90 days.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective chart review of infants aged 0 to 90 days with positive blood, urine, or CSF cultures drawn during evaluation for SBI in the emergency department or inpatient setting. The TTD of positive culture results, reason for testing, and age of the infant were recorded.

Results:

A total of 283 charts were reviewed related to 307 positive culture results. Of the 101 positive results on blood culture, 38% were true pathogens with a mean TTD of 13.3 hours; 97% were identified in ≤36 hours. Blood cultures with TTD ≥36 hours were 7.8 times more likely to be contaminants compared with those with TTD <36 hours. Of 192 positive results on urine culture, 58% were true pathogens with a mean TTD of 21 hours; 95% were identified in ≤36 hours. Fifty percent of 14 positive CSF culture results were true pathogens with a mean TTD of 28.9 hours; 86% were identified in ≤36 hours. When data for infants ≤28 days of age were analyzed separately, TTD followed the same patterns for positive blood and urine culture results as seen in all infants aged 0 to 90 days.

Conclusions:

In certain clinical situations, the inpatient observation period for infants under evaluation for SBI may be decreased to 36 hours.
Relationship Between Caloric Intake and Length of Hospital Stay for Infants With Bronchiolitis
Authors: Weisgerber Michael C. , Lye Patricia S. , Nugent Melodee , Li Shun-Hwa , De Fouw Kari , Gedeit Rainer , Simpson Pippa , Gorelick Marc H.
Published: September 2013

Objective:

Poor oral intake is a common presenting symptom among infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis. The prevalence, degree, and duration of diminished caloric intake in these infants have not been studied. Our goal was to determine the daily caloric intake among infants admitted with bronchiolitis and to evaluate the relationship between early hospital caloric intake and length of stay (LOS).

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of infants aged <1 year admitted to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin with bronchiolitis who were placed in the bronchiolitis treatment protocol during the 2004–2005 season. Patient-, disease-, respiratory-, and nutrition-specific data were abstracted.

Results:

A total of 273 patients with bronchiolitis were admitted between November 1, 2004, and April 15, 2005; placed on the bronchiolitis protocol; and included in the study. Median caloric intake was diminished on day 1 (53 kcal/kg per day) and day 2 (64 kcal/kg per day). Caloric intake was slower to normalize in infants with progressively longer LOS, and a slower rate of increase from day 1 to day 2 was significantly correlated with longer LOS (r = –0.18; P = .002). Subgroup analysis revealed significant correlations between hospital day 2 caloric intake and LOS in formula-fed infants, breastfed infants, infants aged <183 days, and infants aged ≥183 days.

Conclusions:

Caloric intake was diminished in the early course of hospitalization for infants who had bronchiolitis and slowest to normalize in infants with the longest LOS. Interventions aimed at decreasing LOS among infants admitted with bronchiolitis should consider the potential significance of nutrition for severely affected infants with this condition.
A Pediatric Residency Experience With Surgical Co-management
Authors: Carr Anna Marie , Irigoyen Matilde , Wimmer Robert Samuel , Arbeter Allan Myron
Published: September 2013

Background and Objective:

Acquisition of knowledge and skills in the care of surgical patients is defined as an essential element of training by the Pediatric Residency Review Committee. The pediatric–surgical comanagement model of care is increasingly utilized, yet its impact on residency training has not been described. The goal of this study was to describe a 5-year experience with a co-management model in a pediatric residency program.

Methods:

We describe the planning and implementation of a surgical co-management model in a pediatric residency program and report on case volume and diversity from 2005 to 2010. We assessed the experience of pediatric residents and faculty through rotation evaluations, program leadership meetings, and an anonymous online survey. In the survey, residents rated the value of their exposure on knowledge and skills in selected perioperative domains and their experience with interprofessional teamwork.

Results:

The volume of co-managed patients increased threefold from 2005 to 2010; most (79%) had concurrent medical conditions, and one-third (36%) were children with special health care needs (CYSHCN). Residents reported that co-management helped them gain knowledge and skills in pain management, fluid and electrolytes, respiratory, and nutritional support, as well as in interprofessional teamwork. Other strengths included greater exposure to CYSHCN and subspecialty faculty, and preparedness for critical care rotations. Challenges included clarity of roles and responsibilities between pediatric and surgery residents and interservice communication.

Conclusions:

A surgical co-management model in pediatric residency training presented important opportunities for development of residents’ knowledge and skills in perioperative care and interprofessional teamwork.
Perceptions of Educational Experience and Inpatient Workload Among Pediatric Residents
Authors: Haferbecker Dustin , Fakeye Oludolapo , Medina Sheyla P. , Fieldston Evan S.
Published: September 2013

Background and Objective:

Education of residents in academic medical centers occurs as part of clinical care, but little is known about the relationship between clinical workload and educational experiences among pediatric residents. The goal of this study was to assess residents’ perceptions of learning on inpatient services at a children’s hospital in relation to perceived workload and actual patient census.

Methods:

This was a prospective cohort study of pediatric residents at 1 urban academic children’s hospital. Surveys on educational experience were administered weekly to residents on 12 inpatient units from October 2010 to June 2011. Daily peak medical inpatient census data were collected, and Pearson correlations were performed.

Results:

Mean weekly response rate was 25%. Perceived workload was correlated with weekly peak of patient census for interns (r = 0.66; P = .00) and senior residents (r = 0.73; P = .00). Many aspects of perceived learning were negatively correlated with perceived workload among interns and residents in “acute care” units. Activities beyond direct patient care (eg, attending conferences, independent reading) revealed more negative correlation than educational experience during rounds. Among seniors, scores of aspects of perceived learning did not correlate with workload.

Conclusions:

The study found mostly negative associations between high perceived workload and perceived learning, especially for interns. Results suggest varied impact of workload on perceived learning by training year. Although patient care is essential for resident education, higher workload may adversely affect learning opportunities for pediatric trainees. More research is needed to identify if generalizable thresholds of patient census and/or clinical workload cause declines in perceived or real education.
A Quality Project to Improve Compliance With AAP Guidelines for Inpatient Management of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Tartaglia Kimberly M. , Campbell Jessica , Shaniuk Paul , McClead Richard E.
Published: September 2013

Objective:

The goal of this study was to improve compliance with published guidelines regarding management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in infants admitted to a general pediatric hospital ward and to improve support for their breastfeeding mothers.

Methods:

This quality improvement project was conducted by using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles and statistical process control methods. Study subjects were infants >35 weeks’ gestation admitted for hyperbilirubinemia to the general inpatient ward of a large, freestanding pediatric hospital. We developed and implemented a guideline for the inpatient management of jaundiced neonates, with ongoing feedback given to the faculty on group performance. Outcome measures included monthly compliance scores based on American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for management of neonates >35 weeks’ gestation and the percentage of admitted jaundiced, breastfeeding infants whose mothers received lactation consultation during hospitalization. To determine the AAP compliance score, we reviewed and assigned points to each patient admission for completion of a standard evaluation, avoidance of unnecessary intravenous (IV) fluids and peripheral IV line placement, avoidance of rebound bilirubin checks while in the hospital, and the bilirubin level at discharge.

Results:

Mean monthly AAP compliance scores increased from 60.5% of total possible points during the baseline period (January 2010–December 2010) to 90.4% during the intervention period (January 2011–December 2011). Lactation consultations increased from 48% during our baseline period to 63% during our early intervention period and to 90% during the last 5 months of our intervention. Length of stay was unchanged during the baseline and intervention periods.

Conclusions:

Interprofessional collaboration between nurses and physicians combined with a thoughtful campaign to increase awareness of published guidelines were successful in improving the care of infants admitted with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.
Cover Crop Termination Timing on Rice Crop Production in a No‐Till System
Authors: Nascente A. S. , Crusciol C. A. C. , Cobucci T. , Velini E. D.
Published: September 2013

Measuring shikimic acid accumulation in response to glyphosate applications can be a rapid and accurate way to quantify and predict glyphosate‐induced damage to sensitive plants. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effect of cover crop termination timing by glyphosate application on rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield in a no‐till system. A factorial experiment, arranged in a split‐plot design, was conducted for 2 yr. Treatments consisted of cover crops (main plots) and timed herbicide applications (subplots) to these cover crops (30, 20, 10, and 0 d before rice planting). There was a decrease in rice yield from 2866 kg ha−1 to 2322 kg ha−1 when the herbicide was applied closer to the rice planting day. Glyphosate application on cover crops increased shikimate concentrations in rice seedlings cultivated under palisade grass (Brachiaria brizantha), signal grass (B. ruziziensis), guinea grass (Panicum maximum), and weedy fallow (spontaneous vegetation) but not under millet (Pennisetum glaucum), which behaved similarly to the control (clean fallow, no glyphosate application). Glyphosate applications in the timing intervals used were associated with stress in the rice plants, and this association increased if cover crops took longer to completely dry and if higher amounts of biomass were produced. Millet, as a cover crop, allowed the highest seedling dry matter for upland rice and the highest rice yield. Our results suggest that using millet as a cover crop, with glyphosate application far from upland rice planting day (10 d or more), was the best option for upland rice under a no‐tillage system.
Using DArT Markers to Monitor Genetic Diversity throughout Selection: A Case Study in Nebraska's Winter Wheat Breeding Nurseries
Authors: El‐basyoni Ibrahim , Baenziger P. Stephen , Dweikat Ismail , Wang Dong , Eskridge Kent , Saadalla Mohamed
Published: September 2013

Assessing the genetic relationship among wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines in the intermediate generations of a breeding program has important consequences on conserving genetic variability for selection in later generations. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the breadth of the genetic base of two F3:6 nurseries and (ii) to monitor the effect of selection on the genetic diversity. Two independent F3:6 nurseries (2010 and 2011 seasons) were used; the first nursery contained 276 lines and two local check cultivars genotyped using 1925 polymorphic diversity array technology (DArT) markers while the second nursery contained 278 lines plus the same local check cultivars genotyped using 2236 polymorphic DArT markers. The F3:6 nurseries, 2010 and 2011, were each grouped into three main clusters. Overall, the results suggested that, in both years, the difference among clusters was significant, and the genetic diversity in the F3:6 nurseries exceeded that between the two check cultivars. The results for the two nurseries showed that each cluster in the F3:6 nurseries was represented in the F3:7 and F3:8 with at least one line, except for one cluster in the 2011 nursery which was not represented in F3:8. We concluded that much of the genetic diversity was maintained while advancing lines from F3:6 to F3:7; however, as the selection intensity increases, for example from F3:7 to F3:8, the effect of selection and the importance of monitoring genetic diversity using DNA molecular markers increases.
Seed Protein, Soaking Duration, and Soaking Temperature Effects on Gamma Aminobutyric Acid Concentration in Short‐Season Soybean
Authors: Morrison M. J. , Frégeau‐Reid J. A. , Cober E. R.
Published: September 2013

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a four‐carbon, nonprotein amino acid found in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed and food. The consumption of foods with high GABA concentration may be an alternative to pharmaceutical medication for hypertension, an affliction affecting one billion people. The objectives of this study were to examine the relationship between GABA and protein concentration in high, medium, and low protein soybean cultivars and to determine the relationship between soaking temperature (T) (21 or 27°C) and duration (0, 3, 6, 18, and 24 h) on L‐glutamate (L‐Glu) and GABA concentration. The high‐protein cultivar did not have significantly higher L‐Glu or GABA concentration than the medium or normal protein cultivars. Seed L‐Glu increased rapidly with soaking duration up to 8.25 h, and the 27°C soaking T resulted in higher concentrations than the 21°C T. Seed GABA concentration increased rapidly with soaking duration and peaked at 10 and 12 h for the low‐ and high‐GABA cultivars, respectively. The cultivar with the highest concentration of stored L‐Glu and GABA remained the highest after soaking. Increasing soaking duration and temperature can be used to increase the seed GABA concentration in cultivars, although this may increase processing time.
Toward a metaphysics of culture
Authors: Margolis Joseph
Published: September 2013

This paper provides a sketch of a fresh conception of the “metaphysics” of culture and a sense of its conceptual power and advantages, based on a post-Darwinian account of the artifactual, hybrid nature of a person, chiefly in terms of (what I treat as terms of art) Bildung (“external” and “internal”), Sittlichkeit (both descriptive and normative), and interpretation (diversely manifested in different sectors of inquiry). I consider the (“metaphysical”) relationship between membership in the species Homo sapiens sapiens and functioning as a person the generic distinction of human cultures (enlanguaged cultures), which I call Intentionality (that is, whatever is culturally significant or significative); and the bearing of the thesis on familiar philosophical quarrels and theory of the sciences.
The Food of the Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) in Slovakia
Authors: Chavko Jozef , Danko Štefan , Obuch Ján , Mihók Jozef
Published: September 2013

In this work we assess the data on the food of the Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) in two separate nesting populations: one in Western Slovakia (21 pairs), the other in Eastern Slovakia (30 pairs). In Western Slovakia between 1978 and 2005 we recorded a total of 562 food items, consisting of 33 species of animal. The species predominantly featuring in the food were the brown hare Lepus europaeus (40.2%), common pheasant Phasianuscolchicus (17.3%), feral pigeon Columba livia domestica (11.7%) and the common hamster Cricetus cricetus (11.6%). In Eastern Slovakia between 1971 and 2005 we identified a total of 524 food items, made up of 30 animal species with slightly varying predominance of the same principal kinds of prey: L. europaeus (29.0%), C. cricetus (27.7%), P. colchicus (8.4%) and Columba sp. (8.2%). Imperial Eagles nesting in Slovakia are affected by the consequences of a marked reduction in population density of steppe-type rodents, especially ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus) and hamsters (C. cricetus) and have become dependent for their food mainly on the prevalence of other small animals (L. europaeus, P. colchicus) and pigeons (C. livia domestica). Pairs nesting in neighbouring Hungary had similar prey, but a different order of predominance of the species (Haraszthy et al. 1996): C. cricetus (51.0%), L. europaeus (12.0%), P. colchicus (11.6%) and S. citellus (7.4%).
Light Rail in Alicante, Spain
Authors: Novales Margarita , Cerezo Juan Antonio G. , Ortega Román
Published: September 2013

TRAM Metropolitano de Alicante, a unique, metric (1,000 mm) gage system, was the first Spanish tram–train. Later, it lost its tram–train characteristic (i.e., railway tracks shared with conventional trains) as a result of the evolution of the railway network. Nevertheless, the system still operates in a quasi-tram–train way, because the tram–train vehicle runs partly on railway tracks with a railway signaling system and other railway equipment. This quasi-tram–train operation leads to some specific design issues that are explained in this paper. The paper also presents a thorough description of the Alicante network, its development, its construction and operational costs, its operation, and its demand.
Light Rail Transit Experience in Madrid, Spain
Authors: Calvo Francisco J. , de Oña Juan , Arán Fernando , Nash Andrew
Published: September 2013

The development of new transport systems often leads to demographic and socioeconomic changes in the implementation area. The extent and the type of such impacts vary, however, and can depend on existing settlement patterns, socioeconomic conditions, and project objectives. For a better understanding of such impacts better, this paper examines the effects of two new light rail transit lines (ML1 and ML2) in Madrid, Spain. The two lines were planned to serve different functions, and the service areas have different land use characteristics. ML1 was designed to help promote urban development in a lightly settled area, while ML2 was designed to encourage public transport in an already developed area. As expected, the analysis showed that the impacts of these two lines were quite different. Along ML1, much new development took place, and large increases occurred in the population. Along ML2, land use and population remained largely unchanged. This finding demonstrates the critical importance of integrated transport and land use planning in the development of cities.
Les usages des bénéficiaires de l’APE attribuée pour le deuxième enfant
Authors: Gosset-Connan Stéphanie
Published: September 2013

De par sa nature polémique, l’allocation parentale d’éducation est un sujet qui a déjà été largement exploré, mais il semblait intéressant d’élargir le débat en y incluant les témoignages des principales concernées : les bénéficiaires. Délaissant les impacts macroéconomiques et macrosociaux de la prestation, cet article s’appuie sur un travail de thèse ayant largement privilégié une approche compréhensive du phénomène. L’analyse prend ainsi très au sérieux les raisons que les femmes donnent à leur décision de choisir l’APE, la manière dont elles ont vécu cette expérience et son issue. Cette approche a conduit à distinguer les bénéficiaires selon leur conception du rôle maternel, d’une part, et leur rapport au travail, d’autre part. Néanmoins, un constat commun s’impose : l’investissement de la sphère familiale au détriment de la sphère professionnelle semble se radicaliser au cours de cette période.
DPC in Acute-phase Inpatient Hospital Care
Authors: Uto Y. , Muranaga F. , Kumamoto I. , Matsumoto C.
Published: September 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study was to improve accessibility to nursing care by clari -fying the relationship between patient characteristics and the amount of nursing care for the Diagnosis Procedure Combination system (DPC).

Method: The subjects included 528 lung cancer patients; 170 gastric cancer patients; and 91 colon cancer patients, who were hospitalized from July 1, 2008, to March 31, 2010, at a university hospital. The patients were categorized into groups according to factors that could affect the amount of nursing care. Next, the relationship between the patient characteristics and the amount of nursing care was analyzed. Then the results from this study were used to classify patient characteristics according to the patient type and the amount nursing care required.

Results: The patient characteristics, which affected the amount of nursing care, varied according to each DPC code. The major factors affecting the amount of nursing care were whether the patient had received a surgical (under general anesthetics) treatment or a non-surgical treatment and the level of activities of daily living (ADL) of the hospitalized patients. For those who had received a surgical operation for colon cancer, the patient’s age also affected the amount of nursing care.

Conclusions: The findings show that the method for the visualization of the amount of nursing care based on the classification of patient characteristics can be implemented into the electronic health record system. This method can then be used as a management tool to assure appropriate distribution of nursing resources.
De la guerre à la drogue à la prévention des addictions : à quand l'ouverture de l'impossible débat ?
Authors: Costes Jean-Michel
Published: September 2013

Dans le monde, de plus en plus d’experts constatent que la stratégie dite de « guerre à la drogue » a échoué et en proposent une nouvelle, adaptée à notre époque, centrée sur la prévention des addictions. En France, on peut également constater l’échec d’une loi inadaptée et de la politique menée ces dernières années. Une nouvelle approche, basée sur les principes fondamentaux du droit et des valeurs de l’UE, devrait être de réguler les usages de toutes les drogues afin d’en réduire les dommages sur le bien-être de chacun et de tous. Elle devrait s’articuler autour des quatre axes suivants : réduire l’offre, prévenir les usages nocifs, réduire les dommages liés aux usages de drogues et améliorer l’accès et la qualité des soins. En France, la pénalisation des usages de drogues illicites, contrairement aux idées reçues, est effective. Elle atteint aujourd’hui des niveaux jamais égalés. Elle fait obstacle à la protection de la santé. Il est donc urgent de réviser la loi de 1970 en dépénalisant l’usage des drogues. Dépénaliser veut dire supprimer la sanction pénale attachée à un comportement individuel, l’usage, la possession ou la détention pour usage personnel, d’un produit classé comme stupéfiant. La dépénalisation est compatible avec une volonté de contrôle sur l’offre de drogues. C’est une solution pragmatique qui présume que l’interdit ne règle pas tout. La question de la légalisation, ou du niveau de contrôle sur l’offre des drogues, est un autre débat qui, bien que moins évident, doit également être mené.
Approches économiques normatives et positives de la législation sur les drogues
Authors: Massin Sophie
Published: September 2013

Cette contribution propose d’analyser la question de la législation sur les drogues à partir de deux grilles de lecture classiques de la théorie économique : une perspective normative qui vise à déterminer « ce qui est souhaitable » (définition du régime juridique optimal) et une perspective positive qui cherche à expliquer « ce qui est » (justification du régime juridique existant). Il en ressort une forte incertitude normative liée à la difficulté à prédire les effets d’une réforme. Les expériences de dépénalisation de l’usage fournissent néanmoins des évaluations positives de ce type de réforme. Par ailleurs, la concentration des coûts de l’interdiction sur les plus pauvres pourrait à la fois constituer un argument en faveur de la légalisation, au nom de la justice sociale, et expliquer la difficulté à mener la réforme du fait du faible poids politique des individus les plus touchés. Nous concluons par quelques considérations concernant la situation française actuelle, en insistant sur la nécessité de clarifier les options de réforme envisageables, comme préalable à la conduite d’un débat constructif.
Blood Pressure Measurement and Management Telemedicine System Based on a Smart-Phone
Authors: Tahat Ashraf , Kheetan Yazeed , Sacca Anwar
Published: September 2013

Variation of blood pressure throughout the day is one of the reasons why it is increasingly evident that the traditional way of measuring blood pressure in the clinic or office frequently produces numbers that grossly overestimate patientâ??s true blood pressure level. This is a major problem, since it is one of the most important and frequent measurements made by physicians. High blood pressure (BP) (hypertension) is a leading chronic condition in the globe and a major risk factor for severe diseases. Measuring the BP as accurately as possible can save a lot of human lives. However, the measurement and management platform can still be improved. In this paper, we describe a complete low-cost prototype system that we have developed for this purpose that can be part of and m-Health platform. Our BP telemedicine device is based on the oscillometric method for measuring BP. A microcontroller oversees measurement operations, to process acquired readings, and to calculate the heart-rate. A smart mobile phone commands the operation of our developed system via Bluetooth. A custom Windows Mobile application software was designed and developed to command the operation of this platform and to receive these vital measurements in a convenient manner. Obtained measurements can be stored on the mobile device to form a local database or transmitted via a designated wireless protocol.
Remote Experiments in Primary School Science Education
Authors: Kostelníková Michaela , Ožvoldová Miroslava
Published: September 2013

The development of new information technologies enables remote experimentation suitable for primary school science education. The research, carried out on six Slovak primary schools, examined the influence of the project-based learning with the support of remote experiments on the pupilsâ?? scientific literacy development and the sustainability of the acquired knowledge and skills. The gained result confirmed the positive influence of the proposed methodology on the development of scientific literacy, the knowledge sustainability and the associated skills. Furthermore, the rise of the pupilsâ?? interest in the subject matter was affirmed.
New Teaching Support Tools
Authors: Tammaro R. , D’Alessio A. , Petolicchio A.
Published: September 2013

The collaborative approach through which learning becomes significant, active, located, open, multimedial, and meta-cognitive has profoundly changed pedagogical tradition. Nowadays, the teaching/learning process is based more on the subject who learns rather than on the teacher: the main goal is the construction of a person who is able to go towards broader educational horizons. In this “rolling over” process of traditional roles in which the student becomes unique and true knowledge constructor, every good teacher knows that in order to make an effective contribution, it is necessary to support motivation, promote the desire to learn, to encourage research as well as develop learning processes through empowerment strategies and personal learning project (L. Camaioni, P. Di Blasio, 2007, p.162). Formal education becomes an environment of life experience, where the student “grows with others”. This kind of education is based on the dynamic interaction between multiple subjects, rather than on a dual relationship. Moreover, when we deal with problems related to the learning and teaching processes, it is worth considering communication technology due to the fact that they play a very important role in the formation of the person. New media are not simply added to old ones but they have created powerful interference fields in cognitive processes. New image, sound and communication technologies have introduced significant anthropological elements of novelty. The teacher has the function of an expert who, in addition to supervising, continually introduces additional support. Teaching is, therefore, a radical process of adaptation to the new demands of new generations entering the classrooms. The action Cl@ssi 2.0 offers the possibility to verify how and how much the learning environment can change, through constant and widespread use of technologies in daily teaching practices. Additionally, innovative ideas that, with the use of technologies (consider the introduction in the classrooms of the electronic textbooks or interactive whiteboards (LIM)), have reconsidered and transformed the learning environments of our schools.
The Assessment of Learning Mediated through an IWB
Authors: Tammaro R. , D’Alessio A. , Petolicchio A. , Solco S.
Published: September 2013

The most recent studies have shown that the introduction of technology in schools is not a factor that improves student achievement unless other context factors related to teaching methods and the teachers who use them are present. This paper aims to illustrate and consider the results of an action research project, carried out by the team of the University of Salerno in 2011/2012, on the “Assessment of learning mediated through an IWB”. The theme of this work concerns the relationship between the learning mediated through an IWB and the evaluation methods. Starting from a specific experience and considering the link with the theme of motivation, the use of an IWB that leads to perception of effective interventions of the teachers involved in the project has been presented. This empirical approach may constitute the first step towards assessing the use of an IWB. The conclusions of the research action will constitute a chance to reflect on the validity and appropriateness of doing tests with an IWB.
Robust Image Data Hiding Technique for Copyright Protection
Authors: Singh Siddharth , Siddiqui Tanveer J.
Published: September 2013

A robust image data-hiding scheme for copyright protection is proposed and simulated. The scheme uses a combination of redundant discrete wavelet transform (RDWT), singular value decomposition (SVD) and spread spectrum technique. The embedding is done by spreading the copyright mark into the singular values of middle frequency sub-bands of RDWT coefficients of the cover image. Chaotic sequence is used for spreading. The use of chaotic sequence and RDWT increases security and robustness of the proposed scheme. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme achieves higher security and robustness against filtering, addition of noise, JPEG compression, sharpening, gamma correction, resizing, rotation, and histogram equalization than other existing techniques for copyright protection.
Effect of Na2O-SiO2 Slag Treatment on Hydrometallurgical Purification of Metallurgical Grade Silicon
Authors: Fang M. , Lu C.H. , Lai H.X. , Huang L.Q. , Chen J. , Li J.T. , Ma W.H. , Shen J.N. , Sheng Z.L. , Luo X.T.
Published: September 2013

The effects of Na2O-SiO2slag treatment on purification of metallurgical grade silicon by leaching with hydrogen fluoride have been investigated. A comparative analysis of microstructure evolution was carried out to examine the leaching behavior of impurities from metallurgical grade silicon. It was found that the distribution of metal impurities Al, Ca, Ti and Na, which co-deposited with Si and formed different intermetallic phases at grain boundaries, had manifest distinction between precipitated phase and silicon. Moreover, acid corrosion experiment results revealed that slag treatment improved the dissolution rate of metal impurities from metallurgical grade silicon as contrasted to that without slag treatment.
Study on the Resonant Frequency Gliding in the Ultrasonic Systems Loaded with Variable Axial Compression Force
Authors: Adam Andrei , Stan Daniel
Published: September 2013

Each component on an industrial ultrasonic system is specifically designed from the very beginning, as part of the resonant system, for each individual application and for a present frequency and with particular working conditions. A series of factors linked to the mechanical system can significantly shift the electrical impedance and the real resonant frequency of the vibrating system. Most frequently, the capability of the ultrasonic generator to solve this problem is limited to a frequency sweeping in the limit of a 1 kHz tracking range around a fixed nominal frequency. When the range of variation exceeds 1 kHz, a more performing, but expensive, generator is needed. The paper presents a set of experiments with variable compression axial force up to 200 daN, specific situation for the ultrasonic activated drilling, and the evolution of the resonant frequency in these conditions in a range up to 3 kHz.
On-Road Particulate Emission Characteristics of a Diesel Vehicle with Butanol-Diesel Blends
Authors: Lou Di Ming , Fang Liang , Hu Zhi Yuan , Tan Pi Qiang
Published: September 2013

To study the applicability of alternative fuels, a TSI EEPS-3090 on-board vehicle particle emission test system is used on a diesel vehicle with a inline four-cylinder, electronic unit injectors, high pressure direct injection, turbocharging, 1.9L output volume engine, to investigate the on-road particulate emission characteristic burned with pure diesel, 10% and 20% by volume of n-butanol blend with pure diesel. Comparing the emission characteristics of different fuels, the study revealed that the butanol-diesel blend have a good effect of thinning the particle size without modifying and recalibrating the engine. In different types of roads and different VSP, the PN and PM of Bu10 and Bu20 are all less than that of D100; At same working conditions with the same kind of fuels, the particle size distribution are nearly the same; Compared with D100, Bu10 and Bu20, at different working conditions ,the particle size distribution are all bimodal, but Bu10 and Bu20 trend to be unimodal; At the same working conditions, the nucleation mode PN of Bu10 and Bu20 are obviously higher than that of D100, and the accumulation mode PN of Bu10 and Bu20 are obviously lower than that of D100; The peak of accumulation mode PN of Bu10 and Bu20 trend to be at smaller particle size.
Development of Sediment Brick Utilizing Reservoir Sediment and Fly Ash
Authors: Mohammed Bashar S. , Woen Ean Lee , Malek M.A. , Sing Wong Leong , Abbas Nor Aishah , Yusop Hanafi , Muda Rahsidi Sabri , Hashim Mustafa , Yong Usoff
Published: September 2013

Electrical companies generate electricity mainly from two major types of plant; hydroelectric plants and thermal plants. Hydroelectric is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water through dams operation. The sedimentation of such dams over years will cause large capacity losses of the dams. Thermal plants generate electricity through coal-fired power plants which produce millions tons of fly ash yearly. This fly ash accumulates rapidly and causes enormous problems of disposal. Therefore, the research work presented in this paper is dealing with utilizing reservoir sediment and fly as to form brick under pressure. Sediment brick can be produced as a load bearing brick with compressive strength is greater than 7 N/mm2.
On the Determination of the Initial Composition of the Interior Finishing of the Voskresenskii Temple of the Znamensky Male Monastery in Kursk (Russian Federation)
Authors: Krygina Alevtina , Kretova Valeria , Savenkova Alexandra
Published: September 2013

Samples of interior finishing have been measured for carrying out the restoration work of the Voskresenskii Temple in Kursk. Their chemical and structural analysis has been received. Elemental composition of the investigated paint has been defined and the composition of the interior finishing has been determined (stucco work).
A Subassembly Simulation Method with Physical Deformation and Reconstruction of an Aircraft
Authors: Kang Yong Gang , Guo Fei Yan , Xu Ting , Huang Jie , Ren Cong
Published: September 2013

In order to include the physical deformation of the large thin-walled structure in the subassembly simulation process in aerospace, a new method based on model reconstruction was proposed. Firstly, finite element method is applied for calculating the deformation of the structural parts according to different assembly status with certain temperature and stress field. Based on the actual deformation data of the surface, some reference point was selected and the method of bicubic B-spline surface interpolation is selected to reconstruct the above surface, and to express the deformed structural parts. Based on physical deformation, a compensating method is proposed to amend assembly path in corresponding assembly process with the constructed model. Under the DELMIA virtual environment with the real, the simulation method has been put in to use on aircraft sidewall panel assembly, and the validity of the method is verified experimentally.
DNA Sequence Design Based on the Same Subsequences
Authors: Li Han , Ma Fang Fang
Published: September 2013

The set of DNA subsequences of length was divided into classes by Watson-Crick Hamming distance which is not less than half of the length of the subsequences. These classes are suitable for encoding. They form a good code. Finally, accounting the size of the code which has been structured.
A New PID Control Method for Hydraulic Turbine Governor
Authors: Wang Yin Song , Zheng Hong Liang
Published: September 2013

This paper addresses analysis and design issues in PID control for hydraulic turbine using the backstepping algorithm. The first step consists in using a one-order filter to weaken the under-shoot effect caused by the non-stable zero in model, and then, adding an integral action to the basic backstepping algorithm to obtain a zero static error, therefore an integrator is added to the plant model and is then slid back to the controller equation at the end of the design. The PID controller can be obtained by backstepping algorithm and comparison with conventional PID controller.This document explains and demonstrates how to prepare your camera-ready manuscript for Trans Tech Publications. The best is to read these instructions and follow the outline of this text. The text area for your manuscript must be 17 cm wide and 25 cm high (6.7 and 9.8 inches, resp.). Do not place any text outside this area. Use good quality, white paper of approximately 21 x 29 cm or 8 x 11 inches (please do not change the document setting from A4 to letter). Your manuscript will be reduced by approximately 20% by the publisher. Please keep this in mind when designing your figures and tables etc.
Experimental Investigation on Cavitation Characteristics of a Three-Groove Journal Bearing
Authors: Yang Ying , Dai Jing Hua
Published: September 2013

Under high and super-high speed, oil film of the journal bearing is easy to crack and then becomes cavitation. The existence of cavitation has an important effect on the work characteristics of the shaft. On the journal bearing experiment rig the cavitation characteristics of the three-groove journal beaing were studied. The influences of the shaft rotating speed and supply pressure on cavitation shape were investigated. The results show that rotating speed and supply pressure have a clear effect on the cavitation shape, and the number of cavitation strip in the rupture zone decreases when the supply pressure increases.
Sensitivity Analysis Application for Multibody System Synthesis
Authors: Sapietová Alžbeta , Sapieta Milan , Hyben Bohuslav
Published: September 2013

Nowadays computational techniques utilization is essential part of the technical development. Visual form of data acquisition from simulations or solving of technical problems is the most effective approach. In the field of computer-aided design (CAD) 3D graphic visualization is certaintybecause it makes it possible to design a very complicated parts and devices at a short time. Furthermore it enable to trace how these parts behave during operating regimes and make an optimization of required parameters.
In this paper the engineering design of gravity orienting part tool for cylindrical bushings will be presented. Each of 3D components was designed in CAD software Pro/ENGINEER and MSC.ADAMS virtual prototype was created in simulation software. Using the tools of parametric analysis for refining model parameters in software MSC.ADAMS optimization of selected design and dynamic parameters of given designed system was carried out.
Study on Influences of Air Spring Failures on Ride Quality of High-Speed Railway Trains
Authors: Gong Dao , Sun Wen Jing , Zhou Jin Song
Published: September 2013

A refined non-linear air spring model of railway vehicle model is established in this paper and the influences of different air spring failures on ride quality are studied. Results show that the orifice failure makes the air spring loses damping characteristics and deteriorates the vehicle ride quality; The failure of levelling valve has little influence on the ride quality when vehicle running on straight lines; The fracture of air spring diaphragm results in a sudden release of air, and car body secondary support disappears rapidly, excessive wheel unloading will happen and which can easily lead to derailment. In addition, the longer the leakage process, the less the influence on vehicle safety.
Effects of Recycled Aggregates on Water-Cement Ratio for Concrete
Authors: Choong Wee Kang , Leong Lau Teck , Sin Choon Seng , Ali Mohamed Abdullahi
Published: September 2013

Recycled aggregate differs from primary aggregate in that it constitutes of two types of materials: the primary aggregate and the attaching cement mortar. This study was conducted in order to investigate the effects on water-cement ratio for concrete cast with recycled aggregates derived from different origins (hollow blocks & structural concrete elements) and different mixed proportions of recycled aggregate contents. The outcomes of test indicate that higher water cement ratios are required for concrete cast with recycled aggregates as compare to those cast with primary aggregates. Also there appear no obvious relationships or consistencies that can be drawn among types of recycled aggregate.
Experimental Research on Peridotite Concrete for Neutron Shielding
Authors: Wang Jin Jun , Li Guo Feng , Meng De Chuan
Published: September 2013

Peridotite containing high crystal water is used as concrete aggregates in this research. The mineral composition and thermal stability of peridotite are experimentally analyzed, and the concrete mix proportion design is optimized. The neutron shielding performance of peridotite concrete specimens are tested using 241Am-Be neutron source. The transmission data of different thickness and different energy neutron are calculated. It concludes that peridotite concrete has a good performance in neutron shielding and peridotite is an excellent neutron shielding material.
Analysis of Displacement Field of Asphalt Mixture in Uniaxial Compression Test
Authors: Xu Jia Xiong
Published: September 2013

In this paper, digital imaging technology is used to research the specimen deformation in asphalt mixture unconfined compressive strength test. We compare of the differences in the average vertical strain with a narrower range of local under three groups different specimens conditions, diameter height ratio of 1:1 specimens which are of specification and end untreateddiameter height ratio of 1:1 specimens which are wax to seal the deal and diameter height ratio of 1:1.5 specimens which are end untreated. We discover that the first two states can be easier to achieve the relatively stable state and better reflect the true stress-strain relationship than the last.