bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engagement of multi-professional residents in health
Authors: Rotta Daniela Salvagni , Lourenção Luciano Garcia , Gonsalez Elizangela Gianini , Teixeira Priscila Regina , Gazetta Cláudia Eli , Pinto Maria Helena
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the levels of engagement of multi-professional health residents of a higher education institution in the northwest of São Paulo. Method: A cross-sectional census study in which the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale was used to identify the level of relationship with work (Total score) through 17 questions distributed in the Vigor, Dedication and Absorption dimensions. Results: Participation of 50 professionals, of which 92.0% were female, median age of 24 years, 88.0% were single; 82.0% were satisfied with the program, and 56.0% had thought of giving up. Professionals satisfied with the program had high levels for Total Score (4.0) and Dedication (4.5), and average levels for Absorption (3.9) and Vigor (3.8). Those who reported dissatisfaction had average levels in all dimensions (Vigor: 3.2, Absorption: 3.5, Dedication: 3.5) and in the Total score (3.2), which are considered positive results. Conclusion: Professionals presented good levels of engagement in spite of dissatisfactions with the program. The results showed a good relationship between professionals and preceptors and supervisors, which reinforces that support and recognition of professional performance are important for strengthening the engagement, especially at the beginning of the career.
Nursing diagnoses for institutionalized elderly people based on Henderson’s theory
Authors: Fernandes Bruna Karen Cavalcante , Clares Jorge Wilker Bezerra , Borges Cíntia Lira , Nóbrega Maria Miriam Lima da , Freitas Maria Célia de
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop nursing diagnostic statements for institutionalized elderly people. Method: Descriptive study conducted with elderly subjects of a Long Stay Institution through the application of forms for the support of anamnesis and physical examination and a search of medical records. The diagnostic statements were developed based on the International Classification for Nursing Practice and categorized according to the Henderson’s theoretical model. Results: Participation of 203 elderly people. A total of 153 nursing diagnoses were developed and distributed as follows: 115 (75.1%) in the Biological/Physiological Component, 14 (9.1%) in the Psychological Component, 21 (13.7%) in the Social Component, and three (1.9%) in the Spiritual/Moral Component. Conclusion: The diagnostic statements portray situations of vulnerability to the health of institutionalized elderly that are influenced by biological, psychological, social and cultural factors and require a systematized, individualized and resolutive care for this public.
Nursing workload: influence of indirect care interventions
Authors: Souza Priscilla de , Cucolo Danielle Fabiana , Perroca Marcia Galan
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate nurses’ perception of the degree of interference of indirect care interventions on the team’s workload and to verify the association between these interventions and the professional and institutional variables. Method: A research survey through e-mail conducted with clinical nurses, unit managers and service managers from eight Brazilian states. A questionnaire containing 28 indirect care interventions and their definitions proposed by the Nursing Interventions Classification was applied. Results: A total of 151 clinical nurses participated, and a response rate of 14.8% was obtained. The indirect care interventions reported as those which most increase the workload were: Preceptor: employee (M = 3.2), Employee Development (M = 3.1), Physician Support (M = 3.0) and Conflict mediation (M = 3.0). Statistically significant associations between the investigated interventions and the institutional variables (legal nature and size) were evidenced. Conclusion: Nurses in different practice scenarios perceive that indirect care interventions influence the workload in a differentiated way, with emphasis on the demands related to the monitoring and qualification of employees.
Advances and limitations of using satellites to monitor cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms
Authors: Ogashawara Igor
Published: June 2019

Abstract The use of satellites for monitoring forests is common and well-known practice. However, the operational remote monitoring of water quality from space is still under development. In the United States of America (USA), the use of this type of data is just now being applied to operationally monitor cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CHABs). This powerful tool can be used to generate temporal and spatial assessments of CHABs, however the validation of the retrieved information is still a challenge - especially in tropical and equatorial countries. This commentary discusses the advantages and challenges of current initiatives that use Earth Observation data for managing CHABs such as “Lake Erie’s HAB Bulletin” and “Project CYAN” - both in the USA. Additionally, it was also discussed the application of remote sensing techniques to monitor CHABs in Brazilian inland waters.
Post-fire consequences for leaf breakdown in a tropical stream
Authors: Rezende Renan de Souza , Albuquerque Cristiano Queiroz de , Hirota Andrezza Sayuri Victoriano , Silva Paulo Fernandes Roges Souza , Umetsu Ricardo Keichi , Cabette Helena Soares Ramos , Bambi Paulino , Guedes Natália , Lima-Rezende Cássia Alves , Gonçalves-Júnior José Francisco
Published: June 2019

Abstract Aim Wildfire is a natural pulsed disturbance in landscapes of the Savannah Biome. This study evaluates short-term post-fire effects on leaf litter breakdown, the invertebrate community and fungal biomass of litter from three different vegetal species in a tropical stream. Methods Senescent leaves of Inga laurina, Protium spruceanum and Rircheria grandis (2 ± 0.1 g dry mass) were individually placed in litter bags (30 × 30 cm: 10 mm coarse mesh and 0.5 mm fine mesh) and submerged in the study stream before and after fire. Replicate bags (n = 4; individually for each species, sampling time, fire event and mesh size) were then retrieved after 20 and 40 days and washed to separate the invertebrates before fire event and again immediately after fire. Disks were cut from leaves to determine ash-free dry mass, while the remaining material was oven-dried to determine dry mass. Results The pre-fire mean decomposition coefficient (k = -0.012 day-1) was intermediate compared to that reported for other savannah streams, but post-fire it was lower (k = -0.007 day-1), due to decreased allochthonous litter input and increased autochthones production. Intermediate k values for all qualities of litter post-fire may indicate that fire is equalizing litter quality in the stream ecosystem. The abundance of scrapers was found to be more important than fungal biomass or shredder abundance, probably due to their functioning in leaf fragmentation while consuming periphyton growing on leaf litter. Conclusions Theses results indicate that fire can modify the relationships within decomposer communities in tropical stream ecosystems.
16S Amplicon PCR for the V3-V4 region for the MicroCOPD samples v1
Authors: Hoang Tuyen , Wiker Harald , Mikal L Eagan Tomas , Drengenes Christine
Published: June 2019

This is the protocol for DNA extraction, PCR, and MiSeq sample preparation for the microbiome samples from sputum, and the bronchoscopies in the Bergen COPD Cohort study, Bergen COPD Exacerbation Study, the Bergen COPD Microbiome Study and the Bergen ILD Microbiome Study. Slightly modified Illumina protocol for our low-biomass airways samples in the Bergen COPD & ILD studies. The protocol that was the template for the PCR and sample preparation is: 16S Metagenomic Sequencing Library Preparation Preparing 16S Ribosomal RNA Gene Amplicons for the Illumina MiSeq System Part # 15044223 Rev.B.
Agarose gel electrophoresis v1
Authors: Riccio Cristian
Published: June 2019

Agarose gel for DNA electrophoresis This protocol is useful to check the approximate size of a mixture of DNA fragments. For example, after a HMW gDNA extraction, it is good to check that the DNA we extracted is actually high-molecular weight. Another use is for separating PCR amplicons when checking for a mutation. Primers can be designed in such a way that PCR will yield two fragments of different sizes depending on whether a sequence is present or not. If a deletion is present, then the amplified fragment will be smaller than for the DNA where there is no deletion.
‘Frankenstein’ protocol for nuclei isolation from fresh and frozen tissue for snRNAseq v2
Authors: G Martelotto Luciano
Published: June 2019

This protocol is the result of the combination of various nuclei isolation protocols for single cell RNA-seq experiments using droplet-based methods, hence the name Frankenstein. Developed to prepare nuclei isolates from small sample sizes (as little as a grain of rice), this protocol uses FACS to identify cell subpopulations based on ploidy (e.g. tumor versus stroma), to ensure that nuclei suspensions are not clumped, and to remove any debris, especially ambient RNA, to help reduce background. The reference protocols can be found in the following papers: Hu, et al., Habib, et al. (2016), Habib, et al. (2017), Lake, et al., and Lacar, et al. This protocol is routinely used in the single-cell innovation lab for single nuclei experiments using 10x Genomics technologies. The protocol has been demonstrated to work successfully with fresh, snap/flash frozen, cryopreserved cells, and cell lines, as well as various solid cancers: pancreas, pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas, breast cancer, lymphoma, xenografts and tumors.
Case study on patient with CSOM with intracranial and intratemporal complications managed with craniotomy and facial nerve decompression
Authors: Prinja Sumit , Davessar Jai Lal , Singh Gurbax , Singh Harinder , Khurana Vatika , Midha Nupur
Published: June 2019

Facial nerve palsy, together with the intracranial abscess and labyrinthitis is a representative complication of advanced middle ear cholesteatoma. It is rare now a day due to ready access to medical care and antibiotics. Facial palsy is not life threatening but impairs facial movement and markedly affects patient’s social life and causes serious psychological damage. Appropriate management of this complication is necessary to ensure healing without sequelae. We present a case of CSOM with intracranial and intratemporal complications. The patient had undergone craniotomy for intracranial abscess drainage and underwent facial nerve decompression by transmastoid approach.
Study of causal aeroallergens in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Aggarwal Divya , S. Abhilash , Kapur Sunil , Gupta Divya
Published: June 2019

Background: The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis requires a detailed history, thorough clinical examination and identification of aeroallergens by skin prick test. The diagnosis cannot be confirmed on the basis of symptoms alone because both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis can present with similar symptoms. The present study was undertaken to identify the common aeroallergens causing allergic rhinitis and to find any relationship of the severity of patient’s symptoms with raised levels of absolute eosinophil count, percentage of eosinophils in the peripheral blood and total serum IgE.

Methods: It is cross sectional study was conducted among 100 patients including both the genders attending out-patient department of ENT. The patients were divided into mild, moderate and severe disease categories based on nasal symptom score (NSS) which was calculated taking into account the severity of four symptoms namely sneezing, watery rhinorrhoea, itching sensation in nose and nasal obstruction.  

Results: 76% of patients had moderate nasal symptom score and 42% had symptoms of allergic rhinitis for less than 3 years. The prevalence of skin prick test was strongly positive for pollens (46.19%), followed by dust (16.4%), dust mites (15.7%), fungus (9.7%), insects (9.24%) and epithelia (2.77%). But, among 68 aeroallergens, most common offending allergen was D-farinae (30%). There was no significant relationship found to exist between Eosinophilia, Absolute eosinophil count and serum IgE level with that of nasal symptom score.

Conclusions: Skin prick test is the gold standard investigation of choice for definitive diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.

 
Minimally invasive cartilage myringoplasty: our technique and experience
Authors: Ballal Venkatesh C. , Shivappa Lohith , Tmmappaiah Subramanya B. , Basavannaiah Sphoorthi , Rangaswamy Chandralekha T. V.
Published: June 2019

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media is an inflammatory process in the middle ear and is an important health problem in India. Myringoplasty is the most common procedure performed that aims to close the tympanic membrane perforation which is traditionally done with temporalis fascia graft under microscope. Recent studies using the transcanal cartilage “push-through” technique of myringoplasty have demonstrated that it to be very feasible and effective. The aims and objectives of the study was to analyze the results of endoscopic transcanal ‘push-through’ myringoplasty in dry small central perforations in cases of inactive mucosal type of chronic ottitis media.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in 16 patients who underwent transcanal endoscopic cartilage ‘push through’ myringoplasty and patients were called for regular follow up for 12 weeks and results were statistically analysed.  

Results: A total of 16 cases were included in the present study. The graft uptake rate in the present study was found to be 93.75%. The mean preoperative air bone gap was 21.76 dB and the mean postoperative air bone gap was reduced to 12.6 dB. The air bone gap was 10 dB or less in 37.5% ears.

Conclusions: Endoscopic push-through technique of cartilage myringoplasty is an effective, minimally invasive and feasible method and has good success rate in terms of graft uptake as well as hearing gain. It may also represent a first choice approach for small and medium sized tympanic membrane perforations.
Uso de coprodutos da extração de vermiculita na produção de mudas Piptadenia stipulacea (Benth.) Ducke
Authors: Leite Maria José de Holanda , Bakke Olaf Andreas
Published: June 2019

A extração de vermiculita gera coprodutos que são depositados no entorno das indústrias mineradoras, causando problemas ambientais. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a utilização da mistura equitativa dos coprodutos poeira fina e ultrafina da extração da vermiculita e a quantidade necessáriade esterco bovino a ser adicionada ao substrato de produção de mudas de Piptadenia stipulacea (Benth.) Ducke. O experimento foi conduzido entre abril de 2013 e fevereiro de 2014 no Viveiro Florestal da UAEF/CSTR/UFCG, Patos (PB), Brasil, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com6 tratamentos: solo de baixio com T0=0% e T1=33% de EB (v/v), mistura equitativa dos coprodutos da extração de vermiculita com T2=0%, T3=5%, T4=10% e T5=20% de EB e 5 repetições. As médias de altura, diâmetro basal e massa seca da parte aérea das mudas em CP-vermiculita forammenores do que as verificadas nas mudas se desenvolvendo em solo de baixio sem ou com a adição de EB. Quando o nível de adição de EB aos coprodutos foi de 20% as médias decresceram, bem como o vigor das rebrotas, pois em três das cinco parcelas deste tratamento as plantas não conseguiram emitir brotações após o corte de sua parte aérea. Caso se opte por utilizar os coprodutos, o nível de esterco bovino deve ficar em torno de 10%, uma vez que as mudas apresentam vigor suficiente para rebrotar duas vezes e recompor sua altura, diâmetro basal e matéria seca da parte aérea em 90 a 113 dias do corte de sua parte aérea.
Fenologia de espécies arbóreas visando à recuperação de áreas degradadas no município de Machado (MG)
Authors: Oliveira de Castro Lima Danilo , Gomes Ferreira Júnior Walnir , Duarte Cruz Júnior Wander
Published: June 2019

Sabe-se que uma das características das matas semidecíduas é a evidente dupla estacionalidade proporcionada por um clima com estações bem definidas: uma de chuvas intensas de verão, seguida por outra com um período de estiagem. Este tipo de clima define as estratégias de floração e de reprodução dos indivíduos. Assim sendo, este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de levantar dados comportamentais de dez indivíduos, de seis espécies diferentes (Euterpe edulis Mart., Vernonanthura divaricate (Spreng.) H.Rob., Manihot pilosa Pohl, Anadenanthera peregrine Speg., Piptadenia gonoacantha J.F.Macbr. and Miconia chartacea Triana) e um indivíduo de Platycyamus regnellii Benth, observando seus comportamentos ao longo de um período que abrangeu as duas estações, e de testar a sazonalidade de fenofases reprodutivas dos indivíduos em questão. Para isso, fizeram-se observações mensais das fenofases vividas por cada indivíduo relacionando-as com variáveis climáticas. Os dados foram tratados por meio de análises de estatística circular para verificar a sazonalidade reprodutiva e teste de correlação a fim de determinar o índice climático de maior evidência. Os resultados apresentaram uma relação entre precipitação/temperatura e a fase reprodutiva das espécies. A não sazonalidade na produção de diásporos atestada pode ser reflexo da anormalidade climática vivida no período, de forma que a estação seca do ano é a época mais recomendável para coleta das espécies investigadas.
Vulnerabilidade das águas subterrâneas na região semiárida da Bahia, município de Tucano, pelo método GOD
Authors: Nascimento Yuri dos Santos , Jesus Janisson Batista de , Gomes Ricardo Lacerda
Published: June 2019

As atividades humanas podem promover a contaminação dos aquíferos, comprometendo a qualidade das águas subterrâneas. Por isso, é importante mapear os riscos de vulnerabilidade dos ambientes naturais, um dos métodos mais utilizados para tanto é o GOD (sigla de Groundwateroccurrence; Overall aquifer class; Depth to groundwater). Sendo assim, o presente trabalho tem o objetivo de analisar a vulnerabilidade à contaminação dos aquíferos do município de Tucano utilizando o método GOD. Para o estudo foram analisados dados geológicos e hidrogeológicos de 449 poços tubulares obtidos no banco de dados SIAGAS (CPRM). O parâmetro G foi definido na maioria da área como aquífero não confinado, o parâmetro O recebeu valores entre 0,4 e 0,8 (devido à variação dacomposição litológica ao longo da área) e o parâmetro D, correspondente à profundidade do nível estático ficou entre 0,6 e 0,9, indicando um lençol freático superficial. O método GOD indicou a ocorrência de quatro classes de vulnerabilidade: insignificante (1,28 %), baixa (71,99 %), média (23,79 %) e alta (2,94 %). Verificou-se que o município de Tucano, na maior parte do território, possui uma vulnerabilidade baixa a média, indicando um baixo risco de contaminação do aquífero, tendo apenasna porção do Rio Itapicuru um índice apontando alta vulnerabilidade.
Expediente
Authors: Agrogeoambiental Revista
Published: June 2019

Expediente
Expression Profiles of miR-93 and miR-330 in Iranian Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Nateghi Behnaz , Shams Elahe , Behshood Parisa , Fathullahzadeh Sima , Salehi Mansoor
Published: June 2019

Background and Aims: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult human leukemia. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. Research has shown that in CLL, microRNAs can have function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Some studies demonstrated that the expression of microRNA-93 (miR-93) and microRNA-330 (miR-330) have been changed in several cancers, including lung, prostate, and colon cancer. We aimed to elucidate the changes in miR-93 and miR-330 expression in CLL patients in comparison with controls.
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, the expression levels of miR-93 and miR-330 was evaluated in 30 CLL patients who had referred to Omid Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, and 30 controls in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).
Results: The expression of miR-93 and miR-330 were found to significantly increase in CLL patients compared with controls (p<0.0001).
Conclusions: The ﬁndings indicated that miR-93 and miR-330 are probably the novel potential biomarker for early diagnosis of CLL, at least in Iranian patients. However, for a decisive result, further investigations are warranted
The Effect of Biochanin A as PPAR γ agonist on LDL Particles Diameter and Type 2 Diabetic Dyslipidemia
Authors: Ghadimi Darya , Taghi Goodarzi Mohammad Taghi , Bahmani Mahdi , Khajehahmadi Zohre
Published: June 2019

Background and Aims: Small dense  low-density lipoproteins (sd-LDL) particles are smaller and heavier than typical LDL ones. They can penetrate into the endothelium of coronary arteries more easily because of their small size. Diabetes mellitus is accompanied by dyslipidemia such as increasing concentration of plasma very low density lipoprotein and sd-LDL. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ ) can decrease the level of sd-LDL in plasma. Biochanin A (BCA), a natural compound, is a PPARγ agonist. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of BCA on sd-LDL-Clolesterol level in diabetic animals.
Materials and Methods: Adult male rats (Wistar strain) were used as the animal models in this study. Animals were made diabetic by single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin- Nicotinamide and then treated by 1 and 5 mg/kg of BCA for 28 days. Body weight and fasting blood glucose were also tested before and at the end of treatment. Furthermore, the size of LDL particles were measured by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis assay.
Results: Results of the present study indicated that BCA administration at dose of 5mg/kg decreased fasting blood glucose level and increased body weight and diameter of LDL particles in diabetic animals significantly.
Conclusions: BCA seems to be an appropriate agent in diabetes mellitus, because it improves the diabetic dyslipidemia, which is the most important complication in diabetic patients.
LB Broth-lyophilized Rabbit Anti-sheep Cell Haemolysin as a Simple Culture Medium for Cultivation of Leishmania Major Promastigotes
Authors: Nasiri Vahid , Jameie Farnoosh , Paykari Habibollah
Published: June 2019

Background and Aims: The protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania are the causative agents of various clinical diseases. Different methods of cultivation of Leishmania parasites are available. In the present study, the efficacy of the LB broth with rabbit lyophilized anti-sheep red blood cell haemolysin was evaluated in the cultivation of promastigotes of Leishmania major.
Materials and Methods: Conventional LB broth medium was prepared and autoclaved for 15 min at 121°C and then lyophilized rabbit anti-sheep cell haemolysin was added at 1-10% final concentrations. The efficacy of the medium was evaluated by assessing the growth ability and replication patterns of the promastigotes of Leishmania major.
Results: Medium with 1-10% lyophilized rabbit haemolysin supported the growth of the parasites and can be used for cultivation of Leishmania parasites with acceptable In vivo infectivity for research purpose.
Conclusions: The ability of the parasites to survive and proliferate in the presence of lyophilized rabbit haemolysin indicates that this material is a good nutritional source. This study opens a new way to make low-cost medium that can be used in cultivation of Leishmania parasites
Antileishmanial Activity of Carum Copticum Essential Oil Against Leishmania Major [MRHO/IR/75/ER]: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Fattahi Bafghi Ali , Modares Mosadegh Moneyreh , Ghaemi Mehrdad , Hejazian Seyed Hassan
Published: June 2019

Background and Aims: Because of the toxicity and side-effects of synthetic drugs, there is a growing interest in biomedical plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro antileishmanial activity of Carum copticum essential oil against Leishmania (L) major.
Materials and Methods: Nineteen experimental groups were designed to determine the effect of Carum copticum essential oil against L. major and compare it with Meglumine antimonite. Group 1 was the control group and included 200 µl of RPMI 1640 plus 2×105 cells/ml promastigotes. Groups 2-10 included the aforementioned substances plus 10 µl of 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 µg/ml of Carum copticum essential oil respectively. Groups 11-19 were similar to groups 2-10 but Meglumine antimonite (0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 µg/ml) was used instead of Carum copticum essential oil. All the experiments were repeated five times. After 8 hours, the antileishmanial activities of studied substances were determined.
Results: Up to concentration of 0.5 µg/ml, no effect was observed with both substances. In comparison to control group, at 1 and 2 µg/ml, Meglumine antimonite had no effect on Leishmaniasis (p>0.05) while Carum copticum essential oil significantly decreased Leishmaniasis viability (p<0.05). Moreover, at 3 µg/ml, both compounds significantly decreased Leishmaniasis viability (p<0.05). However, Carum copticum essential oil had substantially better Antileishmanial activity than the other.  
Conclusions: These results suggest that comparable concentrations, in vitro antileishmanial activity of Carum copticum essential oil is better than Meglumine antimonite.
THE MASTERY OF ARABIC LANGUAGE COMMUNICATION WITH COMMUNICATIVE ACTIVE METHOD
Authors: Marpuah Siti , . Sulton
Published: June 2019

Purpose of Study: Arabic language proficiency, especially speech is one of the main goals of learning Arabic in secondary schools or religious boarding schools in Indonesia. Active Communicative Method (KAK) is one method that can help students master the Arabic speech. This study aims to find out how is the implementation of the KAK at Pondok Pesantren Wali Songo. It also aims to look at the problems encountered in the implementation of the KAK, KAK effect in mastering Arabic speech and designing learning methods that can be used as an alternative in learning Arabic.

Methodology: This study is a qualitative case study through interviews, observations and document analysis involving 12 respondents.

Results: The findings showed that the implementation process KAK there are two, namely in the classroom and outside the classroom through a variety of activities such as the addition of vocabulary and sentence, question and answer, problem-solving, etc., and involve various stakeholders such as students, peers, muharrikah al-Lughah, teacher and principals. The weakness of Arabic grammar (Nahwu & Sharaf) is one of the problems faced by the students and they also forgot to speak the Arabic language. Shame and fear of making mistakes are also a problem in the implementation of KAK. The findings also indicate that the use of KAK had a positive impact on learning the Arabic language, especially speech, adding vocabulary, sentences, and improve understanding of the scriptures in Arabic.

Implications/Applications: This researcher proposed a framework of Arabic KAK based learning that can be used as an alternative to diversify methods of learning foreign languages either in Indonesia or Malaysia.
Assisting software architects in architectural decision-making using Quark
Authors: Ameller David , Franch Xavier
Published: June 2019

Non-Functional Requirements (NFRs) and constraints are among the principal drivers of architectural decision-making. NFRs are improved or damaged by architectural decisions (ADs), while constraints directly include or exclude parts of the architecture (e.g., logical components or technologies). We may determine the impact of an AD, or which parts of the architecture are affected by a constraint, but at the end it is hard to know if we are respecting the NFRs and the imposed constraints with all the ADs made. In the usual approach, architects use their own experience to produce software architectures that comply with the NFRs and imposed constraints, but at the end, especially for crucial decisions, the architect has to deal with complex trade-offs between NFRs and juggle with possible incompatibilities raised by the imposed constraints. In this paper we present Quark, a method to assist software architects in architectural decision-making, and the conceptualization of the relationship between NFRs and ADs defined in Arteon, an ontology to represent and manage architectural knowledge. Finally, we provide an overview of the Quark and Arteon implementation, the ArchiTech tool.
A Levels-based Approach for Defining Software Measurement Architectures
Authors: Maretto Ciro Xavier , Barcellos Monalessa Perini
Published: June 2019

During the execution of software projects, it is necessary to collect, store and analyze data to support project and organizational decisions. Software measurement is a fundamental practice for project management and process improvement. It is present in the main models and standards that address software process improvement, such as ISO/IEC 12207, CMMI and MR MPS.BR. In order to effectively perform software measurement, it is necessary an infrastructure to support data collection, storage and analysis. This infrastructure can be defined by means of an architecture, which describes the components necessary to support software measurement. In this paper we present the main results obtained from a systematic mapping study that investigated software measurement architectures and an approach proposed aiming to help organizations define software measurement architectures.
Pedagogical Experiences in a Highly Populated Undergraduate Programming Course
Authors: Etcheverry Lorena , Luna Carlos , Tansini Libertad
Published: June 2019

Teaching how to develop medium size information systems in courses with high matriculation rates is a complex task. In Latin America this is an important issue because, due to high matriculation rates and scarce resources, Schools of Engineering have, in general, very low graduation rates and high drop-out rates. This paper presents the experiences of a team of teachers, during a period of eight years.

Two strategies were proposed to cope with high drop-out and low graduation rates, and they were implemented and analyzed in two stages. At the initial stage, key roles were defined for each of the members of the teaching staff, focusing on programming assignments and the development and usage of e-learning support systems, such as a course web page and a newsgroup list. At the second stage the main goal was to consolidate the results from the previous stage, but also to make the contents on-line evolve, in order to improve the communication with students and among them. In this second stage it was also important to address the problem of high drop-out/abandon rates, trying to find out the causes and reduce their effect.

This work proposes a decentralized form of organization of the teaching staff and shows how this makes a difference to make better use of the resources. It also shows that practical work on a project and the transformation to a semi-distance learning course had the effect of lowering the drop-out rates and increasing the approval rates. Finally this experience and the results have an inspiring effect on teachers and educational institutions to improve courses with similar characteristics.
Balls and buckets for discrete time Markov chain generation
Authors: Cancela Hector
Published: June 2019

This work presents an extension of the balls and buckets description formalism to the case of discrete time systems. This formalism allows for flexible modeling and compact representation of Markovian systems, supporting automatic generation of both the state space and the transition matrix of the underlying canonical Markov chain. A discrete time balls and buckets interpreter has been implemented in the BB library, which provides different basic services (Markov chain generation, storage, exact evaluation, and simulation) supporting system description and performance and dependability quantitative analysis. As an application example, we present the balls and buckets model and the performance analysis of an ATM switch architecture, which is of interest in high performance network design. By using simulation techniques, we reproduce results (already established by other methods in the literature) showing that, given a fixed load, the performance of this kind of switches is highly sensitive to the characteristics of the data packets arrival process. `
Preface to the CIbSE 2018 Special Issue
Authors: Cernuzzi Luca , Conte Tayana , Giachetti Giovanni
Published: June 2019

This special issue of the CLEIej consists of extended and revised versions of Selected Papers presented at the XXI Ibero-American Conference on Software Engineering (CIbSE 2018), hold in Bogotá, Colombia, in April 2018.
Model-based testing areas, tools and challenges: A tertiary study
Authors: Villalobos-Arias Leonardo , Quesada-López Christan , Martinez Alexandra , Jenkins Marcelo
Published: June 2019

Context: Model-based testing is one of the most studied approaches by secondary studies in the area of software testing. Aggregating knowledge from secondary studies on model- based testing can be useful for both academia and industry. Objective: The goal of this study is to characterize secondary studies in model-based testing, in terms of the areas, tools and challenges they have investigated. Method: We conducted a tertiary study following the guidelines for systematic mapping studies. Our mapping included 22 secondary studies, of which 12 were literature surveys and 10 systematic reviews, over the period 1996–2016. Results: A hierarchy of model-based testing areas and subareas was built based on existing taxonomies as well as data that emerged from the secondary studies themselves. This hierarchy was then used to classify studies, tools, challenges and their tendencies in a unified classification scheme. We found that the two most studied areas are UML models and transition-based notations, both being modeling paradigms. Regarding tendencies of areas in time, we found two areas with constant activity through time, namely, test objectives and model specification. With respect to tools, we only found five studies that compared and classified model-based testing tools. These tools have been classified into common dimensions that mainly refer to the model type and phases of the model-based testing process they support. We reclassified all the tools into the hierarchy of model-based testing areas we proposed, and found that most tools were reported within the modeling paradigm area. With regard to tendencies of tools, we found that tools for testing the functional behavior of software have prevailed over time. Another finding was the shift from tools that support the generation of abstract tests to those that support the generation of executable tests. For analyzing challenges, we used six categories that emerged from the data (based on a grounded analysis): efficacy, availability, complexity, professional skills, investment, cost & effort, and evaluation & empirical evidence. We found that most challenges were related to availability. Besides, we too classified challenges according to our hierarchy of model-based testing areas, and found that most challenges fell in the model specification area. With respect to tendencies in challenges, we found they have moved from complexity of the approaches to the lack of approaches for specific software domains. Conclusions: Only a few systematic reviews on model-based testing could be found, therefore some areas still lack secondary studies, particularly, test execution aspects, language types, model dynamics, as well as some modeling paradigms and generation methods. We thus encourage the community to perform further systematic reviews and mapping studies, following known protocols and reporting procedures, in order to increase the quality and quantity of empirical studies in model-based testing.
A Systematic Mapping Study on Privacy by Design in Software Engineering
Authors: Morales-Trujillo Miguel Ehecatl , García-Mireles Gabriel Alberto , Matla-Cruz Erick Orlando , Piattini Mario
Published: June 2019

Protecting personal data in current software systems is a complex issue that requires legal regulations and constraints to manage personal data as well as a methodological support to develop software systems that would safeguard data privacy of their respective users. Privacy by Design (PbD) approach has been proposed to address this issue and has been applied to systems development in a variety of application domains. The aim of this work is to determine the presence of PbD and its extent in software development efforts. A systematic mapping study was conducted in order to identify relevant literature that collects PbD principles and goals in software development as well as methods and/or practices that support privacy aware software development. 53 selected papers address PbD mostly from a theoretical perspective with proposals validation based primarily on experiences or examples. The findings suggest that there is a need to develop privacy-aware methods to be integrated at all stages of software development life cycle and validate them in industrial settings.
Health Status of Live Theater Actors: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Martin Eric , Battaglini Claudio
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVE: Actors constitute an at-risk population based on the physical burden demanded from their profession, different health behaviors, and poor economic and health insurance status. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to search for evidence of the health and fitness
of theater actors. METHODS: Pubmed, EBSCO (CINAHL and SPORTdiscus), the database of the Performing Arts Medicine Association, the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, and Medical Problems of Performing Artists were searched. Included studies had data extracted and were scored
for methodological quality. RESULTS: The search identified 18 studies, examining actors at different career stages, including secondary school (n=2), university (n=3), and professional (n=13). Eight studies received a low methodological quality score (50% or less). Most studies reported cigarette
smoking among 10–26% of their samples and regular alcohol use in 25–40%. However, among professionals, prevalence and risk of harm from levels of alcohol consumption were much higher. Marijuana consumption was reported by 11–25% of respondents, while use of other drugs ranged
from 7–23%. Most respondents suffered 1–2 injuries each year, with one study indicating that 72% of injuries occurred during class or rehearsal. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic literature review highlights a large gap in the research about actors’ health. The high rates of substance
use and injuries among actors indicate not only a large health burden but a hindrance to their ability to perform, which may negatively impact their livelihood.
Health Education Literacy and Accessibility for Musicians: A Global Approach. Report from the Worldwide Universities Network Project
Authors: Baadjou Vera A , Wijsman Suzanne I , Ginsborg Jane , Guptill Christine , de Lisle Rae , Rennie-Salonen Bridget , Visentin Peter , Ackermann Bronwen J
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVE: To address the need for accessible health education and improved health literacy for musicians throughout their lifespan. METHODS: Formation of a multicultural, international, and interdisciplinary collaborative research team, funded by the Worldwide Universities Network.
The goal is to design a multi-strand research program to develop flexible and accessible approaches to health education for musicians, thus improving their health literacy. RESULTS: Two team meetings took place in 2018. The first was held 11 to 15 April 2018 in Perth, Australia, and involved
a review of existing literature and interventions on health education in music schools, intensive development of research topics, aims, and methodologies, and identification of potential funding sources to support future large-scale research programs. This resulted in the draft design of three
research projects, finalized during a second meeting in Maastricht, the Netherlands, 27 to 31 August 2018. DISCUSSION: These intensive meetings identified the need for both cultural change in music education settings as well as improved health literacy in musicians across global geographical
regions. A global project to address health literacy and health education accessibility for musicians has commenced.
Sound Exposure of Secondary School Music Students During Individual Study
Authors: Rodrigues Matilde A , Gonçalves Sandra , Neves Paula , Silva Manuela V
Published: June 2019

Music students can be exposed to high sound pressure levels (SPLs) during classes, which can result in hearing damage. However, individual study can also boost their exposure. This short presentation aims to describe the SPLs to which secondary school music students are exposed during
individual study, as well as the circumstances in which practice is carried out. The study involved 16 young music students, aged 12–15 yrs old. SPLs were monitored during individual study at school and at the students’ homes. Measurements were performed throughout rehearsals over
a 3-week period. The results show that music students are exposed to high SPLs during the individual study, with potential for it to increase, depending on the type and features of the rooms used for practice. Students were not entirely aware of the health risks related to exposure to high
SPLs during individual practice, and hearing protection was never used by them. These findings denote that hearing conservation programs targeting music students should also focus on the risks to which they are exposed during individual study in different settings.
Fight Song on Mute: University Pep Band Member Noise Dosages and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Knowledge
Authors: Edwards Evan
Published: June 2019

The occurrence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can be detrimental to the future careers of student musicians. Few studies have focused on the noise exposure of student musicians within an indoor pep band as they performed during university basketball games. The purpose of this
longitudinal study was to assess: (a) the status of noise dosages acquired via personal noise dosimeters from two pep band players as they performed over nine men’s basketball games spanning three seasons, (b) perceived effectiveness of earplugs on the primary participants, and (c) the
status of all band members’ (n=72) knowledge of hearing loss and hearing loss prevention. The noise dosages accrued by primary participants in each game over the three seasons greatly exceeded the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) recommendation regarding
safe daily noise exposure time. Participants occasionally reported that the earplugs did not provide sufficient protection from noise or contributed to communication and intonation issues. Questionnaire responses from band members demonstrated a mild deficiency in hearing loss knowledge. Two-thirds
of pep band members reported that they did not always wear hearing protection at pep band functions. Exceeding standard noise dosage recommendations without hearing protection potentially leaves these individuals at a high risk for permanent hearing loss.
Relationship Between Performance Competence and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Contemporary Dance
Authors: Needham-Beck Sarah C , Wyon Matthew A , Redding Emma
Published: June 2019

AIMS: While a foundation of basic cardiorespiratory fitness is beneficial for coping with the physiological demands of dance training and performance, the extent to which cardiorespiratory fitness levels are related to performance ability is not all-together clear. This study aimed
to directly compare aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and anaerobic threshold (AT) to an aesthetic competence measure (ACM) in student contemporary dancers. METHODS: Participants were 18 contemporary dance students and all undertook a one-off treadmill test to volitional exhaustion in the week leading
up to a performance to determine VO2peak and AT. In the same week, a final rehearsal for the performance was filmed to allow retrospective analysis of specific performance competence. RESULTS: Mean VO2peak values of 47.67 ± 5.84 ml/kg/min and AT values of 43.18 ± 7.72 ml/kg/min
(90.68 ± 11.87 %VO2peak) were recorded, and the mean total ACM score was 52.67 ± 8.74. No significant correlations were found between cardiorespiratory fitness variables and ACM scores. Regression analyses revealed experience level to be the only significant predictor of total
ACM score (p<0.05, R2=0.12, SEE=11.91). CONCLUSIONS: The range of choreography used for assessment may limit the present study; nevertheless, as level of experience did significantly predict ACM total score, it is suggested that vocational dance training may be developing the performance
and technical skills of students but not sufficiently developing their physical conditioning.
Improved levels of critical reflection in Pharmacy Technician student work-placement assessments through emphasising graduate attributes
Authors: Dunne Julie
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the effect of activities to promote awareness of specific prioritised graduate attributes on the quality of reflection displayed in work-placement reflective blog assessments for Pharmacy-technician students. Previous related research showed an increased tendency to frame placement experiences in terms of graduate attributes when they are made more explicit in the curriculum. Now, a thematic analysis of reflective writing from control and research groups, using a priori codes of ‘reflection’ and ‘graduate attributes’ explored the impact on the depth of critical reflection, and its relationship to explicit discussion of graduate attributes. The findings show an improvement in the quality of reflection, with significantly higher levels of critical reflection in the research group (37%), compared to the control group (20%), and lower levels of the non-reflective categories of thinking such as thoughtful action. Furthermore, in 62% of research group cases, there is overlap between critical reflection references and explicit graduate attributes references. Overall, the quality of reflective writing has improved through framing experiences in terms both of graduate attributes, as well as core theoretical knowledge, leading to increased focus on personal development and consequences for future action.