bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of particle number size distributions measured across an urban area during the FASTER campaign
Authors: Harrison Roy M. , Beddows David C. S. , Alam Mohammed S. , Singh Ajit , Brean James , Xu Ruixin , Kotthaus Simone , Grimmond Sue
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Particle number size distributions have been measured simultaneously by
scanning mobility particle sizers (SMPSs) at five sites in central London for
a 1 month campaign in January–February 2017. These measurements were
accompanied by condensation particle counters (CPCs) to measure total particle
number count at four of the sites and Aethalometers measuring black carbon
(BC) at five sites. The spatial distribution and inter-relationships of the
particle size distribution and SMPS total number counts with CPC total number
counts and black carbon measurements have been analysed in detail as well as
variations in the size distributions. One site (Marylebone Road) was in a
street canyon with heavy traffic, one site (Westminster University) was on a
rooftop adjacent to the Marylebone Road sampler, and a further sampler was
located at Regent's University within a major park to the north of Marylebone
Road. A fourth sampler was located nearby at 160 m above ground level on the
BT tower and a fifth sampler was located 4 km to the west of the main
sampling region at North Kensington. Consistent with earlier studies it was
found that the mode in the size distribution had shifted to smaller sizes at
the Regent's University (park) site, the mean particle shrinkage rate being
0.04 nm s−1 with slightly lower values at low wind speeds and some
larger values at higher wind speeds. There was evidence of complete
evaporation of the semi-volatile nucleation mode under certain conditions at
the elevated BT Tower site. While the SMPS total count and black carbon showed
typical traffic-dominated diurnal profiles, the CPC count data typically
peaked during night-time as did CPC∕SMPS and CPC∕BC ratios. This is thought to
be due to the presence of high concentrations of small particles (2.5–15 nm
diameter) probably arising from condensational growth from traffic emissions
during the cooler night-time conditions. Such behaviour was most marked at the
Regent's University and Westminster University sites and less so at
Marylebone Road, while at the elevated BT Tower site the ratio of particle
number (CPC) to black carbon peaked during the morning rush hour and not at
night-time, unlike the other sites. An elevation in nucleation mode particles
associated with winds from the west and WSW sector was concluded to result
from emissions from London Heathrow Airport, despite a distance of 22 km
from the central London sites.
Ensemble forecasts of air quality in eastern China – Part 1: Model description and implementation of the MarcoPolo–Panda prediction system, version 1
Authors: Brasseur Guy P. , Xie Ying , Petersen Anna Katinka , Bouarar Idir , Flemming Johannes , Gauss Michael , Jiang Fei , Kouznetsov Rostislav , Kranenburg Richard , Mijling Bas , Peuch Vincent-Henri , Pommier Matthieu , Segers Arjo , Sofiev Mikhail , Timmermans Renske , van der A Ronald , Walters Stacy , Xu Jianming , Zhou Guangqiang
Published: January 2019

Abstract. An operational multi-model forecasting system for air quality including nine
different chemical transport models has been developed and provides daily
forecasts of ozone, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter for the 37
largest urban areas of China (population higher than 3 million in 2010).
These individual forecasts as well as the mean and median concentrations for
the next 3 days are displayed on a publicly accessible website
(http://www.marcopolo-panda.eu, last access: 7 December 2018). The paper describes the forecasting system and shows some selected
illustrative examples of air quality predictions. It presents an
intercomparison of the different forecasts performed during a given period of
time (1–15 March 2017) and highlights recurrent differences between the
model output as well as systematic biases that appear in the median
concentration values. Pathways to improve the forecasts by the multi-model
system are suggested.
Comparison of Different Sequential Assimilation Algorithms for Satellite-derived Leaf Area Index Using the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (lanai)
Authors: Ling Xiao-Lu , Fu Cong-Bin , Yang Zong-Liang , Guo Wei-Dong
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The leaf area index (LAI) is a crucial parameter for understanding the exchanges of momentum, carbon, energy, and water between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. To improve the ability to simulate land surface water and energy balances, the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) has been successfully coupled to the Community Land Model (CLM) by assimilating global remotely sensed LAI data with explicit carbon and nitrogen components (CLM4CN). The purpose of this paper is to determine the best algorithm for LAI assimilation. Within this framework, four sequential assimilation algorithms, i.e., the Kalman Filter (KF), the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF), the Ensemble Adjust Kalman Filter (EAKF), and the Particle Filter (PF), are applied, thoroughly analyzed and compared. The results show that assimilating remotely sensed LAI data into the CLM4CN is an effective method for improving model performance. In detail, the assimilation accuracies of the ensemble filter algorithms (EnKF and EAKF) are better than that of the KF algorithm because the KF is based on the linear model error assumption. The PF algorithm performs worse than the EAKF and EnKF algorithms because of the gradually reduced acceptance of observations with assimilation steps. In other words, the contribution of the observations to the posterior probability during the assimilation process is reduced. The EAKF algorithm is the best method because the matrix is adjusted at each time step during the assimilation procedure.
Efficacy of using Radar Induced Factors in Landslide Susceptibility Analysis: case study of Koslanda, Sri Lanka
Authors: Ranasinghe Ahangama Kankanamge Rasika Nishamanie , Bandara Ranmalee , Puswewala Udeni Gnanapriya Anuruddha , Dammalage Thilantha Lakmal
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Through recent technological developments of radar and optical remote sensing in the areas of temporal, spectral, spatial, and global coverage, the availability of such images either at a low cost or free of charge, and the advancement of tools developed in image analysis techniques and GIS for spatial data analysis, a large variety of applications using remote sensing and GIS as tools are possible. Hence, this study aims to assess the efficacy of using Radar Induced Factors (RIF) in identifying landslide susceptibility using bivariate Information Value method (InfoVal method) and multivariate Multi Criteria Decision Analysis based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process statistical analysis. Using identified landslide causative factors, four landslide prediction models as bivariate without and with RIF, multivariate without and with RIF are generated. Twelve factors topographical, hydrological, geological, land cover and soil plus three RIF are considered. The prediction levels of susceptibility regions are distinguished and categorized into four classes as very low, low, moderate, and high susceptibility to landslides. With integration of RIF, boundary detection between high and very low areas increased by 7 %, and 4 % respectively, and there is an improvement of 2.45 % prediction and 1.12 % validation performances of bivariate analysis than multivariate.
Brief Communication: Early season snowpack loss and implications for oversnow vehicle recreation travel planning
Authors: Hatchett Benjamin J. , Eisen Hilary G.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Oversnow vehicle recreation contributes to rural
economies but requires a minimum snow depth to mitigate negative impacts on
the environment. Daily snow water equivalent (SWE) observations from weather
stations in the Lake Tahoe region (western USA) and a SWE reanalysis product
are used to estimate the onset dates of SWE corresponding to ∼30 cm in snow depth (SWEmin). Since 1985, median SWEmin onset has
shifted later by approximately 2 weeks. Potential proximal causes of
delayed onset are investigated; rainfall is increasing during
October–January with dry days becoming warmer and more frequent. Adaptation
strategies to address oversnow vehicle management challenges in recreation
travel planning are explored.
Representaciones estereotípicas del espacio fronterizo en algunas ficciones mexicanas sobre Tijuana
Authors: Oliver Felipe
Published: January 2019

La ciudad de Tijuana, arquetipo por excelencia para pensar las dinámicas sociales y culturales de la vida en la frontera, ha sido descrita y representada hasta el cansancio en la literatura. Ciudad de paso sin cultura ni pasado, laboratorio posmoderno equiparable a Nueva York, y capital internacional del crimen organizado son algunos de los lugares comunes frecuentes en la literaturadey sobreTijuana. Este trabajo revisa algunas ficciones de autores bajacalifornianos como Gabriel Trujillo Muñoz, Heriberto Yépez y Luis Humberto Crosthwaite para deconstruir los prejuicios y estereotipos más comunes en torno a la singular ciudad fronteriza mexicana.
Crowdsourcing identities: On identity as an existential practice mediated by contemporary digital technology
Authors: Hällgren Camilla
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this article is to outline crowdsourcing identities as one way to think about humans’ making of identity when practiced in conditions mediated by contemporary digital technologies. It brings together human practices, theory and technology and draws on perspectives of existentialism, social onstructivism, technology and ideas about crowdsourcing. Humans’ making of identity is considered a practice that concerns continuous requests and answers about existential matters of being, becoming and belonging: Who am I? How do I appear to others? Who can I be and become? Where do I belong? In that sense, it is a relational and social practice that is essential to exist as someone — rather than as no one. However, contemporary digital technologies such as social media are not considered essential to this practice. Technologies are thought of as mediating conditions where, for instance, social interactions about existential matters, such as the making of identity, can be practiced in ways that extend on what were possible in predigital times. In multimodal, multidirectional, collaborative and networked ways humans can represent, communicate, gather information and also engage online crowds of others in continuous requests and answers about being, becoming and belonging; Who am I? How do I appear to others? Who can I be and become? And, where do I belong? To illustrate this, two brief narratives of Mary and Steve introduce the article. The making of identity, the duality of Self and Other, the gaze as a panopticon of others, identity and technology and ideas about crowdsourcing are presented and outlined, converging into the interpretive lens of crowdsourcing identities — one way to think about the making of identity when practiced in conditions mediated by contemporary digital technology.
Agile research
Authors: Twidale Michael , Hansen Preben
Published: January 2019

In this paper we ask: “how might we take the ideas, the methods and the underlying philosophy behind agile software development and explore applying them in the context of doing research — even research that does not involve software development?” We look at some examples of agile research methods and think about how they might inspire the design of even better methods. We also try to address some potential criticisms of an approach that aims to minimize a need for Big Design Up Front by developing tighter iteration cycles, coupled with reflection and learning as part of a process for doing research.
Playing with data and its consequences
Authors: Gutiérrez Miren , Milan Stefania
Published: January 2019

The fundamental paradigm shift brought about by datafication alters how people participate as citizens on a daily basis. “Big data” has come to constitute a new terrain of engagement, which brings organized collective action, communicative practices and data infrastructure into a fruitful dialogue. While scholarship is progressively acknowledging the emergence of bottom-up data practices, to date no research has explored the influence of these practices on the activists themselves. Leveraging the disciplines of critical data and social movement studies, this paper explores “proactive data activism”, using, producing and/or appropriating data for social change, and examines its biographical, political, tactical and epistemological consequences. Approaching engagement with data as practice, this study focuses on the social contexts in which data are produced, consumed and circulated, and analyzes how tactics, skills and emotions of individuals evolve in interplay with data. Through content and co-occurrence analysis of semi-structured practitioner interviews (N=20), the article shows how the employment of data and data infrastructure in activism fundamentally transforms the way activists go about changing the world.
MODULAR PLATFORM TO MODEL PARALLEL INELASTIC MECHANISMS IN RUBBER-LIKE MATERIALS
Authors: Khalalili Leila , Azad Ali Imani , Lin Jiaqi , Dargazany Roozbeh
Published: January 2019

Cross-linked rubber-like materials exhibit an elastic behavior with several inelastic features such as the Mullins effect, Payne effect, permanent set, deformation-induced anisotropy, and hysteresis. Although these features are being modeled individually, few attempts have been made toward systematic integration of these models into one model to consider damage accumulation in rubber-like materials. A new platform is presented to couple constitutive models of different inelastic mechanisms into one generalized model that can simultaneously consider them all. The kinematic structure of the proposed approach is based on two concepts: (1) the concept of microsphere and (2) the concept of network decomposition. The polymer matrix is decomposed into a number of parallel networks, in which each network describes one inelastic feature and is represented by one microsphere. Accordingly, the energy of the polymer matrix, $\Psi$, is the summation of the energies of the parallel networks. A network is considered as a three-dimensional (3D) assembly of unidirectional subnetwork elements distributed in all spatial directions represented by one microsphere. Such structural breakdown allows us to simplify different inelastic mechanisms as 3D assemblies of one-dimensional (1D) elements that host simplified 1D inelastic mechanisms. This concept replaces the complex 3D formulations of finite inelasticity based on the multiplicative decomposition of the F by a simple solution that can be further scaled up and integrates other models. The microsphere enables us to derive the stretch and the deformation history for each direction. Modular design of the platform allows models to be replaced anytime. Any ill-performing or expensive model can be later substituted by an improved version or temporarily deactivated. To validate the concept, a platform is proposed that can host models of permanent set, hysteresis, and Mullins effect. The accuracy of the platform is evaluated in comparison with experimental data and with respect to different models.
A Study on the Gender Digital Divide: Overcoming the Under-Representation of South African Women in the IT Sector
Authors: Nesaratnam Seetha , Mamba Tengudzeni Nkosingiphile , Singh Jugindar Singh Kartar
Published: January 2019

In South Africa, women are grossly underrepresented in the Information Technology (IT) sector result of gender stereotyping and discrimination. According to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) Report (2017), only 21% of executives in the IT sector are women. This has caused high unemployment of women IT graduates. The purpose of this study therefore is to explore and investigate the antecedents that influence and impact the phenomenon of the gender digital divide in South Africa. The study explores new antecedents of the digital gender divide that influences motivation of women to participate in the IT sector. This study used a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews of South African women in the IT sector. The rich volume of data collected was analysed via a thematic analysis. The analysis confirmed existing antecedents gleaned from literature and also uncovered three new dimensions, namely, networking, impartial mentorship and HR as motivators for women in the IT sector. The findings of the study also provides for a better understanding on the barriers that perpetuate the unequal gender gap problem especially in managerial and leadership roles.
Old Wine in a New Bottle?: Right of Publicity and Right to be Forgotten in the Internet Era
Authors: Martínez José Manuel , Mecinas Juan Manuel
Published: January 2019

This work analyzes the interaction between the so-called right to be forgotten and the right of publicity/right to one's own name due to the use of names and likeness on Internet and the necessary intervention of the judiciary and search engines to face the threats that come with the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in our societies.
The Right of One's Own Image in the Recent Cases of Sexual Harassment in Film Industry: Applying the European Theory of Concentric Circles to Celebrities (In Particular, Women)
Authors: Corredoira Loreto
Published: January 2019

Since 2017, we have been witness to “sex scandals” in Hollywood. This article doesn't call into question the aggressors' presumption of innocence, but it focuses on the damages that does to the personal rights to one's own image and reputation of women (celebrities) in the film industry. Rights in contradiction as it has been seen from Europe will be compared. Rights like image, dignity and physical integrity, reputation, personal and family privacy, honor, and their balance with the right to communicate will be explained using the concentric circles theory.
Transparency in Political Advertising: Assessing the Utility and Validity of the FCC's Online Public Inspection File System
Authors: Newell Jay , Blevins Jeffrey Layne
Published: January 2019

This research explores the usability of the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC's) online Public Inspection Files to measure the sources and quantities of political advertising on broadcast television. We compared data from FCC files with data purchased from a commercial vendor in a presidential caucus campaign that stretched across nine months, including advertising sponsored by over 40 groups and totaled tens of millions of dollars. The FCC-derived and commercial data were consistent in reporting the quantity of advertising, but sponsor identification was inconsistent between data sources, raising concerns about the FCC's ability to disclose reliable information about political ad spending.
Exploring the Policy Value of Cable Franchise and PEG Fees
Authors: Stewart Duncan , Shaker Lee
Published: January 2019

Subscribers to cable television typically pay Franchise and Public–Educational–Governmental (PEG) Fees. Ostensibly, these monthly fees exist to compensate communities for the private use of public goods and to bolster the marketplace of ideas. Little empirical research, however, assesses the utility of these fees as policy mechanisms. In this article, we track the existence and dispensation of the fees in the 20 largest American cities by examining their recent annual budgets. This provides a foundation to consider the fees' contributions in the context of ongoing legal challenges to their existence and the increase of digital television services beyond their purview.
The Priestly Tent of Meeting in Chronicles: Pro-Priestly or Anti-Priestly?
Authors: Jeon Jaeyoung
Published: January 2019

This paper examines how the Chronicler treats the Pentateuchal tradition of the priestly Tent of Meeting. The Chronicler consistently mentions the Tent of Meeting, but its cultic significance is reduced and put in an inverse relationship to the Davidic cultic system in Jerusalem. Such ambivalent treatment of the Tent of Meeting in Chronicles can be understood in the socio-historical context of the Persian period, especially within the Levites’ ideological struggle against the dominant, Zadokite priestly group.
The Marshall–Olkin Generalized Inverse Weibull Distribution: Properties and Application
Authors: Salem Hamdy M.
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a new distribution namely, The Marshall–OlkinGeneralized Inverse Weibull Distribution is illustrated and studied. The new distribution is very flexible and contains sub-models such asinverse exponential, inverse Rayleigh, Weibull, inverse Weibull, Marshall–Olkininverse Weibull and Fréchetdistributions. Also, the hazard function of the new distribution can produce variety of forms:an increase, a decrease and an upside-down bathtub. Some properties such as hazard function, quintile function, entropy, moment generating function and order statistics are obtained. Different estimation approaches namely, maximum likelihood estimators, interval estimators, least square estimators, fisher information matrix and asymptotic confidence intervals are described. To illustrate the superior performance of the proposed distribution, a simulation study and a real data analysis are investigated against other models.
De val van Jacobus Capitein en het debat over omstreden koloniale helden
Authors: Fatah-Black Karwan
Published: January 2019

The fall of Jacobus Capitein and the Dutch debate on the controversial legacy of colonial heroes

The post-colonial re-evaluation of prominent figures in Dutch history has been resisted fiercely in the public sphere. This article raises the question how lives from the colonial era that are a source of national pride, but are also tainted by their implication in the history of slavery, colonialism and racism can be presented in a way that does justice to their historical context. Jacobus Capitein, who was first enslaved and later became an advocate for slavery in the 1740s, was initially regarded a hero in the eighteenth century, but has received a far more critical evaluation since the second half of the twentieth century. This article takes the way in which professional historians and heritage institutions have dealt with the complex and layered life story of Jacobus Capitein as a model for approaching the lives of the canonical figures of Dutch Atlantic history.
Preference for different lip positions in a Turkish population
Authors: Bor Sabahattin , Kazancı Fatih , Adıgüzel Artemisa
Published: January 2019

Aim: This study evaluated the preferences for different lip positions among dental students, dentists, laypersons, and patients.

Methodology: Average female and male silhouette profiles were constructed from published soft tissue data for the Turkish population. The lips in each average profile were protruded or retruded in 2 mm increments with respect to Ricketts’ E-line. Five images were created from the average profile and arranged randomly. Then, 54 dental students, 55 dentists, 46 laypersons, and 60 orthodontic patients were asked to rate each silhouette profile from 1 (least attractive) to 10 (most attractive). The independent t-test was used to analyze the effect of gender on preference and one-way analysis of variance was used to determine whether there were differences among the groups.

 

Results: The dentists favored profile ‘a’ (+2 mm protruded), while the other groups favored profile ‘e’ (average profile) in both sexes. Profile ‘d’ was the least favored profile, except in the dentists group. For the dental students, profile ‘d’ was the least favored of the male profiles and ‘c’ was the least favored of the female profiles. There were significant differences among the groups when assessing male profiles ‘a’, ‘c’ (p<0.01), and ‘b’ (p<0.05).

 

Conclusion: The average profile image was favoured and the image that showed slight (+2 mm) lip protrusion was preferred second. All rater groups tolerated changes of ±2 mm with respect to the average lip position.
An evaluation using micro-CT data of the stress formed in the crown and periodontal tissues from the use of Peek post and Peek crown: A 3D finite element analysis study
Authors: Tekin Samet , Adıgüzel Özkan , Cangül Suzan
Published: January 2019

Aim: Metal-supported ceramics as crown material and glass fibre posts as dental post materials are in frequent current use. In recent years, it has been claimed that stress-based biomechanical problems in dentistry can be resolved with the benefit of the low elasticity modulus of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material. The aim of this study was to use finite element analysis (FEA) to compare the stresses formed by forces applied after the use of PEEK material as dental post and crown material as an alternative to glassfibre posts and metal-supported ceramic crowns.

Material and Method: The stress analysis metthod used in this study was FEA. First, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images were obtained of a maxillary central incisor tooth and the data of the post materials scanned with a 3-dimensional (3D) laser scanner were uploaded to a computer program. 3D models were obtained with designs made in the computer program of all the materials. The modelling of a maxillary central tooth was completed using 2 different post materials (glassfibre and PEEK) and 2 different crown materials (metal ceramic and PEEK) and 4 groups were formed for analysis. By applying force of 100N at 135˚ from the absolute central point of the palatinal surface of the tooth, the stress values and distribution occurring in the 3D peiodontal models were compared.  

Results: The use of PEEK post reduced the stresses occurring on the periodontal ligament (PDL) and the cortical bone, and caused no significant change in the stresses on the crown. The use of PEEK crown reduced the stresses occurring on the crown and increased the stresses occurring on the PDL and cortical bone.

Conclusion: With further in vitro and clinical studies of PEEK material, it can be considered that within a short time PEEK post and PEEK crown could be in routine use in dentistry.
Can the leukocyte`s parameters in peripheral blood smear predict risk of in-hospital death of patients undergoing high-risk gastrointestinal surgery?
Authors: Pluta Michał , Krzych Łukasz
Published: January 2019

Introduction. White blood cell (WBC) count constitutes a part of routine peripheral blood examination (FBC, full blood count). Precise analysis of leukocytes’ parameters in blood smear is usually performed only when leukopenia or leukocytosis is found. We aimed to assess the usefulness of leukocytes’ smear test in predicting in-hospital death of patients undergoing high-risk gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.

Materials & Methods. We prospectively enrolled 101 subjects undergoing high-risk GI surgery from 01.01.2017 till 31.12.2017. Blood tests were performed preoperatively, with analysis focused on the assessment of total WBC count, as well as the count of neutrophils (NEUT), lymphocytes (LYM), monocytes (MONO), eosinophils (EOS) and basophils (BASO). Indices of NEUT/LYM (NLR) and MONO/LYM (MLR) were calculated. In-hospital mortality was considered the outcome.

Results. Mortality reached 5%. There was no significant difference in WBC count between survivors and the deceased (p=0.2) and WBC failed to predict the outcome (AUC=0.69; p=0.3). MONO (p=0.009) and BASO (p=0.02) counts, as well as MLR (p=0.007) were significantly higher in patients who died. MONO count and MLR index predicted in-hospital death with good accuracy, respectively: AUC[MONO]=0.85 (p<0.001) and AUC[MLR]=0.86 (p<0.001). Other investigated parameters played no significant role in outcome prediction.

Conclusion. Routine peripheral blood smear evaluation should be considered in all patients undergoing high-risk GI surgery, because the number of monocytes can be a valuable predictor of in-hospital death.
Mesotherapy, minimally invasive interventional technique in the pain management – case report
Authors: Góraj Elwira
Published: January 2019

Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive technique for the administration of drugs in different layers of the skin, using several described techniques. Commonly are used drugs acting as analgesics, miorelaxants, vasodilators, vitamins or active substances as bee venom and botulinum toxin. Mesotherapy consist of low-dose injections in to selected place (receptor points, trigger points, periarticulary acupuncture points) causes stimulation of the repair mechanisms (anti-inflamatory mediators, growth factors), as well as the activation by needling, endogenous opioids (reflex effect). The technique is used in the treatment of pain syndromes in musculoskeletal disorders, vascular problems, sports medicine, neuralgia and others as a part of multidimensional approach. Case report of use mesotherapy to treat arthritis metatarsal pain as a result of overloading and degenerative changes accompanied by swelling of the soft tissues is presented. After 10 sessions of the application of the MD Tissue (collagen) the pain intensity was reduced from VAS 100 to VAS 30 and walking distance increased from 100 m to 1000 m. Mesotherapy procedure is usually well tolerated and can be an alternative to systemic therapy with the same result without risk of side effects.
Total Laryngectomy for Treatment of T4 Laryngeal Cancer: Trends and Survival Outcomes
Authors: Singh Badwal Jaspreet
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Management of advanced laryngeal cancer has shown fluctuating trends during the last few decades. Though many extensive reports are available in the literature regarding survival outcomes for advanced laryngeal cancer, there is a paucity of elaborate systematic reviews giving a complete picture of facts and figures. The present analysis brings to attention the most relevant data in a focused and up to date format, for simpler interpretation of evidence-based inference.
Objective: To present the trends in the treatment of T4 laryngeal cancer over the past few decades and analyze survival outcomes for different treatment modalities in the management of T4 laryngeal cancer by way of systematic review.
Methods : An electronic search was conducted using the terms “total laryngectomy”, “T4 laryngeal cancer”, “survival outcomes” in combination with the following search strategy : Search block Laryngeal cancer - "Laryngeal Neoplasms"[Mesh] OR ((Laryngeal[tiab] OR larynx[tiab] OR "Larynx"[Mesh]) AND (“Neoplasms”[Mesh] OR neoplasm* [tiab] OR tumor* [tiab] OR tumour* [tiab] OR cancer* [tiab] OR malignancy* [tiab] OR carcinoma* [tiab] OR neoplasm* [tiab] OR oncology* [tiab])); Search block Total laryngectomy - "Laryngectomy"[Mesh] OR total laryngectomy*[tiab] OR total laryngopharyngectomy*[tiab] OR total pharyngolaryngectomy*[tiab]; Search block T4 - t4[tiab]. Clinical studies were retrieved from the electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Cochrane Library. 304 articles had been published till June 2017, which included prospective studies, randomized controlled trials, retrospective studies, and smaller descriptive studies. References of the selected studies were further searched for relevant articles. Apart from this, a search was conducted over Google Scholar to obtain related articles.
Results: Numerous studies, as mentioned in this review, provide authentic evidence in relation to the efficacy and outcome of surgical treatment for T4 laryngeal cancer. To address the problem of heterogeneity with regards to patient selection, numerous reports pertaining to T4 patients exclusively have been included.
Conclusion: Total laryngectomy remains the gold standard for management of T4a laryngeal cancer. After the unparalleled oncological outcomes of more than a century, the technique has stood the test of time. An exhaustive review of the literature has been presented, discussing the trends in the treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer across different continents. However, it must be specified that the purpose of the study is not to prove one treatment protocol to be superior to the other but to bring out patterns of adherence to protocols and guidelines as suggested by multidisciplinary consensus reports and the consequent outcomes.
Low doses of naltrexone as an analgesic used in the treatment of ZZSK ‒ case report
Authors: Skrzypacz Magdalena
Published: January 2019

Naltrexone is a synthetic opioid that does not cause dependence. The substance is currently used in high doses - from 50-300 mg during the treatment of various addictions. A low dose of naltrexone (LDN) produces interesting antinociceptive results. Aim of the work is to draw attention to unregistered in Poland effect of small doses of this substance. In the presented case report of male K.N., 25 years old with diagnosed ankylosing spondylitis, an appropriate, restrictive diet, in accordance with the recommendations of the dietitian, in combination with low doses of naltrexone, turn out to be an effective analgesic therapy.
Om lenkefeil og ekvivaleringsmetoder på nasjonale prøver: Evaluering av endring over tid
Authors: Björnsson Julius Kristjan
Published: January 2019

Nasjonale prøver i nåværende form, hvor Item Response Theory (IRT) benyttes for å bestemme oppgavenes egenskaper og hvor man måler utvikling over tid, har vært gjennomført siden 2014. Prøvene har vist seg å være stabile over tid, og en lenking og ekvivalering er blitt gjort siden 2014 for å gjøre sammenlik-ninger over tid mulige. For å kunne avgjøre om endringer over tid er signifikante, er det nødvendig å kvantifisere den usikkerheten som er knyttet til prosedyren for lenking fra år til år. Denne usikkerheten betegnes som lenkefeilen. Denne artikkelen gjør rede for ulike måter å gjøre dette på, og med bakgrunn i dette beregnes størrelsen av den lenkefeilen som er til stede i regning og engelsk for 5. og 8. trinn. I tillegg presenteres resultater fra en undersøkelse av mulig bias i lenkingen. Konklusjonen er at lenkefeilen er akseptabel, men likevel såpass stor at evaluering av endring over tid må ta hensyn til den. Det blir derfor viktig å ha et prøvedesign og bruke metoder som gir riktige (unbiased) estimater og som bidrar til å minimere lenkefeilen.Nøkkelord: IRT, nasjonale prøver, ekvivalering, lenkefeilLinking error and equating methods on the national tests:Estimating change over timeAbstractThe Norwegian national tests, utilizing Item Response Theory (IRT) to determine item characteristics and measure changes over time, have been administered since 2014. The tests have turned out to be stable over time, and linking and equating has been done each year to make comparisons over time possible. Central for these methods is to quantify the uncertainty in the linking from year to year, as this must be known to determine whether a change from year to year is significant or not. This article presents some often-used methods to estimate the linking error. Based on this, the size of the error due to linking is estimated for English and Numeracy for the 5th and 8th grades. The article also presents an examination of possible bias in the linking. The main conclusion is that the linking error is acceptable, but nevertheless so large that a determination of changes over time must take it into account. It remains important to make use of a test design and methods that result in an appropriately small and unbiased estimate of the linking error.Keywords: IRT, national tests, equating, linking error
Eksamens- og standpunktkarakterer – to sider av samme sak?
Authors: Hovdhaugen Elisabeth , Prøitz Tine Sophie , Seland Idunn
Published: January 2019

I denne artikkelen undersøker vi hvilken funksjon den norske ordningen med henholdsvis eksamens- og standpunktkarakter har for læreres vurderings-praksis. Analysen bygger på nasjonal karakterstatistikk og intervjuer med lærere som underviser i norsk eller matematikk i videregående skole, og som har erfaring fra å vurdere elevenes sluttkompetanse i disse fagene ved hjelp av begge disse vurderingsordningene. Studien tar utgangspunkt i en utdannings-politisk utvikling preget av forsterkede forventinger om å se standpunkt-karakterer og eksamenskarakterer i sammenheng. Dette er uttrykt som at det bør være et visst samsvar mellom disse vurderingsordningene, til tross for at standpunkt- og eksamenskarakterene blir satt på ulike premisser og springer ut av svært ulike kontekster. Felles for begge vurderingsformer er imidlertid at eleven skal få demonstrert sluttkompetanse i et fag. Vi viser hvordan disse to vurderingsformene veies opp mot hverandre i lærernes egne vurderings-praksiser, og bygger videre på lærernes synspunkter i en diskusjon av i hvilken grad eksamenskarakteren bør anses som egnet til å kvalitetssikre læreres standpunktvurdering.Nøkkelord: standpunktkarakter, eksamenskarakter, elevers sluttkompetanse, læreres vurderingspraksisNational examination grades and final classroom grades – two of a kind?AbstractIn this article, we analyse differences between grades based on national examinations, and final grades based on summative classroom assessment at the end of upper secondary education, using data from two subjects: Norwegian language and advanced mathematics. We compare the two types of grades over time and provide a statistical demonstration of the differences. Through interviews with teachers of Norwegian or mathematics in upper secondary education, we highlight the differences between grading based on summative classroom assessment and being an external examiner. We show how these two assessment methods are weighed against each other in the teachers' own assessment practices, before we finally discuss the extent to which teachers perceive the exam grades as a form of measure for quality assurance of the grade based on summative classroom assessment in the same subject.Keywords: summative classroom assessment, national examination grades, students’ final competence, teachers’ grading practices
Test-taker feedback i utvecklingsprocessen av nationella prov i engelska
Authors: Olsson Eva , Nilsson Sofia , Lindqvist AnnaKarin
Published: January 2019

De nationella proven i engelska syftar till att stödja lärares betygssättning i svensk skola. Målsättningen i provutvecklingen är därför att konstruera prov med en så hög grad av validitet och reliabilitet som möjligt. Syftet med denna studie är, med utgångspunkt i Messick (1987, 1989), att undersöka och belysa på vilket sätt och i vilken utsträckning test-taker feedback kan bidra till provens validitet och reliabilitet. I en empirisk studie analyserades samvariation mellan elevers åsikter om läsförståelseuppgifter och det faktiska utfallet, det vill säga hur väl eleverna lyckades lösa uppgifterna. Data, som samlats in vid utprövning av nya uppgifter till det nationella provet i årskurs 9, bestod av feedback om nio läsförståelseuppgifter från cirka 400 elever per uppgift samt deras resultat på uppgiften. Analysen visar att elevers uppfattningar om hur bra uppgiften var, hur svår den var respektive hur väl de lyckades lösa den delvis samvarierar på ett statistiskt signifikant sätt med deras resultat när uppgiften poängsattes. Vidare visar resultaten att test-taker feedback kan tillföra värdefull information för att upptäcka om en uppgift tycks gynna någon grupp framför en annan. Informationen som test-taker feedback ger kan också bidra till stärkt validitet och reliabilitet om den exempelvis används för att sekvensera uppgifter utifrån upplevd svårighetsgrad eller för att sortera bort olämpliga uppgifter.Nyckelord: Test-taker feedback, läsförståelse, nationella prov, engelska, validitetThe use of test-taker feedback in the development of national tests of englishAbstractThe purpose of the national tests of English is to provide support for teachers’ grading of students in Swedish schools. Hence, the aim is to develop as valid and reliable tests as possible. Based on Messick (1987, 1989), the purpose of this study is to explore and illustrate in what ways and to what extent test-taker feedback may contribute to the validity and reliability of the tests. An empirical study was carried out, where the covariation between students’ opinions about reading comprehension tasks and their actual results were analysed. Data con¬sisted of test-taker feedback collected when trying out nine reading compre-hension tasks for the national test in grade 9 among 400 students per task, and of students’ results on the tasks. The analysis shows that the students’ opinions about the overall quality and the difficulty of the tasks, as well as their outcome expectancy after completing the tasks, covaried in a statistically significant way with their performance, when the tasks were marked. Furthermore, the results indicate that test-taker feedback may provide useful information related to bias. The information from test-taker feedback may also contribute to the validity and reliability of a test, for instance when used for sequencing tasks according to experienced level of difficulty or for sorting out less suitable tasks.Keywords: Test-taker feedback, reading comprehension, national tests, English, validity
Fører opplæring i felles vurderingskriterier til større grad av enighet? En studie av tekstvurdering som en del av spesialpedagogutdanning.
Authors: Matre Marianne Engen , Cameron David Lansing
Published: January 2019

Hovedformålet med studien var å undersøke effekten av å gi spesialpedagogikkstudenter undervisning og trening i å bruke felles vurderingskriterier i møte med tekstvurdering. Studien tar utgangspunkt i datamaterialet fra NORM-prosjektet, der et utvalg elevtekster har blitt samlet i et digitalt korpus (Berge et al., 2017). Førti spesialpedagogikkstudenter vurderte de samme fire elevtekstene fra Normkorpuset, to før og to etter intervensjonen. Hensikten var blant annet å undersøke om studentene hadde større grad av enighet i sine vurderinger etter intervensjonen. Resultatene viste at det ikke var signifikante forskjeller i grad av enighet før og etter intervensjonen på de fleste områdene. Det kan være flere årsaker til dette. For eksempel er det mulig at intervensjonen var for kortvarig eller at skalaen som brukes for å måle de ulike vurderingsområdene var for lite nyansert for å fange opp små endringer i studentenes vurderingsferdigheter. Studiens funn understreker at det er svært vanskelig å finne pålitelige vurderingsformer for elevtekster, og øke påliteligheten blant studenter gjennom trening i vurderingsområder og skriveforventinger. Det er et klart behov for mer forskning på hvordan en kan øke pålitelighet for tekstvurdering og finne didaktiske tilnærminger for å forbedre vurderingsevner blant studenter innen pedagogiske studier.Nøkkelord: skriving, vurdering, pålitelighet, skrivedidaktikk i høyere utdanningDoes training in a common set of assessment criteria lead to greater levels of agreement? A study of writing assessment as part of special educator preparationAbstractThe main goal of the study was to investigate whether teaching and training in a shared set of assessment criteria results in a greater degree of consistency in the assessment of writing performance. The study was based on data collected from the study “Developing national standards for writing. A tool for teaching and learning”, also known as the “the Norm project” (Berge et al., 2017). Forty preservice special educators rated the same 4 pupil-texts before and after an intervention consisting of lectures and seminars on writing norms and formal assessment criteria. The results showed no significant differences in agreement between students’ assessments before and after the intervention. There are several possible explanations for these findings. For example, the lack of change may be due to the limited scope of the intervention or connected to characteristics of the assessment tool. The findings also illustrate the difficulty associated with conducting reliable assessments of pupils’ writing and increasing the quality of preservice educators’ assessments through training. There is a clear need for more research on how to increase the reliability of writing assessment and find better approaches to improving the assessment abilities of future educational professionalsKeywords: writing, Assessment, Reliability, Teaching Assessment in Higher Education
Hvordan responderer konfirmanter på kirkens påskefortelling?
Authors: Vesterberg Caroline
Published: January 2019

I 2017 ble 35519 ungdommer konfirmert i den norske kirke. Hva vet vi om hvordan disse erfarer undervisningen de mottar? Hva er de opptatt av, hva husker de og hvordan tenker de? Hva slags forhold er det mellom gjennomført undervisning og konfirmantenes respons, og bør deres respons få følger for undervisningens innhold og metodikk?
Jovens evangélicos universitários: a ressignificação da crença e da prática religiosa
Authors: Costa Karen Aquino Rangel da , Berkenbrock Volney José
Published: January 2019

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar um aspecto das trajetórias religiosas de universitários evangélicos no Brasil: a ressignificação da crença e da prática religiosa. As considerações e análises apresentadas são parte de resultados de pesquisa realizada com universitários participantes de um movimento religioso estudantil conhecido como Aliança Bíblica Universitária do Brasil (ABUB). Os sentidos religiosos destes jovens parecem ser transformados à medida que a universidade coloca em evidência o pluralismo presente na sociedade brasileira e fortalece a necessidade de ressignificação de alguns pontos em suas crenças e práticas religiosas. O processo de ressignificar pode levar a alguns movimentos na trajetória religiosa como o trânsito religioso, percurso entre diferentes opções religiosas, adesões provisórias, a produção de sínteses pessoais para a crença, assim como as negociações próprias em relação às práticas requeridas dos adeptos. Tais movimentoscontribuem para mudanças significativas na religião tanto a nível individual quanto institucional.
A leitura popular da bíblia e seu impacto na renovação da catequese na América Latina
Authors: CARMO Solange Maria
Published: January 2019

Apropriando-se das intuições do Vaticano II, Medellín assumiu o princípio de unidade entre a história da salvação e a história humana (fé e vida), o que possibilitou um olhar diferenciado sobre as realidades de pobreza dos povos da América-Latina. A partir dos pobres, um novo modo de ler a bíblia veio à luz, a leitura popular da bíblia, e através dele um outro jeito de fazer catequese. Duas mudanças importantes foram sentidas: no campo pedagógico e no campo do conteúdo. A pedagogia do ensinamento, que considerava o catequizando como uma tábula rasa, foi substituída pela pedagogia da aprendizagem, que passou a assumir o catequizando como protagonista do ato catequético. O conteúdo dos encontros, antes focado na doutrina, cedeu lugar para a realidade histórica do catequizando. Mais que aprender conteúdos, tornou-se importante ler a vida sob a ótica fé, assumindo seus desafios e pelejas, para transformá-la pela força do Deus libertador.
Crença teísta: reflexividade e aderência
Authors: De Luca-Noronha Daniel , Sant'Anna José Carlos
Published: January 2019

O objetivo do artigo é apresentar uma concepção de crença teísta que permita a articulação de dois aspectos:  reflexividade e aderência. O primeiro aspecto consiste na ideia de que a crença teísta aparece como resultado de uma reflexão acerca de um determinado tipo de experiência. O segundo aspecto consiste no caráter evocativo e transformador a crença teísta. De acordo com algumas abordagens, entretanto, se a crença teísta tivesse um caráter reflexivo, ela não teria o tipo de aderência que lhe é própria. Esse argumento pressiona a concepção da crença teísta como crença básica, a saber, como uma atitude proposicional que constitui a experiência. No entanto, há ao menos uma circunstância relevante de formação de crença teísta, a experiência de vastidão, em que a experiência deve ser concebida como independente de crenças. Para essa circunstância, a crença teísta deve ser concebida como reflexiva. Nesse caso, cabe mostrar de que modo ela pode ser aderente. Tendo em vista o marco teórico integrativo da cognição ancorada, mostraremos que o caráter reflexivo da crença teísta não anula o seu caráter aderente.