bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Anthropology of Peace and Nonviolence
Authors: Sponsel Leslie E.
Published: June 2016

The pioneering ideas of Glenn D. Paige for a paradigm shift from killing to nonkilling are highlighted. The relevance of anthropology for this paradigm is advanced. The accumulating scientific evidence proves that nonviolent and peaceful societies not only exist, but are actually the norm throughout human prehistory and history. This scientific fact is elucidated through a historical inventory of the most important documentation. Ethnographic cases are summarized of the Semai as a nonviolent society, the transition from killing to nonkilling of the Waorani, and the critiques of the representation of the Yanomami as a killing society. Several of the most important cross-cultural studies are discussed. The assertions of some of the most vocal opponents to this paradigm are refuted. The systemic cultural and ideological bias privileging violence and war over nonviolence and peace is documented.
Circadian Melatonin and Temperature Taus in Delayed Sleep-wake Phase Disorder and Non-24-hour Sleep-wake Rhythm Disorder Patients
Authors: Micic Gorica , Lovato Nicole , Gradisar Michael , Burgess Helen J. , Ferguson Sally A. , Lack Leon
Published: June 2016

Our objectives were to investigate the period lengths (i.e., taus) of the endogenous core body temperature rhythm and melatonin rhythm in delayed sleep-wake phase disorder patients (DSWPD) and non-24-h sleep-wake rhythm disorder patients (N24SWD) compared with normally entrained individuals. Circadian rhythms were measured during an 80-h ultradian modified constant routine consisting of 80 ultrashort 1-h “days” in which participants had 20-min sleep opportunities alternating with 40 min of enforced wakefulness. We recruited a community-based sample of 26 DSWPD patients who met diagnostic criteria (17 males, 9 females; age, 21.85 ± 4.97 years) and 18 healthy controls (10 males, 8 females; age, 23.72 ± 5.10 years). Additionally, 4 full-sighted patients (3 males, 1 female; age, 25.75 ± 4.99 years) were diagnosed with N24SWD and included as a discrete study group. Ingestible core temperature capsules were used to record minute temperatures that were averaged to obtain 80 hourly data points. Salivary melatonin concentration was assessed every half-hour to determine time of dim light melatonin onset at the beginning and end of the 80-h protocol. DSWPD patients had significantly longer melatonin rhythm taus (24 h 34 min ± 17 min) than controls (24 h 22 min ± 15 min, p = 0.03, d = 0.70). These results were further supported by longer temperature rhythm taus in DSWPD patients (24 h 34 min ± 26 min) relative to controls (24 h 13 min ± 15 min, p = 0.01, d = 0.80). N24SWD patients had even longer melatonin (25 h ± 19 min) and temperature (24 h 52 min ± 17 min) taus than both DSWPD ( p = 0.007, p = 0.06) and control participants ( p < 0.001, p = 0.02, respectively). Between 12% and 19% of the variance in DSWPD patients’ sleep timing could be explained by longer taus. This indicates that longer taus of circadian rhythms may contribute to the DSWPD patients’ persistent tendency to delay, their frequent failure to respond to treatment, and their relapse following treatment. Additionally, other factors can contribute to misalignments in DSWPD and N24SWD disorders.
Waging War on Recidivism Among Justice-Involved Veterans: An Impact Evaluation of a Large Urban Veterans Treatment Court
Authors: Hartley Richard D. , Baldwin Julie Marie
Published: June 2016

Problem solving courts have increasingly been adopted by jurisdictions around the country as an alternative to traditional criminal court models of justice. Veterans treatment courts (VTCs) are a type of problem-solving court being established all over the country in response to an increased number of justice-involved veterans with the return of military personnel from the Wars in the Middle East. Despite their rapid expansion, there is a dearth of research evaluating the impact of VTCs on recidivism. The current study conducted an impact evaluation regarding recidivism among participants of a large urban VTC program. Findings from descriptive and multivariate analysis reveal positive results for VTC participants, especially graduates, in comparison with the control group. Implications are discussed in context of three areas: (a) current criminal justice policy and practice implications for VTCs, (b) findings from research on other more established problem-solving courts (i.e., drug courts), and (c) research–practitioner partnerships.
A new indexing motion program for optimum designs of Geneva mechanisms with curved slots
Authors: Lin WY , Tsai YH , Hsiao KM
Published: June 2016

A curved slotted Geneva mechanism can eliminate the adversely infinite angular jerks of the Geneva wheel and might reduce the peak angular acceleration of the Geneva wheel by using a proper indexing motion program. In the literature, the cycloidal, fifth-order polynomial and modified sine indexing motion programs are frequently used for curved slotted Geneva mechanisms. To achieve the better kinematic performance of the curved slotted Geneva wheel than that obtained using the above-mentioned indexing motion programs, a new indexing motion program based on the Hermite interpolating polynomial is proposed for an optimum design with the goals of minimizing the peak angular acceleration and eliminating the adversely infinite angular jerks. The domain of the indexing position function is divided into several segments. Each segment is termed an element, and both ends of each segment are termed nodes. The nodal values of the indexing position function and its derivatives are used as design variables. The position function for each element can be described using the Hermite interpolating polynomial and the design variables. The reason behind the use of the Hermite interpolating polynomial is that the design variables have the clear physical meanings. The four-level Hermite interpolating polynomial is used and two elements are sufficient to obtain the optimum results. In addition, the constraint regarding the radius of curvature of the profile of the inner slot is proposed to prevent sharp curvature of the profile of the inner slot. The findings show that there is a decline in the peak acceleration of the Geneva wheel with six curved slots for the optimum results obtained using the proposed indexing motion program by 33.4% and 24.3%, respectively, as compared with the cycloidal and modified sine indexing motion programs.
Influence of third-body particles originating from bone void fillers on the wear of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene
Authors: Cowie Raelene M , Carbone Silvia , Aiken Sean , Cooper John J , Jennings Louise M
Published: June 2016

Calcium sulfate bone void fillers are increasingly being used for dead space management in infected arthroplasty revision surgery. The presence of these materials as loose beads close to the bearing surfaces of joint replacements gives the potential for them to enter the joint becoming trapped between the articulating surfaces; the resulting damage to cobalt chrome counterfaces and the subsequent wear of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene is unknown. In this study, third-body damage to cobalt chrome counterfaces was simulated using particles of the calcium sulfate bone void fillers Stimulan® (Biocomposites Ltd., Keele, UK) and Osteoset® (Wright Medical Technology, TN, USA) using a bespoke rig. Scratches on the cobalt chrome plates were quantified in terms of their density and mean lip height, and the damage caused by the bone void fillers was compared to that caused by particles of SmartSet GMV PMMA bone cement (DePuy Synthes, IN, USA). The surface damage from Stimulan® was below the resolution of the analysis technique used; SmartSet GMV caused 0.19 scratches/mm with a mean lip height of 0.03 µm; Osteoset® led to a significantly higher number (1.62 scratches/mm) of scratches with a higher mean lip height (0.04 µm). Wear tests of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene were carried out in a six-station multi-axial pin on plate reciprocating rig against the damaged plates and compared to negative (highly polished) and positive control plates damaged with a diamond stylus (2 µm lip height). The wear of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene was shown to be similar against the negative control plates and those damaged with third-body particles; there was a significantly higher ( p < 0.001) rate of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene wear against the positive control plates. This study showed that bone void fillers of similar composition can cause varying damage to cobalt chrome counterfaces. However, the lip heights of the scratches were not of sufficient magnitude to increase the wear of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene above that of the negative controls.
Regional curve standardization: State of the art
Authors: Helama Samuli , Melvin Thomas M , Briffa Keith R
Published: June 2016

Tree rings are commonly used proxy data for past climate variability. Probably the simplest practical solution for transforming raw tree-ring data into proxy estimates and retaining information on low-frequency tree-growth forcing is the regional curve standardization (RCS). This paper reviews the RCS concept and the development of this standardization method over the past 25 years. Tree-ring based estimation of low-frequency climate variability is illuminated with a growing diversification of the original concept. The RCS-type methods are seen to remain as essential tools in palaeoclimate research while the RCS chronologies of tree-ring and other incremental proxy data remain the only source for calendar year dated short-to-long timescale climate variations.
Decreased Activity of the Protein C Anticoagulant Pathway in the Early Hours of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Negreva Mariya , Georgiev Svetoslav , Vitlianova Katerina
Published: June 2016

Background:

Increased coagulation activity has been established in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), but data on the anticoagulant system are scarce.

Purpose:

To examine the protein C anticoagulant pathway in the early hours of the disease.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-one patients (26 men and 25 women; mean age 59.84 ± 1.60 years) and 52 controls (26 men and 26 women; mean age 59.50 ± 1.46 years) were selected for the study. Protein C antigen and its activity, total protein S, free protein S and its activity, soluble forms of endothelial protein C receptor (sEPCR), and thrombomodulin (sTM) were examined in the plasma.

Results:

The indicators were studied in patients between the 2nd and the 24th hour after the onset of arrhythmia. Levels of protein C were significantly elevated in patients compared to controls (111.40% ± 6.66% vs 94.83% ± 4.47%; P = .039). Protein C activity showed significant reduction in PAF (73.13% ± 5.80% vs 103.3% ± 3.80%; P < .001). Total protein S levels did not differ significantly (108.20% ± 4.07% vs 102.40% ± 3.65%; P = .30). Free protein S (76.81% ± 6.01% vs 122.10% ± 3.97%; P < .001) and its activity (71.39% ± 6.27% vs 119.50% ± 6.54%; P < .001) were reduced in patients. Higher levels of sEPCR (203.10 ± 10.33 vs 133.10 ± 7.37 ng/mL; P < .001) and sTM (6.50±0.40 vs 4.48±0.28 ng/mL; P < .001) were measured in PAF.

Conclusion:

Protein C activity is reduced still in the first hours (until the 24th hour) of PAF clinical manifestation, determining reduced activity of the anticoagulant pathway as a whole. The established low levels of free protein S and its activity as well as low sEPCR and sTM levels are a possible explanation of the changes in protein C activity.
On the effect of mechanical non-linearities on vortex-induced lock-in vibrations
Authors: Piccardo G , Tubino F , Luongo A
Published: June 2016

Vortex-induced vibrations at lock-in conditions are modeled through generalized van der Pol-Duffing oscillators endowed with frequency-dependent coefficients, taking inspiration from fluid-elastic models. Accordingly, it is found that the limit-cycle amplitude and the non-linear frequency are mutually dependent (feedback effect), differently from the classic oscillator behavior. Consequently, the mechanical non-linearities, which are often believed to be unimportant, do affect the amplitude of motion. Examples concerning an ideal one degree-of-freedom van der Pol-Duffing oscillator and a two degree-of-freedom model, coarsely representative of a tower building, confirm the importance of this approach also from a technical point of view. Thus, non-linear geometric terms and modal interaction (even in non-resonant cases) can lead to non-negligible modifications of purely aeroelastic problems.
Numerical simulation of aluminum alloy 6082-T6 columns failing by overall buckling
Authors: Wang Yujin , Lin Shibin , Feng Fan , Zhai Ximei , Qian Hongliang
Published: June 2016

Aluminum alloys have found increasing use in space structures, mainly because of their high strength-to-weight ratio and satisfactory corrosion resistance. The work presented in this article is focused on finite element simulation of the failure behavior of aluminum alloy members subjected to an axial compression load and failing in overall buckling mode. The column members were fabricated by extrusion using the relatively new heat-treated aluminum alloy 6082-T6. An accurate finite element model has been developed for the simulation of aluminum alloy columns. The developed finite element model was verified against experimental results and demonstrated that it is capable of accurately predicting the deformed shapes and the ultimate loads of the tested columns. A parametric study was carried out on the stability of aluminum alloy column members failing by overall buckling. A fitting column curve was proposed for aluminum alloy design; it was somewhat more conservative than the column curve from current Chinese code GB50429.
Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence: A Literature Review of Empirical Research
Authors: Henry Nicola , Powell Anastasia
Published: June 2016

Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) refers to a range of behaviors where digital technologies are used to facilitate both virtual and face-to-face sexually based harms. Such behaviors include online sexual harassment, gender- and sexuality-based harassment, cyberstalking, image-based sexual exploitation, and the use of a carriage service to coerce a victim into an unwanted sexual act. This article reviews the current state of knowledge on these different dimensions, drawing on existing empirical studies. While there is a growing body of research into technology-facilitated harms perpetrated against children and adolescents, there is a dearth of qualitative and quantitative research on TFSV against adults. Moreover, few of the existing studies provide reliable data on the nature, scope, and impacts of TFSV. Preliminary studies, however, indicate that some harms, much like sexual violence more broadly, may be predominantly gender-, sexuality-, and age-based, with young women being overrepresented as victims in some categories. This review collects the empirical evidence to date regarding the prevalence and gender-based nature of TFSV against adults and discusses the implications for policy and programs, as well as suggestions for future research.
Should we exclude acute stroke patients with previous intracerebral hemorrhage from receiving intravenous thrombolysis?
Authors: Lee Sang-Hwa , Kim Beom Joon , Han Moon-Ku , Park Tai Hwan , Lee Kyung Bok , Lee Byung-Chul , Yu Kyung-Ho , Oh Mi Sun , Cha Jae Kwan , Kim Dae-Hyun , Nah Hyun-Wook , Lee Jun , Lee Soo Joo , Ko Youngchai , Kim Jae Guk , Park Jong-Moo , Kang Kyusik , Cho Yong-Jin , Hong Keun-Sik , Choi Jay Chol , Kim Joon-Tae , Choi Kangho , Kim Dong-Eog , Ryu Wi-Sun , Kim Wook-Joo , Shin Dong-Ick , Yeo Minju , Lee Juneyoung , Lee Ji Sung , Gorelick Philip B , Bae Hee-Joon
Published: June 2016

Background

Current guidelines have contraindicated history of intracerebral hemorrhage for intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for patients who had previous intracerebral hemorrhage on history or initial brain magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

Using a prospective multicenter stroke registry database, we identified acute ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator within 4.5 h of onset. Previous intracerebral hemorrhage was defined as having a clinical history or evidence of old intracerebral hemorrhage on initial brain magnetic resonance imaging. Associations of previous intracerebral hemorrhage with symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation during hospitalization and functional outcome and mortality at discharge and three months were analyzed.

Results

Among 1495 patients who were treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, 73 (4.9%) had previous intracerebral hemorrhage; 9 on history only, 61 on magnetic resonance imaging only and 3 on both. Of those 1495 patients, 71 (4.7%) experienced symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation; 6.8% in patients with previous intracerebral hemorrhage and 4.6% in those without previous intracerebral hemorrhage. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that previous intracerebral hemorrhage did not significantly increase the risk of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (odds ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 0.39–2.96) mortality, and most of functional outcome measures

Conclusions

Previous intracerebral hemorrhage may neither increase the risk of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation nor alter major clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients receiving intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. This study suggests reconsideration of prior history of intracerebral hemorrhage as an exclusion criterion for intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administration in acute ischemic stroke.
Efficacy and safety of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum injection for Dupuytren’s contracture in non-Caucasian Japanese patients (CORD-J Study): the first clinical trial in a non-Caucasian population
Authors: Hirata H. , Tanaka K. , Sakai A. , Kakinoki R. , Ikegami H. , Tateishi N.
Published: June 2016

To assess the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of 0.58 mg collagenase Clostridium histolyticum injections for the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture in Japanese patients, we conducted a phase III, multicentre, uncontrolled, open-label clinical study in patients with Dupuytren’s contracture. Of the 77 patients, 66 achieved clinical success in the primary treated joint (86%; 95% confidence interval: 76% to 93%), confirming the efficacy of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum injections. More improvement was seen in the metacarpophalangeal joints than in the proximal interphalangeal joints (94% versus 73%). The main adverse reaction was a local reaction in the injected hand. No tendon rupture or anaphylactic reactions were seen. The concentrations of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum were below the lower limit of quantification in plasma samples at all time points. As seen in global studies in Caucasian patients, a corrective effect on Dupuytren’s contracture and good tolerance were observed in most non-Caucasian (Asian) Japanese patients.

Level of Evidence: Level 3
Trigger digit release: rates of surgery and complications as indicated by a United States Medicare database
Authors: Werner B. C. , Boatright J. D. , Chhabra A. B. , Dacus A. R.
Published: June 2016

A United States insurance database was examined for trigger digit release using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision diagnoses and procedures or Current Procedural Terminology codes. Complications after trigger digit release, including stiffness, infection and revision surgery, were assessed. A total of 209,634 patients who underwent trigger digit release were included. The rate of trigger digit release increased significantly from 2005 to 2012, with the middle finger the most frequently released. The rate of postoperative stiffness was low, ranging from 0.8% to 1.6% depending on the operated digit. The rate of postoperative infection was lower, ranging from 0.5% to 0.6%. The need for revision within 3 years of initial trigger digit release was also low, ranging from 0.3% to 0.8%. Complications, including infection, stiffness and revision surgery, occur infrequently, but certain factors, including diabetes, Dupuytren’s disease, smoking, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity and age, increase risk.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III, Retrospective comparative study
The “Face” of Diabetes
Authors: Elertson Kathleen M , Liesch Shari K , Babler Elizabeth K
Published: June 2016

Objective:

The purpose of this descriptive pilot study was to assess the ability of youth to create a meaningful drawing related to living with type 1 diabetes and explore the benefits of expressing emotion through drawing in future interventional work.

Methods:

Youth aged 4 to 19 years (N = 242) with type I diabetes attending routine follow-up appointments within a pediatric specialty clinic were asked to draw: “If diabetes had a face what would it look like?”

Results:

Drawings reflected many emotions and ranged from simple to complex in detail. Drawings reflected multiple experiences of living with diabetes including emotions, tools used for management, and effects of self-care.

Conclusions:

Youth were able to create drawings reflecting their experience of living with diabetes. Youth conveyed a variety of emotions, attitudes, and experiences in drawing the “face” of diabetes. Drawing during clinic visits provides opportunity to explore the unspoken experiences of living with a chronic health condition, which may not be obtained during routine clinical information gathering. Deeper understanding of patient’s lived experience may assist providers in therapeutic management.
Profiling B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia by reverse phase protein array: Focus on apoptotic proteins
Authors: Frezzato Federica , Accordi Benedetta , Trimarco Valentina , Gattazzo Cristina , Martini Veronica , Milani Gloria , Bresolin Silvia , Severin Filippo , Visentin Andrea , Basso Giuseppe , Semenzato Gianpietro , Trentin Livio
Published: June 2016

B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the accumulation of B lymphocytes from proliferative activity and apoptosis resistance. The increased awareness of the importance of B cell receptor signaling in CLL has raised new opportunities for targeted intervention. Herein, we describe a study performed with the high-throughput RPPA (reverse phase protein array) technique, which allowed us to simultaneously study different molecules in a large series of patients. We analyzed B lymphocytes from 57 patients with CLL and 11 healthy subjects. Different pathways were assessed for activation/expression of key signaling proteins. Data obtained were validated by Western blotting and confocal microscopy. The RPPA investigation and its validation, identified 3 series of proteins: 1) molecules whose expression levels reached statistically significant differences in CLL vs. healthy controls (HSP70, Smac/DIABLO, cleaved PARP, and cleaved caspase-6); 2) proteins with a positive trend of difference in CLL vs. healthy controls (HS1, γ-tubulin, PKC α/β-II Thr-638/641, p38 MAPK Thr-180/Tyr-182, NF-κB Ser-536, Bcl2 Ser-70 and Src Tyr-527); and 3) molecules differentially expressed in patients with IGHV mutations vs. those without mutations (ZAP70, PKC-ζλ, Thr-410/403, and CD45). This study identified some molecules, particularly those involved in apoptosis control, which could be considered for further studies to design new therapeutic strategies in CLL.
Inhibition of mTOR reduces lipotoxic cell death in primary macrophages through an autophagy-independent mechanism
Authors: He Li , Weber Kassandra J , Diwan Abhinav , Schilling Joel D
Published: June 2016

Macrophage dysfunction in obesity and diabetes is associated with persistent inflammation and poor wound healing responses. Relevant to these phenotypes, we have previously shown that macrophage activation in a high-fat environment results in cell death via a mechanism that involves lysosome damage. While searching for signaling pathways that were required for this response, we discovered that mTOR inhibitors, torin and rapamycin, were protective against lipotoxic cell death in primary peritoneal macrophages. The protective effect of mTOR inhibition was also confirmed by using genetic loss-of-function approaches. Given the importance of mTOR in regulation of autophagy we hypothesized that this pathway would be important in protection from cell death. We first demonstrated that autophagy was disrupted in response to palmitate and LPS as a consequence of impaired lysosome function. Conversely, the mTOR inhibitor, torin, increased macrophage autophagy and protected against lysosome damage; however, the beneficial effects of torin persisted in autophagy-deficient cells. Inhibition of mTOR also triggered nuclear localization of TFEB, a transcription factor that regulates lysosome biogenesis and function, but the rescue phenotype did not require the presence of TFEB. Instead, we demonstrated that mTOR inhibition reduces mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and attenuates the negative effects of palmitate on LPS-induced mitochondrial respiration. These results suggest that inhibition of mTOR is protective against lipotoxicity via an autophagy-independent mechanism that involves relieving mitochondrial substrate overload. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that therapies to reduce macrophage mTOR activation may protect against dysfunctional inflammation in states of overnutrition, such as diabetes.
Cadherin-11 is a novel regulator of extracellular matrix synthesis and tissue mechanics
Authors: Row Sindhu , Liu Yayu , Alimperti Stella , Agarwal Sandeep K. , Andreadis Stelios T.
Published: June 2016

We discovered that Cadherin-11 (CDH11) regulates collagen and elastin synthesis, both affecting the mechanical properties and contractile function of animal tissues. Using a Cdh11-null mouse model, we observed a significant reduction in the mechanical properties [Youngs' modulus and ultimate tensile strength (UTS)] of Cdh11−/− as compared to wild-type (WT) mouse tissues, such as the aorta, bladder and skin. The deterioration of mechanical properties (Youngs' modulus and UTS) was accompanied by reduced collagen and elastin content in Cdh11−/− mouse tissues as well as in cells in culture. Similarly, knocking down CDH11 abolished collagen and elastin synthesis in human cells, and consequently reduced their ability to generate force. Conversely, engagement of CDH11 through homophilic interactions, led to swift activation of the TGF-β and ROCK pathways as evidenced by phosphorylation of downstream effectors. Subsequently, activation of the key transcription factors, MRTF-A (also known as MKL1) and MYOCD led to significant upregulation of collagen and elastin genes. Taken together, our results demonstrate a novel role of adherens junctions in regulating extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis with implications for many important biological processes, including maintenance of tissue integrity, wound healing and tissue regeneration.
Σύγχρονες θεωρήσεις και εφαρμογές στη Διδακτική των Μαθηματικών στα πλαίσια της Ανοικτής και εξ Αποστάσεως εκπαίδευσης
Authors: Βλάμος Παναγιώτης
Published: June 2016

Η αλληλεπίδραση και ο συνδυασμός της ιστορικής εξέλιξης μαθηματικών κλάδων, της ανάπτυξης φιλοσοφικών ρευμάτων και της εφαρμογής μεθόδων διδακτικής που προέρχονται από σύγχρονες θεωρήσεις της γνωσιακής επιστήμης, συνιστούν την κατεύθυνση της «Ιστορικής εξέλιξης και διδακτικής των Μαθηματικών» του Μεταπτυχιακού προγράμματος Σπουδών στα Μαθηματικά του Ελληνικού Ανοικτού Πανεπιστημίου. Αναλύονται οι άξονες και υποενότητες της κατεύθυνσης, ο τρόπος ανάπτυξής τους, οι απαιτούμενες εργασίες και οι παραγόμενες διπλωματικές εργασίες με τους αντίστοιχους θεματικούς άξονες.
Εφαρμογή ασαφών συμπερασματικών μοντέλων στην διαγνωστική αξιολόγηση των μαθηματικών
Authors: Ζούκης Δημήτρης
Published: June 2016

Αξιολόγηση του μαθητή θεωρείται η συνεχής παιδαγωγική διαδικασία με την οποία παρακολουθείται η πορεία της μάθησης, προσδιορίζονται τα τελικά αποτελέσματά της και ο βαθμός επίτευξης των διδακτικών στόχων του μαθήματος και του προγράμματος σπουδών. Η διαγνωστική αξιολόγηση πραγματοποιείται στην αρχή του σχολικού έτους και βασικός σκοπός της είναι να προσδιοριστεί το γνωστικό επίπεδο των μαθητών, ώστε να προσαρμοστεί ανάλογα η διδασκαλία Στόχος της εργασίας αυτής η κατασκευή ενός ασαφούς (Fuzzy) «διαγνωστικού» μοντέλου της γνωστικής ικανότητας ενός μαθητή που ξεκινάει την Α’ τάξη του ενιαίου Λυκείου. . Η υπολογιστική εφαρμογή του συστήματος έγινε με την χρήση του Fuzzy Logic Toolbox το οποίο είναι μια συλλογή συναρτήσεων κατασκευασμένων στο αριθμητικό υπολογιστικό περιβάλλον του MatLab.
Εφαρμογές των Μαθηματικών στην Ανοικτή εξ Αποστάσεως Εκπαίδευση
Authors: Καριώτου Φωτεινή
Published: June 2016

Το αντικείμενο των εφαρμοσμένων μαθηματικών είναι η διατύπωση, η αυστηρή θεμελίωση, η επίλυση και η αξιολόγηση μαθηματικών προτύπων για προβλήματα που προκύπτουν στις επιστήμες και στην τεχνολογία καθώς και η ανάπτυξη μαθηματικών μεθόδων για την αναλυτική ή υπολογιστική αντιμετώπισή τους.
Ο ρόλος του διδάσκοντα στην υποστήριξη της αυτονομίας στην εξ αποστάσεως μαθησιακή διαδικασία
Authors: Τσιτλακίδου Ευδοκία , Μανούσου Ευαγγελία
Published: June 2016

Η παρούσα εργασία έχει ως σκοπό την ανάδειξη του ρόλου του διδάσκοντα στην εξΑΕ και πιο συγκεκριμένα την υποστήριξή του στην αυτονομία στη μάθηση των διδασκομένων. Η έρευνα πραγματοποιήθηκε αρχικά σε επίπεδο θεωρητικό με τη βοήθεια κειμένων των θεωρητικών της εκπαίδευσης και στη συνέχεια σε εμπειρικό επίπεδο μέσα από τις συνεντεύξεις των φοιτητών/τριών καθώς και των Καθηγητών – Συμβούλων της ΕΚΠ 65, για να αποτυπωθούν και να διερευνηθούν ακολούθως οι απόψεις τους σχετικά με το ρόλο του Καθηγητή - Συμβούλου και κυρίως τις δεξιότητες που χρειάζεται να έχει για να κατευθύνει και να βοηθήσει το διδασκόμενο προς την αυτονομία στη μάθηση. Η διπλωματική εργασία δίνει έμφαση στις θέσεις και τις απόψεις των καθηγητών και των φοιτητών, για να γίνει κατανοητός ο τρόπος που πραγματικά αντιλαμβάνονται την έννοια της αυτονομίας στη μάθηση και πώς αυτή πραγματικά εφαρμόζεται μέσα από το πρόγραμμα της εξ αποστάσεως διδασκαλίας του Ε.Α.Π.
Επισκόπηση θεωρητικών εννοιών στην εκπαίδευση από απόσταση
Authors: Μαυροειδής Ηλίας , Γκιόσος Ιωάννης , Κουτσούμπα Μαρία
Published: June 2016

Σκοπός αυτής της εργασίας είναι η παρουσίαση θεμελιωδών εννοιών που συγκροτούν το επιστημονικό πεδίο της εκπαίδευσης από απόσταση και ο αναστοχασμός πάνω σε αυτές. Ειδικότερα, μέσα από τη βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση διερευνούνται οι έννοιες της ανεξαρτησίας, της απόστασης, της δομής, του διαλόγου, της αυτονομίας, του ελέγχου, της επικοινωνίας, της αλληλεπίδρασης, της πρόσβασης, της αμεροληψίας της κοινωνικής παρουσίας και των κοινοτήτων αναζήτησης. Το ζητούμενο της εργασίας δεν είναι να εξαντληθεί το σύνολο των θεωρητικών εννοιών που σχετίζονται με την εκπαίδευση από απόσταση, αλλά να γίνει μία κριτική ανάλυση των κυριοτέρων εννοιών που έχουν απασχολήσει έντονα και σε μεγάλο βαθμό τους ερευνητές της και οι οποίες αξιοποιούνται από την εκπαιδευτική της πρακτική.
Distance education: panacea or barrier for conventional higher education?
Authors: Κυρμά Αλεξάνδρα , Μαυροειδής Ηλίας
Published: June 2016

This paper focuses on the investigation of the character of the two pillars of modern university education   in   Greece:   the   conventional   and   distance   education. The investigation is based on a literature review of the historical and ideological evolution and  seeks  to  provide  a  comparative  consideration,  exploring  the  possibilities  of harmonization  and  complementarily,  with  a  view  to  upgrade  the  quality  of  tertiary education  in  Greece  in  the  21th  century.  The  paper  presents  the  problems  of  higher education in Greece and the answers proposed by the new form of distance education, online education, which catalyzes the spatio temporal constraints and provides a more flexible  and  creative  educational  policy  ambition.  Distance  education  can  override conservatism  and  structural  rigidity  of  modern  universities  and  may  contribute  in improving  the  effectiveness  of  tertiary  education  in  Greece,  especially  in  a  period  characterized by financial and social distress and fast depreciation of knowledge. The paper  also  points  out  the  obstacles  associated  with  the  use  of  e-learning  and  its integration in educational practice, and proposes creative ways of integrating the two forms of education in tertiary institutions.
Εξ αποστάσεως επιμόρφωση, επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη και επαγγελματική ικανοποίηση
Authors: Γκάτζουλας Νικόλαος , Μανούσου Ευαγγελία
Published: June 2016

Στην παρούσα εργασία διερευνάται η αξιοποίηση των δυνατοτήτων της εξ αποστάσεως επιμόρφωσης (εξΑΕ), στην επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη των εργαζομένων καθώς και τη συμβολή της στην επαγγελματική τους ικανοποίηση. Η εργασία εξετάζει αφενός τη σύνδεση της εξAE με την επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη και την επαγγελματική ικανοποίηση αφετέρου το ρόλο του εργασιακού  περιβάλλοντος στην  επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη & επαγγελματική ικανοποίηση των εργαζομένων. Από τα αποτελέσματα της βιβλιογραφικής επισκόπησης, μεγάλο μέρος της οποίας αφορά διπλωματικές εργασίες που πραγματοποιήθηκαν στο ΕΑΠ,  αναδεικνύεται αφενός το ενδιαφέρον των φοιτητών του ΕΑΠ για το θέμα της επαγγελματικής ανάπτυξης και ικανοποίησης αφετέρου ότι η εξΑΕ μπορεί να συμβάλλει στη βελτίωση της ανάπτυξης και της ικανοποίησης των εργαζομένων, στη βελτίωση της ικανοποίησης των πελατών και στην ανάπτυξη των επιχειρήσεων εφόσον πληρούνται ορισμένες προϋποθέσεις όπως: κίνητρα (π.χ: επαγγελματική πιστοποίηση), διευκολύνσεις κατά τη μελέτη, εναρμόνιση μεταξύ των αναγκών των εργαζομένων, της επιμόρφωσης τους και της εφαρμογής των γνώσεων τους στην εργασία. Επίσης οι εργασιακοί παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν τη διάθεση και τη στάση των εργαζόμενων στην εργασία αφορούν είτε στο εργασιακό περιεχόμενο (π.χ: επίτευξη, ευθύνη) είτε  το εργασιακό πλαίσιο (π.χ: εργασιακές συνθήκες, διοίκηση).
Interview with Alan Tait (in english)
Authors: Papadimitriou Sofia , Ioakeimidou Vasiliki (Sylvie) , Spanaka Adamandia (Mado)
Published: June 2016

Interview with Alan Tait
Συνέντευξη με τον Alan Tait
Authors: Παπαδημητρίου Σοφία , Ιωακειμίδου Βασιλική (Σύλβη) , Σπανακά Αδαμαντία (Μαντώ)
Published: June 2016

Η συνέντευξη που ακολουθεί δόθηκε στην Αθήνα, στις 10 Νοεμβρίου 2013, στη διάρκεια του 7ου Διεθνούς Συνεδρίου Ανοικτής και εξ Αποστάσεως Εκπαίδευσης.
Interview with Don Olcott, Jr. (in English)
Authors: Ioakeimidou Vasiliki (Sylvie)
Published: June 2016

The interview was conducted in Athens on the 11th November 2013 during the 7th International Conference in Open and Distance Education.
Συνολικό Τεύχος
Authors: Τεύχος Συνολικό
Published: June 2016

Συνολικό Τεύχος
Το ερευνητικό σύστημα της Ελλάδας και η εξέλιξη του
Authors: Χατζηπαραδείσης Αστέρης
Published: June 2016

Ο ρόλος της Έρευνας και Τεχνολογικής Ανάπτυξης (ETΑ) στην οικονομία της γνώσης είναι ιδιαίτερα αναβαθμισμένος. Στη 'στρατηγική της Λισαβόνας', ένας από τους βασικούς στόχους είναι η μεγέθυνση του ερευνητικού συστήματος της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης με  αύξηση της δαπάνης για ΕΤΑ από 1,9% του Ακαθάριστου Εγχώριου Προϊόντος το 2000 σε 3% το 2010. Το ερευνητικό σύστημα της Ελλάδας δομήθηκε τις τελευταίες τρεις δεκαετίες μέσα από μία σειρά εθνικών αλλά και κοινοτικών παρεμβάσεων. Στο άρθρο αυτό δίδεται μία περιγραφή των προγραμμάτων που υλοποιήθηκαν και των θεσμικών μέτρων που ελήφθησαν τα τελευταία 30 χρόνια. Διαπιστώνεται δυναμισμός και υψηλή ανταγωνιστικότητα του συστήματος ιδιαίτερα όσον αφορά την έρευνα ακαδημαϊκής κατεύθυνσης. Αντίθετα, ο τομέας των επιχειρήσεων εμφανίζει τη μεγαλύτερη υστέρηση. Συνολικά το μέγεθος του συστήματος είναι ακόμη αρκετά μικρό και, για τον λόγο αυτόν, οι επιπτώσεις του στην οικονομία είναι σημειακές και περιορισμένου βεληνεκούς. Ωστόσο, το ερευνητικό σύστημα αποτελεί ένα από τα ισχυρά συστατικά της ελληνικής οικονομίας και, με κατάλληλες παρεμβάσεις, μπορεί να την ωθήσει σε υψηλότερα επίπεδα ανταγωνιστικότητας και ανάπτυξης. Με δεδομένη την υστέρηση στον τομέα των επιχειρήσεων, εναπόκειται στον ερευνητικό ιστό (ερευνητικά κέντρα, ΑΕΙ, TEI) να αναλάβει τον ρόλο της ατμομηχανής που θα σύρει ολόκληρο το σύστημα προς μία αυτοτροφοδοτούμενη ανάπτυξη. Από την πλευρά της, η πολιτεία οφείλει να δημιουργήσει το κατάλληλο περιβάλλον και τα κατάλληλα εργαλεία τα οποία θα υποστηρίζουν τα ισχυρό σημεία του ερευνητικού συστήματος και θα το προσανατολίσουν προς την παραγωγή όχι μόνο υψηλών ερευνητικών αλλά και σημαντικών οικονομικών αποτελεσμάτων. Η επίτευξη ενός τέτοιου 'ποιοτικού άλματος' δεν είναι εφικτή χωρίς πρόσθετους εθνικούς πόρους οι οποίοι, με ταχεία και ευέλικτη διαχείριση, θα υποστηρίξουν καινοτόμες δράσεις με γρήγορα αποτελέσματα..
Τα πανεπιστήμια απέναντι στη διεθνή κρίση
Authors: Παπαστάμου Ανδρέας
Published: June 2016

Στη διάρκεια της ιστορίας του, το πανεπιστήμιο ήρθε αντιμέτωπο με κρίσεις που αμφισβητούσαν τον ρόλο του ως μηχανισμού μετάδοσης γνώσεων και διαμόρφωσης ηθικών προτύπων. Μέχρι τον 19° αιώνα, στάθηκε με επιτυχία απέναντι στους κυρίαρχους πόλους της εξουσίας -τις εκκλησιαστικές αρχές, τον αυτοκράτορα, τους τοπικούς ηγεμόνες, αλλά και το εθνικό κράτος- με αίτημα τη διασφάλιση της ελεύθερης πρόσβασης στη γνώση και τη διεξαγωγή ανεξάρτητης επιστημονικής έρευνας. Από τις αρχές του 20ου αιώνα, η σύνδεση της παιδείας με το οικονομικό σύστημα άνοιξε τον ασκό του Αιόλου. Το άλλοτε αλώβητο από τις οικονομικές κρίσεις πανεπιστήμιο ένιωσε τους κραδασμούς των οικονομικών υφέσεων. Η μαζικοποίηση των σπουδών, προϊόν της ξέφρενης εξειδίκευσης, και οι κρατικές επιδοτήσεις έθεταν νέους όρους στη διαχείριση και την αυτονομία πανεπιστημιακών ιδρυμάτων. Οι οικονομικές κρίσεις των τελευταίων εκατό ετών απείλησαν την ύπαρξη ενός πανάρχαιου θεσμού. Σήμερα, οι προκλήσεις του κόσμου μας ξεπερνούν το στενό όριο του οικονομικού συστήματος και αγγίζουν κάθε πτυχή της διεθνοποιημένης πλέον κοινωνίας: μόλυνση του περιβάλλοντος, μεταναστεύσεις πληθυσμών, υποβάθμιση της ποιότητας της ζωής, συρρίκνωση των πνευματικών αξιών. Ποια θα είναι η μορφή του μελλοντικού πανεπιστημίου; Θα ηττηθεί υπό το κράτος των οικονομικών περιορισμών, θα μεταλλαχθεί σε υποσύστημα της αγοράς ή θα προβάλει νέα πρότυπα αρμονικού κοινωνικού βίου;
Understanding covariate shift in model performance
Authors: McGaughey Georgia , Walters W. Patrick , Goldman Brian
Published: June 2016

Three (3) different methods (logistic regression, covariate shift and k-NN) were applied to five (5) internal datasets and one (1) external, publically available dataset where covariate shift existed. In all cases, k-NN’s performance was inferior to either logistic regression or covariate shift. Surprisingly, there was no obvious advantage for using covariate shift to reweight the training data in the examined datasets.
Case Report: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma following pretransplant nephrectomy for a 2.35 Kg kidney
Authors: Ganpule Arvind P. , Chabra Jaspreet Singh , Singh Abhishek G. , Tak Gopal R. , Soni Shailesh , Sabnis Ravindra , Desai Mahesh
Published: June 2016

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is an extremely rare disease with a worldwide distribution and higher prevalence in Asians. It is a benign and self-limiting disorder, characterized by regional cervical lymphadenopathy accompanied with mild fever and night sweats. Lymph node histopathology is diagnostic and treating physicians should be aware of this entity as it may mimic other systemic diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, tuberculosis, malignant lymphoma, and more rarely adenocarcinoma. Key features on lymph node biopsy are fragmentation, necrosis and karyorrhexis.

Treatment includes symptomatic care, analgesics-antipyretics, corticosteroids and spontaneous recovery occurs in 1 to 4 months. We report a case of adult polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) with end stage renal disease and episodes of fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. The infectious screen was negative and on extensive workup, the patient was found to have histiocytic-necrotizing lymphadenitis, which clinched the diagnosis of KFD.
On the 2-Club Polytope of Graphs
Authors: Pajouh Foad Mahdavi , Balasundaram Balabhaskar , Hicks Illya V.
Published: June 2016

A k-club is a subset of vertices of a graph that induces a subgraph of diameter at most k, where k is a positive integer. By definition, 1-clubs are cliques and the model is a distance-based relaxation of the clique definition for larger values of k. The k-club model is particularly interesting to study from a polyhedral perspective as the property is not hereditary on induced subgraphs when k is larger than one. This article introduces a new family of facet-defining inequalities for the 2-club polytope that unifies all previously known facets through a less restrictive combinatorial property, namely, independent (distance) 2-domination. The complexity of separation over this new family of inequalities is shown to be NP-hard. An exact formulation of this separation problem and a greedy separation heuristic are also proposed. The polytope described by the new inequalities (and nonnegativity) is then investigated and shown to be integral for acyclic graphs. An additional family of facets is also demonstrated for cycles of length indivisible by three. The effectiveness of these new facets as cutting planes and the difficulty of solving the separation problem in practice are then investigated via computational experiments on a test bed of benchmark instances.
Montelukast: Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: McEvoy Theresa
Published: June 2016

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@ku.edu .
Enhancing the Budget Impact Model for Institutional Use: A Tool with Practical Applications for the Hospital Oncology Pharmacy
Authors: Hess Lisa M. , Cinfio Frank N. , Wetmore Stewart , Churchill Collin , Fausel Christopher , Ale-Ali Amine , Gelwicks Steven , Bly Christopher A. , Perk Sinem , Klein Robert W.
Published: June 2016

Background

The cost of cancer care is increasing, and tools are needed to understand the economic impact of new drugs on the hospital pharmacy budget.

Objective

To develop an interactive budget impact model (BIM) through a collaborative effort of industry, academia, and modeling experts to evaluate the use of a new agent in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); this BIM included an institutional module specific to the needs of practices that purchase medications for use in institutional settings.

Methods

Treatment regimens, doses, duration of therapy, toxicity, and cost data are from published sources. All input data may be modified to match the local population. Outputs include cost of care, reimbursement, and margin overall and by treatment regimen.

Results

The base case assumes 20 NSCLC patients progressing after initial therapy (3 receiving ramucirumab+docetaxel, 2 bevacizumab+erlotinib, 3 docetaxel, 6 erlotinib, and 6 pemetrexed), wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) purchase price, and reimbursement at WAC+4.3%. The model estimated the total cost and reimbursement for the institutional oncology pharmacy to be $699,413 and $729,487, respectively, resulting in a margin of $30,075 (difference due to rounding) for the year for regimens utilized in the treatment of NSCLC in the post-progression setting. Results will vary depending on the input data.

Conclusions

There is an increasing need for institutional pharmacies to plan ahead and anticipate the impact of new drugs on their oncology budgets. This interactive Excel-based institutional BIM may provide evidence-based support for pharmacy decision making.
Comparison of Clevidipine versus Sodium Nitroprusside for the Treatment of Postoperative Hypertension in Cardiac Surgery Patients
Authors: Freiberger Natalie A. , Tellor Katie B. , Stevens Alison M.
Published: June 2016

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of clevidipine (CLV) versus sodium nitroprusside (SNP) for the treatment of hypertension (HTN) in postoperative cardiac surgery patients at a community hospital.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective, cohort study included cardiac surgery patients treated with CLV or SNP for postoperative systolic blood pressure (SBP) control. The primary efficacy outcome was defined as the mean number of times the SBP rose above 140 mm Hg. Secondary outcomes included a comparative cost analysis and a safety analysis.

Results

Forty patients were included in each arm. Patients who received CLV had a higher incidence of SBP readings greater than 140 mm Hg ( p < .05). There were no differences in safety outcomes, number of patients who received as-needed (PRN) antihypertensives, or mean number of PRN antihypertensives required. There were differences in infusion duration (22.4 hours CLV vs 15.6 hours SNP; p = .035), number of infusions dispensed (2.8 CLV vs 1.3 SNP; p = .001), and length of hospital stay (12.33 days CLV vs 7.65 days SNP; p = .013). However, CLV was less expensive based on the AWP cost at the time of review.

Conclusions

Although a difference in blood pressure control was seen between CLV and SNP, the safety profiles were similar between the 2 drugs. In addition, CLV remained less expensive than SNP for postoperative BP control.
Estudio cualitativo de las diferencias de género en la elección de opciones académicas en los estudiantes del bachillerato científico-técnico
Authors: Rodríguez Méndez Mª del Carmen , Peña Calvo Jose Vicente , García Pérez Omar
Published: June 2016

El artículo analiza las causas que ayudan a explicar las diferencias de género en las elecciones académicas a partir de la opinión de los progenitores, docentes y estudiantes. Se ha usado una metodología cualitativa basada en el uso de grupos de discusión. Se organizaron cinco grupos con estudiantes que cursan la modalidad de bachillerato científico-técnico en distintas instituciones de educación secundaria del Principado de Asturias, también se realizaron seis grupos con docentes y dos grupos con progenitores. Los resultados permiten concluir que sigue existiendo un sesgo de género en la elección. La razón fundamental que indican los estudiantes para hacer sus elecciones tiene que ver con lo que hemos denominado la «ideología del gusto innato», pues eligen los estudios porque les gustan o sienten vocación hacia ellos, reforzando los estereotipos de género. El artículo finaliza con unas orientaciones para desarrollar una orientación vocacional no sesgada por razón de género.
University and deliberative democracy. Towards citizenship education
Authors: Scotton Paolo
Published: June 2016

Deliberative democracy represents one of the most relevant political theories and it has acquired a growing importance within political debates and practices. However it presents some crucial problems in relation to the very high standards of rationality required to citizens for the deliberative process, in particular regarding the problem of public ignorance and the capabilities’ deficit. Amid these problems this article argues in favour of the necessity of education to political life as an unavoidable precondition for deliberative democracy. Since the theory is mainly concerned with the participation of adults within society, the task of offering possible solutions to these questions evidently stands on the shoulders of university education. The article calls for a fundamental ethical and social role of university within society without which the gap between the abstract theory of deliberative democracy and its real practices would determine its complete rejection and any form of democratic participation would ultimately be meaningless, if not dangerous.