bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculation of radium-223 and actinium-225 α-emitter radiopharmaceuticals dose rates in treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Abbasi Akbar , Dadashpour Mehdi , Alipourfard Iraj
Published: February 2020

Aim of Study:

There is limited information regarding the α-emitter radiopharmaceuticals dose calculation used in the setting of men with prostate cancer (PCa). The present study investigates the α-emitter radiopharmaceuticals absorbed dose distribution in the body organs.

Materials and Methods:

The α-emitter radiopharmaceuticals dose coefficient and absorbed doses biokinetics distribution, which are used for the treatment of PCa in all over the world, were performed using the “Internal Dose Assessed by Computer” (IDAC-Dose 2.1) program. The results of absorbed dose distribution in any organ of the body, were compared in studied α-emitter radiopharmaceuticals.

Results:

The absorbed dose value of 223Ra radiopharmaceutical in the prostate organ was evaluated 9.47E-9 Gy/Bq. The maximum and minimum absorbed doses due to biokinetics distribution of 223Ra were found in the thymus (9.53E-8 Gy/Bq) and eye lenses (1.30E-10 Gy/Bq) organs, respectively. Furthermore, the 225Ac absorbed dose in the prostate organ was obtained 1.91E-9 Gy/Bq, where this value is 1% of total body dose. While the absorbed dose distribution of 225Ac in body organs shows the highest concentration in the spleen (1.47E-8 Gy/Bq) and lowest in the eye lenses (7.93E-12 Gy/Bq).

Conclusion:

The absorbed dose in the body organs due to 223Ra and 225Ac α-emitter radiopharmaceuticals which are used in metastasized castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), calculated in this study. The results of this study will assist in evaluating and analyzing human body organ doses from application of 223Ra and 225Ac that used in mCRPC patients.
Ouverture de ‘Integrated Corporate Social Responsibility’
Authors: Brondoni Silvio M. , Mosca Fabrizio
Published: February 2020

The globalisation phenomenon entangles issues of different kinds affecting attitudes and actions of individuals, corporations, smaller enterprises, communities and governments of both developed and emerging markets. In particular, lower boundaries and higher freedom of sourcing have enabled companies to opt, in many cases, for a wild and often unregulated growth by exploiting resources all over the world. This has become one of the most relevant causes of the proliferation of energy and environmental crises, for instance, and an increased consciousness toward fair treatment of resources and people spread by key local and international stakeholders.
Integrated Report System in Italian Law
Authors: Cantino Valter , Cortese Damiano
Published: February 2020

The recent (2016) implementation in the Italian judicial system of the European Directive (2014/95/EU) about the disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by large companies and groups is crucial for understanding the need to manage in a fair approach the transition to a global and sustainable economy oriented to social and environmental principles. The Directive calls for a more concrete proof of social, environmental and ethical concerns that can be guaranteed by integrated tools. Integrated reporting generates impacts at governance level and new set of transparent and intelligible information shared with stakeholders favor their engagement and allow understanding of the social role that the company was always asked to play but not always has properly communicated. Implementing integrated reporting, a company might enhance its performances, increase market rating, build more effective bank-firm relationships, and generate growing value, both in perception and financial.
Transparency and Social Accountability in School Management
Authors: Cassano Raffaella
Published: February 2020

The EU strategy of intelligent, sustainable and inclusive growth and the spending review ask for effective and transparent models of performance improvement of the public institutions. The importance of good governance is particularly evident against fundamental and inalienable individual rights like instruction and training. Recent reforms of Italian educational system impose rapid changes in the school governance system, high demand for managerial skill and operational autonomy, the capability to optimize performance, dialogue with stakeholders, and transparency of behaviour. The Italian school is called to face a profound change to improve its performance and to build an effective network with its stakeholders.
Tourism and the Sharing Economy. An Evidence from Airbnb Usage in Italy and Romania
Authors: Cesarani Maurizio , Nechita Florin
Published: February 2020

Tourism in the era of the sharing economy adopts a model based on a global concept with a local practice. The traditional tourism offer is based on the attractiveness of a destination, expressed by a system of characteristics of the destination itself and a range of services related to accommodation, transport and food. The tourism model of sharing economy, instead, is based on the development of shared services that stimulate the flows of tourists. Traditional destinations are then alongside new destinations that, thanks to some factors that drive the development of sharing economy platforms, attract tourists, change behaviours and modify competitive dynamics. The new paradigm of could be briefly described by the 4 Ts of sharing economy: Trust, Togetherness, Technology and Transformation.
‘On-Board Experience’: A Study on First and Business Class Frequent Flyers
Authors: Olivero Nadia
Published: February 2020

Competition among airline companies demands for a constant and careful evaluation of emerging consumer trends. The demand for on-board services was explored through a means-end study. 40 first and business class frequent flyers were interviewed in order to uncover the individual values associated with their motivations towards products and services. Results showed the significance of spiritual self-development, self-care and relational values as main drivers for multiple needs explaining preferences for health, information and communication related products within an experiential framework. Managerial implications for innovation are discussed.
Sustainability and Supply Chain Empowerment: The Lavazza Case
Authors: Cerutti Mario , Buchi Giacomo
Published: February 2020

Integrated and systemic Corporate Social Responsibility is placed at the heart of business, where concepts like social, environmental and economic sustainability need to become intrinsic characterizations of the business and the decision-making process, by adopting a multi-stakeholder perspective, within the redesign of strategic priorities. Accordingly, this change of mentality imposes redefinition of relationships with stakeholders, changes in the organizational structure, modifications of management responsibilities and, reconfiguration of roles. Lavazza SpA could be considered as a leading case, since every sustainable action is focused on business and its players.
Sustainable Finance and Non-Financial Disclosure: The Impact for the Insurance Industry
Authors: Negri Pietro
Published: February 2020

Consob Regulation has completed the regulatory framework for the so-called non-financial information in Italy. Having more and more concrete, relevant, accurate, reliable and comparable information on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact of companies guarantees greater transparency and knowledge of risks for both consumers and investors, thus ensuring a greater stability and reliability of the entire economic and financial system. Non-financial information begins to be part of the “toolbox” not only of the CSR Managers but also of those in charge of assessing business risks, or those who manage the assets and must formulate increasingly informed investment choices. The insurance sector plays a very special role as underwriter but also as long-term investor.
Responsible Leadership for Corporate Responsibility
Authors: Bocean Claudiu George , Del Baldo Mara , Sitnikov Cătălina Soriana
Published: February 2020

This study analyses the role of leadership on a company’s orientation towards corporate responsibility and sustainability. The case studies of two large companies in different countries (Italy and Romania) led by managers and entrepreneurs with common traits in their sustainable leadership styles emphasize the role of the value-driven and ethical-based construct in forging the sustainable and servant leadership model that influences CSR-driven strategies.
Ouverture de ‘The 4th Industrial Revolution. Business Model Innovation & Global Competition’
Authors: Brondoni Silvio M. , Zaninotto Enrico
Published: February 2020

The 4th Industrial Revolution is expected to lead to a paradigm shift in business, with strong effects on manufacturing and service processes, and consequent competitive advantages for firms, industries, and regional/national systems. Such effects will manifest in the disruption of traditional incumbents and the re-organization of production processes where information and communication technologies, artificial intelligence, and operational technologies enable smart, self-organizing distribution systems in factories
Cathodic Activity on Passive Materials in Deep Seawater
Authors: Diler Erwan , Larché Nicolas , Thierry Dominique
Published: February 2020

In this study, the cathodic activity of biofilmed stainless steel surfaces was investigated at two exposure depths at the same location at 1,020 m and 2,020 m depth. For this purpose, a set of passive materials and sensors were exposed for 11 months in Azores, in the Atlantic Ocean. Characteristic cathodic depolarizations due to biological activity were observed in intermediary and deep water. However, a strong cathodic activity was only measured in deep water. Potential ennoblement appeared between 80 d and 200 d, depending on the exposure depth and the experimental setup used. In a given environment, the biological cathodic activity appears to be strongly related to the limiting parameter of the reaction, which can be anodic or cathodic. The biofilm sensors exposed for the first time in open, deep water appear relevant to discriminate cathodically “strongly-active” and “weakly-active” biological activity. Under cathodic control, a high current density was measured on stainless steel in deep seawater. The experimental setup used is particularly relevant as it allows determination in situ of the maximal cathodic current density.
Mundos do Trabalho: desafios e perspectivas
Authors: Editorial Equipe
Published: February 2020

Editorial
Money Creation in Fiat and Digital Currency Systems
Authors: Gross Marco , Siebenbrunner Christoph
Published: February 2020

To support the understanding that banks’ debt issuance means money creation, while centralized nonbank financial institutions’ and decentralized bond market intermediary lending does not, the paper aims to convey two related points: First, the notion of money creation as a result of banks’ loan creation is compatible with the notion of liquid funding needs in a multi-bank system, in which liquid fund (reserve) transfers across banks happen naturally. Second, interest rate-based monetary policy has a bearing on macroeconomic dynamics precisely due to that multi-bank structure. It would lose its impact in the hypothetical case that only one (“singular”) commercial bank would exist. We link our discussion to the emergence and design of central bank digital currencies (CBDC), with a special focus on how loans would be granted in a CBDC world.
Republic of Estonia
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. European Dept.
Published: February 2020

Selected Issues
High secondary formation of nitrogen-containing organics (NOCs) and its possible link to oxidized organics and ammonium
Authors: Zhang Guohua , Lian Xiufeng , Fu Yuzhen , Lin Qinhao , Li Lei , Song Wei , Wang Zhanyong , Tang Mingjin , Chen Duohong , Bi Xinhui , Wang Xinming , Sheng Guoying
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Nitrogen-containing organic compounds (NOCs) substantially contribute to
light-absorbing organic aerosols, although the atmospheric processes
responsible for the secondary formation of these compounds are poorly
understood. In this study, seasonal atmospheric processing of NOCs is
investigated using single-particle mass spectrometry in urban Guangzhou from
2013 to 2014. The relative abundance of NOCs is found to be strongly enhanced
when they are internally mixed with photochemically produced secondary oxidized
organics (i.e., formate, acetate, pyruvate, methylglyoxal, glyoxylate,
oxalate, malonate, and succinate) and ammonium (NH4+). Moreover, both the hourly
detected particle number and the relative abundance of NOCs are highly
correlated with those of secondary oxidized organics and NH4+. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the secondary formation of NOCs is most likely linked to oxidized organics and NH4+. Results from both multiple linear
regression analysis and positive matrix factorization analysis further show
that the relative abundance of NOCs could be well predicted (R2 > 0.7, p < 0.01) by oxidized organics and NH4+. Interestingly, the relative abundance of NOCs is inversely correlated with
NH4+, whereas their number fractions are positively correlated. This
result suggests that although the formation of NOCs does require the
involvement of NH3/NH4+, the relative amount of NH4+ may have
a negative effect. Higher humidity and NOx likely facilitates the conversion
of oxidized organics to NOCs. Due to the relatively high oxidized organics
and NH3/NH4+, the relative contributions of NOCs in summer and
fall were higher than those in spring and winter. To the best of our
knowledge, this is the first direct field observation study reporting a
close association between NOCs and both oxidized organics and NH4+.
These findings have substantial implications for the role of NH4+ in the
atmosphere, particularly in models that predict the evolution and deposition
of NOCs.Highlights.
NOCs were highly internally mixed with photochemically produced secondary oxidized organics NOCs could be well predicted by the variations of these oxidized organics
and NH4+ Higher relative humidity and NOx may facilitate the conversion of these
oxidized organics to NOCs
Laboratory studies of fresh and aged biomass burning aerosols emitted from east African biomass fuels – Part 1 – Optical properties
Authors: Smith Damon M. , Fiddler Marc N. , Pokhrel Rudra , Bililign Solomon
Published: February 2020

Abstract. An accurate measurement of optical properties of aerosols is critical for quantifying the effect of aerosols on climate. Uncertainties persist and measurement results vary significantly. Biomass burning (BB) aerosols have been extensively studied through both field and laboratory environments for North American fuels to understand the changes in optical and chemical properties as a function of aging. There is a clear research need for a wider sampling of fuels from different regions of the world for laboratory studies. This work represents the first such study the optical and chemical properties of three wood fuel samples used commonly for domestic use in east Africa. In general, combustion temperature plays a major role on the optical properties of the emitted aerosols. For fuels combusted at 800 °C SSA values are in the range between 0.287 and 0.439 while the SSA for fuels combusted at 500 °C, the range between 0.66 and 0.769. There is a clear but very small dependence of SSA on fuel type, with eucalyptus producing aerosol with higher SSA than olive and acacia. A significant increase in the scattering and extinction cross-section (mostly dominated by scattering) was observed, indicating the occurrence of chemistry, even during dark aging for combustion at 500 °C. This fact can't be explained by the heterogeneous chemistry and we hypothesized secondary organic aerosol formation as a potential phenomenon happing during dark aging. After 12 h of photochemical aging, BB aerosol becomes highly scattering with SSA values above 0.9, which can be attributed to oxidation in the chamber. Due to the very low number concentration of aerosols during aging studies of combustion at 800 °C, the results were inconclusive. We also attempted to simulate polluted urban environments by ejecting VOCs and BB aerosol into the chamber, but no distinct difference was observed, since measurements were done 12 hours after injection of VOCs.
The Airborne ROmanian Measurements of Aerosols and Trace gases (AROMAT) campaigns
Authors: Merlaud Alexis , Belegante Livio , Constantin Daniel-Eduard , Den Hoed Mirjam , Meier Andreas Carlos , Allaart Marc , Ardelean Magdalena , Arseni Maxim , Bösch Tim , Brenot Hugues , Calcan Andreea , Dekemper Emmanuel , Donner Sebastian , Dörner Steffen , Dragomir Carmelia , Georgescu Lucian , Nemuc Anca , Nicolae Doina , Pinardi Gaia , Richter Andreas , Rosu Adrian , Ruhtz Thomas , Schönhardt Anja , Schuettemeyer Dirk , Shaiganfar Reza , Stebel Kerstin , Tack Frederik , Nicolae Vâjâiac Sorin , Vasilescu Jeni , Vanhamel Jurgen , Wagner Thomas , Van Roozendael Michel
Published: February 2020

Abstract. The Airborne ROmanian Measurements of Aerosols and Trace gases (AROMAT) campaigns took place in Romania in September 2014 and August 2015. They focused on two sites: the Bucharest urban area and the power plants in the Jiu Valley. Their main objectives were to test recently developed airborne observation systems dedicated to air quality studies and to verify the concept of such campaigns in support of the validation of spaceborne atmospheric missions such as TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI)/Sentinel-5 Precursor (S5P). We show that tropospheric NO2 vertical column density (VCD) measurements using airborne mapping instruments are valuable for satellite validation. The signal to noise ratio of the airborne NO2 measurements is one order of magnitude higher than its spaceborne counterpart when the airborne measurements are averaged at the TROPOMI pixel scale. A significant source of comparison error appears to be the time variation of the NO2 VCDs during a flight, which we estimated at about 4 x 1015 molec cm-2 in the AROMAT conditions. Considering the random error of the TROPOMI tropospheric NO2 VCD (σ), the dynamic range of the NO2 VCDs field extends from detection limit up to 37σ (2.6 x 1016 molec cm-2) or 29σ (2 x 1016 molec cm-2) for Bucharest and the Jiu Valley, respectively. For the two areas, we simulate validation exercises of the TROPOMI tropospheric NO2 product using airborne measurements. These simulations indicate that we can closely approach the TROPOMI optimal target accuracy of 25 % by adding NO2 and aerosol profile information to the mapping data, which constrains the investigated accuracy within 28 %. In addition to NO2, we also measured significant amounts of SO2 in the Jiu Valley, as well as a hotspot of H2CO in the center of Bucharest. For these two species, we conclude that the best validation strategy would consist in deploying ground-based measurement systems at key locations which the AROMAT observations help identify.
Observing geometry effects on a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based water vapor tomography solved by least squares and by compressive sensing
Authors: Heublein Marion , Bradley Patrick Erik , Hinz Stefan
Published: February 2020

Abstract. In this work, the effect of the observing geometry on the tomographic reconstruction quality of both a regularized least squares (LSQ) approach and a compressive sensing (CS) approach for water vapor tomography is compared based on synthetic Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) slant wet delay (SWD) estimates. In this context, the term “observing geometry” mainly refers to the number of GNSS sites situated within a specific study area subdivided into a certain number of volumetric pixels (voxels) and to the number of signal directions available at each GNSS site.
The novelties of this research are (1) the comparison of the observing geometry's effects on the tomographic reconstruction accuracy when using LSQ or CS for the solution of the tomographic system and (2) the investigation of the effect of the signal directions' variability on the tomographic reconstruction.
The tomographic reconstruction is performed based on synthetic SWD data sets generated, for many samples of various observing geometry settings, based on wet refractivity information from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The validation of the achieved results focuses on a comparison of the refractivity estimates with the input WRF refractivities.
The results show that the recommendation of Champollion et al. (2004) to discretize the analyzed study area into voxels with horizontal sizes comparable to the mean GNSS intersite distance represents a good rule of thumb for both LSQ- and CS-based tomography solutions. In addition, this research shows that CS needs a variety of at least 15 signal directions per site in order to estimate the refractivity field more accurately and more precisely than LSQ. Therefore, the use of CS is particularly recommended for water vapor tomography applications for which a high number of multi-GNSS SWD estimates are available.
Biogeochemical evidence of anaerobic methane oxidation and anaerobic ammonium oxidation in a stratified lake using stable isotopes
Authors: Einsiedl Florian , Wunderlich Anja , Sebilo Mathieu , Coskun Ömer K. , Orsi William D. , Mayer Bernhard
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Nitrate pollution of freshwaters and methane emissions into the atmosphere are crucial factors in deteriorating the quality of drinking water and in contributing to global climate change. The nitrate dependent anaerobic methane oxidation and the anaerobic oxidation of ammonium (anammox) have the potential to reduce nitrogen loading of aquatic ecosystems and to reduce methane emissions to the atmosphere. Here, we report vertical concentration profiles and corresponding stable isotope compositions of CH4, NO3−, NO2− and NH4+ in the water column of a stratified lake, which suggest linkages between anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM), denitrification, and anammox. In a water depth from 12 to 20 m, a methane-nitrate transition zone (NMTZ) was observed, where δ13C values of methane and δ15N and δ18O of dissolved nitrate markedly increased in concert with decreasing concentrations of methane and nitrate. These data patterns, together with a simple 1D diffusion model show that the non-linear methane concentration profile cannot be explained by diffusion or micro-aerobic methane oxidation, and that microbial oxidation of methane coupled with denitrification under anaerobic conditions is the most likely explanation for these data trends. In the methane zone at the bottom of the NMTZ (20 m to 22 m) δ15N of ammonium increased by 4 ‰, while ammonium concentrations decreased. In addition, a strong 15N enrichment of dissolved nitrate was observed at a water depth of 20 m, suggesting that anammox is occuring together with denitrification coupled to AOM. The conversion of nitrite to N2 and nitrate during anammox is namely associated with an inverse N isotope fractionation and may explain the observed increasing offset (Δδ15N) of 26 ‰ between δ15N values of dissolved nitrate and nitrite at a water depth of 20 m compared to the Δδ15Nnitrate-nitrite of 11 ‰ obtained in the NMTZ between a water depth of 16 m and 18 m. The geochemcical zones were found to contain significantly different microbial communities that consist of bacteria known to be involved in denitrification with AOM (Crenothrix and NC10), and anammox (Candidatus Anammoximicrobium), confirming the presence of microbial groups potentially responsible for the proposed linkages between AOM, denitrification, and anammox. This study gives insights into the yet overlooked AOM-denitrification-anammox process in stratified lakes that can regulate methane emisssions from and nitrogen concentrations in lakes.
Order of operation for multi-stage post-processing of ensemble wind forecast trajectories
Authors: Schuhen Nina
Published: February 2020

Abstract. With numerical weather prediction ensembles unable to produce sufficiently calibrated forecasts, statistical post-processing is needed to correct deterministic and probabilistic biases. Over the past decades, a number of methods addressing this issue have been proposed, with ensemble model output statistics (EMOS) and Bayesian model averaging (BMA) among the most popular. They are able to produce skillful deterministic and probabilistic forecasts for a wide range of applications. These methods are usually applied to the newest model run as soon as it has finished, before the entire forecast trajectory is issued. RAFT (rapid adjustment of forecast trajectories), a recently proposed novel approach, aims to improve these forecasts even further, utilizing the error correlation patterns between lead times. As soon as the first forecasts are verified, we start updating the remainder of the trajectory based on the newly gathered error information. As RAFT works particularly well in conjunction with other post-processing methods like EMOS and techniques designed to reconstruct the multivariate dependency structure like ensemble copula coupling (ECC), we look to identify the optimal combination of these methods. In our study, we apply multi-stage post-processing to wind speed forecasts from the UK Met Office's convective-scale MOGREPS-UK ensemble and analyze results for short-range forecasts at a number of sites in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
The role of electrical conductivity in radarwave reflection
Authors: Tulaczyk Slawek M. , Foley Neil T.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. We have examined a general expression giving the specular reflection coefficient for a radar wave approaching a reflecting interface with normal incidence. The reflecting interface separates two homogeneous media, the properties of which are fully described by three scalar quantities: dielectric permittivity, magnetic permeability, and electrical conductivity. The derived relationship indicates that electrical conductivity should not be neglected a priori in glaciological investigations of subglacial materials, and in GPR studies of saturated sediments and bedrock, even at the high end of typical linear radar frequencies used in such investigations (e.g., 100 MHz). Our own experience in resistivity surveying in Antarctica, combined with a literature review, suggests that a wide range of geologic materials can have electrical conductivity that is high enough to significantly impact the value of radar reflectivity. Furthermore, we have given two examples of prior studies in which inclusion of electrical conductivity in calculation of the radar bed reflectivity may provide an explanation for results that may be considered surprising if the impact of electrical conductivity on radar reflection is neglected. The commonly made assumption that only dielectric permittivity of the two media need to be considered in interpretation of radar reflectivity can lead to erroneous conclusions.
La Distribución sectorial del ingreso regional en Honduras para el período 2001 - 2018
Authors: Bermúdez Sánchez José Carlo , Pineda Urrea Eduardo Enrique
Published: February 2020

Este documento investiga la distribución sectorial del ingreso entre las regiones urbanas y rurales de Honduras de forma ex-post durante los años 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 y 2018. En este sentido, se emplean microdatos de la Encuesta Permanente de Hogares de Propósitos Múltiples (EPHM) con los que se procede a segmentar los ingresos por rama de actividad económica según zona urbana y rural. Con base en lo anterior, se estiman tres estadígrafos que permiten describir la evolución de la distribución sectorial del ingreso entre las regiones de Honduras, sean estos el coeficiente de Gini, el índice de Theil y densidades de Kernel. Los resultados arrojan evidencia no concluyente advirtiendo sobre la existencia de importantes heterogeneidades en la distribución del ingreso en Honduras, sea en el plano sectorial o regional. Adicionalmente, la zona rural es la que ha experimentado mayores brechas en la distribución del ingreso, sobre todo para la rama primaria. En general, los incrementos en los ingresos totales de los hogares no han bastado para evitar que gran parte de la población se haya ubicado en el umbral de ingresos menores a un salario mínimo durante los últimos dieciocho años.
El aprendizaje ubicuo en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje
Authors: Novoa Castillo Pedro Félix , Cancino Verde Rosalinn Francisca , Uribe Hernández Yrene Cecilia , Garro Aburto Luzmila Lourdes , Mendez Ilizarbe Gliria Susana
Published: February 2020

El presente trabajo busca caracterizar al aprendizaje ubicuo en el proceso de la enseñanza aprendizaje, por ello se propone encuadrarlo en una época contemporánea llena de cambios y pulsiones que permiten no solo su consolidación, sino su particular aprovechamiento. Asimismo, se brindará algunas reflexiones sobre su implicancia dentro de la concepción tradicional del aula, alumno y profesor, asumiendo un cambio paradigmático al relativizar los espacios, los tiempos y los modos de acceso a la información y al escenario de clase. El aprendizaje ubicuo, por tanto, es una especie de modelo que todo docente de estos tiempos debe conocer y practicar en beneficio de los aprendizajes de sus alumnos.
Desarrollo de habilidades para el aprendizaje de la geometría de los estudiantes del séptimo ciclo de educación básica, 2019
Authors: Ramos Vera Patricia María , Ramos Vera Rosario Pilar , Ramos Vera Fernando , Ramos Vera Mercedes Josefina , Núñez Lira Luis Alberto
Published: February 2020

El estudio tuvo la finalidad de determinar la relación entre las habilidades y el aprendizaje de la geometría en los estudiantes del séptimo ciclo de educación básica; donde la población estuvo conformada por 120 estudiantes. El método empleado en la investigación fue el hipotético deductivo, diseño experimental de clase cuasi experimental, de tipo explicativo; la técnica empleada fue el pre y post prueba y el instrumento una evaluación el cual fue sometido a la validez y confiabilidad respectivamente. Los resultados mostraron que los efectos son significativos en el aprendizaje de la geometría en los estudiantes.
Educating Engineering Students in Egypt: Recommendations for Improvement
Authors: Elsafty Ashraf , Elsayad Hanaa Ibrahim , Shaaban Ibrahim G.
Published: February 2020

Egyptian schools of engineering (government faculties, private faculties and private higher engineering institutes) award degrees to 35000 graduates annually.  There have been concerns from the Egyptian Engineers Syndicate, experienced engineers, local & international employers, parents and other society stakeholders about the knowledge and skills gained by engineering graduates.   In this article, first the institutions were analyzed from a fresh business perspective.  The analysis highlighted several constraints that hinder radical reforms. In part two of this article the aspirations of stakeholders were collected and identified.  In part three, recommendations were made based on the experiences of engineering education providers worldwide.
A Proposal to Achieve Financial Independence in Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University in Accordance with the New System of Universities and Vision 2030
Authors: Al-Khathlan Mansour Bin Zaid bin Ibrahim
Published: February 2020

The current research addresses an important educational and administrative issue. It is the financing of universities and the potential that the university can achieve its goals and strive to develop the society away from any pressures. It may face from private or governmental institutions which may participate in funding them with the aim of implementing the new Saudi universities system. All universities and educational institutions rely on their own resources and diversify new funding resources to alleviate the state budget in order to achieve the independence of these institutions and give them freedom to achieve their goals, and also the strategic goals of the 2030 Vision for Saudi Arabia. In order to achieve the research main objective, a questionnaire is distributed to the respondent to know the current reality of universities on the subject of funding. We find and propose a number of ways for the university to be financially autonomous.
Graduate Students’ Perspective about the MA TEFL Program at Hashemite University in Jordan
Authors: M. Obeidat Mohammed , M. Shehadeh Malak
Published: February 2020

This current study aimed to investigate MA students’ perspectives about the English as a foreign language (EFL) curriculum and methods of teaching program employed in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the Hashemite University. More specifically, the study attempted to explore the students’ perspectives of the program in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Data was collected through a questionnaire interview from 9 students who were about to finish their study. Findings showed that students highlighted the instructional and research-skill benefits for the program. They also revealed that the main weak points of the program were related to theory or theoretical orientation, statistics, the professor’s behavior, and research project. The findings can be valuable for teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) syllabus designers, TEFL instructors, instructors of other subject areas, and researchers in higher education.
Radiographic Evaluation of the Tibial Intramedullary Nail Entry Point
Authors: Maslow Jed I. , Joseph Hayden L. , Hong Daniel Y. , Henry Abigail L. , Mitchell Phillip M. , Collinge Cory A.
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

Tibia fractures are common injuries that can often be effectively treated with intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation. The ideal starting point for IMN reaming and nail placement is well described and regarded as a crucial aspect in the technique. The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy and precision with which the starting point is established and if this is maintained after nail insertion during fracture fixation.

Methods:

Fifty consecutive tibia fractures treated by IMN fixation sized 9 to 13 mm through an infrapatellar or medial parapatellar approach and 50 treated with a suprapatellar approach were evaluated. The starting point for reaming and IMN placement was measured using intraoperative fluoroscopy. Postoperative radiographs were used to determine the center of the IMN after placement. The distance between the measured points and the ideal starting point was measured.

Results:

Deviation from the ideal entry point on intraoperative fluoroscopy averaged 4.6 ± 4.0 mm medially, 2.9 ± 3.7 mm anteriorly, and 2.7 ± 3.3 mm distally. In 30% of cases, the final IMN position varied from the entry point by greater than one SD in the coronal or sagittal plane. No difference between approaches was appreciated.

Discussion:

Although the ideal starting point for tibial IMN fixation is known, this is frequently not the starting point accepted in practice. Final position of the IMN is independent of IMN size or approach and is not markedly different than the obtained starting point.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic level III
Assessing Preoperative Risk Factors With Sex Disparities in Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients and Financial Outcomes From the National Inpatient Sample Database
Authors: Cheah Cheryl , Hussein Inaya Hajj , El Othmani Amjad , Rizvi Syed A. , Sayeed Zain , El-Othmani Mouhanad M.
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

Disparities in the healthcare system imply potential risks for vulnerable groups whose needs are not appropriately met. Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is successful in treating end-stage arthritis, resulting in increased demand for the procedure, however remains underused in both sexes, especially in women. Although multiple studies assessed the differences in postoperative morbidities between sexes, there remains a lack in understanding patients' preoperative clinical profile and nonclinical demographics. The aim of this study is to provide a population-based epidemiologic assessment of preoperative risk factors and sex disparities and assess differences in outcomes following TJA.

Methods:

The National Inpatient Sample database from 2006 to 2011 was analyzed. Patients who underwent primary total knee and hip arthroplasty were identified and stratified into two cohorts of male and female, and demographic data and comorbidities were collected. Postoperative complications, length of stay, total charges, and discharge destination were measured for matched cohorts.

Results:

Female patients present for TJAs at an older average age, are less likely to present with AIDS, alcohol abuse, coagulopathy, congestive heart failure, drug abuse, liver disease, peripheral vascular disease, and renal failure, and are more likely to present with anemia, autoimmune disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, obesity, and valvular disease. Postoperatively, the average length of stay for female patients was markedly higher (3.52 versus 3.39) and a lower percentage went home (59% versus 73%). Overall, female patients experience greater odds of any complication while in-patient.

Discussion:

This study highlighted sex differences in areas that could account for the underuse of the procedure in both sexes, with women affected to a greater extent. Understanding these factors will help address the unmet needs of both sexes after TJA by encouraging future studies and provider education to ensure that all patients are able to access the necessary procedures for pain relief and functional improvement.
Where Will Pathologic Hip Fractures Go in a Value-based Hip Fracture Bundle?
Authors: Malik Azeem Tariq , Alexander John H. , Khan Safdar N. , Scharschmidt Thomas J.
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

There has been a burgeoning interest for implementing bundled payments for hip fractures being treated with hemiarthroplasty, percutaneous pinning, and/or open reduction and internal fixation. Concerns exist about how hip fracture bundles may impede access to care for patients who require more resources, such as those with pathologic/neoplastic fractures.

Methods:

The 2011 to 2017 American College of Surgeons—National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify patients undergoing percutaneous pinning, hemiarthroplasty, plate/screw, and intramedullary nail for hip fractures. Multivariate regression analyses were used to identify notable differences in 30-day complications, readmissions, reoperations, mortality, length of stay, and nonhome discharges between native and pathologic/neoplastic hip fractures.

Results:

A total of 67,548 patients were included—of which 378 (0.6%) had a pathologic/neoplastic hip fracture. Pathologic fractures (versus native hip fractures) had significantly higher odds of experiencing a prolonged length of stay >5 days (odds ratio [OR] 1.57), pulmonary embolism (OR 3.67), deep vein thrombosis (OR 2.03), 30-day readmissions (OR 1.43), and 30-day mortality (OR 2.66).

Discussion:

Patients sustaining a pathologic/neoplastic hip fracture have a worse adverse event profile. Risk adjustment based on facture etiology will be necessary to ensure that providers taking care of pathologic/neoplastic fractures are appropriately reimbursed to minimize barriers to access of care for this vulnerable cohort.
Safely Implementing the Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Methodological Approach to Minimizing the Learning Curve
Authors: Pirruccio Kevin , Evangelista Perry J. , Haw Jonathan , Goldberg Tyler , Sheth Neil P.
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

Orthopaedic surgeons often cite concern for a learning curve as a barrier to adopting the direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) while transitioning from other approaches. Studies both assessing and describing a practical approach and strategy to safely accomplish this transition, as well as the effect on clinical outcomes, are not well described.

Methods:

This prospective study compares a single surgeon's operative results and complications for the first consecutive 100 direct anterior THA to the last 100 consecutive posterior THA after 7 years in practice. The regimented and disciplined learning strategy used to implement the DAA is detailed in this study. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression models.

Results:

Univariate analyses identified significant differences in sex, age, Asian race, and diagnostic cause for THA between the two cohorts. Multivariate analyses controlled for these differences and showed that relative to posterior THA, direct anterior THA cases were associated with 7-minute longer procedures (P = 0.002) and lengths of stay that were 0.7 days fewer (P = 0.013). No significant differences were present in the estimated blood loss, and importantly, no significant differences in death or surgical complication rates between cohorts.

Discussion:

This study suggests that the DAA for THA can be safely implemented without the increased and adverse risk to the patient when a structured learning process is maintained and meticulously performed.
Veterans Undergoing Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: 30-day Outcomes as Compared to the General Population
Authors: Frisch Nicholas B. , Courtney P. Maxwell , Darrith Brian , Copeland Laurel A. , Gerlinger Tad L.
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

The Veterans Affairs (VA) health system is vital to providing joint replacement care to our retired service members but has come under recent scrutiny. The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between the VA cohort and the general cohort.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 10.460 patients with primary THA and TKA from the Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse. As a control group, we queried the American College of Surgeons—National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database and identified 58,820 patients with primary THA and TKA over the same time period. We compared length of stay, mortality rates, 30-day complication rates, and 30-day readmissions. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the independent effect of the VA system on adverse outcomes.

Results:

Veterans are more likely to be men (93% versus 41%, P < 0.001) and have increased rates of medical comorbidities (all P < 0.001). The rate of short-term complications (all P < 0.001) were all higher in the VA cohort. When controlling for demographics and medical comorbidities, VA patients were more likely to have a readmission (P < 0.001), prolonged length of stay > 4 days (P < 0.001), and experience a complication within 30 days (P < 0.001).

Discussion:

Despite controlling for higher rates of medical comorbidities, VA patients undergoing primary THA and TKA had poorer short-term outcomes than the civilian cohort. Additional research is needed to ensure our veteran cohort is appropriately optimized and address the discrepancy with the outcomes of the civilian.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Global Journal of Health Science, Vol. 12, No. 1
Authors: Grey Erica
Published: February 2020

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Global Journal of Health Science, Vol. 12, No. 1, 2020.
Image of China in Afghanistan News Discourses: A Corpus-Based Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Sangeen Sakhidad
Published: February 2020

Afghanistan and China have a long credible history and reliable relationship. Afghanistan-China’s friendship has been verified to be the model of cooperation between two neighboring countries. Both states have strong historical, cultural, social, economic, and political relations together. The relationship emerged in front of the world in 1955, when both the countries signed an economic treaty, known as the “Treaty of Economic and Technical Cooperation.” The study aims to investigate the image of China in the Outlook English newspaper of Afghanistan, whereas China’s recent development in trade and the economic rise around the globe has given new birth to the cooperativeness between both the countries. The current trade has reached up to $700 million between both the countries. Thus the study identifies the facts from the corpus-based analysis that the frequency of economic relations between Afghanistan and China has risen due to a significant trust and friendly relation with each other. Moreover, the success in economic trade depends on the positive perspective of an excellent historical background and political relationship in the history of one’s country in another. Both countries’ good historical friendships reveal a significant positive image of China in Afghanistan’s Outlook English newspaper. The occurrences of development, China, cooperation, economic and industrial cooperation reveal China’s interest and friendly relations moving towards Afghanistan in particular. Therefore, such engagements of China with Afghanistan will bring economic development and make a better security situation in Afghanistan.
Are High-Probability Request Sequences as Low an Intensity Intervention as Portrayed?
Authors: Maag John W.
Published: February 2020

High probability request (high-p) sequences, based on the momentum of behavior principle, have been an effective intervention for improving compliance and work completion for students who display challenging behaviors. They have been portrayed as a low-intensity intervention because of being perceived as simple, clear, and easy for any teacher to implement as compared to developing a token economy, behavioral contract, or conducting a functional behavioral assessment which are intensive and require expertise in applied behavior analysis. However, high-p request sequences may not be as low-intensity as has been depicted. There are several subtleties for implementing them effectively that teachers would not automatically understand. Also, an examination of the research may raise concerns how well this intervention translates into practice. The purpose of this articles is to provide foundational and theoretical information that is often overlooked when researching and implementing high-p request sequences, describe different techniques for building behavioral momentum, address issues translating research into practice, discuss problems in following published implementation steps, and offering an alternative approach for engendering student compliance.
Positively Influencing Student Engagement and Attitude in Mathematics Through an Instructional Intervention Using Reform Mathematics Principles
Authors: Irvine Jeff
Published: February 2020

Student engagement in their own learning of mathematics, and student attitudes towards mathematics are key dimensions of learning. This mixed methods study examined the impact of a classroom intervention based on the principles of reform mathematics (i.e., active student involvement, hands-on, real-world connections, use of manipulatives and technology, extensive use of student groups), on student engagement and student attitudes, in three Grade 10 mathematics classrooms in Ontario, Canada. Statistically significant effects were found for both the students’ engagement and attitudes. The implications for pedagogy and policy indicated that the efficacy of reform mathematics principles influenced the students’ affective dimensions in mathematics learning.