bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compost Feedstock and Compost Acidification Affect Growth and Mineral Nutrition in Northern Highbush Blueberry
Authors: Costello Ryan C. , Sullivan Dan M. , Bryla David R. , Strik Bernadine C. , Owen James S.
Published: June 2019

New markets for organic northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) have stimulated interest in using composts specifically tailored to the plant’s edaphic requirements. Because composts are typically neutral to alkaline in pH (pH 7 to 8), and blueberry requires acidic soil (pH 4.2 to 5.5), we investigated elemental sulfur (S0) addition as a methodology for reducing compost pH. The objectives were to 1) characterize initial compost chemistry, including the pH buffering capacity of compost (acidity required to reduce pH to 5.0), 2) measure changes in compost chemistry accompanying acidification, and 3) evaluate plant growth and mineral nutrition of blueberry in soil amended with an untreated or acidified compost. Ten composts prepared from diverse feedstocks were obtained from municipalities and farms. Addition of finely ground S0 reduced compost pH from 7.2 to 5.3, on average, after 70 d at 22 °C, and increased the solubility of nutrients, including K (from 22 to 36 mmol(+)/L), Ca (from 5 to 19 mmol(+)/L), Mg (from 5 to 20 mmol(+)/L), and Na (from 6 to 9 mmol(+)/L). Sulfate-S, a product of S0 oxidation, also increased from 5 to 45 mmol(−)/L. The composts were incorporated into soil at a high rate (30% v/v) in a greenhouse trial to evaluate their suitability for use in blueberry production. Shoot and root growth were strongly affected by compost chemical characteristics, including pH and electrical conductivity (EC). Potassium in compost was highly variable (2–32 g·kg−1). Concentration of K in the leaves increased positively in response to compost K, whereas shoot dry weight and root growth declined. Leaf Mg also declined in response to compost K, suggesting that elevated K concentrations in compost may cause Mg deficiency. Composts with the highest K were also high in total N, pH, and EC. Compost acidification to pH ≤ 6 improved growth and increased leaf Mg concentration. On the basis of these results, composts derived from animal manures or young plant tissues (e.g., green leaves) appear to be unsuitable for high-rate applications to blueberry because they usually require high amounts of S0 for acidification and are often high in EC and K, whereas those derived from woody materials, such as local yard debris, appear promising based on their C:N ratio, compost acidification requirement, and EC.
Hairy Vetch and Livestock Compost Improve Soil Carbon and Nitrogen, and Fresh-market Tomato Yield
Authors: Muchanga Rafael A. , Hirata Toshiyuki , Araki Hajime
Published: June 2019

Cover crops and compost application may influence soil quality and productivity of fresh-market tomatoes. The effects of hairy vetch (HV) (Vicia villosa Roth) and livestock compost on soil C and N stocks, N availability, and tomato yield were evaluated for 2 years in a plastic high tunnel. Averaged across years, soil C and N stocks increased in plots incorporating hairy vetch and compost more than in plots with no hairy vetch and compost. When compared with baseline stocks (initial soil C and N stocks before the initiation of the examination), soil C stock increased by 3%, 2.8%, 2.6% in the HV treatment, the compost treatment, and the HV and compost treatment, respectively. In contrast, a 1.85% loss of soil C stock was observed in a no HV and no compost (bare) treatment. Soil N stocks increased in all treatments, with the greatest increase in the compost treatment (26%) and the lowest in the bare treatment (9.3%). Averaged across sampling dates, the HV treatment exhibited the greatest soil N availability and nitrate levels in leaf petiole in both years, whereas the bare treatment exhibited the lowest soil N availability and nitrate levels in leaf petiole. HV + compost and compost treatments showed a similar influence on soil N availability, but HV + compost exhibited greater nitrate levels in leaf petiole than the compost treatment. The marketable and total yields were 10% to 15% greater in the HV and the compost treatments than in the bare treatment. N uptake was 17% to 38% greater in the HV treatment than in the other treatments. Because of unstable cover crop production in the northern region, a combined application of cover crops and compost may be one of the best practices to compensate for low cover crop biomass production by increasing organic matter input to the soil, thereby improving soil quality and tomato yield.
Inheritance of Resistance to Cucurbit Powdery Mildew in Bitter Gourd
Authors: Dhillon Narinder P.S. , Sanguansil Supannika , Srimat Supornpun , Laenoi Suwannee , Schafleitner Roland , Pitrat Michel , McCreight James D.
Published: June 2019

Cucurbit powdery mildew (CPM) caused by Podosphaera xanthii (Px) is an economically important disease of bitter gourd (BG; Momordica charantia) in Asia. High-level resistance to CPM is known in various BG accessions that have been used to develop BG breeding lines that originated in different countries. BG breeding lines THMC 113 (Belize), THMC 143 (India), THMC 153 (Thailand), THMC 167 (India), and THMC 170 (Taiwan) possess high-level resistance to BG Px race (BG-CPM), designated Mc-1 from a field at Kamphaeng Saen, Thailand, whereas THMC 144 (India) is susceptible. Our objective was to determine the inheritance of resistance to BG-CPM race Mc-1. To that end, THMC 144 (India) was crossed with the five resistant lines. The parents and their respective F1, F2, backcross progenies were evaluated for BG-CPM disease severity in inoculated field and growth chamber tests. Resistance to BG-CPM race Mc-1 in the five resistant lines was controlled by at least two independent, recessive genes. Intercrosses of the BG-CPM–resistant lines revealed allelic resistances in four of the breeding lines: THMC 113, THMC 153, THMC 167, and THMC 170. Resistance in THMC 143 was clearly non-allelic for resistance to BG-CPM with the other four BG-CPM–resistant lines.
Cryopreservation of 12 Vitis Species Using Apical Shoot Tips Derived from Plants Grown In Vitro
Authors: Bettoni Jean Carlos , Kretzschmar Aike Anneliese , Bonnart Remi , Shepherd Ashley , Volk Gayle M.
Published: June 2019

The availability of and easy access to diverse Vitis species are prerequisites for advances in breeding programs. Plant genebanks usually maintain collections of Vitis taxa as field collections that are vulnerable to biotic and abiotic stresses. Cryopreservation has been considered an ideal method of preserving these collections as safety back-ups in a cost-effective manner. We report a droplet vitrification method used to cryopreserve 12 Vitis species (Vitis vinifera cvs. Chardonnay and ‘Riesling, V. actinifolia, V. aestivalis, V. jacquemontii, V. flexuosa, V. palmata, V. riparia, V. rupestris, V. sylvestris, V. ficifolia, V. treleasi, and V. ×novae angeliae) using shoot tips excised from plants grown in vitro. Our results demonstrated wide applicability of this technique, with regrowth levels at least 43% for 13 genotypes representing 12 Vitis species. We demonstrated that the droplet vitrification procedure can be successfully replicated by technical staff, thus suggesting that this method is ready for implementation.
Quantifying the Acidic and Basic Effects of Vegetable and Herb Species in Peat-based Substrate and Hydroponics
Authors: Dickson Ryan W. , Fisher Paul R.
Published: June 2019

Objectives were 1) to quantify acidic and basic effects on the root zone pH for eight vegetable and herb species grown in peat-based substrate and hydroponic nutrient solution and 2) to determine the applied NH4+:NO3– ratio expected to have a neutral pH reaction for each species during its vegetative growth phase. In one experiment, plants were grown for 33 days in substrate (70% peat:30% perlite by volume), and were fertilized with a nutrient solution containing 7.14 milli-equivalents (mEq)·L–1 N and NH4+:NO3– ratios ranging from 0:100 to 40:60. During the second experiment, the same species were grown in hydroponic nutrient solutions at 7.14 mEq·L–1 N with NH4+:NO3– ratios ranging from 0:100 to 30:70, and data were collected over a 6-day period. In substrate, species increased root zone pH when supplied 0:100 solution, except for cucumber, which did not change substrate pH. Increasing the NH4+:NO3– ratio to 40:60 increased acidity and decreased pH across species. Similar trends were observed in hydroponics, in which the most basic response occurred across species with 0:100, and the most acidic response occurred with 30:70. Arugula was the only species that increased root zone pH with all three NH4+:NO3– ratios in substrate and hydroponics. In substrate and hydroponics, mEq of acidity (negative) or basicity (positive) produced per gram dry weight gain per plant (mEq·g−1) correlated positively with mEq·g−1 net cation minus anion uptake, respectively, in which greater cation uptake resulted in acidity and greater anion uptake resulted in basicity. In hydroponics, the greatest net anion uptake occurred with 0:100, and increasing the NH4+:NO3– ratio increased total cation uptake across species. Cucumber had the most acidic effect and required less than 10% of N as NH4+-N for a neutral pH over time, arugula was the most basic and required more than 20% NH4+-N, and the remaining species had neutral percent NH4+-N between 10% and 20% of N. Increasing the NH4+:NO3– ratio decreased Ca2+ uptake across all species in hydroponics, which could potentially impact tip burn and postharvest quality negatively. Controlling root zone pH in substrate and hydroponic culture requires regular pH monitoring in combination with NH4+:NO3– adjustments and other pH management strategies, such as injecting mineral acid to neutralize irrigation water alkalinity or adjusting the limestone incorporation rate for substrate.
First steps towards the reconstruction of the squark flavour structure
Authors: Bernigaud Jordan , Herrmann Björn
Published: June 2019

Assuming the observation of a squark at the Large Hadron Collider, we
investigate methods to access its flavour content and thus gain
information on the underlying flavour structure of the theory. Based on
simple observables, we apply a likelihood inference method to determine
the top-flavour content of the observed particle. In addition, we employ
a multivariate analysis in order to classify different flavour
hypotheses. Both methods are discussed within a simplified model and the
more general Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model including most
general squark mixing. We conclude that the likelihood inference may
provide an estimation of the top-flavour content if additional
knowledge, especially on the gaugino sector is available, while the
multivariate analysis identifies different flavour patterns and can
accommodate a more minimalistic set of observables.
Patterns of corporate social responsibility of Ukrainian companies: clustering and improvement strategies for responsible activities
Authors: Sukhonos Victor , Makarenko Inna , Serpeninova Yulia , Drebot Oksana , Okabe Yoshihiko
Published: June 2019

The variability of companies stakeholders’ engagement forms, communication channels, approaches to disclosure of companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) and strategies for CSR achievement cause the formation of benchmarks – patterns of responsible behavior of these companies. Determination of companies’ CSR patterns plays is a ground of (plays a role or is a ground of) improving their strategies for responsible activities. These patterns were highlighted on the basis of comprehensive three-component indicator that illustrates the combination of parameters: models of companies’ communication with stakeholders, approaches to the disclosure of information on CSR and strategies for incorporating CSR and Sustainable Development Goals. Positioning of 22 Ukrainian companies for the period 2005–2017 was made. Results of positioning allowed to determine such clusters of the companies in accordance with the pattern of responsible behavior as А – innovators, B – leaders, C – pursuer, D – followers, E – starters, F – outsiders; to develop the measures on the improvement of their CSR activity.
Nutrient removal in hybrid constructed wetlands: spatial-seasonal variation and the effect of vegetation
Authors: Abbasi Haq Nawaz , Xie Jing , Hussain Syed Ikhlaq , Lu Xiwu
Published: June 2019

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are an aesthetic and sustainable form to treat wastewater, however, their performance can be increased by improving a number of factors. The pilot-scale hybrid constructed wetland (CW) system was the combination of constructed floating treatment wetlands (CFWs) and horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSFCWs); operated for a year and covered all seasons. The research was conducted to investigate the performance of the CW system regarding water depth, spatial, and seasonal removal of pollutants. Nine economical plants species were selected and divided into four groups to grow in CW-I to CW-IV, respectively. Removal increased along the bed and most of the total phosphorus (TP) removal occurred in the second bed, whereas total nitrogen (TN) and ammonium (NH4) removal were associated with the plant root system and biomass. Optimum removal of nutrients with respect to water depth was at 35 cm. TN and NH4 removal patterns were similar in different CWs. TN and NH4 removal were higher during summer compared to winter; only CW-IV showed the opposite trend.
Role of Descending Dopaminergic Pathways in Pain Modulation
Authors: Li Changsheng , Liu Sufang , Lu Xihua , Tao Feng
Published: June 2019

Pain, especially when chronic, is a common reason patients seek medical care and it
affects the quality of life and well-being of the patients. Unfortunately, currently available therapies
for chronic pain are often inadequate because the neurobiological basis of such pain is still not fully
understood. Although dopamine has been known as a neurotransmitter to mediate reward and motivation,
accumulating evidence has shown that dopamine systems in the brain are also involved in
the central regulation of chronic pain. Most importantly, descending dopaminergic pathways play
an important role in pain modulation. In this review, we discuss dopamine receptors, dopaminergic
systems in the brain, and the role of descending dopaminergic pathways in the modulation of different
types of pain.
Galectin-3 and Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Heart Failure: A Pilot Study
Authors: Oikonomou Evangelos , Karlis Dimitris , Tsalamadris Sotiris , Siasos Gerasimos , Chrysohoou Christina , Vogiatzi Georgia , Dimitropoulos Stathis , Charalambous Georgios , Kouskouni Evangelia , Tousoulis Dimitris
Published: June 2019

Background:

Cardiac performance depends on optimum ventriculoarterial coupling which is
impaired in patients with heart failure (HF). Galectin-3 is a mediator of myocardial fibrosis and remodeling,
and is associated with clinical status in patients with chronic HF. We examined the association of
arterial stiffness with galectin-3 levels in patients with HF of ischemic etiology.

Methods:

We consecutively enrolled 40 patients with stable ischemic HF and reduced ejection fraction.
Central aortic stiffness was evaluated non-invasively by measuring carotid femoral pulse wave velocity
(PWV). Among other factors, serum levels of galectin-3 and b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were
measured.

Results:

The median galectin-3 levels in our study population were 12.9 (10.8-18.7) ng/ml and the mean
PWV was 9.31±2.79 m/sec. There was significant association of galectin-3 levels with age (r=0.48,
p=0.003), creatinine clearance (r=-0.66, p<0.001) and BNP levels (r=0.36, p=0.05). There was a significant
association of galectin-3 levels with PWV (r=0.37, p=0.03) and patients with PWV above median
also had significantly increased levels of galectin-3 compared with patients with lower values of PWV
[16.1(11.8-25.2) vs. 12.1(10.5-14) ng/ml, p=0.03].

Conclusion:

We found an association of arterial stiffness and PWV with galectin-3 levels in patients
with chronic HF of ischemic etiology. These findings suggest a pathway driving arterial stiffening and
myocardial remodelling in HF. This may provide insight into the mechanism determining prognosis and
clinical status of patients with HF.
ZIF@ZnTiO3 Nanocomposite as a Reusable Organocatalyst for the Synthesis of 3, 4-dihydropyrano[c]chromene Derivatives
Authors: Farahmand Taybeh , Hashemian Saeedeh , Shibani Ali
Published: June 2019

Background:

Dihydropyrano [3, 2-c]chromenes and their derivatives have great attention for scientists. They have different activities such as biological properties, spasmolytic, diuretic, anticoagulant, anti-cancer, and anti-anaphylactic activity. For these vary biological activities, chromene derivatives have made significant for further progress in medicinal and organic synthesis studies. So, in view of the importance of chromenes, we aimed to synthesis of 3, 4-dihydropyrano [3, 2-c] chromene derivatives. ZIF@ZnTiO3nanocomposite as organocatalyst was used.

Method:

An effective and applicable technique was used for preparation of 3, 4-dihydropyrano [3, 2- c] chromene derivatives. Dihydropyrano [c] chromenederivatives were prepared by using ZIF@ZnTiO3compositeas a recyclable catalyst. One-pot three-component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile, and 4-hydroxycoumarin was done for synthesis of dihydropyrano [c] chromenederivatives over composite catalyst with excellent yields. The as prepared dihydropyrano [c] chromenederivatives were measured by melting point, FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. The nano catalyst could be recycled several times.

Result:

A novel nano catalyst of MOF containing Mn2+ ions and 2- methyl imidazole (ZIF) and zinctitanate (ZIF@ZnTiO3) composite was prepared. The synthesized organocatalyst was studied for preparation of 3, 4-dihydropyrano [3, 2-c] chromene derivatives. One-pot three-component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile, and 4-hydroxycoumarin was done for synthesis of dihydropyrano [c] chromene derivatives over composite catalyst with excellent yields. The reaction was optimized.

Conclusion:

The organocatalyst composite of consist of ZIF and zinctitanate was prepared. The ZIF@ZnTiO3 was used as catalyst for synthesis of 3, 4-dihydropyrano [3, 2-c] chromene derivatives via one-pot three-component condensations of aromatic aldehydes,malononitrile, and 4 hydroxycoumarin. The results of melting point, FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR also confirmed the formation of high yield of 3, 4-dihydropyrano [3, 2-c] chromene derivatives at short time. The appealing properties of this method are environmentally friendly, mild reaction conditions (low reaction time and high yields of pure products), easy work up and recyclability of reaction catalyst.
Formação de Mediadores Sociais na Europa: Um projeto piloto
Authors: Silva Ana Maria Costa e , Cunha Sílvia
Published: June 2019

Um dos desafios da sociedade atual é enfrentar com determinação e qualidade as consequências das múltiplas fragilidades sociais, económicas e políticas que se vivem a nível mundial. Os diversos países e organizações estão, assim, comprometidos com uma resposta urgente e adequada à fragilidade da paz social, concretamente através de estratégias de prevenção e resolução pacífica de conflitos. A mediação social é uma das estratégias fundamentais para promover a paz, a justiça e a coesão social. No sentido de responder às recomendações inscritas em documentos oficiais europeus sobre a importância dos mediadores sociais na construção de comunidades pacíficas, foi implementado um projeto financiado pela Comunidade Europeia e executado entre 2013 e 2016, com a participação de cinco países europeus. O principal objetivo do projeto foi conceber e experimentar um dispositivo de formação de mediadores sociais, inspirado na tradição dos Companheiros do Tour de França através de uma metodologia de ação-investigação-formação colaborativa. A metodologia adotada revelou-se adequada à formação continuada e profissionalização de mediadores sociais e à constituição de uma rede de cooperação entre instituições e profissionais diversos. Os resultados alcançados evidenciam a pertinência do dispositivo na concretização dos objetivos definidos e na construção de um espaço europeu da mediação para a inclusão social.
Palavras-chave: Mediação social; Mediadores; Formação; Investigação-ação colaborativa
Avaliação de programas de intervenção para a aprendizagem socioemocional do professor: Uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Marques Alcione Moreira , Tanaka Luiza Hiromi , Foz Adriana Queiroz Botelho
Published: June 2019

A profissão docente gera grande demanda emocional, o que pode afetar o bem-estar do professor e gerar problemas de saúde. As competências socioemocionais envolvem um conjunto de habilidades, conhecimentos e atitudes para reconhecer e lidar melhor com as próprias emoções e com a dimensão emocional dos alunos, o que pode diminuir o estresse e aumentar a qualidade da prática do professor. A aprendizagem socioemocional pode aumentar os recursos internos e a competência para lidar melhor com as demandas profissionais. Nesta revisão integrativa da literatura buscou-se levantar nas principais bases de dados mundiais (SCOPUS, PubMed, ERIC, SciELO, Web of Science, Campbell Collaboration) os estudos realizados sobre programas de intervenção específicos para desenvolver as competências socioemocionais do professor do ensino básico, suas características e impactos ou efeitos no professor. Foram incluídos 18 artigos sobre estudos que tiveram como objetivo a aprendizagem socioemocional do próprio professor, não associados a programas voltados aos alunos. Concluiu-se que embora haja poucos estudossobre o tema, todos apresentaram impactos ou efeitos positivos no aumento de habilidades socioemocionais, na saúde, bem-estar, ou na eficácia docente.

Palavras-chave:Professor; Aprendizagem socioemocional; Estresse;Revisão integrativa
The Attitudes of Therapists and Physicians on the Use of Sex Robots in Sexual Therapy: Online Survey and Interview Study
Authors: Eichenberg Christiane , Khamis Marwa , Hübner Lisa
Published: June 2019

Background

Various types of robots have already been successfully used in medical care, and the use of new technologies is also playing an increasing role in the area of sexuality. Sex robots are marketed as advanced sex toys and sex dolls with artificial intelligence. Only a few considerations about the therapeutic use of sex robots in sexual therapy are debated in expert discussions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to conduct a first exploratory survey on the attitudes of sex therapists and physicians toward the therapeutic benefits of sex robots.

Methods

This study comprised a quantitative online survey and a qualitative interview study. A self-constructed questionnaire was used to survey the general attitudes of sex therapists and physicians regarding the benefits of sex robots in therapy. The qualitative study was designed to gain in-depth insight into the participants’ beliefs and attitudes. Therefore, semistructured interviews were conducted. The quantitative data were evaluated by statistical analysis, and the interviews were transcribed and analyzed by using a grounded theory approach.

Results

A total of 72 sex therapists and physicians completed our self-constructed questionnaire (response rate 15%, 72/480). Only a few respondents (11%, 8/72) said that the use of sex robots was not conceivable for them, and almost half of all therapists and physicians could imagine recommending sex robots in therapy (45%, 33/72). The attitude toward sex robots as a therapeutic tool was very heterogeneous, with gender (P=.006), age (P=.03), and occupational differences (P=.05); female therapists, older therapists, and psychologists (in contrast to physicians) were more critical toward the therapeutic use of sex robots. The analysis of the 5 interviews identified 3 high-level core themes that were representative of the participants’ responses: (1) the importance of the personal definition of sex robots for the assessment of their therapeutic benefits, (2) therapeutic benefits and dangers of sex robots, and (3) considerations on the quality of human-robot sexuality. Initial insights into the possible therapeutic use of sex robots in different disorders (eg, sexual dysfunction or pedophilia) and situations were gained from the perspective of sex therapists.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide a first overview of the potential therapeutic use of sex robots. Moral, ethical, and treatment-related issues in this context are still unresolved and need to be further researched. We suggest integrating the topic into the training of sex therapists to form opinions beyond media images and to show therapy possibilities. Scientists engaged in sexual research should be involved in the development of sex robots to design robots with positive effects on sexual education, sexual therapy, sexual counseling, and sexual well-being for interested groups.
Do Daily Fluctuations in Psychological and App-Related Variables Predict Engagement With an Alcohol Reduction App? A Series of N-Of-1 Studies
Authors: Perski Olga , Naughton Felix , Garnett Claire , Blandford Ann , Beard Emma , West Robert , Michie Susan
Published: June 2019

Background

Previous studies have identified psychological and smartphone app–related predictors of engagement with alcohol reduction apps at a group level. However, strategies to promote engagement need to be effective at the individual level. Evidence as to whether group-level predictors of engagement are also predictive for individuals is lacking.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine whether daily fluctuations in (1) the receipt of a reminder, (2) motivation to reduce alcohol, (3) perceived usefulness of the app, (4) alcohol consumption, and (5) perceived lack of time predicted within-person variability in the frequency and amount of engagement with an alcohol reduction app.

Methods

We conducted a series of observational N-of-1 studies. The predictor variables were measured twice daily for 28 days via ecological momentary assessments. The outcome variables were measured through automated recordings of the participants’ app screen views. A total of nine London-based adults who drank alcohol excessively and were willing to set a reduction goal took part. Each participant’s dataset was analyzed separately using generalized additive mixed models to derive incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for the within-person associations of the predictor and outcome variables. Debriefing interviews, analyzed using thematic analysis, were used to contextualize the findings.

Results

Predictors of the frequency and amount of engagement differed between individuals, and for the variables 'perceived usefulness of the app' and 'perceived lack of time', the direction of associations also differed between individuals. The most consistent predictors of within-person variability in the frequency of engagement were the receipt of a daily reminder (IRR=1.80-3.88; P<.05) and perceived usefulness of the app (IRR=0.82-1.42; P<.05). The most consistent predictors of within-person variability in the amount of engagement were motivation to reduce alcohol (IRR=1.67-3.45; P<.05) and perceived usefulness of the app (IRR=0.52-137.32; P<.05).

Conclusions

The utility of the selected psychological and app-related variables in predicting the frequency and amount of engagement with an alcohol reduction app differed at the individual level. This highlights that key within-person associations may be masked in group-level designs and suggests that different strategies to promote engagement may be required for different individuals.
Digital Health Transformation of Integrated Care in Europe: Overarching Analysis of 17 Integrated Care Programs (Preprint)
Authors: Baltaxe Erik , Czypionka Thomas , Kraus Markus , Reiss Miriam , Askildsen Jan Erik , Grenković Renata , Lindén Tord Skogedal , Pitter János György , Rutten-van Molken Maureen , Solans Oscar , Stokes Jonathan , Struckmann Verena , Roca Josep , Cano Isaac
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Digital health tools comprise a wide range of technologies to support health processes. The potential of these technologies to effectively support health care transformation is widely accepted. However, wide scale implementation is uneven among countries and regions. Identification of common factors facilitating and hampering the implementation process may be useful for future policy recommendations.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the implementation of digital health tools to support health care and social care services, as well as to facilitate the longitudinal assessment of these services, in 17 selected integrated chronic care (ICC) programs from 8 European countries.

METHODS

A program analysis based on thick descriptions—including document examinations and semistructured interviews with relevant stakeholders—of ICC programs in Austria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom was performed. A total of 233 stakeholders (ie, professionals, providers, patients, carers, and policymakers) were interviewed from November 2014 to September 2016. The overarching analysis focused on the use of digital health tools and program assessment strategies.

RESULTS

Supporting digital health tools are implemented in all countries, but different levels of maturity were observed among the programs. Only few ICC programs have well-established strategies for a comprehensive longitudinal assessment. There is a strong relationship between maturity of digital health and proper evaluation strategies of integrated care.

CONCLUSIONS

Notwithstanding the heterogeneity of the results across countries, most programs aim to evolve toward a digital transformation of integrated care, including implementation of comprehensive assessment strategies. It is widely accepted that the evolution of digital health tools alongside clear policies toward their adoption will facilitate regional uptake and scale-up of services with embedded digital health tools.
Development of a Rubric to Assess Lifelong Learning in Work-Integrated Learning Reflection Assignments
Authors: Sproule Robert , Drewery Dave , Pretti Judene
Published: June 2019

Lifelong learning has emerged as an important learning outcome across the Canadian post-secondary education system. However, assessments of lifelong learning have been limited to students’ self-reports, particularly questionnaires. In programs that offer work-integrated learning experiences, students’ reflections may provide a window to further developing this outcome. The purpose of this study was to develop a rubric for assessing lifelong learning in this context. A review of the literature was used to develop both a rubric and self-assessment instrument for measuring lifelong learning. Students in an accounting and financial management co-op program at a Canadian university (n = 32) completed the self-assessment and the rubric was applied to two reflection assignments. Staff feedback and correlational analyses provide initial support for the rubric as a useful tool for assessing lifelong learning. Implications for educators especially in work-integrated learning contexts are addressed.

Keywords: lifelong learning, reflection, rubric, work-integrated learning

 

L’apprentissage permanent est devenu un objectif d’apprentissage important dans l’ensemble du système d’éducation postsecondaire canadien. Toutefois, l’évaluation de l’apprentissage permanent s’est limitée jusqu’à maintenant aux témoignages des étudiants, au moyen de questionnaires tout particulièrement. Dans les programmes qui offrent des expériences d’apprentissage intégrées au milieu du travail, les réflexions des étudiants peuvent représenter une occasion de progrès dans ce domaine. L’objectif de notre étude était de concevoir une grille d’évaluation permettant d’évaluer l’apprentissage permanent dans un tel contexte. En nous fondant sur un examen des études existantes, nous avons élaboré cette grille ainsi qu’un outil d’auto-évaluation afin d’évaluer l’apprentissage permanent. Des étudiants inscrits dans un programme d’alternance travail-études en comptabilité et gestion financière d’une université canadienne (n = 32) ont complété l’auto-évaluation et nous avons appliqué la grille d’évaluation à deux devoirs d’ordre réflexif. Les commentaires du personnel et l’analyse des corrélations semblent de prime abord indiquer que la grille d’évaluation est un outil utile pour évaluer l’apprentissage permanent. Nous discutons des conséquences de notre étude pour les éducateurs, tout spécialement dans le contexte de l’apprentissage intégré au milieu de travail.

 

Mots clés : apprentissage permanent, réflexion, grille d’évaluation, apprentissage intégré au milieu de travail
Lived Experiences of Online and Experiential Learning in Four Undergraduate Professional Programs
Authors: Snow Kathy , Wardley Leslie , Carter Lorrraine , Maher Pat
Published: June 2019

This paper presents the observations and reflections of four faculty members who developed experiential online learning pathways for students in diverse professional programs. In relation to programmatic expectations of Nursing, Education and Business, the challenges and opportunities for experiential online learning design are discussed. In addition, the scaffolding and development of online learning within an undergraduate degree, which ladders into professional programing, are presented. Using Kolb’s Experiential Model of learning design to structure the discussion, the faculty members reflect on the success of implementation from their various positions as leaders and instructors of programs. They seek to answer questions for themselves and their faculties in relation to the feasibility of designing experiential learning opportunities online and how this can contribute to deepening professional practice. The paper closes with implications for practice for other post-secondary educators who may be considering experiential online learning.

 

Notre article présente les observations et les réflexions de quatre enseignants qui ont mis au point des parcours d’apprentissage expérientiel en ligne pour des étudiants inscrits dans divers programmes professionnels. Nous discutons des difficultés et des possibilités de l’apprentissage expérientiel en ligne par rapport aux attentes des programmes de soins infirmiers, d’éducation et de commerce. De plus, nous présentons la construction et l’élaboration de l’apprentissage en ligne dans un programme de premier cycle universitaire qui conduit à l’élaboration de programmes professionnels. En utilisant le modèle expérientiel de conception de l’apprentissage de Kolb pour structurer la discussion, les enseignants réfléchissent aux réussites dans la mise en œuvre de leurs différentes fonctions de chefs de programme et d’instructeurs. Ils se posent des questions – pour leur propre compte et pour les enseignants – sur la faisabilité de la conception d’apprentissages expérientiels en ligne et se demandent comment cela peut contribuer au perfectionnement de leur pratique professionnelle. Nous nous penchons enfin sur les conséquences de notre étude pour la pratique d’autres éducateurs, au niveau postsecondaire, qui envisagent peut-être l’apprentissage expérientiel en ligne.
Student Anxiety and Evaluation
Authors: Hull Kerry , Lawford Heather , Hood Suzanne , Oliveira Vanessa , Murray Michele , Trempe Maxime , Crooks Jamie , Richardson Michael , Jensen Murray
Published: June 2019

The increased prevalence and severity of academic-related distress is of significant concern on college campuses.  Of particular relevance to instructors is the anxiety relating to classroom teaching and evaluation practices.  Sources of evaluation anxiety include student uncertainty about the nature of the expected demands as well as their ability to meet these demands. This report presents work from a pilot study investigating correlations between evaluation anxiety and perceived evaluation fidelity for different evaluation techniques across four different disciplines.  We also examined the potential mediating role of academic self-efficacy in the relationship between anxiety and expected grade.  Our results provide insight into methods to reduce anxiety and increase performance: should instructors focus their efforts on modifying their evaluation tools or increasing academic self-efficacy?

 

La prévalence et la gravité accrues de la détresse liée aux études sont une préoccupation importante sur les campus universitaires. L'angoisse liée aux pratiques d'enseignement et d'évaluation en classe est particulièrement importante pour les instructeurs. Les sources d'angoisse de l'évaluation comprennent l'incertitude des étudiants quant à la nature des demandes attendues ainsi que leur capacité à répondre à ces demandes. Ce rapport présente les résultats d'une étude pilote portant sur les corrélations entre l'anxiété de l'évaluation et la fidélité à l'évaluation perçue pour différentes techniques d'évaluation dans quatre disciplines différentes. Nous avons également examiné le rôle médiateur potentiel de l'auto-efficacité académique dans la relation entre l'anxiété et le grade attendu. Nos résultats donnent un aperçu des méthodes permettant de réduire l’anxiété et d’augmenter les performances: les instructeurs devraient-ils concentrer leurs efforts sur la modification de leurs outils d’évaluation ou sur l’amélioration de leur efficacité personnelle?
How Visual Narratives (Comics) Can Increase Literacy, Decrease Bias, and Highlight Stories of Social Justice
Authors: Motherwell McFarlane Jessica
Published: June 2019

How can creating a simple stick figure comic help us tell — and deeply listen to — true stories of social injustice and practice anti-oppression strategies? More specifically, how can creating a series of stick-figure comics help learners enhance their understanding of the Indigenous Peoples’ testimonies in the Truth and Reconciliation Report (TRC, 2015)? In my experience, stick-figure visual narratives can help participants tell stories of social injustices and practice ways that might restore right relations. In this paper, I provide a background story and a literature review in describing the rationale and method of using this approach to teach social justice concepts and rehearse pro-social interventions. I conclude with a detailed lesson plan for using the social-justice comics method for visually presenting the TRC 2015 report.

 

Comment l’acte de dessiner un bonhomme allumette peut-il nous aider à raconter – et à écouter très attentivement – des histoires vécues d’injustices sociales et à adopter des stratégies contre l’oppression? Plus particulièrement, comment des apprenants, en créant une série de bonhommes allumettes, peuvent-ils mieux comprendre les témoignages des Autochtones inclus dans le rapport de la Commission de vérité et de réconciliation (2015)? D’après mon expérience, les récits visuels en bonhommes allumettes aident les participants à raconter leurs histoires d’injustices sociales et à mettre en pratique des moyens pour éventuellement rétablir des relations justes. Dans le présent article, je décris le contexte et les études qui sous-tendent le pourquoi et la méthode des bonhommes allumettes pour enseigner les concepts de justice sociale et exercer la pratique d’intervention sociale. En conclusion, je présente un plan de leçon indiquant comment utiliser la méthode des dessins à portée sociale pour représenter visuellement le rapport de la Commission de vérité et de réconciliation de 2015.
Reflections on Experiential Learning in an Undergraduate Global Health Course
Authors: Ezezika Obidimma
Published: June 2019

Experiential learning has the potential to enhance students’ success and prepare them for the job market, including through class experiences that mirror experiences in the workforce. In this article, I lay out the process of incorporating experiential learning in a global health course. I have derived three key lessons from the design and implementation of this course: focus on one overarching goal, align learning activities with real world expectations, and help students understand connections between their projects and course content. These lessons provide insights to integrate experiential learning activities in the classroom.

 

L’apprentissage expérientiel a le potentiel d’améliorer la réussite des étudiants et de les préparer pour le marché du travail, notamment en créant en classe des expériences qui ressemblent aux expériences en milieu de travail. Dans cet article, je présente le processus d’incorporation de l’apprentissage expérientiel dans un cours sur la santé mondiale. Je tire trois leçons de la conception et de la mise en œuvre de ce cours : il faut 1) se concentrer sur un objectif primordial, 2) harmoniser les activités d’apprentissage et les attentes du monde réel et 3) aider les étudiants à comprendre les rapports entre leurs projets et le contenu du cours. Ces leçons permettent de mieux comprendre comment incorporer des activités d’apprentissage expérientiel en classe.
Jabs for the Boys
Authors: Baker Peter , Prue Gillian , Rae Jamie , Winterflood David , Favato Giampiero
Published: June 2019

The human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause a range of cancers as well as genital warts and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in men and women. Most cases can be prevented by vaccination in adolescence. Many countries vaccinate girls and an increasing number, although still a minority, vaccinate both boys and girls. The case for vaccinating boys is based on arguments of public health, equity, ethics, and cost-effectiveness. The selective vaccination of females does not protect males sufficiently and provides no protection at all for men who have sex with men. In the United Kingdom (UK), the government’s vaccination advisory committee (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation [JCVI]) began to consider whether boys should be vaccinated as well as girls in 2013 and made clear in draft statements that it considered this not to be cost-effective. A campaign group, HPV Action, was established to advocate gender-neutral vaccination. This group became a coalition of over 50 organisations and used evidence-based arguments, political advocacy and media campaigning to make its case. One of its members initiated legal action against the government on the grounds of sex discrimination. In July 2018, the government agreed that boys in the UK should be vaccinated. The lessons for other campaigns in the men’s and public health fields include: be prepared for the long haul, focus on clear and specific goals, build alliances, align the objectives with existing policies, make a financial case for a change of policy, and use all legitimate means to exert pressure.
Outlier detection in graphs: A study on the impact of multiple graph models
Authors: Campos Guilherme , Moreira Edré , Meira Wagner , Zimek Arthur
Published: June 2019

Several previous works proposed techniques to detect outliers in graph data. Usually, some complex dataset is modeled as a graph and a technique for detecting outliers in graphs is applied. The impact of the graph model on the outlier detection capabilities of any method has been ignored. Here we assess the impact of the graph model on the outlier detection performance and the gains that may be achieved by using multiple graph models and combining the results obtained by these models. We show that assessing the similarity between graphs may be a guidance to determine effective combinations, as less similar graphs are complementary with respect to outlier information they provide and lead to better outlier detection.
General Anesthesia in a Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Child: A Case Report
Authors: Goi Takahiro , Shionoya Yoshiki , Sunada Katsuhisa , Nakamura Kiminari
Published: June 2019

We performed general anesthesia on a 3-year-old boy with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Patients with G6PD deficiency exhibit jaundice and anemia due to hemolysis caused by a lack of the G6PD enzyme. To maintain anesthesia, we used propofol and remifentanil, which may prevent hemolytic attacks by exerting an antioxidant effect. In addition, because the patient was in a high-risk group for the development of methemoglobinemia, we used mepivacaine as a local anesthetic. We liaised with the patient's attending physician to make sufficient arrangements, such as securing an emergency transfer on the day of anesthesia. The patient did not develop hemolytic attacks during or after the procedure, and he progressed well without problems.
Estimación y análisis de umbrales críticos de lluvia para la ocurrencia de avenidas torrenciales en el Valle de Aburrá (Antioquia)
Authors: Guerrero Luis Angel , Aristizabal Giraldo Edier Vicente
Published: June 2019

En Colombia entre los años 1914 y 2015, se han presentado 1.139 avenidas torrenciales con un saldo trágico de 2.195 víctimas mortales. Eventos como los ocurridos en Salgar y Mocoa señalan la necesidad de implementar sistemas de alerta temprana en aquellas áreas susceptibles que han sido densamente pobladas. En el presente trabajo se estudia el caso del valle de Aburrá; se proponen umbrales de lluvia críticos como detonantes de avenidas torrenciales para un sistema de alerta temprana. Para la definición de umbrales se utilizó el método del RTI (Índice de Lluvia Detonante), desarrollado en Taiwán. El método utiliza datos de lluvia horarios de 15 estaciones localizadas dentro del Valle y el inventario de avenidas registradas en el DesInventar. A partir de estas series de datos se encontraron 1.784 eventos de lluvia detonantes potenciales entre 1994-2016, con un promedio de intensidad máxima de 31,2 mm/h. Los resultados arrojan valores de RTI críticos de 2.268, 2.734, 3.128, 3.337 mm2/h para 1, 3, 7 y 15 días de lluvia antecedente respectivamente; con la intensidad máxima promedio se obtuvo un umbral critico de lluvia antecedente acumulada de 76, 91, 104, 111 mm para 1, 3, 7 y 15 días de lluvia antecedente, respectivamente.
UPAYA MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR SHOOTING PADA PERMAINAN BOLA BASKET MELALUI GAYA MENGAJAR KOMANDO
Authors: Siregar Fajar Sidik , Abady Andi Nur
Published: June 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana peningkatan hasil belajar Shooting pada permainan bola basket melalui gaya mengajar komando pada siswa Kelas X SMA SWA Bina Karya Medan. Lokasi penelitian ini dilaksanakan di SMA Bina Budaya Medan, adapun subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas X SMA SWA Bina Karya dengan jumlah 41 orang. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan PTK (Penelitian Tindakan Kelas). Hasil Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa pembelajaran melalui Gaya mengajar komando terhadap peningkatan hasil belajar Shooting dalam permainan bola basket pada siswa kelas X SMA SWA Bina Karya meningkat. (1). Dari hasil tes belajar siklus I di peroleh sebanyak 17 orang siswa (59.00%) telah mencapai tingkat ketuntasan belajar, sedangkan 24 orang siswa (41.00%) belum mencapai tingkat ketuntasan belajar dengan persentase nilai 70.50, namun belum memenuhi kriteria ketuntasan secara klasikal yang diharapkan. (2). Dari tes hasil belajar siklus II di peroleh data sebanyak 36 orang siswa (88.00%) yang telah mencapai ketuntasan belajar, dan 5 orang siswa (12.00%) masih belum tuntas dengan persentase nilai rata-rata 80.23 peningkatan persentase nilai ketuntasan klasikalnya 88.00%.