bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical factors underlying a single surgery or repetitive surgeries to treat superior oblique muscle palsy
Authors: Aoba Kana , Matsuo Toshihiko , Hamasaki Ichiro , Hasebe Kayoko
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this study is to know clinical factors underlying either a single surgery or repetitive surgeries, required to treat superior oblique muscle palsy. Retrospective review was made on 246 consecutive patients with idiopathic (n = 212) or acquired (n = 34) superior oblique muscle palsy who underwent surgeries in 8 years at one institution. Idiopathic palsy included congenital and decompensated palsies while acquired palsy included traumatic and ischemic palsies. Clinical factors, compared between groups with a single surgery (n = 203) and two or more surgeries (n = 43), were surgical methods, sex, age at surgery, horizontal, vertical, and cyclotorsional deviations, and stereopsis at near fixation. Inferior oblique muscle recession on paretic side was chosen in about 60% of the single-surgery and repetitive-surgery group as an initial surgery, followed by inferior rectus muscle recession on non-paretic side. The age at surgery was significantly older, vertical and cyclotorsional deviations were significantly larger in the repetitive-surgery group, compared with the single-surgery group (P = 0.01, P < 0.001, P = 0.02, Mann–Whitney U-test, respectively). The 95% confidence interval of vertical deviations was 15–17 prism diopters in the single-surgery group and 23–28 prism diopters in the repetitive surgery group. Significant differences in vertical deviations were replicated also in subgroups of patients with either idiopathic or acquired palsy. In conclusions, the 95% confidence interval of vertical deviations, determined by alternate prism and cover test, would be used as a common benchmark for predicting either a single surgery or repetitive surgeries, required to treat idiopathic and acquired superior oblique muscle palsy, in the process of obtaining the informed consent.
Adrenal Insufficiency in Corticosteroids Use: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Broersen Leonie H. A. , Pereira Alberto M. , Jørgensen Jens Otto L. , Dekkers Olaf M.
Published: April 2015

Objective:

We aimed to estimate pooled percentages of patients with adrenal insufficiency after treatment with corticosteroids for various conditions in a meta-analysis. Secondly, we aimed to stratify the results by route of administration, disease, treatment dose, and duration.

Methods:

We searched seven electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and CINAHL/Academic Search Premier) in February 2014 to identify potentially relevant studies. Original articles testing adult corticosteroid users for adrenal insufficiency were eligible.

Results:

We included 74 articles with a total of 3753 participants. Stratified by administration form, percentages of patients with adrenal insufficiency ranged from 4.2% for nasal administration (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5–28.9) to 52.2% for intra-articular administration (95% CI, 40.5–63.6). Stratified by disease, percentages ranged from 6.8% for asthma with inhalation corticosteroids only (95% CI, 3.8–12.0) to 60.0% for hematological malignancies (95% CI, 38.0–78.6). The risk also varied according to dose from 2.4% (95% CI, 0.6–9.3) (low dose) to 21.5% (95% CI, 12.0–35.5) (high dose), and according to treatment duration from 1.4% (95% CI, 0.3–7.4) (<28 d) to 27.4% (95% CI, 17.7–39.8) (>1 year) in asthma patients.

Conclusions:

1) Adrenal insufficiency after discontinuation of glucocorticoid occurs frequently; 2) there is no administration form, dosing, treatment duration, or underlying disease for which adrenal insufficiency can be excluded with certainty, although higher dose and longer use give the highest risk; 3) the threshold to test corticosteroid users for adrenal insufficiency should be low in clinical practice, especially for those patients with nonspecific symptoms after cessation.
Optimal Mirrleesean Taxation in a Ben-Porath Economy
Authors: Kapička Marek
Published: April 2015

I characterize optimal taxes in a life-cycle economy where ability and human capital are unobservable. I show that unobservable human capital effectively makes preferences over labor nonseparable across age. I generalize the static optimal tax formulas to account for such nonseparabilities and show how they depend both on own-Frisch labor elasticities and cross-Frisch labor elasticities. I calibrate the economy to US data. I find that the optimal marginal income taxes decrease with age, in contrast to both the US tax code and to a model with observable human capital. I demonstrate that the behavior of cross-Frisch elasticities is essential in explaining the decline. (JEL D91, H21, H24, J24)
Understanding Markups in the Open Economy
Authors: de Blas Beatriz , Russ Katheryn N.
Published: April 2015

This paper presents a new model of Bertrand competition between heterogeneous firms in the open economy where the macroeconomic distribution of markups responds to the degree of trade openness and the underlying level of technology in each trading partner. The model’s simple closed-form distributions for markups and pricing yield predictions that coincide with a number of stylized facts from the empirical literature on markups, pass-through, and trade openness which previously could be illustrated only through numerical simulations. (JEL D43, F12, F41, L13)
Unemployment Insurance Fraud and Optimal Monitoring
Authors: Fuller David L. , Ravikumar B. , Zhang Yuzhe
Published: April 2015

An important incentive problem for the design of unemployment insurance is the fraudulent collection of unemployment benefits by workers who are gainfully employed. We show how to efficiently use a combination of tax/subsidy and monitoring to prevent such fraud. The optimal policy monitors the unemployed at fixed intervals. Employment tax is nonmonotonic: it increases between verifications but decreases after a verification. Unemployment benefits are relatively flat between verifications but decrease sharply after a verification. Our quantitative analysis suggests that the optimal monitoring cost is 60 percent of the cost in the current US system. (JEL D82, H24, J64, J65)
Congenital Left Upper Lobe Agenesis: Report of a Case
Authors: Yazicioglu Alkin , Alici Ibrahim Onur , Yekeler Erdal
Published: April 2015

Lobar agenesis is an extremely rare condition which is characterized by the absence of the lobar pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein, bronchi and parenchyma. Most frequently the affected lobe is the left upper lobe, and patients usually survive to older ages. In the report below we present a case of the left upper lobe agenesis and bronchiectasis of the superior segment of the ipsilateral lower lobe. The thoracic computed tomography scan and fiberoptic bronchoscopy are important diagnostic tools. The patient remained problem-free after the segmentectomy of the bronchiectatic parenchyma.
RETORNOS DA ESCOLARIDADE NO BRASIL E REGIÕES
Authors: Silveira Glauber Flaviano , Gomes Marília Fernandes Maciel , Lima João Eustáquio de , Silva José Maria Alves da
Published: April 2015

Um dos determinantes do desenvolvimento econômico de uma nação é o capital humano, sendo que os retornos da escolaridade se apresentam como fator crucial. Verifica-se, na literatura nacional, a predominância de estudos que contemplam em sua unidade de análise o Brasil como um todo ou um estado, em específico. Nesse sentido, no presente trabalho buscou-se avaliar os retornos da escolaridade no Brasil e em suas regiões, bem como analisar de que modo o grau de instrução (fundamental, médio ou superior) afeta o retorno da escolaridade dos indivíduos quanto ao gênero. Os resultados evidenciaram que o retorno da escolaridade no Brasil é positivo, tanto para os homens quanto para as mulheres. Na análise em que foram destacadas as diferenças regionais, constatou-se a existência de heterogeneidade entre as regiões. Além disso, na análise por grau de instrução, verifica-se que os retornos da escolaridade são crescentes.
COMPETÊNCIAS VOLTADAS À SUSTENTABILIDADE ORGANIZACIONAL: UM ESTUDO DE CASO EM UMA INDÚSTRIA EXPORTADORA
Authors: De Carvalho Ana Carolina Vilela , Stefano Silvio Roberto , Munck Luciano
Published: April 2015

A discussão sobre a sustentabilidade é uma realidade em organizações públicas e privadas, e iniciaram-se reflexões e questionamentos sobre sua forma de responsabilidade e gestão. Este artigo objetivou identificar as competências encontradas nos gestores de nível tático, que podem auxiliar no desenvolvimento de práticas sustentáveis em uma indústria alimentícia multinacional. A pesquisa foi realizada junto a gestores, coordenadores e analistas da organização. Foram realizadas entrevistas com dois coordenadores e dois analistas, além de ter sido aplicado um questionário para autoavaliação dos gerentes e coordenadores no que se refere às competências voltadas à sustentabilidade. De um total de dezoito funcionários com cargos de gerência e coordenação, treze responderam aos questionários. Os resultados geraram contribuições de caráter teórico e prático ao refletir sobre as competências e entregas voltadas à sustentabilidade dos gestores de nível tático. Percebe-se que a sustentabilidade pode encontrar na gestão por competências um apoio à conscientização organizacional.
RECURSOS E COMPETÊNCIAS RELEVANTES NA BUSCA PELA VANTAGEM COMPETITIVA: O DESENVOLVIMENTO DE VEÍCULOS DE BAIXO CONSUMO PELA VOLKSWAGEN DO BRASIL
Authors: Sambiase Rafael Iuliano , Marcondes Reynaldo Cavalheiro
Published: April 2015

O objetivo deste artigo é verificar que recursos e competências têm sido mais relevantes no processo de desenvolvimento de novos veículos de menor consumo energético pela Volkswagen do Brasil na busca da vantagem competitiva, tendo em vista a sua adesão ao programa Inovar-Auto patrocinado pelo Governo Federal. Está fundamentado na visão baseada em recursos e suportado por pesquisa descritiva de natureza qualitativa, que incluiu entrevistas com seis gestores, das áreas de planejamento do produto, engenharia do produto e marketing, integrantes do processo de desenvolvimento de novos veículos da montadora. As respostas foram tratadas e categorizadas por meio da análise de conteúdo. Como resultado foi verificado que a empresa desenvolve pessoal capacitado em análise, simulação e medição, e conhecimento técnico, utilizando recursos complementares específicos e outras competências da empresa, focando as oportunidades e ameaças inerentes ao programa Inovar-Auto, adotando basicamente a estratégia de diferenciação do produto.
DETERMINANTS OF INTERORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PARKS: THEORETICAL AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Laimer Claudionor Guedes
Published: April 2015

The study aims to identify the factors that determine the formation of interorganizational relationships in the context of science and technology parks. To conduct the study, which consists of qualitative research with multiple case studies, we selected two parks: one located in Brazil and the other in Portugal. The survey’s main findings are represented by the theoretical and empirical evidence found in the context of science and technology parks, and the need for reciprocity and legitimacy proved critical to the formation of interorganizational relationships. Although these determinants match the primary theoretical and empirical evidence, other elements may influence the relationship, such as cultural aspects, environmental uncertainty, risk aversion and mistrust.
An Empirical Analysis of China's Wood Pulp and Recovered Paper Imports Using an Augmented Gravity Model Approach
Authors: Tang Shuai , Song Weiming , Perez-Garcia John , Eastin Ivan L.
Published: April 2015

Production and consumption trends of China's pulp and paper products are discussed as well as imports of two principal raw materials: wood pulp and recovered paper. We developed an augmented gravity model to understand trade behavior between China and its trading partners using panel data from 1995 to 2012. The results show that China's economic growth is an important driver for wood pulp and recovered paper imports. Exporters' economic size has positive impacts on wood pulp exports and is also a significant factor in determining recovered paper exports. Distance has a significant negative impact on China's wood pulp and recovered paper imports. Finally, China's accession to the World Trade Organization increased both its wood pulp and recovered paper imports.
Efeito de Bacillus thuringiensis nas características biológicas do predador Orius insidiosus Say (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) alimentado com ovos de Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidopteta: Plutellidae)
Authors: Goulart Roberto Marchi , De Bortoli Sergio Antonio , Vacari Alessandra Marieli , Laurentis Valéria Lucas , Veiga Ana Carolina Pires , De Bortoli Caroline Placidi , Polanczyk Ricardo Antonio
Published: April 2015

A traça-das-crucíferas, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), é considerada uma das pragas mais importantes de brassicáceas (Brassicaceae) em todo o mundo. A praga ocorre todos os anos no Brasil, onde o seu manejo é feito principalmente com controle químico por causa de sua conveniência e rápida ação inicial. O uso indiscriminado de inseticidas afeta organismos não-alvo e tem sido associado com o aumento da resistência de populações de P. xylostella. Estas preocupações despertaram o interesse para o uso de outras estratégias de controle, que incluem o uso de microrganismos entomopatogênicos como Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner e do predador Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito de B. thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis aizawai GC 91, Agree®) nas características biológicas de O. insidiosus. Os predadores foram alimentados com ovos de P. xylostella tratados com água destilada (controle) ou com suspensão de B. thuringiensis (0,7 g/0,5 L). Os seguintes aspectos biológicos foram avaliados: duração, sobrevivência e consumo durante o período ninfal; e consumo, número de ovos por fêmea e viabilidade de ovos durante a fase adulta. Os parâmetros de tabela de vida de fertilidade também foram avaliados para os tratamentos com ovos tratados e não tratados com B. thuringiensis. Os resultados mostraram que dentre os parâmetros de O. insidiosus a duração de ninfas de segundo ínstar, consumo ninfal e longevidade de fêmeas foram afetados pela presença de B. thuringiensis nos ovos tratados. Fêmeas alimentadas com ovos tratados mostraram menor número da progênie, que consequentemente levou a uma menor taxa de crescimento populacional.
Planejamento Estratégico Situacional em Saúde: Um Desafio no Gerenciamento de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde em Paulo Afonso - BA
Authors: Silva Damaris Mariana De Mairins , Vieira Sâmella Dos Santos
Published: April 2015

Sendo o Planejamento Estratégico como importante recurso para otimização e melhoria das ações de saúde, especialmente na Estratégia Saúde da Família, este estudo exploratório descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência, teve como objetivo analisar a utilização do Planejamento Estratégico em uma unidade de Saúde da Família, na cidade de Paulo Afonso – BA, no que se refere à saúde do adolescente. Os resultados foram três situações-problema: 1. Falta de interação e comunicação nas relações nas equipes da unidade de saúde; 2. Recursos humanos insuficientes para atender a demanda de saúde; e 3. Inexistência de ações e incentivos para a promoção da saúde do adolescente. O que se pode perceber é uma fragilidade na organização das demandas de saúde, o que acaba por se traduzir na dificuldade de gestão das equipes de saúde com fins estratégicos. Neste sentido, conclui-se que uma das ferramentas para traçar os nós críticos das situações problema é o Planejamento Estratégico, pois possibilita um levantamento das causas e acrescenta valores a pratica gerencial, oferecendo suporte para melhoria das ações implementadas.
Motivação e Satisfação no Trabalho da Polícia Militar: Um estudo de caso no Sertão Pernambucano
Authors: Cassundé Fernanda Roda De Souza Araújo , Moraes Ana Carolina Brandão , Vasconcelos Arianne Bezerra de , Alves Júnior Celso , Souza Emanuela Carvalho de , Pereira Robério Dias , Alencar Rosivânia Rodrigues de
Published: April 2015

Objetivou-se descrever os fatores que contribuem para a satisfação e insatisfação de policiais militares do Sertão Pernambucano. Caracteriza-se por ser uma pesquisa quantitativa, em que a coleta dos dados se deu por meio de questionários e a análise ocorreu por agrupamento das respostas em categorias comuns. Os resultados apontam que para 50,3% dos profissionais, há um relacionamento agradável com os colegas de trabalho. Já os indicadores relacionados à insatisfação apontam principalmente para os critérios relacionados à ascensão hierárquica, uma vez que apenas 1,3% concordam serem os métodos justos. A base teórica do estudo está fundamentada em Herzberg, uma vez que os resultados obtidos vão de encontro ao modelo Higiene-Motivação proposto pelo autor.
De Paciente a Terapeuta: A Ressignificação do Processo Saúde-Doença e Empoderamento na Terapia Comunitária
Authors: Giffoni Francinete Alves De Oliveira
Published: April 2015

O presente artigo apresenta um Relato de Caso sbre a Ressignificação do Processo Saúde-Doença e Empoderamento na Terapia Comunitária, à partir da história de vida do Sr. Zequinha. O seu processo de crescimento e aprendizagem iniciado em movimentos sociais, avança na vivência da Terapia Comunitária.  O mesmo tem sua antiga identidade de retirante/favelado reconstruída para um ser político e, posteriormente ressignificada pela terapia como sujeito social, empoderado na eficiente função de curador, como terapeuta comunitário.
Biracial Place Walkers on Campus
Authors: Agosto Vonzell , Marn Travis , Ramirez Rica
Published: April 2015

Send this e-mail to Rica and Travis: Rica and Travis, I wish you could have been at the duoethnography panel. The first presentation had some uneasy conversations. The second, Dr. Colomer's presentation, was cool: A performance with guest actors had some sad moments with death, health issues, and attrition. The next presentation was about miscarriage and grief counseling. I wondered if our paper is frivolous in comparison to the others. I think not. Our episodes of cultural starvation and indifference are there and painful, but our comebacks are so quick (nourishment as resistance), and therefore so is the celebration. Written by Agosto while flying home after presenting at the 2014 International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry.
Still Learning after Three Studies
Authors: Brown Hilary
Published: April 2015

This paper traces my journey carrying out three duoethnographic studies. Initially, I used duoethnography as an epistemology or pedagogical tool with teacher candidates. Next its use shifted to an ontological position. When I began each study there was an unresolved tension. By the end I felt a greater sense of connection to the past. The issues that were ever present became clearer and more manageable. There was a reconciliation of the past through a reincorporation in the present. How did I arrive at this innovative methodology? Why did it choose me? What are the challenges when engaging in a dialogic method that unravels the past? This paper interweaves three dialogic conversations in an attempt to glean what undergoing a duoethnography has taught me as I moved from an epistemological stance through an ontological awakening to my new reflective stance, which is guiding my present practice in the academy.
Duoethnography as Relational Whiteness Pedagogy
Authors: Hummel Gregory Sean , Toyosaki Satoshi
Published: April 2015

Employing duoethnography (Norris & Sawyer, 2012), we examine how whiteness and whiteness studies function in our lived experiences. Understanding our lived experiences as life curriculum or “currere” (Norris & Sawyer, 2012, p. 12), we build an interwoven and polyvocal text that critically questions, meaningfully complicates, and carefully moves whiteness studies in highly experiential manners, finally arriving at relational whiteness pedagogy. In addition to relational whiteness studies and pedagogy as its foci of investigation, this essay tells a methodological story (Ellis, 2004) of “doing” duoethnography. We discuss implications of duoethnography for teaching cultures from a critical paradigm.
“Spark like a Dialectic”
Authors: Huckaby M. Francyne , Weinburgh Molly H.
Published: April 2015

In this article, we explore duoethnography methodologically and turn to feminism and black feminism to create a space for productive, not destructive, dialectics. By examining the lyrics and backstories of the ice cream truck song, “Dixie's Land,” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” we problematize race, ethnicity, and gender as expressed in public and private spaces. Instead of conceptualizing these concepts as antagonistic, we turn to intersectionality and the third space to not only understand but also interstand the in-between. We piece together the tenants of duoethnography, black feminism, and feminism to highlight the gifts and challenges each offers the other. Through conversations of difference, this article emphasizes not mere tolerance but the value of differences from which “creativity can spark like a dialectic” (Lorde, 1984/2007, p. 111).
Duoethnography on Friendship
Authors: Shelton Nancy Rankie , McDermott Morna
Published: April 2015

In this paper the authors intersect the methodology of duoethnography with the concept of “friendship,” using the latter as both topic to be examined and process by which the authors navigate the inquiry itself. The frame used to analyze this duoethnographic journey of friendship includes William Doll's (1993) four R's of curriculum: recursion, relations, richness, and rigor. The authors consider through this duoethnographic/dialogic process not only the patterns of relationships that shape the process of research but how “research” shapes the patterns of the friendship explored here, which creates a reexamination of the concept of friendship itself. The authors conclude that processes and concepts of friendship parallel, influence, and disrupt processes and concepts of inquiry such as “reliability,” “trustworthiness,” and “relationships.”
A Multifunctional Mutagenesis System for Analysis of Gene Function in Zebrafish
Authors: Quach Helen Ngoc Bao , Tao Shijie , Vrljicak Pavle , Joshi Adita , Ruan Hua , Sukumaran Rashmi , Varshney Gaurav K , LaFave Matthew C ,   The Ds Screen Team, Burgess Shawn M , Winkler Christoph , Emelyanov Alexander , Parinov Sergey , Sampath Karuna
Published: April 2015

Since the sequencing of the human reference genome, many human disease-related genes have been discovered. However, understanding the functions of all the genes in the genome remains a challenge. The biological activities of these genes are usually investigated in model organisms such as mice and zebrafish. Large-scale mutagenesis screens to generate disruptive mutations are useful for identifying and understanding the activities of genes. Here, we report a multifunctional mutagenesis system in zebrafish using the maize Ds transposon. Integration of the Ds transposable element containing an mCherry reporter for protein trap events and an EGFP reporter for enhancer trap events produced a collection of transgenic lines marking distinct cell and tissue types, and mutagenized genes in the zebrafish genome by trapping and prematurely terminating endogenous protein coding sequences. We obtained 642 zebrafish lines with dynamic reporter gene expression. The characterized fish lines with specific expression patterns will be made available through the European Zebrafish Resource Center (EZRC), and a database of reporter expression is available online (http://fishtrap.warwick.ac.uk/). Our approach complements other efforts using zebrafish to facilitate functional genomic studies in this model of human development and disease.
Comparative Genetics of Seed Size Traits in Divergent Cereal Lineages Represented by Sorghum (Panicoidae) and Rice (Oryzoidae)
Authors: Zhang Dong , Li Jingping , Compton Rosana O , Robertson Jon , Goff Valorie H , Epps Ethan , Kong Wenqian , Kim Changsoo , Paterson Andrew H
Published: April 2015

Seed size is closely related to fitness of wild plants, and its modification has been a key recurring element in domestication of seed/grain crops. In sorghum, a genomic and morphological model for panicoid cereals, a rich history of research into the genetics of seed size is reflected by a total of 13 likelihood intervals determined by conventional QTL (linkage) mapping in 11 nonoverlapping regions of the genome. To complement QTL data and investigate whether the discovery of seed size QTL is approaching “saturation,” we compared QTL data to GWAS for seed mass, seed length, and seed width studied in 354 accessions from a sorghum association panel (SAP) that have been genotyped at 265,487 SNPs. We identified nine independent GWAS-based “hotspots” for seed size associations. Targeted resequencing near four association peaks with the most notable linkage disequilibrium provides further support of the role(s) of these regions in the genetic control of sorghum seed size and identifies two candidate causal variants with nonsynonymous mutations. Of nine GWAS hotspots in sorghum, seven have significant correspondence with rice QTL intervals and known genes for components of seed size on orthologous chromosomes. Identifying intersections between positional and association genetic data are a potentially powerful means to mitigate constraints associated with each approach, and nonrandom correspondence of sorghum (panicoid) GWAS signals to rice (oryzoid) QTL adds a new dimension to the ability to leverage genetic data about this important trait across divergent plants.
CFD Benchmark Tests for Indoor Environmental Problems: Part 1 Isothermal/Non-Isothermal Flow in 2D and 3D Room Model
Authors: Kazuhide Ito  , Kiao Inthavong  , Takashi Kurabuchi  , Toshikatsu Ueda  , Tomoyuki Endo  , Toshiaki Omori  , Hiroki Ono  , Shinsuke Kato  , Koji Sakai  , Yoshihide Suwa  , Hiroshi Matsumoto  , Hajime Yoshino  , Weirong Zhang  , Jiyuan Tu
Published: April 2015

Commercially available Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software have been applied in indoor environmental design in recent years, but the prediction accuracy depends on an understanding of fluid dynamics fundamentals, in setting appropriate boundary and numerical conditions. This study aims to provide practical modelling information related to prediction accuracy and problematic areas in CFD applications in air conditioning and ventilation, through a series of benchmark tests and reported the results. Six commercial CFD codes were evaluated while two benchmark test cases were performed on isothermal/non-isothermal flow in 2D and 3D room models. The influence of mesh design, and turbulence models showed that using a standard k-ε model on a coarse mesh could provide sufficiently accurate results for practical purposes, by reducing the relaxation coefficient. Evaluation using different CFD programs on a non-isothermal room airflow showed different performances in predicting temperature distributions. The OpenFOAM code showed the closest matching results between three codes tests.
Quality Enhancement of Open and Distance Teacher Education through E-Learning 2.0
Authors:   Assistant Professor, School of Education, IgNoU, New Delhi-110068, Kumar C. Ajith
Published: April 2015

Quality of teacher education in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) has been posing a question for pretty long time. Stakeholders at different levels have been working to design innovative strategies to raise the standard to meet the demands of the children. The open teacher education scenario is passing through a paradigm shift in respect of teaching â€“learning process and other related dimensions. Quality enhancement of teacher education via Open and Distance Learning can be possible by adopting creative use of technology which, by a large is interlinked to e-learning 2.0. E-learning 2.0 is the use of web 2.0 technologies in teaching-learning processes visa-a-visa blogs, wikis, RSS feeds and social networking sites etc. Design of e-pedagogy along with e-learning strategies paves a path to make learning free of social-political cultural barriers and thus enhances the quality of learning. This paper discusses various aspects of e-learning 2.0 strategies in the open and distance teacher education, role of e-learning 2.0 methods in improving the quality of education and latest e-learning 2.0 tools and its application in open and distance education, especially teacher education. It helps stakeholders to build a sound knowledge in e-learning 2.0 strategies and its application for the daily teaching-learning practices at all levels of open and distance teacher education.
Child -Centered Teaching: Facilitatorsâ€™ Perceptions and Practices in Nepalese Early Childhood Development (ECD) Center
Authors:   Researcher Ph.D. (Edu.), 2Professor and Director, School of Education JNU, Jaipur, India, Karki Yam Bahadur , Vashisth Kamla ,   Researcher Ph.D. (Edu.), 2Professor and Director, School of Education JNU, Jaipur, India
Published: April 2015

It is a blunder if students are regarded as empty vessels to be filled by the teacher. But we find most of the schools in Nepal; the classes are generally conducted in very primitive and traditional manner in the name of maintaining discipline (Gharti, 2006). The present study sheds some spotlight on the facilitators’ perceptions and practices of child- centered teaching in the context of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers in Nepal. The study was based on qualitative approach and used the case study method. The result showed that the majority of facilitators have positive perception towards teaching profession and used child- centered teaching methods. Most of them reported the unavailability of teaching materials and low monthly pay.
Relative Influence of Parents and Peers on Adolescents in Decision Making
Authors:   Dev Samaj College of Education Sector 36-B, Chandigarh–160036, India, Dhillon Agnese
Published: April 2015

The present study was conducted to study the relative influence of parents and peers on adolescents’ in decision making. The sample comprised 200 adolescents of class VII and XII of which 100 were boys and 100 were girls. The sample for the research was selected by the descriptive survey method. The tool that was used for the data collection was Decision Making Test developed by the investigator. The students were given the questionnaire and the responses were collected. The data was analyzed using percentages keeping in mind the aims and objectives of the study. The results of the study show that the adolescents consulted their parents in all the matters but their decisions in few areas only was affected by the parents.
Effect of Mnemonic Techniques on Learning Acquisition in Relation to Cognitive Styles and Self Concept
Authors:   Assistant Professor, S.R.M. College of Education, Vill. Dandrawal, Tehsil Raipur Rani, Distt Panchkula, Haryana-201204, India, Kumar Avanish
Published: April 2015

The study was conducted on the sample of 500 students of Secondary School Students, as per the requirements of 3 * 2 * 2 factorial design in which the independent variables of Mnemonic Techniques (M), Cognitive Styles (C) and Self Concept (S) were studied. Learning Acquisition on some concepts of Social Studies was taken as dependent variable. There were three levels of Mnemonic Techniques and two levels each of the variables of Cognitive Styles and Self Concept. The study was experimental in nature in which Mnemonic Techniques were studied with Illustrations (M1), without Illustrations (M2) and the third group consisted of the control group (Mo). The results showed that F ratios were significant for the main effects of Mnemonic Techniques, Cognitive Styles and Self Concept as also for the double interaction effects of M*C, C*S and M*S. However, the triple interaction effect of M * C * S was not significant even at .05 level of confidence.
Innovative Approaches and Strategies for Teaching: Dealing with Constraints for better Learning
Authors:   Research Scholar (JRF), Department of Education, Panjab University, chandigarh 160014, India, Aggarwal Richa
Published: April 2015

A considerable amount of research done on teaching and learning is as a guide to effective teaching and better learning. There is an extensive body of research and evidence available on how ways of teaching methods and the design of curriculum affects learning. But they will be helpful only if the teacher educators apply these theories in classroom effectively, in order to observe and reflect better results enhancing reflective, autonomous and in depth learning so that the classroom gets converted into a laboratory where the teacher will relate the theory to practice leading to effective learning. The present paper throws light on some innovative approaches towards teaching providing a base for better foundation of learning and lays emphasis on how teaching in an effective manner can be encouraged and led, despite existing formidable barriers to upcoming change, as barriers are a part of any process and crossing these barriers with proper insight and skill will give direction to a way leading to better learning and a destination to a lightened future.
Relação entre o consumo de açúcares de adição e a adequação da dieta de adolescentes residentes no município de São Paulo
Authors: Colucci Ana Carolina Almada , Cesar Chester Luis Galvão , Marchioni Dirce Maria Lobo , Fisberg Regina Mara
Published: April 2015

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre o consumo de açúcares de adição e a adequação do consumo de nutrientes e grupos alimentares em adolescentes residentes no município de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 793 adolescentes, provenientes de um estudo de base populacional, realizado em 2003. O consumo alimentar foi medido pelo recordatório de 24 horas, tendo sido aplicado método de ajuste por meio de subamostra de 195 indivíduos. O consumo de açúcares foi categorizado em adequado ou inadequado, quando ≤10% ou >10% do valor energético total da dieta, respectivamente. A adequação de ingestão de macronutrientes considerou intervalos de distribuição aceitável, e a prevalência de inadequação dos micronutrientes foi calculada pelo método Estimated Average Requirement como ponto de corte. O consumo mediano dos alimentos foi estimado além dos percentis 25 e 75. Foram utilizados testes de Qui-quadrado, Wald e mediana, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Identificou-se maior proporção de adolescentes com consumo adequado de carboidratos entre aqueles com maior ingestão de açúcares de adição. Todos os adolescentes apresentaram ingestão proteica dentro dos valores preconizados e verificou-se associação significativa entre a adequação de lipídeos e o consumo de açúcares de adição somente entre os adolescentes do sexo masculino. Maior porção mediana de leite, carnes, frutas, suco industrializado, refrigerante e achocolatado em pó foi identificada entre os adolescentes com consumo excessivo de açúcares de adição. CONCLUSÃO: O consumo excessivo de açúcares de adição se mostrou relacionado à menor adequação do consumo de nutrientes e à menor ingestão de alimentos de alta densidade nutritiva.
Consumo alimentar de crianças e adolescentes com disfagia decorrente de estenose de esôfago: avaliação com base na pirâmide alimentar brasileira
Authors: Marciano Renata , Speridião Patrícia da Graça Leite , Kawakami Elisabete
Published: April 2015

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o consumo alimentar de pacientes com disfagia decorrente de estenose de esôfago, comparando a dieta de consistência líquida com a dieta de consistência pastosa e sólida, com base na Pirâmide Alimentar Brasileira. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal, no qual foram incluídos consecutivamente 31 pacientes com estenose esofágica, sendo 18 (58,0%) cáustica, 7 (22,6%) pós-cirúrgica, 3 (9,7%) péptica e 3 (9,7%) sem causa definida. Empregou-se o recordatório de 24 horas; os alimentos foram transformados em porções em função dos oito grupos de alimentos, conforme recomendado por Philippi. Utilizou-se o teste Kruskal-Wallis e Exato de Fisher, fixando em 5% o nível de rejeição da hipótese de nulidade. RESULTADOS: A idade variou entre 15 e 176 meses (mediana, 56 meses), sendo 28 crianças e três adolescentes, e 18 do sexo masculino. Vinte e nove pacientes (93,5%) apresentavam disfagia, sendo grave em 34,4% (10/29), moderada em 41,3% (12/29), e leve em 24,1% (7/29). O consumo mediano de porções de cereais, leguminosas, e óleos e gorduras foi menor no grupo com dieta líquida (p<0,005), o qual também apresentou maior proporção de pacientes cujo consumo foi abaixo do proposto pela pirâmide alimentar quando comparado ao grupo com dieta pastosa e sólida, com diferença estatisticamente significante (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O suporte nutricional é de extrema importância no tratamento de pacientes com estenose esofágica, principalmente na disfagia grave, cuja dieta deve ser adaptada à consistência líquida, devido ao risco nutricional que se atribui à limitada ingestão alimentar, e para que o tratamento dietético seja precocemente instituído.
Estado nutricional e consumo alimentar de mulheres jovens na fase lútea e folicular do ciclo menstrual
Authors: Santos Larissa Almenara Silva dos , Soares Clarissa , Dias Adriana Coutinho Giusti , Penna Nathália , Castro Antonio Orestes de Salvo , Azeredo Vilma Blondet de
Published: April 2015

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o estado nutricional e a ingestão alimentar de mulheres adultas sadias durante o ciclo menstrual. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e cinco voluntárias foram acompanhadas durante três meses. A avaliação do estado nutricional foi baseada no índice de massa corporal, porcentagem de gordura e água corporal. Foram aplicados seis registros alimentares para análise da ingestão dos grupos de alimentos, usando como base o guia alimentar da pirâmide. Para a observação do sintoma "desejos alimentares", foram utilizados três "mapas de sintomas diários". RESULTADOS: Os valores médios de índice de massa corporal e de porcentagem de gordura corporal apresentaram-se normais em ambas as fases, entretanto foi observado maior percentual de mulheres com água corporal acima do padrão na fase lútea (77%). O consumo de alimentos do grupo complementar foi maior na fase lútea. Todos os outros grupos de alimentos, com exceção do grupo de carnes, apresentaram consumo inferior às recomendações, em ambas as fases. A intensidade do sintoma "desejos alimentares" foi leve durante o ciclo menstrual, não sendo observada diferença significativa entre as fases. O sintoma "desejos alimentares" associou-se positivamente com o aumento da ingestão do grupo complementar na fase lútea. CONCLUSÃO: O ciclo menstrual influencia o comportamento alimentar e leva à retenção hídrica, na fase lútea, em mulheres adultas sadias.
Relation between intima-media thickness and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fodor Daniela , Bondor Cosmina , Albu Adriana , Muntean Laura , Simon Siao-pin , Poanta Laura , Craciun Alexandra
Published: April 2015

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Controversy exists regarding the relationship between atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA), presence of calcified atherosclerotic plaques and bone mineral density (BMD) evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), in postmenopausal women. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at Second Internal Medicine Clinic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. METHODS: We studied the IMT (left and right CCA and mean IMT) and T-score (lumbar spine L2-L4, femoral neck and total hip) in 100 postmenopausal women (mean age 64.5 years). The presence of calcified atherosclerotic plaque and osteoporotic vertebral fractures was also noted. RESULTS: IMT in the left and right CCA and mean IMT were significantly associated with T-score measured for the lumbar spine L2-L4, femoral neck and total hip, with lower T-score, in the osteoporotic group than in the normal and osteopenic groups (P < 0.05). IMT had a significantly negative correlation with the lumbar spine T-score and femoral neck T-score; and mean IMT with lowest T-score. Mean IMT (P < 0.001), high blood pressure (P = 0.005) and osteoporotic vertebral fractures (P = 0.048) showed statistical significance regarding the likelihood of developing atherosclerotic plaque. CONCLUSIONS: In women referred for routine osteoporosis screening, the relationship between CCA, atherosclerosis and osteoporosis can be demonstrated using either cortical or trabecular BMD. Vertebral fractures may be considered to be a likelihood factor for atherosclerotic plaque development.
Evaluation of Alternative Herbicides for Southern Crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris) Control in St. Augustinegrass
Authors: Glenn Brian D. , Brecke Barry J. , Unruh J. Bryan , Ferrell Jason A. , Kenworthy Kevin E. , MacDonald Greg E.
Published: April 2015

Southern crabgrass is a common turfgrass weed throughout the United States, and in Florida a troublesome problem in St. Augustinegrass lawns. Because of herbicide label changes and lack of herbicide tolerance, no POST herbicides are currently registered for homeowner use for crabgrass control in residential and commercial St. Augustinegrass lawns. Alternative weed control methods, including cultural practices and unconventional herbicides, have been investigated to a limited extent for postemergence crabgrass control. In this study, alternative herbicides evaluated included 30% acetic acid, borax, sodium bicarbonate, and Garden Weasel AG Crabgrass Killer (sodium bicarbonate formulation including cinnamon, wheat and corn flour, and cumin). Treatments were applied to southern crabgrass at three growth stages (one to two leaf, three to four leaf, or one to two tiller). In the greenhouse, 30% acetic acid applied twice at 280 L ha−1 and two rates of AG Crabgrass Killer at 976 or 1,465 kg ha−1 provided ≥ 70% control of one to two–leaf southern crabgrass when evaluated 7 d after initial application (DAIA). No treatment provided > 70% control of three to four–leaf or one to two–tiller southern crabgrass or any size crabgrass beyond 7 DAIA. In field trials, no treatment provided acceptable (≥ 70%) southern crabgrass control at any weed stage. Initial turf injury was unacceptable for most rates of 30% acetic acid, sodium bicarbonate, and AG Crabgrass Killer, causing > 20% St. Augustinegrass injury 7 DAIA. By 21 DAIA, turf injury levels had fallen to ≤ 20% for most treatments. Because of high turfgrass injury and little residual control, alternative herbicides tested are not an effective substitute for using preemergence herbicides for southern crabgrass control. If other options are not available, they may have a role as a limited spot treatment in St. Augustinegrass.
La integración de Tarrakuna y su territorio en al-Andalus (s. VIII)
Authors: Gonzalo Arango Xavier
Published: April 2015

At the beginning of the 8th century, the ancient regnum gothorum seemed to be fragmented in several political territories, as the coexistence of two different kings (Roderick and Akhila) within the years 710-711 would show. As a consequence of the Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula and the formation of al-Andalus, those regions would suffer different fates: some would come to an agreement with the conquerors, some would be subdued by force; but traditional historiography has seen an exception in Tarragona. The aim of this paper is to present a new hypothesis, according to which madinat Tarrakuna would be part of the Andalusinian State during the 8th century, just as the rest of the Wisigothic sees did.
Un baño privado en el arrabal occidental de Madinat Qurtuba
Authors: Clapés Salmoral Rafael
Published: April 2015

The presence of private baths in suburb houses is not a frequent fact, as it is demonstrated by the related existing publications and the results of excavations done up to now in the Andalusi hamlet. We will analyze a valuable example documented in the occidental suburbs of qurtuba, which has allowed spreading the knowledge of these islamic spa facilities and understand how the models of public baths are adapted to the domestic field.
Una aproximación multivariante al dimorfismo sexual de una población islámica medieval de la Península Ibérica *
Authors: Jiménez-Arenas Juan Manuel
Published: April 2015

Sexual dimorphism is a key feature that pemit to    us to distinguish females from males. From a quantitative point of view two osteological complex are well discriminant of the sex of the human individuals, pelvis and crania (in this order). On the other hand, when a population presents more variability is more difficult to discriminate females from males. In this study, it is shown that the Islamic population from La Torrecilla (Arenas del Rey, Granada, Spain) provides a very significant sexual dimorphism in the cranium. This fact can be interpreted as a result of being an endogamic population with a low impact of external populations. The historical informations point out in this way, specifically in the rural areas. In this ones, endogamy was a recurrent practice to avoid the property breakup, mainly on the land.
Moneda y espacios de poder en el reino visigodo. Los tremises de El Tolmo de Minateda (Hellín, Albacete)
Authors: Domenech Belda Carolina
Published: April 2015

The archaeological fieldwork carried out in El Tolmo de Minateda (Hellín, Albacete) has made possible to recover the traces of a Visigothic town erected at the end of the 6th century or in the beginning of the 7th century. The numismatic material recovered on levels of use and abandonment in this town is mainly composed by copper coinage from later Roman Empire, and by golden tremisses of low-grade metal coined by the Visigothic kingdom. The stratigraphical contexts of this coins have allowed to raise some questions about the presence and use of the numerary in the Visigothic period.
La cerámica altomedieval de Tortosa (siglos VII-X). Una primera clasificación y análisis interpretativo
Authors: Negre Pérez Joan
Published: April 2015

The objective of this work is to present a first classification of the early medieval pottery production in Tortosa, between 7th and 10th centuries. This record come from two years of archaeological fieldwork carried out in the southern Catalan territories, as well as the review of the museum collections. Pottery productions are one of the key factors in historical research, due to its own abundance in archaeological sites. They can provide valuable information about the chronology and social organisation of archaeological sites as well as a better understanding of territorial dynamics. Despite the limitations of survey methods in order to study pottery productions, most of them not linked to an archaeological context, we tried to establish a preliminary study scheme. Lacking previous works, it was necessary this first classification for the purpose of provide a useful guide to help in the large amount of archaeological excavations carried out in Tortosa’s region. Beyond its practical application, the influence of this record in the knowledge of al-Andalus Islamisation process is analysed throughout the text.Keywords: