bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of the Performance-Based Situation Awareness Observation Schedule (PBSAOS): The Process and Lessons Learned
Authors: Gluyas Heather , Stomski Norman Jay , Andrus Prue , Walters Jennifer , Morrison Paul , Williams Anne Marjorie , Hopkins Martin , Sandy Martinique
Published: August 2019

Background:

No instruments are currently available to assess nursing students' maintenance of situation awareness. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Performance-Based Situation Awareness Observation Schedule for measuring nursing students' use of situation awareness.

Method:

Twelve expert clinicians participated in a qualitative, reiterative consensus-driven process to establish the content validity of the tool. The tool was then piloted during the delivery of a situation awareness education program for final-year nursing students. Cohen's kappa was used to assess the interrater reliability.

Results:

The resultant tool comprised 54 items, which captured strategies to maintain situation awareness and task errors that would infer the presence of situation awareness. The values obtained for Cohen's kappa indicated that the level of agreement was at least substantial for approximately 80% of the items.

Conclusion:

This study developed a valid and reliable tool to measure nursing students' use of situation awareness.

[
J Nurs Educ.
2019;58(8):468–473.]
Creative Learning and Teaching Activities in a School-Based Program Promoting Adolescent Health
Authors: Lee Debra , Wyss Lora , Wirick Stephen
Published: August 2019

Background:

Designing educational activities that engage health profession students' interest in community-based learning is challenging. University faculty channeled concerns about regional trends in cardiovascular disease among adolescents into activities that linked students' foundational knowledge to critical application experiences.

Method:

Between 2013 and 2017, university faculty partnered with a local health system and a public high school to develop a sustainable health promotion plan for the school. The university component involved activities that students implemented as part of their community clinical experiences.

Results:

Participant results and feedback were overwhelmingly positive and affirmed that linking learning to real-world concerns made preventive health care concepts interesting and easier to grasp.

Conclusion:

Educational activities that involve neighboring stakeholders is a creative and meaningful way to provide engaging learning experiences for future health professionals while contributing to authentic solutions within a community-based partnership.

[
J Nurs Educ.
2019;58(8):485–487.]
The epigenetics of diabetes, obesity, overweight and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Smail Harem Othman
Published: August 2019

The objectives of this review were once to understand the roles of the epigenetics mechanism in different types of diabetes, obesity, overweight, and cardiovascular disease. Epigenetics represents a phenomenon of change heritable phenotypic expression of genetic records taking place except changes in DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications can have an impact on a whole of metabolic disease with the aid of specific alteration of candidate genes based totally on the change of the target genes. In this review, I summarized the new findings in DNA methylation, histone modifications in each type of diabetes (type 1 and type 2), obesity, overweight, and cardiovascular disease. The involvement of histone alterations and DNA methylation in the development of metabolic diseases is now widely accepted recently many novel genes have been demonstrated that has roles in diabetes pathway and it can be used for detection prediabetic; however Over the modern-day years, mass spectrometry-based proteomics techniques positioned and mapped one-of a kind range of histone modifications linking obesity and metabolic diseases. The main point of these changes is rapidly growing; however, their points and roles in obesity are no longer properly understood in obesity. Furthermore, epigenetic seen in cardiovascular treatment revealed a massive quantity of modifications affecting the improvement and development of cardiovascular disease. In addition, epigenetics are moreover involved in cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking. The aberrant epigenetic mechanisms that make a contribution to cardiovascular disease.
The loser's curse in the search for advice
Authors: Au Pak Hung
Published: August 2019

An agent searches sequentially for advice from multiple experts concerning the payoff of taking an operation. After incurring a positive search cost, the agent can consult an expert whose interest is partially aligned with him. There are infinitely many experts, each has access to an identically and conditionally independent signal structure about the payoff, and each makes a recommendation after observing the signal realization. We find that the experts face a loser's curse, which could hamper the quality of information transmission. This effect is illustrated by studying the limit of equilibria with vanishing search cost. The main findings are as follows. First, there are signal structures with which both the agent's payoff and social welfare are strictly lower than the alternative scenario in which the agent commits to consulting a single expert only. Second, under some signal structures, no information can be transmitted in equilibrium, even though informative recommendation is possible if the agent could commit to a single expert. Finally, we identify the necessary and sufficient condition that ensures perfect information aggregation in the limit.
Incentives, project choice, and dynamic multitasking
Authors: Szydlowski Martin
Published: August 2019

I study the optimal choice of projects in a continuous‐time moral hazard model with multitasking. I characterize the distortions caused by moral hazard and the dynamics of the firm's project choice. Both overinvestment and underinvestment relative to a net present value (NPV) criterion can occur on the path of the contract. As past performance increases, the firm chooses projects that require higher pay–performance sensitivity. When the continuation value is large, investment projects are chosen more efficiently, and project choice depends more on the NPV and less on the incentive costs.

I implement the optimal contract with an equity stake, bonus payments, and a personal account.
Diagnosing Adoption to Mobile Learning
Authors: Ayo Eliza Bundoc , Anacio Marcial Leyton , Sakay Lani Estrada , Bustamante Rosemarievic Abejero , Mijares Teresita Sacdalan
Published: August 2019

This study was undertaken to address the need to modernize the modes of teaching and learning pedagogy by taking advantage of the proliferation of electronic gadgets and mobile devices since, as counted there are more computers than the people in the world (Boren, 2014). This research found out how learning in the new platform could be adopted by teachers and students. In addition, it tested the different variables involved in the use of mobile in learning by faculty and students of Centro Escolar University (CEU) to determine factors that made implementing technology a success or a failure.

To attain the set objectives, this study made use of descriptive and inferential method to the data gathered from respondents via stratified random sampling. Specifically, it employed frequency, mean, standard deviation, t-test, analysis of variance and multiple linear regressions for the treatment of data derived from the survey questionnaires. To complete the triangulation approach and for consistency of findings, observation and interview were also conducted.

Subsequently, in order to determine adoption to mobile learning the modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model was employed. This model shows relationship of moderating variables which are age, gender, voluntariness of use and experience from independent variables like performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, anxiety and self-efficacy. 

After all the statistical treatments were applied, Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, Effort Expectancy, Performance Expectancy and Facilitating Condition contribute to the success of the introduction of technology to the organization, while social influence was excluded as the reasons why users adopt it.
A Systematic Review of Tablet Technology in Mathematics Education
Authors: Svela Alexander , Nouri Jalal , Viberg Olga , Zhang Lechen
Published: August 2019

In 2019, the mobile learning body of knowledge is extensive and much is known about the technology impacts and affordances of mobile devices in educational settings. A particular focus has now shifted toward specific technologies in specific subjects.   Mathematics is one such subject and tablets are one such technology that is gaining attention. This systematic review representing the latest generation of tablet technology within the tablet-mediated learning in mathematics body of knowledge sought to derive evidence that supported questions into (a) what math sub-disciplines were covered, (b) what technology (application/hardware) was utilized, and (c) what pedagogical approaches were deployed in educational settings. This included analysis of the (d) advantages and (e) disadvantages present in those elements. Thirty-nine relevant articles were collected from various academic technology and educational databases. The results demonstrate that tablets are being predominantly deployed in various sub-disciplines such as Arithmetic, Computation, and Geometry with the iPad as the dominant choice for tablet hardware/applications.  Pedagogical approaches lean heavily on game-based learning, environment interaction, and special needs support. Technological advantages include increased collaboration and mathematics engagement enabled by tablet mobility and a high potential for customization of solutions. Developers, teachers, and researchers need to be informed of potential challenges in designing content for tablet technology deployments in mathematics.
The Efficacy of MALL Instruction in Business English Learning
Authors: Khan Raja Muhammad Ishtiaq , Radzuan Noor Raha Mohd , Alkhunaizan Abdulmohsin Suliman , Mustafa Ghulam , Khan Imran
Published: August 2019

 

The existing technological expansion has transformed pervasive revolutions in modern civilization, with continuing innovation of services and products. Nowadays people are having different channels of communication.  Currently, mobile learning (M-learning) is being used extensively in teaching and learning foreign languages which further widens the mobility of learners. The usage of mobile instruction can lead learners towards a real interruption to learn effectively when used inappositely. The current study is an attempt to explore the potential usage of M-Learning in English for specific purpose (ESP) classes. For this intention smartphone were used in the ESP context for teaching Business English at the College of Business Administration at a public sector university in Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was distributed to 21 participants of the present study after a 5-week exposure to M-learning activities in the formal classroom. The findings revealed that ESP learners acknowledge M-learning as a prompt source of feedback in ESP. The results of this study also indicate that incorporation of M-learning in ESP learning with conventional classroom can support learners to develop their learning proficiency. Moreover, learners showed significantly positive attitude in mobile instruction in a formal classroom.
The New Heat Source Model of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy Laser-TIG Hybrid Welding
Authors: Hou Zhong Lin , Zhao Tan , Xu Zhen , Zhu Long Hao , Sun Jian Hua , Jin Yao Hui , Lv Xin Ze
Published: August 2019

A new heat source model consisted of inverted conical heat source and rotary Gauss body heat source is established using the CAE software for the keyhole effect of laser-TIG hybrid welding. The inverted conical heat source is used for analyzing the wide upper part of weld pool due to the rapid heat up by the laser and arc. The rotary Gauss body heat source model is used for analyzing the long and narrow lower part of weld pool formed by the laser. The result showed that, compared with other single source mode, this new heat source model may get a better simulation of the weld pool morphology, especially the inflection point near the keyhole. It provides a new method to predict the morphology and size of the weld pool of magnesium alloy laser-TIG welding.
Research and Application of Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Materials in Microwave Melting Ice and Snow Road
Authors: Li Zheng Zhong , Zhang Chao Qing , Li Ming Yang , Pi Hui Ran , Yang San Qiang
Published: August 2019

The heating mechanism of electric and magnetic loss materials under microwave irradiation is expounded. The heating rate, material composition and road performance of four kinds of microwave ice and snow roads including carbon fiber, magnetite ore, steel fiber and ferrite are reviewed. And analyze their respective characteristics and applicable conditions. The problems existing in microwave melting ice and snow technology are discussed, and the application prospects of electromagnetic wave absorbing materials in microwave melting ice and snow road are prospected.
Mechanical and Strain-Sensing Properties of Cement-Matrix Composite Containing Nano-Sized Carbon Black
Authors: Wang Yan Feng , Zhao Yi , Zhao Xiao Hua , Hai Ran
Published: August 2019

An experimental researches was performed for carbon black-reinforced cement-matrix composites. The carbon black used was in the form of particles with a nano-size. Results show that when content of the carbon black is between 0.25% and 0.75% by weight of cement, both flexural and compressive strengths of the composite can be enhanced. Flexural strength increases up to 9.69%, and compressive strength increases up to 6.92%, respectively. Moreover, the carbon black-reinforced composite is of high strain-sensing ability. The fractional change in resistance () increases monotonically upon compressive loading, and decreases monotonically upon unloading. These properties indicate that the carbon black-reinforced composite can be used for structural function, while at the same time act as a strain sensor itself. Compared with carbon fiber-reinforced composites, the carbon black-reinforced composite has a low price and is easy for mixing.
Local Optimization Analysis of Bailey Beam Bracket Based on Multiscale Model
Authors: Tian Qin , Hang Cheng Hao , Wan Zi Xin , Zou Yun Peng
Published: August 2019

In the construction of high-speed railway bridge, the stress of Bailey beam is much higher than that of other parts due to the large local compressive stress and bending moment at the fulcrum. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a structural measure of adding double I-steel cushion between Bailey beam and top beam to alleviate the larger stress at the fulcrum and make the support more uniform. Based on the Bailey beam support system of cast-in-situ high-speed railway bridge of Lianshui County super large bridge, the multi-scale finite element model of Bailey beam support is established by ABAQUS general finite element software, and the influence law of structural parameters of double-jointed I-steel cushion on support stress is analyzed. The research shows that the rigidly of the double-jointed I-beam cushion should not be too large or too small. When the length is appropriate, it can effectively alleviate the problem of excessive stress at the fulcrum of Bailey beam, and is a safe, economical and simple new structural measure.
Preparation and Properties of Carbon Coated Spherical Mn3O4 Composites as an Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Ding Peng , Li Wei , Zheng Xing , Yin Mu Yi , Liu Zhong Feng , Liu Hai Lin
Published: August 2019

In this paper, carbon coated spherical Mn3O4 was prepared by decomposition of spherical MnCO3 and sucrose. The results of XRD and SEM showed that Mn3O4/C composites are sphere-like with good crystallinity, and its diameter is about 1um. It could deliver a reversible charge capacity of 848.7 mA h g-1 at the current density of 162.3 mA g-1, and the specific discharge capacity is still have 441 mA h g-1 at a high current density of 649.4 mA g-1 exhabiting good rate performance. The excellent performance of the spherical Mn3O4/C composites could be attributed to its unique architecture which provides fast lithium ion and electron transportation as well as accommodates the large volume change of transition metal oxides during conversion reactions.
Analysis on Causes of Polysiloxane Surface Coating Peeling on a Special Ship
Authors: Xu Sheng Tang , Yang Jian Dong , Ma Chao
Published: August 2019

A new generation of high performance polysiloxane white coating has been peeling off a large area after being applied on a special ship for 10 years, which has a great impact on the appearance of the hull. Based on the curing mechanism and physicochemical characteristics of acrylic polysiloxane coating, the reason of existing coating stripping was analyzed. Through a small range test, We can explore the method of coating repair.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis PPE2 Protein Interacts with p67phox and Inhibits Reactive Oxygen Species Production
Authors: Srivastava Shruti , Battu Madhu Babu , Khan Mehak Zahoor , Nandicoori Vinay Kumar , Mukhopadhyay Sangita
Published: August 2019

Mycobacterium tuberculosis employs defense mechanisms to protect itself from reactive oxygen species (ROS)–mediated cytotoxicity inside macrophages. In the current study, we found that a secretory protein of M. tuberculosis PPE2 disrupted the assembly of NADPH oxidase complex. PPE2 inhibited NADPH oxidase–mediated ROS generation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice. PPE2 interacted with the cytosolic subunit of NADPH oxidase, p67phox, and prevented translocation of p67phox and p47phox to the membrane, resulting in decreased NADPH oxidase activity. Trp236 residue present in the SH3-like domain of PPE2 was found to be critical for its interaction with p67phox. Trp236Ala mutant of PPE2 did not interact with p67phox and thereby did not affect ROS generation. M. tuberculosis expressing PPE2 and PPE2-null mutants complemented with PPE2 survived better than PPE2-null mutants in infected RAW 264.7 macrophages. Altogether, this study suggests that PPE2 inhibits NADPH oxidase–mediated ROS production to favor M. tuberculosis survival in macrophages. The findings that M. tuberculosis PPE2 protein is involved in the modulation of oxidative response in macrophages will help us in improving our knowledge of host–pathogen interactions and the application of better therapeutics against tuberculosis.
The knowledge and attitudes of occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech-language therapy students, regarding the speech-language therapist's role in the hospital stroke rehabilitation team
Authors: Felsher Lisa , Ross Eleanor
Published: August 2019

The purpose of the present study was to survey and compare the knowledge and attitudes of final year occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech-language therapy students, concerning the role of the speech-language therapist as a member of the stroke rehabilitation team in the hospital setting. In order to achieve this aim, a questionnaire was administered to final year students in these three disciplines, and included questions on most areas of stroke rehabilitation with which the speech-language therapist might be involved, as well as the concepts of rehabilitation and teamwork in relation to stroke rehabilitation. Results suggested a fairly good understanding of the concepts of rehabilitation and teamwork. Students appeared to have a greater understanding of those disorders following a stroke, with which the speech-language therapist is commonly involved, such as Aphasia, Dysarthria, Verbal Apraxia and Dysphagia. However, students appeared to show less understanding of those disorders post-stroke, for which the speech-language therapist's role is less well defined, such as Agraphia, Alexia and Amnesia. In addition, a high percentage of role duplication/overlapping in several aspects of stroke rehabilitation, such as family and social support, was found. Several implications for facilitating communication, collaboration and understanding between paramedical professions, as well as for further research are also provided.
Caregiver-child interaction in a rural village in South Africa
Authors: Seeff Belinda K. , Bortz Melissa A.
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to describe the caregiver-child interaction in a South African rural village. A social interactional approach was adopted and a triangulation of methods was used. The interaction of nine caregiver-child dyads was observed during a semi-structured play situation, and the caregivers were interviewed concerning their beliefs about, and attitudes towards their child's communication. Interactions were rated according to an interactional profile and common themes found during the interviews, were identified. Interview results showed that although the majority of caregivers assigned importance to interacting and playing with children, their reported actions were not congruent with this. Caregivers played a dominant role during the social play interactions. Support was found for the utilisation of the social interactional approach and a triangulation of methods. Results obtained have important implications for the South African speech-language pathologist.
Editing a scientific journal on communication disorders in South Africa: A unique challenge
Authors: Louw Brenda
Published: August 2019

The aim of this article is to describe the challenge of editing a scientific journal in the field of communication disorders in the South African context. An overview of the development of the journal and the current editorial policy is described. The distinctiveness and uniqueness of the journal is highlighted. A discussion of the problems encountered and the challenges posed by the future is supplied. In conclusion the question is posed of whether a scientific publication of this nature is relevant and justifiable. It is concluded that such a publication is indeed important and has the right of existence.
Dysphagia evaluation and management: Clinical training, clinical competency and speciality recognition
Authors: Martin Bonnie J.W.
Published: August 2019

No abstract available.
Communication skills of biologically at-risk neonates
Authors: Kritzinger Alta , Louw Brenda , Hugo René
Published: August 2019

Early communication intervention has advanced to include neonatal assessment and management. Currently, however, there are limited diagnostic tools developed from a speech-language pathology and audiology perspective. The purpose of the study was to design a comprehensive neonatal communication assessment protocol and use it to describe the communication skills of 50 biologically at-risk neonates (852g-3060g birthweight). The results indicated that the subjects' general development was within normal limits, but their communication abilities displayed a serious delay. A high risk register consisting of 13 factors predicting the subjects' communication abilities was compiled. The length of time before the subjects could successfully take bottle feeds was found to be the strongest predictor of their communication development. The study is of particular relevance to the present South African context which has an increased incidence of low birth weight, thus rendering an enlarged population of biologically at-risk neonates.
Prevalence: Outer and middel ear disorders in Black and Indian preschool children from Durban
Authors: Bhoola Daksha , Hugo René
Published: August 2019

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of middle ear disorders in 4-5 year old Black and Indian children attending preschools in the Durban Central region. Thus, a sample of 728 subjects (average age = 4,6 years), 315 Black (135 male and 180 female) and 413 Indian (223  male and 190 female) subjects was screened using referral criteria based on a Middle Ear Screening Protocol (MESP). The results of this study indicated that there was a significant relationship (X²=13,237,p<0,0001) between race and the likelihood of subjects passing and failing the MESP. A prevalence of 13,0% failures on the middle ear screening tests (visual inspection of the eardrum and tympanometry) was found in the Black subjects and 14,3% failure in the Indian subjects. No statistically significant differences were found between sex (Black male, Black female and Indian male, Indian female) and the likelihood of subjects passing and failing on the middle ear screening tests. Due to excessive cerumen, a significant percentage of Black (38,4%) and Indian (49,9%) subjects failed on outer ear tests. These results are discussed with reference to the literature. The limitations, research and practical implications of the research are also discussed.
Gesproke en geskrewe taalvermoëns van hulpklasleerlinge teruggeplaas in hoofstroomonderwys
Authors: Kleingeld Karen , Louw Brenda , Uys Isabel C.
Published: August 2019

Resente navorsing lê toenemend klem op die rol van die spraak-taalterapeut by taalleergestermde kinders. 'n leemte is ergterin bestaande literatuur geidentifiseer betreffende die taalfunksionering van die van die ouer taalleergestremde kind in die skool. Die moontlikheid vir die voortbestaan van gesproke en geskrewe taalprobleme by leerlinge wat uit die hulpklas teruggeplaas is in hoofstroomonderwys, het as motivering vir hierdie studie gedien. Die empiriese studie is op agt-en-twintig Afrikaanse en Engelsprekende standerd twee oud-hulpklasleerlinge uitgevoer. Die proefpersone se peil van taal- en skolatiese funksionering is kwalitatief en kwantitatief ontleed en beskryf, deur die gebruik van die Toets vir mondelinge Taal Taalproduksie en die Suid- Afrikaanse Skryftaaltoets. Die resultate van die studie toon dat 'n beduidende presentasie van die proefpersone gesproke en geskrewe taalprobleme ondervind en 'n agterstand in die vakke Afrikaans en Engels vertoon. Betekenisvolle korrelasies in aangetoon tussen die proefpersone se gesproke en geskrewe taalvermoëns en hulle taalvermoëns en skolatiese. Die bevindinge hou belangrike implikasies in vir die hantering van die taalleergestremde kind in die praktyk, en moedig voortsette spraak-taalterapeutiese intervensie aan by kinders wat uit die hulpkas teruggeplaas is in hoofstroomonderwys. Verdere navorsing oor die taalvermoëns van die ouer taalleergestremde kind word aanbeveel ter uitbereiding en bevestiging van die navorsingsresultate.
Attitudes of a group of South African speech-language pathologists towards stutterers and stuttering therapy
Authors: Baker Belinda , Ross Eleanor , Girson Joan
Published: August 2019

The present study aimed to examine the attitudes of a group of South African speech-language pathologists towards stuttering and stuttering therapy. Further aims were to investigate whether a stereotype of stutterers was found among these speech-language pathologists, and to determine whether there was any relationship between the attitudes held about stutterers, and the therapists' training and experience. A random probability sample of respondents was selected from the population of speech therapists registered with the Interim Medical and Dental Council of South Africa (I.M.D.C.S.A.). A self-administered mailed questionnaire was employed to realise the aims of the study. The main result of this investigation indicated that almost 50% of the sample of qualified clinicians surveyed, viewed stutterers as a group characterised by specific personality traits and psychological problems. This belief held true irrespective of the number of years of experience working in the field, the time of graduation, the frequency of treating stutterers, or the training emphasis. Implications of these results are considered with respect to student training, continuing education of qualified practitioners and future research.
Die bydrae van basiese navorsing in kliniese toepassings met verwysing na kogleêre inplantings
Authors: Hanekom Tania , Hanekom Johan J.
Published: August 2019

Hierdie artikel bespreek die waarde van basiese navorsing soos toegepas op kogleêre inplantings. Die artikel is gerig op klinici en oudioloë wat in die veld van kogleêre inplantings werk, of wat in hierdie veld belangstel. Die artikel gee ook 'n meer algemene inleiding tot modellering vir navorsers in die kliniese omgewing. Dit gee'n wegspringpunt vir kogleêre inplanting navorsing en gee 'n oorsig oor die toepassing van basiese navorsing in nuwe ontwikkeling in kogleêre inplantings. Daar word gewys wat tot dusver bereik is en watter probleme nog bestaan. Die rol van multidissiplinere navorsingspanne by die oplossing van hierdie probleme word bespreek. Eksperimentele navorsing en modellering werk saam om probleme op te los en nuwe ontdekkings te doen. Die belangrikheid van modellering as'n gereedskapstuk vir basiese navorsing word beklemtoon.
The performance of South African English first and second adult speakers on a "low linguistically loaded" central auditory processing test protocol
Authors: Saleh Safia , Campbell Nicole G. , Wilson Wayne J.
Published: August 2019

The lack of standardized tests of central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) in South Africa (SA) led to the formation of a SA CAPD Taskforce, and the interim development of a 'low linguistically loaded' CAPD test protocol using test recordings from the 'Tonal and Speech Materials for Auditory Perceptual Assessment Disc 2.0'. This study inferentially compared the performance of 16 SA English first, and 16 SA English second, language adult speakers on this test protocol, and descriptively compared their performances to previously published American normative data. Comparisons between the SA English first and second language speakers showed a poorer right ear performance (p < .05) by the second language speakers on the two-pair dichotic digits test only. Equivalent performances (p < .05) were observed on the left ear performance on the two pair dichotic digits test, and the frequency patterns test,the duration patterns test, the low-pass filtered speech test, the 45% time compressed speech test, the speech masking level difference test, and the consonant vowel consonant (CVC) binaural fusion test. Comparisons between the SA English and the American normative data showed many large differences (up to 37.1% with respect to predicted pass criteria as calculated by mean-2SD cutoffs), with the SA English speakers performing both better and worse depending on the test involved. As a result, the American normative data was not considered appropriate for immediate use as normative data in SA. Instead, the preliminary data provided in this study was recommended as interim normative data for both SA English first and second language adult speakers, until larger scale SA normative data can be obtained.
Short report: Establishing normal hearing for infants with the auditory steady-state response
Authors: Swanepoel De Wet , Steyn Karen
Published: August 2019

This study investigated the use of the dichotic multiple frequency ASSR technique for characterising normal hearing in a group of infants. A descriptive research design was implemented to describe ASSR thresholds obtained in 10 normal hearing infant ears (3 male, 2 female participants) between the age of 3 and 8 weeks. Normal hearing was controlled for by conducting a DPOAE screening test on all ears and ensuring no risk factors for hearing loss were present. Results indicated mean ASSR thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz to vary between 30 and 37 dB, ±8 - 11 dB within a range of 20 - 50 dB HL. Eighteen percent of ASSR thresholds were obtained at 20 dB, 45% were obtained at 30 dB, and 38% were obtained at elevated levels of 40 and 50 dB. The recorded dichotic multiple frequency ASSR thresholds for infants with normal hearing were within the mild to moderate hearing loss range which makes differentiating between le severe degrees of hearing loss and normal hearing difficult. Until future research has been conducted, caution must be practiced when interpreting ASSR thresholds below 60 dB in young infants and additional techniques such as the ABR must be used to cross-check results.
Assessment of the financial resources of municipalities
Authors: Fourie D.
Published: August 2019

The challenges with which municipalities are currently faced, include the fulfilment of the expectations of many new communities to whom they must render services, while they must simultaneously improve the quality of existing services and eliminate backlogs. The sources from which local authorities generate their revenue at present do not appear to be adequate for the increased need for funds. This paper provides an overview of the issues that have led to the current state of municipal finances and the factors that influence the revenue and expenditure of municipalities. In the light of the lack of sources of income for municipalities, particular attention is given to issues which could have an effect on the improvement of administration in municipalities.
O Mototaxista no mundo do Trabalho: Precarização, Desemprego e Informalidade
Authors: Macedo Abílio Rezende , Costa Felizardo Tchiengo Bartolomeu , Justo José Sterza
Published: August 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é problematizar a informalidade no trabalho do mototaxista como um dos mecanismos de precarização do trabalho nos dias atuais. Parte-se do princípio de que a reorganização contemporânea do trabalho, ocasionada pelo avanço do capitalismo, tem levado à introdução de novas formas de exploração do trabalhador e de precarização do trabalho, às vezes, sem que se aperceba. Foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa qualitativa, com uso de técnica de observação direta e realização de entrevista com roteiro semiestruturado, realizadas no ambiente de trabalho dos mototaxistas. Para tratamento dos dados, utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo. Os resultados apontaram diversas dificuldades enfrentadas por esses trabalhadores no dia a dia de trabalho. Foi salientado pelos entrevistados as longas horas de trabalho, a instabilidade frente à atividade e o risco recorrente de se envolverem em acidentes de trânsito. Contudo alguns afirmaram que preferem esse tipo de trabalho, sem vínculo empregatício com a empresa ou o patrão, porque se sentem mais livres e com maior autonomia. Concluiu-se que o trabalho do mototaxista, enquanto um trabalho precário e informal, possui múltiplas facetas. Pelo olhar deles mesmos, trata-se de um trabalho ao qual se recorre, frequentemente, como última alternativa diante do desemprego, com pouca segurança e proteção social, no entanto que traz uma sensação de liberdade e autonomia maior do que o trabalho formal, amparado pelas leis trabalhistas.
Aspectos Psicossociais Relacionados à Imagem Corporal de Pessoas com Excesso de Peso
Authors: Da Silva Nathália Gomes , Da Silva Josevânia
Published: August 2019

A obesidade, além de ser uma doença com impacto na saúde física e psicológica, é acompanhada por estigmas socialmente construídos no que tange, também, à imagem corporal. Comumente, verifica-se, entre as pessoas com excesso de peso, uma insatisfação com a imagem corporal. Este estudo teve por objetivo investigar a imagem corporal de pessoas com excesso de peso e os aspectos psicossociais vivenciados por elas. Participaram desta pesquisa 58 pessoas com sobrepeso ou obesidade (média de idade de 38,53 anos; DP=10,69). Para a coleta dos dados foram utilizados um questionário sociodemográfico e clínico, a escala de figuras de Stunkard e uma entrevista semiestruturada. Os resultados apontaram que nenhum dos participantes estava satisfeito com sua imagem corporal. No que diz respeito à análise dos conteúdos das entrevistas, emergiram quatro categorias, a saber: Insatisfação com imagem: os participantes declararam não gostar e/ou não se sentirem bem com a sua imagem, identificando-se a presença de conceitos autodepreciativos, permeados por sentimentos de tristeza, vergonha e a sensação de não se reconhecer naquele corpo; Insatisfação com o excesso de peso: partes do corpo foram relatadas como incômodas e, além disso, há uma preocupação com a saúde, dores e dificuldades causadas pelo peso emergiram como fatores que geram desconforto com o próprio corpo; Preconceito: apresenta-se na forma de comentários direcionados, atitudes negativas, atenção indesejada, olhares de reprovação e de curiosidade; e Aceitam-se como são: não possuem uma relação negativa com a própria imagem, mesmo se sentindo incomodados, aceitam-se como são. Os resultados deste estudo demonstram a necessidade de expandir a abordagem das pessoas com excesso de peso para além dos problemas relacionados à esfera físico-biológica, uma vez que o cuidado em saúde requer a perspectiva da integralidade.
Subsidence associated with oil extraction, measured from
time-series analysis of Sentinel-1 data: case study of the
Patos-Marinza oil field, Albania
Authors: Métois Marianne , Benjelloun Mouna , Lasserre Cécile , Grandin Raphael , Barrier Laurie , Dushi Edmond , Koçi Rexhep
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The Patos-Marinza oil field in Central Albania (40.71° N,19.61° E), operated since 1939, is one of the largest onshore fields in Europe. More than 7 millions oil barrels are extracted per year from the Messinian sandstone formations of the Durres Basin in the Albanian Peri-Adriatic Depression by the Bankers company operating the field since 2004. In the region, the background seismicity culminated in December 2016, when a shallow seismic swarm developed in the oil field, damaging houses and triggering the opening of a public inquiry. However, because of the lack of a dense local seismic array and incompleteness of historical catalogues for such moderate events, understanding whether this seismicity could be induced by the extraction/injection activities is an arduous task. In this study, we take advantage of the new Sentinel-1 radar images acquired every 6 to 12 days over Albania to measure the surface displacement in the Myzeqeja plain and in the Patos-Marinza oil field in particular. Images from two ascending and descending tracks covering the area are processed through a radar interferometry (InSAR) time-series analysis over the 2014 to 2018 time-span, providing consistent average Line-Of-Sight velocity maps and displacement time-series. The regional deformation field exhibits a slow subsidence of the entire sedimentary basin relative to the highlands (at rates of 2.5 mm/yr), that we interpret as a combination of natural and man-induced compaction. This broad picture is complicated by a very strong local subsidence signal with rates as high as 15 mm/yr that spatially correlates with the Patos-Marinza oil field and is maximal in the zone holding most of the operating horizontal wells, where Enhanced Oil Recovery techniques are used. The striking spatial correlation between the maximum subsidence area and the active wells, as seen from optical images, argues in favor of an oil-extraction induced surface deformation. The observed surface deformation is well reproduced by elastic models mimicking the basin and reservoir compaction using planar crack dislocations. Such modeling provides a first-order estimation of the volumetric deflation rate in the oil reservoir (~ 0.2 Mm3/yr). This strong subsidence signal, together with the increase of the background seismicity since the oil field reactivation, are evidences of significant man-induced stress changes in the basin that should be further monitored and taken into account for seismic hazard assessment.
Improving a Secondary Use Health Data Warehouse: Proposing a Multi-Level Data
Quality Framework
Authors: Henley-Smith Sandra , Boyle Douglas , Gray Kathleen
Published: August 2019

Background: Data quality frameworks within information technology and recently
within health care have evolved considerably since their inception. When assessing data
quality for secondary uses, an area not yet addressed adequately in these frameworks is
the context of the intended use of the data.Methods: After review of literature to
identify relevant research, an existing data quality framework was refined and expanded
to encompass the contextual requirements not present.Results: The result is a two-level
framework to address the need to maintain the intrinsic value of the data, as well as
the need to indicate whether the data will be able to provide the basis for answers in
specific areas of interest or questions.Discussion: Data quality frameworks have always
been one dimensional, requiring the implementers of these frameworks to fit the
requirements of the data’s use around how the framework is designed to function. Our
work has systematically addressed the shortcomings of existing frameworks, through the
application of concepts synthesized from the literature to the naturalistic setting of
data quality management in an actual health data warehouse.Conclusion: Secondary use of
health data relies on contextualized data quality management. Our work is innovative in
showing how to apply context around data quality characteristics and how to develop a
second level data quality framework, so as to ensure that quality and context are
maintained and addressed throughout the health data quality assessment process.
Influência do polimento e tipo de solução extrínseca na pigmentação de restaurações de resina composta
Authors: De Oliveira Ingrid Poletto , Freitas Ilda Arbex Chaves , Pires Carine Weber , Bohrer Thais Camponogara
Published: August 2019

Objetivo: avaliar a pigmentação de restaurações de resina composta (RC) submetidas a diferentes métodos de polimento. Materiais e método: foram realizadas restaurações de RC classe V em 80 dentes bovinos, corpos de prova, divididos em dois grupos experimentais: G1, polimento com Ultra-Gloss, e G2, polimento com um sistema que utiliza uma ponta siliconada impregnada com abrasivo, Enhance. Após, todos os grupos experimentais foram submetidos a soluções pigmentantes de café, chimarrão e refrigerante, 2 vezes ao dia, por 5 minutos, num período de 15 dias. Os corpos de prova foram analisados pela coloração da RC através de um colorímetro utilizando o sistema CIE-Lab. Aplicou-se a análise de variância seguida do método de comparação múltipla de Tukey, quando observada diferença significativa entre os corpos de prova. Resultados: os resultados mostraram que houve diferença estatística nos valores de médios (valor-p < 0,05), sugerindo o café com variação mais elevada; também para as variações entre a condição experimental (valor-p < 0,05), com exceção de delta a (valor-p = 0,817). Conclusão: o tipo de método para polimento de restaurações em RC não apresenta associação significativa com a pigmentação do material, sendo que esta está relacionada com o tipo da solução corante e com o tempo de exposição do compósito às pigmentações.
Early Childhood Curriculum Reform in Saudi Arabia Conceptualization of Theories in Early Childhood Curricula: Three Models
Authors: Khomais Sama , Gahwaji Nahla
Published: August 2019

In recent developments, early childhood education in Saudi Arabia have captured political and governmentalinterests, conceiving the promising returns of investing in early years. This research has adopted an analyticaldescriptive approach through content analysis of curriculum philosophy (theories and principles) of three models ofearly childhood curricula. They were chosen deliberately, considering the elements of the curriculum, effectivenessin implementation and or achieving the desired learning outcomes. The selected curricula include, HighScope,Foundation Stage, and Te Whāriki. The analysis concludes that there is a general agreement about the structure andelements of EC curriculum. Perspective of children as learners, teachers’ roles, learning environment are wellprofound in the three curricula supported by theoretical and empirical evidence. Nevertheless, challenges are stillconsidered as opportunities for revising and evaluating our beliefs and understandings in order to maintain theimprovements in ECE profession and to cope with the education reform in Saudi Arabia.
Is Kierkegaard a “Virtue Ethicist”?
Authors: Roberts Robert C. ,   The Society of Christian Philosophers
Published: August 2019

Several readers of Kierkegaard have proposed that his works are a good source for contemporary investigations of virtues, especially theistic and Christian ones. Sylvia Walsh has recently offered several arguments to cast doubt on the thesis that Kierkegaard can be profitably read as a “virtue ethicist.” Examination of her arguments helps to clarify what virtues, as excellent traits of human character, can be in a moral outlook that ascribes deep sin and moral helplessness to human beings and their existence and salvation entirely to God’s grace. The examination also clarifies the relationship between virtues and character and between the practices of virtue ethics and character ethics. Such clarification also may provide a bridge of communication between Kierkegaard scholarship and scholars of virtue ethics beyond the theistic communities. In particular, I’ll argue that a character ethics that is not a virtue ethics would be suboptimal as an aid to the formation of Christian wisdom and sanctification. Kierkegaard’s character ethics is a virtue ethics.
The Prior Obligations Objection to Theological Stateism
Authors: Choo Frederick ,   The Society of Christian Philosophers
Published: August 2019

Theological stateist theories, the most well-known of which is Divine Command Theory (DCT), ground our moral obligations directly in some state of God. The prior obligations objection poses a challenge to theological stateism. Is there a moral obligation to obey God’s commands? If no, it is hard to see how God’s commands can generate any moral obligations for us. If yes, then what grounds this prior obligation? To avoid circularity, the moral obligation must be grounded independent of God’s commands; and therefore DCT fails to ground all moral obligations in God’s commands. I argue that DCT proponents should embrace “metaethical DCT.” On this view, there is no moral obligation to obey God. God creates our moral obligations out of normative nothingness. I argue that this helps DCT proponents to escape the prior obligations objection. Other theological stateist theories can modify their theory similarly to meet this objection.
Metodyczne aspekty wyceny dóbr publicznych na obszarach wiejskich: koncepcja waloryzacji endogenicznej = Methodical aspects of public goods valuation in rural areas: the concept of endogenous valuation
Authors: Czyżewski Bazyli , Matuszczak Anna , Przekota Grzegorz
Published: August 2019

The aim of the study is to create a conceptual framework for the valuation of the endogenous influence of public goods in rural areas using the new approach: the economic surplus valuation method (ESV), which implements the concept of producer and consumer rent. A distinctive feature of the ESV, compared to other market-based valuation methods is the assumption that public goods exert an endogenous impact upon resources and their productivity, but do not act in the model as exogenous variables (as it is in the case of hedonic pricing methods; the HPM). The authors’ approach limits the issues related to the specification bias within the HPM. Moreover, this manner reduces the problems associated with model specification errors in the HPM. The authors argue that ignoring the endogenous impact of public goods on resources and their productivity can lead to distorted results.