bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technology for Early Braille Literacy: Comparison of Traditional Braille Instruction and Instruction with an Electronic Notetaker
Authors: Bickford James O. , Falco Ruth A. 
Published: January 2019

Introduction The study reported here evaluated whether there was a difference in students’ outcomes for braille fluency when instruction was provided with traditional braille media or refreshable braille. Students’ and teachers’ perceptions of the efficacy of the use of the different instructional media were analyzed. Methods Nine students from public and residential schools, using the Patterns reading series, participated in the study. In an alternating-treatments design, weekly curriculum-based measures that were developed to measure oral reading fluency and word-writing fluency were used to monitor the students’ progress with each instructional medium. Semistructured interviews at the conclusion of the study gathered information about the benefits and challenges of each medium. Results Throughout the 18 weeks of instruction, there were no consistent differences between students’ use of the refreshable braille display and their use of paper and the Perkins Brailler. All students achieved gains in their knowledge of braille letters and contractions, and many achieved an increase in fluency, although the increase was not tied to one instructional medium. The participants identified both the advantages and disadvantages of each medium. Discussion The study did not reveal consistent differences among the students between the outcomes of instruction with the traditional Perkins Brailler and paper or the electronic braille notetaker with a refreshable braille display. The teachers were concerned about the inability of students to obtain spatial relationships using refreshable braille. Implications for practitioners This study did not provide a clear answer to questions regarding differences in outcomes. The findings suggest that following some instruction with the technology, students can quickly learn to use an electronic braille device, are motivated to use these devices, and may demonstrate enhanced outcomes.
A Scale to Measure Teachers’ Self-Efficacy in Deaf-Blindness Education
Authors: Hartmann Elizabeth 
Published: January 2019

Introduction The Teacher Efficacy in Deafblindness Education Scale (TEDE) was developed to expand the construct of self-efficacy to teach children with deaf-blindness. Methods Eighty-seven special educators in the United States were asked to rate their confidence to perform a variety of tasks that are associated with teaching children who are deaf-blind on 36 Likert-type items and to respond to open-ended questions on teaching children who are deaf-blind. Results Analyses based on item response modeling indicated strong internal consistency and split-half reliability coefficients. Construct modeling indicated good respondent and item fit. Discussion The study provides evidence of the validity of a construct of teacher self-efficacy to teach children with deaf-blindness. Suggestions for future iterations of the TEDE were offered in addition to suggestions for future research on self-efficacy in teaching children with deaf-blindness. Implications for practitioners The development of the TEDE and the analysis of its scores can help educators to understand self-efficacy and its importance in supporting students with deaf-blindness. Practitioners who provide technical service to teachers of students with deaf-blindness may find value in the construct of self-efficacy and the TEDE as a tool to measure it.
The Development of Accepted Performance Items to Demonstrate Braille Competence in the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation
Authors: Smith Derrick , Rosenblum L. Penny 
Published: January 2019

Introduction The purpose of the study presented here was the initial validation of a comprehensive set of competencies focused solely on the Nemeth code. Methods Using the Delphi method, 20 expert panelists were recruited to participate in the study on the basis of their past experience in teaching a university-level course in the Nemeth code. The Delphi method uses multiple iterations or “rounds” to develop a consensus. The panelists were given the list of competencies developed by a focus group and were asked to rank their importance and the level of resources they would expect a beginning teacher of students with visual impairments to use. With each round, the panelists were provided with the statistical results and comments on the previous round, so they could make an informed decision on their next rating. Results Only three rounds were necessary for the panelists to reach a consensus. For writing, the panelists reached a consensus on 12 (41%) statements for importance and 17 (59%) for reference. For reading, they reached a consensus on 19 statements (66%) for importance and 23 (79%) for references. Comments from the panelists focused primarily on the fact that teachers of students with visual impairments need to use resources more often for writing to ensure the quality of their transcriptions, but that they should be able to read without resources. This difference may be due to the panelists’ perception that teachers of students with visual impairments need to be more equipped to back-translate from the Nemeth code into print than to transcribe from print into the Nemeth code. Discussion On the basis of the scoring and the comments, the panelists had different expectations for their students. These differences may have been due to their own level of understanding of the Nemeth code or mathematics in general. Implications for practitioners This study is the first step in developing a comprehensive set of Nemeth code competencies for the field of special education for students with visual impairments. These competencies will become the benchmark for all university programs as they develop their courses on the Nemeth code. They may also be used for the framework for professional development for in-service teachers of students with visual impairments.
Windows into the Visual Brain: New Discoveries about the Visual System, Its Functions, and Implications for Practitioners
Authors: Jan James E. , Heaven Roberta K. B. , Matsuba Carey , Langley M. Beth , Roman-Lantzy Christine , Anthony Tanni L. 
Published: January 2019

Introduction In recent years, major progress has been made in understanding the human visual system because of new investigative techniques. These developments often contradict older concepts about visual function. Methods A detailed literature search and interprofessional discussions. Results Recent innovative neurological tests are described that are able to show much more accurately the visual pathways, the process of vision, and the close relationships among sensory modalities. These tests also reveal the remarkable neuroplasticity of the human brain and disorders of connectivity that frequently involve visual function. Discussion How these recent neurological advances may benefit service providers is discussed. Implications for practitioners It is important that from time to time new neurological and ophthalmic developments are summarized for professionals who are involved in the clinical management of individuals with visual disorders and how the newly acquired knowledge affects the diagnosis and intervention strategies. Visual rehabilitation must be based on up-to-date science, which continually changes and grows with research.
Identity Development in German Adolescents with and without Visual Impairments
Authors: Pinquart Martin , Pfeiffer Jens P. 
Published: January 2019

Introduction The study reported here assessed the exploration of identity and commitment to an identity in German adolescents with and without visual impairments. Methods In total, 178 adolescents with visual impairments (blindness or low vision) and 526 sighted adolescents completed the Ego Identity Process Questionnaire. Results The levels of identity exploration and making commitments, as well as the distribution of identity statuses, did not differ between the two groups. However, adolescents with congenital visual impairments showed lower levels of identity exploration than their peers with acquired visual impairments. In addition, more severe disability was associated with less exploration of identity. Furthermore, levels of identity exploration and commitment varied by age, parental education, levels of social support, and levels of problem behavior. Discussion The findings indicate that adolescents with visual impairments do not fall behind sighted adolescents in developing a sense of identity. Implications for practitioners Adolescents who are congenitally blind or have a high level of disability may need support in exploring and accessing information on future opportunities.
A Quantitative Analysis of the Work Experiences of Adults with Visual Impairments in Nigeria
Authors: Wolffe Karen E. , Ajuwon Paul M. , Kelly Stacy M. 
Published: January 2019

Introduction Worldwide, people with visual impairments often struggle to gain employment. This study attempts to closely evaluate the work experiences of employed individuals with visual impairments living in one of the world's most populous developing nations, Nigeria. Methods The researchers developed a questionnaire that assessed personal and professional experiences among a sample of 172 adults with visual impairments living and working in Nigeria. Statistical analysis procedures included descriptive and nonparametric methods. The Mann-Whitney U test compared the difference between the mean ranks of 12 work-experience measures (dependent variables) within the independent groups. Results Gender, degree of visual impairment (total blindness or low vision), age at onset of visual impairment (childhood or adulthood), educational attainment, and marital status were all characteristics that evidenced significant differences (p <.05) in the participants’ work experiences evaluated by the present study. However, there were also instances where there were no significant differences in the independent groups among several of the 12 work-experience measures (p > .05). Discussion Annual income, hours worked per week, confidence level performing current work, and future job opportunities were found to be significant based on participants’ gender, education, or marital status. There was overall consistency among participants in the sample (regardless of degree of visual impairment or age at onset of visual impairment). Implications for practitioners In this sample, advanced education equated to higher salaries and greater confidence in performing work. The importance of postsecondary education was affirmed in terms of future earnings and confidence.
Disability Insurance Beneficiaries with Visual Impairments in Vocational Rehabilitation: Socio-demographic Influences on Employment
Authors: Giesen J. Martin , Cavenaugh Brenda S. 
Published: January 2019

Introduction Given mutual concerns of vocational rehabilitation and the Social Security Administration, our purpose was to evaluate the effect of current individual and economic factors on competitive employment for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries with visual impairments in vocational rehabilitation. Methods Using fiscal year 2010 RSA-911 data on 4,478 SSDI beneficiaries whose vocational rehabilitation services had concluded, we conducted descriptive and multilevel analyses to determine which client and state or agency factors predicted competitive employment. Results Unemployment rate, gender, age, race, disability, severity of visual impairment, education, prior earnings, SSDI amount, and interactive effects of agency structure were significantly related to competitive employment. Discussion This research provided new knowledge of state or agency influences, risk factors, advantages, and compensatory effects of services in blind agencies, and underscored the importance of prior work experience in achieving competitive employment for SSDI-beneficiary consumers. Implications for practitioners Recommendations related to vocational rehabilitation services to SSDI beneficiaries, policy regarding agency structure, and future research are made.
Evaluation of endothelial function and arterial stiffness in obese individuals with insulin resistance
Authors: Menezes VP , Cohen C , Del-Rei J , Oigman W , Neves MF , Medeiros Fernanda Jurema 
Published: January 2019

Background: Obesity is associated with metabolic imbalance, including insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. Aim: We aimed to evaluate clinical and vascular parameters in obese with or without insulin resistance. Methods: Participants ( n=39) were divided into two groups according to Homeostasis Model Assessment – Insulin Resistance lower (group 1) or higher (group 2) than 2.7. All patients were submitted to clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, vascular structure and endothelial function assessment. Results: The mean age (53±9 vs. 52±7 years, p=0.784) and body mass index (34.3±4.1 vs. 35.2±3.9 kg/m2, p=0.464) were similar in both groups, and 74.4% were treated hypertensive subjects. Fasting glucose (84±7 vs. 97±18 mg/dl, p=0.004) and insulin (9.32±2.48 vs. 22.74±7.49 μU/ml, p<0.001) were higher in group 2. Group 2 presented lower HDL-cholesterol (59±14 vs. 42±12 mg/dl, p<0.001) and higher triglycerides (122±87 vs. 191±112 mg/dl, p=0.042) levels compared with group 1. HOMA-IR was correlated with abdominal circumference ( r=0.51, p=0.001), abdominal/hip ratio ( r=0.57, p<0.001) and triglycerides/HDL ratio ( r=0.53, p=0.001). Differences in brachial flow-mediated dilation did not reach statistical significance (10.2±6.2 vs. 7.9±4.7%, p=0.245). Carotid intima–media thickness, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (8.5±1.9 vs. 9.1±1.5 m/s, p=0.334) and central hemodynamic parameters were also similar between groups. Conclusion: Obese individuals with insulin resistance have higher visceral adiposity associated with impaired glucose and lipid metabolism. Endothelial function and arterial stiffness were similar between the groups, perhaps because of antihypertensive treatment in most of these subjects.
The effect of orthodontic clinical use on the mechanical characteristics of nickel-titanium closed-coil springs
Authors: Geng Haixia , Su Hongli , Whitley John , Lin Feng-Chang , Xu Xin , Ko Ching-Chang 
Published: January 2019

Objective To examine the effect of clinical use on both force retention and the deactivation of closed-coil nickel-titanium (NiTi) springs in a 16-week trial. Methods The force-activation curves for NiTi springs were determined before and after clinical use. The rate of tooth movement and maximum force (MF), hysteresis between activation and deactivation, and mean force of the deactivation plateau (MDF) were examined and correlated as a function of 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of clinical use. To recover the force properties, the springs were heat treated at 100°C and the results were compared with the preceding data. Results A total of 36 springs were analysed. The MF loss after use was 60, 74, 55, and 48 g for the 4-, 8-, 12- and 16-week springs, respectively. Heat treating had little effect on the MF. Clinical use lowered hysteresis by a mean of 180 g*mm compared with the pre-clinical use data, and heat treating increased the hysteresis by a mean of 59 g*mm above the post clinic testing data. The MDF was nominally 100 g less than the MF. Teeth moved approximately 1 mm/month, independent of the force loss. Conclusions The loss of MF and the lowering of the MDF was not time dependent. Heat treating can partially recover the mechanical properties of the used springs.
Non-traditional risk factors for coronary calcification and its progression in patients with type 2 diabetes: The impact of postprandial glycemia and fetuin-A
Authors: Krajnc Mitja , Pečovnik Balon Breda , Krajnc Ivan 
Published: January 2019

Objective This study was performed to assess the impact of risk factors on the presence and progression of coronary calcification in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods We prospectively enrolled 45 patients without cardiovascular or kidney disease. Coronary calcification was measured with multidetector computed tomography at baseline and 18 months. We also measured blood pressure; body mass index; serum levels of calcium, phosphate, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D; mineral bone density; and levels of alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, fetuin-A, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, albumin, homocysteine, lipids, HbA1c, and average preprandial and postprandial blood glucose at 18 months. Information about severe hypoglycemia and smoking was recorded. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated. Multiple linear regression was used for the multivariate analysis. Results The median baseline calcium score was 63, and that at 18 months was 100. In the univariate analysis, albumin was significantly correlated with the baseline calcium score. Fetuin-A and postprandial glycemia were correlated with calcium score progression. In the multivariate model, postprandial glycemia and fetuin-A were independently associated with calcium score progression. Conclusions Fetuin-A and postprandial glycemia influence coronary calcification progression in patients with type 2 diabetes. The absence of some correlations could be due to pharmacological treatments for cardiovascular risk reduction.
Remote ischemic preconditioning ameliorates indirect acute lung injury by modulating phosphorylation of IκBα in mice
Authors: Kim Yun-Hee , Kim Young-Sung , Kim Byung-Hwa , Lee Kuen-Su , Park Hyung-Sun , Lim Choon-Hak 
Published: January 2019

Objective Acute lung injury is responsible for mortality in seriously ill patients. Previous studies have shown that systemic inflammation is attenuated by remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) via reducing nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Therefore, we investigated whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced indirect acute lung injury (ALI) can be protected by RIPC. Methods RIPC was accomplished by 10 minutes of occlusion using a tourniquet on the right hind limb of mice, followed by 10 minutes of reperfusion. This process was repeated three times. Intraperitoneal LPS (20 mg/kg) was administered to induce indirect ALI. Inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pulmonary tissue was excised for histological examination, and for examining NF-κB activity and phosphorylation of inhibitor of κBα (IκBα). Results NF-κB activation and LPS-induced histopathological changes in the lungs were significantly alleviated in the RIPC group. RIPC reduced phosphorylation of IκBα in lung tissue of ALI mice. Conclusions RIPC attenuates endotoxin-induced indirect ALI. This attenuation might occur through modification of NF-κB mediation of cytokines by modulating phosphorylation of IκBα.
First successful hemoadsorption using CytoSorb® in a septic pediatric patient in Kazakhstan: A case report
Authors: Saparov Askhat , Sazonov Vitaliy , Tobylbaeva Zaure , Isakov Samat , Bekpan Almat , Autalipov Darkhan , Muratbekova Bakhyt , Manaybekova Zhazira , Anikin Vitaliy 
Published: January 2019

Purpose: For the first time in Kazakhstan, we have used a combined extracorporeal support, by including the CytoSorb system in a continuous veno-venous hemofiltration system in an 8-month-old patient with a body weight of 5600 g. Results: The CytoSorb therapy session resulted in a reduction of inflammation markers IL-6, S100, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein. Simultaneously, the level of transaminases, creatine kinase, and troponin were normalized, by the end of the session patient hemodynamics were stable and there was no need for vasopressors, acid–base balance was maintained, and the patient was weaned from mechanical ventilation to spontaneous breathing. Conclusion: Treatment using the CytoSorb device was safe and well-tolerated in a pediatric patient and has proven its practical value as an adjuvant therapy for sepsis in pediatric patient populations.
The Nephroprotective Effect of Mannitol in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Cisplatin Therapy
Authors: Hägerström Erik , Lindberg Lotte , Bentzen Jens , Brødbæk Kasper , Zerahn Bo , Kristensen Bent 
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Cisplatin is used as treatment for several different malignancies and a well-known complication is irreversible kidney damage. To protect the kidneys, this treatment is often combined with mannitol infusion to promote osmotic diuresis. Earlier studies investigating the nephroprotective effect of mannitol have shown conflicting results. Objective: To investigate changes in kidney function in head and neck cancer patients treated with cisplatin with and without additional mannitol infusion. Methods: A single center, retrospective cohort study of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving radiotherapy with cisplatin. Patient data were collected from November 2013 to December 2014. Results: After exclusion, a total of 78 patients were considered evaluable. They were equally distributed between a mannitol and a non-mannitol group and anthropomorphometrically similar. 51Cr-EDTA clearance declined in the mannitol group from 99.7 (19.9) to 96.4 (20.8) mL/min and in the non-mannitol group from 102.2 (17.8) to 92.3 (23.1) mL/min. Conclusions: There was a significantly smaller decrease in 51Cr-EDTA clearance in the mannitol group indicating a nephroprotective effect of mannitol.
Challenges Faced by Journalism Education in Sri Lanka
Authors: Dissanayake D.D. Nirosha Neranjala 
Published: January 2019

Mass Media technologies are developing rapidly and media has become an integral part of our day to day life. In this context, the development of media and journalism education in schools, universities and other institutions has been confronted with many challenges. Although there are training courses and educators covering a range of skills for print journalism, broadcast, telecast and online media, there are still many issues pertaining to the quality control, practical relevance and affordability of media and journalism education. Human resource management policies of media companies do not recognize priority on continuation of education of journalists (Gunawardene, 2015). This study focuses on challenges confronted by media education in Sri Lanka. The intensive interviews and focus group discussions have been applied to collect data and information. It has transpired during the research that media and journalism syllabi should be revised with more theoretical, conceptual and practical inputs based on media education and media literacy. It is necessary to make the public in general aware of media texts. The ever fluctuating dynamics of the media industry and media education has detrimentally affected the general perception on media.