bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Student perceptions of the benefits of drama projects in university EFL
Authors: Park Heebon 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to address the situation that although the theoretical benefits of using drama projects in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) have been described in a number of studies, researchers have identified a lack of literature on their practical use, particularly in terms of different institutional settings, teaching styles, learning styles and proficiency levels. This paper therefore describes three case studies in universities in Korea, showing that the use of drama projects can be successfully used in different teaching situations and is an effective means of promoting meaningful language learning in students often demotivated by traditional methods and the test-driven classroom.Design/methodology/approach– In these adult-learner EFL settings, a process approach to drama projects aimed to promote meaningful language acquisition and holistic learning in students of different proficiencies and majors. Drama projects were used as: syllabus supplementation by an individual teacher in a Korean-mediated English program (Case Study 1); core content on an English-mediated pre-service teacher training course (Case Study 2); and syllabus content on a Freshman English program taught by 25 native-speaking instructors (Case Study 3). Data were collected from pre/post-course questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and students’ evaluations. These were then triangulated to identify trends in participant perceptions.Findings– Results indicated positive attitude change and promotion of cognition, positive affect and social skills in all three case studies, confirming earlier research findings and showing that the drama project is a viable and effective educational tool for the foreign language teacher, from individual syllabus supplementation to incorporation into a language program curriculum. Rather than resisting the innovation presented by drama projects, the adult learners involved welcomed the opportunities for creativity, autonomy, group work and performance.Originality/value– The practical confirmation of the theoretical benefits of EFL drama projects across individual and institutional settings indicates the potential value of including them in university language programs and teacher-training EFL curricula, enabling and encouraging language teachers to promote holistic, meaningful language learning.
Reading against and writing back
Authors: Sligo Frank 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore how student learning materials, such as textbooks, are becoming more oriented toward multi-modal approaches using visuality and orality. While such approaches may help students to understand and then to reproduce taught materials, the objective of this paper is to question whether they are serving to promote students’ critical literacy.Design/methodology/approach– The paper assesses the character of current textbooks and other means of student support, such as online learning management systems, and assesses how well they seem able to promote the critical literacy that requires ability in “reading against” and “writing back”. The paper goes on to identify ways in which some parts of the university see orality as preliminary and subordinate to literacy-focused communication, but elsewhere, the pinnacle of students’ work is artistic or creative attainments with lesser need to write complexly literate textual works.Findings– As a means of trying to resolve inherent tensions between differing pedagogical assumptions and methods in the university, the paper proposes ways in which Ong’s (1982, p. 36) nine communication characteristics of “orally based thought and expression” may be able to offer insights into challenges of improving students’ critical literacy.Research limitations/implications– The inherent academic tensions within the university still remain insufficiently theorized. For example, the humanities and social sciences (still) place much store on developing students’ abilities in critical writing, while disciplines such as design or creative arts are much more focused on students’ creative outputs. The paper contributes to a better understanding of such scholars talking past one another.Practical implications– Scholars in different academic camps often note the discrepancies in how their relative pedagogical tasks are to be understood, but typically, it is not clear to them how they might better relate to other parts of the university. The paper aims to elucidate the nature of academic differences that often appear to exist to provide insights into possibly new ways of seeing everyday teaching and learning.Social implications– Ong’s insights into literacy and orality when viewed through a prism of tertiary teaching and learning provide a practical means whereby students and other university stakeholders can develop a better appreciation of the character of the modern university.Originality/value– The novel use of Walter Ong’s model of literacy and orality provides fresh ways of seeing challenges and disputes within the academic community and suggests new ways of seeing students’ work and their teachers’ expectations of them.
Virtual sensors for SHM using isogeometric piezoelectric finite elements
Authors: Szewieczek Artur , Willberg Christian , Schmidt Daniel , Sinapius Michael 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– A design of sensor networks for structural health monitoring (SHM) with guided waves poses a hard challenge. Therefore different approaches are possible. A known one is the usage of probability of detection (POD) criteria. Here, areas of potential impact sensitivity are calculated for every sensor which leads to a POD. The number of sensors is increased until a demanded POD is reached. However, these calculations are usually based on finite element methods and underlie different assumptions and approximations which can cause different inaccuracies. These limitations are avoided by using an experimental data basis for virtual sensors in this paper. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– An air-coupled ultrasound scanning technique is used for guided wave investigations. Recorded displacements of a structure surface are used as stimulation of virtual sensors which can be designed by software and positioned within available data field. For the calculation of sensor signals an isogeometric finite element model is used. The virtually bonded layer of the virtual piezoceramic sensor interpolates with non-uniform rational B-Splines (NURBS) the measured nodal data for each time step. This interpolation corresponds to a displacement boundary condition and is used to calculate the electrical potential at the free surface of the sensor.Findings– Experimental data based on air-coupled ultrasound scanning technique can be used for elimination of disadvantages in numerical simulations by developing sensor networks for SHM. In combination with a transfer matrix method (TM) a three-dimensional displacement of specimen surface for complex composites can be calculated. To obtain the sensor signal a surface-bonded sensor is modeled by an isogeometric finite element approach. A good accordance is found between calculated virtual sensor signal and its experimental verification.Research limitations/implications– Some deviations between calculated signal and its experimental verification are mainly justified by different spectral transfer functions between wave field scanning technique and signal recording of applied sensors. Furthermore, sensor influence on wave propagation is neglected in the presented method.Originality/value– In this paper, the principle of virtual sensors is applied on anisotropic multilayered lamina by using isogeometric finite elements for piezoelectric sensors. This enables any sensor dimension, layout and position on complex composites. Furthermore a bonding layer between specimen and sensor is considered. The method allows a detailed analysis of sensor behavior on a specimen surface and the design and optimization of entire sensor networks for SHM.
Usefulness of docetaxel as first‐line chemotherapy for metastatic extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Yoshino Koji , Fujisawa Yasuhiro , Kiyohara Yoshio , Kadono Takafumi , Murata Yozo , Uhara Hisashi , Hatta Naohito , Uchi Hiroshi , Matsushita Shigeto , Takenouchi Tatsuya , Hayashi Toshihiko , Ohara Kuniaki 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn invasive extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD), distant metastases may develop and the condition may become fatal; however, no standardized treatment has been established. Although based on only a few cases, several chemotherapy regimens were reported to be promising. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of docetaxel for metastatic EMPD. We retrospectively collected data on 18 metastatic EMPD patients treated using docetaxel from 1998 to 2012 in 12 institutes in Japan. The following clinical data were collected: tumor response, time to progression, overall survival and adverse effects. Of those, three patients treated combined with S‐1, one patient treated with weekly schedule and one patient treated combined with radiotherapy were excluded from the further analysis. All 13 patients received monthly docetaxel as the first‐line treatment. The average number of treatment cycles was 9.1. Among the 12 patients with a confirmed response, seven (58%) showed a partial response, three (25%) stable disease and two (17%) progressive disease. The disease control rate (partial response + stable disease) was as high as 83%. The time to progression and median overall survival were 7.1 and 16.6 months, respectively. The 1‐year overall survival rate determined by the Kaplan–Meier method was 75.0%. All adverse effects were manageable and no treatment‐related deaths were observed. The high disease control rate and overall survival shown by this study suggest that first‐line use of docetaxel may be a promising treatment for metastatic EMPD. A prospective clinical trial is required to confirm our results.
‘An Honour to the Place’: Reading Associations and Improvement
Authors: Ford Christy 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis article considers the values and purposes of reading associations, using textual records of their meetings and activities. Minutes and printed materials show the kinds of improvement that association members wished to facilitate. Alongside the pursuit of politeness and intellectual development, associations also paid attention to posterity, by commemorating the philanthropy and service of key members. Reading associations' philosophies of improvement were extrapolated to include their localities, which they believed would be improved by their presence. Their local environment was central to their self‐identity, epitomising their belief in improvement as a community process.
Establishing a community‐wideDNAbarcode library as a new tool for arctic research
Authors: Wirta H. , Várkonyi G. , Rasmussen C. , Kaartinen R. , Schmidt N. M. , Hebert P. D. N. , Barták M. , Blagoev G. , Disney H. , Ertl S. , Gjelstrup P. , Gwiazdowicz D. J. , Huldén L. , Ilmonen J. , Jakovlev J. , Jaschhof M. , Kahanpää J. , Kankaanpää T. , Krogh P. H. , Labbee R. , Lettner C. , Michelsen V. , Nielsen S. A. , Nielsen T. R. , Paasivirta L. , Pedersen S. , Pohjoismäki J. , Salmela J. , Vilkamaa P. , Väre H. , von Tschirnhaus M. , Roslin T. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDNAsequences offer powerful tools for describing the members and interactions of natural communities. In this study, we establish the to‐date most comprehensive library ofDNAbarcodes for a terrestrial site, including all known macroscopic animals and vascular plants of an intensively studied area of the High Arctic, the Zackenberg Valley in Northeast Greenland. To demonstrate its utility, we apply the library to identify nearly 20 000 arthropod individuals from two Malaise traps, each operated for two summers. Drawing on this material, we estimate the coverage of previous morphology‐based species inventories, derive a snapshot of faunal turnover in space and time and describe the abundance and phenology of species in the rapidly changing arctic environment. Overall, 403 terrestrial animal and 160 vascular plant species were recorded by morphology‐based techniques.DNAbarcodes (CO1) offered high resolution in discriminating among the local animal taxa, with 92% of morphologically distinguishable taxa assigned to unique Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) and 93% to monophyletic clusters. For vascular plants, resolution was lower, with 54% of species forming monophyletic clusters based on barcode regionsrbcLaandITS2. Malaise catches revealed 122BINs not detected by previous sampling andDNAbarcoding. The insect community was dominated by a few highly abundant taxa. Even closely related taxa differed in phenology, emphasizing the need for species‐level resolution when describing ongoing shifts in arctic communities and ecosystems. TheDNAbarcode library now established for Zackenberg offers new scope for such explorations, and for the detailed dissection of interspecific interactions throughout the community.
Quantitative DNA metabarcoding: improved estimates of species proportional biomass using correction factors derived from control material
Authors: Thomas Austen C. , Deagle Bruce E. , Eveson J. Paige , Harsch Corie H. , Trites Andrew W. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDNA metabarcoding is a powerful new tool allowing characterization of species assemblages using high‐throughput amplicon sequencing. The utility of DNA metabarcoding for quantifying relative species abundances is currently limited by both biological and technical biases which influence sequence read counts. We tested the idea of sequencing 50/50 mixtures of target species and a control species in order to generate relative correction factors (RCFs) that account for multiple sources of bias and are applicable to field studies. RCFs will be most effective if they are not affected by input mass ratio or co‐occurring species. In a model experiment involving three target fish species and a fixed control, we found RCFs did vary with input ratio but in a consistent fashion, and that 50/50 RCFs applied to DNA sequence counts from various mixtures of the target species still greatly improved relative abundance estimates (e.g. average per species error of 19 ± 8% for uncorrected vs. 3 ± 1% for corrected estimates). To demonstrate the use of correction factors in a field setting, we calculated 50/50 RCFs for 18 harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) prey species (RCFs ranging from 0.68 to 3.68). Applying these corrections to field‐collected seal scats affected species percentages from individual samples (Δ 6.7 ± 6.6%) more than population‐level species estimates (Δ 1.7 ± 1.2%). Our results indicate that the 50/50 RCF approach is an effective tool for evaluating and correcting biases in DNA metabarcoding studies. The decision to apply correction factors will be influenced by the feasibility of creating tissue mixtures for the target species, and the level of accuracy needed to meet research objectives.
Temporal dynamics of woodpecker predation on emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in the northeastern U.S.A.
Authors: Jennings David E. , Duan Jian J. , Bauer Leah S. , Schmude Jonathan M. , Wetherington Miles T. , Shrewsbury Paula M. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Woodpeckers (Picidae) are important natural enemies attacking emerald ash borer (EAB) Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire in North America. There can be considerable variation in predation levels within and between sites, and among different times of year; therefore, understanding what causes these differences is necessary for effectively predicting EAB population dynamics.
We examined the temporal dynamics of woodpecker predation on EAB in Michigan and Maryland, as well as how they were affected by season, region, resource availability, tree size and crown condition. In Michigan, we quantified predation in association with EAB developmental stages on different trees over 2 years, whereas, in Maryland, we recorded woodpecker attacks on the same trees for 1 year.
Season was a significant predictor of woodpecker predation, with most occurring in winter when late‐instar larvae were abundant. Predation also was affected by crown condition and tree size. Additionally, predation levels were similar throughout the year in a region where generations are considered to be less synchronized, representing a more consistent resource for woodpeckers.
The present study highlights the various factors affecting woodpecker predation over time. The results demonstrate the importance of multi‐season studies of interactions between invasive species and native natural enemies when aiming to fully understand their dynamics.
Interventional management of necrotizing pancreatitis: an Australian experience
Authors: Woo Shanan , Walklin Ryan , Wewelwala Chandika , Berry Roger , Devonshire David , Croagh Daniel 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe interventional management of necrotizing pancreatitis has evolved from early open surgery to delayed endoscopic or percutaneous intervention. However, few studies have directly compared the three treatment modalities. We aim to compare the outcomes of patients who had endoscopic, percutaneous or surgical interventions for necrotizing pancreatitis at our institution.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of patients who had interventions for necrotizing pancreatitis at our institution from 2005 to 2014. Primary outcome was length of stay (LOS); secondary outcomes were complication rate and number of procedures required for resolution of necrosis.ResultsThirty patients were included. Mortality rate was 13% (four patients). Median LOS and time to intervention was 88 and 28 days, respectively. There were no significant differences in the computed tomography severity indices and 48‐h C‐reactive protein levels among the three groups. Initial endoscopic intervention was associated with a median LOS of 62 days compared with 101 days in the percutaneous group and 91 days in the surgical group (P = 0.04). There were higher rates of pancreatic fistulae (40%) (P = 0.012) and new onset diabetes (30%) (P = 0.046) in the surgical group. Median number of procedures was similar among the three groups. Median LOS for patients with delayed intervention (fourth to sixth week of pancreatitis) was 66 days, compared with 137 days in patients with early intervention (first to third week) and 104 days in patients with late intervention (seventh week onwards) (P ≤ 0.001).ConclusionA delayed, endoscopy first approach appears to be a reasonable strategy as it is associated with decreased LOS and low complication rate.
Transanal natural orifice specimen extraction in colorectal surgery: bacteriological and oncological concerns
Authors: Ngu James , Wong Andrew Siang Yih 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIntroductionNatural orifice techniques have been developed to reduce incision‐related morbidity in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. We describe our method of performing transanal specimen extraction in laparoscopic colorectal surgery, addressing bacteriological and oncological concerns in its implementation.MethodsData of consecutive patients undergoing natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) laparoscopic colorectal surgery in our institution were retrospectively analysed. All specimens were extracted transanally via a wound protector, followed by intracorporeal end‐to‐end colorectal anastomosis. Perioperative details, microbiological and oncological findings were reviewed.ResultsBetween November 2014 and February 2015, five patients underwent NOSE laparoscopic colorectal procedures in our institution. All cases were completed laparoscopically and specimens were extracted transanally via a wound protector. There were no cases of post‐operative anastomotic leaks, wound infections, intra‐abdominal sepsis or faecal incontinence. Oncological margins and lymph node harvest were adequate for malignant cases. Transanal specimen extraction did not result in a malignant yield on peritoneal fluid cytology.ConclusionsEarly bacteriological, oncological and functional results show that NOSE is safe and feasible. Follow‐up is required to establish that long‐term oncological outcome is not compromised.
Orbital implants in retinoblastoma patients: 23 years of experience and a review of the literature
Authors: Mourits Daphne L. , Moll Annette C. , Bosscha Machteld I. , Tan H. Stevie , Hartong Dyonne T. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate complications of different types of orbital implants following enucleation for retinoblastoma.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart study of all patients that underwent enucleation as treatment of retinoblastoma between April 1991 and June 2013. Events of implant exposure, extrusion (defined as a complete loss of the implant, or a major exposure that could not be closed) and socket abnormalities were analysed for association with implant type and influence of additional external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and/or chemotherapy.ResultsA total of 224 enucleations in 216 patients (eight bilateral) were identified. Mean age at surgery was 1.9 (median 1.5) years. Of the 219 included enucleated eyes, 20 were not replaced by a primary implant and 18 were replaced by an Allen implant. Scleral wrapped hydroxyapatite (HA) and acrylic implants (polymethylmethacrylate) were inserted in, respectively, 79 and 102 cases. In the total population, 29 treatment or implant‐specific events (13.2%) were registered. Main complications were implant exposure n = 10 (4.6%) and extrusion n = 6 (2.7%). The acrylic/sclera group had less exposures or extrusions (5 of 102, 4.9%) compared to the HA/sclera group (10 of 79, 12.7%), although this difference did not quite reach statistical significance (p = 0.06). Additional treatment (chemotherapy and/or EBRT for the fellow eye) was administered in 78 cases (35.8%). The overall complication rate in the entire study population was significantly higher (16.7% versus 5.7%) in the group exposed to additional therapy (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.30–8.36 p = 0.008). This negative effect of additional therapy was also significant in the combined acrylic/HA group (OR 2.9; 95% CI 0.97–8.46 p = 0.048).ConclusionOur results suggest a favourable outcome for acrylic implants compared to the HA implant. Additional treatment with chemotherapy and/or EBRT is associated with an increased risk of complications.
Functional roles of angiogenic factors and receptors on non‐endothelial cells in the oropharyngeal cavity of the chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar)
Authors: Sağsöz Hakan , Saruhan Berna G. , Erdoğan Serkan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family belong to the platelet‐derived growth factor supergene family and is involved in angiogenesis and mitogenesis. The VEGF–VEGFR system regulates endothelial cell proliferation, migration, vascular permeability, secretion and other non‐endothelial cells functions. To clarify the possible role of endothelial and non‐endothelial cells, VEGF and its receptors, vascular endothelial cell growth inhibitor (VEGI) were immunohistochemically examined in oropharyngeal organs. Ten adult partridges were used in this study and the pharynx and larynx were dissected together with the palate and tongue. VEGI, VEGF and its receptor were highly expressed in luminal epithelial and stromal cells, when compared to glandular epithelial and muscle cells (P < 0.05). Moreover, VEGF, its receptors and VEGI were expressed rather strongly in the endothelial cells of the blood capillaries and in both the endothelial and smooth muscle cells of the large and small blood vessels. In conclusion, VEGF and its receptors (flt1/fms, flk1/KDR and flt4) and VEGI were expressed by various cell groups at varying intensity in the oropharyngeal organs. This demonstrates that they play a critical role in the regulation and maintenance of the functions in cells different from endothelial ones as well as in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and angiogenesis.