bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do children with supraventricular tachycardia treated with ablation therapy have similar quality of life as healthy children?
Authors: Szafran Emilia , Baszko Artur , Bukowska-Posadzy Anna , Łaźniak Agata , Moszura Tomasz , Siwińska Aldona , Walkowiak Jarosław , Bobkowski Waldemar 
Published: September 2017

Introduction. There are a few available studies evaluating quality of life (QoL) in pediatric patients with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) treated with ablation but they are based on small groups of patients. The aim of the paper was to compare the QoL in children with SVT treated with successful ablation with the group of healthy children.Materials and Methods. The study included 122 SVT children who underwent a successful ablation therapy and 83 healthy children. The Qol was assessed, using the WHOQOL-BREF and the Pediatric Arrhythmia Related Score (PARS) - a specific questionnaire developed by the authors, related to patients' own feelings and observations concerning arrhythmia.Results. On the basis of WHOQOL-BREF no significant differences were found in all the measured domains. On the basis of PARS in SVT-group the patients still reported significantly increased symptoms within physical domain in comparison with the healthy group (1.8 ± 0.5 vs 1.6 ± 0.3; p = 0.0195) as well as increased negative feelings within psychological domain (2.3 ± 0.7 vs 2.1 ± 0.6; p= 0.0172). Conclusions. On the basis of the general questionnaire all scores in SVT group are comparable with healthy children. When analyzing PARS questionnaire six months after the ablation procedure the physical and psychological functioning of SVT children was still worse than in the group of healthy children. On the basis of the performed analysis we believe that PARS questionnaire is a more useful and sensitive tool than WHOQOL-BREF when evaluating ablation influence on patients’ QoL.
Alternatives for domestic water tariff policy in the municipality of Chania, Greece, toward water saving using game theory
Authors: Varouchakis E. A. , Apostolakis A. , Siaka M. , Vasilopoulos K. , Tasiopoulos A. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
As defined in the EU Water Framework Directive, every water tariff policy should be fair toward customers, generate legitimate revenue, and motivate consumers toward water saving. In the city of Chania, Greece, the inhabitants have asked for a fairer tariff policy and exhibited the intention to save water under the implementation of stricter measures. Therefore, a two-person zero-sum game was proposed, involving a conflict of interest between the Municipal Enterprise for Water and Sewage of Chania (MEWS) (Player 1) and the city's approximately 108,000 residents (Player 2). Three scenarios for the gradual reduction of the fixed charges and the gradual increase of volumetric charges were developed, assuming a different degree of change in water consumption behavior by each consumption block of consumers. The payoff matrices, for each scenario, incorporated two clear cost strategies for Player 1, in terms of changing the current tariff policy, and four clear cost strategies for Player 2, regarding the change in consumers’ behavior. The optimal decision for both players, derived from the identification of the equilibrium point, demonstrated that domestic water consumption may be reduced by up to 4.6% while maintaining the MEWS's profit. The proposed model can provide a guide for other similar applications.
Eco-environmental effects of water resources development and utilization in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China
Authors: Wang Zilong , Jiang Qiuxiang , Fu Qiang , Jiang Xi , Mo Kaiyue 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWater resources development and utilization (WRDU) is an important way for humans to utilize natural resources, and has a deep effect on ecological environments. Flat topography, groundwater dependence and a high proportion of agricultural water are the main features of WRDU in Sanjiang Plain. Due to large-scale development in the last 60 years, the ecological environment of Sanjiang Plain has changed significantly. In order to identify the eco-environmental problems and make regional ecological environment and water resources sustainable, trend and correlation analyses were performed to analyze the eco-environmental effects of WRDU from the aspects of water resources, land resources, vegetation and climate. The results show that the regional eco-environmental effects caused by WRDU in Sanjiang Plain are significant. The quantity and quality of groundwater resources and the social and ecological functions of land resources are significantly affected by the regional development and utilization of water resources, while the effect of surface water resources is not obvious. The changes of vegetation and climate are also significant, but the response mechanism to WRDU requires further study. With the changes of extent, pattern and degree of surface water utilization in Sanjiang Plain, the effect of surface water resources is becoming more and more prominent.
Developing a shuffled complex evolution algorithm using a differential evolution algorithm for optimizing hydropower reservoir systems
Authors: Nezhad Omid Bakhtiari , Najarchi Mohsen , NajafiZadeh Mohammad Mahdi , Hezaveh S. Mohammad Mirhosseini 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study is to improve the performance of the shuffled complex evolution (SCE) algorithm used in the optimization of hydropower generation in reservoirs as a complex issue in water resources. First, the SCE algorithm is merged with the differential evolution (DE) algorithm to form the SCE-DE algorithm. Then, a complex mathematical function is used as a benchmark to evaluate the performance and validate the SCE-DE algorithm and the outcomes are compared with the original SCE algorithm to show the superiority of the proposed SCE-DE algorithm. In addition, the two-reservoir system of Dez-Gotvand is considered as a real optimization problem to evaluate the performance of the SCE-DE algorithm. It is revealed that optimization by SCE-DE is much better than SCE. In conclusion, the results show that the proposed SCE-DE algorithm is a reasonable alternative to optimizing resource systems and can be used to solve complex issues of water resources.
Pharmacologic Differences of Sulfonylureas and the Risk of Adverse Cardiovascular and Hypoglycemic Events
Authors: Douros Antonios , Yin Hui , Yu Oriana Hoi Yun , Filion Kristian B. , Azoulay Laurent , Suissa Samy 
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVE
Sulfonylureas have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events and hypoglycemia, but it is unclear if these risks vary with different agents. We assessed whether the risks of acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, and severe hypoglycemia differ between sulfonylureas grouped according to pancreas specificity and duration of action.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Using the U.K. Clinical Practice Research Datalink, linked with the Hospital Episodes Statistics and the Office for National Statistics databases, we conducted a cohort study among patients with type 2 diabetes initiating monotherapy with sulfonylureas between 1998 and 2013. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, comparing use of pancreas-nonspecific, long-acting sulfonylureas (glyburide/glimepiride) to pancreas-specific, short-acting sulfonylureas (gliclazide/glipizide/tolbutamide).

RESULTS
The cohort included 17,604 sulfonylurea initiators (mean [SD] follow-up 1.2 [1.5] years). Compared with specific, short-acting sulfonylureas (15,741 initiators), nonspecific, long-acting sulfonylureas (1,863 initiators) were not associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (HR 0.86; CI 0.55–1.34), ischemic stroke (HR 0.92; CI 0.59–1.45), cardiovascular death (HR 1.01; CI 0.72–1.40), or all-cause mortality (HR 0.81; CI 0.66–1.003), but with an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia (HR 2.83; CI 1.64–4.88).

CONCLUSIONS
The nonspecific, long-acting sulfonylureas glyburide and glimepiride do not have an increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events compared with the specific, short-acting sulfonylureas gliclazide, glipizide, and tolbutamide. However, nonspecific, long-acting sulfonylureas glyburide and glimepiride have an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia.
Theories and Frameworks for Online Education: Seeking an Integrated Model
Authors: Picciano Anthony G 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis article examines theoretical frameworks and models that focus on the pedagogical aspects of online education. After a review of learning theory as applied to online education, a proposal for an integrated Multimodal Model for Online Education is provided based on pedagogical purpose. The model attempts to integrate the work of several other major theorists and model builders such as Anderson (2011).
Beyond Being There: Practices that Establish Presence, Engage Students and Influence Intellectual Curiosity in a Structured Online Learning Environment
Authors: Orcutt Janice Marie , Dringus Laurie P 
Published: September 2017

To fully understand teaching presence and its implications for the intellectual climate of an online classroom it is necessary to explore the phenomenon from the perspective of the instructors who experience it. Informed by the theoretical perspective of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) model, the actions, intentions and perceptions of instructors were investigated through a collective case study. The goal of this study was to examine the decision processes employed in establishing teaching presence in a structured online environment in order to make a contribution to the body of knowledge from a practical pedagogical perspective. Using the lived experiences of instructors enabled the exploration of the influence pedagogical choices had on the creation of an intellectual climate in the online context. Using semi-structured interviews as the main source of data, the study utilized the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method as an analytical tool to address concerns of rigor in the qualitative interpretation of experiential data. Results of the collective case revealed student engagement and intellectual curiosity were influenced most greatly by an instructor’s active interest and passion for teaching, an ability to identify the relevance of course topics to the student, and the encouragement for a shared responsibility in the learning process. The findings showed that the shared goal of learning extended beyond the stated learning objectives and expected outcomes of a course and served as a foundation in the creation of authentic relationships between instructor and students. In addressing the overarching research question of how instructors establish teaching presence and inspire intellectual curiosity in a structured teaching environment, the findings of this study contribute to knowledge related to the nature of teaching presence and its role in setting an academic climate in an online classroom.
Using Design-Based Research in Higher Education Innovation
Authors: Ford Cristi , McNally Darragh , Ford Kate 
Published: September 2017

This paper discusses the design-based research approach used by the Center for Innovation in Learning and Student Success at the University of Maryland (CILSS), University College. CILSS is a laboratory for conducting applied research that focuses on continuous improvements to the university's instruction of curriculum, learning models, and student support to identify promising innovations for underserved populations in adult higher education; to drive adoption of next-generation transformational online learning; to develop new educational models based on learning science, cutting edge technology, and improved instructional methods; to help more UMUC adult students succeed by increasing retention and graduating more students in shorter time frames (thus reducing their costs). As such, leveraging technology and pedagogy in innovative ways is key to the Center's work. CILSS serves as the research and development arm for the university, promoting innovative ideas and breakthroughs in learning. The paper details one interpretation of design-based research (DBR) and how it can be applied by an innovation center working within a university for program evaluation. This paper also posits that the conceptual framework and assumptions of andragogy (Knowles, 1984) has applicable relevance to the instructional shifts that include adaptive learning in the curriculum. A review of the literature on DBR explores the central features of this approach. A review of andragogy as the conceptual framework for this paper highlights what we believe to be the central features of the evaluation approach of adaptive learning software. We then present the model used by CILSS when designing and testing a pilot project. To illustrate the approach, we provide the example of a recent pilot that uses the adaptive learning software RealizeIt in UMUC’s Principles of Accounting I course, a course that traditionally has lower than average success rates.
Gap Analysis: An Innovative Look at Gateway Courses and Student Retention
Authors: Swan Karen , Bloemer William , Day Scott 
Published: September 2017

In this paper we argue that simply identifying gateway courses in which a large number of students fail or withdraw and focusing attention on them is not the best use of limited resources. No matter what we do, there will always be courses with high D/F/W rates simply because of the nature of their content and the preparation of the students who must take them. However, some gateway courses defy expectations and produce fewer DFWs than predicted while others produce more. Moreover, the timing of course taking can make a difference between success or failure for particular types of students, and failing or withdrawing from a course does not always lead to stopping out. In this paper we use examples from our work with the analyses of student records to show how one can use student type and point in their academic life to predict success in particular gateway courses. Relating predictions to observed DFW rates can highlight courses exceeding expectations and those which fall below them, and support a more nuanced understanding where attention is needed.
A Formative Case Evaluation for the Design of an Online Delivery Model Providing Access to Study Abroad Activities
Authors: Howard Wendy , Perrotte Gino , Lee Minyoung , Frisone Jenna 
Published: September 2017

Despite the pressure from potential employers and higher education administrators to develop students’ global and intercultural competence, traditional study abroad programs simply are not feasible for many postsecondary students (Berdan & Johannes, 2014; Fischer, 2015). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an online delivery model for study abroad activities. Building upon the findings of an initial exploratory program using Adobe Connect web conferencing tools, this evaluative case study was the second in a series of design based research studies intended to identify effective practices and develop recommendations to further refine the model through an iterative evaluation process. Using the Online Learning Consortium’s Quality Framework, each of the Five Pillars that support successful online learning was evaluated through a combination of anonymous surveys, pre/post assessments, observations, and student & instructor interviews. Regarding access, 26 students who were enrolled in an intercultural communication course were able to participate in a study abroad experience in Italy; 10 students participated in the traditional study abroad trip while the other 16 participated virtually. The online students were able to join the live meetings, thus expanding their access to international experiences that normally would be closed to them. In terms of student and faculty satisfaction, both groups of students and the instructor reported specific areas of satisfaction, offered critical feedback, and felt that the concept was a viable one. While the students who traveled to Italy had a far more immersive experience, both groups demonstrated gains in learning. Using Morais and Ogden’s (2010) global citizenship pre/post assessment, both groups showed improvement on the self-awareness and intercultural communication scales, and when comparing the two groups the online students improved more on the social responsibility scale while the students who traveled improved more on the global knowledge scale. Both groups submitted assignments of similar quality, engaged in communications between the abroad and online groups, and interacted with the instructor and experts in the field. In terms of differences in student engagement, students had differing opinions on the interaction with the technology and the online group asked more questions during live meetings. The implications of this pilot study should inform the planning of the next case evaluation and are important for other educators who wish to implement a similar approach to internationalizing the curriculum through online instruction.
Pengelolaan Sampah Berbasis Modal Sosial Masyarakat
Authors: Syahli Rio , Sekarningrum Bintarsih 
Published: September 2017

Sampah merupakan permasalahan utama yang dihadapi Indonesia terutama di kota-kota besar yang memiliki tingkat aktivitas dan kepadatan tinggi serta pembangunan infrastruktur yang pesat. Salah satu cara menghadapi permasalahan sampah di kota besar adalah memberlakukan sistem pengelolaan sampah di masyarakat dan membangun sarana tempat pengolahan sampah terpadu (TPST). Penelitian bertujuan mendeskripsikan pengelolaan sampah melalui modal sosial masyarakat. Metode yang digunakan yaitu kualitatif. Informan adalah aparat pemerintah, tokoh masyarakat, kelompok dan warga masyarakat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada aspek jaringan, dengan adanya kesamaan latar belakang (bonding), adanya kerjasama antara berbagai pihak (Bridging), dan relasi sosial (Linking) antara berbagai pihak dalam pelaksanaan pengelolaan sampah, maka sistem pengelolaan sampah dapat disosialisasikan dan diterapkan. Pada aspek norma, pengelolaan sampah berjalan sesuai dengan aturan bersama dan nilai yang berlaku. Pada aspek kepercayaan, adanya respon positif dari masyarakat terhadap pengelolaan sampah khususnya dalam mewujudkan Kawasan Bebas Sampah (KBS). Simpulan penelitian, sistem penegelolaan sampah akan efektif apabila berbasiskan modal sosial masyarakat. Modal sosial merupakan kekuatan sosial masyarakat dalam mencapai tujuan bersama yaitu Kawasan Bebas Sampah.
Immunoglobulin G4 Sinusitis in Association with Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease
Authors: Johal Kirti , Welch Kevin , Peters Anju 
Published: September 2017

Background Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) related disease is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by tumor-like tissue infiltration with IgG4 positive (IgG4+) plasma cells. Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is defined as asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, and hypersensitivity to cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors. Objective We described a case of a non-smoking 61-year-old male with prior NSAID sensitivity who presented with a 1-year history of left eye proptosis associated with chronic nasal symptoms, ultimately identified as concurrent AERD and IgG4 sinusitis. Methods The patient was evaluated in the clinic and diagnosed by using clinical, radiographic, and surgical biopsy findings. Results Although initial concern was greatest for malignancy, a biopsy specimen confirmed the presence of a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and storiform fibrosis, associated with increased IgG4+ plasma cells. Therefore, IgG4-related disease (RD) was identified in this patient with AERD. Conclusion Shared type II inflammation may be responsible for the coexistence of IgG4-RD and AERD as observed in our patient. Health care workers must be cognizant of the simultaneous presentation of both IgG4-RD and AERD.
Promotion of Olfactory Receptor Neuron Differentiation of Olfactory Neuroepithelial Cells by Using Chitosan Solution
Authors: Li Sheng-Tien , Young Tai-Horng , Lin Chih-Feng , Huang Tsung-Wei 
Published: September 2017

Background Olfactory dysfunction significantly influences patients’ quality of life. Chitosan has been reported to support neuron and Schwann cell growth and even leads to orient axonal growth. However, researchers have yet to explore whether chitosan solution can promote differentiation of olfactory receptor neurons of the olfactory neuroepithelium and be used for treating olfactory dysfunction. Objective To evaluate the effect of chitosan solution on the differentiation of olfactory neuroepithelial cells. Method Olfactory neuroepithelial cells were isolated from embryonic day 17 of Wistar rats and then cultured with and without soluble chitosan for 9 days. The concentration of chitosan solution was set at 0.1 mg/mL. The effects of treatment were assessed by immunocytochemistry and Western blot after culturing. Results The morphologic analysis indicated that olfactory neuroepithelial cells treated with chitosan exhibited bipolar shape with asymmetric processes. In addition, from days 3 to 9, the expression level of βIII tubulin gradually reduced, but the expression level of olfactory marker protein significantly rose at day 9 in the chitosan groups (p < 0.05). Importantly, chitosan-treated olfactory neuroepithelial cells expressed more signal transduction apparatuses, olfactory neuron specific-G protein and adenylate cyclase 3, than those without chitosan treatment at day 9. Western blot analysis also further confirmed the results(p < 0.05). Conclusion Experimental results revealed that soluble chitosan promoted differentiation of olfactory neuroepithelial cells based on its role in olfactory receptor neuron differentiation, neurite outgrowth, and signal transduction apparatus expressions.
Rna Sequencing and Pathway Analysis Identify Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Driven Small Proline-Rich Protein Dysregulation in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Gonzalez Joseph R. , Cooper Sarah E. , Barham Henry P. , Anderson Catherine B. , Larson Eric D. , Cool Carlyne D. , Diller John D. , Jones Kenneth , Kinnamon Sue C. 
Published: September 2017

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous inflammatory disorder in which many pathways contribute to end-organ disease. Small proline-rich proteins (SPRR) are polypeptides that have recently been shown to contribute to epithelial biomechanical properties relevant in T-helper type 2 inflammation. There is evidence that genetic polymorphism in SPRR genes may predict the development of asthma in children with atopy and, correlatively, that expression of SPRRs is increased under allergic conditions, which leads to epithelial barrier dysfunction in atopic disease. Methods RNAs from uncinate tissue specimens from patients with CRS and control subjects were compared by RNA sequencing by using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (n = 4 each), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (n = 15). A separate cohort of archived sinus tissue was examined by immunohistochemistry (n = 19). Results A statistically significant increase of SPRR expression in CRS sinus tissue was identified that was not a result of atopic presence. SPRR1 and SPRR2A expressions were markedly increased in patients with CRS (p < 0.01) on RNA sequencing, with confirmation by using real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry of archived surgical samples demonstrated staining of SPRR proteins within squamous epithelium of both groups. Pathway analysis indicated tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha as a master regulator of the SPRR gene products. Conclusion Expression of SPRR1 and of SPRR2A is increased in mucosal samples from patients with CRS and appeared as a downstream result of TNF alpha modulation, which possibly resulted in epithelial barrier dysfunction.