pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
The thoracic surface anatomy of adult black South Africans : a reappraisal from CT scans

Surface landmarks or planes taught in anatomy curricula derive from standard anatomical textbooks. Although many surface landmarks are valid, clear age, sex, and population differences exist. We reappraise the thoracic surface anatomy of black South Africans. We analyzed 76 (female = 42; male = 34) thoracoabdominal CT-scans. Patients were placed in a supine position with arms abducted. We analyzed the surface anatomy of the sternal angle, tracheal, and pulmonary trunk bifurcation, azygos vein termination, central veins, heart apex, diaphragm, xiphisternal joint, and subcostal plane using standardized definitions. Surface anatomy landmarks were mostly within the normal variation limits described in previous studies. Variation was observed where the esophagus (T9) and inferior vena cava (IVC) (T8/T9/T10) passed through the diaphragm. The bifurcations of the trachea and pulmonary trunk were inferior to the sternal angle. The subcostal plane level was positioned at L1/L2. The origin of inferior mesenteric artery was mostly inferior to the subcostal plane. Sex differences were noted for the plane of the xiphisternal joint (P = 0.0082), with males (36%) intersecting at T10 and females (36%) intersecting at T9. We provide further evidence for population variations in surface anatomy. The clinical relevance of surface anatomical landmarks depends on descriptions of normal variation. Accurate descriptions of population, sex, age, and body type differences are essential.The National Research Foundation (NRF)http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1098-23532017-11-30hb2017AnatomyRadiolog
Description and ultrasound targeting of the origin of the suprascapular nerve

Anatomical variations in the suprascapular nerve (SSN) and its depth in the suprascapular notch can make it difficult to target with ultrasonography (US). One alternative could be a proximal approach to the SSN, if US provides a reliable description of its origin (orSSN). The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate that US can reliably locate the orSSN. The secondary objective was to describe the features of the proximal SSN. Seventy brachial plexuses (BPs) from 30 healthy volunteers (60 BPs) and 5 cadavers (10 BPs) were included. There were two parts to this study: (1) description of the proximal SSN in healthy volunteers using US to determine the diameter, depth and location of the orSSN; (2) targeting of the orSSN with US in cadaver limbs to determine its distance from the needle, ink marking and locating the orSSN. In Part I, the diameter of the orSSN averaged 1.33 mm (1-9 mm) and its depth averaged 5.12 mm (2.7-10.6 mm). The orSSN was located in the upper trunk of the BP (53) or its posterior division (7). In Part II, the orSSN was successfully targeted in nine of the 10 specimens by US; the needle/orSSN distance averaged 3.8 mm (0-8 mm). The implanted needle was at the orSSN in two cases, proximal to it in seven and distal to it in one. US is a valid modality for describing and pinpointing the orSSN, irrespective of patient morphology
Ultrasound-guided proximal suprascapular nerve block: a cadaveric study

Difficulty in identifying the susprascapular nerve (SSN) limits the success of US-guided regional anesthetic injections. A proximal SSN block could be an effective and reliable approach. The primary objective was to validate the feasibility of the US-guided proximal SSN block. The secondary objective was to quantify the spread of the colored local anesthetic to the phrenic nerve (PN). Fourteen brachial plexuses from seven cadavers were included. Characterization of the proximal SSN was performed using US to determine the diameter and depth of the origin of the SSN (orSSN). Ten mL of methylene blue-infused ropivacaine 0.2% were then injected to the proximal portion of the SSN. After dissection, the distances between the tip of the needle and the orSSN and the PN were anatomically determined. The PN was also judged to be colored or not by the methylene blue. The mean diameter and depth of the orSSN were 0.2 cm (range, 0.1-0.3 cm) and 1.5 cm (range, 0.6-2 cm) respectively. The orSSN was successfully targeted in 14 of 14 specimens with US; the tip of the needle was a mean of 1.6 cm (range, 0.2-2.5 cm) and 5.1 cm (range, 4-6.5 cm) from the orSSN and PN respectively. The orSSN and PN were marked in 14 and 3 cases respectively. US-guided proximal SSN block is effective and reliable. The origin of the SSN is an easily identifiable landmark. This regional anesthesia could also reduce the risk of phrenic nerve palsy following interscalene brachial plexus block
Theoretical, Methodological, and Ethical Challenges to the Study of Immigrants: Perils and Possibilities

Research on immigrant communities has often been reductionist, stereotypical, and simplistic, and even the most well‐intentioned researchers are susceptible to using cultural deficit models. This chapter critically evaluates some of the dominant tensions and problem areas with respect to researching immigrant communities. Specifically, we analyze three primary challenges that researchers encounter: the heterogeneity of immigrant lives, adequate representations of immigrant communities, and researcher privilege. In addition to identifying these unique theoretical, methodological, and ethical concerns, we draw from critical theory, feminist scholarship, and cultural psychology to provide an interdisciplinary solution. For researchers investigating immigrant communities, we advocate the following: (a) grounding of intersectional frameworks; (b) reliance on a risk and resilience framework; (c) phenomenological understanding of immigrants' everyday lives; (d) inclusion of immigrant participants' voices; and (e) cultivation of negative capability. Finally, we briefly review selected studies that address three recurring challenges that researchers face and heed our five recommendations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Growing Up as “Man of the House”: Adultification and Transition Into Adulthood for Young Men in Economically Disadvantaged Families

Many children in economically disadvantaged communities assume adult roles in their families. Negotiating the responsibilities and expectations associated with becoming what some young men describe as “man of the house” has important implications for how adolescent boys move into adulthood. In this study, we share insights from field work and life‐history interviews with low‐income, young African American men and Salvadoran men in the Washington, DC/Baltimore region to illustrate how adultification may deliver contradictory expectations for adolescents. The findings also show how the accelerated responsibilities that accompany the experience of adultification create difficulties in the young men's transition into adulthood. These findings indicate that the age period of emerging adulthood may begin earlier for economically disadvantaged young men. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Commentary — Of quadrants and fish scales : reflections on new directions in research in child and adolescent development.

In this article, I reflect on how ways of reporting research as well as reviewing and commenting on submitted manuscripts could take new directions to promote progress in the discipline of developmental science. I argue for (a) attitudinal openness toward migratory impulses in relation to Stokes's quadrant model of science, (b) the relinquishment of an unproductive sense of problem ownership in authors, reviewers, and commentators, (c) active attempts to fill intra- and interdisciplinary gaps rather than solely focusing on strengthening existing islets of disciplinary expertise, (d) a strategic diversification of expertise in the selection of reviewers and commentators, (e) adopting a communication style that can be described as deferential transgressions, and (f) promoting attempts for transdisciplinary replications
Can Spreadsheet Solvers Solve Demanding Optimization Problems?

Practicing engineers resort to modular simulators or to algebraic tools such as GAMS or AMPL for performing complex process optimizations. These tools, however, have a significant learning curve unless they have been introduced at the undergraduate level beforehand. In this work we show how the Solver feature of the Excel spreadsheet can be used for the optimization of a fairly complex system, i.e., a classic solvent extraction/pollution prevention with heat integration process. The specific goal was the design optimization for continuous recovery of organic solvents (VOCs) using a gas absorption tower with solvent recovery in a stripper. It is shown that the Solver feature of the Excel spreadsheet can be used to converge on local optima for these complex systems, provided proper care is taken in the solution procedure. The complexities of optimization can also be demonstrated with this tool, as can several common pitfalls encountered during optimization
Design, navigation, and structure of a hypermedia application for the teaching–learning of pneumatic engineering design drawing

This article presents a hypermedia application used to study pneumatics that serves to support the lecturer in the lecture hall and as a self-study tool for the student. The reason behind the creation of this application is as follows: currently, there is no application in the market, which is equipped with a navigational system to guide the student through this subject matter, which has a system for self-assessment, and a system to identify those concepts that are of greatest interest or difficulty for the student. The proposed system monitors the time each user spends studying each section, as well as the dates on which each one was studied. Moreover, students are able to monitor their progress in learning the subject matter and identify those areas in which they have to improve. They are also able to simulate any pneumatic circuit in order to check its feasibility or detect any errors. The application has an open, modular structure, which enables changes to be made without its structure being affected. Use of the hypermedia application has supported the tutorial work of lecturers and reduced time spent elaborating on subject matter in the lecture hall, at the same time as facilitating its study
Effectiveness of a hypermedia tool in the innovative teaching of pneumatic engineering design drawing

This article presents research undertaken to determine the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of the “pneumatic engineering design drawing” hypermedia. Among our reasons for carrying out this research are the implementation of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), the inexistence on the market of a similar product, and an increasing daily need for asynchronous teaching methods. Its objectives sought to evaluate the application and its impact on the teaching–learning of pneumatics. Two sources of documentation were used as research strategies: opinion polls and experimentation. Three groups of equal size were formed at random, based on traditional teaching (T), self-study using multimedia (M), and traditional teaching reinforced by the use of the hypermedia (A). The following rank among some of the more noteworthy conclusions. The hypermedia application has been positively rated. In the group with prior knowledge of the subject, the results of the post-test are strongly related to those of the pre-test in pneumatics. There is no empirical evidence to support the affirmation that students in group A achieved better results that those in group M or group T. In group M, academic performance is not directly dependent on the intellectual abilities of the student. The minimum time saving in group M was 42% in comparison with the other two groups
On-line educational tool for the parallel operation of the synchronous generators

This study presents a PC and a PIC microcontroller based an on-line educational tool for the monitoring and controlling of the parallel operation of the synchronous generators. The presented tool measures the voltages, the frequencies, the phase sequences, and the synchronism time data of the generators through microcontroller. The measured data, the voltage graphics, and the status of the parallel operation conditions are monitored on the computer instantaneously. The parallel operation of the generators is controlled with the developed tool automatically. The educational tool is user-friendly, real-time, reliable, and precise. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Scientiﬁc Research Project Commission of the Abant Izzet Baysal University, under grant 2006.01.09.25
A computer-based testing system to evaluate protective relays as a tool in power system protection education

Teaching power system relaying is a fundamental issue in a power system high-level course. However, for an effective instruction of this topic an experience with real equipments can be considered as fundamental. To achieve this purpose, in this paper a new approach for the practical learning of power system relaying is presented. This consists of a computer-based testing system of relay-operating characteristic. Different relay types and developed specific software are also an important piece of the laboratory practice. Using this system it is possible to understand the performance and limitations of different protective relay systems and to test a real relay disoperation. The benefit of using this system is not available through traditional lectures and textbooks
Using computer software packages to enhance the teaching in engineering management science: part 2 - programming techniques

This paper is the second paper in a series of sharing the experience of using different software packages in the delivery of Engineering Management Science coded as ENG4004, in the Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering Technology programs offered by the University of Southern Queensland.  The paper describes how the authors use different software packages to solve the programming techniques problems of the course.   Sometimes more than one package is required for the effective delivery of a topic of the course.  The needs for the usage were also explained. The assessments of the course were also studied and reviewed.  How the software packages met the objectives of the module were also discussed together with the desired learning outcomes of students. The comparative measure of the two packages used, Excel in MS Office 2007 and Quantitative Methods – Production and Operations Management (POM-QM) for Windows 3 ended with the former as winner.  It can be argued that the students’ learning experience and satisfaction will be greatly increased with the software packages while the cost to the university will be minimal.\ud
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Synchronous collaboration of virtual and remote laboratories

Virtual and remote laboratories(VRLs) are e-learning resources which enhance the accessibility of experimental setups providing a distance teaching framework which meets the student's hands-on learning needs. In addition, online collaborative communication represents a practical and a constructivist method to transmit the knowledge and experience from the teacher to students, overcoming physical distance and isolation. Thus, the integration of learning environments in the form of VRLs inside collaborative learning spaces is strongly desired. Considering these facts, the authors of this document present an original approach which enables user to share practical experiences while they work collaboratively through the Internet. This practical experimentation is based on VRLs, which have been integrated inside a synchronous collaborative e-learning framework. This article describes the main features of this system and its successful application for science and engineering subjects.The work presented in this article is supported by the "Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia" of the Spanish Government through FPI grants program and research project DPI2005-06222
Using computer software packages to enhance the teaching in engineering management science: part 3 - simulation

This paper is the third paper in a series of sharing the experience of using different software packages in the delivery of Engineering Management Science coded as ENG4004, in the Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering Technology programs offered by the University of Southern Queensland.  The paper describes how the authors use different software packages to solve the simulation problems of the course, using Monte Carlo technique.   Sometimes more than one package is required for the effective delivery of a topic of the course.  The needs for the usage were also explained. The assessments of the course were also studied and reviewed.  How the software packages met the objectives of the module were also discussed together with the desired learning outcomes of students. The preferred software was Excel in MS Office.  It can be argued that the students’ learning experience and satisfaction will be greatly increased with the software packages while the cost to the university will be minimal
Interactive educational software of textile desing

This paper presents a novel educational software package which develops an Interactive Didactic Application (IDA) created in the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), and which contains the\ud
essentials of Textile Design. It is an open application which uses a database in ASCII format. The principal elements of this database are lists of whole numbers structured according to indexed colors\ud
in standard RGB format. This generates a rational system of indexes of numerical lists, which allows us to transmit knowledge in the different areas which use images in their processes, with application in Textile Design, Engineering Graphics, mathematical transformations or indexation logic, among othersPeer ReviewedPostprint (author’s final draft
CourseEditor: A course planning tool compatible with IMS-LD

For the successful adoption of Computer Based Learning (CBL), it is necessary to provide teachers with user-friendly authoring tools that guide them in the process of planning a course. It is important that the documents generated by these tools are compliant with CBL standards to ensure that the instructional designs made by the teachers remain valid regardless of the Learning Management System (LMS) used to deliver the course. IMS-Learning Design (IMS-LD) is one of the most accepted specifications by the educational community for modeling of learning processes. There are some authoring-tools that allow export learning designs in IMS-LD but they are not course-planning oriented. In addition, a big challenge is how to improve the user interfaces of these tools in order to be easier to use for regular teachers. This paper presents CourseEditor, a course planning authoring tool that allows a teacher to describe the complete planning of a course (objectives, contents, methodology, and evaluation) and export the results in an IMS-LD compatible format. The paper provides a novel modeling of course planning that takes into account ideas from different instructional theories. CourseEditor combines power and flexibility, with the simplicity of an interface that can be used by teachers with no technical background. The paper illustrates the use of the tool creating a course on Telematic Services in the context of a Telecommunications Engineering degree. In addition, the relationships of course planning and IMS-LD are presented, showing which information of course planning can be represented in IMS-LD and which not. (c) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 21: 421-431, 2013This research has been partially funded by the following projects: project "Learn3: Towards Learning of the Third Kind" funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation under grant No. TIN2008-05163/TSI and project E_MADRID: "Investigación y Desarrollo de Tecnologías para el e-Learning en la Comunidad de Madrid" funded by the Madrid Regional Government under grant No. S2009/TIC-1650.Publicad
Testbed-Assisted Learning for Digital Communications Courses

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Computer Applications in Engineering Education, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 539–549, September 2013, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cae.20499. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.[Abstract] We introduce testbed-assisted learning as an effective means for teaching digital communications. Laboratory teaching activities of digital communications courses benefit very much from utilizing a hardware testbed, since it greatly facilitates the understanding of very important effects introduced by real-world transceivers. We overcome the main drawback of communications hardware, that is, the cumbersome low-level programming interfaces provided by hardware manufacturers, by introducing a distributed multilayer software architecture. This architecture provides different abstraction levels to access hardware testbeds, releasing students from the low-level interaction with the hardware. Also, the
distributed nature of this architecture results in a high flexibility of operation. This way, students can focus on learning communications topics without devoting any time to low-level programming, that is usually out of the scope of digital communications courses. Thanks to testbed-assisted learning, they are able to perform illustrative experiments to understand
digital communications concepts (e.g., source coding, modulation, space-time coding, etc.) and to test algorithms without developing a new program from scratch, speeding up both the implementation and the debugging tasks. However, those students interested in hardware implementations can use the software architecture to access and interact with lower programming levels until they are as close as possible to the hardware.This work has been funded by the Xunta de Galicia, the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación of Spain, and the FEDER funds of the European Union under the grants with numbers PGIDIT06TIC10501PR, TEC2007-68020-C04-01, and CSD2008-00010
Java software platform for the development of advanced robotic virtual laboratories

This article presents an interactive Java software platform which enables any user to easily create advanced virtual laboratories (VLs) for Robotics. This novel tool provides both support for developing applications with full 3D interactive graphical interface and a complete functional framework for modelling and simulation of arbitrary serial-link manipulators. In addition, its software architecture contains a high number of functionalities included as high-level tools, with the advantage of allowing any user to easily develop complex interactive robotic simulations with a minimum of programming. In order to show the features of the platform, the article describes, step-by-step, the implementation methodology of a complete VL for Robotics education using the presented approach. Finally, some educational results about the experience of implementing this approach are reported.This work is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science through the research project DPI2008-02647 02647 as well as the ‘Technology & Educational Innovation Vicepresident Office’ of the University of Alicante through the aid of ‘Technologic & Educative Research Groups (GITE)’