The present dissertation on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) addressed several questions. First, the behavioral symptoms of speaking and mute individuals with ASD were compared on the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), a commonly used diagnostic instrument. In addition, questions about the construction of the ABC were investigated. In Study I it was found that although the two groups did not significantly differ on the total ABC score, the mute group demonstrated significantly more pathology on 21 of 57 items and 3 of 5 subscales. The speaking group obtained significantly higher scores on only 8 items and 1 subscale (Language). The appropriateness of providing greater pathology scores to speaking, rather than mute, individuals with ASD was called into question. In addition, it was speculated that the expressive language items are weighted too heavily, on both the Language subscale and the total score. Second, because the 57 items of the ABC were categorized into 5 subscales on a subjective basis, an empirical investigation of the factor structure of the ABC was performed. In Study II, a 5-factor model that contained 39 of the items accounted for 80% of the total variance in the checklist. No support was found for classifying the 57 items into the existing 5 subscales. Finally, the two most common forms of instruction to teach children with ASD, discrete-trial teaching and incidental teaching, were assessed. In Study III it was ascertained that discrete-trial teaching was more efficient and produced faster acquisition and initially, greater generalization. However, by follow-up, the incidental teaching methods resulted in equal retention, greater generalization, and equal or greater spontaneous usage. The findings indicate that although it takes a longer time for children with autism to learn with incidental teaching procedures, once they have acquired an ability, it may be more permanent.

The natural history of localized prostate cancer is not fully understood. In most patients the tumor will never progress to a lethal disease, while a subset of patients will ultimately die of the disease. Efficient tools to separate indolent from lethal disease is currently lacking which means that many patients will be offered treatment without any benefit, but still be at risk of experiencing treatment related side effects. The aims of these studies were to get more insight into the natural history of untreated localized prostate cancer, to assess the prognostic value of established clinical parameters such as Gleason score, nuclear grade and tumor volume and, moreover, some new prognostic markers Ki-67, AMACR and MUC-1. We also aimed to study time trends in the detection of incidental tumors in Sweden. Patients with localized disease (n=223) and no initial treatment were followed for 21 years. Most patients had a favorable outcome. However, a subset of patients developed lethal disease even beyond 15 years of follow-up and these patients define the group that may benefit most from treatment with curative intent. Patients with poorly differentiated tumors experienced a 9 time higher risk of dying in prostate cancer. The studies on prognostic markers are based on a cohort of patients (n=253) with incidental prostate cancer detected by transurethral resection for presumed benign hyperplasia. All patients were left without initial treatment. Gleason grade, nuclear grade and tumor volume turned all out to be independent prognostic factors. MUC-1, AMACR and Ki-67 also carried prognostic information. However, after adjustment for Gleason grade, nuclear grade and tumor volume only MUC-1 and AMACR remained as statistically significant prognostic factors. When tested for sensitivity and specificity they all failed and, consequently, they seem to be of less value in daily practice for cancelling an individual patient regarding the choice of treatment. Time trends in incidental prostate tumors in Sweden were analyzed in a cohort of patients with prostate tumors detected by transurethral resection (TUR-P). Through linkage of the national registration number (NRN) with several registers, e.g. the Swedish Cancer Registry, the National Inpatient registry and the Cause of Death Registry we identified, during the period 1970 through 2003, in total 23288 patients with incidental prostate cancer, who constituted the study group. As comparison group we choose all patients diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1970-2003 excluding those with incidental cancer, in total 112204 patients. Our result confirms earlier findings that there has been a dramatic change over time in incidence of incidental prostate cancers in Sweden, which parallels the introduction of prostate specific antigen. We also found that the cumulative incidence of prostate cancer death is high in the incidental group, opposing earlier findings that incidental tumours are a non-lethal disease.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:21:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Inara Rege.pdf: 692781 bytes, checksum: a7cf62e7e8ab3529ac5b269f1d1f915c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-03-18 / The use of cone beam computed tomography exam (CBCT) has increased greatly in recent years in dentistry, so there is much discussion about the role of the dentist in evaluating the anatomical structures near the maxillo-mandibular. Currently we do not know the occurrence of abnormalities in the maxillary sinuses in a large sample of CBCT examinations of dental patients with different indications. The aim of this study was 1-to investigate the occurrence of maxillary sinus abnormalities using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams of asymptomatic patients, 2- identify the frequency, type and location of these findings, and 3- its association with the proximity of periapical lesions and inflammatory changes in the maxillary sinus.1113 CBCT exams were evaluated by two examiners to identify the presence or absence of abnormalities of the maxillary sinus. Cases with abnormalities were reevaluated for identification of the type of the abnormality and location within the sinus. The presence and proximity of periapical lesions in the upper posterior teeth to the lower sinus wall were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Inter-rater agreement was calculated using Kappa statistics. Abnormalities were diagnosed in 760 (68.2%) cases (kappa coefficient 0.83). There was a significant difference between genders, showing greater occurrence in males (p<0.001). No difference in the occurrence of abnormalities was observed regarding age groups (p>0.05). Mucosal thickening was the most prevalent abnormality (66%), followed by retention cyst (10.1%) and opacification (7.8%). The most frequent location of sinusal abnormalities were in the inferior wall (46.2%), anterior (29%), medial(25.7%) and lateral wall (21.5%). No association between the proximity of periapical lesion and the presence and type of inflammatory abnormalities was observed (p=0.124). The occurrence of abnormalities in maxillary sinus of asymptomatic was considered high. These findings emphasize the importance of a comprehensive interpretation by the dentomaxillofacial radiologist of all volume of CBCT images, including the entire maxillary sinus as part of the imaging exam of routine patients. / A utilização do exame de tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico (TCFC) tem aumentado muito nos últimos anos na Odontologia, com isso, muito se discute sobre o papel do cirurgião-dentista na avaliação de estruturas anatômicas próximas ao complexo maxilo-mandibular. Atualmente não se conhece a ocorrência de anormalidades nos seios maxilares em uma grande amostra de exames de TCFC de pacientes com diferentes indicações odontológicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar: 1-ocorrência de anormalidades no seio maxilar por meio de exames de TCFC de pacientes assintomáticos, 2-identificar a frequência, tipo e localização destas anormalidades, e 3- sua associação com a proximidade de lesões periapicais e alterações inflamatórias detectadas no seio maxilar.1113 exames de TCFC foram avaliados por dois examinadores para identificar a presença ou ausência de anormalidades do seio maxilar. Os casos com anormalidades foram reavaliados para a identificação do tipo de anormalidade e localização no interior da cavidade sinusal. A presença e a proximidade das lesões periapicais em dentes superiores posteriores à parede inferior do seio foram registrados. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva e teste do qui-quadrado. A concordância entre os examinadores foi calculada por meio da estatística Kappa. Anormalidades foram diagnosticadas em 760 pacientes (68,2%) (kappa 0,83 coeficiente). Houve diferença significante entre os sexos, com maior ocorrência no gênero masculino (p <0,001). Não houve diferença na ocorrência de anormalidades em relação às faixas etárias (p <0,05). Espessamento mucoso foi a alteração mais prevalente (66%), seguido de cisto de retenção (10,1%) e opacificação (7,8%). As localizações mais frequentes de anormalidades sinusais foram na parede inferior (46,2%), anterior (29%), média (25,7%) e parede lateral (21,5%). Não foi observada associação entre a proximidade da lesão periapical e presença e tipo de anormalidades inflamatórias (p = 0,124). A ocorrência de anormalidades no seio maxilar de assintomáticos foi considerada alta. Estes achados enfatizam a importância de uma interpretação abrangente pelo radiologista dentomaxillofacial de todo o volume de imagens de TCFC, incluindo todo o seio maxilar, como parte do exame de imagem dos pacientes de rotina

A leitura repetida de uma mesma história favorece a aprendizagem incidental de vocabulário. Possivelmente, um dos processos envolvidos nesta aprendizagem seja o responder por exclusão (seleção de um estímulo indefinido dentre estímulos conhecidos) que pode ocorrer a partir da exposição a palavras indefinidas em contextos naturais diversos, como a leitura de livros. Muitos estudos indicam que o nível de vocabulário prévio da criança interfere na aprendizagem de novas palavras. Além disso, outros processos estão envolvidos neste tipo de aprendizagem, mas ainda não há clareza quanto às variáveis que podem favorecê-la ou dificultá-la. Este trabalho investigou a aprendizagem de novos substantivos em contexto de leitura compartilhada de livro infantil, manipulando a seguinte variável independente: a apresentação ou não da função/utilidade dos referentes (objetos desconhecidos que apareceram nas ilustrações) no contexto da história para crianças de três e sete anos (com desenvolvimento típico). Além disso, foi investigado: a) se as crianças aprenderiam quatro pseudopalavras; b) se as pseudopalavras e seus referentes apresentados na história sustentariam o posterior responder por exclusão na apresentação de uma nova pseudopalavra, e c) se a aprendizagem se mantinha em testes de retenção posteriores. Para tanto, uma história infantil (especialmente elaborada para esta pesquisa) foi lida para 10 crianças de cada grupo etário (3 e 7 anos), para as quais foram apresentadas quatro pseudopalavras (substantivos). Para duas palavras, a história definiu a função dos referentes; para as outras duas palavras, não foi apresentada essa definição. Sondas de Aprendizagem, Exclusão, Nomeação e Descrição da função foram aplicadas logo após a Fase de Leitura e uma semana após, verificando a aprendizagem imediata das pseudopalavras e a consolidação desta aprendizagem. Apenas o grupo de crianças mais velhas respondeu de forma consistente às sondas de exclusão. Os participantes de ambos os grupos demonstraram terem aprendido parcialmente as pseudopalavras apresentadas, desempenho que se manteve uma semana depois. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre as pseudopalavras que haviam sido apresentadas com uma função específica daquelas que não tinham função. Parte das crianças mais velhas descreveu adequadamente a função das pseudopalavras. Pesquisas futuras devem investigar melhor o papel da apresentação da função/utilidade de uma palavra e de outras dicas contextuais neste tipo de aprendizagem. / Reading the same book more than once induces an improvement in the incidental vocabulary learning. One of the vocabulary learning process is denominated responding by exclusion (selection of an undefined stimulus among known stimuli) that may occur incidentally, when undefined words are exposed in natural contexts, such as shared book reading. Many studies indicate that childs prior vocabulary levels interfere in the process of learning a new word. Many processes are involved in vocabulary learning from shared book reading, and a series of variables can affect the learning process positively or negatively. This study investigated the learning of new nouns in the context of shared book reading manipulating the presentation of the function/utility of the referents (unknown objects that appeared in the illustrations) in the context of the story to three and seven years old children (with typical development). Furthermore, this study investigated: a) if children would be able to learn four pseudowords; b) if the pseudowords presented in the story would sustain the subsequent exclusion responding in the presentation of a new pseudoword, and c) if the learning would endure in later retention tests. Therefore, a children\'s story book (especially made for this research) was read to ten children in each age group (3 and 7 years old), in which four pseudowords were presented. Only two of the four words had their referents function explicitly defined in the story while the others did not. Learning probes, Exclusion probes, Nomination and function description probes were applied firstly after the reading phase and also a week later, checking the immediate learning and its consolidation. Only the group of older children responded consistently to the exclusion probes. Participants in both groups showed they have partially learned the pseudowords presented, and the results remained the same a week later. No significant differences were found between the pseudowords that had been presented with a specific function and those which had not, part of the older children properly described the function of the former. Futher researches should investigate more the role of the presentation of the function/utility of a word and other contextual clues in this type of learning.

This essay is based on a case study that discusses students’ attitudes and beliefs about parallel language i.e. studying in two languages instead of only one. The study has been carried through by performing interviews with five students on two occasions as well as one interview with one of the educators at the department of Business Administration. It was found that students are positive towards parallel language even though it requires more time for reading and risk of losing out on content. A couple of the reasons that the students are positive about are that they expect (i) increased language proficiency and (ii) further work opportunities as a result of reading course literature in English. However, according to the educator there is little chance that reading course literature in English will affect employability. The department’s main goal is to find good textbooks. It was also revealed that even though students intend to read their textbooks they use different strategies and sometimes try to evade texts entirely. The participants were also asked to participate in a small vocabulary test with the aim of finding out if the students had acquired some of the vocabulary in their textbooks. The results showed that the students who used dictionaries extensively got the highest score, whereas those who believed that they already were proficient enough in English and did not need dictionaries that much showed very poor results.

This study examined the extramural activities, that is, what a language learner does with the target language outside of class time, in Japanese of adult beginner level foreign language learners of Japanese studying at Stockholm University, Sweden, and how these activities relate to Japanese language proficiency. The study looked at both extramural activities and foreign language proficiency from a holistic and quantitative perspective. The participants' extramural activities were measured through self-reported data in a questionnaire, and several measures; a cloze test, earlier grades, and self-evaluations; were triangulated and used to provide an adequate measure of general Japanese language proficiency.    The results indicate that extramural activities which provide a foreign language learner with enough time for thorough processing of input and support through the usage of several cooperating modalities seem to have a positive effect on general foreign language acquisition.

Hamlet a longtemps été une partie inséparable de l'identité nationale russe. Cependant, les mises en scène d’Hamlet en Union soviétique (surtout en Russie) durant l'époque de Staline présentèrent des problèmes spécifiques liés aux doctrines idéologiques imposées sur les arts et la culture en général ainsi qu’aux idées reçues concernant l’opinion personnelle de Staline envers de la tragédie. Les deux mises en scènes principales d’Hamlet en Russie au cours de cette période ont été celles réalisées par Nikolai Akimov (1932) et Sergei Radlov (1938). Un réexamen approfondi de ces mises en scène, entrepris dans les chapitres centraux de cette thèse, révèle des détails précédemment inconnus au sujet de leurs conceptions, réalisations, réceptions et au-delà. Cela met en évidence l'importance du rôle de la musique de scène composée pour elles par Dimitri Chostakovitch et par Sergei Prokofiev, respectivement, et suggère l'interaction complexe des agendas individuels et institutionnels. Ce travail a été rendu possible grâce à de nombreuses visites aux archives russes, qui contiennent de précieux documents tels que des livrets des mises en scène et les rapports sténographiques de discussions, précédemment non référencées à l'Ouest. Ces chapitres centraux sont précédés d'un aperçu historique d’Hamlet en Russie et de la musique et de Shakespeare en général. Ils sont suivis par une enquête au sujet des adaptations notables d’Hamlet à la fin de l’époque de Staline et après la mort du dictateur, se concentrant sur ceux qui contiennent les contributions musicales les plus importantes. Le résultat est un aperçu plus riche et plus complexe de l'image familière d’Hamlet comme miroir de la société russe / soviétique. / Hamlet has long been an inseparable part of Russian national identity. Staging Hamlet in Russia during the Stalin era, however, presented particular problems connected with the ideological framework imposed on the arts and culture as well as with Stalin’s own negative perceived view of the tragedy. The two major productions of Hamlet in Russia during this period were those directed by Nikolai Akimov (1932) and Sergei Radlov (1938). Thorough re-examination of these productions, as undertaken in the central chapters of this dissertation, reveals much previously unknown detail about their conception, realisation, reception and afterlife. It highlights the importance of the role of music composed for them by Dmitry Shostakovich and Sergei Prokofiev, respectively, and it suggests a complex interaction of individual and institutional agendas. This work has been made possible by numerous visits to Russian archives, which contain invaluable documents such as production books and stenographic reports of discussions, previously unreferenced in Western scholarship. These central chapters are preceded by a historical overview of Hamlet in Russia and of music and Shakespeare in general. They are followed by a survey of major adaptations of Hamlet in the late-Stalin era and beyond, concentrating on those with significant musical contributions. The outcome is a richer and more complex account of the familiar image of Hamlet as a mirror of Russian/Soviet society.

A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study was conducted to explore and describe the experience and support received by newly-qualified four-year trained professional nurses while placed for remunerated community service in Gauteng province. Purposive sampling was used and five focus group interviews were conducted. Each focus group consisted of six to ten participants who had completed the four-year training programme and were qualified as nurses (general, psychiatric and community) and midwife placed for remunerated community service in Gauteng province (South African Nursing Council R425 of 22 February 1985). Data was analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Two main themes emerged from the study and formed the basis of the discussion. The themes are “various experiences of the newly-qualified four-year trained professional nurses” and “support received by the newly-qualified four-year trained professional nurses”. Community service nurses reported mixed experiences such as feeling good and bad during community service placement. The majority of participants reported that remunerated community service placement is risky and it requires one to take chances. Furthermore, participants referred to remunerated community service placement as a scary venture at first but eventually they mastered practical activities. Support received by community service nurses varied from adequate, inadequate, incidental and lack of support. Community service nurses reported bad staff attitudes, severe staff shortage and that they were subjected to adverse events and low salaries. Recommendations to enhance community service placement were outlined for the following stakeholders: South African Nursing Council, Department of Health, nursing colleges, universities and managers of the health facilities. Copyright / Dissertation (MCur)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Nursing Science / unrestricted

Background: Whole-body Computed Tomography (CT) scan today is considered a crucial imaging technique in the diagnostic work-up of polytrauma patients implicating a potential survival benefit. Apart from prompt identification of life threatening injuries this imaging technique provides an additional benefit by diagnosing incidental non-trauma associated medical diseases. These incidental findings might be also life threatening and warrant urgent therapy. The downside of whole-body CT is a relatively high radiation exposure that might result in an increased life time cancer risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and type of non trauma associated incidental medical findings in relation to patient age and potential clinical relevance. Methods: Between January 1st 2011 and December 15th 2012, a total of 704 trauma patients were referred to our hospital’s emergency room that triggered trauma room alarm according to our trauma mechanism criteria. Of these 534 (75.8%) received a whole-body CT according to our dedicated multiple trauma protocol. Incidental Findings (IF) were assigned in three groups according to their clinical relevance. Category 1: IF with high medical relevance (urgent life threatening conditions, unless treated) needing early investigations and intervention prior to or shortly after hospital discharge. Category 2: IF with intermediate or low medical relevance, warranting further investigations. Category 3: IF without clinical relevance. Results: Overall 231 IFs (43.3%) were identified, 36 (6.7%) patients had IFs with a high clinical relevance, 48 (9.0%) with a moderate or minor clinical relevance and 147 (27.5%) with no clinical relevance. The distribution of incidental findings with high or moderate relevance according to age showed an incidence of 2.6%, 6.6% and 8.8% for patients younger than 40 years, 40 to 60 years and older than 60 years, respectively. Conclusion: Whole-body CT scans of trauma patients demonstrate a high rate of incidental findings. Potentially life-threatening, medical findings were found in approximately every 15th patient, predominantly aged over 40 years and presenting with minor to moderate injuries and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 10 or less.

Voice-over translation (or “audio subtitles”) is the only audio-visual translation (AVT) used for feature-length films on Polish television. Since the reader (lektor) only partially overrides original dialogues and some parts of the actors’ speech are clearly audible, it can be considered as marginal L2 exposure. The aim of this study is to investigate the attitudes of Polish speakers of English towards voice-over translated television and to determine if TV shows and films with a lektor can be a source of incidental language acquisition. The study consists of two parts, a survey and an experiment. The survey investigated the attitudes of Polish speakers of English to different types of AVT, especially their opinions about the influence of voice-over translated TV shows on their English proficiency. The data reveals that Polish speakers of English have rather negative opinions about this AVT and numerous instances of unfaithful translation are easily spotted by them, which creates an image of unprofessional and inaccurate AVT. They seem not to consider films with a lektor as L2 exposure and tend to think that introducing subtitles to television would improve the L2 competence in Poland. However, the informants admitted being able to spot unfaithful translation, meaning that they pay attention to the foreign language in the background. The experiment was conducted to examine the possibility of incidental language acquisition from voice-over translated TV shows. 26 high school students, Polish learners of English watched 4 clips with voice-over translation with instances of unfaithful translation. The study has empirically proven that Polish learners of English are able to spot the differences between the original dialogue and its translation. Thus, watching voice-over television programming can be considered L2 exposure.