bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WOODLAND POND SALAMANDER ABUNDANCE IN RELATION TO FOREST MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN
Authors: Donner Deahn M. , Ribic Christine A. , Beck Albert J. , Higgins Dale , Eklund Dan , Reinecke Susan
Published: March 2020

Woodland ponds are important landscape features that help sustain populations of amphibians that require this aquatic habitat for successful reproduction. Species abundance patterns often reflect site-specific differences in hydrology, physical characteristics, and surrounding vegetation. Large-scale processes such as changing land cover and environmental conditions are other potential drivers influencing amphibian populations in the Upper Midwest, but little information exists on the combined effects of these factors. We used Blue-spotted (Ambystoma laterale Hallowell) and Spotted Salamander (A. maculatum Shaw) monitoring data collected at the same woodland ponds thirteen years apart to determine if changing environmental conditions and vegetation cover in surrounding landscapes influenced salamander movement phenology and abundance. Four woodland ponds in northern Wisconsin were sampled for salamanders in April 1992-1994 and 2005-2007. While Bluespotted Salamanders were more abundant than Spotted Salamanders in all ponds, there was no change in the numbers of either species over the years. However, peak numbers of Blue-spotted Salamanders occurred 11.7 days earlier (range: 9-14 days) in the 2000s compared to the 1990s; Spotted Salamanders occurred 9.5 days earlier (range: 3 - 13 days). Air and water temperatures (April 13- 24) increased, on average, 4.8 oC and 3.7 oC, respectively, between the decades regardless of pond. There were no discernible changes in canopy openness in surrounding forests between decades that would have warmed the water sooner (i.e., more light penetration). Our finding that salamander breeding phenology can vary by roughly 10 days in Wisconsin contributes to growing evidence that amphibian populations have responded to changing climate conditions by shifting life-cycle events. Managers can use this information to adjust monitoring programs and forest management activities in the surrounding landscape to avoid vulnerable amphibian movement periods. Considering direct and indirect stressors such as changing habitat and environmental conditions simultaneously to better understand trends in space and time can help improve monitoring programs for this taxa, which is at major risk of continued declines.
INITIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY COMPLEX (MHC) CLASS IIB EXON 2 IN AN ENDANGERED RATTLESNAKE, THE EASTERN MASSASAUGA (SISTRURUS CATENATUS)
Authors: Jaeger Collin P. , King Richard B. , Duvall Melvin R.
Published: March 2020

Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play an important role in the vertebrate immune system and exhibit remarkably high levels of polymorphism, maintained by strong balancing selection. While the conservation implications of MHC variation have been explored in a variety of vertebrates, non-avian reptiles (most notably snakes) have received less attention. To address this gap and take the first steps toward more extensive population-level analyses, we cloned and sequenced MHC IIB exon 2 in an endangered rattlesnake, the Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus). Based on three individuals, we found evidence of at least four putatively functional loci. These sequences exhibited relatively high levels of variation and significantly higher rates of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions, especially within the antigen-binding sites, indicating strong positive selection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a pattern of trans-species polymorphism, also suggesting positive selection. These results contribute to our understanding of MHC variation in non-avian reptiles and form a basis for more studies of MHC variation in snakes of conservation concern.
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIORS AND THEIR EFFECT ON RESOURCE USE BY MALE LITTLE BROWN SKINKS, SCINCELLA LATERALIS
Authors: Paulissen Mark , Myers Laura
Published: March 2020

The aggressive behaviors of adult male Little Brown Skinks, Scincella lateralis, and their effects on access to an important resource (a single retreat) were the subject of a study consisting of 10 laboratory trials in which the behavioral interactions between a pair of individuals was recorded. Analysis of these interactions made it possible to identify a dominant and a subordinate male in each trial; the male with the greater bulk was dominant in 9 of the 10 trials. Aggressive behaviors recorded include lunging, chasing, and biting; the dominant male performed lunging significantly more often than the subordinate male and was the only individual to exhibit chasing. The most common behavior recorded was avoidance which was shown almost exclusively by the subordinate male. Both dominant and subordinate males exhibited tail twitching which we hypothesize to be a sign of agitation. The two males spent significantly more time on opposite sides of the observation chamber than on the same side and almost never occupied the single retreat simultaneously because the subordinate male repeatedly moved to avoid the dominant male. The implications of these results on spacing patterns and resource use of Scincella lateralis in the wild are discussed.
NOCTURNAL ARBOREALITY IN SNAKES IN THE SWAMPLANDS OF THE ATCHAFALAYA BASIN OF SOUTH-CENTRAL LOUISIANA AND BIG THICKET NATIONAL PRESERVE OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS
Authors: Glorioso Brad M. , Waddle J. Hardin
Published: March 2020

The southeastern United States is home to a diverse assemblage of snakes, but only one species, the Rough Greensnake (Opheodrys aestivus), is considered specialized for a predominantly arboreal lifestyle. Other species, such as Ratsnakes (genus Pantherophis) and Ribbonsnakes/Gartersnakes (genus Thamnophis), are widely known to climb into vegetation and trees. Some explanations given for snake climbing behavior are foraging, thermoregulation, predator avoidance, and response to flood. Reports of arboreality in snake species typically not associated with life in the trees (such as terrestrial, aquatic, and even fossorial species) usually come from single observations, with no knowledge of prevalence of the behavior. Here, we report on arboreality of snake species detected during 8 years of night surveys in the Atchafalaya Basin of south-central Louisiana and 5+ years of night surveys in Big Thicket National Preserve in southeast Texas. We recorded a total of 1,088 detections of 19 snake species between the two study areas, with 348 detections above ground level (32%). The Rough Greensnake and Western Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus) accounted for nearly 75% of total arboreal detections among the two study areas. However, with one exception, all snake species detected more than once between both study areas had at least one arboreal detection. These observations demonstrate that snakes with widely varying natural histories may be found in the trees at night, and for some species, this behavior may be more common than previously believed.
When Mental Walls Lead to Physical Walls: The US-Mexico Border Wall, Art, and Public Conversations about the Social Responsibility of Engineering
Authors: Macias Madison May , Pohorily Peter , Morales Guerrero Jorge , Karwat Darshan M.A.
Published: March 2020

The fact that engineering is involved in highly political issues—from climate change caused by fossil fuel extraction to how we understand truth itself because of deepfakes—makes it imperative that we find new ways to highlight the crucial role that engineers and engineering play in shaping society, and new ways to hold engineers and engineering accountable.  We have designed, built, and installed an interactive art installation called When Mental Walls Lead to Physical Walls to generate public conversation about the social responsibility of engineers and engineering, using the US-Mexico border wall as a case study.  We find that the politically charged nature of the topic might make it difficult for attendees to speak directly to ideas of social responsibility.  At the same time, the installation provides opportunities for attendees to question, critique, and reflect on the effectiveness and impacts of the design of the border wall and the motivations engineers might have in working on this project.  With proper planning and execution, the installation can be used as a research tool to understand how diverse audiences—from engineering students to those who may not have any experience in engineering—understand the role of engineering in society.
Sticks, Stones, and the Secular Bones of Indian Democracy
Authors: Haines Monamie Bhadra , Sarkar Sreela
Published: March 2020

While being inspired by the compelling social protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens in India, the authors of this critical engagement argue that now, more than ever, is time to reflect on the nature of secularism that is being invoked by nonviolent protesters. What can a focus on lathi-wielding and stone-throwing, all low technologies of governance, tell us about the practices and challenges of liberal democracy in India? This piece excavates a brief history of the lathi and stone-pelting to show what kinds of "illiberal" protests are deemed aesthetically pleasing and palatable to elites in India and abroad, which ones are not, and the dangers of this kind of exclusion with respect to new forms of Islamophobia.
Kütahya-Simav yöresi Anadolu Karaçamı doğal gençleştirme sahasında bazı değerlendirmeler
Authors: ERTUĞRUL Gülnur Saba , BİLİR Nebi
Published: March 2020

Yaklaşık 4.3 milyon hektar doğal yayılışı ile Türkiye’nin önemli ekonomik değere sahip orman ağacı türlerinden olan Anadolu karaçamı (Pinus nigra Arnold. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe) ormanlarının %35’i bozuk orman vasfında olup, doğal gençleştirmeyi de içeren silvikültürel müdahalelerle verimli hale dönüştürülmeye konudur. Bu çalışmada, türün Kütahya-Simav’dan örneklenen, 2000-2002 yıllarında tohumlama kesimi uygulanmış üç doğal gençleştirme sahası gençliklerinde boy, dip çap, yaş ve son yılın boy gelişimi ölçülerek, türde uygulamaya dönük olarak gerçekleştirilen doğal gençleştirme ve silvikültürel müdahalelerin fidan gelişimi üzerindeki etkilerinin ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Elde edilen veriler ışığında, örnek alanlarda ortalama boy, kök boğazı çapı, yaş ve son yılın boy gelişimi ile yıllık boy artımı değerleri sırasıyla 253 cm, 7.8 cm, 11 yıl ve 22.4 cm bulunmuştur. Varyans analizi sonucunda, örnek alanlar arasında boy bakımından fark bulunamazken diğer özellikler istatistiksel bakımdan anlamlı (p≤0.05) farklılıklar göstermiştir. Korelasyon analizi sonucunda çalışmaya konu özellikler arasında istatistiksel bakımdan anlamlı (p≤0.05) pozitif ilişkiler belirlenmiştir. Örnek alan içinde ve örnek alanlar arasında yaş farklılıklarının geniş bir aralıkta olması, türde birden fazla bol tohum yılından ve öncü gençliklerden de yararlanılabileceğini ortaya koymuştur.
ATR FTIR spectoscopy of aqueous cell culture v1
Authors: Spahiu Emrulla , Dogan Senol , Schnauß Jörg , Gursel Mayda , Severcan Feride
Published: March 2020

ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy of aqueous cell culture samples is explained step-by-step. Infrared spectra acquisition, processing and analysis is included briefly.
Assembling Algal Shaker v1
Authors: Nedbal Jakub
Published: March 2020

This protocol described the final assembly steps to complete the illuminated orbital shaker and its testing. The steps involve fixing the transparent platform to the orbital shaker, placing the LED illuminator underneath, and electrically connecting the parts to the mains supply. This document is the final part of the Illuminated Orbital Shaker for Microalgae Culture project: Procuring Parts for Algal Shaker Assembling LED Controller Electronics 3D Printing Case for LED Controller Assembling Cooled LED Illuminator Cutting and Drilling Clear Acrylic Sheet Assembling Algal Shaker (this document)
Assembling LED Controller Electronics v4
Authors: Nedbal Jakub
Published: March 2020

The LED controller electronics regulates the LED current, adjusting the irradiance of the sample according the experimental needs. It also powers the fans cooling down the LEDs. This document is part of the Illuminated Orbital Shaker for Microalgae Culture project: Procuring Parts for Algal Shaker Assembling LED Controller Electronics (this document) 3D Printing Case for LED Controller Assembling Cooled LED Illuminator Cutting and Drilling Clear Acrylic Sheet Assembling Algal Shaker
Atividade antimicrobiana de extrato de Coix Lacryma-jobi sobre Xanthomonas axonopodis PV. Manihotis e Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Rosenberger Marina Giombelli , Amatuzi Julio César de Araujo , Rosenberger Andressa Giombelli , Zonetti Patricia da Costa , Paulert Roberta
Published: March 2020

Com a crescente demanda por produção, o uso abusivo de fertilizantes e agroquímicos vem impactando o meio ambiente de forma negativa, sendo necessário o desenvolvimento de métodos de controle alternativos. Assim, as plantas medicinais podem atuar como uma alternativa ecológica aos agroquímicos amplamente utilizados para o controle de doenças de plantas. Os cultivos de mandioca e trigo são de grande relevância econômica, sendo que a bacteriose provocada por Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis, e o fungo Fusarium graminearum, são os fitopatógenos de maior importância para essas culturas, respectivamente. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano de extratos de Coix lacryma-jobi frente a esses fitopatógenos. Desta forma, foram preparados os extratos etanólicos das folhas e das sementes desta espécie. Para avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro dos extratos foram utilizados os testes de difusão em ágar e o teste de diluição em ágar. Os resultados demonstraram que o extrato etanólico tanto das folhas, quanto das sementes de C. lacryma-jobi, possuem atividade antifúngica contra F. graminearum quando utilizados na concentração de 1,5 mg mL-1. Porém, não foi observada atividade antibacteriana dos extratos frente X. axonopodis pv. manihotis.
Análise do índice de sustentabilidade da produção de Café Conilon
Authors: Herzog Thaisa Thomazini , Silva Marcelo Barreto da , Facco Alexandro Gomes
Published: March 2020

Os maiores produtores brasileiros de café conilon são os Estados do ES, RO e BA. O cultivo da espécie oferece desafios para produzir um produto sustentável e de qualidade para atender o mercado consumidor. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se analisar índice de sustentabilidade em diferentes regiões do Estado do ES e no extremo Sul da BA produtoras de café conilon (fitossanidade, água e solo, saúde e seguridade social, ambiental e financeira/gestão), as áreas com maior número de boas práticas agrícolas com baixa adesão pelos produtores e os possíveis “atores” (principais responsáveis) que podem contribuir para mitigar esse problema. Em cada município, de cada região, definiu-se a quantidade de produtores a serem amostrados e, posteriormente, foi aplicado o questionário de boas práticas agrícolas do Programa Agro+. A região Norte do ES foi a mais sustentável e as regiões do extremo Sul do Estado e da BA demonstraram os menores índices. As áreas “fitossanidade” e “água e solo” apresentaram o maior número de quesitos com baixa adesão pelos produtores entrevistados. Os “atores” que podem contribuir para mitigar os problemas da baixa adesão aos quesitos estudados foram as Cooperativas, Associação de Produtores e Sindicatos.
Efeito do Herbicida Roundup Original® a base de glifosato em organismos não alvo utilizando modelo mesocosmo
Authors: Maria Marina Andrada , Lange Liséte Celina , Castro Samuel Rodrigues , Miranda Rose Lílian , Mamão Mônica Alves
Published: March 2020

Foram criados mesocosmos de lagoa para avaliação do efeito de glifosato a organismos não alvo, quando utilizado para o controle de Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (1883) e Salvinia sp., macrófitas aquáticas flutuantes. Foi utilizada a formulação comercial Roundup Original®. Avaliou-se o efeito sobre bactérias por meio de ensaios de determinação de coliformes totais, Escherichia coli e contagem de bactérias heterotróficas; sobre fitoplâncton e perifíton; e sobre caramujos e peixes. Ocorreram flutuações na comunidade bacteriana com rápido reestabelecimento, sem consequências consideráveis para a qualidade da água, por não causar alterações na comunidade geral, nem de patógenos. O fitoplâncton e perifíton apresentaram redução da riqueza de espécies e diversidade de Shannon, elevação da densidade de organismos, porém não significativas e alterações na abundância relativa das famílias das espécies. Os peixes e caramujos ficaram por aproximadamente vinte dias sem reproduzir, a partir de quando voltaram a reproduzir e crescer. Os experimentos foram conduzidos com cobertura total de macrófitas no espelho d’água e mostraram que é possível o uso da formulação em ambientes com crescimento descontrolado de macrófitas aquáticas flutuantes, na concentração testada e com controle do processo de aspersão, sem causar efeito significativo aos organismos não alvo avaliados. As alterações não significativas podem ser potencializadas com o uso recorrente de herbicidas, além da possibilidade de seleção de espécies resistentes dos organismos alvo.
Eficiência do setor sucroenergético com base na análise de janelas
Authors: Pereira Nevison Amorim , Tavares Marcelo
Published: March 2020

Considerando a lacuna dos trabalhos que apresentam a Análise Envoltória de Dados (DEA) relativos à questão temporal, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência das regiões Nordeste, Centro-Sul tradicional e Centro-Sul expansão no período de 2008 a 2012. Utilizou-se a DEA, com suporte na Análise de Janelas, orientada a produtos para quantificar a eficiência das regiões. Os outputs utilizados no modelo foram a quantidade de etanol e açúcar produzida em cada região e o input foi a quantidade de cana-de-açúcar processada. Os resultados mostram que existe uma tendência de perda na eficiência com o passar do tempo, sendo acentuada a partir do ano de 2010. Todavia, a média geral de eficiência (98%) do setor é alta e o desvio padrão baixo, o que demonstra o nível de estabilidade do setor. Concluiu-se também que o principal problema de ineficiência das regiões refere-se à escala de produção.
Energy and economic growth in G20 countries: Panel cointegration analysis
Authors: Pala Aynur
Published: March 2020

Rising economic performance has enlarged energy demand, carbon emissions and global warming. Policymakers need to avoid global warming. Therefore, energy-growth nexus is important. This paper empirically investigates the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth for a panel of G20 countries over the period 1990-2016. For this purpose, the paper considers the panel cointegration and panel vector error correction model. Panel cointegration test set out a long-run equilibrium relationship. Long-run relationship is estimated using a Fully Modified OLS (FMOLS) and Dynamic OLS (DOLS). The results show that causality run from energy consumption to GDP. It is indicates that “growth hypothesis” is valid for G20 countries.
El legado oculto de Antonio Machado a la generación de poetas del medio siglo
Authors: De Ros Xon
Published: March 2020

Resumen: Los estudios dedicados a investigar la ascendencia de Antonio Machado en la generación poética del 50 han resaltado la crítica social y la reflexión metafísica como rasgos comunes en ambos. Este artículo se propone explorar el componente erótico, un aspecto poco estudiado en la poesía de Machado a pesar de la relevancia que tiene en la obra de sus apócrifos, examinando uno de los poemas tempranos de «Galerías» a la luz de su lectura por parte de Jaime Gil de Biedma. El análisis de las estrategias que generan el potencial erótico del poema machadiano, a través de enfoques proporcionados por teorías y poéticas del erotismo elaboradas por autores como George Bataille, Roland Barthes, Octavio Paz y Anne Carson, entre otros, revela una estructura de ecos y resonancias poéticas que evocan una figura mediadora del deseo. La reacción de Gil de Biedma sugiere una sensibilidad receptiva a esta veta del legado de Machado. Palabras clave: Erotismo; Antonio Machado; Charles Baudelaire; Jaime Gil de Biedma; poetas del 50; tradición poética; Michel Foucault; Georges Bataille; Anne Carson; Octavio Paz; triángulo erótico; mediador del deseo; eco poético.Abstract: Researchers working on the influence of Antonio Machado on the Spanish mid-1950s generation of poets have highlighted social critique and metaphysical reflexivity as common features in both. Prompted by Jaime Gil de Biedma’s reading of one of Machado’s earlier poems from the series ‘Galerías’, this essay explores the erotic component in the poem, an element under-researched in Machado’s poetry despite its relevance to the writings of his apocryphals. Drawing on theories of eroticism proposed, among others, by Georges Bataille, Octavio Paz, Roland Barthes and Anne Carson, an analysis of the textual strategies that generate the erotic potential in Machado’s poem reveals a network of echoes and poetic resonances which conjure up the figure of a mediator of desire. Gil de Biedma’s reading suggests a sensibility receptive to this strand of Machado’s legacy. Key words: Eroticism; Antonio Machado; Charles Baudelaire; Jaime Gil de Biedma; poets of 1950; poetic tradition; Michel Foucault; Georges Bataille; Anne Carson; Octavio Paz; erotic triangle; mediator of desire; poetic echo.
High-Accuracy Discrimination of Blasts and Earthquakes Using Neural Networks With Multiwindow Spectral Data
Authors: Miao Fajun , Carpenter N. Seth , Wang Zhenming , Holcomb Andrew S. , Woolery Edward W.
Published: March 2020

The manual separation of natural earthquakes from mine blasts in data sets recorded by local or regional seismic networks can be a labor-intensive process. An artificial neural network (ANN) applied to automate discriminating earthquakes from quarry and mining blasts in eastern Kentucky suggests that the analyst effort in this task can be significantly reduced. Based on a dataset of 152 local and regional earthquake and 4192 blast recordings over a three-year period in and around eastern Kentucky, ANNs of different configurations were trained and tested on amplitude spectra parameters. The parameters were extracted from different time windows of three-component broadband seismograms to learn the general characteristics of analyst-classified regional earthquake and blast signals.

There was little variation in the accuracies and precisions of various models and ANN configurations. The best result used a network with two hidden layers of 256 neurons, trained on an input set of 132 spectral amplitudes and extracted from the P-wave time window and three overlapping time windows from the global maximum amplitude on all three components through the coda. For this configuration and input feature set, 97% of all recordings were accurately classified by our trained model. Furthermore, 96.7% of earthquakes in our data set were correctly classified with mean-event probabilities greater than 0.7. Almost all blasts (98.2%) were correctly classified by mean-event probabilities of at least 0.7. Our technique should greatly reduce the time required for manual inspection of blast recordings. Additionally, our technique circumvents the need for an analyst, or automatic locator, to locate the event ahead of time, a task that is difficult due to the emergent nature of P-wave arrivals induced by delay-fire mine blasts.
Rock and a Hard Place: Anxiety, Overcoming, and Metis
Authors: Wood Tara
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
Recognizing the Métis of Learners with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities in College Composition
Authors: Kamperman Sean
Published: March 2020

This paper was originally presented as part of a panel on métis approaches to college composition at the 2019 Conference on College Composition and Communication in Pittsburgh, PA. It explores the affordances of métis for understanding the adaptive literacy practices of college students with diagnoses of I/DD. Based on findings from a grounded investigation, the author identifies ways composition instructors can utilize métis as a lens for perceiving how students with I/DD reveal "double and divergent" (Dolmage) approaches to classroom literacy.
What is Metis?
Authors: Dolmage Jay Timothy
Published: March 2020

Rhetoricians have come to understand that when we look through rhetorical history for what is most tense and polarizing, we most often come to stories about the body. Wherever we find the body rhetorically contested, and wherever we find rhetorical contestation about the body's role in meaning-making, we see intensely fraught negotiations. This should matter very much to those of us invested in disability studies work. In the last decade, some excellent rhetoricians have done this critical work. In this special issue, some excellent rhetoricians continue this critical work, bringing together rhetoric, writing studies, and disability studies – and the engine and the theme of this work is metis, cunning and adaptive intelligence. But what is metis, and why should it matter to disability studies?
Performing Métis Rhetorics in Rhetoric and Composition Scholarship
Authors: Holladay Drew
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
Review of Just Vibrations: The Purpose of Sounding Good by William Cheng
Authors: Ulmer Jessica L.
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
Review of The Matter of Disability: Materiality, Biopolitics, Crip Affect edited by David T. Mitchell, Susan Antebi, and Sharon L. Snyder
Authors: Winges-Yanez Nick
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
Review of Reach Everyone, Teach Everyone: Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education by Thomas J. Tobin and Kirsten T. Behling
Authors: Ubbesen Molly E.
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
Review of Disability and Aging: Learning from Both to Empower the Lives of Older Adults by Jeffrey S. Kahana and Eva Kahana
Authors: Dick-Mosher Jenny
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
Review of The War in Their Minds: German Soldiers and Their Violent Pasts in West Germany by Svenja Goltermann
Authors: Hotez Brooke
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
Review of Untold Stories: A Canadian Disability History Reader edited by Nancy Hansen, Roy Hanes, and Diane Drieger
Authors: Quinn Hannah
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
Review of Fables and Futures: Biotechnology, Disability, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves by George Estreich
Authors: Shew Ashley
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
Review of Fools and Idiots: Intellectual Disability in the Middle Ages by Irina Metzler
Authors: Smith Katherine E.
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
Review of Working Towards Equity: Disability Rights Activism and Employment in Late Twentieth-Century Canada by Dustin Galer
Authors: Smith Sarah
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
Review of Understanding the Voices and Educational Experiences of Autistic young People: From Research to Practice by Craig Goodall
Authors: Tomlinson Sally
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
Review of Cultural Studies of Disability in Education: Interdisciplinary Navigations of the Normative Divide by David Bolt
Authors: Beam Sara N.
Published: March 2020

No abstract available.
Aetiologies of Hyperprolactinaemia: A retrospective analysis from a tertiary healthcare centre
Authors: Malik Azhar A. , Aziz Faisal , Beshyah Salem A. , Aldahmani Khaled M.
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT: Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the aetiologies of hyperprolactinaemia in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This retrospective study used laboratory databases to identify all patients who underwent evaluation for prolactin at Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, UAE, between 2009 and 2015. Of those 2,280 patients, all patients with low or normal prolactin (n = 1,315) were excluded. Subsequently, charts of the remaining patients (n= 965) with hyperprolactinaemia were reviewed and those with incomplete work-ups or insufficient documentation of the hyperprolactinaemia’s aetiology were excluded (n = 458). Results: A total of 507 patients were included in the study. The average age at prolactin evaluation was 36 ± 13.2 years and the majority (67.1%) of patients were female. The most common reasons for requesting prolactin were menstrual disorders (29.5%), infertility (18%),evaluation of sellar masses (14.3%), ruling out seizures (13.4 %) and monitoring while on psychiatric medications (8.7%). The most common causes of hyperprolactinaemia were prolactinoma (17%), transient hyperprolactinaemia(14.6%), drug-induced side effects (14.4%), polycystic ovarian syndrome (11.8%) and seizure disorder (7.7%). In females, common aetiologies were prolactinomas, transient and idiopathic hyperprolactinaemia, while sellar masses, seizures, chronic kidney disease and acute illnesses were common aetiologies of hyperprolactinaemia in males. The prolactin level varied between the different aetiologies and a level of >250 ng/mL was suggestive of macroprolactinoma. Conclusion: A significant proportion of patients with hyperprolactinaemia have transient hyperprolactinaemia. Before further investigations are carried out, prolactin level assessment should be repeated, especially in patients with mild hyperprolactinaemia.Keywords: Hyperprolactinemia; Prolactinoma; Etiology; Epidemiology; United Arab Emirates.
Evaluating the Quality of Multiple Choice Question in Paediatric Dentistry Postgraduate Examinations
Authors: Kowash Mawlood , Hussein Iyad , Al Halabi Manal
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT: Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of multiple choice question (MCQ) items in two postgraduate paediatric dentistry (PD) examinations by determining item writing flaws (IWFs), difficulty index (DI)and cognitive level. Methods: This study was conducted at Mohamed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE. Virtual platform-based summative versions of the general paediatric medicine (GPM) and prevention of oral diseases (POD) examinations administered during the second semester of the 2017–2018 academic year were used. Two PD faculty members independently reviewed each question to assess IWFs, DI and cognitive level. Results: A total of 185 single best answer MCQs with 4–5 options were analysed. Most of the questions (81%) required information recall, with the remainder (19%) requiring higher levels of thinking and data explanation. The most common errors among IWFs were the use of “except” or “not” in the lead-in, tricky or unfocussed stems and opportunities for students to use convergence strategies. There were more IWFs in the GPM than the POD examination, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.105). The MCQs in the GPM and POD examination were considered easy since the mean DIs (89.1% ± 8.9% and 76.5% ± 7.9%, respectively) were more than 70%. Conclusion: Training is an essential element of adequate MCQ writing. A general comprehensive review of all programme’s MCQs is needed to emphasise the importance of avoiding IWFs. A faculty development programme is recommended to improve question-writing skills in order to align examinations with programme learning outcomes and enhance the ability to measure student competency through questions requiring higher level thinking. Keywords: Examination Question; Student; Educational Measurement; Discriminant Analysis; Pediatric Dentistry; United Arab Emirates.
Patients’ Perceptions of Communication and Clinical Skills of Primary Healthcare Physicians in Oman
Authors: Al-Kindi Nuha , Al-Waili Sara , Jaju Sanjay , Al Mahrezi Abdulaziz M.
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT: Objectives: As a large proportion of patients are seen in primary healthcare (PHC) centres, it is important to explore patients’ perceptions of communication and clinical skills of PHC physicians. In Oman, PHC is provided by both trained family physicians (FPs) and general practitioners (GPs). Methods: This crosssectional study was conducted at 12 PHC centres in Muscat Governorate, Oman between November 2014 and August 2015. Adult Omani patients’ perceptions of Omani and other Arabic-speaking doctors were examined using an Arabic translation of a validated self-administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 626 patients completed the questionnaire (response rate: 100%). The patients’ responses were significantly more positive towards FPs compared to GPs on whether the doctor provided reassurance (P = 0.03), took a complete medical history (P = 0.03) and gave the patient the opportunity of a follow-up with the same doctor (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Certain skills in communication and clinical aspects of FPs were favourably viewed by patients compared to GPs.Keywords: Patient Satisfaction; Physicians, Primary Health Care; Communication; Clinical Competence; Quality of Health Care; Oman.
Feminising a Cultural Issue: The case of informed consent
Authors: Al-Azri Nasser Hammad
Published: March 2020

Comment
The Psychological Impact of Referral for Mammography Screening for Breast Cancer Among Women in Muscat Governorate: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Alawi Nouf M. , Al-Balushi Nabila , Al Salmani Asma A.
Published: March 2020

Objectives: Breast cancer constitutes the majority of diagnosed cancers in Oman’s females, accounting for 19.2%, which prompted the introduction of a breast cancer screening programme into the Omani healthcare system. There are rising international concerns about the effectiveness of mammography as a screening tool and its psychological impact. The current study aimed to determine the social, emotional and physical dysfunction caused by the waiting time from the day of scheduling the appointment until the day of screening and explore associated risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and December 2017 at Khoula Hospital, Muscat, Oman, using a two-part self-administered questionnaire. Part one of the questionnaire collected clinical and demographic data. Part two consisted of the Psychological Consequences Questionnaire (PCQ) and focused on psychological consequences, measuring the effect of mammographic screening on emotional, physical and social functions. Results: A total of 300 women aged ≥40 years old participated in this study (response rate: 100%). Results revealed that there was a minimal negative psychological impact from screening using mammograms. All PCQ domains were significantly impacted for participants who reported a family history of cancer (P = 0.007). The social score was significantly higher among women between 40–50 years old (P = 0.008). Scores of emotional and social functions were significantly affected by participants’ employment status; employed women were more affected than those who were not (P = 0.043 and 0.012, respectively). However, women’s levels of literacy did not affect any of the domains. Conclusion: The psychosocial impact of the waiting period between scheduling and undergoing mammography screening was minimal in the current sample. Future research should evaluate the psychosocial impact on patients at different recall times.Keywords: Breast Cancer; Mammography; Psychological Factors; Depression; Anxiety; Oman.
Intraoral Foregut Cystic Developmental Malformations: Three cases with a brief review of literature
Authors: Khatri Arti , Singh Lavleen , Jain Neha , Sengar Mamta , Das Abhijit
Published: March 2020

Foregut cystic developmental malformations (FCDM) are a type of rare cystic lesion. The occurrence of FCDM is exceedingly uncommon in the intraoral location. We report three cases of FCDM with intraoral location who presented at Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, New Delhi, India, in 2016, 2017 and 2018 with symptoms of respiratory distress and feeding difficulties. Two patients were male and one was female with an age range of 29 days to eight years. The clinical differential diagnosis included mucocele, ranula, dermoid, lymphangioma, teratoma, thyroglossal duct cyst, etc. All patients were treated with simple surgical excision and diagnosed, based on histopathology, with FCDM. These should be considered as differential diagnosis of head and neck midline cystic mass lesions. This case report aimed to discuss differential diagnosis and appropriate terminology for these cystic masses as there is varied and ambiguous nomenclature.Keywords: Bronchogenic Cyst; Cyst; Congenital Abnormalities; Oral Cavity; Case Report; India.
Giant Vascular Malformation in an Infant’s Hand
Authors: Singh Jasbir , Rattan Kamal N. , Dalal Poonam
Published: March 2020

Medical Image
Pharmacological Approaches to Diabetic Gastroparesis: A systematic review of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Asha Mohammad Z. , Khalil Sundos F.H.
Published: March 2020

Pharmacological interventions of diabetic gastroparesis (DG) constitute an essential element of a patient’s management. This article aimed to systematically review the available pharmacological approaches of DG, including their efficacy and safety. A total of 24 randomised clinical trials (RCTs) that investigated the efficacy and/or safety of medications targeting DG symptoms were identified using several online databases. Their results revealed that metoclopramide was the only approved drug for accelerating gastric emptying and improving disease symptoms. However, this medication may have several adverse effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, which might be resolved with a new intranasal preparation. Acceptable alternatives are oral domperidone for patients without cardiovascular risk factors or intravenous erythromycin for hospitalised patients. Preliminary data indicated that relamorelin and prucalopride are novel candidates that have proven to be effective and safe. Future RCTs should be conducted based on unified guidelines using universal diagnostic modalities to reveal reliable and comprehensive outcomes.Keywords: Gastroparesis; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetes Complications; Randomized Controlled Trial; Metoclopramide; Domperidone; Relamorelin.
Determination of Pathogenicity of Breast Cancer 1 Gene Variants using the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology Guidelines
Authors: Brown Angela , Zamanpoor Mansour , Love Donald R. , Prosser Debra O.
Published: March 2020

Objectives: Molecular diagnostic laboratories screen for mutations in disease-causing genes in order to confirm a clinical diagnosis. The classification of DNA variants as ‘pathogenic’ or ‘likely pathogenic’ mutations creates a workflow bottleneck, which becomes increasingly challenging as greater number of genes are screened. The classification challenge is also acute if there are conflicting reports regarding pathogenicity and differing classification criteria between laboratories. This study aimed to compare two procedures for the classification of variants in the breast cancer (BRCA)1 gene. Methods: This bioinformatic study was conducted at LabPLUS, Auckland, New Zealand, from February to June 2017. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of 30 patients and gene library construction was carried out using a commercially available targeted panel for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The genes were subsequently sequenced and the sequence data analysed. The guidelines published by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/ AMP) provides a comprehensive framework for the interpretation of variants in genes that are associated with Mendelian disorders. The use of these guidelines were compared to the variant classifications that were achieved by reference to those reported in the BRCA Exchange database. Results: The results showed concordance between the two classification protocols for a panel of 30 BRCA1 gene variants, although the transparency in following the ACMG/AMP guidelines provides a diagnostic laboratory with a generalisable approach that allows laboratorydirected revisions to be undertaken in light of new information. Conclusion: The ACMG/AMP-based guidelines were applied to a cohort of patients with BRCA1 gene variants. The use of these guidelines provides a system which creates consistency in variant interpretation and supports subsequent clinical management.Keywords: BRCA1 Gene; Bioinformatics; DNA Sequencing; Nonsense Codon; Splice Donor Site; New Zealand.
A Five Year Longitudinal Study of the Educational Environment in a Newly Integrated Medical Curriculum
Authors: Shehnaz Syed I.
Published: March 2020

Objectives: The College of Medicine at Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, United Arab Emirates, was subjected to a curricular reform, which shifted the institution from a traditional curriculum to a hybrid, studentcentred, integrated curriculum. There are no previous studies analysing the consequences of such a curricular modification on the educational environment (EE). Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the EE of a pioneer cohort of the innovative curriculum over their five-year course of study. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted between September 2009 and September 2013 at the College of Medicine. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure questionnaire was completed by a pioneer cohort of students at the start of each academic session for five consecutive years. The mean overall, subscale and individual statement scores were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon-rank sum tests. Results: A total of 178 responses were collected (response rate: 90.4%). The mean overall score throughout the five years of study was 130/200. A significant difference in the scores (P <0.05) was observed as the students proceeded through the course. The overall and subscale scores were significantly higher in the first and final years of study. Analysis of the statements recognised the medical knowledge of the teachers’ and students’ awareness of empathy and social interactions as persistent strengths of the college over the entire course of study. A curricular overload, a want for support systems for stressed students, students’ waning interest levels and assessment strategies emerged as areas that warranted further attention. Conclusion: The pioneer cohort of the new curriculum rated their EE as positive throughout their five years of study at GMU. An examination of individual statements revealed the programme’s strengths and areas for improvement for the institution.Keywords: Curriculum; Environment; Longitudinal Study; Medical Students; Perception; Undergraduate Medical Education; United Arab Emirates.
Quercetin A potential treatment for keloids
Authors: Moravvej Hamideh , Memariani Mojtaba , Memariani Hamed
Published: March 2020

Letter to the Editor
Association between Bioactive Molecules in Breast Milk and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yahaya Tajudeen , Shemishere Ufuoma
Published: March 2020

The association between breastfeeding and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is controversial. However, several recent studies have established a link between these two factors, necessitating a need to review this subject to raise public awareness. Current research indicates that breast milk contains a variety of bioactive substances including immunoglobulins, oligosaccharides, insulin, lactoferrin, lysozyme, cytokines, epidermal growth factors, leukocytes, nucleotides, beneficial bacteria and vitamins. Such substances strengthen the breastfeeding infant’s immune system, both directly, by increasing gut microbiota diversity and attacking harmful bacteria and proinflammatory molecules, and indirectly, by increasing thymus performance. Accordingly, a lack of or inadequate breastfeeding may predispose infants to several autoimmune disorders, including T1DM. Nursing mothers and caregivers are therefore advised to follow optimal breastfeeding practices prior to introducing complementary foods.Keywords: Breastfeeding; Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus; Autoimmune Diseases; Immunoglobulins; Oligosaccharides; Review Literature.
Plagiarism Perceptions and Attitudes Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhadlaq Abdulmajeed S. , Bin Dahmash Abdulmajeed , Alshomer Feras
Published: March 2020

Objectives: This study aimed to determine attitudes towards and perceptions of plagiarism among medical students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional, multicentre study was conducted between April and May 2018 and involved medical students enrolled in three medical schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The previously validated Attitude Towards Plagiarism questionnaire was used to evaluate approval (i.e. a positive attitude) and disapproval of plagiarism (i.e. a negative attitude) among medical students. Furthermore, this study evaluated whether attending medical writing courses or courses in medical ethics influenced medical students’ attitudes towards plagiarism. Results: A total of 551 students participated in the study (response rate = 73.5%). A significant association was found between mean negative and positive attitude scores and grade point average (GPA; P = 0.004 and 0.007, respectively). Students attending medical ethics courses had higher mean negative attitude scores compared to students who did not attend such courses (odds ratio = 2.369, 95% confidence interval: 1.540–3.645; P <0.001). Attending medical ethics courses was associated with a significantly more negative attitude towards plagiarism (P <0.001, each). Conclusion: The majority of medical students in Saudi Arabia included in this study indicated a highly negative attitude towards plagiarism. A higher GPA, the authoring of a published manuscript and attending courses in medical ethics were associated with negative attitudes towards plagiarism among medical students.Keywords: Plagiarism; Attitude; Cross-Sectional Study; Medicine; Medical Students; Saudi Arabia.
Turistlerin Destinasyon Seçim Kararlarında Destinasyon İmajının Rolünün Belirlenmesine Yönelik Bir Araştırma: Kaş Örneği
Authors: ÜNAL Aydın , ÇAKIR Gülay
Published: March 2020

Çalışmada, Türkiye’nin önemli dalış destinasyonlarından Kaş’ı ziyaret eden yerli ve yabancı turistlerin destinasyon ile ilgili sahip oldukları imajı oluşturan unsurların belirlenmesi ve bu unsurların turistlerin demografik değişkenlerine göre farklılık düzeylerinin ölçülmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Bu amaçla Haziran-Ağustos 2019 döneminde ilgili destinasyonu ziyaret eden yerli ve yabancı turistlere kendilerinin cevapladıkları toplam 300 anket formu ulaştırılmıştır. Geri dönüş sağlanan anketlerden 34 tanesi cevap kodlamalarının %50’sinden fazlasının boş bırakılmasından 22 tanesi ise aynı cevap alanının birden fazla kodlanmasından dolayı değerlendirme dışında bırakılmıştır. Yapılan analizler (SPSS) neticesinde (244 katılımcı); Kaş’ı ziyaret eden yerli ve yabancı turistlerin genel memnuniyet düzeylerinin (%68) ve tekrar ziyaret niyetlerinin (%66) yüksek; destinasyon imajını genel değerlendirme düzeylerinin (%76) ve destinasyona duyulan arzu düzeylerinin (%78) ise çok yüksek düzeyde gerçekleştiği belirlenmiştir.
Nazi Almanyası İşgalindeki Sırbistan'da Antisemitist Propaganda Faaliyetleri
Authors: YILMAZ Mehmet Barış , ÇAKI Caner , GAZİ Mehmet Ali
Published: March 2020

Çalışma kapsamında Naziler tarafından posterler üzerinden Sırbistan'da antisemitizmin nasıl ve ne şekilde inşa edildiği ortaya konulmaya çalışılmıştır. Bu amaçla Amerika Birleşik Devletleri Holokost Anıt Müzesi'nde bulunan antisemitist propaganda posterleri içerisinden amaçlı örneklem metodu kullanılarak belirlenen 8 propaganda posteri, nitel araştırma yöntemleri içerisinde yer alan göstergebilimsel analiz metodu kullanılarak incelenmiştir. Elde edilen bulgularda, posterler üzerinden Yahudilerin Sırbistan'a ekonomik ve sosyal alanda hâkim olacağına yönelik propaganda mitinin inşa edildiği ve böylece Yahudilere yönelik doğrudan nefret söylemi meydana getirilmeye çalışıldığı görülmüştür.