bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dino no Vale dos Dinossauros: um Recurso Educacional Digital para Auxiliar Conceitos Básicos de Contagem
Authors: Fernandes Erasmo Dantas da Silva , de Pontes Márcio Matoso , Lira Arianny de Sousa , Leitão Darlene Alves , Martins Marlon Procópio , Moreira Thais Kelly da Silva , de Castro Juscileide Braga
Published: December 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar e analisar o protótipo de um recurso educacional digital (RED) denominado, Dino no Vale dos Dinossauros, desenvolvido para atender às habilidades de contagem previstas pela Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) para turmas do 4º ano do Ensino Fundamental. Foi criado a partir da utilização do software Scratch, uma linguagem de programação utilizada para criar histórias animadas, jogos e outros programas interativos. Dentre os resultados, verificamos que o RED viabilizou aprendizagens de conceitos matemáticos, como também, reflexões e análises metodológicas, auxiliando no processo do uso e de produção de tecnologias digitais de informação e comunicação (TDIC).
Oficina de Apoio a Resolução de Problemas e Lógica Computacional Utilizando a Computação Desplugada e Gamificação
Authors: Oliveira José Vinnicius dos Santos , Figueiredo Larrysa Mirelly Rosendo , Souza Flavia Luiza Veloso Costa
Published: December 2019

Este artigo apresenta os resultados obtidos com a aplicação da oficina DespluGames, realizada no âmbito do PIBID - Informática (Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação à Docência), que teve como objetivo analisar a eficiência da aplicabilidade concomitante das metodologias de Computação Desplugada e elementos de Gamificação no ensino introdutório de lógica de programação para alunos do ensino médio. A oficina empregou o conceito de programação em blocos para promover o aprendizado dos alunos nos conceitos iniciais da lógica de programação de computadores.
Desenvolvimento de um Jogo Utilizando Robótica para o Estímulo do Pensamento Computacional
Authors: Silva Rodrigo C. L. , Cavalcanti Matheus L. U. , de Oliveira Luama R. N. L.
Published: December 2019

Neste artigo é apresentado os resultados parciais do desenvolvimento de um jogo que utiliza robótica para estimular o pensamento computacional entre crianças dos 3 aos 5 anos do ensino fundamental. O intuito do jogo é estimular o pensamento computacional nessa faixa etária, fazendo com que as crianças desenvolvam essa habilidade que é fundamental para as atuais e futuras gerações. Para realizar as missões do jogo, os jogadores necessitam pré-definir os movimentos (programa) que o robô precisa realizar para alcançar o objetivo solicitado. Na sua fase inicial, o jogo foi desenvolvido em Scratch e será, posteriormente, desenvolvido no ambiente de prototipação Arduino.
Uma Aplicação Mobile para Mediação de Aulas de Educação Ambiental e Biologia
Authors: Costa Francisco José Carvalho , dos Santos Matheus William Gomes , Lopes Atila R.
Published: December 2019

Neste trabalho apresentaremos uma proposta de desenvolvimento de uma aplicação móvel para auxiliar em aulas de biologia e conscientização ambiental, mostrando com base em aportes teóricos como a educação baseada em M-learning pode ser positivamente produtiva. A problemática de desenvolvimento partiu da dificuldade em apresentar as atividades de educação ambiental, desenvolvidas no II trail de Barra Grande – Pi, por questões de locomoção do alunado. A aplicação terá seu funcionamento baseado na montagem de uma composteira virtual e espaços de interação com usuário com conteúdos relacionados a botânica. A aplicação proposta terá sua avaliação baseada na experiência do usuário, como uma ferramenta educacional, os resultados finais de cada jogada servirão como base para análise do desempenho dos alunos, a partir de relatórios gerados no próprio jogo.
Jogos de Tabuleiro e Digitais para Estimular o Desenvolvimento do Raciocínio Lógico: Como escolher?
Authors: L. Junior Gilberto V. , Padilha Thereza P. P. , Gomes Vinicius H. S.
Published: December 2019

Atualmente, sabe-se que há uma variedade de jogos (digitais ou de tabuleiro) tanto para fins educacionais quanto para entretenimento. No entanto, diante desta diversidade, escolher um certo jogo para o desenvolvimento de determinadas habilidades é um processo árduo. Diante disso, o objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma análise de oito jogos de tabuleiro e suas versões digitais que suportam uma série de benefícios para o desenvolvimento do raciocínio lógico. Assim, como resultado, é apresentada uma tabela destacando as principais características destes jogos para ajudar professores e, também, gestores escolares na escolha de recursos que auxiliem o aprendizado.
Divertix: um Recurso Educacional Digital para a Aprendizagem da Estatística nos Anos Iniciais do Ensino Fundamental
Authors: Sousa Joyce da Silva , Monteiro Lídya de Lima , Souza Antonio Nathan Serra , de Souza Danilo do Carmo , de Castro Juscileide Braga , Medeiros Márcia Duarte , de Souza Maria de Fátima Costa , de Castro Filho José Aires
Published: December 2019

Ainda que a Estatística faça parte do currículo escolar desde os anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental, a grande parte dos estudantes apresentam dificuldades concernentes à compreensão de dados e informações numéricas ou textuais expressas em gráficos ou tabelas. Dentro desta perspectiva o objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar o desenvolvimento de um Recurso Educacional Digital (RED) e suas contribuições para o ensino de conceitos estatísticos. O RED possui narrativa que se desenvolve no cenário de uma revista (Divertix) em que o usuário é convidado a utilizar habilidades referentes à Estatística, como ler e interpretar gráficos e tabela, relacionar texto e gráfico e construir gráficos; para finalizar as matérias da revista.
Jogos Digitais no Ensino de Física: Estudo do Movimento Bidimensional através da Ferramenta Scratch
Authors: Alves Crelison Nelson H. , da Silva Gilvan Francisco , da Silva Bruna Izabel , dos S. Júnior Enildo José , Pereira Fabricio Filho O. , Silva Ana Paula T. B. , Santos Flavia Portela
Published: December 2019

Visando minimizar as dificuldades vivenciadas por estudantes em seu primeiro contato com os conceitos da disciplina de Física, propõe-se como ferramenta didática a utilização de um jogo que pode ser também personalizado pelo próprio estudante. Este trabalho descreve dois jogos construídos com a plataforma Scratch, que é um projeto do Lifelong Kindergarten Group do Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab, com o qual é possível, a partir da construção de jogos (programação), simular fenômenos físicos e relacioná-los aos mais diversos conteúdos em Física. Neste caso, utilizou-se o Scratch aplicado à cinemática no estudo do movimento bidimensional.
Differential Diagnosis of Cartilaginous Lesions of Bone
Authors: Suster David , Hung Yin Pun , Nielsen G. Petur
Published: December 2019

Context.—

Cartilaginous tumors represent one of the most common tumors of bone. Management of these tumors includes observation, curettage, and surgical excision or resection, depending on their locations and whether they are benign or malignant. They can be diagnostically challenging, particularly in small biopsies. In rare cases, benign tumors may undergo malignant transformation.

Objective.—

To review common cartilaginous tumors, including in patients with multiple hereditary exostosis, Ollier disease, and Maffucci syndrome, and to discuss problems in the interpretation of well-differentiated cartilaginous neoplasms of bone. Additionally, the concept of atypical cartilaginous tumor/chondrosarcoma grade 1 will be discussed and its use clarified.

Data Sources.—

PubMed (US National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland) literature review, case review of archival cases at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and personal experience of the authors.

Conclusions.—

This review has examined primary well-differentiated cartilaginous lesions of bone, including their differential diagnosis and approach to management. Because of the frequent overlap in histologic features, particularly between low-grade chondrosarcoma and enchondroma, evaluation of well-differentiated cartilaginous lesions should be undertaken in conjunction with thorough review of the imaging studies.
Indonesia’s Image from China’s Perspective on South China Sea Dispute (A Preliminary Study on China’s Perception on Indonesia)
Authors: Kartikasari Ardina
Published: December 2019

This paper discusses the image of Indonesia in the eyes of China on the South China Sea (SCS) dispute. China circulated the map of Nine-dotted lines in 1993 and since then China has behaved ambiguously towards Indonesia as the dotted lines encompasses some part of Indonesia’s North Natuna waters. China insists two countries have overlapping interests over some of Indonesia’s Natuna Exclusive Economic Zone which China claims as it traditional fishing ground. China, however recognizes Indonesia’s sovereignty over the Natuna Islands and has been cautious when dealing with Indonesia on the Natuna issue. This behavior continues until the last three incidents occurred in Natuna waters in 2016. Although there are many studies on the South China Sea dispute and China’s policy towards Indonesia, few if any of them discuss specifically on China’s perspective towards Indonesia.  Adopting image theory as an analytical framework, this paper figures Indonesia’s image on the eyes of China, which then shaped China’s perception toward Indonesia on SCS dispute. The main argument in this paper is China captures Indonesia’s image as an ally image. In this image, Indonesia is seen as an actor who can work together, has similar capabilities and cultural dimensions with China.
Physicochemistry and Heavy Metal Characteristics of Waste Products from Abattoir Activities in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Testimonies Chikanka Azuonwu, , N. Ogbonna David , Onwuteaka John
Published: December 2019

The upsurge of abattoir operations as a result of the rise in demand for meat protein has led to a corresponding increase in waste generation. These wastes are often channelled into nearby streams with little or no treatment which exposes aquatic organisms to the resultant consequences of this waste deposition. This study was thus aimed at determining the physicochemical quality of some abattoir samples in Port Harcourt city. Soil, faecal matter, wastewater, waste blood and service water samples from the Iwofe, Rumuodomaya and Trans-Amadi abattoirs were collected within a  period of one year and the pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), sulphate, chloride, temperature, nitrate, ammonia and heavy metals quantities including chromium, lead, zinc, cobalt, copper and cadmium were determined using standard techniques. The study recorded high BOD5 and COD values from the blood, faecal matter, soil and wastewater samples while service water samples had values within the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality limits. Seasonal variations in the physicochemical parameters of the samples collected both in the wet and dry seasons were observed. The pH values ranged from 6.2-8.5, BOD5 of blood, faecal matter soil and wastewater ranged from 2124-4349 mg/l while the COD ranged from 2715-8820 mg/l. In Rumuodomaya, the BOD5 and COD ranged from 2276-2727 mg/l and 2583-3245 mg/l respectively while samples from Trans-Amadi abattoir had values for BOD5 and COD ranging from 2253-4330 mg/l and 2931-4597 mg/l, respectively. Nitrate, chromium, cadmium, zinc, cobalt, lead and copper contents in the different locations varied statistically at α-0.05 while no significant difference was observed for pH, ammonia, temperature, COD, BOD5, sulphate and chloride contents at α=0.05. The BOD5 and COD of waste blood, wastewater, soil and faecal matter recorded values that were above permissible limits for service water and therefore raises concern for the aquatic life being threatened by these effluents as the amount of dissolved oxygen available for them will be reduced as a pollution of the immediate environment, if these generated wastes are not treated before disposal.
Dynamic Assessment in the EFL Classroom: The Case of Listening Comprehension
Authors: Alshenqeeti Hamza , A. Grami Grami Mohammad
Published: December 2019

The current study evaluates the potential of dynamic assessment (DA) in listening comprehension classes. DA is based on the sociocultural aspect of the Vygotskyan theory. It facilitates language improvement because DA assumes that mental instruments mediate psychological exercises. Although DA has been extensively analyzed, few studies have investigated its impact on listening comprehension in the language classroom. This study intends to fill the research gap in listening comprehension studies using DA as a mediation tool. The purpose of the current study therefore is to assess the effects of dynamic assessment on listening comprehension. A total of fifty-six English as a foreign language (hereinafter EFL) learners took part in the present examination. The subjects took a general placement proficiency test developed by the English Language Centre within the university to ensure participant homogeneity. The researcher recorded pre-test and post-test results of the participants and coded the values quantitatively. Data management and analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA to test reliability and validity. The relevance of DA in enhancing listening comprehension is clearly supported by the fact that DA students’ results outperformed their counterparts in the study. The study findings also indicated a need for language educators to utilise mediation techniques in order to enhance students’ listening skills.  Educators are advised to apply more DA approaches to mitigate student resistance to classroom instructions. These discoveries underscore the efficacy of DA and suggest its inclusion in the language-learning curriculum.
The Effect of Exclusive Breastfeeding on Child Survival Using Modified Kaplan Meier Model (MKMM)
Authors: Dashal Moses Longji , Lasisi Kazeem Eyitayo , Longji Kaneng Eileen
Published: December 2019

Background: In Survival analysis, Kaplan-Meier estimator serves as a tool for measuring the frequency or the number of patients surviving medical treatment. Kaplan Meier estimates of survival data have become a better way of analyzing data in cohort study. Kaplan- Meier (K-M) is a non-parametric estimates of survival function that is commonly used to describe survivorship of a study population and to compare two study populations.

Aims: This research study is aimed at reducing the morbidity and mortality rate of children less than 6 months.

Methodology: 58,609 children less than six months were Exclusive Breastfed from the database. The analysis is done using both K-M and the modified K-M model to examine the effects of Exclusive Breastfeeding. The AIC and BIC was also used as the information criteria.

Results: Our results revealed that the K-M model 0.998566822 as the estimated survival probability of children under the ages of six months. Also showing, Exclusively Breastfed children stand the chance of 99% survival.

The modified K-M model also revealed 6.98276443909739 as the estimated survival probability, due to initiation of milk substitute and food supplement into the breastfeeding pattern. Showing about 70% chances of survival. Implying about 30% of the existence in one disease or the other or the risk of dying before the age of 5 years.

From the information criteria, the AIC (2.3119452169420) and BIC (7.8478797677756) in the Modified K-M are both lower compared to Existing Kaplan Meier (4.0012457354876) and (9.5371847322969) respectively. Modified K-M stand as the best model in knowing the types/amount of food to be added to breastfeeding pattern.

Conclusion: So far, the Modified Kaplan Meier Model has been verified and the findings agree that the life expectation will be improved by 99% if children are fed exclusively with breast milk while the life span is been reduced that can lead to death by 30% if the children have a mix feeding which agrees with why Exclusive Breastfeeding should be done.
Leaf Conductance Study on Twelve (12) Genotypes of Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]
Authors: Touré Cissé F. , Touré A. , Diallo A. , Vadez V.
Published: December 2019

Enhancing transpiration efficiency (TE), defined as biomass accumulation per unit water transpired, may be an effective approach to increasing sorghum yield in arid and semi-arid regions under drought conditions. Water use efficiency was compared among 12 sorghum cultivars collected from the ICRISAT Genebank and representing diverse origins. Plants were cultivated in a split plot experimental design using pots with two factors in 5 replications. An irrigation system with two levels: the "well water”, and “water stress” were applied. Plastic bags were used to wrap the pots after the phase of water saturation. Transpiration Efficiency (TE) was used to evaluate the performance of a genotype in water deficit conditions. The parameters such as leaf weight, stem weight and root weight were measured and the data were analyzed using the statistical software tool GenStat version 19. Leaf weight, stem weight and root weight varied significantly between genotypes under well water conditions while under water stress conditions only the stem weight measured was significantly different among the genotypes. Significant differences between genotypes for leaf canopy conductance were found. The leaf canopy conductance was weakly correlated to the stem weight and root weight in both well-watered and water stress conditions.
Genetic Polymorphisms of Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr1 N86Y among Asymptomatic School Children in Forest Communities of Ekondo Titi Subdivision along the Cameroon-Nigeria Border Area
Authors: Tientche Bonaventure , Fru-Cho Jerome , Anong Damian Nota , Nkuo-Akenji Theresa K.
Published: December 2019

Aims: The study sought to quantify Plasmodium infection and molecular markers for chloroquine resistance among asymptomatic school children.

Study Design: The study was cross-sectional.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Ekondo Titi Subdivision near Cameroon's south-western border with Nigeria from March to May and from September to October 2014.

Methodology: The prevalence of human Plasmodium species was determined by nested PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) using DNA from dried blood spot in six primary schools. A PCR/RFLP analysis (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) was used to determine the prevalence of chloroquine resistance (CQR) associated pfcrt 76T and pfmdr 1 56Y point mutations in Plasmodium falciparum asymptomatic school children.

Results: A nested PCR amplifying the 18S small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Plasmodium in 205 samples confirmed 76.1% of the isolates as asymptomatic P. falciparum infections, with a substantial proportion 22% of P. malariae infection. Among these, 3.6% were single P. malariae infections and 15.1% were P. falciparum and P. malariae mixed infections. Mixed P. falciparum and   P. ovale infections were 2.0%. Of the 156 Plasmodium falciparum, positive samples by species-specific PCR, 107 samples with P. falciparum mono-infection were analyzed for the presence of drug resistant alleles pfcrt 76T and pfmdr1- Y 86. The prevalence of pfcrt 76T mutation (74.6%) was higher than that of the pfmdr1-Y86 mutation (25.4%). Logistic regression analysis of socio-demographic factors predicted no significant association between pfcrt 76T mutation with gender and communities.

Conclusions: The results indicated a high prevalence of P. malariae and mixed infection in the area under study. The high-level distribution of the pfcrtT76 observed in the study could be possibly attributed to the fact that CQ remained widely used at the community level more than 14 years after  withdrawal.
Catalytic Conversion of Sugarcane Bagasse into 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Adam Omer Ishag Omer , Mousa Mohammed Adam , Mohamed Ali Mahmoud , B. Omer Awadalla
Published: December 2019

Furan derivatives especially 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural has recently been regarded as one important precursor for the production of biofuels and biobased compounds.

Aims: The aim of this study was to convert sugarcane bagasse into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural using Tetrabutylammonium bromide, Tetramethylammonium chloride and metal chlorides (chromium chloride, copper chloride, ferric chloride and cobalt chloride) in dimethylsulphoxide; using different reaction time and temperatures.

Study Design:  The design of this study includes preparation of two different systems of catalyst to convert sugarcane bagasse into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.

Place and Duration of Study: This study conducted at Department of Applied and Industrial Chemistry, International University of Africa- Sudan, between 2017 and 2019.

Methodology: Two different catalytic systems were prepared to convert sugarcane bagasse into 5-hydroxymethylfurfaural, the first system Tetrabutylammonium bromide and metal chlorides (Chromium chloride, copper chloride, ferric chloride and cobalt chloride) in dimethyl sulphoxide; the second system tetrametheylammonium chloride and same metal chlorides in dimethylsulphoxide. The conversion of sugarcane bagasse was conducted at temperatures 100, 130 and 150°C; in addition to reaction times 60, 90 and 120 min. 

Results: The obtained results indicated that the yield of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural was high 53.41% at 150°C and 120 min reaction time when chrome chloride was used in Tetrabutylammonium bromide and dimethylsulphoxide as co-solvent; although the highest yield 89.23%, was noted also at same condition, when chromium chloride was used in Tetramethylammonium chloride and dimethylsulphoxide as co-solvent.

Conclusion: Based on these results chromium chloride was considered the best catalyst for yielding 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from sugarcane bagasse in both Tertabutylammonium bromide and Tetramethylammonium chloride; but is best in Tetramethylammonium chloride.
A Comparative Analysis of Local Content Policies in the North Sea and the Gulf of Guinea Regions
Authors: Obiri Kwadwo Ayeh , Bjeirmi Bassam
Published: December 2019

Most resource-rich countries in Africa are introducing or reinforcing Local Content Policies (LCPs) and regulations to propel socio-economic development since its introduction in the North Sea. Local content is now a prerequisite for granting exploration license to international oil companies (IOCs) and suppliers in the Gulf of Guinea region (GGR). The paper analyses and compares LCPs - successes and impediments factors - from two perspectives: the North Sea – Norway, UK, and Denmark; and the Gulf of Guinea – Angola, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Equatorial Guinea to glean policy lessons for the Gulf of Guinea countries. The study of the comparator countries found that the policy implementation in the GGR is constrained, inter alia by inadequate infrastructure, industrial base and supplier base, technical and financial capacity of domestic firms and weak regulatory institutions. Also, the LC policy is overly ambitious and prescriptive which ignores the GGR’s state of industrial development. To engineer resource-based development in the GGR these countries must move beyond its preoccupation with local content regulations to addressing the above challenges conducive for the development of linkages.
Distribution of Ocular Disorders in Communities Affected by Crude Oil-spillage in Rivers State
Authors: Awoyesuku E. A. , Chinawa N. E. , Ejimadu S. C.
Published: December 2019

Objective: To assess the ocular disorders prevalent in communities affected by crude oil-spillage in Rivers State.

Methods: A cross sectional study involving participants at a one day free eye screening event in Ogu Bolo Local Government area of Rivers State. Participants had comprehensive ocular examination, a pen torch examination of the anterior segment and a direct fundoscopy using the Welch Alllyn Ophthalmoscope, Tonometry was done using the Keeler Pulse air tonometer and those with minor ocular pathologies were treated on site while more chronic disease were referred to a private Ophthalmology group practice.

Statistical Analysis:  Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Descriptive statistics employed mean, median, standard deviation and range values. Frequencies and proportions were used for categorical variables.

Results: The mean age was 46.76±16.03 years while the age range was 1-90 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1.1. About 57.9% and 57.1% of the people had visual acuity better than 6/18 in the right and left eyes respectively. About 19.7% and 20.1% had visual acuity worse than 6/36 in the right and left eyes respectively. The commonest Ocular disorder was Refractive Error (33.6%).This was followed by Presbyopia (17.8%), Cataract (15.1%), Allergic Conjunctivitis (6.5%) while Ocular albinism was least (0.2%).

Conclusion: Ocular anterior segment disorders are prevalent in communities affected by oil spillage and could be due to exposure to petroleum-related chemical irritants.
Management of Conjunctivochalasis
Authors: Dogan Mahmut
Published: December 2019

Conjunctivochalasis is defined as a redundant, nonedematous conjunctiva that causes a wide variety of symptoms. Excess conjunctival tissue may not cause any symptoms and may cause some symptoms like subconjunctival hemorrhage, epiphora, dry eye findings and corneal ulceration. Disturbance of tear meniscus, impaired tear distribution and punctal occlusion play a role in the onset of symptoms.

Although the etiopathogenesis of the disease is not yet clearly understood, several theories have been proposed. According to the mechanical theory, age-related mechanical changes in the conjunctiva lead to a chronic obstruction of the lymphatic flow and lymphatic dilatation after this chronic obstruction leads to conjunctivochalasis. According to inflammatory theory, collagenolytic activity increases as a result of inflammation on the ocular surface, causing degeneration of elastic fibers. As a result, degeneration of elastic fibers lead to alterations in the extracellular components of the conjunctival tissue. This inflammatory changes resulting in conjunctival laxity.

Although conjunctivosalasis (CCh) is a clinical diagnosis, it is often overlooked by clinicians. CCh patients are can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Medical and / or surgical treatment is generally needed in symptomatic patients, whereas treatment is not necessary in asymptomatic patients. Medical treatment is the first choice in the treatment of conjunctivochalasis. Artificial tear preparations are widely used in the treatment of CCh due to the deterioration of the tear film layer and dry eye symptoms. In clinical practice, topical anti-inflammatory eye drops are often preferred to reduce ocular surface inflammation. In cases where medical treatment is not sufficient, surgical treatment should be performed.

Today, there are many studies showing that surgical treatment is effective in reducing ocular symptoms and ocular surface damage in patients with CCh and in cases with and without dry eye.The surgical treatment plan should include the loose conjunctival tissue located in the lower part, as well as the excess conjunctival tissue located in the nasal and temporal regions  and aim to correct the tear meniscus along the entire lower lid margin. The most preferred surgical method is crescent excision of CCh tissue and primary suture of the conjunctiva. Other surgical approaches include fibrin glue and amniotic membrane transplantation and direct scleral suture of CCh tissue. Another surgical method is electrocauterization of the conjunctival tissue. It is applied 5 mm away from limbus and there is no harm to fornixes.
Building Communities in Tense Times: Fostering Connectedness Between Cultures and Generations through Community Arts
Authors: Beauregard Caroline , Tremblay Joëlle , Pomerleau Janie , Simard Maïté , Bourgeois‐Guérin Elise , Lyke Claire , Rousseau Cécile
Published: December 2019

Highlights

Collaboration, central to arts projects, took different forms and fostered community resilience.

The arts process offered a space for migrant participants to have a critical look at the host society.

Commitment was fluctuating, which could be explained by participants’ vulnerable position.

Sharing personal stories was a way for participants to build bridges across social divides.
The impact of concomitant cytogenetic abnormalities on acute myeloid leukemia with monosomy 7 or deletion 7q after HLA‐matched allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Poiré Xavier , Labopin Myriam , Polge Emmanuelle , Volin Liisa , Finke Jürgen , Ganser Arnold , Blaise Didier , Yakoub‐Agha Ibrahim , Beelen Dietrich , Forcade Edouard , Lioure Bruno , Socié Gérard , Niederwieser Dietger , Labussière‐Wallet Hélène , Maertens Johan , Cornelissen Jan , Craddock Charles , Mohty Mohamad , Esteve Jordi , Nagler Arnon
Published: December 2019

Monosomy 7 or deletion 7q (‐7/7q‐) is the most frequent adverse cytogenetic features reported in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and is a common indication for allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Nevertheless, ‐7/7q‐ occurs frequently with other high‐risk cytogenetic abnormalities such as complex karyotype (CK), monosomal karyotype (MK), monosomy 5 or deletion 5q (‐5/5q‐), 17p abnormalities (abn(17p)) or inversion of chromosome 3 (inv(3)), the presence of which may influence the outcomes after SCT. A total of 1109 patients were allocated to this study. Two‐year probability of leukemia‐free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) were 30% and 36%, respectively. Two‐year probability of non‐relapse mortality (NRM) was 20%. We defined five different cytogenetic subgroups: the “‐7/7q‐ ± CK group‐ designated group1,” the “MK group‐designated group 2,” the “‐5/5q‐ group‐ designated group 3,” the “abn(17p) group‐ designated group 4” and the “inv(3) group‐ designated group 5.” The 2‐year probability of LFS in first remission was 48% for group 1, 36.4% for group 2, 28.4% for group 3, 19.1% for group 4 and 17.3% for group 5, respectively (P < .001). Multivariate analysis confirmed those significant differences across groups. Note, SCT in ‐7/7q‐ AML provides durable responses in one third of the patients. The presence of ‐7/7q‐ with or without CK in the absence of MK, abn(17p) or inv(3) is associated with a better survival after SCT. On the contrary, addition of MK, ‐5/5q‐, abn(17p) or inv(3) identifies a sub‐group of patients with poor prognosis even after SCT.
Changes and correlations in height from 7 to 69 years of age across the birth years of 1930 to 1989
Authors: Pedersen Dorthe C. , Meyle Kathrine D. , Ängquist Lars , Andersen Ingelise , Tjønneland Anne , Linneberg Allan , Osler Merete , Mortensen Erik L. , Gyntelberg Finn , Lund Rikke , Aarestrup Julie , Baker Jennifer L.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The aims of this study were to describe changes in height during childhood and to investigate potential changes in the proportion of children attaining final height in childhood and in correlations between child and adult height across birth cohorts.

Methods

We included 363 059 children (179 906 girls) from the Copenhagen School Health Records Register, who were born between 1930 and 1989, with height measurements at ages 7, 10, or 13 years. Linkages to data resources containing adult height values between ages 18 and 69 years were possible for a subpopulation of 96 133 individuals (23 051 women). Birth years were categorized as 1930 to 1939, 1940 to 1949, and 1950 to 1989. Descriptive height statistics were estimated by birth years and birth cohorts. Height correlations were examined using sex‐ and age‐specific partial Pearson correlation analyses and meta‐regression techniques.

Results

Across 60 birth years, mean child heights at age 7 increased by 2.9 cm in girls and 3.0 cm in boys, and adult heights increased as well. The proportions of children attaining final height by age 13 remained low across the birth cohorts; nonetheless, there was a significant increase from 0.7% to 1.5% in girls only (P < .0001). Both child‐child and child‐adult height correlations were strong and remained relatively stable across birth cohorts.

Conclusions

Mean child and adult height increased during the study period, but the proportion of children attaining final height at age 13 remained low. Child‐child and child‐adult height correlations were largely unchanged across birth cohorts.
The genetics of isolated congenital heart disease
Authors: Nees Shannon N. , Chung Wendy K.
Published: December 2019

The genetic mechanisms underlying congenital heart disease (CHD) are complex and remain incompletely understood. The majority of patients with CHD have an isolated heart defect without other organ system involvement, but the genetic basis of isolated CHD has been even more difficult to elucidate compared to syndromic CHD. Our understanding of the genetics of isolated CHD is advancing in large part due to advances in next generation sequencing, and the list of genes associated with CHD is rapidly expanding. Variants in hundreds of genes have been identified that may cause or contribute to CHD, but a genetic cause can still only be identified in about 20–30% of patients. Identifying a genetic cause for CHD can have an impact on clinical outcomes and prognosis and thus it is important for clinicians to understand when and what to test in patients with isolated CHD. This chapter reviews some of the known genetic mechanisms that contribute to isolated inherited and sporadic CHD as well as recommendations for evaluation and genetic testing in patients with isolated CHD.
Feasibility of successfully breeding rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to obtain healthy infants year‐round
Authors: Beck Robert T. , Lubach Gabriele R. , Coe Christopher L.
Published: December 2019

Rhesus monkeys are typically seasonal breeders but can be induced to extend the timing of their mating and births under captive conditions. The following analyses evaluated the potential impact of extending their pregnancies and deliveries year‐round. Birth records from a large breeding colony housed in an indoor facility with a constant 14‐hr light/10‐hr dark cycle were analyzed across 25 years to examine seasonal trends in monkeys that mated in one of two ways: spontaneous in social groups or with a scheduled, timed‐mating protocol. The dates of delivery and birth weights for 2,084 infants were used in these analyses. Younger nulliparous females mating in social groups evinced a clear seasonal peak when birthing their first infant. However, older females, both primiparous and multiparous, could be bred continuously, which enable the birth of infants in every month of the year. Based on the live birth rate, infant birth weights, high survival rates, and the normal sex ratio of infants birthed year‐round, there were no adverse effects of breeding rhesus monkeys in this way. The continuous availability of infant births can be very advantageous for many types of research programs.
Influence of mutual support and a culture of blame among staff in acute care units on the frequency of physical restraint use in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation
Authors: Unoki Takeshi , Hamamoto Miya , Sakuramoto Hideaki , Shirasaka Masako , Moriyasu Megumi , Zeng Hong , Fujitani Shigeki
Published: December 2019

Aim

Reducing the use of physical restraint in intensive care units is challenging, and little is known about the influence of culture on physical restraint use in this setting. The present study aims to verify the hypothesis that mutual support and a culture of blame among staff are associated with higher physical restraint use for mechanically ventilated patients.

Methods

We undertook a survey of nurses in intensive care units caring for mechanically ventilated patients in acute care units. The perceived frequency of physical restraint, mutual support, and culture of blame were measured. We predefined a high frequency physical restraint use group and compared the institutional characteristics, human resources, mutual support, and culture of blame between this group and the others (the control).

Results

Three hundred and thirty‐three responses were analyzed. The mean number of beds per nurse was not significantly different between the groups; the mean and percentage of positive responses about mutual support and a culture of blame were significantly lower in the high frequency physical restraint use group. After adjusting variables in a multivariable regression analysis, a less positive response about the culture of blame was the only independent factor to predict high frequency physical restraint use.

Conclusion

The study suggests that changing the culture of blame, rather than increasing the number of nurses, is important for reducing physical restraint use.
Chirality‐Driven Transportation and Oxidation Prevention by Chiral Selenium Nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Yanyu , Fu Yuanting , Li Mengting , Jiang Dawei , Kutyreff Christopher J. , Engle Jonathan W. , Lan Xiaoli , Cai Weibo , Chen Tianfeng
Published: December 2019

The chirality of nanoparticles directly influences their transport and biological effects under physiological conditions, but the details of this phenomenon have rarely been explored. Herein, chiral GSH‐anchored selenium nanoparticles (G@SeNPs) are fabricated to investigate the effect of their chirality on their transport and antioxidant activity. G@SeNPs modified with different enantiomers show opposite handedness with a tunable circular dichroism signal. Noninvasive positron emission tomography imaging clearly reveals that 64Cu‐labeled l‐G@SeNPs experience distinctly different transport among the major organs from that of their d‐and dl‐counterparts, demonstrating that the chirality of the G@SeNPs influences the biodistribution and kinetics. Taking advantage of the strong homologous cell adhesion and uptake, l‐G@SeNPs have been shown here to effectively prevent oxidation damage caused by palmitic acid in insulinoma cells.
Magnetically Recoverable Catalysts: Catalysis in Synthesis of Polyhydroquinolines
Authors: Kazemi Mosstafa , Mohammadi Masoud
Published: December 2019

Molecules that contain polyhydroquinoline structural scaffolds are N‐containing heterocycles which are of great interest to organic chemists and biologists. Polyhydroquinoline structural scaffolds which are known as calcium channel blockers have emerged as one of the most important class of drugs used for the treatment of cardiovascular and Alzheimer's diseases. Besides, recovery and reusability of catalysts are important issues to be discussed in modern catalysis research especially in organic synthesis. The concept of magnetically recoverable catalysts has been rapidly developed in recent times. Magnetic separation is an efficient strategy for the rapid separation of catalysts from the reaction medium. Also, an alternative to time‐, solvent‐, and energy‐consuming separation techniques. In this review, we focused on the fabrication, surface‐modification and characterization of nanomagnetic materials and their application, as magnetically recoverable catalysts, in the synthesis of polyhydroquinoline structural scaffolds.
Fe3O4@chitosan‐bound boric acid composite as pH‐responsive reusable adsorbent for selective recognition and capture of cis‐diol‐containing shikimic acid
Authors: Zhu Yao , Rong Jian , Mao Kaili , Yang Dongya , Zhang Tao , Qiu Fengxian , Pan Jianming
Published: December 2019

Recently, shikimic acid (SA) has aroused great concern as the starting raw material for the synthesis of antiviral drug (Tamiflu) against the spread of influenza virus in the body. In this work, magnetic chitosan composite modified with boric acid and its application in SA recognition and separation was described. Chitosan (CT) with plenty of hydroxyl and amino groups was first coated on the surface of magnetic core Fe3O4, then carboxylic groups were grafted to the surface of Fe3O4@CT via anhydride modification, followed by the introduction of 3‐aminophenylboronic acid (APBA). The uniform morphology and composition analysis of the adsorbent (Fe3O4@CT‐COOH‐BA) were characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM and UV–visible spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity of as‐prepared material was explored in detail by batch mode experiments. The adsorption kinetics fitted well with a pseudo‐second order model, and the adsorption isotherms was well described by the Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 23.8 mg g−1 at 25 °C. Solution pH plays a crucial role in adsorption process and the optimized pH was 8.0. In addition, Fe3O4@CT‐COOH‐BA could be easily reused through an external magnet and the adsorption capacity reduced by only 4% after five adsorption–desorption cycles. These results prove that boric acid modified magnetic chitosan composite is an effective and practical adsorbent for specific recognition and selective adsorption of cis‐diol‐containing compounds.
Synthesis and Characterization of Potential Bio‐Based Lubricant Basestocks via Epoxidation Process
Authors: Marques João Paulo C. , Rios Ítalo C. , Parente Expedito J.S. , Quintella Solange A. , Luna F. Murilo T. , Cavalcante Célio L.
Published: December 2019

Chemical modifications of vegetable oils may be applied for the purpose of improving their physicochemical properties in their usage for the bio‐based lubricants. The vegetable oils with a high percentage of oleic acid, such as soybeans and rapeseed oils, are important raw materials to obtain the biolubricants. In this particular study, the oleic acid was esterified with 1‐octanol, followed by epoxidation. The oxirane ring opening reaction was performed using different alcohol structures (linear, branched, and cyclic), in order to evaluate their influence on the final physicochemical properties with the synthesized samples. These aforesaid reaction steps were followed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and the main physicochemical properties in the intermediate and final samples were assessed. The highest oxidative stability was observed for the samples obtained, using a cyclic alcohol at the oxirane ring opening reaction (230 min), followed by the linear alcohols with the branched alcohol presenting the lowest oxidative stability (124 min). The pour point values for the samples synthesized with the branched alcohol were slightly better than those with the linear and cyclic alcohols. All the synthesized samples showed high viscosity indexes (>130) and kinematic viscosities at 40 °C, ranging from 30 to 33 cSt (application degree ISO VG‐32), which are adequate for their use in the formulation of bio‐based lubricants.
Quartz halogen‐ultrasonication integrated rotating reactor for efficient photocatalytic‐thermocatalytic synthesis of glyceryl monocaprin: Kinetics of heterogeneous esterification
Authors: Karan Poulami , Mukhopadhyay Punam , Chakraborty Rajat
Published: December 2019

A pioneering intensification protocol for glyceryl monocaprin (GMC) synthesis deploying coactive electromagnetic energies,viz. quartz halogen radiation (QHR) and ultrasonication (US) is explored. Concurrently, Amberlyst 15 (A15) and nano‐TiO2 P25 (NT‐P25) were applied to achieve capric acid (CA) conversion of 97% ± 0.5%, employing the integrated QHR‐US energized rotating reactor (QHRUERR), which was 7.5% ± 0.5% higher than QH energized rotating reactor (QHERR) and 20% ± 1% greater compared to an ultrasonically energized rotating reactor (USERR). Optimal factors, viz., 0.35:1 CA:glycerol mole ratio, 343K temperature, 0.67:1 A15:P25(wt./wt.) dose, resulted maximum GMC selectivity (95% ± 0.3%). Langmuir–Hinshelwood model (R2 = .99) could best represent the esterification kinetics in QHRUERR under optimal condition. Significantly, reaction activation energy was found minimum in QHRUERR (9.63 kJ/mol) compared with a rotating reactor equipped either with QHR (27.5 kJ/mol) or the US (32.74 kJ/mol), thus implying promising synergy and energy efficiency of QHRUERR. Ultraviolet‐visible diffuse reflectance spectra and photoluminescence analyses exhibited the photoactivity of ATO (A15 : NT‐P25=0.67: 1 w/w) catalyst possessing lower band gap energy (2.98 eV). The optimal product GMC demonstrated appreciable food preservative attributes toward Aspergillus Niger food pathogen. An energy‐efficient and sustainable reactor could, thus, be explored in this study for proficient green synthesis of valuable food preservatives.
Flame retardant and mechanical properties of epoxy composites with ammonium polyphosphate and hyperbranched silicon‐containing polymers
Authors: Cheng Kuo‐Chung , Kuo Tzu‐Hsuan
Published: December 2019

The epoxy resin was mixed with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and hyperbranched silicon‐containing polymers (HBP‐B2). The cured composites were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, Underwriters Laboratory standard for the flammability properties under vertical burning (UL‐94V), and limited oxygen index (LOI) test methods. The LOI of 43.5 and could be obtained at the weight ratio of 70:25:5 for the epoxy resin:APP:HBP‐B2, Sample A25B5, and the LOI was higher than that of the composite with 30 wt % APP only, Sample A30B0, of which the LOI was 34.5. It suggested that the HBP‐B2 could cooperate with the epoxy/APP composite to form a more effective protection layer during combustion, which resulted in a higher second‐stage thermal degradation temperature. During the UL‐94V test, the flame was extinguished immediately once the burner was removed. Furthermore, the tensile and impact strength of the epoxy/APP composite could also be improved by using HBP‐B2 compound as the toughening agent. The composite containing 20% of APP and 10% of HBP‐B2, Sample A20B10, still had excellent flame retardant properties with a V‐0 rating. Moreover, the tensile strength and impact strength of that composite got 19 and 25% increases compared with the Sample A30B0, which contained 30% of APP only. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48857.
Preparation of PBT/POE‐g‐GMA/PP ternary blends with good rigidity–toughness balance by core–shell particles
Authors: Shang Mengyao , Cheng Henglun , Shentu Baoqing , Weng Zhixue
Published: December 2019

Compared with poly(butylene terephthalate)/glycidyl methacrylate grafted poly(ethylene–octene) (PBT/POE‐g‐GMA) binary blends, supertough PBT‐based ternary blends with little rigidity loss were successfully obtained by adding rigid polypropylene (PP) into PBT/POE‐g‐GMA blends to construct core–shell particles during melt blending. The effects of PP content and type on the phase morphology and mechanical properties of the blends were systematically investigated. Theoretical predictions and scanning electron microscopy observation showed that a core–shell structure was formed in PBT matrix with PP as the core and POE‐g‐GMA as the shell. The mechanical property tests showed that POE‐g‐GMA and PP had significant synergistic toughening effect. When PP with high melt flow index (H‐PP) was used, PBT/POE‐g‐GMA/H‐PP (70/15/15) blends possessed the highest Izod notched impact strength, which was 1.9‐fold compared with PBT/POE‐g‐GMA (70/30) binary blends, while the tensile performance loss was little. The essential work of fracture tests was performed to evaluate the fracture resistance of different samples. The results demonstrated that PBT/POE‐g‐GMA/PP ternary blends possessed much better resistance to crack propagation than PBT/POE‐g‐GMA binary blends. The decrease of interparticle distance and the fibrillation of core–shell particles activated intense matrix shear yielding, which was the reason for the high crack resistance of ternary blends. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48872.