bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Action Research in Teacher Education: Preparing Pre-service Teachers to be Adaptive Experts
Authors: Kitchen J. , Stevens Dianne
Published: July 2017

In an increasingly diverse and rapidly changing world, it is no longer sufficient for teachers to be “routine experts” (Hotano & Oura, 2003) able to master established curriculum and pedagogy with efficiency. In a report commissioned by the National Academy of Education, an expert panel argued that teacher education programs need to focus on the development of “adaptive expertise” (Hotano & Oura, 2003). In order to adapt to changing social and professional circumstances, adaptive experts continuously add to their knowledge: “knowledge of learners and their development in social context”; “knowledge of subject matter and curriculum goals”; and “knowledge of teaching” (Bransford, Darling Hammond & LePage, 2005, p. 11).
Action Research: A Strategy for Instructional Improvement
Authors: Reed Carol
Published: July 2017

Action Research gives teachers the skills needed to work on problems specific to their classrooms and their schools. By using an actual research procedure, researching teachers can resolve their own teaching challenges. They learn how to ask a focusing question, define terms, collect relevant data, use an analysis process that rules out bias, and includes methods that yield validity and reliability.
A Simple Plan for Action Research (Part A)
Authors: Chodzinski Raymond
Published: July 2017

During my tenure as a professor I often encouraged students to actively pursue thesis and project work that made sense to them as classroom teachers and school counselors. I challenged them to look at research with an eye to actually making a difference. In doing so I always reflected on what a very special colleague of mine used to refer to as the 5 “W’s” and an “H”. Jake Rogers, a veteran teacher and an instructor for several years in the Pre Service Intermediate Senior Program at Brock began every new class with an introduction to the words Why, What Where, When, Who and How as a means to explain almost every lesson plan he taught. In his words “if there ain’t no plan or purpose or action, their ain’t no use. Outcomes and student success meant everything to Jake and he taught his students that every lesson a teacher planned and taught should be directed with change and success in mind. I applied this model to the action research methodologies I taught in my statistics courses and research and change and innovation courses. It would be simple here to quote the likes of Michael Fullan and others who have championed the process of change in schooling in Ontario, or Friere’s approach to Particpatory Action Research which influenced social change throughout the world, but this article is intended to provide a brief and simple outline of what a teacher should do if s/he decides to pursue a research activity either in a school setting or as an assignment for a graduate or preservice professor with the intent of transformational change within a school setting. In my model I include the word “Will”.
Affirming the abilities of new teachers: A teacher induction project within the Golden Horseshoe Learning Consortium
Authors: Cherubini Lorenzo , Kitchen Julian
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a partnership among Brock University’s Faculty of Education, the Ontario College of Teachers and six school boards that resulted in a teacher induction project conceptualized to enable new teachers to self-affirm their professional capacities as teacher leaders. The new teacher participants from 6 district school boards in southern Ontario were engaged in critical thinking and retrospective analysis with experienced teacher mentors from these same school boards. The outcomes of the project suggest that the induction model validated new teachers’ meaningful contributions to their students and schools and heightened their sense of self-empowerment as reflective and active teacher leaders.
Critical Literacy in the Primary Classroom
Authors: MacDonald Julie , Halvorsen Melissa , Wilcox Carol
Published: July 2017

This report describes an action research project sponsored by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario. The teacher team involved was mentored by Dr. Candace Figg and Dr. Kamini Jaipal-Jamani from the Faculty of Education Department at Brock University. The action research project entailed the development of critical literacy lessons designed for the primary classroom. Data was collected to determine the students’ knowledge of voice/voiceless, point of view, and author’s message. Results indicated that primary children are able to successfully respond critically to texts. As critical literacy is a venue for higher level thinking, the students were able to deepen their understanding of text.
Differentiated Instruction: Planning for Success
Authors: Hill Randy , Dworet Don
Published: July 2017

The make-up of classrooms across Ontario is becoming increasingly inclusive in composition. Many classrooms now include students with exceptional needs In ability and disability and students from diverse backgrounds. This article presents an outline in planning for success in Ontario schools through Differentiated Instruction. The concepts of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) require teachers to transform their practices from program-based pedagogy to student-based pedagogy. Curriculum tells teachers what to teach while DI tells teachers how to teach. Teachers can differentiate classroom content, process and product. Planning for DI involves an approach which respects individuals and permits students to learn and demonstrate their learning in a manner most preferable to them. Student groupings based on the Ontario Ministry of Education, 2005 document,Education for All, are examined. Instructional techniques such as cooperative learning, project-based, problem-based and explicit instruction are discussed as sound pedagogy reflecting UDL and DI. The instructional approaches and strategies described are not new to teachers. What has changed is the emphasis on strategically responding to the individual needs of students in today’s inclusive classrooms.
Examining the Use and Success of Demonstration Classrooms that Focus on Differentiated Instruction
Authors: Woehrle Trisha , Moore Michele , George Jennifer , Hahn Karen
Published: July 2017

While many teachers currently differentiate their classroom instruction and assessment methods, many others are unsure what differentiation means or how to best support all students in their classroom. Professional development opportunities pursued either individually or as part of a district in-service are available to improve teacher knowledge and build capacity around this important area of practice. Demonstration classrooms, which involve educational professionals observing a classroom teacher offering a differentiated lesson, is one method that can be used to increase teacher knowledge of differentiated instruction and encourage change in teacher practice. The purpose of this paper was to describe the demonstration classrooms within the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board that were designed to introduce school staff to differentiated instruction and to report on the success of this professional development opportunity.
Facebook and Teacher Knowledge Development: An Examination of How Teachers Are Using Facebook Groups to Support their Knowledge Development
Authors: Rutherford Camille
Published: July 2017

In recent years, Facebook has proven itself to be a popular gathering space, not just for college students, but also professionals seeking an opportunity to network with others and exchange ideas and resources. Within these gathering areas are thousands of teachers who can be observed engaging in discussions related to teaching and learning. The findings of this research indicate that much of what is occurring within these discussion groups can be considered a pragmatic attempt to enhance teacher knowledge development.
Stealing the Age of Innocence: A Critique of the Commodification of Children’s Culture Through an Analysis of NeoPets
Authors: Teruelle Rhon
Published: July 2017

This paper functions as both a reflection on the promotion of digital technologies to children, and as an investigation into the commodification of children's culture, using NeoPets as the primary focus of the exploration. Specifically, the development of the child/user to targeted consumer is analyzed, with a focus on website's marketing techniques. While NeoPets provides a virtual “fun” world that caters to children, another reason to ponder the significance of this on-line community is to better understand how its technological and marketing savvy function as exploitive tools. Moreover, it is imperative to address the lack of policies, in Canada and the United States, in order to affect eventual progressive changes in both countries.
Possibilities for Parent Participation: Including All Families in Their Children’s Education
Authors: Hands Catherine
Published: July 2017

Noting the critical role parent engagement plays in student achievement and well-being (see for example Epstein, 1995, 2001; Henderson, Mapp, Robinson, & Davies, 2007), the paper looks at strengthening parent engagement, focusing on successful strategies for reaching, and supporting parents who face barriers to engagement such as poverty and cultural diversity issues. The paper focuses on five school board-level parent engagement projects qualitatively examined through observations, document analysis, and interviews with program coordinators, educators and parents. The boards conducted surveys and community visits to learn about families and their communities. Boards in regions with economic diversity covered the cost of activities involving parents, provided childcare or hosted family friendly events, and limited or eliminated transportation costs to events. Boards serving multicultural communities used translation services to communicate with families, hosted events in the communities, and developed culturally relevant activities. Findings point to the need for provincial education departments or ministries, universities and boards to work with educators to support inclusive initiatives that promote all families’ participation in their children’s education.
Embedding and Sustaining Equitable Practices in Teachers’ Everyday Work: A Framework for Critical Action
Authors: Lopez Ann E.
Published: July 2017

Diverse student populations are now one of the distinctive features of schools in North America. This changing demographic reality in schools places equity education that includes the lived experiences of diverse students at the centre of the teaching and learning process. However, research continues to show that despite the efforts and good work of teachers, huge gaps persist in the educational achievement and outcomes of Aboriginal students, students of colour, and poor children. Based on research conducted with teachers in Southern Ontario, Canada, grounded in critical pedagogy and culturally relevant teaching, this article examines the complexities of equity education and ways to better serve the needs of diverse students. Drawing from the author’s experiences as a classroom teacher, administrator, and teacher educator, the article posits a framework for critical action on ways that teachers can embed equitable practices in their teaching.
Teaching & Learning about Humanitarian Law: Perspectives from Canadian Teachers
Authors: Baillie Abidi Catherine , Harkins Mary Jane
Published: July 2017

Respect for human dignity and appreciation for diverse understandings are two quintessential elements of peaceful practices. Education focused on respect and the consequences of war, is essential for today’s youth, given the global impact of war. International humanitarian law was established to promote respect during war, to protect civilians and those no longer fighting. Humanitarian law education can create space for critical consciousness, self-reflection, and active citizenship. This study explores Canadian teachers’ experiences teaching and learning about social justice, war, and conflict, through the educational resource, Exploring Humanitarian Law (EHL). The main findings include (1) the importance of helping students to discover meaningful, real world connections, (2) teachers’ perceptions about the relevancy of international humanitarian law education, (3) tools for engaging all students, and (4) the constraints and challenges of implementing humanitarian law curriculum. Recommendations for practice and future areas for research are suggested.
Teacher Preparation in Ontario: A History
Authors: Kitchen Julian , Petrarca Diana
Published: July 2017

While teacher education has changed dramatically over the years, educators, policy-makers and the general public are largely unaware of the history of teacher preparation in the province. This history, beginning in the 19th century, tells the story of increasing professionalism over the years as Ontario adapted its system to meet a rising demand for elementary and secondary education. It is a story of authority over education, as teacher training under provincial direction became teacher education in universities, and as accreditation shifted to the Ontario College of Teachers. It is a story of reform, and the limits of reform, in the preparation of teachers for a diverse and changing world. By better understanding the history of teacher preparation in the past, we may gain insight into the present situation and imagine a better future for teacher education in Ontario.
Threading the Discussion: A Model to Examine the Quality of Posts in an Online Learning Environment
Authors: Maynes Nancy , Hatt Blaine E.
Published: July 2017

The design of online learning courses offered in a teacher education program and with post-graduate degrees in education varies greatly by course focus, instructor experience, and availability of suitable and accessible platform software. Many online course instructors include asynchronous topic-based discussions in their course expectations for students. However, it is an ongoing discussion among the online professorship as to ways they might encourage increased depth and thoughtful contributions to the online community’s learning by engaging in threaded online discussions. This paper provides and overview of a model for online learning, as derived from recent research and proposes a framework for examining two aspects of online discussion threads that may be posted by student participants. First, a framework is provided that might be given to online student participants to guide their contributions to the discussions. Second, a list of possible contents of online discussions is presented and suggestions are made for how the online professorship might use this list of possibilities to guide peer and self-evaluation of online contributions.
Transforming Classroom Practice: Technology Professional Development that Works!
Authors: Figg Candace , Jaipal Jamani Kamini
Published: July 2017

Technology professional development workshops primarily focus on technical skill training, and these skills are often taught out of context and seem remote from classroom practice. How can educators learn how to teach with technology in a variety of disciplinary areas so that their professional learning experiences are considered valuable and are readily integrated into their teaching practice? This paper presents a professional development workshop model, called the TPACK-based Professional Learning Design Model (PLDM), that is a practical and efficient method for engaging teachers and teacher candidates in the development of tech-enhanced teaching practice. The workshop model uses four specific types of professional development experiences to promote teaching with technology, rather than teaching the technology, with the goal that teachers leave the workshop being able to understand how to integrate one tech-enhanced activity into their own daily instructional practices.
A new method of subarachnoid puncture for clinical diagnosis and treatment: lateral atlanto-occipital space puncture
Authors: Gong Dianrong , Yu Haiyan , Yuan Xiaoling
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE

Lumbar puncture may not be suitable for some patients needing subarachnoid puncture, while lateral C1–2 puncture and cisterna magna puncture have safety concerns. This study investigated lateral atlanto-occipital space puncture (also called lateral cisterna magna puncture) in patients who needed subarachnoid puncture for clinical diagnosis or treatment. The purpose of the study was to provide information on the complications and feasibility of this technique and its potential advantages over traditional subarachnoid puncture techniques.

METHODS

In total, 1008 lateral atlanto-occipital space puncture procedures performed in 667 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The success rate and complications were also analyzed. All patients were followed up for 1 week after puncture.

RESULTS

Of 1008 lateral atlanto-occipital space punctures, 991 succeeded and 17 failed (1.7%). Fifteen patients (2.25%) reported pain in the ipsilateral external auditory canal or deep soft tissue, 32 patients (4.80%) had a transient increase in blood pressure, and 1 patient (0.15%) had intracranial hypotension after the puncture. These complications resolved fully in all cases. There were no serious complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Lateral atlanto-occipital space puncture is a feasible technique of subarachnoid puncture for clinical diagnosis and treatment. It is associated with a lower rate of complications than lateral C1–2 puncture or traditional (suboccipital) cisterna magna puncture. It may have potential in the neurological diagnostic and treatment fields.
Patient-reported outcome scores underestimate the impact of major complications in patients undergoing spine surgery for degenerative conditions
Authors: Gvozdyev Borys V. , Carreon Leah Y. , Graves Christopher M. , Riley Stephanie A. , McGraw Katlyn E. , Head R. Joseph , Dimar John R. , Glassman Steven D.
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) such as the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) are widely used to evaluate treatment outcomes following spine surgery for degenerative conditions. The goal of this study was to use the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCMI) as a measure of general health status, for comparison with standard PROs.

METHODS

The authors examined serial CCMI scores, complications, and PROs in 371 patients treated surgically for degenerative lumbar spine conditions who were enrolled in the Quality and Outcomes Database from a single center. The cohort included 152 males (41%) with a mean age of 58.7 years. Patients with no, minor, or major complications were compared at baseline and at 1 year postoperatively.

RESULTS

Minor complications were observed in 177 patients (48%), and major complications in 34 (9%). There were no significant differences in preoperative ODI, EQ-5D, or CCMI among the 3 groups. At 1 year, there was a significantly greater deterioration in CCMI in the major complication group (1.03) compared with the minor (0.66) and no complication groups (0.44, p < 0.006), but no significant difference in ODI or EQ-5D.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite equivalent improvements in PROs, patients with major complications actually had greater deterioration in their general health status, as evidenced by worse CCMI scores. Because CCMI is predictive of medical and surgical risk, patients who sustained a major complication now carry a greater likelihood of adverse outcomes with future interventions, including subsequent spine surgery. Although PRO scores are a key metric, they fail to adequately reflect the potential long-term impact of major perioperative complications.
Brainstem angiocentric glioma: report of 2 cases
Authors: Weaver Kristin J. , Crawford Lexi M. , Bennett Jeffrey A. , Rivera-Zengotita Marie L. , Pincus David W.
Published: July 2017

Angiocentric glioma is a rare tumor that was recognized by the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System as a distinct clinicopathological entity in 2007. Since this initial description, the vast majority of cases of angiocentric glioma reported in the literature have involved tumors of the cerebral hemispheres. To date, only 1 case of angiocentric glioma arising from the posterior midbrain has been reported. The authors present the cases of 2 pediatric patients who were found to have brainstem angiocentric gliomas. The clinical course, radiological and pathological features, treatment, and follow-up are described. The first case is one of a 5-year-old girl who presented with double vision, headache, and nausea and was found to have a midbrain lesion with pathological features consistent with angiocentric glioma. She was treated with resection and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), followed by close observation and serial neuroimaging. The second case is one of a 6-year-old boy who presented with progressive mouth drooping and problems with balance. He was found to have a pontine lesion with pathological features consistent with angiocentric glioma. This patient was treated with ETV, followed by close observation and serial neuroimaging. This report includes 6 and 1.5 years of follow-up of the patients, respectively. While there are limited data regarding the prognosis or long-term management of patients with brainstem angiocentric gliomas, the cases described in this report suggest an indolent course for this tumor, similar to the course of angiocentric gliomas located in the cerebral hemispheres.
Correlations Between Methionine Cycle Metabolism, COMT Genotype, and Polyneuropathy in L-Dopa Treated Parkinson’s Disease: A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Andréasson Mattias , Brodin Lovisa , Laffita-Mesa José Miguel , Svenningsson Per
Published: July 2017

Background:

Polyneuropathy (pnp) is recognized as a clinical feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Whether pnp is a result of the alpha-synucleinopathy or related to treatment is debated. Previous studies support underlying disturbances in the methionine cycle mediated by L-dopa.

Objective:

Describe possible relationships between methionine cycle metabolism and the development of pnp in L-dopa treated PD. Furthermore, we aim to investigate possible genetic risk factors by genotyping specific SNPs in enzymes involved in the abovementioned pathways.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional study design, L-dopa treated PD patients ( n = 33) and controls ( n = 16) were evaluated with biochemical and genetic analyses. Subjects were assessed clinically and with regards to signs of pnp using established clinical neuropathy rating scales.

Results:

16/33 patients fulfilled a study diagnosis of pnp compared to 0 age-matched controls. Levels of homocysteine (Hcy) were significantly higher in patients with pnp ( n = 16) compared to controls. A significant correlation between neuropathy scores and Hcy was seen in the whole patient group ( n = 33). A significant difference in the genotype distribution of the COMT A158G polymorphism was demonstrated, favoring the low activity genotype in patients with pnp compared to both controls and patients without pnp.

Conclusions:

Pnp is a prevalent condition in L-dopa treated PD and an association may exist with elevated levels of Hcy, possibly reflecting an underlying impaired cellular methylation capacity. Furthermore, an association may exist between the low activity COMT genotype and pnp. These preliminary findings and the suggested pathophysiological mechanisms should be confirmed in future large-scale studies.
Association of Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) Detection in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC) with Tumor Burden
Authors: Maia Manuel Caitano , Bergerot Paulo Gustavo , Dizman Nazli , Hsu JoAnn , Jones Jeremy , Lanman Richard B. , Banks Kimberly C. , Pal Sumanta K.
Published: July 2017

Background: In a series of 224 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), we have previously reported circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection in 79% of patients. Clinical factors associated with detection are unknown.

Methods: Data was obtained from patients with radiographically confirmed stage IV RCC who received ctDNA profiling as a part of routine clinical care using a CLIA-certified platform evaluating 73 genes. Detailed clinical annotation was performed, including assessment of International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) risk score, previous and current treatments and calculation of tumor burden using scan data most proximal to ctDNA assessment. Tumor burden was equated to the sum of longest diameter (SLD) of all measurable lesions.

Results: Thirty-four patients were assessed (18 male and 16 female) with a median age of 62 (range, 34–84). Twenty-six patients, 4 patients and 4 patients had clear cell, sarcomatoid and papillary histologies, respectively. IMDC risk was good, intermediate and poor in 14, 19 and 1 patient, respectively. ctDNA was detected in 18 patients (53%) with a median of 2 genomic alterations (GAs) per patient. No associations were found between IMDC risk, histology or treatment type and presence/absence of ctDNA. However, patients with detectable ctDNA had a higher SLD compared to patients with no detectable ctDNA (8.81 vs 4.49 cm; P = 0.04). Furthermore, when evaluated as a continuous variable, number of GAs was correlated with SLD ( P = 0.01).

Conclusions: With the caveat of a limited sample size, it appears that SLD (a surrogate for tumor burden) is higher in mRCC patients with detectable ctDNA. Confirmation of these findings in larger series is ongoing and may suggest a capability for ctDNA to either complement or supplant radiographic assessment.
Transforming the Perioperative Treatment Paradigm in Non-Metastatic RCC—A Possible Path Forward
Authors: Harshman L.C. , Drake C.G. , Haas N.B. , Manola J. , Puligandla M. , Signoretti S. , Cella D. , Gupta R.T. , Bhatt R. , Van Allen E. , Lara P. , Choueiri T.K. , Kapoor A. , Heng D.Y.C. , Shuch B. , Jewett M. , George D. , Michaelson D. , Carducci M.A. , McDermott D. , Allaf M.
Published: July 2017

In 2017, there is no adjuvant systemic therapy proven to increase overall survival in non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab improves overall survival in metastatic treatment refractory RCC and is generally tolerable. Mouse solid tumor models have revealed a benefit with a short course of neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade compared to adjuvant therapy. Two ongoing phase 2 studies of perioperative nivolumab in RCC patients have shown preliminary feasibility and safety with no surgical delays or complications. The recently opened PROSPER RCC trial (A Phase 3 RandOmized Study Comparing PERioperative Nivolumab vs. Observation in Patients with Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma Undergoing Nephrectomy; EA8143) will examine if the addition of perioperative nivolumab to radical or partial nephrectomy can improve clinical outcomes in patients with high risk localized and locally advanced RCC. With the goal of increasing cure and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates in non-metastatic RCC, we are executing a three-pronged, multidisciplinary approach of presurgical priming with nivolumab followed by resection and adjuvant PD-1 blockade. We plan to enroll 766 patients with clinical stage ≥T2 or node positive M0 RCC of any histology in this global, randomized, unblinded, phase 3 National Clinical Trials Network study. The investigational arm will receive two doses of nivolumab 240 mg IV prior to surgery followed by adjuvant nivolumab for 9 months. The control arm will undergo the current standard of care: surgical resection followed by observation. Patients are stratified by clinical T stage, node positivity, and histology. The trial is powered to detect a 14.4% absolute benefit in the primary endpoint of RFS from the ASSURE historical control of 55.8% to 70.2% at 5 years (HR = 0.70). The study is also powered to detect a significant overall survival benefit (HR 0.67). Key safety, feasibility, and quality of life endpoints are incorporated. PROSPER RCC exemplifies team science with a host of planned correlative work to investigate the impact of the baseline immune milieu and changes after neoadjuvant priming on clinical outcomes.
Protecting minors against violence: from strategy to practice
Authors: Biffi Elisabetta
Published: July 2017

Based on a reflection on forms and meanings of the childhood protection in our contemporary era, this paper aims at proposing the analysis of some international strategies of intervention to tackle the emergency of violence against children. The report 10 years on: Global Progress and Delay in Ending Violence Against Children – the Rhetoric and the Reality, recently published by the International NGO Council on Violence Against Children, highlights the extent and the pervasiveness of violence against children. The childhood protection, in this panorama, is a complex task, which needs a strategic intervention from different levels and several perspectives. This paper will explore some of the main possible international strategies in order to create a network for understanding, preventing and dealing with the drama of violence against children.
Child Abuse by Parents and Its Influence on the Development of Juvenile Delinquency
Authors: Vujovic Tatjana
Published: July 2017

The study was focused on parental acceptance/rejection experienced during childhood, as well as its influence on the later delinquent behaviour. We tried to answer which particular instances of parental behaviour differentiate juvenile delinquents from lawabiding adolescents. The starting point for this research was Rohner Parental acceptance-rejection theory (PARTheory). We aimed to test the hypothesis that perceived rejection has a strong impact on the development of an aberrant behaviour in children. The research was carried out on a sample of 265 adolescents composing 2 independent groups: one consisted of 115 under-age delinquents (experimental), and the other included 150 lawabiding adolescents (control). Basing on the results of examination of the parental behaviour, we found that these two groups had more differences than similarities. Father's neglect was proved to be the major difference beetween the groups. Besides that, significant differentiating factors were: manipulativity (verbal aggression) and physical abuse of the children (both parents).
School Dropout of Immigrant Students in the European School Systems: a Pedagogic Perspective
Authors: Sani Serena
Published: July 2017

In recent years, many scholars have highlighted persistent difficulties faced by the European school systems to contest school dropout of immigrant students (dropouts, delays, grade retention, school evasion etc.). As noted by the Council of Europe, with regard to immigrant students the average rate of school dropout in the UE is double that native pupils. Considering this situation, the objective of the paper is, on the one hand, to identify the factors that contributed to increase a similar failure and, on the other hand, to understand how Europe is trying to reduce this phenomenon. In particular, my attempt is to explain what are the educational measures and strategies adopted by UE school systems not only to clash this phenomenon, but also to achieve the ambitious target, set by the European Commission in 2015, for reducing to below 10% the percentage of school dropout by 2020.Keywords: school dropout, immigrant students, Europe, school policies, integration, language skills
Horse persulane management in cotton by allelopathic crop water extracts along with reduced doses of herbicides
Authors: Luqman M , Musa M , Iqbal MS , Arshad M , Rehman HS
Published: July 2017

The experiment was conducted at the field of University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan to evaluate the performance of lower dose of herbicides in combination with allelopathic crop water leachates for controlling horse persulane (Trianthemaportulacastrum L.) weed in cotton field during two consecutive years of 2007 and 2008. Seven treatments viz., T1= control as weedy, T2= Pendimethalin @ 1.25 kg active ingredient (a.i.) ha-1(full dose) as pre-emergence, T3= Paraquat @ 200 g a.i. ha-1(full dose) direct shielded at 40 days after sowing (DAS), T4= Pendimethalin @ 0.417 kg a.i. ha-1(1/3 dose) as pre-emergence, T5= Paraquat @ 67g a.i. ha-1(1/3 dose) direct shielded at 40 DAS, T6=sorghum + sunflower + brassica + mulberry water extracts each @ 18 l ha-1 + Pendimethalin @ 0.417 kg a.i. ha-1(1/3 dose) as pre-emergence, and T7 = sorghum + sunflower + brassica + mulberry water extracts each @ 18 l ha-1 + Paraquat @ 67g a.i. ha-1(1/3 dose) direct shielded at 40 DAS were compared. Combination of water leachates of allelopathic crops with either 1/3 dose of Paraquat or with 1/3 dose of Pendimethalin were found more effective than other treatments for reducing density and dry weight of horse persulane at both the stages. Higher but identical number of bolls per plant, boll weight per plant and seed cotton yield were recorded in water leachates + 1/3 dose of Pendimethalin as pre-emergence, and water leachates + 1/3 dose of Paraquat direct shielded at 40 DAS. Higher gross return and gross margin were also obtained from the same treatments. The results revealed that sorghum, sunflower, brassica and mulberry water extracts each @ 18 l ha-1 in combination with 1/3 dose of Paraquat direct shielded at 40 DAS or with 1/3 dose of Pendimethalin as pre-emergence is economical, environment friendly and sustainable strategy for controlling horse persulane weed in cotton field in Pakistan.SAARC J. Agri., 15(1): 23-31 (2017)
A Study on the Stall Detection of an Axial Compressor through Pressure Analysis
Authors: Chen Haoying , Sun Fengyong , Zhang Haibo , Luo Wei
Published: July 2017

In order to research the inherent working laws of compressors nearing stall state, a series of compressor experiments are conducted. With the help of fast Fourier transform, the amplitude–frequency characteristics of pressures at the compressor inlet, outlet and blade tip region outlet are analyzed. Meanwhile, devices imitating inlet distortion were applied in the compressor inlet distortion disturbance. The experimental results indicated that compressor blade tip region pressure showed a better performance than the compressor’s inlet and outlet pressures in regards to describing compressor characteristics. What’s more, compressor inlet distortion always disturbed the compressor pressure characteristics. Whether with inlet distortion or not, the pressure characteristics of pressure periodicity and amplitude frequency could always be maintained in compressor blade tip pressure. For the sake of compressor real-time stall detection application, a compressor stall detection algorithm is proposed to calculate the compressor pressure correlation coefficient. The algorithm also showed a good monotonicity in describing the relationship between the compressor surge margin and the pressure correlation coefficient.
Chinese Medical Question Answer Matching Using End-to-End Character-Level Multi-Scale CNNs
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Zhang Xin , Wang Hui , Cheng Jiajun , Li Pei , Ding Zhaoyun
Published: July 2017

This paper focuses mainly on the problem of Chinese medical question answer matching, which is arguably more challenging than open-domain question answer matching in English due to the combination of its domain-restricted nature and the language-specific features of Chinese. We present an end-to-end character-level multi-scale convolutional neural framework in which character embeddings instead of word embeddings are used to avoid Chinese word segmentation in text preprocessing, and multi-scale convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are then introduced to extract contextual information from either question or answer sentences over different scales. The proposed framework can be trained with minimal human supervision and does not require any handcrafted features, rule-based patterns, or external resources. To validate our framework, we create a new text corpus, named cMedQA, by harvesting questions and answers from an online Chinese health and wellness community. The experimental results on the cMedQA dataset show that our framework significantly outperforms several strong baselines, and achieves an improvement of top-1 accuracy by up to 19%.
New Order on Type 2 Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Hernández Pablo , Cubillo Susana , Torres-Blanc Carmen , Guerrero José
Published: July 2017

Since Lotfi A. Zadeh introduced the concept of fuzzy sets in 1965, many authors have devoted their efforts to the study of these new sets, both from a theoretical and applied point of view. Fuzzy sets were later extended in order to get more adequate and flexible models of inference processes, where uncertainty, imprecision or vagueness is present. Type 2 fuzzy sets comprise one of such extensions. In this paper, we introduce and study an extension of the fuzzy numbers (type 1), the type 2 generalized fuzzy numbers and type 2 fuzzy numbers. Moreover, we also define a partial order on these sets, which extends into these sets the usual order on real numbers, which undoubtedly becomes a new option to be taken into account in the existing total preorders for ranking interval type 2 fuzzy numbers, which are a subset of type 2 generalized fuzzy numbers.
Localization of VEGF to Vascular ECM Is an Important Aspect of Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: You Weon-Kyoo , Stallcup William
Published: July 2017

Our research has identified several examples in which reduced VEGF-A binding to deficient vascular extracellular matrix leads to deficits in tumor vascularization and tumor growth: (1) germline ablation of collagen VI in the stroma of intracranial B16F10 melanomas; (2) knockdown of the Tks5 scaffolding protein in MDA-MB-231 mammary tumor cells; (3) germline ablation of NG2 proteoglycan in the stroma of MMTV-PyMT mammary tumors; and (4) myeloid-specific ablation of NG2 in the stroma of intracranial B16F10 melanomas. Tumor hypoxia is increased in each of the four types of experimental mice, accompanied by increases in total VEGF-A. However, while VEGF-A is highly associated with tumor blood vessels in control mice, it is much more diffusely distributed in tumors in all four sets of experimental mice, likely due to reduced extent of the vascular extracellular matrix. In parallel to lost VEGF-A localization, tumor vessels in each case have smaller diameters and are leakier than tumor vessels in control mice. Tumor growth is decreased as a result of this poor vascular function. The fact that the observed vascular changes occur in the absence of alterations in vascular density suggests that examination of vessel structure and function is more useful than vascular density for understanding the importance of angiogenesis in tumor progression.
Variation in the Concentrations of Major Secondary Metabolites in Ginkgo Leaves from Different Geographical Populations
Authors: Zhou Qi , Mu Kemin , Xu Meng , Ma Xueying , Ni Zhouxian , Wang Jianwen , Xu Li-an
Published: July 2017

Ginkgo biloba L. is a well-known relict tree species and an important medicinal plant. Ginkgo is rich in secondary metabolites (SMs), mainly including flavonoids, lactones, and ginkgolic acid. The aim of this study was to determine variations in the concentrations of these SMs in Ginkgo leaves from different geographical populations. The SMs in the leaves of 298 clones from 10 geographical populations grafted under the same conditions were extracted and measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that there were significant differences in concentrations of SMs in leaves from different populations (p < 0.01). The concentrations of both flavonoids and lactones were significantly negatively correlated with that of ginkgolic acid. Altitude and annual rainfall were important factors influencing the concentrations of lactones, and the frost-free period influenced the concentration of isorhamnetin. Population Yingdianjie (YDJ) was ideal for the plantations from which medicinal flavonoids and lactones are extracted, followed by populations Xiaopu (XP), Anlu (AL) and Wuchuan (WC). As variations within each population were found, attention should be paid to selection within populations.
Electro-Conductive Membranes for Permeation Enhancement and Fouling Mitigation: A Short Review
Authors: Formoso Patrizia , Pantuso Elvira , De Filpo Giovanni , Nicoletta Fiore
Published: July 2017

The research on electro-conductive membranes has expanded in recent years. These membranes have strong prospective as key components in next generation water treatment plants because they are engineered in order to enhance their performance in terms of separation, flux, fouling potential, and permselectivity. The present review summarizes recent developments in the preparation of electro-conductive membranes and the mechanisms of their response to external electric voltages in order to obtain an improvement in permeation and mitigation in the fouling growth. In particular, this paper deals with the properties of electro-conductive polymers and the preparation of electro-conductive polymer membranes with a focus on responsive membranes based on polyaniline, polypyrrole and carbon nanotubes. Then, some examples of electro-conductive membranes for permeation enhancement and fouling mitigation by electrostatic repulsion, hydrogen peroxide generation and electrochemical oxidation will be presented.
Phase Transition of Peritectic Steel Q345 and Its Effect on the Equilibrium Partition Coefficients of Solutes
Authors: Chen Huabiao , Long Mujun , Cao Junsheng , Chen Dengfu , Liu Tao , Dong Zhihua
Published: July 2017

The solidification path of peritectic steel Q345 was calculated and compared with in-situ observations to investigate the effect of phase transition on the equilibrium partition coefficient. Subsequently, a thermodynamic model for calculating the equilibrium partition coefficient was established and thermodynamic calculations were performed under different phase configurations. Results indicate that L (liquid phase) + δ, L + δ + γ, and L + δ phases coexist in sequence during the solidification of peritectic steel Q345. The phase constitution of the mushy zone evidently affects the evolution of the equilibrium partition coefficient of solutes. The temperature dependence of the equilibrium partition coefficient was quantified through the regression analyses of C, Si, Mn, P, and S solutes under different phase configurations. The average equilibrium partition coefficients of Mn, Si, P, C, and S are 0.696, 0.615, 0.273, 0.2, and 0.033, respectively, thereby indicating the strongest segregation tendency for S and the weakest for Mn.
Numerical Investigation of Miniature Ejector Refrigeration System Embedded with a Capillary Pump Loop
Authors: Dong Jing-Ming , Song He , Yu Meng-Qi , Wang Wei-Ning , Pan Xin-Xiang
Published: July 2017

A miniature steam ejector refrigeration system embedded with a capillary pump loop can result in a compact design which can be used for electronics cooling. In this paper, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is employed to investigate the effects of the area ratio of the ejector constant-area mixing section to the nozzle throat, the length of the constant-area section, and the nozzle exit position (NXP), on the performance of a miniature steam ejector. Results show that the performance of the miniature steam ejector is very sensitive to the area ratio of the constant-area mixing section to the nozzle. For the needs of practical application, the area ratio of the constant-area mixing section to the nozzle should be smaller than 16 when the temperature of the primary flow is 60 °C. The NXP plays an important role in the flow phenomena inside the miniature ejector. The critical back pressure is more sensitive to length of the constant-area mixing section than the entrainment ratio. Results of this investigation provided a good solution to the miniature steam ejector embedded with a capillary pump loop for electronics cooling application.
A New Zincian Greenockite Occurrence in the Saishitang Cu Skarn Deposit, Qinghai Province, Northwest China
Authors: Liu Jianping , Zhang Shugen
Published: July 2017

Zn-Cd-S series minerals not only comprise industrial resources for Zn and Cd, but are also significant mineralogical indicators for hydrothermal ore-forming processes. Due to its unique formation conditions and rare occurrence, our understanding of the formation of zincian greenockite in natural systems is limited. Zincian greenockite was discovered during mineralogical studies in the Saishitang Cu skarn deposit, Qinghai Province, Northwest China. This provided an ideal opportunity to assess the occurrence and formation of zincian greenockite in skarn-type deposits. Ore minerals were observed using reflected-light microscopy, and the zincian greenockite was further analyzed using electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The zincian greenockite occurs in the bornite–chalcopyrite ores and is composed of subhedral to anhedral grains approximately 50 × 150 μm2 to 200 × 300 μm2 in size, replaces the bornite, and is replaced by native silver. Two phases (I and II) were identified based on back-scattered electron images, X-ray element-distributions maps, and EPMA data. The textural relationship indicated that Phase I was replaced by Phase II. Phase I contained high Zn (14.6 to 21.7 mol % ZnS) and low Cd (72.4 to 82.2 mol % CdS), while Phase II contained low Zn (5.6 to 9.1 mol % ZnS) and high Cd (85.4 to 89.9 mol % CdS). The zincian greenockite was formed at temperature of 300~270 °C during the transformation from a reducing environment to an oxidizing one in the late stage of the mineralization process in the Saishitang deposit.
Synthesis of Compounds of the Pyrimidine Series Based on the Reactions of 3-Arylmethylidenefuran-2(3H)-ones with N,N-Binucleophilic Reagents
Authors: Aniskova Tatyana , Grinev Vyacheslav , Yegorova Alevtina
Published: July 2017

The arylmethylidene derivatives of furan-2(3H)-ones are important building blocks for the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds containing pyrimidine and pyridazine structural fragments, analogues of nitrogen-containing bases of pyrimidine series. In order to continue the development of constructing of molecules containing pyridine and pyridazine fragments, this article is devoted to the synthesis of new biologically active compounds with these moieties. The introduction of a heterocyclic chromenone fragment changes the previously observed 5-R-3-arylmethylidenefuran-2(3H)-ones route of reaction with guanidine carbonate and leads to 3-[(2-amino-4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)pyrimidin-5-yl)methylene]-5-phenylfuran-2(3H)-ones (2a–d). The structure of the reaction products depends on the nature of the aromatic substituent at the C-3 position of the furanone ring. The interaction of 5-aryl-3-arylmethylidenefuran-2(3H)-ones (1e–h) with thiourea in the basic medium leads to the isolation of 5-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-6-aryl-2-thioxotetrahydropyrimidine-4(1H)-ones (3a–d), demonstrating pronounced plant-growth regulatory activity. Optimal conditions for all discussed processes were developed.