bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A semi-automated technique for adenoma quantification in the ApcMin mouse using FeatureCounter
Authors: Shepherd Amy L. , Smith A. Alexander T. , Wakelin Kirsty A. , Kuhn Sabine , Yang Jianping , Eccles David A. , Ronchese Franca
Published: September 2019

Colorectal cancer is a major contributor to death and disease worldwide. The ApcMin mouse is a widely used model of intestinal neoplasia, as it carries a mutation also found in human colorectal cancers. However, the method most commonly used to quantify tumour burden in these mice is manual adenoma counting, which is time consuming and poorly suited to standardization across different laboratories. We describe a method to produce suitable photographs of the small intestine, process them with an ImageJ macro, FeatureCounter, which automatically locates image features potentially corresponding to adenomas, and a machine learning pipeline to identify and quantify them. Compared to a manual method, the specificity (or True Negative Rate, TNR) and sensitivity (or True Positive Rate, TPR) of this method in detecting adenomas are similarly high at about 80% and 87%, respectively. Importantly, total adenoma area measures derived from the automatically-called tumours were just as capable of distinguishing high-burden from low-burden mice as those established manually. Overall, our strategy is quicker, helps control experimenter bias and yields a greater wealth of information about each tumour, thus providing a convenient route to getting consistent and reliable results from a study.
Musical prediction error responses similarly reduced by predictive uncertainty in musicians and non-musicians
Authors: Quiroga-Martinez D.R. , Hansen N.C. , Højlund A. , Pearce M. , Brattico E. , Vuust P.
Published: September 2019

Auditory prediction error responses elicited by surprising sounds can be reliably recorded with musical stimuli that are more complex and realistic than those typically employed in EEG or MEG oddball paradigms. However, these responses are reduced as the predictive uncertainty of the stimuli increases. In this study, we investigate whether this effect is modulated by musical expertise. Magnetic mismatch negativity (MMNm) responses were recorded from 26 musicians and 24 non-musicians while they listened to low-and high-uncertainty melodic sequences in a musical multi-feature paradigm that included pitch, slide, intensity, and timbre deviants. When compared to non-musicians, musically trained participants had significantly larger pitch and slide MMNm responses. However, both groups showed comparable reductions of pitch and slide MMNm amplitudes in the high-uncertainty condition compared to the low-uncertainty condition. In a separate, behavioral deviance detection experiment, musicians were more accurate and confident about their responses than non-musicians, but deviance detection in both groups was similarly affected by the uncertainty of the melodies. In both experiments, the interaction between uncertainty and expertise was not significant, suggesting that the effect is comparable in both groups. Consequently, our results replicate the modulatory effect of predictive uncertainty on prediction error; show that it is present across different types of listeners; and suggest that expertise-related and stimulus-driven modulations of predictive precision are dissociable and independent.
Decoding Odor Mixtures in the Dog Brain: An Awake fMRI Study
Authors: Prichard Ashley , Chhibber Raveena , King Jon , Athanassiades Kate , Spivak Mark , Berns Gregory S.
Published: September 2019

In working and practical contexts, dogs rely upon their ability to discriminate a target odor from distracting odors and other sensory stimuli. Few studies have examined odor discrimination using non-behavioral methods or have approached odor discrimination from the dog’s perspective. Using awake fMRI in 18 dogs, we examined the neural mechanisms underlying odor discrimination between two odors and a mixture of the odors. Neural activation was measured during the presentation of a target odor (A) associated with a food reward, a distractor odor (B) associated with nothing, and a mixture of the two odors (A+B). Changes in neural activation during the presentations of the odor stimuli in individual dogs were measured over time within three regions known to be involved with odor processing: the caudate nucleus, the amygdala, and the olfactory bulbs. Average activation within the amygdala showed that dogs maximally differentiated between odor stimuli based on the stimulus-reward associations by the first run, while activation to the mixture (A+B) was most similar to the no-reward (B) stimulus. To identify the neural representation of odor mixtures in the dog brain, we used a random forest classifier to compare multilabel (elemental) vs. multiclass (configural) models. The multiclass model performed much better than the multilabel (weighted-F1 0.44 vs. 0.14), suggesting the odor mixture was processed configurally. Analysis of the subset of high-performing dogs based on their brain classification metrics revealed a network of olfactory information-carrying brain regions that included the amygdala, piriform cortex, and posterior cingulate. These results add further evidence for the configural processing of odor mixtures in dogs and suggest a novel way to identify high-performers based on brain classification metrics.
Early neuronal processes interact with glia to establish a scaffold for orderly innervation of the cochlea
Authors: Druckenbrod N. R. , Hale E. B. , Olukoya O. O. , Shatzer W. E. , Goodrich L.V.
Published: September 2019

Although the basic principles of axon guidance are well established, it remains unclear how axons navigate with high fidelity through the complex cellular terrains that are encounteredin vivo. To learn more about the cellular strategies underlying axon guidancein vivo, we analyzed the developing cochlea, where spiral ganglion neurons extend processes through a heterogeneous cellular environment to form tonotopically ordered connections with hair cells. Here, we show that the earliest processes are closely associated with a population of glia that grow ahead of them. By analyzing single cell morphology and imaging the real time behavior of neuronal processes and glia in embryonic cochleae, we show that spiral ganglion neurons employ different mechanisms depending on their position in the ganglion. Additionally, the pattern of outgrowth varied locally, with evidence for both glia-guided growth and fasciculation along a neuronal scaffold. These findings suggest a tiered mechanism for reliable axon guidance.
Stronger between-clan than within-clan contests and their ecological correlates in a non-territorial, fission-fusion species, the Asian elephant
Authors: Gautam Hansraj , Vidya T.N.C.
Published: September 2019

Socioecological theory attributes variation in social organization of female-bonded species to differences in within- and between-group competition, shaped by food distribution. Strong between-group contests are expected over large, monopolisable resources, and are not generally expected in species that feed on low quality resources distributed across large, undefended home ranges. Within groups, frequent contests are expected over discrete feeding sites but not over low-quality, dispersed resources.

We report on the first tests of socioecological theory, largely unexplored in non-primate species, in female Asian elephants. Asian elephants show graminivory, overlapping home ranges, and high fission-fusion dynamics, traits that are thought to be associated with infrequent contests.

We studied agonistic interactions within and between female elephant clans with respect to food distribution, food abundance, and competitor density effects of group size and clan density, in a grassland habitat around the Kabini backwaters, southern India.

We found that the Kabini grassland had three times the grass biomass as adjacent forests, and between-clan encounters were considerably higher than that known from a neighbouring forest. Individual-level agonism was also more frequent between clans than within clans. Thus, the food-rich habitat patch probably enabled strong between-clan contest competition under graminivory. Moreover, the rate of between-clan encounters increased when more clans were present, and the duration of encounters was positively related to grass biomass at the contested sites. Despite fission-fusion dynamics, within-clan agonism was also somewhat frequent, but not influenced by food distribution, in contradiction to classic socioecological predictions, possibly because of intensified competition due to high density. Interestingly, within-clan agonism increased with female group size until intermediate group sizes, suggesting that the tension between within-group and between-group competition might govern group size, since larger groups are advantageous in this strong between-clan contest regime.

Our findings refine the current understanding of female elephant socioecology. Despite predominant graminivory and fission-fusion dynamics, within-group agonism can be frequent, especially when large groups face ecological constraints at high density. Further, frequent between-group contests may arise despite graminivory and non-territoriality when food becomes patchy and density is high. These changes may be effected by anthropogenic alteration of habitats.
Time-Resolved Correspondences Between Deep Neural Network Layers and EEG Measurements in Object Processing
Authors: Kong Nathan C. L. , Kaneshiro Blair , Yamins Daniel L. K. , Norcia Anthony M.
Published: September 2019

The ventral visual stream is known to be organized hierarchically, where early visual areas processing simplistic features feed into higher visual areas processing more complex features. Hierarchical convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were largely inspired by this type of brain organization and have been successfully used to model neural responses in different areas of the visual system. In this work, we aim to understand how an instance of these models corresponds to temporal dynamics of human object processing. Using representational similarity analysis (RSA) and various similarity metrics, we compare the model representations with two electroencephalography (EEG) data sets containing responses to a shared set of 72 images. We find that there is a hierarchical relationship between the depth of a layer and the time at which peak correlation with the brain response occurs for certain similarity metrics in both data sets. However, when comparing across layers in the neural network, the correlation onset time did not appear in a strictly hierarchical fashion. We present two additional methods that improve upon the achieved correlations by optimally weighting features from the CNN and show that depending on the similarity metric, deeper layers of the CNN provide a better correspondence than shallow layers to later time points in the EEG responses. However, we do not find that shallow layers provide better correspondences than those of deeper layers to early time points, an observation that violates the hierarchy and is in agreement with the finding from the onset-time analysis. This work makes a first comparison of various response features—including multiple similarity metrics and data sets—with respect to a neural network.
Simultaneously vocalizing Asian barbets adopt different frequencies without coordinating temporal rhythms
Authors: Krishnan Anand
Published: September 2019

Sound stream segregation is an important challenge faced by simultaneously vocalizing animals. Chorusing birds, for instance, coordinate vocal timing to minimize overlap. Alternatively, other birds may use frequency differences to segregate sound streams, and vocalizing at different frequencies may enable them to remain distinct from each other. Here, I show that conspecific Asian barbets vocalize at distinctly different peak frequencies from each other. Additionally, they also differ in repetition rate, as measured by the inter-phrase interval. However, conspecific individuals across species do not temporally coordinate with each other during vocal interactions, maintaining independent and highly stereotyped individual rhythms together with different peak frequencies. Frequency differences between individuals may facilitate sound stream segregation when calls overlap in time. I propose that frequency differences between conspecifics may be widespread among birds possessing stereotyped, repetitive calls such as those found in barbets. This may enable segregation of competing sound streams both during cooperative duets and competitive singing during territorial interactions.
The combination of endobronchial elastography and sonographic findings during endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration for predicting nodal metastasis
Authors: Fujiwara Taiki , Nakajima Takahiro , Inage Terunaga , Sata Yuki , Sakairi Yuichi , Tamura Hajime , Wada Hironobu , Suzuki Hidemi , Chiyo Masako , Yoshino Ichiro
Published: September 2019

Background

During endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA), the sonographic findings of B‐mode imaging, as well as endobronchial elastography, can be obtained noninvasively and used for the prediction of nodal metastasis.

Methods

Patients with lung cancer or suspected lung cancer who underwent EBUS‐TBNA were recorded prospectively and reviewed retrospectively. Both the B‐mode sonographic and elastographic findings were independently evaluated for each lymph node. The sonographic features were classified according to previously published criteria. If oval shape, indistinct margins, homogenous echogenicity, and the absence of coagulation necrosis sign were all observed by B‐mode imaging, then the lymph node was judged to be benign by sonographic imaging. In addition, if the stiffer area comprised more than 31% of the entire lymph node area, then the lymph node was judged to be malignant by elastography. We compared the results of these imaging‐based predictions with the pathological diagnoses.

Results

The prevalence of nodal metastasis was 78/228 (34.2%). B‐mode sonography predicted 95.8% of benign lymph nodes, and elastography predicted 72.1% of malignant lymph nodes. By combining the two modalities, 59 of 71 (83.1%) lymph nodes judged as malignant by both analyses were pathologically proven to be malignant, and 101 of 105 (96.2%) lymph nodes judged as benign by both analyses were pathologically proven to be benign.

Conclusion

The combination of elastography and sonographic findings showed good sensitivity and a high negative predictive value, which may facilitate selecting the most suspicious lymph nodes for biopsy.

Key points

Significant findings of the study.

The combination of endobronchial elastography and sonography resulted in a higher diagnostic yield than either modality alone for predicting benign and malignant lymph nodes in patients with lung cancer.

What this study adds.

The combination of endobronchial elastography and sonography will help clinicians identify the most suspicious lymph nodes for puncturing during EBUS‐TBNA, which may improve the efficiency of EBUS‐TBNA.
Post‐normal conservation science fills the space between research, policy, and implementation
Authors: Buschke Falko T. , Botts Emily A. , Sinclair Samuel P.
Published: September 2019

The view that conservation is a linear exchange of knowledge between scientists and practitioners has led to the conceptualization of a “research‐implementation gap”. However, conservation is not only about translating science into action but also includes the interplay of values, cultural norms, social interactions, and political consequences. In response, an alternative conceptualization is one where research and implementation exist in a “space”, where conservation partners interact. Here, we argue that post‐normal science (PNS) can fill this space. PNS is used when information is incomplete, values are pluralistic, stakes are high, and decisions are urgent. It relies on an extended community of practice that aims to produce knowledge fit for end‐users, without the constraints of settled scientific paradigms. We advocate for the wider use of PNS in conservation by showing how aspects of PNS have been useful in mainstreaming conservation planning in South Africa. By following an approach typical of PNS, South Africa has made considerable progress in creating an implementation space for conserving biodiversity despite its limited resources, cultural heterogeneity, and controversial history. We outline the interventions used in South Africa to facilitate PNS and, based on this, propose an operating model that can be applied elsewhere.
Temporal analysis of threats causing species endangerment in the United States
Authors: Leu Matthias , Haines Aaron M. , Check Courtney E. , Costante Delaney M. , Evans Jessica C. , Hollingsworth Margaret A. , Ritrovato Isabel T. , Rydberg Ann Marie , Sandercock Alexander M. , Thomas Kayli L. , Treakle Tyler C.
Published: September 2019

Understanding temporal variation of threats that cause species endangerment is a key to understand conservation strategies needed to improve species recovery. We assessed temporal variation in the threats to species listed under the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA) as identified by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Based on initial review of ESA listing decisions and literature, we identified six overarching threat categories: habitat modification, overutilization, pollution, species–species interaction, demographic stochasticity, and environmental stochasticity. We screened listing decision documents to determine threat occurrence (i.e., presence/absence of a given threat in a listing decision) for each threat category for all species listed between 1975 and 2017. We evaluated how the number of threats and specific threat occurrences changed over the past four decades. We found that the number of threats per listing decision increased more than twofold from an average of 1.5 (95% CI: 1.3–1.7) threats in 1975 to 3.7 (95% CI: 3.4–4.0) threats in 2017. Threat occurrence increased for habitat modification, environmental stochasticity and species–species interaction, while it decreased for overutilization since 1975 and for demographic stochasticity and pollution since the mid‐2000s. The documented increase in number of threats at time of listing may be due to a growing human population exerting increased pressure on species persistence, improved scientific advancement in understanding factors influencing species endangerment, or prolonged time taken for more recent species to be listed under the ESA. We believe that key federal and state governmental regulations have resulted in a documented decrease in overutilization, demographic stochasticity, and pollution, and we recommend large‐scale strategies combined with local planning efforts to address the growing threats of habitat loss, environmental stochasticity, and species–species interaction.
Declines in insect abundance and diversity: We know enough to act now
Authors: Forister Matthew L. , Pelton Emma M. , Black Scott H.
Published: September 2019

Recent regional reports and trends in biomonitoring suggest that insects are experiencing a multicontinental crisis that is apparent as reductions in abundance, diversity, and biomass. Given the centrality of insects to terrestrial ecosystems and the food chain that supports humans, the importance of addressing these declines cannot be overstated. The scientific community has understandably been focused on establishing the breadth and depth of the phenomenon and on documenting factors causing insect declines. In parallel with ongoing research, it is now time for the development of a policy consensus that will allow for a swift societal response. We point out that this response need not wait for full resolution of the many physiological, behavioral, and demographic aspects of declining insect populations. To these ends, we suggest primary policy goals summarized at scales from nations to farms to homes.
An IND-CCA2 secure post-quantum encryption scheme and a secure cloud storage use case
Authors: Zeng Peng , Chen Siyuan , Choo Kim-Kwang Raymond
Published: September 2019

Code-based public key encryption (PKE) is a popular choice to achieve post-quantum security, partly due to its capability to achieve fast encryption/decryption. However, code-based PKE has larger ciphertext and public key sizes in comparison to conventional PKE schemes (e.g., those based on RSA). In 2018, Lau and Tan proposed a new rank metric code-based PKE scheme, which has smaller public key and ciphertext sizes compared to other code-based PKE schemes. They also proved that their scheme achieves IND-CPA security, assuming the intractability of the decisional rank syndrome decoding problem. It is known that IND-CCA2 security is the strongest and most popular security assurance for PKE schemes. Therefore, in this paper, we obtain a new code-based PKE scheme from Lau and Tan’s scheme, in order to inherit the underlying small public key and ciphertext sizes. However, our new scheme is shown to achieve IND-CCA2 security, instead of the weaker IND-CPA security. Specifically, the respective public key size and ciphertext size in our new scheme are 15.06 KB and 1.37 KB under 141-bit security level, and 16.76 KB and 1.76 KB under 154-bit security level. We then present a use case for the proposed scheme, that is for secure cloud storage.
Prioritization of strategic initiatives in the context of natural disaster prevention
Authors: Silva Glayse Ferreira Perroni da , Belderrain Mischel Carmen Neyra
Published: September 2019

Goal: The purpose of this paper is to build the structure of a multicriteria decision model that supports definition and prioritization of strategic initiatives by an institution performing in the prevention of natural disasters.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methodological process is adopted to build a multicriteria evaluation model. A two-phase process is followed, employing a top-down approach, based on Value-Focused Thinking (VFT), in combination with the Multi Attribute Value Theory (MAVT) method. The participants of the MCDA process were experts of the control room in the case study institution.

Results: The proposed methodology not only helped decision makers to enumerate a number of strategic initiatives to accomplish the organizational objective, but also helped them to establish a structured procedure to prioritize these initiatives.

Limitations: Absence of a criterion related to the organization budget in the model; limited scope of participation in the process; absence of quantitative criteria.

Practical implications: The major practical contributions are as follows: an structured model that supports the strategic planning process; a better allocation of resources (human, financial, and materials) in projects that are truly aligned with the strategic objective of the organization; the organizational learning coming from the exercise of reflection on values, objectives and preferences; and the legitimacy of decisions as a result of the participative character of the construction process of the model.

Originality/Value: In this study, a multicriteria evaluation model is structured and applied as support for strategic decision making in the context of a natural disaster early warning system. The model has a significant application potential, since it encourages the adoption of structured decision support methods rather than traditional empirical decision making. Thus, the value of the study lies in the contribution that the proposed model can offer to more effective disaster prevention.
Integration of Facility Location and Equipment Allocation in Health Care Management
Authors: Sathler Tamara De Melo , Almeida João Flávio , Conceição Samuel Vieira , Pinto Luiz Ricardo , Cardoso de Campos Francisco
Published: September 2019

Goal: This study aims at solving a location problem of Medical Specialties Centers (MSCs) and medical care equipment allocation. Addressing both problems simultaneously is an opportunity to improve public health service quality in the long-term since the literature traditionally treats these problems separately.

Design / Methodology / Approach: The challenge consists in maximizing demand satisfaction with the minimum resource allocation in the public health care reality, where there is limited resource availability and high demand for medical services. For that, it was developed an integrated mathematical model, throughout mixed linear programming. The problem is a case study applied to the secondary public health care level in a Brazilian state. The method is generic and suitable to set the location and allocate resources in health care if the decision maker’s intention is to maximize the use of specialists’ assistance and medical exams.

Results: The results reveal possible improvements in accessibility. Among the insights, the state government should hire 4% more specialists and acquire 1.5% more equipment to assist 99% of population demand for health care service on the secondary level.  

Limitation of the investigation: Usually, one appointment can result in more than one medical exam referral. However, this study considers that each specialist meeting refers to only one exam per consultation. 

Practical implications: This study contributes to healthcare planning, suggesting a better distribution and allocation of facilities, equipment, and professionals. Moreover, the study proposes accessibility improvements to health unit centers.

Originality / Value: The main contribution of this work is the new integrated approach to public health care planning. The system proposes the reduction of access inequality and the improvement of the quality of health care services.
New trends and opportunities in post-disaster relief optimization problems
Authors: Santos Andréa Cynthia
Published: September 2019

Goal: Post-disaster operations are a challenging issue, which becomes very complex due to the high density of population in urban areas. Thus, efficient relief operations are very relevant in attenuating the impacts of disasters on the population. For this purpose, optimizing post disaster operations plays a key role, and such issues are focused on this contribution.

Design / Methodology / Approach: Optimization problems appearing in the aftermath of disasters, related to accessibility, distribution and facility location are summarized. They were addressed using real data and the core of such problems was identified in a bottom-up approach, by analyzing the situation on the ground.

Results: Examples of results are presented by means of maps with decision support information. A case study on an addressed location problem is described for the 2015 Kathmandu earthquake. In addition, new trends and opportunities are pointed out, taking into account technological tools, the endogenous characteristics of disasters and emerging applications.

Limitations of the investigation: Regarding the Kathmandu case study, two issues are left for future studies: the uncertain data associated with the affected population and the elasticity of demands.

Practical implications: The data treatment to produce inputs for the algorithms and suitable outputs for the relief teams highlight a collective effort and a real opportunity to use the results practically for humanitarian logistics.

Originality / Value: The optimization models were progressively approached to the situation on the ground, which permits us to identify difficult aspects of the problems, while remaining pragmatic enough to solve real issues.
The intersection between business model and modularity: an overview of the literature
Authors: Clemente Diego Honorato , Hsuan Juliana , De Carvalho Marly Monteiro
Published: September 2019

Goal: To analyse the intersection between the constructs of modularity and business model in the literature.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Quantitative and Qualitative approaches were utilized through bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review. A bibliometric analysis incorporates keywords, co-citation, and country co-authorship networks generated using VosViewer Software. The research in the databases was carried out in June 2018.

Results: The intersection of modularity and business model is a rather recent study topic in the literature with a small number of articles published up to 2018. Although the concept of modularity has been widely discussed in terms of product, process and organizational levels, recent developments point to the application of this concept to services and business models.

Limitations: The main limitation refers to the sampling process that incorporated articles extracted from ISI Web of Science Core Collection only.

Practical implications: For practice, it provides companies with insights on how business model and modularity may be applied to multiple domains and can eventually contribute to firm performance and business model innovation.

Originality/Value: The originality of the article lies in providing a panorama of the literature on the intersection of business model and modularity in order to identify the main research trends.
A contribuição do ensino de ética no desenvolvimento da competência moral de discentes em administração pública
Authors: De Souza Everton Silveira , Serafim Maurício C. , Santos Lais Silveira
Published: September 2019

A esfera pública é permeada por dilemas morais, cujas soluções não necessariamente estão expressas em códigos de conduta. Assim, é imprescindível que o gestor público possua capacidade para lidar com situações complexas. A competência moral é uma habilidade que pode auxiliar o administrador a lidar com essas situações, sendo que tal competência é passível de ser influenciada por processos educacionais. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de analisar de que modo o ensino de ética pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento da competência moral. Para tanto, analisou-se a influência da disciplina de ética em Administração Pública na competência moral de discentes, que foi auferida pelo Teste de Competência Moral (MCT). Constatou-se, a partir da etapa quantitativa desta pesquisa, que a disciplina referida não influenciou a competência moral dos discentes. Por outro lado, percebeu-se, a partir de dados qualitativos, que o repertório teórico sobre temas relacionados à ética foi impactado positivamente, como resultado do ensino das teorias morais, que serviram de base para a formulação de argumentos. A fim de efetivamente elevar a competência moral de discentes, sugere-se que a disciplina de ética seja ministrada a partir de uma metodologia ativa de ensino, por meio da inclusão de debates sobre dilemas morais em sala de aula.
La profesión docente en crisis: Disminución de la matrícula normalista en México
Authors: García-Poyato Falcón Jihan , Cordero Arroyo Graciela
Published: September 2019

La disminución de interés por cursar la carrera docente es un fenómeno internacional. En el caso mexicano los periodos de descenso del interés por ingresar a las escuelas normales están asociados con cambios en algunas de las condiciones laborales del magisterio. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar los resultados de un trabajo de investigación sobre la reducción en la cantidad de matrícula de la Licenciatura en Educación Primaria (LEPRIM) como consecuencia de la disminución del número de aspirantes a ingresar a esta profesión en México. Este estudio exploratorio comprendió dos fases. En la primera se hace una revisión de las políticas federales en materia de carrera docente e ingreso a las escuelas normales. En la segunda fase se analizó la estadística de la LEPRIM. En relación a los aspirantes se encontró una reducción nacional de 57% de 2011-2012 a 2017-2018; mientras la matrícula presenta una disminución a nivel nacional de 17%, de 2011-2012 a 2018-2019. En vista de la clara y abrupta reducción del interés hacia la formación docente en una escuela normal es necesario profundizar en la identificación de las causas para implementar estrategias a nivel nacional que permitan revertir este fenómeno.
The seaweed resources of the Philippines
Authors: Trono Gavino C. , Largo Danilo B.
Published: September 2019

This review paper presents information on the production status of economically important seaweed species in the Philippines, new culture technologies for Halymenia durvillei and also an examination of the present but limited use of Sargassum. The country recorded its highest production volume of seaweeds (mainly eucheumatoids) in 2011 amounting to 1,840,832 metric tons (fresh weight). In the subsequent years, the Philippines recorded a steady decline in production which can be attributed to epiphytism, loss of genetic diversity due to the culture methods used (i.e. vegetative propagation), political unrest in the main farming areas of the Southern Philippines, and the frequent occurrence of typhoons. The more than 200,000 ha of farmable areas along available coastlines remain to be tapped and evaluated in order to determine which areas are suitable for seaweed farming. The haphazard harvesting of Sargassum led to the proclamation of Fisheries Order No. 250 which prohibits harvesting of Sargassum. Exploitation of Gelidiela acerosa remains a concern as there is no currently available culture technology for the species. The lack of comprehensive records on Philippine seaweed production needs to be addressed and its diverse algal resources remain to be explored.
A case of PHACE syndrome with growth hormone deficiency and abnormal thyroid functions
Authors: Bongsebandhu-phubhakdi Chansuda , Tempark Therdpong , Jakchairoongruang Ketsuda , Supornsilpchai Vichit
Published: September 2019

Background

PHACE syndrome is a rare vascular neurocutaneous disorder characterized by posterior fossa anomalies, hemangioma, arterial anomalies, cardiac anomalies and eye anomalies. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) has been infrequently described.

Case presentation

We report a girl with PHACE syndrome. Endocrine abnormalities including abnormal thyroid functions and GHD have recently been described in similar cases.

Conclusions

This case suggests the necessity to screen pituitary functions in all patients with PHACE syndrome with abnormal hypothalamus and pituitary (HP) anatomy. Likewise, growth parameters and thyroid function test (TFT) should be monitored in all patients with PHACE syndrome at regular intervals.
Genetic testing of two Pakistani patients affected with rare autosomal recessive Fanconi-Bickel syndrome and identification of a novel SLC2A2 splice site variant
Authors: Batool Hajira , Zubaida Bibi , Hashmi Muhammad Almas , Naeem Muhammad
Published: September 2019

Fanconi-Bickel syndrome (FBS) is a rare autosomal recessive carbohydrate metabolism disorder caused by mutations in SLC2A2 encoding the glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) protein. The clinical manifestations include hepatomegaly, conditional hypo/hyperglycemia, rickets, short stature and proximal renal tubular dysfunction. GLUT2 regulates monosaccharide homeostasis through sugar sensing and transmembrane transportation during high/low glucose levels. In the current study, we present two siblings suffering from FBS. The patients presented with doll-like facies, failure to gain weight and height, abdominal distension and firm hepatomegaly. The family had a history of deaths of twin male siblings in the neonatal period and twin female siblings at ages 10 months and 2.5 years, respectively. Clinical presentation and biochemical investigations including a complete blood count, electrolytes, liver and renal function tests suggested FBS. Mutation screening of SLC2A2 confirmed the diagnosis with identification of a novel homozygous splice site variant predicting an in-frame deletion [p.(Gly166-S169del)] in the GLUT2 protein. The in-silico analysis predicted the variant to affect the three-dimensional conformation of the fourth transmembrane helix of the encoded protein, rendering the non-functionality of GLUT2 in both patients of the family under study.
Metformin can alleviate the symptom of patient with diabetic nephropathy through reducing the serum level of Hcy and IL-33
Authors: Zhang Ling , Niu Jiansheng , Zhang Xiumei , He Wanxia
Published: September 2019

Background

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) and homocysteine (Hcy) were found to be up-regulated in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN), and the present study aimed to investigate whether metformin (MT) can influence the serum levels of IL-33 and Hcy in patients with DN.

Methods

Sixty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were divided into DM group (albumin: Alb <20 mg/L), DN group (Alb >20mg/L), and DN+ MT treatment group, with 20 cases in each group. Patients in each group were treated with insulin for 3 months, and patients in DN+MT group was treated with insulin+MT for 3 months. The serum levels of IL-33, urinary microalbumin excretion rate (UAE), body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), creatinine (Cr), cystatin C (CysC) and Hcy were measured before and after medication. Twenty normal subjects were involved as control.

Results

BMI, Hcy and TC were reduced and HDL-C was increased of patients had been treated with metformin and insulin. UAE, Cr, Ccr and CysC had no differences before and after treatment. The serum level of IL-33 significantly up-regulated in patients with DN, and MT treatment significantly decreased the serum level of IL-33 in patients with DN.

Conclusion

Metformin could alleviate the symptom of patient with DN through decreasing the serum level of IL-33 and Hcy.
Reflections on America’s Higher Education: My Hmong Voice
Authors: Xiong Tong T.
Published: September 2019

Hmong people in the United States of America have started to emerge on the national scene thanks to the recent rise of Hmong politicians winning State representative, senate, and assembly seats. The Hmong-American experience in the United States is a rollercoaster experience. While we have made America our home for the past 45 years, our presence is still largely unknown to the majority of the American people. The struggle of every Hmong person living in a relatively unknown land, unknown culture, and unknown people is very real, it represents that of the whole community struggles to survive. This article focuses on my graduate school experience through the so called multicultural education system. I provide a brief history of the Hmong people, why we are here in the United States, Hmong people’s overall educational experience, and my personal experience in maneuvering through the bureaucratic institution of graduate school. My story represents the larger story of the Hmong people experience in the United States. Portions of this story have appeared as a chapter in the book, Voices of Asian American in higher education: The unheard stories (Obiakor & Hui-Michael, 2018).
High-performance and compact broadband terahertz plasmonic waveguide intersection
Authors: Yuan Mingrui , Li Yanfeng , Lu Yongchang , Zhang Ying , Zhang Ziying , Zhang Xueqian , Zhang Xixiang , Han Jiaguang , Zhang Weili
Published: September 2019

For terahertz (THz) integrated systems, an intersection between waveguides is inevitable and is often accompanied by considerable crosstalk and loss. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel type of crossing with a footprint less than 0.2 × 0.2 mm2 for THz surface plasmon polariton waveguiding. With an optimized crossover structure, the measured loss of the intersection is as low as 0.89 dB/crossing, and the crosstalk is less than −19.06 dB/crossing at 0.55 THz. The proposed crossing structure is compact and has low loss and crosstalk within a broad band, which will pave the way for a wide range of new applications for THz integrated systems.
All It Takes for Corruption in Health Systems to Triumph, Is Good People Who Do Nothing Comment on "We Need to Talk About Corruption in Health Systems"
Authors: Mostert Saskia , Kaspers Gertjan
Published: September 2019

Numerous investigations demonstrate that the problem of corruption in the health sector is enormous and has grave negative consequences for patients. Nevertheless, the problem of corruption in health systems is far from eminent in the international health policy debate. Hutchinson, Balabanova, and McKee have identifed in their Editorial five reasons why the health policy community has been reluctant to talk about it: (1) Problem of defining corruption; (2) Some corrupt practices are actually ways of making dysfunctional systems work; (3) The serious challenges to researching corruption; (4) Concerns that focus on corruption is a form of victim blaming that ignores larger issues; and (5) Lack of evidence about what works to tackle it. In this commentary, we pay a closer and critical look at these five excuses for doing nothing. We conclude that the vast majority of the world population, being the poor in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) who disproportionately suffer from the problem of corruption in health systems, need good people with high moral and ethical principles who have the courage to disregard these five reasons. The poor need good people who understand that it is crucial to first acknowledge this problem, despite the obvious uncertainties involved, before you can change it. The poor therefore need good editors, good policy-makers, good managers, and good clinicians. We agree with the authors that we first need to talk about corruption. But above all, we need good people who are subsequently willing to walk the talk.
TRANSFORMASI MAKNA SIMBOLIK MIHRAB PADA NOVEL KE FILM DALAM MIHRAB CINTA KARYA HABIBURRAHMAN EL SHIRAZY KAJIAN EKRANISASI
Authors: Oktafiyani Ayu , Suseno Suseno , Nuryatin Agus
Published: September 2019

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bentuk transformasi makna simbolik mihrab dalam novel dan filmDalam Mihrab Cinta. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan ekranisasi dan Semiotik Riffaterre. Terdapat perbedaan pada hasil pemaknaan simbolik mihrab antara novel dan film karena fokus cerita yang juga berbeda, meski keduanya bermuara pada makna yang sama. Hasil transformasi menimbulkan adanya penciutan, penambahan dan perubahan bervariasi. Makna simbolik mihrab pada novel dan film diartikan sebagai pejalanan pencarian jati diri Syamsul untuk menjadi orang yang ditakdirkan baik oleh Allah, dengan mendekatkan diri kepada-Nya. Hal itu didasarkan pada hasil pembacaan heuristik, hermeneutiknya.

 

Kata Kunci: ekranisasi; makna simbolik mihrab; mihrab
NILAI MORAL DALAM CERITA RAKYAT PESISIRAN SEBAGAI ALTERNATIF BAHAN AJAR
Authors: Zuliyanti Zuliyanti , Fitrotul Nurul
Published: September 2019

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mendeskripsikan analisis nilai-nilai moral dalam cerita rakyat pesisiran sebagai alternatif  bahan ajar dalam pembelajaran Sejarah Sastra Lama. Metode penelitian ini digunakan metode analisis deskriptif kualitatif. Objek penelitian ini adalah cerita rakyat pesisiran. Sumber data penelitian ini adalah masyarakat pesisiran yang memahami cerita rakyat pesisiran. Teknik pengumpulan data penelitian ini adalah studi pustaka, teknik observasi, teknik wawancara, dan teknik simak catat. Sedangkan instrumen penelitian ini adalah lembar observasi, lembar wawancara, dan kartu data. Teknik analisis data dilakukan dengan tahap-tahap: (1) pengumpulan data, (2) reduksi data, (3) penyajian (display) data, dan (4) penyimpulan atau verifikasi data dan hasil. Hasil penelitian diketahui bahwa cerita rakyat dari pesisiran terkandung nilai sosial dan agama yang dapat diterapkan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari dan dijadikan teladan dalam menjaga kerukunan dan ketentraman. Nilai-nilai sosial dan agama tersebut sangat cocok untuk diintegrasikan dalam pembelajaran sastra terutama dalam pembelajaran Sejarah Sastra Lama.

 

The purpose of this study is to describe the analysis of moral values ​​in coastal folklore as an alternative teaching material in learning the History of Old Literature. This research method used qualitative descriptive analysis method. The object of this research is coastal folklore. The source of this research data is coastal communities that understand coastal folklore. The data collection techniques of this study are literature studies, observation techniques, interview techniques, and note taking techniques. While the research instruments are observation sheets, interview sheets, and data cards. Data analysis techniques are carried out with stages: (1) data collection, (2) data reduction, (3) data presentation (display), and (4) inference or verification of data and results. The results of the study show that folklore from coastal areas contains social and religious values ​​that can be applied in daily life and are exemplary in maintaining harmony and tranquility. These social and religious values ​​are very suitable to be integrated in literary learning, especially in learning the History of Old Literature.
PRINSIP SECUKUPNYA MENGENDALIKAN PERILAKU KONSUMTIF KAJIAN PSIKOLOGI SASTRA PADA NOVEL KELUARGA CEMARA 1
Authors: Prabaningrum Dyah , Khasanah Sofia Nur , Tyaskyesti Swarinda
Published: September 2019

Tren konsumtivisme sangat mungkin mempengaruhi penurunan tingkat kebahagian masyarakat. Menurut Cronk (1996) konsumerisme menawarkan kesenangan ego sesaat untuk mereka yang mampu meraih kemewahan, dan menawarkan frustasi bagi mereka yang tidak mampu. Oleh karena itu, masyarakat perlu mendapatkan alternatif sebagai pendidikan karakter untuk mengendalikan perilaku konsumtifnya agar mencapai kebahagiaan. Pendidikan karakter yang demikian dapat dimediumkan dalam bentuk karya sastra. Artikel ini mengkaji tokoh dan penokohan anggota keluarga Cemara yang menerapkan prinsip secukupnya mengendalikan perilaku konsumtif dalam novel Keluarga Cemara 1. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode psikologi sastra. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah prinsip secukupnya anggota keluarga cemara tercermin pada sikap yang mendahulukan prioritas dan mencukupkan diri pada hal yang ada.

 

Consumerism nowadays may be a big factor which affect the decrease of happiness. According to Cronk (1996) consumerism brings pleasure to them who can always get things, while it causes stressfull to them who can't. Therefore, people in society nowadays need to get some character education alternatives to manage their consumtive behavior so that happiness can be achieved. One of character education alternatives is education through literacy. This article analyze Keluarga Cemara's figures and their character within novel. We analyze using "sacukupe" concept from Ki Ageng Suryomentaram to manage consumtive behavior in Keluarga Cemara 1 Novel. The method in this current study is using psychology of literacy. The result found that "sacukupe" concept is determined in the attitude of priority first and accept the thing they have had with gratitude.