bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A philosophical critique of the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline ‘Palliative care for adults: strong opioids for pain relief’
Authors: Fearon David , Hughes Sean , Brearley Sarah G
Published: January 2018

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) promotes evidence-based medicine throughout contemporary health care. Its guidelines are employed in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, influencing the type and quality of health care provided. NICE considers a range of evidence in the process of creating guidelines; however, the research accepted as evidence greatly relies on positivist methodologies. At times, it is unnecessarily restricted to quantitative methods of data collection. Using the Clinical Guideline 140, opioids in palliative care, as an example, it is demonstrated that the research accepted as evidence is unable to provide answers to complex problems. In addition, several inherent biases are discussed, such as age inequality and pharmaceutical company influence. In order to provide coherent and useful guidelines relevant to complex problems in a real world setting, NICE must move away from focusing on data from randomised controlled trials. Its epistemological foundation must be questioned, paving the way for alternative research paradigms to be considered as evidence and thereby enriching subsequent guidelines.
Refractory actinomycosis of the humerus
Authors: Abrego Mariano O , De Cicco Franco L , Montenegro Noelia B , Boretto Jorge G , De Carli Pablo , Gallucci Gerardo L
Published: January 2018

Actinomycosis is a chronic, opportunistic infection caused by Actinomyces species, such as Actinomyces bacillus. Actinomycosis in long bones is very rare. To the best of our knowledge, isolated primary actinomycosis of the humerus is rarely reported in literature. We present a rare case of a refractory primary actinomycosis of the humerus. A 66-year-old man with no history of concomitant conditions was admitted to our hospital with a history of a tumour on the distal third of the left arm as a result of a closed trauma without fracture 20 years before. Pathological anatomy samples showed the presence of Actinomyces. Cultures were subjected to a prolonged incubation of 21 days under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and were always negative. He underwent several surgical procedures and received long-term antibiotic therapy with poor outcome. Primary actinomycosis in long bones is uncommon. Diagnosis may be challenging: considering the small number of case studies reported in the literature, symptoms are not specific, and the organism is difficult to isolate. Antibiotic treatment may not be sufficient to improve the clinical condition, and surgical alternatives should be considered
#NeverTrump: Why Republican members of Congress refused to support their party’s nominee in the 2016 presidential election
Authors: Johnson Lauren R. , McCray Deon , Ragusa Jordan M.
Published: January 2018

In an election characterized by countless headlines, the refusal of Republicans to support their party’s nominee was a constant topic of discussion in 2016. Our paper looks to explain why Republican members of Congress joined the so-called #NeverTrump movement. In the first part, we document the varied—and often contradictory—explanations of the #NeverTrump movement offered by journalists, pundits, and politicians during the campaign. We then categorize these popular explanations into four theoretical categories: policy preferences, identity, electoral motivations, and establishment dynamics. In the second part, we test the varied claims. We believe two findings stand out and have broader implications for American politics. First, despite the popular belief that members of Congress are single-minded in their pursuit of reelection, we found that a lawmaker’s religion and sex—both in the identity category—had the largest effects on the decision to join the #NeverTrump movement. Second, the results show that establishment Republicans were more likely to support Donald Trump’s candidacy. Notably, the direction of this effect is inconsistent with popular explanations of the #NeverTrump movement but consistent with a range of academic studies.
Dangers of the digital fit: Rethinking seamlessness and social sustainability in data-intensive healthcare
Authors: Wadmann Sarah , Hoeyer Klaus
Published: January 2018

For years, attempts at ensuring the social sustainability of digital solutions have focused on ensuring that they are perceived as helpful and easy to use. A smooth and seamless work experience has been the goal to strive for. Based on document analysis and interviews with 15 stakeholders, we trace the setting up of a data infrastructure in Danish General Practice that had achieved just this goal – only to end in a scandal and subsequent loss of public support. The ease of data access made it possible for data to be extracted, exchanged and used by new actors and for new purposes – without those producing the data fully realizing the expansion of the infrastructure. We suggest that the case has wider relevance for a still more data-intensive healthcare sector and a growing data economy: when those who produce the data are not made aware of new uses of data, it makes it more difficult to resolve potential conflicts along the way. In the Danish case, conflicting views on legitimate data use led to the collapse of the infrastructure. Therefore, while seamlessness may be a solution to the old problem of a poor fit between user and technology, this celebrated virtue may also involve new problems relating to social instability. As digital solutions tend to be integrated still more seamlessly in still more of our activities, we need to develop political mechanisms to define and protect the rights and obligations of both data suppliers and users in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of digital infrastructures.
Long-term clinical and radiographic results of the cementless Spotorno stem in Japanese patients: A more than 15-year follow-up
Authors: Zang Junting , Uchiyama Katsufumi , Moriya Mitsutoshi , Li Zhengwei , Fukushima Kensuke , Yamamoto Takeaki , Takahira Naonobu , Takaso Masashi , Liu Jianguo , Feng Wei
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

Although previous studies have reported encouraging results of cementless Spotorno (CLS) stem, studies with more than 15 years of follow-up are rare. The objective of this study is to investigate the long-term results of CLS stem and the factors potentially influencing the outcomes.

Methods:

The clinical and radiographic data of 79 hips (64 patients) were reviewed. Clinical outcome was determined using the Japanese Orthopedic Association’s hip scoring system (JOA hip score). Survival rate was assessed by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. The main end point for survival analysis was revision of stem. The correlations between patient demographics, radiographic factors, and stem survival rates were analyzed.

Results:

At a mean follow-up period of 20.1 years, the mean JOA hip score at final follow-up was 84.7 points. Stem survival rate for all revisions was 97.5% at 20 years, and stem survival for aseptic loosening was 98.9%. Varus alignment had a significant negative influence on the survival of the femoral stem.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates acceptable long-term clinical and radiographic results of the CLS stem in Japanese patients. Caution should be exercised to avoid varus stem alignment.
Predicting response to oxygen therapy in obstructive sleep apnoea patients using a 10-minute daytime test
Authors: Wang David , Wong Keith K. , Rowsell Luke , Don Garrick W. , Yee Brendon J. , Grunstein Ronald R.
Published: January 2018

There is no satisfactory treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Supplemental low-flow oxygen therapy (LFO2) has been shown to reduce hypoxaemia and is well tolerated by patients with OSA. However, oxygen therapy may be beneficial only to certain subsets of patients with OSA. In this study, we evaluated a 10-min awake ventilatory chemoreflex test in predicting individual OSA response to 2 months of LFO2therapy.

At baseline, patients with OSA underwent ventilatory chemoreflex testing in the afternoon, prior to the overnight polysomnography. Subjects were reassessed with polysomnography after 2 months of nocturnal oxygen treatment.

20 patients with OSA completed the study. After 2 months of O2treatment, changes in the apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) were significantly correlated with baseline CO2ventilatory response threshold (VRT) and chemosensitivity (p<0.05). In predicting a fall in AHI, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.79 for VRT and 0.89 for chemosensitivity. When these two variables were combined in a logistic regression model, the prediction effect became stronger with an AUC of 0.97, sensitivity of 0.92 and specificity of 0.83.

Our awake ventilatory chemoreflex test could be considered a simple potential clinical tool to predict individual OSA response to oxygen therapy. It could provide a novel personalised medicine approach to OSA treatment.
Mosquito repellent activity of cotton functionalized with inclusion complexes of β-cyclodextrin citrate and essential oils
Authors: Khanna Shelly , Chakraborty J. N.
Published: January 2018

With the progress of time, demand for healthy and hygienic clothing has gone up tremendously. Fabrics and apparels finished with mosquito repellent finishes belong to one of such highly looked out clothing’s. The present study aims at synthesis, characterization and optimization of β-Cyclodextrin citrate (β-CD CA) followed by its complexion with essential oils of cedarwood, clove, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and jasmine for the assessment of repellent efficacy against Anopheles Stephensi by means of arm in cage assays on cotton. Protection time, repellency (%), biting (%) and mortality (%) of inclusion complexes encapsulated with oils were evaluated. Two way ANOVA and post hoc analysis had affirmed the significant effect of essential oil type on bio-assay. Lavender and cedarwood had provided the longest protection times (210 and 160 min respectively); jasmine and peppermint were least effective showing protection times of 20 and 60 min whereas oils of eucalyptus and clove behaved as feeding deterrents. Peppermint and lavender were effective as potential repellents and cedarwood had shown supreme mortality against arthropods. Jasmine was the weakest repellent due to its flower-nectar stimulating upshot for Anopheles stephensi.
Understanding the Complex Relationship between Critical Thinking and Science Reasoning among Undergraduate Thesis Writers
Authors: Dowd Jason E. , Thompson Robert J. , Schiff Leslie A. , Reynolds Julie A.
Published: January 2018

Developing critical-thinking and scientific reasoning skills are core learning objectives of science education, but little empirical evidence exists regarding the interrelationships between these constructs. Writing effectively fosters students’ development of these constructs, and it offers a unique window into studying how they relate. In this study of undergraduate thesis writing in biology at two universities, we examine how scientific reasoning exhibited in writing (assessed using the Biology Thesis Assessment Protocol) relates to general and specific critical-thinking skills (assessed using the California Critical Thinking Skills Test), and we consider implications for instruction. We find that scientific reasoning in writing is strongly related to inference, while other aspects of science reasoning that emerge in writing (epistemological considerations, writing conventions, etc.) are not significantly related to critical-thinking skills. Science reasoning in writing is not merely a proxy for critical thinking. In linking features of students’ writing to their critical-thinking skills, this study 1) provides a bridge to prior work suggesting that engagement in science writing enhances critical thinking and 2) serves as a foundational step for subsequently determining whether instruction focused explicitly on developing critical-thinking skills (particularly inference) can actually improve students’ scientific reasoning in their writing.
The role of faith in mental healthcare: Philosophy, psychology and practice
Authors: Foreman David M.
Published: January 2018

It is time to improve clinical approaches to faith in mental healthcare, particularly in psychotherapy. Understood as a psychological trait, faith has potentially great personal salience and introduces socially desirable biases into human reasoning. Therapies may have faith-informed components, either explicitly, or (as with some forms of mindfulness) implicitly, which may modify the patient's faith as well as producing symptomatic change. In this narrative review, the ethics of faith's inclusion in therapy is briefly appraised. The psychology of faith is discussed, and a model of the influence of the practitioner's faith on therapeutic choice is presented. Finally, faith-informed approaches to practice, including their impact on therapeutic effectiveness, are considered and recommendations made for their optimal implementation.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

•

Understand the main types, characteristics and likely effectiveness of faith-informed therapies versus their secular equivalents

•

Develop a framework for effective assessment of the contribution of faith to a patient's quality of life, and use this to balance the advantages and risks of employing a faith-informed therapy

•

Be aware of the unavoidability of bias in the assessment of faith, and learn how to minimise this bias, if necessary by making a group decision
Does the evidence support parent-infant psychotherapy?
Authors: Lumsden Virginia
Published: January 2018

Parent–infant psychotherapy (PIP) is a psychoanalytic intervention that aims to improve parental and infant mental health. There is uncertainty about the clinical effectiveness of this intervention, particularly in comparison with other interventions. Based on a limited number of trials, this month's Cochrane Corner review aimed to summarise the best evidence available. Although the review found some tentative support for PIP in relation to attachment outcomes, overall the evidence was of low quality and PIP was not found to be more effective than treatment as usual or other interventions. This commentary contextualises and summarises the findings, and considers their implications for researchers and clinicians.
Η κοινωνική νοημοσύνη σύμφωνα με τα μοντέλα των Daniel Goleman & Karl Albrecht
Authors: Γαλατερού Ιωάννα , Αντωνίου Αλέξανδρος - Σταμάτιο�
Published: January 2018

Με την ανάπτυξη του κλάδου των νευροεπιστημών και της ψυχολογίας μετά τη δεκαετία του 1990 διατυπώθηκαν σύνθετες θεωρίες για την κοινωνική νοημοσύνη, οι οποίες αναγνωρίζουν ότι «ο εγκέφαλός μας είναι κοινωνικός», υποστηρίζοντας τη σημασία της κοινωνικής νοημοσύνης για την επιτυχία των ανθρωπίνων σχέσεων και  προτείνοντας ταυτόχρονα και τεχνικές βελτίωσής της. Στόχος της παρούσας εργασίας είναι η παρουσίαση δύο συγκεκριμένων μοντέλων για την κοινωνική νοημοσύνη: του Daniel Goleman και του Karl Albrecht. Το 2006, ο Daniel Goleman ανέπτυξε το δικό του μοντέλο κοινωνικής νοημοσύνης, το οποίο αποτελείται από δυο βασικά συστατικά, την "κοινωνική επίγνωση" (social awareness) και "κοινωνική ευχέρεια" (social facility), καθένα από τα οποία εμπεριέχει και επιμέρους στοιχεία. Κατά την ίδια περίοδο, ο Karl Albrecht πρότεινε το μοντέλο «S.P.A.C.E.», αποδίδοντας επιμέρους ιδιότητες στην κοινωνική νοημοσύνη, την οποία όρισε ως την ικανότητα του ατόμου για καλές συναναστροφές και αποδοτικές συνεργασίες με τους άλλους. Μέσω της κριτικής προσέγγισης του έργου των παραπάνω ερευνητών και της συναφούς διεθνούς βιβλιογραφίας σχετικά με τις προαναφερθείσες θεωρίες, επιχειρείται η παρουσίαση των βασικών τους σημείων και η εξαγωγή συμπερασμάτων που αφορούν εφαρμογές της κοινωνικής νοημοσύνης στην καθημερινότητα και κατ' επέκταση στην εκπαιδευτική πράξη.
Η εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση στο πλαίσιο της μη τυπικής εκπαίδευσης και μάθησης: Διερεύνηση των απόψεων και στάσεων εκπαιδευομένων που συμμετείχαν σε προγράμματα επιμόρφωσης/κατάρτισης εξ αποστάσεως/μικτής εκπαίδευσης του Ινστιτούτου Εργασίας της ΓΣΕΕ
Authors: Οικονόμου Χριστίνα Βασιλείου
Published: January 2018

Κύριο αντικείμενο της έρευνας αποτέλεσε η διερεύνηση των απόψεων και των στάσεων των εκπαιδευομένων που συμμετείχαν σε προγράμματα επιμόρφωσης/κατάρτισης εξ αποστάσεως/μικτής εκπαίδευσης του Ινστιτούτου Εργασίας της ΓΣΕΕ και υλοποιήθηκαν από το περιφερειακό παράρτημα του ΙΝΕ ΓΣΕΕ Νοτίου Αιγαίου-Κυκλάδων.Στόχοι της έρευνας αποτέλεσαν η συμμετοχή και η εμπειρία των εκπαιδευομένων σε προηγούμενα προγράμματα επιμόρφωσης/κατάρτισης τόσο παραδοσιακής/διά ζώσης εκπαίδευσης όσο και εξ αποστάσεως/μικτής εκπαίδευσης καθώς και η προτίμηση των εκπαιδευομένων για τα προγράμματα επιμόρφωσης/κατάρτισης παραδοσιακής/διά ζώσης ή εξ αποστάσεως/μικτής εκπαίδευσης. Επίσης η διερεύνηση των απόψεων και στάσεων των εκπαιδευομένων ως προς το σύνολο της μαθησιακής τους  εμπειρίας, ως προς την ποιότητα του εκπαιδευτικού υλικού που χρησιμοποιήθηκε, ως προς τον ρόλο του/της εκπαιδευτή/τριας και τέλος ως προς το Σύστημα Διαχείρισης Μάθησης (ΣΔΜ) και της συμβολής του ή μη κατά τη διάρκεια της μαθησιακής διαδικασίας στα προγράμματα επιμόρφωσης/κατάρτισης εξ αποστάσεως/ μικτής εκπαίδευσης.The main object of the research was to investigate learner’s views and attitudes who participated in training distance/blended learning of the Labour Institute of GSEE and were implemented by the regional branch of the INE GSEE South Aegean-Cyclades.Objectives of the study consisted of learner’s participation and experience in previous training programs both traditional and distance/blended learning, as well as learner’s preference for traditional training programs or distance/blended training programs. Also the investigation of learner’s views and attitudes to the whole of their learning experience, to the quality of educational material which be used, to the trainer’s role and finally to the Learning Management System (LMS) and contribution or not during the learning process in distance/blended learning training programs.
The Problem of Estimation of Export Potential of the Domestic Industry in the Indicators System of Economic Policies
Authors: Невская Наталья , Nevskaya Natalya
Published: January 2018

The main approaches to the assessment of the export potential of industry at the macroeconomic, regional and microeconomic levels are considered in the article. The importance of systematization of indicators to assess the export potential deal with the implementation of the new economic policies conducive to increased competitiveness of the national economy. The analysis of macroeconomic indicators underlying the assessment of the competitiveness of the domestic economy in the world market deal with the dynamics of industrial enterprises development. The article considers the technique of the estimation of export potential at various economic levels, gives the analysis of dynamic indicators of development of information technologies for last years, revealsthe reasons of discrepancy of results declared to the purposes of development.
Women's experiences of tests and procedures carried out at a preterm birth surveillance clinic
Authors: Carlisle Naomi , Carter Jenny , Radford Samara , Shennan Andrew
Published: January 2018

Background

Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, with practices varying between specialist services.

Aim

To explore the experiences and views of pregnant women at high-risk of preterm birth who were undergoing tests requiring a speculum examination and procedures at a preterm birth surveillance clinic.

Methods

Women attending for preterm surveillance at a specialist clinic were asked to complete a questionnaire.

Findings

A total of 102 participants completed the questionnaire. Overall, 97% (n=99) of women found the speculum examination acceptable and 88% (n=90) stated they would be happy to have the examination again if required. This was comparable to 95% (n=97) of women who stated they found the transvaginal ultrasound examination acceptable.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that women at risk of preterm birth find speculum examinations and transvaginal ultrasound scans for cervical length measurement acceptable.
Illegal und unsichtbar?
Authors: Wilcke Holger
Published: January 2018

Wie lebt es sich ohne Aufenthaltspapiere in Deutschland? Der Alltag illegalisierter Migrant*innen ist durch Entrechtungen geprägt. Holger Wilcke zeigt, dass papierlose Migrant*innen dennoch nicht als passive Opfer missverstanden werden sollten, sondern vielmehr über Handlungsmacht verfügen: Sie arbeiten ohne Arbeitserlaubnis, sie organisieren sich Wohnraum, obwohl sie offiziell keinen Mietvertrag unterschreiben können, und sie verschaffen sich ohne Krankenversicherung Zugang zu medizinischer Versorgung. Als politische Subjekte nehmen sie sich - oft unwahrnehmbar - Rechte, die ihnen formal nicht zustehen, und transformieren unentwegt die Gesellschaft, welche ihre Ausschlüsse produziert.
Penentuan Faktor Kunci Peningkatan Kualitas Air Limbah Industri Makanan Menggunakan Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM)
Authors: Rimantho Dino , Rosdiana Hera
Published: January 2018

Industri makanan merupakan salah satu jenis industri manufaktur yang menggunakan berbagai sumber daya dalam operasionalnya dimana dalam prosesnya berpotensi menghasilkan air limbah yang mengandung berbagai senyawa yang dapat menurunkan kualitas lingkungan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan faktor kunci peningkatan kualitas air limbah di industri makanan. Pemilihan alternatif dan analisis strategi menggunakan metode Interpretative Structural Modelling (ISM), dimana metode ini menggunakan penilaian pakar dalam bentuk kuesioner dalam pengambilan datanya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat empat faktor utama dalam upaya peningkatan kualitas air limbah seperti manusia, mesin, metode, material dan lingkungan. Lebih lanjut, berdasarkan hasil analisis dengan metode ISM diperoleh nilai dependent yang rendah dan nilai driver power yang tinggi, maka dapat diketahui faktor kunci dalam peningkatan kualitas air limbah di industri makanan yaitu faktor monitoring harian dalam pengecekan effluent. Sehingga, pemangku kepentingan di industri pengolahan makanan untuk senantiasa melakukan monitoring dan perbaikan proses dalam rangka peningkatan kualitas air limbah yang sesuai dengan baku mutu lingkungan.Kata kunci: Air limbah, Industri makanan, ISM, Kualitas, Faktor kunciABSTRACTThe food industry is one type of manufacturing industry that uses various resources in its operations. The processing process has the potential to produce wastewater containing various compounds that can reduce the quality of the environment. This study aims to determine the key factors to improve the quality of wastewater in the food industry. The selection of key factors is using Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) method. This method uses expert judgment in the form of questionnaires in the data retrieval. The results showed that there are four main factors in efforts to improve the quality of wastewater such as human, machine, method, material, and environment. Furthermore, based on ISM method analysis results obtained low dependent value and high power driver value, a key factor in improving the quality of wastewater in the food industry is daily monitoring factor in effluent checking. Thus, the stakeholders in the food processing industry should always monitor and enhancements the process in order to improve the quality of wastewater in accordance with environmental quality standards.Keywords: wastewater, Food Industry, ISM, Quality, Key factorCitation: Rimantho D., dan Rosdiana H. (2017). Penentuan Faktor Kunci Peningkatan Kualitas Air Limbah Industri Makanan Menggunakan Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM). Jurnal Ilmu Lingkungan, 15(2), 90-95 doi:10.14710/jil.15.2.90-95
The Process and Implication of Inter-Professional Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Prabawati Dewi
Published: January 2018

Background: The practice of inter-professional education (IPE) is expanding rapidly especially in the developing countries.  The goal of IPE is to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes that result in effective Inter-professional (IP) team behaviors and competency. Therefore, it is essential to understand more about the activity, other professional’s involvement and its implications for nursing students and institutions.Purpose: This paper aimed to review the process and other professional’s involvement in IPE’s nursing education, and describe the implication after implementing IPE for nursing students and institution.Methods: A comprehensive multi-step search of the literature in IPE using ProQuest, EBSCO and Cengage databases was performed. Samples of 19 studies met the inclusion criteria and were used in this study.Results: None of the studies reported findings from developing country, while there were only two studies conducted in Asia. IPE programs utilize a variety of combinations of interactive learning methods, such as group problem solving, focus group interview, social networking (website), and simulated patient or simulated based training (SBT) which is becoming the most common methods employed.  IPE gives benefits for the students, such as improving communication skills, recognizing the role and responsibilities, understanding the value and ethics and also increasing teamwork and team-based care.Conclusion: Despite the limitations, this systematic review found a number of activities and other professionals that can be involved with nursing in the IPE implementation.  It also found out that IPE applied in a variety of clinical settings is well received by the students and enable them to learn the knowledge and skills for collaborative learning.
Levels of Metals in Soils of Ait Ammar Iron Mine, Morocco: Human Health Risks
Authors: Nouri Mohamed , Rasafi Taoufik El , Haddioui Abdelmajid
Published: January 2018

The concentrations of metals were determined in soil samples collected in Ait Ammar (Oued Zem, Morocco). The mean Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn contents in the mining topsoil samples were: 2.12, 135, 34.9, 214, 9.13 and 90.8 mg kg−1, respectively. Human health risks developed from metal ingestion, dermal absorption and inhalation of soils were also evaluated. For non-carcinogenic risks, united hazard index (HI) values for children surpassed the safe level (HI=1) for Cr (13.1). Values for HI in adults (1.74) also surpassed the safe level for Cr. The HI values for Pb and Cd for children were 0.69 and 0.68, respectively. Cancer risk due to Cr surpassed the tolerable range (1E-06 to1E-04) for children (1.05E-03) and for adults (1.42E-04). Cancer risks due to Pb and Cd were within acceptable ranges for both children and adults. Furthermore, oral ingestion of soil particles contributed more highly to both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk from Cr than either dermal absorption or inhalation in both children and adults.
Hydroxyapatite deposition on the laser modified Ti13Nb13Zr alloy
Authors: Jażdżewska M. , Majkowska-Marzec B.
Published: January 2018

The Ti13Nb13Zr alloy was subjected to laser modification with the Nd:YAG laser provided that such treatment would increase the surface roughness followed improved adhesion of hydroxyapatite (HAp) coatings The hydroxyapatite was deposited by electrophoretic method in suspension of 0.5 g HA powder and 100 ml ethyl alcohol. The deposition was carried out for 10 min at 10 V voltage followed by drying at room temperature for 24 h and heating at 800°C for 1 h in vacuum. The thickness of the HAp coatings was found as of about 4.06 μm to 9.05 μm. The examinations of surfaces were carried out at each stage of the experiment with the ultra-high resolution scanning electron microscope. The measurements of surface roughness after laser treatment and after HAp deposition were performed with the Hommel Etamic Waveline profilograph.
Energy storage: dielectrophores – molecules with non-linear polarizability
Authors: Mourokh L. , Lazarev P.
Published: January 2018

We examine the feasibility of film capacitors based on dielectrics with high non-linear polarizability as energy storage devices. Capacitors with increased energy density can be built by using composite materials with aromatic molecules (high polarizability) and envelope of alkyl tails (high resistivity). We determine the impact of the second order non-linearity onto energy density and translate high energy density requirements into molecular parameters necessary for high-performance capacitors. The relationship of permittivity and molecular polarizability is obtained by means of the non-linear Clausius–Mossotti equation. In order to demonstrate the the selection process for the molecular composition of dielectrophores, we compare several molecules, using quantum chemistry algorithms (Gaussian09). Starting from Langhals perylene (LP), we proceed with the nitrophenyl-perylene having one NH2 group (donor) and one NO2 group (acceptor). We show that, while their linear polarizabilities are comparable, the hyperpolarizabilities differ by several orders of the magnitudes. Two NH2 and NO2 groups can be attached to the nitro-naphthalene-perylene further increasing of the hyperpolarizability. Even larger polarization can be achieved by additional rylene groups increasing the polarizable electronic mass. We demonstrate that with such molecular engineering, capacitors can have the energy density which is attractive for practical applications.
Bainitic reaction and microstructure evolution in two normalized and tempered steels designed for service at elevated temperatures
Authors: Ławrynowicz Z.
Published: January 2018

In the present work conventional heat treatment like normalizing (bainitic microstructure) and tempering of the alloys has been performed. The materials used in this study were two steels, one the laboratory prepared experimental low alloy Cr-Mo steel in comparison to typical commercial 10CrMo9-10 steel. The determined carbon concentrations of the residual austenite at the different temperatures of bainite transformation supports the hypothesis that the growth of bainitic ferrite occurs without any diffusion with carbon being partitioned subsequently into the residual austenite. It was found that bainitic reaction has stopped when average carbon concentration of the untransformed austenite is close to the T0
line and supports formation of bainitic ferrite by a shear mechanism, since diffusionless transformation is not possible beyond the T0
curve.

Normalized samples were air cooled down to room temperature before tempering at various temperatures in the range of 500-750°C. Samples have been austenitized at 980°C for 0.5 hour air cooled and tempered at 500, 550, 600, 650, 700 and 750°C for 1 hour. After heat treatment, the assessment in the microstructure and phase precipitation was made using the samples prepared for metallographic and transmission electron microscope (TEM) on thin foils analysis. Quantitative X-ray analysis was used to determine the retained austenite content after heat treatment like normalizing and tempering and the total volume fraction of the retained austenite was measured from the integral intensity of the (111)γ and (011)α peaks.

The changes observed in the microstructure of the steel tempered at the higher temperature, i.e. 750°C were more advanced than those observed at the temperature of 500°C. Performed microstructural investigations have shown that the degradation of the microstructure of the examined steel was mostly connected with the processes of recovery and polygonization of the matrix, disappearance of lath bainitic microstructure, the growth of the size of M23C6 carbides, and precipitation of the secondary M2C precipitates. The magnitude of these changes depended on the temperature of tempering.
Comparative Assessment of the Water Quality of Four Types of Aquaculture Ponds under Different Culture Systems
Authors: Mustapha Moshood Keke
Published: January 2018

Water quality of collapsible, concrete, earthen and natural ponds under different culture systems were assessed using of Photometer and tester. Temporal and spatial replications of samples were done in triplicates. Dissolved oxygen ranged between 4.6 to 6.8 mg/l, carbon dioxide 1.4 - 3.0 mg/l, nitrate 1.6 - 3.2 mg/l, phosphate 0.8 - 2.3 mg/l, calcium hardness 65- 100 mg/l, magnesium hardness 30 - 50 mg/l and total hardness 80 and 165 mg/l. Conductivity ranged between 346 - 472 μS/cm, total dissolved solids 232 - 316 mg/l, transparency 36 - 82 cm, alkalinity 105 - 245 mg/l, pH 6.35 - 8.03 and temperature 29.1 to 35.9 °C. Significant difference (P<0.05) was obtained among the parameters in the ponds showing the effects of the different culture systems on the water quality. Variations in the water quality was due to the presence of plankton and macrophytes found in earthen and natural ponds where semi-intensive and extensive culture were practiced, use of artificial feed in collapsible and concrete ponds where intensive culture was done, effects of respiration, photosynthesis and decomposition, source of water and materials used for the construction of the ponds. Water quality in the ponds under the different culture systems was good.
The Intangible Assets Advantages in the Machine Vision Inspection of Thermoplastic Materials
Authors: Muntean Diana , Răulea Andreea Simina
Published: January 2018

Innovation is not a simple concept but is the main source of success. It is more important to have the right people and mindsets in place than to have a perfectly crafted plan in order to make the most out of an idea or business. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the importance of intangible assets when it comes to machine vision inspection of thermoplastic materials pointing out some aspects related to knowledge based assets and their need for a success idea to be developed in a successful product.
Design Criteria for Visual Cues Used in Disruptive Learning Interventions Within Sustainability Education
Authors: Tillmanns Tanja , Holland Charlotte , Filho Alfredo Salomão
Published: January 2018

This paper presents the design criteria for Visual Cues – visual stimuli that are used in combination with other pedagogical processes and tools in Disruptive Learning interventions in sustainability education – to disrupt learners’ existing frames of mind and help re-orient learners’ mind-sets towards sustainability. The theory of Disruptive Learning rests on the premise that if learners’ frames of mind or frames of reference can be disrupted (in other words, challenged), then learners’ mind-sets can be re-oriented towards sustainability, and indeed learners can be motivated to engage in change agency for sustainability. The use of Visual Cues thus unsettle or challenge learners’ mind-sets, and in doing so, set them on the pathway towards re-orientation in becoming more sustainability oriented, and/or in motivating engagement in sustainability change agency. The findings form part of a broader research study on ESD conducted in a higher education institution in Ireland within an undergraduate degree of teacher education. Kathy Charmaz’ Constructivist Grounded Theory approach guided the entire study, resulting in the articulation of the theory of, and processes within, Disruptive Learning. This paper presents design criteria for Visual Cues that were articulated through a thematic analysis approach from data emerging from reflective diaries, follow-up interviews, audio recordings and observational notes. The findings from this study in respect of design criteria state that Visual Cues must disrupt rather than disturb; must represent (have impressions of) real life contexts, scenarios, practices or events; must provoke controversy; must contain a visual stimulation; and can have a critical question.
Effects of Contextual Factors on ESD in Teacher Education
Authors: Atmaca Çağla
Published: January 2018

Education for sustainable development (ESD) guides and empowers educators to reshape their thinking style and move towards a sustainable future. It has attracted a lot of attention and been studied in different perspectives. However, contextual factors have not been studied in relation to sustainable development for teacher education. Therefore, this study aims to find out the possible effects of changing contextual factors on pre-service and in-service teachers in terms of sustainable education for their profession. For this purpose, 267 pre-service teachers from four different universities and 50 in-service teachers from 15 different cities participated in the study. Out of 317 participants, 245 stated that contextual factors influence their teaching habits adversely, while 54 reported that they ignored the outer factors. In light of the data gathered, it can be said that the participant teachers were mostly pessimistic about the effect of contextual differences on ESD. Based upon participant statements, a new theory emerged. According to this theory, there are personal (P), institutional (I), stakeholder-related (S), environmental (E) and training-related (T) factors which positively and/or negatively influence ESD in teacher education. In this regard, the new theory was formed with the first letters of the related factors and called P.I.S.E.T. These findings suggest that pre-service teachers should be exposed to various school settings during their practicum and in-service teachers should receive context-related support from the stakeholders to enhance their professional skills and act in line with the principles of ESD.
Education for Sustainable Development and Multidimensional Implementation. A Study of Implementations of Sustainable Development in Education with the Curriculum of Upper Secondary School in Sweden as an Example
Authors: Svalfors Ulrika
Published: January 2018

This article discusses different interpretations of sustainable development in education and if different interpretations of the concept are implemented in Curriculum, with the Swedish Curriculum of Upper Secondary School as an example. According to Agenda 21 sustainable development should be implemented in a multidimensional way. In 2011, a new school reform of upper secondary school was implemented in Sweden which further strengthened the position of sustainable development in school by inserting the term into more syllabuses. However, the multiple instances of the concept do not necessarily mean that a multidimensional interpretation of the concept is implemented in accordance with the objectives of Agenda 21. By using Laclau and Mouffe’s (2008) idea of discursive struggle as a theoretical framework it is possible to discern how descriptions of sustainable development essentially give rise to one discursive formation in the curriculum. The articulations of sustainable development in the curriculum rests on an idea of the ecosystem that seem to enforce the natural scientific rationality instead of letting different rationalities contribute to the meaning. The descriptions of sustainable development in the curriculum can be interpreted as a hegemonic expropriation of elements of other discourses, such as the social and economic, into the environmental (ecological) dimension. These results are consistent with other international studies, and emphasises the importance of taking a critical stance to the writings of Curriculum when putting them into practice.
Contraception usage among young adult men of a Nigerian university
Authors: Owonikoko Kola Musliudin , Oyelade Folasade Oyindamola , Oke Oluwaseyi Felix , Adeyemi Adewale Samson
Published: January 2018

Background

Family planning services recognize reproductive health as the joint responsibility of both men and women. Efforts need to be shifted to men’s own sexual health in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for reduction of maternal mortality and HIV transmission.

Aims

To determine the methods of contraception used by young adult men and factors that influence their choice of contraceptive.

Methodology

A cross-sectional descriptive study was done using structured questionnaires to extract relevant information from consented young male adult between ages of 16 and 24 years of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Data was coded using Microsoft Excel and was analyzed using the SPSS version 17.

Results

The majority of the respondents 212 (71.6%) had had sexual intercourse. Mean age at first sexual debut was 17.8 ± 2.5 years. The majority of the respondents 124 (58.5%) did not use any contraceptives during their first sexual experience and over 1/5th (21.2%) of respondents had impregnated a partner in the past with the majority, 39 (86.7%) of such pregnancies resulting in an induced abortion. Frequency of religious services attendance showed a statistically significant difference with respondents that were sexually active or had previous sex (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Male involvement and education about contraceptive methods, use and consistency of contraception could have a drastic reduction in unwanted pregnancies and also a reduction in abortion complications.
Characteristics of Cardiac Rhythm and Conduction Abnormalities Diagnosed in Mobile Emergency Units in Central Romania
Authors: Masalar Aurelian Lucian , Linga Eugen , Crișan Sorin , Rădulescu Dan , Buzdugan Elena
Published: January 2018

Background: Cardiac arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities are frequently identified by emergency medical service staff in patients requesting emergency services.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study that aimed to analyze the characteristics of rhythm and conduction abnormalities in prehospital settings, in patients who requested emergency medical assistance for symptoms indicative for an arrhythmia or conduction abnormalities.

Results: From 180 patients included in the study (90 from a tertiary and 90 from a non-tertiary medical center), 92.78% presented an arrhythmia and 15.56% a conduction abnormality. A clear etiology was found in only 29.44% of cases. Ischemic patients presented a higher rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) (p <0.0001), while sinus tachycardia was more common in non-ischemic subjects (p = 0.02). Patients younger than 50 years of age presented higher rates of sinus tachycardia (p <0.0001) and right bundle branch block (p = 0.001), while those older than 50 years presented higher rates of AF (p <0.0001) and ventricular extrasystole (p = 0.014). There were no differences regarding the type of arrhythmia diagnosed in emergency settings, neither between genders or provenance environments, nor between regions served by a tertiary versus non-tertiary base station hospital.

Conclusions: The most frequently diagnosed arrhythmias in prehospital settings were atrial fibrillation and sinus tachycardia, while atrioventricular blocks were the most frequent conduction disturbances. Young patients more frequently present sinus tachycardia or right bundle branch blocks, while older subjects are more prone to develop ischemia-related AF and ventricular extrasystole. The lack of any significant differences between systems served by a tertiary vs. non-tertiary medical center indicates an efficient emergency system of care regardless of the geographical region.
Reproducible research in linguistics: A position statement on data citation and attribution in our field
Authors: Berez-Kroeker Andrea L. , Gawne Lauren , Kung Susan Smythe , Kelly Barbara F. , Heston Tyler , Holton Gary , Pulsifer Peter , Beaver David I. , Chelliah Shobhana , Dubinsky Stanley , Meier Richard P. , Thieberger Nick , Rice Keren , Woodbury Anthony C.
Published: January 2018

This paper is a position statement on reproducible research in linguistics, including data citation and attribution, that represents the collective views of some 41 colleagues. Reproducibility can play a key role in increasing verification and accountability in linguistic research, and is a hallmark of social science research that is currently under-represented in our field. We believe that we need to take time as a discipline to clearly articulate our expectations for how linguistic data are managed, cited, and maintained for long-term access.
The word status of Chinese adjective-noun combinations
Authors: Xu Zheng
Published: January 2018

The status of Chinese adjective-noun combinations ([A N]) has been debated for decades. This paper argues that Chinese [A N] are word-level expressions constructed in an autonomous word formation component of the grammar. I propose a monomorphemic constraint on the adjective of [A N]. Together with evidence from the tests of modification by degree adverbs, conjunction reduction, and XP substitution, this constraint supports the wordhood of Chinese [A N]. Additional evidence is that Chinese [A N] have a potential naming function and are subject to selectional restrictions. Neither anaphoric accessibility nor the restrictions on the ordering of adjectives are reliable criteria for establishing the status of Chinese [A N]. The various properties of Chinese [A N] are accounted for under the framework of Construction Morphology (Booij, Geert. 2010.Construction Morphology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.).
Effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on microbiological and sensory quality of ackee fruit arils (Blighia sapida Köenig) stored under refrigerated regimes
Authors: Morgan Kaytana , Benkeblia Noureddine
Published: January 2018

In this study, we investigated the effects of two modified atmosphere packaging films [Osmolux (Osx) and Oriented PolyPropylene (OPP)] on the microbiological and the sensory qualities of ackee fruit (Blighia sapida Köenig) arils stored during eight days under two refrigerated temperatures, 5 ±1°C and 10 ±1°C. The control samples of ackee arils were packaged in a macro-perforated highdensity polypropylene film (MP). The results showed that mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB), yeasts and moulds were lower under OPP, although MAB of MP was lower at 5°C. At 10°C, the pH of the ackee arils stored in Osx and OPP did not vary significantly, but the pH ofMP showed an increase from 5.32 to 5.95 and 5.83 at 5°C and 10°C, respectively. Results also showed that under OPP, weight losses were lower and averaged 0.12%and 0.19%after eight days storage at 5°C and 10°C, respectively, while the sensory quality attributes were preserved up to six days. Conclusively, OPP showed better attributes for MAP storage of ackee arils under refrigerated temperatures, although none of the two films were effective to reduce the chilling injury after the eight days storage.
Coordination mechanism for integrated design of Human-Robot Interaction scenarios
Authors: Ferland François , Reveleau Aurélien , Leconte Francis , Létourneau Dominic , Michaud François
Published: January 2018

The ultimate long-term goal in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) is to design robots that can act as a natural extension to humans. This requires the design of robot control architectures to provide structure for the integration of the necessary components into HRI. This paper describes how HBBA, a Hybrid Behavior-Based Architecture, can be used as a unifying framework for integrated design of HRI scenarios. More specifically, we focus here on HBBA’s generic coordination mechanism of behavior-producing modules, which allows to address a wide range or cognitive capabilities ranging from assisted teleoperation to selective attention and episodic memory. Using IRL-1, a humanoid robot equipped with compliant actuators for motion and manipulation, proximity sensors, cameras and a microphone array, three interaction scenarios are implemented: multi-modal teleoperation with physical guidance interaction, fetching-and delivering and tour-guiding.