bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teacher Work Sample Methodology: Displaying Accountability Of U.S. Teacher Education Program Effectiveness
Authors: Cooner Donna , Stevenson Cerissa , Frederiksen Heidi
Published: March 2016

Productive strategies for evaluating outcomes in teacher licensure programs are becoming increasingly important in the education field. Research data from 492 teacher licensure program completers from 2006-2009 in the School of Education, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado (USA) was compiled after accreditation by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). Three categories including subject matter knowledge, pedagogy, and caring teaching skills were acknowledged in accreditation. An important pedagogy experience for students during the licensure program was teacher work sample methodology. This article discusses teacher work sample methodology, explains the experience of building a teacher work sample (TWS) and presents data regarding students results from TWS rubrics. Findings demonstrate teacher education program effectiveness and highlight the effective use of TWSs to meet accreditation requirements.
Strategies For Improving Academic Performance By Non-Native English Speakers In Graduate Programs
Authors: Todd Tracye A. , Stinson Terrye A. , Sivakumaran Thillainatarajan
Published: March 2016

Over the past decade, the number of non-native English speaking students in higher education has increased dramatically. Educators at all levels have experienced challenges in meeting the academic needs of these students and continue to seek strategies for addressing these challenges. This paper describes some of this research related to K-12 and suggests ways for applying the results to improve the academic performance of non-native English speaking students in U.S. graduate programs. Educators in higher education can benefit from the research focused on K-12 and should seek ways to replicate the successful strategies in the graduate classroom.
Strategic Tool For Students With Disabilities: Creating And Implementing Virtual Learning Environments Without Barriers
Authors: Barrett, Jr Bob G.
Published: March 2016

While some organizations have made strides in employing workers with disabilities as an act of social responsibility, other entities have started to realize the need and value of this untapped human resource (Thakker, 1997). Research has shown that employees with disabilities have low turnover rates, low absenteeism, and high motivation to prove themselves (Fersh & Thomas, 1993). Executives will need to rethink their employment practices in order to compete for employees from the current, shrinking workforce. Further, many employers are looking towards academic institutions for well-qualified employees. The key question here is whether or not our academic institutions and educators are truly prepared to enable, education, and motivate all learners for the changes in the workforce. Specifically, are we able to equip all learners with the necessary technological skills and education to best prepare them for this new workforce outlook? Currently, 54 million Americans with disabilities use information technology (IT) at colleges and universities, which accounts for 20 percent of the population (Oblinger & Ruby, 2004). Unfortunately, statistical data for persons with disabilities is done with a separate survey, which is a part from the U.S. Survey and conducted only every 10 years.
The Effectiveness Of Web-based Curricula On Seventh Grade Mathematics Students In Jordan
Authors: Muhanna Wafa
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of using web-based curricula on seventh grade students' achievement in mathematics in King Abdullah School in Irbid, Jordan. The researcher followed the equivalent pre/post T-test two group designs. To achieve the aim of the study, a pre/post-test was constructed to measure students' achievement in mathematics. The test consisted of twenty five questions on statistics and probability. The sample of the study comprised of (148) seventh grade students, they were 37 male students for the experimental group and 33 male students for the control group, while the female students for the experimental and control group were 38 and 40 respectively from King Abdullah School in Irbid during the first semester of the scholastic year 2009/2010. Descriptive statistical analyses were used (means and standard deviation) for the pre and post- tests of students' mathematical test to experimental and control groups. Comparison statistical methods were used (Two Way ANOVA) analysis of variance to make a comparison between the control and the experimental groups, gender variable (male and female), and interaction between them. The findings of the study indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the post-test between the control and the experimental groups in favor of the experimental group, and there was no statistically significant difference in the students' achievement due to gender. There was no statistically significant difference due to the interaction between gender and group. The researcher proposed some recommendations to enhance the effect of using performance-based assessment on students' language accuracy such as conducting further studies on other populations and for a longer time.
Landslide Hazard Area Identification Using Smorph-Slope Morphology Method in Manado City
Authors: Putra Erwin Hardika
Published: March 2016

Landsliding is one of the natural process that shape the earth’s surface to achieve slope stability and it will be hazard if they threat human life. This study was conducted to identify potential landslide hazard in Manado region using SMORPH method with digital elevation model (DEM) data. ASTER GDEM data provide more detail landslide information than SRTM data because of the higher spatial resolution. Result shows that 716 ha approximately of land have high landslide vulnerability and 1,176 ha approximately of land have medium landslide vulnerability.
Effect of Media And Handling of Seed on Growth of Nyamplung (Calopyllum inophylum) Seedling
Authors: Suryawan Ady
Published: March 2016

This research aims to investigate the influence of media (topsoil and cocopeat) and seed treatment (control, immersion, cracking, and stripping) on the growth of nyamplung seeds from Talise Island on 3 months old. This research using Completely randomized design method with observations viability, height, diameter, robustness seedlings and seed quality index.  Results of tests known that character nyamplung growth is influenced by the media and seed handling. Cocopeat media will improve  the viability but debase of growth, so that the necessary weaning with a more fertile medium. Handling seed by stripping the shell has a good influence on the growth and quality of seeds. Based on research, nyamplung requiring scarification with cocopeat media and stripping the shell.
Prefered Feed of Anoa (Bubalus sp.) at Manado Forestry Research Institute Captivity
Authors: Arini Diah Irawati Dwi , Kafiar Yermias
Published: March 2016

The present study aims to determine the type of fodder available and the level of scarcity of Anoa’s fodder at the condition prior to captivity at the Forestry Research Institute of Manado. The method employed was a trial of 12 (twelve) types of fodder available around the captivity site given to 2 (two) female anoas. The data were analyzed and displayed in tables and graphs while the data of preferred fodder were analyzed using Neu’s index equation. The findings suggest that anoa put in captivity at the Forestry Research Institute of Manado did not encounter problems during the process of feeding adaptation. The average fodder needs required anoa at the captivity site of  the Forestry Research Institute of Manado range from 10.2 to 11.7 kg/ day in which the fodder was given twice a day. Meanwhile, based on the availability and ease of supplying the fodder from around the captivity site, the following are the types of fodder from higher to lower preferences, namely: field grass, kangkung, shoes banana, string beans, beans and cucumbers, respectively. While fodder with the lowest level of scarcity is the type of fodder with a hard texture such as sweet potatoes, carrots or potatoes. Based on the results of a number of studies, it is recommended that variations in anoa’s fodder can be done every 4-5 times a day.
Diversity of Medicinal Plants on Coastal Forest in Tangkoko Natural Reserve
Authors: Arini Diah Irawati Dwi , Kinho Julianus
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this research was to determine the potential diversity of medicinal plants in the coastal forests of Tangkoko Nature Reserve. The research was conducted in August and September 2009. The data were obtained through deep interviews with people who use herbs from the Tangkoko coastal forest. Field observations carried out to see what kind of herbs that are known by a list of medicinal plant species interviews. Data were analyzed descriptively and presented in tabular form or image. The results showed there are at least 45 species from Tangkoko coastal forest used in traditional medicine in community village of Batu Putih. Forty-five plant species were grouped into 31 Family which types of Family Euphorbiaceae had the highest number of species are 6 types. Based on habitus, known 25 species classified as trees, 10 species of shrubs, 7 types of herb and 3 types included in the vines. The several types of medical plants are often used consist of Epipremium elegans Engl used for injury., Ear inflammation using Canarium asperum Benth, thrush using Adenostema sp., kidney using Arenga pinata Wurmb Merr, or Callophyllum inophyllum L.), and herb for the treatment of postpartum (Eltingera rosea BLBurtt & RMSm.).
Institution and Communities Participation in the Conservation Of Mangrove/Case Study in Tiwoho Village, North Province
Authors: Nurrani Lis , Bismark M , Tabba Supratman
Published: March 2016

Institutional and community participation is an important aspect being the main pillar in the implementation of the rehabilitation of mangroves. There is rarely any failure in the mangrove rehabilitation because it is not supported by the institutional role to its full potential. This research aimed to inventory the role of institutions and community participation in mangrove conservation in the coastal zone, Tiwoho Village, North Sulawesi Province. Selection of study areas and respondents done by purposive sampling. Data colected by field observation and structured interview with key respondents by using the snawball method. Research showed that some institutions has a major contribution in initiating mangrove conservation in Tiwoho are public figures, village government, NGOs, religious institutions, institutions of formal education, and foreign researcher. The form of community participation in conserving mangrove among others are not cut down of mangrove wood for any reason planting seeds every oportunity and keep mangrove from other community disturbances. Several method of management are expected to be inspiration for stakeholders to be able developed a mangrove forest management system in different place which have similar characteristics.
Genetic Variation in Growth Traits of Two Years Old Ficus variegata Blume
Authors: Haryjanto Liliek
Published: March 2016

A progeny trial of nyawai (Ficus variegata Blume) with subline system was established in Mangunan, Bantul, Yogyakarta and designed as a Randomized Completely Block Design. Lombok subline comprised of 17 families and Cilacap-Pangandaran subline comprised of 19 families. This study was aimed to observe  growth variation and genetic parameter of these sublines  at two years after planting. Varians analysis was performed  to find out family  effect on survival,  height, and diameter traits.  Component varians analysis was used to estimate coefficient of genetic variation and heritability. This study showed that survival rate of the trial ranged from 89.01%  to 91.42%. Family effect on height and diameter variation was very significant at both sublines. Estimation coefficient of genetic variation for height and diameter traits ranged from 4.41% to 9.04% or categorized as intermediate. Individual heritabilities for height traits ranged from 0.15 to 0.22;  diameter ranged from 0.18 to 0.09, while family heritabilities for height and diameter traits  ranged from 0.49 to 0.60 and 0.29 to 0.66 respectively.
Ethnic Influence Against Land Use Patterns and Its Contribution to Community Income in The Aketajawe Lolobata National Park
Authors: Nurrani Lis , Halidah Halidah , Tabba Supratman
Published: March 2016

Buffer zone management is an integrated practice of managing forest and agriculture land based on biophysical nature of region and social-culture combination to obtain an optimum forest and agriculture products that support local livelihood economy. The study was to identify the community land use patterns that shapes the buffer zone of Aketajawe Lolobata National Park particularly at Aketajawe block. Sampling villages were determined by stratification based on the distance from the National Park boundary which varied between <3,3-5, and > 5 km. The purposive random sampling was chosen 82 respondents to be interviewed. Land use pattern which applied by communities were divided into six groups according to cultivated commodities i.e. community forest, mixed garden, monoculture garden, intercropping garden, horticulture and rice fields. The differences of these patterns were influenced by background and origin of communities. The indigenous people of Halmahera island used their land as mixed garden while the settler used theirs as rice field and horticulture. Based on the land cover quality, mixed garden pattern was more similar to forest vegetation than another pattern. Rice field pattern gave the largest economic contribution while community forest gave the lowest contribution to the farmer’s income.
Emergency Care for Homeless Patients: A French Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Feral-Pierssens Anne-Laure , Aubry Adeline , Truchot Jennifer , Raynal Pierre-Alexis , Boiffier Mathieu , Hutin Alice , Leleu Agathe , Debruyne Geraud , Joly Luc-Marie , Juvin Philippe , Riou Bruno , Freund Yonathan ,   the SECOURS Investigators
Published: March 2016

Objectives. To determine whether homeless patients experience suboptimal care in the emergency department (ED) by the provision of fewer health care resources.

Methods. We conducted a prospective multicenter cohort study in 30 EDs in France. During 72 hours in March 2015, all homeless patients that visited the participating EDs were included in the study. The primary health care service measure was the order by the physician of a diagnostic investigation or provision of a treatment in the ED. Secondary measures of health care services included ED waiting time, number and type of investigations per patient, treatment in the ED, and discharge disposition.

Results. A total of 254 homeless patients and 254 nonhomeless patients were included. After excluding homeless patients that attended the ED for the sole purpose of housing, we analyzed 214 homeless and 214 nonhomeless. We found no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of health care resource consumption, and for our secondary endpoints.

Conclusions. We did not find significant differences in the level of medical care delivered in French EDs to homeless patients compared with matched nonhomeless patients.
Food Environments and Obesity: Household Diet Expenditure Versus Food Deserts
Authors: Chen Danhong , Jaenicke Edward C. , Volpe Richard J.
Published: March 2016

Objectives. To examine the associations between obesity and multiple aspects of the food environments, at home and in the neighborhood.

Methods. Our study included 38 650 individuals nested in 18 381 households located in 2104 US counties. Our novel home food environment measure, USDAScore, evaluated the adherence of a household’s monthly expenditure shares of 24 aggregated food categories to the recommended values based on US Department of Agriculture food plans. The US Census Bureau’s County Business Patterns (2008), the detailed food purchase information in the IRi Consumer Panel scanner data (2008–2012), and its associated MedProfiler data set (2012) constituted the main sources for neighborhood-, household-, and individual-level data, respectively.

Results. After we controlled for a number of confounders at the individual, household, and neighborhood levels, USDAScore was negatively linked with obesity status, and a census tract–level indicator of food desert status was positively associated with obesity status.

Conclusions. Neighborhood food environment factors, such as food desert status, were associated with obesity status even after we controlled for home food environment factors.
Barriers to Health Care Among Adults Identifying as Sexual Minorities: A US National Study
Authors: Dahlhamer James M. , Galinsky Adena M. , Joestl Sarah S. , Ward Brian W.
Published: March 2016

Objectives. To assess the extent to which lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults aged 18 to 64 years experience barriers to health care.

Methods. We used 2013 National Health Interview Survey data on 521 gay or lesbian (291 men, 230 women), 215 bisexual (66 men, 149 women), and 25 149 straight (11 525 men, 13 624 women) adults. Five barrier-to-care outcomes were assessed (delayed or did not receive care because of cost, did not receive specific services because of cost, delayed care for noncost reasons, trouble finding a provider, and no usual source of care).

Results. Relative to straight adults, gay or lesbian and bisexual adults had higher odds of delaying or not receiving care because of cost. Bisexual adults had higher odds of delaying care for noncost reasons, and gay men had higher odds than straight men of reporting trouble finding a provider. By contrast, gay or lesbian women had lower odds of delaying care for noncost reasons than straight women. Bisexual women had higher odds than gay or lesbian women of reporting 3 of the 5 barriers investigated.

Conclusions. Members of sexual minority groups, especially bisexual women, are more likely to encounter barriers to care than their straight counterparts.
Benzodiazepine Use and Hepatitis C Seroconversion in a Cohort of Persons Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Bach Paxton , Walton Geoffrey , Hayashi Kanna , Milloy M-J , Dong Huiru , Kerr Thomas , Montaner Julio , Wood Evan
Published: March 2016

Objectives. To examine the relationship between benzodiazepine (BZD) use and HCV seroconversion in 2 linked prospective cohorts of persons who inject drugs (PWID).

Methods. We examined prospective cohorts of 440 PWID (baseline BZD users: n = 102; 23.2%) from the AIDS Care Cohort to Evaluate Access to Survival Services (ACCESS) and the Vancouver Injection Drug Users Study (VIDUS) cohorts, followed-up from 1996 to 2013 in Vancouver, Canada.

Results. At baseline, the prevalence of HCV was higher among those who used BZD (80.5% vs 61.5%; P < .001). After adjustment, BZD use remained independently associated with increased rates of HCV seroconversion (adjusted rate ratio = 1.67; 95% confidence interval = 1.05, 2.66).

Conclusions. BZD use is independently associated with HCV seroconversion in a population of PWID.
Validity of Single-Item Screening for Limited Health Literacy in English and Spanish Speakers
Authors: Bishop Wendy Pechero , Craddock Lee Simon J. , Skinner Celette Sugg , Jones Tiffany M. , McCallister Katharine , Tiro Jasmin A.
Published: March 2016

Objectives. To evaluate 3 single-item screening measures for limited health literacy in a community-based population of English and Spanish speakers.

Methods. We recruited 324 English and 314 Spanish speakers from a community research registry in Dallas, Texas, enrolled between 2009 and 2012. We used 3 screening measures: (1) How would you rate your ability to read?; (2) How confident are you filling out medical forms by yourself?; and (3) How often do you have someone help you read hospital materials? In analyses stratified by language, we used area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves to compare each item with the validated 40-item Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults.

Results. For English speakers, no difference was seen among the items. For Spanish speakers, “ability to read” identified inadequate literacy better than “help reading hospital materials” (AUROC curve = 0.76 vs 0.65; P = .019).

Conclusions. The “ability to read” item performed the best, supporting use as a screening tool in safety-net systems caring for diverse populations. Future studies should investigate how to implement brief measures in safety-net settings and whether highlighting health literacy level influences providers’ communication practices and patient outcomes.
Removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution by Artist's Bracket fungi: kinetic and equilibrium studies
Authors: Naghipour Daryush , Taghavi Kamran , Moslemzadeh Mehrdad
Published: March 2016

In this study, adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye onto Artist's Bracket (AB) fungi was investigated in aqueous solution. Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate surface characteristic of AB fungi. Influence of operational parameters such as pH, contact time, biosorbent dosage, dye concentration, inorganic salts and temperature was studied on dye removal efficiency. With the increase of pH from 3 to 9, removal efficiency increased from 74.0% to 90.4%. Also, it reduced from 99.8% to 81.8% with increasing initial MB concentration from 25 mg L−1 to 100 mg L−1, whereas it increased from 54.7% to 98.7% and from 98.5% to 99.9% with increasing biosorbent dosage from 0.5 g L−1 to 2 g L−1 and with increasing temperature from 25 °C to 50 °C, respectively. Isotherm studies have shown adsorption of MB dye over the AB fungi had a better coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.98 for Langmuir isotherm. In addition, the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity (qm) was 100 mg g−1. Also, the MB dye adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetic. In general, AB fungi particles can be favorable for removal of MB dye from dye aqueous solution with natural pH and high temperature.
DUF1070 as a signature domain of a subclass of arabinogalactan peptides
Authors: Simonovic Ana , Dragicevic Milan , Bogdanovic Milica , Trifunovic-Momcilov Milana , Subotic Angelina , Todorovic Sladjana
Published: March 2016

Over 20% of all protein domains are currently annotated as ?domains of
unknown function? or DUFs. In a recently identified Centaurium erythraea
arabinogalactan peptide, CeAGP3 (AGN92423), a conserved DUF1070 domain was
found. Since identifying functions for DUFs is important in systems biology,
we have analyzed the distribution and structure of DUF1070 domain
(pfam06376) using a set of bioinformatics tools. There are 271 publically
available DUF1070 members from 25 diverse families of vascular plants, and
most are short sequences (50-100 aa). The N-terminal signal peptide (Nsp)
was found in almost all complete sequences. In 233 sequences, at least two
noncontiguous prolines were found as clustered dipeptides predicted to be
hydroxylated and glycosylated with type II arabino-3,6-galactans, thus
representing AG-II glycomodules. In addition, 35 sequences contained a
region rich in basic residues (basic linker, BL). The N-terminal part of the
DUF1070 domain is comprised of (part of) AG-II and/or BL, while the highly
conserved C-terminus is a region of 26 aa, termed SH26. In 212 sequences,
SH26 was a typical glycosylphosphatidylinositol lipid anchor signal peptide
(GPIsp), but in 83 cases GPIsp was not predicted due to software
constraints. In sequences where both Nsp and GPIsp were predicted, the
length of mature peptides could be calculated, and it was 10-16 aa. Our
analysis suggests that DUF1070 members are arabinogalactan (AG) peptides, of
which the majority are GPI-anchored. DUF1070 is the only conserved domain
found in classical arabinogalactan proteins and AG peptides. The SH26 region
can be used for mining and annotation of AG peptides.
A note on the biosynthesis of long-chain 3-methyl-2-alkanones from the root essential oil of Inula helenium L. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Gencic Marija , Radulovic Niko
Published: March 2016

A predominantly odd-numbered, Gaussian-like distribution of the relative
amounts of 3-methyl-2-alkanones, from I. helenium root essential oil, was
observed. This distribution pattern indicates that their biosynthesis is
related to that of fatty acids and related compounds. Simple (non-branched)
2-alkanones also show an odd carbon number prevalence in plants and other
organisms, and it was shown that their biosynthesis indeed proceeds via the
acetate pathway. In this paper, we propose three possible biosynthetic
pathways by which 3-methyl-2-alkanones could be formed in the plant tissues.
The essential distinction between them lies in the way the branching methyl
group is introduced. The Gaussian parameter ? for the observed distribution
of these ketones could be interpreted as the error introduced by the first
elongase enzyme system involved in the biosynthesis of fatty acid-derived
compounds.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil and solvent extracts of Mentha pulegium L.
Authors: Palic Ivan , Ickovski Jovana , Djordjevic Aleksandra , Mitic Violeta , Stankov-Jovanovic Vesna , Stojanovic Gordana
Published: March 2016

We report the total phenolic (TPC; expressed as gallic acid equivalents, GAE,
per milligram of dry extract weight) and the total flavonoid contents (TFC;
expressed as quercetin equivalents, QE, per milligram of dry extract weight)
and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil and hexane,
diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Mentha pulegium L.
(Lamiaceae) collected in Serbia. The total phenolic content was in the range
of 129.43-388.29 ?g GAE/mg, while TFC ranged from 57.81 to 160.94 QE/mg; the
highest TPC and TFC were found in the methanol extract. The antimicrobial
activity (against five bacteria and two fungi species) of the essential oil
and solvent extracts was assessed using disc-diffusion method. However, the
studied samples demonstrated a poor antimicrobial potential. The antioxidant
activity was screened using five different tests:
2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (DPPH),
2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical cation
decolorization assay (ABTS), total reducing power (TRP), ferric reducing
antioxidant power (FRAP) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assay
(CUPRAC); the methanol extract showed the strongest antioxidant potential.
The results of the different antioxidant assays were correlated mutually and
with the total flavonoid and total phenolic contents (regression analysis and
agglomerative hierarchical clustering).
Complete assignment of 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra of anthranilic acid and its hydroxy derivatives and salicylic acid and its amino derivatives
Authors: Miltojevic Ana , Radulovic Niko
Published: March 2016

We report on the detailed NMR spectral analyses of amino- or/and
hydroxy-substituted benzoic acids: anthranilic (AA), 3-hydroxyanthranilic
(3-HAA), 5-hydroxyanthranilic (5-HAA), salicylic (SA), 4-aminosalicylic
(4-ASA) and 5-aminosalicylic (5-ASA) acids. According to a literature survey,
there are limited, unassigned or even incorrectly assigned spectral data to
these benzoic acid derivatives. In order to amend the situation, a complete
assignment of 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra of these compounds, recorded in
perdeuteriodimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO-d6), based on a combination of 1D- and
2D-NMR experiments, including 1H-1H COSY, NOESY, HSQC and HMBC, was
performed.
Two-dimensional fluid modeling of DC glow discharge in argon at low pressure
Authors: Stankov M.N. , Jovanovic A.P. , Markovic V.Lj. , Stamenkovic S.N.
Published: March 2016

The modeling of DC glow discharge in argon at the pressure p = 1.5 Torr and
inter-electrode distance d = 1 cm was performed for different voltages and
glow currents. For the first time, argon glow discharge is modeled using a
two-dimensional (2D) fluid model with non-local ionization. A detailed
numerical procedure for 2D fluid modeling is given. The 2D profiles of
particle number densities and electric potential obtained from the fluid
model with non-local ionization and the simple fluid model are presented and
compared.
Effect of a geometric defect on light propagation through a composite linear photonic lattice
Authors: Kuzmanovic S. , Mancic A. , Stojanovic-Krasic M.
Published: March 2016

In this paper we investigated numerically light beam propagation through a
one-dimensional composite photonic lattice composed of two structurally
different lattices, with a geometric defect emerging at the interface between
the two of them. Depending on the initial light beam position with respect to
the geometric defect and the transverse tilt of the input beam, different
dynamical regimes have been identified. Presented results may be useful for
different applications, such as blocking, filtering and transporting light
beams through optical media.
Exercise Prevents Diet-Induced Cellular Senescence in Adipose Tissue
Authors: Schafer Marissa J. , White Thomas A. , Evans Glenda , Tonne Jason M. , Verzosa Grace C. , Stout Michael B. , Mazula Daniel L. , Palmer Allyson K. , Baker Darren J. , Jensen Michael D. , Torbenson Michael S. , Miller Jordan D. , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Tchkonia Tamara , van Deursen Jan M. , Kirkland James L. , LeBrasseur Nathan K.
Published: March 2016

Considerable evidence implicates cellular senescence in the biology of aging and chronic disease. Diet and exercise are determinants of healthy aging; however, the extent to which they affect the behavior and accretion of senescent cells within distinct tissues is not clear. Here we tested the hypothesis that exercise prevents premature senescent cell accumulation and systemic metabolic dysfunction induced by a fast-food diet (FFD). Using transgenic mice that express EGFP in response to activation of the senescence-associated p16INK4a promoter, we demonstrate that FFD consumption causes deleterious changes in body weight and composition as well as in measures of physical, cardiac, and metabolic health. The harmful effects of the FFD were associated with dramatic increases in several markers of senescence, including p16, EGFP, senescence-associated β-galactosidase, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) specifically in visceral adipose tissue. We show that exercise prevents the accumulation of senescent cells and the expression of the SASP while nullifying the damaging effects of the FFD on parameters of health. We also demonstrate that exercise initiated after long-term FFD feeding reduces senescent phenotype markers in visceral adipose tissue while attenuating physical impairments, suggesting that exercise may provide restorative benefit by mitigating accrued senescent burden. These findings highlight a novel mechanism by which exercise mediates its beneficial effects and reinforces the effect of modifiable lifestyle choices on health span.
An Epidemiological Study Of Mechanical Health Hazards Amongst Agricultural Workers In Rural India
Authors: Manwani Vijay Kumar , Pandey Sachin
Published: March 2016

Background: Agricultural work is subject to the health risks inherent to a rural environment and at the same time to those deriving from the specific work process involved. India being a country of agriculture, majority of its population is engaged in agriculture based activities in a varied manner either directly or indirectly. This sector of activity being most unorganized, very little attention has been given to the occupational health problems of these workers; though the need of investigation and intervention towards these problems has repeatedly been mentioned. Objective: 1)To find out the demographic distribution of agriculture related mechanical health hazards 2)To find out the magnitude of agriculture related mechanical health hazards 3) To find out the protective measures being used by the agricultural workers for the prevention of mechanical health hazards. 4) To give the necessary recommendations for the prevention of mechanical health hazards. Methods: It is a Cross-Sectional study. The study was conducted from the period of June 2009 to December 2011.. Data Collection: A pilot study was conducted on 10 patients. Data collection was done through asking questionnaire from the patients/relatives (AWs); clinical examination and clinical case records of the patients. Analysis of Data: Data was analyzed in the form of percentage (%) and presented in the tabular form. Chi- square (χ2) test was applied as a test of significance with the help of statistical software SPSS statistics (version- 17)Results: Out of total 53 cases 42 (79.25) were males and 11(20.75) were females. Majority (75.48%) of the respondents were hired laborers followed by own land workers (24.52%). Males (79.25%) were more addicted than females(20.75%). Majority of the cases were due to equipment/ instrument induced (64.15%), followed by animal induced (35.85%) injuries. It was revealed that maximum number of the cases (83.02%)were not using PPE and only 16.98% were using any kind of PPE.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2 (2014) 19– 23
Screening for cervical dysplasia and reproductive tract infections among coffee plantation workers in Kodagu District, Karnataka, India.
Authors: Ramesh Naveen , Dhanpal Nihkil , Victor Thaddeau , Nisha Cathrin
Published: March 2016

Background: Cervical dysplasia is a pre malignant condition and cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women in developing countries. This study was undertaken to coffee plantation workers to assess the prevalence of cervical dysplasia and reproductive tract infections (RTI) and its associated ethological factors among women aged 40 years and above.Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted among female plantation workers aged 40 years and above and employed in coffee estates in Kodagu District, Karnataka, India. The tools in this study included an interview schedule to help collect socio demographic details and the procedures included per vaginal and per speculum examination along with Pap smear test. Results: A total of 141 women aged 40 years and above were screened for cervical dysplasia and reproductive tract infections. The prevalence of cervical dysplasia on Pap smear was seven percent and that of RTI was 12.05%. In this study there was no statistically significant association between cervical dysplasia or RTI with socio demographic variables like age, education, per capita in-come, age at marriage, age at first pregnancy or number of children.Conclusion: The prevalence of cervical dysplasia on Pap smear was seven percent and that of RTI was 12.05%. Regular screening of women in the reproductive age group with Pap smear and prevention and treatment of both partners with RTI may help reduce the chances of developing cervical cancer.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2 (2014) 01 – 04
A cross-sectional study on the nutritional status and morbidity profile of tribal and non-tribal female brick-field workers of Paschim Medinipur district
Authors: Choudhury Sujata Maiti , Sabud Prasan , Maity Pralay , Bepari Madhubanti , Pradhan Ananya
Published: March 2016

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the socioeconomic, anthropometric status and health morbidity profile of tribal and non tribal female brick-field workers of Paschim Medinipur district. Study design: Assessment of socioeconomic, health and nutritional parameters were done using 300 tribal & non tribal brick-field female workers at the age group of 18-30 years after randomized sampling. Place and duration of study: The study was done in 30 brick-fields located in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal in the month of November and December, 2013 for a period of 60 days. Methodology: Through oral questionnaire methods, socioeconomic studies, health morbidity profile and dietary assessments were performed. Anthropometric parameters were measured by the conventional anthropometric methods.Results: From the study it was observed that most of the women workers were illiterate. Female workers of non tribal and tribal groups engaged in this industry were living below the poverty line and the tribal workers showed poor economic status than the non-tribal women workers. The female workers showed significant decrease in height, weight and body mass index, compared to the Indian national standard values. Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) was also significantly lower to the Indian national standard in both age groups of female workers. The intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate carotene, riboflavin, dietary fiber, calcium and iron were significantly lower compared to the standard ICMR RDA. Conclusion: The female workers engaged in brick manufacturing works are mostly illiterate, economically backward, which make them vulnerable to health insecurity. Malnutrition among tribal & non tribal female workers is a problem that has perhaps been under-recognized, and should now take greater priority.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2 (2014) 51 – 57
A post publication review of “Moving from evaluation to trial: How do SMEs start adopting cloud ERP?”
Authors: Lim Weng Marc
Published: March 2016

A short post publication review of a recent AJIS paper.
Simulating glacial lake outburst floods with a two-phase mass flow model
Authors: Kattel Parameshwari , Khattri Khim B. , Pokhrel Puskar R. , Kafle Jeevan , Tuladhar Bhadra Man , Pudasaini Shiva P.
Published: March 2016

To simulate a glacial lake outburst flood, we employ a comprehensive physically based general two-phase mass flow model (Pudasaini, 2012). This model accounts for a strong interaction between the solid and fluid phases and incorporates buoyancy and other dominant physical aspects of the mass flows such as enhanced non-Newtonian viscous stress, virtual mass force and generalized drag. Our real two-phase mass flow simulation describes explicit evolution of the solid and fluid phases and the debris bulk as a whole, akin to torrential debris flows or debris floods during glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The emptying of a lake following rapid collapse of a restraining dam, the consequent downslope motion of a mixed solid–fluid mass, and the tendency of the mass to form extruding plumes are analyzed in detail for different flow configurations, volumes, conduit geometries and boundary conditions. The solid and fluid phases evolve completely differently and reveal fundamentally different dynamical behaviours. During the flow, the relatively long fluid tail follows the solid-rich dense frontal surge head. The bulk debris develops into a frontal and side levee as derived from the initial frontal moraine dam. Results show that our high-resolution, unified simulation strategies and the advanced model equations can be applied to study the flow dynamics of a wide range of geophysical mass flows such as snow and rock–ice avalanches, debris flows and flash floods as well as GLOFs. This may help substantially in forming a basis for appropriate mitigation measures against potential natural hazards in high mountain slopes and valleys.
Using geochemical and isotopic chemistry to evaluate glacier melt contributions to the Chamkar Chhu (river), Bhutan
Authors: Williams Mark W. , Wilson Alana , Tshering Dendup , Thapa Pankaj , Kayastha Rijan B.
Published: March 2016

Water stored as ice and snow at high elevations is a resource that plays an important role in the hydrologic cycle, particularly in the timing and volume of downstream discharge. Here we use geochemical and isotopic values of water samples to evaluate relative contributions of melting glacier ice and groundwater to discharge in Bhutan. River water samples were collected between 3100 and 4500 m in the Chamkar Chhu (river) watershed of central Bhutan's Himalaya. Glacier ice and snow were sampled in the ablation zone of Thanagang glacier. Groundwater was parameterized from spring water at elevations of 3100 and 3600 m. Synoptic sampling was carried out in separate expeditions in July, August and late September 2014, to characterize monsoon and post-monsoon conditions. Results from a two-component hydrologic mixing model using isotopic and geochemical (sulphate) values show that the glacier outflow contributions decrease from ∼76% at 4500 m to 31% at 3100 m. A four-component hydrologic mixing model using end-member mixing analysis shows glacier ice melt increasing as a proportion of discharge over the 3 month sampling period, and consistently decreasing with distance downstream of Thanagang glacier terminus. These results indicate that isotopic and geochemical tracers can provide a quantitative evaluation of the source water contributions to streamflow in Bhutan.
Comparison of simulated powder snow avalanches with photogrammetric measurements
Authors: Dreier Lisa , Bühler Yves , Ginzler Christian , Bartelt Perry
Published: March 2016

Photogrammetric measurements of powder-cloud surfaces from large avalanches enable the observation of cloud evolution and dispersion as well as quantification of cloud velocities and powder volumes. Since 2002, a total of six large powder avalanches have been recorded at the test site, Vallée de la Sionne, Switzerland. The high-spatial-resolution photographs, acquired from two different observation angles, allow us to measure the velocity and height of plume-and-cleft structures on the powder-cloud surface. The photogrammetric measurements are supplemented by airborne laser scans of release, entrainment and deposition zones before and after the artificial avalanche release. Even though the precision of the photogrammetric measurements is limited, they are the best data available to test models of powder snow avalanche dynamics. The laser scan data capture initial and boundary conditions while time series of photogrammetric measurements provide insight into mechanisms driving blow-out formation and inertial propagation of the cloud. In this paper we present the experimental measurements and make direct comparisons with model simulations.
Meteorological conditions, seasonal and annual mass balances of Chhota Shigri Glacier, western Himalaya, India
Authors: Azam Mohd Farooq , Ramanathan AL. , Wagnon P. , Vincent C. , Linda A. , Berthier E. , Sharma P. , Mandal A. , Angchuk T. , Singh V.B. , Pottakkal J.G.
Published: March 2016

We present the updated glaciological mass balance (MB) of Chhota Shigri Glacier, the longest continuous annual MB record in the Hindu-Kush Karakoram Himalaya (HKH) region. Additionally, 4 years of seasonal MBs are presented and analyzed using the data acquired at an automatic weather station (AWS-M) installed in 2009 on a lateral moraine (4863ma.s.l.). The glaciological MB series since 2002 is first recalculated using an updated glacier hypsometry and then validated against geodetic MB derived from satellite stereo-imagery between 2005 (SPOT5) and 2014 (Pléiades). Chhota Shigri Glacier lost mass between 2002 and 2014 with a cumulative glaciological MB of –6.72mw.e. corresponding to a mean annual glacier-wide MB (Ba) of –0.56mw.e. a–1. Equilibrium-line altitude (ELA0) for the steady-state condition is calculated as ~4950ma.s.l., corresponding to an accumulation–area ratio (AAR0) of ~61%. Analysis of seasonal MBs between 2009 and 2013 with air temperature from AWS-M and precipitation from the nearest meteorological station at Bhuntar (1050ma.s.l.) suggests that the summer monsoon is the key season driving the interannual variability of Ba for this glacier. The intensity of summer snowfall events controls the Ba evolution via controlling summer glacier-wide MB (Bs).
Multi-Train Energy Saving for Maximum Usage of Regenerative Energy by Dwell Time Optimization in Urban Rail Transit Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Lin Fei , Liu Shihui , Yang Zhihong , Zhao Yingying , Yang Zhongping , Sun Hu
Published: March 2016

With its large capacity, the total urban rail transit energy consumption is very high; thus, energy saving operations are quite meaningful. The effective use of regenerative braking energy is the mainstream method for improving the efficiency of energy saving. This paper examines the optimization of train dwell time and builds a multiple train operation model for energy conservation of a power supply system. By changing the dwell time, the braking energy can be absorbed and utilized by other traction trains as efficiently as possible. The application of genetic algorithms is proposed for the optimization, based on the current schedule. Next, to validate the correctness and effectiveness of the optimization, a real case is studied. Actual data from the Beijing subway Yizhuang Line are employed to perform the simulation, and the results indicate that the optimization method of the dwell time is effective.
Pulse-Based Fast Battery IoT Charger Using Dynamic Frequency and Duty Control Techniques Based on Multi-Sensing of Polarization Curve
Authors: Yin Meng , Cho Jeonghun , Park Daejin
Published: March 2016

The pulse-based charging method for battery cells has been recognized as a fast and efficient way to overcome the shortcoming of a slow charging time in distributed battery cells, which is regarded as a connection of cells such as the Internet of Things (IoT). The pulse frequency for controlling the battery charge duration is dynamically controlled within a certain range in order to inject the maximum charge current into the battery cells. The optimal frequency is determined in order to minimize battery impedance. The adaptation of the proposed pulse duty and frequency decreases the concentration of the polarization by sensing the runtime characteristics of battery cells so that it guarantees a certain level of safety in charging the distributed battery cells within the operating temperature range of 5–45 °C. The sensed terminal voltage and temperature of battery cells are dynamically monitored while the battery is charging so as to adjust the frequency and duty of the proposed charging pulse method, thereby preventing battery degradation. The evaluation results show that a newly designed charging algorithm for the implemented charger system is about 18.6% faster than the conventional constant-current (CC) charging method with the temperature rise within a reasonable range. The implemented charger system, which is based on the proposed dynamic frequency and duty control by considering the cell polarization, charges to about 80% of its maximum capacity in less than 56 min and involves a 13 °C maximum temperature rise without damaging the battery.