bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turkish teachers’ views on acceleration
Authors: Kanlı Esra
Published: October 2020

Acceleration provides positive outcomes methodically yet; people still have wrong beliefs about it.  Thus, it is considered to be an important aim to reveal the views of teachers about acceleration in Turkey, which have limited opportunities for academic acceleration in educational settings. In order to understand teachers’ views on acceleration an online survey was developed. The survey consisted from four parts including demographic information, opinion questions, knowledge self-assessment about types of acceleration and a 22-item questionnaire about views on acceleration. The study group consisted from 122 teachers and they were from various regions in Turkey. Data indicated there were no differences in attitudes among teachers from different gender or years of professional experience. Moreover, it was found that teacher’ supported the implementation of acceleration in gifted education. Teachers’ who had experiences with accelerated learners in their professional life were more knowledgeable and hold more positive beliefs towards acceleration. In accordance with the related literature, the teachers were more concerned about social issues and least concerned about academic issues related to acceleration. These results highlighted the importance of teacher training regarding gifted learners and gifted education.

Keywords: Acceleration, teachers’ attitudes, gifted education, gifted and talented
Educational communication skills and their problems among students of Princess Rahma University College at Al-Balqa applied university
Authors: Alomari Jamal Fawaz
Published: October 2020

The study aims to determine the reality of practicing educational communication skills among students at Princess Rahma University College (Al-Balqa Applied University) and the problems they face in practicing communication skills. The researcher used the descriptive method and a questionnaire consisting of two parts: the student’s communication skills and the communication problems they face. The researcher used the statistical analysis program SPSS to extract the results which were applied to Cluster random sample of (145) male and female students with the percentage of 14% of the sample population. The results showed that the degree of practicing communication skills among the students at Princess Rahma University College was (moderate), while the most practiced skill was the speaking skill and the least was understanding and accepting others. the results also indicate that there are significant problems in educational communication among students of Princess Rahma University College that came to a high degree, where the field of the university environment came in the first place, followed by the field of study materials, while the field of faculty members came in the last place. The study found that there are statistically significant differences in the degree of the existence of educational communication problems among the students of Princess Rahma University College due to gender, academic level, and specialization variables. The research recommended constructing a new building for the college, providing classrooms with electronic educational devices, and developing the content of the study materials.

Keywords: communication problems, Princess Rahma University College, Al-Balqa Applied University.
Alternative learning system program's implementation landscape of a division in the Philippines
Authors: Abad Grace , Galleto Patrick
Published: October 2020

The study aimed to determine the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program's implementation landscape in the Division of Dapitan City, Philippines, through the support mechanism's lens to instruction, teachers' attitude, and best practices.  It utilized survey and correlational methods of research using a questionnaire checklist.  Results revealed that ALS instruction's high support mechanism was small and positively low but significantly related to the teachers' highly positive attitudes towards work and the teachers' best practices in implementing the program.  However, room for more significant improvement is deemed essential to raise the high to very high support since the teachers as implementers of the program possessed high disposition and registered best practices in embracing the program's implementation in the city. Hence, the division's administration should look for the best ways to raise funds and not rely only on the government's budget.  The effort may be moderated by the proposed Enhanced Alternative Learning System Development Plan.       

 

Keywords: Support mechanism, attitude, best practices
A phenomenon of hardiness as an integral feature of personal potential
Authors: Kalinina Natalia V. , Solovyova Alla V. , Popova Tatyana A. , Levina Irina D. , Gorbunova Larisa N. , Ignatov Sergey
Published: October 2020

The paper is devoted to the study of the phenomenon of hardiness as an integral characteristic of personal potential. The topicality of this problem is determined by the fact that in the process of socialization and personal development, each person faces the need to overcome certain life difficulties: psychological crises, stressful situations, the effects of external social negative factors, and many others. Moreover, due to specific features of psychic processes, an individual always strives to overcome difficulties in the most effective and least burdensome way. Not only the psychological well-being of a person, but also the harmonious existence of the whole society depends on the choice of one or another method of coping behavior (constructive or destructive). The paper presents the results of a study of the interrelationship between the level of subjective control, the spheres of motivation and needs, values and meaning of a person’s personality and the development level of a person’s hardiness. The paper contains the results of the theoretical and methodological analysis of domestic and foreign literature on the research topic; the results of a comprehensive diagnosis of the level of hardiness development of a person and hardiness in different life situations; specific features of subjective control, the spheres of motivation and needs, values and meaning of an individual’s personality and their relationship with the hardiness development level. It has been proved that people with different levels of hardiness have: different levels of subjective control (in people with a high level of hardiness, the level of subjective control is higher); a different value and meaning frame of an individual’s personality (hierarchy and structure of personal values and meanings depends on the level of hardiness); different levels of positive and negative motivation (motivation for success and motivation for failure). The conclusions have been drawn that hardiness has its own structure and turns out to be a key personality variable, mediating the influence of external (stressful) factors on a person, as well as on the success of activity.
Keywords: hardiness, coping behavior, personal potential, subjective control, sphere of motivation and needs, sphere of values and meaning.
NEKI ASPEKTI PONAŠANJA DJECE RAZVEDENIH RODITELJA – ZAPAŽANJA UČITELJA
Authors: Zloković Jasminka , Veljačić Mia
Published: October 2020

S obzirom na učestalost razvoda brakova na čitavom prostoru Europske unije, pa i šire, cilj istraživanja bio je ispitati neke uočene promjene u ponašanju djece razvedenih roditelja te važnost uloge učitelja razredne nastave u procesu prilagodbe djeteta na nastalu obiteljsku situaciju. Istraživanje je provedeno na uzorku učitelja razredne nastave iz raznih dijelova Hrvatske (Primorsko-goranska županija, Brodsko-posavska županija, Koprivničko-križevačka županija, Grad Zagreb). Podaci su se prikupljali uz pomoć anketnog upitnika. Rezultati zapažanja učitelja su pokazali kako razvod roditelja nije uzrokovao promjene u eksternaliziranim ponašanjima i školskom uspjehu djece, ali su zapažene promjene u dijelu emocionalnih reakcija (strah), internaliziranih ponašanja (plašljivost) te odnosa s drugim osobama (povlačenje u sebe). Osim toga, varijable dob, spol, prisutnost nasilja u obitelji za vrijeme i/ili nakon razvoda, konfliktni razvod, održavanje redovitih kontakata s roditeljem s kojim dijete ne živi te kvaliteta suradnje učitelja i roditelja, pokazali su se statistički značajnim. Uspostavljanje veze jednog roditelja (s kojim dijete živi) s novim partnerom nije se pokazalo značajnim prediktorom promjena u nekim aspektima ponašanja djece. Rezultati istraživanja mogu predstavljati solidnu osnovu za daljnje razvijanje strukturiranih protokola u praćenju razvoja ponašanja i napredovanja djece u njihovoj ranijoj razvojnoj dobi kao jednom od značajnih perioda u životu svakog čovjeka.
Allergic Manifestation in Paediatric Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases
Authors: Pawłowska Joanna , Sobocińska Agnieszka , Kałuzińska-Parzyszek Izabela , Jerzyńska Joanna , Brzozowska Agnieszka
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) are a diverse group of rare genetic disorders that affect the development and/or function of the immune system. Affected individuals are predisposed to an increased rate and severity of infections, allergy, autoimmunity and malignancy. Primary immunodeficiency diseases are considered rare; physicians and general practitioners have little knowledge about the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and health impact of PID. Many PID patients have a clinical history in favour of allergic diseases. Nevertheless, in these patients, the importance and prevalence of atopic disorders have not been completely explained.
Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate atopic presentations, including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma in a group of PID patients under the care of our clinic.
Material and Methods. Fifty-seven pediatric patients with PID primary immunodeficiency diseases were enrolled from March 2018 to April 2019. Serum IgE levels were measured. Information regarding the patient’s history of allergic diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis were analysed.
Results and Conclusions. Confirmed allergy/asthma was found in 40 patients (70%). Thirty-eight patients (66.7%) had a diagnosis of asthma, 7 patients (12.3%) of allergic rhinitis and 13 (22.8%) of atopic dermatitis. Serum IgE total level was elevated in 12 patients (21%).
Conditional Mixture Model and Its Application for Regression Model
Authors: Nguyen Loc
Published: October 2020

Expectation maximization (EM) algorithm is a powerful mathematical tool for estimating statistical parameter when data sample contains hidden part and observed part. EM is applied to learn finite mixture model in which the whole distribution of observed variable is average sum of partial distributions. Coverage ratio of every partial distribution is specified by the probability of hidden variable. An application of mixture model is soft clustering in which cluster is modeled by hidden variable whereas each data point can be assigned to more than one cluster and degree of such assignment is represented by the probability of hidden variable. However, such probability in traditional mixture model is simplified as a parameter, which can cause loss of valuable information. Therefore, in this research I propose a so-called conditional mixture model (CMM) in which the probability of hidden variable is modeled as a full probabilistic density function (PDF) that owns individual parameter. CMM aims to extend mixture model. I also propose an application of CMM which is called adaptive regressive model (ARM). Traditional regression model is effective when data sample is scattered equally. If data points are grouped into clusters, regression model tries to learn a unified regression function which goes through all data points. Obviously, such unified function is not effective to evaluate response variable based on grouped data points. The concept “adaptive” of ARM means that ARM solves the ineffectiveness problem by selecting the best cluster of data points firstly and then evaluating response variable within such best cluster. In order words, ARM reduces estimation space of regression model so as to gain high accuracy in calculation.
Probing the Analytical Cancelation Factor of Short Scale Gravity Waves Using Na Lidar and Nightglow Data from the Andes Lidar Observatory
Authors: Vargas Fabio , Fuentes Javier , Vega Pedro , Navarro Luis , Swenson Gary
Published: October 2020

The cancelation factor (CF) is a model for the ratio between gravity wave perturbations in the airglow intensity to that in the ambient temperature. The CF model allows to estimate the momentum and energy flux of gravity waves seen in nightglow images as well as the divergence of these fluxes due to waves propagating through the mesosphere and lower thermosphere region, where the nightglow and the Na layers are located. This study uses a set of T/W Na Lidar data and zenith nightglow image observations of the OH and O(1S) emissions to test and validate the CF model from the experimental perspective. The dataset analyzed was obtained during campaigns carried out at the Andes Lidar Observatory (ALO), Chile in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The CF modeled function was compared with observed points from an empirical method for vertically propagating waves that calculates directly the ratio of the gravity wave amplitude seen in nightglow images to the wave amplitude seen in lidar temperatures. We show that the CF analytical relationship underestimates the observed results generally. However, the O(1S) emission line has better agreement respect to the theoretical value due to simpler nightglow photochemistry. In contrast, the observed CF ratio from the OH emission deviates by a factor of two from the modeled asymptotic value.
Unpacking the Nexus between Policy Field, Risk Management and Environmental Externalities in Adaptation Planning: The Case of Smallholder Farmer Production Systems, Western Kenya
Authors: Volenzo Tom , Odiyo john
Published: October 2020

The urgency to address the adverse impacts of climate change on livelihoods and ecosystems has seen an increase in global driven initiatives. However, shifting vulnerabilities associated with land use resource based adaptation and maladaptive feedback loops they create have been given low attention. Policy discourses that frame adaptation as a local responsibility and bias towards reducing industrial Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the expense of Agricultural emissions across scale are thought to account for the undesirable situation. This calls for a reflective policy framework and climate policy innovation. We provide counter arguments using Drivers, Pressure, State, Impact, Response (DPSIR) model and telecoupling principles to suggest use of resilience as an integrative lens in visualising the proposal. Using a case study on resource constrained smallholder dairy production systems, western Kenya, we analyse the critical issues in the context of decision making and environmental externalities. The effect of price risks on dairy cattle feeding strategies and ultimately carbon footprints and ecoefficiencies were examined through methane simulation and gross margin analysis (GM). The lowest ecoefficiency was associated with exclusively local coping strategies i.e. Maize Stover (Ms), while the highest ecoefficiency was observed in feeding strategies that utilise external resources and/or legume fodders. We conclude that management of externalities need to capture institutional, economic processes and incentive systems, as well as organizational and policy coherence to shape the interests and behaviour of individual land user. In particular, policy innovation should focus on price and market risks as critical factors that mediate actor decision making at implementation level as they impact GHG emissions which transcend individual decision boundaries.
A Parallel Meta-Heuristic Approach to Reduce Vehicle Travel Time in Smart Cities
Authors: Rico-Garcia Hector , Sanchez-Romero Jose-Luis , Jimeno-Morenilla Antonio , Migallon-Gomis Hector
Published: October 2020

The development of the smart city concept and the inhabitants’ need to reduce travel time, as well as society’s awareness of the reduction of fuel consumption and respect for the environment, lead to a new approach to the classic problem of the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) applied to urban environments. This problem can be formulated as “Given a list of geographic points and the distances between each pair of points, what is the shortest possible route that visits each point and returns to the departure point?” Nowadays, with the development of IoT devices and the high sensoring capabilities, a large amount of data and measurements are available, allowing researchers to model accurately the routes to choose. In this work, the purpose is to give solution to the TSP in smart city environments using a modified version of the metaheuristic optimization algorithm TLBO (Teacher Learner Based Optimization). In addition, to improve performance, the solution is implemented using a parallel GPU architecture, specifically a CUDA implementation.
Analisis Kemampuan Representasi Matematis Siswa dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Cerita Program Linear
Authors: Azka M  , Nurhaida  , Nurul Ikhsan Karimah
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana kemampuan representasi matematis siswa dalam menyelesaikan soal-soal cerita yang berkaitan dengan program linear. Adapun yang menjadi latar belakang penelitian ini adalah karena kemampuan representasi matematis merupakan kemampuan yang perlu dimiliki oleh setiap siswa dalam menghadapi berbagai permasalahan kehidupan sehari-hari. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kualitatif dengan sampelnya adalah siswa MAN 1 Kabupaten Cirebon kelas XI IIS 1 sebanyak 34 orang. Instrumen dalam penelitian ini berupa tes kemampuan represenasi matematis sebanyak 2 butir soal uraian yang disesuaikan dengan indikator. Dari hasil penelitian ini diperoleh kesimpulan bahwa (1) kemampuan representasi visual siswa berupa tabel pada materi program linear termasuk dalam kriteria tinggi dengan persentase 84,37% dan rata-rata skor 25,31; (2) kemampuan representasi persamaan matematis siswa berupa model matematika pada materi program linear termasuk dalam kriteria sedang dengan persentase 65,9% dan rata-rata skor 13,18; (3) kemampuan representasi kata-kata siswa berupa langkah-langkah penyelesaian masalah termasuk dalam kriteria rendah dengan persentase 47,44% dan rata-rata skor 23,72; dan (4) kemampuan representasi matematis siswa secara keseluruhan pada materi program linear termasuk dalam kriteria sedang dengan persentase 64,08 dan rata-rata skor 64,08.
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran M-APOS Berbantuan Portal Rumah Belajar terhadap Kemampuan Pemahaman Konsep Matematis Siswa di SMKN 26 Jakarta
Authors: Rizka A  , Pinta Deniyanti Sampoerno  , Pinta Deniyanti Sampoerno  , Aris Hadiyan Wijaksana
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah penerapan model pembelajaran M-APOS berbantuan Portal Rumah Belajar dapat mempengaruhi kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematis siswa di SMKN 26 Jakarta. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif, dengan metode quasi experiment. Desain yang digunakan adalah Posttest-only Control Design. Populasinya adalah seluruh siswa kelas X di SMKN 26 Jakarta. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik purposive sampling dan cluster random sampling. Kelas X TMPO 2 sebagai kelas eksperimen dan kelas X TMPO 1 sebagai kelas kontrol. berdasarkan hasil pengujian menggunakan uji t’ diperoleh rata-rata kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematis siswa kelas eksperimen lebih tinggi daripada kelas kontrol. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh model pembelajaran M-APOS berbantuan Portal Rumah Belajar terhadap kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematis siswa di SMKN 26 Jakarta.
Upaya Meningkatkan Kemampuan Pemahaman Konsep Matematika Siswa dengan Model Pembelajaran Jigsaw Berbantuan Geogebra di Kelas XI IPS 1 SMA Diponegoro 1 Jakarta
Authors: Ananda Muhamad Irfany , Makmuri  , Lukman El Hakim
Published: October 2020

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peningkatan kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematika siswa kelas XI melalui model pembelajaran jigsaw berbantuan geogebra di SMA Diponegoro 1 Jakarta dengan subjek penilitian siswa kelas XI, dengan jumlah siswa 25 orang yang terdiri dari 13 siswa laki-laki dan 12 siswa perempuan. Subjek penelitian diambil secara acak purposive. Prosedur pelaksanaan tindakan merupakan suatu siklus yang terdiri dari 4 (empat) tahap yaitu: 1) Perencanaan, 2) Pelaksanaan, 3) Analisis, dan 4) Refleksi. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan observasi dan evaluasi tes. Hasil observasi aktivitas menunjukkan bahwa adanya peningkatan pada setiap siklus. Hal ini berdasarkan hasil rata-rata nilai tes akhir tiap siklus, pada siklus I nilai rata-rata 64,44, mengalami peningkatan pada siklus II menjadi 65,9, kemudian meningkat kembali pada siklus III menjadi 75,7. Kemudian pada siklus I hanya 32% siswa yang memperoleh nilai kriteria ketuntasan minimal (KKM), pada siklus II meningkat menjadi 44% dan pada siklus III meningkat menjadi 80%.

Kata kunci: Kemampuan Pemahaman Konsep Matematika, Model Pembelajaran Jigsaw, Geogebra.
Pengaruh Pendekatan Matematika Realistik Indonesia (PMR) terhadap Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis Siswa pada Materi Bilangan
Authors: Rahmadan Intan Ba'ih
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui terdapat atau tidaknya pengaruh Pendekatan Matematika Realistik Indonesia (PMRI) terhadap kemampuan koneksi matematis siswa pada materi bilangan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dan menggunakan metode penelitian eksperimen jenis Quasi Experimental Design. Populasi Penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas VII SMP Negeri 9 Kota Bekasi. Sampel yang diteliti sebanyak 70. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik Cluster Random Sampling. Dalam penelitian ini pengumpulan data menggunakan instrumen kemampuan koneksi matematis. Uji coba instrumen dilakukan di SMP Negeri 30 Kota Bekasi. Sebelum data dianalisis, terlebih dahulu dilakukan uji persyaratan yaitu uji normalitas dengan menggunakan uji Lilliefors, dan homogenitas dengan menggunakan uji Fisher. Berdasarkan hasil analisis menggunakan uji-t menghasilkan sebesar 6,9050 dan sebesar 1,6700 yang mengakibatkan H0 ditolak pada taraf signifikan 0,05 dengan Effect Size sebesar 1,3950 yang tergolong tinggi. Oleh karena itu, hasil penelitian ini memiliki kesimpulan bahwa terdapat pengaruh Pendekatan Matematika Realistik Indonesia (PMRI) terhadap kemampuan koneksi matematis siswa pada materi bilangan
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Kooperatif Tipe Think Talk Write (TTW) dengan Pendekatan Kontekstual terhadap Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis Siswa SMP Negeri 97 Jakarta
Authors: Rafidah Rana , Purwanto Swida , Dwi Antari Wijayanti
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah terdapat pengaruh model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe Think Talk Write (TTW) dengan pendekatan kontekstual terhadap kemampuan koneksi matematis siswa SMP Negeri 97 Jakarta. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah eksperimen semu dengan desain penelitian yaitu Posttest Only Control Group Design. Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 97 Jakarta, sedangkan sampelnya yaitu siswa kelas VIII-E sebagai kelas kontrol yang menerapkan model pembelajara langsung dan siswa kelas VIII-F sebagai kelas eksperimen yang menerapkan model pembelaran kooperatif tipe Think Talk Write (TTW) dengan pendekatan kontekstual. Instrumen yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah tes kemampuan koneksi matematis pada materi sistem persamaan linear dua variable berupa uraian sebanyak lima butir soal yang sebelumnya sudah dinyatakan valid. Analisis data menggunakan uji-t untuk dua sampel independen dengan taraf signifikansi  pada data yang berdistribusi normal dan homogen. Berdasarkan hasil perhitungan diperoleh  dan  sehingga  maka  ditolak yang berarti rata-rata skor tes kemampuan koneksi matematis siswa kelas eksperimen lebih tinggi dari kelas kontrol. Pengujian dilanjutkan dengan Cohen-Test untuk melihat besar pengaruh model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe Think Talk Write (TTW) dengan pendekatan kontekstual terhadap kemampuan koneksi matematis siswa. Berasarkan hasil perhitungan, diperoleh nilai  dengan persentasi 88% yang berada pada kategori besar. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa model pembelajaran Think Talk Write (TTW) dengan pendekatan kontekstual berpengaruh terhadap kemampuan koneksi matematis siswa SMP Negeri 97 Jakarta.
ОСОБЕННОСТИ ИММУННОГО РЕАГИРОВАНИЯ НА ВИРУС SARS-COV-2.
Authors: Гришаева Антонина , Турапова Александра , Понежева Жанна , Алешина Нина , Малеев Виктор
Published: October 2020

Клинические проявления новой коронавирусной инфекции разнообразны, от бессимптомного течения до развития острого респираторного дистресс-синдрома и мультиорганной дисфункции. В настоящее время доказано, что тяжесть состояния коррелирует с повышением уровня воспалительных цитокинов, таких как IL6, IL2, IL7, IL10,

GCSF, IP10, MCP1, MIP1A и TNFa. Данное явление получило название «цитокинового шторма». В данном обзоре рассмотрены современные представления об особенностях иммунного ответа на SARS-COV2.
Numerical analysis of weak acoustic shocks in aperiodic array of rigid scatterers
Authors: Muhlestein Michael , Hart Carl
Published: October 2020

Nonlinear propagation of shock waves through periodic structures have the potential to exhibit interesting phenomena. Frequency content of the shock that lies within a bandgap of the periodic structure is strongly attenuated, but nonlinear frequency-frequency interactions pumps energy back into those bands. To investigate the relative importance of these propagation phenomena, numerical experiments using the Khokhlov-Zabolotskaya-Kuznetsov (KZK) equation are carried out. Two-dimensional propagation through a periodic array of rectangular waveguides is per-formed by iteratively using the output of one waveguide as the input for the next waveguide. Comparison of the evolution of the initial shock wave for both the linear and nonlinear cases is presented.
Army Installations of the Future Industry Day 2019 : summary report
Authors: Marrano Lance , Koster Anne , Wolters Susan , Bartels Louis , Chu Imes , Clark Brian , Patel Tapan , Westervelt Eileen , Andsager Irene , Wallace Sean
Published: October 2020

The Army Installations of the Future Industry Day was held on 23 May 2019 at the Renaissance Capital View hotel in Arlington, VA to identify the availability and maturity of specific commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) “smart installation” capabilities, technologies, and products; and to seek interest from industry in exploring potential approaches, requirements, standards, and/or specifications for pilot demonstrations at Army installations focused on 10 use-case technology areas. The Industry Day event included approximately 336 participants comprised of Academia (5), Industry (226), and Government (105). This report presents “road maps” that outline the Army’s desired outcomes for the target technology areas and potential pilot technology demonstrations.
Wildlife and Ecotourism Contributions for Sustainable Natural Resource Management In and Around Bale Mountains National Park, Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Ertiban Sefi Mekonen , Maru Belay
Published: October 2020

Wildlife and ecotourism resources were assessed in and around Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) to examine their contribution for sustainable use of natural resources which will improve the livelihood of local communities and conservation of park. Survey questionnaires, interview, field observation and literature reviews were employed to collect primary and secondary data. The analyses of the study revealed that natural and cultural resources such as abundance and diversity of mammals and birds, scenic landscape, cultural and historical attractions and some hotels or lodges at nearby areas are the main ecotourism potential in BMNP. The study also revealed some income generating alternatives or ecotourism potentials which could help to reduce the present degradations of natural resources of the park. About 37.2% of sampled households expressed their interests for diversified livelihood or ecotourism activities. Offering tourist facilities and services and creating job opportunities for members of local communities are the positive impacts of the tourism activities whereas, cutting trees, occurrences of seasonality and leakages are the negative impacts. Reinforcing existing off-agricultural livelihoods, introducing additional alternative options or ecotourism are important strategic directions for sustainable management of natural resources for BMNP and related protected areas.
Professionals’ perceptions of the establishment of a specialized brief therapy unit in a district psychiatric centre - a qualitative study.
Authors: Markussen Hilde Våbenø , Aasdahl Lene , Rise Marit By
Published: October 2020

Background: Increasing mental health problems and scarce treatment resources put pressure on mental health services to make innovations in service provision, such as developing differentiated services adapted to different needs. One innovation in differentiated service provision is brief or short-term treatment to patients with moderate mental health problems. Implementing a new unit in an organization usually faces many potential barriers and facilitators, and knowledge on how the professionals providing the services perceive the implementation of innovative approaches in mental health services is scarce. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the professionals’ perceptions of how the establishment of a specialized brief therapy unit had affected the organization, especially the everyday work in the outpatient clinics. Methods: Eleven professionals, five men and six women, took part in individual interviews. All participants were between 40 and 60 years old and had leading or coordinating positions in the organization. Their professional backgrounds were within psychology, nursing and medicine, most of them specialists in their field. Data was analyzed according to Systematic text condensation Results: The professionals’ experiences represented four main themes: (1) The brief therapy unit was perceived as successful and celebrated. (2) The general outpatient clinics, on the other hand, were described as “forgotten”. (3) The establishment process had elucidated different views on treatment in the outpatient clinics - and had set off (4) a discussion regarding the criteria for prioritizing in mental health services. Conclusion: Providing targeted treatment to patients with moderate mental health problems, while having a concurrent aim to solve broader problems in mental health services, entails a discussion regarding resource use and the appropriate level of treatment provision. Professionals should be more involved when innovative efforts are implemented, and the criteria for success must be conceptualized and evaluated. Longitudinal research on the implementation of innovative efforts in the services should include professionals’ and service users’ perspectives.
WNK1 Antagonist Decreased Sevoflurane-induced Neurotoxicity in HT22 Hippocampal Neurons via the WNK1/NKCC1 Signalling Pathway
Authors: Bai Ya-Fan , Li Wen-Jing , Zhang Li , Li Jun-Fa , An Li-Xin
Published: October 2020

Background: . The GABAAR plays an important role in the neurotoxicity caused by sevoflurane, but the mechanism of its regulation in this context is unknown. The present study aimed to reveal the WNK1/NKCC1 pathway as a regulator of the neurotoxicity caused by sevoflurane on the HT22 hippocampal neuron cell line. Methods: HT22 cultured hippocampal neurons were divided into three groups: control group, 4.1% sevoflurane treatment group for 6h, WNK-463 (specific antagonist of WNK1, 1µmol) + sevoflurane treatment group. Cell viability and the optimum concentration of WNK-463 were measured by MTS method. Cell apoptosis was detected by Tunel method, and the content of cleaved caspase-3 protein apoptosis factor was detected by Western blot. Pathway protein detection including the expression of WNK1, NKCC1 were detected. Calcium imaging measures intracellular calcium ion concentration and verifies downstream targets.Results: The neurotoxic effects of sevoflurane on hippocampal neurons were observed. As setting the results of control group is “1”, compared with sevoflurane group, WNK-463 downregulated the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 (1.96±0.49 vs 1.29±0.38), increased cell viability (0.68 vs 0.96) and decreased apoptosis (13.31±4.67/vision vs 7.05±3.82/vision, ***P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, sevoflurane treatment increased the expression of WNK1 kinase and NKCC1 protein, whereas WNK-463 reversed this increase without affecting the control HT22 cells (****P < 0.0001). Compared with the control group, sevoflurane exposure in HT22 cells increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, while WNK-463 reversed this change (1.0 vs 2.08±1.36 vs 1.26±0.77, **P < 0.01). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a neuroprotective role of the WNK1 antagonist WNK-463 in sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity. WNK-463 promoted hippocampal neuron viability and reduced the apoptosis and intracellular calcium overload caused by sevoflurane on HT22 hippocampal neurons, possibly via the modulation of the WNK1/NKCC1 pathway.
Medication-related problems among hospitalized pregnant women in a tertiary teaching hospital in Ethiopia: A prospective observational study
Authors: AHMED SEID MUSSA , Sundby Johanne , Aragaw Yesuf Ahmed , Nordeng Hedvig
Published: October 2020

Background Studies on medication-related problems (MRPs) among pregnant women are scarce, despite the potential consequences for both mother and child. This study aimed to describe the prevalence, clinical significance, and risk factors for MRPs among hospitalized pregnant or postpartum women at Jimma University Medical Centre (JUMC) in Ethiopia. Methods A prospective follow-up and clinical audit of 1,117 hospitalized pregnant or postpartum women in the maternity and gynaecology wards at JUMC was carried out between February and June 2017. Patients were followed throughout their stay in the hospital to assess the presence and development of MRPs. Pre-tested data extraction form and an interview-guided structured questionnaire were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to describe MRPs. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with MRPs. Results One or more MRPs occurred among 323 (28.9%) study participants, mostly in relation to lack of iron supplementation. A total of 278 (70.6%) of all MRPs were considered to be of moderate to high clinical significance. When excluding MRPs due to iron from the analysis, chronic disease (adjusted OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.02, 3.58), medication use prior to admission (adjusted OR 2.38; 95% CI 1.24, 4.56), nulliparity (adjusted OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.22, 3.24) and multiparity (adjusted OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.17, 3.12) were significantly associated with experiencing an MRP. Conclusions Nearly 3 out of 10 hospitalized pregnant women at JUMC had one or more MRPs. The need for additional iron therapy was by far the most common type of MRP. Improved adherence to guidelines on iron supplementation are required. Multidisciplinary approaches including physicians, nurses, anesthesia professionals and clinical pharmacists in the maternity and gynaecology wards could possibly prevent MRPs and promote patient safety for women and children.
Clinical effect of minimally invasive surgery for inguinal cryptorchidism
Authors: Wang Yunjin , Chen Liu , Cui Xu , Zhou Chaoming , Zhou Qing , Zhang Zhengmian
Published: October 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of minimally invasive surgery for inguinal cryptorchidism.Methods: The patients were divided into the minimally invasive surgery group (n=100) and the traditional surgery group (n=58). In the minimally invasive surgery group, patients with low inguinal cryptorchidism (n=54) underwent surgery with a transscrotal incision, and patients with high inguinal cryptorchidism (n=46) underwent laparoscopic surgery.Results: For low inguinal cryptorchidism, the operative duration in the minimally invasive surgery group was significantly shorter than that in the traditional surgery group (P<0.05). For high inguinal cryptorchidism, there was no difference in the operative duration, the postoperative hospital stay duration or hospital costs between the two groups (P>0.05). Additionally, there were no cases of testicular atrophy, testicular retraction, inguinal hernia or hydrocele in either group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of poor wound healing between the two groups (P>0.05). Although there was no significant difference in the incidence of scrotal hematoma between the two groups (P>0.05), the incidence in the minimally invasive surgery group was higher than that in the traditional surgery group.Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery including a transscrotal incision for low inguinal cryptorchidism and laparoscopic surgery for high inguinal cryptorchidism is as safe and effective as traditional surgery, and could also provide a good cosmetic effect for children.
Comparison of Methylation Capture Sequencing and Infinium EPIC Methylation Array in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Shu Chang , Zhang Xinyu , Aouizerat Bradley E. , Xu Ke
Published: October 2020

Background: Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) have been widely applied to identify methylation CpG sites associated with human disease. To date, the Infinium Methylation EPIC array (EPIC) is commonly used for high-throughput DNA methylation profiling. However, the EPIC array covers only 30% of the human methylome. Methylation Capture bisulfite sequencing (MC-seq) captures target regions of methylome and has advantages of extensive coverage in the methylome at an affordable price. Methods: Epigenome-wide DNA methylation in four peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples was profiled by using SureSelectXT Methyl-Seq for MC-seq and EPIC platforms separately. CpG site-based reproducibility of MC-seq was assessed with DNA sample inputs ranging in quantity of high (> 1000ng), medium (300-1000ng), and low (150ng-300ng). To compare the performance of MC-seq and the EPIC arrays, we conducted a Pearson correlation and methylation value difference at each CpG site that was detected by both MC-seq and EPIC. We compared the percentage and counts in each CpG island and gene annotation between MC-seq and the EPIC array. Results: After quality control, an average of 3,708,550 CpG sites per sample was detected by MC-seq with DNA quantity >1000ng. Reproducibility of MC-seq detected CpG sites was high with strong correlation estimates for CpG methylation among samples with high, medium, and low DNA inputs (r > 0.96). The EPIC array captured an average of 846,464 CpG sites per sample. Compared with the EPIC array, MC-seq detected more CpGs in coding regions and CpG islands. Among the 472,540 CpG sites captured by both platforms, methylation of a majority of CpG sites was highly correlated in the same sample (r: 0.98~0.99). However, methylation for a small proportion of CpGs (N=235) differed significantly between the two platforms, with differences in beta values of greater than 0.5. Conclusions: Our results show that MC-seq is an efficient and reliable platform for methylome profiling with a broader coverage of the methylome than the array-based platform. Although methylation measurements in majority of CpGs are highly correlated, a number of CpG sites show large discrepancy between the two platforms, which warrants further investigation and needs cautious interpretation.
Can voucher scheme enhance primary care provision for older adults: cross-sectional study in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Johnny , Wong Samuel Y.S. , Chan Dicken C. C. , Zhang Dexing , Luk Lawrence H.F. , Chau Patsy Y.K. , Yip Benjamin H.K. , Lee Eric K.P. , Wong Eliza L.Y. , Yeoh E.K.
Published: October 2020

Background The Hong Kong government has launched the Elderly Health Care Voucher (EHCV) scheme to facilitate primary care in the private sector for older adults. This study aimed to examine whether voucher use was associated with a shift of healthcare burden from the public to the private sector, vaccine uptake and continuity of care.Methods This cross-sectional survey recruited older adults with ≥3 chronic diseases through convenience sampling from seven general outpatient clinics, seven geriatric day hospitals, and five specialist outpatient clinics of the public healthcare sector in Hong Kong. We used multiple logistic regression to address the study objective.Results A total of 1032 patients participated in the survey. We included 714 participants aged 70 or above in the analysis. EHCV use was associated with higher utilization of private primary care services, including general practitioner and family doctor (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 2.67, 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI) 1.51–4.72) and Chinese medicine clinic (AOR 3.53, 95%CI 1.47–8.49). There were no significant associations of EHCV use with public general outpatient clinic attendance, Accident & Emergency attendance, and hospitalization. Furthermore, EHCV users were more likely to receive pneumococcal vaccination (AOR 2.17, 95%CI 1.22–3.85) and were less likely to visit the same doctors for chronic disease management (AOR 0.10, 95%CI 0.01–0.73).Conclusions While the EHCV may promote private primary care utilization and preventive care, older patients continue to rely on public services and the EHCV may worsen continuity of care. Policy-makers should designate voucher usage for chronic disease management and continuity of care.
Surgical treatment of 125 cases of congenital diaphragmatic eventration in a single institution
Authors: Zhao Shengliang , Pan Zhengxia , Li Yonggang , An Yong , Zhao Lu , Jin Xin , Fu Jian , Wu Chun
Published: October 2020

Background: This study sought to investigate the clinical characteristics of congenital diaphragmatic eventration (CDE) and to compare the efficacies of thoracoscopy and traditional open surgery in infants with CDE.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 125 children with CDE (90 boys, 35 girls; median age: 12.2 months, range: 1 h-7 years; body weight: 1.99-28.5 kg, median body weight: 7.87±4.40 kg) admitted to our hospital in the previous 10 years,　and we statistically analyzed their clinical manifestations and surgical methods.Results: A total of 108 children in this group underwent surgery, of whom 67 underwent open surgery and 41 underwent thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication. A total of 107 patients recovered well postoperatively, except for 1 patient who died due to respiratory distress after surgery. After 1-9.5 years of follow-up, 107 patients had significantly improved preoperative symptoms. During follow-up, the location of the diaphragm was normal, and no paradoxical movement was observed. Eleven of the 17 children who did not undergo surgical treatment did not have a decrease in diaphragm position after 1-6 years of follow-up. The index data on the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, chest drainage time, postoperative mechanical ventilation time, postoperative hospital stay and postoperative CCU admission time were better in the thoracoscopy group than in the open group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusions: The clinical symptoms of congenital diaphragmatic eventration vary in severity. Patients with severe symptoms should undergo surgery. Both thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication and traditional open surgery can effectively treat congenital diaphragmatic eventration, but compared with open surgery, thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication has the advantages of a short operation time, less trauma, and a rapid recovery.　Thus, thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication should be the first choice for children with congenital diaphragmatic eventration.
Effects of Er:YAG laser pre-treatment on dentin structure and bonding strength of primary teeth: An in vitro study
Authors: WANG Jun hui , YANG Kuan , ZHANG Bai ze , ZHOU Zhi fei , WANG Zi rui , GE Xin , WANG Lu lu , CHEN Yu jiang , WANG Xiao jing
Published: October 2020

Background: To investigate the effects of Er:YAG laser pre-treatment on the dentin structure and shear bond strength of primary teeth.Methods: Dentin specimens were prepared using freshly extracted intact primary molars and divided randomly into four groups based on the surface treatment applied. The control and etchant groups received no treatment and conventional acid etching treatment, respectively, while the energy and frequency groups received laser surface treatment with variable energy (50-300 mJ) and frequency (5-30 Hz) parameters. The morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy. The surface-treated dentin slices were bonded to resin tablets, followed by thermocycle treatment. The shear strength was determined using a universal testing machine and de-bonded surfaces were observed using a stereomicroscope.Results: SEM observation showed that the surface morphology of the dentin slices changed after etching as well as after Er:YAG laser pre-treatment with different energy and frequency values. The dentin tubules opened within a specific energy (50-200 mJ) and frequency (5-20 Hz) range. Beyond this range, the intertubular dentin showed cracks and structural disintegration. Shear strength tests showed no significant changes after acid etching. The shear strength increased significantly (P<0.05) after Er:YAG laser pre-treatment compared with that of the control group. The shear strength increased within the same energy (50-200 mJ) and frequency (5-20 Hz) range as the tubule opening, but not significantly (P>0.05). The most common mode of interface failure was adhesive (interface) failure, followed by mixed and resin cohesive failure.Conclusions: Pre-treatment using Er:YAG laser opens the dentinal tubules without the formation of a smear layer and improves the bonding strength between the primary teeth dentin and the resin composites.
Composite Surface Roughness and Color Change Following Airflow Usage
Authors: Valian Azam , Ansari Zahra Jaber , Rezaie Mohammad Moien , Askian Roja
Published: October 2020

Background: Esthetic dental restorations have gained increasing popularity. The restoration surface should be smooth enough to prevent adhesion of microorganisms and food particles, and achieve maximum esthetics. This study aimed to assess the surface roughness and color change of composite specimens following the use of an airflow device. Methods: In this in vitro, experimental study, 30 Tokuyama composite discs were fabricated and randomly divided into three groups (n=10) for the use of airflow with calcium carbonate powder, airflow with sodium bicarbonate powder, and conventional polishing with FlexiDisc. The surface roughness of specimens was measured by profilometry while the color change was evaluated by measuring the L*, a* and b* color parameters by spectrophotometry before polishing (T1). The composite specimens were then polished for stain removal and their surface roughness and color parameters were measured again after polishing (T2). Paired t-test and Tukey’s test were applied for within-group and between-group comparisons.Results: Significant differences were noted in Ra (the roughness average pf surface) between airflow with calcium carbonate (0.251 ± 0.014 µm) and airflow with sodium bicarbonate (0.421 ± 0.208 µm), and also between airflow with sodium bicarbonate and FlexiDisc (0.207 ± 0.076 µm) groups after polishing (P<0.05). Regarding the correlation of change in surface roughness and color parameters at T1 and T2, an inverse correlation was noted between the change in surface roughness and all color parameters except for L*. In other words, increasing the surface roughness difference (surface smoothing), decreased the a* and b* color parameters. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the results showed that the airflow device used in this study had no significant difference with the conventional polishing in terms of reduction in surface roughness and staining. Considering the cost and maintenance of the airflow device, it is not suggested as a suitable alternative to the conventional polishing procedures. Trial Registration Number: This is not a human subject research.