bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learners’ Experience Towards E-Assessment Tools: A Comparative Study on Virtual Reality and Moodle Quiz
Authors: Al-Azawei Ahmed , Baiee Wadhah R. , Mohammed Mustafa A.
Published: March 2019

Although the integration of virtual world in teaching and learning has been investigated, there is a scarcity of research considering its influence on assessing learners’ understanding and comparing it with traditional e-assessment tools such as that in Moodle quiz. In this research, a virtual reality (VR) game-based e-assessment application was proposed first. Subsequently, the study aims at (1) understanding whether the type of e-assessment method can affect students’ performance, and (2) investigating the difference in learners’ perceptions based on the type of e-assessment technology. A combination of quasi-pre-test and post-test experimental and survey research design methods were adopted. Overall, 32 undergraduate students were assigned to either control (N=17) or experimental (N=15) group. The key findings are (1) no statistical differences in students’ performance were found for both groups, and (2) significant differences between learners who completed the VR game-based e-assessment and those on the control group were found on perceived playfulness and ease of use. The conclusion drawn from the research outcomes is that a VR game-based e-assessment application is a successful approach to enhance learners’ engagement in evaluation sessions, although students may face a lack of experience in its use.
Retract Rationality and Algebraic Tori
Authors: Scavia Federico
Published: March 2019

For any prime number$p$and field$k$, we characterize the$p$-retract rationality of an algebraic$k$-torus in terms of its character lattice. We show that a$k$-torus is retract rational if and only if it is$p$-retract rational for every prime $p$, and that the Noether problem for retract rationality for a group of multiplicative type $G$has an affirmative answer for$G$if and only if the Noether problem for$p$-retract rationality for$G$has a positive answer for all $p$. For every finite set of primes$S$we give examples of tori that are$p$-retract rational if and only if$p\notin S$.
Scoring, Clinical Utility, and Psychometric Properties of the In-Home Medication Management Performance Evaluation (HOME–Rx)
Authors: Somerville Emily , Massey Kayla , Keglovits Marian , Vouri Scott , Hu Yi-Ling , Carr David , Stark Susan
Published: March 2019

Importance: Forty percent to 75% of community-dwelling older adults are not able to adhere to their medication routine. A medication management assessment can correctly identify the reasons for nonadherence and the barriers contributing to it.

Objective: To further develop the HOME–Rx, an in-home medication management assessment, by modifying scoring metrics, improving clinical utility, and establishing psychometric properties.

Design: In Phase 1, the scoring metrics were modified, and the clinical procedures were evaluated. In Phase 2, the psychometric properties were established.

Setting: The homes of older adults.

Participants: Older adults who took three or more medications, managed their own medications, and lived in their own home were eligible. Older adults with cognitive impairment were ineligible.

Outcomes and Measures: We assessed concurrent validity with the Performance Assessment for Self-Care Skills (PASS) and Medication Management Instrument for Deficiencies in the Elderly (MedMaIDE) and established interrater reliability.

Results: The PASS was positively correlated with the HOME–Rx Performance and Safety subscales; the MedMaIDE was negatively correlated with the HOME–Rx Performance subscale and positively correlated with the Barriers subscale. Interrater reliability was excellent (ICCs = .87–1.00).

Conclusions and Relevance: All relationships were as predicted: The HOME–Rx is a valid and reliable performance-based assessment that provides clinicians and researchers with a measure of older adults’ actual medication management ability in the home using their medications. The results can potentially be used to guide treatment planning and improve medication management.

What This Article Adds: Occupational therapy practitioners can use the HOME–Rx to adequately determine performance problems, safety concerns, and environmental barriers and potentially to guide treatment planning and improve medication management for older adults.
Lidar observations of pyrocumulonimbus smoke plumes in the UTLS over Tomsk (Western Siberia, Russia) from 2000 to 2017
Authors: Zuev Vladimir V. , Gerasimov Vladislav V. , Nevzorov Aleksei V. , Savelieva Ekaterina S.
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Large volcanic eruptions with the volcanic explosivity
index (VEI) ≥ 3 are widely known to be the strongest source of
long-lived aerosol in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS).
However, the latest studies have revealed that massive forest (bush) fires
represent another strong source of short-term (but intense) aerosol
perturbations in the UTLS if combustion products from the fires reach these
altitudes via convective ascent within pyrocumulonimbus clouds (pyroCbs).
PyroCbs, generated by boreal wildfires in North America and northeastern Asia
and injecting smoke plumes into the UTLS, have been intensively studied
using both ground- and space-based instruments since the beginning of the
21st century. In this paper, we focus on aerosol layers observed in the UTLS over
Tomsk (56.48∘ N, 85.05∘ E, Western Siberia, Russia) that
could be smoke plumes from such pyroCb events occurring in the
2000–2017 period. Using the HYSPLIT trajectory analysis, we have reliably assigned
nine aerosol layers to 8 out of more than 100 documented pyroCb events,
the aftereffects of which could potentially be detected in the UTLS over
Tomsk. All the eight pyroCb events occurred in the USA and Canada: one event
per year occurred in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2013, 2015, and 2016, whereas two events
occurred in 2017. No plumes from pyroCbs originating in the boreal zone of
Siberia and the Far East (to the east of Tomsk) were observed in the UTLS
over Tomsk between 2000 and 2017. We conclude that the time durations for
pyroCb plumes to be detected in the UTLS using ground-based lidars are less
than about a month, i.e., plumes from pyroCbs generated by wildfires to the
east of Tomsk can significantly diffuse before reaching the Tomsk lidar
station by the westerly zonal transport of air masses. A comparative
analysis of the contributions from pyroCb events and volcanic eruptions with
VEI ≥ 3 to aerosol loading of the UTLS over Tomsk showed the following.
Plumes from two or more pyroCbs that have occurred in North America in a
single year are able to markedly increase the aerosol loading compared to
the previous year. The annual average value of the integrated aerosol
backscatter coefficient Bπ,532a increased by 14.8 %
in 2017 compared to that in 2016 due to multiple pyroCbs occurring in British
Columbia (Canada) in August 2017. The aftereffects of pyroCb events are
comparable to those of volcanic eruptions with VEI ≤ 3, but even
multiple pyroCbs can hardly compete with volcanic eruptions with VEI = 4.
Variation in altitude of high-frequency enhanced plasma line by the pump near the 5th electron gyro-harmonic
Authors: Wu Jun , Wu Jian , Rietveld Michael T. , Haggstrom Ingemar , Zhao Haisheng , Xu Tong , Xu Zhengwen
Published: March 2019

Abstract. During an ionospheric heating campaign carried out at the European Incoherent Scatter Scientific Association (EISCAT), the ultra high frequency incoherent scatter (IS) radar observed a systematic variation in the altitude of the high-frequency enhanced plasma line (HFPL), which behaves depending on the pump frequency. Specifically, the HFPL altitude becomes lower when the pump lies above the 5th gyro-harmonic. The analysis shows that the enhanced electron temperature plays a decisive role in the descent in the HFPL altitude. That is, on the traveling path of the enhanced Langmuir wave, the enhanced electron temperature can only be matched by the low electron density at a lower altitude so that the Bragg condition can be satisfied, as expected from the dispersion relation of Langmuir wave.
How steady are steady-state mountain belts? A reexamination of the Olympic Mountains (Washington state, USA)
Authors: Michel Lorenz , Glotzbach Christoph , Falkowski Sarah , Adams Byron A. , Ehlers Todd A.
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The Olympic Mountains of Washington state (USA) represent
the aerially exposed accretionary wedge of the Cascadia Subduction Zone and
are thought to be in flux steady state, whereby the mass outflux (denudation)
and influx (tectonic accretion) into the mountain range are balanced. We use
a multi-method approach to investigate how temporal variations in the influx
and outflux could affect previous interpretations of flux steady state. This
includes the analysis of published and new thermochronometric ages for (U–Th) ∕ He
dating of apatite and zircon (AHe and ZHe, respectively), fission-track
dating of apatite and zircon (AFT and ZFT, respectively), 1-D thermo-kinematic
modeling of thermochronometric data, and independent estimates of outflux
and influx. In total, we present 61 new AHe, ZHe, AFT, and ZFT thermochronometric ages
from 21 new samples. AHe ages are generally young (< 4 Ma), and, in
some samples, AFT ages (5–8 Ma) overlap ZHe ages (7–9 Ma) within
uncertainties. Thermo-kinematic modeling shows that exhumation rates are
temporally variable, with rates decreasing from > 2 to
< 0.3 km Myr−1 around 5–7 Ma. With the onset of Plio–Pleistocene
glaciation, exhumation rates increased to values > 1 km Myr−1. This
demonstrates that the material outflux varies through time, requiring a
commensurate variation in influx to maintain flux steady state. Evaluation of
the offshore and onshore sediment record shows that the material influx is
also variable through time and that the amount of accreted sediment in the
wedge is spatially variable. This qualitatively suggests that significant
perturbations of steady state occur on shorter timescales (105–106 years), like those created by Plio–Pleistocene glaciation. Our quantitative
assessment of influx and outflux indicates that the Olympic Mountains could
be in flux steady state on long timescales (107 years).
Contribution of potential evaporation forecasts to 10-day streamflow forecast skill for the Rhine River
Authors: van Osnabrugge Bart , Uijlenhoet Remko , Weerts Albrecht
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Medium-term hydrologic forecast uncertainty is strongly
dependent on the forecast quality of meteorological variables. Of these
variables, the influence of precipitation has been studied most widely, while
temperature, radiative forcing and their derived product potential
evapotranspiration (PET) have received little attention from the perspective
of hydrological forecasting. This study aims to fill this gap by assessing
the usability of potential evaporation forecasts for 10-day-ahead streamflow
forecasting in the Rhine basin, Europe. In addition, the forecasts of the
meteorological variables are compared with observations. Streamflow reforecasts were performed with the daily wflow_hbv model used in
previous studies of the Rhine using the ECMWF 20-year meteorological
reforecast dataset. Meteorological forecasts were compared with observed
rainfall, temperature, global radiation and potential evaporation for 148
subbasins. Secondly, the effect of using PET climatology versus using
observation-based estimates of PET was assessed for hydrological state and
for streamflow forecast skill. We find that (1) there is considerable skill in the ECMWF reforecasts to
predict PET for all seasons, and (2) using dynamical PET forcing based on
observed temperature and satellite global radiation estimates results in
lower evaporation and wetter initial states, but (3) the effect on forecasted
10-day streamflow is limited. Implications of this finding are that it is
reasonable to use meteorological forecasts to forecast potential evaporation
and use this is in medium-range streamflow forecasts. However, it can be
concluded that an approach using PET climatology is also sufficient, most
probably not only for the application shown here, but also for most models
similar to the HBV concept and for moderate climate zones. As a by-product, this research resulted in gridded datasets for temperature,
radiation and potential evaporation based on the Makkink equation for the
Rhine basin. The datasets have a spatial resolution of 1.2×1.2 km and
an hourly time step for the period from July 1996 through 2015. This dataset
complements an earlier precipitation dataset for the same area, period and
resolution.
Unified common fixed point theorems in complex valued metric spaces via an implicit relation with applications
Authors: Alfaqih Waleed Mohd , Imdad Mohammad , Rouzkard Fayyaz
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this paper is to prove some common fixed point theorems for two pairs of weakly compatible mappings in complex valued metric spaces satisfying an implicit relation. Several illustrative examples are given which demonstrate the usefulness of our utilized implicit relation. Beside generalizing and improving several well known core results of the existing literature we can deduce several new contractions which have not obtained before in complex valued metric spaces. As an application of our results, we prove the existence and uniqueness of common solution of Hammerstein as well as Urysohn integral equations.
The distance from the holomorphically decomposable Fredholm spectrum
Authors: Tajmouati Abdelaziz , Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Baba , El Bakkali Abdeslam
Published: March 2019

The class of holomorphically decomposable Fredholm operators was introduced by A. Tajmouati and A. El Bakkali since subclass of Saphar operators. Several authors have been interested in the distance of spectrum associated with the different classes. Especially C. Schmöeger has calculated the distance of Saphar spectrum. For this reason, in this paper, we establish the distance of the holomorphically decomposable Fredholm spectrum.
Infinitely many solutions for nonlocal problems with variable exponent and nonhomogeneous Neumann conditions
Authors: Heidarkhani Shapour , Araujo Anderson Luis Albuquerque de , Salari Amjad
Published: March 2019

In this article we will provide new multiplicity results of the solutions for nonlocal problems with variable exponent and nonhomogeneous Neumann conditions. We investigate the existence of infinitely many solutions for perturbed nonlocal problems with variable exponent and nonhomogeneous Neumann conditions. The approach is based on variational methods and critical point theory.
Sodium Hypochlorite/Salicylic Acid Shampoo for Treatment of Canine Staphylococcal Pyoderma
Authors: Fadok Valerie A. , Irwin Katherine
Published: March 2019

The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius has increased the interest in topical therapy for treating canine pyoderma. Shampooing with chlorhexidine followed by dilute bleach rinses are often recommended, but household bleach can dry the skin and is unpleasant to use. A shampoo formulated with sodium hypochlorite and salicylic acid was evaluated as sole therapy for dogs with superficial pyoderma associated with S. pseudintermedius, including methicillin-resistant strains. Client-owned dogs were recruited based on positive culture for methicillin-resistant staphylococci or prior failure of pyoderma to respond to antibiotics. This prospective, open-label pilot study assessed the efficacy of the shampoo when used three times weekly for 4 wk. Dogs were evaluated at baseline and at 2 and 4 wk by cytology, clinical examination, and owner assessment. Digital images were also obtained. Baseline bacterial counts, clinical assessments and owner scores were significantly improved at 2 and 4 wk. Clients completing the study reported excellent lathering and dispersion, reduction in odor, and brightening of white and light coats. No owners reported skin dryness or other adverse events during the study. We conclude that this shampoo containing sodium hypochlorite in a vehicle that avoids skin drying is an effective treatment for canine pyoderma.
Determining the Concept of Organic Agriculture Perceptions of Pre-service Classroom and Science Teachers Using Phenomenographic Method
Authors: Dizikisa Tülay , Ural Keleş Pınar
Published: March 2019

This study was carried out to determine the perceptions of pre-service classroom and science teachers related to theconcept of organic agriculture. The sample of the study consisted of 85 pre-service teachers, 57 from the Department ofClassroom Teaching and 28 from the Department of Science Teaching in Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, in theacademic year of 2016-2017. In the study, a semi-structured questionnaire which includes the statement “To me,organic agriculture means……” was used as data collection tool. In this study, the organic agriculture perceptions ofthe pre-service teachers were determined under five main categories. The ratio of 'natural agriculture, which has thehighest percentage among these categories, is 41% among the pre-service classroom teachers while this ratio is 65%among pre-service science teachers. It is among the recommendations of the study that the subjects related to organicagriculture are removed from the elective courses and placed in the science curriculum.
Analysis risk factors for preterm births in children under care of the Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation in Bialystok
Authors: Dytrych G. , Sienkiewicz D.
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Preterm birth is the birth of a baby at fewer than 37 weeks' gestational age. Preterm infants are at risk for numerous medical problems including neurological, cardiological, respiratory, and infection. Purpose: To analyse the selected risk factors of preterm births among children under the care of the Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation in Białystok Materials and methods: The retrospective study included 96 preterm children with very low body mass less than 1500 grams. All children lived in the Podlasie region of Poland. We analysed the risk factors for preterm birth based on the medical files. The detailed interview included: the course of pregnancy, diseases before pregnancy, the prevalence of genetic diseases in the nearest family, and the earlier miscarriages. Results: The intrauterine infection (20 cases), fetal distress, (19 cases), uterine bleeding (15 cases), multiple pregnancies (13 cases) were the most often risk factors of preterm births. Only a few cases concerned congenital toxoplasmosis and cytomegaly, malformation of the reproductive system, mother diseases during the pregnancy. The gender of the child did not determine the preterm birth. A significant correlation between preterm birth and the sequence of pregnancy preterm birth was related with first pregnancy in 47% of cases. There was no correlation between i. body mass and sex, ii. earlier miscarriages and preterm births. Conclusions: The risk factors of preterm births are diverse. Most common causes of preterm births were the intrauterine infection, fetal distress, and uterine bleeding.
Medical and legal aspects of Siamese twins` life
Authors: Chomicz K. , Ślifirczyk A , Ślifirczyk M. , Celiński M. , Bytys M. , Domańska D. , Nikoniuk M.
Published: March 2019

Siamese twins have always aroused a lot of emotions in the human world. It is related to the fact that they are simply conjoined to each other. Through their unnatural structure, they challenge not only medical or ethical boundaries, but also legal. Some even say that they pose a threat to rooted social values.
Diyarbakır İlindeki Gebe Kadınlarda Toksoplazma, Rubella ve Sitomegalovirus Seroprevalansı
Authors: OBUT Mehmet , DOĞAN Yasemin , BADEMKIRAN Muhammed Hanifi , AKGÖL Sedat , KAHVECİ Bekir , PEKER Nurullah , UZUNDERE Osman , KAÇAR Cem Kıvılcım , ÖZBEK Erdal , GÜL Talip
Published: March 2019

Amaç: Bu çalışmada; gebelerde, Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella

virüs ve Cytomegalovirus infeksiyonlarının bölgemizdeki seroprevalanslarının

belirlemesi amaçlanmıştır.

Yöntemler: Bu çalışmada hastanemize Eylül 2016 ile Haziran

2018 tarihleri arasında kadın hastalıkları ve doğum polikliniklerine ilk

prenatal vizite gelen 18-45 yaş arası gebeler dahil edildi. Bu hastalardan

Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella ve Cytomegalovirus virüs serolojisi çalışılanların

test sonuçları retrospektif olarak incelendi.

Bulgular: Toxoplasma gondii antikorları açısından 8175

hastanın 2853’ inde (%34,9) anti toksoplazma gondii IgG antikorları, 91’ inde

(%1,1) anti Toxoplasma gondii IgM antikorları pozitif olarak saptandı.

Cytomegalovirus antikorları açısından 2797 hastanın 2775’ inde (%99,2) anti Cytomegalovirus

IgG, 20’ sinde (%0,7) anti Cytomegalovirus IgM pozitif olarak saptandı.Rubella

virüs antikorları açısından 8158 hastanın 7677’ sinde (%94,1) anti Rubellavirus

IgG, 5’ inde (%0,1) anti Rubellavirus IgM pozitif olarak saptandı.

Sonuç: Bu çalışmada hastanemize başvuran gebelerin çoğunun

toksoplazma seronegatif (%65,1) olduğu tespit edildi.Rubella seroprevalansı

(%94,1) Türkiye verileri ile uyumludur. Gebelerin Cytomegalovirus seroprevalansı

için seropozitiflik oranı (%99,2) dünya verileri ile uyumludur.
La contratación pública de las sociedades de economía mixta
Authors: Vivancos Martínez Gabriel J.
Published: March 2019

Las Sociedades de Economía Mixta han tenido queadaptar su contratación al régimen propio de la contratación públicade la Ley de Contratos del Sector Público. La transición delderecho privado al derecho público no ha sido fácil, en gran medidapor las deficiencias legislativas que una norma redactada paralas Administraciones Públicas provoca cuando se aplica a los PoderesAdjudicadores pero no Administración Pública (PANAPS).La complejidad en la contratación de esta figura no se agota conla Ley de Contratos del Sector Público sino que alcanza la aplicaciónde otras normas originariamente destinadas para las Administraciones.La Ley 9/2017, de 8 de noviembre, destina un título a lacontratación de esta figura pero incluso antes de su entrada en vigorpresenta importantes controversias contrarias a la seguridadjurídica.The Mixed Economy Companies have had to adapttheir procurement to the public contracting rules set on the PublicSector Contracts Law. The transition from private law to thepublic sector has not been easy, largely due to the legislative deficiencies that a norm written for the Public Administrations provokeswhen applied to the Awarding Powers but not Public Administration(PANAPS for their Spanish acronym). The complexity ofthis public procurement form does not end with the Public SectorContracts Law, but reaches also to the legal application of otherrules originally destined to the Administrations. The 8th November9/2017 Law devotes a title to this contracting figure, but even beforeits entry into force presents important controversies regardinglegal security.
Reseña de: García Garrido, M.J., Manual de Derecho Privado Romano. Casos-Acciones-Instituciones. Ediciones Académicas, UNED. Madrid, 2015, 289 pp.
Authors: Muñóz Catalán Elisa
Published: March 2019

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Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and Its Influence on Cotton Farming in India
Authors: Geetha R. S. , Mahesh V.
Published: March 2019

The present study assessed the relationship of MSP and production of cotton and farmers’ awareness regarding MSP of cotton. Secondary data of National Sample Survey Office, Ministry of Agriculture and other sources were used for the study. The results showed that only 20.4 and 22.6 per cent of farmers in India are aware of MSP of cotton grown by them in kharif and post-kharif season, respectively. Thus, there is need to facilitate the awareness among the cotton growing farmers in all cotton growing states to avoid distress sale of their produce and assure better income. The growth in area and production and MSP of cotton was higher in period II (2005-06 to 2016-17) indicating the positive relationship. The announced MSP of cotton in the year 2017-18 kharif was lesser than projected C2 and C3 costs with negative managerial profit. Thus, there is need to revise of the cost concept considered for fixing of MSP.  The key reason given by farmers for not selling the produce to procurement agency is that no procurement agency or local purchaser is available to procure and there is delay in payments. Thus, there is need to set up additional procurement centres in major cotton growing areas with better infrastructure and finance facilities.
Private Car Users’ Willingness to Pay for Designated Parking Spaces in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Adebara Oyinloluwa Beatrice , Adebara Temitope Muyiwa
Published: March 2019

The study examined the private car users’ willingness to pay for designated parking spaces in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. This is with a view to providing information for sustainable provision of car park and its inherent facilities in major activity centers of the urban environment. Data were obtained from 167 private car users in major activity centers of the study area through purposive sampling technique. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Relative Willingness Index (RWI) in the study area showed that the car users were most willing to pay for ‘surface car park’ and ‘shared car park’ with indices of 4.47 and 3.39 respectively. The basic car park attributes preferred were: car washing service, toilet facilities, security service and surveillance cameras among others. It was also established that the willingness to pay (WTP) for parking space varied directly with the education (primary RWI= 2.97; secondary RWI= 3.44; tertiary RWI= 4.15) and income statuses (low RWI= 2.72, middle RWI= 3.61; high RWI= 3.94) of the users. The minimum, maximum and average amount of money that the users could afford and willing to pay after using parking space and inherent facilities were respectively N50, N250 and N175 (US$1 = N365). The study concluded that the information obtained on the car owners’ WTP for parking space and associated facilities could be effective device in the hands of policy makers and private investors at ensuring that the problems of the unavailability of car parks in the urban environment are curbed.
Impact of Aluminum Oxide and Silica Oxide Nanocomposite on Foodborne Pathogens in Chicken Fillets
Authors: Osman Alaa G. , El-Desouky Ahmed I. , Morsy Mohamed K. , Aboud Ahmed A. , Mohamed Mahmoud H.
Published: March 2019

Nanotechnology is an innovative technology for improving food quality and safety.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) films containing nanoparticles against three foodborne pathogens.       

Design of the Study: *This study was designed using two nanoparticles i.e. (Al2O3-NPs and SiO2-NPs), edible film (HPMC), and three foodborne pathogens i.e. Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Typhimurium. Both nanoparticles were evaluated against foodborne pathogens as well applied in chicken fillets.    

Place and Duration: All experiments were done in the Food Technology Department, Benha University, Egypt; Nanomaterial Laboratory, Beni-Suef University, Egypt; and Agricultural Research Center, Egypt and were done within three months.       

Methodology: The preparation of edible films, the antimicrobial activity, mode of antimicrobial action, challenge study, and scanning electron microscopy had been carried out in different laboratories. As well the mechanical properties of the HPMC films were evaluated.                                                                                                   

Results: The results obtained from this study showed that the nanoparticles (~80 nm) at 80 ppm were active against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Typhimurium compared with 20 and 40 ppm. The HPMC films including Al2O3-NPs were active against B. cereus than S. aureus and S. typhimurium, while the SiO2-NPs were more effective against S. typhimurium and B. cereus compared with S. aureus. In challenge studies, HPMC films including Al2O3-NPs and SiO2-NPs at 80 ppm decreased the viability of the three-foodborne pathogens associated with chicken fillets stored at 4±1°C for 15 days, as compared with the control sample. HPMC films incorporated with nanoparticles inhibited the microbial population ~ 2-3 log10 CFU/cm2 over the chicken fillets during storage period.                                                  

Conclusion: This work indicated that, HPMC films incorporated with Al2O3-NPs and SiO2-NPs (~80 nm) at 80 ppm could be reduce the microbiological loads of the refrigerated chicken fillets.
Comparative Efficacy of Aloe vera (Linn) and Aloe schweinfurthii (Baker) Powdered Leaf Extracts in the Control of Some Plant Fungal Pathogens
Authors: Alejo A. O. , Ajayi A. M. , Akinyele B. O.
Published: March 2019

Evaluation of the relative efficacy of powdered leaf extracts of Aloe vera (Linn) and Aloe schweinfurthii (Baker) in the control of some plant pathogens was undertaken in this work. Antimicrobial activities of the extracts obtained using cold water, hot water and ethanol were tested against four fungal spp., namely, Alternaria solani, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Sclerotium rolfsii and Trichophyton rubrum. The phytochemical screening of the leaf extracts of the two aloe species revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, phytates and oxalates. The extracts were observed to exhibit varying inhibitory effects on the selected fungi. Ethanolic extract of A. vera at 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml had the greatest impact on A. solani and C. lindemuthianum respectively. Similarly, cold water extract of A. schweinfurthii at 100 mg/ml was the most effective against S. rolfsii and T. rubrum. However, hot water extract of A. vera was least effective against C. lindemuthianum. Also, the efficacy of cold water extract of A. schweinfurthii at 50 mg/ml was very low against T. rubrum and A. solani. The hot water extract of A. schweinfurthii at 20 mg/ml also showed the least effect against S. rolfsii. Consequently, extracts from both Aloe species can be recommended in the management of the four fungal pathogens evaluated in this study. It is hoped that in no distant future, botanical fungicides would be developed from the two Aloe species.
Prevalence and Correlates of Postpartum Depression in Osogbo, Nigeria
Authors: Deborah Abiodun Adejoke , Benjamin Abiodun Afolabi , Adesanmi Akinsulore
Published: March 2019

Background: Postpartum depression is the most prevalent postpartum mental health problem. It is associated with subsequent low adherence to child healthcare. In severe depression, especially in the presence of psychotic symptoms, there is a substantial risk of suicide and of infanticide.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, pattern and correlates of postpartum depression among women attending postnatal and infant welfare clinics at a teaching hospital in Nigeria.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study.

Place and duration of Study: This study was conducted at LTH, Osogbo Nigeria between September and November 2015.

Methodology: Data were obtained from 220 consenting postpartum women using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and a socio-demographic questionnaire. All respondents found to be EPDS positive for depression as well as 10% of those negative for depression were further assessed with the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) (depression subscale). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The level of statistical significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05.

Results: Prevalence of postpartum depression was 9.5% using the MINI. Postpartum depression was significantly associated with age (χ2=4.767, p=0.035), suicidal ideation (χ2=17.292, p < 0.01), support from respondent’s partner during pregnancy (χ2= 6.593, p= 0.010), support from partner’s relatives (χ2= 4.403, p=0.036) and number of children (χ2=4.247, p=0.039). Unemployed mothers had significantly higher EPDS scores than those who were employed (F=3.020, p< 0.05).

Conclusion: The prevalence of postpartum depression is high. An increased media campaign about postpartum depression and preventive measures is urgently needed. Screening for depression throughout the perinatal period is important for early diagnosis and prompt intervention in order to improve clinical outcome.
A New Synchronization Method of Double Fed Induction Generator Wind Turbines to the Grid
Authors: Nayeripour Majid , Mansouri Mohammadmehdi , Waffenschmidt Eberhard
Published: March 2019

Meeting grid code requirement creates an obligation to smart WTs disconnection following some electrical or mechanical events. Increasing the penetration level of wind turbines (WTs) in different voltage levels of the network have a major effect on this condition. In this regard, soft and rapid synchronization control of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) to reduce the dynamic and transient effects of DFIG on a smart grid is very important. This paper gives a review on WTs power generation and a basic requirement to operate in a stable manner in connection to the network at first. After that, different startup and synchronization methods will be described. Then, a new synchronization method for grid connection of DFIG driven by WT is proposed. In this method, the rotor side converter is synchronized with the induced voltage at the rotor winding of DFIG while the stator windings have been connected to the grid and the rotor accelerates normally with the wind torque. This startup process is soft and the synchronization is carried out between two low voltages with very low frequency and may overcome some difficulties and limitations of previous methods since it uses the rotor side converter as power electronics switches instead of the mechanical circuit breaker at stator side and causes the synchronization to be more accurate and controllable. The proposed method is evaluated with EMTDC/PSCAD simulation to show the performance of soft starting synchronization with lower electrical transients in comparison with traditional methods.
Wind Energy Potential Assessment of Great Cumbrae Island Using Weibull Distribution Function
Authors: Kombe Emmanuel Yeri , Muguthu Joseph
Published: March 2019

Wind energy is among the fastest growing energy generation technology which is highly preferred alternative to conventional sources of energy. The major Scottish Government target is to deliver 30% of her energy demand by 2020 from renewable sources of energy as well as meeting the emission targets as set under the Scotland Climate Change Act 2009. In this paper, wind energy potential assessment of Great Cumbrae Island was investigated. For this, a ten year mean monthly wind speed at height 50 m obtained from the National Aeronautic Space Administration (NASA) were analysed using the Weibull probability distributions to assess the wind energy potential of Great Cumbrae Island as a clean, sustainable energy resource. Results from the wind-speed model showed that Great Cumbrae Island as high wind-speed site with a mean wind speed of 7.598 m/s and having power density . The annual energy captured by four selected horizontal wind turbine models was determined. The result shows that GE 2.0 platform can capture 4.5 GWh energy in a year which is an acceptable quantity for wind energy.
Modulating Targeting of Poly(ethylene glycol) Particles to Tumor Cells Using Bispecific Antibodies
Authors: Cui Jiwei , Ju Yi , Houston Zachary H. , Glass Joshua J. , Fletcher Nicholas L. , Alcantara Sheilajen , Dai Qiong , Howard Christopher B. , Mahler Stephen M. , Wheatley Adam K. , De Rose Robert , Brannon Paul T. , Paterson Brett M. , Donnelly Paul S. , Thurecht Kristofer J. , Caruso Frank , Kent Stephen J.
Published: March 2019

Low‐fouling or “stealth” particles composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) display a striking ability to evade phagocytic cell uptake. However, functionalizing them for specific targeting is challenging. To address this challenge, stealth PEG particles prepared by a mesoporous silica templating method are functionalized with bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) to obtain PEG–BsAb particles via a one‐step binding strategy for cell and tumor targeting. The dual specificity of the BsAbs—one arm binds to the PEG particles while the other targets a cell antigen (epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR)—is exploited to modulate the number of targeting ligands per particle. Increasing the BsAb incubation concentration increases the amount of BsAb tethered to the PEG particles and enhances targeting and internalization into breast cancer cells overexpressing EGFR. The degree of BsAb functionalization does not significantly reduce the stealth properties of the PEG particles ex vivo, as assessed by their interactions with primary human blood granulocytes and monocytes. Although increasing the BsAb amount on PEG particles does not lead to the expected improvement in tumor accumulation in vivo, BsAb functionalization facilitates tumor cell uptake of PEG particles. This work highlights strategies to balance evading nonspecific clearance pathways, while improving tumor targeting and accumulation.
Silver Iodide Induced Resistive Switching in CsPbI3 Perovskite‐Based Memory Device
Authors: Ge Shuaipeng , Huang Yunxia , Chen Xiaojuan , Zhang Xinran , Xiang Zhongcheng , Zhang Ruoxuan , Li Wenping , Cui Yimin
Published: March 2019

Lead halide perovskites‐based memory devices have attracted considerable interest due to their unique current–voltage (I–V) hysteresis. Herein, all‐inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite film surviving 30 d of air storage is prepared by using a poly‐vinylpyrrolidone‐assisted passivation method under fully open‐air condition. Afterwards, a memory device with a sandwich structure of Ag/CsPbI3/indium tin oxide is manufactured. From I–V characteristics of pristine device, a spontaneous reaction between the active Ag electrode and I− ions under air exposure is suggested. Furthermore, complete degradation of Ag electrode and formation of AgIx are verified, which also accompanies with generation of more iodine vacancies (VI) in perovskite film. The memory device with AgIx layer shows a bipolar resistive switching behavior, ultrahigh ON/OFF ratio (above 106), nonvolatile, reliable, and reproducible switching performance. Cell area and temperature dependent characteristics propose that the resistive switching is dominated by VI filament in low‐resistance state and thermally assisted hopping in high‐resistance state. This study provides a new insight to understand switching behavior from the way of electrode degradation and metal iodide formation in lead iodide perovskites‐based memory devices and also suggests a potential application for AgIx‐induced resistive switching in CsPbI3‐based memory device.
Elaborating the Connection between Social Class and Classism in College
Authors: Cattaneo Lauren B. , Chan Wing Yi , Shor Rachel , Gebhard Kris T. , Elshabassi Nour H.
Published: March 2019

Highlights

Financial stress is a key predictor of classism among college students.

Financial stress predicts classism across immigration status and race.

For U.S. born students, higher reported social class predicts greater exposure to classist narratives.
Bacillus Licheniformis CotA Laccase Mutant: ElectrocatalyticReduction of O2 from 0.6 V (SHE) at pH 8 and in Seawater
Authors: Lopes Paula , Koschorreck Katja , Nedergaard Pedersen Jannik , Ferapontov Alexey , Lörcher Samuel , Skov Pedersen Jan , Urlacher Vlada B. , Ferapontova Elena E.
Published: March 2019

Enzymes operating in environmental media are of immense biotechnological interest, in particular, for sustainable energy production. Here, we show that the K316 N/D500G mutant of CotA laccase from Bacillus licheniformis operates in basic media and seawater, electrocatalyzing O2 reduction from 0.59 V, pH 8. CotA mutant's T1Cu center exhibits a formal potential of 0.56 V, consistent with an onset of bioelectrocatalytic reduction of O2. A photoelectrochemical cell recycling H2O/O2 by a semiconductor photoanode and CotA mutant biocathode produced 41 and 11 μW cm2, in buffer and seawater, respectively, at pH 8, (electricity production being limited solely by the photoanode performance, reaching 240 and 220 μW cm−2 in a Zn‐biobattery design), suggesting a prospective enzyme application for clean and sustainable production of electricity from seawater and oxygen.
Anomalous proton spin‐lattice relaxation in organic compounds containing methyl groups
Authors: Latanowicz Lidia , Timoszyk Anna , Kozioł Jacek
Published: March 2019

Temperature measurements of proton spin‐lattice relaxation time performed for acetates ((CH3COO)2Ba, (CH3COO)2Cd, and (CH3COO)2Ca) and acetyl halides ((CH3CO)2O, CH3COBr and CH3COCl) are fitted to a Haupt equation. It is impossible to fit the temperature dependence of T1 protons using the BPP equation. Of importance is the assumption that complex C3 molecular motion of methyl protons takes place. An understanding of the correlation functions of complex C3 reorientation allow for the calculation of the relaxation time, T1, and the second moment of the NMR resonance. The spectral densities are calculated applying Woessner theory of complex motion and assuming a tunneling correlation time implemented from solving the Schrödinger equation. The acceptance of the tunneling correlation time resulting from the Schrödinger equation elucidates the reduction in the second moment at 0 K. The fitting leads to an excellent agreement between the experimental results of T1 temperature dependences and theoretical equations. From this, the tunneling splitting and motional parameters of methyl groups were estimated. The highest value of T1 minimum in the temperature dependence for (CH3COO)2Ba indicates the highest value of tunneling splitting. The smallest value, which is close to the T1 minimum value predicted by the BPP theory for CH3COCl, shows a lack or significantly reduced tunneling splitting. The tunneling jumps disappear at Ttun temperature, which was estimated for all studied compounds. The limitations on the use of Haupt's equation are presented. The presented approach differs from the other theoretical approaches and these differences are evaluated.
Compact in‐memory representation of large graph databases for efficient mining of maximal frequent sub graphs
Authors: Lakshmi K , Meyyappan T
Published: March 2019

Complex networks have been used in many scientific disciplines like sociology, microbiology, and telecommunication to represent the interactions among them. Graphs are generally used for representing such complex networks. Mining significant frequent patterns from graph databases has been a challenging area of research. A number of sub graph mining algorithms have been proposed for finding frequent fragments in molecular databases. A very few algorithms have been proposed for mining frequent patterns from large communication networks. All these algorithms perform well on medium size networks and fail on very large graphs. The scalability of these algorithms has been an issue because of the enormous memory requirements and also due to the exponential number of frequent sub graphs possible. In this paper, we propose a compact way of representing graph databases and also use it in a maximal frequent sub graph mining algorithm. The algorithm is found to be efficient and scalable to very large graph databases.
Forest fragmentation modulates effects of tree species richness and composition on ecosystem multifunctionality
Authors: Hertzog Lionel R. , Boonyarittichaikij Roschong , Dekeukeleire Daan , de Groote Stefanie R. E. , van Schrojenstein Lantman Irene M. , Sercu Bram K. , Smith Hannah Keely , de la Peña Eduardo , Vandegehuchte Martijn L. , Bonte Dries , Martel An , Verheyen Kris , Lens Luc , Baeten Lander
Published: March 2019

Forest fragments in highly disturbed landscapes provide important ecosystem services ranging from acting as biodiversity reservoir to providing timber or regulating hydrology. Managing the tree species richness and composition of these fragments to optimize their functioning and the deliverance of multiple ecosystem services is of great practical relevance. However, both the strength and direction of tree species richness and tree species composition effects on forest ecosystem multifunctionality may depend on the landscape context in which these forest remnants are embedded. Taking advantage of an observatory network of 53 temperate forest plots varying in tree species richness, tree species composition, and fragmentation intensity we measured 24 ecosystem functions spanning multiple trophic levels and analyzed how tree species diversity–multifunctionality relationships changed with fragmentation intensity. Our results show that fragmentation generally increases multifunctionality and strengthens its positive relationship with diversity, possibly due to edge effects. In addition, different tree species combinations optimize functioning under different fragmentation levels. We conclude that management and restoration of forest fragments aimed at maximizing ecosystem multifunctionality should be tailored to the specific landscape context. As forest fragmentation will continue, tree diversity will become increasingly important to maintain forest functioning.
A novel LED‐based 2D‐fluorescence spectroscopy system for in‐line monitoring of Chinese hamster ovary cell cultivations – Part I
Authors: Graf Alexander , Claßen Jens , Solle Dörte , Hitzmann Bernd , Rebner Karsten , Hoehse Marek
Published: March 2019

A new two‐dimensional fluorescence sensor system was developed for in‐line monitoring of mammalian cell cultures. Fluorescence spectroscopy allows for the detection and quantification of naturally occurring intra‐ and extracellular fluorophores in the cell broth. The fluorescence signals correlate to the cells’ current redox state and other relevant process parameters. Cell culture pretests with twelve different excitation wavelengths showed that only three wavelengths account for a vast majority of spectral variation. Accordingly, the newly developed device utilizes three high‐power LEDs as excitation sources in combination with a back‐thinned CCD‐spectrometer for fluorescence detection. This setup was first tested in a lab design of experiments study with process relevant fluorophores proving its suitability for cell culture monitoring with LOD in the μg/L range. The sensor was then integrated into a CHO‐K1 cell culture process. The acquired fluorescence spectra of several batches were evaluated using multivariate methods. The resulting batch evolution models were challenged in deviating and “golden batch” validation runs. These first tests showed that the new sensor can trace the cells’ metabolic state in a fast and reliable manner. Cellular distress is quickly detected as a deviation from the “golden batch”.
Social network analysis and social capital in human resource development research: A practical introduction to R use
Authors: Han Seung‐hyun , Chae Chungil , Passmore David L.
Published: March 2019

Social network analysis (SNA) has become increasingly popular in many scientific applications and is applied widely in human resource development (HRD) research. Leveraging social networks can influence learning processes within organizations and provide opportunities for problem‐solving and the generation of new ideas. This article offers a look at the methodological basics of analyzing social networks and the major concepts in social capital theory from the social network perspective. A practical case is made to use SNA in the HRD context. After an analysis of hypothetical network data and application of social capital theory, the case shows how some actors in the network can create social capital from strong supportive relations, whereas others might expect to gain brokerage advantages by playing a role in structural holes. This article also serves as a brief guide for beginners using SNA with R in HRD research.