bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Main Factors for the Development of the Regional Innovation System of Florianópolis
Authors: Valdati Aline de Brittos , Panisson César , Prim Márcia Aparecida , Júnior Waldoir Valentim Gomes , Dandolini Gertrudes Aparecida
Published: November 2018

The technologies and scientific knowledge have promoted the reorganization and acceleration of the innovation process around the world. The hegemony of countries recognized as innovators is being divided with the developing countries, because they have seen innovation as a social and economic process. Innovation requires an ecosystem to provide for it, in which organizations act by similarity and cooperation. In this direction, the city of Florianópolis, in the State of Santa Catarina, stands out as one of the most innovative cities of Brazil. So, this article aims to identify the factors that promote regional innovation development in Florianópolis, based on the study of Chen (2017). The methodological path adopted herein began from a bibliographical and documentary research, in which the data were described and explored through a qualitative approach. During this development, in the analysis of aspects such as national and regional environment, the population size and the number of patents granted, the universities involved and the public policies developed, the Regional Innovation System of Florianópolis has presented a virtuous circle for innovation, because it can bring together universities and research institutes that create and share knowledge and develop researches. In addition, there are companies committed to transforming knowledge into value-added products, as well as the municipality's support in fostering innovation policies. Therefore, it is clear the participation of the Triple Helix in the development of innovation in Florianópolis.
Technological development of the Western Amazon
Authors: Veras Mayana Fernandes , Ruschival Claudete Barbosa , Pacheco Karla Mazarelo Maciel
Published: November 2018

The Amazon Informatics Law derives from a National Law, but is specific to the northern region, except for Tocantis and Pará states and, in partnership with the Zona Franca de Desenvolvimento - ZFM (Development Free Zone) project regulated by the Superintendência da Zona Franca de Manaus - SUFRAMA (Superintendence of the Manaus Free Zone), it aims to be a public policy to promote social development. It was questioned how the process of execution of this Law works and what would be the impacts resulting from its execution. The objective of this research is to know the process of execution of Research and Development - R&D projects based on the Amazon Informatics Law. For this understanding, a descriptive and documentary research was done to understand the current situation of R&D in the Western Amazon, and through an interview and case study, it was possible to understand and delineate the process itself.
Molecular Modeling with Augmented Reality (MMAR)
Authors: Mazzuco Alex Eder da Rocha , Krassmann Aliane Loureiro , Garcia Denis da Silva , Bernardi Giliane
Published: November 2018

Learning about molecular structures often becomes abstruse, due to its complex compositions, being aggravated by the restricted interactivity provided by the software commonly used. This difficulty can also be attached to the fact that most of the students do not present the necessary knowledge to work with biomolecular systems, affecting also the motivation in the object of study. In this context, the objective of this work is to analyze the influences related to interactivity, usability and motivation, provided by a web system called MMAR (Molecular Modeling with Augmented Reality), designed to support the learning of three-dimensional (3D) molecular structures. The system was applied to twenty-five students in the Chemistry discipline, from a technical course in a public school from basic education in Brazil. The results show that it was possible to assist students in the gain of knowledge, while simultaneously allowing them to enjoy themselves, providing unconventional learning, by increasing attractiveness, curiosity, attention, enthusiasm and relevance of such a complex subject in Chemistry.
Study of Galileo’s Plane Using Educational Robotics
Authors: Stoppa Marcelo Henrique , Carneiro Alessandro
Published: November 2018

In this work is presented a discussion about the Galileo’s inclined plane showing aspects from its evolution and scientific development together with a didactical proposal to teaching move concepts from learning sciences. After an introduction of physicalmathematics concepts, it is showing the construction of an experimental aparatus with Mindstorms NXT LEGO© pieces and light sensors to measure time steps in mechanical experiments. The experiment consists of measuring the time of rolling a ball along a plane with different degrees of inclination. The getting and analysis of space and time data allow an assessment of the movement. The experimental setup allows a direct comparison between Newtonian mechanics considering the existence of a pure rolling (without sliding) showing the friction force as a precursor of the rotation of the sphere with the equation of uniform motion (without bearing). The comparison suggests that there is no pure rolling. Taking into account the easy handling of the equipment involved and the method used, it is believed that he can help spread the use of technology in teaching Physics.
GeoGebra as facilitator of a hypotrochoid generalization in an initiation scientific research project at undergraduate level
Authors: Bertone Ana Maria Amarillo , Pereira Lucia Resende , Pacheco Ingrid da Silva , Girotto Layla Giovanna
Published: November 2018

An initiation to scientific research project was proposed for two undergraduate students in Environmental Engineering, with the porpuse of studing a generalization of the hypotrochoid and epitrochoid curves.  The GeoGebra software is the facilitator of the team of two professors and the students. The difficulties of the mathematical proofs become, in the environment of the dynamic geometry, exercises of construction of curves that, arranged in sequence, determined the generalization of the well-known hypotrochoid curve, result that is the detailed in this work. From this first discovery, the transition to epitrochoid curves or more general curve,s becomes an iterative application and an applicattion of mathematical induction. This study   has demonstrated the importance of the computational tool, specially for its contribution in the visualization of theoretical results as well as for its simplicity in coding.
Alternative Social Media as a Recruiting Tool for Generation Y and Generation Z
Authors: Bradford Shalonda
Published: November 2018

Organizations facing the challenge of a looming talent shortage often use internet job advertisements as a method of increasing their capacity to reach job seekers and appeal to potential employees. Many times job seekers make inferences from the content of these advertisements to form initial and sometimes lasting impressions about the company which could ultimately have an impact on their decisions about whether to continue further with the application process. This is especially true for younger candidates with fewer personal experiences to draw upon in evaluating information contained in persuasive messages. With the advent of social media as a significant candidate source, firms must develop new and innovative ways to engage their target audiences, thus developing a message strategy relating design and functionality to attracting qualified job applicants. Using the social identity theory as a theoretical framework, this paper outlines a research agenda focused on determining the most effective advertising strategy for social media recruiting by assessing the effect perceptions of message content and message style have on job-seekers’ attitudes toward the advertisement and the organization.
Public Policies and patents for breast cancer in Brazil, India and Australia
Authors: Aragão Áurea Machado de , Júnior Antônio Martins De Oliveira
Published: November 2018

This article illustrates that public policies to facilitate access to medicines, research investments, and self-awareness for breast cancer are the way to change the scenario of breast cancer in Brazil, India and Australia. The motivation was due to the fact that the literature reports breast cancer as a public health problem due to high incidence and mortality rates, whether the country is developed or not. The method adopted was the review study based on the data analysis on public policies and patents for breast cancer in Brazil, India and Australia available in official websites, INPI, Espacenet and Patentscope databases, journals and international newspapers Specialized and physical literature related to the theme. The descriptors used were cancer, breast, breast cancer, breast cancer and Australia, cancer patents, breast cancer and India. The following inclusion criteria used were year and period of publication, availability of the article in full and the intersection between the descriptors. The research concluded that there is an urgent need to prioritize public health with more investment in breast cancer research and awareness programs on the importance of early detection in those countries, primarily in India.
Enhancing creativity through Biological Stimuli during new products ideation
Authors: Fernandes Rodrigo Bastos , Ogliari André
Published: November 2018

The development of new and innovative products consists in a competitive advantage, allowing companies to overcome competitors, maintain or even increase its market share. As the product development cycle is shortening, a greater effort is required at the ideation of new technologies and products. In this context, the bio-inspired design has been receiving attention as a creativity strengthening method. However, the majority of methods and tools proposed in this field present biological stimuli in the form of literature extracts, requiring a great cognitive effort from the design teams in abstracting principles to generate ideas. In this paper a systematic approach to biological stimuli development is presented, as well as its contribution during the ideation process. An experiment was conducted on the context of a product design course. As result, it was evidenced that the biological stimulators contributed to the increase of the ideas' utility and variety, favoring the innovation process.
EFEKTIFITAS PENDIDIKAN KEWIRAUSAHAAN DAN SELF EFFICACY TERHADAP MINAT BERWIRAUSAHA
Authors: Azizah Nur
Published: November 2018

This study attempts to know the influence of direct and indirect entrepreneurship education variable, self-efficacy toward entrepreneurship intention. The population of this research was all students FEBI IAIN Langsa who has taken course lecture entrepreneurship. Sample taken to technique non-probability sampling kind of purposive sampling, and the sample of the 60 student who active. Research methodology using methods survey with a quantitative approach. Analysis of data using analysis path by program assistance MSI, SPSS version 16 and LISREL 8,8 (student). The results of the first structural equation showed that education variable entrepreneurship affect self-efficacy of 96 % with t value  (39,05) > t table (1,67). The second structural equation test results showed that self-efficacy variables did not influence the entrepreneurship intention where t value < t table. However, entrepreneurship education, self-efficacy in partial affect entrepreneurial intentions by 72% with t value (2,94) > t table (1.67). The results of data analysis show entrepreneurship education to students Langsa FEBI IAIN positively influence the entrepreneur intentions with t value (39.05) > t table (1.67), then (H1 accepted). Self-efficacy variables negatively does not affect entrepreneur intentions with the value of the t (-0.58) < t table (1.67), then (H2 rejected). The entrepreneurship education variable positively influence self-efficacy with t value (2.94) > t table (1.67), then (H3 accepted). The research recommended the need for an encouragement intentions of students, faculty are expected to provide self-efficacy students to never give up in entrepreneurship, and provide concrete examples of successful entrepreneurs.
Drug Prediction System Using Data Mining Techniques - A Survey
Authors: V. Jagadeesan , K Dr. Palanivel
Published: November 2018

The thriving Medical applications of Data mining in the fields of Medicine and Public health has led to the popularity of its use in Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD). Data mining has revealed novel Biomedical and Healthcare acquaintances for Clinical decision making that has great potential to improve the treatment quality of hospitals and increase the survival rate of patients. Drug Prediction is one of the applications where data mining tools are establishing the successful results. Data mining intends to endow with a systematic survey of current techniques of Knowledge discovery in Databases using Data mining techniques that are in use in today’s Medical research. To enable the drug retrieval and the breakthrough of hidden retrieval patterns from related databases, a study is made. Also, the use of data mining to discover such relationships as those between Supervised and Unsupervised are presented. This paper summarizes various Machine learning algorithms based on various Data mining techniques in learning strategies. It has also been targeted on contemporary research being done the usage of the Data mining strategies to beautify the retrieval manner. This research paper offers destiny developments of modern-day strategies of KDD, using data mining equipment for medicinal drug industry. It also confers huge troubles and demanding situations related to information mining and medication area. The research discovered a developing quantity of records mining packages, such as evaluation of drugs names for higher fitness policy-making, detection of accurate effects with outbreaks and preventable from misclassified drug names.
Assessment of Initial Stroke Severity by National Institute Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Score at Admission
Authors: Ghose Swapon Kumar , Ahmed Kazi Gias Uddin , Chowdhury Ahmed Hossian , Hasan ATM Hasibul , Saha Kanol , Mahmud Reaz , Joy Nazmul Islam , Biswas Rama , Sarkar Md Sadekur Rahman , Rahman Md Mahabubur , Sina Hashmi , Arifuzzaman Md , Alam Iftikher , Hossain Mohammad Murad , Karim ASM Rezaul , Habib Mansur
Published: November 2018

Background: The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale or NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a widely used tool for assessing stroke severity. We conducted this study to determine the severity of stroke patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted in Department of Neurology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital from April 2016 to October 2016 involving 91 acute stroke patients.Result: About half (44%) of the patients were older than 60 years of age and mean age of the patients was 60.34(±16.1) years at onset and there is a slight female predominance (51.6%). Majority had hypertension (75.8%) followed by physical inactivity (67%), diabetes (37.4%), smoking (33%), obesity (23.1%), family H/O stroke (20.9%) and dyslipideamia (15.4%). Many patients were found to have hyperglycemia (14.3%) followed by hyperthermia (13.2%), hypotension (4.4%) and low oxygen saturation (3.3%) at the time of admission. Most of them had ischemic stroke (60%), followed by intracerebral hemorrhage (35%) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (5%). After leveling with NIHSS score more than half of the patients (51%) were found to be moderate grade on admission. Although, there was no association between risk factors of stroke and admission NIHSS score level, significant association was found between hypoxia and admission NIHSS score severity.Conclusion: Acute stroke patients, mostly have moderate grade of NIHSS score on admission. Hypertension, physical inactivity, diabetes, smoking, obesity, family H/O stroke and dyslipideamia are common risk factors observed among the patients which have no significant association with admission stroke severity determined by NIHSS score. There is significant association between hypoxia and admission NIHSS score severity.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 26, No.2, October, 2017, Page 90-93
Clinicopathological Profile of Cervical Cancer Patients Attending in a Specialized Hospital
Authors: Afroj Sultana , Banu Mahbuba Akhter , Sultana Sufia , Jahan Raunak , Rahman Shamima , Begum Nazneen
Published: November 2018

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women in our country. .It is a preventable disease and early carcinoma cervix can be cured by proper treatment. Lack of countrywide well accepted screening program of cervical cancer may be a cause of this hidden advancement of disease.Objectives: To assess the clinical and pathological profile of patients with cervical cancer.Method: This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Gynaeoncology of National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH) from January, 2011 to December, 2011. Initially 76 patients were enrolled in the study by purposive sampling. Thereafter they were scrutinized by eligibility criteria and ultimately 67 patients were finalized. A case record form was prepared which was pre-structured, interview and observation based and peer reviewed. Data regarding socio-demographic, clinical and pathological profiles were collected in standard data sheet. Data were recorded, compiled, edited and analyzed. P-value was determined as significant at <0.05.Results: The mean age of 67 patients were 44.9±12.01 years (age range: 20-75 years). 74.6% patients were married, 79.1% were housewife and 50.7% were illiterate/only can sign. The household income was <10,000 BDT/month in case of 58.2% cases whereas 10,000-25,000 in 38.8% cases. Among study population 47.8% and 31.3%adenoc patients were staged as stage- II and stage-III, on the contrary 19.4% and 1.5% were staged as stage I and IV. Majority of patients 86.57% are suffering from aqueous cell carcinoma and only 13.43% had carcinoma. Most of the patient in advanced stage 32.75% in stage IIIB, 29.3% stage IIB. In this study all patients had excessive P/V discharge, among them 67.16% foul smelling and 19.4% blood stained, 764.1% irregular P/V bleeding and 86.56% postcoital bleeding. Regarding identifiable risk factors grand mutipara 79.1%,low socioeconomic group 58.2% and early marriage 49.25%Conclusion: There are several risk factors available among our cervical cancer patients like early marriage, multipariy ,low socioeconomic coditioand, ,multiple sex partner. Most of them are suffering from squamous cell carcinoma. The alarming clinical presentation such as blood stained or foul smelling PV discharge, irregular PV bleeding and postcoital bleeding should be considered seriously for seeking medical attention.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 26, No.2, October, 2017, Page 117-121
The Gastro Protective Effect of Trigonella Foenum Graecum Seed (Methi) and Omeprazole in Experimentally Induced Gastric illcer in Rats
Authors: Afroz Rumana , Rahman Kazi Afzalur , Kamal AHM Mostafa , Lotus Mahbuba Jahan , Yesmin Sultana , Yeasmin Nahid , Rahman Kazi Monisur
Published: November 2018

Context : The gastric ulcer is a common gastrointestinal problem in Bangladesh. Gastric epithelium is under constant assault by a series of endogenous noxious factors, including HCl, pepsinogen / pepsin, and bile salts. In addition, a steady flow of exogenous substances such as medications, alcohol, and bacteria encounter the gastric mucosa. A highly intricate biologic system is in place to provide defense from mucosal injury and to repair any injury that may occur. From the ancient time, various plants were used in traditional medicine with reputation as efficacious remedies. The incidence of duodenal ulcer disease has been declining dramatically for the past 30 years, but the incidence of gastric ulcers appears to be increasing as a result of the widespread use of NSAIDs and low-dose aspirin. The list of plant derived modern medicine is very long now. About 33% of the drugs produced in the developed countries are derived from plants. Trigonella foenumgraecum (Fenugreek, Methi) is a herbal medicine used in many parts of world. Preliminary study on animal showed that Trigonella foenum-graecum seed has significant gastro-protective effect. A study was carried out to see the gastro-protective effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek, Methi) and omeprazole in ethanol induced gastric ulcer in an experimental rats.Material and Methods: The present study was performed on 24 (twenty four) rats which were divided randomly into 4 groups each having 6 rats in the Pharmacology Department of Dhaka Medical college, Dhaka. The rats were aged between 8-10 weeks of both sexes and weighing between 180-200 gm. The study was carried out to demonstrate the gastro-protective effect of aqueous extract and ethanolic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum seed and omeprazole on ethanol induced gastric ulcer in experimental rats.Result : Pretreatment with aqueous extract and ethanolic of Trigonella foenum-graecum seed (500mg/kg/body wt) showed very significant prevention in ethanol induced gastric ulcer in number of lesion, lesion length, lesion breadth, lesion area and lesion index. This prevention was statistically very significant (P<0.001). In this study there was no statistical significant difference was observed between aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Trigonella foenumgraecum seed in gastro-protective effects.Conclusion: The aqueous and ethanol extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum seed and omeprazole possess gastro protective properties.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 26, No.2, October, 2017, Page 126-131
Aggravating Factors of Migraine among the Patients Attending Neuro-Medicine Outpatient Department at Two Selected Tertiary Level Hospital
Authors: Hoque Syeda Rumana , Hasan Md Nazmul , Kafee Md Abdullahhel , Shazzad Nahiduzzaman , Saha Sanjoy Kumar , Rahman Md Abdur , Khan Mohammed Masudul Hassan , Islam Sadia , Ahmed Fatema
Published: November 2018

A descriptive cross-sectional type of study was conducted among the migraine patients attending the Neuromedicine department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University to find out the aggravating factors of migraine in the year of 2006. Total number of respondents was 160. Among them 70% were female. Majority of the patients (46.25%) were aged between 21-30 years. Significant number of respondents (38.12%) was housewives; followed by 28.75% were student. The main aggravating factors so far identified in this study were sleep disturbance, bright light, noise and mental or physical stress. Other aggravating factors were various types of food, oral pill, relation with menstrual cycle. Respondents also stated more than one factor. Among the female respondents 39.8% practiced different types of contraceptive methods of which majority (82.05%) used OCP.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 26, No.2, October, 2017, Page 132-134
An Unusual Cause of Generalized Swelling
Authors: Shahrin Sabrina , Islam Md Aminul , Khan Md Ehsan Uddin , Ahmed Parvez Iftekhar , Islam Md Nazrul , Chowdhury Md Nizamuddin
Published: November 2018

Amyloidosis and multiple myeloma are included in the same spectrum of clonal plasma cell disorder. Amyloidosis can present with localized deposits or manifest as systemic disease involving multiple organs such as kidney, heart, intestine. Free Ig subunits ,mostly light chains secreted by a single clone of B cells, are the cause of the most frequent and severe amyloidosis affecting the kidney. The incidence of AL amyloidosis is nine per 1 million populations per year. Amyloid deposists are found in approximately 10% of all patients with myeloma and in 20% of those with pure light chain myeloma[1].Here we are reporting a case who initially presented with generalized swelling and subsequently found to have AL amyloidosis involving multiple organs due to multiple myeloma.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 26, No.2, October, 2017, Page 173-177
Where There Is a Way, There Is No Will! The Dichotomy between State Capacity and Quality of Public Spending in Brazil and Spain
Authors: Ferreira Marco Aurelio Marques , Nebot Carmen Pineda , Ferreira Daiane Medeiros Roque
Published: November 2018

The analytical basis of this work relies on the disclosure of the relationship patterns between budgetary capacity and human development, providing the argument that sometimes “where there is a way, there is no will”. The argument provided is that the budgetary capacity can be either spoiled by the quality of public administration, by lack commitment or even by money displacement. Thus, we mean that sometimes the public managers, especially the mayors, may fail to convert a satisfactory budget conditions in public product and services aligned to contribute to human development. The purpose of this study is to investigate these dimensions regarding local governments of Brazil and Spain, considering the advantages of the differences and similarities between these countries on many issues. Among the main findings a curious fact has been observed, many municipalities with a great budgetary capacity show low quality of services and products provided to the citizens.  The results highlighted several factors, which affect the relationship between municipal budget and human development. These factors could be considered by policymakers to build more equitable resource redistribution policies and to improve the quality of public spending in local government.
The Role of Gender in Potato Production and Marketing: Case of Sheka Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Feyere , Tadesse Benyam
Published: November 2018

The objective of the study was assessing gender roles in potato production and marketing in the study area. Relevant information was gathered from 193 potato producers by using primary and secondary sources of data. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. The result indicated that in seed collection (46.3%), land preparation (60.3%), planting (96.8%), weeding (50.3%), cultivation (32.6%), Harvesting (38%), transporting (39.9%) and marketing (68.9%) of women respondents participate. Decisions about production and marketing of potato in the study area was mainly taken by men and in some cases, women participates. The main challenges that hinder gender participation in potato production and marketing was lack of access and control over assets(19.2%), lack of control of income(30.6%), Lack of land (6.7%) and lack of decision making on potato production(39.9%). Therefore, increasing opportunities for women, giving recognition, encouraging, documenting and disseminating their role can have a positive influence on productivity of potato.
Assessing Primary School Teachers’s Knowledge of Specific Learning Disabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alahmadi Nsreen A. , El Keshky Mogeda El Sayed
Published: November 2018

PURPOSE: Children with Learning disabilities require exceptional attention from family, their social circle and teachers. Because moral support and learning are initiated in the school environment by teachers (Padmavathi & Lalitha, 2009), the aim of this study is to evaluate primary school teachers’ knowledge about special learning disabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

MATERIAL & METHOD: A sample of 902 primary private and puplic school teachers from 78 schools across different regions of Saudi Arabia was selected using a convenience sampling technique. Teachers’ knowledge about learning disabilities was surveyed electronically using a structured knowledge 40-item questionnaire on learning disabilities. A descriptive and quantitative approach was used to assess their knowledge. SPSS v21 was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: The study found that a majority of primary school teachers have average knowledge about specific learning disabilities. Consequently, teachers’ range of knowledge has statistically significant impact on their level of knowledge. The study correspondingly shows a significant relationship between levels of knowledge and socio-demographic variables, but no statistically significant difference in the knowledge level of male and female teachers regarding learning disabilities.

CONCLUSION: Teachers do not have adequate knowledge regarding learning disabilities, and do not know what should be done when facing such issue. Teachers’ knowledge about learning disabilities is insuficient, because their academic training did not include any courses about it. As a consequence, education lawmakers should arrange appropriate teacher training or structured learning programs regarding learning disability concepts, assessment, diagnosis and identification for such teachers.
Social Networks and Personal Security
Authors: Błasik Patryk
Published: November 2018

The emergence of the Internet caused a significant simplification of interpersonal communication all over the world. True, the communication became fast, cheap and convenient and for people, who by nature are social beings, it enabled easy bonding, maintaining relationships and strengthened the feeling of belonging to one group or another. Along with development of the Internet social networking portals emerged becoming a popular means of communication and entertainment specifically dedicated to young people. The paper outlines the most important advantages and disadvantages of social networks especially with respect to security.
Linking leaf hydraulic properties, photosynthetic rates, and leaf lifespan in xerophytic species: a test of global hypotheses
Authors: Li Fanglan , McCulloh Katherine A. , Sun Sujing , Bao Weikai
Published: November 2018

Premise of the Study

Leaf venation and its hierarchal traits are crucial to the hydraulic and mechanical properties of leaves, reflecting plant life‐history strategies. However, there is an extremely limited understanding of how variation in leaf hydraulics affects the leaf economic spectrum (LES) or whether venation correlates more strongly with hydraulic conductance or biomechanical support among hierarchal orders.

Methods

We examined correlations of leaf hydraulics, indicated by vein density, conduit diameter, and stomatal density with light‐saturated photosynthetic rates, leaf lifespan (LLS), and leaf morpho‐anatomical traits of 39 xerophytic species grown in a common garden.

Key Results

We found positive relationships between light‐saturated, area‐based photosynthetic rates, and vein densities, regardless of vein orders. Densities of leaf veins had positive correlations with stomatal density. We also found positive relationships between LLS and vein densities. Leaf area was negatively correlated with the density of major veins but not with minor veins. Most anatomical traits were not related to vein densities.

Conclusions

We developed a network diagram of the correlations among leaf hydraulics and leaf economics, which suggests functional trade‐offs between hydraulic costs and lifetime carbon gain. Leaf hydraulics efficiency and carbon assimilation were coupled across species. Vein construction costs directly coordinated with the LLS. Our findings indicate that hierarchal orders of leaf veins did not differ in the strength of their correlations between hydraulic conductance and biomechanical support. These findings clarify how leaf hydraulics contributes to the LES and provide new insight into life‐history strategies of these xerophytic species.
Enhancement of heavy metal ion adsorption using electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers loaded with ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Haddad Mustafa Y. , Alharbi Hamad F.
Published: November 2018

This article describes the adsorption and tensile behavior of electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber mats loaded with different amounts of ZnO [0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 wt%] nanoparticles. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforminfrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were utilized to characterize the resulting composite nanofibers. Microscopic investigations revealed that the increase in surface roughness and diameter of the electrospun PAN nanofibers was due to the addition of ZnO nanoparticles. Adsorption results indicated that the fabricated PAN/ZnO (2.0 wt%) composite nanofiber mats showed the best adsorption performance with 261% and 167% increase in adsorption capacities for Pb(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solutions, respectively, compared to pristine PAN nanofibers. The adsorption equilibrium was reached within 60 min, and the process could be described using the nonlinear pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The adsorption isotherm study was better represented by the Langmuir model, which suggested a homogeneous distribution of the monolayer adsorptive sites on the surface of the composite nanofibers. Mechanical testing revealed that the decrease in tensile strength and elongation at breakof the PAN/ZnO composite nanofiber mats was due to the formation of some bead defects and agglomerates within the structure of the PAN nanofibers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47209.
In vitro assessment of dual‐network electrospun tubes from poly(1,4 cyclohexane dimethylene isosorbide terephthalate)/PVA hydrogel for blood vessel application
Authors: Khan Muhammad Qamar , Kharaghani Davood , Nishat Nazish , Sanaullah  , Shahzad Amir , Yamamoto Takayuki , Inoue Yuma , Kim Ick Soo
Published: November 2018

The fabrication of artificial blood vessel remains an ongoing challenge for cardiovascular tissue engineering. Full biocompatibility, proper physiological, and immediate availability have emerged as central issues. To address these issues, the dual‐network composite scaffolds were fabricated by coating the electrospun nanofibers‐based tubes with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel, which could increase the cell viability and show the potential for controlling the composition, structure, and mechanical properties of scaffolds. Herein, the tubular scaffolds having an inner diameter of 2 mm, were composed with poly(1,4 cyclohexane dimethylene isosorbide terephthalate)/PVA. The morphology examination showed that tubular structure was dimensionally stable and suitable for an artificial blood vessel. Fourier transform infrared spectra, wetting behavior, stress–strain behavior, and Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) analysis also showed that the composite scaffolds have good chemical interactions between poly(1,4 cyclohexane dimethylene isosorbide terephthalate) (PICT) and PVA, blended PICT/PVA tubes showed the appropriate wetting behavior, it achieved the appropriate breaking strength and adequate pliability up to 47.5% and in vitro assessment showed that blended PICT/PVA scaffolds have the appropriate cell viability and nontoxic, respectively. On the basis of characterizations results, it was concluded that resultant scaffolds would be addressed to fulfill the requirements such as biocompatibility, dimensional stability, adequate elongation, breaking strength, immediate availability, and proper for physiologically. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47222.
Improving the interfacial and flexural properties of carbon fiber–epoxy composites via the grafting of a hyperbranched aromatic polyamide onto a carbon fiber surface on the basis of solution polymerization
Authors: Wang Gang , Ma Lichun , Yang Xiaobing , Li Xiaoru , Han Ping , Yang Chao , Cong Longliang , Song Wenzhe , Song Guojun
Published: November 2018

Hyperbranched aromatic polyamide (HBP) was grafted successfully onto carbon fibers (CFs) on the basis of solution polymerization to enhance the interfacial adhesion strength of CF‐reinforced epoxy resin composites. The microstructure and interfacial properties of the CFs before and after decoration were researched. The results indicate that HBP was deposited uniformly onto the CFs with γ‐aminopropyl triethoxysilane as the bridging agent. The active groups, roughness, and surface energy of the modified fiber [hyperbranched aromatic polyamide grafted carbon fiber (CF–HBP)] increased visibly in comparison with those of the untreated CFs. The CF–HBP composites revealed simultaneous remarkable enhancements (65.3, 34.3, and 84.8%) in their interfacial shear strength, flexural strength, and modulus, respectively; this was attributed to the improvement in the fiber–epoxy interface through enhanced chemical interactions, mechanical interlocking, and wettability. These agreed with the scanning electron microscopy observations from the fracture surface morphologies of the composites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47232.
PLGA nano‐ and microparticles for the controlled release of florfenicol: Experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Karp F. , Busatto C. , Turino L. , Luna J. , Estenoz D.
Published: November 2018

In this study, PLGA particle systems were studied for the controlled release of florfenicol, a broad spectrum antibiotic used in veterinary treatments. The emulsion‐solvent evaporation technique was used for particle preparation. To evaluate the particle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug release behavior, factors such as solvent type, emulsification time and methods, and drug to polymer ratio were investigated. The results showed that the use of ethyl acetate and 2.5 min of ultrasonication or 30 min of homogenization can lead to sub‐micron and micron‐sized particles, respectively. Sizes between 200–300 nm and 2–3 μm were obtained for ultrasonication and homogenization procedures, respectively. Entrapment efficiencies were around 20% for all systems and release profiles were size dependent. In addition, a mathematical model was implemented to simulate the florfenicol transport. The model predicts the florfenicol release and takes into account the particle size, polymer molecular weight, and autocatalytic polymer degradation. Simulation results are in good agreement with experimental results. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47248.
Modulating the burst drug release effect of waterborne polyurethane matrix by modifying with polymethylmethacrylate
Authors: Bahadur A. , Saeed A. , Shoaib M. , Iqbal S. , Anwer S.
Published: November 2018

To reduce cost and increase environmental friendliness, waterborne polyurethane (WPU) is a tempting choice in the field of green chemistry. Biodegradable WPU was synthesized using lysine as an internal emulsifier. WPU was further modified using methylate methacrylate (MMA) as an acrylic monomer. Unsaturated pre‐PU was synthesized by using unsaturated end‐capping agent 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate and further extended by MMA to form acrylate modified WPU. A permanent covalent linkage was established between WPU and PMMA as confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The focus of this research work was to study the dependence of drug delivery, mechanical, thermal, surface, and structural properties of WPU, on the MMA repeating unit content (10%–40%). For drug release studies mitomycin c was taken as a model anticancer drug. Furthermore, these materials were subjected to in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity evaluation, which shows that synthesized acrylate modified WPU are biocompatible. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47253.
A multi‐institutional retrospective study of carbon‐ion radiotherapy for non‐squamous cell malignant tumors of the nasopharynx: Subanalysis of Japan Carbon‐Ion Radiation Oncology Study Group study 1402 HN
Authors: Abe Takanori , Ohno Tatsuya , Koto Masashi , Demizu Yusuke , Suefuji Hiroaki , Tsuji Hiroshi , Okimoto Tomoaki , Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Saitoh Jun‐ichi , Shirai Katsuyuki , Nemoto Kenji , Nakano Takashi , Kamada Tadashi ,   Japan Carbon‐Ion Radiation Oncology Study Group
Published: November 2018

Background

This multi‐institutional retrospective study focused on the clinical outcome of carbon‐ion radiotherapy (C‐ion RT) for non‐squamous cell malignant tumors of the nasopharynx.

Methods

The Japan Carbon‐ion Radiation Oncology Study Group collected and analyzed data for 43 patients with non‐squamous cell malignant tumors of the nasopharynx treated with C‐ion RT at four institutions in Japan.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients had adenoid cystic carcinomas, seven had malignant melanomas, three had adenocarcinomas, two had mucoepidermoid carcinomas, and two had other pathologies. Twenty‐six of the 43 patients (61%) had T4 tumors. The most common dose‐fractionation schedule was 64 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) in 16 fractions. The median follow‐up period was 30 months. The 2‐year local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) rates were 88% and 84%, respectively. For late toxicity, one patient developed grade 4 optic nerve disorder and two developed grade 5 pharyngeal hemorrhage. Actual incidence of grade 3 or higher late adverse events was 19%, and included cranial nerve dysfunction, jaw bone necrosis, central nervous system necrosis, and ear inflammation.

Conclusions

C‐ion RT provided good LC and OS rates with acceptable toxicity for treatment of non‐squamous cell malignant tumors of the nasopharynx.
Neuromuscular organization of the Ctenophore Pleurobrachia bachei
Authors: Norekian Tigran P. , Moroz Leonid L.
Published: November 2018

Ctenophores are descendants of one of the earliest branching metazoan lineage with enigmatic nervous systems. The lack of convenient neurogenic molecules and neurotransmitters suggests an extensive parallel evolution and independent origins of neurons and synapses. However, the field lags due to the lack of microanatomical data about the neuro‐muscular systems in this group of animals. Here, using immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy, we describe the organization of both muscular and nervous systems in the sea gooseberry, Pleurobrachia bachei, from North Pacific. The diffuse neural system of Pleurobrachia consists of two subsystems: the subepithelial neural network and the mesogleal net with about 5,000–7,000 neurons combined. Our data revealed the unexpected complexity of neuromuscular organization in this basal metazoan lineage. The anatomical diversity of cell types includes at least nine broad categories of neurons, five families of surface receptors and more than two dozen types of muscle cells as well as regional concentrations of neuronal elements to support ctenophore feeding, complex swimming, escape, and prey capture behaviors. In summary, we recognize more than 80 total morphological cell types. Thus, in terms of cell‐type specification and diversity, ctenophores significantly exceed what we currently know about other prebilaterian groups (placozoan, sponges, and cnidarians), and some basal bilaterians.
Asymmetric response of different functional insect groups to low‐grazing pressure in Eurasian steppe in Ningxia
Authors: Zhao Zihua , Wei Jing , Zhang Kaiyang , Li Hao , Wei Shuhua , Pan Xubin , Huang Wenguang , Zhu Mengmeng , Zhang Rong
Published: November 2018

In recent years, the continued loss and fragmentation of steppe has caused decreased ecosystem functions and species losses in insect diversity. In the 2000s, the Chinese government developed a series of national projects, such as the construction of enclosures, to conserve natural ecosystems, including steppe. However, the effects of these enclosures on steppe arthropod community are largely unknown. In the present study, we selected enclosed and low‐grazing regions at eight National Grassland Fixed Monitoring Stations to examine the compositional differences in four insect functional groups and their associated ecological functions. The results showed that diversity significantly differed between the enclosed and low‐grazing regions, with the number of insect families being significantly higher in enclosed regions than in regions with low‐grazing pressure. The responses of the insect community to steppe management also varied among the four groups (herbivores, predators, parasitoids, and pollinators). The abundances of herbivores, predators, and parasitoids were higher in enclosed regions than in low‐grazing regions, while there was no significant difference in pollinators. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the predator/prey ratio between enclosed regions and low‐grazing regions in any of the steppe types. The parasitic wasp/prey ratio was higher in enclosed regions than in low‐grazing regions in meadow steppe and typical steppe, while there were no significant differences between the enclosed and low‐grazing regions in desert steppe and steppe desert. Herbivores were observed to benefit much more from enclosures than predators, parasitoids, and pollinators. Therefore, we recommend low‐grazing should be considered in steppe conservation, which could conserve biodiversity and achieve biocontrol functions of arthropod community.
Expression of Concern: A gingivitis identification method based on contrast‐limited adaptive histogram equalization, gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix, and extreme learning machine
Authors: Li Wen , Chen Yiyang , Sun Weibin , Brown Mackenzie , Zhang Xuan , Wang Shuihua , Miao Leiying
Published: November 2018

The diagnosis of gingivitis often occurs years later using a series of conventional oral examination, and they depended a lot on dental records, which are physically and mentally laborious task for dentists. In this study, our research presented a new method to diagnose gingivitis, which is based on contrast‐limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE), gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM), and extreme learning machine (ELM). Our dataset contains 93 images: 58 gingivitis images and 35 healthy control images. The experiments demonstrate that the average sensitivity, specificity, precision, and accuracy of our method is 75%, 73%, 74% and 74%, respectively. This method is more accurate and sensitive than three state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Equal educational opportunity for English learners: ESL teachers’ conceptualizations on the importance of academic language
Authors: Lachance Joan R. , Honigsfeld Andrea , Harrell Glenda
Published: November 2018

This qualitative interpretive study showcases views and perceptions of K–12 teachers of English as a second language (ESL) in a North Carolina school district regarding the importance of academic language to ensure equal education opportunities for English learners. Framed by sociocultural theory, the study's findings report current, practicing teachers’ perceptions regarding why access to academic language development is essential, in the context of both specialized ESL program services and content area classrooms. Study results also reveal demonstrations of facilitating academic language development in the context of K–12 public school classrooms to foster equal educational opportunities at school and within the community.
Femtosecond electronic relaxation and real-time vibrational dynamics in 2′-hydroxychalcone
Authors: Yamakita Yoshihiro , Yokoyama Nanae , Xue Bing , Shiokawa Naoyuki , Harabuchi Yu , Maeda Satoshi , Kobayashi Takayoshi
Published: November 2018

Electronic relaxation, proton transfer and instantaneous vibrational frequency change after the impulsive excitation by a deep ultraviolet 9 fs pulse were studied.
Dissolution and transesterification of cellulose in γ-valerolactone promoted by ionic liquids
Authors: Yuan Chaoping , Shi Wentao , Chen Peng , Chen Huaxin , Zhang Lihua , Hu Gang , Jin Longming , Xie Haibo , Zheng Qiang , Lu Shengjun
Published: November 2018

Ionic liquids act as promoters for the dissolution of cellulose in GVL and also as catalysts for cellulose derivatization in GVL, providing a green and effective solvent system for cellulose processing and derivatization.
Synthesis of a SN38 prodrug grafted to amphiphilic phosphorylcholine polymers and their prodrug miceller properties
Authors: Chen Fan , Cai Yuanyuan , Huang Lei , Chen Yuanwei , Luo Xianglin
Published: November 2018

Polymer prodrug micelles, combining the advantages of prodrugs and polymer micelles, can greatly improve the solubility, permeability and stability of drugs.