bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trafficking in Persons for Ransom and the Need to Expand the Interpretation of Article 3 of the UN Trafficking Protocol
Authors: Brhane Mogos O
Published: November 2016

As the nature of trafficking in persons continues to manifest itself in myriad ways all over the world, interpretation of the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (Trafficking Protocol), should be broadened to include newly emerging practices that are similar in nature to those it has already embraced under its definition. The Protocol appears to encompass other forms of trafficking which are unnamed or unforeseen by the definition provided under Article 3. It is time to expand its spectrum. Northeast Africa is plagued by a unique form of trafficking in persons—trafficking in persons for ransom. This involves a practice where people are smuggled, abducted, kidnapped and tortured to compel their relatives and families to pay ransom money. Victims are nationals of Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan. However, as Northeast Africa hosts particularly high numbers of Eritrean migrants and the largest Eritrean diaspora globally, Eritreans are very vulnerable to being targeted for trafficking for ransom. As trafficking for ransom is an emerging trend, legal ramifications have never been studied in full. Few reports try to address legal issues around the phenomenon, and those that do only give it a few paragraphs of attention. There is need for a closer look at this form of trafficking.
Debate: Use of the Term ‘Bonded Labour’ is a Must in the Context of India
Authors: Prasad Kiran Kamal
Published: November 2016

There is no question that we should distinguish between forced labour, trafficking and slavery. But, we should also include in the debate another concept, ‘bonded labour,’ as it describes a distinct and widespread form of forced labour in India that does not fully accord with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) definition of forced labour. The sociopolitical reality in India and bonded labour’s intimate link with the Indian caste system demand that the term ‘bonded labour’ be retained in the discourse on forced labour and trafficking in persons. Addressing bonded labour enables two interconnected areas of exploitation and discrimination to be addressed, namely working towards emancipation of the minority Dalit community and of the Moolnivasi indigenous communities.
Trade Unions, Forced Labour and Human Trafficking
Authors: Ford Michele
Published: November 2016

This article examines the dilemmas facing trade unions seeking to engage on questions of forced labour and human trafficking. The International Labour Organization and elements of the international trade union movement have succeeded in getting forced labour on the policy agenda globally and within many national settings. However, trade unions have limited capacity to effect real change in relation to these issues because of limitations on their influence, determined largely by membership density and the limited number of sectors in which they are present, but also internal assessments of what constitutes ‘core business’. As a consequence, while trade unions may advocate for legislative or policy change, partner with non-governmental organisations to deal with particular cases, or even engage directly with vulnerable populations, the integration of those populations into the day to day concerns of trade unions necessarily remains elusive—particularly in the global south, where forced labour is most prevalent.
‘Tied Visas’ and Inadequate Labour Protections: A formula for abuse and exploitation of migrant domestic workers in the United Kingdom
Authors: Demetriou Daphne
Published: November 2016

This article examines the link between restrictive immigration schemes, specifically ‘tied visas’ and the selective application of labour laws, with exploitation of workers. It focuses on the situation of migrant domestic workers, who accompany their employers to the United Kingdom (UK) and are exposed to both an excessively restrictive visa regime, introduced in April 2012, and limited labour protections. The immigration status of these workers is currently tied to a named employer, a restriction that traps workers into exploitative conditions, often amounting to forced labour, servitude or slavery. Additionally, current UK labour laws are either not enforced or not applicable to domestic workers. The article concludes that unless the current immigration regime is abolished and comprehensive labour law protections are extended to migrant domestic workers, exploitation will continue.
Editorial: The Problems and Prospects of Trafficking Prosecutions: Ending impunity and securing justice
Authors: Gallagher Anne T
Published: November 2016

Having been guest editor of the very first issue of the Anti-Trafficking Review, it was with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation of the editorial board to oversee the production of its sixth issue. Back in 2012 I identified the emergence of the Anti-Trafficking Review, thefirst specialist journal on human trafficking, as a watershed moment, signalling the transformation of‘trafficking’ from a niche (perhaps even a fringe) academic sub-discipline into a legitimate, substantial and discrete area of study. The past four years since its launch have vindicated that assessment. New specialist journals on trafficking and its variants have been launched, and the range and depth of research being undertaken in this field has significantly expanded. While law, sociology and human rights continue to be the dominant lenses through which trafficking is studied, analysed and explained, there is no denying the expanding and enriching influence of other disciplines: from geography to anthropology; from health sciences to migration studies. These changes in research and writing around trafficking have brought tangible benefits: helping improve our understanding of what is happening and why, as well as strengthening the evidence base on which credible, effective responses can be built.
Human Rights and Economic Opportunity Will End Trafficking
Authors: Thukral Juhu
Published: November 2016

Response to ATR Debate Proposition: ‘Prosecuting trafficking deflects attention from much more important responses and is anyway a waste of time and money’
Palermo’s Promise: Victims’ rights and human trafficking
Authors: Vandenberg Martina E
Published: November 2016

Response to ATR Debate Proposition: ‘Prosecuting trafficking deflects attention from much more important responses and is anyway a waste of time and money’
Airway delivery of interferon‐γ overexpressing macrophages confers resistance to Mycobacterium avium infection in SCID mice
Authors: Pasula Rajamouli , Britigan Bradley E. , Kesavalu Banurekha , Abdalla Maher Y. , Martin William J.
Published: November 2016

Mycobacterium avium (M. avium) causes significant pulmonary infection, especially in immunocompromised hosts. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) represent the first line of host defense against infection in the lung. Interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) activation of AMs enhances in vitro killing of pathogens such as M. avium. We hypothesized that airway delivery of AMs into the lungs of immunodeficient mice infected with M. avium will inhibit M. avium growth in the lung and that this macrophage function is in part IFN‐γ dependent. In this study, normal BALB/c and BALB/c SCID mice received M. avium intratracheally while on mechanical ventilation. After 30 days, M. avium numbers increased in a concentration‐dependent manner in SCID mice compared with normal BALB/c mice. Airway delivery of IFN‐γ‐activated BALB/c AMs or J774A.1 macrophages overexpressing IFN‐γ into the lungs of SCID mice resulted in a significant decrease in M. avium growth (P < 0.01, both comparisons) and limited dissemination to other organs. In addition, airway delivery of IFN‐γ activated AMs and macrophages overexpressing IFN‐γ increased the levels of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in SCID mice. A similar protective effect against M. avium infection using J774A.1 macrophages overexpressing IFN‐γ was observed in IFN‐γ knockout mice. These data suggest that administration of IFN‐γ activated AMs or macrophages overexpressing IFN‐γ may partially restore local alveolar host defense against infections like M. avium, even in the presence of ongoing systemic immunosuppression.
Computer-assisted system on mandibular canal detection
Authors: Cheng Da-Chuan , Chen Li-Wei , Shen Yen-Wen , Fuh Lih-Jyh
Published: November 2016

Background:

A dentist always checks a patient by using panoramic radiography (PR) initially. The measurement of the minimal distance (MD) between the alveolar crest and the mandibular canal (MC) superior border is critically important before the dental implant surgery, extraction of 3

Objective:

A software is needed for training dentists as well as a tool of demonstration to patients in clinics precisely and quickly. Moreover, it should be able to calculate the MD between the alveolar crest and the MC superior border before dental implant.

Methods:

A computer-aided software system to semi-automatically detect the MC and mental foramen (MF) in the PR with minimal human interference is proposed.

Results:

The result shows that the averaged relative error (RE) is 1.83% with a standard deviation of 2.31%.

Conclusion:

The results show that the proposed algorithm is able to detect the MC superior and inferior borders. This system has the potential to train young clinicians and to replace the manual work in measuring the MD between the alveolar crest and the MC superior border with a minimal human intervention.
Analysis of geothermal temperatures for heat
pumps application in Paraná (Brasil)
Authors: Santos Alexandre F. , de Souza Heraldo J. L. , Cantao Mauricio P. , Gaspar Pedro D.
Published: November 2016

Geothermal heat pumps are broadly used in developed
countries but scarcely in Brazil, in part because
there is a lack of Brazilian soil temperature data. The
aims of this work are: to present soil temperature measurements
and to compare geothermal heat pump system
performances with conventional air conditioning systems.
Geothermal temperature measurement results are shown
for ten Paraná State cities, representing different soil and
climate conditions. The measurements were made yearlong
with calibrated equipment and digital data acquisition
system in different measuring stations. Geothermal
and ambient temperature data were used for simulations
of the coeficient of performance (COP), by means of a
working fluid pressure-enthalpy diagram based software
for vapor-compression cycle. It was verified that geothermal
temperature measured between January 13 to October
13, 2013, varied from 16 to 24 °C, while room temperature
has varied between 2 and 35 °C. Average COP
values for conventional system were 3.7 (cooling mode)
and 5.0 kW/kW (heating mode), corresponding to 5.9 and
7.9 kW/kW for geothermal system. Hence it was verified an
average eficiency gain of 59%with geothermal system utilization
in comparison with conventional system.
Slender domains and compact domains
Authors: Jensen Christian U. , Jøndrup Søren , Thorup Anders
Published: November 2016

We prove that a one-dimensional Noetherian domain is slender if and only if it is not a local complete ring. The latter condition for a
general Noetherian domain characterizes the domains that are not algebraically compact. For a general Noetherian domain R we prove
that R is algebraically compact if and only if R satisfies a condition slightly stronger than not being slender. In addition we enlarge considerably the number of classes of rings for which the question of slenderness can be answered. For instance we prove that any domain, not a field, essentially of finite type over a field is slender.
Permutohedral structures on E2E_{2}-operads
Authors: Kaufmann Ralph M. , Zhang Yongheng
Published: November 2016

There are two interesting families of

E
2

{E_{2}}

-operads, those that detect double loop spaces, and those that solve Deligne’s conjecture on Hochschild cochains. The first family deformation retracts to Milgram’s model obtained by gluing together permutohedra along their faces. We show how the second family can be covered by permutohedra as well, shedding new light on several proposed solutions of Deligne’s conjecture. In particular, our approach induces an explicit homotopy equivalence between the models of the two families.
The permutohedra and partial orders play a central role providing direct links to other fields of mathematics. We for instance find a new cellular
decomposition of permutohedra using partial orders and that the permutohedra give the cells for the Dyer–Lashof operations.
Effect of Cr2O3 Pickup on Dissolution of Lime in Converter Slag
Authors: Yan Wei , Chen Weiqing , Zhao Xiaobo , Yang Yindong , McLean Alex
Published: November 2016

Application of low-nickel laterite ore containing chromium as charging material for ironmaking can reduce raw material costs, but result in an increase of chromium content in the hot metal and hence, Cr2O3 content in the steelmaking slag, which subsequently causes many problems related to lime dissolution for the steelmaking operation. In this work, a rotating cylinder method was employed to study the effect of Cr2O3 on lime dissolution in steelmaking slag. The lime dissolution mechanism, rate control step and affecting factors, including slag basicity, FeOx and B2O3 content, and the formation of phases at reacted layer, were discussed. It was found that mass transfer was the rate control step in slag phase, increase of Cr2O3 and slag basicity delayed lime dissolution due to the formation of high-melting temperature phases of FeO · Cr2O3 spinel and 2CaO · SiO2 at the slag/lime reacted interface. Addition of B2O3 promoted lime dissolution and suppressed formation of FeO · Cr2O3 spinel.
Dreams, aspirations and related constructs in children and adolescents: a literature review
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Wu Florence K.Y. , Leung Hildie
Published: November 2016

Although children and adolescents are often asked about their “dreams” about life, scientific studies of “dreams” and related constructs are grossly inadequate. This paper describes the findings arising from a review study exploring the concepts of dreams, aspirations and related constructs in children and adolescents. Besides an overview of the concept of dream, conceptual features and unique underpinnings of other concepts commonly related to dream, such as “aspirations”, “hope”, “future orientation” and “resilience” are presented in this paper. The research questions surrounding “dream” and related constructs in children and adolescents are presented and future research directions are discussed.
Bonny light crude oil-induced alteration in levels of testicular stress proteins is accompanied by apoptosis in rats after treatment withdrawal
Authors: Ebokaiwe Azubuike P. , Mathur Premendu P. , Farombi Ebenezer O.
Published: November 2016

Background:

The folkloric use of Bonny light crude oil (BLCO) in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and as an anti-poison is a generally acceptable practice in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. The testicular dysfunction induced by BLCO exposure is of public concern with a view to its folkloric usage. The present study investigated the effects of BLCO exposure and withdrawal on the levels of testicular stress proteins and apoptosis-related proteins in rats.

Methods:

Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to 800 mg/kg body weight of BLCO for 7 days. One-half of the rats in each group were sacrificed on day 8, while the remaining one-half stayed an additional 45 days without treatment.

Results:

Western blot analysis showed that administration of BLCO resulted in a significant increase in the levels of stress proteins and apoptosis-related proteins by 50% and above relative to control, except cytosolic nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), which decreased significantly relative to control. This was followed by a concomitant increase in the expression of caspase-3, FasL, and NF-κB by immunofluorescence staining within the testicular germ cells. Apoptosis showed a significant increase in TUNEL-positive cells. Following withdrawal of treatment, BLCO-mediated alteration in stress proteins and induction of apoptosis persisted relative to control.

Conclusions:

Collectively, BLCO induced irreversible alteration in testicular stress proteins and apoptosis in rats within the time course of investigation. These findings highlight the potential long-term adverse effects of BLCO on individuals unduly exposed to BLCO.
Shock a disposable time in electronic security systems / Porażenie a czas dyspozycyjny w elektronicznych systemach bezpieczeństwa
Authors: Paś Jacek
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a method to determine the time TD disposable electronic security system that struck a pulse surges or lightning. Disposable time is the time from the moment of shock electronic security system until its transition to a state of security failures, assuming the impact of anti. Disruption (shock), which occurs in the frequency band (0-100) kHz, and effects on the ESB can be catastrophic is lightning.
Influence of flooding boat deck compartment on the training warship stability safety / Wpływ zatopienia pomieszczenia pokładu łodziowego na stateczność okrętu szkolnego
Authors: Mironiuk Waldemar
Published: November 2016

The paper presents computational stability issues with a flooded ship compartment situated on boat deck. As the main criteria for stability of the warship, calculation algorithm of metacentric height and righting levers have been defined, with a free surface effect taken into account. Based on the results of the calculations presented in tabular and graphical forms, suitable conclusions have been drawn up.
Validation of simulation model of the filling line failures / Walidacja modelu symulacyjnego uszkodzeń linii napełniania
Authors: Pawlewski Paweł , Jasiulewicz-Kaczmarek Małgorzata , Bartkowiak Tomasz , Hoffa-Dabrowska Patrycja
Published: November 2016

The main objective of the article is to present the methodology of validating a simulation model of failures of serial production line. In case of the investigated object, the simulation model was tested to find technological solutions which could compensate for the impact of failures on the operation of important objects present on the line before a failures occurs. A possible solution may be to introduce a new buffer or to adjust the size of existing buffers. Validation is one of the most significant stages in the process of constructing simulation models, as it concerns the credibility of the model. The article presents the use of disturbances modeling, especially breakdowns and micro-stoppages, in the simulation model. It also shows the statistical distribution applied in the model and defines the validation measurement instrument as well as evaluation criteria. All these features are the major strengths of the article.
On meromorphic functions for sharing two sets and three sets in m-punctured complex plane
Authors: Xu Hong-Yan , Zheng Xiu-Min , Wang Hua
Published: November 2016

In this article, we study the uniqueness problem of meromorphic functions in m-punctured complex plane Ω and obtain that there exist two sets S
1, S
2 with ♯S
1 = 2 and ♯S
2 = 9, such that any two admissible meromorphic functions f and g in Ω must be identical if f, g share S
1, S
2
I M in Ω.
Influence of controlled deposition rate on mechanical properties of sputtered Ti thin films for MEMS application
Authors: Venkatesan S. , Ramu M.
Published: November 2016

This work investigates the influence of titanium thin films on the mechanical properties of AA 2024 substrates. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) measurements confirm that the surface morphology of Ti thin film depends on controlled deposition rate and the energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) result reveals the uniform dispersion of Ti coating over the sample. Increase in film thickness on the material surface is connected with improved hardness, superior adhesion and minimum surface roughness which makes the coated material more prominent for MEMS application. It is also found that the XRD patterns of the Ti thin films are characterized by hexagonal close packed (HCP) structure with (1 1 1) as the preferred crystallographic orientation for the film of a thickness of 154 μm coated on the substrate at temperature of 673 K.
Washo Onsets and the Revised Sonority
Theory
Authors: Staroverov Peter
Published: November 2016

This article presents an argument for the idea that consonants of high sonority are preferred
over low-sonority consonants between vowels (Uffmann 2007). The argument is based on a detailed
description and analysis of the phonological patterns which ensure that a syllable starts with a consonant
in Washo. Washo inserts [j], which is of high sonority, between any two vowels. Word-initially however
a glottal stop is inserted. It is argued that the Washo insertion patterns show influence of the sonority
requirements, and these patterns are not subject to an analysis in terms of autosegmental spreading.
Thus although feature spreading is a useful tool for capturing similarity requirements on neighboring
segments, it is not sufficient to account for cases like Washo epenthesis.
Hard International Law-Contributing Organizations as Networks
Authors: Boehmer Charles , Corbetta Renato
Published: November 2016

This paper explores the networks that intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) create in the international system and explore how states relate to each other in such networks. It focuses in particular on the network of IGOs that act as creators of and agents for hard international law. We introduce new data that allows us to investigate which institutional traits and functions are most closely related to IGOs’ contribution to the implementation and enforcement of informal international law. We map out and explore the network of “highly legalized” IGOs for the years 1980–2005 as well as the affiliation networks emerging from states’ membership in such IGOs. Combining international relations theory with network theory, we raise novel hypotheses on the potential impact of highly legalized IGO networks on states’ conflict behavior and peace.
The Viennese Croÿ Albums: Options and Decisions Leading to the Conservation and Remounting of a Convolute of Double-Sided Gouache Paintings on Parchment
Authors: Sonderegger Junko , Landwehr Uta , Hofmann Christa
Published: November 2016

The so-called Croÿ albums, kept by the Collection of Manuscripts and Rare Books at the Austrian National Library, form a convolute of 15 baroque red leather bindings housing 936 gouache paintings on double-sided parchments dating from 1560 to 1621. The opulently decorated topographic views of the possessions of Charles Duc de Croÿ (1560–1612) have undergone conservation treatment at the Institute for Conservation, followed by digitisation, allowing for a restricted access to the valuable albums. The planning of the project involved a wide range of possibilities and several levels of decisions. The construction of a decision tree and decision matrices helped to visualize the complexity of the issues involved and to consider the various options. The cultural importance of the Croÿ albums was decisive for choosing an overall treatment. Polyester pockets which had been added in the 1970s were removed from the albums. The fragile paint layers on the parchments were consolidated with gelatine. The modified remounting of the gouache paintings into the albums was done with a modified form of T-hinges which are combined with a protective layer of Japanese paper. Extremely sensitive paintings were taken out of the albums and mounted in double-sided mats. For the readers, an illustrated instruction sheet was placed into each volume’s archival box. It shows the correct turning of the album pages.
The Effect of Variable Viscosities on Micropolar Flow of Two Nanofluids
Authors: Nadeem S. , Ahmed Z. , Saleem S.
Published: November 2016

A study of nanofluids is carried out that reveals the effect of rotational inertia and other physical parameters on the heat transfer and fluid flow. Temperature-dependent dynamic viscosity makes the microrotation viscosity parameter and the micro inertia density variant as well. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations are converted into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations by introducing suitable similarity transformations. These reduced nonlinear differential equations are then solved numerically by Keller-box method. The obtained numerical and graphical result discloses many interesting behaviour of nanofluids. It is seen that the temperature gradient decreases with the increase in viscosity parameter. Also, it is observed that with the fixed values of micropolar parameter and viscosity parameter, the velocity gradient near the wall increases with increasing values of solid particle volume fraction parameter. A suitable comparison of results is also presented in this study.
Probing Inclusion Complex Formation of Amantadine Hydrochloride with 18-Crown-6 in Methanol by Physicochemical Approach
Authors: Roy Mahendra Nath , Barman Siti , Saha Subhadeep
Published: November 2016

The complex formation of amantadine hydrochloride with 18-crown-6 was studied in methanol solution by surface tension, conductivity and IR study. The limiting apparent molar volume data have been used to characterize the interaction between drug molecule (amantadine hydrochloride) and 18-crown-6 in the experimental ternary solution systems. A conductance study concerning the interaction between cationic organic ammonium ions amantadine with 18-crown-6 in methanol solution has been carried out at different temperatures. The formation constant (logK

f
) of the resulting 1:1 complex at various temperatures was determined from the conductivity study. The enthalpy (ΔH
0) entropy (ΔS
0) and free energy change (ΔG
0) of the complexation reaction was determined from the temperature dependence of the formation constant.
Post-Rehabilitation Considerations for Clients With a Cervical Disc Herniation
Authors: Olivencia Ovidio , Shamash Kelby , Kreymer Betsy , Kolber Morey J.
Published: November 2016

SEVENTY PERCENT OF THE POPULATION WILL EXPERIENCE NECK PAIN (NP) AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIFETIME. ALTHOUGH THE ETIOLOGY OF NP IS MULTIFACTORIAL, DISCOGENIC PATHOLOGY HAS BEEN IMPLICATED AS A COMMON SOURCE OF SYMPTOMS. MANY OF THESE INDIVIDUALS SEEK CONSERVATIVE CARE THAT REQUIRES LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES EXTENDING BEYOND FORMAL REHABILITATION. THUS, STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS MAY FIND THEMSELVES IN AN OPPORTUNE POSITION TO GUIDE CLIENTS IN THEIR PURSUIT OF PREMORBID ACTIVITY LEVELS. THIS ARTICLE PRESENTS AN OVERVIEW OF DISCOGENIC PATHOLOGY AND THE CONTINUUM OF CARE. EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON POST-REHABILITATION MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES INCLUDING EXERCISE PROGRAMMING, PRECAUTIONS, AND INTERDISCIPLINARY COMMUNICATION. FOR A VIDEO ABSTRACT OF THIS ARTICLE, SEE SUPPLEMENTAL DIGITAL CONTENT 1 (SEE VIDEO, http://links.lww.com/SCJ/A196).
Complex Training for Power Development: Practical Applications for Program Design
Authors: Lim Julian J. H. , Barley Christopher I.
Published: November 2016

THE SHORT-TERM GAINS IN POWER AND RATE OF FORCE DEVELOPMENT AFTER MAXIMAL OR HIGH-INTENSITY DYNAMIC EXERCISES ARE THOUGHT TO RESULT FROM POSTACTIVATION POTENTIATION (PAP). THE MAJOR FACTORS AFFECTING PAP UTILIZATION ARE THE OPTIMAL INTRACOMPLEX RECOVERY, TRAINING STATUS, AND STRENGTH LEVELS OF THE ATHLETES. STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT WITH THE IDEAL COMBINATION OF MODERATELY HIGHLY TRAINED ATHLETES AND ADEQUATE INTRACOMPLEX RECOVERY, IT IS POSSIBLE TO EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENT COMPLEX TRAINING FOR POWER DEVELOPMENT. THIS PAPER LOOKS TO REVIEW THE CURRENT LITERATURE OF STUDIES INVESTIGATING THE CHRONIC ADAPTATIONS OF PAP IN A TRAINING CYCLE AND RECOMMEND AN EFFECTIVE AND PRACTICAL COMPLEX TRAINING PROGRAM.
CoQ deficiency causes disruption of mitochondrial sulfide oxidation, a new pathomechanism associated with this syndrome
Authors: Luna‐Sánchez Marta , Hidalgo‐Gutiérrez Agustín , Hildebrandt Tatjana M , Chaves‐Serrano Julio , Barriocanal‐Casado Eliana , Santos‐Fandila Ángela , Romero Miguel , Sayed Ramy KA , Duarte Juan , Prokisch Holger , Schuelke Markus , Distelmaier Felix , Escames Germaine , Acuña‐Castroviejo Darío , López Luis C
Published: November 2016

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a key component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, but it also has several other functions in the cellular metabolism. One of them is to function as an electron carrier in the reaction catalyzed by sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (SQR), which catalyzes the first reaction in the hydrogen sulfide oxidation pathway. Therefore, SQR may be affected by CoQ deficiency. Using human skin fibroblasts and two mouse models with primary CoQ deficiency, we demonstrate that severe CoQ deficiency causes a reduction in SQR levels and activity, which leads to an alteration of mitochondrial sulfide metabolism. In cerebrum of Coq9R239X mice, the deficit in SQR induces an increase in thiosulfate sulfurtransferase and sulfite oxidase, as well as modifications in the levels of thiols. As a result, biosynthetic pathways of glutamate, serotonin, and catecholamines were altered in the cerebrum, and the blood pressure was reduced. Therefore, this study reveals the reduction in SQR activity as one of the pathomechanisms associated with CoQ deficiency syndrome.
Transcriptomic changes throughout post-hatch development in Gallus gallus pituitary
Authors: Pritchett Elizabeth M , Lamont Susan J , Schmidt Carl J
Published: November 2016

The pituitary gland is a neuroendocrine organ that works closely with the hypothalamus to affect multiple processes within the body including the stress response, metabolism, growth and immune function. Relative tissue expression (rEx) is a transcriptome analysis method that compares the genes expressed in a particular tissue to the genes expressed in all other tissues with available data. Using rEx, the aim of this study was to identify genes that are uniquely or more abundantly expressed in the pituitary when compared to all other collected chicken tissues. We applied rEx to define genes enriched in the chicken pituitaries at days 21, 22 and 42 post-hatch. rEx analysis identified 25 genes shared between all time points, 295 genes shared between days 21 and 22 and 407 genes unique to day 42. The 25 genes shared by all time points are involved in morphogenesis and general nervous tissue development. The 295 shared genes between days 21 and 22 are involved in neurogenesis and nervous system development and differentiation. The 407 unique day 42 genes are involved in pituitary development, endocrine system development and other hormonally related gene ontology terms. Overall, rEx analysis indicates a focus on nervous system/tissue development at days 21 and 22. By day 42, in addition to nervous tissue development, there is expression of genes involved in the endocrine system, possibly for maturation and preparation for reproduction. This study defines the transcriptome of the chicken pituitary gland and aids in understanding the expressed genes critical to its function and maturation.
The influence of particle surface roughness on elastic stiffness and dynamic response
Authors: Otsubo M. , O'Sullivan C. , Hanley K. J. , Sim W. W.
Published: November 2016

Discrete-element method (DEM) simulations of planar wave propagation are used to examine the effect of particle surface roughness on the stiffness and dynamic response of granular materials. A new contact model that considers particle surface roughness is implemented in the DEM simulations. Face-centred cubic lattice packings and random configurations are used; uniform spheres are considered in both cases to isolate fabric and contact model effects from inertia effects. For the range of values considered here surface roughness caused a significant reduction in stiffness, particularly at lower confining stresses. The simulations confirm that surface roughness effects can at least partially explain the value of the exponent in the relationship between stiffness and mean confining stress for an assembly of spherical particles. Frequency domain analyses showed that the maximum frequency transmitted through the sample is reduced when surface roughness is considered. The assumption of homogeneity of stress and contacts in analytical micromechanical models is shown to lead to an overestimation of stiffness.
Learning from History: Volatility and Financial Crises
Authors: Zer Ilknur , Danielsson Jon , Valenzuela Marcela
Published: November 2016

We study the effects of volatility on financial crises by constructing a cross-country database spanning over 200 years. Volatility is not a significant predictor of crises whereas unusually high and low volatilities are. Low volatility is followed by credit build-ups, indicating that agents take more risk in periods of low financial risk consistent with Minsky hypothesis, and increasing the likelihood of a banking crisis. The impact is stronger when financial markets are more prominent and less regulated. Finally, both high and low volatilities make stock market crises more likely, while volatility in any form has no impact on currency crises.
Professionally Oriented Practice in Graduate Students in the Context of Networking between University and School
Authors: Gutina G.Y. , Emelyanova I.V.
Published: November 2016

The paper describes the experience of organising professionally oriented practice for graduate students in the context of networking. The model of in-depth professionally oriented practice for students of the master’s programme in Psychology and Education was created and approved by the leading Russian pedagogical universities within the project “Developing and approving new modules of basic master’s programme of professional training in Psychology and Education on the basis of networking between educational organisations providing general and higher education programmes implying in-depth professionally oriented student practice”. The model of in-depth practice is constructed on the grounds of activity- and competency-based approaches. Practical training of graduate students focuses on the structure and content of work functions (actions) defined in the professional standard for educational psychologists.
Training Graduate Students in Psychological Counseling Module in the Context of Networking
Authors: Kochetova Y.A.
Published: November 2016

The paper provides a general outline of main approbation outcomes of the “Psychological Counseling in Education” module which is part of the master’s programme in School Psychology and is aimed at teaching the methodology of counseling in education and the basic principles of designing the counseling process in the framework of student support at school. A networking algorithm is described for communicating with educational organisations (training sites) in the process of internship. In the context of networking, the content and organization of distributed practice is considered the key condition of students’ effective engagement in professional activities, development of professional competencies and readiness for carrying out psychological counseling in education as defined by the professional standard for educational psychologists.
Training Educational Psychologists: A Model of Working with Diagnostic Case
Authors: Shubina A.S. , Petrova L.M.
Published: November 2016

The paper describes a model of working with a diagnostic case in educational psychological practice and analyses its compliance with the requirements of the professional standard for educational psychologists as well as with the theoretical bases of psychological assessment as a form of professional activity of a psychologist. The paper reviews the possibilities for making the requirements of the professional standard more specific by means of relating its components to the stages of the diagnostic process. As it is shown, a number of aspects in the diagnostic activity are deficient and require to be specially developed during professional and advanced training. The paper analyses the necessity of designing the content of psychodiagnostic disciplines so that they involve working with diagnostic hypotheses. It also outlines the tasks of mastering psychodiagnostic disciplines which, if solved successfully, would prevent students from making typical diagnostic mistakes. Finally, the paper discusses the difficulties with the development of the gnostic component of diagnostic activity in graduate students with bachelor degrees in a non-psychology field.
Technologies for Raising Professional Competence in Teachers Working in Inclusive Educational Institutions
Authors: Zakharova A.V. , Staroverova M.S.
Published: November 2016

This paper focuses on the issues of raising professional competence in teachers working in inclusive educational organisations and outlines the main strategies of specialist training within master’s programmes. It is emphasized that one of the most essential components of graduate education is the development of professional (practice-oriented) competencies during training at networking educational institutions, which would make future specialists able to solve professional tasks of any difficulty and to come up with new schemes for professional activity in the context of the transformation of the Russian education system.
Chromoblastomycosis: a case report with literature review
Authors: Govindaraman Padmanaban K. , V. Marimuthu , G. Senthil
Published: November 2016

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic progressive cutaneous fungal infection caused by several naturally pigmented fungi that is frequently misdiagnosed clinically because of its polymorphic clinical presentation. We present a case of cutaneous chromoblastomycosis in a 52 year male in the right leg that was mimicking mycetoma/cutaneous tuberculosis clinically. Later, it was diagnosed as chromoblastomycosis in histopathological examination on identification of characteristic sclerotic/medlar bodies. We found combination of chemotherapy and wide local excision was effective in the management of localized chromoblastomycosis with favorable outcome. To conclude, chromoblastomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic cutaneous infections and one has to look for sclerotic bodies particularly in granulomatous lesions as it has specific treatment.
Cross‐Sectional Evaluation of Periodontal Status and Microbiologic and Rheumatoid Parameters in a Large Cohort of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Schmickler Jan , Rupprecht Annegret , Patschan Susann , Patschan Daniel , Müller Gerhard A. , Haak Rainer , Mausberg Rainer F. , Schmalz Gerhard , Kottmann Tanja , Ziebolz Dirk
Published: November 2016

Background: This study evaluates periodontal conditions and microbiologic findings and their influence on rheumatologic disease parameters in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: One hundred and sixty‐eight patients with RA were included. A healthy control group (HC, n = 168) was composed according to age, sex, and smoking habits. Rheumatologic data (duration of illness, Disease Activity Score 28, rheumatic factor [RF], anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide [aCCP], medications) were extracted from patients’ records. Dental examination included: 1) dental findings (decayed, missing, and/or filled adult teeth [DMF‐T] index); 2) gingival inflammation (papillary bleeding index [PBI]); and 3) periodontal status (probing depth [PD], attachment loss [AL]). Periodontal condition was classified as healthy/mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis. Subgingival biofilm was analyzed regarding 11 periodontopathogenic bacteria. Statistical analyses included: 1) Kolmogorov–Smirnov test; 2) Mann–Whitney U test; 3) Pearson χ2 test; 4) Kruskal–Wallis test; and 5) regression analysis; level of significance α = 5%.

Results: Mean DMF‐T was significantly higher in patients with RA (19.3 ± 4.8) than in HC group (16.9 ± 5.8), especially owing to number of missing teeth (RA = 6.0 ± 5.4, HC = 3.1 ± 3.3; P <0.01). Patients with RA had a significantly higher proportion of increased PD (P <0.01) and AL compared with HC group (P <0.01). Moderate to severe periodontitis was noted in 98% of patients with RA and 82% of the HC group (P <0.01). RF‐positive patients with RA suffered from worse periodontal conditions than RF‐negative patients (P = 0.01). Age, PBI, and presence of Treponema denticola (P <0.03) are related to periodontal condition in patients with RA. Although not statistically significant, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum occur in higher concentrations more often in aCCP‐positive patients with RA (P = 0.06).

Conclusions: Patients with RA had worse periodontal conditions than HC participants. Although a trend for higher F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis concentrations in aCCP‐positive patients with RA was found, importance of periodontal pathogenic bacteria and rheumatoid parameters in the interrelationship between periodontitis and RA remains unclear.
OSNAŽIVANJE OBITELJI KROZ POTICANJE POZITIVNIH ODNOSA I OBITELJSKE KOHEZIJE
Authors: Zloković Jasminka , Lukajić Andrea
Published: November 2016

Rezultati multidisciplinarnih istraživanja pokazuju da međusobna povezanost, potpora, pozitivna obiteljska atmosfera, način i razina komunikacije u obitelji i širem društvenom okruženju mogu da potiču, ali i da osporavaju i ograničavaju razvoj ličnosti. U radu polazimo sa stanovišta pitanja o obiteljskoj komunikaciji i koheziji s ciljem poticanja daljnjih mogućnosti u osnaživanju obitelji a time i pronalaženja konceptualnih modela u podizanju razine pozitivnih obiteljskih odnosa i zdravog razvoja djece.

Rezultati istraživanja, koje se provodilo 2010. i 2016. godine u sklopu znanstvenog projekta „Pedagoški aspekti odnosa u obitelji“ (Zloković, 2012) longitudinalnom primjenom Olsonovog modela  kao  konceptualnog  modela za mjerenje obiteljskog sistema, pokazuju neuravnotežene obiteljske odnose - ekstremno visoku i ekstremno nisku povezanost na skali obiteljske kohezivnosti. Visoki rezultati na emocionalnoj povezanosti mogu ukazivati na otežani razvoj buduće neovisnosti individue, a niska povezanost na kaotične odnose u obitelji. I na skali za ispitivanje komunikacije roditelj – dijete pokazuju se također dvije ekstremne skupine ispitanika. Na jednoj strani nalaze se ispitanici čiji odgovori ukazuju na neprimjerenu, nejasnu, ambivalentnu komunikaciju u obitelji i na suprotnom kraju ispitanici koji sa svojim roditeljima komuniciraju na visokoj razini što je jedna od pretpostavki koja pridonosi visokim rezultatima na skali kohezivnosti.

Dobiveni rezultati doprinose pedagoškoj znanosti, posebno obiteljskoj pedagogiji, kao i praksi u određivanju preventivnih i intervencijskih aktivnosti usmjerene na optimalno funkcioniranje i osnaživanje obitelji.
Making Education Equitable in Rural China through Distance Learning
Authors: McQuaide Shiling
Published: November 2016

The Distance Education Project for Rural Schools (DEPRS) was implemented by the Chinese government between 2003 and 2007 to improve the quality of basic education in rural areas of China, especially in the poorer western provinces. It has been referred to as “the largest ICT project in the world up to now” because “it serves a larger population than any other similar projects and therefore will likely start a far-reaching information revolution in China.” This paper offers a descriptive analysis of the effectiveness and impact of DEPRS, explaining how and why it was implemented as a solution to close the wide gaps in access to high quality basic education. Focusing on the initial achievements of DEPRS, this paper explores if, how, and to what extent the three learning tools employed in DEPRS have improved basic education in remote rural areas.
Interaction Equivalency in Self-Paced Online Learning Environments: An Exploration of Learner Preferences
Authors: Rhode Jason
Published: November 2016

This mixed methods study explored the dynamics of interaction within a self-paced online learning environment. It used rich media and a mix of traditional and emerging asynchronous computer-mediated communication tools to determine what forms of interaction learners in a self-paced online course value most and what impact they perceive interaction to have on their overall learning experience. This study demonstrated that depending on the specific circumstance, not all forms of interaction may be either equally valued by learners or effective. Participants differentiated among the various learning interactions available and indicated that informal interactions were as important as formal interactions in determining the quality of the online learning experience. Participants also reported the activity of blogging as being equally valued and in some ways superior to instructor-directed asynchronous discussion via the discussion board in a learning management system.
Looking under the Bonnet: Factors Affecting Student Adoption of E-Learning Systems in Jordan
Authors: Abbad Muneer Mahmood , Morris David , De Nahlik Carmel
Published: November 2016

The primary questions addressed in this paper are the following: what are the factors that affect students’ adoption of an e-learning system and what are the relationships among these factors?

This paper investigates and identifies some of the major factors affecting students’ adoption of an e-learning system in a university in Jordan. E-learning adoption is approached from the information systems acceptance point of view. This suggests that a prior condition for learning effectively using e-learning systems is that students must actually use them. Thus, a greater knowledge of the factors that affect IT adoption and their interrelationships is a pre-cursor to a better understanding of student acceptance of e-learning systems. In turn, this will help and guide those who develop, implement, and deliver e-learning systems.

In this study, an extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was developed to investigate the underlying factors that influence students’ decisions to use an e-learning system. The TAM was populated using data gathered from a survey of 486 undergraduate students using the Moodle based e-learning system at the Arab Open University. The model was estimated using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). A path model was developed to analyze the relationships between the factors to explain students’ adoption of the e-learning system. Whilst findings support existing literature about prior experience affecting perceptions, they also point to surprising group effects, which may merit future exploration.
Exploring Open Distance Learning at a Jordanian University: A Case Study
Authors: Dirani Khalil M. , Yoon Seung Won
Published: November 2016

This case study explores an open distance learning program offered by the Information Technology and Computing (ITC) department at AOUJ, a major university in Jordan. It provides an overview of e-learning in the Arab region and explores factors that affect ODL quality in the Arab Open University in Jordan (AOUJ). The research utilized a qualitative approach, which included five lengthy semi-structured interviews with the program director, two instructors, and three students. Three important conclusions can be drawn from the study about e-learning in the Arab region: (1) the existence of adverse conditions, (2) the presence of strong instructional practices, and (3) the need to improve administrative support.