bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histological heterogeneity in a large clinical cohort of juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathy: analysis by myositis autoantibody and pathological features
Authors: Yasin S. A. , Schutz P. W. , Deakin C. T. , Sag E. , Varsani H. , Simou S. , Marshall L. R. , Tansley S. L. , McHugh N. J. , Holton J. L. , Wedderburn L. R. , Jacques T. S. ,   the UK Juvenile Dermatomyositis Research Group (UK and Ireland)
Published: October 2018

Aim

Juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies have been recently reclassified into clinico‐serological subgroups. Myopathological correlates of the subgroups are incompletely understood.

Methods

We studied muscle biopsies from 101 children with clinically and serologically defined juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies from the UK JDM Cohort and Biomarker Study by applying the international JDM score tool, myopathological review and C5b‐9 complement analysis.

Results

Autoantibody data were available for 90/101 cases with 18/90 cases positive for anti‐TIF1γ, 15/90 anti‐NXP2, 11/90 anti‐MDA5, 5/90 anti‐Mi2 and 6/90 anti‐PmScl. JDM biopsy severity scores were consistently low in the anti‐MDA5 group, high in the anti‐Mi2 group, and widely distributed in the other groups. Biopsies were classified histologically as perifascicular atrophy (22/101), macrophage‐rich necrosis (6/101), scattered necrosis (2/101), clustered necrosis (2/101), inflammatory fibre invasion (2/101), chronic myopathic change (1/101), diffuse endomysial macrophage infiltrates (40/101) and minimal change (24/101). MDA5 cases segregated with the minimal change group and showed no capillary C5b‐9‐deposition. The Mi2 group displayed high severity scores and a tendency towards sarcolemmal complement deposition. NXP2 and TIF1γ groups showed a variety of pathologies with a high proportion of diffuse endomysial macrophage infiltrates and a high proportion of capillary C5b‐9 deposition.

Conclusion

We have shown that juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies have a spectrum of histopathological phenotypes and show distinct complement attack complex deposition patterns. Both correlate in some cases with the serological subtypes. Most cases do not show typical histological features associated with dermatomyositis (e.g. perifascicular atrophy). In contrast, more than half show relatively mild histopathological changes.
Sebastian Faulks's Genesis Obsession – and Related Issues
Authors: Fitzpatrick Joseph
Published: October 2018

In this article I discuss the surprising similarity between the interpretation of the story told in chapter 3 of Genesis put forward in several of his novels by Sebastian Faulks and my own interpretation set out in my book, The Fall and the Ascent of Man: How Genesis Supports Darwin. Faulks and I argue that Genesis 3 is about hominization, the achievement of human status by a proto-human couple by the acquisition of self-awareness. However, that is where the similarity ends. I consider Faulks's understanding of self-awareness to be seriously mistaken, reductive and incoherent, and I take issue with what I consider to be the consequences of this mistaken understanding.
Lipo‐chitooligosaccharide signalling blocks a rapid pathogen‐induced ROS burst without impeding immunity
Authors: Rey Thomas , André Olivier , Nars Amaury , Dumas Bernard , Gough Clare , Bottin Arnaud , Jacquet Christophe
Published: October 2018

Molecular signals released by microbes at the surface of plant roots and leaves largely determine host responses, notably by triggering either immunity or symbiosis. How these signalling pathways cross‐talk upon coincident perception of pathogens and symbionts is poorly described in plants forming symbiosis.

Nitrogen fixing symbiotic Rhizobia spp. and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi produce lipo‐chitooligosaccharides (LCOs) to initiate host symbiotic programmes. In Medicago truncatula roots, the perception of LCOs leads to reduced efflux of reactive oxygen species (ROS). By contrast, pathogen perception generally triggers a strong ROS burst and activates defence gene expression.

Here we show that incubation of M. truncatula seedlings with culture filtrate (CF) of the legume pathogen Aphanomyces euteiches alone or simultaneously with Sinorhizobium meliloti LCOs, resulted in a strong ROS release. However, this response was completely inhibited if CF was added after pre‐incubation of seedlings with LCOs. By contrast, expression of immunity‐associated genes in response to CF and disease resistance to A. euteiches remained unaffected by LCO treatment of M. truncatula roots.

Our findings suggest that symbiotic plants evolved ROS inhibition response to LCOs to facilitate early steps of symbiosis whilst maintaining a parallel defence mechanisms toward pathogens.
Analysis of lettuce evapotranspiration across soil water
Authors: Pereira Omar Cléo Neves , Suguiura Tiago Peres da Silva , Pereira Anaih Pastana , Bertonha Altair , Previdelli Isolde
Published: October 2018

In this study, we evaluated the lettuce accumulated evapotranspiration (ET) across four levels of irrigation, using a nonlinear mixed‐effects model. The plants were grown in protected environments and monitored over 23 consecutive days. When the moisture of the substrate in the vessels reached 50% of their maximum retention capacity, the water levels were elevated according to four treatments: , , , and . The model appeared to provide a good fit to the data and showed that the estimates of the maximum amount of accumulated ET were similar for the three treatments with soil water deficit and lower for . The results of the study supported the idea that optimization of the ET of lettuce plants could be achieved through irrigation with deficit, also indicating that the economical use of water was the most efficient way to boost agricultural production.

Recommendations for resource managers

The continued growth of the world population will result in a decrease of quality and availability of water and also an increase in demand for food. Therefore, sustainability will depend on high agricultural productivity with rational use of water.

Considered the most efficient technology for boosting agricultural productivity, irrigation is also the largest water consumer in the world. With any kind of irrigation in the vegetable production area, the water intake for the plants must be treated with great caution.

Both a lack or excess in water can decrease plant productivity. The amount of water available in the soil should be enough to maximize production. It is shown that high levels of irrigation are not necessary for this.

It is important to balance the amount of irrigated water for an optimal level, in order that the production has its the production is maximized and valuable water resources are not wasted.
Explosive Asset Price Bubble Detection with Unknown Bubble Length and Initial Condition
Authors: Whitehouse Emily J.
Published: October 2018

Recent research has proposed a method of detecting explosive processes that is based on forward recursions of OLS, right‐tailed, Dickey–Fuller [DF] unit root tests. In this paper, an alternative approach using GLS DF test statistics is considered. We derive limiting distributions for both mean‐invariant and trend‐invariant versions of OLS and GLS‐based Phillips, Wu and Yu (2011, International Economic Review 52, 201–226) [PWY] test statistics under a temporary, locally explosive alternative. These limits are shown to be dependent on both the value of the initial condition and the start and end points of the temporary explosive regime. Local asymptotic power simulations show that a GLS version of the PWY statistic offers superior power when a large proportion of the data is explosive, but that the OLS approach is preferred for explosive periods of short duration as a proportion of the total sample. These power differences are magnified by the presence of an asymptotically non‐negligible initial condition. We propose a union of rejections procedure that capitalizes on the respective power advantages of both OLS and GLS‐based approaches. This procedure achieves power close to the effective envelope provided by the two individual PWY tests across all settings of the initial condition and length of the explosive period considered in this paper. These results are shown to be robust to the point in the sample at which the temporary explosive regime occurs. An application of the union procedure to NASDAQ prices confirms the empirical value of this testing strategy.
Habitat characteristics and species interference influence space use and nest‐site occupancy: implications for social variation in two sister species
Authors: Dufour Claire M. S. , Pillay Neville , Avenant Nico , Watson Johan , Loire Etienne , Ganem Guila
Published: October 2018

Nest‐site selection is an important component of species socio‐ecology, being a crucial factor in establishment of group living. Consequently, nest‐site characteristics together with space‐use proxies may reveal the social organization of species, which is critical when direct observation of social interactions is hindered in nature. Importantly, nest‐site choice is expected to be under strong selective pressures and the object of intra‐ and interspecific competition. Although the bulk of research on sociality focuses on its ecological drivers, our study introduces interspecific competition as a potential factor that could influence social evolution. We investigated the influence of habitat and interspecific competition on the social organization of two sister species of the African four striped mouse, Rhabdomys dilectus dilectus and Rhabdomys bechuanae, in a similar macroenvironment. These species diverged in allopatry and occupy distinct environmental niches. We radiotracked 140 adults to identify their nest‐sites, determine nest characteristics and record groups that shared nest‐sites. Group cohesion was estimated from nest‐site fidelity, group association strength, and home range overlap within versus between group members. We compared the two species in sympatry versus parapatry to determine the impact of species interference on sociality. In parapatry, the two species selected distinct nest‐site types, interpreted as different anti‐predator strategies: R. bechuanae selected fewer, spaced, less concealed nest‐sites whereas R. d. dilectus selected clumped and less visible nest‐sites. Rhabdomys bechuanae also showed more cohesive and stable social groups than R. d. dilectus. In sympatry, compared to R. bechuanae, R. d. dilectus occupied similar nest‐sites, however slightly more exposed and clumped, and displayed similar nest‐site fidelity and group association strength. We conclude that although habitat selection may be an important driver of social divergence in Rhabdomys, species interference, by limiting R. d. dilectus movements and forcing nest‐site sharing may induce new ecological pressures that could influence its social evolution.
Overexpression and silent expression ofCrGA20ox1fromCamellia reticulata‘Hentiangao’ and its effect on morphological alterations in transgenic tobacco plants
Authors: Wang Jiangying , Wu Bin , Li Jiyuan , Yin Hengfu , Fan Zhengqi , Li Xinlei , He Libo
Published: October 2018

Gibberellin 20‐oxidase (GA20ox) is a multifunctional enzyme that is involved in the regulation of GA biosynthesis and the control of plant growth. We identified and characterized aGA20oxgene (CrGA20ox1) inCamellia reticulata‘Hentiangao’; subsequently, expression levels ofCrGA20ox1in four phenotypically different camellias were analysed using fluorescent quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). The results demonstrated that theCrGA20ox1gene was expressed in all four camellias at various levels, indicating that the gene's expression intensity was positively associated with camellia height. In addition, phenotypic comparison among transgenic tobacco plants saw a nearly 3.6‐fold increase in height of senseCrGA20ox1lines as contrasted with wild‐type tobacco. Interestingly and contrarily, the height of the transgenic plants expressing antisenseCrGA20ox1copies decreased by only around 0.5‐fold of the controls’ height. Endogenous hormone measurements illustrated that bioactive GA4predominantly increased in sense transgenic plants, whereas an obvious drop was observed in the antisense lines. Hence, overexpression of theCrGA20ox1gene could accelerate vegetative growth; however, silent expression of theCrGA20ox1gene impelled plants towards dwarfism.
Association of Increased Sun Exposure Over the Life‐course with a Reduced Risk of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Chiaroni‐Clarke Rachel C. , Munro Jane E. , Pezic Angela , Cobb Joanna E. , Akikusa Jonathan D. , Allen Roger C. , Dwyer Terence , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise , Ellis Justine A.
Published: October 2018

Cutaneous sun exposure is an important determinant of circulating vitamin D. Both sun exposure and vitamin D have been inversely associated with risk of autoimmune disease. In juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), low circulating vitamin D appears common, but disease‐related behavioral changes may have influenced sun exposure. We therefore aimed to determine whether predisease sun exposure is associated with JIA. Using validated questionnaires, we retrospectively measured sun exposure for 202 Caucasian JIA case–control pairs born in Victoria Australia, matched for birth year and time of recruitment. Measures included maternal sun exposure at 12 weeks of pregnancy and child sun exposure across the life‐course prediagnosis. We converted exposure to UVR dose and looked for case–control differences using logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. Higher cumulative prediagnosis UVR exposure was associated with reduced risk of JIA, with a clear dose–response relationship (trend P = 0.04). UVR exposure at 12 weeks of pregnancy was similarly inversely associated with JIA (trend P = 0.011). Associations were robust to sensitivity analyses for prediagnosis behavioral changes, disease duration and knowledge of the hypothesis. Our data indicate that lower UVR exposure may increase JIA risk. This may be through decreased circulating vitamin D, but prospective studies are required to confirm this.
Influence of functional, psychological, and environmental factors on falls among community‐dwelling older adults in Hong Kong
Authors: Leung Daniel D.M.
Published: October 2018

Aim

The growth of the ageing population has been rapid. However, this ageing population is not homogeneous; individuals have different levels of functionality and psychosocial status, and some are members of at‐risk or high‐risk groups. As such, studies on the functional, psychological, and environmental factors of falls among community‐dwelling older adults are imperative. By investigating the effect of life satisfaction, as well as environmental and functional factors, on falls among community‐dwelling older adults in Hong Kong, this study aims to address this concern.

Methods

The study recruited 249 participants. Both self‐reported questionnaires and home safety assessments were administrated.

Results

Logistic regression analysis showed that life satisfaction and instrumental activities of daily living were significant predictors of falls. Significant differences between fallers and non‐fallers were found in functional and psychological areas. The presence of home hazards was low and not associated with falls in this population. However, this variable was negatively associated with life satisfaction and predicted by one of its domains, satisfaction of possession.

Conclusion

These results can help health‐care and social service providers to identify the needs and types of support required for effective fall prevention and to better tailor and target community intervention for older adults.
Burden of caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Pudelewicz Anna , Talarska Dorota , Bączyk Grażyna
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disease of unknown aetiology. It is characterised by a gradual deterioration of cognitive processes, especially memory, orientation and thinking. With the deepening of Alzheimer's disease, the independence of patients is increasingly limited, what results in an increased involvement of caregivers in care. Excessive duties contribute to the development of caregiver burnout.

Aim

The aim of the study was to examine the level of feeling of burden in caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease and to determine the relationship between selected parameters and the feeling of burden.

Material and methods

The study included 55 people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. In order to test the level of the burden, the Polish version of Caregiver Burden Scale was used. The level of self‐esteem was assessed using the Polish version of the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale.

Results

The total result of the level of burden of caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease, according to the Caregiver Burden Scale, was 2.6 points. There was a significant relationship between the feeling of burden and the caregiver's gender, the lack of free time, the number of hours devoted to day care, the number of years of patient care, the degree of a caregiver's self‐assessment and the progression of the patient's disease.

Conclusions

In the examined group of caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and according to the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, the medium level of care burden and the average level of self‐esteem were prevailing.
Tracing tsunami signatures of the ad 551 and ad 1303 tsunamis at the Gulf of Kyparissia (Peloponnese, Greece) using direct push in situ sensing techniques combined with geophysical studies
Authors: Obrocki Lea , Vött Andreas , Wilken Dennis , Fischer Peter , Willershäuser Timo , Koster Benjamin , Lang Franziska , Papanikolaou Ioannis , Rabbel Wolfgang , Reicherter Klaus
Published: October 2018

The western Peloponnese was repeatedly hit by major tsunami impacts during historical times as reported by historical accounts and recorded in earthquake and tsunami catalogues. Geological signatures of past tsunami impacts have also been found in many coastal geological archives. During the past years, abundant geomorphological and sedimentary evidence of repeated Holocene tsunami landfall was found between Cape Katakolo and the city of Kyparissia. Moreover, neotectonic studies revealed strong crust uplift along regional faults with amounts of uplift between 13 m and 30 m since the mid‐Holocene. This study focuses on the potential of direct push in situ sensing techniques to detect tsunami sediments along the Gulf of Kyparissia. Direct push measurements were conducted on the landward shores of the Kaiafa Lagoon and the former Mouria Lagoon from which sedimentary and microfaunal evidence for tsunami landfall are already known. Direct push methods helped to decipher in situ high‐resolution stratigraphic records of allochthonous sand sheets that are used to document different kinds of sedimentological and geomorphological characteristics of high‐energy inundation, such as abrupt increases in grain size, integration of muddy rip‐up clasts and fining upward sequences which are representative of different tsunami inundation pulses. These investigations were completed by sediment coring as a base for local calibration of geophysical direct push parameters. Surface‐based electrical resistivity tomography and seismic data with highly resolved vertical direct push datasets and sediment core data were all coupled in order to improve the quality of the geophysical models. Details of this methodological approach, new in palaeotsunami research, are presented and discussed, especially with respect to the question of how the obtained results may help to facilitate tracing tsunami signatures in the sedimentary record and deciphering geomorphological characteristics of past tsunami inundation. Using direct push techniques and based on sedimentary data, sedimentary signatures of two young tsunami impacts that hit the Kaiafa Lagoon were detected. Radiocarbon age control allowed the identification of these tsunami layers as candidates for the ad 551 and ad 1303 earthquake and tsunami events. For these events, there is reliable historical data on major damage on infrastructure in western Greece and on the Peloponnese. At the former Mouria Lagoon, corroborating tsunami traces were found; however, in this case it is difficult to decide whether these signatures were caused by the ad 551 or the ad 1303 event.
Socioeconomic status and the dynamics of preferences for income inequality in the United States, 1978–2016
Authors: Sumino Takanori
Published: October 2018

Although considerable evidence indicates that public preferences for income inequality and redistribution vary across socioeconomic groups (i.e., occupation and income), much less is known about the temporal dynamics of these preferences. The purpose of this study is (a) to examine whether the attitudinal distance between managerial/professional workers and unskilled manual workers has changed (converged or diverged) over time and to (b) explore the reasons for and implications of the dynamics of preferences in the past several decades. Using data from the General Social Survey 1978–2016 (23 time‐points; N = 27,211), this study finds that the influence of occupational class has lost some of its significance in shaping public preferences for income inequality and that the declining effect of occupation can be explained in part by the attitudinal convergence between better‐ and less‐educated citizens. Findings suggest that proequality coalitions across educational boundaries play a remedial role in bridging the occupational divide over government redistribution in the United States.
Measuring teachers’ beliefs in relation to teaching mathematics with mathematical practices in mind
Authors: Riggs Iris M. , Fischman Davida D. , Riggs Matt L. , Jetter Madeleine E. , Jesunathadas Joseph
Published: October 2018

Efforts to measure teacher self‐efficacy beliefs have built upon the theories of Albert Bandura. Continuing in that vein, the purpose of this study was to develop a measure that assesses teachers’ efficacy and expectancy beliefs regarding teaching mathematics with an emphasis on conceptual understanding and mathematical practices, and to use this instrument to examine growth in these variables and correlations between these and other measures of quality of instruction. The instrument, developed as part of an NSF‐funded project, built upon prior measures of teacher self‐efficacy and expectancy beliefs, by modifying or omitting existing items and developing additional items aligned with instruction that supports the development of mathematical practices and conceptual understanding of mathematics. A group of mathematicians, mathematics educators, and K–12 experts developed a collection of items that was reduced based on factor analysis and modified based on cognitive interviews. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses provide robust support for the psychometric properties of the two measures, and suggest that the two subscales are distinct and measurable constructs. Evidence of concurrent and predictive validity was obtained using multi‐year correlations calculated between these scores and other constructs measured for the teachers participating in the grant.
Big data‐enabled social sensing in spatial analysis: Potentials and pitfalls
Authors: Liao Chuan , Brown Daniel , Fei Ding , Long Xuewen , Chen Dan , Che Shengquan
Published: October 2018

Over the past decade, there has been an unprecedented boom in the application of big data derived from location‐aware technology in GIScience. However, reflections on data quality lead to concerns about inaccurate or even erroneous spatial analysis results. This article contributes a meta‐analysis of big data‐enabled social sensing in spatial analysis. Big data‐enabled research has substantially enhanced our understanding of human population distribution and dynamics, land use, travel behavior, movement patterns, and spatial social networks from city to country to global levels. However, the effectiveness of big data‐enabled social sensing can be undermined by five critical issues related to research design: data volume, spatial coverage, locational information quality, and representativeness across socioeconomic and demographic groups. We suggest a framework for addressing the inherent bias in spatial big data at multiple stages of the research lifecycle and applying them to appropriate topics and scales of applications.
Novel negative pressure wound therapy device without foam or gauze is effective at −50 mmHg
Authors: Nuutila Kristo , Yang Lu , Broomhead Michael , Proppe Karl , Eriksson Elof
Published: October 2018

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) promotes healing in acute or chronic wounds. Conventional NPWT devices consist of a filler (such as foam or gauze) that covers the wound and of a permeable membrane and tubing that connects the space under the membrane to a suction pump. The permeable membrane increases airflow and thus increases the required pump capacity that can cause patient discomfort or even ischemia in wounds with compromised vascularity. In addition, foam or gauze may fragment and become colonized with bacteria over time. To mitigate these, negative aspects, we have developed a new impermeable single layer component membrane dressing to deliver NPWT that does not need a foam or gauze to function. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to introduce this novel NPWT system (platform wound device, PWD) and evaluate its usability and effectiveness in the treatment of porcine full‐thickness burns. A total of 48 burn wounds were created across four Yorkshire pigs on the dorsum. Wounds were created on day 0 and continuous NPWT with −50 mmHg and − 80 mmHg was initiated immediately. Subsequently, the burns were debrided on day 3 and animals were euthanized on day 7. The efficacy of the PWD on wound healing and reduction of bacterial burden was measured and compared to wounds that did not receive NPWT. The results showed that PWD promoted wound healing by outperforming the wounds that did not receive NPWT and that PWD was efficient at reducing bacteria from the burn eschar and from the wound bed. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that PWD promoted wound healing with a negative pressure as low as −50 mmHg, which likely benefits healing and avoids potential safety issues.
The Application of Rainwater as Architectural Design Elements For Green Technology Solution In Low Rise Office Building
Authors: Sabrina Ismail Alice , Sa’ezan Nur Syahirah
Published: October 2018

Performance of workers in terms of productivity level is determined by many related factors including a comfortable work space. Nevertheless, the discussion on the condition of work space environment namely in low rise office buildings and its related issues on thermal comfort in Malaysia are fairly new and is not well addressed. Past studies indicate that low rise offices found in many well-developed countries tend to utilize air conditioning as easiest ways to create a comfortable work space and to cool down the building interior. This factor had indirectly contributed to the increment of energy consumption namely in urban areas due to the rise of air condition consumption from 40% to 60% annually. As a result, contributed to the formation of urban heat island (UHI) which affect community’s environment and quality of life involving health and comfort. The objective of this paper therefore is to discuss and propose approaches on how to apply rainwater elements in architectural design for achieving thermal benefits through passive cooling. This is vital as Malaysia receives large amount of rainfall throughout the year in which this nature resources may provide advantages as sustainable source in cooling down the building temperature. For this purpose, case study as research strategy is adopted using mixed methodology combining qualitative and quantitative method. To conduct the data analysis, ECOTECT simulation and small field experiments are performed to investigate the cooling effect in low rise office building. Findings indicate that low rise office building which integrates rainwater elements in architectural design potentially improve the building thermal performance thus reducing building’s energy demand for space conditioning. This study is important as by adopting appropriate methods in addressing ecology issues will not only provide a comfortable living environment to the users but also established referential guideline in low rise office design.
Perlaksanaan Pendidikan Abad Ke-21 di Malaysia: Satu Tinjauan Awal
Authors: Radin Mistirine , Yasin M. Al-Muz-zammil
Published: October 2018

Based on the government's aspiration towards realizing the 21st century education (PA-21), the Ministry of Education (MOE) has listed 10 subthemes of the three skills that need to be mastered in teaching and learning namely learning and innovation skills, media and information technology skills, as well as life skills and careers. Institut Aminuddin Baki (IAB) took up the challenge of the MOE's aspiration by listing eight elements of the PA-21 based on the 21st century learning style of the US National Educator Association (NEA) such as critical, communication, collaborative and creativity. This article is an overview of 14 local studies findings that were published in journals and educational research proceedings in Malaysia from 2000 to 2017. All of these articles have discussed the feasibility of PA-21 at the public schools and universities. Findings from these studies show that local research more focuses on two domains of skills namely creativity and communication i.e. the use of information technology in teaching and learning. This review is empirically prove that teachers and students were able to implement PA-21 skills although the level of implementation was still at the early stage with the most basic method of use. However, the implementation of PA-21 from the perspectives and functions of MOE as the policy makers was not addressed in 14 analyzed articles.
Tinjauan Motivasi, Sikap dan Peningkatan Prestasi Murid Sekolah Rendah Melalui Penggunaan Halaman Celik Akal (VLE)
Authors: Mohd Noor Muhammad Sabiq , Megat Zakaria Megat Aman Zahiri
Published: October 2018

The implementation of teaching and learning through the use of technology helped in interactive and interesting delivery of knowledge. The transformation from traditional learning now students learn through Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) can attract interest apart from a wide material access by the students. The implementation of learning through Halaman Celik Akal gives positive impact towards students’ motivation, attitude and performance especially in Malay language subject. This purpose of this research is to review students’ motivation and attitude and also investigate the relationshiop between both constructs. This research focused on students’ performance after using this page in teaching and learning. This research involved 31 students of Standard 5 in Primary School. There are four questions being analysed in this research. The finding of this research shows that students’ motivation and attitude are at a high level after learning through this page. From the performance aspect shows that there are differences between students’ score before and after using this page (t= -8.162, df=30, p = 0.00). However, the findings of this research shows that there no relationship between students’ motivation and attitude (R= -0.059, P = 0.752) through this learning. Therefore, this research shows that the implementation of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) through virtual page has a lot of benefits to the students especially in the aspect of students’ motivation, attitude and performance in learning Malay language.
Pembelajaran Berdasarkan Senario dalam Mengajar Model Penyelesaian Masalah
Authors: Tamilselvam Shanthi , Surif Johari
Published: October 2018

This study aims to evaluate the suitability of the Scenario Based Learning Module (SBL), which has been designed in the topic of Problem Solving Models. The study also aims to examine the advantages of SBL in universities and secondary education levels.  In addition, this study was conducted to find out the barriers and constraints in the designated SBL.  Lecturers from a university and a secondary school participated in this study which is conducted as an interview.  The interview is aimed to gather information on the suitability and features of the module, as well as the advantages and obstacles in the SBL module.  The data obtained from the interviews are qualitatively analyzed through the transcription process.  The findings show that the modules are designed to be practiced at university level among students. The findings also show that the module has many advantages in terms of understanding the learning content, thinking skills and problem solving skills, social and collaborative skills and intrinsic motivation of students.  Additionally, obstacles and constraints that exist in SBL are also discussed. This study benefits from the perspective of providing information on the suitability, advantages and obstacles of SBL for the Problem Solving course in Chemistry Education.  In fact, university lecturers and secondary school teachers can take this study as a reference for SBL applications in teaching and learning.  University students can also benefit from the SBL module designed and the results of this study.
Komitmen Terhadap Keselamatan Aktiviti Luar Dan Berisiko dalam Pendidikan
Authors: Ismail Noorasikin , Zainuddin Zainal Abidin , Ibrahim Halijah
Published: October 2018

Safety is an important element in carrying out all outdoor and risky activities. Certainly this activity is vulnerable to security issues whether before, during or after an activity is implemented. Various important aspects need to be taken into account when conducting outdoor and risky activities to ensure an accident that can be avoided and safe from incidents which may cause direct or indirect injury. The objective of this study is to look at the safety commitment among administrators and implementers in terms of level of knowledge, competence and safety practices of outdoor and risk activities. This study uses questionnaires and open-ended questions to administrators comprising management and implementing groups randomly. The findings show that the percentage of knowledge is very high, 93.8% is directed to not accepting specific safety-related training is 53.1% and uncertain to receive 37.5% specific safety-related training. The existence of the function of the Occupational Safety and Health Management system also noted that 71.0% of the respondents did not and were unsure, but only 6.1% of the respondents recorded uncertain how to deal with the risks during the activity. Respondent's competence to qualified and qualified assignments is a high percentage. Based on commitment and safety practices, the high percentages of respondents provide positive feedback on safety commitments and the need for safe situations during their activities in accordance with Safety Theory Dan Petersen (1982). This scenario demonstrates an effort towards strengthening the existing standard operating procedures (SOP) of outsourced and risky activities plus a risk management element is essential.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Oscar William
Published: October 2018

International Journal of Contemporary Education (IJCE) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJCE publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 1, Number 2 Alexandra Ingram, University of Tennessee, USACarme Pinya, University of Balearic Islands, SpainCristina Simões, Portuguese Catholic University, PortugalDorota Celinska, Roosevelt University, USAFederica Cornali, University of Turin, ItalyFroilan Delute Mobo, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, PhilippinesGiuseppe Maugeri, Ca' Foscari University, ItalyIonel Bondoc, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Iasi, RomaniaIosif Fragkoulis, Hellenic Open University, GreeceLucilia Falcão, University of Fortaleza -UNIFOR, BrazilMakrina Nina Zafiri, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GreeceMatthew Schatt, University of Florida, USABruna Gabriela Augusto Marçal Vieira, Universidade Estadual Paulista, BrazilNatalia V. Andraphanova, Kuban State University, RussiaNesrin Ozturk, Ege University, TurkeyNoelia Navarro Gómez, Universidad de Almería, SpainRaymond Aaron Younis, ACU Australia, AustraliaSaid K. Juma, The State University of Zanzibar, FinlandSandro Sehic, Oneida BOCES, USASandro Serpa, University of the Azores, PortugalVassiliki Pliogou, Metropolitan College of Thessaloniki, GreeceVassilios Papadimitriou, University of Thessaly, Greece    William OscarEditorial AssistantInternational Journal of Contemporary Education---------------------------------------------------------Redfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USATel: 1-503-828-0536 ext. 509Fax: 1-503-828-0537E-mail: ijce@redfame.comURL: http://ijce.redfame.com
Automorphic vector bundles with global sections on -schemes
Authors: Goldring Wushi , Koskivirta Jean-Stefan
Published: October 2018

A general conjecture is stated on the cone of automorphic vector bundles admitting nonzero global sections on schemes endowed with a smooth, surjective morphism to a stack of$G$-zips of connected Hodge type; such schemes should include all Hodge-type Shimura varieties with hyperspecial level. We prove our conjecture for groups of type$A_{1}^{n}$,$C_{2}$, and$\mathbf{F}_{p}$-split groups of type$A_{2}$(this includes all Hilbert–Blumenthal varieties and should also apply to Siegel modular$3$-folds and Picard modular surfaces). An example is given to show that our conjecture can fail for zip data not of connected Hodge type.
Improvements in Shear Locking and Spurious Zero Energy Modes Using Chebyshev Finite Element Method
Authors: Dang-Trung H. , Yang Dane-Jong , Liu Y. C.
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the authors present Chebyshev finite element (CFE) method for the analysis of Reissner–Mindlin (RM) plates and shells. Chebyshev polynomials are a sequence of orthogonal polynomials that are defined recursively. The values of the polynomials belong to the interval [−1,1] and vanish at the Gauss points (GPs). Therefore, high-order shape functions, which satisfy the interpolation condition at the points, can be performed with Chebyshev polynomials. Full gauss quadrature rule was used for stiffness matrix, mass matrix and load vector calculations. Static and free vibration analyses of thick and thin plates and shells of different shapes subjected to different boundary conditions were conducted. Both regular and irregular meshes were considered. The results showed that by increasing the order of the shape functions, CFE automatically overcomes shear locking without the formation of spurious zero energy modes. Moreover, the results of CFE are in close agreement with the exact solutions even for coarse and irregular meshes.
Ultrasound in air—Guidelines, applications, public exposures, and claims of attacks in Cuba and China
Authors: Leighton Timothy G.
Published: October 2018

This editorial introduces a Special Issue of the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, on “Ultrasound in Air.” In this Special Issue, one paper covers ways of categorizing the ultrasonic regimes, and three papers cover human effects. One of those three, plus five others, constitute the six papers that report on the measured outputs of commercial devices. Two cover calibration, and the final three papers cover novel applications. This editorial outlines the context in which these papers provide individual studies, including the development of technology and guidelines for safe exposure, and ending with an analysis of what is currently known about claims of sonic attacks on embassy staff in Cuba and China.
Measurements of ultrasound from public address and voice alarm systems in public places
Authors: Paxton Beth , Harvie-Clark Jack , Albert Max
Published: October 2018

Concerns have been raised about potential health effects of public exposure to ultrasound; however, there are few published surveys of measurements taken in public places. Results are presented of measurements taken in a selection of public places including train stations, shopping centres, galleries and museums, and the difficulties of taking measurements with conventional equipment are highlighted. Tones were identified in the 20 kHz third-octave band at 8 of the 14 locations tested; the characteristics of the tones are consistent with their source being Public Address or Voice Alarm systems. The measured results do not exceed existing interim guidelines for public exposure to ultrasound, and existing research suggests that no significant undesirable effects would be anticipated following exposure to ultrasound of this nature for short periods. The measured data may be reviewed against future public exposure guidelines which consider the variation in response across the population and between continuous and pulsed sources.
Public exposure to ultrasound and very high-frequency sound in air
Authors: Fletcher Mark D. , Lloyd Jones Sian , White Paul R. , Dolder Craig N. , Lineton Benjamin , Leighton Timothy G.
Published: October 2018

Recent work showing the presence of a new generation of ultrasound (US) sources in public places has reopened the debate about whether there are adverse effects of US on humans, and has identified weaknesses in standards and exposure guidelines. Systems that rely on very high-frequency sound (VHFS) and US include public-address voice-alarm (PAVA) systems (whose operational status is often monitored using tones at ∼20 kHz) and pest deterrents. In this study, sound pressure levels (SPLs) produced by 16 sources that were either publically available or installed in busy public spaces were measured. These sources were identified through a citizen science project, wherein members of the public were asked to provide smartphone recordings of VHFS/US sources. With measurements made in realistic listening positions, pest deterrents were found that produced levels of up to 100 dB SPL at ∼20 kHz, and a hand dryer was found to produce 84 dB SPL at 40 kHz. PAVA systems were found to emit lower levels of up to 76 dB SPL at ∼20 kHz. Pest deterrents measured breach recommended safe listening limits for public exposure for people who are nearby even for relatively short periods.
Effects of very high-frequency sound and ultrasound on humans. Part II: A double-blind randomized provocation study of inaudible 20-kHz ultrasound
Authors: Fletcher Mark D. , Lloyd Jones Sian , White Paul R. , Dolder Craig N. , Leighton Timothy G. , Lineton Benjamin
Published: October 2018

Some people have reported symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches that they attribute to ultrasound (US) emitted by devices in public places. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate whether inaudible US can provoke adverse symptoms compared to a sham presentation, under double-blind conditions. A second aim was to investigate whether the expectation of US being present could provoke adverse symptoms (a nocebo response). The US stimulus was a 20 kHz tone presented continuously for 20 min set to at least 15 dB below the participants' detection threshold, giving a typical sound pressure level (SPL) of 84 dB. No evidence that US provoked symptoms was found, but there was evidence of small nocebo effects. A case study on an individual with high self-reported sensitivity to US gave similar results. The present study did not reproduce the severe symptoms reported previously by some members of the public; this may be due to the SPL or duration of the stimulus, or strength of the nocebo stimulus. These findings cannot be used to predict outcomes from exposures to sounds that are audible to the individual in question, or to sounds with higher SPLs, longer durations, or different frequency content.
Potential audibility of ultrasonic signal monitoring of Public Address and Life Safety Sound Systems
Authors: Mapp Peter
Published: October 2018

Ultrasonic surveillance monitoring, to check the operational integrity of Public Address (PA) and Emergency Communication Systems, has been in existence for over 40 years—particularly in Europe. Since its inception, there has been debate as to the potential audibility that these systems may have. As the vast majority of sound systems engineers and designers have not heard or experienced any effects, it has generally been assumed that the general public do not either. Recently, however, concern has been raised and claims of ill effects have been reported with respect to ultrasonic emissions. There is, however, little or no data as to the ultrasonic sound levels that sound systems actually emit. This paper discusses the results of an initial survey of ultrasound radiated by a sample of some 50 sound systems and compares the results with a number of international standards—there currently being little or no specific guidance. This paper reviews the technology involved, typical emission levels, and concludes by making a number of recommendations to assist with the control of ultrasonic emissions to help mitigate unintended side effects. It is shown that most PA systems generate ultrasonic levels of under 70 dB at normal listener locations.
Athlete Activism and Corporate Social Responsibility: Critical Lessons From Sport Industry Professionals
Authors: Armstrong Cole G. , Butryn Theodore M. , Andrews Vernon L. , Masucci Matthew A.
Published: October 2018

In this critical essay, 4 sport scholars discuss critical teaching points gleaned while moderating 4 concurrent roundtable discussions on the intersections of sport, corporate social responsibility, and athlete activism. The roundtable groups comprised sport industry professionals from a variety of professional teams and leagues, as well as other corporate stakeholders located in the United States and in various international locations. The purpose of this essay is to distill the roundtable discussions for utilization in sport management classrooms through the explication of timely, practical, and operational key teaching points.
Wintertime stress, nursing, and lead exposure in Neanderthal children
Authors: Smith Tanya M. , Austin Christine , Green Daniel R. , Joannes-Boyau Renaud , Bailey Shara , Dumitriu Dani , Fallon Stewart , Grün Rainer , James Hannah F. , Moncel Marie-Hélène , Williams Ian S. , Wood Rachel , Arora Manish
Published: October 2018

Elemental records in teeth reveal prehistoric seasons of Neanderthal birth, weaning, childhood illness, and neurotoxic exposures.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Sphingomonas sp. Strain FARSPH, a Novel Sf9 Insect Cell Culture Contaminant
Authors: Bendezu Jorge , Morales Ruiz Sandra , Montesinos Ricardo , Quispe Juana , Tataje-Lavanda Luis , Fernández-Sánchez Manolo , Fernández-Díaz Manolo
Published: October 2018

Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of
Sphingomonas
sp. strain FARSPH, isolated from an insect cell line as a contaminant.
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Annotation of Exiguobacterium sp. RIT 452, an Antibiotic-Producing Strain Isolated from a Pond Located on the Campus of the Rochester Institute of Technology
Authors: Parthasarathy Anutthaman , Wong Narayan H. , Cavanaugh Nicole T. , Steiner KayLee K. , Wengert Peter C. , Savka Michael A. , Hudson André O.
Published: October 2018

Exiguobacterium
sp. RIT 452 is of biotechnological importance given its potential for antibiotic production.