bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Faculty Perspective on Competency Development in Higher Education: An International Study
Authors: Velasco Paloma Julia , Learreta Begoña , Kober Claudia , Tan Irene
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this research is to establish common ground on how faculty development should be instituted and the needs it should address on an international level, with its major focus being the development of competencies. A survey was developed and distributed to a sample of 764 university teaching professionals. Results show that 90% find that it is either important or very important to develop competencies in higher education, and that 73% find they are well or very well trained in developing and assessing competencies, particularly with regard to applying theoretical knowledge in practice, teamwork, and oral and written communication skills. The least valued competencies are found to be entrepreneurship and leadership. The most valued teaching methods are: project based learning, immersion in a professional environment, visits, field trips, and anything that closes the gap between the professional and academic worlds. University teaching staff consider the best assessment scenarios to be those that involve a certain amount of immersion in real situations, problem posing, and simulation; the optimum measurement instruments use observation techniques and rubrics. The need to create academic teaching communities is found to be of great importance. A common assessment method is also seen as a useful addition.
Realizing Internationalization at Home through English-Medium Courses at a Japanese University: Strategies to Maximize Student Learning
Authors: Ishikura Yukiko
Published: November 2015

In 2009, the Japanese government launched the Global 30 (G30) Project, a new initiative to internationalize universities. Selected universities had to create English-medium degree programs at undergraduate level in order to stimulate “internationalization at home.” The G30 Project represented a major shift in the focus of internationalization efforts from quantitative to qualitative outcomes. Using a case study approach, this paper investigates one G30 program and the attempts made to open up English-medium course offerings to the wider student body. It explores two related issues: level setting and student attrition. A mixed methods approach was used with data gathered from students and course instructors. Sanford’s (1966/2009) “support and challenge” conceptual framework, as adapted by J. M. Bennett  (1993), and  Vygotsky’s (1978) “zone of proximal development and scaffolding” were employed. Results showed that to maximize learning it was important to have strategies to maintain a high level of course content while also providing targeted support to students at appropriate times. Effective strategies for reducing course attrition were identified.
Book Overview and Q&A with David Marsh, Victor Pavón-Vázquez, and María Jesús Frigols-Martín [Review of the Book The Higher Education Language Landscape: Ensuring Quality in English Language Degree Programmes, Valencia, Spain: VIU]
Authors: Bamond Victoria , Strotmann Birgit
Published: November 2015

This writings gives a general overview of the book, The Higher Education Language Landscape: Ensuring Quality in English Language Degree Programmes, written by Marsh, Pavón-Vázquez, and Frigols-Martín (2013), as well as a general impressions about its contents. It also includes short biographical information about the book authors and a Q&A, where they answer questions about the book and content language integrated learning in higher education.
Perfil Competencial de los Estudiantes de Últimos Cursos de Grado en las Universidades de la Comunidad de Madrid: Diferencias en Función del Género y la Edad
Authors: García Oscar , Redondo Sara , Santiago Gema , López Francisco , Cruz Ana
Published: November 2015

El cambio de modelo de enseñanza que han sufrido las Universidades con la implementación del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior, puso el foco en el desarrollo competencial, buscando que los estudiantes adquieran las habilidades y capacidades. Con el fin de comprobar si el desarrollo de las competencia académicas se ve afectado por el género y la edad de los estudiantes, a una muestra de 364 estudiantes de diferentes Universidades de la Comunidad de Madrid se les aplicó COMPEUEM, un test que evalúa en qué medida los estudiantes poseen 8 competencias académicas: Comunicación, Liderazgo, Trabajo en Equipo, Adaptación a los Cambios, Iniciativa, Solución de Problemas, Toma de Decisiones, Organización y Planificación. Los resultados encontrados  ponen de manifiesto que los sujetos de más edad presentan mayores niveles en la adquisición de competencias que los de menor edad. Por otro lado, encontramos diferencias significativas en función del género de los estudiantes.
Students' Gender Bias in Teaching Evaluations
Authors: Punyanunt-Carter Narissra , Carter Stacy L
Published: November 2015

The goal of the study was to investigate if there is gender bias in student evaluations.  Past research has shown that gender has an impact on the way students' process and percieve classroom interactions. Results from this study revealed that there is some gender bias at work when students evaluate their instructors. However, it does not significantly affect evaluations in an enormouse way.
USING EPORTFOLIOS TO ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE FEEDBACK
Authors: Morales Lucia , Soler Dominguez Amparo
Published: November 2015

Educators should consider responsible feedback as one of their main priorities when designing their learning and teaching strategies. It is well known that feedback is the bridge between students’ and instructors, as students’ work and efforts are reviewed and put into an appropriate learning context. Quality feedback acts as a main motivator to students because they are able to identify specific areas that require improvement and their specific attention. Feedback should offer appropriate coaching and guidance to students. It should help them to understand how they should progress to align their work with best practices identified in their course curriculums. We need to remember that students are avid learners and that they need tutoring, mentoring, objective and clear guidelines that aim at keeping them focused and motivated on their education. Additionally, we need to reflect on the role of educators in this process. Educators should be capable of elaborating responsible feedback that communicates course goals to their students in an efficient and constructive manner. We argue that electronic portfolios (ePortfolios) help instructors in the development of quality and responsible feedback. In addition, ePortfolios also encourage students to take ownership of their learning through a student-centred-approach.
Community and species‐specific responses to simulated global change in two subarctic‐alpine plant communities
Authors: Little Chelsea J. , Jägerbrand Annika K. , Molau Ulf , Alatalo Juha M.
Published: November 2015

Long‐term observational studies have detected greening and shrub encroachment in the subarctic attributed to current climate change, while global change simulations have showed that community composition and productivity may shift drastically in arctic, subarctic, and alpine tundra plant communities in the future. However, responses to global change can be highly species‐ and context‐dependent. We examined community‐level and species‐specific responses to a six‐year factorial temperature and nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) amendment experiment in two alpine plant communities in northern Sweden: a species‐poor dwarf shrub heath, and a more species‐rich meadow. We hypothesized that abundance responses to global change would be variable within commonly defined vascular plant functional groups (e.g., forbs, evergreen shrubs, deciduous shrubs) and that new species would appear in experimental plots over time due to the ameliorated growing conditions. We found that within most functional groups, species were highly individualistic with respect to the global change simulation, particularly within the forbs, whereas within the shrubs, responses were neutral to negative and widely variable in magnitude. In the heath community the response of the graminoid functional group was driven almost entirely by the grass Calamagrostis lapponica, which increased in abundance by an order of magnitude in the combined temperature and nutrient treatment. Furthermore, community context was important for species' responses to the simulations. Abundance of the pan‐arctic species Carex bigelowii and Vaccinium vitis‐idaea responded primarily to the temperature treatment in the meadow community whereas the nutrient treatment had stronger effects in the heath community. Over six growing seasons, more new species appeared in the experimental plots than in control plots in the meadow community, whereas in the heath community only one new species appeared. Our results from two closely situated but different plant communities show that functional groups do not predict individual species responses to simulated global change, and that these responses depend to a large extent on pre‐existing physical conditions as well as biotic interactions such as competition and facilitation. It may be difficult to apply general trends of global change responses to specific local communities.
Introduced lake trout alter nitrogen cycling beyond Yellowstone Lake
Authors: Tronstad Lusha M. , Hall Robert O. , Koel Todd M.
Published: November 2015

Introduced predators can have large effects on the ecosystem in which they were introduced, but how much these effects extend to other ecosystems beyond the invaded one is less known. We compared how lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) affected nutrient cycling in an invaded and adjacent ecosystem in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA. Introduced lake trout in Yellowstone Lake caused the native Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncoryhynchus clarkii bouvieri) population to decline. Native cutthroat trout are a dominant animal in the lake and may alter nutrient cycling in both Yellowstone Lake where they reside and in tributary streams used for spawning. We estimated changes in nutrient transport and nutrient uptake in both Yellowstone Lake and Clear Creek, a spawning stream, before and after the invasion of lake trout. Annual area‐specific excretion fluxes from cutthroat trout were nine times higher in Clear Creek compared to Yellowstone Lake when cutthroat trout were abundant. However, fluxes within the lake and stream were similar after cutthroat trout declined. In Yellowstone Lake, zooplankton excretion supplied 86% of ammonium (NH4+) that was taken up, but cutthroat trout only supplied <0.3% after the introduction of lake trout. Conversely, NH4+ excreted by cutthroat trout was likely a major flux in Clear Creek, because NH4+ fluxes from cutthroat trout exceeded watershed export of NH4+ in years when >3000 cutthroat trout spawned. Furthermore, NH4+ excretion fluxes from spawning cutthroat trout in Clear Creek supplied up to 6.1% of the NH4+ demanded by microbes after the introduction of lake trout. However, based on modeled past NH4+ uptake, we estimated that up to 60% of NH4+ excreted by spawning cutthroat trout may have been taken up by stream microbes when cutthroat trout were abundant. Therefore, transported NH4+ from spawning cutthroat trout was likely an integral part of N cycling in tributary streams in the past. By comparing the effects of declining cutthroat trout on two ecosystems, we show that lake trout had a larger effect on N cycling within an adjacent stream ecosystem than the invaded lake ecosystem itself, because the migratory behavior of cutthroat trout concentrated them in spawning streams increasing their effect.
Importance of landscape heterogeneity in sustaining hydrologic ecosystem services in an agricultural watershed
Authors: Qiu Jiangxiao , Turner Monica G.
Published: November 2015

The sustainability of hydrologic ecosystem services (freshwater benefits to people generated by terrestrial ecosystems) is challenged by human modification of landscapes. However, the role of landscape heterogeneity in sustaining hydrologic services at scales relevant to landscape management decisions is poorly understood. In particular, the relative importance of landscape composition (type and proportion of land cover) and configuration (spatial arrangement of cover types) is unclear. We analyzed indicators of production of three hydrologic services (freshwater supply, surface and ground water quality) in 100 subwatersheds in an urbanizing agricultural landscape (Yahara Watershed, Wisconsin, USA) and asked: (1) How do landscape composition and configuration affect supply of hydrologic services (i.e., does spatial pattern matter)? (2) Are there opportunities for small changes in landscape pattern to produce large gains in hydrologic services? Landscape composition and configuration both affected supply of hydrologic services, but composition was consistently more important than configuration for all three services. Together landscape composition and configuration explained more variation in indicators of surface‐water quality than in freshwater supply or groundwater quality (Nagelkerke/adjusted R2: 86%, 64%, and 39%, respectively). Surface‐water quality was negatively correlated with percent cropland and positively correlated with percent forest, grassland and wetland. In addition, surface‐water quality was greater in subwatersheds with higher wetland patch density, disaggregated forest patches and lower contagion. Surface‐water quality responded nonlinearly to percent cropland and wetland, with greater water quality where cropland covered below 60% and/or wetland above 6% of the subwatershed. Freshwater supply was negatively correlated with percent wetland and urban cover, and positively correlated with urban edge density. Groundwater quality was negatively correlated with percent cropland and grassland, and configuration variables were unimportant. Collectively, our study suggests that altering spatial arrangement of land cover will not be sufficient to enhance hydrologic services in an agricultural landscape. Rather, the relative abundance of land cover may need to change to improve hydrologic services. Targeting subwatersheds near the cropland or wetland thresholds may offer local opportunities to enhance surface‐water quality with minimal land‐cover change.
Confidence intervals for a product of proportions: application to importance values
Authors: Aho Ken A. , Bowyer R. Terry
Published: November 2015

Importance values (proportional use × proportional availability of a resource) add a useful component to studies of resource selection. The merit of the metric is that it identifies commonly available resources that are nonetheless critical components in the ecology of an organism. Such resources would not be identified as being selected in comparisons of use relative to availability (e.g., use/availability). Importance values have received limited use in the ecological literature because they have been descriptive in nature and lack a framework for hypothesis testing. In this paper we present a simple asymptotic one‐ and two‐tailed method for calculating confidence intervals for the product of proportions. The approach is easily extended to importance values. Results from simulations indicate that our method is effective across a wide range of sample sizes, but performs poorly when designs are unbalanced. As a result, we recommend rarifying availability data in matched‐case designs for determining resource selection, before calculating confidence intervals for importance values. Applications of our method extend beyond the calculation of confidence intervals for importance values. Indeed, the approach is applicable for any situation in which confidence intervals are needed for the product of proportions, including product of more than two proportions.
O diálogo na escola
Authors: Prates Ellen Marques de Oliveira Rocha
Published: November 2015

É a partir do ideal de uma educação que visa à formação de indivíduos autônomos, críticos e participativos que este trabalho busca refletir sobre o ensino praticado e a aprendizagem proporcionada na escola. É um estudo sobre o diálogo na educação das crianças, tendo por base o “diálogo investigativo”, apontado como uma atitude pedagógica que possibilita ao professor dialogar com os processos de aprendizagem dos alunos. Ele seria, em si mesmo, um diálogo entre o ensino e a aprendizagem. Procuramos responder à questão: O diálogo investigativo é compatível, ou mesmo necessário à realização dos objetivos preconizados nos PCN? 
Molecular Character, Phylogeny and Expression of Tomato LeNHX3 Gene
Involved in Multiple Adverse Stress Responses
Authors: Fan Jing , Jianping Hu , Lanyang Gao , Jinhua Liao , Mingyuan Huang
Published: November 2015

Crop production is severely affected by high salt stress. To obtain more salt-tolerant crops by genetic
modification, it is crucial to explore some key genes associated with salt tolerance. LeNHX3 gene is considered one
putative Na+/H+ antiporter with the ability of improving plant salt tolerance by maintaining intracellular ionic balance in
tomato, however, limited information about it has been reported. Here, we report the structure, phylogenetic evolution and
expression of LeNHX3 gene from wild type tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv. Ailsa Craig). Sequence analysis
showed that LeNHX3 encodes a protein containing 10 transmembrane domains, with a typical conserved amiloride
binding domain presented in the third transmembrane domain. An interesting discovery also showed that sequence of
LeNHX3 was more conserved than its allele protein collected by GenBank (designated as LeNHX3-GB in this study)
when compared with others Na+/H+ antiporters. Homology modeling results showed that the structure of LeNHX3 protein
consists mainly of α-helix and random coil, it has similar tertiary structure to that of LeNHX3-GB, however, inter-residue
interactions were found to be further strengthened in LeNHX3. Phylogenetic analysis showed LeNHX3 was clustered
with vacuolar Na+/H+ antiporters and has distant relationship to plasma membrane Na+/H+ antiporters. Expression profiles
analysis indicated LeNHX3 gene was constitutively expressed in roots, stems and leaves, its expression was also induced
by salt, low temperature and abscisic acid. The results presented in this work provide new insights into LeNHX3 gene, it is
particularly important that one new LeNHX3 allele from wild tomato was mined, which can serve as a candidate gene for
improving plant stress tolerance by genetic engineering.
MEKC Technique-Based Dairy Product Biochemical Analysis
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: November 2015

The paper applies MEKC technique to simultaneously carry out quantitative analysis on dairy product’s melamine
(Mel) and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) bi-component. The quantization analytic experiment starts with a systematic
research on operating voltage, electrophoretic buffer solution gravity and optimum pH value, which further influences
additives’ concentration as well as other factors, and detects 10 kinds of practical samples on the basis of defined
optimum conditions. Detection result indicates that both Mel and HMF showed peaks in 16min, simultaneously acquiring
two indicator parameters in one analytical test, This test verifies applicability and scientific validity of MEKC technical
approach in dairy product’s Mel and HMF contents detection, which can play an effective role in providing rapid and reliable
daily monitoring support for dairy industry.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Drip Tape Layout for Irrigation of Sugarcane in Latosol
Authors: Huang Kai , Cai Desuo , Jinchuang Jinchuang , Pan Wei
Published: November 2015

A laboratory soil column experiment was first conducted to analyze water movement in latosol of sugarcane
field under drip irrigation from single-point source at different emitter discharge rates. Next, a mathematical model of soil
water movement under drip irrigation from single-point source was built using Hydrus-3D, which could accurately simulate
the shape of the wetted soil volume and the distribution of volumetric water content in the experiment. Further, a Hydrus-
3D model of soil water movement under drip irrigation from double-point source was built and then used to analyze
the effects of critical parameters on irrigation uniformity. Results showed that emitter spacing affected irrigation uniformity
greatly, but emitter discharge rate did not. According to the irrigation uniformity, project cost and operational management
patterns, appropriate drip tape parameters for irrigation of sugarcane in latosol were determined: emitter discharge
rate 1.38 L/h, emitter spacing 30 cm, and single-emitter irrigation volume 9.0 L.
Trends in Cervical Cancer Among Delivery-Related Discharges and its Impact on Maternal-Infant Birth Outcomes (United States, 1998-2009)
Authors: Mogos Mulubrhan F , Salemi Jason L , Sultan Dawood H , Shelton Melissa M , Salihu Hamisu M
Published: November 2015

Objectives :

To estimate the national prevalence of cervical cancer (CCA) in women discharged from hospital after delivery, and to examine its associations with birth outcomes.

Methods :

We did a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of maternal hospital discharges in the United States (1998-2009). We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify hospital stays for women who gave birth. We determined length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, and used ICD-9-CM codes to identify CCA and all outcomes of interest. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between CCA and feto-maternal outcome.

Results :

In the 12-year period from 1998 to 2009, there were 8,387 delivery hospitalizations with a CCA diagnosis, a prevalence rate of 1.8 per 100,000 (95% CI=1.6, 1.9). After adjusting for potential confounders, CCA was associated with increased odds of maternal morbidities including: anemia (AOR, 1.78, 95% CI, 1.54-2.06), anxiety (AOR, 1.95, 95% CI, 1.11-3.42), cesarean delivery (AOR, 1.67, 95% CI, 1.46-1.90), and prolonged hospital stay (AOR, 1.51, 95% CI, 1.30-1.76), and preterm birth (AOR, 1.69, 95% CI, 1.46-1.97).

Conclusion :

There is a recent increase in the prevalence of CCA during pregnancy. CCA is associated with severe feto-maternal morbidities. Interventions that promote safer sexual practice and regular screening for CCA should be promoted widely among women of reproductive age to effectively reduce the prevalence of CCA during pregnancy and its impact on the health of mother and baby.
Analyzing Influencing Factors of Financing Decision for Urban Rail
Transit Projects Using DEMATEL Approach
Authors: Yuan Liangliang , Wang Yousong , Yao Cui , Sun Yang
Published: November 2015

Financing behavior, based on the financing decision made by the owner of urban rail transit projects, will directly
affect the capital cost of its operation and the construction schedule of the project. This paper intended to combine
financing demand and financing options with the project construction schedule, quality and investment management, and
based on DEMATEL methodology, to identify and sort the factors that constraining the financing behavior and financing
structure in rail transit financing and then systematically analyze them. On this basis, the paper kept “Fund Timely Raised
and Cost Lowest” as the objective and proposed an optimum framework in response to the financing structure under multi
factors.
Integration of Probabilistic Effectiveness with a Two-stage Genetic Algorithm Methodology to Develop Optimum Maintenance Strategies for Bridges
Authors: A. Tantele Elia , A. Votsis Renos , Onoufriou Toula
Published: November 2015

Preventative Maintenance (PM) measures can be used to postpone/delay the initiation of corrosion from chloride
attack in reinforced concrete bridges. However there are a lot of uncertainties that influence their degree of effectiveness.
Also the time-application of these measures can raise a conflict between safety requirements and budgets. This paper
presents a stochastic approach for estimating the effectiveness of different PM measures. Additionally a two-stage optimisation
methodology using the principles of Genetic Algorithms (GA) is developed to address the problem of the timeapplication
by linking the effectiveness with the cost to produce optimum PM strategies. Futhermore, the role of the presented
time-dependent probabilistic approach in the proposed two-stage GA methodology for obtaining optimum PM
strategies is demonstrated.
Retraction: Papp B, Szurdoki E, Pantovic J, Sabovljevic M.S. Physcomitrium eurystomum and Pohlia proligera, new mosses in the bryophyte flora of Serbia. Arch Biol Sci. 2013;65(2):703-6., DOI: 10.2298/ABS1302703P
Authors: Editorial E
Published: November 2015

The article Papp B, Szurdoki E, Pantovic J, Sabovljevic M.S. Physcomitrium
eurystomum and Pohlia proligera, new mosses in the bryophyte flora of
Serbia. Arch Biol Sci. 2013;65(2):703-6. DOI:10.2298/ABS1302703P repeats
data already published in Studia Botanica Hungarica in 2012 [Papp B,
Szurdoki E, Sabovljevic M. Bryophyte flora of lake Vlasina and its
surroundings (SE Serbia). Studia Bot Hung. 2012;43:27-45] without proper
referencing.

 Link to the retracted article 10.2298/ABS1302703P
Evaluation of Diabetes Conversation Map™ Education Tools for Diabetes Self-Management Education
Authors: Ghafoor Erum , Riaz Musarrat , Eichorst Barbara , Fawwad Asher , Basit Abdul
Published: November 2015

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of Diabetes Conversation Maps™ education tools for people with type 2 diabetes attending a diabetes self-management education program.

Design and methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted with patients with type 2 diabetes who were recruited from Baqai Institute of Diabetology & Endocrinology, a tertiary care diabetes center of Karachi, Pakistan, from May 2010 to June 2011. Groups of 10–12 participants were given a pre-session questionnaire. Four sessions using Diabetes Conversation Maps™ education tools were conducted, and the same questionnaire was then completed again.

Results. A total of 172 people (82 males, 90 females, mean age 60 years, average duration of diabetes 15 ± 4 years) participated in the study. Confidence in diabetes self-management: before the sessions, 52.3% of participants believed that the doctor is the most influential person in the management of their type 2 diabetes, whereas after the sessions, 97.1% acknowledged that they were responsible for diabetes self-management. Before, 15% said they knew what to do to manage their diabetes, whereas 75% indicated this after the sessions. Empowerment: before the sessions, 32% said they understood those aspects of their diabetes self-management that were in need of improvement, whereas 75.6% indicated this after the sessions. Willingness, ability, and preparedness for diabetes self-management: before the sessions, 22% said they understood the importance of diabetes self-management; this increased to 63.4% afterward. Before, 20.3% agreed that they will start making changes in their lives, whereas 65.7% agreed with this after the sessions. Satisfaction: 61% found the map sessions very effective, 72.1% found this format to be better than individual education, and 52.8% agreed that map tools helped in goal-setting.

Conclusion. Diabetes Conversation Maps™ education tools are effective for diabetes self-management education and facilitating behavior change in people with type 2 diabetes. This, in turn, may improve patients’ chances of attaining desirable diabetes control.
American Indian Diabetes Beliefs and Practices: Anxiety, Fear, and Dread in Pregnant Women With Diabetes
Authors: Carson L.D. , Henderson J. Neil , King Kama , Kleszynski Keith , Thompson David M. , Mayer Patricia
Published: November 2015

Diabetes among American Indian (AI) people is a health disparities condition that creates excessive morbidity and mortality. This research delineated culturally constructed models of type 2 diabetes among 97 pregnant women in two large AI nations in Oklahoma. The data analysis of explanatory models of type 2 diabetes revealed the participants’ intense anxiety, fear, and dread related to the condition. The sample was further stratified by combinations of diabetes status: 1) absence of type 2 diabetes (n = 66), 2) type 2 diabetes prior to pregnancy (n = 4), and 3) gestational diabetes (n = 27). Patients were interviewed regarding perceptions of the etiology, course, and treatment of diabetes. The research incorporated an integrated phenomenologic and ethnographic approach using structured and semi-structured interviews to yield both quantitative and qualitative data.

General findings comprised three main categories of patients’ concerns regarding type 2 diabetes as an illness: 1) mechanical acts (i.e., injections), 2) medical complications, and 3) the conceptual sense of diabetes as a “severe” condition. Specific findings included significant fear and anxiety surrounding 1) the health and well-being of the unborn child, 2) the use of insulin injections, 3) blindness, 4) amputation, and 5) death. Paradoxically, although there was only a slight sense of disease severity overall, responses were punctuated with dread of specific outcomes. The latter finding is considered consistent with the presence of chronic diseases that can usually be managed but present risk of severe complications if not well controlled.
Timesaving Washing of Textiles Utilizing 38 kHz Ultrasound
Authors: Gotoh Keiko , Harayama Kokoro , Tani Sayaka
Published: November 2015

From the viewpoints of prevention of garment damage as well as saving of electric energy and processing time in laundering, the possibility of time reduction by applying ultrasound has been discussed. The shake washing of polyester and cotton fabrics soiled with model oily and/or particulate contaminants together with their original fabrics was performed in an aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate solution (SDS) without and with ultrasound. The soil removal and redeposition were evaluated from the change in the Kubelka-Munk function of the soiled and non-soiled fabric surfaces due to the washing. In the presence of ultrasound, the removal of oleic acid and carbon black from the polyester spun fabric was remarkably promoted, especially in the initial stage of the washing process. On the other hand, the soil redeposition gradually increased with wash time, especially for carbon black. Therefore, the removal and redeposition were compared between wash time 1 min and 5 min using some soils and fabrics. The soil removal was slightly larger for the 5 min-washing, whereas the soil redeposition was considerably prevented for the 1 min-washing. Comparing with a conventional washing with a drum type washer, the 1 min-shake/ultrasound combination washing had little impact damage in spite of having similar detergency power.
Ionic Liquid in Thin-Layer Chromatography of Anionic Surfactants: Selective Separation of Sodium Deoxycholate and Identification in Commercial Products
Authors: Mohammad Ali , Mobin Rizwana
Published: November 2015

The coupling of a silica static flat phase impregnated with an ionic liquid (1-methylimidazolium chloride) as stationary phase with 2-methyltetrahydrofuran an alternative green solvent of tetrahydrofuran as mobile phase has been very successful for a selective separation of sodium deoxycholate from other commonly used anionic surfactants. The proposed thin-layer chromatographic system is capable to analytically discriminate among the anionic surfactants in relation to their migration behaviour on an ionic liquid loaded silica layer. The surface structure and chemical composition of silica gel G modified by impregnation were examined with the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometry (EDX) respectively. Effects of concentration level of 1-methylimidazolium chloride as impregnant and its substitution by other ionic liquids (1,2,3-trimethylimidazolium methyl sulphate, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) were also studied to decide the optimum experimental conditions for better separation possibilities. Chromatographic parameters such as ΔRF, the separation factor (α) and the resolution (RS) for the separation and limit of detection were calculated. The developed method has been usefully applied for the identification of sodium deoxycholate and sodium lauryl sulphate in formulated and commercially available products (Colgate toothpaste and Head & Shoulder Shampoo).
Practice-based Research Program Promotes Dietitians' Participation in Research
Authors: Johnson Frances , Black Agnes T. , Koh Jiak Chin
Published: November 2015

Barriers to dietitians' participation in research include lack of time, self-perceived competence, confidence, administrative support, and funding. Providence Health Care, a multi-site health care organization in Vancouver, British Columbia implemented the Practice-based Research Challenge (RC), a 1-year research program, to support interdisciplinary teams of nurses and allied health professionals to conduct practice-relevant research projects. Funding, mentoring, and research education were provided to research teams. From 2011 to 2015, 37% of all dietitians in the organization were involved in the RC in 4 cohorts of the 1-year program. An online survey was conducted to understand these dietitians' interest and experience in the RC. The survey results indicated that the major reasons for participating in the program were to increase knowledge, improve patient care, and to work on a project of interest. Respondents thought they gained knowledge, enhanced professional development, and improved patient care. A majority stated they would likely conduct future research. The RC enabled and supported dietitians' participation in research; infrastructure supports for research and enabling a culture of research participation are key contributors to promoting dietitians involvement in research.
Body Composition, Strength, and Dietary Intake of Patients with Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Purcell Sarah , Thornberry Robert , Elliott Sarah A. , Panton Lynn , Ormsbee Michael J. , Vieira Edgar R. , Kim Jeong-Su , Prado Carla M.
Published: November 2015

Purpose: To describe body composition (fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM)), strength, and nutritional characteristics of patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis undergoing total joint arthroplasty.

Methods: In this prospective pilot study, osteoarthritic patients underwent body composition assessment using bioelectrical impedance analysis, grip strength measurement, and completed a 24-h dietary recall during their pre-operative assessment.

Results: Fifty-five patients were included (∼66% females, age 43–89 years). Mean ± SD body mass index (BMI) was 32.79 ± 6.48 kg/m2 and 62% were obese. Compared with hip osteoarthritis patients, knee osteoarthritis patients had a higher BMI (P = 0.018) and males with knee osteoarthritis had a lower grip strength (P = 0.028). There was a wide range in FM and FFM values across the BMI spectrum. Patients with a higher FM index (FMI, FM/height in m2) had higher levels of pain (P = 0.036) and females with higher FMI had a lower grip strength (P = 0.048). Dietary under-reporting was common and many patients did not meet recommendations for protein, vitamins C and E, or omega-3 fatty acids. Those who consumed less protein than the recommended dietary allowance were older (P = 0.018).

Conclusions: A wide variability of body composition and dietary intake was observed which may impact strength and ultimately affect physical function. As such, patients with osteoarthritis may benefit from targeted nutrition and physical activity interventions before and after surgery.
Impact of an Optional Experiential Learning Opportunity on Student Engagement and Performance in Undergraduate Nutrition Courses
Authors: Szeto Anne , Haines Jess , Buchholz Andrea C.
Published: November 2015

We examined the impact of an optional experiential learning activity (ELA) on student engagement and performance in 2 undergraduate nutrition courses. The ELA involved completion of a 3-day food record, research lab tour, body composition assessment, and reflective take-home assignment. Of the 808 students in the 2 courses (1 first-year and 1 second-year course), 172 (21%) participated. Engagement was assessed by the Classroom Survey of Student Engagement (CLASSE), and performance was assessed by percentile rank on midterm and final exams. Students’ perceived learning was assessed using a satisfaction survey. Paired-samples t tests examined change in CLASSE scores and percentile rank from baseline to follow-up. Frequencies and thematic analysis were used to examine responses to Likert scale and open-ended questions on the satisfaction survey, respectively. There was an 11%–22% increase (P < 0.05) in the 3 dimensions of student engagement and a greater increase in percentile rank between the midterm and final exams among participants (7.63 ± 21.9) versus nonparticipants (−1.80 ± 22.4, P < 0.001). The majority of participants indicated the ELA enhanced their interest and learning in both their personal health and the course. Findings suggest ELAs related to personal health may improve interest, engagement, and performance among undergraduate students.
Prevalence of Extended Spectrum b-Lactamases (ESBLs) Producers Among Gram-Negative Bacilli in Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Karim Chowdhury Abu Hena Md Saiful , Husain Md Anwar , Akter Nasima , Mazed Md Abdul , Ahmed Shakeel , Sultan Tipu , Dewanjee Arup Kanti , Biswas Sanjoy Kanti , Karim ASM Ashanul , Kabir Sheikh Khairul
Published: November 2015

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is now proclaimed as the most important challenge worldwide being faced by humanity in its fight against infectious diseases. Extended Spectrum b-Lactamases (ESBLs) producing organisms are increasing in number and causing more severe infections because of their continuous mutation and multidrug resistance property which make its treatment difficult.Aims: The present study was undertaken to detect the prevalence of the ESBLs producing bacteria in urinary tract infection.Methods: Isolated gram-negative bacteria initially screened by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) ESBLs breakpoints. Then suspected ESBLs producers were confirmed by phenotypic confirmatory test.Results: 71 (59.17%) bacterial strains were isolated from 120 urine samples of patients of suspected urinary tract infection of which 66(92.96%) were gram-negative and 05(07.04%) were gram-positive. Among the isolated gram-negative bacteria 63(95.45%) were found suspected ESBLs producers of which 35(55.56%) were found as confirmed ESBL producers. The prevalence of ESBLs producing organisms in the present study were found to be 53.03% and Klebsiella spp. as most prevalent ESBLs producers.Conclusion: It is essential to report ESBL production along with routine sensitivity reporting, which will help the clinician in prescribing the proper antibiotics.Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (2); Jul 2015; Page 17-20
Functional Outcome in Paraplegic Patients from Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Chowdhury Zahangir Alam , Barua Sunam , Uddin Mohammed Gias , Khatun Umme Habiba Razia , Biswas Rajat Sanker Roy
Published: November 2015

Background: Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) are confronted with motor and sensory deficits as well as bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction, which lead to a fundamental change of life. Because of the extensive medical, emotional and social consequences of the SCI, multidisciplinary management is essential. This study focuses on the functional outcome after a spinal cord injury.Methods: This was an observational study done during a period of 6 months from July 2007 to December 2007 among paraplegic spinal cord injured patients, admitted in the Neurosurgery Department and attended in the Department Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong. A total of 50 patients were selected for the study. Sampling technique was purposive and different scores and followup findings were collected and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS-15) P value < 0.05 was considered as significant.Results: Mean age of study population was 32.7 years with all patients were between 18 to 55 years age range. Male and female ratio was 9:1. Maximum respondents were day labourer 36.0%, followed by 34.0% other different types of occupation, 10.0% business man, 8.0% service holder, 8.0% housewife and 4.0% student. Fall from height was the major cause of spinal cord injury of the present study group followed by Road Traffic Accident (RTA). Out of all patients 50.0% had urinary incontinence, 44.0% hadbowel incontinence, 46.0% had spasticity, 34.0% had hypotension and 4.0% had bed sore. At pretreatment stage mean (±SD) FIM score of the patients was 92.5 and discharge 107.32. (p <0.05). Spasticity of the patients was 2.6±1.55 at pretreatment stage and after six weeks of treatment mean (±SD) spasticity was reached at 1.96±1.07 (p <0.05). Visual analog scale was used to measure the severity of the pain. At pretreatment stage mean (±SD) pain score of the patients was 5.7±1.07 after six weeks of treatment mean (±SD) pain score was reached at 2.2±0.88 (p <0.05). At pretreatment stage mean (±SD) ASIA score of the patients was 3.0±0.81. After one week of treatment mean (±SD) ASIA score was reached at 3.12±0.72 and after six weeks at 3.38±0.69. ANOVA test was revealed statistical significant difference among groups in term of ASIA score of different treatment stages (F value=3.42, p value =0.035).Conclusion: For SCI rehabilitation program like physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthosis, gait retraining and management of complications make significant improvement in the term of FIM score, ASIA score, muscle weakness pain and spasticity which is proved by current study. So rehabilitation program is the only hope of spinal cord injury patients and physiatrist have important role to achieve the goals of functional outcome in paraplegic patient from spinal cord injury.Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (2); Jul 2015; Page 52-56
Knowledge and Awareness About Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer, Its Screening and Vaccination Among the Women Attending Chittagong Medical College Hospital
Authors: Papri Fahmida Shirin , Khanam Zubaida , Islam Fahmida , Hakim Md Monjurul
Published: November 2015

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality amongst the gynaecological cancer in Bangladesh.This study was carried out to assess the knowledge of cervical cancer, awareness of the women towards the cervical cancer screening program and its vaccination in Bangladesh. A cross- sectional interview based study was conducted using a self administered questionnaire between January 1 ,2013 and June 31, 2013 on 508 respondents. Convenience sampling was applied among the women attending at Gynae Out Patient Department (GOPD) of Chittagong Medical College Hospital for VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) test. Of the 508 respondents only 211(41.54%) told that they had idea about cervical cancer, while only 114 (22.44%) knew that VIA is the screening test for cervical cancer.A total of 390 (76.77%) respondents did not know any cause of cervical cancer.Most of the respondents (80%) came for VIA due to doctors advice.After doing VIA among 229 respondents, 149 (65.07%) told that they had been counseled for the next follow - up by the health professionals and 118 (51.52%) were ready for routine periodic screening.Majority (85.88%) of the respondents were absolutely ignorant about the vaccine of cervical cancer. Age and marital status did not influence their knowledge but the level of education and occupation was found to positively influence their knowledge of cervical cancer and their acceptance of the screening test.This study highlights that majority of women in Bangladesh are not adequately equipped with knowledge concerning cervical cancer. Adequate health information and counseling on cervical cancer and regular screening test need to be emphasized in our country.Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (2); Jul 2015; Page 57-60
Nutritional Status and Short Term Outcome of Hospitalized Patients with Stroke
Authors: Chowdhury Md Moazzem Hossain , Kabir Sheikh Khairul , Alam Muhammed Syedul , Kabir AKM Humayon , Paul Sujat , Shouaibe Mohammad Kawser Uddin , Waez Md Shakeel
Published: November 2015

Nutrition and stroke is an interrelated problem now-a-days. They influence the pattern and outcome of the stroke. The purpose of this study is to see the different nutritional parameters with their interrelation with stroke and in-hospital outcome of admitted stroke patients. It is a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study conducted on purposively selected (non-probability) hospitalized patients who had been admitted into the neurology wards, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka during a period of 6 months. Cases (n = 50) with CT scan of brain done were interviewed and examined and had measurements of height, weight, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) calculated along with serum albumin level. Out of 50 patients of this study 36 (72%) were males and 14 (28%) were females; Male to female ratio was 2.6:1. It was found that 26 (52%) patients were 60 years and above, 1 (2%) in the age group of 20-30 years, 3 (6%) in the age group of 30-39 years, 4 (8%) in the age group of 40-49 years and 16 (32%) were in the age group of 50-59 years The mean hip circumference of the study people was 95 cm. WHR was calculated for each patient, the result of which shows that 33 (66%) patients had abnormal WHR while 17 (34%) patients had been found to possess normal WHR. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated for each patient, the result of which shows that 24 (48%) patients had abnormal BMI while 26 (52%) patients had been found to possess normal BMI. MUAC was calculated for each patient, the result of which shows that 22 (44%) patients had abnormal MUAC while 28 (56%) patients had been found to possess normal MUAC. Serum albumin level was measured for each patient, the result of which shows that 17 (34%) patients had low serum albumin (<3gm/l) while 33 (66%) patients had been found to possess normal serum albumin (>3gm/l). Regarding analysis of BMI and WHR with different types of stroke WHR was found significantly different regarding normal and abnormal records (p<0.05). Regarding BMI it was not significant (p>0.05). Among 50 patients with stroke 32 (64%) patients got either partial (44%) or clinical recovery (20%) from the disease, 12 (24%) patients showed no noticeable improvement and 6 (12%) patients expired. The results revealed that nutrition has some influence and association with stroke and in-hospital outcome of the stroke patient varies.Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (2); Jul 2015; Page 61-64