bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence aetiology and clinical spectrum of abnormal adrenal functions in human immunodeficiency virus infection
Authors: Nathan Ajay , Brar KS , Valsan Arun K , Mohan Nimitha K , Singh Gautam
Published: April 2019

Aim: To find Prevalence, Aetiology and Clinical Spectrum of abnormal adrenal functions in Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection. To diagnose and treat adrenal dysfunction in various stages of HIV infection and see the response to treatment if required.

Material & Methods: 100 patients with HIV infection being admitted to our hospital was evaluated for abnormal adreno cortical functions. Immune dysfunction was assessed with CD4 count. Statistical tests (chi squared test) were applied to the collected data to find out any significant correlations.

Results: The overall prevalence of adrenocortical abnormalities in HIV positive patients was 14% which included hypocortisolemia in 3% and hypercortisolemia in 11% of patients. Frequency of hypocortisolemia was significantly associated with presence of HIV infection with opportunistic infections and low CD4 counts (less than 50cells). In patients having hypercortisolemia, ONDST (Over night dexamethasone suppression test) was done and it showed reduction of serum cortisol to expected level (suppressed to <1.8 mcg/dl). Adjustment disorders and drugs mainly efavirnz more than nevirapine was incriminated in the same.

Conclusion: HPA axis dysfunction is frequently encountered in HIV infected patients. The commonest dysfunction was hypercortisolemia probably due to elevated cytokines. Hypercortisolemia is a feature of early stage HIV infection. The likelihood of adrenal insufficiency increases as the disease advances and patient enters a more immunocompromised state. Hypocortisolemia should be treated regardless of the existence of associated symptoms. Hypercortisolemia in the absence of features of Cushing’s syndrome is common and should not promote treatment or specific studies.
CD30 expression and Detection of Epstein-Barr Virus-Encoded Small RNA by Real-Time RT-PCR of Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma and Their Correlation with Risk Stratification
Authors: Nurusshofa Zahra , Suryanti Sri , . Afiati , Hernowo Bethy Surjawathy
Published: April 2019

More than 40% patient of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are chemoresistance and show early disease relapse that leads to poor prognostic. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) appears to have poor prognostic in HL. The CD30 expression at Hodgkin and Reed-Stenberg cells suggested has associated with advanced disease stage. The International Prognostic Score-7 (IPS) is a seven-parameter of risk stratification index for prognostic and as a consideration for treatment plan. The aim of this journal is to see correlation between EBV infection and CD30 expression with IPS-7 in Classic HL (CHL) patient.

Case-control research design was done to 40 Fixed Formalin Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) of CHL at the Dr Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung. Cases were 20 patients CHL of high-risk score IPS-7 and controls were 20 patients with low-risk score. Detection of EBV-encoded small RNA-1 (EBER1) by Real-Time RT-PCR and Immunohistochemical staining of CD30 was performed to all samples. All data were analyzed using Chi-Square test with p-value <0.05 of significant level.

EBV was present in 10 cases of CHL (25%). The result of this study shows a different statistically significant of EBV infection (p=0.028) and CD30 expression (p=0.004) between low risk and high-risk IPS-7 HL. CD30 expression (OR= 7.429) may provide stronger factor for risk assessment for the patient with HL, compare to EBER1 detection (OR=6.000).

This study concluded that CD30 expression and EBV Infection correlate with risk assessment IPS-7 in CHL.
The role of MDCT in the diagnosis of small bowel obstruction secondary to multiple adhesion bands: A case report
Authors: Gharekhanloo Farideh , Esnaashari Masoud
Published: April 2019

Adhesion band is a major cause of small bowel obstruction. Traditionally, the obtained results of computed tomography (CT) scan were indicative of adhesion band as an etiology for small bowel obstruction. However, adhesion is easily diagnosed today due to technological advances in radiology and high-quality multidetector CT. It is important to avoid the possible complications of bowel obstruction in the early and appropriate surgical intervention. This article is a report of a 45-year-old woman with abdominal pain and history of previous abdominal surgery. A contrast-enhanced CT scan showed multiple adhesion bands ensued the abrupt narrowing of bowel diameter and closed small-bowel loops obstruction. Furthermore, multiple bands were clearly observed and adhesiolysis was performed in the surgery.
Temporal analysis of gonorrhoea prevalence rate in females aged 15-49 in Chipinge district, Zimbabwe
Authors: Chigugudhlo Patronellah Nelly , Chazireni Evans , Marufu-Dzangare Ian Takunda , Dhleleyeniec Simon
Published: April 2019

This study was carried out to examine the temporal prevalence of gonorrhoea in females aged 15-49 in Chipinge district in Manicaland province of Zimbabwe. A mixed research design involving secondary data and focus group interviews was used in this study. Interview guides were used to collect primary data. The data collected was organized and was presented graphically. Findings from the study revealed that females aged 15 to 49 experienced high prevalence rate of gonorrhoea but the number of gonorrhoea cases was declining over the years. It emerged from the study that risk behaviours such as promiscuity and premarital sexual intercourse, lack of abstinence or appropriate sexual behaviour, commercial sex as well as long distances travelled to the nearest health facility for prevention and early treatments impact were the factors that lead to high levels of gonorrhoea in the district. Research findings also showed that there was generally high number of cases of gonorrhoea drug resistance in the district. There was however a general decline in cases of gonorrhoea drug resistance in the district over the years.Numerous recommendations were made to reduce or even eliminate the burden of gonorrhea in the district and improve the that livelihoods of people in the region.
The Effects of Working Motivation, Individual Characteristics and Working Environment on Employees Job Satisfaction
Authors: Hardiyanto Wisnu , Triatmanto Boge , Manan Abdul
Published: April 2019

This study has the aims to analyze the effect of motivation, individual characteristics and working environment on the job satisfaction of PT. PLN (Persero) Distribution East Java - Malang Area. The population in this study is all employees of PT. PLN Malang Area consisting of 65 employees; samples were taken from the total population of 65 employees using a census. Data testing techniques using validity test, reliability test, data analysis method used is multiple linear regression analysis. Based on the results of testing, the validity and reliability of all variables such as working motivation, individual characteristics, working environment and job satisfaction, by calculating the correlation coefficient, all items are valid and reliable. Motivation has an effect on working satisfaction, individual characteristics have an effect on working satisfaction and working environment has an effect on working satisfaction. This study found that motivation, individual characteristics and working environment were able to improve the working satisfaction of PT. PLN (Persero) Distribution East Java-Malang Area.
The Humanities and Africa’s Development
Authors: Umanah Ekong, PhD Ekaette , Akpan, PhD Uwem Jonah
Published: April 2019

African governments have made individual and collective efforts to promote development programmes/projects on the continent since independence was achieved in most of the countries in the 1960s. These efforts have resulted in marginal success and in some cases the aspirations have stagnated. The reality of the situation is that the majority of the countries are poor with weak socio-political institutions. The situation is complicated by the obvious fact that Africa is yet to make a significant breakthrough in the area of science and technology which could aid development as is currently obtainable in other continents of the world. Even with this gap, development planners in the continent have not paid significant attention to the humanities. This paper posits that the humanities are not only essential for the development of the African continent; but it is the superstructure upon which the continent’s development efforts need to be based. It further demonstrates that no meaningful development can take place in the continent without an in-depth knowledge of the history, and culture like languages, religion and the traditional knowledge pool of the African people and same being used as a basis for planning and development.
Moon Jae In: A Contemporary Strategıc and Vısıonary Leader
Authors: Ruzgar Dr. Nilufer
Published: April 2019

Leadership, as a social phenomenon, has emerged in any society regardless of geography, culture and nationality. Antique China and Greek philosophers were respected as leaders whose advices were valuable and famous authors like Homer and Machiavelli authenticated leaders’ smart and masterly strategies. As for today’s globalworld, leaders have to display various roles in order to cope with the changing external and internal environments and direct their followers by focusing on general and strategic problems so as to create a vision that will shape the future. Developing strategies and creating a clear vision is not only a need for the organizations, but also a crucial need for the nations to have peaceful and safe ties and connections in terms of international relations. In this sense, the president of South Korea Moon Jae In, seem to displayvisionary and strategic leadership roles, in the context of his being the first South Korean leader that have melted the ice between North Korea since the Korean War. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the leadership traits of Moon Jae In, in the frame of visionary and strategic leadership styles. With this purpose a literature review has been performed in the context of leadership styles, the personal and political lives of Moon Jae In have been researched and the leadership traits of South Korean leader have tried to be examined in order to prove that he carries strategic and visionary leadership traits. According to the evaluations, Moon Jae In carries almost all characteristics of both strategic and visionary leadership styles.
Application of Information Systems in Tourism and Leisure Sector
Authors: Malcienė Dr. Zita , Skauronė Laima
Published: April 2019

The article analyzes the peculiarities of application of information systems in tourism and leisure sector, reveals the advantages of competitiveness. The study found that the functionality of information systems application provides a user with information about hotels, travel, and the attractiveness of leisure products. Therefore, in the development of tourism and leisure organizations, it is important not only to maintain good contacts with clients or establish positive relations and their consolidation in society, but also to implement information systems.
The Difference of Cardiovascular Endurance between Soccer Players and Handball Players
Authors: Ali Dr. Syed Kamaruzaman Syed
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference of cardiovascular endurance between secondary school soccer players and handball players. The study adopted ex-post facto design. The subjects were selected among soccer and handball players at one of the secondary schools. A total of 60 subjects were selected, 30 soccer players and 30 handball players. All subjects aged between 13 and 15 years old. The test used to test cardiovascular endurance was 12 minute Cooper Run Test. T-test was used to determine whether there is a significant difference between the cardiovascular endurance of the soccer players and handball players. The results of the study showed that there was no significant difference t(-1.65)=58, P>0.05 between soccer players (M = 2235; SD = 180.44) and handball players (M = 2307.83; SD = 160.19). Although there was no significant difference, the players from both teams still have good cardiovascular endurance fitness.
The Tradition of Tahlilan on Ternate Society
Authors: . Burhan , . Asmiraty
Published: April 2019

This study aims to analyze the implementation of tahlilan,  society perspective towards this tradition, and the factors of the tahlilan existence on Ternate community. The study was designed in the form of qualitative descriptive research by applying field research, teological normative, and socio-cultural approaches.  The data were collected through interview and documentation. The result showed that tahlilan for Ternatenese is nothing but the momentum where family, relatives, friends, and surrounding communities gather to recite some hayyibah sentences (hamfdalah, takbir, shalawat, tasbih), Qur’an verses, dhikr, and other prayers. Ternate society believes that tahlilan is crucial as a medium of da’wah. There are many positive benefits felt by the people of Ternate such as psychological, social, economic, and importantly religious awareness. In religion side, tahlilan is a minfestation of love for Islam and the cultivation of the monotheism concept. The development of understanding and awareness in Muslim religion also lead to a process of evaluation and change in the implementation of tahlilan. In this case, Islamic da'wah succeeds in influencing the socio-cultural life of Ternate community. The tahlilan tradition can exist til now because it is considered to still have coherence with Islamic values, customs and culture. Ternate society still hope that the tradition of tahlilan will last forever. However, there has been no inheritance or regeneration model for tahlilan implementers since the process of regenerating the rituals of tahlilan has proceeded naturally so far.
Should there be a Mandate to Consistently and Systematically Report Asthma Occurrences within Minority-Underserved Communities in the State of Mississippi?
Authors: Gray Lolita D , Collins Ananda
Published: April 2019

The epidemic of asthma has become one of the most critical public health threats within the state of Mississippi.  In Mississippi, the most current prevalence of adult asthma is 12.0% for lifetime asthma and 8.6% for current asthma.  Among African-Americans, the adult population represents the leading rates in overall asthma burden, with the highest percent of adult lifetime asthma being 14.6% and current asthma being 11.0%.  This study asserts that a mandate to systematically and consistently report newly diagnosed cases of asthma among minority-underserved communities can provide a pathway to decrease this asthma disparity, effective treatment, and healthier lives.  Based upon the findings, the participants, overall, agree that asthma disproportionately occurs among minority-underserved communities; and, mandated systematic and consistent reporting should be implemented.  Additionally, these actions can lead to a decrease in this asthma disparity, an implementation of targeted public policies, effective treatment and a pathway to healthier lives.
Efficiency of Learning Software ‘Sinding Pimato’ Towards Reading Achievement of Kadazandusun Language for Year One Pupils
Authors: Justine Marbella Binti , Kiting Rosliah , Taisin Julita@Norjietta Binti
Published: April 2019

Reading skill is an important skill in Kadazandusun language to enable pupils to follow and master the teaching and learning in the classroom. However, the findings from previous studies show that most pupils in primary schools have yet to master the basic skills of reading in the pronunciation aspect. Therefore, this study has to be carried out to study the effectiveness of ‘Sinding Pimato’ software application on the reading achievement of the Year One pupils. This study is a quasi-experimental study. The quantitative approach is used together with pre and post-test instruments. A total of 30 Year One pupils in a school at Tambunan District have become the sample for this study. The sample of the study was divided into two groups, namely the experimental group taught using ‘Sinding Pimato’ software and the control group taught by Chalk and Talk method. The findings show that there is a significant difference in the achievement of reading between the experimental group and the control group. The findings of this study show that the application of ‘Sinding Pimato’ learning software is effective in helping to improve the achievement of reading for the Year One pupils. In conclusion, the ‘Sinding Pimato’ software has an effective effect as a learning tool for Kadazandusun Language. The implication of the study shows that the ‘Sinding Pimato’ software is useful to improve the quality of teaching and learning Kadazandusun language curriculum.
The Nigerian State and Public Sector Management: A Political Economy Analysis
Authors: Justine Igbokwe-Ibeto Chinyeaka , Fidelia Nwobi , Loretho Nnaji Ifeoma
Published: April 2019

The colonial state emerged to serve the economic and political interests of the colonizing power. This state was created to formally organise the exploitation of the colonised territory in the interest of the metropolitan entity. Within the framework of political-economy theory, this article examined the Nigerian state and public sector management at the theoretical level with the aim of understanding the Nigerian state in terms of its integration into the global economy as a peripheral entity. The article relied on the political economy paradigm to explain the dynamics and shifts in the management of the public sector. The political economy approach is predicated on the primacy of material condition. The analysis of the economic sub-structure assists to account for, and explain the power politics behind the public sector management. This approach also elucidates on the character of the state, nature of its governing class and the mechanisms of domination. It concludes that, the Nigerian state and its actors have been major impediments to the deepening of the public sector management. The Nigerian state requires reconstituting in the sense that would make it humane, benevolent and less vulnerable to hijack by the political class.
New Paleocene bird fossils from the North Sea Basin in Belgium and France
Authors: MAYR Gerald , SMITH Thierry
Published: April 2019

We describe new avian remains from Paleocene localities of Belgium and France. Four bones from the early to middle Selandian of Maret (Belgium) are among the earliest Cenozoic avian remains known from Europe and include the oldest temporally well constrained European records of the Gastornithidae, as well as tentative records of the palaeognathous Lithornithidae and the Ralloidea. A more comprehensive fossil assemblage from the middle Thanetian of Templeuve (France) contains multiple bones of the Lithornithidae as well as a record of the Pelagornithidae. Specimens from the latest Thanetian of Rivecourt-Petit Pâtis (France) are tentatively assigned to the Ralloidea and Leptosomiformes (cf. Plesiocathartes). Because of the fragmentary nature of the fossils, the taxonomic identity of a number of other specimens remains uncertain. We note, however, that Paleocene avifaunas of Europe and North America appear to have had different compositions and only a few taxa, such as the palaeognathous Lithornithidae, are known from both continents. This suggests that the very similar early Eocene avifaunas of Europe and North America are the result of early Cenozoic dispersal events.
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by R. Higgins
Authors: Campbell Sandy
Published: April 2019

Higgins, Ryan T. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates. Disney-Hyperion, 2018

This is a messy book. Ryan Higgins' drawings are much messier and less precise than his earlier books about Bruce, the bear. However, when you are Pamela Rex, a Tyrannosaurus rex starting school with a room full of delicious human classmates, things get messy, particularly when you have to spit them out.

Ryan Higgins taps the absurd in both his images and text to keep children laughing. Penelope still wants to eat the children, even though her father “packed her a lunch of three hundred tuna sandwiches." There is also an image of Penelope trying to “make friends at recess,” but she is standing at the bottom of the playground slide with her mouth open. Penelope does eventually learn a small lesson in empathy when Walter, the class goldfish, bites her. 

Higgins draws Penelope as a stuffed toy Tyrannosaurus rex, perhaps to prevent children from being frightened. The children are represented by the usual politically correct collection of stereotypes, often identified by clothing. There is one Jewish (yarmulke), one Muslim (hijab), two black (tight curly hair), one Indigenous (braids), one Japanese (the only child with a shirt and tie), and several generic “brown” children.  All of the children have dark hair. Blue-eyed blonds are conspicuous by their absence. 

In addition to being a fun book, this volume allows every child to claim the moral high ground. Every child can say, “I wouldn’t ever do that!”, because all children know that “we don’t eat our classmates.”

While this is a book about being different, clashes of values, and learning to get along, it is mainly a book that will amuse children. Recommended for elementary school and public libraries.

Recommended:  3 out of 4 stars Reviewer:  Sandy Campbell 

Sandy is a Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Alberta, who has written hundreds of book reviews across many disciplines. Sandy thinks that sharing books with children is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.
Gluten Free is Part of Me by L. Oestreich
Authors: Tan Maria
Published: April 2019

Oestreich, Laurie. Gluten Free is Part of Me. Illustrated by Kayla Gartenberg. Mascot Books, 2018.

Gluten Free Is Part of Me follows a young girl as she describes what it is like living with celiac disease. It presents information in an sensitive way, anticipating and empathizing with children living with celiac disease. The little girl in the story talks about how it can be difficult to attend events where she cannot eat the same foods as other children and how she wishes her celiac disease would go away. She also describes the strategies she uses to stay healthy and to educate those around her. The story is written in verse with simple rhymes and age-appropriate vocabulary for young readers.

Author Laurie Oestreich is a New York-based child and family therapist whose inspiration for Gluten Free is Part of Me was her granddaughter who was diagnosed with celiac disease. She presents an overall positive message,  helping children to understand celiac disease and how to manage it successfully. Oestreich uses her story to put celiac disease in the context of a variety of health conditions, such as food and environmental allergies, visual and hearing deficits that people experience. Importantly, the story reinforces to young readers that a health condition is merely one aspect of their being, and not what defines them. At the end of the story, a Note From the Doctor, written by physician, Dr Peter Green, director of Columbia University’s Celiac Disease Center, endorses and reinforces the story’s messages.

The colourful illustrations accompanying the story, complement and enhance the text. Children will enjoy re-reading the story to examine small details in the illustrations, such as the notes on the bulletin board. Artist and photographer, Kayla Gartenberg’s strategic inclusion of anatomical details in her illustrations, introduces young children to body parts and medical vocabulary relevant to the digestive system and to celiac disease. 

Highly Recommended: 4 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Maria Tan

Maria is a health sciences librarian at the University of Alberta and a former editorial team member of the Deakin Review. She is the co-author, with Sandy Campbell, of A Selective Collection of Children’s Health Fiction 2014-2016, which is an update of the Children’s Health Fiction Checklist presented in the October 2014 Special Issue of the Deakin Review (Vol. 4, No. 2).
That’s Not Hockey! by A. Poulin
Authors: Campbell Sandy
Published: April 2019

Poulin, Andrée. That’s Not Hockey! Annick Press, 2018

This picture book tells the story of the famous hockey player, Jacques Plante, who loved hockey as a child, but had to improvise because he did not have a lot of hockey gear. The title phrase “That’s Not Hockey” appears when Jacques uses a ball because he didn’t have a puck, uses a tree root for a goalie stick and has goalie pads made out of potato sacks and wooden slats. Andrée Poulin uses the bold-face phrase, “Hey, that’s not hockey” throughout the book, as though it had been shouted at the young Plante to indicate that people were not happy with his changes to the game. This foreshadows the reaction to one of Plante’s greatest and most memorable contributions to the game—the introduction of the goalie mask. While Plante initially faced booing, teasing, and taunting from “reporters, players, goaltenders and crowds”, helmets and facemasks became standard equipment in hockey and players now have far fewer head and face injuries as a result.  

Félix Girard’s cartoon illustrations capture pond hockey in rural Quebec well. Girard also accurately portrays a bare-headed 1959 era hockey team hoisting the Stanley Cup.

This is a good story about a Canadian hockey legend that also carries a lesson about continuing to work at making things better, even when most people seem to be against you. 

Highly Recommended:  4 stars out of 4 Reviewer:  Sandy Campbell

Sandy is a Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Alberta, who has written hundreds of book reviews across many disciplines. Sandy thinks that sharing books with children is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.
You Hold Me Up by M. Gray Smith
Authors: Campbell Sandy
Published: April 2019

Gray Smith, Monique. You Hold Me Up. Illustrated by Danielle Daniel. Orca Book Publishers, 2017.

Monique Gray Smith is not a prolific author, but her works have impact. She writes from her knowledge of the impact of the Indian Residential Schools on Canadian Indigenous people. Gray Smith is a mixed-heritage woman (Cree, Lakota and Scottish) who wrote this book “to remind us of our common humanity and the importance of holding each other up with respect and dignity.” “With this book,” she says, “we are embarking on a journey of reconciliation and healing.” 

Gray Smith uses simple terms and sentences, appropriate to a Kindergarten to Grade 3 audience, to describe the things that individuals can do in their relationships to move forward in reconciliation. Danielle Daniel’s brightly coloured, stylized illustrations reflect these concepts. The concepts include being kind to each other, sharing, learning, playing, laughing and singing together, and comforting, respecting and listening to each other. 

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls all Canadians to move forward together in reconciliation, a task that can appear to be daunting and overwhelming. Gray Smith provides a simple blueprint for small steps forward, the most basic being that we can “hold each other up.”

This book is highly recommended for elementary school libraries and public libraries.

Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Sandy Campbell

Sandy is a Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Alberta, who has written hundreds of book reviews across many disciplines. Sandy thinks that sharing books with children is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.
What's My Superpower? by A. Johnston
Authors: MacLeod Kirk
Published: April 2019

Johnston, Aviaq. What's My Superpower? Illustrated by Tim Mack, Inhabit Media. 2017.

Following her debut novel, Those Who Run in the Sky, Johnston and illustrator Tim Mack have put together the delightful story of a young Inuit girl named Nalvana who sees superpowers in all her friends, but isn't sure if she has one of her own. The book has a bright and colourful style highlighting a young girl's world in the Canadian Territories.

Following Nelvana through her story, the reader is introduced to her mother, her unnamed (but adorable) dog, her friends and her community. Her infectious smile and positive attitude come through on every page and as she discovers each of her friends’ superpowers, she, and the reader, begin to wonder about her own.  The book mixes Inuktitut terms throughout, and includes a glossary at the end.

An excellent introduction to a young girl's world in Northern Canada and with a positive message and vibrant illustrations, the book would work well for young schoolchildren as well as those who might be interested in a view of Canada's different communities and questions about their own superpowers. A great read!

Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Kirk MacLeod

Kirk is the Open Data Team Lead for the Government of Alberta’s Open Government Portal. A Life-Long reader, he moderates two book clubs and is constantly on the lookout for new great books!
Cheerful Chick by M. Brockenbrough
Authors: Nugent Samantha
Published: April 2019

Brockenbrough, Martha. Cheerful Chick. Illustrated by Brian Won, Arthur A. Levine Books, 2019.

Accompanied by Brian Won’s vibrant illustrations, Martha Brockenbrough tells the story of an energetic chick with a passion for cheerleading. Waving her pompoms and performing her best moves, Cheerful Chick tries to spread cheer around the barnyard. However, the grown-up animals do not seem to share her enthusiasm and Cheerful Chick soon finds herself feeling discouraged. In the end, Cheerful Chick realizes that her high spirits have not gone unappreciated after all.

This picture book explores the fact that we cannot always count on others to share in our passions. Brockenbrough’s use of the descriptor grown-up for the animals too busy for Cheerful Chick’s antics opens up room for discussions about the stressors that can make adults seem grumpy to energetic children who want others to share their cheerful moods. Although Cheerful Chick finds there is a troupe of chicks ready to join her cheers, the lesson about learning to feel joy even when joy is not shared by others proves to be the most interesting aspect of this story.

Packed with colourful full-page spreads and rhyming text that is perfectly paced for reading aloud, Cheerful Chick is sure to become a story time favourite. The obvious place for this picture book is in a farm-themed story time, but librarians, educators, and parents will also find it lends itself well to themes such as feelings and friendship. This picture book is an irresistible burst of optimism that is sure to delight preschoolers and older children alike.

Highly Recommended: 4 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Samantha Nugent

Sam works as a librarian at Hinton Municipal Library.
Here Comes Rhinoceros / Kommt das Nashorn by H. Janisch
Authors: Aitken Leslie
Published: April 2019

Janisch, Heinz. Here Comes Rhinoceros / Kommt das Nashorn. Illustrated by Helga Bansch. Translated and edited by Evan Jones, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2018. 

This picture book is a paean to solidity. Its central character, Rhinoceros, is as “beautiful as a mountain.” He “holds his ground,” stands “silent in the storm.”  Though he does voice a wish to be as free as the tiny white bird who is his friend (his “chirping snowflake”) he also realizes that many creatures appreciate his stalwart, earthbound presence; they need him “to stand on,” “to rest on.”

Heinz Janisch, the author of this charming narrative, has won the Austrian State Prize for Poetry, as well as that nation’s Children’s Literature Prize. The poetic quality of his writing style is effectively conveyed in Evan Jones’ translation. Helga Bansch’s illustrations are a perfect match for the text. She draws quite expertly; her rhinoceros, elephant, giraffe, zebra, and deer are appropriate in detail and in proportion to one another. In an inventive and humorous vein, she lets us see the tiny white bird being blown “right off the page” by the storm. Though all of her work has an endearing quality, the little meerkat with his red umbrella is, in particular, a heart-stealer.

The story line of this picture book is very suitable for both preschool and primary school aged children.  Janisch’s vocabulary, syntax, and use of metaphor, however, suggest the need for adult assistance—at least initially—if children are to fully comprehend and appreciate the beauty of the text. A child enjoying the book as a bedtime story would pore over the illustrations; those illustrations would, as well, be perfectly large and clear enough for small group presentation in a classroom or library. In sum, Here Comes Rhinoceros is an excellent choice for home, school, and public libraries. 

Reviewer: Leslie Aitken Rating: 4 out of 4 stars

Leslie Aitken’s long career in librarianship included selection of children’s literature for school, public, special, and academic libraries. She is a former Curriculum Librarian of the University of Alberta.
Who Do I Want To Become? by R. Billan
Authors: Aitken Leslie
Published: April 2019

Billan, Rumeet. Who Do I Want To Become?  Illustrated by Michelle Clement. Page Two Books, 2018.

This picture book conveys an important approach to problem solving. When asked by his teacher, Mr. Janzen, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” the central character, Dylan, initially thinks in narrow terms: career choices. He is stymied. When he reframes the question as “Who do I want to become?” he arrives at a thoughtful answer.

            “I want to be someone who tries new things and isn’t afraid to fail. I want to be someone who helps others and makes a difference in the world. Someone who isn’t afraid to be me.” [p.31]

Dylan clearly has changed the problem from “What do I want to do for a living?” to “What kind of person do I want to be?” It should be pointed out that the actual words of his reframing are no guarantee of a philosophical result. Many children would still respond to the question, “Who do I want to become?” in terms of role models, generic or specific: “I want to become Prime Minister.” “Chris Hadfield.” “Tessa Virtue.” (Certainly, had I been asked that question at eight years of age as I struggled, in my brother’s old hockey skates, to navigate the frozen puddle that was our “rink” I would have replied, “Barbara Ann Scott.”)

The culminating focus of the storyline is character development; parents and teachers could use this book to begin discussion of it. They may have to do some prompting, even a little rewording of the central question, to achieve that focus. It is worth the effort. Dillan’s answer opens up issues of self-acceptance, self-direction, and self-actualization in a manner suitable for school aged children. His conclusion also emphasizes that the business of childhood is personal growth and development, not career planning. Though this is a picture book, the inherent nature of its topic, as well as Billan’s writing vocabulary, suggest its use with children eight to twelve years of age. Michelle Clement’s humorous cartoon-style drawings should appeal to that age group as well.  In sum, the total package seems age appropriate for pre-adolescent youngsters.

Reviewer:  Leslie AitkenRecommended: 3 out of 4 stars

Leslie Aitken’s long career in librarianship included selection of children’s literature for school, public, special and academic libraries. She is a former Curriculum Librarian of the University of Alberta.
We've Got Lots of Good News for You!
Authors: Pearce Hanne
Published: April 2019

Greetings everyone!

Welcome to another issue and a round-up of children’s literature news. It has been a long and cold winter in Edmonton, but it seems to be finally winding down. There are some award and event news to share with you as well as some podcasts.

I happen to be a big podcast lover and and my favourite ones help me get through the winter darkness with insightful ideas and discussions. It thought it would be fun to highlight a few children’s literature podcasts that may interest our readers. Here’s wishing you all a warm spring!

AWARDS

Alberta Literary Awards were announced by the Writers’ Guild of Alberta. The books shortlisted for the R. Ross Annett Award for Children’s Literature include:

Jenny Keith (Edmonton) – Day Cat, Night Cat

Mike Kerr (Calgary) – Crafty Llama

Nhung Tran-Davies (Calmar) – Ten Cents a Pound

Shortlist reading events will be held this spring in Edmonton on May 5 and in Calgary on May 15.

The BC Book Prize shortlists have been announced, and titles shortlisted for the Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize include:

Learning to Breathe by Janice Lynn Mather

The Journey Forward, A Novella on Reconciliation: When We Play Our Drums, They Sing! / Lucy and Lola by Monique Gray Smith and Richard Van Camp

Nice Try, Jane Sinner by Lianne Oelke

No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen

Very Rich by Polly Horvath

Those shortlisted for the Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize include:

The Nameless City: The Divided Earth by Faith Erin Hicks,

Robert Bateman: The Boy Who Painted Nature by Margriet Ruurs Illustrated by Robert Bateman,

Sir Simon: Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson; Sparks! by Ian Boothby Illustrated by Nina Matsumoto

Sterling, Best Dog Ever by Aidan Cassie

Full details can be found at the BC Book Prize Website.

 

EVENTS

Me and Mr. Carnegie: 16th Albert Lahmer Memorial Lecture

The Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books, Lillian H. Smith Branch, Toronto Public Library

April 25, 2019, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

See more at: Canadian Children’s Book Centre

 

CHILDREN’S AND YA PODCASTS

YA Write

Every month, Amy Mathers talks to YA writers about their inspiration as a writer and their latest books.

Picturebooking

A Podcast About Creating and Sharing Picture Books

The Yarn

A narrative adventure. The Yarn takes listeners behind the scenes of children's literature, and lets them look at all the threads that must be weaved together to create a book.

The Children’s Book Podcast

Hosted by Matthew Winner, elementary school librarian and co-founder of All The Wonders. The Children's Book Podcast features insightful and sincere interviews with authors, illustrators, and everyone involved in taking a book from a drawing board to bookshelf.

Books Between

A podcast about books for tweens around the ages 8-12. The podcast offers trending topics, author interviews, and recommendations.
TERRAÇOS FLUVIAIS COMO INDICADORES DA DINÂMICA GEOMORFOLÓGICA NO QUATERNÁRIO: ESTUDO DE CASO NA DEPRESSÃO PERIFÉRICA PAULISTA
Authors: Lupinacci Cenira Maria , De Souza Tissiana de Almeida
Published: April 2019

Os terraços fluviais são considerados formas de relevo “chave” para o entendimento das mudanças ambientais na escala de tempo da natureza, atuando como paleo-indicadores de processos morfogenéticos ocorridos durante o Quaternário, sobretudo no Holoceno. O método de datação absoluta por Luminescência tem se mostrado vantajoso para a obtenção de idades dos materiais constituintes de terraços fluviais, devido à sua possibilidade de aplicação em diversas condições ambientais, a tipos de materiais distintos e através de diferentes técnicas. Diante destas considerações, o objetivo desse artigo foi colaborar com o entendimento da evolução do relevo durante o Quaternário, no setor da Depressão Periférica presente no interior do Estado de São Paulo. Para isso, foi analisada a evolução geocronológica dos terraços fluviais da Alta Bacia do Rio Passa Cinco, localizada nos municípios de Ipeúna e de Itirapina, através da análise das idades obtidas pelo método de datação por Luminescência Opticamente Estimulada, da apresentação das análises granulométricas dos materiais que compõem estes depósitos e da comparação com trabalhos anteriores que utilizaram métodos de datação em terraços fluviais na Bacia Sedimentar do Paraná. Foram obtidas as idades de 6 amostras de terraços fluviais, as quais permitiram a proposta de uma sequência geocronológica de 4 fases para a elaboração dos terraços da área estudada, a saber: 1) entre 37.700 e 32.250 anos A. P; 2) entre 3.000 e 2.000 anos A. P; 3) Em 1.470 anos A. P.; e 4) 600 anos A. P. Considerando a proposta de outros autores para a região, avaliou-se que parte dessas fases se desenvolveram em condições climáticas mais secas que a atual, demonstrando a dinâmica quaternária de evolução da bacia analisada.
Robust Human Tracking of a Crawler Robot
Authors: Orita Yasuaki ,   Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ritsumeikan University 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan, Fukao Takanori
Published: April 2019

Carrying out firefighting activities at disaster sites is extremely difficult. Therefore, robots that support and enhance these operations are required. In this paper, a crawler robot that tracks the moving path of a firefighter is proposed. It is commonly believed that trained firefighters select the best route; thus, it was assumed that this route is the easiest for the crawler robot as well. Using two 3D light detection and ranging sensors, once the firefighter’s coordinates are detected, the coordinates are combined with 3D simultaneous localization and mapping results, then a target path is generated. The crawler robot follows the path using inverse optimal tracking control. The controller has a stability margin that guarantees robustness, which is an ideal property for disaster response robots used in severe conditions. The results of several experiments show that the proposed system is effective and practical for the crawler robot.
Consideration of Multi-Degree of Freedom Vibration on Large-Sized Gantry Type Linear Motor Slider
Authors: Ojiro Tetsuya , Tachibana Toshiyuki , Honda Hideki , Hamamatsu Hiroshi , Tsuruta Kazuhiro , Hanamoto Tsuyoshi ,   Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology 2-4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0196, Japan,   National Institute of Technology, Kitakyushu College 5-20-1 Shii, Kokuraminami-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0985, Japan,   Kyushu Sangyo University 2-3-1 Matsukadai, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 813-8503, Japan
Published: April 2019

Many transport units for large production devices now incorporate large-sized gantry type linear motor sliders comprising two parallel linear sliders linked by a joint table. This type of linear motor slider develops a unique mechanical distortion, generating a repulsive force between the two axes that can raise the motor output forces higher than their rated limit. A previous study proposed a method to suppress the repulsive force. However, as feedback gains are set high, force references oscillate and the control system becomes unstable. In past study, yawing vibration suppression methods have been proposed. But, we consider that this vibration is not yawing vibration because the force references include same phase vibration with high gains. Therefore, the modal analysis is performed to analyze this vibration. As a result, it was found that the pitching vibration of the slider was greatly affected. This paper considers this vibration phenomenon, and suppression of the vibration by control method which is similar to impedance control is presented. Hence, it is shown that considering multi-degree of freedom vibration which means yawing vibration and pitching vibration included is important in order to control the large-sized gantry type linear motor sliders.
3D Measurement of Large Structure by Multiple Cameras and a Ring Laser
Authors: Higuchi Hiroshi , Fujii Hiromitsu , Taniguchi Atsushi , Watanabe Masahiro , Yamashita Atsushi , Asama Hajime ,   The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan,   Chiba Institute of Technology 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino-shi, Chiba 275-0016, Japan,   Hitachi, Ltd. 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 244-0817, Japan
Published: April 2019

This paper presents an effective mobile three-dimensional (3D) measurement system that can obtain measurements from the inside of large structures such as railway vehicles, elevators, and escalators. In the proposed method, images are acquired by moving measurement equipment composed of a ring laser and two cameras. From the acquired images, accurate cross-sectional shapes, which are obtained via a light-section method by each camera, are integrated into a unified coordinate system using pose estimation based on bundle adjustment. We focus on the method of separately extracting the information necessary for the two processes – the light-section method and pose estimation – from the acquired images. The laser areas used for the light-section method are detected by a bandpass color filter. Further, a new block matching technique is introduced to eliminate the influence of the laser light, which causes incorrect detection of corresponding points. Through an experiment, we confirm the validity of the proposed 3D measurement method.
Using Uncertain DM-Chameleon Clustering Algorithm Based on Machine Learning to Predict Landslide Hazards
Authors: Hu Jian , Zhu Haiwan , Mao Yimin , Zhang Canlong , Liang Tian , Mao Dinghui ,   Applied Science Institute, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology Hakka Avenue No.156, Zhanggong District, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi 341000, China,   Information Institute, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology Hakka Avenue No.156, Zhanggong District, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi 341000, China,   211 Battalion, Co., Ltd., China Shanxi Nuclear Industry Group Company Xi’an 710024, China
Published: April 2019

Landslide hazard prediction is a difficult, time-consuming process when traditional methods are used. This paper presents a method that uses machine learning to predict landslide hazard levels automatically. Due to difficulties in obtaining and effectively processing rainfall in landslide hazard prediction, and to the existing limitation in dealing with large-scale data sets in the M-chameleon algorithm, a new method based on an uncertain DM-chameleon algorithm (developed M-chameleon) is proposed to assess the landslide susceptibility model. First, this method designs a new two-phase clustering algorithm based on M-chameleon, which effectively processes large-scale data sets. Second, the new E-H distance formula is designed by combining the Euclidean and Hausdorff distances, and this enables the new method to manage uncertain data effectively. The uncertain data model is presented at the same time to effectively quantify triggering factors. Finally, the model for predicting landslide hazards is constructed and verified using the data from the Baota district of the city of Yan’an, China. The experimental results show that the uncertain DM-chameleon algorithm of machine learning can effectively improve the accuracy of landslide prediction and has high feasibility. Furthermore, the relationships between hazard factors and landslide hazard levels can be extracted based on clustering results.
Development of a Multi-Master Communication Platform for Mobile Distributed Systems
Authors: Mak Kwanwai ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka University 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan, Osuka Koichi , Wada Teruyo
Published: April 2019

This paper proposes a design of a multi-master communication platform for mobile distributed systems, which can be applied to distributed systems without concern on the formation. Experiments were conducted with the testing modules, and the result shows that synchronization of test modules can be effectively achieved with the aid of the platform.