bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching Educational Psychology in an International Setting: Exploring the Finnish Education System
Authors: Pressley Tim
Published: June 2020

The emphasis of this paper is on the importance of teaching teacher preparation courses, specifically educational psychology, through a study abroad trip to Finland. This experience allowed American preservice teachers to see theories applied in an international setting while also allowing preservice teachers to compare the United States education system to the Finnish educational system. The current study includes sixteen female, preservice teachers’ perceptions of the trip. Development of the activities abroad occurred with a Finnish university and included multiple school visits, panel discussions, and guest lectures. These experiences allowed for full immersion in the Finnish education system. The data include observations, student papers, and student survey responses, which present changes in students’ views of education, views of the Finnish education system, and the application of theories in a real-world setting. This experience not only provided preservice teachers with an opportunity to see one of the best educational systems in the world but also pushed the preservice teachers to rethink how teaching and learning can look in a classroom.
Ensino de Programação nas Escolas: Um relato de experiência
Authors: Montoanelli Gabriel H. , Rolim Joana P. , Peres Fabiana F. F. , Mauricio Claudio R. M. , Pereira Eliane N. , Silva Romulo C.
Published: June 2020

Embora a capacidade de realizar encadeamento sequencial coerente de instruções para resoluções de problemas seja considerada uma capacidade humana natural, a falta do ensino desse conteúdo no ensino fundamental e médio, é apontado como um dos principais fatores para a evasão dos cursos que envolvem programação diretamente, como ciência da computação e engenharia da computação. Uma maneira de trabalhar para alteração desse quadro é através da aplicação de cursos de extensão, focados em lógica computacional, a exemplo da experiência relatada neste artigo, em que foram realizadas atividades de resolução de situação-problemas para alunos do 7o ao 9o ano no contra-turno de uma escola estadual no Estado do Paraná.
Göttinnen, Kinnaris, Königinnen – Modelle der Weiblichkeit in der thailändischen Tempelmalerei
Authors: Purfürst Kristin H.
Published: June 2020

Religions design specific gender images and transport them into society through a variety of visual media. Kristin H. Purfürst focuses on designs of female role models in Thai Buddhist temple paintings and inquires about the emergence of female stereotypes in a process of mutual influence between religion and society.

At the same time, the volume provides a basic set of methodological tools for the analysis of visual non-verbal sources from a religious studies perspective. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the problem, topics of gender studies, Southeast Asian religious and art history as well as the methodology of religious studies are linked for the first time.
Self-Healing Concrete and Cementitious Materials
Authors: Qureshi Tanvir , Al-Tabbaa Abir
Published: June 2020

Concrete is one of the most used materials in the world with robust applications and increasing demand. Despite considerable advancement in concrete and cementitious materials over last centuries, infrastructure built in the present world with these materials, such as dams, roads, bridges, tunnels and buildings requires intensive repair and maintenance throughout its design life. Self-healing concrete and cementitious materials, which have the ability to recover after initial damage, have the potential to address these challenges. Self-healing technology in concrete and cementitious materials can mitigate the unnecessary repair and maintenance of built infrastructure as well as overall CO2 emission due to cement production. This chapter provides the state-of-the-art of self-healing concrete and cementitious materials, mainly focusing on autogenic or intrinsic self-healing using fibre, shrinkable polymers, minerals and supplementary cementitious materials, and autonomic self-healing using non-traditional concrete materials such as microscale to macroscale capsule as well as vascular systems with polymeric, mineral and bacterial agents.
Editor’s Corner
Authors: Sare Laura
Published: June 2020

As I was preparing my editorial for the Summer issue, I was focused on the 19th Amendment and looking forward to voting in the primaries. Then a few weeks later I was working from home and my university moved to online classes for the rest of the spring semester. I thought about writing on the coronavirus pandemic, but every day just gets crazier and it is all I can do to just deal with the crisis, let alone write about it. So I will go with my original editorial idea, and I wish everyone in government information land good health and safety.
TRAIL Spotlight
Authors: Dallas Larayne
Published: June 2020

This document brings together three notable topics: NACA, Max M. Munk, and the Caproni Seaplane. The report is NACA Technical Note No. 57, written by NACA researcher Munk on the failed design of the Caproni Company’s 1921 Seaplane.
The Economic Burden of Different Multiple Sclerosis Courses: Analysis from Italian Administrative and Clinical Databases
Authors: Cortesi Paolo Angelo , Cozzolino Paolo , Capra Ruggero , Cesana Giancarlo , Mantovani Lorenzo Giovanni
Published: June 2020

INTRODUCTION: Poor specific economic information are available for the different Multiple Sclerosis (MS) courses: relapsing remitting (RRMS), secondary progressive (SPMS) and primary progressive (PPMS). This study aims to fill this gap.METHODS: A cost of illness study was conducted. Clinical information of patients treated in a major MS Center located in Lombardy, in the period 2004-2010, were linked with administrative data of Lombardy Healthcare System. We assessed the mean cost per patient-year and its association with different MS characteristics.RESULTS: The study identified 869 patients (83.9% RRMS, 8.5% SPMS, 7.2% PPMS). RRMS reported the highest cost per patient-year with a mean of € 5,623 in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0-3, € 8,675 in EDSS 3.5-6.5, and € 7,451 in EDSS 7-9. The PPMS patients reported the lower annual mean cost per patient in all EDSS categories. The mul-tivariate analysis reported a significant association between cost per patient-year and EDSS categories, relapse and use of Disease Modifying Therapies but not to MS courses, age and sex.CONCLUSION: This study provides a complete picture of MS courses direct costs at the different disability levels. The results can help to better understand the burden of each MS courses and the cost-effectiveness of different interventions.
El proceso judicial electrónico y su encaje en el ordenamiento jurídico español: estudio comparado con el proceso electrónico británico
Authors: Catalán Chamorro María José
Published: June 2020

España está capacitada para iniciar un proceso judicial electrónico automatizado, similar al implementado en el Reino Unido. En el presente trabajo se expone de manera paralela el análisis del proyecto británico y una propuesta de lege ferenda para la inclusión de esta modalidad en el ordenamiento jurídico español. Esta se iniciaría solamente para reclamaciones de cantidad y procesos monitorios y podría continuar con la resolución electrónica de los procesos por sanciones administrativas de tráfico, finalizando este primer estadio de su desarrollo con la resolución de algunos de los procesos civiles recogidos a través de la Ley de Jurisdicción Voluntaria, incluyendo una propuesta final para habilitar a la ciudadanía para introducir denuncias administrativas o penales en línea. De esta manera, acercaríamos definitivamente el acceso a la justicia a los ciudadanos y ciudadanas, pretendiendo una suerte de autodefensa regulada y garantizada por los jueces y tribunales a la par que cercana a la ciudadanía a través de una plataforma informática segura e intuitiva.
THE BRANDING OF SMALL ECONOMIES IN THE GLOBAL WORLD
Authors: Vujović Tanja
Published: June 2020

The process of globalization is a logical process of internationalization, caused by deregulation and liberalization, as well as the development of information and communication technologies. To perform an isolationist policy today is completely absurd. Therefore, the main goal of each national economy is to be engaged in international trade while retaining sovereignty and achieving sustainable development, and this is only possible if we realize that not all economic activities are qualitatively the same as the drivers of economic development, and that globalization and free trade can create an automatic economic harmony. Countries that specialize in the export of raw materials will sooner or later experience the opposite effect from economies of scale, namely declining yields. Sustainable development today is a kind of monopoly on the production of advanced goods and services, in which rich countries experience one explosion of productivity for another. In the first part of the paper, we analyze the effects that abstract theories of classical liberal economies have on the poor countries, as well as the neoliberal policies that the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization today apply to developing countries. In the second part of the paper, we analyze examples of countries whose economic prosperity is the result of a smart and pragmatic mix of market incentives and governance. In the third part of the paper we give recommendations for the new development and trade policy of Serbia. In the last part of the paper, we point to the importance of branding as a factor in the export competitiveness of the company.
ИМПЛЕМЕНТАЦИЈА И ФИНАНСИРАЊЕ МОДЕРНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГИЈА У ПРОЦЕСУ ПРОИЗВОДЊЕ
Authors: Постолов Кирил
Published: June 2020

Овај рад има за циљ да обради и демонстрира имплементацију савремених производних технологија и њихово финансирање. Узмемо ли у обзир да су сва технолошка достигнућа постигнута у последњој деценији, јасно је да су нове, модерне технологије ушле у сваку сферу нашег постојања, мењајући начин на који комуницирамо, учимо и радимо. Модерне технологије нису заобишле ни производњу. Данас се процес производње не може замислити без аутоматизованих машина које брзо и ефикасно обављају посао. Аутоматизоване машине такође скраћују и време циклуса од уноса суровина до излаза као готовог производа. Штавише, главна компонента полако постаје интернет и све могућности које нуди, што се тиче потпуне координације фабрике на свим нивоима управљања. Међутим, примјена савремених технологија условљена је финансирањем шта компаније морају да учине. Постоји неколико извора финансирања које могу користити, укључујући властите и друге изворе. Иако финансирање модерних технологије значајно смањују буџет компаније, оне су главни водич у борби против конкуренције и без њих се не може рачунати на повећање продуктивности и ефикасности пословања.
IMPLEMENTATION AND FINANCING OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
Authors: Bardarova Snezana , Postolov Kiril
Published: June 2020

This paper aims to process and demonstrate the implementation of modern production technologies and their financing. If are taken in consideration all the technological advancements from the last decade, it’s clear that new, modern technologies have entered into every sphere of our existence, changing the way we communicate, learn and work. They didn’t bypassed the production. Today, the production process can’t be imagined without automated machines that quickly and efficiently perform the work. They are shorten the cycle time from the input of raw and materials to the output as a finished product. Further, the main component slowly becomes the Internet and all the opportunities that it offers as far as the complete coordination of the factory with all levels of management is concerned. But the implementation of modern technologies is conditioned by financing, ie investments that production companies need to make. There are many sources of funding that they can use including own and other sources. Although sometimes modern technologies can significantly reduce the company's budget, they are the main guide to the fight against competition. Without them, can’t count on increasing productivity and efficiency in operations. This makes modern technologies an inevitable part of the revolution in the production of today's time for which technologies are aware both producers and consumers.
KARAKTERISTIKE LIČNOSTI OSOBA OVISNIKA O HEROINU U PRELAZNOM PERIODU IZMEĐU ADOLESCENCIJE I RANE ODRASLE DOBI
Authors: Mirković Hajdukov Mitra , Efendić Spahić Tamara , Softić Rusmir , Bećirović Elvir
Published: June 2020

UVOD: Signifikantno je povećana zloupotreba psihoaktivnih sredstava među mlađom populacijom uposlijeratnom periodu u BiH, što je ekvivalent i porastu broja ovisnika o opijatima (heroin), uključenihu program liječenja bolesti ovisnosti.CILJ: je utvrditi da li postoji i kakva je povezanost karakteristika ličnosti sa nastankom ovisnosti oheroinuMETODE: Ispitivanje je provedeno na uzorku od 160 ispitanika, podijeljenih u dvije grupe,eksperimentalnu i kontrolnu. U eksperimentalnoj grupi je ispitano 61 ovisnika o heroinu, liječenih naKlinici za psihijatriju UKC Tuzla, a uzorak kontrolne grupe je sačinjen od 99 ispitanika, studenataElektrotehničkog i Filozofskog fakulteta Univerziteta u Tuzli, nekonzumenata psihoaktivnihsupstanci. Uzorak je testiran pomoću Minesota multifaznog inventara ličnosti (MMPI). Za potrebeovog istraživanja izdvojene su skale depresivnosti, psihastenije i psihopatske devijacije. Testiranjepretpostavki izvršeno je pomoću diskriminativne analize.REZULTATI: Prosječna dob ispitanika kontrolne grupe bila je 21,46±1,95 godina dok je prosječnadob ispitanika eksperimentalne grupe bila 27,66±2,48 godina. Prema spolu uzorak je činilo 107muškaraca (41 u eksperimentalnoj i 66 u kontrolnoj grupi) i 53 žene (20 u eksperimentalnoj i 33 ukontrolnoj grupi). Dobiveni rezultati ukazuju na postojanje statistički značajnih razlika ukarakteristikama ličnosti ovisnika o heroinu i studentske populacije, nekonzumenata psihoaktivnihsupstanci. Wilksova λ diskriminantne funkcije je pokazala kako postoji statistički značajna razlikaizmeđu heroinskih ovisnika i kontrolne skupine (Wilksova λ=0.464; p=0.001) te ukazuje da jediskriminativna snaga diskriminativnih funkcija umjereno visoka. Ispitanici se najviše razlikuju premaobilježju viših prosječnih rezultata na skalama depresije, psihopatske devijacije i psihastenije unutargrupe ispitanika koji konzumiraju opijate, pri čemu je depresija bolji diskriminativni faktor heroinskeovisnosti, što su pokazala i dosadašnja istraživanja koja ukazuju da su konzumiranju i zloupotrebipsihoaktivnih supstanci sklonije osobe sa depresivnim, anksioznim i psihopatskim karakteristikamaličnosti.ZAKLJUČAK: Rezultati su pokazali da postoji povezanost karakteristika ličnosti sa nastankomovisnosti, tj. da su depresivnost, anksioznost i psihopatska devijacija najčešći psihički poremećaji kojisu u komorbiditetu sa ovisnošću o heroinu.
ZLOSTAVLJANJE DJECE
Authors: Selimbašić Zihnet
Published: June 2020

Zlostavljanje djece je ozbiljan i sve izraženiji problem koji je prisutan u svim sredinama. Mali brojzlostavljane djece bude prepoznata, a još manji broj djece bude obuhvaćeno odgovarajućem liječenjemi tretmanom. Ljekari se nalaze u posebnoj situaciji da otkriju zlostavljano i zapostavljano dijete izakonom su obavezni da prijave takve slučajeve. Četiri osnovna oblika zlostavljanja djece su fizičkozlostavljanje, emocionalno zlostavljanje, seksualno zlostavljanje i zanemarivanje djece. Prepoznavanjezlostavljanja djece i adekvatan tretman je istovremno i preventivno djelovanje. Složenost problemazlostavljanja u njegovom rješavanju zahtijeva prisustvo saradnju stručnjaka različitih profila što upraksi bude veoma teško jer taj problem rješava mali broj stručnjaka.
FUNKCIONALNA POVEZANOST TALAMUSA I PSIHOTIČNIH MANIFESTACIJA KOD SHIZOFRENIJE
Authors: Vukadinović Stojanović Sanja , Macanović Gordana , Banjac Nada , Stojanović Zlatan
Published: June 2020

Uvod: Shizofrenija je hronično duševno oboljenje koje se karakteriše organskim promjenama u sivoj i bijelojmasi mozga. Morfološke promjene moždanih struktura mogu imati prediktivnu vrijednost u procjenidijagnostike i razvoja ovog teškog duševnog poremećaja. Cilj našeg rada je bio da se ispita da li postojipovezanost morfoloških karakteristika talamusa (veličine i oblika) i intenziteta psihotičnih manifestacija kodpacijenata oboljelih od shizofrenije. Ispitanici i metode: Istraživanje je obuhvatilo ukupno trideset i jednuosobu oboljelu od shizofrenije. Dijagnoza shizofrenije je postavljana na osnovu DSM-V kriterijuma, a intenzitetpsihotičnih manifestacija je procjenjivan primjenom skale za procjenu psihotičnih poremećaja- BPRS (BriefPsychiatric Rating Scale). Morfometrijske karakteristike talamusa određivane su na aksijalnim nekontrasnimCT snimcima na površini najvećeg poprečnog presjeka primjenom AutoCAD 2007 digitalne morfometrije.Statistički podaci su obrađivani u SPSS 16.0 programskom paketu. Statistički zaključci izneseni su na osnovudvosmjernog p < 0.05. Rezultati: Ispitivanjem povezanosti intenziteta psihotičnih manifestacija (BPRS skora)pacijenata sa shizofrenijom od površine najvećeg poprečnog presjeka talamusa ustanovili smo veći intenzitetpsihotičnih manifestacija kod osoba sa manjom površinom presjeka talamusa na lijevoj hemisferi mozga(regresioni koeficijent B = -0.070, p = 0.001). Nismo uočili statistički značajnu povezanost obima talamusa nalijevoj hemisferi mozga i psihotičnih manifestacija (regresioni koeficijent B = -0.024, p = 0.803), kao nipovezanost veličine i obima talamusa sa intenzitetom psihotičnih manifestacija na desnoj hemisferi mozga(površina desno: regresioni koeficijent B = -0.023, p = 0.314; obim desno: regresioni koeficijent B = -0.059, p= 0.585 ). Zaključak: U našoj studiji mi smo utvrdili da je kod pacijenata sa shizofrenijom prisutan većiintenzitet psihotičnih manifestacija kod osoba sa manjom površinom presjeka talamusa na lijevoj hemisferimozga. Veličina talamusa može poslužiti kao biomarker nastanka i razvoja shizofrenije.
To model of participation of interested parties in governance of the Internet on the international level
Authors: Istomin Nikita
Published: June 2020

This article analyzes the model of participation of many interested parties in governance of the Internet, as well as its definition on the international level and within the doctrine. The goal consists in determining the importance and the role of participation of multiple interested parties in the context of Internet governance, and its correlation to the transnational approach in international law. The model of participation of multiple interested parties is predominantly examined as participation in Internet governance of the actors of international law and private entities. The subject of this research is the provisions of summary documents, summits on the highest level regarding the questions of information community, resolution of the UN General Assembly and other branches of the UN system, provisions of acts of other transnational organizations that are dedicated to development of state policy in the area of Internet governance, as well as doctrinal sources covering history of the question. The scientific novelty lies in determination of correlation of the participation of interested parties in Internet governance. It is noted that in the practice of Internet governance there are two clear approaches for implementation of this model: ran by states and international organizations, or one that is ran by private entities. The international legal acts reflect the former approach towards implementation of this model. In accordance with this approach, the work on Internet governance in consultation of state with private entities, allowing private entities as observers, or creation of public-private partnerships aimed at solution of global issues. The leading role of the private sector is advanced by the United States and several other Western nations as an alternative to translational multilateral approach, which contradicts the international legal acts, since the role ICANN as a leader is delegated to private entities, rather than states.
Achilles Tendon Reconstruction with Semitendinous Tendon Grafts Is Associated with a High Complication Rate
Authors: Stenroos Antti J. , Brinck Tuomas
Published: June 2020

Background

In the presence of a large gap where end-to-end repair of the torn Achilles tendon is difficult and V-Y advancement would likely be insufficient, augmentation is sometimes required. At our institute we have used primarily the hamstring autograft augmentation technique for the past two decades. The aim of this study was to analyze the complications after surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture with semitendinous tendon augmentation.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 58 consecutive patients treated with semitendinous tendon autograft augmentation at the Helsinki University Hospital between January 1, 2006, and January 1, 2016.

Results

During the study period, 58 patients were operated on by six different surgeons. Of 14 observed complications (24%), seven were major and seven were minor. Most of the complications were infections (n = 10 [71%]) The infections were noted within a mean of 62 days postoperatively (range, 22–180 days). Seven patients with a complication underwent repeated operation because of skin edge necrosis and deep infection (five patients), hematoma formation (one patient), and a repeated rupture (one patient).

Conclusions

In light of the experience we have had with autologous semitendinous tendon graft augmentation, we cannot recommend this technique, and, hence, we should abandon reconstruction of Achilles tendon ruptures with autologous semitendinous tendon grafts at our institute. Instead, other augmentation techniques, such as flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer, should be used.
Reconstruction of a Traumatic Partial First-Ray Amputation with the Use of an Induced Pseudosynovial Membrane and Corticocancellous Autograft
Authors: Preston Nathaniel L. P. , Black Trevor E. , Thomas Randall C.
Published: June 2020

Reconstruction of large bone defects of the metatarsals, whether resulting from trauma, infection, or a neoplastic process, can be especially challenging when attempting to maintain an anatomical parabola and basic biomechanical stability of the forefoot. We present the case of a 42-year-old man with no significant medical history who presented to the emergency department following a severe lawnmower injury to the left forefoot resulting in a large degloving type injury along the medial aspect of the left first ray extending to the level of the medial malleolus. The patient underwent emergent debridement with application of antibiotic bone cement, external fixation, and a negative-pressure dressing. He was subsequently treated with split-thickness skin graft and iliac crest tricortical autograft using a locking plate construct for reconstruction of the distal first ray. Although the patient failed to advance to radiographic osseous union, clinically there was no motion at the attempted fusion site and no pain with ambulation, suggestive of a pseudoarthrosis. The patient has since progressed to full nonpainful weightbearing in regular shoes and has returned to normal activities of daily living. The patient returned to his preinjury level of work and has had complete resolution of all wounds including his split-thickness skin graft donor site. This case shows the potential efficacy of the Masquelet technique for spanning significant traumatic bone defects of the metatarsals involving complete loss of the metatarsophalangeal joint.
Hurricane Harvey Aftermath
Authors: Buckle Rosemary , Dhukani Anum , Bridges Rayven L. , Garcia Barton C.
Published: June 2020

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and severe flooding, pose a threat of increased skin and soft-tissue infections, especially in the event of open fractures and wading through the waters. The purpose of this case study is to present a complex patient sustaining trauma resulting in an open bimalleolar fracture, multiple wounds, and exposure to a variety of water-borne pathogens during Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas, in 2017. He underwent multiple incision and drainage procedures, tissue cultures, and placement of antibiotic beads, with an application of external fixation to the left ankle. Several unique multidrug-resistant water-borne pathogens were identified, including Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens/putida, and Serratia marcescens. Once the soft-tissue envelope was restored and infection cleared, a full-thickness rotational flap with tissue expansion was performed. Ultimate reconstruction was delayed several weeks and final left ankle open reduction and internal fixation was performed following antimicrobial treatment with split-thickness skin autograft and wound vacuum-assisted closure application. The patient was discharged after 28 days with no further complications. In instances such as these, all caretakers coming into contact with the patient should be aware of the potential risks of the possible infectious diseases and management to optimize the recovery following hydrologic disasters.
Profiling lysophosphatidic acid levels in plasma from head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Abdul Rahman Mariati , Mohamad Haron Didi Erwandi , Hollows Robert J. , Abdul Ghani Zuleen Delina Fasya , Ali Mohd Mustafa , Chai Wen Lin , Ng Ching Ching , Lye Munn Sann , Karsani Saiful Anuar , Yap Lee Fah , Paterson Ian C.
Published: June 2020

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a significant world health problem, with approximately 600,000 new cases being diagnosed annually. The prognosis for patients with HNSCC is poor and, therefore, the identification of biomarkers for screening, diagnosis and prognostication would be clinically beneficial. A limited number of studies have used lipidomics to profile lipid species in the plasma of cancer patients. However, the profile and levels of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) species have not been examined in HNSCC. In this study, a targeted lipidomics approach using liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) was used to analyse the concentration of LPA (16:0 LPA, 18:0 LPA, 18:1 LPA, 18:2 LPA and 20:4 LPA) in the plasma of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), together with healthy controls. The levels of three LPA species (18:1 LPA, 18:2 LPA and 20:4 LPA) were significantly lower in the plasma of OSCC patients, whilst the concentrations of all five LPA species tested were significantly lower in plasma from NPC patients. Furthermore, the order of abundance of LPA species in plasma was different between the control and cancer groups, with 16:0 LPA, 18:0 LPA levels being more abundant in OSCC and NPC patients. Medium to strong correlations were observed using all pairs of LPA species and a clear separation of the normal and tumour groups was observed using PCA analysis. In summary, the results of this study showed that the levels of several LPA species in the plasma of patients with OSCC and NPC were lower than those from healthy individuals. Understanding these variations may provide novel insights into the role of LPA in these cancers.
Investigation of Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Methanolic Extracts of Bitter Leaf [Vernonia amygdalina Delile] in Male Rats
Authors: Bawa Kazeem B. , Iyanda Ayobola A.
Published: June 2020

Different agents used for treatment of diabetes mellitus are associated with serious adverse effects. This necessitates the scientific quest for substitutes that are comparatively less noxious- usually medicinal plants (e.g. Vernonia amygdalina Delile). Diabetes was induced in rats in groups A-D using alloxan. Group E served as control. Once daily for 28 days, diabetic rats in groups B and C were treated with 50 & 100 mg/kg BW of methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina respectively while group D rats were administered with metformin hydrochloride (250 mg/Kg BW). Rats in group A served as untreated diabetic group. Fasted blood samples were collected for estimation of fasting blood glucose (FBG); total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) using standard biochemical methods. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student’s t test, P<0.05 was considered significant. After treatment, there were significant decreases in levels of FBG, TC, TG, LDL-C but increase level of HDL-C of B, C, & D when compared with group A. results of the study suggest that methanolic extract of V. amygdalina possesses antidiabetic properties and anti-hypolipidemic effects; this may explain why this plant is traditionally used for the management of diabetes mellitus and its complications.
Anaemia, Body Mass Index and Risk Factors Association with Malarious Pregnant Women in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Imakwu C. A. , Ozougwu J. C. , Okeke O. P. , Amana G. U. , Eziuzor S. C.
Published: June 2020

Aims: Malaria in pregnancy is a weighty health problem in sub-Saharan Africa where 90% of the global malaria burden occurs, therefore there is urgent need for more researches on malaria in pregnancy to reduce its mortality and morbidity. Anaemia, body mass index and risk factors association with malarious pregnant women in Ebonyi State was investigated in this study.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study on malaria infection among pregnant women in Ebonyi State, Nigeria was carried out from April 2011 to March 2012 from two selected hospitals.

Methodology: Venous blood samples were collected for thick and thin films blood smears for microscopic examinations. Presence or absence of anaemia was determined by measuring haemoglobin concentration spectrophotometrically using the cyanmethemoglobin method. Chi-square (χ2) was used to analyse the data collected. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: The result showed that out of 360 pregnant women sampled with average age of (26.54 ± 4.61), infection rate of 150 (41.7%) was observed. The prevalence of anaemia was 202(56.1%) and it was highly associated with malaria, infection was higher among pregnant women who were anaemic than those who were not. Also, body mass index is associated with malaria as it showed its highest prevalence amongst overweight pregnant women. The risk factors associated with malaria in this study were rainy season, primigravidae and primary education.

Conclusion: Increased awareness about anaemia, body mass index and risk factors such as rainy season, primigravidae and primary education association with malaria as established in this study could help in the reduction of the burden of malaria among pregnant women.
Leachate Characterization from Municipal Solid Waste Dump Site and Its Adverse Impacts on Surface Water Quality Downstream - Uyo Village Road, Akwa Ibom State - Nigeria
Authors: Nta S. A. , Ayotamuno M. J. , Igoni A. H. , Okparanma R. N.
Published: June 2020

The present investigation discusses the characteristic of leachate generated from municipal solid waste landfill and it adverse impacts on downstream water quality. Landfill leachate was collected from a hole dug 10 m away from the waste dump site and the appearance of the leachate sample looks black. Three downstream water samples were collected at 10 meters intervals each from each other and less than 100 meters from the boundary of the dumpsite. All the samples were examined for temperature, pH, TDS, TSS, BOD, COD, nitrate, ammonia, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cl, total phosphate, sulfate, EC, DO and turbidity. The aim was to compare physicochemical and heavy metal properties of leachate and downstream water quality with internationally accepted protocols. The Laboratory analysis exhibited prevalence of high value of pH (8.5130.09), temperature(29.00.0), turbidity (14.00.41NTU), DO (0.1670.05 mg/l), COD (68.00.33 mg/l), BOD5 (324.03.00 mg/l), EC (446315.53s/cm), Total phosphate (62.3580.01 mg/l), Pb (0.310.00 mg/l), Cd (0.060.00 mg/l), Ni (0.3550.01 mg/l), and Cu (8.670.04 mg/l) in the leachate sample, which have exceeded their permissible limits. For downstream water samples, pH (7.760.07 to 7.5070.09), temperature (29.00.00) for the three sampling points, DO (3.6670.15 to 3.2330.12 mg/l), total phosphate (8.2250.00 to 7.9350.02 mg/l), Pb (0.4650.01 to 0.0910.00 mg/l), Cd (0.040.00 to 0.0230.00 mg/l), Ni and Cu (0.0430.06 mg/l) and (1.0620.00 mg/l) respectively, also exceeded their respective permissible limit recommended by Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality, World Health Organization in drinking water quality. From this study, there is evidence that there is an increase in risk to surface water that is reported near Uyo village road municipal solid waste dumping site. Therefore, the concerned authority should take appropriate intervention measures to protect surface water. Also, knowledge of leachate quality will be useful in planning and providing remedial measures to protect downstream water quality in the area.
The Outpatient Prescribing Pattern of Cefuroxime in Al-Kharj
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Several previous studies reported a high prescribing rate of cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefuroxime. The inappropriate outpatients prescribing of cefuroximeleads to the development of bacterial resistance.

Aim: This study was conducted to demonstrate the prescribing pattern of cefuroxime in the outpatient setting in Alkharj.

Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted to know the prescribing pattern of cefuroxime. The data were collected from electronic prescriptions in a public hospital in Alkharj in 2018. The data were collected and analyzed using Excel software and represented as frequencies and percentages.

Results: In 2018, there were 316 prescriptions containing cefuroxime. The majority of the patient was males (56.01%). The majority of cefuroxime prescriptions include tablet dosage form (81.96%). About 62.03% of the outpatient prescriptions were prescribed by the emergency department.

Conclusion: Cephalosporin group (including cefuroxime) was one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotic groups to treat several infections. A high percentage of antibiotic prescriptions were prescribed inappropriately. It is important to increase the awareness about the wise use of antibiotics and to start the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs.
“Kanazawa Umimirai Library”: Making a large space by a “punching wall” and thin round pillars
Authors: Horiba Hiroshi , Kudo Kazumi , Araya Masato , Takama Saburo
Published: June 2020

We determined the most important thing for a public library to have is a room that provides visitors with a comfortable space in which to read. For this project, we proposed a simple space measuring 45 × 45 m, with a height of about 12 m, enclosed by a "punching wall" supported by 25 pillars. The overall structure of the library consists of an internal layer of three floors covered with a large box referred to as a "cake box". The reading room is supported by steel braces hidden in the walls, and has about 6000 round windows, and thin round pillars around the room. In addition, an air conditioning system that warms and cools the building was installed under the floor in order to make the space comfortable to inhabit, while large natural ventilation openings in the roof ensure a pleasant indoor environment during the warmer months.
Analysis on accessibility to urban facilities using the flexible distance attenuation function
Authors: Kataoka Yusuke
Published: June 2020

In urban planning, variations in accessibility to facilities that change with distance are often regarded as monotonically decreasing distance functions. However, it is difficult to select an appropriate function type. In this study, we aim to investigate the spatial distribution of facility accessibility, which can vary according to facility type, by using a distance attenuation function that includes an unknown parameter to determine the distribution function. The distribution of facility accessibility is represented as a monotonically decreasing distance function that includes two parameters: “distance resistance” and “type of distribution function.” Here, we apply the distance function to a defined region and analyze facility accessibility from multiple perspectives. Using cluster analysis, we further classify facility types into four categories, based on the estimates of the two parameters of the distance function. Our findings showed that many estimate values of the parameters representing the values of power in the distance functions were close to 1 or 2. The values of power in the distance functions estimated in this study are expected to be utilized for evaluating the estimates themselves and also as guidelines for applying representative distributions, such as normal distributions, to distance functions.
CM, only effective treatment for stimulants, on the ropes as methamphetamine surges
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2020

Contingency management (CM), which means rewarding drug users not to use drugs, is the only known effective treatment for stimulant use disorder, but it has become caught up in anti‐kickback initiatives. At the heart of the problem is a misunderstanding: CM payments are not kickbacks — they are part of treatment. But “safe harbor” initiatives from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are interpreting them as such, and not allowing Medicaid to pay for them (only $75 a year per patient).
High‐Aspect‐Ratio Grating Microfabrication by Platinum‐Assisted Chemical Etching and Gold Electroplating
Authors: Romano Lucia , Vila-Comamala Joan , Jefimovs Konstantins , Stampanoni Marco
Published: June 2020

Diffractive optics play a key role in hard X‐rays imaging for which many scientific, technological, and biomedical applications exist. Herein, high‐aspect‐ratio microfabrication of gratings for X‐ray interferometry is demonstrated using Pt as a catalyst for the metal assisted chemical etching of Si in a solution of HF and H2O2. The Pt layer is thermally treated to realize a porous catalyst layer that stabilizes the etching of a pattern with a pitch size from 4.8 to 20 μm in the direction perpendicular to the <100> Si substrate and an aspect ratio up to 60:1. The superior etching performance of Pt as a catalyst and its stability in a solution with high HF content are reported in direct comparison with the Au catalyst for the same grating parameters. The Si structure is then used as a template for filling with Au, as a high absorbing X‐ray material. The Pt catalyst layer is used as a conductive seed for Au electroplating. The quality of the overall process is assessed by obtaining a visibility map using 30 μm‐thick Au grating in an X‐ray interferometric setup at 20 keV.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Self‐Protection in Reinforced Concrete due to Application of Mg–Al–NO2Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Mir Zahid Mohammad , Bastos Alexandre , Gomes Celestino , Mueller Urs , Alonso Maria Cruz , Villar Kristina , Rabade Miguel P. , Maia Frederico , Rocha Cláudia M. , Mainçon Philippe , Höche Daniel , Ferreira Mario G. S. , Zheludkevich Mikhail L.
Published: June 2020

Concrete possesses an intrinsic chloride binding capacity. Chloride ions from the environment bind with the hydrated cementitious phases in the form of bound chlorides. The contribution of chemically bound chlorides toward increasing the service life of concrete structures is vital as they help in slowing down the chloride diffusion in the concrete thereby delaying reinforcement depassivation. The authors attempt to increase the chloride binding capacity of concrete by adding a small amount of Mg–Al–NO2layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with the objective to delay reinforcement corrosion and by this to considerably extend the service life of concrete structures situated in harsh environments. This study presents numerical and experimental analysis of the action of LDH in concrete. Formation factor is used to determine the effective chloride diffusion coefficient. In addition, the chloride binding isotherms together with Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations are used to model the chloride ingress. A comparable chloride binding is observed for concrete with and without Mg–Al–NO2, depicting only a slight chloride uptake by Mg–Al–NO2. Further investigations are conducted to understand this behavior by studying the stability and chloride entrapping capacity Mg–Al–NO2in concrete.
Rear‐Illuminated Perovskite Photorechargeable Lithium Battery
Authors: Gurung Ashim , Reza Khan Mamun , Mabrouk Sally , Bahrami Behzad , Pathak Rajesh , Lamsal Buddhi Sagar , Rahman Sheikh Ifatur , Ghimire Nabin , Bobba Raja Sekhar , Chen Ke , Pokharel Jyotshna , Baniya Abiral , Laskar Md Ashiqur Rahman , Liang Mao , Zhang Wenfeng , Zhang Wen‐Hua , Yang Shangfeng , Xu Kang , Qiao Qiquan
Published: June 2020

Photovoltaic power‐conversion systems can harvest energy from sunlight almost perpetually whenever sunrays are accessible. Meanwhile, as indispensable energy storage units used in advanced technologies such as portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable/smart grids, batteries are energy‐limited closed systems and require constant recharging. Fusing these two essential technologies into a single device would create a sustainable power source. Here, it is demonstrated that such an integrated device can be realized by fusing a rear‐illuminated single‐junction perovskite solar cell with Li4Ti5O12‐LiCoO2 Li‐ion batteries, whose photocharging is enabled by an electronic converter via voltage matching. This design facilitates a straightforward monolithic stacking of the battery on the solar cell using a common metal substrate, which provides a robust mechanical isolation between the two systems while simultaneously providing an efficient electrical interconnection. This system delivers a high overall photoelectric conversion‐storage efficiency of 7.3%, outperforming previous efforts on stackable integrated architectures with organic–inorganic photovoltaics. Furthermore, converter electronics facilitates system control with battery management and maximum power point tracking, which are inevitable for efficient, safe, and reliable operation of practical loads. This work presents a significant advancement toward integrated photorechargeable energy storage systems as next‐generation power sources.
A Soft Lithiophilic Graphene Aerogel for Stable Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Yang Tianyu , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: June 2020

The lithium metal anode is one of the most promising anodes for next‐generation high‐energy‐density batteries. However, the severe growth of Li dendrites and large volume expansion leads to rapid capacity decay and shortened lifetime, especially in high current density and high capacity. Herein, a soft 3D Au nanoparticles@graphene hybrid aerogel (AuGA) as a lithiophilic host for lithium metal anode is proposed. The large surface area and interconnected conductive pathways of the AuGA significantly decrease the local current density of the electrode, enabling uniform Li deposition. Furthermore, the 3D porous structure effectively accommodates the large volume expansion during Li plating/stripping, and the LixAu alloy serves as a solid solution buffer layer to completely eliminate the Li nucleation over‐potential. Symmetric cells can stably cycle at 8 mA cm−2 for 8 mAh cm−2 and exhibit ultra‐long cycling: 1800 h at 2 mA cm−2 for 2 mAh cm−2, and 1200 h at 4 mA cm−2 for 4 mAh cm−2, with low over‐potential. Full cells assemble with a Cu@AuGALi anode and LiFePO4 cathode, can sustain a high rate of 8 C, and retain a high capacity of 59.6 mAh g−1 after 1100 cycles at 2 C.
Negative Charge Confined Amine Carriers within the Nanowire Network for Stable and Efficient Membrane Carbon Capture
Authors: Zhang Shenxiang , Li Huazheng , Li Huanghe , Sengupta Bratin , Zha Shangwen , Li Shiguang , Yu Miao
Published: June 2020

Membrane‐based carbon dioxide (CO2) capture has attracted great research interest owing to its potential for higher separation efficiency and lower energy consumption. However, it is still a challenging task to capture CO2 with membrane from flue gas, especially under moderate‐temperature and high‐humidity conditions. In this work, a stable CO2‐selective membrane that can operate at temperatures up to 90 °C and under high humidity is reported. The positively charged amine carriers for CO2 are confined within the negatively charged polymer modified carbon nanotube (CNT) network. In this structure, interconnected CNTs act as the framework for the selective layer and provide numerous nanochannels for gas transport. The negatively charged polymer ensures the carrier stability and further regulates the size of nanochannels in the CNT network. By virtue of carrier‐facilitated transport, high CO2 permeance (up to 3300 gas permeation units) and high CO2/N2 selectivity (400) are achieved under simulated flue gas conditions. Moreover, theoretical calculations verify that the stable separation performance is due to the strong electrostatic interaction between the amine carriers and polymer matrix. The high performance and good stability indicate the great potential of this novel membrane structure for practical application in CO2 capture.
Enhanced Device Performance of Perovskite Photovoltaics by Magnetic Field‐Aligned Perovskites‐Magnetic Nanoparticles Composite Thin Film
Authors: Xu Wenzhan , Zhu Tao , Yang Yongrui , Zheng Luyao , Liu Lei , Gong Xiong
Published: June 2020

Perovskite photovoltaics have drawn great attention in both academic and industrial sectors in the past decade. To date, impressive device performance has been achieved in state‐of‐the‐art device architectures through morphological manipulation and generic interface engineering. In this study, enhanced device performance of perovskite photovoltaics by magnetic field‐aligned CH3NH3PbI3‐mixed Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (CH3NH3PbI3:Fe3O4) composite thin films is reported. It is found that magnetic field‐aligned CH3NH3PbI3:Fe3O4 composite thin films possess superior film morphology, boosted and balanced charge carrier mobility, and suppressed trap density. Moreover, perovskite photovoltaics by magnetic field‐aligned CH3NH3PbI3:Fe3O4 composite thin films exhibit suppressed charge carrier recombination and shorter charge carrier extraction time. As a result, perovskite solar cells by magnetic field‐aligned CH3NH3PbI3:Fe3O4 composite thin films exhibit 20.23% power conversion efficiency with significantly reduced photocurrent hysteresis. Moreover, perovskite photodetectors by magnetic field‐aligned CH3NH3PbI3:Fe3O4 composite thin films exhibit a photoresponsivity of 858 mA W−1, a photodetectivity over 1013 Jones (1 Jones = 1 cm Hz1/2 W−1) and a linear dynamic range over 160 dB at room temperature. All these device performance parameters are significantly better than those by pristine CH3NH3PbI3 thin film. Thus, these studies provide a facile way to boost device performance of perovskite photovoltaics.
Brønsted Acid‐Promoted Diastereoselective [4+1] Cyclization Reaction of Enamides and Sulfoxonium Ylides
Authors: Luo Nan , Zhan Zhenzhen , Ban Zihui , Lu Guoqiang , He Jianping , Hu Fangpeng , Huang Guosheng
Published: June 2020

A metal‐free synthesis of trisubstituted trans‐oxazolines using enamides and sulfoxonium ylides was developed in this study. A [4+1] cyclization reaction was realized by the formation of C−C and C−O bonds under mild conditions, wherein the reaction was catalyzed by HClO4. This strategy produced trans‐oxazolines in good yields with considerable diastereoselective control and is sufficient for large‐scale synthesis.

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