bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factores Psicológicos que incrementan el riesgo de accidentes de circulación
Authors: Muñoz Serafín Aldea
Published: February 2019

Los automovilistas se ven afectados por una serie de factores psicológicos que están relacionados con los accidentes de tráfico. En este trabajo, procuramos investigar estas variables basándonos en las fuentes de información - y bibliografía más conveniente - proporcionadas por : la policía, la Dirección General de tráfico, Juzgado, Compañías aseguradoras, Cruz Roja, Seguridad Socialy Forenses. Tampoco nos podíamos olvidar de la influencia de las fuerzas sociales sobre la salud mental, que en ocasiones puede afectar intensamente a la conducción. En efecto, en las más diversas situaciones se puede comprobar que la actuación de una persona en una tarea se ve afectada por la presencia de otras personas que pueden no tener ninguna relación directa con ella. La sociedad ha impuesto limitaciones y normas, perola misma velocidad se siente impotente para imponer a otros controles al  comportamiento más profundo, aunque inconsciente del hombre. Las personas suelen conducir el automóvil de forma  similar a como se comportan y a sus rasgos de personalidad. Sin embargo, también es importante la adaptación del modo de conducir al estado de ánimo  del momento. La mayoría de los sujetos tienden a adaptar su modo de conducir a su estado emocional.
Incesto y Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico
Authors: Álvarez José Vicente Arévalo
Published: February 2019

El lupus eritematoso sistémico es considerada una enfermedad autoinmune, incurable y de difícil tratamiento. A través de la experiencia  clínica con 17 casos de mujeres desahuciadas, se ha encontrado una poderosa conexión entre un disparador como lo es el incesto con el padre y la aparición de la enfermedad. El tratamiento con la hipnoterapia ha dado resultados espectaculares.
Detección de necesidades en pacientes terminales a través de la entrevista profunda y su consecuente apoyo psicológico humanista y tanatológico
Authors: Zaraín Iliana Jiménez
Published: February 2019

La presente investigación de tipo cualitativo, tuvo como objetivo detectar las necesidades psicológicas y físicas de los pacientescon alguna enfermedad terminal. Se llevó a cabo en un Hospital del I.S.S.S.T.E, endonde mediante la aplicación de un instrumento proporcionado por el hospital y la técnica de la entrevista profunda se recolectaron una serie de datos, cada entrevista duró entre 1 y 2 hrs. Se realizaron 6 entrevistas con cada uno de los 3 pacientes entrevistados para detectar sus necesidades; se buscó que se encontraran en un cuarto aislado para establecer un ambiente de mayor confidencialidad. Las entrevistas no siempre se efectuaron de manera continua debido a la disposición de los pacientes que en ocasiones se veía obstaculizada por su enfermedad o su estado de ánimo. A cada paciente se le brindó apoyo psicológico de orientación humanista y acompañamiento tanatológico para facilitar que lograra la satisfacción de sus necesidades.
Matematikprojekt - Learning Study
Authors: Kullered Tintin , Simonsson Malin
Published: February 2019

Våra erfarenheter av Learning Study är att det inte enbart hänger på hur man är som lärare för att eleverna ska lyckas, utan att det avgörande är om läraren är medveten om de kritiska aspekterna i det som ska läras ut, skriver Tintin Kullered och Malin Simonsson, Rimforsa skola. De konstaterar hur elever som tidigare hade svårigheter i matematik presterar bättre med hjälp av metoden.
Berättelser om goda lärare förs vidare
Authors: Samuelsson Marcus , Samuelsson Joakim , Kåreklint Lars
Published: February 2019

Det råder brist på lärare. Det slutar fler lärare än det utbildas nya. Fler måste lockas till att bli lärare. Nya vägar måste hittas för att nå ut till blivande lärarstudenter. Unga människor tillbringar numera mer tid framför datorn än de sitter framför tv:n eller läser tidningar. Det framstår därför som logiskt att söka nya lärare, unga människor, via kampanjer på internet och via sociala medier. Det framstår kanske lika logiskt att ge en alternativ bild av skolan och läraren än den vi vanligtvis nås av i medierna. För den bilden berättar inte hela historien.
Tillbaka till framtiden Om medborgarideal, välfärd och valofrihetens politik
Authors: Dahlstedt Magnus
Published: February 2019

Här sitter jag på en soptippoch skådar mig dystert kringbland trasor och tombuteljeroch många andra ting.Det trillar en tår på kinden,jag fylls av melankoli./: För var dag blir det bättre,men bra lär det aldrig bli.:/

Det är lätt att bli nostalgisk när man blickar ut över dagens politiska landskap. I spåren efter den globala finanskrisen står ekonomier till både söder och öster närmast på ruinens brant. Åtstramning, sanering, budgetbalans, sunda finanser, konkurrenskraft är politiska ledstjärnor. Välfärdssystemen görs mer kostnadseffektiva. Inkomstklyftorna ökar.
Konsten att spela i lag
Authors: Hvenmark Nilsson Katja
Published: February 2019

Ingen verksamhet bör vara främmande för konstruktiva ifrågasättanden, men lärare, elever och föräldrar till dessa har inget att vinna på aggressiva utspel mot varandra. Om vi spelar mot varandra istället för med varandra, blir varje mål ett självmål. Att vilja elevens bästa, är att hjälpas åt och ta vara på varandras styrkor. Det är vad lagspel går ut på.
Vad är en bra lärare?
Authors: Hellman Simon , Waltersson David
Published: February 2019

Eleverna själva har en mycket insiktsfull syn på vad en bra lärare är och vad som krävs för att de på bästa sätt ska kunna tillgodogöra sig undervisningen. Det visar vår färska studie där tre olika elevkategorier har svarat på vad som utgör en bra lärare. Svaren kan ge viktiga insikter till en skola som dagligen kritiseras allt hårdare.
FontD – en forskarskola för aktiva lärare
Authors: Tibell Lena , Schönborn Konrad
Published: February 2019

En sänkt naturvetenskaplig kompetens i samhället i stort gör oss sämre rustade att diskutera och göra avvägda val, exempelvis vad gäller miljöfrågor, ny teknik och hälsa. Tyvärr sjunker kunskaperna i naturvetenskap och matematik vid internationella jämförelser och de ungas intresse för naturvetenskapliga och tekniska utbildningar är lågt. För att bryta denna oroande trend inrättades 2002 FontD, en forskarskola i naturvetenskapernas och teknikens didaktik.
Lutning, riktningskoefficient, k-värde — kärt barn har många namn?
Authors: Pettersson Annika
Published: February 2019

Många gymnasieelever tycker att linjära funktioner är svårt att förstå, speciellt när det kommer till grafisk representation. Det är bland annat komplicerat att förstå ord som lutning. Därför behöver de få fler möjligheter att diskutera begreppen och vilka parametrar som påverkar representationen.
”Jag lär mig så bra när jag försöker förklara för andra”
Authors: Göransson Anna-Lena
Published: February 2019

Första gången jag använde mig av elever för att lära andra elever var det på grund av tidsbrist. Jag skulle ha en lektion i biologi och hade inte tid att göra en genomtänkt planering av lektionen. Jag delade därför upp eleverna i två grupper och gav dem två olika avsnitt i läroboken att läsa i läxa. När de kom tillbaka fick de först diskutera med andra som läst samma avsnitt och sedan fick de två och två redovisa för varandra. Jag upptäckte då att detta var en väl fungerande lärandeprocess för många av eleverna.
Läraren i centrum – skrivarcirkeln som handledning och kollegialt lärande
Authors: Kåreklint Lars , Samuelsson Marcus
Published: February 2019

Lärares erfarenheter är det som bygger upp den beprövade erfarenhet som skolans utbildning ska vila på. Idag lyfter allt fler, såväl forskare som beslutsfattare, fram läraren som en av de viktigaste nycklarna till en framgångsrik skola.
Samverkan mellan hem och fritidshem ska gynna skolresultaten
Authors: Simonsson Maria , Elvstrand Helene , Hellberg Kristina
Published: February 2019

I de nyligen publicerade Skolverkets allmänna råd om fritidshem betonas ett ökat samarbete mellan fritidshem och hemmet. Det innebär ökad delaktighet men också styrning och kontroll av såväl barn som kontakten med föräldrar/vårdnadshavare. På så sätt ska fritidshemmet komplettera skolans verksamhet och ge bättre skolresultat.
Att bevara komplexiteten i läraryrket: policy, forskning och praxis
Authors: Cochran-Smith Marilyn
Published: February 2019

Undervisning är en komplex, snarare än teknisk eller komplicerad, aktivitet. Om inte policy, forskning och praxis som syftar till att förbättra lärarkvaliteten utformas på ett sådant sätt att komplexiteten i läraryrket bevaras, är det knappast troligt att de kommer att leda till förändringar som verkligen stöder elevernas lärande och utökar deras möjligheter till ett bra liv.
Framgångsrik undervisning: fokus på elevers tankesätt, snarare än på matriser
Authors: Thorsten Anja , Tväråna Malin
Published: February 2019

Om fokus läggs på att ta reda på hur eleven har förstått ämnesinnehållet i stället för om eleven har förstått är det lättare att ta reda på vad som behöver förändras i undervisningen. På så sätt skulle bedömningen bli ett mer konstruktivt redskap för att få alla elever att utvecklas och lära sig.
Brobyggande mellan teori och praktik
Authors: Fibæk Laursen Per
Published: February 2019

Förhållandet mellan teori och praktik på yrkesutbildningar är ett förhållandevis gammalt problem som i hög grad har diskuterats och varit föremål för forskning. De senaste årtiondena har det varit särskilt fokus på gapet mellan teori och praktik. Förhållandet mellan teori och praktik upplevs som ett särskilt stort problem inom yrken som lärare, sjuksköterska och socialarbetare, alltså yrken som helt eller delvis baseras på humaniora och samhällsvetenskap. Inom naturvetenskapsbaserade yrken, som t.ex. ingenjör, verkar problemet vara mindre.
Aktionsforskning på fritidshem – villkor och möjligheter
Authors: Närvänen Anna Liisa , Elvstrand Helene
Published: February 2019

Hur kan forskare och pedagoger tillsammans utveckla verksamheten på fritidshem? Aktionsforskning är ett sätt att gemensamt verka för verksamhetsutveckling och kvalitetsförbättring.
A Hybrid Adaptive Large Neighborhood Heuristic for a Real-Life Dial-a-Ride Problem
Authors: Belhaiza Slim
Published: February 2019

The transportation of elderly and impaired people is commonly solved as a Dial-A-Ride Problem (DARP). The DARP aims to design pick-up and delivery vehicle routing schedules. Its main objective is to accommodate as many users as possible with a minimum operation cost. It adds realistic precedence and transit time constraints on the pairing of vehicles and customers. This paper tackles the DARP with time windows (DARPTW) from a new and innovative angle as it combines hybridization techniques with an adaptive large neighborhood search heuristic algorithm. The main objective is to improve the overall real-life performance of vehicle routing operations. Real-life data are refined and fed to a hybrid adaptive large neighborhood search (Hybrid-ALNS) algorithm which provides a near-optimal routing solution. The computational results on real-life instances, in the Canadian city of Vancouver and its region, and DARPTW benchmark instances show the potential improvements achieved by the proposed heuristic and its adaptability.
Planetary Health Ethics: Beyond First Principles
Authors: Foster Alexander , Cole Jennifer , Farlow Andrew , Petrikova Ivica
Published: February 2019

Planetary health is a transdisciplinary approach that aims to advance the understanding of the links between human-driven changes to the planet and their consequences, and to develop appropriate solutions to the challenges identified. This emerging movement has not yet agreed upon a code of ethics to underpin the rapidly expanding body of research being carried out in its name. However, a code of ethics might support the principles for planetary health set out in the Canmore Declaration of 2018. Phrases such as “Public Health 2.0”, “Human Health in an Era of Global Environmental Change”, or “A safe and just operating space for humanity” are often used in planetary health discussions, but are not always clearly defined and so far, the field lacks a strong guiding ethical framework. In this paper, we propose a starting point towards a code of ethics for planetary health that builds on the Canmore Declaration. We chose to propose 12 ethical principles in recognition of the need for a 12-Step Programme for the planet. The human race must identify and reject damaging behaviours. Evidence of the harm we are causing the planet is no longer enough and refraining from certain current practices is essential for Earth’s future health. We must motivate advocacy and calls for action. We believe a shared ethical code can act as a tool to enable and encourage that process. This paper is presented to the planetary health community as a starting point, not as a finished agenda. We welcome comments, critiques, additions and the opportunity to rework our approach accordingly.
Annual Variations in Norway Spruce Xylem Studied Using Infrared Micro-spectroscopy
Authors: Huang Weiwei , Pedersen Nanna Bjerregaard , Fredriksson Maria , Thygesen Lisbeth Garbrecht
Published: February 2019

In temperate environments, ring width, cell size and cell wall thickness within the xylem of trees are known to be affected by climate conditions. Less is known about the effect of climate conditions on the chemical characteristics of the xylem, which are important for the susceptibility of the tissue towards fungal infections as well as for the degradability of the material within the forest ecosystem. We explored the use of infrared microspectroscopy to investigate the possible effects of temperature and drought on the relative amount of cell wall biopolymers, i.e. the ratios between cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in the earlywood xylem cell walls of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) in temperate forests. Drought and warm temperatures were significantly correlated to the hemicellulose to lignin ratio of the earlywood formed the following year, perhaps due to a reduced amount of stored resources being available for xylem formation.
Spatial Analysis of Temperate Forest Structure: A Geostatistical Approach to Natural Forest Potential
Authors: Prieto-Amparán Jesús A. , Santellano-Estrada Eduardo , Villarreal-Guerrero Federico , Martinez-Salvador Martin , Pinedo-Alvarez Alfredo , Vázquez-Quintero Griselda , Valles-Aragón María C. , Manjarrez-Domínguez Carlos
Published: February 2019

Forest ecosystems represent an important means of ecosystem services; they are key as carbon sinks, water collectors, soil stabilizers, suppliers of great biological diversity, among other benefits. In addition, regionalization based on forest conditions provides a valuable approach to understanding and analyzing spatial patterns, which is useful as a tool for the implementation of forest ecosystem protection and conservation programs. In this research, the structure of a temperate forest in the western Sierra Madre region of Mexico was analyzed and characterized. The study unit was the watershed and the analysis used a geospatial approach combined with multivariate techniques such as: Principal Component Analysis, Cluster Analysis (CA), Discriminant Analysis (DA) and Multivariate Analysis of Variance. We evaluated the relationships among spectral satellite data, thematic maps and structural forest variables. A total of 345 watersheds were grouped based on these variables. The grouping of watersheds under low, medium and high production conditions was carried out with CA, defining 3 groups. The validation of the grouping was performed through DA, estimating errors with the restitution method, as well as with the cross-validation method. Significant differences were found among the groups. The grouping of watersheds provides observable evidence of the variability of the forest condition throughout the area. This study allows identifying forest areas with different levels of productivity and can help to detect levels of vulnerability and ecological fragility in natural forests in temperate zones.
Herbaceous Encroachment from Mountain Birch Forests to Alpine Tundra Plant Communities Through Above- and Belowground Competition
Authors: Tan Xinyuan , He Hong S. , Zong Shengwei , Wu Miaomiao , Liu Kai , Zhao Dandan
Published: February 2019

Alpine plant communities are highly sensitive to global warming. One of the consequences of the warming is encroachment by herbaceous plants from forests at low elevations into alpine ecosystems. In the Changbai Mountains, narrowleaf small reed (Deyeuxia angustifolia (Kom.) Y. L. Chang) from mountain birch forests encroached upward into alpine tundra, gradually replacing native tundra shrubs such as Rhododendron (Rhododendron aureum Georgi). How encroaching plants affect native plant communities is not fully understood. In this study, we analyzed above- and belowground biomass of alpine plant communities at five encroachment levels to investigate how biomass allocation changed at species and community scales. Our research showed that native plants are forced to change their morphology to cope with competition, at both above- and belowground levels, from encroaching plants. We found that (1) R. aureum increased the shoot height and leaf area in order to compete with D. angustifolia; (2) above- and belowground biomass of D. angustifolia increased while above- and belowground biomass of R. aureum decreased with increasing levels of encroachment; and (3) D. angustifolia encroachment reduced the total biomass of alpine tundra. Encroachment by herbaceous plants has a long-term negative impact on the ability of tundra plants to sequester carbon in the alpine tundra of the Changbai Mountains.
Effects of Invasive Spartina alterniflora Loisel. and Subsequent Ecological Replacement by Sonneratia apetala Buch.-Ham. on Soil Organic Carbon Fractions and Stock
Authors: Feng Jianxiang , Wang Shugong , Wang Shujuan , Ying Rui , Yin Fangmin , Jiang Li , Li Zufu
Published: February 2019

Background and Objectives: The rapid spread of invasive Spartina alterniflora Loisel. in the mangrove ecosystems of China was reduced using Sonneratia apetala Buch.-Ham. as an ecological replacement. Here, we studied the effects of invasion and ecological replacement using S. apetala on soil organic carbon fractions and stock on Qi’ao Island. Materials and Methods: Seven sites, including unvegetated mudflat and S. alterniflora, rehabilitated mangroves with different ages (one, six, and 10 years) and mature native Kandelia obovata Sheue, Liu, and Yong areas were selected in this study. Samples in the top 50 cm of soil were collected and then different fractions of organic carbon, including the total organic carbon (TOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), soil water dissolved carbon (DOC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and the total carbon stock were measured and calculated. Results: The growth of S. alterniflora and mangroves significantly increased the soil TOC, POC, and MBC levels when compared to the mudflat. S. alterniflora had the highest soil DOC contents at 0–10 cm and 20–30 cm and the one-year restored mangroves had the highest MBC content. S. alterniflora and mangroves both had higher soil total carbon pools than the mudflat. Conclusions: The invasive S. alterniflora and young S. apetala forests had significantly lower soil TOC and POC contents and total organic carbon than the mature K. obovata on Qi’ao Island. These results indicate that ecological replacement methods can enhance long term carbon storage in Spartina-invaded ecosystems and native mangrove species are recommended.
The Role of the Late Embryogenesis-Abundant (LEA) Protein Family in Development and the Abiotic Stress Response: A Comprehensive Expression Analysis of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum)
Authors: Chen Yongkun , Li Canhui , Zhang Bo , Yi Jing , Yang Yu , Kong Chunyan , Lei Chunxia , Gong Ming
Published: February 2019

Late embryogenesis-abundant (LEA) proteins are a large and highly diverse family believed to function in normal plant growth and development, and in protecting cells from abiotic stress. This study presents a characterisation of 74 Solanum tuberosum LEA (StLEA) proteins belonging to nine groups. StLEA genes have few introns (≤2) and are distributed on all chromosomes, occurring as gene clusters on chromosomes 1, 2, and 10. All four StASR (StLEA7 group) genes were concentrated on chromosome 4, suggesting their evolutionary conservation on one chromosome. Expression profiles of StLEA genes, in different tissues and in response to hormone and stress treatments, indicated that 71 StLEA genes had differential expression levels, of which 68 StLEA genes were differentially expressed in response to hormones and stress exposure in the potato. Continuous high expression of StASR-2, StLEA3-3, StDHN-3, StLEA2-29, and StLEA2-14 in different tissues indicated their contribution to plant development processes. StLEA2-14, StLEA2-31, StLEA3-3, StASR-1, and StDHN-1 were upregulated by six abiotic stresses, showing their tolerance to a wide spectrum of environmental stresses. Expression analysis of 17 selected StLEA genes in response to drought, salt, heavy metal, heat, and cold treatments by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction indicated that StLEA proteins may be involved in distinct signalling pathways. Taken together, StLEA3, StDHN, and StASR subgroup genes may be excellent resources for potato defence against environmental stresses. These results provide valuable information and robust candidate genes for future functional analysis aimed at improving the stress tolerance of the potato.
What Matters Most for Community Social Capital among Older Adults Living in Urban China: The Role of Health and Family Social Capital
Authors: Zhang Jingyue , Lu Nan
Published: February 2019

The present study investigated individual-level determinants of community social capital among older adults in urban China, with a particular emphasis on health and family social capital. A quota sampling method was used to select 456 adults aged 60 or older from 16 local communities in the city of Suzhou in 2015. Multiple indicators and multiple courses in structural equation modeling were used to examine the proposed model. Latent constructs of community social capital (i.e., cognitive social capital and structural social capital) were established. The results showed that family social capital and instrumental activities of daily living were the most influential determinants of cognitive social capital, whereas activities of daily living and socioeconomic status were the most important determinants of structural social capital. We demonstrate the application of social capital theory in an urban Chinese context. Future policy development and social work interventions should use a more comprehensive social capital latent constructs and health indicators as screening instruments. The promotion of family social capital could play an important role in enhancing cognitive social capital among older adults.
Soil Pollution Characteristics and Microbial Responses in a Vertical Profile with Long-Term Tannery Sludge Contamination in Hebei, China
Authors: Kong Xiangke , Li Chunhui , Wang Ping , Huang Guoxin , Li Zhitao , Han Zhantao
Published: February 2019

An investigation was made into the effects of tannery sludge on soil chemical properties and microbial communities in a typical soil profile with long-term tannery sludge contamination, North China. The results showed that trivalent chromium (Cr(III)), ammonium, organic nitrogen, salinity and sulfide were the predominant contaminants in tannery sludge. Although the tannery sludge contained high chromium (Cr, 3,0970 mg/kg), the proportion of mobile Cr forms (exchangeable plus carbonate-bound fraction) only accounted for 1.32%. The X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results further demonstrated that the Cr existed in a stable state of oxides and iron oxides. The alkaline loam soil had a significant retardation effect on the migration of salinity, ammonium, Cr(III) and sulfide, and the accumulation of these contaminants occurred in soils (0–40 cm). A good correlation (R2 = 0.959) was observed between total organic carbon (TOC) and Cr(III) in the soil profile, indicating that the dissolved organic matter from sludge leachate promoted the vertical mobility of Cr(III) via forming Cr(III)-organic complexes. The halotolerant bacteria (Halomonas and Tepidimicrobium) and organic degrading bacteria (Flavobacteriaceae, Tepidimicrobium and Balneola) became the dominant microflora in the soil profile. High contents of salinity, Cr and nitrogen were the main environmental factors affecting the abundance of indigenous microorganisms in soils.
Artificial Stone Associated Silicosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Leso Veruscka , Fontana Luca , Romano Rosaria , Gervetti Paola , Iavicoli Ivo
Published: February 2019

Silicosis is a progressive fibrotic lung disease that is caused by the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica. Due to its high silica content, artificial stone (AS) can become a possible source of hazardous dust exposure for workers that are employed in the manufacturing, finishing, and installing of AS countertops. Therefore, the aim of this review was to verify the association between AS derived silica exposure and silicosis development, and also then define the pathological characteristics of the disease in relation to specific work practices and preventive and protective measures that were adopted in the workplace. A systematic review of articles available on Pubmed, Scopus, and Isi Web of Knowledge databases was performed. Although the characteristics of AS-associated silicosis were comparable to those that were reported for the disease in traditional silica exposure settings, some critical issues emerged concerning the general lack of suitable strategies for assessing/managing silica risks in these innovative occupational fields. Further research that is designed to assess the hazardous properties of AS dusts, levels of exposure in workplaces, and the effectiveness of protective equipment appears to be needed to increase awareness concerning AS risks and induce employers, employees, and all factory figures that are engaged in prevention to take action to define/adopt proper measures to protect the health of exposed workers.
“Mejorando Nuestras Oportunidades”: Engaging Urban Youth in Environmental Health Assessment and Advocacy to Improve Health and Outdoor Play Spaces
Authors: Peréa Flavia C. , Sayles Nina R. , Reich Amanda J. , Koomas Alyssa , McMann Heather , Sprague Martinez Linda S.
Published: February 2019

Youth can be valuable partners in community health improvement efforts. Latino youth from Lawrence, MA were engaged in research and health promotion over an 11-month period. Utilizing their knowledge of the community, youth assessed local parks and carried out evidence-based health promotion efforts to communicate community resources to encourage physical activity, nurture community ownership of parks, and advocate for park improvements. Health promotion efforts can engage youth in strategies to address critical public health issues by leveraging their unique perspective and distinct location within communities. The communications developed by the youth were distributed within the community, benefiting residents directly. Youth were motivated to engage in the project by a sense of civic obligation, and upon completing the project, they expressed that they had gained research and communication skills and were inspired to continue to support their community. Youth engagement in applied research and health promotion at the local level can provide a foundation for community health improvement efforts that are relevant for distinct communities, while fostering the positive development of youth, and nurturing community-driven efforts to help create a healthier environment.
Effectiveness of the TEI Program for Bullying and Cyberbullying Reduction and School Climate Improvement
Authors: Ferrer-Cascales Rosario , Albaladejo-Blázquez Natalia , Sánchez-SanSegundo Miriam , Portilla-Tamarit Irene , Lordan Oriol , Ruiz-Robledillo Nicolás
Published: February 2019

The increase in the prevalence of bullying and cyberbullying in recent years worldwide is undeniable. Although several intervention programs oriented towards the reduction of bullying and cyberbullying have been developed and implemented, significant disparities have been found regarding their efficacy. In most of the cases, the lack of the implementation of interventions involving all of the school community could be on the basis of this limited efficacy. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the TEI Program, an intervention based on peer tutoring, in the reduction of bullying and cyberbullying, and in the improvement of school climate. The design of the study was quasi-experimental, in which 2057 Spanish students (aged 11 to 16 years) participated from 22 schools, and were randomly assigned to the experimental group (10 schools, 987 students) or the control group (12 schools, 1070 students). The obtained results showed a significant reduction in bullying behavior, peer victimization, fighting, cyberbullying and cybervictimization in the experimental group after the intervention implementation. Similarly, a significant improvement in factors of school climate was found only in this group. The obtained results demonstrated that the TEI program is effective in reducing bully and cyberbully behavior, and at the same time, improving the school climate.
Influence of Deposition Temperature on the Phase Evolution of HfNbTiVZr High-Entropy Thin Films
Authors: Fritze Stefan , Koller Christian M. , von Fieandt Linus , Malinovskis Paulius , Johansson Kristina , Lewin Erik , Mayrhofer Paul H. , Jansson Ulf
Published: February 2019

In this study, we show that the phase formation of HfNbTiVZr high-entropy thin films is strongly influenced by the substrate temperature. Films deposited at room temperature exhibit an amorphous microstructure and are 6.5 GPa hard. With increasing substrate temperature (room temperature to 275 °C), a transition from an amorphous to a single-phased body-centred cubic (bcc) solid solution occurs, resulting in a hardness increase to 7.9 GPa. A higher deposition temperature (450 °C) leads to the formation of C14 or C15 Laves phase precipitates in the bcc matrix and a further enhancement of mechanical properties with a peak hardness value of 9.2 GPa. These results also show that thin films follow different phase formation pathways compared to HfNbTiVZr bulk alloys.
Numerical Model for Determining the Magnetic Loss of Magnetic Fluids
Authors: Beković Miloš , Trbušić Mislav , Gyergyek Sašo , Trlep Mladen , Jesenik Marko , Szabo Peter S. B. , Hamler Anton
Published: February 2019

Magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) is a medical treatment where the temperature in the tissue is increased locally by means of heated magnetic fluid in an alternating magnetic field. In recent years, it has been the subject of a lot of research in the field of Materials, as well as in the field of clinical testing on mice and rats. Magnetic fluid manufacturers aim to achieve three objectives; high heating capacity, biocompatibility and self-regulatory temperature effect. High heating power presents the conversion of magnetic field energy into temperature increase where it is challenging to achieve the desired therapeutic effects in terms of elevated temperature with the smallest possible amount of used material. In order to carry out the therapy, it is primarily necessary to create a fluid and perform calorimetric measurement for determining the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) or heating power for given parameters of the magnetic field. The article presents a model based on a linear response theory for the calculation of magnetic losses and, consequently, the SAR parameters are based on the physical parameters of the liquid. The calculation model is also validated by calorimetric measurements for various amplitudes, frequencies and shapes of the magnetic field. Such a model can serve to help magnetic fluid developers in the development phase for an approximate assessment of the heating power.
Cytocompatibility of Potential Bioactive Cerium-Doped Glasses based on 45S5
Authors: Malavasi Gianluca , Salvatori Roberta , Zambon Alfonso , Lusvardi Gigliola , Rigamonti Luca , Chiarini Luigi , Anesi Alexandre
Published: February 2019

The cytocompatibility of potential bioactive cerium-containing (Ce3+/Ce4+) glasses is here investigated by preparing three different glasses with increasing amount of doping CeO2 (1.2, 3.6 and 5.3 mol% of CeO2, called BG_1.2, BG_3.6 and BG_5.3, respectively) based on 45S5 Bioglass® (called BG). These materials were characterized by Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) after performing bioactivity tests in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) solution, and the ions released in solution were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The data obtained clearly show that the glass surfaces of BG, BG_1.2 and BG_3.6 were covered by hydroxyapatite (HA), while BG_5.3 favored the formation of a cerium phosphate crystal phase. The cytotoxicity tests were performed using both murine long bone osteocyte-like (MLO-Y4) and mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH/3T3) cell lines. The cerium-containing bioactive glasses show an increment in cell viability with respect to BG, and at long times, no cell aggregation and deformation were observed. The proliferation of NIH/3T3 cells increased with the cerium content in the glasses; in particular, BG_3.6 and BG_5.3 showed a higher proliferation of cells than the negative control. These results highlight and enforce the proposal of cerium-doped bioactive glasses as a new class of biomaterials for hard-tissue applications.
Cement-Stabilized Waste Sand as Sustainable Construction Materials for Foundations and Highway Roads
Authors: Shalabi Faisal I. , Mazher Javed , Khan Kaffayatullah , Alsuliman Mohammed , Almustafa Ibrahim , Mahmoud Ward , Alomran Naif
Published: February 2019

In this study, cement-treated waste sand as a by-product material produced from Al-Ahsa quarries (Saudi Arabia) was experimentally tested and investigated as a base course material for the foundation of structures and roads. The study aimed to use the waste sand as a construction material by improving its strength, bearing capacity, and stiffness. The waste sand was mixed with different percentages of Portland cement content (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8%) at the maximum dry density and optimum water content of the standard Proctor compaction conditions of a non-treated sample. Unconfined compressive strength and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests for different curing times were conducted. X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser-scanning microscopy (LSM), and X-ray spectroscopy (XPS) were used to explore the microstructure and composition of the treated sand. The results showed that the compressive strength, initial tangent modulus, and CBR of the treated sand increase with the increase in cement content and curing time. Furthermore, good correlations were established among the strength, initial tangent modulus, and CBR. Based on the obtained results, cement-stabilized waste sand is a potential material for use in construction. This is expected to save the environment and reduce the cost of road construction.
On-Chip Cell Incubator for Simultaneous Observation of Culture with and without Periodic Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Horade Mitsuhiro , Tsai Chia-Hung Dylan , Kaneko Makoto
Published: February 2019

This paper proposes a microfluidic device which can perform simultaneous observation on cell growth with and without applying periodic hydrostatic pressure (Yokoyama et al. Sci. Rep. 2017, 7, 427). The device is called on-chip cell incubator. It is known that culture with periodic hydrostatic pressure benefits the elasticity of a cultured cell sheet based on the results in previous studies, but how the cells respond to such a stimulus during the culture is not yet clear. In this work, we focused on cell behavior under periodic hydrostatic pressure from the moment of cell seeding. The key advantage of the proposed device is that we can compare the results with and without periodic hydrostatic pressure while all other conditions were kept the same. According to the results, we found that cell sizes under periodic hydrostatic pressure increase faster than those under atmospheric pressure, and furthermore, a frequency-dependent fluctuation of cell size was found using Fourier analysis.
Disinfection by-Products and Ecotoxic Risk Associated with Hypochlorite Treatment of Tramadol
Authors: Romanucci Valeria , Siciliano Antonietta , Galdiero Emilia , Guida Marco , Luongo Giovanni , Liguori Renato , Di Fabio Giovanni , Previtera Lucio , Zarrelli Armando
Published: February 2019

In recent years, many studies have highlighted the consistent finding of tramadol (TRA) in the effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) and also in some rivers and lakes in both Europe and North America, suggesting that TRA is removed by no more than 36% by specific disinfection treatments. The extensive use of this drug has led to environmental pollution of both water and soil, up to its detection in growing plants. In order to expand the knowledge about TRA toxicity as well as the nature of its disinfection by-products (DBPs), a simulation of the waste treatment chlorination step has been reported herein. In particular, we found seven new by-products, that together with TRA, have been assayed on different living organisms (Aliivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata and Daphnia magna), to test their acute and chronic toxicity. The results reported that TRA may be classified as a harmful compound to some aquatic organisms whereas its chlorinated product mixture showed no effects on any of the organisms tested. All data suggest however that TRA chlorination treatment produces a variety of DBPs which can be more harmful than TRA and a risk for the aquatic environment and human health.
A “Green” Homogenate Extraction Coupled with UHPLC-MS for the Rapid Determination of Diterpenoids in Croton Crassifolius
Authors: Tian Jin-Long , Shu Chi , Zhang Ye , Cui Hui-Jun , Xie Xu , Ran Xu-Long , Chen Tian-Shun , Zang Zhi-Huan , Liu Jian-Guo , Li Bin
Published: February 2019

Clerodane diterpenoids are the main bioactive constituents of Croton crassifolius and are proved to have multiple biological activities. However, quality control (QC) research on the constituents are rare. Thus, the major research purpose of the current study was to establish an efficient homogenate extraction (HGE) process combined with a sensitive and specific ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS) technique together for the rapid extraction and determination of clerodane diterpenoids in C. crassifolius. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r > 0.9943) within the test ranges and the intra- and inter-day precisions and repeatability were all within required limits. This modified HGE–UHPLC–MS method only took 5 min to extract nine clerodane diterpenoids in C. crassifolius and another 12 min to quantify these components. The results indicated that the quantitative analysis based on UHPLC–MS was a feasible method for QC of clerodane diterpenoids in C. crassifolius, and the findings outlined in the current study also inferred the potential of the method in the QC of clerodane diterpenoids in other complex species of plants.
A New Method for Simultaneous Determination of Phenolic Acids, Alkaloids and Limonoids in Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex
Authors: Chen Yao , Zhang Zhao , Zhang Yang , Zhang Xiaomei , Zhang Zhipeng , Liao Yonghong , Zhang Bengang
Published: February 2019

Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex (PAC) is a well-known herbal medicine in China with complex components, but the previous research has mostly focused on its alkaloids analysis. For the first time, a simpler and more efficient method was proposed in this paper to simultaneously determine the content of three different kinds of compounds—phenolic acids, alkaloids and limonoids—in PAC. The phenolic acids included 3-O-feruloylquinic acid, 4-O-feruloylquinic acid and syringin. The alkaloids include magnoflorine, phellodendrine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine and berberine, while the limonoids include obaculactone and obacunone. An approach combining multi-wavelength and HPLC-DAD was used in this study due to the great difference in maximum absorption wavelength of the various components. Four wavelengths at 215, 275, 280 and 310 nm, respectively, were chosen for monitoring. It has been indicated through appropriate tests that this approach is of high accuracy, good repeatability and stability and provides a scientific basis for the quality assessment of PAC and associated derivatives. In addition, the chromatographic fingerprints method combined with multivariate statistical analysis chosen in this study was proved to be effective and reasonable for an accurate classification of 33 batches of samples collected from different locations.
Effect of α-Tocopherol on the Physicochemical Properties of Sturgeon Surimi during Frozen Storage
Authors: Tang Shuwei , Feng Guangxin , Cui Wenxuan , Gao Ruichang , Bai Fan , Wang Jinlin , Zhao Yuanhui , Zeng Mingyong
Published: February 2019

This study investigated the effects of α-tocopherol (α-TOH) on the physicochemical properties of sturgeon surimi during 16-week storage at −18 °C. An aliquot of 0.1% (w/w) of α-TOH was added into the surimi and subjected to frozen storage, and 8% of a conventional cryoprotectant (4% sorbitol and 4% sucrose, w/w) was used as a positive control. Based on total viable count, pH and whiteness, α-TOH exhibited a better protection for frozen sturgeon surimi than cryoprotectant during frozen storage. According to soluble protein content, carbonyl content, total sulfhydryl content, and surface hydrophobicity, α-TOH and cryoprotectant showed the same effects on retarding changes of proteins. The results of breaking force, deformation, gel strength, water-holding capacity and microstructure of sturgeon surimi indicated that the gel properties of frozen sturgeon surimi were retained by α-TOH. Our results suggest that α-TOH is an attractive candidate to maintain the quality of sturgeon surimi during frozen storage.
Optimization of an Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Condition for Flavonoid Compounds from Cocoa Shells (Theobroma cacao) Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Md Yusof Arief Huzaimi , Abd Gani Siti Salwa , Zaidan Uswatun Hasanah , Halmi Mohd Izuan Effendi , Zainudin Badrul Hisyam
Published: February 2019

This study investigates the ultrasound-assisted extraction of flavonoids from Malaysian cocoa shell extracts, and optimization using response surface methodology. There are three variables involved in this study, namely: ethanol concentration (70–90 v/v %), temperature (45–65 °C), and ultrasound irradiation time (30–60 min). All of the data were collected and analyzed for variance (ANOVA). The coefficient of determination (R2) and the model was significant in interaction between all variables (98% and p < 0.0001, respectively). In addition, the lack of fit test for the model was not of significance, with p > 0.0684. The ethanol concentration, temperature, and ultrasound irradiation time that yielded the maximum value of the total flavonoid content (TFC; 7.47 mg RE/g dried weight (DW)) was 80%, 55 °C, and 45 min, respectively. The optimum value from the validation of the experimental TFC was 7.23 ± 0.15 mg of rutin, equivalent per gram of extract with ethanol concentration, temperature, and ultrasound irradiation time values of 74.20%, 49.99 °C, and 42.82 min, respectively. While the modelled equation fits the data, the T-test is not significant, suggesting that the experimental values agree with those predicted by the response surface methodology models.
Screening of Suitable Ionic Liquids as Green Solvents for Extraction of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) from Microalgae Biomass Using COSMO-RS Model
Authors: Rezaei Motlagh Shiva , Harun Razif , Awang Biak Dayang Radiah , Hussain Siti Aslina , Wan Ab Karim Ghani Wan Azlina , Khezri Ramin , Wilfred Cecilia Devi , Elgharbawy Amal A. M.
Published: February 2019

Omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have many health benefits including reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Recently, the use of ionic liquids (ILs) in lipid extraction from microalgae provides the potential to overcome common drawbacks, offers several other benefits. To date, very limited researches are available to focus on extracting microalgae lipid and PUFA in particular by using ILs. The objective of current work is to screen the potential ILs that can be applied in EPA extraction. In this study, fast ILs screening was performed with the help of a conductor like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) and the ILs with higher capacity values for use in extraction of EPA were compared. According to the results, the highest capacity for EPA extraction among 352 screened cation/anion combinations belongs to [TMAm][SO4]. It is expected to achieve a higher yield of EPA once applying this combination as the solvent in the process of extraction. ILs with small anions were observed to have higher capacities, as well possessing higher charge density compared to larger ones, and therefore, they are more preferable for extraction purposes. Moreover, shorter alkyl chain cations are preferred when using imidazolium-based IL, which agrees with experimental data.
Rapid Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Arbitrated by Curcumin in an Alkaline Medium
Authors: Khan Muhammad Jamshed , Shameli Kamyar , Sazili Awis Qurni , Selamat Jinap , Kumari Suriya
Published: February 2019

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles is desirable practice. It is not only the required technique for industrial and biomedical purposes but also a promising research area. The aim of this study was to synthesize green curcumin silver nanoparticles (C-Ag NPs). The synthesis of C-Ag NPs was achieved by reduction of the silver nitrate (AgNO3) in an alkaline medium. The characterizations of the prepared samples were conducted by ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and zeta potential (ZP) analyses. The formation of C-Ag NPs was evaluated by the dark color of the colloidal solutions and UV-vis spectra, with 445 nm as the maximum. The size of the crystalline nanoparticles, recorded as 12.6 ± 3.8nm, was confirmed by HRTEM, while the face-centered cubic (fcc) crystallographic structure was confirmed by PXRD and SAED. It is assumed that green synthesized curcumin silver nanoparticles (C-Ag NPs) can be efficiently utilized as a strong antimicrobial substance for food and meat preservation due to their homogeneous nature and small size.