bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pybox-Iron(II) Spin-Crossover Complexes with Substituent Effects from the 4-Position of the Pyridine Ring (Pybox = 2,6-Bis(oxazolin-2-yl)pyridine)
Authors: Kimura Akifumi , Ishida Takayuki
Published: August 2017

Spin-crossover (SCO) behavior of a series of [Fe(X-pybox)2](ClO4)2 was investigated, where X-pybox stands for 4-X-substituted 2,6-bis(oxazolin-2-yl)pyridine with X = H, Cl, Ph, CH3O, and CH3S. We confirmed that the mother compound [Fe(H-pybox)2](ClO4)2 underwent SCO above room temperature. After X was introduced, the SCO temperatures (T1/2) were modulated as 310, 230, and 330 K for X = Cl, Ph, and CH3S, respectively. The CH3O derivative possessed the high-spin state down to 2 K. Crystallographic analysis for X = H, Cl, CH3O, and CH3S was successful, being consistent with the results of the magnetic study. Distorted coordination structures stabilize the HS (high-spin) state, and the highest degree of the coordination structure distortion is found in the CH3O derivative. A plot of T1/2 against the Hammett substituent constant σp showed a positive relation. Solution susceptometry was also performed to remove intermolecular interaction and rigid crystal lattice effects, and the T1/2’s were determined as 260, 270, 240, 170, and 210 K for X = H, Cl, Ph, CH3O, and CH3S, respectively, in acetone. The substituent effect on T1/2 became very distinct, and it is clarified that electron-donating groups stabilize the HS state.
Dynamic Cooperative MAC Protocol for Navigation Carrier Ad Hoc Networks: A DiffServ-Based Approach
Authors: Gao Chao , Zeng Bin , Lu Jianhua , Zhao Guorong
Published: August 2017

In this paper, a dynamic cooperative MAC protocol (DDC-MAC) based on cluster network topology is proposed, which has the capability of differentiated service mechanisms and long-range communication. In DDC-MAC, heterogeneous communications are classified according to service types and quality of service (QoS) requirements, i.e., periodic communication mode (PC mode) is extracted with a QoS guarantee for high-frequency periodic information exchange based on adapt-TDMA mechanisms, while other services are classified as being in on-demand communication mode (OC mode), which includes channel contention and access mechanisms based on a multiple priority algorithm. OC mode is embedded into the adapt-TDMA process adaptively, and the two communication modes can work in parallel. Furthermore, adaptive array hybrid antenna systems and cooperative communication with optimal relay are presented, to exploit the opportunity for long-range transmission, while an adaptive channel back-off sequence is deduced, to mitigate packet collision and network congestion. Moreover, we developed an analytical framework to quantify the performance of the DDC-MAC protocol and conducted extensive simulation. Simulation results show that the proposed DDC-MAC protocol enhances network performance in diverse scenarios, and significantly improves network throughput and reduces average delay compared with other MAC protocols.
Lube Oil Wear Reduction via Organic Tribofilms
Authors: Ismail Nurul , Bagheri Samira
Published: August 2017

Effective tribofilms are desirable to protect mechanical systems. In the research, the reduction in wear and friction were investigated through the use of organic additives. Graphene-based organic additives were prepared by surface modification of graphene using organic moiety that will provide tribochemical reaction with rubbing metal surface. The role of surface protective additives becomes vital when operating conditions become severe and moving components operate in a boundary lubrication regime. After protecting film is slowly removed by rubbing, it can regenerate through the tribochemical reaction of the additives at the contact. Many researchers demonstrated that organic additives physically or chemically adsorbed on rubbing metal surfaces to form monolayers, with their shear strength deriving primarily from the weak van der Waal interactions between opposing hydrocarbon chains at the interfaces. Experiments were conducted on a base oil where 0.01 wt % of the additive was used. Tribological evaluation was conducted using four-ball tester under room temperature and the morphology of the worn surfaces were characterized using Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Experimental results showed a 16% reduction in friction and 30% reduction in wear when compared to the base oil containing no additive.
Short-Term Behavior of Slag Concretes Exposed to a Real In Situ Mediterranean Climate Environment
Authors: Ortega José , Sánchez Isidro , Cabeza Marta , Climent Miguel
Published: August 2017

At present, one of the most suitable ways to get a more sustainable cement industry is to reduce the CO2 emissions generated during cement production. In order to reach that goal, the use of ground granulated blast-furnace slag as clinker replacement is becoming increasingly popular. Although the effects of this addition in the properties of cementitious materials are influenced by their hardening conditions, there are not too many experimental studies in which slag concretes have been exposed to real in situ environments. Then, the main objective of this research is to study the short-term effects of exposure to real Mediterranean climate environment of an urban site, where the action of airborne chlorides from sea water and the presence of CO2 are combined, in the microstructure and service properties of a commercial slag cement concrete, compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The microstructure was studied with mercury intrusion porosimetry. The effective porosity, capillary suction coefficient, chloride migration coefficient, carbonation front depth, and compressive strength were also analyzed. Considering the results obtained, slag concretes exposed to a real in situ Mediterranean climate environment show good service properties in the short-term (180 days), in comparison with OPC.
Grain Refinement and Mechanical Properties of Cu–Cr–Zr Alloys with Different Nano-Sized TiCp Addition
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Bai Fang , Wang Yong , Wang Jinguo , Wang Wenquan
Published: August 2017

The TiCp/Cu master alloy was prepared via thermal explosion reaction. Afterwards, the nano-sized TiCp/Cu master alloy was dispersed by electromagnetic stirring casting into the melting Cu–Cr–Zr alloys to fabricate the nano-sized TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites. Results show that nano-sized TiCp can effectively refine the grain size of Cu–Cr–Zr alloys. The morphologies of grain in Cu–Cr–Zr composites changed from dendritic grain to equiaxed crystal because of the addition and dispersion of nano-sized TiCp. The grain size decreased from 82 to 28 μm with the nano-sized TiCp content. Compared with Cu–Cr–Zr alloys, the ultimate compressive strength (σUCS) and yield strength (σ0.2) of 4 wt% TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites increased by 6.7% and 9.4%, respectively. The wear resistance of the nano-sized TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites increased with the increasing nano-sized TiCp content. The wear loss of the nano-sized TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites decreased with the increasing TiCp content under abrasive particles. The eletrical conductivity of Cu–Cr–Zr alloys, 2% and 4% nano-sized TiCp-reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr composites are 64.71% IACS, 56.77% IACS and 52.93% IACS, respectively.
From Stochastic Foam to Designed Structure: Balancing Cost and Performance of Cellular Metals
Authors: Lehmhus Dirk , Vesenjak Matej , Schampheleire Sven , Fiedler Thomas
Published: August 2017

Over the past two decades, a large number of metallic foams have been developed. In recent years research on this multi-functional material class has further intensified. However, despite their unique properties only a limited number of large-scale applications have emerged. One important reason for this sluggish uptake is their high cost. Many cellular metals require expensive raw materials, complex manufacturing procedures, or a combination thereof. Some attempts have been made to decrease costs by introducing novel foams based on cheaper components and new manufacturing procedures. However, this has often yielded materials with unreliable properties that inhibit utilization of their full potential. The resulting balance between cost and performance of cellular metals is probed in this editorial, which attempts to consider cost not in absolute figures, but in relation to performance. To approach such a distinction, an alternative classification of cellular metals is suggested which centers on structural aspects and the effort of realizing them. The range thus covered extends from fully stochastic foams to cellular structures designed-to-purpose.
Can Tantra Make a Mātā Middle-Class?: Jogaṇī Mātā, a Uniquely Gujarati Chinnamastā
Authors: Dinnell Darry
Published: August 2017

The Gujarati mātās, village goddesses traditionally popular among scheduled castes and often worshipped through rites of possession and animal sacrifice, have recently acquired Sanskritic Tantric resonances. The contemporary iconography of the goddess Jogaṇī Mātā, for instance, is virtually identical to that of the Mahāvidyā Chinnamastā. Yantra and mantra also feature prominently in Jogaṇī worship, which has begun to attract upwardly mobile urban middle-class devotees. Drawing on ethnography from three Jogaṇī sites in and around Ahmedabad, this paper identifies a tendency among worshippers and pūjārīs to acknowledge Jogaṇī’s tantric associations only to the extent that they instantiate a safe, Sanskritic, and Brahmanically-oriented Tantra. The appeal of these temples and shrines nonetheless remains the immediacy with which Jogaṇī can solve problems that are this-worldly, reminiscent of the link identified by Philip Lutgendorf between Tantra and modern Indians’ desire for ‘quick-fix’ religion. This research not only documents a rare regional iteration of Chinnamastā, but also speaks to the cachet that Tantra increasingly wields, consciously or unconsciously, within the burgeoning Gujarati and Indian urban middle-classes.
Paste Extruder—Hardware Add-On for Desktop 3D Printers
Authors: Amza Catalin , Zapciu Aurelian , Popescu Diana
Published: August 2017

This paper presents the design, development and testing of a paste/clay extrusion device intended to be used as a drop-in replacement for the conventional thermoplastic extruder of a desktop filament-based 3D printer. A plastic cylinder loaded with gel, paste or clay material is placed into the device. Feedstock is pressed through an extrusion nozzle by a piston driven by an electrically actuated drive-screw and nut mechanism. The device allows the build material to heat up to 80 °C. Forced air cooling is used to assist the cooling or hardening process of the freshly-printed material during fabrication. The feedstock container, nozzle, and material-loading process are all suitable for use in a sterile environment. The device is designed for seamless integration with existing 3D printing firmware and slicing software. After designing the device, a prototype was produced and installed on a 3D printer. Silicone and acrylic polymers, as well as dental gel, were used to fabricate 3D printed sample objects.
Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies against HA Protein of H1N1 Swine Influenza Virus and Protective Efficacy against H1 Viruses in Mice
Authors: Liu Yun , Li Hongtao , Xue Yujia , Zhao Shuang , Li Chenxi , Qu Liandong , Zhang Yun , Liu Ming
Published: August 2017

H1N1 swine influenza viruses (SIV) are prevalent in pigs globally, and occasionally emerge in humans, which raises concern about their pandemic threats. To stimulate hemagglutination (HA) of A/Swine/Guangdong/LM/2004 (H1N1) (SW/GD/04) antibody response, eukaryotic expression plasmid pCI-neo-HA was constructed and used as an immunogen to prepare monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Five mAbs (designed 8C4, 8C6, 9D6, 8A4, and 8B1) against HA protein were obtained and characterized. Western blot showed that the 70 kDa HA protein could be detected by all mAbs in MDCK cells infected with SW/GD/04. Three mAbs—8C4, 8C6, and 9D6—have hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and neutralization test (NT) activities, and 8C6 induces the highest HI and NT titers. The protection efficacy of 8C6 was investigated in BALB/c mice challenged with homologous or heterologous strains of the H1 subtype SIV. The results indicate that mAb 8C6 protected the mice from viral infections, especially the homologous strain, which was clearly demonstrated by the body weight changes and reduction of viral load. Thus, our findings document for the first time that mAb 8C6 might be of potential therapeutic value for H1 subtype SIV infection.
Poxviruses Utilize Multiple Strategies to Inhibit Apoptosis
Authors: Nichols Daniel , De Martini William , Cottrell Jessica
Published: August 2017

Cells have multiple means to induce apoptosis in response to viral infection. Poxviruses must prevent activation of cellular apoptosis to ensure successful replication. These viruses devote a substantial portion of their genome to immune evasion. Many of these immune evasion products expressed during infection antagonize cellular apoptotic pathways. Poxvirus products target multiple points in both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways, thereby mitigating apoptosis during infection. Interestingly, recent evidence indicates that poxviruses also hijack cellular means of eliminating apoptotic bodies as a means to spread cell to cell through a process called apoptotic mimicry. Poxviruses are the causative agent of many human and veterinary diseases. Further, there is substantial interest in developing these viruses as vectors for a variety of uses including vaccine delivery and as oncolytic viruses to treat certain human cancers. Therefore, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which poxviruses regulate the cellular apoptotic pathways remains a top research priority. In this review, we consider anti-apoptotic strategies of poxviruses focusing on three relevant poxvirus genera: Orthopoxvirus, Molluscipoxvirus, and Leporipoxvirus. All three genera express multiple products to inhibit both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways with many of these products required for virulence.
Correlation between Preoperative Ultrasonographic Findings and Clinical, Intraoperative, Cytopathological, and Histopathological Diagnosis of Acute Abdomen Syndrome in 50 Dogs and Cats
Authors: Abdellatif Ahmed , Kramer Martin , Failing Klaus , Von Pückler Kerstin
Published: August 2017

Acute abdomen syndrome is an emergency in small animal practice that requires rapid diagnosis to determine the appropriate treatment. No studies have correlated the preoperative abdominal ultrasonography (US) findings with the clinical, surgical, cytopathologic, and histopathologic findings. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate abdominal US in the diagnosis of acute abdomen syndrome using surgery as a “criterion standard”. The most frequently misinterpreted lesions with US were also identified. The study included 50 dogs and cats with physical examination, an US diagnosis, US guided fine-needle aspiration cytology, intraoperative findings, and histopathology. Intraoperatively, 49 primary and 43 secondary lesions were identified. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for US were calculated. There was a good agreement between the US diagnosis and intraoperative findings of 86.9% (80/92), for both primary and secondary lesions (p < 0.0001). Cytology and histopathology examinations corroborated the US in 86.4% (n = 64/74) of primary and 66.2% of secondary (n = 49/79) lesions. Using US as the “criterion standard”, the sensitivity of abdominal palpation for identification of ascites and masses was 32.4% and 43.7%, respectively, while the specificity was 93.7% and 94.4%, respectively. Abdominal US is a useful preoperative modality for diagnosing acute abdominal diseases in dogs and cats. Care should be taken with interpretation of gastrointestinal perforation, omental tumors, and common bile duct rupture, as these lesions are frequently misinterpreted with US.
Trade-Offs and Synergies in Ecosystem Service within the Three-Rivers Headwater Region, China
Authors: Han Ze , Song Wei , Deng Xiangzheng , Xu Xinliang
Published: August 2017

The Three-Rivers Headwaters region (TRHR) is an ecological shelter located in the northeast of the Tibetan Plateau, China, that provides environmental protection and regional sustainable development. This region also provides ecosystem services including water supply and soil conservation and exerts major impacts on both its surroundings, as well as the whole of China. A number of ecological restoration projects have been initiated within the TRHR since 2000, including the creation of a natural reserve. Analyses of trends in land use/land cover (LULC), net primary productivity (NPP), water yield and soil conservation within the TRHR are presented based on regional climate and land use datasets and utilizing the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model in tandem with the double mass curve (DMC) approach. The results of this study reveal a series of correlations between ecosystem services and lead to four distinct conclusions. First, the amount of variation between 2000 and 2012 in each LULC type within the TRHR was small. In particular, grassland substitution occurred in high-altitude areas and increased in central areas. Second, NPP, water yield, soil conservation amount and the volume of exported phosphorus (P) decreased along an east-west gradient with values of 64.44%, 38.81%, 7.37% and −49.98% recorded, respectively, between 2000 and 2012. The ecosystem services of the Yellow River basin to the east of the TRHR generally improved over the study period, while those of the Yangtze River and Lancang River basins where enhanced to a lesser extent, and obvious degradation was observed in some local areas. Third, the ecosystem services provided by forested land were highest, followed by grassland and cultivated land, respectively. Fourth, synergistic relationships were observed within the TRHR between NPP, water yield and soil conservation amount, indicating that increasing NPP simultaneously increased the values for these related factors. Synergistic relationships were also recorded between water yield and the amount of exported P, suggesting that increases in the former cause a reduction in water purity.
Reconciling Drought Vulnerability Assessment Using a Convergent Approach: Application to Water Security in the Elqui River Basin, North-Central Chile
Authors: Núñez Jorge , Vergara Abraham , Leyton Camila , Metzkes Christine , Mancilla Gabriel , Bettancourt Dagoberto
Published: August 2017

Drought has been, is and most likely will remain one of the most significant socio-natural disasters affecting society and the environment worldwide. One priority objective in the adoption of national drought policies is to promote standardized approaches to vulnerability assessment. To reach this objective, however, there is a need to address the noticeable lack of reconciliation between the two major epistemic frameworks that have been used to determine who is vulnerable and why: the so-called outcome and contextual frameworks. This study presents a novel procedure called the convergent approach to assess drought vulnerability under an integral framework. The procedure has been applied to the study of the vulnerability of water security to drought in water-use sectors in a basin located in north-central Chile. The study is justified by the role that drought plays as the major threat to water security in a context of global water crisis. The results show that the convergent approach outperforms traditional procedures such as those based on composite indicators, showing sound robustness and reaching sufficient levels of reliability and validity. The potential expansion of this approach to other applications, such as those related to global estimations of vulnerability to drought, is also discussed.
Decision-Making Methodology for Risk Management Applied to Imja Lake in Nepal
Authors: Cuellar Amanda , McKinney Daene
Published: August 2017

Glacial retreat causes the formation of glacier lakes with the potential of producing glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Imja Lake in Nepal is considered at risk for a GLOF. Communities in the path of a potential Imja GLOF are implementing adaptation projects, yet no quantitative data or guidance is available to understand the benefits of these projects or how to weigh benefits against the cost of implementation. We develop and demonstrate a decision-making methodology for GLOF risk management, incorporating available scientific information and uncertainty. The methodology consists of (1) identifying flooding scenarios, (2) evaluating scenario consequences, and (3) performing an economic analysis of proposed adaptation projects. The methodology is applied to assess benefits in Dingboche of lowering Imja Lake by 3, 10 and 20 m. The results show that the baseline case (no lake lowering) has the lowest expected cost because of low valuation of agricultural land and homes in the literature. Nonetheless, the result is sensitive to changes in the analysis variables. We also found that lowering the lake by 10 or 20 m is efficient according only to the methodology used here; however, considering only direct economic damages and literature cost estimates, the costs outweigh the benefits for these projects.
Emerging Ocean Industries: Implications for Sustainable Tourism Development
Authors: Dwyer Larry
Published: August 2017

Pressures on the ocean's natural assets inevitably will increase in the coming years as world population growth, economic growth, and increased international trade generate increasing demands for marine sources of food, energy, minerals, and leisure pursuits. This article explores the
consequences for coastal and marine tourism resulting both from its own growth and from the growth in the other established and emerging ocean industries. It estimates the present and future economic value of the world's ocean industries and the contribution of the tourism industry in particular,
identifying the drivers of growth in ocean industries including tourism. Several types of challenges to the sustainable development of coastal and marine tourism, shared in common with other ocean industries, are identified. The article concludes with a discussion of strategies to minimize
the adverse impacts of growth so that tourism and other ocean industries can develop in more sustainable ways.
The Outcome of Assisted Reproductive Techniques among Couples with Male Factors at Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Fertility Centre, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mukhtar Hytham Bahaeldin , Shaman Amani , Mirghani Hyder Osman , Almasalmah Ayman Adnan
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND: Thirty-three percent of infertility due to paternal factors, there are an increasing proportion of couples who decide to conceive by assisted reproductive techniques (ART). The outcome prediction is pivotal for decision making.AIM: We aimed to study the pregnancy outcomes of different ART with male factors infertility.METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. One hundred fifteen patients' records reviewed using a structured checklist to collect demographic data, sperm (concentration, motility, and morphology). Female with significant infertility factor were excluded. Chi-square was used for the outcome of various ART.RESULTS: Out of 115 couples with male factors; treated by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI); the mean age was 35.2 ± 6.3 years for men and 29.7 ± 5.1 for females. IVF had the highest success rate overall and had a high pregnancy rate with oligospermia and asthenospermia. ICSI has a good outcome for those with azoospermia, severe oligospermia, and teratozoospermia. IUI must be tried as a first line treatment when semen concentration is more than 10 million sperm/ml. all are not significant (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: No significant differences were reported in the pregnancy outcome between various assisted reproductive techniques, smoking, type of infertility and medication.
Waarnemingen.be – Plant occurrences in Flanders and the Brussels Capital Region, Belgium
Authors: Steeman Roosmarijn , Vanreusel Wouter , Barendse Rutger , Verloove Filip , Wysmantel Nico , Van den Bussche Walter , Gyselinck Thomas , Hendrickx Pieter , Zwaenepoel Arnout , Van Vooren Pierre , Jacobs Steven , Desmet Peter , Gielen Karin , Herremans Marc , Swinnen Kristijn R.R.
Published: August 2017

Waarnemingen.be - Plant occurrences in Flanders and the Brussels Capital Region, Belgium is a species occurrence dataset published by Natuurpunt. The dataset contains almost 1.2 million plant occurrences of 1,222 native vascular plant species, mostly recorded by volunteers (citizen scientists), mainly since 2008. The occurrences are derived from the database http://www.waarnemingen.be, hosted by Stichting Natuurinformatie and managed by the nature conservation NGO Natuurpunt. Together with the datasets Florabank1 (Van Landuyt and Brosens 2017) and the Belgian IFBL (Instituut voor Floristiek van België en Luxemburg) Flora Checklists (Van Landuyt and Noé 2015), the dataset represents the most complete overview of indigenous plants in Flanders and the Brussels Capital Region.
Contribution to the knowledge of Neanurinae of Vietnam with description of three new species (Collembola, Neanuridae)
Authors: Smolis Adrian
Published: August 2017

Detailed and illustrated descriptions of three new species belonging to the tribe Lobellini from Vietnam are given.Lobellina weineraesp. n.is the most similar toL. minuta(Lee, 1980) andL. musangensisYosii, 1976, but differs from them in chaetotaxic details and the number of mandibular teeth.Lobellina pomorskiisp. n.differs fromL. perfusionides(Stach, 1965) in chaetotaxic details and the number of tubercles on Abd.V.Yuukianura deharvengisp. n.is superficially similar toY. halophilaYosii, 1955, but it differs in the build of the maxilla, the size of eyes and an inner tooth on the claw, and in chaetotaxic details. Furthermore, some remarks on the characteristics and the peculiarity of the Vietnamese fauna of the subfamily, and the key to all species from the country, are included.
Perspectives of Nurses Pursuing Doctoral Degrees in Georgia: Implications for Recruitment
Authors: Wheeler Rebecca McCombs , Eichelberger Lisa Wright
Published: August 2017

Background:

Increasing the number of nurses with doctorates is a goal of the nursing profession. The Georgia Nursing Leadership Coalition developed a survey to understand the perspectives of nurses pursuing doctoral degrees in Georgia to improve recruitment and retention strategies.

Method:

A 26-item online survey was distributed to all students enrolled in Georgia-based doctoral programs in nursing in spring 2014.

Results:

One hundred fifty responses were received (54% response rate). Most students first seriously considered doctoral education during their master's programs or more than 5 years into practice. For most, obtaining a doctoral degree was a personal life goal. Work–life balance was the most significant barrier.

Conclusion:

Recruitment of nurses to doctoral programs should focus on messaging, timing, and highlighting the unique aspects of programs. Schools should work to reduce barriers. Understanding students' perspectives of doctoral education in nursing can improve recruitment strategies and increase the number of nurses graduating with doctorates in Georgia. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2017;56(8):466–470.]
Evaluation of the Effects of Flipped Learning of a Nursing Informatics Course
Authors: Oh Jina , Kim Shin-Jeong , Kim Sunghee , Vasuki Rajaguru
Published: August 2017

Background:

This study evaluated the effects of flipped learning in a nursing informatics course.

Method:

Sixty-four undergraduate students attending a flipped learning nursing informatics course at a university in South Korea participated in this study in 2013. Of these, 43 students participated at University A, and 46 students participated at University B, as a comparison group. Three levels of Kirkpatrick's evaluation model were used: level one (the students' satisfaction), level two (achievement on the course outcomes), and level three (self-perceived nursing informatics competencies).

Results:

Students of the flipped learning course reported positive effects above the middle degree of satisfaction (level one) and achieved the course outcomes (level two). In addition, self-perceived nursing informatics competencies (level three) of the flipped learning group were higher than those of the comparison group.

Conclusion:

A flipped learning nursing informatics course is an effective teaching strategy for preparing new graduate nurses in the clinical setting. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(8):477–483.]
Evaluation of a Redesigned Canadian Undergraduate Nursing Program: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Murphy Gail Tomblin , MacKenzie Adrian , Alder Robert , Budz Bernice
Published: August 2017

Background:

The objective of this study was to determine the degree to which the educational outcomes of the accelerated, redesigned bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program at The British Columbia Institute of Technology are similar to those of its previous program.

Method:

A prospective cohort study compared outcomes for the first two classes of students in the redesigned program with those of the final class of students in the original program. Data were gathered from administrative records, focus group discussions, and online surveys for BSN students (later, graduates), faculty, and staff, a focus group discussion with Specialty Nursing faculty, and interviews with program leadership and representatives of provincial health authorities.

Results:

No differences were found between the two programs for most outcomes.

Conclusion:

Although hindered by some low response levels, the evaluation data indicate that the British Columbia Institute of Technology's redesigned BSN program's educational outcomes are largely similar to those of its predecessor. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(8):484–489.]
From Metacognition to Practice Cognition: The DNP e-Portfolio to Promote Integrated Learning
Authors: Anderson Kelley M. , DesLauriers Patricia , Horvath Catherine H. , Slota Margaret , Farley Jean Nelson
Published: August 2017

Background:

Educating Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students for an increasingly complex health care environment requires novel applications of learning concepts and technology. A deliberate and thoughtful process is required to integrate concepts of the DNP program into practice paradigm changes to subsequently improve students' abilities to innovate solutions to complex practice problems.

Method:

The authors constructed or participated in electronic portfolio development inspired by theories of metacognition and integrated learning. The objective was to develop DNP student's reflection, integration of concepts, and technological capabilities to foster the deliberative competencies related to the DNP
Essentials
and the foundations of the DNP program.

Results:

The pedagogical process demonstrates how e-portfolios adapted into the doctoral-level curriculum for DNP students can address the
Essentials
and foster the development of metacognitive capabilities, which translates into practice changes.

Conclusion:

The authors suggest that this pedagogical approach has the potential to optimize reflective and deliberative competencies among DNP students. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(8):497–500.]
Adaptation of Know, Want to Know, and Learned Chart for Problem-Based Learning
Authors: Bailey Lori A.
Published: August 2017

Background:

The KWL (
K
now,
W
ant to know,
L
earned) chart was introduced to facilitate student critical thinking in a large, multisite, medical–surgical nursing course that uses problem-based learning.

Method:

Before class, students complete KWL charts in conjunction with concept videos to document prior learning. Then, they form groups to work on case studies during class. Faculty review the KWL charts for evidence of problem-solving growth. If evidence exists that students struggle with a concept, those results are used to remediate the content.

Results:

Students and faculty indicated that the KWL provided students with needed structure for addressing the ambiguities built into case studies. Students suggested minor revisions to the tool.

Conclusion:

Use of the KWL has the potential to improve performance and critical thought in problem-based learning classrooms. Use of the KWL as a means of structuring student critical thinking and decision making should be explored further. [
J Nurs Educ.
2017;56(8):506–508.]
Lenticuloschisis: A “No Dissection” Technique for Lenticule Extraction in Small Incision Lenticule Extraction
Authors: Ganesh Sri , Brar Sheetal
Published: August 2017

PURPOSE:

To describe a “no dissection” technique of lenticule removal in small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).

METHODS:

After docking and laser delivery, a microforceps is used to grasp and gently peel off the lenticule from the underlying stromal bed, without performing any dissection of the upper and lower planes of the lenticule. Prerequisites are a surgeon experienced in the conventional SMILE technique, optimized laser energy settings, and a minimum peripheral lenticule thickness of 25 to 30
µ
m.

RESULTS:

The interface as assessed in postoperative dilated clinical photographs was seen to be clearer with less roughness compared to the conventional dissection technique. This may potentially result in better first postoperative visual acuity and quality of vision due to less corneal tissue trauma and minimal tissue handling, thus potentially resulting in faster visual recovery.

CONCLUSIONS:

No dissection lenticule removal is a feasible and reproducible technique that may result in better immediate visual quality compared to the conventional SMILE technique.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(8):563–566.]
Enhancement After Myopic Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) Using Surface Ablation
Authors: Siedlecki Jakob , Luft Nikolaus , Kook Daniel , Wertheimer Christian , Mayer Wolfgang J. , Bechmann Martin , Wiltfang Rainer , Priglinger Siegfried G. , Sekundo Walter , Dirisamer Martin
Published: August 2017

PURPOSE:

To report the feasibility and outcomes of surface ablation after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).

METHODS:

In this retrospective evaluation of 1,963 SMILE procedures, 43 eyes (2.2%) were re-treated at three separate clinics. Of these, 40 eyes of 28 patients with a follow-up of at least 3 months were included in the analysis. During surface ablation, mitomycin C was applied for haze prevention.

RESULTS:

Spherical equivalent was −6.35 ± 1.31 diopters (D) before SMILE and −0.86 ± 0.43 D before surface ablation. Surface ablation was performed after a mean of 9.82 ± 5.27 months and resulted in a spherical equivalent of 0.03 ± 0.57 D at 3 months (
P
< .0001). The number of patients within ±0.50 and ±1.00 D of target refraction increased from 22.5% to 80% and from 72.5% to 92.5%, respectively. Mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) improved from 0.23 ± 0.20 to 0.08 ± 0.15 logMAR (
P
< .0001); 65% of patients gained at least one line. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) remained unchanged with 0.01 ± 0.07 logMAR before versus −0.01 ± 0.05 logMAR after re-treatment (
P
= .99). Six eyes (15.0%) lost one line of CDVA, but final CDVA was 0.00 logMAR in four and 0.10 logMAR in two of these cases. The safety and efficacy indices were 1.06 and 0.90 at 3 months, respectively. Three of the four surface ablation profiles (Triple-A, tissue-saving algorithm, and topography-guided) resulted in equally good results, whereas enhancement with the aspherically optimized profile (ASA), used in two eyes, resulted in overcorrection (+1.38 and +1.75 D).

CONCLUSIONS:

Combined with the intraoperative application of mitomycin C, surface ablation seems to be a safe and effective method of secondary enhancement after SMILE. Due to the usually low residual myopia, the ASA profile is not recommended in these cases.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(8):513–518.]
Distance and Online Learning
Authors: Kalaian Sema A.
Published: August 2017

The aim of this chapter is to present a conceptual and practical overview of online learning pedagogies for the 21st century courses including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. Online learning and various alternative innovative forms of online small-group learning have been developed and implemented worldwide to replace or supplement the traditional face-to-face classroom instruction. Online teaching/learning using small-group learning methods such as problem-based learning, cooperative learning, collaborative learning methods, and team-based learning are examples of such innovative reform-based collaborative student-driven pedagogies that are covered in the chapter. These innovative 21st pedagogies make learning in online environments more stimulating, engaging, and motivating for students to deeply and meaningfully learn the course content and maximize their persistence in the web-based online courses.
A Summary of Four Key Issues Affecting Distance Education
Authors: Lindsay Waylon Keith
Published: August 2017

As access to technologies that support higher learning grows exponentially world-wide, it is imperative that companies wishing to make relevant contributions prepare effective tools to address the needs of diverse prospective students and instructors. Through investigating a variety of sources, the author has identified a significant opportunity for massive open online courses (MOOCs) with expertly designed products that are geared to address the most relevant concerns that both learners and instructors have identified as barriers to their adoption. He has drawn conclusions that technology must be aligned to meet the needs of both learners and instructors as both groups respond with unique needs to the challenges that teaching and learning in online environments present. The paper seeks to identify the most relevant concerns of both groups so that the products created will be most applicable to the needs of the learners.
Blended Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Manzoor Amir
Published: August 2017

This chapter aims to explore Pakistani students' perspective on an appropriate mix of online and-face-to-face activities in different courses offered at various UK universities. Identifying aspects that students evaluate as supportive, challenging and efficient in their learning is important for the design of an appropriate mix in blended learning courses. A questionnaire was provided to the respondents consisting of both open-ended and closed questions. Applying both statistical and content analysis, this chapter provides a deeper understanding of students' responses and concludes that blended learning is an approach that supports a range of learning styles and life styles.
The Rhetoric of Fear
Authors: Kidd Terry T.
Published: August 2017

Amongst the glamour and allure to teach online, the literature indicates faculty often see and experience teaching online as daunting, painful, and time consuming. While, many studies seek to detail faculty experiences with course and program design, few studies seek to understand the faculty emotional reaction and their response to online course development and online course teaching. Using phenomenology this preliminary research study sought to explore and document faculty involvement in online teaching using theories of experience, postulated by Dewey (1938) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, by Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, and Davis (2003) to analyze and give voice to the emotional experience and reaction of faculty who are involved in online teaching.
Human Performance Technology and the Effects on Web-Based Instruction Performance Efficiency
Authors: Güzeldereli Esra Ayça , Kose Utku , Tüfekci Aslıhan
Published: August 2017

Human performance technology (HPT) is a field of applied sciences involving the identification of the causes of actual performance problems of organizations, development and implementation of solutions to such problems and evaluation of the outcomes for every step of the performance improvement processes. In addition to its operability with organizations and corporations for varying purposes, HPT can also be employed as an educational tool designed to solve performance problems and improve performance. This study aims to assess how the HPT operates within the scope of web-based education. The study identifies the primary factors which have adverse effects on web-based instruction including non-interactivity, infrastructural and systematic incompetence, ineffective course materials, unproductive feedback systems and discusses some potential solutions which can be designed using the HPT processes and explores the effects these solutions may have on performance efficiency.
Instructional Strategies for Game-Based Learning
Authors: Santos Antonio
Published: August 2017

Although it could be assumed that playing games lifts intrinsic motivation and that this must have an effect on the cognitive processes of the player, it is still not known how to develop an educational game with the same positive effects. Thus, the challenge for GBL is rather significant in determining how to design and develop good educational games and how to integrate them into the teaching and learning process so that students' motivation and learning are qualitatively improved. This chapter's main objectives are to describe some of the current GBL models proposed by the literature used to analyze, design, and integrate games in education and, on the other, to propose and describe a methodology developed by the author to create educational games. The assumption is that this type of information could aid instructional designers and educators—and even commercial game designers—interested in developing good GBL experiences.
The Fundamentals of Game-Based Learning
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: August 2017

This chapter explains the overview of Game-Based Learning (GBL) and the significance of GBL in global education. The aim of GBL is to teach something while the students are playing. As the cost-effective and highly engaging learning method, GBL has the potential to motivate students and offer custom learning experiences while promoting long-term memory and providing practical experiences. GBL facilitates student engagement, motivation, and immediate feedback, toward bringing educational success into the modern learning environments. Regarding GBL, goal-directed practice coupled with targeted feedback enhances the quality of students' learning. GBL provides the learning opportunities that engage students in the interactive instruction and helps prepare them to participate in the technological society of the 21st century.
Impact of Kinect Exergame on Mental Computation Speed and Achievement
Authors: Mutlu-Bayraktar Duygu , Yilmaz Ozgur
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of kinesthetic educational game on students' mental computation speed and achievement. The participants were 63 students. The working group was divided into two separate groups as experimental and control groups. The pre-test developed by the researchers was applied to measure prior knowledge of the students in the beginning of the experimental process. In the following eight weeks, computer-based and kinesthetic educational games were applied to the experimental and control group. During playing the games, number of correct answers and completion time were recorded and the post-test was applied. According to results, the mathematical performance and mental computation speed of the experimental group is higher than the performance and speed of the control group. When the findings about the game completion time of experimental group evaluated, the time of the first game is longer than the time of the last game. And also, the scores of the last game is higher than the scores of the first game.
Instructional Design for Simulations in Special Education Virtual Learning Spaces
Authors: Floyd Kimberly K. , Shambaugh Neal
Published: August 2017

Virtual learning environments provide new teachers with experiences to apply knowledge of learner differences to semi-authentic learning situations involving students with special needs, teachers, and parents. Instructional design provides a systematic process to document instructional designs in an undergraduate special education course, which has students apply universal design for learning principles. A variation of instructional design designed for teacher education, the teacher decision cycle, documents the teaching decisions behind the use of TLE TeachLivE to provide simulated experiences in virtual learning settings, as well as supporting activity structures. Implementation guidelines are provided.
Social Media, Mobile Technology, and New Learning Opportunities
Authors: Kidd Terry T. , Hodges Jame'l R.
Published: August 2017

Engaging youth in meaningful social and educational spaces is one of several goals related to urban education (Obiakor & Beachum, 2005). With the advances of Web 2.0 technology tools and information and communication technologies, access to educational and social spaces have become open and ubiquitous (Bonk, 2009). Harnessing the power of these tools may help facilitate a knowledge exchange within these environments. To that extent social media has been shown to provide relevant engagement and collaboration to an educational and social learning process for urban youth (Greenhow, Robelia, & Hughes, 2009). Exploration into the uses of social media within creative formal and informal spaces by urban youth may provide insights into how these tools may be used within a broader teaching and learning context to facilitate a more engaged learning experience that involves technology and ultimately social justice. Engaging youth in meaningful social and educational spaces is one of several goals related to urban education. With the advances of Web 2.0 technology tools and information and communication technologies, access to educational and social spaces have become open and ubiquitous. Harnessing the power of these tools may help facilitate a knowledge exchange within these environments. To that extent social media has been shown to provide relevant engagement and collaboration to an educational and social learning process for urban youth. Exploration into the uses of social media within creative formal and informal spaces by urban youth may provide insights into how these tools may be used within a broader teaching and learning context to facilitate a more engaged learning experience that involves technology and ultimately social justice.