bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retracted-Enhanced X-Ray Absorption Property of Gold-Doped Single Wall Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Alimin Alimin , Narsito Narsito , Kartini Indriana , Santosa Sri Juari
Published: February 2017

Enhanced X-ray absorption property of single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) through gold (Au) doping (Au@SWCNT) has been studied. Mass attenuation coefficient of SWCNT increased 5.2-fold after Au doping treatment. The use of ethanol in the liquid phase adsorption could produce Au nanoparticles as confirmed by the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns. The possibility of gold nanoparticles encapsulated in the internal tube space of SWCNT was observed by transmission electron microscope technique. A significant decrease of nitrogen uptakes and upshifts of Radial Breathing Mode (RBM) of Au@SWCNT specimen suggest that the nanoparticles might be encapsulated in the internal tube spaces of the nanotube. In addition, a decrease intensity of XRD pattern of Au@SWCNT at around 2θ ≈ 2.6° supports the suggestion that Au nanoparticles are really encapsulated into SWCNT.
Direct Synthesis of Methanol by Partial Oxidation of Methane with Oxygen over Cobalt Modified Mesoporous H-ZSM-5 Catalyst
Authors: Krisnandi Yuni Krisyuningsih , Samodro Bayu Adi , Sihombing Riwandi , Howe Russell Francis
Published: February 2017

Partial oxidation of methane over mesoporous catalyst cobalt modified H-ZSM-5 has been carried out. Mesoporous Na-ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 35.4) was successfully synthesized using double template method which has high surface area (450 m2/g) and average pore diameter distribution of 1.9 nm. The as-synthesized Na-ZSM-5 was converted to H-ZSM-5 through multi-exchange treatment with ammonium ion solution, causing decreased crystallinity and surface area, but increased porous diameter, due to dealumination during treatment process. Moreover, H-ZSM-5 was loaded with cobalt (Co = 2.5% w) by the incipient impregnation method and calcined at 550 °C. Partial oxidation of methane was performed in the batch reactor with 0.75 bar methane and 2 bar of nitrogen (with impurities of 0.5% oxygen) as the input at various reaction time (30, 60 and 120 min). The reaction results show that cobalt species in catalyst has an important role, because H-ZSM-5 cannot produce methanol in partial oxidation of methane. The presence of molecular oxygen increased the percentage of methanol yield. The reaction is time-dependent with the highest methanol yield (79%) was acquired using Co/H-ZSM-5 catalyst for 60 min.
Cadmium Adsorption on Chitosan/Chlorella Biomass Sorbent Prepared by Ionic-Imprinting Technique
Authors: Shofiyani Anis , Narsito Narsito , Santosa Sri Juari , Noegrohati Sri , Zahara Titin Anita , Sayekti Endah
Published: February 2017

Ionic-Imprinted Chitosan/Chlorella biomass sorbent (IICCb) has been synthesized for selective adsorption of Cd(II) adsorption. IICCb was prepared by coating Cd(II)-complexed-chitosan hydrogel on the biomass surface followed by cross-linking procedure. Cd(II)-imprinting ions were then eluted using Na2EDTA solution to provide a specific template for binding sites of Cd(II). Batch adsorption was carried out as function of initial pH, contact time, and initial concentration of the Cd(II) solution. Result showed that the optimum adsorption of Cd(II) was found at pH 4-6. Study of pseudo-second order kinetic showed that the adsorption of Cd(II) on IICCb went faster than that on Ionic-Imprinted Chitosan (IIC) or Non-Imprinted Ionic Chitosan/Chlorella sorbent (NIICCb). The maximum Cd(II) adsorption capacity as obtained from Langmuir adsorption isotherm was found to be 53.76 mg/g on IICCb, that was comparatively higher than that on IIC (44.44 mg/g) or on NIICCb (51.02 mg/g) adsorbent.
PERLUASAN JANGKAUAN SIARAN STASIUN PEMANCAR DIGITAL TVRI JAWA BARAT DENGAN SISTEM SINGLE FREQUENCY NETWORK (SFN)
Authors: Pahlevi Trya Agung
Published: February 2017

Implementasi penyiaran televisi digital dengan menggunakan media teresterial telah menjadi kenyataan di Indonesia. Sistem penyiaran televisi digital (Digital Video Broadcast over Terrestrial / DVB-T) memungkinkan untuk penggunaan Single Frequency Network (SFN), sehingga dapat memperluas wilayah jangkauan siaran dengan menggunakan satu kanal frekuensi. Penelitian yang dilakukan adalah merencanakan koordinat dan parameter teknis sistem SFN DVB-T di wilayah TVRI Jawa Barat, berdasarkan rekomendasi dari akta-akta akhir International Telecommunication Union (ITU) dalam Sidang Regional Radiocommunication Conference (RRC-06), untuk mendapatkan jangkauan wilayah yang paling maksimal dan efisien. Simulasi perancangan menggunakan  perangkat lunak "Mobile RF" dan "CHIRplus_BC"dalam menentukan koordinat pemancar, parameter daya dan tinggi pemancar, serta keekonomian perancangan. Hasil akhir dari penelitian adalah dengan sistem SFN dapat meningkatkan wilayah jangkauan siaran dari kondisi awal 11.609.819 orang (persentase coverage population 55,51%), menjadi 12.060.282 orang (persentase coverage population 57,66%) sampai dengan 17.563.586 orang (persentase coverage population 83,98%), dengan total jumlah pemirsa adalah 20.914.885  orang.
Evaluation of The Effect of Pasak Bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) to Increase Androgen Levels
Authors: Pratomo Hurip
Published: February 2017

Abstract—Background:The ability of reproductive disorders in men and experimental male rat is characterized among other things by a decrease in androgen such as testosterone levels. Materials of pasak bumi root (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) increased libido behavior of experimental male rat. Libido associated with higher levels of testosterone, it is therefore necessary to evaluate the effect of pasak bumi on androgen levels such as testosterone. Methods: Male rats at 9.00 am treated controls and pasak bumi, then at 14.00 pm tempted with estrus female rats 10 minutes. Then, both control and pasak bumi blood  samples were collected from male rat heart on day 1st  and day 3rd  at 14.15 pm. Measurement of testosterone levels were calculated using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results: An increase in serum  testosterone levels in the blood on day-3rd  administration pasak bumi boiled water 18 mg/200 g dose  significantly different than the  control within day 1st to 3rd. The average levels of testosterone administration control (boiled water of aquades) day 1st = 0.50 ng/ml, day 3rd = 2.46 ng / ml, increased markedly on pasak bumi treatment day 1st = 4.00 ng / ml and day 3 = 9.73 ng / ml, (Duncan test, α=0.05). Conclusions: Testosterone levels can be increased markedly after the consumption of the pasak bumi boiled water for 3 days.Keywords—Pasak bumi, a dose of  18 mg/200 g, testosterone.
Beethoven and Byzantium: How does Film Music Help to Tell a Story?
Authors: Sanders Barry
Published: February 2017

What is the relationship that exists between film characters and film music and does this relationship affect the audience’s understanding of film narrative? In order to answer these questions, this article explores how the terms ‘diegetic’ and ‘non-diegetic’ have been defined, and summarises the alternative interpretations which have been proposed by musicologists to date. In addition, it considers a psychological survey conducted in 2013 by Matthew Spackman, Elizabeth Wakefield and Siu-Lan Tan, which tests how narrative is shaped by film music. Finally, this article focuses on the use of the Adagio (movement II), from Beethoven's piano sonata Op. 2 No. 3, in the film Byzantium to discuss how both its diegetic and its non-diegetic presentation of this sonata helps director Neil Jordan to articulate the complexity of the narrative that is unveiled as the film progresses.
REVIEW: Enthusiasm for journalism evident throughout
Authors: Matthews Louise
Published: February 2017

Book review of: Intro: A beginner's guide to journalism in 21st century Aotearoa/New Zealand, edited by Grant Hannis (3rd ed) Wellington: New Zealand Journalists Training Organisation, 2013, 371pp. ISBN 9780473266424.Good journalism courses have long been accustomed to the challenge of squeezing in more and more elements, as new skills jostle for a place alongside still-essential basics. These courses not only reflect the spectrum of industry practice—and it’s an increasingly spreading one—but are trying to future-proof their students even as industry itself really can’t say how it will all turn out. So a single handbook to cover everything for the trainee faces the same challenges when it comes to trying to cram it all in.
Media freedom with integrity and ethics
Authors: Nandan Satendra
Published: February 2017

In Fiji, too much damage had been done by tendentious propaganda by a few that had frayed the fabric of the Fijian society at so many levels of social harmony and political growth of a young democratic nation. And once a nation (and a person) suffers heart-attacks, it must take care of its daily diet and exercise both restraint and responsibility. This is never more important than during an election. This commentary argues that freedom of the press, academic freedom and parliamentary privilege, are advanced and strengthened by those who practise these with professional ethics and personal integrity and conscientiously deepen public trust, individually and collectively. When the institutions are diminished, everybody is diminished.
Media, politics and the threats to journalists in Pakistan
Authors: Aslam Rukhsana
Published: February 2017

This article examines how the fundamental right of freedom of expression for news media in Pakistan continues to be threatened both by the government and conflicting parties, an issue that is compounded by the threat to the journalists’ safety and survival. Giving examples of three Pakistani journalists who lost their lives after their investigations during the America’s so called ‘War on Terror’, the article gives an account of the nature of the dangers and threats that are faced by the journalists in Pakistan who report on armed political conflicts. Drawing on the experiences of five other journalists, who were interviewed during research visits to Pakistan in 2012 and 2014, the author also reflects on the role of journalists in the light of the social responsibility theory and explores some of the factors that contribute towards making conflict reporting a dangerous business in Pakistan.Pictured: Figure 1: The Press in Stress report in 2012. Shown in the cover image is a curbside radio-seller in Quetta. FM radio is hugely popular in Balochistan. Image: Aurangzazib Khan
Conflict in West Papua: The contrast between historic and contemporary media coverage in New Zealand
Authors: Leadbeater Maire
Published: February 2017

Many New Zealanders, even in politically aware circles, have a limited understanding of West Papua and frequently confuse the Indonesian-controlled territory with its neighbour Papua New Guinea. This reflects the limited mainstream media coverage of the territory and of the ongoing conflict that is taking place there. However, in 1962 and again in 1969, the New Zealand media gave considerable attention to the crises that enveloped West Papua and determined its subsequent destiny. The territory’s Pacific location was often highlighted and the statements of West Papuan leaders were reported. The year 1962 saw escalating Indonesian military intervention in the territory and subsequently the signing of the controversial US-brokered New York Agreement between the Netherlands and Indonesia. In 1969 Indonesia conducted an ‘Act of Free Choice’ which was widely seen by external observers as a fraudulent act of self-determination. This article gives examples of this historic coverage and considers what might be done to bring about change and to bring West Papua back into the frame as a Pacific neighbour.
Frontline: ‘Cloud forest’, court battles and competing narratives: A Pacific research journalism case study
Authors: Davies Kayt
Published: February 2017

This Frontline article documents and analyses the process of creating a piece of journalism about an Indigenous-run legal bid in the Solomon Islands to challenge potentially corrupt government logging approvals. It also documents the responses of 12 editors to whom the piece was presented to, including the reasons, in terms of standard newsworthiness criterion, that some of them gave for not running the article. This process illustrates how the criteria exclude coverage of some international issues. According to lawyers working on it, this case could set important legal precedents that change the way companies deal with both the government and traditional land owners in the Solomon Islands. Spreading its relevance to other places, the story, when told at length, differs from and therefore challenges stereotypical narratives about PacificIslanders. In doing so, it contributes to a process called ‘social bridging’ described by Ward (2010) as being an aim of ethical journalistic practice. The writing and publication process are analysed with reference to Foucault’s (1972) model of discourse and enunciative modalities.Pictured: Figure 1: ‘Cloud forest’: Mt Rano from the crater rim near Mt Veve on Kolombangara Island. Image: Andrew Cox/Pacific Scoop
FRONTLINE: Place-makers of the mind: Symbolic reconstruction of an inner city park
Authors: Thomson Chris , Mason Bonita
Published: February 2017

In 2016, a specialist unit of study that teaches university journalism students how to report in partnership with Indigenous community organisations extended its story range to an exclusive news feature produced in collaboration with members of the wider Nyoongar community of Perth, Western Australia. The story asked and answered the question of what happened to a stalled proposal to co-badge a major inner city park with a Nyoongar name. In conceiving the story, and producing it with assistance from our students, we intervened to achieve clarity on a local government decision where due process had not been followed. With the help of Nyoongar sources, we sought to explain the cultural importance of the park, and raise awareness of the decolonising potential of Indigenous place names. The story is appended after an exegesis that melds sense of place theory with Bourdieusian field theory to situate the story and its producers in social space.
Technologies Solutions Schemes for Patients’ Rehabilitation
Authors: Mashat Abdulfattah S. , Fardoun Habib M.
Published: February 2017

Objective: The present editorial is part of the focus theme of Methods of Information in Medicine entitled “Technologies solutions schemes for Patients’ Rehabilitation: Methodologies, Models and Algorithms”. The focus theme aims to present nowadays most innovative solutions to improve patients’ rehabilitation by applying and using sophisticated and pioneering Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and human factors.

Methods: The focus theme explores the different existent research works and tools used, applied and developed for incapable people in terms of rehabilitation and health care, as to look into the extent methodologies, models and algorithms by means of ICT in this process.

Results: The focus theme lists a group of research works, which are presenting various solutions using ICT systems to improve the rehabilitation process of people with physical incapacities and to help them in carrying out their daily life.
Evaluation of Borama tuberculosis control program in Somaliland, Somalia
Authors: Qayad Mohamed Gedi , Tarsitani Gianfranco
Published: February 2017

Introduction: The Borama TB program in Somalia lost resources for TB operations in 2003. We evaluated the impact of the loss on the program. Methodology: Pre-event (2002–2003) and post-event (2007) design were used. All TB patients registered in Borama and a sample of four months from Hargeisa (comparison) TB patients in both periods were abstracted. The following TB treatment outcomes were estimated: treatment success, treatment failure, case fatality, treatment interruption and transfer rates, along with percentage of patients with sputum specimen prior to treatment, percentage of patients from neighboring countries, and monthly average patients enrolled in treatment. The pre-event to post-event outcomes and measures were compared using descriptive and multivariate analyses. Results: In total, 3,367 TB cases were abstracted. In Borama, the TB treatment success rate increased 6% in the post-event. The treatment failure and interruption rates both declined 75%. Monthly average TB patients declined 55%. Percentage of patients smear tested prior to the initiation of the treatment declined 9%. Percentage of TB patients from neighboring countries and other parts of Somalia declined 51%. Treatment interruption/transfer rates declined significantly in the post-event, compared to the pre-event period. Treatment failure/death rate did not change in the post-event period. In Hargeisa, the treatment success, failure/death, and interruption/transfer rates were similar in both periods. The RR did not change in these measures after adjusting for age and gender. Conclusions: This study indicates a significant setback to the Borama TB control program in the majority of measures evaluated, except the TB success rate.
Using Digital Game, Augmented Reality, and Head Mounted Displays for Immediate-Action Commander Training
Authors: Mitsuhara Hiroyuki , Iguchi Keisuke , Shishibori Masami
Published: February 2017

Disaster education focusing on how we should take immediate actions after disasters strike is essential to protect our lives. However, children find it difficult to understand such disaster education. Instead of disaster education to children, adults should properly instruct them to take immediate actions in the event of a disaster. We refer to such adults as Immediate-Action Commanders (IACers) and attach importance to technology-enhanced IACer training programs with high situational and audio-visual realities. To realize such programs, we focused on digital game, augmented reality (AR) and head-mounted displays (HMDs). We prototyped three AR systems that superimpose interactive virtual objects onto HMDs’ real-time vision or a trainee’s actual view based on interactive fictional scenarios. In addition, the systems are designed to realize voice-based interactions between the virtual objects (i.e., virtual children) and the trainee. According to a brief comparative survey, the AR system equipped with a smartphone-based binocular opaque HMD (Google Cardboard) has the most promising practical system for technology-enhanced IACer training programs.
Trends in leprosy case detection in Rwanda, 1995–2011: analysis of 17 years of laboratory data
Authors: Uwimana Innocent , Bizimungu Nestor , Ingabire Fabrice , Mukamukwiye Elyse , Sharangabo Odette , Ngabonziza Semuto C. , Kamanzi Eliane
Published: February 2017

Background: Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic, infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It remains one of the leading causes of deformity and physical disability.Objective: We analysed laboratory records to assess trends in prevalence rates and case detection rates (CDRs) in Rwanda. Methods: A retrospective review of detected leprosy cases from the records of the Rwanda National Reference Laboratory over a 17-year period (1995–2011) was conducted. Skin biopsy samples were analysed microscopically using Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique to identify M. leprae.Results: Cumulatively, 266 suspected cases were reported between 1995 and 2011. Of the suspected cases, 77 (28.9%) were laboratory confirmed as having leprosy. Among detected cases, 59 (76.6%) were men and 18 (23.4%) women. The male:female ratio was 3:1. There were 77 registered leprosy cases over the 17-year period of the study, and the prevalence rate was 0.005 per 10 000 population. A gradual decrease in the prevalence rate was observed from 0.015 per 10 000 population in 2003 to 0.003 per 10 000 population in 2010. From 1995 to 2011, the CDR did not exceed one per 10 000 population.Conclusion: This laboratory review demonstrates a declining trend in prevalence rates and CDR during the period of the study. Early case detection and a sustainable leprosy control programme remain the cornerstones of reducing the physical and socio-economic burden of leprosy in Rwanda.
Identifying the critical factors that influence intraocular pressure using an automated regression tree
Authors: Rampersad Nishanee , Hansraj Rekha
Published: February 2017

Background: Assessment of intraocular pressure (IOP) is an important test in glaucoma. In addition, anterior segment variables may be useful in screening for glaucoma risk. Studies have investigated the associations between IOP and anterior segment variables using traditional statistical methods. The classification and regression tree (CART) method provides another dimension to detect important variables in a relationship automatically.Aim: To identify the critical factors that influence IOP using a regression tree.Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional research design was used. Anterior segment variables were measured in 700 participants using the iVue100 optical coherence tomographer, Oculus Keratograph and Nidek US-500 ultrasonographer. A Goldmann applanation tonometer was used to measure IOP. Data from only the right eyes were analysed because of high levels of interocular symmetry. A regression tree model was generated with the CART method and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to assess the relationships between the ocular variables.Results: The mean IOP for the entire sample was 14.63 mmHg ± 2.40 mmHg. The CART method selected three anterior segment variables in the regression tree model. Central corneal thickness was the most important variable with a cut-off value of 527 µm. The other important variables included average paracentral corneal thickness and axial anterior chamber depth. Corneal thickness measurements increased towards the periphery and were significantly correlated with IOP (r ≥ 0.50, p ≤ 0.001).Conclusion: The CART method identified the anterior segment variables that influenced IOP. Understanding the relationship between IOP and anterior segment variables may help to clinically identify patients with ocular risk factors associated with elevated IOPs.
Parasites of domestic and wild animals in South Africa. L. Ixodid ticks infesting horses and donkeys
Authors: Horak Ivan G. , Heyne Heloise , Halajian Ali , Booysen Shalaine , Smit Willem J.
Published: February 2017

The aim of the study was to determine the species spectrum of ixodid ticks that infest horses and donkeys in South Africa and to identify those species that act as vectors of disease to domestic livestock. Ticks were collected opportunistically from 391 horses countrywide by their owners or grooms, or by veterinary students and staff at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria. Ticks were also collected from 76 donkeys in Limpopo Province, 2 in Gauteng Province and 1 in North West province. All the ticks were identified by means of a stereoscopic microscope. Horses were infested with 17 tick species, 72.1% with Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, 19.4% with Amblyomma hebraeum and 15.6% with Rhipicephalus decoloratus. Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi was recovered from horses in all nine provinces of South Africa and R. decoloratus in eight provinces. Donkeys were infested with eight tick species, and 81.6% were infested with R. evertsi evertsi, 23.7% with A. hebraeum and 10.5% with R. decoloratus. Several tick species collected from the horses and donkeys are the vectors of economically important diseases of livestock. Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi is the vector of Theileria equi, the causative organism of equine piroplasmosis. It also transmits Anaplasma marginale, the causative organism of anaplasmosis in cattle. Amblyomma hebraeum is the vector of Ehrlichia ruminantium, the causative organism of heartwater in cattle, sheep and goats, whereas R. decoloratus transmits Babesia bigemina, the causative organism of babesiosis in cattle.
Grace, Governance and Globalization
Authors: Erp Stephan van , Poulsom Martin G. , Boeve Lieven
Published: February 2017

What role does, could or should theology play in current discussions about our political realities? Is there a place for theological worldviews in the public conversation about policy making? Should theology critically unmask the underlying theological and metaphysical sources of contemporary politics?

The contributors to this volume reflect on new questions in public and political theology, inspired by the theology of Edward Schillebeeckx. They discuss a variety of theological traditions and theories that could offer substantial contributions to current political challenges, and debate whether theology should contribute to the liberation of communities of poor and suffering people.
Barriers to Long-Term Return after the Great East Japan Earthquake: Lessons from Hirono Town
Authors: Bruch Carl , Karimi Syafruddin , Manatunge Jagath , Nakayama Mikiyasu
Published: February 2017

The Great East Japan Earthquake and the ensuing tsunami and nuclear accident at Fukushima Daiichi displaced more than 340,000 people. Four years later, more than 70,000 people were still living in temporary housing. This article summarizes findings from a series of structured interviews with people from Hirono Town that were still living in temporary housing four and a half years after the triple catastrophe. The interviews sought to understand why people were still in temporary housing, rather than moving back to Hirono Town (as many had) or on to more permanent arrangements in other locations (as some had). Five key factors are identified that contributed to respondents’ ongoing decision to stay in the temporary housing: (1) a new sense of community in the temporary housing; (2) convenience of shopping, medical care, and dental care, as well as (to a lesser degree) education and recreational opportunities; (3) a sense of injustice and inequality in the benefits they were receiving; (4) concerns about radioactive contamination; (5) a desire to receive compensation.
Housing Prices at the Time of QEs in California: Effect of Mortgage Rates
Authors: Feng Yalan , Keenan Donald C. , Kim Taewon , Lee Daniel C.
Published: February 2017

In this paper we look at the impact of mortgage rates on California’s housing prices during the Great Recession when the quantitative easing (QE) programs were implemented. We find that the relationship between mortgage rates and housing prices is not strong and it becomes weaker, the closer the period gets to the Great Recession. Our analysis confirms some of the existing literature on the relationship between interest rates and housing prices; that in the boom-bust housing market cycles, interest rates do not play a major role one would expect in determining the demand for housing. Our analysis shows that, even as interest rates were high in the run up to the housing market peak in 2007, housing prices kept going up; and that after the bubble burst, even as rates were kept low, housing prices did not start recovering until 2011.
Computer Tablet Games’ Effect on Young Children’s Self-Concept
Authors: Moawad Ruba Abdel Matloub
Published: February 2017

Playing in general has a positive effect on child development; yet with the advancement of technology, the way children play has changed, and the effects of their play have changed as well. Some studies have shown an overall negative effect of electronic games, while others have reported the opposite. This study aims to investigate the effects of tablet-based electronic games on the child’s self-concept. Twenty-six children between the ages of 4 and 6 years from low-income backgrounds participated. They were divided into two groups; in the experimental group, children were given a tablet device with 10 educational electronic games on it, and the mothers were instructed to let them play the games for less than three hours a day in a normal home situation. The control group was not given any electronic devices. A pre- and post-pictorial measure of self-concept was used. The overall results showed no gains in self-concept for the experimental group and no differences between the groups, except in the domain of curiosity, where the control group children experienced a pre- to post-test increase.
Adapting Depression and Anxiety Questionnaire for Children into Turkish: Reliability and Validity Studies
Authors: Ay Ismail , Secer Ismail , Simsek Mustafa Kerim
Published: February 2017

Purpose of this study is to adapt anxiety and depression questionnaire for children into Turkish culture and to analyze the psychometric characteristics of it on clinical and nonclinical samples separately. The study is a descriptive survey research. The study was conducted on two different sample groups, clinical and nonclinical. The clinical sample is formed of 205 individuals and the nonclinical sample is formed of 630 individuals. Through the study, anxiety and depression questionnaire for children, anxiety sensitivity index and obsessive compulsive disorder questionnaire for children were used. Experts’ opinions were asked to provide language validity of the scale. Confirmatory factor analysis and criterion-related validity to analyze construct validity and internal consistency and split-half reliability analyses were done for reliability. In the direction of experts’ opinions, construct validity of the scale was analyzed with simple confirmatory factor analysis and it was determined that the model fit of the two-factor structure of the scale gives good fit on both the clinical and nonclinical samples after determining that the language validity of the scale is provided. In criterion-related validity, it was determined that there are positive and significant relations between anxiety and depression questionnaire for children and anxiety sensitivity and obsessive compulsive disorder. The results of internal consistency and half-split reliability analyses also show that the scale has adequate reliability value.
A Model for Competency Assessment of the Faculty in Islamic Azad University
Authors: Mashinchi Aliasghar , Hashemi Seyed Ahmad , Khani Kamran Mohammad
Published: February 2017

Today country success in economic, social, political, cultural tendencies etc. … is approved to be the hostages and pawns of coherent and dynamic didactic system. The education and didactic programs for qualification improvement and dynamism need to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluation and scrutiny. Current study started with the goal of presenting faculty competency evaluation for the reason of qualitative improvement of Islamic Azad University. Research in terms of to the way of collecting and compiling the details descriptive- survey and in terms of the goal and target type is so practical that by conducting general scrutiny in literature and subject history and past, we drawn the theoretical frame and conceptual model in this study. Nominee educational members’ opinions faculty members (self-assessment), supervisors (superiors), students of (clients) Fars province different Islamic Azad Universities are as the research society. In this research, with researcher evaluation in 24 active units in Fars province, approximately 125000 persons were examined. That sample volume was selected equal to 380 persons by using the clustered random sampling method (Krejcie and Morgan formulas). For collecting data, we used a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by the specialists and its stability was calculated by using the Cronbach’s alpha method equal to 0.84. Researcher-made questionnaire includes effective component in competency in five general axes for collecting the data. Then, with using 360-degree evaluation method, it was executed. For the data analysis, we used the descriptive statistic method and elicitation statistic (fact oral analysis, Wilcoxon and Friedman) and the results of the study are as follows: 1. drawing the model of competency evaluation of faculty (main dimension of evaluation indexes of faculty competencies), and 2. In the field of evaluation of the current situation from the dimensions and competence skill parameters, the ethical values, role, personal, and favorable statuses are evaluated. But in the performance and functional dimensions, and its subcomponents unfavorable status and lower than average level evaluated and the results of ranking of evaluation of dimensions of competencies of faculty in order to select the most priority is related to skill dimension, and the least priority is related to the functional and performance dimensions.
The Impact of a Model Partnership in a Medical Postgraduate Program in North–South and South—South Collaboration on Trainee Retention, Program Sustainability and Regional Collaboration
Authors: Amare Beede Lemma , Lutale Janet , Derbew Miliard , Mathai Dilip , Langeland Nina
Published: February 2017

North-South educational partnerships can potentially alleviate the scarcity of health work force in the South. A model program with the objectives of sustainability, high trainee retention, quality education, and capacity building is the goal of many similar programs. To achieve these goals a program of postgraduate clinical specialty training was implemented, between the University of Bergen, Norway and three Universities in Africa and one medical school in India between 2008 to 2014. This partnership program aimed at educating physicians from the South to specialize in various medical field. The goal was that the trained physicians would be educators in their respective countries. The program participants were 58 medical doctors.At the end of the program we conducted an evaluation survey involving program participants and coordinators. Twenty-eight physicians (48%) responded to the survey. The average program evaluation score by the physicians was 4.5 (out of a maximum of 5) with a range of 3.2 to 5. Out of the 12 program coordinators 9 (75%) responded to the survey. Their average score was 4.5 with a range of 4 to 4.9. By the time the survey was conducted, 49 of the 58 (84.5%) program participants had completed the program successfully and 47 of the 49 (95.9 %) were working in their own countries.In conclusion, the partnership program was effective in capacity building in the development of the human health workforce in Africa. We have observed a high retention rate, good quality education, a sustainable program and the model can easily be reproducible.
Studying the Impact of Accruals Quality and Market Risk Premium on Stock return Excess Using Fama-French Three Factor Model
Authors: Shalaei Shima Khajeh
Published: February 2017

Determining effective agents in stock return excess behavior (stock risk premium) is one of the key points in investors decision that its benefit and quality of its elements (like accruals) are the impressive factors on stock return excess (stock risk premium) which influence users decision making. Accruals are temporary adjustments that postpone fulfilled cash flows recognition and estimate error degree. Criteria estimating to study these items quality seem necessary because of affecting over future cash flows. Therefore the current study aims to investigate the effect of accruals quality and market risk premium on stock return excess. In order to examine probe hypothesis, we used Fama-French three-factor model that accruals were added to it. For this aim a sample that includes 88 of accepted companies in Tehran stock exchange between 2005 until 2013 was studied. In order to calculate accruals, we used Dechow et al model (1995) utilizing sectional data and to estimate we used Fama-French model (1993) by multivariable regression method and time series data. This study in nature is collateral and in goal is fundamental-experimental. The conclusions show that between accruals quality factors and stock risk premium there is a negative significant relation and between market and stock risk premium there is a positive significant relation. Moreover, the results indicate that among size agent and stock risk premium also between book value to market value ratio factors and stock risk premium there is a negative significant link.
The Effects of Non-Performance of Contract as a Result of Frustration of Purpose
Authors: Maleki Mohammad Reza , Mohammadzadeh Ali
Published: February 2017

Appearing of forcible events or other reasons which hinder the performance of contract or cause its frustration has special legal effects and destroy the casual link between the obligator and the loss resulting from its non-performance. In this situation, these reasons affect the structure of contract and possibly may cause the discharge or suspension of contract. Therefore, the effect of occurring this kind of excuse are twofold. One of the important consequences of occurring this event is the exemption of the obligator from contractual responsibility, because, the non-performance is not attributed to him. The other effect is that force majeure changes the structure of the contract. A contract that encounters to force majeure may be discharged forcibly or willingly or its performance suspended. Our purpose in this article is to review these effects.
The Historical Gaps and Political Development Problems of Iran
Authors: Sadeghi Seyed Shamseddin
Published: February 2017

The analysis of the impediments to political development is one of the most important discussions which have major theoretical and political consequences. We cannot deny that fact that the forces influenced Historical Gaps can influence the Political Development of Iran. If we observed the process Political Development of Iran and the history of Iran we will find that it they have been evolving independently but still the changes in the environment of Iran have influenced them in addition to other things. These researches include the publications related to social and cultural history of the said period. In this paper we will initially identify the motivated ideologically and the state driven historiography trends. After that we will discussed it in contrast with the current evolution of historical studies of the period that is related to post-revolutionary Iran. In this study, takes Historical Gaps, a key element in this discussion, and explains the major Historical Gaps to political development in Iran.This paper focuses on the historical attitudes of people towards the political management of the society and the effect these attitudes have on slowing the development of this political system in the society. Historical Gaps will be extremely interested in this provocative text.
Pericardial Effusion Can Be a Critical Complication After Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Using Mesh and Stapler for Morgagni Hernia
Authors: Watanabe Ryohei , Katada Natsuya , Nakamura Yoichi , Higuchi Tadashi , Otsuji Ayako , Enomoto Toshiyuki , Saida Yoshihisa , Kusachi Shinya
Published: February 2017

Several cases of Morgagni hernia have recently been treated with laparoscopic mesh repair, which is reported to have fewer complications and to be less invasive. Here we describe a case of a laparoscopic Morgagni hernia repair treated with mesh that progressed to heart failure due to pericardial effusion 2 months after hospital discharge. A 78-year-old woman was incidentally found to have a Morgagni hernia during a routine chest X-ray. The laparoscopic Morgagni hernia repair was performed using Composix mesh and an ENDOPATH EMS stapler. The Composix mesh was gently attached to the surface of the diaphragm using the ENDOPATH EMS stapler. She was discharged from the hospital on the seventh postoperative day without any adverse events. However, 2 months later, she developed dyspnea due to heart failure secondary to a pericardial effusion. Pericardial drainage was performed during her hospitalization, and she was discharged 7 days later. No recurrence of either the pericardial effusion or the Morgagni hernia has been detected since the pericardial drainage. Clinicians may need to be aware of the risk of pericardial effusion in these cases, even if there has been no damage to the diaphragm or epicardium.
An activity index for geomagnetic paleosecular variation, excursions, and reversals
Authors: Panovska S. , Constable C. G.
Published: February 2017

Magnetic indices provide quantitative measures of space weather phenomena that are widely used by researchers in geomagnetism. We introduce an index focused on the internally generated field that can be used to evaluate long term variations or climatology of modern and paleomagnetic secular variation, including geomagnetic excursions, polarity reversals, and changes in reversal rate. The paleosecular variation index, Pi, represents instantaneous or average deviation from a geocentric axial dipole field using normalized ratios of virtual geomagnetic pole colatitude and virtual dipole moment. The activity level of the index,
, provides a measure of field stability through the temporal standard deviation of Pi. Pi can be calculated on a global grid from geomagnetic field models to reveal large scale geographic variations in field structure. It can be determined for individual time series, or averaged at local, regional, and global scales to detect long term changes in geomagnetic activity, identify excursions, and transitional field behavior. For recent field models, Pi ranges from less than 0.05 to 0.30. Conventional definitions for geomagnetic excursions are characterized by Pi exceeding 0.5. Strong field intensities are associated with low Pi unless they are accompanied by large deviations from axial dipole field directions.
provides a measure of geomagnetic stability that is modulated by the level of PSV or frequency of excursional activity and reversal rate. We demonstrate uses of Pi for paleomagnetic observations and field models and show how it could be used to assess whether numerical simulations of the geodynamo exhibit Earth‐like properties.
Modification of dry‐spun Suplon polyimide fibers by mixed‐acid oxidation and their effects on the properties of polypropylene‐resin‐based composites
Authors: Chen Le , Long Zhu , Zhang Yifan , Wang Shihua , Li Zhiqiang , Guo Shuai , Wang Bin
Published: February 2017

In this study, the effects of mixed‐acid oxidation on the contents of surface elements, morphology, fiber fineness, mechanical properties, mass change rate, chemical structure, and microaggregate structure of dry‐spun Suplon polyimide (PI) fibers were systematically investigated with wet chemical treatment with HNO3/H2SO4. Experiments investigating both the improvement in the O/C ratio of the fiber surface elements and the changes in other performance features were conducted through the functional modification of the fibers. Meanwhile, the causes of specific changes in the mechanical properties of the oxidized PI‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene‐resin‐based composites were studied and are discussed. The results of this study demonstrate that the treatment of the fibers with HNO3/H2SO4 mixed‐acid oxidation resulted in significant changes in the properties of the fibers; these changes included an uneven surface, increased specific surface area and surface roughness, a locally etched surface, increased surface energy and O/C ratio, an enhanced wettability, an increased fiber fineness, reduced mechanical properties, and a mass gain in the fibers. Although the chemical structures of the fibers treated by oxidized HNO3/H2SO4 were not significantly changed compared to those of the untreated fibers, the microscopic aggregation of the treated fibers changed to some degree, and the ratio of the amorphous regions significantly increased. Taken together, the functional modification of the PI fiber surface was achieved efficiently through the use of a suitable HNO3/H2SO4 oxidation process and with other performance features of the fibers taken into account. This was favorable for the enhancement of the interfacial properties of the polypropylene fibers and the matrix resins, and thus, the modification improved the mechanical properties of the composites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44932.
School composition, school culture and socioeconomic inequalities in young people's health: Multi‐level analysis of the Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children (HBSC) survey in Wales
Authors: Moore Graham F. , Littlecott Hannah J. , Evans Rhiannon , Murphy Simon , Hewitt Gillian , Fletcher Adam
Published: February 2017

Health inequalities emerge during childhood and youth, before widening in adulthood. Theorising, testing and interrupting the mechanisms through which inequalities are perpetuated and sustained is vital. Schools are viewed as settings through which inequality in young people's health may be addressed, but few studies examine the social processes via which institutional structures reproduce or mitigate health inequalities. Informed by Markham and Aveyard's theory of human functioning and school organisation, including their concept of institutional boundaries, critical theories of marketisation and the concept of micro‐political practices within schools, this paper presents analysis of student survey data (N = 9055) from 82 secondary schools in Wales. It examines the role of socioeconomic composition, social relationships at school and institutional priorities in mitigating or perpetuating health inequality. It finds that affluent schools were most unequal in terms of student health behaviours and subjective wellbeing. In relation to health behaviours, students from affluent families accrue a disproportionate benefit. For wellbeing, students from poorer families reported lower subjective wellbeing where attending more affluent schools. Student–staff relationships appear to be a key mechanism underpinning these effects: poor relationships with staff were predicted by a pupil's position within schools’ socioeconomic hierarchy and associated with worse health outcomes. That is, students from the poorest families reported better relationships with teachers where attending less affluent schools. Universal approaches engaging with these social processes are needed to reduce health inequalities.
Impact of maternal and postnatal zinc dietary status on the prostate of pubescent and adult rats
Authors: Camora Lucas F. , Silva Ana Priscila G. , Santos Sérgio A.A. , Justulin Luis A. , Perobelli Juliana E. , Barbisan Luis Fernando , Scarano Wellerson R.
Published: February 2017

Zinc is important for cell physiology and alteration of its levels during development can modulate a series of biological events. The aim of this study was to investigate whether dietary zinc deficiency or supplementation during morphogenesis and early postnatal development could interfere in prostate maturation. Pregnant rats were exposed to a standard diet (NZ:35 mg Zn/kg chow), low‐zinc diet (LZ:3 mg of Zn/kg chow) and zinc‐supplemented diet (HZ:180 mg/Kg chow) from gestational day 10 (GD10) through postnatal day 21 (PND21). After weaning, male offspring were divided into three groups that were submitted to the same food conditions as their mothers until PND53. The animals were euthanized at PND53 and PND115. The ventral prostate was removed, weighed and its fragments were subjected to histological, western blot and zymography analysis. PND53: body and prostate weight were lower in LZ compared to NZ; the epithelial compartment was reduced while the stromal compartment was increased in LZ compared to NZ; there was an increase in the amount of collagen and reduction in AR and SIRT1 expression in LZ compared to NZ. PND115: body weight was lower in LZ compared to NZ and prostate weight was similar among the groups; peripheral physiological hyperplasia was observed, as well as an increased epithelial proliferation index and reduced PAR4 expression in LZ and HZ compared to NZ. Zinc deficiency during prostate morphogenesis and differentiation is potentially harmful to its morphology, however, by restoring the standard dietary environment, the gland responds to the new microenvironment independent of the previous dietary condition.