bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Edutainment Programme in Developing Life Skills with Specific Reference to Critical and Creative Thinking among Adolescent Students of Chattisgarh State
Authors: PK Shaiju , John Rages
Published: August 2019

This study examined the influence of teaching methods, relevance, and effect of edutainment on the development of life skills. Using an Experimental research paradigm, the study compared the F values of Pre-test and Post-test of both Control and Experimental groups to know the influence of different variables on each other. The study was conducted in rural and urban areas of Bastar district, Chattisgarh demonstrated that the means of edutainment used such as brainstorming sessions, games, screening of Hindi movie „Siddharth‟, and group discussions to convey subject matters like Human Rights, especially Rights of Children, were successful in developing both positive and creative thinking in them. The level of achievement using edutainment was more among Government school students, both in rural and urban areas.
The impact of paramedic shift work on the family system: a literature review
Authors: Anderson Lucy
Published: August 2019

Aim:

The current review investigates the impacts of paramedic work on the family system. Paramedics are taking time off or leaving through stress, and career decisions could be influenced by this perceived impact.

Method:

A systematic literature review was conducted and the literature critiqued. Two themes were identified: emotional labour and work-family fit.

Results:

Paramedics rely on families for emotional support, putting them at risk of vicarious trauma. The historical male coping culture of paramedic practice deters processing at work, detrimentally carrying this processing into the home environment. Additionally, several shift characteristics contribute to work-family conflict, child-rearing conflict and difficulties maintaining a social life.

Conclusions:

Key organisational culture change is needed from denigrating staff for showing emotions and struggling to find work-life balance, to one that improves experiences at work and therefore at home as well. Recent movement towards almost equal gender balance may present a particular opportunity to deliver culture change. Further research is required to better understand the impact that shift work has on the family.
Reliability and repeatability of tibial plateau fracture assessment with an injury mechanism-based concept
Authors: Zhang B-B. , Sun H. , Zhan Y. , He Q-F. , Zhu Y. , Wang Y-K. , Luo C-F.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

CT-based three-column classification (TCC) has been widely used in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs). In its updated version (updated three-column concept, uTCC), a fracture morphology-based injury mechanism was proposed for effective treatment guidance. In this study, the injury mechanism of TPFs is further explained, and its inter- and intraobserver reliability is evaluated to perfect the uTCC.

Methods

The radiological images of 90 consecutive TPF patients were collected. A total of 47 men (52.2%) and 43 women (47.8%) with a mean age of 49.8 years (sd 12.4; 17 to 77) were enrolled in our study. Among them, 57 fractures were on the left side (63.3%) and 33 were on the right side (36.7%); no bilateral fracture existed. Four observers were chosen to classify or estimate independently these randomized cases according to the Schatzker classification, TCC, and injury mechanism. With two rounds of evaluation, the kappa values were calculated to estimate the inter- and intrareliability.

Results

The overall inter- and intraobserver agreements of the injury mechanism were substantial (κinter = 0.699, κintra = 0.749, respectively). The initial position and the force direction, which are two components of the injury mechanism, had substantial agreement for both inter-reliability or intrareliability. The inter- and intraobserver agreements were lower in high-energy fractures (Schatzker types IV to VI; κinter = 0.605, κintra = 0.721) compared with low-energy fractures (Schatzker types I to III; κinter = 0.81, κintra = 0.832). The inter- and intraobserver agreements were relatively higher in one-column fractures (κinter = 0.759, κintra = 0.801) compared with two-column and three-column fractures.

Conclusion

The complete theory of injury mechanism of TPFs was first put forward to make the TCC consummate. It demonstrates substantial inter- and intraobserver agreement generally. Furthermore, the injury mechanism can be promoted clinically. Cite this article: B-B. Zhang, H. Sun, Y. Zhan, Q-F. He, Y. Zhu, Y-K. Wang, C-F. Luo. Reliability and repeatability of tibial plateau fracture assessment with an injury mechanism-based concept. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:357–366. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.88.BJR-2018-0331.R1.
Comparison of seed dormancy breaking of Eusideroxylon zwageri from Bali and Kalimantan soaked with sodium nitrophenolate growth regulator
Authors: Purba Jhon Hardy , Sasmita Nanang , Komara Liris Lis , NOH NESIMNASI
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Purba JH, Sasmita N, Komara LL, Nesimnasi N. 2019. Comparison of seed dormancy breaking of Eusideroxylon zwageri from Bali and Kalimantan soaked with sodium nitrophenolate growth regulator. Nusantara Bioscience 11: 146-152. Eusideroxylon zwageri is a very strong and durable wood, which can be used as building materials. This wood plant needs 6-12 months to germinate, but it can be shorted with special treatment (e.g. cracking). Therefore, it is important to conduct research to stimulate E. zwageri seed germination using sodium nitrophenolate growth regulator. The purpose of this study was to analyze the comparison of the fastest time to breaking E. zwageri seed dormancy from the Bali and Kalimantan island. The research method was factorial randomized block design, using the X factor (soaking time) and Y factor (sodium nitrophenolate growth regulator). There were four soaking time treatment, i.e., immersed (soaked in a really short time), 12 and 24 hours soaking time. While the Y factor was the concentration of sodium nitrophenolate with 4 treatments: without sodium nitrophenolate solution or 0 mL (control), soaked in a 1 mL/L of water, 2 mL/L of water and 3 mL/L of water solution. The study results showed the best treatment of E. zwageri seeds germination speed was soaked for 24 hours, and by giving 0,3% sodium nitrophenolate concentration, while the interactions of both showed no significant effect. The soaked time treatment, sodium nitrophenolate concentration, and the interaction of both show no significant effect on germination percentage. The breaking of E. zwageri seed dormancy from Kalimantan has a shorter time to germinate than E. zwageri seeds from Bali.
Detection of parasitic helminths in cattle from Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Hanafiah Muhammad , Aliza Dwinna , Abrar Mahdi , Karmil Fadrial , Rachmady Didy
Published: August 2019

Aim: The objective of this research was to identify the parasite species found in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas of Aceh cattle slaughtered in a Banda Aceh slaughterhouse using lactophenol and semichon carmine staining.

Materials and Methods: Each sample out of 50 samples of gastrointestinal tract and pancreas from Aceh cattle slaughtered in a Banda Aceh slaughterhouse was separated by organ. Each organ was examined for the presence of worm. Then, the parasitic worms found were subsequently collected and separated based on class and species, followed by staining using lactophenol and semichon carmine. The worms were then identified and their prevalence was determined.

Results: The results showed that three species of parasites were successfully identified, all belonging to the nematode class, namely, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Oesophagostomum columbianum, and Setaria labiatopapillosa with the prevalence of 12%, 10%, and 6%, respectively. In addition, there was one species of parasite from the trematode class, namely, Eurytrema pancreaticum with prevalence of 0.4%.

Conclusion: The nematode class worms, such as O. radiatum, O. columbianum, and S. labiatopapillosa, can be stained by lactophenol, while the trematode class worm such as E. pancreaticum can be stained by semichon's carmine.
Seroprevalence and molecular characterization of Mycobacterium bovis infection in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the Delta region, Egypt
Authors: Elnaker Yasser F. , Diab Mohmed S. , Ibrahim Nermin A. , El-Gedawy Attia , Zaki Rania Samir , Radwa Adel
Published: August 2019

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence rates of Mycobacterium infection in camel sera collected before slaughter and gross lesion tissue collected at postmortem (PM) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), bacteriological culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, serum samples from humans who had occupational contact with camels were tested by ELISA and sputum sample by culture.

Materials and Methods: ELISA was performed on serum samples antemortem. In addition, bacteriological culture and PCR were conducted after PM. Tuberculosis infection was identified in humans who had contact with camels using ELISA for serum samples and culture for sputum samples.

Results: Tuberculous lesions were detected in 184 of 10,903 camels (1.7%). The ELISA results revealed that of the 184 examined camel serum samples, 124 (67.39%) were positive and all 20 camel serum samples that had no associated tuberculous lesions were negative. Moreover, only one of 48 (2.08%) human serum samples was positive by ELISA. Mycobacterial culture revealed 112 isolates from the 184 examined camel samples (60.87%), while human sputum sample cultures were all negative. PCR analysis identified the mpb70 gene in three of seven randomly tested samples.

Conclusion: Gene sequencing was performed on two samples and the sequences were submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank (accession numbers MF990289 and MG59479). A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the partial DNA sequences of the mpb70 gene; the similarity between the isolates was 98.1%. The similarities between the two isolates and the standard strains of Mycobacterium bovis in GenBank were 98.1% and 100%, respectively. Further investigation on the antemortem detection of M. bovis infection in camels is needed to decrease public risk.
Estimating stand level stem diameter distribution utilizing harvester data and airborne laser scanning
Authors: Maltamo Matti , Hauglin Marius , Naesset Erik , Gobakken Terje
Published: August 2019

Accurately positioned single-tree data obtained from a cut-to-length harvester were used as training harvester plot data for k-nearest neighbor (k-nn) stem diameter distribution modelling applying airborne laser scanning (ALS) information as predictor variables. Part of the same harvester data were also used for stand-level validation where the validation units were stands including all the harvester plots on a systematic grid located within each individual stand. In the validation all harvester plots within a stand and also the neighboring stands located closer than 200 m were excluded from the training data when predicting for plots of a particular stand. We further compared different training harvester plot sizes, namely 200 m, 400 m, 900 m and 1600 m. Due to this setup the number of considered stands and the areas within the stands varied between the different harvester plot sizes. Our data were from final fellings in Akershus County in Norway and consisted of altogether 47 stands dominated by Norway spruce. We also had ALS data from the area. We concentrated on estimating characteristics of Norway spruce but due to the k-nn approach, species-wise estimates and stand totals as a sum over species were considered as well. The results showed that in the most accurate cases stand-level merchantable total volume could be estimated with RMSE values smaller than 9% of the mean. This value can be considered as highly accurate. Also the fit of the stem diameter distribution assessed by a variant of Reynoldâs error index showed values smaller than 0.2 which are superior to those found in the previous studies. The differences between harvester plot sizes were generally small, showing most accurate results for the training harvester plot sizes 200 m and 400 m.222222
Educação Ambiental para a Sustentabilidade: A Redução do Lixo Orgânico na Comunidade Acadêmica por meio do Processo de Compostagem
Authors: Bezerra Fabiana Correia , Soares Bertheanne Maciel , Lima João Cleber Ferreira , Lopes Micheline Braga , Silva Edileusa Josefa Da
Published: August 2019

O presente artigo tem como objetivo disseminar essa iniciativa inserir como uma disciplina optativa na graduação, a forma de reaproveitamento dos resíduos no cultivo de hortaliças, além de uma maior sensibilização da sociedade em prol da natureza e do próprio ser humano através de práticas sustentáveis que visem uma maior contribuição e solidariedade com as próximas gerações. Além disso, a experiência vivida na prática, serão reconhecidas e valorizadas para a construção coletiva do saber no intuito de promover a sua valorização e maior integração às suas famílias e comunidade, o que é de grande importância para a promoção da sustentabilidade efetiva. Apesar de muitas opções para destinação final do lixo gerado pela sociedade. O mais usual é a disposição em aterro, além de uma pequena parcela, por vezes reciclada e reaproveitada como matéria prima para outros tipos de produtos. O que não se observa é que grande parte de alguns resíduos descartados podem ser reciclados por meio da reciclagem orgânica como comida, frutas, folhas entre outros, esse processo é conhecido como compostagem.
APRENDIZAGEM SIGNIFICATIVA DA GEOGRAFIA A PARTIR DAS CATEGORIAS DO CONHECIMENTO GEOGRÁFICO E DE SEUS SISTEMAS DE REPRESENTAÇÃO SEMIÓTICA
Authors: Aguiar Márcio Miguel , Salvi Rosana Figueiredo
Published: August 2019

A Teoria da Assimilação inspira a busca por novos significados na aquisição dos conhecimentos geográficos pelo professor e pelo aluno, por um lado e, por outro, permite observar diferenças entre vários tipos de sentidos que engloba o conhecimento da matéria da Geografia Escolar. Na base deste ensaio há reflexão sobre a natureza do significado, as condições e processos da aprendizagem e as variáveis de desenvolvimento que a influenciam no campo do ensino da Geografia. Procura-se propor estratégias formativas da prática do ensino e de suas derivações na sala de aula que contemplem ao mesmo tempo a didática da Geografia, a alfabetização geográfica e os princípios da aprendizagem significativa, por meio da utilização dos registros de representação semiótica apresentados por Duval (2012). Inicialmente, apresenta-se a Geografia como campo de conhecimento, discutindo conceitos, categorias e princípios lógicos do pensamento geográfico responsáveis pela constituição do espaço geográfico enquanto objeto de representação. Após a ênfase recai sobre as formas e sistemas de representação do conhecimento geográfico. Por último, chama-se a atenção para a habilidade de conversão entre diversos registros de representação semiótica numa perspectiva de aprendizagem significativa, com vistas a alcançar processos de ancoragem, diferenciações progressivas entre conceitos e reconciliações integradoras dos conteúdos.
On a Subclass of Multivalent Functions with Bounded Positive Real Part
Authors: Ganapathi Thirupathi
Published: August 2019

In the present paper, by introducing a new subclass of multivalent functions with respect to - symmetric points, we have obtained the integral representations and conditions for starlikeness using differential subordination.
Construcción y validación de una escala de medición de condiciones institucionales para promover la innovación educativa con TIC
Authors: Cifuentes Gary Alberto , Herrera Velásquez Diana Alejandra
Published: August 2019

Se presenta una escala de medición que aporta al campo de la integración de las TIC en un conjunto de dimensiones aún poco exploradas en la literatura científica. Las condiciones institucionales para integrar TIC han sido recientemente estudiadas como determinantes para lograr innovaciones educativas exitosas. Este trabajo presenta cuatro dimensiones que en su conjunto pueden ser determinantes para entender dichas condiciones institucionales. El liderazgo tecnológico, la gestión de la innovación con TIC y la apropiación de las políticas TIC a nivel institucional e individual. El aporte central de este trabajo es el de proveer una escala válida y confiable (α=.96) con propiedades métricas que resultan útiles para la comunidad de investigadores sobre TIC en educación. El análisis factorial confirmatorio muestra la agrupación de los ítems en las subescalas propuestas y su relevancia para entender las condiciones institucionales para la innovación TIC. La escala permite el diagnóstico institucional con relación a las condiciones que son determinantes para una integración exitosa de las TIC como apoyo a procesos de innovación educativa.
Trabalho, formação de professores, e integração das TDIC às práticas educativas: Para além da racionalidade tecnológica
Authors: Marfim Lucas , Pesce Lucila
Published: August 2019

Fruto de uma pesquisa acadêmica integrada a uma pesquisa interinstitucional, o presente artigo situa-se como um estudo teórico-conceitual, que discute como o desenvolvimento e o espraiamento da tecnologia, sob o modo de produção capitalista e condicionados pela racionalidade que lhe é própria, são parte integrante de um modelo global de organização do poder, que conduzem os propósitos de formação humana e afetam decisivamente as atuais políticas públicas educacionais para o trabalho e a formação de professores. O texto também evidencia e problematiza as contradições afeitas às transformações socioculturais e econômicas ocasionadas pela emersão das tecnologias digitais de informação e comunicação (TDIC), com vistas a discutir os limites e as possibilidades de integração das TDIC às práticas pedagógicas, tendo em vista suas implicações educacionais, sob enfoque ético, de forma que este campo da formação dos licenciandos esteja para além dos parâmetros técnicos ligados à produtividade econômica.
Implementasi Undang-Undang Hak Cipta No. 28 Tahun 2014 pada Aktivitas Reprografi Koleksi Digital
Authors: Prakoso Ario Adi
Published: August 2019

Penelitian ini berjudul “Implementasi Undang-Undang Hak Cipta No. 28 Tahun 2014 Pada Aktivitas Reprografi Koleksi Digital”. Tujuan dari penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui apakah tiap-tiap perpustakaan dalam melakukan reprografi koleksi digital sudah sesuai dengan Undang-Undang Hak Cipta No. 28 Tahun 2014. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode studi literatur. Bertujuan mencari informasi melalui buku, artikel dan jurnal untuk dijadikan rujukan dalam memperkuat argumentasi yang ada. Analisis data yang digunakan meliputi pengumpulan data pustaka, membaca dan mencatat, serta mengelolah bahan penelitian. Penelitian ini menghasilkan temuan bahwa interpretasi Undang-Undang Hak Cipta No. 28 Tahun 2014 yang di implementasikan oleh masing - masing perpustakaan di Semarang pada tindakan reprogafi tidak sama. Berdasarkan 4 tempat penelitian ditemukan bahwa UPT Perpustakaan Daerah Jawa Tengah, UPT Perpustakaan Politeknik Negeri Semarang, dan Perpustakaan SMA Negeri 1 Semarang dalam aturan mengenai tindakan reprografi koleksi digital sudah berdasarkan dengan Undang-Undang Hak Cipta No. 28 Tahun 2014. Sedangkan Perpustakaan Sekretariat Daerah Provinsi Jawa Tengah dalam tindakan reprografi belum menggunakan Undang-Undang Hak Cipta No. 28 Tahun 2014.
Pengendalian Hak Akses pada Electronic Document and Records Management System di Kementerian Kelautan dan Perikanan Republik Indonesia
Authors: Rahma Naila , Mayesti Nina
Published: August 2019

Artikel ini membahas Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) di Kementerian Kelautan dan Perikanan (KKP) Republik Indonesia. KKP telah mengimplementasikan EDRMS bernama Sistem Kearsipan (SIKap) sejak tahun 2012, untuk menunjang pengelolaan rekod elektronik. Fokus pembahasan artikel ini adalah bagaimana KKP mengendalikan akses terhadap rekod elektronik di SIKap, dalam rangka menjaga keamanan sistem. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi persyaratan EDRMS dari International Council of Archives (ICA) yang dipenuhi oleh SIKap terkait keamanan rekod elektronik dalam sistem, serta bagaimana hal tersebut diimplementasikan. Data didapatkan melalui observasi partisipatif yang dilakukan berdasarkan persyaratan fungsional EDRMS yang ditetapkan ICA terkait dengan pengendalian akses dan keamanan dalam sistem, yaitu persyaratan nomor 91 hingga 107. Data pelengkap didapatkan melalui wawancara yang dilakukan dengan arsiparis. Hasil temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa SIKap mengaplikasikan kebijakan terkait dengan pengendalian akses dan keamanan pada rekod elektronik dalam sistem, yang dikontrol oleh admin. Dari 17 persyaratan yang ditetapkan, 13 persyaratan dipenuhi oleh SIKap, meskipun perlu dilakukan penyesuaian terlebih dahulu agar dapat memenuhi kebutuhan pengelolaan rekod di KKP. Akses dan keamanan pada rekod elektronik di SIKap dikendalikan oleh admin dengan cara mengaplikasikan lapisan keamanan ke masing-masing rekod elektronik dan pengguna sistem, untuk memastikan pengguna hanya dapat mengakses rekod yang dibuka aksesnya untuk mereka.
Peran Survei dalam Mendukung Manajemen Arsip Dinamis di Perum LKBN Antara
Authors: Nur'aini Ratu Nabilah , Rachman Margaretha Aulia
Published: August 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi peran survei arsip dinamis dalam melaksanakan manajemen arsip dinamis di Perum Lembaga Kantor Berita Nasional Antara. Hal ini menjadi menarik karena adanya dampak survei yang dirasakan bagi perkembangan unit kearsipan di suatu organisasi. Pelaksanaan survei arsip dinamis ini memberikan keuntungan bagi unit kearsipan dalam memberikan layanan yang efektif kepada para pengguna potensial. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode pendekatan kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara, studi dokumen dan observasi di lingkungan kerja Perum LKBN Antara. Subjek dari penelitian ini adalah pegawai fungsional unit kearsipan Perum LKBN Antara serta pegawai di unit kerja Perum LKBN Antara yang melaksanakan kegiatan kearsipan sehari-harinya. Sedangkan objek dari penelitian ini merupakan survei arsip dinamis yang dilakukan oleh Perum LKBN Antara sebagai pendukung kegiatan manajemen arsip dinamis. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah pelaksanaan survei arsip dinamis di Perum LKBN Antara sangat berperan dalam mendukung manajemen arsip dinamis. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan peran survei arsip dinamis di Perum LKBN Antara sangat mendukung manajemen arsip dinamis pada organisasi. Peran tersebut diantaranya pada proses pembenahan arsip, penataan arsip, perencanaan arsip dinamis, pengadaan unit kearsipan dan peningkatan efektifitas manajemen arsip dinamis.
Analisis Bibliometrik Jurnal Geologi dan Sumberdaya Mineral Tahun 2014 - 2018
Authors: Royani Yupi , Rahayu Rochani Nani , Yuliati Eti
Published: August 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pertumbuhan publikasi Jurnal Geologi dan Sumberdaya Mineral periode 2014 – 2018. Dengan menggunakan metode bibliometric, penelitian ini menganalisis semua artikel yang diterbitkan oleh Jurnal Pusat Survei Geologi, Kementrian Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral yang berjudul Jurnal Geologi dan Sumber Daya Mineral periode 2014 – 2018 sebanyak 100 judul. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa sebaran artikel merata pada setiap volume dan nomor terbitan. Dengan jumlah artikel yang dipublikasikan sebanyak 100 judul, ditemukan pula pengarang berkolaborasi lebih banyak dibandingkan pengarang tunggal. Adapun pengarang paling produktif adalah Ronaldo Irzon dan Sigit Maryanto, dengan institusi penyumbang artikel terbanyak adalah Pusat Survei Geologi Badan Geologi Nasional Kementerian ESDM yaitu 73%, dan tren penelitian adalah berkaitan dengan struktur geologi.
Implementasi Visi dan Misi Organisasi Induk ke dalam Moto Perpustakaan Kementerian “Artha”
Authors: Hasyim Churin ‘Ain , Wijayanti Luki
Published: August 2019

Penelitian ini membahas implementasi visi dan misi Perpustakaan Kementerian “Artha” dalam moto perpustakaan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi penerapan visi dan misi Kementerian “Artha” pada moto Perpustakaan Kementerian Artha. Identifikasi penerapan moto ini akan dilihat dari koleksi perpustakaan, layanan yang diberikan, dan kegiatan yang diselenggarakan oleh Perpustakaan Kementerian “Artha”. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan metode studi kasus. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan kecenderungan bahwa perpustakaan Kementerian “Artha” hanya mengimplementasikan misi nomor 5 (lima) Kementerian Artha yang berkaitan dengan pengembangan diri pegawai. Hal ini merupakan suatu strategi awal perpustakaan untuk menunjukkan kebetradaannya sebelum mereka mampu memenuhi 4 (empat) misi lainnya agar perpustakaan dapat bertahan di lingkungan Kementerian Artha.
iBTune
Authors: Tan Jian , Zhang Tieying , Li Feifei , Chen Jie , Zheng Qixing , Zhang Ping , Qiao Honglin , Shi Yue , Cao Wei , Zhang Rui
Published: August 2019

Tuning the buffer size appropriately is critical to the performance of a cloud database, since memory is usually the resource bottleneck. For large-scale databases supporting heterogeneous applications, configuring the individual buffer sizes for a significant number of database instances presents a scalability challenge. Manual optimization is neither efficient nor effective, and even not feasible for large cloud clusters, especially when the workload may dynamically change on each instance. The difficulty lies in the fact that each database instance requires a different buffer size that is highly individualized, subject to the constraint of the total buffer memory space. It is imperative to resort to algorithms that automatically orchestrate the buffer pool tuning for the entire database instances.

To this end, we design iBTune that has been deployed for more than 10, 000 OLTP cloud database instances in our production system. Specifically, it leverages the information from similar workloads to find out the tolerable miss ratio of each instance. Then, it utilizes the relationship between miss ratios and allocated memory sizes to individually optimize the target buffer pool sizes.

To provide a guaranteed level of service level agreement (SLA), we design a pairwise deep neural network that uses features from measurements on pairs of instances to predict the upper bounds of the request response times. A target buffer pool size can be adjusted only when the predicted response time upper bound is in a safe limit. The successful deployment on a production environment, which safely reduces the memory footprint by more than 17% compared to the original system that relies on manual configurations, demonstrates the effectiveness of our solution.
Technology and the two margins of labor adjustment: a New Keynesian perspective
Authors: Furlanetto Francesco , Sveen Tommy , Weinke Lutz
Published: August 2019

Canova et al. [Canova, F., J. D. López-Salido, and C. Michelacci. 2010. “The Effects of Technology Shocks on Hours and Output: A Robustness Analysis.” Journal of Applied Econometrics 25: 755–773; Canova, F., J. D. López-Salido, and C. Michelacci. 2012. “The Ins and Outs of Unemployment: An Analysis Conditional on Technology Shocks.” The Economic Journal 123: 515–539] estimate the dynamic response of labor market variables to technological shocks. They show that investment-specific shocks imply predominantly an adjustment along the intensive margin (i.e., hours per worker), whereas for neutral shocks the largest share of the adjustment takes place along the extensive margin (i.e., employment). In this paper we develop a New Keynesian model featuring capital accumulation, two margins of labor adjustment and a hiring cost. The model is used to analyze a novel economic mechanism to explain that evidence.
A novel approach to the diagnostic assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome based on the frequency domain of the compound muscle action potential
Authors: Alcan Veysel , Kaya Hilal , Zinnuroğlu Murat , Karataş Gülçin Kaymak , Canal Mehmet Rahmi
Published: August 2019

Conventional electrophysiological (EP) tests may yield ambiguous or false-negative results in some patients with signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Therefore, researchers tend to investigate new parameters to improve the sensitivity and specificity of EP tests. We aimed to investigate the mean and maximum power of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) as a novel diagnostic parameter, by evaluating diagnosis and classification performance using the supervised Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) network models. The CMAPs were analyzed using the fast Fourier transform (FFT). The mean and maximum power parameters were calculated from the power spectrum. A counter-propagation artificial neural network (CPANN), supervised Kohonen network (SKN) and XY-fused network (XYF) were compared to evaluate the classification and diagnostic performance of the parameters using the confusion matrix. The mean and maximum power of the CMAP were significantly lower in patients with CTS than in the normal group (p < 0.05), and the XYF network had the best total performance of classification with 91.4%. This study suggests that the mean and maximum power of the CMAP can be considered as less time-consuming parameters for the diagnosis of CTS without using additional EP tests which can be uncomfortable for the patient due to poor tolerance to electrical stimulation.
Plasma creatinine medians from patients partitioned by gender and age used as a tool for assessment of analytical stability at different concentrations
Authors: Hansen Steen Ingemann , Petersen Per Hyltoft , Lund Flemming , Fraser Callum G.
Published: August 2019

Background

Monthly medians of patient results are useful in assessment of analytical quality in medical laboratories. Separate medians by gender makes it possible to generate two independent estimates of contemporaneous errors. However, for plasma creatinine, reference intervals (RIs) are different by gender and also higher over 70 years of age.

Methods

Daily, weekly and monthly patient medians were calculated from the raw data of plasma creatinine concentrations for males between 18 and 70 years, males >70 years, females between 18 and 70 years and females >70 years.

Results

The medians of the four groups were all closely associated, with similar patterns. The mean of percentage bias from each group defined the best estimate of bias. The maximum half-range (%) of the bias evaluations provided an estimate of the uncertainty comparable to the analytical performance specifications: thus, bias estimates could be classified as optimum, desirable or minimum quality.

Conclusions

Medians by gender and age are useful in assessment of analytical stability for plasma creatinine concentration ranging from 60 to 90 μmol/L. The daily medians are valuable in rapid detection of large systematic errors, the weekly medians in detecting minor systematic errors and monthly medians in assessment of long-term analytical stability.
Measurement of α-dicarbonyl compounds in human saliva by pre-column derivatization HPLC
Authors: Wang Xin-Jie , Zhang Hong-Xia , Li Heng , Zhu Ai-Hua , Gao Wen-Yun
Published: August 2019

Background

α-Dicarbonyl compounds (α-DCs) have been detected in body fluids including plasma and urine and elevation of this sort of compounds in vivo has been associated with the development of many kinds of chronic diseases. However whether α-DCs are present in human saliva, and if their presence/absence can be related with various chronic diseases is yet to be determined.

Methods

In this study, a pre-column derivatization HPLC-UV method was developed to measure 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), glyoxal (GO), methylglyoxal (MGO), diacetyl (DA), and pentane-2,3-dione (PD) in human saliva employing 4-(2,3-dimethyl-6-quinoxalinyl)-1,2-benzenediamine (DQB) as a derivatizing reagent. The derivatization of the α-DCs is fast and the conditions are facile. The method was evaluated and the results show that it is suitable for the quantification of α-DCs in human saliva.

Results

In the measurements of these α-DCs in the saliva of 15 healthy subjects and 23 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, we found that the concentrations of GO and MGO in the saliva of the diabetic patients were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects. As far as we know, this is the first time that salivary α-DC concentrations have been determined and associated with T2DM.

Conclusions

The developed method would be useful for the measurement of the salivary α-DC levels and the data acquired could be informative in the early screening for diabetes.
Heparin and citrate additive carryover during blood collection
Authors: Keppel Martin H. , Auer Simon , Lippi Giuseppe , von Meyer Alexander , Cornes Michael , Felder Thomas K. , Oberkofler Hannes , Mrazek Cornelia , Haschke-Becher Elisabeth , Cadamuro Janne
Published: August 2019

Background

Published evidence on the risk of additive carryover during phlebotomy remains elusive. We aimed to assess potential carryover of citrated and heparinized blood and the relative volume needed to bias clinical chemistry and coagulation tests.

Methods

We simulated standardized phlebotomies to quantify the risk of carryover of citrate and heparin additives in distilled water, using sodium and lithium as surrogates. We also investigated the effects of contamination of heparinized blood samples with increasing volumes of citrated blood and pure citrate on measurements of sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, total and ionized calcium and phosphate. Likewise, we studied the effects of contamination of citrated blood samples with increasing volumes of heparinized blood on heparin (anti-Xa) activity, lithium, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and thrombin time (TT). We interpreted these results based on measurement deviations beyond analytical, biological and clinical significance.

Results

Standardized phlebotomy simulations revealed no significant differences in concentration of surrogate markers. Clinically significant alterations were observed after contamination of heparinized blood samples with volumes of citrated blood beyond 5–50 μL for ionized calcium and beyond 100–1000 μL for sodium, chloride and total calcium. Investigations of pure citrate carryover revealed similar results at somewhat lower volumes. Heparinized blood carryover showed clinically significant interference of coagulation testing at volumes beyond 5–100 μL.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that during a standardized phlebotomy, heparin or citrate contamination is highly unlikely. However, smaller volumes are sufficient to severely alter test results when deviating from phlebotomy guidelines.
Paediatric reference intervals for 17 Roche cobas 8000 e602 immunoassays in the CALIPER cohort of healthy children and adolescents
Authors: Bohn Mary Kathryn , Higgins Victoria , Asgari Shervin , Leung Felix , Hoffman Barry , Macri Joseph , Adeli Khosrow
Published: August 2019

Background

The diagnostic utility of laboratory tests in paediatric medicine relies heavily on the availability of appropriate reference intervals (RIs). The Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Paediatric Reference Intervals (CALIPER) has established a comprehensive database of covariate-stratified RIs for many paediatric laboratory tests using a large, healthy reference population. Several automated analysers in widespread use in clinical laboratories have already been studied. Here, we extend the testing to Roche immunoassays and report, for the first time, comprehensive paediatric RIs for 17 endocrine and special chemistry markers.

Methods

A total of 741 healthy children and adolescents (1 day to <19 years) were recruited and serum samples were analysed for 17 immunoassays on the Roche cobas 8000 e602 Immunoassay Analyzer. Age and sex-specific RIs were established and corresponding 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.

Results

Reference values for all analytes measured required age partitioning, particularly during early life and throughout adolescence. Of the 17 analytes measured, eight required sex partitioning, including ferritin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (TT3) and all fertility/sex hormones, except prolactin.

Conclusions

This is the first study to determine accurate paediatric RIs for Roche immunoassays. RIs were generally similar to those previously published by CALIPER on other analytical platforms, highlighting the reproducibility of age- and sex-specific trends in reference values observed across the paediatric age range. The RIs established in this study will improve the accuracy of test result interpretation and clinical decision-making in clinical laboratories utilising Roche immunoassays.
Synergistic effects of metal hydroxides and fumed nanosilica as fire retardants for polyethylene
Authors: Fredi Giulia , Dorigato Andrea , Fambri Luca , Lopez-Cuesta José-Marie , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: August 2019

This work aims to study the synergistic effect of aluminum/magnesium hydroxide microfillers and organomodified fumed silica nanoparticles as flame retardants (FRs) for linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and to select the best composition to produce a fire-resistant polyethylene-based single-polymer composite. The fillers were added to LLDPE at different concentrations, and the prepared composites were characterized to investigate the individual and combined effects of the fillers on the thermo-oxidation resistance and the fire performance, as well as the microstructural, physical, thermal and mechanical properties. Both filler types were homogeneously distributed in the matrix, with the formation of a network of silica nanoparticles at elevated loadings. Melt flow index (MFI) tests revealed that the fluidity of the material was not considerably impaired upon metal hydroxide introduction, while a heavy reduction of the MFI was detected for silica contents higher than 5 wt%. FRs introduction promoted a noticeable enhancement of the thermo-oxidative stability of the materials, as shown by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and onset oxidation temperature (OOT) tests, and superior thermal properties were measured on the samples combining micro- and nanofillers, thus evidencing synergistic effects. Tensile tests showed that the stiffening effect due to a high content of metal hydroxide microparticles was accompanied by a decrease in the strain at break, but nanosilica at low concentration contributed to preserve the ultimate mechanical properties of the neat polymer. The fire performance of the samples with optimized compositions, evaluated through limiting oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimetry tests, was strongly enhanced with respect to that of the neat LLDPE, and also these tests highlighted the synergistic effect between micro- and nanofillers, as well as an interesting correlation between fire parameters and viscosity.
Design and characterization of flame resistant blended nondrip PA6/Lenzing FR®/PBI fiber nonwoven fabrics
Authors: Yao Lan , Wu Lantao , Wu Hao , Koo Joseph. H. , Krifa Mourad
Published: August 2019

In current thermal protective clothing systems, maximizing the personal protection performance against fire and heat is in great demand. Additionally, minimizing the manufacturing cost by using low-cost materials is also a critical factor. In previous studies [1–3], a new type of low-cost inherently flame resistant (FR) non-drip Polyamide 6 (PA6) nanocomposite fiber was developed. In this paper, this FR non-drip PA6 fiber was tested in blends with two commercially available inherently FR fibers to form FR nonwoven fabrics. Different formulations of varying blending ratios were processed into nonwoven fabrics. The fiber morphology was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The fabric flammability and combustion properties were characterized using a Microscale Combustion Calorimeter (MCC), and a vertical flame tester, as well as Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Tensile tests were conducted to characterize mechanical properties of these FR nonwoven fabrics. The water vapor permeability test was also performed to measure the wearability of the fabric. Results of several nonwoven blends were compared to find the one with optimum blend ratio which has the potential to be used as low-cost thermal protective fabric.
Association of irisin and oxidative stress with biochemical parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Hassan Israa Issa , Hassan Alan Bapeer , Rajab Heevi Ameen , Saadi Farsat Saeed , Abdulah Deldar Morad , Abdul Majeed Ayoub Abid , Khaleel Bland Bayar , Taher Sherzad Majeed , Ahmed Idris Haji
Published: August 2019

Background

Irisin, a hormone-like myokine, is suspected to have a role in metabolic syndrome (MetS) through regulating energy homeostasis and mediating physical activity. In this regard, the role of irisin and malondialdehyde (MDA) along with some other biochemical parameters in the prediction of MetS was examined in the present investigation.

Materials and methods

In the present case-control study, 36 subjects diagnosed with MetS according to International Diabetes Federation were considered as cases and were matched in age and gender with 31 healthy participants. The difference of biochemical indicators between cases and controls were determined whether by independent t-test or the Mann-Whitney U-test. The predictors of MetS and insulin resistance (IR) were examined through logistic and linear regressions analysis models, respectively.

Results

Irisin and MDA were not found to be predictors for MetS in logistic regression; p = 0.258 and p = 0.694, respectively. The IR was found to be the only direct predictor of MetS (p = 0.010). Similarly, in linear regression, irisin and MDA were not identified to be predictors for IR; p = 0.801 and p = 0.781, respectively.

Conclusions

The study did not show that irisin and MDA, directly and indirectly, were predictors of MetS disorder. The IR was only predictor of MetS.
Identifying Indicators of National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) Success in Nursing Graduates in Newfoundland & Labrador
Authors: Pike April D. , Lukewich Julia , Wells Julie , Kirkland Megan C. , Manuel Madonna , Watkins Kathy
Published: August 2019

In Canada in 2015, the pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) were considerably lower than pass rates on the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE) causing nurse educators to express concern regarding the NCLEX-RN. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between candidate variables (e. g. academic performance, demographics) on their NCLEX-RN outcome (pass/fail). A cross-sectional data linkage design was employed using multiple sources of data on nursing graduates who wrote the NCLEX-RN in 2015, 2016 and 2017 (n = 259). Results showed that fewer questions answered on the NCLEX-RN and higher grades in various nursing courses (e. g. Introduction to Nursing, Statistics) predicted higher odds of passing the NCLEX-RN. To improve pass rates, nurse educators must integrate diverse methods of testing into existing curricula that mimic the NCLEX-RN exam, specifically computer adaptive exams. Further research is needed to determine other possible challenges for countries considering adopting the NCLEX-RN.
Becoming a Transformative Nurse Educator: Finding Safety and Authenticity
Authors: Hoeksel Renee , Eddy Linda L , Dekker Lida , Doutrich Dawn
Published: August 2019

The study purpose was to evaluate and strengthen this program’s nursing education curriculum to better prepare and develop future nurse faculty. As the dire nursing faculty shortage increases, the transition of expert nurse clinician to novice educator is receiving more attention. In order to prepare, recruit, and retain the nursing faculty needed to meet the growing nurse shortage, understanding what nurse educators need in order to be successful is essential. Fourteen participants from four focus groups of nurse educators shared stories about their role transition. Two administrators were interviewed to determine what they identified as crucial in hiring new nurse educators. Interpretive analysis focused on identification of themes and possible paradigm cases. Themes that emerged included: a) culture of academia surprises, b) exciting “Aha!” moments, and c) Safety with a capital “S”. These findings were used to strategically revise the entire nurse educator curriculum.
Evaluation of Bachelor’s Degree Nursing Program Assessment by Nurses Working at A University Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study from Turkey
Authors: Yılmaz Dilek , Düzgün Fatma , Yılmaz Derya Uzelli , Dikmen Yurdanur
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to examine the evaluation of integrated program, traditional and problem based programs in nursing by nurses working in a university hospital. The population of the study consisted of the 288 nurses. In the collection of research data, use was made of a Nurses’ Description Form and the Bachelor’s Degree Nursing Program Assessment Scale (BNPAS). It was found that the total mean BNPAS scores of nurses graduating from the integrated educational program were higher than those of nurses graduating from traditional and problem-based learning educational programs (p < 0.05). The total mean BNPAS scores of nurses who followed professional scientific publications after graduation were higher than the scores of those who did not, and the difference was found to be significant (p < 0.05). It was concluded that nurses had positive assessment of the bachelor’s degree programs from which they graduated.
High Speed 2 × 10 Gbps WDM Enabled Inter-Satellite Optical Wireless Communication Link
Authors: Thappa Veena Kumari , Sharma Bindu , Sharma Abhishek
Published: August 2019

Transmission of data between satellites has been revolutionized via the use of Inter-satellite optical wireless communication (Is-OWC). In this work, we evaluate the validation of high speed and long reach Is-OWC system suing return-zero encoding and wavelength division multiplexing. Two channels, each carrying 10 Gbps of information transmits data on Is-OWC link of 2200 Km length. The performance of the proposed system is investigates in terms of bit-error rate, Q-factor and eye patterns.
The relationship between the olfactory bulb and precocious puberty: from the nose to the pituitary
Authors: Karaoglan Murat , Çolakoğlu Er Hale
Published: August 2019

Background/objective

The olfactory bulb (OB) and pubertal development have a close relationship as they share a common ontogenetic origin. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential relationship between precocious puberty (PP) in girls as a sign of early pubertal timing and their OB volume as an indicator of its functional activity.

Design

In the study group (n = 125), OB volume, pituitary height (PH), body mass index (BMI) and body surface (S) variables were retrospectively investigated in 49 girls included in the PP group and 76 healthy girls constituting the control group. Volumetric and length measurements were performed on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan by using manual segmentation of slices.

Results

The mean OB volume (73.41 ± 17.21 mm3) and PH (4.96 ± 1.01 mm) were significantly higher in the PP group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The mean volume difference between the right and left bulbs (1.52 ± 1.87) was higher in the PP group (p = 0.03). The body surface (1.05 ± 0.16 m2) was larger in the PP group (p = 0.09). There was a high correlation between the OB volume and PH (r125 = 0.716). There was a moderate correlation between the body surface and OB volume (r125 = 654), and a weak correlation between the former (S) and the PH (r125 = 452).

Conclusions

This study showed that there is a strong correlation between increased OB volume and PH in cases with PP. It indicates that increased OB volume may be a strong clue that olfactory functions play a role in pubertal timing in humans, although it does not show definitive proof of a causal relationship.