bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factor Structure of the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale in a Sample of School-Based Adolescents
Authors: Weber Scott
Published: September 2018

Depression is a common health problem in the adolescent population. The Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale (RADS) is used to measure depression in clinical and community adolescent samples. Although there is available evidence for the reliability and validity of the RADS, there is insufficient documentation of its factor structure. This study examined the factor structure of the RADS in adolescent boys and girls (m-144). Internal consistency reliability ranged from .91 to .94 based on grade level, and was .91 for boys and .93 for girls. Factor analysis resulted in a 5-factor solution. Interpretation of factors were as follows: (a) Factor I—generalized demoralization; (b) Factor II—despondency and worry; (c) Factor III—externalized somatocism; (d) Factor IV—anhedonia; and, (e) Factor V—self-worth.
Assessing Abuse Among the Elderly Living in Public Housing
Authors: Moody Linda E. , Voss Audrey , Lengacher Cecile A.
Published: September 2018

Abuse and victimization among the elderly have received increased attention in the last few years from practitioners, researchers, and policymakers but remain growing problems, especially for elders who live in public housing. This study assessed the psychometric properties of an existing instrument, the Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (HSEAST), which has been tested in only two studies. The instrument was administered to 100 African American, Hispanic, and White elders living in public housing. Study results were compared to findings from a previous study of elderly groups. A principal components factor analysis of the 15-item instrument supported the 3-factor structure for a total of 10 items (factor loadings = 0.4 or >), explaining 38% of the variance. A discriminant function analysis showed that 6 items were as effective as the 9-item model in classifying cases (71.4%) as abused.
An Empirical Evaluation of an Expanded Nursing Stress Scale
Authors: French Susan E. , Lenton Rhonda , Walters Vivienne , Eyles John
Published: September 2018

In the study of work-related stress among nurses, the Nursing Stress Scale (NSS) is the best known and most widely used scale. This article presents an overview of the NSS and its use, and describes the development of an expanded instrument (ENSS) to measure sources and frequency of stress perceived by nurses. Findings are based on a random sample of 2,280 nurses in Ontario working in a wide range of work settings. Pretests for the study indicated that an expanded version of the NSS was necessary in order to adequately measure sources of stress among nurses. The sources of stress comprised nine subscales—death and dying, conflict with physicians, inadequate preparation, problems with peers, problems with supervisors, workload, uncertainty concerning treatment, patients and their families, and discrimination. Confirmatory factor analyses, run on two randomly selected halves of the sample, came close to meeting standard criteria levels. The alpha coefficients of eight of the subscales were .70 or higher, and concurrent and construct validity assessments provided strong support for the expanded NSS.
Use of Individualized Versus Standard Criteria to Identify Abnormal Levels of Heart Rate or Oxygen Saturation in Preterm Infants
Authors: Harrison Lynda , Berbaum Michael L. , Stem John T. , Peters Katherine
Published: September 2018

Preterm infants’ physiological indicators, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation levels, are routinely monitored by devices that can alert nurses to threatening changes in condition. Most Neonatal Intensive Care Units use standard criteria as alerting algorithms to determine when an alert should be issued, and these standard criteria have been adopted uncritically in studies of preterm infants. This article presents results from a study examining preterm infants’ physiological responses to a gentle human touch (GHT) intervention in which we compared the use of standard and individualized criteria to define the percentages of abnormally low and high heart rates (HRs) and abnormally low oxygen saturation (O2 sat) levels before, during, and after periods of GHT. Results indicated that there were no differences in the percentages of abnormal HRs or O2 sat values between periods using standard criteria. However, using individualized criteria, there were significantly greater percentages of abnormally low heart rates and O2 sat levels during and after GHT periods as compared to baseline periods. The findings suggest that standard criteria may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle physiological responses to environmental stimuli such as touch. Moreover, consistent with the recognition of the value of individualized developmental care, these results suggest that the clinical effectiveness of individualized criteria for setting monitor alert limits merits further investigation.
Measurement of Activity in Older Adults: Reliability and Validity of the Step Activity Monitor
Authors: Resnick Barbara , Nahm Eun-Shim , Orwig Denise , Zimmerman Sheryl S. , Magaziner Jay
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Step Activity Monitor (SAM) when used with older adults. A total of 30 subjects with a mean age of 86 ± 6.1 participated in the study. Sixty one-minute walks were measured with the SAM, and two observers visually counted steps. Four participants wore the SAM for 6 to 48 hours and maintained activity diaries. The intraclass correlation for the SAM recordings was R = .84. There was an overall step counting accuracy of 96%. The diaries supported the SAM data for those who wore the SAM for extended periods. The SAM is an easy to use, comfortable, valid, and reliable measure of activity in older adults and particularly may be useful to triangulate measurement of activity in these individuals.
Public Policy Out of Control: The Home Health Care Experience
Authors: Schulmerich Susan C.
Published: September 2018

The home health care delivery system is facing challenges that threaten its survival as well as its very essence. Currently, the federal government provides the threat of disaster for home care patients, staff, and organizations. The dangers are palpable and very real. Although the immediate survival threat is fiscal, there are two other areas which have the potential to be equally devastating. The first is reduced, in some instances absent, patient access to care at home. The second is the flight of professional and paraprofessional personnel from home care.
Risk Knowledge and Awareness of Coronary Heart Disease, and Health Promotion Behaviors Among Adults in Oman
Authors: Ammouri Ali Ahmad , Abu Raddaha Ahmad H. , Tailakh Ayman , Kamanyire Joy , Achora Susan , Isac Chandrani
Published: September 2018

Background and Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships between an individual’s characteristics and experiences (age, gender, level of education, income, and employment), knowledge of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, perception of health status, awareness of CHD, and health promotion behaviors among adult Omanis.

Methods:

Using Pender’s health promotion model, a cross-sectional and correlational survey design was employed. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 180 participants in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Descriptive and multivariate linear regression analyses were employed.

Results:

Increasing age was associated with high levels of awareness about CHD. Participants who were employed and knowledgeable about CHD risk factors were more likely to have lower perceptions of health. The regression model showed that knowledge of CHD risk factors and awareness of CHD had positive associations with health promotion behaviors. Meanwhile, employed participants had lower health promotion behaviors scores.

Implications for Practice:

Interventions to increase health promotion behaviors should include application of behavioral change strategies that are suitable for age and employment status. The strategies must focus on providing information to enhance knowledge and awareness about CHD.
The Risk Society and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Critical Social Research Analysis Concerning the Development and Social Impact of the ADHD Diagnosis
Authors: Kean Brian
Published: September 2018

This article reports the findings of a research study that used a critical social research methodology to review the increase in use of the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conceptualized the phenomenon within a theoretical framework based upon Beck’s (1992, 1999) periodization of social change, the Risk Society. The study was qualitative in nature. Data were drawn from a wide range of sources including legitimating hearings, reports and studies, texts and seminal documents, field observation in schools and classrooms, an electronic discussion/bulletin board, and in-depth interviews with parents and teachers. The analysis used a critical framework to locate specific instances of claim and counter-claim and to set the historical context for understanding the “modern biological” method of intervention with children considered by parents and teachers as having ADHD. The findings of the study are structured in the context of risks. Further research will inform whether the risks become threats. Through exposure of silences, myths, contradictions and power relationships that create risks surrounding the ADHD phenomenon, it is hoped that discourse concerning the hegemonic medical model of ADHD in research and in the wider community will be further critically examined.
Nonpsychiatry: An Alternative to Contemporary Mental Health Work
Authors: Hellerich Gert
Published: September 2018

The central theme of this article is nonpsychiatry. The implication of this term is illustrated in the mental health system and its significance is shown as an alternative to the established psychiatry. The article differentiates between genetic and social psychiatry on the one hand and antipsychiatry on the other when dealing with nonpsychiatry. An example of a psychosocial self-help group in Germany illustrates the nonpsychiatric services and strategies.
Dynamic Assessment of Learning Potential: Inter-Rater Reliability of Deficient Cognitive Functions, Types of Mediation, and Non-Intellective Factors
Authors: Tzuriel David , Samuels Marilyn T.
Published: September 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate the reliability of three major domains of individual dynamic assessment (DA): (a) deficient cognitive functions (DCF), (b) types of mediation given during DA, and (c) non-intellective factors. A sample of 35 young adolescents was administered eight tests from the Learning Potential Assessment Device (LPAD) (Feuerstein, Rand, & Hoffman, 1979). The sample was composed of children diagnosed with learning disabilities and educable mental handicaps, and normally achieving children. The DA procedure for each case was videotaped for 8 to 15 hours and later rated for the three main domains. Results in general showed moderate reliability scores for DCF and mediational strategies and lower reliability scores for the non-intellective factors (NIF). Separate analyses were carried out for ratings which include a 0 category (examiners could not observe a behavior) and ratings without a 0 category. The results showed a general tendency for higher agreement among raters when the 0 category was removed. In type of mediation, ratings were similar with or without the 0 rating only in the training phase, when agreement was higher in approximately 10% of categories when 0 ratings were included than when not. These results were explained by referring to the interaction of type of task and phase of testing (situation) interaction.
Report from the Field: Mediated Learning and Structural Cognitive Modifiability As a Methodology for Psychotherapy
Authors: Cornfield Lynne
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a model of cognitive therapy that is being developed in the Division of Specialised Education at the University of the Witwatersrand. It is called Mediated Cognitive Therapy (MCT) because it has its roots in traditional cognitive therapy but derives its methodology from Reuven Feuerstein’s theories of Structural Cognitive Modifiability, the Mediated Learning Experience (MLE), and of Cognitive Functions and Dysfunctions (Feuerstein, Rand, Hoffman, & Miller, 1980).
Assistive Technology in Rehabilitation: Improving Impact Through Policy
Authors: Allen N. Lewis , Rory A. Cooper , Kate D. Seelman , Rosemarie Cooper , Richard M. Schein
Published: September 2018

This paper addresses the topic of assistive technology (AT) to offer a direction for its future role within the rehabilitation profession. A brief overview of the five AT legislative acts to date is provided. Next, future considerations for AT are offered in the context of what we know within the U.S. and global communities followed by the imperative to apply AT evenly to all types of disabilities as well as all groups defined by various demographic dimensions. Recommendations for improving the viability of research efforts for AT are provided along with several strategies for mainstreaming its role within graduate rehabilitation education programs to develop a future workforce that has a more astute understanding of AT and a greater inclination to use it. The current status of AT in producing clinical outcomes is discussed. Finally, frameworks for involving key stakeholder voices to holistically evaluate the success of AT policy as well as measure its impact are provided.
Using the QUAIT Model to Effectively Teach Research Methods Curriculum to Master’s-Level Students
Authors: Hamilton Nancy J. , Gitchel Dent
Published: September 2018

Purpose:To apply Slavin’s model of effective instruction to teaching research methods to master’s-level students.

Methods:Barriers to the scientist–practitioner model (student research experience, confidence, and utility value pertaining to research methods as well as faculty research and pedagogical incompetencies) are discussed.

Results:The barriers listed earlier are ameliorated by Slavin’s 4 elements of competent instruction (quality of instruction, appropriate level of instruction, incentive, and time).

Conclusions:For each component and barrier listed earlier, practical steps are discussed for how to ensure effective teaching for faculty teaching research methods to master’s-level students.
Perang Balkan dan Implikasinya terhadap Kehidupan Sosial-Politik Islam di Eropa Tenggara (1876-1914 M)
Authors: Sapitri Pebi
Published: September 2018

Penelitian ini mendeskripsikan rangkaian sejarah terjadinya Perang Balkan dan implikasi yang ditimbulkannya bagi kehidupan muslim di sana. Penelitian ini mengambil tiga permasalahan pokok yaitu (1) sebab terjadinya Perang Balkan, (2) kronologi perang Balkan, dan (3) Bagaimana implikasi perang Balkan terhadap kehidupan sosial-politik Islam di Eropa Tenggara.Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam skripsi ini adalah metode penelitian sejarah.Dalam metode penelitian sejarah ada 4 tahapan yaitu (1) Heuristik, (2) Kritik Sumber/ Verifikasi, (3) Interpretasi dan (4) Historiografi.Pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini ada dua yaitu pendekatan politik dan sosiologi.Sementara teori yang penulis gunakan dalam penelitian ini ialah teori konflik dan teori perubahan sosial. Hasil penelitian yang penulis dapatkan ialah: secara kronologis perang Balkan diawali dengan permasalahan mengenai Macedonia yang pada akhirnya dijadikan alasan untuk melegitimasikan perang. Pada dasarnya, penyebab utama terjadinya perang Balkan ini ialah karena ambisi dan dendam pribadi antara masing-masing penguasa negeri Balkan dengan Kesultanan Turki Utsmani. Didorong pula oleh kemunduran kesultanan, dominasi Rusia, perang Turki-Itali (1911-1912), ide nasionalisme, propaganda, terbentuknya aliansi Balkan dan gagalnya diplomasi. Pecahnya perang Balkan bukan hanya mengakibatkan perubahan geo-politik akan tetapi juga merupakan malapetaka kemanusiaan bagi Muslim di Balkan yang saat itu harus menerima kenyataan bahwa keadaan mereka tidak lagi sama seperti ketika dipimpin oleh Muslim sebab otoritas telah beralih kepada non-Muslim.
Pengaruh Rasio Profitabilitas terhadap Harga Saham di JII (Studi Kasus pada PT. Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur, TBK Periode 2011-2015)
Authors: M Puti Aulia
Published: September 2018

Penelitian ini berjudul “Pengaruh Rasio Profitabilitas terhadap Harga Saham di JII (Studi Kasus pada PT. Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur, TBK Periode 2011-2015)”. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh pengaruh Return On Asset (ROA) dan Return On Equity (ROE) secara parsial terhadap harga saham di JII (studi kasus pada PT. Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur, Tbk Periode 2011-2015) dan untuk mengetahui pengaruhReturn On Asset (ROA) dan Return On Equity (ROE) secara simultan terhadap harga saham di JII (studi kasus pada PT. Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur, Tbk periode 2011-2015). Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kausal, penelitian kausal merupakan bentuk penelitian yang sifatnya sebab-akibat, artinya keadaan satu variabel disebabkan atau ditentukan oleh keadaan satu atau lebih variabel lain. Penelitian kausal akan menghasilkan data dalam bentuk angka sehingga data dianalisis dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa variabel-variabel independen ROA dan ROE secara simultan mempengaruhi variabel dependen yaitu harga saham di Jakarta Islamic Index (JII). Hal ini ditunjukkan bahwa nilai F test (Fhitung) sebesar 17,946 dengan signifikan 0,000 atau Fhitung > Ftabel (17,946 > 3,59). Variabel-variabel independen ROA dan ROE secara parsial masing-masing mempunyai pengaruh sebagai berikut: Return On Assets (ROA) memberikan pengaruh positif terhadapa harga saham dalam Jakarta Islamic Index (JII)yang ditunjukkan dengan nilai t test (thitung) sebesar -5,989 dengan tingkat signifikan sebesar 0,000 (dibawah 0,05) atau thitung  < ttabel ( -5,989 < -2,10092) dan Return On Equity (ROE) memberikan pengaruh positif terhadap harga saham dalam Jakarta Islamic Index (JII) yang ditunjukkan oleh nilai t test (thitung) sebesar 5,867 dengan tingkat signifikansi sebesar 0,000 (di bawah 0,05) atau thitung> t tabel  (5,867 > 2,10092).
Persimpangan Antara Agama dan Budaya (Proses Akulturasi Islam dengan Slametan dalam Budaya Jawa)
Authors: Adiansyah Ryko
Published: September 2018

Konsep slametan berakar dari budaya asli Jawa yaitu diawali dengan bekeyakianan animisme dan dinamisme yang pada dasarnya adalah keyakinan nenek moyang, dan selanjutnya dihidupkan dan diperkaya oleh budaya Hindu dan Buddha yang mempercayai adanya dewa-dewa yang berwujud benda-benda dan kejadian alam. Masuknya Islam di Jawa menggunakan pola “damai” dengan persuasi sehingga masih terdapat simbol-simbol budaya masa lalu yaitu animisme-dinamis, Hindu-Buddha yang masih menjadi “pola” pikir dan paradigma masyarakat Jawa. Slametan adalah konsep universal yang di setiap tempat pasti ada dengan nama yang berbeda dan bermacam cara pula. Hal ini karena kesadaran akan diri yang “lemah” di hadapan kekuatan-kekuatan di luar diri manusia. Di Jawa Kuno, kekuatan diri adalah kekuatan benda dan ruh nenek-moyang yang pada saat Islam datang ditranformasikan pada selamat dari kekuatan Tuhan yang dapat merugikan diri manusia.
Pengaruh Penerapan Metode Peta Konsep (Menggunakan Macromedia Flash) untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa Madrasah Tsanawiyah Patra Mandiri Plaju Kelas VII
Authors: Apriyansyah Apriyansyah
Published: September 2018

Faktor utama yang menentukan keberhasilan proses pembelajaran adalah metode pembelajaran. Penelitian ini membahas tentang penerapan metode peta konsep dengan menggunakan macromedia flash untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa Madrasah Tsanawiyah Patra Mandiri Plaju Kelas VII. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah the pretest-post-test non-equivalent group design. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas VII sebanyak 4 kelas. Sampel yang digunakan untuk penelitian 2 kelas, pengambilan sampel ini dengan teknik cluster sampling. Uji hipotesis yang digunakan adalah uji t. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh hasil belajar dengan metode peta konsep dengan menggunakan macromedia flash pada materi Gejala Biotik dan Abiotik di MTs Patra Mandiri Plaju. Hasil ini juga menunjukkan bahwa hipotesis Ha diterima dan H0 ditolak. Selain itu, berdasarkan analisis uji t pada kelas eksperimen diperoleh nilai 6,243 sedangkan nilai t tabelnya adalah 2,030 yang artinya nilai tersebut menunjukkan bahwa nilai Thitung 6,243>Ttabel 2,030. Maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa metode peta konsep dengan menggunakan macromedia flash mampu
Oyster production and meat yield in Crassostrea spp. (bivalvia: Ostreidae) in Pinar del Rio, Cuba
Authors: Mazón-Suástegui José Manuel , Betanzos-Vega Abel , Capetillo-Piñar Norberto , Latisnere-Barragán Hever , Ortiz-Cornejo Nadia Livia
Published: September 2018

The main fishing enterprise located in the province of Pinar del Río, Cuba, markets oyster meat packed in brine bags of 460 g. Oysters come from natural bank fisheries and farms. During the period 2009 – 2013, captures showed an increasing tendency from 50 t to more than 80 t.However, the recorded oyster meat yields values from 3.3 – 3.9% are considered lower than the minimal acceptable value (4.9%). The aims of this study were to assess oyster exploitation, meat yield and loss in the final packed product. Monthly and annual variations of meat yield were analyzed regarding capture and oyster size; meanwhile, the meat loss was analyzed by treatments with different proportions of oyster / brine. Significant difference (p< 0.05) of meat yield (%) was observed by oyster species and size with a better performance in farmed oysters. Traditional packing for commercialization (meat / brine, 391 g / 69 g, respectively, and total weight of 460 g) influenced meat weight loss by leakage of interstitial fluid; this loss was further confirmed by the treatments with different proportions of meat / brine where the 1:1 proportion showed the least meat weight loss. In addition, the non-compliance of management measures regarding commercial size, as well as lack of oyster cleanliness before shell removing process, impacted meat yield analyses during 2009-2013.
Aplicación de la regresión cuantílica para predecir el volumen fustal: Estudio de caso
Authors: Antúnez Pablo
Published: September 2018

En la estimación del volumen fustal de los árboles, es deseable contar con herramientas matemáticas precisas en las que se incorpore la menor cantidad de insumos para un control adecuado de la extracción de madera en rollo de un bosque bajo aprovechamiento.  El objetivo fue examinar si la regresión cuantílica puede predecir con mayor precisión el volumen fustal de Pinus patula Schl. et Cham. que las técnicas convencionales, usando el diámetro normal como predictor. Se usaron datos de 148 árboles dominantes y codominantes para generar tres rectas de regresión cuantílica. El ajuste y aplicación de la regresión propuesta se comparó con la obtenida con el modelo exponencial de Berkhout con ajuste por mínimos cuadrados no lineales. Los resultados sugieren que esta técnica mejora la predicción volumétrica de los árboles al generar rectas en distintos segmentos de la distribución condicional, permitiendo una reducción significativa del error de predicción para los datos alejados de la media aritmética.
Tolerancia a sequía y calor en arroz (Oryza sativa)
Authors: López-Hernández Monica Beatriz , López-Castañeda Cándido , Kohashi-Shibata Josué Kohashi-Shibata , Miranda-Colín Salvador , Barrios-Gómez Edwin Javier , Martínez-Rueda Carlos Gustavo
Published: September 2018

El objetivo fue determinar la respuesta de genotipos de arroz (Oryza sativa) a la sequía. Se evaluó la tem- peratura del dosel vegetal (Tc) en emergencia de panícula (EP), oración (F) y en el llenado del grano (PLG), además del efecto de la Tc en el rendimiento de grano (RG) y sus componentes bajo riego (R) y sequía (S). El experimento se realizó en el Campo Experimental Zacatepec del Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias. Se evaluaron ocho líneas F6 del Fondo Latinoamericano para Arroz de Riego (FLAR) y la variedad nacional El Silverio, bajo un diseño de bloques completos con tres repeticiones en riego y sequía. La siembra se realizó a densidad de 100 kg ha−1 con dosis de fertilización de 180-40-40 de N, P, K, respecitvamente. La Tc en S fue mayor que en R, también se relacionó de forma negativa con el índice de productividad media (IPM) y el índice de tolerancia a sequía (ITS); las líneas con baja Tc tienen mayor productividad y tolerancia a la sequía. La Tc redujo el RG, biomasa, panículas m2, granos m2, granos/panícula y peso de mil granos en un 25, 12, 13, 15, 9.6 y 7% por cada 1 ◦C de incremento en la Tc en R y S. La sequía aumentó la Tc y disminuyó el rendimiento y sus componentes; las líneas con baja Tc redujeron menos su rendimiento y fueron más productivas, y tolerantes a la sequía.
Tipología de estrategias campesinas en la ca cultura orgánica de la Sierra Madre de Chiapas
Authors: Merlin-Uribe Yair , Charbonnier Fabien
Published: September 2018

En la caficultura campesina existe un gradiente de estrategias productivas determinadas por factores funcionales. El objetivo del estudio fue construir una tipología de estrategias de manejo del cafetal de 87 caficultores de la Sierra Madre de Chiapas. Se utilizó una base de datos generada por una organización de caficultores orgánicos. Por medio de una clasificación jerárquica ascendente se identificaron tres tipos de estrategias, definidas por el sexo, edad y nivel de intensidad en el uso de factores productivos. El grupo más intensivo lo constituyeron mujeres que hacen uso de mano de obra permanente de origen externo. Ver el papel de la mujer y de los jóvenes en las estrategias productivas y de supervivencia en la caficultura campesina puede hacer efectiva la orientación y uso de recursos por las organizaciones de caficultores y mejorar el diseño de políticas públicas.
Colonización micorrízica de Laelia autumnalis (La Llave & Lex.) Lindl.
Authors: Jiménez-Peña Nadia , Sandoval-Villa Manuel , Volke-Haller Victor Hugo , Pedraza-Santos Martha Elena , Fernadez-Herrera Ernesto
Published: September 2018

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la presencia y el grado de colonización micorrizica en raíces de la orquídea epífita Laelia autumnalis, que crece de forma natural en bosques de encino del estado de Michoacán, México. Se observó colonización micorrízica en las raíces muestreadas de los siete sitios de estudio, la colonización varió de acuerdo al tipo y sección de raíz muestreada, y el sitio de muestreo, siendo mayor la colonización en la parte basal de las raíces maduras. Las raíces que crecen en materia orgánica, son las que presentaron mayor colonización con respecto a las raíces que crecen fuera de la materia orgánica. Este es uno de los primeros reportes donde se indica la colonización micorrízica en raíces de la orquídea epífita Laelia autumnalis.
Effect of Rainfall Variability on the Maize Varieties Grown in a Changing Climate: A Case of Smallholder Farming in Hwedza, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mugiyo Hillary , Mhizha Tedious , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe
Published: September 2018

Rain-fed maize production has significantly declined in Zimbabwe especially in semi-arid and arid areas causing food insecurity. Erratic rainfall received associated with mid-season dry spells largely contribute to low and variable maize yields. This study involved a survey of current farmers’ cropping practices, analyses of climatic data (daily rainfall and daily minimum and maximum temperature) of Hwedza station and simulation of maize yield response to climate change using DSSAT CERES crop growth simulation model. The climatic and maize yield data was analysed using mean correlation and regression analyses to establish relationships between rainfall characteristics and maize yield in the study area. Survey results showed that maize was the staple food grown by 100% of the farming households while 8.7% also grew sorghum. The survey concludes that 56.2% of the farmers grew short season varieties, 40.2% medium season varieties and 3.6% long season varieties. The result of the correlation analysis of climatic data and maize yield showed that number of rain days had strong positive relationship (r = 0.7) with maize yield. Non-significant yield differences (p > 0.05) between maize cultivar and planting date criteria were obtained. Highest yields were obtained under the combination of medium season maize cultivar and the DEPTH criterion in all simulations. The range of simulated district average yields of 0.4 t/ha to 1.8 t/ha formed the basis for the development of an operational decision support tool (cropping calendar).
Effectiveness of Light Source on Detecting Thin Film Transistor
Authors: Tzu Fuming , Chou Jung-Hua
Published: September 2018

Light sources tend to affect images captured in any automatic optical inspection (AOI) system. In this study, the effectiveness of metal-halide lamps, quartz-halogen lamps, and LEDs as the light sources in AOI systems for the detection of the 3rd and 4th layers electrodes of thin-film-transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCDs) is examined experimentally. The results show that the performance of LEDs is generally comparable or better than that of metal-halide and quartz-halogen lamps. The best optical performance is by the blue LED due to its spectrum compatibility with the time-delay-integration charged-coupled device (TDI CCD) sensor and its better spatial resolution. The images revealed by the blue LED are sharper and more distinctive. Since current LEDs are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, using LEDs as the light source for AOI is very beneficial. As the blue LED performs the best, it should be adopted for AOI using TDI CCD sensors.
NRF1-Mediated Oncogenic Reprogramming Drives Estrogen-Induced Breast Carcinogenesis
Authors: Das Jayanta Kumar , Felty Quentin , Poppiti Robert , Jackson Robert M. , Roy Deodutta
Published: September 2018

Transcription factor activity of the nuclear respiratory factor 1 protein (NRF1) is increased in breast cancer. Whether this gain of NRF1 activity is directly involved in breast cancer remains unknown. Herein, we report a novel oncogenic function of NRF1 supporting its causative role in breast cancer development and progression. The gain of NRF1 and/or treatment with 17β-estradiol (E2) produced heterogeneous breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) composed of more than ten distinct cell sub-populations. Flow sorting combined with confocal imaging of markers for pluripotency, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and BCSCs phenotypically confirmed that the sub-populations of BCSCs arise from cell re-programming. Thus, we determined the molecular actions of NRF1 on its target gene CXCR4 because of its known role in the acquisition of BCSCs through EMT. CXCR4 was activated by NRF1 in a redox dependent manner during malignant transformation. NRF1-induced BCSCs were able to form xenograft tumors in vivo, while inhibiting transcription of CXCR4 prevented xenograft tumor growth. Consistent with our observation of NRF1 driven breast tumorigenesis in the experimental model, higher levels of NRF1 protein expression were also found in human breast cancer tissue specimens. This highly novel role of NRF1 in the stochastic acquisition of BCSCs and their progression to a malignant phenotype may open an entirely new research direction targeting NRF1 signaling in invasive breast cancer. Additionally, the discovery of targeting transcriptional activation of CXCR4 to inhibit NRF1-induced oncogenic transformation provides a mechanistic explanation for estrogen-dependent breast carcinogenesis and opens the new avenues for mechanistic therapeutic strategy against breast cancer.
Optimal Control Model for the Transmission Dynamics of Malaria-Pneumonia Co-Infection with Mass Action Incidence
Authors: Adeniyi Michael Olaniyi , Oluyo Temitayo Olabisi
Published: September 2018

Malaria and Pneumonia are leading causes of serious illness in children and adults worldwide with their death rate and prevalence on the rise. Such alarming statistics may retard the milestones so far achieved in meeting the Millennium Development Goals 4 and 6 whose targets are to improve child survival and reverse the high prevalence of diseases such as pneumonia and malaria respectively. Two sub-models of malaria-pneumonia co-infection namely malaria model and pneumonia model were considered first and then followed by the full malaria-pneumonia co-infection model. The malaria model, pneumonia model and co-infection model basic reproduction numbers denoted by Rm, Rp and Rmp respectively was obtained using the Next Generation Matrix method. The model disease free equilibrium’s local and global stability was analysed using Descartes’ Rule of signs and Comparison method. The bifurcation analysis for the malaria, pneumonia and co-infection models was studied using the Centre Manifold Theory. The sensitivity indices of the model basic reproduction numbers Rm, Rp and Rmp to the parameters in the models were calculated. Optimal control theory was applied using the Pontryagins’ Maximum Principle to investigate optimal strategies for controlling the spread of malaria, pneumonia and co-infection models using insecticide treated bed nets (u1(t)) spraying of mosquitoes insecticides (u2(t)), sanitation (u3(t)), vaccination (u4(t)), anti-malaria drugs (u5(t)), anti-pneumonia drugs (u6(t)), both anti-malaria drugs and anti-pneumonia drugs (u7(t)) as the system time control variables.  Numerical simulations using a set of parameter values were provided to validate the analytical results.
Chemical Diversity of Metal Sulfide Minerals and Its Implications for Prebiotic Catalysis
Authors: Li Yamei , Kitadai Norio , Nakamura Ryuhei
Published: September 2018

Prebiotic organic synthesis reactions catalyzed by Earth-abundant metal sulfides are key processes for understanding the evolution of biochemistry from inorganic molecules, yet the catalytic functions of sulfides have remained poorly explored in the context of the origins of life. Past studies on prebiotic chemistry have mostly focused on a few types of metal sulfide catalysts, such as FeS or NiS, which form limited types of products with inferior activity and selectivity. To explore the potential of metal sulfides on catalyzing prebiotic chemical reactions, here, the chemical diversity (variations in chemical composition and phase structure) of 304 natural metal sulfide minerals in a mineralogy database was surveyed and approaches to rationally predict the catalytic functions of metal sulfides are discussed based on advanced theories and analytical tools of electrocatalysis such as proton-coupled electron transfer, structural comparisons between enzymes and minerals, and in-situ spectroscopy. To this end, we introduce a model of geo-electrochemistry driven prebiotic synthesis for chemical evolution, as it helps us to predict kinetics and selectivity of targeted prebiotic chemistry under “chemically messy conditions”. We expect that combining the data-mining of mineral databases with experimental methods and theories developed in the field of electrocatalysis will facilitate the prediction and verification of catalytic performance under a wide range of pH and Eh conditions, and aid in the rational screening of mineral catalysts involved in the origins of life.
A Further Investigation of NH4+ Removal Mechanisms by Using Natural and Synthetic Zeolites in Different Concentrations and Temperatures
Authors: Chen Huei-Fen , Lin Yi-Jun , Chen Bo-Hong , Yoshiyuki Iizuka , Liou Sofia Ya-Hsuan , Huang Rong-Tan
Published: September 2018

We investigate the ammonium removal abilities of natural and synthetic zeolites, which have distinct Si/Al ratios and various surface areas, to study how adsorption and ion-exchange processes in zeolites perform under different ammonium concentrations and different temperatures. Five zeolites including natural mordenite, chabazite, erionite, clinoptilolite and synthetic merlinoite were immersed in 20 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg ammonium solutions. The results demonstrate that zeolites under high ammonium concentrations (100 mg/kg) possess higher physical adsorption capacity (0.398–0.468 meq/g), whereas those under lower ammonium concentrations (20 mg/kg) possess greater ion-exchange property (64–99%). The ion-exchange ability of zeolites are extremely dependent on the cation content of the zeolites, and the cation content is affected by the Si/Al ratio. The surface area of zeolites also has a partial influence on its physical adsorption ability. When the surface area is less than 100 m2/g, the adsorption ability of zeolite increases obviously with surface area; however, adsorption ability is saturated as the surface area becomes larger than this critical value of 100 m2/g. When we carried out the zeolites in 50 mg/kg ammonium concentration at different temperatures (5~50 ℃), we found that zeolites exhibit the highest ammonium removal ability at 30°C and the potassium release was enhanced at 30~40 ℃.
An analysis on Dual Diagnosis Revealed a Possible deviation of Schizophrenia Polygenic Risk Score by Mexican Amerindian Ancestry
Authors: Martínez-Magaña Jose Jaime , Gonzalez-Castro Thelma Beatriz , Genis-Mendoza Alma Delia , Tovilla-Zarate Carlos Alfonso , Juarez-Rojop Isela , Saucedo-Uribe Erasmo , Lanzagorta Nuria , Escamilla Michael , Macías-Kauffer Luis , Nicolini Humberto
Published: September 2018

In order to summarized the polygenic background of psychiatric diseases, polygenic risk scores (PRS) have been developed. Recently, PRS have been use to predict patients with higher comorbidities in psychiatric diseases, like dual diagnosis. PRS are principally derived in analysis of Caucasian and Asian populations, we are not aware of how this PRS could be applied in populations with high admixture. In order to explored this, the present work has the aim to analyzed if previous calculated PRS for psychiatric diseases could predict dual diagnosis in Mexican population, and also, if PRS calculation could be influenced by Mexican Amerindian (MA) global ancestry. We performed PRS calculation, using PRSice, with summary genome-wide association statistics previously published for psychiatric diseases, and also, performed Nagelkerke correlation test in order to established if PRS are correlated with dual diagnosis. We found that dual diagnosis could be predicted by major depressive disorder polygenic risk score. Nevertheless, schizophrenia polygenic risk score is highly correlated with global MA ancestry, independently of the schizophrenia diagnosis. Our results reinforced the notion that PRS calculation could be deviated by the MA global ancestry, nevertheless analysis on larger sample sizes are required in order to clarified this issue.
Phosphate Deficiency Negatively Affects Early Steps of the Symbiosis between Common Bean and Rhizobia
Authors: Isidra-Arellano Mariel C , Reyero-Saavedra María del Rocio , Sánchez-Correa María del Socorro , Pingault Lise , Sen Sidharth , Joshi Trupti , Girard Lourdes , Castro-Guerrero Norma A , Mendoza-Cozatl David G , Libault Marc , Valdés-López Oswaldo
Published: September 2018

Phosphate (Pi) deficiency reduces nodule formation and development in different legume species including common bean. Despite the significant progress in the understanding of the genetic responses underlying the adaptation of nodules to Pi deficiency, it is still unclear whether this nutritional deficiency interferes with the molecular dialog between legumes and rhizobia, if so, what part of the molecular dialog is impaired? In this study, we provide evidence demonstrating that Pi deficiency negatively affects critical early molecular and physiological responses required for a successful symbiosis between common bean and rhizobia. We demonstrated that the infection thread formation and the expression of PvNSP2, PvNIN, and PvFLOT2, genes controlling the nodulation process, were significantly reduced in Pi-deficient common bean seedlings. Further transcriptional analysis revealed that the expression of hormones-related genes is compromised in Pi-deficient seedlings inoculated with rhizobia. Additionally, we showed that regardless of the presence or absence of rhizobia, the expression of PvRIC1 and PvRIC2, two genes participating in the autoregulation of nodule number, was higher in Pi-deficient seedlings than in control seedlings. The data presented in this study shed light on the understanding of how Pi deficiency impacts the early steps of the symbiosis between common bean and rhizobia.
DEBT-TAKING AND CHARITY-GIVING AMONG LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS: STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE IN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Arsyianti Laily Dwi , Kassim Salina , Adeyemi Adewale Abideen
Published: September 2018

Households’ financial problem was perceived to be solved by taking other source of fund such as debt. In Islam, taking debt should be considered as the last resource when other sources were not available. Islam gives solution for those who have financial problem. Giving just small amount of money would give barakah to the giver. Charity-giving is not privilege for the rich people, but also for those in dire conditions. This paper attempts to explore whether low-income households’ perception on consecutive debt-taking influences their perception on regular charity-giving especially to achieve stipulated outcomes, i.e. households’ financial resilience. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is employed to analyse 1780 data from respondents across six areas in Indonesia. Low-income households perceived consecutive debt-taking to have negative relationship with regular charity-giving and positive relationship with outcomes (households’ financial condition and lifestyle satisfaction). Meanwhile, regular charity-giving has negative relationship with the outcomes when consecutive debt-taking intervene the relationship. Financial education and selection of financing institution have been proven to have relationships with variables which influence both regular charity-giving and consecutive debt-taking behaviours. As recommendation, charity education or sharing values should be included in the current financial education program. Formal financial institutions and social finance institution should also encourage supervision and continuously give financial education to social funds receivers.
EVOLUTION IN WAQF JURISPRUDENCE AND ISLAMIC FINANCIAL INNOVATION
Authors: Abdullah Mohammad
Published: September 2018

This paper aims to analyse the evolutionary process in the jurisprudential structure of modern waqf (Islamic endowment) and underlines the scope of Islamic financial innovation through the mechanism of waqf. The paper proposes the innovative models of parallel waqf, waqf-based social and financial instruments, waqf-based ṣukūk, micro-takāful, and waqf-based commodity bank. The research adopts the qualitative approach and employs socio-legal research methodology for the analysis. The paper relies on desk-based research. Compared to the classical structure of waqf which was confined within the domain of a perpetual charitable institution, this paper finds that modern waqf has ushered in several new dimensions into its fold. Modern waqf is in the process of re-evolution. Waqf, in the current scenario, has evolved into a financial product, a property-conveyance tool, an instrument of contract, an investment tool, a risk mitigation mechanism and an incorporated entity. The scope of this paper is limited to analysing the jurisprudential evolution of waqf and its impact on the Islamic finance industry. It does not seek to discuss the overall role or impact of waqf on the society as a whole. This paper also does not endeavor to compare and contrast the mechanism and modalities of other philanthropic institutions vis-ā-vis waqf. This paper examines the jurisprudential underpinnings of waqf and their implications and applicability to the Islamic finance industry. The paper draws on the process of how the mechanism of waqf has already been employed to develop various innovative Islamic financial products and how this process can be a catalyst for further innovation in the Islamic finance industry. The main contribution of the paper is encapsulated in the analysis of how the jurisprudential structure of the modern waqf has been evolving in the last few decades to accommodate the modern needs of Islamic finance. It further enumerates a few innovative Islamic financial products which can be developed by exploiting the available flexibility in the evolved version of modern waqf.
Characterization and Cytotoxic Activity of Cytosine Deaminase Enzyme Purified from Locally Isolated Escherichia coli
Authors: Hussein Asmaa A. , Al-Baer Ali Saadi
Published: September 2018

This research was aimed to the purification and characterization of cytosine deaminase as a medically important enzyme from locally isolated Escherichia coli; then studying its cytotoxic anticancer effects against colon cancer cell line. Cytosine deaminase was subjected to three purification steps including precipitation with 90% ammonium sulfate saturation, ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose column, and gel filtration chromatography throughout Sephadex G-200 column. Specific activity of the purified enzyme was increased up to 9 U/mg with 12.85 folds of purification and 30.85% enzyme recovery.
Characterization study of purified enzyme revealed that the molecular weight of cytosine deaminase produced by E. coli was about 48 KDa, the highest enzyme activity at pH 8.5, and is most stable at pH 7.5 - 9, the enzyme also showed a full activity at a range of temperatures between 45-60 0C.
Enzyme activity was strongly inhibited in the presence of mercuric chloride and copper sulphate, when added individually at a constant concentration. However, calcium chloride, manganese chloride and ferric chloride caused a little increase in enzyme activity while sodium azide had no effect on enzyme activity.
Upon cytotoxic effect study through micro-cultured tetrazolium assay (MTT) against Caco-2 cell line. Purified cytosine deaminase was found to inhibit the growth of Caco-2 cancer cell line with an IC50 of 242.5 ?g/ml in a comparison to an IC50 of 1864 ?g/ml for crude enzyme. Besides, the enzyme didn’t show significant effect on WRL normal cell line.
Validación de una versión reducida en español del instrumento Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Mobility Impairments
Authors: Úbeda-Colomer Joan , Peiró-Velert Carmen , Devís-Devís José
Published: September 2018

Objetivo. Validar una versión reducida en español del ins­trumento Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Mobility Impairments (BPAQ-MI), aplicable a diferentes tipos de discapacidad. Material y métodos. El cuestio­nario fue aplicado a 791 universitarios con discapacidad. La estructura factorial se validó mediante un análisis factorial confirmatorio y, para valorar la validez criterial, se llevaron a cabo correlaciones de Spearman. La fiabilidad se evaluó mediante el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. Resultados. El modelo propuesto reveló buenos índices de ajuste y una ex­celente consistencia interna (α=0.920). Surgieron relaciones negativas entre las barreras experimentadas y el tiempo de actividad física. Conclusiones. La versión reducida y en es­pañol del BPAQ-MI resulta un instrumento válido y fiable para identificar, desde un enfoque socioecológico, las barreras que los estudiantes con discapacidad experimentan para realizar actividad física. Los resultados aportan información valiosa para desarrollar programas de promoción de la actividad física en este colectivo.