bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Improved Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Based on Adaptive Local Search
Authors: Kapse Swapnil Prakash , Krishnapillai Shankar
Published: May 2017

This paper demonstrates a novel local search approach based on an adaptive (time variant) search space index improving the exploration ability as well as diversity in multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization. The novel strategy searches for the neighbourhood particles in a range which gradually increases with iterations. Particles get updated according to the rules of basic PSO and the non-dominated particles are subjected to Evolutionary update archiving. To improve the diversity, the archive is truncated based on crowding distance parameter. The leader is chosen among the candidates in the archive based on another local search. From the simulation results, it is clear that the implementation of the new scheme results in better convergence and diversity as compared to NSGA-II, CMPSO, and SMPSO reported in literature. Finally, the proposed algorithm is used to solve machine design based engineering problems from literature and compared with existing algorithms.
Semantic Web Based Agricultural Information Integration
Authors: Ramar Kaladevi , Gurunathan Geetha
Published: May 2017

Huge volume of information is available in the WWW. However, the demand is on relevant information rather than available information, which are often heterogeneous and distributed. Agriculture is one such domain, which includes information like soil, crops, weather, etc., under one roof. This information is in different representations and structures e.g. weather. This scenario leads to a challenge that how to integrate the available and heterogeneous agricultural information to deliver better production. The information on the web is syntactically structured but, the need is to provide semantic linkage. The semantic web supports the existing web to easily process and interpret information. In this paper, a semantic based Agricultural Information System (AIS) is proposed which addresses heterogeneity issues among weather systems and integrates information like soil, weather, crop and fertilizers. AIS helps the farmers regarding the type of crop/soil, crop/climate, fertilizer applications, diseases and prevention methods using effective retrieval of information from integrated systems.
SCIPS
Authors: Cook Allan , Smith Richard G , Maglaras Leandros , Janicke Helge
Published: May 2017

The cyber threat to industrial control systems is an acknowledged security issue, but a qualified dataset to quantify the risk remains largely unavailable. Senior executives of facilities that operate these systems face competing requirements for investment budgets, but without an understanding of the nature of the threat, cyber security may not be a high priority. Education and awareness campaigns are established methods of raising the profile of security issues with stakeholders, but traditional techniques typically deliver generic messages to wide audiences, rather than tailoring the communications to those who understand the impact of organisational risks. This paper explores the use of experiential learning through serious games for senior executives, to develop mental models within which participants can frame the nature of the threat, thereby raising their cyber security awareness, and increasing their motivation to address the issue.
Multi-Attribute Utility Theory Based K-Means Clustering Applications
Authors: Ma Jungmok
Published: May 2017

One of major obstacles in the application of the k-means clustering algorithm is the selection of the number of clusters k. The multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT)-based k-means clustering algorithm is proposed to tackle the problem by incorporating user preferences. Using MAUT, the decision maker's value structure for the number of clusters and other attributes can be quantitatively modeled, and it can be used as an objective function of the k-means. A target clustering problem for military targeting process is used to demonstrate the MAUT-based k-means and provide a comparative study. The result shows that the existing clustering algorithms do not necessarily reflect user preferences while the MAUT-based k-means provides a systematic framework of preferences modeling in cluster analysis.
Investigating the Impact of Social Media on Gen Y Employees' Engagement
Authors: Naim Mohammad Faraz , Lenka Usha
Published: May 2017

The study examines the influence of social media on Gen Y employees' engagement. Hypotheses are developed to explain the influence of social media on Gen Y employees' engagement. A sample of 256 Indian Gen Y employees from IT industry participated in the survey. Structural equation modeling is used to test the research hypotheses. Findings reveal that social media has a significant positive effect on Gen Y employees' engagement. It is revealed that social media moderates the relationship of HR practices (communication, collaboration; knowledge sharing and recognition) and engagement in Gen Y employees. While the scope of this study is limited to IT industry and results may not generalize to different industries in different regions. Hence, future studies should test the given hypotheses in different industries of different regions. The findings suggest that organizations should incorporate social media into their HR strategy. The study is one of the first to date, to empirically test the effect of social media on Gen Y employee engagement.
A Study of Person-Technology Fit in the Cloud Computing Classroom
Authors: Yong Jin-Han , Shiau Wen-Lung , Hou Avus CY.
Published: May 2017

Cloud computing has been critical and seen more progress in the field of education. Many educational institutions have applied the cloud computing classroom as a platform to engage students learning online. However, there remains a lack of research on users' perceived fit and performance in the context to better evaluate the efficacy of cloud computing classroom in fulfilling students' needs. This study attempts to explore whether there is a fit between students' motivations and characteristics of services provided by the cloud computing classroom, and whether this fit contributes to positive outcome of student performance. Mixed research methods were used because of novelty of cloud computing classroom context. First, propositions were extracted from in-depth interviews. Then, the propositions were converted into hypotheses and were further confirmed by a quantitative survey. The results indicated that the characteristics of the services provided by the cloud computing class room fit user's needs, and the fit significantly affects users' performance.
Perceived Ease in Using Technology Predicts Teacher Candidates' Preferences for Online Resources
Authors: Inoue-Smith Yukiko
Published: May 2017

This study provides a preliminary analysis of teacher candidates' attitudes toward information technology as they predict receptivity to an online resource-based learning. The participants of the current questionnaire-based study were randomly selected teacher candidates (N = 101) at an American Pacific island university. The questionnaire focused on the relationship between the candidates' levels of comfort with technology and the degrees to which they consider the Internet useful in doing coursework. Results from this study may guide teacher education programs, as they seek to optimize teacher candidates' receptivity to course-appropriate online resources. This is because these teachers will shape their own students' attitudes toward online learning environments, promoting their students' tendencies to access resources maintaining lifelong learning perspectives.
Process Mining and Learners' Behavior Analytics in a Collaborative and Web-Based Multi-Tabletop Environment
Authors: Porouhan Parham , Premchaiswadi Wichian
Published: May 2017

Interactive tabletops alone cannot automatically analyze and interpret students' digital footprints (event logs). Moreover, the final artifacts created by groups provide imperfect information about each individual's contribution to the group task. This research is divided into two main parts. In the first part of the study, a quantitative survey was conducted in order to identify the most significant indicators affecting the collaboration process in an online and networked context-aware multi-tabletop environment. In the second part of the study, several process mining techniques such as social network mining, basic performance analysis, role hierarchy mining, and dotted chart analysis were used with the purpose of increasing the instructor's awareness/knowledge about the collaborative dynamics in each group. The empirical findings showed that the levels of symmetry of actions (or similarity of tasks) and symmetry of roles (or low division of labor) were much higher in the high-performance groups compared with the low performance groups. Consequently, high performance groups showed increased tendencies to work on the same range of actions ‘together'. Quite the opposite, low performance groups showed increased tendencies to work on a dissimilar range of actions ‘individually'.
Reuse and Improvement of Peersim Open Source Packages
Authors: Gharzouli Mohamed
Published: May 2017

This paper presents the reuse of two open source implementations of P2P protocols for Peersim simulator. Firstly, we will present the new implementation of Chord, which is considered as the most popular P2P protocol among the structured family of P2P networks. In this latter, the search requests generally use a Data Hash Table (DHT) to find a requested resource. This kind of systems is generally known as Structured and Informed Protocols. In this context, to improve the search mechanism of Chord, we modify its open source implementation for Peersim to introduce another type of resource search that supports semantic and blind requests. The main objective is to show how we have modified the open source code to achieve our goals. Also, in this paper, we will present how we have improved the display of results by the Peersim simulator through another open source package that implements Cloudcast protocol.
Wavelet transform of Beurling–Björck type ultradistributions
Authors: Shankar Pathak Ram , Singh Abhishek
Published: May 2017

Wavelet transform of a distribution in

\mathscr{M}_{\omega}^{'}

involving wavelet of infraexponential decay (subexponential decay) is studied. An inversion formula is obtained which is valid in the weak topology of

\mathcal{D}^{'}

. A discussion on extension of the results to ultradistribution space of compact support is also given.
A comparison of logarithmic overconvergent de Rham–Witt and log-crystalline cohomology for projective smooth varieties with normal crossing divisor
Authors: Langer Andreas , Zink Thomas
Published: May 2017

In this note we derive for a smooth projective variety

X

with normal crossing divisor

Z

an integral comparison between the log-crystalline cohomology of the associated log-scheme and the logarithmic overconvergent de Rham–Witt cohomology defined by Matsuue. This extends our previous result that in the absence of a divisor

Z

the crystalline cohomology and overconvergent de Rham–Witt cohomology are canonically isomorphic.
Coverings of commutators in profinite groups
Authors: Acciarri Cristina , Shumyatsky Pavel
Published: May 2017

Let

w

be a group-word. Suppose that the set of all

w

-values in a profinite group

G

is contained in a union of countably many subgroups. It is natural to ask in what way the structure of the verbal subgroup

w(G)

depends on the properties of the covering subgroups. The present article is a survey of recent results related to that question. In particular we survey results on finite and countable coverings of word-values (mostly commutators) by procyclic, abelian, nilpotent, and soluble subgroups, as well as subgroups with finiteness conditions. The last section of the paper is devoted to relation of the described results with Hall's problem on conciseness of group-words.
A new characterization of some families of finite simple groups
Authors: Foroudi Ghasemabadi M. , Iranmanesh Ali , Ahanjideh M.
Published: May 2017

Let

G

be a finite group. A vanishing element of

G

is an element

g\in G

such that

\chi(g)=0

for some irreducible complex character

\chi

of

G

. Denote by

{\rm Vo}(G)

the set of the orders of vanishing elements of

G

. In this paper, we prove that if

G

is a finite group such that

{\rm Vo}(G)={\rm Vo}(M)

and

|G|=|M|

, then

G\cong M

, where

M

is a sporadic simple group, an alternating group, a projective special linear group

L_2(p)

, where

p

is an odd prime or a finite simple

K_{n}

-group, where

n\in \{3,4\}

. These results confirm the conjecture posed in [17] for the simple groups under study.
A construction of a uniform continuous minimizing movement associated with a singular functional
Authors: Yamaura Yoshihiko
Published: May 2017

A minimizing movement is constructed associated with a singular functional introduced by Alt and Caffarelli in order to study a free boundary problem. The main purpose of the present research is to construct a minimizing movement, which is uniformly continuous with respect to both time and space variables. The strategy is to regularize the singular term of time discretized functionals, and then to pass to the limit in the regularization parameter in the sense of 

\Gamma

-convergence keeping the time discretization parameter fixed.
Antimicrobial Potential of Plant Extracts and Chemical Fractions of Sideroxylon obtusifolium (Roem. & Schult.) T.D. Penn on Oral Microorganisms
Authors: Sampaio Thaíse PD , Cartaxo-Furtado Nathália AO , de Medeiros Ana CD , Alves Harley S , Rosalen Pedro L , Pereira Jozinete V
Published: May 2017

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of plant extracts and chemical fractions of Sideroxylon obtusifolium T.D. Penn on Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus parasanguinis, and Candida albicans as well as to identify the chemical classes found in the bioactive extracts possessing better activity.

Materials and methods

Freeze-dried hydroalcoholic extracts of the bark and leaves (LC and LF respectively) and ethanol extracts of bark and leaves (EC and EF respectively) of S. obtusifolium were assessed for antimicrobial potential by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). The tests were performed by microdilution method (in triplicate) in three independent experiments. Phytochemical characterization was performed by quantification of total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins.

Results

The EC extract presented weak antimicrobial potential on the growth of S. mutans (MIC = 1000 µg/mL); all extracts showed moderate inhibitory activity on the growth of C. albicans (MIC = 500 µg/mL). The dichloromethane and n-butanol fractions of LF extracts showed moderate growth inhibitory activity (MIC = 250 µg/mL) on C. albicans and fungicide potential (MFC/MIC = 2). The phytochemical characterization revealed a predominance of total polyphenols (EC = 29.23%; LC = 25.98%) and condensed tannins (LC = 38.84%; LF = 17.78%).

Conclusion

The dichloromethane and n-butanol fractions of S. obtusifolium LF extract showed antifungal activity against C. albicans, with the potential for bioprospection of phytocompounds for the treatment of periodontal fungal diseases caused by this microorganism. The effect may be related to phytochemical compounds from the polyphenol and condensed tannin classes.

Clinical significance

Research for new oral microbial disease treatment alternatives in bioactive compounds from medicinal plants is of clinical relevance and scientific interest since many therapeutic antifungal agents do not obtain the effectiveness expected due to microbial resistance, or to adverse effects on human tissues.

How to cite this article

Sampaio TPD, Cartaxo-Furtado NAO, de Medeiros ACD, Alves HS, Rosalen PL, Pereira JV. Antimicrobial Potential of Plant Extracts and Chemical Fractions of Sideroxylon obtusifolium (Roem. & Schult.) T.D. Penn on Oral Microorganisms. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(5):392-398.
Detection of heat and cold waves in Montevergine time series (1884–2015)
Authors: Capozzi Vincenzo , Budillon Giorgio
Published: May 2017

Abstract. In recent years, extreme events related to cooling and heating have taken high resonance, motivating the scientific community to carry out an intensive research activity, aimed to detect their variability and frequency. In this work, we have investigated about the frequency, the duration, the severity and the intensity of heat and cold waves in a Southern Italy high-altitude region, by analysing the climatological time series collected in Montevergine observatory. Following the guidelines provided by CLIVAR project (Climate and Ocean Variability, Predictability and Change), we have adopted indicators based on percentiles and duration to define a heat wave and cold event. Main results have highlighted a strong and significant positive trend in the last 40 years (1974–2015) in heat waves frequency, severity and intensity. On the contrary, in recent decades, cold wave events have exhibited a significant and positive trend only in intensity. Moreover, through the usage of two Wavelet Analysis tools, the Cross Wavelet Transform and the Wavelet Coherence, we have investigated about the connections between the extreme temperature events occurred in Montevergine and the large-scale atmospheric patterns. The heat wave events have exhibited relevant relationships with the Western European Zonal Circulation and the North Atlantic Oscillation, whereas the variability of cold wave events have shown linkages with the Eastern Mediterranean Pattern and the North Sea Caspian Pattern. In addition, the main features of synoptic patterns that have caused summer heat waves and winter cold waves in Montevergine site are presented.
Large-scale drivers of Caucasus climate variability in meteorological records and Mt El'brus ice cores
Authors: Kozachek Anna , Mikhalenko Vladimir , Masson-Delmotte Valérie , Ekaykin Alexey , Ginot Patrick , Kutuzov Stanislav , Legrand Michel , Lipenkov Vladimir , Preunkert Susanne
Published: May 2017

Abstract. A 181.8 m ice core was recovered from a borehole drilled into bedrock on the western plateau of Mt El'brus (43°20′53.9′′ N, 42°25′36.0′′ E; 5115 m a.s.l.) in the Caucasus, Russia, in 2009 (Mikhalenko et al., 2015). Here, we report on the results of the water stable isotope composition from this ice core with additional data from the shallow cores. The distinct seasonal cycle of the isotopic composition allows dating by annual layer counting. Dating has been performed for the upper 126 m of the deep core combined with 20 m from the shallow cores. The whole record covers 100 years, from 2013 back to 1914. Due to the high accumulation rate (1380 mm w.e. year−1) and limited melting, we obtained isotopic composition and accumulation rate records with seasonal resolution. These values were compared with available meteorological data from 13 weather stations in the region and also with atmosphere circulation indices, back-trajectory calculations, and Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) data in order to decipher the drivers of accumulation and ice core isotopic composition in the Caucasus region. In the warm season (May–October) the isotopic composition depends on local temperatures, but the correlation is not persistent over time, while in the cold season (November–April), atmospheric circulation is the predominant driver of the ice core's isotopic composition. The snow accumulation rate correlates well with the precipitation rate in the region all year round, which made it possible to reconstruct and expand the precipitation record at the Caucasus highlands from 1914 until 1966, when reliable meteorological observations of precipitation at high elevation began.
Student Research & Intrinsic Motivation: Effects of Formative Assessment and the Two-Session Model of Information Literacy Instruction
Authors: Barefoot Maria R.
Published: May 2017

Formative assessment is a well-established practice within education. However, the traditionally brief format of information literacy instruction has not lent itself well to this important exchange during the learning process.  At the same time, there has been increasing focus within the library literature on affective measures of information literacy instruction, such as motivation and instruction formats that incorporate multiple sessions.  This study seeks to examine the relationship between these concepts by comparing scores from the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) across two groups of Research Writing students: a control group receiving one session of information literacy instruction and an intervention group receiving written formative assessment and two sessions of information literacy instruction.  Statistical significance analyses indicate that the addition of formative assessment and a second instruction session significantly increased motivation for conducting research in the intervention group when compared to students receiving only one session of instruction and no formative assessment.  These findings indicate that librarians can significantly increase students’ intrinsic motivation to conduct research by incorporating formative assessment strategies into a two session model of information literacy instruction.
Let’s Get Moving!: Eight Ways to Teach Information Literacy Using Kinesthetic Activities
Authors: Chisholm Alexandria , Spencer Brett
Published: May 2017

Kinesthetic pedagogy uses physical movement to stimulate learning; recent studies in higher education increasingly reveal the effectiveness of kinesthetic activities (KAs) in college teaching. Accordingly, this paper suggests that academic librarians explore the use of kinesthetic activities in their instruction. Librarians have designed many excellent classroom activities based on other active learning pedagogies that happen to provide opportunities for some student movement. However, few librarians have intentionally incorporated KAs into their instructional design or contextualized their efforts within kinesthetic pedagogy. Nevertheless, some existing teaching methodologies discussed in library literature can offer a starting point for kinesthetic-conscious information literacy (IL) teachers. This article presents librarians with a menu of effective, evidence-based library activities documented in the literature along with practical advice from our trial-and-error experiences to enhance the kinesthetic benefits of these activities and manage student movement in the classroom.
Noteworthy: News Briefs from PA Libraries
Authors: McGeary Bryan James
Published: May 2017

News and other updates from libraries around the state.
Contributions to the Knowledge of Soil Resources of Cuca Plain
Authors: Stănilă Anca -Luiza , Dumitru Mihail , Simota Cătălin Cristian
Published: May 2017

The territory to which we refer is located in the geographical area of the Romanian Plain, north-eastern sector, representing a subunit of Plain Covurlui. From the administrative point of view this territory belongs entirely Galaţi County. Since the first review of Cuca Plain territory fragmentation is found in the form of ridges interfluvial oriented northwest-southeast separated by a river system consistent. The provision gives relief peaks ordely character of monotony. Starting from the idea that the soil appears as a product of the interaction of many factors, we can say that the formation of soil cover of Cuca Plain took part relief, parent material, climate, groundwater, vegetation, human activity. Under the influence of environmental factors and pedogenetic processes in the Cuca Plain were differentiated two classes of soils, namely: protisols and cernisols.
Survivorship and Complications of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients with Dwarfism
Authors: Modi Ronuk M. , Kheir Michael M. , Tan Timothy L. , Penny Gregory S. , Chen Chi-Lung , Shao Hongyi , Chen Antonia F.
Published: May 2017

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common procedure used to treat bony hip deformities and skeletal dysplasia in dwarfism. These surgeries are often more difficult than conventional THA as they may involve malformed joints and poor bone quality, and may require smaller prostheses. This study aims to investigate whether implant survivorship and revision rates vary among patients with and without dwarfism undergoing THA.

Methods

A retrospective case-control study was performed for 102 THAs completed between 1997 and 2014 in patients under the height threshold of 147.32 cm. This cohort was matched 1:1.5 with patients of normal height with respect to age, gender, year of surgery, and Charlson comorbidities. All cases had a minimum follow-up of 1 year. A chart review was performed to identify patient and surgical characteristics, including outcomes. Radiographs were assessed for deformity, loosening, and periprosthetic fractures among other factors.

Results

The 2-, 5-, and 10-year survivorship of THA in patients with dwarfism was 92.9%, 92.9%, and 80.7%, respectively; and 94.4%, 86.4%, and 86.4% for controls, respectively (p = 0.95). The dwarfism cohort demonstrated an OR of 3.81 and 3.02 for revision for periprosthetic fractures (p = 0.11) and mechanical wear (p = 0.21), respectively.

Conclusions

THA in patients with dwarfism achieves comparable results to a non-dwarfism population with regards to implant survivorship; however, there is a trend toward increased periprosthetic fractures and wear-related failures. Surgeons should be aware of this potentially higher risk in this population and take morphological differences into account during surgical planning and technique.
Anterior Greater Trochanteric Muscle Pedicle Bone Grafting: A Viable Graft Option Adjunct to Hip Osteotomy or Fracture Surgery
Authors: Limpaphayom Noppachart , Osateerakun Phatcharapa , Wilairatana Vajara , Prasongchin Pairatch
Published: May 2017

Introduction

The objectives were to evaluate a technique, outcome and complications following anterior greater trochanteric with gluteus medius muscle pedicle bone graft (AMG) procedure in the treatment of adolescent and active adult hip disorders.

Methods

20 patients (20 hips) with a mean age of 22.7 ± 15.6 (range 10.0-63.5) years who had undergone AMG and been followed up more than 12 months postoperative were retrospectively enrolled in our study. The AMG procedure was performed in conjunction with subcapital osteotomy for slipped capital femoral epiphysis in 12 and open reduction for fracture/dislocation in 8 hips. At the most recent evaluation, patient functional status was rated by the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and radiographic changes were graded according to Tönnis criteria. Complications were defined as Tönnis grade >2 or hip requiring further surgery. Univariate analysis was used to explore factors associated with complications. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated between HHS and Tönnis grading.

Results

At mean follow-up of 4.4 ± 2.6 (range 1.1-9.5) years, mean HHS was 87.4. Tönnis grading was rated as 0 in 10 hips, 1 in 5 hips, 2 in 2 hips, and 3 in 3 hips. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head as a complication developed in 3 hips (15%). Clinical parameters including age at surgery, duration of follow-up and diagnosis were not significantly associated with postoperative complications. A negative correlation between HHS and Tönnis grade was shown by Spearman's rank correlation ( rs = −0.49, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

The AMG can be safely recommended as an adjunct bone graft procedure when performing anterior open reduction of adolescent and active adult hip disorders.
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Endometriosis-associated Persistent Pelvic Pain
Authors: Allaire Catherine , Aksoy Tuba , Bedaiwy Mohamed , Britnell Susannah , Noga Heather L. , Yager Holly , Yong Paul J.
Published: May 2017

Endometriosis-associated pelvic pain is a common and often challenging problem. For certain patients, pain persists or recurs despite adequate medical or surgical therapy targeted to endometriosis. In this patient population, there is often the presence of coexisting pain conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, painful bladder syndrome and myofascial pain as well central sensitisation. An interdisciplinary approach where both peripheral pain triggers and central sensitization are addressed is likely to lead to improved pain and quality of life. The approach to the evaluation and treatment of the patients with persistent/chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis is outlined in this article.
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) for Small, Large and Giant Prostatic Hyperplasia: Tips and Tricks
Authors: Glybochko Petr V. , Rapoport Leonid M. , Enikeev Mikhail E. , Enikeev Dmitry V.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) allows to treat extremely large prostates (>200 cm3). The aim of the study was to compare the efficiency of HoLEP for prostates of different sizes.

Methods

Four hundred and fifty-nine patients were divided into three groups: group 1 included 278 patients (<100 cm3); group 2 included 169 patients (100-200 cm3); group 3 included 12 patients (>200 cm3).

Results

The duration of enucleation in group 1 was 56.5 ± 10.7 min; in group 2 was 96.4 ± 24.9 min; in group 3 was 120.9 ± 35 min. The duration of morcellation in group 1 was 37.5 ± 7.3 min; in group 2 was 63.3 ± 11.2 min; in group 3 was 84.0 ± 25.6 min. The enucleation efficiency in group 3 (1.70 g/min) was higher (p<0.05) than in group 1 (1.05 g/min) and group 2 (1.23 g/min). Morcelation efficiency was lower in groups 1 and 2 (1.58 and 1.87 g/min, respectively) than in group 3 (2.45 g/min) (p<0.05). Follow-up period lasted 18 months. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in International Prostate Symptom Score, Qmax, quality of life and postvoid residual volume for 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after surgery.

Conclusions

HoLEP is a safe, highly efficacious and a size-independent procedure.
The Role of Water-Jet Dissection in Improving Erectile Function and Urinary Continence after Nerve-Sparing Prostatectomy
Authors: Glybochko Peter V. , Rapoport Leonid M. , Bezrukov Eugene A. , Sirota Eugene S. , Martirosyan Gurgen A.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess erectile function (EF) and urinary continence (UC) recovery after nerve-sparing retropubic radical prostatectomy (NS-RRPE) and nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (NS-LRPE) depending on the neurovascular bundle (NVB) dissection technique used.

Methods

Twenty-four hour pad test was used to assess the degree of postoperative UC 1, 6 and 12 months after the surgery. For the purpose of EF assessment, International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire was used. In addition, EF recovery assessment included the time needed to achieve a successful sexual intercourse with or without Inhibitors Phosphodiesterase 5 (IPDE5). A successful sexual intercourse was defined as an ability to achieve a strong erection enough for penetration and maintain erection for a long time, throughout the intercourse. Assessment was performed before the surgery and 8 and 6 months after the surgery.

Results

In the patient group with BNS + water jet dissection (WJD), the IIEF-5 score was considerably higher 8 weeks after the surgery (by 2.8 points) (р = 0.02). In 6 months, the difference between the group become more significant and reached 3.5 points (p = 0.01). Three months after urethral catheter removal, majority (95%) of patients in the NS-RPE + WJD group had no urinary incontinence (UI). For standard NS-RPE, that figure was 87%. Mild stress UI was observed in 5% of patients after NS-RPE + WJD and in 13% of patients after NS-RPE. Six months after urethral catheter removal, no significant differences in UC assessment were observed in the two groups.

Conclusions

The implementation of WJD of NVB in clinical practice has made it possible to considerably improve the quality of life for postoperative patients due to good outcomes in terms of early UC and EF recovery.
A verdade no processo penal: (im)possibilidades?
Authors: Grubba Leilane Serratine
Published: May 2017

O artigo tem por objeto a busca da verdade no processo penal brasileiro. Visto como garantia do acusado, o processo busca a verdade à hora da reconstrução de um fato social tido supostamente como crime, como garantia de uma justa decisão ao acusado. Diante disso, o artigo problematiza a possibilidade ou impossibilidade da existência dessa verdade, ou seja, tem como problema de pesquisa a possibilidade de um conhecimento verdadeiro enquanto correspondência entre a linguagem processual e a realidade dos fatos ocorridos no mundo da vida. A partir da teoria de Alexandre Luz, o artigo apresenta a seguinte hipótese: não é adequado filosoficamente falar de um conhecimento proposicional verdadeiro. Utilizando o método dedutivo, o primeiro capítulo dedica-se a apresentar o que se entende por verdade processual penal e qual a grande busca do processo penal brasileiro. Sequencialmente, no segundo capítulo, o artigo busca desconstruir a ideia da existência de uma verdade enquanto espelhamento da realidade e da verdade do processo penal. Diante disso, se a teoria apresentada estiver correta, não se poderia falar de uma verdade processual penal, formal ou material, mas apenar de um conhecimento processual penal justificado.
Can RDA Content, Media, and Carrier Coding Improve Discovery Facet Mapping?
Authors: McCallum Carolyn , Gilbertson Kevin , Kelley Steve , Corbett Lauren E.
Published: May 2017

Online public catalogs have provided users with the option to conduct faceted searches for more than a decade. Although faceting is undoubtedly useful to the discovery process, the authors found that their system’s default facet mapping was inadequate for their researchers’ needs, particularly for the faceting of bibliographic formats, and librarians at their institution have worked extensively to revise this mapping. These revisions have relied on creating complex decision trees, which require the system to consult multiple fields and subfields in bibliographic records to assign more precise format facets. When their authority control vendor offered to add Resource Description and Access (RDA) coding to their bibliographic records, including the new Content, Media, and Carrier fields that describe formats with greater granularity than the General Material Designation, they questioned whether the new RDA coding might improve their public catalog’s format faceting. They found that the limitations of the MARC format as a data encoding standard meant that the RDA coding was not appreciably more useful to the format faceting process.
Overview of English for Specific Purposes in a Technical High School “Lutfi Musiqi” in Vushtrri
Authors: Breznica Albulena Pllana , Pllana Zana , Pllana Fisnike
Published: May 2017

This research outlines the challenges and obstacles of introducing English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in a Technical High School “Lutfi Musiqi” in Vushtrri, and most importantly, the benefits for the students, who can use this acquired knowledge in their future professions as well. In spite of the fact that most of the students are likely to get employed after they graduate from this school, there will always be some of them, who might continue their studies at a Technical University. Having a sound base of English, ESP will equip students with the relevant professional vocabulary and language skills needed for their further professional studies. The students were 17 up to 18 years old; they’re attending the 12th grade in the secondary Technical High school. The total number was 56. Because of the nature of this school there were more male students than female. This research was realized by the quantitative and qualitative methods through questionnaires I used with my students.
Quality of Life of Parents of Children with Intellectual Disabilities in Croatia
Authors: Misura Anja Kovac , Memisevic Haris
Published: May 2017

The goal of the present study was to examine the quality of life (QOL) of parents of children with intellectual disability. An additional goal was to examine the effects of gender and educational status on the QOL of these parents. The sample for this study consisted of 50 parents of children with intellectual disabilities and 50 parents of children without disabilities as a control group. As A measure of QOL, we used Family Quality of Life Survey. Results have shown that there is a statistically significant difference between the perceived QOL of parents of children with intellectual disabilities and parents of typically developing children. The effects of gender and educational status on QOL of parents of children with intellectual disabilities were also statistically significant. However, there were no interaction effects of gender and educational status on the QOL. Given the lower QOL of parents of children with intellectual disability, it is important to provide them with support programs in order to improve their QOL.
Dynamics, Characteristics and Prospects of Consumer Spending in Albania
Authors: Naqellari Alqi , Angjeli Eros , Dumani Nexhmi
Published: May 2017

In this paper analyzes the problem of the dynamics of income and expenditure of households in Albania. Analyzing costs in general, spending on food in particular, both connected with a range of other indicators of welfare, with per capita income, expenses for the basket of goods, according to its elements and structure. Survey basket expenditure according to regions of Albania. Analyzed per capita income, expenses basket compared with countries in the region, Europe and the world. The goal is: to extract an accurate conclusion, the place at which ranks Albania in these indicators. What to do in the future, in order to emerge from this negative situation. The conclusions drawn from the analysis are: Albania ranks last places of the world, the indicator of per capita income and expenditure of households. Ranked in first countries in the region and in Europe for the indication of the percentage of expenditure on food and non-alcoholic drinks to the total cost of items in the basket. This situation has come as a result of lower rates of growth of its economy. It recommended changes in the structure of GDP in terms of growth of light industry and food industry extraction and processing, etc. By developing these branches will grow faster GDP and national income, and consequently will increase per capita income. Methods used are: methods of analysis and synthesis, methods of description and comparison, statistical methods etc.
Challenges of Curriculum Design and its Implications on Policy: The Case of the Junior High School (JHS) Teaching Subjects in Ghana
Authors: Kwao Alex
Published: May 2017

The educational landscape though serves as the bedrock for human resource development, it still has challenging academic experiences in Junior High Schools in Ghana. The realization is that, transitional stages of schooling seem not to have curriculum alignment that reflect tertiary education programme. Yearning for flexibility, harmonization and synchronization of the curriculum, the paper seeks to explore missing interest areas, talents in order to discover inspired paths that underpin enrichment of the school curriculum. To deepen high school experience for appropriate and best practices in human capital development, the researchers examine curriculum design and its implications on policy, the case of the JHS teaching subjects in Ghana. This engagement adopts the combined approach using the discursive method and descriptive analysis. Participants of the study include 100 students, 10 teachers, 5 circuit supervisors, and 5 curriculum experts of the Cape Coast Metropolis. Interviews are the main instruments used for the qualitative analysis while graphical representations and achievement tests are conducted for students from the ten schools. In the investigations, the study discovers that, there is no curriculum alignment in some of the teaching subjects taught at the JHS level despite their potential areas for human capital development. It is recommended that, the curriculum at the JHS level should be revised to reflect the best practices, prospects and opportunities for students.
Understanding Diversity of Outcomes in Organisational Training: A Literature-based View
Authors: Waheed Muhammad Sharafat , Mustapha Noraani , Hadi Noor Ul
Published: May 2017

Taking into consideration the limitations of recently published studies, the present study explores the diverse outcomes of HR practices (training being one of them). From a literature-based view, it was found that organisational training improves learning capability in employees if psychological association (the value held) persuades them not to leave the organisation. The relationship between training and organisational performance is explained by employees′ performance as well as organisational learning. Findings from this study have practical implications for HR managers and training institutions, and theoretical implications for academics. The formation of intangible assets is a key source of sustainable competitive advantage even in environmental volatility.
Women’s Perceptions of Training and Employment
Authors: Blanco-García Montserrat , Sánchez-Antolín Pablo , Ramos-Pardo Francisco Javier
Published: May 2017

Despite institutional declarations, women still rank second in key areas of society related to employment. The goal of this study was to analyse the perceptions of Spanish women taking occupational training courses and of gender equality experts with respect to the relationship between initial formal education, occupational training, continuing education and employment, as well as the role played by the family in this relationship, in order to elucidate conceptions of women’s social reality in the fields of education and employment. A qualitative methodology was employed, consisting of semi-structured, in-depth individual and group interviews with women taking occupational training courses. Interviews were also conducted with experts in gender equality. Working women’s conception of the relationship between training and employment is heavily influenced by the effect of gender socialisation, which leads them to assume the role of carer in the family. Women’s choice of training presents a clear gender bias that directly influences the jobs they hold. In many cases, these comprise subsistence activities that coincide with traditional female roles. However, women with a higher education present less dependence on gender roles. Socialisation in gender stereotypes is evident in working women’s discourse, and generates frustration at the impossibility of reconciling all the areas of responsibility assigned to them, leading them to relinquish any expectations of professional or personal development.
Climate Variability and Consequences for Crime, Insurgency in North East Nigeria
Authors: Nwokeoma Bonaventure N. , Chinedu Amadi Kingsley
Published: May 2017

Climate change discussion has primarily focused on the physical manifestation, mitigation, adaptation and finance issues. However, little attention is given to the social consequences of climate change impact especially its relationship to crime in society. Specifically, little or no research has been focused on its impact on crime, especially in developing societies. This study which examined the impact of climate change and its consequences on crime specifically terrorist activities in the Northeast of Nigeria is an effort to fill this research gap. The study adopted a cross-aged design which involves in depth interview of 200 farmers in four selected states of the zone. The outcome is that climate change awareness in the zone is very low. The climate change events identified are rapid desertification, excessive heat and drought. The consequence is that most farmers lost farmlands and agricultural products to these climate change events. Also most of the farmers who are youths were rendered redundant due to the negative impact of these climate events on crops and agriculture. Consequently they engage in alternative activities like menial jobs, while some engage in criminal activities like drug addiction, theft, political thugery, armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorism. They become ready tools for recruitment by Boko-Haram terrorists who are active in the area. It is recommended that massive enlightenment and effective mitigation program should be conducted, youth who are not in school should be convinced to embrace education. Also measures and projects to re-engage the youths back to agriculture should be promoted.
Self-acclaimed Religious terrorism, Refugee crisis, and the Plight of Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria
Authors: Nwaoga Chinyere Theresa , Okoli Anuli B. , Uroko Favour C.
Published: May 2017

The paper examines how the self-acclaimed religious terrorism has forced thousands of Nigerians to be displaced from their homes. Boko haram, a religious terrorist group, has destroyed properties, wasted lives and rendered many homeless. These homeless persons became refugees and internally displaced persons. These refugees are those who fled the shores of Nigeria to neighbouring countries while the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are those persons who are still within Nigeria. The paper critically accesses the plight of displaced persons (Nigerian refugees and IDPs) and the causative factors. It was discovered that there are severe hunger and starvation in displaced person’s camp. The methodology used in this paper is the descriptive phenomenological method of qualitative research. It was used so as to provide an objective report on the findings of this research. As part of its recommendation, the paper proposes that the government should make candid effort to see to the adequate care for Nigerians who have been displaced from their homes.
Semantic Analysis of River Fauna in Banjarese Proverbs, South Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Effendi Rustam
Published: May 2017

Banjarese people live in South Kalimantan Indonesia. Basically, the Banjar culture is inseparable from the river because the river and lowland or swamp environments influence the development of Banjarese culture. Banjarese people perform many activities in the river, such as trading foods, transportating people and stuff, cultivating crops, etc. Various river based activity is a source of livelihood to support daily life. Hence, Banjarese culture, including Banjarese proverb, is associated with the river. This study aims to describe how the fauna in the river and swamp environment contribute and inspire the birth of Banjar proverbs. This research used descriptive method, a method which seeks to explain the data carefully as what was recorded from observation, informant interviews, and document. Data analysis processes use content analysis method (content analysis). The results of the study were described as follows: (i) faunas of the river environment that contribute to the formation of Banjarese proverbs include moluscs, fishes, reptiles, birds, and mammals; (ii) river fauna words/phrases that became part of the sentence in Banjarese proverbs including timpakul (The mudskipper), bakut (The marble goby), baung (The two-spot catfish), saluang (Rasbora), hundang (The shrimp), haruan (The striped snakehead), and pupuyu (The climbing perch); (iii) reptile word/phrases that became part of the sentence in Banjarese proverbs are tadung (The cobra), buhaya (The crocodile), bidawang (The flatback sea turtle), and kukura (The Bornean river turtle); (iii) bird word/phrases that became part of the sentence in Banjarese proverbs including itik japun (The duck), balibis (whistling duck), buak (The brown hawk-owl), and buburak (The Javan pond heron); (iv) swamp animal words/phrases that became part of the sentence in Banjarese proverbs including siput (The snail), hadangan (The buffalo), and pilanduk (The mouse-deer); (v) rice field fauna words/phrases that became part of the sentence in Banjarese proverbs including tikus (the mouse), baringkatak (Common toad), and haruan (The striped snakehead). All the phrases or words that became part of the sentence in the proverb describe river fauna life and behavior to make an analogy of life and Banjar human nature.