bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of production factors on seed quality parameters of green gram (Vignaradiata) CV. KKM-3
Authors: Muthu M. ,  C. , Sushree Amlan , Srivastava Rajkamal
Published: March 2018

A field and laboratory experiment was conducted at Department of Seed Science and Technology, GKVK, UAS, Bangalore during 2014 to assess the response of fertilizer levels and spacing on seed quality parameters of green gram (Vigna radiata) cv. KKM-3. Experimental results revealed that fertilizer application of 50 :100 :100 NPK kg ha-1 + Green gram rhizobium (200gm) + PSB-Bacillus megaterium (200gm) recorded highest seed density (1.69g/cc), Test weight (46.2g), EC (0.750 dsm-1) TDH activity (0.999), germination percent age (97.25%), shoot length (21.98cm), rootlength (18.61cm), seedling dry weight (252g), seedlingvigour index I and II (3947 and 2450), protein percent (23.8%) and fieldemergence (90%) superior over other fertilizer treatments.Among the planting geometry 60×10cm recorded highest germination percentage (96.12%) as compared to 45×10cm (94.77%) and 30×10cm (93.82%). Interaction of fertilizerlevels and spacingthrough the application of 50 :100 :100 NPK kg ha-1 + green gram rhizobium (200gm) + PSB-Bacillus megaterium (200gm) withplantinggeometry 60×10cm recorded higher seed quality parameters viz Test weight (48.3 g), protein per cent (24.5 %), germination percentage (98%), EC (0.73dsm-1), TDH activity (1.001), seedling dry weight (265 mg), shoot length (23.65 cm), root length (19.36 cm) and seedling vigour index I and II (4224 and 2603) and field emergence( 93%) were observed.
Mechanical performance comparison of glass and mono fibers added gypsum composites
Authors: Yıldızel Sadık Alper , Çarbaş Serdar
Published: March 2018

Gypsum and gypsum based composite are widely preferred in construction industry for various purposes. Mechanical performances of gypsum composite have been enhanced by researchers in order to increase its area of usage. In this research, gypsum composites containing expanded glass were reinforced by glass fibers (GF) and mono polypropylene fibers (MPF). GF and MPF were used up to 1.5 %. The flexural strength, compressive strength, and shrinkage behavior of the composites were examined within the scope of this study. 50 x 50 x 50 mm and 40 x 40 x 160 sized specimens were prepared for the mechanical performance tests. It was obtained that flexural and shrinkage behavior of the composite were enhanced with the addition of MPF compared to GF added mixes; however, compressive strength values were not as high as GF reinforced composites.
Seismic assessment of a curved multi-span simply supported truss steel railway bridge
Authors: Yılmaz Mehmet Fatih , Çağlayan Barlas Özden , Özakgül Kadir
Published: March 2018

Fragility curve is an effective method to determine the seismic performance of a structural and nonstructural member. Fragility curves are derived for Highway Bridges for many studies. In Turkish railway lines, there are lots of historic bridges, and it is obvious that in order to sustain the safety of the railway lines, earthquake performance of these bridges needs to be determined. In this study, a multi-span steel truss railway bridge with a span length of 25.7m is considered. Main steel truss girders are supported on the abutments and 6 masonry piers. Also, the bridge has a 300m curve radius. Sap 2000 finite element software is used to model the 3D nonlinear modeling of the bridge. Finite element model is updating according to field test recordings. 60 real earthquake data selected from three different soil conditions are considered to determine the seismic performance of the bridge. Nonlinear time history analysis is conducted, and maximum displacements are recorded. Probabilistic seismic demand model (PSDMs) is used to determine the relationship between the Engineering Demand Parameter (EDP) and Intensity Measure (IMs). Fragility curve of the bridge is derived by considering the serviceability limit state, and results are discussed in detail.
Forced vibration analysis of Mindlin plates resting on Winkler foundation
Authors: Özdemir Yaprak Itır
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this paper is to study shear locking-free parametric earthquake analysis of thick and thin plates resting on Winkler foundation using Mindlin’s theory, to determine the effects of the thickness/span ratio, the aspect ratio and the boundary conditions on the linear responses of thick and thin plates subjected to earthquake excitations. In the analysis, finite element method is used for spatial integration and the Newmark-β method is used for the time integration. Finite element formulation of the equations of the thick plate theory is derived by using higher order displacement shape functions. A computer program using finite element method is coded in C++ to analyze the plates clamped or simply supported along all four edges. In the analysis, 8-noded finite element is used. Graphs are presented that should help engineers in the design of thick plates subjected to earthquake excitations. It is concluded that 8-noded finite element can be effectively used in the earthquake analysis of thick plates. It is also concluded that, in general, the changes in the thickness/span ratio are more effective on the maximum responses considered in this study than the changes in the aspect ratio.
Investigating the effect of infill walls on steel frame structures
Authors: Bayrak Osman Fatih , Yedek Seda , Erdem Muhammet Musab , Bikce Murat
Published: March 2018

Infill walls consisting of materials such as hollow concrete, hollow clay and autoclaved aerated concrete bricks are not only preferred in reinforced concrete buildings but also in steel frame structures. It is a well-known fact that infill walls limit the displacement of frames under horizontal loads. However, they may also bring about certain problems due to being placed randomly in horizontal and discontinuously in vertical directions for some architectural reasons. Moreover, cracks in frame-wall joints are observed in steel frame structures in which ductile behaving steel and brittle behaving infill walls are used together. In this study, the effect of infill walls on steel frames has been investigated. In the steel frame structure chosen for the study, four different situations consisting of different combinations of infill walls have been modeled by using ETABS Software. Later, the pushover analyses have been performed for all the models and their results have been compared. As a result of the analyses done by using the equivalent diagonal strut model, it has been found out that infill walls limit the displacement of steel frames and increase the performance of a structure. However, it has been also determined that in the steel frame structure in which the infill walls have been placed discontinuously in vertical and asymmetrically in horizontal, infill walls may lead to torsional and soft story irregularities. As a result, it is possible to observe cracks in the joints of infill walls and steel frame, the deformation properties of which differ, unless necessary precautions are taken.
Examining Validity and Reliability of a Mathematics Assessment Tool for K-2 Students
Authors: Siebert Carl F. , Brendefur Jonathan L.
Published: March 2018

The Primary Math Assessment (PMA) tool is increasingly being used in multiple districts in a northwestern state.  The PMA provides both screening and diagnostic information in six domains to assess mathematical proficiency in young students in their early educational years. A previous study using multidimensional Rasch analyses found support for the PMA’s six-dimensional theoretical framework, and that the PMA is a reliable mathematics assessment for early grades. This study extended the examination of a Rasch model, implementing exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, Item Response Theory, and Differential Item Functioning analyses. In doing so, this study found an IRT 2-PL model to fit best with these data and provided ways to improve the accuracy of measuring mathematical proficiency in early grades.
Effect of Service Quality and Corporate Image Satisfaction and Loyalty of Post Service Users in Regional X Sulawesi and Maluku
Authors: Syarifuddin Andi , Said H. Syahnur , Plyriadi H. Annas , Kalla Hj. Rastina
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of service quality and corporate image directly to the satisfaction of postal service users, to analyze the influence of service quality and corporate image directly to the loyalty of postal service users, to analyze the direct effect of satisfaction on postal service user loyalty, and to analyze the quality services and corporate image indirectly through the satisfaction of postal service user loyalty. The research was conducted at Regional Post Office X Sulawesi and Maluku with a population of 5,540 people and a sample of 277 respondents based on quota sampling method 5%. The data of the questionnaire was analyzed using Structural Equation Model using AMOS 18 assistance. The result of the research found that the service quality and the corporate image directly had a positive and significant effect on the satisfaction and loyalty of the postal service users in Regional X Sulawesi and Maluku. Indirectly the image of the company through satisfaction has a positive and insignificant effect on the loyalty of postal service users in Regional X Sulawesi and Maluku, it means that the satisfaction of the postal service users as the intermediate variable cannot be the mediating variable on the influence of corporate image in increasing the loyalty of the postal service users. The overall influence seen from the total effect of the greatest effect is the satisfaction on the loyalty of postal service users, meaning that the higher the customer satisfaction on the service received, the more growing the level of loyalty to use the postal service.
Optimizing the performance of mean-variance portfolios in various markets: an “old-school” approach
Authors: Stein Roberto , E. Contreras-Pacheco Orlando
Published: March 2018

The authors study the performance of mean-variance optimized (MVO) equity portfolios for retail investors in various markets in the U.S. and around the world. Actively managed equity mutual funds have relatively high fees and tend to underperform their benchmark. Index funds such as exchange traded funds still charge appreciable fees, and only deliver the performance of the benchmark. The authors find that MVO portfolios are relatively easy to manage by a retail investor, and that they tend to outperform their benchmark or, at worst, equal its performance, even after adjusting for risk. Moreover, they show that the performance of these funds is not particularly sensitive to the frequency at which they are rebalanced so that, in the limit, an investor might have to rebalance his/her portfolio only once a year. This last finding translates into very low trading costs, even for retail investors. Thus, the authors conclude that MVOs offer an easy, cheap alternative to invest in the world’s equity markets.
Assessment of water levels and the effects of climatic factors and catchment dynamics in a shallow subtropical reservoir, Manjirenji Dam, Zimbabwe
Authors: Utete Beaven , Nhiwatiwa Tamuka , Kavhu Blessing , Kusangaya Samuel , Viriri Nyashadzashe , Mbauya Accurate W. , Tsamba Joshua
Published: March 2018

Natural water level fluctuations have associated effects on water quality and resident aquatic communities, although their impacts are magnified if the dams have other non-seasonal designated multiple uses. Research demonstrates that excessive water level fluctuations impair ecosystem functioning, ultimately leading to shifts between clear-water and turbid states in shallow lakes. However, these data lack for Manjirenji Dam in Zimbabwe, thus hampering efforts towards effective freshwater resources management in the shallow reservoir. This study analyzed water levels and their fluctuations, and assessed the effects of climatic factors and catchment dynamics using a combination of historical and remote sensed data for the shallow Manjirenji Dam in Zimbabwe. Time series and multiple regression analysis were used to determine water level trends, and the influence of catchment and climatic components in Manjirenji Dam. Lake levels have increased since construction, though their non-significant seasonal variation in the Manjirenji Dam reflects the overlapping effects of catchment and climatic variables. Despite the inferred high stability and resilience, the high fluctuation widths expose the dam to hydrodynamic and climate shocks which have major ecological and conservation implications. A climate change based integrated water resources management approach is necessary for sustainable water resources utilisation in the Manjirenji Dam.
Fungal contaminants in man-made water systems connected to municipal water
Authors: Kadaifciler Duygu Göksay , Demirel Rasime
Published: March 2018

Water-related fungi are known to cause taste and odor problems, as well as negative health effects, and can lead to water-pipeline clogging. There is no legal regulation on the occurrence of fungi in water environments. However, much research has been performed, but further studies are needed. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the fungal load and the presence of mycotoxigenic fungi in man-made water systems (for homes, hospitals, and shopping centers) connected to municipal water in Istanbul, Turkey. The mean fungal concentrations found in the different water samples were 98 colony-forming units (CFU)/100 mL in shopping centers, 51 CFU/100 mL in hospitals, and 23 CFU/100 mL in homes. The dominant fungal species were identified as Aureobasidium pullulans and Fusarium oxysporum. Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus and ochratoxigenic Aspergillus westerdijkiae were only detected in the hospital water samples. Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Cladosporium cladosporioides were also detected in the samples. The study reveals that the municipal water supplies, available for different purposes, could thus contain mycotoxigenic fungi. It was concluded that current disinfection procedures may be insufficient, and the presence of the above-mentioned fungi is important for people with suppressed immune systems.
Evapotranspiration and crop coefficient for Typha latifolia in constructed wetlands
Authors: Queluz João Gabriel Thomaz , Pereira Francisca Franciana Sousa , Sánchez-Román Rodrigo Máximo
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this work was to estimate the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and to determine the crop coefficient (Kc) of Typha latifolia in constructed wetlands. The experiment used two horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HFCWs) cultivated with T. latifolia. Each HFCW received 50 L of secondary effluent daily, resulting in 3.2 days of nominal hydraulic retention time (disregarding effects of evapotranspiration and precipitation). In order to determine the ETc, water mass balance of the HFCWs was performed. In this analysis, ETc was considered equal to the difference between the inflow (secondary effluent + precipitation) and the outflow. The Kc was calculated using ETc and reference evapotranspiration (ETo) data (Kc = ETc/ETo). The results showed that 7-day average ETc varied dramatically within the range of 4.9–20.0 mm day−1, with a monthly average of 9.85 mm day−1. The mean monthly values of Kc varied from 2.03 to 3.68 (mean: 2.74). ETc is very important with respect to the HFCW water balance because it decreases effluent outflow considerably. Therefore, the findings of this work indicate that water losses caused by evapotranspiration should be considered when designing constructed wetlands.
Frequency analysis of low flows in intermittent and non-intermittent rivers from hydrological basins in Turkey
Authors: Eris Ebru , Aksoy Hafzullah , Onoz Bihrat , Cetin Mahmut , Yuce Mehmet Ishak , Selek Bulent , Aksu Hakan , Burgan Halil Ibrahim , Esit Musa , Yildirim Isilsu , Karakus Ece Unsal
Published: March 2018

This study attempts to find out the best-fit probability distribution function to low flows using the up-to-date data of intermittent and non-intermittent rivers in four hydrological basins from different regions in Turkey. Frequency analysis of D = 1-, 7-, 14-, 30-, 90- and 273-day low flows calculated from the daily flow time series of each stream gauge was performed. Weibull (W2), Gamma (G2), Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) and Log-Normal (LN2) are selected among the 2-parameter probability distribution functions together with the Weibull (W3), Gamma (G3) and Log-Normal (LN3) from the 3-parameter probability distribution function family. Selected probability distribution functions are checked for their suitability to fit each D-day low flow sequence. LN3 mostly conforms to low flows by being the best-fit among the selected probability distribution functions in three out of four hydrological basins while W3 fits low flows in one basin. With the use of the best-fit probability distribution function, the low flow-duration-frequency curves are determined, which have the ability to provide the end-users with any D-day low flow discharge of any given return period.
Relationship between total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity in Marcellus hydraulic fracturing fluids
Authors: Taylor Malcolm , Elliott Herschel A. , Navitsky Laura O.
Published: March 2018

The production of hydraulic fracturing fluids (HFFs) in natural gas extraction and their subsequent management results in waste streams highly variable in total dissolved solids (TDS). Because TDS measurement is time-consuming, it is often estimated from electrical conductivity (EC) assuming dissolved solids are predominantly ionic species of low enough concentration to yield a linear TDS-EC relationship: TDS (mg/L) = ke × EC (μS/cm) where ke is a constant of proportionality. HHFs can have TDS levels from 20,000 to over 300,000 mg/L wherein ion-pair formation and non-ionized solutes invalidate a simple TDS-EC relationship. Therefore, the composition and TDS-EC relationship of several fluids from Marcellus gas wells in Pennsylvania were assessed. Below EC of 75,000 μS/cm, TDS (mg/L) can be estimated with little error assuming ke = 0.7. For more concentrated HFFs, a curvilinear relationship (R2 = 0.99) is needed: TDS = 27,078e1.05 × 10−5*EC. For hypersaline HFFs, the use of an EC/TDS meter underestimates TDS by as much as 50%. A single linear relationship is unreliable as a predictor of brine strength and, in turn, potential water quality and soil impacts from accidental releases or the suitability of HFFs for industrial wastewater treatment.
An electrochemical sequential injection method to investigate the adsorption of selenite on Fe(III) polyhydroxy cations intercalated vermiculite
Authors: do Nascimento Fernando H. , Masini Jorge Cesar
Published: March 2018

A sequential injection – square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SI-SWASV) method for determination of Se(IV) at a gold working electrode was developed to investigate the adsorption of Se(IV) onto vermiculite intercalated with Fe(III) polyhydroxy cations. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.060 and 0.20 μmol L−1, respectively (4.7 and 15.7 μg L−1). The linearity was up to 1.0 μmol L−1, and the sampling throughput was 18 analyses h−1. The proposed approach is a low-cost alternative to more expensive spectrometric methods. Adsorption onto vermiculite intercalated with Fe(III) polyhydroxy cations removed 93% of Se(IV) from a 1.0 μmol L−1 solution (250 mL) after 5 min of contact time with 625 mg of adsorbent. Adsorption isotherms (25.0 ± 0.5 °C) were fitted by the Freundlich equation resulting in 1/n = 0.51 ± 0.03 and Kf = (1.584 ± 0.002) × 103 μmol1–1/n g−1 L1/n (r2 = 0.995). Fitting by the Langmuir equation resulted in an adsorption constant of 0.026 ± 0.008 L g−1 and adsorption capacity of 47 ± 5 μmol g−1 (3.7 ± 0.4 mg g−1) (r2 = 0.97). This capacity was higher than that found for several other iron oxides, but lower than that obtained for oxide/hydroxide-based Fe(III) nanoparticles.
Early Results of the A.L.P.S. Proximal Humerus Locking Plate
Authors: Argyropoulos Miltiadis , Kent Matthew
Published: March 2018

Background:

Open reduction internal fixation of displaced 3 and 4-part proximal humerus fractures is an effective treatment modality particularly for the younger age group, but it is not without complications. Fixed angled locking screw plates are the mainstay of fixation. The A.L.P.S. Proximal Humerus Plating System is a new implant that has smooth locking pegs in the place of humeral head screws to help reduce glenoid damage in the event of cut-out and is designed to sit low on the humerus in order to reduce the risk of subacromial impingement.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 15 consecutive patients who sustained closed displaced 3-part or 4-part fractures and had fixation surgery using the A.L.P.S. plate. Outcome measures were the time to radiographic and clinical union, Oxford Shoulder Score, quick DASH score and complications.

Results:

Average follow-up was 31.9 weeks. Union was achieved in 100% of patients with a mean time to union of 15.1 weeks. In terms of function, mean OSS was 33.6 and mean quick DASH was 32.5. There were no instances of AVN.

Conclusion:

Our preliminary results of 15 patients followed up for a mean of 31.9 weeks show equitable union rates and time to union as well as functional scores compared to other available plating systems. This is the first study to report on this implant to date.
AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF A JOYFUL AND WHOLESOME EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROGRAM TO AWAKEN EMPATHY IN URBAN YOUTH
Authors: Phatak Smita , Vadeyar Archana
Published: March 2018

Empathy is one of the ten core life skills as enlisted by UNICEF, UNESCO and WHO that can help us understand and accept others who may be very different from ourselves. Today’s need is to make learning interesting by developing interactive youth programs to provide joyful and wholesome experiences so as to awaken empathy in urban youth Such interactions can bring about a shift of frame of reference due to social comparison that will be helpful in the long run. The primary purpose of this exploratory study was to develop and implement the joyful and wholesome experiential program to awaken empathy in urban youth and analyse their experiences after the program.
A group of 50 Std. XIIth students were randomly selected who planned recreational and educative yet interesting activities. Sample of students visited a rural school along with mentor teacher where they interacted with children and conducted activities for (1st to 4th) primary children and local school (1st to 7th) for underprivileged children. A questionnaire prepared by researcher, to understand the response of students after the program, was filled by participants. A detailed analysis of the responses was done and experiences of youth were studied. The thoughtful and guided interaction can give immense satisfaction and some realizations with a lot of fun and happiness.
PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES (STUDYING IN INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS OF DELHI’S NORTH-EAST ZONE) TOWARDS TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES BEING USED BY THEM
Authors: Attri Ajay Kumar , Rai Brijesh Kumar
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study was to explore the perception of students with disabilities towards technological devices being used by them. This study was conducted in the schools of three educational districts i.e. East, North- East and North of Delhi’s North-East Zone. Purposive sampling method was used to select 30 schools (ten schools from each district) from this Zone; further researcher selected 30 students with disabilities from these schools (one student from each school). For this study three types of students with disabilities i.e. visual impairment, hearing impairment, and locomotor impairment were selected. Descriptive survey method was used to collect the data with five points Likert type scale, which was developed by researcher with the help of experts in the field of special education. Frequency, Percentage, Means and Standard Deviationswere used for data analysis. Findings of the study show that students with disabilities have positive perceptions towards technological devices and they believed that these devices are very helpful intheir educational inclusion.
PROMOTING EMPLOYEE WELFARE AND GENERAL WELL-BEING AT THE WORKPLACE
Authors: Errhouni Hanae , Sundharavadive G.
Published: March 2018

The performance of a company is intimately linked to well-being at work, i.e. to the development of its employees internally. And for good reason, psychosocial risks at work are receiving increasing attention from managers
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF ADOLESCENT STUDENTS IN RELATION TO THEIR SELF CONCEPT AND ANXIETY
Authors: Kaur Amandeep
Published: March 2018

The study was designed to examine academic achievement of adolescent students in relation in their self concept and anxiety. Participants were 200 adolescents from Amritsar city. Purposive random sampling technique was used. The findings of study revealed that there is positive relationship between frustration and intelligence, frustration and family climate of adolescents. There exists no significant difference in frustration scores of boys and girls
ROLE OF INDIGENOUS FOOD CROPS IN TRIBAL LIVELIHOOD OF WESTERN SATPURA IN AKKALKUWA TAHSIL NANDURBAR DISTRICT.
Authors: T. PADVI A.
Published: March 2018

Indigenous food crops refer to crops that have their origin in native place. Added to these crops are those that were introduced into the country or any region and are now recognized as naturalized or traditional crops. These crops are produced and found growing in the native place various weather conditions with many found in the wild. They are grains, vegetables and fruit. Akkalkuwa tahsil in Nandurbar district is mostly scheduled tribe population lives about 85 percent of the total population. The Bhil, Pawara and Dhanka Tadvi etc. tribal communities were dependent primarily on their own agricultural produce and a variety of forest based products for livelihood. In this paper has focused on identify different types and importance of indigenous food crops in study area. In the study area, the available cultivable land is less than the forest cover area to the total geographical area and it is about three percent area was under the irrigated. In fact the study area most of the farmers, their cropping pattern was a kharip type, agriculture is mainly depends on rainwater. It may be observed that most of the tribal people has been cultivated the indigenous crops of more, banti, padi, rala, lal jawar, kodra etc., vegetables and fruits. The varieties of millets traditionally produced were locally consumed and were hardly sold. They were primarily stored for food security.
An Empirical Study of Consumer’s Decision Making Factors in Purchasing Organic Foods in Mumbai City
Authors: Sahu Sandeep Rajendra
Published: March 2018

Consumers increasingly tend to prefer food with added value such as high quality, health benefits and animal welfare. And organic farming is in tune with the expectations of this growing number of consumers who buy organic food despite the considerably higher prices. Organic method is a better method of agriculture than chemical-based agriculture because it retains the health of soil as well as environment and also producing qualitative agricultural produces. The organic food market revenues in India are expected to increase at a CAGR of around 25% during 2014-19. The western region is the highest revenue contributor for the country’s organic food market followed by the southern region. In terms of metro cities, then organic food sales are high in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune and Gurgaon.
The present study is undertaken in Mumbai city as Mumbai has one of the highest numbers of organic food outlets in the entire country of India. This study examines consumer preferences for organic foods, their demographic profile, and most importantly, their decision-making factors for purchasing organic foods. All the information pertaining to the research topic is collected with the help of structured questionnaires from the sample respondents. And thereafter, necessary suggestions and recommendation are made by the researcher.
Human Rights and Teacher Education
Authors: Kaur Poonampreet
Published: March 2018

In this article named human rights and teacher education emphasis is made on relationship between Human rights and Teacher Education. As Universal Declaration of Human rights has considered the importance of fundamental rights of an individual. It also explains importance of Human rights in Indian Context as well as throws light on specific needs of Human Rights Education. It stress on the point that, in order to introduce Human Rights Education in the curriculum of all the levels of School Education, first it should be the part of the curriculum of the Teacher Education. Human Rights should be part of all school subjects, and should permeate the students whole learning experience, However because circumstances are different in each country and region, teachers have used many different tactics for fitting Human rights into their school curriculum. Teacher should start teaching Human rights at a ‘grassroots’ level in whichever way they can, with the permission of the principle or local level officials by persuading the local or national educational authorities to change the system. The activities related to Human rights education give children skills, knowledge and attitudes which they will need to work towards a world free of Human rights Violations. The Teacher Training Programmes should enable the teachers to set their own teaching goals in Human Rights for each class. So, Human Rights Education makes the teacher trainees aware of Human Rights and their significance in life.
THE EVALUATION OF STUDENT TEACHERS’ PERCEPTION OF DISTANCE MODE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
Authors: Hussain Md. Athar
Published: March 2018

Distance Education have come a long way and opened new ways in the field of education. With distance learning opportunities are growing at a high rate at many tertiary institutions. There is a need to ensure that Support Services, Self Instructional Materials, effective feedback on assignments, facilities at the study centers are provided sufficiently. Distance learning programmes are generally designed to serve an off campus population. The purpose of the study is to investigate the perception and experiences of the pupil teachers about different aspects related to the teacher education programmes offered through distance mode. Because the study was descriptive in nature the general survey model was employed. The population of the study was defined as students enrolled into the distance mode B.Ed. programmes in the universities of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. The sample consisted of 360 student teachers who have taken admission into six different universities of Andhra Pradesh providing B.Ed. course on distance mode. Data were gathered through self made opinion ire with five point scale by using simple percentage.
Impact of Demonetization Policy on Common People Life
Authors: Amutharani S. , Saraswathi S.
Published: March 2018

In 2016, the Indian government decided to demonetize the two biggest denominations of 500 and 1000 rupee notes. These notes accounted for 86% of the country’s cash supply. The government’s goal was to eradicate counterfeit currency, fight against tax evasion, eliminate black money, terrorist financing activities and promote a cashless economy. Demonetization Policy is a master stroke to combat corruption, bribery, unethical tax evasion by the black money hoarders. Black money and corruption affects the growth of the economy of any country. The annual black money economy is conservatively placed at around 20 percent about GDP . GDP recovered to 6.3 percent in Nov to September 2016 from the previous quarter’s 5.7 percent. To eradicate the root problem of black money generation, this policy play vital role. Hence the study of opinion of the public towards the impact of demonetization is mandatory. The result of the demonetization cannot be reaped with a night. It is a lengthy process, even year to take to yield a benefit. The present article has made an attempt to explain the impact of demonetization in the common man life in Virudhunager district.
Development and Feasibility Testing of an mHealth (Text Message and WeChat) Intervention to Improve the Medication Adherence and Quality of Life of People Living with HIV in China: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Guo Yan , Xu Zhimeng , Qiao Jiaying , Hong Y Alicia , Zhang Hanxi , Zeng Chengbo , Cai Weiping , Li Linghua , Liu Cong
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Most people living with HIV (PLWH) reside in middle- and low-income countries with limited access to health services. Thus, cost-effective interventions that can reach a large number of PLWH are urgently needed.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an mHealth intervention among PLWH in China.

METHODS

Based on previous formative research, we designed an mHealth intervention program that included sending weekly reminders to participants via text messages (short message service, SMS) and articles on HIV self-management three times a week via a popular social media app WeChat. A total of 62 PLWH recruited from an HIV outpatient clinic were randomly assigned to intervention or control group. The intervention lasted for 3 months, and all participants were assessed for their medication adherence, presence of depression, quality of life (QoL), and CD4 (cluster of differentiation 4) counts. Upon completing the intervention, we interviewed 31 participants to further assess the feasibility and acceptability of the study.

RESULTS

At baseline, the intervention and control groups did not differ in terms of demographic characteristics or any of the major outcome measures. About 85% (53/62) of the participants completed the intervention, and they provided valuable feedback on the design and content of the intervention. Participants preferred WeChat as the platform for receiving information and interactive communication for ease of access. Furthermore, they made specific recommendations about building trust, interactive features, and personalized feedback. In the follow-up assessment, the intervention and control groups did not differ in terms of major outcome measures.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study represents one of the first efforts to develop a text messaging (SMS)- and WeChat-based intervention that focused on improving the medication adherence and QoL of PLWH in China. Our data indicates that an mHealth intervention is feasible and acceptable to this population. The data collected through this pilot study will inform the future designs and implementations of mHealth interventions in this vulnerable population. We recommend more innovative mHealth interventions with rigorous designs for the PLWH in middle- and low-income countries.

CLINICALTRIAL

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800017987; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=30448 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/71zC7Pdzs)

REGISTERED REPORT IENTIFIER

RR1-10.2196
Evaluating medication review in primary care: threats to patient medication adherence and safety (Preprint)
Authors: Montague Enid
Published: March 2018

UNSTRUCTURED

Medication review guidelines are scant in primary care setting. Understanding the medication review task will help identify opportunities to improve medication review and ultimately patient medication adherence outcomes. Forty eight primary care encounters were analyzed quantitatively to describe medication review activities and categorize types of medication reviews. Evidence of threats to patient safety were identified.
A Systematic Review of the Three-Dimensional Portable Document Format (3D PDF) in Clinical Communication and Biomedical Sciences: Applications, Tools, and Protocols (Preprint)
Authors: Newe Axel , Becker Linda
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The Portable Document Format (PDF) is the standard file format for the communication of biomedical information via the Internet and for electronic scholarly publishing. Although PDF allows for the embedding of three-dimensional (3D) objects and although this technology has great potential for the communication of such data, it is not broadly used by the scientific community or by clinicians.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to provide an overview of existing publications that apply 3D PDF technology and the protocols and tools for the creation of model files and 3D PDFs for scholarly purposes to demonstrate the possibilities and the ways to use this technology.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles searched for were in English, peer-reviewed with biomedical reference, published since 2005 in a journal or presented at a conference or scientific meeting. Ineligible articles were removed after screening. The found literature was categorized into articles that (1) applied 3D PDF for visualization, (2) showed ways to use 3D PDF, and (3) provided tools or protocols for the creation of 3D PDFs or necessary models. Finally, the latter category was analyzed in detail to provide an overview of the state of the art.

RESULTS

The search retrieved a total of 902 items. Screening identified 200 in-scope publications, 13 covering the use of 3D PDF for medical purposes. Only one article described a clinical routine use case; all others were pure research articles. The disciplines that were covered beside medicine were many. In most cases, either animal or human anatomies were visualized. A method, protocol, software, library, or other tool for the creation of 3D PDFs or model files was described in 19 articles. Most of these tools required advanced programming skills and/or the installation of further software packages. Only one software application presented an all-in-one solution with a graphical user interface.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of 3D PDF for visualization purposes in clinical communication and in biomedical publications is still not in common use, although both the necessary technique and suitable tools are available, and there are many arguments in favor of this technique. The potential of 3D PDF usage should be disseminated in the clinical and biomedical community. Furthermore, easy-to-use, standalone, and free-of-charge software tools for the creation of 3D PDFs should be developed.
De la paz hacia la guerra: moderación y radicalización de preferencias entre la Iglesia Católica y el Gobierno Peronista (1946-1955)
Authors: García Holgado Benjamín
Published: March 2018

¿Por qué la Iglesia Católica se opuso al gobierno peronista en 1955?
¿Cuál fue el impacto causal de este comportamiento en el proceso de quiebre del régimen político? Para responder estas preguntas, primero verificamos si la posición de la Iglesia respecto de la deseabilidad del régimen político (1946-1955) podría ser explicada como la consecuencia de la radicalización de sus preferencias sobre las políticas públicas  implementadas por el Gobierno (Mainwaring y Pérez Liñán, 2013). Segundo, el conflicto entre estos actores generó el surgimiento de la coalición golpista dentro de las Fuerzas Armadas que llevó al establecimiento de un nuevo régimen autoritario.
Entre el arrebato impaciente y la obediencia servil: en busca de un modelo de ciudadanía apropiado para un gobierno representativo.
Authors: Pollitzer María
Published: March 2018

Desde sus orígenes, el gobierno representativo fue asociado por sus principales defensores a una serie de prerequisitos sin los cuales difícilmente cabría esperar que perdurase. El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar una de estas condiciones, aquella que atiende al tipo de ciudadanía requerido, a partir de la lectura comparada entre las reflexiones que franceses e ingleses ofrecieron sobre esta temática en el período que se extiende entre la Revolución de 1848 y el establecimiento del II Imperio Francés. Un período y un escenario que, a los ojos de pensadores de la talla de J. S. Mill, W. Bagehot, A. Tocqueville, E. Laboulaye, Ch. de Rémusat, E. Vácherot o L. Prévost-Paradol, resulta particularmente interesante para discutir el modelo de ciudadanía necesario para sostener un régimen libre.
Construir y encarnar la amenaza islamista en la Federación de Rusia: construcción discursiva del enemigo Checheno en los años 2000
Authors: Avakian Fernando
Published: March 2018

A partir de 1999, el Kremlin redefinió sus políticas con relación a la República de Chechenia a la luz del discurso antiterrorista. Las organizaciones yihadistas presentes desde la primera guerra chechena (1994-1996) en esta república caucásica fueron presentadas como una amenaza mayor para el Estado ruso. En lo sucesivo, toda forma de heteronomía o de divergencia —laica o religiosa, armada o no armada— con respecto a los proyectos políticos federales en Chechenia pasó a ser considerada como terrorismo o “wahabismo”. A través de distintas prácticas, fueron movilizadas representaciones negativas profundamente enraizadas en la cultura rusa respecto al Otro checheno, recreando su identidad colectiva en tanto que terroristas. A partir de una base epistemológica postestructuralista, este trabajo pretende ser un análisis de las relaciones entre el diseño de la amenaza terrorista representada colectivamente por la población chechena y la incriminación individual del sujeto terrorista en la Rusia de los años 2000. El trabajo parte del supuesto de que las amenazas a la seguridad nacional son construcciones discursivas modeladas principal pero no exclusivamente por el campo securitario. Ciertas prácticas concretas llevadas a cabo por el Estado para construir tal amenaza son analizadas: el lenguaje utilizado por la élite política, la práctica judicial y policial, el despliegue de las “operaciones antiterroristas” y el arsenal legal federal; en particular, la Ley de la Lucha contra las Actividades Extremistas (2002) y la Ley de la Lucha contra el Terrorismo (2006), así como determinados artículos del Código Penal utilizados con fines políticos contra la oposición no sólo en el Cáucaso Norte sino también en toda Rusia. La relación entre el nivel general de la enunciación de la amenaza y su encarnación individual es explorada a través del affaire creado en torno a Zara Murtazalieva, joven chechena condenada a prisión por terrorismo en 2004 tras un juicio teñido de irregularidades, para explorar la imagen del terrorista movilizada durante el juicio.
Competencia electoral en los municipios de la provincia de Santa Fe: un análisis sobre los efectos del Doble Voto Simultáneo y las Primarias Abiertas Simultáneas y Obligatorias (1991-2015)
Authors: Fernández Elías
Published: March 2018

El objetivo principal de este trabajo es analizar los efectos de las leyes electorales sobre la competencia partidaria llevada a cabo en los municipios de la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina, a lo largo del período 1991-2015. Durante estos años se aplicaron dos normativas diferentes para la designación de autoridades, tanto a nivel provincial como municipal: en primer lugar, el Doble Voto Simultáneo, un sistema comúnmente conocido como Ley de Lemas (1991-2003), y en segundo lugar, las Primarias Abiertas Simultáneas y Obligatorias (2005-2015). Estas normativas moldearon en forma diferente la coordinación electoral entre partidos, lo cual generó distintos efectos sobre la fragmentación del voto y, particularmente, sobre la distribución de bancas en los Concejos Municipales. Diversas indagaciones previas han puesto el foco en la interacción entre estas leyes y los resultados de las elecciones del orden provincial, pero han omitido el impacto que las mismas han tenido sobre los ámbitos municipales, donde se reparte la mayor cantidad de puestos electivos que se ponen en juego en cada turno electoral. Este estudio se focaliza en este nivel de la competencia partidaria y demuestra que, a pesar de que la distribución de asientos en los órganos legislativos locales es formalmente proporcional, el sistema electoral favorece ostensiblemente a los partidos políticos mayoritarios a medida que el sufragio se fragmenta debido al reducido tamaño de las asambleas.
La República participativa frente a la teatrocracia representativa
Authors: Olivares Nicolás Emanuel
Published: March 2018

En su obra más reciente (2016), Greppi ha explicitado un detallado y reflexivo diagnóstico acerca de las actuales condiciones normativas no ideales de las sociedades democráticas contemporáneas. Como resultado de su análisis, identifica una profunda crisis de representatividad política, traducida en una creciente indignación de la ciudadanía. Las causas son numerosas y se emparentan con procesos globales que confluyen en un denostable escenario tecnocrático libertario. Frente a esta situación, han surgido diversas respuestas (elitistas y radicales) que este autor califica de inadecuadas e ineficaces. En su lugar, A. Greppi, propone resignificar el ideal democrático representativo desde una perspectiva deliberativa discursiva, teniendo por meta transformar las vigentes tecnocracias libertarias en teatrocracias representativas. En este trabajo nos detendremos a analizar las ventajas y desventajas de esta particular postura teórica. Más allá de coincidir con su diagnóstico, sostendremos que existen ciertos aspectos del planteo teórico deliberativo de Greppi que merecen ser profundamente reformados. Sin estas mejoras su propuesta teatrocrática representativa pecaría del mismo exceso (populismo) o defecto (libertarismo) que objeta. Finalmente, propondremos la adopción de una concepción neorepublicana participativa del concepto de democracia deliberativa como respuesta aceptable y sustentable a la crisis de legitimidad política global actual.
Postnatal Ontogenesis of the Islet Circadian Clock Plays a Contributory Role in β-Cell Maturation Process
Authors: Rakshit Kuntol , Qian Jingyi , Gaonkar Krutika Satish , Dhawan Sangeeta , Colwell Christopher S. , Matveyenko Aleksey V.
Published: March 2018

Development of cell replacement therapies in diabetes requires understanding of the molecular underpinnings of β-cell maturation. The circadian clock regulates diverse cellular functions important for regulation of β-cell function and turnover. However, postnatal ontogenesis of the islet circadian clock and its potential role in β-cell maturation remain unknown. To address this, we studied wild-type Sprague-Dawley as well as Period1 luciferase transgenic (Per1:LUC) rats to determine circadian clock function, clock protein expression, and diurnal insulin secretion during islet development and maturation process. We additionally studied β-cell–specific Bmal1-deficient mice to elucidate a potential role of this key circadian transcription factor in β-cell functional and transcriptional maturation. We report that emergence of the islet circadian clock 1) occurs during the early postnatal period, 2) depends on the establishment of global behavioral circadian rhythms, and 3) leads to the induction of diurnal insulin secretion and gene expression. Islet cell maturation was also characterized by induction in the expression of circadian transcription factor BMAL1, deletion of which altered postnatal development of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and the associated transcriptional network. Postnatal development of the islet circadian clock contributes to early-life β-cell maturation and should be considered for optimal design of future β-cell replacement strategies in diabetes.