bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanomaterials for the Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater
Authors: Yang Jinyue , Hou Baohong , Wang Jingkang , Tian Beiqian , Bi Jingtao , Wang Na , Li Xin , Huang Xin
Published: March 2019

Removal of contaminants in wastewater, such as heavy metals, has become a severe problem in the world. Numerous technologies have been developed to deal with this problem. As an emerging technology, nanotechnology has been gaining increasing interest and many nanomaterials have been developed to remove heavy metals from polluted water, due to their excellent features resulting from the nanometer effect. In this work, novel nanomaterials, including carbon-based nanomaterials, zero-valent metal, metal-oxide based nanomaterials, and nanocomposites, and their applications for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater were systematically reviewed. Their efficiency, limitations, and advantages were compared and discussed. Furthermore, the promising perspective of nanomaterials in environmental applications was also discussed and potential directions for future work were suggested.
Controlling Nitrogen Doping in Graphene with Atomic Precision: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Granzier-Nakajima Tomotaroh , Fujisawa Kazunori , Anil Vivek , Terrones Mauricio , Yeh Yin-Ting
Published: March 2019

Graphene provides a unique platform for the detailed study of its dopants at the atomic level. Previously, doped materials including Si, and 0D-1D carbon nanomaterials presented difficulties in the characterization of their dopants due to gradients in their dopant concentration and agglomeration of the material itself. Graphene’s two-dimensional nature allows for the detailed characterization of these dopants via spectroscopic and atomic resolution imaging techniques. Nitrogen doping of graphene has been well studied, providing insights into the dopant bonding structure, dopant-dopant interaction, and spatial segregation within a single crystal. Different configurations of nitrogen within the carbon lattice have different electronic and chemical properties, and by controlling these dopants it is possible to either n- or p-type dope graphene, grant half-metallicity, and alter nitrogen doped graphene’s (NG) catalytic and sensing properties. Thus, an understanding and the ability to control different types of nitrogen doping configurations allows for the fine tuning of NG’s properties. Here we review the synthesis, characterization, and properties of nitrogen dopants in NG beyond atomic dopant concentration.
HIV Replication in Humanized IL-3/GM-CSF-Transgenic NOG Mice
Authors: Perdomo-Celis Federico , Medina-Moreno Sandra , Davis Harry , Bryant Joseph , Zapata Juan
Published: March 2019

The development of mouse models that mimic the kinetics of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is critical for the understanding of the pathogenesis of disease and for the design of novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we describe the dynamics of HIV infection in humanized NOD/Shi-scid-IL2rγnull (NOG) mice bearing the human genes for interleukin (IL)-3 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) (NOG-EXL mice). The kinetics of viral load, as well as the frequencies of T-cells, B-cells, Natural killer cells (NK), monocytes, and dendritic cells in blood and secondary lymphoid organs were evaluated throughout the time of infection. In comparison with a non-transgenic humanized mouse (NSG) strain, lymphoid and myeloid populations were more efficiently engrafted in humanized NOG-EXL mice, both in peripheral blood and lymphoid tissues. In addition, HIV actively replicated in humanized NOG-EXL mice, and infection induced a decrease in the percentage of CD4+ T-cells, inversion of the CD4:CD8 ratio, and changes in some cell populations, such as monocytes and dendritic cells, that recapitulated those found in human natural infection. Thus, the humanized IL-3/GM-CSF-transgenic NOG mouse model is suitable for the study of the dynamics of HIV infection and provides a tool for basic and preclinical studies.
Cytokine Production, Ferritin Levels and Bone Mineral Density in Healthy Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Ilesanmi-Oyelere Bolaji Lilian , McConnell Michelle , Mros Sonya , Coad Jane , Roy Nicole C. , Kruger Marlena Cathorina
Published: March 2019

Background: Cytokines, chemokines and CRP are known inflammatory markers. [...]
Dietary Intake of New Zealand European and Pacific Woman from the PROMISE Study
Authors: Renall Nikki , Slater Jo , Kruger Rozanne , Richter Marilize , Tannock Gerald , Breier Bernhard H.
Published: March 2019

Background: New Zealand is culturally diverse and has one of the highest rates of obesity in theworld, especially among women. [...]
Effect of a Tailored Dietary Intervention with High or Standard Protein Intake on B-Vitamin and One Carbon Metabolism Status in Healthy Older Males: A 10 Week Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Gillies Nicola , Milan Amber M. , Sharma Pankaja , Durainayagam Brenan , Mitchell Sarah M. , Zeng Nina , Ramzan Farha , Mitchell Cameron J. , Knowles Scott O. , Sjödin Anders , Wagner Karl-Heinz , Roy Nicole C. , Fraser Karl , Cameron-Smith David
Published: March 2019

Background: Maintaining optimal status of folate and metabolically related vitamins (riboflavinand vitamins B6 and B12) is increasingly important for older adults [...]
Religious Belonging in the East Asian Context: An Exploration of Rhizomatic Belonging
Authors: Oostveen Daan F.
Published: March 2019

This article explores the hermeneutical challenges to understand religious belonging and religious identity in the East Asian context. In East Asia, religious identities have not always been as exclusively delineated, as is the case in Western models of religious diversity, for example in the so-called World Religions paradigm. Various theoretical frameworks are discussed in religious studies, sociology and anthropology of religion in China and East Asia, to acquire a better understanding of religious belonging. It is observed that two hermeneutical frameworks are used by scholars to discuss religious diversity: a hermeneutics of multiple religions and a hermeneutics of religiosity. The former analyses “religious belonging” as a “belonging to religious traditions”. In the latter, “religious belonging” is understood as transcending particular religious traditions. It is argued that we need to take another look at the philosophical concept of “multiplicity” to understand religious diversity and religious belonging. We can use the Deleuzian concepts of “rhizome” and “assemblage” to describe religious belongings in East Asia specifically and also religion in general. A rhizomatic thinking about religion enables us to reimagine the concept of religious belonging as rhizomatic belonging, and also, as is argued by Haiyan Lee and Mayfair Yang, make it possible to subvert power structures inherent to religion.
Application of a New Geophone and Geometry in Tunnel Seismic Detection
Authors: Wang Yao , Fu Nengyi , Lu Xinglin , Fu Zhihong
Published: March 2019

Seismic imaging is the most effective geophysical method and has been extensively implemented to detect potential geological hazards in tunnels during construction. The coupling of geophones and the design of geometry in tunnels are the two major challenges. To ensure successful coupling, a high-sensitivity semi-automatic coupling geophone with a broadband was designed. In practice, this geophone is attached with a wheel and two springs. Once inserted into the borehole, an automatic coupling action occurs. This semi-automatic coupling design within the geophone not only guarantees good coupling, but reduces the time and costs usually required to install a traditional geophone. In the use of geophones for tunnel seismic detection, we propose two new two-dimensional (2D) seismic geometries based on the two commonly used geometries. A test to assess the effectiveness of the qualities of imaging from four geometries was completed by comparing the results of the forward modeling of sandwich models. The conclusion is that the larger the horizontal offset of the layout geometry, the higher the resolution of the imaging; the larger the vertical offset, the weaker the mirror image. The vertical offset is limited due to the narrow tunnel condition. Therefore, the mirror effect cannot be entirely eliminated; however, it can be further suppressed by constructing 2D geometry. The two newly proposed 2D geometries caused the imaging arc of the inter-layer, but suppressed the mirror image. The mirror image added a significant number of errors to the data, which could misguide tunnel construction; therefore the new 2D geometries are more reasonable than the two most commonly used. We applied one of the two new 2D geometries that was more practical to an actual project, the Chongqing Jinyunshan Tunnel in China, and acquired high-quality seismic data using two semi-automatic coupling geophones. The detection results were essentially consistent with the excavation conclusions.
A Seabed Real-Time Sensing System for In-Situ Long-Term Multi-Parameter Observation Applications
Authors: Liu Lanjun , Liao Zhibo , Chen Caiyi , Chen Jialin , Niu Jiong , Jia Yonggang , Guo Xiujun , Chen Zhaowei , Deng Li , Xu Haibo , Liu Tao
Published: March 2019

Aiming at the real-time observation requirements in marine science and ocean engineering, based on underwater acoustic communication and satellite communication technology, a seabed real-time sensing system for in-situ long-term multi-parameter observation applications (SRSS/ILMO) is proposed. It consists of a seabed observation system, a sea surface relay transmission buoy, and a remote monitoring system. The system communication link is implemented by underwater acoustic communication and satellite communication. The seabed observation system adopts the “ARM + FPGA” architecture to meet the low power consumption, scalability, and versatility design requirements. As a long-term unattended system, a two-stage anti-crash mechanism, an automatic system fault isolation design, dual-medium data storage, and improved Modbus protocol are adopted to meet the system reliability requirements. Through the remote monitoring system, users can configure the system working mode, sensor parameters and acquire observation data on demand. The seabed observation system can realize the observation of different fields by carrying different sensors such as those based on marine engineering geology, chemistry, biology, and environment. Carrying resistivity and pore pressure sensors, the SRSS/ILMO powered by seawater batteries was used for a seabed engineering geology observation. The preliminary test results based on harbor environment show the effectiveness of the developed system.
Underwater Acoustic Time Delay Estimation Based on Envelope Differences of Correlation Functions
Authors: Li Guodong , Wu Jinsong , Tang Taolin , Chen Zhixin , Chen Jun , Liu Huang
Published: March 2019

This paper proposes underwater acoustic time delay estimation based on the envelope differences of correlation functions (EDCF), which mitigates the delay estimation errors introduced by the amplitude fluctuations of the correlation function envelopes in the traditional correlation methods (CM). The performance of the proposed delay estimation method under different time values was analyzed, and the optimal difference time values are given. To overcome the influences of digital signal sampling intervals on time delay estimation, a digital time delay estimation approach with low complexity and high accuracy is proposed. The performance of the proposed time delay estimation was analyzed in underwater multipath channels. Finally, the accuracy of the delay estimation using this proposed method was demonstrated by experiments.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Biological Activities of Organically Templated Cobalt Phosphite (C4N2H14)Co(H2PO3)4·2H2O
Authors: Hamdi Najlaa , Chaouch Souad , Silva Ivan da , Ezahri Mohamed , Lachkar Mohammed , Alhasan Rama , Abdin Ahmad Yaman , Jacob Claus , Bali Brahim El
Published: March 2019

A novel hybrid phosphite [(C4N2H14)Co(H2PO3)4·2H2O] was synthesized with 1,4- diaminobutane (dabn) as a structure-directing agent using slow evaporation method. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis showed that it crystallizes in the triclinic system (S.G: P-1, #2) with the following unit cell parameters (Å, °) a = 5.4814 (3), b = 7.5515 (4), c = 10.8548 (6), α = 88.001 (4), β = 88.707 (5), γ = 85.126 (5). The crystal structure was built up from corner-sharing [CoO6]-octahedrons, forming chains parallel to [001], which are interconnected by H2PO3 pseudo-pyramid units. The diprotonated 1,4-diaminobutane molecules, residing between the parallel chains, interacted with the inorganic moiety via hydrogen bonds leading thus to the formation of the 3D crystal structure. The Fourier transform infrared result exhibited characteristic bands corresponding to the phosphite group and the organic molecule. The thermal decomposition of the compound consists mainly of the loss of the organic moiety and the water molecules. The biological tests exhibited significant activity against Candida albicans and Escherichia coli strains in all used concentrations, while less activity was pronounced when tested against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while there was no activity against the nematode model Steinernema feltiae.
Two-Stage Multi-Objective Meta-Heuristics for Environmental and Cost-Optimal Energy Refurbishment at District Level
Authors: Manjarres Diana , Mabe Lara , Oregi Xabat , Landa-Torres Itziar
Published: March 2019

Energy efficiency and environmental performance optimization at the district level are following an upward trend mostly triggered by minimizing the Global Warming Potential (GWP) to 20% by 2020 and 40% by 2030 settled by the European Union (EU) compared with 1990 levels. This paper advances over the state of the art by proposing two novel multi-objective algorithms, named Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) and Multi-Objective Harmony Search (MOHS), aimed at achieving cost-effective energy refurbishment scenarios and allowing at district level the decision-making procedure. This challenge is not trivial since the optimisation process must provide feasible solutions for a simultaneous environmental and economic assessment at district scale taking into consideration highly demanding real-based constraints regarding district and buildings’ specific requirements. Consequently, in this paper, a two-stage optimization methodology is proposed in order to reduce the energy demand and fossil fuel consumption with an affordable investment cost at building level and minimize the total payback time while minimizing the GWP at district level. Aimed at demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed two-stage multi-objective approaches, this work presents simulation results at two real district case studies in Donostia-San Sebastian (Spain) for which up to a 30% of reduction of GWP at district level is obtained for a Payback Time (PT) of 2–3 years.
Embedding Sustainable Development Goals in Education. Teachers’ Perspective about Education for Sustainability in the Basque Autonomous Community
Authors: Agirreazkuenaga Leire
Published: March 2019

In the current context of unsustainability that we inhabit, education is considered to be a necessary pillar for social transformation towards sustainable development. The main goal of this research is to analyze the implementation of educational practical experiences of the education for sustainability programs from the perspective of teachers working in secondary schools in the Basque Autonomous Community. The analyzed schools are situated in different socio-economic and environmental contexts. The analysis also aims to diagnose the extent of knowledge on the 2030 Global Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a view to its future implementation. The study is based on qualitative tools such as in-depth interviews (38 interviews conducted at five secondary schools). For analytical purposes, the perspective of the teaching staff is adopted as they play an indispensable and determining role in education for sustainability. The main results showed that the involvement of the teaching staff, personal motivation and good leadership are essential for the success of the program, together with the support of school authorities. A stable teaching staff and a sense of identity with the project are decisive factors. In this sense, differences were detected between public schools and private schools that, to a certain extent, condition the difficulties faced by the teaching staff. Experiential activities, activities outside the classroom and a positive perspective on the subject are considered factors contributing to the success of the programs. SDGs were still largely unknown to the teaching staff but could provide a good framework for multidisciplinary education.
Ecohydraulic Modelling to Support Fish Habitat Restoration Measures
Authors: Adeva-Bustos Ana , Alfredsen Knut , Fjeldstad Hans-Petter , Ottosson Kenneth
Published: March 2019

Despite that hydromorphological restoration projects have been implemented since the 1940s, the key to improve the effectiveness of future restoration measures remains a challenge. This is in part related to the lack of adequate aims and objectives together with our limitations in understanding the effects on the physical habitat and ecosystems from interventions. This study shows the potential of using remote sensing techniques combined with hydraulic modelling to evaluate the success of physical restoration measures using habitat suitability as a quantifiable objective. Airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was used to build a high-resolution two-dimensional model for Ljungan River, Sweden, using HEC-RAS 5.0. Two types of instream restoration measures were simulated according to the physical measures carried out in the river to improve salmonid habitat: (a) stones and rocks were moved from the bank sides to the main channel, and (b) a concrete wall was broken to open two channels to connect a side channel with the main river. Results showed that the hydraulic model could potentially be used to simulate the hydraulic conditions before and after instream modifications were implemented. A general improvement was found for the potential suitable habitat based on depth, velocity and shear stress values after the instream measures.
Explaining Defects of the Universal Vacua with Black Holes-Hedgehogs and Strings
Authors: Das C. R. , Laperashvili L. V. , Nielsen H. B. , Sidharth B. G.
Published: March 2019

Assuming the Multiple Point Principle (MPP) as a new law of Nature, we considered the existence of the two degenerate vacua of the Universe: (a) the first Electroweak (EW) vacuum at v 1 ≈ 246 GeV—“true vacuum”, and (b) the second Planck scale “false vacuum” at v 2 ∼ 10 18 GeV. In these vacua, we investigated different topological defects. The main aim of the paper is an investigation of the black-hole-hedgehogs configurations as defects of the false vacuum. In the framework of the f ( R ) gravity, described by the Gravi-Weak unification model, we considered a black-hole solution, which corresponds to a “hedgehog”—global monopole, that has been “swallowed” by the black-hole with mass core M B H ∼ 10 18 GeV and radius δ ∼ 10 − 21 GeV − 1 . Considering the results of the hedgehog lattice theory in the framework of the S U ( 2 ) Yang-Mills gauge-invariant theory with hedgehogs in the Wilson loops, we have used the critical value of temperature for the hedgehogs’ confinement phase ( T c ∼ 10 18 GeV). This result gave us the possibility to conclude that the SM shows a new physics (with contributions of the S U ( 2 ) -triplet Higgs bosons) at the scale ∼10 TeV. This theory predicts the stability of the EW-vacuum and the accuracy of the MPP.
Insights from Self-Organizing Maps for Predicting Accessibility Demand for Healthcare Infrastructure
Authors: Mayaud Jerome R. , Anderson Sam , Tran Martino , Radić Valentina
Published: March 2019

As urban populations grow worldwide, it becomes increasingly important to critically analyse accessibility—the ease with which residents can reach key places or opportunities. The combination of ‘big data’ and advances in computational techniques such as machine learning (ML) could be a boon for urban accessibility studies, yet their application in this field remains limited. In this study, we provided detailed predictions of healthcare accessibility across a rapidly growing city and related them to socio-economic factors using a combination of classical and modern data analysis methods. Using the City of Surrey (Canada) as a case study, we clustered high-resolution income data for 2016 and 2022 using principal component analysis (PCA) and a powerful ML clustering tool, the self-organising map (SOM). We then combined this with door-to-door travel times to hospitals and clinics, calculated using a simple open-source tool. Focusing our analysis on senior populations (65+ years), we found that higher income clusters are projected to become more prevalent across Surrey over our study period. Low income clusters have on average better accessibility to healthcare facilities than high income clusters in both 2016 and 2022. Population growth will be the biggest accessibility challenge in neighbourhoods with good existing access to healthcare, whereas income change (both positive and negative) will be most challenging in poorly connected neighbourhoods. A dual accessibility problem may arise in Surrey: first, large senior populations will reside in areas with access to numerous and close-by, clinics, putting pressure on existing facilities for specialised services. Second, lower-income seniors will increasingly reside in areas poorly connected to healthcare services, which may impact accessibility equity. We demonstrate that combining PCA and SOM clustering techniques results in novel insights for predicting accessibility at the neighbourhood level. This allows for robust planning policy recommendations to be drawn from large multivariate datasets.
The Association of Cognitive Impairment with Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis
Authors: Liao Jin-Lan , Zhang Yu-Hui , Xiong Zi-Bo , Hao Li , Liu Gui-Ling , Ren Ye-Ping , Wang Qin , Duan Li-Ping , Zheng Zhao-Xia , Xiong Zu-Ying , Dong Jie
Published: March 2019

Background

Research on the association between cognitive impairment (CI) and peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis is limited. Therefore, we investigated whether CI contributed to the risk of PD-related peritonitis.

Methods

This prospective cohort study enrolled 458 patients from 5 PD centers between 1 March 2013, and 30 November 2013, and continued until 31 May 2016. We used the Modified Mini- Mental State Examination (3MS) to assess general cognition, the Trail-Making Test to assess executive function, and subtests of the Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status to assess immediate and delayed memory, visuospatial skills, and language ability. Patients were assigned to CI and non-CI groups based on their 3MS scores. The first episode of peritonitis was the primary endpoint event. Treatment failure of peritonitis was defined as peritonitis-associated death or transfer to hemodialysis. We used competing risk models to analyze the association between CI and the risk of peritonitis. The association of CI with treatment failure after peritonitis was analyzed using logistic regression models.

Results

Ninety-four first episodes of peritonitis were recorded during a median follow-up of 31.4 months, 18.1% of which led to treatment failure. No significant group differences were observed for the occurrence, distribution of pathogenic bacteria, or outcomes of first-episode peritonitis. Immediate memory dysfunction was independently associated with a higher risk of PD-related peritonitis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.736, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.064 – 2.834, p < 0.05), adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions

Immediate memory dysfunction was a significant, independent predictor of PD-related peritonitis. Neither general nor specific domains of CI predicted treatment failure of peritonitis.
Icodextrin is Associated with a Lower Mortality Rate in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Yang Ju-Yeh , Chen Likwang , Peng Yu-Sen , Chen Yun-Yi , Huang Jenq-Wen , Hung Kuan-Yu
Published: March 2019

Background

Icodextrin (ICO) improves fluid removal in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. However, whether physiological benefits of ICO translate into patient survival remains unclear. We examine the association of ICO and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We identified patients who initiated long-term PD from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. We matched ICO users with non-users according to propensity score and survival status when ICO was prescribed. We utilized time-dependent analyses to avoid immortal time bias. Additional competing risk models were utilized for the outcomes except for death. The outcomes of interest were time to death, technique failure, peritonitis, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and hospitalization.

Results

A total of 4,914 PD patients were enrolled and 2,836 PD patients (57.7%) were identified as ICO users. The ICO users had significantly better overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63 – 0.86), especially among early ICO users (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.54 – 0.77, p value for interaction: 0.007). The ICO users were associated with higher risk of peritonitis (subdistribution HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06 – 1.14) and hospitalization (subdistribution HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05 – 1.24), considering competing risk of death. However, when considering ICO use as a time-varying covariate, ICO users shared similar risks for technique failure, peritonitis, MACE, and hospitalization as non-users. The effect of ICO on mortality was especially prominent among those early users.

Conclusions

After adjustments for immortal time biases, ICO users were significantly associated with approximately 20% reduction in mortality, especially among early users.
Self-assembly and wetting properties of gold nanorod–CTAB molecules on HOPG
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Derkink Floor , Boulogne Tim , Bampoulis Pantelis , Zandvliet Harold J W , Khan Hidayat Ullah , Jan Rahim , Kooij E Stefan
Published: March 2019

The formation of self-assembled superstructures of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) after drying on a nonwetting highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Although SEM did not reveal coverage of CTAB layers, AFM showed not only CTAB assembly, but also the dynamics of the process on the surface. The self-assembled layers of CTAB molecules on the HOPG terraces prior to nanorod deposition were shown to change the wettability of the surface, and as a result, gold nanorod deposition takes place on nonwetting HOPG terraces.
The effect of translation on the binding energy for transition-metal porphyrines adsorbed on Ag(111) surface
Authors: Buimaga-Iarinca Luiza , Morari Cristian
Published: March 2019

The characteristics of interaction between six transition-metal porphyrines and the Ag(111) surface are detailed here as resulted from DFT calculations. Van der Waals interactions as well as the strong correlation in 3d orbitals of transition metals were taken into account in all calculations, including the structural relaxation. For each system we investigate four relative positions of the metallic atom on top the surface. We show that the interaction between the transition metal and silver is the result of a combination between the dispersion interaction, charge transfer and weak chemical interaction. The detailed analysis of the physical properties, such as dipolar and magnetic moments and the molecule–surface charge transfer, analyzed for different geometric configurations allows us to propose qualitative models, relevant for the understanding of the self-assembly processes and related phenomena.
Evidence for the Two-fluid Scenario in Solar Prominences
Authors: Wiehr E. , Stellmacher G. , Bianda M.
Published: March 2019

This paper presents observational evidence of the different dynamical behavior of neutral and ionized species in solar prominences. The analysis of a time-series of Sr ii 4078 Å and Na D spectra in a quiescent prominence yields systematically larger Doppler shifts (line-of-sight velocities) for the ions V
LOS(Sr ii) = 1.22 × V
LOS(Na D). Both lines show a 30 minute oscillation of good coherence. Sixteen hours later the same prominence underwent marked morphological changes (with a rising dome), and the Sr ii velocity excess dropped to V
LOS(Sr ii) = 1.11 ×V
LOS(Na D). The same excess is found for the line pair Fe ii 5018 Å and He i 5015 Å. The widths of the ionic lines, mainly non-thermally broadened, are not related to the macro-velocities. The emission ratio of Na D and Sr ii, a measure of the electron density, yields n
e = 4 × 1010 cm−3, shows no relation with the V
LOS variation or with height above the limb, and seems to be reduced 16 hr later during the active phase. We apply a new wavelength reference from aureola spectra, which is independent of photospheric velocity fields.
Self-consistent Solutions for Line-driven Winds of Hot Massive Stars: The m-CAK Procedure
Authors: Gormaz-Matamala Alex C. , Curé M. , Cidale L. S. , Venero R. O. J.
Published: March 2019

Massive stars present strong stellar winds that are described by the radiation driven wind theory. Accurate mass-loss rates are necessary to properly describe the stellar evolution across the Hertzsprung–Russel Diagram. We present a self-consistent procedure that coupled the hydrodynamics with calculations of the line-force, giving as results the line-force parameters, the velocity field, and the mass-loss rate. Our calculations contemplate the contribution to the line-force multiplier from more than ∼900,000 atomic transitions, an NLTE radiation flux from the photosphere and a quasi-LTE approximation for the occupational numbers. A full set of line-force parameters for T
eff ≥ 32,000 K, surface gravities higher than 3.4 dex for two different metallicities are presented, with their corresponding wind parameters (terminal velocities and mass-loss rates). The already known dependence of line-force parameters on effective temperature is enhanced by the dependence on

. The terminal velocities present a stepper scaling relation with respect to the escape velocity, this might explain the scatter values observed in the hot side of the bistability jump. Moreover, a comparison of self-consistent mass-loss rates with empirical values shows a good agreement. Self-consistent wind solutions are used as input in FASTWIND to calculate synthetic spectra. We show, comparing with the observed spectra for three stars, that varying the clumping factor, the synthetic spectra rapidly converge into the neighborhood region of the solution. It is important to stress that our self-consistent procedure significantly reduces the number of free parameters needed to obtain a synthetic spectrum.
Peginterferon Alfa-2a (40 kD) Stopping Rules in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data
Authors: Pavlovic Vedran , Yang Lei , Chan Henry Lik-Yuen , Hou Jinlin , Janssen Harry L , Kao Jia-Horng , Lampertico Pietro , Peng Cheng-Yuan , Piratvisuth Teerha , Thompson Alexander J , Wedemeyer Heiner , Wei Lai , Wat Cynthia
Published: March 2019

Background

Peginterferon alfa-2a (PEG-IFN) treatment stopping rules in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are clinically desirable. Previous studies exploring this topic contained important limitations resulting in inconsistent recommendations within the current treatment guidelines. We undertook a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis to identify the most appropriate PEG-IFN treatment stopping rules.

Methods

Roche's internal database, PubMed and conference abstracts were searched for studies that enrolled >50 treatment-naive patients with CHB who received PEG-IFN treatment for 48 weeks. Stopping rules were identified using receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses and pre-specified biomarker cutoff target performance characteristics (sensitivity >95%, specificity >10%, negative predictive value >90%). Robustness of proposed stopping rules was assessed using internal/external validation analyses.

Results

Eight study datasets were included in the meta-analysis ( n=1,423; 765 hepatitis B e antigen [HBeAg]-positive, 658 HBeAg-negative patients). In general, performance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA cutoffs at weeks 12 and 24 was similar, and common biomarker cutoffs that met target performance criteria were identified across multiple patient subgroups. For HBeAg-positive genotype B/C and HBeAg-negative genotype D patients the proposed stopping rule is HBsAg >20,000 IU/ml at week 12. Alternatively, HBV DNA level cutoffs of >8 log10 and >6.5 log10 IU/ml, respectively, can be used instead. The proposed stopping rules accurately identify up to 26% of non-responders.

Conclusions

The meta-analysis demonstrates that early PEG-IFN discontinuation should be considered in HBeAg-positive genotype B/C and HBeAg-negative genotype D patients at week 12 of treatment based on HBsAg or HBV DNA levels.
Exploring prospective student teacher's question on mathematics teaching practice
Authors: Zayyadi Moh , Nusantara Toto , Hidayanto Erry , Sulandra I Made , As'ari Abdur Rahman
Published: March 2019

This research aims to find and describe kinds of questions proposed by prospective students teacher in teaching mathematics practice. The mathematics learning is an activity undertaken by teachers, students and learning environments in learning the mathematical material. The mathematics learning, in this case, is the learning of concept, principal, procedures, and factual mathematics. This research is qualitative research, and the subject is 7th semester students of mathematics at Madura University who was doing their field experience practice. In this study, five prospective students teacher practiced their teaching skill for more less 3-4 meetings. The data was collected from video recording an interview, then the data was analyzed, and triangulation was done. Triangulation result would be used as initial conclusion before the final one is taken. The result of this study is, brainstorm questions emphasized more to the concept understanding, procedures, mathematics principals. Divergent questions are questions which stressing more to the concept of understanding, procedures, and mathematics principle and factual. Convergent questions, brainstorm questions are questions which emphasizing on the understanding of mathematics factual. This focal question is more about justifying or giving students choices in answering questions. This type of question to inquire about procedures and mathematical facts to choose the right one.
Effects of active learning methodologies on the students’ emotions, self-efficacy beliefs and learning outcomes in a science distance learning course
Authors: Jeong Jin Su , González-Gómez David , Cañada-Cañada Florentina , Gallego-Picó Alejandrina , Bravo Juan Carlos
Published: March 2019

Distance education programs in higher education are gaining popularity mostly due to the flexibility of the formative programs to fit all the requirements that brick-and-mortar educational institutions are not able to provide to students. However, quite often these distance programs report feelings of isolation, lack of self-direction and management, and eventual decrease in motivation levels. Thus, the main aim of this research is to assess the effect of following an active learning methodology on the students’ emotions, self-efficacy beliefs and learning outcomes in the context of a distance learning program in an Atmospheric Pollution course. According to the results, the use of these methodologies not only had a significant promotion in the positive emotions and self-efficacy beliefs, but also positive impact in the students’ learning outcomes. The results obtained in this research demonstrate that following an appropriate learning methodology in a distance program could contribute to reduce the main handicaps of these programs.
Lectures and Discussions in Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality Learning Environments
Authors: Nussli Natalie , Oh Kevin , Cuadro Nicole , Kaye Melisa
Published: March 2019

This chapter describes a study that was conducted in a semi-immersive desktop virtual reality environment. The study investigated teacher trainees' perceptions of their mental effort in Second Life, their satisfaction with the communication modalities, and their perceived social behavioral changes. In the first event, only the instructor (host) used voice to communicate while all participants as well as the in-text facilitator (co-host) used text chat only. In the second event, not only did both hosts use voice, but the participants also had the option to use voice rather than text. The majority of teacher trainees appreciated the freedom to choose either modality. The integration of voice was perceived as humanizing the discussion, increasing the flow, and making the conversation more engaging. However, the addition of multiple voices was believed to increase their mental effort. While some teacher trainees felt more relaxed and more open in a virtual discussion, others reported a lack of attention and honesty as well as a tendency to ignore social conventions.
Culturally Informed Evidence-Based Organizational Change and Development Through the Lens of Complexity Theory
Authors: Cseh Maria , Coningham Beatriz
Published: March 2019

In this chapter, the authors apply the lens of complexity theory to explore evidence-based organizational change and development (EBOCD) in global contexts with external OCD consultants working with organizations located in a national culture other than their own. The authors' research and experience leads them to believe that, while OCD is practiced within the complexity of organizations, the addition of cross-cultural dimensions significantly exacerbate the contradictions and paradoxes OCD practitioners need to manage, making change initiatives and their results more unpredictable. The authors highlight the experiences of global OCD external consultants to illustrate this added complexity and discuss how practitioners should apply evidence in a complex, cross-cultural environment.
Resistance to Organizational Change in Academia
Authors: Akella Devi , Khoury Grace
Published: March 2019

Resistance to change happens to be a phenomenon in which both the change agents and change recipients are equally responsible for all forms of resistance. Resistance and its various forms are an outcome of the change agents' observations and their interpretations of the conversations, behavior, and reactions of the change recipients. This chapter uses auto-ethnographic reflexive narratives of two change agents involved in the self-assessment process at a college planning to seek US-based business program accreditation to make sense of the change process. The purpose of this chapter is to emphasize the under-reflected role of the change agents and how they influence and affect the behavior of change recipients and thereby contribute towards employee resistance. The chapter also emphasizes the crucial role of reflection and introspection in the sensemaking activities of the change agents in the entire change initiative and thereby adds evidence-based organizational change and development initiatives in an academic setting where research is limited.
Developing Coaching Skills to Support OD Skills for Leaders
Authors: Hatton Karen A.
Published: March 2019

This reflective case history explores how an acute National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trust sought to develop its people through the introduction of a specific OD tool. Developed over three phases, key learning and evidence was continuously reviewed to inform subsequent phases and ensure positive impact both for individuals and the wider organization. Phase 1 brought together data from a literature review and a small in-work trial, which influenced the planning of Phase 2. Evidence collection, formal and informal, helped to identify the unexpected positive outcomes that went on to shape Phase 3. Scale and spread of the intervention was both planned and emergent, being shaped by reflection on the tool itself, personal experiences, and acknowledged impact. Around one thousand staff members have accessed the intervention in some form, which represents nearly one-fifth of the organization. Outcomes have included a noticeable increase in own/team engagement, raised self-awareness, and improved working relationships. Lessons learned continue to shape the program, which remains an integral part of the OD plan and and ensures the organizational development of quality people.
Managing Change Within the UK Chemical Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Holden Rick , Morton Bob
Published: March 2019

Set within a UK chemical manufacturing plant, this reflective case history account upon culture change, identified as fundamental if a range of structural, technical, and process changes were to be achieved successfully. Conversations about change were extensive, increasingly inclusive, providing a basis for critical connections to be made regarding workforce involvement, values, learning, and knowledge flow. This case history reveals how the organization's leadership enabled the emergence of a more collaborative approach to the management of change.
Reflections on an Organizational Change Process in a Medium-Sized Bavarian Family Business
Authors: Woodbridge Mark J. , Mulder Regina H.
Published: March 2019

The objective of the initial Organizational Change Workshop, conducted on behalf of a medium-sized family-owned business, was to reduce employee health costs. During the workshop, it was soon clear that the main cause of the problems was inefficient order-processing practices. The consultants correspondently revised their change approach. Previous experience was used (evidence informed), as well as information gathered during the complete assignment (evidence based), together enabling a successful re-organizational alignment and a subsequent reduction in health expenditure.
Optimization of Human Resource Policy and Processes Within a Governmental Institution in the Health Sector, Honduras
Authors: Jaspers Nancy Y. , Boonen Marcel J. M. H. , Brekelmans Gerard
Published: March 2019

Despite many efforts, the access to good quality health services remains a significant challenge in Honduras. The optimization of the guiding and coordinating role of a major governmental actor started several years ago through an improvement process which was supported by several external donors. The development of a human resource (HR) policy and supportive HR processes, facilitated by an external consultant, was part of this process and is described in this reflective case history.
We Have Just One World but Live in Different Parts
Authors: Brekelmans Gerard , Boonen Marcel J. M. H. , Jaspers Nancy Y.
Published: March 2019

This chapter describes the differences and similarities between two case histories in the Netherlands and Honduras. Both are situated in the healthcare sector. The organizational change and development in both cases are major but the process and effects differ. The Dutch case describes an organizational change, combining the Toyota production system with a human care program, inspired by the theory of presence. The Honduras case is part of a large optimization and improvement process of one of the main governmental health institutes. Both cases show how people are involved and/or committed to organizational change: Is this built on trust or rather on control? Organizational culture in both cases differs and this is illustrated in the development of the process and the lessons learnt. More attention to the team from the start of the organizational change and trust instead of control is recommended.
Credit Rating and Its Interaction With Financial Ratios
Authors: Mishra Shraddha , Bansal Reenu
Published: March 2019

Credit rating evaluates credit worthiness of corporate and securities issued by government. It provides investors with unbiased reviews and opinion about the credit risk of various securities. The main aim of the chapter is to identify the relationship between the financial ratios and rating symbols. The sample of 158 firms is taken into consideration that discriminates best ratings given by credit rating firms. In order to examine the variability in ratings issued by various rating agencies, the time period of eight years starting from April 2009 to March 2017 has been selected. The study employed the multinomial logistic regression model to explain the relationship among the variables. The analysis suggests that variables such as debt to equity ratio, profit after tax, returns on capital employed, and return on net worth are those having the highest impact on ratings and thus there is also discriminating power among Indian rating agencies.
Assessing the Quality of Distance Education at a University
Authors: Bolton David L. , Smidt Esther , Li Rui
Published: March 2019

This chapter reports the findings of an investigation into the experiences of undergraduate and graduate distance education students at a state educational institution in the United States. Current distance education students at the university were surveyed using an online questionnaire. The purpose of the study was to identify areas of weakness in the distance education program in general and develop recommendations for improving the program. The survey was primarily quantitative, but also allowed for participants to provide qualitative feedback. Results of the study are outlined in terms of distance students' perceptions about the institution's distance education program. Recommendations for improving the program are provided.
Supporting Online Program Quality Through Online Enterprise-Level Standards
Authors: Cook Vickie , Uranis Julie
Published: March 2019

Enterprise-wide efforts to lead online program quality are critical in today's higher education environment. The authors of this chapter investigate tools available to leaders of higher education institutions which articulate the major components needed to successfully lead an online enterprise and measure success. Through the use of vetted tools such as the UPCEA Hallmarks of Excellence in Online Leadership, Quality Matters Program Rubrics, and the Online Learning Consortium Scorecard for the Administration of Online Programs, institutional leaders can embrace systematic and consistent quality in online learning. Using the appropriate tool at the appropriate level of institutional activity will assist institutions with meeting national standards as described through the Interregional Guidelines for the Evaluation of Distance Education Programs (Online Learning) developed by the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C-RAC).
Shielding the Confidentiality, Privacy, and Data Security of Bio-Medical Information in India
Authors: Singh Varinder , Dhiman Shikha
Published: March 2019

The framers of Indian Constitution were very much cognizant about the significance of human nobility and worthiness and hence they incorporated the “right to life and personal liberty” in the Constitution of India. Right to life is considered as one of the primordial fundamental rights. There is no doubt that Indian Judiciary has lived up to the expectations of the Constitution framers, both in interpreting and implementing Article 21 initially, but there are still a few complications left as to the viability of Article 21 in modern times. Looking at the wider arena of right to life, it can be articulated that broader connotation of “right to life” aims at achieving the norms of “privacy” as well.