bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unpacking “Sexting”: A Systematic Review of Nonconsensual Sexting in Legal, Educational, and Psychological Literatures
Authors: Krieger Michelle A.
Published: July 2016

Concerns about sexting are increasingly prevalent in mainstream and academic media despite limited and inconsistent research findings about the practice. Much of this discourse centers around harm and sexting is commonly considered to be a risky behavior. A driving factor in these discussions is the apparent conflation of consensual and nonconsensual acts or sexting behaviors. A systematic review was conducted to determine the extent to which consensual and nonconsensual acts were conflated in the legal, educational, and psychological literatures on sexting, and how nonconsensual sexting was conceptualized within these disciplines. Definitions of sexting varied widely with regard to the inclusion or exclusion of nonconsensual acts. Nonconsensual acts were conceptualized in the following ways: as a risk of sexing, as being the fault of the victim, as bullying, or as a form of violence against women. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
The Cycle of Abuse: When Victims Become Offenders
Authors: Plummer Malory , Cossins Annie
Published: July 2016

Various psychological theories exist in the literature to explain the behavior of men who commit child sex offences, including the belief that child sexual abuse (CSA) is a predisposing factor for the transition from victim to offender. These theories are, however, unable to explain the fact that while most victims of CSA are female, most perpetrators of CSA are male. The sex specificity of CSA in terms of victims and offenders suggests that the experience of CSA and its psychosocial effects may be different for boys, compared to girls. We hypothesize that CSA experiences may involve risk factors that affect the development of sexually abusive behavior for boys, rather than girls. Our aim was to determine whether the literature provides evidence of a cycle of abuse from victim to offender, and, if so, to document its characteristics. We undertook a comprehensive literature review of studies on both victims and offenders, including studies which revealed the following: age of onset of CSA, duration of abuse, gender of the abuser, the relationship between victim and abuser, grooming behaviors, the types and severity of abuse, and disclosure of abuse. While we found no evidence for the existence of a cycle of abuse for female CSA victims, we discovered evidence to support the existence of a cycle of abuse for male CSA victims who had experienced particular abuse characteristics. As an original contribution to the literature, we identified four factors that may be associated with a boy’s transition from victim to offender as well as the methodological issues to be addressed in future research. Based on criminological theories, we argue that these four factors share a common theme, that is, that they represent experiences of power (for the abuser) and powerlessness (for the victim).
Access to and Use of Schools for Physical Activity Among Adults in Los Angeles County
Authors: DeFosset Amelia R. , Gase Lauren N. , Gonzalez Eloisa , Kuo Tony
Published: July 2016

Formal agreements that outline conditions for community use of school facilities represent a potentially attractive approach to increasing access to places for physical activity in underresourced areas. Despite growing interest in these shared use agreements, limited data are available on their population-level impacts. This study used data collected via an Internet panel survey in spring 2014 ( n = 1,006) to examine the extent of public awareness and use of school-based physical activity resources in Los Angeles County. Weighted data were analyzed using logistic regression to examine associations among access to and use of schools, demographics, and behavioral and environmental factors. Negative binomial regression was performed to test the association between access to school-based physical activity resources and physical activity. Results suggest that a large percentage (57.7%) of people have access to school-based physical activity resources; however, only a portion (30.3%) use them. Safety of school grounds and whether onsite programming was offered were positively associated with use. In light of these findings, additional efforts may be needed to help optimize community use of schools for physical activity. These results can help inform program planning and implementation in communities considering shared use policies.
Measure Up Pressure Down
Authors: Torres Jennifer
Published: July 2016

Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and diabetes complications. Nearly one in three Americans adults has high blood pressure, and the cost associated with treating this condition is staggering. The Measure Up Pressure Down: Provider Toolkit to Improve Hypertension Control is a resource developed by the American Medical Group Foundation in partnership with the American Medical Group Association. The goal of this toolkit is to mobilize health care practitioners to work together through team-based approaches to achieve an 80% control rate of high blood pressure among their patient population. The toolkit can be used by health educators, clinic administrators, physicians, students, and other clinic staff as a step-by-step resource for developing the infrastructure needed to better identify and treat individuals with high blood pressure or other chronic conditions.
Update on Zika Virus
Authors: Toresdahl Brett G. , Asif Irfan M.
Published: July 2016

As public health experts work to contain the outbreak of Zika virus in South America and minimize the devastating prenatal complications, the international sports community prepares for the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Athletes have publicly expressed concern regarding the health risks of competition in Zika-endemic areas.33 Ensuring the safety of the athletes during training and competition is the primary role of the team physician. Special consideration is needed for sports teams preparing for travel to areas affected by Zika virus.
Correlation between adenoma detection rate in colonoscopy‐ and fecal immunochemical testing‐based colorectal cancer screening programs
Authors: Cubiella Joaquín , Castells Antoni , Andreu Montserrat , Bujanda Luis , Carballo Fernando , Jover Rodrigo , Lanas Ángel , Morillas Juan Diego , Salas Dolores , Quintero Enrique ,   COLONPREV study investigators
Published: July 2016

Background

The adenoma detection rate (ADR) is the main quality indicator of colonoscopy. The ADR recommended in fecal immunochemical testing (FIT)‐based colorectal cancer screening programs is unknown.

Methods

Using the COLONPREV (NCT00906997) study dataset, we performed a post‐hoc analysis to determine if there was a correlation between the ADR in primary and work‐up colonoscopy, and the equivalent figure to the minimal 20% ADR recommended. Colonoscopy was performed in 5722 individuals: 5059 as primary strategy and 663 after a positive FIT result (OC‐Sensor™; cut‐off level 15 µg/g of feces). We developed a predictive model based on a multivariable lineal regression analysis including confounding variables.

Results

The median ADR was 31% (range, 14%–51%) in the colonoscopy group and 55% (range, 21%–83%) in the FIT group. There was a positive correlation in the ADR between primary and work‐up colonoscopy (Pearson’s coefficient 0.716; p  < 0.001). ADR in the FIT group was independently related to ADR in the colonoscopy group: regression coefficient for colonoscopy ADR, 0.71 (p  = 0.009); sex, 0.09 (p  = 0.09); age, 0.3 (p  = 0.5); and region 0.00 (p  = 0.9). The equivalent figure to the 20% ADR was 45% (95% confidence interval, 35%–56%).

Conclusions

ADR in primary and work‐up colonoscopy of a FIT‐positive result are positively and significantly correlated.
Hot or Cold Anger? Verbal and Vocal Expression of Anger While Driving in a Simulated Anger-Provoking Scenario
Authors: Biassoni Federica , Balzarotti Stefania , Giamporcaro Micaela , Ciceri Rita
Published: July 2016

Extensive research has examined the relationship between driving anger and risky behavior; however, little is known about how drivers express and regulate anger while driving. The present study was designed to examine the verbal and acoustic correlates of driving anger, as well as whether emotion regulation strategies such as cognitive reappraisal are effective at reducing the outward expression of anger while driving. Forty-four participants were asked to drive in an emotionally neutral and an anger-provoking simulated driving scenarios, while their driving behavior as well as their speech was recorded. Participants were randomly assigned to two experimental conditions, with one group receiving instructions to reappraise the anger-provoking events and a control group receiving no instructions. Results show that in the anger-provoking scenario, participants exhibited more violations, horn-honking, and cursing. Few acoustic variations were detected and were compatible with the acoustic profile of cold anger rather than with the one of hot anger expression. Finally, reappraisal reduced the number of violations only. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Maternal basking regime has complex implications for birthdate and offspring phenotype in a nocturnally foraging, viviparous gecko
Authors: Cree Alison , Hare Kelly M.
Published: July 2016

Maternal basking regime can affect gestation length in viviparous squamates, but effects on offspring phenotype in species with extended pregnancies and ability to delay the birth season are unclear. We investigated the effects of three maternal basking regimes on maternal thermoregulation, gestation length, pregnancy outcome and offspring phenotype in the gecko Woodworthia “Otago/Southland”. This long-lived (30+ years), nocturnal forager has field pregnancies lasting up to 14 mo, with fully developed offspring maintained in utero over winter. Within regimes, we also compared outcomes for spontaneous (early) deliveries with those from induced (late) deliveries to test the ‘adaptive prolongation of pregnancy’ hypothesis. Although a cool regime significantly extended gestation, the effect was reduced by increased maternal basking, and embryonic development under the cool regime was just as successful. Offspring from spontaneous births (but not induced births) were smaller and grew more slowly when from the cool regime. However, induced offspring did not differ in consistent ways from those delivered spontaneously and offspring from all groups had high viability, similar use of warm retreat sites and similar sprint speeds. Thus, consistent evidence for ‘adaptive prolongation of pregnancy’ was lacking. Unusually for squamates, pregnant females can begin vitellogenesis before giving birth, and a profound drop in maternal body temperature near the end of pregnancy (∼6.3°C, confirmed under the warm regime) may assist survival of embryos in utero. Female lizards that maintain fully-developed embryos in utero have the potential to make complex trade-offs among birthdate, offspring phenotype and future reproduction.
Ergonomics of load transport in the seed harvesting ant Messor barbarus Linnæus, 1767: morphology influences transportation method and efficiency
Authors: Bernadou Abel , Felden Antoine , Moreau Mathieu , Moretto Pierre , Fourcassié Vincent
Published: July 2016

We studied in the field the load transport behaviour of workers of the polymorphic Mediterranean seed harvester ant Messor barbarus. Individual ants used two different methods to transport food items: carrying or dragging. The probability of dragging instead of carrying varied significantly with both the mass of the item transported and its linear dimension. Moreover, the values of item mass and length at which dragging began to occur increased with increasing size of the workers. However, ants of increasing sizes began to drag for decreasing values of the relative mass represented by the items, which reflects different biomechanical constraints due to allometric relationships between the different parts of their body. Transport rate was significantly higher in big ants but varied in the same way for workers of different sizes with the relative mass of the item transported. Nevertheless, although big ants were individually more efficient than small ants in transporting food items, the relative transport rate, defined as the ratio of transport rate by the mass of the ant, was higher for small ants than for big ants. Colonies should thus have a greater benefit in investing in small ants than in big ants for the transport of food items. This may explain why the proportion of big ants is so small on the foraging columns of M. barbarus and why big ants are most often employed in colonies for other tasks than transporting food items.
Recent advances in understanding cardiac contractility in health and disease
Authors: MacLeod Ken T.
Published: July 2016

The aim of this review is to provide the reader with a synopsis of some of the emerging ideas and experimental findings in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology that were published in 2015. To provide context for the non-specialist, a brief summary of cardiac contraction and calcium (Ca) regulation in the heart in health and disease is provided. Thereafter, some recently published articles are introduced that indicate the current thinking on (1) the Ca regulatory pathways modulated by Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, (2) the potential influences of nitrosylation by nitric oxide or S-nitrosated proteins, (3) newly observed effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on contraction and Ca regulation following myocardial infarction and a possible link with changes in mitochondrial Ca, and (4) the effects of some of these signaling pathways on late Na current and pro-arrhythmic afterdepolarizations as well as the effects of transverse tubule disturbances.
Toward thick legitimacy: Creating a web of legitimacy for agroecology
Authors: Montenegro de Wit Maywa , Iles Alastair
Published: July 2016

Legitimacy is at the heart of knowledge politics surrounding agriculture and food. When people accept industrial food practices as credible and authoritative, they are consenting to their use and existence. With their thick legitimacy, industrial food systems paralyze the growth of alternative agricultures, including agroecology. Questions of how alternative agricultures can attain their own thick legitimacy in order to compete with, and displace, that of industrial food have not yet attracted much scrutiny. We show that both agroecological and scientific legitimacy grow out of a web of legitimation processes in the scientific, policy, political, legal, practice, and civic arenas. Crucially, legitimation often comes through meeting what we call ‘credibility tests’. Agroecologists can learn to navigate these co-constituted, multiple bases of legitimacy by paying attention to how credibility tests are currently being set in each arena, and beginning to recalibrate these tests to open more room for agroecology. Using a schematic of three non-exclusive pathways, we explore some possible practical interventions that agroecologists and other advocates of alternative agricultures could take. These pathways include: leveraging, while also reshaping, the existing standards and practices of science; extending influence into policy, legal, practical, and civic arenas; and centering attention on the ethical legitimacy of food systems. We conclude that agroecologists can benefit from considering how to build legitimacy for their work.
The role of organisations in supporting the parent/health visitor relationship
Authors: Bidmead Christine , Cowley Sarah , Grocott Patricia
Published: July 2016

This paper, the fourth in a series of five, presents selected data from a qualitative study undertaken to identify measureable indicators of the parent/health visitor relationship. It focuses on the role organisations play in facilitating the purposeful nature of the health visiting process based in relationship-building and partnership working. Slightly different skills were required for establishing and maintaining relationships. The data revealed the importance of organisations in supporting an approach that provided continuity of care, clinical supervision, manageable caseloads, time for home visiting and simplified record-keeping. These are discussed with reference to existing literature and research.
Molecular identification of commercially important species of Nemipterus (Perciformes: Nemipteridae) in surrounding seas of Malaysia
Authors: IMTIAZ AYESHA , YEN DUONG THUY , MOHD NOR SITI AZIZAH , NAIM DARLINA MD
Published: July 2016

Imtiaz A, Duong TY, Nor SAM, Naim DM. 2016. Molecular identification of commercially important species of Nemipterus (Perciformes: Nemipteridae) in surrounding seas of Malaysia. Biodiversitas 17: 571-577. The genus Nemipterus is a group of coral fishes which are morphologically diversified in coloration and distribution pattern. In this study, the mitochondrial Cytochrome coxidase-I (COI) gene was analyzed for genetic identification of 127 samples of genus Nemipterus from Malaysia waters. Sequence analysis of COI based data clearly distributed ten putative species into four distinct clusters clades. Intra-specific genetic distance values of 2.7%, 3.4% were observed in N. japonicus and N. nemurus which require more detailed analysis of the taxonomic status of some of the individuals attributing to slightly atypical values. Neighbor joining (NJ) tree shows a low genetic structuring in N. japonicus. Populations from Indian Ocean and South China Sea are isolated from each other but both share genetic structure with the population from the Straits of Malacca, suggesting the possibility of the latter acting as a barrier to the movement of this species between the two neighboring seas.
RETRACTED: Toward omnidirectional and automated imaging system for measuring oceanic whitecap coverage
Authors: Al-Lashi Raied S.
Published: July 2016

Accurate measurements of oceanic whitecap coverage from whitecap images
are required for better understanding air–gas transfer and aerosol
production processes. However, this is a challenging task because
whitecap patches are formed immediately after a wave breaks and are
spread over a wide area. The main challenges in designing whitecaps
imaging instrument are the small field of view of the camera lens,
processing huge numbers of images, recording data over long time
periods, and deployment difficulties in stormy conditions. This paper
describes the hardware design of a novel high-resolution optical
instrument for imaging oceanic whitecaps and the automated algorithm
processing the collected images. The instrument was successfully
deployed in 2013 as part of the HiWINGS campaign in the North Atlantic
Ocean. The instrument uses a fish-eye camera lens to image the
whitecaps in a wide angle of view (180°).
Labial Salivary Glands in Infants
Authors: Stoeckelhuber Mechthild , Loeffelbein Denys J. , Olzowy Bernhard , Schmitz Christoph , Koerdt Steffen , Kesting Marco R.
Published: July 2016

Human labial glands secrete mucous and serous substances for maintaining oral health. The normal microbial flora of the oral cavity is regulated by the acquired and innate immune systems. The localization and distribution of proteins of the innate immune system were investigated in serous acinar cells and the ductal system by the method of immunohistochemistry. Numerous antimicrobial proteins could be detected in the labial glands: β-defensin-1, -2, -3; lysozyme; lactoferrin; and cathelicidin. Cytoskeletal components such as actin, myosin II, cytokeratins 7 and 19, α- and β-tubulin were predominantly observed in apical cell regions and may be involved in secretory activities.
FORMALIDADE OU INFORMALIDADE? ANÁLISE SOBRE OS FATORES PRESENTES NA DECISÃO DO MICROEMPREENDEDOR BRASILEIRO
Authors: Telles Renato , Rocha Joyce Silva L. da , Siqueira João Paulo L. de , Hourneaux Junior Flavio , Cardoso Sarah Ribeiro
Published: July 2016

RESUMO O presente trabalho tem como principal objetivo contribuir na compreensão de fatores intervenientes ou correlacionados com a decisão de microempreendedores tornarem-se formais ou manterem-se na informalidade de suas operações. Embora existam estudos sobre o perfil empreendedor, são escassas as investigações que indiquem ou apontem robustamente para razões ou condições que conduzam um microempreendedor à formalização. Nesse sentido, desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa de campo de caráter descritivo e quantitativo com 65 empreendedores, sendo 40 microempreendedores individuais formais e 25 microempreendedores individuais informais, localizados no município de Diadema (SP), que responderam um questionário com questões qualificadoras de caráter demográfico e questões que buscavam identificar sua percepção em relação à formalidade e à informalidade em seus negócios. Os principais resultados apontam que (1) algumas das características socioeconômicas dos microempreendedores demonstram potencial ou efetiva correlação com a decisão pela formalidade ou pela informalidade; (2) nota-se também a existência de indícios de relação entre variáveis de negócios e opção pela formalização do negócio; e (3) constatou-se a presença de discrepâncias de informação e concepção sobre a informalidade de negócios quando comparados os microempresários formais e informais. Palavras-chave: Empreendedorismo. Microempreendedor Individual. Microempreendimento. Informalidade. MEI. ABSTRACT This research aims to contribute to the understanding of factors related to the decision of micro-entrepreneurs on whether to formalize their operations, or to keep them informal. Although there are studies on the entrepreneurial profile, there are few works that discuss the reasons or conditions that lead to the formalization of a microenterprise. A descriptive and quantitative survey was therefore conducted with 65 entrepreneurs: 40 formal company owners and the other 25 informal, all located in the municipality of Diadema (SP). The participants received a questionnaire with questions related to demographic aspects and other questions aimed at identifying their perceptions of formality and informality in their businesses. The main results show that (1) some of the socioeconomic characteristics of the micro-entrepreneurs demonstrate potential or actual correlation with the decision on whether to formalize or remain informal; (2) we also noted the existence of a relationship between business variables and the option to formalize the business; and (3) we found discrepancies in relation to the presence of information and the concept of informality in businesses when comparing formal and informal microenterprises. Keywords: Entrepreneurship. Individual Microentrepreneurs. Microenterprises. Informality. MEI.
SINAL DOS TEMPOS: O AMBIENTE DA ORGANIZAÇÃO QUE TRANSCENDE
Authors: Petry Jonas Fernando , Silva Marcia Zanievicz da , Machado Denise Del Prá Netto
Published: July 2016

RESUMO Objetiva-se a integração sob a perspectiva ecológica e contingencial da relação organização/ambiente e a mensuração das 37 cidades brasileiras detentoras de economia e ambiente saudáveis, por meio de uma análise baseada no Apoio Multicritério à Decisão (AMD). O objetivo concentra-se em medir o desempenho das cidades a partir de um conjunto de variáveis com abordagens contingenciais e ecológicas, a fim de verificar o esforço de adaptação das cidades, permitindo identificar e comparar quais cidades podem apresentar melhor relação organização/ambiente dentro de um contexto geográfico. Para isso, baseia-se nas possibilidades contidas nos métodos de AMD: Displaced Ideal e TOPSIS. A pesquisa é caracterizada como descritiva, visto que visa ranquear 37 cidades brasileiras. Os resultados mostram que o número de empresas, a renda per capita e o IDH exercem papel importantíssimo sobre as demais variáveis. Entende-se que a avaliação da relação organização vs ambiente é um imenso sistema interligado que depende da eficiência no uso dos recursos para implicar eficácia no ambiente ideal. Assim, aumento no número de empresas representa melhora do IDH e reclama maiores gastos com outras variáveis. O conjunto de variáveis requer esforço e é a base racional eficaz para direcionar políticas públicas. Palavras-chave: Ecologia Organizacional. Teoria da Contingência. Ambientes das Organizações. ABSTRACT This study attempts to integrate two approaches regarding the organization versus the environment and the measurement of 37 Brazilian cities that have both a healthy economy and a healthy environment, through na approach based on Multi Criteria Decision Aiding (MCDA) analysis. Its goal is to measure the performance of the cities based on a set of variables with contingency and ecological approaches, in order to measure the effort to adapt the cities, enabling us to identify and compare which cities have a better organization versus environment relationship, within a specific geographical context. It is based on the possibilities contained in the MCDA methods: Displaced Ideal and TOPSIS (American School). In terms of its goals, the research is characterized as descriptive, as it seeks to rank 37 Brazilian cities. The results show that the number of companies, per capita ncome, and HDI have a significant effect on the other variables. the evaluation of the organization versus environment relationship is seen as a vast, interconnected system that depends on the efficient use of the resources to bring effectiveness in the ideal environment. Thus, an increase in the number of businesses represents an improvement in the HDI and requires increased spending on other variables. The set of variables requires effort and is the effective rational basis for guiding public policy. Keywords: Organizational Ecology. Contingency Theory. Organization Environments.
PERÍCIA CONTÁBIL – O CASO DA COMPRA FINANCIADA DE APARTAMENTO EM CONSTRUÇÃO NA CIDADE DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: Peleias Ivam Ricardo , Ornelas Martinho Maurício Gomes de , Picollo Erasmo Aparecido , Soares Kadidja Karolina Damasceno
Published: July 2016

RESUMO O caso ilustra a ocorrência de perícia contábil realizada em um processo cível, entre novembro de 2009 e março de 2010, para apurar ilegalidade e abusividade na cobrança retroativa de juros, em uma operação de compra e venda de imóvel na planta. Foi elaborado para uso em cursos de Graduação e Pós-Graduação em Ciências Contábeis, para ilustrar a produção da prova pericial, materializada no laudo pericial contábil. Descreve as etapas da fase de instrução do processo cível. Abrange o requerimento, o deferimento, a realização da perícia, as manifestações das partes do processo sobre o laudo e o término da instrução, com a prolação da sentença pelo Juiz da causa. Permite que os alunos identifiquem a inserção e o uso da Perícia Contábil no processo cível. Evidencia o processo decisório do Juiz, materializado na análise das partes componentes da sentença (relatório, fundamentação e dispositivo), ilustrando o uso do laudo na decisão do Juiz. Foi desenvolvido com base em um processo real, autorizado pelo Juiz de uma Vara Cível do Fórum Central de São Paulo. Palavras-chave: Contabilidade. Perícia Contábil. Laudo Pericial Contábil. ABSTRACT This case illustrates the use of Court Appointed Accounting Expertise in a civil procedure, sentenced in the second semester of 2010. The case was written for use in Graduation and Postgraduation Accountancy courses, in order to illustrate the development of Court Appointed Accounting Expertise and production of proof, embodied in the court appointed accounting report. The case also describes the steps of the civil procedure instruction, indicating the requirement, the deferment, the realization of court appointed accounting expertise, the expressions of the interested parties in the process concerning the court appointed accounting report, and the ending of the instruction step, with the delivery of the sentence by the Judge. This case also allows students to identify the insertion of the use of court appointed accounting expertise in civil procedure. Furthermore, it demonstrates the decisionmaking procedure of the judge, embodied in the parties of the sentence (report, justification and arrangements), illustrating the use of the court appointed accounting report. To sum up, this case was developed based on a real procedure, authorized by a civil court judge at the Central Court of São Paulo] in the first half of 2010. Key-Words: Accounting. Court-appointed Accounting Expertise. Court-appointed Expert Report.
Selenium and functional constipation in children
Authors: Tanjung Marlina , Supriatmo Supriatmo , Deliana Melda , Yudiyanto Ade Rachmat , Sinuhaji Atan Baas
Published: July 2016

Background Constipation is a common problem in children, with approximately 90 to 95% of constipation cases having functional constipation. Oxidative stress may be a causative factor in gastrointestinal diseases, alleved by intervention with antioxidants. Selenium is an essential trace element and acts as a cofactor of gluthathione peroxidase, which protects membranes from oxidative damage.Objective To determine the effect of selenium on functional constipation in children.Methods We conducted a single-blind, randomized clinical trial from November to December 2012 at the Al-Kautsar Al-Akbar Islamic Boarding School in Medan, North Sumatra. Subjects were children aged 12 to 17 years with functional constipation, diagnosed according to the ROME III criteria. Patients were randomly allocated into either the selenium group (n=57) or the placebo group (n=57). Subjects were clinically evaluated for frequency of defecation, stool consistency, severity of abdominal pain, and side effects during the 2 weeks of treatment (days 7 and 14) and 1 week after treatment had stopped (day 21).Results A total of 114 subjects were eligible to participate. The average frequency of defecation observed on day 14 was 1.5 (SD 0.75) days per defecation (P=0.0001) in the selenium group and 2.4 (0.84) days per defecation in the placebo group, a statistically significant difference (P=0.0001). There was no significant difference in frequency of defecation on the 7th day of treatment. But after day 7, there were significant differences between the groups at days 14 and 21. Normal stool consistency was found in 45 subjects (78.9%) on day 7 and in 57 subjects (100%) on day 14 of treatment in the selenium group, significantly more than those in the placebo group (P<0.05). In placebo group, normal stool consistency was found in 27 subject (47.4%) with (P=0.001) on day 7 and in 38 subject (66.7%) on day 14 of treatment (P=0.0001). On day 14, the selenium group had significantly more subjects without pain than the placebo group [47 subjects (82.5%) vs. 10 subjects (17.5%), respectively (P=0.0001)]. Severity of abdominal pain after 14th day of treatment is without pain 47 subject (82.5%) and mild pain 10 subject (17.5%) (P=0.0001). We found no side effects of selenium treatment in our subjects.Conclusion Selenium is effective in improving clinically functional constipation, in terms of increased frequency of defecation, normalization of stool consistency, and less severe abdominal pain.
A Curricular Intervention for Teaching and Learning: Measurement of Gains of First-Year Student Learning
Authors: Cox Thomas D. , Lemon Mark A.
Published: July 2016

There is continued debate about the changing and varied nature of first year courses in American higher education institutions. Therefore more current research is needed to inform faculty and institutions as to the important areas of focus for teaching and learning in first year courses. This study is one possible approach to easily determine student “gains” as described by measured improvements in the selected areas. The purpose of this paper was to examine the observed gains of first year experience course students as measured by the College Student Success Factor Index (CSFI). The CSFI pretest and posttest was administered in the summer 2013 and summer 2014 semesters. The ten success indices of the CSFI were measured and gains were observed. The summer 2013 course taught as it had always been taught without focus on targeted factors of success. A curricular intervention was introduced into the summer 2014 course that includes the ten indices in the course learning assignments and outcomes. Possible differences or “gains” in learning will be described and includes implications for first year teaching and program design in colleges and universities.
Understanding Instructor Nonverbal Immediacy, Verbal Immediacy, and Student Motivation at a Small Liberal Arts University
Authors: Furlich Stephen A
Published: July 2016

Abstract Instructor communication behaviors and student motivation to learn relationships were studied at a small liberal arts university. Specifically, relationships between instructor nonverbal immediacy, verbal immediacy behaviors and student motivation to learn were measured. Only instructor verbal immediacy behaviors had a significant linear regression relationship result with student motivation to learn. These results from a small liberal arts university are discussed in reference to previous research that measured these variables primarily at research universities. The results and implications are addressed for instructors and administrators.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A Content Analysis of Peer Reviewed Journals from 2012 to 2015
Authors: Al-Azawei Ahmed , Serenelli Fabio , Lundqvist Karsten
Published: July 2016

Abstract: The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach is increasingly drawing attention from researchers and educators as a possible solution to promote content accessibility and fill the gap between learner abilities and individual differences. This study aims to analyse the content of a set of peer-reviewed papers published from 2012 to 2015, where UDL framework was applied. We selected 12 studies from different databases and journals depending on 4 criteria: peer-reviewed journals, papers with empirical results, papers that focused on UDL as a framework, and the publication date. These studies were, therefore, categorised into seven themes: type of results, study beneficiary (learners, teachers, both), sample features, geographical region, data collection techniques, data analysis techniques, and learning mode. Most of the selected studies tested the framework in a traditional or a blended learning mode, whereas only one study evaluated its effectiveness in a pure online learning. Positive results were yielded in 9 out of 12 papers, but the majority of them were implemented in the USA. Thus, more research is required in diverse cultural contexts and learning modes to confirm the soundness of this instructional model on learning outcomes and learner experience. Additionally, UDL application in online learning may represent a promising solution to design a flexible learning environment from the start which responds to a wide mix of learner needs, abilities, background knowledge, educational experiences, and cultural differences.
Cross-Cultural Pedagogy: Practical Strategies for a Successful Interprofessional Study Abroad Course
Authors: Bai Jieru , Larimer Susan , Riner Mary E
Published: July 2016

This article discusses some practical strategies for designing and implementing a cross-cultural interprofessional study abroad course, including pre-departure preparation, facilitating small groups with local students, establishing a weekly theme, utilizing role-play and reflective assignments, and implementing meaningful evaluation strategies. These strategies were based on three years of experience and were found to effectively increase students’ cultural competence and self-confidence, as evidenced by student evaluations and results from a focus group conducted one year after the course. Short term study abroad courses with appropriate pedagogical design are significant strategies for health profession programs in the face of growing diversity and globalization.
To Like or Not to Like: Facebook® in the Higher Education Classroom
Authors: Ezell Pamela
Published: July 2016

Facebook is ubiquitous on university campuses, and yet, at the time of this writing, there was a distinct absence of Facebook in the higher education classroom – except when used by distracted students during a lecture. Facebook has pedagogical potential. Why are some faculty resistant to using Facebook for purposes of teaching and learning? What empirical data exist to support the use of Facebook? What are the disadvantages to teaching and learning of using Facebook? When faculty have used Facebook for pedagogical purposes, how was it used? These questions will be addressed in this article.
Supporting the Adoption of Technology Enhanced Learning by Academics at Universities
Authors: Thanaraj Ann , Williams Steve
Published: July 2016

This paper makes a number of recommendations to academic leaders and practicing academics on promoting the uptake of technology-enabled learning (TEL) across their institutions and on their programmes. The approach throughout is to privilege the academic voice and to reflect the views of practicing academics and their students. The authors – the heads of an academic department and of a service department - describe their case study approach, primarily covering staff and students in two different universities. The results are analysed in the context of existing change and adoption models. The authors conclude that existing models are inappropriate and posit their own model for the adoption of TEL, described as ‘Policy-led, large-scale, incremental adoption.’ The impact of the study is assessed. The authors acknowledge that there is no single best practice for full adoption of TEL across a university. We contend that this analysis and these recommendations will equip academic leaders and curriculum designers to deliver the benefits of effective adoption of TEL across subject disciplines.
Desempenho agronômico de cultivares de soja na região central do Estado do Tocantins, safra 2014/2015
Authors: Ribeiro Francisco De Carvalho , Colombo Gustavo André , Silva Priscila Oliveira Santana , Da Silva José Iran Cardoso , Erasmo Eduardo Andrea Lemus , Peluzio Joenes Mucci
Published: July 2016

Ensaios conduzidos em condições de campo são premissas básicas para gerar informações úteis à recomendação de uma cultivar em determinada situação de cultivo. Neste sentido, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar os atributos agronômicos de nove cultivares comerciais de soja na região central do estado do Tocantins, na safra 2014/2015. Foram avaliados os atributos altura de planta, altura de primeira vagem, dias para o florescimento, dias para a maturação, estande inicial de plantas, estande final de plantas, massa de mil grãos e produção de grãos. Todas as cultivares apresentaram altura de planta e primeira vagem acima do mínimo citado pela literatura como necessário para a colheita mecanizada. As cultivares SYN 13831 IPRO e SYN 1385 RR apresentaram redução no estande final de plantas, ressaltando a importância da qualidade da semente no momento de implantação da lavoura. As cultivares BMX 8579 RSF IPRO e NS 8393 RR se destacaram ao apresentarem as maiores médias de massa de mil grãos. Todas as cultivares apresentaram médias de produção de grãos acima de 3000 kg ha-1.
Advancement of Wnt signal pathway and the target of breast cancer
Authors: Liang Quan , Li Wei , Zhao Zhanchao , Fu Qiang
Published: July 2016

Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been proved to play an important role in the development and promotion of cancer metastasis. The activation of Wnt signals can lead to duplicating, updating, metastasizing and relapsing. The Wnt signaling pathway is mainly divided into the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the Wnt/calcium pathway. A better understanding of all the diverse functions of Wnt and their molecular mechanisms has evoked prevailing interest in identifying additional targets related to the Wnt /β-catenin pathways in breast cancer. A number of new target, related to Wnt /β-catenin pathways have been identified in recent years, including NOP14, BKCa channels, Emilin2, WISP, MicroRNAs, NRBP1, TRAF4, and Wntless. In this review, we will introduce the new targets related to the Wnt /β-catenin pathways in breast cancer.
Fluorescence-enhanced optical sensor for detection of Al3+ in water based on functionalised nanoporous silica type SBA-15
Authors: Karimi Mehdi , Badieia Alireza , Ziarani Ghodsi Mohammadi
Published: July 2016

An organic–inorganic hybrid optical sensor (PQ-SBA-15) was designed and prepared through functionalisation of the SBA-15 surface with 3-piperazinepropyltriethoxysilane followed by covalently attaching 8-hydroxyquinoline. Characterisation techniques, including FT-IR, thermal gravimetric, N
Identification of selective oxidation of TiC/SiC composite with X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Banu Nicoleta Doriana , Banu Ionut , Katsiotis Marios S. , Tharalekshmy Anjana , Stephen Samuel , Whelan Jamie , Luckachan Gisha Elizabeth , Vladea Radu , Alhassan Saeed M.
Published: July 2016

Open cell 3D titanium carbide/silicon carbide (TiC/SiC) composite was oxidised to titanium oxide/silicon carbide (TiO
Production and characterization of surfactant-stable fungal keratinase from Gibberella intermedia CA3-1 with application potential in detergent industry
Authors: Zhang Rong-Xian , Gong Jin-Song , Dou Wen-Fang , Zhang Dan-Dan , Zhang Yu-Xia , Li Heng , Lu Zhen-Ming , Shi Jin-Song , Xu Zheng-Hong
Published: July 2016

Surfactant-stable keratinases with good properties are promising candidates for extensive applications in detergent industries. A novel fungal keratinase-producing strain,
The aza-Pudovik reaction accelerated in external constant magnetic field
Authors: Karpowicz Rafał , Lewkowski Jarosław , Morawska Marta , Miękoś Ewa , Zieliński Marek
Published: July 2016

The aza-Pudovik reaction of
Androgenic response of Capsicum interspecific hybrids and capsaicinoid characteristics of DH lines
Authors: Nowaczyk Lubosława , Banach-Szott Magdalena , Olszewska Dorota , Nowaczyk Paweł
Published: July 2016

In the research on induced androgenesis, eight groups of plants, the progeny of interspecific hybrid of Capsicum frutescens L. x C. annuum L., were used. Half of them were standard hard-flesh forms, while the others have represented SS or Ss genotype conditioning the soft flesh of ripe fruit. Anthers from the plants of six groups produced mixoploid callus and the DNA content ranged from 1C to 16C. Three groups formed embryos which converted into plants. The total number of regenerants was 19, included both androgenic haploids (13) and diploids (6). The results did not allow to present the simple relationship between the physiological feature of soft-flesh and the effectiveness of androgenesis. Pungent, soft-flesh genotypes appeared as a poor responsive in anther culture. The R2 and R3 generation of two soft-flesh diploids, evaluated in two-year experiments, showed full phenotypic uniformity, proofing the androgenic origin of diploids. These DH lines were different with regard to capsaicinoid profiles. The content of capsaicinoids ranged from 0.056 to 2.170 and from 0.019 to 1.610 g*kg-1 for capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, respectively. The highest concentration of the compounds was observed in the placenta. Although the androgenic effectiveness was not fully satisfactory, the doubled haploid technology can be used for the rapid genetic stabilization of soft-flesh Capsicum spp. recombinants and the special attention should be paid to the spontaneous androdiploids.
Tidal earth crust deformation measurements
Authors: Dontsov Denis , Pöschel Wolfgang , Schott Walter , Kukowski Nina , Jahr Thomas , Schindler Peter
Published: July 2016

This paper presents an application of the fiber coupled homodyne interferometers for the
tide caused earth crust deformation measurements. Deformation of the earth crust mainly
results from the tidal forces of sun and moon acting on the Earth, but also comes from
seismic wave propagation or regional and local sources. The devices used for monitoring of
such processes called strainmeters. The Geodynamic Observatory Moxa in Thuringia/Germany
records and compares over the years the values gained by different stainmeters. The first
laser interferometer was installed in the observatory in 2002. The new laser interferometer
based setup, presented in this paper, allows direct monitoring of north-south and east-west
components of the earth deformation in the range of 1–2 μm at measuring distances of 26 m.
Measurement uncertainty consideration in the case of precision length measurement applications
Authors: Manske Eberhard , Fröhlich Thomas , Füßl Roland
Published: July 2016

The requirements on the precision lengths measurement rises due to the rapid technical development, in particular of
nanotechnologies and precision optics. According to the roadmap “Dimensional metrology for micro- and
nanotechnologies” of the European National Metrology Institutes

EURAMET: Science and Technology Roadmaps for
Metrology,
https://www.euramet.org/Media/docs/Publications/roadmaps/
EURAMET$_$Science$_$and$_$Technology$_$Roadmaps$_$for$_$Metrology.pdf

in the next few years “traceable 2D (3D) metrology at (sub)-nm accuracy over several
100 mm range” will be required. Circumstantial measurement
uncertainty considerations can supply a crucial contribution to realize these ambitious requirements.
Mehrkomponenten-Kraft- und -Drehmomentsensor nach dem Prinzip der elektromagnetischen Kompensation
Authors: Schleichert Jan , Rahneberg Ilko , Hilbrunner Falko , Fröhlich Thomas
Published: July 2016

In vielen Anwendungen wie beispielsweise der Strömungsmesstechnik, in der Robotik oder der zerstörungsfreien Werkstoffprüfung werden
hochauflösende Mehrkomponentenmessysteme für Kraft und Drehmoment benötigt. Eine Vielzahl der in der Literatur vorgestellten Sensoren
basiert auf Messungen der Verformung oder davon abgeleiteter Größen wie Spannung oder Dehnung. Diese Größen können mit verschiedenen
Wandlern in elektrische Signale überführt werden. Im Folgenden wird ein neuartiger Sechsachs-Kraft-/Momentensensor vorgestellt,
welcher auf dem Prinzip der elektromagnetischen Kompensation von Kraft und Drehmoment beruht. Das dargestellte System ist für
± 7 N und ± 0.35 N m ausgelegt, wobei das Messprinzip auch auf andere Messbereiche übertragbar
ist. Durch das hier vorgestellte Messprinzip, welches ohne mechanische Deformationselemente auskommt, können gleichzeitig eine hohe
Messauflösung und eine hohe Überlastsicherheit gewährleistet werden. Zusätzlich werden die Kräfte und Drehmomente ohne Verschiebungen
und Verdrehungen der Krafteinleitungsstelle gemessen, was in vielen Anwendungen vorteilhaft ist. Nach einer Einführung in das
Funktionsprinzip werden die Komponenten des Systems vorgestellt und deren messtechnische Parameter anhand
von Messergebnissen diskutiert. Des Weiteren wird die Anwendbarkeit des Systems für statische und dynamische Messaufgaben untersucht.