bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New trends on mobile learning area: The review of published articles on mobile learning in science direct database
Authors: Soykan Emrah , Uzunboylu Huseyin
Published: November 2015

Articles published in Science Direct between 2009 and 2014 (May) were screened in this research. This is because of its respectable position in the field of technology and peer-reviewed secured structure of this database. From a total of 161 articles within the scope of the screening 156 articles were included in the study. Through this research, new trends in mobile learning activities in recent years will be determined and a new way will be shown for researchers . "Mobile learning" keywords used during researching process and all the articles with "mobile learning" keywords were included in this study. As a result of this research, it is determined that the most studies in the field of mobile learning were published in 2013 in Malaysia, UK and Taiwan. Particularly undergraduate students was selected as the sample group of the researches. It is emerged that, experimental research was used maximum as a research model. Quantitative data collection tools were used most as a means of data collection. It was emerged that foreign language education is the most widely used field in mobile learning. It is seen that smart phonesÂ  as mobile learning devices and IOS operating system as an operating system were used in the most researches. Mobile-based method is seen to be used as the teaching method in the present study.Â Keywords: mobile learning, mobile education, mobile technology, content analysis.
Ecology nature of science: shared discussions and practices among ecologists and high school teachers
Authors: Jordan Rebecca C. , Brooks Wesley R. , DeLisi Jacqueline R. , Gray Steven A. , Berkowitz Alan R.
Published: November 2015

While scientific and environmental literacy is said to be low amongst Americans, there are little data regarding the public's ability to think critically about environmental data. Many grade school science teachers aim to increase their students' capacity to use scientific and environmental information outside of the classroom, but fulfilling these goals requires a general understanding of scientific concepts and a keen understanding of how scientific evidence and claims are generated. In this manuscript, we describe the professional development elicited by our Ecosystems and Evidence project. As part of this project, we gathered a team of master teachers, science educators, and ecologists. This team was then formed in to two learning communities in New York and New Jersey, to collectively discuss the nature of science (NOS) construct and to develop a framework for what we termed ecology nature of science (ENOS).

Participating teachers developed a more practice‐oriented view of their instruction and assessment that centered on the tenets of NOS and ENOS. Specifically, we noted a shift in their instructional style from encouraging their students to learn about science to actually engage in science. We argue that practice‐oriented experiences that articulate the practices of science within specific contexts much like ENOS, can enable learners (whether they be professional teachers or students) to use new science concepts and skills in a more meaningful context and provide an authentic sense of how science is done.
Control mechanisms of photosynthetic epibionts on zooplankton: an experimental approach
Authors: Bertolo Andrea , Rodríguez Marco A. , Lacroix Gérard
Published: November 2015

Several top‐down and bottom‐up forces have been put forward to explain variable infestation rates of zooplankton by epibionts. Among top‐down forces, fish predation affects epibiont prevalence on zooplanktonic organisms, either by eliminating more conspicuous, heavily burdened individuals, or by reducing population size of zooplankton hosts, with consequences for substrate availability for epibionts. However, detailed experimental‐based information on the effects of top‐down forces is still lacking. Among bottom‐up forces, light can potentially control populations of photosynthetic epibionts. Therefore, both changes in light penetration in the water column and the vertical position of hosts in the water column could affect the photic conditions in which epibionts live and could thus control their population growth. We tested experimentally the hypothesis that both light limitation and fish predation affect epibiont burden on zooplankton. Moreover, we also tested the hypothesis that zooplanktivorous fish affect the prevalence and burden of the epibiotic alga Colacium sp. (Euglenida) on zooplankton not only by direct predation, but also by affecting the vertical distribution of zooplankton. We analyzed Colacium burden on two zooplankton genera that responded differently to the presence of zooplanktivorous fish by altering their daytime vertical distributions, thus exposing photosynthetic epibionts to different light conditions. Colacium burden on the two zooplankton genera was also compared between enclosures with different degrees of light limitation. Our results suggest that (1) ambient light limitation has the potential to reduce the burden of photosynthetic epibionts on zooplankton in natural conditions, and (2) zooplankton behavior (e.g., daytime refuge use to escape fish predation) can reduce the burden by exposing photosynthetic epibionts to suboptimal light conditions.
Does Adjunctive Use of Growth Factors Improve Clinical Outcomes of Soft Tissue Grafting at Miller Class III Recession Defects? A Review of Current Evidence
Authors: Geisinger Maria L. , Trammell Kyle , Holmes Carolyn M. , Kaur Maninder , Geurs Nicolaas C.
Published: November 2015

Focused Clinical Question

In patients with gingival recession that is classified as Miller Class III, does adjunctive use of local growth factors with gingival grafting procedures improve clinical outcomes?

Clinical Scenario

A 31‐year‐old female presents with a chief complaint of gingival recession (GR) at teeth #4 to #13 (Fig. 1). Interproximal bone loss coronal to the level of the buccal GR is present. She is concerned about esthetics and would like to maximize her chance for complete root coverage. Her medical history is non‐contributory, and she has no contraindications to routine dental care. Because of the number of teeth involved and the difficulty in harvesting autogenous tissues, she is treated with acellular dermal matrix§ and enamel matrix derivative‖ with a coronally advanced flap at teeth #4 to #13 (Figs. 2 and 3). Final results reveal significant root coverage on all teeth and complete root coverage on teeth #7 to #10. This results in an esthetically acceptable result (Fig. 4).
Inequalities of Income and Inequalities of Longevity: A Cross-Country Study
Authors: Neumayer Eric , Plümper Thomas
Published: November 2015

Objectives. We examined the effects of market income inequality (income inequality before taxes and transfers) and income redistribution via taxes and transfers on inequality in longevity.

Methods. We used life tables to compute Gini coefficients of longevity inequality for all individuals and for individuals who survived to at least 10 years of age. We regressed longevity inequality on market income inequality and income redistribution, and we controlled for potential confounders, in a cross-sectional time-series sample of up to 28 predominantly Western developed countries and up to 37 years (1974–2011).

Results. Income inequality before taxes and transfers was positively associated with inequality in the number of years lived; income redistribution (the difference between market income inequality and income inequality after taxes and transfers were accounted for) was negatively associated with longevity inequality.

Conclusions. To the extent that our estimated effects derived from observational data are causal, governments can reduce longevity inequality not only via public health policies, but also via their influence on market income inequality and the redistribution of incomes from the relatively rich to the relatively poor.
Barriers to Cervical Screening Among Sex Workers in Vancouver
Authors: Duff Putu , Ogilvie Gina , Shoveller Jean , Amram Ofer , Chettiar Jill , Nguyen Paul , Dobrer Sabina , Montaner Julio , Shannon Kate
Published: November 2015

Objectives. We longitudinally examined the social, structural, and geographic correlates of cervical screening among sex workers in Metropolitan Vancouver, British Columbia, to determine the roles that physical and social geography play in routine reproductive health care access.

Methods. Analysis drew on (2010–2013) data from an open prospective cohort of sex workers (An Evaluation of Sex Workers’ Health Access). We used multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations (GEE) to model correlates of regular cervical screening.

Results. At baseline, 236 (38.6%) of 611 sex workers in our sample had received cervical screening, and 63 (10.3%) were HIV-seropositive. In multivariable GEE analysis, HIV-seropositivity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06, 2.58) and accessing outreach services (AOR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.09, 1.66) were correlated with regular cervical screening. Experiencing barriers to health care access (e.g., poor treatment by health care staff, limited hours of operation, and language barriers) reduced odds of regular Papanicolaou testing (AOR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.65, 1.00).

Conclusions. Sex workers in Metropolitan Vancouver had suboptimal levels of cervical screening. Innovative mobile outreach service delivery models offering cervical screening as one component of sex worker–targeted comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services may hold promise.
Patterns and Trends of Newly Diagnosed HIV Infections Among Adults and Adolescents in Correctional and Noncorrectional Facilities, United States, 2008–2011
Authors: Barskey Albert E. , Surendera Babu Aruna , Hernandez Angela , Espinoza Lorena
Published: November 2015

Objectives. We aimed to determine whether the patterns and trends of HIV infections newly diagnosed within correctional and noncorrectional facilities differ.

Methods. We classified persons newly diagnosed with HIV infection in the United States between 2008 and 2011 (n = 181 710) by correctional and noncorrectional facilities where diagnoses were first made, and stratified by sex, age group, race/ethnicity, transmission category, and diagnosis year.

Results. An estimated 9187 persons were newly diagnosed with HIV infection in 2008 to 2011 while incarcerated, representing approximately 5.1% of the 181 710 HIV infections diagnosed in the United States during this period. Of these incarcerated persons, 84% were male, 30% were aged 30 to 39 years, 59% were Black/African American, and 51% of the men had been exposed through male-to-male sexual contact. Yearly numbers of diagnoses declined by 9.9% in correctional versus 0.3% in noncorrectional facilities. The percentage with a late HIV diagnosis was significantly lower in correctional than in noncorrectional facilities (prevalence ratio = 0.52; 95% confidence interval = 0.49, 0.55).

Conclusions. Initial HIV diagnosis occurred sooner after HIV infection onset in correctional than in noncorrectional settings, pointing to the need for efficient referral systems after release.
Free Bus Travel and Physical Activity, Gait Speed, and Adiposity in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Webb Elizabeth , Laverty Anthony , Mindell Jenny , Millett Chris
Published: November 2015

Objectives. We investigated associations between having a bus pass, enabling free local bus travel across the United Kingdom for state pension–aged people, and physical activity, gait speed, and adiposity.

Methods. We used data on 4650 bus pass–eligible people (aged ≥ 62 years) at wave 6 (2012–2013) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing in regression analyses.

Results. Bus pass holders were more likely to be female (odds ratio [OR] = 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.38, 2.02; P < .001), retired (OR = 2.65; 95% CI = 2.10, 3.35; P < .001), without access to a car (OR = 2.78; 95% CI = 1.83, 4.21; P < .001), to use public transportation (OR = 10.26; 95% CI = 8.33, 12.64; P < .001), and to be physically active (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.12, 1.84; P = .004). Female pass holders had faster gait speed (b = 0.06 meters per second; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.09; P = .001), a body mass index 1 kilogram per meter squared lower (b = –1.20; 95% CI = –1.93, –0.46; P = .001), and waist circumference 3 centimeters smaller (b = –3.32; 95% CI = –5.02, –1.62; P < .001) than women without a pass.

Conclusions. Free bus travel for older people helps make transportation universally accessible, including for those at risk for social isolation. Those with a bus pass are more physically active. Among women in particular, the bus pass is associated with healthier aging.
Public Health’s Falling Share of US Health Spending
Authors: Himmelstein David U. , Woolhandler Steffie
Published: November 2015

We examined trends in US public health expenditures by analyzing historical and projected National Health Expenditure Accounts data. Per-capita public health spending (inflation-adjusted) rose from $39 in 1960 to $281 in 2008, and has fallen by 9.3% since then. Public health’s share of total health expenditures rose from 1.36% in 1960 to 3.18% in 2002, then fell to 2.65% in 2014; it is projected to fall to 2.40% in 2023. Public health spending has declined, potentially undermining prevention and weakening responses to health inequalities and new health threats.
Community-Based Health Financing and Child Stunting in Rural Rwanda
Authors: Lu Chunling , Mejía-Guevara Iván , Hill Kenneth , Farmer Paul , Subramanian S. V. , Binagwaho Agnes
Published: November 2015

Objectives. We analyzed the likelihood of rural children (aged 6–24 months) being stunted according to whether they were enrolled in Mutuelles, a community-based health-financing program providing health insurance to rural populations and granting them access to health care, including nutrition services.

Methods. We retrieved health facility data from the District Health System Strengthening Tool and calculated the percentage of rural health centers that provided nutrition-related services required by Mutuelles’ minimum service package. We used data from the 2010 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey and performed multilevel logistic analysis to control for clustering effects and sociodemographic characteristics. The final sample was 1061 children.

Results. Among 384 rural health centers, more than 90% conducted nutrition-related campaigns and malnutrition screening for children. Regardless of poverty status, the risk of being stunted was significantly lower (odds ratio = 0.60; 95% credible interval = 0.41, 0.83) for Mutuelles enrollees. This finding was robust to various model specifications (adjusted for Mutuelles enrollment, poverty status, other variables) or estimation methods (fixed and random effects).

Conclusions. This study provides evidence of the effectiveness of Mutuelles in improving child nutrition status and supported the hypothesis about the role of Mutuelles in expanding medical and nutritional care coverage for children.
Public Health and Hospitals: Lessons Learned From Partnerships in a Changing Health Care Environment
Authors: Scutchfield F. Douglas , Prybil Lawrence , Kelly Ann V. , Mays Glen P.
Published: November 2015

Recent changes in policymaking, such as the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, have ushered in a new era in community health partnerships.

To investigate characteristics of effective collaboration between hospitals, their parent systems, and the public health community, with the support of major hospital, medical, and public health associations, we compiled a list of 157 successful partnerships. This set was subsequently narrowed to 12 successful and diverse partnerships. After conducting site visits in each of the partnerships’ communities and interviews with key partnership participants, we extracted lessons about their success.

The lessons we have learned from our investigation have the potential to assist others as they develop partnerships.
Pelvic fracture-related bladder injury: Characteristics and literature review
Authors: Hadzi-Djokic Jovan , Andrejevic Vladan , Pejcic Tomislav , Acimovic Miodrag , Basic Dragoslav , Dzamic Zoran
Published: November 2015

In a traumatic pelvic fracture, the forces of the trauma or pieces of the
broken pelvic bones can lacerate or tear the urinary system. This type of
trauma can range in its severity and some injuries can require immediate or
delayed urinary reconstruction. In addition to direct trauma to the lower
urinary system (bladder, prostate and urethra), pelvic trauma can disrupt
nerves to the bladder and penis and lead to urinary problems like leakage and
erectile dysfunction. Bladder rupture is rare and is often associated with
other serious injuries and a high mortality rate. The bladder can also be
torn or burst during a pelvic fracture. If these tears are large or urine
spills into the abdomen around the intestine, they have to be fixed
surgically.
Dilemmas in the choice of treatment of tibiofibular syndesmosis in malleolar fractures
Authors: Grubor Predrag , Dzankovic Fuad , Mitkovic Milan , Meccariello Luigi
Published: November 2015

Introduction. Ankle joint fractures are one of the most common injuries dealt
with by orthopedic surgeons. Objective. To determine to what extent do
diagnostics, estimation and choice of treatment of tibiofibular syndesmosis
injuries affect the final clinical result. Patients and Methods. The study
represents retrospective-prospective analysis of the data obtained from 102
patients treated for ankle injury due to malleolar ankle joint fractures and
tibiofibular syndesmosis at the Clinic of Traumatology. The average value of
monitoring was 61.62 months. According to the Danis-Weber classification, C1
fracture was present in 77 respondents (75.49%); C2 in 23 (22.5%); and C3
fracture in 2 respondents (1.96%). The Danis-Weber classification was used in
this paper and hence we divided 102 patients with type C fractures according
to the above mentioned classification. The first group (G1) was consisted of
48 (47%) patients who had undergone the syndesmotic screw fixation during the
surgery treatment of fracture stabilization. The second group (G2) was
consisted of 54 (53%) patients who did not require the syndesmotic screw
fixation during the surgery treatment of fracture stabilization. The
syndesmotic screw was placed in cases of: supra-syndesmotic fractures of the
fibula associated with rupture of the deltoid ligament and fracture types
according to the Topliss A and B. Three, six and twelve months after the
surgery, the clinical results were examined using the American Orthopaedic
Foot and Ankle Society scoring scale. Discussion. All acute unstable injuries
should be treated surgically, which includes the deltoid ligament repair,
open reduction and internal fixation of the injured syndesmosis. This is
considered to be the best way to avoid unwanted complications. Conclusion.
There was no significant difference in the final results of treatment between
patients from the group G1, where the syndesmotic screw fixation was
performed, and patients from the group G2, where the syndesmotic screw
fixation was not performed.
Minimally invasive repair of ruptured Achilles tendon
Authors: Bulatovic Nikola , Kezunovic Miroslav , Dasic Zarko , Fatic Nikola
Published: November 2015

INTRODUCTION: Achilles tendon rupture usually occurs in recreational athletes
of middle age 30-50godina and typical place of the rupture of 3-5 cm above
the insertion of the heel bone. Most common in recreational athletes.
OBJECTIVE: To view the surgical technique suture the tendon with a guide
?Achillon? the functional outcome of acute injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
retrospective analysis included a total of 20 patients treated at the Clinic
of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Clinical Center of Montenegro in Podgorica
in the 2009-14. They were monitored for 12 months. Diagnosis is based on
history, clinical examination Thompson?s Simmond O?Brien test, ECHO and NMR.
RESULTS: The average age was 38.8 ?2.79 years 21-52 years. Right in 14
respondents 70%, the left side in 6 30%. There were no complications as:
infection, thrombosis, rerupture and embolism. Functional results tables we
have shown through specific scores. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that this
procedure provides a simple and quick surgical technique, a small percentage
of complications, shorter immobility time and good functional results.
The effect of erythropoietin on alanine aminotransferase during ischemia reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Tsompos C. , Panoulis C. , Ïtutouzas K. , Zografos G. , Papalois A.
Published: November 2015

The aim of this experiment study was the erythropoietin testing, on the rat
model and particularly on ischemia reperfusion protocol. The benefit or the
non effect of that molecule was studied biochemically on blood alanine
aminotransferase. Material and methods 40 rats were used of mean weight 247,7
gr. Alanine aminotrans-ferase was measured at these time points: on 60 min
after reperfusion (groups A and C), and on 120 min after reperfusion (groups
B and D), A and B without but C and D with erythropoietin administration.
Results were that 1) erythropoietin administration increased significantly
the ALT by 15.2 IU/L [-0.6168546 IU - 31.01685 IU/L] (P= 0.0591), in
accordance also with paired t-test (P=0.0480), 2) reperfusion time increased
non significantly the ALT by 3.4 IU/L [-13.1482 IU - 19.9482 IU/L] (P=
0.6798), in accordance also with paired t-test (P= 0.5994), and 3)
interaction with erythropoietin administration and reperfusion time increased
non significantly the ALT levels by 3.581818 IU/L [-6.350404 IU-13.51404
IU/L] (P= 0.4698). Conclusions are that erythropoietin administration,
reperfusion time and their interaction have non significant short-term
increasing effects on alanine aminotransferase.
Breast implant infection after radical mastectomy with Citrobacter koseri: Case report
Authors: Radovanovic-Spurnic Aleksandra , Spurnic Igor , Stevanovic Goran , Kosovac Olivera , Pelemis Mijomir
Published: November 2015

In this paper we are presenting the case report on a patient with breast
implant infection after radical mastectomy caused by Citrobacter koseri.
Breast implant infection recoverd after systemic antimicrobial therapy and
implant removal. We reviewed the literature about breast implant infection
and did not find case of Citrobacter koseri infection.
Physico-chemical processes in Vertical-Double-Diffused Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors induced by gamma-ray irradiation and post-irradiation annealing
Authors: Pejovic Milic
Published: November 2015

The behavior of commercial power Vertical-Double-Diffused Metal Oxide
Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (VDMOSFETs) during gamma-ray
irradiation and subsequent annealing at room and elevated temperature was
investigated. The densities of radiation-induced fixed traps and switching
traps were determined from the sub-threshold I-V curves using the midgap
technique. It was shown that the creation of fixed traps dominated during
irradiation. The experimental results have also proved the existence of
latent switching traps buildup process during annealing at an elevated
temperature. This increase correlated with the decrease in fixed trap
density. Physical and chemical processes responsible for the threshold
voltage shift during irradiation have been analyzed on the basis of
interactions between secondary electrons released by gamma photons with
covalent bonds Sio - O and Sio - Sio. H-W model has been used for the
explanation of processes leading to latent switching traps buildup at an
elevated temperature and its passivation at late annealing times.
Theoretical study on the mechanism of the cycloaddition reaction between ketenimine and hydrogen cyanide
Authors: He Wenxing , Tan Xiaojun , Wang Nana , Zhang Hong
Published: November 2015

The cycloaddition reaction mechanism between interstellar molecules
ketenimine and HCN has been investigated employing the second-order
M?ller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) method in order to better understand
the reactivity of nitrogenous cumulene ketenimine with carbon-nitrogen triple
bond compound HCN. Geometry optimizations and vibrational analyses have been
performed for the stationary points on the potential energy surfaces of the
system. The calculated results show that it can be produced the five-membered
cyclic carbene intermediates through pericyclic reaction processes between
ketenimine and HCN. Through the following H-transfer processes, carbene
intermediates can isomerize to the pyrazole and imidazole compounds,
respectively. The present study is helpful to understand the formation of
prebiotic species in interstellar space.
Metabolic activity of gut microbiota and xenobiotics
Authors: Bojic Gordana , Golocorbin-Kohn Svetlana , Stojancevic Maja , Mikov Momir , Suvajdzic Ljiljana
Published: November 2015

The intestine habitat is the natural collection of symbiotic microorganisms.
The bacterial population enables many permanent metabolic activities in this
environment. Inside the intestine of mammals there are an extended genome of
millions of bacterial genes named microbiome. In recent years, there has been
an increased interest of scientists to discover the place and the role of
bio-ecological content and modulation of gut microbiota in a host organism
using prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics, which may have a great benefit
for human health.
Multi-criteria approval for evaluating landscape management strategies (Case study: Fruska Gora National Park)
Authors: Lakicevic Milena , Srdjevic Bojan , Srdjevic Zorica
Published: November 2015

This paper deals with the problem of multi-criteria evaluation of four
management strategies for Fruska Gora National Park. The criteria set was
defined in ac?cordance with the IUCN guidelines for management of national
parks. Four strategies were evaluated by testing preference intensities for
each alternative with the respect to each cri?terion. Alternatives with
preference above the approval threshold were approved, and a multi-criteria
approval matrix was generated. According to the matrix, the most suitable
management strategy was identified. It implies an intense protection of
natural resources and landscape diversity in the national park by applying
bio-engineering measures. This illustrative example proved that
multi-criteria approval can be considered as a good deci?sion support tool
when there is no need for a deeper insight into cardinal values of criteria
weights and alternatives, or if the decision maker has to select few from
many of alterna?tives to reduce the decision problem. For a more precise
analysis, it is recommended to combine multi-criteria approval with other
decision support tools, and future studies might deal with this problem in
order to define an alternative framework for decision making in landscape
management.
Tempest in a K-Cup: Red Flags on Green Mountain
Authors: Caplan Dennis H. , Dutta Saurav K. , Marcinko David J.
Published: November 2015

“Tempest in a K-Cup” chronicles financial reporting challenges faced by Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. during a period of rapid growth following its acquisition of Keurig. The case focuses on events during 2011–2012, a period in which Green Mountain experienced significant stock price volatility, was challenged by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) about its business relationships and financial disclosures, and was subject to highly publicized scrutiny by a well-known hedge-fund manager, David Einhorn, of Greenlight Capital. Students completing the case will apply accounting guidance and perform financial statement analysis to gain an appreciation for the scrutiny that companies receive from regulators, investors, and journalists. The case and its requirements are designed to be used in intermediate accounting, financial statement analysis, forensic accounting, and accounting capstone courses.
Preoperative evaluation of basal free triiodothyronine in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Does it help?
Authors: Tiwari Kaushal Kishore , Cerillo Alfredo Guiseppe , Storti Simona , Bevilacqua Stefano , Clerico Aldo , Iervasi Giorgio , Glauber Mattia
Published: November 2015

noBackground & Objectives: The postoperative Low T3 syndrome has been considered as a possible source of reduced myocardial contractility, resulting in increased mortality after CABG. Effect of preoperative Low T3 has not been well studied in patients undergoing CABG surgery. Aim of our study is to evaluate effect of preoperative Low T3 syndrome in patients undergoing CABG surgery.Materials & Methods: Six hundred and six patients undergoing CABG were included in this prospective study. The impact of the base-line FT3 concentration and of preoperative low T3 syndrome on the risk of postoperative low cardiac output and hospital death was analyzed.Results: Fifteen patients (2.3%) postoperatively and 159 (26.2%) developed major complications. At univariate analysis a reduced EF, the presence of peripheral vascular disease, the NYHA class, the surgical urgency, the aortic cross-clamp time, the CPB time and the FT3 concentration at admission were significantly associated with low CO and higher mortality. At multivariate analysis, the CPB time, an emergency procedure, a reduced LVEF, and the fT3 concentration were independently related to the development of low CO. However, in multivariate analysis low EF, and the fT3 concentration were the only predictors of hospital death.Conclusion: We conclude that preoperative low EF and low T3 syndrome independently causes low cardiac output and higher mortality in patients undergoing CABG. Therefore, all patients undergoing CABG should be evaluated for low T3 syndrome and patients with low T3 syndrome should be considered at increased risk. Appropriate preoperative T3 replacement therapy could decrease the postoperative complications in patients undergoing CABG.JCMS Nepal. 2015; 11(2):1-7
A Rare case of bear attack on the face and the treatment in a tertiary hospital in Central Nepal
Authors: Singh Ashutosh Kumar , Dulal Sanad , Mayya N Jayaprakasha
Published: November 2015

This case report presents a case of wild bear attack in the central region of Nepal causing extensive maxillofacial injuries and its management. The patient suffered bilateral comminuted midface fractures with extensive soft tissue lacerations. Management included multidisciplinary approach including maxillofacial surgeons, ENT surgeons and cosmetic surgeon to realign the injured soft tissue and bone to pre injury state. Outcome was satisfactory given the initial presentation of patient.JCMS Nepal. 2015; 11(2):31-33
Laying Down Pale Memories:Learners Reflecting on Language, Self, and Other in the Middle-School Drama-Languages Classroom
Authors: Rothwell Julia
Published: November 2015

This article explores one teacher/researcher’s development of a drama–language unit and the learners’ responses to it. The work is underpinned by a model of intercultural language learning which also acknowledges the pluricultural and plurilingual contexts in which foreign languages are taught in Australia. As part of a participatory-action-research doctoral study, process drama became the basis for planned language-learning experiences undertaken with a class of 12-year-old beginner students of German. Challenges still remain when transferring theories of intercultural language learning to classroom practice, particularly in the face of learner disengagement with school language learning. Therefore, the article enhances understandings of the potential benefits of process drama for middle-school languages pedagogy, particularly in relation to the challenging reciprocal aspect of intercultural work. The article is developed around a Bakhtinian framework of language as referential social practice and demonstrates how the drama–languages model can extend traditional cognitive approaches to pedagogy into physical and affective worlds. The effects of this shift are explored from the perspectives of unit planning, learner engagement with language, the development of cultural referents, and awareness of self and other.
Safety Evaluation of Diverging Diamond Interchanges in Missouri
Authors: Claros Boris R. , Edara Praveen , Sun Carlos , Brown Henry
Published: November 2015

The diverging diamond interchange (DDI) has gained in popularity since its first implementation in the United States in 2009. The operational benefits and lower costs of retrofitting a conventional diamond with a DDI have contributed to increased use of the DDI. Research on DDIs has focused primarily on the assessment of operational benefits. Formal safety evaluations of DDIs are lacking. This study aimed to fill the knowledge gap by conducting a safety evaluation of DDIs using three types of before–after evaluation methods: naive, empirical Bayes, and comparison group. Three evaluation methods were used because each involved different trade-offs, such as data required, complexity, and regression to the mean. All three methods showed that a DDI replacing a conventional diamond decreased crash frequency for all severities. The highest crash reduction (59.3% to 63.2%) was observed for fatal and injury crashes. Crashes involving property damage only were reduced by 33.9% to 44.8%. Total crash frequency also decreased by 40.8% to 47.9%. A collision diagram analysis revealed that the DDI, as compared with a diamond, traded high-severity crashes for lower-severity crashes. Whereas 34.3% of ramp terminal fatal and injury crashes in a diamond occurred in left-turn angle crashes with oncoming traffic, the DDI eliminated this crash type. One potential concern for the DDI is the possibility of wrong-way crashes, but only 4.8% of all fatal and injury crashes occurring at the ramp terminal of a DDI were wrong-way crashes. The DDI offers significant crash reduction benefits over conventional diamond interchanges.
Empirical Evaluation of J-Turn Intersection Performance
Authors: Edara Praveen , Breslow Sawyer , Sun Carlos , Claros Boris R.
Published: November 2015

Most crashes on high-speed rural expressways occur at intersections with minor roads. Through and left-turn movements on minor roads are especially susceptible. One low-cost alternative for improving safety of at-grade intersections on such expressways is the J-turn. This study evaluated the effectiveness of unsignalized J-turn intersection design in Missouri with field studies, crash analysis, and traffic conflict analysis. Field studies used detailed video-derived data at a J-turn site and a control site. Crash analysis included an empirical Bayes before–after safety evaluation of five J-turn sites. The empirical Bayes analysis found that the J-turn produced a 31.2% reduction in crash frequency for all crashes and a 63.8% reduction in crash frequency for injury and fatal crashes. Annual disabling injury crashes decreased by 91.6%, and minor injury crashes decreased by 67.9%. Annual right-angle crashes decreased from 8.6 to 0.8, a 90.2% reduction. No left-turn, right-angle crashes were reported after installation of the J-turn at any study site. The average time-to-collision conflict measure was four times higher at the J-turn site as compared with the two-way stop-controlled (TWSC) site of minor road turning vehicles; this result indicated greater safety at the J-turn site. The average wait time at the J-turn site (5 s) was half that at the control site (11 s), and the average travel time at the J-turn site was approximately 1 min more than at the TWSC site. Several study findings are transferable to J-turn installations in other states.
Management of Hepatitis C Virus Infection - New Era Has Been Started
Authors: Islam MM Shahin Ul , Sarker Mst Naznin , Rahman Mahabub , Uddin Md Royes , Rahman ATM Ataur , Biswas Gonopati
Published: November 2015

Hepatitis C virus is a major cause of chronic hepatitis and is responsible for majority of liver transplantation worldwide. It has got no vaccine for prevention. Interferon containing regimen was the only management options for treatment of Hepatitis C virus till last year. Due to side effect profile and treatment cost this treatment options was not reachable for general population. Besides, response rate was not so satisfactory (Genotype 1, 40-50%, Genotype 2 & 3, 70-80%). New oral antivirals were introduced in 2014 which has got little side effect profile as well as good treatment response rate (80-95%). These new drugs with their different combination regimens along with indications, contraindications and treatment monitoring of Hepatitis C virus are discussed briefly in this review.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2014;9(2): 92-97
Digital Dermatitis in Cattle: Current Bacterial and Immunological Findings
Authors: Wilson-Welder Jennifer , Alt David , Nally Jarlath
Published: November 2015

Globally; digital dermatitis is a leading form of lameness observed in production dairy cattle. While the precise etiology remains to be determined; the disease is clearly associated with infection by numerous species of treponemes; in addition to other anaerobic bacteria. The goal of this review article is to provide an overview of the current literature; focusing on discussion of the polybacterial nature of the digital dermatitis disease complex and host immune response. Several phylotypes of treponemes have been identified; some of which correlate with location in the lesion and some with stages of lesion development. Local innate immune responses may contribute to the proliferative, inflammatory conditions that perpetuate digital dermatitis lesions. While serum antibody is produced to bacterial antigens in the lesions, little is known about cellular-based immunity. Studies are still required to delineate the pathogenic traits of treponemes associated with digital dermatitis; and other host factors that mediate pathology and protection of digital dermatitis lesions.
Expression and Function of CD44 in Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Sacks Joelle , Barbolina Maria
Published: November 2015

CD44, a cell surface glycoprotein, has been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of epithelial ovarian cancer, the deadliest gynecologic malignancy in women. Here, we review recent reports on the expression and function of CD44 in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Further functional data for CD44 in peritoneal adhesion and metastatic progression and its association with stem cells is highlighted. Recent studies utilizing CD44 for therapeutic targeting are also discussed.
Forecasting Hot Water Consumption in Residential Houses
Authors: Gelažanskas Linas , Gamage Kelum
Published: November 2015

An increased number of intermittent renewables poses a threat to the system balance. As a result, new tools and concepts, like advanced demand-side management and smart grid technologies, are required for the demand to meet supply. There is a need for higher consumer awareness and automatic response to a shortage or surplus of electricity. The distributed water heater can be considered as one of the most energy-intensive devices, where its energy demand is shiftable in time without influencing the comfort level. Tailored hot water usage predictions and advanced control techniques could enable these devices to supply ancillary energy balancing services. The paper analyses a set of hot water consumption data from residential dwellings. This work is an important foundation for the development of a demand-side management strategy based on hot water consumption forecasting at the level of individual residential houses. Various forecasting models, such as exponential smoothing, seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average, seasonal decomposition and a combination of them, are fitted to test different prediction techniques. These models outperform the chosen benchmark models (mean, naive and seasonal naive) and show better performance measure values. The results suggest that seasonal decomposition of the time series plays the most significant part in the accuracy of forecasting.
Entity-Based Landscape Modelling to Assess the Impacts of Different Incentives Mechanisms on Argan Forest Dynamics
Authors: Wahidi Farid , Radoux Julien , Ponette Quentin , Defourny Pierre
Published: November 2015

Illegal occupation of argan forest parcels by local households is a new phenomenon in South West Morocco. This is primarily due to the weakening of traditional common control systems and to the boom of the argan oil price. The scope of this work is to develop a decision support system based on dynamic spatial modelling, allowing to anticipate the land tenure dynamics and their impact on forest stand degradation under different policy scenarios. The model simulates the change of land possession by locals and the forest stand degradation levels. The methodological approach combines a Markov chain analysis (MCA) with stakeholders’ preferences for land tenure. First, parcels’ transition probabilities are computed using the MCA. Second, the acquiring suitability map is derived from multi-criteria evaluation procedure (AHP) using biophysical and socio-economic data. Finally, uncertainty is introduced in the simulation based on probabilistic analysis for supporting socio-economic diversity and non-mechanistic human behavior. The modelling approach was successfully used to compare three scenarios: business as usual (continuation of illegal acquiring), total disengagement of the population and private/public partnership with incentives for restoring argan parcel. The model yields geographic information about (i) the magnitude of the on-going process; (ii) the potential occurrence of land use conflicts induced by new policies; and (iii) the location of land conservation or degradation hot-spots. The outcomes of the “business as usual” and of the “total disengagement” models were similar over a 30-year simulation period: in both cases, the proportion of “highly degraded” parcels was doubled and the number of “quite degraded” parcels was increased by 50%. On the other hand, should the private/public partnership effectively work, about 40% of the parcels could be restored to a sustainable level.
1-[2,3-Bis(tetradecyloxy)propyl]-3-[2-(piperazin-1-yl)ethyl]urea
Authors: Grijalvo Santiago , Núñez Samuel , Eritja Ramon
Published: November 2015

Starting from 2,3-bis(tetradecyloxy)propan-1-amine (1), the synthesis of the target compound 1-[2,3-bis(tetradecyloxy)propyl]-3-[2-(piperazin-1-yl)ethyl]urea (2) is reported. The title compound was characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and ESI/MS analysis.
1-(3-Iodopropyl)-4-methylquinolin-1-ium Iodide
Authors: Deligeorgiev Todor , Kurutos Atanas , Gadjev Nikolai
Published: November 2015

A solvent-free “one-pot” synthetic approach to 1-(3-iodopropyl)-4-methylquinolin-1-ium iodide is reported in the present work. The title compound is derived from N-alkylation of 4-methylquinoline with 1,3-diiodopropane proceeded at room temperature. The target quinolinium salt is obtained in a highly pure form. It’s structure was evaluated by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and DEPT135 spectra.
Influence of Residual Stress Field on the Fatigue Crack Propagation in Prestressing Steel Wires
Authors: Toribio Jesús , Matos Juan-Carlos , González Beatriz , Escuadra José
Published: November 2015

This paper deals with the effect of several residual stress profiles on the fatigue crack propagation in prestressing steel wires subjected to tension loading or bending moment. To this end, a computer program was developed to evaluate the crack front evolution on the basis of the Walker law. Results demonstrate that the absence of residual stresses makes the crack propagate towards a preferential crack path. When surface residual stresses are tensile and, correspondingly, core residual stresses are compressive, the fatigue crack fronts rapidly converge towards a quasi-straight shape. When surface residual stresses are compressive, with their corresponding tensile stresses in the core area, a preferential crack path also appears.
Surface Irregularity Factor as a Parameter to Evaluate the Fatigue Damage State of CFRP
Authors: Zuluaga-Ramírez Pablo , Frövel Malte , Belenguer Tomás , Salazar Félix
Published: November 2015

This work presents an optical non-contact technique to evaluate the fatigue damage state of CFRP structures measuring the irregularity factor of the surface. This factor includes information about surface topology and can be measured easily on field, by techniques such as optical perfilometers. The surface irregularity factor has been correlated with stiffness degradation, which is a well-accepted parameter for the evaluation of the fatigue damage state of composite materials. Constant amplitude fatigue loads (CAL) and realistic variable amplitude loads (VAL), representative of real in- flight conditions, have been applied to “dog bone” shaped tensile specimens. It has been shown that the measurement of the surface irregularity parameters can be applied to evaluate the damage state of a structure, and that it is independent of the type of fatigue load that has caused the damage. As a result, this measurement technique is applicable for a wide range of inspections of composite material structures, from pressurized tanks with constant amplitude loads, to variable amplitude loaded aeronautical structures such as wings and empennages, up to automotive and other industrial applications.
Evaluation of the Adsorption Performance and Sustainability of Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplatelets (xGnP) for VOCs
Authors: Chang Seong , Wi Seunghwan , Jeong Su-Gwang , Kim Sumin
Published: November 2015

Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP), which combine the layered structure and low price of nanoclays with the superior mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of carbon nanotubes, are very cost-effective, and can simultaneously provide a multitude of physical and chemical property enhancements. In this study, we evaluated xGnP’s adsorption performance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) according to thermal extractor (TE) analysis for seven days in order to use the xGnP as an adsorption material of pollutants. In addition, we carried out a sustainability evaluation in order to evaluate its adsorption capacity over 28 days. The results indicate that the adsorption performance of xGnP is higher than for other adsorption materials such as zeolite. Also, we determined that the adsorption performance of xGnP is maintained continuously for 28 days and that its adsorption capacity is large.
Association of Dietary Vitamin A and β-Carotene Intake with the Risk of Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of 19 Publications
Authors: Yu Na , Su Xinming , Wang Zanfeng , Dai Bing , Kang Jian
Published: November 2015

Whether dietary β-carotene and vitamin A intake protect against lung cancer risk is not clear. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to investigate the association between them. The related articles were searched using the databases PubMed and the Web of Knowledge up to May 2015. We used the random-effect model to estimate the relative risk (RR) and their 95% CI. Small-study effect was assessed using Egger’s test. In total, 19 studies comprising 10,261 lung cancer cases met the inclusion criteria. The pooled RR and their 95% CI was 0.855 (0.739–0.989) for higher category of dietary vitamin A intake and lung cancer risk, especially among Asian populations and in the cohort studies. Evidence from 18 studies suggested that higher category of dietary β-carotene intake could reduce lung cancer risk (0.768 (0.675–0.874)).The associations were also significant in American and Asian populations. In conclusions, higher category of dietary β-carotene and vitamin A intakes could reduce the risk of lung cancer. However, the dose-response analysis was not performed due to the limited data in each individual study. Due to this limitation, further studies with detailed dose, cases and person-years for β-carotene and vitamin A of each category are wanted to assess this dose-response association.