bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pakistani Learners’ Perceptions Regarding Mobile Assisted Language Learning in ESL Classroom
Authors: Ali Muhammad Mooneeb , Mahmood Muhammad Asim , Anwar Muhammad Nadeem , Khan Lubna Akhlaq , Hussain Adila
Published: July 2019

Technological advancement with its extensive use in every field of life has also impelled the educators to apply innovative techniques inside the classrooms. Mobile assisted language learning (here on wards MALL) is a latest technique which is gaining popularity. The current paper intends to explore the perceptions of Pakistani ESL learners on integrating MALL in English language classroom. The study used quantitative paradigm as research design. The population of the study comprised of Intermediate students, studying in public-sector colleges of Lahore. From the said population 60 students from 6 public sector colleges in Lahore were selected through simple random sampling. The data were congregated through a close-ended questionnaire. The collected data were later analyzed with the help of SPSS. The results illustrated that the Pakistani students have shown positive inclination towards MALL usage inside the ESL classrooms. The study also highlights another feature of MALL that it not only supports learning with ease and comfort but also motivates learners to learn in a collaborative ambiance. If MALL can be implemented intelligently in Pakistani classrooms it can be an influential tool for language learning.
Cooperative Experiential Learning in a Flipped Translation Classroom
Authors: Lin Yi-Ti
Published: July 2019

This research aims to investigate the perception of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners on cooperative experiential learning in a flipped translation classroom. Translation competence is seen as one of the essential language skills to acquire for English. In order to facilitate learners in developing translation skills, a learner-centered instruction integrating cooperative learning with experiential learning was implemented. A total of 13 English majors taking a required translation course at a university in Taiwan participated in the research. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews and analyzed systematically using a qualitative conductive approach. Results showed that the participants encountered different obstacles when translating from English to Chinese and vice versa. The findings indicated that this flipped translation classroom enables learners to actively engage in the translation process and elevate the learning process from lower order thinking to higher order thinking. Pedagogical implications are suggested and research implications are also provided for future studies.
The Impact of Scaffolding Techniques on Saudi English-Language Learners’ Speaking Abilities
Authors: Alwahibee Khalid Mohammed
Published: July 2019

This study investigated the extent to which scaffolding techniques improve Saudi English-language students’ speaking abilities. The study’s main aims involved determining why most Saudi students do not want to participate in communication tasks and activities and identifying other ways to encourage teachers and students to be more active during speaking classes. A mixed-methods technique, a special rubric, and an attitude questionnaire to collect this study’s data were used. The participants included 50 students from Level 3 in the Department of English Language and Literature at the College of Languages and Translation at Al-Imam Mohammed Bin Saud Islamic University. The experiment lasted for 7 weeks. A teacher met with each group for 2 hours per week. The participants were divided into two groups and experimental and a control group of 25 students each. The experimental group used various scaffolding techniques in each session—which allowed the learners to use their existing knowledge, skills, and strategies in several contexts and for many purposes when speaking. The control group received standard speaking instruction, in which the teacher gave the students time to speak freely without intervention. An independent-sample t test for was used of the analysis. The posttest results showed that the experimental group’s speaking ability improved after the pretest. Moreover, the posttests’ overall results indicated that the experimental group outperformed the control group. This result emphasized the usefulness of using new techniques to teach speaking to nonnative speakers.
An Examination of the Relationship Between Strength and Speed in Elementary School Students
Authors: Arslan Yasin , Aktan Serdar
Published: July 2019

This study intends to examine the relationship between strength and speed in Cumhuriyet Elementary School in Samsun. The study group consists of 240 students (120 boys and 120 girls) aged 11–14 years who participated voluntarily in the study through random selection.

This study investigated the relationship among the values of leg and back strength, 30-second sit-up, standing long jump, vertical jump, reaction time, and 10 m and 20 m sprint running of 5th through 8th graders.

Intragroup strength and speed relationships of each class and gender were examined separately in the study. Data were analyzed through Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient in SPSS package program with a .05 margin of error (p < .05).

As a result of the study, it was observed that the strength and speed increased in conjunction with the age variable and there was a significant negative correlation between 10 m and 20 m sprint running and strength values. That is, the sprint running time decreased as the strength increased. According to the results obtained in the study, it was seen that there was a significant relationship between strength and speed in school children aged 11–14 years and that speed and strength performances affected each other. However, no significant linear relationship was found between reaction time and strength.
Fractional Strong Matching Preclusion of Split-Star Networks
Authors: Han Ping , Xiao Yuzhi , Ye Chengfu , Li He
Published: July 2019

The matching preclusion number of graph G is the minimum size of edges whose deletion leaves the resulting graph without a perfect matching or an almost perfect matching. Let F be an edge subset and F′ be a subset of edges and vertices of a graph G. If G − F and G − F′ have no fractional matching preclusion, then F is a fractional matching preclusion (FMP) set, and F ′is a fractional strong matching preclusion (FSMP) set of G. The FMP (FSMP) number of G is the minimum number of FMP (FSMP) set of G. In this paper, we study fractional matching preclusion number and fractional strong matching preclusion number of split-star networks. Moreover, We categorize all the optimal fractional strong matching preclusion sets of split-star networks.
A COMPARISON OF NONPARAMETRIC ESTIMATORS FOR LENGTH DISTRIBUTION IN LINE SEGMENT PROCESSES
Authors: Pawlas Zbynek , Zikmundova Marketa
Published: July 2019

We study nonparametric estimation of the length distribution for stationary line segment processes in the d-dimensional Euclidean space. Several methods have been proposed in the literature. We review different approaches (Horvitz-Thompson type estimator, reduced-sample estimator, Kaplan-Meier estimator, nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator, stochastic restoration estimation) and compare the finite sample behaviour by means of a simulation study for stationary line segment processes in 2D and 3D. Several data generating processes (Poisson point process, Matérn cluster process and Matérn hard-core process II) are considered with both independent and dependent segments. Our finite sample comparison reveals that the nonparametric likelihood estimator provides the most preferable method which works reasonably also if its assumptions are not satisfied.
Simultaneous Determination of Five Hormones in Milk by Automated Online Solid-Phase Extraction Coupled to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Liu Kun , Kang Kai , Li Nan , An Jing , Lian Kaoqi , Kang Weijun
Published: July 2019

Background: Many hormones show the effects of protein assimilation and growth promotion, and they are frequently used as veterinary drugs in livestock, which has harmful effects on human health. It is necessary to determine their contamination level in animal-derived food, especially in milk. Objective: In this study, a detailed procedure is described for an automated online solid-phase extraction (SPE)–HPLC method capable of detecting five hormones (i.e., estriol, prednisone acetate, hydrocortisone, diethylstilbestrol, and estrone) in cow milk. Methods: The corresponding milk samples were precipitated by addition of acetonitrile and then purified as well as enriched by a polar-enhanced polymer (PEP) online SPE column. The supernatants were directly injected into the online SPE–HPLC system using methanol–water as the mobile phase mixture. Results: The linearity range of the method was 0.1–25 μg/mL for prednisone acetate, hydrocortisone, and diethylstilbestrol, 0.2–25 μg/mL for estriol, and 0.5–25 μg/mL for estrone, with correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.9994 to 0.9996. The recovery rates determined at three concentration levels for the five compounds were in the range of 70.82–112.90%. LODs of estriol, prednisone acetate, hydrocortisone, diethylstilbestrol, and estrone were 0.023, 0.005, 0.006, 0.004, and 0.054 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: This automated online SPE–HPLC method was both effective and reliable in the simultaneous measurement of five hormones, and the method was successfully applied to the detection of five hormone species in milk. Highlights: An automated online SPE–HPLC method has been developed for the analysis of five hormones in cow milk. Online SPE proved to be a powerful technique for determining five hormones simultaneously. This method ensured simple sample pretreatment and less operation time. The established method was successfully applied to the analysis of five hormone species in milk.
Sozial erwünschte Antworten bei Befragungen von Anspruchsgruppen durch öffentliche Organisationen: Eine Analyse der Effekte der öffentlichen Studienträgerschaft, des Befragungsmodus und der sozialen Erwünschtheitswahrnehmung
Authors: Trautwein Stefan , Lindenmeier Jörg , Schleer Christoph , Mues Andreas Wilhelm
Published: July 2019

In dieser Arbeit erfolgt eine Untersuchung zur Neigung zu sozial erwünschten Antworten im Rahmen von Befragungen von Anspruchsgruppen durch öffentliche Organisationen. Die Untersuchung basiert auf Daten einer Vorstudie zur Naturbewusstseinsstudie 2017 des Bundesumweltministeriums (BMU) und des Bundesamtes für Naturschutz (BfN) (N = 219). Im Rahmen eines experimentellen 2×2 Designs wird der Einfluss der Variablen „Befragungsmodus“ (Anonym/ selbstadministriert vs. nicht-anonym/ intervieweradministriert) und „Öffentliche Studienträgerschaft“ (Benannt vs. nicht benannt) auf das Antwortverhalten der Befragten untersucht. Als weitere erklärende Variable wird das Konstrukt der „sozialen Erwünschtheitswahrnehmung“ in das Erhebungsdesign integriert. Durch die Berücksichtigung der sozialen Erwünschtheitswahrnehmung werden ursprünglich widersprüchliche Befunde zur Wirkung des Erhebungsmodus bzw. des öffentlichen Studienträgers klarer. Basierend auf den empirischen Befunden werden Handlungsimplikationen für die Befragung von Anspruchsgruppen durch öffentliche Organisationen sowie Ansatzpunkte für die zukünftige Forschung aufgezeigt.
Absentismus und Präsentismus im öffentlichen Sektor: Zusammenhang und Beweggründe der Beschäftigten
Authors: Winter Vera , Thaler Julia , Gross Hellen
Published: July 2019

In Organisationen des öffentlichen Sektors stellen sowohl Absentismus als auch Präsentismus seit jeher bedeutende, empirische Phänomene dar. Beide sind dabei mit Kosten und Produktivitätsverlusten auf individueller und organisationaler Ebene verbunden. Während allgemein Konsens darüber besteht, dass beide Verhalten zusammenhängen, gibt es widersprüchliche Erkenntnisse zur Art des Zusammenhangs und kaum quantitative Evidenz, welche Beweggründe die Wahl zwischen Absentismus und Präsentismus beeinflussen. Auf Basis von quantitativen Daten einer standardisierten, schriftlichen Online-Befragung unter Beschäftigten im öffentlichen Sektor wird ein Beitrag zur Schließung der genannten Forschungslücken geleistet. Die Ergebnisse zeigen einen signifikant positiven Zusammenhang zwischen Absentismus und Präsentismus, so dass weitere empirische Evidenz für einen verstärkenden Zusammenhang im Vergleich zu einem subsituierenden Effekt vorliegt. Die Ergebnisse stellen dar, dass mangelnde Ersetzbarkeit (z.B. unzulängliche Vertretungsregelungen) und eine hohe Arbeitsmoral mit reduziertem Absentismus und erhöhtem Präsentismus zusammenhängen, während eine Angst vor negativen, persönlichen Konsequenzen sowohl mit hohem Absentismus als auch hohem Präsentismus einhergeht. Eine wahrgenommene Präsentismuskultur korreliert mit hohem Präsentismus. Aus den Ergebnissen werden Implikationen für das Management im öffentlichen Sektor sowie die Public Management-Forschung abgeleitet.
Knowledge Management in Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Transactive Memory and Employee Perspective
Authors: Mayr Marcel Lee , Boenigk Silke
Published: July 2019

Both public and nonprofit organizations are increasingly relying on teams to solve tasks that are too complex or multifaceted for individuals to solve on their own. The coordination, processing and sharing of internal knowledge on projects and tasks is therefore of growing importance within a systematic internal stakeholder management. Theoretically, this study draws on the transactive memory system (TMS) approach to explain the development of knowledge management and its possible positive effects on team performance and job satisfaction. Data from 86 team leaders and 414 team members of 5 public and 5 nonprofit organizations was collected and analyzed. The results reveal that a team-oriented transformational leadership style has an impact on the development of a functioning transactive memory system. We also find a moderating effect of task complexity on the relationship between TMS and team performance. In addition, the findings suggest that an individual-focused leadership style is positively related to job satisfaction. Finally, we find a cross-level effect of a transactive memory system on individual job satisfaction.
Transparenz multinationaler Unternehmen – Anreize für staatliche Akteure und ihre Interessensgruppen
Authors: Eggert Wolfgang , Goerdt Gideon , Heitzmann Sebastian F.
Published: July 2019

Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht, inwiefern Staaten über das Management von Dokumentationsstandards für Unternehmen ihren Anspruchsgruppen gerecht werden können. Wir demonstrieren einerseits, dass individuell rationale Entscheidungen der Staaten zu einer nicht-kooperativen Wahl von Regulierungsniveaus führen, die intransparente Unternehmensstrukturen zulässt. Bei wiederholter Interaktion ist andererseits jedoch ein international einheitliches Transparenzniveau implementierbar, wenn die Analyse internationaler Verhandlungen um Bestrafung und positive Anreize erweitert wird. Unsere Ergebnisse geben Hinweise darauf, wie im Interesse der Stakeholder eines Staates eine langfristige Stabilität von internationalen Vereinbarungen zum Auditing grenzüberschreitender wirtschaftlicher Aktivitäten erreicht werden kann.
Das Recht der Verantwortungsgesellschaft.
Authors: Eller Klaas Hendrik
Published: July 2019

„Verantwortung“ erlebt derzeit eine beachtliche Begriffskarriere. Wenngleich ein ideengeschichtlich junger Begriff, ist er zum Fluchtpunkt des Umgangs mit gesellschaftlicher Komplexität geworden. Ob bei technischen Großunfällen, unternehmerischen Bilanzfälschungen oder nachrichtendienstlichen Datenlecks: Bei Schadenslagen in jeder Sphäre des Sozialen ertönt der Ruf nach Verantwortung, mal in rhetorisch-floskelhafter, mal konzeptionell gehaltvoller Weise. Die Besonderheit des Verantwortungsbegriffs besteht darin, dass er über seine Ausprägungen als politische, wirtschaftliche, rechtliche und moralische Verantwortung von Grund auf pluralisiert ist und Recht damit zu einem Bewertungskriterium unter mehreren wird. Hierdurch vermittelt Verantwortung dem Recht eine kognitive und normative Offenheit und ermöglicht es, in einem experimentellen Rahmen Anforderungen an Handlungs- und Systemrationalität in hochmodernen Gesellschaften zu denken. Zugleich läuft Verantwortung als „umbrella term“ ständig Gefahr, sich selbst zu sabotieren und zur allgegenwärtigen Begriffshülse zu verkommen. Nicht nur das Individuum, auch das Verantwortungsprinzip selbst droht unter der Ubiquität von Verantwortung erdrückt zu werden. Diese Dialektik zeigt sich insbesondere am rechtlichen Umgang mit vernetzten Strukturen in Wirtschaft und Verwaltung („Verbundzusammenhänge“), deren hochgetriebene Arbeitsteilung und relative Informalität häufig gerade als Ausdruck einer „organisierten Unverantwortlichkeit“ verstanden werden. Hier bildet das Verantwortungsprinzip eine Hilfskonstruktion für das Recht in der Gestaltung rechtlichen Wandels.
Some Relations between Ethics, Aesthetics and Politics in Contemporary Art in Times of Crisis
Authors: Ramos Maria Elena ,   Polish Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2019

The inclusion of ethics and politics into artistic creation process is for many contemporary creators/artists an essential motivation while they consciously act in an aesthetic space polluted with the realities of a world in crisis. Art, which produces visible and sensible forms, can reveal aesthetic ideas and fundaments through aesthetic objects: drawing, video-installing or poem/poetry. And artists can make someone feel with their creations—whether these are beautiful, sublime, tragic, or ironic—ethical contentions violated by human action or the exertion/exercise of political power. Works of art that are not only guided by the categories signed by beauty, because in artistic languages, violence and suffering also make/create form. And times of crisis are the ideal sphere/dimension for an art that gives a vivid way of seeing/watching the uncertainty, the perversion, the terrible. In bringing these philosophical—ethical, aesthetic and political—topics, I do it from an approach that departs form artistic creations and curatorial research. I try to penetrate the narrow thread between an ethical topic and the plastic form in which it incarnates/embodies itself, or between a political action and the aesthetic structure of language as a creative, expressive consequence.
Reflections of an Existential Crisis in Søren Kierkegaard’s Aesthetic Conception
Authors: Andrijauskas Antanas ,   Polish Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2019

This article considers the principles of philosophical thinking in Søren Kierkegaard’s nonclassical aesthetics. Special attention is given to his radical critique of “false” and “impersonal” rationalism. This does not only mean the rejection of the traditional principles of classical metaphysics which claims “universality” and “universal meaning.” Kierkegaard also bases his philosophy on individual human life, or, in other words, personal existence with its unique inner world. His critique is more profound than that by Arthur Schopenhauer. Kierkegaard develops his own philosophy of “existential crisis,” opposing subjective will and internal changes to abstract thinking and external influences. Kierkegaard’s works initiate the critical or nonclassical stage in Western aesthetics. The main place in it is occupied by the idea of the disharmony of the world: its subjective reflection is “split” consciousness that has lost contact with the traditional concepts of harmony, humanism, goodness, beauty and philosophy of art.
Czarnocka’s Conception of Symbolic Truth
Authors: Mitias Michael H. ,   Polish Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2019

The proposition I elucidate and defend in this paper is that the explanatory power of Malgorzata Czarnocka’s conception of symbolic truth extends beyond our knowledge of empirical reality and includes our knowledge of human nature and human values. The paper is composed of two parts. In the first part I present a detailed analysis of the conception of symbolic truth. The focus in this analysis is on the nature of the correspondence relation which connects a true statement and the cognitive object. Czarnocka persuasively argues that this relation is neither isomorphic nor homomorphic in character. She advances a detailed analysis of sensual perception as the locus of the cognitive act. The outcome of this analysis is that the structure of the statement which is articulated in this act does not copy or mirror the structure of the object but is a linguistic representation. In the second part of the paper I argue that empirical reality is not the paradigm of reality and that scientific knowledge is not the paradigm of knowledge. The domain of humanity is as real as the domain of empirical reality, and our knowledge of this domain is as central to our life as scientific knowledge is. Moreover, I argue that Czarnocka’s conception of symbolic truth functions adequately in explaining the possibility of knowledge of human nature and human values with special focus on the literary work of art.
Notes on the International Society for Universal Dialogue
Authors: Tajsin Emilia A. ,   Polish Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2019

Neither for today’s Russia, nor for the whole of the contemporary world is there, perhaps, a more important issue than the possibility of a civilized, peaceful dialogue between cultures, peoples, governments and individuals. The International Society for Universal Dialogue is one among other philosophical schools, societies and organizations which promote the idea of universal dialogue. It tries to solve problems associated with language and ideological barriers, strengthening professional and friendly ties and implementation, through joint efforts, of a peaceful and fair world order.
On Physician-Assisted Death and the Killing of Innocents
Authors: Smith Patrick T. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: July 2019

This essay highlights an argument for the moral impermissibility of physician-assisted death based on the prohibition of killing innocents that unfolds in four phases. First, I identify the operative moral principle and then develop a moral argument based upon it. Second, I raise challenges to such an argument designed to mitigate the force of the conclusion. Third, I sketch out a potential defense of the argument in light of these counter-responses for those who want to maintain moral opposition to physician-assisted death based upon the prohibition of killing innocents. Finally, I conclude with a brief postscript that highlights the limits of the philosophical approach taken in this essay in conversation with the role of moral psychology in moral judgment.
El Parlamento italiano entre revisiones y tentativas de reforma constitucional
Authors: Pace Alessandro
Published: July 2019

La hipótesis de partida del presente trabajo radica en que la Constitución italiana únicamente prevé «revisiones» constitucionales, homogéneas o incluso puntuales (apartado 1). No obstante, el autor critica que las fuerzas políticas han intentado aprobar hasta en seis ocasiones «reformas» constitucionales que, como tales, no son homogéneas. En concreto, cuatro de ellas no consiguieron ser aprobadas, mientras otras dos, aun siendo aprobadas por el Parlamento, acabaron siendo rechazadas tras sendos referéndums en 2006 y 2016 (apartado 2). Por lo tanto, el análisis revela que el  significado original del concepto de «revisión» previsto en el artículo 138 de la Constitución italiana se ha mantenido firme (apartado 3). Finalmente, el autor somete a escrutinio la «reforma Boschi» (apartado 4), que fue abordada a iniciativa del líder del Partido Democrático, Matteo Renzi, siendo asimismo rechazada en sede popular. En efecto, dicha reforma planteaba serias perplejidades, tanto por la violación de la elección directa del Senado, como por la naturaleza contradictoria de la disciplina de los Senadores, por la diferenciación excesiva de los procedimientos legislativos y, por último, por la violación del principio constitucional de la garantía de las autonomías territoriales.
Digital Rectal Examination Remains a Key Prognostic Tool for Prostate Cancer: A National Cancer Database Review
Authors: Borkenhagen Jenna F. , Eastwood Daniel , Kilari Deepak , See William A. , Van Wickle Jonathan D. , Lawton Colleen A. , Hall William A.
Published: July 2019

Background: Prostate cancer clinical stage T2 (cT2) subclassifications, as determined by digital rectal examination (DRE), are a historic method of staging prostate cancer. However, given the potential discomfort associated with prostate examination and the wide availability of other prognostic tests, the necessity of DRE is uncertain. This study sought to determine the prognostic value of the prostate cancer cT2 subclassifications in a contemporary cohort of patients. Methods: The National Cancer Database was used to identify a cohort of men with high-risk clinical T2N0M0 prostate cancer treated with external-beam radiotherapy and androgen deprivation therapies ± surgery from 2004 to 2010. We assessed overall survival from a landmark time of 10 months using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test analysis. A multivariate proportional hazards model was used to estimate the simultaneous effects of multiple factors, including cT2 subclassification and other well-established prognostic indicators of overall survival in prostate cancer. Results: A total of 5,291 men were included in the final analysis, with a median follow-up of 5.4 years. The cT2a, cT2b, and cT2c subclassifications demonstrated increasing hazard ratios of 1.00 (reference), 1.25 (95% CI, 1.07–1.45; P=.0046), and 1.43 (95% CI, 1.25–1.63; P<.0001), respectively, reflecting a higher probability of death with each incremental increase in cT2 subclassification. This finding was independent of other known prognostic variables on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Results show that cT2 subclassifications had independent prognostic value in a large and contemporary cohort of men. cT2 classification remains an important, low-cost prognostic tool for men with prostatic adenocarcinoma. The clinical relevance of this test should be appreciated and accounted for by providers treating prostate adenocarcinoma.
Chemotherapy With or Without Anti-EGFR Agents in Left- and Right-Sided Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Zi-Xian , Wu Hao-Xiang , He Ming-Ming , Wang Ying-Nan , Luo Hui-Yan , Ding Pei-Rong , Xie Dan , Chen Gong , Li Yu-Hong , Wang Feng , Xu Rui-Hua
Published: July 2019

Background:Previous meta-analyses have suggested primary tumor location as a predictive factor for efficacy of anti–epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, the recent phase III TAILOR trial addressing this issue was not included in those analyses. This meta-analysis incorporated data from the TAILOR trial to evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR agents (cetuximab [Cet] or panitumumab [Pani]) versus chemotherapy alone forRASwild-type (wt) right- and left-sided mCRC.Patients and Methods:A PubMed-based literature search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying the additional efficacy of Cet/Pani in combination with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone inRASwt left- and right-sided mCRC. Study-level pooled analyses of hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and odds ratios (ORs) for objective response rate (ORR) were performed.Results:Three first-line RCTs (CRYSTAL, PRIME, and TAILOR) and one second-line RCT (20050181) were included. Significant OS benefits from Cet/Pani were observed in the left-sided (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66–0.86) but not right-sided subgroups (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.78–1.27). However, the addition of Cet/Pani to chemotherapy significantly improved PFS and ORR in both the left-sided (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57–0.86, and OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.95–5.51, respectively) and right-sided subgroups (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.59–0.99, and OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.08–2.93, respectively).Conclusions:The addition of Cet/Pani to chemotherapy significantly benefits PFS and ORR in patients withRASwt right-sided mCRC, indicating that anti-EGFR therapies may remain an option for selected patients.
NCCN Guidelines Insights: Survivorship, Version 2.2019
Authors: Sanft Tara , Denlinger Crystal S. , Armenian Saro , Baker K. Scott , Broderick Gregory , Demark-Wahnefried Wendy , Friedman Debra L. , Goldman Mindy , Hudson Melissa , Khakpour Nazanin , Koura Divya , Lally Robin M. , Langbaum Terry S. , McDonough Allison L. , Melisko Michelle , Mooney Kathi , Moore Halle C.F. , Moslehi Javid J. , O’Connor Tracey , Overholser Linda , Paskett Electra D. , Peterson Lindsay , Pirl William , Rodriguez M. Alma , Ruddy Kathryn J. , Smith Sophia , Syrjala Karen L. , Tevaarwerk Amye , Urba Susan G. , Zee Phyllis , McMillian Nicole R. , Freedman-Cass Deborah A.
Published: July 2019

The NCCN Guidelines for Survivorship provide screening, evaluation, and treatment recommendations for consequences of cancer and cancer treatment to aid healthcare professionals who work with survivors of adult-onset cancer. Guidance is also provided to help promote physical activity, weight management, and proper immunizations in survivors and to facilitate care coordination to ensure that all needs are addressed. These NCCN Insights summarize some of the topics discussed by the NCCN Survivorship Panel during the 2019 update of the guidelines, including the survivorship population addressed, ways to improve care coordination, and pain management.
A Rare Case of Myonecrosis with Soft-Tissue Emphysema in a Diabetic Foot Caused by Streptococcus anginosus Isolated in Pure Culture: A Case Study
Authors: Route Jack , Anain Joseph
Published: July 2019

Streptococcus anginosus (SAG) is a known human pathogen and member of the Streptococcus milleri group. SAG is a known bacterial cause of soft-tissue abscesses and bacteremia and is an increasingly prevalent pathogen in infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. We describe a rare case of SAG as an infectious agent in a case of nonclostridial myonecrosis with soft-tissue emphysema. This is the only case found in the literature of SAG cultured as a pure isolate in this type of infection and was associated with a prolonged course of treatment in an otherwise healthy patient.
Medial Swivel Dislocation of the Talonavicular Joint with Associated Cuboid Fracture
Authors: Polat Barış , Aydın Deniz , Polat Ayşe Esin , Gürpınar Tahsin , Erler Kaan
Published: July 2019

Medial talonavicular dislocation associated with cuboid fracture is rare. We report an 18-year-old man with this injury who exhibited excellent results after open reduction and stabilization of the joint with temporary Kirshner wires.
Compartment Syndrome After Ankle Arthroscopy in an Atraumatic Patient
Authors: Han Seung Woo , Park Jung Ho , Suh Dong Hun , Kim Hak Jun , Park Young Hwan , Baek Jung Heum , Choi Gi Won
Published: July 2019

Compartment syndromes associated with arthroscopy have been rarely reported. Compartment syndrome after knee arthroscopy has been reported in some case reports, whereas we could find only one case report of acute compartment syndrome following ankle arthroscopy after Maisonneuve fracture. However, there has been no previous report of a case of acute compartment syndrome after ankle arthroscopy in an atraumatic patient. In this article, we present a case of acute compartment syndrome during ankle arthroscopic procedures in an atraumatic patient.
Gouty Achilles Tendinopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Halaharvi Chandana , So Eric , Tawancy Cherreen , Kibler Kurt A. , Logan Daniel
Published: July 2019

Tendinopathy in the presence of gouty arthropathy is relatively common, yet the clinical suspicion for gout involvement in acute tendon pain remains low. A 49-year-old man presented with an acute, tender, erythematous mass to the right posterior heel. A computed tomographic scan was obtained, which revealed a septated fluid collection superficial to the Achilles tendon. The patient was taken to the operating room for an incision and drainage with debridement, and the abscess was found to be filled with caseous material. The diagnosis of gout was confirmed with pathology. The calcaneus was submitted to biopsy, and the results were negative for osteomyelitis. The patient was returned to the operating room for repair of the Achilles tendon with flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer. Postoperatively, the patient was nonweightbearing for 6 weeks. Oral colchicine was used perioperatively, and a steroid taper was administered. The patient was started on allopurinol and colchicine for chronic treatment. At 14 months, the patient was walking without pain or recurrence of the mass. Although the relationship between hyperuricemia and tendinopathy is not completely understood, it is apparent that tendon involvement may be a sequela in patients with gout. When a patient presents with acute tendon pain, gout should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Genetic transformation of the dinoflagellate chloroplast
Authors: Nimmo Isabel C , Barbrook Adrian C , Lassadi Imen , Chen Jit Ern , Geisler Katrin , Smith Alison G , Aranda Manuel , Purton Saul , Waller Ross F , Nisbet R Ellen R , Howe Christopher J
Published: July 2019

Coral reefs are some of the most important and ecologically diverse marine environments. At the base of the reef ecosystem are dinoflagellate algae, which live symbiotically within coral cells. Efforts to understand the relationship between alga and coral have been greatly hampered by the lack of an appropriate dinoflagellate genetic transformation technology. By making use of the plasmid-like fragmented chloroplast genome, we have introduced novel genetic material into the dinoflagellate chloroplast genome. We have shown that the introduced genes are expressed and confer the expected phenotypes. Genetically modified cultures have been grown for 1 year with subculturing, maintaining the introduced genes and phenotypes. This indicates that cells continue to divide after transformation and that the transformation is stable. This is the first report of stable chloroplast transformation in dinoflagellate algae.
A circuit-dependent ROS feedback loop mediates glutamate excitotoxicity to sculpt the Drosophila motor system
Authors: Peng Jhan-Jie , Lin Shih-Han , Liu Yu-Tzu , Lin Hsin-Chieh , Li Tsai-Ning , Yao Chi-Kuang
Published: July 2019

Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is known to mediate glutamate excitotoxicity in neurological diseases. However, how ROS burdens can influence neural circuit integrity remains unclear. Here, we investigate the impact of excitotoxicity induced by depletion of Drosophila Eaat1, an astrocytic glutamate transporter, on locomotor central pattern generator (CPG) activity, neuromuscular junction architecture, and motor function. We show that glutamate excitotoxicity triggers a circuit-dependent ROS feedback loop to sculpt the motor system. Excitotoxicity initially elevates ROS, thereby inactivating cholinergic interneurons and consequently changing CPG output activity to overexcite motor neurons and muscles. Remarkably, tonic motor neuron stimulation boosts muscular ROS, gradually dampening muscle contractility to feedback-enhance ROS accumulation in the CPG circuit and subsequently exacerbate circuit dysfunction. Ultimately, excess premotor excitation of motor neurons promotes ROS-activated stress signaling that alters neuromuscular junction architecture. Collectively, our results reveal that excitotoxicity-induced ROS can perturb motor system integrity through a circuit-dependent mechanism.
Depression and sexual risk behavior among long-distance truck drivers at roadside wellness clinics in Kenya
Authors: Romo Matthew L. , George Gavin , Mantell Joanne E. , Mwai Eva , Nyaga Eston , Strauss Michael , Odhiambo Jacob O. , Govender Kaymarlin , Kelvin Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2019

Background

Truck drivers in sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk for both mental health disorders and sexually transmitted infections. We sought to determine the prevalence of depression among a sample of long-distance truck drivers seeking services at roadside wellness clinics in Kenya and explore the relationship between depression and sexual risk behavior.

Methods

We used data from an interviewer-administered questionnaire from 284 truck drivers in Kenya who participated in a randomized controlled trial evaluating whether offering oral HIV self-testing could increase HIV test uptake. Depression was categorized based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score, with a score ≥10 indicative of probable major depressive disorder (MDD). Sexual risk behavior was operationalized as the number of condomless sex partners in the past 6 months.

Results

The mean participant age was 36.9 years, 83.0% were married, and 37.0% had a secondary school education or higher. Overall, 24% of participants had probable MDD, and 58.2% reported having one condomless sex partner in the past 6 months, whereas 27.3% reported having had two or more. In a multivariable Poisson regression model adjusted for demographic and other relevant variables, including number of sex partners, MDD was significantly associated with a greater number of condomless sex partners (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval [1.25–2.12], p < 0.001). General self-efficacy significantly mediated the association between MDD and number of condomless sex partners.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of depression highlights the need to test the feasibility and acceptability of mental healthcare interventions for this population, possibly integrated with HIV prevention services. Future research is needed to better understand the association between depression and sexual risk behavior, as well as the role of self-efficacy.
Effects of Natural and Inoculation Fermentation on the Antinutrient Composition of African Walnut Enriched with Carrot
Authors: Aribisala J. O. , Oladunmoye M. K. , Afolami O. I.
Published: July 2019

The effects of fermentation on the antinutrient composition of African walnut enriched with carrot and without carrot were carried out in this study. The submerged natural fermentation of non- enriched and carrot enriched (walnut 70%; carrot 30%)  African walnut was carried out and lasted for 5 days during which microorganisms were isolated and identified. Species of Lactobacillus and Bacillus that are most commonly used as probiotics in foods, drugs, and dietary supplements, which was isolated during the natural fermentation of African walnut, were then used singly and in consortium during inoculation fermentation. During the fermentation processes, the anti nutritional analysis was carried out on the fermented samples on a daily basis. Result revealed that the bacteria B. subtilis strain b17a and L. lactis SFL8 were the most predominant bacteria during the natural fermentation. Raw African walnut and carrot have tannin, saponins, Phytate and oxalate of  2.47± 0.10, 1.46 ± 0.10, 14.41 ± 0.10 , 3.29 ± .10  and 2.28 ± .08,  2.10 ± .10,11.50± .05, 0.37± .03 respectively. Raw walnut generally had a higher anti-nutrient composition than carrot except in saponins. Fermentation led to the reduction in antinutrient composition in the fermented sample. Natural fermented African walnut (NFW) and natural fermented African walnut enriched with carrot (NFWC) resulted in the highest reduction in antinutrient composition. NFW and NFWC had a reduction in tannin, saponins, Phytate and oxalate from (2.47±0.008b, 1.46±0.010a, 14.41±0.026d, 3.29±0.05c) to (0.98 ± 0.05a, 0.61±0.05a, 4.35±0.03a, 0.27±0.05a) and (0.91±0.005a, 0.45±0.005a, 3.61±0.03a, 0.17±0.005a) respectively. Inoculation fermentation in which a monoculture of L. lactis or B. subtillis was used as starter culture resulted in the least reduction in the antinutrient content. Carrot enrichment of fermented African walnut had a reducing effect on the antinutrient composition of African walnut as the fermentation enriched with carrot all had a reduced tannin, Phytate and oxalate composition compared to those that were not enriched. Hence, fermentation and enrichment with carrot can be employed in improving the nutritional quality of African walnut thereby helping in effectively utilising their potential as human food.
Importance of the Non-wood Products Market for the Socio-economic Development of the Maceió Municipality, Brazil
Authors: Lima Ricardo C. , Pereira Letícia S. , Silva R. G. C. , Nepomuceno Isabel T. G. , Maranhão Victor A. L. , Marinho Mayara S. S. , Leite Maria J. H. , Silva Girlânio H. , Pinto Andréa V. F.
Published: July 2019

The scarcity of information on the socioeconomic of non-wood forest products in Maceio acts as an obstacle to forest conservation and also to the development of market. In this way, the aim of this work was to evaluate the non-wood forest products (NWFPs) market in the municipality of Maceió, AL. The study was carried out in NWFP stores in the city of Maceió, AL, Brazil, between September and October 2018. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire containing 9 closed questions and 11 open questions, totaling 20 questions, which were analyzed in a descriptive way and statistics. Among the interviews, there was a predominance of the female gender in the market (78%). In which, the most cited species were cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) with 88.89%; aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius) with 66.67%; followed by barbatimao (Stryphnodendron barbatimam Mart.) cited 66.67%. The boldo (Peumus boldus) was cited 55.56%; followed by rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and laurel (Laurus nobilis), which presented 44.44% of the citations. It can be seen that 65% of products fall under the category of medicinal use, 15% in the category of food use and 10% are used as cosmetics. Among the most used parts, it was observed that the majority of the products are leaves (36.9%) and barks (32.6%). When questioned about the origin of their products, 77.7% of those interviewed said they bought them for resale. The other 22.3% claimed that in addition to buying them, they also collect them. This trade has proven very effective, due to its great potential for social inclusion and economic incentive in the municipality.
3D Conformal Printing and Photonic Sintering of High‐Performance Flexible Thermoelectric Films Using 2D Nanoplates
Authors: Saeidi‐Javash Mortaza , Kuang Wenzheng , Dun Chaochao , Zhang Yanliang
Published: July 2019

Flexible thermoelectric (TE) devices hold great promise for energy harvesting and cooling applications, with increasing significance to serve as perpetual power sources for flexible electronics and wearable devices. Despite unique and superior TE properties widely reported in nanocrystals, transforming these nanocrystals into flexible and functional forms remains a major challenge. Herein, demonstrated is a transformative 3D conformal aerosol jet printing and rapid photonic sintering process to print and sinter solution‐processed Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 nanoplate inks onto virtually any flexible substrates. Within seconds of photonic sintering, the electrical conductivity of the printed film is dramatically improved from nonconductive to 2.7 × 104 S m−1. The films demonstrate a room temperature power factor of 730 µW m−1 K−2, which is among the highest values reported in flexible TE films. Additionally, the film shows negligible performance changes after 500 bending cycles. The highly scalable and low‐cost fabrication process paves the way for large‐scale manufacturing of flexible devices using a variety of high‐performing nanoparticle inks.
Noble Metal Particles Confined in Zeolites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications
Authors: Chai Yuchao , Shang Weixiang , Li Weijie , Wu Guangjun , Dai Weili , Guan Naijia , Li Landong
Published: July 2019

Noble metal nanoparticles or subnanometric particles confined in zeolites, that is, metal@zeolite, represent an important type of functional materials with typical core–shell structure. This type of material is known for decades and recently became a research hotspot due to their emerging applications in various fields. Remarkable achievements are made dealing with the synthesis, characterization, and applications of noble metal particles confined in zeolites. Here, the most representative research progress in metal@zeolites is briefly reviewed, aiming to boost further research on this topic. For the synthesis of metal@zeolites, various strategies, such as direct synthesis from inorganic or ligand‐assisted noble metal precursors, multistep postsynthesis encapsulation and ion‐exchange followed by reduction, are introduced and compared. For the characterization of metal@zeolites, several most useful techniques, such as electron microscopy, X‐ray based spectroscopy, infrared and fluorescence emission spectroscopy, are recommended to check the successful confinement of noble metal particles in zeolite matrix and their unique physiochemical properties. For the applications of metal@zeolites, catalysis and optics are involved with an emphasis on catalytic applications including the size‐dependent catalytic properties, the sintering‐resistance properties, the substrate shape‐selective catalysis, and catalysis modulation by zeolite microenvironment.
High‐Efficiency and Reliable Smart Photovoltaic Windows Enabled by Multiresponsive Liquid Crystal Composite Films and Semi‐Transparent Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xia Yu , Liang Xiao , Jiang Yun , Wang Shaofu , Qi Yuyang , Liu Yumin , Yu Li , Yang Huai , Zhao Xing‐Zhong
Published: July 2019

Smart photovoltaic windows (SPWs) are functional devices possessing the capabilities of electrical power output, energy saving, and privacy protection by managing sunlight under external stimuli and potentially applicable in the fields of energy‐saving buildings, automobiles, and switchable optoelectronics. However, long response time, low power conversion efficiency (PCE), poor stability and cycling performance, and monostimuli responsive behavior restrict their practical applications. To address these issues, high‐efficiency and reliable SPWs are demonstrated by coupling multiresponsive liquid crystal/polymer composite (LCPC) films and semi‐transparent perovskite solar cells (ST‐PSCs). In this design, fast and multiple stimuli‐responsive LCPC films are utilized as an inside layer to control the transparency of SPWs. The ST‐PSCs with competitive PCE and qualified transparency acting as an outside layer offer energy generation functionality. Benefiting from repeatable transparency transition modulated by external stimuli, a series of working modes are achieved in the SPWs providing distinguished and stable energy generation, energy saving, and privacy protection performances.
A Self‐Conformable Smart Skin with Sensing and Variable Stiffness Functions
Authors: Qiu Yu , Ma Siyuan , Pei Qibing , Holbery James D.
Published: July 2019

Artificial smart skins that integrate sensing and adaptiveness present a novel platform in wearable electronics on epidermis or next‐generation robotics. Herein, a highly sensitive capacitive touch senor based on a self‐conformable bi‐stable electroactive polymer (BSEP) is developed. The device combines the properties of conformable polymers and touch sensors, which grants the sensor the ability to conform to the shape of various surfaces and in different working conditions. A spray‐coated silver nanowire (AgNW) is selected as the sensor electrode for high‐resolution patterning. The unique antenna‐shaped electrode pattern results in a capacitance change of 31% when in contact with ground at a baseline of 0.13 pF. The BSEP provides stiffness tunability via an embedded compliant heater. The heater combines interdigitated silver with carbon nanotubes delivering uniform and highly efficient heating to create a tunable device with stiffness between 100s of MPa and tens of kPa, providing a large working flexibility. The efficient resistive heater provides uniform and stable heating over an area of 40 by 40 mm with a rate of 48 °C min−1 at an input voltage as low as 7 V. This research merges intelligent polymeric systems and thin film electronics advancing conformable, skin‐like functional electronics.