bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TAIWANESE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TO NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS ENGLISH TEACHERS
Authors: Chang Feng-Ru
Published: March 2016

Numerous studies have been conducted to explore issues surrounding non-native speakers (NNS) English teachers and native speaker (NS) teachers which concern, among others, the comparison between the two, the self-perceptions of NNS English teachers and the effectiveness of their teaching, and the students’ opinions on and attitudes towards them. Most of these studies have been conducted in ESL contexts in which the teachers are NNS English teachers, while most NNS English teachers actually work in EFL contexts. It is important that we understand issues on NNS English teachers in EFL contexts. Hence, this article aims to investigate university students’ attitudes towards their NNS English teachers in Taiwan. The data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. The findings indicated that Taiwanese students’ attitudes towards their NNS English teachers are positive and favorable and NNS English teachers are generally perceived as capable of delivering efficient instruction though some shortcomings of NNS English teachers were pointed out by participants. Discus- sion on these shortcomings and implications on Taiwan educational system and the qualifications of NNS English teachers is provided.
￼LEARNERS’ PERSPECTIVES OF ￼FACTORS INFLUENCING GAINS IN ￼STANDARDIZED ENGLISH TEST SCORES
Authors: Pan Yi-Ching
Published: March 2016

There has been an increased level of attention devoted to the consequences of test use in recent years; however, the majority of washback studies focused on teaching. In fact, little research has addressed learners’ perspectives to analyze possible determinants of test results. To address this issue, this study first compared the pre-and-post standardized English tests of two groups of Taiwanese university students, and six students from each of the groups were interviewed at a later date to investigate the possible factors that may influence their score gains. A control group of 140 Taiwanese university students at a school without any English proficiency certificate exit requirement was compared to a contrast group of 136 similar students at a school that required the students to pass an English certification test in order to graduate. The major finding indicates that the amount of time spent on language learning plays an essential role in determining the degree to which student scores improve. This study subsequently offers pedagogical implications for the instruction of English at institutes of tertiary education.
￼USING A FACEBOOK CLOSED GROUP TO ￼IMPROVE EFL STUDENTS’ WRITING
Authors: Rodliyah Rojab Siti
Published: March 2016

This study investigates how social media, in this case Facebook, can be incorporated in ELT through e-dialogue journal writing shared in a Facebook closed group. Fifteen EFL students participated in this case study. They were second, third, and fourth year students of English Education Department of a university in Bandung, who voluntarily joined a Facebook closed group for about four months and contributed their journal entries. The content of the students’ journals and responses in this closed group were analyzed to identify the nature of the students’ journals, the patterns of interaction, and their responses to e-journaling through Facebook. The findings indicate that the students responded positively to this activity and perceived improvement in their writing especially in vocabulary and grammar. The power of learning and sharing from others is also emphasized.
UMA PESQUISA SOBRE A PRÁTICA REFLEXIVA NA FORMAÇÃO INICIAL DE PROFESSORES DE FÍSICA
Authors: Longuini Marcos Daniel , Nardi Roberto
Published: March 2016

A pesquisa aqui descrita consiste em um estudo envolvendo licenciados do último ano de um curso de Licenciatura em Física, matriculados na disciplina de Prática de Ensino de Física. Observou-se, durante um semestre, o desempenho dos licenciandos durante o transcorrer da disciplina, a qual se norteou na elaboração de uma seqüência de ensino sobre o tema Pressão Atmosférica e sua aplicação em situação de sala de aula. O estudo procurou analisar, por meio da análise das gravações dos episódios vivenciados pelos licenciandos no período, a influência deste processo sobre os conhecimentos específicos do conteúdo trabalhado (pressão atmosférica), assim como pesquisar quais, dentre os elementos trabalhados durante o curso, os licenciandos utilizaram para transformar o conteúdo específico em conteúdo pedagógico.
Weed Phytosociological and Floristic Survey in Agricultural Areas of Southwestern Goiás Region
Authors: W.F. SANTOS , S.O. PROCÓPIO , A.G. SILVA , M.F. FERNANDES , A.L.L. BARROSO
Published: March 2016

The use of the Roundup Ready(r) technology and the cultivation of a second crop influence the floristic composition of weed communities in Brazilian Central-West region cropping systems. This study has aimed to diagnose the dominant weed species in southwestern Goiás in areas of genetically-modified and conventional soybeans, using phytosociological and floristic surveys. Weed sampling was obtained by collecting all the plants present within a 0.5 m hollow frame, randomly thrown 20 times in each of thirty-five agricultural areas in the 2012/2013 harvest. Field survey was carried out in three periods: before desiccation for soybean sowing, before postemergence herbicide in soybean first application and before postemergence herbicide application in late harvest. A total of 525 m2 was inventoried and 3,219 weeds were collected, which included 79 species, 58 genera and 28 families. Families Poaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Amaranthaceae, were the most representative in the survey. Species Cenchrus echinatus, Glycine max, Chamaesyce hirta, Commelina benghalensis, and Alternanthera tenella stood out in importance. The RR+millet soybean treatment had the highest number of species (44), while the conventional soybean + sorghum treatment had the lowest number of species (18). The highest number of species was recorded in first sampling period. Treatments conventional soybean + maize and conventional soybean + millet showed higher similarity (70%), while treatments RR soybean + millet and conventional soybean + sorghum showed the least (51%). Species of difficult control were recorded in all cultivation systems analyzed.
UM MÉTODO ADAPTATIVO PARA REGISTRO DE DADOS RGB-D
Authors: Basso Marcos Aurélio , Santos Daniel Rodrigues dos , Oliveira Junior Elizeu Martins de , Khoshelham Kourosh
Published: March 2016

Neste trabalho é apresentado um método adaptativo para registro e mapeamento de ambientes internos com regiões de pouca textura usando dados derivados de câmeras RGB-D. Basicamente, quatro pontos principais envolvidos no desenvolvimento do método são aqui discutidos: a calibração dos sensores integrados no dispositivo Kinect; o registro dos pares de nuvens de pontos 3D adquiridas sucessivamente pelo sensor de imageamento; a inclusão de pesos no algoritmo ICP baseado em abordagem ponto-a-ponto; e o refinamento dos parâmetros de transformação empregando uma análise de consistência global. A calibração dos sensores é feita usando o método de Zhang. O modelo de corpo rígido 3D é empregado para calcular os parâmetros de transformação. Um método adaptativo é proposto para inclusão de pesos baseados na precisão teórica das medidas de profundidade. Um modelo linear capaz de refinar simultaneamente o conjunto de parâmetros de transformação é proposto para a análise da consistência global. Experimentos foram conduzidos para avaliar a eficiência do método proposto e os resultados obtidos mostraram sua potencialidade
On the issue of a mandatory forensic comprehensive psychological and psychiatric examination of capacity: pro arguments
Authors: Kantor P.
Published: March 2016

The article again addresses the issue of forensic examinations of incapacity or limited capacity due to the mental disorder in the Code of Civil Procedure of the Russian Federation. The article critically discusses the common objections to establishing a mandatory appointment for a comprehensive forensic psychological and psychiatric examination in this category of cases. The author observes how this proposed requirement is connected with earlier legislation updates. The new rule logically follows from the need to consider, in according to law, a person’s ability for decision making and social communication. Currently, a comprehensive forensic psychological and psychiatric examination is appointed too rarely in these cases, which leads to the insufficient comprehension of these significant factors by the courts. Organizational and technical hurdles, which are considered to be main arguments against the discussed rule, shouldn’t prevent the long overdue legislation innovations. Statistical data presented by the opponents relates to different categories of cases and, therefore, cannot be a basis for the conclusions about the issue discussed.
Commenting the article by P.Y. Kantor: сounter-arguments
Authors: Safuanov F.S. , Shishkov S.N.
Published: March 2016

The article presents objections to the arguments set out in article «Revisiting an issue of mandatory assignment of complex forensic psychological and psychiatric examination of legal capability: pro arguments» by P.Yu. Kantor in favor of legislative recognition of mandatory complex forensic psychological and psychiatric examination of legal capability in the case of adjudge a citizen incapable due to mental disorder. From the point of view of the theory and methodology of complex forensic psychological and psychiatric examination, the authors inappropriately constrict competence limits of forensic psychiatrists and ignore the possibility and the need to integrate medical and psychological knowledge in forensics. P. Yu. Kantor’s theses about the total dominance of psychiatric examinations in civil proceedings and a painful and humiliating for subject forensic psychiatric examination in Russia are objectionable. The present paper shows negative organizational and legal consequences of this legal norm and proposes a wide interdisciplinary discussion on the problem.
Legal and methodological bases of comprehensive forensic enquiry of pornography
Authors: Berdnikov D.
Published: March 2016

The article gives an analysis of the legal definition of pornography. The author identified descriptive and target criteria groups which are required for the analysis and analyses the content of descriptive criteria of pornography and the way how they should be documented. Fixing attention to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the sexual relations is determine as necessary target criterion. It is noted that the term "pornography" is a legal and cannot be subject of expertise. That is why author underlined some methodological basis of complex psycho-linguistic and psycho-art expertise. The article presents general issue depends on expert conclusion and studies cases where the research is necessary to involve doctors, as well as criteria for expert's opinion. Besides that, author defined subject, object and main tasks of psychological studies of pornographic information.
Information Security of Children and Adolescents According to Parents and Teachers (Part 2: The Results of an Empirical Study)
Authors: Budykin S.V. , Dvoryanchikov N.V. , Bovina I.B.
Published: March 2016

In this paper we present a second part of the study on information security of children and adolescents according to parents and teachers. This part of the study focuses at empirical research results aimed in studying the so-called "naive theories" about information security. 136 people (aged 21 to 62 years) attended the study. We based on the following hypotheses : 1) the group of parents and teachers understand similarly the issue of information threat for children and adolescents, yet they have different understandings of the dangerous effects of information on children and adolescents: parents underestimate the seriousness of the effects compared with teachers; 2) according to parents and teachers, the formers are primarily responsible for information security of children; while teachers expect parents to monitor, prohibit, restrict the access to information for children and adolescents. Parents, in turn, expect teachers to train children and teenagers to observe the safety procedures, as well as use Internet safely. Our assumptions are confirmed partly, and study results are discussed in terms of the theory of social representations.
Xenophobic attitudes and personal characteristics of adolescents with deviant behaviour
Authors: Gurina O.D.
Published: March 2016

There are often racial, ethnic intolerance among adolescents, which, in our opinion, caused by the presence of xenophobic attitudes, some combination of personality structures and situational factors. We hypothesized that there is a specificity of the relationship of xenophobic attitudes and personality characteristics in the structure of the person of adolescents with deviating (including illegal) behavior and normative behavior. The study involved 254 female and a teenage male aged 14 - 18 years. The study used a questionnaire to identify the severity of xenophobic attitudes, as well as the methodology and questionnaires to identify the personality characteristics of adolescents and semantic constructs of personality. As a result, significant differences were found in the personal features (criterion U-Mann-Whitney test with p <0,01) and semantic structures in adolescents with regulations and illegal behavior of offenders with a nationalist orientation and without it. The results can be used in the framework of the prevention of hate crimes among adolescents.
Personality and emotional sphere of students in the context of the preparation of specialists for work with children in legally relevant situations (Part 1)
Authors: Degtyarev A. , Galkina E.
Published: March 2016

This study demonstrated results of empirical research empathic features and personal characteristics of psychology students. The study was conducted on 60 students enrolled at the faculty of "Legal psychology" of the Moscow State Psychological and Pedagogical University: 30 1st year students aged 17 to 20 years (28 girls and 2 boys), 30 5th year students aged 21 to 24 years (22 girls and 8 boys).
One of the main objectives of this study was to identify the characteristics of empathic ability in psychology students at various stages of training. During the analysis of the results, in particular, it was found that undergraduate students empathy indices are higher, as opposed to younger students. However, none of the students has not been found a high level of empathy, which suggests the need to create conditions conducive to educational development as an essential element for effective professional activity.
Phenomenology of the psychological consequences of sexual abuse in children and adolescents, depending on various factors
Authors: Nutskova E.V.
Published: March 2016

The paper is devoted to psychological consequences of sexual abuse in children and adolescents. It presents review of domestic and foreign research of psychological injury in minors. The article gives results of complex psychological and psychiatric examination of 183 juvenile victims of sexual abuse. Psychological effects of sexual abuse in children and adolescents are identified and described on the basis of age, gender, clinical characteristics of the mental state of the victim, as well as the type and duration of the abuse. Intensity and expressiveness of post-traumatic response as well as coverage of personality spheres increase with aging. The data on the gender specificity of the sexual abuse effects suggest that girls more demonstrate internal forms, while external manifestations dominate in boys. The type and duration of sexual abuse determine a wide range of possible psychological consequences. It is noted that the severity of the psychological effects of sexual abuse in victims with mental disorders associated with the trauma is higher than in victims qualified to be mentally sane or having a mental illness, non-associated with psychologically traumatic situations. Psychological consequences exhibited by mentally sane victims show a decrease in their quality of life.
The problems of defending the interests of juveniles in legal cases of domestic disputes during the divorce
Authors: Terekhina S.A. , Pimonov V.A.
Published: March 2016

In our article we analyze the problems connected to the judicial scenario of settling domestic disputes over children during the divorce and located at the interfaces between law and psychology. We examine the issues of defending rights and interests of juveniles during civil proceedings in the context of regulations of National strategy of actions in the interests of children 2012-2017. We indicate modern civil legal procedure's main peculiarities which prevent the principle of prioritizing maintenance of "the best interests of a child" from practical realization during settlements of domestic disputes. We cover the issues connected to different forms of using special knowledge in psychology during civil legal procedure in settling domestic disputes. We list difficulties which arise during practical realization of children's rights to participate in the process of making decisions which affect their interests during the divorce. We outlined steps to improve the organization of civil proceedings in the direction of creating justice which would be friendly towards children.
The relationship between violence risk factors and protective factors among mentally ill offenders
Authors: Bulygina V.G. , Dubinsky A.A. , Tokareva G. , Lysenko N.
Published: March 2016

The results of research of the relationship between violence risk factors for and protective factors among psychiatric patients with a criminal history are presented. There were interviewed 563 men and 200 women undergoing compulsory treatment. The methodology of the assessment of protective factors (Bulygina V.G. et al.), "The historical clinical risk" (HCR-20, Webster), which was supplemented with a clinical-psychopathological criteria used in the Russian practice, were applied. It has been used the method of classification tree and ROC analysis. Target variables for the mathematical analysis were: gender, frequency of reoffending, interval of criminal recidivism. It was discovered that the universal protective factors in a general sample of persons with severe mental disorders are development of social and communication skills as well as higher motivation for treatment. There were highlighted gender specific protective factors. It is revealed that with a longer period of social adaptation associated the motivation for treatment and developed social and communication skills in female sample, in male – absence of problems connected with substance abuse and tolerant attitude to judicial and administrative regulations. Model of risk of the criminal recidivism among mentally ill women have higher predictive value than models for men.
Perception features of the sexual preference object in persons with pedophilia depending on the attitude to sexual desire
Authors: Dvoryanchikov N.V. , Makarova T.E. , Yushina N.
Published: March 2016

The article examines expert and diagnostic aspects of "ego-sintonic / ego-dystonic" types of attitudes to sexual desire and describes importance of studying the basis of desire in the context of sexual offenses against minors. We present results of empirical research which aims to study perception features of the sexual preference object in persons with pedophilia depending on the attitude to sexual desire. The study based on data provided by laboratory of forensic sexology, V.P. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Addiction, Ministry of Health Care of the Russian Federation. The sample consisted of 30 men with such sexual desire disorder as pedophilia. The results analysis showing differences in the perception of the object of sexual desire according to different attitude to the desire. The results indicate that different types of attitudes to sexual desire correspond to certain characteristics of the perception object. Identified patterns can be used in the creating the criminal prospective portrait, dealing with expert issues, developing correction and preventive programs for patients with a diagnosis of pedophilia.
Action factors of work motivation of prosecutors
Authors: Kroz M.V.
Published: March 2016

The article presents the results of three studies (2000-01, 2009 and 2014) of activity-related factors that have a significant impact on prosecutors work motivation. As part of the questionnaire respondents (more than a thousand public prosecutors of different sex, age, employment status and place of service) were offered to complete the unfinished sentence, stating the reasons for the attractiveness of their work. The results showed that the main factors stably defining prosecutors professional motivation (80% of responses) were socially-oriented nature of the work, its focus on strengthening the rule of law in the country, helping people, especially the poor, disadvantaged groups of population, as well as the ability to meet the basic needs of the individual employee. (Self-actualization, creativity, professional growth, and others.). Other answers (high wages, the prestige of the profession, stability and others.) were given much less. The problem of the reliability of the data and an impact of social desirability were discussed.
Benefits and challenges of practicing taekwondo to adolescents in Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Michael Emru
Published: March 2016

This study aimed at examining the benefits and challenges of practicing Taekwondo (TKD) to adolescents in Addis Ababa. In so doing, the study investigated the nature of TKD training, benefits of practicing TKD, and challenges/problems related with practicing TKD. A descriptive concurrent mixed methods research design was used. Accordingly, the quantitative part of the study had 108 TKD adolescent participants while the qualitative part had 12 participants (eight TKD adolescents and four TKD coaches), from four TKD clubs in Addis Ababa. Both one-stage cluster sampling technique and purposive sampling technique were employed to select participants for the quantitative and qualitative parts of the study, respectively. Questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to collect data from participants. Results of the study indicated: (1) the TKD training provided by the four TKD clubs was more of a modern/sport form of TKD; (2) TKD adolescents and coaches perceived that the benefits of TKD for adolescents are multifaceted, i.e., social benefits, physical benefits, mental benefits, self-defense, addiction avoidance, and other benefits; and (3) though majority (63.6%) of the respondents claimed that they did not face any problem as a result of practicing TKD, the following were identified as major problems that could threaten the wellbeing of TKD adolescents: family-related problems, community-related problems, and competition-related problems. In general, results show that the training of TKD can have a multifaceted positive contribution to adolescents’ wellbeing.
An investigation of multicultural provisions of the Ethiopian education policy
Authors: Mebratu Belete
Published: March 2016

This study is an investigation of the multicultural provisions in the Ethiopian education policy in light of promoting inclusive education. Content analysis, thematic categorization, and interpretive stance were used to analyze the data collected from the 1994 Ethiopian education policy document. The findings of the study indicate that the policy includes provisions that address the need to promote democratic cultures of equality, justice, unity and cooperation among peoples; equality and respect of diverse languages and linguistics groups; the promotion of gender awareness in the society; and the equality, tolerance and mutual coexistence among followers of different religions in the country.
Of Mice and Men: Educational Technology in Pakistan’s Public School System
Authors: Arshad-Ayaz Adeela
Published: March 2016

In this paper I use a critical lens to examine the introduction and adaptation of computer and information and communication technologies in Pakistan’s educational system. This examination is based on two broad contentions: a) the introduction of technology in Pakistan’s educational system is not conducive to the creation of a locally relevant knowledge system; instead the motivation is to create a market for foreign technology (hardware and software) and technological ideas; b) such an uncritical introduction of technology suits the needs of the undemocratic governments and hierarchical societies in the developing world and the neo-liberal economic forces abroad. I argue that such introduction of technology in education suits the former because, unlike critical education, the market model of education does not prepare students to question unjust and inequitable social and political practices around them. It rather suits the latter because education based on a market model produces a global pool of semi-trained laborers that can process technological and scientific raw material without gaining the expertise required to produce knowledge that is socially relevant and of benefit to them. I conclude that in this way technology becomes a source of hegemony and yet another tool of oppression rather than a vehicle for liberation and a just society.
Re/Claiming Agency: Learning, Liminality and Immigrant Service Organizations
Authors: Gibb Tara , Hamdon Evelyn , Jamal Zenobia
Published: March 2016

To facilitate the settlement of new immigrants, immigrant service organizations provide a range of services and opportunities for both formal and informal learning. These organizations, however, also act as liminal spaces in which the women who access their services may renegotiate identities, create new knowledge and forge new conceptions of community. The purpose of this article is to present an analysis of the data from two organizations which were sites for a larger research project designed to explore the formal and informal learning processes in immigrant service organizations. The data for this study was collected through client interviews and participant observation of formal and informal learning activities at two immigrant service organization that provide settlement, educational and support programs and services for immigrant women.
Sites for Discussion, Citizenship Education and Pathbuilding: Challenging the Fear of Controversy in the Adult EAL Classroom
Authors: Gibb Tara
Published: March 2016

This paper explores an integrated approach to citizenship education through English-as-an-Additional Language (EAL) instruction for adults who are new immigrants to Canada. Teaching for citizenship and participation in Canadian democractic processes sometimes involves discussing non-consensual issues such as same-sex unions, human rights, and religious freedoms. The result is discussions that can be fraught with conflict and tension, posing challenges and feelings of unease for teachers and learners. Therefore, an integrated approach to citizenship education also requires considering theories on dialogue and communicative engagement. Following a discussion on issues of citizenship education for newcomers to Canada and the possibilities of an integrated citizenship program, this paper concludes with a brief exploration of the work of Gloria Anzaldua and Susan Bickford for inspiration on ways to engage with non-consensual issues that pose challenges for EAL learners and teachers.
An Inter-Block Level Analysis of Regional Disparity in the Youngest Alipurduar District of West Bengal
Authors: Sam Koyel , Chakma Dr. Namita
Published: March 2016

Alipurduar (also known as â€˜Dooarsâ€™) was a subdivision of Jalpaiguri district before its emergence as the new 20th district of West Bengal on 25 June 2014. The districts of North Bengal (including Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur and Malda) have been poorly placed in comparison to the state of West Bengal, in terms of Human Development Indicators: low literacy level, poor condition in sanitation, and partly availability of electricity and safe drinking water (Report on Comparative Backwardness of North Bengal Region, Government of India, 2002).Â  Research on regional disparity is essential for addressing the lacuna in the planning process of development (Sen, 2001). In the present study, an analysis has been made in terms of the inter-block inequality in socio-economic and infrastructural development of Alipurduar district as a newly emerged region.
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015: A Review
Authors: Agarwal Smita , Kumar Nishant
Published: March 2016

The aim of this article is to look into the provisions of the newly amended Juvenile Justice Act. The central question which this article looks at whether the article is comprehensive enough to eliminate the possibilities of crime by juveniles as it is based on principle of reformation and rehabilitation of children who are otherwise presumed to be innocent not to commit a crime. It also tries to see if the intention of juveniles involved in crimes can be differentiated from their social surroundings that can help to punish the perpetuators in the former while thinking of remedial measures in the latter.
Balancing Motherhood and Career in STEM Jobs
Authors: Bhattacharyya Rituparna
Published: March 2016

Proportion of women working in the hitherto male-dominated sectors such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) jobs are primarily low because of gender stereotyping and motherhood roles. Using the findings of the article titled Entitled to a Sustainable Career? Motherhood in Science, Engineering, and Technology published in the Journal of Social Issues, this report attempts to explain as to how STEM jobs can retain more women.
Drawing a Link—Women’s Empowerment and Mahatma GandhiNational Rural Employment Guarantee Act: A Study Conducted in the Goalpara District, Assam
Authors: Bhattacharyya Manisha
Published: March 2016

This article reports on an empirical research that examined the extent of economic empowerment gained by women engaged in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act(MGNREGA) in the district of

Goalpara, Assam. The key objective of the MGNREGA is to provide social security to rural households by guaranteeing 100 days of paid employment in public works within a year. Based on nine variables (education, land ownership, ownership of other assets,control over income contributed by a woman to her family, control over the income of the family, savings, access to credit, social participation, cash income earned from income generating activities) and calculated using empowerment index, the research compared the magnitude of women’s empowerment before and after getting involved in MGNREGA. The findings suggest that while

MGNREGA is an important leap to ensuring economic empowerment to rural women, but the scheme has not been implemented properly in the district—women and men not getting 100 days of employment, irregular mode of payment, very slow progress and poor quality in public works.
Publication Watch
Authors: Bhattacharyya Rituparna
Published: March 2016

We are back again with our regular issue presenting before you some free online resources.
Seawater desalination with solar-energy-integrated vacuum membrane distillation system
Authors: Wang Fang , Wang Shixuan , Li Jin , Xia Dongsheng , Liu Jianshe
Published: March 2016

This study designed and tested a novel type of solar-energy-integrated vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) system for seawater desalination under actual environmental conditions in Wuhan, China. The system consists of eight parts: a seawater tank, solar collector, solar cooker, inclined VMD evaporator, circulating water vacuum pump, heat exchanger, fresh water tank, and brine tank. Natural seawater was used as feed and a hydrophobic hollow-fiber membrane module was used to improve seawater desalination. The experiment was conducted during a typical summer day. Results showed that when the highest ambient temperature was 33 °C, the maximum value of the average solar intensity was 1,080 W/m2. The system was able to generate 36 kg (per m2 membrane module) distilled fresh water during 1 day (7:00 am until 6:00 pm), the retention rate was between 99.67 and 99.987%, and electrical conductivity was between 0.00276 and 0.0673 mS/cm. The average salt rejection was over 90%. The proposed VMD system shows favorable potential application in desalination of brackish waters or high-salt wastewater treatment, as well.
Metabolism-based modelling for performance assessment of a water supply system: a case study of Reggio Emilia, Italy
Authors: Liserra T. , Benzedian K. , Ugarelli R. , Bertozzi R. , Di Federico V. , Kapelan Z.
Published: March 2016

A new class of conceptual simulation tools, as a complement to physically based models, is becoming available to simulate the whole water cycle in urban areas for strategic planning, often involving the allocation of a great amount of financial resources. These simulation tools are required to estimate the impact of the today's decisions on the system performance over the next decades and to compare and rank different intervention strategies. To achieve this, this paper aims to build the metabolism-based modelling of a real water supply system using the recently developed WaterMet2 model in order to evaluate long-term performance metrics for possible intervention strategies. This metabolism-based approach was demonstrated for evaluation of the water supply system of Reggio Emilia, Italy, which is one of the demonstration case studies in the EU TRUST (TRansitions to the Urban water Services of Tomorrow) project. Based on the strains imposed by pressing challenges (here population growth) two intervention strategies were analysed. The results obtained show that the built and calibrated WaterMet2 model allows a broader understanding of the impacts of alternative intervention strategies taking into account multidimensional aspects of the sustainability beside conventional service performance.
Catalysis of CuSO4 for total organic carbon detection based on supercritical water oxidation
Authors: Hui Zhang , Dongdong Han , Yi Chen , Chunmian Lin
Published: March 2016

The catalytic effects of CuSO4 in total organic carbon (TOC) detecting processes based on supercritical water oxidation have been investigated. Using benzoic acid as a model pollutant, the presence of a CuSO4 catalyst can significantly decrease the reaction temperature and H2O2 multiple during the TOC detection processes. A better TOC conversion efficiency was obtained at a much lower temperature in the catalytic system compared with the non-catalytic condition. The use of the catalyst effectively lowered the necessary H2O2 multiple from 20.0 without catalyst to 3.0 in the catalytic system. The established device could detect the TOC concentration precisely in model wastewater without inorganic carbon (IC). Moreover, the detection of the practical wastewater was studied. Detection results were total carbon of wastewater rather than TOC of practical wastewater. A detection or removal unit of IC is necessary before it can be practically utilized.
How to Measure and Interpret Quality Improvement Data
Authors: McQuillan Rory Francis , Silver Samuel Adam , Harel Ziv , Weizman Adam , Thomas Alison , Bell Chaim , Chertow Glenn M. , Chan Christopher T. , Nesrallah Gihad
Published: March 2016

This article will demonstrate how to conduct a quality improvement project using the change idea generated in “How To Use Quality Improvement Tools in Clinical Practice: How To Diagnose Solutions to a Quality of Care Problem” by Dr. Ziv Harel and colleagues in this Moving Points feature. This change idea involves the introduction of a nurse educator into a CKD clinic with a goal of increasing rates of patients performing dialysis independently at home (home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis). Using this example, we will illustrate a Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycle in action and highlight the principles of rapid cycle change methodology. We will then discuss the selection of outcome, process, and balancing measures, and the practicalities of collecting these data in the clinic environment. We will also introduce the PDSA worksheet as a practical way to oversee the progress of a quality improvement project. Finally, we will demonstrate how run charts are used to visually illustrate improvement in real time, and how this information can be used to validate achievement, respond appropriately to challenges the project may encounter, and prove the significance of results. This article aims to provide readers with a clear and practical framework upon which to trial their own ideas for quality improvement in the clinical setting.
The Byzantine wall-paintings in the church of Saint Theodore at Platanos, Kynouria (Arcadia)
Authors: Agrevi Maria
Published: March 2016

The church of St Theodore (also known as "Sts Theodoroi") at Platanos,
Kynouria, is a single-nave building of small dimensions. The interior
surfaces of its walls preserve their Byzantine paintings, which are
partially visible under the coat of plaster that covers most of them. The
paintings exhibit affinity with wall-paintings of churches in the
Peloponnese (neighbouring Laconia included), and can be dated to the last
quarter of the thirteenth century.
Effects of contrast medium injection technique on attenuation values of adrenal glands in healthy dogs during contrast-enhanced computed tomography
Authors: Blaser Alexandra , Dennler Matthias , Mosing Martina , Gent Thomas C. , Santner Guido , Imhasly Sandro , Boretti Felicitas S. , Reusch Claudia E. , Kircher Patrick , Sieber-Ruckstuhl Nadja S.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of 3 contrast medium injection techniques on attenuation values for canine adrenal glands during contrast-enhanced CT.

ANIMALS 9 healthy Beagles.

PROCEDURES 3 protocols were evaluated in a randomized cross-over design study: 700 mg of iodine/kg at a constant injection rate over 20 seconds (full-dose constant rate), the same dose at a rate following an exponential decay curve over 20 seconds (full-dose decelerated rate), and 350 mg of iodine/kg at a constant injection rate over 10 seconds (half-dose constant rate). Multislice CT images were obtained before and at predetermined time points after the start of contrast medium injection.

RESULTS Median peak attenuation values were 129, 133, and 87 Hounsfield units with the full-dose constant rate, full-dose decelerated rate, and half-dose constant rate injection protocols, respectively. Peak attenuation differed significantly between the full-dose constant rate and half-dose constant rate injection protocols and between the full-dose decelerated rate and half-dose constant rate injection protocols. Median time to peak attenuation did not differ significantly among injection methods and was 30, 23, and 15 seconds for the full-dose constant rate, full-dose decelerated rate, and half-dose constant rate injections, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The dose of contrast medium and the timing of postinjection CT scanning were main determinants of peak attenuation for adrenal glands in healthy dogs; effects of the 3 injection protocols on attenuation were minor. The exponentially decelerated injection method was subjectively complex. A constant injection protocol delivering 700 mg of iodine/kg over 20 seconds, with scans obtained approximately 30 seconds after starting contrast medium injection, provided images with maximum adrenal gland attenuation values. (Am J Vet Res 2016;77:144–150)
Two-dimensional left atrium–to–aorta ratios and left ventricular M-mode transthoracic echocardiographic measurements in clinically normal adult Dachshunds
Authors: Lim Chee Kin , Fosgate Geoffrey T. , Green Henry W. , Kirberger Robert M.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE To estimate the left atrium–to–aorta ratio (LA:Ao) and establish 95% prediction intervals for left ventricular M-mode transthoracic echocardiographic measurements in clinically normal adult Dachshunds.

ANIMALS 40 healthy Dachshunds.

PROCEDURES For each dog, 3 standard 2-D echocardiographic methods (diameter, circumference, and cross-sectional area) were used to measure the left atrium and aorta and calculate the LA:Ao from right parasternal short axis (RPSA) images obtained at the level of the aortic valve cusps. Left ventricular M-mode measurements were acquired from RPSA images obtained at the chordal level immediately below the mitral valve. Descriptive data were generated, and the 95% prediction intervals were calculated by use of an allometric scaling equation and linear regression and compared with those calculated on the basis of data obtained from dogs of multiple breeds in a previous study.

RESULTS The mean (SD) LA:Ao was 1.40 (0.13), 2.09 (0.17), and 2.85 (0.48) for the diameter, circumference, and cross-sectional area methods, respectively. The 95% prediction intervals for the left ventricular M-mode measurements determined by an allometric scaling equation on the basis of Dachshund-specific data were narrower than those determined on the basis of data obtained from dogs of multiple breeds. For that allometric equation, scaling exponents on the basis of Dachshund-specific data ranged from 0.129 to 0.397 and did not absolutely conform to the presumed index for linear measurements (ie, body weight0.333).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The LA:Aos and 95% prediction intervals calculated in this study can be used as preliminary guidelines for echocardiographic measurements of clinically normal Dachshunds.
Role of tissue factor expression in thrombin generation by canine tumor cells
Authors: Gruber Erika J. , Catalfamo James L. , Stokol Tracy
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE To measure thrombin generation by high and low tissue factor (TF)–expressing canine cancer cell lines.

SAMPLE Canine cell lines CMT25 (high TF–expressing mammary gland tumor cell line) and HMPOS (low TF–expressing osteosarcoma cell line).

PROCEDURES Thrombin generation by cancer cells was measured in pooled normal canine plasma by use of calibrated automated thrombography without added trigger reagents. Results were expressed as lag time, time to peak thrombin concentration, peak thrombin concentration, and total thrombin concentration or thrombin generation potential. Corn trypsin inhibitor, hirudin, and annexin V were used to inhibit contact activation, thrombin formation, and phosphatidylserine activity, respectively. Pooled normal human plasma deficient in coagulation factors VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, or XII was used to assess the role of individual coagulation factors on thrombin generation.

RESULTS CMT25 generated significantly more thrombin than did HMPOS (mean ± SD, 3,555 ± 604nM thrombin•min and 636 ± 440nM thrombin•min, respectively). Thrombin generation of CMT25 was dependent on factor VII and phosphatidylserine and was independent of contact activation. In contrast, thrombin generation of HMPOS was attributed to contact activation.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE High TF-expressing canine mammary cancer cells generated thrombin in a plasma milieu in vitro in a factor VII- and phosphatidylserine-dependent manner. These findings support a role for TF in hypercoagulability detected in dogs with mammary gland tumors and potentially for other tumors that strongly express TF.
Evaluating Moisture Susceptibility of Asphalt Concrete Mixtures Through Simple Performance Tests
Authors: Vargas-Nordcbeck Adriana , Leiva-Villacorta Fabricio , Aguiar-Moya José Pablo , Loria-Salazar Luis
Published: March 2016

Moisture damage is a major cause of premature failure in asphalt concrete mixtures. Proper evaluation of moisture susceptibility is essential for preventing the deterioration of field mixtures. The AASHTO T 283 test method, also known as the modified Lottman indirect tension test procedure, was adopted by the Superpave® system as the required test for determining moisture damage and is currently the most widely used procedure for measuring moisture damage potential. However, this test method has two limitations: ( a) its conditioning procedure does not include dynamic loading, which is different from actual field conditions, and ( b) it uses strength, a parameter that is not directly used in pavement design, to determine whether unacceptable moisture damage will occur in the field. The objective of this study is to evaluate the moisture susceptibility of different asphalt mixtures with simple performance tests in conjunction with environmental conditioning procedures. AASHTO T 283 was conducted for conditioning levels of 0, 1, 3, and 6 freeze–thaw cycles and compared with results obtained from the dynamic modulus ( E*) and flow number tests for the same conditioning levels. Results show that modification of AASHTO T 283 or the use of simple performance tests is a valid alternative for evaluating moisture susceptibility and may represent expected field performance better than the modified Lottman indirect tension test can. The advantages and disadvantages of each method need to be carefully considered before a new testing protocol is implemented.
Daucosterol inhibits colon cancer growth by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell migration and invasion and targeting caspase signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Gui-Qi , Gu Jing-Feng , Gao Ying-Chao , Dai Yong-Jun
Published: March 2016

The aim of the present investigation was to examine and demonstrate in detail the anti-cancer and apoptotic effects of daucosterol in human colon cancer cell line HCT-116. The effects of this compound on cell migration, cell invasion, cell cycle analysis and caspase signalling pathway were also studied. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay using different doses of the drug. In vitro wound healing assay was used to study cell migration. Flow cytometry was involved to examine cell apoptosis as well as cell cycle phase distribution. Daucosterol induced significant, dose-dependent as well as time-dependent cytotoxic effects with IC50 values of 26.6 and 47.3 µM at 24 and 48 hours time intervals respectively. The percent of cells that migrated decreased from 99% in case of untreated control to 84.2, 45.2, 39.5 and 14.4% in groups treated with 0, 5, 50, 75 and 100 µM of daucosterol respectively. Percentage of apoptotic cells increased from 2.5% in untreated control cells to 23.6, 46.9 and 74.2% in cells treated with 5, 50 and 100 µM dose of daucosterol respectively. Daucosterol at different doses induced cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 phase of the cell cycle.

Video clip

Cell Migration Assay: 1 min