bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal affective disorder and non-seasonal affective disorders: Results from the NESDA study
Authors: Winthorst Wim H. , Roest Annelieke M. , Bos Elisabeth H. , Meesters Ybe , Penninx Brenda W.J.H. , Nolen Willem A. , de Jonge Peter
Published: August 2017

Background

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is considered to be a subtype of depression.

Aims

To compare the clinical picture of SAD to non-seasonal affective disorders (non-SADs).

Method

Diagnoses according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) were established in 2185 participants of the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. The Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire was administered to diagnose SAD. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured with the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms, the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Fear Questionnaire.

Results

Participants with SAD, participants with a lifetime bipolar disorder and participants with a lifetime comorbid anxiety and depressive disorder scored highest in terms of psychopathology in the past year. The seasonal distribution of major depressive episodes was not different for participants with or without SAD.

Conclusions

SAD may be a measure of severity of depression with a subjectively perceived worsening of symptoms in the winter months.
Distinct functions for netrin 1 in chicken and murine semicircular canal morphogenesis
Authors: Nishitani Allison M. , Ohta Sho , Yung Andrea R. , del Rio Tony , Gordon Michael I. , Abraira Victoria E. , Avilés Evelyn C. , Schoenwolf Gary C. , Fekete Donna M. , Goodrich Lisa V.
Published: August 2017

The vestibular system of the inner ear detects head position using three orthogonally oriented semicircular canals; even slight changes in their shape and orientation can cause debilitating behavioral defects. During development, the canals are sculpted from pouches that protrude from the otic vesicle, the embryonic anlage of the inner ear. In the center of each pouch, a fusion plate forms where cells lose their epithelial morphology and the basement membrane breaks down. Cells in the fusing epithelia intercalate and are removed, creating a canal. In mice, fusion depends on the secreted protein netrin 1 (Ntn1), which is necessary for basement membrane breakdown, although the underlying molecular mechanism is unknown. Using gain-of-function approaches, we found that overexpression of Ntn1 in the chick otic vesicle prevented canal fusion by inhibiting apoptosis. In contrast, ectopic expression of the same chicken Ntn1 in the mouse otic vesicle, where apoptosis is less prominent, resulted in canal truncation. These findings highlight the importance of apoptosis for tissue morphogenesis and suggest that Ntn1 may play divergent cellular roles despite its conserved expression during canal morphogenesis in chicken and mouse.
Frequency organization of the Johnston organ in male mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae)
Authors: Lapshin Dmitry N. , Vorontsov Dmitry D.
Published: August 2017

The Johnston's organs (JO) of mosquitoes are the most complex mechanosensitive organs yet found in insects. Previous findings on behavior of mosquitoes suggest that, together with exceptional sensitivity, their auditory system can discriminate frequencies. Analysis of compound responses of the JO did not provide unambiguous evidence of such discrimination, even less did it help to find its mechanism. Using the feedback stimulation method, we measured the tuning frequencies of the JO sensory neurons. Here we present electrophysiological evidence that male mosquitoes of Culex pipiens possess at least eight groups of auditory neurons which are distinct in their frequency tuning, with individual frequencies ranging from 85 to 470 Hz. Most of the neurons are tuned to 190 – 270 Hz, which corresponds to the difference between a male and a female flight tones. Axons of the JO sensory units propagate graded amplified receptor potentials rather than all-or-none action potentials, are grouped into pairs or triplets and often respond in anti-phase to each other. Some features of the mosquito auditory system suggest an analogy to the retinal mechanisms. Together with our previous findings on frequency tuning in female mosquitoes of different species, this study presents evidence in favor of sophisticated frequency analysis of sound in mosquitoes.
The role of stochastic thermal environments in modulating the thermal physiology of an intertidal limpet, Lottia digitalis
Authors: Drake Madeline J. , Miller Nathan A. , Todgham Anne E.
Published: August 2017

Much of our understanding of the thermal physiology of intertidal organisms comes from experiments with animals acclimated under constant conditions and exposed to a single heat stress. In nature, however, the thermal environment is more complex. Aerial exposure and the unpredictable nature of thermal stress during low tides may be critical factors in defining the thermal physiology of intertidal organisms. In the fingered limpet, Lottia digitalis, we investigated whether upper temperature tolerance and thermal sensitivity were influenced by the pattern of fluctuation with which thermal stress was applied. Specifically, we examined whether there was a differential response (measured as cardiac performance) to repeated heat stress of a constant and predictable magnitude compared with heat stress applied in a stochastic and unpredictable nature. We also investigated differences in cellular metabolism and damage following immersion for insights into biochemical mechanisms of tolerance. Upper temperature tolerance increased with aerial exposure, but no significant differences were found between predictable treatments of varying magnitudes (13°C versus 24°C versus 32°C). Significant differences in thermal tolerance were found between unpredictable trials with different heating patterns. There were no significant differences among treatments in basal citrate synthase activity, glycogen content, oxidative stress or antioxidants. Our results suggest that aerial exposure and recent thermal history, paired with relief from high low-tide temperatures, are important factors modulating the capacity of limpets to deal with thermal stress.
Feasibility of the Namaste Care Programme to enhance care for those with advanced dementia
Authors: Magee Maria , McCorkell Gillian , Guille Sharon , Coates Vivien
Published: August 2017

Many individuals approaching the end of life with advanced dementia will live in a care or residential home. A wide spectrum of care is required and physical and safety needs may be prioritised above all other requirements. The Namaste Care Programme is designed to provide a holistic approach to meeting the needs of those with advanced dementia. This paper will outline the process of introducing this programme into a care home and its impact upon those who were involved. With a small sample of residents (n=9) the programme ran for 4 weeks. Feedback was gathered at baseline and during the programme from family and staff. This service innovation offered useful insights and indicated that it has the potential to improve the experiences of those with dementia, their family members and staff. The learning gained will be valuable when developing this initiative at scale and for future robust evaluation.
Computation of State Reachable Points of Second Order Linear Time-Invariant Descriptor Systems
Authors: Datta Subashish , Mehrmann V
Published: August 2017

This paper considers the problem of computing the state reachable points (from the origin) of a linear constant coefficient second order descriptor system. A new method is proposed to compute the reachable set in a numerically stable way. The original descriptor system is transformed into a strangeness-free system within the behavioral framework followed by a projection that separates the system into different order differential and algebraic equations while keeping the original state variables. This reformulation is followed by a first order formulation that avoids all unnecessary smoothness requirements. For the resulting first order system, it is shown that the computation of the image space of two matrices, associated with the projected system, is enough to numerically compute the reachable set. Moreover, a characterization is presented of all the inputs by which one can reach an arbitrary point in the reachable set. These results are used to compute two different types of reachable sets for second order systems. The new approach is demonstrated through a numerical example.
Impact of the quantity of intradiscal cement leak on the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Jamjoom B , Patel S , Bommireddy R , Klezl Z
Published: August 2017

Introduction

We aim to assess the impact of the quantity of intradiscal cement leak during kyphoplasty on the rate of progression of degenerative changes in the affected disc.

Methods

Of 316 kyphoplasty procedures, we identified 32 episodes of intradiscal cement leak in 26 patients. The quantity of cement leaked was graded from I to IV. Disc degenerative changes were assessed at presentation and follow-up using radiographical scoring and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) grading systems. Data for low-grade leaks (grade I) were compared with the medium- and high-grade leaks (grades II–IV) using a chi-squared test.

Results

Median follow-up radiographic and MRI assessments were made at 18 and 21 months, respectively. Medium- and high-grade leaks were associated with a significantly higher radiographic disc degeneration scores compared with low-grade leaks (P = 0.04295) but no difference was found in MRI disc degeneration grades and in adjacent vertebral fracture rates.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the quantity of cement leaking into the disc space significantly influences the rate of progression of disc degeneration.
Audience engagement and impact: Ethical considerations in art-based health research
Authors: Guillemin Marilys , Cox Susan
Published: August 2017

Art-based research presents epistemological benefits and challenges for researchers and artists. There are also significant ethical implications for audiences as well as participants and researchers. We argue that it is important to consider who is in the audience and how to minimize potentially harmful effects of the work. This includes issues of privacy and confidentiality arising from incorporation of participants’ stories into the art form and the need to offer reassurance to audience members who may believe they recognize aspects of themselves or someone they know in the production. It also highlights the need for researchers to establish respectful terms of engagement for audiences who may offer a variety of interpretations to the artistic work. We point to possible ways that researchers and artists can address these ethical tensions to ensure that art-based health research is ethically rigorous as well as being creatively engaging.
Re-conceptualizing ‘impact’ in art-based health research
Authors: Parsons Janet A. , Gladstone Brenda M. , Gray Julia , Kontos Pia
Published: August 2017

This article explores the notion of ‘impact’ in art-based health research (ABHR), and how we might re-conceptualize it through the kind of work ABHR ‘does’ in generating and disseminating knowledge. We explore ‘impact’ from a critical qualitative perspective, leveraging findings from a study based on interviews with ABHR researchers/artists/trainees. We focus on their reflections related to ‘impact’, and informed by our own experiences of producing/evaluating ABHR in diverse genres. We argue for a conceptualization of impact that moves beyond an exclusive positivist and biomedical concern with whether certain ABHR ‘interventions’ (defined here as processes/products of an ABHR study) work in generalizable ways, to one that focuses on context as well as processes of development, implementation and engagement. How will we know if a particular ABHR project ‘worked’? What kinds of ‘work’ do the products of ABHR do? How might we, or should we, tease out ‘process’ from ‘product’? In exploring these questions, we problematize what is meant by ‘impact’ and what we can expect from the knowledge generated and its translation via varied artistic genres.
Hybrid health research: Assembling an integrated arts/science methodological framework
Authors: Edwards Geoffrey , Arfaoui Afnen , McLaren Coralee , McKeever Patricia
Published: August 2017

Within the effort to create a form of enquiry that is both, and neither, art and science, we explore methodologies at the intersection of these activities. The methodologies under study are grounded in embodied contemporary philosophical writings – the work of Gibson, Deleuze and Guattari and Whitehead have drawn our particular interest. Using examples drawn from projects undertaken over recent years, we illustrate how these philosophies can be used to develop a formal methodological framework. We then go on to investigate to what extent the elements that form this framework are also found in a corpus of texts obtained from interviews with researchers and students working in arts-based health research. The results, which largely confirm the lessons drawn, suggest that the proposed framework may have broader generality.
Ineffable knowledge: Tensions (and solutions) in art-based research representation and dissemination
Authors: Boydell Katherine M. , Hodgins Michael J. , Gladstone Brenda M. , Stasiulis Elaine
Published: August 2017

This article draws upon an art-based health research (ABHR) study that examines the work of health/social science researchers and artists who use a wide variety of art genres to create and disseminate scientific health-based research. The intent of their work is to reduce the knowledge to action gap as well as to enable engagement with the research findings on the part of the target audience. With respect to the use of art genres to disseminate research findings, the representation of the source material often poses a dilemma for both artists and researchers alike, particularly vis-à-vis the extent to which the research is made explicit. We consider here the methodological and epistemological expectations of the ABHR community (both artists and researchers) regarding dissemination of research findings. We detail the tensions experienced in creative teams engaged in ABHR projects when deciding exactly how much information about the research should be provided to the audience and then move on to highlight the strategies identified by our study participants to address these tensions.
Stories as a scientific method in art-based health research
Authors: Cheu Hoi F.
Published: August 2017

In a study that interviewed 36 art-based health researchers, one constant element shines: stories. This article investigates and theorizes the roles and meanings of stories in art-based health research. It discusses how stories can function as part of the scientific method. Built on the epistemological foundation of story as a way of complex scientific modelling, the article introduces the use of literary theory for the critical enquiry into the application of art in health research, arguing that art-based research is more than using artwork for data collection and knowledge translation. Story-telling and art-making, as it proposes, is a process of modelling real social change through the imaginary space.
An introduction and overview of research and knowledge translation practices in a pan-Canadian art-based health research study
Authors: Hodgins Michael J.
Published: August 2017

This article provides a brief overview of the emergence of art-based health research and describes a pan-Canadian study exploring the experience of researchers, artists and trainees engaged in this work. Research participants are described and specific research projects explicating the array of art-based knowledge creation and translation practices are outlined as exemplars of this work. In order to highlight the diversity of art-based research, four unique projects are presented, which exemplify the art genres represented in the study: performative, literary, visual and multi-media.
Art-based research as waves of embodied engagement: Reflections on ‘Across the Tamar’
Authors: Carless David , Douglas Kitrina
Published: August 2017

‘Across the Tamar’ began as a research project exploring the physical activity, health and lifestyle of women over 60 in Cornwall, UK. It evolved into a multidimensional, long-running art-based health research project incorporating songs, stories and poetry into live performances, an audio CD and series of YouTube films. In this article, we share some dialogical reflections on our journey through the project to suggest that an important contribution of art-based research is to facilitate – or expect – multiple waves of embodied engagement. We explore three waves of embodied engagement that occurred during our work on the ‘Across the Tamar’ project.
Theatre with veterans: Transition and recovery
Authors: Belliveau George
Published: August 2017

This article shares research from an initiative where researchers in counselling psychology and theatre education collaborated with military veterans to produce the play Contact!Unload. Researchers and community members participated with returning veterans in a series of drama-based workshops that led to the production. The collective process was an expressive vehicle for military men to publicly reinterpret their struggles and experiences of transitioning from active service overseas to civilian life in ways that build resilience. The article offers insights on how researchbased theatre as a methodological approach invites researchers to artistically present their understandings in a performative manner.
Reviews
Authors: Duque Monica , Wynn Tiffany , Feniger-Schaal Rinat
Published: August 2017

DBT-Informed Art Therapy, Susan M. Clark (2016) London and Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 344 pp., ISBN: 9781849057332, p/bk $39.95

With Nature in Mind the Ecotherapy Manual for Mental Health Professionals, Andy McGeeny (2016) Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers 336 pp. ISBN: 9781785920240 p/bk, £19.99

On the Edge: From the Margins to the Mainstream, 2016 Annual Conference, British Association of Dramatherapy (BADth), Gloucestershire, UK, 9–11 September 2016
“Mano muito do meu coração…” Reconstituição do arquivo pessoal de D. Francisco de Lemos e transcrição das cartas de seu irmão João Pereira Ramos de Azeredo Coutinho (1775-1779)
Authors: Bandeira Ana Maria Leitão
Published: August 2017

Foi identificada a correspondência familiar recebida por D. Francisco de Lemos de Faria Pereira Coutinho, que terá feito parte do seu arquivo pessoal. Entre esse núcleo de correspondência, encontram-se as cartas que lhe foram dirigidas por seu irmão João Pereira Ramos de Azeredo Coutinho. Estas mesmas cartas são agora apresentadas, em transcrição, sendo feita, primeiramente, a descrição arquivística do fundo documental. As relações de amizade que uniam estes dois irmãos transparecem ao longo de todas as missivas, permitindo-nos conhecer a intimidade familiar e a forma como os assuntos públicos e privados são abordados. No período cronológico em que foram redigidas (1775-1779) D. Francisco de Lemos vivia os primeiros anos da implementação da reforma universitária e exercia, simultaneamente, o cargo de governador do bispado de Coimbra, durante a prisão do bispo D. Miguel da Anunciação.
Propriedades intelectuais da Rede Federal de Educação Profissional, Científica e Tecnológica
Authors: Prado Junior Leal do , Fernandez-Crehuet Jose Maria , Oliveira Júnior Antonio Martins de
Published: August 2017

A Rede Federal de Educação Profissional, Científica e Tecnológica (RFEPCT), constituída pela Lei nº11.892/2008, apresenta um modelo institucional inovador em termos de proposta político-pedagógica e está previsto que suas instituições se adequem à Lei de Inovação Tecnológica através da criação dos Núcleos de Inovação Tecnológica (NITs). Dentre as atribuições dos NITs, destaca-se a proteção das propriedades intelectuais geradas nas instituições. Neste artigo, objetivamos apresentar estudo nas bases de dados do Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial e do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento para aferir os pedidos de proteção de propriedades intelectuais pelos NITs das instituições da RFEPCT no período de 2009 a 2015; além de evidenciar o impacto das políticas públicas educacionais na expansão da RFEPCT. Embora a implantação dos NITs não esteja consolidada em todas as instituições da RFEPCT, constata-se através dos resultados que nos últimos anos a implementação dos NITs apresentou um crescimento significativo e relevante das propriedades intelectuais. As instituições das regiões geográficas Nordeste, Sul e Sudeste possuem um maior número de propriedades intelectuais quando comparadas as das regiões Centro-Oeste e Norte, apontando a necessidade de maiores investimentos em políticas públicas com intuito de fomentar a pesquisa aplicada e, por consequência, a inovação tecnológica.
Education policy research in the big data era: Methodological frontiers, misconceptions, and challenges
Authors: Wang Yinying
Published: August 2017

Despite abundant data and increasing data availability brought by technological advances, there has been very limited education policy studies that have capitalized on big data—characterized by large volume, wide variety, and high velocity. Drawing on the recent progress of using big data in public policy and computational social science research, this commentary discusses how to approach big data and how big data can be used in education policy research. First, I introduce big data that is potentially relevant to education policy research. I then present methodological frontiers by examining the assumptions, key concepts, merits, and caveats of three commonly used analytical approaches to mining massive amounts of text data: topic models, network text analysis, and sentiment analysis. Next, to ensure the veracity of using big data in education policy research, I debunk three methodological misconceptions. This commentary concludes with a discussion on developing interdisciplinary research capacity and addressing the privacy concerns and ethical conundrums as we explore a research agenda of using big data in education policy.
KELEKATAN DAN KEPUASAN PERNIKAHAN PADA DEWASA AWAL DI KOTA BANDA ACEH
Authors: Soraiya Putri , Khairani Maya , Rachmatan Risana , Sari Kartika , Sulistyani Arum
Published: August 2017

Any married couple willing to have satisfaction in their marriage. However, not all couples could achievesatisfaction in their marriage. The quality of marriage was determined by three attachments style; secureattachment style, avoidant attachment style, and anxiety attachments style. This study aimed to investigate therelationship between attachment and marital satisfaction for early adulthood in Banda Aceh. This study used purposive sampling technique and selected 120 subjects (27 male and 93 female), mean of age 30.75 years old, mean of age marriage was 5-7 years, mean of children is 2. Data collected using ENRICH Marital Satisfaction (EMS) which developed by Fowers and Olson (15 statements, α= .962), and attachment scale (consist of 30items) compiled by researcher based on the theory of Hazan and Shaver (secure attachment α= .864, avoidant α= .877, anxiety α= .691). The results showed that there is a positive and significant correlation between secure attachment and marital satisfaction (rxy=.455; p =.000; p< .001). The result also showed that there is a negative and significant correlation between insecure attachment and marital satisfaction (rxy avoidant = - .460 ; p= .000; p< .001, rxy anxiety = - .231 ; p= .011; p< .05). Among the three attachment, secure attachment style has the highest significant relationship with marital satisfaction. It meant that the higher score of secure attachment style obtained, the higher satisfaction obtained by these couples.
GOAL ORIENTATION DAN SUBJECTIVE WELL BEING PADA LANSIA
Authors: Desiningrum Dinie Ratri
Published: August 2017

This study aimed to examine the relationship between goal orientation and subjective well-being in the elderly, which includes psychological well-being, emotional well-being and social well-being. The research subjects consisted of 90 elderly from the elderly group Adi Yuswo and Wulandaru Semarang obtained through simple random sampling. The data were obtained using a measuring instrument goal orientation (18 items, α = .87), psychological well-being (33 items, α = .92), social well-being (33 items, α = .93), and emotional well-being (18 items, α = .95). Measurements were made using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with Linear Structural Relations program (lisrel) 8.80. The analysis showed that the model of goal orientation influence on subjective well being appropriate to the research subject. Subject used their own goal orientation to acquire information, knowledge, insight and new experiences through the association that they follow (knowledge related goal) in addition to obtaining emotional well being. Goal orientation then significant influence to form an overall positive evaluation of the self (subjective well-being), particularly to emerge social acceptance and social actualization (social well being) in individuals aside form the psychological well being and emotional well being.
IDENTIFIKASI GAYA BELAJAR MAHASISWA
Authors: Papilaya Jeanete Ophilia , Huliselan Neleke
Published: August 2017

The objective of this study was to identify learning styles of students. The approach used in this study is a quantitative approach with survey method. The variable in this study is a single variable , namely the identification of student learning styles. The study population is students of Guidance and Counseling FKIP Pattimura University totaling 388 people. Samples were used as samples in the amount of 10% of the population of 39 people. The sampling technique using Simple Random Sampling. Learning styles questionnaire prepared based on the opinion of De Poter & Hernacki is used as a data collection tool. Learning styles identified as visual learning style, auditorial learning style, and kinesthetic learning style. Data analysis techniques in this study is the descriptive statistical analysis methods. Based on the survey results revealed that students of guidance and counseling FKIP Pattimura University has a tendency to one learning style. Of the 39 students found that 6 students had a tendency visual learning style, 20 students have a tendency to auditory learning style, 1 student has a tendency kinestheticlearning style, and 12 students have a tendency to mix between learning styles and learning styles visual auditorylearning styles.
PENGARUH KARAKTERISTIK PEKERJAAN TERHADAP PERILAKU KEWARGAAN ORGANISASI DENGAN MEDIATOR NILAI-NILAI KUALITAS KEHIDUPAN KERJA
Authors: Rahmi Fitria , Riyono Bagus
Published: August 2017

Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) can be formally defined as a discretionary work behaviour of the employees that is not recognized by the formal reward or the sanction system of their organization. OCB can be seen as a voluntary behavior of the employees, which is out of the job description of their obligation, it is not directly related to the formal reward, but useful in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.Previous research found four aspects of the job characteristic (variety skill, task identity, task significance and autonomy) positively effected on OCB of employee. The objective of this study was to look effect of job characteristic to OCB which mediated by values of Quality of Work Life (QWL). This values as a foundation to display OCB. The subjects of this research were 65 employees from PT. X. Regression analysis showed that job characteristic significant toward OCB through the mediating of QWL values. In another word QWL had a mediator role between job characteristic and OCB. This finding were usefull to improve the OCB in company, with more attention to job characteristic that promote employees’ QWL. The results and benefits of the research were further discussed in the discussion.
Factors influencing peer learning and performance in MOOC asynchronous online discussion forum
Authors: Chiu Thomas K.F. , Hew Timothy K.F.
Published: August 2017

Most studies on traditional asynchronous online discussion suggest that facilitating dialogue, that is, commenting forum activities, result in better learning and performance. However, due to open entry and diverse learner backgrounds, learner behaviour in massive open online courses (MOOCs) may be different. Viewing forum messages, which involves fewer mental and physical actions as well as less cognitive processing, rather than posting forum massages, might better match the learner’s study purpose. In this study, we investigated the effects of three common types of online MOOC discussion forum activities (viewing, voting and commenting) on student peer learning (peer reviews) and performance (quiz scores). We used stepwise regression models to analyse two data samples of a humanity and art MOOC provided by a private university in the United States for exploring factors influencing peer learning and performance. The results indicate that peer learning and performance were primarily predicted by viewing, and to a lesser extent by commenting. The three plausible explanations for the findings are the learner’s study purpose, weaker instructor-learner ties, and voluntary forum participation. We suggest ways to encourage viewing messages in forums and present limitations and further directions.
Comparing active learning techniques: The effect of clickers and discussion groups on student perceptions and performance
Authors: Walker Ryan J. , Spangler Brooke R. , Lloyd E. Paige , Walker Bethany L. , Wessels Peter M. , Summerville Amy
Published: August 2017

Instructors often implement technology-based active learning pedagogies, such as clickers, to maximise student engagement and facilitate learning outcomes. Despite the abundance of clicker research, no work has directly compared student performance as well as student perceptions of clickers to a distinct, non-technological active learning pedagogy. Using a mixed methods quasi-experimental design, the current research compared clickers to a collaborative active learning pedagogy, student discussion groups. As predicted, clickers were evaluated more favourably than discussion groups. Qualitative analysis of students’ open-ended evaluations augmented these quantitative findings. Secondary analyses suggested that student performance was equivalent for clicker and discussion sections. Together, these results suggest that incorporating clickers into introduction courses may improve students’ attitudes towards the instructor’s pedagogy without any negative consequences for performance.
Al-Khawaja Yanni (Yanni the Westerner): An Example of Muslim-Christian Tolerance in Jeddah during the 20th Century
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Hassna
Published: August 2017

This paper handles a unique example of religious tolerance and Christian-Muslim coexistence in one of the most conservative Islamic societies; the Saudi Arabian society, by going through the story of Khawaja Yeni, the Greek merchant who lived in the city of Jeddah in the middle of the twentieth century, integrated with its people, formed extensive relations with its Muslim people, and was able to remain vivid in the collective memory of its inhabitants despite his death has Christian decades ago. The Yeni model represents a model of mutual understanding and coexistence between Islamic and Christian cultures. It would not have mattered if the story had been in another Islamic country, but it was in Saudi Arabia and in the city of Jeddah, which is part of the emirate of Mecca, the holy capital of Muslims, this has made the story of Yeni eye-catching and intriguing. Therefore, I saw fit to give that subject a special care and a thorough inquest in order to capture the details of the social, cultural and religious life experienced and interacted with by this Greek merchant. In the absence of official documentation of the details of public life in the mid-20th century, the stories and news about Yeni remained only circulating amongst the inhabitants of Jeddah, and were not written or collected in an academic research that would have saved them from loss and made them available for specialists to study and analyze. Therefore, I relied on the method of “oral history’s documentation” and I gathered these narratives from the mouths of the men who lived and worked with Yeni. Then I analyzed these narratives and drafted them in an academic form that brings together all the narratives from popular circles about the personality of this wonderful Christian who gave a wonderful example of coexistence and integration into a very conservative Islamic society.
The Linguistic Behaviours of the Pupils of the Elementary Education and the Social Factors that Condition Them: Surveys of the Linguistic Behaviours of the Pupils of Elementary Education
Authors: Birce Gazmira , Demo Esat
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study is to discover the way of speaking of pupils of elementary education, their linguistic behaviour, their speech, writing and speaking. The study aims to find the slinguistic factors that affect the pupils′ way of speaking, but also to find the other factors such as social factors which affect or limit the student’s speech. The participants in the study are the pupils of elementary school, particularly the pupils of fourth and fifth grades, to study their speech, the factors that affect it and if they speak according to the standard language. The study is conducted with the pupils of the fourth grade of “Dino Ismaili” school, because there is where we both work. We also conducted a conversation with the pupils to see their way of speaking and expression of thoughts. We also filled in some questionnaires in three schools of the city of Fier. The methods that we used are a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, we used surveys and questionnires. The data of the study revealed that the factors that affect the speech are: age, gender, ethnic group, social background, family and two social factors such as social economic group and the parent’s level of education. Other factors are book reading, TV and other children programs, conversation with peers and parents etc.
A molecular characteristic of the Anatidae mitochondrial control region – a review
Authors: Warzecha Joanna , Fornal Agnieszka , Oczkowicz Maria , Bugno-Poniewierska Monika
Published: August 2017

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a molecular tool that is very effective in genetic research, including phylogenetic analysis. The non-coding region is the most variable fragment of mtDNA, showing variability in length and nucleobase composition and containing three domains: two hypervariable peripheral regions and the conserved domain (D-loop) in the middle. The Anseriformes are amongst the best studied avian groups, including approximately 150 species and containing geese, swans, ducks (Anatidae), the Magpie goose (Anseranatidae) and screamers (Anhimidae). The most numerous family is the Anatidae, appearing in close relationships within the phylogenetic branches of the species. There are differences between the non-coding region of the Anatidae in comparison to other avian control regions. In the article presented below the control region sequences and the phylogeny of the Anatidae were reviewed.
RNAi-mediated gene silencing in Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliver) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Laudani Francesca , Strano Cinzia P. , Edwards Martin G. , Malacrinò Antonino , Campolo Orlando , Abd El Halim Hesham M. , Gatehouse Angharad M. R. , Palmeri Vincenzo
Published: August 2017

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful strategy for gene function analysis, and it is also widely studied in view of a promising use in pest control. The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliver) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is one of the most devastating pests of palm in the world. Conventional pest management practices are not adequate to control this insect, thus the development of efficient approaches with minimal environmental impact are needed. In this work, the potential of RNAi in R. ferrugineus has been investigated through the silencing of three different genes (α-amylase, V-ATPase, Ecdysone receptor). For each gene we tested two different doses (1,500 and 5,500 ng) and two delivery techniques (injection and ingestion), evaluating both gene knockdown and mortality on insects. Results show that RNAi mediated gene silencing in R. ferrugineus varies from gene to gene, and that the response is dose-dependent, with stronger effects when dsRNA was administered by injection. In parallel, the same study was carried out with the model organism Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), with results showing a different pattern of response, although the two insects belong to the same order.
Update in diagnosis and management of primary aldosteronism
Authors: Dick Sofia M. , Queiroz Marina , Bernardi Bárbara L. , Dall’Agnol Angélica , Brondani Letícia A. , Silveiro Sandra P.
Published: August 2017

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a group of disorders in which aldosterone is excessively produced. These disorders can lead to hypertension, hypokalemia, hypervolemia and metabolic alkalosis. The prevalence of PA ranges from 5% to 12% around the globe, and the most common causes are adrenal adenoma and adrenal hyperplasia. The importance of PA recognition arises from the fact that it can have a remarkably adverse cardiovascular and renal impact, which can even result in death. The aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) is the election test for screening PA, and one of the confirmatory tests, such as oral sodium loading (OSL) or saline infusion test (SIT), is in general necessary to confirm the diagnosis. The distinction between adrenal hyperplasia (AH) or aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is essential to select the appropriate treatment. Therefore, in order to identify the subtype of PA, imaging exams such as computed tomography or magnetic ressonance imaging, and/or invasive investigation such as adrenal catheterization must be performed. According to the subtype of PA, optimal treatment – surgical for APA or pharmacological for AH, with drugs like spironolactone and amiloride – must be offered.
The effects of dry ice exposure on plasma pH and coagulation analyses
Authors: Trondsetås Lene , Mikkelsen Gustav , Lian Ingrid Alsos
Published: August 2017

Background:

We recently observed that exposure to dry ice lowered sample pH and increased clotting times in lupus anticoagulant analyses, and that such changes could be prevented by placing samples at −80°C after dry ice exposure. In the current study, we sought to evaluate the effects of dry ice exposure on pH and various commonly used coagulation analyses.

Methods:

Citrated plasma from 30 healthy blood donors was allocated to four preanalytical regimes: (1) immediate analysis of fresh plasma or (2) storage at −20°C; (3) storage at −20°C followed by dry ice exposure for 24 h or (4) storage at −20°C followed by dry ice exposure for 24 h and storage at −80°C for 24 h before analysis. Analyses of pH, prothrombin time international normalized ratio (PT-INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), antithrombin, fibrinogen, protein C and protein S was performed.

Results:

Samples exposed to dry ice had significantly lower pH, prolonged clotting times in PT-INR, APTT and fibrinogen analyses as well as lower levels of protein C, than samples not exposed to dry ice. These changes in coagulation analyses were not present if samples were stored at −80°C for 24 h after dry ice exposure. Antithrombin and protein S were not significantly affected by dry ice exposure.

Conclusions:

Dry ice exposure lowered sample pH and affected various coagulation analyses. These effects were avoided by storing samples at −80°C for 24 h after dry ice exposure.
High-Order Semi-Discrete Central-Upwind Schemes with Lax–Wendroff-Type Time Discretizations for Hamilton–Jacobi Equations
Authors: Abedian Rooholah
Published: August 2017

A new fifth-order, semi-discrete central-upwind
scheme with a Lax–Wendroff time discretization procedure
for solving Hamilton–Jacobi (HJ) equations is presented. This is an alternative method for time discretization to the popular total variation
diminishing (TVD) Runge–Kutta time discretizations. Unlike
most of the commonly used high-order upwind schemes,
the new scheme is formulated as a Godunov-type method. The
new scheme is based on the flux Kurganov, Noelle and Petrova (KNP flux).
The spatial discretization is based on a symmetrical weighted
essentially non-oscillatory reconstruction of the derivative.
Following the methodology of the classic WENO procedure,
non-oscillatory weights are then calculated from the ideal weights.
Various numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate
the accuracy and stability properties of the new method. As a result,
comparing with other fifth-order schemes for HJ
equations, the major advantage of the new scheme is more cost
effective for certain problems while the new method exhibits smaller
errors without any increase in the complexity of the computations.
Numerical Approximation of Space-Time Fractional Parabolic Equations
Authors: Bonito Andrea , Lei Wenyu , Pasciak Joseph E.
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we develop a numerical scheme for the space-time fractional parabolic
equation, i.e. an equation involving a fractional time derivative and a fractional spatial operator.
Both the initial value problem and the non-homogeneous forcing
problem (with zero initial data) are considered. The solution
operator

E
⁢

(
t
)

{E(t)}

for the
initial value problem can be written as a Dunford–Taylor integral
involving the Mittag-Leffler function

e

α
,
1

{e_{\alpha,1}}

and the resolvent
of the underlying (non-fractional) spatial operator over
an appropriate integration path in the complex plane. Here α denotes the order of
the fractional time derivative.
The solution for
the non-homogeneous problem can be written as a
convolution involving an operator

W
⁢

(
t
)

{W(t)}

and the forcing function

F
⁢

(
t
)

{F(t)}

.
We develop and analyze semi-discrete methods
based on finite element approximation to the underlying (non-fractional)
spatial operator in terms of analogous Dunford–Taylor integrals applied to the
discrete operator. The space error is of optimal order up to a logarithm of

1
h

{\frac{1}{h}}

.
The fully discrete method for the initial value
problem is developed from the semi-discrete approximation by applying a
sinc quadrature technique
to approximate the Dunford–Taylor integral
of the discrete operator and is free of any time stepping. The sinc
quadrature of step size k involves

k

-
2

{k^{-2}}

nodes and results in an additional

O
⁢

(

exp
⁡

(

-

c
k

)

)

{O(\exp(-\frac{c}{k}))}

error.
To approximate the convolution appearing in the semi-discrete
approximation to the non-homogeneous problem, we apply a pseudo-midpoint
quadrature. This involves the average of

W
h

⁢

(
s
)

{W_{h}(s)}

, (the semi-discrete
approximation to

W
⁢

(
s
)

{W(s)}

) over the quadrature interval. This average
can also be written as a
Dunford–Taylor integral. We first analyze the error between this
quadrature and the semi-discrete approximation. To develop a fully
discrete method, we then introduce sinc quadrature approximations to the
Dunford–Taylor integrals for computing the averages.
We show that for
a refined grid in time with a mesh of

O
⁢

(

𝒩
⁢

log
⁡

(
𝒩
)

)

{O({\mathcal{N}}\log({\mathcal{N}}))}

intervals, the
error between the semi-discrete and fully discrete approximation
is

O
⁢

(

𝒩

-
2

+

log
⁡

(
𝒩
)

⁢

exp
⁡

(

-

c
k

)

)

{O({\mathcal{N}}^{-2}+\log({\mathcal{N}})\exp(-\frac{c}{k}))}

. We also report the results of numerical experiments
that are in
agreement with the theoretical error estimates.
Radiology education: a radiology curriculum for all medical students?
Authors: Zwaan Laura , Kok Ellen M. , van der Gijp Anouk
Published: August 2017

Diagnostic errors in radiology are frequent and can cause severe patient harm. Despite large performance differences between radiologists and non-radiology physicians, the latter often interpret medical images because electronic health records make images available throughout the hospital. Some people argue that non-radiologists should not diagnose medical images at all, and that medical school should focus on teaching ordering skills instead of image interpretation skills. We agree that teaching ordering skills is crucial as most physicians will need to order medical images in their professional life. However, we argue that the availability of medical images is so ubiquitous that it is important that non-radiologists are also trained in the basics of medical image interpretation and, additionally in recognizing when radiological consultancy should be sought. In acute situations, basic image interpretations skills can be life-saving. We plead for a radiology curriculum for all medical students. This should include the interpretation of common abnormalities on chest and skeletal radiographs and a basic distinction of normal from abnormal images. Furthermore, substantial attention should be given to the correct ordering of radiological images. Finally, it is critical that students are trained in deciding when to consult a radiologist.
New insights on solvent implications in flow behavior and interfacial interactions of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose with cells/bacteria
Authors: Barzic Andreea Irina , Albu Raluca Marinica , Gradinaru Luiza Madalina , Buruiana Luminita Ioana
Published: August 2017

The properties of polymers in solutions are affected by the solvent characteristics used in the processing stage. This work contributes to understanding the conformation changes under shear rheology of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) in different solvents. Flow behavior in a large shear rate domain provides information on establishing the proper conditions in which the polymer solutions can be processed into uniform films. It was found that HPMC/solvent interactions influence the final architecture of macromolecules in the solid phase and implicitly the organization of polar/non-polar groups at the surface. This led to variable wettability and consequently to adhesion or cohesion of HPMC with biological agents. These new findings are important in tuning surface properties as demanded in bioengineering or regenerative medicine, where it is essential to establish adequate spreading conditions at the HPMC interface with cells or bacteria.
Allzeit fern des Durchschnitts: Politische Ansichten der AfD-Anhänger
Authors: Bergmann Knut , Diermeier Matthias , Niehues Judith
Published: August 2017

Knut Bergmann, Matthias Diermeier und Judith Niehues analysieren Befunde der Meinungsforschung zu den politischen Ansichten der AfD-Anhänger im Längsschnitt. Im Kern der Analyse steht dabei die Frage, ob es sich in der Gründungsphase vor allem um eine dezidiert wirtschaftsliberale Klientel handelte, die in der Folge zunehmend von Anhängern des rechtskonservativen Rands abgelöst wurde. Zugleich lässt sich so die Frage beantworten, ob die Anhänger der AfD die zunehmende Orientierung der Partei Richtung rechter Rand des politischen Spektrums nachvollzogen haben – oder ob sie nicht sogar umgekehrt immer schon radikalere Ansichten vertraten, als die Parteiführung und die offizielle Programmatik dies zumindest in der Gründungsphase vermuten ließen.
Tabubruch, Provokation, Opferstatus: Wie die AfD jenseits ihrer „bürgerlichen“ Fassade Politik betreibt, offenbart ihr Strategiepapier für das Wahljahr 2017
Authors: Leif Thomas
Published: August 2017

Thomas Leif analysiert das Strategiepapier der AfD-Führung vom Dezember 2016 „Demokratie wieder herstellen – Dem Volk die Staatsgewalt zurückgeben“. Seines Erachtens sagt es mehr über den Charakter der rechtspopulistischen Partei als die sorgfältig dosierten Programme. Die AfD setzt durchgehend auf eine Parallel-Kommunikation in der Öffentlichkeit. Einerseits nimmt sie „konservativ-liberale Positionen“ für sich in Anspruch, andererseits forciert oder toleriert sie hasserfüllte, rassistisch motivierte Attacken. Das zentrale Dokument zur politischen Praxis der AfD offenbart ein taktisches Verhältnis der Partei zur Wahrheit, obgleich sie mit dem Slogan „Mut zur Wahrheit“ operiert.