bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relatıonshıp Between School Clımate And Prıncıpals’ Job Performance In Secondary Schools
Authors: Okorji Perpetua N. , Igbokwe Innocent C. , Ezeugbor Carol O.
Published: March 2016

This study investigated the relationship between school climate and principals’ job performance in secondary schools in Enugu State, Nigeria. It adopted a correlational study design. Five research questions and five hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study embraced all the principals from 283 secondary schools in the six education zones of Enugu State. Out of the population, a sample of 177 principals was selected through simple random sampling technique. The instruments used to collect data were Organizational Climate Index and Principal Self-Assessment Questionnaire, adapted and developed by the researcher, respectively. The two sets of questionnaires were duly validated by experts in Measurement and Evaluation, and Educational Management and Policy. Cronbach Alpha method was used to determine the reliability coefficient of the instruments which yielded 0.83 for the Organizational Climate Index and 0.94 for the Principal Self-Assessment Questionnaire. . Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficient was used for data analysis. The findings showed among others that: there was a moderate positive relationship existing between the two variables- school climate and principal’s job performance. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that principals should embrace the collaborative and collegial style of administration where teachers are included and free to share ideas and concepts for managerial and school effectiveness. It was also recommended that principals should create an atmosphere that is supportive, comfortable, friendly, productive, and relaxed, to motivate students’ greater participation in learning and achieving educational goals.
The Impact of Human Capital on Competitive Performance: An Empirical Study on Jordanian Pharmaceutical Companies
Authors: ALmasarweh Mohammad Salameh Yousef
Published: March 2016

The study is aimed at knowing the impact of human capital on competitive performance in Jordanian pharmaceutical companies. The study sample consisted of Jordanian human medicines manufacturing companies listed in the Jordanian Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ records of manufacturing companies for 2015. This amounted to 15 companies. The sampling unit and the analysis included individuals working in these companies from managers to department heads at various administrative levels. To achieve its objectives, the study used descriptive analytical method. This method was applied to collect and analyze data and test hypotheses through a questionnaire, which was used as a tool for the collection of information in the field of study. The study found a number of results, most important of which is: the existence of a statistically significant relationship between human capital (learning; knowledge; and skills) and competitive performance in Jordanian pharmaceutical companies at a level of significance of 0.05. The study recommended that attention be given to human capital in the companies, which will lead to an improvement in the level of the company, as well as an expansion of its market share and maximizing of its strengths.
The Effect Of Electronic Tourism In Enabling The Disabled Tourists To Communicate With The Touristic And Archaeological Sites Case Study – Jordan
Authors: Bazazo Ibrahim Kahlil , Alananzeh Omar Abedalla
Published: March 2016

Since the early 1980s, the information and communication revolution created radical changes in the international tourist industry in all the advanced and developing societies even though the said changes were relatively slow in the developing countries. Electronic tourism dominated tourist industry on the international level. For example, identifying tourist Sites electronically has become a reality by connecting the disabled tourists with the information and communication technology (ICT) as a facility to enhance and enrich their capabilities to recognize tourist sites. Assistive technology includes all the modern technology means used by the disabled to get to know the tourist and archaeological sites, through the various technological techniques incorporated in this digital technology such as adjusted keyboards, software to read the texts shown on the screen through a voice produced by the computer and the technology that enables the disabled to communicate through the computer by means of computers that work by eye movement, in addition to other developed devices by using a number of specialized software like Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote sensing (RS) and Digital Modeling (DM) and other data. The study indicated that the information and communication technology applications have significant impact pushing the disabled tourism development forward, and empowering the tourists of this category, starting from identifying the tourist sites and ending with remote booking. However, many Arab countries suffer from weak investment in the infrastructure of the information and communication technology related to the disabled category as this technology is only used as a promotional propaganda, and their tourist offers through their websites lack the modern software that help the disabled to communicate with tourist locations.
Mother Employment And The Role Of Care Services In Albania
Authors: Kapllanaj Migena , Pino Saemira , Haxhiymeri Edlira
Published: March 2016

Women employment and maintaining the balance between work and family life is a key issue in the modern society where adult worker families are replacing the traditional model of the working father and the housewife mother. Because of different expectations men and women are educated and oriented differently which impacts their economic status. We wanted to see how marriage influence their path to labor force participation In this article we explore women labor force participation and inactivity, with a special focus to married women and the effect that marriage has in labor status. Another issue we want to highlight is the relationship between inactivity and care services for children, disabled and elderly. We had used the data of Labor Force Survey in Albania 2007-2013. We have found a clear relation between women low rates of economic engagement and the care services availability and accessibility.
L’influence De La Contrebande Sur Le Developpement De La Ville Frontaliere De Niable Au Centre-Est De La Cote d’Ivoire
Authors: Koffi Atta , Téré Gogbe , Gilbert Kouassi Nguessan , Anderson Kouadio Datté
Published: March 2016

In the border town of Niablé, smuggling is omnipresent. The operation of this activity is based on the one hand, on social cultural relationship between neigh boring populations, and on the other hand on monetary disparities between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Without denying the truth fullness of such an activity, smugglers, organized in a highly hierarchical system operate according to a strict behavioral code where one’s given word and mutual confidence are the sole modus operandi. It permits them to bring goods of diverse natures (oil products, food, pharmaceuticals, second-hand clothes drinks, etc.) in Niablé. Thus, this activity seems to be a real opportunity for these smugglers, longing for the improvement of their welfare. Besides, the smuggling allows its actors to contribute to the town’s blossoming. Such a perception of smuggling gives an idea of the animation going on in this border town. In a word, though we want it or not smuggling participates in the socio-spatial change of the town even if sometimes, it stands as an obstacle to its development. Through this contribution, we are willing to show the operation of smuggling and its influence on the town of Niablé.
Evaluating Citizen e-Satisfaction from e-Government Services: A Case of Pakistan
Authors: Malik Babur Hayat , Shuqin Cai , Shuqin Cai , Mastoi Abdul Ghaffar , Mastoi Abdul Ghaffar , Gul Noreen , Gul Noreen , Gul Hifza , Gul Hifza
Published: March 2016

Citizen satisfaction is a critical and decisive factor for persistent use of e-Government services as it can substantially impact on failure or success of e-Government projects. Main hurdle for e-government planners and practitioners in Pakistan is to find out the key determinants of e-satisfaction of their citizens. This article actually tries to identify the major factors that drive Pakistani citizen’s e-Satisfaction while using Punjab Province Portal (http://www.punjab.gov.pk/) in Pakistan. After extensive relevant literature review we formulated 7 hypotheses and distinguished 7 different determinants namely trust, accessibility, awareness of e-services, quality of e-services, computer anxiety, customer expectations and security/privacy. A sample of survey data from 200 employees in 8 universities in different cities of Punjab Province of Pakistan was gathered to perform data analysis. Several key outcomes based on multiple linear regression and factor analysis were exhibited. These final results would help to understand the degree of satisfaction of Pakistani citizens. E-governmental policy-makers and practitioners both would be benefitted by this analysis and results of these determinants of e-satisfaction. Some recommendations and implications of our findings were also addressed at the end.
Risk Factors of Obesity in Low Income Head Start Children
Authors: Copeland Beverly , Johnson Allan A.
Published: March 2016

The purpose of the study was to investigate the contributing risk factors of obesity among low income Head Start children, and to determine if there is a correlation between caregivers’ perceptions of their own weight and health status, and that of their children. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was utilized. A convenience sample of 195 Head Start children and caregiver pairs were recruited from two Head Start Organizations within the District of Columbia (DC). Measured heights and weights of children and their caregivers were used to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). A questionnaire was used to ascertain data on caregivers’ perceptions of their children’s weight status, doctors’ diagnoses of children’s weight/height status, caregivers’ perceptions of their own health condition, and sociodemographic data. Results of the study showed that caregivers’ perceived their overweight/obese children as being of normal weight/height status. The majority of the caregivers misperceived their own health status in a positive way. Significant relationships were found between caregiver educational level and child BMI, and between doctors’ weight advice and child BMI. It was concluded that the caregivers underestimated the prevalence of overweight/obesity among their children, and overstated their own health status. Child BMI status was directly related to caregivers’ educational attainment.
Cronic Kidney Disease, Life Quality Assessment Of Patients
Authors: Duli Marsida , Dika Qamil , Bushati Matilda
Published: March 2016

Assessing quality of life in patients with varying degrees of chronic kidney disease is an important issue because of its impact on clinical decision-making as increasing the efficiency of resources in the health system. Through this survey provided an attempt to assess the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. Commitment to maximize their functioning and well-being constitutes the essence of the purpose of health care. In recent decades elaborate SF 36 is cut by a gauge derive so simple and basic that helps to evaluate the function of the target of researchers, a certain age group, a disease or a treatment group. Short questionnaire forms SF36 instrument gauge is used to determine the level of quality of life in patients with chronic renal failure under the different stages of treatment with dialysis. The study involved 206 people, 112 from patients to Tirana and Shkodra and 94 healthy persons, who collaborated consensually for completing the questionnaires. Based on the results, the quality of life of dialysis patients is significantly worse than that of the healthy population and patients with other injuries less severe of renal function. Survey indicates that a more holistic approach to be used in the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease including clinical decision making and patient perception. Precisely for this it is recommended to enter the practice of clinical interest that a set of questionnaires that provide information on patients' perception of health as an important indicator that facilitates the physician-patient collaboration in order to better treatment of the disease and increase the quality the life of the patient.
Mise Au Point Des Techniques De Micropropagation Pour Une Multiplication Massive De Gladiolus Segetum Et Gladiolus Dubius
Authors: El Chaieb Emna , Haouala Faouzi
Published: March 2016

Apical buds of corms of gladiolus (Gladiolus segetum and Gladiolus dubius) were cultivated on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium supplemented with IBA 0.1 mg.l-1 and BA 2 mg.l-1. The number of newly formed buds was 3,8 and 4,13 buds per explants for respectively Gladiolus segetum and Gladiolus dubius. The in vitro Rooting need a supplement with auxin and sucrose. Rooting is not present in the control medium. The rate of rooting varied from 10 to 36%, depending on the species and the concentration of IBA in the medium. The Important rooting (36%) is observed for Gladiolus segetum in the presence of IBA 1 mg.l -1. Finally, the acclimatization is possible, these shoots rooted have formed many corms after 6 weeks of culture.
Utilisation Du Sig Dans L’analyse Morphometrique Et La Prioritisation Des Sous-Bassins Versants De Oued Inaouene (Nord-Est Du Maroc)
Authors: Brahim Benzougagh , Larbi Boudad , Abdallah Dridri , Driss Sdkaoui
Published: March 2016

The present work focuses on the prioritization of the wadi Inaouène watershed based on morphometric analysis. The river system was extracted and thirteen sub-catchment basins have been delineated from a DTM using open source software. The following morphometric parameters were calculated for each sub-basin stream length (Lu) and the average length (Lsm), flow length ratio (RL), bifurcation ratio (Rb), medium bifurcation ratio (RBM), drainage density (Dd), drainage texture (T), the flow rate (Fs), elongation rate (Re), circularity ratio (Rc), form factor (Ff), topography and terrain ratio. By combining the values of these parameters we have classified the sub-watersheds in three prioritization categories: high grade (SBV01, SBV04, SBV05, SBV06, SBV11 and SBV12), is subject to a maximum soil erosion, which requires immediate action to prevent possible natural hazards, the Average category (SBV02, SBV03, SBV07, SBV08, SBV09 and SBV10) and low grade (SBV13).
In-Vitro cytotoxicity activity of Mallotus oppositifolius and Enantia polycarpa extracts against Human Foreskin Fibroblast (HFF) Cell Line
Authors: Ambe Alain S.A. , Yapo Cynthia Y. , Orsot Bosson A.M.B. , Gnahoue Goueh , Camara Djeneb , Ouattara Djakalia , Zirihi Guede N.
Published: March 2016

The use of plants in traditional medicine become very common nowadays throughout the world and in developing countries in particular. The current study was carried out aiming to evaluate the cytotoxicity of Mallotus oppositifolius (Geisel.) Müll.-Arg (Euphorbiaceae) and Enantia polycarpa (DC) Engl. and Diels (Annonaceae) two medicinal plants mostly used for human traditional medicine to treat diarrhea in Côte d’Ivoire on Human Foreskin Fibroblast (HFF) cells. These plants were selected after ethno-botanical investigations in southern Côte d’Ivoire. Therefore, The results proved that the ethanolic extract of Enantia polycarpa showed the biggest yield (56,4%). The 70 % éthanolic extract of Mallotus oppositifolius is not cytotoxic at 1000 µg / ml concentration, but mitogen. Our study has shown that the ethanolic extract of Mallotus oppositifolius stimulates HFF cells (131% of viability confluents cells and 156% of viability cells in division). While Enantia polycarpa seems cytotoxic on HFF cells at 1000 µg / ml concentration (36% of viability confluents cells and 55% of viability cells in division). The study revealed that the moderate use of these medicinal plants only represents a limited risk of toxicity.
Revue Des Doses d’Exposition Et Des Methode d’Optimisation En Tomodensitometrie (TDM) De l’Enfant Au Togo
Authors: Tchaou M. , Gnakadja G.N. , N’timon B. , Sonhaye L. , Amadou A. , Agoda-Koussema L.K. , Adjenou K. , N’dakena K.
Published: March 2016

Objectives: To assess the justification of indications of CT scans and the exposure doses of children during CT scans. Methods: Prospective study of 104 CT-sans of children collected over a period of 6 months. Results: Female children were predominant with a sex ratio female / male of 1.2. The predominant age group was the 10 to 15 years (41%). The CT-Scan of the head was the most practiced exam, with 64.42% (67/104). When analyzing information according to the recommendations of the Guide of well practices of French Society of Radiology (SFR) and the French Society of Biophysics and Nuclear Medicine (SFBMN), only 77% of CT-Scans were justified. Almost half (49.04%) of CT-Scans had a CT-Dose Index (CTDI) and Dose Length Product (DLP) greater than the French reference norms defined for each group of age. The average values of CTDI and DLP are above the norms for all CT-scans of the skull, facial bones and sinuses. Conclusion: The doses administered to children by CT-Scans are above accepted norms. Improved practices continue medical training of radiology manipulators and the creation of a regulatory or an agency of radioprotection is necessary.
Situación social, económica, laboral y profesional de los optómetras en la ciudad de Pereira y Dosquebradas en el 2006
Authors: León Álvarez Alejandro , Gómez González María del Pilar
Published: March 2016

Objetivo: conocer algunas características, sociales, económicas, profesionales y laborales de los optómetras que trabajan de forma activa en las ciudades de Pereira y Dosquebradas en el año 2006. Materiales y métodos: se encuestaron 54 optómetras, de un total de 60 optómetras identificados, se les aplicó una encuesta que caracterizaba la situación social, económica, profesional y laboral de esta profesión. Resultados: los encuestados reportaron una edad que oscilaban entre 25 a 35 años, salarios básicos entre 1.000.000 y 1.500.0000 pesos, la mitad recibe prestaciones sociales y otros bonificaciones adicionales; pocos han hecho cursos de postgrado, tienen un conocimiento deficiente de las leyes laborales y que reglamentan la profesión; a la FEDOPTO pertenecen el 33%, atienden pacientes particulares en un tiempo entre 10 y 20 minutos; el 16,7% son propietarios de ópticas y los restantes empleados. Conclusiones: los optómetras de Pereira y Dosquebradas son una población laboralmente joven, empleados, con bajos salarios, con desconocimiento de las leyes laborales y de reglamentación.
El sistema de vergencias ópticas como derivación de la óptica geométrica
Authors: Merchán De Mendoza Gabriel
Published: March 2016

Many optometry students don’t grasp easily the similarities between the Optical Vergences System and Geometrical Optics through which they went during the previous academic semester. There are, of course, some differences but these are mostly of form rather than essentials.
ESTUDIO DE LA ACIDEZ DE ZEOLITAS EN LA REACCIÓN DE ISOMERIZACIÓN DEL α-PINENO
Authors: Pérez Larios Alejandro , Ostroumov Michail , Gómez Ricardo , Rico José Luis
Published: March 2016

A fin de favorecer la producción del canfeno, producto de la isomerización del α-pineno, en este trabajo se prueban las zeolitas clinoptilolita, natural (disponible en nuestro país, específicamente en Michoacán), así como las zeolitas comerciales ZSM-5 y mordenita, como catalizadores para esta reacción, en un intervalo de 130 a 230°C. Se ha encontrado que el material natural con un tratamiento simple (dos lavados con agua desionizada), presenta buena conversión en la isomerización del α-pineno y mayor selectividad hacia canfeno, en comparación con las zeolitas comerciales.
Palabras clave: Canfeno, α-pineno, zeolitas, catalizadores e isomerizació
BUEN PLANTEAMIENTO DEL PROBLEMA DE CAUCHY ASOCIADO A LA ECUACIÓN NO LINEAL DE SCHRÖDINGER
Authors: De la Cruz Guerrero Richard Alexander
Published: March 2016

En este artículo se muestra el buen planteamiento del problema de Cauchy asociado a la ecuación no lineal de Schrödinger en espacios de Sobolev Hs (R) usando el método de regular ización parabólica, estimativas de Bona-Smith y los métodos propuestos por Iorio en [7 - 9].

Palabras clave: Ecuación NLS, buen planteamiento, regular ización parabólica,estimativas de Bona-Smith.
EFECTO DE LA TEMPERATURA Y pH EN LA VELOCIDAD DE PRECIPITACIÓN Y EXTRACCION DE ALMIDÓN DE PAPA CRIOLLA (Solanum phureja)
Authors: González Montiel Lucio , Parra Huertas Ricardo Adolfo , Pimentel Gonzáles Diana Jaqueline
Published: March 2016

Químicamente, el almidón es una mezcla de polisacáridos que contienen regiones cristalinas y no cristalinas en capas alternadas, constituidos por glucosa como monómero estructural. En este trabajo se evaluó el efecto de la temperatura (4, 15 y 40°C) y del pH (ácido, neutro y básico) sobre las velocidades de precipitación y los porcentajes de almidón de papa criolla (Solanum phureja). Los resultados mostraron que las diferentes temperaturas y pHs afectan la velocidad de precipitación y el rendimiento de almidón. Elmayor rendimiento de extracción de almidón (15,63%), se logró a condiciones ambientales y no se afectó por causa del pH. A una temperatura de 40°C y pH ácido, el rendimiento se modificó drásticamente alcanzando solo un 11,06%. El tratamiento que presentó mejores rendimientos y velocidad deprecipitación, fue una temperatura de 15°C y un pH ácido.
Palabras clave: Almidón, rendimiento, pH, temperatura, precipitación.

 
COMPUESTOS TIOCARBONILO: NUEVOS DESARROLLOS EN LA FORMACIÓN DE ENLACES C=S
Authors: Vargas Sánchez Yenni Lizbeth , Cubillos Lobo Jairo Antonio
Published: March 2016

Resumen

Los compuestos tiocarbonilo son sustancias que tienen un doble enlace carbono-azufre, y poseen al menos un grupo orgánico enlazado al carbono tiocarbonilo. Dentro de ellos encontramos los tioaldehídos, tiocetonas, tionoésteres, tioamidas, ditioésteres y sulfinas u óxidos tiocarbonilos, que,aunque se han considerado poco comunes, han sido identificados como importantes precursores en síntesis de compuestos orgánicos como las β-lactonas, así como intermediarios útiles en la síntesis de varias moléculasbiológicamente activas. Con esta revisión se presenta una descripción de los diferentes métodos de síntesis y sus aspectos mecanísticos, con el ánimo de identificar la importancia de los procesos de tionación, así como reconocerlas mejoras que han venido presentando, pues hoy en día constituyen una herramienta clave para la obtención de tiocompuestos de una forma más eficiente y compatible con el medio ambiente.
Palabras claves: Tiocarbonilos, tionación, tioaldehídos, tioacetonas, tioamidas, reactivo de Lawesson.
Bantahan Ibnu Rusyd Terhadap Kritik Al-Ghazâlî Tentang Keqadiman Alam
Authors: Hidayat Nurul
Published: March 2016

Among “excess” of Muslims philosophers and teologians of middle ages were their ability to formulate divine teaching in speculative idea. That is true in the case of debate between al-Ghazali, deputizing theologians, with Ibnu Rusyd, deputizing philosophers. The debate was focused at problems how to comprehend creation of nature, whether it is creatio ex nihilo or creatio nihilo. The “victory” of al-Ghazali against philosophers took vital and important influence to growth of philosophy in Islam world. Being accused as infidel by al-Ghazali Muslims philosophers and philosophy was marginalized from Islamic treasures.

Its impact admit of to be felt hitherto, that is in the form of ban, at least, suspicion to philosophy as science to mislead. To position both Islamic treasures—theology and philosophy—proportionally it is necessary to trace the debate between two disciplines since in fact the opinion of philosophers does not oppose against al-Qur'an, but against al-Ghazali’s opinion.
Translation: Sentiment: The Basis for Developing Aesthetic Judgment
Authors: Michels Marjan , Meeus Wil , Walsche Johan De
Published: March 2016

Consciously or unconsciously, programmes in higher education maintain a value framework about the aesthetic value of students’ work, primarily based on the ability of such work to touch or move us. We consider something aesthetically valuable when it makes us feel good. In an educational environment, however, dealing with aesthetic value judgments pedagogically is complicated. After all, aesthetic judgment is a skill that cannot be taught explicitly; it can only be practised. This article discusses the underlying mechanisms of aesthetic judgment. The aim is to gain a better understanding of this skill and thus to contribute to the development of a pedagogy of aesthetic judgment. Relying on a theoretical framework developed on the basis of a literature review, we suggest that judging aesthetic value is an emotional process that requires well-formed aesthetic sentiment. Architectural education is an interesting case because it is a field in which aesthetic values occupy a central position. This study is therefore illustrated with examples from this field.
Association between personality traits and substance use in Spanish adolescents
Authors: Gonzálvez María T. , Espada José P. , Guillon-Riquelme Alejandro , Secades Roberto , Orgilés Mireia
Published: March 2016

Substance use is considered one of the most frequent risk behaviors during adolescence. Personality factors are linked to consumption during adolescence. Although there are studies on personality and consumption among Spanish adolescents, some outcomes are contradictory, and more studies including larger samples and using validated measures are needed. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between different personality factors and substance use among Spanish adolescents. Participants were 1,455 students aged between 13-18 years. The adaptation of the 16PF-IPIP Personality Inventory was applied to assess Warmth, Stability, Gregariousness, Friendliness, Sensitivity, Trust, Openness to experience, Sociability, Perfectionism, and Calmness. Participants were asked about their different consumption substances during their lifetime. Results provide evidence for a relationship between personality factors and psychoactive substance use. There are different distributions of alcohol use regarding personality traits. Furthermore, personality factors have some influence on consumption of alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine.Trust and Calmness influence average alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine consumption, whereas Sociability had no statistically significant influence on any of the three substances. The results from this study are highly useful in the design of preventive programs, as they provide more evidence of the role of personality traits as a risk factor.
Long term follow-up of a tobacco prevention and cessation program in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Ortega-García Juan Antonio , Perales Joseph E. , Cárceles-Álvarez Alberto , Sánchez-Sauco Miguel Felipe , Villalona Seiichi , Mondejar-López Pedro , Pastor-Vivero María Dolores , Mira Escolano Pilar , James-Vega Diana Carolina , Sánchez-Solís Manuel
Published: March 2016

This study evaluates the impact over time of a telephone-based intervention in tobacco cessation and prevention targeting patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the Mediterranean region of Murcia, Spain. We conducted an experimental prospective study with a cohort of CF patients using an integrative smoking cessation programme, between 2008 and 2013. The target population included family members and patients from the Regional CF unit. The study included an initial tobacco exposure questionnaire, measurement of lung function, urinary cotinine levels, anthropomorphic measures and the administered intervention at specific time intervals. Of the 88 patients tracked through follow-up, active smoking rates were reduced from 10.23% to 4.55% (p = 0.06). Environmental tobacco exposure was reduced in non-smoker patients from 62.03% to 36.90% (p < 0.01) during the five year follow-up. Significant reductions in the gradient of household tobacco smoke exposure were also observed with a decrease of 12.60%, from 31.65% (n = 25/79) to 19.05% (n = 16/84) in 2013 (p = <0.01). Cotinine was significantly correlated with both active and passive exposure (p<0.01) with a significant reduction of cotinine levels from 63.13 (28.58-97.69) to 20.56 (0.86-40.27) ng/ml (p<0.01). The intervention to significantly increase the likelihood of family quitting (smoke-free home) was 1.26 (1.05-1.54). Telephone based interventions for tobacco cessation and prevention is a useful tool when applied over time. Trained intervention professionals in this area are needed in the environmental health approach for the treatment of CF.
Adolescents and Dual Diagnosis in a Psychiatric Emergency Service
Authors: Matali José Luis , Andión Oscar , Pardo Marta , Iniesta Raquel , Serrano Eduard , San Luis
Published: March 2016

In recent years, both the prevalence of drug use and related child and adolescent psychiatric emergencies have risen sharply. There are few studies about the impact on child and adolescent emergency services. This study has a twofold aim. The first is to describe the prevalence of substance use disorders, mental disorders and dual diagnosis (substance use problems plus mental disorder) in adolescents in psychiatric emergency service. The second is to analyze clinical and healthcare differences between patients with dual diagnosis and patients with a mental disorder without substance use disorder.We retrospectively reviewed 4012 discharge forms for emergencies treated at the psychiatric emergency department during the period 2007-2009. We obtained a sample of 1795 visits. This sample was divided into two groups: the dual diagnosis group (n = 477) and the psychiatric disorder group (n = 1318).The dual diagnosis group accounted for 26.5% of psychiatric emergencies analyzed. Compared to the psychiatric disorder group,the dual diagnosis group had significantly more conduct disorders, social problems, involuntariness in the visit, less hospital admissions and less connection with the healthcare network.Adolescents with a dual diagnosis account for a high percentage of visits at child and adolescent psychiatric emergency services. This patient group requires specialized care both at emergency services and in specific units. Accordingly, these units should play a triple role when handling dual diagnosis: detection, brief treatment and referral to a specialised unit.
The effect of wastewater pretreatment on nanofiltration membrane performance
Authors: Hashlamon Ali , Mohammad Abdul Wahab , Ahmad Akil
Published: March 2016

Membrane fouling is considered a serious obstacle for operation and cost efficiency in wastewater treatment using nanofiltration (NF). However, pretreatment is the most practical way to reduce this prior to NF. In this research, two types of wastewaters were pretreated with different methods prior to NF to examine the effect of pretreatment on membrane fouling in terms of turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and permeate flux. Turbidity and COD were measured to assess solid foulants and organic species in the wastewater, respectively. The first sample was secondary treated sewage, which was pretreated using coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation (CFS) only. Steady flux was increased from 24 L/m2h for wastewater without pretreatment to 32.1 L/m2h with pretreatment. COD was also eliminated after CFS/NF, and turbidity was reduced to 0.6 NTU. The second sample was diluted biodiesel wastewater, which was pretreated using a combination of powdered-activated carbon (PAC) adsorption and CFS (PAC/CFS). Steady flux was increased from 22.3 L/m2h for wastewater without pretreatment to 28.7 L/m2h with pretreatment; biodiesel wastewater quality also improved. Turbidity was reduced from 12 to 0.6 NTU, and COD was reduced from 526 to 4 mg/L after NF with PAC/CFS pretreatment, while COD was reduced from 526 to 95 mg/L using NF without pretreatment.
Growing Up: How Audit Internships Affect Students' Commitment and Long-Term Intentions to Work in Public Accounting
Authors: Hart Matthew , Kremin Joleen , Pasewark William R.
Published: March 2016

This study investigates factors that influence audit interns' commitment and long-term intentions to work in public accounting. We measure the organizational and professional commitment of 127 audit interns prior to the start of busy-season internships with public accounting firms and then again at the conclusion of the internship. We find that both organizational and professional commitment decline significantly as a result of the internship experience. We note that heavy workloads during the internship decreased the degree of commitment to a particular firm. On the other hand, offering challenging work assignments and surrounding the intern with desirable coworkers significantly increased commitment to both the firm and the profession. We also find that changes in organizational commitment are related to changes in interns' long-term intentions to work in public accounting, and that by the end of the internship, nearly 60 percent of the interns changed their views with regard to how long they planned to work in public accounting, with a majority of respondents anticipating a shorter career in the profession.

JEL Classifications: M42.
The treatment timing of labial inversely impacted maxillary central incisors: A prospective study
Authors: Sun Hao , Hu Rongdang , Ren Manman , Lin Yan , Wang Xiuying , Sun Chaofan , Wang Yi
Published: March 2016

Objective: 

To determine the timing of treatment for the labial inversely impacted maxillary central incisors.

Methods: 

Twenty-eight patients (mean age, 8.2 years) with labial inversely impacted maxillary central incisors were divided into early-treated and later-treated groups according to their dental age. All of the patients were treated with a combination of surgery and orthodontic traction using the Guide rod appliance. Cone-beam computed tomography images were taken immediately after treatment for assessing the root morphology, root length, and alveolar bone loss. Sagittal slices were evaluated at the widest labial-lingual width of the tooth in the axial view. All variables were evaluated by Simplant 13.0 software (Materialise Dental NV, Leuven, Belgium).

Results: 

The rank sum test indicated that the root length of two groups showed a statistically significant difference between the impacted and homonym tooth, with a shorter length in the impacted tooth (P < .05). The D-value (difference of root length between the impacted and homonym tooth) and alveolar bone loss on the labial side of the impacted incisor are significantly less in the early-treated groups when compared with the later-treated groups (P < .05). Spearman rank correlation analysis showed a statistically positive association between the treatment timing and D-value (r  =  .623, P < .05). The chi-square test for morphology of root apex indicated that the incidence of the root-apex-directed labial side is significantly higher in the later-treated groups when compared with the early-treated groups.

Conclusion: 

The labial inversely impacted maxillary central incisors should be treated early to promote root development by achieving a better morphology of root apex, thus reducing the risk of alveolar bone loss on the labial side.
A survey of subpixel edge detection methods for images of heat-emitting metal specimens
Authors: Fabijańska Anna
Published: March 2016

In this paper the problem of accurate edge detection in images of heat-emitting specimens of metals is discussed. The images are provided by the computerized system for high temperature measurements of surface properties of metals and alloys. Subpixel edge detection is applied in the system considered in order to improve the accuracy of surface tension determination. A reconstructive method for subpixel edge detection is introduced. The method uses a Gaussian function in order to reconstruct the gradient function in the neighborhood of a coarse edge and to determine its subpixel position. Results of applying the proposed method in the measurement system considered are presented and compared with those obtained using different methods for subpixel edge detection.
Size-Dependent Characterization of Atmospheric Particles during Winter in Beijing
Authors: Li Haiyan , Duan Fengkui , He Kebin , Ma Yongliang , Kimoto Takashi , Huang Tao
Published: March 2016

Two real-time instruments, NCSA (Nanoparticle Chemical Speciation Analyzer) and ACSA (Aerosol Chemical Speciation Analyzer), were both deployed in Beijing, China to explore the sized-dependent characterization of atmospheric particles. The mass concentrations of PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and sulfate and nitrate in the three size fractions were hourly measured in situ from 13 December 2013 to 7 January 2014. Generally, “sawtooth cycles” are common during winter in Beijing, with the PM concentrations increasing slowly over a few days, then falling to a low level abruptly in only a few hours. The secondary species, sulfate and nitrate, play important roles in haze formation and account for 10.5% and 11.1% of total PM1 mass on average. Based on the variation of PM1 mass concentrations, we classify the study periods into three categories, clean, slightly polluted, and polluted. The oxidation ratios of sulfur and nitrogen both increase from clean to polluted periods, indicating the significant contribution of secondary transformation to haze evolution. While the PM2.5/PM10 ratio shows high dependence on PM pollution level, the ratio of PM1/PM2.5 remains almost stable during the entire study, with an average of 0.90. With respect to the mass-size distribution of chemical components, both sulfate and nitrate show dominant contributions in PM1 size fraction, accounting for 80.7% and 60.3% of total sulfate and nitrate, respectively. Our results also reveal that the elevated sulfate in PM1, and the enhanced nitrate in PM1 and PM2.5–1 size fraction, prompt the formation of haze pollution.
An Efficiency Enhancement Technique for a Wireless Power Transmission System Based on a Multiple Coil Switching Technique
Authors: Vijayakumaran Nair Vijith , Choi Jun
Published: March 2016

For magnetic-coupled resonator wireless power transmission (WPT) systems, higher power transfer efficiency can be achieved over a greater range in comparison to inductive-coupled WPT systems. However, as the distance between the two near-field resonators varies, the coupling between them changes. The change in coupling would in turn vary the power transfer efficiency. Generally, to maintain high efficiency for varying distances, either frequency tuning or impedance matching are employed. Frequency tuning may not limit the tunable frequency within the Industrial Scientific Medical (ISM) band, and the impedance matching network involves bulky systems. Therefore, to maintain higher transfer efficiency over a wide range of distances, we propose a multiple coil switching wireless power transmission system. The proposed system includes several loop coils with different sizes. Based on the variation of the distance between the transmitter and receiver side, the power is switched to one of the loop coils for transmission and reception. The system enables adjustment of the coupling coefficient with selective switching of the coil loops at the source and load end and, thus, aids achieving high power transfer efficiency over a wide range of distances. The proposed technique is analyzed with an equivalent circuit model, and simulations are performed to evaluate the performance. The system is validated through experimental results that indicate for a fixed frequency (13.56 MHz) that the switched loop technique achieves high efficiency over a wider range of distances.
Current and Future Perspectives of Liaison Psychiatry Services: Relevance for Older People’s Care
Authors: Mukaetova-Ladinska Elizabeta
Published: March 2016

A large number of people admitted to medical wards have co-morbid mental health problems, and these predominantly include depression, dementia and delirium. An additional one third of medically ill patients remain in hospitals with undetected and, therefore, undiagnosed mental health problems. The comorbidity of mental and physical illnesses leads to poor health outcomes, prolonged inpatient stays and use of inpatient resources, involvement of various affiliated health services, introduction of medications and discharge to long-term facilities, including residential and nursing 24-h care, increased both readmission rates and mortality. The establishment of Liaison psychiatry services to meet the needs for people with mental health problems admitted to medical wards is a priority for many acute health Trusts. This has an economical background in terms of cost-savings, especially in relation to the older adults, with decreasing readmission rates and quicker hospital discharges. In the current review, we address the latest policies regarding Liaison psychiatry services; especially those for older people with dementia and delirium, and discuss their future shaping.
Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Behavior of Fungal Extracellular Synthesized Ag Nanoparticles Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope
Authors: Salaheldin Taher , Husseiny Sherif , Al-Enizi Abdullah , Elzatahry Ahmed , Cowley Alan
Published: March 2016

Silver nanoparticles have been synthesized by subjecting a reaction medium to a Fusarium oxysporum biomass at 28 °C for 96 h. The biosynthesized Ag nanoparticles were characterized on the basis of their anticipated peak at 405 nm using UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. Structural confirmation was evident from the characteristic X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, high-resolution transmission electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and the particle size analyzer. The Ag nanoparticles were of dimension 40 ± 5 nm and spherical in shape. The study mainly focused on using the confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) to examine the cytotoxic activities of fungal synthesized Ag nanoparticles on a human breast carcinoma cell line MCF7 cell, which featured remarkable vacuolation, thus indicating a potent cytotoxic activity.
Crosstalk between Autophagy and Apoptosis: Potential and Emerging Therapeutic Targets for Cardiac Diseases
Authors: Li Meng , Gao Ping , Zhang Junping
Published: March 2016

Autophagy is a cell survival process which is related to breaking down and reusing cytoplasm components. Moreover, autophagy regulates cell death under certain conditions. Apoptosis has the characteristics of chromatin agglutination and the shrinking of nuclear and apoptosis body form. Even if the mechanisms of autophagy and apoptosis have differences, some proteins modulate both autophagy and apoptosis. Crosstalk between them exists. This review highlights recent advances in the interaction of autophagy and apoptosis and its importance in the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Biomaterials with Antibacterial and Osteoinductive Properties to Repair Infected Bone Defects
Authors: Lu Haiping , Liu Yi , Guo Jing , Wu Huiling , Wang Jingxiao , Wu Gang
Published: March 2016

The repair of infected bone defects is still challenging in the fields of orthopedics, oral implantology and maxillofacial surgery. In these cases, the self-healing capacity of bone tissue can be significantly compromised by the large size of bone defects and the potential/active bacterial activity. Infected bone defects are conventionally treated by a systemic/local administration of antibiotics to control infection and a subsequent implantation of bone grafts, such as autografts and allografts. However, these treatment options are time-consuming and usually yield less optimal efficacy. To approach these problems, novel biomaterials with both antibacterial and osteoinductive properties have been developed. The antibacterial property can be conferred by antibiotics and other novel antibacterial biomaterials, such as silver nanoparticles. Bone morphogenetic proteins are used to functionalize the biomaterials with a potent osteoinductive property. By manipulating the carrying modes and release kinetics, these biomaterials are optimized to maximize their antibacterial and osteoinductive functions with minimized cytotoxicity. The findings, in the past decade, have shown a very promising application potential of the novel biomaterials with the dual functions in treating infected bone defects. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of novel biomaterials with both antibacterial and osteoinductive properties.
Functionalized Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Enhance Transfection and Expression Efficiency of Plasmid DNA in Fish Cells
Authors: Liu Guanglu , Wang Yuan , Hu Yang , Yu Xiaobo , Zhu Bin , Wang Gaoxue
Published: March 2016

DNA vaccines are considered to be the most promising method against infectious diseases in the aquaculture industry. In the present study, we investigated the potency of ammonium group-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in enhancing the transfection and expression efficiency of plasmid DNA (pEGFP-vp5) in Ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney (CIK) cells. Agarose gel shift assay results show that ammonium group-functionalized carbon nanotubes are able to condense DNA in varying degrees. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images shows that CIK cells show a great affinity for MWCNTs-NH3+ and the CNTs covering the cell surface tend to orient their tips perpendicularly to the cell surface, and appear to be “needle-pricking the cells”. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images confirmed that MWCNTs-NH3+ penetrate the cell membranes and are widely dispersed in the CIK cell. Real-time PCR was used to detect the transfection efficiency through the expression of the outer capsid protein (VP5). The results showed that the MWCNTs-NH3+:DNA complexes are able to transfect CIK cells effectively at different charge ratio than naked DNA. Subsequent studies confirmed that both functional groups and charge ratio are important factors that determine the transfection efficiency of plasmid DNA. All these results indicated that MWCNTs-NH3+:DNA complexes could be suitable for developing DNA vaccine for the control of virus infection in the aquaculture industry.