bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Contextual Mathematical Thinking Learning Model to Enhance Higher-Order Thinking Ability for Middle School Students
Authors: Samo Damianus D. , Darhim Darhim , Kartasasmita Bana
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this research is to develop contextual mathematical thinking learning model which is valid, practical and effective based on the theoretical reviews and its support to enhance higher-order thinking ability. This study is a research and development (R & D) with three main phases: investigation, development, and implementation. The experiment consisted of 78 Junior High School students who were divided into two groups, namely experimental group and control group. The model development phase results the syntax of contextual mathematical thinking learning model which are as follows: (1) presentation of the contextual problems; (2) asking the critical and analytical questions; (3) individual and group investigation; (4) presentation and discussion; (5) reflection; and (6) higher-order thinking test. The implementation phase concludes the contextual mathematical thinking learning model which can be applied effectively to enhance the students’ higher-order thinking ability. This model is able to intensify higher-order thinking ability at high category. The observation of learning activities was seen in the main elements of learning model which are syntax, social system, reaction principle, support system, instructional impact, and accompanist impact. The three main elements were observed by the observer and showed an average in the good category: syntax has an average of 3.5, social system has an average of 3.52, and reaction principle has an average of 3.47. This model is recommended for mathematics learning activities in the classroom to support the improvement of higher-order thinking ability. Contextual problems can be presented to the local cultural context that allows students to learn mathematics in a real context.
The Development of SAH Reading Passage Compendium: A Tool for the Assessment of Reading Performance Related to Visual Function
Authors: Chen Ai-Hong , Noor Halilah Buari , Shauqiah Jufri
Published: November 2017

Passages with continuous sentences are commonly used for the assessment of reading performance related to visual function, and rehabilitation in optometric practices. Passages created in native languages are crucial for a reliable interpretation in a real scenario. This study aimed to report the development of SAH Reading Passage Compendium (SAHRPC), as a tool for the assessment of reading performance related to visual function. SAHRPC uses the Malay language as the medium of communication. The development of the SAHRPC encompassed three stages: exploratory, confirmatory and prototyping. In the exploratory stage, 300 sentences were extracted from the standard school textbook (in the Malay language) endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia. The accumulated reading materials were processed based on two deciding factors: continuous sentence structure and predetermined total number of words. A total of 56 passages were constructed with equal readability, based on a simple “5 continuous sentences structure of 50 words” combination. In the confirmatory stage, the 56 passages were verified by normal sighted native Malay speakers. The reading duration was measured using a stopwatch, while the errors were recorded using an audiotape. Reading speed was quantified in words per minute (wpm). Three passages were first eliminated based on the outliers present in the boxplot graph. Eleven passages were further eliminated based on the 10 % highest error and 5 % of the two extreme ends of the reading speed range. The remaining 42 passages with good reliability were randomly compiled into 3 sets of 13 passages. Thirteen passages in each set were randomly sorted into 13 print sizes, ranged from 1.2 logMAR to 0.0 logMAR. The interchangeability of the 3 sets was inspected and confirmed. A prototype was developed and packaged as the SAHRPC, to be used as a tool for the assessment of reading performance related to visual function, and rehabilitation purposes.
Determining Factors for Cyberbullying Prevention Programmes
Authors: Hennig Manzuoli Cristina , Cuesta Medina Liliana
Published: November 2017

This study reports on the first stages of a larger project to develop an ICT-supported cyberbullying prevention programme that fosters development of children’s communication skills for the safe use of social media. To establish baseline data on the incidence and growth of cyberbullying in Bogotá, Colombia, we applied a Revised School Violence Questionnaire (CUVE-R) to a population of 1355 fifth-grade pre-adolescents. The results show that cyberbullying is at an early stage in the surveyed educational institutions, and we make specific recommendations on developing cyberbullying prevention programmes that foster effective communication and self-regulatory skills supported by multimodal strategies and ICT tools.
Coordinating of O2O Fresh Agricultural Products Supply Chain with Asymmetric Information When Disturbance Occur Online
Authors: Zhao Leizhou
Published: November 2017

With lots of hot money focusing on the field of fresh product, the fresh product e-commerce enterpraises developed rapidly, but quickly declined later. The aim of this paper is to explain the problem form view of supply chain by setting up the model of fresh produce supply chain. The decision model can be obtained including optimal retail price, sales volume and profit of supply chain whether in the condition of centralized decision-making or disperse policy decision. It can draw the conclusion that, in the condition of asymmetric information, price subsidy of the fresh produce O2O supply chain could promote the profit when online sales volume stay lower. Also, the increase of online sales volume results in the decrease of optimal retail price and subsidy price, and modified Wholesale Price Contract can coordinate the supply chain in disperse policy decision. Finally, the advice for enterpraises and supply chain has been listed.
Les traductions françaises des surnoms des personnages accompagnant les contes mythologiques de A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys et de Tanglewood Tales de Nathaniel Hawthorne
Authors: Arsenault Julie
Published: November 2017

À l’été 1851, après le succès de The Scarlet Letter et de The House of the Seven Gables, Nathaniel Hawthorne s’accorde un répit et il fait un retour à la littérature jeunesse. Durant presque deux ans, il se consacre à la rédaction de A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys et Tanglewood Tales, deux volumes qui regroupent une douzaine de contes mythologiques qu’il met en scène, c’est-à-dire chaque conte du premier recueil est précédé d’une introduction et il est suivi d’une conclusion et l’ensemble des contes du second sont précédés d’une introduction. Le présent article vise à étudier les traductions françaises des anthroponymes (des noms de fleurs) choisis par Hawthorne pour désigner et décrire les personnages de ces introductions et de ces conclusions, proposées par Léonce Rabillon, Henry Borjane, Pierre Leyris et Frédérique Revuz dans leurs traductions et adaptations. Il y est plus particulièrement question de dénotation, de connotation et d’encrage socio-culturel en langues source et cible ; ces éléments semblant jouer un rôle de premier plan dans la traduction du réseau onomastique créé par l’auteur américain pour accompagner ses contes mythologiques.
APPORTS DES CLOWNS À L’HÔPITAL
Authors: Ferreira Esteves Carla Hiolanda
Published: November 2017

Cet article présente, d’après des études réalisées au Brésil et au Portugal, l’apport positif des Clowns Hospitaliers sur les enfants/adolescents hospitalisés et leurs familles, sur l’équipe soignante et les autres professionnels qu’ils côtoient ainsi qu’au niveau de la réputation de l’hôpital. En ce qui concerne les enfants, on note des améliorations psychologiques (bien-être, adaptation à l’expérience d’hospitalisation, sentiment de joie, diminution du stress…) et physiques grâce à l’intervention des Clowns qui leur permet de « s’évader » de l’hôpital et de s’amuser.
GOALS, TASKS, AND PROBLEMS OF CORPORATIVE GEOGRAPHY
Authors: Aleksandrovich Sluka Nikolai
Published: November 2017

Transnationalization of global commerce and the creation of a powerful TNC network are the phenomena typical of globalization and they call for an interdisciplinary approach. On the other hand, it is a geographical process that demands the design of a new scientific-research and study approaches within social geography, i.e. the creation of corporative geography. The paper advocates the current trends, novelties, and origins of the science on corporations; it represents the methodological background and potential development path in the realization of a self-standing sphere of the scientific knowledge. In addition, it outlines the features of nomenclature and terminology, principles, methods, and approaches in corporative geography, the recent and potential tasks, as well as the existing issues.
THINKING AND ACTING SPATIALLY: GLOBALISATION, CRITICAL GEOGRAPHY AND PLANNING
Authors: Ðorđević Dejan , Vasiljević Nevena
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a series of “critical geographies”: examples of economic, environmental and social challenges with a spatial dimension, and the way that policy has failed to respond adequately to them with place and space in mind. Overshadowed by the globalization/mondialisation concept, for a variety of reasons, policy- and decision- making too rarely incorporate the implications of the ways we use the land and the consequences for different places. The neglect of place, in particular the way that different policies combine to affect places in different ways, has contributed to a range of negative economic, social and environmental outcomes. This paper makes some suggestions for ways in which spatial thinking can be advanced in policy- and decision making. In particular, to advance a greater spatial intelligence, we need to develop central spatial analytical maps for policy-makers – a kind of “GIS for policy”. Many countries lack single documents which provide an overarching framework about the spatial dimension of policies and programmes, and how they interact (including the unintended consequences) to affect the development of the country.
INFLUENCE OF HISTORICAL MIGRATIONS ON THE SETTLEMENTS AND ORIGIN OF POPULATION IN THE MAČVA REGION (WESTERN SERBIA)
Authors: Grčić Mirko , Grčić Ljiljana
Published: November 2017

Mačva is the lowland region in the northwestern part of Serbia, which due to natural and geopolitical benefits for the existence and security, was the meeting place of migration from the current Dinaric hilly and mountainous areas. Due to the demographic and migratory movements Mačva has historically been a multicultural and multiethnic environment, which took place in the complex processes of ethno-cultural interaction and assimilation. However, the historical memory and folk tradition, as well as some elements of folklore, mentalities and local identity, are still remnants of the countries of origin. The paper is devoted attention mainly origin population in Mačva placed in the context of socio-historical and political events. Researching included 35 settlements of Mačva.
GIS PROGRAMMING – AUTOMATED CALCULATION OF THE HERFINDAHL- HIRSCHMAN INDEX OF REGIONAL SPECIALIZATION
Authors: Bajić Davorin
Published: November 2017

The paper describes the automated calculation of Herfindahl–Hirschman Index of regional specialization. Having used GIS programming and Python programming language, a tool has been designed to enable the automated calculation and visualization of the results of the observed index within ArcGIS software environment. Apart from the definition of basic regional specialization terms and the description of mathematical concept of Herfindahl–Hirschman Index, the paper outlines the programming procedure for designing a tool for the automated calculation by describing the code writing procedure. The results provide an explanation and a practical instance of the tool application in Republic of Srpska.
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGES: FLOODS AND INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT IN SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE
Authors: Jovanović Popović Dejana , Milinčić Miroljub
Published: November 2017

An internally displaced people are people who are forced to flee but who remain in their own countries. World leading organizations on climate change indicate particularly the risks of flooding in South East Europe by the end of the XXI century. It is estimated that 90% of South East Europe is located within transboundary river basins and is poorly regulated, which makes the region highly prone to floods. The last decades have emphasized the vulnerability to the floods as well as an inadequate protection measures and disaster management, especially for Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
CHARGE syndrome modeling using patient-iPSCs reveals defective migration of neural crest cells harboring CHD7 mutations
Authors: Okuno Hironobu , Renault Mihara Francois , Ohta Shigeki , Fukuda Kimiko , Kurosawa Kenji , Akamatsu Wado , Sanosaka Tsukasa , Kohyama Jun , Hayashi Kanehiro , Nakajima Kazunori , Takahashi Takao , Wysocka Joanna , Kosaki Kenjiro , Okano Hideyuki
Published: November 2017

CHARGE syndrome is caused by heterozygous mutations in the chromatin remodeler,CHD7,and is characterized by a set of malformations that, on clinical grounds, were historically postulated to arise from defects in neural crest formation during embryogenesis. To better delineate neural crest defects in CHARGE syndrome, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from two patients with typical syndrome manifestations, and characterized neural crest cells differentiated in vitro from these iPSCs (iPSC-NCCs). We found that expression of genes associated with cell migration was altered in CHARGE iPSC-NCCs compared to control iPSC-NCCs. Consistently, CHARGE iPSC-NCCs showed defective delamination, migration and motility in vitro, and their transplantationin ovorevealed overall defective migratory activity in the chick embryo. These results support the historical inference that CHARGE syndrome patients exhibit defects in neural crest migration, and provide the first successful application of patient-derived iPSCs in modeling craniofacial disorders.
Twists and turns
Authors: Noël Emily S , Bakkers Jeroen
Published: November 2017

Computational modelling of the heart tube during development reveals the interplay between tissue asymmetry and growth that helps our hearts take shape.
Gestión del agua. Aspectos institucionales
Authors: Peña Torrealba Humberto
Published: November 2017

El agua es un bien social, porque se interactúa con ella en esa forma, es un bien ambiental, es un bien económico, porque hay escasez, y es un bien cultural, porque gran parte de la actividad del hombre ha estado vinculada al agua.
Klavs Randsborg
Authors: Hodges Richard
Published: November 2017

Klavs Randsborg, who has died at the age of 72, was the most influential Scandinavian archaeologist of the post-war generation.
Woodland management in medieval Scotland
Authors: Gilbert John M
Published: November 2017

This article will examine the evidence for woodland management in Scotland from the 12th to the 16th centuries and will try to draw some overall conclusions about that management and how effective it was. Although there are difficulties in using medieval documentary evidence in terms of its Latin and Scots vocabulary, it does show that woodland was being managed throughout this period by enclosing woods, excluding animals and allowing time for regrowth – in other words, by coppicing and possibly, in some instances, by coppicing on a formal rota. Pollarding, shredding and growing coppice with standards may also have taken place. Examples of woodland management will be looked at in more detail in Darnaway and Campsie Forests. Despite this management, there is no doubt that a shortage of timber did develop in Scotland in areas of heavy use, especially from the 14th century onwards. What appears to have happened was that the majority of users of the woods were the lord’s tenants and men. Their requirements were not for large timbers but for small trees and underwood. Consequently, in many places where underwood survived it was cut before it could grow into timber and, despite efforts in the 15th century by lords, parliament and the king, young wood continued to be cut at the expense of future supplies of timber.
The ‘Roman Heads’ at the Netherbow in Edinburgh: a case of antiquarian wishful thinking in the 18th and 19th centuries
Authors: Brown Iain Gordon , Montgomery Alan
Published: November 2017

A sculptured stone panel built into the wall of a house at the Fountain Close near the Netherbow Port of Edinburgh was first noted by Sir John Clerk of Penicuik in 1726 and published by Alexander Gordon that same year. The tablet features two heads, male and female, in profile and facing each other across an inscribed panel bearing a biblical inscription in lettering of Gothic form. The slab is today in the National Museum of Scotland where it is regarded as a work of the 16th century. But in the 18th century the antiquaries of Scotland were anxious to demonstrate that the carved heads were Roman and that they were those of the Emperor Septimius Severus and his consort Julia Domna. The awkwardness of the Gothic text between was simply, and literally, omitted from the engraved record of the stone. The ‘Roman’ view was adhered to into modern times. The case of the sculptured slab stands representative of antiquarian attitudes to the remains of the past across three centuries. The work of many writers of scholarly and popular literature is adduced on both sides of the argument, and derivatives of the portrait heads incorporated in the decoration of Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford are discussed.
Early medieval shellfish gathering at the Sands of Forvie, Aberdeenshire: feast or famine?
Authors: Noble Gordon , Turner Joe , Hamilton Derek , Hastie Lee , Knecht Rick , Upex Beth , Stirling Lindsey , Sveinbjarnarson Oskar , Milek Karen
Published: November 2017

From 2010 to 2014, extensive shell middens were excavated at the Sands of Forvie, Aberdeenshire, and the wider landscape explored through a programme of soil and geophysical survey. The middens were dated to the 1st millennium AD and appear to represent intensive gathering and cooking of shellfish, particularly mussels. To date, few middens of the scale of the Forvie examples have been identified in Scotland, but the middens share some parallels with similar examples found in a broader North Sea context. This article reports on the findings of the excavations, provides an outline of the chronology of the middens, including Bayesian modelling of dates, and a brief review of the growing evidence for shellfish gathering in 1st-millennium AD Scotland and the wider north-west European context.
Kisimul, Isle of Barra. Part 1: The Castle and the MacNeills
Authors: Holden Timothy , Boardman Stephen , McNeill Thomas , Brann Martin , Walker Bruce , Morrison Jenni
Published: November 2017

Kisimul Castle was taken into the guardianship of Historic Scotland in 2000 and in order to inform any future works for its upkeep a programme of archaeological evaluation, building recording and historical research was undertaken in 2001. Following on from this, a detailed programme of post-excavation analysis and research was conducted in 2011–12. The archaeological works revealed frustratingly little about the construction of the castle but did identify evidence for prehistoric as well as post-medieval occupation of the site and provided an evocative picture of life on the isle and its inhabitants. This will be covered subsequently in Part 2. By contrast, the historical and architectural work presents a good case for an early 15th-century origin for the castle supporting Dunbar’s (1978) earlier hypothesis and these are discussed in this Part 1.
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, Angus Graham and Gordon Childe (1935–46)
Authors: Geddes George F
Published: November 2017

This paper explores the story of Scotland’s national survey body, the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, between 1935 and 1946, with reference to Angus Graham, their Secretary, and Vere Gordon Childe, perhaps the best-known archaeologist of the 20th century. Much of the narrative describes the Commission’s survey of Orkney and Shetland, an eight year project which brought close contact with Childe, and special attention is given to debate over the Neolithic sites at Skara Brae and Rinyo. The outbreak of war in 1939 delayed their report for some seven years, but the government supported a major programme of rescue recording to mitigate damage caused by enemy bombing and the training of allied troops. In 1938 Childe was passed over for membership of the Commission, who felt that they had sufficient archaeological expertise. His extreme anger at this snub was to be reflected in a negative review of their forthcoming report, but was allayed by neat footwork on the part of the chairman. In 1942, when the Commissioners did indeed put Childe forward as a member it was the Secretary of State for Scotland that stood in their way. Dedicated efforts by the Commission finally persuaded him that Childe was not in fact a Communist threat, and he and Graham went on to record some 636 ancient monuments, while Graham alone took 2,200 images of historic buildings. The archive material (and Graham’s diaries in particular) shine a light on what was a pioneering project in testing times. The circumstances of the war, and the short duration of Childe’s membership, meant that his influence was in fact felt through fieldwork and not, as one may have expected, in the development of the Commission’s over-arching syntheses.
Archaeological excavations at Nethermills Farm, Deeside, 1978–81
Authors: Wickham-Jones Caroline R , Kenworthy James B , Gould Aoife , MacGregor Gavin , Noble Gordon , Ballin Torben Bjarke , Boyd Bill , Ewan Lorna , Duthie Sheila , Gallagher Dennis , Kenney Jane , Sabnis Heather , Ramsay Susan
Published: November 2017

The Mesolithic site of Nethermills Farm, Crathes, Banchory, was identified from fieldwalking that took place between 1973 and 1977 and it was excavated between 1978 and 1981 under the direction of James Kenworthy. Kenworthy interpreted the site as a ‘hunter-gatherer camp’ with probable evidence for a circular structure, but publication of the excavation was never completed. This paper draws on specialist work undertaken immediately after excavation, together with new analyses and radiocarbon determinations from original samples. It focuses on the results of excavation: material from the fieldwalking is briefly considered towards the end of the discussion, but detailed analysis of the lithics from fieldwalking is left for future research. A number of stratified features were excavated and recorded, together with a lithic assemblage of over 30,000 pieces, which includes many narrow blade microliths. It is not possible to uphold the interpretation that the cut features represent the remains of a specific structure but it is clear that Mesolithic activity took place here, probably comprising repeated visits over a considerable period of time. The radiocarbon determinations cover a wide spread of activity from the Mesolithic to the Bronze Age – though there are no clear chronological indicators of later prehistoric activity in the finds from the site. Kenworthy chose to excavate only a tiny proportion of the site at Nethermills, which extends some 2km along the River Dee. The likelihood that stratified features may survive elsewhere makes this a Mesolithic site of considerable significance – especially when considered in the context of the many other Mesolithic sites along the River Dee, from its source to the sea.
3‐D Inversion of the MT EarthScope Data, Collected Over the East Central United States
Authors: Gribenko A. V. , Zhdanov M. S.
Published: November 2017

The magnetotelluric (MT) data collected as a part of the EarthScope project provided a unique opportunity to study the conductivity structure of the deep interior of the North American continent. Besides the scientific value of the recovered subsurface models, the data also allowed inversion practitioners to test the robustness of their algorithms applied to regional long‐period data. In this paper, we present the results of MT inversion of a subset of the second footprint of the MT data collection covering the East Central United States. Our inversion algorithm implements simultaneous inversion of the full MT impedance data both for the 3‐D conductivity distribution and for the distortion matrix. The distortion matrix provides the means to account for the effect of the near‐surface geoelectrical inhomogeneities on the MT data. The long‐period data do not have the resolution for the small near‐surface conductivity anomalies, which makes an application of the distortion matrix especially appropriate. The determined conductivity model of the region agrees well with the known geologic and tectonic features of the East Central United States. The conductivity anomalies recovered by our inversion indicate a possible presence of the hot spot track in the area.
Receiver Function Imaging of Mantle Transition Zone Discontinuities Beneath the Tanzania Craton and Adjacent Segments of the East African Rift System
Authors: Sun Muchen , Liu Kelly H. , Fu Xiaofei , Gao Stephen S.
Published: November 2017

The mantle transition zone (MTZ) discontinuities beneath the Tanzania Craton and the Eastern and Western Branches of the East African Rift System are imaged by stacking over 7,100 receiver functions. The mean thickness of the MTZ beneath the Western Branch and Tanzania Craton is about 252 km, which is comparable to the global average and is inconsistent with the existence of present‐day thermal upwelling originating from the lower mantle. In contrast, beneath the Eastern Branch, an up to 30 km thinning of the MTZ is observed and is attributable to upwelling of higher temperature materials from either the upper MTZ or the lower mantle. The observations are in agreement with the hypothesis that rifting in Africa is primarily driven by gradients of gravitational potential energy and lateral variations of basal traction force along zones of significant changes of lithospheric thickness such as the edges of the Tanzania Craton.
Constraining the Teratogenicity of Pesticide Pollution by a Synthetic Nanoreceptor
Authors: Yang Xue , Li Shengke , Wang Ziyi , Lee Simon M. Y. , Wang Lian‐Hui , Wang Ruibing
Published: November 2017

The teratogenicity of the pesticide nereistoxin (NTX) and its derivative thiocyclam (THI) towards aquatic life was dramatically constrained by a synthetic nanoreceptor, cucurbit[7]uril, through selective encapsulation of the pesticides (KCB[7]‐NTX of 3.24(±0.31)×106 m−1 and KCB[7]‐THI of 7.46(±0.10)×105 m−1), as evidenced by the rate of hatchability, morphology development, and tyrosinase activity of zebrafish larvae incubated with the pesticides (3–300 μm) in the absence and in the presence of 300 μm cucurbit[7]uril, demonstrating the significant potential of the nanoreceptor in managing ecological pollution of these pesticides.
Selective N‐Monoalkylation of 6‐Aminouracils with Alcohols: An Environmentally Benign Protocol for the Synthesis of 6‐Alkylaminouracils
Authors: Putra Anggi Eka , Oe Yohei , Ohta Tetsuo
Published: November 2017

A highly selective N‐alkylation of 6‐aminouracils with alcohols was achieved through the borrowing hydrogen approach using iridium catalysis. 6‐Aminouracils and alcohols reacted in the presence of [Cp*IrI2]2 to give 6‐monoalkyluracils selectively and in high yield (up to 99 %), usually in short reaction times (2 h). These results provide a new, green, and efficient protocol for the synthesis of 6‐alkylaminouracils, which are very important intermediates for the synthesis of biologically active molecules.
Toward the elimination of hepatitis C in the United States
Authors: Saab Sammy , Le Long , Saggi Satvir , Sundaram Vinay , Tong Myron J.
Published: November 2017

The emergence of effective direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) agents has reignited discussion over the potential for hepatitis C elimination in the United States. Eliminating hepatitis C will require a critical examination of technical feasibility, economic considerations, and social/political attention. Tremendous advancement has been made with the availability of sensitive diagnostic tests and highly effective DAAs capable of achieving sustained viral response (SVR) in more than 95% of patients. Eliminating hepatitis C also requires escalating existing surveillance networks to monitor for new epidemics. All preventive interventions such as clean syringe and needle exchange programs, safe injection sites, opioid substitution therapies, and mental health services need to be expanded. Although costs of DAAs have raised budget concerns for hepatitis C elimination, studies have shown that eliminating hepatitis C will produce a savings of up to 6.5 billion USD annually along with other intangible benefits such as increased work productivity and quality of life. Economic models and meta‐analyses strongly suggest universal hepatitis C screening for all adults rather than just for birth cohort and high‐risk populations. Social and political factors are at least as important as technical feasibility and economic considerations. Due to lack of promotion and public awareness, HCV elimination efforts continue to receive inadequate funding. Social stigma continues to impede meaningful policy changes. Eliminating hepatitis C is an attainable public health goal that will require intense collaboration and sustained public support. (Hepatology 2018;67:2449‐2459).
Swift heavy ion induced material modifications in Ba1‐xSrxTiO3 ceramics as probed by temperature‐dependent Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Bajpai P.K. , Mohan C.R.K. , Ganjir Ratnamala , Kumar Ravi , Kumar Ashok , Katiyar R.S.
Published: November 2017

Effect of 100 MeV O8+ swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation on phonon properties of Ba1‐xSrxTiO3 (x = 0.10, 0.15) ceramics are probed using Raman spectroscopy. Temperature‐dependent Raman spectra in the range (100 °C to −190 °C) have been investigated, and deconvoluted Raman modes parameters are used in pristine and irradiated ceramics to understand the effect of ion irradiation on phonon modes. Raman bands are successfully identified that discern changes in band parameters during transition from cubic → tetragonal → orthorhombic → rhombohedral phases. Raman spectral analysis reveals that the phase transition sequence remains almost unaffected after SHI irradiation; however, band parameters (band positions, band intensity, and line widths) of some phonon modes show changes after SHI irradiation. Results are interpreted in terms of grain reorientation and oxygen vacancies annihilation due to irradiation. Comparisons of ferroelectric properties in pristine and irradiated ceramics unambiguously reveal that surface or near surface material modifications influence the bulk properties of these polar materials.
Effect of standardized nursing language continuing education programme on nurses' documentation of care at University College Hospital, Ibadan
Authors: Adubi Iyanuoluwa O. , Olaogun Adenike A. , Adejumo Prisca O.
Published: November 2017

Aim

The study assessed the documentation of nursing care before, during and after the Standardized Nursing Language Continuing Education Programme (SNLCEP). It evaluates the differences in documentation of nursing care in different nursing specialty areas and assessed the influence of work experience on the quality of documentation of nursing care with a view to provide information on documentation of nursing care. The instrument used was an adapted scoring guide for nursing diagnosis, nursing intervention and nursing outcome (Q‐DIO).

Design

Retrospective record reviews design was used.

Methods

A total of 270 nursing process booklets formed the sample size. From each ward, 90 booklets were selected in this order: 30 booklets before the SNLCEP, 30 booklets during SNLCEP and 30 booklets after SNLCEP.

Results

Overall, the study concluded that the SNLCEP had a significant effect on the quality of documentation of nursing care using Standardized Nursing Languages.
Design of doum palm fibers biocomposites by Reactor/elongational flow MiXer: Evaluation of morphological, mechanical, and microstructural performances
Authors: Ragoubi M. , Zouari R. , Ben Abdeljawad M. , Terrié C. , Baffoun A. , Alix S. , Leblanc N.
Published: November 2017

An innovative mixing device RMX (Reactor/elongational flow MiXer), based on an elongational flow, is used to formulate new biocomposites based on Doum palm fiber (at various proportions) and PLA polymer. Due to its high elongational flow, RMX has the ability to mix immiscible products and to disperse the solid phase (fiber) in the viscous phase. The morphological aspect of PLA/Palm composites shows a good appearance and high fiber orientation and dispersive efficiency as confirmed by X‐ray tomography. For higher fiber content, the porosity rate decreases from 19% for untreated biocomposites to 11% for the treated ones. An enhancement of crystallinity degree is also recorded, mainly for alkali treated PLA biocomposites. This is explained by the nucleating effect of palm fiber which could favor the germination and the growth of spherolites around reinforcements. Moreover, the tensile performances show a progressive increase in Young moduli and a decrease in tensile strength upon increasing the fibers fraction and applying alkaline treatment. We highlight an enhancement in Young moduli at about 50% and 9% for treated ones compared to PLA matrix and untreated systems respectively. These improvements are attributed to the enhancement and improvement of interfacial adhesion as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), carried out on fractured surfaces. In addition, viscoelastic behavior was evaluated by DMA analysis and further discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E519–E530, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sample size re‐estimation incorporating prior information on a nuisance parameter
Authors: Mütze Tobias , Schmidli Heinz , Friede Tim
Published: November 2017

Prior information is often incorporated informally when planning a clinical trial. Here, we present an approach on how to incorporate prior information, such as data from historical clinical trials, into the nuisance parameter–based sample size re‐estimation in a design with an internal pilot study. We focus on trials with continuous endpoints in which the outcome variance is the nuisance parameter. For planning and analyzing the trial, frequentist methods are considered. Moreover, the external information on the variance is summarized by the Bayesian meta‐analytic‐predictive approach. To incorporate external information into the sample size re‐estimation, we propose to update the meta‐analytic‐predictive prior based on the results of the internal pilot study and to re‐estimate the sample size using an estimator from the posterior. By means of a simulation study, we compare the operating characteristics such as power and sample size distribution of the proposed procedure with the traditional sample size re‐estimation approach that uses the pooled variance estimator. The simulation study shows that, if no prior‐data conflict is present, incorporating external information into the sample size re‐estimation improves the operating characteristics compared to the traditional approach. In the case of a prior‐data conflict, that is, when the variance of the ongoing clinical trial is unequal to the prior location, the performance of the traditional sample size re‐estimation procedure is in general superior, even when the prior information is robustified. When considering to include prior information in sample size re‐estimation, the potential gains should be balanced against the risks.
Retinoic Acid-Signaling Regulates the Proliferative and Neurogenic Capacity of Müller Glia-Derived Progenitor Cells in the Avian Retina
Authors: Todd Levi , Suarez Lilianna , Quinn Colin , Fischer Andy J.
Published: November 2017

In the retina, Müller glia have the potential to become progenitor cells with the ability to proliferate and regenerate neurons. However, the ability of Müller glia-derived progenitor cells (MGPCs) to proliferate and produce neurons is limited in higher vertebrates. Using the chick model system, we investigate how retinoic acid (RA)-signaling influences the proliferation and the formation of MGPCs. We observed an upregulation of cellular RA binding proteins (CRABP) in the Müller glia of damaged retinas where the formation of MGPCs is known to occur. Activation of RA-signaling was stimulated, whereas inhibition suppressed the proliferation of MGPCs in damaged retinas and in fibroblast growth factor 2-treated undamaged retinas. Furthermore, inhibition of RA-degradation stimulated the proliferation of MGPCs. Levels of Pax6, Klf4, and cFos were upregulated in MGPCs by RA agonists and downregulated in MGPCs by RA antagonists. Activation of RA-signaling following MGPC proliferation increased the percentage of progeny that differentiated as neurons. Similarly, the combination of RA and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) significantly increased neurogenesis from retinal progenitors in the circumferential marginal zone (CMZ). In summary, RA-signaling stimulates the formation of proliferating MGPCs and enhances the neurogenic potential of MGPCs and stem cells in the CMZ.
8d gauge anomalies and the topological Green-Schwarz mechanism
Authors: García-Etxebarria Iñaki , Hayashi Hirotaka , Ohmori Kantaro , Tachikawa Yuji , Yonekura Kazuya
Published: November 2017

Abstract

String theory provides us with 8d supersymmetric gauge theory with gauge algebras

$$ \mathfrak{s}\mathfrak{u}(N),\mathfrak{s}\mathfrak{o}(2N),\mathfrak{s}\mathfrak{p}(N),{\mathfrak{e}}_6,{\mathfrak{e}}_7\kern0.5em \mathrm{and}\kern0.5em {\mathfrak{e}}_8 $$

s
u

N

,
so

2
N

,
s
p

N

,

e
6

,

e
7

and

e
8

, but no construction for

$$ \mathfrak{so}\left(2N+1\right) $$

so

2
N
+
1

,

$$ {\mathfrak{f}}_4 $$

f
4

and

$$ {\mathfrak{g}}_2 $$

g
2

is known. In this paper, we show that the theories for

$$ {\mathfrak{f}}_4 $$

f
4

and

$$ \mathfrak{so}\left(2N+1\right) $$

so

2
N
+
1

have a global gauge anomaly associated to π

d=8, while

$$ {\mathfrak{g}}_2 $$

g
2

does not have it. We argue that the anomaly associated to π

d
in d-dimensional gauge theories cannot be canceled by topological degrees of freedom in general. We also show that the theories for

$$ \mathfrak{s}\mathfrak{p}(N) $$

s
p

N

have a subtler gauge anomaly, which we suggest should be canceled by a topological analogue of the Green-Schwarz mechanism.
The pion mass and decay constant at three loops in two-flavour chiral perturbation theory
Authors: Bijnens Johan , Truedsson Nils Hermansson
Published: November 2017

Abstract

A calculation of the pion mass and decay constant at NNNLO in two-flavour chiral perturbation theory is presented. The results are cross-checked by using both the exponential and square root parametrizations of the Goldstone matrix field, as well as by comparing to the known leading log coefficients of the two quantities. A small numerical study of the quark mass dependence is performed, and for a physical quark mass there is good agreement with lower order results.
Charged structure constants from modularity
Authors: Das Diptarka , Datta Shouvik , Pal Sridip
Published: November 2017

We derive a universal formula for the average heavy-heavy-light structure constants for 2d CFTs with non-vanishing

$$ \mathfrak{u}(1) $$

u

1

charge. The derivation utilizes the modular properties of one-point functions on the torus. Refinements in

$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$

N
=
2

SCFTs, show that the resulting Cardy-like formula for the structure constants has precisely the same shifts in the central charge as that of the thermodynamic entropy found earlier. This analysis generalizes the recent results by Kraus and Maloney for CFTs with an additional global

$$ \mathfrak{u}(1) $$

u

1

symmetry [1]. Our results at large central charge are also shown to match with computations from the holographic dual, which suggest that the averaged CFT three-point coefficient also serves as a useful probe of detecting black hole hair.
Surgical Training and Standardised Management Guidelines Improved the 30‐Day Complication Rate After Abdominoplasty for Massive Weight Loss
Authors: Swedenhammar E. , Stark B. , Hållstrand A. Hedén , Ehrström M. , Gahm J.
Published: November 2017

Background

An increasing number of patients need reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss. The hypothesis was that surgical experience together with standardised management guidelines significantly decreases early complication rates after abdominoplasty for massive weight loss. The primary aim was to assess the 30‐day complication rate after abdominoplasty following increased surgical training and experience. The secondary aim was to assess whether optimised management guidelines have an impact on the complication rate and patient safety.

Methods

The outcome of 69 consecutive abdominoplasties operated by surgeons in 2011 (Group A) and 70 consecutive patients operated by plastic surgeons in 2010–2012 (Group B) was compared. Another Group of 70 consecutive patients operated by surgeons in 2013–2014 (Group C) was assessed since standardised guidelines for pre‐ and post‐operative treatments and refinement of surgical technique had been introduced. The same surgeons participated in operations of Groups A and C. χ2‐test and Fisher’s exact test were applied to dichotomous data. Logistic regression test and ANOVA were used.

Results

Group C had more comorbidities and was significantly older. 48 patients in Group A (70%), 31 in Group B (44%) and 13 patients in Group C (19%) had early complications. A significantly decreased rate of complications occurred with improved guidelines and surgical training and experience. (A vs. C p < 0.001 and A vs. B p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the rate of early complications after abdominoplasty for massive weight loss can be significantly reduced with improved surgical experience and standardised management guidelines.

Registered at Clinical Trial.gov (ID: NCT02679391).
Manganese and cobalt recovery by surface display of metal binding peptide on various loops of OmpC in Escherichia coli
Authors: Maruthamuthu Murali kannan , Selvamani Vidhya , Nadarajan Saravanan Prabhu , Yun Hyungdon , Oh You-Kwan , Eom Gyeong Tae , Hong Soon Ho
Published: November 2017

In a cell-surface display (CSD) system, successful display of a protein or peptide is highly dependent on the anchoring motif and the position of the display in that anchoring motif. In this study, a recombinant bacterial CSD system for manganese (Mn) and cobalt (Co) recovery was developed by employing OmpC as an anchoring motif on three different external loops. A portion of Cap43 protein (TRSRSHTSEG)3 was employed as a manganese and cobalt binding peptide (MCBP), which was fused with OmpC at three different external loops. The fusions were made at the loop 2 [fusion protein-2 (FP2)], loop 6 (FP6), and loop 8 (FP8) of OmpC, respectively. The efficacy of the three recombinant strains in the recovery of Mn and Co was evaluated by varying the concentration of the respective metal. Molecular modeling studies showed that the short trimeric repeats of peptide probably form a secondary structure with OmpC, thereby giving rise to a difference in metal recovery among the three recombinant strains. Among the three recombinant strains, FP6 showed increased metal recovery with both Mn and Co, at 1235.14 (1 mM) and 379.68 (0.2 mM) µmol/g dry cell weight (DCW), respectively.
Testing consumer theory: evidence from a natural field experiment
Authors: Adena Maja , Huck Steffen , Rasul Imran
Published: November 2017

We present evidence from a natural field experiment designed to shed light on whether individual behavior is consistent with a neoclassical model of utility maximization subject to budget constraints. We do this through the lens of a field experiment on charitable giving. We find that the behavior of at least 80% of individuals, on both the extensive and intensive margins, can be rationalized within a standard neoclassical choice model in which individuals have preferences, defined over own consumption and their contribution towards the charitable good, satisfying the axioms of revealed preference.
A “Stone in the Pond” Approach to Contact Tracing: Responding to a Large-Scale, Nosocomial Tuberculosis Exposure in a Moderate TB-Burden Setting
Authors: Bagdasarian N. , Chan H. C. , Ang S. , Isa M. S. , Chan S. M. , Fisher D. A.
Published: November 2017

A “stone in the pond” strategy is a practical approach to investigating large-scale nosocomial tuberculosis (TB) exposures. Here, we describe such a risk-stratified approach to contact tracing after a TB exposure that occurred over 5 months in a pediatric inpatient ward in a country with a moderate TB burden.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1509–1511
Detonation propagation in a circular arc: reactive burn modelling
Authors: Short Mark , Quirk James J. , Chiquete Carlos , Meyer Chad D.
Published: November 2017

The dynamics of steady detonation propagation in a two-dimensional, high explosive circular arc geometry are examined computationally using a reactive flow model approach. The arc is surrounded by a low impedance material confiner on its inner surface, while its outer surface is surrounded either by the low impedance confiner or by a high impedance confiner. The angular speed of the detonation and properties of the steady detonation driving zone structure, i.e. the region between the detonation shock and sonic flow locus, are examined as a function of increasing arc thickness for a fixed inner arc radius. For low impedance material confinement on the inner and outer arc surfaces, the angular speed increases monotonically with increasing arc thickness, before limiting to a constant. The limiting behaviour is found to occur when the detonation driving zone detaches from the outer arc surface, leaving a region of supersonic flow on the outer surface. Consequently, the angular speed of the detonation becomes insensitive to further increases in the arc thickness. For high impedance material confinement on the outer arc surface, the observed flow structures are significantly more complex. As the arc thickness increases, we sequentially observe regions of negative shock curvature on the detonation front, reflected shock formation downstream of the reaction zone, and eventually Mach stem formation on the detonation front. Subsequently, a region of supersonic flow develops between the detonation driving zone and the Mach stem structure. For sufficiently wide arcs, the Mach stem structure disappears. For the high impedance material confinement, the angular speed of the detonation first increases with increasing arc thickness, reaches a maximum, decreases, and then limits to a constant for sufficiently large arc thickness. The limiting angular speed is the same as that found for the low impedance confiner on the outer arc surface.