bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Characteristics of Literacy Management in School Literacy Movement (SLM) at Junior High School in Malang - Indonesia
Authors: Pantiwati Yuni , Permana Fendy Hardian , Kusniarti Tuti , Miharja Fuad Jaya
Published: March 2020

This study aims to evaluate the implementation of the school literacy movement (SLM) program in junior high schools in Malang, East Java, Indonesia. The evaluation includes three stages of SLM: the stage of habituation, development, and learning. This study was an evaluative study using the CIPP model (context, input, process, and product) and used a qualitative descriptive approach. The sample unit consisted of 12 schools, with a category of nine public schools and three private schools. The schools were selected using a purposive random sampling technique. The research sample consisted of teachers, principals, and education personnel. Methods of data collection through observation, interviews, and examination of program implementation documents. Data analysis uses the Miles and Huberman model which consists of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, while the formulation of strategic steps uses the calculation of internal strategic factors (IFAS) and external strategic factors (EFAS). The results showed that the implementation of new literacy at the habituation and development stage had not yet reached the learning stage. However, IFAS and EFAS values are 3.34 and 3.39, respectively. These results indicate that the development of the literacy program still has many weaknesses (<5.00) and needs intensive efforts in order to increase student literacy.
South Korea’s Geoeconomic Response to the United States’ Geopolitical Approach
Authors: Kim Ki-Su
Published: March 2020

The United States “Indo-Pacific strategy” itself entails geopolitics. Since 2017, the Indo-Pacific has emerged as a major strategic region for America’s diplomacy and security. Against this backdrop, the Indo-Pacific strategy extends both the “Asia Rebalancing Strategy” and the “Asia-Pacific Security Alliance” regime to the Indian Ocean, while seeking to bring emerging countries, such as China and India, into the U.S.-led international order. Major East Asian countries are actively employing economic means to advance their geopolitical goal -- reshaping the regional order in their own favor. The U.S. has shown a confrontational and exclusionary attitude toward China in terms of politics, economy and security, while the ASEAN has sought to promote inclusiveness by publicly expressing opposition to the exclusion of China. The ASEAN highlighted economic cooperation with China, while the U.S. focused on military and security aspects. The Indo-Pacific strategy will not be able to succeed without the participation of the ASEAN that serves as a crucial geopolitical link between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Another important factor is that unlike former U.S. President Obama, who championed the Asia-Pacific rebalance, President Donald Trump does not show keen interest in the Indo-Pacific strategy. At the same time, President Moon Jae-in has been cautious about engaging in security issues that go beyond the Korean Peninsula or the Northeast Asia -- namely joining in any collective move to contain China. Currently, South Korea is grappling with the geopolitical challenges by expressing support for the ASEAN's geoeconomic approach. Instead of choosing whether to participate in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, South Korea is seeking common ground between the strategy and its “New Southern Policy.” In other words, the New Southern Policy is a kind of buffer zone. South Korea is taking a geoeconomic response that focuses on developing the regional economy rather than adhering to the strategic and military role of the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy.
Sustainable Economic Development and Human Capital
Authors: Lisi Gaetano
Published: March 2020

In this theoretical paper the key role of human capital for a sustainable economic development is introduced into a simplified version of the green Solow model. The main result of this integration is the derivation of a kind of environmental Kuznets curve.
Tuberculosis surveillance in adolescents: what to learn from European Union/European Economic Area data?
Authors: Kohlenberg A. , Ködmön C. , van den Boom M. , van der Werf M. J.
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVE: To describe tuberculosis (TB) characteristics in the adolescent 10–19 years age group that is often underrepresented in surveillance and studies despite the high global TB burden estimated for this group.SETTING AND DESIGN: We use the case-based data
reported to the European Surveillance System (TESSy) from European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries between 2007 and 2016 to describe notification rates, TB characteristics and treatment outcomes among adolescent TB cases. We also compare TB characteristics in young adolescents
(10–14 years) and older adolescents (15–19 years).RESULTS: For the period 2007 to 2016, 705 826 TB cases were reported to TESSy by 29 EU/EEA countries, 38 054 (5.4%) of which were adolescents. The overall EU/EEA notification rate among adolescents was 6.9
per 100 000 population, 3.5 among young adolescents and 10.1 among older adolescents. The two adolescent groups had differences regarding sex distribution, site of disease, sputum smear microscopy positivity, laboratory confirmation and treatment outcome.CONCLUSION: Younger
and older adolescents should be analysed as separate groups when studying and reporting TB, particularly to inform better targeting of TB prevention and care interventions in the future, in order to improve outcomes.
An Interdisciplinary Model of Treatment of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Poland.
Recommendations of the Paediatric Rehabilitation Section of the Polish Rehabilitation Society
Authors: Taczała Jolanta , Wolińska Olga , Becher Jules , Majcher Piotr
Published: March 2020

Medical rehabilitation plays an important leading role in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Collaboration between specialists in medical rehabilitation and the rehabilitation team is a prerequisite for good medical care. The quality of medical services for children with CP depends chiefly on the level of expertise of the treatment team. Through training of specialists and sharing of knowledge, we can help more patients. This idea was developed and implemented by Dr Ewa Kooyman-Piskorz, the founder and president of Wandafonds Foundation. Between 2003 and 2014, Dutch specialists working with children with CP conducted a number of training workshops in Poland under the supervision of the Polish Rehabilitation Society and Prof. Jules Becher, a world-famous expert in the rehabilitation of children. Based on these experiences, we present the recommendations of the Paediatric Rehabilitation Section of the Polish Rehabilitation Society regarding an interdisciplinary model of treatment of children with CP in Poland.
Prechod administratívnoprávnej zodpovednosti na právneho nástupcu právnickej osoby
Authors: Horvat Matej
Published: March 2020

Príspevok sa venuje prechodu administratívnoprávnej zodpovednosti na právneho nástupcu právnickej osoby. Analyzuje danú tému z viacerých hľadísk. V prvej časti príspevku je pozornosť venovaná východiskám prechodu zodpovednosti, ak ide o právnické osoby. Popisuje preto pôvod myšlienok tohto inštitútu z angloamerického právneho systému a ich prechod do kontinentálneho právneho systému a osvetľuje problematiku respondeat superior. V druhej časti sa analyzujú možnosti prechodu administratívnoprávnej zodpovednosti na právneho nástupcu právnickej osoby v krajinách V4 s osobitným zreteľom na Českú republiku, pretože v tejto krajine je tento inštitút aj inštitútom de lege lata. V tretej časti je pozornosť venovaná téme už z pohľadu Slovenka, kde sa s týmto inštitútom stretla právna prax a existuje k nemu aj relevantná súdna judikatúra. Z pohľadu de lege lata je však prechod zodpovednosti riešený len v trestnom práve a nie v správnom práve. V poslednej časti príspevku venuje autor pozornosť legislatívnemu návrhu, ako by mohol byť prechod zodpovednosti upravený v právnych predpisoch Slovenskej republiky. Tieto návrhy de lege ferenda predstavujú syntézu poznatkov z predchádzajúcich častí tohto článku.
Gating and selectivity mechanisms for the lysosomal K+ channel TMEM175
Authors: Oh SeCheol , Paknejad Navid , Hite Richard K
Published: March 2020

Transmembrane protein 175 (TMEM175) is a K+-selective ion channel expressed in lysosomal membranes, where it establishes a membrane potential essential for lysosomal function and its dysregulation is associated with the development of Parkinson’s Disease. TMEM175 is evolutionarily distinct from all known channels, predicting novel ion-selectivity and gating mechanisms. Here we present cryo-EM structures of human TMEM175 in open and closed conformations, enabled by resolutions up to 2.6 Å. Human TMEM175 adopts a homodimeric architecture with a central ion-conduction pore lined by the side chains of the pore-lining helices. Conserved isoleucine residues in the center of the pore serve as the gate in the closed conformation. In the widened channel in the open conformation, these same residues establish a constriction essential for K+ selectivity. These studies reveal the mechanisms of permeation, selectivity and gating and lay the groundwork for understanding the role of TMEM175 in lysosomal function.
Patterns of gene evolution following duplications and speciations in vertebrates
Authors: David Kyle T. , Oaks Jamie R. , Halanych Kenneth M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Eukaryotic genes typically form independent evolutionary lineages through either speciation or gene duplication events. Generally, gene copies resulting from speciation events (orthologs) are expected to maintain similarity over time with regard to sequence, structure and function. After a duplication event, however, resulting gene copies (paralogs) may experience a broader set of possible fates, including partial (subfunctionalization) or complete loss of function, as well as gain of new function (neofunctionalization). This assumption, known as the Ortholog Conjecture, is prevalent throughout molecular biology and notably plays an important role in many functional annotation methods. Unfortunately, studies that explicitly compare evolutionary processes between speciation and duplication events are rare and conflicting.

Methods

To provide an empirical assessment of ortholog/paralog evolution, we estimated ratios of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions (ω = dN/dS) for 251,044 lineages in 6,244 gene trees across 77 vertebrate taxa.

Results

Overall, we found ω to be more similar between lineages descended from speciation events (p< 0.001) than lineages descended from duplication events, providing strong support for the Ortholog Conjecture. The asymmetry in ω following duplication events appears to be largely driven by an increase along one of the paralogous lineages, while the other remains similar to the parent. This trend is commonly associated with neofunctionalization, suggesting that gene duplication is a significant mechanism for generating novel gene functions.
Diagnostic model of combined ceRNA and DNA methylation related genes in esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Guan Xiaojiao , Yao Yao , Bao Guangyao , Wang Yue , Zhang Aimeng , Zhong Xinwen
Published: March 2020

Esophageal cancer is a common malignant tumor in the world, and the aim of this study was to screen key genes related to the development of esophageal cancer using a variety of bioinformatics analysis tools and analyze their biological functions. The data of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were selected as the research object, processed and analyzed to screen differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and differential methylation genes. The competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) interaction network of differentially expressed genes was constructed by bioinformatics tools DAVID, String, and Cytoscape. Biofunctional enrichment analysis was performed using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The expression of the screened genes and the survival of the patients were verified. By analyzing GSE59973 and GSE114110, we found three down-regulated and nine up-regulated miRNAs. The gene expression matrix of GSE120356 was calculated by Pearson correlation coefficient, and the 11696 pairs of ceRNA relation were determined. In the ceRNA network, 643 lncRNAs and 147 mRNAs showed methylation difference. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these differentially expressed genes were mainly concentrated in the FoxO signaling pathway and were involved in the corresponding cascade of calcineurin. By analyzing the clinical data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, it was found that four lncRNAs had an important impact on the survival and prognosis of esophageal carcinoma patients. QRT-PCR was also conducted to identify the expression of the key lncRNAs (RNF217-AS1, HCP5, ZFPM2-AS1 and HCG22) in ESCC samples. The selected key genes can provide theoretical guidance for further research on the molecular mechanism of esophageal carcinoma and the screening of molecular markers.
Size, weight, and diet of the invasive lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) on the southern coast of Veracruz, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Aguilar-Medrano Rosalía , Vega-Cendejas Ma. Eugenia
Published: March 2020

The invasion of the Indo-Pacific lionfish Pterois volitans has produced detrimental impacts on the regional biodiversity and fisheries of invaded ranges. To understand the effect this lionfish may have on the native fish communities, it is necessary to understand its feeding habits. The objectives of this study were to report new distribution records of P. volitans along the southern coast of Veracruz (México), to document the feeding habits of the collected specimens, and to determine if there was a relationship between the diet, size, and weight of those specimens. The density of P. volitans in our study area was low. Diet composition for this species consisted of bony fishes (95.40%), crustaceans (4.20%), and mollusks (0.36%). Lionfish size and weight were positively correlated. We did not find statistical differences between the diet and the size/weight groupings; however, the smaller specimens seemingly had a more varied diet than the larger specimens.
Spinoffs in Mechano - Chemical Approach of Weed Management Practices in Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorious)
Authors: Chakraborty Ananya , Biswas Sritama , Banerjee Rajarshi , Maji Srijani , Bandopadhyay Pintoo
Published: March 2020

One of the most important pre-kharif crop in eastern plains is jute. Weed can deplete 70-80% of the crop yield. An experiment was conducted at Mondouri Research Farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, India, during summer season of 2018 and 2019. The design of experiment was Randomized block design with 3 replications and 7 treatments with variety JRO-524 (Navin) for weed control comprised –T1: Pretilachlor 50 EC at 900 ml/ha with irrigation after 48 hrs of sowing + one hand weeding at 15 days after sowing, T2: Quizalofop ethyl 10 EC at 38 g/ha at 15 days after sowing + one hand weeding at 30 days after sowing, T3: Quizalofop ethyl 5 EC at 60 g/ha + Ethoxysulfuron 10 EC at 100 g/ha at 15 days after sowing, T4: Propaquizafop 10 EC at 90 g/ha at 15 days after sowing+ one hand weeding at 30 days after sowing, T5: Nail weeder at 7 days after sowing + Quizalofop ethyl 5 EC at 60 g/ha at 30 days after sowing, T6: Un-weeded check and T7: Two hand weeding at 15 and 30 days after sowing. Sowing was done on 28th April 2018 and 30th April in 2019. Predominant monocot weeds were Digiteria sanguinalis, Echinochloa colona, Elusine indica, Cyperus rotundus and dicot weeds were–Digera arvense, Cleome viscose and Physalis minima. Among the treatments, twice hand weeding gave the highest fibre yield alongwith maximum Weed control efficiency, Weed control index, Crop resistance index, Herbicide efficiency index followed by nail weeder induced weed management at 7 days after sowing coupled with herbicide spray of Quizalofop ethyl 5 EC at 60 g/ha at 30 days after sowing which resulted in maximum net return (Rs. 110222/- per ha) with a corresponding highest benefit cost ratio (2.40) and enriched soil microbes population. Considering bio-efficacy of applied treatment, economics and microbial study, nail weeder along with post emergence herbicide application at 30 days after sowing can be advocated for higher revenue as well as better soil health replenishment.
Association between Entrepreneurial Behaviour and the Current Entrepreneurial Status of the Women Entrepreneurs of Self Help Groups in Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Siddeswari G. K. , Gopal P. V. Sathya , Sailaja V. , Reddy B. Ravindra
Published: March 2020

SHG is a novel and innovative organizational setup in India for women upliftment and welfare. All women in India are given a chance to join any one of the SHGs for training and development to be prospective entrepreneurs and skilled workers. The current entrepreneurial status of the women is crucially dependent on economic empowerment; these SHGs could generate income and employment to build their empowerment through entrepreneurship. So it is necessary to know the association between the entrepreneurial behaviour and current entrepreneurial status of women entrepreneurs. The present investigation was carried out in three districts of Andhra Pradesh viz., Chittoor (from Rayalaseema region), East Godavari (from Coastal region) and Srikakulam (from North Coastal region) during 2016-18. The current entrepreneurial status viz., net income from the enterprise, employment generation, monthly saving, monthly expenditure, social recognition and skill in paraprofessional work were significantly associated with the entrepreneurial behaviour of women entrepreneurs of self-help groups. Whereas, debt status was not significantly associated with the entrepreneurial behaviour of women entrepreneurs. Hence, there is every need to focus more on enhancing the entrepreneurial behaviour of the women entrepreneurs of SHGs through different capacity building activities.
Lipid Profile of a Population of Jacqueville, Consumer of Palm Oil in Southern Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Bataï Nemahiouon Francis , Bitty Marie Louise Ahui , Fossou Assamala Françoise , Djetouan Kacou Jules Marius , Zahe Kollet Yao Aimé Sylvere , Amoikon Kouakou Ernest
Published: March 2020

Aims: The main aim of this study is to describe the profile of lipids serum in an active and apparently healthy population consuming palm oil in the department of Jacqueville in the south of Côte d'Ivoire

Methodology: We focused on 83 apparently healthy volunteers, which ages ranged between 18 to 50 years old. Within that population, 43 of them were palm oil consumers (67 g / day) while 40 others were considered as population control (30 g / day). We determined the BMI as well as blood pressure. Furthermore, we used conventional enzyme methods to measure the total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Results: Our results shown that, the mean BMI of palm oil consumers did not vary significantly compared to the control population. However, the two groups of subjects were overweight and both  group were in hypotension and the other hand the mean values of the lipid parameters did not vary significantly between the two study groups. In addition, the mean values of the lipid parameters (CT, C-LDL and TG) were normal in the two groups. With the exception of C-HDL, which value was lower than the reference one at the level of the two groups.

Conclusion: This study did not show any influence of palm oil consumption on the mean BMI, blood pressure and lipid profile of the population.
Correlation of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Spectrophotometric Methods to Assess the Post Harvest Storage and Processing Changes in Total β-carotene Contents in Selected Nigeria Vegetables
Authors: Okpalanma Emeka Felix
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to correlate analytical methods (HPLC and spectrophotometric) in assessing the changes in total β-carotene contents in leafy vegetables during ambient temperature storage (29+2°C) and domestic processing (5 min,100°C.) The vegetables analyzed were: Telfairia occidentalis, Amaranethus hybridus, Talinum triangulare,Pterocarpus mildbraedli and Gnetum africanum. Total–carotene was determined spectrophometrically, while HPLC was used for detailed analysis of carotenoides. Lutein, β -cryptoxanthin and β-carotene isomers were identified and quantified. Results indicated that the raw vegetables were rich in lutein (124.03-655.95 µg/gdwt) and total β -carotene (45.42 – 246.93 µg/gdwt). Beta–cryptoxanthin was detected in small quantity (5.05-11 µg/gdwt). However, spectrophotometric result indicated a total–carotene content range (186.10 – 953.78 µg/gdwt). Cooking increased significantly (P< 0.05), the lutein (382. 92 – 1158.83 µg/gdwt), total β -carotene (738.53 – 1756.51 µg/gdwt) contents of the samples, however, it decreased the % trans–β-carotene contents. Storage conditions in the study increased significantly (P< 0.05) the contents of total β -carotene and total–carotene except in the case of Gnetum africanum leaf. A regression model for the two methods of analysis of β -carotene with a coefficient of correlation r = 0.925 and coefficient of determination r2 = 0.856, which allows for the calculation of total β - carotene from total-carotene content was obtained.
A Socially Attuned Future: Memory, Geography and Urban Project: The Case of Metropolitan Barcelona
Authors: Sagarra Ferran
Published: March 2020

The form that any city takes is the result of its topography, its social ritual, its planning guidelines and many other factors. Each city constitutes a complex artificial ecology manifested by numerous stakeholders – human, economic and infrastructural. Ferran Sagarra, Professor in the Department of Urbanism at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, takes Barcelona's morphing urban dynamics over time as an example.
Perturbanism in Future Cities: Enhancing Sustainability in the Galapagos Islands through Complex Adaptive Systems
Authors: Karakiewicz Justyna
Published: March 2020

Can strategies be developed for urban design that do not make assumptions of form making? Architect and professor at the University of Melbourne Justyna Karakiewicz is an advocate of complex adaptive systems (CAS) as a means to do so. As she explains, CAS demands analysis and design of continual perturbations in city dynamics caused over time by internal and external deviational forces.
Diving Deep into Unknown Unknowns: People, Cities, Technology Architecture and Architects
Authors: Parham Ed
Published: March 2020

Architects develop spatial solutions to complex problems. The way solutions change in future will depend on how data and technology are used by decision‐makers. To deliver benefit, architects need to work with these new tools and speak these new languages. Ed Parham, head of the Studio and DataWorks activity streams at Space Syntax in London, describes some of these approaches, techniques and tactics.
Synaesthetic Architecture: A Building Dreams
Authors: Anadol Refik
Published: March 2020

Refik Anadol is a media artist and director with a pioneering interest in machine intelligence and the varied interfaces that can be created between humans, architectural spaces and surfaces, augmented by Matthias Hank Haeusler
Media Facades: History,Technology, Content
digital technologies. Here he describes some of the techniques, aspirations and applications of his work – particularly in relation to a recent commission at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
Architects Without Architecture: How Transdisciplinary Studios Reposition for 21st‐Century Challenges
Authors: Hill Dan
Published: March 2020

Have architects, by defining what they do and what they don't do, inhibited their ability to fully engage in creating new urban conditions that are computationally driven, ecologically sound and socially equitable? Dan Hill, Director of Strategic Design at the Swedish government's innovation agency Vinnova, illustrates some transdisciplinary initiatives that break the mould.
From ‘T’ to ‘π’ (pi)‐shaped people: Better Urban Practice through Dual Depth in Architecture and Planning Education
Authors: Burry Jane , White Marcus
Published: March 2020

What sorts of educational methodologies and pedagogic theories are we to teach young, student architects and other environmental design professionals? How can we prepare students just starting to develop appropriate skills in the third decade of the 21st century? Jane Burry and Marcus White, respectively Dean of the School of Design and Professor of Urban Design at Swinburne University in Melbourne, describe some of the attempts to find ways forward and appropriate organisational structures.
Unraveling Metal Oxide Role in Exfoliating Graphite: New Strategy to Construct High‐Performance Graphene‐Modified SiOx‐Based Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xue Hongjin , Wu Yingqiang , Zou Yeguo , Shen Yabin , Liu Gang , Li Qian , Yin Dongming , Wang Limin , Ming Jun
Published: March 2020

Exfoliating graphite to graphene has attracted great attention due to the fantastic properties of graphene available for designing graphene‐based materials or devices. Besides the classic solution method, herein a unique role of TiO2 in exfoliating graphite to be graphene layers effectively is reported. As a paradigm, this discovered effect of TiO2 is significant for preparing high‐performance graphene‐modified SiOx‐based anode in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), in which the graphite is in situ exfoliated mechanically by TiO2 to be multilayered graphene (i.e., MLG) and then the SiOx is wrapped by the MLG to construct a SiOx/TiO2@MLG. In this case, an extremely high capacity of 1484 mAh g−1, long lifespan over 1200 cycles at 2 A g−1, as well as good performance in full LIBs (vs nickel‐rich cathode) are demonstrated. It is confirmed that the MLG can enhance electric conductivity, mitigate electrolyte decomposition, and alleviate volume effect of the SiOx effectively. This result is hard to be achieved using other kinds of metal oxide besides TiO2. It is hoped that the SiOx/TiO2@MLG is practical for pursuing LIBs with an energy density beyond 300 Wh kg−1. In addition, it is believed the ingenious strategy is applicable for designing more functional materials with greater capabilities.
Structure Architecting for Salt‐Rejecting Solar Interfacial Desalination to Achieve High‐Performance Evaporation With In Situ Energy Generation
Authors: Zhang Yaoxin , Xiong Ting , Nandakumar Dilip Krishna , Tan Swee Ching
Published: March 2020

The past few years have witnessed a rapid development of solar‐driven interfacial evaporation, a promising technology for low‐cost water desalination. As of today, solar‐to‐steam conversion efficiencies close to 100% or even beyond the limit are becoming increasingly achievable in virtue of unique photothermal materials and structures. Herein, the cutting‐edge approaches are summarized, and their mechanisms for photothermal structure architecting are uncovered in order to achieve ultrahigh conversion efficiency. Design principles to enhance evaporation performance and currently available salt‐rejection strategies for long‐term desalination are systematically investigated. The guidelines to utilize every component in solar desalination systems for simultaneous in situ energy generation are also revealed. Finally, opportunities and challenges for future works in this field are also discussed and concluded.
Learner Perceptions of Electronic End‐of‐shift Evaluations on An Emergency Medicine Clerkship
Authors: Nable Jose V. , Bhat Rahul , Isserman Jacob , Smereck Janet , Wilson Matthew , Maloy Kevin
Published: March 2020

Objectives

As students on an emergency medicine (EM) rotation work with different faculty on a daily basis, EM clerkships often incorporate an end‐of‐shift evaluation to capture sufficient student performance data. Electronic shift evaluations have been shown to increase faculty completion compliance. This study aimed to examine learner perceptions of their individualized feedback during an EM clerkship following the adoption of an electronic evaluation tool.

Methods

This retrospective study examined end‐of‐rotation surveys that students complete at the conclusion of their EM rotation. Survey respondents used a standard Likert scale (1–5). This study examined responses to the question: “The feedback I received on this rotation was adequate.” The study period included the 3 academic years prior to and subsequent to the adoption of an electronic evaluation system (replacing paper end‐of‐shift evaluations). The primary outcome was the mean Likert score and the secondary outcome was the percentage of students who rated their feedback a “5” or “strongly agree.”

Results

A total of 491 students responded (83.9% response rate) to the survey during the paper evaluation period, while 427 responded (80.7% response rate) in the electronic period. The mean response improved from 4.02 (paper evaluations) to 4.22 (electronic evaluations; mean difference = 0.20, p < 0.05). The percentage of students who responded with a 5 improved (31% with paper evaluations vs. 41% with electronic evaluations, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The adoption of an electronic end‐of‐shift evaluation system was associated with improved learner perception of their feedback as compared to paper evaluations. Electronic evaluations are a useful tool to gather just‐in‐time data on learner performance.
Use of partial least squares regression to identify factors controlling rice yield in Southern China
Authors: Duan Liangxia , Xie Hongxia , Li Zhenwei , Yuan Hong , Guo Yadong , Xiao Xiang , Zhou Qing
Published: March 2020

Identification of the dominant factors controlling rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield is of paramount importance to improve fertilizer use efficiency, effectively promote rice productivity, and help ensure food security. The objective of this study was to quantify the influence of geographic attributes, soil properties, climatic, and fertilizer types on annual rice yield and to identify the dominant control factors in southern China. In total, 2010 soil samples were collected in the selected areas and were analyzed for 34 factors that potentially influenced rice yield. Because these factors exhibit multicollinearity, partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to elucidate the linkages between rice yield and the 34 measured variables. The first‐order factors were identified by calculating the variable importance for the projection (VIP). The variables with high VIP values are the most relevant for explaining the dependent variables. Results indicated that the geographic attributes, climatic and fertilizer types exerted substantial influence on rice yield and explained 57 to 85% of the variation in rice yield. According to the VIP values, the following are the dominant first‐order factors controlling rice yield: longitude, latitude, organic potassium fertilizer, accumulated temperature ≥ 10°C, chemical potassium fertilizer, organic nitrogen fertilizer, straw incorporation, chemical nitrogen fertilizer, accumulated temperature ≥ 0°C, and organic phosphate fertilizer. These results indicate that the PLSR approach is beneficial as it partially eliminates the correlation of the variables and reduces bias regarding the contribution of the factors to rice yield. This approach could be applied to other climatic zones or cropping systems.
Optimization of a modular continuous flow bioreactor system for acid mine drainage treatment using Plackett–Burman design
Authors: Gu Qiyuan , Cui Xinglan , Shang He
Published: March 2020

A novel modular continuous flow bioreactor system was designed to enhance the tolerance of bacteria to high concentration of heavy metal. This study evaluated the combined effect of high and low concentration levels of zinc, ferrous iron, copper, sulfate, and carbon source on the heavy metals and sulfate removal efficiencies. Statistically valid Plackett–Burman design (PBD) of experiments was employed to carry out this study. A maximum removal for each of zinc, copper, iron, and sulfate was 99.08%, 99.13%, 94.83%, and 58.89%, respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of zinc, copper, and sulfate reduction revealed that the effect due to zinc was highly significant (p < 0.05). To establish the roles of iron‐oxidizing bacteria (IOB) and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) in their respective bioreactors, the characteristics of microbial communities in attached and suspended growth biomass in the bioreactors were analyzed by high‐throughput sequencing during the steady operational process. Qualitative energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of the precipitates from sulfide precipitation was performed. The results revealed that the precipitates as sulfide zinc were confirmed by the EDS spectrum with strong peaks of zinc and sulfur.
The adsorption mechanism of poly‐methyl methacrylate microparticles onto paper cellulose fiber surfaces without crosslinking agents
Authors: Xiao Zuobing , Jia Jinhui , Niu Yunwei , Zhu Guangyong , Kou Xingran
Published: March 2020

In this work, poly‐ (methyl methacrylate) microparticles were effectively adsorbed onto the paper cellulose fiber surfaces during impregnation without crosslinking agents. The adsorption behavior and mechanism of microparticles onto paper cellulose fibers were further examined by physical and chemical property characterization in combination with adsorption kinetic model. We reported that the kinetic adsorption process included three phases: rapid adsorption, saturated adsorption, and equilibrium adsorption. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds which increased gradually with the increase of the mass concentration of PMMA microparticles occurred between the carboxyl group of PMMA microparticles and the hydroxyl group of paper cellulose fibers. Due to the increase of the interaction, the crystallinity‐index of the paper cellulose decreased. Furthermore, the hydrophobic interaction also occurred between PMMA microparticles and the paper fibers, leading to preferential adsorption of the microparticles on the surfaces of the hydrophobic (2 0 0) crystal cellulose.
Metabolomic effects of androgen deprivation therapy treatment for prostate cancer
Authors: Chi Jen‐Tsan , Lin Pao‐Hwa , Tolstikov Vladimir , Oyekunle Taofik , Chen Emily Y. , Bussberg Valerie , Greenwood Bennett , Sarangarajan Rangaprasad , Narain Niven R. , Kiebish Michael A. , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: March 2020

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the main treatment strategy for men with metastatic prostate cancer (PC). However, ADT is associated with various metabolic disturbances, including impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and weight gain, increasing risk of diabetes and cardiovascular death. Much remains unknown about the metabolic pathways and disturbances altered by ADT and the mechanisms. We assessed the metabolomic effects of ADT in the serum of 20 men receiving ADT. Sera collected before (baseline), 3 and 6 months after initiation of ADT was used for the metabolomics and lipidomics analyses. The ADT‐associated metabolic changes were identified by univariable and multivariable statistical analysis, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. We found multiple key changes. First, ADT treatments reduced the steroid synthesis as reflected by the lower androgen sulfate and other steroid hormones. Greater androgen reduction was correlated with higher serum glucose levels, supporting the diabetogenic role of ADT. Second, ADT consistently decreased the 3‐hydroxybutyric acid and ketogenesis. Third, many acyl‐carnitines were reduced, indicating the effects on the fatty acid metabolism. Fourth, ADT was associated with a corresponding reduction in 3‐formyl indole (a.k.a. indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde), a microbiota‐derived metabolite from the dietary tryptophan. Indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde is an agonist for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and regulates the mucosal reactivity and inflammation. Together, these ADT‐associated metabolomic analyses identified reduction in steroid synthesis and ketogenesis as prominent features, suggesting therapeutic potential of restricted ketogenic diets, though this requires formal testing. ADT may also impact the microbial production of indoles related to the immune pathways. Future research is needed to determine the functional impact and underlying mechanisms to prevent ADT‐linked comorbidities and diabetes risk.
Quantitative Evaluation of a Mexican and a Ghanaian Tabernaemontana Species as Alternatives to Voacanga africana for the Production of Antiaddictive Ibogan Type Alkaloids
Authors: Krengel Felix , Dickinson Jonathan , Jenks Christopher , Reyes‐Chilpa Ricardo
Published: March 2020

In continuation of our efforts to provide quantitative information on antiaddictive ibogan type alkaloid‐producing Tabernaemontana species, we used gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to compare the alkaloid profiles of the barks and/or leaves of one Mexican and one African species – T. arborea and T. crassa, respectively, with the primary sources of commercially available semisynthetic ibogaine, Voacanga africana root and stem bark. The qualitative and quantitative similarities between T. arborea and V. africana barks consolidate previous reports regarding the potential of the former as a promising alternative source of voacangine and ibogaine. The results also suggest that T. crassa could be used to produce conopharyngine and ibogaline, two compounds with the same basic skeletal structure and possibly similar antiaddictive properties as ibogaine.
Discovery of New Antiproliferative Imidazopyrazole Acylhydrazones Able To Interact with Microtubule Systems
Authors: Brullo Chiara , Rapetti Federica , Alfei Silvana , Maric Irena , Rizzelli Francesca , Mapelli Marina , Rosano Camillo , Viale Maurizio , Bruno Olga
Published: March 2020

Even though immunotherapy has radically changed the search for anticancer therapies, there are still many different pathways that are open to intervention with traditional small molecules. To expand our investigation in the anticancer field, we report here a new series of compounds in which our previous pyrazole and imidazopyrazole scaffolds are linked to a differently decorated phenyl ring through an acylhydrazone linker. Preliminary tests on the library were performed at the National Cancer Institute (USA) against the full NCI 60 cell panel. The best compounds among the imidazopyrazole series were then tested by immunofluorescence staining for their inhibition of cell proliferation, apoptosis induction, and their effect on the cell cycle and on microtubules. Two compounds, in particular 4‐benzyloxy‐3‐methoxybenzyliden imidazopyrazole‐7‐carbohydrazide showed good growth inhibition, with IC50 values in the low‐micromolar range, and induced apoptosis. Both compounds altered the cell‐cycle phases with the appearance of polyploid cells. Immunofluorescence analysis evidenced microtubules alterations; tubulin polymerization assays and docking studies suggested the tubulin system to be the possible, although not exclusive, target of the new acylhydrazone series reported here.
Homogeneous Electrochemical Water Oxidation at Neutral pH by Water‐Soluble NiII Complexes Bearing Redox Non‐innocent Tetraamido Macrocyclic Ligands
Authors: Lee Husileng , Wu Xiujuan , Sun Licheng
Published: March 2020

Water oxidation is the bottleneck reaction in artificial photosynthesis. Exploring highly active and stable molecular water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) is still a great challenge. In this study, a water‐soluble NiII complex bearing a redox non‐innocent tetraamido macrocyclic ligand (TAML) is found to be an efficient electrocatalyst for water oxidation in neutral potassium phosphate buffer. Controlled‐potential electrolysis experiments show that it can sustain at a steady current of approximately 0.2 mA cm−2 for >7 h at 1.75 V versus normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) without the formation of NiOx. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical tests show that the redox‐active ligand, as well as HPO42− in the buffer, participate in the catalytic cycle. More importantly, catalytically active intermediate [NiIII(TAML2−)−O.] is formed via several proton‐coupled electron transfer processes and reacts with H2O with the assistance of base to release molecular oxygen. Thus, the employment of redox non‐innocent ligands is a useful strategy for designing effective molecular WOCs.
Palladium‐Based Bimetallic Nanocrystal Catalysts for the Direct Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Wang Sheng , Doronkin Dmitry E. , Hähsler Martin , Huang Xiaohui , Wang Di , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk , Behrens Silke
Published: March 2020

The direct synthesis of H2O2 from H2 and O2 is a strongly desired reaction for green processes and a promising alternative to the commercialized anthraquinone process. The design of efficient catalysts with high activity and H2O2 selectivity is highly desirable and yet challenging. Metal dopants enhance the performance of the active phase by increasing reaction rates, stability, and/or selectivity. The identification of efficient dopants relies mostly on catalysts prepared with a random and non‐uniform deposition of active and promoter phases. To study the promotional effects of metal doping on Pd catalysts, we employ colloidal, bimetallic nanocrystals (NCs) to produce catalysts in which the active and doping metals are colocalized to a fine extent. In the absence of any acid and halide promotors, PdSn and PdGa NCs supported on acid‐pretreated TiO2 (PdSn/s‐TiO2, PdGa/s‐TiO2) were highly efficient and outperformed the monometallic Pd catalyst (Pd/s‐TiO2), whereas in the presence of an acid promotor, the overall H2O2 productivity was also further enhanced for the Ni‐, Ga‐, In‐, and Sn‐doped catalysts with respect to Pd/s‐TiO2.
Sustainable and Selective Alkylation of Deactivated Secondary Alcohols to Ketones by Non‐bifunctional Pincer N‐heterocyclic Carbene Manganese
Authors: Lan Xiao‐Bing , Ye Zongren , Liu Jiahao , Huang Ming , Shao Youxiang , Cai Xiang , Liu Yan , Ke Zhuofeng
Published: March 2020

A sustainable and green route to access diverse functionalized ketones via dehydrogenative–dehydrative cross‐coupling of primary and secondary alcohols is demonstrated. This borrowing hydrogen approach employing a pincer N‐heterocyclic carbene Mn complex displays high activity and selectivity. A variety of primary and secondary alcohols are well tolerant and result in satisfactory isolated yields. Mechanistic studies suggest that this reaction proceeds via a direct outer‐sphere mechanism and the dehydrogenation of the secondary alcohol substrates plays a vital role in the rate‐limiting step.
A novel heuristic simulation‐optimization method for critical infrastructure in smart transportation systems
Authors: Kumar Adarsh , Rajalakshmi Krishnamurthi , Jain Saurabh , Nayyar Anand , Abouhawwash Mohamed
Published: March 2020

A simulation‐based optimization is a decision‐making tool that helps in identifying an optimal solution or a design for a system. An optimal solution and design are more meaningful if they enhance a smart system with sensing, computing, and monitoring capabilities with improved efficiency. In situations where testing the physical prototype is difficult, a computer‐based simulation and its optimization processes are helpful in providing low‐cost, speedy and lesser time‐ and resource‐consuming solutions. In this work, a comparative analysis of the proposed heuristic simulation‐optimization method for improving quality‐of‐service (QoS) is performed with generalized integrated optimization (a simulation approach based on genetic algorithms with evolutionary simulated annealing strategies having simplex search). In the proposed approach, feature‐based local (group) and global (network) formation processes are integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) based solutions for finding the optimum performance. Further, the simulated annealing method is applied for finding local and global optimum values supporting minimum traffic conditions. A small‐scale network of 50 to 100 nodes shows that genetic simulation optimization with multicriteria and multidimensional features performs better as compared to other simulation‐optimization approaches. Further, a minimum of 3.4% and a maximum of 16.2% improvement is observed in faster route identification for small‐scale IoT networks with simulation‐optimization constraints integrated model as compared to the traditional method. The proposed approach improves the critical infrastructure monitoring performance as compared to the generalized simulation‐optimization process in complex transportation scenarios with heavy traffic conditions. The communicational and computational‐cost complexities are least for the proposed approach.
Naphthoquinones, benzoquinones, and anthraquinones: Molecular docking, ADME and inhibition studies on human serum paraoxonase‐1 associated with cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Demir Yeliz
Published: March 2020

Paraoxonase‐1 (PON1) has essential roles such as protecting low‐density lipoprotein against detoxification and oxidation of highly toxic compounds. Quinones are a class of compounds and a type of plant‐derived secondary metabolites. Here, PON1 was purified using very simple methods and evaluation of the interactions between the enzyme and some quinones. It was found that these quinones displayed effective inhibitor properties for PON1 with the IC50 values in the range of 3.27–82.90 μM and the K
i values in the range of 2.50 ± 0.65 to 30.90 ± 7.20 μM. These quinones displayed distinct inhibition mechanisms. It was determined that except for 5‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐1,4‐naphthoquinone and 2‐methyl‐1,4‐naphthoquinone all quinones exhibit competitive inhibition effects. Also, molecular docking and in silico ADME studies were performed. Usage of drugs including quinone derivatives in structure with biological activity would be hazardous in some cases.
Neuroendocrine and immune markers of maternal stress during pregnancy and infant cognitive development
Authors: Nazzari Sarah , Fearon Pasco , Rice Frances , Ciceri Francesca , Molteni Massimo , Frigerio Alessandra
Published: March 2020

Antenatal exposure to maternal stress is a factor that may impact on offspring cognitive development. While some evidence exists of an association between maternal antenatal depressive or anxiety symptoms and infants' cognitive outcomes, less is known about the role of biological indices of maternal antenatal stress in relation to infant cognitive development. The current study investigated the association between maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms, stress and inflammatory markers during pregnancy and infant's cognitive development in a sample of 104 healthy pregnant women (mean gestational age = 34.76; SD = 1.12) and their 12‐week‐old infants (mean postnatal weeks = 11.96; SD = 1.85). Maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms were evaluated during pregnancy, alongside measurements of serum Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), C‐Reactive Protein (CRP), salivary cortisol, and alpha amylase (sAA) concentrations. Infant cognitive development, maternal caregiving and concurrent anxiety or depressive symptoms were assessed 12 weeks after delivery. Hierarchical linear regressions indicated that higher maternal diurnal cortisol and CRP levels were independently associated with lower infant cognitive development scores, while adjusting for infant gender and gestational age, maternal IQ, caregiving, depressive, or anxiety symptoms. Though correlational, findings seem suggestive of a role for variation in maternal biological stress signals during pregnancy in influencing infants' early cognitive development.