bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation of Chloramphenicol in Synthetic and Aquaculture Wastewater Using Electrooxidation
Authors: Romero‐Soto I. C. , Dia O. , Leyva‐Soto L. A. , Drogui P. , Buelna G. , Díaz‐Tenorio L. M. , Ulloa‐Mercado R. G. , Gortáres‐Moroyoqui P.
Published: June 2018

Chloramphenicol (CAP) is a broad‐spectrum antibiotic widely used in animal farming and aquaculture industries. Despite its ban in many countries around the world, it is still used in several developing countries, with harmful effects on the surrounding aquatic environment. In this study, an electrooxidation process using a Ti/PbO2 anode was used to investigate the degradation of CAP in both synthetic solution and real aquaculture wastewater. A central composite design was used to determine the optimum conditions for CAP removal. Current intensity and treatment time had the most impact on the CAP removal. These two factors accounted for ∼90% of CAP removal. The optimum conditions found in this study were current intensity of 0.65 A, treatment time of 34 min, and CAP initial concentration of 0.5 mg L−1. Under these conditions, 98.7% of CAP removal was achieved with an energy consumption of 4.65 kW h−1 m−3. The antibiotic was not present in the aquaculture wastewater, which received 0.5 mg L−1 of CAP and was treated (by electrooxidation) under the optimum conditions. A complete removal of CAP was obtained after 34 min of treatment. According to these results, electrooxidation presents an option for the removal of antibiotics, secondary compounds, and other organic and inorganic compounds from solution.

Core Ideas

Antibiotics cause microbial resistance.

Electrooxidation removes antibiotics.
The Leadership of the Head Madrasah Based Quality
Authors: Wahyudi Wahyudi , Sugiharto DYP , Masrukhi Masrukhi , Rifai Rc Ahmad
Published: June 2018

The research focus is to discuss about a leadership of the head madrasah-based quality in Madrasah Aliyah Al Mukmin Muhammadiyah, Tembarak, Temanggung, Central Java. It was used qualitative research. The result shown that the head of the madrasah had a strong desire to realize the vision and mission of the madrasah. He strongly built the quality culture of madrasah based on five principles. There are (1). always being a mukmin and Muslim everywhere and anytime. (2). always friendly in service. (3). having a high professionalism in carrying out administrative duties and adoring the work. (4). creative, dynamic, and innovative in scientific development, and (5). Behave and trustworthy manner, akhlaqul karimah and be role model to other academic community.Abstrak Fokus penelitian adalah untuk membahas tentang kualitas kepemimpinan kepala madrasah di Madrasah Aliyah Al Mukmin Muhammadiyah, Tembarak, Temanggung, Jawa Tengah. Metode penelitian menggunakan penelitian kualitatif. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa kepala madrasah memiliki keinginan yang kuat untuk mewujudkan visi dan misi madrasah. Dia sangat membangun budaya kualitas madrasah berdasarkan lima prinsip. (1). selalu menjadi seorang mukmin dan Muslim di mana saja dan kapan saja. (2). selalu ramah dalam pelayanan. (3). memiliki profesionalisme yang tinggi dalam menjalankan tugas-tugas administrasi dan mengagumi pekerjaan. (4). kreatif, dinamis, dan inovatif dalam pengembangan keilmuan, dan (5). berperilaku dan dapat dipercaya, akhlaqul karimah dan menjadi teladan bagi komunitas akademis lainnya.
A simplified approach for flood modeling in urban environments
Authors: Wu Xushu , Wang Zhaoli , Guo Shenglian , Lai Chengguang , Chen Xiaohong
Published: June 2018

A rapid increase in the risk of urban flooding in recent years has urged the research community to enrich approaches to deal with urban flooding problems. The state-of-the-art approach consists of coupling one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic models. However, at present such coupled 1D/2D models are mostly commercial and complex to build and run. The present study has proposed a new simple approach for modeling urban flooding by coupling Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and LISFLOOD-FP, two widely used freewares with relatively simple components. The coupled model was firstly applied to the Shiqiao Creek District in Dongguan City, South China, and verified against four major historical floods. The testing results demonstrate the capability of the coupled model in predicting urban flooding. The successful coupling of SWMM and LISFLOOD-FP offers another simple, practical approach for urban flooding estimation, which can be readily used by non-expert users or those who do not have access to commercial modules.
Busca por Felicidade e Sentido de Vida na Sociedade de Consumo no Olhar da Logoterapia
Authors: Portes Machado Ramos Adrielly , Niemeyer da Rocha Fátima
Published: June 2018

O trabalho tem o objetivo de discutir a situação do homem contemporâneo frente aos investimentos da sociedade hipermoderna, no que se refere ao consumo exacerbado (hiperconsumismo) e às ilusórias sensações de felicidade, prazer e sentido de vida provenientes dessa prática. Problematizam-se as razões que levam o homem hipermoderno às aquisições e a impregnar as coisas de sentido na busca pela felicidade, ações que o tem conduzido a vivenciar a neurose de massa da atualidade – o vácuo existencial. Dessa forma, foram analisadas a constituição da subjetividade dos indivíduos e a sua saúde emocional frente a essa realidade consumista. Através da logoterapia, doutrina criada por Viktor Emil Frankl, e de seus conceitos gerais, buscou-se compreender a derivação do prazer e da felicidade verdadeiros, provenientes de um sentido genuíno na vida, como também elucidar a propiciação de uma existência saudável a partir do exercício da responsabilidade e da liberdade frente às escolhas da vida. A logoterapia, portanto, tem muito a contribuir como psicoterapia e, também, como complemento às demais psicoterapias no que tange ao encontro do homem hipermoderno com o sentido, a felicidade e o prazer, pois, ao considerar a inserção do logos (sentido), consequentemente considera a existência e a reflexão sobre a mesma, tornando possível a superação da falta de sentido.
Comparação entre a incidência, nacional, estadual e do município de Vassouras, de sífilis congênita, nos últimos quinze anos
Authors: Ferreira Adriano Garcia , Barbosa Victor Fellipe Justiniano , Maleck Marise
Published: June 2018

A sífilis é uma doença crônica causada pela bactéria Treponema pallidum, geralmente adquirida por contato sexual com outro indivíduo infectado.  As gestantes fazem parte de um grupo epidemiológico importante, uma vez que não só são portadoras de sífilis, como também podem gerar crianças com sífilis congênita através da disseminação hematogênica transplacentária. Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento epidemiológico da incidência de sífilis congênita no município de Vassouras, no estado do Rio de Janeiro e no Brasil. O levantamento foi realizado a partir dos informes epidemiológicos do município de Vassouras, RJ, do estado do Rio de Janeiro e do Brasil, nos últimos 15 anos. Os resultados mostraram que o município de Vassouras revelou uma taxa de incidência de sífilis congênita compreendida entre 2 e 4,4 casos/1000 nascidos vivos, em 5 anos alternados e inferiores as observadas aos índices do Brasil e do Rio de Janeiro, apresentando inclusive incidência zero em dez anos dos quinze anos analisados. Devido a sua importância, este estudo epidemiológico poderá contribuir com a qualidade dos serviços de Atenção Básica a Saúde da Mulher no município de Vassouras, RJ.
Realistic Stacking Sequence Optimisation of an Aero-Engine Fan Blade-Like Structure Subjected to Frequency, Deformation and Manufacturing Constraints
Authors: Canale Giacomo , Andrews Stuart , Rubino Felice , Maligno Angelo , Citarella Roberto , Weaver Paul M.
Published: June 2018

Aims:

A procedure to optimise the stacking sequence of a composite fan blade-like structure is proposed in this article. The aim of the optimisation is to minimise weight when respecting deformation, frequency and strain constraints. The literature often deals with stacking sequence optimisation of airplane wings or wind turbine blades whilst less attention has been dedicated to aero-engines fan blades, the objective of the present paper. The manufacturing constraints are also implemented in the optimisation process in order to obtain a manufacturable structure.

Background:

Stacking sequence of composite laminates can be tailored to drive the deformation towards the desired shape (potentially exploiting unbalanced laminates and their anisotropy). When optimising the stacking sequence (including blending/tapering) of an aero-engine fan blade-like structure, manufacturing constraints must be included in order to apply the results of the optimisation procedure into a “Real World” design.

Objectives:

To define an engineering procedure able to provide a good design point to minimise the weight of a fan blade-like structure subjected to deformation (tip extension and untwist), frequency and strain constraints.

Methods:

A two-level optimisation procedure is proposed. At the first level, the stacking sequence is optimised in such a way to maximise stiffness (and therefore to minimise deformation). Less stringent limits are applied to the constraints of such a level 1 optimisation. In the second step of the optimisation, the blending/tapering of each ply of the stacking sequence is searched.

Results:

The fan blade-like structure is loaded only with a centrifugal load (the main load acting on this kind of components). The stacking sequence obtained to minimise the weight contains 42.3% of 0 degrees fibres, 19.25% of 45 degrees fibres, 19.25% of -45 degrees fibres and 19.2% of 90 degrees fibres. Blending in terms of width and length of each layer is given in the numerical results section.

Conclusions:

When the fan blade-like structure is loaded with a centrifugal force only, in order to minimise weight by respecting untwist, tip extension, frequency and integrity constraints, no unbalance in the laminate has been found necessary. An “Optimum” point has been found after a two steps optimisation. This design point is claimed as a good industrial design point rather than as “optimum” in the mathematical sense. Such a “Best Solution” design point has been verified by exploring the design space near it. All the performance of the neighbour points has been found worse. A comparison between a quasi-isotropic laminate and a zero degreed dominated laminate has been also performed.
Detection of malaria parasites in thick blood smear: A review
Authors: Azif Faza Maula , Nugroho Hanung Adi , Wibirama Sunu
Published: June 2018

Based on data from World Health Organization, in 2015, there are 90% of deaths caused by malaria disease in Africa, Southeast Asia and countries of eastern Mediterranean. It makes the malaria become one of the most dangerous diseases that often leads to death. To support the diagnosis of malaria, early detection of plasmodium parasite is needed. Recently, malaria diagnosis process can be done with the help of computer, or often referred to as Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD). By utilizing the digital image from the blood staining process, digital image processing can be performed to detect the presence of malaria parasite. There are 2 types of blood smear images that can be used in the malaria diagnosis process, namely, thin blood smear images and thick blood smear images. This paper provides a review of the techniques and methods used in the diagnosis of computer-assisted malaria using thick blood smear images as a diagnostic material.
Enhancing thermal and mechanical properties of polypropylene using masterbatches of nanoclay and nano-CaCO3: A review
Authors: Chafidz Achmad
Published: June 2018

Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) can be considered as promising relatively new types of composite materials. PNCs give opportunity to develop new composites materials with different structure-property relationships compared to their conventional micro/macro scale composites. Polyolefin based nanocomposites nowadays become more important, because this type of composites has been largely used in various industries. For example, polypropylene based nanocomposites have been widely used in automobile – related industries to replace their conventional composites. This review paper will focus on the polypropylene based nanocomposites prepared using masterbatches of nanoclay and nano-CaCO3 via melt compounding method. The thermal and mechanical properties of such nanocomposites were also discussed.
Living With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Protocol for a Longitudinal Study of Factors Associated With Symptom Exacerbations (Preprint)
Authors: Witges Kelcie , Targownik Laura E , Haviva Clove , Walker John R , Graff Lesley A , Sexton Kathryn A , Lix Lisa , Sargent Michael , Vagianos Kathy , Bernstein Charles N
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

There has been limited longitudinal research that has comprehensively evaluated possible factors in the exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms with or without associated inflammation. Evolving Web-based technologies facilitate frequent monitoring of patients’ experiences and allow a fine-grained assessment of disease course.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to prospectively identify factors associated with symptom exacerbation and inflammation in IBD including psychological functioning, diet, health behaviors, and medication adherence.

METHODS

Between June 2015 and May 2017, we enrolled adults with IBD, recruited from multiple sources, who had been symptomatically active at least once within the prior 2 years. They completed a Web-based survey every 2 weeks for 1 year and submitted a stool sample at baseline, 26 weeks, and 52 weeks. Any participant reporting a symptom exacerbation was matched to a control within the cohort, based on disease type, sex, age, and time of enrollment; both were sent a supplemental survey and stool collection kit. Biweekly surveys included validated measures of the disease course, psychological functioning, health comorbidities, and medication use. Intestinal inflammation was identified through fecal calprotectin (positive level >250 μg/g stool).

RESULTS

There were 155 participants enrolled with confirmed IBD, 66.5% (103/155) with Crohn disease and 33.5% (52/155) with ulcerative colitis, of whom 98.7% (153/155) completed the study. Over the 1-year period, 47.7% (74/155) participants experienced a symptom exacerbation. The results of analyses on risk factors for symptom exacerbations are pending.

CONCLUSIONS

We recruited and retained a longitudinal IBD cohort that will allow the determination of risk factors for symptom exacerbation with and without inflammation. This will increase understanding of symptom exacerbations among persons with IBD.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

RR1-10.2196/11317
Supported Web-Based Guided Self-Help for Insomnia for Young People Attending Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Protocol for a Feasibility Assessment (Preprint)
Authors: Cliffe Bethany , Croker Abigail , Denne Megan , Stallard Paul
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance in adolescents is common, with up to one-third reporting significant symptoms of insomnia. Research with adults has demonstrated that Web-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) can improve both sleep and mental health. However, research with adolescents is lacking, and we know little about whether CBTi would have similar effects on this younger population.

OBJECTIVE

This paper summarizes the protocol of a study to assess the feasibility of adding supported Web-based CBTi to the usual care of young people aged 14-17 years attending specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

METHODS

This is an open trial where we will recruit young people (N=50) aged 14-17 years attending specialist CAMHS with primary or comorbid symptoms of insomnia. In addition to their usual care, young people will be provided with Sleepio, a 6-session, Web-based CBTi self-help program for insomnia. Sleepio teaches a range of techniques including sleep hygiene, relaxation training, stimulus control, sleep restriction, and cognitive techniques that participants will be helped to apply through brief, weekly telephone support calls. Questionnaires and interviews will be completed at baseline and postintervention (8-10 weeks) and will assess sleep, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and acceptability of Sleepio and telephone support.

RESULTS

Recruitment started in May 2018 and continued until the end of October 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will provide preliminary evidence about whether supported Web-based CBTi is acceptable to young people with mental health problems and about the postintervention effects on sleep and symptoms of anxiety and depression. This information will determine whether a randomized trial to determine the effectiveness of Sleepio should be undertaken.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

DRR1-10.2196/11324
A Customized Intervention Program Aiming to Improve Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Among Preschool Children: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Iran Healthy Start Study) (Preprint)
Authors: Mehdizadeh Atieh , Nematy Mohsen , Khadem-Rezaiyan Majid , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Sardar Mohammad Ali , Leis Anne , Humbert Louise , Bélanger Mathieu , Vatanparast Hassan
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Prevention of childhood obesity is a key approach to the primary prevention of noncommunicable diseases. Several models, based on the population health approach and aligned with ecological models, are used to design childhood obesity prevention programs around the world.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to introduce the design and evaluation plan of “Iran Healthy Start (IHS)/Aghazi Salem, Koodake Irani”—the customized Iranian version of Canadian Healthy Start/Départ Santé health promotion program—which is now being developed in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (Mashhad, Iran) and focuses on improving physical activity and healthy eating among preschool children.

METHODS

We will evaluate the intervention using a pilot randomized controlled design. The components of intervention include customized Decoda Web-based resources for children, an implementation guide for educators and managers, training and monitoring, communication and knowledge exchange, building partnership, and parent engagement. Outcomes include changes in anthropometry, physical activity level, nutritional risk status and dietary intake, and quality of life.

RESULTS

The project is funded by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The intervention was completed by the end of March 2018, and the analysis is currently under way. The first results of the IHS intervention program are expected to be submitted for publication in December 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

The double burden of malnutrition in early years children is a major health concern in developing countries. This justifies the need for health promotion programs that are specifically designed to target both overnutrition and undernutrition prevention. If the efficacy approved, the IHS could potentially be a comprehensive health promotion program for young children whose lifestyle behaviors can be improved toward a healthy future life in a nutrition transition setting.

CLINICALTRIAL

International Clinical Trials Registry Platform IRCT2016041927475N1; https://en.irct.ir/trial/22497

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

RR1-10.2196/11329
Using Actigraphy to Predict the Ecological Momentary Assessment of Mood, Fatigue, and Cognition in Older Adulthood: Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Parsey Carolyn M. , Schmitter-Edgecombe Maureen
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Sleep quality has been associated with cognitive and mood outcomes in otherwise healthy older adults. However, most studies have evaluated sleep quality as aggregate and mean measures, rather than addressing the impact of previous night’s sleep on next-day functioning.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the ability of previous night’s sleep parameters on self-reported mood, cognition, and fatigue to understand short-term impacts of sleep quality on next-day functioning.

METHODS

In total, 73 cognitively healthy older adults (19 males, 54 females) completed 7 days of phone-based self-report questions, along with 24-hour actigraph data collection. We evaluated a model of previous night’s sleep parameters as predictors of mood, fatigue, and perceived thinking abilities the following day.

RESULTS

Previous night’s sleep predicted fatigue in the morning and midday, as well as sleepiness or drowsiness in the morning; however, sleep measures did not predict subjective report of mood or perceived thinking abilities the following day.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that objectively measured sleep quality from the previous night may not have a direct or substantial relationship with subjective reporting of cognition or mood the following day, despite frequent patient reports. Continued efforts to examine the relationship among cognition, sleep, and everyday functioning are encouraged.
Feasibility of Telemonitoring Blood Pressure in Patients With Kidney Disease (Oxford Heart and Renal Protection Study-1): Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Warner Bronwen E , Velardo Carmelo , Salvi Dario , Lafferty Kathryn , Crosbie Sarah , Herrington William G , Haynes Richard
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Blood pressure (BP) is a key modifiable risk factor for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with current guidelines recommending strict control to reduce the risk of progression of both CKD and cardiovascular disease. Trials involving BP lowering require multiple visits to achieve target BP, which increases the costs of such trials, and in routine care, BP measured in the clinic may not accurately reflect the usual BP.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess whether a telemonitoring system for BP (using a Bluetooth-enabled BP machine that could transmit BP measurements to a tablet device installed with a bespoke app to guide the measurement of BP and collect questionnaire data) was acceptable to patients with CKD and whether patients would provide sufficient BP readings to assess variability and guide treatment.

METHODS

A total of 25 participants with CKD were trained to use the telemonitoring equipment and asked to record BP daily for 30 days, attend a study visit, and then record BP on alternate days for the next 60 days. They were also offered a wrist-worn applanation tonometry device (BPro) which measures BP every 15 minutes over a 24-hour period. Participants were given questionnaires at the 1- and 3-month time points; the questionnaires were derived from the System Usability Scale and Technology Acceptance Model. All eligible participants completed the study.

RESULTS

Mean participant age was 58 (SD 11) years, and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 36 (SD 13) mL/min/1.73m2. 13/25 (52%) participants provided >90% of the expected data and 18/25 (72%) provided >80% of the expected data. The usability of the telemonitoring system was rated highly, with mean scores of 84.9/100 (SE 2.8) after 30 days and 84.2/100 (SE 4.1) after 90 days. The coefficient of variation for the variability of systolic BP telemonitoring was 9.4% (95% CI 7.8-10.9) compared with 7.9% (95% CI 6.4-9.5) for the BPro device, P=.05 (and was 9.0% over 1 year in a recently completed trial with identical eligibility criteria), indicating that most variation in BP was short term.

CONCLUSIONS

Telemonitoring is acceptable for patients with CKD and provides sufficient data to inform titration of antihypertensive therapies in either a randomized trial setting (comparing BP among different targets) or routine clinical practice. Such methods could be employed in both scenarios and reduce costs currently associated with such activities.

CLINICALTRIAL

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN13725286; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13725286 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74PAX51Ji).
Hospital in Motion, a Multidimensional Implementation Project to Improve Patients’ Physical Behavior During Hospitalization: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: van Delft Lotte Martine Maria , Bor Petra , Valkenet Karin , Veenhof Cindy
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Despite the evidence of the adverse consequences of immobility during hospitalization, patients spend most of the time in bed. Although physical activity is a modifiable factor that can prevent in-hospital functional decline, bed rest is deeply rooted in the hospital culture. To attack this, a multidimensional approach is needed. Therefore, Hospital in Motion, a multidimensional implementation project, was designed to improve physical behavior during hospitalization.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Hospital in Motion on inpatient physical behavior. Secondary objectives are to investigate the effectiveness on length of hospital stay and immobility-related complications of patients during hospitalization and to monitor the implementation process.

METHODS

For this study, Hospital in Motion will be implemented within 4 wards (cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, medical oncology, and hematology) in a Dutch University Medical Center. Per ward, multidisciplinary teams will be composed who follow a step-by-step multidimensional implementation approach including the development and implementation of tailored action plans with multiple interventions to stimulate physical activity in daily care. A prepost observational study design will be used to evaluate the difference in physical behavior before and 1 year after the start of the project, including 40 patients per time point per ward (160 patients in total). The primary outcome measure is the percentage of time spent lying, measured with the behavioral mapping method. In addition, a process evaluation will be performed per ward using caregivers’ and patient surveys and semistructured interviews with patients and caregivers.

RESULTS

This study is ongoing. The first participant was enrolled in October 2017 for the premeasurement. The postmeasurements are planned for the end of 2018. The first results are expected to be submitted for publication in autumn 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will provide information about the effectiveness of the Hospital in Motion project on physical behavior and about the procedures of the followed implementation process aimed to incorporate physical activity in usual care. These insights will be useful for others interested in changing physical behavior during hospitalization.

CLINICALTRIAL

Netherlands Trial Register NTR7109; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6914 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/76dyhdjdd)

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

DERR1-10.2196/11341
eStEPs � A eHealth Strategy for Elderly Patients (Preprint)
Authors: Kuchenbeiser Michaela , Wuerstlein Rachel , Schindler Florian , Drewes Caroline , Hofmann Verena , Harbeck Nadia , Welslau Manfred , Schinköthe Timo
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Routine practice in oncology increasingly relies on electronic Patient Reported Outcome (ePRO) measures. Elderly and less tech‐savvy patients often experience difficulties regarding electronic questionnaires. Hence, innovative strategies have to be developed to overcome their uncertainty and inexperience in computer usage.

OBJECTIVE

The first objective of this paper is to analyze the status quo of elderly patients regarding their internet usage, technical handling and future interest in internet-based therapy support, by focusing on septuagenarians and older patients who have already participated in a previous survey on breast cancer. The second objective is to examine the required adaptions within the CANKADO eHealth platform to meet the needs of elderly patients. The modifications were based on the results of unstructured interviews conducted with myeloma patients who actively used CANKADO for at least two months.

METHODS

The eHealth Strategy for Elderly Patients (eStEPs) is a module inside the open online platform CANKADO (www.cankado.com). In the first stage, 124 patients aged 70 years and older were interviewed regarding their internet use and technical equipment. In the second stage, 30 patients with multiple myeloma actively used CANKADO supplementary to their therapy. These patients were treated in eight centers. During the project term of at least two months, all participating Health Care Professionals HCPs and patients were regularly questioned in open interviews on their eHealth practice.

RESULTS

The first phase showed a high penetration of internet usage in patients above 70 years: 51% of all surveyed patients had a computer with internet access at home while 36% used the internet every day. In the course of the second phase, 30 patients, 12 nurses and 7 physicians took part in My–eStEPs. Evaluation of the recorded statements led to three significant modifications in CANKADO: The implementation of a simplified login procedure, the possibility of dynamic content adjustment and the development of a simulation mode where HCPs can switch to the patient’s interface to show and explain the application to the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

To successfully establish eHealth methods among elderly patients, it is important to understand their needs and adapt the services to their requirements. Moreover, a close cooperation between HCPs and their patients is an essential demand during the initial period.
Management of Dermatophytoses by Foliose Lichen; Heterodermia diademata (Taylor) D.D. Awasthi
Authors:   Biological Product Lab, Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211002, Pandey Anand , Kumar Awadhesh ,   Biological Product Lab, Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211002, Dikshit Anupam ,   Department of Horticulture, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Mizoram University, Aizawl.
Published: June 2018

Lichens are demarcated as an association of two distinct and dissimilar components; the mycobiont (a fungus) and the phycobionts (an alga) forming a composite organism. The recent advancement in science has paid much attention on the biological roles of lichen secondary substances; which are attributed with a lot of biological activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant activities. The current research aims to unravel the fungicidal activity of lichen Heterodermia diademata, ethanolic extract (HDE) against prevalent superficial infection causing dermatophytes viz., Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum gypseum and M. canis. The HDE was found active against M. gypseum and T. mentagrophytes with MIC; 1.68 and 1.98 mg/ml and mg/ml respectively. The dermatophytes were also analyzed by molecular phylogeny of chs-1 gene for variability in MIC and prediction of susceptible pathogens.
Study of Genetic Diversity among the Seeded Banana Found in the Northeast Region of India by RAPD (Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA) Analysis
Authors:   Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Mizoram University, Aizawl - 796004, India., Thangjam Premabati , Thangjam Robert
Published: June 2018

The RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) technique was used to evaluate the genetic variation among twenty one wild bananas found in the northeastern region. Out of the ten primers used eight give 100% polymorphism. Among the ten primers used UBC-425 gives the highest polymorphic information content, resolving power as well as highest marker index. The highest dissimilarity index was obtained between the sample MZ1 (Changkha from Mizoram) and AR12 (kutikol from Arunachal) scoring the dissimilarity index of 0.85 whilst the lowest/highest dissimilarity/similarity was found between AS13 and AS14 (Athiakol and Bhimkol from Assam) scoring the dissimilarity index of 0.17. This result indicates that AS13 and AS14 were more closely related as compared with all the other accessions studied while MZ1 and AR12 were highly dissimilar. Dendrogram based on Nei’s coefficient reveals two major groups which were again sub-grouped into six minor clusters. The dendrogram was not able to clearly distinguish the different genome groups in the study. The study reveals significant level of diversity among the wild bananas studied and it could be utilized for future conservation and sustainable utilization of the genetic resources.
Genetic Transformation of Musa acuminata cv. Vaibalhla (AAA) using Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors:   Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Mizoram University, Aizawl-796004, India, Hrahsel Lalremsiami , Basu Adreeja ,   Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781039, India, Sahoo Lingaraj ,   Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781039, India, Thangjam Robert ,   Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Mizoram University, Aizawl-796004, India
Published: June 2018

Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of Musa acuminata cv. Vaibalhla (AAA) was performed using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105 harboring pCAMBIA2301AtNHX1 plasmid. For the transformation efficiency assay, the un-and pre-cultured immature male flower explants were subjected to various methods of injury such as hypodermal needle injury, with and without sonication and vacuum infiltration. The explants were then inoculated in bacterial suspension by occasional shaking for 30 minutes. After inoculation, explants were co-cultivated for 3 days in dark condition at 22° C in a liquid MS basal medium supplemented with 100 µM acetosyringone. For selection of transformants, the treated explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with BAP (2 mg/L), NAA (0.5 mg/L) and ascorbic acid (75 mg/L) along with antibiotics kanamycin (100 mg/L), cefotaxime (300 mg/L) and augmentin (300 mg/L).The putative transformation was analyzed using histochemical GUS assay. 14 and 21 days pre-cultured male flower explants subjected to 4-5 needle point injury resulted in 93.33% and 100% putative transformation respectively. 30s sonication combined with 5 minutes of vacuum infiltration for 7, 14 and 21 days pre-cultured immature male flower explants gave 73.33%, 66.66% and 71.42% putative transformation respectively.
Aprender la historia: de las operaciones infralógicas al pensamiento formal
Authors: Morales Peláez Mayarí , Vega Molina Luis Diego , Zárate Arguedas Nelson
Published: June 2018

El artículo se fundamenta en una exploración epistemológica con jóvenes entre 12 y 14 años, con un énfasis en el paso de las operaciones infralógicas al pensamiento formal.En él se muestran experiencias operatorias que cumplen funciones de diagnóstico, pero también de aprendizaje y se evidencia la necesidad del desarrollo de experiencias de aula focalizadas en la asimilación nocional para la comprensión de la historia.
El museo local como herramienta de difusión y didáctica del patrimonio arqueológico. Algunas reflexiones en torno al caso español
Authors: Garrido Castellano Carlos
Published: June 2018

Este artículo analiza el estado actual de la museología arqueológica en ámbitos municipales en lo que a España respecta. Partiendo de un enfoque amplio, que combina avances en la teoría arqueológica sobre la musealización y la difusión del patrimonio con los presupuestos de la Didáctica de la Arqueología, se pretende realizar una valoración crítica de algunas de las propuestas de intervención patrimonial másnovedosas, así como reflexionar acerca de la problemática actual de los centros museísticos locales.
Estrategias para la innovación e implementación de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación en la práctica educativa: una respuesta a las nuevas demandas de la sociedad del siglo XXI
Authors: Quesada Fernández Cristian
Published: June 2018

Actualmente la sociedad demanda en la formación de las personas una serie de competencias que van desde el uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación hasta habilidades de trabajo cooperativo, toma de decisiones, pensamiento crítico y resolución de problemas. En este artículo se resumen las principales demandas de la sociedad al docente, estudiante y a las instituciones educativas, además se expone la implementación de las Tecnologías de la Información y la comunicación (TIC) y la educación virtual como una opción para hacerle frente a dichas demandas. Palabras clave: educación en línea, educación virtual, Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación
Creencias sobre la clase, y el docente de matemáticas en la educación secundaria
Authors: Rojas Mora Eugenio , Sequeira Salaza Ronald
Published: June 2018

Existen muchas opiniones por parte de estudiantes de secundaria sobre la clase y el docente de matemáticas, algunas positivas y otras no. Por ejemplo, para algunos las lecciones de matemáticas son aburridas, y muy difíciles. Para otros, las clases son interesantes y entretenidas. Con respecto al docente de Matemática, es aburrido, poco innovador, hábil con los números y responsable. En este artículo se describen algunas de las creencias que tienen los estudiantes sobre las clases y el docente de Matemática, como parte del Proyecto de Investigación: “Estructura de las Creencias en Matemática”, con estudiantes de secundaria de tres instituciones de Costa Rica, dos decarácter público y una de carácter privado.
Pensando en la integración de los posgrados centroamericanos: metodología investigativa aplicada en la Confederación Universitaria Centroamericana
Authors: Morúa Saborío Mario Alejandro
Published: June 2018

La tesis doctoral que origina el presente artículo metodológico lleva por título La integración regional de los estudios de posgrado ofrecidos por las universidades públicas en Centroamérica y República Dominicana. El propósito de este artículo es exponer el método y la metodología implementados en dicha tesis.El tema de la tesis fue desarrollado desde el paradigma de investigación cualitativo y con enfoque de gestión. Previo a la definición del método por seguir para su desarrollo, se efectuaron dinámicas orientadas a problematizar las principales ideas que giran en torno a la integración centroamericana de los estudios de posgrado. Esta integración constituyó el objeto de estudio.El tipo general del método que se eligió para el desarrollo de la tesis doctoral en mención es el hermenéutico-dialéctico, el cual se caracteriza fundamentalmente por considerar la forma natural desde la cual las personas comprenden e interpretan significados. Este método sigue la lógica que va de lo general a lo particular y viceversa, sin distorsionar la fragmentación del “todo” en las partes que lo conforman. Más bien, identifica, de manera consciente, en esa comprensión e interpretación de significados, la existencia de las complejas interrelaciones que surgen entre el “todo” y sus partes constitutivas, pero a la vez, entre estas consigo mismas y con el “todo” que conforman.La puesta en marcha de este método se hizo por medio de tres técnicas: 1) la entrevista semiestructurada, 2) la observación participante y 3) la revisión documental, lo que permitió la correspondiente triangulación para analizar los datos e información obtenida.
Producción de melón en invernadero: comparación agronómica entre tipos de melón
Authors: Monge-Pérez José Eladio , Loría-Coto Michelle
Published: June 2018

En esta investigación, se evaluaron siete tipos de melón (Cucumis melo L.): el amarillo, el cantaloupe, el charentais, el galia, el harper, el honey dew y el japonés, producidos bajo invernadero en condiciones hidropónicas en Alajuela, Costa Rica, para determinar su rendimiento y calidad, en los niveles cualitativo (una variable) y cuantitativo (seis variables). Todos los genotipos de los melones tipo amarillo, honey dew y japonés presentaron plantas andromonoicas, mientras que, en los demás tipos, se presentaron genotipos monoicos y andromonoicos. Los datos muestran una amplia variabilidad entre los tipos de melón en cuanto a número de frutos por planta (1,18–3,26); peso promedio del fruto (443,29–837,03 g); rendimiento por planta (685,08–1882,13 g); rendimiento por área (17,79–48,89 ton/ha); firmeza de la pulpa del fruto (14,91–20,40 N); y porcentaje de sólidos solubles totales (12,48–15,33 °Bx).  El mayor número de frutos por planta se obtuvo en los tipos de melón amarillo (3,26) y japonés (2,79); mientras que el menor número, con cantaloupe (1,48) y galia (1,18). Los frutos con mayor peso promedio se consiguieron con los tipos honey dew, cantaloupe y japonés. No se presentaron diferencias significativas entre tratamientos para la firmeza de la pulpa del fruto. El mayor porcentaje de sólidos solubles totales se obtuvo con los melones tipo honey dew, amarillo, harper y japonés. El mayor rendimiento por área se logró con los melones tipo japonés y honey dew (48,89 y 47,51 ton/ha, respectivamente), por lo que se consideran los más recomendables bajo las condiciones en que se desarrolló el ensayo.
Los Adolescentes: sin respuestas simples
Authors: Morales Bejarano Alberto
Published: June 2018

Notas de conferencia realizada en el marco del III COLOQUIO: Re-conectándonos con la Adolescencia, realizado por la Maestría Profesional en Psicopedagogía de la Universidad Estatal a Distancia.
Construcción de un índice de pobreza a partir del equipamiento de los hogares en Costa Rica
Authors: Porras Solís Ángel Jesús
Published: June 2018

En el presente artículo se aplica una serie de técnicas estadísticas multivariantes para la construcción de un índice de pobreza a partir de los elementos de equipamiento de los hogares en Costa Rica utilizando como fuente de información los microdatos de la Encuesta Nacional de Hogares 2016 (ENAHO 2016). Se calcula el índice y se cuantifica la línea (umbral) que permite separar los hogares pobres y no pobres, para luego estudiar sus repercusiones geográficas (zona y región) y su relación con los otros indicadores de pobreza. Por último, se especifican algunas propiedades que cumple el índice como indicador de medida de pobreza.
Metodologías inclusivas de aprendizaje mediante el uso de TIC: opiniones de estudiantes y docentes costarricenses
Authors: Carolina Ávalos Dávila Carolina , Redondo Quesada Vivian , Rojas Camacho Daiyen , Salazar Marín Jéssica
Published: June 2018

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo realizar un análisis comparativo de tres centros educativos, dos públicos y uno privado: el centro educativo Juan Flores Umaña, el CTP Fernando Volio y el centro educativo bilingüe Llama del Bosque respectivamente, con la finalidad de indagar sobre el uso de las diversas TIC usadas, en los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje en las áreas de ciencias e inglés, y valorar si tal uso apunta a la ejecución de metodologías de enseñanza y aprendizaje favorecedoras de una educación integral y de atención a la diversidad estudiantil en la población de sexto y de sétimo grado; para ello, se tomaron en cuenta sus similitudes, diferencias y formas de aprendizaje. La investigación de tipo mixto, exploratoria, descriptiva, fundamentada en el paradigma crítico y positivista, presenta los resultados, las opiniones de los docentes y estudiantes en cuanto al empleo de metodologías, técnicas y recursos TIC, en favor de generar espacios inclusivos de aprendizaje. Finalmente, se sensibiliza al cuerpo docente en el tema de inclusión educativa desde la capacitación de métodos que favorezcan procesos de aprendizaje integrales e inclusivos, como lo podría ser el método sobre Diseño Universal (DUA), favorecedor de metodologías de aprendizaje que, apoyadas por variados recursos tecnológicos,  propicien una educación integral, innovadora y diversa.
Real Earnings Management by Benchmark-Beating Firms: Implications for Future Profitability
Authors: Beyer Brooke D. , Nabar Sandeep M. , Rapley Eric T.
Published: June 2018

SYNOPSIS

Prior studies document both an improvement (Gunny 2010) and deterioration (Bhojraj, Hribar, Picconi, and McInnis 2009) in the future operating performance of firms engaging in real earnings management (REM) to meet earnings benchmarks. These results suggest that some firms use REM to signal their favorable prospects, whereas others use REM opportunistically. We hypothesize that firms with less robust information environments, more costly REM, and fewer incentives to meet short-term earnings benchmarks are more likely to engage in REM to signal future performance. Consistent with expectations, we find the positive relation between REM and future profitability is limited to firms that have less robust information environments (measured with stock return volatility, bid/ask spread, and analysts following), more costly REM (measured with market share and financial health), and fewer incentives to meet short-term earnings benchmarks (measured with market-to-book ratio, transient investors, and seasoned equity offering). In supplementary analysis, we note that Bhojraj et al. (2009) restrict their sample to relatively large firms, whereas Gunny's (2010) sample includes both large and small firms. Our analysis indicates that the difference in sample composition explains the differing results. We find that small firms use REM to signal positive future performance, but large firms do not.

JEL Classifications: M40; M41.
Femtosecond laser-induced chemical vapor deposition of tungsten quasi-periodic structures on silicon substrates
Authors: Ten Jyi Sheuan , Sparkes Martin , O’Neill William
Published: June 2018

A rapid, maskless deposition technique for writing conductive tracks via femtosecond laser-induced chemical vapor deposition has been developed. The technique can be used for a range of applications, one example being writing conductive tracks for the construction of microelectronic devices. The process uses pulsed ultrafast laser with 300 fs pulse length and 1030 nm wavelength for the direct deposition of tungsten tracks on silicon substrates from metal organic tungsten hexacarbonyl precursors. The written tracks consisted of wavy quasi-periodic walls with thickness of 200 nm and a periodicity of 500 nm, aligned perpendicular to the linear polarization of the laser beam. Fixed number of pulses spot dwell experiments revealed that a thin film formed before quasi-periodic structures grew on top of that thin film. The peak intensity threshold for the deposition process (8.64 × 1010 W/cm2) was lower than the threshold for surface modification on the silicon substrate (3.34 × 1011 W/cm2) at the same scanning speed of 10 μm/s and repetition rate of 502 kHz. Negligible damage to the underlying substrate was observed in the cross section. Scan speeds up to 100 μm s−1 were achieved in the process. The elemental composition of the deposits was measured to be 80% by weight tungsten in energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy methods and the resistivity of the deposit was measured to be 290 μΩ cm using the transfer length method.
Investigations on dual laser beam welding of aluminum high pressure die castings at reduced ambient pressure
Authors: Teichmann Fabian , Müller Sebastian , Dilger Klaus
Published: June 2018

During the manufacture of aluminum high pressure die castings, the aluminum alloy is in a liquid phase during the majority of process steps. Due to the high solubility of hydrogen in liquid aluminum, the die casted part likely has an increased hydrogen content, which affects the weldability negatively. When welding these materials, hydrides dissociate and hydrogen is liberated and forms porosity during solidification. To avoid the described formation of porosity, friction stir welding below the melting point and electron beam welding with high frequency beam oscillation were investigated in prior research. Other studies reported that the formation of porosity during laser beam welding of pure aluminum was prevented by the application of dual beam configurations. However, it is well known that laser beam welding under vacuum condition has several advantages, such as the increase in penetration depth, the enhanced degasification, or the overall calming effect on the melt pool when welding ferrous metals. Aiming to combine these advantages, the current work consequently focuses on the occurrence of porosity during dual laser beam welding of aluminum die castings under vacuum (100–0.1 hPa) and atmospheric conditions. All results are based on the outcome of x-ray computed tomography or tensile testing.