bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Evaluation on the Performance Comparison between OGFC Asphalt Reinforcement with Fibers and Modified with Nanosilica
Authors: Tanzadeh Javad , Gamasaei Reza Shahreza , Gilani Fatemeh Ramzanniya
Published: March 2019

Open-graded friction course (OGFC) is a mixture with gap-graded aggregate that is used in pavement surfacing. This research proposes methods to improve the durability and structural contribution of OGFC mixtures through laboratory performance testing. A draindown test, a Cantabro test, a permeability test, and an indirect tensile strength test were used to evaluate the performance of OGFC mixtures. The main parameters of this research specify optimum bitumen and desirable air voids, maximum reduction of draindown and abrasion loss, and retained tensile strength ratio. It was observed that the effect of fiber in both states on bitumen percentage caused increased sensitivity to oxidation of the asphalt mixture; however, the effect of nanosilica on the reduction of sensitivity to oxidation was considerable. The effect of glass fiber in enhancing tensile strength was far higher than that of basalt fiber. In both states, nanosilica caused improved tensile strength of the mixture. Additionally, the moisture sensitivity of the OGFC mixtures with glass fiber was far better than that of the basalt fiber, and addition of nanosilica caused further improvement. The results showed a negative effect of the addition of basalt fiber alone in the asphalt mixture with a higher between percentage, necessitating the addition of nanosilica in conjunction with basalt fiber.
Volume Change Characteristics of Eco-Friendly Mortar Mixes Produced with Geopolymeric Binder and Recycled Fine Aggregate
Authors: Saha Suman , Shaik Nisar , Rajasekaran Chandrasekaran
Published: March 2019

The production of geopolymer mortar using recycled fine aggregate (RFA) generated from concrete waste has significant potential to be a sustainable construction material. In this article, the volume change properties of the produced geopolymer mortar mixes are studied in terms of drying shrinkage up to the age of 180 days and reported as the percentage increase with respect to the shrinkage value of 3 days. The influence of RFA content, alkaline liquid (AL) in terms of the concentration of sodium hydroxide (SH) solution, the ratio of sodium silicate (SS) solution to SH solution, and the ratio of AL to fly ash (FA) were investigated on the drying shrinkage properties of the geopolymer mortar mixes. All the cast specimens were cured at 80°C for 24 hours. Higher drying shrinkage values were observed for the mortar mixes produced with higher RFA content, AL/FA, SS/SH ratio, and lower concentration of SH solution. Scanning electron microscope images were studied for the samples taken from the geopolymer mixes showing lower drying shrinkage values to understand the microstructure.
Evaluation of Apparatus Used to Test Liquid through Protective Materials: Comparison of a Modified Dot-Blot Apparatus to the ASTM Penetration Cell
Authors: Schwerin Matthew R. , Portnoff Lee , Furlong Jennifer L. , Das Srilekha S. , Gordon Edward A. , Woods Terry O. , Wood Steven C. , Lucas Anne D.
Published: March 2019

Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gowns used in the latest Ebola outbreak in Western Africa, are critical in preventing the spread of deadly diseases. Appropriate test systems and test soils are needed to adequately evaluate PPE. ASTM F903, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquid, has been used for decades to test fabrics’ resistance to liquid penetration. However, this test apparatus requires at least 60 mL of test solutions, is labor intensive, and has problems with leakage around the gaskets. We compared the F903 test apparatus to a modified dot-blot apparatus to evaluate the visual penetration of a blood test soil. A series of commercially available gowns and drapes were tested in each apparatus. Using blood test soil at 2 psi, there was no statistically significant difference between the two methods except for in one gown. By comparing this gown in the ASTM test apparatus with and without a screen, the particular screen selected did not account for the difference between the dot-blot and F903 apparatuses; however, it is conceivable that a particular screen/fabric combination could account for this difference. The modified dot-blot apparatus was evaluated using three different test solutions: blood, vomit, and a labeled protein (goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G–horseradish peroxidase [GaR IgG-HRP]) in a blood test soil solution. This testing revealed significant difference in penetration for some of the PPE garments. The modified dot-blot had several large advantages over the ASTM apparatus—over six times less specimen volume and no edge or gasket leakage. In addition, nitrocellulose can be easily incorporated into the modified dot-blot apparatus, enabling the trapping of viruses and proteins that penetrate PPE—thus permitting the use of antibodies to quickly and sensitively detect penetration.
A New Family of Distributions Based on a Poly-Exponential Transformation
Authors: Chesneau Christophe , Bakouch Hassan S. , Sharma Vikas Kumar
Published: March 2019

In this article, we propose a new generator of distributions based on a polynomial-exponential transformation of an existing cumulative distribution function. It naturally arises when we deal with parallel-series systems. We study some of its mathematical properties, including moments, a moment generating function, some measures of uncertainty, and a distribution of order statistics. Maximum likelihood estimation along with an extensive simulation study is discussed. The applicability of some submodels of the family is illustrated by means of two hydrologic data sets over existing distributions.
Echoes of Emotions Past: How Neuromodulators Determine What We Recollect
Authors: Clewett David , Murty Vishnu P.
Published: March 2019

We tend to re-live emotional experiences more richly in memory than more mundane experiences. According to one recent neurocognitive model of emotional memory, negative events may be encoded with a larger amount of sensory information than neutral and positive events. As a result, there may be more perceptual information available to reconstruct these events at retrieval, leading to memory reinstatement patterns that correspond with greater memory vividness and sense of recollection for negative events. In this commentary, we offer an alternative perspective on how emotion may influence such sensory cortex reinstatement that focuses on engagement of the noradrenergic (NE) and dopaminergic (DA) systems rather than valence. Specifically, we propose that arousal-related locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system activation promotes the prioritization of the most salient features of an emotional experience in memory. Thus, a select few details may drive lower-level sensory cortical activity and a stronger sense of recollection for arousing events. By contrast, states of high behavioral activation, including novelty-seeking and exploration, may recruit the DA system to broaden the scope of cognitive processing and integrate multiple event aspects in memory. These more integrated memory representations may be reflected in higher-order cortical reinstatement at retrieval. Thus, the balance between activation in these neuromodulatory systems at encoding, rather than the valence of the event, may ultimately determine the quality of emotional memory recollection and neural reinstatement.
Verbal Fluency Is Affected by Altered Brain Lateralization in Adults Who Were Born Very Preterm
Authors: Tseng Chieh-En Jane , Froudist-Walsh Sean , Kroll Jasmin , Karolis Vyacheslav , Brittain Philip J. , Palamin Nadia , Clifton Hayley , Counsell Serena J. , Williams Steven C. R. , Murray Robin M. , Nosarti Chiara
Published: March 2019

Language difficulties have been reported in children and adolescents who were born very preterm (<32 weeks’ gestation) and associated with an atypical lateralization of language processing, i.e., increased right-hemispheric engagement. This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and spherical deconvolution tractography to study the hemodynamic responses associated with verbal fluency processing (easy and hard letter trials) and verbal fluency-related white matter fiber tracts in 64 very preterm born adults and 36 adult controls (mean age: 30 years). Tractography of the arcuate fasciculus (AF) and frontal aslant tract (FAT) was performed. Tracts were quantified in terms of mean volume, hindrance modulated orientational anisotropy, and lateralization, assessed using a laterality index (LI) to indicate hemispheric dominance. During verbal fluency fMRI, very preterm participants displayed decreased hemodynamic response suppression in both the Easy > Rest and Hard > Rest conditions, compared to controls, in superior temporal gyrus (STG), insula, thalamus, and sensorimotor cortex, particularly in the right hemisphere. At the whole-group level, decreased hemodynamic response suppression in the right sensorimotor cortex was associated with worse on-line performance on the hard letter trials. Increased left-laterality in the AF was present alongside increased right hemispheric hemodynamic response suppression in controls. When only right-handed participants were considered, decreased hemodynamic response suppression in the right STG during hard letter trials was related to weaker left and right FAT white matter integrity in the preterm group only. These results show that verbal fluency is affected by altered functional lateralization in adults who were born very preterm.
Choice-Selective Neurons in the Auditory Cortex and in Its Striatal Target Encode Reward Expectation
Authors: Guo Lan , Weems Jardon T. , Walker William I. , Levichev Anastasia , Jaramillo Santiago
Published: March 2019

Learned behavioral responses to sounds depend largely on the expected outcomes associated with each potential choice. Where and how the nervous system integrates expectations about reward with auditory sensory information to drive appropriate decisions is not fully understood. Using a two-alternative choice task in which the expected reward associated with each sound varied over time, we investigated potential sites along the corticostriatal pathway for the integration of sound signals, behavioral choice, and reward information in male mice. We found that auditory cortical neurons encode not only sound identity, but also the animal's choice and the expected size of reward. This influence of reward expectation on sound- and choice-related activity was further enhanced in the major striatal target of the auditory cortex: the posterior tail of the dorsal striatum. These results indicate that choice-specific information is integrated with reward signals throughout the corticostriatal pathway, potentially contributing to adaptation in sound-driven behavior.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTLearning and maintenance of sensory-motor associations require that neural circuits keep track of sensory stimuli, choices, and outcomes. It is not clear at what stages along the auditory sensorimotor pathway these signals are integrated to influence future behavior in response to sounds. Our results show that the activity of auditory cortical neurons and of their striatal targets encodes the animals' choices and expectation of reward, in addition to stimulus identity. These results challenge previous views of the influence of motor signals on auditory circuits and identifies potential loci for integration of task-related information necessary for updating auditory decisions in changing environments.
Ambient temperature and prevalence of diabetes and insulin resistance in the Spanish population: Di@bet.es study
Authors: Valdés Sergio , Doulatram-Gamgaram Viyey , Lago Ana , García Torres Francisca , Badía-Guillén Rocío , Olveira Gabriel , Goday Albert , Calle-Pascual Alfonso , Castaño Luis , Castell Conxa , Delgado Elías , Menendez Edelmiro , Franch-Nadal Josep , Gaztambide Sonia , Girbés Joan , Gomis Ramón , Ortega Emilio , Galán-García José L , Aguilera-Venegas Gabriel , Soriguer Federico , Rojo-Martínez Gemma
Published: March 2019

Objective

The activity of brown adipose tissue is sensitive to changes in ambient temperature. A lower exposure to cold could result in an increased risk of developing diabetes at population level, although this factor has not yet been sufficiently studied.

Design

We studied 5072 subjects, participants in a national, cross-sectional population-based study representative of the Spanish adult population (Di@bet.es study). All subjects underwent a clinical, demographic and lifestyle survey, a physical examination and blood sampling (75 g oral glucose tolerance test). Insulin resistance was estimated with the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). The mean annual temperature (°C) in each individual municipality was collected from the Spanish National Meteorology Agency.

Results

Linear regression analysis showed a significant positive association between mean annual temperature and fasting plasma glucose (β: 0.087, P < 0.001), 2 h plasma glucose (β: 0.049, P = 0.008) and HOMA-IR (β: 0.046, P = 0.008) in multivariate adjusted models. Logistic regression analyses controlled by multiple socio-demographic variables, lifestyle, adiposity (BMI) and geographical elevation showed increasing odds ratios for prediabetes (WHO 1999), ORs 1, 1.26 (0.95–1.66), 1.08 (0.81–1.44) and 1.37 (1.01–1.85) P for trend = 0.086, diabetes (WHO 1999) ORs 1, 1.05 (0.79–1.39), 1.20 (0.91–1.59) and 1.39 (1.02–1.90) P = 0.037, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ≥75th percentile of the non-diabetic population): ORs 1, 1.03 (0.82–1.30), 1.22 (0.96–1.55), 1.26 (0.98–1.63) (P for trend = 0.046) as the mean annual temperature (into quartiles) rose.

Conclusions

Our study reports an association between ambient temperature and the prevalence of dysglycemia and insulin resistance in Spanish adults, consistent with the hypothesis that a lower exposure to cold could be associated with a higher risk of metabolic derangements.
Готовність фахівців готельно-ресторанної справи до інноваційної професійної діяльності: рівнева характеристика
Authors: Potapkina Lesia
Published: March 2019

В статті представлено рівні готовності фахівців готельно-ресторанної справи до інноваційної професійної діяльності. Досліджено, що даний показник визначається професійною спрямованістю студента, на основі обраної спеціальності, набутою освітою, творчим пошуком і використанням отриманих під час фахової підготовки знань, умінь і навичок на практиці, а також прагненням до самовдосконалення. Для визначення рівня готовності фахівців готельно-ресторанної справи до інноваційної професійної діяльності відповідно до компонентів запропоновано критерії: мотиваційний, особистісний, когнітивний і діяльнісний. Визначення рівня психологічної готовності особистості до діяльності має базуватися на співвідношенні результативності конкретної професійної діяльності з погляду професійно заданих цілей і тих новоутворень, що відбуваються в особистості під впливом професійної діяльності. Як психологічні кореляти результативності діяльності та особистісних новоутворень можуть бути розглянуті мета діяльності та особистісний смисл.
Педагогічне моделювання освітнього середовища університету в умовах євроінтеграції
Authors: Martynenko Svitlana
Published: March 2019

Статтю присвячено розгляду педагогічного моделювання як феномена модернізації освітнього середовища університету, що відповідає суспільним викликам і вимогам європейського інтеграційного процесу; розкрито й розширено сутність педагогічного моделювання в контексті дослідження; виокремлено й охарактеризовано найпоширеніші типи педагогічних моделей: педагогічні моделі освіти як цінності, педагогічні моделі освіти як системи, педагогічні моделі освіти як єдність процесу і результату; подано авторське бачення сутності педагогічного моделювання освітнього середовища університету, яке полягає у відображенні особливостей існуючої педагогічної мети, алгоритму в спеціально створеному об’єкті, а також освітнього середовища, що є сукупністю матеріальних чинників навчально-пізнавального процесу, міжособистісних стосунків, які встановлюються між суб’єктами педагогічної взаємодії; доведено, що системний підхід у процесі педагогічного моделювання є ефективним і перспективним для соціалізації та самореалізації особистості в умовах євроінтеграції.
Розвиток професійно-педагогічної компетентності викладачів вищої школи у контексті досвіду США
Authors: Horokhivska Тetyana
Published: March 2019

У статті розглянуто тенденції розвитку професійно-педагогічної компетентності викладачів вищої школи у контексті досвіду США. Окрему увагу приділено аналізу науково-педагогічної літератури, присвяченої проблемі розвитку професійно-педагогічної компетентності педагогічних працівників США. Наголошено, що професійно-педагогічна компетентність займає найважливіше місце серед основних компетентностей викладачів вищої школи, оскільки безпосередньо пов’язана з виконанням професійних обов’язків. Виявлено особливості професійного розвитку викладачів американських вищих навчальних закладів, серед яких визначальне місце займає система підвищення кваліфікації педагогічних працівників. Визначено нормативну основу, проаналізовано бази, різноманітні форми і програми підвищення кваліфікації й удосконалення професійно-педагогічної компетентності викладачів вищої школи у США.
Формування інтегральної психолого-педагогічної компетентності викладача закладу вищої освіти
Authors: Marusinets Marianna
Published: March 2019

У статті висвітлено сучасні вимоги до викладача вищої школи (уміти організовувати таке дослідження-завдання, яке сприймається студентами як власна ініціатива; спонукати студентів до інтеграції зусиль при розв’язанні конкретних навчальних завдань; розв’язувати нестандартні навчальні та міжособистісні ситуації; уміти створювати ситуацію успіху, не нав’язувати власний спосіб мислення, дати можливість виявляти самостійність в інтелектуальній поведінці тощо). Обґрунтовано концептуальні засади формування психолого-педагогічної інтегральної компетентності викладача в процесі професійної підготовки: 1) формування психолого-педагогічної інтегральної компетентності викладача закладів вищої освіти базується на інтеграції психологічної та педагогічної підготовки на засадах проблемного підходу, 2) Диференціація як уміння визначити цільове призначення як педагогічних, так і психологічних аспектів у підготовці та професійній діяльності викладача; 3) інтеграція психолого-педагогічних знань та умінь на основі професійних цілей підготовки викладача вищої школи.
Sense of Coherence in People with and without Inflammatory Bowel Diseases – Is there a Difference?
Authors: Naftali Timna , Eindor-Abarbanel Adi , Ruhimovich Nahum , Shitrit Ariella Bar-Gil , Sklerovsky-Benjaminov Fabiana , Laish Ido , Matalon Shay , Shirin Haim , Milgrom Yael , Ziv-Baran Tomer , Broide Efrat
Published: March 2019

Background & Aims: Sense of coherence (SOC) is a theoretical concept reflecting a person‘s resources and orientation, which enable individuals to cope with stressors in a health-promoting manner. In several multifactorial chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and systemic lupus erythematosus, SOC was correlated with disease development. It was also related with the emotional distress in patients with inflammatory boweldisease (IBD).The aim of this study was to investigate the possible correlation between low SOC scores and the presence of IBD.Methods: A total of 183 Crohn’s disease (CD) and 71 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients completed questionnaires including demographic data and the 13 items for the SOC questionnaire. The IBD patients were matched to 124 healthy people according to age, gender, education, employment status and marital status.Results: In the CD cohort, 96 patients were matched to the healthy cohort according to the propensity score value, and in the UC cohort 57 were matched. Patients with Crohns’ disease had a median SOC score of 63 (IQR 56-71), and healthy matching controls of 62.5 (IQR 55.25- 68.75) p=0.369. Patients with ulcerative patients had a median SOC score of 66 (IQR 56-73) and healthy controls 62 (IQR 55-69) p=0.354.Conclusions: In our study SOC was not related to the development of IBD. The question of whether SOC is associated with the development of chronic disease and particularly with IBD remains open.
Endoscopic Retrieval of a Proximally Migrated Biliary Plastic Stent Using Direct per-Oral Cholangioscopy
Authors: Maselli Roberta , Troncone Edoardo , Fugazza Alessandro , Auriemma Francesco , Anderloni Andrea , Cappello Annalisa , Repici Alessandro
Published: March 2019

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Sequential Therapy for First-Line Helicobacter pylori Eradication: 10- or 14-Day Regimen?
Authors: Zullo Angelo , Fiorini Giulia , Scaccianoce Giuseppe , Portincasa Piero , De Francesco Vincenzo , Vassallo Roberto , Urban Flavia , Mogavero Giuseppe , Amato Arnaldo , Vaira Dino
Published: March 2019

Background & Aim: Standard 10-day sequential therapy is advised as first-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication by current Italian guidelines. Some data suggested that a 14-day regimen may achieve higher eradication rates. This study compared the efficacy of sequential therapy administered for either 10- or 14-days.Methods: This prospective, multicenter, open-label study enrolled patients with H. pylori infection without previous treatment. Patients were receiving a sequential therapy for either 10 or 14 days with esomeprazole 40 mg and amoxicillin 1 g (5 or 7 days) followed by esomeprazole 40 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg and tinidazole 500 mg (5 or 7 days), all given twice daily. Bacterial eradication was checked using 13C-urea breath test. Eradication cure rates were calculated at both Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses.Results: A total of 291 patients were enrolled, including 146 patients in 10-day and 145 in the 14-day regimen. The eradication rates were 87% (95% CI = 81.5-92.4) and 90.3% (95% CI = 85.5-95.1) at ITT analysis with the 10- and 14-day regimen, respectively, and 92.7% (95% CI = 88.3-97) and 97% (95% CI = 94.2-99.9) at PP analysis (p =0.37). Among patients, who earlier had interrupted therapy, bacterial eradication was achieved in 8 out of 9 who completed the first therapy phase and performed at least ≥3 days of triple therapy in the second phase.Conclusion: This study found that both 10- and 14-day sequential therapies achieved a high eradication rate for first-line H. pylori therapy in clinical practice.
Prevalence of gluten-related disorders in Asia-Pacific region: a systematic review
Authors: Ashtari Sara , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad Amin , Rostami Kamran , Rostami-Nejad Mohammad , Busani Luca , Tavirani Mostafa Rezaei , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2019

Background & Aims: The epidemiology of gluten-related disorders (GRDs) is still an open field to be explored. We conducted this systematic review based on the current epidemiology knowledge of GRDs, focusing on the changing prevalence of GRDs reported in the Asia-Pacific region.Methods: We searched Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane database with the following MeSH terms and keywords: celiac disease (CD), wheat allergy (WA), non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) and gluten ataxia (GA) and the prevalence studies published from January 1991 to January 2018. Each article was cross-referenced with “Asia-Pacific region” and countries in this regionsuch as Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Iran and others.Results: We included 66 studies, which reported the prevalence of GRDs in the Asia-Pacific region. Prevalence of celiac disease was 0.32%-1.41% in healthy children and 0.05%-1.22% in the adult population, while the prevalence in the high risk population was higher (0.6%-11.8%). Previous studies have shown a very low incidence of dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) (<0.001%) and gluten ataxia (GA) in this area. Few studies on NCGS outbreaks have been found in this area due to the lack of specific diagnostic biomarkers. Wheat allergy (WA), although uncommon in most Asian-Pacific countries, is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in this region.Conclusion: The results of this systematic review suggest the need to plan further proper epidemiological studies in order to understand the natural history of GRDs and to assess its burden on health systems.
Improving the Safety of Teratogen Prescribing Practices in a Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic
Authors: Cooper Ashley M. , Horwitz Mara , Becker Mara L.
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Although teratogenic medications are commonly used to treat rheumatic disease, no standard model currently exists for educating adolescent patients about teratogenic risk or performing routine pregnancy screening. We performed a quality improvement project to increase education and pregnancy screening in girls and women of childbearing age prescribed teratogenic medications in our pediatric rheumatology clinic.

METHODS:

Eligible participants included female patients age 10 and older prescribed teratogenic medications in a single-center tertiary care pediatric rheumatology clinic. Seven plan-do-study-act cycles were completed to test the following interventions: visible project reminders, physician and nurse education, progress updates, previsit planning, and development of an electronic health record education template. Chart reviews were performed, and control charts were created for each aim to analyze improvement over time.

RESULTS:

At baseline, 57 of 231 (24.7%) clinic encounters of female patients age 10 years and older taking teratogenic medications had education documented within the last 12 months, and 47 of 231 (20.3%) had pregnancy screening performed at the visit. Implementation of our interventions resulted in improvement in documentation of annual teratogen education (904 of 1135; 79.6%) and routine pregnancy screening (940 of 1135; 82.8%), both of which were statistically significant (P < .0001). Control charts revealed special cause with sustained improvement over >1 year.

CONCLUSIONS:

The interventions made through this quality improvement project increased the frequency of both teratogen education and urine pregnancy screening in patients taking teratogenic medications. Development of a standardized education template in the electronic health record played a key role in sustaining these improvements over time.
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in pediatrics. Case report
Authors: Camacho Jhon , Zuleta Sebastian , Alba Maria Paula , Hernandez Andrea , Navas Carlos
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Neuromyelitis optica is an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system that accounts for 5% of demyelinating diseases in pediatrics. Its clinical presentation is variable and associated to the involved area of the central nervous system.Case presentation: This is the case of a 15-year-old patient who consulted several times for nonspecific neurological symptoms. During his last visit to the Clínica Universitaria Colombia in Bogotá, he presented with bilateral optic neuritis, associated with frontal and parietal headache. Immunophenotyping studies were carried out, reporting positive IgG anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies (anti-AQP4 antibody), thus leading to a diagnosis of seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Management with methylprednisolone pulses was initiated with subsequent outpatient management with rituximab that allowed stabilizing the disease.Discussion: This is an interesting case due to its insidious and uncertain onset in a pediatric patient. It was possible to evaluate clinical and diagnostic differences in relation to its presentation in adults. NMOSD mediated by anti-AQP4 is rare; brain and bone marrow MRI are essential for diagnosis. The treatment of choice for acute conditions consists of high doses of methylprednisolone.Conclusion: This disorder may result in irreversible neurological damage; for this reason, high suspicion is required for early diagnosis and timely treatment.
Pediatric ocular trauma: intraorbital foreign body. Case report
Authors: Zuluaga-Orrego César Augusto , Caicedo-Montaño Camilo Alberto , Alba-Bernal María Paula , Acosta-Velásquez Vanesa , Reyes-Vergara Daniela , Santander-Guerrero Juan Sebastián
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Penetrating traumas in the orbit and intraorbital foreign bodies during pediatric age are rare and could be associated with vascular and optic nerve injuries.Clinical case: Five-year-old female patient with penetrating trauma in left orbit of 1 hour of evolution caused by a brush after accidentally tripping with a classmate while painting during art class. The patient was taken the pediatric emergency department of the Clinica Universitaria Colombia in Bogotá where she was admitted, assessed with scanographic studies and taken to surgery to remove the intraorbital foreign body.Discussion: The case of this patient was characterized by indemnity of the eyeball, central artery and vein of the retina and optic nerve, in addition to timely and interdisciplinary management that reduced the risk of complications.Conclusions: The analysis of the clinical evolution of the patient allowed identifying the key events to approach this type of cases, as well as the multiple management and prognosis alternatives according to the type and trajectory of the penetrating object.
Inflación y volatilidad cambiaria en México (1969-2017)
Authors: Rosas Rojas Eduardo , Mimbrera Mónica Cristina
Published: March 2019

Durante la década de los noventa, la economía mexicana experimentó diversos cambios en la aplicación de las políticas monetaria y cambiaria que culminaron con la implementación del esquema de metas de inflación en 2001. Si bien este régimen ha tenido éxito en la reducción de la tasa de inflación, también se ha observado un pobre desempeño económico. Este artículo de investigación busca examinar la relación entre inflación, incertidumbre inflacionaria y volatilidad cambiaria en un contexto de credibilidad, transparencia e independencia del Banco de México. Se utilizan modelos SARMA-GARCH, y su extensión E-GARCH-M, se presenta evidencia del cumplimiento de la hipótesis de estabilización de Holland y Friedman-Ball, lo que corrobora que el Banco de México ha procurado alcanzar su objetivo de inflación mediante una política de apreciación cambiaria y de disminución de su volatilidad.
Applications of a gradation equation in coarse-grained soils
Authors: Guo Wan-Li , Zhu Jun-Gao , Chen Sheng-Shui , Yu Ting
Published: March 2019

The gradation equation is used to mathematically express the particle size distribution (PSD) of soils. In this paper, a simple and practicable gradation equation and its applications to coarse-grained soils are discussed. First, the proposed equation can be used as an analytical technique for computing particle breakage factors. Closed forms for two widely used breakage factors are derived and demonstrated using a series of test data on the particle breakage of rockfill materials. Second, two particle size reduction techniques are derived and described by the proposed gradation equation. It is believed that the quantitative relationship between the gradation parameters before and after size reduction could be used to quantitatively and systematically study the particle size reduction effect. In addition, the proposed gradation equation can be used to design specific PSDs for the soils used in discrete-element method analyses and laboratory tests. For example, it is convenient in terms of designing the PSD with a certain coefficient of uniformity, coefficient of curvature and/or specified particle sizes.
BUILDING ECOLOGICAL INTELLIGENCE THROUGH INDONESIAN LANGUAGE LEARNING BASED ON KETHEK OGLENG DANCE
Authors: Hendriyanto Agoes , Mustofa Arif , Sutopo Bakti
Published: March 2019

Kethek Ogleng is a unique factor that shapes the aesthetics of language learning. Unfortunately, the relation between Kethek Ogleng and language learning draws only a little attention. To reveal the phenomenon, the present qualitative descriptive study was performed by investigating Indonesian language learning based on Kethek Ogleng dance. The study was conducted in SMPN (State Junior High School) 3 Nawangan, to the second semester ninth grade students of the 2017/2018 academic year. The research findings reveal that the approach can build the level of ecological intelligence of the students. Based on the responses to the questionnaire distributed, the average level of ecological intelligence and environmental skills of the students shows signs of progress. The data indicate that the mean score was 3.2 and the percentage of ecological intelligence was 65%, indicating the attainment of knowledge and skills of school and home environment preservation. The indicators of the success of this approach can be seen in the changes of attitude and behavior of students in environmental management, covering clean and healthy classrooms and toilets, the use of recyclable materials, water and electricity conservation in the classroom, protection of trees and plants around the classrooms, proper treatment of trash, and organic and inorganic waste utilization.
AN ANALYSIS OF TEACHER PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON TEACHER PERFORMANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KENYA
Authors: Kagema Josphat , Irungu Cecilia
Published: March 2019

Every organization has an objective towards optimum performance and the employees are the key drivers in achieving that. It is necessary therefore that the employees’ performance reach optimality for the success of the organization which is a primary goal of every organization including learning institutions. The present research investigated the influence of teacher performance appraisals on teacher performance in secondary schools in Kenya. Employing stratified and simple random sampling methods, 46 secondary schools with 460 teachers in two counties in Kenya were taken as samples.  The variables under research included teacher remuneration, government policies, school administration, the school environment, and the school curriculum, which were under investigation in form of comparisons, explanations, and relationships on the aspects of teacher motivation to perform well. The research found that teacher appraisals influenced teacher performance. In general, the teachers perceived that government policies are unfavorable to them in terms of career advancement and introduction of the policies in place. The paper concludes with recommendations on application of the appraisal system to motivate teachers and thereby improve the performance of learners.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EXTENT AND CHALLENGES OF ASSESSING STUDENTS’ SPEAKING SKILLS IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS: THE CASES OF WOLAYITA ZONE, ETHIOPIA
Authors: Bachore Mebratu Mulatu , Satenaw Amare
Published: March 2019

The main objective of this study was to investigate the assessment of students’ speaking skill in some selected preparatory schools. It was a descriptive survey. The data was collected from teachers and students using questionnaire, interview and classroom observations.  Taro Yemane (1996) formula was used to determine the sample size. Accordingly, 254 students were selected as samples using simple random sampling technique. But, six English language teachers who teach grade 11 students were selected using availably technique. The data collected via questionnaire was filled into SPSS and then, different statistical analysis such as frequency and percentage were computed from the data inserted in to SPSS. The result of statistical analysis was presented in the tables and pie chart. Besides, data obtained from interview were transcribed and categorized according to related themes. The study revealed that English teachers assess speaking skills of their students at different times. But, it was noted that the most teachers assess speaking skill during speaking lessons only. Regarding the frequency, many EFL teachers assess their students always, however, it was disclosed that there are teachers who assess their students speaking once in a month and even in a semester. The findings of the study also disclosed that different factors such as lack of adequate time, lack of sufficient material, large number of students per class, and teacher’s inappropriate way of assessing speaking skill affect the assessment of speaking skill.
REFLECTIVE TEACHING TOWARD EFL TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONAL AUTONOMY: REVISITING ITS DEVELOPMENT IN INDONESIA
Authors: Lubis Arif Husein
Published: March 2019

It has been approximately 25 years that reflective teaching in EFL context, particularly in Asia is being encouraged and reviewed. The notable goal emphasizes the teachers’ role as critical lifelong learners in or outside the classroom to bring about continuous mutual development between them and the surroundings. Although myriad research-based studies have paid attention to the developmental praxis of reflective teaching, scant published articles highlight the progress of its empowerment process and quality in Indonesia. Thus, this paper will address some points related to how this realm is being concerned and developed reflecting from the preceding and contemporary discussion and its milestone in Indonesia within Asia scope. Furthermore, the envision of future direction is prompted from current portrait, existing challenges, and expectations concerning the theoretical foundation, means and models, ICT integration, and character education toward 21st-century English teachers’ professional autonomy.
Exploring the Use of Learners’ First Language in English as a Foreign Language Classroom
Authors: Cakrawati Laxmi Mustika
Published: March 2019

The use of learners’ first language has been debated for years. Some of the researchers think that using learners’ first language can be a help for foreign language learning while others argue that it can be hindrance. Therefore, this study focuses on investigating students’ and teachers perceptions on the use of learners’ first language (L1) and problems they encountered in using English in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom context. The study involved 150 students of grade X and grade XI and two English teachers in a high school in rural Karawang, West Java. The data were collected through questionnaire, interviews, and classroom observation and were analyzed using mixed methods approach. The findings of the study reveal that the participants showed various responses related to the use of L1. The result of the study indicates that the participants perceive L1 as facilitating learning tool that can help both teachers and students in learning process. Thus, it is suggested that teachers should be able to not only use L1 wisely but also encourage their students to use more English in the classroom.
SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ATTITUDE TOWARDS JUNIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE (JSC) EXAMINATION IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Rahman MD. Mehadi
Published: March 2019

The study investigates secondary students’ attitude towards junior school certificate (JSC) examination in Bangladesh. The study is mainly quantitative and data was collected in a computable manner through questionnaires. Secondary students who would take the JSC examination were the main data source of the study. Two hundred fifty students (120 male and 130 female) were chosen randomly from ten secondary schools (five private and five government) in Dhaka. The study revealed that secondary students’ have a positive attitude towards JSC examination. There was no significant difference between male and female students attitude towards JSC examination. JSC exam had increased students both quality of study and study time, enhanced students’ creativity and reduced the fear of examination. On the contrary, JSC examination had hampered students’ normal life by extra stress, reduced their playtime and made them dependent on guidebooks for better grades. Therefore, the study suggests changing current JSC examination systems by creating test items focused on creativity and problem-solving tasks to ensure the quality of education in Bangladesh. These findings can inform the government as well as o relevant stakeholders in making necessary changes in the JSC examination in Bangladesh.
THE INFLUENCE OF LEARNING STYLES AND METACOGNITIVE SKILLS ON STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING IN THE CONTEXT OF STUDENT CREATIVITY PROGRAM
Authors: Samsudin Didin , Hardini Tri Indri
Published: March 2019

Improving students’ critical thinking is very important in learning process because one of the goals of critical thinking is to develop students ' critical thinking in the perspective of collectable information. The approach used to address the problem of critical thinking is through learning style and metacognitive skill. The Student Creativity Program is a great way to hone critical thinking at the university level. This research is intended to find out the level of metacognitive skills, learning style, and critical thinking and the influence of metacognitive skills and learning styles among a total of 55 students of a Korean Education Study Program at a state university in Indonesia in the context of Student Creativity Program. This research used survey to find about students’ learning styles and their level of metacognitive skill. A test was also conducted to find out the level of students’ critical thinking. The data were calculated by the SPSS to test the hypothesis. The research results for learning styles show that 33 (60%) of the students were in the “medium” category and 22 (40%) were in the “high” category, and there was no student categorised into the “low” category. In terms of metacognitive skills, 53 students (98.2%) were in the “high” category and 2 (1.8%) in the “medium” category, and no one was in the “low” category. All students were identified to have “high” level critical thinking. Based on the significance test, there learning style had no significance influence on critical thinking; however, there metacognition skills had significant influence on critical thinking because.
SOURCE-BASED WRITING AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: PERSPECTIVE AND CHALLENGES
Authors: Ansas Velayeti Nurfitriana , Sukyadi Didi
Published: March 2019

The level of scientific publications of Indonesian students at the international level is still very minimal. Even when compared to Malaysia and Thailand, Indonesia is still lagging behind. The Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education targets that in 2019 Indonesia will reach 30,000 international publications. Therefore, students' interest in writing must be increased, especially writing based on sources. Therefore, this study would like to find students' perspectives and perceived challenges in writing based on sources. This research was based on a case study.  The research involved 68 students from one of the state universities in Bandung, and it analyzed 20 selected scientific papers written by students. The instruments for data collection included questionnaire and observation. The results of this study found that 59% of students perceived that writing scientific papers is very difficult. The students found it difficult to find suitable sources for writing material and develop their ideas. They tended to use articles as the sources from the internet whose originality is unclear. One reason this happens was because 80% of students did not know where to find or get indexed journals to use as references for their writing. In addition, many students also preferred not to use journals that were majorly English-based because of their limitation of English skills. The implication is that students should be given further understanding of how to access journals and use reference sources in writing. It is expected that every lecturer will give more source-based writing assignments so that the ability of students to write and develop ideas based on existing sources can be further improved.
Stylistic features of Cyrillic graffiti of the pre-Mongol period in Kyiv St. Sophia's Cathedral
Authors: Dyadyscheva-Rosovetska Yuliya
Published: March 2019

The article examines the peculiarity of the concept of the linguistic style of the literature of Kyiv Rus, which is closely linked with the traditions of the scientific study of this very “red writing”. The specificity of Old Russian literature as medieval leads to its almost church character, and the specific "simplicity" in the structure of secular literary works of its own, such as "The Word of the Igor's Regiment," forcing researchers to engage in secular business texts, for example, the chronicles that are works of historical the genre. That is, in this case, the peculiarity of the concept of literary language reflecting the peculiarity of the notion of ancient Russian literature, which is by no means the "artistic" literature of the modern type, or fiction. Accordingly, the volume of materials that should serve to study the stylistics of literature of the Kiev Rus era is determined by the peculiarity of scientific ideas about the very literature itself and about the literary language in which it is created. These considerations make us propose as an auxiliary "meter" to study the style of literature of the Kiev Rus age the criterion of reflection or absence of certain poetics in the texts. As is well known, the phenomenon of poetics is legitimately extended to folklore, to contemporary business writing, and to non-folklore oral speech activity. Thus we get the opportunity to define in the same graffiti Kiev Saint Sophia's Cathedral style of church writing and oral canon, folklore and business law. But with such an approach, the bright feature of the stylistics of graffiti Sofia of Kiev in the comparison with the volume similar to the volume of graffiti texts of Novgorod Saint Sofia Cathedral is immediately striking: among the Kiev graphite there is practically no folklore of origin, not to mention the reflection of the pagan rituals that we find on the walls of the Novgorod Saint Sofia Cathedral. This conclusion can be reliably based on statistical data. But when the researchers find in the texts of the XI–XIII centuries. syllabic or "elements of sillabotonism", it is worth reminding of the very probable chance of an appropriate combination of sounds and syllables. It is much more reliable to refer some graffiti to the clerical poem. But we must not forget the hypotheticalness of such identification in general, as well as the fact that only the adaptation of the Byzantine poem to the Slavic language context can be considered.
"If the bullet in the forehead ...": about manipulative tactics of new phraseologisms of an idiomatic character
Authors: Syzonov Dmytro
Published: March 2019

The article defines manipulative tactics and strategies used in media with the help of a stylistic potential of a new phraseology. The author argues that one of the bases for the formation of socio-political reality with the help of media discourse is the creation of images of political figures, the formation of which occurs in the process of involving into political communication various stylistic means, particularly, different types of phraseologisms. On the example of A. Yatsenyuk’s speech an analysis of phraseologisms which influence the potential electorate is given. The new political phraseology arises due to extralinguistic factors, among which particularly important are the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity of 2014. An innovative phraseology that emerges in connection with the development of world socio-political events, election campaigns, description of military conflicts etc. is analyzed. On the example of a vivid phraseologism of an idiomatic character “If a bullet in the forehead, then a bullet in the forehead”, expressed by A. Yatsenyuk during the Euromaidan, the models of a successful use of a phraseologism / a transformed phraseologism in political media for different purposes, primarily manipulative, are shown. It is proved that the new phraseology is the most productive specifically in political media, as it acts not on an individual, but on a mass recipient. Among the most effective manipulative tactics in political media, where the innovative phraseology is used, are glittering generalities tactics, name calling tactics, semantic transfer tactics, verbal allusion tactics etc. The role of phraseological innovations within these tactics is so high that journalists who use them achieve not so much informational but a manipulative-strategic target.