bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
¿Por qué Finlandia puede prescindir de accountability formal en educación y Polonia no?
Authors: Dussaillant Francisca , Guzmán Eugenio
Published: August 2018

The objective of this article is to apply the theory of social capital (whose principal indicator is confidence) to the specific problem of accountability in education. The evidence suggests that countries with low social capital (such as Poland) and countries of high social capital (such as Finland) have been able to develop successful educational policies, according to international measures. One of the determinants of the Polish success in education reform, which began at the beginning of the previous decade, was the formal installation of a centralized accountability system. Finland, on the other hand, has a system based on confidence and teacher professionalism, where standardized exams do not have a place. The Latin-American countries, among which is Chile, exhibit low performance on international exams. It is only natural, therefore, to look towards the successful experiences, with the objective to learn from them and eventually adopt some of their policies. It is argued that the social background upon which a determined institution is built is fundamental for determining the success or failure of these adaptations. The Latin-American countries, Chile included, have very low levels of social capital, same as Poland, and thus should try to learn from Poland's educational reform. The case of Finland seems less applicable in Latin-American as only countries with high social capital can function on the basis of informal institutions of accountability.
¿Qué es educación de calidad para directores y docentes?
Authors: Torche Pablo , Martínez Javiera , Madrid Javiera , Araya Javier
Published: August 2018

This research offers a preliminary model to represent the way in which schools' principals and teachers understand the concept of quality education. This model was built on the basis of qualitative opinions of teachers and principals from 12 schools. In order to organize the different components associated with quality education, the proposed model identifies three levels. The two most profound levels include components related to personal and emotional engagement with students, as well as values education and the development of soft skills, or life skills', while only the third, more superficial level, tackles the academic results and school's management processes. This model allows to better understand the way in which principals and teachers connect with the strategies for evaluating quality (mainly Simce), as well as other related educational policies.
Actitudes de los estudiantes en escuelas segregadas y en escuelas inclusivas, hacia la tolerancia social y la convivencia entre pares.
Authors: Ortiz Iván
Published: August 2018

It is expected that the recent legislation, No. 20.845, on social inclusion in education, will increase the social mix within schools, which are currently highly segregated. The intergroup contact theory in social psychology suggests that positive effects occur, such as a decrease in prejudice and hostile attitudes, when social groups in conflict have direct contact. . This article provides some evidence of what happens in segregated schools and inclusive schools with respect to certain attitudes such as social tolerance, trust in people and coexistence among peers. Chilean data from the International Civic and Citizenship Study carried out in 2009, were used. In general, the results showed that students in inclusive schools have different attitudes from those of privileged segregated schools, but not so different from those who attend disadvantaged segregated schools.
Diferencias socioeconómicas en la postulación a las universidades chilenas: el rol de factores académicos y no académicos.
Authors: Canales Andrea
Published: August 2018

Numerous studies have shown that socioeconomic inequalities, manifested through differences in student's prior academic preparation or achievement, strongly influence access to Chilean universities. To date, the research has focused mainly on the influence of academic factors on inequalities in access, paying little attention to the role of non-academic factors in this process. Administrative records of the university admission process in 2013 (n = 264,023) were used to study how academic and non-academic factors influence the decision to apply to universities. The findings confirm that the decision to apply to the college admission process is strongly associated with the scores on the university admission tests (PSU), as well as parental education and the applicants' educational expectations. In particular, the findings suggest that students' socioeconomic backgrounds influence their decision to apply to universities, arising from their evaluation of their own abilities and expectations of success in the university system.
Discursos reflexivos de estudiantes indígenas en universidades públicas de cuño tradicional de Oaxaca, México
Authors: Cruz Gabriel
Published: August 2018

This article presents the results of an investigation into reflexive discourses of indigenous students and other actors at two traditional public universities in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. In a stage where discourse and actions promoted by the Mexican government have favored the design and operation of cross-cultural institutions as well as specific programs or projects in selected universities, the various actors understand that the recognition of linguistic and cultural diversity and the development of intercultural education are in a phase of initial development. Based on a documental review of the topic and an analysis of autobiographical narratives and interviews with indigenous students, academics and administrators, from the perspective of sociolinguistic reflexivity, the article presents participants' perceptions and beliefs about academic and cultural management, ethical principles and significant values of coexistence, and cultural strategies for change. The analysis indicates that although there are efforts to address and remedy the inequalities and inequities experienced by indigenous students, the principles and philosophy of "interculturality for all" are far from realized in the intercultural education currently underway in Mexico.
Elección de modalidad educativa en la enseñanza media y su rol en la postulación a las universidades del CRUCH
Authors: Catalán Ximena
Published: August 2018

Even though vocational education at the secondary level is focused on preparing students for the work world, in Chile, it has turned into a way to enter higher education. In this context, this research aims to increase the knowledge about educational trajectories of students in vocational education at the secondary level, by addressing two main areas: factors related to a preference for vocational secondary school and the future choice of these students to apply to a university . This investigation, thus, studied the association between a set of variables related to habitus and the preference for studying vocational education at the secondary level. Additionally, it investigated if having studied this modality in secondary education affects the probability that these students will apply to the universities of the Consejo de Rectores de las Universidades Chilenas (CRUCH, Board of Regents of Chilean Universities), after controlling for academic and socioeconomic variables. This investigation's results support the relevance of social predispositions on educational trajectories and highlight the role that the modality of secondary level education would have on the reproduction of the students' social differences.
The efficacy and limits of magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound pallidotomy for Parkinson’s disease: a Phase I clinical trial
Authors: Jung Na Young , Park Chang Kyu , Kim Minsoo , Lee Phil Hyu , Sohn Young Ho , Chang Jin Woo
Published: August 2018

OBJECTIVE

Recently, MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) has emerged as an innovative treatment for numerous neurological disorders, including essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and some psychiatric disorders. Thus, clinical applications with this modality have been tried using various targets. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility, initial effectiveness, and potential side effects of unilateral MRgFUS pallidotomy for the treatment of parkinsonian dyskinesia.

METHODS

A prospective, nonrandomized, single-arm clinical trial was conducted between December 2013 and May 2016 at a single tertiary medical center. Ten patients with medication-refractory, dyskinesia-dominant PD were enrolled. Participants underwent unilateral MRgFUS pallidotomy using the Exablate 4000 device (InSightec) after providing written informed consent. Patients were serially evaluated for motor improvement, neuropsychological effects, and adverse events according to the 1-year follow-up protocol. Primary measures included the changes in the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS) scores from baseline to 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Secondary measures consisted of neuropsychological batteries and quality of life questionnaire (SF-36). Technical failure and safety issues were also carefully assessed by monitoring all events during the study period.

RESULTS

Unilateral MRgFUS pallidotomy was successfully performed in 8 of 10 patients (80%), and patients were followed up for more than 6 months. Clinical outcomes showed significant improvements of 32.2% in the “medication-off” UPDRS part III score (p = 0.018) and 52.7% in UDysRS (p = 0.017) at the 6-month follow-up, as well as 39.1% (p = 0.046) and 42.7% (p = 0.046) at the 1-year follow-up, respectively. These results were accompanied by improvement in quality of life. Among 8 cases, 1 patient suffered an unusual side effect of sonication; however, no patient experienced persistent aftereffects.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, which marks the first Phase I pilot study of unilateral MRgFUS pallidotomy for parkinsonian dyskinesia, the authors demonstrated the efficacy of pallidal lesioning using MRgFUS and certain limitations that are unavoidably associated with incomplete thermal lesioning due to technical issues. Further investigation and long-term follow-up are necessary to validate the use of MRgFUS in clinical practice.

Clinical trial registration no.: NCT02003248 (clinicaltrials.gov)
The impact of age on surgical goals for spinopelvic alignment in minimally invasive surgery for adult spinal deformity
Authors: Park Paul , Fu Kai-Ming , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Uribe Juan S. , Wang Michael Y. , Tran Stacie , Kanter Adam S. , Nunley Pierce D. , Okonkwo David O. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Mundis Gregory M. , Chou Dean , Eastlack Robert , Anand Neel , Than Khoi D. , Zavatsky Joseph M. , Fessler Richard G. , _ _
Published: August 2018

OBJECTIVE

Achieving appropriate spinopelvic alignment in deformity surgery has been correlated with improvement in pain and disability. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques have been used to treat adult spinal deformity (ASD); however, there is concern for inadequate sagittal plane correction. Because age can influence the degree of sagittal correction required, the purpose of this study was to analyze whether obtaining optimal spinopelvic alignment is required in the elderly to obtain clinical improvement.

METHODS

A multicenter database of ASD patients was queried. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years; an MIS component as part of the index procedure; at least one of the following: pelvic tilt (PT) > 20°, sagittal vertical axis (SVA) > 50 mm, pelvic incidence to lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch > 10°, or coronal curve > 20°; and minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients were stratified into younger (< 65 years) and older (≥ 65 years) cohorts. Within each cohort, patients were categorized into aligned (AL) or mal-aligned (MAL) subgroups based on postoperative radiographic measurements. Mal-alignment was defined as a PI-LL > 10° or SVA > 50 mm. Pre- and postoperative radiographic and clinical outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 185 patients, 107 were in the younger cohort and 78 in the older cohort. Based on postoperative radiographs, 36 (33.6%) of the younger patients were in the AL subgroup and 71 (66.4%) were in the MAL subgroup. The older patients were divided into 2 subgroups based on alignment; there were 26 (33.3%) patients in the AL and 52 (66.7%) in the MAL subgroups. Overall, patients within both younger and older cohorts significantly improved with regard to postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. In the younger cohort, there were no significant differences in postoperative VAS back and leg pain scores between the AL and MAL subgroups. However, the postoperative ODI score of 37.9 in the MAL subgroup was significantly worse than the ODI score of 28.5 in the AL subgroup (p = 0.019). In the older cohort, there were no significant differences in postoperative VAS back and leg pain score or ODI between the AL and MAL subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

MIS techniques did not achieve optimal spinopelvic alignment in most cases. However, age appears to impact the degree of sagittal correction required. In older patients, optimal spinopelvic alignment thresholds did not need to be achieved to obtain similar symptomatic improvement. Conversely, in younger patients stricter adherence to optimal spinopelvic alignment thresholds may be needed.

https://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/2018.4.SPINE171153
Hippocampal transection for stereo-electroencephalography–proven dominant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy in a child: a detailed case report and critical review
Authors: Park Jun T. , Fernandez Baca Vaca Guadalupe , Tangen Rachel , Miller Jonathan
Published: August 2018

Resection of the hippocampus ipsilateral to the verbal memory–dominant hemisphere frequently results in severe memory deficits. In adults with epilepsy, multiple hippocampal transections (MHTs) have resulted in excellent seizure outcome with preservation of verbal memory. The authors report the first detailed case of a child undergoing MHTs for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. A 13-year-old right-handed boy had intractable seizures characterized by epigastric discomfort evolving to unresponsiveness and chewing automatisms, lasting 1 minute and occurring 2–3 times weekly, sometimes ending in a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. He had no seizure risk factors and nonfocal examination results. Interictal electroencephalography (EEG) showed frequent left temporal epileptiform discharges (maximum FT9) and intermittent slowing. Video EEG, FDG-PET, and 1.5-T MRI were nonlocalizing. Neuropsychological evaluation suggested left temporal lobe dysfunction. A stereo-EEG investigation using 8 electrodes localized the seizure onset zone to the anterior mesial temporal region, immediately involving the hippocampus. The temporal pole and amygdala were resected en bloc with 3 MHTs. Comparison of neuropsychological tests 4 months before and 6 months after the surgery showed a significant decline only in confrontational naming and no significant change in verbal memory. Six and a half years later, the patient remains seizure free with no antiepileptic drugs. In children with established hemispheric dominance suffering from mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, MHTs may be an option.
Monomerisation of [Rh2(1,3-Bis-(Diphenylphosphino)-Propane)2(μ2-Cl)2] Detected by Pulsed Gradient Spin Echo Spectroscopy and 31P Nmr Monitoring of Metathesis Experiments
Authors: Mannu Alberto , Ferro Monica , Möller Saskia , Heller Detlef
Published: August 2018

A pulsed gradient spin echo experiment on [Rh2(1,3-bis-(diphenylphosphino)-propane)2(μ2-Cl)2] complex has been conducted in order to shed light on the supposed monomerisation process of [Rh2(diphosphine)2(μ2-Cl)2] complexes in solution. Such a process should generate a 14-electron [Rh(diphosphine)Cl] complex, which has only been postulated to date. Metathesis experiments on [Rh2(1,3-bis-(diphenylphosphino)-propane)2(μ2-Cl)2] and [Rh2(bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether)2(μ2-Cl)2] complexes, analysed by 31P NMR, reveal that monomerisation of [Rh2(diphosphine)2(μ2-Cl)2] complexes is not restricted to the case of 1,3-bis-(diphenylphosphino)propane.
PERANCANGAN KORIDOR JALAN MELALUI PENDEKATAN WAKTU DALAM RUANG (Studi Kasus: Koridor Jalan Fakhrudin Jakarta)
Authors: Kurniawan Dody
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT : This research is triggered by the conflict of interest between the road users and the existence of Sogo Jongkok market which has been an obstacle for Jalan Fakhrudin and has diminished the function of the street as the circulation way of vehicles. Moreover, the less integrated time management in coordinating various market activities which is urban in nature has made the Sogo Jongkok market cannot exist for a long time. It has not been able to continuously support various activities at this area. The existence of Sogo Jongkok as a temporary market has not been adequately managed which result in inharmoniousness with formal buildings as the background. Time and space approach in the corridor design of Jalan Fakhrudin is carried out by managing the Sogo Jongkok temporary market and by analyzing some design-related aspects, such as circulation aspect, and time management aspect. This analysis is expected to be able to support various activities at the area of Jalan Fakhrudin within 24 hours on holidays and to harmoniously exist together with other existing formal buildings.Keywords: Circulation, Time managementABSTRAK: Penelitian ini didasari oleh adanya persoalan konflik kepentingan antara pengguna jalan dengan kegiatan pasar Sogo Jongkok sehingga mengakibatkan tertutupnya Jalan Fakhrudin dan menimbulkan penurunan fungsi jalan tersebut sebagai jalur sirkulasi kendaraan. Selain itu, kurang terpadunya manajemen waktu dalam mengatur kegiatan pasar yang bersifat urban tersebut sehingga kegiatan pasar Sogo Jongkok tidak berlangsung lama dan belum dapat menghidupkan kegiatan di kawasan itu secara menerus. Keberadaan pasar temporer Sogo Jongkok juga belum tertata dengan baik dan menimbulkan ketidakserasian dengan bangunan formal yang melatarbelakanginya. Pendekatan waktu dalam ruang pada perancangan koridor Jalan Fakhrudin dilakukan dengan menata pasar temporer Sogo Jongkok dengan menganalisa beberapa aspek perancangan, seperti aspek sirkulasi dan aspek manajemen waktu. Diharapkan dengan analisa tersebut dapat menghidupkan kegiatan di kawasan jalan Fakhrudin selama 24 jam pada hari libur dan dapat berdampingan harmonis secara fisik dengan bangunan formal yang ada.Kata kunci: Sirkulasi, Manajemen waktu
HISTORY OF URANIUM RAW MATERIALS BASE CREATION IN UKRAINE
Authors: Bakarzhyiev A. Kh. , Lysenko O. A.
Published: August 2018

The basis of this publication is the documents and historical facts, materials of meetings, conferences and production reports, memoirs of veterans of the uranium industry, which are published, as well as their own memories, impressions and reflections of the authors whose professional activity was related to the prospect and exploration of uranium deposits. The article deals with successively the main stages of the emergence, development and formation of uranium geology in Ukraine, the solving of complex tasks for the creation and strengthening of the uranium raw material base for the complete provision of the nuclear energy needs of the state by the own mined natural uranium and achievement of energy independence. The history of the uranium raw material base creation in Ukraine is a path for pioneers, who constantly had to solve new strategic tasks promptly. In the first years after the Second World War, these were issues of defensive significance. Then become the turn of the peaceful atomic energy. By the work of the Kirov geological prospecting expedition that specialized on uranium, which was subsequently transformed into the SGE “Kirovgeologiya”, and then SE “Kirovgeologiya”, at the end of the 80th of the XX century a reliable uranium raw material base was created, that could provide state nuclear industry for the long term.
COMPLEX GOLD-MOLYBDENUM DEPOSITS AND OCCURRENCES IN GREENSTONE BELTS OF THE MIDDLE DNIPRO REGION OF THE UKRAINIAN SHIELD
Authors: Sukach V. V. , Riazantseva L. O.
Published: August 2018

The most important molybdenum mineralization of the Middle Dnipro province is limited to the Mesoarchean (3,1–2,9 Ga) Greenstone belts or structure (GSS). These are next occurrences: East-Sergiivka, Solone in the Sura GSS and Gannivka (district “Chervona”) in the Kryvyi Rih GSS. They have spatial combining or closeness with well-known gold deposits and occurrences: East-Sergiivka and Solone occurrences are located on the Eastern flanks of the Sergiivka and Balka Zolota deposits, respectively, in the sublatitudinal ore-bearing zones. From the West to the East gold mineralization gradually changes to gold-molybdenum and molybdenum. Gannivka molybdenum and Zhovtіanka gold occurrences are adjacent and localized in the submeridional zone of the Kryvyi Rih-Kremenchuk fault, and not spatially combined. However, similar to the etalon Lobash deposit, they can be combined as elements of a common ore-generating system related to a submeridional-extended granite massif undiscovered by erosion. In the process of previously performed geological surveys and related research, these ore prospects were studied and evaluated separately for each type of minerals. It is proposed to carry out further geological research in the context of spatially and genetically combining of gold and molybdenum mineralization. First of all it concerns deposits and occurrences of Sura GSS, where it is rationally to place two complex gold-molybdenum deposits: Sergiivka and Balka Zolota. This approach, which involves carrying out mining and exploration works on a joint scientific and technical base for molybdenum and gold ores, will undoubtedly have good economic efficiency and, ultimately, substantially increase the investment attractiveness of one or another deposit, facilitate the early launch industrial exploitation.
ABOUT THE PRE-OUTBURST STATE OF THE COAL AND SANDSTONE AND THE POSSIBLE MECHANISM OF COAL AND GAS OUTBURST PROCESS
Authors: Voitenko Yu. I. , Kovtun А. V.
Published: August 2018

The paper aims to examine the suitability of A. S. Balankin brittle fracture criterion in predicting the of large-scale coal and gas outbursts in underground coal mines under compression load. Formation of dissipative structures as cracks and clusters of local microcracking occurs under the influence of the rock pressure. The formation of microdefects in dissipative structures occurs mainly on local anisotropic inclusions. Mechanism of pre-outburst spalling of gas-saturated coal is analyzed. Destruction (primary outburst) occurs when the brittle fracture conditions are met. And also in the case of such a ratio of “coal seam thickness – the size of micro defects aggregations”, which provides reduction in coal strength to a minimum. Further destruction occurs by known scenario.
Reactive Power Management of Islanded Microgrid Using UPFC
Authors: Shashi Gandhar , Ohri Jyoti , Singh Mukhtiar
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes an impact strategy to curtail the reactive power imbalance in islanded microgrid which results in the maintenance of voltage balance. The reactive power imbalance compensation is achieved by injection of an accurate synchronous voltage supply into the microgrid through the power electronics based converters. This task is done by advanced Flexible a.c transmission system (FACTS) device connected with Unified power flow controller (UPFC) to the microgrid. This compensation reference is obtained through a synchronous voltage management, avoiding the load frequency control loop. This strategy does not need any hardware modification. This management strategy is simulated in Matlab/Simulink to prove its effectiveness.
Changes in the Concentration of Leaf Nitrogen over the Season Affect the Diagnosis of Deficiency or Sufficiency in Strawberries in the Subtropics
Authors: Menzel Christopher M.
Published: August 2018

Optimum leaf nitrogen (N) concentrations have been identified for strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) in temperate and Mediterranean areas, but whether these values are appropriate for the subtropics is unclear. Two experiments were conducted for 2 years to determine if the seasonal changes in the concentration of leaf N affect the diagnosis of deficiency or sufficiency of strawberry plants in Queensland, Australia. In 2014, ‘Festival’, ‘Fortuna’, and ‘Winter Dawn’ were planted in early April and grown with and without N for the entire season. Then, ‘Festival’ was planted the following year in mid- or late April and, again, was grown with and without N. Yield was slightly lower with N in 2014, but higher with it the following year, particularly in the early planting. The concentration of total N in young, fully expanded leaves decreased from 3.0% to 2.0% as leaf, crown, and root dry weight increased, while the concentration of nitrate-N (NO3-N) decreased from 1200–3200 to 50–500 mg/kg. These changes in leaf N were large enough to affect the diagnosis of N deficiency or sufficiency. The concentration of leaf N was less variable than the concentration of leaf NO3-N and, therefore, better for estimating the nutrient status of strawberry plants in the subtropics.
Watt-Level Continuous-Wave Single-Frequency Mid-Infrared Optical Parametric Oscillator Based on MgO:PPLN at 3.68 µm
Authors: Zhao Jiaqun , Cheng Ping , Xu Feng , Zhou Xiaofeng , Tang Jun , Liu Yong , Wang Guodong
Published: August 2018

We report a continuous-wave single-frequency singly-resonant mid-infrared optical parametric oscillator (OPO). The OPO is based on 5 mol % MgO-doped periodically poled lithium niobate (MgO:PPLN) pumped by a continuous-wave single-frequency Nd:YVO4 laser at 1064 nm. A four-mirror bow-tie ring cavity configuration is adopted. A low-finesse intracavity etalon is utilized to compress the linewidth of the resonant signal. A single-frequency idler output power higher than 1 W at 3.68 µm is obtained.
Interface Characterization of Current-Perpendicular-to-Plane Spin Valves Based on Spin Gapless Semiconductor Mn2CoAl
Authors: Wei Ming-Sheng , Cui Zhou , Ruan Xin , Zhou Qi-Wen , Fu Xiao-Yi , Liu Zhen-Yan , Ma Qian-Ya , Feng Yu
Published: August 2018

Employing the first-principles calculations within density functional theory (DFT) combined with the nonequilibrium Green’s function, we investigated the interfacial electronic, magnetic, and spin transport properties of Mn2CoAl/Ag/Mn2CoAl current-perpendicular-to-plane spin valves (CPP-SV). Due to the interface rehybridization, the magnetic moment of the interface atom gets enhanced. Further analysis on electronic structures reveals that owing to the interface states, the interface spin polarization is decreased. The largest interface spin polarization (ISP) of 78% belongs to the MnCoT-terminated interface, and the ISP of the MnMnT1-terminated interface is also as high as 45%. The transmission curves of Mn2CoAl/Ag/Mn2CoAl reveal that the transmission coefficient at the Fermi level in the majority spin channel is much higher than that in the minority spin channel. Furthermore, the calculated magnetoresistance (MR) ratio of the MnCoT-terminated interface reaches up to 2886%, while that of the MnMnT1-terminated interface is only 330%. Therefore, Mn2CoAl/Ag/Mn2CoAl CPP-SV with an MnCo-terminated interface structure has a better application in a spintronics device.
Data Science Approach for Simulating Educational Data: Towards the Development of Teaching Outcome Model (TOM)
Authors: Ndukwe Ifeanyi G. , Daniel Ben K. , Butson Russell J.
Published: August 2018

The increasing availability of educational data provides the educational researcher with numerous opportunities to use analytics to extract useful knowledge to enhance teaching and learning. While learning analytics focuses on the collection and analysis of data about students and their learning contexts, teaching analytics focuses on the analysis of the design of the teaching environment and the quality of learning activities provided to students. In this article, we propose a data science approach that incorporates the analysis and delivery of data-driven solution to explore the role of teaching analytics, without compromising issues of privacy, by creating pseudocode that simulates data to help develop test cases of teaching activities. The outcome of this approach is intended to inform the development of a teaching outcome model (TOM), that can be used to inspire and inspect quality of teaching. The simulated approach reported in the research was accomplished through Splunk. Splunk is a Big Data platform designed to collect and analyse high volumes of machine-generated data and render results on a dashboard in real-time. We present the results as a series of visual dashboards illustrating patterns, trends and results in teaching performance. Our research aims to contribute to the development of an educational data science approach to support the culture of data-informed decision making in higher education.
Photoelectrochemical Response of WO3/Nanoporous Carbon Anodes for Photocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Gomis-Berenguer Alicia , Iniesta Jesús , Fermín David J. , Ania Conchi O.
Published: August 2018

This work demonstrates the ability of nanoporous carbons to boost the photoelectrochemical activity of hexagonal and monoclinic WO3 towards water oxidation under irradiation. The impact of the carbonaceous phase was strongly dependent on the crystalline structure and morphology of the semiconductor, substantially increasing the activity of WO3 rods with hexagonal phase. The incorporation of increasing amounts of a nanoporous carbon of low functionalization to the WO3 electrodes improved the quantum yield of the reaction and also affected the dynamics of the charge transport, creating a percolation path for the majority carriers. The nanoporous carbon promotes the delocalization of the charge carriers through the graphitic layers. We discuss the incorporation of nanoporous carbons as an interesting strategy for improving the photoelectrochemical performance of nanostructured semiconductor photoelectrodes featuring hindered carrier transport.
Validation of the Names of Two Weevil Species Described by Skuhrovec et al., Review of Cape Verde Aphanommata Wollaston, 1873 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cossoninae) with Description of New Species, Larva and Notes on Biology and Distributional Patterns; Diversity 2018, 10, 28
Authors: Skuhrovec Jiří , Hlaváč Peter , Batelka Jan
Published: August 2018

Two new species of the cossonine genus Aphanommata Wollaston, 1873 from Cape Verde are described, Aphanommata kuscheli sp. n. and Aphanommata strakai sp. n, with bibliographic reference to fuller descriptions and illustrations in the recent paper by Skuhrovec et al. (2018) published in the journal Diversity 10 (2), 28, in which the names were not made available under the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature dealing with electronic publication. A lectotype is also here designated for Rhyncolus euphorbiarum Wollaston, 1867, currently assigned to the genus Aphanommata.
A Novel Multi-User Codebook Design for 5G in 3D-MIMO Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Khan Imran , Lloret Jaime , Bosch Ignacio
Published: August 2018

The 2D precoding technology can only adjust the beam in a horizontal direction through data processing, which will cause serious problems for multiuser systems, especially at the edge of the base station it will cause serious inter-cell interference. To solve this problem, in the frequency-division duplex (FDD) 3D-MIMO Heterogeneous network system, the influence of feedback overhead on system performance under limited feedback mechanism is studied using random geometry. Based on the deployment of a uniform planar array (UPA) at the base station, a 3D-MIMO multiuser codebook design scheme based on horizontal transmission angle and the vertical down-tilt angle is proposed, and the codebook design scheme is simulated and analyzed. The results show that the feedback overhead and the micro base station density affect the system throughput and even affect the bit error rate (BER) of the 3D precoding scheme. Compared with the precoding scheme based on 2D and 3D discrete Fourier transform (DFT) codebooks, this scheme greatly reduces the system’s BER, improves the system’s throughput, and optimizes system performance.
Design and Prototyping Medium-Frequency Transformers Featuring a Nanocrystalline Core for DC–DC Converters
Authors: Ruiz-Robles Dante , Venegas-Rebollar Vicente , Anaya-Ruiz Adolfo , Moreno-Goytia Edgar L. , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Juan R.
Published: August 2018

Medium frequency transformers (MFTs) are a key component of DC–DC dual active bridge (DAB)-type converters. These technologies are becoming a quintessential part of renewable energy solutions, such as photovoltaic systems and wind energy power plants, as well as in modern power grid interfaces functioning as solid-state transformers in smart-grid environments. The weight and physical dimensions of an MFT are key data for the design of these devices. The size of an MFT is reduced by increasing its operating frequency. This reduction implicates higher power density through the transformer windings, as well as other design requirements distinct to those used for conventional 60/50 Hz transformers; therefore, new MFT design procedures are needed. This paper introduces a novel methodology for designing MFTs, using nanocrystalline cores, and tests it using an MFT–DAB lab prototype. Different to other MFT design procedures, this new design approach uses a modified version of the area-product technique, which consists of smartly modifying the core losses computation, and includes nanocrystalline cores. The core losses computation is supported by a full analysis of the dispersion inductance. For purposes of validation, a model MFT connected to a DAB converter is simulated in Matlab-Simulink (The MathWorks, v2014a, Mexico City, Mexico). In addition, a MFT–DAB lab prototype (1 kVA at 5 kHz) is implemented to experimentally probe further the validity of the methodology just proposed. These results demonstrate that the analytic calculations results match those obtained from simulations and lab experiments. In all cases, the efficiency of the MFT is greater than 99%.
Satellite Detection Limitations of Sub-Canopy Smouldering Wildfires in the North American Boreal Forest
Authors: Johnston Joshua M. , Johnston Lynn M. , Wooster Martin J. , Brookes Alison , McFayden Colin , Cantin Alan S.
Published: August 2018

We develop a simulation model for prediction of forest canopy interception of upwelling fire radiated energy from sub-canopy smouldering vegetation fires. We apply this model spatially across the North American boreal forest in order to map minimum detectable sub-canopy smouldering fire size for three satellite fire detection systems (sensor and algorithm), broadly representative of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR) and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). We evaluate our results according to fire management requirements for “early detection” of wildland fires. In comparison to the historic fire archive (Canadian National Fire Database, 1980–2017), satellite data with a 1000 m pixel size used with an algorithm having a minimum MWIR channel BT elevation threshold of 5 and 3 K above background (e.g., MODIS or SLSTR) proves incapable of providing a sub-0.2 ha smouldering fire detection 70% and 45% of the time respectively, even assuming that the sensor overpassed the relevant location within the correct time window. By contrast, reducing the pixel area by an order of magnitude (e.g., 375 m pixels of VIIRS) and using a 3.5 K active fire detection threshold offers the potential for successfully detecting all fires when they are still below 0.2 ha. Our results represent a ‘theoretical best performance’ of remote sensing systems to detect sub-canopy smoldering fires early in their lifetime.
Suppression of Pancreatin-Induced Digestion of Starch in Starch Granules by Starch/Fatty Acid and Starch/Flavonoid Complexes in Retrograding Rice Flour
Authors: Hirota Sachiko , Takahama Umeo
Published: August 2018

Adzuki beans are used to prepare foods with glutinous and non-glutinous rice in Japan, and adzuki bean pigments are able to color rice starch a purplish red. This study deals with the adzuki bean extract-dependent suppression of starch digestion of non-glutinous rice flour (joshinko in Japanese), which was gelatinized in boiling water and then cooled to 37 °C. Accompanying the treatment of joshinko with pancreatin, amylose and amylopectin were released from the joshinko particles, and the released amylose and amylopectin were further digested. The adzuki extract suppressed the release and digestion by binding to amylose and amylopectin, which were present in the particles and at the surfaces of the particles. Fatty acids and flavonoids in the adzuki extract contributed to the suppression. In addition, the starch digestion in the joshinko particles appeared to be suppressed if the amylose/fatty acid complexes and amylose/flavonoid and amylopectin/flavonoid complexes, which are poor substrates of α-amylase, surrounded the particles. It is discussed that the suppression was due to the prevention of α-amylase access to the particles.
R-Matrix Scattering Calculations for Iron-Peak Species: Photoionisation of Fe I and Electron-Impact Excitation of Fe II
Authors: Smyth Ryan T. , Ramsbottom Catherine A. , Ballance Connor P.
Published: August 2018

An abundance of absorption and emission lines of iron-peak species such as Fe I and Fe II can be seen in the spectra of many astrophysical objects. Thus, the accurate modelling of such spectra requires sets of high quality atomic data for these species. In this paper, we present preliminary results from the present electron-impact excitation calculations for Fe II and fine-structure resolved photoionisation calculations for Fe I employing the Dirac atomic R-matrix and Breit–Pauli R-matrix methods. For the Fe II excitation, we compare results with all existing calculations, and for the Fe I photoionisation, we present a sample of level-resolved cross-sections. The calculations and results described throughout will be of use to those requiring high quality atomic data for modelling a wide variety of astrophysical objects.
Membrane-Associated Proteins in Giardia lamblia
Authors: Touz María C. , Feliziani Constanza , Rópolo Andrea S.
Published: August 2018

The manner in which membrane-associated proteins interact with the membrane defines their subcellular fate and function. This interaction relies on the characteristics of the proteins, their journey after synthesis, and their interaction with other proteins or enzymes. Understanding these properties may help to define the function of a protein and also the role of an organelle. In the case of microorganisms like protozoa parasites, it may help to understand singular features that will eventually lead to the design of parasite-specific drugs. The protozoa parasite Giardia lamblia is an example of a widespread parasite that has been infecting humans and animals from ancestral times, adjusting itself to the changes of the environment inside and outside the host. Several membrane-associated proteins have been posted in the genome database GiardiaDB, although only a few of them have been characterized. This review discusses the data regarding membrane-associated proteins in relationship with lipids and specific organelles and their implication in the discovery of anti-giardial therapies.
Non-Invasive Moisture Detection for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Barone Pier Matteo , Ferrara Carlotta
Published: August 2018

Moisture damage is the most critical issue regarding the preservation and integrity of cultural heritage sites. The electromagnetic (EM) sensitivity to the presence of moisture, in both soils and structural materials, is a well-known phenomenon. Thereby, studying the EM response to the presence of moisture, in order to prevent the damages done to sites of cultural heritage, is a well-established method. This paper will discuss the ability of a geophysical non-destructive technique (NDT), present in a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system, to investigate a very precious building in Rome that is affected by a moisture problem (the Turkish Room at Villa Medici). This geophysical instrument is able to locate and estimate the extent of water ingression, which can aid in the development of restoration plans before permanent damage occurs. The main objective of this paper is to help restorers understand the related hazards, due to the presence of moisture in the wall structures, in real-time and to rapidly and non-invasively develop strategies for the preservation of cultural heritage sites.
Perceived Risk, Expected Benefits and Pig Farmers’ Behaviors of Veterinary Drug Usage
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Deng Yuanyuan , Diao Hanyu
Published: August 2018

To guarantee the pork quality and safety and the steady development of the pig-breeding industry in China, it is important to control veterinary drugs usage in the pig farming sector. In order to develop an effective intervention that control veterinary drug usage, it is important to perform an in-depth analysis of those factors that can affect the standardized use of veterinary drugs in the pig-breeding process. In this paper, hierarchical regression analysis is used to examine how perceived risk, expected benefits, and self-efficacy influence on the standardized use of veterinary drugs. Data were collected using a multi-stage sampling method from four provinces in China. The results show that expected benefit and self-efficacy have positive impacts on the standardized use of veterinary drugs. Self-efficacy significantly moderated the positive relationships between expected benefits and the negative relationships between perceived risk and standardized use of veterinary drugs.
Comparing the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index with the Google Street View Measure of Vegetation to Assess Associations between Greenness, Walkability, Recreational Physical Activity, and Health in Ottawa, Canada
Authors: Villeneuve Paul J. , Ysseldyk Renate L. , Root Ariel , Ambrose Sarah , DiMuzio Jason , Kumar Neerija , Shehata Monica , Xi Min , Seed Evan , Li Xiaojiang , Shooshtari Mahdi , Rainham Daniel
Published: August 2018

The manner in which features of the built environment, such as walkability and greenness, impact participation in recreational activities and health are complex. We analyzed survey data provided by 282 Ottawa adults in 2016. The survey collected information on participation in recreational physical activities by season, and whether these activities were performed within participants’ neighbourhoods. The SF-12 instrument was used to characterize their overall mental and physical health. Measures of active living environment, and the satellite derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Google Street View (GSV) greenness indices were assigned to participants’ residential addresses. Logistic regression and least squares regression were used to characterize associations between these measures and recreational physical activity, and self-reported health. The NDVI was not associated with participation in recreational activities in either the winter or summer, or physical or mental health. In contrast, the GSV was positively associated with participation in recreational activities during the summer. Specifically, those in the highest quartile spent, on average, 5.4 more hours weekly on recreational physical activities relative to those in the lowest quartile (p = 0.01). Active living environments were associated with increased utilitarian walking, and reduced reliance on use of motor vehicles. Our findings provide support for the hypothesis that neighbourhood greenness may play an important role in promoting participation in recreational physical activity during the summer.
Identification of Factors Associated with Potential Doping Behavior in Sports: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in High-Level Competitive Swimmers
Authors: Devcic Sime , Bednarik Jakob , Maric Dora , Versic Sime , Sekulic Damir , Kutlesa Zvonimir , Bianco Antonino , Rodek Jelena , Liposek Silvester
Published: August 2018

Background: Doping behavior, including the misuse of performance-enhancing drugs, is currently a serious problem in sports, and the efficacy of preventive efforts directly depends on information regarding the associations among different precipitating factors (PF) and doping behavior. This study aimed to establish the PF of potential doping behavior (PDB) in competitive swimmers. Methods: The study included 301 swimmers from Slovenia (153 females, 16.4 ± 2.4 years), tested during the 2017 National Championship. Variables were collected by previously validated questionnaires, which included questions on sociodemographics, sports-related factors, consumption of dietary supplements, knowledge of doping, factors of hesitation, and doping-related factors (i.e., number of doping tests, opinion about the presence of doping in sport). The PDB (positive, neutral, or negative intention toward doping) was observed as a criterion, while other variables were included as predictors in multinomial regression analyses (with “negative” as reference value), which additionally controlled for gender and age category (cadet-, junior-, and senior-level) as confounders. Results: The results confirmed higher susceptibility to doping in males (positive: odds ratio (OR): 2.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27–6.04), those swimmers who reported higher alcohol consumption (neutral: OR: 2.18, 95%CI: 1.06–4.16, positive: OR: 2.14, 95%CI: 1.05–4.37), and those regularly used dietary supplements (positive: OR: 3.62, 95%CI: 1.25–10.52). Competitive achievement in Olympic- (neutral: OR: 0.57, 95%CI: 0.41–0.81, positive: OR: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.39–0.88), and non-Olympic disciplines (positive: OR: 0.54, 95%CI: 0.35–0.83) was protective against PDB. Swimmers who were more concerned about the negative social consequences of doping behavior (i.e., condemnation by family and friends) were less likely to declare a positive intention toward the PDB (family condemnation: OR: 0.69, 95%CI: 0.56–0.86, friends’ condemnation: OR: 0.65, 95%CI: 0.52–0.80). Conclusions: The results of the study provide more precise insight into the specific factors associated with PDB in swimming. The established precipitating factors should be incorporated into targeted anti-doping campaigns in this sport.
Circumstances and Structure of Occupational Sharp Injuries among Healthcare Workers of a Selected Hospital in Central Poland
Authors: Garus-Pakowska Anna , Ulrichs Magdalena , Gaszyńska Ewelina
Published: August 2018

(1) Background: An analysis of work-related sharp injuries in Healthcare Workers (HCWs) based at a selected hospital in Central Poland by presenting the frequency of accidents, injury rates, and identifying circumstances of Needle Sticks and Sharp Injuries (NSSI) and giving Post-Exposure Procedures (PEP). (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical documentation regarding work-related NSSI at a district hospital located in central Poland; over the period 2010–2017. The study group included HCWs who had an accident while on duty. (3) Results: Most injuries were reported by nurses and staff over 40, on the morning shift. The most common injuries were using a needle. The most exposed part of the body were fingers. The average annual injury rates were: 1.22/100 Nurses; 2.02/100 doctors; 1.34/100 hospital beds; and 8.59/100,000 inpatient days. The rates for 3-year periods, after the implementation of legal regulations were higher than before. Conclusion: Injuries rates are more reliable for comparison than frequency. Legislation on the need to register injuries seems to be necessary. In the supervision of work safety of personnel, reliable reporting of all injuries by the respective HCWs plays a key role.