bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN INCLUSIVE ANALYSIS OF DETERMINANTS OF INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION. THE CASE OF EUROPEAN RICH AND POOR COUNTRIES
Authors: MIHI-RAMÍREZ Antonio , KUMPIKAITĖ-VALIŪNIENĖ Vilmantė , CUENCA-GARCÍA Eduardo
Published: June 2017

This work aims to integrate defragmented migration perspectives in order to better understand and explain reasons of contemporaneous migration. Accordingly, international migration flows are explained with various socio-economic determinants which address different sources of migration, reinforced by the best-known theories and conceptual frameworks. A panel data analysis is performed at the level of rich and poor countries of the European Union to measure migration flows from the year 2000 until 2013. The results provide evidence indicating that there are some structural similarities and discrepancies between European rich and poor countries. These similarities (or discrepancies) make them responding similarly to certain economic conditions and changes. Thus, the association of earnings, inequalities (measured by the Gini Index) and poverty line could be positive or negative depending on wealth level of countries. Moreover, unemployment is a supply-push factor, but its importance is much higher in rich countries, diminishing in poorer countries. Economic freedom has a very strong positive effect on migration for all countries, but its relevance turned out to be the highest in the group of the poorest countries. Also, the association between Foreign Direct Investment and migration is negative, but it is more significant in the case of poorer countries.
Sublimer le sexe qu’on n’a pas
Authors: de Mijolla-Mellor Sophie
Published: June 2017

Comme le disait Freud, il faut s’habituer à considérer chaque acte sexuel comme un échange à quatre personnes. La bisexualité apparaît dès lors comme une donnée constitutive de la psyché, intégralement mouvante, susceptible de travestissements divers et d’avatars complexes. Sophie de Mijolla-Mellor montre que c’est aussi à partir du polymorphisme bisexuel de la pulsion que la dérivation sublimatoire doit être abordée. Comme pour l’érotisme prégénital, se constitue alors un reste impossible à intégrer dans la vie sexuelle du sujet qu’il pourra, suivant ses capacités, utiliser d’une manière ou d’une autre, la sublimation constituant l’un des choix possibles.
Premières amours à l’adolescence
Authors: Lauru Didier
Published: June 2017

L’adolescence est un passage subjectif difficile pour nombre de patients que nous recevons. Quelques écueils émaillent leurs premières approches amoureuses et la rencontre de la chair de l’autre. Ils vont vite rencontrer l’impossible du rapport sexuel qui fasse du Un. Un exemple clinique d’une jeune fille suivie en thérapie illustre la fantasmatique sous-jacente à tous ces processus qui entravent l’accès à une possible rencontre de l’autre et de sa chair.
Streptococcus thermophilus NCIMB 41856 ameliorates signs of colitis in an animal model of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Bailey J.R. , Vince V. , Williams N.A. , Cogan T.A.
Published: June 2017

Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is mainly based on suppression of symptoms, often with numerous side effects. Trials of probiotics in IBD have frequently produced disappointing results. The majority of probiotics are unusual, since they do not require iron for growth, unlike many bacteria resident in the intestine. The IBD intestine is iron-rich due to bleeding and use of oral iron supplements; conventional probiotics would be rapidly outcompeted. We have evaluated an iron-responsive Streptococcus thermophilus strain for its potential to reduce signs of colitis. Efficacy of S. thermophilus was evaluated in the dextran sodium sulphate mouse model of colitis. Treated animals were given 1×108 cfu S. thermophilus per day and clinical observations were taken daily. At termination, gross and histopathological signs of disease, cellular infiltration, location of bacteria, and cytokine expression in the intestine were determined. S. thermophilus delayed onset of colitis and reduced clinical signs of disease, including bodyweight loss and gastrointestinal bleeding. It reduced bacterial translocation into the colonic tissue. Increased numbers of CD8+ intraepithelial lymphocytes were seen in control animals treated with S. thermophilus. S. thermophilus had no effect on gross pathology, histopathology or cytokine production in either colitic or control animals. We propose that S. thermophilus promotes maintenance of mucosal barrier function which reduces bacterial translocation, thereby reducing immune stimulation and associated inflammation. This allows mucosal healing, reducing gastrointestinal bleeding and weight loss. This could be studied as a locally-acting adjunct or alternative to current IBD treatments.
EFFECT OF BUILDING PLAN FORM ON HUMAN THERMAL COMFORT IN NATURALLY VENTILATED OPEN-PLAN ENCLOSURES LOCATED IN HOT CLIMATES
Authors: Asfour Omar S.
Published: June 2017

This study aims to examine the effect of building plan form on internal thermal comfort conditions in naturally ventilated open-plan buildings located in hot climates. The study examined the square and the rectangular plan forms in relation to several values of wind direction, building plan depth, and climatic conditions. The study utilised CFD for ventilation prediction, DesignBuilder for thermal modelling, and the Tropical Summer Index (TSI) for thermal comfort assessment. These three tools were integrated in a quantitative approach to fulfil the study aim. The study concluded that the use of area-weighted average velocity magnitude is more accurate in the assessment of natural ventilation performance, as it accounts for both internal velocity magnitude and distribution. The study confirmed the common observation that the use of shallow building plans is more effective to increase internal air velocity and improve internal thermal comfort. At some point of increased plan depth, the internal air velocity magnitude dramatically decreases. In the three examined wind directions, this occurred when the plan depth exceeded 3H in the square cases and 2.5H in the rectangular ones, where H is the building height. This value is much less than the commonly recommended maximum value of 5H. The study also concluded that reducing building depth in the square cases has generally more potential to improve thermal comfort conditions when compared with the rectangular cases. The gross increase in Percentage of People Comfortable, PPC, in all the examined cases was 23% in the square cases, compared to 11% in the rectangular cases.
GREEN BUILDING STRATEGIES FOR LEED CERTIFIED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Authors: Kim Joseph J. , Sanchez Marco A. , Del Aguila Michelle , Kim Sunkuk
Published: June 2017

Student recreational facilities at higher education institutions are increasingly utilizing green building strategies to decrease their impact on the campus environment and to increase economic and social impacts on the community. Through nearly two decades of LEED building development, comparative studies of LEED strategies among buildings are not rare, but still in demand due to the lessons learned from other LEED certified buildings. This paper presents case studies on the green building strategies utilized for six student recreational facilities certified by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system and examines favorable strategies that lead to the success of obtaining higher rating levels. The comparative analysis results showed that the energy and atmosphere and indoor environmental quality categories that utilized energy performance optimization and innovative architectural designs for better daylights and views were major components for higher rating levels apart from conventional design criteria such as location, climate, and density. The recreational facilities having higher ratings were more favorable in obtaining credits using central plants, stormwater design, innovative wastewater technologies, and light control. The findings not only provide specific green buildings strategies for student recreational facilities, but they also enhance the green initiatives for future education facilities on university campuses.
SIMPLE NONLINEAR OPTIMIZATION-BASED SELECTION OF INSULATION MATERIAL AND WINDOW TYPE IN TURKEY: EFFECT OF HEATING AND COOLING BASE TEMPERATURES
Authors: Üçtuğ Fehmi Görkem , Ağralı Semra
Published: June 2017

The energy-savings of four hypothetical households in different climatic regions of Turkey were calculated via a nonlinear mixed integer optimization model. The ideal insulation material, its optimum thickness, and the ideal window type were determined. The standard degree days method was used with five different base temperatures for heating and five different base temperatures for cooling. The climatic conditions of the region, the properties of the insulation options, the unit price of fuel and electricity and the base temperature are used as model inputs, whereas the combination of selected insulation material with its optimum thickness and window type are given as model outputs. Stone Wool was found to be the ideal wall insulation material in all scenarios. The optimum window type was found to depend on the heating or cooling requirements of the house, as well as the lifetime of insulation. The region where the energy saving actions are deemed most feasible has been identified as Erzurum (Region 4), followed by Antalya (Region 1). Finally, the effect of changing the base temperature on energy savings was investigated and the results showed that an approximate average increase of $15/°C in annual savings is possible. Our model can be used by any prospective home-owner who would like to maximize their energy savings.
Bioinformatics as Applied to Medicine
Authors: Papadopoulou Paraskevi , Lytras Miltiadis , Marouli Christina
Published: June 2017

The emerging advances of Bioinformatics have already contributed toward the establishment of better next generation medicine and medical systems by putting emphasis on improvement of prognosis, diagnosis and therapy of diseases including better management of medical systems. The purpose of this chapter is to explore ways by which the use of Bioinformatics and Smart Data Analysis will provide an overview and solutions to challenges in the fields of genomics, medicine and Health Informatics. The focus of this chapter would be on Smart Data Analysis and ways needed to filter out the noise. The chapter addresses challenges researchers and data analysts are facing in terms of the developed computational methods used to extract insights from NGS and high-throughput screening data. In this chapter the concept “Wise Data” is proposed reflecting the distinction between individual health and wellness on the one hand, and social improvement, cohesion and sustainability on the other, leading to more effective medical systems, healthier individuals and more socially cohesive societies.
Proteomics in Personalized Medicine
Authors: Goswami Srijan
Published: June 2017

The idea of personalized medicine system is an evolution of holistic approach of treatment and in more evidence based manner. The chapter begins with an introduction of how body system works naturally and impact of modern medicine on overall health, followed by a historical background and brief review of literature providing the description that the concept of personalized medicine is not new but a very old ideology which stayed neglected until the development in the field of medical genetics, followed by the role of omics in modern medicine, the comparison of modern medicine and personalized medicine, medical concepts relevant to proteomics in personalized medicine, impact of proteomics in drug development and clinical safety and finally closing the chapter with future prospects and challenges of proteomics in personalized medicine.
Effective and Efficient Business Intelligence Dashboard Design
Authors: Spruit Marco , Lammertink Max
Published: June 2017

This research focuses on the design process of an effective and efficient dashboard which displays management information for an Electronic Health Record (EHR) in Dutch long-term and chronic healthcare. It presents the actual design and realization of a management dashboard for the YBoard 2.0 system, which is a popular solution on the Dutch market. The design decisions in this investigation were based on human perception and computer interaction theory, in particular Gestalt theory. The empirical interviews with medical professionals supplemented valuable additional insights into what the users wanted to see most of all in a dashboard in their daily practices. This study successfully shows how effective and efficient dashboard design can benefit from theoretical insights related to human perception and computer interaction such as Gestalt theory, in combination with integrated end user requirements from daily practices.
Role of Online Data from Search Engine and Social Media in Healthcare Informatics
Authors: Nawaz M. Saqib , Mustafa Raza Ul , Lali M. Ikram Ullah
Published: June 2017

Search engines and social media are two different online data sources where search engines can provide health related queries logs and Internet users' discuss their diseases, symptoms, causes, preventions and even suggest treatment by sharing their views, experiences and opinions on social media. This chapter hypothesizes that online data from Google and Twitter can provide vital first-hand healthcare information. An approach is provided for collecting twitter data by exploring contextual information gleaned from Google search queries logs. Furthermore, it is investigated that whether it is possible to use tweets to track, monitor and predict diseases, especially Influenza epidemics. Obtained results show that healthcare institutes and professional's uses social media to provide up-to date health related information and interact with public. Moreover, proposed approach is beneficial for extracting useful information regarding disease symptoms, side effects, medications and to track geographical location of epidemics affected area.
Positioning Preservice Teacher Formative Assessment in the Literature
Authors: Dann Christopher , O'Neill Shirley
Published: June 2017

This text explores Formative Assessment Practices (FAP) for Preservice Teacher Practicum Feedback and focuses on emerging opportunities from a study conducted in Australia over four years. This study comprised Participatory Action Learning Action Research (PALAR) that involved six cycles (Dann & Allen, 2015). The emerging opportunities discussed here are drawn from the data of this PALAR study and the current literature about formative assessment of preservice teachers during practicum experiences. Professional practicum experiences are a central component of initial teacher education programs where today's providers are endeavoring to increase their quality (Beauchamp, Clarke, Hulme, & Murray, 2013; Cohen, Hoz, & Kaplan, 2013; Ingvarson et al., 2014).
Exemplifying Formative Assessment Practices in the Field Through Case Study
Authors: Dann Christopher , Dann Beverly
Published: June 2017

Practicum experiences are central to preservice teacher programs worldwide and ideally represent the component that unites university learning with practical learning in the field. This chapter examines the feedback processes between one preservice teacher and the supervising teacher during a four-week practicum. The supervising teacher used an iPad® and App to collect video and associated data to support the provision of feedback on the preservice teacher's performance and practice. A case study approach was used and included pre- and post- interviews as well as analysis of data collected through the CeMeE App by the supervising teacher. The results indicated both the supervising teacher and preservice teacher were able to constructively use the video feedback process to support their reflective dialogue. Key issues for action and future research included the value of the innovative process of collecting evidence, delivering feedback to preservice teachers, and the alignment of evidence against the professional standards for teachers.
Human Systems Engineering and Educational Technology
Authors: Roscoe Rod D. , Branaghan Russell J. , Cooke Nancy J. , Craig Scotty D.
Published: June 2017

The design and development of educational technologies is a complex, interdisciplinary endeavor. Learning science research reveals principles of learning and instruction, and advances in computer science implement these principles in innovative technologies. This chapter promotes a complementary discipline—human systems engineering or “user science”—that emphasizes designing with human users' goals, needs, capabilities, and limitations in mind. Systematic and iterative human systems engineering should contribute to educational technologies that are more functional, usable, desirable, and ultimately more effective. The authors overview key human systems engineering principles (e.g., usability and user experience) and methods (e.g., cognitive task analysis, contextual inquiry, heuristic evaluation, and participatory design), and then consider example applications from research on automated writing evaluation technologies. The chapter concludes with broad research questions posed to researchers, developers, and educators in the field of educational technology.
Educational Software Design
Authors: Ritter Steve , Murray R. Charles , Hausmann Robert G. M.
Published: June 2017

Educational software is somewhat unique in that the goal of the software is not to facilitate use of the software itself, but to produce an impact on the user - learning - that will affect the user's behavior outside of the software. Although there are many areas where educational software designers can learn from practices in productivity and game design, there are reasons to be cautious in applying such principles to educational software. This chapter considers several design elements in educational software and discusses ways that software principles taken from other areas do or do not apply to educational software design.
User Testing and Iterative Design in the Academic Library
Authors: Markman Kris M. , Ferrarini Maura , Deschenes Amy H.
Published: June 2017

This chapter describes the iterative design process used to create a series of information literacy tutorials for an academic library. This case study explains how the various stages of the design process, including setting goals, prototype testing, design refinement, and evaluation, lead to a series of learning objects that are pedagogically sound, user-focused, and engaging. The authors also provide templates and test scripts that can be re-used by scholars and practitioners. The chapter concludes with recommendations for including user testing in the design process for any educational product.
Development of an Educational Video Game That Can Be Modified by End-Users
Authors: Schroeder Noah L. , Oliver Alexandrea , Deffet Kenneth , Morgan James
Published: June 2017

The development of educational video games can be a challenging process. Typically, games are created for one content area and are designed to specifically facilitate learning in regards to that content. However, this approach inherently limits the utility of the game to specific content. In this chapter, the authors describe the development and systematic iterative playtesting of an educational game designed to be modified by end-users (e.g., teachers, researchers, students). Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through three phases of beta-testing, and the results from each test informed the subsequent version of the software. Overall, the results indicated that, aside from fixing software glitches, the addition of aesthetically pleasing graphical user interfaces and the integration of sound effects appear to have made the biggest contributions to players' perceptions of the game.
Administrative Factors in Design and Delivery of Open and Distance Learning Course Materials
Authors: Altinpulluk Hakan , Kilinc Hakan
Published: June 2017

Principles of the Universal Design for Instruction (UDI) can be applied to open and distance education systems as an approach derived from universal design principles. UDI can be used not only for the disabled learners in open and distance education institutions but also for the creation of accessible learning environments for all learners. Within the scope of this study, the history and features of universal design principles in the field of architecture are explained first; then, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Universal Instructional Design (UID) and UDI concepts, which are educational adaptations of universal design principles, are examined in detail. In the last section, management processes of open and distance education systems, examples of universal design in open and distance education and managerial processes in course design and delivery, are examined. In this way; modern approaches such as UDI principles are studied in terms of their applicability within the framework of design and delivery management in open and distance education environments.
Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Open and Distance Learning
Authors: Mahlangu Vimbi Petrus
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this chapter is to argue that all open and distance learning (ODL) institutions should carry out quality assurance and accreditation processes in order for students and funders to have confidence in them. It also explains in detail what quality assurance and accreditation entails in ODL. This chapter follows a qualitative approach in understanding quality assurance and accreditation in ODL. Data were collected via literature review. During recent decades, the discourse and practices of systematic quality assurance and quality control have spread around the world, resulting to a great extent in market-based models related to the ideology and policy of neo-liberalism and expressed in economic rationalities such as new public management, total quality management, public choice, and human capital. Quality assurance and accreditation in ODL aims to maintain and raise the quality of education and to guarantee the improvement of its standards.
Integrating Motivational Strategies Into Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
Authors: Uçar Hasan , Kumtepe Alper Tolga
Published: June 2017

Massive Open Online Courses, aka MOOCs, have become an indispensable part of the online education routine. Many universities and organizations put a lot of effort into designing, developing, and running such courses. However, it still remains to be an under-researched area. One of the most important issues associated with success in MOOCs is the learner motivation. High dropout and low retention rates have been attributed to learners' low motivation. A recipe for these motivational challenges in MOOCs is provided by the ARCS-V motivational theory. This motivation design model provides a frame for analyzing the MOOCs learners, learning environment, and the resources. Based on this analysis, the model provides suggestions for assigning motivational tactics and strategies. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to introduce Keller's ARCS-V motivational design model and discuss it as a potential remedy to motivational issues in MOOCs by administering and delivering motivational strategies based on the model in MOOCs environments.
Using Gamification in Open and Distance Learning
Authors: Uğur Serap , Şahin Yusuf Levent
Published: June 2017

Many researchers have given priority to the stimulation feature of the games. This concept can be stated to be not only as old as human history but also one of the trend activities. Therefore, many researchers have recently concentrated their attention on the term “gamification”. This term, which includes using the stimulating components of the games out of the game context, has provided items like badges, grading/scoring systems and leadership tables in the work and learning processes. Mostly, it increases stimulation level in the work and learning processes. When the important potential of gamification has been noticed, the number of gamification-integrated applications has rapidly increased in both work and learning processes of individuals from various age groups. In this regard, this paper aims to review the literature in order to find out how and where gamification could be used in the management processes of open and distance learning systems.
Affiliate Marketing and Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Singh Surabhi
Published: June 2017

The different tools used in digital marketing are meant to increase the web traffic. One of the important components is Affiliate Marketing. This chapter will bring huge transitions in industry of digital marketing. The affiliate marketing has benefits of increasing customer satisfaction and value driven efficiency in any organization. The study of affiliate programs need to be activated in organizations in order to exploit the potential of same. The companies like Amazon, snapdeal, and flipkart are running affiliate programs and the brand of these companies remain unbeatable. The purpose behind affiliate marketing is to use publisher or affiliate website for promotion of merchant's own products. The underlying benefit is its low customer acquisition cost and marketing expenses.
Affiliate Marketing
Authors: Narang Ritu , Trivedi Prashant
Published: June 2017

The emergence of internet as a strong medium of communication has led to the emergence of numerous marketing avenues with many companies realizing its potential towards promotion of their products (Liang & Huang, 1998). Online marketing platforms offer various opportunities for directing costumers towards the products through online advertising, affiliate marketing, search engine optimization, direct mailers etc. Affiliate marketing is a performance based marketing and known for its cost effectiveness. we have suggested a framework MECHULUP indicating Mobile Friendliness, E-Commerce, Content Quality, Honesty, Audio/Video, Link Building, Social Media, and Persistence.
Affiliate Marketing Empowers Entrepreneurs
Authors: Chaturvedi Mukesh
Published: June 2017

The earliest forms of the more recently coined term “Affiliate Marketing” came into being with the advent of Tupperware and Amway. Tupperware, a home products line that includes preparation, storage, containment, and serving products for kitchen as also household plastic containers used to store goods and / or foods, was launched by Earl Silas Tupper of Orlando, Florida, in 1948. He developed his first bell shaped container in 1942, and branded it later. Amway, short for The American Way, is a company that uses a multi-level marketing model to sell a variety of products primarily in the health, beauty and home care markets. It was founded by Jay Van Andel and Richard Devos of Ada Township, Michigan, in 1959. The core concept of both Tupperware and Amway is “revenue sharing” – paying commission for referred business, which is also the idea of Affiliate Marketing.
Affiliate Marketing for Entrepreneurs
Authors: Dixit Shailja , Kesarwani Hitesh
Published: June 2017

Selling and marketing of both the products and services have undergone sea changes, in the last decade or so, with greater focus on internet marketing Expanding coverage of internet allows spreading of products without involving huge additional investments in distribution system. The internet technology has existed for more than 40 years now, yet it was the introduction of the World Wide Web (WWW) that caused its fast market penetration (Chaffey, 2003). In only four years, the internet reached an audience of 50 million users in the USA. It took the television over 13 years and the telephone over 75 years to reach this number (Angeli & Kundler, 2008). Considering that, the internet can said to be the fastest spreading information media in today's world. The strength of the WWW was the power to provide easy access to information using a network of web sites (Chaffey, 2003). Of course, many people realized the huge possibilities of this media. Companies saw big marketing opportunities as internet user numbers increased (Zeff, 1999). The chapter will try to seek the performance and effectiveness of current techniques of internet marketing and at the same time to identify the potential of new and emerging techniques for further strengthening the internet marketing with special emphasis on Affiliate Marketing.
Investigating the Mechanics of Affiliate Marketing Through Digital Content Marketing
Authors: Shukla Parag , Vyas Parimal Hariom , Shastri Hiral
Published: June 2017

The domain of online marketing and internet advertising is going through radical changes. In context to Indian online market, according to Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), the digital commerce market has seen a growth by 33% reaching to a figure of 62,967 Crore in the year 2015 which is predicted to touch $50 to $70 Billion by the year 2020 owing to the increasing popularity of online shopping and increase in internet penetration. Affiliate marketing is referred as performance marketing and associate marketing (IAMAI Research Report, 2014). Affiliate marketing is a type of online marketing technique where an affiliate/promotes a business through an advertisement on their web site and in return that business rewards the affiliate with commission each time a visitor, customer generates sales. The objective is to analyze by conceptualizing the mechanics of affiliate marketing through judicious and optimum use of digital content marketing by e-tailers so as to engage customers and create boundless business opportunities for growth, expansion and profitability.
AVALIAÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO DOS CIRURGIÕES-DENTISTAS SOBRE CÂNCER BUCAL
Authors: Sales Hilkias Rangel De Araújo , Góis Marcelo Biondaro , Watanabe Paulo Da Silva , Pereira Andréia Vieira , Pereira Maria do Socorro Vieira , Gomes Daliana Queiroga de Castro , Figueredo Roberia Lúcia de Queiroz , Pereira Jozinete Vieira
Published: June 2017

No Brasil, o câncer bucal apresenta-se como um grande desafio para a saúde pública em virtude da sua elevada taxa de mortalidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar o conhecimento de cirurgiões - dentistas sobre o câncer bucal. Trata-se de um estudo do tipo transversal, com abordagem indutiva e procedimentos descritivos, desenvolvido com os cirurgiões-dentistas das Unidades Básicas de Saúde e das Clínicas Privadas no município de Patos/PB. A amostra foi composta por 68 profissionais de um universo de 106. Dentre os profissionais entrevistados, 34 eram de instituições públicas e 34 de instituições privadas. Verificou-se que 54,4% destes sempre examinam os tecidos moles da cavidade bucal de seus pacientes e, 94,1% orientam seus pacientes sobre os malefícios do consumo de tabaco e de álcool. Quando perguntados sobre a conduta frente a uma lesão com suspeita de malignidade, 85,3% dos participantes relataram que encaminhavam o paciente imediatamente para um especialista em Estomatologia e 63,2% destes profissionais não se sentem capacitados em realizar biópsia nestes casos. A pesquisa revelou que apesar da maioria dos profissionais não se sentirem aptos à realização de biopsias, os mesmos possuem conhecimento adequado sobre o aspecto clínico de lesões sugestivas de malignidades, bem como sobre os fatores de risco que levam a esta doença.
Adsorptive Removal of Lead(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution onto Chemical Modified Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
Authors: Chansuvarn Woravith , Jainae Kunawoot
Published: June 2017

An autoclaved aerated concrete (ACC) was chemically modified with manganese oxide (MnO-ACC) for investigate as a high effective adsorbent for removal of lead ions from aqueous solution. The precipitation reaction of manganese oxide was easily done under a high basic solution, resulting manganese oxide in a micron scale occupy on the surface of ACC. The maximum removal efficiency of lead ions using MnO-ACC was obtained under a function of pH 7, adsorbent dosage of 5 g/L, equilibrium time of 15 min. The experimental data were analyzed by commonly adsorption models. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm model is more suitable with a good correlation coefficient of R2=0.99 than the Freundlich model. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity (qmax) of MnO-ACC was found to be 43.22 mg g−1 in which higher adsorptive capable than unmodified ACC by about 10 times. Based on kinetics study, the adsorption of lead ions onto MnO-ACC followed a pseudo second-order model with a good correlation coefficient of R2=0.99.
Schematic Quantum Synchronization Device from Micro PANDA Ring Resonators
Authors: Sripakdee Chatchawal , Sarapat Napatasakon
Published: June 2017

A quadruple micro PANDA ring resonator quantum gate device is designed and investigated schematically. The simulation results of the optimum propagation of soliton polarized states in the device depend heavily on initial phase angles of the input ports. The quality factor under varying of nonlinear coupling constant of micro strip line waveguides are also analyzed. The simulation results show more robust under the wide range of the outer tunneling frequency in whispering gallery modes of the device. This means that an optical trapping efficiency is attained and get more stable qubit processing.
Cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis as a first manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome with catastrophic development
Authors: Todaro Lucia , Luppino Angela , Carra Renata , Nocchiero Aldo , Marson Anna Maria , Genovese Egidio , Ragazzoni Federico , Quadri Roberto
Published: June 2017

We describe a case of anti-phospholipid syndrome, with catastrophic development and unusual brain involvement, in which the first manifestation was necrotizing cutaneous vasculitis. A 58-year-old woman presented with fever, gangrene of her lower limbs and ischemic lesions of her arms and hands. Laboratory results showed normal white cell count and normal procalcitonin value. The vascular ultrasound study of the lower limbs did not show any thrombosis or stenosis. A chest-abdomen computed tomography scan showed inflammatory thickening of the lung. A month after admission she developed confusion, weakness and aphasia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed hyperintense bilateral symmetrical lesions in the frontal and cerebellar regions. Anti-cardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant were negative, whereas anti-β 2 glycoprotein 1 were in high titer. She was started on steroids, and subsequently warfarin, acetylsalicylic acid and hydroxychloroquine, with progressive improvement of her clinical status.
The effect of the antioxidant drug U-74389G on urea levels during ischemia reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Tsompos Constantinos , Panoulis Constantinos , Toutouzas Konstantinos , Triantafyllou Aggeliki , Zografos George , Papalois Apostolos
Published: June 2017

This experimental study examined the effect of the antioxidant drug U-74389G, on a rat model and particularly in a renal ischemia - reperfusion protocol. The effects of that molecule were studied biochemically using blood mean urea levels. Forty rats of mean weight 231.875 g were used in the study. Urea levels were measured at 60 min of reperfusion (groups A and C) and at 120 min of reperfusion (groups B and D). The drug U-74389G was administered only in groups C and D. U-74389G administration significantly decreased the predicted urea levels by 11.35%+2.73% (P=0.0001). Reperfusion time non-significantly increased the predicted urea levels by 2.26%+3.29% (P=0.4103). However, U-74389G administration and reperfusion time together significantly decreased the predicted urea levels by 6.31%+1.70% (P=0.0005). U-74389G administration whether it interacted or not with reperfusion time has significant decreasing effect on the urea serum levels, reflecting a respective renal function augmentation.
Assessment of organizational well-being in an Italian General Hospital after an organizational change
Authors: Guglielmi Dina , Florini Maria Cristina , Mazzetti Greta , Depolo Marco , Calabrò Enza , Miglioli Sonia , Mariani Monica , Cioni Giorgio
Published: June 2017

Nowadays, the intensity of care organizational model has been adopted in several Italian hospitals in order to create specific areas dedicated to patients reporting homogeneous needs of care. The present paper aims at describing the organizational intervention Inside the change, designed to explore the context and assess the impact of the implementation of the Intensity of cure model in an Italian hospital. Inside the change was composed of two segments: i) the evaluation of attitudes toward change and workers’ well-being (quantitative phase); ii) the conduction of a consulting process aimed to identify critical issues and the related improvement actions (qualitative phase). The results showed that workers (i.e., physicians, nurses, healthcare assistants) involved in the change process showed higher levels of work-related well-being symptoms. In line with this result, the second stage of the intervention had the goal of improving workers’ involvement in organizational change, together with the identification of suitable improvement actions. Data collected one year after the intervention suggest that the whole performance of healthcare organizations may be enhanced by investments in monitoring and improving organizational processes, particularly for those focused on HR management.
Increasing antimicrobial resistance of Helicobacter pylori infection among Saudi patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Al-Eidan Fahad A.S. , Alnaser Mohamed , Aljohani Sameera M. , Al Johani Mishal , El Hafi Ahmed , Al Jahdaly Abdullah , Al Khurmi Abdulrahman
Published: June 2017

There is growing concern about Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) resistance strains being the main agent contributing to eradication failure. In this study we evaluated the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility trends of H. pylori over a period of time. Over a period of seven years a total of 384 biopsy specimens were sent to the microbiology department and evaluated for culturing H. pylori and assess its susceptibility. Biopsy specimens that cultured and where bacterial susceptibility was determined were regarded as H. pylori positive, and specimens that failed to culture were considered H. pylori negative. A total of 221 patients with H. pylori positive were assessed and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infections among Saudis undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, with indicated specimens, was 57.6%. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated; overall clarithromycin resistance was found to be 4.5% and metronidazole resistance 52.5%. The number of clarithromycin resistant strains has increased significantly from 2.5% in 2008 to 10% in 2014 (PH. pylori infection is very common among Saudi patients with peptic ulcer disease. Resistance of H. pylori against clarithromycin and metronidazole has increased significantly over the seven-year period. This suggests a need to monitor the annual antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.
Dario Alpini, a pioneer of venous and lymphatics disorders of the inner ear
Authors: Bavera Pietro Maria
Published: June 2017

Not available
Comparison of nonstructural protein-1 antigen detection by rapid and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test and its correlation with polymerase chain reaction for early diagnosis of dengue
Authors: Gaikwad Seema , Sawant Sandhya S. , Shastri Jayanthi S.
Published: June 2017

INTRODUCTION: Early diagnosis of dengue is important for appropriate clinical management and vector control. Different serological tests based on the principle of immunochromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are commonly used for detection of antigen and antibodies of dengue virus. The performance of these tests depends on the sensitivity and specificity. Hence, the study was undertaken to compare nonstructural protein-1 (NS1) antigen detection by rapid and ELISA with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for diagnosis of dengue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective laboratory study was carried out on sera samples (n = 200) from clinically suspected cases of dengue. The sera samples were subjected for NS1 antigen detection test by rapid test, NS1 ELISA, and RT-PCR. The results of rapid and ELISA tests were compared with real Time PCR.

RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value of rapid dengue NS1 antigen test were 81.5%, 66.7%, 78.2%, and 71.1%, respectively whereas that of NS1 ELISA were 89.9%, 100%, 100%, and 94%, respectively. Concordance of Rapid NS1 and NS1 ELISA with PCR was 75.5% and 94%.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: NS1 antigen ELISA can be implemented in diagnostic laboratories for diagnosis of dengue in the acute phase of illness. The test also has great potential value for use in epidemic situations, as it could facilitate the early screening of patients and limit disease expansion.
Significance of Sahaja Yoga meditation in reducing academic stress
Authors: Hotkar Jaysing Malhari
Published: June 2017

Background of Study:

The Indian school education system is textbook-oriented that focuses on rote memorization of lessons and demands long hours of systematic study every day. The elaborate study routines that are expected by high school students span from the morning to till late evening hours, leaving little time for socialization, recreation, play games and sports by full strength.

Objective of Study:

The present study was conducted with a view to see the effect of Sahaja Yoga meditation on stress among school children.

Materials and Method:

Non-equivalent control group design was used for this experiment. The participants were 8th grade students from a school located in Mumbai. The students were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. Experimental group received the treatment of Sahaja Yoga meditation program for 6 weeks, whereas the control group did not receive any treatment. Both groups were free to do their daily routine activities. Stress was assessed using a questionnaire before and after 6 weeks of Sahaja Yoga meditation program.

Statistical Analysis:

Collected data were analyzed with the help of the standard statistical technique t-test to conclude the investigation.

Results:

The results of the study showed a significant difference in academic stress (p < 0.05) after 6 weeks of Sahaja Yoga meditation program. However, there was no significant improvement in academic stress (p > 0.05) in the control group.

Conclusion:

Sahaja Yoga meditation program is helpful to manage the academic stress of school girls.
Role of yoga in psychological correlates of learning ability in school children
Authors: Bera Manasi , Barik Atin Kumar , Bera Tushar Kanti
Published: June 2017

Background:

The art of learning may contribute to various skills required for better performance in human abilities involving memory, learning (attention fluctuation, sentence completion, and general intelligence), perception, motor functions, etc.

Objective:

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of yoga training intervention toward improvement in the selected psychological correlates of learning ability among the school children.

Method:

A parallel group, research design was considered in this experiment, which was conducted on sixty male students (n = 60), age group of 12–14 years, who were randomly assigned into two identical groups (Group A: exp group and Group B: control) and each group consists of thirty students. The research design includes pretest, yoga training, mid-test, detraining, and posttest. The variables of learning abilities (viz., attention fluctuation, sentence completion, and general intelligence) were tested three times (pre-, mid-, and post-) using standard methods. The yoga training intervention comprising prayer recitation, Yoga Asanas, Anuloma Viloma (Pranayama), and Omkar Chanting was imparted for 45 min daily in the morning (except Sundays and holidays) for a total period of 45 days, whereas the controlled students were kept busy with recreation and library readings. Then, mid-test was conducted. Further, the detraining phase (Phase II) was considered for the next 45 days, and then posttest was conducted. Thus, total duration of the experiment was 90 days.

Statistical Analysis:

All statistical analyses were carried out by 2 × 3 × 3 factorial ANOVA followed by Scheffe's post hoc test.

Result:

The results revealed that Hatha Yogic practices lead to the reduction in attention fluctuation which implies improvement in attention ability among the school children. Further, improvement in sentence completion ability and general intelligence was evident after yoga training intervention. Moreover, detraining phase of 6 weeks could maintain similar trend of results as compared to the controlled subjects.

Conclusion:

Hatha Yogic practices lead to a significant improvement in the selected correlates of better learning ability in school children.
Effect of a yoga module on an enlarged prostate in elderly patients: Two case studies
Authors: Pathak Satish D. , Rajbhoj Pratibha Hemant , Bhogal Ranjeet S.
Published: June 2017

Prostate gland and its enlargement is a common problem in aging males. Surgery may not be advisable in all cases of enlarged prostate, as the aging people often have other problems such as asthma, diabetes, and blood pressure (BP) and may not often be physically fit to undergo a safe surgery. Case studies were undertaken on two male patients of age 62 and 79 years, respectively. The parameters studied were ultrasonography, pre- and post-void urine volume, and serum prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) along with other physiological and biochemical parameters of BP and diabetes. The patients were tested after 7 days and also after 14 days of yoga practice. In case 1, it was seen that the prostate size, on sonography readings, was reduced from 144 to 37 cc by just 1 month of yoga practice. Prevoid urine volume was 230 ml and postvoid was 180 ml, and after 1 month of yoga practice, it was 694 ml and 19 ml, respectively. Serum PSA initially was 25.24 ng/ml, while at the time of posttesting, it was 0.82 ng/ml. In case 2, the postvoid urine volume was 50 ml initially. On the 14th day of yoga practice, it was nil. Serum PSA was 128.5 ng/ml at the time of pretesting, while on the 14th day, it was 16.35 ng/ml. The prostate size was 91 cc on sonography examination at preyoga testing, while on 14th day of yoga practice, it was 23.6 cc. The yoga module, used in this study, is recommended to be employed to help patients of enlarged prostate.