bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the Didactic Triangle in the Case of an Adaptive Learning System
Authors: Zaoui Seghroucheni Yassine , Al achhab Mohammed , El Mohajir Badr Eddine
Published: October 2014

In this paper we revisit the classical approach of the didactic triangle designed for the classical learning situation (face to face) and adapt it to the situation of an adaptive learning system, we discuss also the different components involved in this didactic triangle and how they interact and influence the learning process in an adaptive learning system.
Lecture Meets Laboratory - Experimental Experiences for Large Audiences: Concept and Implementation
Authors: Temmen Katrin , Nofen Barbara , Wehebrink Markus
Published: October 2014

Lecture courses are an integral part of academia with a long tradition. The efficiency of such courses can be notably increased by active participation of students in the learning process. This article will elaborate on a re-structuring of an engineering lecture attended by more than 400 students; during the course, laboratory experiments are integrated directly into the lecture, allowing students to gain their own practical experience.
A Set of Best Practices to Design Face-to-face Teaching Sessions for Technology-centered University-level Computing Courses
Authors: Baumgartner Ilse
Published: October 2014

Since more than a decade, all kinds of businesses and organisations are intensively exploring enterprise-level information systems to better integrate their business processes, information flows and people. Consequently, the industry demands for technically skilled, but also “business-savvy” IT professionals are permanently growing. To meet this need, more and more computing education programs try to incorporate enterprise-level information systems into their curricula. While there is some computing education research done to investigate the need for this new type of IT-business professional and to analyse general implications for higher education, only very few research works or practice papers exist which report on concrete attempts to design and deliver higher education computing courses which intensively use enterprise-level systems. In this paper, the author reports on a series of experiences made within the Bachelor of Science (Information Systems Management) degree program offered by the School of Information Systems (SIS) at the Singapore Management University (SMU). The primary focus of this paper is put on establishing a working set of best practices for the design of an effective structure of the face-to-face teaching sessions for courses which use enterprise-level systems and applications in their curricula. While this paper is principally based on education experiences made within the frame of an Information Systems program, the best practices presented in this paper are equally applicable to any other computing education field or even to the engineering education in general.
Healthcare in Low-resource Settings: the individual perspective
Authors: Goldstuck Norman David
Published: October 2014

Not available.
Exploring the role of the industrial-organisational psychologist as counsellor
Authors: Barkhuizen Hanri , Jorgensen Lené I. , Brink Lizelle
Published: October 2014

Orientation: Industrial-organisational (I-O) psychologists are often confronted with counselling interventions in the workplace and thus it is vital that they are effectively prepared for their role as workplace counsellors.Research purpose: The aim of this study was to review the role of I-O psychologists as counsellors and to ascertain whether these practitioners are effectively prepared for this purpose.Motivation for the study: I-O psychologists are mainly concerned with the deep-rooted problems individuals experience in the workplace, and they therefore need appropriate counselling skills. However, it is not clear whether graduates in this discipline receive adequate training for this role.Research design, approach and method: A qualitative research design with convenience and snowball sampling of 22 participants was utilised. Participants were practising I-O psychologists across Gauteng and North West (South Africa). Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to gather data, which were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis.Main findings: Participants were familiar with the meaning of counselling and confirmed that they are faced with a range of counselling situations requiring a unique set of skills and competencies. Based on these findings, participants made recommendations for the future training of I-O psychologists and recommended that counselling be included in the scope of practice of I-O psychologists.Practical/managerial implications: The role of the I-O psychologist requires training in short-term therapeutic techniques and counselling in tertiary education.Contribution/value-add: The study clarifies the role of the I-O psychologist as a counsellor that will ensure that I-O psychologists can be trained more effectively for this role.
Primary central nervous system diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the immunocompetent: Immunophenotypic subtypes and Epstein-Barr virus association
Authors: Mahadevan Anita , Rao Clementina Rama , Shanmugham M. , Shankar Susarla Krishna
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Primary central nervous system diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PCNSL DLBCL) in the immunocompetent is an uncommon tumor that has an activated B-cell immunophenotype resembling germinal center exit B cells. They also differ from primary central nervous diffuse large B-cell lymphomas in the immunocompromised as they show no association with the Epstein-Barr virus. Objective: To determine if immunophenotypic subtyping of PCNS DLBCL from Asian subcontinent are also different similar to its systemic counterpart is unclear, as there are only limited studies from Asia, and none from India. Material and Methods: The immunohistochemical profile of 24 South Indian patients with primary central nervous system diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was studied using germinal center markers – CD10 and Bcl-6, and activation markers – MUM1 and CD138, which are markers for late/post germinal centre B cells. Insitu hybridization for EBV genome and LMP1 by immunohistochemistry was carried out in all cases to determine association with EBV. Results: Centroblastic morphology and uniform activated B-cell phenotype with positivity for MUM1 was seen in 91.6% of tumors. Co-expression of Bcl-6 and MUM1 was evident in 50%, which is more frequent than in systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. All cases were negative for Epstein-Barr virus using EBER in-situ hybridization and LMP1 immunohistochemistry. Conclusion: Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the immunocompetent is a distinct clinicopathological entity with centroblastic morphology, a uniform activated B-cell immunophenotype that is not associated with the Epstein-Barr virus regardless of geographic origin.
The natural history of Dandy-Walker syndrome in the United States: A population-based analysis
Authors: McClelland Shearwood , Ukwuoma Onyinyechi I. , Lunos Scott , Okuyemi Kolawole S.
Published: October 2014

Background: Dandy-Walker syndrome (DWS) is a congenital disorder typically manifesting with hydrocephalus. The classic anatomic hallmarks of DWS are hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis, anterior-posterior enlargement of the posterior fossa, upward displacement of the torcula and transverse sinuses, and cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle. Aims: Although optimal treatment of DWS typically requires neurosurgical intervention to prevent intracranial pressure increases incompatible with life, the natural history of this disorder has yet to be evaluated on a nationwide level. Settings and Design/Materials and Methods: The Kids’ Inpatient Database covering 1997-2003 was used for analysis. Children younger than age 18 admitted for DWS (ICD-9-CM = 742.3) were analyzed with a matched control group. The primary procedure codes for operative CSF drainage were coded into the analysis. The incidence of DWS was 0.136%; 14,599 DWS patients were included. Statistical Analysis Used: Multiple logistic regression models were used. Odds ratios (OR) were reported with 95% confidence intervals. Results and Conclusions: Mortality (OR = 10.02; P < 0.0001) and adverse discharge disposition (OR = 4.59; P < 0.0001) were significantly greater in DWS patients compared with controls. 20.4% of DWS patients received operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, 81-times more than controls (P < 0.0001). CSF drainage reduced mortality by 44% among DWS patients (P < 0.0001). Although DWS is associated with a 10-fold increase in mortality, operative CSF drainage nearly halves the mortality rate. Based on these findings (Class IIB evidence), it is likely that the increased mortality associated with DWS is directly attributable to the nearly 80% of DWS patients who did not receive operative CSF drainage for hydrocephalus. Consequently, increased access to neurosurgical intervention could reduce the mortality rate of DWS towards that of the general population.
RBC acetyl cholinesterase: A poor man’s early diagnostic biomarker for familial alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease dementia
Authors: Bawaskar Himmatrao Saluba , Bawaskar Parag Himmatrao , Bawaskar Pramodini Himmatrao
Published: October 2014

Objective: Analysis of red blood cell acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) in a familial Alzheimer’s diseases (AD) Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) and their first generation. Setting: General hospital, Mahad district, Raigad. Patients and Methods: Clinically diagnosed patients of AD and PDD and their asymptomatic relatives. Their blood was collected in EDTA tube and transferred to laboratory at Mumbai. Result: Median red blood cell (RBC) cholinesterase levels amongst PDD, their first generation asymptomatic relatives, familial AD, asymptomatic relatives of AD, healthy controls, farmers exposed to pesticides (positive control) and other neurological condition without dementia (hypertension with TIA 1, sub-dural hematoma 2, hypothyroid 1, non-familial unilateral parkinsonism without dementia 3, writers cramps 2, hyponitremia 1 and cerebral palsy with non-fluent aphasia 1). Median values of RBC AChE were 19086.78 U/L, 15666.05 U/L, 9013.11 U/L, 7806.19 U/L, 14334.57 U/L, 9785.05 U/L and 13162.60 U/L, respectively. As compared to controls, RBC AChE levels were statistically significant among PDD (P = 0.004) and significantly lowered among familial AD patients (P = 0.010), relatives of patients (P = 0.010). Interpretations: Below the normal RBC AChE level is a potential biomarker in asymptomatic relatives of familial AD patients. RBC AChE is raised than normal level in patients suffering from PDD, where AChE inhibitors are helpful. However, RBC AChE level below the normal where AChE inhibitor may not be effective.
Occult falcine meningioma unmasked following nearly complete hemorrhagic transformation with resultant spontaneous acute interhemispheric subdural hematoma
Authors: Krishnan Prasad , Jena Manaranjan , Kartikueyan Rajaraman
Published: October 2014

Sudden-onset monoplegia with features of vomiting and headache usually signals an intracranial cerebrovascular event. We describe a 62-year-old man in whom this presentation was the result of the rare occurrence of an almost complete hemorrhagic transformation of a falcine meningioma with resultant acute interhemispheric subdural hematoma, and discuss the risk factors and possible mechanisms that may lead to such an event. The need for careful examination of the available radiology and aggressive tumor removal is stressed.
Diagnostic dilemma: Sturge-Weber syndrome, without facial nevus
Authors: Zanzmera Paresh , Patel Tinkal , Shah Vinay
Published: October 2014

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS), a rare sporadic neurocutaneous disease, is characterized by a congenital unilateral port-wine nevus affecting the area innervated by V1, ipsilateral leptomeningeal angiomatosis, and calcification in the occipital or frontoparietal region and glaucoma/vascular eye abnormality. Three types of SWS have been described in literature: Type I (classic) demonstrates facial and leptomeningeal angioma, often with glaucoma; type II has facial angioma and glaucoma, with no evidence of intracranial lesions; and type III (rarest) presents with only leptomeningeal angioma. Only a few cases of type III SWS have been reported. Here, we report a case of a seven-year-old boy with focal complex partial seizure, who was diagnosed with SWS without facial nevus. Recognition of this type of SWS is important, as our patient had been misdiagnosed and received inappropriate antiepileptic drugs for six years. We suggest that in the appropriate clinical scenario, the diagnosis of SWS without facial nevus should be considered before labelling idiopathic or cryptogenic localization-related epilepsy, and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be done in clinically suspicious cases of SWS, without facial nevus.
Signature of tropical fires in the diurnal cycle of tropospheric CO as seen from Metop-A/IASI
Authors: Thonat T. , Crevoisier C. , Scott N. A. , Chédin A. , Armante R. , Crépeau L.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Five years (July 2007–June 2012) of CO tropospheric columns derived from the IASI hyperspectral infrared sounder onboard Metop-A are used to study the impact of fires on the concentrations of CO in the mid-troposphere. Following Chédin et al. (2005, 2008), who showed the existence of a daily tropospheric excess of CO2 quantitatively related to fire emissions, we show that tropospheric CO also displays a diurnal signal with a seasonality that is in very good agreement with the seasonal evolution of fires given by GFED3.1 (Global Fire Emission Database) emissions and MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) burned area. Unlike daytime or nighttime CO fields, which mix local emissions with nearby emissions transported to the region of study, the day-night difference of CO allows to highlight the CO signal due to local fire emissions. A linear relationship is found in the whole tropical region between CO fire emissions from the GFED3.1 inventory and the diurnal difference of IASI CO (R2 ~ 0.6). Based on the specificity of the two main phases of the combustion (flaming vs. smoldering) and on the vertical sensitivity of the sounder to CO, the following mechanism is proposed to explain such a CO diurnal signal: at night, after the passing of IASI at 9.30 p.m. LT, a large amount of CO emissions from the smoldering phase is trapped in the boundary layer before being uplifted the next morning by natural and pyro-convection up to the free troposphere, where it is seen by IASI at 9.30 a.m. LT. The results presented here highlight the need for developing complementary approaches to bottom-up emissions inventories and for taking into account the specificity of both the flaming and smoldering phases of fire emissions in order to fully take advantage of CO observations.
New algorithm for integration between wireless microwave sensor network and radar for improved rainfall measurement and mapping
Authors: Liberman Y. , Samuels R. , Alpert P. , Messer H.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. One of the main challenges for meteorological and hydrological modelling is accurate rainfall measurement and mapping across time and space. To date, the most effective methods for large-scale rainfall estimates are radar, satellites, and, more recently, received signal level (RSL) measurements derived from commercial microwave networks (CMNs). While these methods provide improved spatial resolution over traditional rain gauges, they have their limitations as well. For example, wireless CMNs, which are comprised of microwave links (ML), are dependant upon existing infrastructure and the ML' arbitrary distribution in space. Radar, on the other hand, is known in its limitation for accurately estimating rainfall in urban regions, clutter areas and distant locations. In this paper the pros and cons of the radar and ML methods are considered in order to develop a new algorithm for improving rainfall measurement and mapping, which is based on data fusion of the different sources. The integration is based on an optimal weighted average of the two data sets, taking into account location, number of links, rainfall intensity and time step. Our results indicate that, by using the proposed new method, we not only generate more accurate 2-D rainfall reconstructions, compared with actual rain intensities in space, but also the reconstructed maps are extended to the maximum coverage area. By inspecting three significant rain events, we show that our method outperforms CMNs or the radar alone in rain rate estimation, almost uniformly, both for instantaneous spatial measurements, as well as in calculating total accumulated rainfall. These new improved 2-D rainfall maps, as well as the accurate rainfall measurements over large areas at sub-hourly timescales, will allow for improved understanding, initialization, and calibration of hydrological and meteorological models mainly necessary for water resource management and planning.
Shape of the oceanic nitracline
Authors: Omand M. M. , Mahadevan A.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. In most regions of the ocean, nitrate is depleted near surface by phytoplankton consumption and increases with depth, exhibiting a strong vertical gradient in the pycnocline (here referred to as the nitracline). The vertical supply of nutrients to the surface euphotic zone is influenced by the vertical gradient (slope) of the nitracline, and the vertical separation (depth) of the nitracline from the sunlit, nutrient-depleted surface layer. Hence it is important to understand the shape (slope and curvature) and depth of the oceanic nitracline. By using density coordinates to analyze nitrate profiles from autonomous (APEX-ISUS floats) and ship-based platforms (WOA09, HOT, BATS and CalCOFI), we are able to eliminate much of the spatial and temporal variability in the profiles and derive robust relationships between nitrate and density. This allows us to characterize the depth, slope, and curvature of the nitracline in different regions of the world's oceans. The analysis reveals distinguishing patterns in the nitracline between subtropical gyres, upwelling regions and subpolar gyres. We propose a one-dimensional, mechanistic model that relates the shape of the nitracline to the relative depths of the surface mixed layer and euphotic layer. Though heuristic, the model accounts for some of the seasonal patterns and regional differences in the nitrate–density relationships seen in the data.
The bivalve Glycymeris planicostalis as a high-resolution paleoclimate archive for Rupelian (Early Oligocene) of Central Europe
Authors: Walliser E. O. , Schöne B. R. , Tütken T. , Zirkel J. , Grimm K. I. , Pross J.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Current global warming is likely to result in a unipolar glaciated world with unpredictable repercussions on atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns. These changes are expected to affect seasonality as well as the frequency and intensity of decadal climate oscillations. To better constrain the mode and tempo of the anticipated changes, climatologists require high-resolution proxy data of time intervals in the past, e.g. the Early Oligocene during which boundary conditions were similar to those predicted for the near future. As demonstrated by the present study, pristinely preserved shells of the long-lived bivalve mollusk Glycymeris planicostalis from the late Rupelian of the Mainz Basin, Germany, provide an excellent archive to reconstruct changes of sea surface temperature on seasonal to inter-annual time scales. Their shells grew uninterruptedly during winter and summer and therefore recorded the full seasonal temperature amplitude that prevailed in the Mainz Basin 30 Ma ago. Absolute sea surface temperature data were faithfully reconstructed from δ18 Oshell values assuming a δ18Owater signature that was extrapolated from coeval sirenian tooth enamel. Extreme values ranged between 12.3 and 22.0°C and agree well with previous estimates based on planktonic foraminifera and shark teeth. However, summer and winter temperatures varied greatly on inter-annual time-scales. Winter and summer temperatures averaged over 40 annual increments of three specimens equaled 13.6 ± 0.8°C and 17.3 ± 1.2°C, respectively. Unless many samples are analyzed, this variability is hardly seen in foraminiferan tests. Our data also revealed decadal-scale oscillations of seasonal extremes which have – in the absence of appropriate climate archives – never been identified before for the Oligocene. This information can be highly relevant for numerical climate studies aiming to predict possible future climates in a unipolar glaciated or, ultimately, polar ice-free world.
Diagnostic Consistency between Sonoelastography and Conventional Sonography of Long Head of the Biceps
Authors: Yoon Sunghyun , Seo Joong Bae , Yoo Jae Sung , Ryu Jee Won
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND: Sonoelastography (SE) is a new technique that can assess differences in tissue stiffness, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of SE to assess the long head of biceps tendon alteration.METHODS: Forty shoulders of 36 consecutively registered patients with clinical symptoms and conventional ultrasonography findings of biceps tendinitis or tendinosis, and 40 asymptomatic shoulders of 20 healthy volunteers were assessed with SE. Transverse and longitudinal images of long head of biceps tendon were obtained using SE. SE images were performed by one orthopedic surgeon and evaluated by two orthopedic surgeons using an experimentally proven color grading system.RESULTS: The transverse images of SE showed a sensitivity of 87.5%, a specificity of 95.0% and a accuracy of 91.3%, the longitudinal images of SE showed a sensitivity of 92.5%, a specificity of 90.0% and a accuracy of 91.3%. Inter-observer reliability of SE was in 'almost perfect agreement' with a weighted kappa coefficient of 0.83.CONCLUSIONS: SE is valuable in the detection of the intratendinous and peritendinous alterations of biceps tendon, and has excellent accuracy and excellent correlation with conventional ultrasound findings.
Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fracture Using Polarus Nail and Philos Plate
Authors: Choi Chang Hyuk , Sim Jung Hyun , Lee Sang Hwa , Lee Joo Hwan , Nam Jun Ho
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND: To compare the treatment of the proximal humerus fracture using a Polarus nail or Philos plate, we aimed to analyze the functional recovery and the factors affecting the selection between the two types of surgery.METHODS: The study included 107 patients with proximal humerus fracture who underwent surgery at our institution. Of these patients, 67 underwent surgery with Polarus nails (G1) and 40 with Philos plates (G2). In G1, the cases of two- and three-part fractures were 60 and 7 cases, in G2, the cases of two-, three-, and four-part fractures were 28, 10, and 2 cases, respectively. The average age was 61 years old, and the average follow-up period was 32.5 months. We compared radiological results, the functional recovery retrospectively.RESULTS: The radiological union time was 6.8 weeks and 8.7 weeks on average in G1 and G2 (p < 0.05). At the one-year follow-up period, these were visual analogue scale (VAS) 1.355, forward flexion (FF) 130.968, external rotation (ER) 50.161, internal rotation (IR) L2 in G1, and VAS 0.781, FF 135.806 ER 51.25, IR L1 in G2, respectively, showing no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). Similar observations were made at the final follow-up. In terms of functional recovery, no significant differences were seen at the one-year or at the final follow-up period (p > 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: For the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fracture, the selection of the type of surgery is affected by the fracture pattern. However, both methods give satisfactory outcomes and do not show significant differences in the functional outcome after the surgery.
Fracture of Proximal Humerus in the Lateral Anchor Site after Suture Bridge Repair: A Case Report
Authors: Park Kyoung Jin , Kim Yong Min , Kim Dong Soo , Choi Eui Sung , Keum Sang Wook , Kil Kyoung Min , Lim Chae Wook , Park Sang Jun
Published: October 2014

To report the fracture of proximal humerus in the lateral anchor site after suture bridge repair. A 57-year-old female patient with shoulder pain on the right-side was admitted through the emergency room following a car accident. Seven weeks before the accident, the patient had undergone surgery at a different hospital for the repair of supraspinatus tendon rupture on the right-side via suture bridge technique. Humerus surgical neck fracture was confirmed by X-ray, and proximal humerus fracture at the anchor site was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Following 7 months of conservative treatment resulted in satisfactory bone union and motion of the shoulder joint. We report the need of close observation during and after the arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff in patients with osteoporosis.
Engineering Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Clinical Settings
Authors: Cortajarena Aitziber L. , Ortega Daniel , Ocampo Sandra M. , Gonzalez-García Alberto , Couleaud Pierre , Miranda Rodolfo , Belda-Iniesta Cristobal , Ayuso-Sacido Angel
Published: October 2014

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) occupy a privileged position among magnetic nanomaterials with potential applications in medicine and biology. They have been widely used in preclinical experiments for imaging contrast enhancement, magnetic resonance, immunoassays, cell tracking, tissue repair, magnetic hyperthermia and drug delivery. Despite these promising results, their successful translation into a clinical setting is strongly dependent upon their physicochemical properties, toxicity and functionalization possibilities. Currently, IONPs-based medical applications are limited to the use of non-functionalized IONPs smaller than 100 nm, with overall narrow particle size distribution, so that the particles have uniform physical and chemical properties. However, the main entry of IONPs into the scene of medical application will surely arise from their functionalization possibilities that will provide them with the capacity to target specific cells within the body, and hence to play a role in the development of specific therapies. In this review, we offer an overview of their basic physicochemical design parameters, giving an account of the progress made in their functionalization and current clinical applications. We place special emphasis on past and present clinical trials.
Single-Step Synthesis of LaMnO3/MWCNT Nanocomposites and Their Photocatalytic Activities
Authors: Huang Hao , Sun Guangren , Hu Jie , Jiao Tifeng
Published: October 2014

Composites of the nano-sized perovskite-type oxide of LaMnO3 and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized in a single step using the sol-gel method. Their photocatalytic activities for the degradation of various water-soluble dyes under visible light were evaluated. The prepared samples were characterized by thermogravimetry analysis, scanning electron microscopy transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence spectroscopy and UV-vis diffused spectroscopy. Results showed that LaMnO3 nanoparticles grew on the surface of MWCNTs with a grain size of around 20 nm. Photocatalysis measurements revealed that the LaMnO3/MWCNT nanocomposites had greater photocatalytic activities than pure LaMnO3 nanoparticles, and the mass percentage of MWCNTs showed that 9.4% possessed the highest photocatalytic activity. These results indicate that LaMnO3/MWCNT nanocomposites are promising candidates as highly effective photocatalysts.
Impact of Silver Nanoparticles on Haemolysis, Platelet Function and Coagulation
Authors: Laloy Julie , Minet Valentine , Alpan Lutfiye , Mullier François , Beken Sonja , Toussaint Olivier , Lucas Stéphane , Dogné Jean-Michel
Published: October 2014

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are increasingly used in biomedical applications because of their large antimicrobial spectrum. Data in the literature on the ability of Ag NPs to perform their desired function without eliciting undesirable effects on blood elements are very limited and contradictory. We studied the impact of Ag NPs on erythrocyte integrity, platelet function and blood coagulation. Erythrocyte integrity was assessed by spectrophotometric measurement of haemoglobin release. Platelet adhesion and aggregation was determined by light transmission aggregometry and scanning electron microscopy. The calibrated thrombin generation test was used to study the impact on coagulation cascade. We demonstrated that Ag NPs induced haemolysis. They also increase platelet adhesion without having any impact on platelet aggregation. Finally, they also had procoagulant potential. Bringing all data from these tests together, the no observed effect concentration is 5 μg/mL.
Dependence of Geometric and Spectroscopic Properties of Double-Walled Boron Nitride Nanotubes on Interwall Distance
Authors: Aydin Metin
Published: October 2014

We have used density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent (TD)-DFT to systematically investigate the dependency of the geometric and vibro-electronic properties of zigzag and armchair-type doublewalled boron nitride nanotubes ((0,m)@(0,n) and (m,m) @(n,n)-DWBNNTs) on the interwall distance (ΔR) and the number of unit cells. The results of the calculations showed that their structural stability strongly depends on the interwall distance, but not on the number of unit cells, and the (0,m) @(0,m+9/10) and (m,m) @(n,n) with n=m+5/6 are the most energetically stable structures. The predicted electronic structures for DWBNNTs with cell lengths of one unit exhibit a strong red-shift for the ΔR below ~0.4 nm and remain almost constant for the ΔR > 0.45 nm. The calculated nonresonance Raman spectra of (0,6) @(0,n)-DWBNNTs (with cell lengths of one unit and n=12–18) indicated that the radial breathing modes (RBMs) of inner (0,6) and outer (0,n) tubes are not only diameter dependent, but also exhibit a strong blue-shift for the ΔR below ~0.35 nm and rapidly approach zero with increasing ΔR reference to the position of the RBM in the spectrum of the corresponding single wall boron nitride nanotubes, (0,n)-SWBNNTs. The calculated IR spectra of the (0,6) @(0,n)-DWBNNTs did not indicate any significant dependence on the ΔR for n > 13.
Quality Education for Native Filipinos: A Phenomenological Case Study of Indigenous Learners
Authors: WA-MBALEKA SAFARY
Published: October 2014

Most modern societies are interested in including everyone in the development and growth of their nations. It is no different from the Philippines. Many government and private institutions have developed programs to promote education for indigenous people. In fact, some educational organizations have decided on extreme measures to take education to the mountains where indigenous people live. Such extreme plans are based on the discovery that moving indigenous young people to urban settings for schooling has not been too successful. With all the efforts of educating indigenous people, little is still known about the strategies that are effective because a large number of such programs are unsuccessful. This qualitative, phenomenological case study reports on the best practices of a private school system of indigenous students in Mindoro, Philippines. Data obtained from interviewing administrators, teachers, indigenous students, observing school settings and lesson presentation, and analyzing some instructional artifacts, helped understand the factors that contributed to the successful education of indigenous students and the importance that education is playing in their lives in general. This study will provide some guidelines that can be helpful in promoting effective education for indigenous Filipino learners.Keywords: Case study, qualitative research, indigenous, natives, katutubo, education,minority, development, Philippines
Gender and Development (GAD) Programs of Selected Local Communities in Mindanao Philippines
Authors: SUMANPAN VICTORIA O. , CANENCIA OLIVA P.
Published: October 2014

Gender and Development (GAD) is one international concern that many countries had vowed to address (Beijing, 1990). In the Philippines it has been enacted into a law called EO 273 (1995-2025) or the Philippine Plan for Gender Development. The study aimed at assessing the Cagayan de Oro City sampled local communities of their implementation of EO 273 and the utilization of the 5% allotted for Gender and Development (GAD) programs, projects and activities. The twenty (20) sampled communities were those with top ten (10) highest Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and another ten (10) local communities which belong to the lowest IRA. Some 220 respondents answered the survey questionnaire. Statistics employed were Pearson Correlation procedure and t-test for two independent groups. Findings revealed that all the selected sampled local communities were not able to spend the 5% mandated for GAD PPAs. Therefore, EO 273 was not fully implemented although minimal expenditures were done for GAD activities such as: Celebration of International Women’s Day annually. Lack of awareness of the EO 273 was noted. The respondents however, wanted more advocacy-seminar/trainings on the EO 273. The respondents were highly satisfied with projects on health and nutrition like feeding program while they expressed low satisfaction on project on AIDS. As to socio-cultural projects, the respondents were most satisfied on the aspect on leadership. On economic projects, the most satisfying was about cooperatives and recycling of solid waste while business and employment got low satisfaction.Keywords: Gender and Development, EO 273, Internal Revenue Allotment, GAD Programs, projects and activities, International Women’s Day.
ASEAN Trade Integration 2015
Authors: TAMAYO ADRIAN M.
Published: October 2014

The creation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was to form a trade bloc that could compete in the world economies. The ASEAN integration on 2015 is also seen as externally influenced. This study aimed to determine the predictive relationship between and among the ASEAN countries, and the ASEAN countries with the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) countries such as Australia, China, United States, Japan and New Zealand. The study employed the vector autoregression (VAR) to determine the predictive relationship of the ASEAN with the free trade countries. Indonesia had a predictive relationship with Japan and Laos. Malaysia had predictive relationship with Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Indonesia. Meanwhile, Philippines had predictive relationships with Vietnam, Japan, China, Australia and United States. Singapore showed predictive relationship with Laos, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, United States and Vietnam. The economy of Thailand was found to show predictive economic relationship with Australia and a strong economic relationship with Japan, Laos, New Zealand. While Vietnam maintained predictive relationship with New Zealand, Philippines, United States, Australia, Japan, and Philippines. Laos, on the other hand, was influenced by Indonesia, New Zealand, Japan, Thailand and United States. In conclusion, the success of the trade integration of ASEAN also depends on other non-ASEAN countries.Keywords: Economics, trade integration, vector autoregression (VAR), descriptive-correlational design, Philippines
Migration Factors of Clinical Instructors in a University
Authors: FUENTES APRIL C. , AMPARADO MAURO ALLAN P.
Published: October 2014

The worldwide shortage of nurses, which results from a global undersupplyand high attrition rates, affects developed countries in the West the same way as itaffects developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The difference liesin the fact that developing countries serve as a readily available source of trainednurses for developed countries in Europe, North America and parts of Oceania.Thus, the ongoing nursing shortage in developing countries is worsened by a lossof thousands of trained nurses every year to emigration. This study identified the migration factors of Clinical Instructors in a university of Cebu City, Philippines.Utilizing 100 clinical instructors as respondents, the study reveals that the majoritywere 25-28 years old; female; single; 0-5 years of work service; with units in amaster’s program; belonged to a nuclear family; has no child; with monthly incomeof Php10,000-Php20,000; has taken foreign nursing examinations; and intendedto migrate to Canada. The top three push factors of migration were low salary, absence of overtime and hazard pays, and limited opportunities for employment.Top three pull factors were higher income, better benefits and compensationpackage, a chance to upgrade nursing skills, and opportunity to travel and learn other cultures.Keywords: Social sciences, low salary, nurse migration, push factors, descriptivecorrelationaldesign, Philippines
Blurring Boundaries of Private and Public Spheres in Social Networking: Facebook Portrayal in Focus
Authors: TAGAYTAY FE MONIQUE MUSNI
Published: October 2014

The phenomenon of globalization has never been felt before than it is today.The prime mover of this phenomenon is the Internet, and it is not an exaggerationto state that this form of media has revolutionized the access to information. Thisstudy examined the practices of selected college students who reflect an overlappingof public and private spheres in their use of Facebook. Through this study, theneed to look into the way privacy is viewed is addressed. This case study analyzedthe experiences of the selected student-informants from the University of theImmaculate Conception (UIC) and reported their detailed views. This is doneto get a holistic picture of the blurring of social and private spheres broughtabout by increased user self-disclosure. The study reveals that the informants stillfind privacy important but seem to take a background with their perception ofabsolute freedom when using social media, which seems to be the point where the blurring of private and public spheres occurs. The results of the study also show that the role of the individual as gatekeeper and filter of information is central tothe content of social media, placing a high premium on media literacy of socialmedia users.Keywords: Communication, social media, Facebook, privacy, descriptive-qualitative design, Philippines, Asia
An Analysis of the Constitutional Requirements for Appointment to the Judiciary in the Social, Moral and Ethical Context
Authors: MACALINTAL-SAWALI CHARITO M.
Published: October 2014

This paper analyzes the constitutional requirements for appointment to thejudiciary in the social, moral and ethical context.  The profile of judges; theircompliance with the constitutional requirements for the judicial appointment;demands of judicial ethics; the perception of selected members of the bench anddetermination on how to meet the gap between what is being required from judgesby the 1987 Philippine Constitution and their actual work fitness, are discussed.This work utilizes both historical research and descriptive-analytical design usingquestionnaire and contextual analysis of data. Findings reveal the increase inthe number of younger lawyers appointed as judges and that Philippine legaleducation does not properly orient law students on judicial service. The SupremeCourt has enough capability to improve judicial education in the Philippines through the Philippine Judicial Academy and Legal Education Board. Every judge should be reminded of the constitutional requirements to every member ofthe judiciary and should always strive to adhere to these requirements.Keywords: Social Science, historical research, judicial appointment, judicial ethics,judicial education, competence, constitutional requirement, descriptiveanalyticaldesign, Philippines
Freezing of ridges and water networks preserves the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains for millions of years
Authors: Creyts Timothy T. , Ferraccioli Fausto , Bell Robin E. , Wolovick Michael , Corr Hugh , Rose Kathryn C. , Frearson Nicholas , Damaske Detlef , Jordan Tom , Braaten David , Finn Carol
Published: October 2014

Once an ice sheet grows beyond a critical thickness, the basal thermal regime favors melting and development of subglacial water networks. Subglacial water is necessary for bedrock erosion, but the exact mechanisms that lead to preservation of subglacial topography are unclear. Here we resolve the freezing mechanisms that lead to long‐term, high‐altitude preservation across the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains in East Antarctica. Analyses of a comprehensive geophysical data set reveal a large‐scale water network along valley floors. The ice sheet often drives subglacial water up steep topography where it freezes along high ridges beneath thinner ice. Statistical tests of hypsometry show the Gamburtsevs resemble younger midlatitude mountains, indicating exceptional preservation. We conclude that the Gamburtsevs have been shielded from erosion since the latest Eocene (∼34 Ma). These freezing mechanisms likely account for the spatial and temporal patterns of erosion and preservation seen in other glaciated mountain ranges.
Observations and numerical simulations of large‐eddy circulation in the ocean surface mixed layer
Authors: Sundermeyer Miles A. , Skyllingstad Eric , Ledwell James R. , Concannon Brian , Terray Eugene A. , Birch Daniel , Pierce Stephen D. , Cervantes Brandy
Published: October 2014

Two near‐surface dye releases were mapped on scales of minutes to hours temporally, meters to order 1 km horizontally, and 1–20 m vertically using a scanning, depth‐resolving airborne lidar. In both cases, dye evolved into a series of rolls with their major axes approximately aligned with the wind and/or near‐surface current. In both cases, roll spacing was also of order 5–10 times the mixed layer depth, considerably larger than the 1–2 aspect ratio expected for Langmuir cells. Numerical large‐eddy simulations under similar forcing showed similar features, even without Stokes drift forcing. In one case, inertial shear driven by light winds induced large aspect ratio large‐eddy circulation. In the second, a preexisting lateral mixed layer density gradient provided the dominant forcing. In both cases, the growth of the large‐eddy structures and the strength of the resulting dispersion were highly dependent on the type of forcing.
Regional variation of the tropical water vapor and lapse rate feedbacks
Authors: Lambert F. Hugo , Taylor Patrick C.
Published: October 2014

The global and tropical mean water vapor and lapse rate radiative feedbacks are anticorrelated across contemporary climate models. Hence, despite substantial uncertainty in both, uncertainty in total clear‐sky modeled radiative feedback is small compared with other sources of feedback spread. Previous work has demonstrated that no such correlation exists when grid point water vapor and lapse rate feedbacks are considered within one model. Here we show that robust physical processes nevertheless determine significant aspects of both the water vapor and particularly the lapse rate feedbacks within the tropics. The lapse rate feedback increases with surface temperature change because the tropical troposphere cannot maintain strong temperature gradients. The water vapor feedback increases weakly with surface temperature over tropical ocean but slightly decreases over land, associated with moisture availability. Water vapor feedback is more strongly related to precipitation changes, increasing most strongly in the heaviest precipitating regions and least in the weakest.
Spatiotemporal changes, faulting regimes, and source parameters of induced seismicity: A case study from The Geysers geothermal field
Authors: Martínez‐Garzón Patricia , Kwiatek Grzegorz , Sone Hiroki , Bohnhoff Marco , Dresen Georg , Hartline Craig
Published: October 2014

The spatiotemporal, kinematic, and source characteristics of induced seismicity occurring at different fluid injection rates are investigated to determine the predominant physical mechanisms responsible for induced seismicity at the northwestern part of The Geysers geothermal field, California. We analyze a relocated hypocenter catalog from a seismicity cluster where significant variations of the stress tensor orientation were previously observed to correlate with injection rates. We find that these stress tensor orientation changes may be related to increased pore pressure and the corresponding changes in poroelastic stresses at reservoir depth. Seismic events during peak injections tend to occur at greater distances from the injection well, preferentially trending parallel to the maximum horizontal stress direction. In contrast, at lower injection rates the seismicity tends to align in a different direction which suggests the presence of a local fault. During peak injection intervals, the relative contribution of strike‐slip faulting mechanisms increases. Furthermore, increases in fluid injection rates also coincide with a decrease in b values. Our observations suggest that regardless of the injection stage, most of the induced seismicity results from thermal fracturing of the reservoir rock. However, during peak injection intervals, the increase in pore pressure may likewise be responsible for the induced seismicity. By estimating the thermal and hydraulic diffusivities of the reservoir, we confirm that the characteristic diffusion length for pore pressure is much greater than the corresponding length scale for temperature and also more consistent with the spatial extent of seismicity observed during different injection rates.
Exceptional Agulhas leakage prolonged interglacial warmth during MIS 11c in Europe
Authors: Koutsodendris Andreas , Pross Jörg , Zahn Rainer
Published: October 2014

The transport of warm and saline surface water from the Indo‐Pacific Ocean into the South Atlantic (“Agulhas leakage”) influences the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which in turn exerts control on European climate. Paleoceanographic data document a remarkably strong Agulhas leakage at the end of marine isotope stage (MIS) 11c interglacial (~400 ka B.P.), which is one of the best orbital analogues for the Holocene. Here we assess the potential influence of this exceptional Agulhas leakage on North Atlantic climate based on a compilation of marine and terrestrial proxy records from the Iberian margin and continental Europe. We show that a ~5 ka long warm period persisted across Europe beyond the MIS 11c climatic optimum. This warm period is testified by increases in foraminifer‐derived sea surface temperatures on the Iberian margin, a spread of temperate trees on Iberia, and the expansion both of evergreen trees and thermophilous diatom taxa in Central European lowlands. Paradoxically, this warming coincides with an insolation minimum, implying that orbital forcing can be excluded as the underlying cause. We conclude that persistent warmth during weak insolation at the end of MIS 11c in Europe may have been triggered by strengthened Agulhas leakage, which stimulated a vigorous AMOC and increased the northward transport of warm surface waters to higher latitudes via the North Atlantic Current. The close analogy of the present and MIS 11c orbital forcing underlines the possibility that the present‐day increase of the Agulhas leakage, although driven by different forcing than MIS 11c, may considerably affect future climates across Europe.