bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La querelle des têtes tranchées : Les médecins, la guillotine et l'anatomie de la conscience au lendemain de la Terreur
Authors: Chamayou Grégoire
Published: April 2010

Résumé Dans la France révolutionnaire, au sortir de la Terreur, une controverse divise les anatomistes pour savoir si les têtes tranchées continuent à penser et à sentir pendant quelques instants après l’exécution. Des mouvements du visage ont en effet été observés après la décapitation. De quoi sont-ils le signe ? Qu’est-ce qui survit dans la tête ? L’irritabilité seulement, ou bien aussi la sensibilité, et la conscience ? Avec l’expérience passive que constitue la guillotine, se pose ainsi de façon dramatique le problème du mode d’existence biologique de l’unité de la conscience. À la thèse d’une localisation cérébrale des conditions organiques de la sensibilité et de la conscience défendue par Samuel Thomas Sömmerring s’oppose une redéfinition organique du moi comme résultante harmonique des vies particulières de chaque fibre de l’organisme par Pierre-Jean-Georges Cabanis.
Implications of Evidence-Based Venipuncture Practice in a Pediatric Health Care Magnet Facility
Authors: Anson Lynn , Edmundson Elizabeth , Teasley Susan
Published: April 2010

Venipunctures are very distressing for children. Nurses who routinely perform venipuncture procedures report an interest in becoming proficient in this skill. This procedure includes monitoring for potential adverse outcomes and providing age-appropriate coping strategies. These interventions make this necessary experience more positive. This study evaluated whether the completion of an evidence-based online tutorial program improved knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported venipuncture practices. Pre- and postintervention self-assessment data were obtained from 426 nurses who provide direct patient care in medical-surgical units and clinics at a pediatric Magnet hospital. Analyses of these data determined that nurses improved their ability to grade intravenous infiltrates (
t
= 155.78,
df
= 1,
p
= .000) and phlebitis (
t
= 172.14,
df
= 1,
p
= .000). These results showed that an online training program increases knowledge and practices regarding venipuncture.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2010;41(4):179–185.
A Program to Improve Communication and Collaboration Between Nurses and Medical Residents
Authors: McCaffrey Ruth G. , Hayes Rosemarie , Stuart Wendy , Cassell Asenath , Farrell Cheryl , Miller-Reyes Charmin , Donaldson Audeanne
Published: April 2010

A program was implemented for nurses and medical residents to improve communication and collaboration. It has been noted that communication and collaboration between members of the health care team improve patient outcomes and job satisfaction among nurses. Nurses on the unit where medical residents trained attended a 2-hour educational program that reviewed effective communication styles and positive aspects of collaboration, including role-playing examples. Medical residents received a self-learning packet with a posttest that was returned to researchers when completed. Focus groups, including both nurses and medical residents, were held twice a month for 6 months after the educational program. Overall improvements in communication, collaboration, patient outcomes, and job satisfaction were noted from the focus group data. The educational program proved to be successful in improving collaboration and communication between nurses and medical residents, which in turn improved patient care.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2010;41(4):172–178.
The Transition From Rookie to Genuine Nurse: Narratives From Swedish Nurses 1 Year After Graduation
Authors: Andersson Petra Lilja , Edberg Anna-Karin
Published: April 2010

This article describes nurses' experiences during their first year after graduation, based on the qualitative content analysis of eight interviews. The results show that the nurses experienced a transition from “being a rookie,” including being accepted as a member of the team and respected as a colleague, to “becoming a genuine nurse,” including the feeling of being able to shoulder responsibility, prioritize tasks, and convey confidence to patients. This transition seems to occur regardless of support, and it is important to be aware of nurses' level of maturity and to adjust the degree of responsibility given to them because they may not be comfortable revealing their limitations to others.

J Contin Educ Nurs2010;41(4):186–192.
Calculating the Financial Return on Educational Programs
Authors: DeSilets Lynore D.
Published: April 2010

Calculating the financial returns from educational activities can be accomplished by using either benefit-cost ratio (BCR) or return on investment (ROI) methodologies. Examples of each are presented in this column.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2010;41(4):149–150.
Delirium and Hospitalized Older Adults: A Review of Nonpharmacologic Treatment
Authors: Aguirre Eric
Published: April 2010

Delirium is a common and debilitating disorder that affects primarily the elderly in acute care settings. This column reviews the assessment, etiology, complications, and nonpharmacologic treatment of delirium.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2010;41(4):151–152.
Exploring Parish Nurses' Perspectives of Parish Nurse Training
Authors: Ziebarth Deborah J. , Miller Christine L.
Published: April 2010

Background:

Little research has explored parish nurses' perceptions of their preparation for their new role transition. This article studied role preparation from the perspective of practicing parish nurses.

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive design used in-person interviews and open-ended questions. Interviews with practicing parish nurses within 2 years of attending a training course were transcribed and coded. Participants shared their perceptions of role preparation and the interventions that were most helpful in transitioning to the role of parish nurse.

Results:

Participants identified some deficiencies in training that led to feelings of inadequacy in areas such as spirituality and community nursing knowledge. Lack of role models and inadequate practice hours were challenges for role transition. Group activities during training and peer support were cited as helpful interventions for the new parish nurse.

Conclusion:

The findings will help parish nurse educators to understand factors that affect role transition for parish nurses and contribute to the improvement of training models to support successful role transition.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2010;41(6):273–280.
Merging Silos: Collaborating for Information Literacy
Authors: Miller Louise C. , Jones Barbara B. , Graves Rebecca S. , Sievert Maryellen Cullinan
Published: April 2010

Collaborating across disciplines can create additive teaching-learning benefits by bringing together expertise, knowledge, and training from various perspectives. However, there are challenges to effective collaboration that need to be articulated and understood by the partners to develop a useful learning product. In this project, nurse educators and health sciences librarians developed workshops for nurses practicing in community settings. Issues that surfaced reflected a division of content and presentation style along discipline lines. Bringing together expertise involved identifying basic content to present and eliminating extra details, setting the context for learners using a practice example, and alternating handoffs to cover content and practice applications. Effective collaboration requires mutual understanding of discipline-specific information “silos” and shared negotiation of teaching and learning goals.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2010;41(6):267–272.
Mentor Program Boosts New Nurses’ Satisfaction and Lowers Turnover Rate
Authors: Fox Kathy C.
Published: April 2010

In 2004, the turnover rate among first-year registered nurses (RNs) at St. Francis Hospital and Health Centers had mushroomed to 31%. Based on research, in 2006, the hospital embarked on a journey to implement an RN mentor program to improve satisfaction and reduce turnover. A pilot program was initiated, including 12 RN mentors and 12 RN protégés from select nursing units. The results showed a 0% turnover rate during the 1-year pilot program. Based on these findings, the mentor program was expanded to include RNs working in inpatient nursing units and surgery and emergency departments. Each year, the RN turnover rate has decreased. In 2009, the turnover rate was 10.3%. Because of the success of the program, it has been expanded in scope to include other professionals experiencing high turnover in targeted departments, including radiological technicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and physical therapists.
Using Audience Response Technology in Hospital Education Programs
Authors: Mcrae Marion E. , Elgie-Watson Jeanne
Published: April 2010

An audience response system (ARS) is an interactive teaching tool that permits an instructor to poll an audience, either anonymously or in a tracked manner, in response to questions. The instructor can then display the responses to the audience. An ARS can be used in hospital-based education programs to assess group learning. The instructor receives immediate feedback that allows review of concepts that were not grasped by the majority of students. This article reviews systems currently on the market and offers tips for choosing an ARS for hospital-based use. Survey data of nurses attending in-service education sessions show that participants overwhelmingly favor the use of an ARS and the nonthreatening learning environment that these systems create. Instructor survey data show positive responses regarding the benefits of ARS use in hospital-based education programs.
Twelve Important Minutes: Introducing Enhanced Online Materials About Elder Abuse to Nursing Assistants
Authors: Smith Mary K. , Davis Boyd H. , Blowers Anita , Shenk Dena , Jackson Kina , Kalaw Karel
Published: April 2010

A pilot project introduced 12 minutes of text and video materials and a reflective online interaction about elder abuse into the online component of a hybrid course in nursing assistant training leading to certification. Didactic presentations on issues of ethics and standards had been given in two different units of the face-to-face component of the course using both the course textbook and an online module keyed to state certification standards. However, student responses suggested that their online writing to each other about the new materials brought issues of elder abuse to the forefront in ways that they could finally internalize.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2010;41(6):281–288.
Why the Kraepelinian Dichotomy and Schizophrenia have not Followed the Neuroses
Authors: Lake C. Ray
Published: April 2010

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Differentiate the consistencies of the historical concepts of bipolar disorder versus schizophrenia and distinguish that the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder are unique and disease-specific in contrast with those of schizophrenia.

2.

Compare the validities of schizophrenia versus bipolar disorder.

3.

Outline the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Toward a Valid Classification of Psychosis: Overcoming the Schizophrenia-Bipolar Dichotomy
Authors: Mazzarini Lorenzo , Vieta Eduard
Published: April 2010

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Recognize the diagnoses of major psychoses.

2.

Categorize better therapeutic specification in the treatment of psychoses.

3.

Identify progress made in other domains (for example, genetics) with what is currently known in viewing the psychoses dimensionally and categorically.
Evoked Response Potential: Endophenotypes Link Schizophrenia and Psychotic Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Hurwitz Nathaniel G. , Aires Daniel J.
Published: April 2010

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Recognize ERP endophenotypes, such as P50 and P300.

2.

Cite the implications of ERP P50 data for distinctions between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

3.

Define the implications of ERP P300 data for distinctions between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Tackling the Kraepelinian Dichotomy: A Neuroimaging Review
Authors: Prossin Alan R. , McInnis Melvin G. , Anand Amit , Heitzeg Mary M. , Zubieta Jon-Kar
Published: April 2010

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Explain how neuroimaging techniques have been used to compare and contrast bipolar disorder with/from schizophrenia.

2.

Identify how our current clinical classification system is reflected in the neurobiological differentiation of bipolar disorder from schizophrenia.

3.

Espress a greater understanding of the nuances in the neurobiology that may separate these chronic psychiatric illnesses from healthy controls.
Common Skin Problems in Children with Special Healthcare Needs
Authors: Mukherjee Shubhra , Coha Teri , Torres Zaida
Published: April 2010

CME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

1.

Describe the risk factors for developing pressure ulcers.

2.

Discuss the rationale for choosing specific dressings for pressure ulcers.

3.

Identify the appearance of, and causes for, skin irritation and breakdown around gastrostomy tubes, ilieostomies, and colostomies.
Advance Care Planning and Surrogate Health Care Decision Making for Older Adults
Authors: Gittler Josephine
Published: April 2010

Older adults have a legally recognized right to determine and control the health care they receive and are legally presumed to possess the capacity necessary to make health care decisions. However, older adults are at major risk for life-threatening and serious health problems leading to a loss of their capacity to make end-of-life and other health care decisions. Advance care planning is a process that enables older adults to specify who they want to act as a surrogate decision maker and what decisions they want made for them in the event of incapacitation. Geriatric nurses can play a significant role in promoting advance care planning and the use of legal tools for such planning.
Developing an Interactive Microsimulation Method in Pharmacology
Authors: Collins Angela S. , Graves Barbara A. , Gullette Donna , Edwards Rebecca
Published: April 2010

Pharmacology decision making requires clinical judgment. The authors created interactive microsimulation applying drug information to varying patients’ situations. The theory-based microsimulation requires situational analysis for each scenario. The microsimulation uses an interactive format that allows the participant to navigate through three separate virtual clients’ situations. Correct clinical decisions are rewarded by sounds and by video footage of the patient improving. Conversely, incorrect choices show video footage of the patient decompensating. This micro-simulation was developed to help students learn from the consequences of incorrect medication decision making in the virtual world without harming patients. The feedback of watching an incorrect decision on a patient helps students associate cause and effect on patient outcomes. The microsimulation reinforces the ease with which medication errors can occur and the extent of possible sequalae. The development process used to incorporate the technology in the nursing curriculum is discussed.
Quantitative Research on Critical Thinking and Predicting Nursing Students’ NCLEX-RN Performance
Authors: Romeo Elizabeth M.
Published: April 2010

The concept of critical thinking has been influential in several disciplines. Both education and nursing in general have been attempting to define, teach, and measure this concept for decades. Nurse educators realize that critical thinking is the cornerstone of the objectives and goals for nursing students. The purpose of this article is to review and analyze quantitative research findings relevant to the measurement of critical thinking abilities and skills in undergraduate nursing students and the usefulness of critical thinking as a predictor of National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) performance. The specific issues that this integrative review examined include assessment and analysis of the theoretical and operational definitions of critical thinking, theoretical frameworks used to guide the studies, instruments used to evaluate critical thinking skills and abilities, and the role of critical thinking as a predictor of NCLEX-RN outcomes. A list of key assumptions related to critical thinking was formulated. The limitations and gaps in the literature were identified, as well as the types of future research needed in this arena.
Use of Multiple Patient Simulators to Enhance Prioritizing and Delegating Skills for Senior Nursing Students
Authors: Kaplan Barbara , Ura Darla
Published: April 2010

The student clinical experience is rich, yet challenges arise in providing experiences where leadership skills can be developed and used in nursing practice. To increase student confidence and enhance student ability to safely and effectively prioritize, delegate, and implement care for numerous patients, a simulation-based learning (SBL) experience was developed. The SBL experience involves multiple patient simulators, case study analysis, and a debriefing session. Ninety-seven senior nursing students participated in this program. Students reported through Likert surveys to either “agree” or “strongly agree” that the SBL was well organized (87%,
n
= 84), prompted realistic expectations (59%,
n
= 57), the scenarios were believable (73%,
n
= 71), case studies increased understanding (66%,
n
= 64), and that the SBL experience increased understanding of prioritizing and delegating care (69%,
n
= 67). Seventy-eight percent (
n
= 76) reported “more confidence in ability to work as a team” and 55% (
n
= 52) reported “more confidence in prioritizing and delegating care.”
Xerophthalmia and Intracranial Hypertension in an Autistic Child With Vitamin A Deficiency
Authors: Lewis Craig D. , Traboulsi Elias I. , Rothner A. David , Jeng Bennie H.
Published: April 2010

The authors present a 10-year-old boy with autism and idiopathic intracranial hypertension referred for evaluation of dry eyes. When questioned, the patient's parents reported that he had a restricted diet. Laboratory testing revealed hypovitaminosis A. The symptoms and signs of xerophthalmia rapidly resolved with oral and topical vitamin A supplementation.
Spontaneous Regression in Two Unusual Cases of Advanced Coats' Disease
Authors: Ozdek Sengul C. , Erdinc Tugba , Kagnici Burak
Published: April 2010

The authors present two cases of advanced Coats' disease having total exudative retinal detachment, in which the disease regressed spontaneously. The patients were a 4-year-old girl and 3-year-old boy with total retinal detachment with widespread vascular anomalies. In the follow-up, fundus examination revealed spontaneous regression. At this stage, photocoagulation and cryotherapy were applied. In case 1, the eye was stable during 2 months but recurrence started thereafter, which ended with phthisis. In case 2, the retina was still attached 6 months following surgery. The authors emphasize the possibility of spontaneous regression, even in advanced Coats' disease.
Modelos termodinámicos y petrología experimental: el caso de la fusión anhidra del gneis «Ollo de Sapo»
Authors: García-Arias M. , Corretgé L. G.
Published: April 2010

En los últimos años se han desarrollado distintos softwares que usan bases de datos termodinámicos cuya función es la de modelizar el comportamiento de una roca con el cambio de P, T, X, etc. El producto de ese modelo es una pseudosección o proyección en el plano P-T del diagrama de fases de un sistema para una composición fija, es decir, una sección de un diagrama de fases. Aunque su utilidad está bien demostrada, conviene comparar los resultados teóricos con los experimentales para ver el grado de aproximación del modelo teórico con la realidad pero también para ponderar los efectos cinéticos en los experimentos. En esta comunicación se compararán los resultados teóricos y experimentales de la fusión de una de las facies más características del gneis del Ollo de Sapo.
Caracterización geoquímica y estudio comparativo de plagiogranitos de las Zonas Surportuguesa y Ossa-Morena (SO del Macizo Ibérico, España)
Authors: Bellido F. , Díez-Montes A. , Sánchez-García T.
Published: April 2010

En la Zona de Ossa-Morena (ZOM) y en la Zona Surportuguesa (ZSP) se encuentran plagiogranitos pertenecientes a asociaciones magmáticas y ambientes geodinámicos muy contrastados. Los primeros pertenecen a una asociación bimodal máfica-félsica relacionada con el rifting cámbrico-ordovícico y presentan bastantes afinidades con plagiogranitos oceánicos. Los segundos forman parte de una asociación volcánico-plutónica calcoalcalina carbonífera relacionada con la Orogenia Varisca. Ambos plagio-granitos son semejantes en diversos aspectos petrológicos y geoquímicos pero muestran diferencias en algunas relaciones de elementos inmóviles tales como La/Nb, Th/Nb, Th/La poco sensibles a los procesos de evolución magmática, metamorfismo y alteración y que son reflejo de la composición de las fuentes. Los plagiogranitos de la ZSP presentan una mayor homogeneidad composicional que los de la ZOM. Esto se interpreta como que los primeros tienen un origen cogenético, mientras que los segundos se derivan de diferentes fuentes (astenosféricas, litosféricas y crustales).
Influencia de los materiales triásicos en la calidad del agua de algunos acuíferos kársticos del sur de Alicante (España)
Authors: Andreu J.M. , García-Sánchez E. , Pulido-Bosch A. , Jorreto S. , Francés I.
Published: April 2010

La fuerte presión sometida a los acuíferos del Medio Vinalopó (SE España) ha originado problemas de sobreexplotación, los cuales van asociados en un gran número de casos a la salinización del agua. El aumento de salinidad ha sido interpretado como debido a la disolución de sales provenientes de los materiales triásicos del Keuper. La testificación geofísica de diversos sondeos de tres acuíferos de esta región ha permitido constatar la presencia de aguas más mineralizadas en profundidad. Por tanto, todo indica que el fenómeno de la salinización se debe a la mezcla del agua más superficial con la profunda. La disminución de la relación agua dulce-agua salada, a medida que progresa la sobreexplotación y el vaciado del acuífero, podría explicar el aumento de la mineralización que han experimentado numerosas captaciones de estos acuíferos.
Fostering Successful Learning Communities to Meet the Diverse Needs of University Students by Creating Brain Based Online Learning Environments
Authors: Braidic Silvia L.
Published: April 2010

This paper introduces the reader on how to foster successful learning communities to meet the diverse needs of university students by creating a brain based online learning environment. Students come in all shapes and sizes. At the university level, students enrolled in online programs, have made a choice to do so. Today, online education is a unique and important venue for many students wishing to continue (or start) their education. It is part of a new culture with many distinct characteristics (Farrell, 2001). For instructors, online instruction creates its own set of challenges in terms of the course design and implementation. The author hopes that developing an understanding of how to create a brain based online learning environment will inform the reader of ways to foster successful learning communities to most effectively meet the diverse needs of the students it serves.
Barriers Faced by Small Farmers in Adopting the Integrated Plant Nutrient System for Sustainable Farming Development
Authors: Rahman M Zulfikar , Yamao M , Alam MA
Published: April 2010

This paper presents findings of a study on the barriers faced by small farmers in adopting the integrated plant nutrient system (IPNS) for sustainable farming development. The study was conducted in 3 villages in the central sub-district of Narail, in Bangladesh. Data were collected through interviews with 110, randomly selected farmers. The majority were found to use plant nutrient sources either inadequately or only moderately. Manure was found to be used much less frequently than fertilizers, even though in the past it was the main source of soil nutrients for farmers in the region. The results indicate that more than three quarters of the farmers questioned confronted moderate barriers in adopting IPNS, while 20% faced severe barriers. In addition the barriers faced were found to be inversely proportional to the farmers' education level, farm size, innovativeness, extension contact network, knowledge of the IPNS technique and the perceived benefits of using manure. Key words: Farmer; barrier; IPNS; sustainable agriculture; Bangladesh.DOI: 10.4038/suslj.v7i1.1840 Sabaragamuwa University Journal vol. 07 no.1, 2007 pp 3-21
Regional Dimensions of Development of Sri Lanka
Authors: Uduporuwa RJM
Published: April 2010

This article examines the present situation of regional dimensions of development of Sri Lanka. In this respect, this study was carried out by employing several indicators of development. It can be clearly observed that, development strategies implemented by Sri Lanka within the past fifty years have not successfully contributed to reduce the socioeconomic disparities in Sri Lanka. Economic development, physical and social infrastructure facilities and urban growth etc. have distributed unevenly among nine provinces since1950s. The most functionally dynamic core region in the country lies in Western Province and most of the economic activities take place within this region. As a result, most of the other areas have become economically backward. Therefore, unequal development of regions called "provinces" is a problem throughout the history of Sri Lanka. Key Words - Development, Regional Dimensions; Regional Disparities; Regional Development   DOI: 10.4038/suslj.v7i1.1841 Sabaragamuwa University Journal vol. 07 no.1, 2007 pp 22-36
The Impact of Dairy Cooperative on Women Empowerment: A Case of KISHAN Dairy Coop in West Bengal, India
Authors: Manish Sarker , Tanaka Hideki
Published: April 2010

India produces only five percent of the total quantity of milk produced this amount is too inadequate to meet the country's demand. As a result, many dairy cooperatives have been formed to meet local demand and to develop dairy industry. It has been noticed that for small farmers, livestock production is a family operation and most of the livestock management is carried out by women. Nevertheless, little research has been conducted on the role of dairy cooperatives on women's empowerment or the role of women in dairy farming in rural areas. This paper examines how dairy activities can empower rural women by analyzing dairy activities of KISHAN cooperative in India. Focusing on the three dimensions of women's empowerment, this paper measures the extent of women's empowerment. This paper also analyses the factors contribute to women empowerment. Key Words: Dairy Cooperative; Women Empowerment; India DOI: 10.4038/suslj.v7i1.1844 Sabaragamuwa University Journal vol. 07 no.1, 2007 pp 64-77
Effect of feeding velvet beans (Mucuna pruriens) on the lipid profile of broiler chickens
Authors: Jayaweera TSP , Cyril HW , Samarasinghe K , Ruwandeepika HAD , Wickramanayake DD , Thotawaththe TSJ
Published: April 2010

The effect of feeding velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) meal on the lipid profile in broilers was investigated. Two hundred, 14 days old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design and feeding continued for four weeks. Maize and soybean meal based control feed and four test diets prepared from the control feed by incorporating velvet beans at 10, 15, 20 and 25% levels served as five dietary treatments. Feed intake was unaffected by velvet beans. Serum total cholesterol level was lowered by 9.5, 9.7, 15 and 16% in birds fed with 10, 15, 20 and 25% velvet bean diets. Birds fed 25% VB diet showed an increase in HDL level by 8%. LDL level was lowered by 43.1, 36.5, 25 and 23.4%, respectively in birds fed with 25, 20, 15 and 10% velvet beans. Velvet beans reduced the serum triglyceride levels. Results suggest that Velvet beans contain a strong cholesterol lowering effect in broilers. Key words: Velvet beans; broilers; cholesterol DOI: 10.4038/suslj.v7i1.1845 Sabaragamuwa University Journal vol. 07 no.1, 2007 pp 78-85
Analysis of Lending by Public and Private Micro-Financial Institutions to Microenterprises in Nuwara Eliya
Authors: Chulangani HMA , Ariyawardana A
Published: April 2010

Microenterprise activities could be considered as one of the best solutions for poor people to realize their potentials and to improve their economic status. However, access to credit is a critical issue that influences the development of microenterprises. The Credit Delivery System (CDS) varies among different lenders and there are differences in terms and conditions of the loans as well as in lender's and borrower's transactions costs. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the lending by public and private micro-financial institutions to micro-enterprises in the Nuwara Eliya Divisional Secretariat. Based on the level of involvement, the Samurdhi Development Bank and Ceylinco Grameen Credit Company Limited were selected to represent the public and private sector.Ninety microenterprise owners who have borrowed from these two sources were selected randomly. Primary data were collected through a pre-tested questionnaire. Analysis revealed that the Ceylinco Grameen Credit Company Limited has a low transaction cost than the Samurdhi Bank; however it charges a higher interest rate and this leads to a higher gross unit cost of borrowing. Findings suggest that the transaction cost of borrowing declines as the size of loan increases. Transaction cost of borrowing increases due to high travel cost and opportunity cost of borrowing. Closer proximity to the borrower, regular inspection of microenterprises by the lending staff, timeliness in loan approval and disbursement have built a strong relationship with the Ceylinco Grameen Credit Company Limited. Incorporation of these factors into the Samurdhi Bank CDS could reduce the borrower's transactions cost. Key words: Micro-Financial Institutions; Credit Delivery System; Transactions Costs; Microenterprises DOI: 10.4038/suslj.v7i1.1846 Sabaragamuwa University Journal vol. 07 no.1, 2007 pp 86-100
Marriage and Family Life Satisfaction: A Literature Review
Authors: Ubesekera DM , Jiaojiang Luo
Published: April 2010

This paper reviews the knowledge contributions of previous studies in the area of marriages and family life. The endeavor was to examine the extent of the knowledge contributions on this study area and to highlight possible research direction in line with the marriage and family life satisfaction. The review was done chronologically based on empirical and critical reviews of marriage patterns and family life. The review of empirical studies of marriage patterns and family life studies was done in two aspects: studies in Sri Lankan context and foreign context. According to the review it seemed that there is a research gap in the area of studying marriage patterns and their effects on family life satisfaction. In Sri Lankan context no any study could be found, on marriage and its effects on family life satisfaction. Because of this rationale, the review considered marriage as a major study phenomenon, which has a significant influence on the family life satisfaction and endeavored to provide a base for an empirical study on marriage and family life satisfaction in Sri Lankan context. Keywords: Marriage patterns; Family life satisfaction; Marital Quality; CohabitationDOI: 10.4038/suslj.v8i1.1847 Sabaramuwa University Journal Vol. 8(1); December 2008, pp 1-17
Activation of Liver X Receptor Sensitizes Human Dendritic Cells to Inflammatory Stimuli
Authors: Töröcsik Dániel , Baráth Mónika , Benkő Szilvia , Széles Lajos , Dezső Balázs , Póliska Szilárd , Hegyi Zoltán , Homolya László , Szatmári István , Lányi Árpád , Nagy László
Published: April 2010

Dendritic cells (DCs) respond to changes in their lipid environment by altering gene expression and immunophenotype. Some of these alterations are mediated via the nuclear receptor superfamily. However, little is known about the contribution of liver X receptor (LXR) to DC biology. In this study, we present a systematic analysis of LXR, activated by synthetic ligands or naturally occurring oxysterols in developing human monocyte-derived DCs. We found that LXRs are present and can be activated throughout DC differentiation in monocyte- and blood-derived DCs. Administration of LXR-specific natural or synthetic activators induced target gene expression accompanied by increased expression of DC maturation markers, such as CD80 and CD86. In mature DCs, LXR activation augmented the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-12, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 and resulted in an increased capacity to activate CD4+ T cell proliferation upon ligation with TLR4 or TLR3 ligands. These effects appear to be underpinned by prolonged NF-κB signaling. Supporting such an inflammatory role, we found that LXR positive DCs are present in reactive lymph nodes in vivo. We propose that activation of LXR represents a novel lipid-signaling paradigm that alters the inflammatory response of human DCs.
Outcomes of Children Admitted to a Pediatric Observation Unit With a Psychiatric Comanagement Model
Authors: Kasdin Rachel G. , Rojas Mary , Bonadio William , Zisu Manuella , Barnett Barbara , Calderon Yvette , Lim Czer Anthoney E.
Published: May 2024

This cohort study describes outcomes of children requiring admission for mental health emergencies who receive psychiatric cotreatment in a pediatric observation unit.
A Self‐Delivery Nanodrug Simultaneously Inhibits COX‐2/PGE2 Mediated Inflammation and Downregulates PD‐L1 to Boost Photoimmunotherapy
Authors: Lai Jin‐Mei , Chen Pei‐Ling , Shi Qun‐Ying , Xie Yong‐Qi , Jiaerheng GuliJiayina , Liu Li‐Han
Published: May 2024

Phototherapy promotes anti‐tumor immunity by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD), However, the accompanying inflammatory responses also trigger immunosuppression, attenuating the efficacy of photo‐immunotherapy. Herein, they co‐assembled a cell‐membrane targeting chimeric peptide C16‐Cypate‐RRKK‐PEG8‐COOH (CCP) and anti‐inflammatory diclofenac (DA) to develop a nanodrug (CCP@DA) that both enhances the immune effect of phototherapy and weakens the inflammation‐mediated immunosuppression. CCP@DA achieves cell membrane‐targeting photodynamic and photothermal synergistic therapies to damage programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and induce a strong ICD to activate anti‐tumor response. Simultaneously, the released DA inhibits the cycoperoxidase‐2 (COX‐2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) pathway in tumor cells to inhibit pro‐tumor inflammation and further down‐regulate PD‐L1 expression to relieve the immunosuppressive microenvironment. CCP@DA significantly inhibited tumor growth and inflammation both in vitro and in vivo, while maintaining a potent anti‐tumor immune response. Additionally, it exhibits excellent anti‐metastatic capabilities and prolongs mouse survival time with a single dose and low levels of near‐infrared (NIR) light exposure. This work provides a valuable strategy to control the therapy‐induced inflammation for high‐efficiency photoimmunotherapy.
Mechanism for Control of Laser‐Induced Stainless Steel Oxidation
Authors: Swayne Mark , Perumal Gopinath , Brabazon Dermot
Published: May 2024

This paper presents the development of a model for Nd:YAG laser surface oxidation of 316L stainless steel. A full factorial design of experiments (DOE) are implemented to produce a model for the prediction of elemental composition and color. The elemental composition of the films produced where measured using an X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) and the color is measured using optical reflectance spectroscopy. Oxide layers produced have a Cr/Fe ratio in the range of 0.13–2.09, and highly controllable color variation via single‐pass laser process. The effect of the process parameters used such as power, frequency, and scan speed on laser‐induced oxides is examined with an aim to produce a model suitable for predictive control of the elemental composition and color of the oxide film. Surface morphology control via alteration of the laser power is an important factor for defining the resulting coloration. A new finding from this work is the discovery that within the range of laser surface processing parameters investigated, the molybdenum concentration is inversely proportional to the chromium concentration. This paper provides data required for control of 316L‐SS surface chemistry, and for the expansion of the current thermokinetic model to incorporate the mechanistic effect of molybdenum.
Process Parameter Optimization of Directed Energy Deposited QT17‐4+ Steel
Authors: Sharma Vyas Mani , Popov Vladimir , Farkoosh Amir R. , Isheim Dieter , Seidman David N. , Eliaz Noam
Published: May 2024

The feasibility of using argon‐atomized QT 17‐4+ stainless steel powder for directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing is studied. The QT 17‐4+ steel is a novel martensitic steel designed based on the compositional modification of the standard 17‐4 precipitation‐hardened (PH) stainless steel. This modification aims to achieve better mechanical properties of as‐deposited components compared to the heat‐treated wrought 17‐4PH steel. In this study, QT 17‐4+ steel powder is used for DED, for the first time. The influence of laser power, laser scan speed, powder feed rate, and hatch overlap on the density is studied. The central composite design is used to determine the experimental matrix of these factors. The response surface methodology is used to obtain the empirical statistical prediction model. Both columnar and equiaxed parent austenite grain structures are observed. X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal a decrease in the percentage of retained austenite from 19% in the powder to 5% after DED. The microhardness of the DED processed sample in the as‐deposited state is slightly higher than that of wrought 17‐4PH steel either solution‐annealed or H900‐aged. A higher 0.2% yield strength, a lower ultimate tensile strength, and lower elongation are observed for the vertically printed test sample, when compared to the horizontal one.
Novel Fast Cure Silicone Inks for Single‐Step, Support‐Free 3D Printing of Tall, Overhanging, and High Aspect Ratio Structures
Authors: Guell Izard Anna , Pérez Pérez Lemuel X. , Weisgraber Todd H. , Van Meerbeek Ilse M. , Golobic Alexandra M. , Duoss Eric B. , Lenhardt Jeremy M.
Published: May 2024

Silicone elastomers have a broad variety of applications, such as soft robotics, biomedical devices, and structural metamaterials. The extrusion‐based method known as direct ink write (DIW) has enabled the production of additively manufactured silicone structures. However, this method is limited to manufacturing mostly planar or pseudo‐3D structures. Due to the low self‐supporting capabilities of extruded strands for traditional silicone‐based “inks,” obtaining tall or overhanging structures, or structures comprised by thin walls is not feasible. Here, a novel Fast Cure silicone‐based ink is demonstrated that enables manufacturing of complex 3D structures. The Fast Cure ink is a two‐part mixture and silicone structures are produced by inline mixing and coextrusion of a part containing a catalyst (part A) and a part containing a crosslinker (part B). By the virtue of crosslinking, the extruded strands rapidly rigidize, increasing their self‐supportive capacity. Hence, structures can be obtained with superior shape retention and previously unobtainable parts are realized that are tall, with aspect ratios higher than 3, and have overhanging features, achieving inclination angles smaller than 35° with respect to the printing plane. These minimal sag parts are achieved without requiring extra curing or mechanisms, support structures, or suspension baths.
Colossal Reversible Barocaloric Effects in a Plastic Crystal Mediated by Lattice Vibrations and Ion Diffusion
Authors: Zeng Ming , Escorihuela‐Sayalero Carlos , Ikeshoji Tamio , Takagi Shigeyuki , Kim Sangryun , Orimo Shin‐ichi , Barrio María , Tamarit Josep‐Lluís , Lloveras Pol , Cazorla Claudio , Sau Kartik
Published: May 2024

Solid‐state methods for cooling and heating promise a sustainable alternative to current compression cycles of greenhouse gases and inefficient fuel‐burning heaters. Barocaloric effects (BCE) driven by hydrostatic pressure (p) are especially encouraging in terms of large adiabatic temperature changes (|ΔT| ≈ 10 K) and isothermal entropy changes (|ΔS| ≈ 100 J K−1 kg−1). However, BCE typically require large pressure shifts due to irreversibility issues, and sizeable |ΔT| and |ΔS| seldom are realized in a same material. Here, the existence of colossal and reversible BCE in LiCB11H12 is demonstrated near its order‐disorder phase transition at ≈380 K. Specifically, for Δp ≈ 0.23 (0.10) GPa, |ΔSrev| = 280 (200) J K−1 kg−1 and |ΔTrev| = 32 (10) K are measured, which individually rival with state‐of‐the‐art BCE figures. Furthermore, pressure shifts of the order of 0.1 GPa yield huge reversible barocaloric strengths of ≈2 J K−1 kg−1 MPa−1. Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to quantify the role of lattice vibrations, molecular reorientations, and ion diffusion on the disclosed BCE. Interestingly, lattice vibrations are found to contribute the most to |ΔS| while the diffusion of lithium ions, despite adding up only slightly to the entropy change, is crucial in enabling the molecular order–disorder phase transition.
Softness‐Aided Mild Hyperthermia Boosts Stiff Nanomedicine by Regulating Tumor Mechanics
Authors: Li Zheng , Zhu Yabo , Zhang Zhijie , Wang Huimin , Wang Chong , Xu Chen , Li Shiyou , Zhang Shuya , Yang Xiangliang , Li Zifu
Published: May 2024

Aberrant tumor mechanical microenvironment (TMME), featured with overactivated cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM), severely restricts penetration and accumulation of cancer nanomedicines, while mild‐hyperthermia photothermal therapy (mild‐PTT) has been developed to modulate TMME. However, photothermal agents also encounter the barriers established by TMME, manifesting in limited penetration and heterogeneous distribution across tumor tissues and ending with attenuated efficiency in TMME regulation. Herein, it is leveraged indocyanine green (ICG)‐loaded soft nanogels with outstanding deformability, for efficient tumor penetration and uniform distribution, in combination with mild‐PTT to achieve potent TMME regulation by inhibiting CAFs and degrading ECM. As a result, doxorubicin (DOX)‐loaded stiff nanogels gain greater benefits in tumor penetration and antitumor efficacy than soft counterparts from softness‐mediated mild‐PTT. This study reveals the crucial role of nanomedicine mechanical properties in tumor distribution and provides a novel strategy for overcoming the barriers of solid tumors with soft deformable nanogels.
Integrating Computational and Biological Hemodynamic Approaches to Improve Modeling of Atherosclerotic Arteries
Authors: Vuong Thao Nhu Anne Marie , Bartolf‐Kopp Michael , Andelovic Kristina , Jungst Tomasz , Farbehi Nona , Wise Steven G. , Hayward Christopher , Stevens Michael Charles , Rnjak‐Kovacina Jelena
Published: May 2024

Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of cardiovascular disease, resulting in mortality, elevated healthcare costs, diminished productivity, and reduced quality of life for individuals and their communities. This is exacerbated by the limited understanding of its underlying causes and limitations in current therapeutic interventions, highlighting the need for sophisticated models of atherosclerosis. This review critically evaluates the computational and biological models of atherosclerosis, focusing on the study of hemodynamics in atherosclerotic coronary arteries. Computational models account for the geometrical complexities and hemodynamics of the blood vessels and stenoses, but they fail to capture the complex biological processes involved in atherosclerosis. Different in vitro and in vivo biological models can capture aspects of the biological complexity of healthy and stenosed vessels, but rarely mimic the human anatomy and physiological hemodynamics, and require significantly more time, cost, and resources. Therefore, emerging strategies are examined that integrate computational and biological models, and the potential of advances in imaging, biofabrication, and machine learning is explored in developing more effective models of atherosclerosis.
Development of a Specific Aptamer‐Modified Nano‐System to Treat Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Xie Fei , Qiu Jinrong , Sun Congyong , Feng Lulu , Jun Yali , Luo Chao , Guo Xiamei , Zhang Bowei , Zhou Yu , Wang Yuting , Zhang Li , Wang Qilong
Published: May 2024

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a prevalent gastrointestinal cancer characterized by high mortality and an unfavorable prognosis. While combination therapies involving surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are advancing, targeted therapy for ESCC remains underdeveloped. As a result, the overall five‐year survival rate for ESCC is still below 20%. Herein, ESCC‐specific DNA aptamers and an innovative aptamer‐modified nano‐system is introduced for targeted drug and gene delivery to effectively inhibit ESCC. The EA1 ssDNA aptamer, which binds robustly to ESCC cells with high specificity and affinity, is identified using cell‐based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (cell‐SELEX). An EA1‐modified nano‐system is developed using a natural egg yolk lipid nanovector (EA1‐EYLNs‐PTX/siEFNA1) that concurrently loads paclitaxel (PTX) and a small interfering RNA of Ephrin A1 (EFNA1). This combination counters ESCC's proliferation, migration, invasion, and lung metastasis. Notably, EFNA1 is overexpressed in ESCC tumors with lung metastasis and has an inverse correlation with ESCC patient prognosis. The EA1‐EYLNs‐PTX/siEFNA1 nano‐system offers effective drug delivery and tumor targeting, resulting in significantly improved therapeutic efficacy against ESCC tumors. These insights suggest that aptamer‐modified nano‐systems can deliver drugs and genes with superior tumor‐targeting, potentially revolutionizing targeted therapy in ESCC.
A MXene Hydrogel‐Based Versatile Microrobot for Controllable Water Pollution Management
Authors: Yang Kuo , Dong Qianqian , Liu Hang , Wu Lei , Zong Shenfei , Wang Zhuyuan
Published: May 2024

The urgent demand for addressing dye contaminants in water necessitates the development of microrobots that exhibit remote navigation, rapid removal, and molecular identification capabilities. The progress of microrobot development is currently hindered by the scarcity of multifunctional materials. In this study, a plasmonic MXene hydrogel (PM‐Gel) is synthesized by combining bimetallic nanocubes and Ti3C2Tx MXene through the rapid gelation of degradable alginate. The hydrogel can efficiently adsorb over 60% of dye contaminants within 2 min, ultimately achieving a removal rate of >90%. Meanwhile, the hydrogel exhibits excellent sensitivity in surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection, with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 3.76 am. The properties of the plasmonic hydrogel can be further adjusted for various applications. As a proof‐of‐concept experiment, thermosensitive polymers and superparamagnetic particles are successfully integrated into this hydrogel to construct a versatile, light‐responsive microrobot for dye contaminants. With magnetic and optical actuation, the robot can remotely sample, identify, and remove pollutants in maze‐like channels. Moreover, light‐driven hydrophilic‐hydrophobic switch of the microrobots through photothermal effect can further enhance the adsorption capacity and reduced the dye residue by up to 58%. These findings indicate of a broad application potential in complex real‐world environments.